Meet Ella Marie, a 2-year-old Ahwatukee dachshund whose owner, Karen White, is escorting to a “doxie-dash” in California July 22 to race against about 100 other dachshunds. The big question for all the owners: how many dogs will get out of the starting gate and actually compete? Details: page 3.
BY SRIANTHI PERERA AFN Staff Writer
An Ahwatukee nurse has joined a colleague in an effort to help the youngest victims of drug addiction – newborn babies.
Neonatal nurse Kelly Woody is joining fellow nurse Tara Sundem to establish Hushabye Nursery, Arizona’s first outpatient recovery center for such infants
ABM, farmers market confident of resolving parking problem
BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
Hopes are high for a resolution of a parking dispute that threatens the 10-year-old Ahwatukee Farmers Market after the Ahwatukee Board of Management and the owners of a strip mall adjacent to its headquarters obtained a 30-day delay of a city Zoning Board hearing on the problem.
Management representatives for ABM and the Ahwatukee Square Shopping Center on the northwest corner of Warner Road and 48th Street are scheduled to meet Thursday, July 13, over the strip mall company’s concern about farmers market patrons who park on the property.
And while City Councilman Sal DiCiccio plans to attend along with some city parks staffers to offer a new location, both ABM General Manager Robert Blakesley and the market’s coordinator believe
and only the third in the nation.
As a practitioner in a large medical center in the East Valley, they have seen too many babies having tremors, seizures, stiff limbs, difficulty sleeping and vomiting. These are the tiniest victims of the drugabuse epidemic sweeping the country. Their symptoms indicate Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome – infants are in withdrawal from drugs, particularly opioids, that were used by the mother
they have a parking plan that will keep the market where it is.
“We’re going to be good neighbors and work with everybody concerned,” said Dee Logan, senior coordinator for Arizona Community Farmers Market, which runs the Ahwatukee event as well as 10 others in the Valley.
She said ABM has come up with a plan to make room for 18 more parking spaces on its property in addition to 36 it already has opened up.
“They (ABM) don’t foresee an issue once the plans are presented to the shopping center owner,” she added.
After the hearing delay was granted, Blakesley said:
“In the past we’ve had different issues over the years and we’ve always been able to come to an agreement to mutual satisfaction so I’m not anticipating anything different at this point.”
DiCiccio said part of the
See MARKET on page 16
during pregnancy.
In July 2015, the Arizona Department of Health Services said the rate of the syndrome has increased by 235 percent from 2008 and 27 percent since 2013.
“I always thought the downtown or the west side is associated with drug use. But it’s happening here, too,” said Sundem, a Gilbert resident.
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Ella Marie White will be one of approximately 100 dachshunds competing in the 22nd annual Wienerschnitzel Weiner Dog Race at Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California.
The doxie-dash, set for Saturday, July 22, is a highly-competitive 50-yard run that has dachshunds and their owners flocking into Southern California from throughout that state and those surrounding.
EDITORIAL
TheAhwatukeeFoothillsNewsexpresses
Entering the event was a long-held idea of Ella Marie’s owner and “mom,” Karen White of Ahwatukee, who has lived with her black-and-tan standard dachshund since purchasing the 3-month old pedigreed puppy in 2007.
At age 10 and weighing in at 29 pounds, Ella Marie isn’t what you’d picture as a race dog, but, then again, what dachshund is?
At the dachshund races, often the true attraction isn’t the racing action itself, but the resulting mayhem when the short-legged, long-bodied, fun-loving breed exit the starting pen and do whatever they wish to do – whether that’s running their little legs off, or not.
“It’s fun to watch the dogs because you never know
Publishing, Inc.
(Dianne Ross/AFN Contributor)
Karen White and her dachshund Ella Marie are preparing for the dog’s first appearance at the Wienerschnitzel Weiner Dog Race in California.
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RACE
if they’ll run toward the finish line, or if they’ll stop to sniff and visit other dogs, or just meander,” said Los Alamitos spokesperson Orlando Gutierrez, Los Alamitos Race Course marketing director and a former dachshund owner.
“It’s very popular with the crowd, many of whom have never come to a race track before,” Gutierrez added.
The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals include 10 trial heats with the competitors racing approximately 50 yards. The course record is six seconds, though Gutierrez said the dogs that cross the finish line usually cover the distance at eight to nine seconds.
But, he stressed again, not all the entrants cross the line.
The winner claims the title, “Fastest Dog in the West” at the closing ceremony, earns $1,000 and a custombuilt Wienerschnitzel Dog House. Last year’s winner was a 2-year-old San Diego pup named Darcy, one of the youngest ever to win the race.
Darcy is returning to defend her title.
Their portion of the night’s racing follows the evening’s line-up of horse racing. Los Alamitos Race Course is known for thoroughbred and quarterhorse races.
As with other dachshund races nationwide, the money earned from tickets and t-shirts is earmarked for charity.
In this case, the recipient is the Seal Beach Animal Care Clinic, which since 1996 has been the beneficiary of more than $240,000 from the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals fundraiser.
“Los Alamitos has a great time hosting the races, and it brings the biggest crowd of the year,” said Guitierrez. “The best part to me is reading the entries and the reasons as to why people have entered
their dog to run.
“I remember one entry from our second year, ‘written’ by a dog named Thor, said he really needed to win the money because just days earlier, he’d chewed up his mommy’s teeth and needed to replace them. It always makes me smile when I think about it.”
Participants for this prestigious national race are determined by creativity of their entries.
Ella Marie, with a little assistance from her mother, attracted the judge’s attention with her description of herself, concluding her five-paragraph epistle with “Respectwoofly.”
The letter read, in full:
“My name is Ella Marie White and I’m a very clever dachshund. I may fool you with my slovenly manner at times, but, boy – let me tell you – if there is food to be had or a toy baby to be eviscerated, I’m your gal.
“My mom really loves me and takes me everywhere with her. I have sunglasses and she even bought me a doggy stroller so when I get too tired or hot – we live in the dessert – I can rest while she finishes her walk.
“I know how to do lots of things, like play dead at the command ‘bang.’ And when I hear, ‘who’s in the kitchen?’ I skedaddle. I’m very clever, like I mentioned before; if you leave food unattended, it will be consumed; and if you leave your purse (with food, gum or mints in it) on the table with the mistaken belief that I can’t possible reach it….well, let’s just say, you’d be surprised.
“I can also open jars that are in closed cabinets, and reach food in the pantry if you happen to be foolish enough to leave something on the floor that I can use as a stool.
“These antics might cause resentment
RACE
irresistible.
“The enclosed picture may not reflect just exactly how fast I am, don’t let that dupe you into thinking I can’t be fast, because if the motivation is right – read: food, stuffed baby or my mama – I can surprise the heck out of ya.”
Her entry, along with other racers, are included in a special program created for the event, which has expanded exponentially among participants as well as spectators.
“The first year of the event we struggled to get 24 dogs in the race – we had to knock on doors, just about, to get people that we knew to run in the race. That first running was a lot of fun and it brought a great crowd,” Gutierrez said, adding:
“The following year, the field grew to 64 dogs, and 80 the year after. Now we get anywhere between 200 and 300 dachshund owners entering their prized pup to the event. This year we’re expecting over 100 doxies racing.”
To be a true contender, Ella Marie is
amping up her training – which includes going lighter on the dog treats.
Though triple digit temperatures keep Karen and Ella Marie White away from their favorite exercise spot at Thistle Landing and 48th Street this time of year, exercise remains key to keeping her dog healthy – even when she’s not racing.
So, summer mornings the pair are often found walking and running shortly after sunrise and sunset, and weekend days walking laps at the local Home Depot.
“I’m trying to get her used to running in deep dirt,” said White, who also has quarter horse that runs at Los Alamitos track.
Her boyfriend “Wade (Denny) is a great support,” she added. “In fact, he’s driving back from a rodeo in Salinas, where his son’s competing, just to hold her for me at the starting gate on race day.”
The Wienerschnitzel Weiner National Dog Races is the subject of the 2013 movie, “Weiner Dog Nationals,” which features a rescue dachshund vying for the crown.
“We love to see dogs that have been adopted from rescue shelters participating in the race. All the owners and the dogs have a great time running in front of a huge crowd that’s cheering them on,” said Gutierrez.
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Foothills
NEWBORNS
from page 1
On any given week, there are more than a dozen babies in withdrawal in East Valley hospitals.
“Five or six years ago, we would see one or two patients a month,” she said. “Now, we see six to eight cases a day.”
Hushabye Nursery would provide a therapeutic and inviting environment of short-term medical care to the infants and their families as well as offer non-judgmental support, education and counseling.
The Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona, which helps nonprofits be successful, is helping with a business plan and making connections.
Ahwatukee Retirement
The two nurses have also enlisted the support of Melissa Delaney, who is adept at fundraising, while healthcare finance expert Antoinette Sheen is helping them navigate the rules, laws and regulations for establishing a new health-care provider and providing guidance on the financial plan.
Ahwatukee Custom Estates
Hushabye Nursery will be modeled on a similar recovery center in West Virginia called Lily’s Place.
There’s just one other facility, in Seattle, which is centered more on foster care. Although the syndrome has skyrocketed around the country, there are only two facilities exclusively devoted to the care of these babies.
With a business plan ready, the nurses are looking for a site to be donated to the cause. There’s an empty state medical facility in Phoenix, but 18 other non-profits are in the running to obtain it.
Ideally, the facility for Hushabye Nursery should be about 9,000 square feet, Sundem said, and have space to host 12 beds and the possibility of increasing it to 16 beds in the future.
It would employ about 25 people, recruit volunteers and partner with community organizations. The center would also look into forming contracts with local nursing schools that could send its students for clinical experience.
Funding for Hushabye Nursery is going to be sought initially from private sources and fundraising. A local philanthropic organization has expressed interest in helping, as well. Once the facility is up and running, organizers plan to get reimbursement from the state’s Medicaid Agency, the Arizona Heath Care Cost Containment System.
Sundem and Woody believe that taking the babies out of a stimulating neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital, where they’re usually placed, would be helpful for them.
The neonatal unit is usually a highenergy place with bright lights, bleeping monitors and heightened activity, and is designed to take care of premature babies and babies with heart surgery and respiratory problems, Sundem said.
“Essentially, the babies with the syndrome are healthy, big babies that are having to withdraw. They need a quiet, homelike environment that’s dark, with very minimal stimulation,” she said.
In Arizona, babies are given morphine to aid in the withdrawal process. While a healthy baby goes home within 48 hours, a drug-addicted baby needs about eight weeks to recover.
“When they withdraw, it’s hard, it’s painful, it’s heart-wrenching to watch them do the things to withdraw. They’re tremulous; they shake uncontrollably, they’ll have a fever intermittently, they’ll sweat, they’ll cry inconsolably. It’s not uncommon for them to get maybe five to 10 minutes of sleep just because they can’t give in,” she said.
The babies would first be stabilized in a large hospital before being transferred to Hushabye Nursery to continue their withdrawal. Some babies don’t need further care because they recover within 48 to 72 hours after birth.
For most mothers, having a baby that’s addicted is a turning point in their own lives, Sundem said.
“It’s a matter of us giving them the resources and the training and the education to try to make it so that the baby and the moms have the best outcomes,” she said. “It’s a start for both of them for a healthier life.”
(Srianthi Perera/AFN Staff)
Neonatal nurse practitioners Kelly Woody, left, and Tara Sundem are concerned about the increased number of infants born with drugs in their system and have a plan to help.
As driverless autos become more likely, Waymo tests emergency responses
BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY
AFN Staff Writer
When Waymo’s fleet of self-driving cars first hit Ahwatukee and the East Valley, the novelty of it all caused many heads to turn.
But those cars are not just there for show. They are actually gathering data to bolster the burgeoning technology and improve road safety.
In Chandler, which became the fourth city in the U.S. to host Waymo testing in 2016, Waymo is working collaboratively with the Chandler Fire and Police departments to ensure that its self-driving cars can safely detect and respond to emergency vehicles.
“It is important to know the safety factors built into this technology,”
Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny said. When Google first brought its selfdriving car project to Chandler, the company consulted with the Chandler Police Department, Chandler Chief of Police Sean Duggan said.
Waymo’s vehicles can detect and respond to construction zones, traffic cones and railroad tracks. Engineers
are now focused on teaching the selfdriving cars “advanced driving skills,” said Waymo Lead Systems Engineer Jamie Waydo. The vehicles use a combination of cameras, sensors and software to detect road hazards.
Rather than programming in a hard set of rules, the engineers are using machine learning to teach the vehicles to appropriately respond to emergency vehicles. This includes giving the computer examples of different emergency vehicles, siren sounds and other variables in a variety of lighting conditions.
Over time, the software becomes more adept at intuitively learning about and identifying emergency vehicles, Waydo said.
Waydo provided several examples, including the ability to detect and pull over for approaching emergency vehicles, and the ability to remain stopped at a green light until the police car, fire truck or ambulance has safely passed.
The vehicles are also able to respond to emergency vehicles making unorthodox turns.
At a media session recently, a fleet of the self-driving vehicles demonstrated this technology live at high speeds by responding to an array of emergency vehicles and maneuvers on a closed road at a Chandler Municipal Utilities complex on East Armstrong Way.
Over time, the technology could improve highway and local-street safety as 94 percent of vehicle crashes in the U.S. involve human error, Waydo said.
“This technology has incredible potential to help us keep our community safe,” Duggan said.
The technology can help those who cannot drive due to age, injury or other impairment.
“Self driving technology represents freedom in so many ways for so many people,” Waydo said.
The company recently launched the first public trial of self-driving cars in Chandler. Now, residents in metro Phoenix, including Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert and Tempe, can apply to be a part of the Early Rider program and use Waymo vehicles to travel to work, school and other destinations.
Thus far, local municipalities are relying heavily on Waymo to ensure
that self-driving cars are safe.
“We haven’t worked on our end regulations (for self-driving vehicles),” Tibshraeny said. “We do work with Waymo to ensure safety.”
Waymo keeps a dialog open with the city and police and fire departments in regards to public safety concerns, Duggan said.
Tibshraeny added that as the technology becomes more viable he believes Arizona will see regulations put in place at the state level so that rules are uniform across all municipalities.
Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order in 2015 laying some basic ground rules for self-driving vehicles in the state. These regulations include “vehicles shall be monitored and an operator shall have the ability to direct the vehicle’s movements if required.”
The order also gave the Department of Transportation authority to establish additional rules as necessary and established a Self-Driving Vehicle Oversight Committee to advise ADOT, Department of Public Safety and other interested entities.
– Reach Wayne Schutsky at 480-898-6533 or wschutsky@timespublications.com.
Tons of steel installed as first freeway span takes shape
The South Mountain Freeway continued to seemingly rise from the ground last week as crews installed part of the massive skeleton for one of 40 bridges along the 22-mile thoroughfare.
Crews installed 17 girders for the bridge at the future interchange of the freeway and 17th Avenue and started on Monday to do the same thing at the freeway’s future interchange at 40th Street.
There were other developments related to the freeway as well:
• Pecos Road between 17th Avenue and 24th Street will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday, July 14, through 5 a.m. Monday, July 17, so that the interim road can be prepared. This means the speed limit along the entire stretch of Pecos will now be 40 mph.
• In a meeting with some residents of Foothills Reserve and HOA board members Randy Gallagher and Galen Schliem last Saturday, two representatives of free-
way developer Connect 202 Partners went over some details surrounding future construction plans.
Among other things, Ryan Clickner and Mark Fisher told the HOA residents and board members that Pecos Road will be permanently closed west of 17th Avenue as soon as the Chandler Boulevard Extension opens later this month.
The interim Pecos Road now being used by motorists will remain open until traffic can be shifted onto the freeway, which is scheduled to open in late 2019.
Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman Dustin Krugel said each girder laid for the first freeway bridge spans 145 feet and weighs approximately 131,000 pounds.
“It takes about an hour for the two 450-ton cranes to hoist and place a single girder,” he said.
An ADOT release said the 17 girders that were installed weigh as much as two Boeing 747 jets.
Crews are scheduled to return in
August to pour concrete to form the bridge deck at 17th Avenue – work that likely will occur overnight, according to the two Connect 202 Partners representatives.
Foothills Reserve residents during the half-hour meeting asked Clickner and Fisher about dust from construction, claiming conditions are “like a dust storm” around Pecos Road and 40th Street.
But Clickner said work crews’ heavy use of water kept dust within air quality limits set by state and county environmental agencies.
“We have had 40 air-quality people on Pecos and we haven’t had a single violation,” he said. “Anyone can show up anytime and find something wrong somewhere. We will do what we can to control the dust.”
Crews typically wait till nightfall to pour concrete because high daytime temperatures spoil the mixture.
Clickner also told Foothills Reserve residents he would like to see sound
walls installed as soon as possible, but that nothing could be done until grading is completed.
He said the walls will be 16-20 feet high and will be built between 100 and 140 feet from the houses in the area.
“I’m trying to build the sound wall as fast as I can,” he told residents.
At a cost of $1.77 billion, the freeway is Arizona’s most expensive highway project in history.
It will connect the I-10 interchange at 59th Avenue in West Phoenix with the Chandler Interchange, allowing I-10 traffic to avoid downtown Phoenix and the heavily used Broadway Curve.
Various groups, led by Ahwatukeebased Protect Arizona’s Resources and the Gila River Indian Community, are trying to block the freeway in a case before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth District.
The court is considering oral arguments in the case for October, but has refused requests by the plaintiffs to stop freeway work until the appeal is decided.
AFN NEWS STAFF
(Arizona Department of Transportation)
Crews last week began laying the skeleton for the Ahwatukee stretch of the South Mountain Freeway by installing 17 girders, each weighing 131,000 pounds, for a bridge at 17th Avenue and earlier this week were doing the same thing at 40th Street. Two 450-ton cranes were used to installed the girders, each one taking an hour to place. Concrete won’t be poured until next week.
Council candidates address streets, police and sanctuary city issue
DiCicco: No on sanctuary city, yes on more police
AFN: Ahwatukee residents frequently lament street conditions in the community. what can you do to improve them?
Candidate: I have already addressed this critical issue and we have started a significant road improvement program, including opening the new Chandler Blvd extension, repaving Ray Road, many others.
Also, we must prioritize the things we’re doing, and stop wasting money on things that don’t work. Light rail is a fiscal boondoggle eating up our transportation budget – monies that would be better spent for road upkeep. The cost of construction - $161 million per mile - is higher than promised, the revenues from ridership are lower. Just one mile less light rail could repave most of our community.
AFN: Police presence in Ahwatukee has been a major topic of conversation in the community. Does Ahwatukee need more regular patrols? What can you as one council member do to change that?
Candidate: Absolutely we need more patrols. If you remember, this is the same battle I had in the 1900’s when we only had ONE police officer for our entire community. We have since grown that to over 150 dedicated patrol officers in the South Mountain District.
Unfortunately, that is still short of what we need. We don’t have enough cops anywhere in our city, but that is no excuse to not have the proper coverage in our community. We need an additional flex squad capability in the event of a major accident or other emergency that occupies existing patrols. The way to do that, first and foremost, is to prioritize budgeting and hiring of the 500 additional police officers – and the equipment they need –right now.
Phoenix currently spends over $5 million on lobbying, travel and membership dues. That just shows how screwed up our priorities are. Making sure our citizens are safe should be our first priority.
AFN: How can the city better help economic development in Ahwatukee?
Candidate: I helped create and successfully passed laws making Phoenix the fastest city in the country to start or expand a small business with our 24-hour permitting, inspections and 5-day site plan approvals for small businesses.
The National Federation of Independent Business Owners has ranked Phoenix the #1 city in the nation for cutting red tape
on small business due to the model I helped create. That model has made a huge difference in creating good jobs throughout Phoenix and Ahwatukee.
Locally, we must keep our focus on the 202 construction that not only could have a detrimental impact to our neighborhoods, but to the small business owners that call Ahwatukee home.
Although Phoenix has no control over the freeway, it’s alignment or Pecos Road, I helped create a bipartisan citizen group to work with the state to mitigate the impact of that construction. If we spend the next two years tied up in gridlock, a lot of the gains we’ve made will disappear.
AFN: Should Phoenix be a sanctuary city?
Candidate: No. Sanctuary cities protect those individuals arrested for breaking the law; burglary, assault, shoplifting, gang activity, etc.
There are three other reasons: First, it conflicts with State law, which is why the proposal was withdrawn by the Mayor and Council majority in the first place. Second, it would force our police officers to break the law, the same law they took an oath to protect. And, third, we are a nation of laws, we can’t put our citizens in jeopardy - or disregard those laws - just to appease a vocal minority.
AFN: What solution do you favor for Ahwatukee Lakes? Can you see the city playing any role in resolving the stalemate?
Candidate: To be extremely clear, what happens at the Lakes will set a precedent for the Ahwatukee Country Club - which was zoned, before my time, with over 2,100 high density apartments – Foothills, and Club West which is already facing water cut off threats from the developer. We live in this community because of the quality of life largely due to our open space and preservation of our iconic South Mountain.
I have and will continue to work with a bipartisan group of homeowners and local leaders to ensure that Phoenix does everything possible to hold the developer accountable for the preservation of open space, and to ensure that no new development is approved without the support of the neighborhood.
AFN: Ahwatukee residents frequently lament street conditions in the community. what can you do to improve them?
Candidate: Infrastructure is one of the most concrete ways that we can not only improve the lives of residents in our community, but also increase our economic standing and attract new investment. The city’s voters approved Prop 104 in 2015 to provide tens of billions of dollars in infrastructure investment directly into our streets.
Now, it’s time to make sure that we have a city Councilman that is advocating for those dollars to come to Ahwatukee and improve the streets that residents are frustrated about. As a civil servant, you must be accessible, accountable, and attentive to all of your constituents, not just the few.
AFN: Police presence in Ahwatukee has been a major topic of conversation in the community. Does Ahwatukee need more regular patrols? What can you as one council member do to change that?
Candidate: Ahwatukee absolutely needs more patrols and a dedicated police substation. The most recent City of Phoenix budgets have allocated millions of dollars for new police officers, and we need to prioritize getting these hundreds of new officers trained and deployed into our community, while also investing in new police equipment such as patrol cars to replace our aging fleet.
Despite his rhetoric, our incumbent councilman has voted against budgets that included more funding for police officers and equipment. I know that residents in Ahwatukee expect their city to look out for them, and I will take these concerns to the Council, bring community members to the table, and ensure that we are all safe.
AFN: How can the city better help economic development in Ahwatukee?
Candidate: Economic development is the core of my campaign. Ahwatukee businesses are represented well by their Chamber, but we can always do more to ease any unnecessary burden from the city that may exist to stifle economic opportunity in our community.
At the same time, we need to start prioritizing small business development and empower entrepreneurs with local financing opportunities so that everyone gets a fair shot at the American Dream.
The City has a role to play in providing needed guidance and tax incentives to small business owners who have a chance to succeed and change the fabric of their community with an innovative idea.
AFN: Should Phoenix be a sanctuary city?
Candidate: Phoenix should be a safe, inclusive and welcoming City for all who call it home, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or country of origin. Anything less than policies that meet and exceed these goals is unacceptable.
AFN: What solution do you favor for Ahwatukee Lakes? Can you see the city playing any role in resolving the stalemate?
Candidate: It is time for real leadership on this issue. For more than four years since Ahwatukee Lakes closed its doors, residents have waged an intense and passionate battle to preserve their quality of life. People want to be not only heard, but listened to, and we need someone who will bring all parties together to build consensus and move forward.
Concerns about increased traffic, reduced open space, and economic viability are all valid. Our current councilman has made a lot of noise, but where is the follow-through?
At my current job at Banner Health, I am driven by a need to provide real results to real people, or there are life-and-death consequences with patients. Why should I treat the job of City Councilman any different?
I never make promises I can’t keep, and I will fight every day to find a fiscally responsible, well researched and forwardthinking solution to this vexing issue.
Ahwatukee Foot Hills Chamber of Commerce-Ahwatukee Foothills News Candidate Forum 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, Ahwatukee Activity Center, 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee
discussion would be focused on “whether or not those two events should be there or at a place where they can grow.”
He has suggested that the farmers market – and even ABM’s Chili CookOff in March, which also generates parking issues – could be moved to one of three nearby sites.
But Logan said, “I think we will be able to stay where we are. Once you start moving a farmers market, it starts to become problematic.”
She said at least two of the three sites suggested by DiCiccio, a nearby park and the Hobby Lobby parking lot, posed problems because the former had insufficient parking and the latter had no restrooms.
“The HOA director and the neighborhood are very much behind us,”” Logan said. “I think we’ll be good there and that the parking problem will be resolved.”
The hearing was to be on a request by ABM for a temporary use permit allowing additional parking on tis premises for the Farmers Market every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
ABM began seeking the permit after Katie Weeks, representing the strip mall management company Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc., complained to the city that people attending the market and other events “are parking in the shopping center parking lot, creating a nuisance for our tenants and their visitors.”
Telling the city that “everything we have tried to do (signage, hiring security guards, talking with the Board of Management, etc.) has failed to keep their visitors out of our parking lot,” Weeks wrote:
“We are at the point where we are
starting to lose tenants and are having a difficult time leasing to new tenants as our parking lot is constantly infiltrated by Ahwatukee Board of Management visitors. We are having to slash our rental rates, which in turn is a loss of money for the City as well.”
Logan also was concerned that a number of market fans were getting too emotional.
“Everybody got a little hot around the collar,”
Logan said.
“I’m hoping that’s not the way we’re rolling. That’s really silly. The majority of folks at the center are in favor of the market and I think we can live peacefully,” she continued, adding:
“We’ve been there a fairly long time and we’ve lived with the overflow parking issue.”
As of Monday, Logan said she was not planning to attend the July 13 meeting, saying ABM asked her to remain available in case her input is needed either in person or over the phone.
Even if the shopping center management company accepts ABM’s solution, Logan also has indicated it will take some time to teach farmers market shoppers where to park and where not to park.
That issue also may come up when the management teams for ABM and the strip mall meet.
(Dianne Ross/ AFN Contributor)
Ahwatukee Farmers Market patrons paid to heed to the temperature when they were visiting there July 2. Clockwise from upper left: Bob Klaehn surveys potatoes; Elizabeth Keefer examines tomatoes; Erin Sears samples a purchase; John Boghossian entertains the crowd.
‘Spider trails’ first target in massive South Mountain project
BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer
The “spider trails” in Beverly Canyon probably started innocently enough, with someone taking a short cut.
Those steps were followed by hundreds of others until the desert was scarred and a confusing maze of trails was left behind.
After a year’s worth of community meetings and planning, intrepid work crews will brave the searing Arizona summer heat this week and start closing, repairing and re-vegetating the spider trails that branch off from the Beverly Canyon Trail, which connects with other trails deeper inside the park.
The work marks the start of a trailrestoration plan that will take anywhere from two to five years in popular South Mountain Park. The process will be repeated over and over again with the restoration work starting at the busy east end of the sprawling park and heading to the less developed west end.
Beverly Canyon is typically accessed from a small trail head at Baseline Road and 46th Street.
It is on the north side of South Mountain, while popular Pima Canyon is on east end of the park near the Arizona Grand Resort and Ahwatukee.
Crews “rough up an area, so it does not look like a trail, and then re-vegetate,’’ said Mike Francis, parks supervisor.
He said the initial work in Beverly Canyon will take four to six months as Phoenix Parks puts the long-planned
South Mountain Park Trails Master Plan into motion for the first time.
“The idea is to start in the east, the most heavily-used part, and work to the west,’’ Francis said. “We are trying to improve what we have and to introduce some new plans along the way.’’
No designated trails, those recognized by Phoenix Parks, will be closed during the trail work, but the undesignated spider trails gradually will be closed and covered with new vegetated.
The ambitious master plan calls for improving the 51 miles of designated trails, adding another 65 miles of undesignated trails to the trail system, and restoring 80 miles of spider trails to their natural state.
The new directional signs are the last step, after the trails have been improved and restored, Francis said.
“The trails master plan will touch the entire trail system in the park, from Pima
Canyon all the way over to 51st Ave. The plan will take several years to implement,’’ Francis wrote in his email.
The trail work was always planned in conjunction with a second project, some long-neglected improvements at the Pima Canyon trail head. The two projects together – the trail head improvements and the trail improvements – represent the biggest overhaul in decades inside the park.
The renovations are expected to cost about $20 million, with $5 million allocated per year from the Phoenix Parks and Preserve Initiative, a small sales tax approved by Phoenix voters.
The $2–million Pima Canyon trail head project, which includes a re-configured parking lot and new restrooms and ramadas, has been delayed at least a month by the combination of red tape and a substantially re-worked plan after the initial proposal ran into
stiff opposition from neighbors. Neighbors won important concessions from the city. The original plan featured a parking lot that neighbors considered too close to their homes in The Cove development. The city dropped the parking lot, but re-configured parking on the original footprint to accommodate more vehicles.
Pima Canyon is South Mountain Park’s most popular trail head because of its convenient location to Ahwatukee and the nearby resort.
The improvements increase the number of spaces to 213 from 169, even after the compromise with neighbors. The trail head is often jammed in the winter, with cars parks along an access road that passes the resort’s golf course.
Phoenix also decided to use groundlevel, solar powered lighting to reduce light pollution, and to avoid damaging a fragile saguaro that is located near the neighborhood.
Francis said a timeline for construction at the Pima Canyon trail head has not been determined, but he has been notified that the building permits required to start the work may be issued sometime in mid-July. The trail head will be closed to vehicles during the construction project.
Francis said he will notify neighbors by email when the timeline is firmed up, but that the public comment period is over and no additional meetings are planned.
Despite the construction delay, Phoenix Parks hopes to re-open the trail head sometime this fall, the peak period for hiking and mountain biking.
Stranded on an Arizona highway? DPS program helps motorists in need
BY MADISON CONNER Cronkite News
One woman ran out of gas. Men in a pickup truck needed someone to change a tire on the car. Another man had one of his car’s tires blow up.
State workers, acting as freeway Samaritans, came to their rescue on Interstate-17 with offers of cold bottled water to cool their thirst and free gas and tire changes to soothe their frustrations.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety deploys roadside assistants to help motorists stranded along the state’s highways. People who call the emergency line or are spotted by DPS officers can get help.
“We assist people that are broke down on the freeway. We assist with accidents, help the troopers at times,” said Wendall Holland, who has been working a roadside motorist assistant for four years. “Anybody that’s stranded on the freeway we assist them and help them get back on the freeway and to their destination.”
The crews patrol highways across Arizona all day, every day, equipped with drinking water, gasoline, tools and tanks of compressed air. The program helped nearly 93,000 motorists in the last year who were temporarily stranded because they failed to fill up a gas tank, replace worn-out tires or make sure tires are properly inflated to the proper pressure. Summer’s scorching temperatures
makes their jobs a little tougher but the crews push through.
A roadside assistance program helps stranded motorists who have problems on Arizona freeways, such as running out of gas or having a tire blow out.
(Photo by Madison Conner/ Cronkite News)
“My main concern when I get out to someone is their safety,” said Holland said, a former DPS officer.
Stranded drivers can call 911 for help from DPS or to report another motorist in trouble. DPS, the Maricopa Association of Governments and AAA Arizona administer the program.
(Special to AFN)
Improved signage and the elimination of dangerous and environmentally damaging “spider trails” are two goals of extensive work planned around Beverly Canyon at South Mountain.
(Madison Conner/Cronkite News)
AG ruling curtails public access to officials’ texts, posts
BY HOWARD FISCHER
Capitol Media Services
Public officials can’t hide evidence of their official activities through texts and social media posts made from their personal cell phones, state Attorney General Mark Brnovich has concluded.
In a formal legal opinion, Brnovich said there is a “duty’’ of those who conduct official business on their own devices to record them for preservation. Ditto, he said, for messages sent through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
But Brnovich provides what could be an escape clause for elected officials and others seeking to hide what they do.
“If the electronic message is solely on a private electronic device or through a social media account that an agency has not established as a system for conducting government business, then ... the electronic message is not a public record,’’ he wrote.
Brnovich said a 2000 change to the law expanding it to cover electronic records includes only those on an “agencymaintained system.’’
“That’s wrong,’’ said attorney Dan Barr of the First Amendment Coalition.
He said a 2007 Arizona Supreme Court ruling spells out that the content of the communication determines whether something is a public record, not where it is stored or from what device it was sent.
Potentially more significant, Barr said he fears that public officials seeking to hide activity will use the wording of Brnovich’s opinion as a reason to refuse to disclose their communications.
“The mischief that will happen for somebody who doesn’t want to turn over records in the first place, they will seize upon the language ... and say, ‘Aha, here’s a reason I can withhold this. And the attorney general says so,’” Barr said.
Brnovich said his 11-page opinion should not be taken as an excuse or a road map for elected officials and other government employees as a way to conduct business outside of public scrutiny.
He said if they do use personal devices, there still is an “affirmative duty to reasonably account for official activity.’’
“This duty encompasses official activity engaged in through private devices or accounts,’’ the attorney general wrote.
he said.
Brnovich said that even with no law covering those texts and postings, he said public officials and public bodies have “independent obligations to record their work and otherwise maintain records.’’
What that means, he said, is that if some official activity does occur through a text on a personal phone or a Facebook or Twitter post, “it is the duty of the public official to record the activity.’’
But with his opinion that these private devices and posting are not public records, Brnovich essentially makes that selfpolicing.
And even in that obligation to separately record public activity, Brnovich does not spell out how that “duty’’ must be performed.
Brnovich conceded his view of what is –and is not – a public record is based solely on his reading of existing Arizona law. He said no Arizona court has ever addressed texts on private phones or messages on non-government social media accounts.
vate electronic devices or social media accounts,’’ Brnovich wrote.
“Deeming all communications on such electronic devices or services to be public records subject to mandatory retention requirements under Arizona law would impose a duty on an agency that may be impossible to meet,’’ he added.
Brnovich said there is an option for those who want to expand the Public Records Law to include those private postings: Take their case to the legislature. He said it is up to lawmakers – and not him or the courts – to balance the privacy rights of public employees and officials with the need for government transparency and accountability.
He said there’s another reason he won’t conclude that social media postings and texts from private cell phones are not public.
“In other words public officials cannot use private devices and accounts for the purpose of concealing official conduct,’’
But he said the “plain text’’ of the public records statutes convinces him they were meant to apply solely to records on government-controlled systems.
“An agency does not have control of pri-
He pointed out Arizona law makes it a felony to destroy or tamper with official records. Brnovich said if he concluded that those messages are records, it could make criminals out of public officials and employees who routinely delete messages – all without letting them know ahead of time that those actions could land them in state prison.
Kyrene’s new summer camp exposes kids to new sports
BY HAILEY MENSIK AFN Staff Writer
At Kyrene’s new sports summer camp, students get to sample 15 different sports throughout the summer, exposing them to some they might be unfamiliar with and want to pursue when they get older.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through July 21 at Kyrene Centennial Middle School, incoming third-graders through sixth-graders can both learn about and play those sports – and even take trips to sports destinations such as Chase Field.
“As far as a camp that’s offering 15 different sports throughout the summer, I haven’t heard of one,” said Nick Nigh, head camp counselor.
“I have seen baseball camps, basketball camps, and I went to all that as a kid, but nothing where we touch on a bunch of different sports,” he added.
Kyrene’s program includes tennis, basketball, flag football, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, golf, archery, track and field and kickball.
“They get to kind of see what they like and don’t like,” Nigh said.
When a new week begins, counselors introduce the new sport and help teach basic skills and rules. Later in the week,
See CAMP on page 22
All photographs
by Kimberly Carrillo AFN Photographer
Hockey was the sport du jour when the AFN dropped in recently at Centennial Middle School, where the Kyrene School District's new summer sports camp is held.
Clockwise from upper left: Maya Pousson braces for the puck; Aiden McKeon waits for the puck while Liam GibsonWilliams joins him in the background; recent Desert Vista High School grad Jared Ostendorp is helping to coach the kids; bunching up in a play are, from left, Ashton Hickman, Maya and Jake Smith; Micah Mathis appears undecided nbetween hockey and baseball; Colin Murphykeeps a wary eye on the action farther down the court; and scrambling for the puck are, from left, Nathaniel Moreno, Ben Jensen and Avery Rogers. The camp runs through July 21 and kids can sign up for a week or the remainder of the program.
campers get into playing games and have tournaments.
Another mission of the camp is to instill the campers with a commitment to good sportsmanship.
The seven values covered are: sportsmanship, responsibility, motivation, character, teamwork, leadership and attitude.
Each week offers a series of discussions that are focused on one of these values.
The values are then reinforced through tournaments and other play.
“That’s actually been really helpful to kind of curve the upset kids we get when they lose,” Nigh said. “We are doing a bit of competition, but we’re also talking about sportsmanship first.”
Under the supervision of several counselors, including Jared Ostendorp, a recent Desert Vista High School graduate and football player, campers stay entertained all day long with a variety of activities, mostly indoors.
“The time just flies,” Ostendorp said. “They’re so creative…we have our own dugout zone and half the games they play nowadays they make up on their own.” Ostendorp, who plans to attend the
University of Washington in Seattle in the fall, said he enjoys working with the kids.
“The field trips are my favorite part of the entire camp,” Ostendorp said.
Campers attend weekly field trips to sports-related destinations, getting a chance to see how the rules and movements they learned would work on regulation-siezed venues.
Sometimes they even see real play.
So far the campers visited the Fencer’s Club of America, Top Golf, Kyrene Lanes and Chase Field. Upcoming trips include the Nozomi Aquatic Center, AZ Ice and Stratum Lazer Tag.
“I see some kids who have never touched a volleyball in their life, and by the end of the volleyball week they’re out there and it’s the most exciting thing for them,” Ostendorp said, adding:
“Especially now as we move into lacrosse and hockey, some more under-the-radar sports, opposed to like football, basketball and baseball, it’s really cool because these kids might find a passion and go on playing.”
Campers can sign up anytime throughout the summer and can attend the entire seven-week-long camp or just one week for $165 weekly.
Information: Kyrene.org
BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor
What’s in a name? For the newlyrenamed Arizona Needy Newborns (ANN), it’s a whole lot of love for infants they’ve never met.
The former Ahwatukee and Mesa chapters of Newborns in Need have disaffiliated from the national NIN to form a more Arizona-centric organization with many of the same goals.
“We have pretty much the same focus, its just more of a local group now,” said Marilyn Freeman, president of NIN – and now ANN – for the past eight years of her 18-year involvement.
Long-term commitments are customary among the members, who hold monthly meetings in Ahwatukee and Mesa. They often gather at Freeman’s Mesa home for in-between work sessions.
Her residence – near the Mesa Mormon Temple, where Mesa’s monthly meetings are held – is often occupied by other groups, including Girl Scout troops, Boy Scouts working toward Eagle Badge status and other youth groups volunteering to assist with ANN’s ongoing projects. Ahwatukee’s meetings are held
(Dianne Ross/AFN Contributor)
Vivian Giumette of Ahwatukee is making 200 Christmas bibs for Arizona Needy Newborns and has been a member of the group for years.
Delta, Janie looking to Ahwatukee to show the love
Delta and Janie are eager to find new homes in Ahwatukee.
Janelle Cosgriff of Arizona Friends for Life said Delta, a 9-year-old beagle with a bit of Shar Pei, currently is living in a foster home “where she happily enjoys rolling on her back on the carpet, giving kisses to her foster mom and going on nice walks early in the morning before it gets too hot.”
Though adopted several years ago, she was returned recently because she wasn’t getting along with the other dogs in the home, Cosgriff said, suggesting “Delta will be happiest in a home with no other
NEWBORNS
from page 22
at Esperanza Lutheran Church on Thunderhill Place.
“We meet at churches but we aren’t a church group,” Freeman explained.
On Saturday, July 29, ANN hosts its sixth annual “Christmas in July” working session with the public encouraged to attend.
Held at their Mesa meeting place at 1415 E. Southern Avenue, the session begins at 10 a.m. and continues till noon.
It’s a day where the spirit of the holidays arrives early as members and guests stuff 200 tiny Christmas stockings with polyester batting, then sew them closed.
The toys are destined for inclusion in the Christmas Newborn Kits donated to families of infants in hospitals and medical centers throughout the county, and other facilities like A New Leaf and Helen’s Hope Chest, both in Mesa.
The day also includes opportunities for guests to crochet edges of fleece blankets, and work on quilts.
Donations of cash and yarns are also needed.
The group that has labored to help infants for nearly two decades works on a shoestring budget. Members donated 2,995 items in May to be included in Newborn Kits, NICU layettes and burial layettes.
The kits contain items like washcloths, Ivory soap bars, newborn-size disposable diapers, sleepers and other baby items. With an average of 150 Newborn Kits assembled monthly, volunteer time and funds are always needed.
And it’s a Herculean task for a membership that includes those who’ve committed to help this cause for years.
dogs and in a home where she’s your one and only.”
Because she’s living in a foster home, interested owners must call Friends for Life for an appointment. Delta is spayed, current on vaccinations, and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $50. Information: FFLdogs@azfriends.org or azfriends.org.
Janie is a 2-year-old Flame Point Siamese who “adores being picked up and held close,” said Jenny Bernot of Arizona Rescue.
“An open lap is an open invitation for Janie to make herself at home,” Bernot said. “Ok, if we’re being honest, the lap doesn’t even have to be open…Janie is
There are many who’ve been a part of this community-oriented group for 10 years and more.
Vivian Giumette of Ahwatukee remembers how many years ago she’s been involved. All she needs to do is look at her only grandson, Carter.
“I’ve been a member of this group for almost 15 years. My grandson was a 2 lb. 3 oz. preemie and while he was at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, I learned about this wonderful group,” she said.
Giumette is currently embroidering 200 Christmas bibs with a Country Snowman pattern, using six colors on red fabric edged in white trim.
In addition, she is responsible for the preemie sets – diaper shirts and bibs, that are distributed monthly – and also sews tote bags used for layette kits.
It was Shirleen Daniels of Mesa who influenced Freeman to join the group when she happened upon Daniels sewing a NIN project. Daniels has been a member for 19 years and served as president before Freeman.
ANN secretary Doris Dorwart of Ahwatukee has headed up the Ahwatukee group for eight of her 10 years with the organization.
“It’s taken a lot of involvement and hard work,” she admitted. “The hospitals tell us what they want, while the health clinics take whatever we can give.”
She said the two-inch Christmas stockings being stuffed and sewn at Christmas in July are purchased at afterChristmas sales.
Current ANN vice-president, Marlene Omerza of Mesa, has been involved a decade as well, and is a major quilts provider, often making 10 a month.
Donations of yarn, even odd leftover skeins, are used by ANN members for
totally at ease with sitting on your lap even if there is another kitty occupying it.”
Janie underwent soft-palate repair to close a hole in the roof of her mouth, and is recovering fully,” Bernot said.
“She is loving life now that she’s all fixed up,” she said. “Since she’s feeling tons better, Janie is showing an interest in toys and will even play games of tag with her feline friends.”
The cat particularly enjoys chasing objects across tile floors and sliding into random objects. And she “is an inquisitive girl who enjoys exploring her surroundings.”
Information: azrescue.org.
crocheted washcloths, fleece blanket trims, or tiny infant hats and booties.
Every month, members personally deliver Newborn Kits to various hospitals that include Maricopa Medical Center, Banner Casa Grande Medical Center, Summit Health Care Regional Center in Show Low, St. Luke’s Hospital in Tempe, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, St. Joseph Hospital NICU, Barrow Neurological Center, Hopi Healthcare, Maricope Compassionate Care and others.
Becky Bell, coordinator of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Developmental Program at Maricopa Integrated Health System in Phoenix, said the Newborn Kits provided by ANN are appreciated by staff and parents of newborns.
“Each day, Maricopa Integrated Health System’s NICU provides medical care for babies from all walks of life,” she said.
“No parent is prepared for his or her baby to be born critically ill. It’s a very scary and traumatic time in their lives; many of these babies are born weeks or even months premature,” she added, stating:
“Arizona Needy Newborns provides Newborn Kits for all of our NICU families. These kits contain essential baby care items that the families need at home after their baby is discharged.”
She explained that many parents spend months at her hospital while their infants recover, making it difficult to prepare their home for the baby’s discharge difficult.
“By providing clothing, diapers, and other necessary home supplies ANN’s generosity brings comfort to families during one of the most difficult periods in their lives. ANN’s long standing relationship with MIHS has positively impacted the lives of thousands of infants and their families,” Bell said.
“I think we provide a need of service to the community,” said Freeman, modestly.
“And, we really have fun.”
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, ANN members gather for their Stocking Stuffing Event, where members and volunteers pack the month’s Newborn Kits in handmade, extra-large Christmas stockings used in lieu of the usual plastic bins and other containers.
This is where Giumette’s embroidered bibs are distributed along with crocheted red, white and green washcloths and the tiny stuffed Christmas stocking made at Christmas in July. Some kits are also done in blue and white to mark Hanukkah. For more information or to sign up for ANN’s online monthly newsletters, contact Doris Dorwart at dddorwart@ hotmail.com. Dorwart asks ANN be used in subject line.
How to help
Monthly donations are always needed. Other than cash, ANN accepts the following: quilts
36”x45” or larger, fleece blankets 30”x36” before crochet edging, receiving blankets the same size, incubator blankets 18”x22,” afghans 24”x36” or larger; small positioning aids (12” strips filled with poly-pellets). Also, Beanie Babies, medium stuffed toys, new or gently used clothing nightgowns, sleepers and onsies), newborn-size hats, booties and socks; washcloths, Ivory bar soap, size-1 diapers, bibs and burp cloths and tote bags.
Area group works to preserve Clydesdales horses
BY LEAH GILCHRIST
AFN Staff Writer
Feeding the horses, cooling the barn and mucking stalls are all in a day’s work for Rebecca Stivers.
Though caring for horses isn’t out of the ordinary in Gilbert, Stivers is the only one keeping six Clydesdale horses.
She’s known as “the lady with the Clydesdales” as she goes to purchase supplies for the horses and when she attends community events. It started with Stivers’ horse, Lakota, and has now branched into working to preserve the Clydesdale breed from extinction.
The nonprofit USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation was founded in 2012 and has worked for the last five years to spread awareness and education about the breed. Clydesdales were listed on a watch list in 2012, and in 2017, the breed was moved from the Livestock Conservancy Agency’s “watch” list to the “threatened” list.
The Livestock Conservancy Agency estimates that there are approximately 5,000 of the horses remaining in the world. The breed was noted as threatened when it was estimated that there were only about 500 to 900 adult females still breeding.
Stivers, the director and founder of the foundation, had been working with Lakota, a retired therapy horse, when she heard the breed was threatened.
“It’s the whole equine that has gone down in number, but the ones that matter are already at risk.” Stivers said. “We were at risk.”
Stivers has been in Gilbert for the last 30 years, and has worked with Lakota for the last 14 years. She has worked with horses for as long as she can remember, and now conserving a breed she’s worked
with for many years has become the focus in her life.
The USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation, formerly the USA Clydesdale Drill Team, currently houses six Clydesdales, many of which were former therapy horses.
Stivers said as far as she knows, the six they keep at the preservation foundation are some of the few in the U.S.
The foundation does not breed the horses, but does house the six horses in a barn, which the foundation uses to educate different groups.
During the industrial revolution, new tractors and plows were created that could work fields without horses.
The Clydesdale was originally used for pulling wagons and plowing fields in the early 19th century, when they were first brought to the U.S.
The breed essentially is losing its original breeding purpose, and therefore fewer of the horses are being bred.
At peak, it is estimated there once were 140,000 Clydesdale horses in the world.
The horses have origins in Scotland, and have some necessary environmental adjustments in order to be able to live in Gilbert.
Stivers and her volunteers work to make sure the horses are living in the best condition they can in the blazing Arizona heat.
The horses have a system of misters and fans to keep them cool during the
hot summers in Arizona. They are kept in the barn during the day, let out only once the sun has gone down, in order to prevent the horses from overheating. The horses also are given plenty of water to keep them hydrated throughout the day.
Stivers and the preservation foundation are working to reintroduce Clydesdales as not only a horse for pulling but also riding.
“Our big goal is to get the country to accept them as a riding horse also.” Stivers said. “Because one of the biggest things in conservation is you’ve got to give them another purpose.”
Stivers said the horses at the preservation foundation are sweet with people and are gentle to visitors to the site. The horses at the foundation have bonded with volunteers over the last five years.
Sheila Angerer, a board member for the foundation and regular volunteer, found a love for the horses working with them in the barn. When she began to volunteer, Angerer was a new Clydesdale rider, and now has grown familiar and fond of the horses at the foundation.
“It’s a privilege to take care of them, because there’s so few of them left,” Angerer said.
Stivers said in 2012 the organization had about eight regular volunteers working with the horses, and five years later they have about 60 regular volunteers.
The foundation has had an increase in visitors over the last five years. Stivers said she also has received more questions about the horses, and has seen that people are more attentive to the breed than they were before.
“If we can get them off the (endangered) lists, we’ll probably close this down.” Stivers said.
(Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer)
Sheila Angerer (left) and Rebecca Stivers care for Naomi the Clydesdale. The USA Clydesdale Preservation Foundation in Gilbert has been working to keep the horse breed from extinction.
(Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer)
Working 14 years with Lakota, a retired therapy horse, inspired Rebecca Stivers to care for Clydesdales.
AFN, Ahwatukee Chamber seek your questions for candidates
The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce and the Ahwatukee Foothills News are looking for residents questions to present to the two candidates for the Phoenix City Council district that includes the community.
AFN and the Chamber are cosponsoring a public candidates forum for incumbent Councilman Sal DiCiccio and challenger Kevin Patterson 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, at the Ahwatukee Activity Center, 4700 E. Warner Road.
Questions should be emailed to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com and can involve any issue involving Ahwatukee specifically or the city in general.
Local ASU prof’s homeless outreach downtown is July 15
Project Humanities’ year-round outreach led by an Ahwatukee professor to help the homeless in downtown Phoenix will be held 6:45-8:15 a.m. Saturday, July 15. Volunteers are welcome to meet on South 12th Avenue
between West Jefferson and West Madison streets to help homeless people pick out clothing, shoes and toiletries.
Neal Lester, Foundation Professor of English at Arizona State University and the founder/director of ASU’s Project Humanities, also reminds residents they can donate bottles of water at AZ Spine & Disc, 4530 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee during normal business hours.
Information on donating other items and volunteering: 480-727-7030 or projecthumanities@asu.edu.
Kyrene governing board
president to address Kiwanis
Kyrene Governing Board President John King will speak to the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee at its regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee,
The club will next meet July 27, when city Councilman Sal DiCiccio will address the group. The next meeting, Aug. 10, will feature Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Lindy Lutz Cash, following on Aug. 31 by state Rep. Mitzi Epstein, whose
district includes Ahwatukee. The public is invited to the meetings.
Simply A Cappella seeks experienced choral director
Simply A Cappella, an East Valley chapter of Sweet Adelines International that includes members from Ahwatukee, is looking for a choral director.
Experience and knowledge of the barbershop style of singing is desirable.
The women sing a variety of familiar tunes: golden oldies, modern, holiday and patriotic music.
They perform year-round at various facilities and functions, but in the spring, they compete in the Sweet Adelines Region 21 contest.
Rehearsals are held from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays in the choir room of Family Life Center at First United Methodist Church, 15 E. First Ave., Mesa.
All applications will be considered. For more information, call Pat Bowen at 480-399-9799 or email pat. bowen2015@outlook.com. For more information about the group, visit simplyacappella.com.
Cactus Jack’s featuring band, singer in show next week
Cactus Jack’s bar, 48th Street and Elliot Road, Ahwatukee, is featuring Muno Bars and Braiden Sunshine at 7:30 p.m. today, July 12, following free line dance lessons at 5:30 p.m. by Ahwatukee instructor Carrie McNeish.
Reunion planned for Mountain Pointe Class of 1997 in fall
Preparations are underway for the 20th reunion of Mountain Pointe High School's Class of 1997 and grads can save money by getting tickets by July 15.
Coinciding with homecoming weekend, the reunion will be 6-10 p.m. Oct. 7 at Aunt Chilada's Mexican Restaurant, 2019 W. Baseline Road, Tempe.
"We had a great turnout for the 10year reunion and hope to see even more Class of '97 grads at this event," organizer Jana Krikliwy said.
Tickets are $50 through July 15, $65 after that date. Tickets must be bought by Oct. 1. Information: mphs97reunion@ gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 12
Teens can enjoy flick
Wednesday afternoons are for teens and this week we’re showing a movie. Free soda and popcorn will be provided.
DETAILS>> Free. 4:30-6:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. For ages 12-17. To find out the movie title, visit the calendar at phxlib.org. No registration required.
TUESDAY, JULY 18
Get your writing critiqued
Bring five double-spaced pages of writing to read out loud to the group for feedback. Bringing four extra copies to hand out to the group is recommended for better feedback.
DETAILS>> 6:00-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. For more information, email haley.dziuk@ phoenix.gov. No registration required.
TUESDAY, JULY 18
Kyrene plans ‘kinder roundup’
Kyrene School District’s Kinder and Pre-K Roundup will give parents a chance to register their child for kindergarten or pre-kindergarten classes and get their questions answered by school principals and staffers. To register, parents need the child’s birth certificate, immunization records and proof of resident.
DETAILS>> 6 p.m. Kyrene District Offices, 8700 S. Kyrene Road, Tempe. Childcare will be provided.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19
Ice cream social set
Wednesdays are for teens at Ironwood. This week, join us for an ice cream social, Smash Brothers and crafts.
DETAILS>> 4:30-6:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E.
Chandler Blvd. For ages 12-17. No registration required.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26
Summer’s end marked
Wednesdays are for teens at Ironwood. This week, we draw the summer to a close with an end-of-summer blow out party!
DETAILS>> 4:30-6:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. For ages 12-17. No registration required.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 26
A public forum sponsored by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce and Ahwatukee Foothills News offers residents a chance to ask question of the two candidates for the District 6 seat on Phoenix City Council, which includes Ahwatukee. Both Councilman Sal DiCiccio and challenger Kevin Patterson will attended the moderated forum.
DEETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m., Ahwatukee Events Center, 4700 Warner Road. Free.
FRIDAY, JULY 28
Food and fun at Hawthorn
Family, friends and kids can enjoy live music and a food truck rodeo.
The Maricopa County Reads Online Summer Reading Program will continue through Aug. 1. Adults, teens, children, and babies can log onto maricopacountyreads. org to record their reading and earn points toward a
voucher for a free book and other prizes. Just read 20 minutes a day, every day.
DETAILS>> Registration is online. Come to Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Chandler, to pick up the schedule. Attend programs and earn points toward a free book. All ages. Free.
SUNDAYS
‘TinkerTime’ open for kids
A makerspace for children to design, experiment, and invent as they explore hands-on STEAM activities through self-guided tinkering.
DETAILS>> 1-4 p.m. every Sunday, Ironwood Library 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. 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>> 7-9 a.m. in the northwest corner of the park at 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee. Information : acgarden.org or 480-759-5338
MONDAYS Chamber offers networking
The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>> Noon, Native Grill and Wings, 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Devida Lewis, 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.
TUESDAYS
STEM for kids available
Join us at the library for this fun, handson STEM based program. Kids will create a different project each week including: Circuit Bugs with LEDs, straw rocket ships, binary code keychains, wobblebots, turtle weavings and robotic hand building.
DETAILS>> Free. 4-5 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. No registration required. Does not meet Tuesday, July 4.
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. $5 per class. Information: donna@ innervisionyoga.com or 480-330-2015.
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.
Power Partners available
The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m., Four Points by Sheraton, 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. Dorothy Abril, 480-753-7676.
See CALENDAR on page 27
CALENDAR
WEDNESDAYS
Watercolor classes available
Watercolor classes that teach both bold and beautiful as well as soft and subtle approaches to the art are available twice a week for beginners and intermediate students who are at least 15 years old. Step-by-step instruction and personal help are provided.
DETAILS>> 2:30-5 Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays at Hobby Lobby, 46th Street and Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Cost: $25 per class, $80 for four classes. Registration required: jlokits@yahoo.com or 480-4718505.
Montessori holds open house
Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori holds an open house weekly. It includes a short talk about Montessori education, followed by a tour of its campus.
Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief support group for adults who have experienced a loss through death. No registration required.
DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. 602-636-5390, hov. org.
Foothills Women meet
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 480592-0052.
LD 18 Dems meet in Tempe
The Legislative District 18 Democrats meet the second Monday of the month.
DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. social time, 7-8:30 p.m. meeting time. Because the location may be different from month to month, see ld18democrats.org. Information: ld18demsinfo@gmail.com. Free and open to the public.
Special networking offered
Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce has a networking and leads group is open to chamber members. DETAILS>> 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Radisson Hotel, 7475 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. Devida Lewis, 480-753-7676.
THURSDAYS
Crazy 8s Math Club meets
Math plus mischief equals fun at the library. Kids will have
a crazy fun time while keeping their math skills sharp with hand-on activities like Laser Maze Craze, Firefighter Training, Daring Darts, and more!
DETAILS>> Free. 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. No registration required.
Kiwanis meets weekly
The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club meets weekly and welcomes newcomers. Future speakers Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio on July 27, Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Lindy Lutz Cash on Aug 10 and state Rep. Mitzi Epstein on Aug. 31. There is no meeting July 20.
DETAILS>> 9 a.m. second and fourth Thursday, Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St. Call Kim at 480-759-2118, ext. 218.
FRIDAYS
‘Gentle yoga’ offered
Inner Vision Yoga Studio offers “gentle floor yoga” for core strengthening and healthy backs.
DETAILS>> 1:30-2:30 p.m. 4025 E. Chandler, Ahwatukee. $5 per class. Information: 480-330-2015 or donna@ innervisionyoga.com.
SATURDAYS
Kids can play at Ironwood
Head to ironwood library for some cool indoor play time. kids can participate in a variety of activities including giant dice games, bingo, Code & Go with robot mice, and more.
DETAILS>> Saturdays 2-4:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. No registration required; for school-aged children and their families.
Read to therapy dogs
Reading aloud to certified therapy dogs is an excellent way for emerging readers to practice their skills (and lots of fun, too!) Come read to our certified therapy dogs.
DETAILS>> 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 1-11. First come first served.
Alzheimer’s support group meets
Caregivers for Alzheimer’s patients can find support monthly.
DETAILS>> 10-11:30 a.m. Ahwatukee Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the first Saturday of the month at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St.
Bosom Buddies slates meetings
Ahwatukee/Chandler nonprofit breast cancer support group.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m. to noon, second Saturday of the month. Morrison Boardroom next to Chandler Regional Medical Center, 1875 W. Frye Road, Chandler. Contact Patti Lynch at 480-893-8900 or tomklynch@msn.com or Cele Ludig at 480-330-4301.
— Email calendar items to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com
www.ahwatukee.com
Chamber-AFN forum gives you a rare opportunity with council candidates
BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
It’s tough this time of year to get one’s head around an election. The heat and our efforts to get around it alone take up a lot of time.
Still, Ahwatukee voters will join their counterparts across the 6th City Council District on Aug. 29 to elect a representative for the next four years, choosing between two-term incumbent Sal DiCiccio and challenger Kevin Patterson.
So, I am wondering, why aren’t Ahwatukee residents talking advantage of what the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce and AFN are offering – namely a chance to ask these two candidates a question about some community or city issue that is bugging them?
Several weeks ago, AFN threw out the invitation to readers – the Chamber is doing the same to its members – to submit questions they want the candidates to answer during a forum at 5:30 p.m.
Sleeper cells likely like the use of term ‘haboob’
I don’t know what this obsession with the word haboob is? When I moved here 23 years ago it was a dust storm. I will continue to call it a dust storm. I do not play politically correct or use Arabic words that mean nothing to me. I’m sure all the sleeper cells in our midst appreciate you adopting their words out of coolness or sympathy, whichever it is.
-Dave Zavos
Reader praises Norgaard column on border tax
The recent opinion piece by State Rep. Jill Norgaard about the Border Adjustment Tax is the best explanation I’ve yet read about this subject, which I’ve been following for several months.
For those who did not read it, I suggest you find it on-line and become quickly
Wednesday, July 26, at the Ahwatukee Activities Center, 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee.
To help prime the pump for those questions at the forum, sponsored jointly by the Chamber and AFN, this newspaper has serialized a questionnaire both candidates responded to.
The final part in print appears today. The entire questionnaire and answers are on ahwatukee.com
So far, only one reader has filed a question with us. It’s an interesting one, but if you want to hear it and the answer, you’ll have to drop by the forum.
Given the complaints, fears and observations I come across on social media sites involving Ahwatukee, it’s a little astonishing that we have not been inundated by questions.
Of course, those who attend the forum will have a chance to submit questions at that time.
And even if we don’t receive any more between now and then, or even during the forum, we will have a number of questions prepared in advance to serve up to the candidates.
But this forum isn’t for our benefit. It’s for you, the voter.
No other medium or news organization is offering this opportunity to Ahwatukee voters.
I suppose there’s the strong possibility that voters are still worn out from last year’s marathon election, where not only were we choosing a president but many other office hopefuls.
The beauty of the council election is this: It is the only choice voters have to worry about making. They can focus their complete attention on just two combatants for one office – an office that can and does affect every resident, homeowner and businessperson in Ahwatukee.
Yes, it’s true that each City Council member also wrestles with citywide issues as well. That makes the Chamber-AFN forum even more significant.
Between these big issues – such as the city’s mushrooming pension liability and even its policies toward illegal immigrants – and the issues affecting Ahwatukee –such as when light poles will be painted and whether the level of regular police
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and accurately informed before Congress takes any action.
There is nothing good that can be said to make the BAT an attractive form of taxation. Maybe someday when the economy is roaring, but we’ve just started a come-back and don’t need a set-back.
Thank you Ahwatukee News and Rep. Norgaard. We need this kind of clear thinking.
-Kim McClain
Government control prolongs health-care debatein U.S. Health care.
Tired of hearing about it? Of course, you are, but you can count on this...as long as the government controls it, it’ll always be a subject of controversy, and it’ll always be a subject of discussion at the kitchen table and in Congress. The problem won’t be cured until the health care program is given back to the private sector. Don’t
hold your breath on that one.
When the government took over the health care industry they used the excuse that premiums were too high, and the promise was to stabilize premiums and provide a better plan of health care.
Surprise! Neither happened. As usual, when the good folks in Foggy Bottom take over anything, well almost anything, the wheels fall off.
So...they acquired control of the health care system, a $500,000,000,000 industry, because they needed the additional cash flow and they had the power to do it.
Looks as if greed replaced the needs of the American people under the guise of helping us.
That kind of help destroys a national economy. Who needs it?
Remember this axiom...government will never lie to the people. Hmmmm... do you hear derisive laughter somewhere?
-Don Kennedy
patrols should be elevated – there are ample areas to drill the candidates on.
It seems to me voters right now have a choice before making their selection.
They can listen to or read unchallenged rhetoric or they can submit questions that pin them down.
Obviously, candidates can duck and weave around questions. But by asking the candidate a question that’s important to you, you have perhaps a greater personal basis for deciding whom to vote for.
You can send your questions to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com. There is no limit on the number you submit, nor will you be identified in any way.
If the question is for a particular individual, please indicate that.
And mark 5:30 p.m. July 26 on your calendar because you also will have a chance to schmooze a little with each candidate before the Q&A begins, giving you yet another opportunity to take a measure of each man.
Now is the time to pay attention to each of these candidates and the election – and not wait until afterward when you can only grouse on Facebook.
Desert Vista High runners are a courteous bunch of students
I live by Vista Canyon Park and walk my dog there daily. Whenever I go by the students and the cross-country teams especially, they are always courteous and often give a “Good morning” as they run by. Props to the parents and coaches of these great kids.
-Steve Stealth
Other veterans are in worst shape and need help more
With respect to Annemarie Patterson, and thanks for her service to our country, wouldn’t other vets be more deserving of help? Ms. Patterson should be receiving a military pension as a retired lieutenant. Given the age of her teen-aged sons, I’d guess she now works in the private sector.
Council District 6 candidates start duking it out
Editor’s note:
As Ahwatukee nears the beginning of early voting Aug. 2 in the election for the District 6 seat on Phoenix City Council, AFN asked the two candidates to write four columns that will be published over the next six weeks.
AFN gave the candidates two specific subjects to address and left the subject of the other two columns up to them. For this week’s column, both candidates were asked what their candidacy promises for Ahwatukee.
Debbie DiCiccio: My husband solves problems
BY DEBBIE DICICCIO AFN Guest Writer
It has become an almost daily occurrence. Whether we are at Frys or Basha’s, the hiking trail or the library, someone has a problem and needs help from my husband, City Councilman Sal DiCiccio.
Maybe it’s the roof rats hiding in our trees. Or the new bike path going in along the 202 freeway. Maybe they just need help with a building permit.
Whatever it is – Sal has always been there for them. It’s who he is, the man I married 15 years ago; a man who cares deeply about others, obsessed with making a better life for all of us; his family, friends and neighbors.
When someone brings a problem to Sal, he drops everything to try to solve it – and, most often, he succeeds.
I don’t believe there is one thing in our community that my husband has not been a part of. From his help in opening the first Chamber of Commerce, his strong love of our open spaces – the opening of Telegraph Pass, preserving 144 acres of desert open space - to the opening of our first senior center and police sub-station, Sal has and will always be committed to protecting our community.
This sense of community is not lost on our twin daughters. They, too, are able to see the importance of helping others, the value of community, and the difference that one person can make.
Standing by his side, I am proud of the work he does to help others. It’s worth it when homeowners at The Lakes and Club West talk to us at the gas station to discuss the fight Sal is leading to protect their homes.
It’s worth it when parents stop us in front
of our daughters’ school to thank Sal for increasing the police patrols, making their families safer. He is passionate of being the chauffeur of our girls, loves yard work (ugh) and fixing things around our home (he knows everyone at ACE by name), and doubles as the neighborhood snake catcher. Sal does not see problems. He sees opportunities.
When faced with a chance to make an improvement, Sal throws himself in headfirst. (And, no, he never ever gives up – which, even after 15 years of marriage, is still something I have not come to grips with.)
Phoenix has always been Sal’s truest passion. This is where he grew up and for 30 years, this has been his home.
Thirty years ago, Ahwatukee was little more than farmland. Since then there has been so much change to our community, and I could not be prouder to say my husband has been a driving force behind that change.
This passion is an inspiration for me and our daughters, Anna and Emilia. His service on the council has been an incredible experience for our family. I know that our girls are learning from him; learning the importance of hard work and vision, compassion for others, and a love for our community. He teaches them that the most important things we do, we do for others.
So, thank you, Ahwatukee. Thank you for giving my husband and our family the chance to be a part of your lives every day.
I look forward to seeing where the next few years will take our small corner of the world, and I hope you will vote for Sal to continue to lead our growth into the future because – I can guarantee – Sal will do what he has always done: he will throw his heart and soul into making our community better for all of us.
Patterson: ‘I have seen failed leadership’
BY KEVIN PATTERSON AFN Guest Writer
My name is Kevin Patterson and I am a husband, a father to two beautiful young girls, and now a candidate for Phoenix City Council District 6.
I was raised in Ahwatukee, as my family chose this wonderful community specifically for the beautiful golf courses and quality of life it had to offer.
I was in the first graduating class for Desert Vista High School (sorry, Mountain Pointe) before going off to college.
The values that were ingrained in me in the Ahwatukee community were and are respect for your neighbor, of the power of human ingenuity, and most importantly, the importance of listening and hearing from those who have a different point of view. They have all inspired my decision in seeking this seat.
Put simply, Ahwatukee is part of me and is at a crossroads. It is not the scenic, mountainside community I grew up in.
Developers have wreaked havoc on neighborhoods, most notably the Ahwatukee Lakes golf course, now nothing more than a blighted and sad memory.
Emergency response times for public services like police and firefighters have soared to such highs to make residents more unsafe than I can ever remember.
Home prices are in decline, disrupting the economic stability of hardworking families.
Not only are these the problems of today, but they have lingered, unsolved by the public official who is supposed to be your strongest advocate. Today, I sincerely wonder if my parents would
have made the decision to make Ahwatukee our home.
I decided to run for councilman because it has always been my mission to serve communities that feel underrepresented and underserved. I am here as your voice so that Phoenix City Council can hear what is important to you.
I promise to bring your voice to the table every single day, fighting for the Ahwatukee you were promised when you made it your home.
As president of Equality Arizona, I have spent countless hours at our State Legislature and the City of Phoenix, fighting for those who feel they do not have a voice in their own lives. Today, Ahwatukee today does not have that voice at the table. This is the result of a leadership gap that has crippled Ahwatukee’s potential.
Every day in my role as director of leadership development, I serve by growing and training leaders in our massive statewide healthcare system to best serve their patients’ needs.
I can only do this by asking the right questions and listening to the voices of our patients.
When there is a leadership gap, it is my job to bring people into the room and find a way to solve the problem.
I promise to do the same for Ahwatukee and to once again show what real leadership in our community can look like.
I stood up because I have seen failed leadership.
I am a leader who is willing to Say Yes to Ahwatukee, instead of standing in the way or serving those who do not serve us.
I am ready to make, and keep, that promise. I hope that you join us.
Ahwatukee Foot Hills Chamber of Commerce-Ahwatukee Foothills News Candidate Forum 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, Ahwatukee Activity Center, 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee
When it comes to movies, stop me
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist
When the Hollywood studio execs
phone to inquire about when and why a lifelong movie freak would permanently gave up on their product, the days after Fourth of July 2017 will figure prominently. That was when my personal breaking point finally occurred, along about the millionth time I thought, “Gee, maybe there’s a decent movie playing,” only to be reminded once again that the movie industry has completely run out of ideas.
Unless you want to see sequels, reboots or animated flicks. Or you have an IQ hovering a dozen points below room temperature. On a chilly day. In Novosibirsk, Siberia.
With all due respect to small children and the 14 adults who were looking forward to seeing “Spider-Man 11: The Nursing Home Years” this weekend, I
LETTERS
from page 30
She and her sons, from the picture, all appear to be able-bodied. Could any of them have painted the bathroom the volunteer was shown painting in the picture?
My wife and and I are retired and live on a limited income. Our house, 600 square feet smaller than Ms . Patterson’s, is 17 years old. We recently had to paint it – at our expense. Like Ms. Patterson, we need a new washing machine – which we will have to pay for. We definitely need new windows, but we can’t afford them. Being a veteran does not make Ms. Patterson’s issues unique. It’s called “life.” If her house is a financial challenge and
personally lost interest in Peter Parker about the time Hollywood coined the term “franchise” to justify remaking the same movie while simply changing the villains, or casting Robert Downey Jr. to appear as a billionaire Mark Cuban clone in a spacesuit on steroids.
What’s playing this weekend?
Another “Transformers” movie (I missed the first half dozen). Another version of “The Mummy” (How did Tom Cruise find time between “Mission: Impossible” sequels?). Another “Pirates of the Caribbean” (Johnny Depp must have needed another mansion in the south of France). Another “King Kong” reboot.
Another “Alien” sequel. The eighth “Fast & Furious” (can someone get these people anger management therapy?). “Despicable Me 3.” “Cars 3.” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” And the aforementioned retooling of “Spider-Man.”
Imagine you had a small child. Every afternoon, said tyke comes home from school having finger-painted the exact same picture, which little George or Lucas
“too big to keep up with repairs,” maybe she should downsize to what she can afford and maintain. Her sons look strong enough to help her move if she needs to.
The Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals can help whomever they choose. But I think the unnamed organization who first turned down Ms. Patterson’s request for help was correct to do so. Other vets are in far worse shape and more deserving of help.
-Scott Cox
Pediatrician urges health coverage for kids, families
As a pediatrician, I urge Sens. Flake and McCain to preserve the gains made in children's health coverage and ensure this
presents for hanging on the fridge door. How long before you’d be summoned in for a parent-teacher conference?
“Absolutely, Mr. Leibowitz, you’re so right. Little David Jr.’s drawing is, once again, a vivid reimagining of the time he was bitten by a radioactive spider on that class trip. But maybe he could try some new subject matter?”
Of course, in an industry dominated by test screenings and focus groups, you can already hear Hollywood’s explanation for the endless repetitions that have driven movie fans like me away from the cineplex: They’re just giving the masses what we want. Look at the top grossing hits of 2016. Yet another Star Wars saga took in $530 million. Five spots in the Top 10 were animated films. Superhero movies filled the other spots, including another Captain America flick and a battle royal showdown between Batman and Superman.
Remember when we used to say, “The sequel is never as good as the original?” If all you have is sequels, then I suppose that
coverage is comprehensive, affordable and accessible for children and families.
Today in Arizona, the number of children with health insurance is at a historic high of 92 percent. Proposals to cap and cut Medicaid are detrimental to children and families.
Medicaid provides affordable health care for 2 million Arizona adults, children, seniors and people with disabilities; 51.5 percent of all Medicaid enrollees are children.
While cutting Medicaid lowers spending now, it will cause more expenses in the future. Children who have Medicaid miss fewer days of school, graduate at higher rates, earn better incomes, and pay more taxes as adults. Cutting Medicaid will also economically affect Arizona. The cost of
truism no longer matters. At least until you get so sick of seeing the same thing, you simply stay home – where no teenager asks if you want a 55-gallon drum of Diet Coke for “just a quarter more,” or upsells you a box of Twizzlers that cost more than your first car.
The last time I ventured out to the movies, I was defeated not by the mind-numbing dreck on screen, but by Hollywood’s latest push – $20-a-ticket chairs that recline in nine directions until you’re actually lying in bed. I barely made it through the opening scene of the latest Jason Bourne sequel before falling asleep.
When I woke up, my first thought was, man, what have I missed? Then I realized I’d seen the movie six times already – a CIA operative who can’t remember his past gets angry and kills everyone – and went back to sleep.
Best cure for insomnia imaginable. When does “Star Wars: Apnea Menace” come out again?
– David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.
uncompensated care provided by hospitals will increase, get passed onto citizens in the form of increased hospital costs. In addition, Medicaid and KidsCare provide guaranteed essential benefits; comprehensive screenings, necessary to detect developmental delay, vision and hearing loss early, so that deficits can be detected and treated early and children are able to learn and succeed in school.
We ask Sens. Flake and McCain to not vote for a bill which allows insurers to discriminate against those with preexisting conditions. We ask that our senators and legislators work together to do what they promised, improve and fix our state's health-care problems, not make them worse.
– Dr. Elizabeth Homans McKenna
Real Estate Guide
Prospective homebuyers are hitting some snags in the Valley’s housing market as median sale prices continue to rise and builders focus on generating more new homes at the higher end of the price scale.
The end result of both trends: affordable housing is being squeezed, real estate experts say.
“The median sale prices of existing homes have also been going up, hitting new highs nationally,” Realtor.com
reported recently.
Michael Orr, a former real estate analyst at Arizona State University who owns the cromford.org market-analyzing service, said, “These trends are playing out across the Phoenix metro area.”
“The luxury home market is quite active – sales are up significantly over 2016, but pricing is relatively weak,” Orr added. “However, this is showing recent signs of improvement.”
But while this improvement includes
“plenty of choice for buyers,” Orr said data shows there are “too many overoptimistic sellers over $1.5 million.”
The median list price for existing homes nationwide reached $252,800 in May, according to a recent National Association of Realtors report. That’s up nearly 3.2 percent over April and a 5.8 higher than May 2016.
Other data show that in Maricopa County, the median home price is $339,500, a 4.5 percent increase over a year ago. That year-over-year increase is relatively small, compared to doubledigit increases of between 10 percent and 12 percent in Pinal, Coconino and Pinal counties and a whopping 22 percent increase in Apache County.
Despite the higher prices, about 5.62 million existing homes went under contract in May, according to the seasonally adjusted numbers in the report. That’s 1.1 percent over April’s numbers and a 2.7 over May 2016. Firsttime buyers made up about a third of those sales.
Time on the market nationwide also is shrinking, with homes staying there for only 27 days in May, the shortest period since NAR began tracking this in May 2011.
“So, buyers need to act fast,” Realtor. Com stated.
The higher costs are discouraging folks who aren’t big earners from jumping into the fray, according to senior economist Joseph Kirchner of realtor.com.
“Affordability is getting worse, especially at that lower end of the market,” he said. “Some people are getting priced out.”
But existing homes were a deal compared with newly constructed ones – which cost about a fifth more. New residences went for a median $309,200 in April, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Census Bureau
and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Those able to close on a home last month are probably feeling both happy and relieved,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “Listings in the affordable price range are scarce, homes are coming off the market at an extremely fast pace and the prevalence of multiple offers in some markets are pushing prices higher.”
The most expensive homes were in the West, largely because of notoriously pricey areas like Silicon Valley and San Francisco. The median home price was $368,800 in May – up 6.9 percent from the same month a year earlier.
They weren’t cheap in the Northeast either, with a $281,300 median price tag. That was 4.7 percent higher than in May 2016.
Residences were a bit more affordable in the South, at $221,900, a 5.3 percent rise from the previous year, and cheapest in the Midwest, at a median $203,900. But they also rose the fastest in that region, by 7.3 percent.
(Special to AFN)
This home in the 3700 block of E. Kachina Drive, Ahwatukee, recently sold for $742,000. The five-bedroom, 3,181-squarefoot house, built in 1981, has two levels. The open design of the first floor allows for views of the South Mountain Preserve.
“Home prices keep chugging along at a pace that is not sustainable in the long run,” Yun said. “Current demand levels indicate sales should be stronger, but it’s clear some would-be buyers are having to delay or postpone their home search because low supply is leading to worsening affordability conditions.”
Higher price tags didn’t dissuade buyers nationwide: 610,000 new homes were sold in May up 2.9 percent from April and 8.9 percent from May 2016.
homes priced between $150,000 and $199,999 were sold in May. That’s up a little from 5,000 in April, but well shy of the 9,000 that buyers closed on in May 2016. Buyers also scooped up fewer homes in the $200,000 to $299,999 price range, with just 14,000 sales. That’s down from 22,000 sales in April and 16,000 sales in May 2016.
About 2,000 homes priced below $150,000 were sold in May nationwide – up from 1,000 in April.
The median price of a newly built home was $345,800 in May – the highest it’s ever been, Realtor.com said, adding that’s up 11.5 percent from April and 16.8 percent from the same month a year earlier.
“Builders are focused on the mid- to upper-end of the housing market,” Kirchner said. “It means that it will be more difficult to find more affordable homes for first-time buyers, millennials, and low-income people.”
Builders must contend with higher land, construction worker, and material costs these days. It’s also harder for builders – smaller ones in particular – to get financing on these projects, he added.
Only about 6,000 newly constructed
However, the number of properties in the higher price ranges rose sharply despite surging demand from cashstrapped buyers for lower-priced homes. New homes were nearly 36.8 percent pricier than previously occupied homes. The majority of new-home sales were in the South, where the lower cost of taxes and living makes it appealing for both businesses and transplants, Realtor. com said.
The West had the second-most newhome sales, at 162,000. That was a 13.3 percent rise from April and a 14.1 percent bump from the same month a year earlier. Meanwhile, the number of new-home sales dropped in the Midwest and the Northeast.
Is a 30-year fixed rate mortgage the right option for you?
BY STACEY LYKINS AFN Guest Writer
The 30-year fixedrate mortgage has stood as the standard for American home buyers since 1954. But does not mean this is the right mortgage for you?
The 30-year mortgage boils down to affordability and predictability. Payments are made over a longer period of time (as opposed to a 15-year fixedrate mortgage), so your monthly bill will be lower.
Plus, the principal and interest you need to pay each month are fixed, which means the principle and interest portion of your mortgage will never fluctuate.
However, in today’s market, it’s important to understand that a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is not always the best option. There is no one-size-fits-all mortgage.
Many factors come into play when determining what type of loan is right for you, including your credit score, income, down payment amount and size of loan you need all play an important
factor.
So, here are some factors affecting which mortgage term is right for your individual situation:
• Length of time you plan to spend in the house.
The whole point of a 30-year fixedrate mortgage is to spread out your payments over that time frame. So, if you might move in a few years, then what is the point?
There are exceptions, but three years form the common rule of thumb for how long you need to own a home in order to recoup your investment by selling it. Some housing experts suggest that five is more accurate.
If you’re planning to sell within a year, you’re probably better off renting for a year instead of buying.
• You have less than a 20-percent down payment.
Normally, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage will require you to make a 20-percent down payment. This doesn’t mean that you absolutely have to put 20 percent down to get a 30-year fixed.
PMI is insurance that protects lenders in case you default on the loan. Historically, buyers with less money invested in a property are more likely to foreclose on a home.
So, if you have only enough for, say, a 10-percent down payment, you might be better off getting an adjustable-rate mortgage, since 10 percent down is the threshold typically required for this loan.
Meanwhile, an FHA loan lets borrowers make a down payment of as little as 3.5 percent.
• You need cash flow now.
Let’s say you do have enough money to make a 20-percent down payment on a home, but you do not want to put all your funds into the home. Perhaps you want to put the money into a retirement account or other goal.
These might be reasons to avoid the 30-year fixed and its 20-percent down payment and consider putting down 10 percent in an adjustable-rate mortgage instead.
An interest-only ARM is a great way to increase your cash flow, during the
Getting approved for this type of mortgage will just be more challenging, and you’ll probably have to pay private mortgage insurance.
initial period. You pay the interest on the loan but not the principal, leaving even more money free for other things.
However, be advised that an interestonly ARM is only available to people with great credit scores.
• You want to build equity quickly. A 30-year amortization period is the most common type of fixed-rate loan, but many home buyers also choose to get a 15-year loan.
Buyers can chose a shorter loan length, which allows you to build equity more quickly. This will, however, give you a higher monthly payment because of the shorter term.
Depending on your life plans, and if you plan to sell the house in 10 years, you will gain more equity in a shorter time period. This might make a 15-year fixed-rate loan a better option for you than a 30-year loan.
Additionally, a 15-year fixed-rate loan offers lower interest rates than 30-year loans, saving money over the life of the mortgage.
Ahwatukee homes sold
$399,000
$550,000
$570,000
$645,000
$721,000 3744 E. KACHINA DRIVE
$300,000 15550 S. 5th AVE.
$325,500 15845 S. 17th LANE
$352,500 1742 W. NIGHTHAWK WAY
$370,000 1439 W. WINDSONG DRIVE 85048
$200,000 2710 E. CATHEDRAL ROCK DRIVE
$259,500 3302 E. NIGHTHAWK WAY
$273,000 16816 S. 8th ST.
$275,000 16253 S. 12th PLACE
$279,999 2102 E BRIARWOOD TERRACE
$280,000 419 E. GLENHAVEN DRIVE
$360,000 16005 S. 38th ST.
$362,000 16005 S. 10th PLACE
$407,000 1028 E. SILVERWOOD DRIVE
$417,000 3174 E. DESERT WILLOW ROAD
$441,000 1331 E. REDWOOD LANE
$449,500 1745 E. BRIARWOOD TERRACE
$453,000 1705 E. BROOKWOOD COURT
$479,000 2629 E. AMBERWOOD DRIVE
$515,000 1708 E. SALTSAGE DRIVE
$525,000 1331 E. DESERT BROOM WAY
$657,500 15208 S. 19th WAY
Aspiring homeowners might soon get a break as it becomes a little easier for those with student, credit card, and car loan debt to qualify for a mortgage, according to the website Realtor. com.
“Fannie Mae plans to increase its allowable debt-to-income ratio from 45 percent to 50 percent on July 29. This means that more borrowers on the cusp of getting a loan (e.g., millennial, first-time, and lower- to moderate-income borrowers carrying more debt) could potentially qualify for a mortgage backed by Fannie,” the website stated
The debt-to-income ratio is based on a formula in which a borrower’s monthly gross income is divided by the borrower’s recurring debts, including monthly car payments and other expenses. Lenders use this ratio to determine a borrower’s ability to make their monthly mortgage payments.
Meanwhile, the three major credit-scoring companies are now excluding tax lien and civil judgment records from credit reports if they’re lacking a name, address, Social Security number, or date of birth. Claims that have all this info will remain
on credit reports; those that don’t, won’t.
That means that people whose credit reports have been dogged by faulty tax liens or civil judgments might get a boost in their score.
Realtor.com reported that of the 200 million Americans with credit scores, about 12 million will see them rise in July once these incomplete tax liens and civil judgments are purged from their reported. Although it said experts estimate that the effects on scores will be modest at best, with 11 million seeing an increase of 20 points or less.
Fannie made the change in the acceptable debt-income ratio after a years-long study of borrowers’ ability to make their monthly payments.
Fannie can “more accurately predict the risk of default among potential borrowers,” and it determined that increasing the ratio
“will enable more qualified borrowers to get a mortgage loan,” said spokesman Pete Bakel
“They’re trying to make more loans available,” said mortgage loan originator Don Frommeyer of Marine Bank. “When interest rates go up, the debt ratios go up. And that limits the number of people who can buy a house.”
Fannie, which purchases and guarantees
mortgages, was already granting ratios of up to 50 percent with certain conditions – such as if the borrowers had deeper cash reserves, underwent financial counseling, or had higher incomes. The change opens the door to borrowers with more debt who can’t meet those conditions.
Not everyone will be benefit from the change, since lenders have their own criteria, Realtor.com said.
“But the increased debt allowance could encourage more lenders to make changes to their debt-to-income ratios,” it added. “And that could help more buyers on the brink.”
“The best thing the consumer can do is ask the lender if they underwrite to Fannie Mae guidelines,” said mortgage broker Jeff Lazerson. If they don’t, “you just have to find another lender. Or maybe you push back on that lender” to see if it’ll raise the limits.
A higher debt ratio isn’t a silver bullet for loan seekers, though.
“They could look for a smaller-sized property [with a] lower sales price. They could find a co-signer, someone who they trust, usually a family member or a close friend,” Lazerson said. “Or [they could] come up with more down payment money.”
“Mortgage borrowers need to keep in mind, it’s the person’s whole application that will determine whether or not they get approved,” said Eric Tyson. “If you don’t have a good credit score, if you don’t have a sufficiently large down payment, it won’t change the outcome of your application.” Buyers who can’t qualify, even with the higher ratios, should consider other alternatives.
Summerhill
Exquisite Tuscan living with stunning mountain views. Abundant custom features including 24” Travertine flooring with inlays, inviting open floor plan, elegant library, soaring coffered ceilings, art niches, three fireplaces and custom builtins throughout. Gourmet kitchen boasts granite countertops with backsplash, custom mahogany raised-panel cabinetry, Dacor six-burner cooktop, two ovens, warming drawer, Sub Zero refrigerator and walk-in pantry. Spacious master suite with walk-in shower and Jacuzzi tub, plus den and two secondary bedrooms upstairs. Huge theatre room, three bedrooms, steam room and game room with wet bar in basement. Resort-style backyard complete with Marbella Stone patio entertaining areas, pool and spa with dual water features, built-in Dacor BBQ, fireplace and lush landscaping.
Listed for $1,395,000
& dining
• gourmet
s/s appliances, quartz countertops, double ovens, 2 dishwashers, cooktop, subzeros, etc • large family room • master suite w/sitting room • master bath w/steam shower, jacuzzi tub, and his/her closets • guest house • resort backyard w/pebbletec divingpool, waterfalls, slide, volcano, firepit, fp, spa, sport court, grassy play areas, & outdoor kitchen • 4-car a/c garage • most desired location in the ahwatukee custom estates! A true masterpiece!!! Listed for $2,299,000
More homeowners are taking cash out of newly refinanced mortgages
Americans refinancing their mortgages are taking cash out in the process at levels not seen since the financial crisis, Realtor.com is reporting.
“Nearly half of borrowers who refinanced their homes in the first quarter chose the cash-out option, according to data released this week by Freddie Mac. That is the highest level since the fourth quarter of 2008,” it said.
The cash-out level is still well below the almost 90 percent peak hit in the runup to the housing meltdown. But it is up sharply from the post-crisis low of 12 percent in the second quarter of 2012.
In a cash-out refi, a borrower refinances an existing mortgage with a new one, typically at a lower borrowing cost, that has a higher principal balance than the existing one. This allows the homeowner to pay off the old mortgage and still have cash left over for other uses.
“The growing popularity of cash-out refis has helped buoy refinance activity,” the website said. “After booming for several years, demand for refinance mortgages had begun to slow as the Federal Reserve began increasing shortterm interest rates and longer-term bond yields moved higher.”
Mortgage rates remain low. The average rate for a fixed, 30-year mortgage was 3.95 percent, Freddie Mac reported last week.
Meanwhile, rising home prices have helped increase the equity homeowners have in their houses. This allows more people to refinance to capture the benefit of lower mortgage rates.
“Borrowers whose homes are rising in value are often more likely to be interested in refinancing for cash,” Realtor.com said. “For example, in Denver and Dallas, where home prices have jumped, more than half of refinancers opted for cash last year, according to Freddie Mac.”
Some experts say the fact that more homeowners are tapping their homes for
LYKINS
from page RE3
• You plan to retire soon. If you can be debt free in retirement that is the best option. Thus, if you are getting ready to retire then taking out a 30-year mortgage on a home now might not meet your retirement goals.
cash represents a healthy confidence in the economy. It comes against a backdrop of continued gains in employment.
At the same time, the increasing use of cash-out refis causes some concern since, in the run-up to the financial crisis, borrowers used their homes like ATMs.
Len Kiefer, Freddie Mac’s deputy chief economist, said the difference is that “borrowers now are subject to stricter standards when they get a loan or refinance a mortgage. There is also less money at stake now than a decade ago,” Realtor.com noted.
Cash-out refis in the first quarter represented about $14 billion in net home equity compared with more than $80 billion in each of three straight quarters in 2006. On an annual basis, total home equity cashed out in 2016 was $61 billion, according to Freddie Mac, versus $321 billion in 2006.
Mortgage debt-service payments as a percentage of disposable personal income fell to 4.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to Federal Reserve data.
That is the lowest level since early 1980.
“People have been using cash-out for years,” Kiefer said. “From a personalfinance standpoint, it can make a lot of sense.”
One example is a borrower using the cash from a refinance to consolidate credit-card debt that has far higher yields, the website said.
“That in many cases can produce a big savings in debt-servicing costs by replacing debt that has double-digit interest rates with a loan that has a rate in the low single digits,” it added.
A three- or five-year ARM might make more sense, especially if you’re planning to sell the property within a few years. Some information in this article was provided by Realtor.com.
-Contact Ahwatukee resident and Associate Broker Stacey Lykins, West USA, 602-6169971, S.Lykins@LykinsProperties.com or LykinsProperties.com.
$720,000
www.ahwatukee.com
Andy’s Frozen Custard starts its Arizona conquest in Ahwatukee Business
A30-year-old Midwest institution has picked Ahwatukee to begin its conquest of Arizoza frozen custard lovers.
Andy’s Frozen Custard is scheduled to open today, July 12, in the Ahwatukee Palms Shopping Center on the northeast corner of 48th Street and E. Warner Road. The company has hopes of developing in Ahwatukee the same fan base that general manager Beth Compton says managing partners Ken Treat and Bruce Johansson have helped developed in the franchise’s home in Springfield, Missouri.
Andy’s menu features a variety of custard-based desserts including custard cups with fruit and sauce toppings; concretes, custard mixed with fruit, nuts and candy, along with shakes, malts and “old-fashioned freezes.”
“You can’t live in Springfield and not know about Andy’s,” said Compton. “It’s got a cult-like following there.”
Andy Kuntz is responsible for turning a frozen custard actually invented by his parents in Osage Beach, Missouri, into a treat that can be found in nine states
so far. After seeing how popular their custard was in Osage Beach, John and Carol Kuntz opened a stand in nearby Springfield.
Andy learned the business there while he and his wife Dana continued experimenting with the custard recipe.
“After studying the business model and talking with Andy and his executive team, Ken and Bruce felt confident that this was the right opportunity for all of us. They got ahold of me, I looked into the brand, and I agreed that this was an exciting
opportunity and I wanted to be a part of it,” said Compton.
She was so eager to be a part of it that she moved to Arizona from Maui earlier this year to establish the company’s first Arizona location.
“I have so much belief in this brand and in the growth potential we see in the Phoenix market,” she said, adding:
“Arizona was always our number one choice for opening an Andy’s franchise.
After looking at several Phoenix area locations, we chose Ahwatukee because
we love the strong sense of community and family, and we love the store location. We think we can thrive in Ahwatukee and I am personally amazed by the warm reception I’ve received from the people I’ve met around town.”
Compton describes her role as overseeing operations and being “the local face of the brand.”
Her store manager, Joe Gabe, a Phoenix resident for the last seven years, “brings
Image consultant, handbag store offer brunches and happy hours
Ahwatukee image consultant
Ashley Krupnik has teamed up with the owner of a nearby Chandler handbag store to create happy hour sessions and brunches where women can meet new people – and maybe find a purse they like in the process.
Krupnik, owner of Metro Image Consulting, and Rose Krison, owner of Pandora’s Purse in The Shoppes at Casa Paloma on Ray Road and 56th Street, are offering “Handbag Happy Hours” and “Bags & Brunch” outings at the store.
“We create a private and fun atmosphere for women to get together with their friends, family or co-workers and just have fun,” Krupnik said.
“Sometimes we bring in outside vendors to bring awareness to local small businesses as well,” she added. “Being a
part of the community is a big part of who we are. There is no cost to host a party because we love bringing people together and it’s great exposure for the boutique.”
The concepts for both events are simple and can be booked through Krupnik at 11 a.m. Saturday or Sunday for brunch and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights for the happy hours.
Whoever books an event can invite friends, coworkers or relatives and if at least eight women show up, the hostess gets to choose a free handbag from among 150 selected purses.
Happy hours feature refreshments and chocolate-covered strawberries from local vendors while brunches are stocked with beverages and muffins.
“No purchase is necessary,” Krupnik said. “There’s no cost to host, and no obligation to buy. We are bringing the
VIP shopping experience to Ahwatukee and Chandler. All bags in the show room are 100 percent authentic and we offer a “double your money back guarantee” on authenticity.”
Pandora’s offers brands from Michael Kors and Kate Spade, to couture accessories by Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci. Prices range from $20 to $4,000, though guests at the events get special discounts.
Krison has owned Pandora’s Purse for five years and has tried the happy hours in the past. She persuaded Krupnik to
Joe Gabe is the manager of Andy's Frozen Custard store in Ahwatukee while Bteh Compton is overseeing the growth of its brand throughout the state.
AFN News Staff
(Amy Aranyopsi/Golden Light Photography) Ashley Krupnik, left, of Ahwatukee and owner of Metro Image Consulting, has teamed up with Rose Krison, owner of Pandora's Purse in the Casa Paloma Shopping Center in Chandler, to offer special brunches and happy hours to women.
Orbital ATK opens new satellite building to region
BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY AFN Staff Writer
Advanced aerospace manufacturer and longtime East Valley employer Orbital ATK officially pulled back the curtain on its new satellite engineering building recently.
The 60,000-square-foot facility is located on the site of Orbital’s existing satellite manufacturing plant in Gilbert and will provide a basis for the company’s employment growth plans moving forward.
The expansion is part of a five-year plan that will see Orbital ATK hire 155 additional workers, mostly engineering scientists, through 2020, said Rick Kettner, Orbital ATK Gilbert site manager.
The company will primarily be adding high-wage jobs with an average salary over $100,000, Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels said.
Orbital has a presence in 18 states across the country, and Arizona contains one of the company’s largest single state footprints with over 1,800 employees spread across locations in Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa.
The company officially moved engineers into the building in mid-June, culminating the 16-month-long build.
The company chose to expand in Gilbert due, in part, to its longstanding business relationship with the town. The company’s Gilbert manufacturing facility came out of the ground in 2001 and has played a large role in Gilbert’s economic development since that time.
“The sleepy, conservative enclave of Gilbert was about to be tossed into the big leagues,” said Gilbert Chamber of Commerce Joan Krueger, who was present at that groundbreaking back in 2001.
Tax incentives along with ready access
ANDY'S
from page 33
extensive food service experience to our team.”
Compton also envisions more locations, with the second opening in Mesa this winter.
Oddly, summer is not the ideal time to open a frozen-custard store in Arizona, she said.
“We think our peak time of year will likely be in the winter, but it’s tough to know with certainty what to expect, as this is the first Andy’s in this climate,” she explained. “We anticipate having an extremely busy-drive through and we
to an educated workforce – buoyed by STEM programs at ASU, ChandlerGilbert Community College and nearby Mesquite High School – also played a role in Orbital ATK’s decision to expand in Gilbert, Kettner said.
The new facility also solves some logistical problems for the company by allowing for easy collaboration between engineering and manufacturing teams. Those groups often work hand in hand, and the co-location will allow the company to build and integrate systems under one roof.
“Gilbert is business friendly and very proactive,” Kettner said. He added that the town is family friendly, which is an important consideration for much of the company’s workforce.
Safety and quality-of-life concerns
believe that our emphasis on product quality and exceptional service with keep people coming back, through all kinds of weather.”
The Ahwatukee store is the company’s 51st and Compton said its growth has been somewhat slow, but for a reason.
“Andy’s has taken a while to come to Arizona and other states primarily because it’s been a family-owned and operated business for many years and they weren’t always sure that franchising was right for them,” she said. “It can be risky to grow too fast.”
“Once the franchise idea was born, they were adamant about growing the right way, with people who share the mission
Additionally, the facility is going to begin production on Landsat9 and JPSS-2, which will contribute to programs run by NASA, United States Geological Survey and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Landsat9 is a $129.9 million project, and JPSS-2 is a $240 million project.
The expansion is another win for Arizona’s robust aerospace manufacturing industry.
During his brief comments, Keith Watkins, Arizona Commerce Authority executive vice president, noted that Arizona’s economy is driven by industry leaders like Orbital ATK. He said a PricewaterhouseCoopers report ranked Arizona number one in aerospace manufacturing attractiveness nationwide.
were also taken into account as the new facility will cut down on commute times for engineers who will no longer have to travel between two sites, said Frank Culbertson, Orbital ATK Space Systems Group president.
Currently, the company has several programs in production at the Gilbert manufacturing facility for public and private entities.
It is under contract with Thales Alenia Space to assemble, integrate and test 81 spacecraft for the Iridium NEXT program.
It is also working on the Ionospheric Connection Explorer satellite for University of California Berkeley/Space Sciences Laboratory and ICESat-2 ice topography measurement program managed by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Program Center.
and vision of the founders and who will maintain the brand standards. This takes time.”
Also taking time is the extensive training program all managers need to complete prior to opening a new store, she said.
The company started looking for its first Arizona location two years ago.
Compton said she likes “Andy’s diligent brand-expansion process.”
“It may take a while for Andy to pursue some expansion opportunities, but that’s still his name on every store,” she said. “When I think about it like that, I completely understand why it’s so important for him to get it right when it comes to growing this brand.”
Arizona has managed to develop this industry despite a political climate that is not always friendly to weather and climate science, disciplines that often use satellites created by Orbital ATK.
“Our strong demographics and commitment to the industry speak for (themselves),” Daniels said. “Because we all work so well together as region in the East Valley, we are lucky to attract employers like Orbital ATK.”
Kettner views Orbital ATK’s presence in Arizona as a net positive and a resource to keep an open dialog about climate change in the state. He referenced a carbon emission observatory manufactured by the company as a tool to help educate people.
“There are things technically that we can provide that can help us all make more informed decisions,” he said.
– Reach Wayne Schutsky at 480-898-6533 or wschutsky@timespublications.com.
PURSES
from page 33
sign on to help her market them more effectively and the two women decided to add brunches as well.
“The beauty of it is that we don’t really ‘sell these bags at all,” Krupnik said. “They are priced below retail and we give added discounts only available during these private parties, so we just help ladies try on bags and we chat with them and make lots of new friends.”
To book a party: Ashley Krupnik at 480-296-4851 or rose@pandoraspurse. com
(Special to AFN)
Smikes were all around Orbital's Gilbert isntallation as the company oepned a new section of its growing campus.
Chandler man illegally sold securities, owes more than $1.5 million, officials say
BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY AFN Staff Writer
AChandler resident is on the hook for nearly $1.5 million in restitution and $50,000 in penalties after the Arizona Corporation Commission found he illegally sold securities in a beverage company and failed to pay back investors.
The commission found that Lucio George Martinez and Samuel A. Jones sold a total of $2.14 million in unregistered securities in their company Shadow Beverages and Snacks LLC. Neither man was registered as a securities dealer or salesman as required by Arizona statutes.
Shadow Beverages and Snacks also failed in at least four cases to determine whether investors’ net worth or income would qualify them as accredited investors. In order to be considered an accredited investor, the SEC requires an individual to have a net worth of at least $1 million or earn $200,000 annually.
The Arizona Corporation Commission found that the company solicited a total of 16 promissory notes and one investment contract and also failed to repay investors when those investments came due. The
company eventually paid $552,500 to repay five of those investments.
The company ceased operations in 2015 and is currently in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
In a previous decision, the Arizona Corporation Commission ordered Jones to pay $95,000 in restitution and a $15,000 administrative penalty. Jones has since done so.
The responsibility for the bulk of the restitution falls to Martinez, whom the commission ordered to pay $1,492,500 in restitution along with a $50,000 administrative penalty.
If Martinez fails to satisfy those obligations, they will go into collections with the Arizona Attorney General’s office acting in the role of the collections agency, said Wendy Coy, director of enforcement in Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division.
Martinez denied a request to comment on the decision, though internal ACC documents do offer a glimpse into his side of the story.
Martinez claims in a document filed with ACC that the Rick Peterson – a former Shadow Beverages and Snacks executive – initiated the investigation for personal gain with help from an ACC employee
who is Peterson’s personal friend. He goes on to state that Peterson misrepresented himself as a licensed broker when Shadow Beverages hired him.
Furthermore, Martinez states that “The majority of lawsuits and complaints now come from (Peterson) and the investors he brought to Shadow.”
The ACC’s Recommended Opinion & Order from the Hearing Division filed by Administrative Law Judge Mark Preny found that Peterson had a direct role in at least six of the 17 investments in question.
According to documents filed with the ACC by Martinez, all company funds were used to pay employees involved in day-today operations and to build the business.
The documents also state that “5 executives worked at the company without pay throughout the life of the company.”
However, another section of the same document states that “the officers of the company were not on the payroll 80 percent of the time and never had a salary of more than $80,000 on a yearly basis.”
Martinez also argues, via these documents, that “At all times investors knew that the company had debt, some past due, but the company was also working on larger financial deals tied to
the distribution agreements or product agreements.”
The investors ranged from experienced securities and investor professionals to a former CEO of Ironclad Performance Wear. The pool also contained several personal friends and a cousin of Martinez. Investments and loans solicited by Martinez and Jones ranged from $25,000 to $500,000.
The investments carried a range of terms, interest agreements and repayment timelines that went unfulfilled.
To complicate matters further, nutrition and fitness retail chain GNC received a $1.4 million judgment against Shadow Beverages and Snacks in 2014. According to Corporation Commission filings, the company did not disclose this judgment to potential investors.
American Outdoorsman Inc. also won a judgment against Shadow Beverages and Snacks in 2014 worth between $5 million and $6 million stemming from a licensing agreement dispute.
Coy would not comment on whether or not the ACC is referring the case to another agency for criminal charges. Any potential criminal chase could be pursued on either a federal or stater level.
God requires us to be ‘Guardians of the Garden’
BY RABBI DEAN SHAPIRO AFN Guest Writer
The Ancients described the world as a Garden – “plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed” – teeming with creatures in the sea, on land and in the sky (Genesis 1:12, 1:22, 1:25).
Earth is truly a Cradle of Life. In every corner, from the harshest desert to the deepest sea, life finds a way to flourish. Life is a great creative force that slithers and struggles to inch itself forward, a magnificent experiment of which each one of us is a small part.
The Ancients described Humanity as the most powerful creature in the Garden. Adam, according to the Hebrew Bible, was the first human being, the parent of us all. The Hebrew word “Adam” is linked
to “adom/red,” like the blood that runs through all our veins, and “adamah/earth,” the ground from which we all spring.
As children of Adam, we human beings are first and foremost Earthlings. We are the Guardians of the Garden, holding extraordinary sway over all other branches of the Tree of Life. Using our intellect, we can play an important role in the healthy functioning of this planet, or in its destruction.
It is far too easy to forget our sacred responsibility, to abdicate our power. Our world is too complicated for anyone to manage it – and so we conclude we have no power whatsoever. We become passive. But this is not an “all or nothing” situation. Like an ant colony, which can do grand things when all members work together, each person, like each nation, must do their part on behalf of the environment.
Otherwise, the Cradle of Life suffers.
Hillel, an early rabbi, used to say, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
But if I am only for myself, who am I?”
(Pirkei Avot 1:14). While we must stand up for ourselves, life loses meaning if we only stand for nothing but ourselves. We are creatures with responsibilities to the collective, and also to Life itself. We have power, and are expected to harness it for the good.
The snake whispers in our ear that all will be OK, that we are not responsible for our actions. Voices of despair and greed abound, cunningly telling us to settle for powerlessness, to mortgage the future, to give in.
But each action we take has consequences, either for the health or the harm of the Garden. Now, truly, we must pull our own weight, redoubling our efforts to clean and safeguard our planet. In what specific ways are you helping? How can you do more?
Now is the time to redouble our efforts to improve the viability of human life on Earth. Now is the time to push ourselves. Drive less, use less plastic, eat less meat, plant flowers for pollinators. Advocate for our garden planet at work and in the halls of power. Donate to environmental causes, to organizations who speak for Life. (I contribute regularly to the Natural Resources Defense Council – nrdc.org.) Get out into nature, to remind yourself of the Majesty that dwarfs us all. Educate yourself. Protest against greed. Hillel concluded, “If not now, when?” We are citizens of the second-mostpolluting country on Earth. In the future, we will not be judged by our intentions, but by our actions as Guardians of the Garden.
Christian tattooer fights stereotypes, criticism from both directions
BY RALPH ZUBIATE AFN Managing Editor
Matt Geiogamah has tattoos on the knuckles of his right and left hand that spell out “PRAY HARD.”
That he does, as owner of Salt & Light Tattoo in Chandler and founder of the Alliance of Christian Tattooers. His manner is peaceful and his words are peppered with Bible references. He said he’s called to live his life that way as a follower of Christ and as a tattoo artist. But that doesn’t mean it’s a smooth road.
“Oh my goodness, all the controversies,” Geiogamah said.
“There are two different sides. There’s a non-believing tattoo community and their perception of Christians. And I have received a lot of criticism inside the church over tattoos.
“We get judgmental letters from Christians, saying ‘You’re going to hell.’” His response?
“I know a lot of Christians who have dedicated their tattoos to God. They’re not dishonoring Him, but dedicated to glorifying God.
“There are Christians that are adamantly against it, not encouraging at all. But as a follower of Jesus, it’s not what goes into you, or on you. It’s what comes out of you. Jesus said that.”
The Chandler native has been an artist for a long time, working in mediums such as charcoal, oil, watercolor and photography. He has been tattooing since 2001. He had a tattooing apprenticeship in high school, then dropped out to finish the apprenticeship.
“I wasn’t going to graduate anyway,” he confessed.
In 2013, Geiogamah set a Guinness World Record with the most tattoos created on the most people by a single artist in a 24-hour period. He inked 821 people.
All proceeds from the event were donated to Streetlight USA to help stop
Geiogamah says he’s been a believer for 9 or 10 years. He attends Central Christian Church in Gilbert.
“I grew up outside the church and outside the influence of the church,” he said. “I didn’t talk about God. I was an agnostic.”
He went through what he said was a lot of drug and alcohol abuse. He said he suffered depression and anxiety in his early teens.
He’s not afraid of talking about his troubles, including his recovery from alcoholism.
“It’s a pretty common story,” Geiogamah said.
child sex slavery.
Rabbi Dean Shapiro is the spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel of Tempe. Contact him at rshapiro@ emanueloftempe.org and visit his “Rabbi Dean Shaprio” page on Facebook.
(Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer) Matt Geiogamah gets his station ready for his next client at Salt & Light Tattoo in Chandler.
On New Year’s Day 2017, he posted a reflection on his struggle with alcohol on Facebook.
“I’m sitting in church right now grateful that God has delivered me from the bondage alcohol had me in. I am not saying alcohol is evil but I am saying there is a reason the Bible tells us not to get drunk. It’s not good for us, it only leads to trouble and despair.
“God wants better for us because He loves us.”
Now at 33, he has made Christ the center of his life. He and his wife Natilie live in Mesa and have a son, Isaiah, 2. Geiogamah’s Chandler shop at 1989 W. Elliot Road, Suite 9, has been open 5½ years. He knows his shop isn’t a typical tattoo place.
“The majority (of shops) are not Christian. That was my goal, to bring a Christian presence in a shop. But also to welcome all non-believing clients, to be a positive influence and example.
“On the one hand, I want to advance the Christian community, but I don’t want to scare anybody else away. It’s a two-edged sword. I don’t want people to not feel welcomed.”
However, Geiogamah places a limit on what he images will create, based on his faith.
According to the Salt & Light website:
“We do not do any tattoos involving racism, gang affiliation, false gods, astrology, witchcraft, or any religious beliefs or practices that go against the teachings and followings of Jesus Christ. We love all people but are forbidden, because of our own religious beliefs, to create certain images. We thank you for understanding.”
He elaborates: “We aren’t saying you can’t do it or shouldn’t do it, just not with us.”
There are other challenges for him. He acknowledges it could be a struggle tattooing women who are partially dressed.
“I have to keep holy in mind, not let it get the best of me,” he said.
“I look it at it like a doctor. You do your work, that’s it.”
He said his wife understands his situation.
“My wife’s cool because she’s a massage therapist. It’s a very similar situation” dealing with half-unclothed people.
“It takes a level of trust,” he said. “We have a strong view of Biblical marriage.”
After leaving tattooing for a while, he came back with a renewed sense of
purpose.
“I wanted to be a light, to bring other Christian tattooers together,” he said.
“At the time, I knew one other Christian tattooer. I invited him over, with no plan. Before I knew it, five others joined us.”
Thus, the Alliance of Christian Tattooers was born in September 2011.
“We draw, paint, talk about God. We want to be a positive influence,” Geiogamah said. “Once we put it on social media, it spread all over the U.S., and the world.”
The group meets every Wednesday night for prayer, fellowship and Bible study. It also puts on charity events to raise money for various causes.
In the meantime, Geiogamah hopes fellow Christians can move past the criticism to support him and others like him.
“We could be doing a lot better things with our time than bickering,” he said.
Information: Salt & Light Tattoo: 480-621-8819, saltandlighttattoo. com. Alliance of Christian Tattooers:
– Contact Ralph Zubiate at 480-898-6825 or rzubiate@timespublications.com.
(Special to AFN)
Matt Geiogamah tattooed Christian author and apologist C.S. Lewis with a graffiti flair: the C/S mark (meaning “con safos” - with respect) is often used in graffiti to command respect.
SATURDAY, July 29
BACK-TO-SCHOOL DAY SET
Generation Church will hold its annual back-to-school celebration, handing out free backpacks and school supplies to children in need. Last year it handed out over 400 backpacks and this year hope to triple that amount between two campuses. Volunteers will also be offering food, games, inflatables and more. Children must be present to receive a backpack and school supplies. Items will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until supplies are exhausted.
DETAILS: >> 8-10 a.m., 11832 S Warner Elliot Loop, Ahwatukee. Free. Information: help@generationaz.org or call 480-986-3149.
SUNDAYS
BIBLE EXPLORED
This biblical scripture study embraces a spirit-filled, intellectually honest, and understandable exploration of God’s Word. Lessons will combine Christian and Jewish theology along with Bible history, archaeology and linguistics for a rich learning experience.
High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together.
DETAILS>> 5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or email joel@horizonchurch.com.
KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE
Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and
holidays.
DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.
SUNDAY CELEBRATION SERVICE
Inspirational messages and music to lift your spirit. A welcoming community committed to living from the heart. Many classes and events offered. We welcome you! DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480-7921800, unityoftempe.com.
FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH
The Foundations of Faith Bible study embraces a spirit-filled, intellectually honest, and refreshingly understandable exploration of God’s Word. Lessons will combine Christian and Jewish theology along with bible history, archaeology and linguistics for a rich learning experience.
Mountain Park Community Church is offering an ongoing GriefShare programs to help people deal with the pain of losing a loved one.
DETAILS>> 6:30-8 p.m., 2408 E. Pecos Road, Ahwatukee. To register: mountainpark.org and click on Launch. Information: Alex at 480-759-6200
FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN
HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,” offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing.
DETAILS>> 6:30-8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.
SENIORS ENJOY TUESDAYS
The Terrific Tuesdays program is free and includes bagels and coffee and a different speaker or theme each week. Registration not needed.
DETAILS>> 10-11 a.m., Barness Family East Valley Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.
WEDNESDAYS
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 today.
Don’t go through one of life’s most difficult times alone. DivorceCare is a friendly, caring group that will walk alongside you and provide support through divorce or separation.
Living Word Ahwatukee women’s Bible study and fellowship that offers “a short, low-key time of praise and worship in music and message.” It’s also an opportunity to meet other Christian women in Ahwatukee.
DETAILS>> 10-11:30 a.m., Living Word Ahwatukee, 14647 W. 50th St., Suite 165, Ahwatukee. Free child care.
THURSDAYS
SLEEPING BAGS FOR THE HOMELESS
Ugly Quilts has made more than 15,500 sleeping bags for
the area homeless, and continues to do so at First United Methodist Church every Thursday. Quilters stitch donated fabric, comforters, sheets and blankets into sleeping bags. Those are then distributed to the Salvation Army, churches and veterans’ organizations.
Support group for children ages 6 to 12 coping with a separation or divorce in the family. One-time $10 fee includes snacks and workbook.
DETAILS>> 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C202, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.
FRIDAYS
NEFESHSOUL HOLDS SERVICES
Congregation NefeshSoul holds Shabbat services the second Friday of every month on the campus of the Valley Unitarian Universalist Congregation.
DETAILS>> 6:15 p.m., 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler. Information: nefeshsoul.org.
TOTS TAUGHT TORAH
Hosted by Chabad of the East Valley for children ages 2 to 5. Features hands-on activities about the Shabbat, songs, stories and crafts. Children will make and braid their own challah.
DETAILS>> 10:15-11 a.m., members’ homes. 480-785-5831.
SATURDAYS
JEWISH STUDY OFFERED
Congregation NefeshSoul Jewish study for adults is held weekly.
DETAILS>> 8:45-9:45am, 6400 W. Del Rio St., Chandler, in the sanctuary. Information: nefeshsoul.org or rabbi@nefeshsoul.org
WEEKLY SERVICES SCHEDULED
International, nondenominational church offers weekly Sabbath services. Congregational meeting in the morning and Bible study in the afternoon.
DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m.-noon; 1:30-2:45 p.m. at True Jesus Church, 2640 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-899-1488 or tjcphoenix@tjc.org.
JEWISH KIDS PROGRAM AVAILABLE
Shabbat Yeladim is a free Shabbat program for Jewish children ages 3-7 sponsored by Ahwatukee’s NefeshSoul Jewish Community. Shabbat Yeladim is on the second Saturday of the month. Songs, stories and art project each month.
DETAILS>> 10-11 a.m. on the Valley Unitarian Universalist Campus, 6400 W. Del Rio, Chandler. Contact Rabbi Susan Schanerman at rabbi@nefeshsoul.org or nefeshsoul.org.
Enjoy 50-cent movies and discounted bowling at UltraStar
LAt first, she thought it was a field trip. Then, she realized that the entertainment venue’s philosophy is working.
“We hope to bring excitement, consistency to the brand and, bottom line, let everyone who doesn’t know about UltraStar know we’re here,” said McCartney, UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle’s marketing director.
“This is the place to enjoy movies, discounts, specials, birthday parties or corporate events. There’s something for everybody to do here,” said McCartney, who is this year’s chairwoman of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
This summer, the focus is on kids and their families, with UltraStar offering three special packages.
The UltraStar Cinemas’ Summer Series runs through Aug. 4. During this time, kids’ movies will be shown at 9:30 a.m. Monday
The
GET OUT Contributor
It’s been 26 years since the Gebran family moved to Arizona from Iowa, bringing love and passion to the most important meal of the day.
U.S. Egg started as one restaurant in Tempe, but has since expanded to six locations across the Valley, including Chandler.
With its full lunch and breakfast menu, featuring burgers ($9.89-$15.89), pancakes (to $10.99) and, of course, omelets ($10.89$11.99), U.S. Egg has become a favorite for locals and visitors.
“It’s what we know, it’s what we breathe and it’s something that we really enjoy and
July 14; “Storks” from July 17 to July 21; “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” from July 27 to July 28; and “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” from July 31 to Aug. 4.
“It’s an awesome deal,” McCartney said. “It’s nice and cool in here. We want people to have fun and enjoy their summer.”
UltraStar’s bowling alley, Tin Pins Down, is serving up the Family Fun Deal from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For $49.95, families are given 90 minutes of bowling, five pairs of shoes, five $5 game cards and a large cheese pizza. It’s an $88 value.
Birthday parties for kids are just one of a number of family-friendly features at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle in Maricopa. Discounted bowling and cheap movie tickets during the summer add to the fun.
bowling with shoes, or $15.95 per person for unlimited bowling and laser tag, shoes included.
For those who enjoy laser tag, it’s included in the $59.95 version of the same package.
Specials are offered during the week as well, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday until Aug. 4. The Summer Fun Pass is $10.95 per person for unlimited
Officials at UltraStar, which will be connected to Harrah’s via skybridge this fall, hope to give families a taste of fun this summer without breaking the bank.
“We’re trying to offer an affordable option for families, so they don’t feel pinched in the summer heat,” McCartney said.
look forward to coming to work to do,” said Gebran Gebran.
A job in the restaurant business wasn’t a stretch for Gebran and his brothers, Michael, Mario and George. They literally grew up in the Iowa restaurant owned by their father, Oscar.
Gebran inspired his dad’s move to Arizona after discovering the original U.S. Egg while attending ASU. The family was entrenched in Iowa, but the older brothers’ desire to move out of state helped Oscar realize Iowa wasn’t quite metropolitan enough to hold the family together.
“So here we are, 26 years later, and his plan worked,” said younger brother,
CARSON MLNARIK
(Special
The Gebrans own the U.S. Egg family of restaurants in the Valley. From left, they are father, Oscar Gebran and his sons, Michael, Mario, Gebran and George.
More than 60
Heat beaters: 7 unique area spots for
BY JUSTIN FERRIS GET OUT Editor
It will be a few months yet before Valley temperatures regularly dip below 100 degrees. That means plenty of time to try any and all strategies to keep cool.
For those with a sweet tooth, the East Valley offers no shortage of shops to pick up ice cream and other cold desserts. A few bites and you can imagine you’re in the frozen arctic.
While basic ice cream might be the goto frozen treat for most people – and for good reason – there are plenty of other options if you want to try something new. Some of these you possibly didn’t even know existed.
Also, did you know that National Ice Cream Day is July 16? As if you need another reason to eat ice cream.
Ice Lab
Bing soo, also called “patbingsu” if it includes red beans, is a popular Korean shaved ice dessert. You can mix in fruit, fruit syrup, condensed milk and other ingredients to create a wide range of treats. Many people like bing soo for its texture and consistency.
If you want to give it a try, Ice Lab is one of the few places in the Valley to get it. The range of stock flavors include things like mango, strawberry, chocolate, green tea and – for the adventurous – cheese. The shop also offers shakes and an espresso bar.
Location: 1911 W. Main St., Suite 3D, Mesa
Hours: Daily, noon-9 p.m.
Phone: 480-630-7679
Website: facebook.com/icelabaz
Just Roll With It
Speaking of treats from
Just Roll With It offers Thai-style rolled ice cream. Select your desired flavor mix, such as Mango Tango, Stranana, Choco Mania, Berry Blast or Sunset. Then cream and fresh ingredients get poured onto a freezing tray as you watch. The preparer then uses a scraper to create several tall, thin rolls, which get put in a cup with the appropriate toppings.
Forget an ice cream cone, paletas are traditional Mexican frozen pops made from fruit and cream. Paletas Betty makes them using fresh seasonal fruits and ground spices.
The menu changes regularly, but you will find pops that include standards like pecans, strawberries and cream, raspberries, chocolate, and vanilla. There are also some odder flavor combinations like cantaloupe with basil or blackberry with lavender. You can buy in the store, order in advance from the website, or get pops delivered to your door. You can even get them shipped elsewhere in the U.S., or contract a pushcart for an event.
Locations: Chandler: 96 W. Boston St., Suite 100
cold desserts
Tempe: 425 S. Mill Ave., Suite 109
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., open late
Friday-Saturday
Website: paletasbetty.com
Slickables
Slickables makes a specialty out of ice cream sandwiches. Imagine a scoop of delicious ice cream between two freshbaked cookies. It’s a nice alternative to a cone or bowl.
There are 10 cookie types and 11 ice cream flavors, so you can get interesting combinations like red velvet, Funfetti and rocky road. There are even gluten-free options.
However, what really makes this shop shine is that you can get your dessert delivered through Grubhub and Uber Eats. That’s right; you don’t even need to brave the outdoor heat for your cool treat.
Ice cream meets science at this createyour-own-ice-cream shop. Select your base cream type, which ranges from custard to lactose-free. Then create a unique combo of flavors and mix-in ingredients. Finally, watch the concoction get hit with a blast of minus 321-degree liquid nitrogen to flash freeze it into a scrumptious treat.
With multiple base creams, 36 flavors
and nearly 30 mix-in options, your options are virtually endless. If you want a low-fat concoction of cinnamon and watermelon flavor mixed with Gummy Bears, brownies and rainbow sprinkles, go right ahead. It’s your stomach.
Of course, if you find the options overwhelming, Sub Zero offers some suggested “Sensation” recipes like Tropical Turbine, Peanut Butter Bonds and Chocolate Conduction. For July, the special is The Big Blast, which combines cotton candy ice cream, marshmallows, sprinkles and Pop Rocks.
For International Ice Cream Day on July 16 from 2-6 p.m., Subzero offers a buy-oneget-one-free deal.
Location: 884 Warner Road, Suite B9, Gilbert
Hours: Daily, noon-10 p.m.
Phone: 480-214-3257
Website: subzeroicecream.com
Sunny SnoBalls
Take snow cones to the next level at this New Orleans style shaved ice shop. It offers large cups of fresh shaved ice packed with flavored syrup created daily. Add in a range of toppings from Gummy Bears to cookies and you can create a cool yummy treat. They even offer Thrifty ice cream to top off your concoction.
Sugar-free and artificial-flavor-free syrups are available upon request.
Location: 980 E. Pecos Road, Suite C4, Chandler
Hours: Tuesday-Friday and Sunday, 1-9
(Frost Gelato/Facebook)
flavors means you’ll never get bored of this silky frozen treat.
(Slickables/Facebook)
A scoop of ice cream between two freshbaked cookies is delicious and convenient at Slickables.
(Paletas Betty/Facebook) Toronja, fresa de agua, nuez and mango con chile paletas are just a few of the flavor options at Paletas Betty.
George. “We’re all here in Arizona, none of us are in a different state and we’re working together.”
Even with expansions across the Valley, the brothers and father are still on their feet every day, checking in or working at the restaurants. On a recent weekday afternoon, Oscar smiled and greeted customers as Gebran looked on.
“We take pride in what we do,” Gebran said. “We’re a family restaurant, which is something that’s becoming a thing of the past.”
Working with family may not suit everyone, but for the brothers, who know their roles and positions within the restaurant, it fits perfectly.
“We’ve always gotten along, we’ve always had a good rapport,” Gebran said. “We don’t take each other too seriously outside of work.”
At work, however, the brothers are busy connecting with the community and improving the business. In Arizona, a game changer was the protein pancake, an idea that came to fitness buffs Gebran and his brother, Michael, in the ’90s.
“The key is the flavor,” George said. “It crunches because of the granola and then
HEAT BEATERS
from page 40
p.m.; Saturday, 1-10 p.m.; closed Monday
Phone: 480-786-9582
Website: facebook.com/SunnySnoBalls
Frost Gelato
Italian gelato makes a nice alternative to ice cream. There are similarities in ingredients, but gelato uses less butterfat and ups the density for a silkier texture.
Frost Gelato makes authentic Italianstyle gelato and boasts more than 60 flavors. These range from various chocolates and other standard flavors to more adventurous options like Bailey’s Irish Creme, honey lavender, root beer, fig and Guinness. Frost Gelato also serves up more than two dozen flavors of fruit sorbet.
The treats come in a range of sizes and styles, including in a cone, milkshake, by the quart or as a 30-person bucket. Frost Gelato also offers catering services.
Location: San Tan Village, 2150 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 120, Gilbert
Food isn’t the only thing for which the restaurant is known. U.S. Egg works with many Arizona charities, including the 100 Club, AASK, MANA House and Packages from Home. In July, they are working with Packages from Home on a campaign that gives diners the chance to write letters to soldiers.
The hustle and bustle of successful restaurants doesn’t afford the brothers weekends off. However, the breakfast and lunch model allows them time in the evening to unwind and relax. The Gebran family flocks to mom’s house for “mandatory” Sunday dinners.
“It’s something that keeps our family together,” George said. “Sunday dinners, the kids, the grandkids all get together.”
With almost 30 years under their belt, the brothers say it’s fulfilling to see their customers leave happy.
“It’s a blessing that we’re able to work with each other and have such a good relationship,” Gebran said. “Serving the community and watching people come in and leave with the satisfaction from a good meal – what’s better than that?”
Information: 131 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, 480-831-0070; 5840 W. Chandler Boulevard, Chandler, 480-705-0868; useggrestaurant. com
YOUR WEEKLY CALENDAR
BY JUSTIN FERRIS GET OUT Editor
Summer Splash Thursdays
Bring the kids out to meet their favorite Disney princesses and superheroes, plus games, music and fun in the splash pad.
DETAILS>> 6-7:30 p.m., Thursdays, July 1327. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Cost: Free. 480-966-9338. tempemarketplace.com/summer.
Highland Yard Vintage Market
Join 40 local artisans and designers for an indoor, air-conditioned market. This month’s theme is “‘Freestyle’ Designer’s Choice,” which sees the designers show off their best work.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, July 13-Sunday, July 16. Behind Merchant Square, 1509 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Cost: Free. facebook.com/Highlandyardvintage.
Hotter Than Hell Bonspiel
Cool off near the ice as you watch an exciting curling competition that features teams from around the country.
DETAILS>> Times vary, Thursday, July 13-Sunday, July 16. Coyotes Curling Club, 2202 W. Medtronic Way, Tempe. Cost:
Enjoy the monthly night out in Mesa. This month’s theme is Freaks ‘N Geeks, which means vintage video game and trivia contests, plus the usual live bands and art booths.
DETAILS>> 6-10 p.m., Friday, July 14. Downtown Mesa between Center and Robson. Cost: Free. 2ndfridaynightout.com.
Drift N Drag
Get your fill of drag racing and drift competitions. You can even sign up to compete if you think you’re up to it.
DETAILS>> 5 p.m., Saturday, July 15. Wild Horse Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler. Tickets: $15 spectator, Free kids 12 and under. 520-796-5601. racewildhorse.net.
Watch ‘Moana’ and learn culture
If you enjoyed Disney’s latest hit movie “Moana,” learn more about the culture of Polynesia at this free lecture.
Jonny Lang reexplores the blues on forthcoming ‘Signs’
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GET OUT Contributor
Grammy Award-winning blues guitarist Jonny Lang is amazed that he can dedicate his life to playing music.
He doesn’t know why he’s been successful, but, he said with a laugh, it’s pretty clear it’s not due to his “good planning.”
It’s been hard for him and his wife, former “Kids Incorporated” cast member Haylie Johnson, to juggle their schedules with those of their five children, all younger than 9.
For four years, he squeezed in time to work on a new album, Signs, which is set for release September 8 in North America.
He’ll preview tracks during a concert at the Chandler Center for the Arts on Friday, July 21. Fans can immediately download the song “Make It Move” via jonnylang.com.
“Between touring and taking care of my little ones at home, I don’t have too much time to make a record,” Lang said. “Trying to find the spots in the schedule to get it done and finish it have been challenging. Since I had kids, it tends to be a little bit longer of a process.”
let the writing be what it was and that was sometimes not necessarily the blues.”
his first platinum record.
Buddy Guy, Lang has evolved into an adept showman whose style has aligned with Stevie Wonder and contemporary gospel music. With Signs, he has reaffirmed his
“A lot of my earlier influences have been coming to the surface, like Robert Johnson, and Howlin’ Wolf,” he explains. “I have been appreciating how raw and unrefined that stuff is. I had an itch to emulate some of that and I think it shows in the songs. Still, I
Each time Lang steps into the studio, it’s an eye-opening experience. Whether it’s exploring new techniques and genres, or maybe collaborating with a longtime friend for the first time, the studio has become a school for Lang.
“Being in the studio is a great thing,” he said. “It forces you to look at yourself under the microscope. When you do that for a long time, it’s pretty hard not to improve. I learn something new every time I go in and make a record.”
Lang is quick to add that he didn’t discover anything he “needed” to improve.
“I wanted to become a better songwriter,” he said. “I wanted to try to refine the things that are important to me so my songs can relate to other folks.”
IF YOU GO
Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler When: 7:30 p.m. July 21
Tickets: $38-$68
Info: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org
Blues guitarist Jonny Lang will appear later this month at Chandler Center for the Arts.
Meatloaf burger makes a moist and memorable meal treat for everyone
BY JAN D’ATRI
AFN Contributor
After building a burger with this much flavor, I’m not sure I’m going to be able to settle for a regular hamburger again.
This is what you call building a bonanza burger with my mouthwatering, make-ahead meatloaf recipe, formed into patties and given the works with a stack of bacon, barbecue sauce, cheese, sliced tomato, lettuce – or however you like to build your own masterpiece. It’s a meatloaf makeover that will give you a whole new reason to throw burgers on the grill or in the skillet.
There are lots of reasons why this burger is moist and memorable! Dive into the recipe to find out.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1 large sweet yellow onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
2 tablespoons green chile, fresh or canned
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup seasoned croutons or breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp, cut in half
6 hamburger buns
6 slices cheese of your choice
Lettuce, tomatoes and onions for garnish
1/4 cup barbecue sauce (or ketchup)
Sliced tomato and lettuce for burger
Directions:
Heat butter in a skillet. Add the onion, carrot, celery, chile and garlic. Sauté, until vegetables are soft and onion is golden, about 10 minutes. Let cool. Meanwhile, soak the breadcrumbs in milk until soft, 10 minutes or until soft.In a large bowl, pork, beef, egg, softened bread, cooled veggie mixture, salt and pepper. Gently mix until just combined. Form into six patties. Grill until done. Add cheese, bacon barbecue sauce, tomato and lettuce over burger if desired. Or build burger to your liking.
ACROSS 1 James Bond, e.g. 4 “Nip/--” 8 Pizzazz 12 Afternoon affair 13 Curved molding
San --, Italy 15 Grecian vessel
Diploma
Prejudiced person
Meadow 21 On the right track 24 Book of maps 28 “Beauty is only --”
Little League 11-year-olds advance to state tournament
BY GREG MACAFEE AFN Sports Editor
The Ahwatukee Little League AllStars 11-year-olds are heading to the state tournament after capturing the District 13 title Saturday at the Tempe Sports Complex.
The team clinched its district by beating Tempe South, jumping out to a commanding lead in the first two innings.
Meanwhile the Ahwatukee All Stars’ 10- and 12-year-olds lost in their district tournament play.
The 11-year-olds’ big win was powered by Connor Crossland’s grandslam in the first inning. Coach Tim Romaine also praised the bases-clearing triple in the third inning by Vito Zilles as another key moment in the large victory.
“We did what we figured we should do,” Romaine said. “We got really
good pitching all weekend from Bryce McKnight, PJ Alig, Zach Stevens, and Evan Gerken.”
The win Saturday might have been a little anti-climactic for the All-Stars after their Friday night victory over Chandler National South came down to the final pitch.
Ahwatukee held a 6-4 lead heading into the top of the sixth inning and with two outs, Chandler National had the bases loaded.
“Chase Schaefer struck out the final hitter of the game to secure the win,” Romaine said.
The district win didn’t come easily.
Ahwatukee lost its first two games in the tournament before rallying to win four straight elimination games, beating the No. 1-seed, Chandler National South, twice.
In the Ahwatukee team’s first game,
See LITTLE LEAGUE on
page 46
All photographs by Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Photographer
The action on the field Friday was just as hot the temperature as all three Ahwatukee All Star age groups battled for a shot at the state tournament. Only the 11-year-olds advanced with 10- and 12-year-olds losing to their Chandler counterparts. Clockwise from upper right: Brock MacDonald, 10, eyes a ball; Bryce McKnight, 11, hurls one to home plate; Connor Crossland, 11, watches his grand slam sail away; Xander Ras, 12, tries a base hit; Bryce watches for his throw to make its target; Connor starts running after another power-hitting performance; Nicholas Redman, 10, gets positioned for the next batter; and Kael Moore, 10, runs for a base. Besides Connor and Bryce, the other 11-year-old All Stars heading for the state showdown are PJ Alig, Brett Crossland, Evan Gerken, Karter Hopkins, Jake Romaine, Chase Schaefer, Andrew Smith, Zach Stevens, Sam Yeager and Vito Zilles.
LITTLE LEAGUE
the All Stars went into the bottom of the sixth inning leading 8-7 before committing a couple of crucial errors that led to the loss.
Romaine said the second loss, at 11-2, came against a strong pitcher.
“We got better as the games went on,” Romaine said. “The more we saw faster pitching, the more we were comfortable with it, and the better the players got along the way.”
Ahwatukee will now move on to the
double elimination state tournament at Show Low.
Heading into the first matchup with Rio Rico on July 17, Romaine said his team is feeling good.
“We’re starting to swing the bats, everyone on the team is starting to swing the bats,” Romaine said. “If we get good pitching and make the easier plays on a consistent basis I think we’ll be right there at the end of it.”
Ahwatukee All-Stars have been successful in the State Tournament before, sending a team to the Little League World Series in 2006.
Clockwise from left: Carson Bittner, 12, gets ready to throw a strike; Teagan Kearney, 12, tries to throw a base-runner out; Alex McKee, 10, stays poised for a possible hit; Max Nickelsburg, 12, takes off for another base; and Teagan Kearney rounds second and heads to third. The 10-year-old and 12-year-old Ahwatukee All Stars teams both lost in district championship play on Friday while the 11-year-olds advanced toi the state tournament Monday, July 17, in Show Low.
All photographs by Kimberly Carrillo
AFN Photographer
A Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning
We came to Keystone for the authentic Montessori education. We fell in love with Keystone Montessori when we realized it was more than just a school, it was a community.
- Parent Testimonial
ASU golf hopes Valley becomes permanent home for NCAA championship
BY GREG MACAFEE
AFN Sports Editor
Arizona State University has dreams of becoming the permanent home for an NCAA championship.
The Sun Devils will take the first step toward that goal in 2020, when they are set to partner with Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale to host the NCAA Golf Championships. It will be the first venue to host the men’s and women’s NCAA golf championships for three years in a row.
“Our ultimate goal, long-term, is not just to host it for that three years,” Sun Devil Athletics Chief Operating Officer Rocky Harris said. “We want to become what Omaha is for baseball, where we make this, Grayhawk, Scottsdale, Phoenix, the Valley, the home of collegiate golf championships forever.”
Omaha, Nebraska, has been home to baseball’s College World Series since 1950 and recently hosted its 68th tournament, with the Florida Gators bringing home their first NCAA baseball championship. To approach Omaha’s longevity, ASU knows its must produce a successful product for the NCAA and Golf Channel. It also must draw support from the community.
A history of hosting big-time golf tournaments may give Grayhawk an edge.
From 2007 to 2009, the club presented the PGA Tour’s Frys.com Open. It also brought the Williams World Challenge and Waste Management Phoenix Open pro-ams to Scottsdale, along with others.
“We understand it’s a long road between here and there,” president and owner of Grayhawk Development Gregg Tryhus said. “We have to prove it out, the Golf
Channel has to prove it out, ASU has to prove it out, and the community has to embrace it. But should everybody do that, I think there is a chance for us to turn this into the kind of event that will be hard to take away.”
Arizona State Athletic Director Ray Anderson said the partnership between ASU and Grayhawk came together after the NCAA and the Golf Channel approached Tryhus about the possibility of hosting the NCAA Golf Championships.
Tryhus then brought it to the school to discuss the possible partnership.
“Part of the discussion was how do we do something different and unique that will help the Golf Channel produce an event with some continuity and consistency of quality,” Anderson said.
True to its reputation as an innovator, ASU came up with a unique plan. The two sides discussed the possibility of offering a multi-year agreement to host the golf championships at Grayhawk. This offer will allow the Golf Channel and the NCAA to make significant investments in the broadcasting aspect of the tournament.
Beyond the NCAA Golf Championships, the Sun Devils hope to become the home for many future NCAA championships.
Anderson said they currently don’t have any bids for future events, but they want championships for hockey, tennis, and even wrestling to be brought to the Valley
“We declared very vocally that ASU wants to be the place where championships for the NCAA come out here on a regular basis,” Anderson said. “So, golf is our first opportunity to prove that we can do this at a high level.”
(Special to AFN)
Placid Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale may become a permanent home for NCAA golf.
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13822 South 46th Place at Ray Road • Ahwatukee, AZ 85044
Located in the Foothills • SRGseniorliving.com 480-692-7117
13822 South 46th Place at Ray Road • Ahwatukee, AZ 85044 Located in the Foothills • SRGseniorliving.com 480-692-7117
July 14th • 11:30am
PARENTS OF ADDICTED LOVED ONES
Are you affected by someone who is dealing with an addiction? If so, know that you are not alone and that the PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones) group can help The group is available to provide education and support to anyone 18 years or older who is dealing with a friend or family member with an addiction See our local meeting list at palgroup.org
GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS & GAMANON for meeting information 602-266-97846
AHWATUKEE
FOOTHILLS
SENIOR ASSOCIATION (AFSA)
Attention: Seniors 55+
Meetings/Events
In-Ahwatukee Toastmasters Club meets from 6:45-8am every Tuesday at Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee - Community Room (1st floor), 4545 E Chandler Blvd , Phoenix AZ 85048
We meet 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month
Legacy Funeral Home: 1722 N Banning St Mesa, Refreshments provided Contact: Rick Wesley 480-219-4790 rick@ aegishospice.com
Overeaters Anonymous Tuesday s at 10:30 AM Esperanza Lutheran Church Ray & Thunderhill
Christian Business Networking, Chandler BiMonthly Chapter 7:30 a m second and fourth Tuesdays of the month
Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals
Chandler Christian Church, Room B202 1825 S Alma School Rd , Chandler Info: Maia, 480-4250624, christianbusinessnetworking com
Beta Sigma Phi, a woman ' s cultural and social organization, is looking to reconnect with non-active members in the East Valley. New members are also welcome Beta Sigma Phi is a non-college sorority, which offers "sisterhood" and "friendship" to women of all ages You can never underestimate the importance of other women in your life
Contact: Gail Sacco at gailsacco@q com
Meetings/Events
Bosom Buddies, Ahwatukee/Chandler nonprofit, breast cancer, support group, meets 10am-12 Noon on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Meetings are held every month at Desert Cove, located at 1750 W Frye Rd , Chandler 85224 This is just north (across the street) from the Chandler Regional Hospital For more info, call Benji Tucker at 602-739-8822
Smart Recovery Meeting Wedʼs 7:008:30 p m 6400 W Del Rio Chandler Montessori School next to Unitarian Church room 5 All issues drugs, alcohol, gambling, online addictions, & medications 480-532-2460
BOOK GROUP!
We are a group of women, of all ages, who meet the first Tuesday of the month, in local venues, for the purpose of discussing member chosen books We do not charge fees, we call ourselves the Happy Hour Book Club and we go by the initials HHBC For more information interested women can contact Donna and the email address is happyhourbook clubahwatukee@ gmail com
Dining For Women (DFW) diningforwomen org inspires, educates and engages people to invest in programs that make a meaningful difference for women and girls living in extreme poverty DFW helps women find dignity and strength, develop skills and opportunities value and support their children s education We have a local chapter in Ahwatukee which meets the 3rd Thursday every month from 6:30 p m -8:30p m If you d like to know more on how you can transform lives and reduce poverty contact Mary Hake at marysullivanhake @gmail com
Meetings/Events
Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors (AFFAN)
is a women s organization, dedicated to cultivating friendships, and goodwill AFFAN promotes social, charitable and educational events all year long AFFAN holds monthly luncheon meetings with varied speakers We offer over 40 monthly activities including Book Clubs, Canasta, Bunco, Euchre, and Bridge Other monthly activities are Dining Out, Stitch and Chat, Explore Arizona, and Garden Club Significant others/ spouses can attend some events For more info contact Teresa Akrish Phone: 480-518-5788, teresaakrish@gmail com Check our website at affanwomensclub com
AMERICAN LEGION
AHWATUKEE Post #64
We Meet Every 3rd Wed at 3pm at the Ahwatukee Retirement Center At 5001 E Cheyenne Dr, Phoenix, Az 85044 Contact ED MANGAN Cmdr 602-501-0128
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a weight loss organization that is over 60 years old We meet at Ahwatukee Rec Center on Cheyenne between S 48th St and S 51st St on Wed eve ' s from 67:30 p m For more information: Terri at 480-893-6742
NONDENOMINATIONAL, GREAT PRAISE AND WORSHIP, GREAT MESSAGES FOR TODAYS LIVING! OUR MISSION IS “EVANGELISM, HEALING, DISCIPLESHIP, THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD! VISIT US AT ValorCC com
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