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Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Horizon Honors

District Kyrene School Desert Vista Mountain Pointe

Northern Arizona University Tempe Union HS

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COVID-19 cloud hangs over the next school year BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

Grand Canyon Education Arizona State University

P. 31 | S P O RT S

erhaps the most significant announcement Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman will ever make could come this week as she rolls out guidelines for reopening schools this August. But those guidelines, which Hoffman has promised by the end of May, will only be the beginning of a difficult task for Kyrene, Tempe Union and other districts as they prepare for a murky future only about eight weeks away. It isn’t as it is reopening something that district officials are just beginning to focus on

Phoenix not opening pools, libraries as Council ducks issue

now that report cards have been mailed and virtual graduations concluded. “I can tell you that this weighs heavy in our life and we talk about this every single day,” Kyrene Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely said in an interview earlier this month. Even as Tempe Union Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil told the Governing Board that “we are in full force with plans for the start of the new 2020-21 school year,” he gave a clear indication of how murky that start it. “What we do know,” Mendivil said, “is that we will need to be prepared in the event we have to plan for a true hybrid-learning experience for our students and teachers where part

Happy ending

of their instruction is with their teacher – a brick-and-mortar kind of a setting – and a portion done remotely. “We also need to be prepared in the event it is necessary for the district office to close schools again in the fall sometime should there be a concern of a second COVID-19 outbreak.” While President Trump has said schools should reopen and Gov. Doug Ducey last week said the “evidence for the last four or five weeks say it is responsible and prudent to plan ahead” for their reopening, administrators see a myriad of complex – and expensive – issues

see SCHOOLS page 4

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

hwatukee families expecting to swim at Pecos Pool, seniors longing for the return of programs at Pecos Center and anyone looking forward to visiting Ironwood Library are in for a disappointing June. None of those facilities appear likely to open before early July even as Gov. Doug Ducey has lifted most restrictions on businesses and county and state parks last weekend were bursting with visitors. After city staff last week asked for direction on when they could reopen pools, libraries, senior centers and other facilities, Mayor Kate Gallego said the city needs more time to

see OPEN page 12

Ahwatukee dance instructor had a traumatic experience after he was car-jacked by a man he was trying to help. But the whole incident ultimately ended happily thanks to a Chandler dance community’s generosity. For details, see page 9. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 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

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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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Horizon Honors postpones graduation

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orizon Honors Secondary School is rolling the dice and postponing any graduation until it can hold a formal commencement for its 92 seniors on Aug. 1. The move, announced last week by Principal Cynthia Shaheen, is a significant departure from what has been done in almost all area school districts – which either held only virtual graduations or held an online graduation with the prospect of some commencement or celebration later in the summer. “Prioritizing the health and safety of our students and staff remains the highest priority, so depending on the ever-changing circumstances we face I need to be clear that the graduation could occur as one of a variety of formats,” Sheehan told parents. “I know we will not have a mass gathering of families and friends as we have traditionally seen. No guidelines will loosen to that extent.” Shaheen laid out five options in order of preference and said a final decision would be made in early July. She also said regardless of what option is selected, “the ceremony will stream live via our Facebook page so all family members and friends can watch.” The top option would be holding in-person commencement with a limit of four to six guests spaced for social distancing; the second would allow graduates with only two parents or guardians; the next would allow grads with only one parent at the ceremony; the fourth option would be graduates only. It would be online only “if we cannot maintain the current recommendations for the health and safety for all involved.” Of the first four options, Shaheen added, “many typical ceremony elements will be included and their names will be read, they will cross the stage, receive their actual diploma and a professional photographer will take their picture.” She also said she hopes to have a senior brunch and graduation rehearsal on Aug. 1. The commencement itself would be at Mountain Park Church’s auditorium. Meanwhile, virtual graduation went on as scheduled last Thursday for Desert Vista and Mountain Pointe high schools and the other Tempe Union campuses. The district is hoping to hold a live celebration July 18 under social distancing guidelines, but has not announced yet what those celebrations will include. During last week’s Tempe Union Governing Board meeting, Superintendent Kevin Mendivil praised district Multimedia Specialist Warren Cole for organizing the online ceremonies, “He gave such uniquely individualized attention to each student, to each principal and to each of our board

see HORIZON page 4

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

member during the videotaping,” Mendivil said. “He really demonstrated a true commitment to our students, to our district and families, and did so with a level of excellence that is exemplary.” He said Cole, webmaster Nellie Mullins and Community Relations Vice President Megan Sterling made “a phenomenal team” developing the celebrations. Desert Vista Student Body President Morgann Kelly and Mountain Pointe Valedictorian Andre Dupre gave addresses during the virtual ceremonies. “I know there’s a lot that happened this quarter that we weren’t expecting,” Andre said, explaining that the extended campus closure “made me realize that my experience of high school could be defined not just by what I’ve done but by who I share these experiences with.” Those included, he continued, “My family, who has been with and supported me my entire life; my teachers and coaches, who taught a lesson that go far beyond school and sports and made me grow as a person in more ways than I can ever imagine; and my friends with whom I shared some truly incredible moments and that’s the only reason I haven’t totally lost my mind.” “The people that we’ve been with during our time at Mountain Pointe have been in-

have imagined as freshmen four years ago, Megann told her Thunder classmates, “We didn’t take our last steps to the finish line – we drove. “The coronavirus pandemic has become an enormous speed bump in what should be a clear road to the future. So thank goodness we’re the ones in the car because we dictate the pace and direction. Put your car in drive and safely get back on the open road. “Thunder,” she exhorted the 765 grads, “it is clear that our maturity has been forced to surface through our experiences, making our growth unprecedented as our generation has been shaped by the March for Our Lives movement, devastating hurricanes and heartbreaking wildfires. Through witness struggle, we’ve grown more empathetic.” “How perfectly imperfect this moment is,” she continued. “Because at the end of the day, this is just another roadblock. It is in times like these that being the Thunder is relevant. Through the darkest storms, we don’t just withstand – we roll. The lessons learned from the past four years and, more importantly, those in the past three months propel you into a luminous future.” The full ceremonies are at tempeunion. org/dv-graduation and tempeunion.org/ mp-graduation.

HORIZON from page 3

SCHOOLS from page 1

that will impact students, parents, teachers and themselves. The task is so daunting that Higley Unified Superintendent Dr. Mike Thomason told a Chamber of Commerce group earlier this month: “One thing that most school districts need across the state of Arizona is information right now. We’re stuck in limbo on how to move forward to fall’s opening.” The issues are staggering in their complexity and breadth. They affect how students will get to and from schools and how they will sit and move around inside them, how they will eat and play. Field trips and extracurricular activities – from sports to choral to band – also await scrutiny. Officials also must assess what Mesa Public Schools Superintendent Andi Fourlis called in a recent public discussion “learning loss” among students over the last three months of distance learning as well as the continuing “digital divide” be-

May 21 was a memorable day for Joshua Michael Bowden, a member of Mountain Pointe’s Class of 2020, and his friend Sarah Catherine Neville, a Desert Vista Class of 2020 grad. Both students have Down syndrome and Joshua’s mother Louise Bowden, executive director of the Down Syndrome Network Enrichment Center, praised both schools for helping the teens prepare for the next stage of their lives. Above, Joshua’s parents, Christopher and Louise Bowden, hosted a graduation walk at their hom, where Sherri Hoffman of Desert Vista Work Bridge congratulated the students with a gift. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

credibly important in shaping who we are and not being with any of them right now doesn’t change that and just because we won’t be students here next year doesn’t mean we have to forget any of the people that we went through high school with.” “It’s true that we experienced a fourth quarter unlike any class before us – and.

tween students with internet access and those without. Even the impact of closures on students’ mental health is an issue, given the prolonged alarm over the virus and their long separation from classmates and campus life. School officials also will confront financial issues since they receive millions of dollars from sales tax revenue, which has plummeted as a result of business closures. For Kyrene alone, that amounts to about $7 million annually. That sales tax revenue figures significantly in teacher compensation. Although the Trump Administration had shelved a 62-page set of guidelines created by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for reopening the country, the voluminous document was leaked. It contained 19 specific recommendations – not rules - for reopening schools that AASA, The Superintendents Association, urged school districts tofollow. Those recommendations include spacing desk 6 feet apart, canceling field trips

I hope, any class after us. But our past doesn’t define who we are. It just gives us a starting point for what we’re going to be,” Andre added. “A few months at home are never going to change what you have accomplished.” Noting the way their high school careers ended in a way they could never

and limiting extracurricular activities, repeated emphasis on washing hands and related hygiene practices, canceling most work gatherings, staggering the use of cafeterias and other gathering places like playgrounds so they can be disinfected after every use, staggering arrival and dropoff times and even locations, assigning supplies like crayons and pens to individual students and restricting visits from parents or other nonessential people. With social distancing already in mind, Vesely said Kyrene is closely examining every inch of space in the district’s 25 campuses. “I think the biggest consideration is that we’re looking at every square foot of the existing space,” she said. “So, we’re looking at libraries – maybe they no longer will be libraries but they may be classrooms. The multi-purpose room may be divided off for classroom space. It’s looking at the space that exists at the school and how do we maximize that space to stay within the guidance as provided,” Vesely added.

The district also is examining the most efficient and effective way to achieve a high and frequent level of disinfecting – posing another new expense. “Once our buildings were vacated,” Vesely said, “we went through and we disinfected off all the classrooms. …During fall break or winter break or spring break, we always have our cleaning crews go through and do a heavier cleaning. But if we were having to do some of those things on a daily basis – do all surfaces in the building – that will have an impact.” But even as that all goes on, Kyrene and other school districts have an even bigger worry: who will even come to school if campuses reopen? The question involves both teachers and students. Kyrene is surveying teaching staff to see who plans to return to the classroom when school begins. While available data suggests the spread of the virus among children may be low,

see SCHOOLS page 6

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SCHOOLS from page 4

the data is mixed on the frequency of child-to-adult transfers. Even without children, however, interactions among school staff could pose a concern for at least some school employees, particularly those who are older. Then there are worries about how many parents might not want to send their children to school – a prospect with major financial implications because the bulk of school districts’ state funding is based on enrollment. Vesely said parent concerns run the gamut. Some may have elderly family members in the household and might fear their child will inadvertently infect them. Some parents of special-needs children might fear for their kids’ safety. Vesely said she worries about having flexibility to deal with a host of situations. “I had a parent yesterday who has special needs children who said they’re struggling getting their services for special education,” she said. “While we’re working with these kids, it’s very hard to provide all the services for special education remotely. …So, I want to be able to do things like ask: ‘Are you comfortable coming to Ca

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our district office and, in a very confined, safe environment that’s sanitized, working with our educators?” Then there are parents who, fearing a second wave of the virus this fall will force another round of closures, may decide to simply hold off sending their kids back until they see what happens. Kyrene is also surveying parents so officials can “begin to understand their levels of comfort with a couple of things” related to the virus, Vesely said, but added, “I worry that if we don’t have flexibility from the state,” the district’s state funding will be impacted. At the same time, Kyrene has applied for state certification for online instruction – which guarantees that students whose parents opt for distance learning will count in the state’s reimbursement formula. Recognizing many districts might seek that certification, the state Board of Education earlier this month contracted with Rio Solado Community College to evaluate written descriptions of online educational programs. If the evaluation team gives a district an acceptable rating on a graded scoring system, it will receive a one-year provisional a Rugs ~ Luxury Vin

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approval for its online program. Districts that don’t meet that “cut score” will have to seek a visual review of their program by a representative of the Board of Education. And those districts that win provisional approval “shall complete an in-person or virtual demonstratlon” of their program within a year, the board declared. Kyrene and most other districts also need to assess how they will handle transportation. While some states have talked about staggering start times so fewer children are on a bus, there is no agreement nationally on whether this will be necessary. However, there is agreement among bus transportation professionals that additional sanitizing measures will be needed. During a webinar last month on the subject, Mike Martin, executive director/CEO of the National Association of Pupil Transportation said that because the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, there is no set best practice available. His organization also asked its members to “work with their school leadership to issue a statement to parents about cleanliness on their school buses.” In that same webinar, Charlie Hood, ex-

ecutive director of the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation and Services, said the industry has developed a two-step cleaning process followed by a disinfecting process. But he also said that because buses are not designed for social distancing, school districts will have to determine how to protect both students and drivers and that in the short-run, drivers may have to be equipped with protective clothing to enhance their safety. Closures in the just-ended school year took a heavy toll on Kyrene, costing it millions in fees for before- and after-school programs and Community Education courses. While the district managed to ease most of the brunt of that loss, it also incurred expenses that could partially be covered by its share of the $30.6 billion that Congress allotted in the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act for schools. Arizona’s share is $275 million and most districts have already been advised as to what they can roughly expect. But there’s a national controversy over

see SCHOOLS page 19

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Dance community rallies to help local instructor BY KEVIN REAGAN AFN Staff Writer

he Chandler dance community has come together to support one of its teachers – an Ahwatukee man who fell victim to a carjacker. Michael McBain, a long-time professional dancer and Air Force veteran, has been teaching aspiring dancers for years and recently found himself in a troubling predicament. The 73-year-old was driving near McDowell Road and 51st Avenue when a limping man approached his vehicle. The man asked McBain for $11 so he could rent out a hotel room for his family, so he gave him some cash and offered to give him a ride. They drove to an American Inn and the man asked McBain to go inside and check on room rates, claiming he had twisted his ankle and it was too painful for him to walk. McBain parked the car and as he walked toward the lobby, the man sped off in McBain’s vehicle. “I was shocked,” McBain recalled. “It was

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certainly unexpected. I was trying to do the guy a favor.” McBain had to take a taxi 25 miles back to his Ahwatukee home. Once he returned, McBain realized his dance bag with his tap shoes and music had been inside the car. McBain teaches weekly classes for Classic Image Dance Studio in Chandler and would have had to find a way to replace his materials before his next class. He notified studio owner Shannon Wilson. “My heart broke for him,” Wilson recalled. She knew McBain had already been having a difficult time before the carjacking and worried how this latest misfortune would impact him. McBain drives for Lyft, the ride-sharing company, in his spare time and had been earning up to $700 per week. But then COVID-19 pandemic hit and Lyft customers were suddenly staying home, no longer requesting rides. During the first week of March, McBain only made about $40 from his Lyft rides. It

“I was completely caught off guard,” he said. McBain, who worked on television shows in Hollywood before relocating to Arizona, said he hasn’t missed a dance lesson since the car theft and plans to continue teaching for the foreseeable future. “I hope to die and still be teaching,” he joked. On May 6, McBain was notified his stolen car had been recovered and was sitting in an impound lot. The car sustained some damage and the license plate was missing, McBain said, so he’s still not able to drive it yet. The car’s trunk had some stolen stereo equipment, which McBain handed over to authorities. Phoenix Police said the case is still open and no arrests have been made. Though the incident brought McBain some temporary misery, he said he’s not trying to let the theft bring down his spirits. “It hasn’t changed my outlook or changed my willingness to help others,” he said. “I still will do that. I’m just going to be more cautious.”

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didn’t make sense to keep driving, he said, since he was spending more money on gasoline than what he was earning. So McBain has had to forgo that supplemental income. Wilson got to work figuring out how her dance community could help McBain. He’s brought so much talent and expertise to Classic Image Dance, Wilson figured, so it seemed fitting that the studio should help in in a perilous time. “We just wanted to see what we could do to help given that he didn’t really have any income coming in and was just a little bit down on his luck,” she said. Wilson started circulating McBain’s story among the studio’s dancers and parents. Within a few days, she had collected more than $5,000 from nearly 80 donors. Even some of McBain’s former students – some taught by him back in the 1970s –contributed to the fundraiser. “I’m grateful that the community came together at this time for someone who has touched so many lives,” Wilson said. The fundraiser came as a surprise to McBain, who was unaware of it.

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t least 6,700 Ahwatukee residents have lost their jobs or been furloughed since social distancing guidelines and business closures began to control the spread of COVID-19, according to new tracking maps from Maricopa Association of Governments. MAG released the map May 21 – the same day the state reported that unemployment in Arizona spiked to 12.7 percent and the same day that state House Republicans turned back an effort to increase Arizona’s unemployment compensation, the second lowest in the country. The MAG data show 85044 – with 3,464 people filing claims – as the hardest hit Ahwatukee ZIP code and among the 10 Phoenix ZIP codes with the highest number of claims. That was followed by 85048 with 2,695 and 535 in 85045. MAG’s maps show there are no areas in the state has escaped a rising unemployment claims, but that Maricopa County recorded the biggest numbers of job losses with two thirds of all unemployment claims filed here. Other areas with traditionally stable employment numbers also were affected, MAG said. In partnership with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, MAG mapped by ZIP code the number of Arizona unemployment insurance claims filed since the start of the governor’s stay-at-home orders. The data cover claims between March 14 and May 14, so the ZIP code figures liklely have increased in the last two weeks. “We went from record low-unemployment levels to record increases in weekly unemployment claims,” said Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney, chair of MAG’s Economic Development Committee. “The impact of the pandemic on our workforce is staggering.” In releasing the data, MAG said, “While the death toll continues to rise, the preventative measures in place to minimize that death toll have had an enormous impact on the national and local economies.

One measure of that impact has been job loss. “From record low unemployment levels early in 2020 to record increases in weekly unemployment claims, the impact of the pandemic on employment figures is staggering.” Some of Ahwatukee’s neighbors across I-10 also showed high numbers of claims. For example, 85283 in Tempe recorded 4,031 while 85282 just south of that had a staggering 5229 claims. Chandler ZIP codes 85224 had 4,080 claims while adjacent 85225 had 6,121. “These maps can be used by employers and policymakers to understand where there are large numbers of people looking for work,” said Mesa Councilman David Luna and vice chairman of the EDC. “We can use that knowledge to target resources to the local economies that need help the most.” Arizona’s jobless rate spiked last month to 12.6 percent and it’s virtually certain to go higher in May, officials fear. Overall, as of the time the Office of Economic Opportunity looked at the numbers in April, the private sector shed 276,300 jobs from the prior month. By contrast, the state normally adds 7,800 workers in April. The biggest lost, not surprisingly, is in the leisure and hospitality industry. That includes the bars and restaurants that Gov. Doug Ducey in late March ordered shuttered except for take-out. It also includes hotels, motels and resorts which, while not closed down, have suffered both from the governor’s stayat-home order as well as the unwillingness of people to travel, particularly by air. That is reflected in data from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee which found tax revenues from these businesses had dropped 57.5 percent from March. Finally, the category also includes movie theaters, amusement parks and sporting events, also shut down by Ducey’s orders. Other sectors of the Arizona economy also have been hard hit. Retail trade shed 43,800 jobs – about

see JOBLESS page 14

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OPEN from page 1

make “metric-driven” decisions to protect the public from COVID-19 spread. Most of the mayor’s colleagues apparently agreed with her position since the discussion ended with no formal action – and little of the guidance city staff said it needed on reopening. That means that for a substantial part of next month, closures will be in force for restrooms, ramadas, picnic tables, playgrounds, splash pads, outdoor fitness equipment, community centers, basketball and volleyball courts, sports complexes. And reserving facilities remains up in the air. Councilman Sal DiCiccio of Ahwatukee had urged the opposite. “I really think we need to start opening things up,” DiCiccio told his colleagues. “I think people are done with this pain. I think that people want this over with they want to go back to normalcy and for us to do that, we’re going to have to show some leadership and open up. “The whole objective – and I want to make this so incredibly clear because no one is saying it – but the whole reason for closing things down was to allow the medical community to catch up and be prepared,” he continued, adding: “They’ve done that. No one is saying that this virus is going to go away because it’s not. People are still going to continue to get infected. It is going to happen. It’s a reality.” But DiCiccio argued, “I think the longer we wait, the longer we drag things out, the harder it’s going to be at the end. I really do believe it’s even going to be more harmful to all of us.” Stressing he was not minimizing virusrelated deaths or cases and that “it’s not a phony disease,” DiCiccio said, “We should be telling people this is going to be here but we also need to start opening up. We can do it in a responsible way.” “We really need to start going at a little bit faster rate at this point and allow for the sense of normalcy. The opening of the library – that needs to happen. Our parks need to be open. Matter of fact, doctors have said it’s good for people to be outdoors. They need to be able to use the entire park” Gallego thanked DiCiccio “for speaking about the human impact of this” but then said: “We are moving towards 100,000

This chart shows percent of new virus cases per 100,000 people in Phoenix (blue columns) and Maricopa County (orange columns). A city official said the data, representing two weeks in May show a “roller coaster” for virus cases in Phoenix. (City of Phoenix)

This PowerPoint slide shows what Phoenix officials say is necessary for the city to begin reopening pools, libraies and other facilities. (City of Phoenix)

American lives lost and we are well aware that it is our most vulnerable who are most impacted by this. From my perspective, likely our senior centers will need to be the facilities that open last but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep investing in making sure our seniors have healthy food.” “Arizona has been moving quite quickly and we are ahead of the CDC’s guidelines in areas such as bars. I think it’s important that we do metric-driven decisions in particular. I think looking at the number of COVID-19 cases in our community makes sense.” Gallego said “Maricopa County is probably the appropriate jurisdiction” for those metrics, given that different parts of the state are showing different levels of infected populations. “We really ought to lead by understanding public health data and work to protect our community,” she said, adding she was most concerned about the ad-

equacy of hospital beds in Phoenix and the need “to invest in equipment that allows us to provide our city services more safely.” The discussion by Gallego and DiCiccio followed a presentation by Assistant City Manager Milton Dohoney Jr., who said the administration had assumed reopening facilities would come in stages – based on five standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those standards include 14 consecutive days of decreasing virus cases, 14 consecutive days of maintained or reduced per capita percentage of positive cases. 14 consecutive days of steady or decreasing ICU beds and hospital admissions and 14 consecutive days of declining virus-caused deaths. While stating it’s been difficult to get much Phoenix-specific data, Dohoney said his office was able to get data that show “Phoenix stands out” with higher percentages of new positive cases per

100,000 people than in Maricopa County as a whole. Parks and Recreation Director Inger Erickson said her department needs a 30-day advance notice to open Phoenix’s pools and three weeks advance notice to open summer camps. Moreover, she said, because the city has not been able to train enough lifeguards, the city will be able to open only 16 of its 29 public pools and that to have a “meaningful season” they need to open no later than July 4. If and when pools open, they’ll be operating at only 25 percent capacity because of social distancing – requiring the implementation of a reservation system, Erickson said. Summer camps would operate at 33 percent capacity and also must open by July 6 to be of any value, she said. Although she did not say what pools could be open by early July, Erickson said six of the 16 would be closed Aug. 2 while the remaining 10 would stay open until Sept. 7. League play on ballfields also remains uncertain because of limits on gatherings of more than 10 people. As for the library, pickup service between 8-10 a.m. daily will remain. Dohoney said the library needs at least a week advance notice to move into the next reopening phase, called “grab and go.” In that phase, he said, “individuals would be able to go into the library, check out some material and then exit. “They would not be able to roam freely through the whole library – simply to go in and, as the title indicates, grab and go,” he added. The difference from curbside service would be that all library services would be available. To open the library entirely, the city would need a three-week notice from Council, but even then, capacity would be limited because of social distancing. It’s unclear when the whole issue of reopening will be taken up again. No session was on Council’s agenda this week.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

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JOBLESS from page 10

13.4 percent of total employment -- as shops also were affected by the governor’s directive allowing only ``essential’’ businesses to operate. There also was the loss of 27,800 jobs in professional and business services. And even the state’s health care industry shed 16,800 jobs. How high the jobless rate will go is unclear. Beginning with the third week in April – the week after the state does its count of employed – another more than 230,000 people filed for first-time unemployment benefits. Still, for the first time in years, the situation actually is better than the rest of the county, with the United States posting a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 14.7 percent. It is unclear whether that 12.6 percent figure for Arizona is a record. Data is immediately available going back only as far as the beginning of 1976. And in that time, the highest unemployment rate was 11.5 percent during the 1982 recession. As the state was releasing the April

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

data, House Democrats were attempting to use procedural maneuvers to get a vote on measures to increase benefits and allow people to get unemployment payments if they leave their jobs due to unsafe working conditions. Rep. Kelli Butler, D-Paradise Valley proposed amendments about unemployment insurance to three bills set for consideration by the House Committee on Health and Human Services. But because they were unrelated to the underlying Senate-passed bills on breast implants, pelvic exams and outpatient treatment centers for behavioral health, the amendments would have wiped out the underlying bills. Butler and Rep. Andres Cano, D-Tucson, acknowledged the importance of those bills. But they argued that, given the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant flood of people seeking unemployment benefits – 577,000 since the virus hit and the governor ordered businesses shut down – the problems of people out of work took higher priority. House Republicans made their own procedural motions to prevent the amendments from even being offered.

State Senate hoping to wrap up – again BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

tate senators were scheduled to return to the Capitol yesterday with the goal of finally finishing out the on-again off-again session that began in January. But it remains to be seen whether there are the votes for – or even the interest in considering – two last-minute measures approved Thursday by the House before it shut down its session. The more controversial of these, HB 2912, would limit the liability of businesses facing lawsuits from patrons and customers who claim they contracted COVID-19. It would require them to prove not just that the business was negligent in its operations but that that it was grossly negligent – essentially a conscious and voluntary disregard for reasonable standards of care.

But the Senate’s goal of finishing the session is not simply a matter of lining up the necessary 16 votes. There’s also a procedural issue. Senate President Karen Fann, RPrescott, said she is looking to wrap up all unfinished business on Tuesday and left open the possibility of special sessions this year to address economic recovery and other issues related to the pandemic. Senate rules require that any bills from the House go through a formal process. That includes a mandate to read all bills on three separate days. That would drag the process into Thursday. And patience may be running out for senators, who voted 24-6 earlier this month to say they were ready to go home. That same problem exists for HB 2913, which allows the state to spend $88 million it is getting to provide forgivable loans to child care facilities. That also

see LEGISLATURE page 17

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

Declared Kyrene candidate’s tweets stir outrage

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

n Ahwatukee man who has declared himself a candidate for one of three seats on the Kyrene Governing Board generated outrage twice in the past week with postings on Twitter – one in which he used the word “retarded” and another in which he falsely identified an Arizona State University student as the gunman in a multiple shooting at the Westgate Entertainment District. The postings were made by Scott Weinberg – a vocal frequent critic of Kyrene’s equity program both during school board meetings and on social media who was ejected from a board meeting last October for calling its members “cowards.” They are becoming a contentious election issue even before candidates can file their ballot petitions for the Nov. 3 election. Wanda Kolomyjec, an Ahwatukee

Democratic activist and Arizona State University faculty associate, rapped the LD 18 Republican Committee for supporting him after he posted the two controversial tweets. The day after the May 20 shooting in which three people were injured, Weinberg misidentified the suspect, posting that he was a “left-wing #LGBTQ student and Youth Ambassador.” He later removed the tweet and apologized, posting: “Earlier this morning I tweeted information about the #WestgateShooting that had not been confirmed. I removed the tweet less than an hour later after additional research caused me to question the accuracy of the information. If I was mistaken I will apologize.” He said, “Several people reached out to vouch for the individual who is close in age and has the same name as the #Westgate shooter. I apologize for my mistake. I should have properly vetted the information before tweeting it. My intent was to criticize the #AZMedia

and not to cause any harm.” Despite the apology, Equality Arizona released a statement that read: “Mr. Weinberg took to social media to falsely accuse and baselessly attack a young man who is a member of the LGBTQ community… Mr. Weinberg’s attack was not only a lie, it was also an attack propagated this young person simply because they are an out-and-proud advocate for equality for all.” Weinberg stirred more anger from some people in the community with his use of the word “retarded” in two separate posts last week. He posted “this is retarded” above a screen shot of a Canadian woman who had created a “hug glove” so she could hug her elderly mother, whom she hadn’t hugged in two months. In a YouTube video, the woman hung a plastic sheet from a clothes line and extended two portions of plastic around her arms so she could hug her mother while they

see WEINBERG page 16

This Twitter post by Kyrene school board candidate Scott Weinberg sparked outrage for the description he gave on a photo of a Canadian woman’s “hug glove.” (Special to AFN)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

LEGISLATURE from page 15

needs three readings. What could be done in one day, Fann said, are 28 House-passed measures that already have been through the first two readings and could be acted on immediately. Fann also said she has weeded through these and eliminated any that might stir up controversy. Fann said her anticipated special session could include some liability shields for “mom-and-pop businesses’’ that reopen and follow guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for things like distancing and sanitation. “If someone were to come in later try to claim they got COVID-19 going into their business ... then the small business owners is having to defend all these potentially frivolous cases,’’ Fann said. Some of that may take care of itself now that Gov. Doug Ducey has lifted some of the restrictions he placed on businesses, including the closure orders. But they continue to have to operate in a limited fashion, including “social distancing’’ requirements that have effectively capped the number of customers who can go into everything from grocery and hardware stores to bars, restaurants and, when they reopen, movie theaters. The question for senators whenever they take up the issue is whether the lawsuit protections approved by the House are too broad. It contains no specific “safe harbor’’ to protect businesses that comply with CDC standards, one of the things Fann said she

WEINBERG from page 15

were on either side of the sheet. In another post he wrote “retarded!” in capital letters. When one person wrote, “Please stop using an outdated slur that targets people with disabilities” on May 20, Weinberg wrote, “Please stop being offended by the word ‘retarded.’” In another exchange, someone posted a video about Special Olympics, telling Weinberg to watch it and ”u will rethink ur post.” Weinberg wrote back, “Relax, Mike. It’s just a word. It can’t hurt you.” But “Mike” replied, “I am in the Special Olympics words hurt that hurt a lot.” The exchange prompted another poster to write, “This quote explains the internal justification this candidate applies for us-

House Speaker Rusty Bowers of Mesa wasn’t taking chances last week, although many of his Republican colleagues eschewed masks during the House session. (Capitol Media

Services)

wanted. Instead, it contains the requirement to prove gross negligence to be able to sue for damages. “I haven’t had a chance to go over the bill,’’ Fann said. Other Republicans, like Sen. Paul Boyer, also told Capitol Media Services they have some questions about raising the standard to sue to gross negligence. Sen. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, who helped craft the House bill and will be promoting its Senate approval on Tuesday, defended not tying liability limits to compliance with specific standards. “Standards change,’’ he said. And Farnsworth said there are problems with tying the ability of a business to defend itself to any particular standard.

ing slurs. By electing this candidate to the #Kyrene School Board, this is what this candidate will say when he hurls slurs at children and their parents.” Weinberg has often used Twitter to criticized members of both the Kyrene and Chandler Unified governing boards. He is a member of an advocacy group called Purple Parents, which has attended a number of board meetings in both districts. He and other members of that group want both districts to drop equity programs and policies aimed at reducing achievement gaps and disparities in discipline between white students and students of color. But his posts last week pulled the LD 18 Republican Committee into the fray. Several Republicans have privately criticized the committee for allegedly support-

One, he said, is practical. Consider the requirement for “social distancing’’ to keep six feet between individuals or, at least, between groups of customers. “How does he force customers not to be within six feet?’’ Farnsworth asks, other than kicking them out of the

business. Then there’s the problem of a situation where maybe the tables are only five feet apart. Farnsworth said that should not lead to the possibility of a lawsuit. There’s something else that could doom the bill. The other key provision eliminates the ability to charge those who violate a gubernatorial executive order during an emergency with a misdemeanor, complete with a possible $2,500 fine and six months in jail and, for business owners, the potential loss of license. It would be replaced by a $100 fine. Ducey, who has used that threat of a criminal conviction to urge compliance, has sidestepped questions about whether

ing Weinberg. During an appearance before that committee Feb. 12 in which he outlined his positions, Weinberg showed a PowerPoint presentation that called Kyrene Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely a “left wing superintendent” and stated “Democrats are destroying America.” Another slide called the equity program “anti-capitalist and anti-white.” His posts on Twitter prompted Kolomyjec to post a message stating: “The Republican Party in Legislative District 18 is supporting this person as a candidate for Kyrene School Board. Mr. Weinberg has appeared at their meetings with rousing support. My Republican friends, are you okay with this? If not, please reach out to your party and ask them to stop supporting this person.

NEWS

he would sign or veto the measure. During last week’s House session, the divide between Republicans and Democrats over COVID-19 was pointed up by the fact that only a handful of Republicans were wearing masks; all the Democrats had their faces covered. “We know that a person who is speaking without a mask is sending out vaporized virus in their breath,’’ said Rep. Diego Rodriguez, D-Phoenix. “To pretend otherwise is irresponsible.’’ The fight had been brewing ever since the GOP majority refused to follow the lead of the Senate and shut down. In a message to colleagues May 19, House Majority Leader Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, said “We need to constantly push the narrative that the Ds are stalling and keeping AZ society from getting back to normal as needed.” That played out on the floor as House Speaker Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, called the Democrats a “party of fear.’’ And he noted the hit the state’s economy has taken from the virus and the governor’s orders telling people to stay home and limiting what businesses could operate. Most of those directives are now gone. Bowers acknowledged that there are people who are not ready to resume their pre-COVID activities. “Please, stay home,’’ he said. “Wait until you’re confident, then start coming out.’’ But that, he said, cannot be the attitude for the entire state. “For the majority of Arizonans, especially those with businesses, they need to get back to work,’’ Bowers said.

“There HAS to be a line. There HAS to be a line,” she said, noting that even if they can’t support Democrats in the nonpartisan race, there are two independent candidates “who have the best interests of our children in mind and would make excellent school board members.” Candidates cannot begin circulating petitions to get on the ballot until June 6 and must file by July 6. However, they are required by law to file statements of interest before they can circulate petitions. Weinberg has filed that document but also announced he was running when he addressed a Kyrene board meeting “call to the public” segment. He has been a regular speaker during those segments, which have not been held since the board started meeting virtually because of social distancing guidelines.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

LA CASA DE JUANA

DELIVERS A KNOCKOUT WITH ITS FRESH, AUTHENTIC AND MOUTHWATERING FOOD If you thought you have been to a Mexican restaurant lately you probably need to reconsider and visit La Casa De Juana in Ahwatukee. The fare is authentic Mexican, and when we say authentic we mean it, unlike many of the restaurant chains that call themselves Mexican. Upon entering you’ll be dazzled by the colorful décor, the tables and chairs are beautiful, Mexican painted murals, colorful banners hanging from the ceiling and the gracious service with warm orange and yellow tones echoing throughout the restaurant will make this your favorite Mexican restaurant. 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.

Don’t hesitate to stop by the Ahwatukee location / corner Chandler & 40th /W h St) St 3941 E. Chandler Blvd. (S/W

to make your next reservation call 480-823-2834

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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.

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

SCHOOLS from page 6

that money after U.S. Education Secretary Betsy Devos advised that private schools – those that charge tuition – share in that money. Moreover, her department advised, private schools’ share should be based on the total number of all its students while public schools’ share must be based on the number of students who come from families at or below the poverty line. “I was shocked,” Vesely said when she got the advisory for spending an allotment that likely will be around $1 million. Private schools within each school district must request a cut from the district. Moreover, “schools must notify the private schools, but many privates have already reached out because it’s a much larger sum than in the past,” said Dr. Mark Joraanstad, executive director of the Arizona School Administrators. Vesely said Kyrene has not received any requests yet, adding, “I am sure the private schools are also waiting for guidance to access their funds.” Joraanstad has urged all Arizona superintendents to write to their congressional representatives and ask that Congress step in to blunt Devos’ advisory. “It appears the House is considering putting further guidance language on their intent,” he told AFN. “Whether the Senate would do so is more questionable. However, some senators have expressed concern over abandoning the poverty standard that has a history going back to the mid 1960’s.” The backlash against Devos’ plan, however, is growing among both Democrats and Republicans. Indiana’s Republican state superintendent of education already has declared

she will ignore Devos’ directive. Republican Sen. Alexander Lamar, chairman of the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, also has expressed concern about Devos’ interpretation of the CARES Act. “My sense was that the money should have been distributed in the same way we distribute Title I money,” Alexander told reporters last week. “I think that’s what most of Congress was expecting.” According to the website politico,com, “DeVos defended her interpretation of the law” and that she said, “it’s our interpretation that it is meant literally for all students and that includes students, no matter where they’re learning.” Politico also said DeVos later said that “public schools should work with their private counterparts to understand student needs and to help provide services, such as tutoring or teacher professional development for teachers.” Meanwhile, Kyrene and other districts will soon finalize their 2020-21 budgets. But to some degree, they’ll be flying blind as they face a future with the dark cloud of COVID-19 and all its ramifications hanging over them. “It is extremely hard to try to anticipate what might happen and then understand how that might come back to us in the areas of cost,” said Kyrene Chief Financial Officer Chris Hermann. “We talked a lot about state funding but we also have other areas that districts can generate additional funding beyond the base state funding – our Community Education programs, rentals of our facilities, we get reimbursements for providing services to students with disabilities. We also receive money from casino gaming. So we know every single one of those areas will be impacted by COVID-19.”

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FOLLOWING CDC, STATE, AND CITY COVID-19 GUIDELINES Our priority is the health and safety of your children.

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Even in times like these, your child’s healthcare needs don’t stop. At Phoenix Children’s, we’re making it safer for you to see us, with telehealth appointments and enhanced precautions for in-person visits. Whether your child requires vaccines, an appointment with a specialist or a scheduled surgery, don’t let being careful stop you from getting your kids the care they need.

Vaccines. Scheduled surgeries. Specialist visits. Visit phoenixchildrens.org or call 602-933-KIDS to schedule an appointment.

Horizon Honors Secondary

Mountain Pointe High

Desert Vista High

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

a t s i V t Deser

HIGH SCHOOL

TOTAL GRADUATES: 734

TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $23,429,147

Student Body Officers: • Morgann Kelly, president; Joey Deignan, vice president; Frida Gutierrez, secretary; Cris Navas, communications director; Karly Makay, spirit director. Senior Class Officers: • Nicole Kennedy, president; Kylee Peck, vice president; Kayli Navas, secretary; Carolyn Hulse, communications director; Eliana Lenz, spirit director; Mika Watanabe and Londyn Smith, class representatives.

VALEDICTORIANS

Megan Chen

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Mei-Lin Chen & Ernest Chen Total scholarship offers: $158,750 College: Harvey Mudd College Major: Computer science and/or chemistry Achievements: HOSA International bronze medalist in transcultural healthcare, first place In American Protégé International Concerto Competition, Congressional Art Competition “Best In Show,” Scholastic Art & Writing Awards national silver medal, National Merit Scholar, Arizona All-State Orchestra Violist, P.E.O. Star Scholarship and HOSA Jane Shovlin Scholarship. Activities: Desert Vista Peer Tutoring Organization president, Desert Vista Health Occupations Students Of America president, Desert Vista Chamber Orchestra principal violist, Music Club president, Science Olympiad secretary, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, intern for ASU Science And Engineering Experience Program, instructor for Kumon Math and Reading Center, Arizona Science Center intern and St. Joseph’s Hospital volunteer.

Anya Chaudhry

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Yash Chaudhry and Shefali Bhimani Total scholarship offers: $120,000 (Flinn Scholarship) College: University Of Arizona Major: physiology and medical sciences Achievements: Best Of Show and first place at Tempe Art Festival; Congressional Art Competition second and third place; Multiple Gold Keys in Scholastic Art Competition. Her paintings on display in Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s office. Activities: HOSA Future Health Professionals, National Honor Society treasurer, Science National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Art Club, peer tutor, Math Honor Society, founder and owner of two businesses.

Mutian Jerry Xin

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Wei Xin & Hua Mo Total scholarship offers: $13,000 College: Duke University Major: Computer science and statistics Achievements: Co-authored conference paper in Dynamic Systems and Control Conference 2019; American Mathematics Competition 12A Top 5% in mation & American Invitatonal Mathematical Exam qualification; AMC 10A/B Top 5% in nation;Arizona State Math Contest Division Iii top winner and Div. V Top 50; Distributive Education Clubs of America Arizona State Career Conference first place Principles of Business Management; National Merit Finalist; National AP Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; ASU Science and Engineering Fair, third place in computational bioinformatics; Future Business Leaders Of America, first place in financial math, second place economics and business calculus. Activities: Young Americans For Freedom Club founder and president, Math Club president and vice president various years; Distributive Education Clubs of America vice president.

Nathan Zhang

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Ming Yang And Xinyu Zhang Total scholarship offers: $32000 College: Vanderbilt University Major: Biomedical engineering Achievements: second place HOSA Medical Math, Regional Honors Band, All State Honors Orchestra, First Place IN Science Olympiad Chemistry Lab, National Chemistry Olympiad Semifinalist. Activities: Band, HOSA, peer tutor, Quizbowl, Science Olympiad.

Sonia Dias

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Maryann Dias and Rajen Dias Total scholarship offers: $237,700 College: Washington University in St. Louis Major: Computer science Achievements: First place creative problem solving at HOSA Slc, Seal Of Biliteracy for Spanish, AMEA Regional Honors Band, Desert Vista Scudder Award. Activities: Peer tutor, Spanish Club, HOSA, Asian Student Interactive Association, Science Olympiad, National Honors Society, Phoenix Sister Cities youth ambassador.

MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

VALEDICTORIANS CONTD.

Jonathan Pak

Sophie Holtom

Meiven Yang

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Jason And Michelle Pak Total scholarship offers: $45,000 College: Stanford University Major: Film studies, music or philosophy Achievements: AP National Scholar Activities: Orchestra

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Amanda And David Holtom Total scholarship offers: $60,120 College: University of Arizona Major: Pre-pharmaceutical Achievements: Four-year Regional Honor Orchestra, Thunder Marching Band Activities: United Sound, Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, Symphony Orchestra.

GPA: 4.0+ Parents: Haojin Shen and Victor Yang Total scholarship offers: $102,500 College: University of Arizona Honors College Major: Biochemistry Achievements: Speech and Debate State Competition fifth place; North Central Region Orchestra violist; Junior Duck Stamp Conservation Art State Competition 2017, third place; Scholastic Art and Writing Silver Key; Celebrating Arts Contest high merit winner; District Congressional Art Competition finalist; George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest ; HOSA Slc creative problem solving fourth place. Activities: Speech/Debate, Symphony Orchestra, Science Olympiad, National Honors Society, Science National Honors Society; Math Honors Society, HOSA, peer tutor.

Kirsten Woldahl

Emilie Meehan

Kirsten we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments, despite all the hurdles thrown at you this year, you have remained resilient, focused and determined to achieve your goals. We are so blessed and proud of the beautiful, kind and strong woman that you have become. You are about to set you foot of the world’s stage, be an achiever and do great things. Go and make your dreams come true! We are so excited for what the future holds for you! Words can’t express how much we love and support you as you embark on the next chapter of your life. Love, Mom & Dad

We are so proud as Emilie graduates from Desert Vista H.S. with the Class of 2020! After almost losing her 2 years ago, she bounced back, still graduating on time and showing how determined and STRONG she is! With her many interests including photography, journalism and the medical field, she will have an exciting future of new journeys and adventures ahead of her! These years have gone by so fast! Congratulations Emilie - We love you so much! XOXO

Class of 2020

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

s r o n o H n o z Hori HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 92 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $2.3 MILLION VALEDICTORIAN:

CO-SALUTATORIANS

Nicole Naya Johnson

Total scholarship offers: $40,000 College: Arizona State University, Barrett, The Honors College Major: Business law Achievements: Best Policy Statement at WMUN 2017, Honorable Delegate award at AZMUN 2017: AP Scholar with Distinction as of 2019. Activities: Model UN president, vice president and treasurer at various times, senior class secretary-treasurer, National Honor Society chapter president, Chick-fil-a Leader Academy, Relay for Life leadership team, Kindness Krew/No Place for Hate, student orientation guide.

Xin Hwei Lim Total scholarship offers: $40,000 College: Arizona State University Major: Computer systems engineering Achievements: Lettered in band, participated in Regionals Band. Activities: Key Club, National Honor Society vice president, Student Council all four years, Band Council.

Aden Samuel Molinar

Total scholarship offers: $60,000 College: University of Arizona Honors College Major: Physiology on pre-med track. Achievements: Varsity soccer second team all-region as a freshman, College Board AP Scholar. Activities: Key Club treasurer and vice president in different years, P.O.E. Club president, started Bags are Bad project distributing reusable grocery bags.

Congratulations, class of 2020!

Congratulations, class of 2020! At Arizona State University, we want to help you along the path toward realizing your goals. Thousands of incoming first-year and transfer students will soon call ASU home, and we want you to be one of them. Let ASU be part of your academic journey. Map your path to ASU today with ASU’s pathway program.

Ready to start this fall? The fall 2020 application for admission is open.

Apply today!

admission.asu.edu/transfer/maricopa | asu.edu/apply 5/20/20 11:46 AM

MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

It's a great day to be an Eagle.

Congratulations. We are so proud.

HORIZON HONORS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 Sean Albert Joseph Aljets Solaya Allen Paige Anawalt Kaitlin Anderson-Sharp Kieran Andrew Kaylee Arenz Hannah Babington Macayla Barbaglia Bethany Bond Hannah Browning Caileigh Burdette Jorge Cesin Tarek Chanouha Gavin Chaston Sydni Cloutier-Standiford Edward Colbrunn Alexander Collins Jordan Cook Roman Corey Zane Cortes Sarai Crawford Sophie Davidson

Tylor Davis Daniel Deputy Harrison Dreyer Camryn Dunn Abbey Duvall Ruth Ehuwa Trey Faulkner Ethan Fear Selina Fluty Amber Fretwell Samantha Garcia Hanna Goff Abbigail Grove Allison Hale Olivia Hamer Justin Hill Khawhy Holloway Ethan Hurlburt Kaitlyn Isom Quincy Jacobs Nicole Johnson Avery Jones Jacob Jones

Justin Kelliher Allisen Kim Dustin Komar Savina La Batt Losey Olivia Lewis Michael LiKong-Gorman Xin Hwei Lim Dominic Lombardi Ethan Mandadero Giovanni Marquez Camryn Marshall Alexandrea Miller Lauren Nicole Milne Aden Molinar Tara Murphy Breanne O’Meara Keefe Oakes Cole Ondersma William Osborn Juan Otalora Bautista Holly Owens Nathan Patterson Makenzy Payan

Eli Querfeld Paulo Quintana Jericho Rich Marisela Rivera Christian Rivers Madison Rowlee Madeline Rowley Michaela Scher Danielle Schroeder Ayden Shields Zoe Slagel-Carty Jeffrey Smith Mya Smith Griffin Sonnemann Creed Katherine Sundeen Ethan Tanner Michael Toomb Nicholas Vela Anders Vidarsson Frederick Viscomi Maxim Weixler Caymon Winnick Kailey Zicafoose

16233 SOUTH 48TH STREET PHOENIX AZ 85048

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

e t n i o P n i Mounta

HIGH SCHOOL

NUMBER OF GRADS: 550 TOTAL SCHOLARSHIP OFFERS: $20.3 MILLION Student body officers: Jayda BeBee and Rachel Leyva, presidents; Andie McDonald, vice president; Desiray Armstrong, treasurer; Saphira Brooks, secretary; Kate Bucci, events director; Grace Greve, spirit director. Senior Class Treasurer: Yaritza Contreras Pacheco Student Council VIPs: Natalie Figueroa, Mikaela Romo, Trinity Rodgers

VALEDICTORIAN:

Alan Dupre

GPA: 4.891 Parents: Florence and Yann Dupre Total scholarship offers: $44200 College: Arizona State University Major: Mechanical engineering Achievements: Academic letter, varsity cross country letter, Scholar Athlete Award, National Merit Commended Scholar, Phoenix Classic Race Medalist. Activities: Various leadership positions at church school, Environmental Club vice president, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honors Society secretary, Prides Peak Community Service chairman, Language Honors Society vice president, school wrestling squad, Totem Tutor, AP Club, Running Club, varsity track and field team, English Honors Society, Rho Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta, and Science National Honors Society.

Kristiana Guerrero Congratulations to Kristiana who is graduating from Desert Vista High School with honors. Kristiana was a member of Varsity Dance Line, the State Championship DVDC Dance Team, Community Counts, and the Rho Kappa Honor’s Society. We are so proud of all you have accomplished. You have such a bright future ahead of you and we know you will have great success at Arizona State University and beyond! All our love, Mom, Dad, and Gabi

0 2 0 2 f o s s Cla

CO-SALUTATORIANS

Luke Beyer

GPA: 4.884 Parents: Jonathan and Shannon Beyer Total scholarship offers: $40,000 College: Arizona State University Major: Mechanical engineering Achievements: - National Honor Society national semifinalist, National Merit Commended Scholar, Tempe Diablos Changemaker Award, National AP Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, academic letter, Varsity Tennis Joe Selleh Award. Activities: Rho Kappa Honor Society president, Language Honor Society secretary, AP Club, DECA, Mu Alpha Theta secretary, Key Club, Pride’s Peak vice president, Environmental Club president, Totem Tutoring, over 300 hours of community service.

Michaelyn Moses

Parents: Ian and Heather Moses College: University of Arizona Major: Industrial engineering Achievements: Multiple awards and scholarships, according to school officials. Gold Scouts Gold Award for partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Guadalupe to create a cost-effective cheer and dance program for children.

Brett Justus Desert Vista Senior

Brett Justus has a bright future ahead of him. Brett is headed to Barrett, the honors college at ASU to study Data Analytics/Sports Marketing. A recipient of the Next Gen ASU scholarship, he is excited to be part of top leaders and entrepreneur students. Brett, is a sports fanatic and excited to be part of the Sun Devil family. Congratulations Brett! We are so very proud of you!

0 2 0 2 f o Class

MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Luke Beyer

Cayla Cunningham

When you started as a freshman in 2016 you wrote down some pretty lofty goals for yourself. Four years later as you graduate, you have not only met, but far exceeded those goals. You’re graduating as Salutatorian of your class and have been active in numerous MPHS clubs while lettering as a 3-year varsity competitor in both cross country and track (3200 meter). You’ve earned ASU’s President Award “for high academic performance” and will be a Barrett Honors student this fall majoring in Mechanical Engineering. It’s been a joy watching you grow into a fine young man.

It’s hard to believe that just four years ago you entered Desert Vista as a freshman and suddenly it’s time to watch you take a new path in life upon graduation. Your years at DV saw your steady focus on academics but also showed your competitive spirit in indoor volleyball and playing for DV’s very first ever sand volleyball. You even played DV badminton for the first time even though a senior. Transferring to Wickenburg in January to take advantage of a radiology preliminary internship at a local hospital points the way to a bright future. Congratulations and best wishes for the next exciting chapter in your life!

Congratulations and best wishes for the next chapter in your life! Your Grandy said it best – “we love you to the moon and back.” Love – Papa Cunningham

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Your Grandy said it best – “we love you to the moon and back.” Love – Papa Cunningham

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Once a Kyrene Kid, Always a Kyrene Kid. Congratulations Mountain Pointe and Desert Vista Graduates. You are already making history.

L E A R N I N G. L E A D I N G. A C H I E V I N G.

www.kyrene.org • 480-541-1000 • Now Enrolling for 2020-21

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Paige Matson

Jade Lynn Buzinski

Congratulations Paige & Class of 2020! Listen to your heart sweet girl, follow your dreams, and you will do something AMAZING! Wishing you the very best experience at University of Arizona in the fall! With Love ~ Uncle Jose, Aunt Randi & Olive

We are so proud of the hard work and dedication you’ve put into your high school career. Congratulations on your graduation! The next stage in your continued education will lead you to new horizons to be explored. It will be exciting, challenging and maybe even frightening. Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or discouraged to try new things. Relish your successes AND failures. Remember life is a journey and it’s OK to occasionally take a wrong turn. Continue moving forward and you will have a bright future. Most importantly, remember: WE ARE FAMILY. We will always here for you and pray for your happiness and success. We wish you the best as a Sun Devil and hope your college experiences create many happy memories. Forks Up!!! So now raise your head, flip your tassel, tip your cap and go chase your dreams! We Love You, Mom, Dad and Tara

Class of 2020

Sonia Dias You’re all grown up! How we miss the years that you would answer to our silly nicknames and sit by our side for hours at a time. We are endlessly amazed by you: Valedictorian of your class and a full ride to an amazing university! Your drive and dedication has helped you better the world around you. We’re most proud of the kind, compassionate woman that you’ve become. We can’t express how much we love and support you as you look to this next chapter of life. - Love Mom & Dad

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Dr. Ryan Frantz Patrick and Chevelle Frantz of Ahwatukee are proud to announce the graduation of their son, Dr. Ryan Thomas Frantz, M.D. from the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Class of 2020, in Tucson, Arizona. Ryan has grown up in Ahwatukee and attended Esperanza and Colina Elementary schools, Centennial Middle School and Mountain Pointe High School. He completed his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering at Arizona State University. Our family is very grateful for the support of Ryan’s teachers, neighbors and friends in this community. Ryan has been accepted into a Psychiatry Residency in Lubbock, Texas. He will be moving to Texas in June to continue his medical training.

Congratulations 2020 Grads G10

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

In this most unusual of endings for a school year, Desert Vista High School teachers and administrators were on hand May 21 for a “drive-in comencement” as seniors rolled up in vehicles to pick up their diplomas. In the photo on the left of the middle row below, Xavier Lugo, was chauffeured in a well-appointed car for the occasion while Connor Farrel (same row, far right) even brought his dog along. In the lower right corner, Kaitlyn Victoria grabbed a selfie while to the left of that picture, Riley Frederic took the wheel. The others were not identified. PHOTOS BY PABLO ROBLES/AFN Staff Photographer

G11

MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

Congratulations! Class of 2020

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

Parades and drive-in graduations were the orders of the day last week as Mountain Pointe High School’s Class of 2020 joined the school’s illustrious alumni. Among them was Julia Corbin (second row from top, far right), who had to hang on to her cap during a parade parents and friends organized in the neighborhood May 20. The next day, the seniors drove to the school to get their diplomas. Among them in the middle row were, left, Myracle Armani Nicole Earby and her family and Abbi Cox. In the middle of this page, proud grads Jackie Lawi, left, and Kambria Carrethers were all smiles. The bottom row has scenes from the May 20 parade.

PHOTOS BY PABLO ROBLES/AFN Staff Photographer

a w a t Ot

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MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University enhances student experience BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Staff Writer

ith the COVID-19 pandemic still dominating the world, high school graduates and transfer students may choose to stay closer to home to continue their studies this fall. Encouraging students to “Stay Connected, Stay Local,” Ottawa University-Arizona (OUAZ) wants these bright young minds to consider its Surprise campus at 15950 N. Civic Center Plaza. “We are preparing all necessary precautions to host students at our brand-new residential campus in Surprise, which also has emergency services on site,” said Dr. Brian Sandusky, OUAZ’s chief enrollment of�icer. “Students may want to stay close to home and we want them to know about their opportunities here with us. We have new facilities on our campus, which opened in Fall 2019. It’s an exciting time for us here in Surprise.” Founded in 1865, Ottawa University is a nonpro�it, private liberal arts university with its original residential campus in Ottawa, Kansas. The professional campus in Phoenix has been educating adult learners in the Valley for more than 40 years and boasts more than 8,000 alumni. Surprise is home to Ottawa University’s second residential campus. Housing at OUAZ features a new residence hall with suite-style, fully furnished rooms. Amenities include cable television and a 55-inch, wall-mounted TV, laundry facilities, student lounges and a game room. Scholars Hall accommodates more than 300 students. Ottawa University offers housing awards for students who hail from the West Valley—Avondale, Buckeye, Deer Valley, El Mirage, Goodyear, Glendale, Litch�ield Park, Peoria, Sun City West, Tolleson, Surprise, Waddell, Whitman and Youngtown. “We believe a fully rounded educational experience for students includes residential living,” Sandusky said.

Ottawa University Arizona—Surprise Campus offers classes in four-, eight- or 16-week format. (Courtesy Ottawa

University)

Students who stay in university housing na, facility and athletic of�ices, additional for six semesters, or three years, are eligi- classrooms and laboratories. OUAZ offers a variety of majors. Top ble for 50% off their graduate tuition rate majors include biology, business, Chriswhile studying at OUAZ Surprise. “We want to bring value to our commu- tian studies and ministry, communication, nity and our alumni, and this is one exam- early childhood education, elementary education, engineering, exercise science, ple of that mission,” Sandusky said. human resources, Two other new leadership and manbuildings are part of agement, psychology, the OUAZ campus. secondary education The student union and sport studies. includes a state-ofOttawa University the-art dining cenis committed to deter, an entertainveloping students to ment lounge with be work-ready and indoor/outdoor world-ready upon �ireplace, fan shop, graduation. Personal mailroom, classGrowth Days (PGDs) rooms and banquet consist of three imhall. It is also home portant components: to the new Adawe Spirit Life, a worship Center mentorship and speaker series; program, which is Network Lunch, a designed to help community lunch on students be succampus; and Student cessful in their colDevelopment Courses, lege experience. a series of life- and The new O’Dell work-skills workshops Center houses the “Our chancellor, Dr. university’s athletic Kevin Eichner, came facilities, �itness up with the idea of and recreational BRIAN SANDUSKY limiting classes on center, Faith Are-

Wednesdays to allow for our PGDs,” Sandusky said. “We have a variety of guest speakers, such as community- or faith-based leaders. The Wednesday workshops provide students with work-readiness skills, like resume writing and interviewing. Students need those skills. There’s a focus on worldreadiness skills, too. That can be how to buy a house, how to budget, business dinner etiquette, and even changing a tire.” Ottawa University prides itself on being a “participatory campus.” Students participate in academic clubs, competitive club sports and varsity athletics. For example, students who participate in the business club gain real-world business experience outside the classroom, while receiving a signi�icant scholarship to help them. “We have ACT, SAT and GPA scholarships, as well as scholarships for the academic and club sports,” Sandusky said. “These are unique and lucrative scholarship opportunities for our students.” Complementing OUAZ’s robust varsity athletic offerings are the university’s competitive club sports. Esports and badminton are starting in the fall. Other programs include ultimate frisbee, cycling, outdoor adventure, bowling and wrestling. Gone are days of one-size-�its-all scheduling, and OUAZ offers an innovative alternative. “Our exclusive FlexTerm scheduling is one of our biggest distinguishing features,” Sandusky said. “It has been well received by students.” FlexTerm scheduling consists of classes offered in a four-, eight- or 16-week term format. Students work with their faculty mentor to assist them with their course scheduling. This �lexible format allows them time to study and participate in activities. Visit ottawa.edu/ouaz to learn more about OUAZ’s programming and scholarships. So next semester, remember to “Stay Connected, Stay Local.”

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Local couple helps poverty-stricken Africans BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

ay West is concerned about family members who live elsewhere, but she’s also concerned about people in Africa that she also considers family. The Ahwatukee woman and her husband John worked in Swaziland – now eSwatini – and South Africa seven years before returning here in 2017. “My heart is just breaking as I hear from mamas and leaders in the communities who say the children keep coming, crying for food because they’re hungry,” she said. Long-time members of Bridgeway Community Church, the Wests took a leap of faith in 2010, selling their two-story home, cars and possessions to go and minister among the poor in Swaziland. They founded the nonprofit Swaziserve, Inc. in 2009 before heading there. John is treasurer and Kay board chairman.

So dire is the need that the Wests have posted stories on Facebook, asking for help. “Every dollar counts and every dollar will go directly to emergency aid in South Africa and eSwatini,” she said. Schools are closed – as are “care points” where children and elderly get a meal a day. In April, South Africa mandated a military-patrolled lockdown with 57 million citizens restricted to their homes for three weeks. Swaziserve volunteers and workers in that country racing to deliver packages of maize meal, beans a bar of soap and a snack to more than 145 kids and three cooking mothers at one care point. Their focus has always been upon helping women and children, who are suffering even more as the COVID-19 attacks the malnourished and most vulnerable. “Because the population we serve live in

�� SWAZI �� 23

John West and his wife Kay sold their possessions in Ahwatukee in 2010 and went to Swaziland, now eSwatini, to help impoverished villages, including teaching children. (Special to AFN)

Ahwatukee native has a �ilm on Net�lix, another in limbo BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

S Ahwatukee Sean Olson’s movie “F.R.E.D.I.” is about teenagers like this one and a robot. That movie can be found on Netﬂix. (Special to AFN)

ean Olson, a former long-time Ahwatukee resident and editor for the entertainment news magazine Extra, was anxiously awaiting the Arizona premiere of his newest movie and its opening in Harkins Theatres in April. But then came the pandemic, closing film festivals and theaters. “Ah, the challenge of releasing an independent film in the middle of a pandemic,” Olson lightheartedly mused. Like many other films, his “Max Winslow and the House of Secrets’’ is on hold. Olson – a four-time Emmy winner for editing, including the TV show “Crime Watch with Chris Hansen” – is considering alternative release and distribution possibilities. “We’re still hoping to play in some the-

aters once things begin to reopen, but we aren’t sure where yet,” said Olson, whose movie did preview in Los Angeles and Boston before lockdown. Olson is now editing for Extra from his home office in Burbank, California. “We had a staff meeting around March 13 and like some many others, we were concerned and asking ‘What are we going to do?’ and ‘Are we going to be able to work?’ and ‘Are we going to have jobs?’ ” Olson recalled. Extra opted to have their employees work from home. Olson, who has been with Extra since 2003, and his wife Kat have two sons – James, 9, and Luke, 7. Despite his disappointment over the delay in the Phoenix openings of “Max Winslow” and that it fell victim to the can-

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MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

SWAZI �� 22

extreme poverty, and still have the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the world, up to 75 percent in some villages,” she said. Getting food and help to others in South Africa during the continued home confinement there can be dangerous. Kay asked for prayer for six workers “as they continue to venture out to purchase and distribute the food parcels to those in dire need.” “In some areas, there is brutality from the soldiers enforcing the stay-at-home policy. Such violence is not legally condoned but nevertheless a reality.” Swaziserve provides direct funding for one feeding site for children and another for the elderly. “However, Swaziserve is indirectly involved in many more feeding sites through support of the women who feed the kids,” explained Kay. “We have eight project partners in Africa and each one has their own ministry and vision; our role is a supportive, guiding and funding one.” She told of a project in Salubindza, one of the poorest sections in a poor district: “When we lived there, I taught a Bible study with the women. When we moved back, Edith, their leader, shared the vision God had given her to continue and we chose to support her in that vision. “Edith is an accomplished seamstress and now trains other women to sew to raise funds not only to help support their own families but also to sell their creations to raise money to feed the many local orphans and vulnerable children.” Swaziserve purchased industrial sewing machines for them pays their monthly water and electricity needs. “Last year the women dreamed even bigger and decided to build a small orphanage. They began making their own bricks using materials bought from the things they sewed. “When my team and I visited last year, we realized that it could take them years and years to do this, so we offered to raise funds to help. Praise God, generous friends gave enough and the home is now a reality and 18 orphans have a real home and refuge.” She said they have sponsors so far for 11 of the 18 orphans. A $30 sponsorship provides school supplies, clothing, food and other necessities. “However, now with the nationwide lockdown, the children are no longer in

Though they moved back to Ahwatukee after seven years in Swaziland, John and Kay West still work on behalf of impoverished villagers in the country, now known as eSwatini. (Special to AFN)

school and that’s where they received their first meal of the day. Other children in the community who are still living at home but coming to the care point for their second and often only other meal of the day can no longer congregate to receive the food,” she said. “So Swaziserve is providing funds for the women to provide enough food parcels for those children, as well as soap for their families – hopefully enough to last through the lockdown.” The continuing South African lockdown confines people to their homes. Outdoor activities are banned. Most recent changes in South Africa’s Level Four Lockdown allow some food delivery. Ahwatukee resident Patricia Hughes had a first-hand look at the work Swaziserve has established throughout eSwatini and South Africa when she traveled

with Kay to visit various village programs. “I will never be the same,” said Hughes. “Most of the communities rely on feeding sites that Kay and Swaziserve sponsors. Without that, they have nothing. “So even before COVID-19, they really had absolutely nothing and now with it, they’re completely depleted. Is there a word worse than having nothing?” Hughes responded quickly to Kay’s Facebook post seeking donations “because if they’re going to have to stay quarantined in their homes, they won’t get fed. “Their daily routine is going to the feeding sites. Not only do they get food there, but they get to learn about Jesus,” she said. ”I know they will not get the care they need unless they are able to get to the sites – sometimes not even fresh water, well, in fact, no water,” she noted. “Many of the communities I went into

did not have any running water and had to do all of their daily needs in a creek, sometimes with animals.” She said the reality can be “hard to comprehend.” “They leave a special mark on your soul and in your heart,” Hughes said. “They have nothing but they give all they have. They will sacrifice one kernel of corn to welcome you.” Hughes said the experience of visiting has “made me more sensitive to what is going on around our world and in our own communities. “It has made me less judgmental of those homeless on the streets, more sensitive to the elderly and more sensitive to the many different ethnicities in our own town. Because of them I am a better person, and it has taught me to love more and harder.” Hughes encourages others to help the Wests’ mission. “I give because that is what Jesus has called me to do. I know that without the support of Swaziserve, many will be without food, many could get sick, many will starve and many could get hurt.” Kay, who authored ‘The Refiner’s Fire’ about her years in eSwatini and South Africa, still hopes to visit Swaziserve programs and partnerships in July. “Swaziserve has always been, and always will be, God’s ministry. We are a tiny organization by the world’s standards, five board members, a friend who did our ministry taxes until she retired this year, another friend who makes bank deposits, and a 60-plus team of intercessors. “We are grateful for the monetary support, especially in these trying times,” she said. To help: send checks to Swaziserve, PMB #46, 4802 E. Ray Road, Suite 23, Phoenix 85044. Contributions are tax-deductible. Information: Kwest@Swasiserve.com.

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

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

MAX �� 22

cellation of the April 3 International Horror/Sci-Fi Film Festival, Olson remains in good spirits. But an even bigger disappointment was the cancellation of a family trip to London, where “Max Winslow” was up for Best Feature Film at the Crystal Palace Film Festival. “My family and I were ready to fly over during spring break,” said Olson, a member of the Producers Guild of America. “Even my dad and stepmom were going with us.” His film is a thriller about five teenagers who are selected to compete to win a mansion owned by eccentric billionaire, entrepreneur and scientist Atticus Virtue. The teens face off against a supercomputer named Haven that controls the mansion and then discover themselves trapped there overnight. They are forced to face off against each other and the AI that controls everything in the house. Haven is voiced by Marina Sirtis, famed for her role as Counselor Deanna Troi in the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” TV series and subsequent movies. “What I really like about ‘Max Winslow’ is we have multiple characters from different walks of life and their stories and arcs are all fully-developed; you can see a change in every one of them. It has a little bit for everyone; it’s a thrill ride from start to finish,” he said. In addition to his Extra editing gig, Olson is co-owner – with his wife and friends Christian Beckman and Andrea Nelson – of Trash Panda Entertainment, where he serves as creative director Among other films produced and directed by Olson and his company include thrillers “The Contractor” and “The Other Mother” and lighter films, including “Christmas Wonderland,” “Christmas Reunion” and “F.R.E.D.I.” “F.R.E.D.I.,” directed by Olson and cowritten by his wife, is currently streaming on Netflix and garnered good reviews from critics and families. “My producer Johnny Remo gave me a call and said to me, ‘I want to make a robot movie and I’ll make you an offer. If you

t ? Gow s e N

Sean Olson goes over a take with actress Denise Richards on the set of “Christmas Reunion.” (Special to AFN)

can figure out how to do the robot you can direct the film,’” Olson recalled. “I took him up on his offer and talked with a friend of mine, Christian Beckman who owns Quantum Creation FX - a special FX and costume company – and pitched him the idea and he was sold on my pitch,” Olson related. “There was talk about doing “F.R.E.D.I.” as a computer-generated robot but in the

Ahwatukee Troop 278. “It’s very familyfriendly, clean language with no violence.” Like films directed by John Hughes, to whom Olson has been compared, “F.R.E.D.I.” and “Max Winslow” center around and feature teenagers. “John Hughes is one of my favorites and I’m honored when anyone compares us. The writer of ‘Max Winslow and the House of Secrets,’ Jeff Wild, and I did

“ Spielberg has impacted me in more ways

than one; when he was a teenager, he lived in the Phoenix area and that made me believe a kid from Ahwatukee could one day make it in the industry.” end we did it as a puppet, and it was the right choice. Our cast really appreciated it as well, because in CGI you would interact with tennis balls. This wasn’t the case with ‘F.R.E.D.I.’ Everything was done on set.” “I was very excited to direct that film because of my love for the films of my youth; every day on set felt like a dream,” said Olson, who was an Eagle Scout in

model some of our characters after ‘The Breakfast Club.’” He also has other role models – including directors Steven Spielberg, David Fincher and Christopher Nolan. “Spielberg has impacted me in more ways than one; when he was a teenager, he lived in the Phoenix area and that made me believe a kid from Ahwatukee

could one day make it in the industry. He also made some of my favorite films” ‘Jaws,’ ’Raiders of the Lost Ark’ and ‘E.T.’” For “Max Winslow” Olson and crew traveled to Bentonville, Arkansas, where more than 200 high school students showed up to be extras on a 12-degree, snowy day. “Working with young people is something I really enjoy,” said Olson. “When I directed ‘F.R.E.D.I.’ – a movie about a teenager who finds a robot – I wanted to pay homage to ‘E.T.’ but also make it my own thing. I had the best time working with our young actors.” “My experience on ‘F.R.E.D.I.’ really informed me on how I wanted to work on ‘Max Winslow’ and we had a great time on that one. “I will say it’s a lot easier working with one or two teens at a time because once you get three or more, it becomes a lot more challenging to focus them.” Olson he grew up in Ahwatukee, attending Kyrene schools and was in the first Mountain Pointe High graduating class. His father, Marty Olson, now of Sun Lakes, owned Desert Sun Contracting and Tile in Tempe and he and his brother Nick Olson would often accompany his father on jobs. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor of fine arts degree in media arts. His mother Diana Michaels remains in Ahwatukee. Olson took editing classes at Scottsdale Community College and was hired at KPHO-CBS. “I ended up getting a job there as an editor. My shift started at 3 a.m. I worked there for a year, then my supervisor brought me to Denver to work at KMGH for two years. From there I moved to Southern California.” Olson said he feels fortunate to be able to continue his work from home and lately finds himself “fixing things up around the house since I now have the time.” For information on Olson’s movies, see MaxWinslowMovie.com and FrediMovie. com To see trailers of the movies: vimeo.com/374098770 and vimeo. com/234529522.

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

MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

DV grads, best friend dancers becoming Huskers AFN NEWS STAFF

alk about following in mom’s footsteps. Newly minted Desert Vista High School alumna Avery Lewis is heading to the University of Nebraska, the alma mater of Ahwatukee Studio 111 owner and Ahwatukee Nutcracker producer Kimberly Lewis. Avery’s best friend and classmate Bella Gregg is going there as well. And to the surprise of no one, both Thunder grads have already qualified to be on the Husker Scarlet Dance team, which performs for 90,000-plus fans of the football team. Although the status of college football this year is up in the air because of concerns over COVID-19, both Avery and Bella are said they’re thrilled to be attending the same university where both Lewis and her son Alex graduated from. Alex was a starting left tackle for the Huskers and later was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, where he was a starter for three years before being traded last year to the New York Jets. Kimberly Lewis, who was a Husker dancer when she attended Nebraska, has seen several other longtime Studio 111

students auditioning or already accepted on other universities’ dance teams. Lewis herself started the Phoenix Suns dance team more than 30 years ago – a group that now counts Bella’s sister Olivia Gregg as a member. Bella said she fell in love with the University of Nebraska when she visited it at age 14. Though she’s still undecided on a major, she said she likely will pick something in the health field. And while Bella conceded the last quarter of her senior year was a struggle amid school closures and cancellation of signature events like prom and an actual commencement exercise, “I am more focused on my future and have learned to appreciate the times I did have in my final year of high school. “I think in 10 years I will be able to look back and realize that although it ended very abruptly, I still had an extremely successful and fun last year of school,” she said “I was able to experience my whole football season dancing on the sidelines, win 2 state championship titles with my school, and maintain good grades, so overall I think I will look back and be proud and very grateful for the times I had as a senior.” Avery got to know the University of

Scholarship winners

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Nebraska while attending some of her brother’s games and was captivated by “the awesome energy and spirit the school had to offer.” She said she likely will major in broadcast journalism at the university, which already has announced its intention to hold fall classes on campus. She, too, felt the pain of losing out on events like Desert Vista High School Class of 2020 graduates Bella Gregg, left, and Avery Lewis heading to the University of Nebraska, where they will also be part of the Husker prom and a for- are Scarlet Dance Team. (Kimberly Lewis/Special to AFN) mal commencement as a result of this year’s school clo- proper way to wrap up our senior year sures, but is excited about the fact “I have of high school and get to say goodbye to been able to learn new things thought like people I might not see again but I think I will still be thankful to get to experience cooking and playing piano.” “I think looking back in 10 years I will some things like our last football game,” still feel like we should have gotten a Avery added.

Four local chapters of the Philanthropic Educational Organization International combined to award $2,500 scholarships to each of four Ahwatukee high school Class of 2020 members. The awardees include, from left, Desert Vista Valedictorian Megan Chen: Gemma Trimble of Mountain Pointe, Desert Vista Student Body President Morgann Kelly and Desert Vista Valedictorian Sonia Dias.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 2 critical issues face Foothills HOA Board

This evening, May 27, the Foothills Community Association HOA board will hold an electronic meeting, resuming activities after being idle due to coronavirus. Two critical issues are: a special meeting to vote on homeowner-sponsored reforms; and the annual election of board directors. AFN readers are aware that this past year has been very difficult for the HOA’s board. Last May, homeowner frustration with the board’s conduct boiled over, forcing a recall election. While homeowners voted nearly 4-1 to remove the President, Bill Fautsch, two corporate members with large blocks of votes helped him escape being removed. It is telling that, after more than a decade on the board, Fautsch could muster the support of only 4 percent of the HOA’s homeowners. The recall did not end the board’s troubles. Instead, it was an accelerant. Many previously uninvolved homeowners started paying attention to what the board was doing. Attendance at board meetings swelled, and criticism of the board’s secrecy and dismissive attitude toward homeowners reached a crescendo. The board reacted by adopting, in secret, a new ‘etiquette policy’ aimed at muzzling homeowners. Over the course of the summer, concerned homeowners worked to develop a package of bylaws reforms aimed at addressing the most pressing problems and ensuring longterm transparency and accountability. To a large degree, the board tacitly acknowledged the need for these reforms by initiating action on several of these issues: • It created a written procurement policy (drafted in secret and insufficient, but at least a start) • It moved to implement electronic voting

• It formed a committee to draft Bylaws amendments (a week after homeowners launched their bylaws reform drive) The question of whether the board was genuinely trying to mend its ways or cynically trying to coopt the reform campaign was answered at its December meeting. The board unanimously rejected the recommendation of its own committee to allow homeowners to vote on term limits. While board directors appeared to be willing to accept some changes, they would not abide any threat to their hold on power. The board tried to minimize the reform campaign, even repeatedly refusing to allow it on the agenda for monthly meetings. Nevertheless, the campaign succeeded. In early March, the petition signed by one quarter of the HOA’s total membership was submitted. This was a significant accomplishment; the 1,200+ signatures dwarfed the number of members historically taking part in HOA activities. The homeowners thus spoke ‘loud and clear’--they want change. A key element of the reform package is term limits. The homeowners made abundantly clear that the directors who have dominated the board for more than a dozen years should go. The board directors now must decide whether to respect the will of the homeowners, or to defy them and employ some stratagem that would permit the perennial directors to be installed once again by the corporate blocks. The best option would be for the board to hold the required special reform meeting prior to the board election. That way, if the Association’s members approve term limits, they would apply to the upcoming election. Alternatively, if the board wishes to conduct the reform vote concurrently with the board election, there is only one proper path forward: any board director who has exceeded the proposed term limits should voluntarily abstain from seeking reelection.

The time has come for the board to do the right thing. It can put to rest the controversies of the past year and create an environment in which the new board can move forward with the support of homeowners as it addresses the problems of the HOA. -David Randolph

Bravo to cyclists for their freeway path advocacy

Bravo to Mr. Struttmann and friends (AFN, May 1, 2020) for the advocacy of the recreational path along the 202 freeway. Ahwatukee lost a big community asset – a dedicated bike path along Pecos Road – with freeway construction. The new path along the south side of the freeway helps offset that loss and recognizes the importance of biking to quality of life in the Phoenix area. Identifying needed adjustments and improvements to the path is important to making it the best it can be for little additional cost. On the other hand, there are critics, some of them extreme. Mr. Cox (AFN, May 6) doesn’t like our tax dollars going to this project. At a cost of $1.7 billion for the freeway, he is concerned about incidental costs to make a great amenity even better by ensuring that intersections and fencing are safe for everyone. His axe to grind is resentment towards bicyclists. “Bikers have already taken over every street in the Foothills. Are we supposed to shut down the freeway so they can have that for their personal use too?” Bicyclists are far from taking over, but we are large part of the community and are insisting on our rights to use roads and paths. Here is a thought for Mr. Struttmann and friends to consider: make the pathway even better. Extend it westward around South Mountain by paving service roads ADOT has already built. -Andy French

Nonprofit for foster kids misses its volunteers

Arizona Helping Hands utilized the services of 1,397 volunteers in 2019. This army of men and women donated 13,026 hours assisting in our mission providing essential needs to boys and girls in the state’s foster care system. They stuffed backpacks with school supplies, sorted and folded clothing donations, assisted in our warehouse operations and answered phones. They were the driving force behind our Birthday Dreams program, gift wrapping and decorating birthday packages that we provided to 3,596 children last year. Then the coronavirus hit! In April, we had no volunteers in our facility. This put a strain on our staff to pick up some of the pieces, but I think it put more strain on our regular volunteers. This work has become an important part of their lives, and like all of us, they want to get back to whatever sense of normal we can as soon as possible. At Arizona Helping Hands, we adore our volunteers. We want to see their smiling faces around the building and can’t wait to have them working beside us, but we will do everything possible to keep them safe. Effective May 27, limited volunteers will get back to work, filling those birthday bags and assisting in our mission. The lives of children in foster care will be enhanced. Your work matters, and we can’t wait to have you back beside us. Due to the colorful masks donated to us by community friends, we might not see the smiles on your faces, but we will certainly see the twinkle in your eyes as you go about the important work you do. Information: azhelpinghands.org -Dan Shufelt, President/CEO Arizona Helping Hands.

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

BUSINESS

Business MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Bands, like bars, feel the pandemic’s pain BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

he COVID-19 recession has impacted John King in two very different ways, both shared by thousands of others in two very different ways. As a Kyrene Governing Board member, King shares with his district colleagues and countless officials across the country the daunting task of figuring out the pandemic’s impact on both future revenue and costs. But King, a retired computer scientist, also is a bass guitarist and singer in a band called Splash and singer in another performing group called The Ultimate Vocal Band. Neither has been performing since the pandemic came down hard on Arizona in March. “We just found out today that our Fourth of July gig in Payson has been canceled,” King said in a recent interview with AFN. “That was a big gig for us – 10,000 people.” Cancellations have become painfully common for Splash, which had been riding high on a wave of popularity at various East Valley bars and 55+ resort communities. And the more recently formed Ultimate Vocal Band also has been hit as well. Splash alone has lost close to two dozen gigs through early July. The Ultimate Vocal Band also has lost gigs just at a time when it was planning to be a regular feature at a dinner theater club that had been opening in east Mesa. The future for bands like King’s is frustratingly murky. King recalled a conversation he had with a resort manager who had inked a contract for Splash for a Halloween dance. “She says ‘I forgot to tell you that the theme of the dance is Monster Mash’ and she asked if we could learn that song for the costume contest. I said sure and I said by the way, the band is coming dressed in pirate costumes and she said, ‘Well, that’s going to be great.’ “So, we are booking stuff, but she even

Singer and bass player John King, a member of the Kyrene Governing Board, said his band and his vocal group are hoping they can start performing in bars and resort communities later this year. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

said, ‘We’re hoping that we’ll be able to hold this dance.’” King feels optimistic about the latter part of the year and a return of gigs. “I feel pretty positive, but then I’m a positive guy.” But he conceded it’s difficult to figure out what the new normal will look

like at bars or concert venues even as stayat-home orders are lifted – and social distancing warnings remain. Just as actors and other performers have been crushed by the closures of everything from Hollywood studios to dinner theaters, musicians have been slammed

by the closing of everything from large concert venues and festivals to bars. The huge multi-purpose ballrooms at many East Valley 55+ communities that draw SRO crowds of seniors for dances have been shuttered since social distancing took effect and amid warnings that the very people who attend those events are at a high risk for contracting the virus. The National Endowment for the Arts said five million Americans “make their livelihoods in the broader arts and cultural sector across the country and are potentially at risk” for economic ruin as arts organizations have lost $5 billion in revenue. A 2018 survey by the Music Industry Research Association and the Princeton University Survey Research Center in partnership with the Recording Academy’s MusiCares, found “live performances were the most common income source for musicians.” According to the website jdsupra.com, in response to not just stay-at-home orders but also the likelihood of long-lasting restrictions on large gatherings, “live event organizers have been cancelling or postponing concerts, tours, and other music events, leading to financial hardships not just for artists, but for an entire $12.2 billion dollar ecosystem built around such events. “Music festivals often serve as major revenue sources for local economies and cancellations can have a devastating impact not just on the artists and organizers, but also on smaller businesses,” jdsupra said. Bars that host bands like Splash – which has been a popular attraction at places like Va Bene in Ahwatukee and Jersey D’s in Chandler, among others – have been so badly damaged financially by Arizona’s business closures that they aren’t booking bands for the foreseeable future. Some are taking the position of one that called King and said Splash would be wel-

�ee MUSICIANS page 30

BUSINESS

MUSICIANS from page 29

come – if the band basically agreed just to play for tips. Until the pandemic hammer came down on the country, Splash was on a high, playing three or four gigs a week. Right up until closures took full force in March, some of Splash’s gigs were drawing upwards of 300 to 350 people. “Things started happening at the beginning of March,” King recalled. “We started getting a couple of cancellations, then we played until mid-March and then we were done.” As stay-at-home orders are lifted, professionals in the music industry are trying to assess what they can expect in the way of audience participation when venues open. Chorus America, an advocacy and leadership development group serving 6,000

Geowts? N

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

choruses, businesses and organizations, recently heard a presentation from Colleen Dilenschneider, chief market engagement officer for IMPACTS Research & Development. Her blog, Know Your Bone, surveyed more than 2,200 people two weeks ago about their intentions to visit venues. The bottom line: More people were inclined to plan on visiting parks and museums rather than bars or concert halls. Discussing those respondents’ plans over the next three months, she wrote her followers: “These findings mean that people intend to have cultural experiences again within that timeframe, but it does not mean that they expect your operations to remain the same. Quite to the contrary.” “Only one in four people feel comfortable attending an exhibit-based cultural institution – such as a museum, aquari-

um, or historic site – without changes that prioritize guest safety. Only about one in seven feels comfortable visiting a performance-based – such as a theater or symphony – without operational and strategic changes to prioritize safety.” Breaking down the survey responses across the country, only 25 percent of respondents in the region that includes Arizona feel comfortable attending a cultural event in the next three months. Those survey results echo in King’s personal conversations with bar owners. He was excited when the governor lifted most stay-at-home orders and had told his bandmates they needed to start rehearsing. But then reality hit him. “I’m finding out that most places aren’t going to have bands probably the whole summer,” King said. “The issue that I see is that people are

probably uncomfortable being in a closed environment with dancing and that sort of thing.” If there’s any silver lining for King’s groups, it’s the fact that his resort community audiences are largely winter visitors, mostly from Canada, and they fled Arizona early this year for fear that travel restrictions would trap them here indefinitely. “Things are slower in summertime,” he said, although he and Splash still may not see a bar gig for weeks if not months. But he probably speaks for a lot of performers when he said: “I’m just going to say everybody that I’ve spoken to is feeling like me: They can’t wait to get back playing music. It’s not something we do – it’s who we are. It’s really a difference between being a musician and versus a stamp collector. It’s a part of our DNA.”

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

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 32

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Life Events Marietta (Cavins) Frazier

Frazier, Marietta (Cavins) passed away peacefully at Hospice in Tempe Arizona on April 28th at the age of 89. Marietta is survived by her son Gregory Allen Frazier and his wife Susan living in Phoenix, AZ. Grandchildren JD Frazier of Phoenix, Jacob Scott Frazier and his wife Viviana, and her great grandchildren Gregory Scott Frazier and Alysa Nicole Frazier living in Austin Texas. Marietta was born September 26th, 1930 in Lee County Virginia and was raised by her Grandmother and Aunt. She left Virginia and moved to Dayton, Ohio where she met the love of her life, Loyd Frazier. Loyd and Marietta were married December 29th, 1948 and were married for 54 years before Loyd passed away in November, 2002. She was a homemaker until Gregory was in High School and then entered the workforce at Dot’s Market. She held many positions as she was promoted, then retired after 35 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was an accomplished seamstress, cook, and household manager. She was steeped deeply in the Southern Baptist religion and was giving of her time and energy to many charities. Her goal in life was to help others. At her request there was no viewing or funeral. A small graveside service was held at Miami Valley Memory Gardens where she was laid to rest next to the man she loved forever. She will be missed. If you care to make a donation, please do so to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

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1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 Tempe, AZ 85282 • 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com Deadlines

Classifieds: Friday 3pm for Wednesday Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday

Employment Employment General EMBEDDED SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Support the company’s Back End interface for scientific research instrumentation, including programming microcontrollers, working with Serial Communication Protocols, developing mathematical algorithms, designing user interfaces, designing UML diagrams, and creating code documentation. Master’s degree in Embedded Software Engineering required. Must have successfully completed Master’s level courses covering the following areas: Embedded C Programming, Embedded Kernel, Intro to Linux Programming, Advanced Digital Design, Rapid Proto with FPGA, VHDL, Engineering Project and Management, and Advanced Engineering Analysis. Employer will accept any suitable combination of education, training or experience. Employer: Admiral Instruments, LLC. Job location: Tempe, AZ.

Miscellaneous For Sale WHITE RHINO HORNS FOR SALE Hunting New and Final Cost. Intact White Rhino Horns. 25Lbs. Price $67,000. Must Be Arizona Resident. Call or Text 480-925-8443

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

To our customers, thank you, we appreciate you and we miss your pets! Call Eleanor 480-284-4897 www.WhileYouAreAwayServices.com

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License #ROC 298736

SUN TECH

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

INC.

• 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

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

Misting Systems

MOST REPAIRS

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating

www.irsaz.com

Landscape Lighting

Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

www.AcpPaintingllc.com

“We get your house looking top notch!”

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

D&L SPRINKLER SERVICE

Like us on Facebook to stay current & Receive 5% Off Services

(480)785-6323

PAINTING

ROC# 256752

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

Call Lance White

480.721.4146

10% OFF

ACP is 100% Veteran Owned

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

480-745-5230

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

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

• Best Painters EVER!

Painting

Is your lawn ready for the holidays? Call for a clean up.

Voted #1

• Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings

480-586-8445

15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

East Valley PAINTERS

Residential • Commercial

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70

Painting

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

“

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

THE MAN WHO STOPS ADVERTISING TO SAVE MONEY IS THE MAN WHO STOPS THE CLOCK TO SAVE TIME. - UNKNOWN

“

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

480.898.6465

CLASSIFIEDS

MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

CLR Pool Service LLC

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Off 40work done

Excellent Service... First time, Every time!

*Any

Charles Rock - Ahwatukee Resident

Pool Service / Repair

Roofing

???

People are looking in the Classifieds Every day!

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning! Monthly Service & Repairs Available

Email Your Job Post to:

480.399.ROCK (7625)

602-546-POOL

charles@clrpoolservice.com

www.barefootpoolman.com

class@times publications.com

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

or Call 480

www.clrpoolservice.com 1st Month of Service FREE For a limited time

Call Now!

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

7 6 6 5

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

898-6465

Pool Service / Repair

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

602-938-7575 $ 1000 OFF when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference! Serving The Valley Since 1996

Call me, Howard:

480.231.9651

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member Not a licensed contractor.

inexroofing.com

Juan Hernandez Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Roofing

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

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

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

Plumbing

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT We offer personalized service for our customers. We use the best materials that we can find.

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

480-446-7663

10% OFF with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer! FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

Honey Do List Too Long? Check out the Handyman Section!

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

Roofing

Tree Services

Roofing

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

ROC #152111

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs

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

Complimentary & Honest Estimates

480-706-1453

480-460-7602 Your leaks stop here!

PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC

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

Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

Licensed • Bonded • Insured CR 42 DUAL

623-873-1626

SAME DAY SERVICE

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

30 Years Experience References Available Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

480-280-0390

phillipsroofingaz.com phillipsroofing@cox.net

www.porterroofinginc.com

APPEARANCE Professional service since 1995

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

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes Sun Screens Cleaned $3 each Attention to detail and tidy in your home.

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time! 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

www.timklineroofing.com

FREE Estim a and written te proposal

480-357-2463 R.O.C. #156979 K-42 • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

(480) 584-1643

Bonded & Insured

and every step of the way.

480-446-7663 Roofing

Please recycle me.

Window Cleaning

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

Member of ABM Valleywide

13 yrs exp. 480-329-2239 arpjeff103@gmail.com

SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.

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

ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

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

COUNTS LLC

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

ROC 223367

Not a licensed contractor.

Call our office today!

Over 30 yrs. Experience

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

MAY 27, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | MAY 27, 2020

ARIZONA’S LARGEST GROWER DIRECT NURSERY FOR FOUR GENERATIONS!

s? uestion Plant Q e Whitfill Call Th en Show ard Nursery G7-9 am Sat KFYI 550AM m Sun 7-9 a KTAR FM 1230

You’ll See The Difference As Soon As You Arrive!

M EMOR I A L DAY B LOWOU T SA LE! Palms and Citrus. We’ll do the diggin’!

HUGE GIANT

24” BOX TREES Mesquite • Oak • Pistachio Ash • Elm • Acacia

PLANTED & GUARANTEED

379

YOUR CHOICE

• Best Plants In Town • Friendly, Knowledgeable Nurserymen • No Commissioned High-Pressure Sales People • Best Price In Town On Quality Trees!

149

CITRUS TREES $ BIG 5-6 Year Old Many With Fruit!

Includes Dwarf Trees:

36” UPBOX TREES TO 15’ TALL

Lemon • Lime Grapefruit • Oranges

15 GAL.

CASH & CARRY

Mesquite • Thornless Mesquite Palo Verde • Acacia • Palobrea • Ironwood Sissoo • Oak • Ash • Elms & more

599

PLANTED & GUARANTEED

• Lemon • Lime • Tangerine • Tangelo • Oranges • Grapefruit and more!

SHADE TREES Monster 48”

Compare at $1000

FROM

UNIQUE TIMES... • Shop our nurseries and maintain Covid-19 protocol for your protection and ours. • Order by phone • Contact website

Hours: Monday - Saturday 8AM - 5:30PM • Closed Sunday

Valleywide delivery just $75 MAIN TREE FARM • 602-268-9096

EAST VALLEY • 480-892-2712

2647 E. Southern Ave. (Phx)

Cooper (Stapley) & Guadalupe

Box Trees 1000’s to Choose From

1800

From

• Ash • Elm • Mesquite • Palo Verde • Pistachio • Pines

UP TO 25’ TALL

Planted & Guaranteed • Compare at $3000+

PALMS

Arizona’s Best Selection Grower-Direct From Our Farms

Dates • Bismarkia California and Mexican Fan • Cycads • Blues And More! NORTH PHOENIX/ SCOTTSDALE • 602-944-8479 824 E Glendale Ave. (Phx)

All offers limited to stock on hand. • No other discounts apply. • Not valid on previous sales. Multi trunk, jumbo size, and field dug trees slightly higher. LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED • RESIDENTIAL - C-21 - 125878 • COMMERCIAL - A-21 - 125879

SALE ENDS 6/15/20

Price is good with ad only.