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September 27, 2020 | www.santansun.com

Relentlessly local coverage of Southern Chandler

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

CUSD may move Erie students to new school

BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Chandler Unified administrators want to relocate Arizona College PrepErie’s 800 students to the district’s new high school campus next school year. The relocation across town from Erie’s present campus near Dobson Road and Chandler Boulevard to the high school under construction at Gilbert and Ocotillo roads is part of a plan that also includes adjusting the boundaries of two other high schools that would take effect in either 2024 or 2025. The Erie students would join their

peers living within the new high school’s enrollment boundaries, currently Ocotillo, Cooper, Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads. Students living in this region are currently assigned to Perry High. Moving the Erie students and changing some other boundaries are part of the district’s effort to equalize the population on its high school campuses. The Governing Board might vote on the plan Oct. 14. Administrators said that moving Erie students to the new school, which opens next July, would enable more students to take advantage of academic programs that have earned Erie the

U.S. Department of Education’s “Blue Ribbon School” designation. “ACP-Erie can expand and offer its successful program to more students,” administrators wrote about the plan. The move also would save the district $6 million for a planned expansion of the Erie campus and renovations to Andersen Junior High’s football stadium, which is utilized by ACP-Oakland’s students. In turn, Oakland students would relocate to Erie’s campus, where they would have greater access to sports facilities. CUSD would then use Oakland’s old campus as a facility to host expanded offerings for the district’s community

education programs. There are still unanswered questions about the plan – including the school uniform policy currently in force at Erie. It’s unclear whether students who are within the new school’s boundaries but not in the Erie college preparation program would have to wear uniforms or whether the policy would be dropped. “This will be a collaborative conversation with the parents in the new boundaries, ACP-Erie parents, students and the principal once the high school boundaries have been approved,” disSee

BOUNDARIES on page 3

Chandler residents prefer trails over new buildings BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Kindergarten students at Conley Elementary and other Chandler schools returned to classrooms two weeks ago but their experience is dramatically altered by protocols such as socially-distanced desks. (Pablo Robles)

Familiar but different setting greets Chandler students BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Adriana Robertson stood in front of a class of kindergarteners, ready to point to a chart of the alphabet. The Conley Elementary School teacher gestured toward one letter and waited for her students to shout out the answer she’s looking for. “A – Apple,” the kindergarteners yelled in unison before moving on. It was the type of scene that routinely gets played out in Conley and other Chandler Unified classrooms during any normal school year – except this school year has been far from normal. The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed every aspect of public education and schools like Conley have had to make several adjustments to protect teachers and students from the virus. Robertson’s class of 20 kindergartners can’t just recite the alphabet the same as their predecessors did in years past; they must now repeat their ABCs while wearing a face mask and standing several feet apart from each other. This particular day in Robertson’s class was Sept. 15, nearly six weeks after

the Chandler Unified School District’s school year officially began – and only the second day her kindergartners have been inside her classroom. The CUSD Governing Board started the year with online learning for all students, and on Sept. 2 voted 3-2 to begin a “rolling return” to classrooms, starting with K-2 students last week, grades 3-5 last week and junior high and high schools reopening Oct. 13. The board’s decision gave Conley’s staff less than two weeks to be ready to teach hundreds of students after classrooms sat empty for nearly six months. Principal Lisa Shore said the quick turnaround didn’t intimidate Conley’s teachers because they had already started reopening preparations several months prior to the board’s decision. “We’ve been doing this since June,” Shore said. “We’ve known our plan. We were just waiting for the board to say, ‘Go for it.’” The entire campus has been plastered with numbers on sidewalks, desks and cafeteria tables to guide students on where to sit or stand at any given time. See

SCHOOLS on page 6

A majority of Chandler residents say walking, hiking and biking are their most favorite recreational activities and believe the city should invest in improving its existing trail system. According to citywide surveys conducted over the last year, 43 percent of Chandler residents said walking and biking trails are their most cherished recreational amenity -- the most popular response among a variety of options that included splash pads, playgrounds and neighborhood parks. And respondents are much more willing to spend tax dollars on preserving trails rather than building new amenities; 31 percent of residents were willing to fund improvements to Chandler’s trails system and only 6 percent were willing to pay for new sports facilities. Michael Svetz, a member of the Pros Consulting firm, said he expected Chandler residents to favor trails and pathways over other amenities because most Americans get their exercise by simply walking. “This is not surprising because trails across the entire country is always the most important thing,” the consultant said. Svetz and his team have spent the last few months gathering public input and collecting data that the city will

eventually use to update Chandler’s parks master plan, a document that outlines the city’s recreational objectives and strategies. Phase one of the plan update recently concluded and Svetz’s team has begun sharing some of the preliminary results of their findings. The survey shows Chandler residents appear to have less attachment to amenities tied to specific sports or recreational activities. Less than 5 percent of respondents selected tennis, volleyball or pickleball courts as favorite amenities. Only 2 percent of respondents picked Little League or softball fields as their most important facility – a data point some city leaders found hard to believe. “Club soccer, club softball are huge out here,” said Councilman Matt Orlando. “If you look at the Arizona, California, New Mexico markets – softball’s huge.” Council was chastised by one local youth softball league earlier this year for not providing enough fields in Chandler that could accommodate their games and practices. The league began circulating a petition in the hopes of pushing city leaders to dedicate resources for safer, more accessible softball fields. Svetz said the initial data on softball fields doesn’t imply the city won’t need

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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more fields in the future. The activities requiring specific athletic skills typically rank near the bottom of these surveys, he added, and Chandler seems to be no different than how other communities respond to these questionnaires. “Ninety percent of your community is not interested in playing on a baseball field or soccer field,” Svetz said about the Chandler data. Beyond Chandler’s survey results, Svetz said national trends indicate adult softball leagues have been declining for years – which has prompted many cities to rethink how they should build new athletic fields. “It’s just something that has ebbed and flowed,” he said about softball trends. Overall results from the parks survey show Chandler’s residents are overwhelmingly satisfied with the city’s current inventory of recreational services. At least 88 percent of respondents reported visiting a local park within the last year, 49 reported using the city’s trails and 19 percent visited an athletic field. “That is a really good indication and statement on the safety of your community,” Svetz said. Fifty-four percent of respondents rated Chandler’s parks as being in “good” condition, 31 percent thought they were “excellent,” and 14 percent

thought they were “fair.” The master plan update further assessed what types of services weren’t being met in specific sections of Chandler. Residents living in the western and southeastern regions felt their neighborhoods were in need of larger community parks. Chandler’s northern residents reported wanting to see more picnic areas, dog parks and splash pads. Communities in the city’s southeast region wanted Chandler to prioritize swimming and fishing programs. When asked how the city could improve its parks system, 71 percent of Chandler residents said they were very

supportive of seeing money spent on repairing and maintaining existing parks – the survey’s most popular answer. Respondents also indicated a high degree of support for adding walking loops to existing parks or improving the city’s restroom facilities. There was notably less support for projects involving building new facilities or adding new amenities to existing parks. Forty-five percent of respondents were “not sure” whether they supported building a new skate park in Chandler and 14 percent opposed adding more dog parks. The master plan study estimated how many households across Chandler

had a need for specific recreational services that were currently unmet. More than 29,000 households are believed to have needs for a community garden that are not being fully satisfied by the city’s current services. Nearly 25,000 households have an unmet need for “adventure areas” that could include obstacle or rope courses. Another 26,600 households are estimated to have an unmet need for walking and biking trails that was 50 percent or less. “It is exceptionally important to find out the needs of your community – both needs that are being met as well as unmet needs,” Svetz said. It will be necessary for the city to utilize its parks master plan as a roadmap moving forward, he added, as Chandler’s residential population continues to grow and demand for new services starts to climb. Chandler’s population is expected to rise from 278,300 to 336,800 residents by 2029. “If you’re going to maintain an existing level of service, you’re going to have to expand your park system across the board,” Svetz said. The city’s consultants will spend the next few months conducting financial evaluations and surveying Chandler facilities before they present a final update to the park master plan early next year. “There is a lot of other data that is yet to be had that will help to inform the ‘strategic-ness’ of the recommendations that come forward,” Svetz said.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

BOUNDARIES

from page 1

trict administrators said in their recommendation. “A series of meetings will be held to gather information from all members of the school community.” The new high school – CUSD’s seventh – is positioned on the south end of Perry High School’s enrollment boundaries. CUSD presented a number of options earlier this year for reshuffling school boundaries. Unlike Chandler’s other high schools, Erie was intended to be a smaller campus that focused on preparing students for college through rigorous coursework and personalized learning. The school accepts students through an open enrollment process that involves filling out an application. Attendance at the new high school would be based on both open enrollment applications for the Erie program and the new school’s residential boundaries, according to the proposed plan. Although the proposed plan involves drawing in hundreds of students from the new school’s surrounding neighborhoods, CUSD insists the new campus can maintain the culture already established for Erie students and staff. The district plans to have the new school keep Erie’s knight mascot and the school’s “Arizona College Prep” logo. “ACP-Erie is known throughout Arizona and the United States as an exceptional school and it is important not to lose the reputation that has been es-

This map shows the boundaries and the locations of CUSD high schools. Students in the top two orange blocks from the right would be moved to Chandler High and those in the second dark blue block from the right would be moved to Basha High under the proposed boundary changes. (CUSD)

tablished for the benefit of current and future families,” district officials wrote. CUSD has an alternative boundary plan that would impact the class of 2024 if the Erie students were not relocated. The proposed boundary changes in the recommended option would not take effect until 2025. The recommended plan would also redraw some of the boundary lines for Hamilton High – the district’s largest campus, which ended the last school year with more than 4,000 students. CUSD proposes moving Hamilton’s

perimeter of Chandler Boulevard, Alma School, Pecos and McQueen roads to Chandler High’s boundary. District officials said the move would facilitate transportation because the perimeter is geographically adjacent to Chandler High’s campus. Chandler High has a new wing that can accommodate a big influx of additional students, the district said, noting the move would prevent Hamilton becoming too overcrowded. The district’s plan further proposes moving an area bordered by Val Vista

Drive and Ocotillo, Lindsay and Chandler Heights roads out of Perry High’s boundary and over to Basha High. CUSD hope reshuffling the boundaries will keep enrollment levels at each high school campus between 1,500 and 2,000 students. At the end of the last school year, none of the district’s schools – with the exception of Erie – had fewer than 2,000 high school students. Erie’s 800 students still exceed the school building's capacity of 765 pupils. If Erie’s students were to remain at their current campus, CUSD would likely have to move more of Perry’s boundaries over to the new school and carve up more of Hamilton’s enrollment area. CUSD also envisions saving money on the new school's staffing because Erie’s personnel would be transferred there. But some of Erie’s families are concerned about losing the school’s culture by moving students to a bigger campus. According to feedback received by the district, parents have told CUSD they don’t want Erie to change its small learning environment and other parents are worried about Erie’s rigorous standards. Erie has already composed a year-long plan for how it would slowly integrate students at the new school campus. The district would begin offering tours of the campus starting in December and January, then start hosting a number of orientation events in the spring. Students and parents can submit feedback on the plan by emailing alloway.stacey@cusd80.com.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Tourney honors Perry athlete who died in May BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

The inaugural five-day JM23 Classic at Tempe Diablo Stadium went off without a hitch from Sept. 15-19, with a champion crowned on the final day of the tournament. But as exciting as it was for many fans to watch live sports for perhaps the first time in months, that was all secondary to the main goal: honor the legacy of former Perry baseball player Jacob Medina, who died in May at age 19. “Without embracing sadness, you can’t celebrate the joy,” said Emery Miller, Jacob’s longtime friend and organizer of the event. “The people in the ‘Jacob Strong’ family, we’ve embraced a lot of sadness in the last 19 months. But to now be here and see me and Jacob’s vision come to life, it’s beyond words. It gives me goosebumps.” Emery and Miller had come up with the idea of the 24-team tournament in December to raise funds for a family in need. Still in remission at the time from his first battle with leukemia that resulted in a lengthy stay at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Jacob threw out the idea of hosting an entire league to raise more money. “This is classic Jacob,” said Miller, smiling at his orange “Jacob Strong” bracelet. “He says, ‘I like the idea, but what if you did more?’ I think it goes to show how Jacob was. He wanted to help people by doing it in the very best way possible. But I was like, ‘dude, who is going

to run the league? We are all in college.’ “He never settled for good enough. He always wanted perfection, especially when it came to helping others.” As Miller and his non-profit organization, Team Emery, began finalizing plans for the tournament in February, Jacob’s health once again began to decline. He beat leukemia in just 33 days in March 2019. After his physical therapist

tween Las Vegas Basic School and Poston Butte. They stood near home plate, where “JM” and “23,” Jacob’s initials and number, were written in white chalk. “The support is just awesome,” Mike said. “It’s been overwhelming. We are going through a pandemic right now, but people here think this is more important than that. I think all of this goes to show how special Jacob was.

He always thought of others before himself,” “ Jones said. “No matter what condition he was in, no matter how he was feeling, it was always about other people before himself. ”

– Kenzie Jones

raised concerns once again a year later in March 2020, tests revealed the cancer had returned, this time at an accelerated rate. Even then, however, Jacob’s mxindset never changed. He was confident he could beat it. But his parents, Mike and Krystal Medina, said the chemo treatments were too harsh on his organs. Before his passing, Miller decided he wanted all proceeds from the tournament to go toward his family. Additionally, he wanted to honor Mike, Krystal and Jacob’s younger brother, Casey. The three joined Miller on the field the final day of the tournament, just before the championship game be-

“People don’t even know him, but they hear his story and they just want to participate.” The three were then gifted a custom blue wooden bat with Jacob’s initials engraved in white. Mariah Meredith, Jacob’s nurse at PCH, presented the gift. “When I got a message asking to come, there was no way I could turn it down,” Meredith said. “I felt very honored and Jacob made me feel like a special person in his life.” Jacob was described as a happy-go-lucky kid with an infectious smile who loved Air Jordan shoes and helping those in need. Austin Kowalchuk, Kenzie Jones,

Abby Cabner and Anthony DeAndrea were some of the many who volunteered to help run the tournament. They recalled on several occasions going to his house when he was battling cancer for the second time. He always appeared strong and told them if they needed anything, he was there. “He always thought of others before himself,” Jones said. “No matter what condition he was in, no matter how he was feeling, it was always about other people before himself.” Jacob’s desire to help others through difficult times never went away, even as he was at his worst. One of the most notable came from one of his old classmates now enlisted in the military. “He told us he was in his darkest moment but out of the blue, Jacob texted him and said he wanted to check on him and see how he was doing. Jacob was in a hospital bed at the time,” Krystal said. “He told us Jacob saved him.” Miller and the Medina family believe Jacob made more of an impact in 19 years than many people make over more time. “Jacob was the kind of kid that even though I hung out with him for 19 years, it wasn’t enough time,” said Miller, fighting back tears. “Knowing Jacob was humbling. Knowing him made me a better person. “This event, this is Jacob. This is his community. It takes a special young man to bring this many people together for a great cause.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Chandler Council introduces new short-term rental regs BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

Chandler City Council has introduced new regulations intended to help the city better keep track of short-term rental properties that turn into troublesome “party houses.” On Sept. 17, Council unanimously passed an ordinance that tentatively amends the city’s codes to make Chandler’s rental properties more accountable to the government. Owners of local short-term rentals, which are homes typically rented out through websites like AirBnb and Vrbo, will have to register with the city by providing the owner’s contact information and require owners to obtain a tax license through the state Department of Revenue. A property owner will be obligated to respond within one hour to any inquiries from the city regarding a nuisance complaint made against their rental or its occupants. The codes further prohibit these properties from hosting any nonresidential activities that “disturb the peace and enjoyment of neighboring properties.” Short-term rentals cannot operate as any type of commercial business, event center, sober living home, adult-oriented business, nor house sex offenders. Council appeared satisfied with the level of accountability outlined in the rental codes and hoped they would better empower Chandler’s neighborhoods to resolve issues before they

turn into nuisances. “I think this ordinance, in the way that it was set up, will do some great things to help move the needle and give the homeowner associations and owners in those neighborhoods some ability to do some things,” said Councilman Mark Stewart. Arizona’s short-term rental industry has been heavily scrutinized in recent years due to complaints from residents across the Valley about homes that become a revolving door for rowdy, noisy partygoers. Police departments in various cities have reported responding to altercations at short-term rentals that have turned violent or even deadly. A 26-year-old man was killed at an AirBnb rental in Chandler last summer after an argument broke out during a party. The Legislature passed a law last year that offered municipalities some leeway

in regulating disruptive short-term rentals and Chandler’s new code regulations were written to conform with the changes. Violators of the Chandler’s new codes could be fined with $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $1,500 for a third offense committed within a one-year period. A property owner who commits more than three violations within a 24-month span could be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor offense. The topic of short-term rentals seems to be popular among Chandler residents since the city received more than 150 comments over the last couple months regarding its new code regulations. According to city documents, a majority of commenters supported the code amendments and some felt the new rules weren’t strict enough and needed harsher penalties. The city’s restricted by state law with how regulatory it wishes to be in regard to shortterm rentals. Councilman Matt Orlando welcomed the additional layer of accountability for property owners and hopes the code amendments offer some ease to concerned neighbors.

He said he knows of at least two short-term rentals located within his own neighborhood and has had both good and bad experiences with the homeowners. One owner is responsible and responsive, Orlando said, but the other has drawn several complaints that required visits by police. The city’s codes seem balanced enough to manage the properties in need of some regulation, Orlando added, while still allowing police officers and code inspectors some latitude on how and when to enforce the rules. “I think this is a fair ordinance that will help us educate, but then again have a little teeth in it for those bad actors,” he said. The registration system put in place by the code amendments could additionally help the city count how much tax revenue is being generated locally by Chandler’s rental homes. Dawn Lang, the city’s management services director, said Chandler currently can’t be sure how much in taxes is being collected from short-term rentals because the city has never had a formal database listing all of these properties. “I think with this mechanism in place, we’ll be able to better track from a revenue standpoint,” she said. Council must vote on the ordinance again in October. If approved, the new code regulations will go into effect 30 days after the council’s second vote.

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Each student is assigned a number within their respective class that they use to know where to stand in line while walking across campus or where they must sit at lunch time. Shore said this numbering system is necessary so the school can quickly track a student’s whereabouts and who they’re coming into close contact with throughout the school day. “So that if somebody did have a COVID-19 positive test -- we know who they’re around at all times,” the principal said. The ability to perform contact tracing quickly is one way that CUSD and virtually all other school districts have planned for in case a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19. By quickly identifying people an infected individual has been in contact with, officials can try to contain virus spread. Aside from using numbers for identification purposes, Conley Elementary must regularly keep count of how many students are congregating in the same space throughout the campus. Bathrooms can only accommodate a couple of students at one time -meaning students may have to line up

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

outside and wait for a classmate to exit before entering. Every student has a badge used to hang outside the bathroom door to signify how many students are using the restroom at any given time. The playground has been divided into four quadrants and students can only play within the space their class is assigned on any given day. Class sizes must also be monitored to ensure not too many students are stuffed into one classroom. Shore only has so many teachers she can use on campus because the district still needs several instructors for the Chandler Online Academy. Conley currently has five teachers working in the online school, the principal said, and that is subject to change as the school year continues to progress. After the second quarter starts on Oct. 13, Conley is expecting to welcome back an additional 45 students who elected to continue learning online for the rest of the first quarter. Another 100 students may not return until January. For every student returning to campus, administrators have to examine how their presence impacts classroom ratios. Most of Conley’s classrooms can safely accommodate about 20 students and any number exceeding that limit

could result in desks not having enough room to be safely spaced apart. Shore said if class sizes get too large, the school would have to decide whether it must abandon social-distancing guidelines and push desks closer together to allow for more pupils. “Either we have to go back to normal or I need more teachers,” the principal said. The school’s fourth grade classes have up to 27 enrolled students, which prompted administrators to create a rotation system that could keep the classroom numbers under 20 for most of the school day. Shore said they had the staffing to create a separate classroom where a handful of fourth graders can rotate in and out for science and history lessons. Conley has further initiated new protocols intended to prevent students from coming into contact with unsanitized surfaces and objects. The school’s water fountains have been blocked off with yellow tape, soccer balls and kickballs are sanitized after every recess and checking out library materials has been temporarily restricted. Every classroom has a hand sanitizer station at its entrance and students are discouraged from sharing pencils or papers with each other.

The nurse’s office has been strategically arranged to isolate students with COVID-19 symptoms from students suffering from a minor scratch or bruise. Despite all the changes implemented across Conley’s campus, Shore said the first day of in-person learning on Sept. 14 went on smoothly and ended with very few hiccups. The students seemed eager to be back among their peers, she said, and needed little enticing to get to their classroom. “We didn’t have to pull one kid out of a car,” Shore joked. The principal said she’s relieved to finally have students back at school and hopes it’s the start of a return to some sense of normalcy for the elementary school. Virtual learning could not replace the face-to-face interaction with a teacher, Shore said, so the students are benefiting from being back in the classroom. Teachers may have to take some time in the coming weeks to go back and review curriculum that may not have been learned adequately in the virtual setting, Shore added, stating that issue can be easily addressed. “Nobody’s stressed out about that because we’re just excited to have (the students) back,” the principal said.

Chandler to limit fall sports fans’ numbers BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

Attending a fall high school sporting event will be a different experience than in years past for Chandler Unified and other fans due to the pandemic. Many school districts are limiting the number of tickets sold to a household and the public. Other measures, such as the use of masks and social distancing, have also been put in place to ensure a safe environment. But protocols still change frequently. “Everything is ongoing,” said Steve Hogan, the Mesa Public Schools district athletic director. “I still meet with our athletic directors about this. Things are always changing.” Chandler Unified School District is limiting capacity to 25 percent for football, volleyball and swimming competitions. Four tickets will be available for football, cheer, pom and marching band participants, while only two will be available for volleyball. Parents will have an opportunity to purchase tickets between Saturday at 8 a.m. and Sunday at 10 p.m. before they go on sale to the general public at 8 a.m. on Monday. Students will be able to purchase tickets starting 8 a.m. Monday if the 25 percent limit has not been reached. Chandler senior running back Eli Sanders said while the energy will be different, it’s something he believes his team will be able to adjust to. “The energy in the stadium will be different but I don’t see it being a challenge to adjust to,” Sanders said. “We’re still going out there with a purpose to win and play fast and hard. “I’m just excited in these uncertain times that we are guarantee a football game. I’m

Basha High Stadium won’t be overloaded with fans for football games as a result of social-distancing protocols.

(Special to SanTan Sun News)

just blessed to be in this situation.” Hogan, along with other district leadership, received guidance from health officials to determine how Mesa schools would allow fans to attend volleyball and football games – the two fall sports with the largest attendance. Families will be allowed to purchase four tickets per athlete. Once inside the gym or stadium, fans will see taped-off areas to allow for adequate social distancing. Families must remain in a group and sit 6 feet apart from others. Masks are required at all times. Hogan said after fall break the week of Oct. 5-9, he and district leadership will reevaluate and follow guidelines from officials. Hogan said it’s possible they may allow an increase in the number of spectators but also want to ensure the environment remains safe for all

involved. “We want to open it up to as many as we can as long as it is safe,” Hogan said. “Our hope is that after fall break, we will have this strategy down, we will know if people are complying and the opportunities we have. Then hopefully we can open it up.” Mesa plans to offer electronic tickets, which can be purchased through the GoFan app. It’s a solution several other districts have also adopted. Concessions will be closed the first two games of the season at Red Mountain and the band will not be present. It’ll make for a much different atmosphere, according to senior quarterback Evan Svoboda. “The games will feel more like a scrimmage without the enthusiasm and passion of the fans cheering,” Svoboda said. “It will be a surreal experience, but it may also allow us to concentrate on

the plays more effectively. “I will miss the instant gratification of the fans cheering loudly for big plays.” Higley was the first district to announce its plans for fans to attend fall sporting events. But unlike others, the district decided not to limit the number of fans that can attend. The only limitation is for an athlete’s household, which is set at four like Mesa. Gilbert Public Schools will allow only 25 percent capacity in its stadiums and gyms. All tickets will be sold online with each athlete allowed to reserve two. Visiting teams can also reserve two tickets per athlete via a private link each school will provide. General admission tickets will be available online 48 hours before the start of the event as long as capacity has not been reached. When it is, tickets will no longer be sold. The lesser capacity will be a major decrease at schools like Highland, where it is common to see at least a few thousand fans at football games each week. Often especially in recent years as the Hawks have competed for a playoff spot, it’s limited to standing room only. “Playing in front of large crowds definitely gives the team an advantage,” Highland junior quarterback Gage Dayley said, “and especially the student section, it gets it to another level. “I’m going to miss getting to play in front of them and the energy they bring to the games.” Beyond what will undoubtedly be a quieter atmosphere for kickoff on Friday nights is the potential loss of revenue for programs throughout the year since concession sales help booster clubs.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Be safe in the kitchen lest your home burns down BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER

Whether you enjoy spending time in the kitchen cooking for yourself or others, or you cook because, well … you have to; a fire in the kitchen can ruin much more than a meal. Cooking –especially unattended cooking –is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. About 44 percent of reported home fires started in the kitchen, with nearly two-thirds of home cooking fires starting with the ignition of food or other cooking materials. October is National Fire Prevention Month and Oct. 4-10 is Fire Prevention Week. This year’s campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” works to educate everyone about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen. The Chandler Fire Department encourages residents to review these bite-sized tips that can help children, adults and teachers learn how to prevent fires or stay safe in case of a fire. Never leave cooking food unattended. Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, baking, boiling or broiling. Use a timer to remind you that you’re cooking and avoid distractions. If you have to leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove or oven. Always keep an oven mitt and pan lid nearby when you’re cooking. If a small

Fires can leave a kitchen in a mass of rubble as this scene shows. (City of Chandler)

grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan to smother the flame. Turn off the burner and leave the pan covered until it is completely cool. Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop, including dish towels, pot holders and paper towels. You might have left a burner on by accident, and built-up heat could ignite combustibles left near or on the stove or oven. Loose clothing can hang down onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. And tie back long hair when cooking. Don’t overfill pots or pans with oil

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or grease. The hot oil or grease can splatter and cause a fire. Wipe up spills and don’t cook on a dirty stove. Grease buildup is flammable. A clean stove is a firefree stove. Keep kitchen appliances serviced, clean and in good repair. If you have a toaster or toaster oven dump the crumb tray and clean out any remaining crumbs periodically. Wipe out the microwave. Clean the oven. Unplug any appliances that start acting funny, then have them repaired or replace them. Don’t use metal in the microwave. The sparks can turn into fire or can seriously damage your microwave. Use caution when lighting the pilot light or burner on a gas stove. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning your stovetop, double check to make sure none of the burner controls were accidentally turned. Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. You have to be alert when cooking. You won’t be alert if you are sleepy, have taken medicine or drugs, or consumed alcohol that makes you drowsy. Finally, install a smoke detector according to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, but NOT in

the kitchen. You don’t want the small amount of smoke or steam that cooking sometimes generates to constantly trigger the alarm but you do want it to sense an actual kitchen fire. Remember to replace the battery on all your smoke alarms at least once a year. For additional fire prevention information: fpw.org or chandleraz.gov/ fire.

CITY OF CHANDLER INSIDER

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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Chandler Fire encourages everyone to be prepared BY THE CITY OF CHANDLER

People everywhere are learning the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Emergencies can happen at any time, anywhere, and while natural disasters or widespread emergencies are uncommon in Chandler, we are not without our share of risks. That is why the Chandler Fire Department recommends that every household talk about potential situations, make plans together and take steps to prepare for a variety of emergencies. Start with a plan. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Talk to your friends and family about how you will contact one another and reconnect if separated. Do you have important phone numbers memorized or written down where you can quickly access them? In case you are separated, establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. You can find helpful planning documents at ready.gov/plan. Once you create a plan together, review it regularly and practice various scenarios. Build an emergency supply kit. You will want to compile essential items that will provide for the basic needs of everyone living in your home (plus your pets) for at least 72 hours. You should consider the unique needs each person

An emergency kit requires care attention to detail so that important papers, medications and other necessities are not left behind. (City of Chandler)

or pet, especially if you have to evacuate quickly. Your emergency kit should contain items that will help the family be self-reliant in the event of a power outage, suspension of water service and the inability to access supermarkets or other local services and resources you rely on every day. It also is recommended that you keep a small emergency kit in every vehicle. Here are some recommended items

for your emergency kit: bottled water (at least one gallon per person, per day) and other beverages with electrolytes; non-perishable food for at least 3 days; first aid essentials to treat minor injuries; prescription medications; overthe-counter meds (have appropriate medicine children as it may differ from what adults need); a thermometer, extra eyeglasses and infant needs, like diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream; hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and

bleach; paper products and plastic utensils; personal hygiene supplies and face coverings; garbage bags and rubber gloves; pet supplies; change of clothes and blankets, manual can opener; flashlights and extra batteries as well as crank generator and radio; cash or traveler’s checks, cell phone charge; important family documents; Have an emergency contacts list of family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department and other community resources. Write down important passwords that might come in handy as well as notebook paper and pencil. Check your kit and update its contents at least once a year. Get training. Learn how to safely shut off utilities at your home. At least one family member should learn first aid and CPR. And check chandleraz.gov/fire to find out when the next Basic Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training sessions will be held. Chandler CERT’s purpose is to teach individual preparedness and coping skills to residents so they are better prepared to take care of themselves and their families following a natural or man-made disaster for up to 72 hours, or until help arrives to assist them. The Basic CERT course is a free 2-day, 16hour program. Information: chandleraz.gov/fire.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Virus now helps drive teacher vacancies in state BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

An average 20 percent boost in teacher salaries over the past four years has apparently done little to entice people into the classroom and keep experienced staffers there. A new report released last week by the Arizona School Personnel Administrators Association said schools surveyed filled just 28 percent of the vacancies they had due to retirement and other reasons. That’s not to say there weren’t adults standing in front of classrooms. But districts had to make up the difference, largely by having their current teachers work extra hours or using long-term substitutes. Justin Wing, the organization’s immediate past president, acknowledged that filling vacancies has been a perennial problem in Arizona schools. But Wing said there’s something different in this year’s report: the number of experienced teachers who resigned as the school year began. In “normal’’ years, Wing said there always are new teachers who quickly conclude that the job isn’t what they expected and decide to pursue another career. This year, he said, the problem appears to be directly related to COVID-19. The 145 school districts and charter schools that responded to the survey reported 751 teachers leaving at the

beginning of the year. Of that, 326 of those resignations were teachers who said they were quitting outright or retiring because of the coronavirus. Another 342 said they were taking a year off without pay due to COVID-19. The districts also reported 633 other non-teaching staff who resigned or retired, citing the virus as the primary reason. COVID-19 aside, Wing said the “why’’ behind the staffing problems is unclear though salaries remain an issue. “Even though pay has gone up, we were in a big hole,’’ he said.

Facing a teacher walkout in 2018, Gov. Doug Ducey pushed through funding designed to provide a 20 percent average pay hike over four years. This is the final year of that increase. That did not mean all teachers are getting that much more, with variables including what teachers were making before and how district officials chose to allocate those dollars. “We’ve climbed that ladder but we’re still not out of that hole,’’ Wing said. “We’re still bottom five in average salaries.’’ But Wing said there are bigger issues: “The main one is, why are high school kids

not going into the teaching profession?” He acknowledged that state lawmakers have altered requirements to become a teacher, allowing people to make mid-career switches without having to go back to school for a full-blown education degree. And that, Wing said, has been important. But Wing said the solution is going to have to come from getting more people into the profession right out of college. That, he said, is going to remain a problem. For example, he said Arizona has one of the highest student-teacher ratios in the country.’ State schools chief Kathy Hoffman said the results of the annual survey “are startling but not altogether shocking for the education community.’’ She, too, said she has seen the impact of COVID-19. “Some educators make the difficult decision to leave the classroom,’’ Hoffman said in a prepared statement. “I know this decision is deeply personal to each educator,’’ she continued. “And I hope that one day we can recruit them back to our schools.’’ Hoffman cited the work of her agency’s Educator Recruitment and Retention Team that she formed last November. Aides to the schools chief said it is designed to function as a hub of information about what has worked at some schools to keep teachers in the classroom as well as to provide help to other schools which are having challenges.

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Each mask in the project takes five to 10 minutes to sew, depending on a volunteer's experience. With material for 100 masks, the kit takes about 10 to 15 hours to complete. (Special to the SanTan Sun News)

Huge mask-making project launched here BY JIM WALSH Staff Writer

Volunteers are mobilizing to sew 600,000 medical-grade face masks for use in hospitals throughout the Phoenix area as the masks become a part of everyday life throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Arizona Masks for Medical Workers project is patterned after a similar project in Salt Lake City sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its community service arm, JustServe.org and LDS Charities. But Jennifer Wheeler, a church spokeswoman, said the mask undertaking is an ecumenical project that also involves Catholic and Protestant churches, with everyone united in the goal of protecting medical workers. “We are thrilled to be working side by side with many different faith groups to sew masks for our valued healthcare providers,’’ Wheeler said. In the East Valley, the Central Christian Church is participating through it’s Mesa and Gilbert campuses. To learn more about the project, go to AZMasksforMedicalWorkers.org. “We invite all who are able and willing to sew medical grade masks to join us as we work together to ensure that caregivers battling COVID-19 have the equipment they need to stay safe. Your personal contributions to this effort will help save lives,’’ the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is recruiting 6,000 volunteers to pick up 6,000 kits of precut materials for making the masks next week and sew them together. Each kit contains enough materials to make 100 masks, including pre-cut pieces of polypropylene and either elastic or fabric ties. The goal is to produce the masks during a four-week period. Each mask is expected take about five to 10 minutes to sew, depending upon the volunteer’s experience and each kit taking 10-15 hours. A self-help video is included on the JustServe.org website, along with instructions on where to pick up and drop off the completed kits. The project kicked off on Saturday.

“All we are trying to do is serve, working shoulder to shoulder in the community,’’ said Debbie Jensen, a community outreach specialist for JustServe in west Mesa. “This is the best of both worlds. They can do it from home and make a big difference,’’ Jensen said. Although we live in a disposable world, Jensen said there are many women like her who love to sew and sewing remains a major industry. She said enthusiasm for the service project is running high, with people calling her steadily, asking for details. She said sewing the masks is easy, although she expects to receive plenty of calls from volunteers asking for additional instruction. “If someone owns a sewing machine and they can sew a straight stitch, that’s all they need to do,’’ Jensen. “This is really easy. Anyone can do this with a little bit of instructions.’’ Jensen said she prepared for her mission by watching the video herself and sewing some masks. “I’ve made a ton of them. I made sure I did 20 or 30 of them so I know what I’m talking about,’’ she said. Wheeler said that JustServe will donate the completed masks to several healthcare providers throughout the state, including the Banner Health Foundation, Valleywise Health Foundation, Dignity Health Foundation, Honor Health Foundation and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. In a statement, Banner Health thanked JustServe.org in advance for the masks, saying that they will be put to good use, but stopping short of saying they will be used by staff while treating COVID-19 patients. Megan Brownell, vice president of communications and external relations for the Banner Health Foundation, said “Continuous masking will be routine for the foreseeable future, and nowhere is this more important than in healthcare settings.” Andy Kramer Petersen, president and CEO of Banner Health Foundation, added that donations like these “help Banner Health to ensure adequate supplies for patients and hospital staff as we remain vigilant in slowing the spread of viruses. We sincerely appreciate this support.”

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Chandler girl, 12, weathering cancer ordeal enough, COVID-19 has added an extra layer of complication and stress. “Patients can only have one visitor right now, which means Daryl and I are constantly taking turns,” Jolene added. “During those long days and weeks in the hospital, we see each other for about two minutes a day in the hospital lobby when we swap places. I can’t begin to explain how hard it has been.” Kylie’s diagnosis has affected the entire family in profound ways. Her siblings – Jeffrey, 27, Jacob, 23, and Kayla, 13 – are stressed as their younger sister suffers the terrible side effects of cancer treatment. “Kayla and Kylie are especially close,” said Jolene. “We’ve driven Kayla to the hospital to wave at Kylie in her hospital room, and that does help, but Kayla has started to have nightmares about the cancer. She’s crushed by worry. We all are.” For her part, Kylie remains positive and happy. The long-time Girl Scout and volleyball player is described as a high-achieving student, a natural-born leader and the first to befriend a new student at school – helping earn her the moniker “Smiley Kylie” at a young age. “She is so friendly and kind to everyone,” said Jolene. “Now we’re seeing this incredible strength in her.” Kylie is now in month six of her 12-month treatment. She has under-

BY KATY SPRINGER Contributor

It started as a lump on her knee. Twelve-year-old Kylie Lark had taken a spill down the stairs and her parents, Jolene and Daryl, figured she had sprained something. The Chandler couple did all of the right things – ice, elevation and rest – but ended up in urgent care when the Hull Elementary School sixth grader’s leg didn’t get better. They were worried Kylie may have torn a ligament – they never considered the possibility of pediatric cancer. “The doctor called us at home and asked if we were sitting down,” said Jolene, recalling that dark day. “He said the x-ray showed a cancerous mass on her knee. We were absolutely blindsided. Our lives were turned upside down in that moment.” The next morning, May 4, Kylie was admitted to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where doctors gave a formal diagnosis: osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, on her knee and femur. She would need to begin an aggressive chemotherapy treatment schedule immediately, followed by a total knee replacement and partial femur replacement. “We were in a hospital for about a week after the diagnosis so that Kylie could get started on her chemo, but we’ve been back to the hospital many

Chandler resident Kylie Lark, 12, is staying strong while going through multiple treatments for a bone cancer in one of her legs. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

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sick,” said Jolene. As if fighting cancer weren’t difficult

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CANCER

from page 13

gone 10 sessions of chemotherapy and one surgery so far. The next six months will bring 10 more chemo sessions and a second surgery, this time to remove unknown spots on her lungs. From there, Kylie hopes to get back on the volleyball court and back to life. “We have learned to take things one day at a time,” said Jolene. “We’re focused on getting through one day, and then the next, and we try not to think too far into the future. I don’t think we would have made it this far without our community.” Indeed, the Larks’ friends and family have shown steady support, from meals and gifts to a drive-by parade for Kylie when she returned home from the hospital after the initial diagnosis. Children’s Cancer Network, a Chandler-based nonprofit organization serving pediatric cancer families across Arizona, also has stepped up to help. “A social worker at Phoenix Children’s Hospital connected us to CCN and Patti Luttrell,” said Jolene. “From the moment we first talked to Patti on the phone, she has been such a support to our family. CCN helped Kylie get her

t? o G ws Ne

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

wig after she lost her hair!” “Our biggest priority is to ensure no family has to fight cancer alone,” said Luttrell, CCN’s founder and executive director. “The pandemic has made

Now, CCN is hosting a monthlong fundraiser in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Pinwheels for Hope, a virtual event aimed at rallying the community

biggest priority is to ensure no family has “toOur fight cancer alone. The pandemic has made

things so much harder on families. Many are facing extreme financial strain, but they’re also isolated and suffering social and emotional difficulties. We’re here to help with all of it.

”

– Patti Luttrell

things so much harder on families. Many are facing extreme financial strain, but they’re also isolated and suffering social and emotional difficulties. We’re here to help with all of it.” CCN provides a host of services to families like the Larks, from gas cards that offset the cost of travel to and from chemo, grocery gift cards to help parents feed their families, wigs, health and wellness activities, support programs for siblings, college scholarships and numerous others.

around the cause, aims to raise $22,500 - or $25 for each of the 900 Arizona children in cancer treatment. Donations can be made at childrenscancernetwork.org/pinwheels. Childhood cancer continues to be the most overshadowed and underfunded category of all cancer research, comprising just 4 percent of federal funding. In the last 20 years, only four new drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat childhood cancer specifically.

“The drugs for childhood cancer are so old,” said Jolene. “It’s really crazy. Medicine has come so far, but we’re still using drugs from the 1950’s and 60’s on our children.” Added Luttrell, “Research funding is limited because the number of children diagnosed with cancer is small compared to the numbers of adult cancer patients. “The survival rate for kids is improving, but two-thirds of them experience chronic and even life-threatening secondary effects from toxic treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. The societal impact of pediatric cancer is significant, even though the numbers are smaller.” The Larks, along with other Arizona families facing cancer, created a video to boost support of Pinwheels for Hope. View it at youtu.be/T0ylVMlHA-0. Learn more about CCN at childrenscancernetwork.org. The Children’s Cancer Network’s 10th Annual Run to Fight Children’s Cancer, now a virtual event scheduled Oct. 18-25. You can participate in the 5K or 10K to build awareness of childhood cancer and raise money for research, treatments, patient education and support services. $45. runtofightcancer. com

Contact Paul C Contact Paul P l Maryniak Maryniak M y i k at at 480-898-5647 480 898 5647 or or pmaryniak@timespublications.com p pmaryniak@timespublications.com pmaryniak@timespublications y i k@ i p bli i com

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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Always Running to the Bathroom? There’s Now a Pill for That Researchers achieve major breakthrough by strengthening bladder muscles with plant based extracts. The result is a daily pill for bladder control that’s helping adults cut back (or prevent) daily diaper use.

s researchers, when running new clinical trials, we never know what to expect.

Most of the time they are complete failures, forcing us back to the drawing board. But in very rare cases, results far exceed our expectations and these product work better than we could have ever imagined. This is the case with the most recent breakthrough in Urology called Urivarx, a new bladder control pill which has performed extraordinary in every test. From dramatic reductions in urgency and frequency…dribbling and leaking…nighttime bathroom trips…and even diaper use…the improvements men and women are seeing with this nonprescription pill have been phenomenal. Why so effective? We asked its developers that same question.

STRENGTHENS THE BLADDER MUSCLES & PREVENTS THEM FROM RELEASING Until now, many within the medical community − including myself − believed it was impossible to strengthen the muscles that control the bladder without drugs, surgery, or exercises. Remarkably, it has now been proven this can be achieved with a tiny a pill. Albeit, a natural one. The secret? A revolutionary discovery that helps the bladder create a tighter seal...while also preventing your bladder from releasing involuntarily. Research shows that as we age, the muscles surrounding the bladder can deteriorate. This is triggered by hormonal changes in the body which results in muscle atrophy, the medical term for muscle shrinking. When these muscles get too small and weak, they cannot seal the bladder shut. That’s why you may leak, dribble, and experience uncontrollable accidents. Worse, because the bladder fails to empty completely, you feel like you need to go all the time! And as old urine just sits there, it can seep into your blood stream, causing painful infections which need multiple rounds of antibiotics to get rid of.

“URIVARX TARGETS A FAILING BLADDER IN A WHOLE NEW WAY” In its most recent clinical trial, scientists discovered a trio of science based compounds that actually strengthen the tiny muscles surrounding the bladder. So effectively that they were shown to decrease adult diaper use by a staggering 400%.

of comfort of confidence that you once had before. And it starts happening in minutes.

IMPRESSIVE CLINICAL RESULTS The exciting clinical results published on the government clinical website clinicaltrials.gov show that UriVarx™ can strengthen your bladder fast, significantly reducing the urine urgency and leaks. In a new double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study, 142 men and women with bladder control issues were separated into two groups. The first group was given a placebo while the other received UriVarx™. The results were incredible. The participants who received UriVarx™ saw major improvements in leaking, pressure, and the urgency to go − all without the usual side effects seen in prescription drugs! They also reported fewer trips to the bathroom both day and night.

Overall, the UriVarx™ group experienced:

Muscles provide a tighter seal with plant based extracts

Weak muscles can lead to uncontrollable urges, leaking

Daily use of these plant based extracts has been shown to reduce urgency, frequency, nightly bathroom trips and accidental wetting by strengthening the bladder. HOW IT WORKS UriVarx™ is a pill that’s taken just once daily. It does not require a prescription. The active ingredients are patented natural extracts. Research shows that as we get older, the muscles which surround the bladder weaken. This is caused by hormonal changes in the body that causes the muscles to atrophy and weaken.

• 56% Reduction in Urge Incontinence • 66% Reduction in Stress Incontinence

When they become too small and weak, they cannot seal your bladder shut, which causes leaking, accidents, among other incontinence symptoms.

• 61% Reduction in Urgency • 33% Reduction in Frequency

It also prevents your bladder from fully emptying, which can result in persistent bacterial infections and UTIs.

• 46% Reduction in Nighttime Bathroom Trips Additionally, at the end of clinical trial and after seeing the results, 84% of the participants taking UriVarx™ said it significantly improved their quality of life. “The clinical findings are incredible, but people still wonder if it will really work” explains lead developer for Urivarx. “It’s normal to be skeptical, but we’ve seen thousands of UriVarx™ users get results exactly like the participants in the study. It’s an amazing product.”

EXCITING RESULTS FROM URIVARX USERS Many UriVarx™ users say their bladders have never been stronger. For the first time in years, they are confident and in complete control. Adult pads and diapers are no longer a big worry. “It’s exciting to hear all of the positive feedback” explains a spokesperson for the company.

Even more surprising, these three compounds also had a rejuvenating effect on the bladder, allowing it to work like it was years younger.

“Its also helps to gain perspective. These people will share how embarrassed they’ve become over the situation. How uncomfortable it makes social outings and the interruptions it causes in daily life.

The result? All the worries you have about your overactive bladder can finally be put to rest! And you can enjoy a new level

They can’t believe the change Urivarx has made. The fear is gone. They are back to feeling in control”

UriVarx’s™ active ingredient targets the muscles around the bladder, making them stronger. Supporting ingredients in UriVarx™ support kidney function and overall urinary health.

BLADDER PROBLEMS GONE With daily use, UriVarx™ can restore strong bladder control and help users overcome leakage without the negative side effects or interactions associated with drugs. Leakage sufferers can now put an end to the uncontrollable urges, the embarrassing accidents, and enjoy an entirely new level of comfort and confidence.

HOW TO CLAIM A RISK FREE SUPPLY OF URIVARX This is the official release of UriVarx™ in Arizona. As such, the company is offering a special discounted supply to anyone suffering from bladder issues who calls within the next 48 hours. A special hotline number and discounted pricing has been created for all Arizona residents. Discounts will be available starting today at 6:00AM and will automatically be applied to all callers. Your Toll-Free Hotline number is 1-800-914-6570 and will only be open for the next 48 hours. Only a limited discounted supply of UriVarx™ is currently available in your region.

THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FDA. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE. RESULTS MAY VARY.CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TAKING THIS SUPPLEMENT. URIVARX IS NOT A DRUG.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

25 years later, Sunset Limited mystery still unsolved BY GARY NELSON Contributor

A little before midnight on Sunday, Oct. 8, 1995, an Amtrak passenger train called the Sunset Limited pulled out of Phoenix under a full desert moon, heading west. Its two locomotives pulled 12 cars. There were 268 souls on board, of whom 20 were Amtrak crew members. Earlier they had cruised through Mesa and Tempe, passing Sun Devil Stadium and crossing an arid riverbed that was still more than three years away from becoming Tempe Town Lake. Before long the train was churning through the Maricopa County desert, bound for Los Angeles after originating in Miami. The passengers who were still awake could glance out the silver cars’ panoramic windows and see a moonlit monotony of scrub brush, power poles and saguaros. Out in the desert, someone had been busy. He, or she, or they, found the spot where the tracks curve toward a concrete bridge that crosses Quail Spring Wash. They pulled 29 spikes that bound the rails to the wooden ties. They shoved one of the rails out of alignment and propped it in place with a metal bar. And they bypassed the alarm wires that run along the tracks so the

The evidence from the twisted wreckage of Amtrak's Sunset Limited in a remote part of the Arizona desert in 1995 suggested that whoever plotted the derailment knew something about trains. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

engineers on the train could not know what lay ahead. The Sunset Limited, traveling about 50 mph, rolled into the sabotaged section of track sometime after 1 a.m. on Oct. 9. Somehow the engines made it across the bridge. The passenger cars did not. Four of them lurched off the tracks

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SUNSET on page 17

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and into the wash 30 feet below. The lead car smashed into a 2-foot-thick abutment, gouging a huge hole into the concrete. Mitchell Bates, a 41-year-old sleeping-car attendant, died. Another 78 people were injured, many of them critically. After the engineers called in their

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SUNSET

from page 16

Hyder. Some said Palo Verde. But really, it was the middle of nowhere. The wreck of the Sunset Limited remains one of Arizona’s enduring mysteries. It has defied the concentrated efforts of one of the most sophisticated investigative agencies in the world, namely the FBI, and those of numerous other law officers as well. It endures despite a $310,000 pot of reward money for information leading to the killers. And at this stage its solution – which may or may not lie in the convoluted and bloody politics of America in the mid-1990s – seems as elusive as in the benumbed immediate hours after the crash. That is not to say the FBI has given up. Jill McCabe, spokeswoman for the Phoenix FBI office, said the derailment is still being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force as an act of domestic terrorism. That implies that the FBI believes there was an ideological motive behind the sabotage. According to McCabe, the FBI defines domestic terrorism as “violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature.” But the terrorists here left only the

The FBI considers the inttentional 1995 derailment of the Sunset Limited an act of domestic terroism and is hoping someone will provide a tip that can help the agency crack the mysterious case. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

most cryptic of clues.

with a segregationist named Randy Weaver in which Weaver’s wife, son and a federal agent were killed. Emerging from one of the undamMonths later, in early 1993, nearly aged cars after the crash, a passenger 80 people died in the fiery climax to named Neal Hallford saw a piece of paper protruding from under a rock. He the federal siege of a Branch Davidian religious compound near Waco. picked it up. To many Americans, those events The page told – or at least it purbetokened a government far too big for ported to tell – of someone’s rage over its britches – a government, in fact, at the actions of federal agents at Ruby war with its own citizens. Ridge, Idaho, and Waco, Texas. Anti-government domestic terrorto introduce At Ruby Ridge,is in pleased 1992, the governists already had taken bloody revenge ment had engaged in an 11-day siege on April 19, 1995, by bombing a federal

A note in the moonlight

building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people in a scheme that had actually been hatched in Arizona. And now, if the note in Hallford’s hands was to be believed, they had struck again. Claiming that Ruby Ridge and Waco served as justification for the train attack, its author signed off with an ominous appellation: Sons of the Gestapo. The problem was, no one had ever heard of any such outfit. Not the FBI.

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SUNSET

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

from page 17

Not any of the civil-rights organizations that keep a close watch on homegrown American hate groups. Nobody. “While the manifestos were signed by the Sons of Gestapo, to date, we have not been able to verify that they are an actual group,” McCabe told The Mesa Tribune. Suspicion arose, and never went away, that “Sons of the Gestapo” was a red herring. And theories were all over the map. Right after the derailment, a Los Angeles Times reporter quizzed people in small towns along and near Interstate 17 up toward Prescott, finding plenty of theories. Maybe the derailment had been the work of leftists out to discredit the flourishing militia movement. Maybe it had been government agents trying to gin up support for an anti-terrorism bill languishing in Congress. Maybe it was white supremacists angry over the recent acquittal of O.J. Simpson in a spectacular Los Angeles murder trial. In 1995 – just as in 2020 – just about any theory could find its promulgators and its adherents.

Eerie echo of the past

But if the Sons of the Gestapo note (actually, four of them were found at the derailment site) was indeed a red herring, there was a far more prosaic – and possibly more reasonable – theory. “Whoever did this knew something about trains,” Maricopa County Sheriff

The FBI has not given up on finding the culprit or culprits behind the deadly Sunset Limited derailment. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Joe Arpaio said at the scene as government authorities probed the wreckage. His comment pointed to what emerged as the most commonly cited theory – that the derailment had been the work of a disgruntled, or perhaps psychotic, lone wolf, perhaps someone

with ties to the railroad industry. The FBI poured resources into the case, at one point enlisting 90 agents in what the bureau called its biggest-ever investigation to that point outside the Oklahoma City bombing. The location of the crash suggested

In case you know something The reward for information leading to the arrests and conviction of those responsible for the 1995 derailment of the Sunset Limited passenger train totals $310,000. The money

comes from the FBI, Amtrak and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Tips may be phoned in to the Phoenix FBI office at 623-466-1999 or reported to tips.fbi.gov.

that the perpetrators were familiar with the area, maybe someone who lived nearby. Agents fanned out to knock on doors to no avail. Oddly, a magazine for railroad buffs had recently published an article about a 1939 passenger train crash in the remote Nevada desert that had been attributed to similar methods of sabotage. That crash killed 24 people. No one was ever arrested. After the Arizona derailment, agents interviewed people who subscribed to the train magazine, but that part of the investigation led nowhere. In the quarter-century since the crash, no groups known as the “Sons of the Gestapo” have emerged, and no further crimes have been associated with that name. Amtrak still runs the Sunset Limited, three days a week between New Orleans and Los Angeles with stops in Maricopa. The stretch from Miami to New Orleans, however, has been out of commission ever since Hurricane Katrina struck the South in 2005. Immediately after the crash, U.S. Attorney Janet Napolitano – her governorship of Arizona still then in the future – vowed justice. “We are going to pursue every bit of evidence, every lead, very thoughtfully, without any preconception about what may be correct and what may not be correct,” she said. “It may take a day, it may take a week, it may take a month.” Twenty-five years later, her words linger unfulfilled, as fading and untouchable and haunting as a train whistle in the night.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

SUMMERTIME! IT’S THE BEST TIME TO REMOVE

WISDOM TEETH! The proposed rock-climbing gym in south Chandler, shown in this rendering, still requires other government approvals before it can be built. (City of Chandler)

New rock-climbing center OK'd for south Chandler SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Chandler City Council has rezoned land around the municipal airport for the construction of a new indoor rock-climbing gym. Council authorized the amended zoning of an 8-acre parcel near Gilbert and Germann roads to accommodate a 33,000-square-foot recreation center. Arches Climbing and Fitness, a Chandler company formed last year, is spearheading the project and plans to install a climbing wall that will be at least 50 feet tall. Other amenities will include a children’s climbing wall, yoga studio, fitness center, and a courtyard area where climbers can relax and play games. The company also plans to have one wall dedicated to climbers wanting to test their time scaling a 15-meter course. “Arches will provide a community space for climbers in the Chandler region to hang out, make friends, and push their physical abilities in a fun and comfortable environment,” the company wrote in planning documents. The company had to seek approval from the city to revise the land’s zoning to change the height restrictions for buildings in the area. The city Planning and Zoning Department determined the company’s request complied with the city’s General Plan and encouraged council approval. Although company officials did not return a call for comment, their website states the facility plans to start hiring employees later this fall. “We strive to be the home base for the Arizona climbing community by providing a fun, comfortable, and inspiring environment for everyone in our sport,” it states. Arches was founded by four friends and climbing enthusiasts who have spent years scaling the rocky crags of rural Arizona. The four founders decided in 2013 they wanted to create a space for the climbing community in the East Valley

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Arches will provide “ a community space for

climbers in the Chandler region to hang out, make friends, and push their physical abilities in a fun and comfortable environment.

”

that was unique among recreational facilities. “Our team has designed every aspect of Arches – from the walls to the layout to the programs – with great care and detail and believe we can create something truly special for the community here in Arizona,” the company wrote in documents filed with the city. Arches plans to offer guests either monthly memberships or day passes that will allow them to rent climbing equipment during their stay. The company has already announced a partnership with Rock Solid Climbing, a Tucson-based climbing gym, that would allow Arches members to get free monthly passes to Rock Solid. Because of the facility’s close proximity to the Chandler Airport, the company had to seek clearance from the Airport Commission to ensure its 65-foot building wouldn’t interfere with local flight traffic. The commission unanimously ruled in July the project wouldn’t conflict with the airport’s operations. “Based on the maximum allowable building heights, the proposed development does not appear to pose a hazard to flight safety or be an airspace obstruction,” a commission memo states. Prior to obtaining a building permit, the company will have to obtain approval from the Federal Aviation Administration that the project won’t pose a hazard to the airport.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

As classrooms reopen, students’ mental health a big concern BY JIM WALSH Staff Writer

As children and teens begin returning to Mesa classrooms, teachers and administrators aren’t just focused on addressing “learning loss” among many students during months of online instruction. They also are focusing on the impact of campus closures and pandemic-related stress on students’ mental and emotional well-being. While they are addressing academics as well as numerous new protocols aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19, schools also have developed plans to address the fallout from months of uncertainty, isolation and stress. Experts say that fallout has triggered wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, drug overdoses and suicide ideation and attempts. Suicide is already the leading cause of death among children 11-14 years old, Gov. Doug Ducey noted two weeks ago. Katey McPherson, an East Valley education consultant and suicide prevention advocate, estimates that there have been at least six suicides of students between the ages of 12 and 18 that have occurred since campuses were closed in mid-March. She said the East Valley could lose a child to suicide every six to eight weeks. But, she added, “The awareness has grown and people are talking about

Gov. Doug Ducey two weeks ago called attention to the problem of suicide among young Arizonans, noting the millions of dollars his administration has been putting into programs to help troubled children and teens. (Capitol

Media Services)

mental health. We have made great strides.” “I’m excited for my own children to get back to school, but it will probably take 90 to 120 days for them to settle in," said McPherson, a former assistant principal at a Gilbert junior high school. “We all want to think home is a safe place, but for many children, it’s not." Schools also are making progress

on dealing with mental health issues among students. The state Department of Education has developed competencies that teachers and administrators are learning in order to recognize and help troubled youngsters. Some districts hired more counselors and social workers after the Ducey administration set aside $20 million

for additional grants to pay for them, although the demand far exceeded available dollars. Two new state laws also are taking effect at the same time campuses are reopening. Teachers, administrators and other school employees who regularly come in contact with students in grades 6-12 must receive mandatory training in recognizing and responding to the warning signs of suicide. That law is dubbed the Mitch Warnock Act, named in honor of a Tempe teen who was lost to suicide in 2016. Also taking effect is Jake’s Law, which expands the availability of behavioral health assistance for children in school and will eventually lead to the creation of a panel that will investigate the root causes of teen suicides. Denise Denslow of Gilbert – who started the JEM Foundation with her husband Ben and spearheaded a grassroots movement to get Lake’s Law passed after her teenage son’s death by suicide – said the $8 million Behavioral Health Services Fund will help students get emotional help at school more readily. She said the investigative panel has been delayed and it will take a year to implement new regulations that require insurance companies to cover mental health needs the same they cover physSee

SUICIDE on page 21

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

SUICIDE

from page 20

ical health treatment. Still, the pandemic has had a farreach impact on children and teens. “They’re really struggling," Denslow said. “It’s the social isolation, the uncertainty and the fear." Teen Lifeline reported a 46 percent increase in calls and texts during June and July from stressed teens. Teens contemplating suicide or feel the need for help can call the hotline 24/7 for supportive services. Mesa-based Community Bridges, which provides services to address addiction and behavioral health issues, also experienced an increase in referrals for East Valley youngsters and teens. “I would say that across the board, behavioral health is pretty busy," said Natalia Chimbo Andrade, director of community education and outreach for Community Bridges. “We have seen an increase in referrals for suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression," she said. “What is going on with the pandemic is a contributing factor in depression and anxiety in teenagers." A child psychiatrist also said she has seen an unusual increase in suicide attempts. “We’ve definitely seen more suicide attempts than generally what I have seen during my career," said Dr. Adeola Adelayo, of Banner Behavioral Health Hospital in Scottsdale, a specialist in child and adolescent psychiatry.

“It pushes them over," she said as teens struggle with social isolation and other interruptions in the normal school year. “The ones who are prone to abusing

We have seen an “increase in referrals

for suicidal ideation, anxiety and depression. What is going on with the pandemic is a contributing factor in depression and anxiety in teenagers.

– Natalia Chimbo Andrade

substances, we have seen more overdoses," Adelayo said. While Adelayo believes that going back to school may generally improve the mental state of many children and teens, she said the benefits must be weighed against the risks of contracting the virus. “I’m definitely hopeful," she said. “Kids are going back to normalcy. It sends the message that things are getting better." The return to classrooms “gives some kind of structure. Every human

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being needs structure, especially kids," Adelayo said. She said teens in particular need space to grow up and develop their identity. “That’s where they get their socialization from, being out of the home, being able to make friends," Adelayo said. “They need some space to figure out their own morals, their own values," or whether they continue on the same path imparted by their parents. “They are trying to figure out who they are." During the pandemic, Adelayo said she noticed that stressed-out parents trying to cope with a job loss, financial stresses or sickness and death within a family, unwittingly influence the children’s emotional and mental state. Often a child’s mental state would improve after therapy sessions involving the child and a parent, she said. Nikki Koontz, clinical director of Teen Lifeline, said teens have been struggling with social isolation caused by the pandemic but they also are concerned about becoming carriers for COVID and infecting their families if they return to school. “Going back to school is politicized. Many kids feel their opinion doesn’t matter," Koontz said. “They are struggling with there being no control over anything." She said the pandemic has created an opportunity for parents to have the sort of deep conversations that can lead to stronger emotional connections.

At the same time, however, the pandemic’s effect have also given rise to more family conflicts. The usual warnings about the dangers of social media have been pushed aside a bit during COVID, Koontz said. “The lack of connection with their peers can make them feel very lonely," she said. Even though teens have spent more time with their families, “there still can be a sense of loneliness. They don’t feel people understand." “I can’t imagine how things would be without technology. That’s how we are all staying connected," Koontz said. “One of the biggest protective factors is a sense of connection." A return to school may help many teens emotionally, Koontz said, because “a lot of their social and emotional growth comes from their associations with friends and peers." Koontz said Teen Lifeline has been helping school districts prepare for the return of their students, running training sessions on digital platforms throughout the summer for employees to spot the warning signs of teen suicide, with as many as 25-30 employees attending. Adelayo said it only stands to reason that more emotional problems among children will be spotted when they return to school. “Anytime you have more oversight, you will be able to see better. You have more people keeping an eye on you," she said. “Your parents may be working two or three jobs."

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Education tax debate focuses on classroom spending BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Both sides of the debate on Proposition 208 appear to agree that the state is not spending enough on public education. But the outcome of the vote on whether to hike income taxes on the wealthiest Arizonans could come down to two issues: whether the money really wind up in the classroom and whether it’s fair or economically sound to have the burden borne by the top 4 percent of earners. On paper, the initiative lists how the cash raised will be divided is fairly specific: Half the estimated $940 million that proponents say would be raised is for schools to hire teachers and classroom support personnel, such as librarians, nurses, counselors and coaches. Those dollars also could be used for raises. Another quarter would be for support services personnel, including classroom aides, security personnel, food service and transportation. There’s 12 percent for grants for career and technical education program and 10 percent for mentoring and retaining new teachers in the classroom. And the last 3 percent goes to the Arizona Teachers Academy to provide tuition grants for those who go into education. “This money goes directly to school districts and it very specifically says what the money can be used for,’’ said David Lujan, director of the Arizona

Center for Economic Progress who helped craft the measure. “It cannot be used on administrative costs,’’ Lujan said. “It can only be used on very specific things.’’ But Jaime Molera, a former state schools chief, said he finds some wiggle room that could put some dollars into the pockets of administrators. Molera, retained by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry to spearhead its opposition to the tax hike, said just that fact alone should give voters pause. “Who are the mentors of the teachers?’’ he asked. “I would imagine they’re going to be principals, assistant principals or even superintendents,’’ Molera said. “There’s no structure against that in this proposition.’’ He conceded that isn’t the way those programs work now, with most mentoring done by more senior teachers. The broader attack by foes of Proposition 208 goes to the claim that, overall, too much education money is being spent outside the classroom. In several commercials, Arizonans for Great Schools and a Strong Economy, the Chamber-financed opposition, says that just 55 cents of every dollar go to the classroom and the rest goes to administration and overhead. Those numbers are accurate. They come from the most recent report by Auditor General Lindsey Perry, who in March put the figure at 54.7 cents. The commercial tells voters not to

put more money into education until the financing system is fixed. But as Perry’s report spells out, there’s more to this story. First, she points out that Arizona schools, on average, spend less on administrative expenses than the rest of the country, an average of $903 per student here versus the most recent national average of $1,383. Potentially more telling is that the 55-cent figure does not include other necessary instructional support like librarians and teacher training. And then there are guidance counselors, nurses, speech pathologists and social workers. Add the basic teacher salaries and the total is now 68.8 percent. What’s left, according to the Auditor General, are things like running the school buses, building maintenance and utilities. Perry wrote, using the most recent national data available, found teacher salaries here averaging about $11,500 less than nationally. Moreover, she noted, “Another factor that may account for Arizona’s lower percentage of instructional spending is class size.’’ In Arizona, there are an average of 18.4 students per teacher compared with 16 in the rest of the country. Molera said there are other alternatives, such as a proposal by several Republican legislators to increase the current 0.6-cent sales tax for education to a full penny. Legislative budget analysts said that

could raise an extra nearly $473 million a year, versus the $940 million predicted by proponents of Proposition 208. But that idea, which has been around since last year, never got out of the Legislature, leaving Prop 208 as the only take-it-or-leave-it proposal for voters. Lujan defends the income tax proposal as being the fairest, given a series of tax cuts by state lawmakers in the past decade that he said have largely benefited business and the wealthy. And this is designed so that 96 percent of Arizonans won’t be affected. This proposal relies on Arizona’s tiered income tax system. Everyone pays the same rate on the same earnings. So any individual is taxed at 2.59 percent for the first $26,500 of earnings, 3.34% on everything between that and $53,000, 4.17 percent on income of $53,001 through $159,000 and 4.5 percent on everything over that. Proposition 208 would add a 3.5 percent surcharge on individual earnings above $250,000. Put another way, a married couple earning $650,000 would pay no additional taxes on the first $500,000. But the rate on the balance would go from $6,750 to $12,000. Foes of the initiative said that would give Arizona one of the highest top tax brackets in the nation. But Lujan said that, given the tiered tax system, the overall burden on that couple making See

PROPon page 23

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

PROP

from page 22

$650,000 a year would still be less than in 34 other states. Lujan said sales tax hikes disproportionately affect those with lower incomes. But he has conceded that having a tax hike that affects perhaps only 4 percent of Arizonans is more likely to be politically palatable at the polls than one which hits more. That, in turn, has led to dueling economic reports. One prepared by the Goldwater Institute says the higher top tax rate will make it harder to recruit new businesses into Arizona and result in “out-migration of high-income individuals’’ to states with lower taxes. Its economic modeling predicts 124,000 jobs will be lost within 10 years with a reduction of $120 million a year in state tax collections. It also questions whether the promised revenues will be there, saying income tax collections on the wealthiest are the most volatile. But Enrique Lopezlira, an economics professor at Grand Canyon College, says that after accounting for inflation and student growth, prior cuts in education funding have resulted in the state spending less per student now than it did a decade ago. He predicts that restoring funds cut from public schools actually would grow the Arizona economy. On a deeper philosophical level, Lopezlira said the cuts in education fund-

ing were not due to the recession but instead part of an “ideological shift’’ to reduce investment in public education and enact tax cuts. That included a 30 percent reduction in corporate income tax rates. Prop 208 opponents argue that the initiative would harm small businesses because many are organized not as corporations, where the taxes are paid by the business at corporate tax rates, but as sole proprietorships, partnerships and under a section of the Internal Revenue Code, all of which are situations where the business owes no taxes and all earnings are ascribed to the owner or owners. That, foes argue, makes the earnings subject to the higher taxes. Lujan noted that state income taxes are due on the net profits, after a business owner pays all costs of employees, utilities, supplies, equipment and other overhead. It is only what’s left as the net profits to the business owner, Lujan said, that is subject to individual income taxes. And he said any couple netting $500,000 a year after paying all the costs of their business operations probably can afford to pay some extra taxes for education. Anything approved by the voters is protected against legislative repeal or alteration. The Arizona Constitution allows lawmakers to make changes only with a three-fourths vote and only if they “further the purpose’’ of the original measure. From Molera’s perspective, that’s a bad idea as it locks the measure in place unless and until the issue goes back to voters. Lujan, however, sees that as a plus against legislative tinkering.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler CEO of credit union a family man at heart BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Contributor

In 26 years at Desert Financial Credit Union, the last 3 1/2 as president and CEO, Jeff Meshey has never missed a day of work. He credits his upbringing in the farmlands of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for solidifying a work ethic that has served him well in his career, starting as a senior auditor at Ernst and Young shortly after graduating from Ohio’s University of Mount Union. Meshey is also a family man with six children from a blended family, ranging from grown adults to two daughters in fifth and sixth grade at Chandler Online Academy. This experience, he says, also contributes to his ability to manage a diverse group of 1,125 full-time and parttime employees. Desert Financial, now Arizona’s largest credit union, was chartered in 1939 by 15 valley educators as Arizona Educational Association Federal Credit Union. In 1972, the name was changed to Desert Schools Federal Credit Union to

Chandler resident Jeff Meshey, CEO of Desert Financial Credit, whoops it up with Sparky at a Sun Devil basketball game. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

better define its niche market, and remained so for more than four decades. Meshey began his career at Desert Financial in 1994 as vice president of

finance through 2000, when he was named executive vice president. In 2017, following the retirement of his longtime boss and CEO Susan Frank,

he took the helm. In January 2018, Desert Financial Credit Union, a $4.5 billion full-service Arizona based institution with 330,000 members throughout Maricopa, Pinal and Gila Counties, received its new moniker under Meshey’s leadership. The rebranding gained a wide audience when promoted during a Super Bowl LII commercial featuring Alice Cooper riffing on his 1972 hit, “School’s Out” to emphasize the name from Desert Schools to Desert Financial. He has launched many programs for his community and his employees – among them InvestED, which rolled out in June. “Desert Financial was founded by teachers so we understand the value of education,” said Meshey. “Our new InvestED makes it possible for full-time employees of Desert Financial and its subsidiaries to earn a graduate or undergraduate degree online at Arizona State University with fully-paid tuition.” Meshey is a strong advocate of worklife balance and keeping physically fit. See

CREDIT on page 31

ImprovMania welcomes back audience with talk show BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

ImprovMANIA is welcoming back audience members to its theater in downtown Chandler after a six-month hiatus was taken to protect patrons from the coronavirus. Owner Dave Specht is excited to perform comedy again before a live audience after he and his staff were unexpectedly forced to only produce digital content for the last few months. The actor and comedian had transformed his home office into a mini television studio in order to continue posting weekly sketches and commercial parodies. But Specht said he’s eager to get back onto a stage again and be able to elicit reactions from actual people. The videos were a great way to keep ImprovMANIA’s fans entertained during quarantine, he added, yet they couldn’t offer the same satisfaction a performer feels when they’re in front of an audience. The theater’s slowly begun introducing live events at its downtown location and will soon offer a live talk show that features Specht as the master of ceremonies. The spectacle will include sketches, jokes, special guests, and lots of interactions with the audience. It will be in the spirit of what Conan O’Brien or Johnny Carson did with their shows, Specht said, and hopefully provide some comedic relief during a

ImprovMANIA owner Dave Specht is welcoming back live audiences to his downtown comedy theater after a six-month closing. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer)

chaotic time for Chandler residents. And the talk show will be broadcast live online thanks to some new video equipment Specht has set up inside ImprovMANIA. Specht said it is important for the theater to maintain a digital presence despite its return to in-person shows. ImprovMANIA had always planned to offer digital content at some point in the future. But the theater’s staff just wasn’t expecting a pandemic to come along and force them to completely reimagine how they do comedy. Staffers weren’t sure at first how it would work since something that’s funny in-person might not translate well over to a Zoom call. “It’s been difficult but it’s also been a blessing,” Specht said.

The theater had to find a way to innovate, he added, which proved to be arduous because the service ImprovMANIA provides can’t be easily packaged and delivered to someone’s front door. As restaurants around Chandler found ways to quickly continue feeding customers during the shutdown, Specht struggled to shift ImprovMANIA to a digital format. “Having a theater closed for six

months is probably one of the most challenging businesses to close because we have no ‘to-go’ option or curbside pickup,” Specht said. He named the theater’s first online show “Curbside Pickup” as an ironic wink to the fact that ImprovMANIA’s comedy wouldn’t quite be the same online as it would normally be on stage. And finding ways to be humorSee

IMPROV on page 28

BUSINESS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Downtown Chandler studio helps aspiring artists BY STACI HAUK Contributor

A downtown Chandler studio is sparking creativity that perfectly aligns with its vibrant and eclectic neighbors. Burst of Butterflies has become a staple in the ever-evolving area, bringing a family feel and an array of options in pottery and canvas painting, glass and pottery throwing. What sets this studio apart from others in the arena is the knowledgeable staff’s passion to help others express themselves through different artistic media. “The idea of Burst of Butterflies began after my aunt was in a motorcycle accident and was left with a traumatic brain injury, explained co-owner Lucas Tisland. “Our family had to endure a lot of change, which led us to create a space that would not only serve as a creative outlet for her during her recovery, but also for a small ‘up and coming’ community that we loved so much in Downtown Chandler.” Tisland and his mother Cheryl currently own and operate the location, often being hands-on with guests and giving advice and ideas. Their focus is that each guest – whether a regular or a first timer – becomes a part of the family when they

Lucas Tisland of Burst of Butterflies in downtown Chandler tunes up prepares for a Zoom claywheel lesson. (Staci Hauk/Special to SanTan Sun News)

come in. The colorful showroom and party area make for immediate eye candy and serve as a place of fun and relaxation for ongoing projects as well as a date night or family outing. “When our guests show up at our doors for the first time, we want to impart that family feel, and our employees are a big part of that. The more

someone visits our store, the deeper our relationship with them becomes, because we spend time with them as they get their art on,” Tisland said From birthday parties to corporate events and school fundraisers to walk-in visits and special classes, Burst of Butterflies has managed to survive the pandemic. Tisland explained that within the

studio, the state-mandated shutdown of most businesses earlier this year offered a time to revamp and refresh. He painted the interior and redesigned the studio’s look and feel in order to keep employees at work even when the doors needed to shut for a while. See

BUTTERFLY on page 28

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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IMPROV

from page 24

ous during a deadly pandemic led to another challenge for Specht and his performers. They didn’t want to do jokes that only focused on COVID-19, yet there wasn’t much else going on in the news that they could use as source material. “It was a challenge for a while to find non-COVID related details so we would just take spins on it,” Specht said. The comedy team did playful parodies of “The Masked Singer” – in reference to the fact everyone is now being forced to wear masks – and penned a holiday song titled “The 12 Days of COVID-19.” The content always attempted to be uplifting and lighthearted, Specht said, because the theater didn’t want to get too dark into the harsh realities of how COVID-19 had radically changed the world. And that’s the attitude Specht has tried to adopt himself for the last six months; he’s remained optimistic and upbeat even during the pandemic’s darkest days. He’s not ignorantly shying away from the bleakness of the current moment, he said, but instead offering a moment of joyful respite that may be sorely needed by many people. “I’m going to smile in public and cry in my car,” Specht joked. “I’m going to be that beacon of levity.” Before the onset of the pandemic, ImprovMANIA seemed to be on a prosperous path that included an expansion

BUTTERFLY

from page 25

He also launched two new online based companies that would be integrated with Burst of Butterflies and extend their reach to new communities far beyond Chandler. Throw and Fire is an online ceramic supply store and Flutter Box is an art subscription box. Both are intended to give anyone the opportunity to start or continue art projects in their own homes during these difficult times. With summer camp being a large part of Burst of Butterflies’ operation, the challenge of the pandemic meant switching gears in this realm as well. “Our company acted quickly in providing safe-at-home options for anyone wanting to participate in our summer camps,” Tisland said. “Children who were signed up for summer camp via Zoom were provided with a to-go art box that provided all the materials needed for one of our many themed camps. “When camps began, we not only had an instructor teaching kids in the studio but we also had a separate instructor teaching kids on Zoom.” While regular classes with social distancing are possible, Burst of Butterflies will be hosting classes on Zoom as well. Their on-the-go pottery packs and canvas packs are available for at-home projects or holiday gifts.

of its space and a growing popularity in its youth theater programs. The pandemic has interfered with some of ImprovMANIA’s plans for this year, Specht said, but staff has found creative ways to keep educating and entertaining its younger students. Rather than perform a production of “Beauty and Beast” in front of an audience, ImprovMANIA’s youth theater decided to film the show as a movie and post it online for family members to watch from home. This strategy ended up being quite successful, Specht said, and the youth theater intends to keep filming productions for the foreseeable future. The theater plans to remain cautious with how it reopens and begins to invite back audience members. Seating in the downtown theater has been drastically scaled back to allow for more space between patrons and everyone’s expected to wear a mask whenever they’re not eating or drinking. Despite these changes to how the theater operates, Specht feels like the future is once again bright for ImprovMANIA since there’s so much buzz and excitement with how they’re going to stage their live talk show. The format will be fresh and new while still preserving elements from ImprovMANIA’s original shows. “The x-factor, I think, is going to be the fact that we’re improvisers at heart and we’re just not afraid of the unknown,” Specht said. More information about ImprovMANIA’s upcoming shows can be found at ImprovMANIA.net

Tisland is confident that Downtown Chandler will continue to heal from the affects of COVID-19 and is grateful for the community support. He knows that virtual lessons and camps will be a great enhancement to their in-studio opportunities and noted that they have helped him and his students see progress and focus on that one-on-one time. “For about two to three years now, I have been teaching wheel throwing with clay to a very motivated and talented young lady,” he said. “She was only 7 when I began teaching her. Within those few years, we expanded her talents and created many different pottery pieces that served homage to her accomplishments in clay. “When COVID hit, continuing her lessons became seemingly impossible. As a response, I worked with her mom and delivered a wheel to their doorstep so that we could continue our lessons on Zoom.” He said he coordinated dates and times and “jumped on Zoom for multiple classes.” Using his new to-go pottery system, her also got the girl’s creations fired and glazed so she could hold onto her finished masterpieces. “Getting to see what she has been creating at home is one of the best parts of going to work,” he added. Information: 141 W. Boston St., Chandler; 480-559-8016 or burstofbutterflies.com.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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BUSINESS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Restaurant family opening new Gilbert eatery SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

It’s an understatement to say that the pandemic-driven shutdown could not have come at a worse time for Mairead and Fabrice Buschetz, owners of the Cuisine and Wine Bistro in Chandler and Copper & Logs in Gilbert They opened Copper & Logs, their third restaurant in February – just before Covid-19 changed the food and drink industry nationwide. Then, the Buschtetz family had to close all three restaurants under state orders. With the unexpected closure, they decided their first restaurant in Gilbert deserved a facelift. As a new interior took shape, so did ideas for a new dining concept. When they reopen this month, the Buschtetz family is unveiling an entirely new restaurant concept called B Gastrobar at 1422 W. Warner Road in Gilbert. It will feature full bar service, an innovative new menu and a renovated interior that expands seating along the bar and opens space throughout the venue. “We decided that if we were going to be closed for a while, then we would take advantage of that time to make the kitchen more efficient, and to open up the seating area near the bar,” Mairead said. B Gastrobar’s menu reflects what the couple have learned through five years of running what was voted in 2016 as the Best Wine Bar in Arizona by

Fabrice and Mairead Buschetz have carved out a reputation for innovative menu offerings with their Cuisine & Wine Bistro and Copper & Logs restaurants. Now they are preparing to unveil a new concept in Gilbert called B Gastrobar. (Special to Santan Sun News)

Buzzfeed. There will be burgers, fries, sandwiches, and more with plans for a lunch and dinner menu. Hours are expected to be Tuesday-Saturday, but many of those details are still being worked out. “We learned that our happy hour and happy hour menu are very popular,” Mairead said. “We are looking at our most popular items, and expanding with new dishes for tasty lunches and hearty evening meals.” While any menu will reflect Fabrice’s French expertise, they say B Gastrobar will be more American than European in flavors and presentation. “We are very excited to open our doors to B,” she said. “We’ve been

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working throughout the summer, renovating, painting and designing the menu – while still running our other two restaurants.” Their other locations – Cuisine and Wine Bistro in Chandler and Copper & Logs in Gilbert – reopened first with takeout and then with in-house dining as pandemic restrictions eased. Since the B location also was closed under the governor’s orders, the family decided to use the downtime for remodeling. The family opened Cuisine and Wine Bistro – Gilbert in March 2015 and 17 months later opened one in Chandler, both featuring similar French menus with an emphasis on specialties such as

escargots, steak, Beef Wellington and aged Tomahawk steak. In February, they launched Copper & Logs, a gastropub featuring craft cocktails, craft beers, and wood-fired pizza. In the five years they’ve owned their East Valley restaurants, they’ve earned numerous accolades and awards. Mairead is a native of Ireland and Fabrice, a native of France, where he trained as an executive chef. Fabrice is the third generation of his family to run restaurants, though he is the first to become an executive chef. The pair met in Paris more than 30 years ago and have three adult children and a daughter-in-law who work with them at the three restaurants.

BUSINESS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

CREDIT

from page 24

At 62, he begins each day exercising in his work-out room at his Chandler home and when plans were being made to renovate the six-story Desert Financial Headquarters building at 148 N. 48th Street, an employee fitness center was high on his list of must-haves. “I believe getting up early and exercise are keys to a long life,” he said, adding his 87-year-old parents still live in Lancaster County. “There were many things I told myself I wanted to do when I became CEO and I knew I wanted to put in a fitness center for our employees.” With more than 80 other perks available to Desert Financial employees – including paid parental leave, sick leave for elderly parents, $250 per child to pay for needs related to school/remote learning – the company is often voted One of the Best Places to Work in Phoenix. And Meshey as CEO is often mentioned alongside those. He is well respected by his employees as well as others with whom he comes in contact professionally. His thick snow-white hair spills over his forehead from a left-sided part and the cleft in the center of his jaw often brings comparison to Kirk Douglas’ famous chin feature. Meshey’s friendly face is frequently wreathed in a smile, his blue eyes twinkling behind his reading glasses. He said his two elementary school daughters with wife Debbie do much to keep him young while his two older adult daughters, two grown stepsons and with three grandchildren add to the mix, making it easy to relate to his

Jeff Meshey displays envelopes for teachers from 2020 Fiesta Bowl Charities. (Instagram)

employees of all ages. “I attribute a lot of my success to my own family and the values they instilled at me at a young age. And now, with my family, I think it really guides a lot of my decisions running a company,” he said. “And since I have young adult children as well as school- aged ones, this helps me to relate better to what our team members at Desert Financial are experiencing, and it’s a big reason why I’ve worked tirelessly to improve our benefits for parents and their children.” The pandemic has complicated life for the credit union and its 47 branches due to the changes in working conditions, including many employees working from home, but had a silver lining for families, said Meshey. “One of the positive things coming out of the coronavirus is the additional time that we’ve been able to spend with our families, and hopefully we are all making those moments count,” he said. For his Chandler family, the lockdown and a recently remodeled kitchen brought unexpected culinary talents to light. “I discovered that in addition to

being a great mother and executive coach, my wife makes a fabulous lasagna,” he said of Debbie, his wife of 14 years. “With both of us working, and then a busy life with the girls, we really hadn’t cooked much. “And I have this dish I’ve been making - a shrimp boil with corn, audouille sausage, potatoes and onion seasoned with Old Bay. We miss the Maryland Shore where we’d go every summer. I used to take my older daughters there, too. So, this is our east coast dish, and a really good thing to do on weekends and we love it.” If family togetherness was a boon, the loss of professional baseball is the family’s bane. “When I moved here in 1994, the Diamondbacks didn’t even exist, but when they played their first game on March 31, 1998 I was there. I’ve had a season ticket ever since that first year, and I was also in attendance at all four winning home games against the Yankees in the 2001 World Series,” he recalled proudly. “Our family enjoyed watching baseball together, and we would often go on Sundays after church; we really miss doing that.” A long-time fan of former Baltimore Orioles shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr., “The Iron Man” who was recently honored on his 25th anniversary of shattering Lou Gehrig’s consecutive-game streak, Meshey said he still ‘laments’ missing the Sept. 6, 1995 record-setting game. “I had to miss that game because I’d moved to Phoenix in 1994. He remains an iconic hero to me, and I kind of identify with him as I think I’m a bit of an ‘Iron Man’ too, as I haven’t taken a sick leave in over 26 years,” said Meshey. He is a member of Ahwatukee’s Mountain View Lutheran Church, where his wife is active in the children’s ministry.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I was a Christian,” he said. “The principles guide me in all I try to do as a servant leader.” Meshey said there are many things he’s proud of as CEO of Desert Financial Credit Union including the commitment to the communities they serve through a wealth of projects. As a not-for-profit cooperative, in 2019 Desert Financial gave nearly $11 million to Valley nonprofits, the community and members. And in the same year, Desert Financial employees, also referred to as team members, volunteered nearly 8,000 hours, donated more than $248,000 through their Random Acts of Kindness program, donated $719,000 for community grants, donations and program sponsorships and supplied $106,000 for 53 teacher appreciation events at Title 1 schools. And though “school” is no longer a part of the credit union’s name, helping teachers remains a big focus of Desert Financial. The credit union is the title sponsor for the Arizona Education Foundation’s Teacher of the Year Award. The 2021 roster of 10 nominees from throughout the state include Sarah Wyffels, Chandler High School Spanish Teacher,and two Mesa Public School teachers: Sharisse Nunes, Falcon Hill Elementary, and Nicole Powell, Las Sendas Elementary. “I feel we are a good corporate citizen,” said Meshey. “Our employees give of their time, their talents and their money, and we do so because we care about the communities we live in.” In 2018, Desert Financial established the Desert Financial Foundation as their first nonprofit entity. Their first year, the credit union donated $6.27 million to the Foundation.

Plumbing supply firm to develop potato barn site SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

A Mesa family business is finally ready to implement its plan for an historic Gilbert site. The Smith family, owners of Central Arizona Supply, plan to break ground this fall for its renovation and expansion of the Old Potato Barn on Williams Field Road between Higley and Recker roads. While making room for the plumbing supply company’s 12th Valley location, the Smiths plan to transform the 20,000-square-foot barn into a multitenant retail and restaurant space and add three buildings to the 3-acre site. They’re naming the site Higley Barns. Built in 1966, the barn got its name because it stored potatoes. It was turned into a showroom for the furniture store Potato Barn until the company moved to a larger location in 2011. Generation Church then bought it but never did anything with it, so it has sat empty for nearly a decade. The Smiths bought the property in 2015 and had initially announced a similar plan in 2018. But co-owner Jeremy Smith said the family got sidetracked with other business. “As a family business, we were focused on growing other parts of our company at the time, mainly expanding into appliances, and that took precedence over this adaptive reuse develop-

Central Arizona Supply owners and siblings Andrea Willey, Brandon Smith and Jeremy Smith recently surveyed the old potato barn in Gilbert, where they have big plans for developing the 3-acre site. (Special to the SanTan Sun News)

ment,” he said. “We are now ready to proceed with The Higley Barns and look forward to breaking ground in a few weeks.” The project marks the first time the Smith family has waded into the role of developers outside of projects related to the expansion of their own 50-yearold business. “It has always been our vision to create a community-focused collection of restaurants, shops and home products in a landmark location that has such history in Gilbert,” said Jeremy. “The Higley Barns will become a mercantile for goods, services, history, art, music, entertainment and culinary, all within a gathering place that enriches the surrounding community in a meaningful way.” In June, Gilbert approved plans for

the multimillion-dollar project, which also includes three buildings ranging in size from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet. The Smiths will open their 12th Central Arizona Supply location within two areas of the property. Half the barn will house “a stunning 10,000 square-foot plumbing and appliance showroom that will showcase the latest in luxury kitchen and bath plumbing, appliances and designer lighting,” a spokeswoman said, calling it “a first of its kind” that will give designers, homeowners, builders, plumbers and contractors “an immersive experience with the world’s top brands.” The 8,000 square-foot building will house plumbing and parts counter and a warehouse, which accounts for nearly half of Central Arizona Supply’s overall business.

The two additional buildings, and the other half of the barn, will be available for lease or purchase. “The Higley Barns location will be our first showroom in nearly a decade, and with it we aim to raise the bar nationally with how clients and home professionals experience all of these design elements in one beautifully curated environment that honors the home,” said Smith. “From working kitchens and cutting-edge products on display, to local chefs hosting cooking demos for the community, it will be a fun and inspiring place to gather and collaborate.” Phoenix-based Brick & West, known for designing some of the Valley’s most notable restaurants, has been hired as the architect and Lee & Associates Arizona will manage the leasing and/or potential sales of the mixed-use space. Founded in Mesa in 1968, Central Arizona Supply is a fourth-generation family business that started as a plumbing parts supplier and has evolved into one of the industry’s largest independently owned family wholesale and retail businesses in the Southwest. With 10 locations in Arizona and one in Las Vegas, the company boasts an on-hand supply of thousands of parts, products and fixtures. Information: 480-834-5817 or visit CentralAZSupply.com.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

2020

COIN SHORTAGE ZIP CODE DISTRIBUTION NOTICE

■ ARIZONA AREA RESIDENTS CASH IN: Pictured above and watched closely by guards are protected U.S. Coin Packages containing the valuable unsearched Vault Bags that everyone is trying to get. It’s hard to tell how much these unsearched bags loaded with valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins could be worth someday. That’s because each Vault Bag is known to contain over 2 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the early 1800’s.

Decision puts valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins back in circulation – zip codes determine who gets them Unsearched Vault Bags loaded with valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s and worth up to 50 times their face value are actually being handed over to residents who find their zip code on the Distribution List below and beat the 48 hour order deadline

Who gets the U.S. Gov’t issued coins: Only U.S. residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed on the Distribution List below are getting the valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins. If you find your zip code listed below call: 1-800-865-9521 NCS1160 “The vaults at Federated Mint a re going empt y,” sa id Ma r y Ellen Withrow, the emeritus 40th Treasurer of the United States of America. That’s because a decision by Federated Mint to put valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins, some worth up to 50 times their face value, back in circulation means unsearched Vault Bags loaded with U. S. Gov’t issued coins dating back to the 1800’s are now being handed over to U.S. residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication. “These are not ordinary coins you find in your pocket change. These We Offer Federal Travel Identifications • Vehicle Registration • Title Transfer / Bond Title • Duplicate registration / iitle • Replacement Plate Or TAB • Permit 3, 30, 90 day • Level One Inspection: Abandoned title inspection • Mobile home • Handicap placard / plate • MVR / Driver license record • Fleet registration

are valuable silver, scarce, highly collectible and non- circulating U.S. coins dating back to the 1800’s which is why U.S. residents will be claiming as many as they can get their hands on. That’s because after the bags were loaded with over 2 pounds of U.S. Gov’t issued coins the dates were never searched and the bags were securely sealed. That means there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search all the coins,” said Withrow. “But don’t thank the Government. As Executive Advisor to Federated Mint, I get paid to inform and educate the general public regarding U.S. coins. Ever since the decision

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by Federated Mint to put valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins back in circulation – everyone’s asking me, how much are the unsearched Vault Bags worth? The answer is, there’s no way to tell. Coin values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees, but we do know this. Each unsearched bag weighs over 2 pounds and is known to contain at least one silver Walking Liberty coin and just that one coin alone could be worth $15 - $325 in collector value. So there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search through all the coins. But you better believe at just $249 these unsearched Vault Bags are a steal, “said Withrow.

The only thing U.S. residents who find their zip code printed in today’s publication need to do is call the National Toll Free Hotline before the 48 hour deadline ends. This is very important. The Vault Bag fee has been set for $349 for residents who miss the 48 hour deadline, but for those U.S. residents who beat the 48 hour deadline the Vault Bag fee is just $249 as long as they call the National Toll Free Hotline before the deadline ends. “Remember this, we ca nnot stop collectors from buying up all the unsearched bags of coins they (Continued on next page)

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page)

can get in this special advertising announcement. And you better believe with each bag being loaded with over 2 pounds of valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins they’re going to go quick,” said Withrow. The phone lines will be ringing off the hook beginning at precisely 8:30am this morning. That’s because each unsearched Vault Bag is loaded in part with highly sought after collector coins dating clear back to the 1800’s including the stunning Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollar, valuable President Eisenhower Silver Dollars, rarely seen Silver Franklin Half Dollars, high demand President Kennedy Silver Half Dollars, beautiful Silver Standing Liberty Quarter Dollar, American Bicentennial Quarters, rare Liberty V Nickels, the scarce Indian Head one cent U.S. coin and the last ever minted Buffalo Nickels. “With all these valuable coins up for grabs we’re doing all we can to answer all the calls,” said Withrow. Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the valuable U.S. Gov’t issued coins. That means U.S. residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication can claim the unsearched bags of money for themselves and keep all the U.S. Gov’t issued coins found inside. Just be sure to call before the deadline ends 48 hours from today’s publication date. ■

AZ RESIDENTS: IF YOU FIND THE FIRST THREE DIGITS OF YOUR ZIP CODE BELOW. CALL: 1-800-865-9521 NCS1160

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AIA adjusts metric, clears way for football to begin BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

After months of speculation, worry, optimism and most importantly, stress surrounding the Arizona high school football season, it seems all systems are a go. The Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Governing Board, in conjunction with its Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, adjusted a key COVID-19 benchmark the association is using to determine when safe for competition to begin. Previously, SMAC recommended cases in each county drop to 10 per 100,000 people, a near impossible number to achieve, before games could take place as scheduled on Sept. 30. After the latest revisions however, the target number is now 75 cases per 100,000 people. Maricopa County has hovered around 50 cases per 100,000 the last two weeks, along with other counties. “There were several things in play that led to the change,” AIA Executive See

AIA on page 35

The Arizona Interscholastic Association and its Sports Medicine Advisory Committee approved new guidelines that relax benchmark requirements and give the all clear for high school football games to begin Sept. 30. (Pablo Robles/STSN Staff)

Valley Christian unveils state-of-art weight room BY ZACH ALVIRA Sports Editor

Valley Christian High School has long had one of the best athletic programs in the state, especially in the smallschool conferences. But despite the school’s success, Valley Christian lacked adequate facilities to take each sport team to the next level – that is, until now. Opened in late July, Valley Christian’s remodeled weight room with state-ofthe-art equipment has already begun to shift the culture surrounding both athletics and the rest of the school. “Athletically, we felt our school wasn’t up to par with other schools strength wise,” said Troy Hanzal, Valley Christian’s head athletic trainer. “We needed to increase the strength across the athletic department. But it’s also open, to students and teachers. We really tried to make this a whole school thing, but it really focuses on increasing the strength activity for our entire athletic program.” Hanzal became deeply involved with the project from the original inception of the idea last school year. By December, the funds were secured from a donor to begin the project. Originally intended to be completed in May, the weight room was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hanzal took on most of the demolition process himself with help from athletes and head football coach Jake

Valley Christian’s new weight room features custom built equipment that can be used by the athletic programs, students and teachers on a daily basis. (Zach Alvira/STSN Staff)

Petersen. Once gutted, a new floor equipped with 25 yards of artificial turf customized with the school logo and custom equipment from American Barbell in Las Vegas, Nev. was installed in the room. “There’s just so much we can do in this room,” Petersen said from a foot-

ball standpoint. “The motivation they have when they come in here, it’s just different. And that’s something that had started to change with our culture even the last couple of years when Kirk (Sundberg) was here. “It’s only been a month they’ve been able to work in here so we haven’t seen a lot of progress yet, but I know we

will definitely see it over the next few years.” A glass garage door entrance opens to a large space equipped with several power racks that include TRX bands. Benches that fold away for easy storage can be used in each rack for a variety of See

VALLEY CHRISTIAN on page 35

SPORTS & RECREATION

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

AIA

from page 34

Director David Hines said. “We fortunately had other states that went before us, that was very helpful. They have mitigation strategies in place similar to what we have. We needed to see how that was going. “The board also wants to make sure our modifications are adhered to. That was very important with our sports medicine people to limit exposure as much as possible.” The initial benchmarks were adopted by the AIA Executive Board as a recommendation from SMAC on Sept. 3. It was at that same time the board approved the existing fall sports timeline. On Sept. 4, Hines sent an email to school administrators and coaches explaining the benchmarks SMAC was using to determine whether it is safe for games. The 10 per 100,000 cases metric was identified as the one that would present the biggest challenge. The other benchmarks, which include the percentage of hospitalizations for COVID-19 and the percentage of positive tests, had already been met by most counties. Hines explained the document is “living,” meaning is could be updated with approval from the board. That was made clear Thursday. “We’ve been given an opportunity to compete in football,” Hines said.

VALLEY CHRISTIAN from page 34

exercises, including decline, incline and standard bench press. Squats can be completed inside the rack, while deadlifts can be performed outside directly on the soft, durable flooring. Each rack also has the ability to add attachments. Landmines are equipped at each one already, and Hanzal said they are in the process of adding more, such as a dip attachment and others. Bumper plates, kettle bells, dumbbell sets and specialized medicine balls that can be used either on the floor or walls sit on racks connecting each station. In the center of the room, an all-in-one station with cable rows and other light exercises is set to be utilized by trainers for physical therapy as an athlete recovers from injury. Valley Christian even went as far as to purchase lighter weights for a section in the room dedicated to beginners. The area is typically used for weightlifting classes.

“But it could get shut down if people don’t follow the procedures if cases go up and people don’t follow protocol. If that happens, schools, districts and health departments could come in and say, ‘no more.’”

more than 1,300 members. “We would expect our parents to support our kids,” Hines said. “As a former parent, yes, you are very passionate about your own child. But we have to look at the entire picture and we have

I think any of us that have any interest at all in “ high school athletics knows how important it is for our kids. I’m excited for the kids, the coaches and the schools, I just have to caution us. ”

– Director David Hines

The metric caused an uproar in the Arizona high school football community. A parent group led by Brad and Brooke Schweigert, Max and Carine Werner and Bryan and Elena Bernardo, sent a letter to board members on Sept. 9, demanding for the guidelines to be changed. Along with the metric, the group also called for revisions to the “close contact” guideline put in place by SMAC, which requires an athlete who has been exposed to someone that tests positive for the virus to be away from team activities for 21 days. All six parents signed the letter, noting it also had support from the “Parents in support of 2020 football in Arizona” Facebook group, which has

an entire state that is all over the board. “We are going to use the medical people, our administrators and our experts to do what is best for all of the kids.” The updated guidelines pave the way for the AIA to allow games to begin Sept. 30. Ultimately, however, it remains up to districts. Most East Valley districts have given teams a green light to begin contact, but with some modifications. Tempe Union High School District still requires the use of face masks for all athletes under helmets. Restrictions lighten up farther east. In Scottsdale, schools have still been barred from contact despite being able to put on pads. In other parts of the

“We had the kids up at the front office trying to switch into weight training classes just to come in here,” Hanzal said. “It’s awesome because we can have a section dedicated to athletics, one to more advanced weightlifters and then another for beginners. “Everyone can take advantage of this

their own workouts. The data is fed to monitors set up around the room, allowing coaches and teachers to keep track of exercises. Hanzal and Petersen agreed it also creates a little added competition between athletes. The school is still in the process of adding custom logos to each rack, as

kids come in here, their eyes just get “wideEveryandtime they can’t help but smile. There’s a new

motivation to get in here and workout. We are excited to see how much this will benefit our athletic programs and all of our students and staff.

”

– Coach Jake Petersen.

room.” The classes and athletic programs have the ability to utilize a special software called TeamBuildr, which allows them to login to an application on their smart devices and track and create

well as a large monitor on the north wall that will show all-time lifting records. It will also present the opportunity to put on sports during workouts or to watch game film. The project cost the school north

Have an interesting sports story?

Valley, some districts have yet to allow teams on school grounds to practice at all. Tolleson Union High School District and Phoenix Union High School District teams haven’t had an official practice since June. Both districts, however, plan to begin competition later in October. Hines said he hopes the updated metrics help school districts find a clear path to allow athletes to play this fall. “We know some districts have been able to do more than others,” Hines said. “To be honest, that happens when we aren’t in the middle of a pandemic. Knowing we have some scrimmages next week, we wanted to help teams have the ability to get some hitting in before they had a scrimmage.” Several scrimmages between teams have already been scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23, Thursday, Sept. 24 and Friday, Sept. 25. It’ll be the first live action for most teams since the end of the season last December. Starting Wednesday, Sept. 30, the lights above stadiums will once again burn bright. Hines said it will be a welcoming site after a tense summer. “I think any of us that have any interest at all in high school athletics knows how important it is for our kids,” Hines said. “I’m excited for the kids, the coaches and the schools, I just have to caution us. “We have to keep our nose to the ground to do the things that are required so we can continue.” of $200,000. Originally, the estimated total was set to skyrocket above the $400,000 mark. However, due to labor from Hanzal and others, as well as cutting costs elsewhere, the final mark was brought down to within budget. Part of the labor Hanzal has done since the room was finished by American Barbell includes honoring athletes of the past. Large banners were hung on the eastern wall of the room, with all of the region championship plaques from every sport on the western side. Both Petersen and Hanzal said the weight room has created a stir in the Valley Christian community, both for alumni and current students. They both believe it will not only benefit the athletic programs but also promote a healthy lifestyle among its general student population. “Every time kids come in here, their eyes just get wide and they can’t help but smile,” Petersen said. “There’s a new motivation to get in here and workout. We are excited to see how much this will benefit our athletic programs and all of our students and staff.”

Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

COVID-19 impact on city funds less than feared BY MAYOR KEVIN HARTKER Guest Writer

As we have now received actual revenue results for the first four months which were impacted by COVID-19 (March-June 2020), we are starting to see that the true impact of COVID-19 on our city’s General Fund budget has not been as significant as initially anticipated. Chandler’s diversified economic base and unique local economy has put us in a good position, with revenues coming in higher than expected. The City anticipated a $10.5 million

reduction in revenues for the March through June period that closed out the Fiscal Year 2019-20, while the actual net impact was only $1.8 million. Utilizing the actual COVID-19 revenue impact data in March-July to project COVID-19 revenue impacts in FY 2020-21, it inspires confidence that the budgeted $20 million expenditure reduction incorporated in the FY 2020-21 budget should cover anticipated COVID-19 revenue impacts for the entire year. While we welcome the news that local businesses are doing better than we anticipated, we know there are still specific industries which are struggling more than others with the impacts of

social distancing, reduced capacities and closures. We will continue to find innovative solutions to provide business support and resources. Some of our current solutions include $10,000 grants to some of the most impacted businesses, reimbursements for PPE, advocating for Chandler businesses at the Governor’s office and communication of other regional resources. Another area we are closely monitoring is the level of development in the city. Looking at the numbers for the last FY, we see that both the number and value of permits issued was up. We have also seen that Arizona is

faring better than the national average as far as unemployment, showing a decline in our rate since April. As the economy continues to open back up and people go back to work, we are expecting this rate to continue to decline. The City continues to closely monitor revenues, scrutinize spending and maintain certain expenditure controls to be prepared should the economic environment change. We still have a way to go but we will get through this together. Kevin Hartke is the Mayor of Chandler. He can be reached at kevin. hartke@chandleraz.gov.

Chandler Library is worth your friendship BY MISS PALRANG Guest Writer

What the heck is a “Friend of the Library?” I asked myself while attending my first board meeting for that “mysterious” group. Perhaps it’s a question I should have asked myself before I volunteered my services. With a pensive “yes I understand look,” I nodded in agreement to everything discussed at the first board meeting. First stop on my investigation? My friends. They’re smart, they’ll know who Friends of the Library are, I thought to myself. My responses? “I don’t know, I’ve never heard that before.” They have a membership? A card? Is that a thing?” “ bookworm? Is that right? Is that what you’re wanting?” “A librarian? Is this a riddle?” “Someone with a library card?” “Sounds elitist to me.” OK, I overestimated my friends. I consulted the Chandler Public Library website.

According to the library’s website, the Friends of the Chandler Public Library is “a non-profit, all-volunteer organization of dedicated library advocates who cooperatively support and sponsor many of the Library’s programs, services, and events. City funds can only go so far.” It goes on to describe programs sponsored by these “dedicated library advocates.” The “maker community with STEAM programming,” the “Read to Succeed tutoring program” and the “Summer Reading Challenge” to name a few. Considering the fact that I’m the newest member of the board, isn’t this something I need to understand? Yes. And so do you. Because it’s really cool. A Friend of the Library (FOL) simply stated is this, someone who donates money to the library. Any amount! That’s it. And another thing to know is how the donated money is used. I was stunned when I found out.

I’ve lived in Chandler for over 20 years and had no idea about the amazing resources and opportunities the library offers. As one board members said, “It’s like a monolith castle with all these hidden rooms and no one knows where the key is.” Children, teens, adults…there are countless opportunities for everyone. You can look at interactive picture books, download current music, read popular magazines, check out physical and electronic books, research your ancestry, stream documentaries and classic films, take on-line courses, plan your next amazing vacation, and many other on-line opportunities. There is also much more available inside the four Chandler branches, it is almost overwhelming. But the best part? Once you’ve signed up for a library card, everything is free. Just. Plain. Free. As stated on the library’s website, “city funds can only go so far.” Your donation fills the gaps and allows the

library to offer these great programs and even explore new ones. Your donation goes into a designated account that is overseen by the FOL Board. This board is composed of volunteers who convene monthly to learn about programs the library offers and to consider funding requests for support of these programs. And donations are tax deductible. So, instead of shipping your hardearned money off to the government at the end of the year, you can put it into your resources you and your fellow community members can enjoy. If that sounds interesting, check out chandlerlibrary.org/friends. And while you’re there, snoop around at some of the programs and resources the library offers. You’ll be amazed. Rest assured, my less-than-knowledgeable friends will be encouraged to click this link very soon. A little education never hurt anyone. Miss Palrang is a Chandler resident and business owner.

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Chandler journalist publishes first novel

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

As a journalist for several decades, Srianthi Perera has chronicled everything from breaking news stories to people profiles to local events – many of them in recent years in the East Valley. Now, the Chandler writer has expanded her repertoire to include fiction with her newly published novel, “A Maiden’s Prayer: A Family Story Based in 1970s Sri Lanka.” Set in the 1970s in the Southeast Asian tropical island of her native Sri Lanka, Perera’ novel centers around Berty Rajakaruna, a Jane Austen-type of bachelor, trying to figure out whether marriage is worth the effort to reclaim his family estate from the clutches of a scheming sister. The estate is crumbling but special to Berty because it was founded by his great-great-grandfather, who was a Mudaliyar – comparable to a country squire – under British rule. The story is told through the eyes and voice of a 12-year-old girl who is rebelling against the traditions she has to follow. It is set in the 1970s, a turbulent period in Sri Lanka’s history with a socialist ruling party whose policies resulted in food shortages and a soaring cost of living. The novel also opens readers to the little known Sri Lankan culture and

Chandler resident Srianthi Perera has been writing news and feature stories for years but now she has turned her talents to fiction as well, debuting her first novel. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

society, woven together by the thread of Berty’s life. It also examines Sri Lankan beliefs in the power of Vedic astrology and the role an individual’s character plays in precipitating his karma. Astrology was the basis of many arranged marriages of the day. And it also is framed by Buddhist thought, the religion for the vast majority of Sri Lankans, who follow Ahimsa and its principles of nonviolence.

“Above all, ‘A Maiden’s Prayer’ speaks to the universality of the human experience. This tiny island in the Indian Ocean is a world apart, but how connected are we in our needs, desires, fears and emotions?” Perera said. Crossing over to the world of fiction might seem unusual for someone who has worked as a journalist in her native Sri Lanka, the Sultanate of Oman, Canada and the United States. If her name sounds familiar, the for-

mer Arizona Republic reporter also was a staffer for Times Publications, which publishes the SanTan Sun News. Her byline still appears in the SanTan Sun News and its sister papers in the East Valley as a freelance journalist. But crossing over from the world of nonfiction was not necessarily all that major a transition, Perera said. Indeed, her last boss in Canada told her “There’s a book in you” when Perera told her she was heading to the States. “When I followed my husband from Canada to the U.S., I didn’t have a work visa to continue in journalism,” Perera recalled. “I left the job of an assistant editor in an up-market visitor publication called ‘Where Vancouver’ and moved to Rochester, N.Y. in the dead of winter in 1998 with a sliver of an idea taking shape in my mind.” “I set out to find ‘my book’ by volunteering at Writers & Books in Rochester, where I met a community of like-minded individuals who sympathetically steered me toward taking fiction classes,” Perera explained. “I was asked to write about something I know and bring it to class,” she continued. “It wasn’t difficult to find an experience that would be foreign to most Americans. I created Tamara de Silva and followed her coming of age. “My voice took over: I had a few characters and the beginnings of a story. I had no idea what would happen See

PERERA on page 41

Chandler teen named finalist in global science competition BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

A Chandler teen has advanced through an international competition for aspiring filmmakers and science enthusiasts. Abbie Jin, 17, was recently named one of 30 semifinalists out of a pool of 5,600 applicants from all over the world who are vying to win $400,000 for three-minute videos they produced themselves on the scientific topic of their own choosing. The Hamilton High School senior developed a short film exploring the emerging research in RNA-based vaccines – a field of science that recently has received more attention as scientists scramble to produce a new vaccine to combat the COVID-19 virus. Abbie said she had read about scientists struggling to quickly find a vaccine for the virus and was curious to learn more about the experimental RNAbased vaccines. “I was really inspired to share more about this topic since it was so pertinent to our current situation,” she said. Unlike modern vaccines, which inject an antigen into the human body to strengthen the immune system, a RNA-

Abbie Jin (Special to SanTan Sun News)

based vaccine provides genetic information that would instruct the body how to produce antigens naturally. According to Harvard medical researchers, RNA-based vaccines are believed to offer a relatively simple and rapid solution to unpredictable, rapidly evolving pathogens.

There are many benefits to utilizing RNA-based vaccines compared to the traditional ones, Abbie noted, so she thought it seemed like a topic that warranted greater attention through the format of a three-minute web video. Around the time the pandemic started shutting down schools back in

March, a friend informed Abbie about an annual video competition hosted by the Breakthrough Prize, an organization co-founded by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, that allows students to creatively explain a scientific concept they’re passionate about. Thousands of teenagers submit short science-themed videos to the Breakthrough Prize each year in an attempt to win $250,000 in scholarships. The competition’s sole victor also wins a state-of-the-art laboratory – valued at $100,000 – for their school and $50,000 for one of their teachers. Abbie has already selected Tom McKinley, her calculus teacher at Hamilton High, to receive the cash prize if she’s selected as the competition’s top winner. McKinley is great at getting his students interested in mathematics and deserves to be recognized for his efforts, she said. Abbie said she spent more than 100 hours researching, editing, animating and crafting together her video to complete in time by the competition’s deadline. It gave the high school student a chance to employ some newfound videography skills while learning See

SCIENCE on page 41

NEIGHBORS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

‘Supernanny’ to feature Chandler parents BY KEVIN REAGAN Staff Writer

A Chandler family will be sharing their struggles with raising four children under age 4 by participating in an upcoming episode of the long-running reality show “Supernanny.” Jo Frost, the show’s host and child-rearing expert, visited Amy and Justin Sutherland’s home in February to offer some parenting advice. The Sutherlands’ episode will be featured in the show’s season finale Sept. 22 and the family hopes viewers will pick up some useful parenting tips by tuning in. “I’m just super hopeful it’s relatable issues that other families are having and hopefully they can learn something from this because it was so helpful for us,” said Amy. The Sutherlands are long-time Chandler residents – having originally met as teenagers at Santan Junior High – and have four children: Jett, 4, Rio, 2, and 16-month-old twins Tex and Crosby. Amy said that before Frost’s visit she was starting to feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities of taking care of so many young children. Her husband had been working long hours and the family’s sleeping schedule had gone off track. There were nights when the children wouldn’t get to bed until 11 p.m., the mother recalled, because she and her

A cameraman for the Lifetime reality show "Supernanny" follows Amy and Justin Sutherland as they take their four kids, all under 4, for a stroll. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

husband would want to spend time together as a family. But the downside of that arrangement left the whole family feeling irritable, drained and joyless. “We were all exhausted and frustrated,” Sutherland said. The family also was still recovering from a traumatic event in 2018 that resulted in their daughter, Rio, spending a week in the hospital for burn injuries. Amy had been bathing Rio in the kitchen sink when the child sneakily turned off the faucet’s “cold” handle, causing the water’s temperature to suddenly get extremely hot. The child ended up sustaining burns on her belly and legs and had to be rushed to the hospital. She stopped breathing for a brief period of time and had to be resuscitated by doctors, her

mom recalled. “It was a very scary thing,” the mother said. Rio quickly recovered but her mother was left feeling overprotective of all her children and hesitated to leave them under the watch of another person. When Frost came to observe the family’s dynamics, she noticed how Amy was reluctant to accept any help in caring for the children and advised the mother on how to relinquish her fears. Amy said she realized she had to eventually accept the reality that accidents happen and to not obsess over trying to prevent them. Perhaps the greatest advice Frost gave the couple involved time management. The nanny put together schedules to

help the parents better prioritize the needs of their children and to get them used to a more stable sleeping pattern. Amy said she and her husband rarely had a moment alone together before Frost implemented these schedules since there would always be at least one kid sleeping with them in their bed. By putting the children on their own sleeping schedule, the parents discovered they could have their own time together. “The reduction of stress has been huge for us,” Amy said. The parents also learned how each of their children require different types of attention. They discovered their oldest son may need more praise than his siblings while their daughter may need more boundaries to tame her headstrong nature. Frost’s visit came at a time when the Sutherlands were about to spend much more time together self-isolating from their home. A few weeks after the camera crew left, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and families across Arizona were told to stay home. Amy said she was thankful to have already gotten Frost’s advice because it made her family’s quarantine more productive and harmonious. “If I had not had all these tips and tricks and tools -- it would have been a completely different experience,” she said. The “Supernanny” episode will air on the Lifetime network at 8 p.m. on Sept. 22.

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Guardsmen invited to share VETERAN VETERAN by Mike Phillips their stories in special project It’s been an unprecedented year for the Arizona National Guard. From fighting forest fires to providing pandemic relief and protecting sites from civil unrest, thousands of citizen soldiers have answered the call. Those soldiers – and the ones who came before – have a chance to tell their stories through a unique program this fall. The Veterans Heritage Project is an Arizona nonprofit that invites veterans to share their stories with students. The veterans may discuss all aspects of their service – why they joined, what they experienced and how those experiences shaped them. The students listen, conduct interviews and write the stories that are published in an annual collection. The book is available for purchase and is in the Library of Congress. Participating veterans receive a free copy. The process is empowering on many levels, said Gilbert resident Craig Houk, a past president of the Project and current board member. “Students are learning first-hand history from individuals who served their county in amazing ways,” Houk said. “Students tell us that they also learn other lessons … civic responsibility, taking care of others … it effects what they

Navy Seaman Peter Birnstihl of Chandler participated in mine-sweeping exercises in the Sea of Japan recently aboard the USS Pioneer. (U.S. Navy)

want to do with their lives.” The program started in 1998. A Cactus Shadow High School student asked history teacher Barbara Hatch if the scenes depicted in the film “Saving Private Ryan” were real. Hatch directed students to the source – she invited veterans of the conflict into her class-

room to discuss their experiences. From there, the idea grew into an after-school oral history publishing club and eventually a nonprofit organization. Today, 30 schools in three states have programs and more than 2,300 veterans have had a chance to share their stories. Schools in Phoenix, Chandler, Scotts-

dale and Glendale have chapters. This year, the spotlight is on National Guard veterans, whose mission continues to evolve as the nation faces new challenges. “We thought it was a great time to focus on Guard members,” said Houk, who spent 30 years in the Army both active and reserve. He saw duty in Cuba, Korea and Afghanistan and was one of the interview subjects for the Veterans Heritage Project in 2008. As a participant, he was invited to a reception when the book was unveiled. The experience spurred him to get more involved. “You get about 30-40 veterans together in the same room …. World War II, Korea, Vietnam … the experience was overwhelming for me,” Houk said. “The veterans become emotional; the students become emotional. There’s this wonderful experiential thing going on.” National Guard veterans who want to participate in this year’s program can submit an interview request that is available on the Project website -- veteransheritage.org Chandler residents in service Navy Seaman Peter Birnstihl recentSee

VETERAN on page 41

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Chandler High graduate Elizabeth Hutson served aboard the USS Ronald Reagan during recent exeercises in the Phillipine Sea that involved over 100 ships. (U.S. Navy)

VETERAN

from page 40

ly participated in a mine sweeping drill aboard the mine countermeasures ship USS Pioneer. The drill was part of Mine Warfare Exercise 2JA 2020. It’s a biannual

PERERA

from page 38

to them as I went along but I had my book.” She found writing fiction “comes naturally to me.” “Nearly all of my previous work at magazines and newspapers pertained to factual news or feature writing but I find it easy to switch back and forth between the two,” she added. Besides, she noted, “I find my newspaper training, where I had to strive to be 100 percent accurate, a boon for writing fiction. Hence, the 1970s life depicted in the novel – social, cultural, political and otherwise – is not imagined, but a true, nostalgic re-creation.” “A Maiden’s Tale” has also been a long time coming. “Although I got off to a great start

SCIENCE

from page 38

more about a complex and timely medical issue. “It not only combines my interests in science and art -- it also was a really great opportunity for my school,” she said. The student said her school could receive a new science lab that she thinks could get more of her classmates enthused about physics, biology and chemistry.

t? o G ws Ne

Aviation Ordinanceman 3rd Class Arath Hurtado of Chandler prepares to install a M61 Vulcan Gatling gun in the hangar bay of the USS Nimitz in the Pacific. (U.S. Navy)

exercise between the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force to strengthen interoperability and increase proficiencies in mine countermeasure operations. Aviation Ordnanceman Airmen Min Cho is serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. He’s assigned to the Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron 115. The

Ronald Reagan is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5 and provides a combat-ready force in the Indo-Pacific region. Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Arath Hurtado is serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz Nimitz, the flagship of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group, which is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet

area of operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and Pacific through the Western Indian Ocean and three critical chokepoints to the free flow of global commerce. Chandler High School graduate Elizabeth Hutson is aboard the USS Ronald Reagan.

and had the steady encouragement of the instructor, there were many subsequent moves within the U.S. for us during that time,” Perera said. “Hence, chapter four, five and six were written in Oregon, seven and eight in Kansas, nine in Virginia and so on. When we settled in Arizona in 2003, I was more than two-thirds done.” She pushed the novel to the background when she “immersed myself in the exciting daily grind of a major newspaper.” But after she retired from fulltime journalism two years ago, she put part of the novelist side of her brain to work. She joined the now defunct south Chandler group called The Serious Scribes, led by Mitzi Kleidon, and “I was inspired to write the last few chapters and conceptualize the difficult ending with the members’ help.”

Ironically, the pandemic helped her finished what she started many years ago. “Over the years, I improved the story from time to time but I didn’t pursue publishing it,” Perera said. “Then the pandemic hit and robbed us all of social interaction. It is a great time to publish a novel.” But the journalist side of her creative soul isn’t completely absent from her work, either. “The main storyline is fictional,” Perea said, “But yes, there are autobiographical elements in the novel. Tamara de Silva came-of-age in 1970s Sri Lanka in the midst of a loving, extended family that organized regular spend-the-days, during which time they collectively hashed out problems and helped each other. This is my personal experience. “Tamara also attended a well-reput-

ed private school in Colombo, just like I did. Many Sri Lankans believe in astrology to guide their lives and my family was no exception.” Now that she’s finished, Perera is hoping readers agree she has realized her philosophy toward novels: “A well-written novel can transport a reader to a different time and place. When the story is written with humor and pathos – true reflections of life – the experience can be even better.” “I did not have a Berty Uncle in the circle, but there are many Berty Uncles in society at any given time in any country,” she said. “A Maiden’s Prayer” is priced at $16 for the paperback and $5 for the e-book and available at amazon.com: tinyurl.com/A-Maidens-Prayer Information: amazon.com/author/ srianthiperera or srianthiperera.com

“I think having a lab like this would be really beneficial to a lot of the students.” Abbie said. The 30 semifinalists will have to endure more rounds of voting, evaluations and peer-to-peer assessments before qualifying for the competition’s finalist round that started Sept. 21. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s challenge included a special category for participants to submit videos exploring topics specifically tied to epidemiology and immunology.

“The quality of the videos this year is extremely high,” said Julia Milner, co-founder of the Breakthrough Prize. “It’s really thrilling to see young people communicating these big ideas with such intelligence, as well as freshness and creativity.” Abbie, who is planning to study either business or bioscience in college next year, hopes all the videos submitted in this year’s competition will encourage her peers to continue their scientific endeavors and spark a greater

dialogue about the value of studying STEM topics. Even if her video doesn’t claim the grand prize, she hopes anyone who watches it will be inspired to learn more about how science can be relevant to their daily lives. “I really wanted this video to bring encouragement through the form of education,” she said. “Science can help solve some of our biggest world issues.” Jin’s video can be viewed on the Breakthrough Prize’s Facebook page.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

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Chandler author, photographer explore grave matter BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

You can walk through an old cemetery and find history in every direction, stumble upon sad sentiments on gravestones that suggest an even sadder end and mourn some sites for being allowed to fall into disrepair from neglect. First-time Chandler Ranch author Heather Moulton and Gold Canyon photographer Susan Tatterson do all three with their new book, “Graveyards of the Wild West: Arizona.” Published by Arcadia Press/History Through Time Publishers, the book walks readers through some of the discoveries the pair made as they visited 15 historic cemeteries in the state, assembling individual chapters on six, pairing two in Florence in another chapter and then devoting an eighth chapter to “colorful characters” whose final resting places are in various graveyards. Moulton, professor of English and literature at Central Arizona College since 2005, and Tatterson, professor of digital media at Central Arizona since 2013, started their tour at Yuma Pioneer Cemetery in March 2019, finishing their tour around the state last November. They deliberately use “graveyard” rather than “cemetery” to describe the places they visited because the former “connotes more history,” Moulton said. “It feels ‘old-timey’ and maybe a bit

Chandler resident Heather Moulton, right, and Gold Canyon photographer Susan Tatterson, above, teamed up to do a book looking at Arizona’s graveyards. (Susan Tatterson/Special to SanTan Sun News)

rough around the edges, just like the Wild West,” she explained. Moulton credits her mother Nancy Moulton for the inspiration to write the book. “She’s a historical romance author and she would stop by cemeteries to look at headstones for the names – old cemeteries have some of the best names made for excellent characters in books,” Moulton explained. “My mom also always loved westerns and I think that influenced my on-going fascination

with the Wild West.” Tatterson had some experience and fascination with old graveyards from growing up on the east coast as well as from collecting material for the books that she has published with Arcadia for its Abandoned Union series – “Abandoned Arizona, Ghost Towns & Legends,” “Abandoned New Mexico, Enigmas and Endings,” and “Abandoned Maryland, Ruin and Restoration.”

When they started out, it was just for fun, Moulton said, as they traveled to abandoned and unusual places in the West. “Then, I kept saying over and over, ‘Can we stop at the cemetery in this See

CEMETERIES on page 44

Schnepf Farms’ Halloween tradition is a go BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

The pandemic has cost the Valley scores of annual public events this year – from fundraising galas and community gatherings to well-established traditional celebrations like the Ostrich Festival and even the Arizona State Fair. But Mark and Carrie Schnepf are refusing to bow to COVID-19 and scrap one of the East Valley’s signature fall events – the Chili and Pumpkin Party on their 300-acre farm at 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek. “Someone needs to do normal because for families, it’s tough,” Carrie said. “It’s tough for everyone and we have a big space. … This is just for everyone to just enjoy each other. COVID-19 has been devastating to many families who have lost loved ones or those who have lost jobs. It’s time to finally have some positive memories.” With that theme, the Schnepfs are determined to help families eke some fun out of a year that’s been hard for everyone – including them. Their annual Peach Festival earlier this year was crimped by COVID-19 as they had to forego the traditional peach-picking by patrons, who instead ordered the fruit online and had it picked by the couple’s employees.

The Hyper Loop is normally a staple at the Arizona State Fair but since there is none this year, it will be at Schnepf Farm all October for people who visit the Chili and Pumpkin Party. (Special to SanTan Sun News)

Scores of spring weddings were canceled, further impacting the bottom line of an operation that depends on such events – as well as the Peach Festival and Chili and Pumpkin Party – to augment the revenue their more traditional farming generates.

The Schnepfs have added a number of attractions to this year’s 23rd annual Halloween tradition, which runs Oct. 1-31 and draws thousands of families and couples on many weekend days and evenings. But the pandemic also has forced

them to alter some aspects of the party – particularly the number of people they can allow on the premises at any given day. “Extreme steps have been taken to assure visitors that when visiting this fall,” Carrie said. “Their safety and health is our top priority.” The Schnepfs figure they can allow 4,000 people to attend the event, where masks will be required in close quarters like on the hayride, in the country store and a few other places and amusements – and will be mandatory throughout the farm 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays for those grandparents who want to bring their grandkids. Hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the site, as well as auto-flushing toilets, soap dispensers and hand dryers. Sanitizing teams will be cruising the farm to keep high-touch surfaces safe and all staff will have daily temperature and symptom checks. To keep the crowds manageable, people must buy their tickets online at pumpkinandchiliparty.com so that the Schnepfs know how many people are planning to come. While all-season passes are available and good any time, they are included in the count of single-visit tickets to help See

PUMPKIN on page 45

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CEMETERIES

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

from page 43

old Western town?’ She’s the one who suggested we pitch it as a book idea to Arcadia/History Through Time and they went for it,” Moulton said of Tatterson. They didn’t encounter any grizzled

There are hundreds “ of graves but very few

that identify who’s there, It’s tragic when that history – people, really – have been lost.

”

– Susan Tatterson

old caretakers at any site they visited, but Moulton said she’s grateful for the individuals from historical societies and others who shared stories that helped give her a verbal framework for the book. “As an academic, I made sure to vet the sites and find accurate and consistent information,” Moulton said. “That’s why my bibliography is so very long.” The duo looked first for pioneer cemeteries “because that would mean older graves and interesting history,” she explained. “Then we looked for – and found – connections between the cemeteries and the legends of the Wild West. “For example, even though only one Earp is buried in Arizona – in Willcox – the impact of the Earp family and their comrades on numerous cemeteries, like Tombstone’s Boot Hill and Prescott’s

A child’s neglected graveside at a cemetery in Florence, above, is a mournful tableau while the tombstone to the right is one of many at the Boothill Cemetery in Tombstone. (Susan Tatterson/Special to SanTan Sun News)

Pioneers’ Home, cannot be denied.” As for the most interesting graveyards they explored, Moulton said, “as an author and researcher, it’s a tie between Tombstone and Pioneers’ Home Cemetery in Prescott. “Both of them offer so much history about Arizona. I went to both as ‘fans’ of the Earps – thanks in large part to the movie ‘Tombstone’ – but after significant research, I was reminded that the concept of ‘heroes’ is, like history, written by the ones still standing after the smoke clears.” Added Tatterson: “As a photographer, Jerome really stayed with me. The views from the cemetery are sensational. As someone fascinated by the settling of the West, probably

Tombstone. But it is difficult to pick a favorite as they all featured someone or something memorable.” And they noted that interesting graveyards can be found in the East Valley generally and Chandler specifically. For like-minded explorers, they recommend the Goodyear-Ocotillo Cemetery, around which Fulton Ranch was built. “There are hundreds of graves but very few that identify who’s there,” Tatterson said. “It’s tragic when that history – people, really – have been lost.” They also noted that the City of Mesa Cemetery is “wonderfully historic” – and still in use today – with some notable residents liked country-western singer Waylon Jennings and Mesa’s first Afri-

can-American doctor, Lucius C. Alston. “Unfortunately, we were limited to 128 pages, so we had to carefully pick and choose the cemeteries to include,” Moulton said. “We’d love to publish another book on graveyards in Arizona because we had to leave more out than we included.” But fear not, because “Graveyards of the Wild West: Arizona” is the first in a series. Their next, “Graveyards of the Wild West: New Mexico,” is being released this week.

Scottsdale artist featured on new web series SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Scottsdale oil painter Nancy Breiman is the featured “creative” on the latest episode of AZ Creates!, a new biweekly web series created and hosted by Chandler artist and author Laurie Fagen. The new installment in the recently launched half-hour web series highlights artists, writers, dancers, musicians, film, theater or TV creatives in Arizona began last week. Fagen, a crime fiction novel writer, designed the program to connect art patrons with artists, and to work on something more positive during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I’ve found it challenging to write about death and murder for my fiction,” Fagen explains, who was working on “Bleeder,” her third novel in her “Behind the Mic Mysteries.” “It’s much more inspiring and fun to chat with artists, and I’m enjoying working with my son, Devon Hancock, who is composing original music and editing the video programs,” she said. Breiman enjoys painting nature, and especially flowers, explaining, “I’m in my happy place when surrounded by creative people, bright colors and beautiful

Nancy Breiman

Albert Quihuis

things with a paintbrush in my hand.” Breiman shares her passion with others through volunteering, teaching art workshops and providing one-on-one instruction in oil painting. She is a juried member of Oil Painters of America and a member of The Sonoran Arts League, Arizona Artists Guild, The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance and the Arizona Arts Alliance. Award-winning Chandler author Albert Quihuis will also be featured

on the second episode of AZ Creates! in the “What Are You Reading?” book segment. Quihuis, who has written a series of children’s books to honor his parents and family traditions, has also penned the young adult “Better Than Me,” a true story of three generations of “women’s hardships and misfortunes” and their strength to overcome them. He will read a short selection from “Sofia’s Summer Adventure.”

In the events segment, called “Something to Look Forward To,” co-host and graphic designer Cathy Beard of Chandler will highlight arts events including Pinetop-Lakeside’s Fall Artisans Festival, Gilbert’s Art Intersection, a Sedona Arts Center fundraiser, jazz programs at The Nash in Phoenix and more. The featured nonprofit for the second show will be the Sonoran Arts League, an 800-member state-wide arts organization. The program will close with a “Creative Quote of the Day.” The first episode launched Sept. 10 and featured choreographer Pamela Cannedy of Phoenix and author Lee Travathan of Queen Creek. The new episode will be available on the AZ Creates! YouTube channel at any time. Sponsorships are available with introductory rates and discounts for multi-show commitments. Sponsors for the premiere show include Mary Contreras State Farm Insurance, Sibley’s West, an Arizona and Chandler Gift Shop and Times Media Group. Subscribe to the AZ Creates channel on Youtube.com at is.gd/AZCreates, visit the Art Online AZ Facebook and Instagram pages or email AZCreates. ArtOnlineAZ@gmail.com for details.

ARTS

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

PUMPKIN

from page 43

them count the crowd. “Once we get around 4,000 people, then there’s no more tickets to be purchased for that time,” Carrie said, adding that military, law enforcement and first responders can get in for $10 instead of the regular $23 admission – which entitles visitors to free rides and all other activities except food, the hayride and pumpkins. For those people who enjoy dropping by the party to pick a pumpkin or be one of the 50,000 visitors who gobble up the event’s famous chili lunches and dinners – but are nervous about mingling among others on the farm –

the Schnepfs have you covered. They can order bowls of chili – complete with corn on the cob, a slice of corn bread and a brownie – and even caramel apple pies and pumpkins online at Schnepffarms.com. The online pantry also has other baked goods and food products. For those who do enter the grounds, the Schnepfs have added some amusements in addition to fan-favorite attractions like the pig races, petting zoo, bonfires and the 4-acre and 10-acre corn mazes. The larger maze is always cut in honor of a local sports celebrity and this year it will be Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps. Because the Arizona State Fair will not be held, the amusement ride supplier, Kastl Amusements of Casa

Grande, is renting the Schnepfs a super slide and the Extreme Hyper Loop to add to the normal array of amusement rides like the roller coaster and kiddie ferris wheel. In the open-air pavilion, Molly Jacobs, the director of the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, has choreographed a small troupe of three costumed girls and two costumed boys to provide country-western shows every couple hours and there will be continuous line dancing for everyone. The Schnepfs also have had success with their drive-in movies on a 50-foot screen and they’ve planned family-friendly Halloween-themed major motion pictures for people who feel like taking in a movie at $20 a carload in an area apart from the Chili and Pump-

kin Party. “We can only take up to 150 or 200 cars but people love it,” Carrie said. “I get emails and phone calls every day about doing the drive-in now. We let them bring their own food and their snacks and they can sit in front of their vehicle or in the back. They just can’t sit beside their cars because of the social distancing.” They’ve also added additional times and days for the event, with 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday-through-Thursday opportunities for families whose kids might be on fall break or can sneak away from their laptops if they’re doing distance learning. Other times are 1-9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sundays.

Miguel hops on board Vessl as ambassador plastics in the ocean. “It’s one of those unicorn solutions that is good all around,” Miguel says. “It’s rare you come across those. “I’ve been really blessed to do what I’m passionate about. It’s really awesome to come up people who are as passionate about what they’re doing. We share similar priorities. Obviously, the main thing is how to come up with solutions that are beneficial for the user and the Earth.” Information: drinkteaofakind.com, kalvara.com and officialmiguel.com

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Staff Writer

Saucy R&B singer Miguel is taking on a new cause during the pandemic: sustainability. He’s hopped on board Vessl as its corporate ambassador and adviser. The Tempe company is dedicated to eliminating disposable bottles and redefining ecommerce. “When I heard of the company and its solutions, I couldn’t believe it,” Miguel says. “When I saw it, it completely blew my mind how such a small change has the ability to massively transform the Earth in so many ways.” Vessl will collaborate with Miguel across its entire product portfolio, global brand relationships and product development efforts. Miguel will serve as an ambassador for Vessl’s reusable bottle campaign launching this fall, where the singer’s company, Schedule 1 Concepts, will lead the design of limited-edition reusable bottles that support all Vessl-powered beverages. “Miguel’s insights and creativity will support us in ways we could not accomplish on our own,” says Vessl CEO Walter Apodaca, a Chandler resident. “He has a deep passion for sustainability and will ignite awareness of the Vessl platform to reduce carbon emissions and eliminate single use plastic bottle waste. Together we will drive positive change in a quantifiable way.” Vessl, which also owns the ready-todrink tea brand, Tea of a Kind, is run by Apodaca, who calls himself a “career beverage guy.” He moved to the Valley as a market unit vice president for Coca-Cola. “A friend of mine introduced me to Vessl,” he says. “It’s a really exciting and interesting technology. It’s a bottle cap, but there’s a tank in it that holds a concentrated liquid. The liquid evacuates into the bottle. A lot of products are primarily water, right? Why ship that water? Why put that water in bottles? The consumer can use a reusable water bottle.” Apodaca says Vessl is reducing 30 to 60 truckloads of product, carbon emissions and plastic. Neither flavor nor strength is compromised. Found at QuikTrip, Fry’s,

Saucy R&B singer Miguel will be a corporate ambassador for Vessl . (Special to SanTan Sun News)

AJ’s and Bashas’, Tea of a Kind comes in peach ginger black tea, pineapple coconut yerba mate, raspberry yerba mate black tea, pomegranate acai black tea, berry basil yerba mate and mango yerba mate. Miguel was a natural choice for the product. “We spent some time with Miguel through a friend in Marina del Rey,” says Apodaca, an audiophile and musician. “We had lunch with him, and we fell in love with one another through the technology. We fell in love with his passion with what we’re doing. We were specifically targeted and supported by Miguel.” Miguel says the changes Vessl is making can lead to massive transformation, in terms of carbon footprint and

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THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

Chandler artist in Prescott Plein Air Art Festival DAVID M. BROWN Correspondent

Matt Sterbenz of Chandler is among 14 Arizona artists participating in the first Plein Air Art Festival in October in Prescott. Sponsored by The Highlands Center for Natural History and the city of Prescott, the event features live outdoor painting Oct. 1–3 followed by a reception and sale event Oct. 4 and an online sale Oct 6–17. “I’ll have three days to paint as much as I can,” said Sterbenz. “I’m hoping to get a good variety of subjects: a sunset or sunrise, Watson Lake, and maybe a historic building or downtown scene.” “In plein air” artists try to capture the spirit of a landscape or subject by incorporating natural light, color and movement into their art, explained Janet Humphrey, a Prescott resident and one of the event coordinators. The public can observe and speak with the artists as they work dawn to dusk at seven sites, chosen to celebrate Prescott’s diverse landscape: Granite Dells, Granite Mountain, Highlands Center for Natural History, and four lakes, Goldwater, Lynx, Watson and Willow. On Oct. 4 from 1–7 p.m., the paintings completed in the previous three days will be displayed during the reception and sale in The Finn, Touchmark at the Ranch, 3150 Touchmark Blvd. Each artist will submit three to five pieces for

She is a board member for the nonprofit center, which was created in 1996 to help people discover the wonders of nature and become responsible caretakers of the land. Sterbenz isn’t sure where he will be painting in Prescott. “That’s what I like most about plein air painting. Chandler artist Matt Sterbenz is an accomplished “in plein air” master who will be When I set out, presenting some of his work next month in Prescott. (Special to SanTan Sun News) I might have a vague idea about display. what I want to paint, but ultimately The ticketed event will incorporate nature is the deciding factor,” said Sterthe CDC guidelines with staggered benz, a frequent hiker. arrival times. The public will view, pur“I enjoy painting Watson Lake, so I chase and judge the works for a Peowill definitely spend some time there, ple’s Choice Award. A “Best of Show” but I also want to explore more of the will also be awarded. surrounding areas.” The online sale of the remaining He grew up in Phoenix and graduatPlein Air artists’ paintings will take place ed from Arizona State University in 2011 at 32auctions.com/pleinair2020. with a bachelor’s degree in fine art and “Our goal is to make the Highlands has participated in some of the nation’s Center Annual Prescott Plein Air Festitop plein air invitational events, includval a sustainable event for the artists, ing the Grand Canyon Celebration of the public and the community, inspiring Art and the Sedona Plein Air Festival. reverence for nature through art,” said “Most of my childhood, I had a penHumphrey. cil in hand, drawing my surroundings,”

he recalled. “After receiving an oil painting set at the age of ten, the pencil was always accompanied by brushes.” His style is contemporary Impressionist style with oil paints. “When working on location, I try to finish the painting in one session. In the studio, however, I will work on a painting over the course of several days or weeks,” he said. “The studio paintings tend to have more texture and layers than plein air paintings do. In the studio I have the advantage of time, and I can utilize techniques that are not normally possible when painting plein air.” Sterbenz frequently finds himself hiking and painting outdoors – a process which he believes is critical for producing effective studio work. The former president of Arizona Plein Air Painters, he has participated in some of the nation’s top plein air invitational events, including the Grand Canyon Celebration of Art and the Sedona Plein Air Festival. His work has appeared in publications including Plein Air Magazine and Southwest Art Magazine. Tickets for the event are available at prescottpleinairfest.eventbrite.com. To see the artists’ bios and samples of their work and the various painting sites: highlandscenter.org/prescottplein-air or call 928-776-9550 for more information. Learn more about Sterbenz at msterbenz.com.

THE SUNDAY SANTAN SUN NEWS | SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Together, we can overcome the difficulties we face BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. Guest Writer

The Scriptures are filled with anecdotes describing acts of one human-being toward another to enhance our values and encourage humanities call for good. There are so many ways to accomplish benevolence and consideration. Hopefully, during our journey, and particularly at this time of frustration, we will encounter individuals who personify the essence of dignified human behavior. However, as we tune into our TVs or read the newspapers, we witness time and again the disastrous attempt at divisiveness and contempt for civility. Searching through the channels on my TV, I notice a movie being advertised: “St. Vincent.” It looked interesting enough, so I tuned in and was expecting something entirely different than what I witnessed. I was surprised to find that through this experience I learned to better

understand the goodness of people and how they are overlooked at times or taken for granted. We find a grumpy old man, dissatisfied with life, unable to cope with everyday living and resentful of people in general. Perhaps this is more relevant today as we continue to learn of more deaths and more illnesses. And it is also interesting at this time because in my experience, it could be depicting anyone of us. Then magically we come across someone who lights up our lives, brings meaning to our journey and leads us into a new understanding that there is goodness in this world. We get bogged down frequently, only concentrating on the ugly side of life. This made me think of the value of goodness. Concentrating on the people who make a difference in our lives emphasizes the concept that deeds of kindness are equal to all the commandments. We cannot exist without connection to each other. If we lived in a vacuum our lives would be meaningless. We also read in Scripture about

blessings and curses we receive as we travel life’s road. There is even mention of the sins of the past generations carrying forward to the next. What, exactly does this mean? Is our future condemned because of the past? Is there no way to remove the sigma of what was so that our lives continue to have meaning without the fear of retribution? The Sages of ancient times were perplexed by the notion that no matter what we do we cannot escape what was and our future is influenced by these indiscretions. In the final analysis it was determined that God does not care about what our ancestors did but rather what we do at this time. Have we learned from the past? Are we doomed to repeat it because we ignore the message? Scripture is not teaching us that the sins of the past will carry forward but rather that if we do not change our ways, in some respects, we are destined to repeat the bad and thereby condemn ourselves to a life of pain and misery.

Perhaps that is what we are witnessing today. We know the consequences of our actions, and still we find ourselves ignoring the message. We confuse liberty and freedom when we disregard our neighbor’s feelings and needs. We bring terrible nightmares to the forefront when we confuse independence with security. We jeopardize our future when we confuse reality with fantasy. This is what Scripture is teaching us as it reaches out from the past into what is supposed to be our future. Now, more than ever, we need to epitomize the virtues of our capabilities. Our lives surely depend upon our acceptance of goodness, mercy and tolerance. These thoughts and more came to mind as I watched the movie. However, perhaps the most important message relates to the ultimate accomplishment of redemption, renewal, and salvation. Joining together we can, and will, overcome the difficulties we face. Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation.

We will reap a harvest if we don’t give up BY LYNNE HARTKE Guest Writer

I am pretending it is fall. I play this mind game with myself every September here in the desert. 100-degree temps, another six weeks of shorts (at least), and endless sunshine do not speak fall to me. So, after staring at the thermometer on the back porch in disgust last week, I said “Enough!” and declared a revolution. Of sorts. The candles came out from the shelf in the back room where they had been collecting dust for five months. I

ordered several teas online, including almond cookie black tea. I set up a table on the back porch and made a fall flower arrangement from cuttings I had collected of dried plants by our cabin in northern Arizona. Four-foot spires of dried mullein in dark brown. Tan clusters of yarrow. Seed pods. Pinecones. Stalks of rust grass. I arranged, sorted and trimmed, placing the promise of cooler weather and a season of harvest on the mantle over our fireplace. An orange-and-brown plaid bow crowned the center and it was done. Autumn had arrived in our family room. As a girl growing up in Minnesota, fall had meant back-to-school shopping

for long pants and new sweaters, raking leaves (and jumping in the pile), and the aroma of mom’s homemade applesauce on the stove. My siblings and I had picked the last of the green beans and tomatoes from the garden before the first frost, while dad pedaled our bikes down to the barn to store them until spring. Like the rustle of oak leaves in the wind, those memories still stir every September. Maybe this explains the restlessness I feel every autumn. I am weary of hot weather. To my very bones. The pandemic and record heat waves only aggravated the feeling this year. I am done with it all. The Bible talks about another type

of weariness—the weariness of doing good. As the high temperatures and fire season have lingered, kindness and goodness are also lagging this year, as elusive as a fifty-degree morning. Galatians 6:9 states, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Don’t lose heart, my friends. Cooler weather is coming. And so is a harvest of goodness. In the meantime, I think I will dig out my pumpkin bread recipe. Lynne Hartke is the author of Under a Desert Sky and the wife of pastor and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. She blogs at.lynnehartke.com.

Hope is a good thing, don’t let it go BY PASTOR MARVIN ARNPRIESTER Guest Writer

I recently watched The Shawshank Redemption, one of my favorite movies. It is the story about a banker named Andy Dufresne, who is accused of double murder in the 1940s. He is convicted and begins a life sentence at the fictional Shawshank prison. He befriends an older inmate named Red. During his long stretch in prison, Dufresne comes to be admired by the other inmates for his upstanding moral code and his quiet indomitable spirit. The movie is a study into the charac-

ter of individuals and how they survive. It always challenges me to reflect on my own character and how I am living my life. In a conversation with his friend Red, Andy says “Fear can hold you prisoner. Hope can set you free. Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things and no good thing ever dies.” We live in times of fear about the present world situation and we fear for the future. Some folk wish things could go back to a time in life when they felt more secure and unafraid. Some folks are fearful of the change occurring today because they don’t know what the future has in store for them. Of course, the list is long of the fears which haunt and trouble holding us

prisoner. As people of faith, we claim a hope in a God who makes all things new. We live with a hope that is sure the last word in this world is not fear, but faith. Faith in one who promised that he would never leave nor forsake us no

matter what. Hope gives us strength and courage to live in the midst of a changing world with assurance that we are never out of God’s love and care. Hope is a good thing. Never let it go. Rev. Marvin Arnpriester is pastor of Sun Lakes Methodist Church.

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