West Valley View - Zone 2 - 1.5.2022

Avondale council terminates city manager

BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer

The Avondale City Council unanimously voted Dec. 23 to terminate City Manager Charles A. Montoya during a special meeting.

According to the termination letter obtained by the West Valley View, Montoya violated several rules since being hired as city manager in July 2018.

The letter stated Montoya directed city staff to pay funds that he claimed were due from the city. He also took a loan against his retirement account and failed to make timely payments.

By doing so, the letter stated he potentially jeopardized the tax-exempt status of the city’s plan and the opportunity for other employees to take loans against their retirement funds.

According to the letter, Montoya also sought and received tuition reimburse-

ment funds in excess of the amounts allowed in the employment agreement. He received tuition payments from the city in advance of paying for or taking classes, without proper documentation, and through the improper use of his procurement card and the procurement cards of other city staff.

Montoya violated the city charter by failing to reside in Avondale during part of his appointment as city manager and did not repay vehicle allowance funds, according to the letter. When inquiries were made about Montoya’s residency, he obfuscated, deflected and misled city staff and council members.

The letter indicated that city council determined Montoya damaged the reputation of the city or city council and acted immorally, imprudently and unprofessionally,

City...continued on page 6

Mark O’Shea wants to improve the lives of veterans

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Staff Writer

Mark O’Shea peppers his conversation with the phrase “comfort zone.” He said he does not attempt to tackle new challenges, but his words point elsewhere.

Calling his teenage self shy, O’Shea joined the military to turn his life around.

“I was very timid,” he said. “I was very quiet. I avoided confrontation at all costs.

I wasn’t doing well with the people I surrounded myself with. I didn’t have any confidence in myself whatsoever.

“I thought about joining the military when I was young, but I was always so small. I didn’t seem like it was in the cards.”

Eventually, he did it — and he called it the best thing he has done. Others might say the same. As a result of his service, he founded Operation Prevent 22, which provides resources and monthly outings to

provide the companionship veterans may have lost and the safe space they need.

O’Shea collaborates with other local nonprofits and organizations to accomplish this.

“The statistic, which I hate to say, is that 22 veterans a day take their own lives due to PTSD, depression or anxiety,” said O’Shea of Avondale.

O’Shea...continued on page 6

A termination letter says Avondale City Manager Charles A. Montoya violated several rules. (Photo courtesy the city of Avondale)

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

The West Valley View is a controlled-circulation weekly. It is published every Wednesday, and distributed free-of-charge to homes and in high-traffic locations throughout Avondale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Buckeye and Tolleson.

PUBLISHER

Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT

Michael Hiatt

ASSOCIATE GROUP PUBLISHER

Laura Meehan, 623-777-1042 lmeehan@westvalleyview.com

EDITORIAL HOTLINE

623-777-1492

Executive Editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@westvalleyview.com

Designer Shannon Mead, smead@westvalleyview.com

Production Manager

Courtney Oldham, production@westvalleyview.com

ADVERTISING

623-535-8439

advertising@westvalleyview.com

Advertising Representatives

Dick Walters, 623-777-1791 dwalters@westvalleyview.com

Connie Williams, 623-847-4601 cwilliams@westvalleyview.com

Barbara Duran, 623-847-4608 bduran@westvalleyview.com

National Advertising Director

Zac Reynolds, zac@timespublications.com

Classified and Obituaries

623-535-8439

CIRCULATION

623-535-8439

Circulation Director

Aaron Kolodny, customercare@westvalleyview.com

DELIVERY

ing parts of Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Tolleson & Waddell. The West Valley View can also be found free-of-charge at nearly 600 local businesses in the area.

(c) 2022 Strickbine Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

Glendale investigating Buckeye shooting

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The Glendale Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that left a suspect dead in Buckeye, according to Buckeye Police Department public information officer Carissa Planalp.

The BPD responded to a domestic violence/shots fired incident just after 3 p.m. on Dec. 26 outside of a home near Park Meadows Drive and Verrado Way.

The first officer on scene found a man struggling with his adult son. The

father was on the ground bleeding, and the son was kneeling over him with a knife in his hand. The officer told the son, identified as 31-year-old Vincent Black, to drop the knife. He did not comply, and the officer shot him. He died at the scene.

The father was transported to a hospital, where he is in stable condition, according to Planalp.

Buckeye police learned the father had been shot multiple times before officers arrived. A knife and a handgun were recovered at the scene, she said.

The officer involved in the shooting has been with the Buckeye Police Department for nearly two years. The officer has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol.

The Glendale Police Department is investigating the shooting as part of the West Valley Incident Response Team. For transparency purposes, the team investigates police shootings from other West Valley agencies. When the shooting investigation is complete, the Buckeye Police Department will conduct an administrative investigation.

Improvements begin at 107th Avenue and McDowell Road

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

This week, contractor crews working for the city of Avondale began widening the intersection of 107th Avenue and McDowell Road. Work limits include McDowell Road, from west of 109th Avenue to east of Harbor Shores Boulevard, and 107th Avenue from north of McDowell Road to Interstate 10. The improvement consists of relocating SRP irrigation pipes, SRP electrical, traffic signal, paving, medians, landscaping, street lighting, curb and sidewalk.

This project will provide additional lanes on McDowell Road east and west of 107th Avenue, additional lane northbound and southbound between McDowell Road and I-10 freeway on 107th Avenue, bike lanes, dual left turn

lanes, and northbound/eastbound right turn lane at the intersection.

Initial traffic control will consist of one edge line shoulder closure on the southwest corner of McDowell Road and 107th Avenue for the first month of the project during the SRP irrigation work.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of October. Schedules may be

subject to change because of weather or other unforeseen factors. Motorists are advised to expect delays and to slow down and use caution around construction workers and equipment. For questions or more information, call the city of Avondale, Development & Engineering, 623-333-4000, or the Project Hotline, 623-692-2090.

Kolodny

Phoenix Children’s celebrates topping-out ceremony

BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer

After breaking ground on the freestanding 71,250-squarefoot emergency department and specialty clinic in June, Phoenix Children’s Southwest Campus celebrated the topping of the facility’s final beam on Dec. 10.

“With the growth in the West Valley, especially in Avondale and out toward Estrella, we believe that this location is a great hub to feed into our West Valley strategy to help serve the community with patient care for children and to allow them to stay closer to home as opposed to having to come to the main building for all the care that we provide to our patients,” said Russ Korcuska, senior vice president of construction and special projects.

“Especially with our multispecialty clinic, which includes cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and behavioral health, as well as sports medicine or rehab. And then we’re also opening a sports medicine building in January, just

down the street about a mile away. It’s our Avondale Sports Medicine Clinic.”

Overseeing a project that Korcuska said has come together so quickly, he credits the entire team for bringing the vision to fruition during such uncertain times.

“We have a great team,” he said. “Even with all the supply chain challenges the world is experiencing, the team has done an excellent job of staying ahead of that and ensuring that we have materials and labor on-site in order to keep the project moving on schedule.”

As the grand opening approaches, Korcuska said he’s excited to see the entire West Valley have quality access to health care closer to their home.

“It is expected to serve over 40,000 patients each year in the West Valley,” Korcuska said. “The ability for us to integrate our highly specialized care into the community that exists, as well as providing additional jobs for those people, it is truly beneficial to the city of Avondale and its residents to be

able to get the care right there in their community in lieu of having to come into Phoenix or go to Glendale or go elsewhere. It truly is beneficial, especially when children need care. It is so much better to be close to home.”

As the final beam was placed on the facility, Korcuska said the topping-out ceremony was special for his team, as it’s been a long-standing tradition of construction workers.

“It’s really a blessing and a celebration of the safe work that has been done to date and a celebration of that safety,” he said.

The Southwest Campus is built on the site of Phoenix Children’s Southwest Valley Specialty and Urgent Care Center, located at 1665 N. Avondale Boulevard.

Phoenix Children’s invested $39.9 million to build and equip the new, three-story medical office building and retrofit the existing 35,000-square-foot building to provide emergency services.

Florian T. Walter, D.O.

Raj S. Rathee, M.D.

Jordan Oland, M.D.

B.J. Ho, D.O.

Sarah Colwell, D.O.

Akanksha Murray, MD.

Ingrid Gold, CNM

The new emergency department will offer 24/7 emergency care; access to physicians in more than 75 pediatric sub-specialties; 40 rooms that include triage, treatment and resuscitation rooms; six fast-track beds; ultrasound, CT, fluoroscopy and digital radiography.

services in numerous high-demand specialties, including cardiology, developmental pediatrics, endocrinology, gastroenterology, general surgery, plastic surgery, genetics, nephrology, neurology, neuropsychology, neurosurgery, orthopedic and hand, pulmonology, rheumatology, rehab therapy, neonatology, fetal development, allergy, dermatology and urology.

Meaghan Gomez, FNP-C

Britt Michie, RNC, MSN, WHNP

Jennifer Woodruff, RNC, MSN, WHNP

Anna Gomez, CNM

Yisel Carter, PA-C

Tracy Burns, CNM

Phoenix Children’s multispecialty clinic will be located next door to the emergency department at the Southwest Campus. The clinic will expand

The specialty clinic is set to open in fall and the emergency department to follow in winter 2023.

For more information, visit phoenixchildrens.org.

Michaela Wagner, CNM

Karline Snyder, CNM

Kristen Watras, WHNP

Margaret Over, PA-C

623-846-7558

9930 W. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85037

35 N. Estrella Parkway Goodyear, AZ 85338

Russ Korcuska, senior vice president of construction and special projects, celebrated at the topping-out ceremony at Phoenix Children’s Southwest Campus. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Children’s)

and in violation of the city charter, the terms of the employment agreement, the city’s policies, procedures and the ICMA Code of Ethics.

After city council held an executive session to discuss Montoya’s employment agreement and his violations, the group voted 7-0 to remove him as city manager. Prior to the termination, Montoya was on administrative leave.

“The council and I are confident that the organization is in the capable hands of a professional team and that the operations of the city will continue to run smoothly,” Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise said.

“The action we took was done in the best interests of the city organization and the residents we serve. I have asked all city employees to continue to fulfill their roles as dedicated public servants. The current circumstances have not changed with regard to the progress this city has made. Avondale remains strong; our financial outlook is extremely positive, and we are fortunate to have the best employees

working here.”

Assistant City Manager Cherlene Penilla will serve as city manager until a replacement for Montoya is announced.

Penilla joined the city nearly 20 years ago as human resources director, after serving in the same capacity for Yuma County for 13 years.

During her tenure in Avondale, Penilla oversaw the recruitment of key personnel throughout the organization, as well as provided oversight in the areas of testing, selection, classification and compensation; employee benefits administration; organizational development and training; policy administration; equal employment opportunity and labor law compliance. She has also led the city’s risk management, occupational safety and self-funded workers’ compensation programs.

Penilla earned a bachelor’s degree from UA and a master’s degree in human resource development and management from Webster University.

She will run the day-to-day operations of the city in the interim until a permanent replacement is named.

O’Shea...continued from page 1

“They can’t get a lot of help, or they don’t know where to get the help. We’re out there. It’s hard to find a lot of it. There was a year stretch when I was in a dark, dark place. I didn’t think I was ever going to get out of it. I tried to get help at the VA, but if you don’t stay on them, you’re not going to get help. You have to be a thorn in somebody’s side. If you don’t have that will to keep going, that’s when people get lost. They fall out of the system. They’re swept under the rug, and that’s when bad things happen.”

One day he woke up and decided that changes were needed, not just for him but for other veterans.

“I went to check myself into a rehab facility because I was super depressed,” he said. “I found a lot of the civilian ones cost a lot of money. I don’t have that kind of money. At first, I got really upset. I got to the point where I wanted to seek help, but I got shut down because of money.”

Gaining experience

O’Shea and his wife, Tiffany, met

when he was 17 at Glendale’s Great Skate, where he was working. O’Shea said he did well when he graduated high school and found a good job. After two years, he joined the Army in 2010 — the year after he and Tiffany were married.

“I had to push myself into something completely foreign,” he said. “I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now, if I hadn’t done that. I have a family I probably wouldn’t have. Everything I have that’s good came from the decision to join the military.”

He served in the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, which was reflagged in 2014 to an expeditionary military intelligence brigade, the first of its kind. The unit specializes in the acquisition and analysis of information with potential military value.

“I went to Afghanistan right after I got to my unit,” he said. “Basically, I went to airborne school, picked up my wife and drove to North Carolina. Two months later, I was in Afghanistan for a year.

“She didn’t see me for a long time. It worked out really well. I got my combat patch right away. I ranked up, respectwise, right in the beginning. I learned quickly that being timid wasn’t an option. You have to be aggressive. Once or twice, I wasn’t aggressive, and it wasn’t a good decision. Once I figured that out, I was a new person.”

After the military, he jumped into a new career and adjusted relatively well but still had dark days. He suggests taking the bull by its horns, not easing into everyday life, as it makes it harder to adjust.

“You get stuck,” he said. “You get stuck, and you don’t know what to do. My thing was to get unstuck before I actually got stuck. I have different techniques to get through it.”

Longtime mission

O’Shea started his organization in August 2020, but his work began in 2014.

When he left the military, he realized “how broken and thinly stretched” the Phoenix VA was.

“We didn’t realize the severity until we were left without the help we needed for seven years,” he said.

“As the years went on, we realized this is the norm for veterans. We

watched our fellow veterans slowly travel down that dark road and eventually end their lives. We decided last year that we are going to do everything in our power to help prevent veteran suicide.”

O’Shea’s goal is to help veterans and their families until each one has the help and camaraderie he or she needs. Occasionally, spouses and children are invited to his events so they can network with others.

Operation Prevent 22 has three principals: O’Shea, Tiffany, and Chris Flanders of North Phoenix.

“We’re simple,” he said. “We organize these events and pay for them to go. We tell them this is where your money goes. I buy the shirts I sell from an online company. My wife and I cut out all the vinyl. We make the shirts, and we send them out. We try to cut costs as much as we can.”

He’s hoping in January to host veterans at Topgolf around the 15th.

“It’s a little pricey, but I think it would be fun,” he said. “I’d also like to rent a pontoon boat on Lake Pleasant and do some fishing in the summer — something that’s inviting to people.

“I want more people to come so they can see that it’s not just some random

thing that people won’t enjoy. I want them to be comfortable enough to want to come. It’s hard when you’re very reserved. These events force me to get out and do things. Sometimes, I just want to stay home and be by myself. But this makes me go, and it’s healthy.”

O’Shea’s plan is to purchase land near Prescott or Sedona and build small cabins or tiny homes for a veteran retreat from “that life that everyone’s so stressed out about.” The community is a rather pricey endeavor, he said, but it will be worth it.

The homes, he hopes, will have solar energy with phone chargers and select other amenities.

“I want to spend time with them in a different environment,” he said.

“We all need time to get our minds right and talk. Hopefully, I can have volunteer counselors who can come out and help with coping mechanisms and yoga. That actually helps. It helps get your mind right. The biggest part is to get them out of here and somewhere else.”

Operation Prevent 22 Founder Mark O’Shea with his wife, Ti any, and Chris Flanders, co-founder and outreach coordinator. (Photo courtesy of Mark O’Shea)

OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Car wash challenge

Editor:

This is in answer to Vickie J. Chelini’s car was “autoplenophobia.”

Visit the Super Star Car Wash on Dysart across the street from Sam’s Club. Due to the manufactured scare tactics of COVID-19, you have to drive up to the entrance of the wash and stay in your vehicle until you’re done.

A very nice young man named Nick — and/or others — will guide you onto the entry rails. He will ensure nothing protrudes from your vehicle to be damaged.

The sign says to put your car into (N) neutral and stay off the brakes. As the automated system pulls you through, put your head back, close your eyes and enjoy the ride.

You will notice soap and water spays throughout your ride as well as brushes and cloth strips gently scrubbing your vehicle.

Suddenly, you will hear the sound of a full-blown tornado. Don’t be afraid, those are merely high-volume blowers drying a perfectly spotless car.

The automated system will stop, you can put your car in D (drive) and pull into an area as designated by the attendant and the type of wash selected.

They may not plant a white peach tree for you, but Sam’s Club across the street has them during the U.S. seasons as well as South American countries. Give it a try, and enjoy the ride!

Siegfried Mueller Goodyear

Hayworth’s ‘poem’

Editor:

I do not, as a habit, send a letter to the editor. But this week’s issue of West Valley View demands I comment on J.D Haworth’s screed, poorly disguised as a poem, wherein he assaults Dr. Anthony Fauci. I am sure that Hayworth, at least

in his mind, is a far better diagnostician of coping with COVID-19 than an eminently respected doctor with over 40 years of service to our nation in battling infectious diseases. Hayworth’s commentary is a valid description of the ignorance displayed by naysayers of scientifically proven countermeasures against the COVID-19 virus in its many mutations. Hayworth should stick to politics. He’d be a good fit with the crazies still in our Legislature still ranting about “the big steal.”

Fred Raymond Goodyear

By the people

Editor:

Eighty years ago, I was born into a family where protecting this nation from foreign enemies, by serving in the military, was expected and respected. Father volunteered for WWI, eldest brother WWII, second brother Korea, me Vietnam, eldest son-in-law Kuwait, and his son will soon graduate from West Point. That’s who we were and are. Last year, inspired and triggered by Donald Trump’s “Big Lie” that the 2020 election was fraudulent and presidency stolen from him, insurrectionists attacked the Capitol of the United States in an attempt to keep President-elect Biden from taking office.

Several “Big Lie” promoters are Arizonans. A 30,000-word published report names key players, what each did and continues to do.

Arizona Senate President Karen Fann launched a partisan audit that was so poorly executed nothing of value was learned. What investigators did discover was “Big Lie” promoters used her audit, and power and prestige of the Arizona Senate, to cynically grift millions of dollars from “Big Lie” believers. It is also clear none of the above matters because most Republicans are

JUDGE’S OPINION — King Features

legitimately afraid of angry constituents and even more afraid of being “primaried.”

Not everyone fell for the “Big Lie.”

Gov. Doug Ducey, Secretary Katie Hobbs, Sens. Bower and Boyer, Chairman Clint Hickman, Chairman Jack Sellers, Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer and others heroically remained loyal to their oaths of office while being physically and verbally threatened. Loyalists are now shunned by “Big Lie” promoters.

Keeping our democratic republic alive requires mutual acceptance of factual reality and leadership that uni-

fies all of us toward procuring safety, peace, food, health and comfort for all. Democratic government is slow, messy and often frustrating process, but we are the most powerful nation in the world when unified. Aftermaths of elected representative support for the “Big Lie,” and Arizona Senate President Karen Fann’s audit, go way beyond a damaged state reputation, millions of dollars wasted, personal disgrace and resignations.

Governance that combines the democratic ideal of individual freedom to

Help for homeless is available

BY CLINT HICKMAN

Maricopa County Supervisor

4

The West Valley shines brightly, and it’s a top priority of mine to protect the beautiful communities in District 4 that residents have created and love so much.

Unfortunately, the pandemic has created financial hardships for members of our community. Some people have even found themselves homeless.

My colleagues and I are supporting economic recovery countywide by targeting dollars to help people who are most in need. Using federal funds, our human services department provides rent and utility assistance to thousands of residents, which reduces the risk

they will become homeless.

We also provide a wide variety of services aimed at helping people end their homelessness by connecting them with jobs, health and mental health care, and other support services.

In fact, the board recently approved the single largest investment in county history to address homelessness. Using $28 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, we will be funding 350 new shelter beds along with additional rapid rehousing efforts and case management to keep those who have previously been homeless from going back to the streets. This is an investment that will benefit the entire community.

In all West Valley communities, our work on the issue of homelessness depends on strong partnerships with

cities, towns, faith-based groups and nonprofits. In just the past few years, we have:

• Partnered with the city of Avondale to support a homeless outreach position.

• Partnered with the city of Surprise to provide a rotating shelter and meal service (I-HELP) across churches and other facilities within the region

• Coordinated with Community Bridges Inc. to provide shelter and support services to people experiencing homelessness in the West Valley

• Helped expand the Point-in-Time Count for those experiencing homelessness to reach more West Valley communities.

Outreach teams are also available through nonprofit partner Community Bridges Access to Care line at 623931-1114.

Would you like to help us assist the less fortunate?

Rather than handing a meal or cash to someone on the street, we encourage you to give in a way that provides lasting, long-term help so people can end their homelessness. Join the Healthy Giving campaign by visiting GiveSmartAZ.org. There, you will learn how to donate to or volunteer with trusted community partners who provide services that go beyond a single meal. These are hard times and, more than ever, we need to band together to keep our community strong and most importantly safe. I’m grateful to the churches, nonprofits, businesses and caring individuals who want to be part of the solution to these very human challenges. County government is working to do its part as well, and I will continue to advocate — as I always have — for the appropriate resources and support for West Valley communities.

Letters...continued from page 8

express feelings, with the Republican ideal of individuals electing representatives to promote majority feelings while maintaining minority rights, is not how most nations were governed in the past and are governed now. Some form of religious and/or secular autocracy appears to be the default nation-state governance system.

Credible national polls find about 25% of all Americans now endorse authoritarianism over democracy. Even worse, approximately 20 million Americans now support using violence to install their authoritarian of choice. Soon the 2022 Congress and Arizona Legislature will convene with “Big Lie” promoters embedded in both. I find it astounding and depressing that this nation’s greatest threat today is from fellow Americans out to destroy our constitutional right to “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Dr. John Bradley Avondale

The news in preview: My kingdom for an abacus

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley View Columnist

Let’s be honest: 2022 may be a real downer. Every time you turn on the news, there’s a new variant, new booster shots, a new court fight over masks.

The only smart choice? Quit consuming news.

To aid in your decision not to pay attention, I’ve peered ahead 365 days. Herewith, a 2022 year in review.

Jan. 30. The Arizona Cardinals, left shorthanded by COVID-19, lure Larry Fitzgerald off the golf course to play in the NFC championship game. Despite Fitz catching two touchdowns from reactivated quarterback Kurt Warner, age 50, the Cardinals fall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and senior citizen QB Tom Brady.

Feb. 1. Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Kari Lake makes news when she chooses the first day of Black History Month to advocate for “White History Months.” In a press conference held at Hobby Lobby, Lake proposes that the months of January, March, May, July, August, October, and December –– “which all have 31 days, so they’re better” –– be dedicated to teaching white history.

She also suggests that “we give the Asians a week in June, because they’re great, but not, like, a whole month’s worth.”

April 21. Three weeks into baseball season, Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick tweets that his team “is still undefeated and still in first place.” While the statement is technically true, Kendrick is roasted by the Arizona sports media, which note that the baseball lockout means no team has played a game yet.

Kendrick lashes out at what he calls “media negativity.” He goes on to accurately note: “The truth is, this is still better than last year.”

May 17. President Joe Biden addresses the American people on a new pandemic development –– we have officially run out of Greek letters to create variant names. In an ingenious move to raise revenue, Biden announces the fed-

eral government will now sell “variant sponsorships” to the highest bidder. First up? The “Amazon variant,” which will come to your house and infect you several days after its scheduled arrival.

June 19. The Phoenix Suns win their first NBA championship in four straight games over the Milwaukee Bucks. Hey, it’s a dream column. A guy can fantasize, right?

Aug. 12. Ten days after the conclusion of a contentious primary election, Arizona Senate Republicans announce plans to hire a private company, Abacus, to audit the results. The company promises a “hand-count of the 900,000 votes tallied statewide, using a specially selected team of Sun City residents, each armed with an abacus and a very sharp No. 2 pencil. We should finish by October –– of 2024.”

Oct. 1. No longer able to play in Glendale, the Arizona Coyotes announce they’ll play the upcoming NHL season at USA Skateland, a Chandler roller rink. Owner Alex Meruelo says he intends for his team to win all 40 home games, now played on roller skates because it’s “way cheaper than ice.”

Fans who attend Coyotes games will get 10 free foosball tokens and a slice of cheese pizza. “Pepperoni is extra,” a team spokesman confirms.

Nov. 8. After Democrat Katie Hobbs wins election by four votes over Kari Lake, Lake announces that she’s hired the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to conduct an election audit. While masked spokesman Donatello is silent at Lake’s press conference, he does swing his wooden bō staff when Lake accuses Democrats of “massive election fraud” and “stealing this election.”

Dec. 31. Newspaper columnist David Leibowitz retires after all his 2022 predictions come true. “It’s time,” said Leibowitz, who recently recovered from a near-deadly infection with the COVID-19 Taco Bell variant. “I always wanted to go out on a high note,” said the columnist. “And you don’t get any higher than this.”

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com

Biden, Fauci talk about COVID-19 wearing thin

BY J.D. HAYWORTH West Valley View Columnist

The early days of 2022 are not so much “the winter of our discontent” as they are days of discombobulation.

During the campaign, Joe Biden channeled his geriatric Tom Cruise right down to the aviator sunglasses and assured us he would shoot down COVID-19.

But on Dec. 27, not quite one year into his term, he used a virtual meeting with the nation’s governors to virtually abandon all the bragging, bravado and bluff he barked out on the stump.

On confronting COVID-19, Biden said, “Look… there is no federal solution. This gets solved at the state level.”

Lucky for Ol’ Joe that the First Amendment allows “bait and switch” on the campaign trail; otherwise, he

might be facing a consumer complaint of public policy fraud.

Of course, the citizenry sees what’s going on and recent poll numbers reveal that the coming judgment of voters could be harsh.

A Civiqs rating conducted over the final weekend of 2021 found only 36% of registered voters approved of his job performance. That leaves Democrats in the House and Senate trying to figure out how to hang on to their jobs as they face the 2022 midterms in early November.

While whispered complaints may be heard in the Dems’ Capitol Hill cloakrooms, there’s a growing consensus that another aging government official will soon need to “retire.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci may still enjoy the undying admiration of leftist elites — MSNBC’s Nicolle Wallace described herself on air as a “Fauci groupie … thrice vaccinated, mask adherent.” But the talk about the diminutive doctor

has turned dismissive.

“The Drudge Report” isn’t what it used to be, since founder Matt Drudge took his millions and left editorial control to others. Yet even the new, more moderate editors found fault with Fauci, citing the more than 800,000 COVID-19 deaths and his own advancing age. The headline was emboldened in red: “Too old?”

Too self-infatuated, comes the unspoken reply.

Followers of Fauci-ism seek his face and believe his words to the exclusion of anyone or anything else. How sad that they’ve ignored the most cogent explanation concerning the arrival of the new Omicron variant, offered by Dr. Robert Malone.

Malone, developer of the mRNA vaccine platform, believes that Omicron “looks an awful lot like a Christmas present.” Simply stated, he thinks this new variant is a mild form of the ailment — highly contagious, almost

never fatal, and the perfect vehicle for building national immunity within the populace.

Instead of promoting the promise of this possibility, Fauci-ists regard this theory as heresy. Malone has been banned by Twitter, but many are atwitter with excitement. Eventually, Fauci-ism will fall by the wayside, a casualty of no credibility and even less common sense.

Besides, the author and perfecter of a much older faith told his flock, “You shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.”

Expect Fauci to wind up outside of government service quite soon, banished to an exile in a place even worse than Washington, D.C. a place known as “East of Eden.”

J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of Federal Immigration Law in the 109th Congress.

Business Briefcase

BY LAUREN SERRATO

Writer

Welcome 2022! The year is rife with new projects, restaurants and developments.

A mechanical engineering company chose Goodyear for its first U.S. facility. Additionally, we will look at a new, free series of classes the city’s economic development team is offering to West Valley entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Lastly, we will answer a reader’s question about a development in Goodyear.

Meyer Burger chooses Goodyear

Meyer Burger, a Switzerland-headquartered mechanical engineering company, is establishing a production site for high-performance solar modules in Goodyear.

The investment, according to the company, is an important step in meeting its commitments to produce modules near end-customers, source material from regional suppliers, and improve overall sustainability by reducing transportation emissions and optimizing the carbon footprint of the company’s solar modules.

“I am very pleased to welcome Meyer Burger to our community,” Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo said.

“The decision to make a large investment in our community shows Goodyear is an excellent location for advanced manufacturing businesses. Our highly skilled workforce, modern infrastructure and low cost of doing business has created an environment where companies can thrive. This project will create hundreds

of new jobs, and I thank Meyer Burger for its investment in our city.”

The development will provide flexibility, ease of access and resilience for customers in the North American market, according to the company.

lease as the first tenant of a recently constructed new building at market conditions.

“Meyer Burger is thrilled to be establishing roots in Arizona and expanding our footprint to the United States,” CEO Gunter Erfurt said. “Solar energy will be critical for achieving U.S. and global clean energy goals, and our proprietary heterojunction cell technology and patented SmartWire module technology enable us to produce products of the highest quality and performance in order to offer our customers economically competitive solar components.”

The Arizona site selection follows the company’s announcement in September to establish its first manufacturing facility outside of Europe in the United States. Arizona was selected due to a diversified and talented workforce that can support the company’s production needs and proximity to customers, the company said.

Initial annual production capacity for the facility will be 400 megawatts and will include capabilities to manufacture solar modules for residential, commercial and industrial rooftop, and utility-scale applications.

Production is expected to open by the end of the year, creating an initial 250 manufacturing jobs and over 500 jobs at full 1.5 gigawatts capacity. Meyer Burger has signed a

“We are thrilled Meyer Burger has chosen Goodyear for their first manufacturing facility in the U.S.,” Gov. Doug Ducey said. “The company’s new solar module manufacturing facility will further enhance Arizona’s standout reputation as a renewable energy leader. In thanking all the partners involved, I want to specifically recognize the crucial partnership of the late Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord, whose record of service will continue to have a positive impact on Goodyear for years to come.”

Meyer Burger has begun hiring personnel to support installation of equipment and initial startup of the facility. The company intends to continue hiring through 2022 to train personnel and ramp production quickly. For more information, visit meyerburger.com.

Goodyear offers free business classes

Beginning Saturday, Jan. 8, the city of Goodyear will offer a series of free classes to West Valley residents through its InnovationHub @ GoodyearAZ.

The Small Business Startup School is a series of free facilitated workshops for entrepreneurs and small-business owners. The workshop sessions are offered two times per year.

West Valley View Staff

The city of Goodyear’s Small Business Startup School will begin on Saturday, Jan. 8. (Photo courtesy of the city of Goodyear)

Credit Union West employees donate to rescue group

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

In their last 2021 EmployeesCARE donation, Credit Union West employees gave $5,257.50 to United Animal Friends, a nonprofit animal rescue organization. United Animal Friends was chosen because of its ongoing work to find forever homes for pets in Yavapai County.

United Animal Friends is a volunteer-based, nonprofit group that provides resources and rescue services for animals and those who care for them in Yavapai County. In addition to finding homes for animals, the group also runs impactful programs like reduced-cost spay and neuter procedures and a community pet

Briefcase...continued from page 14

The classes begin Jan. 8 and take place every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in the Community Room adjacent to the Goodyear Branch Library.

The city’s economic development team said the Startup School classes are presented in person and provide an excellent opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to

food bank, and provides funds for emergency medical care.

Since its founding in 2003, United Animal Friends has placed more than 6,000 pets in loving homes, helped spay or neuter more than 20,000 cats and dogs, provided more than 400,000 pounds of pet food for families who couldn’t afford to feed their pets, and funded over 1,000 emergency veterinary services.

To support their efforts, Credit Union West leaders presented Joellyn Nusbaum, president of United Animal Friends, with a donation check on Dec. 29 at their Prescott branch location.

“This donation will help house, feed

interact with other small-business owners. Registration is requested and can be completed online at developgoodyearaz.com.

Question: I live in Goodyear near Yuma Road and Sarival Avenue in Glenmont Estates. There is a new building going up near our Fry’s Marketplace right between the AutoZone and Banner Urgent Care. Some have speculated that it is an Apple-

and care for countless pets in the coming year,” Nusbaum said. “We are so grateful to be able to continue to provide these services for residents of Yavapai County and their pets.”

This charitable gift was made possible through Credit Union West’s employee-funded program called EmployeesCARE. The program raises funds for a local nonprofit organization selected by employees each quarter. In 2021, President and CEO Karen Roch challenged employees to increase donations and help nonprofits struggling amid the pandemic by providing her own personal funds to match the program’s donation

bee’s, while others have heard that it is another auto repair shop. The building’s exterior walls are up on the foundation, but it is still hard to tell what it will be. Could you please check into it? I’m not seeing anything about it anywhere.

Answer: According to Goodyear’s economic development team, Greulich’s Automotive is developing the 1-acre vacant parcel for a neighborhood auto ser-

each quarter.

“I am so proud of our employees for continuing to meet this challenge throughout the year,” Roch said. “Credit Union West is honored to join in United Animal Friends’ mission to help animals and their caregivers.”

This is the fourth and final donation from Credit Union West employees in 2021, totaling more than $18,000. Credit union staff hopes to raise even more funds in 2022.

Anyone interested in donating to or volunteering with United Animal Friends can find more information and resources at unitedanimalfriends.org.

vice facility with 10 automotive service bays. The construction is happening in the Sarival Marketplace commercial development along Yuma Road. Have an item for Business Briefcase? Please email your business news and tips to Lauren Serrato at lserrato@timespublications.com

AZ residents scramble to get last Walking Liberty Rolls

ARIZONA - Once Arizona residents got wind that Arizona State Restricted Bank Rolls filled with Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s were being handed over, there was a mad dash to get them. That’s because some of these U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins are already worth hundreds in collector value.

“It’s like a run on the banks. The phones are ringing off the hook. That’s because everyone is trying to get them before they’re all gone,” according to officials at the National Mint and Treasury who say they can barely keep up with all the orders.

In fact, they had to impose a strict limit of 4 Arizona State Restricted Bank Rolls. So, if you get the chance to get your hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls you better hurry because hundreds of Arizona residents already have and you don’t want to miss out. You see, the U.S. Gov’t stopped minting

these Silver Walking Liberties in 1947 and there can never be any more which makes them extremely collectible.

And here’s the best part. The rolls are unsearched so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value.

That’s why at just the $39 state minimum set by National Mint and Treasury it’s a deal too good to pass up.

But you better hurry because these Arizona State Restricted Bank Rolls are the only ones known to exist and Arizona residents are grabbing them up as fast as they can.

That’s because they make amazing gifts for children, grandchildren and loved ones. Just imagine the look on their face when you hand them one of the State Restricted Rolls — they’ll tell everyone they know what you did for them.

Last State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls go to Arizona residents

Arizona residents get first dibs on last remaining Bank Rolls loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for the next 2 days

STATE DISTRIBUTION: A strict limit of 4 State Restricted Bank Rolls per AZ resident has been imposed

ARIZONA - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist. That’s why Hotline Operators are bracing for the flood of calls,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Director for the National Mint and Treasury.

For the next 2 days the last remaining State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties are actually being handed over to Arizona residents who call the State Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication.

“National Mint and Treasury recently spoke with its Chief Professional Numismatist who said ‘Very few people have ever actually seen one of these rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties issued by the U.S. Gov’t back in the early 1900’s. But to actually find them sealed away in State Restricted Bank Rolls is like finding buried treasure. So anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Bank Rolls had better hold on to them,’” Lynne said.

“Now that the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we

(Continued on next page)

SILVER: one of the last silver coins minted for circulation

ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL: year varies 1916-1947

LAST REMAINING: minted in philadelphia, denver & san francisco

RARELY SEEN: minted by the u.s. mint in the early 1900’s

■ GOT ‘EM: Residents all across Arizona who get their hands on these State Restricted Silver Walking Liberty Bank Rolls are definitely showing them off. That’s because they are the only ones known to exist. And here’s the best part, these Bank Rolls are loaded with U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty coins some dating back to the early 1900’s and worth up to 100 times their face value so everyone wants them.

(Continued from previous page)

won’t be surprised if thousands of Arizona residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne.

“That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Arizona residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say.

And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Arizona you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline.

The only thing Arizona residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends.

“Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 - $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said.

“We’re guessing thousands of Arizona residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued.

“We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said.

The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of Arizona and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

HOW TO CLAIM THE LAST STATE RESTRICTED BANK ROLLS

If you are a Arizona State Resident read the important information below about claiming the State Silver Bank Rolls, then call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 8:30 am: 1-800 -979 -3771 EXT: RWB3645

Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:

How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:

It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only Arizona State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday. FACTS:

Why are so many Arizona residents claiming them:

Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible. The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation. That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

How do I get the State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls:

Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all Arizona residents are guaranteed to get them for the s tate minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.

Arizona residents are authorized to claim up to the limit of 4 State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls by calling the State Toll Free Hotline at 1-800- 979 - 3771 Ext. RWB3645 starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning. Everyone who does is getting the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist. That’s a full Bank Roll containing 15 Silver Walking Liberties from the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty, which is just $585 for the full Bank Rolls and that’s a real steal because non state residents are not permitted to call before 5 pm tomorrow and must pay $1,770 for each Arizona State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Roll if any remain.

Ground Control funded for ‘good business’ practice

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor

First Bank chose Litchfield Park’s Ground Control as one of its 10 Good Business winners.

Ground Control was granted $5,000 for itself and an additional $1,000 for the nonprofit of its choosing, Gabriel’s Angels.

In their entry, Ground Control owners Ian and Stephanie Harwell detailed how they adapted to the mandatory COVID-19 shutdown while taking care of staff and the community.

The Harwells’ endeavors included delivering orders beyond a 10-mile radius, including to Yuma; offering free kids menu items while the schools were closed for in-person learning; donating free meals to essential health care workers and first responders; hosting a mock graduation for a hard-working staff member who, at the time, was one credit short of graduating; and donating meals to educators weekly.

“I feel validated for what we tried to do during the shutdown,” Ian said.

“We did two deliveries to Yuma, a couple to Tucson, and several East Valley drops. We took care of them. We have a really popular Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and we threw in canned beer.”

Stephanie said the pandemic’s wake is almost more challenging than the lockdown.

“If I was honest, what we’ve dealt with this year — the costs of goods rising, supply chain problems — was more challenging,” she said. “Unfortunately, the No. 1 solution is raising your prices, turn people away or continue to support your community. I just find other ways so we don’t have to raise our prices. We try to sell out coffee beans to make extra money.

Originally located in Goodyear, Ground Control was founded in 2007 by Sean and Tara Rassas.

In 2012, Ground Control relocated to Litchfield Park and hired friend and customer Ian to be its beverage master. He soon became the face of the Ground Control brand, establishing it as a re-

spected craft beer bar, restaurant and coffee roaster brand.

Ian took over ownership rights just before the pandemic. Since then, Ground Control’s coffee has been showcased in several craft beer collaborations locally and nationally and continues to operate as a gastropub featuring its inhouse roasted Fair Trade coffee, a rotating craft beer menu (draft and to go) and scratch-made kitchen menu.

Ground Control is located at 4860 N. Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. For more information, call 623-535-9066 or visit groundxcontrol.com.

FirstBank has more than $27 billion in assets and 110 branch locations across Colorado, Arizona and California.

FirstBank offers a variety of consumer deposit accounts; home equity loans; mortgages; rental property loans; and a full range of commercial banking services, including business financing, commercial real estate loans, treasury management and more.

Since 2000, FirstBank has been rec-

ognized as a top corporate philanthropist, contributing nearly $75 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations.

Ian and Stephanie Harwell took care of Ground Control staff and the community during the pandemic. (Photo by David Minton)

Junior golfers honored at Troon event

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The JGAA named the 2021 Player of the Year Awards and Sportsmanship Awards across five age divisions at the awards banquet presented by Troon at Papago Golf Course.

Thanks to Troon’s support, the night included a talk by mental strength coach Howard Falco, who shared “mindfulness” strategies for breakthrough athletic success.

“Congratulations to everyone who made the list,” said Scott McNevin, executive director of the JGAA. “The 2021 season was a great year for the JGAA, and we applaud not only these award winners but all the junior golfers who competed this year.”

In the boys championship division, Gilbert’s Rylan Johnson posted five wins, including three straight, in 13 tournaments entered to take player of the year. Set to play college golf at Oregon State, the 18-year-old went low twice this season, shooting rounds of 9-under-par en route to victory at the Scottsdale City Junior Championship (62) and Mesa City Championship (63) two weeks before. In the five highly competitive PING Junior Masters Series (PJMS) tournaments, Johnson posted three T5 finishes, with his best finishes, T3 and solo-third place, respectively, at the Willie Low Invitational and Fisher-Bryan Invitational. He finished the season in fifth place for Scoring Average, with an aggregate total of 68.96 across 25 rounds.

Jennifer Seo earned player of the year honors in the girls championship division, racking up four wins in 13 tournaments entered. She pulled off her biggest win at the final PJMS tournament of the season, Willie Low Invitational. Leading up to her win, the 16-year-old also performed well in the four preceding PJMS tournaments, placing T3, T4, T5 and T2 before breaking through. Her lowest round of the season came at home; the Chandler resident shot a

4-under-par 66 en route victory at the Chandler City Junior Championship. Seo’s 72.42 scoring average over 26 rounds places her in fourth place overall for the season.

2021 JGAA Award Recipients

Player of the year awards

• Boys championship: Rylan Johnson, Gilbert

• Girls championship: Jennifer Seo, Chandler

• Boys 15 to 18: Nicholas Lippe, Chandler

• Girls 15 to 18: Lily Huether, Tucson

• Boys 13 to 14: Ajay Morris, Avondale

• Girls 13 to 14: Aubrey Hilgers, Litchfield Park

• Boys 11 to 12: Zachary Schaefer, Tucson

• Girls 11 to 12: Hannah Nguyen, Phoenix

• Boys 10 and under: Henry Newkirk, Scottsdale

• Girls 10 and under: Beau Ellington, Paradise Valley

Sportsmanship awards

• Boys championship: Wyatt Chapman, Gilbert

• Girls championship: Kendall Hayward, Mesa

• Boys 15 to 18: Oliver Corwon, Oro Valley

• Girls 15 to 18: Grace Rubelsky, Phoenix

• Boys 13 to 14: Matthew Lee, Paradise Valley

• Girls 13 to 14: Mallory McRee, Tucson

• Boys 11 to 12: Jack McDonough, Chandler

• Girls 11 to 12: Phoebe Brethower, Chandler

• Boys 10 and younger: Dominic Bustos, Phoenix

• Girls 10 and younger: Hayden Nguyen, Peoria

Most improved awards

• Boys: Chase Rogers, Litchfield Park

2020 – 87.67

2021 – 78.57

• Girls: Delaney Stamp, Anthem

2020 – 97

2021 – 83.50

Volunteer of the year

• Bill Evans

Hole-in-one awards

• Ben Carr: Feb. 21

Phoenix Metro Junior Championship No. 12, Stonecreek Golf Club

192 yards, 5-iron

• Brady Sheridan: Feb. 21

Phoenix Metro Junior Championship No. 7, Sun City North Golf Course

175 yards, 8-iron

• Karissa Flores: March 20

Desert Mashie Championship No. 14, Encanto Golf Course 145 yards

• Matt Herberger: April 25

Tucson Conquistadores Spring Classic No. 12, Silverbell Golf Course

175 yards, 8-iron

• Parker Servoss: June 2

Tucson City Junior Championship No. 2, Randolph Golf Complex – Dell Urich

170 yards, hybrid

• Reid McNulty: June 9

Antigua Milt Coggins AZ Junior Stroke Play

No. 11, Papago Golf Course

146 yards

• Collin Welle: July 7

Prescott City Junior Championship No. 8 at Antelope Hills Golf Complex –North Course

165 yards, 8-iron

Arizona Balloon Classic returns to Goodyear

BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer

The Arizona Balloon Classic will return to Goodyear from Friday, Jan. 28, to Sunday, Jan. 30.

This 11th annual outdoor event attracts visitors from around the Valley, as it is one of the only shows of its kind in Arizona. Additional activities are held throughout the weekend for the whole family.

“I know everybody’s heard of a hot air balloon, but not everyone has actually experienced a hot air balloon, either standing next to one or riding in one,” said Tim Matykiewicz, founder of the Arizona Balloon Classic.

“Something that we have that nobody else has is hot air balloons. We are a really unique experience that you’ll never forget. We have hot air balloons that nobody else has. If you’ve never experienced one, standing next to one, talking to a pilot, this is going to be an unforgettable one for you.”

The gates will open at the Goodyear Ballpark from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30.

The 2022 festival is special for Matykiewicz, as he said last year’s event had a smaller crowd turnout and less hot air balloons due to the pandemic.

“We’re excited to bring our balloons back. That’s of course the primary entertainment,” Matykiewicz said, adding that the balloons couldn’t even fly at last year’s event because of the weather.

“We had fewer vendors, and we only had 15 balloons. This year we’re going back to our numbers. We’re going to have upward of 25 balloons. We’re shooting for 100 retail vendors. Our sponsors are really responding really well for 2022, and our volunteer numbers are somewhere around 225 volunteers.”

Of all the activities the festival will feature, Matykiewicz said he’s excited for the Taste of the Classic, where guests can enjoy a variety of beer, wine, festival food favorites, and a live music stage.

“This year’s vendor, they’re the food purveyor of all of NASCAR and state fairs, so we have some really cool food experiences coming out at the Taste of the Classic,” he said. “So, if you don’t see balloons, or if you haven’t seen anything else that weekend, you’re going to want to come out here and eat because it’s going to be a great experience.”

Taste of the Classic is open to the public when gates to the festival are open.

West Valley View Dining

The 11th annual Arizona Balloon Classic will land at Goodyear Ballpark from Friday, Jan. 28, to Sunday, Jan. 30. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Balloon Classic)

Balloon...continued on page 22

HOME APPLIANCE SHOWROOM

The Arizona Balloon Classic

Family Fun Zone

Matykiewicz said the Desert Winds Kite Festival has also been added to the weekend’s itinerary.

“They’re promising to bring out these giant, massive kites that fly and float in the air, so we’re pretty excited about that,” he said.

The daytime exhibit will feature kites larger than semitrucks, windsocks larger than motorhomes, and a 50-foot mega fish kite that will be flying high in the sky on Saturday, Jan. 29, and Sunday, Jan. 30.

There will also be candy canons, paper rocket making and launching, and parachute racing. Kites for all ages and abilities will be on hand for sale including single line, dual line sport kites and quad line stunt kites.

“We just want to be able to provide a really, really great quality of life,” he said. “I think the community is really going to like and really fall in love with this event. And we just want everybody to come out and enjoy themselves. Be comfortable. You’re going to be safe and have a great time and just enjoy life.”

Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear

Lineup of events

7:35 to 8:35 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28, and Sunday, Jan. 30

Witness the Arizona dawn sky as the hot air balloons participate in Hare & Hound races from the grassy fields of the Goodyear Ballpark for a sight of mass and color. Spectators can walk on the field next to the balloons and experience the inflation and lift off.

Desert

Glow

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28

Hot-air Balloons, tethered and illuminated, glow in time to music.

Other

events

6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29

Pilots Parade with a constant burn of purple, green, red and yellow flames from the balloons. A firework show and the Desert Glow will follow.

4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28; 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29; and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30

An assortment of activities including hot air balloon rides and tethered rides, inflatable games, BMX stunt bike shows, Desert Winds Kite Festival, fireworks, live entertainment and sampling. Retail shopping and commercial exhibits will also be available for purchasing or browsing.

shopping and commercial exhibits will also be available for and older packages information

Tickets for the Arizona Balloon Festival are on sale. Early bird pricing is available for one-day, adult general admission tickets. Tickets may be purchased online at abcfest.com for a limited-time price of $18 for adults. Ticket prices will increase after the first 250 tickets are sold.

Children 12 and under, active-duty military, first responders and veterans are free. Seniors ages 55 and older are $12, and group ticket packages are $10 per adult. General parking is $5. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit abcfest.com.

King Crossword

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

SUDOKU TIME

Place

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

SCRAMBLERS

Unscramble

New theater provides play space for young people

BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN West Valley View Contributing Writer

Afamiliar face is at the helm of a new theater in town.

Jim Gradillas — who has worked with the Mesa Arts Center, Valley Youth Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, Greasepaint Youth Theatre, Theater Works, Creative Stages and Musical Theatre of Anthem — has launched a new youth theater in Avondale.

The Valley’s newest nonprofit youth theater, West Valley Stages, has produced four shows since September.

For eight years, Gradillas ran the Acting Zone theater out of the Montessori in the Park in Goodyear. Then COVID-19 hit, and the school’s new format excluded the work of him and

his wife, Michelle Marie. So they put their 30 years of experience directing children into play.

Located at 1435 N. Eliseo C. Felix Jr Way in Avondale, they are in the process of building a new space nearby.

“We’re planning to be in this space for the majority of 2022,” Gradillas said. “We’ve established a really good space here with sound and lights and scene — and the community, family and the kids really seem to like it.”

Since September they have welcomed the Acting Zone students and new faces. Gradillas said he’s following the same model that he did with that theater with large-cast shows and regular workshops. The shows are his adaptations of public domain works

like fairy tales or traditional stories.

“Like the ‘Wizard of Oz’ — we can keep it traditional but put our own spin on it,” Gradillas said.

West Valley Stages also plans to do his version of “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp,” an original telling of “Sleeping Beauty” and a play he wrote several years ago that compiles snippets of Shakespeare plays with original spins on them.

Because West Valley Stages does original storytelling, Gradillas said he can cast kids in roles regardless of genre. The actors can also contribute their ideas.

“We have a lot of creative freedom,” Gradillas said. “The kids love that kind of creative process that is more fun for them. They get to put their adds in and it is more their play rather than just Jim’s play that he wrote.”

Throughout rehearsals, the actors can adapt the script, performing tasks that are unique to them and reflects the young people’s creativity and personalities.

So far, they have cast all who audition. With 20 to 50 cast members, there are usually multiple opportunities for them to perform between two casts.

The West Valley Stages’ first show was an original piece called “Mission Grimm Possible” about the Grimm

Brothers. In the play, the iconic brothers leave fairytale land and go to Hollywood, so the citizens there were left in disarray.

“That was a fun one to start with,” Gradillas said. “We did a whole parody on ‘Mission Impossible.’ The kids had a great time. They got to play those iconic characters but in a different light. For example, Cinderella is more of a kind of Hollywood diva-type character and Prince Charming is kind of wimpy and trying to find himself. It’s fun to do those kinds of different spins.”

For children ages 7 to 18, West Valley Stages designed a program that welcomes them into the theater world. Eventually, they hope to expand the program to younger children when they have the resources.

January sees workshops, including one designed for children who are new to the stage.

“We’ve added a workshop for those who really don’t know if they want to do it,” Gradillas said. “They can take this workshop for six weeks, see if they like it. If they want to audition, they can just come out and do the process to see how they like it.”

He said he tries to make auditions stress free by discarding traditional techniques. Rather than making an ac-

tor stand alone on stage and read from a script, he transforms it into a group activity.

“It’s all done with a group,” Gradillas said. “It is easy improvisations. I try to make it fun for them — turn it into a more comfortable, easygoing and creative process.”

For those who don’t want to audition, he hosts an introductory workshop to give them a taste of everything.

The workshops starting in January include:

• Production workshop: A nine-week Saturday workshop that culminates in a production of “The Wizard of Oz.” It is for ages 8 to 13.

• Intro to theater: A six-week class that meets on Tuesdays, it is designed for new actors ages 7 to 11 and is filled with theater games.

• Performance troupe: This six-week class meets on Wednesdays and provides training in improvisation and comedy sketches. It will end with a performance. It is for ages 8 to 11.

• Performance troupe: This six-week class meets on Thursday and is like the other one except it is geared for ages 12-17.

Workshops range in price from $125 to $225.

In addition to acting, Gradillas said West Valley Stages allows students to work backstage. Young people approached him about scenic design, lights and sound.

“We’re getting more interest on that side,” Gradillas said. “We have good lighting equipment and sound equipment. I think all kids should do this at one point if they’re really going to get into theater. It’s a different perspec-

tive.”

As West Valley Stages gets off the ground and is deep in a construction project, Gradillas said it welcomes donations of any size. The costs are $7,000 a month with he and his wife holding mostly volunteer roles. Parents have also been kicking in to help with tasks.

“We’re lucky to have a great space and we have good supporters and a good board, but we have a whole other theater that is going to be built. The contracting alone is going to cost about $100,000,” Gradillas said. “People are volunteering their time, like myself and my wife and some board members. Sometimes we just have to stick it out and do a show for free to make sure we stay in the good.”

As the world works through the COVID-19 pandemic, Gradillas stressed that theater is necessary for young people.

“Without theater, children not only miss out on an amazing artistic experience, but they lose the chance to experience an endless amount of learning opportunities,” Gradillas said. “With exposure that not only raises school performance, but also encourages creativity, culture, communication, patience, self-esteem and imagination, theater is something that cannot be overlooked.”

West Valley Stages

1435 N. Eliseo C. Felix Jr. Way, Suite A101, Avondale westvalleystages@gmail.com, westvalleystages.com

Top, the ensemble at West Valley Stages performs in “Alice in Wonderland.” Right, in the opening production of West Valley Stages, the fairy tale characters gather to tell the story of “Mission GRIMMpossible.” (Photo courtesy of West Valley Stages)

Billy Ray Parrett

Billy Ray (“Bill”) Parrett joined the world on Valentine’s Day of 1934, so perhaps it is not surprising that he was a romantic – he loved life, loved people, and loved adventure.

Bill was a natural wonder. From his early days as quarterback of his high school football team to his long career as a civic and corporate leader, Bill led by “just being Bill.”

In 1952, he co-captained the Albany High School baseball team to the Oregon state championship. He was scouted to play professional baseball, but was urged by his father to accept a dual football/baseball athletic scholarship and get his education first. Then, when his draft notice came, he left college and enlisted in the Air Force. After basic training at Parks Air Force Base, CA, and attending aircraft engineering school in Wichita Falls, TX, Bill spent his time in Korea as a flight engineer, traveling with and ensuring the safety of a general’s aircraft. Once Bill returned to the states and finished college, he began his career as a business and civic leader. He had a 37 year journey with PacifiCorp, with increasing responsibilities that took him from sales representative to regional manager to corporate headquarters. With his family of five, he criss-crossed the Pacific Northwest, living in Pendleton, Klamath Falls, Medford (twice!), Portland (three times!!), Roseburg, and Yakima. He was regional manager in multiple communities, including in Salt Lake City with Utah Power. He relished community service and was especially proud of his work with the Jaycees, his leadership in the Republican Party, and his service on economic development committees and hospital boards in many of the places that he lived. Bill retired in 1998 to dedicate more time to his athletic pursuits – golfing, motorcycling, and armchair coaching of football games. Along with many of their closest friends, Bill and CJ – his partner of 33 years – discovered the joys of splitting their time between Whitefish, Montana, and Goodyear, Arizona, often motorcycling back and forth with their Pomeranians on board. Bill truly never met a stranger. Warm and welcoming, he

was a joyful presence wherever he went. As a big brother to Pat, he was ringleader, protector and hero. As little brother to Margaret he was, well, a little brother. As a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was coach, cheerleader and biggest fan. As friend or family, he was the great listener, the ready laugh, the warmest hug. He also made the best fudge ever. Always generous with his time and talents, he was a builder of homes, doghouses, playhouses, cottages and barns. With his affable assurance, infectious smile, and twinkly blue eyes, he was often mistaken for a celebrity or the coach that he once dreamed of being.

Bill could be pied piper, peace maker or protective bear. A charmer of young and old, he could persuade anyone to good or to a bit of well-meaning larceny. Dynamic. Strong. Gentle. Kind. Sweet. Optimistic. Funny. Tenacious. Bill was a fighter who battled to stay with us for as long as he could. While our hearts are broken, our love for Bill is boundless.

We lost Bill’s presence on December 20, 2021. He is survived by his spouse, CJ (Carolyn) Irby, sister Pat Thompson, children Debbie Glaspey (and spouse Gary), Sheri Parrett, and Todd Parrett (and spouse Pauline); nephews Terry Risley and Chris Craig (and spouse Liz); grandchildren Michelle and Chad Pommarane (and spouse Courtney), great grandchildren Mason Pommarane, Conner Pommarane, Seth Allen, and Sean Pommarane Harner, numerous Irby inlaws and outlaws (including Galen, Jane, Sheria, Bob, Galen, Cynthia, Gary, Joyce, Denny, Pam and Merita), nieces and nephews (including Austin, Jonathan, Justin, Randi, Kendall, Nathan, Titus, Candice and Erin) and countless friends, including life-forged brothers Hal Bennett, Brad Hodges and Ron Sloan. He is also greatly mourned by his Pomeranian, Maverick. Visitation held Wednesday, December 29, from 2:30 to 4:00 at Best Funeral Services West Valley Chapel, 9380 W. Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345.

A service with military honors held for family members at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Thursday, December 30th at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bill’s honor to the Alpha-1 Foundation at alpha1.org.

Kim Moore

October 23, 1955 - December 20, 2021

Beloved mother, spouse, grandmother and friend.

Survived by husband, Al (Albert); daughter, Amanda; son, Reed; granddaughter, Kynlie and her mothern Willy Balmes.

Kim touched many peoples lives with her generous, kind and gentle heart. She will be greatly missed, but forever in the hearts of those she loved.

JosephWadeFarkas

JosephWadeFarkas,75,ofWaddell,AZpassedawayNovember22, 2021.

HewasbornOctober25,1946in Decatur,ILtoSteveandJeanneFarkas.Hewasthemiddleofthreesiblings.

HejoinedtheAirForceaftergraduatinghighschool andwasdischargedafterservinghiscountryhonorably for6years.HemarriedJanetHatfieldin1978and movedtoArizonashortlyafter.HeworkedatthePalo VerdeNuclearPlantasanElectricianforover25years beforeretiring.

Heisprecededindeathbyhisparents,sonEricand belovedwifeJanet.HeissurvivedbyhissisterBonnie Lanham,brotherRandyFarkasaswellassonJoshua (Brenda)Farkas,daughterSaraFarkas(Louis)andfour adoringgrandchildren.

Noserviceswillbeheldashisfinalwisheswerefor hisremainstobedisbursedwithhiswife'sataspecial location.

Heleaveshisfamilywithsuchhitsas "Spices/booze/crackers","It'sallinthebinder",and "CallAPS-TellthemI'mdead".

OBITUARIES

Sandra Henry

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and aunt, Sandra Henry of Buckeye , AZ passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, December 16, 2021.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ronald. Her son Russell (Susi), her daughters Kelley (Keith) and Karrie (Jordan), seven grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Please donate to Hospice of the Valley or the Buckeye Elk's Lodge in her memory.

Loreen Martinek

Ms. Loreen Martinek, 78, of Goodyear, Arizona died December 19, 2021 in Goodyear, Arizona. She was born October 13, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Paul Vasile and Laura Sottosanto. She is survived by her husband, James Martinek; daughter, Barbara Lynn Evans ; son, George Paul Martinek; sister, Roz Gordon, brother, J oseph Vasile. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jessica Lopez, Tabitha Garcia, Ryan Delasaux, and JD Martinek; and one great-grandchild Brendan Mason. Loreen was a loving caregiver who always put her family first. She was a loving wife for 57 years and had an unconditional love for her family. She was tenacious a nd touched so many lives, and loved talking with her friends. In the past, she worked as a scrub tech, a realtor, and mother.

Service information is private at this time.

To leave the family condolences, please visit www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/obituary/ Loreen-Martinek

InLovingMemoryof ArnoldHumphries

Sunrise:April19,1962

Sunset:October6,2021

TheEaglePoem Isawaneagleintheskytoday Flyingfreeuponthewind InmydreamsItoucheditswings Caughtthewindandflewwithhim. Ohwhatgloryitwasforme Flyingfreeupinthesky Fordreamsbecomereality Ifinoursoulstheyneverdie. SoSeizethemomentwhichisnow Foryoureagleliveswithin HoldtheVisionofyourtruth Dreamyoureagleandflywithhim

Ruth G. Cheatham

Laveen- 96, went home to be with the Lord on December 18, 2021. Ruth is survived by her daughters, Ruth Ann, Mary Beth, Terrigene, and Susan; sons, Armon D., III, and Jack; sister, Carroll; brother, Caleb; 25 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 AM, with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at Laveen Baptist Church, 5036 West Dobbins Road, Laveen, Arizona. A Graveside Service will immediately follow at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery, 2300 West Van Buren Street, Phoenix, Arizona. Arrangements entrusted to Lowmans Arizona Funeral Home, Inc. (602) 276-3601.

Catherine Bayley

Ms. Catherine Bayley of Phoenix, Arizona died December 17, 2021 i n Phoenix, Arizona. She was born August 28, 1962 in Phoenix, Arizona to Lewis Bayley and Beatrice Narup. Catherine loved spending time with her wife, Judy, who is also her best friend

An avid sports enthusiast, nobody could beat her in basketball. She loved the Dallas Cowboys, the Golden State Warriors, and all outdoor sports; especially fishing and camping. Catherine was loved b y everyone who met her. She brought joy to the world, an d was always making people laugh.

Catherine is survived by her wife Judy; daughter s Jenean and Momo; sons CJ, Joey, Jason, and Luis; sisters Nancy, MaryLou, and Debbi; brother John; niece Keri; and daughters-in-law Nichol and Nilce. She is also survived by eight beloved grandchildren.

At this time, service information is private.

To leave the family condolences, please visit www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/Catherine-Bayley

EMPLOYMENT

LOOKING for experienced compassionate CNA's. Certified Caregivers. Part time/ full time. 623-547-7521

AUCTIONS/ESTATE SALES

AUCTIONSaturday,January15,202210:00AM E astmanStorage810 N 1stStBuckeye,AZ85326 ToSatisfytheLienonUnit # 2.PublishedWestVall eyView/Busines s D ecember29,2021 & January5,202243577

EDUCATION

Learn

to

READ English

♦ Local online classes for adults.

♦ Small class sizes.

♦ Beginners are welcomed.

♦ Patient teacher.

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN - 37 years experience. Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan 602-434-6057

JOEL Cedillo- I do construct ion work! Concrete, Block , S tucco, Bobcat work, Haula way, Demolition. Call fo r free estimates, 623-707-6072 *Not A Licensed Contractor

Deadline for obituaries is Thursday at 5pm for Wednesday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays.

Call 623-535-8439 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions.

Visit: obituaries.WestValleyView.com

Earn Extra Income For The Holidays!

Gannett Publishing Services wants to contract you to deliver newspapers and magazine products in the early morning hours in the Phoenix metro area. Earn up

to $400 per week

Work just 2-3 hours a day between 12:00AM - 6:00AM All routes are 7 days a week

PUBLICNOTICE

VACANCYONGOODYEARCITYCOUNCIL

TheMayorandCounciloftheCityofGoodyeararenowacceptingapplicationsfortheappointmentofaCouncilmember tofilltheanticipatedvacancycreatedbythepotentialresignationofaCouncilmemberthatwillbereplacingMayorGeorgia Lord.TheappointmenttermwillexpireDecember31,2022. ThepositionwillbeupforelectionintheAugust2,2022election.

InterestedcitizensmaypickupaCouncilVacancyApplicationatCityHall190N.LitchfieldRoad,Goodyear,Arizona fromMondaythroughFriday8:00a.m.to5:00p.m.orfrom theCitywebsiteatHYPERLINK"http://www.goodyearaz.gov" www.goodyearaz.gov.AllformsandanyaccompanyingdocumentsmustbereturnedtoCityHallpriortothecutoffdateof Monday,January31,2022at5:00p.m.

Toqualify,interestedpersonsmusthavebeenresidentsof theCityofGoodyearforthepasttwoyears,atleast21years ofage,aqualifiedelectoroftheCityand,ifappointed,holdno otherelectedoffice,noranyincompatiblepublicoffice.

Published:WestValleyView/Business,Dec22,29,2021and Jan5,2022/43473

EMPLOYMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA MARICOPA COUNTY In the Matter of E state of: CHRISTINE RENEE VALVERDE, adult. Case Number PB2021071299 NOTICE OF CREDITORS OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERS ONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND/O R INFORMAL PROBATE OF A WILL NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT: 1. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: David C Valverde Jr. has been appointed Personal Representative of this Estate 10-28-2021 Address: 1286 W. Maverick Ln, Williams A Z 86046 2. DEADLINE TO MAK E C LAIMS. All persons having claim s a gainst the Estate are required t o present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred. 3. NOTICE OF CLAIMS: Claims must be presented by delivering or mailng a written statement of the claim to t he Personal Representative at (add ress) David C. Valverde Jr., 1656 N 113rd Ave, Avondale AZ 85392 4. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT. A copy of the Notice of Appointment is attached to the c opies of this document mailed to al k nown creditors. DATED: /s/ David