Scottsdale Progress 03-19-2023

Fundraiser

Scottsdale prepping for massive water cuts

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

Where’s the water?

Although Scottsdale Water Director Brian Biesemeyer informed council near the end of the year that the city recharges around 10,000 acre feet of Central Arizona Project water per year, that number looks low.

By half.

“On average for the last five years, we’ve recharged around 15,000 acre feet per year,” Gretchen Baumgardner, Scottsdale Water’s policy manager, told an online audience last month.

That means Scottsdale is “banking” the equivalent of Lake Paijanne, the second largest lake in Finland, every year. This may come in very handy, as massive cuts – up to 50% – to the city’s water supply loom.

SUSD shining stars inspired by brothers, parents

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

Even those who feel today’s American youth are lazy, self-obsessed, pampered and only interested in the phones they worship might have a few ounces of sympathy.

After all, high school kids had to deal with a global pandemic that closed schools and caused chaos. At the end of 2022, a batch of scores showed test scores across the country plummeting.

“These findings confirm how damaging the COVID-19 school closures and emergency crisis remote learning were to K-12 students nationwide,” according to the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Andrew Bloom REALTOR®, Senior Partner Andrew@BVOLuxury.com

Yet, some students managed to power through the pandemic, hop-scotching school closings, stiff-arming TikTok and other distractions to maintain a laser focus on academic and life goals.

The achievements of two Scottsdale Unified School District students would be mind-blowing, even if they weren’t among 39 finalists statewide for $130,000 Flinn Foundation Scholarships.

It’s hard to imagine two more qualified finalists than Baraa Abdelghne, of Saguaro High School, and Desert Mountain High’s Zack Okun. Their big-picture plans: One wants to fix people; the other wants to make robots.

Though their long-term goals differ, they

see SHINING page 12

“Additional water we have, we put in our savings account,” Baumgardner said.

“Every single year, we put the additional CAP water we have a right to and access to and we recharge it into the aquifer underneath our feet…We have been doing that for decades.”

How much does Scottsdale have – and where?

see WATER page 8

Leap Of Faith

Colt Honey of La Junta, Colorado leaps from his horse during the steer wrestling contest at the 2023 Scottsdale Parada del Sol Rodeo on March 11, which brought out crowds to WestWorld of Scottsdale for the annual celebration of the West’s Most Western Town. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

Sunday, March 26, 2023

8:00 to 11:00

Hopie Elementary School

5110 E. Lafayette Blvd., Phoenix 85018

SUSD board approves 2% salary increase

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

With more money coming in than expected, the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board has approved a recommendation for a 2% salary increase “for all employee groups” in the fall.

Board members Amy Carney, Julie Cieniawski, Carine Werner and Zach Lindsay voted in favor of the salary increase. Dr. Libby Hart-Wells was absent.

“Our employees do not get paid enough,” Cieniawski said, noting rising inflation.

Full-time teachers, who make an average of $62,787, were included in this raise.

sier, district chief financial officer.

The board also unanimously approved the tentative fiscal year 20232024 Maintenance and Operations Budget of $184.7 million. That’s a 4% increase from the current $177.7 million M&O budget.

Crosier noted. The “average daily membership” – or total enrollment – in January was 20,113. That continues a trend of significant declines over the last seven years, but the number of students attending SUSD is slightly higher than the budget predicted.

Though a January student head count revealed 137 fewer high school students than anticipated, the number of elementary school students was 218 higher, with a handful of extra kindergarteners that brought total enrollment to 85 higher than budgeted.

Registration Fee $20 Advance $30 at the Gate

Details at www.ACMNA.org/events

For Sponsorship Opportunities please email carshow@ACMNA.org

Trophy Classes include: Best Classic Car, Best Truck, Best in Show, Best Muscle Car, Best Sports Car, plus more

Register on-line at — www.acmna.org/events/arcadia -auto-rama-2023

Registration Fee $20 Advance $30 at the Gate

The across-the-board 2% increase ranges from crossing guards making $15.30 to $18.57 (depending on experience) per hour to high school principals currently paid $101,935 to $121,983 annually.

Mail in Registration Form

For Sponsorship Opportunities please email carshow@ACMNA.org

Name: Address: email: Phone:

Registration Fee - $20 Advance, $30 at the Gate For Sponsorship Opportunities, please email carshow@ACMNA.org

Trophy Classes include: Best Classic Car, Best Truck, Best in Show, Best Muscle Car, Best Sports Car, plus more

Register on-line at www.acmna.org/events/arcadia

Also eligible for the 2% increases: assistant superintendents, the chief financial officer and the district counsel, who currently are paid from $129,908 to $176,328 a year. Also impacted are substitute teachers, currently paid $145 per day.

The estimated total fiscal impact is $3.6 million, according to Shannon Cro-

“Still down from where we had beenhowever the loss wasn’t as much as we anticipated,” said Crosier. “That’s a positive. Still, a reduction from where we want to be but not as bad as we anticipated.”

Combining other funding factors, she added, “we anticipated about a $1.6 million increase. “With that, we start looking at what we can do.”

She proposed putting those funds toward a 2% increase in salaries, which the board approved.

Registration Fee $20 Advance $30 at the Gate For Sponsorship Opportunities please email carshow@ACMNA.org

Trophy Classes include: Best Classic Car, Best Truck, Best in Show, Best Muscle Car, Best Sports Car, plus more

-auto-rama-2023

The sounds of spring hit Scottsdale

Name:

Mail in Registration Form

Vehicle Type________ Make__________ Color_________ Model ___________ Year: ______

Trophy Classes include: Best Classic Car, Best Truck, Best in Show, Best Muscle Car, Best Sports Car, plus more

Register on-line at: www.acmna.org/events/arcadia-auto-rmaa-2023

Register on-line at www.acmna.org/events/arcadia -auto-rama-2023

Address: email: Phone:

Mail in Registration Form

Make check payable to ACMNA

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts relaunched the popular Sunday afternoon outdoor festival, now called Sun & Sound, in the newly renovated

Vehicle Type________ Make__________ Color_________ Model ___________ Year: ______

Mail to : ACMNA, 4340 E. Indian School Rd., Box #21 - 293 Phoenix AZ 85018

Name: Address: email: Phone:

Vehicle Type________ Make__________ Color_________ Model ___________ Year: ______

Make check payable to ACMNA

Mail to : ACMNA, 4340 E. Indian School Rd., Box #21 - 293 Phoenix AZ 85018

Make check payable to ACMNA

Mail to : ACMNA, 4340 E. Indian School Rd., Box #21 - 293 Phoenix AZ 85018

Spring here is more than just baseball: For those who like to have pleasant vibrations filling their ear canals, it is game on in

see SOUNDS page 16

Tatiana Crespo entertained a crowd March 12, as part of the free Sun & Sound festival at the renovated Scottsdale Civic Center. (Tom Scanlon/Progress Managing Editor)

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Scottsdale Progress is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Scottsdale.

To find out where you can pick up a free copy of Scottsdale Progress, please visit www.Scottsdale.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Main number 480-898-6500

Advertising 480-898-6559

Circulation service 480-898-5641

Scottsdale Progress 1900 W. Broadway Road Tempe, AZ 85282

Publisher Steve T. Strickbine

Vice President Michael Hiatt

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

Display Advertising 480-898-6309

Classifieds/Inside Sales 480-898-6500

classifieds@TimesLocalMedia.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@TimesLocalMedia.com

Advertising O ce Manager Trish Simpson | 480-898-6500 | tsimpson@TimesLocalMedia.com

Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@TimesLocalMedia.com

NEWS DEPARTMENT

Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@TimesLocalMedia.com

Managing Editor Tom Scanlon | 602-345-1854 | tscanlon@TimesLocalMedia.com

Sta Writer Alex Gallagher | 843-696-6442 | agallagher@TimesLocalMedia.com

Photographers

Dave Minton | dminton@TimesLocalMedia.com Design

Melissa Worrell | mworrell@TimesLocalMedia.com

Design/Production Supervisor Shannon Mead | smead@TimesLocalMedia.com

CIRCULATION

Circulation Director

Aaron Kolodny | aaron@TimesLocalMedia.com

Scottsdale Progress is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation company owned and operated by Times Media Group. The public is limited to one copy per reader. For circulation services, please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@TimesLocalMedia.com.

To start or stop delivery of the paper, please visit: https://timespublications.com/phoenix/ or call 480-898-7901

To receive your free online edition subscription, please visit: https://www.scottsdale.org/e-subscribe/

The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Scottsdale Progress assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement.

© 2023 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

SUSD considers Juul settlement, social media suit

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

First the big vaper – next up a “challenge” to TikTok?

While no public announcements have been made, Scottsdale Unified School District apparently will get a cut of a massive lawsuit that went after Juul, the country’s largest electronic cigarette (aka “vape”) manufacturer.

And the pockets of social media giants could be the next targets.

At its March 7 public meeting, the SUSD Governing Board heard a presentation on “the dark side of social media.”

The board later went into executive session to consider litigation against some social media giants.

It also discussed in private with the district’s legal counsel a “resolution of litigation against Juul Labs, Inc. and potential participation in multi district settlement trust.”

In a public vote, though without announcing the settlement amount, the

board unanimously approved the Juul settlement.

Joseph Tann, a Scottsdale attorney who represented the district in the Juul suit, turned his attention to a lawsuit targeting social media giants – which he convinced the Mesa Public Schools District to join last month.

According to the SUSD agenda information, Tann was to “provide information regarding multi district litigation against various social media operators, including but not limited to Facebook (Meta), Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

“The litigation alleges public nuisance and negligence for impact on students’ mental health.”

Tann pitched himself to the SUSD board as an attorney “dedicated almost exclusively to representing governmental entities such as yourself in complex civil litigation, primarily good Fortune 500 companies.

“Currently, I serve as lead counsel to both the city of Tucson and Pima County in the opioid epidemic.”

He noted he also represents districts

that are suing Juul.

“All in all, my firm's recovered over $100 million for governmental entities and complex civil cases,” Tann said.

The Scottsdale attorney said “the next battle” is against social media.

“More and more research suggests that these algorithms, corporate decisions and business strategies of companies such as Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Snapchat have contributed to unprecedented rates of anxiety, depression, thoughts of self harm, body image issues and suicidal ideation in school aged children throughout the country, including here in Arizona,” he said.

Tann accused the social media companies of horrible business practices:

“These companies design their platforms in the way that they know negatively impacts youth mental health in order to boost their profits by maximizing the amount of time that kids spend on their platform, so they can sell more ads.”

see JUUL page 6

UPSKILL TODAY.

ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY

BUSINESS

CULINARY EDUCATION

EXERCISE SCIENCE

HEALTHCARE

HOSPITALITY

INTERIOR DESIGN

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

JUSTICE STUDIES

VISUAL COMMUNICATION

Invest in your career!

Grow your skill set and your passion through the extensive hands-on Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs at Scottsdale Community College. Take a single class or attain industry-recognized cerification i n about six months* – and begin applying your new skills immediately.

•

* Duration varies by program. Successful completion of select certificate and micro-certificate programs at SCC can provide industry-recognized certification in about six months or less. Learn more at

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination

Survey: Scottsdale hearts Scottsdale

BY TOM SCANLON Progress Managing Editor

If Narcissus would have been given a survey to rate himself, he likely would have given himself excellent marks across the board.

Though a survey shows Scottsdale is quite happy with itself, there were categories that saw decidedly non-narcissistic responses, with a feeling of safety dropping sharply over six years.

According to responses to a National Community Survey conducted in December and January, Scottsdale residents showed high levels of satisfaction with just about everything.

Of all respondents, 98% called Scottsdale either an “excellent” or “good” place to live.

Overall quality of life in Scottsdale was called excellent or good by 95% of the respondents, with the same number rating daytime neighborhood safety as excellent or good.

Over 90% rated the library, fire and

utility services as excellent or good.

And over 90% of residents said they were likely to remain in Scottsdale for the next five years and were likely to recommend living in the city.

In one crucial area, “feeling safe from property crime,” positive responses were 77% – an 8% dip from the 2021 survey.

When asked about an “overall feeling of safety,” 86% gave the city an excellent or good rating – down from 95% in 2017.

Residents' rating of the overall design or layout of residential and commercial areas dropped by 15%, and ratings of the overall quality of new development fell nearly 10%.

But “value of services for the taxes paid to Scottsdale” is on the rise, with 71% rating the city as excellent or good, up from 64% in 2017.

And 61% say the city is “being honest” – up 9 points from 2017 and now right around the national average.

City government “being open and transparent” rose from 54 to 57%, but 71% felt the city treats them with respect,

down 2 points.

The survey showed almost all of Scottsdale’s responses in the “livability” section lined up with “communities across the country (national benchmark).”

A few categories, including arts, economy and health and wellness, were higher than national averages.

In the “quality of life” category, Scottsdale rated far higher than national averages.

“The emergency services in Scottsdale were also rated favorably,” according to the survey company’s analysis. “The highest rated services were fire services (93% excellent or good) and ambulance and medical services (83%), animal control (81%), and fire prevention and education.

“Animal control was rated higher than the national benchmarks while the other safety-related services were similar.”

Those rating the police excellent or good fell from 90% in 2017 to 84%.

The numbers dipped with about twothirds of survey respondents giving positive evaluations of the sense of community in Scottsdale, although only about half rated their connection and engagement with their community as excellent or good.

National Community Service sent out surveys to 5,500 households in Scott-

JUUL from PAGE 4

The name of the game for Facebook, YouTube, TikTok et al., as the attorney sees it, is keeping kids glued to their apps consuming and adding to negative content.

sdale in December 2022 and January 2023. About 13% – 652 – completed surveys; another 689 people took an online version available to everyone (results will be tabulated and posted separately, according to the city).

Some interesting trends were found in the transportation section, according to the report:

“The largest increase was seen in those who carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone (17% increase to 48% at least once in the past 12 months).

Residents were also more likely in 2023 than in 2021 to have walked or cycled instead of driving (7% increase to 66%).”

While the overall city economy is rated highly, the number of residents rating their cost of living as excellent or good dropped more than 10% from the 2021 survey. Fewer than 2 in 10 residents offered a positive rating of the availability of affordable quality housing, a rating which also dropped more than 10% from 2021.

And fewer than 6 in 10 gave positive marks to the availability of affordable quality child care/preschool.

The full set of survey results is at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “community survey.”

After his public presentation, Tann met in private with the board. The executive session agenda notes the district’s attorney recommends the board approve a settlement with Juul.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

“They really do everything they can to keep our kids hooked as long as they possibly can because they know the longer they're hooked, the more likely they are to engage, to have inflammatory messaging back and forth, and to really promote an unsafe environment,” Tann said.

“So they do this whole thing, while pocketing billions of dollars.”

Noting youth mental health is a growing concern, Tann asked, “Why don't we ask the companies who've made billions of dollars off of this harmful product to contribute to the solution?”

He told the board if it sued the tech giants, “You’re not going to be going it alone.” A Seattle district is also part of the social media lawsuit. He said he is co-representing those districts with another law firm.

“The district's attorneys have presented to the board a potential for settlement and participation in a national trust established for governmental entities that initiated the litigation,” the agenda reads.

Though not admitting wrongdoing, Juul settled thousands of lawsuits in December.

The New York Times quoted an attorney for those suing the vape manufacturer, who said, “These settlements will put meaningful compensation in hands of victims and their families, get real funds to schools for abatement programs, and help government and tribal entities prevent youth use of e-cigarettes across the U.S.”

After the executive session, SUSD did not make any announcement regarding the older Juul suit or the new social media one.

Neither the district nor Tann would discuss either legal action.

SPENCERS

“As of 2021 Scottsdale has 246,911 acre-feet of banked credits as accounted for by the Arizona Department of Water Resources,” Baumgardner answered. At 70,000 to 80,000 acre feet used per year, Scottsdale has “banked” three to four years of water.

“Stored credits,” Baumgardner clarified, “is water recharged into the aquifer underground, these aren’t storage tanks but the physical porous space in the ground that transmits water, sometimes 100 to 1,000 feet underground.”

Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy, confirmed that Scottsdale “has significant water stored underground.

“I don’t know for sure, but I’m pretty sure Scottsdale is not out ahead of other cities in terms of water stored,” Porter added.

Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, is a member of the “Show me the water!” camp.

Told how much water the city he lives in says it “banks,” every year, Kolodin was deeply skeptical.

“Where are they banking it?” he demanded.

“Here’s the thing: I’m not sure if that water is there,” Kolodin said. “I’m not sure Scottsdale knows how much Scottsdale has,” he added with a scoffing laugh.

“Cities have been saying for years, ‘look how much water we have’ … I think it’s actually going to be a pile of (expletive),” Kolodin added.

Kolodin co-sponsored a bill that would force Scottsdale to resume making water available to Rio Verde Foothills, the unincorporated county community just outside northeast Scottsdale. After receiving water via a standpipe for years, RVF had its access to Scottsdale water shut off Jan. 1.

Kolodin’s bill was shot down last week by House Democrats, but he has been working on amendments he hopes will get the water bill passed.

Documents obtained by the Progress confirmed that from 2019 through 2021, Scottsdale used billions of gallons of water less than it received from the CAP and Salt River Project. Additionally, the city treats wastewa-

ter – a process it calls “reclaiming” – and adds much of that to its water reserves.

A Scottsdale Water representative declined to provide 2022 figures “as those are not finalized yet.”

According to records provided, the city’s “bank” of water credits increased from 180,735 acre feet in 2017 to 196,386

Climbing stairs shouldn’t feel like climbing Camelback.

Get back to the little things you love with stronger joints. Whether it is climbing Camelback Mountain or climbing your stairs without joint pain, we’re here to get you back to the life you love. Our highly specialized physician and patient care staff works with each patient to establish a personalized treatment and rehabilitation program.

Discover how we can get you back to living your life your way.

the following year, steadily increasing to the most recent total of 246,911 acre feet.

“There’s a difference between ‘paper water’ and ‘wet water.’... If water isn’t actually there, they can have all the paper water they want but they can’t drink it,” Kolodin said.

The freshman state representative said

see WATER page 10

According to a presentation by Gretchen Baumgardner, Scottsdale Water’s policy manager, the city has been “banking” 15,000 acre feet of water per year – roughly the size of a small lake. (City of Scottsdale)

he understands Scottsdale’s position, with regard to Rio Verde Foothills.

“City Council has a duty to Scottsdale residents. Even if they have a lot of water, since we have a drought – I understand why they don’t want to give that to areas outside Scottsdale.”

He stressed that his bill does not require Scottsdale to dip into its reserves.“My solution doesn’t cost Scottsdale any water,” he said. “There are several solutions on the table, all of which involve some trading of water … So Scottsdale is net zero.”

He said that in addition to trying to get his bill passed, he is trying to mediate between Scottsdale and Maricopa County officials after they took shots – often personal – at each other over Rio Verde Foothills.

“Scottsdale is trying to throw the county under the bus, the county is trying to throw Scottsdale under the bus,” Kolodin said. “Everybody’s pointing fingers.”

He said an agreement could provide quick relief to Rio Verde Foothills. “I don’t know about (resuming water) tomorrow, but pretty quick,” Kolodin said.

Big cuts coming?

Though according to her institute’s data, Scottsdale stores far more water than Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa, Porter was adamant that storage alone is not a legitimate comparison.

“I don’t think it’s valid to think about comparing cities very much,” she said. “The important thing is to look at the city’s own ability to meet its demand.”

According to Baumgardner’s presentation, Scottsdale pumps about 72 million gallons of water to residents per day. And, she noted, 75% of that water comes from the Colorado River via CAP.

“What’s happening on the Colorado River highly affects us,” she stressed.

And what’s happening up the river does not look good.

On Feb. 9, Warren Tenney, executive director of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, sent out an “urgent” letter to his board of directors – which includes Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega. Scottsdale is one of the 10 Valley cities in the association.

“Under the best-case scenario, the AMWUA cities should expect a 40% to 50% cut to our highest priority Colorado River

water starting in 2024,” Tenny wrote.

“This is more than twice as deep as what we had planned for under a Tier 3 shortage. Plus, as the hydrology worsens, we will eventually see further cuts.”

The direst of Tenney’s frightening projections:

“Under the worst-case scenario, Central Arizona Project supplies would be cut completely if shortage reductions are applied via the priority system.”

So, it seems, Scottsdale’s decades of water “banking” looks wise.

Porter said she was not sure if Scottsdale was storing water at its main water campus or a “regional recharge” facility.

“The trick with recharge is finding places where recharge can happen,” she said. “You can’t just pour water on the ground and count on it going in and charging aquifers.”

Porter said Scottsdale is hardly alone, that “most of the bigger, older cities” have stored water “for years and years.”

Though she would disagree with Kolodin’s “show me the water” position, one thing she agrees with the state representative is the Rio Verde Foothills situation.

“It’s really too bad political reasons

have gotten in the way of finding a solution,” Porter said.

And like Kolodin and others, Porter defended the city’s actions.

“I think Scottsdale’s decision to stop being the water provider to this unincorporated area is understandable and really defensible,” she said. “The decision is really good water management.”

But could accepting more water than needed by cities like Scottsdale – and banking the difference locally in underground lakes – be part of shrinking reservoirs like Lake Mead?

“I haven’t been asked that,” Porter said. “It’s a contributor, but it’s only a part of many factors.

“It’s not just cities” to blame, she said.

Boot illustration © Tim Zeltner/i2iart.com.

Bob Boze Bell, Executive Editor, True West magazine to speak and emcee

Photo courtesy Bob Boze Bell

Scheduled appearance by Miss Rodeo America, Kennadee Riggs on Sunday morning!

Photo by Art of Aperture Photography

share extraordinary focus, nurturing families and inspiring big brothers.

Abdelghne almost saw his older brother, Anas, die.

In an essay reflecting on his family being caught in civil war fighting in Aleppo, Syria, Baraa writes about the chaos of armed men shouting – then a blast:

“My brother got shot... his neck was gushing out blood; it was a rich, dark red, almost like cherries. It felt warm and sticky on my skin, and my brand-new shoes were covered. In a sea of people, my little legs could not keep up with the crowds carrying my brother’s limp body.”

A decade and dozens of surgeries later, Anas is thriving as a cybersecurity student at Scottsdale Community College.

And little Baraa has grown up. Mother Shaza and father Jumaa can barely contain their pride and wonder, pulling out one certificate of achievement after another. Refugee assistance took the critically-injured boy and his

family first to Turkey, then Scottsdale, where skilled surgeons dealt with the horrific aftermath of an exploding bul-

let.

cine.

see SHINING page 13

$225 27¢ $30.00 $40.00 $50.00 $60.00 $100.00 $140.00 $89

“I no longer live in fear,” he wrote in his award-winning essay. “Instead, I have found purpose. I am going to be a doctor, and when I receive my doctorate I am going back to Syria to help the people I left behind. I want to be their ambassador of hope and open a hospital on the Syrian border for all the millions of refugees living in camps.”

Big plans for an 18-year-old, but Baraa – named for the Arabic word for “innocence” – is well on his way.

Ten years ago, English was a jumble, when he entered Scottsdale’s Mohave Middle School.

Now, by taking Advanced Placement classes worth 5 grade points, he is roaring toward graduation with a 4.8 gradepoint average (perhaps even more stunning, seven Saguaro High seniors have higher GPAs than Baraa).

From a small but comfortable apartment not far from Old Town, the Abdelghnes describe a whirlwind decade, having an upper-class lifestyle wiped out by a civil war, spending 40 days living on the street in front of a Turk-

ish hospital, desperate for news about Ansa…then seeing their boys flourish in Scottsdale.

Only when Ansa and Baraa would talk about getting jobs would the soft-spoken father raise his voice:

“No! Never! Just study!”

As a child himself, Jumaa excelled in school, skipping several grades – only to drop out of the University of Aleppo to work and help support his family when his father died.

JUmma did not have to do much to light a fire under the uniquely motivated Baraa, who is president and founder of Saguaro’s Amnesty International Club, senior class representative of the school’s National Honor Society, enrolled in Saguaro’s CTE Health Care assistant program (from which he will graduate in May with a certified nursing assistant certification), vice president of the school’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) club, finding time to teach Arabic to kindergarteners at Greenway Academy in Glendale.

see SHINING page 14

Viking Cruises Luncheon Presentation

Tuesday, April 4th I 11:30am - 1:30pm

Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store (Upstairs)

15205 N. Kierland Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Viking Cruises and Expedia CruisesTM are very excited to invite you to a Luncheon at Tommy Bahama Restautant in Kierland, and to explore and learn about River, Ocean and Expedition cruising with Viking!

Enjoy a full-service lunch and dessert, then an expanded briefing about the market-leader Viking Cruises. Learn more about award-winning Viking’s Ocean ships and itineraries, River cruises to Europe, Asia, Egypt and USA, and Expedition sailings, featuring executive chef and Viking southwest Director, Reiner Marks. Attendees will receive two exclusive booking offers from Viking and Expedia!!

Tickets are $25 per person. All proceeds will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Space is very limited RSVP now at www.CruiseRivers.us

Baraa clearly heeds the advice of his father:

“Education is your only tool to succeed in life.”

His mother adds something Baraa translates:

“She says, ‘Knowledge is the only way to raise houses.”

As far as Baraa has come, his journey through knowledge is really just beginning with Saguaro High – where he said

his teachers gave him exceptional assistance when his brother went through yet another health crisis in the middle of the pandemic.

If he scores a Flinn Scholarship, Baraa will face a tortuous decision: He has already been accepted to Stanford University, which costs a staggering $80,000 per year but may offer him lucrative scholarships.

Which path would his parents encourage – fly off to chase his dreams in California or stay close to home?

The parents discuss it among themselves in Arabic, then Baraa translates:

“They said they don't have the best things to offer for me. So the best thing they can offer me is a freedom of choice.”

Robot man

Zack Okun, who for years has known pretty much what he wants to do with his life, usually walks into the guidance counselor’s office and says two words:

“Hi, Mom.”

Michelle Okun is a counselor at Desert Mountain High School, where she also holds an interesting title: Robotics instructor.

Her kids got her interested in the field: she realized if she wanted to know what older son Jake and younger Zack were talking about, she had to learn the language of robotics.

Chad, her husband, was no help.

“He’s a mortgage loan officer,” Zack said. “He’s not really that into robot-

ics.”

But being a finance person, Chad Okun can certainly appreciate the potential of Zack’s academic achievements at Desert Mountain.

While in the running for that $130,000 Flinn Scholarship package (20 winners will be announced in April), Zack just scored a national Coca-Cola Scholarship, good for $20,000.

On top of getting ready for a second Flinn interview, he is in the running for a handful of other scholarships.

As kids like to say, Zack has certainly “crushed it” in his four years at Desert Mountain.

He is the president of SUSD’s Student Advisory Board, a leader in Desert Mountain’s student government, president of the school’s robotics team, president of the Science National Honor Society, president of the AP Student Association, president of the Investment Club, treasurer of the Ambassa-

Two SUSD Flinn Scholarship finalists have vastly different plans: Baraa Abdelghene, left, plans to study medicine and return to his home country of Syria as a doctor; Zack Okun envisions creating manufacturing robots. (SUSD)

SHINING from PAGE 14

dors Club,and a member of DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of

America) and the National Honor Society.

He could be a poster student for STEM

(science, technology, engineering and math), as he consumes those every day at school – and founded STEMducate,

a nonprofit organization to promote STEM education on a global scale.

He plans to study manufacturing engineering in college after being one of Desert Mountain’s valedictorians on graduation day May 24.

As is typical for him, he will start the next level at a sprint, taking in 45 college credits earned in high school advanced placement and community college coenrollment courses.

“I’ve been doing robotics since third grade,” he said, adding he has always been fascinated with “building things and putting things together.”

He has been learning at an advanced level since being part of the “gifted program” at Laguna Elementary School, where he first learned about robotics.

Ever since he could walk, Zack has been trying to keep up with older brother Jake, now a junior at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University.

While inspired by his brother, Zack has taken his own path, figuring out how to

see SHINING page 16

The Okun family includes: Zack, left, a Flinn Scholarship finalist, father Chad, mother Michelle (a Desert Mountain guidance counselor) and Jake, who studies engineering at Barrett Honors College at ASU. (Special to the Progress)

Life-changing dental implant solutions at an affordable price

The new Affordable Dentures & Implants practice in North Phoenix, offers patients a variety of tooth replacement options – at an affordable price – to create a new, natural smile that not only looks great, but restores a patient’s chewing ability, helps prevent bone loss, and transforms a patient’s confidence to smile again.

Affordable Dentures & Implants offers dental implant procedures that can restore the look, feel and function of a patient’s teeth.

Dental implants provide many benefits for denture wearers. Denture wearers often experience challenges eating, talking, and interacting with others, and find their dentures to be less secure than natural teeth. Dental implants help secure a patient’s denture, so the patient does not experience these issues.

The advantages of dental implants include:

• Protection of Existing Teeth and Bone Structure: A dental implant takes the place of a missing tooth. The dental implant is attached directly to the jaw. As a result, it prevents any remaining teeth from shifting and causing damage or bone loss.

• Better Feel and Function: If a patient has been missing teeth for a while, they often share how much of an inconvenience it is in their daily life-especially when it comes to eating. A dental implant allows patients to eat the foods they once enjoyed.

• Restored Confidence: Teeth affect how a patient speaks and smiles, which also affects their sense of confidence. Dental implant surgery restores teeth. In turn, patients may find it easier to smile for pictures, and communicate with friends and loved ones.

Scan the QR code to learn more about this practice or call (833) 619-3914.

SHINING from PAGE 15

manage his time for an intense load of extracurricular activities.

His parents might roll their eyes when Zack tells them of another project or activity, but they don’t say “No.”

“My parents throughout my entire life have been very supportive. They’ve allowed me to do what I want to do,” Zack said. “I thrive on involvement and getting involved in things.”

Even with so much going on, does hhe ever get blase?

“I do get bored,” he said. “When I get bored, I take out a new ambition or work on.”

Like during the March 13-17 spring break week, when SUSD closed its schools.

“I am continuing to do work with STEMducate, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit I founded,” Zack said, adding:

“Additionally, I am working on an engineering solution that will attach to wheelchairs and give users a more ergonomic way to power a manual wheelchair that reduces back and shoulder strain.”

And, he’s working on college classes.

While the COVID-19 pandemic caused many students around the country to founder, Zack flourished. For him, extra time simply meant putting his laser focus on extra projects.

“The pandemic provided me an opportunity to learn new skills and devote more time to many of the causes I champion,” he said.

And, even as many saw closed schools shrinking their social interactions, Zack figured out how to vastly multiply his world, via his foundation.

“The pandemic also allowed us to expand more internationally. With more people adopting technology and video meetings, we were able to better communicate and connect with schools all around the world, allowing us to reach over 7,000 students since our inception in 2019,” he said.

“Overall, I was able to manage the pandemic landscape by staying busy and doing the things I enjoy.”

Asked to look down the road, past advanced education and into his engineering career, to imagine a dream project, Zack Okun gave it some thought.

“I would design a robot that can efficiently produce water from natural air,” he decided.

“This invention would provide a much more accessible water supply and could help to alleviate drought conditions while also enabling the expansion of manufacturing industries that are hindered by limited water resources, particularly in hot and arid regions like Arizona.

“I am not sure what I would call this, but potentially AquaBot.”

outdoor spaces at Scottsdale Civic Center.

On March 12, Tatiana Crespo covered everything from the Marshall Tucker Band to Michael Jackson (a cool, slowmotion take on “I Want You Back”), with a few originals in the mix.

With temperatures in the 70s, locals lounged on lawn chairs as dogs enjoyed the scents of sunscreen lotions and food truck treats.

The free concert series continues at noon today, March 19, with 19-year-old singer-songwriter Japhar Pullen followed at 2:30 p.m. by trumpeter Gabriel Bey (aka Spooky Kool).

Those who prefer music indoors can enjoy the 4 p.m. concert today by the Scottsdale Philharmonic, performing a program that includes Grieg, Strauss and Schubert. Tickets are $14-15.

Music at the center continues at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, with the Balourdet Quartet (winner of the Grand Prize at the 2021 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition) and Memphis Symphony Orchestra flutist Adam W. Sadberry. Tickets are $25-45.

The next night, curator, conductor, and producer Zakir Hussain fires up a stew of Indian music and world percussion. Tickets are $35-65.

Saturday night, Dance Heginbotham brings stunning athleticism edged with humor and theatrics to the Scottsdale Center for Performing Art. Jazz composer and pianist Ethan Iverson (you may know him from the Bad Plus) provides the sounds for the dancers. Tickets are $26-66.

For more information or tickets, call the box office at 480-499-8587 or visit scottsdaleperformingarts.org.

SOUNDS from PAGE 2

The new Affordable Dentures & Implants practice in North Phoenix is scheduled to open on March 30.

• All household bills are guaranteed to be paid on time.*

• No computer is needed to use our service.

TUESDAY,

Virtual tour of Anne Frank’s house a Holocaust teaching tool

BY SHIRA TANZER Cronkite News

The Arizona Jewish Historical Society is opening a new interactive activity as part of its exhibit “Stories of Survival: An Immersive Journey Through the Holocaust.”

It utilizes virtual reality to guide visitors through the Netherlands home of Anne Frank, the young girl whose life is memorialized in the diary she kept from age 13 until she was killed by the Nazis at age 16.

By seeing the home and secret annex where Frank’s family hid from the Nazis for more than two years, guests and students are able to get an up close and personal view of what it was like to live in hiding during the Holocaust.

As part of the exhibit preview, the Jewish Historical Society hosted a talk in February with guest speaker Andrew Schot, a Holocaust survivor who now lives in Tucson.

Schot lived across the street from the Frank family before World War II broke out, even walking to school with Anne and her sister, Margot.

When the Germans invaded the Netherlands in 1940 and the Franks went into hiding, Schot remembered seeing Miep Gies, the friend who essentially kept the Franks alive while they were in hiding, walking to and from the house.

Schot said bringing the history of the Holocaust into today’s era through technology will give people, especially students just learning about the Holocaust, a better understanding of the events.

“The use of technology makes it so much easier. It would take three or four hours to lecture about what they do here in minutes,” Schot said.

Through the use of new methods of teaching, educators are finding it easier to connect to a generation of students that have grown up with the internet.

The new virtual reality exhibit places them into another time and gives them a virtual firsthand experience of the events they are viewing.

Anne Frank is used as an example in classrooms across the world to educate young students about the Holocaust and what Jewish people went through during World War II.

Frank has been a symbol for a younger generation to learn about the Holocaust as research shows significant gaps in knowledge about the Holocaust and the nearly 6 million Jewish people killed.

Her diary is written from her point of view, and the Jewish Historical Society’s exhibit allows visitors to catch a glimpse of the war through her eyes.

“When I stand in front of a bunch of kids, eighth or ninth graders, and I tell them I went to school with Anne Frank, I’ve got their attention,” Schot said. “It’s the experience of someone their own age, not some old person.”

Holocaust education in Arizona has been gaining more attention over the past few years, with an Arizona law signed in 2021 that requires public schools to teach students about the Holocaust and other genocides at least twice between seventh and 12th grades.

Lawrence Bell, executive director of

the Arizona Jewish Historical Society, said history has a way of repeating itself.

The only way to prevent future genocide, he said, is to teach the next generation about the Holocaust and how it happened so they can make sure it never happens again.

“A big part of why we’re doing this is to educate young people, especially who probably don’t have a lot of prior knowledge about the Second World War or the Holocaust – to take this new generation of people and make them aware of what happened,” Bell said, noting multiple schools come through the museum each week.

The museum’s “Stories of Survival” exhibit features testimonies from four Arizona Holocaust survivors through

media such as an interactive hologram –and virtual reality.

The exhibit runs through the end of the year.

There has been one other virtual reality tour offered through the Jewish Historical Society in the past, which featured a concentration camp, but the Anne Frank house tour is the first interactive virtual exhibit, where visitors can open doors and choose where in the house to go.

The virtual reality exhibit opens to the public Monday, and is a free experience included with the museum’s $5 admission fee. Students, military and museum members get in free.

Info: annefrank.org/en.

GOP senators vote to give new businesses tax break

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Starting a new business?

Arizona lawmakers apparently want to help you succeed.

On a party-line vote, the Senate on March 14 voted to exempt new businesses from having to pay any state income taxes at all in their first year of operation. That tax break would taper off to 50% in the second year and 25% in the third, by

which point it should be clear whether a company will make it or not.

SB 1559 is the brainchild of Sen. Steve Kaiser, R-Phoenix, who told colleagues of his own experience trying to start a business – he has since sold it – and the problems in arranging financing. What this is designed to do, he said, is provide a bit of fiscal breathing room.

But Democrats were opposed even after he added requested language to ensure that companies don't simply dis-

solve and reform on an annual basis to take advantage of the tax break.

"Of course ,we support small businesses,'' said Senate Minority Leader Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe. "Arizona businesses are so important to every part of our economy.''

But Epstein said that carving out a special tax break for those who start a new business is not good policy. And she noted that it's not like lawmakers are providing similar relief for people who

start a new job.

"Why is it only a person who owns a business that gets a tax break?'' she asked.

Epstein said she believes that special carve-outs are not the best way to encourage economic development. Instead, she said, the state is better with low rates that apply to all.

"Everybody pays a fair share,'' Epstein see TAX page 19

Holocaust survivor Andrew Schot, right, spoke at a recent Arizona Jewish Historical Society event, with Anthony Fusco Jr., who is the society’s education coordinator. (Shira Tanzer/ Cronkite News)

Lawmakers push for state dementia plan

BY MADISON VEGA Cronkite News

State legislators are pushing a bill to build a state dementia plan and put up to $500,000 toward new jobs focused on Alzheimer’s disease, a common type of dementia that is rising especially fast in Arizona.

“We call it the silver tsunami,” state Rep. Jennifer Longdon, D-Phoenix, said last week at a news conference at the state Capitol. “The number of folks who are projected to experience Alzheimer’s in the coming years is going to be significant.”

Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, sponsored SB 1220, which would require the Arizona Department of Health Services to build a dementia plan for policies and programs to fight Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, according to advocates.

That would include hiring two dementia services coordinators to collaborate across state agencies. Longdon is sponsoring a similar bill in the House.

The Alzheimer’s Association, in a 2023 report, said Arizona’s rate of diagnosis of a disease that destroys memories and leads to cognitive decline is expected to jump more than 33% over five years, ending in 2025.

That affects patients and their loved ones, who usually become caregivers. That comes at a cost – an estimated 18 billion hours of unpaid care, the association says.

Leonard Chayrez, who has Alzheimer’s, and his partner and caregiver Mark Garrity, said the diagnosis was delayed.

“Over three years, until finally they

TAX from PAGE 18

said.

Kaiser, however, said his legislation simply recognizes the hardships of starting a business from scratch.

About five years ago, Kaiser said he bought into a franchise that does junk removal.

"We had some pretty heavy capital investment when it came to the dump trucks,'' he explained.

"I leased my warehouses, but we had

decided let’s start some testing on you,” Chayrez said.

Marisa Menchola, a Tucson dementia specialist, said diagnosing symptoms early is key.

“We cannot reduce this burden without earlier diagnoses and there is no early diagnosis without public education and awareness,” Menchola said.

Dementia upends families.

“Nothing prepares you for the day that your own mother looks you in your eye and doesn’t know who you are,” said Merry Grace, who cried at Wednesday’s news conference as she spoke of her mother, who died five years ago. Now

three of them,'' Kaiser continued. "We had all the franchise fees.''

Kaiser said he grew it during the time he had, to the point he had 15 employees.

"But I still had capital problems every year,'' he said.

The problem, Kaiser said, is not unique to him. He said that's why most businesses fail in their first few years because of cash flow – or, more to the point, the lack of it.

"You can't get financing from tradi-

Grace takes care of her father, who also has dementia.

Shope, who represents the Southeast Valley and parts of Tucson, said his great-grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. As a child he watched his relatives take on caregiving responsibilities.

“You’re watching the sacrifices that your own family has to make because my grandma, my aunt, and my mom did not want to have to send our great grandma away to a care facility,” Shope said.

Menchola said the battle against Alzheimer’s needs help from people from a variety of backgrounds.

tional places,'' he said.

"You have to go to these short-term, basically payday loans,'' Kaiser said. "And those are really dangerous,'' what with high interest rates that can leave a borrower even further in debt.''

What SB 1159 would do, he said, is allow new businesses to hang on to as much capital as possible "when they're the most vulnerable, which is those first few years.''

Kaiser is no longer in the junk removal business. He said he concluded that the

“Our caregivers are doing their part. Our health care workers and our scientists are doing their part. We need our partners in the Legislature to do their part also,” Menchola said.

Similar bills, including one to raise awareness of the disease, are moving through the Senate and the House.

Garrity and other advocates say if the bills pass, it also will help to reduce misunderstandings about dementia.

“There is kind of a stigma that you don’t talk about it – something that happens to old people,” said Girrity. But it doesn’t, he said.

His partner, Chayrez, is 57.

costs -- particularly those franchise fees plus having to spend time at the Capitol make it just too much of a burden.

He also said that giving a tax break to new businesses won't increase everyone else's taxes, as their income tax brackets and bills would remain unchanged.

But the flip side of that is the price tag.

Legislative budget staffers predict SB 1559 would reduce state revenues by close to $39 million by 2027.

The measure now goes to the House.

Supporters of bills to battle dementia spoke of the need for a statewide effort to battle dementia at a news conference at the state Capitol. One bill would require the Arizona Department of Health Services to build a dementia plan for policies and programs to fight Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, according to advocates. (Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)

e Saguaros roll the dice on Cards for Kids

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Sta Writer

Five years ago, e Saguaros –which rebranded from the 20/30 Club late last year – gambled on an innovative idea to raise money for 28 children's charities.

e idea was to take the classic card game of poker and turn it into a tournament where the pot would be donated to charity.

“It started out as more so of a poker tournament amongst friends and over the years has evolved into a larger event,” recalled Ted Crother, who chairs what became the Cards for Kids fundraiser.

As it drew more guests, the event added other card and casino games and has reached a point where poker is but a small part of the experience, he said.

“At this point, poker is just a small subset of the event,” said Crother. “There will be one final poker table that 10 people will compete at during the qualifying rounds, but for the bulk of attendees that night is blackjack, craps, roulette and the classic casino games.”

is year's fourth annual Cards for Kids is expected to draw 700 people and Crowther hopes to raise record funds for charities such as Boys Hope Girls Hope, the Care Fund and Harvest Compassion Center.

However, the Saguaros needed a venue to accommodate the size and the search was complicated by the fact that such space goes quickly as corporations, nonpro ts and event promoters com-

pete for sites.

Fortunately, the club found a spacious location at Hangar One at Scottsdale Airport, which will be converted into a swanky casino the evening of March 25.

“There's some really cool architecture and decorations and design at the venue and so we feel very fortunate to be able to hold the event there and hopefully we'll get to do it again there again next year,” Crother said of the jet hangar.

Crother feels some spaces maximize the aesthetic appeal of Cards for Kids.

“One of the venue spaces that we'll be utilizing is the Red Room, which is a

really beautiful venue space that’s completely red inside with some very unique overhead architecture,” he said.

“I think we'll just o er a unique vibe to the event right on top of the fact that there's some outdoor courtyard space that we're really excited about decorating with our branding and the branding of all of our sponsors that help us to put the event.

He described a room "right there on the runway at Scottsdale Airport that features giant glass windows" and said, "we’ll throw a casino table right there in the middle of." e evtn also will feature alcohol tastings and food vending from a local restaurants.

"It's a great venue that we're excited to be at.," Crother said.

Cards For Kids is a precursor to the Saguaros largest fundraiser, e Olympiad that is scheduled for April 14 at Scottsdale Stadium.

Between the two events, members hope to raise over $1 million for charities around the Valley.

“ e event speci cally gets tied in with another event that we do which we call ‘ e Olympiad’ and over the course of last year, we were able to raise over a million dollars for our spring fundraising and we're hoping to post that or beat that this year,” Crother said.

Although Crother is excited to host another promising event, he and the rest of his Saguaro colleagues are most eager to do good for the community.

“We want to be allocating money to places that are going to be the most impactful and lead to longevity in terms of giving back to the community,” he said.

If You Go:

Cards For Kids

When: 6 p.m. March 25.

Where: Scottsdale Hangar One, 15220 N 78th Way, Scottsdale

When: 6 p.m. March 25.

Cost: $250. Admission includes food and drinks for the night and access to the casino, raffle, and live auction. Special deal: Readers can use code CFK2023 for $50 off their ticket through Thursday, March 23.

Info: Formal attire is encouraged. saguaros.com/cfk

The Saguaros on March 25 will host its fourth Cards for Kids event with card games and other friendly casino games to raise funds for 28 kids charities. (Special to the Progress)

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 4 TO 6 P.M.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 4 TO 6 P.M.

SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center | Scottsdale and McDowell

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong is a free, two-day festival of creativity that includes performances and exhibitions by Scottsdale Unified School District students, family friendly arts activities by Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, Alli Ortega Empty Bowls fundraiser, interactive demonstrations from City of Scottsdale departments, and culinary delights from local food trucks throughout the SkySong campus.

SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center | Scottsdale and McDowell

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 4 TO 6 P.M.

FRIDAY, MARCH 24 4 TO 6 P.M.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.

SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center | Scottsdale and McDowell

Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong is a free, two-day festival of creativity that includes performances and exhibitions by Scottsdale Uni ed School District students, family friendly arts activities by Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, Alli Ortega Empty Bowls fundraiser, interactive demonstrations from City of Scottsdale departments, and culinary delights from local food trucks throughout the SkySong campus.

For more information on the event, visit www.skysong.com/artsfest A Partnership Between EMPTY BOWLS

SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center | Scottsdale and McDowell

Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong is a free, two-day festival of creativity that includes performances and exhibitions by Scottsdale Unified School District students, family friendly arts activities by Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, Alli Ortega Empty Bowls fundraiser, interactive demonstrations from City of Scottsdale departments, and culinary delights from local food trucks throughout the SkySong campus.

Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at SkySong is a free, two-day festival of creativity that includes performances and exhibitions by Scottsdale Unified School District students, family friendly arts activities by Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation, Alli Ortega Empty Bowls fundraiser, interactive demonstrations from City of Scottsdale departments, and culinary delights from local food trucks throughout the SkySong campus.

For more information on the event, visit www.skysong.com/artsfest

For more information on the event, visit www.skysong.com/artsfest

For more information on the event, visit www.skysong.com/artsfest

A Partnership Between EMPTY BOWLS

A Partnership Between EMPTY BOWLS

Life Time exes muscles with posh new site

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Sta Writer

For over three decades, Life Time Fitness has made its mark with lavish tness clubs across the Valley and the nation.

With locations in Gilbert, Arcadia, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Peoria, Litcheld Park and North Scottsdale, the company opened a space in Biltmore Fashion in 2020 that extended a relationship with mall owner Macerich.

“We have three clubs with Macerich Properties. What’s been an interesting part of our strategy over the last couple of years is going into mall developments as they're trying to rede ne themselves,” said company spokeswoman Natalie Bushaw.

And as malls turn more into mixed-use developments, she explained, “people have more reasons to go to Life Time locations.

Biltmore laid the foundation for Life Time’s fourth Macerich Properties location at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

e new 50,000-square-foot Fashion Square club sets itself apart with its views of Camelback Mountain and the Superstitions.

And it o ers a plethora of services and classes in barre, cycle, group tness, Pilates and yoga, a nutritional cafe that serves healthy shakes and other items, esthetician and massage services, a rejuvenation area with a whirlpool, cold plunge, sauna, steam room and body care products and two outdoor terraces overlooking a beach club for yoga classes, workshops and special events.

Bushaw said these amenities put Life Time clubs a cut above the competition.

“When people think of a gym, they may think of a small spot or a room full of equipment. But when they come to a place like Life Time, they’re met with an elevated experience from the moment that they walk in the door and all of the amenities,” Bushaw said.

Bushaw has noticed a change in the way that Life Time members craft their workouts: While most clients still break a sweat, more members also are taking time to allow their muscles to properly

recover.

“High-intensity workouts are absolutely still a big deal, but people are focusing more on what we're calling ‘mindful wellness’ or ‘mindful tness,’” Bushaw said.

“Members are now making sure that they're spending time in the sauna, they're recovering, they're meditating, they're just taking time because they need it.”

Because of this, the luxuriously appointed club juxtaposes weight rooms with recovery areas that include massage tables, massage guns and foam rollers.

Life Time feels right at home next to Fashion Square’s luxury wing.

“I think it's a perfect complement and I think it falls right in line with Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall since it provides high-end retail and high-end restaurants which allow us to t right in with the area,” said Life Time Scottsdale Fashion Square general manager Mike Esposito.

Because of this, Esposito has high hopes for his state-of-the-art club, which opened March 3.

“Any time you get an opportunity to open a new location, there's a lot of excitement,” Esposito said.

“Our goal is to deliver the best places, programs and people and because of that I’m excited to be the general manager and deliver a great product to the Scottsdale area.”

Life Time Scottsdale Fashion Square 4724 N. Goldwater Boulevard, Scottsdale. 480-791-0635. Lifetime.life

Mike Esposito is the general manager of the new Lifetime Fitness adjacent to Scottsdale Fashion Square. (David Minton/ Progress Sta Photographer)

The second-floor weight room o ers a luxurious area for clients to stay fit. (David Minton/ Sta Photographer)

The third-floor rooftop pool deck o ers views of Camelback Mountain at the new Lifetime Fitness facility at Scottsdale Fashion Square. (David Minton/Progress Sta Photographer)

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until March 31st, 2023 Call (480) 274-3157 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers Y OU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274-3157… NOW!!

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Aspen Medical 4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa AZ 85206

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

*(480) 274-3157*

480-274-3157

4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa Az 85206

is a paid advertisement*

Notre Dame’s Borowski embraces baseball grind

BY NATHAN HAFNER Progress Contributing Writer

Ty Borowski has a bright future and as the Notre Dame Prep senior considers the life lessons he has learned that shaped that future, he is particularly grateful to his dad, Joe Borowski. Ty was born in Chicago during his father's career and moved to Cleveland, Ohio, early in his life. From there, the Borowskis settled in Arizona, their current home because his dad would routinely be there for spring training.

Even though Ty does not remember his father's playing career, he still admires his dad for achieving his dream.

Joe Borowski, currently the assistant baseball coach at Notre Dame Prep, was a Major League Basseball closing pitcher. Joe Borowski finished his career with the Cleveland Indians.

Baseball has been in Ty's life from the beginning and his father has played an equally big role in it.

“You know, my dad is my biggest role model. Whenever he gets fan mail or even gets recognized at the grocery store, it warms my heart because I know how hard he worked towards his dream of being a professional baseball player.” said Ty.

Ty and his older brother Blaze both have special relationships with their father, who not only raised them to appreciate baseball but instilled a toughness in them.

“Being that he has an older brother, he was always around this, and the great thing is that other kids that I coached with my older son had younger siblings his age.” said Joe Borowski. “So, they always were playing baseball and you could just see at a young age he got the grasp of it. And he's just a hardnosed player.”

Ty's relationship with his father has

given him insight into the world of professional baseball that few outside the game enjoy. Having this perspective truly allows him to appreciate the work required to succeed in the game he loves.

“I have been playing baseball my whole life, and I've seen people and even myself be affected by the outcome of a game,” Ty said. “Baseball is a very mental sport. It has taught me to never let the outcomes and diversity in life get to you, because it will only cause you to fall even deeper in your head.”

Ty has also become a great teammate and is willing to work hard to achieve his dreams and while helping others do the same.

He also has shown the ability to balance success in the classroom and on the field.

He respects the game and turns to his

faith for guidance when hardships arise.

“It plays a big role, you know,” Ty said. “So, we're very faithful at school … Whenever there's a bad moment or anything, I can always rely on my faith to bring me up.”

Ty enjoys team sports and he wants to help the teammates in any way he can.

As a senior, he wants to help younger players and share what he's learned to help them better themselves – both on the playing field and in the classroom.

He also acknowledgeshow much of an impact Notre Dame Prep has had in achieving his academic success.

He looks to continue that path after high school, by earning an academic scholarship from his dream school, the University of Arizona.

He knows contineud success will take more hard work after high school, both

in the classroom and on the field.

But it’s a challenge he has been taught to accept, not only by his father but head Noptre Dame Coach Brian Fischer, too.

Ty said Fischer has played a major role in improving his game and has helped him be the best player, he can be on the field.

Fischer calls Ty a leader and has watched him gorw in that role.

“I’ve known the family for a long time.” said Fischer. “So, I've known Ty for a long time, and just over the years he's been a leader and just grown and been a big part of this program.”

Notre Dame Prep recently wrapped up a tournament in which it faced several out-of-state teams.

The Saints will face Mountain Pointe in their first game back from spring break on Monday.

Notre Dame Prep senior Ty Borowski has learned to love the game of baseball from his dad, Joe, who is an assistant coach for the Saints. Ty knows it took hard work and dedication for his dad to reach the majors, and it has allowed him to have a new appreciation for the sport. (Courtesy Ty Borowski)

Memorial represents the best of Scottsdale

BY JOAN FEDULA Progress Guest Writer

As a Scottsdale community historian, I’ve had the privilege of researching and sharing Scottsdale veterans’ history at events, meetings and in history columns.

I’ve made it my mission to learn as much as I can about our military and veterans’ history, and how our past and present residents have served their country and their community.

I’m proud to say that Scottsdale has been a model community for welcoming, saluting and treasuring our service members and veterans and their families.

On Saturday, March 18, Scottsdale and its neighboring communities had

A short-term water solution is possible for Rio Verde Foothills

Ihave been concerned about this situation for some time.

I live in south Scottsdale, miles from the Rio Verde Foothills area, but believe we should be good neighbors and help as best we can, within the law, and as stewards of our overall water resources.  he issue has become politicized and badly handled.

I have spoken on a few occasions to the City Council urging a solution to the problem.

On March 7, I asked the council why they approved the agreement with the county on Feb. 21. I have read in the Scottsdale

a significant opportunity to honor 66 fallen military heroes who never had the chance to become veterans.

Nine years in the making, the Scottsdale Memorial for the Fallen was dedicated on the East Lawn of Scottsdale City Hall. Its purpose and process are shining examples of the best of Scottsdale.

In 2014, U.S. Marine Corps retired major and Scottsdale High graduate Jim Geiser gathered a small committee of veterans and two military spouses to brainstorm how Scottsdale could honor area residents who had died on active duty during war or other military service.

Jim, then involved in a similar project at ASU to honor its fallen military alumni, was totally dedicated to creating a memorial for Scottsdale’s fallen.

After gaining enthusiastic approval from the city for the monument, Jim spent countless hours researching the names that should be memorialized. He visited every local cemetery looking for gravestones, spent hours on genealogy websites and looked up obituaries in old newspapers.

Jim and his committee raised over $300,000 to fund the monument. Sadly, Jim Geiser lost a short battle with cancer in August 2022, just as we were about to break ground on the memorial. The committee, plus Jim’s brother Ken on the East Coast, the monument’s contractors and the City of Scottsdale picked up where Jim left off.

The monument’s 66 honored fallen

Letters To The Editor

Progress March 5 that a letter dated Feb. 21 from Supervisor Galvin to the city expressed major concerns with the deal points in the agreement under consideration.

At the meeting many, including myself, congratulated the city on having appeared to have initiated a workable temporary solution. On March 1 the county resoundingly rejected the agreement.

I worked for the city for 21 years (1985 to 2007) and was involved in many intergovernmental agreements and would never ask the council to approve an agreement if both parties were not satisfied with all the deal points.

Why would the council approve an agreement that was not supported by the county? And why would the county be so adamant, according to news reports, in rejecting the city agreement?

I also brought up to the council an article that gives details of city emails dating back to October 2022 showing that Scottsdale staff was interested in pursuing an interim solution with EPCOR. It stated that Brian

Biesemeyer (Water Resources Director)

emailed the council in October 2022, that they we’re working with EPCOR on a solution to provide water on an interim basis.

The reason given for the city not moving forward was a concern about continued growth in the area. Also quoted was a statement from an EPCOR spokesperson that confirmed the company had discussed a potential interim solution last fall and that EPCOR has the water resources and could help.

Any future agreement that the Council approves could have a stipulation that only a certain amount of water be delivered to the RVF area. That concept was in the agreement approved on Feb. 21. The city had been providing about 121 acre feet per year in the years preceding the cut off.

The long-term solution is through the Arizona Corporation Commission. EPCOR is in the process of going through the ACC to provide water service to the area. This could take some time to com-

plete.

The short-term solution, in my opinion, should be for the city to supply the limited amount of water supplied prior to the cut off. The amount involved is not significant.

If working only with only one water company presents procurement issues. then other water companies should be allowed to participate in the process.

I have also read that the city is reluctant to enter into intergovernmental agreements with non-governmental agencies. This is a red herring.

The city has agreements with many utility companies. Water companies are by definition utility companies. Also, the issue of the city’s Drought Contingency Plan has been cited as an obstacle.

The DCP does not preclude the city acquiring additional water resources and delivering to others. The city was proposing to do just that in the botched see WATER page 28

Joan Fudala

MEMORIAL from

were residents of Scottsdale, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Most attended a Scottsdale Unified School District high school. They served in the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force; one served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Three are World War I casualties, 25 lost their lives in World War II, six were lost during the Korean War era, 25 are casualties of the Vietnam War era and seven have been lost in conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. A dozen are buried in overseas military cemeteries or lost at sea, and a few are interred at Arlington and other national cemeteries.

Beyond creating a monument to local military service members who sacrificed their lives for our country, there are several other aspects of the memorial that

WATER from PAGE 26

agreement with the county.

Summer is approaching and the residents of RVF will become increasingly desperate. It is time for the city and

demonstrate Scottsdale’s heart and soul.

First, it has been privately funded, in partnership with the City of Scottsdale, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community and other entities and donors. Second, it is another example of how a small group of dedicated volunteers can make a difference in Scottsdale. Third, and indicative of our times, it demonstrates how a far-flung committee (with members across the Valley and U.S.) can use online meeting technology to create a project of lasting importance.

Please visit Scottsdale’s Memorial for the Fallen, pause to reflect on the lives tragically cut short, and say their names. Giving voice to their names helps keep the legacies of the fallen alive for this and future generations.

Joan Fudala, U.S. Air Force, retired, is a member of the Scottsdale Memorial for the Fallen Committee.

county to get together and craft a workable solution that is agreeable to all parties and only present the agreement to their governing bodies when all the deal points are settled.

- Alex Mclaren

New museum offers mind-bending exhibits

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

Nearly eight years after Croatian businessmen Roko Zivkovic and Tomislav Pamukovic hatched the idea that morphed into the Museum of Illusions museum, the concept officially expanded westward with its 36th location in Arizona Boardwalk.

The 5,700-square-foot museum is the brand's largest and boasts over 60 individual exhibits with a unique optical illusion –some exclusive to the Scottsdale museum.

“The Museum of Illusions is a franchise and we have a lot of tried and true exhibits that are favorites in every city we go to and we wanted to include those, but since we are the newest museum, we also have brand new exhibits that actually aren't in any of the museums,” said spokeswoman Stacy Stec.

“We have a brand-new immersive

room called the RGB row that tests how colors change what we see and we also have a mirage illusion that creates a mirage of an object floating in front of you, but there really isn't an object floating in front of you. It's completely a mirage.”

The museum opened March 11 after several delays caused by supply chain and construction labor shortages that had pushed it back from November, according to Stec.

“After things shifted the first time, we were really trying to get here before the Super Bowl but that changed and things were a little bit out of our control,” she recalled.

“Then the goal was to try to open before spring break since spring training is such a popular time down here and it's a popular time for tourists and locals alike to be here and to be looking for things to do.”

Stec believes that the museum will add a new element of interest to the Az

see MUSEUM page 30

SUSD teams up with ASU, Scottsdale Arts for festival

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Staff Writer

For several years, Scottsdale Unified School District has had a close relationship with Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation.

In the past, the two entities collaborated to put on an annual arts showcase, installations for Canal Convergence, and the “Visions” exhibition last year at the Center for the Performing Arts.

Natalie Marsh, director of Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation, said her team for six years organized an art showcase at the end of the school year for schools and artists it worked with while the school district held its own showcase a month later.

“We'd always talked about a way we

could align these two things,” Marsh explained.

After the pandemic stalled the implementation of that idea, Marsh againraised the idea of coordinating a show with the district.

However, the two needed a venue.

That was when Arizona State University’s SkySong campus, located off Scottsdale Road and McDowell Road, presented itself as the ideal venue with its wide open outdoor space as well as several spaces for bands, orchestras and choirs.

It was an easy yes for SkySong to open its expansive campus to accommodate the event on the evening of Friday, March 24 and late morning and early afternoon of Saturday, March 25.

“We are very pleased to bring this celebration of the arts to life on the SkySong

campus,” said Don Couvillion, senior vice president-real estate for University Realty, a partner in SkySong.

“SkySong has always embraced the arts and featured them prominently, and this is a great way to continue that tradition while further connecting with the community.”

SkySong will be fully utilized as its center stage will feature performances by SUSD bands, choirs and orchestras. The event also will offer hands-on, artist-led activities from Scottsdale Arts. including lantern making, painting and souvenir tote bags.

The Café stage will present smaller ensemble performances, interactive experiences presented by the City of Scottsdale departments and electronics recycling by Westech as well as light refreshments.

Food trucks and vendors will also be on hand.

Between the two stages will be art exhibitions featuring the works of SUSD students who have worked tirelessly over the past year to create showcase-worthy works.

“I think this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent of our students across all grade levels and we are so appreciative of the partnership with Scottsdale Art and with Arizona State University, which is bringing together the community to showcase our student talent in multiple ways. It's just fantastic,” said SUSD Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel.

Marsh echoed a similar sentiment.

“I'm really excited to celebrate the student achievement in a more public see FESTIVAL page 30

Kyle Rahr tries to navigate the swirling Vortex Tunnel at the new Museum of Illusions at the Arizona Boardwalk. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

space,” Marsh said. “I want to not only show the community how amazing our students are but also provide them with opportunities that maybe inspire them to be amazing with the arts.”

Marsh also hopes the event inspires the next generation of young artists who could be entering the district next year or taking their first art classes.

“I also really like the idea of younger students seeing older students on a stage or seeing their work in a show because it gives them that sense of ‘I kind of want to try that myself since I saw an older student doing that,” Marsh said.

“Sometimes even the first time (seeing art) is just all it takes is a spark of creativity.”

Marsh and Menzel share the same goal of creating an event that is so successful, it becomes an annual event and look forward to seeing families mingle and enjoy art at the inaugural Family ArtsFest.

“I'm looking forward to seeing students with their parents, and sometimes their grandparents or other family members, showcasing their talent and then

looking at everything else that will be on display or experiencing the live performances that will be on center stage,” Menzel said. “

I think all of those components make for a wonderful activity for Friday evening or Saturday and then I would I would hope to see other community members who may not have kids in school kids might be grown,” he said.

He encouraged people to “come out and see the amazing things that our students are putting together because I think they the community will get a different sense of some of the exciting opportunities for our students here in Scottsdale.”

If You Go:

Family ArtsFest

When: 4-8 p.m. on Friday, March 24 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25.

Where: ASU SkySong, 1301-1475

N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale

Cost: Free.

Info: skysong.com/artsfest.

Boardwalk entertainment destination.

“Our museum is a little bit more based in science and psychology, which makes us a really exciting destination for schools and people that are looking for a little bit more meat behind the concept,” Stec said.

“We seek to teach people about these optical illusions, vision and perception and the human brain while they experience these illusions.”

She also believes that the new space will diversify the demographic of AZ Boardwalk’s visitors.

“We draw a lot of different demographics,” said Stec. “We draw a lot of college students, couples coming for date night, groups of adults that are coming for fun or corporate events. We're really excited to kind of change that dynamic here.”

The museum offers golden backdrops for selfies and that perfect social media post.

“We are a very visual museum,” she said. “It's a really cool aspect that we've been able to tie that in with our exhibits.”

The museum also offers mind-bending experiences like the vortex tunnel exhibition, which makes guests feel like

DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR TAX CREDIT

they are on a teetering bridge and leave feeling dizzy afterward.

Although some exhibits can be disorienting, the Museum of Illusions has trained its staff to be diligent with its guests and enforce safety measures.

“The guests' experience is our top priority here and we strive to give every guest a personalized and top-notch experience here at the museum,” Stec said, “We want them to have a great time, but also walk away having learned something new about vision or perception.”

Stec says that the museum will rotate exhibits and partner with local artists to “put a little flair in there.”

“Since we are permanent, we plan on doing a museum refresh after a few years when a lot of people have already come to experience it at once and we will completely change out some of the immersive rooms so that people can come back and have a different experience,” she said.

Museum of Illusions

9500 East Via de Ventura, Scottsdale

moiscottsdale.com, 480-2706640

“Without your donations, I would not be able to go to my Christian school. In my past, I struggled quite a bit with learning, but this school has helped me get better grades and make better friends. This was the opportunity I have been needing for a very long time.”

Jeni’s scoops up Old Town shop as latest location

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Progress Sta Writer

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has taken the nation by storm with over 20 locations around the nation and supplying pints of its ice cream to grocery stores.

Adding to its rapid growth was the March 1 opening of its southwesternmost location in Old Town at Marshall Way and 5th Avenue.

“We like to look for destination locations and Old Town Scottsdale is the perfect location to hang our hat on a brand new market for us,” said CEO Stacy Peterson.

Although Old Town Scottsdale offered an idyllic location with its vibrance of nightlife, art and food and beverage options set in a robust, rustic downtown environment,  Jeni’s Chief Retail Officer Dan Sierzputowski said they eyed other sections of the Valley and Scottsdale.

“Phoenix has always been on our radar screen since it's hot – which makes it a good ice cream market – and it’s got all the elements of travel, both domestic and international and it’s a mix of a young crowd and retirees,” Sierzputowski said.

“We looked in downtown Phoenix but there wasn't anything that really stuck out to us. We then thought maybe a Scottsdale Quarter or something like that. But when we found this location, it spoke to us in terms of our roots since it was classic yet nice, fun and kind of welcoming to everybody. It was a no-brainer to come here.”

With its shop open in an area anked by art galleries, gift shops and restaurants, Jeni’s aims to o er a new avor to Old Town – literally.

Jeni’s was founded in the late 90s by Jeni Britton Bauer, an Ohio State University alumni who studied art history and

ne arts and decided to start selling ice cream with essential oils that emitted an appetizing aroma.

In 2002, Bauer generated enough success to merit her own store in Columbus, Ohio.

Her shop currently boasts a selection of 18 avors and customers can mix and match scoops of two to 10 avors served in bowls, cones, or butter crisp wa e cones and bowls.

The flavors cover a range from Buttercream Birthday Cake and Gooey Butter Cake to fruitful concoctions like wild berry lavender to sweetly salty creations like salted peanut butter.

e composition of the ice cream and the care it receives sets Jeni’s apart from the pack, Sierzputowski said.

“Our ice cream is made with fresh, clean ingredients, there are no stabilizers and it's put together with love,” he said. “In fact, when we make our ice cream, we have to keep it at -20 de-

grees all the way up until we serve it –which makes our supply chain pretty tough.”

Jeni’s utilizes special freezers to maintain that temperature and ensure consistency of the ice cream in each scoop.

“We're obsessed with the texture of the ice cream,” said Peterson. “No stabilizers means that we have to take a lot of care to make sure that the ice cream stays frozen and as it melts, you can really understand the quality of the ice cream.”

e company also prioritizes the breakthrough that kickstarted the company nearly three decades ago: the scent.

“The scent is very important to us and ensuring that as the ice cream melts it releases a scent,” Peterson said.

When customers enter the glass doors of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams they are immediately greeted with a candy-store-

esque scent of sugary treats that almost immediately get their stomachs rumbling.

Customers are then introduced to profiles of various flavors to determine what ice cream best suits their taste and lifestyle – not unlike what mixologists do at cocktail joints around the city.

“Our training is pretty specific. We do what's called flavor bolts where we introduce our flavors to our team–who we call our ambassadors because they really do are the ambassadors to the customer – and we really ask them ‘how would you describe this?’ That way they love serving it,” Sierzputowski said.

With its sta trained and ice creams stocked, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams’ next task is scooping up a legion of faithful fans.

“We see a brand awareness opportunity with Jeni’s where we're getting our name out there both on the wholesale side and with the scoop shop business to where both have synergy and can explode brand awareness,” Peterson said.

“ at excites us to move into new markets where we can not only have our wholesale product on the shelf at the grocery store but also invite people to visit our scoop shop.”

Jeni’s CEO Stacy Peterson and Chief Retail O cer Dan Sierzputowski of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams are excited about their new location in Old Town. (David Minton/Progress Sta Photographer)

CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG

To

PUBLIC NOTICES

IN THE CROW TRIBAL CIVIL COURT IN AND FOR THE CROW INDIAN RESERVATION P.O. BOX 489, CROW AGENCY, MONTANA 59022 (406) 638-7400

CIVIL CASE NO. 22-163

CIVIL SUMMONS

IN RE THE GUARDIANSIDP OF: BERNADETTE CHARETTE, Adult,

RENO CHARETTE, Petitioner.

TO: ROCHELLE CHARETTE, RESPONDENT(S),

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the PETITION FOR ADULT GUARDIANSHIP that was filed in the Crow Tribal Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you. You have FIFTEEN (15) calendar days to respond after you receive service of this Summons (the day of service shall not be included). If the 15th day shall fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or Legal Holiday, the period shall end on the next day that does not fall on one of these dates. To respond to the Petition, you must do so by:

1. A written answer or by filing an appropriate motion~

2. Serve a copy of the answer or motion upon the Petitioner or Petitioner's counsel; and

3. File your answer or motion, and proof that you served a copv upon the Petitioner, with the Clerk of this Court.

Address for Plaintiffs Counsel: Reno Charette 2037 Canyon Drive Billings, MT 59102

YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR, DEFEND, AND ANSWER WITHIN THE TIME SET FORTH ABOVE MAY CAUSE A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT TO BE RENDERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF DEMANDED BY THE PLAINTIFF, pursuant to Title 5 Rule 4(b) of the Crow Law and Order Code. SUMMONS issued this 20th day of December, 2022 Clerk of the Crow Tribal Court *Certified Mail or hand-delivered by a party who is at least 18 years of age and not a party to this action. Proof of service must be filed with the Court Clerk. Published in the Scottsdale Progress, Mar 19, 26, Apr 2, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notice: VB BTS II, LLC proposes the construction of a 24-ft above ground level (AGL) stealth-monocactus telecommunications tower and an associated tower compound facility to be located at 37700 N Desert Mountain Pkwy., north of the City of Scottsdale, within Maricopa County, AZ (Maricopa County Parcel ID: 219-13-379) [Latitude: N 33° 49' 34.03" Longitude: W 111° 52' 31.38"].

VB BTS II, LLC seeks comments from all interested persons on any potential significant impact the proposed action could have on the quality of the human environment pursuant to 47 C.F.R. Section 1.1307, including potential impacts to historic or cultural resources that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Please submit any written comments within 30 days of this notice’s first publication regarding the potential effects that the proposed tower may have on Historic Properties that are listed or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places to: Tower Engineering Professionals, Inc. (Attn: George Swearingen) 326 Tryon Road, Raleigh, NC 27603

Telephone: (919) 661-6351 Fax: (919) 661-6350

Published in the Scottsdale Progress, Mar 19, 2023

Public Notice: VB BTS II, LLC proposes the construction of a 24-ft above ground level (AGL) stealth-monocactus telecommunications tower and an associated tower compound facility to be located at 38580 N Desert Mountain Pkwy., north of the City of Scottsdale, within Maricopa County, AZ (Maricopa County Parcel ID: 219-13-379) [Latitude: N 33° 50' 9.40" Longitude: W 111° 51' 48.66"]. VB

BTS II, LLC seeks comments from all interested persons on any potential significant impact the proposed action could have on the quality of the human environment pursuant to 47 C.F.R. Section 1.1307, including potential impacts to historic or cultural resources that are listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Please submit any written comments within 30 days of this notice’s first publication regarding the potential effects that the proposed tower may have on Historic Properties that are listed or eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places to: Tower Engineering Professionals, Inc. (Attn: George Swearingen) 326 Tryon Road, Raleigh, NC 27603

Telephone: (919) 661-6351 Fax: (919) 661-6350

Published in the Scottsdale Progress, Mar 19, 2023

CLASSIFIEDS.PHOENIX.ORG

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Board of Adjustment of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, will hold a public hearing on April 03, 2023, at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona, for the purpose of hearing all persons who wish to comment on the following:

Instructions on how to provide Public Comments will be provided on the posted agenda.

1-BA-2023

(Appeal of Zoning Administrator interpretation - building mounted WCF) Appeal of the Zoning Administrator’s written interpretation, date February 14, 2023, related to Section 7.200.H.8.B.2.A.1 regarding height and processing requirements for wireless communication facilities (WCF’s) located on or within buildings, walls and water tanks that do not meet the underlying and supplementary zoning district height requirements. Staff contact person is Keith Niederer, 480-312-2953. Applicant contact person is Howard Myers, 480-262-3502

For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov search “Scottsdale Planning Case Files” or in your URL search bar you can type in https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.gov/bldgresources/Cases/.

A COPY OF A FULL AGENDA, INCLUDING ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND ANY MEETING LOCATION UPDATES, IS AVAILABLE AT LEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT THE FOLLOWING

Online at: https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/boards/board-of-adjustment

ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE INVITED TO LISTEN/VIEW THIS MEETING.

CHAIRMAN

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Attest

Karissa Rodorigo Planning Specialist

For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/boards/board-of-adjustment

Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter, by contacting Staff at 480-3127767. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow time to arrange accommodations. For TTY users, the Arizona relay service (1-800-367-8939) may contact Staff at 480-312-7767.

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

In the Matter of the Estate of STEPHEN JOHN BRAND, Deceased

Case Number PB2023-090001

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as the Personal Representative of this estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to undersigned Personal Representative at MICHAEL VALENTINE BRAND, 22226 NORTH REINBOLD DRIVE MARICOPA, AZ 85138

DATED this February 14 2023. Signed, MICHAEL VALENTINE BRAND

Published

PUBLIC NOTICES

computer, tablet, or smartphone. Both video and audio must be enabled and working at the time of your hearing for your case to be heard. Your hearing will be held by video via Microsoft Teams before: Commissioner Gary Popham Judicial Assistant: Lisa Cooper Division Email: nec02@ jbazmc.maricopa.gov Judicial Assistant Phone: 602372-3131 MICROSOFT TEAMS HEARING

Published

A n d r e w B l o o m i s t h e C E O a n d c o - F o u n d e r o f B V O L U X U R Y G R O U P a t K e l l e r W i l l i a m s N o r t h e a s t R e a l t y C o l l e c t i v e l y K e l l e r W i l l i a m s L u x u r y h a s s o l d o v e r $ 9 8 b i l l i o n i n 2 0 2 1 a n d Y e a r t o d a t e K e l l e r W i l l i a m s L u x u r y h a s r e p r e s e n t e d o v e r 4 8 , 0 0 0 b u y e r ’ s a n d s e l l e r ’ s o v e r $ 1 M K W c o n t i n u e s t o e x p a n d g l o b a l l y a n d r e m a i n s t h e n u m b e r o n e r e a l e s t a t e c o m p a n y i n t h e w o r l d a s r a n k e d b y R e a l t r e n d s T h e B V O L u x u r y G r o u p i s n o w i n i t ’ s 3 r d g e n e r a t i o n , M a r i c o p a C o u n t y ’ s # 1 R e a l E s t a t e T e a m o f t h e y e a r i n

t h e b e s t y e a r e v e r h e a d q u a r t e r e d r i g h t h e r e i n S c o t t s d a l e

The Most Unexpected Real Estate Trend to Come Out of 2022

The market flipped! Nobody expected the bottom to fall out, but like a good upside-down cake, there is opportunity for everyone We will continue to see the shift in the market throughout 2023 with home sales about 20% below the 6 1 million home sales of 2021 and 4 8 million home sales in 2022

For buyer’s the pro’s are long and the con’s are short.

Pro’s:

• More inventory

• Price negotiations

• No need to waive inspections

• No need to waive appraisals

• No bidding wars

• Move in at close of escrow

• Time to think

• Seller paid closing costs

• Seller repairs

Con’s:

• Higher interest rates that are still reflective of 30 year averages

Conclusion: Buyer’s can now marry the house they love and date the rate

For Seller’s the pro’s and con’s are flipped but let’s focus on the pro’s.

• Move up to a larger home with recent equity gains

• Downsize to a smaller home with cash

• Sell NOW and capitalize on equity gains while sitting on the sidelines. You never lose money taking chips off the table

Help Buyers Emotionally Connect

Staging is about showcasing an engaging, move-in ready home that creates an emotional connection with the buyer Updating décor with on-trend, inviting style particularly in living rooms, primary bedrooms, kitchens, and dining rooms can make a memorable impression.

If you are thinking of selling your home, now more than ever your home must be in TOP condition. At BVO Luxury we offer FREE home improvement and staging consultations

“Anyone who dreams of an uncommon life eventually discovers there is no choice but to seek an uncommon approach to living it ” - Gary Keller, The ONE Thing