West Valley View: South 05 - 29 - 2019

May 29, 2019 westvalleyview.com

Census: Buckeye had nation’s fastest growth

BY MIRANDA FAULKNER AND JULIAN PARAS West Valley View Contributing Writers

Buckeye posted the fastest growth rate among cities in the nation last year, while Phoenix held the top spot for the size of its overall growth, according to new numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The report, released May 23, said Buckeye added 5,813 residents, an increase of 8.5% in just a year, while Phoenix’s population grew by 25,288 to top 1.66 million last year.

The two No. 1 finishes by Arizona cities were surprising, but the booming growth in the Valley did not come as a surprise to experts, who note that it is regularly among the fastest-growing regions in the nation.

Just a year earlier, Phoenix had posted the second-biggest gains in the nation and Buckeye had the fifth-fastest growth rate. The latest census report also showed Mesa posted the 16th-largest gain in population from 2017 to 2018, with its 8,563 new residents putting it just behind Miami for growth.

“Individuals can go anywhere, but they come to Phoenix for a reason,” said Garrick Taylor, a spokesman for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. “Population spikes are usually due to a growing economy, plentiful jobs, a high quality of life and a competitive cost of living.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego called the population growth “a testament to all of the innovation happening in our city.”

“We must continue to provide high-quality services to the public and we need to do more than just keep up with growth, we

Growth...continued on page 2

EMCC president Dr. Ernest Lara announces retirement

BY ANDREA ESTRADA West Valley View Staff Writer

From attending Glendale Community College to helping establish Paradise Valley Community College in the 1980s and serving as president of Estrella Mountain Community College, Dr. Ernest “Ernie” Lara boasts years of involvement with the Maricopa County Community College District.

He is now retiring.

After more than 37 years of service, Lara, who has witnessed and contributed largely to the growth and success of the Maricopa Community Colleges, said he believes it’s the right moment for him to step away from his role.

“I think the colleges worked very hard to become part of the community. We’ve got great staff; great programs. We’re in

the position where we’re getting ready for accreditation and different opportunities,” Lara said. “For me, right now is the right time because it will allow somebody else to come in and continue with the missions we’re working on.”

One of those missions mentioned by Lara is strengthening local partnerships.

Retirement...continued on page 2

Available land for new housing is just one of the factors that experts believe people are attracted to Arizona, where the city of Buckeye last year posted the nation’s fastest growth rate and Phoenix had the biggest overall population gains. (Photo courtesy city of Buckeye)

“We’ve worked very closely with WESTMARC looking at the potential businesses that are coming here,” Lara said.

“Another extremely important partnership is the West Valley Think Tank, where we meet with the elementary school and high school leaders; the community colleges including Glendale, Phoenix College; and the local universities. Basically, what we want to do is all of us have an investment in this pipeline.”

And the goal for these partnerships is not to benefit one institution alone, but to support and connect local students with exceptional postsecondary educa-

Growth...continued from page 1

need to be ahead of it,” she said in a prepared statement released by her office. “Whether it’s safe and affordable housing, diverse transportation options, or a fantastic cultural scene, we need to deliver on behalf of our residents.”

Despite the challenges that can be posed by growth, Thomas Combrink said most governments welcome the

tion, Lara added.

“We’ve always said, ‘Sure, we’d like you to come to Estrella Mountain.’ But basically our main goal is: Just go somewhere. Glendale, Phoenix, Gateway or any institution where you can get the type of training you want,” Lara said.

Lara will remain in his position until a viable candidate is identified and a start date determined.

Public forums for final candidates for the president position were hosted by Maricopa Community Colleges at EMCC on May 6. He hopes the new president continues initiatives that strongly encourage students to transition from EMCC to a university.

“We want to make sure that our stu-

dents can continue to transfer to any of the local universities. That they actually get to where they can get the premium years of skills needed to go on and be part of the workforce,” Lara said.

“And then they can even work here in the community and stay out here and help the West Valley grow.”

Lara knows about education. He earned an associate degree from GCC. Lara holds all of his additional degrees from ASU.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in history, a Master of Guidance and Counseling, a Master of Counseling, and a Ph.D. from the Higher and Adult Education Program with an emphasis in student development.

Besides the West Valley Think Tank, Lara serves on several local boards, including West Valley Hospital Board of Directors and Valle del Sol. Other community service includes the Hispanic Leadership Forum del Oeste Advisory Board, Estrella Rotary, Leadership West, and Luke Air Force - Honorary Commanders Program.

A Goodyear resident, Lara said he plans to remain in the area and looks forward to spending time with his family.

In the meantime, Gold Hill Associates (GHA), the independent search firm conducting this national search effort, has identified two potential candidates.

extra population.

“States are always looking for population growth, it’s a good thing for a few reasons,” primarily the opportunity for increased tax revenues, said Combrink, a senior research specialist at the Alliance Bank Economic Policy Institute at Northern Arizona University’s Franke College of Business.

That growth was particularly welcomed in Buckeye, where city officials believe that the population has already

grown more than 11% since last year, from the 74,370 in the census report to an estimated 82,600 today.

“We know Buckeye is a desirable community, we have a high quality of life and great housing values, which is mainly why we are the fastest-growing city,” said Annie DeChance, Buckeye’s communications manager.

Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck said in a prepared statement the city is focused on remaining one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation by managing long term-quality of life there.

The influx in population has played an important part in planning by the Buckeye Elementary School District, said Lon Sage, the community and family engagement coordinator for the school district. He said the district has an 11-year plan to enhance its schools and meet enrollment demands all the way up to 2030.

economic development and job accessibility.” He added that Arizona is also attractive as a retirement destination, which helps keep the population growing.

“Our enrollment is scheduled to increase even more,” Sage said. “Right now, we are looking at having another school open by the 2021-2022 school year.”

DeChance said one thing Buckeye also has going for it is available land: The city is built-out on just 5% of its 642 square miles.

“There is tremendous opportunity for retail, services and employment,” she said.

Combrink agreed that population growth, “especially in Buckeye could be due to the amount of land they have.” More land means more room for housing development.

Arizona State Demographer Jim Chang said that as a smaller city, Buckeye’s “growth is robust and it’s easier for it to grow faster.”

Chang said the state has several factors driving its growth including “our

The Census Bureau report also said that the city of Maricopa was one of 10 cities in the United States to see their populations top 50,000 for the first time last year, when the Pinal County city had an estimated 50,024 residents.

The Census Bureau said most of the growth last year continued to be in the South and West, both for cities with the biggest growth and the fastest growth rates.

“We are in growth mode and talented individuals from all over the country are taking notice of all that Arizona has to offer,” the chamber of commerce’s Taylor said.

Miranda Faulkner and Julian Paras are writers for Cronkite News. For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

Buckeye officials believe the city has already grown by 11% from last year, when its 8.5% growth rate was the highest in the nation. (Photo by Marine 69-71/Creative Commons)

Youngker’s Hands 4 Paws raises money for Buckeye K-9

BY MAXIMO LAWLOR West Valley View Contributing Writer

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Hands 4 Paws, a club at Youngker High School, recently donated $3,200 to the Buckeye Police Department’s K-9 unit in order to pay for a ballistic vest for one of its dogs, Cliff.

Hands 4 Paws is currently in its first year of being an established organization on Youngker’s campus. And between all the community service, the idea to raise money for the K-9 unit’s vest started with a simple conversation between Hands 4 Paws advisor Marie Buquicchio and a police officer.

“I was just talking to an officer one day and the conversation came up in passing that Cliff needed a new vest, and I said ‘We can help you with that,’” Buquicchio said.

Buckeye police offi cer Dave Smith is Cliff’s partner, and he expressed the importance of a ballistic vest for K-9 units.

“(The ballistic vest) is a huge deal when it comes to critical incidents with guns and knives,” Smith said. “It gives us a level of protection that (Cliff) normally doesn’t have.”

Throughout the year, Hands 4 Paws has been a diligent force throughout the Maricopa County community by volunteering and fundraising for Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC), Buckeye Animal Rescue and Kennel (BARK) and Living Water Ranch Rescue.

Some activities included cleaning kennels, walking dogs and hosting special projects and fundraisers during holidays. The organization also hosted fundraisers at Main Event, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Whataburger, Dunkin Donuts, Peter Piper Pizza and Pizza Hut.

But Hands 4 Paws didn’t stop there.

The club also hosted a gift basket drawing, a craft fair and a school-wide loose coin collection throughout Youngker High School.

“Our mission is to raise awareness for the needs of animals, especially spaying (and) neutering.” Buquicchio said. “We try to do community outreach and get involved, raise money and take care of the dogs.”

Hands 4 Paws has raised approximately $8,000 in its first year as a club, but according to Buquicchio, the future of Hands 4 Paws is filled with even more ambitious tasks and plans to take action to the Legislature.

“We want to try to get some legislation passed to get it illegal to drive in the back of pickup beds and have puppy mills — they’re on my hit list,” Buquicchio said. “We’re definitely (going to) continue to raise money, continue to reach out to the community and continue to help out different rescues and shelters.”

As Cliff continues to patrol the Buckeye area,

Smith said he feels more at ease knowing his partner is safer.

“They could have given this gift to

anybody they wanted to, but they chose to give it to us — I’m truly grateful,” he said.

Officer Dave Smith, front right, shows off a check Hands 4 Paws awarded the department to pay for a ballistic vest for K-9 Cliff. (West Valley View photo by Maximo Lawlor)

Avondale awarded ‘Gold’ for a healthy employee workplace

BY MAXIMO AGUILAR LAWLOR West Valley View Staff Writer

The city of Avondale has great reason to celebrate as they were awarded “Gold” by Healthy Arizona Worksites Program this May.

With over 500 employees and 10plus departments to oversee, it’s no easy task to keep a workplace healthy and safe for all workers.

But Avondale has proven to be successful in this category.

Kathy Reyes, the city of Avondale’s benefits program manager, is a 40-year city resident, and she highlights her experience working for the city in a positive light.

“When you live where you work, it brings a lot of things into perspective, and I’ve learned that Avondale really does reach out and try to figure out what we can do to enhance lives,” Reyes said.

Community outreach is one of Avondale’s priorities, and the staff strives to do the best it can do for its residents, but according to Reyes, employees are equally as important.

“If we’re going to really reach out in

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community, we need to reach internally as well and try to have a positive impact on our employees and their families,” Reyes said.

Avondale offers a variety of services and programs to its employees as it has at least one program a month for workers to better their lifestyles.

One of the more popular programs is the cardiac and organ screening. Reyes explained the screening uses high-tech equipment and returns polarized pictures with results you can take to your physician.

“What’s really amazing is when you take in (the results) and your physician goes, ‘Wow, these are great quality. Where’d you get them?’” Reyes said. “We’ve really had great success with this program.

But it doesn’t end there.

Another popular service the city of Avondale employees enjoy are the interactive Fit Bit programs.

“We all compete against each other internally,” Reyes said. “We have walking challenges. We do hidden treasure challenges. And if we want, we can link into teams and compete

together.”

The city also hosts skin cancer screenings, behavioral change seminars, nutrition seminars, stress management seminars, mammograms, onsite prostate exams, flu and pneumonia tests, glaucoma tests and other various eye tests.

“We really do try to make (our services) pretty broad—something for everybody that fits in everybody’s schedule.” Reyes said.

HAWP’s judging process is extensive, but according to Reyes, this wouldn’t stop her team’s mission to be recognized.

“First you go to classes and learn the process, and then you write a paper and talk about what you’ve done (as a workplace),” Reyes said. “For instance, for us, we bring in a nutritionist on site, a dietitian on site, our fit bit programs and so on— you kind of list all those out and they are weighted.

“That weight goes in and it’s reviewed — you kind of have to give an action plan, your goals, what they are, did you make them, how did you make them, are they measurable—and then you submit them into a committee, and at that point, you are notified of a deficiency or you’re notified basically ‘Congratulations, you’ve earned this award—it’s a process.”

As Avondale workers continue to circle through their employment, Reyes wants each employee to benefit from at

least one thing throughout their experience.

“Everybody has a different journey—if some people are not interested in fit bit challenges, that’s great,” Reyes said. “But if I can get you to a cardiac screenings and talk about good health and try to have you think about ways to live a better life, that lives on forever—generation to generation.

“When you have people come up to you and go, ‘Thanks so much for that cardiac screening you did,’ it potentially saved someone’s life—that’s pretty powerful. Even if we save one person, that’s an amazing thing to be able to do in a workplace.”

Avondale has been labeled Gold by HAWP for the second year in a row, but for Reyes, she isn’t completely satisfied. The next step is to reach platinum level.

“We will reach platinum level— there’s no question—and I’ve got that on my target,” Reyes said. “We’re going to really try and see what our partnerships look like with our fire departments—all fire departments have amazing peer groups or trainers—and see if we can get more stuff done in house at different convenient schedules.

“We’re also looking far into the future and seeing if it’s even possible to bring some kind of wellness clinic to our west side cities where employees can go.”

City of Avondale adds staff

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The city of Avondale recently announced James Alcantar is the finance and budget department’s new assistant director. Alcantar, who has more than nine years of experience in government finance, will help oversee the operations of the city’s finance and budget department.

Prior to joining Avondale last month, Alcantar was most recently the assistant director of finance for the city of Bellevue, Washington, where he led the accounting, treasury, debt, investments and budget divisions. His experience also includes the role of chief financial officer for Youngtown and fiscal analyst for Arizona.

His education includes a Master of

Public Administration with an emphasis in public finance from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Accounting from the University of North Carolina.

Dr

James Alcantar was appointed assistant director for the finance and budget department last month. (Photo courtesy city of Avondale)

Board of supervisors OKs tentative FY 2020 budget

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

With a new decade on the horizon, the nation’s fastest-growing county is making smart investments to further position itself as an attractive, long-term home for families and businesses. On May 20, the Board of Supervisors approved a tentative $2.57 billion budget for fiscal year 2020.

“This fiscally responsible and sustainable budget keeps the tax rate steady for our residents while investing in the kinds of technology and infrastructure that works to serve citizens better,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, District 3.

“These investments include strengthening public safety, improving the voter experience, preserving and enhancing our open space, and utilizing technology and process improvement to save money and make our county government more efficient while providing better service. I am grateful to my colleagues on the board and to all departments for budgeting in a way that plans for, and protects, the future.”

With the 2020 elections fast approaching, the budget reserves funding for updated elections equipment that is expected to increase the speed with which votes

can be counted. Improved technology is one piece of a larger discussion about the future of elections in Maricopa County.

“Making our elections the best they can be is a priority of every person on this board,” said Vice Chairman Clint Hickman, District 4. “Modern, reliable equipment is essential for a county of our size so we can efficiently handle the potential record number of voters participating in our democracy in the 2020 elections and beyond.”

Recent numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show Maricopa County added 81,244 people between July 2017 and July 2018, the most of any county in the nation. The FY 2020 budget allocates $296.9 million for capital improvement projects which will modernize the infrastructure needed to support that growing population. Those projects include multimillion-dollar investments in county parks; a new East Valley animal shelter; and a new substation for the Sheriff’s Office in Avondale. The budget also provides continued funding for the new jail intake facility, Southeast Regional Justice Center, Central Court building, and 225 Madison renovation project, which will turn an old jail into modern, usable

office space.

“I am proud to be part of the team that continues to pass budgets that protect our taxpayers while serving the needs of our ever-growing county population,” said Supervisor Jack Sellers, District 1.

“This budget will assure the protection and well-being of our citizens. I’m pleased the tax rate won’t change, nor is the county required to take on debt to fund operations.”

At a time when many other counties are taxing as much as they are allowed by state law, Maricopa County’s tax levy is $140.5 million below the maximum.

“We live in the most dynamic county in the United States where people tend to have a lower cost of living and pay less for government services than they do in other large metropolitan areas, while also having access to diverse job and recreational opportunities,” said Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2.

“This budget supports the Maricopa County of the future by building on a great foundation of innovative planning and fiscal intelligence to move us forward.”

Other budget highlights

• $1.5 million to continue the current

model of animal shelter operations that has resulted in a 95% save rate

• $1.5 million for process and technology improvements that support the strategic goal of becoming an all-digital county by 2022

• $100,000 to update unincorporated area plans for the next generation

• Three new positions for the county’s Innovation Studio, focused on process improvement that in 2018 saved an estimated $1.5 million

• Full-time, permanent homeless coordinator to support regional solutions to homelessness through Human Services Department

“Investments in county staff directly benefit the people of Maricopa County by ensuring the best and brightest work here, and not somewhere else,” said Supervisor Steve Gallardo, District 5.

“Having a permanent homeless coordinator at a time when the region’s homeless population continues to grow at an alarming rate is one example of how the county is prioritizing spending to make a real difference on issues that matter.”

The public will be able to comment on the tentative budget between now and the final vote, which is scheduled for June 24.

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Avondale sets public hearing on proposed property tax increase

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

All Avondale citizens are invited to attend a public hearing for the city’s proposed primary property tax increase.

The public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2019 at the City Council Chambers, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive.

In compliance with section 42-17107, Arizona Revised Statutes, the city of Avondale is notifying property taxpayers of its intention to raise its primary property taxes over last year’s level.

The city is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $59,905, or 2%.

The proposed tax increase will cause the city of Avondale’s primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to increase from $68.65 to $70.03.

This proposed increase is exclusive of the increased primary property taxes received from new construction. The increase is also exclusive of any changes that may occur from property levies for voter approved bonded indebtedness or budget and tax overrides.

Helsham-Strickland graduates from basic training

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class

Kaeleigh Helsham-Strickland graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Com-

munity College of the Air Force.

Helsham-Strickland earned distinction as an honor graduate. She is the daughter of Wilbur Helsham of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, and sister of Evan Helsham of El Mirage. She is the sister of Jake Helsham of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and wife of Antonio Strickland of El Mirage.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kaeleigh Helsham-Strickland earned an associate degree in 2013 from Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale. (Photo courtesy Joint Hometown News Service)

The airman is a 2007 graduate of Air Academy High School, U.S. Air Force Academy. She earned an associate degree in 2013 from Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale.

Abrazo West earns fifth consecutive ‘A’ grade

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Abrazo West Campus received its fifth consecutive “A” rating in The Leapfrog Group’s spring 2019 Hospital Safety Score, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to delivering safe, high-quality patient care.

“This rating recognizes our continuous commitment to placing safety at the forefront of our patients’ care,” said Christina Oh, Abrazo West Campus chief executive officer.

“Every day, we focus on driving improvements in care delivery and patient satisfaction. Our clinical leaders regu-

larly review our hospital’s patient care processes and compares our data to nationally recognized benchmarks and best practices. Nothing is more important to us than offering our patients trusted care in a safe environment,” Oh said.

The Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Score is a rating system designed to give consumers information they can use to make healthcare decisions for themselves or a loved one. The Leapfrog Group assigns A, B, C, D and F grades to more than 2,600 U.S. hospitals based on their ability to prevent errors, injuries, accidents and infections.

Avondale district recruits new administration

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Avondale Elementary School District is proud to introduce its new administration team for Eliseo C. Felix School, effective for the 2019-20 school year.

The school will be managed by two co-principals who share over 30 years of expertise in education.

Marisol Molina was previously the dean of students at Eliseo for three years. She also served as the interim principal at the school. Molina has dedicated 19 years in education as a teacher, mentor, instructional coach and administrator.

She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in school leadership and administration from Capella University.

“This new leadership model is new and unique for our district, but I truly believe that having two administrators will provide our students, parents and staff immediate support when needed,” Molina said.

Joining Molina as principal is Samantha Bartlett, new to the Avondale district. Bartlett has served 14 years in public schools in Arizona as a middle school teacher, achievement specialist and assistant principal.

Bartlett has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Arizona State University, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a second master’s degree in administration and supervision — both from the University of Phoenix. She is currently working on attaining a doctorate degree in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University.

“In my new role, I am committed to putting students first and ensuring their academic, social and emotional well-being in order to prepare them for their futures,” Bartlett said.

“We are proud to offer this innovative approach to school leadership. AESD strongly believes in collaboration and distributive leadership and has seen tremendous growth in student achievement over the past four years,” Superintendent Dr. Betsy Hargrove said.

community aimed at student success.

Applying this approach to the leadership model is a natural next step to growing and developing a collaborative

“We are confident in this model and know Ms. Molina and Ms. Bartlett have the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide outstanding leadership,” Hargrove added.

Aspen Dental offering treatment to veterans

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

To show

and women who have served the country, Aspen Dental will open nearly 500 of the nation’s largest network of branded dental offices to provide free care to veterans during the company’s sixth annual Day of Service from 9 a.m. to 3

p.m. Saturday, June 8.

Among these locations is the company’s Goodyear office, 15530 W. Roosevelt Street, Suite E106.

Achieving oral health is especially challenging for the majority of U.S. veterans as they are not eligible for dental benefits through the Veterans Adminis-

tration unless they are 100% disabled, have a service-related mouth injury or were a prisoner of war. Day of Service is all about thanking veterans for their service and helping to empower them with the gift of a healthier mouth.

that one special day.

Since launching the Healthy Mouth Movement in 2014, dentists and their teams from Aspen Dental-branded offices across the country have donated more than $15 million in dentistry to over 22,000 veterans and people in need through their volunteer efforts.

Aspen Dental will also look to build on the success of last year’s Day of Service campaign, in which more than 4,300 veterans across the country received free dental care at 426 participating Aspen Dental locations. This year, the company expects to give free dental care to approximately 5,000 on

Like millions of other Americans, veterans can struggle to find oral health care when they need it, which is why veterans can call 1-844-277-3646 (1-844-ASPENHMM) to find a participating office near them and schedule an appointment.

Marisol Molina, left, and Samantha Bartlett will be co-principals at Eliseo C. Felix School. (Photo courtesy Eliseo C. Felix School)

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OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Regulating the farming industry

Editor:

As a Tonopah resident I appreciated your article in the May 1, 2019, West Valley View regarding the documentary film “Right to Harm” that included Hickman’s Family Farms in Tonopah and Arlington. It brings to light how our nation has gone from family farm operations to an industry producing waste affecting our environment, health and welfare from a high concentration of animals in a small area. I support my neighbors who are working with Maricopa County government agencies to improve regulation of this industry.

Sandy Larson Tonopah

We were here first

Editor:

After reading Lee Jablow’s letter to the editor about Hickman’s bashing I felt I had to respond to his obviously biased and uninformed letter. To put it simply: Lee Jablow does not know what the hell he is talking about.

I used to live in Arlington, which also has a big Hickman’s processing plant. Lee stated that people should have done their due diligence before moving there. That would only be true if Hickman’s was already established before other people moved in. Many of those complaining were already living in Tonopah and Arlington before Hickman’s invaded the areas.

I originally bought my property in Arlington back in 1993. That was at least seven to eight years before Hickman’s started building in Arlington, which was the first plant the company built before setting up in Tonopah in 2014. So, contrary to Lee Jablow’s assumption, the people complaining were there first!

When I bought my property in Arlington I selected that area because it was pristine, open desert. The landfill over on Salome Road was closed and

covered. The nearest crop farm was at least five miles away from where I lived. The area I lived in was zoned for rural residential, not agriculture. There were no smells of any kind in the area before Hickman’s came and got the zoning changed for the spot the company built on.

When Hickman’s started construction in Arlington, somewhere around 1999 and 2000, which is when I noticed the new buildings being built about 2.5 miles east of my home, I had no clue as to what kind of business it was. The only thing I saw was a sign at the corner of 331st and Salome that said “Coming Soon Hickman’s Egg Ranch.” At that time I thought that the company was building an egg-packing plant where the eggs would be shipped in and packed for market. I did not know Hickman’s would house millions of chickens that produce tons and tons of manure and urine everyday.

Around 2003 a horrendous ammonia and vomit odor came into my home through my open windows while I slept and woke me from a sound sleep. This odor was so strong it burned my throat and lungs. I actually called the fire department thinking there was a fire or some kind of chemical accident in the area. But the fire department said since it was coming from Hickman’s there was nothing they could do. I complained to the county many, many times to no avail.

After several years of this I was started to develop health issues from the pollution put out by Hickman’s. I was always tired, and my lungs burned every time the stink came into the area. I also developed a bladder inflammation problem. My doctor could not identify the cause of my problems but said breathing the pollution from Hickman’s was definitely not helping me. The doctor suspected breathing the ammonia and hydrogen sulfide might have been causing my bladder inflammation, because these chemicals are absorbed directly into the blood through the lungs and put a heavy strain on the kidneys and liver.

I finally had enough of it and put my property up for sale around 2016 and moved to Chino Valley in 2018 after selling the property at a loss. After moving to Chino Valley, where the air is clean, my health problems miraculously disappeared. My lungs no longer burned, I was finally sleeping normally again and my bladder inflammation just simply went away without any medication, which confirmed my suspicions that Hickman’s pollution was the cause of my afflictions.

And one thing I can tell you is that if it was not for Hickman’s presence I probably would not have moved. Hickman’s forced me to move because the pollution was killing me.

So when someone like Lee Jablow, who does not even live in Tonopah or Arlington, says the people bashing Hickman’s have no case, he is sadly mistaken.

Steven Love Chino Valley

Why should we be the ones to move?

Editor:

Mr. Jablow, I am tired of people like you telling me how great the Hickmans are. The Hickmans are the robber barons of this century.

My husband and I were aware of the fragrance of nature you may find in a rural area when we bought our home. We live a quarter of a mile from a ranch. Not a problem. There is a problem when you have a bully such as the Hickman’s Family Farms barge into your community. It is not a farm; it is an industrial factory for poultry. We need to eat, but not from CAFOs, which unfortunately produce much of our food.

We lived here before the Hickmans built their CAFO. Why should we move?

A group of concerned residents organized and tried to STOPP (Editor’s note: Save Tonopah Oppose Poultry Plant is a local nonprofit) them from building. Unfortunately, they built their fowl business.

Bad neighbor

Editor:

I have a neighbor who is so bad that for three months out of the year, anywhere from 40 to 80 of their baseballs hit my house, damage the stucco, break roof tiles and break windows. They trashed my neighbor’s rooftop solar system, too. This

Linda Davis Tonopah

Good News for Americans, Bad News for Pain Drugs

Millions are expected to bene�it from a new technology that could relieve years of severe joint discomfort; reprograms the body to block slow burning in�lammation instead of creating it

By Casey Law Health News Correspondent

NATION Several of the major drug companies behind popular pain relievers may take a �inancial hit as manufacturing of a new pill is now complete.

Using a new technology, the pill could be safer and more effective than many store bought brands.

The pill, VeraFlex, was developed in May of this year by a private company in Seattle.

Functioning primarily as an immune modulator, the pill targets the body’s immune system which can decrease pain in the body.

The Science Behind Relief

Research shows that the joint stiffness, soreness and discomfort associated with arthritis is caused by in�lammation which attacks healthy cartilage and protective tissue.

And according to leading medical scientists, this in�lammation is caused by two in�lammatory enzymes released by the body’s immune system.

Remarkably, the active ingredients in VeraFlex help to block the production of both these enzymes, resulting in a dramatic decreasing in swelling, in�lammation, and discomfort.

Right now, the leading overthe-counter pills are only able to block one of these enzymes!

It’s why so many sufferers fail to ever �ind relief.

Years of Discomfort Relieved in 5 Days

“VeraFlex users can generally expect more �lexibility in three days...their joint pain alleviated in �ive days...and in just seven days, a tremendous improvement in overall joint function

that may help them move like they did years prior” explains Dr. Liza Leal, developer and spokesperson for VeraFlex

“It’s an incredibly powerful little pill. And with the addition of a patented absorption enhancer, it packs an even greater punch. That’s why I’m so excited to be the �irst to share these results. It’s giving sufferers their life back.”

A Safer, More Effective Avenue to Amazing Relief

Its widely accepted through the medical community that in�lammatory enzymes are the primary cause of pain and suffering in millions of Americans. It’s why most prescriptions and even nonprescription pills are designed to block them.

However, what most people don’t know is that even the most advanced ones can’t block both!

And yet, that’s exactly what VeraFlex is designed to do and why it works so well.

“Top pharma companies have struggled to create a drug that blocks COX and LOX; the medical names for the two in�lammatory enzymes in the body. Consider the top seller Celebrex, it only blocks one variation of the COX enzyme” explains Leal.

“And that’s because they have focused on using chemicals instead of natural substances like VeraFlex.”

“Every VeraFlex capsule contains an ultra-high dose of a patented plant extract which has been clinically shown to block both enzymes, bringing relief to every joint that hurts!

“The kind of relief most people have never experienced. I often say two enzymes, twice the relief. People think I’m

Veraflex producers are making these new pills as fast as possible to meet the growing and increasing demand.

kidding until they try it.”

Piling on the Clinical Research

Remarkably, the key ingredient in VeraFlex is protected by 8 patents that spread from the US into Canada. And as would one guess, it’s backed by an enormous amount of research, including two patient clinical trials.

In the �irst, 60 participants with rheumatoid arthritis and/ or osteoarthritis were randomly placed into four groups.

Two groups were given the patented ingredient in VeraFlex, one was given the drug Celecoxib, and the last group a placebo. The results were monitored at 30, 60, and 90 days.

The data collected by researchers was stunning.

The groups taking the VeraFlex ingredient saw staggering improvements in arthritis symptoms such as �lexibility, discomfort and function.

And even more astonishing they experienced a dramatic reduction in pain by the 30-day mark that was even better than Celecoxib, a powerful drug!

A second study was conducted to ensure the data was accurate and again the results

participants experienced taking the VeraFlex compound blew away researchers.

This time it beat out the drug Naproxen. Shockingly, both men and women experienced a reduction in joint stiffness two days faster than when using Naproxen.

“I have to admit I was surprised when I read the initial �indings” explains Leal. “But when you look at the science it just makes sense. It’s going to change everything.”

Faster Delivery, Maximum Absorption

VeraFlex is mainly comprised of two patented ingredients: Univestin, a powerful immune modulator which blocks the enzymes which cause your joints to hurt and BiAloe, an absorption enhancer (accelerator) that ensures maximum potency.

Research shows that severe joint discomfort arises when the immune system goes haywire and releases COX and LOX into your blood stream, two enzymes that causes tremendous swelling and in�lammation around cartilage and protective tissue.

Over time, this in�lammation

overwhelms the joint and it begins to deteriorate resulting in a daily battle with chronic pain.

Unfortunately, modern day pain pills are only able block only one of these enzymes, resulting in marginal relief and continued suffering.

The Univestin in VeraFlex is one of the only known substances which has been proven successful in blocking both enzymes, resulting in phenomenal relief from the worst kinds of discomfort.

The addition of BiAloe, a unique aloe vera extra, maximizes the delivery of the plant based Univestin extract to every joint in the body because it is proven to improve nutrient absorption for maximum results.

Aloe Vera also is proven to support the body’s immune system which manages in�lammation, further supporting relief.

How to Claim a Free 3-Month Supply Of VeraFlex

This is the of�icial nationwide release of VeraFlex in Arizona. And so, the company is offering our readers up to 3 FREE bottles with their order.

This special give-away is available for the next 48-hours only. All you have to do is call toll free 1-800-403-0632 and provide the operator with the Free Bottle Approval Code: VF350. The company will do the rest. Important: Due to VeraFlex’s recent media exposure, and Dr. Leal’s latest book deal, phone lines are often busy. If you call and do not immediately get through, please be patient and call back. Those who miss the 48-hour deadline may lose out on this free bottle offer.

Taxing the rich and buying women’s shoes

BY CHRISTIAN D. GOLDING West Valley View Contributing Writer

As the 2020 presidential election cycle begins to gear up, it’s predictable that there would be a spate of “free programs” being advanced by a number of the Democratic candidates. And it’s equally unsurprising that their solution to pay for them is taxing the “ultra-wealthy,” a wonderfully popular idea among “progressives,” but one

that makes no sense economically.

I recently came across an analogy that helped explain this fact to my wife. Perhaps it will help others to understand that the concept of taxing the rich won’t work, even though it resonates well with their sense of “fairness.”

Here goes…

I asked my wife how many pairs of shoes she had in the closet. While she wouldn’t divulge the exact number, I

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wasn’t surprised that she admitted it was more than 25 pairs. My next question was, “How many did you buy at full retail price?” Proudly she said, “I didn’t pay full price for any of them. I bought them all on sale. In fact, I waited until some of them were on closeout before I purchased them.” Then I asked, “If there was a pair of shoes you had to have that weren’t on sale now, would you buy them?” After some thought, she replied “No, I would wait until they went on sale.” She went on to tell me that part of her reasoning was the fact that she already had plenty of shoes and she wasn’t going to go barefoot if she didn’t buy this new pair right away.

“That’s the perfect analysis,” I said. “And it’s exactly the way the rich deal with income.”

The “really rich” have plenty of money and they don’t necessarily need to receive more in the form of ordinary, taxable income at any point in time. They have lots of ways and good advisors to help them arrange their fi nancial affairs to their best advantage. Therefore, just like my wife, who wouldn’t buy a pair of expensive shoes when she already has plenty of shoes to wear, they won’t take income when the price of it (i.e. the tax rate) is too high. However, when income goes on sale (i.e. tax rates are lowered) they will take the income and pay the taxes…just like my wife buying that next pair of shoes once they go on sale.

generated an increased amount of revenue and made the income tax system more progressive.

The recent tax rate cuts enacted by the Trump administration have produced similar results. Individual income taxes have risen 6% in the just-ended fiscal year 2018. Individual income tax collections for FY 2018 totaled $1.7 trillion. That’s up $14 billion from fiscal 2017, and an all-time high. And currently the top 10% of wage earners pay 71% of all income taxes.

On the other hand, middle-income and working Americans don’t have the flexibility of deferring income or taking it in other ways to manage their after tax returns. Most of their income is in the form of wages and salaries from their employers and has tax withholding applied to it. They have mortgages to pay, food to buy, and gasoline to purchase, all of which take current income.

If there were an economic downturn, raising taxes, even on the rich, will exacerbate the problems. Many of the rich are small businesspeople and family farms. Raising their taxes will cause them to eliminate jobs that employ the middle class. And, since higher tax rates on the rich don’t result in increased revenues for the government, finding the money (without borrowing it or printing it) to pay for the Democrats’ “giveaways” will be even more difficult. In addition, higher taxes dampen overall economic activity because they reduce the incentives to work, produce, save and invest.

A better solution than raising taxes would be to simplify the tax system further and lower rates, while at the same time developing ways to increase economic activity and the GDP. History demonstrates that will produce the largest amount of tax collections.

And with an expanding economy, who knows, my wife might not have to wait until that new pair of shoes goes on sale.

amount of their taxes increased substantially as well. In 1981, billion. Lowering tax rates

In fact, real life bears this out. The so-called “Bush tax cuts” of 2001 and 2003 and the Reagan tax cuts in the 1980s, said by liberals to overly benefit the rich, generated unprecedented amounts of revenue for the government. In 1981, the top 1% of income earners paid 17.58% of all federal income taxes. Twenty-five years later, in 2005, the top 1% paid 39.38% of all income taxes. The absolute real dollar amount of their taxes increased substantially as well. In 1981, the total tax dollars paid by the top 1% in 2005 dollars was $94.84 billion. In 2005 it was $368.13 billion. Lowering tax rates

Townsend bill enhances Legislature’s comedic value

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley View Columnist

When I came to Arizona in the mid1990s, I found myself fascinated by the Arizona Legislature.

Then as now, legislators earned the princely sum of $24,000 a year, and in return they seemed mostly motivated to entertain us.

Given that your average Hollywood blockbuster costs upwards of $100 million to produce, paying 90 elected officials about $2.2 million combined seemed like a smoking deal.

Early on, I started referring to our legislators as “the 90 Dwarfs,” before realizing that this was a grievous insult to Disney, Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, Sneezy and little people everywhere.

Over time, I’ve reached a grudging admiration for this elected body, if for no other reason than their stamina.

Rarely have I met a group of people so intent on arguing over nothing for months on end.

Case in point? Earlier in May, this august body passed a law making lemonade the “official state drink of Arizona.”

This declaration was not without controversy: House Bill 2692, sponsored by Majority Leader Warren Petersen of Gilbert, failed in the Senate before being brought back on a reconsideration vote and winning passage by a tally of 18 yeas, 11 nays and one abstention.

Last week, amid a fight over the state budget, potential for another controversy arose when House Bill 2032, sponsored by Mesa’s Kelly Townsend, resurfaced in the Senate.

Townsend’s bill targets some of Arizona’s most notorious outlaws.

Classroom teachers.

HB2032 would insert into statute the following: “A person acting on behalf of a school district or charter school or a person who aids another person on behalf of a school district or charter school shall not use speech or curricula during school time with the intent of influencing or changing a student’s political ideology or religious belief.”

Teachers found guilty of such thought crimes could be subject to a fine of up to $5,000.

You’ll forgive me if I don’t remember my K-12 days clearly, given that it was decades ago, but I seem to remember the best teachers I had challenging what I thought I knew.

Back then, we called such a novel concept “learning” and teachers would do things like make us read books with which we might disagree.

I couldn’t have been past sixth grade when we read books like Johnny Tremain and Ishi,

Last of His Tribe, which certainly impacted my political ideology, as did my high school encounters with Elie Wiesel’s Night and George Orwell’s 1984.

In modern American history, we were often encouraged to read a paper-born relic known as the newspaper, which detailed current events that often became a focal point of vigorous debate.

In the World According to Townsend, that would appear to risk a five grand

fine – as would asking students in a world religion class to take the radical step of reading pieces of various historic texts – say the Bible, the Koran and the Talmud – to compare the belief systems of the world’s religions.

My guess is, Townsend and the bill’s supporters would accuse me of oversimplifying, saying they only intend to criminalize teachers who obviously stump for certain ideologies and beliefs.

My response: One person’s introduction surely is another person’s indoctrination. It seems to me impossible to draw a bright line defining where education ends and advocacy begins.

Should the bill pass – and I’m not holding my breath – this could be the statute that launched a thousand lawsuits.

Having said that, I can’t say I’m totally opposed to Townsend’s effort. Judged purely as theater and an opportunity to chuckle, this bill beats the finale of “Game of Thrones,” hands down.

Rep. Townsend, I raise my glass of Arizona lemonade to you.

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

David Leibowitz. (Photo courtesy Advisor Group)

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Inspiring leaders in the West Valley

BY MICHELLE R. HESS Leadership West Executive Director and Buckeye Councilwoman

Whenever people find out I am the executive director of Leadership West and a member of the Buckeye City Council, they tend to question my sanity. That is, with our country divided and a perception of a lack of civic engagement and leadership locally, they believe one person cannot make a difference. These naysayers and I have a definite difference of opinion. I and countless others have witnessed the changes in the West Valley and the leadership capabilities shown by graduates of the Leadership West program. Currently in its 25th year, these eager graduates have used their time and talents to join the leadership pipeline to support the future growth of the West Valley cities they work in and inhabit. For those of you not yet familiar with Leadership West, we are a nonprofit organization that engages, informs and inspires proven leaders in business, nonprofits and government to leverage their time, talents and leadership capital to enhance the quality of life in the West Valley and Arizona. Besides

these reasons to associate with Leadership West, it is vital that we educate others in the issues, challenges and successes of the communities we live in, so informed decisions can be made. This is how we create the movers and the shakers of the future.

So profound is the program that we can look at the successes through the results of the past 25 years. When we add up the thousands of community service hours, as well as those civically engaged, here are the impressive statistics: Seven of our graduates ran for office, one state representative was reelected, one state representative elected, one Central Arizona Project board member reelected, one person appointed to the Goodyear City Council and then elected, one graduate appointed to the Avondale school board and one voted in as vice mayor by her peers. Additionally, graduates serve as the current president and past president of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce and president of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Graduates have received many accolades for their leadership accomplishments including; the Phoenix

Business Journal’s Most Admired Leader Award for Pendergast Superintendent Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux, Melissa Holdaway was an Athena Award finalist, Marie Rogers Lopez had the Avondale Resource Center named for her years of service, Buckeye Elementary School District President Dr. Kristi Sandvik is the president-elect of the American Association of Superintendents and Administrators, WESTMARC President and CEO Sintra Hoffman received the Education Award from the Maricopa County Community Colleges, and Rep. Diego Espinoza received the Adelante Stepping Stones Award.

Most important is the civic-minded ownership of our graduates. Each program participant is required to complete a project that will enhance the lives of others in the West Valley. One such program that stands out is the Speak Up, Stand Up, Save a Life Conference, founded by Leadership West

graduates Dr. Lily Matos DeBlieux and Gina Godbehere. This anti-bullying, suicide prevention program has empowered youth and touched the lives of over 380,000 students throughout Arizona. It is so easy to criticize our government and society today and talk about the apathy or the indifference. I prefer to concentrate on the difference makers in our local communities today. Luckily, Leadership West is recruiting for Class XXIV in the fall and you have the chance to apply and join the ranks of the caring, committed, concerned citizens. We hope you will check us out today and support the program and events open to the public, and show that civic pride and ownership go hand in hand. We welcome you to Leadership West and will be proud of your future accomplishments. Visit our website at leadershipwest.org for more information or to apply. Applications are due by Friday, May 31.

bad neighbor happens to be Millennium High School.

I bought my house in 2016, had an inspection and two broken roof tiles were repaired. In 2017 a baseball went through my dining room window just minutes before dinner. Glass flew 25 feet into the house. I talked with the athletic director back in March 2017 and dropped about 20 balls off that made their way to my house. He did nothing. I had to go to the district office to get the window fixed after three weeks. During the 2018 baseball season playoffs only 35 to 40 baseballs hit my house. During 2019 I have had

over 40 baseball strikes on my house and another dining room window lost. I lose the best part of the spring, as it is too dangerous to sit out back and enjoy the weather either for my family or animals. I have no relief from the baseballs striking my house and constantly damaging it. I have requested a high net but the athletic director continues to use the north baseball field and my house as the punching bag. Right now I have over 15 spots where

Letters...continued from page 10 How to get a letter

the stucco is visibly broken, one broken window and sunscreen and 11 broken roof tiles.

Randy Bouquot Litchfield Park

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

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

Buckeye Councilwoman Michelle Hess is the executive director of Leadership West. (Photo courtesy Pendergast Elementary School District)

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Business

Business Briefcase

BY CONNOR DZIAWURA West Valley View Managing Editor

Hello, readers! If you tune in week to week, you should be anticipating another big development I mentioned next week. And that development includes two industrial projects in the Southwest Valley.

The projects will soon begin work, with an estimated completion of fourth quarter 2019. Avondale 107th is on 24 acres at 107th Avenue and Pierce Street in Avondale. Washington 83 is on 8.5 acres at the northwest corner of Washington Street and 83rd Avenue in Tolleson.

Avondale 107th is planned as a four-building, 405,656-square-foot industrial development. The first two buildings will be 81,533 square feet and feature frontage on 107th Avenue, be 28 feet in height, have truck-well and grade-level loading, and allow 200-foot truck maneuverability. The other two buildings will be 121,295 square feet and be 32 feet in height, have dock high/grade-level loading and accommodate fenced/gated security. Each building will have an office, 60-foot speed bays, an HVAC system and LED lighting.

Washington 83 will be a single, 127,885-square-foot building. It will be 32 feet in height and feature ESFR sprinklers, 35 dock-high and four grade-level doors, LED lighting and an HVAC system. Four points of ingress/ egress will be on site. This property will also be built with the possibility of dividing it into four units.

“We are excited to bring two first class projects online to meet the core needs of the industrial market,” said Jason Eisenberg, president of development at Eisenberg Company.

Cushman and Wakefield represented developer Eisenberg Company in the acquisition of the two parcels. Avondale 107th was purchased from El Malon Partners, while Washington 83 was purchased from Cohen Asset Management. In addition, Nitti Construction and Butler Design Group will design and build the two developments.

“Consistent demand for highly functional industrial space remains very strong in the southwest valley submarket,” said Andy Markham, executive managing director of Cushman and Wakefield.

“The Eisenberg Company has designed and is executing on that demand with these two Class A projects.”

Moving along, have you heard of Goodyear Gold Buying? If not, you’re about to. The business does not have a storefront — it is based out of an office — so it is not comparable to a pawn shop. Rather, Goodyear Gold Buying purchases gold and silver jewelry, coins, watches, dental gold,

sterling silver flatware, hollow-ware, serving pieces, coffee and tea sets, trays, bowls, candlesticks and souvenir spoons — according to its website — and likely many other such items. The business is “strictly buying and refining,” according to owner Don Lehman.

Lehman said although the business recently opened, he previously had it at another location as “Goodyear Gold Buyers” for about four years, after which he went to work for someone else. Now, however, Lehman is back in business for himself, with his new West Valley location, and slightly altered name. Lehman estimated he has been in the jewelry business for around 45 years as a store owner, wholesale sales rep, and basically “whatever you can do, that’s what I’ve done in the jewelry business.”

“My family was in the jewelry business for years and years and I just kind of followed in their footsteps,” he said. Goodyear Gold Buying is at 15655

W. Roosevelt Street, Suite 225, in the Estrella Professional Center southwest of Roosevelt Street and Estrella Parkway. Suite 225 is on the building’s second floor. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, though Lehman will accommodate potential customers outside of that schedule if an appointment is scheduled. For more information, visit https://goodyeargoldbuying.com.

“I have a lot of experience in the jewelry business. This is basically all I’ve ever done,” Lehman said.

Finally, Club Pilates Goodyear, which opened in late April, will hold its grand-opening event from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Friday, June 7. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature free 30-minute intro classes, membership giveaways, prizes and more. Club Pilates is located at 783 S. Cotton Lane, Suite C-2, in the Canyon Trails Towne Center north of the northeast corner of Cotton Lane and Yuma Road.

For more information, call 623-5623344, visit clubpilates.com/location/ goodyear or Facebook @clubpilatesgoodyear, or email General Manager Tina Berman at goodyeargm@clubpilates.com.

As for the chamber-sponsored event, contact 623-932-2260 or info@southwestvalleychamber.org for more information.

That’s all the briefs for this week. Thanks for reading!

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

Eisenberg Company plans to develop industrial project Avondale 107th on 24 acres at 107th Avenue and Pierce Street in Avondale. (Photos courtesy Cushman and Wakefield)

Sports & Athletics

Class of 2019’s departure welcomes new chapter of Wolves baseball

BY GRIFFIN FABITS

West Valley View Contributing Writer

To understand the current state of the Estrella Foothills High School varsity baseball program, you must first familiarize yourself with the magical spring of 2015 and the events that ultimately ensued.

Entering 2015, the Wolves may as well have been an entirely new squad than the one they had fielded the previous season. Seven seniors had graduated in 2014, which left head coach Patrick McCubbins with very few returning starters.

He tinkered with the new roster he had. He played with several different lineups, until the one that he ultimately decided to roll with featured two freshmen and an assortment of guys who had never seen time at the varsity level. Regardless, McCubbins pressed all the right buttons. The Wolves went 228, debunking the rebuilding phase his program was on track to fall in to. They made it to the second round of the Division III state tournament.

The same script, McCubbins believes, may be unfolding on his diamond once more.

The Wolves are fresh off of another stellar season in 2019. They went 25-7 and were two wins away from the 4A State Championship game. It was the fourth time in McCubbins’ now 12-year tenure the Wolves have won more than 25 games and the 11th time they’ve made the postseason.

And next spring, Estrella Foothills baseball will undergo quite the roster makeover. Twelve seniors will graduate this spring, the most McCubbins has ever had graduate in one class. On a roster of 19, plenty of uncertainties and question marks swirl around the program entering the off-season months of summer.

Daunting? No. McCubbins reflects back on his 2015 team that shocked the DIII community, which excelled after losing a wealth of senior leadership the previous spring. He thinks his 2020 team could replicate that magic of 2015.

“It’s exciting,” McCubbins said. McCubbins certainly doesn’t want to

write off the class of 2019 just yet. This core had been together for many years, delivered some of the best baseball in Wolves history. They had fun, he said. They played baseball the right way. And they won plenty of ballgames.

The class of 2019 compiled a record of 85-35 during its four-year stay at Estrella Foothills.

“This was an extremely special group,” McCubbins said. “Not only were there twice as many seniors as I’d ever had, it was the most playing experience I’ve ever had, too, with these seniors.”

The Wolves played solid baseball on both sides of the ball. They hit a collective .367. Their pitching staff sported a 2.29 earned run average. They scored 8.7 runs per game and held the opposition to just 2.8. They pitched seven shutouts, holding teams to under two runs in half of their games.

Of the team’s 12 seniors, 10 hit above .300, while three batted above the .400 plateau. Senior Jacob McLeod was the team’s leading hitter, boasting a .477 average with 25 RBI and 15 extra-base hits.

Senior Dane Vanderwerf led the pitching staff with a 1.69 ERA in 41.1 innings pitching, striking out 42 and walking 17.

The No. 9 Wolves traveled to No. 8 Prescott for the first round of the state tournament on April 27. They left with a 4-3 come-from-behind win, their first postseason victory since 2015.

Propelling into the double-elimination round, Estrella Foothills lost to No. 1 Mesquite, and then upset No. 4 Canyon Del Oro, staving off elimination. But days later, the Wolves were bested by No. 5 Seton Catholic Prep to seal their postseason fate.

“(We ran into) a really good pitcher that we’d seen a couple times this year (from Seton Catholic). Honestly, from an offensive standpoint, it was the inability to get leadoff batters on base,” McCubbins said.

“Our offense runs on small-ball early, being able to steal bases, bunt guys over, being able to hit guys over. We just struggled all night long to get leadoff guys on base so it really minimized what I think we do well.”

It can be tough, McCubbins admitted, to wake up the next day and expect the page to be turned, ready to prepare for and tackle another season. Losses hurt, but the heartache intensifies when they come in May.

Especially when you’re leaving behind a senior core that left as large of a footprint on this program as this one did.

“I don’t think you completely turn the page until February, until you actually start that next season, in terms of processing the previous year, analyzing it, trying to figure out what you did well, what you could have done better,” McCubbins said.

Instinctively, and perhaps reluctantly, McCubbins has already given a quick peak ahead to the spring of 2020. His plans for the program are laid out until next February. The Wolves will begin summer camp in late May. They’ll play summer games in June, hit the pause button the rest of the summer and resume the second week of school in August.

They’ll continue to play games, get their legs back under them and the bats going once more starting in November and all the way through January. Who will make up his roster — fill the vacancy of the 12 seniors from this year — is to be determined. But, thankfully, McCubbins has a small army returning next spring who know the way of the land already.

Juniors Seth Sweet-Chick, Ashton Perez and Cameron Waterfield, plus sophomore Corbin Triplett are set to return next spring, after monster seasons this year.

Sweet-Chick was named the Wolves’ Most Valuable Player in 2019, batting .386 with a team-best 34 RBI and six home runs. On the hill, he posted a 2.05 ERA in 41 innings of work. Perez, a three-year starter already, batted .315 in 22 games, while Triplett and Waterfield were equally impressive. Triplett hit .444 in 47 at-bats in his first taste of varsity ball. Waterfield, as McCubbins said, “filled a huge role for us at catcher this year.”

“Especially with Seth and Ashton,” McCubbins said. “Being those two guys who have been multi-year starters and have been a huge part of our team, we started the process halfway through the spring of already starting to actively talk about leadership roles for next year and beginning to transition mentally into the roles that they’re going to

The Wolves finished 27-5 and captured their first postseason victory since 2015. (Photo courtesy Dane Vanderwerf)

New field house a blessing for Scorpion football

BY ERIC NEWMAN West Valley View Staff Writer

Desert Edge High school recently cut the ribbon on its new state-of-the-art 10,565-square-foot field house, and the facility bodes well for an already-successful football team looking to improve its record.

“It’s about as nice as I’ve seen at a high school, really beautiful,” Scorpion coach Jose Lucero said.

The Scorpions went 9-4 last season, and reached the 2018 AIA State Football Championship semifinals before getting knocked out by eventual-champion Saguaro.

Lucero knows a blowout loss has the returning players ready to make amends for how last season ended.

The Scorpion athletes are already hungry for success, but the new facility will encourage the players even more to utilize the equipment.

“I think this team already had a lot of motivated guys,” Lucero said.

“Now, with the new equipment and all these amenities, there’s even more reason for them to put the work in all offseason.”

While the team made the old facilities work, the new field house provides the coaches of football, and all sports for that matter, to train the athletes in different exercises that relate to the game. Linemen can practice strength training to further improve blocking, or receivers can work on their acceleration, for example.

“We can kind of use them to focus more on specific football workouts. It kind of lets us be more creative,” Lucero said.

Desert Edge held its spring practices and exhibition game in May, and many of its players also participated in the West Valley College Showcase at Valley Vista High School, in which dozens of college coaches observed and recruited the west valley’s top players.

The Scorpions return many of their

VALLEY GOLF CENTER SUMMER JUNIOR GOLF CAMP

Monday - Wednesday - Friday • 8 am to 9:15 am

*First class begins Monday June 3rd @ 8am

key contributors from last season, and are set to face another tough schedule that includes home rematches against defending state champion Saguaro and runner-up Salpointe Catholic.

The team will take part in various seven-on-seven passing and big-man tournaments, a team camp and various other training events throughout the summer, with the goal of another long

Wolves...continued from page 19

have to play for next year.”

McCubbins has pegged those four returners as premature starters as of now, some nine months before the next regular season commences. The rest of the roster will ultimately take shape when the team regroups in the coming months.

“We’ve got a lot of guys who we’re already looking at. We’re hoping for big things from Roman Snyder next year, from Drew Welch next year, from Jacob Hitchcock next year; those are guys that got opportunities to play on varsity this year, and were with us to the last day and get the equal amount of reps in practice, and they’re ready to go,” McCubbins said.

“We have a ton of junior varsity guys who have been chomping at the bit, who have been JV guys longer than most guys are JV guys, and they’re ready to fill those spots.”

playoff run come November. Lucero said, with the new facility and renewed energy, this summer’s training could spark another successful season.

“We’re excited for the opportunity. We’re going to work hard all summer, and I’m excited to see the guys compete and show what they’ve got,” he said.

Given the plenty of new faces who will grace the varsity roster next spring, McCubbins believes many will overlook the 2020 Wolves.

“Everybody is going to look at those 12 seniors being gone from the roster,” he said. “But I wouldn’t count us out.”

As it’s been well-demonstrated in the last dozen years, overlooking the Wolves with McCubbins at the helm is a dangerous, ill-advised game to play.

History has a penchant to repeat itself. It happened in 2015, and McCubbins believes we’ll see repeated magic from his Wolves next spring.

“I look forward to next year — much like my 2015 team. Like I said, I don’t think anybody gave us much of a shot to be successful with all the seniors who graduated, and we had guys who hadn’t had a chance to play much, and they came in very, very hungry. I think we’re going to see the same thing with this group next year.”

Desert Edge High School unveiled its new field house in April (Photo courtesy Jose Lucero)

Wigwam celebrating Women’s Golf Day

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor

In celebration of Women’s Golf Day, the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club and The Wigwam Golf Club will offer $10 18-hole rounds of golf and a free beverage to ladies on Tuesday, June 4.

Women’s Golf Day is an international event for females of all ages and skill levels to participate in golf and help grow the game.

Ladies interested in participating Women’s Golf Day should make a tee time on Tuesday, June 4th at either the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club or The Wigwam Golf Club. Upon check-in, participants will receive the $10 rate and a coupon for a free beverage (up to a domestic beer) redeemable on the respective course’s beverage cart.

Women’s Golf Day will also serve as the official 2019 launch of Women’s Wednesdays, in which ladies can play nine holes for $18 after 11 a.m. Wednesdays throughout the summer,

plus receive 20% off ladies’ merchandise at the Arizona Biltmore and The Wigwam Golf Clubs.

“International Women’s Golf Day is a terrific opportunity for women of all ages and abilities to play and enjoy this wonderful sport,” said Leo Simonetta, director of golf operations, The Wigwam Golf Club. “By making golf more accessible and fun for everyone, we hope to grow the game.”

With their traditional parkland designs with parallel fairways and few forced-carries, The Wigwam’s Blue and Red Courses, and the Arizona Biltmore’s Adobe Course have been recognized as three of the Valley’s most women-friendly golf courses.

For tee times and more information, contact the Arizona Biltmore Golf Club (602-955-9655 or azbiltmoregc. com) or The Wigwam (623-935-9414 or wigwamgolf.com).

For more information on International Women’s Golf Day, visit womensgolfday.com.

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

Women’s Golf Day will serve as the official 2019 launch of Women’s Wednesdays, in which ladies can play nine holes for $18 after 11 a.m. Wednesdays throughout the summer, plus receive 20% off ladies’ merchandise at the Arizona Biltmore and The Wigwam Golf Clubs.

(Photo courtesy The Wigwam)

Roberts’ stellar junior year propels her to competitions

BY GRIFFIN FABITS West Valley View Contributing Writer

Backed by a new diet and a revamped workout regimen, Agua Fria High School junior Riley Roberts mounted the most fruitful season of her young track career this spring.

Roberts, the captain of the girls’ track and field team at Agua Fria, was a member of the 4x100 relay team who captured a state championship title on May 4. She placed fifth in both the 100m and 200m sprints.

She also took second in the 100-meter sprint at the Meet of Champions on May 11, the bonus week of competition held for every state champion in all divisions across the state.

Roberts’s 100m time at the Meet of Champions, 12.13, made her the fourth fastest female in the state in that race.

She was also named the Most Valuable Player of Agua Fria’s girls’ track and field team.

The last few weeks for Roberts have provided as much joy and jubilation as any first-place finish would. The end of a track season, a dazzling one at that, plus the final week of school, has made

life oh, so sweet.

But, the cherry on top of it all arrived in the form of a thick, detailed packet -- handed to her by a talent evaluator — which has shaped Roberts’ summer plans: The distinguished invitation to represent Arizona at the 44th annual Great Southwest Track and Field Classic.

The competition, which features premier high school talent in the Southwest region, will be held at the University of New Mexico from June 6 through June 8.

“The Great Southwest Classic provides the top few outstanding track and field athletes from each invited state, with a top-notch field of competition among the best athletes in the country,” according to greatsouthwestclassic.com.

Roberts learned of the opportunity to compete in the New Mexico event this summer back at a high school meet in March. Moments after winning 100m dash, she was approached by an Arizona state advisory chairperson.

“Here,” the chairperson told Roberts, handing her a packet consisting of the

race’s details. “I want you to run in this meet. I expect to see you there this year.”

Roberts was invited last summer, but was not able to participate due to injuries.

On June 7, Roberts will partake in the 4x200m relay race as a member of Team Arizona. The following day, she will run both the 100m and 200m relay, as well as the 4x100m relay race.

“I’m very excited about it,” she said.

Roberts entered her junior campaign eyeing change, better results. Her sophomore season saw her compete in the state tournament, finishing 12th place in the girls’ 100m preliminary race.

The talent was there, she believed. She just needed to find a way to tap into it more.

To do so, it started in the weight room. She used the off-season months to implement a new workout routine, centralized around building her core. Ideally, this would parlay into her race times plummeting.

Roberts also tinkered with her diet. She had always emphasized eating healthy, but really began to prioritize it this year.

The final product has allowed for Roberts to emerge as one of the fastest and most highly-touted runner in not only Arizona, but spanning the entire Southwest region.

“I’ve just been really excited (these last few weeks), but stressed out again because I have to stay focused and then juggle finals with school,” she said. “I’ve been working hard and working out for the past few weeks, and these weeks I just need to buckle down and stay focused. I’m just trying to balance everything right now.”

For Roberts, balancing everything appears to be as fluent and seamless as a 100m sprint.

Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined all of this — the mounting successes and accolades — would happen in the span of one season. But, in a way, it was ultimately

supposed to unfold this way.

“I’ve been working so hard this year that I knew I was going to go far this year. A coach told me at the beginning of the year, ‘Riley, you look good this year. I think you’re going to get really far.’ I was like, ‘Thank you coach. I think I’m going to get far as well.’”

Running in college, on a track and field scholarship, is on Roberts’ short list of things she hopes to achieve before graduating high school.

She’s had preliminary talks with junior colleges, but no universities have entered the playing field just yet.

Perhaps there is no better way to capture the attention of Division I schools than at the Great Southwest Classic this summer, where Roberts will rub shoulders and compete with the nation’s best.

It’s hard to believe she’ll be there, in the thick of it all, sure, but Roberts has reminded her — almost engrained it into her memory — that she deserves to be there.

“Honestly, I’m still surprised that I did make it and that I was invited to run it. I’ve been training so hard this year — I’ve earned this. I’ve been working so hard. I should be able to run this meet because I am one of the best.”

A stellar junior season propelled Roberts to compete amongst the Southwest region’s top talent in New Mexico in June. (Photo courtesy Riley Roberts)

ROSE PARADE & LOS ANGELES TOUR

Los Angeles • Pasadena

5 days, departs December 29, 2019

Immerse yourself in the the 131st Rose Parade with a YMT float viewing event and private dinner with the Tournament of Roses Committee, and grandstand seating to watch the parade up close. You’ll enjoy 5 wonderful days in Los Angeles, seeing highlights of the City of Angels from Hollywood to Beverly Hills to the vibrantly revitalized Downtown. Ask about our post-parade float viewing add-on to make your experience even more spectacular!

BEST OF HAWAII FOUR-ISLAND TOUR

Oahu • Kauai • Maui • Hawaii “Big Island”

13 days, departs year-round

Enjoy a fully-escorted 4-island Hawaiian vacation with beachfront lodging on Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii, and a centrally-located hotel in Waikiki on Oahu. Includes a Pearl Harbor experience where you will see the USS Arizona Memorial. Visit Lahaina, enjoy a boat cruise on the Wailua River, and Hawaiian entertainment and food at our Farewell Feast. Escorted throughout by our friendly Tour Directors— your local experts. Price includes 3 inter-island flights.

GRAND ALASKAN CRUISE & TOUR

Seattle • Vancouver • Ketchikan • Juneau • Skagway • Glacier Bay • Anchorage • Denali • and more

12 days, departs May - September 2020

Enjoy a cruise & tour between Seattle and Alaska including 7 nights aboard Holland America Line’s ms Westerdam and 4 nights on land. You’ll cruise the Gulf of Alaska and the Inside Passage—a sea lane teeming with marine wildlife, where you’ll pass glaciers, mountains, and lush forests, with stops in Ketchikan, Skagway, and Glacier Bay. On land, you’ll go deep into Denali National Park, tour Anchorage, and see the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

ENCHANTING ICELAND

Reykjavík • Thingvellir National Park • Strokkur Geyser • Gullfoss Waterfall • Blue Lagoon • and more!

8 days, departs August - November, 2019 & 2020

Iceland’s otherworldly beauty is unlike anywhere else. Prepare to be dazzled by the Golden Circle, a long loop through Iceland’s Thingvellir National Park, Strokkur Geyser, and Gullfoss Waterfall. Enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the electric turquoise waters of the famous Blue Lagoon. Learn about how magic and myth influenced Iceland’s earliest history at the Settlements Center. Finally, chase the Northern Lights on a late-night voyage into the darkness in pursuit of the world’s most spectacular yet elusive natural light show.

Buckeye Valley Daughters of American Revolution

wheels, will be at 26501 W. Desert Vista Boulevard, Buckeye, from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors can get a library card and check out and return books. For information, call 623349-6300.

Agua Fria Toastmasters

Visit a weekly Toastmasters Community meeting to become a stronger public speaker and leader from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Zane Grey Room at Avondale Civic Center Public Library, 11350 Civic Center Drive. For information, call 623-398-5550.

Buckeye Valley Daughters of American Revolution meets at 1 p.m. every first Saturday of the month at Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce, 508 Monroe Avenue. For information, call 623-386-3465.

Summer Reading Kickoff

dale. Be sure to bring materials and a coffee mug. For information, call 623-333-2601.

Family Movie Monday

Join other families at noon at Goodyear Branch Library, 14455 W. Van Buren Street, as they enjoy “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” For information, call 602-652-3000.

Wednesday

e West Valley View publishes on Wednesday. e 9 Days a Week calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue. Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extending to Estrella in the south and Tonopah in the west. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the View’s circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

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

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

Wednesday MAY

495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale. For information, call 623-333-2601.

Junior Book Club (Ages 8-12)

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

Come and Play with Me

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

Zumba at Fitness in the Park

Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature a dynamic and aerobic Zumba dance on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Bingo for Books

Have a fun afternoon of Bingo for Books from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. Registration is required. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Anime Club (Ages 10-18)

Learn Japanese words and cultural facts and watch manga and anime with friends from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Avondale Civic Center Library at 11350 W. Civic Center Drive. For information, call 623-333-2602.

More to Explore

Kids ages 6 to 12 can build structures, experiment, play games and make crafts at this interactive learning program from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library,

Thursday

Al-Anon Stepping Stones

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

Toddler Storytime

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

CrossFit at Fitness in the Park Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will cover basic strength and bodyweight training from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Lunch and Learn:

Nonviolent De-escalation

Learn skills to defuse a potentially violent individual before they become assaultive from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Harmony Health and Wellness Center, 5200 N. Dysart Road, Building C, Litchfield Park. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. To register, call 623-230-2978.

Latin Dance Aerobics

Strengthen cardio fitness from 9 to 10 a.m. with a free dance class provided by the Dr. Saide Recreation Center at 1003 E. Eason Avenue, Buckeye. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Festival Sage Rec Center Bookmobile

The Bookmobile, a library on

Friday POUND

at Fitness in the Park Fitness in the Park is a free workout program that will feature an interactive workout with lightly weighted drumsticks from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays at the Buckeye Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road. For information, call 623-349-6350.

Kids Café Food Service Program

Children up to 18 years can enjoy a free, healthy meal and an activity from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Care1st Avondale Resource Center, 328 W. Western Avenue, Avondale. Kids Cafe is a USDA program responsible for ensuring children in low-income areas continue to have access to nutritious meals during long school vacations. The free lunches are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be offered Monday through Friday through August 2. For information, call 623-333-2703.

School Supply Donation Collection

Avondale’s Neighborhood and Family Services Department is collecting backpacks and school supply donations for the upcoming school year at Care1st Avondale Resource Center, 328 W. Western Avenue, through July 12. Suggested donations include crayons, colored pencils, pencils, erasers, markers, rulers, composition notebooks, backpacks, folders and other school supplies. For information, email tere@azcommunityimpact.org.

Yoga at the Library

The White Tank Branch Library at 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell, will hold weekly yoga classes from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. for adults and teens 12 and older to strengthen flexibility, improve posture, and build concentration. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Three-on-Three Basketball

Litchfield Park Library will celebrate the start of the summer reading season from 11 a.m. to noon with crafts and reading program registration at 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Verrado by Bashas’ Bookmobile

The Bookmobile, a library on wheels, will be at 21064 W. Main Street, Buckeye, from 9 to 11 a.m. Visitors can get library cards and check out and return books. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Paws for Reading

Preschoolers and school-age children can visit Goodyear Branch Library with a parent to practice reading with a registered therapy dog. The Paws for Reading program starts at 2 p.m. at 14455 W. Van Buren Street. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Sunday

Saturday JUNE

Teens are invited to bring friends for a mini basketball tournament at 3:30 p.m. at the Dr. Saide Recreation Center, 1003 E. Eason Avenue, Buckeye. For information, call 623-349-6350. 1

St. Peter’s RePete Boutique

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

Preschoolers Storytime

Tuesday Bingo

4

The American Legion Post 61 hosts bingo Tuesdays at 6:45 p.m. These bingo nights have 17 games including Quickie, Early Bird, Double Action and a $1,000 progressive game. Come down to 35 N. Dysart Road, Avondale, to support the area’s youth and veterans. For information, call 623-932-4960.

EON Business Monday Night Meet-Ups

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

Disciple Outreach

Ministries Bible Study

Disciple Outreach Ministries, a nondenominational ministry, invites all to a Bible study at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 10486 W. Emerald Lane, Avondale. For information, call 623-772-0144.

Lunch and Bunco

Come down to the Goodyear Community Room at 14455 W. Van Buren Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, Bunco and prizes. The cost is $15. Participants can register by phone or in person at 3075 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. For information, call 623-882-7525.

Summer Food Service Program

2

Sea Lions at Shipwreck Cove

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

Monday

Brainstorm, share ideas, get feedback, and network with other business dreamers and owners from 6 to 7 p.m. at Buckeye Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Quilters Anonymous

Quilters Anonymous is calling all quilters to meet and work with fellow crafters at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Bingo Hall, 3690 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear. For information, call 623-935-1117.

Sewing for Babies

Lunch will be provided to all children, ages 18 and under, without charge at Esther Angulo Community Center, 9555 W. Van Buren Street, Tolleson, weekdays from 12:15 to 1 p.m. through July 26. Additionally, free breakfast will be served for children from 8 to 8:45 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Tolleson Park and Recreation Center, 9521 W. Washington Street, through July 26.

Community Center Bookmobile

The Bookmobile, a library on wheels, will be at the Buckeye Community Center at 201 E. Centre Avenue from 11 a.m. to noon. Visitors can get a library card to check out and return books. For information, call 623-349-6300.

3

Baby Time

The Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street invites babies and their caregivers to an interactive play time at 10a.m. For information, call 623-936-2746.

Hope

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

Adult Book Club

Stop by the Tolleson Public Library at 9555 W. Van Buren Street for a library book discussion from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. For the book title and information, call 623-936-2746.

Proposed Property Tax

Increase Public Hearing

The city of Avondale is notifying property taxpayers of its intention to raise its primary property taxes over last year’s level by 2%. All local citizens are invited to attend the public hearing on the tax increase at 7 p.m. at the Avondale City Council Chambers, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive.

Craft it Up

Join fellow crafters in this needlework/knitting/crochet group at 11 a.m. and work on new or current projects at Sam Garcia Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Avenue, Avon-

Bring a sewing machine and equipment to join the volunteer Tolleson Community Interfaith Group in creating premature hospital clothing, burial layettes, quilts and more from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 701 N. 95th Avenue, Tolleson. For information, call 623-936-3412.

Estrella Toastmasters

Visit a Toastmasters Community meeting to become a stronger public speaker and leader from 6:30 to 7:45 a.m. at the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, 289 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. For information, call 602-391-5781.

‘Game of Thrones’ Escape Room

“Game of Thrones” fans are invited to solve riddles to escape the room and defend Castle Black in less than 60 minutes. Each session from 2 to 3:15 p.m. accommodates three to seven participants at the Litchfield Park Library, 101 W. Wigwam Boulevard. Participants must be 13 years or older. Registration is required. For information, call 602-652-3000.

Teen Volunteer Tuesdays (Ages 12-18)

Teens looking to serve their community and volunteer for school credit can meet at the Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library’s Volunteer Tuesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. at 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale. For information, call 623-333-2602.

Conversational Café:

English/Español

Adults looking to practice the English or Spanish language can engage in one-on-one or small group conversations at the Buckeye Downtown Library, 310 N. Sixth Street, at 5 p.m. For information, call 623-349-6300.

Buckeye Council Meeting

Buckeye City Council will meet at 6 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers, 530 E. Monroe Avenue. For information, call 623-349-6000.

Thursday In Stitches in Goodyear

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

Agua Fria Toastmasters

Visit a weekly Toastmasters Community meeting to become a stronger public speaker and leader from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Zane Grey Room at Avondale Civic Center Public Library, 11350 Civic Center Drive. For information, call 623-398-5550.

PebbleCreek Republican Club: Coffee with Kelli

Arizona Republican Party Chairman Dr. Kelli Ward will chat and answer questions about the Republican Party from 10 a.m. to noon at PebbleCreek Resort Community, 15872 W. Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear. Those living in the West Valley who are interested in learning more about the Republican Party are invited to attend. Coffee, tea, orange juice and muffins will be provided. Register at sue.harrison@cox.net.

24-Hour Desert Survival Learn emergency desert survival skills from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Skyline Park, 2600 N. Watson Road, Buckeye. Attendees will learn how to pack a survival kit, build a fire, signal for help, and more. For information, visit goo.gl/oYWFQ5.

Meet everybody, anybody, somebody and nobody

Here’s a story for us to start off with. This story has been around for a while, but knowing a story and applying the lesson of the story are two different things.

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done. We live in a world of specialists. In some respects, this is great. We all appreciate someone who specializes in a certain area, especially if we need what

they specialize in.

But saying or thinking “that’s not my department” to a simple job anyone could have done is something else.

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph

West Valley View Columnist

There are many needs and people in need, that anyone could do the job if they really wanted. I remember one time in my church I was taking a guest speaker through our sanctuary. It was the speaker’s first time at our church, and I wanted him to be familiar with the surroundings. As we were walking through the sanctuary on the way to a meeting, I noticed several chairs out of place. I asked one of our deacons to put the chairs back in place. The deacon replied to me, “That’s not my department … it’s not my calling … it’s not my measure of grace.” I

thought to myself, “Houston, we have a problem.”

You see, Anybody could have put the chairs back into place. But Nobody did it. Why? That’s not my department. That’s not my job. A servant leader will go where many specialists, professionals, politicians, academics and theology won’t. Many people look for a way out of serving others in a real and tangible way. Might I suggest looking for a way to serve others in a real and tangible way, not just an academic or philosophical way?

Look at Jesus in the Bible. There wasn’t anything beyond Jesus’ measure of grace. Jesus valued people. He showed it and he lived it. He took time out for people in need and things oth-

ers should have done. He made time for children. He stopped to talk to the woman at the well in a time when you didn’t. He stopped his journey to heal a Roman centurion’s servant. Unheard of, yet He did it. Why? He only did what His Father told him to do. In doing this, Jesus shows us what God is like. God loves everyone. Everybody is somebody with God.

You see, “we can love because He (Jesus and God) first loved us.” 1 John 4:19. This was at a time when everyone was saying to everyone else, “If you love me, I will love you.” But others said, “No, if you love me first, I will love you.” It had gone on for centuries. Finally, Jesus stopped the back-and-forth ping-pong game. Jesus looked for a way in and said, “I love you, now you can love Me and others.” He is a “solutionary,” not a solitary. He stopped the, “If you, then I” stuff. He found a need and met it.

Here are some final thoughts on stopping the “Everybody-blamed-Somebody-when-Nobody-did-what-Anybody-could-have-done” cycle. Find a need and meet it. Be a “solutionary.”

To the world you might be one person but to one person you might be the world. The more I look at things, the more I believe the willingness to start is the smallest thing in life that makes the biggest difference in life. Step onto the field. Stand up in the meeting. Raise your hand in class. Get over the bar. Walk up to the podium. Ask the first question. Take a risk; get started; contribute something.

Whether or not you end up being No. 1 in the world is irrelevant. Most of the time, the value you provide isn’t nearly as important as pushing yourself to provide it. Having the courage to start is more important than succeeding, because the people who consistently get started are the only ones who can end up finishing anything.

Maybe we could say it this way: A great place to find a helping hand is that the end of your arm.

To learn more about Pastor Ed Delph, the Church-Community Connection and Nation strategy, call 623376-6757, e-mail nationstrategy@ cs.com or visit nationstrategy.com.

Gema Fernandez, M.D.

Cari L. Cowling, M.D.

James M. Johnson, M.D. Briggs J. Geier, D.O.

Suarez, M.D.

Zamyra C. Lambert, PA-C

Staying safe during the deadliest days

BY MICHELLE DONATI-GRAYMAN

The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among teens than any other age group. The summer, when they are driving more because school is out, is an especially dangerous time.

Over the past five years, nearly 3,500 people were killed in crashes involving teen drivers during the 100 Deadliest Days, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The average number of daily deaths from crashes involving drivers ages 15-18 is 17% higher compared with the rest of the year, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. And it’s not just teens who are at risk. Nearly two-thirds of those injured or killed in a crash involving a teen driver are other people.

Major factors contributing to fatal teen crashes during the summer include:

• Speeding (28%): This growing problem among teen drivers significantly increases the severity of a crash. In the AAA Foundation’s latest Traffic Safety Culture Index, half (49.7%) of teen drivers reported recently speeding on a residential street and nearly 40% say they sped on the freeway.

• Drinking and driving (17%): Even though teens cannot legally consume alcohol, one in six teen drivers involved in fatal crashes during the summer tested positive for alcohol.

• Distraction (9%): More than half of teen drivers (52%) report recently reading a text message or email while driving and nearly 40% report recently sending a text or email. While federal crash data shows just under 10% of crashes are related to this type of behavior, AAA Foundation research using in-vehicle dash-cam videos of teen driver crashes found distraction was involved in 58% of teen crashes, approximately four times as many as federal estimates. It is difficult for law enforcement to detect distraction following a crash, which has made it one of the most underreported traffic safety problems.

AAA encourages parents to:

• Talk with teens early and often about abstaining from dangerous behavior behind the wheel, such as speeding, impairment and distracted driving.

• Teach by example and minimize risky behavior.

• Make a parent-teen driving agreement (https://bit.ly/2sApHux) setting family rules for teen drivers.

AAA recommends that teens preparing to drive enroll in a driver education program that teaches safety skills including avoiding driver distraction. AAA also has tools for parents and teens, including the teendriving. aaa.com website and the AAA online StartSmart program (https://bit.ly/2wcMEqB).

‘BEAUTY AND THE BEAST’

Residents of LifeStream at Thunderbird were treated to a special performance of Disney musical “Beauty and the Beast” by The Copper Trails Elementary School Chorus. Twenty-five students from fifth through eighth grade of the Avondale Elementary School District shared the timeless songs, story and performance to a rapt audience of over 30 seniors. The show itself was directed by Wendi Bauer, daughter of one of the Chaplains at LifeStream. The students stayed after the curtain call to chat with the LifeStream audience, sharing lunch and plenty of stories. (West Valley View photo by Pablo Robles)

WEST VALLEY VISION CENTER

Stacee Burson,

AAA Arizona Government and Public Affairs Lead

BY WEST VALLEY

Celebrate World Oceans Day and get a free, reusable, insulated lunch bag with any purchase from Rubio’s Coastal Grill.

Simply bring the coupon at rubios. com/coupons/world-oceans-day to any Rubio’ Coastal Grill location on Friday, June 7, or Saturday, June 8, while supplies last.

Rubio’s Goodyear, 15479 W. McDowell Road, will be open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days; and Avondale, 10321 W. McDowell Road, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

With the eatery’s longstanding commitment to the ocean and sustainability,

Rubio’s has celebrated World Oceans Day for eight years, gifting more than 160,000 reusable bags. New this year, Rubio’s is giving out reusable lunch bag totes as a replacement to using paper or plastic bags.

Rubio’s is also committed to good health, and encourages eating seafood twice a week, based on the American Heart Association’s recommendation. Seafood offers a high-protein, low-fat food, providing health-boosting benefits including omega-3s, essential nutrients and anti-inflammatory properties.

For more information about Rubio’s Coastal Grill and to view the menu, visit rubios.com.

VIEW STAFF

Rubio’s has locations in Avondale and Goodyear. (Photo courtesy Rubio’s)

King Crossword

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

SCRAMBLERS

Youth of Today

WestValleyView.com /WestValleyView

Littleton goes green with learning gardens

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The Littleton Elementary School District is repurposing wooden pallets into benches and flower pots used in the district’s gardens.

Littleton Elementary School’s garden has two benches with another bench located outside of the district office.

And the Fine Arts Academy is the last of the seven schools building its garden, taking the initiative to involve the students in the process.

“The purpose of the benches is to

give back to the students,” said Anabel Rubio, general manager of food services. “It gives them a space to sit, meditate and enjoy the garden.”

The Fine Arts Academy began a garden club where students have hands-on experience in the development of the garden, including the creation of blueprints, landscaping, design and harvesting.

The gardens make learning about the growth of fruits and vegetable fun, which opens the students up to implementing more of the food group into their diet.

In addition to the gardens, each school has an on-site compost machine called Ecovim. It’s a food waste dehydration system that holds 60 pounds of food waste.

Each kitchen’s staff takes the daily food waste, adds it to the machine and turns it on. When employees return in the morning food has been turned into compost.

The compost has been used in the district’s gardens and is available to all staff at the district. Extra compost

is donated to nonprofit Tiger Mountain Foundation.

The gardens are not yet certified or equipped to serve back to the school’s dining halls but are on the road to certification.

“It is a long-term goal of outs to become certified,” Rubio said.

The Littleton Elementary School District is repurposing wooden pallets into benches and flower pots used in the district’s gardens. (Photos courtesy Littleton Elementary School District)

Libraries encouraging summer reading

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Public libraries in Avondale, Tolleson and Goodyear are joining forces to encourage students to read over the upcoming summer break by providing free books and fun activities aimed at preventing the loss of academic skills referred to as the summer slide.

To determine if getting books into the hands of students and encouraging them to read can prevent the summer slide, data will be collected and analyzed by a team at the Valley of the Sun United Way (VSUW).

Dubbed Open a Book Enter the Universe, the program is targeted to students from preschool to fourth grade. Participants who read just 20 minutes a day this summer will earn a free book (available in English and Spanish while supplies last). Active participants will also be invited to an end of summer celebration where they can receive more free books.

The program is underway at Tolleson Library, 9555 W. Van Buren Street; Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Avenue, Avondale; and Goodyear Library, 14555 W. Van Buren Street.

“The National Center for Education Statistics suggests that the average stu-

dent loses one to three months of learning over summer,” said Rep. Lorenzo Sierra, D-Avondale, who helped secure funding for the reading program from Desert Diamond Casino. “Parents can help their child keep their literacy skills up over the summer by mixing in a few minutes of reading into each day.”

Summer reading programs are not uncommon, but A Universe of Stories brings an added component with the VSUW data collection. VSUW will track participating student data from this current school year’s fourth quarter benchmark assessments and compare the data to next school year’s first quarter benchmark assessments to determine whether the program lessens the loss of learning that is typical among students in need.

help raise additional dollars to pay for more books and activities and fund a permanent summer program,” Sierra said.

“The data collection is unique, and if the results prove positive the analysis could go a long way toward both encouraging parents to have their kids participate in future years as well as

Student Chronicles

Know a student who’s doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email Connor Dziawura at cdziawura@timespublications.com.

Litchfield Park resident Maximo Lawlor, a West Valley View intern, has been named to the Emerson College dean’s list for the spring 2019

semester. Lawlor is majoring in journalism. The requirement to make Emerson’s dean’s list is a grade point average of 3.7 or higher.

Research completed by the global children’s publishing, education and media company Scholastic reports students and families with increased access to books and learning opportunities over the summer show an increased volume of reading, positive sentiments from families, and fewer students ex-

periencing summer learning loss. In fact, the research shows 78% of students from grades three through five maintained or increased their reading levels from spring to fall; 100% of families agreed reading books over the summer would help their children during the school year; and 87% of students in third grade who received summer books agreed that they were better readers in the fall because of the reading they did over the summer.

6 ways to keep kids busy this summer

BY CARRIE SNIDER West Valley View Contributing Writer

Parents often wonder how they can help their children stay occupied this summer. Reading programs are standard for the summer, but there are kids classes, local entertainment facilities and ballpark events that parents may not know about.

Here are the six programs and attractions to keep kids busy.

West Valley Library Classes & Summer Reading Program

With a theme of “A Universe of Stories,” Maricopa County Library District’s Summer Reading Program celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing.

Goodyear and Litchfield Park branches, as well as Avondale and Buckeye libraries, are all participating. Visit maricopacountyreads.org or head to any of those four library locations for details.

Kids can enter minutes read online, plus they can enter “secret codes” for more points (game boards are also available at the library). Those who earn 500 points win a food coupon and 1,000 points earns a free book.

Secret codes can be found out in the community at parks, businesses, community centers and other strategic places, as well as at library events. West Valley View readers can get an extra 5 points with the secret code: westvalleyview.

The reading programs are a good way of keeping kids from experiencing “the summer slide,” according to Kimberley Carroll, Maricopa County Library District’s west area regional manager.

“Reading with children and encouraging children to read at least 20 minutes a day may help reduce or even prevent this loss of learning,” she said.

That’s a big reason why the library has a Summer Reading Program. Not only can reading help children continue building their reading skills, the books they read can expand their knowledge in other areas.

“For many families with elementary-aged children, the public library is the only community space available during the summer months where they can access free educational and cultural enrichment activities and programs,” Carroll said. “This is particularly im-

portant in Arizona where temperatures keep families on the lookout for inviting indoor spaces.”

As a result, libraries in the West Valley tend to see their busiest months in July and August.

Summer classes at West Valley library locations are also free and fun. Different branches offer a variety of options, so check out the ones at libraries near you. They include kids’ yoga, story time, family movie nights, science, animals and escape rooms.

In addition to the library’s reading program, be sure to check out the summer reading program at Barnes & Noble, 1446 N. Litchfield Road in Goodyear. Print off the reading journal on the website for kids in grades 1 to 6.

In August, they can turn in their journal for a free book. Barnes & Noble in Goodyear also has Read to Daisy every Monday, where kids can read to a certified therapy dog. Check out their calendar for other upcoming events.

City parks and recreation activities

Buckeye, Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park and Tolleson each have their own city parks and recreation activities that will keep kids busy.

Many West Valley parks and recreation departments have summer camps, sports teams and performing or visual art opportunities.

Check out their websites or grab a copy of their program guide for details.

Buckeye: buckeyeaz.gov/residents/ parks-recreation

Goodyear: goodyearaz.gov/government/parks-recreation

Avondale: avondaleaz.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation

Litchfield Park: litchfield-park. org/25/recreation-services

Tolleson: tollesonaz.org/591/ parks-and-recreation-center

Goodyear Ballpark events

Free Movie Nights at 7 p.m. monthly. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Bring a blanket and enjoy a movie from the outfield lawn. Light snacks and beverages will be available for purchase.

Here is the lineup: “Ralph Breaks the Internet” May 31; “Smallfoot” June 28; “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” August 30; and Captain Marvel September 20.

Extended Spring Training is sched-

uled through June 1. Check online calendar at goodyearbp.com for details. The Goodyear Ballpark is located at 1933 S. Ballpark Way.

Local

pools and splashpads

Pools and splashpads are great ways of staying cool. Many local pools have affordable swim passes so families can visit all summer. Be sure, as well, to check out their swimming lessons and swim teams. If you’d rather cool off by running around in the water, two West Valley public splashpads are fun and free.

Goodyear Community Pool at 430 E. Loma Linda Boulevard will have free swim days on June 29 and July 27. They’ll have games, activities, raffles, prizes and snacks on those days.

Buckeye Aquatic Center at 207 N. Ninth Street will have free swim days on June 1 and June 8, and July 6 and July 13.

Southwest Valley YMCA at 2919 N. Litchfield Road in Goodyear has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a recreational pool with a three-story waterslide.

Friendship Park at 12325 W. McDowell Road in Avondale, and Goodyear Community Park at 3151 N. Litchfield Road have free splashpads open to the public during the summer. Be sure to bring your own snacks, towels and plenty of sunscreen.

Area Fun Parks

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park at 16501 W. Northern Avenue in Litchfield Park has 600 species of animals, rides, a petting zoo and daily shows. They also offer Safari Camp, which will be held June 17 to June 21 and July 15 to July 19. See wildlifeworld.com for details.

TeenyTown Playland at 2958 W. Indian School Road in Litchfield Park offers a fun indoor activity center for children 10 and younger. It is a mini town where kids can pretend to work at a café, or be a teacher, among other things. Visit teenytownplayland.com for hours and pricing.

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park at 15305 W. McDowell Road in Goodyear offers an array of activities, including obstacle course, ropes course, climbing wall and skyrider coaster. Pricing depends on the attractions selected. For more, visit urbanairtrampolinepark.com.

Main Event at 10315 W. McDowell Road in Avondale has bowling, arcades, laser tag, karaoke and mini golf. It’s a great way to get out of the heat and have fun indoors. Visit mainevent. com for details about hours, pricing and specials.

Elevate Trampoline Park at 701 N. 137th Avenue in Goodyear has trampolines, foam pits, ninja course and toddler area. It’s sure to be a good time for parents and kids of all ages. Go to elevategoodyear.com to learn more. Bowlero at 1425 N. Central Avenue in Avondale has bowling, arcade games and food. For hours and pricing, including summer pass options, visit bowlero.com.

Planet Fitness at 515 S. Cotton Lane in Goodyear and 200 N. Avondale Boulevard in Avondale offer free use of the gym for teens 15-18 through September 1. It’s a great way for parents to spend time with teens improving their health. Visit planetfitness.com for more information.

Craft classes are available at area libraries this summer. (Photo courtesy Maricopa County Libraries.)

Legoland accepting ‘Creative Crew’ applications

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Legoland Discovery Center Arizona is currently accepting applications from kids ages 6 through 10 looking to become a member of the second annual Creative Crew.

The Creative Crew is a group of enthusiastic, imaginative kids who will assist with a variety of efforts and special events at the attraction.

In addition to attending monthly meetings and taking part in regular build sessions alongside Master Model Builder Alec Posta, the members of the Creative Crew will score two free annual passes to Legoland Discovery

Kids Classes

Estrella Mountain Community College offers summer classes for kids. These include dance, Lego, art, culinary, stop animation, cartooning, sign language, Spanish, STEM coding, science, woodworking and piano. Visit estrellamountain.edu/kids-college for full details.

Marcia Ford, EMCC instructional services coordinator, said they started 10 years ago offering just a few computer and culinary classes.

“These classes offer the students opportunities to try new activities and take a more in-depth look at current interests, as well as a chance to make new friends,” she said. “We quite often see students exchanging phone numbers at the end of the class to stay in touch.”

Home Depot at 1489 N. Dysart Road in Avondale is hosting three workshops for kids this summer: June 1 (putting green) and July 6 and August 3, the

Center Arizona, invitations to exclusive events and a Creative Crew T-shirt to wear to monthly meetings and activities.

Apply at https://bit.ly/2EdY6Hc before Sunday, June 9, for consideration. Those chosen to move on to the final round will then receive invites to take part in a building competition on Saturday, June 15, at Arizona Mills, which will ultimately determine who makes the final cut.

For more information, email arizona@ legolanddiscoverycenter.com, visit legolanddiscoverycenter.com/arizona or follow @LDCArizona on Facebook.

latter of which at TBA. Workshops are free. Visit sciencefaircentral.com for details.

Science Fair Central, built by The Home Depot, and Discovery Education have joined forces to help STEAM power classrooms and homes across the country as students prepare for their careers.

As special guests, The Automatons, robotics club from Odyssey charter school in Buckeye, will be at the workshops. Come out to meet the team, learn about robotics and STEAM, meet their robot Sebra who took them to the State Championships this year, and build your project.

Michaels at 1475 N. Litchfield Road in Goodyear has many craft classes geared toward families throughout the summer, including a butterfly puppet garden, painted rock bugs and a Father’s Day puzzle card. Check the event calendar for the Goodyear location at michaels.com.

Buckeye welcoming soccer camp

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Soccer lovers from 4 to 16 years old can now look to Buckeye.

The far west city’s recreation department plans to host a weeklong international soccer camp from Monday, June 10, through Friday, June 14, at Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road.

The camp is designed to provide children with a fun opportunity to learn grow and share positive and educational camp experiences. The skills learned at camp not only develop success on the field, but also inspire confidence and happiness and build self-esteem. An international soccer coach instructs each class.

From 8 to 9 a.m. tiny tikes, or those ages 4 to 5, can pay $55 to participated. Then, from 9 a.m. to noon is the halfday camp, for those ages 6 to 16. That one costs $65.

For enrolling, campers receive a camp T-shirt, soccer ball, poster and

Coming July 17, 2019

personalized skills evaluation. There’s also a week of focused instruction to prepare players for the fall soccer season in Buckeye. Space is limited. Registration is available at https://bit.ly/2HtQ3YB. To learn more about all of Buckeye’s sports programs, visit buckeyeaz.gov/ rec or call 623-349-6350.

Back To School

The Back to School section will contain important information for students and parents, pre-school to college. They’ll learn about start dates, supplies, after-school activities, child care and more.

It’s a great vehicle for you to reach an audience that’s ready to spend money before the first bell rings.

DON'T MISS OUT!

FrancesA.Knight

FrancesAKnight,age82ofGoodyear,diedpeacefully athomesurroundedbyherlovingfamilyandPhoenician HospiceonMay15,2019.ShewasbornNovember4, 1936,inHobbs,NMtoHermanandCleoFuchs.Sheis survivedbyherhusband,JerryF.Knight;daughters,Geri Spencer(Rick)andTeriPeck(Chris);twograndchildren; andtwogreat-grandchildren.Arrangementsareunder thedirectionofThompsonFuneralChapelinGoodyear.

DoloresR.Chapa

DoloresR.Chapa,age87of AvondalepassedawayMay20th, 2019inAvondale.ShewasbornApril 1st,1932inOdem,Texas.Sheis survivedbyherchildren,Rudy,Jim (Elsa)Chapa,Paul(Annie)Chapa, Patricia,Joanne(Johnny)Murray, Bobby,Gilbert(Molly)Chapaandone sisterMelaPuente,9grandchildren and1greatgranddaughter.Funeral ServiceswillbeheldonMondayJune 3rd,2019atSt.JohnVianneyChurch9:30am-11:00am andlaidtorestatHolyCrossCemetery9925W.Thomas RdAvondale,AZ85392.

Janet McKinney

J a n e t M c K i n n e y 8 4 , o f P h o e n i x p a s s e d a w a y A p

s o n a n d d a u g h t e r i n l a w b y h e r s i d e

S h e i s p r e c e d e d i n d e a t h b y h e r h u s -

b a n d , A l v i n M c K i n n e y ; s o n s , D e n n i s , Daniel; father, Joseph Zagar and mother, Mary Zagar Janet is survived by her

s o n D a v i d ( C h e r y l ) a n d d a u g h t e r

D o n n a , f i v e g r a n d c h i l d r e n , n i n e g r

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Cancer Center, their Staff and Hospice of The Valley for all their support Donate can be made to Hospice of The Valley.

MaryClareAllar

MaryC.Allar,79,ofAvondale, ArizonadiedFriday,April12,2019at herhome.

BornMaryClarePachecoon December30,1939toLouisFrancis PachecoandHelenAmandaDixin LaGrange,Georgia.Shewastheeldest daughterwithonesister,WillaLouise Joan.

Marygraduatedin1956from MarshfieldSeniorHighSchoolin Marshfield,Wisconsin.ShelaterwentontoNursing SchoolattheSistersofOurSorrowfulMotherin MarshfieldtobecomeaRegisteredNurse.Inthefallof 1981sheexpandedherNursingdegreeandstudiedtobe aNursePractitioner,thenmovedtoPhoenix,Arizonain thespringof1984.ShewasemployedasaPediatric NursePractitionerbyCIGNAHealthcareuntilher retirement.

Maryenjoyedlife.Shelovedflowersandattracting birdstohergarden.Shelikedtogocampingand traveling.Shewasanavidbookreader.Shelovedtoknit andsew.Shelovedtodocrosswordpuzzlesandplayeda meangameofScrabble.Shehadaloveformusic, playingpianoandsinginginthechurchchoir.Shewasa patronofthearts-attendingperformanceswithfriends andfamily.Herfamilyandherchurchwerevery importanttoher,aswerehercats.

MaryissurvivedbyhersisterWillaHathawayof Minnesota,herchildren,Michael(MaryLouise)Billman ofMinnesota,Beth(Greg)WalshofMarshfield,Kathy (Bob)ShaefferofArizona,Abby(Brian)McDougallof Wausau,WendyAllarofWisconsinRapidsandDana Allar(MarkEdgar)ofSwitzerland,aswellasher14 grandchildren,24great-grandchildrenand2cats,Nutmeg andPatches.

MarywasprecededindeathbyherhusbandsGerald BillmanandRonaldAllar,onegrandchild,Christopher Kleinow,andonegreat-grandchild,AidenPfantz.She willbemissedbysomanywholovedher.

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EMPLOYMENT

APTS/CONDOS FOR RENT

SIERRA VERDE APARTMENTS

150 N Apache Road

Buckeye, Arizona 85326

Phone: (623) 386-5859

TDD: 1-800-735-2900

USDA Rural Development subsidized apartment homes may be available at this time.

Income restrictions apply USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer Complaints of discrimination should be sent to:

USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D C 20250M9410

Professionally Managed by Guardian Management LLC, an equal opportunity provider

WANTED TO BUY

Shadow Dr, Buckeye In Sundance Community

PETS/SERVICES

HORSE Pellet Delivery 250# outdoor container SSS @ 623-556-7597

LAND FOR SALE

1 to 18 acres, starting $10,000, various locations, payments, owner/agent, Call Ken, 602-510-8900

HOMES FOR RENT

o f notification to parents/guardi-

a n s o f f o r m e r s c h o l a r s l a s t k nown address If you do no t r eceiv e a letter an d th in k th at

y o u m i g h t h a v e r e c o r d s t h a t would be available for claim -

i n g , l e a s e c o n t a c t t h e S p e c i a l

E d u c a t i o n O f f i c e a t t h e c a mpus location the scholar previously attended

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION OF J LAZY K RANCH FAMILY TRUST FOR INCLUSION OF LANDS INTO BUCKEYE WATER CONSERVATION & DRAINAGE DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that The J Lazy K Ranch Family Trust, owner of the following lands adjacent to the boundaries of Buckeye Water Conservation & Drainage District:

See Exhibit A attached hereto.

has filed a Petition with the Board of Directors requesting that the l ands described above be included in the District

N OTIC E IS FU R TH ER GIVEN th a t

spect to the Petition will be held at 12:00 p m on June 20, 2019, at the offices of the District, 205 E Roosevelt Avenue, Buckeye, Arizona

Any interested persons objecting to the allowance of the Petition are required to appear at the offices of the Dist

why the Petition should not be granted. Any persons objecting to the allowance of the Petition are required to file such objections as they may have in writing in the office of the District, 205 Roosevelt Avenue, Buckeye, Arizona, on or before the time herein fixed for the hearing and to appear at such time in support of their objection

DATES: 5/9/2019

BUCKEYE WATER CONSERVATION AND DRAINAGE DISTRICT BY /s/ Noel Carter Secretary

EXHIBIT A (Description of the Land)

TAX PARCEL NO: 502-50-010L

PARCEL ADDRESS: 5001 SPERRYVILLE RD GOODYEAR 85338

LOT 1 (APPROXIMATELY 7 1 ACRES) LYING SOUTH OF THE DIXON DITCH, A LATERAL OF THE BUCKEYE CANAL, IN SECTION 27 TOWNSHIP 1 NORTH,

TAX PARCEL NO: 502-50-0lOM

PARCEL ADDRESS: 5001 SPERRYVILLE RD GOODYEAR 85338

SOUTH OF THE DIXON DITCH, A LATERAL OF THE

INVITATION TO BID

Bids: Wednesday, July 10, 2019 – 10:00am Arizona Time Project: Verrado Marketside Phase 3 CFD Civil Improvements

cense, to submit sealed bids for the Marketside Phase 3 C FD C

tractor shall be responsible for all coordination associated with the Work Copies of the plans, specifications, bid documents and detailed information for this project w

Deana Burris at dburris@dmbinc com to make arrangements to receive the bid documents A MANDATORY pre-bi d meeting will be held in the DMB offices located at 4236 N Verrado Way, Suite 200, Buckeye, AZ 85396 –

parties are invited to attend. It is recommended that interested parties RSVP prior to the meeting Sealed bids will be received Wednesday, July 10, 2019 no later than 1

Clerk’s Office, located at 530 E Monroe, Buckeye, AZ 85326 Bids submitted after specified closing time will not be accepted Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud immediately after the specified closing time Unless all bids are rejected, the Contract will be awarded within twenty one (21) days The Contract will be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder that submits a complete and accurate bid A complete and accurate bid will include all information requested in the bid documents Every bid made by a Contractor pursuant to this Notice shall be accompanied by a surety bond for ten percent (10%) of the bid amount, listing DMB White Tank, LLC as the Obligee, as a guarantee that the Contractor will enter into a contract to perform the Work, or as liquida t e d d

LLC upon award Cashiers checks will not be accepted The bonds will be returned to all Contractors whose bids a

Contractor, upon execution of the Contract, and receipt of Payment and Performance bonds for the Work The c

shall be included in the bid submittal A Payment and P

100% of the original Contract value for the duration of t

C

with their bid proposal, a completed Certificate of Insurance evidencing their ability to meet the insurance requirements for this project The Contractor shall carry property damage and public liability insurance and shall hold and save harmless DMB White Tank, LLC, DMB White Tank, LLC, the City of Buckeye and the Verrado District 1 Community Facilities District from any employer’s liability and from any and all liens for materials or labor in connection with this Work as specified in the bid d

certificate of insurance and any other items as required in the bid documents will be deemed inc omplete, and

right to reject any and all bids and to withhold the award for any reason DMB White Tank, LLC determines necessary and appropriate Award of the successful bid shall be subject to approval by DMB White Tank, LLC or its representatives Interested parties shall refer to the bid package and addendums for further information, or contact Deana Burris at dburris@dmbinc com – reference Verrado Marketside Phase 3 CFD Civil Improvements No engineer’s estimate will be distributed

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