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City putting 160 cameras at 40 intersections current cameras only detect objects through images and can be temperamental during bad weather conditions. “This newer technology helps us bridge that gap and give better service to our signal service,” she said. Flir Systems, the camera’s manufacturer, claims its technology also detects wrong-way drivers and animals entering a roadway. The Arizona Department of Transportation has been using Flir’s thermal cameras to catch several wrongway drivers along Interstate 17 for the last couple of years. Chandler has a network of about 800 cameras positioned throughout the city it uses to manage traffic. Analysts scan
BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
Cyclists peddling around Chandler may now be detected on 160 new traffic cameras that will be positioned at 40 various intersections. The Chandler City Council has approved spending about $1 million on the new cameras at intersections in west Chandler. The cameras are equipped with thermal technology that can better detect vehicles and cyclists traveling through intersections. When the camera sees a cyclist approaching an intersection, the traffic signal can adjust by extending the green-light time long enough for the cyclist to pass through. Dana Alviderez, the city’s transportation engineer, said Chandler’s
Chandler official Danney Mehaffey stands in front of the bank of cameras that show conditions at various intersections in the city. The city is now expanding its network with even better hi-tech cameras.
See
CAMERAS on page 6
(Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
Chandler High ignored leaked opponent’s game plan BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor
A variety of animals, many healing from various kinds of trauma, find solace with humans and become sources of solace for them at Rancho del Pacifico in south Chandler.
Animals, humans heal each other at S. Chandler farm BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
Snickers the goat curiously roams around, always looking for someone to affectionately nudge. He’s part of a tribe of goats living at Rancho Del Pacifico in south Chandler. There’s Oreo, Kit-Kat, Chewy, and S’mores – names purposefully meant to represent the goats’ sweet demeanor. When new visitors walk on the grounds, the goats welcome them by nuzzling their hands or tugging on their
pants. Snickers and his friends weren’t always so friendly. “They were terrified of us when they first got here,” said Jennifer Siozos, Pacifico’s operating director. “You couldn’t even pet them.” Snickers and several of the animals living at Pacifico were rescued from animal sanctuaries. Some of them had been neglected, abused or were one their way to the slaughterhouse. See
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Chandler High School principal Larry Rother said Tuesday the school’s former head football coach Shaun Aguano notified him when he received an anonymous email tipping him off about opponent Mountain Pointe’s game plan. And while Aguano never responded, school officials also decided not to tell Mountain Pointe or Tempe Union High School District because they didn’t think the email was credible. Rother discussed the email on Tuesday, the day before the Tempe Union Governing Board fired Justin Hager as Mountain Pointe’s assistant football and girls head basketball coach after scores of similar emails to opposing teams’ coaches were traced to him. Rother said Aguano, now the running backs coach at Arizona StateUniversity, approached him and Chandler athletic director Jim Culver with the email, from an account labeled “walterpayton12@ See
Mountain Pointe girls basketball coach Justin Hager resigned in lieu of termination Friday after an investigation by the Tempe Union High School District discovered he had shared protected information for the school’s boys basketball and football programs with several opponents dating back to 2017.
COACH on page 4 (Cheryl Haselhorst/Contributor)
F E AT U R E STO R I E S Chandler designer preps for Fashion Week . . . . . .BUSINESS . . . . . . . Page 24 Chandler Bears plan a title run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SPORTS . . . . . . . . . Page 35 Mindfulness at Hull Elementary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NEIGHBORS . . . . . . Page 41 'Seussical Jr.' in downtown Chandler . . . . . . . . . . . . .ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . Page 50 Greek Festival a bounty of delights . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EAT . . . . . . . . . . . Page 61
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More Community . . . . 1-23 Business . . . . . 24-30 Sports . . . . . . . .35-37 Opinion . . . . . 38-40 Neighbors . . . 41-49 Arts . . . . . . . . . 50-54 Faith. . . . . . . . . 55-56 Directory . . . . 57-58 Classifieds . . . 59-60 Where to eat. .61-62
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Chandler family turns tragedy into philanthropy BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
A couple of months after a Chandler boy lost his battle to a rare type of cancer, his family has started a foundation to support other children suffering from life-threatening diseases. Kameron Sherman spent two years undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments in an attempt to fight rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that forms in soft muscle tissue. There was hope Sherman might defeat the disease, as cancer receded in early 2018. But then doctors noticed it reappeared again a short time later. The 11-year-old eventually succumbed to the illness on July 15. The Shermans now want to support the same programs that helped the family persevere through two years of hospital visits and intrusive treatments. “We want to do something so that Kameron’s memory continues,” said Jennifer Lyle, a close friend of Sherman’s family. They launched Kameron’s Krusaders this month to raise funds that will support the dog-therapy program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Specially-trained dogs are brought to the hospital to get kids to forget about their illness and motivate them to move around or interact with others. Dogs were a great comfort for
Before Kameron Sherman, 11, of Chandler passed away in July, he had great support from his family, above, as well as from a therapy dog that visited him in the hospital. (File photos)
Kameron during his cancer treatment, Lyle said. She recalled visiting the Shermans in the hospital once and observed Kameron’s reaction when volunteers brought in a therapy dog. “You could just see that the word ‘cancer’ was not in his brain at that point,” Lyle said.
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umbrella of Arizona Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization. Throughout Sherman’s treatment, the Chandler community rallied together to support the family. Thousands of dollars were raised to pay off medical bills, neighbors greeted the Shermans after returning from the hospital, and teachers volunteered to home-school Kameron. The Chandler Fire Department even made Kameron an honorary firefighter, suiting him up in a helmet and jacket and letting him tour the fire station. Lyle said more than 500 people turned up for Kameron’s memorial service. “The family is so grateful for everything the community has done,” Lyle added, “and it’s really helped them not feel alone and understand how loved they are.” The family is still reviewing what other types of services they want their foundation to support. Their main objective, Lyle said, will be to supplement programs that make hospitals a little less scary for kids. “We’re excited that we can turn something that was bad into something really good,” she added. More information about Kameron’s Krusaders can be found at azfoundation.org/Donors.
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yahoo.com” “Coach Aguano came down to our office and said, ‘hey, I just want to let you know I got this anonymous email from someone claiming to have inside information about Mountain Pointe,’” Rother said. “We asked him if he thought it was credible and he said ‘no.’ “We decided we would just move on, delete the email, not respond and go on and plan the game like we normally would.” According to a Sept. 13 letter from Tempe Union athletic director Bruce Kipper to Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Director David Hines, the email included Mountain Pointe’s game strategy and Chandler’s defensive alignment. The anonymous email claimed its author was a former assistant for “many years” under Norris Vaughan, who coached the Pride from 2009-17. According to the email, Hager wrote he had not yet been removed from the team’s Hudl account, which is used for game planning and film. He also told Aguano to “please give them a beat down,” referring to Mountain Pointe. The email was sent to Aguano on Nov. 5, 2018, four days before a Rich Wellbrock-led Mountain Pointe team faced the Wolves in the 6A Conference quarterfinals. Chandler beat Mountain Pointe 49-21 on Nov. 9, 2018. The Wolves went on to capture their third straight state championship on Dec. 1. Rother said that neither Aguano nor any members of his staff would have used any information emailed to them about another team’s game strategry. “In our community, if you ask people who they think are upstanding and ethical coaches, coach Aguano would be at the top of that list,” Rother said. “High school coaches get that sort of anonymous email often enough that it isn’t a strange thing when they get one. “Because it was such a strange email and address, we dismissed it as if it was garbage. We wouldn’t have game planned off something like that.” Rother referred to the situation involving Mountain Pointe’s athletics department, students and the entire community as heartbreaking. “I can’t imagine how the coaches, students and parents over at Mountain Pointe must feel knowing what this
Before he resigned on Sept. 13, Justin Hager coached the Mountain Pointe High School girls senior varsity basketball team and was an assistant coach for the boys varsity football team. (File photo)
coach did,” Rother said. “Those are the things that hurt kids. “But I certainly hope it doesn’t detract from their hard work, their effort and their success on the field because of the actions of one adult who betrayed his own school.” Chandler Unified School District officials have asked their principals and athletic directors to follow up with coaches after Tempe Union revealed a former Mountain Pointe coach had been sending game strategies to opponents for two years. Chandler Unified officials said they were made aware of the leaked information on Sept. 16. Tempe Union said Hager had been sharing game strategies for the school’s boys basketball and football teams with opponents dating back to 2017. Hager has not returned calls from comment and school officials said they had no idea why he sent the emails. “It’s frustrating,” said Hines, whose AIA oversees high school sports in Arizona. “We have been spending a lot of time talking about sportsmanship and educational athletics. “We want to be competitive, but this is about the kids,” he added. “We want a level playing field as much as possible. So, when we hear things like that, it’s frustrating.” According to Tempe Union, district employees found an email address for walterpayton12@yahoo.com that they
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linked to Hager. Officials said “hundreds” of emails were found from the account sharing play calls, formations and game strategy with opposing coaches. Only a handful of emails were included in a letter sent by Kipper to Hines last Friday, as the email account had been shut down. It’s unclear if the other emails seen by district employees were recovered. A summary of the emails sent to the AIA and obtained by the SanTan Sun News includes an exchange between the WalterPayton12 account and the account of Perry High School head
football coach Preston Jones. According to Tempe Union officials, an email was sent on Nov. 14, 2017 that explained what Mountain Pointe, then led by former coach Norris Vaughan, allegedly planned to do against Perry in the 2017 6A Conference semifinals. The email indicated its author was “friends with the (defensive coordinator).” According to the email, Mountain Pointe wanted to run the same defense it did against Chandler the week prior. About 40 minutes after receiving the email from WalterPayton12, the email from Jones’s account replied, “Why do you think they will do what they did against Chandler?” On Nov. 16, 2017, WalterPayton12 allegedly sent pdf images of Mountain Pointe’s defense to Jones’s account but there was no response. On Nov. 17, 2017, the day of the semifinal game between Mountain Pointe and Perry, WalterPayton12 again emailed Jones, explaining Mountain Pointe “will run zone read against you guys.” Again, Jones did not reply. Perry went on to defeat Mountain Pointe, 56-31. There is no indication of whether or not the information sent to Jones was used against Mountain Pointe. It is unclear whether any other Chandler Unified coaches received emails from WalterPayton12. “Our entire campus is shocked at these findings. It is the responsibility of all adults on a high school campus to act See
COACH on page 5
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with integrity and to put students first in all we do,” Mountain Pointe Principal Tomika Banks said in a press release. “Mountain Pointe students, families and staff are heartbroken to learn our trust was violated by someone we cared for and considered a member of our family,” she said. Meanwhile, former players, family members and other members of the high school athletics community in Arizona expressed outrage on social media. One former player said he “couldn’t believe he would do such a terrible thing,” while a family member expressed discontent with possible opportunities that were lost due to Hager’s actions. During the investigation, former Mountain Pointe basketball coach Duane Eason, who coaches the Pride in the 2017 6A state title game against Pinnacle, said he was asked “informal” questions about Hager. Eason said the two often spoke about basketball and coaching techniques. He said he considered Hager a friend. “When you share a gym, you’re together all the time. You share a lot because you’re there while the other practices and you’re always talking strategy,” Eason said. Eason doesn’t blame the emails for his team’s loss. “I don’t know how much it made an impact because the kids still have to go out there and execute the game plan, but it’s definitely puzzling,” Eason said. Mountain Pointe football coach
Rich Wellbrock was made aware of the email address after his team’s matchup against Faith Lutheran on Aug. 23. Fox approached Wellbrock and informed him about the emails he had been sent. “I am at a loss as to why someone would hurt kids in this way,” Wellbrock said in the release. “The entire coaching staff at Mountain Pointe is deeply troubled that a trusted adult in our program would actively work against the success of our students.” Tempe Union officials have asked the AIA to investigate to “ensure the integrity of high school athletics in Arizona has not been compromised.” The AIA bylaws state that “coaches and/or game management personnel will not manipulate or control the environment or game.” In three seasons as head coach of the girls basketball program, Hager led the Pride to a 64-31 overall record. He led the girls to the postseason all three years, including the state semifinals in the 2016-17 season. Hager was also an assistant coach under Vaughan and Wellbrock for the varsity football program. “In the Tempe Union High School District, we have a set of core values and beliefs that that guide everything we do,” Kipper wrote the AIA. “First and foremost, we put ‘students first’ in all we do and expect all employees to behave with ‘integrity’ in all they do and say. “We value truthfulness and trustworthiness and we take responsibility for our actions.” SanTan Sun News staff writer Eric Newman contributed to this report.
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video footage that’s fed through the network and modify signal times when traffic starts to back up. The cameras also have a “detection zone” that allows them to adjust signal times on their own without human interference. When an object crosses through the pre-programmed zone, then the camera can respond by extending a signal time. Several of the city’s existing cameras were installed 10 years ago and are considered outdated. Because cyclists generally move slower than vehicles, it’s believed the thermal cameras can tell analysts when to allow green lights to last a bit longer. These new cameras are not to be confused with the traffic-enforcement cameras used by the Chandler Police Department to catch speeders and redlight runners. The thermal cameras are used solely for traffic management and city staff cannot change a camera’s angle or zoom in on an object, officials said. Alviderez said the thermal cameras will further help achieve the city’s mission of being a leader in innovation. “It’s in line with some of the new strategies that were recently rolled out with implementing innovation
Danny Mehaffey points to a map of some of Chandler's intersection cameras, which may improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
and technology to improve mobility, enhance safety, promote efficiency for all the Chandler road-users,” she said. Chandler has long considered itself a “smart city” and has been implementing new types of technology in its various departments A majority of the project’s cost is covered through a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The City Council agreed to contribute about $260,000. The city plans to purchase more
cameras depending on the availability of grant funds. Twenty-four cyclists died in traffic accidents across Arizona in 2018 – a number that’s fluctuated over the last 10 years. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, 2017 saw a slight jump in fatalities with 32 cyclist deaths. A 62-year-old cyclist was killed in Chandler in June after they were struck from behind by a motorist. The Coalition for Arizona Bicyclists, a nonprofit that advocates for road safety,
think technology like Chandler’s new cameras can help cities accomplish their duty of making roads safe for all users. “The Coalition is encouraged that Chandler is moving in that direction and likewise encourages other cities to ensure traffic signals detect all types of traffic, including bicycles,” said Ed Beighe, a coalition member. The city has already tested the thermal cameras to ensure they can withstand the Arizona heat and staff will start replacing the old cameras over the next year.
Drones school opens at CGCC campus BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
A program devoted exclusively to teaching pilots how to fly drones has taken off at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Students at the college’s Williams campus can now take introductory courses in flying unmanned aerial vehicles and potentially become a licensed drone pilot. Dirk Van Voris, one of the program’s instructors, said the program works the same as any other flight school, except the pilots are controlling their vehicles from the ground. Theirs is the first drone program to operate in the Maricopa Community College District, Van Voris added. CGCC joins community colleges in Maryland, Michigan, and New Jersey in putting together courses that will prepare students for careers in the emerging drone industry. Van Voris said drones are at the “Wright Brothers stage” in aviation – referencing airplane innovators Orville and Wilbur Wright – because everything about UAVs is still new and developing. “What we’re trying to do is get ahead of the curb before we get so many people that we don’t know what to do with them,” Van Voris said. Drones were initially developed to carry out military missions thought to be too dangerous or dull for soldiers. In recent years, the devices have grown in popularity among civilians for recreational, agricultural, and commercial uses. Consumer drone sales ballooned from about $200 million in 2014 to
Dirk Van Voris demonstrates the flight simulator in his drone class at Chandler Gilbert Community College. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
nearly $800 million in 2016, according to the Consumer Technology Association. Retailers like Amazon have been investing in the mini helicopters to deliver packages to customers for the last few years. Journalists have found drones useful in safely documenting war zones and natural disasters. Van Voris said industries are constantly finding new ways to utilize these flying vehicles, creating a demand in the labor market. “They’re gonna need pilots,” he said. “We hope to fill that void.” Law enforcement is another sector that could potentially benefit from the
college’s classes, as more agencies in the Valley consider using drones to monitor traffic and investigate crime scenes. A small police agency can’t afford to buy a big helicopter, Van Voris added, so licensing an officer to fly drones could be an affordable substitute for some situations. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates the fleet of commercial drones flying in the United States will grow three times larger by 2023. CGCC already offers various degrees and certifications for students wanting to become pilots or technicians within the aviation industry. It currently
partners with the University of North Dakota to provide upper-division coursework in pilot training. The aviation department has been “booming” in recent years, according to CGCC President Greg Peterson, and faculty saw an opportunity to continue growing by delving into drones. “There’s a lot of applicability of this drone technology across industries,” Peterson said. “We’re really excited about being able to grow that.” Peterson was hired to lead the college a couple of years ago and said he’s tried to strategically partner with local industries to find out their workforce needs. “We’re really ramping up our ability to be more responsive,” the college president said. The drones program will eventually allow students to earn a certificate of completion or an associate’s degree in applied sciences. Students could then transfer to Arizona State University and possibly pursue a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical management technology. The college’s governing board invested about $1 million in building a flight lab at the Williams campus, which will allow students to safely fly drones within an enclosed space. Van Voris said the college copied the designs of similar flight labs at Kansas State University and the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. The school’s close proximity to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport made it necessary to construct a facility where drones could fly without interrupting the international air space.
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They found a new purpose after Siozos and her staff gave them a home at Pacifico. Along with a corral of horses and alpacas, Snickers helps to provide animal-assisted therapy to clients – mostly children and teens but some adults as well – struggling with depression or anxiety. The menagerie of critters allows clients to reconnect with nature and forget whatever trauma may haunt them in their daily lives. “The animals provide this amazing therapeutic support because they’re so non-judgmental,” Siozos said. Pacifico started treating clients last year and has already grown so much an expansion is in the works. They currently treat about 60 clients each week, Siozos said, several of whom are children struggling with mental health issues. There’s a need in the community to service young people battling stress and suicidal thoughts, Siozos said, and Pacifico offers a safe space that allows them to rejuvenate themselves. Pacifico recently purchased an eightacre ranch near Riggs Road and Val Vista Drive, which the staff will transform into an equine retreat by November. The new site will offer horse-training sessions, yoga classes, and vocational programs. Animal-assisted therapy has been around for several decades, Siozos added, but researchers have only
Jennifer Siozos, operating director, and Andy Riffle tend to the animals at Rancho del Pacifico in South Chandler, where abused animals find comfort in the clients who stay there and who comfort the clients in return. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)
recently begun to legitimize its health benefits. A 2017 study published in Health and Social Care found horse-therapy programs decreased emotional problems and hyperactivity for children of parents who struggled with
How To Improve Your Mobility & Independence To Continue Living An Active & Full Life! The New Secrets No Other Healthcare Has Told You About, Because It’s Brand New! By Leading Balance Expert, Dr. Lianne Rogers Are you worried about losing independence because of falls? Are you always looking for someone or something to hold on to when you walk outdoors? Are you worried that your declining mobility is keeping you from playing with your grandkids? Are you or somebody you know becoming increasingly worried about not being able to leave home and go out with friends and family because of unsteadiness and fear of falling? If you’re aged 70+, you answered “YES” to any of these questions and worry about your mobility declining or losing your independence than please pay special attention to what I’m about to tell you…it could help you get back the life you deserve. What’s more if you’re NOT the one who’s suffering, but your husband, wife, mother, father, or grandparent is than please read on because I have some special information that may benefit you and them. It’s a shame that so many people think this is all part of “getting old” and there is nothing to do about it but accept it. You may be gradually noticing a loss of mobility or independence in your life and I want to help you by simply sharing with you my FREE report filled with helpful tips to regain your mobility. Inside, could be the solution that lets you stay active, maintain independence to live a full life! For example: • Discover 3 exercises to improve your strength to keep you active and mobile longer. • Modifications to make your home safer and keep you living independent longer! • 4 different exercises to improve you balance and avoid falls! IMPORTANT: My offer to send you this report FREE must come with a restriction on the number copies I can mail out this week... there’s a limit of just 20 free copies…so it’s critical that you call TODAY and request your free report now. What To Do Next? • Option 1: Have your FREE Report mailed or emailed to you by Calling (480) 216-0019 • Option 2: Free Report + Free 30 Minute Consultation. Call (480) 216-0019. To Confirm: No one will ask you for money or anything else when you call, it’s completely FREE! Author: Dr. Lianne Rogers is the owner of Balance By Li At Home Physical Therapy and Wellness and specializes in helping people regain their mobility and independence to get back to a full and active life! Visit: www.Balancebyli.com E-mail: Lianne@balancebyli.com
substance abuse. Another study published in the Canadian Military Journal concluded veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder reported improvements to their behavior after undergoing animal-assisted therapy. The Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association estimates there are over 5,600 horses providing therapy all over the world. Debbie Smith, a Chandler resident, brought her 22-year-old son Sergei to Pacifico a few months ago and claims the animals have already had a beneficial impact on him. “His general outlook is much more positive and he’s been able to get a job and he’s being really successful with that,” Smith said. Her son experienced trauma as a child in Russia before Smith’s family adopted him. The family tried various types of therapy, but Smith said Pacifico stood out with its inclusive and welcoming environment. Siozos said the clients coming to Pacifico struggle with a variety of ailments and their treatment is dependent upon what their needs may be. Sessions often start letting new clients explore the pasture and freely interact with horses and goats. If the client is not accustomed to being around animals, staff may have them start small by asking them to brush one of the horses. They’ll advance to a more challenging task by asking the client to guide a horse through an obstacle course. During their first try, the client may struggle to get the horse to stop munching on grass. Siozos will instruct the client to be more assertive and confident with how they handle the animal. In the second go-around, the horse is not as distracted and follows their handler’s lead. “They read your energy and that’s why they’re so valuable in therapy,” Siozos added. “They give instant
feedback.” She recalled one client, a woman in her 40s, who hardly spoke or engaged with anyone when she first came to Pacifico. Then she started to open up once she met Coco, a miniature donkey. Coco was on his way to a kill pen before he was rescued by an animal shelter. The donkey’s interest in the client got her to come out of her shell, Siozos said, and gave her a sense of belonging. “When someone loses their sense of self through trauma, they don’t know where they belong,” Siozos said. The calming presence of the animals has also been restorative for Pacifico’s staff. Andy Riffle was stuck in a corporate job for several years before deciding he’d rather be around horses. He’s now Pacifico’s equine specialist and said being around the horses and goats has been therapeutic for him. The animals have this effect on clients that is almost instantaneous, he said, where their personality quickly changes. “It’s a magical experience when they come here,” Riffle said. Staff say Pacifico’s animals are benefiting too from all this human interaction. One of their horses, Crystal, was quite standoffish when she first arrived and wouldn’t let staff get close enough to attach halters to her head. Siozos said Crystal’s a former show horse, made to perform in several rodeos. She was nearly starved to death by the time she rescued by a horse sanctuary. Clients who have been abused or traumatized can identify with Crystal’s backstory, Siozos said, and become more open to the rest of treatment. “They have these connections that are so real,” she said. More information about services available at Rancho Del Pacifico can be found on its website at ranchodelpacificoaz.org.
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
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COMMUNITY NEWS
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
Chandler-Gilbert College food program praised SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
Chandler-Gilbert Community College has won an award for its food waste recycling program. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education gave the college its 2019 award for outstanding achievements in sustainability based on overall impact, innovation, stakeholder involvement and clarity. “We are honored,” said college President Greg Patterson. “Our food waste recycling project not only exemplifies our commitment to sustainability. It also showcases our emphasis on collaboration across disciplines.” Crediting “an outstanding team of students, faculty and staff ” for launching and growing the program, Patterson said, “The entire Chandler-Gilbert community will benefit from their dedication.” The project is a grant-funded campuswide initiative that the college says “offers deep, cross-disciplinary, experiential student learning via an innovative solution for CGCC’s food and green waste.” Students and faculty worked together to establish a three-receptacle system that facilitates the separation of food waste generated on campus. A group of biology and engineering students, with guidance from faculty, designed an organic waste digester machine to recycle food and green waste into a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer, which will be used to maintain campus grounds.
This unique organic waste digester turns food waste into liquid fertilizer on the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Campus and was built and designed by students and faculty. (Special to the San Tan Sun News)
In addition, biology, art, English and communications projects, students have started a marketing campaign that promotes a “sustainability mindset. It’s aimed at “changing the behavior of how the campus community handles their waste through increasing awareness of what happens to our food after we dispose of it,” the college said. Chandler-Gilbert students “play an integral role throughout this project, which offers a unique opportunity to practice translational science, bringing innovative ideas to the public while fostering critical
thinking and confidence in their innovative potential,” the association noted. The project “highlights both the research and implementation strategies and methods at Chandler-Gilbert and addresses the global need for sustainable waste management,” said CGCC Dean of Instruction Gabriela Rosu. She called the association’s award “a huge honor that will help raise awareness for this innovative solution to one of the world’s most significant challenges.” Association Director Meghan Fay Zahniser said Chandler-Gilbert
Community College and the other award winners “demonstrate an inspiring passion for solving some of the world’s most complex challenges.” “They are truly pioneering the campus sustainability movement,” she said. The association is devoted to making two-year colleges and four-year universities and colleges “change agents and drivers of sustainability innovation.” The college in May reported on the program and said: “to bring a project of this size to life requires many areas of expertise and participation by full time and adjunct faculty and staff from a wide variety of departments.” “A main facet of this program is to provide students with a unique opportunity for collaborative, experiential, theoretical and practical learning opportunities through tasks associated with the program,” the report said, adding that it “has already become well integrated into campus life.” It also noted that the “aerobic digester machine to recycle food and landscaping waste is not being utilized in Arizona,” and said the students have put the college “at the forefront of sustainable innovation.” Project organizers foresee the project going beyond the campus in that the liquid fertilizer they produce could be distributed to farmers and other agricultural businesses, “essentially replacing or reducing their reliance on conventional chemical fertilizers.”
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
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COMMUNITY NEWS
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
Finally, part of Gilbert’s biggest park to open BY CECILIA CHAN Staff Writer
The initial phase of Gilbert’s largest and newest park – which includes the longest slide in Arizona –opens today, Sept. 21, promising to ultimately become one of the East Valley’s biggest family destinations. The first 30 acres of the 272-acre regional park will a 17-foot-tall iconic playground equipped with three levels of climbing features, a zip-line and a 4,000-square-foot splash pad with 57 interactive water features. Other amenities in Phase 1A include a 200-space parking lot, ramadas and restrooms. The park has been years in the making with the town entering into an agreement in 2015 with Maricopa County Flood Control District to use the Chandler Heights Basin Area for the south Gilbert park. It’s projected when Gilbert reaches build-out in 2030, approximately 421,468 residents will be within the15-minute drive time service area of the regional park. After the grand opening, Gilbert is expected to begin work on Phase 1B. Scheduled for completion in late summer next year, that phase will include a 7-acre lake, a 10-acre event lawn, amphitheater, 16 pickleball courts, six tennis courts, two basketball courts and six sand-volleyball courts.
A splash pad with interactive features, a zip-line and other playground attractions await to be tried out starting next Saturday at Gilbert's newest and largest park. The park is part of the town's efforts to provide south Gilbert residents with more amenities. (Kimberly Carrillo./Staff)
The construction cost for Phase 1A is $14.4 million but with design and other project-related costs, the total
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The first phase is funded with system development fees, which are collected at the time a building permit is issued for residential, commercial and other non-residential development. Although the estimated total budget for the park has been reported at $100 million, the figure can change. “The full park has not been designed yet so we do not have a current estimate for the total cost of the park,” Harrison said. Town officials broke ground for the park near Queen Creek and Higley roads in May 2018. The regional park is being built in three phases, though a timeline has not
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been established for them. The second phase on 75 acres could include a disc golf course, skate park, bike park, mountain bike skills park, ropes course, dog park and basketball courts, according to recommendations made in a town master plan for the park. Funding could come from sale of townland and possible park bonds. Phase 3 on 150 acres includes more playing fields, close to 2,000 parking spots, trails, armadas and multi-use paths. Funding for phase 3 has not yet been identified. Adjacent to the mega-park is a $60 million state-of-the-art recreational water complex under construction. The Strand @Gilbert, which is expected to open next summer, sits on 25 of 47 acres the town owns in the area and has set aside for private-public recreation developments. Most recently the developer of the water park also expressed interest in a hotel project on 10 acres there.
Park grand opening events Gilbert Regional Park, Phase 1A opens, 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 3005 E. Queen Creek Road. Town Council members will give opening address at 8:30 a.m. • Beach Party: 8-10 a.m. • Beach giveaways from The Strand @ Gilbert (while supplies last) • Event swag from Gilbert Parks and Recreation Foundation • Bubble fun with Bubble Mania • Otter Pops with the Gilbert Police Department • Food vendors • Laser and Glow Party: 6- 9 p.m. • DJ and Glow Party • Beach giveaways from The Strand @ Gilbert (while supplies last) • Bubble Mania’s bubble glow wall • Lighted foam sticks from Gilbert Fire and Rescue • Food vendors • Laser light show finale Information: gilbertaz.gov/ gilbertregionalpark
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
Valley Christian students help community SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
Nearly 200 kids from Valley Christian High School in Chandler put away the books, pencils and notes for a day to pick up a paintbrush and help their community earlier this month. They were bussed to the East ValleyBoys and Girls Club Compadre Branch on East Chandler Blvd., to re-paint the fence and the railings of the facility. Others, meanwhile, picked up branches around the area. The few hours of work served as the conclusion of the school’s week-long spiritual emphasis conference, which included keynote speakers, worship time with the students and breakout sessions at the Crossroads Nazarene Church. Valley Christian High School has participated in a community service day for around three decades, but this is the second year the school partnered with the City of Chandler to help find areas of need in the community. In addition to the Boys and Girls Club, students also assisted on projects at the Chandler Salvation Army, Chandler-Gilbert Arc and the Chandler Senior Center. In all, around 500 students helped at the various locations. “We were looking for an opportunity to get our students out of the school and have them learn the value of service and loving on others outside the school,” said Tom Croke, the school’s Bible engage teacher who organized the event. “They get to see other people around them that have needs, tangible
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needs and that their world is bigger than just their school or their little community.” The City of Chandler Law Department was also on-site to lend a hand. “This shows you how committed not
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just the City of Chandler is to the community, but other agencies, including the Valley Christian schools,” Chandler City Attorney Kelly Schwab said. “I think it is awesome that the kids care enough to come out and the school cares enough to send them out. Logistically, it’s a lot of work, but they’re working really hard and we’re going to leave the Boys and Girls Club looking really nice.” Sophia Moron, a freshman at Valley Christian School, was excited to participate in the day of service after hearing about it in years previous. “I like getting out of school to help people, volunteer and make sure everything is working well,” Moron said. “It
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Above, preparing pancakes for the hungry crew of volunteers were, from left, students Peter Ruiyang, Zach Villani and Jonathan Ruiz. Below, other activities involved 2) Harrison Lentz freshening up a fence; 3) Maddi Wallace, left, and Sage Roth sanding railings; 4) Emma Myers painting the railings; 5) City Law Department member Kimberly Anderson grabbing a brush and pitching in as well; and 6) Gracie Smith contributing to the paint brigade. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
helps me see how much stuff needs to be done and how much I can impact the world to help other people.” Croke said the school requires students to also participate in volunteer service on their own time.
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
Opendoor stayed open too long in Chandler SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
Online real estate companies offer the convenience of letting buyers tour properties across the East Valley on their own time, but some have found ways to exploit these systems and end up with criminal charges. Adriana Gamboa, 26, told Chandler Police she and 29-year-old Gary Lynn didn’t mean any harm when they allegedly overstayed their welcome at an Opendoor home on Sept. 7. She and Lynn brought two young children to the vacant property, located in the 400 block of North Halsted Court, and were caught using the home’s shower to bathe the kids. An unidentified prospective buyer touring the Opendoor property walked in on the couple and called the police. “Neither subject understood why they were detained or later arrested,” the police report stated, “as they didn’t feel there was an issue with remaining in the residence and using the facilities.” Buyers interested in viewing one of Opendoor’s properties in Arizona can set up an account through the company’s app and receive an access code to gain entry into the home. Gamboa allegedly had the company’s app downloaded on her phone. She allegedly told CPD she walked
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to Halsted Court with the intention of looking at the property. Because of the heat, her children were sweaty from the walk so she decided to bathe them. Gamboa admitted she was looking for some “peace and quiet” away from My Sister’s Place, a domestic violence shelter in Chandler. Officers said bags of clothing found in the Opendoor home made it appear like Gamboa and Lynn were squatting in the residence. According to public records, an Opendoor representative told police
that prospective buyers are allowed only about an hour to tour one of its properties. The company installs motion sensors to ensure buyers don’t stay beyond the allotted time. A security guard told Chandler Police the motion sensors at Halsted Court were recently disabled and parts had been removed. Gamboa and Lynn were booked into the Chandler-Gilbert jail on trespassing charges. Lynn also was charged with drug possession. Gamboa’s children were handed over to the Arizona
Department of Child Safety. Chandler Police said this was the agency’s first trespassing case it knew of involving an Opendoor property. Patrick Mahoney, an Opendoor spokesperson, said the company automatically dispatches security guards to one of its properties whenever abnormal activity is detected. “Ensuring the safety of our customers, our neighbors, and our communities is one of the most important things we do every day at Opendoor,” Mahoney wrote in a statement, adding: “When Opendoor receives reports of unauthorized or suspicious activity in our homes, we immediately engage with our customers, investigate, and refer matters to law enforcement when appropriate.” Opendoor was founded in 2014 and presently buys homes all over the East Valley to sell online. The Tempe Police Department reported having at least two cases in the last year involving trespassers at Opendoor properties – one of which had similar circumstances as the Chandler case, according to Detective Greg Bacon. A spokesperson for Gilbert Police Department said the agency was not aware of any recent cases involving possible squatters at Opendoor properties.
Scamming Chandler nurse gets three years in prison BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
A former Chandler nurse has been sentenced to three years in prison for scamming nearly $190,000 out of insurance companies. After years of investigation by state regulators, 40-year-old Laura Bell has ended up behind bars for a series of frauds, lies, and questionable practices that included deceiving military veterans. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Howard Sukenic sentenced Bell after she pleaded guilty to attempted fraud, forgery, and trafficking stolen identities. The defendant will be placed on probation for three years after her release and she’ll have to pay back the $189,950 she illegally obtained from insurance companies. Authorities took Bell, who’s known by several aliases, into custody from her Chandler home last year after she was found to be treating patients without a nursing license. Three veterans claimed Bell was providing them psychiatric care under a fake name. According to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Bell never gave the veterans their prescriptions or a report to prove to the Veterans Administration they were undergoing care. The Arizona State Board of Nursing first suspended Bell’s license in 2015 after uncovering a number of potential violations. According to the
Laura Bell board’s records, Bell had been writing prescriptions for her then-husband and submitting several billings for his care through her private practice. Many of the claims were denied because medical providers cannot bill care for family members. Bell allegedly re-submitted some of the claims and changed the service codes used in insurance billings. The Nursing Board inquired about these claims and Bell gave them a copy of a letter purportedly written and signed by her account representative, stating they had mistakenly filed the claims in error. Bell’s account representative later told the board they never wrote any such letter.
The board discovered Bell had been arrested by Mesa Police in 2013 for a domestic violence incident with her exhusband. The defendant had allegedly stabbed a counter with a steak knife and provoked her husband by stroking a meat cleaver. Bell told the board she was terrified of her husband, though the couple continued living together after the 2013 incident. Bell named a psychologist who was treating her during this time, but the psychologist told the Board they had no memory or records of ever counseling Bell. Vanderbilt University contacted the board in 2015, alerting staff that Bell had lied about graduating from the college in a job application to Devereux Arizona. The website for Bell’s private practice also listed her as a Vanderbilt graduate. Board documents show Bell admitted to falsifying her credentials, claiming she was trying to make her resume more marketable in a competitive industry. After her nursing license was suspended, Bell went on to file applications at nursing boards in Nevada, Oregon and North Dakota. She even applied for certification in Arizona under a new name while still under investigation for prior violations. The Arizona Board officially revoked her license in December 2016 due to her psychiatric issues, falsification of credentials, and treating her ex-husband as a patient.
Even without a license, Bell continued working in medicine and billing insurance companies for payment. Court records show Bell tried changing the name on her college transcripts by sending the University of Alabama forged documents, possibly in an attempt to obtain a new nursing license. The Arizona Department of Insurance was tipped off in January 2018 by a medical professional who suspected their identity had been stolen by someone to illegally treat patients. Throughout its investigation, the agency suspected Bell was receiving payments from the Veterans Administration and medical insurers by using the identities of other nurses to submit up to 2,500 billings for care. Assistant Attorney General Tarah White called Bell’s actions “troubling,” considering how her conduct kept escalating over time. She had wished Bell gotten a five-year prison sentence. “The defendant’s relentless pursuit to try to outsmart the Arizona Board of Nursing and fill her bank account with fraudulent proceeds warrants a significant sentence to the Arizona Department of Corrections,” White wrote in a memorandum before Bell’s sentencing. A grand jury indicted Bell last summer for 12 felony counts of fraud, theft and money laundering. Several of the charges were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
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Eduarda Schroder organizes several doxen volunteers who distrubute suicide prevention droor hangers Sunday morning in the Desert Breeze area of Chandler, near Aprende Middle School. (Pablo RoblesStaff Photographer)
Volunteers distribute suicide prevention door hangers SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
About two dozen adults and Aprende Middle School students gathered early Sunday Sept. 15 to distribute suicide prevention door hangers in a Chandler neighborhood. Eduarda Schroder, one of the four mothers who founded Parents for Suicide Prevention, organized the event to distribute the door hangers her organization designed and printed as part of their Suicide Prevention Month activities. The door hangers are designed for both adults and teens with warning signs of suicidal tendencies, phone numbers to call for help and a basic reminder for young people who feel there’s no way out: “Please reach out…You are not alone.” People who want to help circulate the door hangers or even keep one in a visible place in their home can email joyBlanchard@gmail.com. The need for the door hangers and other preventative measures has been reinforced in the last two weeks. A Mesa girl, 18, and a Mesa boy, 17, took their lives in separate incidents, as did a 17-year-old Gilbert boy. That brought to at least 38 the number of teens in Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler and Queen Creek who have taken their lives since July 2017. The three most recent teen suicides were within days before and after the governor signed into law on Sept. 11 a requirement that all school personnel – from teachers to bus drivers – receive evidence-based training in how to rec-
ognize suicidal tendencies in teens and what to do about it. Ahwatukee state Sen. Sean Bowie won bipartisan support to pass the measure in the last legislative session. Another driving force of its passage was the heart-wrenching testimony before Senate and House committees from parents whose children had taken their lives. Aprende Middle School was a focal point for the distribution campaign last Sunday because two graduates of the school and one student took their lives over the last five years. The two grads were Corona del Sol High School students when their lives were lost – a fact not lost on Tempe Union school board member Sandy Lowe, who was part of the Sunday event along with several teachers and coaches at the school. “An issue that always is top on my mind is mental health,” Lowe said. “We’ve got to get a handle on that and it’s just really tough.” Schroder approached Sunday’s distribution event like a field general. She gave each group of volunteers maps of the neighborhoods around the Chandler Police Department’s Desert Breeze Park Substation to show where the door hangers were to be simply put on the front door. “We’re not talking to anyone, just getting the word out,” she said. Schroder and other members of Parents for Suicide Prevention held a rally outside Aprende and Principal Renee Kory was on hand to encourage the volunteers and lend them her support.
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Around Chandler Oktoberfest in downtown Chandler coming next week
SanTan Brewing Company will hold its annual Oktoberfest 5-11 p.m. Sept. 27 and 3-11 p.m. Sept. 28 at Dr. AJ Chandler Park in partnership with Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations and the Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, offering German food and games, SanTan Brewing craft beer and spirits, vendors, live local and national entertainment, family activities and carnival rides. For the first time, SanTan Oktoberfest will feature amusement rides, including a ferris wheel, giant carnival slide, kids’ funhouse and adult thrill ride, The Hammer. Guests can also expect the return of crowd favorites like polka music, Von Hanson’s brat eating contests, stein holding competitions, keg stacking matchups and bring-yourown wiener dog races. Tickets will be available at Bashas,’ including discounted Saturday admission. General admission does not include food or beverages. Tickets for the Chapman Automotive VIP Lounge are available online, starting at $50. These include four beverages, catered dinner, private restrooms, front stage access and private seating. Go to SanTanOktoberfest.com for more information.
Coldwell Banker in Chandler hosting animal adoption event The Chandler office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage will partner with East Valley Elves to host an animal adoption 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 28 at 1045 W. Queen Creek Road, Chandler. They are joining hundreds of Coldwell Banker offices and animal shelters around the country for the Coldwell Banker “Homes for Dogs” National Adoption Weekend.
Race 4 Unity Walk/Run to hit Tumbleweed Park next month Chandler’s third annual Race 4 Unity Family Fun Walk/Run at Tumbleweed Park will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 20 to “celebrate friendship and a acceptance
to all people regardless of their ethnicity, religion, race, nationality or other difference,” organizers say. Sponsored by the Bahá’ís of Chandler and supported by the Chandler Human Relations Commission, the Race 4 Unity will include refreshments and music along with a Native American blessing and a brief presentation on the virtue of unity. Free Registration is at Eventbrite. com and search for “Race 4 Unity.”
Time growing short for young Chuck Wagon Cook-Off cooks
Kids 10 to 15 have until Sept. 27 to register for the Nov. 10 Junior Campers Clinic at the 10th annual Chuck Wagon Cook-Off at Tumbleweed Ranch. While the entire cook-off runs Nov. 8-10, the junior chefs will gather on Nov. 10. They will make their own mini peach cobbler and a savory foil meal, where they can choose some of their own add-in ingredients. No cooking experience is required to participate in the cooking clinic. The cost is: $10 per child and registration is first come, first serve. The form is online at pardnersoftumbleweedranch. org. Questions about the Junior Campers’ Cooking Clinic can be directed to karen.go@travelstore.com. The 10th Annual Chandler Chuck Wagon Cook-Off is presented by the Chandler Museum, Pardners of Tumbleweed Ranch and Biscuitflats Chuck Wagon. Information: 480-782-2717 or going to chandleraz.gov/museum.
Chandler couple wins $5K prize from True REST Float Spa A Chandler couple got to spend some time in Hawaii after winning $5,000 in travel vouchers the True REST Float Spa Summer Float Contest. Mason Davis and his wife picked Hawaii as their destination after winning a contest open to all new members and upgrades. When asked why Davis was attracted to floatation therapy, he said, “II am going through a training academy right now to become a firefighter. The strain that it puts on the body and the mental aspect as well. Floating has helped me
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Legacy Traditional teacher wins grant from Voya Financial
Voya Financial, a provider of retirement plans for educators, has awarded a $2,000 grant to Teri Knapp, a teacher at Legacy Traditional School’s Chandler campus as part of the company’s 2019 Unsung Heroes awards program. Voya said it awards grants to K-12 educators nationwide “to honor their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects and their ability to positively influence the children they teach.” Knapp’s innovative teaching idea, “Text to Speech,” focuses on helping elementary students with reading disabilities or those who are English Language Learners develop reading independence and confidence. Traditionally, these students rely on an adult or peers to guide them through readings. This method results in feelings of helplessness, frustration and anxiety. To combat this and arm her students with self-efficacy, Knapp plans to utilize the Voya grant to provide her students with C-Pen reader devices, which scan text and read it back to the children, while also giving a visual. “The pen gives children the freedom to read independently and expand their understanding of the content for themselves and not distilled by another,” the company noted. Knapp said she hopes to foster motivation and confidence in her students who are at a disadvantage by giving them the tools to succeed. As one of 100 winners across the country, Knapp will now compete with other finalists for one of the top three prizes – an additional $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 from Voya Financial.
Photographer to discuss her mid-century Chandler house
Chandler’s next Our Stories speaker series at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 28 at the Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware St., will feature photographer Holly Metz discussing Chandler mid-century neighborhoods, houses, churches and commercial buildings that still exist today, including her own home. The homes emphasize sleek lines, interesting angles and organic shapes and were popularized during Arizona’s post WWII era and created for, and available to the average person. Metz will also talk about Glenn McCollum, a prolific mid-century architect based in Chandler. Throughout his 37-year career from 1954 to 1991, McCollum designed nearly 500 contemporary projects throughout Chandler and Arizona. Metz’s work has been exhibited at the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. She is also the senior curator at the Huhugam Heritage Center of the Gila River Indian Community. The free event is produced and hosted by the Chandler Public Library and the Chandler Museum, with support
from the Friends of the Chandler Public Library and the Chandler Historical Society. Information: 480-782-2751, or chandlerlibrary.org.
Congressman to discuss D.C. at Sun Lakes Republicans meeting The Sun Lakes Republican Club will feature Congressman Andy Biggs at its 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 meeting in the Arizona Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 S. Sun Lakes Blvd., Sun Lakes. The public is invited to the free event. Biggs will share his perspective on national legislation and “what’s really going on” in Washington, D.C. Also speaking will be Chandler state Rep. Jeff Weninger, who will provide a forecast of the upcoming legislative session and review recent accomplishments. Information: Mike Tennant, 480-802-0178.
Chandler getting Arizona’s largest Marriott hotel
The first full-service Marriott hotel in Chandler – under construction at Willis Road and the Loop 101 Price Freeway in Park Place – is preparing to hire more than 100 people before it opens this fall. As the largest full-service Marriott in the state, the 182,000-square-foot property will feature 264 rooms, 26,000 square feet of event and convention space, a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor lounging areas and a fitness center. It also will be home to Café MeSo, a Southwestern and Mediterranean inspired restaurant, Proof 19, a craft cocktail and tequila-focused bar, as well as a morning café. Job applicants can register Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Marriott Phoenix Chandler
Dinner and dancing series in Sun Lakes starts this Sunday
Live bands playing music from the 1950s through the 70s, ballroom and line dancing and optional dinners will be featured at the Sun Lakes Cottonwood San Tan Ballroom, 25630 S Brentwood Drive, Sun Lakes, beginning this month and continuing on various dates through March 25. Scheduled dances are Sept. 22, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 5, Jan. 26 and March 1. The final dance on March 29 is a formal dance banquet that includes dinner at $50 per person and reservations for that are required. Tickets to all eight dances combined are available at reduced cost. Information: 480-699-7334 or Tjohnyu@gmail.com.
Ataxia Support Group to hold fundraiser in Chandler
The Arizona Ataxia Support Group, associated with the National Ataxia Foundation, is holding a fundraiser dinner Oct. 5 at The Old Spaghetti Factory, 3155 See
AROUND on page 22
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W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. An estimated 150,000 individuals in the United States have this debilitating condition, a rare and often fatal neurodegenerative disorder. Symptoms include severe problems with coordination, balance, and speech. Altered vision, hearing, sensation, and various other medical problems are common. Ataxia is progressive, affecting
children and adults. It may be inherited and there is no cure or effective treatment. The National Ataxia Foundation was established in 1957 to help ataxia families through research, education, and patient services. By raising awareness in the community, we hope to offer support and resources to more people affected by ataxia. NAF provides research and support to those impacted by ataxia and funds research studies worldwide. Businesses are sought for
sponsorships for the event. Information: ataxia.org, 480-212-6425 or arizonaataxia@gmail.com
Vehicles sought for 7th annual car show here
The seventh annual Kustom Karz show benefitting Lost Our Home Pet Rescue is Dec. 7 in downtown Ocotillo and organizers say people who want to enter their vehicles should act fast because only 135 vehicles will be allowed,
The show, running 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 7, will be held at 2577 W. Queen Creek Road. The $25 per car or vendor entry fee includes a t-shirt and goodie bag. For visitors, there will be music, raffle prizes, food and 50/50 raffle, a full honor guard and a live performance of the National Anthem and trophy presentations by local celebrities, including Jack Holder, a Pearl Harbor survivor. Information: Ralph Guariglio, kokonuto@cox.net or 480-241-7622.
Forum will teach people how to run for office SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
Valley residents considering a run for local political office face several challenges, from gaining name recognition with voters to navigating complex campaign finance laws. That is why civic organization Scottsdale Coalition of Today and Tomorrow, or SCOTT, partnered with local Realtor groups to host a non-partisan regional Community Candidate Orientation & Development program on Sept. 24. The event is open to all residents interested in the political process, from those considering entering an election down the road to incumbents running for reelection. “This will give them a real good taste
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of what they need to do to prepare and be ready for that should they decide to jump into a race somewhere,” SCOTT Executive Director Don Henninger said. Henninger said the forum will be geared to those considering a run for local offices such as city councils or school boards “but there’d be value there also for anybody running for the legislature and other statewide offices, like corporation commission and things like that.” The forum will feature national speakers brought covering campaign basics, Henninger said. They will talk on a range of topics, including running for office, campaign planning and budgeting, research and targeting, fundraising, voter contact, online communications and how to get
out the vote. The event will also have a panel entitled “I’ve been elected, what’s next?” featuring local experts and former Valley elected officials. The panelists include former Mesa City Manager Mike Hutchinson, former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, former Phoenix Councilmember Maria Baier, and Chuck Couglin, president of HighGround. SCOTT initially partnered with the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors, or SARR, to create a Scottsdale-only forum, but decided to expand the event Valleywide SARR recruited its sister organizations in the Phoenix Metro to open the forum to all Valley residents. Southeast Valley Regional
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Chandler designer ready for Phoenix Fashion Week BY KATIE SAWYER Contributor
When it came to clothing, Nicole Willis was a willful child. She knew exactly what she wanted, and what she didn’t want — she knew for certain she did not want to sew. “My grandmother wanted me to learn to sew. She would make my clothes for me and I just wanted absolutely nothing to do with it,” Willis laughed. “I fought her tooth and nail.” The irony is clear to her now, as the Chandler clothing designer prepares to make her debut at the Phoenix Fashion Week next month with her clothing line, Astrid Underground, Oct. 3-5. Willis joined 10 other fashionistas competing for the title of Designer of the Year 2019 in an intensive “boot camp” to prepare for the show. They aren’t only competing for glory; there’s also $10,000 on the line for the winner. Some days, they spend upwards of eight hours in classes preparing for the show. There are designs to perfect, models to choose from and not a whole
Chandler clothing designer Nicole Willis is flanked by models wearing, as she is, some of her steampunk outfits that she’ll be displaying bat the Phoenix Fashion Week shows next month. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
lot of time to spare. “If you think about a designer, and how long it takes them to create a collection, they usually take a year. I’m getting this done in four months,” Willis explained. “So, we have to look at books, we have to do line sheets, we have to do marketing, we have to do manufacturing, pattern making — everything. I’m doing it all, every step of the way.” Willis described the average design team as including 10-12 people, but she said she’s a “oneman show.” “I wake up at 7 in
the morning every morning and I usually don’t get into bed until about midnight, so hopefully it’ll all pay off,” she said. The boot camp focuses on branding and how to be at the forefront of people’s minds. “You’ve got to get your name out there. So, in order to do that, you’ve got to be in people’s faces. Whether it’s on Facebook, Instagram, pop up shops, trade shows — whatever it is, you’ve got to get yourself out there, because if they’re not looking at you, then they’re not thinking about you,” she said. Willis believes she has a creative edge that sets her apart from the other designers. “My style is completely unique to anybody else that’s competing and I think that I’m going to appeal to the crowd that doesn’t necessarily always fit in.” Though she’s earned confidence in the field, Willis wasn’t always sure of her chosen path. “I was an addict for 10 years and when I finally got clean, I had no passion for anything,” she said. “I didn’t really have a See
FASHION on page 27
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help. They call the hospital back up but talking to someone at the hospital is different from someone First-time mom April Parker thought coming to the home.” breastfeeding her son, Silas would be easy. Parker said Milk Makers was an But she found that wasn’t the case immense resource. when she returned to her Gilbert home “She helped me so much in one with her newborn. visit,” Parker said. “She sat next to “I thought it would come naturally me and made sure my son’s mouth when they just open their mouth,” Parker position was right and watched said. “But it’s a lot more complicated. I was him latch on. She helped me with having issues with latching and also lot a few positions so I was able to of pain to the point where I just couldn’t continue nursing him and I didn’t nurse him. So, I needed help.” have the pain. Help came in the form of a new “She is so genuine and really Gilbert business — Milk Makers, a mobile caring about my situation and I lactation and breastfeeding service. can tell she has a passion about “Breastfeeding is such a hard it and is very knowledgeable. It’s experience,” said owner Leana Thompson hard to find someone like that.” RN, BSN and IBCLC. “Lots of people get Milk Makers should find plenty frustrated because everyone tells them, of customers like Parker because Milk Makers owner Leana Thompson of Gilbert said her mobile service has helped new moms. (Special to the San Tan Sun News) it’s natural, the baby knows what to do. breastfeeding is on the increase If someone had a in the United States, according to uncertainty around and pumping goes smoothly at home.” traumatic birth with the CDC. breastfeeding and Thompson added. “It is vital for newborns complications, the The rate for infants who are ever lactation and create to get the nutrition they need.” baby is stunned breastfed is currently at 83.8 percent, but a tailored care plan. She got the idea for her business after from the birth and that drastically drops to 57.3 percent for “My consultations numerous new moms in the hospital needs help and to infants still breastfed at 6 months, the typically last would ask, “Can I bring you home with be trained to suck, agency reported. anywhere from me?”’ said Thompson, who currently swallow and breathe. Breastfeeding is the best source of one to two works part time at an East Valley hospital. “So many moms nutrition for most babies and can help hours depending Milk Makers offers five packages are so overwhelmed. reduce the risk for some short- and longon the level of ranging from $75 to $285. Since launching It’s a stressful term health conditions for both infants support a mom is in July, Thompson has had around 15 event and I try to and mothers. looking for,” said clients. make it as stressBreastfed infants have reduced risks Thompson, a highAlthough lactation consultation is less as possible of obesity, gastrointestinal infections, risk antepartum/ available for new moms in the hospital, and give them as asthma, ear and respiratory infections postpartum it’s generally a quick 15-minute overview much support and and sudden infant death syndrome while registered nurse for and by request, according to Thompson, a nursing moms can have lower risks of guidance.” over seven years. Gilbert resident. At the home, high-blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and “We provide “Moms come home and usually by day Thompson will ovarian and breast cancers, according to breastfeeding three or four the mom starts to realize perform a physical the CDC. services from start they have issues and are having pain,” she assessment of Additionally, low rates of breastfeeding Leana Thopmson of Gilbert is a a nurse and owner of a to finish to ensure said. “There’s a lack of resources. the mother and mobile service that helps breastfeeding moms. breastfeeding “People don’t know where to turn for baby, address any (Special to the San Tan Sun News) See on page 28 BY CECILIA CHAN Staff Writer
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FASHION
from page 24
focus. So, I tried to figure out where my focus was going to be.” With her family’s support, she tried her hand at cooking at Scottsdale’s Le Cordon Bleu, but it didn’t go exactly as planned. “I decided that I absolutely hate cooking. I do. It’s atrocious,” she laughed. She and her husband William Willis began opening recovery homes. They now own and operate seven One Direction AZ facilities in the Valley to help individuals who are homeless, addicted or leaving prison. Willis eventually landed at Mesa Community College – and found what she was looking for. “I had never stitched in my life, so I went through all the sewing classes plus design classes, draping, pattern making, they have it all. You can even learn to tiedye in there,” she said. One professor, Lori Laing, was especially helpful to Willis when she was finding her style at MCC. “I’d be in there and she’d be looking around at all the other girls stuff. She’d go ‘Oh that’s pretty.’ ‘Oh, that looks great.’ ‘That’s fantastic. Ooh.’ And then she’d come over and she’d look at mine and she goes, ‘Huh, that’s interesting,’” Willis said. Willis said her style has never been one to conform to the fashion norms. As a young adult, she expressed
herself through her clothing, often taking inspiration from steampunk and Gothic styles of clothing. “I was the girl who went out and dressed in black and corsets and chains and spikes,” she said. Steampunk is a mixture of industrial and Victorian pieces, which form a cohesive style somewhere between sleek corsets and metal goggles. You won’t find the ruffles commonly found on Victorian clothing in Willis’
one-of-a-kind corsets is 100 percent cotton Batik material, which holds a special meaning to Willis as they were given to her by her grandmother. “When she passed away, I inherited all of her stashes. She was a big quilter,” Willis said. “So, I decided to put all of those fabrics to the insides of the corsets that I already have made right now. So, it’s kind of like my grandmother’s with me throughout the whole process.” Though her line of different styles of
got to get your name out there. So, in order to do that, you’ve got “toYou’ve be in people’s faces. Whether it’s on Facebook, Instagram, pop up shops, trade shows — whatever it is, you’ve got to get yourself out there, because if they’re not looking at you, then they’re not thinking about you. – Nicole Willis
”
designs, however, as she also integrates the Gothic and emo culture of the 2000s to form a mash-up unlike any other. “I don’t do a lot of ruffles. I don’t do a lot of pleats. I do unusual shapes and textures,” she explained. “(Lori) just allowed me to be as creative as I wanted to be without letting me know that what I was doing was wrong. Because, I mean, it wasn’t necessarily wrong. It was just different.” Corsets are an integral part of her fashion line, and lining the inside of the
corsets is the main event, Willis has also been busy making intricately designed and stitched leggings to pair with them, as well as some formal and clubwear she will debut at the show. Last month, she had the opportunity to showcase some of her up-and-coming designs during a pop-up event at Moxy Tempe. She also sold a few of her pieces to attendees. “I was really kind of surprised the underbust are more popular than the heart-shaped ones I have because
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everybody tells me how much they love that design,” she said. “But as long as they’re selling, I don’t care. I was pretty excited.” She’s also tapping into the rave movement, as there’s been a big uptick in the kinds of fashion worn at raves and festivals like Burning Man. She describes both her personal style and fashion line as “the rave, steampunk, Gothic, underground type.” “I like to say that my girl is going to be a girl who is a geek by day, goth by night,” she said. Willis believes the subgenre of steampunk is only continuing to grow, and many women identify with the feeling of being unique and different from what’s normally on a runway. “The industrial movement has really kind of picked up steam – pardon the pun – but it’s still very underground,” Willis said. “My client will spend just a little bit extra to make sure she gets that exact right piece to complete any outfit.” It’s not always easy being an outlier in her design boot camp, however. “There are a couple of high-end designers and they make me question what I’m doing if it’s good enough,” she said. “but I need to get out of that habit of trying to compare myself to others, because my brand is not like any other brand that’s competing.” Information: astridunderground.com or her instagram @astridunderground.
Chandler firm sets itself apart in solar industry SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
As the energy industry continues to change with new technology, a Chandlerbased company is re-branding itself to keep up with the times. Elevation Home-Energy Solutions, formerly known as Elevation Solar, doesn’t consider itself exclusively as a solar power company anymore. It considers itself more of a problem-solver for all energy uses. CEO Clayton Andersen said there’s a negative shadow hanging over the solar industry that his company is staying away from. “We’re excited to be different from a lot of the stereotypes that currently exist in this industry,” he said, referring to pushy salespeople. Instead, he said, his company wants to advocate for consumers. Solar energy has been booming in the Southwest for several years and scammers are finding ways to take advantage of customers. Horror stories have surfaced recently of Valley residents paying thousands of dollars for panels that were never delivered. Arizona’s attorney general has routinely warned residents to be wary of highpressure solar salesmen who promise big savings on power bills. Andersen said his company wants to be different, which is why Elevation may not even encourage customers to go solar. They’re not focused on installing as many rooftop panels as possible, the CEO said, they want every customer to have an energy-efficient home. “We wanted to take a cateredapproach to solving an individual homeowner’s needs and address those needs with solutions and technology that
would be beneficial to them,” he said. This strategy appears to be working, as Elevation recently moved into a new headquarters in Chandler and has reported year-over-year growth of up to 70 percent. With a staff of about 170 employees, Elevation operates in seven states outside of Arizona and plans to keep expanding. Energy Star, a government-backed utility program, honored Elevation as its contractor of the year in 2019. Andersen said the secret to his company’s success has been focusing on customer service. “We put a lot of time and energy and focus into providing an elevated
Elevation Home-Enegery Solutions, which has rebranded itself from Elevation Solar, intends to set itself apart from high-pressure sales people in the solar panel industry, CEO Clayton Anderson says. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
experience for customers,” he said. Aside from solar panels, Elevation offers chargers for electric cars and various types of smart-home technology. Innovations to how energy is produced and consumed are happening rapidly, Andersen added, and his company wants to stay ahead of everyone else. “This industry is changing drastically,” Andersen said. “We want to be right at the center of that change.”
BUSINESS
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MILK
from page 24
add more than $3 billion a year to medical costs for the mother and child in the United States, the CDC said. Milk Makers currently serves Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, Mesa and Tempe. The company will accommodate mothers
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
outside the coverage area. “It’s mostly the East Valley where the need is,” Thompson said. “The goal down the line when I grow is to have a consultant in every area, all over the Valley.” Information: themilkmakers.com or email info@themilkmakers.com.
Gilbert Walmart piloting Mamava lactation pods
The Walmart supercenter at 5290 S. Power Road in Gilbert is one of the chain’s three outlets across the country to begin piloting a Mamava Lactation Suite, also called Mamava pods, for breastfeeding mothers. Each pod contains amenities that breastfeeding moms need — including plugs, seating space and air conditioning. Mamava was started by two moms and
has thousands of locations across the U.S., but Walmart is the first retailer to test the free-standing Mamava pods in a store setting. This pilot is the result of Walmart real estate associate and new mom, Tennille Webb, who travels often for her job, but struggled to find a consistent place to pump. She saw the Mamava Pod in an airport and thought it would be of use to customers.
Powerful tax strategies can improve retirement BY HAROLD WONG
Guest Writer
On Dec. 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act became law. This is the most sweeping tax legislation since the Tax Reform Act
of 1986. The easiest way to more retirement savings is to simply save taxes. If one can save $25,000 a year of taxes for 20 years and average an 8 percent annual return, that’s an extra $1,235,573 of retirement savings. There are several powerful tax strategies that can save major tax. The first is maximizing contributions to your own retirement plan. If you are a business owner, you can contribute much more than the limits for those who are employees only. Case study 1: A client in South Dakota farms several thousand acres. In one year, he contributed $277,000 to a new defined benefit plan and family 401k. This saved
him about $100,000 in taxes. He was in his 60s and had used CPA’s for 30 years but had never got a single major tax-saving strategy. In addition, the $277,000 was set up as self-directed retirement plans, where he was not forced to buy Wall Street investments. He used the funds to build the only new house that year in his county and expected to make $25,000+ profit. In contrast, virtually every employee who contributes to a traditional IRA or 401k is forced to buy stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Section 179 has been in the tax code since 1958. It allows a taxpayer to deduct or “expense” qualifying property, defined as “depreciable tangible personal property that is purchased for use in the active conduct of a trade or business.” The deduction limits have been raised substantially: $2,000 in 1958; $500,000 in 2017; and now $1,000,000 in 2018 and beyond. The 30 percent solar tax credit was
created by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and has been renewed twice, most recently in 2015. If the law is not renewed, this tax credit will drop to 26 percent in 2020; 22 percent in 2021 and then 10 percent in 2022 and beyond. Case study 2: A retired couple has 2019 taxable income of $110,000. In 2018, they had a banner year with $160,000+ income. They wanted to convert their $220,000 traditional IRA to a Roth IRA in 2019 to eliminate future required minimum Distributions, where the IRS forces increasing annual taxable distributions from traditional IRAs or 401ks. They would now have a $330,000 taxable income in 2019. If they purchase $160,000 of solar refrigeration equipment and lease it to large food companies, Section 179 will generate $136,000 of immediate deductions in 2019 ($160,000 less half of the $48,000 solar tax credit). In addition, they will receive the 30 percent solar tax credit. This will reduce the 2019 federal tax to 0 and recover all
the federal tax paid in 2018. They will now owe 0 tax, no matter how much they earn, on the $200,000 in their new Roth IRA for three generations: their lives, their kids’ lives and their grandkids’ lives. Conclusion: there are powerful tax strategies that can lower your current taxes and even recover taxes paid in the previous year. In addition, one can convert 100 percent taxable IRA’s and 401k’s to taxfree Roth IRA’s without paying lots of tax. A free seminar: on how you can maximize your Social Security and other retirement income and save big with the new tax law” will be held 9:30-11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–noon Sept. 21 at the Ahwatukee Event Center, 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee. RSVP: 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@hotmail.com. - Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at the University of California/ Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.
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BUSINESS
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
29
Helicopter repair company picks Chandler for new digs BY TORRENCE DUNHAM
Contributor
Citing Arizona’s lower taxes and cost of living, a California family-owned helicopter engine repair and overhaul company will move its operations to Chandler. Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services, or H.E.R.O.S. Inc., focuses on the Rolls Royce Model 250 series of engines and will occupy a 19,000 square-foot of vacant industrial space near N. 54th St. and the I-10. The company will bring 10 employees from California and create 25 new jobs, six of which have already been hired and brought out to California to train. “We’re very excited to be part of the Arizona family and we’re looking forward to being there,” said company Vice President Raffi Kajberouni, the son of President Heros Kajberouni. “Never in a million years did our family ever envision wanting to move, it’s not what was in our plans,” Raffi said. “However, the increasing taxes, the decreasing support for businesses and the increasing regulations in regards to human resources as far as it’s a limitation to what businesses can do drove us to where we are going.” H.E.R.O.S. Inc., founded in 1988, is just one of many companies whose frustration with California is resulting in a greater focus on opportunities in Arizona. “There’s been multiple companies that we’ve been working with and some companies have made that choice,” Chandler
Helicopter Engine Repair Overhaul Services provides a range of repair and maintenance services. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
Economic Development Specialist Ryan Kaup said. “California is probably our top market; it is our top state that we recruit companies from. We really have a good story to tell here in Arizona with lower costs and easier to do business. We’re expecting more of these announcements in the future.” Kaup added, “Projects like this are really great for the city and the whole region because they’re net new jobs from outside of Arizona. These will be new people moving in from California as well as new
job openings for existing residents within the region. These are good base industry jobs that help grow this aerospace cluster.” After deciding to relocate, Kajberouni and the H.E.R.O.S. Inc. team looked at three markets: Texas, Nevada and Arizona. Kajberouni says the company decided against Texas due to the distance away from California, where 50 percent of their business comes from. Nevada was also off the table because Kajberouni was concerned about a lack of surrounding amenities. In addition to more attractive housing options in the Valley, Kajberouni said the aerospace industry in Arizona was a big driver of interest. Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, said the Valley has evolved into one of the top aerospace and defense hubs. “We’re seeing tremendous amounts of aerospace and MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) growth in the region,” Camacho said. “The operating environment is attractive<’ Camacho said. “We have one of the lower costs of operations position, but even more important than that is our university, particularly Arizona State University. Their engineering school is the largest university engineering school in the United States with 23,000 engineers.” Camacho noted that “modern infrastructure, a growing community and access to the California market, all of these ingredients are why this market is
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attractive.” The original location of interest for H.E.R.O.S. Inc. was Gilbert. However, after a year of discussion, Kajberouni says the company was unable to find a location. In a press release, Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said, “We are happy to welcome H.E.R.O.S. to the West Chandler employment corridor and our thriving business community. They will have access to a talented workforce and we wish them many years of success in Chandler.” Intel’s $7-billion expansion of its complex in Chandler also served as an endorsement for Chandler to the H.E.R.O.S Inc. team. “We were pretty impressed that Intel has their campus there and that they were actually going to be expanding,” Kajberouni said. “We took that as a way of if Intel is willing to put this much money and they believe in the City of Chandler, then there’s no reason why we couldn’t do the same.” Knap added, “The large employers within Chandler really help market the city and show that there’s the ability to scale up in Chandler. “That’s what this company is hoping to do. They’re coming in with these initial jobs, but they’re hoping to grow and they’ve told us already that they’ve been impressed with the workforce quality here.” Kajberouni says the opening later this year will complete an 18-month moving process for the company.
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
Don’t let your estate plan collect dust BY JAMES PHELPS
Guest Writer
Not long ago, we met with the children of one of our clients who recently passed away. The mother had done well to complete her living trust nearly 20 years ago. But then, her trust sat on a shelf in her office collecting dust, and she ignored our reminders to come in to review the trust. When meeting with the children, we discovered that the deed to their mom’s house was in her personal name and no longer in the trust. We began to investigate and found out that mom had refinanced her house years ago. At that time, the bank had taken the house out of the trust without saying a word
to our client. Unfortunately, the house had to be probated through a pour-over will. Under the terms of a pour-over will, all property that passes through the will at your death is transferred to (poured into) your trust. It must be settled in probate court, which creates extra expense for the estate with lawyer and court fees. It also causes delays in the distribution of estate assets. Just like maintaining your vehicle in good working order, an estate plan must be kept up-to-date to work properly. We have reviewed countless estate plans over the years and seldom do we run into a plan that has been kept completely up-to-date. As time passes, there are always going to be changes in your life that call for some fine-tuning—newly acquired assets,
changes in family relationships, children that have grown up (or not!), changes in your wishes, and so on. If your estate plan does not reflect these changes, it is likely that the inheritance you leave behind will be diminished in some way. On occasion, there are also changes in the trust laws or tax laws that provide us with new opportunities to improve your estate plan. Too often, we see clients come in with trusts that have not been updated for 5, 10, or even 20 years. And sometimes, unfortunately, by the time we get a phone call from the client’s children or advisors, it is too late to update the trust. When choosing an estate planning attorney, be sure to ask how often the trust will be reviewed. At Phelps Law, we believe it is important
to dust off the cobwebs and have every estate plan reviewed on a regular basis. For our clients, we schedule a free trust review meeting with an attorney every three years. During this review meeting, we help make sure the plan stays current with the laws and family circumstances, and we review the asset titles and beneficiary designations to confirm the trust is properly funded to avoid probate down the road. Our top priority is to give our clients peace of mind, knowing that their estate plans will actually work when the time comes. It brings satisfaction to us and value to our clients. And it will for you, too. - James Phelps is managing partner of Phelps Law. For more information, visit PhelpsLaw.com.
New autism clinic opening in Gilbert BY CECILIA CHAN
Staff Writer
Aspecialized learning center is opening its newest location this will and will teach children with autism the necessary skills for school – from communication and behavior to making friends. Autism Spectrum Therapies, or AST, based out of California, currently has centers in Tempe and Tucson, where they use applied behavior analysis treatment. Six of its 12 board-certified behavior specialists will be at the Gilbert center. Gilbert resident and Clinical Director Jessica Belokas explains she, “saw a need and a demand in Gilbert,” for this center. “There’s a great need in the East Valley for autism services.” According to Belokas, “There are lots of families” with autistic children in Gilbert; which has experienced steady increases of autism diagnosis’ over the last 10 years. Belokas attributed the increase to a combination of better prescreening by pediatricians and a better understanding of developmental disabilities. Last week, the staff added finishing touches to the center’s five therapy rooms. Autism spectrum disorder, which can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges, affects about 1 in 59 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The total estimated annual costs for autism treatments in the United States is be-
tween $11.5 billion – $60.9 billion, according to the most recent CDC survey. Additionally, families with ASD children and adolescents on average spend $4,110–$6,200 more per year on medical expenditures than those without ASD. Because there is no medical test, doctors are able to diagnose autism by looking at a child’s behavior and development. ASD can sometimes be detected at 18 months or younger. There is currently no cure but research shows early intervention services can improve a child’s development. “We focus on early intervention and have clients as young as 18 months, who may not be accessing the public-school system yet,” Belokas said. “Our purpose is to get them early and teach them communication skills, behavior management skills, social skills and other executive functioning skills so they can access the typical educational environment when they enter pre and kindergarten at age 3, 4, 5,” she added. AST, founded in 2001 by two doctors, is based on the principles of teaching in the natural environment with a focus on the family and centering on building functional skills that foster independence, according to the company website. Clinicians conduct an extensive evaluation of a child’s present levels to determine appropriate goals and intervention strategies. Programs are then tailored to the child’s unique interests and strengths and sessions
are often incorporated into typically occurring family routines. “Our services are home-based, as well as in the clinic and community,” Belokas said. “They can receive therapy service wherever it’s deemed appropriate.” She said for service at schools, most of the clinic’s partnerships are with private and charter schools. The clinic serves children to young adults with all levels of autism. “We have families waiting for our doors to open,” Belokas said. “We have a waiting list as well.” The clinic can immediately accommodate families who request services before 3 p.m. but there is an 18-month waiting list for those requesting services after 3 p.m., she said. Depending on a child’s needs, the clinic may recommend anywhere from a minimum of 10 hours of services a week to 30 hours a week, she added. Gilbert mom Katie Hurstwicker, whose two sons received ABA therapy at the Tempe location, plans to switch over to the Gilbert clinic. “I have been driving 30 minutes to Tempe,” she said. “So I’m ecstatic that they will have an office so close to me now.” When her oldest son, who is 7, was first diagnosed two years ago with autism, Hurstwicker said she felt overwhelmed, helpless and hopeless. Although there are hundreds of treatment options, the psychologist who saw her
son recommended AST, Hurstwicker said, adding ABA therapy is the only treatment endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder and is backed by years of scientific research. “AST has given my son, myself and my family the tools to be tackle autism spectrum disorder,” she said. “AST gave me the knowledge, support and confidence to best support my son.” She said the staff is involved in every aspect of her son’s life to where he has made positive and meaningful strides, emotionally, socially and behaviorally. “When my 2-year-old son was diagnosed on the autism spectrum 10 months ago, AST was my first call to get him started with their treatment team,” she said. “After 10 months of ABA therapy through AST, my almost 3-year-son is now almost indistinguishable from his neurotypical peers.” AST has plans for more locations in the Valley with an eye on Glendale for sometime next year. “As soon as we are up and running, we will start looking at the end of September, October for appropriate space,” Belokas said. Though other companies offer similar services, Belokas said there’s a lot that sets AST apart from them. “We are family-centered and like to individualize our program to the families and individuals we serve,” she said. “We have a vast network of very experienced professionals and we value evidence-based practices and top-service.”
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Chandler Bears gearing up for a third title run BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor
The Chandler Bears have spent the last seven years dominating the youth football circuit in Arizona and the nation, winning several state titles and three at the national level. Founded in 2012 by Chad Hubler, the Bears originated with the same color scheme and logo as Basha High School in Chandler, as they had hoped to develop a relationship with the school. But, after a few coaching changes at Basha, Hubler rebranded his youth team and changed its colors to vibrant lime green and black. He also swapped the Bear head logo to a claw. Since the change, the Bears have become one of the most recognizable teams in the nation. “The lime green is definitely fun to wear,” current Bears coach Kacey Allen said. “It really pops and is recognizable anywhere we go.” Allen began coaching the Bears in 2015 when his son, Kacey Allen Jr., began playing tackle football. It was that same year the Hubler led his 12U team to the national title game in Orlando, Fla. The Bears fell in the championship game in 2015 but got redemption the following year and were crowned national champions. The team captured its second national title in 2017. Last year, with Allen at the helm of the 9U team, the Bears organization captured its second national title. With
The Chandler Bears 10U youth football team is gearing up for another run at the national title. Since it was founded in 2012, the Bears organization has won three national championships. (Photo courtesy Kacey and Monica Allen)
the entire team returning for the 10U season in 2019, they are gearing up for yet another run at the title. But unlike last season, they are getting their finances in order sooner rather than later. “Now we know what we have and what we can do,” Allen said. “We knew we were good last year, but you never know at the national stage, so we were hesitant to go. But this year we know it’s something we are going to do, and we want to give the boys that opportunity.” The Bears began fundraising for the trip
to Orlando last year just 30 days before the start of the national tournament. While all players were able to make the trip, several parents were left behind. Allen hopes that won’t be the case this season, as he and the rest of the organization have already begun fundraising in several different ways. From t-shirts to cases of water bottles with the Bears’ logo, there are several merchandise items for sale on the team’s website to help with funds. They’ve also implemented a donation campaign for each player, where family
and friends can compete to see who raises the most money for a specific player. However, all funds still go toward the entire team. Individuals who donate also get put into a drawing to win an authentic Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson jersey. Additionally, the Bears will be serving breakfast at the Applebees located on Gilbert and Baseline roads in Mesa on Oct. 6. The entire restaurant is reserved for the Bears, as parents and coaches will cook pancakes while the players serve in uniform. “It will be a cool event,” Allen said. “We are just doing everything we can to make sure our boys have a great experience.” Allen has high expectations for his team, as he hopes to implement a more complex offense that will further take advantage of their athletic ability. But with each player being honored by the AYF last season as a Scholar Baller, an award given to players who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, he’s confident they will be able to pick up the new schemes with ease. “They are all smart,” Allen said. “I think that also has a lot to do with how coachable they are. That, along with them being together for years now. It really helps.” The Bears kicked off their 2019 season in the new American Youth Football Unlimited on Saturday, Sept. 14. To make a donation or attend one of the Chandler Bears’ upcoming events, visit ChandlerBears.com.
Australian football making inroads in region BY COREY KIRK Cronkite News
On the field, they compete against teams from all over America. Off the field, they are educators, healthcare professionals and even the guy who scoops your ice cream. What brings them together is a passion for a game called “footy.” Twice a week a group of athletes come together at parks across the Valley to practice Australian Rules Football, a sport unfamiliar to many. Those who play it often walk away bruised and bloody. They then raise a brew to celebrate. “It is more than just playing a sport,” said Peter Abernathy, a data analyst from Scottsdale and member of the Arizona Outlaws, Australian Rules football club. “There is more of a social atmosphere to it compared to the other sports I play.” Played without padding or helmets, Australian football demands physicality. It combines elements of American football, soccer, rugby and even basketball into one sport. “It combines all that you got in your arsenal and you apply it to one sport. It’s
Adults like Amanda Mora are getting a kick out of Australian Rules Football in Chandler and the Valley. (Cronkite News)
great,” said Robert Lutostanski, a waterchemical specialist from Tempe and president of the Outlaws. Played on an oval field much larger than American football or a soccer
fields, the game matches teams of 18, with up to four reserves. Games consist of four 20-minute quarters, with extra time added for time-outs much as in soccer.
The object is to move a rugby-like ball, which is about twice the size of a football, by running, bouncing, kicking, or holding it in one hand down the field and punching it with the other – something called a handball. The rules allow tackling and certain types of blocking. To score, a player must kick the ball through a pair of primary goalposts for six points. Kicking the ball outside those posts but inside a secondary set of posts is good for one point. At the start of games and after a team scores, official bounces the ball off the ground, high into the air, while two opposing players try to tip it to a teammate, much like a basketball center jump. “It is definitely a touch of every single product, highlighting every American sport,” said Andrea Placencio, a Medicare manager from Mesa and one of only a handful of women on the Outlaws team. Despite the physical nature of the sport, which often leaves players with sprained ankles, numerous scrapes, cuts and abrasions, the players stress safety See
FOOTY on page 36
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and do their best to prevent serious injury. “There’s no slide tackles or anything above the shoulder,” Lutostanski said. “So a lot of people don’t know there are fewer injuries in our sport (than the American version).” Since its inception in the mid-1800s, Australian Rules Football has been played globally and now has piqued the interest of some in the Valley looking to remain active and try something new. Footy gained a foothold in Arizona about 20 years ago and has had teams in Tucson, Chandler, Scottsdale and others. Anthony Starks, who now lives in Phoenix, founded the now-defunct Tucson Javelinas after falling in love with the game in 2001. “We ended up practicing all summer long before entering the league,” Starks said. After a falling out with the United States Australian Football League, a non-profit dedicated to growing the development and growth of the sport, members in the local footy community were able to mend the relationship and now the Outlaws and Arizona Hawks are among 45 teams in the USAFL. The Hawks, who began play in 1999, were that state’s first team but folded as some players stepped away from the game. “Things change and people move away,” Starks said. “Careers, wives, kids, injuries, you know life.”
History teacher Travis Johnson is one of many people in Chandler and across the Valley who are taking a shine to footy. (Cronkite News)
For the next decade, organized footy remained inconsistent in Arizona until
the Hawks began to practice again in 2015. The Arizona Outlaws began to take shape in 2017. Their players also compete in the four-team Arizona Footy League, a Valley league they compete with nine-player teams. One of the biggest problems footy players face is recruiting new athletes to clubs. As numbers fluctuate, members are focused on attracting a younger generation of players into the fold to keep the game growing. “You want to play a great sport and apply all of those skills (from other sports),” Lutostanski said. “(If) you’ve got great hand coordination and eye coordination, you name it, you’re wanted.” The sport is also growing among women and the USAFL has begun to build an all-female league. Organizers hope to recruit some of the best athletes in the area to play on an Arizona team. After more than a decade in the sport, Placencio sees the difficulty of recruiting other women but remains hopeful. As a veteran presence on the Outlaws, Matthew Lambert, a maintenance supervisor from Gilbert, is determined to build the women’s team. Seven women regularly workout with the club, and the goal is to build a team of 30. “I want us to have the best women in the competition,” Lambert said. “We want a diverse team, and we want to work together to build this.” One woman from the Outlaws that
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is making waves is Amanda Mora, an occupational therapist from Phoenix. After having a successful career in college soccer in Maine, Mora was introduced to footy by recreational soccer players she was playing with and quickly adapted to the new sport. She believes that increasing the number of women in the sport in Arizona should be a priority and wants to show that footy is safer than many other sports. “It is really not anything dangerous,” Mora said. “I’ve had more injuries playing soccer than I have footy.” What the Arizona footy community doesn’t have is its own field. A regulation field, according to the USAFL. com, is between 135 and 185 meters in length and 110 to 155 meters in width. The only fields Arizona clubs can to reserve are soccer fields, which are 120 meters long and 90 meters wide. Forced to adapt their rules to smaller fields, the Outlaws hope to build relationships with cities and work to make adjustments at a public park that can accommodate a full footy field. With no permanent field, the local clubs must set up their field from scratch whenever they play. Having their own field would not only give the club’s permanent home but would make setting up for competition quicker. “Hopefully in the future, the cities will help us and kind of help encourage the sport to make it more of a userfriendly field,” Lutostanski said.
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Judge Tibshraeny find’s ‘people’s court’ friendly BY JUDGE JAY TIBSHRAENY Guest Writer
To some, the justice court system in Maricopa County can seem complex and a bit daunting. In reality, I have found the “people’s court” to be a friendly, easy-to-use system for everything from small claims to civil suits (up to $10,000) to the serving of eviction notices. While none of these are pleasant for those involved, the Justice Courts can usually provide a clear path to resolution. When I chose to campaign for the position of justice of the peace, I believed that my background as a state senator and mayor would provide great insight into the many cases that would come before me.
Throughout my elected career I have always worked to find positive solutions to the many challenges faced by my constituents, and the justice court provided another opportunity to serve. I was sworn in in January of this year and went through a strenuous training program to understand the detailed intricacies of the court and its operations. During my time as a legislator, mayor and city councilmember, I dealt with dozens – if not hundreds -- of issues that have involved zoning cases, code enforcement, legislation and other matters with a direct effect on the residents of Chandler and the state. This experience helped me develop the decision-making skills I need to resolve conflicts that come before me in court. I cannot do this without the staff
of the justice court I preside over: San Marcos. They are true professionals who are very compassionate and caring. They have made my job much more manageable – particularly in my first few months on the bench. Much of what comes before the court deals with difficult moments in people’s lives. There is one aspect, however, that brings great joy as a JP: I have the ability to perform wedding ceremonies. We can also issue marriage licenses at the court. Weddings through a JP are certainly affordable and the perfect choice for those who may not want to have a large wedding. I have had the pleasure of performing many ceremonies as JP. It is quite an experience to see the joy on the faces of the couple, family and friends as they begin a new journey.
If you ever need the services of the justice court, you will find a professional and supportive staff and JP who will make the experience as comfortable as possible. It is a great privilege to serve in my new capacity, and I do enjoy continuing to represent you. You can learn more about the Justice Court system in Maricopa County here: justicecourts.maricopa.gov. If you have questions or need immediate help, please email us at sanmarcosjusticecourt@mcjc. maricopa.gov. You can also call us at 602-372-3400 and simply follow the instructions on the recording. Finally, please follow me on Twitter: @jaytibshraeny. - Judge Jay Tibshraeny is the justice of the peace at San Marcos Court. He is a former seven-term mayor of the City of Chandler, as well as a four-term Arizona senator.
Fitzgerald stands tall even though his team doesn’t BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Columnist
It was one picture posted on social media, a muscled man with braided hair holding a microphone and speaking to a group of school kids seated on the gymnasium floor. The photograph was not professionally taken. Indeed, no press release had been issued and no news photographers invited, which was the point made by the journalist who posted the image. This is how Larry Fitzgerald spends his weekday hours away from the gridiron – giving back, connecting with his community. Last week – not too long after logging eight receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown in the Arizona Cardinals’ improbable comeback tie versus the Detroit Lions – Fitzgerald could be found down on Durango Street south of downtown, spending time with the
students of Academia Del Pueblo, donating tablets, inspiring. Though I was not in attendance, I was moved enough to spend some time thinking about the graceful, beloved superstar this Valley has come to call Fitz. Here’s the question I have been pondering for days: Has there ever been a professional athlete less fortunate than Larry Fitzgerald when it comes to spending an entire career with one of pro sports’ worst franchises? Who, I ask you? Who has had it worse than Fitz all these years? Who in the history of sport has toiled longer for one comically awful team without a championship or a ring to show for such Herculean efforts and loyalty? You could perhaps make a case for Dan Marino, who toiled 17 years with the Miami Dolphins and never won a title. Like Fitz, Marino made it to a single Super Bowl, losing 38-16 to the San Francisco 49ers in 1985. Marino, however, made it to the
playoffs in 10 seasons to Fitz’s paltry four. And Marino quarterbacked his teams to 155 wins, a .601 winning percentage. Larry Fitzgerald’s Cardinals, by contrast, have lost 121 times in his career against 112 wins and a pair of ties. One of those two ties came in the 2019 season opener and served to underscore the supreme waste of talent we have witnessed since the Cardinals drafted Fitzgerald in 2004. Fitzgerald’s new quarterback, the rookie Kyler Murray, played three of the worst quarters of football imaginable, only to be hailed as the next Unitas by some fans and pundits for playing 15 minutes lights out. Fitz? He’s played out of his mind for 16 years now, beset by quarterbacks as nondescript as John Skelton, Kevin Kolb, John Navarre and Max Hall. Do you know how many wide receivers have caught more passes than Larry Fitzgerald in the history of the game? One. And Jerry Rice had two Hall of Famers – Joe Montana and Steve Young – quarterbacking him for the vast majority
of his career. Now at age 36, Fitzgerald has an unproven rookie, who may revolutionize the game or who be yet another Cardinals’ bust, and a new head coach in Kliff Kingsbury, who may be Vince Lombardi in Wayfarer sunglasses or a slimmer Buddy Ryan. My guess? This is the Arizona Cardinals, who every season like clockwork find a way to dash the dreams of their unreasonably faithful fans. We all know how this story ends. Come late season, we likely will be treated to another round of chatter about trading Fitz to a contender and giving him a chance to go out competing for a Super Bowl. I hope it happens, truth be told, because Larry Fitzgerald deserves far better than what the sports gods have dealt him. Sure, he’s earned more than $160 million on the field since 2004. But has there ever been a more cruel and unusual punishment than serving life as an Arizona Cardinal?
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Giving parents opportunities to safeguard their kids BY DR. COURTNEY GAINES Guest Writer
Our children are back in school and for many, it’s a pressure cooker. Comparisons on their social media – about appearances, friends, classes, activities, you-name-it – ramp up this time of year. For every positive feature of the Internet, a dangerous element lurks, too. The brains of adolescents aren’t developed fully enough for them to make good choices and protect themselves from online bullies, predators or others who would harm them, intentionally or not. September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, an opportunity to shed light on the oncetaboo topic. According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention teen suicide rates rose between 2010 and 2015 after declining for nearly two decades. It is the second leading cause of death among Americans ages 15 to 24.
Approximately 36 students in the East Valley have died by suicide in the past two years. Sadly, teenagers aren’t the only ones plagued by the side effects of bullying: Nationally, as many as one in five elementary school children have reported being bullied. If you have cultivated a close relationship with your child, you’ll notice immediately if things are not right. Have his or her eating and sleeping habits changed? Has your child become increasingly isolated, not wanting to go to school, interact with friends or do other routine activities? Have their grades begun to slip? Have you noticed any self-destructive behaviors or talking about death? Potential red flags related to your child’s use of electronic device include: Being secretive about online activities, abruptly changing screens or turning off their computer when an adult enters the room Being obsessive about or becoming angry when online privileges are revoked is a tell-tale sign of bullying.
Other troublesome signs include, receiving or making phone calls to unknown people or texting with agitation When it comes to monitoring children’s use of cell-phones and computers, parents often grapple with how much privacy they should give. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, because no child is the same. But these suggestions may help: Discuss and establish clear rules before your child begins using a smartphone or computer. A good general rule to start is no use during school hours and two hours on school nights. Set a weeknight time for powering off all electronic devices in the home — yours, too! Talk honestly about the benefits and perils of the Internet, the existence of bullies, sexual predators and other harmful people. Tell them it’s your job to protect them, and that you will periodically check their Facebook, Instagram and other sites to see their and others’ posts. Check out a free app, unGlue, an Internet balance tool developed by two California dads who felt helpless about their kids’ online habits. You can use
unGlue to turn off your child’s phone during school and at bedtime, to pause the Internet, even to schedule chore times. Look on your child’s devices for apps such as TikTok, which enables them to create and share talent, and may expose them to cyberbullying and predators. Discuss the dangers of such apps, and delete them. Communicate with your child’s teacher, because he or she may know best what’s happening with bullies. First and foremost, strive every day to create and maintain a healthy, open relationship with your child where the lines of communication are wide open. Be consistent, be brave, be loving. If you suspect someone is contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. - Dr. Courtney Gaines is a psychiatric mental health nurse at Terros Health, a nonprofit, integrated health care provider specializing in trauma-informed mental and physical health, and addiction recovery and wellness interventions.
Making birthdays special for children in foster care BY DAN SHUFELT Guest Writer
Arizona Helping Hands is the largest provider of basic needs to the 14,000 children in our state’s foster care system. It is truly important to give boys and girls who have been abused and neglected a sense of safety and dignity. The beds, cribs, clothing, diapers, backpacks filled with school supplies, and other items help to raise their self-esteem. We take basic needs to another level with our Birthday Dreams program. We believe that celebrating a birthday for children in foster care is a basic need. Having met so many youngsters who – just due to their unique circumstances – have never celebrated their birthday, we understand the importance of that special day. We receive requests from foster families and the Department of Child Safety caseworkers daily.
One request might state that little Joey is turning 4 and likes trains. Another might tell us that Paige’s 17th birthday is coming up and she likes soccer and Harry Potter. Our objective is to let Joey, Paige and thousands of children know that we care. Our army of volunteers will “shop” through our stock of donated and purchased items to find the perfect gift to celebrate them. After finding the Thomas the train set, volunteer Anne will gift-wrap it with care and place it, along with a few other items and a book, into a white shopping bag that has been artistically decorated to say “Happy Birthday Joey!” Imagine Joey’s reaction to receiving a package made just for him. For some of the youngsters, the beautifully decorated bag is as important as what is inside. Somebody spent their time creating a magical message just for him. Teenagers in foster care are too often the forgotten ones. Many have been written off by our society. Hard to place in foster homes, burdened with baggage
from their life experiences, maybe living in a group home with 5-10 other children, their birthdays go unacknowledged. We prepare birthday packages for every child in the foster care system, regardless of age. For Paige, her package includes a duffel bag – to store her belongings and replace the black trash bag in which she has carried her life possessions from home to home. It also has a soccer ball and gift cards to let her decide what her needs and wants are. We might throw in some makeup, and we add a book (Harry Potter in her case) to every package that we assemble. I have met way too many children who have never celebrated a birthday. One young lady shared that the first time her birthday was acknowledged as special was the day she turned 16 and her caseworker and social worker pitched in a few dollars to buy her a birthday cake. We can, and must, do better – and that’s why our Birthday Dream program exists. This program is supported by our caring community. Companies have sponsored toy and gift card collections. Caring
individuals ask their friends to donate items for kids, instead of gifting them yet another bottle of wine. Others have assembled Birthdays in Bag kits that include cake mixes, frosting, candles and more to give a family the party to go along with the gift package. Volunteers have spent loving hours decorating bags and wrapping presents. It is wonderful to have so many coming together to share the love with kids who don’t smile and laugh enough. We know that every child should experience the joy of their special day, and our program makes the day special for every child in foster care! Arizona Helping Hands will make Birthday Dreams come true for 3,400+ children in 2019. To learn how you can help contact dreamcatcher@azhelpinghands.org. Dan Shufelt is president/CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, the largest provider of basic needs to Arizona’s children in foster care. Information: www. azhelpinghands.org. Contact Dan at dshufelt@azhelpinghands.org. c
Social workers perform vital role in schools BY LAURI PAGANO Guest Writer
As we enter the beginnings of the new school year, I often reflect on the proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” As a school social worker, I find this to be especially true. Oftentimes the question is, “Who are school social workers and what do they do?” School social workers make a difference in kid’s lives. When a student has an issue with being bullied or their parents are facing a divorce, we are there. When a student experiences homelessness, hunger, or violence, we are there. When a student is too anxious to take
an exam or too depressed and can barely get out of bed, we are there. When your little one is sad because they’re having a hard time making friends, we are the ones that they talk to. When your child experiences loss, we are trained to help them cope. School social workers are mental health providers who serve students and families and connect them with community resources. We are professionally trained to provide needed social-emotional and mental health services. At the school level, we also partner with school psychologists and school counselors in order to ensure that the needs of the whole student are met. We are instrumental in helping young
minds prepare for the outside world and become well-adjusted young adults. With mental illness, violence, and suicide rates on the rise among our nation’s youth, our schools need school social workers more than ever. Mental illness isn’t just an issue that affects adults. Suicide also directly and traumatically touches the lives of our youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens nationwide. School social workers are especially trained in identifying and addressing risk factors and warning signs of violent and suicidal behaviors. We assist teachers and other school personnel in identifying concerning behaviors of students and the most appropriate ways in which to intervene in
those behaviors. It can be a tough job, but most of us wouldn’t dream of doing anything else. Ask anyone of us, and we all agree that we have a highly rewarding job. We see our students grow up into productive young adults. We love the high fives and big smiles that we get from the students we helped overcome barriers and difficult life challenges. We are rewarded by the gratitude we get from the families we help. Students never forget the people who help them. If you see or know a school social worker, please give them your thanks and a high-five too. - Lauri Pagano, LMSW, is president of the School Social Work Association of Arizona.
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Chandler schools bring mindfulness to youngsters
BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
After providing a space at Hamilton High School for students to decompress from stress and anxiety, a Chandler elementary school is doing the same for its students. Hamilton High School opened a mindfulness room on its campus last year, offering a place for students to decompress from the demands and stresses of adolescence. Now Hull Elementary School has a similar room, where younger students can practice techniques to make them more aware of and better manage their thoughts and feelings. “Our goal is to provide strategies for kids using mindfulness at a younger age,” said Debbie Chamberlain, a Hull secondgrade teacher. She said almost all of Hull’s classrooms teach mindfulness strategies, such as breathing exercises, meditation sessions, or spending a few silent minutes in a “calm corner.” In addition to relaxation techniques, educators teach students about gratitude, empathy and kindness. The goal is not to have students always be happy and serene, Chamberlain said, but rather to enable
Second-grade teacher Debbie Chamberlain shows off the mindfulness room that recently opened at Hull Elementary School in Chandler. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)
kids to identify their emotions without any negative pre-judgment. “It’s just being present in the moment,” she added. “It’s just being okay with whatever that present moment is without judgment.” If students are nervous before taking
a test, Chamberlain said their teacher can have them to the mindfulness room beforehand to ease their minds. Mindfulness has become a popular buzz word in education all across Arizona in recent years. The Tempe Union High School
District announced this year it was opening mindfulness rooms at seven of its campuses. A special education teacher in Coolidge uses meditation to improve student behavior. Three high schools in Chandler Unified School District currently have mindfulness programs and a fourth is in the process of implementation. Educators claim there’s emerging research-based evidence to prove that having a space for mindfulness in schools can have positive academic outcomes. A 2016 study published in Frontiers in Psychology concluded that mindful strategies create more opportunities for students to exercise creativity and critical thinking. When Chamberlain first started teaching 17 years ago, she said mindfulness was not a term regularly used in education. But the increasing presence of social media in today’s culture has created a need for young people to escape. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of five children report having a mental, emotional, or behavioral condition. See
MINDFUL on page 45
Chandler woman shows how storytelling can heal BY SRIANTHI PERERA Contributor
A serious illness can leave one bruised and battered for years, but that’s not the case with Sandra Marinella. After winning a battle with cancer, the Chandler resident is enjoying success with her self-help guide to writing as a means to healing. “The Story You Need to Tell – Writing to Heal from Trauma, Illness or Loss” features Marinella’s own story as well as dozens of others. More than 200 studies have shown the power of written storytelling and its impact on improved mental, physical, spiritual and social health. “I truly believe everyone has stories they can share. And I think the power of writing gives more benefits than just telling the story,” said Marinella, who holds workshops to disperse the message of her book and guide others so they may also benefit. She’s also at work on her second book, focused on storytelling. A writing teacher, Marinella was absorbed in her career, teaching at Mesa and Red Mountain high schools as well as Rio Salado College over the years. In 2012, things changed unexpectedly with a breast cancer diagnosis. Rather than being with her beloved students honing in on a fine point of
SANDRA MARINELLA
grammar, she found herself in a sterile hospital room on a gurney, surrounded by what she calls the world’s mostwicked looking needles, awaiting a nipple biopsy. This was just one of several painful intrusions into her body that she had to endure for a whole year.
During this time, she began to explore the possibility of editing her own story. She writes in the book: “In recent weeks my bright-red journal and I had become inseparable. I began frantically listing my questions about cancer. I read and researched voraciously, looking in strategies for handling this disease… “Mentally I searched for a term I had scribbled somewhere in that red journal. I felt as if cancer was trying to suck me under. I didn’t want it at all, but since I had it, I had to make room for it in my life. At that moment I made a promise to myself. Cancer would not own me.” As the months passed, the journal helped her reflect on her story. She toyed with ways to rewrite it. She understood its importance in her life. “It was my lifeline, the way I would maneuver my tragic gap (the space that lies between our hopes and our reality). By writing, I could reflect on and experiment with the changes I might make. Then I could make a plan and move forward.” Which is exactly what Marinella did. After her “cancer year,” Marinella formed the Story You Need to Tell Project, to help others find and write their narratives. She interviewed more than 100 people during the course of her research, among them cancer patients,
including those at Mayo Clinic and Piper Cancer Center, troubled students and veterans. She helped them to move forward and find resilience. Among them is Scottsdale resident Kelly Collins, who was a caregiver for her father, when he suffered twice from brain cancer before passing. “The experience, namely the second time around, profoundly changed me, even more so as the years passed. I knew I wanted to help other cancer patients not suffer as he had and give them hope and a future,” Collins said. She became a holistic cancer coach and partnered with a German organization offering a lifesaving medical device. “A whole new path has opened up, my true calling, which is one amazing blessing that came from this tragedy,” Collins said. Initially, Marinella wanted to tell stories such as this one in her book and leave out her own because, she thought, the marketplace is saturated with cancer survival books. Then, she attended a writers’ conference on Whidbey Island in Washington State, where participants, led by her mentor Christina Baldwin, persuaded her to do otherwise. Handily, the journals contained the material she needed to add. See
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CUSD student so serve on state council SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF
A student in the Chandler Unified School District was selected to serve on an advisory board for the state Department of Education. Henry Telfer, a sophomore at Casteel High School, was picked by Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman to serve on her agency’s African-American Advisory Council. Henry is one of only two students picked to serve on the council, where he will have the same voting power as other board members. The council will make recommendations to Hoffman on matters involving black students. Henry said his ability to work well with others and interest in leadership positions motivated his decision to seek an appointment to the council. As the son of two educators, he said he’s grown up aware of the challenges that impact public education. “Almost on a daily basis I am exposed to my parent’s discussions, concerns, (and) challenges as it relates to teachers, children, administration, funding, class
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size, student loans, and other issues that impact education,” Henry said. Henry is a member of his school’s National Honor Society, School Safety Ambassador Club and Future Business Leaders of America. He’s participated in science competitions and is enrolled in Casteel’s honor classes. He said he’s considering a future career in either science, law or computer technology. During his time on the council, Henry hopes he and other members can come up with solutions that might address graduation rates, suspension anomalies, and reducing student referrals to special education. CUSD has notably spent the last few years addressing issues of equity and diversity in the classroom. In 2018, the district hired a director tasked with solely addressing equity issues. According to data CUSD posts online, the per capita rate for disciplinary actions against AfricanAmerican students was .34 in 2017. The rate for Caucasian students that same year was .09.
Hispanic and black students were about 50 percent proficient on the state’s standardized examinations, per CUSD data. Meanwhile, Caucasian students were, on average, about 78 percent proficient. Henry thinks it’s important for the Department of Education to have councils consisting of members from underrepresented groups who may be able to share valuable insight and perspectives. “Those who can relate and are sensitive to some of the perceived challenges (and) shortcomings of the targeted group can invoke possible solutions within the educational system,” he said. Hoffman said Henry and the other appointed students were selected based on their broad range of experiences and commitment to serving their communities. “I’m excited to hear their perspectives and work together to advance the needs of the students they represent,” she said.
Contact Contact Paul Paul Maryniak Maryniak at at 480-898-5647 or or pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications.com
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Only about 20 percent of these children end up receiving specialized care. Rajani Rastogi, a social worker for Hamilton High School, said she noticed several students struggling with mental
AUTHOR
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“It was transformational, in writing and integrating that story into the book,” Marinella said. “Now I do it all the time.” Her work with cancer patients is increasingly garnering the attention of the medical community. A study on the efficacy of writing to heal workshop at a Mayo Clinic in Phoenix has concluded that patients had a high level of satisfaction. Over a two-year period, 199 participants attended 23 workshops and 96.1 percent of attendees reported that they were “very satisfied” with the experience and found it very beneficial for their stress, mood, and general wellness, while 50 percent found it very beneficial for pain. When working with individuals, Marinella sees her process being repeated. “I’m watching them unfold with the same kind of realization that we not only write our story, we can rewrite and recreate
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
health issues a couple of years ago. Since July 2017, at least 38 teens in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Queen Creek have taken their lives. Among them was Chandler High School’s Class of 2018 valedictorian. Young people are constantly distracted by their phones and not taking time to unplug, Rastogi said. She
did some research, found a room on campus to put in some bean bag chairs, and began inviting students. She said Hamilton students were excited to come to the room for 20-minute sessions after school or during lunch. “They say they feel relaxed as soon as they enter the room,” she said. “They
our story through our words,” she said. Inspired by her veteran husband Steve, she also helps veterans share their stories and be at ease with their difficult experiences. Writing to change your life is not limited to journal writing. It includes fiction writing, poetry, painting, even writing lists, as they have the power to view how we interpret the world. Often, people come because they have a story they think is worthy of being published. “In the process of writing their story, they are amazed at the impact that writing their story has on their lives. And they leave you saying ‘I don’t even need to publish it. I’m just grateful I learned how to write it,’” Marinella said. A case in point is Kathryn Evans of Phoenix, who had even written to bestselling author Jodi Piccoult with her story idea stemming from the medical, legal and social issues faced by her family following her adult daughter’s prolonged battle with seizures. “This workshop taught me the value
of writing, not so much for publishing, but for its transformative power,” Evans wrote. “There truly is power in the pen. Sandra’s workshop provided a positive outlet for all those words and feelings that have been building up for the past years.” “I now understand that the first step is simply putting my story down on paper...transferring my feelings from the right side of my brain to words formulated by the left side. I call it magical, but the satisfaction and catharsis is actually quite real and, according to the research, scientifically sound,” she added. Asked for the single most benefit from writing the book, Marinella said that it helped her grow as an individual. “That personal transformation was a big part of the process of writing my own story and learning how to give that to other people in positive ways. I work with people, helping them pull their stories out and share them in their own way,” she said. “I love seeing the changes in them. And I certainly have
feel calm and feel they need that time to breathe and meditate.” Rastogi worked with Chamberlain to introduce mindfulness at Hull Elementary and has been inviting administrators from other school districts to visit. She said they hope to continue introducing these concepts to more schools in the district.
experienced a positive change in my own life.” Sandra Marinella’s book is published by New World Library, is available on amazon.com. Details: storyyoutell.com
Author workshops
Susan Marinella will conduct The Story You Need to Tell Workshop – Women Writing through Changes 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Oct. 10, 17, 24, and 31 at Changing Hands Bookstore, 6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe. Register at 480-730-0205 or through Eventbrite. She also will conduct a six-week workshop series titled “The Story You Need to Tell--How Writing Your Stories Can Transform Your Health” 10 a.m.-noon beginning Jan. 14 at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix. $100. Details at 480 342-4888. For more workshops, visit storyyoutell.com/events.
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Mesa man first to get 3D-printed ankle BY JORDAN HOUSTON Staff Writer
The implementation of 3D printing is changing the future of orthopedic surgery and a Mesa man has been at the forefront of beneficiaries in Arizona. Earlier this year, the 35-year-old man became the first person in the state to undergo a 3D-printed ankle replacement surgery. Elliott Munro, a two-time leukemia and bone marrow transplant survivor, underwent the surgery in March at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City following months of severe ankle pain. Munro was previously diagnosed with avascular necrosis, which caused bones to die as a result of his cancer treatments. Because traditional solutions, like ankle fusion or replacement, weren’t options due to the condition of his bones, the 3D printed implant was considered as a last-ditch effort to save his foot from amputation. “I couldn’t do normal fusion or replacement because a lot of my bones were so dead and deteriorated — you can’t attach dead bone to dead bone,” said Munro. “Basically, my next option was amputation.” The artificial ankle was carved from titanium using a 3D printer and was coated with a special titanium nitride
Mesa resident Elliott Munro, left, almost lost a leg from cancer treatments because an ankle bone had died. But with the help of Banner CORE Center surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Holmes, Murro became the first Arizonan recently to have a new ankle that came from a 3D printer. (Special to the San Tan Sun News)
coating. Fewer than 50 of these surgeries have been done in the United States. Banner CORE Center for Orthopedics Surgeon Jeffrey Holmes, who performed Munro’s surgery, told the East Valley Tribune that although the surgery is still
very new, it’s not much more technical than a standard ankle replacement. “The process of doing this is almost identical to doing an ankle replacement,” said Holmes. “There was really no extra expertise that needed to be on this.” “It wasn’t harder than the standard ankle replacement,” he continued. “It was just a little bit scarier and nervewracking since it was the first one in Arizona.” The surgeon replaced Munro’s damaged talus bone with the 3D-printed implant, much like with a bone replacement. As far as complications go, Holmes explained that the risk factors were similar to other types of surgeries, such as infection. “It could get infected, and there are other wound complications from the incision itself,” said the surgeon. “With Elliot going through all of the chemotherapy and radiation, his skin wasn’t the best skin for healing purposes so that was a factor.” While there aren’t many studies that determine how this kind of replacement will hold up long-term, Munro said he is doing just fine. The father of four just finished his last round of physical therapy and is See
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Chandler couple bringing joy to kids with cancer friend,” Michael said. “When we first felt that in the hospital, we knew we really focused energy. We had to keep recreating that.” “We noticed that every time we’ve done this with the cancer support community and one outside of their group, it’s the same reaction every time,” Michael continued, adding: “Little kids - even teenage kids - seem to gravitate toward that In honor of Candace Tucker’s late father Arthur Montano, shown in the photo on the right, she and her new husband Michael Tucker innocence that stuffed asked wedding guests to contribute to a program they started in his honor. It provides stuffed animals to people hospitalized for animals or little toys give. cancer treatments. To donate: cscaz.org/tucker-wedding. Almost like they create their own personality in “We met up with them and they the hearts of the children. that inanimate object that they can relate just welcomed us with open arms and did “It’s keeping his spirit alive,” Candace to. So that’ s been our goal is to create everything from talking to us about how to said. “One of the best things about my that moment of happiness, innocence start a program and providing the tools and dad was his smile, his energy and his back with some of these kids.” materials needed to do that,” Candace said. presence. He could walk into any room The Tuckers buy the stuffed animals The couple hand out stuffed and just make people smile and light up. with their own money and urge others When he passed away, it kind of seemed animals to children and teens at the to support their efforts by donating to organization’s events. like the world was a little bit more Cancer Support Community Arizona. While in the hospital with Montano, dimmer that day.” Indeed, when they married Sept. Candance and Michael noticed the “My goal as his daughter was to try 12, they asked guests to give to the mood of children and teens in the as much as I can to carry on the smiles organization instead of giving them hospital would change when being that he brought to the world, just the wedding presents. handed a stuffed animal. light that he had,” she added. People who want to support the “There’s this very quick change, the After struggling to find a footing with program can contact McKenzie very moment where the kids’ eyes local hospitals to launch the program, Simmons at 602-712-1006 or by email at light up when they grab the stuffed friends suggested they contact Cancer msimmons@cscaz.org. animal, it’s like they have a new best Support Community Arizona.
BY TORRENCE DUNHAM Contributor
Before he died last year, Arthur Montano had a plan to bring some joy to children who were battling cancer through the stuffed animals he received when he was undergoing chemotherapy. He never had the chance to realize his dream because he died last year from bone marrow transplant complications. Now his daughter, Candace Tucker, and her husband Michael, of Chandler, are making his dream come true. Montano was diagnosed with leukemia in October 2017. While he was going through chemotherapy his wife brought bring him a stuffed animal every day. Once he finished treatment, he wanted to take those stuffed animals to the children who had to undergo the same therapy. “Everybody’s compassionate about (cancer), but when you go through it yourself and you really understand the pain and the suffering people go through with treatments, it affected him even more so,” Candace explained, adding: “What motivated him to get well was his hopes of being able to deliver toys to the kids going through cancer and give them support, encouragement and comfort.” The Tuckers have dubbed their gifts “Art’s Angels” and work with Cancer Support Community Arizona to gladden
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Couple’s adventurous life ended in tragedy uncle as well.” She told AFN her aunt had always been an adventurer but wasn’t sure if she got They were 21st-century explorers, in love into scuba diving because of Baltz. with the world’s natural wonders as much Ross Hughes, who became friends with as they were with each other. Baltz when they were in high school in Drawn by the natural beauty of earth Millstadt, Illinois, told a local newspaper and sea, Neal Baltz and Patricia Beitzinger there last week: “If I could just say one often left their Chandler home far behind word about him, it’s ‘genuine.’” to explore caves in Hawaii, swim with “He did what made him happy and stingrays off the Mexican coast, scale what he liked to do and what stimulated peaks in the Andes and scuba dive around his mind,” Hughes said. “He did everything the Galapagos Islands. his own way. He did it how he wanted to In some ways, the two-night diving trip do it.” the couple took on Labor Day weekend While at Belleville West High School, on the 75-foot Conception off the coast Baltz was captain of the wrestling team of Santa Cruz was in keeping with their and was remembered as “super smart” adventurers’ hearts. and always joking around. Neal Baltz and Patricia Beitzinger of Ahwatukee lived the life of modern explorers and were on a scuba diving adven“Santa Cruz offers more places to find “He always had me laughing about ture when they perished in a horrible tragedy on Labor Day. (Special to the San Tan Sun News) good diving during rough weather periods something and he was that person you than any other island due to its size and could always call on when you needed Baltz was frequently described as Baltz was an electrical design many coves,” the Conception’s owners, someone to talk to,” one childhood friend generous with an endless enthusiasm for engineer for Microchip Technology and Truth Aquatics, said on its website. posted on Facebook. life and an endearingly friendly manner. Beitzinger a nutritionist for a Scottsdale “Your island excursion with Truth Hughes told the Belleville Democrat Michael Pierce, the director of endocrinology practice. Aquatics is sure to be one you’ll never newspaper how Baltz, Their generous, amiable and playful forget,” the operator says on its website, as a high school senior, personalities touched so many lives and adding, “At Truth Aquatics, your captain was involved in a minor and crew will do everything in their power their deaths sent shock waves through car accident and set the community; giving way to almost to make your trip an enjoyable one.” out to prove that it But the trip turned hearbreakingly tragic inconsolable anguish. wasn’t his fault by using Typical were the comments of Aimee as the Conception became a death trap. physics to reconstruct Des Lauriers of Scottsdale, who posted on Baltz and Beitzinger were among the the scene. 33 passengers and one crew member who Facebook: Baltz measured skid “I have known them for ages, they are died in an early morning fire on Labor Day. marks, calculated the family to us. I have been shaken beyond Most were casualties of what authorities friction generated by words all week. … My heart won’t be the believe was smoke inhalation. the car’s tires against same, the world was a better place for The fire, whose origin is still the pavement, and having had them here.” undetermined, burned so rapidly that the figured out the weight The couple’s personalities seemed sleeping passengers in the deck below of both vehicles to identical, mirror images of people who never had a chance to escape as the boat prove his point. burned, sank, before landing upside down loved to laugh, who could be “goofy” at “That’s just how his times in pursuit of that laughter from at the bottom of the ocean. brain worked,” Hughes So far, the investigation has churned up others and – most of all – embraced travel said. “He thought: to exotic locales and closer places of some serious safety flaws concerning the ‘They weren’t going to natural beauty every chance they got. doomed ship. And on Sept. 8, FBI agents pull one over on me.’ One woman told the Los Angeles swarmed Truth Aquatics’ offices and two Neal Baltz loved to entertain friends with “goofy” stunts but he also savored That’s just so Neal.” Times that Beitzinger would counsel every opportunity he had to visit exotic locales like Peru, where he posed with other diving ships, confiscating boxes of Though neither her clients on how to eat better and a llama. (Flickr) documents. Baltz nor Beitzinger lose weight, but often peppered those In the week following the tragic abhorred putting their enology and viticulture at the Southwest conversations with travel stories. deaths of 33 of the 38 occupants on the private lives on social media, they loved to Wine Center – which Baltz cofounded “Unfailingly, she was smiling,” Linda Conception, countless news stories, social share pictures from their adventures. – recounted in one interview how Baltz Reynolds said. “She was so energetic, and media messages and interviews provided Dozens of videos and hundreds of made the four-hour roundtrip drive to the lively, and funny – someone that you a detailed picture of, Baltz, 42, and photos from their trips to the Grand Verde Valley every week to teach wine wanted to spend time with.” Beitzinger, 48. Canyon, the Andes and other places classes and make wine. are posted online – clearly as Baltz’s Baltz had endowed a scholarship at testament to his awe for nature’s beauty. the school and gave $5,000 to turn an Many of those photos depict the old racquetball court into a wine-making couple smiling, laughing broadly, mingling center. with locals or laughing with each other He was not above being “goofy,” Pierce in Peru, the Grand Canyon and countless added, recalling how Baltz once put corks other places. over his eyes during a bottling session and “We adventured/explored more ran through the cellar, pretending to be an together in the last six years than most alien. people experience in their entire lifetime,” “He’s one of those people who was an said Adi Cuevas. absolute pleasure to know,” Pierce said. “They were both so full of life, easy“He went through life with joy.” going, excellent travel companions, Beitzinger was fondly remembered by genuine, humble, generous, thoughtful her niece, Hannah Beitzinger of Cincinnati, and had the best sense of humor,” Ohio, who said, “She’s one of the coolest Cuevas added, ticking off a list of trips people I ever met.” ranging from Utah to South America “She was adventurous and brave and with activities ranging from “hiking nearly always living every day as full as she could, every trail in Arizona” to celebrating Baltz’s she was always going on these amazing birthday in a helicopter ride over Glacier trips around the world,” Hannah said. “And National Park. so goofy. She has a great sense of humor We spent endless amounts of hours and was always smiling and laughing. And together on and off trails – our time Neal was the same way, they were perfect for each other and I considered him my Patricia Beitzinger always picked the most challenging trails for hiking, according to one friend, and she relished See on page 48 her trip to the Andes, where she backpacked along the Salkantay Trail in the Andes Mountains. (Flickr) BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor
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spent on the road/in the car together was sometimes more fun than our actual destination,” Cuevas continued. He recalled how “Patricia always managed to find the most difficult hikes for us” and how “Neal always carried an old school traditional map.” His fondest memory is how they all “always chose to sleep under the stars over a hotel. “We called ourselves the Super Tramp Hikers and would joke about being modern-day hippies,” Cuevas said, lamenting: “Neal and Patricia truly knew how to live life to its fullest – traveling the world, always learning something new – enriching their hearts and their minds, always. My heart is literally crushed knowing I lost my Arizona family and my adventure soulmates.” With such tributes, it was small wonder that Millstadt bank president John Baltz, Neal’s father, told local TV stations last week: “They went to heaven doing something they loved together.” Over the weekend, friends gathered at the Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai College in Clarkdale to toast Baltz and remember his generous, affable soul. The center posted a message recalling how Baltz “loved wine.” It went on to say: “After years of experimenting at home, fermenting grapes in his bathtub, he enrolled in the enology program at Yavapai College in Northern Arizona’s
Verde Valley wine region. He made the hour-and-a-half drive to Yavapai’s Clarkdale campus from his home in Ahwatukee, working in the vineyards and cellars, and sometimes sleeping overnight in his Ford F-150. Neal graduated from the viticulture and enology program in 2017. “Baltz was a goofy, friendly classmate who got along with everyone, keeping spirits up during the early mornings of the hard, physical work that comes with running a vineyard...He went through life with joy.” The center established the Neal Baltz Memorial Scholarship to benefit students enrolled in the Yavapai College viticulture and enology program” and to “honor Neal’s memory in perpetuity.” Though the precise circumstances of how they met are unclear, Baltz and Beitzinger began dating about eight years ago through what friend Vanessa Ryan of Ahwatukee called “common interests.” Not long afterward, they moved into a two-story home in Mountain Park Ranch, where they became the next-door neighbors to the family of Ahwatukee Realtor Ben Quillinan, who also had represented them in the purchase of the home. “I would say we were close neighbors,” Quillinan said. “We were always talking to each other over the wall in the backyard or if it was like Halloween, we’d grab our chairs and sit in the driveway with them. I had a key to his house in case anything happened and he was out of town.” “They were very adventurous,” Quillinan continued. “They were life-
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loving people.” Baltz often regaled Quillinan with tales of the couple’s adventures. He recalled how Baltz made wine at home, spending hours perfecting batches. He also traveled once a week to the wine center in Cottonwood, where he taught classes and made wine. It was while the couple was out of town on one of their adventures almost three years ago, when disaster struck their home, forcing them to move into a home Beitzinger owned in Chandler. For two days while the couple was on an adventure, Quillinan recalled, water had been spewing out of a broken plastic pipe “no bigger than my pinkie” in an upstairs bathroom. Quillinan finally saw water seeping from beneath the garage door. But by that time, the damage had been done. Almost the entire first-floor ceiling had fallen. Baltz later said, his water bill indicated that as much as 20,000 gallons had gushed out of that pipe. The house had to be virtually gutted, but to Baltz’s dismay, a prolonged fight with the insurance company kept him and Beitzinger from returning home. “They didn’t want to pay him everything he was owed. They were trying to get him to settle for less,” Quillinan said of the insurance company, calling it a “fiasco.” The 2,100-square-foot home’s interior “was destroyed. Everything had to completely come down to the studs and concrete,” he said.
Though the couple “took it in stride,” Quillinan said, “I know it wore on them.” “Then, once they got that settlement and they were able to start rebuilding; they were much happier,” he added. “It wore on them. At the same time, they continued to go diving in Mexico and traveling.” The couple had a busy fall planned. Scott Ryan of Ahwatukee, who with his wife Vanessa were close friends of the couple and regularly played Trivial Pursuit with them, said Baltz and Beitzinger were planning a trip to the Northwest. A newspaper reported they also planned a trip to Indonesia at some point this fall. As the investigation into the fire continues, results of the probe are emerging. Various news outlets have report investigators have found serious safety flaws, including the lack of a night watchman to walk around the boat while passengers sleep; keeping alert to structual and weather conditions in the hopes of avoiding such tragedies. Though the company owns the boat has declined comment, it went to court two days after the fire to prevent relatives of the dead passengers from suing the firm. At press time, the couple’s funeral arrangements had not been made. “We’re still working on that,” Hannah Beitzinger told AFN on Sunday. “Her remains were just identified a few days ago, so it’s taking some time.” To make a donation toward the endowment at the Southwest Wine Center: yc.edu/baltz.
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3D printers like this are being used regularly to create a variety of different bones for replacement surgeries. (Special to the San Tan Sun News)
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currently walking without a boot. “I’m doing stuff that three-to-four months ago I never imagined being able to do,” said Munro. “I’m still in the recovery process, but I feel like I’m almost back to normal.” Munro was first diagnosed with leukemia at age 11 and then again at 16. After having two bone marrow transplants, he was given steroids to help “sustain” him through the treatments. At 24, his joints began to give him severe, intolerable pain — which was a side effect from the steroids. Munro was then diagnosed with osteonecrosis, a serious condition caused by his bone tissue being starved of blood. Because the lack of blood causes bones to break down at a faster rate than the body can replace them, the condition went on to affect his hips, knees and ankles. Munro was hospitalized in October 2018 for severe pain in his right ankle due to a deteriorating talus bone. The bone connects the heel to the lower leg and is crucial for ankle mobility. Munro’s former doctor told him that traditional remedies, such as ankle fusion or replacement, were not options and that he should consider amputation. But the young father was determined to seek a second opinion. “The doctor I had been seeing for over 10 years was out of options,” said Munro. “That’s when I finally found Dr. Holmes and I’m so grateful I did.” Having known about 3D surgeries for a while, Holmes carefully analyzed his new patient’s situation. The surgeon eventually concluded Munro was a perfect candidate. “There have been a few conferences [about 3D printing] I’ve gone to and everything else, I just hadn’t had a patient who would do well with it present themselves yet,” said Holmes, adding: “For me, it was a no brainer with
Elliot. He was the ideal patient. If it didn’t work, he ends up with an amputation, but if he didn’t do it, he still ends up with an amputation.” Once the pair decided to go through with the surgery, they faced another obstacle — trying to convince the hospital to allow it. “It was a lot of meetings and a lot of denials,” said Holmes. “I had to back it up with research and evidence, and that was the problem — there is no evidence.” “For them [the hospital], they’re looking at this as being a costly and high-risk procedure,” he added. “So it was me trying to do a lot of persuading.” The hospital finally approved the surgery and Holmes went to work on collaborating with a New Jersey company about the design of the implant. “It’s a process,” said the surgeon. “You have to do a CT scan that has to meet certain parameters and then send it to the company. Then they are able to construct on a screen what the implant would look like.” Holmes worked with engineers for several weeks to fine-tune the implant structure to meet Munro’s needs. While Munro couldn’t quite coax his insurance to cover the surgery, he still went through with it on March 19. Now, he said he is walking in normal shoes again and is pain-free most of the day. He is also able to continue traveling for work at an educational technology company based in Scottsdale, where he is an account manager. Munro is now focusing his efforts on raising awareness about this type of technology in the hopes that more insurance companies will start to cover it. “I feel blessed I was able to find a doctor that was not only willing to do it but able to fight for it,” said Munro. “The fact that I’m the first in the state, I’m hoping that people will hear about it and start asking their doctors about it.” “Like anything new in the medical field, I think it’s going to take time,” he continued.
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
For more community news visit SanTanSun.com
Chandler youth bring Seuss to stage this weekend BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
Nineteen Chandler kids are bringing the fantastical characters of Dr. Seuss to life in a new production from Chandler Youth Theater. The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, and the Christmasstealing Grinch all make appearances throughout Seussical JR, a musical mash-up of various stories written by
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We’re trying to reach out to other venues within Chandler,” she said. “We’re working on expanding our theater… and coming up with different offerings. – Audrey Ryan
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the author formally known as Theodore Seuss Geisel. The story alternates between the tiny inhabitants of Whoville and the creatures lurking about in the Jungle of Nool. Horton the Elephant is the only jungle citizen able to hear the Whos of Whoville and desperately tries to get others to believe him. The production’s cast, consisting of local actors between 7 and 16, tells a tale full of friendship, family, and
Rehearsing for this weekend’s presentation of “Seussical Jr.” are, above, Alina Lierzga; top left, Alina Lierzga, Francesca Scanio and Addison Beattie; and Francesca. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
Chandler student included on new Christian album BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer
A Chandler resident is one of several Grand Canyon University students featured in a new album of Christian worship music. Bailey Drake, a GCU senior and Chandler Preparatory Academy graduate, co-wrote and performed the last song featured on “Canyon Worship,” the fourth studio album produced by GCU students. Despite having a lifelong passion for music, this was Drake’s first year participating in the university’s album project. She teamed up with Amanda Hauck and Mary Van Vleck on a songwriting night during their worship seminar. The trio came up with ballad they later called “Chasing After Your Heart,” which Drake hopes will have an inspirational effect on listeners. “I would almost call it a call-toaction song,” she said. “That’s what it is for me.” Drake further described the song as an expression of the joy that results from unabashedly pursuing faith. “We wanted to talk about the freedom that comes with loving after God’s heart and wanting to emulate
sharing their love for music and the Gospel,” the school says on its website. The studio features two studios and several rehearsal rooms. Studio A includes a recording room, four isolation booths and a control room in addition to a wealth of instruments and amplifiers. All spaces have doublewall construction, two layers of drywall and acoustic paneling Chandler resident and Grand Canyon University student Bailey Drake coto absorb acoustics wrote and performed a song on the university’s latest “Canyon Worship” album. (Special to SanTan Sun News) and prevent sound leakage. that love,” she said. The Center for GCU students composed 10 songs Worship Arts has been a collaborative for the new album in a recording studio effort for Grand Canyon University that located on campus. The university has a involves industry experts, instructors worship arts program which combines and seasoned worship ministers. ministry and performance by providing The center provides the following a creative outlet for students to relevant theology degrees to become articulate their faith. a worship leader in a contemporary The new GCU recording studio was church or ministry setting. designed and built to provide students, The first couple of albums produced staff and artists “every opportunity by students had a more contemporary to find their purpose by creating and Christian sound. But the new album
reverts to more traditional worship music. “I’m really excited about this album,” said GCU Worship Arts Coordinator Dr. Randall Downs. “Hopefully churches will be able to take in some of these songs and incorporate them into their worship services.” The first couple of album tracks are a bit more upbeat in rhythm and tone. The middle songs slow down and sound more reflective. Then the album picks back up again by ending with “Chasing After Your Heart.” “We wanted to sort of tell a story with how the songs progressed throughout the album,” Drake added. Drake graduated from Chandler Preparatory Academy and has been interning at her old school’s music department. She plans to pursue a career in music education after earning her college degree. Music has always played an important role in her life, Drake said, and she enjoys seeing the positive impact has on people. “I want to go and I want to share that with other students,” she said. “Canyon Worship” is available to download on iTunes, Spotify, Shazam, and Google Play.
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
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Also rehearsing are, top, Mikayla Deely; bottom left, Addison Beattie with Amy Iverson in the background and far right, Addison again. (Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)
fantasy. The musical is particularly special to Audrey Ryan, the theater’s director of productions, fondly remembers reading Seuss’ books as a child. “I just thought they were so quirky and I really connected with them because they were so wacky,” she said. Ryan directed the cohort of young actors. He only had 14 rehearsals to teach them all 35 musical’s songs. “Seussical” didn’t seem like a very intimidating show on the page, Ryan said, but she quickly realized they had a lot of material to cover in a limited amount of time. “It’s actually a beast of a musical,” she said. “It’s basically an opera.” The kids have managed to rapidly absorb all the songs and choreography, Ryan said, and haven’t been overwhelmed by the workload. “They’re working really hard on this production,” she said. Seuss’ books are famous for displaying colorful landscapes of unusual-looking objects and characters. Since the production was confined to a small stage, it couldn’t create elaborate sets matching the style of “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” But Ryan says they found a way to work around this by painting cardboard cutouts reflecting the look and feel of Seuss’ worlds. “I really wanted the aesthetic of Dr. Seuss to come alive in this production,” the director said. This is Chandler Youth Theater’s second season producing shows with local youth. The organization has previously staged productions of “The Little Mermaid, “Annie,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at the ImprovMania theater in downtown Chandler. Ryan, a recent Arizona State University graduate, said the theater
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is ramping up its outreach efforts this season by teaching various drama classes in the community. “We’re trying to reach out to other venues within Chandler,” she said. “We’re working on expanding our theater… and coming up with different offerings.” The theater will soon be partnering with local schools to put on productions of “Shrek Junior” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Ryan said they will be holding auditions on Oct. 21 for “Frozen Junior.” Seussical will be performed at 5 p.m. today, Sept. 21 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 at 250 S. Arizona Ave. Tickets are $15. Information: ImprovMania.com.
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
Night Ranger’s Keagy relishes the desert BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI staff writer
Night Ranger drummer/vocalist Kelly Keagy loves the heat and the desert. The new Gilbert resident is also enamored with the city’s restaurant row and the Valley’s music scene and will be playing at Wild Horse Pass next weekend. “I have a lot of friends there now, whom I met through my fiancée,” he said. “I remember the first time I was ever in Tempe with Sammy Hagar back in the day. We played this complex on a university on a baseball field.” Singer/bassist Jack Blades grew up in Scottsdale, and that tie keeps their relationship tight. “I’ve been around the area for a long, long time,” Keagy said. “We’d go out there, visit them and write songs. He showed me around Scottsdale for the first time.” The rockers are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their first two albums, “Dawn Patrol” and “Midnight Madness.” “We can’t believe it’s been 35 years,” Keagy said. “But we’ve been having fun playing those double-album shows. We’re taking it to Japan in October for the first time. With 17 million units sold under its belt, Night Ranger will bring classic
act remains relevant – and revered – with music heard on TV shows like “The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Gray’s Anatomy,” “American Dad” and “Parks and Recreation,” and video games such as Rock Band and Grand Theft Auto. On this tour, Keagy said Night Ranger is throwing in a few deep tracks that feature musicians Keri Kelli (guitarist) and Eric Levy (keyboards). The band also includes guitarist Brad Gillis, formerly of Ozzy Osbourne’s band. “We’re all about doing what feels right, spur-of-the-moment stuff,” Keagy said. “We’ll throw in covers. You never know. I wish we could do The Beatles, stuff we grew up with. Covers do endear you to your audiences, especially when they Night Ranger includes, from left, keyboardist Eric Levy, guitarist Brad Gillis, singer/bassist Jack Blades, drummer/singer don’t expect it. It makes it fun Kelly Keagy and guitarist Keri Kelli. (Courtesy Night Ranger) and different every time. “Regardless, it’s a hometown having a good time. But this will feel like tracks like “Sister Christian,” “When gig. We have a lot of friends old-home week for us. We’ve played Wild there. It’s going to be chaos. That’s You Close Your Eyes” and “Sentimental Horse Pass before and it’s great. It’s small Street” to Wild Horse Pass Hotel and what rock ‘n’ roll is.” and intimate, but it’s still rock ‘n’ roll.” Casino on Saturday, September 28. Night Ranger, Wild Horse Pass Hotel Night Ranger, who recently finished Keagy takes lead vocals on “Sister and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass a run of shows with Sammy Hagar, Christian” and “Sentimental Street.” Boulevard, Chandler, playatgila.com, “The double-album shows have been recently released the song and 8 p.m. Saturday, September 28, tickets really successful,” said Keagy, 66. “We’re corresponding video for “Truth.” The start at $39.
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New Power Generation keeps Prince’s vibe alive BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI staff writer
When Prince passed away, his longtime musical director, Morris Hayes, wasn’t surprised by the honors and the memorials that followed. “Prince was No. 1. He was an iconic superstar in terms of music,” Hayes said. “Prince was rock star’s rock star. I was with him for 20 years. He was the biggest person in the room, no matter where he was. At the same time, with opioids in the press and the media, when somebody as big as Prince succumbs to that, that’s a big news story. With celebrities, it reminds us there’s a really huge problem.” He was shocked by the purple hue that took over the world. “Every place went purple,” he said. “That was mind-boggling to me—the Sydney Opera House, for example. That was a powerful thing for an enigmatic artist. We knew he was a big star and a big celebrity, but it went beyond what I imagined.” New Power Generation comes to the Chandler Center for the Arts on Friday, September 27, to spread Prince’s musical message. After years of touring, recording, playing and performing with Prince, the members of the New Power Generation perform a nonstop musical
Chandler Center for the Arts will host the New Power Generation and its huge tribute to Prince’s greatest hits. (Special to SanTan Sun News)
of professionalism and musical quality. “We’re acutely aware it’s a different situation without Prince at the helm.
same level of performance people were used to “Fans can expectwhenthethey saw Prince—minus Prince. ” – Morris Hayes kaleidoscope of Prince’s most iconic hits. The show features classic Prince & the NPG songs like “Cream,” “Sexy MF,” “Get Off” and “Diamonds & Pearls,” intermingled with songs like “Nothing Compares 2 U,” “1999,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Pop Life,” “Purple Rain” and “Kiss.” “Fans can expect the same level of performance people were used to when they saw Prince—minus Prince,” Hayes said. “One of the things we want to bring to that show is the same level
We respect the music and pay tribute in a way that Prince would be proud.” Hayes had an inkling the New Power Generation would be able to continue. After Prince died, the NPG performed during a tribute in St. Paul. The more than five-hour concert featured 52 songs. “There was so much music,” he said. “It was such a great tribute. We had Steve Wonder, Chaka Khan, Doug E. Fresh. It was like a long overdue family reunion. It was a sad situation, but we
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all felt really good about it. “Our former manager was there, and she saw it. She saw how grateful everyone was. There’s still an appetite for Prince’s music to be performed live.” Hayes enjoys sharing stories about Prince as well. That’s something else fans can expect from the band— guitarist/vocalist Tony Mosley, bassist Sonny Thompson, percussionist/ vocalist/drummer Damon Dickson and guitarist Levi Seacer Jr. NPG’s lead singer is the charismatic MacKenzie, a Los Angeles-based singer, originally from a small town in Virginia. “I was with Prince for 20 years,” Hayes said. “I remember one time, we saw Robert Downey Jr., who plays Iron Man. We were at a place in L.A. I saw him across the way with his friends, ‘Oh man, there’s Prince.’ He was just trying to build his courage to say something. “It happens all the time—maybe
not Iron Man. We were getting ready to leave and when we get in that mode to go to the car, Prince got up, the security guard got up and they went to the car. Prince walked right by Robert Downey Jr. It was a crushing moment. He shot down Iron Man.” Eventually, Prince invited Downey to his home. “That’s how huge Prince was, though. He was always a presence.
If you Go What: New Power Generation Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, When: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 Tickets: $38-$58 Info: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
Roger Clyne, Peacemakers to be honored BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI staff writer
Roger Clyne has never regretted getting kicked out of ASU’s school of music. After all, his adopted major— psychology with a minor in anthropology—brought him closer to Mexican culture. A Spanish immersion class introduced him to mariachis in
comedian said once, What’s “theSome difference between a job and a career? A job is when you can’t wait for 5 to show up. A career is when 5 shows up and you wish you had more time.’ We have a career and it’s a fantastic blessing. – Roger Clyne
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Enseñada, Mexico. He hung out with them, earned their trust, and “learned so much about how deep that tradition goes and how meaningful those songs are.” He learned about the music’s tradition, the technicality, the syncopation and the polyrhythms. He incorporates it into Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers’ music regularly. But Clyne was always into all-things Mexico, thanks to his grandparents’ ranch near the border in Sonoita. “I was already in love with it,” he said.
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers will present a slew of their hits at the Hay Day Music Fest Sept. 28 (Special to SanTan Sun News)
“It was an excuse for me to visit and get credit for it. “We worked a lot on the ranch before the border was (controversial). American and Mexican blended together. I learned my first words in Spanish as a kid. We shared work and meals. I’m in love with the south-of-theborder culture. I hate how it’s become ‘us and them.’ It’s so divisive. We need to be neighbors, not fence makers.” His original sounds and relentlessly catchy lyrics—not to mention his
dedication to the state of Arizona—led the band to the Arizona Music Hall of Fame. The band is celebrating its 20th anniversary as well. “I’m still pinching myself,” he said. “Our fellow inductees—Pistoleros, Dead Hot Workshop, Bob Meighan, Long Wong’s and Fender Musical Instruments—were my heroes. To be inducted as a peer with your heroes is a strange thing for me.” The band is touring, but when the musicians return home, Clyne will finish
the new songs he’s written. They’re demos, but he’ll circulate them among the Peacemakers. “I just start writing and following the muse,” he said. Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers will play a slew of their hits at the Hay Day Music Fest at Hayden Square Amphitheater on Saturday, September 28. Presented by Mill Avenue’s Pedal Haus Brewery and Ted’s Refreshments, the festival will feature Wise Monkey Orchestra and The Hourglass Cats, too. Clyne is pleased he’s helping rejuvenate Hayden Square Amphitheater and keeping the Tempe music scene alive. “Some comedian said once, ‘What’s the difference between a job and a career? A job is when you can’t wait for 5 to show up. A career is when 5 shows up and you wish you had more time.’ We have a career and it’s a fantastic blessing.”
If you go
What: Hay Day Music Fest w/Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers Where: Hayden Square Amphitheater, 404 S. Mill Avenue, Tempe, , When: 2-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 Tickets: $40 in advance, $50 at the door, $100 for VIP package. Info: tedsrefreshments.com
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
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For more community news visit SanTanSun.com
Where does our responsibility to the old begin and end? BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D.
Guest Writer
One of the most daunting prospects in human existence involves growing old and the feeling of abandonment. Sometimes we have visions we will become helpless and a burden to those who know and care about us. The thought of not being able to dress ourselves or complete routine acts such as bathing or maneuvering independently can leave us depressed. A large segment of the senior population gravitates toward retirement communities, because they offer the comfort of sameness. There is a feeling of togetherness and the ability to commiserate with stories of ailments and reminisces of days long gone. There is the joy of visits from children and grandchildren. They come, they go. However, when the dust settles and the car has left the driveway, there is a feeling of loneliness accompanied by a feeling of despair. We open the door, enter our home and find room after room filled with pictures of yesterday. Where has the time gone? Where there used to be
laughter and tumult there are echoes of silence. Then we suddenly cannot remember a name or an event and fright sets in. In a lucid moment, we realize we are forgetting more than we remember. A puzzled look settles on our face. Who are we? What are we? Why are we here? Our life flashes before us and with it the dreams of yesterday and perhaps the reality of today. The most discouraging feeling gives us pause because we, for that short moment, are feeling discarded. Some of us relocate to different environments that are more hospitable to our new disabilities. Our friends who once joined us in all kinds of activities are no longer within reach. We sit lonely and quiet in thoughts of what was and will no longer be. No more visits – it is too far or too much of an effort. We phone to keep the connection but the conversations are short and become infrequent. We cannot forget even though at times it seems we cannot remember. We should not forget our neighbors, our friends, our families and our history. We repeat the stories because to understand the present and look forward to the future we need to remember how we got here. We need to remember who brought us to this
moment in time. Even in sorrow, we acknowledge, with gratitude, the One who gave us the ability to survive regardless of the suffering we experience. An essay I read, I believe, speaks to this most eloquently. The author is unknown. It is titled “The Rain.” “It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly man in his 80’s arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00am. “I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. “On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. “While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. “The man told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. “He told me that she had been there for a while and she was a victim of
Alzheimer’s disease. “As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. “I was surprised, and asked him, ‘And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?’ “He smiled as he patted my hand and said, ‘She doesn’t know me. But I still know who she is.’ “I had to hold back tears as he left. I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, ‘That is the kind of love I want in my life.’ “True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. Life is not about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.” Communities pride themselves on being caring and supportive. Let us not relegate those feelings to just our immediate confines. If we have had friends that were part of us, then continue to keep them in our lives through visits and calls and letters and cards. Each of us is a member of our extended family. We still need each other, and others surely need us. Rabbi Irwin Weiner is spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.
VALLEY OF THE SUN
Sun Lakes Counseling Services
CHANDLER
A ministry providing confidential individual, couples and family counseling services by experienced professionals on a sliding fee scale.
MORTUARY & CEMETERY
Anxiety/Fear • Depression • Stress • Grief/Loss Veterans and/or Family Members Dr. Julian Pickens, EdD, LISAC, LMFT, BRl-11
At Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, we want you to feel confident and comfortable planning a funeral for yourself or your loved one. We offer our funeral planning checklist and other resources as a starting point. We’re here for you when you need us. Proudly serving our community since 1963.
Licensed in Arizona as an Independent Substance Abuse Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist. Specializes in couple and family counseling and substance abuse counseling.
Deb Ralston, MC, LPC, NCC
Licensed in Arizona as an Independent Professional Counselor and certified as a National Certified Counselor.
Valley of the Sun Cemetery 10940 E Chandler Heights Rd Chandler, AZ 85248
480.895.9232
valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com Call 480-895-8766 today for a complimentary initial consultation. A counselor will promptly return your call. Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Rd.,Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 www.sunlakescounselingservices.org
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
Chandler United Methodist Church
Coming October 27th!
Making and Deploying Disciples for over 100 Years.
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
SUNDAY WORSHIP At 8:30 am & 10:00 am Childcare Provided • All Welcome!
480-963-3360 | www.chandlermethodist.org | 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.
Come, Worship the Lord
Glorify His Name
Praise Him
Dining | Fun • Act ivities | Business es • Services Medical • Denta l | Education • Ch ild Care The votes are in.
The people have
spoken.
Our reader poll is designed to let YOU tell us about your favorite people, places, shops, restaurants and things to do in Chandler, Gilbert & Mesa. PEOPLE | PLACES | SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO
Connect with your community!
VOTE NOW! Se Habla Espanol!
59
$
Cleaning, Exam & X-rays
1
$ - OR -
Take-Home Whitening
1
$ - OR -
General Dentist
4920 S Alma School Rd, Ste. 1 Chandler, AZ 85248
LakesideDentalCareAZ.com
Call Today!
602-563-3570 SNEDIGAR RECREATION CENTER
LAKESIDE DENTAL CARE
S FULTON RANCH BLVD S ALMA SCHOOL RD
Photo credit Greatest Love Photography
• General Dentistry • Teeth Cleanings • Cosmetic Dentistry • Teeth Whitening • Crowns • Invisalign® Clear Aligners • Emergency Dental Care • Implants • Dentures
John Lopez, DMD
Emergency Exam
(Reg. $321) Offer expires in 30 days
(Reg. up to $199) Offer expires in 30 days
(Reg. $70) Offer expires in 30 days
Includes exam, cleaning (prophylaxis) & x-rays. New patients only. Advertised fee is the minimum fee, subject to clinical need. One or more of the following ADA codes may reflect the treatment rendered under this offer. D0150, D0330, D0272, D0210, D1110.
Includes exam, cleaning (prophylaxis) & x-rays. New patients only. Advertised fee is the minimum fee, subject to clinical need. One or more of the following ADA codes may reflect the treatment rendered under this offer. D0150, D0330, D0272, D0210, D1110.
Includes exam, cleaning (prophylaxis) & x-rays. New patients only. Advertised fee is the minimum fee, subject to clinical need. One or more of the following ADA codes may reflect the treatment rendered under this offer. D0150, D0330, D0272, D0210, D1110.
Offers not to be applied toward account balances or dental services already delivered and not in conjunction with any other offers, discounts or reduced-fee plans. Services provided by an Arizona licensed general dentist. FLR39920MA
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
DIRECTORY CLEANING SERVICES
Black Sheep Motorsports
Not Enough Time in the Day? Call
Proud member of
CONTRACTORS
25 $ 500
$
& Transmission Repair Services
FREE ESTIMATES FINANCE AVAILABLE 14421 E VALLEJO ST CHANDLER 82549
Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly
Black Sheep
480-734-4313 Motorsports
BUSINESS BUSINESS SERVICES SERVICES
References Available 20 Years Experience Bonded & Insured
ABA HOME REMODELING
KITCHEN • WINDOWS • BATHROOMS DON’T OVER PAY! Call or text us TODAY!
480.988.1903 www.abahomeremodeling.com
CLEANING SERVICES
RESIDENTIAL & SMALL BUSINESS CLEANING SPECIALISTS SINCE 2007
A group of local business representatives and owners committed to development of local businesses in the Greater Chandler Area. Providing a forum for local businesses to promote themselves. We also work with and promote several non-profit organizations. Each member is required to assist or fund a non-profit organization as a show of support to our community.
off project
• TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSIONS • KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELS • MASTER BATHROOM WALK IN SHOWERS
It’s a Clear Choice!
Weekly, biweekly, tri-weekly, or monthly; same talented crew each visit Flexible, customized services to meet individual needs of each client GREEN eco-friendly products used to clean and sanitize Move-in/move-out and seasonal deep cleans Small, family-owned company with GUARANTEED high quality services Always dependable, excellent references, bonded, and insured
Plans By Design AZ LLC - Remodel - Additions - Stand Alone
DRYWALL
HOME REMODELING
LANDSCAPING
25 $ 500
RAMIRO MEDINA LANDSCAPING
JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING
$
Gift card to Lowe’s with Quote off project
House Painting, Drywall, Reliable, Dependable, Honest!
12 MONTHS
QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates
• TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSIONS • KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELS • MASTER BATHROOM WALK IN SHOWERS
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NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS
ABA HOME REMODELING
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480.988.1903
CONCRETE & MASONRY
FLOORING
HOME REMODELING
Block Fence * Gates
SIR JOHNS CONTRACTING
Why re-do when you can RE-NEW?
Roc #057163
Painting of All Types Interior & Exterior Cabinets Stains & Paints
CARPET CLEANING
CONCRETE & MASONRY
123 Concrete Work CARPET & TILE CLEANING
CARPET CLEANING 3 ROOMS
$7995
Pet Odor & Stain Removal Pro & Truck Mount Steam
(REG. $135)
602-708-2220 www.facebook.com/123CarpetClean
• Patios • Sidewalks • Driveways • 30 years experience • Free Estimates Call Dan
480-516-8920
not a licensed contractor
azirrigation.com
plansbydesignaz@outlook.com
CARPET CLEANING
YOU’LL LIKE US THE BEST!
RANTY
5-YEAR WAR
BONDED & INSURED • ROC#271056
chandleralliance@gmail.com
Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley
• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service
480.654.5600
Rodger Anderson • 480-223-3123
FreeFree estimates at 480-802-1992 or estimates at 480-802-1992 or dennis@simplygrandcleaningaz.com reed@simplygrandcleaningaz.com
602-789-6929
IRRIGATION
Gift card to Lowe’s with Quote
NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS
(480) 833-1027 JENNIFER BEEBE
HOME REMODELING
12 MONTHS
Quality Professional Cleaning
Trans Rebuilding & Repair All Vehicle Types
57
Call us at 480-898-6465 or email classifieds@santansun.com
Four ads for $116.73
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
DIRECTORY
Not a licensed contractor.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS REMODEL & REPAIR
Over 30 Years Quality Experience HIG HQ Lice UAL Est Free nse ima ITY d tes RO &
Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 21671
➧ LANDSCAPING ➧ TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL ➧ IRRIGATION ➧ YARD CLEAN-UP ➧ GRAVEL COMMERCIAL ➧ RESIDENTIAL ➧ LICENSED • INSURED OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Call or Text Today for a FREE ESTIMATE
www.abahomeremodeling.com
Carlos Medina - 602-677-3200
LANDSCAPING
BONDED & INSURED • ROC#271056
YOUR #1 CABINET REFACING COMPANY IN THE VALLEY 39 Years of Masterful Craftsmanship 0% Down (OAC) Credit Union West FREE In-Home Estimates
C 25 Bon 166 ded 1
602-315-5470
John McMillan-Owner sirjohn53@gmail.com 4960 S. Gilbert Rd. Suite #1 Unit #260 Chandler, AZ 85249
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Visit our chandler showroom
480-361-3121 Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Re-NewCabinets.com
ROC#293053
IRRIGATION
LANDSCAPING LANDSCAPING
Sprinkler Detective
Sprinkler & Drip Systems • 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty
480.345.1800 Free Estimates Repairs • Modifications • Installs ROC# 195213 • Licensed & Bonded
www.miguelslandscapinginc.com
mi.landscapinginc@hotmail.com PAVERS, WATER FEATURES, FLAGSTONE, FIREPLACE, SOD, BBQ, SYNTHETIC GRASS, ROCK AND IRRIGATION Remodeling License ROC #183369 • Bonded, Insured
DIRECTORY
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SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
DIRECTORY / CLASSIFIED Proud member of
WINDOWS/ CLEANING Four adsPLUMBING for $116.73
PLUMBING
PAINTING
Kent Mortensen
HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs We Are State Licensed and Reliable!
Free Estimates • Senior Discounts
480-338-4011
Plumbing C O. • A licensed plumbing contractor for over 40 years • No Employees - Owner operated • Specializes in water heaters and all plumbing repairs • Located in Chandler
480-968-1371 ROC 035930
ROC#309706
PAINTING
PLUMBING
24-HOUR SERVICE
480-892-5000 480-726-1600 ABC Plumbing SAN TAN PLUMBING & DRAIN CLEANING & Rooter
Discounts to all: • Seniors • Military • First Responders
A+
Since 1968
ROC#153202/213288
POOL SERVICES
WEEKLY SERVICE CHECKLIST:
• Brush Walls & Benches • Remove all Debris from Surface of Water • Empty all Baskets (skimmer, leaf canister, pump baskets, etc.) • Inspect Equipment for any Repairs, Leaks, Etc., and Report to Customer if Anything is Needed • Backwash as Needed • Check & Balance Chemicals • Basic Chemicals Included with Monthly Service!
Monthly Service Starting at $89
Lifetime East Valley Arizona Native! • Locally Owned & Operated • • Honest & Reliable • TONY ALMADA OWNER 602.574.7690 • WINGMANPOOLS@YAHOO.COM
PAINTING
PAINT SERVICES
East Valley PAINTERS
PLUMBING PLUMBING PLUMBING
SEWER & DRAIN SEWER AND DRAIN
1 HOUR RESPONSE
ABC Plumbing & Rooter
*All Competitor’s Coupons Accepted ABC PLUMBING & ROOTER
Water Heaters Repipes Watermains
480-726-1600 480-726-1600 Sewer Replacements
Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting
10% OFF
We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates• 3 Year Warranty
480-688-4770
www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated
Now Accepting all
A+ Rating
SINCE 1968
EMERGENCY SERVICE www.abcplumbingandrooter.com
Lic. ROC153202/213278, Bonded & Insured *Call office for details
WINDOWS/ CLEANING
PLUMBING
Licensed/Bonded/Insured
48 YEARS In Business Since 1968 ROC#153202/213278
% 20% 0 Financing Fast* *Call for details. Senior Discount!
25 $ 500
$
Gift card to Lowe’s with Quote off project
12 MONTHS NO INTEREST NO PAYMENTS
• TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSIONS • KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELS • MASTER BATHROOM WALK IN SHOWERS
ABA HOME REMODELING
KITCHEN • WINDOWS • BATHROOMS DON’T OVER PAY! Call or text us TODAY!
480.988.1903 www.abahomeremodeling.com BONDED & INSURED • ROC#271056
SanTan Sun News Classified Ads To Place Your Classified Ad 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com
Read our paper online: www.SanTanSun.com
CARPET CLEANING BIG JOHN'S CARPET CLEANING Our truck-mounted steam cleaning system will deep clean your carpets, ridding them of unwanted dirt, bacteria, fungus and chemical residues. Upholstery cleaning also available. Tile and grout cleaning. For a clean and healthy carpet, call 480-786-6610 or 602-989-8311 John Downs, Owner/Operator, Ocotillo Resident. Call for monthly specials.
Call for reasonable rates
www.sandistailwaggers.com Member of the PSI and Chamber of Commerce Licesed, Insured and Bonded
Classified Works! 480-898-6465
major credit cards
PET SERVICES
Family owned in Chandler since 2002 • Daily Visits to Your Home • Multiple Visits to Your Home Don’t feel guilty for leaving your pet ... Sandi will keep those tails waggin’
10% Off Your First Booking
480-699-3290
PLUMBING
SUN/SHADE SCREENS
The Owners Clean Your Windows!
1-Story $145 2-Story $165 Inside & Out Up to 30 Panes Additional Panes $3 ea. Screens Cleaned $3 ea. pane Power Washing Available
480-201-6471
CLASSIFIEDS
MUSTANG CARPET & TILE CLEANING Carpet, Tile & Grout, and Upholstery Cleaning. Family owned, truck-mounted steam cleaning. We off 1/2-hour appointment time frames, so no waiting around. We include pre-spraying, mild deodorizer and degreasers for high traffic areas at no charge. Member BBB with A+ Rating! "We clean like it's our own!" 480-688-3003
Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131
John’s Window Cleaning
CLEANING SERVICES HOUSE CLEANING The lowest prices in the Valley! We provide all cleaning supplies. 20 years experience Trustworthy and dependable We pay attention to details Excellent References Call Vicky 480-227-1890
MELISSA'S CLEANING SERVICE Make Your House Sparkle & Shine.
Reliable Energetic Cleaning. Reasonable Rates. Free Estimates. giada42607@gmail.com 480-395-8757 SPARKLE & SHINE CLEANING SERVICE Immaculate, Dependable Service. Affordable Rates. Commercial & Residential services available. All supplies included. " You've tried the rest, now try the BEST!" Ask for Martha or Annie 480-495-5516 or 480-797-6023
HANDYMAN A FRIEND IN ME HANDYMAN
Honey-Do List Electrical, Plumbing, Drywall, Painting & Home Renovations. Not a licensed contractor.
Call Greg 480-510-2664 AFriendInMeHandyman @gmail.com
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
CLASSIFIEDS LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPING
Aqua Masters Sprinkler & Drip Repairs Specializing In: *System Check-Ups *Valves, Heads, Timers *Leak Detection *Wire Locating and Troubleshooting *Brown Spots & Low Pressure Problems 30+Years Experience Quality Service 480-478-0073 www.AquamastersAz.com
KUTTINGEDGE LANDSCAPE
A Professional and Reliable Maintenance Company. Services Include, Weekly and Bi-Weekly Maintenance, One Time Clean Ups, Weed Control, Tree Work and More. Call Rick For a Free Estimate 480-250-6608 or email: Kuttingedgelandscape@cox.net
and Visit:
www.kuttingedgelandscape.com
EMPLOYMENT
PROMOTERS WANTED!! AVG PAY $19.48 - $27.33 Large Home improvement company looking for people to work at Sam's Clubs, Malls (Arizona Mills Tempe & Superstition Center, Mesa) as well as home shows events. Must be able to approach people. * HOURLY PLUS COMMISSION (DEMO BONUS PLUS % of sale ) * PART TIME & FULL TIME * BENEFITS FOR FULL TIME * RETIREES WELCOME * MUST BE ABLE TO STAND ON YOUR FEET To set up a interview call Steve at 480-298-3688 Today!!
Become a Foster Parent • Earn a generous monthly stipend • Mentor another person • Network with others • Be invited to exclusive events and festivities • Receive continuous support • Become an Independent Contractor
What is a Foster Parent? A foster parent is a caring individual who opens their heart and home to a child at risk or an adult with developmental disabilities. Become a foster parent, in our Host Home program for adults or children with disabilities. We call our foster parents Mentors because they are more than caregivers to the individuals in their home they support them, they are teachers, advocates and family. As a Mentor, you can make a difference and be a hero to someone who needs a helping hand, a friend and a champion for their well-being. Would being a Mentor be a good fit for you? If so, Contact Latisha Porter at 602-567-4981 or Latisha.porter@thementornetwork.com or come down to 3838 N Central Ave Phoenix AZ 85012 Suite 1200
CLASSIFIEDS
59
Call us at 480-898-6465 or email classifieds@santansun.com Proud member of
LANDSCAPING BERNIE'S LANDSCAPING Mowing, Clean-Ups, Gravel, Winter Grass, Irrigation Repair, Tree Removal & Pruning. Landscape Maintenance FREE Estimates (not a licensed contractor)
480-340-6009
MOVING IN OR OUT MOVERS Professional, hardworking, excellent service. No hidden fees. Whether you are moving in or moving out LEAVE THE LIFTING TO US! Serving the East Valley.
SEWER & DRAIN ABC PLUMBING & ROOTER 480-705-7772 SERVICE NOW!! 110% Guaranteed/100 Year Warranty. OWNER Operated (Licensed, Bonded, Insured). 20% OFF Seniors/Military. A+ Rating with BBB, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, AZ award winning. If it's plumbing, we do it! 24-hour flood restoration services. Financing approval in minutes with NO MONEY DOWN & ZERO INTEREST. ROC#153202/213278
WINDOWS/ CLEANING
www.inoroutmoversphoenixmetro.com
Call Terry at 602-653-5367
PLUMBING ABC PLUMBING & ROOTER CHANDLER/GILBERT *$79.00 OFF with this ad* 110% Guarantee*/OWNER OPERATED Small & Large REPAIRS 24/7 Slab leak, water main, hot water heaters, & sewer repair specialist. Water softening specialist, water filters, and reverse osmosis. 100-year warranty on parts & labor. * BBB A+ Rating. BBB Ethics Award Winner. Chandler Chamber of Commerce Employer of Choice Award. ROC#153202/213288 *Call for details 480-726-1600
REAL ESTATE MANUFACTURED HOMES (SALE) BRAND NEW NEVER LIVED IN 2 BED / 2 BATH HOMES $48,900 Financing Available. Also Available Affordable Homes Between $5K - $15K 55+ Mobile Home Park in Great Chandler Location. Call Kim 480-233-2035
DIRTY WINDOWS? Call Fish Window Cleaning @ 480-962-4688 and you will have the cleanest windows and screens on the block. Below is the list of services we offer: Windows – Interior & Exterior Screens – Sunscreens and Regular Tracks, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures Power Washing - Your driveway, sidewalks and patios. Follow us on InstaGram @FISH_WCEASTVALLEYAZ
"MOM WAS RIGHT" Appearance Counts! PROFESSIONAL WINDOW CLEANING Detailed Service and Tidy Inside Your Home! 1 Story-$110 & 2 Story-$150 Up to 30 Panes. Price Includes Inside and Out. Screens Pressure Washed $3 Each. Light Fixture and Fan Cleaning Also Available. Professional Services Since 1995! CALL RON at 480-584-1643 A+ Member of BBB Bonded & Insured
Stuff for Sale? Your Neighbors are ready to buy! Place your Ad today!
480-898-6465
READER NOTICE: Arizona Registrar of Contractors Advertising by Contractors In any advertising for services, performed by licensed contractors, the following guidelines may be useful to prevent false and misleading advertisements. • Any advertisement, including the name of the business, should not imply the name of a building trade or craft for which the contractor is not duly licensed. • Advertisements, including the name of the business, should not imply that you can perform work outside the scope of work allowed under your license. • Commercial and residential contracting are regulated separately, and therefore the license should be appropriate for the work you are promoting. • All advertising, including websites, letterheads, business cards, fixed signs, mobile signs, other business forms and documents and radio and television commercials used in the conduct of business under your license should include the li-cense number and the company name under which you are licensed. Written forms of advertising should include “ROC” preceding any license number. Referencing the ROC on Websites Internet websites referencing the Arizona Registrar of Contractors are requested to include hypertext links to https://roc.az.gov, the Arizona Registrar of Contractors’ website. Advertising by unlicensed contractors Contracting or Advertising Without a License is a Crime. Source https://roc.az.gov/contracts Publisher’s Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preference limitation or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
60
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
SAME-DAY
A I R C OND I T I ON I NG & PL U MBI NG SE RV I CE
Call us for quick, honest, reliable service 7 days a week!
39
$
95
Air Conditioning Tune Up & Safety Inspection Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. Expires 10/20/19.
FREE Air Conditioning Service Call
With Purchase of part/repair. Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. Expires 10/20/19.
$
480.345.COOL (2665) 3065 N. Norfolk • Mesa, AZ 85215
westernstateshomeservices.com LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED A+
SENIOR & VETERAN DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE! AZROC #253810 / #321722
39
95
Water Heater Flush Limited time offer. Restrictions may apply. Call for details. Expires 10/20/19.
NO Weekend Charges NO Overtime Charges
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
61
For more community news visit SanTanSun.com
Chandler church offers ‘Taste of Greece’ DAVID M. BROWN
Contributor
It’s “Opa!” time as the 36th annual Taste of Greece festival returns Oct. 4–6 at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Chandler. Melding the traditions of ancient Greece with today’s culture, the church campus located at 2716 N. Dobson Road becomes a Greek village, welcoming 10,000 guests for the celebration with Greek foods, live music, costumed folk dancing, imports, vendors and a Kids Fun Zone. More than 300 volunteers, mostly church members and fellow Greek churches in the Valley, will tend 15 food booths serving 32 dishes. They will also help guests at the sports bar and the “agora” marketplace, which features arts and crafts, Greek imports, jewelry, CDs, books and icons. And they coordinate the advertising, publicity and other festival duties. The food is prepared by highly experienced food volunteers. Favorites include dolmathes, grapevine leaves stuffed with ground beef, seasoned rice and herbs; spanakopita, thin filo dough filled with spinach and cheeses; and pastichio, “Greek lasagna,” baked macaroni and ground beef covered in béchamel sauce. New this year is calamari, a Greek specialty. Attendees can also enjoy Greek pastries such as baklava, filo dough filled with nuts and spices; kourabiedes, a rich, shortbread-like cookie covered with powdered sugar; and loukoumathes, pastry puffs sweetened with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. Baklava cheesecake is debuting this year. These and other Greek foods will also be available to take home. Greek music will continue to serenade foodies this weekend. There will be folk dancers from various age groups in authentic costumes from Crete, Thrace and Epirus. Dance workshops are also scheduled. “From the spanakopita to the stitching in the Greek dancer’s costumes, we are a telling a story which allows our children and neighbors to sample our Greek culture, hospitality and faith,” said Nicolette Wright, a member of the church who tends the gyro booth during the weekend with husband Todd. “The festival is our opportunity to proudly showcase our traditional Greek menu, music, and dances and to strengthen our bonds and relationships with our friends, family, and neighbors,” added Vange Archuleta. He has volunteered since 1985 and chaired the event for seven years. Dimitra Attwood, coordinated volunteers this year and explains, “Greeks love to share their love for food, hospitality and community, so being able to share that is a beautiful feeling. “When you go to a Greek’s home,
Nicolette Wright gets her young dancers ready for the three-day Taste of Greece festival in Chandler while many of her colleagues are busy in the kitchen cooking up an array of old Greek recipes for thousands of attendees to enjoy. (Taste of Greece)
you will have a new best friend, learn so much about their heritage – and will never walk away hungry.” The festival satisfies other needs, too. Most importantly, it ensures the continuity of centuries of traditions. For Wright, it’s an opportunity to celebrate Greek heritage with the community and share the culture with her children. “As we work the booth all weekend long, we still take necessary breaks to watch our 6-year-old son participate in Greek dance,” she said. “It’s increasingly more difficult, generation after generation, to preserve this (culture) if you didn’t have the
influence of the Greek Orthodox Church and the opportunity to celebrate Greek culture each year,” said Wright, whose great-grandparents were one of the first Greek families in Arizona. Their children – Wright’s grandparents – attended Greek school every day after traditional American day school, but they didn’t require a formal Greek school environment for their children, Wright’s parents. “Generation by generation, we are assimilated more into the American culture, so as parents we need to be more purposeful in how we make time to pass down our Greek traditions and
heritage,” said Wright. Wright also directs the church’s Sunday school ministry and is a member of St. Irene Philoptochos, a charitable society of the church. Attwood’s volunteers range from 6 years through 90. “We even have some awesome middle school parishioners who have taken it upon themselves to set up a table in the Kids Zone to paint fingernails for a donation,” she said. Both she and husband Kevin grew up at St. Katherine. His late uncle, Father Sam Poulos started the parish and baptized her. “I learned how to Greek dance at a very young age and loved every bit of it. Learning the choreography and that each dance came from one island or another and being able to wear the costumes and learning what island they were from gave me such a sense of pride for my heritage,” she recalled. “Now I get to see my own kids learn all the same things and even wear some of the same costumes that I wore when I was a kid,” she said, noting that all three were dancing before they were born, including her 4-year-old twins: “Even being 34 weeks pregnant with twins couldn’t stop me from being out on that dance floor during a Greek festival!” The twins have attended Camp Agape, partially funded by the St. Irene See
GREEK on page 62
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WHERE TO EAT
SANTAN SUN NEWS | WWW.SANTANSUN.COM | SEP 21 - OCT 4, 2019
With JAN D’ATRI Contributor
Gorgeous French macaroons require finesse
Vange Archuleta, who chairs the Taste of Greece festival is flanked by volunteers Spiro Apergis, left, and Nick Bafaloukos. (Taste of Greece)
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Philoptochos society. The camp caters to families dealing with childhood diseases. Archuleta’s parents immigrated to Green River, Wyoming; he worked with the Union Pacific Railroad in the mid-1900s and sent for her mother to join him in the late 1940s via a letter to Greece. Green River had no Greek festivals, “but a close-knit community of Greek families maintained the traditions of the Greek culture through our church, celebrations, strong bonds and deep pride,” she said. In 1985, her daughter, Dr. Stacie Eskew, a Gilbert optometrist, and son, Adam Archuleta, the ASU football star, NFL player and now CBS sports analyst, moved to Chandler. As soon as they arrived, the family joined St. Katherine. Since 1985, many of the festival leaders have passed away, and the current average age is over 75. “It is imperative for our younger generations to step up and work hand in hand with our leaders to continue the traditions that have been set forth by generations,” she said. Archuleta has five grandchildren,
and her staff is assisting with the next generation as well. The Wrights, for example, are expecting their third, which should make a quorum to assume all of the gyro duties at future A Taste of Greece events. “One day,” she said with a smile, “the booth will be run by the whole family.”
If you go
What: A Taste of Greece Festival Where: St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 2716 N. Dobson Road, just south of Elliot Road, Chandler. When: 5-10 p.m. Oct. 4; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 5; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 6. Parking: Attendees are requested to park for free and take the shuttle bus from Seton High School, 1150 N. Dobson Road, just north of Ray Road. Handicapped parking is available on the church grounds. Admission: $5 admission, children under 12 free. All proceeds benefit St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, and related charities. Get a free admission with the purchase of an admission at ATasteofGreeceAZ.com and Facebook.
How they got to be such a huge craze, I don’t know. French macarons are lovely to look at and delightful to eat. But the recipe can be intimidating. After all, there is a bit of a method involved in making them. After reviewing Julia Child’s macaron recipe, I decided to hunt for a simpler
version, and I found it. So, here’s the big picture. There are only five ingredients to French macarons, so that’s not the challenge. It’s the technique that’s a bit tricky. But these gorgeous and tasty gems are well worth the effort.
Ingredients: 4.5 oz. almond flour or almond powder (approx. 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons) 8 oz. powdered sugar (2 cups) 4.5 oz. egg whites, room temperature (4 large eggs) 1/8 teaspoon cream of tarter 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 oz. fine granulated sugar Directions: Step 1. In a food processor, combine almond powder and powdered sugar and blend to obtain a fine powder. Sift into a bowl. Repeat sifting. Step 2. In a mixing bowl with electric beater, whisk egg whites until foamy, about 1 minute. Add pinch of cream of tartar and salt. Whisk until meringue begins to thicken. Slowly add fine granulated sugar, a little at a time. Whisk on high until egg whites have texture of shaving foam with soft peaks. Step 3. Add sifted almond mixture to the egg whites. Using a silicon or plastic spatula, gently fold mixture until almond powder and egg whites are fully incorporated. Mixture is done when it is smooth, shiny and slightly runny (like a cake batter). Do not mix
beyond this point. If using a coloring or flavor, it must be done at this point. Step 4. Place mixture in a piping bag with an approximate quarter of an inch opening for the tip. Pipe about a nickel size of mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone pad, about 1 inch apart. IMPORTANT! Set baking sheet on counter for about 30 minutes at room temperature until a slight crust develops over macarons. Step 5. Bake at 325 degrees (use standard bake element and not convection) for about 15 minutes. Allow baking sheets to cool and maracons to harden before lifting them away from baking sheet. When cool, fill with icing of your choice like butter cream icing or ganache.
Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe
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