Ahwatukee Foothills News - May 13, 2020

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Wednesday, May 13, 2020

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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he Ahwatukee Board of Management has obtained approval of its request for federal pandemic relief assistance and one of its longtime former members isn’t happy about it.

“We’re a very wealthy association,” said Christopher Gentis, who retired last year after serving on the board 22 years, including multiple terms as president and treasurer.

“We shouldn’t be borrowing money from the U.S. government. That money is for people in need.”

Gentis – who is also a retired Phoenix Police lieutenant – said the board applied for Paycheck Protection Program funds to cover ABM’s losses of rental and program fees at its community center at 48th Street and Warner Road.

He also asserted that the board requested $100,000 and that it is circumventing HOA bylaws requiring a homeowners’ vote on any loan greater than $100,000 by calling the money a grant.

Stating that its annual revenue of more than $1.2 million should enable ABM to weather the pandemic’s economic storm, Gentis said, “Certainly there was a loss in income due to

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the stay-at-home order and there will be lost income for some time into the future, but ABM pays no property taxes, has no mortgages.”

“We can borrow money from reserves if truly necessary or merely adjust the budget for the remainder of the year in order to get through this current year,” Gentis added, stating ABM “has always padded the budget.”

But board President Carolyn Johnson disputed those assertions, said the HOA needs the federal relief money to cover significant losses in revenue from cancellations of at least three months of birthday parties, weddings and oth-

see ABM page 4

Phoenix begins divvying up $293M in pandemic relief

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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LITTLE LEAGUE TEARS

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Ex-board member slams ABM’s bid for SBA funds

MOMENTO FOR TRUMP

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Cassandra “Cassi” Bych, left, and twin sister Camille “Cammi” Bych flank Willow Brown as the three Desert Vista High School seniors celebrated their appointment to prestigious military academies. While the twins are heading to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Willow will be off to West Point. You can read why on page 21. (Lawrence Brown/Special to AFN)

hoenix city officials will hold on to almost half the $293 million they received in federal pandemic relief funds and spend another $75 million on expenses to administer programs covered by the rest.

Conceding the total Coronavirus Aid, Relief Economic Security Act allotment isn’t nearly enough to address all the casualties of the pandemic’s economic meltdown, City Council last week approved a variety of programs to help people, businesses and organizations impacted by shutdowns and virus spread.

Although the CARES Act requires all money to be spent by Dec. 31, city officials are hold-

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Ahwatukee!

www.ahwatukee.com

see VIRUS page 15

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills.

Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282 Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com

Advertising Sales Representatives: Karen Mays, 480-898-7909, kmays@ahwatukee.com Laura Meehan, 480-898-7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com

Classified:

Elaine Cota, 480-898-7926, ecota@ahwatukee.com

Circulation Director:

Aaron Kolodny 480-898-5641, customercare@ahwatukee.com

NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:

Paul Maryniak, 480-898-5647, pmaryniak@ahwatukee..com

GetOut Editor:

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, 480-641-4518, christina@timespublications.com

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Reporters:

Jim Walsh, 480-898-5639 jwalshe@ahwatukee.com Wayne Schutsky, 480-898-6533 wschutsky@timespublications.com Cecilla Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@ azintegatedmedia.com.

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Our policy is not to run anonymous letters. Please keep the length to 300 words. Letters will be run on a space-available basis. Please send your contributions to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.

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The Ahwatukee Foothills News expresses its opinion. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author.

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Ahwatukee sets Census response rate example but still not at 100%

50 YEARS OF TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE!

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

W

hen it comes to meeting their civic duty to answer a few questions for the decennial U.S. Census, Ahwatukee is a national leader.

Councilwoman Thelda Williams recently said the highest self-response rate as of April 30 in Phoenix was in Ahwatukee, where 78.7 percent of all households have answered the short questionnaire at 2020census. gov.

That response rate is not only the highest in Phoenix but appears to be the highest in – and higher than – Arizona.

With millions of federal dollars and boundary lines for congressional and legislative districts at stake, U.S. Census self-response rates are past the half-way mark, but not anywhere as comprehensive a tally as officials need to ensure they get all the money they’re entitled.

Census Bureau data show only 55.9 percent of Phoenix residents and 54.9 percent of all Arizonans have completed the questionnaire. And the national response rate is only at 58.3 percent.

In the Valley, Gilbert is among the municipal leaders for response rates with 69.1 percent, followed by Chandler’s 65 percent rate. Among the state’s two other large cities, Mesa has a 57.8 percent rate while Tucson lags with a 56.7 percent.

Ahwatukee’s response rate also beats Maricopa County’s rate, which at 58.9 percent is ominous to some experts – including the Fair Census Project and Civis Analytics, a national consultant-software company that helps government, agencies, nonprofits and businesses with data analytics.

They estimated that Maricopa County would sustain the second most serious financial impact from an undercount among all counties in the nation.

Getting an accurate and complete count in the oncea-decade census is even more difficult this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Census Bureau last month delayed at least until Aug. 11 door-to-door visits in Arizona to pick up the many stragglers who have failed to go online and complete the brief questionnaire at 2020Census.gov.

“Because the duration and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be highly unpredictable, it’s critical (people) are reminded of the easy option to selfreport to the Census online,” Census Bureau supervisor Nuvia Enriquez said.

“The more people self-report right now, the lower the risk will be for Census workers later on.”

“It’s imperative that we get an accurate count,” En-

see CENSUS page 6

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

Zzeeks brings ‘Christmas’ to frontline workers AFN NEWS STAFF

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or many first responders and hospital workers in the area, Christmas in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic is seeing someone delivering a stack of Zzeek’s pizzas.

Zzeek’s Pizza owners Mark and Jody Pectol so far have sent more than 100 pizzas over the last few weeks to frontline workers in our hospitals, grocery stores and fire and police stations.

“Several people have contacted us over the last two weeks wanting to help out,” Jody said.

The latest to help was Anton Crosby of Ahwatukee who on Saturday donated $250 to Zzeeks, which gave him a discount on their pies so more could be delivered to several shifts of workers at two Dignity Health medical centers, Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert.

“Anton contacted me last week asking how he could help,” Jody said. “He was blown away with seeing the happiness from hospital staff. It’s like Christmas

ABM from page 1

er private gatherings at its activities center as well as many of its normal programs for children and adults.

She declined to specify the amount of money the HOA sought – noting homeowners have not yet been told – and said the board was seeking to cover two months of payroll and some other losses.

She said the board has struggled to avoid laying off any of its 16 fulltime staffers, who have been working since nonessential businesses were ordered closed in mid-March, in the wake of those revenue losses.

She also said lot fees paid by ABM’s approximately 5,100 homeowners only cover about 51 percent of the HOA’s operating costs.

Johnson also disputed Gentis’ assertion that the board is circumventing HOA bylaws on seeking homeowner approval.

“It’s not a loan; it’s a grant,” she said, estimating the HOA’s losses in activity center rentals alone at more than $13,000 a month in cancellations through June.

The U.S. Small Business Administration describes PPP money as “a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for

Zzeek’s Pizza co-owner Jody Pectol packs pizzas headed for two local hospitals that Anton Crosby helped pay for and deliver last Saturday.

(Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

morning when they see Zzeek’s show up.”

Crosby, a customer service representative for Verizon who moved with his wife and three kids to Ahwatukee from Ohio four years ago, said that, like the Pectols, he was moved to do something to show some appreciation for the efforts of first

small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.”

“SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities,” the agency also says on its website.

The PPP was part of the $2-trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (or CARES) Act that Congress approved to help people, charities and businesses adversely impacted by the pandemic.

Congress has put more than $650 billion into the fund to help small businesses stay afloat during closures to counter the spread of COVID-19.

Only weeks after the program was approved in mid-April and ran out of funds with the first infusion of $300 billion, numerous reports emerged of mega-restaurant chains and even the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team getting millions from a program aimed at the little guy.

Many small businesses in Phoenix alone have been unable to get PPP help, city officials have said in recent weeks.

Phoenix Economic Development Director Christine Mackay estimates that 20-25 percent of all small businesses with fewer than 250 employees in the city “will not

responders and others who risk the most to help others during the pandemic.

Back in Warren, Ohio, at the Elin Christian Church where he was ordained as a minister, he said, his fellow congregants often reached out to address community needs there and he wanted to do the same here.

come back” as closure restrictions are eased and removed.

Gentis said he has been exercising his right as a resident to view the documents related to the fund request, but said the board has been slow to respond.

Last Thursday, board Executive Director Tina Zalesky wrote Gentis, noting it has 10 business days to provide the records – documents he says he could see in five minutes if the office was open.

“We will attempt to meet that timeline,” Zelesky wrote. “We will advise you if there is a delay, otherwise, we look forward to serving you and will contact you when the information is ready for delivery.”

Unlike small businesses that were devastated by pandemic-related closures because they typically have no more than a month’s worth of cash, ABM in the past has typically maintained reserves of at least $500,000, although it dropped to about $250,000 in the wake of the housing crash during the 2008 Great Recession, he said.

Gentis also said that while most businesses rely on customers regularly coming through the door, ABM has a built-in revenue stream since homeowners are obligated to pay their annual fee or risk foreclosure.

He said he was heartened by the Pectols’ response to his offer because “I started calling around various places and they’d take my information and say they’d call back and I never heard from them.”

see PIZZA page 18

The HOA collects $225 a year from 5,100 lots as well as 25 percent of that fee per unit from the five apartment complexes within its boundaries. There also are other fees it collects, such as $400 for every new closure on the sale of a home.

And the bulk of those fees are collected at the beginning of the year, he said. The pandemic was officially recognized as a global health emergency by the World Health Organization on Jan. 30 and declared a public health threat by the Trump Administration the next day.

Gentis said that the activities center is not a separately incorporated entity and therefore its revenue is part of the HOA’s overall budget and shouldn’t be considered separately from that bigger financial picture.

A May 4 report in Forbes magazine zeroed in on businesses that apply for PPP funds that are not necessary to their survival. That report quoted the SBA, which has vowed to audit all recipients.

“All borrowers must assess their economic need for a PPP loan under the standard established by the CARES Act and the PPP regulations at the time of the loan ap-

see ABM page 6

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

CENSUS from page 3

riquez added. “Data collected from the Census will be used over the next decade to determine funding allocations for social services, disaster relief, education, and more. As millions of Americans are sheltering at home, one of the most important civic duties that we can all do is self-respond to the Census.”

She stressed that the results also determine “how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding are allocated to more than 100 programs, including Medicaid, Head Start, block grants for community mental health services, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.”

The nation now has more than 75,000,000 households that have com-

ABM from page 4

plication,” the agency said, adding: “Although the CARES Act suspends the ordinary requirement that borrowers must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere, borrowers still must certify in good faith that their PPP loan request is necessary. It quoted SBA’s warning to applicants to “review carefully the required certification

pleted the Census, Enriquez said.

Terri Ann Lowenthal, a nationally recognized census expert in Connecticut who was a senior staffer to the congressional committee overseeing the Census, said the COVID-19 crisis has created an “unprecedented challenge” to an accurate count – and at precisely the worst time.

“The Census Bureau was just launching its peak operations, and within days had to pull back from any activities involving personal contact,” she said.

Besides citizens who might not want to open their doors to Census workers – just as they were reluctant to answer when candidates for political office knocked to get signatures for their ballot petitions – the bureau could find few staff willing to venture into the field and risk coronavirus

that current economic uncertainty makes this loan request necessary to support the ongoing operations of the applicant.”

Forbes said some of SSBM’s guidance has been unclear, but urged caution.

Gentis said that ABM has steadily raised lot fees by 2.5-5 percent every year for the last 10 years and that too many businesses face life-or-death situations that need the federal help more. gs ~ Luxur

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exposure, she said.

In addition, workers are being stymied in their efforts to reach traditionally undercounted minority and immigrant populations because traditional gathering places like churches have been shut down.

Lowenthal called those closings “equally consequential” to fewer door-to-door visits that could lead to a “significant distortion of the count.”

“A vast and unprecedented network of national, state and local organizations was going to team up when the COVID response had to end much of those plans,” she said. “This massive effort in the works for years came to a halt. “The public health crisis clearly has had an effect on this crisis.”

Ironically, an undercount also will affect

When he retired as a board president last year, ABM administrators praised Gentis in a column published in AFN as a “team player” and a “team leader” who “has given untold hours of service in growing, managing and planning every facet of this beloved community” and “has been an integral part of making this community what it is today.”

He told AFN that the situation ABM

future disaster aid from FEMA, which is currently trying to address shortages of protective gear and other issues related to the pandemic.

The Trump administration has asked Congress for a 120-day data collection extension and delivery of redistricting data to the state by July 31, 2021.

A Census Bureau spokeswoman also said her office “is adapting or delaying some of our operations to protect the health and safety of our staff and the public and make sure we get the same population counted another way.”

Current plans are for all Census employees to return to their workplaces but rely on “the most current guidance from authorities to ensure the health and safety of staff and the public.”

faces in the current economic meltdown reminds him of his time on the board during the housing market crash in the Great Recession.

“We had an emergency board meeting when the stock market dropped and decided we were okay,” he said.

“We never lost an employee and we knew that even with homes going into foreclosure, we’d always get the money.”

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

A bittersweet time for Kyrene retirements, promotions AFN NEWS STAFF

E

ven in normal times, this time of year is bittersweet for school districts.

Even as they celebrate graduations and promotions, they’re also saying goodbye to students who are moving on – often to a different school or new life journey – as well as valued employees who are retiring.

And even in the abnormal time of the COVID-19 pandemic that has forced schools to remain closed since mid-March, the good-byes and well wishes are still being extended, though in a way that no one ever thought imaginable just three months ago.

The round of farewells starts Friday in Kyrene School District, when Superintendent Jan Vesely will be leading a virtual send-off for 41 teachers, administrators and other employees who are retiring.

That will be followed a week from today, May 20, with virtual promotion ceremonies, congratulating fifth graders heading for middle school and eighth graders heading for high school in August.

The virtual celebration of Kyrene retir-

480-706-7234

Promotion ceremonies like this are not in the cards at Kyrene elementary schools next week because of virus spread concerns. Instead, each school will broadcast its own ceremony online, though the platforms have not yet been determined. (Special to AFN)

ees is scheduled at 1 p.m. Friday, May 15 on Youtube.com and can be accessed by searching the site with the words “2019-

2020 Kyrene Retirement Ceremony.”

Vesely said that “while it’s not the way we want to send off our retirees, we are

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trying to do something that’s beautiful and nice and thoughtful in the format of a video.”

She said there will be speakers and the district plans “a lovely ceremony.”

The list of honorees includes Dr. Mark Knight, one of Vesely’s four-person cabinet and two assistant superintendents.

Knight has been with Kyrene since 1999 and has been overseeing human resource and exceptional student services as well as its Community Education program and half of the district’s 25 campuses.

Two principals also are among the retires: Dr. Ana Gomez del Castillo, principal of Kyrene de los Lagos Dual Language Academy and a district employee of 21 years, and Mirada Principal Nancy Branch, who has worked in the district for 17 years.

There are 21 teachers who also are retiring – seven of whom have served the district for at least 30 years.

Among them, Colina teacher Brenda Hardin has the longest term of service

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with 35 years.

Not far behind is Lynn A. Clapper, a preschool resource teacher at Brisas with 33 years’ service and Lisa Kiefer from Waggoner with 31 years.

Retiring teachers with 30 years of service are Michele Propps and Jeffrey Garrett of Centennial Middle School, Katherine K. Crosby from Mirada, and Brian H. Schanerman of Altadeña Middle, whose wife Rabbi Susan Schanerman is retiring after three years as an instructional assistant at Centennial.

Another retiring professional, Altadeña school psychologist Dr. Tim Kigin, also is packing it in after three decades with Kyrene.

Several other retiring teachers have put in 20 to 29 years of service.

In terms of length of service, Niños teacher Carolyn Wallace leads the group with 29 years. Not far behind her are Lomas teacher Amy Buchanan, who has 27 years with the district and Dr. Karen Knight of Kyrene Traditional Academy, who has served the district for 26 years.

Not far behind them in service at Kyrene are Kelly J. Kelly, of Centennial and Janet Pancratz of Brisas, who have both served Kyrene for 24 years.

Also retiring are teachers Janice Wagner of Lagos with 21 years and three teachers with 20 years service: Julie A. Perks of Monte Vista, Michael Bramlett of Altadeña and Chris Frazer of Pueblo.

Other departing teachers are Ellen Nielsen of Altadeña, 15 years; Paloma teacher Sandy Lynn with 14 years; Christine A. Hartland, a Monte Vista teacher with nine years; Jeffrey Colella of Centennial, eight years; and Cynthia Olsen of Brisas, with four years.

Among non-teaching staffers are Jackie Heisterkamp, administrative support specialist at Sierra, and Barbara A. Keeney, an instructional assistant at Mariposa – both of whom have been with Kyrene 24 years.

Other retiring employees with long records of service are Kristine Gayhart, Milenio academic intervention assistant with 25 years’ service; Centennial instructional assistant Cyndi Nielsen with 26 years, Lagos health assistant Julie Andress with 25, Aprende instructional assistant Alvin Hamilton with 20 years and Business Services support specialist Mel Allbright with 19.

Four instructional assistants who are

leaving include: Kathy Anderson of Kyrene Middle School and Shirley Despain of Colina, both with 16 years of service; Sebrina R. Martinez of Aprende, 15 years; and Suzanne Turpin of Waggoner, 13 years.

Others on the list of honorees are Business Services Assistant Director Jani Fasulo, who has spent eight years with the district; Sammie L. Powell, a warehouse materials processor with 16 years’ service; painter Harley Lee with 13 years; bus driver Timothy Kick with 11 years; and 13-year bus monitor Karen S. Oakes.

As for promotion ceremonies, district spokeswoman Erin Helm and Vesely said every school will broadcast a ceremony recognizing students.

Added Helm: “The schools are each going to have a sort of a similar video broadcast, but with their own school flavor, so it will be personalized to the schools.”

Though those broadcasts will likely be on the schools’ Facebook pages, the district is still working out details on the platforms and parents will be advised where to look.

Normally, the eighth graders come together for an evening ceremony in their schools’ gymnasiums, where they wear caps and gowns and cross the stage for a little recognition.

Usually something special is organized for fifth graders moving on and Vesely said the videos will recognize them so they feel like that they haven’t been forgotten amid the turmoil of school closures.

“Any school event where you have families together and you’re honoring children – they’re all special to me,” Vesely said. “Would the kids rather be in person?

Absolutely because they bring their family members, but now they’ll get to hopefully invite their family members to watch these broadcasts on May 20.

“We would have liked to have had them with us and we would of course liked to have our traditional ceremony, but we’re unable to.”

“You know,” Vesely added, “We’re sad because we always want to send off our eighth graders to high school and make them feel special but I think what we’re trying to do is to do this in a very personalized process.”

And she said that while the eighth graders will be leaving the district, she’s hoping the fifth graders will at least realize they can hopefully look down the road: “These kids that are coming back will have opportunities for celebrations later.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

Virus-related scams bedevil law enforcement

BY JOSHUA GERARD GARGIULO Cronkite News

T

o get an idea of how fast scams are developing around the coronavirus, just ask Katie Conner, a spokesperson for Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.

“It seems like every day … a new scam pops up,” said Conner, who said her office has been closely monitoring consumer fraud claims. “And we are really trying to stay ahead and get these warnings out there.”

But Brnovich’s office and other consumer groups said the threat of COVID-19 and the national focus on it have combined with the speed and anonymity of the internet to spread scams that have left watchdogs across the country scrambling.

“We are updating our site about every 30 minutes, working to provide tips to consumers and information to consumers as frequently as possible,” said Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).

Groups say the scams themselves are

Dr. Joshua not new, coming in Sharfstein, vice the form of phishdean of public ing emails, investhealth at Johns ment scams and Hopkins Unisupposed miracle versity, said that products. sham treatment What’s differcan be fatal. ent, they say, is That was the the intense focus case where a on COVID-19 and Mesa man last the “creative” use month died after of the internet to he and his wife spread messages, drank fish-tank often false, about it. cleaner because “With social meit contained a dia, scammers can chemical that quickly spread President Donald the news about a Trump had cited fake miracle cure as a possible or fake product. treatment.

We have seen just “We have had about everything horrible in the last couple Online and other scams are nothing new but they have these in recent months as a result of the pandemic. reports of people weeks,” Conner accelerated (Rusty Clark/100K Photos/Creative Commons) ingesting these said. “That’s why we really want consumers to remember large quantities of different chemicals, in hopes they might protect themselves, and there is no cure for COVID-19.”

actually getting very sick or dying from that,” Sharfstein said.

Sharfstein and U.S. Attorney for Maryland Robert Hur said in a recent online conference that people need to “stay skeptical” and look to reputable sources for information.

“There is a lot of fraud and misleading information out there about different types of things people can do with … medicines, or supplements or vitamins to protect themselves,” Sharfstein said.

Prosecutors in Missouri recently sued televangelist Jim Bakker for promoting the sale of colloidal silver as a possible COVID-19 treatment. It came two days after the Food and Drug Administration issued cease-and-desist letters to Bakker and six other companies for selling unapproved coronavirus treatments.

Chuck Bell, programs director of Consumer Reports, believes part of the problem is that no one has the time to check claims as was done in the past.

When Trump cited hydroxychloroquine,

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

EV Realtor leading effort to recall Ducey

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

C

alling him a “tyrant’’ who has violated his oath of office, a Gilbert resident who has been helping to organize protests at the Capitol against the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by Gov. Doug Ducey is now seeking to oust him from office.

Legal papers filed May with the Secretary of State contend that the governor’s executive orders are unconstitutional and Marko Trickovic wants to force a special election to not only remove him before his term ends after 2022 but also to give voters a chance to select someone else.

The burden is substantial: He and allies need 594,111 signatures by Aug. 29 to force an election. But given the normal disqualification rate on petitions, the more realistic goal could be closer to 750,000.

Trickovic, chair of what he is calling Arizonans for Liberty, acknowledged the hurdle. But he said enough people are angry with the governor for shutting down the state’s economy and for doing it in what he calls illegally.

Trickovic figures that if he can find 200 people each collecting at least 30 signatures a day, he should be able to force an election.

There already has been some sentiment

SCAM from page 12

the chemical implicated in the Arizona death as a possible treatment and later suggested that bleach might be used to defeat the disease, the comments went out live.

Trump later claimed he was being sarcastic with his bleach statement, but not before the makers of Lysol issued a statement that “under no circumstance” should disinfectants be used on the body.

“There is less mediation, there’s not necessarily a doctor or a journalist that is standing between that product and the consumer,” Bell said. “In the old days … you would have a lot of reporters that would criticize a fraudulent product. But what has happened is, the sellers and retailers can go right to the consumer.”

Consumers have to bear some of the blame as well, he said.

“Consumers are very trusting,” Bell said.

Gilbert Realtor Marko Trickovic is upset with Gov. Doug Ducey’s business closings to fight the pandemic and wants the governor recalled. (Special to AFN)

building against the governor over both his stay-at-home order and his directive that only “essential’’ businesses can remain open.

But feelings may have only become more inflamed when Ducey announced two weeks ago that he would not let the first order expire as scheduled April 30.

The governor may also have further inflamed feelings with his comments aimed at business owners who had threatened to ignore his orders and open their doors anyway.

“We are assuming that that doctor has our own best health interests at stake. So you have to look behind it and realize there is a commercial interest.”

Brown said Arizona PIRG is constantly updating its website in hopes of keeping consumers aware of the latest scams. But it is also working to pull together information consumers can rely on, she said.

“Arizona PIRG is also working to compile trusted resources in the state,” she said. “We may not have all the answers, but we are trying to compile them.”

She said her group is “working to provide tips for consumers and make sure that government officials are aware of false advertising or any potential illegal schemes.”

In recent weeks, the Arizona Attorney General’s office has posted notices of three potential scams, and members of the state’s congressional delegation have also posted online warnings on their websites.

“He literally declared war on the citizens of Arizona,’’ Trickovic said. “The fact that he came out and said he would jail people for trying to earn a living and feed people, that’s a tyrant.’’

Trickovic acknowledged that if Ducey has acted in an unconstitutional fashion there is another potential remedy: have someone affected by the orders file suit and ask a court to void the executive orders. But he said the issue goes beyond the legal violations.

“He has violated his oath of office,’’ Trickovic said. “He doesn’t deserve to sit where he’s sitting.’’

While recalls are difficult, they are not impossible.

Under the Arizona Constitution, it takes the signatures equivalent to 25 percent of those who voted for all candidates in the last gubernatorial election.

Foes of Gov. Evan Mecham gathered enough signatures to force an election. But it never got that far as the Legislature impeached him and removed him from office.

In 2011, those seeking the ouster of Senate President Russell Pearce submitted more than 18,300 signatures to force an election; they needed just 7,756 to be valid. Voters in his Mesa legislative district turned him out in favor of fellow Republican Jerry Lewis.

Hur said the best defense for consumers is a healthy dose of skepticism.

“Please be skeptical, please be leery,” Hur said. “If you think you have a lead on some helpful information, go directly to the source. Don’t click your way through something that reports to be from Johns Hopkins, go directly to the Johns Hopkins website. There, you can be assured that you are getting accurate genuine information.”

Conner added that slowing the spread of misinformation can be as simple as thinking before clicking “send.”

“It is very easy for posts to share, and for people to like and comment. So that is why consumers need to keep their guard up,” she said. “If people can remember this it will be helpful – if you did not initiate the contact, it is probably a scammer.

“We need consumers to be as vigilant as possible during this very difficult time, do their research and consult with health experts and their doctors about any cures

How deep and wide is the resentment of Ducey has yet to be shown.

A survey done for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry found that even among Republicans, only 12 percent thought Ducey had gone too far with 73 percent calling his approach “about right.’’

Trickovic said the reason there may not be more support at this point for a recall is that people are not getting the facts.

He said many of the more than 60,000 deaths nationally being attributed to COVID-19 involved people with preexisting conditions.

“These are the same people that were at risk of dying of a cold or the flu,’’ Trickovic said. “However, the media and government agencies that have lied to the people have gone out there and made this thing look like Ebola.’’

Trickovic, a real estate agent, said this isn’t partisan, saying he is a Republican precinct committeeman. But he acknowledged that, even if the drive doesn’t succeed in recalling the governor, he would be happy if it damaged Ducey politically.

“If anything, we will expose who Doug Ducey is,’’ Trickovic said. “And, if anything, that’s going to hurt his chances of potentially running for a Senate seat in two years, like he thinks he’s going to do, or possibly for vice president.’’

or medicines,” Conner said. “And if you have been a victim of fraud, don’t hesitate to call.”

GOT NEWS? Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ timespublications.com

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

VIRUS from page 1

ing $143 million in reserves – partly in case of a resurgence of the virus in the fall but also partly in the hope that Congress will lift its prohibition on using the money to compensate local and state governments for severe revenue shortages.

The city estimates that it will lose between $68 million and $128 million in sales tax revenue anticipated for its $1.5 billion budget for 2020-21 alone.

During meetings last week, Council discussed a variety of uses for the CARES Act funds with various members jockeying for assistance for everything from businesses – including tattoo parlors and salons – to arts groups – including individual graffiti artists.

“I’m thinking about the graffiti artist or some of the other artists who have small micro businesses and that’s who we’re trying to support,” said Councilman Carlos Garcia. “I think we can move that money to the micro businesses and a lot of those individuals who create art for a living can probably qualify for that as well.”

Garcia also lobbied for an increase in and quick delivery of aid to small businesses – those employing fewer than 250 people – as city officials projected that 20 to 25 percent of small businesses in Phoenix will be wiped out by shutdowns. Other council members said musicians and artists need help as much as the Phoenix Symphony does.

Garcia also fought to eliminate restrictions on aid to non-citizens, although it was unclear whether federal and state laws would allow that.

“The only thing that should matter is they’re Phoenix residents and having COVID hardships,” he said, drawing a dissent from Ahwatukee Councilman Sal DiCiccio.

Ultimately, Council targeted $75 million for “community investment” programs that include: • $15 million for businesses, including $5 million in $10,000 grants for impacted small businesses; another $6 million for “micro-businesses,” generally one-man operations; $2 million for arts and culture groups, $1 million for restarting restaurants with up to $10,000 in aid per eatery and $1 million for businesses at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

• $6 million to help crippled businesses pay city water and sewer bills • $24 million to help up to 10,000 qualifying households pay for three months of

This chart shows what city administration officials told Council they need from federal relief funds to administer those funds on programs helping households meet rent and utility bills. (Special to AFN)

utilities and one month’s rent.

• $1 million to install wi-fi in public housing so needy students can access distant learning as well as improve community access for online city services.

• $10 million for homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers.

• $5 million to deliver and provide food for seniors, students and food banks.

• $5 million for virus testing in underserved communities and to assist Maricopa County in contact testing.

Not yet designated from that $75 million pot is $8.9 million.

The city expenses that will absorb another $75 million include $20 million for personal protective gear for first responders and other city workers as well as sani-

tizing city facilities, including the central booking station for arrested suspects, city offices and buses.

Another $19 million has been allocated for virus-related leave for city workers, and programs identified as “police/fire/ emergency management,” “human services, parks and recreation” and “management/accounting/equity oversight.”

A total $10 million will be directed to retrofitting city facilities to reduce virus spread and another $15 million on technical support for city employee telework expenses, 911 telemedicine development and “enhanced e-government capabilities” such as virtual court hearings and public meetings.

Although they will meet monthly starting in July to decide how to spend the remaining $143 million in reserve, council members offered a variety of suggestions.

But the principal one, stressed by Mayor Kate Gallego and others, was protecting against program cuts and layoffs for the city’s approximate 14,000 workers in the hope Congress will allow local governments to fill revenue gaps with relief funds.

Other ideas advanced by council members included installation of showers for homeless people; additional assistance Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher last week explained the ins and outs federal for nonprofits, refupandemic relief money to City Council. (Special to AFN) gees and asylum seek-

15

ers; assistance for city-contracted vendors such as janitors, bus drivers, security guards, landscapers and Phoenix Convention Center workers and a resource center and retraining program for city residents who have lost jobs.

The city will also provide a Resurgence Guide for businesses covering technical, safety and legal issues related to post COVID-19 reopening. That guide and information on applying for business grants can be found at Phoenix.gov/Resources.

In detailing the cost of getting money to households for rent and utility help, administration officials gave Council a chart showing how their costs would rise by increasing the help to be provided.

For example, to provide $3 million to help 10,000 households pay their water and sewer bills, it would cost $600,000 in administrative expenses.

To funnel $20 million to help 10,000 households with rent and all utilities, would soar to $4 million, the chart showed, while the city needs $4 million to dole out $20 million in utility and rent help to 10,000 households.

“We could not provide any of these services without” the administrative costs being covered by relief money, Assistant City Manager Deanna Jonovitch told Council.

She and others also portrayed a dire future for many residents struggling to pay utility bills, especially as the moratorium on electricity disconnects expires June 1.

Cynthia Zwick, director of the nonprofit Wildfire that is working with the city to administer the household relief program, said the pandemic and resulting business shutdowns and layoffs were putting more residents on the brink of homelessness.

“Members of the community right now are struggling with all of these services,” Zwick said in outlining the need for a program that helped people pay rent and utilities.

“We know that more than one in every three Phoenix households are paying 30 percent or more of their income on housing-related costs,” Zwick said.

“I think it’s incredibly important that we do offer mortgages and utilities. I agree that we should go for the $20 million.

“I’m sure at this point if we don’t do that, we will be pushing a lot of people into homelessness. People are already one paycheck away from being homeless. So, I think it’s incredibly important that we move on this as soon as possible.”

16

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

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FDA relaxed some regulations to spur blood donations

BY GABRIELLA KHALAJ Cronkite News

W

ASHINGTON – It’s a familiar ritual to anyone who has donated blood – after the finger prick and before the needle stick comes a medical history form that includes a long list of factors than can exclude or defer a donation.

Chairs have gone empty at blood donation centers during the pandemic The list is still long, but in despite agencies' assurances donors are not at risk. (Special to AFN) an era of COVID-19, the demonths – or less if FDA-approved deferrals are not.

The Food and Drug Administration in vices are used to treat the blood for the April eased a number of restrictions on malaria pathogen.

And it eliminates the wait for people blood donations in order to help blood who had spent some in some European banks across the nation keep up with the countries or served on military bases demand for blood. in Europe that was aimed at preventing It came as infection concerns and transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disstay-home orders were leading to wideease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder. spread cancellations of blood drives and Marks said the changes are not revoludonation appointments. tionary but were modeled after existing Dr. Peter Marks, the director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation policies in place in Canada and the Unitand Research, said the changes had ed Kingdom that have been deemed safe.

“We actually think that it could potenbeen under review for some time, but tially even make the blood supply … even the coronavirus “emergency essentially be safer,” Marks said. accelerated the need for us to get those Despite the rash of donation cancelthrough the pipeline.” lations, officials with the American Red “We’ve actually been working on changCross said they have been able to meet es in our donor deferral policies over blood demand for now, but they welthe past, we continually work on them,” comed the new guidelines for donors as Marks said. “But over the past number of one step to make sure the blood supply months, there were a number of things remains steady. that were essentially in the works.”

And they are urging potential donors What the change means is that people who are in good health to step up and who used to have to wait full year to donate, and to call if they have questions give blood, depending on their circumabout eligibility. stances, can now donate after just three “We are seeing schools, businesses, months or less. college campuses close and that is a That applies to people who have gotsource for the American Red Cross’ ten a recent tattoo or piercing as well as blood supply.

And as a result, more and men who had sex with men or a woman more blood drives are getting cancelled,” who had had sex with such a man.

American Red Cross President and CEO The previous year-long wait to donate Gail McGovern said of the shortfall. had been aimed at reducing transmisMarks said that while the FDA changes sion of HIV through blood transfusions, were enacted in response to the coronabut officials are confident a three-month virus, he expects they will be here to stay. wait is just as secure.

“Unless there were to be some finding The change also trims the wait for that there was something that said there people who have traveled to a list of was a safety concern, we fully expect countries where malaria is prevalent, allowing them to donate after just three those to be permanent,” he said.

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18

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

Police probe Mesa priest who was relieved of duties

BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

A

Mesa priest who also served as chaplain of Seton Catholic Preparatory High School has been removed from his ministry amid allegations that he sent a naked image to a 17-yearold boy.

Father Timothy Seavey also had been assigned to Queen of Peace Catholic Church in downtown Mesa, only a block away from police headquarters.

The accusations against Seavey were reported by the victim to Seton Catholic High School after the victim recognized the sender as the school’s chaplain, said Detective Nik Rasheta, a Mesa police

FATHER TIMOTHY SEAVEY

spokesman.

He said the school also followed state mandatory reporting practices by notifying the Mesa police and the Diocese of

Phoenix.

Rasheta also said that Seavey, 31, has not been arrested or charged with any crimes.

The diocese removed Seavey from his priestly duties while the case is under investigation and its official newspaper removed all stories involving Seavey.

While no background information was available on Seavey, an Instagram post shows him celebrating his first mass in 2017, indicating he has been a priest for about three years.

“It is comforting to know these allegations were forwarded and not shielding him,’’ Rasheta said.

A complication in the case is that the boy identified himself as 18 in his online dating profile, representing that he was not a

minor.

“Fr. Timothy Seavey, a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, has been removed from ministry following allegations that he used a social networking app to send inappropriate images of a sexual nature to an individual who identified as an adult in the app, but who was later determined to be a minor,’’ a statement from the diocese said.

“The Diocese of Phoenix is cooperating with Mesa Police in its investigation and has removed Fr. Seavey’s faculties to minister as a priest. He had served at Queen of Peace Parish since 2017, and as chaplain at Seton Catholic Preparatory since 2018.’’

Rasheta said the image was that of a naked adult male.

New turf field OK’d for Desert Vista stadium

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

T

hunder Stadium will have a new look come August as the Tempe Union High School District Governing Board approved a new turf field at Desert Vista High School.

The board May 10 unanimously approved a new field for Desert Vista as well as Tempe High.

“Having a space where we won’t have to worry about maintenance and is always ready to go will be a game changer for us,” Desert Vista Athletic Director Tommy Eubanks said.

“Between our athletic teams, band and PE classes, practice space is at a minimum at DV,” he added. “Now we will have an extra space that can be used by everyone.”

The district estimates both projects to cost over $2.9 million to complete.

District officials and representatives from Lloyd Civil and Sports Engineering examined proposals from a number of different companies for the project, ultimately hiring Sun Valley Builders, Inc. to install the new field.

Much of the funding for the two projects is expected to come from the unrestricted capital funds the district received from the sale of property in Ahwatukee.

District Superintendent Kevin Mendivil sought ways all six of Tempe Union’s comprehensive high schools could benefit

The Tempe Union High School Governing Board approved a $2.9 million project to install new turf fields at Desert Vista and Tempe high schools. (Courtesy Desert Vista Football)

from the funds, and upgrading facilities was one of them.

“As a high school only district we have to put 110 percent of our effort and ideas and creativity and those resources that are available to us to keep these multimillion dollar facilities up to par and beyond that,” Mendivil said during the board meeting, “so that our students, out families, our teachers can enjoy and have an absolute fantastic memorable experience during their time with us.”

The artificial turf is expected to cut down on maintenance costs for the district. It’ll also be used by all physical education classes at both schools even during sports seasons.

Eubanks said Desert Vista PE classes were forced to walk nearly a mile to the practice fields behind the school to ensure the main game field remained in good condition for athletic events. The turf will now allow members of the community access to it more often. Eubanks said he’s received inquiries in year’s past for the field to be rented for 12 hours every Saturday in the fall.

Desert Vista football coach Dan Hinds said the new turf field will open up a variety of possibilities for all levels of the program. The varsity team began practicing in the early morning last year to avoid the heat. But as temperatures cooled and daylight hours shortened, they were forced

to revert back to the afternoons without lights on their practice field.

Only the main field has lights, but Hinds was fearful of using it because of its already poor condition. But with turf, they can practice on it at all times.

“Now when it gets too dark in the morning, we will just flip the lights on,” Hinds said. “It’s a gamechanger for us. We can be on the main field as much as we need to.

Other sports, the community, youth football can use it. It’ll be great for everybody.”

Desert Vista’s football program has been a frequent visitor in the postseason the last two year, resulting in long seasons. Often times, the Thunder finished when the soccer program had already gotten started.

Trent Elliott, the school’s boys’ soccer coach, said it often took weeks for the field to return to decent condition. Sometimes, however, it never got to that point.

“The struggle the last two or three years is having very little green and having small rocks on the field,” Elliott said.

“We’ve even had officials comment on it.

We’re really excited. It gives us an opportunity to play on a field where we don’t have to worry about those things.”

Desert Vista and Tempe will become the latest high schools in Arizona to transition to a turf field. In 2018, the Scottsdale Unified School District voted to install turf at

see TURF page 19

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

TURF from page 18

all but one of its high schools, the only exception being Desert Mountain. If schools already had turf in place, it was updated.

Williams Field installed turf before the school opened in 2008. The same goes for nearby Campo Verde in 2009. Higley had natural grass up until this past season, when a new technology of turf that uses coconut husk and cork to help re-

PIZZA from page 4

“Jody got on the phone right away when I called,” said Crosby.

“She has really been an asset to the community,” said Crosby, who said helping out the less fortunate also is part of his mission as a member of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Arizona, one of the largest black fraternal organizations in the country.

While the Pectols have stayed open for curbside pickup and delivery at all four of their pizzerias since the governor banned in-house dining in mid-March, they decided not to reopen last Monday – the date Gov. Doug Ducey set for restaurants to resume seating patrons.

main cool in extreme temperatures was installed last summer.

“It’s been great for us,” Zubey said.

“When it’s 110 degrees out its still 110 degrees. But the difference is not having those little black pellets that makes it hot on your feet. It’s nice because it allows everyone to get on it, from football to soccer, to lacrosse and our band.”

The decision to install turf at Desert Vista and Tempe was met with some concern

Ducey directed restaurants to follow a number of guidelines developed by the state with the help of the Arizona Restaurants Association that will make the dining experience much different from what it was before the pandemic struck.

Besides strict sanitizing requirements that have some restaurants devoting a staff member to frequently wipe down high-touch areas, tables must be six-feet apart – promoting many restaurants to just keep tables empty so there is sufficient space between those where customers are seated.

Customers also will likely not be allowed to congregate in the front area inside restaurants while they wait for a table and instead be asked to wait in their cars

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With great lunch and dinner specials, live guitar player on Tuesdays and a bar with freshly made drinks, TVs, and live guitar music for all ages on the weekends and least but not last their happy hour from 2 pm to 6 pm every day $2 beer domestic and imports and $3 margaritas this place is a must. In conclusion The flavorful salsa, the delicious margaritas, the extraordinary and well-priced food will definitely keep you coming back.

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from board members. Many claimed they were hesitant based on a lack of information before the board meeting. However, based on Assistant Superintendent for District Operations, Safety & Student Support Sean McDonald’s presentation on the benefits of new turf technology, the board quickly became in favor of the project.

Both schools will now work with contractors to begin designing their respective fields. Installation will be complete

until they are texted that a table is ready.

Diners won’t see salt and pepper shakers or ketchup or other condiment containers on tables and will have their gloved and masked waiter or waitress bring them over.

In posting their announcement of a delay in opening their pizzerias for in-house dining, the Pectols said, “This has been a difficult decision for us.”

Stressing they were not criticizing the designation of May 11 by the governor to start serving customers inside, the Pectols said they decided against it for now “in the spirit of the safety of our employees and customers.”

“We are going to evaluate the situation longer,” they said, expressing hope they can reopen their dining rooms soon.

19

before the start of the new school year.

“I was not sold on artificial turf for quite a while until you see the advancements that have occurred over the last five and 10 years and you will continue to see,” Mendivil said. “But more importantly, the access opportunities our students will be able to have along without teachers and community members.

“It opens the door to so many more possibilities.”

Ducey actually encouraged restaurants to continued curbside and drive-though options for patrons who may feel uncomfortable about dining in public.

And some restaurateurs said they also are leery of welcoming patrons back at their tables right now for various reasons – including concerns that some customers might not like the new normal, especially if they’re told things they can’t do – like wait for a table inside with a crowd.

Bars have still not been allowed to reopen and even large restaurants that have a bar area are keeping theirs closed.

Gyms and pools also remain closed, though it is unclear whether they will be allowed to reopen this Friday, when Ducey’s stay-at-home order expires.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

The Tempe Diablos Present the 31st Annual

Excellence in Education Awards Sponsored by

Kyrene School District

Tempe Elementary School District

Tempe Union School District

Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year

Kirstin Williams Kyrene de la Mirada

Chelsea Walker Scales Technology Academy

Debbie Lenz McClintock High School

Lifetime Achievement Dr. Mark Knight Kyrene School District

Lifetime Achievement Erin Feeney Getz School

Lifetime Achievement Greg Hebert Corona del Sol High School

Leadership Susan Edinger Kyrene de la Mirada

Leadership Michelle Hart Fuller Elementary School

Leadership Jennifer Summers Desert Vista High School

High Impact Harley Ruda Kyrene Traditional Academy

High Impact Amy Garza Tempe Elementary School District

High Impact David Taylor McClintock High School

Inspiration Jill Malina Kyrene Aprende

Inspiration Paige Reesor Gililland Middle School

Inspiration Meredith Morrissey Mountain Pointe High School

Rising Star Cynthia Languren Kyrene de la Mariposa

Rising Star Taylor Denny Holdeman Elementary School

Rising Star Marcela Campbell Tempe High School

Class Act Karol Pacheco Kyrene de los Cerritos

Class Act Tanisha Leon Arredondo Elementary School

Class Act Jessica Verdugo Tempe High School

Thank you to our sponsors for generously supporting the 2020 Excellence In Education Awards.

A family of schools — A community of learning Tempe • McClintock • Marcos de Niza • Corona del Sol Mountain Pointe • Desert Vista • Compadre

EIE Wrangler News FP.indd 1

5/1/20 3:04 PM

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Community

COMMUNITY

@AhwatukeeFN |

21

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

3 best friends at DV get military academy nods

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

T

hey first met playing soccer at Desert Vista High School as freshmen and became close friends as juniors last year.

And not long after Willow Brown and twin sisters Cassandra “Cassi” Bych and Camille “Cammi” Bych graduate virtually next week, they’ll be on their way to military institutions of higher education in preparation for serving the country.

Cassi and Cammi have earned appointments to the Air Force Academy and Willow earned her appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

They won’t be able to attend the “live” commencement ceremony that Tempe Union High School District has tentatively set for July 19 because they’re scheduled to report for academic duty, either as Cadet Basics at the Air Force Academy or as

Willow Brown of Ahwatukee, got together with U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and the senator’s field representative Rick Ireland to celebrate her appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. (Special to AFN)

a “Beast” at West point.

Given their high school track record,

it’s not surprising that all the Ahwatukee teens are eyeing careers of service.

The daughter of Lawrence and Kelly Brown, Willow for four years at Desert Vista has been an athlete – tennis, cross country and soccer at school and club soccer off campus.

But has also been a peer tutor as well as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta, a mathematics honor society, and an officer of Rho Kappa, a social studies honor society.

She also has been an active volunteer at Mountain Park Church, including working at their café.

The twins, daughters of Rob Bych and Debra Wickman, have been equally – and almost identically – active both athletically and academically.

Both were members of the Thunder Link Crew, which helps freshmen transition to high school, and both were cap-

�ee SERVICE page 23

Food art propels Ahwatukee artist on social media

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

A

s a youngster, Sandra Marshall would sit at the family dinner table playing with her food.

Rather than demand their daughter stop it, her parents, Elaine and Richard Davis, set a rule: she could play with her food as long as she also ate it.

Even then, her parents could see she wasn’t mindlessly pushing the peas and potatoes around her plate; she was creating childlike artworks with them.

Food was her palate and her plate, her canvas.

The creative parenting directive paid off.

Now a mother of two teens, Marshall is gaining social media renown for playing with food. Only now she’s a creative vegetable food artist with Facebook and Instagram fans worldwide.

On Facebook alone she is nearing 10,000 followers.

“And it’s all been organic, I haven’t spent a dime,” she said, laughing at the unintended pun.

In her hands, iceberg lettuce, dates and sweet potatoes morph into Baby Yoda; eggplant becomes Darth Vader; watermelon works into a very red-faced, bespeckled male portrait that everyone seems to think resembles any number of people; and onion, eggplant, avocado, mushrooms and more evolve into a spot-on likeness of Kim Jong titled “Where is Kim Jong Onion?”

“I have a whole line of political dinner art. I don’t post them often as it is hard to digest in too many ways,” she said. “I get in

�ee FOOD ART page 25

Posing with one of her food art creations -”Veggie Patty, made from squash, peppers, a corn husk, cabbage, potato, eggplant and grapefruit. (Special to AFN)

22

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

Sustainability a passion for new local ASU grad COURTESY OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

A

hwatukee native Tammy Nguyen discovered her passion when a guest speaker visited her yoga class at Desert Vista High School during her junior year.

Brigitte Bavousett, an Arizona State University sustainability instructor and alumna, spoke about plastic in the oceans.

“However, what intrigued me the most was when she talked about SafeSIPP, an invention created by an ASU School of Sustainability student that helped women across the world have better access to clean, safe water,” said Nguyen.

“I thought to myself: If one student can make a difference that is empowering for others across the world, then I wanted to do the same.”

Nguyen had been thinking about attending the University of Arizona, majoring in environmental science — although her preference was sustainability — just because ASU seemed too close to home.

“I finally came to my senses and realized that during a time where I had no interest in anything, that small spark of interest I felt after Brigitte’s talk was a sign to attend Arizona State University, and especially the School of Sustainability,” she said.

Two days ago, she was one of 16,000 men and women who comprised ASU’s largest graduating class in history – and the first that was held virtually.

Nguyen graduated from Barrett, The Honors College with an impressive resume: A bachelor of arts degree in sustainability, a minor in Spanish, a minor in women and gender studies and a food systems certificate.

She is also a New American University Scholar, a recipient of the President’s Award 2016-2020, a recipient of the Sustainability Champions Award 2016-2017 and an awardee of the School of Sustainability 10th Anniversary Sustainability Education Scholarship in 2018.

She plans to return for one more year as a Master of Sustainability Solutions

Ahwatukee rresident and Desert Vista High alum Tammy Nguyen graduated Monday from Arizona State University. (ASU)

student.

What’s something you learned while

at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

At ASU, I learned that the world is more complicated than what we make it out to be. Because ASU is so big, it can be extremely easy to surround yourself in a bubble with like-minded individuals.

The city-like nature of ASU surprises me every day where there are thousands of students who have different views, backgrounds, interests and goals. I am constantly being challenged — in a good way — by my peers, the lectures or events I attend and my own friends.

If you take another step outwards, ASU can be a bubble in itself. I have learned to always evaluate the environment and situation I am in to understand the cultural and social contexts that influence the dynamics and systems within.

Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU? Milan Shrestha taught me to never sell

�ee GRAD page 24

COMMUNITY

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

SERVICE from page 21

tains of the Thunder varsity soccer team, playing as well on the Utah Royals AZ DPL Soccer Team.

Both belong to the Science National Honor Society, with Cammi serving as secretary and Cassi as vice president.

Both also are members of the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta and the Spanish Honor Society.

Outside of school, they also both belong to the Ninety-Nines International Organization of Women Pilots Phoenix Chapter, an international organization of women pilots that promotes advancement of aviation through education, scholarships and mutual support and sharing a passion for flight.

Ask them why a military academy is their next stop in life and their answers reflect a love of country that inspire them to show their love by action.

Willow said that between sophomore and junior year, she went on a mission trip with her church to Missouri and visited a veterans home.

“Just speaking with the veterans there and hearing their stories really inspired me to look into joining the military. I had heard about West Point before through a friend of mine, so I began doing research and I felt that I had been called to the service,” said Willow, who hopes to make a career in the Army, preferably working in military intelligence.

Cammi and Cassi are following in the footsteps of their father, a 1976 Air Force Academy alumnus.

Their father had taken them after their freshmen year to a soccer camp at the academy.

“During that week-long soccer camp, I felt a connection to the school that I hadn’t felt at other universities that we had previously toured, Cammi said. “The balance of academics, athletics, and military was very interesting to me. After that experience, I decided that USAFA was my ultimate goal.”

Cassi felt the same way, explaining, “We both immediately fell in love with it. For the next few years, we went to more soc-

t o G ws?

Ne

Ahwatukee twin sisters Cassi and Cammi Bych both are heading to the U.S. Air Force Academy after getting an appointment there as well as to the U.S. Navy Academy. (Special to AFN)

cer camps and we had the opportunity to attend summer seminar, a week-long summer program at the Air Force Academy that lets prospects experience what life is like there.”

The sisters both anticipate some kind of a career in the Air Force.

“I know that I want to fly, so I am definitely going to the right college,” Cammi said. “I do not know which direction I want to take my career in the Air Force, but I know that when I arrive at the Academy, I will have all of the resources and guidance that I need to make the right decision.”

Added Cassi: As of now, I am looking to major in engineering at the academy and possibly become a pilot. I don’t know if it will change in the future, but right now I do anticipate a career in the military.”

Applying and getting appointed to these institutions is no easy task.

Willow started in her junior year, collecting letters of recommendation from her teachers and filling out a blizzard of

forms. She also had to train for and pass a physical fitness test and secure a nomination from a member of Congress.

“It was fun for me to organize everything I had to do between submitting paperwork, interviewing with different people, writing essays and working out for the Candidate Fitness Assessment,” she said.

“In August I found out that I had received an early acceptance, which was an unexpected surprise because it was so early,” added Willow, who also won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy – an accomplishment matched by Cassi and Cammi.

“When I saw it that morning, I was overjoyed and I remember surprising Cassi and Cammi at school with the news,” she said.

The twins also had to follow an equally arduous route, sitting for interviews that at times ran for several hours and training four months for the physical fitness test.

In the long run, it was worth it, the sis-

23

ters said.

“It’s hard to put into words what I felt, but it was as if this giant weight was lifted off of my shoulders,” explained Cammi, who got a call from Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s office congratulating her. “I was absolutely speechless. All of the hard work that I had put into my application had finally paid off.”

Cassi got the news first – after missing the call because she was in class.

“I was in shock and I actually started crying because I was so happy,” she said.

“It was the culmination of months of hard work and patience, so hearing that news was one of the happiest moments of my life. After the call ended, I immediately called my parents and texted my friends the news. Then I went back inside and told my sister to answer her phone.”

All three young women concede that senior year is ending in a way no one could have imagined when it began last year.

But they all have taken the seismic disruption in stride.

“I think 10 years from now I’ll look back on this time and be thankful for the experience,” Willow said. “Challenges like these make us stronger and I’ve learned a lot about myself and how to not take the little things in life for granted.”

Cammi said, “I hate that I can’t celebrate with my friends and family in the traditional sense, but I know that missing the last quarter of senior year and graduation is a small sacrifice compared to what others are going through right now. Ten years from now I will look back at this moment and cherish the time that I got to spend with my family at home before I had to leave them for four years.”

Her sister echoed that sentiment.

“Obviously, not being able to finish our senior year of high school or have an official graduation is a less than ideal situation,” Cassi said.

“However, while it is unfortunate, I know that there is a lot to be excited about in the future. I think that a lot of us in the Class of 2020 will look back on this year and laugh because while it wasn’t normal, it was certainly interesting.”

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

24

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myself short. I had to gather my research at an international U.N. conference I was attending during the semester and present my findings on an unfamiliar presentation platform, on top of already struggling quite a bit in class anyways.

Even though it was one of the most stressful times academically in my four years of college, working closely with Professor Shrestha, my actual experience in Germany and the end presentation I created validated everything I had worked hard for.

Karen Leong taught me the importance of understanding my culture.

I grew up as one of the few Vietnamese Americans in a predominantly white community, where I had a lot of shame and have been constantly trying to figure out my identity and place to this day. This course was the first time I looked into the history of Asian-Americans in the United States and the nuance of this identity.

She encouraged me to embrace my Asian-American identity and made me realize the importance of an intersectional lens in social justice and environmental issues.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

The best advice I could give is to not strictly abide by a plan. Our society, especially in America, has ingrained this individualistic, mechanic, go-go-go mentality

that pressures young people into stressing about what their next step is.

Even though thinking about my future is high up on my things-that-stress-meout list, I have realized that you can only control your future to an extent. Some of my best experiences have occurred from spontaneous decisions.

For example, randomly signing up to volunteer for a climate organization led me to attending the most well-known climate conference in the world, which established my passion for youth engagement.

You truly never know where you can end up in life, so I suggest you take any opportunity that you are passionate about, because who knows where your life will go from there.

What are your plans?

After my undergraduate career, I am in a 4+1 program and thus have one more year at ASU to complete my master’s in sustainability solutions.

However, after I graduate in 2021, I hope to have a job that focuses on community building and youth involvement, preferably in environmental action. I do not have a specific job title in mind, but I know that a variety of sectors can address these questions, such as nonprofits, international bodies or specific youth-led organizations.

Jobs are constantly being created and evolved, especially in the field of sustainability, which I can’t wait to explore.

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COMMUNITY

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

25

just there,” she said.

FOODART from page 21 She praises her husband, attorney Greg trouble for some of my political art.”

Marshall, for encouraging her to play with Her friends are enthralled and enthusiher food – an helping her in the kitchen. astic.

“My husband is a great cook – in fact, he One even sent special produce for Marcooks more than I do. When we need to shall to use in a work, using Fed Ex to send eat, he cooks,” she said. tiny red onions from which Marshall fashShe estimates she’s done innumerable ioned a stunning peacock that adorns the food art pieces. cover of her 2020 calendar.

“I’ve done hundreds and hundreds by Yet, like her first book, “One Hot Night now,” admitted Marshall. at the Veggie Bar,” the calendar quickly “We’re a very creative family, and we’re sold out. actually embracing this quarantine. My That first book, 65-pages of racy veggie daughter is designing and sewing her own artworks meant for adult viewing, sold clothes for school, my son builds computout in its first printing. ers – an expensive hobby but he’s good at “We’re going to do another edition,” said it – and my husband relocated his law ofMarshall. “I have two other books coming fice to our house,” she said. out too – one a food art children’s book Never one to let the grass grow under with sing-song poetry and another which her feet, Marshall has also launched anwill be a mixture of what I’ve put on Faceother project, this one to help her neighbook but in high-res photos.” bors discover their own hidden art talents.

Marshall’s plant-based artworks are also A New York fan of Sandra Marshall sent her this photo of a peacock made “We’re making painting kits and deliveraccompanied by an equally-engaging story. largely from tiny red onions. (Special to AFN) ing in Ahwatukee,” she said. “We provide “There’s always a story with these piechand-sketched canvases of whatever a “We could see she was serious, even at this her family. es,” she explained. “Some of them short stoperson wants. They can provide a photo ries, some of them long, but always a story.” young age, so I started researching plant“These artworks are my bonus before I or we can use general items like dolphins, She said most of the stories come to her based eating. Our family is pretty much make dinner,” she said. “I don’t love cook- sunsets, favorite characters or sports plant-based eaters now,” said Marshall. during or immediately following sleep. ing, but I do when I put these together first.” teams, etc.,” said Marshall.

But how does one get to from preparing She uses only vegetables for her food And she said she generally sets out with “After we draw it on canvas, we deliver art. Some, like eggplant and some mush- dinner with vegetables to making art out an image in mind, prompted by the vege- it along with painting kits that include an room varieties, were new to her but at- of them? tables before her, but there are others that easel, brushes, and all the custom colors,” Marshall said it harkens to her child- evolve of themselves. tracted her due to their color or shapes. she explained. “We text the buyer before She said most of her family members try hood food play – and the stories that ac“Usually I know what I’m going to do we leave our home, then text them when to follow a plant-based diet – a practice company her food art does the same. with a piece, but not always. The water- the kit arrives at their door.”

“I used to write poetry as a kid about melon man portrait is a good example; I inspired by her daughter, who, at age 5, The canvases are available in sizes up announced she was no longer eating meat. why I didn’t want to clean my room. My wasn’t planning on carving him, he was to 16’ x 20.’ The cost is $29 for the preparents said if the sketched canvas and paint, $10 poems were deemed for gently-used fold-up easels and good enough, I didn’t new brush sets for $7. have to clean it. And All can be paid through Venmo my room was usually and PayPal. messy,” she laughed.

“We’re now also offering potThose far-sighted tery items that are non-food parents now live in Sun safe and can be painted with Lakes and are, accordacrylic colors,” she said. “We ing to Marshall, “my have things like night lights, fanbiggest fans.” cy boxes, piggy banks, dinosaurs Marshall holds a deand more.” gree in early childhood Marshall’s fans are worldeducation from Arizowide, and she said she and her na State University, and family keep a map pinpointing in 2014 opened Be... the social media responses.

An Artist Studio in the “It really helps me see the Trader Joe’s shopping world is so small,” she said. “I plaza in Ahwatukee. get responses from South Amer“I closed that last ica, Australia, Germany, India, June and started Tiny really from all over the world.”

Sandra Marshall made this dog portrait out of cantaloupe skin, assorted greens, Mobile Studios, which Sandra Marshall dubbed this likeness of actor Johnny Depp “Johnny Information: SandraMarcarrots, blueberries and dates. (Special to AFN) brought art instruc- Dipp.” (Special to AFN) shallArt.com. tion and supplies to children’s parties and gatherings. Of course, that’s going nowhere during COVID, so I’ve had more time to concentrate on my food art,” she said.

Her artwork - most so detailed they often look like a painting – aren’t wasted or tossed away. Instead, they are incorporated into the family dinner.

Her recent sculpture of “Rosemary,” who is described in the accompanying story as learning to reset during COVID quarantine, had her cauliflower hair “baked with balsamic and garlic” and served for dinner to

26

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

Posters from students adorn the front windows of Dance Studio 111. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

Dance Studio 111 students express love for owner is keeping her fingers crossed that Ducey will lift the closure order Friday, May 15.

Lewis came up with the cookie day behwatukee Dance Studio 111 owner Kimberly Lewis misses her stu- cause “I want to stay connected.”

And even though the dancers stayed in dents – and it’s not a one-way their cars as they reach out for a cookie on street in that regard.

With her studio closed for more than a long table she had set up in front of the seven weeks by the governor’s executive studio, Lewis was moved by the posters orders related to the pandemic, Lewis two and their well wishes.

“This touches my heart,” Lewis said. “All weeks ago asked her students to drop by this is very confusing for children and just outside the studio and have a cookie.

The kids came by with dozens of post- knowing we are still here meant so much ers expressing their love for Lewis and the to them.”

She added the outpouring was “pretty studio and Lewis proudly has them pasted amazing to see.” on her business’ front windows.

“Shut down has been very sad for our “Parents have told me over and over the children were not sad school was can- children,” said Lewis. “This studio means celed – they were sad that dance was can- so much to them.”

The studio, like so many other businessceled and studio closed,” said Lewis, who es, closed just weeks away from a scheduled audition for Dance Studio 111’s summer musical, “High School Musical,” which was scheduled to be presented in late June.

But with hopes she can reopen by June 1, Lewis still aspires to present the musical – one of two presentations her dancers put on annually, the other being the 20-year-old ChristElsa Salazar, left, helps Dance Studio 111 owner Kimberly Lewis distribute mastime tradition of Ahhomemade cookies to students who drove by to tell her they miss her. watukee Nutcracker.”

(Pablo Robles/ AFN Staff Photographer) AFN NEWS STAFF

A

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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OPINION

Opinion 28

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

Share Your Thoughts:

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

www.ahwatukee.com

My police record isn’t an asterisk; it’s an asset

BY WILL KNIGHT AFN Guest Writer

C

riminal justice activists are often branded as “soft on crime” or “anti-law enforcement,” but I am running for Maricopa County Attorney because I understand on an intimate level how vital our police, prosecutors and judges are to the community.

I know what law enforcement means to crime victims, because my family was kidnapped and held hostage by an international drug cartel.

And I know how a single encounter with police can transform a life, because I was arrested for underage drinking when I was 18, and it almost ended my legal career before it began.

Yes, I have a police record. I know some will see this is a red flag that should dis-

Reader says thanks to all teachers everywhere

If I didn’t realize how important education was I certainly do now. Since having my children home I’ve come to appreciate the incredible value of an education and teachers who know how to teach.

If I could give everyone a 1000 percent raise, I would.

In this time of COVID, I can barely manage to keep my kids from eating crayons and writing over each other much less anything focused on learning. Each and every teacher deserves it. Thank you all for your tireless service!

-Anastasia Travers

Maricopa County inmates are safe from virus

A friend of mine is employed and has been working at the Maricopa County 4th Avenue Jail throughout this pandemic.

She assures me that Sheriff Paul Pen-

qualify me from public office.

But, to the contrary, I see it as an asset – valuable experience that adds to my perspective on the justice system.

Ironically, it was my one night in jail that inspired me to become a lawyer in the first place.

I graduated with high marks, but then, after celebrating over a beer with friends, I got behind the wheel of a car.

There was no excuse. I showed no impairment during a routine traffic stop, but when the officer asked if I had been drinking, I answered truthfully.

A breath test showed my blood alcohol at 0.021 percent, one-quarter of the legal limit. But because I was under 21, I was booked on a misdemeanor charge and spent more than 24 hours behind bars.

I didn’t sleep the entire time. I was fearful of the other detainees.

So in that moment I decided to become

a prosecutor. Help catch the bad guys and put them in prison.

I received a scholarship to attend Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, where I earned the prestigious Truman Young Fellowship, giving me hands-on experience as a prosecutor, and graduated second in my class.

But that misdemeanor conviction followed me, and some of the agencies I hoped to work for made it clear their doors would be closed to me because of it.

The “black mark” on my record blinded them to everything else I had done.

I changed gears and went into private practice, working with the Arizona Justice Project to exonerate those wrongly convicted, and later served with the Maricopa County public defender’s office, where I saw firsthand the toll that our “tough on

crime” policies take on ordinary families.

My central campaign promise — to reduce the county’s contribution to jails and prisons by 50 percent — may sound bold for these uncertain times.

But more and more Americans are coming to believe that our experiment with mass incarceration is an expensive failure that hasn’t made us safer.

In 2018, Democrats and Republicans in Congress came together to pass the First Step Act, easing draconian sentences in federal courts, but we can’t allow that first step to be the last.

I believe in the rule of law. But I also believe in second chances, because I needed one myself. And I believe the time to repair our broken justice system is now.

Will Knight is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Maricopa County Attorney. Information: knight2020.com.

zone implemented policies immediately to maintain extraordinary vigilance about social distancing, mask wearing with daily sterilization of cells within all the Maricopa County jails.

If detention officers detect any type of abnormal health, that inmate is rushed to the hospital and/or medical area for follow up. Result? No evidence of any COVID-19 spread within the jail housing units.

Bravo to our Sheriff Paul Penzone and his policies. Safety first.

-Judy Wade

safety, and to “stay at home unless it is an essential activity.”

So, what does the Trump base do? They hold a rally with no social distance, and is certainly not essential, and they risk the lives of fellow Arizonans in the name of liberty and patriotism.

Holding signs that show the importance of their demands. Things like, “I want a haircut.” Really, your hair cut is so important it is worth risking my elderly mothers’ life?

At one point, protesters, surround some nurses trying to make the point that the virus is real, they yell at them that the virus is a hoax and try to berate and intimidate them all while waving the U.S. flag and Trump flags.

This group is claiming that COVID-19 is a hoax started by Bill Gates and Anthony Fauci. Fauci has a long and illustrious career as a scientist. Bill Gates has spent millions of dollars on humanitarian causes.

I don’t think our lives should be put in danger by people who believe in conspiracy theories instead of science.

Had the protesters been liberal, the police would have told them they are having an illegal gathering and would have started launching tear gas at them, but since they are right-wingers with guns on their hips they stand by and let them endanger our families.

We need to vote out the party that disavows science, from local positions all the way to national office. It is our only chance to save this country from moving backward instead of forward.

-Barry Smith

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Protests against pandemic quarantines ignore science

Several years ago, I was one of the thousands of protesters that went to voice my opinion that President Trump was not the right person to lead this country.

The reason I bring this up years later is because there is now a governor’s order to maintain social distance, for public

Share Your Thoughts:

Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

OPINION

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Now is a good time to get rid of your lawn

BY NIKKI JULIEN AFN Guest Writer

H

ere in Phoenix our summer months are not known as gardening weather but there’s important work to do in the yard this year: remove your lawn. You probably already consider this every time you mow that Bermuda grass in the summer or overseed with rye grass in the fall.

Now’s the time to make a change for the better and by fall you can begin to reap the benefits of less water and energy usage, a healthier planet, and a beautiful yard.

Lawns are a poor return on investment.

They use a tremendous amount of water which evaporates quickly from their shallow root systems.

Their dense root systems even repel water which contributes to flooding during rain events rather than allowing the water to percolate into the soil.

During these storms, overapplied fertil-

izers run off into our waterways affecting wildlife especially fish and amphibians.

Removing lawn is hard work but can be done by those without green thumbs with no need to call a landscaping company. Some cities even offer rebates of up to $2,000 to make the conversion.

Check out publications by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Maricopa Master Gardeners for converting turf to xeriscape.

Follow the directions carefully and by the end of summer you will be ready to fill in the exposed dirt with a beautiful palette of native plants or edible garden beds.

Native plants are an excellent return on investment. They use less water and are adapted to the heat. Planting an array of different native plants provides different textures, heights, colors, and fragrances.

None of this is lost on the local urban wildlife. The more variety you plant, the more variety of wildlife you can attract: lizards, birds, native pollinators like bees

29

and butterflies.

All animals are stressed by the increasing heat caused by drought, heat island effect, and climate change. Imagine being a one-inch long butterfly traveling a mile for food and shelter – a string of backyards are a welcome corridor to rest, eat and raise young.

Phoenix-based horticulturist Christina Carlson encourages clients to choose native plants: “There’s a native plant for everyone – a flower color, size, or distinct look to suit any homeowner’s taste and add curb appeal.

“As Phoenix gets hotter due to climate change, native wildlife need native plants more than ever but we humans benefit too. Trees planted anywhere on your property provide shade.

“Planting on the south and west sides of the house can significantly reduce cooling costs. And many of our native trees will require no supplemental irrigation after

being established. That’s a win-win!”

Mary Phillips of the National Wildlife Federation’s Gardening for Wildlife program warns against using astro-turf.

“The only benefit is you don’t need to mow it but otherwise it still requires fossil fuels to produce and water and weeding to keep it looking good. And worse, it provides no benefit to wildlife. We recommend planting nature instead,” she said.

Removing your lawn can offer better returns on your home value, the health of local wildlife, and the health of the planet.

Keep in mind that while you have influence in your own backyard, you influence our elected officials too.

Tell Senator McSally and Senator Sinema to take bold action for the benefit of our nation and the entire planet. And if you don’t get a response, take out your frustration on that Bermuda grass.

Nikki Julien is outreach director for the Arizona Wildlife Federation. Information: azwildlife.org or nikki@azwildlife.org.

“This one got excessive amounts because two irrigation emitters in front of it blew off and water was freely flowing for months, maybe even years,” he said. “And it’s gotten too big, too fast. The saguaro doesn’t need an assist from landscaping irrigation systems. It’s survived just fine for thousands of years getting water from Mother Nature’s rainfall.”

I asked what he could do.

“This one needs to be dropped down into the ground another foot or two because its top heavy and those arms are all on the same side.”

“I customized my truck a long time ago to handle saguaros.

I built a 20-foot-long wooden cradle with side wings, top and bottom. The cradle is mounted on top of a metal frame with a Cal Hightower went to some elaborate means to prop up a stately heavy-duty motor that rotates saguaro cactus in Ahwatukee that had been getting too much waforward and moves up and ter. (Carol Sampson/Special to AFN) down. I lined the cradle with 50 years, said the problem was that it had carpet so the needles would rest in-behad too much water. tween the carpet fibers helping to pre-

vent it from rolling around.”

“You can only dig out around the base so much to loosen it, then I have to pull it up and out. I backed the truck up, wedged it into position around the existing landscape, and moved the cradle parallel to the cactus. I wrapped four nylon straps around the cradle and saguaro… That stabilizes it while I dig out around the base.

After it’s dug out, the motor can slowly pull the heavy cactus up. Now I can finish digging down another two to three feet for this guy and get it ready to transplant it deeper.”

“The next thing is to lower the saguaro into the deeper hole and fill in with quarter minus granite and dirt to keep it upright and in place, I built a support girdle around it with five, two by fours and two straps to keep it in place.”

I wondered how long the support frame needs to stay in position.

“It will be necessary to stay like that for eight months to a year until it can be reestablished in the ground.”

The morale of the story is, don’t over water your saguaro.

Cal Hightower can be reached at 623434-5106.

Some ingenuity saves a mighty saguaro cactus

BY CAROL SAMPSON AFN Guest Writer

A

magnificent saguaro cactus has been saved from a catastrophic fall that would have ended its life – a life estimated to be between 250 to 300 years. It appears to be about 20 feet tall and has five huge arms.

Located on the northwest side of Chandler Boulevard and 28th Street in Ahwatukee, it looked like it was going to fall as it leaned ever closer to the street.

The Saguaro takes its time growing. It only grows at the rate of 12 inches every 10 years.

When the rains come, it absorbs water down the thousands of thorns into the main trunk, taking in 60 percent moisture. The barbs are arranged in vertical rows that deliver every last drop of rain water inside the cactus. It sheds some thorns once every 100 years, and grows new ones.

This information came from the expert who saved the one on Chandler Boulevard. Cal Hightower, who has been a custom cactus and native plant landscaper dealing with saguaros for the last

30

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

Golf course community deterioration – who is responsible?

Master planned communities, with the deep pockets, have not held golf course owners accountable.

Why have small groups of homeowners spent their money battling with these golf courses and developers on behalf of thousands of other homeowners in these golf course communities?

The answers may surprise you.

Learn just how much your state legislators impact the operations of homeowner associations and management companies. There is a major election coming up this fall. Educate yourselves.

Get your copy today at: www.HOAexpose.com Pendent Publishing, LLC • ©Copyright 2020 Kathy Rosko. All rights reserved.

BUSINESS

Business MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

@AhwatukeeFN |

31

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee Trophy makes honorarium for Trump AFN NEWS STAFF

A Mike Wapniarski and Ahwatukee Trophy & Awards show the shadowbox the company team created for President Trump’s visit last week to a Honeywell plant in Phoenix. (Special to AFN)

n Ahwatukee trophy company earned a rare honor last week after it made shadow boxes with a medical-grade mask for President Trump’s his visit to a Honeywell plant in Phoenix.

One of the �ive shadow boxes made by Ahwatukee Trophy & Awards at 4730 E. Warner Road, was personally presented to Trump during his appearance at the plant.

Ahwatukee Trophy owner Brian McHale said his business has had a long relationship with Honeywell, which, like many of the business’ corporate clients, often orders trophies and other memorabilia for employee award ceremonies and other occasions.

After Honeywell was noti�ied of Trump’s desire to visit its plant, its vendor representative “reached out to us to begin the creative/artwork for these items to be presented,” McHale said.

“Having been in business here in Ahwatukee for over 25 years, we have had a longstanding relationship with the Honeywell organization,” he said.

The President want to personally thank Honeywell for pivoting to produce sorely needed N95 medical masks for healthcare workers and �irst responders on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis.

“While Honeywell was sure they would give N95 masks to the President and distinguished visitors, they were unclear on how to formalize the presentation of these gifts,” McHale said. “We shared several options available to them and they selected the shadow box concept.”

With only a �ive-day lead time, McHale said, he and his team “worked diligently through the weekend” after starting the project April 30. They �inished and delivered the shadowboxes on May 4 – the day before Trump’s arrival.

��� TROPHY ���� 32

Chiropractor offers services to pandemic warriors AFN NEWS STAFF

A

hwatukee chiropractor Dr. Cameron Call has made giving back part of his business model.

Owner of Horizon Chiropractic Center at 4425 E. Agave Road, Call in the past has done things like organize a raf�le to raise money to get an Ahwatukee couple a $3,300 therapeutic chair for their handicapped 5-month-old daughter, sponsored “Ladies Night Out” events to get toy donations for foster kids and represent the Chamber of Commerce to cheer on new businesses at ribbon cuttings.

Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired Call to launch a new community endeavor to bene�it ER and hospital staff, emergency responders, grocery store/ warehouse employees, postal delivery drivers and government essential emergency personnel.

He’s offering them four free visits between now and July 1. “ D e a l ing with a pandemic is rough,” said Call. “Nothing like this has ever happened in our lifetime and no matter how much preparedCameron Call is offering four chirpractic services for free to frontline workers in the panness training demic crisis. (Special to AFN) we have had, somehow pay a meaningful tribute. this can be overwhelming.”

“While the COVID-19 virus goes through Stating he is “extremely grateful” for their service and courage,” Calls aid he wants to its lifecycle of infections, (they) are show-

ing up every day, putting (their) own health on the line to help the community, dealing with people who are sick and afraid, with no end in sight.”

As a longtime chiropractor, Call said, this eventually can take a toll on their bodies.

“The realities of the limitations of our physical bodies are hitting as hard as ever,” he said, explaining that he and his team want to bring relief to people on the front lines of the coronavirus battle whop might be “suffering from a nagging low back, a relentless headache or need guidance in other ways to support their immune system.”

“We will help the helpers. We will do everything necessary to get them back on track as quickly as possible,” added Call, stressing he won’t even bill their insurance company for the service.

Information: 602-753-7782 or cameron@thehorizoncenter.com.

BUSINESS

32

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

FirstBank salutes Ahwatukee Frys employees AFN NEWS STAFF

S

ome Fry’s Supermarket employees in Ahwatukee got a pleasant surprise last Friday when FirstBank delivered meals as an appreciation for their service during the coronavirus pandemic.

FirstBank tapped Shorty’s Sandwich Shop to bring its food truck and more than 180 meals to the Fry’s at 3949.

E. Chandler Blvd., as well as two other Frys outside Ahwatukee.

“Grocery store employees, in particular, have been somewhat of an unsung hero throughout the crisis; often working long hours and risking their health and safety to provide needed food and supplies,” said Bryce Lloyd, Phoenix market president for FirstBank.

tt Ask Ma

Matt Tobias General Manager

“This effort allows us to not only support local restaurants, but also give essential workers a small token of our gratitude,” he added.

FirstBank is actively supporting customers, communities and employees with a comprehensive effort to help those impacted by pandemic.

The bank implemented a customer assistance program, support local business initiative, increased compensation for on-site employees and continued support of Arizona Gives Day and its newly created Nonpro�it Emergency Relief Fund.

FirstBank has been the presenting sponsor of Arizona Gives Day since its inception in 2013, helping raise a record $6.1 million for nonpro�its during this year’s campaign.

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TROPHY ���� ���� 31

“Orders for our sports and end of year school awards – Tempe Union, Kyrene School District and numerous external sports leagues – ceased with the suspension of all sports across the country,” McHale said.

“We did, however, immediately look for opportunities to support local businesses with sneeze/cough guards for both drivethru and counter top acrylic guards,” McHale said. “This effort has really taken �light and has signi�icantly improved our bottom line.”

Though its showroom has been closed under Gov. Doug Ducey’s executive orders – which were modi�ied to allow customer visits as of last Friday – order production has continued, McHale said.

“We shifted away from order pickup and instead have been delivering customer orders,” he said. “The immediate demand for sneeze guards, masks and other PPE needs has been a signi�icant addition to our product offerings and has really supported a wide number of our local Ahwatukee businesses.

“We’re still here after 25 years and we aren’t going anywhere.”

Information: ahwatukeetrophies.com or 480-785-5292

The masks are the �irst �ive masks produced on May 2, so Ahwatukee Trophy didn’t even have them till the weekend.

“We placed them over Styrofoam supports and added a full-color printed plate that “�loated” on another piece of support material above the masks,” said McHale.

“Normally this type of award could take as little as a one-day turnaround with a rush status,” he said. “Due to the high-pro�ile nature of this speci�ic job, the creative, proof approvals required, production and delivery, this effort consumed a three-tofour-day period.”

McHale and his team did not attend the event.

“We certainly watched the televised presentation and we were proud to be part of this Presidential award process,” he said.

The project was a welcome note of cheer for the business, which, like almost all other businesses, has been impacted by the pandemic.

“Since purchasing the business three years ago, Ahwatukee Trophies and Awards has grown revenues by more than 30 percent, with a speci�ic focus on the corporate market,” said McHale. “In fact, February was our best month on record.”

But then the sky fell with business closures, impacting Ahwatukee Trophy’s core business – the corporate awards market.

“These orders came to a halt as companies and associations canceled all events and meetings and most employees worked from home,” McHale said.

To add injury, school closures and the virtual halt in organized sports activities also have Ahwatukee Trophy & Awards made five shadowboxes for Honeywell, one impacted the of which went to President Trump and the others to unnamed dignitaries.

(Special to AFN) business.

BUSINESS

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

What retirees should consider in a down market

BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

T

he health aspect of the coronavirus affects everyone – we’re all concerned about our well-being and those of our loved ones and communities.

However, the economic impact may vary among different age groups – and if you’re retired or about to retire, you might have some special concerns about starting to draw income from your investments when the �inancial markets are down.

What moves should you consider making?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Review your strategy and avoid making major changes.

During a market downturn, you might be tempted to “do something” – and for many people, that “something” is selling stocks to cut their losses.

But this is more of an emotional response than a logical one, because your stocks are long-term investments and by selling them when they’re down, you’re basically locking in your losses.

Instead, try to address your current income needs by the cash, cash equivalents and short-term �ixed-income investments in your portfolio, along with other sources, such as Social Security, dividends and interest, and even your pension, if you have one.

• Review your withdrawal rate.

When you retire, you need to determine how much you can withdraw each year from your retirement accounts, such as your IRA and 401(k), without running the risk of outliving your money.

Before the market downturn, you might have established an appropriate withdrawal rate for your needs. Suppose, for example, this rate was 4 percent.

However, given the recent �luctuations in the markets, your portfolio’s value may

have declined, meaning your withdrawals may be higher as a percentage of your portfolio.

You might consider adjusting your withdrawal rate downward or, as an alternative, look for ways to cut down on your spending in the short term.

With the stay-at-home measures being undertaken across the country, you may already have cut down spending in areas such as traveling, entertainment and dining out, so you may only have to make a few adjustments.

• Review your reliance rate.

Your reliance rate is how much you rely on your investment portfolio for your income needs.

For example, if you need $60,000 in income each year and you’re getting $40,000 of that from your portfolio, your reliance rate is 66 percent.

The higher your reliance rate, the more sensitive you may be to �luctuations in investment prices.

If your risk tolerance has been greatly tested by the recent downturn and you don’t have much �lexibility with your expenses, you might look for ways of lowering your reliance rate – such as certain annuities, which can provide a guaranteed lifetime income regardless of what’s happing in the �inancial markets.

You may want to consult with a �inancial professional to discuss the above suggestions and determine what other moves you might need to make.

As a retiree, or near-retiree, it can be unsettling to start tapping into your resources when the �inancial markets are so turbulent.

But if you’ve prepared or you’re willing to explore new courses of action, you can move into your golden years without getting unduly tarnished.

Ahwatukee resident Joseph Ortiz is a �inancial advisor for Edward Jones.

Reach him at 480-753-7664 or Joseph.

Ortiz@edwardjones.com

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

AFTER

33

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Little League cancellation emotional for players, parents

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

T

But too much uncertainty remained.

Ahwatukee Little League of�icially announced the season would be canceled on April 30, shortly after the announcement from Little League International.

Refunds on the $50 registration fee were offered to families. But as many as 100 elected to donate it back to the league.

“It shows how important Little League baseball is to this community,” Ng said.

“The cost to put on Little League far exceeds the fees we take in for registration.

We want to make sure its accessible to everybody. We even provide scholarships to kids in need that want to play.

“We try to make up some of that money throughout the season with fundraisers but didn’t have that chance this year. So for the community to rally around us is a

he coronavirus pandemic put the entire world on pause to mitigate the threat of the illness.

Restaurants were forced to transition to takeout and delivery, retail stores were closed, and all sporting events were suspended until further notice.

That suspension turned into a cancellation for universities and high schools back in March. On April 30, Little League International closed the door on the Little League World Series, prompting Ahwatukee Little League and others across the East Valley to follow suit and cancel their seasons.

“It was gut-wrenching to say the least,” Ray Ng Ahwatukee Little League president said.

“We have about 50 or 60 12-year-olds where this is their last year and a majority of them have been playing in our league for a long time. To have this last year taken from them is dif�icult,” he added. “We tried to do everything we could to save the season for them.”

Little League International President and CEO Stephen Keener said despite the World Series being canceled, individual leagues across the country could still play their seasons if deemed safe by local health authorities.

Ng and other members of the board sought different ways to still have a season, including extending tournament play through June, which is usually the time All-Stars would be se- Ahwatukee Little League President Ray Ng informed parents and players on April 30 the 2020 season was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. lected to play in state tour- (Photo courtesy Zach Alvira) naments.

true blessing.”

The news weighed heavily on 12-year-old Ben Ball, who is in his last year playing Little League. He was looking forward to having a chance to compete for a spot on the All-Star team and attempt to represent Ahwatukee at the Little League World Series for the �irst time since 2006.

But more than that, he wanted to spend a part of the summer playing with teammates that have become some of his best friends.

“It sucked,” Ben said while holding back tears, “just not being able to make those memories with the team for our last summer. All of us became really close, even outside of baseball.”

Ben became the �irstever sixth-grade student Ben Ball, a 12-year-old baseball player in the Ahwatukee Little League, became emotional when he learned the Little League World Series and his season to make the junior varsity were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo courtesy Geoff Ball) baseball team at Altadeña The Little League season being canMiddle School this season. However, he celed also weighed heavily on Geoff Ball, broke his thumb during the �irst practice.

Ben’s father.

He was in the process of being cleared Geoff served two seasons as the presito come back, but the school was then dent of the Ahwatukee Little League beclosed, and the season canceled due to fore Ng and has been the manager of the the virus.

All-Star team the last three. He stayed on But his school year there was still �illed as a member to assist Ng, who is in his with other accolades. He ran the shuttle �irst, and arguably most dif�icult year. in 8.36 seconds, beating the previous When the Little League World Series best time of 8.5 seconds set by Mountain was of�icially canceled, Geoff said he Pointe senior and potential �irst-round watched it alongside Ben. While dif�icult, pick in this year’s MLB Draft, Carson the two shared a special moment together.

Tucker.

“We didn’t really say much to each othBen also plays in a local basketball er, but I said, ‘I’m really sorry, bud,’” Geoff league, but baseball is his sport of choice.

“I think baseball is more fun,” Ben said, said. “We just stood up and hugged each who is a pitcher and shortstop. “I feel like other.

“It was de�initely one of those fatheryou have more control of the game. And son moments you want to have during a the community and being able to play dif�icult time.” with your friends, it just makes it better.”

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

35

A

s our graduating high school seniors will not be able to walk across the stage in front of friends and family this spring, let’s take this opportunity to celebrate them among their community and put a spotlight on them and all they have accomplished over the last four years.

Share your graduates achievements, accolades, plans for the future or a favorite moment of high school. Let your senior take a bow for all of their accomplishments!

You have the opportunity to include a special spotlight highlighting your senior in your community paper. Please keep in mind that our editorial team will have final editing rights if needed.

DATES FOR PUBLICATIONS Gilbert Sun News - Sunday, May 24 Mesa Tribune - Sunday, May 24 Scottsdale Progress - Sunday, May 24 SanTan Sun News - Sunday, May 24 Ahwatukee Foothills News - Wednesday, May 27 West Valley View - Wednesday, May 27 Peoria Times - Thursday, May 28 The Glendale Star - Thursday, May 28

Share the digital edition with friends and family

Chandler Arizonan - Sunday, May 31

Join us in honoring our Seniors, contact for pricing: 480-898-6465

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

King Crossword ACROSS

Keegan’s Grill Ahwatukee is open for Dine-In Carryout & Delivery [ Daily Operating Hours: 11:30 am to 7:30 pm ]

Visit Keegansgrill.com

Happy Hour on drinks every day and all day the month of May!

1/2 OFF

Lunch entree!

with purchase of a 2nd entree. Must include the purchase of two beverages.

Not valid with social hour pricing, daily/weekly specials, or any other promotions, discounts or specials. One coupon per table. Dine-in-ONLY at the Ahwatukee location. Equal or greater value, minimum $9.00. Expires 5/31/20.

1/2 OFF

Dinner entree!

with purchase of a 2nd entree. Must include the purchase of two beverages.

Not valid with social hour pricing, daily/weekly specials, or any other promotions, discounts or specials. One coupon per table. Dine-in-ONLY at the Ahwatukee location. Equal or greater value, minimum $12.00. Expires 5/31/20.

We’ve missed our loyal customers in Ahwatukee and look forward to seeing you again.

AHWATUKEE

4723 EAST RAY ROAD

480-705-0505

Everything Made from Scratch Daily

1 Work units 5 Urban carrier 8 Wanders 12 Hoodlum 13 Bobby of hockey 14 Leave out 15 Atmosphere 17 With skill 18 Godlike 19 Indefinite interval 21 To and -- 22 Regimen 23 Sheepish comment 26 Mess up 28 Manicurist’s concerns 31 Mater preceder 33 Insult (Sl.) 35 Nike slogan, “Just --” 36 Unpaid bills 38 1960s Pontiac 40 Homer’s neighbor 41 Faraway fleet?

43 Actress Thurman 45 Help 47 Least adorned 51 Physicist Niels 52 Food of the gods 54 Tourney situations 55 Wire measure 56 Soda fountain treat 57 Right on the map?

58 Snoop 59 Arctic diving birds

32 Originally 34 Unshaven, in a way 37 “Mayday!”

39 Mr. Sharif 42 Postage buy 44 Scent

45 46 48 49 50 53

Singer Lane Protein-rich bean Birthright barterer Symbol of smoothness Body pics Russian space station

Sudoku

DOWN

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PUZZLE ANSWERS on page 26

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MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Merchandise Pets/Services/Livestock

Obituaries We will be back to work when it is safe for all of us!

Larry P. Hobbs

Larry P. Hobbs (82), long time resident of Ahwatukee, passed away at home on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. He was born May 14th, 1937 in Vivian, Louisiana. He was the 12th child of the late Ernest and Edith (nee Bedingfield) Hobbs.

Larry joined the United States Army in 1956 and at the end of his enlistment was stationed at Fort Richie, MD where he met his wife Edna Trujillo who was a WAC. They married at Ft Ritchie chapel in August 1959, and then moved to Rustin, Louisiana. They moved to Southern California for the birth of their son, where they lived until 1972. Larry worked for Honeywell for many years and became the youngest Regional Manager for the Southwest. He attended Louisiana Tech and graduated with a Bachelors degree from Cal State Fullerton.

The great adventure began when Larry accepted a job with Occidental Petroleum. He moved his family to Tripoli, Libya for a year and then to Spain where they lived until their return to the U.S. Larry settled his family in Phoenix, Arizona, while he continued his commute to Libya. In 1982 Larry and Edna moved back overseas, but this time to the jungles of Indonesia where he worked for Huffco. In 1986, after completing their world travels throughout Asia and Europe, they resettled in Phoenix.

Larry was not satisfied being semi-retired and he became a partner in a medical equipment business with friend Robert Andrew until his official retirement.

Larry was an active sports enthusiast beginning in childhood. He played baseball and football in high school, enjoyed fishing on Black Bayou Lake and also hunting. He always found a sports team to join wherever he lived and spent many years playing basketball, golf, softball, and tennis.

In his later years he loved to play bocce ball and looked forward to weekly games with friends at the ARC. He was a season ticket holder for the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks and enjoyed sharing this fun with his family.

He is known for his intelligence, his wonderful stories, had a great sense of humor and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed music and dancing. His favorite music was country, but was also a fan of Credence Clearwater, the Eagles and Gospel music. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and was happiest when surrounded by his family.

He is survived by his wife Edna of 60 years, his son Jay, daughter Jennifer, grandsons Mateo and Alex, sisters Rose Butland (Bob) and Billie Ruth Guy, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He will be immensely missed by family and friends for his generous heart and vibrant spirit. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Barrow Neurological Foundation at give.supportbarrow.org (Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Program). Due to current conditions, services were limited to immediate family.

Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.Ahwatukee.com

Need help writing an obituary?

We have articles that will help guide you through the process.

Deadline for obituaries is Friday at 5pm for Wednesday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated.

Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays.

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

Visit: obituaries.Ahwatukee.com

To our customers, thank you, we appreciate you and we miss your pets!

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NOTICE TO READERS: Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers.

What it does require under A.R.S. §32-1121A14(c) www.azleg.gov/ars/ 32/01165.htm is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement.

Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company.

Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception.

Reference: http://www.azroc.g ov/invest/licensed_ by_law.html As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection. You can check a businesses ROC s t a t u s a t :

http://www.azroc .gov/

YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

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During these unprecedented times, Gainey Flooring gives thanks to all the EMS teams, nurses, doctors, food providers and drivers working tirelessly on the front lines to protect us.

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• We avoid being within 6 feet of another person • Never in any other area of your home!

• We will clean the area each day before leaving • If any employee is sick, they will not come to work and be in your home.

In the spirit of getting our economy back on track. We remain positive during these painful times. WE will get through this together. GFS remains very committed to providing you with the very best & safest service possible at this time.

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NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Garage/Doors

Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured Your Handyman Needs! *Not A Licensed Contractor andyman Needs! oring • Electrical • Electrical ywall • Carpentry Marks the Spot for ALL •ile Carpentry • More!

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Your Needs!

More!

PaintingHandyman • Flooring • Electrical

1999

CLASSIFIEDS

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

602.329.3396

40

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

Landscape/Maintenance

Arizona Specialty Landscape

New & Re-Do Design and Installation Affordable | Paver Specialists All phases of landscape installation.

Plants, cacti, sod, sprinklers, granite, concrete, brick, Kool-deck, lighting and more!

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765

Landscape/Maintenance Juan Hernandez

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint.

TREE

TRIMMING

Starting as low as

$25 per visit.

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Install/Design We do it all!

Not a licensed contractor

Juan Hernandez

SPRINKLER Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

Not a licensed contractor

Ahw. Res - 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates.

Call Pat (480) 343-0562

25 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

Painting PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, Exterior House Painting.

Stucco Patching.

Gate/Front Door Refinishing.

Quality work/Materials Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd

RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon Not a

Licensed Contractor

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE ORGANIC LAWN FERTILIZATION TREATMENT WITH CORE AERATION FERTILIZATION * SOIL AMENDMENTS * LAWN SOIL TESTING

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

SUN TECH

PAINTING INC.

SPEND A LITTLE…

MAKE A LOT!

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

The Valley’s Premier Painters Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years!

Family Owned & Operated

“We get your house looking top notch!” ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

480-217-0407

Residential • Commercial • Best Painters EVER!

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

Painting

• Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings

License #ROC 298736

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call!

15 Years Exp 480-266-4589 Not a licensed contractor

East Valley PAINTERS

• Interior & Exterior “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

ACP is 100% Veteran Owned Like us on Facebook to stay current & Receive 5% Off Services

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

www.eastvalleypainters.com Now Accepting all major credit cards

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT We offer personalized service for our customers.

We use the best materials that we can find.

Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

Plumbing

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

10% OFF

Family Owned & Operated

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

www.AcpPaintingllc.com

Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

Voted #1

480.345.1800

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

Painting

I could help you have your palm trees and other trees trimmed by giving you a reasonable and better price than the others.

Irrigation Repair & New Installation Maintenance Bi-Weekly • Monthly Yard Clean-ups • Storm Damage • Palm & Tree Trimming Tree Removal • Landscape Lighting Installation & Repair Landscape Design • Install Winter Grass

Painting

Owned and Operated

by Rod Lampert Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years

Our services include: Sinks, Toilets, Faucets, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaning, Pressure Reducing Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, Hot Water Circulation Systems, Main Service Valves and Hose Taps.

(480)

279-4155

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

CLASSIFIEDS

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Plumbing

Pool Service / Repair

Pool Service / Repair

1st Month of Service FREE For a limited time

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Call Now!

Off 40work done *Any

Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service

We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems

Call me, Howard:

480.231.9651

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member Not a licensed contractor.

Roofing

???

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

People are looking in the Classifieds Every day!

Email Your Job Post to:

www.barefootpoolman.com

class@times publications.com

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

or Call 480

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

41

898-6465

Pool Service / Repair

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

www.porterroofinginc.com

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

CLR Pool Service LLC Excellent Service...

First time, Every time!

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Roofing

Charles Rock - Ahwatukee Resident

480.399.ROCK (7625)

charles@clrpoolservice.com

www.clrpoolservice.com

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job and every step of the way.

Plumbing

Your leaks stop here!

New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

480-446-7663 Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

480-280-0390

42

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

Roofing

Roofing

Roofing

Tree Services

Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

480-446-7663 602-938-7575 $ 1000 OFF

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

10% OFF

PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC

with this ad

ROC 223367

Valleywide

CR 42 DUAL

623-873-1626

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Serving The Valley Since 1996

Not a licensed contractor.

13 yrs exp.

480-329-2239 arpjeff103@gmail.com

CLASS@ TIMESPUBLICATIONS. COM

Window Cleaning

APPEARANCE Professional service since 1995

Window Cleaning $110 - One Story $150 - Two Story

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes

inexroofing.com Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

Sun Screens Cleaned $3 each Attention to detail and tidy in your home.

(480) 584-1643

Bonded & Insured

phillipsroofingaz.com phillipsroofing@cox.net

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

Roofing The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

TK

®

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today!

Call us for details.

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time!

15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

www.timklineroofing.com

480-357-2463

FREE Estim a and written te proposal

R.O.C. #156979 K-42 • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

LLC

All employees verified Free estimates on all roofs 36 Years experience in AZ Licensed contractor since 2006

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference!

TREE ART Tree Trimming, Removals, Haul off and Yard clean-ups.

Available weekends.

COUNTS

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Member of ABM

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

BEST PLACE TO MAKE

MAY 13, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

43

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

A new gated resort community is coming soon in the Ahwatukee Foothills with a dramatically different style. It feels exclusive, but also lively and exciting — and it's called Palma Brisa.

• Modern resort-style gated community with stately palms

• Diverse architecture: Modern Bungalow, Urban Farmhouse, Italian Cottage, Andalusian, Modern Craftsman, French Country, and Spanish Mission • Four amenity areas connected by expansive lawns

• Homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. from the $400’s

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

© Copyright 2019 Blandford Homes, LLC. No offer to sell or lease may be made prior to issuance of Final Arizona Subdivision Public Report.

Offer, terms, and availability subject to change without prior notice. Renderings are artist’s conceptions and remain subject to modification without notice.

44

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 13, 2020

FINAL DAYS $

ARE YOU GOING TO WIN A...

Spencers

4TRANSACTION!

FOR ALMOST HALF A CENTURY AND ALMOST 4 MILLION SALES SPENCERS HAS BEEN SAVING YOU MONEY. WILL YOU BE THE 4 MILLIONTH TRANSACTION? NOW MORE THAN EVER, NO MATTER WHERE YOU SEE IT, READ IT, OR HEAR IT, SPENCERS WILL HAVE A LOWER PRICE!

58” 4K UHD SMART TV • 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In

449

$

UN58TU7000

10,000

MILLIONTH

KITCHEN GIVEAWAY

STAINLESS STEEL DISHWASHER

30” RANGE

• 4.8 Cu. Ft. • Self Cleaning • Flex Heat Elements • AccuSense® Soil Sensor • Extra Large Oven • AnyWare™ Plus Window Silverware Basket WFE510S0AS • 1-Hour Wash Cycle CLOSEOUT WDF520PADM

TOP LOAD WASHER

• 3.8 Cu. Ft. • 12 Wash Cycles • 2 Water Levels • 5 Temperature Options • Power Wash Agitator

FREE E D LIVERY ON PAIR

• Large 7.0 cu. ft.

Capacity • Wrinkle Control Option • Heavy-Duty Motor

$

MEDC415EW CLOSEOUT

EACH EACH

$

$

BUYS ALL 3

PIECES

OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE • 2.1 Cu. Ft. • 400 CFM • 2 LED Lights • Power Sense™ Cooking Technology

259 199

HDA1100FMCC

NO INTEREST**

379

NTW4500XQ CLOSEOUT

$

• Gallon Door Storage

• Normal Wash Cycle • Heated Dry On/Off

12 MONTHS

• 3.4 Cubic • 700 RPM Spin Foot Tub Speed • Porcelain Tub

• Adjustable Shelves

DISHWASHER

$

NO INTEREST**

14.6 CU. FT. REFRIGERATOR

DRYER

429 1999

MVWC416FW CLOSEOUT

MONTHS

WASHER

REFRIGERATOR • 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers • Energy Star Qualified WRS325FDAM CLOSEOUT

12

FPBM307NTF CLOSEOUT

GREA T DEAL !

• Two Adjustable Humidity Drawers GTS15CTHRBB CLOSEOUT

469

$

STAINLESS STEEL 23 CU. FT. SIDE BY SIDE • Deli Drawer • Crisper Shelves • LED Lighting FFSS2314QS CLOSEOUT

799

$

NEXT

DAY DELIVERY

** NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $799.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required 30.79% APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.

MESA SHOWROOM & CLEARANCE CENTER 115 W. First Ave. | 480-833-3072 AHWATUKEE 4601 E. Ray Rd. | Phoenix | 480-777-7103 ARROWHEAD RANCH 7346 W. Bell Road | 623-487-7700 EAST MESA/GILBERT Gateway Towne Center | 4630 E. Ray Rd. | South End by Target | 480-988-1917 GILBERT Santan Village | 2711 S. Santan Village Pkwy | 480-366-3900 GLENDALE 10220 N. 43rd Ave | (602) 504-2122 GOODYEAR 1707 N. Litchfield Rd | 623-930-0770 RECONDITION CENTER 160 EAST BROADWAY | 480-615-1763 SCOTTSDALE 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd. | 480-991-7200 SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX 13820 N. Tatum Blvd. | (602) 494-0100

Arizona’s largest independent dealer!

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WWW.SPENCERSTV.COM OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM | SATURDAY 9AM-6PM | SUNDAY 11AM-5PM

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