West Valley View: East February 28, 2018

Attorney: Montenegro exploited GOP staffer

By West Valley View staff

Former State Sen. Steve Montenegro’s flirtatious text messages groomed a young GOP digital media coordinator for a potential sexual relationship, according to the woman’s lawyer, Tom Ryan, in a press conference.

“I’m here to talk on behalf of a woman who was taken advantage of by one of the most powerful men sitting in the state senate: Steve Montenegro,” said Ryan of his client, Stephanie Holford.

In a statement read by Ryan, Holford said the messages began strictly professional but became increasingly flirtatious. Holford also revealed she sent multiple photos “in various states of undress,” and Montenegro, of Litchfield Park, had turned conversations to Snapchat.

“We engaged in sexual conversation about these pictures. These conversations were detailed and intimate,” Holford said through her statement.

The conversations and images, however, are now gone, as Snapchat stores the images only temporarily. According to Ryan, the relationship never became physical, and it eventually “fizzled out.”

Montenegro is a Republican candidate

GOP...continued on page 8

BLM temporarily closes popular recreational area

By Connor Dziawura

A controversial patch of desert near Buckeye used for recreational activities is now off limits, per a recent order from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Following months of recurring damage to an above-ground fiber-optic line, the January 14 death of pregnant 24-year-old woman Kami Gilstrap by stray bullet and outrage from Buckeye residents over its close proximity to Westpark, the BLM Phoenix District temporarily closed 1,034 acres of land along the Tonopah Salome Highway last week.

The closure will “ensure public safety”

and “address damage to critical West Valley telecommunications infrastructure,” according to Mariela Castaneda, spokeswoman for the BLM Phoenix District.

The region north of I-10 and west of Miller Road was popular with target shooters and off-road vehicle drivers, the former of which drew concerns surrounding its lack of safety regulation and enforcement. Signage informing recreational target shooters to follow proper safety protocols was often ignored. The carelessness led to Gilstrap’s death on municipal land, and more than 40 instances of Cox Communications’ fiber-

optic line failures in the last year.

“We continue to work closely with the Buckeye Police Department as they investigate the fatality at the site,” said a BLM statement. “Our top priority is always the safety of sportsmen and families who use public lands. The BLM received an application from a local telecommunications utility (Cox) to address issues with infrastructure at the site prior to the fatality in January. When deciding to temporarily close the site, the BLM considered all of these factors.”

Former Arizona Sen. Steve Montenegro, a Republican candidate for the Congressional District 8 special election, was recently swept up in an inappropriate texting scandal. Montenegro is pictured above speaking at the 2016 Legislative Forecast Luncheon in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo courtesy Gage Skidmore/Flickr/Creative Commons)

The closure comes days after Westpark residents complained about the desert shooting, though demands were for a full shooting ban. Neighbors complained about gunfire and Tannerite explosions during a February 15 meeting at Inca Elementary School. The temporary closure, however, was already in negotiations prior to Gilstrap’s death in January and the subsequent resident complaints.

The closure’s duration depends on how long it’ll take to conduct the necessary repairs and improvements. BLM and Cox Communications are looking to repair power lines and bury the fiber-optic line, which provides telecommunications service to Tartesso and Festival Ranch, under an existing 69kV transmission and telephone line.

Region clean-ups and a long-term management agreement will also be coordinated.

“You have to remember, this is a temporary closure,” said Buckeye Police Chief Larry Hall. “Once we get those lines in the ground, at that point we really need to work out a strategy to determine how we’re going to go forward on what that area is to be used for.”

A joint partnership between BLM, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and the Buckeye Police Department, which began January 14, is still a “critical component” of enforcing the closure, according to Leon Thomas, BLM’s Phoenix district manager. He and Hall, however, said discussions are still being had on the required involvement of each respective law enforcement agency.

Official penalties for violating the closure could include citations or worse.

Trial by United States Magistrate and fines of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months could be given to violators, though law enforcement is looking to take a lighter approach at first.

“They’ve been able to do this so long that, in the beginning of this, we really want to take an educational approach and, when we do make contact with people that are out there, let them know that, ‘Hey, the area is closed and this is why,’” Thomas explained. “We’re not going to be heavy-handed about this at all in the beginning. We really want to educate the public as to why it’s been closed and try to create an ethic out there when it comes to how we want people to properly recreate in the area.”

The fines are a “necessary component” to have for those who repeatedly disobey

rules, he said, though that’s not the starting goal for BLM.

While the area is off limits to all but those with specialized permission, the Tonopah Salome Highway and North Parker Liberty Power Road are still accessible for individuals passing through.

“Traffic passing through there is not an issue, it’s just when people start going off road over there and engaging in those activities, then that’ll be the issue,” Hall explained.

Ensuring safety and appropriate conditions for the popular recreation site is an emphasis of the closure, according to Thomas. This goes beyond just target shooting.

“The ultimate goal is creating an ethic in recreation where everyone is doing it responsibly,” he said. “We want to really have an environment where people can do all activities properly. That’s the goal. Ultimately, we want to have an area that is free of the garbage and has an ethic to where people will be able to recreate safely and responsibly.”

BLM now directs visitors of the Tonopah Salome Highway region – whether it is for target shooting,

off-road vehicles, hiking or camping – to other legal areas in the Valley. Buckeye Hills and Belmont are among those allowed for target shooting with appropriate natural backstops.

As for regulated facilities, the Ben Avery Shooting Facility west of I-17 on Highway 74 is one. The General Joe Foss Shooting Complex, through a special-use permit between the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association and the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department, will be available on Saturday, March 10, and Sunday, March 11, as well as Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18.

VALLEY VISION CENTER

Usage closure signs line the area along Miller Road, north of the I-10. (West Valley View photo by Jordan Christopher)

The WestValleyView 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.

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DELIVERY

Avondale to host passport event before fees increase

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Passport “execution fees” are increasing from $25 to $35 starting April 2, so the city of Avondale is encouraging residents to have theirs processed before then.

Avondale City Hall has an acceptance facility at 11465 W. Civic Center Drive. Its hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Thursday. No appointment is necessary.

A complete list of documents needed is listed at avondaleaz.gov/passports. The convenience of a copy machine and ability to have photos taken on site are available for a fee.

For those who find weekdays inconvenient, the city is hosting a special Avondale passport event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at City Hall.

For more information on passports in the United States, visit travel.state.gov. To inquire more about Passport processing at the city of Avondale, call 623333-1200 or visit avondaleaz.gov/passports .

POLICE BRIEFS

By Connor Dziawura

1 dead after motorcycle crash in Goodyear

Buckeye resident Kelly J. Puckett, 62, sustained critical head injuries and died following a single motorcycle crash at West McDowell Road and North Palm Valley Boulevard in Goodyear on Friday, February 16.

Goodyear Police do not suspect excessive speed or impairment as being the cause, though the medical examiner will confirm this.

Puckett is reported to have applied brakes suddenly and lost control due to inattention in traffic. No other vehicles were hit.

One passenger, who was traveling with Puckett, was released from the hospital following treatment for nonlife-threatening injuries.

“Goodyear Police believe helmets help save lives in case of a motorcycle crash and strongly encourage motorcyclists to always wear a helmet when riding,” said Lisa Kutis, spokeswoman for the Goodyear Police Department.

Vehicle burglary suspect arrested

Phoenix resident Jessie Mancio, 18, was taken into custody and given several felony charges after a string of vehicle burglaries in Buckeye on February 16.

The more than 15 burglaries in Buckeye’s Verrado community were the result of the vehicles being left unlocked, police said. A suspect vehicle was seen fleeing the scene following police response.

Drop off hazardous waste items March 31

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Avondale, Goodyear and Tolleson residents are invited to take part in a Household Hazardous Waste Event from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at the former Coldwater Park property, 10 N. Eliseo C. Felix Way, Avondale.

There is no charge; however, residents will be required to provide proof of residency such as a recent city utility bill or driver’s license. This event is for residential hazardous waste only. Commercial waste will not be accepted. Items should be transported in a cardboard box in the trunk or truck bed of vehicles.

Acceptable items are:

• Electronics; TVs, cell phones, VCRs, computers

•Lawn chemicals; pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers

• Home repair chemicals; paint, thinners, solvents, adhesives

• Automotive liquids; motor oil, antifreeze, car batteries, gasoline

• Passenger car tires; up to five tiresno wheels, rims or truck tires

• Household items; batteries, poisons, pool chemicals, fire extinguishers

Items not accepted

• Large or off-road tires

• Passenger tires on rims

• 55 gallon drums of waste

• Air conditioners

• Appliances

• Ammunition

• Biological or medical waste

• Glass

• Metal

• Plastic

• Water heaters

For a complete list of items, visit avondaleaz.gov/HHW. For more information call Avondale’s Public Works Department at 623-333-4700, Tolleson’s Field Operation Department at 623-936-7141, or Goodyear’s Public Works at 623-932-3010.

The vehicle was found in Phoenix on February 20, and a court-authorized search warrant on the vehicle and Phoenix residence yielded stolen property from the aforementioned burglaries. Police officials remind residents to lock their vehicles.

Fenix Group offers programs for those with developmental disabilities

By Lynette Carrington

Ron Tilley has spent his professional career as a special education teacher and an executive for U.S. and Australian disability agencies.

For him, supporting those with special needs is personal.

In honor of his developmentally disabled sister, in 2010 he cofounded the bilingual Fenix Group, which focuses on programs for those with special needs. With offices in Avondale and Cave Creek, the Fenix Group has adult day programs, groupsupported employment, transportation, children’s after-school and summer programs, and respite and developmental homes. More than 250 adults and children are receiving assistance.

“It’s a natural fit to what we’ve been doing for a long time,” Tilley said.

In the 1960s, his sister was sent to an institution on the advice of teachers at her longtime elementary school. After the passage of Public Law 94-142 in 1976, or what is known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, his sister returned home and became the first special education graduate from Tilley’s Oregon high school. He has been

passionate about the cause since then.

Fenix Group has proven to be successful. It has experienced tremendous growth in the last eight years, expanding from 30 to 80 staff members. Nineteen of its original staff remains. Fenix Group has also doubled the number of people it assists.

“It speaks volumes of the dedication of our staff, our commitment to this population and what we’re doing here in the Valley,” Tilley said.

His wife, Tris Tilley, with whom he moved to Arizona in 2004, shares his passion.

“While we have grown exponentially, we make everyone feel special and no one gets lost in the shuffle,” she said.

“We have very individualized services.”

Although the programs may seem large, the trained and backgroundchecked staff is focused on giving oneon-one attention so clients can have fun and be active community members.

Through the Fenix Group, they can volunteer at local food banks and senior living communities, and help families in domestic violence situations.

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“We love to get our clients out and into the community,” said Delmas Green, Fenix Group’s CEO. “For them to give back, it’s a win-win situation for both parties.”

Green and Tilley are proud of Fenix Group’s vocational training program that boasts 100 participants. An on-campus café employs several individuals.

“That speaks volumes for them as individuals to be able to earn a check every month, have self-worth and develop vocational skills that will hopefully someday catapult them into mainstream employment,” Tilley said. “This is their space and it’s a cool place to hang out.”

Building self-esteem, confidence and self-worth are paramount. To bolster those feelings, Fenix Group participants help maintain Loma Linda Park in Goodyear.

“Part of the training is learning to get out and adapt to the community,” Green said. “Our team worked with the city of Goodyear and we adopted

Loma Linda Park.”

Tris added, “It is truly a privilege and an honor to be able to serve this community, particularly in this area. It has been wonderful to watch it grow, to watch those who need a place to be, and creating that environment where they can come in and thrive and succeed where it is safe. They can just be themselves and have fun.”

Zumba classes, barbecues, parties and outings like bowling have become favorites of those being served by Fenix Group.

“This has been a lifelong passion of mine to continue to develop services and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities,” he said. “They, just as you and I, deserve to have a normal life as much as possible in the community with us, rather than stuck away in an institution.”

Fenix Group is located at 919 N. Dysart Road, Suite V, Avondale. For more information, visit fenixgroup.co/ avondale/ or call 623-882-2016.

Through Fenix Group, those with developmental disabilities serve the community. (Photo courtesy Fenix Group)

Tolleson grad honored for TV news reporting

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

As a Tolleson Union High School student, Christine Devine yearned to become the face of local TV news.

“I wanted to be the hometown girl in Phoenix,” Devine said. “But we don’t get to plan our destiny.”

Devine’s journey was much grander than that. After graduating from ASU in 1987, she worked in Tucson and then headed to the Los Angeles Fox affiliate KTTV. Recently, the Radio and Television News Association of Southern California honored her with a lifetime achievement award at the 68th annual Golden Mike Awards.

A 25-year TV news veteran, Devine has changed the lives of more than 700 kids in the foster care system through her weekly Wednesday’s Child segment. She also reported and anchored coverage of many of the region’s major news stories over recent years, from earthquakes and brush fires to crime and celebrity deaths and suicides.

“When someone says they’re giving

you a lifetime achievement award, you step back for a second,” she said. “It seems premature for a ‘lifetime achievement award.’ You feel you’re not really ready for it because you’re doing the daily grind and still working full time.

“However, I welcome any honor because I can talk about kids in foster care and adoption.”

Arizona girl

Devine was born in Hamburg, New York, but moved to Arizona with her parents, who are educators and Peace Corps members. They encouraged her educational endeavors and hoped she would become a teacher.

“I thought, ‘How about news?’” she said. “As reporters, we’re students of current events and that was that.”

During her time at TUHS, her father, Dr. Jack Devine, served as principal. She was valedictorian, and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.”

That she did. She is in the Walter Cronkite School of Broadcast

Journalism’s Hall of Fame, and received ASU’s Founders Day Alumni Achievement award. A former member of the ASU Alumni Association board, Devine attended the university on a leadership scholarship.

“Here’s the neatest thing: The vice president of the university, Dr. Christine Wilkinson, was on the very scholarship committee when I was up for the ASU Medallion of Merit as a junior in high school.

“It’s so great to work with her, to be a part of her legacy, a part of the growth of the university. It’s like a family. I’m still grateful to have that connection.”

Reporting the news is just one of her passions. She is a lifelong supporter of fostering and adopting.

Impacting Communities Forward. Looking at the Future with Hope.

The forum is an opportunity for Bolding to gather with students, faculty, and staff from EMCC, as well as members of the community to address issues and create solutions.

EMCC Community Forum Features State Representative LD 27 Reginald Bolding

10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, March 1, 2018

Estrella Conference Center, 3000 West Dysart Road

Attendance is free and open to the community!

“My own family fostered and adopted,” Devine said. “I know the realities of foster care—the highs and the lows; the difficulties, the challenges, the rewards. It’s something that speaks to me.”

Working long, hard hours can be difficult on any relationship, but Devine said she found the perfect partner in musician/actor Sean McNabb. They’ve been married for two years, but together for 13.

“He’s been in a lot of heavy metal

bands,” she said. “He’s that go-to guy who’s in a ton of bands—Quiet Riot, Great White, Dokken, Lynch Mob. He’s up at midnight and I’m getting home at midnight.

“We’re a good fit. We have strangers coming up to us and we understand. It’s a crazy, unique fit.”

Even though she’s been bestowed with a lifetime achievement award, Devine doesn’t see the end of her career.

“I’ll stay here as long as they let me come in the door,” she said.

Fox Los Angeles anchorwoman Christine Devine, a Tolleson Union High School graduate, is married to heavy metal musician Sean McNabb. (Photo courtesy Christine Devine)

Rep. Bolding to speak at EMCC forum

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

As part of Estrella Mountain Community College’s Black History Month events, State House Rep. Reginald Bolding will lead the discussion “Impacting Communities Forward. Looking at the Future with Hope.”

The event is from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, March 1, at the Estrella Conference Center, 3000 W. Dysart Road, Avondale. Admission is free and open to the community. The talk is an opportunity for Bolding to gather with EMCC students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the community to address issues and create solutions.

Other guests include Avondale Vice Mayor Bryan Kilgore, and student Karolyn Baldwin, who will read the paper The Cry of Our Communities. Bolding is an educator, community leader and social entrepreneur. A first-

generation college student, Bolding graduated at the top of his class from the University of Cincinnati, where he earned an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and international security. He turned down a full-ride law school scholarship to become a special education teacher in South Phoenix to teach underserved youth.

Growing up in an underserved neighborhood, Bolding wanted to help create change. He started a nonprofit to provide students from low-income communities access to internship opportunities at top Arizona companies. When he was 28, Bolding was elected to the Arizona House of Representatives representing downtown Phoenix, South Phoenix, Laveen, Tempe and the Gila River Indian Community.

to host Avondale’s

the City

By West Valley View staff

The city of Avondale will host its State of the City event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 22, as part of a business mixer focusing on economic development and business partnerships. In his keynote address, Mayor Kenneth Weise will highlight last year’s accomplishments, including the city’s development and redevelopment successes. The city will also highlight companies whose contributions and stories embody Avondale as “aspiring, achieving and accelerating.”

Following the mayor’s address, there will be opportunities to network, and sample refreshments provided by “uniquely Avondale” businesses.

“The State of the City event brings our business and development community together to share their success stories and to see what sets apart,” said Dan Davis, Avondale’s economic development director.

“Through its collective success, Avondale continues to grow and prosper,

and as a city, we are proud to support them. The State of the City event is an exciting opportunity for residents and the business community alike to learn about all that Avondale has to offer.”

For more information about the State of the City event, call 623-3331600. The event is open to the public, however, reservations are required by emailing rbrito@avondaleaz.gov. Avondale City Hall is located at 11465 W. Civic Center Drive.

Mayor Kenneth Weise. (Photo courtesy City of Avondale)

Celebrate Red Cross Month by giving blood in March

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

During Red Cross Month in March, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to join in its lifesaving mission by giving blood.

Since 1943, every U.S. president has designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world. Red Cross Month is a celebration of supporters who are the face of the Red Cross in their communities and bring hope to people facing emergencies.

Blood donor Timothy Sheely knows the need fi rsthand. His wife required 12 units of blood during emergency surgery following the birth of their son.

“If it had not been for blood donors, she might not have survived,” he said.

GOP...continued from page 1

for the Congressional District 8 special election. The primary was Tuesday, February 27, and results were not available as of press time. Calling himself a “proven conservative,” Montenegro is a Christian minister who is married with one child. He resigned from the senate and announced his CD8 campaign shortly after the surprise December 7 resignation of Rep. Trent Franks, who left his seat after receiving accusations of inappropriate workplace behavior.

Prior to Montenegro’s brief 2017 senate position, he served on the state House of Representatives from 2009 to 2017. Before switching directions to vie for Franks’ absent CD8 seat, he was running a campaign against incumbent Republican Secretary of State Michele

“Thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their mom. I can’t possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good.”

The Red Cross depends on blood donor heroes across the nation to collect enough blood to meet the needs of patients at approximately 2,600 hospitals nationwide. Donors of all blood types, especially type O, are needed to help those rely on blood products.

Make an appointment to become a hero to patients in need by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To help, simply download the

Reagan.

Responding to the press conference via statement on Facebook, Montenegro called Ryan “the Gloria Allred of Arizona,” adding “(Ryan) made a number of unfounded accusations, admitting that they were often things that he had no proof of, in an effort to sensationalize this story to do damage to me, my reputation, and my campaign. This was political theater and a pack of lies to effect (sic) this race.” Allred is a women’s rights attorney.

Montenegro and Holford stopped speaking temporarily, but resumed after Franks’ resignation.

“Sen. Montenegro wanted to make sure I was ‘cool’ and not going to be talking about our texting/snapping relationship. I assured him I did not want this to go public,” Holford’s

American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to

statement said.

Through Holford and her attorney, it was alleged that multiple images and texts had been taken from Holford’s computer by Kent Lyons, an exboyfriend, without her knowledge and, subsequently, shopped around to the media.

Because of Arizona law, “revenge porn” cases can result in felony charges, Ryan said.

At print time, Lyons’ attorney, Jason Lamm, had not responded to the West Valley View’s request for comment.

Initially, Montenegro called the accusations “tabloid trash” in a statement posted on his campaign Facebook Tuesday, February 20.

“As a Hispanic conservative, I knew they would stop at nothing to prevent me from going to Washington, D.C., and fighting for the working families

complete their predonation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play an important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, contact lisa.jenk@ redcross.org or visit rdcrss.org/driver.

of our district just like I fought for the people at the State Capitol,” the statement read. “They have always worked hard to stop me and I knew that this race would be no different. But I assumed the distortions would be limited to my votes or positions on issues.”

A day later, however, Montenegro confirmed the existence of the text messages but denied any wrongdoing in an interview with The Washington Examiner. He said he did not solicit, or request, the photos.

“I want you to know I did not have any inappropriate relationships with this woman,” Montenegro told The Washington Examiner. “At no time have I been inappropriately involved with any staffer – nor have I ever. I have not solicited inappropriate material via text message or any other message.”

OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Vote Lesko

Editor:

Sometimes big things happen around us and we can be oblivious to it. Such a thing occurred in the last couple of years. It is one of the reasons Debbie Lesko was named 2016 “Senator of the Year” by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She sponsored Public Safety Personnel Retirement System pension reform. It required a constitutional amendment. She got the police officers, firefighters, correction officers and probation officers on board. Majorities in both legislative chambers approved it. It went to statewide ballot and Arizonans overwhelming approved it. It is almost unheard of these days to successfully amend a state constitution, as the bar is so high. She did it. Getting this kind of consensus for pension reform is amazing.

The public pension plan was financially unsustainable. The reform saved it.

As of the latest data available, we are now the 10th lowest state for public pension obligations as a percentage of gross state product. We are the 20th lowest state for debt ratio. There are states that are drowning in debt ratio and public pension debt like New Jersey and Illinois. Unfortunately for them, they don’t have a Debbie Lesko to solve their pension problem.

Debbie is the kind of hard-working, problem-solving, consensus builder, and results-oriented person we need in Washington to represent CD 8.

Paul Mueller Peoria

It’s all about values

Editor:

The culture war is raging in America. It is between those who love and care about people and those who worship things. It’s all about values—our nation’s values and the love of our fellow man, woman and child.

Our nation was not built on the values of a man who believes that he must have a gold toilet.

The U.S. Marines who raised the flag on Iwo Jima and those who died in the battle leading up to that iconic

picture weren’t fighting for the values that are displayed by the gold toilet. They wanted to keep each other safe and liberate the islands in the South Pacific. They cared about each other. When people sing, “What a friend we have in Jesus,” they are thinking about how Jesus is celebrated for his help of the poor and feeding the hungry. Those are the values that are common to all religions and that Americans like to believe we were founded on. Those are the values we say we want to embrace today.

Pride, patriotism, hard work, growing businesses, motherhood, apple pie and the flag. Did I miss any? Yes. Sitcoms. These are symbols not ends in themselves.

When we extol motherhood but cut funds so that children go hungry and can’t get health care we don’t honor our country’s values. We make a mockery of those values. When we get excited by the pilots flying F-35 fighters and abandon the veterans who have served and fought and flown in our military, we make a mockery of those American values that we claim to hold dear. When we attack the press and attempt to curb its ability to report news, we violate the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the freedom of speech that is so fundamental to whom we are.

Some would like to say that progressive is a dirty word. It means in favor of progress. It’s the reason that we have those fighter planes. We were not content to confine transportation to a horse and buggy. Progressive is what brought us radio, television (that’s right, no sitcoms without progressives), central air conditioning and everything else that brought us out of the Stone Age.

I am clear that even the richest among us can’t take it with them and that I will spend my time here working to make this a country that values and helps all of its people. These are the values that can be found among Democrats and we need to vote Democrats in at every level of government, if we want to see a government that is more responsive to our needs and more in tune with our values.

Eileen Fein Goodyear

Send a message to the NRA

Editor:

Trent Franks’ CD8 seat is up for grabs, with primaries and elections coming soon. Jeff Knox of The Firearms Coalition wrote a long endorsement of Steve Montenegro in the February 14 West Valley View. His reason for the glowing recommendation? Montenegro’s A+ voting record given by the NRA. On February 14, the very same day that letter appeared in the West Valley View, a mass shooting occurred in a Florida high school, leaving 17 people dead and 14 injured. According to Jeff Knox, “several other candidates have received an ‘A’ grade from the NRA, but only Montenegro earned an A+” for going above and beyond the call in promoting the use of firearms. What does the NRA expect when it awards grades and doles out millions of dollars annually to politicians and candidates? Easy, the NRA expects the recipients to vote the way they are told to vote. They are buying votes. Oppose gun legislation and you receive tons of money for your campaign. Vote for gun legislation and the NRA will intimidate by organizing primary ads and opponents against you. Many millions of dollars are spent annually by the NRA to buy the votes of our elected representatives and millions more are spent on intimidation. One way to

change this corrupt system is to vote for candidates who are not in the pockets of the NRA, and reject candidates who have A+ ratings from the NRA. In fact, vote against any candidate at whatever level who takes money from the NRA. I’m so glad Jeff Knox pointed out that Montenegro earned himself an “A+” from the NRA because I won’t have to check his record. It is time for our elected representatives to tackle gun control. Let’s say goodbye to incessant hand-wringing and pointless prayers for the families of dead children and instead do something practical: use our votes in the coming elections to send a message to the NRA and the compliant politicians who enable this corrupt organization.

Susan Alves Litchfield Park

250 N. Litchfield Road, Ste. 130, Goodyear, AZ 85340 E-mail: editor@westvalleyview.com

The West Valley View welcomes letters that express readers’opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The West Valley View will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The West Valley View will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the View, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to gun violence

By David Leibowitz

Here’s a modest proposal, one that makes perfect sense in 2018, when our nation has never been more divided: Rather than an American flag colored red, white and blue, as we’ve had for going on 242 years, perhaps it’s time to change the Stars and Stripes to our new official colors.

Black and white.

I say that because every issue nowadays appears to be exactly that for most Americans – black or white, either-or, Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, pro or anti. With no issue is this more apparent than when it comes to the mass shootings that continue to occur at an unprecedented clip. How bad is it?

America makes up five percent of the global population, yet over the past 50 years we have produced more than 30 percent of the world’s mass shooters. Our answer? So far, not a damn thing. That’s because every time a lunatic opens fire with an AR-15 in a school or a movie theater, a government building or a Las Vegas concert, we line up in two factions and scream at the top of our lungs.

On one side? Those who see gun control alone as the answer – and the National Rifle Association and Second Amendment diehards as the enemy. On the other side? The “you’ll limit gun ownership over my dead body” crowd. They see mass shootings not as a gun problem, but as a mental-health problem, because “guns don’t kill people, crazy people kill people.”

Here’s a news flash. Both sides are absolutely right. And both sides could not be more wrong.

The truth? Mass shootings are exactly like every other complex social issue we face in America: Nuanced events determined by multiple causes, impossible to prevent with a “one size fits all” response. The solutions to such complicated issues are themselves complicated, not black and white, nor either-or. No set of solutions will prevent every mass shooting. But a set

of solutions that weaves together BOTH sensible gun-control laws AND better mental-health screening and services would be a good start against what has become America’s weekly ritual: Wholesale slaughter by killers who, in retrospect, inevitably had not one problem that required solving, but two – access to high-powered killing machines and serious mental issues that could have been red flags, but somehow got missed, as was the case with Nikolas Cruz of Parkland, Florida, infamy.

I can’t say with certainty that the Parkland massacre would have been prevented by a comprehensive approach combining stricter gun laws – like forbidding the mentally ill from buying guns, for starters – with better mentalhealth screening – including potentially committing someone like Cruz, who exhibited more red flags than a Soviet military parade. But here’s what I can

say: Doing nothing is unacceptable. Yet that’s where we find ourselves, because of the societal and political gridlock created by our insistence on approaching mass gun killings in an exclusively “either-or” manner.

The truth? We can continue to view this issue as black and white and do nothing. That approach will help political candidates stoke their bases and attract votes, but it will not stanch the flow of blood in our streets, schools and public spaces. Or we can open our minds to the complexity of this issue and do what America used to do, back when we weren’t simply a collection of red states and blue states united by little more than geography, 325 million partisans who would rather make Facebook posts than save lives.

We used to solve problems in this country. Now, screaming is what we do best. And funerals. Because we’ve had so much practice.

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

David Leibowitz. (Photo courtesy Advisor Group)

Business Briefcase

By Connor Dziawura

Hello, everyone. Welcome back to another rousing edition of Business Briefcase where I bring you all the greatest new or improved businesses, and events that can perhaps help you improve your own business! As there is much to discuss this week, I’m not going to linger on any initial notes this time around. Well, let’s get on with it, shall we? Here’s the news!

First, King Koil announced a new 90,000-square-foot mattress manufacturing facility to begin operations soon in Avondale. The facility is projected for an April launch, and will initially employ 50 people.

“I am proud to have the city of Avondale chosen as home to King Koil’s first manufacturing facility,” said Avondale Mayor Kenn Weise. “King Koil strives to be ‘Best in Class’ in the mattress industry. That commitment and vision runs parallel to Avondale’s commitment to our residents and businesses. We know King Koil will be a quality manufacturer offering great jobs to Avondale residents and the West Valley.”

King Koil recently announced plans to shift from a licensing structure to a direct-to-retail business model, and it formed a strategic partnership with Blue Bell Mattress. The new facility will serve the company’s western retail partners in Arizona, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

“Our new King Koil factory is a key component of our new direct-to-retail manufacturing strategy,” said David Binke, chief executive officer of King Koil. “Designed and outfitted with

the latest machinery in the bedding industry, the Arizona factory will enhance our efficiency as we continue to implement our new platform.

“By controlling our own manufacturing base, we’ll be able to be (sic) respond faster to our retail partners’ needs with a keen focus on helping them improve their margins on King Koil bedding sales.”

It won’t just focus on manufacturing, though. Also on site will be plant management and customer service offices, as well as a “sophisticated” audio-visual conference room and a 2,500-square-foot showroom.

Next, Credit Union West is participating in Military Saves Week, February 26 to March 2. The week of events, held by Military Saves with the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Financial Readiness Campaign, is a national campaign designed to help active duty military members ensure financial security.

Credit Union West’s contributions include awareness banners near Luke Air Force Base, promotional offers and prizes. Luke AFB will be the site of multiple events throughout the week.

Credit Union West will also hold two educational workshops, Understanding Your Credit Score and Tips for Vehicle Buying, at the Fighter Country Partnerships’ Financial Expo at the Wigwam Resort March 3. Additional expo resources include financial resources and workshops, and prizes. Active duty military and current Department of Defense cardholders are invited.

financial principles empowers them,” said Bob MacGregor, Credit Union West’s president and CEO. “And, giving them the resources to implement that knowledge allows them to build a more secure future. We’re proud to be a consistent contributor to Military Saves Week.”

During the weeklong campaign, Military Saves and the DOD Financial Readiness Campaign offer educational information in an effort to inspire active duty military members to take the Military Saves pledge and set goals and a plan to save money.

For more information on Military Saves week, visit militarysaves.org/ organizations/military-saves-week.

On Monday, March 5, Lunch N Learn will return with a How Small Business Needs to be Protected focus. Set from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce event will feature a crash course from LegalShield Independent Associate Bea Wallace on the importance of having legal protection early on. Fellow Independent Associate Cassie Prinke will rejoin Wallace, and dessert and refreshments will also be provided. Lunch, however, is on a “bring your own bag” basis. If you’re interested in attending, be sure to RSVP (it’s required!) and show up to the chamber at 289 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, on March 5. Register with Wallace at bworryfree1@gmail.com or 480-284-2158.

The city is looking for vendors, groups and K9 service businesses willing to participate. The event is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For more information, call 623-349-6350 or email recreation@buckeyeaz.gov.

Beyond the business needs of the event, a Bark Busters Agility Course, Dane Haven Great Dane Kissing Booth, small dog races and longest tail and ear competition are among the many fun activities available. Finally, Buckeye Animal Reuse Kennel, Rainbow Valley Animal Search & Rescue and Greyhound Rescue will be present, while Phoenix Disc Dogs, the Buckeye K9 Unit and Rugged Cross Kennel and Dog Training will conduct demonstrations.

Let me round out with a grand reopening of a West Valley business. The PPEP Integrated Care DTA program is the organization, and the grand reopening event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 15. It is located at Dysart Business Park, 811 E. Riley Drive Suites 1-3, Avondale.

The grand reopening will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and appearances by the CEO/founder, directors and members’ parents. It is open to the public.

“We’re all excited about it,” said Interim Program Coordinator Elizabeth Encinas.

“Helping military families learn

In Buckeye comes Dog Days of Buckeye, presented by the city of Buckeye Community Services Department and Abrazo West Campus.

Visitors will find the day treatment for adults program, formerly located in suites one and two of the park, now occupies a third suite. It is one of the

March 3rd, 9am-7pm & March 4th, 9am-4pm

Briefcase...continued on page 12

Childhood friends bring their passion for coffee to Verrado

By Juan Escobedo

Best friends since the age of 7, Karlie Bakke and Liz Schwartz migrated to Buckeye from Spearfish, South Dakota, to pursue their dream of running a coffee shop.

Their childhood dream came true in October 2017, when they opened the doors of Ebb and Flow Coffee Co., located in a space on Main Street Verrado recommended by Schwartz’s parents, who live in the area.

“It’s always been something that I’ve wanted to do,” Schwartz said. “The opportunity arose and we were at the right place at the right time and I reached out to Karlie and it’s been a dream come true.”

Before opening the coffee shop, Bakke, a sociology and psychology major, was working as an activities director for a nursing home in South Dakota. Schwartz, on the other hand, worked with children through their time in the hospital. She studied human development and family studies, as well as business administration.

Bakke and Schwartz had much to take away from their first few months

in business but they both agreed that they learned a lot about themselves and one another.

“We’ve learned each others strengths and weaknesses,” Schwartz said. “We balance each other out in every way possible.”

Bakke added, “I think we’ve learned a lot about each other and our friendship. It’s amazing but we haven’t had a single fight yet, knock on wood, but we’ve learned how important communication is with each other and our customers.”

Bakke and Schwartz have different translations for the name Ebb and Flow.

To Schwartz, the name means “the coming and going of customers everyday leaving something behind and taking something with them.” Bakke takes the name metaphorically as, “the decline and regrowth of the human spirit. We were both at this point in our lives where we were ready for something new and ready for some regrowth.”

Everything at Ebb and Flow has a story. From the logo designed by their high school friend to the mugs that came from

family members, thrift stores, regulars or are homemade, “there are little stories everywhere,” Bakke said.

“We both have a very similar vison,” Schwartz added. “We were very like minded in what we wanted our mission to be, and our main mission was community. It was about being able to have a place where people can gather and have coffee while having quality products.”

According to Bakke, Ebb and Flow stands out among other coffee shops because “We tried to bring some of the Midwest to the desert.” Schwartz said it was important to her that Ebb and Flow had a couch because they are common in Midwest coffee shops. The shop also has an eight-tap kegerator with nitro cold brew coffee on tap, their own freshly brewed teas and even kombucha, a fermented tea, which is good for your digestion. Ebb and Flow offers vegan and gluten-free dishes, too.

pineapple, banana and orange juice for $8.

“We wanted to make sure there was something for everyone, because there are so many different people in Verrado,” Bakke said.

Ebb and Flow’s large and diverse menu includes not only coffee, but also iced teas for $3, hot chocolate from $2.50 to $4, Italian soda for $3.75, and smoothies from $5.50 to $7.50. Also on the menu are breakfast sandwiches for $4, bagels for $2.75, yogurt granola bowls for $4.50, a hummus platter for $6 and fruit bowls with clever names like, “It Takes Two to Mango,” with mango,

Briefcase...continued from page 11

oldest programs from PPEP Inc., and was started in Tolleson before it expanded to Avondale. It has been in the West Valley for about 25 years, Encinas said.

“We’re a DTA; we’re a day program that provides services for special needs adults,” Encinas explained.

The Monday through Friday program has 27 members and provides AM/PM transport, she said.

“You can find a lot of DTAs in the Valley and the West Valley here in Avondale, but what makes our DTA unique and different is we’re more like a family-type DTA,” she said. “There are members who have been here for

Ebb and Flow values community, customer service and quality, Bakke said. Everything at Ebb and Flow is locally gathered, including their produce and milk from Peddler’s Son, and the coffee beans from Cult Coffee Roasters of Phoenix.

“We’ve learned so much about Verrado,” Bakke said. “We love it here.”

Ebb and Flow Coffee Co. 21084 W Main Street, Suite 101, Buckeye 623-476-2348 ebbandflowcoffeeco.com

over 15 years and can probably go back to maybe even 20 years.”

The DTA program, however, is just one of PPEP Inc.’s many ventures.

“PPEP has a lot of businesses everywhere from DTAs to group homes, and they also help people in need to start their micro-businesses,” Encinas added.

That’s all the briefs for this week. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more developments in the coming weeks!

Have an item for Business Briefcase? Email Connor Dziawura at cdziawura@timespublications.com

Liz Schwartz and Karlie Bakke smile from behind the bar. (West Valley View photo by Jordan Christopher)

Desert Edge 152-pounder wins state championship

By Casey Pritchard

Gabriel Gallego didn’t place in last year’s Division I state tournament. This year, he was a Division II state champion.

Gallego moved from Millennium to Desert Edge this season and missed half the year because of the transfer rule, but that didn’t stop him from accomplishing wrestling’s ultimate individual goal.

Gallego rolled through the 152-pound weight class as the No. 1 seed, winning the title February 9 at Prescott Valley Event Center by defeating Daivon Lee of Mountain View Marana 11-3.

“When I won it, I didn’t feel very ecstatic or excited because it was something that I earned,” said Gallego, a junior. “This year, I put in so much work I know I deserved it. It didn’t feel like I got lucky.”

Last year, Gallego lost in the 138-pound consolation bracket. It was only his second year wrestling, as he didn’t start until his freshman year.

“I didn’t know what I was doing,” Gallego said. “It was like getting thrown to a pack of wolves.”

Gallego has worked hard since then. In addition to his practices at Desert Edge, he trained with Angel Cejudo of Olympus Wrestling Club in Scottsdale. Between school and club, Gallego had nine practices per week.

“He helped me a lot,” Gallego said of Cejudo. “I found him my freshman year summer and he brought me up from knowing absolutely nothing to a two-year wrestler state champ.”

Ruben Carroll, Desert Edge’s wrestling coach, attested to Gallego’s work ethic.

“He really worked his butt off inside of our room and outside of our room,” Carroll said. “It (state championship) was well deserved for him … He doesn’t have a lot of experience under his belt as far as years go, but he’s put in a lot of time.”

Gallego’s overall record was 19-1. His only loss was to the Division I state champion during a season match.

With one more year of high school wrestling to go, Gallego has a chance to repeat as state champion next year. His immediate goal is focusing on the

Cadet/Junior National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota, in July. Gallego said he’s hoping wrestling will lead to a college scholarship so he can study mechanical engineering. He likes wrestling because it’s such a challenge.

“It’s not a sport where you are at the top if you’re naturally athletic,” Gallego said. “It’s something you have to work really hard at to get to the top.”

In addition to Gallego, two other Desert Edge wrestlers placed at state. Josh Vigh was a runner up for the second straight year. Vigh, who wrestles at 170 pounds, lost to Shaun dell Hawkins of Williams Field 18-5 in the championship.

“The score was pretty bad,” Carroll said. “I don’t know what happened, but on bottom he wasn’t wrestling well, and that other guy was really tough on top. On feet, we scored first, we were looking really good on feet, but once that guy got on top he worked us pretty good.”

Vigh’s second-place finish marked the fourth consecutive year the senior placed in the state tournament. He was fourth as a freshman, third as a

sophomore and runner-up each of the last two years.

“We were hoping this was going to be the year, but it didn’t pan out that way,” Carroll said.

Vigh’s second-place showing came on the heels of a broken hand suffered early in the season. Vigh only wrestled 19 matches, but went 17-2.

The Scorpions’ other state placer was Isaac Sandoval, who finished fifth at 220 pounds. Sandoval had to win three matches in the consolation bracket to secure fifth.

“We’re proud of him for getting fifth,” Carroll said. “Last year, he got fourth. Not a huge change, but he had some hiccups on the road. He had some obstacles this year and overcame them and still did well.

As a team, Desert Edge finished ninth with 66.5 points. Carroll said he thinks the Scorpions could have finished higher if not for a late season injury.

“Kody Ball would have been ranked No. 3 in the state but hurt his knee,” Carroll said.

Superstar’s basketball camp coming to Millennium

By Ron Sanzone

Aspiring West Valley basketball players of all talents will soon have the opportunity to hone their skills with one of the world’s greatest female basketball players.

Three-time WNBA All-Star and Dallas Wings’ starting point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith will bring her Shoot 4 the Sky basketball camp to Millennium High School in Goodyear

on Saturday, March 17. The camp is open to boys and girls between the ages of 7 and 18 at a cost of $100 per child.

Millennium Assistant Vice Principal/ Athletic Director Remigio Gordillo’s daughter attended the camp in Phoenix last year. Impressed, Gordillo lobbied successfully to have the nationally touring camp stop at his school.

“Historically, the west side of town hasn’t gotten opportunities like this,” he said. “They usually occur on the east side, (but) the west side has grown financially and there are a lot of youth out here who could attend these things and benefit from them.”

Last year, Gordillo observed youth learning lessons that apply well beyond the hardwood. He said camp attendees “learn that whatever your goal or dream is, if you work toward it, you can make it a reality. You’re literally talking and interacting with someone who, at a young age, had a dream, had a goal and made it a reality.”

While youngsters often hear that same message from parents, teachers and school administrators, receiving such encouragement from a superstar athlete has its own additional benefits.

“Children feel good about themselves knowing someone like that takes the time to invest in them,” he said. Camp attendees “walk out of there really inspired in all aspects of life.”

enrolled her in the upcoming camp because he believes that DigginsSmith’s presence will distinguish this camp from

reinforcement

Avondale resident Michael Wiley is hoping the positive reinforcement will rub off on his 8-yearold daughter, Elizabeth. He

others.

“I think she’s somebody who would make a good impression on my daughter,” Wiley said. “She’s a good role model. She’s womanly, but on the basketball court she’s an athlete. She’s tough.”

somebody who said. “She’s a good womanly, but on the She’s tough.”

If the camp is well attended, Gordillo said he believes it could serve as a launching pad for future events in the area. By setting a precedent that a high-profi le camp can be successfully staged in the West Valley, “I think it will open the door for other camps not just in basketball, but in other sports.”

For more information or to register, visit shoot4thesky.com. Gordillo can be reached at rgordillo@aguafria.org or 623-932-7200, and asking for the athletic department.

Three-time WNBA All-Star and Dallas Wings' starting point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith is coming to Millennium High School in Goodyear. The renowned athlete will bring her Shoot 4 the Sky basketball camp to West Valley students on Saturday, March 17. (Photo courtesy www.d210.tv)

tivities. Books will be provided for registered families. For information, call 602-652-3456.

Thursday MARCH

e West Valley View publishes on Wednesday. e 9 Days a Week calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extending to Estrella in the south and Tonopah in the west. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the View’s circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

9 Days a Week calendar items print on a space-available basis. e only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Rachel Hagerman, rhagerman@timespublications.com or faxed to 623-935-2103.

Wednesday FEBRUARY

Tres

Rios Nature Festival

1

Recreation Campus Idea Sharing Session

Join a brainstorming session to transform 86 acres on the corner of Goodyear Boulevard and Estrella Parkway from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Goodyear Branch Library, 14455 W. Van Buren Street. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Preschool Time

Help prepare preschoolers for reading through music, books, games and crafts from 10:15 to 11 a.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3000.

The Carol Rugh Film Series

The Coyote Branch Library at 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye, invites classic movie lovers to a showing of Going My Way from 6 to 8 p.m. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Stay and Play

The Goodyear Branch Library at 14455 W. Van Buren Street invites parents to bring their children through age 5 to a fun play group at 10:15 a.m. that builds children’s motor and social skills. Toys can be checked out and brought home at the end of play group. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Enjoy the outdoors at a nature festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Base & Meridian Wildlife Recreation Area, 7601 S. Avondale Boulevard, Avondale. The festival will include kid-friendly activities, vendors, free access to canoes, live music, fishing, hiking and more. For information, call 623-333-2400.

Heirloom Gardening

Donna Hamill, author of Baskets of Butterflies, will discuss her research on the heirloom seeds used by Native Americans hundreds of years ago at 3 p.m. at the White Tank Regional Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. For information, visit http://evanced.mcldaz.org/.

Buckeye Valley Daughters of American Revolution

Blood Drive

The DAR is a nonprofit group that works to promote historic preservation and serve the community. The group is welcoming new members and meets at 1 p.m. at the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce, 508 E Monroe Avenue. For information, email Ms. Davis at gdavis1003@aol.com.

an Church’s Classroom C at 918 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, for the Hope support group from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The goal of the group is to provide help for those struggling with any mental disorder by sharing experiences and supporting others. For information, call 480-994-4407.

Ignite Yoga at Fitness in the Park Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature yogic postures, alignment and breathing on Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Baby Time

The Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street invites babies and their caregivers to an interactive play time at 1 p.m. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Baby Time

Sunday

28

Come & Play with Me

Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library hosts a weekly open-play group at 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale, at 11 a.m. for children through age 5. For information, call 623-333-2601.

Children’s Community Choir

The Church at Litchfield Park offers a free music program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Grades three through five will start at 5 p.m. and kindergarten through second grade will begin at 5:30 p.m. at 300 N. Old Litchfield Road. For information, call 623-935-3411.

Verrado Visionaries

Stop by the Verrado Grille at 4242 N. Golf Drive, Buckeye, to join fellow businessmen in a West Valley networking group at 7 a.m. each Wednesday. For information, call 623-640-6268.

POUND at Fitness in the Park Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature a fast-paced workout with drumsticks on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Junior

Book Club (Ages 8-12)

Children are encouraged to read a book each month before joining Lila for a book discussion and activities from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. at the Tolleson Public Library, 9555 W. Van Buren Street. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Preschoolers Storytime

The Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street invites preschool-age children to read books, sing songs and take part in activities at 11 a.m. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Family Book Club

Litchfield Park Branch Library at 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard holds a monthly book club for children ages 9-12 and their parents. Come down to the library from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to read a great book, discuss and enjoy snacks and ac-

Bring babies through age 2 for an interactive lap-sit program with books and music at 11:15 a.m. at the Goodyear Branch Library, 14455 W. Van Buren Street. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Al-Anon Stepping Stones

The Christ Presbyterian Church at 925 N. Sarival Avenue, Goodyear, hosts a weekly Al-Anon meeting at 7 p.m. Al-Anon seeks to support the friends and families of alcoholics. For information, call 623-882-0721.

Alateen

The Christ Presbyterian Church at 925 N. Sarival Avenue, Goodyear, hosts a weekly Al-Anon meeting at 7 p.m. Alateen allows teens affected by someone else’s drinking to share experiences, learn effective ways to cope with obstacles and support the friends and families of alcoholics. For information, call 623-882-0721.

Toddler Storytime

Bring children to the Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street, so they can hear picture books read aloud and play with other toddlers at 11 a.m. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Friday

The American Red Cross is holding a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Estrella Mountain Church, 10485 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are available. For information, call 1-800-733-2767.

Saturday

St. Peter’s RePete Boutique

3

Stop by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 400 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, for casual and formal apparel, jewelry, books, household items and home décor between 9 a.m. and noon. For more information, call 623-935-3279.

Spring

Art & Wine Festival

Enjoy a free art festival featuring over 200 art booths, a beer and wine garden, culinary demonstrations, live music, food and more from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library lawn, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3000.

2

Free Movie in the Park

Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy Despicable Me 3 with other families from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Tartesso Sports Park, W. Tartesso Parkway, Buckeye. Food trucks will be on site. For information, visit www.buckeyeaz.gov/events.

Dog Days of Buckeye Dog owners are invited to bring their pets for a free event with K-9 activities, vendors, adoption services and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6604.

4

Sea Lions at Shipwreck Cove

Come see an educational show starring California Sea Lions and skilled trainers at 11:30 a.m. in a pirate-themed exhibit at Wildlife World Zoo, 16501 W. Northern Avenue, Litchfield Park. This show is free with admission. For information, call 623-935-9453.

Buckeye Stargazing Event

Take a guided night sky tour to view the moon, planets, stars and galaxies from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Skyline Regional Park, 2600 N. Watson Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Visit a book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with half-price hardback, paperbacks, fiction, non-fiction and more at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. Proceeds support programs at the library. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Monday

Adult Book Club

Stop by the Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street to pick up and read a copy of Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo before the library’s discussion from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. For information, call 623-936-2746.

ASL Classes

The Coyote Branch Library at 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye, is offering an ongoing series of classes on American Sign Language at 2 p.m. on Mondays. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Tuesday

Bingo

5

The American Legion Post #61 hosts bingo each Tuesday night starting at 6:45 p.m. These bingo nights have 17 games including Quickie, Early Bird, Double Action and a $1,000 progressive game. Come down to 35 N. Dysart Road, Avondale, to support the area’s

youth and veterans. For information, call 623-932-4960.

Buckeye Business Connection

Buckeye Chamber hosts the Buckeye Business Connection from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Chamber office at 508 E. Monroe Avenue. This group serves coffee and a light breakfast and networks with business members in the community. Each week, there will also be a different guest speaker. For information, call 623-386-2727.

Quilters Anonymous

Quilters Anonymous is calling all quilters to meet and work with fellow crafters at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Bingo Hall, 3690 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear. For information, call 602-418-3746.

PiYo at Fitness in the Park Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature pilates and yoga on Tuesdays from

6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Tech Help

Master eBooks, email, Word and more from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Tolleson Public Library, 9555 W. Van Buren Street. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Computer Class: Facebook

Grow your social media skills by learning how to use Facebook from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3457.

The Saguaro Unit of All Arizona School Retirees Association Meeting

The group will meet at 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Corral, 420 N. Dysart Road. The guest speaker will be from the American Diabetes Association. All school retirees are invited to attend as guests.

Wednesday

Preschoolers Storytime

The Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street invites preschool-age children to read books, sing songs and take part in activities at 11 a.m. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Lunch & Bunco

Come down to the Goodyear Library at 14455 W. Van Buren Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, Bunco and prizes. The cost is $15. Registration is required. For information, call 623-882-7525.

STEAM Spot

The Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library at 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale, holds an interactive program for kids interested in science, technology, engineering, art and math from 2 to 3 p.m. For information, call 623-333-2601.

Needle & Thread

STEAM Fest Family Event

Stop by the Avondale Civic Center Library at 11350 Civic Center Drive from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. to explore experiment booths, games, activities and science demonstrations. For information, call 623-333-2601.

Teen Volunteer Wednesdays (Ages 12-18)

Teens looking to meet new friends and volunteer for school credit can meet at the Avondale Civic Center Library’s Volunteer Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at 11350 Civic Center Drive. For information, call 623-333-2602.

Grief Support Group

The Desert Springs Community Church at 14440 W. Indian School Road, Goodyear, hosts a weekly support group from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. each Thursday. The group invites those looking for support during life’s difficult experiences. For information, call 623-435-2105.

The Avondale Civic Center Library at 11350 W. Civic Center Drive invites adults to bring a coffee mug and materials to join fellow crafters for needlework, knitting and crocheting at 10:30 a.m. For information, call 623-333-2602.

Thursday In Stitches in Goodyear

8

Enjoy tea and coffee and meet fellow crafters and work on crochet, knitting or sewing projects. Come by the Goodyear Branch Library at 14455 W. Van Buren Street from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to join. For information, call 602-652-3000.

CrossFit Fury at Fitness in the Park Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature cardio, weight lifting and core training on Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Tynker Code Club (Ages 6-8)

Learn to code while playing computer games from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Computer Class (Ages 18+)

Master mouse skills, Microsoft Word, basic internet, email and more at 11 a.m. at the Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive. For information, call 623-333-2602.

Code Club

The Downtown Buckeye Public Library invites kids age 8-12 to come to 310 N. Sixth Street at 5 p.m. to learn how to create video games and websites. Registration is required. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Festival Sage Rec Center

Bookmobile

The Bookmobile, a library on wheels, will be at 26501 W. Desert Vista Boulevard, Buckeye, from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors can get library cards and check out and return books. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Tres Rios Nature Festival celebrates 15 years

By Krys Estes

On the banks of the Tres Rios, which translates to “Three Rivers,” nature lovers, friends and family will come together for the 15th annual Spring Tres Rios Nature Festival to celebrate plants, animals, ecological relationships.

Guests enjoy other recreational opportunities along the Gila, Salt and Agua Fria rivers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4.

“It started with Arizona Game and Fish wanting to showcase the beautiful Base & Meridian Wildlife area as a recreation area for the public and thought an outdoor recreation festival would allow people to see and experience the area. They partnered with the city of Avondale and other surrounding cities and county staff to organize and produce the first event,” said Stacey Lindsay, event coordinator.

The admission is free and will feature kid-friendly activities, educational

displays, entertainment and vendors, wildlife such as local birds, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding sponsored by REI, archery, fishing and the opportunity to learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) and food.

This year, the festival will have headlining entertainment by folk, bluegrass and country talents including Run Boy Run, Jam Pak, D-Squared and Jarabe Mexicano. They will perform along the river from 6 to 7:30 p.m. March 3. This will also be the first year the festival will have a beer garden with the perfect view of the stage (patrons for this must be 21 years of age or older).

“I love seeing kids experience activities like canoeing and fishing, many for the first time,” Lindsay said.

“It’s such a relaxing, fun atmosphere with the live music being heard over the water and there is so much to do— all for free. There is nothing else like it in the Valley.”

Spring Tres Rios Nature Festival Base and Meridian Wildlife Area, adjacent to ISM Raceway,

Glendale resident Logan Young, 11, learns to fish at the fishing clinic with his father, Jeff, at the Annual Tres Rios Nature Festival, Avondale, March 6, 2017. (West Valley View photo by Jordan Christopher)

Buckeye man honored at agricultural conference

By Andrea Tarble

The Agricultural Retailers Association honored “Rising Star” Cash Veo of Buckeye at its recent conference in Phoenix.

Nearly 700 retailers and representatives discussed agricultural hot topics during the three-day conference that ended with an address by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

Companies that attended the conference were asked to nominate a staff member who exemplified the qualities of a developing leader in the industry. The Wilbur-Ellis Company chose Veo, an agronomist branch manager, and, like the other “Rising Stars,” he was honored at a reception sponsored by Yargus

Manufacturing, of Marshall, Illinois. Yargus Manufacturing engineers, manufactures and installs custom blending and conveying equipment for the fertilizer and industrial marketplace.

The Agriculture Retailers Association is a nonprofit trade association that advocates, influences, educates and provides services to support sellers of seeds, nutrients, crop protection products, farm equipment, precision technology and agronomic services.

Interior Designer for Hire turns home from drab to fab

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

As an interior designer, Lussi Baumgartner loves to help people create their dream homes.

“I love to basically create dreams,” said Baumgartner of Goodyear, who owns LB Interiors. “Every client is different and I love the challenge. I like to solve problems, create beautiful spaces and meet phenomenal people.”

Born in Italy, Baumgartner will be helping even more folks as part of the Interior Designer for Hire program through the Arizona North chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Held through April 30, the program gives homeowners the chance to meet with a professional at a reduced rate, $75 per hour, maximum of two hours. Designers volunteer their time and the fees collected are used for student scholarships and educational programs. To register, visit azn.asid.org/.

Designer consultations are available Valleywide and in Northern Arizona.

“We are excited to bring this program back again this year,” said Tabitha Evans, president of Arizona North chapter of ASID. “Interior Designer for Hire gives homeowners a unique one-on-one inhome opportunity with a professional interior designer on refreshing or updating their home or office.”

Baumgartner has been participating for four years.

“This is a win-win for both parties in this program,” she said. “I have to bring my ‘A’ game. I love giving my time. You never know, you could meet potential, phenomenal clients and cultivate business.”

Based in North Phoenix, LB Interiors will take on projects from “floor to ceiling,” said Baumgartner, a former designer for Ethan Allen.

“I do everything inside—remodel, blueprint, furniture. That’s the majority of them. This is my passion, though. I love everything about it.”

Jarabe Mexicano

Mariachi & Harmonized Vocals

Run Boy Run

Bluegrass & Folk

Spring blooms hail art and wine festival

By Cheri Newton

The Litchfield Park Art and Wine Festival has returned and more than 20,000 people are expected to imbibe.

Set for Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4, the award-winning festival will feature artists and crafters displaying and selling their creations. It will also host musicians, and a beer and wine garden to quench the discerning tastes of wine and beer enthusiasts.

“We enjoy welcoming people to Litchfield Park, letting them see the beauty that it is,” said Tricia Kramer, Litchfield Park’s special events coordinator.

“This city values the arts.”

Festival promoter Candy Vermillion estimated about 175 artisans will display their work, including a glass blower from Whidbey Island, Washington.

“Litchfield Park is a resort community, with the historic Wigwam being in the heart of it,” Vermillion said. “It’s a park-like setting with acres of grass and flowers and tree-lined walkways and sidewalk cafes.”

Vermillion’s company also produces the 48-year-old Festival of Arts in the autumn. In its 20th year, the Litchfield Park Art and Wine Festival focuses on fine arts, wineries and breweries.

Admission to the beer and wine garden is $10. That includes either a commemorative wine or beer glass, and five wine-tasting tickets or a 16-ounce beer.

“The main stage is near the wine garden and it’s one of the best venues for arts and entertainment,” Vermillion said.

“With all the trees and green grass, and the rose garden, it’s like you’re in another world when you enter Litchfield Park. The streets are lined with alternating palm and citrus trees, so particularly this time of year you start getting the fragrance from the citrus trees. The wine garden is on lush green grass under pine trees and you can take your shoes off and walk around and sip wine. I just love the whole ambience of Litchfield Park.”

Mesa country musician Mary Hoffman will perform along with Phoenix-based Bluesman Mike and the Blues Revue Band, the guitar duo Sahnis Brothers and the Internet sensation Inka Gold. Hoffman agrees with Kramer and Vermillion.

“This festival is fabulous,” said Hoffman, who perform with her husband, Devin. “I’ve played at the festival for many years and I love it. I am looking forward to seeing all of the art and the great people that come out every year. I love the sense of community that this festival brings to Litchfield Park. It brings so many people together and I love playing for the awesome crowds who gather around.”

Litchfield Park Art and Wine Festival

Throughout Litchfield Park, Old Litchfield Road and Wigwam Boulevard

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4 Free admission litchfield-park.org/Calendar. aspx?EID=1938

Mary Hoffman and her husband, Devin, are set to perform as a duo at the Litchfield Park Art and Wine Festival. (Photo courtesy Mary Hoffman)

around the neighborhood

Wigwam Festival of Fine Art

Litchfield Park’s annual Wigwam Festival of Fine Art returned to the Wigwam Resort from Friday, February 16, to Sunday, February 18. The event, which hosted more than 100 artists, featured entertainment in a variety of mediums – including music. Visitors got the chance to check out dance performances, flute playing, beautiful paintings, snack on delicious treats and much more at the West Valley festival’s ninth occurrence.

3 4 6 2 5 7 1

West Valley View photos by Jordan Christopher

1. Candy apples attract honey bees; 2. Jeremy Dancing Bull wows visitors with his warrior dance; 3. Tony Duncan serenades visitors at the festival with his traditional flute playing; 4. Local Scottsdale artists Geoffrey Gersten and Amelia Rose Gersten meet and greet visitors at the festival. The local artists are touring the world and have an upcoming show in Spain; 5. Kyana Moore, 4, helps her mother, Adrianna, choose her favorite painting; 6. Visitors braved the cool weather and sprinkles to check out vendors and music; 7. Buckeye artist Lia Bardin Bomar brought her life-like paintings to the festival.

SCRAMBLERS

King Crossword

Sean E. ompson, Funeral Director

Cynthia ompson, Owner

Liberty teacher seeks funds for teaching conference

By Connor Dziawura

Education is in Freedom Elementary School sixth grade teacher Stacey Jones’ blood. Jones followed in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother, who worked for the Littleton district.

Now in her seventh year at Freedom, the teacher, student council sponsor and girls and boys soccer coach is looking to better engage her students by attending the Teaching & Engaging with Poverty in Mind workshop in San Antonio, Texas, in July. She just needs a little help first.

Registration alone costs $495, with additional travel and lodging costs. Because her school is unable to finance the trip, Jones turned to GoFundMe. Her campaign efforts have already yielded $445 of her $1,000 goal, as of February 26. To donate, visit gofundme.com/staceytotxtolearn.

Jensen Learning’s three-day workshop will help provide teachers across the nation have the necessary tools to help low-income students. Jones thinks poverty is a significant problem with teachers and students. The solution starts with recognizing the problem.

“I think there’s a bigger problem than just them acting out in class,” she said. “I think there’s more to the story, and if teachers had the tools to recognize that, then we would be able to handle it different.”

Many students at or below the poverty level deal with chronic stress, Jones said.

“They don’t have a management for stress. You think of us as adults, we get stress and we find things that help us. ‘OK, I need to take a step back, I need to reevaluate,’” Jones

explained. “These kids, they don’t have that internal dialogue. They just keep bringing in more and more and more stress, and they start acting out behaviorally. They start falling behind academically and that just adds more to their stress.”

A lack of executive functioning skills, or a sense of cause and effect, is another troubling issue, she added.

“To them, school is somewhere they have to be for eight hours of the day,” she said. “It’s not something they are going to be better because of.”

Many of these students don’t have strong emotional support either, for example, from their parents who, most likely, have hectic work schedules that clash with their children’s.

“I have so many kids who don’t see their parents until the weekend because mom and dad are asleep when they get home and they get up and they go on the night shift, and then they’re home and asleep again before they leave for school in the morning, or vice versa,”

Jones explained.

Thus far, Jones said teachers set personal and professional goals for students, which are, in turn, monitored by administration throughout the year.

“How to reach children in poverty” is her goal this year, she said, and she has been hard at work. Every Wednesday, her class throws aside academics for one hour to work on “growth mindset.”

“We work on instead of saying, ‘No, I can’t do it,’ (saying) ‘Hmm, I just can’t do it yet,’” she explained. “Those kind of things. Moving away from that fixed mindset of failure to the growth mindset of, ‘I just need to do a little more next time.’”

Jones also reads and conducts

her own research to improve her skills. Peer mentors are important at the school as well.

“We’re doing things at a very ground level with reaching these students in poverty,” she said. “At this conference, it’s three days. It’s super intensive. It’s all day for those three days, and the amount of tools that they’re offering the teachers, it’s going to be a game changer to come and bring back to my campus.”

According to Jensen Learning’s “5 Secrets to HighPerforming Schools,” strong relationships, strategies to add new brain cells, hope and optimism, setting high expectations, and the “Jensen Secret” will be covered. Four secrets to understanding the impoverished brain, insights into student behavior and solutions, seven golden maximizers, and strategies for engagement, learning and achievement are also emphasized.

According to Jensen, nearly 20 percent of America’s students are impoverished. Freedom Elementary is a Title I school, so many of Jones’ students are on free or reduced lunch.

So, Jones would like to bring back strategies to her colleagues. Every Wednesday, Freedom has an early release, which teachers use for professional development. It is this time where Jones will look to educate the other teachers.

According to Jensen Learning, the workshop will look to help boost attendance, exceed adequate yearly progress and improve school performance.

Although Jones finds it difficult to participate in a crowd-funding platform, she ultimately views it as necessary. She couldn’t let the workshop go, she said.

“This whole generation of crowd funding, it’s been really hard for me as an adult to accept the help that people are giving me. It’s one of those I feel like, ‘I want to do this but I need to be able to do this on my own,’” she said. Jones is thrilled folks have donated already.

“I am so eternally grateful for them to see the possibility in this conference, and to see that possibility in me, to bring it back,” she said. “I just want people to know that I am so grateful for anything, even the people who have shared my story on their social media platforms. That means so much to me and my kids.”

WORSHIP WITH US

Uplifting Music/Inspiring Sermons

9:00am - Traditional Worship Service Nursery/Children’s Church 10:30am - Contemporary Worship Service Nursery/Sunday School

Freedom Elementary sixth grade teacher Stacey Jones is hoping to attend the Teaching & Engaging with Poverty in Mind workshop in San Antonio, Texas, with the help of GoFundMe. (West Valley View photo by Josh Susuras)

Rev. Robert L. Simmons

Avondale educator offering scholarships for working students

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Manny Murillo’s parents were migrant workers who picked cotton in West Valley fields. They taught him two things: have a strong work ethic and stay in school.

“They said, ‘Get your education and you’ll do well,’” said Murillo, who grew up in Avondale. “So I did.”

He took it so seriously that he didn’t miss a day of class during his four years at Agua Fria High School. Now Murillo, who is semiretired from the education field, is helping kids achieve their dreams with the Manny Murillo Scholarship for Employed Students. It is offered to employed high school seniors who qualify for financial assistance.

Students who are selected to participate will be able to receive matching funds equivalent to their earned savings, up to $500. Students’ savings amounts will be verified by a local financial institution and applied to the cost of their future education/ training. The deadline to submit is April 20. Forms can be obtained by contacting Murillo at mannymurillo@cox.net.

“I’ve been in education all my life,” he said. “Because I was fortunate in my financial dealings, I put $15,000 of my own money into this nonprofit project. The project is this: Seniors who are on track to graduate who have a part-time job will receive assistance from me.”

Murillo will introduce the program during a Sunday, March 25, benefit at Wild Willy’s Cantina, 613 E. Western Avenue, Avondale. Dinner will be served from 4 to 7 p.m., with music by the band Reality and DJ Javier from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $15 and can be obtained by calling 623-882-0625.

“There’s going to be a nice sitdown dinner,” Murillo said. “We’re going recognize individuals in the community, including my freshman basketball coach, OK Fulton. He coached so many athletes and taught so many students at Agua Fria. He inspired me to move on.”

After a spotless high school record, Murillo desired to attend college, but was told he could not receive financial help.

“I think I’ll work and go to school—

what an idea!” he said. “I worked and graduated from Phoenix College and transferred to ASU. That’s where I took off. My first job was as a youth counselor in South Phoenix, working with kids who literally lived on the streets. This was in the late 1960s.”

Murillo earned a bachelor of arts in secondary education and a master’s in administrative/ leadership. His resume also includes teaching and administrative work at area elementary, middle and high schools. He taught conflict resolution, peer mediation, multicultural diversity, bullying prevention seminars, English and Spanish language development, career exploration, proactive employment marketing skills and how to succeed in higher education.

buy a home here, buy a home there, fix it up and sell it. I’ve been doing that for 11 years—and I’ve been successful.

After he retired, he decided to occasionally work as a substitute teacher.

“That was 11 years ago,” he said with a laugh. “In the meantime, since I had always dabbled in real estate, I would

“With these students, I want to help them plan,” he said. “I want them to talk to me and learn how to live a debtfree life. I want them to learn, earn and budget and make a plan for life.”

Christine M. Faith, Jason S. Treguboff, Edwin R. Ashton, David E. Ledyard, Paul J. Faith, Michael P. Faith, Jason R.

Manny Murillo didn’t miss a day of class while he attended Agua Fria High School. (Photo courtesy Arizona Ohana Photography)

Avondale hosts March movie night, family camp out

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature is the featured film during Avondale’s Neighborhood Movie Nights on Saturday, March 10, at Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road.

Families are invited to bring folding chairs or blankets. The event is free to attend, with free popcorn while it lasts.

The movie will begin at approximately 6:15 p.m.; families are encouraged to arrive as early as 5:30 p.m. to reserve their spot and to take part in pre-event festivities and games.

An overnight family camp-out event will be held that evening as well, featuring games, crafts, storytime and s’mores. Dinner and breakfast will be provided.

Pre-registration is required. The cost for family of four (ages 4 and up) is $20 (residents)/$25 (nonresidents). Register online at https://avondale. recdesk.com.

For more information, call Avondale Recreation at 623-333-2400 or visit the Avondale events webpage, avondaleaz. gov/events.

Moran named to Litchfield governing board

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski

Maricopa County School Superintendent Steve Watson has appointed Kimberly Moran to the Litchfield Elementary School District Governing Board.

She was sworn in on February 20, and her first governing board meeting will be March 20. Moran is filling the vacancy recently left by board member Jean Gray who resigned to care for a family member after four years of service.

Moran has a long history of supporting the community public elementary. She serves as treasurer of the Litchfield Elementary School District Educational Foundation and was instrumental to the success of its recent Centennial Way campaign.

Moran also serves as the treasurer of Continue the Quality, a nonprofit organization that promotes bond and override campaigns for Litchfield and Avondale elementary school districts, and Agua Fria Union High School district.

She previously served on the board of directors for New Life Center and

treasurer for the Rotary’s Tin Man Awards. She is an active member of Gals of the West, Litchfield Elementary School PTSA, Western Sky Middle School PTA, and Millennium High School band booster.

Moran earned a bachelor of business administration from The Ohio State University. She began her career with Deloitte & Touche LLP, and later held positions with Too Inc., L Brands and PetSmart Inc. before founding her own CPA firm. Moran is licensed as a CPA by the Arizona State Board of Accountancy and is a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

“Moran’s financial acumen and commitment to high quality public education are certain to make her a strong asset to our governing board,” said Superintendent Jodi Gunning.

“We are thankful for Ms. Moran’s volunteer commitment and I am eager to work closely with her to ensure educational excellence in our ‘A’-rated district.”

anniversaries OBiTUaries

Pat and Dora Aragon 65th Wedding Anniversary

Pat and Dora met and fell in love with each other while Pat was a senior at NAU Dora had graduated a year earlier from Flagstaff High School They were married on December 27th, 1952 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Flagstaff,

their 65 th Anniversary with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on December 31st, 2017. P

e n t o Phoenix Union H.S., Carl Hayden H.S., and Trevor Browne H.S. f o r 2 6 y e a r s H e s e r v e d a s a s c h o o l b o a r d m e m b e r f

p a r t m e n t S t o r e , w h e r e s h e w o r k e d f

3

a r s . S h e t

n a ccepted a job with Agua Fria H S as an Attendance Clerk and w o r k e d t h e r e f o r 2 4 y e a r s S h e w a s a l s o a m e m b e r o f t h e Avondale Library for 15 years She was a member of the Cassilons Singing group for several years

Pat and Dora enjoy being active members of the St John Via n n e y C a t h o l i c P a r i s h T

h

, P a t h

l u nteered many hours at SJV, from the Fall Festival Chairperson, Choir member, to doing many projects both inside and outs i d e t h e c h u r c h a n d C a t h o l i c s c h

project for him was refurbishing the first two buildings to beg i n t h e S

anyone who will listen how much she loves her Lord and pari s h c o m m u n i t y . S h

cluding singing in the choir for 40 years, participating in Adoration, making her famous green chile burritos for the yearly festival Together, Pat and Dora look forward to celebrating many more anniversaries with family and friends.

FairyMaeLindsey

FairyMae"Tobe"Lindseypassed awaypeacefullyinherhomein TexasonMonday,February19, 2018.Shewas92.Shewasborn August11,1925inOklahomato OscarandAnnaHagarTilley. Sheissurvivedbyherchildren JoeHardinofOklahoma,Stonyann HardinofCalifornia,LindaWestof Texas,PaulaHutsonofIdaho,and BettyAlbinofArizonaaswellas manygrandchildren,greatgrandchildren,greatgreat grandchildren,nieces,nephews,andcousins.Sheis precededindeathbyherhusbandFloydLindsey, daughterLoisTadlock,sonBruceHutson,sonOscar "Dickie"Hutson,sonGeorgeHutson,andgrandsons GordonScottLoerbsandStevenRayEdwards.Also precedingherwereherparentsOscarandAnnaTilley, brothersL.C.Tilley,TedTilley,andJoeTilley,andsisters AnnieOdellBusbeeandNellieBelleTilleyChapman. Afuneralservicewillbeheldat10:00am,Wednesday February28,2018atCottonLaneBaptistChurch,6240N CottonLane,Waddell,Arizona85355.Burialwilltake placeatLouisB.Hazelton,28090WBroadway,Buckeye, AZ85326.Condolencesforthefamilymaybeleftat www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

LindaJoyceHumes

LindaJoyceHumes,73,diedon Friday,February16,2018ather residenceinGoodyear.Shewas borninChattanooga,TNtoPaul OttonandGlynnLucialLowery. Joycewasprecededindeath byherparents,sisterPaulaJean TreadwayandbrotherRonnie Lowery.

Joycewillberememberedby herhusbandBillHumes,Air ForceMasterSergeantretired;herchildrenJohnny andwifePamHumes,PaulHumes,Deniceand husbandRobertGuintherandScottandChristy Humes;eightgrandchildrenandsevengreat-grand children.

ServicetobeheldatNationalMemorialCemetery ofArizonaMarch2,2018at10:30AM.

DesireeWinston

DesireeWinston-Ramey,age53 ofGoodyeardiedFebruary11,2018 inGoodyear.ShewasbornJanuary 22,1965inChicago,ILtoLeGrain andTheresaWinston.

Desireeissurvivedbyher husband,DarrylRamey;daughters, DominiqueMurphy,TashiaRamey, KechiraColbert;sons,Darius Murphy,DesmondMurphy, SharaudRamey;parents,Theresa andLeGrainWinston,Sr.;sister,MoniqueJones;brother, LeGrainWinston,Jr.;andthreegrandchildren. ArrangementsareunderthedirectionofThompson FuneralChapelinGoodyear,Arizona.

Conrad Frank Gingg

C

ary 17, 1934 in Chino California to Hilda and Robert Gingg. Conrad passed away

Conrad moved from Chino California

to Buckeye. Conrad helped to organize U.D.A. (Unite

travel with friends and family and especially take them on fishing trips Most important in his life was his deep faith, his love of the Lord, his family and his wife of 66 years, Ruth

Conrad is survived by his wife Ruth, sons Ben (Beth), R o c

,

children and 27 great grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by many friends and loved ones May he rest in peace

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley Memorial services were held at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Glendale, AZ He was laid to rest

Condolences and words of comfort may be shared at www.menkefuneralhome.com

Loriaine Staples, Deceased NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as the Personal Representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate

claims will be forever barred Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to undersigned Personal Representative at Harold Anthony Staples III, 4505 E Enrose St , Mesa, AZ 85205 DATED this 20th day of FEBRUARY, 2018

/s/ H.A. Staples

H A Staples

PUBLISHED: West Valley View/Business

14, 2018 / 11222 public notice

place on notice the proposed construction of an

located at 33° 26

17 19” north latitude and 112° 33

42 51” west longitude at the approximate vicinity of

d i n g h i s t o r i c p r o p e r t i e s t h a t m a y b e a f f e c t e d b y t h i s p r o p o s e d u n d e r t a k i n g , p l e a s e c o n t a c t M r

Miles Walz-Salvador, The Lotis Engineering Group, P C , a t w a l z s a l v a d o r @ t h e l o t i s g r o u p . c o m o r 6 4 6 5 Transit Road - Suite 23, East Amherst, NY 140512232 or (314) 913-0505 In your response, please i n c l u d e t h e p r o p o s e d u n d e r t a k i n g ʼ s l o c a t i o n a n d a list of the his

OBITUARIES

R. C. JONES

R C Jones, 87, entered into Eternal Life on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 M

20, 1931 in Rogers, Arkansas to Asbury Jones and Nettie Rodgers Jones On April 10, 1971 ,

joyed hunting, fishing, horse racing, and visiting with family and friends. R.C. was a lov-

R C is preceded in death by his parents, Asbury and Nettie J o n e s ; h i s t

s i s t e r s ; a n d h i s t w o b r o t h e

R.C. is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joy Ladawn Jones of

P

K a r

Apache Junction, Arizona; his sister, Ann Sumpter of Chandler

A

RayeMarieFisherAtkinsonDonatella

RayeMarieJohnsonFisher AtkinsonDonatelladiedThursday, February15,2018.

RayeMarieJohnsonwasbornon Saturday,September28,1935in Cleves,Ohio.

Rayewasprecededindeathby herparents,ErselandElnora Johnson;siblings,ErselJohnson, DaleJohnson,ElizabethJohnson Marsh,andBarbaraJohnsonWaite; herhusbands,JerryFisher,ArthurAtkinsonandPeter Donatella;andtwoofherchildren,sonDennisAtkinson anddaughterDanaAtkinsonVaughnLane. Sheissurvivedbytwobrothers,IraJohnsonofToledo, Ohio,andNeilJohnsonofFortWayne,Indiana;fiveof herchildren,GaryAtkinsonofPhoenix,MaraAtkinson TitusMillerofGlendale,DavidAtkinsonofCorydon, Indiana,DaleAtkinsonofPlacitas,NewMexico,and DonaldAtkinsonofSunCityWest;and18grandchildren, 38greatgrandchildren,andagreat-greatgrandchild. AMemorialServicewasheldFebruary20,2015atthe ThompsonFuneralChapelinGoodyear.Followingthe MemorialService,acelebrationoflifewillbeheldat herandPete'shome.Condolencesforthefamilycanbe leftatwww.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Classifieds

AUTOS -FOR SALE

2004 Chevy Blazer $1800/obo Everything runs good. Call after 4pm 623-363-7040

AUTORECREATIONAL

2010 Tomberlin Golf Cart.

Street Legal 2 speed transmission, 2k miles Battery 1 year old 10 inch wheels, disc brakes on front, drums on back Head lights: high beam and low beam Cold weather curtains 623-386-8860 309-269-6499

AUTOS - WANTED

$ $100-$500+ ABANDONED all " as is" autos! Good condition more $$$$ Best Prices! Fast, free pickup. 623-329-2043.

CHILD CARE

DAYCARE in my home Snacks, meals, some weekends, some evenings Esther 602-361-1607

CLEANING SERVICES

BIANKA's Cleaning Services Weekly - Every other WeekMonthly - You choose! 15 yrs Exp w/ Refs available Bianka Ruiz 602 680 0421

Agua Fria Union High School District is in need of Substitute Teachers If interested please apply online at www aguafria org Substitute Requirements: Bachelor's Degree, Arizona Fingerprint Card, Arizona Substitute Teaching Certificate For questions about Substitute Positions, please email bperdomo@aguafria org

Female Caregiver required No experience needed We will train Buckeye home Part Time Call ONLY 623-8266715 for appointment

Exp'd Landscape

Construction Laborers Needed Valid Driver's licenses, transportation Call 623-670-0080

GENERAL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN WANTED

AC, electrical, plumbing, dry-

EMPLOYMENT

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

Seamstress/Ironing needed at dry cleaners near Luke Air Force Base. Name tapes made Call Thanom 623-935-1575

Water Well Pump Repair

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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 480-898-6465 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions.

Visit: obituaries.WestValleyView.com

Help Wanted Rainbow Valley Area House Keeping, and/or Attendant Care Service for adult. Wages & hours negotiable. Call Dave 602684-7837

Reputable feed mill facility in Buckeye looking for Full time machine operators and heavy equipment operator open to working flexible schedules Full benefits offered along with 401k. We are an ESOP employer. Candidates are welcome to apply online at www.westernmilling.com at the careers center. Walk-ins are welcome Apply at 29700 W Lower River Rd, Buckeye 602-251-3600

West Valley View 250 N. Litchfield

Goodyear AZ 85338

Classifieds

AUCTIONS/ESTATE SALES

DIANE HILTON AUCTION

Saturday March 3, 10 AM 484 N Oxbow Wickenburg, Arizona

Moving auction - all

GARAGE SALES/ BAZAARS

BUCKEYE SWAP MEET

802 N 1st St

Buckeye, AZ 85326

Come/Enjoy your local outdoor flea market held Saturdays 7AM-3PM

Also hosting an Arts & Crafts Event March 10th and April 14th Accepting Vendors, Crafts, Direct Sales, NonProfit, Food Vendors & Fundraisers

Call for Info 623-238-9373

Huge Moving Sale

Sat Mar3 - Sun Mar 4 7:00AM-12:30Pm

O C & Joani Mangold & David PoynerAuctioneers Kim Poyner- Coordinator For terms & photos mangoldauctionservice com 602-510-8373

GARAGE SALES/ BAZAARS

COMMUNITY CHURCH OF BUCKEYE

ANNUAL SPRING SALE

FRI / SAT MAR 2-3 8AM - 1PM

Home Goods, Clothing Small Appliances, Lots of Furniture, Lawn & Garden, Art, Electronics, Children's Toys & Clothes, Glassware, Entire Bedroom Sets & Much More! 808 Eason St, Buckeye Corner of Eason & Kell Everyone Welcome! Come Shop With Us!

Furniture, Lawn Mower, Patio Furniture, Kitchen Stuff, Housewares, Art, Electronics, Collectables, Cookie Jars, Clothes, Shoes, Purses 1225 N 158th Ln, Gdyr Portland / Roosevelt E of Saribal N of Roosevelt St

RUSSELL RANCH HOA COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALE

Sat , March 10 7AM -2PM 200+ Homes Participating Electronics, Furniture, Dishes, Clothes, Art, Citrus / Bethany Home

Verrado

- Noon

to

HANDYMAN -37 years experience. Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more Stan, 602434-6057

Moving Must Sell!

2 King Sleep Number Beds

$300 each 1 Triple Dresser $30 2 Ultra Mod Black Chairs $150 each 1 wood/glass coffee table with 4 understools $100 1 Handmade Spanish Rought Iron patio Table with 5 chairs $150 2 Handmade Spanish end tables/glass top $50 each 1 small credenza $25 5 outdoor metal chairs $25 for all 623-535-5413

Custom Wood Guitar stands Bead looms Hairpin Lace looms Designed crochet items www creationsbyfoxfire net creationsbyfoxfire@ yahoo com

KILL BED BUGS

Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers/KIT

Complete Treatment System Available: The Home Depot, Homedepot.com, & Hardware Store

LAND FOR SALE

10 acre parcels Power, water, gas available 79,000 555th Ave, Tonopah AZ Owner 602-618-1159

Sat, March 3, 2018 7am-Noon Dysart & Osborn Litchfield Park, 85340

Seeking Classified & Certified Staff School Year 18-19

Bus Drivers (medical benefits) Tech Aide, Library Clerk, School Secretary, Health Clerk, Instr. Asst.-Preschool & Sped

Assistant Principal, MS Science, Math, S.S. & L.A. Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, & P.E., School Psychologist, Sped Resource, Gifted & Self-Cont. Cross Cat., Reading Interventionist Fowler ESD 1617 S 67th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85043 (623) 707-4500 | (623) 707-4560 fax www fesd org EOE

MOUNTAIN View Lot.

1 44 acres Power, water & paved road 20 minutes to Prescott Valley, 45 minutes from Phoenix $29,900 Owner 602-463-2352

WENDEN Family LiquidationLast 160 acres, $149,900 Offers accepted Owner will carry for 3 years at a low 8% interest. 1-888-444-1220

2 parcels, lots for sale, they are over an acre each Located at Rainbow Valley, behind the Fire station, Hermit ave , electricity, water & cable Asking $50,000 each parcel Please call (602)290-7886

Classifieds: Friday 1pm for Wednesday

WENDEN, AZ. Beautiful 40 acres, near government land, special price $48,500 Close to Highway 60 off Alamo Road Owner 1-888-444-1220

HOMES FOR SALE

3 bedroom 2 bath duplex in Avondale For Sale! Owner will carry Nice Yard 4K down, and 700 per month 602-488-1349

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

OFFICE/Retail/Premium/ Affordable suites available 722' - 2000 Dysart/ Van Buren/ Litchfield 602-694-3158

HOMES FOR RENT

Litchfield Park 2bedroom 2bath townhouse with garage. New Kitchen. No pets. $1125/month 623-826-9258

MUNDS PARK FURNISHED SUMMER RENTAL Monthly or Jun-Sep, Updated, Sleeps 7, Huge Deck, Located on the National Forest Beautiful View! For More Info Call Lori 623-640-2533

ROOMS/ ROOMMATES

ROOM FOR RENT Nice Quiet Home With Mountain View $425 / MO + 1/2 Electric, Water, Cable, Nice Backyard w Patio No Pets or Smoking Call 623-388-4844

ROOM FOR RENT

Includes TV with Cox Cable. Private Bathroom. Access to Whole House. Many Amenities. Nice Neighborhood. Close

I Buy Estates! Collections-Art-Autos Death & Divorce & Downsize Business Inventory Ranch & Farm Small or Large - Fast & Easy Call Now for Appt (10a-4p) Mr. Haig 480-234-1210 Haig3@aol com

Manufacturing Process Engineer Work in Plastics Inject

cost & implementation of latest technology best practice W i l

speaking operating crew how to operate machines & new technology implemented Write SOPs in Spanish & English Establish, maintain manuf specs, i e , BOM, setup sheets, techl drawings,& related tech input & docs Set up goals of production, develop process w/ operation to

70% per day. Will also coord efforts to design, develop , validate manuf process using tools such as Design of Ex-

excellence in manufacturing Reqs: Bachelors Degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Industrial Engin-

Works; ability to work & report on AS/400 system, Con-

Ewing Irrigation Products, 610 E 80th Ave, Tolleson, AZ 85353

Filing:

McClune has been appointed Personal Representative of this E

four months after the date of the first publication of this

presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to Grant L McClune, care of Allison L Kierman, Kierman L

Arizona 85260 DATED this 5th day of February, 2018 /s/ All

View and West Valley Business February 14, 21, 28, 2018 / 10951

STRUCTURE: Member-Managed

names and addresses of all Members are: Jesse Mikah Newsom, 1612 E Montebello Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016 (Manager) and LMB2 Consulting Group LLC 4131 W Lane Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051 (Manager)

Published: West Valley View and the West Valley Business on February 21, 28, March 7, 2018 / 11193

Allison L. Kierman (SBN 024414) KIERMAN LAW