SRP and Kyrene team up to conserve energy; p6 GETOUT: Pop Evil
Band brings sound , work ethic to Tempe; p32
DV senior Mularoni keeping Thunder tennis viable; p38
By Eric Smith
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Two decades is a long time. A lot can happen and change in 20 years and Horizon Community Learning Center in Ahwatukee has come a long way, as faculty members take a look back.
Cynthia Shaheen, principal of the secondary school section of Horizon Honors (seventh through 12th grades) started on the school’s very first day as an administrator and has ascended to principal, remembers when there were no
buildings dedicated to the school.
“In the early days we didn’t have our own buildings,” she said. “We were in two separate campuses. Gosh, at the one site we used to have to pack everything up on Fridays so they could hold church (on the weekend). It was very, very different back then.”
The school opened in 1996 in Chandler, but has been at its Ahwatukee location since 1999. Although the location of the school may have changed, its guiding principals have remained the
same.
“We always have had the philosophy of learn, believe, dream and dare,” Shaheen said. “The things that were founded on haven’t changed. But we’ve had to innovate with time, the changes of technology, all of those keep us right on our toes. We always want to be cutting edge.”
On April 8, the school celebrated its 20th birthday with a pair of assemblies for students that not only paid homage to the schools
By Alyssa Tufts AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Every year, there are over 450,000 babies born prematurely. This number can’t be changed, but the babies who survive can with the right health care and resources. National nonprofit organization Newborns in Need, works with medical hospitals and centers to provide baby items for families in need.
The Newborns in Need Chapter in Ahwatukee will be hosting its Eighth Annual Baby Shower on Saturday, April 16 in Ahwatukee. “We are there to step up and help the babies that don’t have the resources that we would like them to have,” said Doris Dorwart, coordinator of the Ahwatukee chapter. “We have been told by some nurses that some babies go home wearing the diaper they are wearing and that’s it.
“So for those people we give the hospitals a newborn kit, which includes something to wear, a blanket, a few diapers, a bar of soap and a washcloth, there’s a bib or burp cloth, there’s usually a toy,” Dorwart said. “We just do this knowing someone is going to need it and many of our members have been in a situation where their babies have been premature…those babies you
Students
The Ahwatukee Foothills News
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9. Best of Parade: Entry 70. Cub Scout Pack 178, Baron Smith, Jr., den leader.
Ahwatukee girl has entrepreneurial spirit
Anya, 13, had the opportunity to explore her entrepreneurial spirit while at Desert Garden Montessori, where they have biannual Mercados for young children to sell their crafts/wares to other kids (with fake money). From age 6 onwards, Anya has made designer paper purses, cards, paper flowers, clay bead necklaces and other things for the Mercado, and was always sold out within 15 minutes. Last year she illustrated several children’s book covers. Currently Anya, along with her younger sister Reva, 10, have been designing T-shirts under the bad turtle! brand and their new line (for ages 2-8 years) was unveiled March 26 at the local Ahwatukee boutique, Clothes Minded. The goal is to eventually engage other kids, especially troubled but talented youth that are in therapeutic art programs to partake in the T-shirt designs.
• Contact Kelly Mixer, 480-898-7913 or kmixer@ahwatukee.com.
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Michelle Evans Grace Martinez
Melanie Beauchamp Martha Neese Lisa Monnette Kyler Colin
Members of the Mountain Pointe High School band. [David Jolkovski/AFN]
[Special to AFN]
Spring Sales Spectacular!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13
Foothills Women’s Club
Kentucky Derby Party
Everyone is encouraged to wear a Kentucky Derbystyled hat Prizes will be awarded and food will be provided. All funds from prizes will go to Child Children and Crises Nursery. The Foothills Women’s Club is a 501(c) nonprofit organization that meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month from September through May at The Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive.
DETAILS>> On April 13 at 7 p.m. The Foothills Women’s Club will hold a Kentucky Derby Party.
FRIDAY, APRIL 15
Ahwatukee Republican Women tax day beer and wine tasting
Looking for the perfect way to wrap up tax season? Ahwatukee Republican Women will be hosting a beer and wine tasting, as well as a Home Brew Competition (with awards for the best three beers). They request that if you bring your own home brew, that you bring at least one gallon. If you’re not a brewer, you are encouraged to bring your favorite craft beer or wine, and in return you will receive raffle tickets. Candidates in upcoming elections have also been invited to speak during the event.
DETAILS>> 6:30-9:30 p.m. $20-$25. 4025 E. Tamaya St. For more information, call 602-281-0939.
SATURDAY, APRIL 16
Fan Fest at Ironwood
Get your geek on! Are you a fan of “Star Wars,” “Star Trek,” “Harry Potter,” “Hunger Games,” “Batman” or “Superman?” Join us for Ironwood Library’s Fan Fest. Pizza will be served at noon followed by a trivia faceoff. All fandoms are welcome to wear a costume and be entered into a drawing. There will also be crafts for children at this family-friendly event.
DETAILS>> Noon-4 p.m. Ironwood Public Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. No registration required. All ages welcome.
Ahwatukee author book signing
DETAILS>> Local Ahwatukee Author Shonna Slayton will be signing her book “Cinderlla’s Shoes,” the sequel to her debut book, “Cinderella’s Dress” on Saturday, April 16 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Barnes & Noble at Chandler Fashion Center.
MONDAY, APRIL 18
Kyrene preschool and early learning options meeting
The Kyrene Preschool and Early Learning Center staffs will be sharing information on curriculum, standards, program guidelines, daily routine and activity, available sessions and schools, and registration and enrollment processes for the 2016-2017 school year.
DETAILS>> April 18. 5:30-7 p.m. For more information, call 480-541-1156.
Community
SRP advocates energy conservation to Kyrene students
By Daniel Ochoa AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
SRP has teamed up with the Kyrene School District in hopes of teaching young students the importance of energy conservation through its SRP School of Energy program.
The partnership consists of representatives from SRP giving learning tools and resources to Kyrene teachers to use during their daily lesson plans.
Currently, the SRP School of Energy program is being taught at Kyrene Centennial Middle School in Ahwatukee.
Charlie Gruber, SRP’s strategic energy
manager, said the program is embedded in a few of Centennial’s classrooms in order for students to be educated about energy conservation.
Teachers at Centennial are also given conservation stickers that remind students to turn the lights off when they are exiting a classroom in order to conserve energy throughout the school day.
“Part of the program is trying to get teachers, students and parents aware of energy usage on a daily basis,” Gruber said. “We are trying to bring the message from the school into their homes.”
He said the SRP School of Energy program is in its pilot stage at Centennial, and
look into how we can make the best use of our energy … our demand for energy is forever increasing, yet our resources are not.”
By providing easy, efficient energy conservation tips, students are able to apply what they learned in their homes, Garrett said.
“One of the great things about SRP is that they show us a graph comparing this month’s energy usage to last months over the past two years … I’m hoping with this information it will impact students and their energy usage in their homes,” he said. “During this school year, we have been able to reduce our electricity usage here at school by nearly seven percent.”
Sixth-grader Franyianar Hernandez said the SRP School of Energy program helps her conserve energy throughout the day, and gives her the tools to teach her family about energy conservation.
“We’ve been learning where energy comes from, how it’s stored, what types of energy there are and what they do,” she said. “We use a lot of energy in our everyday life and it’s a precious resource, so we want to do everything we can to save it.”
SRP also hosted an energy-conservation demonstration at Centennial, in which it showed students how much energy is needed to light up incandescent light bulbs, LED light bulbs and compact florescent light bulbs.
Students rode an SRP Energy Bike and were told to peddle at a certain speed in order to turn on the specified light bulbs. The incandescent light bulbs were the least energy efficient and the hardest for students to light up, in which they had to peddle at a faster rate. Once the SRP instructor switched the sequence to the LED light bulbs or the compact florescent light bulbs, students were able to peddle at a normal rate with the light bulbs fully on.
will be implemented in six additional schools during the following school year.
“When you educate students at a young age, it tends to stick with them throughout the rest of their lives,” Gruber said. “It’s important that the kids are getting this type of education about energy conservation and forming these types of habits at a young age.”
Jeff Garrett, sixth-grade teacher at Centennial, said the program has helped his students be more cognizance about energy conservation.
“Energy is an essential part of sixth-grade science, so we are beginning to get into what the different forms of energy are and how we use them on a daily basis,” he said. “We also
The demonstration allowed students to understand which light bulbs were energy efficient and how much power they need to turn on.
“This is a way to give personal impact to the students on what it takes to drive energy for a specific purpose,” Garrett said. For additional information about the Kyrene School District, visit www.kyrene. org.
• Contact writer: 480-898-4903 or dochoa@ evtrib.com.
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Kyrene Centennial Middle School sixth-grader Austin Mejia pedals the SRP Energy Bike on March 31, while presenter Peter Nguyen switches on different light bulbs to show energy consumption. This "Powering our Future" program is part of SRP's School of Energy. [David Jolkovski/AFN]
Tempe Union begins 2016-17 textbook adoption process
New math textbooks were recommended for adoption to the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board at the April 6 board meeting.
The textbooks will be available in the district office lobby for public review until April 20. The governing board will vote on the recommendations at the April 20 board meeting.
Following approval by the governing board, adopted textbooks may be ordered for the 2016-2017 school year.
Questions regarding the textbook adoption process should go to Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Kim Hilgers, at 480-839-0292.
PARC, GRIC seek to stop South Mountain Freeway
Protecting Arizona’s Resources and Children (PARC) and the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC) are seeking to silence all talk by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) of completing the South Mountain Freeway (SMF). On May 11, at
10 a.m., the lawsuit filed by PARC et al and the GRIC to stop the SMF will be heard in Courtroom 605 of the Sandra Day O’Connor U.S. Courthouse in Phoenix.
The lawsuit, among other things, alleges ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) produced an environmental analysis for the SMF designed to rationalize a decision that was already made, chose a study area that was too restrictive, failed to consider a reasonable range of alternatives, failed to adequately consider numerous significant impacts associated with the project, and provided approval to the project that was arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion.
For more information, visit protectAZchildren.org.
Ten semi-finalist candidates have been invited to interview for the position of Phoenix police chief. The semi-finalists were chosen from a pool of 65 applications the city received after opening up the recruitment process earlier this year.
News Briefs
>> From page 7
During the next few months, the semi-finalists will be required to compete in an interview process with members of the city’s executive team and community members who were selected by the mayor and City Council. The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association (PLEA), the Phoenix Police Sergeants and Lieutenants Association (PPSLA) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) will also have representation on the interview panels.
“We have a very talented and diverse candidate pool with experienced law enforcement leaders who have served in positions throughout the U.S. including right here in our own community,” said Ed Zuercher, Phoenix city manager. “The police chief position is one of the most visible jobs in the city and the person selected must have a strong balance of experience, understanding the needs of residents and business owners and the changing direction of law enforcement.” After the semi-finalist stage, a small group of finalists will be invited back to participate in the next phase of the process.
Current Phoenix Police Chief Joseph Yahner will retire in October after serving the city for more than 30 years. The new chief is expected to begin prior to Yahner’s departure.
SBA administrator to speak at Arizona Small Business Conference
The leading small business professional in President Obama’s administration will speak at the 23rd Annual Enterprise Business Awards Luncheon on May 5.
Maria Contreras-Sweet, administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, will be the keynote speaker at the Arizona Small Business Conference. The conference, put on by the Arizona Small Business Association, will have a full day of activities .
“AZ Small Biz Con is always one of the top events ASBA looks forward to each year,” said Rick Murray, ASBA CEO. “It provides a full day of activities and discussions that are current and applicable to small businesses, providing them with practical solutions as takeaways.”
Tickets are available through the conference website, www.azsmallbizcon.com.
• Contact Kelly Mixer, 480-898-7913 or kmixer@ ahwatukee.com.
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Gradual success in Phoenix Grid Bikes spurs launch in other cities
By Tynin Fries AFN FREELANCER
A year and a half after Grid Bikes were installed in Phoenix, the bike sharing company has expanded to include the city of Mesa because of increasing success in the rentable bike program.
Grid Bikes are stationed at “hubs” across the city at which cyclists can rent and return the bikes to any other hub. The bikes are also tracked by GPS and can be monitored and reserved for frequent riders on the mobile app Social Bicycles.
Grid Bikes began installing rentable bikes at 50 different locations across Phoenix in November of 2014, which now supplies 500 bikes to the community. In March, Mesa was also added to the grid with a pilot phase of 100 bikes, according to John Romero, director of operations at CycleHop.
“After over a year we’ve gained traction in the (Phoenix) community,” Romero said. “Our rate of adoption was slow but now it’s
steadily picking up. We’ve been able to increase bikes; we’ve increased stations.”
A contract between the cities of Phoenix and Mesa, Grid Bike Share, CycleHop and SandVault has brought an alternative form of transportation to Valley cities that also share a light rail. Within the next year, Grid Bikes is also looking to expand to Tempe where contracts are already being discussed with the Tempe City Council.
One of the most common uses for the bikes is for “first mile, last mile” transportation to and from the light rail system, Grid Bikes reported. In Mesa, the light rail played a huge role in launching the new grid, Romero said.
“The Mesa grid launch was long awaited,” Romero said. “We held off to launch until the light rail extension was complete. Now,
we don’t have to worry about construction interfering.”
There are Grid Bikes strategically placed across the cities that target high foot-traffic areas such as Roosevelt Row, the Phoenix Public Library and light rail stops.
“Phoenix is a great city, but the transportation system has room for improvement,” Romero said. “In other major cities, bike share thrives. Now, we just need to keep our current trajectory and connect with community spaces.”
Subscriptions to the Grid Bike system include a variety of payment options, including a $7 hourly rate, a $15 monthly rate that allows an hour of riding per day and a $20 monthly rate that includes 90 minutes of riding.
Grid Bikes even have a student membership. At $25 per semester that includes 60 minutes per day. Arizona State University sophomore Meghan Hiryak, 20, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, took advantage of this student discount and said she uses the system frequently.
“I’m an our-of-state student, so I don’t have a car here in Phoenix,” Hiryak said. “Grid Bikes are a cheap option that helps me get around the downtown area without having to sign up for a car membership.”
Miguel Chavira, 20, of Mesa, is another ASU student. However, he uses the yearround subscription because now he can use Grid Bike at school and home.
“I thought about getting the student price,” Chavira said. “But now that the Grid Bikes are in Mesa too, I decided to get the full-time membership because I can even use them when I’m home for the weekends.”
The hope for Mesa is to eventually have 300 bikes and for Phoenix to continue growth until it reaches 1500 bikes that offer transportation and community engagement, Romero said.
• Tynin Fries is a sophomore at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
• Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
THURSDAY, APRIL 21
Ahwatukee Tea Party
DETAILS>> General meeting from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Quality Inn, 5121 E. LaPuenta Ave. Guest speaker will be Kelli Ward, candidate for U.S. Senate. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Open to the public. For additional information, email info@tukeeparty.com.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27
Tukee Talks meeting
South Mountain Precinct will be having its next Tukee Talks meeting. The topic of discussion will be Nextdoor. com.
DETAILS>> Wednesday, April 27, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Pecos Recreation Center, 17010 S. 48th St.
SATURDAY, APRIL 30
Phoenix PD taking back unwanted prescription meds
The Phoenix Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its 11th opportunity in six years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. The DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.
DETAILS>> April 30 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Target, 4737 E. Ray Road and 2140 E. Baseline Road.
TUESDAY, MAY 3
Free “Toddler Explorer” program at Ironwood Library
Inspire Kids Montessori is hosting a free “Toddler Explorer” program on Tuesday mornings in May at the Ironwood Library. Tickets are necessary and will be available at 10 a.m. on the day of each class. Each week will have a different theme that is sure to help your little one develop language and motor skills.
DETAILS>> Tuesdays in May. 10:30-11 a.m. 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. For information contact 480-549-9402 or info@inspirekidsmontessori.com
ONGOING
21st annual FOL Wine Tasting at Rawhide April 30
Tickets are available online at www.folaz.org for $50 or a Six Shooter package of six tickets for $240. They will be available for purchase for an additional $10 (making them $60/person) at the door the day of the event. Silent auctions with hundreds of items for people to bid on, and all of the monies raised at the event goes toward lighting up the city of Ahwatukee with a million white lights during the holiday season. Volunteers wanted: visit www.folaz.org to sign up.
MAY 2-AUGUST 31
4th Annual Code: Red Summer heat relief campaign
>> See Calendar on page 11
>> From page 10
The Phoenix Rescue Mission is accepting water, white socks, toiletries, cool snack packs, hats, light-colored T-shirts, sunglasses, sunscreen, Chapstick, chilly neck coolers, and monetary donations to help protect all Arizonans from heat related illness or death,
HandsOn Greater Phoenix
HandsOn Greater Phoenix is getting ready to kick off a new project in partnership with Save the Family Foundation, an organization that serves homeless families throughout Maricopa County. HandsOn volunteers will be throwing monthly baby shower celebrations for new or expectant mothers, and HandsOn has begun collecting donations for this new project. Donations of wrapped baby gifts, party decorations and homemade or store-bought snacks are needed.
DETAILS>> All donations may be dropped off at the HandsOn Greater Phoenix office, 5151 N. 19th Ave, Suite 200, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. For more information, call 602-973-2212.
Ahwatukee host families sought for international students
Families in Ahwatukee and the surrounding area can help with understanding the world beyond our borders by becoming involved in a global cultural exchange through the Aspect Foundation.
DETAILS>> Potential host families can choose their own student by viewing student profiles on Aspect Foundation’s website at www.AspectFoundation.org.
For more information contact Brynda Blowers at 480444-6192.
Local Alzheimer’s support group
DETAILS>> 10-11:30 a.m. Ahwatukee Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the first Saturday of the month at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St.
Summer arts academy extends to toddlers
The Summer Arts Academy has introduced two new classes: a Mini Academy, and a Parent-tot class. The Mini Academy invites 3 to 5 year olds on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to come develop their bodies and brains with certified instructors. The Parent-tot class invites kiddos younger than three, alongside a parent or guardian, to develop mentally and physically through dance and the use of different props and instruments.
DETAILS>> May 25-June 13, June 14-June 30. Days and times vary. $40-$140. Register at the Desert Vista Front Office, 16440 S. 32nd St. For more information email summerartsacademydv@gmail.com.
MONDAY
Power networking group at chamber
Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group. Get involved and network. Open to chamber members and nonmembers.
DETAILS>> Noon every Monday, Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. Call Shannon Kinsman at 480-753-7676.
>> See Calendar on page 12
Multiple sclerosis selfhelp support group
This group addresses the informational, emotional and social support needs of the MS community. People with MS, care partners and spouses are welcome to participate. The group mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon, third Monday of each month, Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee, conference room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. Contact Lynn Grant at lgrant3567@yahoo.com or 480-414-7172.
TUESDAY
Chamber breakfast club
Come enjoy leads, referrals and a light breakfast.
DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m. Tuesday mornings at the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. For more information, call Shannon at 480-753-7676.
Ahwatukee Republican Women general meeting
DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday each month for social networking, 7 p.m. meeting, Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix South Mountain, 10831 S. 51st St. For more information, contact Loraine at 480460-7101, email ARWomen@AOL.com or visit www. AhwatukeeRepublicWomen.com.
Ahwatukee’s financial and executive resource group
DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m. every Tuesday, Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. Contact Joseph Ortiz at 480-753-7664.
WEDNESDAY
Black belt business development group
This group focuses on developing your business and creating advocates for your business through the members.
DETAILS>> 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesdays at the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 140. For information, call Shannon at 480-7537676.
The Women’s Networking League
DETAILS>> 6:30-8 p.m. first Wednesday of every month, Mimi’s Café, 4901 E. Ray Road, and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. last Thursday of every month, Spinato’s Pizzeria, 4848 E. Chandler Blvd. Contact Kathy H. at 480-460-1109 or beyond-diva@cox.net.
Grief support in Ahwatukee
Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief support group for adults and is open to any adult who has experienced a loss through death. No registration required.
DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. Call 602-636-5390 or visit HOV.org.
Renee Logue, Master Stylist
Opinion
GUEST COMMENTARY
South Mountain Freeway would denigrate Phoenix South Mountain Preserve
GUEST COMMENTARY
Being willing to so casually and callously destroy a key portion of the Phoenix South Mountain Preserve to build yet another freeway denigrates what a special place this is, and invalidates the personal and spiritual meaning South Mountain provides for hundreds of thousands of people. I could not speak for others who have a centuries-long connection to the mountain, but have had my own personal experiences and journeys in this area that I wish to share.
The true value of this mountain is known to those who have taken the time to explore it, to know it, to truly understand it. In addition to spending several days a week in the mountains, I have taken multiple journeys across the entire National Trail, from 48th Street through the Buena Vista Lookout, past the Central Avenue section of the park, along San Juan Road to the San Juan Lookout. I know these areas may be unfamiliar to many — which is a key part of the problem. Some are willing to desecrate and potentially destroy a
In
place they have never truly known, eliminating the opportunity for others to experience this for themselves. And more importantly, our children and their children will never get the chance to see what this expansive, magical place once was.
One experience that stands out is a hike with my friend through the entire length of South Mountain, spending the night at Vee Quiva casino and hiking back to the 48th Street entrance. Surreal — walking from my own front door in the middle of the sixth largest city in the U.S.; taking a trail into an isolated wilderness where we could go a couple hours without seeing another human being. Emerging into a casino, one of those monuments to the materialistic ideal we seem to be striving toward as a society.
Then repeating the journey in the morning, stepping out of the casino into our subtly gorgeous and overtly massive desert landscape. Climbing repeatedly up, down, and over — watching ourselves approach downtown in the distance step by step, then leaving it behind. A truly unique way to experience this magnificent city, an experience that would be gone if the proposed
freeway is built.
This was truly a transformative experience. I am a different person, a better person, than I was before taking this journey. Have become a person who must speak out, cannot sit by and watch as this experience is eliminated for our children and grandchildren. Odds are good they will spend time on a freeway someday, quite possibly the first trip they ever take. But they will never have a chance to experience South Mountain in this manner, our arrogance in blowing a hole in the range to build a freeway would rob them of this. We have proven the ability of man to conquer our natural world. But now need to prove there is a limit to our arrogance in continuously seeking ways to do so.
This cannot be fixed. Once we have marred this critical, spiritual, breathtaking landscape; there will not be a redo. There will not be a second chance to make it better. South Mountain is a key part of what Phoenix is, who we are. A landmark visible anywhere in the city, drawing us in, welcoming us home. And we are willing to sacrifice all of this, with no clear advantage other than transferring money from the taxpayers to
a couple of corporations. We have seen many times over what our actions do to wildlife populations. Yet are willing to repeat this travesty yet again, cutting off a significant section of this crucial wildlife corridor with a freeway. The packs of magnificent coyotes, providing a glimpse into our ancestral past as we watch them travel, communicate, and hunt. Have proven themselves some of natures most cunning and adaptable creatures, but we seem intent on finding their limit by running a freeway through the middle of their homes. And the chuckwalla, which is unique to our desert habitat, having thrived long before we took up residence here, and will potentially be gone if this freeway is built. It is time to learn from our past mistakes, move to a brighter future as a species. Building the South Mountain Freeway would be a travesty for many reasons, the loss of another piece of our unique humanity being perhaps the most important. So speak up, continue to let your voice be heard. Together, we can create a more enlightened, engaged, and connected future for us all.
science, the why is just as important as the what
be done about this?
While channel surfing between cable news programs or perusing news articles on the Internet, you are likely to come across stories about the latest public opinion polls regarding climate change, evolution and even the safety of vaccines. The findings of these polls are often disheartening to anyone who has a firm grounding in the philosophical underpinnings of science.
Having an understanding of which knowledge is authoritative and why it is authoritative is a necessary precondition for any society to adhere to rational decision-making. Such decision-making can range from broad, national-level policymaking to individual lifestyle choices. Yet large segments of our population seem to lack this understanding. Parents’ refusal to have their children vaccinated against communicable diseases is one of the most prominent pieces of evidence supporting this fact. So what can
Joseph T. Spadafino
We are taught from a young age that at a bare minimum we need the “Three R’s: reading, writing, and arithmetic” to function as responsible citizens. In addition to these subjects we have also made science and history — among other subjects — a priority in primary and secondary education. However, it is long overdue that we make philosophy and history of science (PHS) a requirement in our middle and high school curricula. To be sure, finding space in an already dense litany of required classes would require some difficult decision-making. No doubt that parents and teachers alike might be slow to see the importance of teaching about Thales, Alhazen and Karl Popper. And, yes, some will fail to see how understanding empirical falsifiability is a necessary life skill. Even so, requiring our stu-
dents to learn PHS would be an investment with immense returns.
Consider the costs to Americans who utilize so-called alternative medicine products and services. These are treatments for which there is absolutely no scientific evidence attesting to their efficacy. The term “alternative medicine” is misleading: Any treatment that has been shown to be effective through rigorous scientific testing is simply called “medicine.”
Yet some people hear terms like “homeopathy” or “naturopathy” and assume that these products are natural, effective remedies. This perception of alternative medicine has certainly translated to big business for companies that peddle these products. According to a government survey, Americans spend greater than $30 billion a year on alternative medicine. True, these products are — in most cases — inert. But we must consider that the people (with very real health conditions) who used alterna-
tive medicine are likely choosing these bogus therapies over effective ones, thereby indirectly depriving these people of medical care.
An even more urgent problem highlighting the need for teaching PHS is parents’ decision to not get their children vaccinated.
A population well-versed in the philosophy and history of science would not only make smarter decisions for themselves, they would also vote for candidates who espouse positions evidenced by science. If a nation wants to enact scientifically sound policy, it first needs the support of its citizens. Science is currently taught simply as a description of the natural world. While this aspect of science is important, it also needs to be taught as an ongoing, self-correcting process of inquiry moored by philosophical underpinnings. When it comes to science, the why is just as important as the what.
Dr. Andrew Lenartz
• Dr. Andrew Lenartz is an outdoor enthusiast who has lived in the East Valley for 10 years.
• Joseph T. Spadafino is an epidemiologist and science advocate from Mesa.
Sweet Patches loves to play Bloom needs loving home to blossom
Patches is a 1-year-old female tuxedo cat with a sweet, calming disposition. She loves to greet everyone with her quirky little meows and head butts. Whether she is sitting on your lap being brushed or hanging out on the couch watching a movie together, Patches will quickly become your best friend. She loves cat treats, feathery toys and especially laser lights. Patches gets along with other cats and since she is a pretty mellow girl, will probably do best in a home with older children. If interested in Patches, contact Lost Our Home Pet Foundation at 480-540-9322 to arrange a meet-and-greet at the Tempe PetSmart, 1140 W. Elliot Road. See her and other adoptable cats and dogs with Lost Our Home Pet Foundation at www.LostOurHome.org. All our cats are litter box trained, spayed/neutered, tested for FELV/FIV, current on shots, and 24PetWatch microchipped.
Bloom needs a loving home to blossom into the great cat she is. Her single cat rescuer and foster has a dozen kitties and works all the time with little time to give her the attention she would love. One of the male fosters chases her around so she spends her time on top of the kitchen cabinets where she feels safe, surveying the room below. From her perch she begs for treats and jumps down to be petted and fed.
If you can provide a loving home, email cactuscats@cox.net or call 480-382-9151 for details.
Cactus Cats Rescue is at the Ahwatukee Petco, 5011 E. Ray Road, every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with kittens and cats which are tested, fixed and have their shots. They also have cats in the store cages and on Petfinder.com/cactuscatsrescue.
Concerts the Park
Gumbo is smart, attentive Handsome Kayak is playful
Gumbo is a 6-month-old Rottweiler/ German Shepherd mix in need of a forever home. He is a smart and attentive dog who is ready to learn about all the new things life has to offer him. Gumbo would do best in a
home with an experienced family who can take him for lots of walks or runs and have patience while training him. Gumbo loves toys and will do just about anything for a stuffed animal with a squeaker inside. He does enjoy the company of other medium energy dogs but would like to meet any canine companions before going home. After that, he is ready to play and snuggle.
Gumbo is available for adoption at the Arizona Animal Welfare League main shelter, 25 N. 40th St.
Kayak is a big handsome hunk of a guy, a German Shepherd blend about 3-4 years old. He was found as a stray, and when we found his mom she was moving and had recently re-homed him so she agreed to let us keep him and find him a great forever home. Kayak is a big, strong guy — about 70-80 pounds. He was adopted but returned because the family felt he was too playful for their young kids, so his ideal home is one with kids over age 5, and a home that is active. and might be happiest in a home with no dogs (or cats). Kayak’s adoption fee is $250 and he is living at the Friends for Life adoption center in downtown Gilbert, 143 W. Vaughn Ave. If interested in Kayak, contact Friends for Life at 480-497-8296 or FFLdogs@azfriends.org or visit www.azfriends.org.
AHWATUKEE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
ABM election results
On April 7, the Ahwatukee Board of Management (ABM) annual election for the Board of Directors concluded with a final vote count. The committee inspectors who counted the votes was made up of eight independent homeowners. Also present during the counting process were ABM counsel; Alexis Firehawk with Carpenter Hazelwood Delgado & Bolen, and counsel for homeowner Ben Holt; Tim La Sota with Tim La Sota, LLC.
The results are as follows: Vern Hancock – 1,250, Christopher Gentis – 1,247, Cathy Bubnick – 1,222, Gerald Homewood – 687, Mike Petty – 605, Karin Gray - 373. Robert Blakesley, ABM general manager
ABM election not handled well
I attended the Ahwatukee Board of Management (ABM) election on April 7 with the intent of making sensible decisions on whom to vote for. Part of that decision process was not only what they said in their three minutes — but also their answers to questions submitted BEFORE the meeting and their three-minute commentary.
However, the ABM legal council — when he read the questions and comments — stated that there would be no answers to the questions and any should be asked directly of the candidates. What purpose does that serve as I am sure more than I would be interested in the answers?
So my alternative was to vote based on the commentary presented, the commentary presented on all the social media sites and other information. Was that the right way? Also — just as a point of reference — one of the incumbent candidates was out of the facility so fast it would have been impossible to ask him a question.
I would love to hear a reply from the Election Committee — the Board — regarding this in future elections. Perhaps a town hall meeting prior to future elections is appropriate?
Dennis Barber
ABM meetings need more resident input
Our candidates running for the Ahwatukee Board of Management (ABM) board were introduced and given a set amount of time to state their case. No question/answer session. The attorney for the ABM read all the “comment” cards that residents were allowed to submit regarding their concerns. The attorney then read about six to seven cards questioning who was paying for the elaborate and expensive campaign: ads, yard
signs, fliers, glossy door hangers, mailers, window postings in retail shops, etc.; supporting the incumbents. Several members of the audience queried when they were going to answer the questions.
To my shock when the attorney finished reading all the cards without answering any of the comments, he basically stated, in response to the residents growing frustrations, I/we said we would read the comment cards we didn’t say we would answer them. Now, my question is: how does that create support and respect?
I also want to comment to and on Mr. Robert Blakesley’s last paragraph of his: “Golf is the only option?” in the April 6 Ahwatukee Foothills News. Mr. Blakesley states that: “Sal DiCiccio should open his discussions to all residents he represents.” “It’s time to open the discussion to all residents of the community.” This is a wonderful idea. So why isn’t it practiced at in and during the ABM resident board meetings?
Jane Emery
POLITICS
Please, try to be informed
If anyone wants to know what to expect from all of these Islamic immigrants to America I would suggest going to the library and bringing home “Militant Islam reaches America.”
Islamic immigrants want to change America from a Christian country to an Islamic one. This involves removing all semblance of Christianity from everyday life, and replacing it with Muslim symbols.
Our present president has made a big contribution towards this outcome. He has removed all Christians from the military, by restricting speaking in public words like God, Jesus, all passages of the Bible, and has court martialed anyone that disobeys.
He has removed all Christian symbol from all chapels in VA hospitals, and has put a ban on speaking out loud God, Jesus, or passages from the Bible in all national cemeteries.
He has brought in nearly 500,000 immigrants from the Mid-East, paid for by the taxpayers. He has embraced the idea of bringing in 10,000 more from Syria.
Most opponents want all of them screened for being militant Islam, but Obama just wants more Muslims in America to support the elimination of a Christian culture. Islam is offended by our flag, is offended by having alcohol here in America.
They are offended by having school classes with both genders together. They will want to be treated as special, and will demand this treatment. There will be no Christmas carols to be sung in school, or anywhere in America.
I hope more people seek information of what they are planning here, as this is coming.
Don Crook
Shoulder pain, impingement and limited range of motion are successfully treated with medical massage. Our specialists address the problems that create imbalance of the four rotator cuff muscles and related tendons. Clients report noticeable difference after the first treatment. PCM is Arizona’s clinic that implements a bio-science medical massage.
Hosted by
21st Annual
Wine & Beer Tasting Festival
Satu rday, Apr il 30t h • 6:30 to 10:30 pm
Event Sponsors Saturday, April 30th • 6:30
Welcome to the golden years!
AFN COLUMNIST
Iheard someone say recently that “the days are long but the years are short.” Well, the years have certainly been flying by as today I hit the big “6-0.” I wish the mirror had never been invented because I don’t feel 60. I feel about 40. But when I look in the mirror I see this wrinkly face looking back at me. I remember doing the whole hair dying thing back when I first started getting gray. What a pain that was. Fortunately, my wife said, “You look more distinguished with gray hair.” So I don’t have to mess with that anymore.
over and it’s getting comical watching me try to spike a volleyball on the beach in Rocky Point. But seniority does have its perks. I pay much less now to go to a movie and my wife just saved over $80 shopping at Fry’s on Senior Day last Wednesday.
It’s pretty amazing to think about how God has designed us. We start out with this incredible growth spurt the first 20 years, then we sort of “plateau” for the next 30 years as we go through the “prime” of our lives, and then we start to decline physically as we hit our golden years (take away the “g”).
Of course it’s easy to lament the fact that my days of driving a golf ball 300 yards are
But, seriously, today I plan on taking a nice stroll up the hill beside my church and spend some time sitting at the foot of the cross. I’m taking my Bible and plan on meditating on several verses such as, “Teach me, Lord, to number my days, so that I might grow in wisdom, so that I might live each day in the best possible way” (Ps 90.12). “Make the most of the time for the days are evil” (Eph. 5.15). “He who wins souls is wise” (Prov. 11.30).
“Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6.8). And at the end of my life I hope to look back as the apostle Paul did and say, “I have run a good race, I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7).
Now if you think I’m ready to cash in my
chips … far from it! God has put a couple extremely cool things on my heart that I can’t wait to get going on and I will be sharing them with you in the months ahead. But for now, I’m off to Taco Bell for a No. 3 Meal
Stewardship of the earth has never been more pressing
Idon’t believe that God created the cosmos in seven days, but I do believe the story contains profound wisdom. Neither do I believe that the first human being was formed from dirt molded into Man, as Genesis 2 describes. Nonetheless, we unquestionably “hold sway” over the fish of the sea and the birds of the sky and the animals of the land (Genesis 1:26) — a poetic description of human beings’ extraordinary power to affect the entire biosphere and also our fundamental responsibility to care for it. Sometimes, information is better understood through story than fact. Human beings are creatures who name and think and communicate. Since we wield such enormous power over other living beings, we are obliged to consider how we treat the natural world that surrounds us. What are our ethical obligations toward Creation? How should personal needs interact with communal concerns? What metaphors convey our relationship to the earth — Custodian, Protector, Gardener or Master?
ish holidays invite us to experience the cycles of nature. The Environment has been a field of extraordinary creativity for contemporary Judaism.
The questions are not new, but they have never been so pressing. The oceans are acidifying. Business pours pollutants into the air. The planet continues to lose forest and jungle habitat at an alarming rate. So much for our biblical obligation to the creatures of the sea, sky and land.
Rabbi Dean Shapiro
I recently spent the day at Oak Flat, Arizona, with members of the Apache Nation, putting ideology into practice. Oak Flat crowns the mountain pass above Superior. It’s lush, as deserts go, with ochre cliffs and dark green trees. It’s shocking to think that the site, part of the Tonto National Forest, has been sold to Resolution Copper, a company owned by foreign mining conglomerates Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, who will strip the land for copper. Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake included the provision in the National Defense Authorization Act in December 2014,
These questions are not new. The Torah and later Jewish writings explore them. Jew-
>> See Stewardship on page 20
• Brad Butler attends Mountain Park Community Church in Ahwatukee and can be reached at bbgolf@cox.net.
Brad Butler
Thursday, April 14
THE EUCHARISTIC COMMUNITY OF FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Cindy Miller will be in concert at the Tempe Center for the Arts. The revenue from these shows will be used by the Assisi House for funding mission work in San Pedro La Laguna in Guatemala by providing mental and medical support for widows and orphans.
DETAILS>> Tempe Center For The Arts, 700 West Rio Salado Parkway. April 14-22. Times vary. Contact box office at 480-350-2822.
Friday, April 22
CHABAD OF MESA PUBLIC SEDER
Join us for a traditional Passover Seder.
DETAILS>> 6:45 p.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center of Mesa. Cost: adults, $30; students, $10; children 12 and under, $5. RSVP:www.chabadmesa.com for more information: Chabadmesa@gmail.com or 488-659-7001.
CHABAD OF CHABAD OF THE EAST VALLEY ANNOUNCES COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER
Community members are invited to participate in Chabad of the East Valley’s community Seder to be held on the first Night of Passover. The Seder will feature rich discussion about Passover, excellent food, and joyous singing. Chabad Rabbi Mendy Deitsch director of Chabad of the East Valley, will facilitate the inter-generational program.
DETAILS>> April 22 at 7:15 p.m. at the Pollack Chabad Center For Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive in Chandler. The advance RSVP price for the Seder is $45 for an adult and $25 for a child, family plans are available upon request. After April 15, the price increases to $55 for an adult and $40 for a child. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Sponsorships available. The
Seder allows local Jews of the opportunity of not just attending but also actively participating in a traditional, family-oriented Seder. Seats must be reserved in advance, by contacting Chabad at 480-855-4333 or email info@chabadcenter.com or visit our website at http:// www.ChabadCenter.com.
Saturday, April 30
BETWEEN OCEANS SONGS OF THE AMERICAS
Haunting melodies, exciting rhythms, and rich musical traditions, reflecting the diversity of our cultures and the harmony of our spirits, infuse the Americas from the frigid fjords of Nunavut, Canada, to the tip of Tierra del Fuego. The Sonoran Desert Chorale closes its season with music from North and South America, the lands between the oceans.
DETAILS>> 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Ave., Mesa.
CHABAD OF THE EAST VALLEY MAKES MYSTICS MEAL (SEUDAS
MOSHIACH)
Chabad of the East Valley invites Jewish residents in the East Valley area for its annual Mystics Meal. The Mystic meal (Seudas Moshiach) will occur at the Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive in Chandler.
DETAILS>> April 30 at 6:30 p.m. Call 480-855-4333 for more information.
Ongoing
CHAI JUDAICA AND GIFTS
Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life announced that Chai Judaica and Gifts is open. It’s the place to find the gifts for special occasions — everything from Mezuzot to books, religious items, jewelry and
everything in between.
DETAILS>> Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Gift shop hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday by appointment only and Sundays 9:3010 a.m. and noon-12:30 p.m. For more information, visit info@chabadcenter.com or call 480-855-4333.
CAMP GAN ISRAEL IS BACK
Every week, Gan Israel day trips feature excursions to children’s favorite locations. Camp Gan Israel is proud of its swimming program where activities are supervised
Stewardship
>> From page 19
and so it was not considered on the merits (Huffington Post, Sept. 28, 2015). It’s not just the Amazonian, Asian and Russian forests being obliterated. It’s happening within an hour of our own home.
Fortunately, the National Park Service recently listed Oak Flat on the National Register of Historic places. That will encourage other government agencies to take action to protect Oak Flat, but it’s not a complete guarantee. Direct action makes a difference.
Copper is indeed a widely used mineral. But what do we need more — copper or wide open spaces? What is the price of pristine habitat? Isn’t it time we as a nation kept our word to Native Americans? What happens to Superior, downstream from the
Just Listed!
by certified Red Cross lifeguards. In addition, an array of sports and crafts are offered, supervised by our experienced instructors, promoting individual progress, sportsmanship and creative expression.
DETAILS>> Camp Gan Israel will be in session once again this summer. Boys and girls, ages 5-12, enjoy a full day at Gan Israel from Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., from June 14-July 22. Offering Mini Gan Izzy program for children ages 12 months-4 years from June 14-Aug. 5. Extended care hours are available upon request. For more information on extended care, email info@ chabadcenter.com or visit www.CGIEastValley.com.
mine, if there’s an industrial accident? Who benefits from this land grab and who loses? It was an honor to prepare and serve lunch for hundreds of marchers who had come to protest the transfer. It was a thrill to observe Apache, Aztec and Pomo dances. It was a privilege to stand in the dust and the sun, doing the real work of protecting the environment from those who would turn it into pennies. It was right to live biblical values and be a true steward of the earth, if only for the day.
• Rabbi Dean Shapiro is the spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel of Tempe. Contact him at rshapiro@emanueloftempe.org and visit his “Rabbi Dean Shapiro” page on Facebook.
Up to 6264 s/f of office or medical space available. Lovely twin buildings with a great Ahwatukee location.
Location: I-10 & Elliot
Excellent location with easy access to I-10, Sky Harbor Airport, Tempe, ASU or Downtown Phoenix.
2353 s/f of finished office or medical space at $13.50 NNN, with reception areas, large private offices, large open areas with break room facilities, board/meeting rooms and two washrooms. Owner is creative and may change to suit. These are also owner-managed twin buildings showing pride of ownership, with a low CAM/ NNN fee of approx. $3.75 per sq. ft.
Join these great tenants: Edward Jones, Ahwatukee News, JMW Construction, Wilson Properties, Cottam Chiropractic and Piller Child Development Center. Floor plan is available. Exit I-10 at Elliot, go one block west and turn right on 51st Street. Take the next right off 51st Street and a quick left into the parking area. We are right next to the Wells Fargo Bank.
Easy to show, call anytime: Richard 602-695-5491.
Hiring a REAL human when buying or selling REAL estate
Everybody has seen those cool blue “Opendoor” signs coming up more often in neighborhoods all over Phoenix.
It’s a great concept for home sellers that necessarily don’t want to wait for a real estate agent to find a buyer and go through the 30- to 45-day escrow process. Instead, sellers would rather just hand over the keys to a company willing to give them a fair price
enabling them to streamline the process and get out quickly.
In fact, more real estate start-up companies are copying this business model. After all, immediate gratification and a no hassle lifestyle has become a big part of our culture. Even Opendoor’s tagline is “Sold. The minute you’re ready.” I was curious how they
determine a price to purchase the home from the seller so I went to their site and completed a very quick synopsis of my home’s interior and exterior upgrades. After submitting the basic details (mostly pre-filled from public records) such as square footage, number of bedrooms/ bathrooms, etc, I received
3,002 sq.ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms.
Exciting, fully remodeled home in exclusive Reid Ranch Estates Listed for $495,000 Mike Smith
See Page 6
Stacie
an auto-reply stating I will receive a competitive market value for my home within the next 24 hours.
Sounds fair, right? Mind you I don’t know the entire process but I’m hoping a real human being will be following up with that valuation to make sure I haven’t haphazardly missed some key upgrades, or that I forgot to mention I just replaced my air conditioning unit, or possibly didn’t realize the square footage of the home was incorrect or, even better, I didn’t realize that the Smiths just sold their home down the street for a great price using a Realtor that is knowledgeable of my neighborhood.
When it is all said and done, there will always be home sellers that want the convenience of unloading their home quickly. After all, convenience is defined by the state of being able to proceed with something with little effort or difficulty. However, as noted on www.TheSimpleDollar.com, when you are short on time, you will pay dearly for quick and easy solutions.
A Realtor is invested in YOU. They have a fiduciary duty to make sure you are receiving the best offer(s) for your home. They are not a “big-box” entity lining up hopeful sellers for their own profits through a multitude of algorithms and keywords found on their lead capturing software. It’s a personal human approach that cannot be duplicated. A “listing agent” specializing in the local market, with access to knowledge, and a true comparative market approach to determine the best price to sell your home is priceless!
The same goes for homebuyers. They also need a reliable representative to assist them
in purchasing a home. Many potential homebuyers tend to log on to popular real estate sites like Zillow, Trulia and Realtor.com to check out inventory. What these buyers do not realize is that most of these sites were primarily built as a lead generating tool for real estate agents. They do not provide a timely accurate view of homes currently on the market. In fact, I’ve had clients fall in love with a property on one of these sites only to find out the home had sold several weeks or even months ago.
I tell my clients to think of Zillow and all those sites as dating websites. The pretty homes stay online even after they have sold just to capture the attention of the potential buyer and thus creating a lead for a potential agent. Seriously, it’s a perfect analogy!
A “buyer’s agent” has the best interests of the buyer. They are aware of the current inventory of homes available and will match buyers up with the best options while taking into consideration the buyer’s purchasing power. A Realtor working with a buyer will make sure they are qualified first prior to searching homes and will keep their clients abreast of any price reductions, new listings or at times homes in their price range that haven’t hit the market yet.
Whether you are buying or selling, the best choice is to hire a knowledgeable Realtor to help you through the process. For more reasons to work with a Realtor outside of my helpful hints, check out “7 Reasons to Work with a Realtor” on realtormag.realtor.org.
• Stacie Lee is an Ahwatukee resident and Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, AZ Properties in the Tempe/Ahwatukee office. Reach her at 480-239-5492 or StacieLeeAZ@gmail.com.
When I think about the home-buying process and all of the options that are available, I can’t help but recall the popular fairy tale, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”
While Goldilocks went about things in an unorthodox way, her desire to find the right fit was a lot like a home buyer’s need to find a home that fits perfectly into his or her life – not too big or too small, but just right.
Determining the right size home can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Here are three factors to keep in mind when choosing your next home:
Assess your current situation
If you don’t know the square footage of your current living situation, pull out the measuring tape and start measuring. Get-
ting to know your current space will help you make accurate comparisons when shopping for a new home. In addition to considering actual size, note how you feel in each area of your current home. Do you feel cramped in your bedroom? Could you use an extra bathroom? Do you have issues with storage? Getting to know how you feel in your current space will help you make a confident decision when the time comes to purchase that new home.
Check
your options
Many of today’s homebuilders offer flexible design options, enabling buyers to easily customize a home to fit their family’s specific needs. If you decide you really like a home but would like it even more if the master bedroom
AFN COLUMNIST
backyard had an expanded patio, check with your builder to see if it has options to accommodate your dream-home wish list — you may be pleasantly surprised.
Think long term
Your perfect home today may not be so perfect in a few years. For example, if you just had a baby, two rooms may be the perfect fit right now. But, what if you decide to have more children? Will older parents eventually live with you, prompting the need for a generation suite or a casita in a
few years? Focus on these factors, along with others that could change the dynamic of your home, and plan from there. In the long run, you’ll save time, money and plenty of headaches.
• Andy Warren is president of Arizona homebuilder Maracay Homes, a member of the TRI Pointe Group. He serves on the board of directors and as an executive committee member with the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and is a past board member of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona. Warren is also a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership and an active member of the Urban Land Institute. For more information about Maracay Homes, visit www.maracayhomes.com.
School highlight
Magical Journey Learning Center • 1442 E. Chandler Blvd.
Magical Journey Learning Center offers the Ahwatukee community a more intimate schooling experience with its small classroom setting.
The school focuses on grade levels pre-kindergarten through preschool.
Both instructors, Julie Fischer and Michelle Willis, have an immense resume when it comes to education, having more than 20 years of experience teaching at the elementary level.
Fischer believes what separates Magical Journey Learning Center apart from others is how the students work in smaller groups, which gives both instructors the ability to focus more on each of their students.
The school also encompasses community service with its “Lend a Hand” program, where each week students are involved with different community service opportunities.
“We just think that goes to developing that whole social and emotional piece that will hopefully lay a foundation for them for life,” Fischer said.
For more information about Magical Journey Learning Center, visit www.magicaljourneylc.com.
• Complied by Daniel Ochoa.
Pre-K teacher Julie Fischer reads to students at Magical Journey Learning Center in the Foothills. [Daniel Ochoa/AFN]
SPOTLIGHT home
Single level estate on almost 2 acres. 9 br, 11 ba with 12,352 sq. ft. Only the finest and custom finishes used throughout. Kitchen includes: 5 ovens, 2 dishwashers, wine closet & custom cabinetry. Theater room, game room, office. All bedrooms are large with own baths, hand carved doors, mosaics, slab marble floors throughout. This paradise estate has 200+ palms & trees, 5 fountains, 3 pools, 2 spas, lighted sport court, putting green, outdoor chess set, sauna, stone covered outdoor bar and bbq. Separate guest house w/5 bedrooms. Garage parking for 10 cars & RV garage. This is a unique & rare opportunity!!!
Geno Ross (602) 751-2121
Pick your paint, lift your mood
AFN COLUMNIST
Walk into any room — at a home, store or restaurant — and what catches your eye? Chances are, it’s color. Pay attention to what speaks to you most. Often color can affect our frame of mind. Do you want to create a mood that’s low-key or lively? Painting the walls is one surefire (and low budget) way to add a brand new vibe to your living space. If picking paint color seems like staring at the cereal aisle at the grocery store, check out a few helpful hints.
1. Start small.
Take on a modest project first and experiment — a powder room, foyer, hallway or laundry room. Look around for inspiration. What colors in your own accents capture your fancy?
2. Consider the lighting.
of poster board. This is the time to explore! Get out of your rut. If you keep buying similar colors, take a walk on the wild side and consider something brand new.
4. Consider the adjacent rooms. When settling on a color, don’t forget to view it under the framework of adjacent rooms. Do the colors flow together smoothly from one room to the next?
Color responds differently according to light, so look under light boxes at the paint store when making selections. Florescent light for example, leaves a sharp blue tone, while natural lighting shows the truest color.
3. Try it out first.
There is nothing worse than buying four gallons of paint only to realize the color you chose is just plain wrong. Buy a small sample and test it out on the wall, or on a piece
5. Consult the color wheel.
Think about playing with multiple colors in one space, such as painting the ceiling, which leaves a powerful impression. A small color wheel can be a handy tool in modifying or intensifying two different colors, and you might be surprised at which combinations blend well together.
When it comes to color, the process of choosing one should be enjoyable and exciting. Once you’ve made your selection, enjoy the powerful lift in your mood covering up that old paint adds instantly.
• Traci Tartaglio is president and owner of Ahwatukee Carpets. Visit Ahwatukee Carpets on Facebook or visit their website at www. ahwatukeecarpets.com.
Termite population up this time of year
To say termites have been around for a while is an understatement. The wood-eating pest has been found in 55 million-yearold fossils. According to the National Pest Management Association, termites cause an estimated $5 billion in property damage annually in the U.S. That makes this silent destroyer a bigger threat to wood-based structures than fire and flood. Unfortunately, most homeowners’ insurance plans won’t cover the extreme damage that termites can cause. Being proactive about protecting your home against termites is crucial.
of termites includes discarded wings along the ground. Termites fly, you ask? You bet! A flying termite is in a reproductive stage. The wings fall off soon after.
While active year-round, here in Arizona we tend to experience termite bumps two times a year: March-May and September-November. The Desert Subterranean Termite happens to be the most destructive type of the species. They access wood in homes via light brown “mud tubes,” typically hidden along concrete foundations, behind walls and in cracks. Termites also enter homes through deck posts, supports, door frames and wooden steps.
Termites are hearty pest who eat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The subterranean termites tend to swarm at dusk. Evidence
There are some easy steps you can take to help fend off an infestation. Termites love moisture, so it’s important to fix leaky faucets, water pipes and air conditioning units as soon as you notice there is a problem. Also, use mulch sparingly. While it’s great for plant health, and it provides a nice look to your home, mulch definitely contributes to termite problems if used in excess. Never let it have contact with doors, windows or the foundation of your home.
While you may have in the past had the ground around your home pretreated for termites, the procedure usually lasts, on average, about five years. It is recommended to have a state-certified termite inspector visit to complete a full inspection and treat again. If you have the ground around your home treated, make sure the treatment is pet, family, and environmentally friendly.
• Curtis Whalen and Nate Woolf are the cofounders of Blue Sky Pest Control.
AFN COLUMNIST
Traci Tartaglio
Curtis Whalen Nat Woolf
AFN photographer earns top state honor
By Shelley Ridenour AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
The staff photographer for the Ahwatukee Foothills News and East Valley Tribune is the Arizona Press Club’s 2015 community photographer of the year.
David Jolkovski is among four Arizona photojournalists who received photographer of the year awards in the club’s annu-
al photojournalism contest.
His top finish was based on a photo portfolio judged by news staffers at the Salt Lake Tribune and The Bulletin in Bend, Ore. He also received 12 awards in multiple single photo categories.
Jolkovski has worked for the Ahwatukee Foothills News for four and a half years and has been on the Tribune staff for two in a half years. Both newspapers are owned by Times Media Group. He’s a Desert Vista High School graduate and earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in photojournalism from the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C.
Jolkovski said working as a photojournalist feeds his curiosity and “allows me to
experience things I wouldn’t normally experience.”
His job as a newspaper photographer also provides opportunities to meet people he might not otherwise meet and tell their stories on the pages of the local newspaper, he said.
“I’ve only worked with David for a short time,” Tribune Publisher Steve Strickbine said. “But I have quickly come to know he’s a talented photographer. We’re fortunate to have him on our staff.”
In the statewide single pictorial photograph category, Jolkovski was awarded an award of excellence for a photo of a rehearsal for “The Nutcracker.” That photo also won the community newspaper pictorial division. And, his photo of Franklin Makabe received third place in the sports por-
trait division.
Jolkovski’s other 11 awards were in the community newspaper division. He captured first and second places in the picture story category for a photo of graffiti artists Champ Styles and SuchStyles working in Guadalupe and of an animal sanctuary.
Jolkovski’s portrait of Cleo DeLoner of Mesa, an Army veteran who suffers from PTSD, earned first place in the portrait category. And, he received an award of excellence for a portrait of an author and actor who re-creates John Wayne.
In the nature division, Jolkovski’s pho -
to of lightning above a home was declared the winner.
He earned both first and second places in the sports portrait category for photos of Desert Vista High School wrestlers Jeremiah Imonode and Makabe.
In the sports action category, Jolkovski placed second and third for photos of a girls soccer match between Campo Verde and Notre Dame high schools and the Division II football state championship game.
• Contact writer: 480-898-6533 or sridenour@evtrib.com.
• Check us out and like Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and Twitter.
Army veteran Cleo DeLoner in her Mesa home on April 2, 2015. [David Jolkovski/AFN]
Lightning in Tempe during an evening storm on Aug. 11, 2015. [David Jolkovski/Tribune]
DII girls soccer state championship game between Campo Verde and Notre Dame Prep at Campo Verde High School on Feb. 14, 2015. [David Jolkovski/Tribune]
Author and John Wayne impersonator Ermal Walden Williamson in his Mesa home on July 20, 2015. [David Jolkovski/AFN]
Danielle Facio, 17, gets ready for her Tempe Union’s Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting (TAPP) program graduation with her son, Damian, on May 14, 2015. [David Jolkovski/AFN]
past but also introduced pieces of its future.
“It’s hard to believe that 20 years has gone by since our school was founded,” said Betsy Fera, the public charter school’s executive director. “It’s very exciting because of all the accomplishments that we’ve shown over the years, and it’s due to the hard work of our students and our staff and all of the parents that choose to bring their kids here. “Part of what we’ve been doing this year as part of the celebration is looking back on where we started and showing and celebrating that growth over the years.”
Howler, the mascot for the Arizona Coyotes, was present to introduce the name of the school’s eagle mascot, now named Blaze after students voted on the name. The mascot previously was nameless.
Horizon also introduced a new school logo. But, instead of looking to an outside firm to develop it, they delved internally, using a design that was created by the school’s graphic arts students.
“We worked with a group of our graphic arts students to revise and create our logo that will hopefully carry us through the next 20 years,” Fera said. “The students have really taken a lot of ownership in this celebration which is what we’re all about.”
Were that not enough, Friday night Horizon had a gathering at the Arizona Science
The Eagles mascot unveils his name as Blaze during the Horizon Community Learning Center's 20th anniversary assembly on April 8. [David Jolkovski/AFN]
Center where students and faculty’s families could mingle together and enjoy the center’s exhibits.
“It’s just going to be a great way to celebrate,” Fera said. After 20 years of teaching and developing young minds, Horizon Community Learning Center continues to look forward to its next two decades.
“I dream about my grandchildren coming here one day,” Shaheen said. “I truly believe that the heart of Horizon will never go away. I also believe that the innovation that we’ve been able to have and the changes that we’ve had in response to the need of young people will also always be moving forward.
“It depends what the future brings and I believe that this will be a responsive community who looks at what’s best for kids.”
• Contact writer at 480-898-6549 or follow him on Twitter @Eric_Smith_evt.
• Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and @AhwatukeeFN on Twitter.
Baby Shower
>> From page 1
have been premature…those babies you can’t plan for, so we help the ones that have very few resources.”
Dorwart said Newborns in Need has volunteers who sew and quilt and crochet so when they get fabric, they can use it and make it into items such as a diaper bag.
“What we think are wonderful items are things people are trying to get rid of, like leftover yarn,” Dorwart said. “You can clean up your closet and we can put that to good work making booties and blankets.”
Vivian Giumette has been a volunteer for Newborns in Needs for 13 years and joined after her grandson, now healthy — was born three months and two weeks premature.
“We also help the ones that were a total surprise, you were supposed to deliver three months from now and you’ve delivered now,” Dorwart said.
“The organization’s main purpose is to help sick and needy children,” Giumette said.
“Each of the volunteers have found their niche, it’s what they do best or what they like to do, so therefore, we have some people who are knitters, some people who are crochet, and we have some quilt people,” Giumette said.
“In my particular case, I love to do the preemie outfits.”
Those outfits are called diaper shirts, a one piece with Velcro that makes it easier for nurses and doctors to administer the medical attention they need.
IF YOU GO
What: Newborns in need: Big Baby Shower
When: 10a.m-1p.m, Saturday, April 16.
Where: Esperanza Lutheran Church, 2601 E. Thunderhill Place
Information: newbornsinneed.org
Newborns in Need works with Valley hospitals and medical centers including Banner Gateway Medical Center, Cardon Children’s Hospital, Hacienda Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital NICU and LD, among others, to provide the items to the children in need.
“It’s a learning process, people that have learned to do something new share it with everyone,” Giumette said.
The Ahwatukee group is a satellite group from the Newborns in Need Mesa Chapter. Stop by the Big Baby Shower on April 16 to donate some clothing, learn how to knit or crochet and watch demonstrations of the items Newborns in Need creates for the babies. Visit newbornsinneed.org for more information and learn how you can support.
• Contact writer: 480-898-6581 or atufts@evtrib. com.
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and
Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook
Twitter.
Get Out
Pop Evil brings Michigan work ethic to Tempe
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski GETOUT
Pop Evil singer Leigh Kakaty could be Michigan’s biggest fan.
He is vocally inspired by his fellow Michiganders Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Kid Rock and Eminem. Pop Evil carries the strong Midwestern work ethic, and the musicians are strong supporters of the auto industry.
So it made sense to partner with RAM Trucks and offer the single “Footprints” for the company’s commercials.
“Being a band from Michigan, the automotive industry is so important to us and obviously RAM is a big part of our lives,” said Kakaty, who performs a free show with Pop Evil at Tempe Marketplace on Saturday, April 16.
“Footprints” appears on Pop Evil’s latest album “Up,” a collection that reflects Kakaty’s newfound happiness.
“We decided to take a more positive approach and be more appreciative about where we’re at,” he said. “Rock, as a genre,
can be very depressing. There’s a lot of negativity—‘Rock ‘n’ roll is dead.’ ‘Nobody wants to listen to rock.’ ‘It’s all country and hip hop.’
“We get the opportunity to play rock music for a living. That’s a privilege and it’s an honor. It’s something we worked our tails off to be able to do. We look at it as a glass half full, rather than a glass half empty.”
Ironically, his happiness stemmed from the aftermath of his dad’s 2011 death.
“He was my best friend,” Kakaty said. “We all handle that in a different perspective. For me, it was really tough. I had a lot of builtup anger and anxiety.
“I was on tour living my dream instead of being home there with him. I could have been enjoying the last few years with him. The reality of it was, ‘What am I going to do? Sit at home and stare at my dad?’ He would have been so stoked to know that I’m over here pursuing something for my future. I know he would have been happy with that.”
He said he wanted to celebrate his father’s life and take a more positive approach on “Up.”
“What the album did for me was it rejuvenated my love for music,” explained Kakaty, whose band was honored with Pop Evil Day in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “It’s easy to get caught up in the madness of this lifestyle from one tour to the next tour, going from one single to the next single.
“Everything is a singles business. You’re only as big as your last song. For a rock band, you can’t tour without albums or singles. It’s not like it was 20 years ago when you have a big hit single and you’re playing arenas, or two hit singles and that’s your album cycle. We need four to five to stay in business.”
He’s not afraid of the work that he puts in with Pop Evil. He’s hoping to become a household name, but he also wants to prove that rock isn’t dead.
“Learning to play guitar is not Guitar Hero,” he quipped.
The four musicians he’s inspired by—Nugent, Seger, Kid Rock and Eminem—are helping keep the Michigan brand alive. Pop Evil is doing the same.
“Those people really believed in their roots
and Michigan pride,” Kakaty said. “Whether it’s sporting events or cars, we’re very grounded. It’s like Michigan is its own country. We have our own culture and I swear we speak Michiganese.
“Plus, we know it’s cold here. But we’re not going anywhere. You can keep punching us in the fact but we’re going to get up, get a paycheck and take care of our families. We have that Michigan mentality and it’s definitely apparent when it comes down to our band.
IF YOU GO
What: Pop Evil
When: 7 p.m., Saturday, April 16
Where: Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe
Cost: Free
Information: tempemarketplace.com
• Contact writer: 480-898-5612 or christina@timespublications.com.
• Check us out and like GetOutAZon Facebook and Twitter.
[Phoenix Film Festival]
Pop Evil. [Special to AFN]
[MUSIC ]
Gentle Giant
Larry Fitzgerald honors late mother through fundraisers, positive attitude
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski GETOUT
Soft spoken and humble, Larry Fitzgerald said he believes in carrying on the legacy of his mother, Carol, who died during a battle with breast cancer in 2003.
Subsequently, he established the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund, an organization that offers support to causes she believed in like educating urban youth about HIV/ AIDS and breast cancer issues.
“My mom was an unbelievable woman and she’s worth honoring,” said Fitzgerald while he was suffering from a cold. “I try to live positive and I try to honor her legacy as best I can.”
The sixth annual Larry Fitzgerald Double Play Celebrity Softball Game backs one of those causes—nonprofit missions that assist children and their families here and abroad—via The Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund. The game is Saturday, April 23, at Salt River Fields, while a new Larry Fitzgerald Charity Classic is the day before at Talking Stick Golf Club.
“I really get excited this time of year because I’m able to go out and participate in an event that I really enjoy,” he said. “I have friends from across the league and multi-
ple entertainment circles getting actively involved. It means a great deal to me and I really appreciate the support of the community.”
Celebrity softball players and coaches will be announced closer to date. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; the Home Run Derby begins at 6 p.m. and the game begins at 7 p.m.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 215-pound Arizona Cardinals wide receiver explains the game is just as fun for the participants as it is the fans.
“The guys get kind of competitive,” Fitzgerald said. “I think everybody really enjoys it. The fans get to see some of their favorite celebrities, meet them, take pictures and get autographs. I think they really enjoy that and I think I really enjoy it myself.”
The competition heats up for the first Lar-
ry Fitzgerald Charity Classic.
“We’ve added a component on Friday, golf,” Fitzgerald said. “That’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. I really enjoy playing golf. I’m thinking it’s going to be something that’s going to raise a lot of awareness, different kind of clientele, a different kind of donor, a different kind of volunteer. I’m really excited about that.”
Anyone who follows Fitzgerald’s social media accounts knows he’s into golf and traveling. He was even on the cover of Golf Digest in October.
“Golf is something I picked up a few years ago,” he said. “It’s taken me by the horns and given me the opportunity to go out and compete, but compete in a way that’s not taxing. You have the burn inside of you, but you
don’t have to get tackled.”
“We try to follow the same model year after year,” he said. “We’ve sustained success with the way we’ve done things, but we’re honoring some of the wounded warriors who participate over the years.
“We use YouTube videos for the person to sing the national anthem. We make sure we’re honoring the people in the community who work so hard, whether it be singing or military service. We like to keep the grassroots of what we’ve been able to accomplish over the years.”
“You have to get flights and hotels and a lot of different things of that nature,” he said. “In terms of guys participating, they really are supportive and want to help me. They really do come out and support me.”
The First Down Fund is a 501 (c)(3) organization that was established in 2005. For a list of beneficiaries, visit larryfitzgerald. com/helpingpeople/firstdownfund/.
IF YOU GO
What: Larry Fitzgerald Double Play Celebrity Softball Game
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 23
Where: Salt River Fields, 7555 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale
Cost: $20- $500
Information: http://bit.ly/1Rkq7NP
• Contact writer: 480-898-5612 or christina@timespublications.com.
• Check us out and like GetOutAZon Facebook and Twitter.
Meet the Author
SATURDAY, A PRIL 16
Tempe Library 10am-3pm Chandler Mall Barnes and Noble 5pm-7pm
I never put the book down until I finished the very last sentence.”
Larry Fitzgerald. [Special to AFN]
England’s Foals recalls ‘What Went Down’ during last Tempe visit
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski GETOUT
Walter Gervers is drinking coffee under Rhode Island’s gray, “miserable” skies. A native of England and bassist for the band Foals, Gervers is used to dark clouds. Therefore, he enjoys playing in perpetually sunny Arizona whenever he gets the chance.
“I remember we had a day off in Phoenix and it was cool—not ‘cool’—but really super hot,” Gervers said with a laugh. “We had a bit of a walk around, too. I think we found some pretty cool bars that night. I remember the Marquee is on that crossroad directly next to [downtown Tempe], but you have to walk a bit and snuff it out.” Foals is returning to the Marquee on
Wednesday, April 20, to push its latest album, “What Went Down.” Gervers explained that he and the rest of the band— singer/guitarist Yannis Philippakis, drummer Jack Bevan, rhythm guitarist Jimmy Smith and keyboardist Edwin Congreave— were pleased with the way the collection turned out. He added that it was a logical progression from the previous albums.
“Well, I think the album is more closely related to ‘Holy Fire’ than, perhaps ‘Total Life Forever’ was,” he said, comparing two of Foals’ releases. “It definitely has moments of heaviness and a lot more sort of relaxed. Our whole life we’ve wanted to progress with the songwriting and have a spread of songs that do not alienate people. We try to
get away with it.
“We sort of managed to do that, which is great. We allow ourselves moments of big heavy riffs and fun. It’s good.”
Each album has its nuances. Recorded in Brooklyn, 2008’s “Antidotes” has been described as cryptic and melancholic. The follow-up, “Total Life Forever,” was released in 2010 to generally favorable reviews, but a couple critics called it “schizophrenic.” The band worked on the collection in Sweden.
In 2013, Foals sent “Holy Fire” to stores after recording it in London. The English music magazine NME said it was “a record that bursts out of the speakers.” For 2015’s “What Went Down, the band traveled to France where it worked with producer James Ford.
“We record in a different country to keep ourselves on our toes, instead of using the same gear in the same place,” he said. “It helps to move around a bit.
“A lot of it has to do with the producers. James Ford did this album. He knew a lot about modular synthesis. He had a real influence on the record and which songs made the final cut. He was a big part of it.”
Foals is pushing the album worldwide this year. The band will perform at English music festivals in Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds, as well as Lollapalooza in Chicago. But, Gervers said, Foals wants to play in the United States as often as possible to try to crack the market.
“It would be amazing to be able to do that, to make some strides here,” he said. “His-
torically, it’s very difficult for British bands to do well all over the country, not just in a couple spots.
“You have to put the hours in. You have to show up and play these places, do a lot of touring and spend a lot of time away from home. It’s a weird tossup.” British bands, he added, can’t just come over to America and play in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles and expect to hit pay dirt.
“They wonder why they’re not big in America,” he said. “You’ve got to do everything we’ve done—touring in a van and slowly working your way up. It’s very rare that a band can just crack it straight away.”
Foals is hoping that this tour will help the band connect with fans.
“We’re playing a mix of everything,” he said. “We’re not just playing new stuff. We’re still playing to lots of people who haven’t seen us before. We play with quite a lot of energy—I hope. Hopefully the crowd will give us this, too. It’s a bit of a two-way process.”
IF YOU GO
What: Foals with special guest Kiev
When: 8 p.m., Wednesday, april 20 Where: Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe Cost: $22
Information: 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com
• Contact writer: 480-898-5612 or christina@timespublications.com.
• Check us out and like GetOutAZon Facebook and Twitter.
Foals. [Special to AFN]
Bret Ernst at Stand Up Live
The Comedy Central Certified comic comes to Stand Up Live to perform his set April 15-17. In 2012, his comedy album, “American Comic” broke the top 10 on iTunes. He has made appearances on ABC’s “Comics Unleashed” and the “Top Ten” on E! He first gained attention after starring in the feature film “Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show” where he performed with Vaughn and three other comedians in a 30-night-30 venue tour across America.
DETAILS>> Times vary. April 15-17. Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. Tickets: $20. 21 and over. 480-719-6100, standuplive.com.
Black Theatre Troupe performs
‘Black Pearl Sings’
The production written by Frank Higgins for a female cast, was inspired by the story of musicologist John Lomax and Huddie William “Lead Belly” Ledbetter set in depression era America.
Susannah, a researcher for the Library of Congress, conducts research in prisons to search for original songs. She comes across Pearl, a spellbinding talent who agrees to record her songs for the Library of Congress in hopes to be reinuted with her daughter. See how Susannah and Pearl overcome obstacles and see if they achieve success.
DETAILS>> Times vary. Through April 24. Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington St. Phoenix. Tickets: $32. 602-258-8129, blacktheatretroupe.org.
• Contact writer: 480-898-6581 or atufts@evtrib.com.
TOP RATED ORTHODONTIST IN AHWATUKEE
SUDUKO
SportsRec
High schools, youth, outdoors, recreation
Remarkable transformation
DV senior Mularoni keeping Thunder tennis viable
By Jason P. Skoda
AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
Mikayla Mularoni heard the words, and they were a bit cutting.
The parent of an opposing player and his surly disposition were not welcomed at the time of her freshman year, but the disparaging remarks are one reason why Mularoni is Desert Vista’s No. 2 player as a senior.
“I wasn’t sure what was going on or why he was saying it,” she said. “It was uncomfortable, but it made me dig in a little bit. Really, what changed my approach was the few varsity matches I played that year. I didn’t want to go back to JV.
“Varsity is a lot more fun than JV.”
At the time Mularoni played No. 4 on the Thunder’s JV squad and by last season she was the Thunder’s No. 5 or No. 6 player.
And now as her career winds down Mularoni is a team captain and the second singles, and a part of the top doubles team for a squad ranked in the top 10 in the state.
“She has come so far,” Desert Vista coach Angel Singer said. “She was middle of the pack on the JV team and not many of those players end up being someone relied on in the top half of varsity in their careers, but she’s done it.”
The Thunder keep doing it as well.
Desert Vista lost three seniors that are now playing in college, but still remain among
the top programs in 2016.
The Thunder sat at No. 9 entering action this week, with Tuesday’s home match versus No. 12 Corona del Sol, the last match of the regular season before the individual state tournament begins on April 22 and the team tournament starts on April 27.
The Thunder feel like they can play better than they have shown overall after winning the Tempe City meet for the fourth straight year on March 19. “It was a huge transition,” junior No. 1 Jacy Chan said of losing the top three player and moving to No. 1. “That gave us a huge boost forward. It was the one day where we all played really well.”
The squad won all of the singles titles and
the No. 1 doubles with Chan and Mularoni bringing home the title with 54 points as the Thunder topped Corona, which finished second with 36 points.
“It was supposed to be a rebuilding year of sorts, but they are really playing well,” Thunder coach Angel Singer said. “They are really motivated. It’s amazing what they can do when they are not relying on certain girls to be the best player. It’s a closer knit team because everybody is all about the same so they are working extremely hard to keep the DV name going.”
The singles champions at the Tempe meet where Chan, Mularoni, sophomore Jody Zhu, sophomore Alex Palmer, junior Paris Bennett and junior Erica Liu one through six. Chan is the true No. 1, but doesn’t have the usual temperament of a top play even though she made the state semis in Louisiana as a freshman.
“She’s confident and plays at a high level, but she isn’t one of those girls who knows she is No. 1 and always has been No. 1 and walks around like it,” Singer said. “She has beat some really good players this year, and she can really surprise some people.” Chan’s easy personalty allows Mularoni to take on a leadership role that has served the team well.
“From that point on she has turned it on,” Singer said referring back to her freshman year and the incident. “She’s running the show and doing a job of it. Mikayla is headed to Cal Poly and has come so far since being that No. 4 JV. It’s been great to watch.”
The end of the season will be interesting watch as the Thunder attempts to make another run at the semifinals in the state team meet.
“We need to find a way out of eight or nine (seed) so we don’t have to play Xavier early,” Singer said. “I think we can play with anyone else, but Xavier beat us 9-0 without their top player. I’d feel comfortable against the rest of the teams because this team is capable of putting together a really good run.”
• Contact writer at 480-898-7915 or follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda.
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TENNIS
Desert Vista’s Jacy Chan during the tennis match against Basha on April 7. [David Jolkovski/AFN]
Net gains
Smaller boys volleyball programs flourishing in DII
By Jason P. Skoda AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS
The advent of a second division in boys volleyball wasn’t new, but it was met with great anticipation.
No longer did fledgling programs like Horizon Honors and struggling teams like Dobson have to take on Arizona’s powers.
The level of play was expected to give teams a more equal footing rather than the large discrepancy some of the lesser programs have faced in recent years as was the case when there were two divisions from 2006 to 2011. But did it make it harder to make it to the postseason for the Division II teams? In Division I, 16 of the 22 teams make the playoffs while DI has 48 teams vying for 16 spots.
Of course, mathematically, the answer is yes as 72 percent of DI teams make it compared to 33 percent in DII, but then again they have a better chance to win each night on the court when they are playing within their division and section.
“You know I do fear it will be harder to make state,” Mesquite coach Ryan Olsen said. “We have a pretty hard schedule (including DI teams), especially as of now. We played DII number-one ranked team (Horizon Honors at the time), Desert Ridge and Highland. And my fear is that we
play tough teams and might get ousted by a team that skated their way in (with an easier schedule).”
Horizon Honors is in its third season of existence under Lisa Barlow. Despite having about 400 students the Eagles actually topped some of the teams with 2,000 or more students in the first two years.
Progress has been made playing against the likes of Desert Vista and Gilbert and now Horizon Honors appears to be a state title contender. The Eagles won their first eight matches before losing — 3-2 to Higley in their match — to sit No. 3 in the DII power rankings heading into Tuesday’s match against St. Mary’s.
“It definitely forced us to get better quicker,” Eagles captain Trevor Weary said. “You improve by playing teams better than you. We were overmatched, but we were learning. It has put us in a position now to step on the court knowing how to play the game and now we know what to expect and can communicate better.”
Barlow is happy about the new setup but felt it could have been better.
A majority of the Tucson teams petitioned down and were granted a spot in Division II.
Net Gains
“I was disappointed that they allowed the large Tucson schools to drop down from Division I to Division II after the AIA Volleyball Advisory Committee voted to have them stay up in Division I, which is where they belong due to their sizes,” she said.
“The five-member AIA Executive Board overruled the vote of the committee and allowed them to move down to Div II.
“It is the exact same thing that happened in girls volleyball when the Advisory Committee voted to keep Greenway in DII and Thatcher in DIII, but the AIA Executive Board overruled the Advisory Committee vote and allowed them both to move down a division. Both Greenway (Div III) and Thatcher (Div IV) went on to win their respective state championships in the lower divisions that they should never have been in to begin with.”
Four Tucson-area teams fall within the top seven in the DII team rankings.
As far as the play on the court overall, the belief is the 2016 season is a great opportunity for some programs that had no chance when there was one division.
Of course some of those teams like Dobson and Skyline only have a one-year stay as the new AIA placement for the 2016-17 pushed many of them back to DI.
“We are more competitive in the Division II arena, but we will be moving back to D-I
next year,” Dobson coach Paul Brown said. “We are not a traditional volleyball power and a vast majority of my guys play multiple sports, which we encourage, so we are not heavily loaded with club players and most years have had none. Many times we get athletes as seniors and have about two or three weeks to teach them volleyball before our first match and throughout the year we get better but will never catch those teams that have all the time on the floor that we do not.
“Are we sad about that? No, we are who we are.”
The season has plenty of time to play out, but it seems the second divisions have worked well thus far.
“We have a chance to go to the playoffs and do some good things,” Weary said. “We knew the last couple of years we had to be at our best to just get a point in some matches. Now we are the top team, but that comes with expectations, and teams are trying to hurdle us.
“It’s been a big transformation and a challenge we are looking forward to taking on the rest of the season.”
• Contact writer at 480-898-7915, jskoda@ ahwatukee.com or follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda.
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Several area football players honored by the NFF
The 2015-16 National Football Foundation (NFF) Valley of the Sun “Top 60” Scholar Athlete Class was celebrated April 2 at a black-tie event at Hilton-Scottsdale Resort and Villas.
The four players from area schools to make the 11-man first team were Desert Vista’s Zach Budzik, Seton Catholic’s Brandon Garcia, Queen Creek’s Zach Glaess and Hamilton’s Travis Lockhart.
The rankings are based on 40 percent academic performance, 40 percent football accomplishments and 20 percent school and community citizenship and participation.
The second team included Westwood’s
Ethan Johnson, Perry’s Sam O’Hare, Hamilton’s Jaelon Parson and Tyson-Jay Saena.
The third team included Basha’s Corbin Blomquist, Red Mountain’s Desmond Ethridge, Mesquite’s Roy Lopez and Tempe’s John Savage.
Additionally, Ahwatukee resident and Brophy quarterback Cade Knox received the Frank Kush Dedicated Student Award, and Westwood’s Marcus Mannie picked up the Talking Stick Excellence Award.
• Send submissions to jskoda@ahwatukee.com.
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The Phoenix Premier Soccer Experience
Experience Premier Soccer
Classifieds
Merch andise
Lost & Found
Found Black Chihuahua with red collar Found in Cabrillo Canyon neighborhood Please contact Sandy at 760-522-4327
Tuition reimbursement after 1 yr of srvc. Free basic health benefits (excluding dental & vision). Life insurance paid by the district. Starting salary $13.8817.39/hr. For additional info go to: kyrene.org under Departments, Human Res., Open Positions.
& PT
Rd/I10 & Chandler Blvd. & Desert Foothills Pkwy. Apply in person
PRESCHOOL has 1 FT opening! 14mo & Up. Montessori circ. Open 7a-6p. 40th & Chandler. Call for tour (480)706-1029
LOST SMALL WHITE POODLE
14 yrs old by puppy like. "Peaches" was last seen 3/23 at 15th/Glenhaven. Ahw/Phx. No chip/collar. Groomed condition. Call Pat 520-954-3700 or send pic of a found dog to pwann2@gmail.com
Miscellaneous For Sale
D-Backs season ticket holder wishes to share my 2016 season tickets. Prices are @ season ticket discounted cost. Prefer multi-game purchases. Diamond section 209, aisle seats 1-2. Great view, EZ access, in-seat food & beverage opt., close to all amenities. 480-3632798 or tomrob1@cox.net
KILL BED BUGS & THEIR EGGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killers
morning starting at 8 A.M. in the Garden at 4700 E Warner Rd. north of the Farmers' Market. acgarden.org
