It’s nearly impossible to expect anything good to come from a vicious act of vandalism and thievery.
But over five days after an unknown individual or individuals trashed the Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre’s (ACT) offices and stole thousands of dollars worth of electrical equipment, there was little doubt that far more good emerged from the crime than anyone could ever expect.
For one thing, there was the response of three communities — ACT’s own community of supporters, the Valley’s broader theater community and the community that is Ahwatukee.
Once word got out about the crime, which occurred the night between June 23 and June 24, scores of people came forward to offer monetary and other support.
For another thing, there was the resilient professionalism of the children.
They pulled out of their shock and distress over the incident to present two flawless performances of “Mary Poppins” last Saturday — five days after the crime was discovered June 24.
And most of all, there was ACT co-founder
BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
Ahwatukee’s community-wide Independence Day celebration vanished after 2016 when the cash-strapped Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce dropped its Red White and Boom event for lack of a moneyed partner.
And while anyone in Ahwatukee who wants to see a mega-fireworks show tomorrow night will have to drive to any number
and co-owner Michelle Rubino, who quickly overcame her initial shock, rallied the youngsters and even made the incident a teachable moment for them.
“Some of the kids were saying things like
‘I’d like to beat them up.’ But I used it as a life lesson,” she said.
She said she explained to them that the
of nearby events, one Fourth of July tradition that still is going strong here is Mountain Park Ranch’s kids parade.
The parade — open only to Mountain Park Ranch HOA members and their families and guests — promises to be as colorful and festive a birthday party as Uncle Sam could want.
Jim Welch, executive director of the Mountain Park Ranch Homeowners Association, said the HOA organizes the event, with the Phoenix Police and Fire departments leading
the parade of colorfully dressed children riding decorated bikes and wagons. Matthew Figueroa of Figueroa DJ Services will spin the music; Slide & Bounce Around, is supplying the inflatable bounce houses, inflatable slides, water slides and other games; and Bad Dog Hotdogs will provide the hotdogs, chips and soda.
Ironically, a key figure in making sure the parade is a festive time for all is Andrew
Undaunted by the disturbing burglary and vandalism at Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre, co-owner/co-founder Michelle Rubino, right, was all smiles Saturday at a fundraiser at Five Guys in Ahwatukee, where her mother Mary Tucci, son Mikey, behind Rubino, and family friend Collin Bridge gathered with about 50 other supporters and friends. (Kimberly Carfrillo/AFN Staff Photographer)
“Laura and I have dealt with 10+ REALTORS® in our married life. Mary Jo and Mike are the best we have met and we make sure everyone knows that.”
– Greg Mo tt
LIVING - We have lived in Ahwatukee since 1997 and raised two wonderful boys here. We love the community feel of Ahwatukee as well as its beauty. Anytime we have contemplated moving, the minute we drive up over the hill and
see the majestic views, we know we are home.
WORKING - Top 25 Team Ranking in Maricopa County and Ranked 59 out of 43,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Agents Nationally #1 Team overall for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties.
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LOVING AHWATUKEE - We enjoy showing o the beauty of our Ahwatukee community to our clients! One of our favorite things we do with our out of state clients is to take them on a tour of the town. We show them the local YMCA, community services, schools, nature trails, and usually stop o at a local restaurant/co ee shop. We love to support our local businesses and are regular participants in community events.
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Five East Valley school districts will now have to decide whether grant money they now use to pay for security officers should be diverted to hiring counselors or social workers.
The state Superintendent of Public Schools has advised that Chandler Unified, Tempe Union, Mesa Public Schools, Tempe Elementary and Kyrene can reexamine their use of School Safety Program grants they now get for school resource officers.
Meanwhile, districts that don’t have schools on a current waiting list for grant money won’t be getting any of the $20 million the State Legislature authorized for hiring resource officers, counselors or social workers.
And while the 87 schools on that waiting list will be sharing in that new money, it’s unclear when.
The state Education Board last week voted to hold off immediately distributing those funds before the 201920 school year begins.
“The State Board ruled to hold the money for the 87 schools on the wait list for the 2019-20 school year until the process for dispersing funds to either SROs and/ or counselors is further discussed,” said Stefan Swiat, spokesman for the state Education Department.
“The schools that are already on the program — and about to go into the third year of the cycle of the program — are allowed to continue to those receive funds,” he added, explaining:
“The State Board just wants more time to discuss the process of administering funds to schools who would like either an SRO and/or a school counselor or social worker in their schools.”
The board doesn’t meet again until Aug. 26.
School officials across the state had hoped that the $20 million appropriation would help them address the worst counselor-student ratio in the nation.
Arizona’s student-to-counselor ratio is 905-to-1 — well above the national average of 455-to-1 and the recommended ratio of 250-to-1.
“With the amount of school shootings and the importance of mental health in schools, we think it’s time that Arizona starts to lower that ratio,” Janine Menard, a member of the Arizona School Counselors Association’s board and a counselor with the Tolleson Elementary School District, told KTAR Radio after the board vote.
Grants are awarded every three years, and by law, the next round of applications are due by April 15, 2020.
Schools that previously applied for a safety grant did so more than two years ago, at a time when the program exclusively funded school resource officers.
EDITORIAL
But most Education Board members indicated an unwillingness to distribute the money until all schools can apply — something that they can’t do before next April.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman cast the sole vote against holding onto the money — and possibly making it unavailable before the 2020-21 school year.
A week before the board meeting, Hoffman had is-
sued a directive to schools that state:
“Given the limited period between when the school safety legislation and budget passed and the start of the upcoming academic year, there simply is not enough time for (the Education Department) to launch a new grant process for all schools following the criteria of the law. Moreover, if (the Education Department) were to release a brand-new application for all schools in 2019, schools would still need to reapply in Spring 2020.”
Throughout late last year and early this year, students appeared before numerous school boards urging them to hire more counselors and social workers.
Some knew students who had taken their lives — or attempted to — and said they could have been helped if counselors were on their campuses.
They expressed frustration that the counselors that were at their schools were overwhelmed not only by their huge caseload but also by responsibilities that had nothing to do with student emotional and mental well-being.
Instead, the students said, counselors were focused on college prep programs and other responsibilities handed them by the administration.
They also argued that counselors and social workers were more effective than SROs in preventing violence in schools because they were better equipped to address the problems that can provoke a troubled student into attacking classmates.
Among the 114 schools that currently receive grants that pay for SROs, Mesa has 13, Tempe Union, seven; Chandler and Tempe Elementary, three each; and Kyrene two.
Mesa uses its money for SROs at all six of its high schools and at Fremont, Rhodes, Taylor, Carson, Summit Academy, Poston and Kino junior high schools.
Tempe Union has grants to have SROs at all seven of its high schools while Chandler is funded for SROs at Hamilton High and Bogle and Willis junior high schools.
Kyrene uses its grant for SROs at Aprende and Pueblo middle schools.
Although some parents have urged Kyrene officials to put money into SROs at its other four middle schools, the board has opted not to use any district funds in its 2019-20 budget for armed officers.
Feedback the district received from various citizen and business advisory groups indicated little sentiment for putting money into SROs instead of academic and other programs.
whoever had done this horrifying deed had a heart so damaged by something in their past, that they deserved their pity and understanding rather than ther hatred and scorn.
Moreover, she told them, they couldn’t let this setback get them down. They had a show to prepare for and their beloved theater company would bounce back.
As the children learned over the five days following the incident, Rubino was right on both scores.
“I wanted them to learn something positive,” said Rubino, who founded the nonprofit theater company with Melissa Snow in 1998 to give area children a chance to learn singing and acting and get an opportunity to perform.
Indeed, they have created not just one institution but two in Ahwatukee.
Besides the theater itself — a mecca for scores of kids annually — the cast also has presented “A Christmas Carol” every holiday season for the last 19 years, making it as much a seasonal tradition as dance instructor Kimberly Lewis’ presentation of “The Nutcracker.”
“The most important thing is I want them to learn lessons that will be with them for life from being here,” Rubi-
no explained. “Yes, they learn to sing or dance or act, but what’s really important is learning to be a good person, growing up to become people who give back to the community and help others.”
Their lessons in kindness came quickly.
Parents of current and former students rushed to see how they could help.
One started a GoFundMe Page in an effort to raise the $2,000 deductible that insurance wouldn’t cover on ACT’s loss of between $10,000 and $12,000 worth of
worth of sound systems, laptops, iPads, keyboard pianos, microphones, a fog machine and a snow machine.
Within four days, 78 people had kicked in $5,725. The overage will support the Zoe Mar Scholarship Fund, named after a 16-year-old Ahwatukee teen who died from a rare genetic disease and whose organs saved four lives needing transplants.
Many of the GoFundMe donors left messages about how ACT had exerted such a positive influence on their children.
“ACT was where my girls began to shine and grow. It was a safe place for fun, friends, learning and expression,” one donor wrote.
Added another: “My daughter discovered her passion for theater here. She has gained so much confidence and has found an extended family. Let’s show them love always wins.”
Rubino was stunned by the offers of support she received from other theater companies.
“Theater companies from all over the Valley called and asked what they could do,” Rubino said. “Even the Gammage Theater called and asked what they could do to help.”
Initially, things looked pretty bleak after
the break-in had been discovered by director Bailey Isenberg when she opened the theater, near 48th Street and Elliot Road.
“When she called and said there had been a break-in, I thought for a minute she was joking. ‘A burglary?’ I asked,” Rubino recalled.
The hoodlums used a crowbar to break into a back door, then used it again to gain admission to ACT’s offices and large rehearsal room.
They ransacked the place from top to bottom, pulling out drawers, ripping out wires and causing the tile ceiling to collapse. And, of course, every valuable thing they could find was taken.
“I think they were looking for money,” said Mary Tucci, Rubino’s mother who also has made costumes for the young thespians’ performances for two decades.
“They tried to get into another office next to ours, but that office’s alarm went off and that’s what scared them away,” she added.
Rubino’s initial shock gave way to a new worry.
“I had a bunch of 5-year-olds coming in like less than an hour,” she said, adding that she hastily came up with a plan to en-
gage and distract them from the ruin the punks had wreaked.
Then, of course, there was the fact that the cast was due to present “Mary Poppins” in less than five days.
“I thought for a minute, ‘We’ll never be able to do this,’” Rubino said.
“I was worried that all the costumes were either gone or destroyed, but they never found them,” she added.
Bouyed by that discovery and determined to bring the cast’s hard work to fruition, Rubino and her staff got to work.
They cleaned up the damage, got rehearsals underway and the show went on.
Although ACT had never been burglarized or vandalized in its two-decade history, this wasn’t the first time adversity has confronted Rubino, whose desire for a career change gave birth to the theater.
She had begun offering voice lessons and parents soon asked her to start a children’s choir for Ahwatukee.
Today, there are three choirs broken down into age groups and numbering a couple dozen singers each. They sing at local events and the two for older children also participate in national and international festivals.
Eventually Rubino started summer
see THEATER page 9
programs and small productions and had so many kids that she had to turn some away. After some time, she decided this was something she could really do professionally and so she formed into a nonprofit organization.
In 2006, with the help of some board members, ACT was able to open up its own space.
“We moved into our building and the recession hit, so we got a quick wake-up call when we moved in there,” Rubino said in an interview several years ago.
“Right away we lost about a third of our population just due to financial reasons. All the budgets we had had in place before we moved were kind of shot because we lost a third of our income.”
The landlord at the time worked with the organization and over the years, with generous donors and understanding landlords, ACT squeaked by.
But then the building was sold and the new owners more than doubled the rent, forcing Rubino and Snow to look for a new venue before finally finding the one they are in now.
Though the building at 11011 S. 48th St. has no performing space, ACT presented “Mary Poppins” at Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center, a frequent venue for the company.
Last Saturday, the young thespians, their parents and other supporters gather for a post-production party and fundraiser at Five Guys in Ahwatukee.
Parent Robin Hadden had arranged with Five Guys to donate 20 percent of the bill from any patron who brought a flier or said they were there in support of the Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre.
Rubino beamed at the crowd of about 50 kids and adults.
The insurance company had approved ACT’s claim for damages and Rubino will be busy organizing its headquarters to be ready for the next round of lessons that begin next month.
And while she’ll be replacing all that equipment stolen by the burglars, there’s one other thing ACT will be adding that it didn’t have before.
“Yes, for sure,” she replied when asked. “We are definitely getting an alarm system.”
Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com
Lisa Miguel
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Hayes, who became the Ahwatukee Chamber’s executive director earlier this year.
Desert Village - Mesa
McCormick Ranch
Canyon Estates
Hayes “is a huge help with obtaining gift certificates for the kids, handing out prizes and coordinating other activates to help make sure the parade runs smoothly,” Welch said. “MPRHOA Staff and several Pool Monitors also help with these activities, along with serving hot dogs and snow cones and making sure everyone has a great time.”
They and the vendors “make a great team working together for the enjoyment and excitement on this holiday for the MPRHOA members, their families, kids and their guests to enjoy,” Welch added.
The Chamber, for nearly a quarter century, had organized Red White and Boom, which featured a carnival with rides, games and vendors followed by a dazzling fireworks show.
But after its last event at Pecos Park in 2017, the board was forced to pull the plug. It had sought a partner to provide the money for the costly event and found one, but the mystery partner — whose identity has never been revealed — backed out at nearly the last minute.
Compounding the problem was the fact that construction of the South Mountain Freeway had begun and that affected the staging area for the fireworks.
A local promoter had tried to organize a smaller community-wide celebration, but that effort fell apart when he couldn’t get all the necessary city permits in time.
But why bother lamenting what likely
will never return.
For those who can’t wait, Fort McDowell Casino will hold a free concert and fireworks tonight, July 3, featuring Eagles tribute band One of These Nights 7:30-9 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. 10424 N. Fort McDowell Road, Fountain Hills. Information: fortmcdowelldestination.com
Here are some options open to Ahwatukee residents who want to watch the night light up tomorrow.
One word of warning: virtually every city listed below expects 15,000 to 20,000 people, so plan accordingly.
Phoenix: Steele Indian School Park, 300 East Indian School Road, hosts a party 6-10 p.m. with fireworks slated at 9:30 p.m. The free and non-alcoholic family event has two stages featuring musical acts and entertainers, a variety of vendors offering festival-style food and beverage, arts and crafts, interactive exhibits and a classic car display. Youth activities, rides and inflatables, and a water spray zone will be part of Kids’ World.
Tempe: Gates at the Tempe Beach Park will open at 5 p.m. with a $10 admission. Children 12 and under, or anyone with an active military ID are free. The Big Zephyr will play country music and a blend of old and new rock. Fireworks choreographed to music will be launched from the Mill Avenue Bridge at 9:15 p.m.
Mesa: The Arizona Celebration of Freedom is free and takes place at the Mesa Amphitheatre and Convention Center complex, University Drive and Center Street, from 6 to 10 p.m. Fireworks are
This was the scene at Mountain Park Ranch last July 4 when scores of children gathered for the community’s annual 4th of July parade. (AFN file photo)
Multi Family Property
FOURTH from page 1
slated at 9:30 p.m.
Chandler: The city’s Fireworks Spectacular runs 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road. Admission is free but parking is $5.
Gilbert: Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and lawn games to the free event, which features food trucks and fireworks. Glass containers, alcohol, smoking and outside fireworks are not permitted at the main venue or viewing sites. Gates open at 6 p.m. with fireworks show scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at Higley High School, 4068 E. Pecos Road.
Phoenix Zoo: 4th of Zooly includes a summer BBQ catered by Andrew’s Catering at the Lakeside lawn. Attendees will also have free access to Endangered Species Carousel rides and access to Stingray Bay, animal guest appearances and a live DJ. The evening ends with a viewing of the nearby Tempe Town Lake fireworks show. The event, which starts at 7 p.m., costs $45 for adults, $35 for children 3-12, free for children under 12.
GOT NEWS?
Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@ timespublications.com
Trailhead upgrade done
A small celebration last week marked the completion of upgrades to the Desert Foothills Trailhead in Ahwatukee, which now has a real bathroom, new signage, a large ramada and expanded parking. Cutting the ribbon for the upgraded trailhead were, from left Councilman Sal DiCiccio, Phoenix Parks Board Chairwoman Sarah Porter and Tom Chapman, who chairs the Parks and Preserve Initiative Oversight Committee. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)
Freeway prompts project on Gila land at 40th Street
The South Mountain Freeway has spawned its first major development along its Pecos segment at the end of the same Ahwatukee street where a controversial gas station proposal is still hanging.
Trammell Crow Company last week said it will build a 48-acre speculative office park on Gila River Indian Community land at the end of 40th Street and build one to three buildings totaling about 700,000 square feet.
The development is positioning the freeway’s 40th Street interchange to become one of the busiest along the stretch that runs through Ahwatukee.
The owner of a lot at the corner of 40th Street and Cottonwood Way — about 350 feet north of the interchange — wants to put a QuikTrip gas station.
That plan seems to be going nowhere for now, though many residents of the Foothills Paseo II development remain wary of the proposal because the gas station would sit at the only way into or out of the subdivision.
Trammell Crow said its “commerce park will be built on the southeast cor-
ner of the freeway and 40th Street and that construction would start in December, the same time the 22-mile freeway is scheduled to open.
“The South Mountain Loop 202 submarket is a newly emerging submarket given the 22- mile expansion of the Loop 202 Freeway, but already boasts tenants from a breadth of industries,” Cathy Thuringer, a principal with TCC, said in a release.
“This new access to and from the Southwest Phoenix and Southeast Valley sub-
markets will change the dynamic of travel for tenants and visitors to the area and provide excellent opportunities for product type optionality. This location benefit, along with the fact that supply and demand are in strong balance, signal to us that this new
commerce park will be well received.”
The company is currently soliciting tenants, saying it would build the new buildings according to their preferences and that loading docks could be provided.
“Depending upon the configuration, buildings will feature a combination of ramp-up and dock-high loading with clear heights ranging from 28 feet to 36 feet,” Trammell Crow said.
“TCC is very excited about the opportunity to be the first development on the Gila River Indian Community after opening of
the South Mountain Loop 202 Freeway,” said Joe Ihrke, a senior vice president with Trammell Crow who is overseeing the development of the project.
“We are working hand in hand with GRIC representatives and are collectively eager to deliver a project that will be attractive to occupiers that bring quality jobs to the community and be a catalyst for further development along this strategic new corridor within Metropolitan Phoenix,” Ihrke added.
Company Vice President Cooper Fratt also said the project will try to take advantage of the older nature of light industrial buildings along I-10 south of Phoenix.
“Industrial product in the South I-10 corridor is well-leased but dated — the average building age is 25 years old,” said Fratt. “The introduction of new inventory with this commerce park will meet future tenants demands for Class A space, a segment that has been largely unmet in this well-located section along Loop 202 Freeway.”
Trammell Crow Company is one of the nation’s leading developers and investors in commercial real estate and is currently involved in more than $12 billion in projects in 17 cities across the country.
This rendering shows the type of light industrial buildings planned for an area on the Gilber River Indian Community near 40th Street once the South Mountain Freeway is opened. (Special to AFN)
Water danger goes beyond death for children
BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer
Doctors saved the life of Rose Bennett’s son, Ethan, their efforts finally paying off after several failed attempts to resuscitate him.
But while the doctors were able to restore Ethan’s heartbeat, the happy 6-yearold boy she knew was gone forever that day, 10 years ago.
It was “the worst- case scenario’’ when it comes to non-fatal drownings, the severe cases where a patient no longer has a heartbeat and is brought back to life. He was left a spastic quadriplegic in need of care around the clock, his brain damaged from being cut off from oxygen for too long. Non-fatal drownings such as Ethan’s are not tracked as carefully as fatal drownings — which demonstrate the need for public safety campaigns and constant, uninterrupted vigilance by parents and others when children are around water.
With families across the region planning holiday gatherings around the backyard pool and others heading for vacation spots near water, these non-fatal drownings carry a message no one should ignore:
Lives compromised by long-term, neurologic damage are another important consequence in water-related incidents, leaving lasting damage from preventable incidents.
Dr. Blake Sherman, an emergency department doctor at Banner Desert Medical Center, estimates that as many as twothirds of victims who have lost a pulse — but have been revived and brought back to life — end up with some form of neurologic damage.
A state Department of Health Services report last year by Dr. Timothy Flood, bureau chief for health statistics, provides a snapshot of Arizona’s drowning problem during 2016, the latest available year for data.
Flood reported that 174 children were admitted at Maricopa County hospitals for water-related incidents, with 14 children younger than 5 dying from their injuries.
He estimated that four victims were left “impaired’’ neurologically, based upon them spending seven days or more in the hospital and being discharged to a rehabilitation center rather than their home.
Flood noted that there is not adequate funding to do a long-term study on the neurological consequences of non-fatal drownings.
Phoenix had the largest number of victims admitted, 86, with 53 of them children less than five years old. Mesa had 31 water-related victims, with 20 of them
As an emergency room doctor at Banner Cardon Children’s Hospital, Dr. Blake Sherman has seen tragedies in both fatal and non-fatal drownings, so he is not taking any chances with his 7-month-old son Jaxson, who is taking swimming lessons. (Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer)
children; Chandler had 23 victims, with 17 children; and Gilbert had 19 victims, 17 of them children.
Mesa’s Banner Desert Medical Center treated the most victims, 63, with 52 of them small children. Phoenix Children’s Hospital had similar numbers, with 48 of the 58 children admitted four years old or less.
But Flood’s report also reflected major progress on the reduction of small children drowning.
The highest death rate was 22.2 deaths per 100,000 in 1986. The rate dropped steadily after the state passed a pool fence ordinance in 1990. In 2016, the rate dropped to 5.9 deaths per 100,000 statewide.
Sherman, an emergency room physician at Banner Desert Medical Center and Banner Cardon Children’s Hospital, said he typically treats two or three childhood drowning victims a year and he would be thrilled to never encounter another one.
So far this year, the East Valley cities of Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe recorded 17 water related incidents, with nine involving children 5 or under.
Five drowning victims have died, but all of them have been adults, according to the Children’s Safety Zone web site.
In Phoenix, there have been 22 water-related incidents, with nine involving pediatric victims. Five victims have died, including one small child and four adults, according to the web site.
Last summer, Sherman said he attempted to save two sisters, 11 months and 3 years old, who drowned in a particularly tragic case, but without success.
He said there is a dramatic difference
feeds him through a feeding tube. It is an endless, continuous cycle.
But in the end, Bennett would rather have Ethan, even in a highly compromised state, rather than not at all.
“As bad as your life is, you have to say, what is the positive?’’ Bennett said. “If I ever get more than two hours sleep, I dread that day, because that’s the day my son is no longer on earth.’’
Ethan has limited, uncontrolled movements of his arms and legs. He can’t hold a pencil. He still attends high school as a student with special needs. He sits and listens in class and can answer some yes or no questions, but not verbally.
“I will cry every day of my life for the things he can’t do. He lost to ignorance,’’ Bennett said, adding that her son’s brain damage was entirely preventable.
in the outcome of children involved in near-drownings and non-fatal drownings, such as Ethan’s case.
“Lots of times, when they still have a pulse, and they do CRR, the kids usually do OK,’’ he said.
One key question that Sherman asks paramedics when they bring victims to the hospital is whether the drowning was witnessed and when the last time the child was seen outside the pool. The answers help him understand how long a child might have been underwater.
“The point is to get them back alive and be able to walk out of there,’’ Sherman said.
But in the non-fatal drowning — when there is no pulse detected after the victim is pulled from water — the odds of death or survival with neurological damage go way up, based largely upon how long the brain is deprived of oxygen, Sherman said.
The brain is one of the first organs to die without oxygen, usually in about six minutes, so restoring the flow of oxygen quickly is of critical importance, he said.
“Essentially, they are dead,’’ Sherman said. “The longer you are without adequate oxygen and without adequate circulation, there is neurologic damage.’’
He said it’s difficult to predict the degree of neurologic damage that a patient will suffer in a non-fatal drowning, but he estimated that less than a third will leave the hospital without neurologic damage.
Patients might emerge with a varying degree of neurologic damage, mostly less severe than Ethan’s, such as a limp or damaged cognitive ability, Sherman said.
Bennett cares for Ethan non-stop, waking up every two hours to turn her son over so that he doesn’t get bed sores. She
Bennett quit her job at the former University Medical Center, the same hospital where Ethan was treated when he drowned on June 2, 2009.
Ethan spent 7 and a half months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers in Tucson and in Phoenix, where the boy was treated at Barrow Neurological Institute and at Hacienda Healthcare.
She said her son was not adequately supervised, with no one noticing he had slipped under the water. The lack of CPR exacerbated his injuries. The matter was settled in a lawsuit, but no amount of money can restore Ethan’s previous life.
“I’m glad he’s alive, but to this day, I cry,’’ Bennett said. “For the rest of my life, I will never hear my son’s voice.”
Lori Schmidt, a spokeswoman for the Scottsdale Fire Department and past president of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona, said Bennett has devoted her life to Ethan and her care has helped improve his condition.
“She has taken the care of Ethan upon herself and he has thrived because of her,’’ Schmidt said.
She said families of non-fatal drowning victims typically suffer two tragic losses.
“They grieve the death of the child the day he died. They grieve a day 10 years later when his body gives out,’’ Schmidt said.
After experiencing the anguish and heartbreak of treating drowning victims, Sherman is doing everything he can to protect his son, Jaxson, 7 months, from suffering a similar fate.
He has installed a fence around his pool at his Scottsdale home and is participating in swim classes with his son.
“We went this morning,’’ he said. “It was incredible.’’
High court ruling may give GOP tighter state control
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
Adecision by Arizona voters in 2000 could immunize this state from the effects of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday on partisan gerrymandering.
But a key Democrat state senator told Capitol Media Services he worries that taking federal courts out of the review process, coupled with the recent actions of Gov. Doug Ducey and the Republican-controlled Senate to stack a panel that plays a key role in drawing lines, could effectively give license to the governor and his allies to craft maps that cement GOP control of the Legislature and give the GOP an edge in electing members of Congress.
On paper, redistricting in Arizona is not a partisan exercise.
The initiative approved by voters nearly two decades ago wrested control of the process from state lawmakers who had made a practice of drawing legislative and congressional lines in ways to benefit the majority party, replacing it with an Independent Redistricting Commission.
And the constitutional amendment that created the commission details
what factors the panel is required to consider in drawing lines, ranging from protecting communities of interest to creating as many competitive districts as possible.
But Democrat and Republican legislative leaders who get to name four of the five commission members can choose only from a list created by the separate Commission on Appellate Court Appointments.
There is a prohibition against all 15 members coming from the same party.
But in his more than five years in office, Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, who names people to that panel, has replaced all the Democrats.
So that means that the choices Democrat lawmakers get to make for the IRC are going to be limited to those nominated by Republicans and independents — which technically meets the legal requirements.
All this is crucial because the history of the commission has shown that, despite its official independent status, a few tweaks in the lines here or there can tilt the scales for one party or the other. In fact, that’s something that Republicans accused the commission formed after the 2010 census of doing.
But now, with Thursday’s Supreme
Court ruling, any bid to give a partisan edge is no longer a concern of — or can be reviewed by — federal courts.
This takes on added significance with the high court’s other ruling that rebuffed a bid by the Trump administration to add a citizenship question to the decennial census.
With a high percentage of Hispanics in the rapidly growing state, both citizens and otherwise, that increases the chance that more people will fill out the form.
And that, in turn, boosts the chance that Arizona will be allocated a 10th seat in the U.S. House after 2020, another set of lines that the Independent Redistricting Commission has to draw.
It’s the question of who draws all those lines that has sharp political implications.
Sen. Martin Quezada, D-Glendale, said that’s why he sought earlier this year to block the Senate from confirming Ducey’s four latest appointments to the Commission on Appellate Court Appointments, a move that left no Democrats on the panel.
Ducey press aide Patrick Ptak pointed out that two of the four picked by the governor are political independents.
But Sen. Juan Mendez, D-Tempe, said that Kathryn Townsend, one of the “in-
dependent’’ nominees, had been a Republican precinct committeewoman who made “sizable’’ political donations to GOP candidates. He called her “a Republican passing off as having no party preference or leanings.’’
And Matthew Contorelli, the other independent, is married to the daughter of state Rep. Steve Pierce, R-Prescott. Ptak had no immediate answer to the question of when Ducey will fill the two slots — or even whether the governor is considering any Democrats at all.
What’s wrong with that, said Quezada, is it ignores a constitutional requirement that “the governor...shall endeavor to see that the commission reflects the diversity of Arizona’s population.’’ And out of nearly 3.8 million registered voters, nearly 1.2 million are Democrats. Ptak said Ducey still has two more appointments he can make. But Quezada said Thursday he is not optimistic, particularly now that the Supreme Court has put federal judges out of the redistricting business.
“I don’t think that gives us any hope that Ducey will put any Democrats on the commission,’’ Quezada said. And he said with the new high court ruling “that certainly doesn’t motivate him to address that issue.’’
Census data shows Arizona population still young
BY MIRANDA FAULKNER Cronkite News
Arizona continues to be relatively young compared to the rest of the U.S., but it saw one of the nation’s biggest jumps in average age from 2010 to 2018, according to new data from the Census Bureau.
The state’s median age grew two years in that period, from 35.9 to 37.9 years, according to the 2018 Population Estimates released by the bureau last week.
The national average during the same period rose 1 year, from 37.2 to 38.2 years, the report said.
Arizona demographers attribute the change to increases in the number of older people moving in to the state and younger people moving out, which is leading to a lower birth rate in turn. They say another factor could be the relatively large minority share of the state’s population: The national drop in nonwhite birth rates and the rise in average ages for nonwhites both exceeded those for whites, which could be helping
to drive Arizona’s average age up.
“The people who migrate in to our state tend to be slightly older than the people who migrate out of our state,” Arizona Demographer Jim Chang said.
“The median age of people who move to Arizona is around 33.5 and the people who move out of Arizona to other states are about 30.5, a three-year difference,” he added.
From 2010 to 2018, Arizona’s average age increase of two years was the second-largest in the nation, trailing only Maine, which saw a 2.2-year increase in average age in that time, according to Census data.
But while Maine was then, and is now, the state with the oldest demographic in the nation, Arizona has been climbing up the ranks.
The Census report shows that Arizona was the 43rd-youngest state in the nation in 2010, just below Mississippi at 36 years and just above Louisiana at 35.8 years. By 2018, however, Arizona was tied with Indiana as 35th-youngest state in the nation.
With people in their prime baby-bearing ages leaving the state, Chang said, there are not as many newborns to counter the older residents moving in.
“Throughout the nation, birth rates dropped, but it has dropped more in Arizona than the nation as a whole,” Chang said. “If we don’t have a lot of births, obviously, those people weigh down our median age.”
David Plane, a professor at The University of Arizona School of Geography and Development, said the latest Census numbers show that children under age 5 make up 7.13 percent of the state’s population in 2010.
But that fell to 6.08 percent in 2018. People 65 and over rose from 13.8 to 17.54 percent of the state population over the same period, he said.
Arizona’s birth rate fell from 13.2 births per 1,000 people in 2010 to 11.2 per 1,000 in 2017, the most recent year for which numbers are available from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
The department said the number of births in the state fell from 82,053 in
2010 to 81,664 in 2017.
Chang said the rate is down sharply from the peak year of 2007, when a birth rate of 16 per 1,000 residents resulted in 102,687 babies born in the state.
Plane said it’s not just overall birth rate that is important to the state’s median age, “but the composition of the population, it’s what percentage are in different categories.”
He was quick to note that the declines are particularly sharp in minority groups nationwide.
The Census Bureau reported that Hispanics and Native Americans, who account for a large percentage of Arizona’s population, both had a median age increase of 2.2 years.
“The white population increased by one (year in average age), but all the other groups have increased by more,” he said.
Plane, who studies population geography, said younger people are gravitating toward cities such as Seattle, Denver and New York, while those coming here are being drawn by an affordable housing market.
Bowie picked for 2 leadership programs
Ahwatukee state Sen. Sean Bowie has been selected by the Democratic caucus to attend two leadership programs this summer — including one that hasn’t seen an Arizonan in four years.
Bowie will be attending the Council of State Governments’ Henry Toll Fellowship Program and the State Legislative Leaders Foundation’s Emerging Legislative Leaders Program.
Bowie is the first Arizonan chosen for the Toll Fellowship since 2015.
“Session may be over but that doesn’t mean I’m done working for my district,” Bowie said.
“I hope to learn from both experts and my fellow classmates how to better serve my constituents and bring back ideas to make my district and Arizona an even better place to live, learn and work,” he added.
Founded in 1933 by Henry Wolcott Toll, the Council of State Governments is a nonpartisan organization that trains leaders in all three branches of state governments.
The fellowship brings 48 of the nation’s top state officials for a five-day “leadership boot camp,” warning participants “there will be no down time.”
Its website describes the sessions as ones that “stimulate personal assessment and growth, while providing priceless networking and relationship-building opportunities.”
Advising participants it is “not a traditional professional development/policy program,” the Toll Fellowship organizers say the boot camp “challenges participants to move out of their comfort zones and take an introspective look at how they view themselves as leaders.”
The other program is run by the 47-year-old nonpartisan State Legislative Leaders Foundation, which it says is “dedicated to the professional development of all senate presidents, speakers of the house, majority leaders, minority leaders and leaders pro tempore.”
Its programs are all focused on either
strengthening leadership skills or examining critical public policy issues.
“The Emerging Legislative Leaders Program is designed specifically for the next generation of leaders in state legislatures,” the foundation states, adding that the program Bowie is attending will be on the campus of the University of Virginia and taught by faculty from its Darden School of Business.
The five-day program, since 2005, has trained over 600 legislators “and a significant number have continued their careers in public service,” the foundation says, noting “many have achieved positions of leadership in their states.”
The foundation and the Darden school said the program’s aim is “to broaden the perspectives of these men and women, instilling in them a clear understanding of their responsibilities as custodians of the public’s trust and seeking to inspire them to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and vigor.”
SEN. SEAN BOWIE
Audit says Arizona dispensaries’ kitchens not inspected
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
State health officials are failing to protect more than 200,000 medical marijuana users in Arizona from contamination and disease that can be spread when edible products are produced at state-licensed kitchens, the Auditor General’s Office reports.
In a new study released last week, the auditors say the Department of Health Services does inspect kitchens when a new operation to prepare edibles is set up. But that’s the end of it.
State Health Director Cara Christ, in a formal response, does not dispute the findings.
She contends, however, that the 2010 voter approved law allowing patients with certain medical conditions to obtain 2.5 ounces of marijuana every two weeks does not allow her staff to conduct the kind of unannounced inspections that would turn up haz-
ardous practices and procedures.
The department cites requirements in the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act requiring “reasonable notice’’ before dispensaries can be inspected unless there is an allegation that a facility is not in compliance.
“Marijuana kitchens are linked to the dispensary in which they are located and the same restrictions apply,’’ said agency spokesman Chris Minnick.
But Marc Owen, a manager of the audit staff, said that argument does not hold up.
Owen told Capitol Media Services that the health department already had the power to conduct inspections of food preparation facilities long before there was a medical marijuana law. And he said the fact that there are now kitchens preparing edible forms of marijuana does not change that.
Christ said her department does not intend to comply with the audit recommendation and start inspecting
the 36 kitchens it licenses.
Minnick acknowledged that the food kitchens hold a separate license. But that, he said, does not give inspectors drop-in rights.
“Surveyors must enter through the dispensary,’’ Minnick said. “And the product being used is regulated by the AMMA.’’
He also said that efforts to get the Legislature to alter the law to allow unannounced inspections of dispensaries “have not been successful.’’
Anyway, he said the health department is unaware of any cases or outbreaks of food-borne illness associated with products containing medical marijuana extracts.
Minnick said that health inspectors would inspect the kitchens during the pre-announced inspections. But that, he said, would require the kitchens to actually be operating at the time to review the equipment, health and sanitation practices.
“To date, our surveyors have not
been able to observe an operational food kitchen during an inspection of a dispensary,’’ Minnick said. That is backed up by the report which says facilities typically close their infusion kitchens days inspectors show up.
But Owen said that does not leave the health department powerless. He said even if Christ is correct about unannounced inspections — a point that the auditors are not conceding — there are other things that the health officials could do to help protect the wellness of medical marijuana patients.
Owen said that could include inspectors at least reviewing the practices of staffers and check out the coolers, food preparation sinks and the temperature of any food or ingredients in the kitchen.
“There is a risk that qualifying patients, which include vulnerable populations, are purchasing and consuming food products without adequate oversight,’’ the auditors said.
Ahwatukee!
Ahwatukee nurse on medical mission in Kenya
BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor
Kathleen Debiak, accompanied by fellow medical workers and their Masaii warrior guide, walked into a school compound in Kenya last month and was greeted with enthusiastic singing, dancing, clapping and general rockstar mania.
“It would be like dropping Justin Beiber in the midst of prepubescent girls,” the Ahwatukee resident recalled.
“We were immediately engulfed by parents hugging and kissing us and saying ‘thank you, thank you!’ We were later told this is a group of people who live so far out they rarely have anyone come see them. Some of those people had rarely seen a white person, others maybe only one in their lifetime.”
This was just one of the experiences Debiak and fellow health workers experienced on their visit to rural Kenya.
The 325-student school was the larger of two that Debiak, a traveling physician’s assistant, shared her medical skills with
—thanks to the sponsorship of the Make a Difference and Me to We foundations.
Five other physician assistants and nurse practitioners joined Debiak and representatives of the sponsoring Make A Difference Foundation and CompHealth on the trip — which required three separate jet journeys and one 12-seater prop plane just to arrive to their destination. And from there, it was all four-wheel-
drive lorries.
“The recruiter I work with at CompHealth, a healthcare staffing company, nominated me for this opportunity.
CompHeath annually supports humanitarian and medical missions through the Make a Difference Foundation, Debiak explained. “In this case they partnered with the ‘Me to We Foundation’ to organize the medical mission to Kenya.”
A former science teacher — who studied to be a physician assistant after her first philanthropic journey to Guatemala years ago — Debiak was joined on this trip by eight other physician assistants and a nurse practitioner.
She’s also worked as a medical volun-
teer in Brazil and Thailand.
It all began with a call for help at her church nearly three decades ago.
Her response changed her life’s trajectory.
“In the late ’80s I was living in Everett, Washington, working as a science teacher, primarily with low-income middle school students. My church was approached by a nurse seeking donations and volunteers for a Guatemalan orphanage,” Debiak said.
“She encouraged me to join her for six months as a volunteer at an infant and small children nutrition recovery center associated with a Jesuit Hospital in Guatemala,” Debiak she added. “This mission prompted me to pursue a career in medicine, thus I studied to become a Physician Assistant through the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.”
In 2014, under the sponsorship of Rotary International, Debiak went to work in Brazil to help upgrade a local community center in a poor section of the city of Natal. “There I provided medical screenings
DV grad works on hope for the hearing impaired
BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
As a student at Desert Vista High School before graduating in 2009, Darcy Frear had a kind of love-hate relationship when it came to engineering.
“I always enjoyed science and math in school but disliked the idea of being an engineer,” said Frear, the daughter of Tracy and Darrel Frear of Ahwatukee.
But as she continued her undergraduate work at Arizona State University, she resolved that quandary in a field in which she just earned her Ph.D. from Harvard University.
“I found engineering was all about solving problems to better human lives,” said Darcy, 28, who now makes her home in Boston. “Biomedical engineering was especially appealing because I originally wanted to be a doctor — MD not Ph.D. — and doctors specialized in fixing problems in the human body.”
Frear received her Ph.D. in speech and hearing bioscience and technology in May 2019 after researching a way to create a mechanical model to better understand how people hear and develop a hearing device for people with problems in their ear canal, ear drum and/or middle ear.
Her thesis focused on an implantable hearing device that was shown to successfully bypass any mechanical problems in the ear and stimulate the cochlea — the snail-shaped organ required for hearing.
A 2013 biomedical engineering graduate of ASU’s Barrett The Honors College, Frear also found time at Harvard to develop her leadership skills on both the water and dry land.
She advocated for students as the president for two years of the Graduate School Student Council and helped lead the Harvard Dragon Boat team to victory in races on the east coast and around the world.
Harvard acknowledged her academic and extracurricular achievements by
naming her one of eight Commencement Marshals, leading the other graduate students and deans at graduation while car-
rying one of the university’s banners.
Carrying on the academic excellence that she displayed at ASU, where she graduated summa cum laude as a distinguished graduate, Frear had earned two grants at Harvard through the National Institutes of Health and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital.
Outside the lab and classroom, she discovered dragon boating.
“The Harvard Dragon Boat team is a very welcoming group and I’ve made some really amazing friends through the team,” she said.
“We always go to Montreal to race in July, but outside of Canada we have one international race a year. This year we went to Barcelona in May and got first in the B division — which is great. I’ve also been with the team to Tianjin, China and Venice,” she said.
She still participates in Harvard’s drag-
Physician assistant Kathleen Debiak and a Kenyan nurse embraced by a four-wheel drive hospital ambulance needed to service the rural area’s rough roads. (Special to AFN)
Ahwatukee native Darcy Frear earned her Ph.D. in May from Harvard University. (Special to AFN)
whereby patients were then directed to the appropriate care facility,” she said.
For this week-long medical mission to Kenya, Debiak had a plethora of roles.
“Through this medical program I worked alongside the Kenyan medical providers at the Baraka Hospital in the Maasai Mara region, on the southwest edge of Kenya,” said Debiak. “We provided direct medical care and in return received an understanding of the medical necessities within the Maasai people.
“In addition, I was immersed in Maasai culture, and by working alongside the Maasai providers we shared best practices and medical education.
Debiak said a highlight of her trip to Kenya was her work at the two rural elementary schools.
The first school visited by the medical personnel was a half-hour journey by fourwheel drive to a school of 125 children.
“This school was supported by the We to Me Foundation. They had better school uniforms and they had newer classrooms,” she said.
“At the next school we saw and treated 325 students in a single visit,” said Debiak. This more rural school was both miles and worlds away from the first one the group visited.
“Their school was just one long strip of a clapboard room with a dirt floors, holes in the ceiling and no doors, but those kids were just so freakin’ happy,” said Debiak. And obviously, so were their parents and even a local dignitary who came to greet the medical team.
“I was the second one off the lorry and I couldn’t see the person in front of me because I was so engulfed,” she said. “All of us were presented by the local dignitary with a yellow tin cup, and were given
plastic leis for around our necks. I kept wondering, how are they affording to do this for us?”
The medical personnel did a health assessment on the 325 children, and winnowed a smaller group of 50 children whom they felt needed additional care, or a trip to a local clinic.
All the students received de-worming pills.
During her exams and by observing the adults she said she saw a lot of back and neck issues. She later determined a daily or multi-daily trip to a river one kilometer away to fetch water was the cause.
“They carry 25- and 50-pound containers of water and sometimes walk to the river five to seven times a day,” she said, shaking her head. “Some of their houses are built of mud and that requires much more water and even more trips to the river.”
Debiak hasn’t limited her volunteerism in other countries, but here in the U.S. as well.
“Earlier in my medical career I worked five years with the Indian Health Service
on the Navajo Nation at Fort Defiance and Kayenta in northeastern Arizona,” Debiak said. “The Navajo people I served were some of the most genuine, wonderful and generous people I’ve ever met. It was an honor to be part of their community, though as an outsider.”
Providing health care services allows an inside look at other cultures, she said.
“Meeting people as a service provider, you get an unfiltered version of different cultures, something most people never experience. When you work on a person-to-person basis you soon learn we are all one people,” she said.
“And by working with the underserved in underdeveloped areas I receive a real appreciation of what health care is about. This is real clinical medicine, provided to people who truly appreciate your efforts.”
When not volunteering her skills, Debiek works with CompHealth as a traveling physician assistant, currently working for Family Health Centers of San Diego. Even here, her empathy is a part of her work.
“I’m working at a clinic serving mostly refugees and immigrants from East Africa, as well as the homeless and mentally ill,” she said.
Working as essentially a temporary employee has allowed Debiak time to travel, and mostly to help those in need. Through her work she has used her medical talents in northern Wisconsin, Kansas, California and the Navajo Nation, among others. She has worked with the military at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base as well as in Flagstaff, Tucson, San Manuel, Yuma, Sacaton, Casa Grande and the Indian Health Center in Phoenix. Her current goal is to cut back on traveling for work and to find part-time employment opportunities closer to home, preferably in family practice and urgent care.
“I enjoy working with the underserved and feel it’s my duty to help the less fortunate,” said the 60-year-old Debiak. “Am I done traveling? For work, yes; for personal enrichment, absolutely not!”
on boat activities as a head coach for the team, a job that involves organizing five other coaches, creating itineraries for practice, planning for races and coaching team members.
As president of the graduate student union, she led discussions on a variety of concerns, including student mental health, dental insurance plan, discounted public transit passes and student housing.
“When applying for graduate school I asked myself what aspect of the human body did I want to improve?,” she explained.
lead to everyone becoming frustrated. I thought, maybe I could help improve hearing aids.”
She chose Harvard “because the program fit perfectly into what I wanted.”
Working in its hearing mechanics lab under the supervision of Dr. Heidi Nakajima, Frear’s research focused on three projects — the biggest related to developing and testing a device that could be used to surgically treat conductive hearing loss.
branes around the cochlea.
“My device was tested in human cadaveric ears in a sound chamber at Massachusetts Eye and Ear,” she said, noting, “Amazingly, the mechanical properties of your ear operate very similarly whether you are alive or dead.”
Her work also focused on developing a mathematical model of the middle and inner ear to better understand how we hear “but also to understand how a patient’s hearing is affected if a problem or disease is present in their ear,” she said.
And she developed a study of 175 patients over 3 ½ years to identify the major causes of eharing loss.
“I found that about 16 percent of the 175k patients had a surgically treatable conductive hearing loss, which is the percentage of patients that could potentially be helped by my implantable device.”
Although the device is patent pending through Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Frear said it “still needs improvements that will be carried out by my lab.”
“It’s many years away from taking it to the market,” she added.
“I settled on hearing because of my family, specifically my grandmother. My grandma complained about her hearing aids and would not wear them, which
“Conductive hearing loss is when a person has a problem with their ear canal, ear drum and/or middle ear,” she explained. “If there is a problem with this part of your hearing pathway the sound can never enter the cochlea.”
Her solution was an implant that could mechanically stimulate one of the mem-
But that’s not likely to be a daunting obstacle for Frear, whose goal for a job echoes the reason why she finally came to love engineering.
As she explained, she’s looking for a job “where I can use my engineering background to improve medical devices.” DARCY from page 25
“Identifying major causes of hearing loss can help us better allocate resources and gives impact to all types of hearing loss research,” Frear said.
Children, staff and parents of a rural school gathered to bid the medical mission team goodbye. The 325 students matriculate in a clapboard building with no doors and dirt floors. (Special to AFN)
Ahwatukee physician assistant Kathleen Debiak was accompanied by a Maasai “warrior” who acted as guide, interpreter and facilitator during her June medical mission. (Special to AFN)
Mountainside Martial Arts 29th annual Summer Karate Kamp Series begins on July 15, offering children a chance to learn the basics and fundamentals of traditional martial arts. It is designed to help children develop their fine and gross motor skill set along with focus, balance and discipline.
The camp will run Monday-Thursday July 15-25. Times are 1-1:45 p.m. for children 4-7 and 2-2:45 p.m. for kids 8-12.
The cost is $99.99 and includes a uniform.
Enroll: 480-759-4540 or emailmitchell@mmacaz.net
Mountainside Martial Arts also is offering two more free self-defense seminars as part of its 40th anniversary celebration.
The session focus on simple but effective techniques and are being broken up for different age levels.
Both seminars are on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-noon. For adults and teens over 13 the session is July 13. For children 8-12, the last free session is July 20.
Parents are encouraged to attend and participate with their children.
Information/registration: 480-759-4540 or mountainsidemartials.com
Line dancing, cardio summer classes at Pecos Community Center
Ahwatukee fitness instructor Carrie McNeish has scheduled line-dancing classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced dancers as well as her Muscle Mania cardio/strength sessions.
No partner or experience is necessary for the line-dancing classes, which are on Tuesdays, 5:30 for beginners and ^:30 p.m. for the rest. There also are beginner classes at 11:15 a.m.
Thursdays for beginners and at 12:15 p.m. for others.
AROUND
Muscle Mania sessions are at 11 a.m. Mondays and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays.
Register: apm.activecommunities.com/phoenix/Home. Information: 480-221-9090, cmcneish@cox.net, or dancemeetsfitness.net.
Cactus Jack’s slates Summer Dance Party tonight has food, drink specials
Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill on the southwest corner of Elliot Road and 48th Street, Ahwatukee, will hold its annual American Summer Dance Party starting at 5:30 p.m. today, July 3, with dancing starting at 7 p.m. There will be food and drink specials. Information: dancemeetsfitness.net, 480-221-9090.
Cooking classes offered in Ahwatukee home focus on vegan, low-fat dishes
Phoenician Oasis, located in a private Ahwatukee home, is offering cooking classes focusing on low-fat, low-sodium, low-sugar dishes that include vegan, French & international cuisines while students enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres and sipping wine or cold drinks.
Summer classes include: July 6 and 27, bread making; July 28, vegan; Aug. 4, French Cooking in French language; Aug. 10 and 31, bread making; and Aug. 11 and Sept. 1, vegan cooking. Details: Phoenicianoasis.com or 480-888-5521 .
Free chiropractic exam for a new backpack offer expiring soon
Ahwatukee chiropractor and community leader Dr. Cameron Call is collecting new backpacks for needy kids and he’s offering a sweetener to attract donors.
From now until July 17, anyone who brings in a new backpack to his office at Suite 104, Building 8, 4425 E. Agave Road, Ahwatukee, will get a gift certificate for a complete structural chiropractic exam.
“There are hundreds of kids in our community who are in need of help and we want to do what we can as we kick off summer and prepare for the new school year,” Call said. “We have never offered a deal like this before and are hoping this helps us collect as many backpacks for kids as possible.”
Since other businesses are collecting school supplies, Call hopes to have a backpack-packing party on July 17, though he hasn’t announced details.
Information 602-753-7782
Church seeks breast cancer victims for classes in gentle movement
Researchers from ASU’s Recovery and Rejuvenation study are now enrolling eligible breast cancer survivors for a free eight-week series of one-hour classes at Mountain View Lutheran Church.
The classes explore how gentle movement and educational support may provide survivors with increased energy and feelings of well-being, enhancing quality of life. Participants who complete the study will receive $70 in gift cards.
“Evidence-based research indicates gentle movement and peer support are both associated with significant benefits for cancer survivors during treatment and beyond,” said Dr. Linda Larkey, principal investigator for the ASU research study. “We are hoping to learn why that might be, and which approach is most beneficial.”
Information: RnR@asu.edu or 602-496-2329.
Swim & Tennis Center hosting STEM summer camps this month
The increasing importance being place on getting kids interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and math has prompted the folks at the Ahwatukee Community Swim and Tennis Center to offer a new summer activity for children 6 to 12 years old.
During June and July, the center will host weekly STEM and Sports Camps with seven five-day sessions with different themes.
Cost per week is $220 with a 10 percent discount for siblings. The camp runs 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. daily.
Registration/information: ahwatukeecommunitycenter. com or 480-893-3431.
Ahwatukee chapter of Moms in Prayer can help in many ways
People who would like some prayer power on behalf of their children can contact the Ahwatukee chapter of the national group Moms in Prayer.
The group meets once a week for an hour, praying for children and their school. Grandmothers are welcome to come and pray for their grandchildren.
Information: MomsInPrayer.org or azcarolina7@gmail.com.
We have been a part of the Keystone Montessori Community for 5 years. Our daughter started as a toddler and is now a first grader. Our son has been eagerly awaiting his turn to go to school and just began this fall. The school and staff have blown our expectations away; we recommend Keystone to everyone we know because it has been such a remarkable experience for our children. They thoroughly love school and more importantly love to learn!
Parent Testimonial
CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY, JULY 3
Book discussion club
Read the book and join each lively discussion the first Wednesday of the month. July’s Read: “Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders. August’s Read: “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward.
DETAILS>> 7-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Adult. Free. No registration required.
Art in the Garden sessions
Painting, open session and pour art are on tap at Art in the Garden Studio.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon and-46 p.m., open studio $10 - $20; 1-3 p.m., pour art and string with Tish; and 7-9 p.m. acrylic painting. Register: artinthegardenstudio.com.
FRIDAY, JULY 5
Art classes set
Art in the Garden Studio in Ahwatukee has three different classes. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon, watercolors; 1-3 p.m. desert landscape acrylic; and 7-9 p.m., watercolor cards. Register: artinthegardenstudio.com
SATURDAY, JULY 6
Soap making class
Art in the Garden Studio has scheduled an open studio for 10 a.m. to Noon and alcohol ink art on ceramic tile for 7-9 p.m. The studio also will have lotion making 10 am.-noon on Monday, July 8 and an open studio after that. Information/ registration: $10 - $20 artinthegardenstudio.com
Going to extremes
The subtitle of this workshop is “Strategies for Successful Summer Gardening.” Join master gardener Linda from the Ahwatukee Community Garden as she give tips on summer watering, shade and plants that thrive in the heat. This program is in support of Ironwood Library’s Seed Library. The Seed Library is supported by the Friends of Phoenix Public Library, Ironwood Chapter.
DETAILS>> 7-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adult. Free. No registration required.
TUESDAY, JULY 9
LEGO Lab
Children accompanied by an adult can stop by for fun LEGO building time the second Tuesday of each month. DETAILS>> 4-5 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10
Garden studio slates classes
Art in the Garden has an open studio and classes.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon and 1-6 p.m., open studio $10-$20; watercolor cards, 7-9 p.m. Register: artinthegardenstudio.com
THURSDAY, JULY 11
Studio slates classes
Art in the Garden in Ahwatukee has slated two classes.
DETAILS>> Desert landscape acrylic will be taught 10 a.m.noon with an open studio for $10 or $20 from 1-6 p.m., followed by acrylic painting 7-9 p.m. Information/reservations: artinthegardenstudio.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 13
Arizona Kicks on Route 66
Explore U.S. Route 66 with local historian Marshall Shore!
This important “Mother Road” connected Chicago and L.A. in 1926, and became a major Depression-era western migration route. Program sponsored by Maricopa County Library District as part of Maricopa County Reads.
DETAILS>> 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adult. Free. No registration required.
TUESDAY, JULY 16
Writers critique group
Bring five double-spaced pages of writing to get feedback from your fellow writers.
DETAILS>> 6-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. No registration required.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
Today’s the last day
Today’s the last day for women to get their reservation in for the July 22 Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors luncheon.
DETAILS>> The luncheon will be at 11:30 a.m. at Biscuits, 4623 E Elliott Road, Ahwatukee, and features Joan Campbell from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office talking about “Trending Scams. Information/reservations:
Arizona Rick
Enjoy delightful storytelling with balloon twisting extraordinaire Arizona Rick, who uses fantastical balloon creations and volunteers from the audience to tell stories, play games and do a bit of magic. Program sponsored by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library as part of Maricopa County Reads, the summer reading program at the library.
DETAILS>> 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-12 years. Free. Tickets are required and available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.
Family Reading Camp
Wear your pajamas; bring your teddy bears, flashlights, pillows & blankets; and snuggle up in tents for this all-ages family read-together “indoor camping” adventure. #IronwoodLibrary
DETAILS>> 6:30-7:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. All Ages. Free. No registration required.
SATURDAY, JULY 20
Workshops at Hawthorne
Hawthorne Court of Ahwatukee is holding a workshop on veterans benefits.
DETAILS>> 11 a.m., 13822 S. 46th Place, Ahwatukee. Information/RSVP: 480-598-1224.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24
Reptile Fun
Snakes in the library! Learn about reptiles and meet some slinky species up close. Program sponsored by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library as part of Maricopa County Reads, the summer reading program at the library.
DETAILS>> 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-12 years. Free. Tickets are required and available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.
SUNDAYS
TinkerTime
Explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment and invent while learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) through tinkering.
DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd.
Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required.
Learn gardening from pros
Learn desert gardening by getting your hands dirty with the Ahwatukee Community Gardening Project. Share in the knowledge, the produce and the smiles. All ages welcome Bring sun protection and water, tools optional.
DETAILS>> 8-9:15 a.m. in the northwest corner of the park at 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee, behind the guitar player at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, which is open 9a.m.-1 p.m. Information: acgarden.org or 480-759-5338.
Chess, knitters clubs
Two clubs meet in Ahwatukee every Sunday the chess club for players at all skill levels and Knitters Anonymous for all levels of knitters and people who crochet.
DETAILS>> The Chess Club meets at 11 a.m. and Knitters Anonymous meets at 2 p.m. For either club, call 480-246-1912 for more information.
Bible Study
A journey through Leviticus that is biblically accurate and understandable for everyone. Learn the historical perspective which reveals the love of God for all His people. Technology and questions are both encouraged.
Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors (AFFAN) is an organization of women who meet regularly to socialize through groups/activities and provides educational and cultural information for its members. General luncheon meetings are the fourth Monday of every month.
DETAILS>> For more information: affanwomensgroup@gmail.com.
Power Partners meet
The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce’s Power Partners meets. It’s a category-specific networking and leads group. Non-Chamber members can attend one event to “check it out.”
DETAILS>> noon-1 p.m. at Native Grill and Wings 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Information: 480-753-7676.
LD 18 Dems meet monthly
Legislative District 18 Democrats gather monthly, usually the second Monday, to share news, opportunities, food and laughter. Meetings include guest speakers, legislative updates, how-to sessions and Q&A. Volunteer or just enjoy an evening with like-minded folks.
DETAILS>> For times and places: ld18democrats.org/calendar.
Babytime for walkers
Babies up to 23 months who are walking and are accompanied by a favorite adult enjoy Babytime with American Sign Language for Walkers, with songs, activities to promote movement, rhymes, books and playtime in each lively session.
DETAILS>> 9:30-10 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages walking to 23 months. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.
Babytime for crawlers
Accompanied by a favorite adult, babies birth to crawling can enjoy songs, music, rhymes, books, interactive stories, simple American Sign Language words, activities to promote movement and playtime.
DETAILS>> 10:30-11 a.m. Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages birth to crawling. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.
Digital City
Children can let their digital creativity flow in this self-guided tech “playground.” We provide hands-on beginner bots, exercises to build fine motor skills and Chromebooks preloaded with links to code-learning environments, 3D modeling and digital art programs.
DETAILS>> 4-5 p.m., except May 27. Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-12. Free. No registration required.
Desert Pointe gardeners meet
Desert Pointe Garden Club meets on the first Monday of the month with special programs.
DETAILS>> 9 a.m., Ahwatukee Rec Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, Ahwatukee. Information: 602 478 6732 or dpgc.org.
TUESDAYS
Get ready for kindergarten
Three- to 5-year-olds and their adult caregivers learn through stories, games and structured activities designed to nourish the skills that lead to success in school: persistence, flexibility and problem-solving.
DETAILS>> Tuesdays June 4 – July 23, 10:30-11:15 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages: 3-5 years. Free. Tickets are limited & available 30 minutes before program start time on the day of the program.
Yoga guided meditation
Take a guided tour of how to center the mind-body connection through the practice of yoga and meditation. Please bring a yoga mat or large towel. Presented by Life Empowerment Yoga Guided Meditation and Reflexology.
DETAILS>> Tuesdays June 4-25, 1:30-2:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. No registration required.
Patriotic playgroup
Parents looking for playtime for their kids and, for themselves, stimulating conversations rooted in family, faith and conservatism can gather ever second Tuesday of the month.
DETAILS>> 9-11 a.m. Pecos Park playground. 17010 S. 48th St., Phoenix. Check ld18gop.com for more details or contact: ld18gop@gmail.com
Estrangement support
Although rarely discussed, family estrangement is far more common than most people realize. The estranged suffer from loneliness, lack of self-esteem, guilt, anger and depression. Desert Foothills United Methodist Church provides a support group that meets the first Tuesday of every month. The public is invited to the “Living Loss” sessions. No questions asked, and anonymity will be respected.
DETAILS>> 7 p.m., first Tuesday of every month; 2156 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. Use Entry B. Free. Information: 480-4601025 and office@desertfoothills.org.
Prayer night offered
Ahwatukee Health and Recovery holds a weekly prayer night. The public is invited.
DETAILS>> noon-1:30 p.m., 16515 S. 40th Street #119, Ahwatukee. Free.
Coloring for grown-ups
Adult coloring promotes mindfulness, reduces stress and improves cognitive motor skills. We’ll provide the markers, crayons, colored pencils and coloring sheets; you just bring yourself and your friends.
DETAILS>> 1:30-3 p.m. Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Adults. Free. No registration required.
Chair yoga featured
Inner Vision Yoga Studio offers chair yoga to help seniors and people recovering from injuries to stay fit.
DETAILS>> 1:30-2:30 p.m., 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.
$6 per class. Information: 480-330-2015 or donna@innervisionyoga.com.
Toastmasters sharpen skills
Improve your speaking skills and meet interesting people at Ahwatukee Toastmasters meetings
DETAILS>> 6:45-8 a.m at the Dignity Health Community Room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.
WEDNESDAYS
Summer STEM Fun
Children can create pulley rockets, comets-on-a-stick, alien spaceships, sun catchers and more in these fun, hands-on STEM-based sessions.
DETAILS>> On July 2, 16 and 23, 4-5 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: 6-11. Free. No registration required.
French Talk Time
Brush up on your high school, college or tourist French speaking and listening skills in this French conversation group. Participants should already speak some French to benefit from this program. First, third and fifth Tuesdays of this month are informal, unstructured and participant-driven experiences. Second and fourth Tuesdays of this month are guided conversation groups.
DETAILS>> July 2 and July 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. No registration required.
WEDNESDAYS
ToddlerTime
Toddlers 24-47 months-old, accompanied by a favorite adult, enjoy interactive activities that encourage emerging language skills such as stories, songs, games and playtime. Children and caregivers also practice Baby American Sign Language, a great way to help young children develop communication skills, in this active session.
DETAILS>> Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 24-47 months. Free. Tickets are limited and availabley 30 minutes before program start time.
Sit, Stay, Read!
Emerging readers of all ages can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy animal & human team. Read to Truffles on Wednesdays.
DETAILS>> Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. All Ages. Free. No registration required.
Fun with watercolors
People can get step-by-step instruction in water-coloring whether they are beginners or intermediates.
DETAILS>>2-4:30 p.m. in instructor’s home studio off Ranch Circle North in Ahwatukee. Four classes for $90. To register: Judy Lokits 480-471-8505, or jlokits@yahoo
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical 12-step program that helps you find hope and healing from all of life’s hurts, habits and hang-ups. Whether it’s addiction, loss, anger or stress, you can find the freedom you’re looking for.
An informal, relaxed social organization of about 90 women
living in the Ahwatukee Foothills/Club West area. A way to escape once a month to have fun and meet with other ladies in the area. Guest speaker or entertainment featured.
DETAILS>> 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Contact Shelley Miller, president, at 602-527-6789 or essentiallyshelley@gmail.com
Parents can ‘drop in’
Parents are invited to join a drop-in group to ask questions, share ideas or just listen to what’s going on with today’s teenagers.
DETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Maricopa Cooperative Extension, 4341 E. Broadway Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP at 602-827-8200, ext. 348, or rcarter@ cals.arizona.edu.
‘Dems and Donuts’ set
Legislative District 18 Democrats gather for an informal chat. DETAILS>> Free and open to the public 7:30-9 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Denny’s, 7400 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. RSVP: marie9@q.com or 480-592-0052.
Grief support
Hospice of the Valley holds a grief support group for adults on alternating Wednesdays.
DETAILS>> 6-7:30 p.m. at Pecos Community Center, 1710 S. 48th S. The assigned classroom varies signs will be on premises. It is a drop-in group and there is no need to call or register. Meeting dates this year: Jan. 23; Feb. 6 and 20; March 6 and 20; May 1, 15 and 29; June 12 and 26; July 10 and 24; Aug. 7 and 21; Sept. 4 and 18; Oct. 2, 16 and 20; Nov. 13 and 27; and Dec. 11.
THURSDAYS
MOPS – Mothers of Preschoolers
This group is designed for moms whose kids are aged birth to kindergarten. They meet in a safe place “to navigate the world of motherhood, faith and life together.” Free child care for ages 0 to 5.
DETAILS>> 9-11 a.m. every other Thursday starting Aug. 23. Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-759-2218 or foothillsbaptist.org/mops.
Networking group meets
ACT Networking Group, standing for Ahwatukee, Chandler and Tempe, meets weekly.
The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club meets weekly and welcomes newcomers. Here is the speaker schedule: June 13, Nicole Wolf, Save Our Schools; June 27, Connie Perez, president/CEO of East Valley Boys& Girls Club; July 25, State Sen. Sean Bowie; and Aug. 29. Steve Kelley of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
DETAILS>> 9 a.m. second and fourth Thursday, Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St. Call Kim at 480-759-2118, ext. 218.
Teen Thursdays @ the Library
We provide the snacks and fun; you just bring yourself and a friend for gaming, karaoke, crafting, snacks and more.
DETAILS>> Thursdays, except July 4, 4-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 12-18. Free. No registration required.
Social media generating too much anger in us
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist
Sometimes the news and life intersect in strange ways. Last weekend, I bore witness to an epic screaming match on the golf course, a skirmish between two fat old guys over pace of play that would have surely turned into an aggravated assault with nine irons had their playing partners not separated the profane combatants.
A few days later, what should appear in my news feed but the latest NPRIBM Watson Health poll headlined, “Americans Say We’re Angrier Than a Generation Ago.” Some 84 percent of the poll’s 3,004 respondents said they think Americans are angrier than we were a generation ago.
I’ll second that motion. By furiously smashing my �ist on the kitchen table.
The rage that seems to have taken hold across this land of ours is an interesting
Raps Kyrene’s handling of Centennial principal
I am appalled and offended once again by Kyrene School District leadership.
On June 26, an article was published in the Ahwatukee Foothills News about Centennial Middle School principal Michelle Anderson leaving to take a new position in KSD.
This follows the June 12 article about one parent who was offended by yearbook photo.
I am so sick of reading about the Black Mothers Forum demanding that Mrs. Anderson be replaced or disciplined.
The mothers accused Mrs. Anderson of not caring for different cultures. Mrs. Anderson is one of the most caring principals I have ever had the pleasure of working with in over 35 years.
When she suggested to students that they should organize their own activities to celebrate cultures, the CMS students did just that. They had an amazing ‘United as One Day’ in which every student participated!
I say “shame on KSD” once again for the
phenomenon — in large part because we appear to have few legitimate reasons to be so ticked. Take, for example, the violent crime rate in America compared to a generation ago. In the mid-1990s, for every 100,000 Americans, 713 of them experienced criminal violence, according to FBI stats. Today? Violent crime is down about 46 percent, to 383 such crimes per 100,000 Americans.
Homicide? A generation ago, the U.S. suffered nine murders per 100,000 of us. Today, the homicide rate stands at about 5.3 murders per 100,000 Americans. Robberies have plummeted even more steeply, from a rate of 238 per 100,000 in the mid-1990s to 98 robberies per 100,000 Americans today.
Poverty is also down, from 14.5 percent of Americans living in squalor in 1994 to 12.3 percent today.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was hovering around 3,625 in June 1994. The other day, the Dow closed at 27,719. By virtually every measure, we are saf-
er and wealthier than a generation ago. Why so angry then?
You may think it’s our politics and the divisiveness you’ve read so much about, including in this space. That could be, but I’ll remind you that in July 1994, President Bill Clinton was mired in the Whitewater scandal and a young woman named Monica Lewinsky had just joined the White House staff. Politics was ugly then as now, though with less news coverage around the clock.
Deeper in the anger poll lies a few statistics I found telling: 31% of respondents copped to sometimes getting angry when they check social media. Another 12% “often” get torqued by the posts on their social media feed. And 91% believed people are more likely to express their anger on social media than face to face.
I’ve written — angrily — about social media in the past. Not to sound like a broken record, but it has become the hideous wallpaper of modern life. For
LETTERS
handling of the situation where one mother was offended by a photo in the CMS yearbook.
You might wonder how I know so much about the yearbook and the photo in question. I took the photo, I was sponsor/owner of the yearbook responsible for layout, photography and working with ten amazing students who were volunteer members of the yearbook club.
These students stayed after school to work on the yearbook and participated in every aspect of the book’s publication. I personally put in over 1,300 hours working on the yearbook.
Every member of the club reviewed the book multiple times, as did a team of adults, with not even one person mentioning anything about the photo in question being questionable or offensive.
Board member John King and district spokesman Erin Helm both stated in articles that this was not a racial issue and that even that the mothers were not upset. KSD explained that this was a class project.
I want to know how many complaints KSD got on the yearbook photo? How many reprints of the yearbook did you print?
What was your investigation all about? What were the results of your investigation? Why do you continue to cater to complainers and troublemakers who present false accusations?
I would like KSD to be honest for once and give direct and truthful answers to these questions.
The Ahwatukee community is extremely intelligent and can read between the lines and see that principal Michelle Anderson has been targeted by a group out to get her �ired/removed from CMS.
I am offended and appalled by Kyrene administration who didn’t stand up to defend her, and in fact, bullied her and threw her under the bus.
I have volunteered for Kyrene School District (KSD) for over 35 years. I am an Intel retiree, which means that every hour that I volunteer, Intel pays $10 to my designated school.
This equates to tens-of-thousands of dollars that has been paid to Colina and CMS over the last several years.
On June 19, after I read the yearbook photo AFN article, I instructed Intel not to pay out the over $18,000 that I have already
many Americans, it’s always there, surrounding us, in�luencing our environment, our mental and emotional state, our days and nights. I don’t know about your digital “friends,” but many of mine alternate between feuds and non-stop �launting. I have noticed a direct correlation between avoiding social media — and the news — and an improvement in my mood.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about the poll: The younger the respondent, the angrier their answers. Emailers often tell me the opinions expressed in this column stem from a raging case of “old guy disease,” de�ined as 50-something crankiness and wanting everyone to get the hell off your lawn. The poll says the opposite is true; the older you get, the more peaceful you become.
Meanwhile, Millennials appear to be the angriest generation in history. Though I guess I’d be angry too if I grew up taking a sel�ie an hour and listening to that tripe they call music.
earned for CMS this year, and that I will no longer be a Kyrene volunteer in the future. I have been forced to cut all ties with Kyrene, including cancelling my ‘substitute’ contract with Smart Schools for KSD, resigning my VP position on CMS PTO board and no more volunteering my time and Intel dollars.
KSD disrespects volunteers and employees. KSD reacts to every person who might be offended or every paid group who says ‘ouch.’ Instead of taking a breath and investigating before reacting, KSD jumps right in to speak out of both sides of its mouth. I would think that KSD would appreciate and support a top-notch, amazing administrator like Michelle Anderson instead of continuously shooting at the target that had been placed on her back by unfounded accusations.
KSD has ruined the hard-earned career of an amazing and dedicated administrator who is more authentic and caring than anyone in KSD and I am offended and disgusted… and I’m not the only one in the CMS community.
- Terri Noll
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Cryotherapy facility aims to put aches, pain on ice
BY LEE SHAPPELL AFN Contributor
Kevin Freeland opened the door of the chamber and a rush of vapor poured out. It looked like something from the lab in a sci-fi movie.
“People are skeptical when they first hear about it,” said Freeland, 55, of Chandler. “Some people are just downright terrified of it.”
It’s cryotherapy, a three-minute treatment from the collarbone down in a liquid-nitrogen-infused chamber at 220 to 230 degrees below zero.
In May, Freeland opened Cryo Tempe, the first cryotherapy facility in the area. As the vapor began to dissipate, into the chamber stepped Judi Achore, 56, of Chandler.
This was her third cryotherapy treatment. A recreational tennis player, she has trained with Freeland for years at his
Body Focus Fitness & Performance gym.
When Achore began discussing cryotherapy with Freeland, she first thought he said minus 20.
“I wasn’t terrified, but concerned,” Achore said. “But I was so curious, enough that for three minutes I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ And I saw somebody do it. I thought that was nothing. It helped a lot to see somebody else and to know that it’s only three minutes.”
Freeland, who holds a microbiology degree from The University of Arizona, agrees that it is helpful for potential cryotherapy clients to watch a treatment before trying one.
“When you see somebody in there and they’re not screaming in terror or pain, then it’s not that bad,” he said. “When you sit down and go over the benefits of it, most are willing to at least give it a shot.
“And a lot of people come in actual-
ly looking for it. It’s growing. They’ve heard about it and we’re the only one in this part of town.”
Single treatments are $50. Freeland also offers an array of packages and memberships that include multiple treatments.
“The frequency that you do this depends on what you are trying to achieve,” he said.
A 2017 review of studies on athletes in the International Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that cryotherapy can be effec-
see CYRO page 37
Bacon, beef driving up Arizona food prices
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
Breakfast is getting more expensive — a lot more expensive.
And if you’re looking for reason, think bacon — as in bacon donuts, maple bacon ice cream and, of course, the popular Sonoran hot dog.
All that is leading to more demand, with the result being higher prices.
In the last year, the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation reports that the average price being charged at grocery stores for bacon has shot up $2.34 a pound. And most of that has been in the last quarter.
The “why’’ behind that is a bit more confusing.
On one hand, the trade wars with China have resulted that country canceling orders of U.S.-produced pork products, according to the Farm Bureau’s Julie Murphree. That has resulted in China getting more of its pork from places like Brazil
and Canada.
Theoretically, that should leave more bacon for domestic consumption.
But Murphree said the fact remains that this is still a global market. And with China importing more because of the swine flu in that country, that has increased worldwide demand — to say nothing about Americans wanting bacon on just about everything.
“It’s kind of like the tide that lift all boats,’’ Murphree said.
Prices follow suit.
The latest price check by the Farm Bureau also found a sharp spike in the price of ground chuck over both the last quarter and a year ago.
gains.
But shoppers interested in sirloin tip roast, by contrast, will find relative bar-
A pound of that meat was selling a year ago for $7.39 a pound. Farm Bureau shoppers were able to find it a $5.05 a
Murphree said the prices reflect local demand. And what the latest numbers show, she said, is a stronger demand
She said it could be a summer
“When you think about family barbecues around the Fourth of July, we’re feeding a lot of little mouths,’’ Murphree said. And she said they’re going to want hamburgers. Some other elements in the typical market basket of 16 items shopped by
the Farm Bureau also resulted in the increase in overall cost compared to last quarter and last year.
One of those is another breakfast item: orange juice. The price of a half-gallon is more than a dollar higher than just three months ago.
Murphree said Florida growers are suffering from a “greening disease’’ in their orchards that has affected production and even resulted in the loss of trees.
“If we can’t get a handle on that, we may be having to drink apple juice for breakfast,’’ she said.
Egg prices also are on the increase, though nowhere near at the rate of some other commodities.
And then there’s the white bread for toast.
Murphree said her shoppers found the typical cost of a 20-ounce loaf at Arizona
Judi Achore, 56, of Chandler, prepares for her third cryotherapy session at minus-220 degrees at Cryo Tempe. (Photo by Lee Shappell/Special for AFN)
tive in reducing muscle pain, inflammation and cell damage. Research has also suggested that athletes may recover more quickly when they use cryotherapy.
The skin’s exposure to subzero temperatures triggers the release of anti-inflammatory molecules, endorphins and increases oxygen circulation in the bloodstream.
Freeland said many of his cryo clients are athletes using the treatment to recover from heavy training.
Anecdotal evidence also suggests that cryotherapy is an effective tool for combating anxiety and depression, according to an October 2017 report in Medical News Today.
Cold exposure increases levels of norepinephrine in the body, which are similar to the effects of pharmaceuticals like Wellbutrin and other serotonin reuptake inhibitors often prescribed for depression and anxiety.
There is growing evidence that cryotherapy is effective in weight loss because extreme cold temperature forces the body to work harder to burn calories to keep warm.
Exposure to extreme cold also can increase circulation and collagen production — rejuvenating skin and reducing wrinkles in the exposed areas.
The treatment just penetrates the skin, so the organs stay safe.
Cryotherapy is not for everybody. It should be avoided by those with: respiratory illness, history of heart attacks, high blood pressure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiovascular disease or arrhythmias, circulatory disorders like peripheral arterial or venous disease (DVT), anemia tumors, history of stroke or cerebral hemorrhage, history of seizures, Raynaud’s syndrome, bleeding disorders, acute or chronic kidney disease, metal implants or pacemakers and those younger than 18.
Cryotherapy is not yet regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and most medical insurance coverage is not yet onboard with it, either.
Freeland researched the cryotherapy equipment on the market, most of which is made in Europe. He selected one of the two manufactured in the U.S., the Cryo Innovations XR made in Newport Beach, Calif., because, he said, it has the best safety features.
Among them are a heart-oxygen monitor that clips to the ear lobe, and a suite of biometric monitoring equipment. Freeland stands outside the chamber constantly monitoring the numbers during a treatment.
The head must be kept up because
breathing in nitrogen vapors can displace oxygen, and that can be dangerous.
There is a head sensor, and an automatic shut off and door opener if levels become dangerous.
The chamber door also can be opened from the inside if the client is uncomfortable.
“These are safety features that other machines just don’t have,” Freeland said.
Clients are in their underwear in the chamber (a robe is worn during entry and exit). They are required to wear stockings and slippers as well as gloves supplied by the manufacturer during the session.
“It’s surprising how cold it really doesn’t feel,” said Freeland, who does a cryo treatment himself weekly. “This machine will not let you go past 3 minutes. That’s the way it’s programmed. Once in there, it swirls around. And you move your hands
and feet. It’s pretty comfortable.
“The after-effects are really amazing. You’re more alert. You sleep really well that night. For me, I don’t have the aches and pains from beating myself up training over the years.”
Still, it’s twice as cold as dry ice and 10 times colder than a 22-below winter day in the Upper Midwest.
“The length of time you’re in there is shorter,” Freeland said. “And you’re not being blasted by any Arctic wind. It’s more benign in there.
And your head is not in it. Your ears are not exposed like a Midwest winter. That makes a big difference.”
When Achore’s 3 minutes are up, she emerges with a smile on her face. She is not shivering.
“Besides the benefits of inflammation reduction, it just helps how you feel,” she said. “There’s such a feeling of well-being, and then I found out there’s a collagen benefit for better skin.
“I just think the concept is very simple: 3 minutes in the cold and you have the benefits.”
Cryo Tempe
8400 S. Kyrene Road, Suite 107, Tempe. cryotempe.com, info@cryotempe.com, 602-849-5280.
Kevin Freeland, 55, of Chandler, is owner of Cryo Tempe. (Photo by Lee Shappell/Special for AFN)
stores was $2.81, double what it was just three months ago.
“That one kind of stumped me, also,’’ she said.
One complicating factor in figuring out why, Murphree said, is that this highly processed product passes through a lot
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.
(excludes
of hands from the farmer to the grocery store — meaning anyone along the line could be boosting costs. She stressed that savvy shoppers can end up paying a heck of a lot less, not only by using coupons but also by taking advantage of the “affinity cards’’ offered by most grocery chains that give special discounts to members.
FOOTHILLS AND SURROUNDING AREAS
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16815 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy., Ahwatukee 602-550-5221 | newpointofviewcounseling.com
Quality individual and couples counseling for relationship issues, co-dependency, trauma, self-esteem and life transition. Whether you are su ering from disconnection in relationships, or have di culty getting out of bed due to feelings of despair, loneliness and anxiety, we are here to help.
Hegarty-Haynes Insurance
4500 S. Lakeshore Drive, Tempe 480-820-2297 | hegarty-haynesinsurance.com
O ering a ordable Commercial & Personal Insurance. At Hegarty-Haynes Insurance, Inc. we understand the importance of providing superior quality insurance, which is why we have dedicated our resources to helping residents throughout Arizona find excellent coverage at a ordable prices.
Precision Auto Body
7061 W. Galveston Road, Chandler 480-968-6900 | precision-autobody.com
From minor dings to major collision repair, Precision Auto Body is your collision and painting shop. With the highest quality workmanship, we will restore your vehicle back to its pre-loss condition. We are a AAA approved Auto Body Repair shop and work with all insurance companies. Call us for a free, no obligation estimate on collision repairs.
Breyer Law Offices
15715 S. 46th St., Ahwatukee 480-753-4534 | breyerlaw.com
Breyer Law O ces provides its clients with both the support you would expect from the highest level injury law firm and the top notch legal representation necessary to achieve the results they demand and that you deserve. They know that being injured and dealing with a personal injury claim can be a traumatic experience. They are there to help guide you through the legal system and to explain to you all of your options.
Arriba Mexican Grill
4649 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee 480-753-4453 | arribamexicangrill.com
Specializing in New Mexican Cuisine, Arriba Mexican Grill has been serving the valley with spice since 1995. What makes us di erent? Arriba Mexican Grill uses fresh Hatch green chiles that are brought in directly from Hatch, New Mexico — “The chile capital of the world.” Our tortilla chips are served fresh all day long with our delicious pico de gallo and spicy bean dip! All of our dishes are prepared daily from scratch, using only the best quality of ingredients.
Main Street Ahwatukee
Brought to you by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce
AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH
Dee Gordon
Company: Sundance Spa & Salon
Address: 5037 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee
Contact: 480 893-0300
sundancespasalon.com
Chamber Executive Director Andrew Hayes, right, congratulates Dr. Eric and Loretta Breure of AZSpine & Disc during a ribbon cutting celebrating their grand “reopening.”
The Chamber also marked the grand opening of Cell Phone Repair (CPR) in Ahwatukee. (Special to AFN)
Her business’ services: At Sundance Spa & Salon we are dedicated to the art of hair styling and cutting as well as coloring and retexturing. We use only professional products that ensure vibrant color with long lasting gray coverage, optimizing the guest’s health and beauty. All of our styles are tailored to each guest and designed create a natural, beautiful and individual look. Guests can choose from a spectrum of spa therapies, facials, skin enhancements, manicure, pedicure and waxing. Both women and men can fi nd the service or treatment they need to present their very best appearance at Sundance, ”the best kept secret in Ahwatukee.” What’s up in her industry: Sundance is known for its expertise in style trends, color and retexturing. Each of our team members has over 10 years of experience in styling and guest service. Customer service is the cornerstone of our business. At Sundance we cater to our guests by providing a personal touch to styling and treating your hair. At Sundance you can fi nd the perfect stylist for your personal look.
Background: It all started in Chicago. Then 30 years ago I started my own styling business in Arizona. That transformed into what is now Sundance Spa & Salon in Ahwatukee.
Extracurriculars: love being involved in the community. I am an avid supporter of Ahwatukee and the business community. My primary focus is on the church and helping individuals succeed spiritually, personally and professionally. My passion is supporting, enriching and building business in Ahwatukee through community-based organizations like The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, where are goal is to build business and build community through education, guidance and mentoring.
Chamber membership helps businesses in many ways
BY ANDREW HAYES AFN Guest Writer
If you are a member of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, you have most likely seen a positive change in your business. Making the commitment produces many benefits for you, your business and your employees.
If you have contemplated becoming a member but have not yet clicked the “Join the Chamber” icon on the website, now is the perfect time.
As a business owner, we understand that your time is valuable and that you feel that your schedule may preclude you from attending some events and getting the most out of your membership.
The Ahwatukee Chamber provides a great deal of flexibility of memberships, opportunities and events that will support the exact size of your business.
Whether you are a sole proprietor of a small
business or you employ 1,000 sta members, joining the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce will o er you a variety of advantages in both your business and in the community.
One big advantage is publicity and exposure. Social media, newsletters, community directories and lifestyle guides — along with other Chamber of Commerce publications — can place a focus on your business and increase its visibility, brand, product and service.
The Chamber is also a tremendous source of information for visitors and locals and routinely refer potential customers to Chamber members. Additionally, Chamber events allow you to market your business to other members, whom you may otherwise have not had the chance to meet.
Another advantage to joining is that it can positively a ect perceptions of your business in the community. Statistics show that 67 percent of consumers are more likely to purchase from a business that is part of the Chamber of Commerce and 42 percent are more likely to view
those businesses more approvingly.
Furthermore, some businesses give discounts for Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber members. The confidence and trust in your company increases through the Chamber of Commerce membership and will expand the image of your business, product and service in the community.
A third opportunity is networking. Attending Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce events will help you to invest in the community and stay up to date on topics and issues that affect local businesses, Ahwatukee and the Valley of the Sun. The Chamber also opens up a catalogue of business to your organization.
This is a complete community list of members and non-members that you may want to contact for business partnerships and networking. All provided to you and your business through membership in the Chamber.
The Chamber also o ers a variety of support, assistance and aid for your business and their employees. By working together for the common
good of the community and collectively advocating for business, education, public policy and other issues, Chamber members help to develop, promote and enhance the local business community.
If you are not a member, we invite you to join us by going to AhwatukeeChamber.com or calling 480-753-7676. If you are already a member, please take full advantage of your membership investment and get involved.
Please contact the Chamber sta and they will help customize your membership needs. If you don’t have time to attend meetings and events, know that we are here for you and your business and will continue to be your resource for information and assistance.
Please don’t hesitate to stop by the Chamber o ce, email us at info@ahwatukeechamber.com or give us a call. We are only a step, click or call away with information and support to help your business grow.
-Andrew Hayes is executive director of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce.
Patients: CBD Truly Helps with Pain
By Gary S. Miller, Founder of BioactiveLLC.com Contributing Writer
There will never be a cure for pain and discomfort. Patients will either have to live with it or manage it. The worldwide consensus is CBD alleviates, controls and can manage your pain.
Prescription opioids have been the go-to choice for pain relief, especially for constant or throbbingpain. However, they are highly addictive, have awful side effects and can be very deadly.
Enter CBD. Thousands of people have found CBD to truly help with little or no side effects. Patients can never overdose from CBD. Folks are afraid to try CBD because they think it will get them “High”. That is absolutely not the case as there is no THC in most CBD products. THC is the psychoactive chemical compound of the cannabis/hemp plant that gets you “high”, but you can’t get high from something that’s not in there.
CBD can be taken orally or inhaled, for those who like to smoke. It is also applied topically to afflicted areas where you have specific pain, such as arthritic hands, shoulders, back and knees. CBD should be taken orally and applied on the source of the pain if the threshold is a seven or higher.
The doses and strengths are varied, as everyone’s endocrine system and physiology is different. CBD is so new in the marketplace that you have to experiment to figure out what works best.
It’s important to research products and read reviews before purchasing CBD. AtBioactiveLLC.com we offer only Medical Grade CBD at wholesale pricing. Complete information about CBD and our products is available on our website/online store. We also offer a Satisfaction Money-Back Guarantee!
Gary S. Miller is the founder of bioactivellc.com and can be reached at 602-282-4123 or info@bioactivellc.com.
Museum offers a good i.d.e.a. for family fun
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Get Out Contributor
With summer around the corner and road trips beckoning families, the i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa has just opened an exhibition to spur those plans.
“Roadside USA,” running through Sept. 6, aims to stimulate young imaginations with artwork, information, fun activities and games featuring 10 states.
The exhibit is based on the American tradition of the summer road trip.
Before starting on the real journey, however, there’s the exhibition to indulge.
A few minutes into opening day, groups of little boys and girls descended on the museum and settled themselves happily at the various stations with the confidence that comes from practice.
“Who wants to come to my store?” piped a little girl looking around at a makeshift
bers practically all their lives and visit each new exhibition about four times.
trading post colored a lovely lilac.
The Sebold siblings, Calvin, 6, and Logan, 4, were already engrossed in a craft station.
“We like to come here; it’s just much more relaxed, and they love it,” said their mom, Megan Sebold. “We stop at every art station, we do the map every time, they really do engage in it every time we’re here.”
The art is open-ended. Parents are en-
couraged to help, but not instruct the children in any way.
“We want kids to use their imagination and really create from their heart versus follow instructions,” said museum spokeswoman Yvette Armendariz. “It’s supposed to help with problem solving, if you can think out of the box and not be told what to do.”
The Sebolds have been museum mem-
Although it’s a temptation to escape — quite literally — to a cool place, they also come for other reasons.
The children’s museum is attractive because of its manageability, Sebold said. It’s easier for little feet to get around and less overwhelming than at the larger establishments.
Wildlife World Zoo tops Reader’s Digest list
ANDREA ESTRADA Get Out Contributor
Mickey Ollson, owner and director of Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park, remembers collecting jokes out of Reader’s Digest and telling them aloud in a public speaking class he took in college in the early ’60s. At the time, he never imagined he would open his own zoo in 1984 — let alone that it would be recognized by that same widely distributed magazine.
Reader’s Digest recently issued a list called “The Best Zoo in Every State in America,” and Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park was named the best zoo in Arizona.
Ollson said such recognition speaks to his staff’s hard work and dedication.
“It’s easy to have a vision and to want to do something. But if you’re really going to be successful, you have to have good people that help you,” he said. “I’ve had people that have put down their roots here, and they’ve really taken it upon themselves to make the zoo very best it can be.”
Thirty-five years ago, the zoo sat on 30 acres, displayed less than 100 species, was operated by a staff of six and had a picnic table with a sheet over it for furniture. Today, the zoo spans 150 acres, exhibits more than 600 different species and 6,000 animals and employs 115 people in the spring. It houses an Adventure Land with rides, boasts an interactive sea lion exhibit and features five restaurants and cafés: Dillon’s Restaurant, Skyride Cafe, Safari Grill, Congo Cooker and Zooberto’s.
The growth of the zoo, which has never received or used taxpayer funding, is attributed to its entrepreneurism, Ollson said.
“We’ve been very strong about investing back into the zoo. The profits from the zoo are put back into it to better things for the visitors; to better things for the animals; to better things for our employees; to enlarge the zoo; to build new exhibits and to increase the animal collection,” he said.
And that entrepreneurism made way
for activities that are unique to the zoo — including the Giraffe Feeding Station and Lory Parrot Feeding, which Ollson said Wildlife World opened before any other zoo — and exhibits like the Baby Animal Nursery and Dragon World, which Reader’s Digest highlighted as must-see attractions.
Ollson said baby animals end up in the nursery because sometimes the mother does not take care of them, for a number of reasons, or simply because they’re better off being hand raised.
“We are really pleased with the fact that we’ve been able to raise multiple generations of some very rare animals by hand in our animal nursery,” he said.
And the zoo’s rare, endangered animals — like Arabian oryx from North Africa, and the albino alligators, which were down to 13 in the ’60s and less than 100, respectively — are bred on site through a species survival program made up of a consortium of zoos that control the animal gene pool.
“We’ve become very good at breeding
Kids like 3-year-old Kaylee Edwards will find a variety of attractions at the i.d.e.a. Museum to stimulate their minds while providing fun diversions. (Srianthi Perera/Contributor)
Dubbed by Readers Digest as the best zoo in Arizona,the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium and Safari Park in Litchfield Park offers a wide variety of critters. (Special to AFN)
“They can actually interact with exhibits and see things and stop and take their time, versus you go somewhere huge and you’re just everywhere and I’m stressed trying to keep them,” Sebold added.
The atmosphere at the i.d.e.a. Museum also lends to parents and children spending constructive, educational time together.
A gallery guide, a.k.a. a “travel guide” in this exhibition, is given to each child to stamp at the stations pertaining to the states on the map.
During their trip, they also learn about places of interest, such as the Space Needle in Seattle, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and the Kennedy Space Center in central Florida.
“There’s information on each stop and when they go through, they’re learning something, not just seeing art or just playing,” Armendariz said. “Hopefully, it provides that quality time with the parent and child.”
This exhibition features 59 artworks from 21 artists from around the United States, including Arizona. They include paintings, digital art, ceramics, quilts, photographs, video and a mixed-media collage.
Phoenix artist Deborah McMillion-Nering has been presenting work at the museum for many years.
Her current contribution consists of two digital collages using an iPad technique and a collection of historical postcards.
“Mermaid Motel” and “The Diving Lady” harkens to mid-last century’s motel swimming pools in the West.
“Since my parents drove around the country and we painted in the backseat, this is definitely my atmosphere, staying in these kinds of hotels,” she said.
Besides the changing exhibitions, the perennial kids’ favorite, Artville, is a permanent exhibition and activity area for children from birth to four years.
Set up as a small-town environment, fea-
Museum hosts some special events
The i.d.e.a. Museum, at 150 W. Pepper Place in downtown Mesa, is holding the following special events this month:
July 8-12 Summer Wonder Camp. Kids ages 6-12 can participate in an adventure and hone their problem-solving skills and nurture their creativity. Project-based interactives, inspired by the Roadside USA exhibition, include sculpting Mount Rushmore, designing a landmark and experimenting with maglev transportation.
July 27 Family Day. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. entertainment and activities related to the Roadside USA exhibition will be open to anyone with museum admission. Details: 480-644-2468 or ideamuseum.org
animals. We’re no longer taking animals out of the wild. We are now producers of animals,” Ollson said.
Ollson, who has not only watched his zoo grow throughout the years but has witnessed cutting-edge advancements in the industry, said the genuine love for animals is the drive for all of it.
“In this business, nobody gets rich. You’re not working because it’s a good paycheck or a nice salary. You’re working
because you love animals, and it’s what you’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
While being recognized by a national publication like Reader’s Digest is an absolute honor, Ollson said he values the compliments he receives from guests just as much.
“The compliments from people like us; those are just as important,” he said. “It verifies what my staff has been doing here and what we’ve done here for the last 35 years is appreciated, and that we’re doing some things right.”
tures include a lending library, café, lemonade stand, veterinary clinic, art studio, performing art stage and train.
The i.d.e.a. Museum, first called the Center for Fine Arts and then the Arizona Museum for Youth, was founded in 1978 by John O Whiteman, who passed recently. It’s owned by the City of Mesa and supported by the i.d.e.a. Museum Foundation.
The names changed over the years, but the concept stayed the same: exhibit, teach and interact with the fine arts from a young age. The “i.d.e.a.” in the name stands for imagination, design, experience and art.
According to Sunnee D. O’Rork, executive director, the museum receives visitors from around the Valley and tracks about 90,000 annual attendance and a running membership of 1,500 family households.
This compares favorably with the 65,000 annual attendance a few years ago.
“It’s really grown,” she said.
During the 2018 general election, a proposed bond of $5 million passed. Now, the museum is gearing for a capitol campaign
in the future.
“We plan on really just building out the museum, renovating it, not totally building a new building,” she said.
O’Rork said stakeholder meetings have been held and that a site master plan has been completed with the idea of reutilizing the space better.
Plans call for tripling the size of Artville, creating a larger birthday party space, a café so that visitors may linger and more interactives.
Other plans include raising the ceiling and placing an overhead bridge, renovating the atrium to include a climber, constructing a stage and an area in the grounds for school buses.
Artist Deborah McMillion was inspired by the famous Diving Lady neon sign in east Mesa to make this rendering of her. (Srianthi Perera/Contributor)
ZOO from page 42
CThe origin is said to be Persian or Turkish, but there’s no denying that kebabs have been part of our American culinary lexicon for centuries. This week, they are going to be perfect for your Fourth of July grilling.
IACROSS
With JAN D’ATRI
With JAN D’ATRI
With JAN D’ATRI
With JAN D’ATRI
GetOut Contributor
GetOut Contributor
GetOut Contributor
Hard-boiled egg cookie dough is no raw deal
Taco lasagne is a treat
Guests will giddyap to the table for Cowboy Caviar
Momma’s Golden Chickena dinner time delight
you won’t forget
Iall it Cowboy Caviar, Texas Caviar, even Redneck Caviar.
say we take dad off grill duty today on his special day, and cook up a big ol’ burger just for him.
Eknow you’ve been waiting for someone to give you permission to safely eat raw chocolate chip cookie dough.
veryone honors their mom in different ways.
You can bellow about beluga all you want, but here in the Southwest, we love our caviar made with black beans, black eyed peas, roasted corn on the cob and a bunch of colorful and crunchy diced vegetables that make up the perfect salad, appetizer, dip or side dish.
If I can help pass along my momma’s treasured fam ily recipes and share them with you, then I know I’m absolutely honoring her.
I have some tips and tricks that make the burger better than ever and a special four-ingredient sauce that could rival any of your favorite fast-food burger stops.
We love our shish kebabs skewered and roasted over an open flame. We love our kebabs marinated and slathered. We love them with lamb, beef, chicken, pork, vegetables and even fruit.
ACROSS 1 Cookie
1 “Grand”
5 Possessed
8 Notoriety
12 Perukes
13 Crib
14 Addict
15 Rodgers/Hammerstein Show
17 Night light?
18 Get a glimpse of 19 Type measures
20 Chews away (at)
21 Sphere
22 Method
23 Podiatrist’s concerns
26 Porter’s burden
30 Last write-up
31 Boxer
32 Currier’s partner
We like to think dad wants to grill something on Father’s Day.
Well, now you have it because this delicious version of America’s favorite cookie uses hard boiled eggs instead of raw eggs.
You’ve heard it a million times, but in just about any Italian family, food is love. So, I’m reaching into to the cookbook that she and I cre ated together.
So beat him to it, fire up the grill (or an indoor grill pan) and let him dive into deliciousness.
Cowboy Caviar is the perfect picnic or potluck recipe and you can spice it up as much as you want with more jalapenos and hot sauce.
33 Smoker’s gadget
35 “Lady and the --”
36 Listener
37 Crony
38 Aware of
The first tip is to buy ground beef that has a little fat because fat equals flavor. An 80-20 blend is great; that’s 80 percent lean beef to 20 percent fat.
Also, you can cook up some nice, crispy bacon and chop it up into bacon bits.
46 Upper limit
TYou can make it up the night before and let the tangy dressing settle into the veggies and spices.
It’s no surprise that eggs are an important ingredient in most chocolate chip cookie recipes. But can hard boiled eggs not only substitute for fresh eggs, but in fact, make the cookies fantastic?
There are two additions to this Cowboy Caviar that give is a smooth, unique twist: diced avocado and sliced
There are never enough ways to enjoy kebabs. Plus, they’re so easy to prepare. This recipe for sweet and spicy chicken skewers takes the flavor to a new level. Of course, our palate can never get enough of the taste bud teeter totter of spicy and sweet, salty and heat. That’s why you’ll grab just one more skewer, and then maybe one more after that.
You’ll notice there are two types of heat in this dish;
Then, dice a sweet yellow onion, sauté it in a little of the bacon fat and when the bacon and onion are cooled, add it to the ground beef. It adds flavor and moisture.
Momma’s Golden Chicken is a mouth-watering way to serve poultry. It’s so moist, in fact, that you can literally cut it with a fork. I’ve heard from countless readers that Momma’s Golden Chicken is a regular dinnertime favorite. The recipe also comes with a family secret as juicy as the cutlets! In fact, this dish ignited a downright rivalry between my mom and my grandmother.
That’s eggsactly what they’ll do!
chili paste and hot sauce like sriracha. It certainly can kick up the heat, but the flavors from the two chile sources are so different, it just adds to the overall profile.
red seedless grapes. That burst of sweetness does a happy dance in the bowl with the spicy ingredients and vinaigrette dressing so your taste buds just want more and more.
41 Paving gunk
42 Pump up the volume
47 Ms. Thurman
Cowboy Caviar
Hard Boiled Egg Cookies
Taco Lasagne
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
Salad
aco lasagne is easy to put together, can be made ahead and I will guarantee there will not be one bite left in the casserole dish. I’ve recommended using Herdez Roasted Salsa Roja for the salsa. It’s found at Bashas’. It adds a terrific zing to the dish, but you can use your favorite brand of salsa.
If you’re not a fan of super spicy, just reduce the chile paste and hot sauce by half and then proceed ahead to
It actually works! Form your beef patty, make a shallow indentation with your fingers in the middle of the burger and place an ice cube in the divot. (The ice cube should only be about an inch in diameter. Place the patty on the grill, and as the burger heats up, the ice cube will melt into the ground beef. The divot helps keep the burger flat and the ice adds moisture. Don’t keep flipping the burger. Once on
Mix this recipe up in a food processor or mixing bowl. I’ve also included some tips like browning the butter to make chocolate chip cookies even yummier.
45 Scandinavian city
46 Rodgers/Hammerstein show
48 Radiate
The only other ingredients you need for a tasty burger is salt, pepper and maybe some garlic powder. Now, you may have heard of the ice method of
Sweet & spicy chicken skewers with udon noodle salad
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredients:
2 and 3/4 cups flour*
1 large sweet yellow onion, chopped fine
Years ago, the kitchen of my family’s gourmet Ital ian restaurant at Lake Tahoe was momma’s undisputed domain. She had built her reputation on her original recipes and made-to-order dishes. In this cuisine, she reigned supreme.
¼ cup chile paste
2 ears fresh corn shaved or 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, rinsed and drained
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
¼ cup Sriracha sauce
That is, until she broke her leg skiing and let her mom take over the kitchen. Well, in short order, my Nonna went rogue, disregarding momma’s menu and methods and happily feeding guests the way she wanted to! It all ended well, though, and momma even got a great recipe out of the ordeal — this Golden Chicken. Would you be surprised if I told you that through the years momma has changed it up a bit
Then there’s the sauce. It’s a simple, four-ingredient sauce that’ll make this Big Daddy Burger a Father’s Day
49 Diving bird
Doctor’s due
1 cup chilled butter (2 sticks), cut into small chunks or browned (see Jan’s Note)
2 lb. lean ground beef or turkey
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup rice vinegar
1 and ½ packages Lowry’s Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup brown sugar
1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
Momma’s Golden Chicken
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped fine
I hope you can make a beautiful plate of Golden
50 Soy paste
51 Stitched
52 Sch. org.
53 Wan
DOWN
1 Pairs
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon salt
Dressing
For the udon salad:
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
¼ cup soy sauce or fish sauce
1 green bell pepper, chopped fine
1 ½ pounds ground beef (makes 4 (6oz) patties
1 and 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 heaping teaspoon ground ginger
1 (4oz can) diced green chiles
2 cups tomatoes, seeded and diced Roma tomatoes (about 1 pound)
3 eggs
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped fine, reserve fat
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1 large yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/4 cup half and half
1 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 package (8 oz) Udon noodles
1 (16 oz) container sour cream
½ cup snow or snap peas
2 (15.7 oz) jars Herdez Roasted Salsa Roja or any red salsa of your choice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 hard boiled eggs, finely diced or mashed 1 and 1/2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Ice cubes
1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
½ cup red bell pepper, slivered
1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
1/4 cup Romano cheese, grated
2 Trudge through the woods
3 Look lecherously
4 G8 nation
5 Test ban subject
2 tablespoons oil
1 sweet yellow onion, chopped fine and sautéed in 2-3 tablespoons bacon fat
Directions:
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and diced
3 cloves garlic, minced fine
¼ cup red onion or shallot, diced small
Skewers (about 6 inches) soaked in water for 20 minutes
For optional toppings: Sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced green onion, sliced jalapenos, diced mini bell peppers
6 Intentions
7 Genetic stuff
8 Styne/Merrill show
1 tablespoon hot sauce
Asian or Italian Vinaigrette of your choice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 large clove fresh garlic, pressed or minced
9 Drifting
Caught sight of, to Tweety
10 Cat call
“Blue Boy” artist
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft and translucent.
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large ripe avocado, diced
1 teaspoon cumin
11 Sea flock
1 ½ cups seedless red grapes, halved
Combine flour and butter in a food processor or mixing bowl. Blend until mixture is the texture of small crumbs. Jan’s Note: For browned butter, melt butter in skillet over medium high heat and simmer until butter turns amber. The melting butter will bubble and foam, so stir to check for amber color. Pour into bowl and freeze butter to re-harden. When hardened, combine with flour in the processor or mixing bowl.
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Clean and pat chicken dry. Cut into 1 ½ -2 inch cubes.
¾ cup fresh cilantro, minced
In a bowl, combine ground beef, bacon bits, cooled sautéed onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Gently mix to combine. Form 4 (6oz) patties. Press the center of each burger down with your fingers. Add one (1-inch) cube of ice to each patty.
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon black pepper
Add ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. Add taco seasoning spice packets, stirring to combine well. Add cilantro, bell pepper, diced green chiles and salsa and cook for several minutes to soften. Stir in black beans and corn, combining gently.
1 cup flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
In a bowl, combine the chili paste, sriracha, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy or fish sauce and ground ginger. Whisk until well combined. In a casserole dish or pie pan, pour half of the mixture over the chicken and stir to coat well. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, place the remaining mixture into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat to thicken, about 10 minutes.
1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
Directions:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Add chocolate chips and walnuts, using a wooden spoon to mix.
Directions:
If using fresh corn, shave the corn kernels off the husks.
16 Towel designation
20 Joke
Add the salt and baking soda to the flour and butter combination and mix until just combined. Add brown sugar, vanilla and boiled eggs. Pulse again or mix until mixture comes together.
Make 1-inch balls of cookie dough and place them on parchment-lined baking sheets.
Toast the bun on the grill or in the hot grill pan. Slather the special sauce over bun. Add fixings and burger. Enjoy!
Grease a grill pan or grill. Cook burgers on medium high for 3-4 minutes on each side. Only turn once. For cheeseburger, add cheese after you’ve flipped the burgers.
chopped avocado, red grapes, cilantro, salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine.
25 Settled a bill
21 Bernstein/Comden/ Green show
22 Joker
Hammerhead part
Place 4-5 pieces of chicken on soaked skewers until all of the chicken is used up.
Refrigerate for 30 minutes. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
For canned corn, drain and rinse.
For the special sauce: (for four burgers)
Wash, pat dry and cut each chicken breast into 3-4 slices lengthwise. Place chicken pieces in a Ziploc bag and gently pound each piece to ¼ inch thick.
Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are lightly browned.
Simmer for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the casserole dish. Line the bottom of a lightly greased or buttered 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Cover the bottom with half of the flour tortillas. (Tip: If you cut the tortillas in half, the cut side will fit nicely into the edges of all four sides of the pan.) Warm the refried beans in the microwave for about 45 seconds for easier spreading. Lightly spread the refried beans over the tortillas. Sprinkle one cup of the cheese over the refried beans. (Use more if desired.)
For added flavor, place the corn in a dry, hot skillet and cook until kernels are charred or blackened. Set aside to cool.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Add oil to a grill pan or skillet and heat pan. When hot, place skewers in pan. Cook for a few minutes on medium high. Turn over and brush with thickened chili sauce. Continue to baste both sides of skewers until chicken is done. While chicken is grilling, cook Udon noodles according to package instructions. When done, drain noodles and let cool.
Remove cookies from oven. Cool for several minute and then place on cooling rack. For soft cookies, place them in an air-tight container as soon as they have cooled. Makes approximately 32 cookies.
4 tablespoons softened butter
Prepare dressing. In a medium bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice, honey, hot sauce, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined.
In a bowl, beat the eggs, cream, cheese, garlic, sherry wine, parsley, pepper and salt. Divide mixture into two bowls. Place the chicken in one of the bowls, cover and marinate for one hour. Prepare three shallow dishes or pie pans. Place flour in the first, the remaining egg mixture in the second and the breadcrumbs in the third. Dredge chicken pieces in flour then dip into egg mixture and then coat with breadcrumbs.
Spoon one half of the meat mixture over the cheese. Repeat the process for the second layer. Top with remainder of cheese, or more cheese if desired.
¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s)
1/3 cup brown sugar
Bake in 350-degree oven for 30 minutes. (Optional, cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.) Cut into portion and serving for toppings and sour cream on the side.
In a large bowl, add the corn, black beans, blackeyed peas, diced tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion or shallot, jalapeño,
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Directions: Mix together all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth and creamy.
Pour over salad and gently stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
In a bowl, add Udon noodles, snap peas, red bell pepper, green onion and vinaigrette. Toss to combine. Serve with chicken skewers.
Serve over a bed of greens or with tortilla chips.
*The Centers for Disease Control warns against eating raw flour as it may contain E. coli.
In a large frying pan on medium high heat, fry chicken in olive oil until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Pour broth over chicken and dot with pieces of butter. Cook for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Serves 4.
For appetizer or kid-sized portions, line a cupcake or muffin tin with small street-sized flour or corn tortillas. Follow the same directions as the casserole. Bake for about 15-20 minutes.
23 Army rank (Abbr.)
Right angles
24 Japanese sash
au --
25 18-wheeler
Bullets et al.
26 Prickly plant part
U.S. spy org.
27 Actress Gardner
Letterman’s network
28 Jewel
Sailor’s domain
29 Kreskin’s claim
31 Apiece
34 “The Way” in China
Big Daddy Burger
Sports & Recreation
Former Pride basketball player now the team’s coach
BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor
As Kaimarr Price walks into the gymnasium at Mountain Pointe High School, memories from his time at the school as a student athlete come back to him.
“It takes me back, that’s for sure,” Price said. “Just thinking about Desert Vista games on Fridays gets the blood going.”
But as Price stands near the Pride logo at center court, it’s now for a different reason. He’s there to teach and become a mentor for players in the Mountain Pointe basketball program who are now on their fourth coach in four years.
Most importantly, he’s there to show the younger players on the team that he’s there to stay.
“They don’t want to hire a new coach every year,” Price said. “One thing with me is that now that I am in this position, I don’t want to go anywhere. I’m where I want to be.”
Price was hired to be the next basketball coach at Mountain Pointe after former coach Kirk Fauske stepped down to coach PHHoenix Prep, a new basketball academy based out of the Powerhouse Hoops Facility in Phoenix.
The 6-foot-7 former power forward jumped at the opportunity to return to his alma mater and coach the basketball program. Price called it his “dream job.”
“I love the community here,” Price said. “Whether it be Ahwatukee — where I am from — or south Phoenix where we draw from. “I think this is one of the best public school jobs in the state.”
Price played at Mountain Pointe under former coach Sam Ballard. A knee injury during his senior season in 2007 delayed his path to college. He enrolled and played at Chandler-Gilbert Community College before transferring to Western Illinois, where he played for two seasons until 2012. He went on to play overseas in Croatia and France in 2013-14 before injuring his knee again, ending his playing career.
Mountain Pointe in 2007, has returned to his alma mater as the new head basketball coach. Price is the fourth head coach for the Pride in four years. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff)
Thunder’s Ighodaro taking humble approach
BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor
Desert Vista forward Osasere Ighodaro has spent countless hours this offseason preparing for his senior year.
He’s taken a new approach in the weight room, and has improved his diet. As a result, the 6-foot-10, 180-pounder has seen his body transform in a positive way.
He’s bigger, faster and stronger than he has been in his previous three seasons with the Thunder.
“He’s become extremely athletic, that’s the biggest thing I’ve noticed,” Crump said. “He’s always been able to handle the ball but he has become a really good shooter. Now, people have to come out and respect his shot but he can still go right by them. It’s a good problem to have.”
Ighodaro helped lead a young Desert Vista team to a 17-10 record last season, averaging 9.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He was forced to play in the paint all season, going away from
gram this summer after playing the last two seasons at Sarasota Christian in Sarasota, Florida.
At 6-foot-8 and nearly 200 pounds, Solomon has become accustomed to being a physical presence in the paint, an aspect that Desert Vista lacked last season.
“John gives us size, strength and toughness,” Ighodaro said.
“He’s a big piece we needed to push us over the edge to become state contenders.”
Desert Vista has showcased its talent at several tournaments so far this summer. But they’re still learning how to play as a team.
want to win a state championship. Hopefully I can help bring that to the school and just make good memories with my teammates.”
When he isn’t on the court perfecting his craft, he is using his 4.7 GPA working at the school as a math tutor for his peers.
“He’s an extremely smart and just an overall great kid,” Crump said. “A lot of kids wouldn’t keep working once they get all of the notoriety and offers he has. He doesn’t let that affect who he is as a person. It’s a testament to his family.”
his natural position as a wing. This season, however, Ighodaro will be able to play the wing with the addition of John Solomon, who transferred to the pro-
Ighodaro has been the driving force for the team to become accustomed to one another. Crump has called upon him to be the unsung leader of the group, a task Ighodaro embraced right away.
“I want to be able to lead us to accomplish all of our goals,” Ighodaro said. “I
Ighodaro has seen an uptick in his recruitment from major Division I college programs. He’s received 16 scholarship offers since April, bringing him to 25 before his senior year begins.
The University of Arizona, Stanford University, University of Texas and Vanderbilt University are among the schools Ighodaro said on Twitter have been recruiting him “the hardest.” He already visited
Kaimarr Price, who graduated from
Desert Vista’s Osasere Ighodaro has embraced his role as the captain of the team heading into his senior year. He is confident in the amount of talent the Thunder have returning that they can make a run for a state title. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff)
Price returned to Mountain Pointe as an assistant coach under Hosea Graham from 2015-17 before joining the staff at Ottawa University in Surprise, Ariz.
“It was eye opening for me as a coach,” Price said of his time at Ottawa. “Seeing the amount of scouting that goes into preparing for a game. We did a lot of film prep in college and overseas but it was mostly done for us.
“So I learned how to do a lot of that stuff and have carried it over to here.”
Price has already started scouting Mountain Pointe’s opponents for the 2019-20 season. He’s analyzed film and has started to develop game plans. He believes being prepared is only half of the battle.
The early preparation allows Price to become acquainted with the Mountain Pointe players. Though that has proven to be a simple task given his experience with the team last season.
Price’s nephew, Khalid, was a senior
Have an interesting sports story? Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@ timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.
captain for Mountain Pointe last year. Price attended some of the Pride’s practices and games throughout the season.
“It just makes it easier,” Mountain Pointe soon-to-be junior point guard Jason Kimbrough said. “He knows a lot of us and he coaches us just as hard as Fauske. He is going to make sure we grow and function together as one team.”
Kimbrough will be the only returning starter for the Pride after forward DeAndre Henry elected to join Fauske at PHHoenix Prep.
The 5-foot-11 point guard has already been asked by Price to become a leader both on and off the court. So far, he’s exceeded expectations.
“In between the transition from the end of season to when I was hired, Jason kind of conducted the workouts for all the guys,” Price said. “He scheduled gym time, led the workouts, all of that. He’s very mature for his age in terms of his leadership. We will be looking at him to lead us a lot.”
Kimbrough averaged 6 points, 2.3 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game last season on a team that finished 22-7 and relied heavily on Henry and now Arizona State freshman forward Jalen Graham.
But knowing that he will be the floor general the next two seasons for the Pride, Kimbrough has raised the bar in terms of expectations for his team and himself this
season.
“I want to do everything that I did last year at a higher level,” Kimbrough said. “I want to get more assists, more steals and be better on defense. I love these dudes, they’re my brothers.
“We know that if we just grow and stick together, we can still be a frontrunner for a state championship.”
Mountain Pointe has been regarded as a contender for a 6A state title the past three seasons. Though uncertainty surrounds the team from an outside perspective, Price echoed Kimbrough’s belief of the Pride having the ability to compete with anyone in the state.
Just in the few short weeks he has been with the program, Price has already seen improvement. And he doesn’t plan for that to end anytime soon.
“We’ve played some good teams so far this summer,” Price said. We have lost to some pretty good teams and we have beaten some good teams. But it’s only summer ball so you can’t really get a good feel for anything right now.
“But the main thing I’m looking for is how we compete. I want the fear-
lessness to be present from day one and so far it has been.”
Soon-to-be junior Jason Kimbrough, the only returning starter for Mountain Pointe, said it’s been a smooth transition from former coach Kirk Fauske to Kaimarr Price. Kimbrough’s best friend on the team last season, Khalid Price, is Kaimarr’s nephew. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff)
from page 47
Stanford and most recently, Vanderbilt.
“Despite being recognized as one of the top players in the state and country in the 2020 class, Ighodaro isn’t letting that change who he is. While a dominant player on the court, Ighodaro is soft-spoken off of it.
He sat back and listened to the older players ahead of him the past three seasons, and often would be the quietest player on the court. Now, while he has become more vocal to help his teammates, he continues to remain humble.
“I don’t like people that forget about everyone and where they came from when they blow up,” Ighodaro said. “That’s not me. I’m just trying to stay true to the people that helped me get here.”
Desert Vista had just four seniors on
the team last season, meaning even the players such as Andrew King and Marcus Wady — who played varsity as freshman — return with experience.
Jackson Risi and Jackson Ray, who were among those with the most minutes last season, also return as seniors ready to lead alongside Ighodaro. Crump expects to have even more depth on the bench this season, with each player able to come in and make a difference.
Desert Vista will be among the favorites to make a deep playoff run and contend for the title. Ighodaro knows they have the talent and confidence to finish at the top of the 6A Conference.
“We are excited, we are looking forward to the season,” Ighodaro said. “I think we can compete with anyone. We just need to continue to work together and grow our chemistry.”
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IGHODARO
Desert Vista basketball coach Gino Crump has seen Osasere Ighodaro’s mindset change this offseason. The 6-foot10 forward has gotten bigger, faster and stronger. But overall, Crump says he has gotten more athletic. (Zach Alvira/ AFN Staff)
