LESD celebrates Liberty Elementary School renovation
BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer
Liberty Elementary School District No. 25 officials, teachers, students, parents and the Buckeye community celebrated the newly renovated Liberty Elementary School during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 14.
Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn, city councilmembers, Liberty teachers, as well as representatives with the DLR Group and Chasse Building Team all stood at the front of the ceremony to cut the ribbon.
“We are so grateful to our community for supporting the bond election that made this school construction possible. The new modernized buildings provide our children safe, inspiring and collaborative spaces for learning,” Superintendent Dr. Lori Shough said. In attendance were former Liberty Elementary School teachers, students, parents and board members, superintendent and principal. The former Eagles were honored during the ceremony, and each wore a button or sticker to be recognized amongst the crowd.
“Our staff and students are beyond thrilled to welcome back past generations and the greater Buckeye community to join us in celebrating the new and remodeled portions of Liberty Elementary. The school has been a long-standing point of pride within Buckeye, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to be a reminder of Buckeye’s rich history as the community continues to experience exponential
growth,” Liberty Elementary School Principal Jennifer Gray said.
During the ceremony, Shough commended the school board for its dedication to the project, as well as the community for voting to make the rebuild happen.
“These board members really prioritized the importance of the rebuild for Liberty
Sequoia Pathfinder Academy wins 2 prestigious awards
BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer
Buckeye’s Sequoia Pathfinder Academy is officially a multiaward-winning school, as it is the 2021 recipient of the bronze school and teacher of the year prizes.
Each year, Edkey — a nonprofit orga-
nization that provides high-quality educational services to a variety of institutions throughout Arizona — honors the top schools, students, teachers and staff selected from its 26 sites.
Fourth grade teacher Amber Brown is this year’s Edkey teacher of the year recipient. And to make it even more special,
Brown received the award in front of her family and her students on her birthday.
“Teacher of the year is something many teachers dream of,” said Joseph Jacobo, Sequoia Pathfinder Academy’s principal.
“The award provides validation for years
Awards...continued on page 4
Mayor Eric Orsborn and former mayor Jackie Meck stand among Liberty Elementary teachers to cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated school. (Photo courtesy of Luke Garrison)
LESD...continued on page 3
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with their ability to move forward with a bond election to fund the project, as well as approving the construction for this school. We’re very thankful for their work,” Shough said.
Liberty Elementary School is the original and namesake school of Liberty Elementary School District dating from 1910, with many original buildings and features still present.
Liberty Elementary has evolved its agriculture curriculum into a 21st century agriscience signature program. The robust nature of the educational offerings at the school has attracted third and fourth generations of local students and out-of-boundary next-generation students.
With the demolition of existing buildings, the school had the opportunity to keep one of the building structures to incorporate a future barn for agriscience needs.
The inside finishes and systems had little life left, but the structure was in good enough condition to transform what used to be a classroom into an open structure for the agriscience program.
“It’s incredible. I can’t imagine doing anything else in my career that will be so rewarding. It is the pinnacle of what I could have ever dreamed or asked for,” Gray said.
DLR Group’s design blends inside and outside agricultural spaces with the use of glazing, garage doors, easy access and exterior canopies. The de-
sign also incorporates flexible spaces that can adapt as the program evolves.
Liberty Elementary has the capacity to serve 540 students.
“The school’s agriscience program has tremendous opportunity for growth and expansion. DLR Group’s design incorporates durable finishes, operable walls and doors, and a robust infrastructure backbone to allow the program to evolve to meet the educational needs of future generations,” said Katrina Leach, DLR Group senior associate.
Additionally, throughout the campus are touches of the original Liberty Elementary School building, including the eagle along the wall of the multipurpose room.
The eagle was part of the original gym floor. The contractor salvaged the logo and mounted it on the wall to honor the past.
The 1910 schoolhouse also stands at the forefront of the campus, which remains the flagship of the Liberty Elementary School District.
Up until the COVID-19 closure, the 1910 schoolhouse was the oldest operating schoolhouse in Arizona.
The schoolhouse will still be utilized as a space for extracurricular activities and a hub for community meetings. Chasse Building Team led construction on the renovation, which was financed through a voter-approved bond election in November 2019 and Arizona School Facility Board funds.
“When we were notified that LESD was going to entrust us with the rebuild of the Liberty Elementary School, we were thrilled for the opportunity to bring our team to this unique and historic campus. Our commitment was to construct the buildings in a manner that gave life to the agriscience curriculum and vision of the District and DLR Group,” said Barry Chasse, Chasse Building Team owner.
“This school is beautiful and functional. Everything has a purpose — from the roll-up garage doors to the exterior planter beds. We were even able to salvage an existing building which will now be utilized as an agricultural shade structure. We are looking forward to seeing the impact this school has on the students and community of the Liberty Elementary School District.”
of hard work and sacrifice for a teaching professional. However, not just anyone can become a teacher of the year. This award requires going above and beyond the grander duties of the teacher to truly make an impact on the school community.
“Our teacher of the year excels in these areas. In addition, she comes up with creative ways to make the standards meaningful and inspires all her students. Of the hundreds of teachers that I’ve worked with in my position as a principal, there is no one more deserving than Amber Brown.”
Brown said she credits her award to her students’ desire to learn in her classroom every day. She added her fellow teachers at Sequoia Pathfinder Academy inspire her to improve her craft.
“I could not be teacher of the year if I didn’t have students who are respectful, who want to come to school, want to learn, want to grow their brain, that make me able to do my job,” Brown said.
“This has been an incredible expe-
rience. We have learned and grown so much as educators here in this organization. So, students, again, you are the reason I’m up here. Hopefully we’ll have another teacher of the year soon.”
Buckeye Councilmember Michelle Hess congratulated her friend during the ceremony.
“She is dedicated to this community in so many ways, whether it’s been volunteering in the community or teaching another school. I was so excited to
see that she was selected, because it is so well deserved,” Hess said.
In its first year of operation, Sequoia Pathfinder Academy has already been deemed a bronze school of the year.
“We have 26 schools throughout the state of Arizona, almost 11,000 students and 1,100 employees. We’re not at all small, so to see two awards at one school, that’s pretty impressive,” said Mark Plitzuweit, Edkey president and chief executive officer.
Plitzuweit said the bronze award reflects the students’ test scores, attendance and enrollment.
Original plans called for Sequoia Pathfinder Academy to host 326 students the first year. However, the charter school officially welcomed over 420 students on the first day.
Plitzuweit called the numbers impressive for a school’s first year, espe-
cially during a pandemic.
Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn congratulated Brown and all of Sequoia Pathfinder Academy for the school of the year award and was very impressed by the campus on his first visit.
As Orsborn sat among the first graders, he homed in on the importance of an education and told the students their potential is endless.
“It is very important that you get a really good education here to be able to go on to do what you want to do. There are going to be so many opportunities in this growing community right here close to home, so continue to grow as students and be good citizens of Arizona,” he said. “Teachers, staff, students, thank you for all you do and thank you for being an award-winning elementary school right here in Buckeye, Arizona.”
Applications for Veterans Day Parade entries available
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
classic vehicles.
BFlorian T. Walter, D.O.
Raj S. Rathee, M.D.
Jordan Oland, M.D.
B.J. Ho, D.O.
Sarah Colwell, D.O.
Akanksha Murray, MD.
Ingrid Gold, CNM
uckeye Main Street Coalition is accepting entries for the annual Veterans Day Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday Nov. 6, in Downtown Buckeye. Entries can be from schools, religious groups, local business, youth groups, bands, dance groups, lodge/ posts, clubs, civic organizations or
Parade entry applications are available online at BuckeyeMainstreet.org. The parade route is along Monroe Avenue, east to west between 10th and Second streets, and follows a special ceremony at Benbow Park beginning at 9 a.m. For complete parade details, visit BuckeyeMainstreet.org.
Help draw the future of Buckeye
Meaghan Gomez, FNP-C
Britt Michie, RNC, MSN, WHNP
Jennifer Woodruff, RNC, MSN, WHNP
Anna Gomez, CNM
Yisel Carter, PA-C
Tracy Burns, CNM
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
Tattend one of these 5 p.m. meetings:
• Monday, Oct. 25: Buckeye City Hall Council Chambers, 530 E. Monroe Avenue.
Michaela Wagner, CNM
Karline Snyder, CNM
Kristen Watras, WHNP
Margaret Over, PA-C
623-846-7558
9930 W. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85037
35 N. Estrella Parkway Goodyear, AZ 85338
he Buckeye City Council asks the public to attend one of three public meetings to ensure each council district has an equal population of residents.
Buckeye’s population has increased by nearly 80% over the past 10 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With more than 600 square miles of planning area, some areas of the city grew faster than others.
• Wednesday, Oct. 27: Festival Fire Station 704, 27360 W. Wagner Complex Drive.
• Thursday, Oct. 28: Coyote Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road.
To ensure each of Buckeye’s six council districts has approximately the same number of residents, the city needs help to re-draw or update its current council district boundaries. Plan to
During these public meetings, residents are encouraged to use an online mapping tool to submit their district maps for consideration. Residents can submit their proposed map from home. To learn more about the redistricting process in Buckeye, visit buckeyeaz. gov/redistricting.
Sequoia Pathfinder Academy Principal Joseph Jacobo hands Amber Brown her teacher of the year award on Oct. 12 at Sequoia Pathfinder Academy in Buckeye. (Photo by David Minton)
Buckeye Library celebrates 50-year anniversary
BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer
Buckeye’s Downtown Library will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 23, and invites the community to join.
The city’s first public library will be honored from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the party will include historical exhibits, vintage storytimes and kid-friendly, hands-on activities.
Christine Larson, library and museum administrator, said she hopes the event will bring awareness to the library’s rich history and its offerings. The growth of it is a true testament of the community and its people, she said. The library originally operated out of a home in 1925 and now serves a population of more than 90,000 residents.
“It all started when 19 women gathered in a house in Buckeye and organized a women’s club,” she said. “And from there they gathered the support of the entire Valley and rallied around
Buckeye’s first library operated out of a home in 1925. Since moving to its own building, it serves the population of over 90,000 residents. The facility will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Oct. 23 and invites the community to join.
wanting to have a library, a real library. And the community are the ones who made it happen.
“This was all before the city was the city. They set a goal and got a grant, and they made it happen. It’s truly an amazing story of strength when you come together to accomplish something big.”
Of the event’s activities, Larson said she’s most excited about the historical
exhibit, “Strength in Community,” which focuses on how the community worked together to support the need for library services.
The display was created as part of a grant from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State.
“This exhibit focuses on the community that made things happen, up until this point,” she said. “What we want to do is to pull all of these new people in and show them that we are the strength of the community of Buckeye, all of us, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been here your whole life, if you just moved here, if you’ve gone and come back, we are the strength of Buckeye.”
An employee since 2006, Larson said she has witnessed the facility’s growth.
“When I started, I always felt like Buckeye was trying to play catch-up with everybody else with all the other libraries around. We didn’t quite have the technology that the others had,” she said.
“Today, the Buckeye Public Library system is looked at by other libraries from all over the state of Arizona as a leader. What’s Buckeye doing and how is Buckeye tackling this? It’s exciting, especially as we’re growing, that we can take those services that are needed or wanted by the public and provide it to them.”
Larson said she enjoys helping customers during each shift.
“Every single day is different, and
we get to be in contact with so many different people and make so many different friends,” she added.
“We have the opportunity every single day to make a difference in somebody’s life, to help them to find ways to be successful in whatever it is that they’re trying to do. We get to play a role in helping them and helping our community.”
Larson said she wants residents and guests to discover the Buckeye Library. As someone with such a passion for her work, she added caring for the local library is caring for Buckeye.
“Get involved by volunteering, participating and whatever it is to help make Buckeye better. And now we have the chance through this event and this celebration to be able to bring people together to celebrate the heart of Buckeye,” Larson said.
“This will be an exciting thing. I would love to have everybody come and be able to share and be a part of growing Buckeye and making it better than it is today as we move forward.”
The 50th anniversary celebration will take place at 310 N. Sixth Street. To learn more about the event or Buckeye’s Downtown Library, visit buckeyeaz.gov/library.
(Photo courtesy of Christine Larson)
Before Buckeye’s first library had a building of its own, it was housed in a former jail. (Photo courtesy of Christine Larson)
Copper State Chapter of the DAR honors Hicks
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution awarded Thomas Lee Hicks the Copper State Chapter NSDAR Medal of Honor.
It is the organization’s highest honor. The NSDAR consists of women who are focused on community service, preserving history, educating children, as well as honoring and supporting those who serve our nation.
The Copper State Chapter NSDAR learned of Hicks when they were looking for a deserving individual to receive a braille flag. At the presentation, the women learned more about it and nominated him for the national award.
Hicks was a captain in the U.S. Army who trained for a career in intelligence at Fort Huachuca. He was eventually discharged after he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP), which caused permanent blindness.
Copper State Chapter recognized that Hicks could have stopped and focused inward after losing his career, wondering how to provide for his family and cope with a whole new world.
He did struggle for a bit but changed careers and supported his family. Hicks began serving others by leading blind children and adults on adventures like hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim and learning karate. He also promoted Talking Book Libraries; advocated for college scholarships for blind students;
and volunteered at a support group for blind veterans.
He works at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center as the supervisor of the Advance Low Vision Clinic. He helps other veterans make similar adjustments to life as he has made.
Members of the Copper State Chapter were at the Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center on Aug. 30 to make the presentation and thank him for his service and for being an outstanding citizen.
Public can comment on proposed water conservation code updates
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
Buckeye residents, businesses and HOAs are invited to provide comments on the city’s proposed water conservation code updates through either an online form or by attending an upcoming in-person
informational meeting.
The proposed code updates are largely designed to reduce outdoor water usage in future developments, helping conserve Buckeye’s precious groundwater resources. A copy of the proposed code changes and online com-
ment form can be found at buckeyeaz. gov/conservationcodes.
Residents can also learn more about the proposed changes and provide their comments in person during an informational meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at West-MEC South-
west Campus, 500 N. Verrado Way.
A formal presentation will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session.
For more information and to submit a comment on the proposed changes, visit buckeyeaz.gov/ConservationCodes.
EMCC approaching last step in accreditation
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
The Higher Learning Commission
Peer Review is slated to visit
Estrella Mountain Community College Monday, Oct. 25, and Tuesday, Oct. 26, for the final step in a 10-year process to reaffirm the school’s accreditation with the HLC.
EMCC has been accredited by the HLC since 1992, when it opened as a satellite campus for Glendale Community College (GCC) and shared accreditation. EMCC became a standalone, separately accredited institution in 1997. Since the first accreditation, EMCC has successfully undergone
three comprehensive visits.
“This will be our fourth comprehensive site visit, and we’re excited to get the results,” EMCC President Dr. Rey Rivera said. “The entire EMCC family has worked extremely hard to ensure that we meet the HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation, and we’re expecting a great outcome.”
The HLC, which was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States, evaluates colleges and universities on five Criteria for Accreditation: mission, integrity, teaching and learning, evaluation and improvement, and resources and planning.
The 10-year accreditation cycle re-
quires institutions to submit an annual update, which is reviewed by the HLC to monitor organizational health, compliance with certain federal requirements, and identify any changes that may require HLC follow-up.
In year four, the college must complete an assurance review to ensure it is continuing to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. During years five to nine, the college must design and undertake a quality initiative project, and during year 10, it must undergo a comprehensive evaluation to ensure it is meeting the Criteria for Accreditation, pursuing institutional improvement,
and complying with certain requirements set by the U.S. Department of Education.
“We had an amazing four-year Assurance Argument,” said Librarian Nikol Price, who is on EMCC’s Reaffirmation of Accreditation Steering Team. “We received no reports or follow-ups, and the HLC used it as an example in the annual conference the following year. We’re anticipating a good review.”
EMCC expects to receive the results of the comprehensive evaluation within two months after the Peer Review Team’s visit.
Info: estrellamountain.edu/hlc
Organizations to conduct free smoke alarm installations
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
Every day an average of seven people die in home fires in the United States. To help prevent such deaths, the Arizona Burn Foundation, local fire departments, and the
American Red Cross will install free smoke alarms in Valley homes and help residents map fire escape routes.
In the West and Northwest valleys, they will visit: • Saturday, Nov. 6: Canada Village Park,
WEST VALLEY VISION CENTER
18074 W. Lynwood Street, Goodyear.
• Saturday, Nov. 13: Pine Shadows Trailer Park, 7300 N. 51st Avenue, Glendale.
Volunteers will go door to door in the neighborhood surrounding the meeting areas identified as having a high risk for home fire-related injuries and fatalities. They will install smoke alarms and educate the residents about home fire preparedness. Residents will learn about fire safety, including cooking and heating tips and the need to create and practice a fire escape plan.
The collaboration between local fire departments and the Arizona Burn Foundation brings together 30 to 35 volunteers to install smoke alarms in about 300 homes in one day.
Every 40 minutes, an injury from a fire is reported. Nearly 1,000 times ev-
ery day, fire departments are called to home fires.
Since 2006, Arizona Burn Foundation has installed more than 22,000 free smoke alarms in Arizona.
“Our partnership with the local fire departments to install free smoke alarms in homes is part of our commitment to be advocates for burn prevention,” said Mik Milem, chief operations officer at the Arizona Burn Foundation.
Volunteers are needed for the Community Smoke Alarm Installation Events. Training is provided on-site. Individuals, as well as businesses, church groups and other civic organizations, are encouraged to volunteer.
To register as an Arizona Burn Foundation volunteer, visit azburn.org/ smokeazalarms or email programs@ azburn.org.
OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Biden’s ‘accomplishments’
Editor:
Just a note to ask how it is going after Joe Biden got elected. Let’s see. Gas has doubled. About a million illegals stormed into our country. We can’t get anybody to work because they get paid to not work. Then they tell the illegals after they get their hearing to come back in five years to see if they can stay. Well, we know how that is not going to happen. In five years, they will have as many as five kids who will be Americans because they were born here. And they will get the $350 for each kid. That’s the only skill they have. Anybody that is OK with that should grab both ears and pull real hard until they hear that popping sound and you see daylight.
Robert Jones Goodyear
Heartfelt thanks
Editor:
I would like to personally thank Mr. Logan for his kind words in the Oct. 6 issue of the West Valley View. It is comforting to know that there are others out there who look for facts in what they use to formulate their opinions. Ironically, I am a carpenter, a master carpenter at that (fact).
I have been a general contractor for over 43 years (fact). Prior to my 18-year teaching career (fact), I had a 23-plus-year career as a contractor where I not only hit nails on the head but also built my company into one of the largest framing companies in Southern California. Fact!
Thomas M. Rico Goodyear
Economies in peril
Editor:
Access to affordable health care, child care, paid family leave and other critical issues should be a concern for every Arizonan and American alike. It’s especially a concern for small-business owners like me who are mothers and are worried about providing for their families and keeping them safe. Our recovery still hangs in the balance, but some of these challenges can be addressed now by Congress passing the Build Back Better plan to invest in health care, child care, paid family leave and other critical issues for middle-class Americans and small businesses.
These investments would come at a critical time. Small businesses are struggling to keep their doors open and their employees safe, and it’s no surprise that 19 months since the initial COVID-19 outbreak, the small-business community is still nowhere near back to pre-pandemic levels. We need lawmakers to pass critical measures such as the Build Back Better proposal to build a more resilient economy for all. What’s more, leaders in Congress should work toward leveling the playing field for small businesses by closing the corporate tax loopholes that unfairly benefit the wealthy at the expense of small-business owners, their employees and independent entrepreneurs.
Every minute they choose to delay this critical funding puts our local and national economies in peril.
Delinda Cornist Small-business owner Avondale
Concerning school budget overrides
Editor:
Me: Boss my wife and I were go-
ing over our finances last night and came to the conclusion that in order to spend the money we want, I will need a greater than 15% raise for the next five years.
Boss: No.
Think about this:
• A portion of our state income tax goes to education.
• A portion of our sales tax goes to education.
• A portion of lottery proceeds goes to education.
• A portion of sales tax on recreational marijuana goes to education.
• A portion of our federal income tax goes to education.
And, of course, there is the new excise tax on the wealthy which goes to education because we cannot let success go unpunished.
Not to mention a large and growing portion of our property taxes go to education.
Our schools have all these sources of income yet with all their bachelor’s,
master’s and Ph.D. degrees they cannot figure out how to do what you and I do every day — live within our means. Perhaps is time we started acting like the boss and just say no.
Tom Barkley Litchfield Park
Freedom of speech needs leeway
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley View Columnist
Today’s revelation should surprise exactly no one: There is a difference between what each of us says in public and what we say in private to friends.
In public, in the workplace helping a customer or via Zoom with a client, we clean things up. We avoid controversy, mind our language, sand the edges off opinions.
This is not a fictional self; it is an aspect of who we are. I view it as part of the social contract. In public, most of us agree to put forward our best selves.
Then there’s what happens in private.
I’ve had beers with conservative politicians who drop f-bombs. Played golf with “woker than thou” progressives who comment on the cart girl’s chest. I’ve been emailed a thousand obscene memes and a thousand jokes about Jews and every other ethnicity on the planet.
I’ve said countless things in private that, should I express them in this column, would surely get me fired.
Which brings us to suddenly former Las Vegas Raiders football coach Jon Gruden, embattled comedian Dave Chappelle, and the confusing state of life in 2021.
Gruden resigned last week after a trove of years-old personal emails between him and some guy friends, including Bruce Allen, then-president of the Washington Football Team, became public as part of an NFL investigation into Washington’s toxic workplace culture.
Gruden played no part in that culture, having never worked for the team, but he did “casually and frequently (unleash) misogynistic and homophobic language over several years to denigrate people,” according to the New York Times.
Among those people? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, labeled by Gruden as a “clueless anti-football (expletive)” and DeMaurice Smith, head of the NFL players union, a Black man Gruden said “has lips the size of michellin (sic) tires.”
The NFL immediately condemned that email — which Gruden wrote in 2010 — as “appalling, abhorrent and wholly contrary to the NFL’s values.”
Then the league went right back to gridiron games involving highly compensated domestic abusers, sexual violators and assorted other miscreants.
Little shocks me about Gruden, a macho jerk in private who kept his offensive ideas to himself for his 8-year run on “Monday Night Football.” Had Gruden voiced unleashed a tirade on air, I would have supported firing him.
What I don’t support is the Opinion Police coming for him based on decade-old private emails.
There’s a difference between repugnant opinions kept to ourselves or shared with friends and what we do and say around everyone else. If the new American social contract demands pristine behavior 24/7, who among us can meet that standard?
Then there’s Chappelle. The very definition of a comedian is someone who has no filter, who says in public that which
none of us dares speak.
Comedians’ jokes offend, but they also serve as human WD-40, a lubricant between people and ideas. If Chappelle’s joking about the gay and trans community offends, well, that’s literally in his job description.
The unwritten rule seems to be that it’s fine for Chappelle to joke about Black people because he’s Black. In the same vein, I can joke about Jews because my name is Leibowitz.
But stray out of your lane, be offensive about a group to which you don’t belong, and you’ll be cancelled, pronto.
I’d advocate for a different standard, a culture where freedom of speech includes leeway for time and place, private versus public. I’d also prefer a culture that can still take a joke.
Under the new rules, it’s only a matter of time before the Opinion Police come for all of us, no matter how polite we think, act or speak.
David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com
Political ‘press-ure’ demeans Trump
BY J.D. HAYWORTH West Valley View Columnist
Call it “Build Back Bitter.”
Joe Biden’s $3.5 trillion spending “sharknado” apparently watered down by members of his own party.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi knew just who to blame: the reporters who cover the proceedings under the Capitol dome.
“I think you all could do a better job of selling it, to be frank with you,” Pelosi said. Got that? Pelosi believes that the press corps is just an unelected part of her House Democrat caucus advocating for the left, not reporting objectively. And based on recent history, she’s right.
Corporate media made a collective decision in 2016: Our nation needed its first female president, and with their unremittingly sympathetic reporting, Hillary Clinton would make history “her story.” Besides, those filling the newsrooms and executive suites regarded Donald Trump as an egomaniacal outsider. To their surprise, he became the Republican nominee. From the day in 2015 when he announced his candidacy, the press escalated its attacks on the political novice, growing increasingly flummoxed as Trump soon became the GOP frontrunner.
Then, the unthinkable happened: Trump was elected the 45th president. Not only did the networks have trouble minding manners, but the taxpayer-financed Voice of America (VOA) dissolved into the tears of a clown. Radio/ TV insiders relayed a revealing tale from deep inside the broadcast bureaucracy.
Amanda Bennett, then the VOA director, ordered the production of a celebratory documentary, “America’s First Woman President,” to be aired once the inevitable had occurred. When the inevitable yielded to the improbable, Bennett cried and other staffers scrambled, scurrying to fill the gap with somber live coverage that supplanted the joyous pre-produced, planned programming.
Though the press partisans came emotionally undone over the 2016 results, they were far from done. Trump may have been sworn in, but he became a figure to be sworn at, with journalistic coverage full of sound, fury and falsehoods.
Russiagate. Kids in cages. Two weeks to flatten the curve. Voter ID is racist. Vote fraud is rare. The 2020 election was secure. To those journalistic themes and scores more, Trump offered a two-word response — fake news.
Others offered a similar, earlier message in much more sophisticated prose. Trump’s presidential predecessor retained the services of a “late 30-something” Ben Rhodes, a one-time aspiring novelist who was given a title too long for a book cover: “Deputy National Security Adviser for Strategic Communications.”
The fact that his brother, David, was president of CBS News at the time made Ben’s hiring a “two-fer” in the eyes of Barack Obama: a “creative writer” with a sibling presiding over a bevy of “creative communicators.” Sure enough, Ben confessed to the New York Times Magazine that the successful messaging of the U.S.-Iran nuke deal and the diplomatic recognition of communist Cuba depended upon “compelling: narratives, not necessarily factual, nor true. And those narratives were served up to sympathetic reporters gullible enough to swallow them hook, line and sinker. Rhodes didn’t call those journalists “gullible”— he called them know-nothings. In that same worshipful profile, he described the average reporter in the White House Press Corps as someone “27 years old” whose “only reporting experience consists of being around political campaigns.”
Americans have learned a little something about the politicization of the press: It is real, it is rabid, and it is radical. What’s more, it has prompted a reaction of revulsion.
July brought these results from a Gallup Poll: Americans with “quite a lot” or a “great deal” of confidence in newspapers totaled just 21%. For television, it was even lower: only 16%.
The prevailing political view of the press — Orange man bad, senile man superb — jeopardizes American journalism, which badly needs reform — except in the eyes of journalists. They regard it as the “Build Back Bummer.”
J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of Federal Immigration Law in the 109th Congress.
Business Briefcase
BY LAUREN SERRATO
Valley View Staff Writer
It’s time again for Business Briefcase. This week we will reveal a business that made its way to Goodyear and a major corporation that’s looking to hire 400 workers. Additionally, we will uncover how West Valley residents can take advantage of services offered at a local orthopedic surgery and pain management business.
Landmark Title opens office in Goodyear
Phoenix-based Landmark Title Assurance Agency recently opened two new offices in Arizona. The growing
title and escrow company’s newest branch locations are in Goodyear and Prescott. The privately held company continues to add staff, hiring entry-level and senior positions.
“Plans are underway to expand our footprint in Arizona, and this is just the beginning,” said Vicki Etherton, president of Landmark Title. “We are hiring escrow and title officers and assistants to handle residential and commercial transactions.”
Landmark Title operates nine offices, with plans to open more in the Southwest. In 2020, the company opened its second office in North Scottsdale and its first in the West Valley along with a first in Las Vegas.
Arlene Bejarano will serve as the branch manager for the Goodyear office. Bejarano is a 30-year veteran in the industry and a longtime West Valley resident. The Goodyear office is in the West Valley National Bank Building on North Litchfield Road.
The Prescott branch is under the leadership of Roberta Tindell, who will also continue to manage Landmark Title’s North Scottsdale office on Raintree Road. Travis Totman, an experienced escrow officer in Yavapai County, will join Tindell at the Prescott branch, operating out of the executive offices at The Crossings at Willow Creek while permanent office space at Depot Marketplace is under construction.
“As we continue to open new offices and add staff in the coming year, we remain focused on providing personal attention and quality service to our residential and commercial clients,” said Kristi Smith, vice president of Landmark Title.
of-the-art, minimally invasive joint replacement surgery under their current policy.
Phoenix Spine and Joint has been contracted with Cigna to provide orthopedic surgery and pain management since Oct. 15. The medical staff of Phoenix Spine and Joint includes board-certified, fellowship-trained doctors Dr. Nathan Moore, Dr. Dan Galat, Dr. Jimmy Chow and Dr. Ann Cheri Foxx, who use robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery and evidence-based pain management.
Phoenix Spine and Joint’s minimally invasive philosophy ensures dramatically less pain for patients. Smaller incisions and reduced pain mean less medication and harmful side effects. Patients can expect a substantially shorter recovery period and leave our facility the same day of the procedure. Phoenix Spine and Joint boasts a less than 1% infection rate.
To learn more about Landmark Title and its services, visit ltaz.com or contact the company at 602-748-2800.
West Valley Cigna subscribers now eligible for care at Phoenix Spine & Joint
“Since the pandemic began, patients were concerned about the safety of having surgery; but they still want to get state-of-the-art care they deserve,” said Dr. Dan Lieberman, medical director. This announcement was celebrated by the city of Goodyear.
Arizonans with commercial health insurance from Cigna can access state-
“We’ve heard so many good things about Phoenix Spine and Joint. They
West
have a great reputation, and they have received high ratings from patients in their care,” Mayor Georgia Lord said.
“We are very pleased to be able to offer our city of Goodyear employees this opportunity to receive state-ofthe-art care at a local office that offers evaluation, testing and surgery all in one location. This is a great addition to our employee benefits package.”
Patients can expect concierge service as care coordinators guide them through the entire process. Patients can get scheduled within as little as one week.
The Phoenix Spine and Joint Ambulatory Surgery Center is located at 140 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 110.
For more information, visit phoenixspineandjoint.com.
New job opportunity in Goodyear
UPS Supply Chain Solutions is opening a new facility in the Goodyear area, adding 400 jobs.
At the new facility located at 305 S. Bullard Avenue, UPS is looking to fill full- and part-time positions, primarily warehouse associates, supervisors, engineers, drivers and administrative
staff, by offering competitive wages across multiple shifts.
In addition, they’re also hiring close to 800 seasonal workers at the existing UPS small package delivery facility in Goodyear at 16510 W. Indian School Road.
The company is offering seasonal jobs and a shot at a career with job offers for qualified candidates in 30 minutes or less. About 138,000 UPS employees, including many senior executives, started in seasonal positions and moved to permanent positions.
That’s nearly one-third of the U.S. workforce.
“I am very pleased to see that UPS believes in Goodyear as it expands operations in our city. This additional location will create many new full-time and seasonal jobs for our residents,” Lord said. “New jobs benefit us in so many ways as our city grows, bringing more resources and businesses that our community desires. I look forward to their continued success.”
These jobs come with competitive pay and benefits, including health care, retirement contributions and tuition assistance. Hourly starting pay is up to
$18.50 depending on shift and position and includes annual raises.
Jobs pay as follows:
• Warehouse associate, $17.30 to $21.05/hour.
• Seasonal package handlers, $15 to $18/hour.
• Seasonal drivers: $21/hour.
• Part-time seasonal supervisors: $19 to $20/hour.
• Seasonal personal vehicle drivers:
$21/hour.
• Seasonal driver helpers: $15/hour. Interested applicants should apply at upsjobs.com.
Have an item for Business Briefcase?
Please email your business news and tips to Lauren Serrato at lserrato@timespublications.com
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UPS Supply Chain Solutions is opening a new facility in the Goodyear area, adding 400 jobs. (Photo courtesy of UPS)
Special Olympians compete in Goodyear, Peoria
BY TYLER BUDGE
West Valley View Staff Writer
Special Olympics Arizona will host one of its biggest competitions of the year, featuring more than 1,000 athletes vying for the top spot in swimming, softball and bocce.
Presented by Casino Arizona, the 2021 Fall Games is Friday, Oct. 22, and Saturday, Oct. 23. It will be the first competition hosted by Special Olympics Arizona in nearly two years.
“We tried to do virtual programming for athletes, and for a variety of reasons, it just didn’t quite work out,” said Jamie Heckerman, president and chief executive officer of Special Olympics Arizona.
During the weekend, the Special
“Our athletes get to come back and share their talents and see their friends again that they haven’t been able to see.”
Olympics Healthy Athletes program will provide athletes with complimentary medical exams, including Fit Feet, Fun Fitness and the Special Smiles program.
“It’s in an environment that’s not so scary,” Heckerman said.
“A lot of our athletes have medical conditions that require them to spend a lot of time in the hospital or doctor’s offices and getting poked and prodded. When they’re out at games and there
are no white coats and no sterile environments, it’s a lot more interactive. They feel like they’re able to open up.” Special Olympics Arizona offers 21 sports and hosts more than 300 events a year with the goal of empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities to live healthy, meaningful and fulfilling lives.
JACKPOTS
“It’s just a lot of fun. There is a lot of joy, but it’s also a lot of hard work,” Heckerman said. “Our athletes work very hard to compete in the sports that they do, and they’re very competitive.”
Special Olympics Arizona encourages people of all ages and abilities to come and support their athletes and watch them compete in their events.
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“Just by awareness, letting others see what our athletes are capable of, and to see the commitment that they give to the sport, I hope it motivates others,” Heckerman said, “I think it also gives us hope that others will see it and be inspired and want to join Special Olympics.”
There are more than 21,000 athletes who compete in Arizona and over 24,000 volunteers who help make it happen.
“Just come out and just try. If you just want to give bocce a shot because it’s not
This fall’s Special Olympics empowers its athletes to perform well in the areas of bocce ball, softball and swimming. (Photos courtesy of the Special Olympics)
...continued from page 14
as high energy, that’s great. It’s somewhere to start,” Heckerman said. “Just come to see and make some new friends.”
Healthy Athletes will take place at Pioneer Park in Peoria from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Special Smiles available Friday and Saturday. Fit Feet and Fun
Fitness is on Saturday only.
The swimming competition will be hosted at the Southwest Valley YMCA in Goodyear, and the bocce and softball competitions are set for Pioneer Community Park.
For more information and for a list of competition times, visit specialolympicsarizona.org.
Avondale observes Veterans Day with ceremony, fun run
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
Celebrate Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, at a multifaceted community celebration in Avondale to honor those who have served the country.
The city of Avondale, in collaboration with Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) and local veteran groups, will host an event to honor all veterans in the community.
A ceremony will take place at 9 a.m. at the North Plaza on the northeast area of the EMCC campus and will include patriotic displays provided by local veteran groups, a formal ceremony recognizing all branches of military services, and guest speakers.
The day will also feature a fitness fun run that starts at 7:30 a.m. The charge for the run is $25 for general admission through Oct. 28 to receive a T-Shirt. Register at estrellamountain.edu/ vetfunrun.
All active duty and veterans get a dis-
count for a fee of $11.11. Breakfast is included for fitness fun run participants. Proceeds of the run support the Veterans Increasing Persistence Program at EMCC.
The event is hosted by the city of Avondale and EMCC, in partnership with American Legion Crandall Palmer Post 61, VFW Pat Tillman Memorial Post 40, Affiliate Auxiliary groups and Blue Star Moms.
Event sponsors are Avondale Toyota, West Valley View, Chick-fil-A and Gatorade.
If You Go...
WHAT: Avondale Veterans Day Celebration WHEN: Various times Thursday, Nov. 11: 7:30 a.m. fitness fun run; 8:45 a.m. breakfast; 9 a.m. ceremony
WHERE: Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale COST: $25 through Oct. 28
INFO: 623-333-2400, avondaleaz.gov/ events
Nonprofit celebrates 10 years of healing with horses
BY JORDAN HOUSTON West Valley View Staff Writer
Silver Lining Riding, a nonprofit offering adaptive riding and equine-assisted therapy, is celebrating 10 years of helping others heal through horses.
The organization, located at 7220 N. 185th Avenue in Waddell, features therapeutic and educational riding and horsemanship programs for those living with physical, mental and cognitive disabilities. It assists a wide range of special needs, geared toward challenging its students physically, cognitively and socially.
Founded in 2011, Silver Lining Riding is a member of Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) and is celebrating a decade since its receipt of nonprofit status, according to Silver Lining Riding
board President Gregg Brown.
“We work with special needs, but it’s kind of a broad topic and we try to be a little bit vague,” Brown said. “Our mission is to help people overcome life’s obstacles, whatever those obstacles are — it doesn’t matter.”
Silver Lining typically serves 35 to 40 clients per week, ranging from ages 4 to 90. Classes can be conducted as semi-private or group lessons in sixweek blocks. They are also tailored, with the help of parents and caregivers, to the needs of each student.
According to Silver Lining Riding instructor and program manager Cori Morris-Sweetalla, the equine-assisted experiences help to improve balance, strength, range of motion, coordination, motor skills, reflexes, respiration, circulation
and sensory integration, to name a few.
“We adapt it for every student’s needs. Our main goal is to make sure all students eventually are going to ride independently,” she shared. “With that in mind, we know that may not always happen. We do intake for our students to get to know what their goals are, and from there we build.”
Because horseback riding moves the body rhythmically in a similar manner to a human gait, the act can be therapeutic, said Morris-Sweetalla, who has seen students with physical disabilities improve flexibility, balance and muscle strength.
“When you’re on a horse, after you get done with your first lesson, you get off and you are sore — so, it’s the same thing with these kids when they are out there and walking them (the horses) around for 30-minute lessons,” she said.
“We are looking for that automatic reaction where, when you see them start to slip off one side, their body automatically adjusts, catches their balance and they readjust,” he said.
Physical benefits aside, horses have amassed a reputation within the mental health community as quality companions for easing stress, anxiety and depression.
back due to COVID-19 safety measures.
The student recital gives the nonprofit’s students a chance to show off their riding skills through a series of locally judged events, Brown explained. They will also get the opportunity to qualify to participate in the Silver Lining Riding Special Olympics Athletics.
“We’re just starting to plan it, but I don’t think it will differ from previous years,” Brown disclosed. “We have different classes, and they ride a pattern. We have judges, and it’s very much like a horse competition — just for special needs. We do trophies and have a trophy party — so everybody gets a trophy.”
Morris-Sweetalla added that the Special Olympics portion of the recital is the highlight of her career every year.
“It’s literally why I come to work every day, especially the Olympics,” she expressed. “When you see the kids, it is so worth it seeing how their faces light up. Some of these kids will never get to do a horse show, and that is their day.”
Equines can “mirror and respond” to human behavior, the Anxiety Treatment Center states. With similar social and responsive behaviors, it is easy for clients to create a connection with the herd animal.
Silver Lining’s benefits can also be educational, Brown said.
“We have a horsemanship program where we are teaching the different parts of horses, how to saddle them and how to groom them,” he shared.
Horsemanship students work with their equine partners on the ground, building a stronger relationship. Brown suggests coupling the adaptive riding lessons with the horsemanship feature to reap the most benefits.
Silver Lining Riding is slated to host its 10th anniversary Student Showcase in February of next year. Originally scheduled for May 2021, the two-day event was pushed
To be eligible, students must complete a full, six-week session. Adaptive riding classes for groups of four are $35 each, or $55 with the horsemanship program. Semi-private lessons of two riders are $45 each, and $65 to include the horsemanship. Private lessons are available for $60.
While most funds go toward operating costs, Morris-Sweetalla said Silver Lining Riding is always open for volunteers. Brown echoed his partner’s sentiments, adding that he is looking forward to getting Silver Lining Riding back up to speed with its students on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve seen some real breakthroughs,” he shared. “But the big thing I get out of it — and I’ve heard this from a lot of parents — is they get to be a normal family, at least for one day out of the week.”
To fill out a student registration form, go to silverliningriding.org/studentregistration. For more info, visit silverliningriding.org or contact Morris-Sweetalla at cori@silverliningriding.org
Community support shines raising $540K
BY WEST VALLEY STAFF
The Catholic Community Foundation hosted nearly 600 supporters during its 32nd annual event, Crozier Gala Goes to Monte Carlo.
This year,the goal of the evening was to raise money for the foundation’s community granting funds. Recognizing that everyone has an innate desire to help others, the foundation created a set of perpetual savings funds, called endowments, designed to support critical areas of need within our community. This year was the first time in the 32 years of the gala that had a direct fundraising component.
“There are many longtime supporters of the Gala who experienced an evening much different than in years past,” said Deacon James Carabajal, CEO at Catholic Community Foundation.
Heirloom quilt accidentally taken to Goodwill
BY CARRIE SNIDER West Valley View Contributing Writer
That sinking feeling of losing something very valuable is something no one wants. But it happened to Erin Fuamatu, of Goodyear, who is asking for the public’s help in finding her missing heirloom quilt.
Less than a year ago, while donating a truck full of items, the twinsized quilt was mistakenly given to a Goodwill on Dysart and Camelback roads or PebbleCreek Parkway and McDowell Road.
Since then, she’s tried to locate it to no avail.
“It is very important to me, as it was handmade by my mother using material from her, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother,” Fuamatu wrote in a Facebook Marketplace post. “I am more than willing to re-
“The foundation is called to identify need, engage donors, and provide stewarded financial support to our community’s frontline organizations. Times are very different, and many, many local ministries need our help. We are here to do just that.”
The event’s title sponsors included Catholic Education Arizona and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Gathering to support community
The night’s featured event included
a live auction paddle raise that directly supported the foundation’s Forever Fund Endowments. These endowments are perpetual, disbursing annual grants that fund community needs through the foundation’s Giving Circle Program.
In its eighth year, the Giving Circle is a granting program that gives members a more active role in helping the community.
“It’s become a part of our life to be members of the Giving Circle,” said Jon Olson, Lifetime Giving Circle member and an attendee of the event.
Shines...continued on page 18
Quilt...continued on page 18
November 5, 2021November 6, 2021
November 19, 2021November 20, 2021
December 3, 2021December 4, 2021 December 17, 2021December 18,
Event attendees enjoyed casino-style gaming, dancing to Mogollon, and silent auction bidding.
(Photo courtesy of Catholic Community Foundation)
Erin Fuamatu is hoping to locate her heirloom quilt, which was accidentally donated to a local Goodwill last year. (Photo courtesy of Erin Fuamatu)
Event attendees enjoyed casino-style gaming, dancing to Mogollon, and silent auction bidding. (Photo courtesy of Catholic Community Foundation)
Shines...continued from page 17
“It makes you appreciate the gifts God has given you and, in turn, can give to someone else. Here’s a great opportunity to be more intimate in taking care of the community.” The foundation’s Giving Circle program is the only Catholic granting circle in Arizona.
Many ways to help
The evening’s events included browsing raffle items, casino gaming,
live auction bidding and a sneak preview of the foundation’s newest program, the online giving platform Shop for a Cause.
This program provides a safe way for individuals to help the needs of local nonprofits. Organizations plug in their needs, from diapers to Chromebooks, and donors can go online and shop, purchase and ship all on a convenient and simple website, shop-for-a-cause.com/montecarlo.
For more information, visit ccfphx. org/foreverfund.
Quilt...continued from page 17
imburse you for the cost.”
Its value is worth more than money.
Fuamatu fondly recalls the hours it took her mother to finish the quilt — nearly her entire childhood. For over 10 years, her mother painstakingly used heirloom fabric pieces to stitch together a quilt that could be passed down to the next generation.
“I remember seeing these at the beginning stages of cut out pieces and then stitched together sitting in piles to finally forming quilts for myself and my sister,” she said. “I received my quilt for Christmas when I was 16 years old.”
Four generations of women are represented in Erin
matu’s heirloom quilt.
from
Erin as a child, and
ter). The photo was taken in 1981, about the time Diana began working on the quilt. (Photo courtesy of Erin Fuamatu)
The fabric used came from three special women in her life: her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother. Fuamatu’s great-grandmother lived to be 101 years old, so she was able to know her as a child. Also, she spent many weekends with her grandmother in Texas. The only cloth purchased for the quilt was the blue border/backing.
More than just a blanket to keep her
West Valley View Dining
warm, the heirloom quilt offers emotional support.
“I’m the only one in Arizona, so this quilt was also a comfort for me when feeling alone or needing support from my family,” she said.
“It keeps me awake at night sometimes wondering what happened to it.”
Anyone with information about the heirloom quilt should call Fuamatu at 623-293-1962.
Fua-
Pictured
left to right: Diana Davis (mother), Nellie Kirk (great-grandmother), Faye Davis (grandmother),
Lindsey Potts (sis-
King Crossword
GO FIGURE!
by Linda Thistle
The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.
EVEN EXCHANGE
by Donna Pettman
SUDOKU
Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.
SCRAMBLERS
Unscramble
West-MEC, Rio Salado partner for new programs
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
New GED test prep courses and an adult ed welding program are available to West Valley families thanks to a new workforce development partnership between Rio Salado College and Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) designed to expand access to education and employment opportunities. Both offerings will be available at the West-MEC Northeast location on 1617 W. Williams Drive, Phoenix, and the West-MEC Southwest location on 500 N. Verrado Way in Buckeye.
Rio Salado’s GED test prep courses begin every seven weeks, with morning and evening options. Courses are open to West-MEC students, their
families and the surrounding community. These courses provide in-person and hybrid instruction to help students prepare for the GED test and transition into college.
GED courses are free to participants until June 30. After that, a fee ranging from $25 to $70 will be charged, depending on the student’s household income and number of family members in the household. Scholarship and grant funding are available for GED courses and college-level coursework.
West-MEC’s adult ed welding program combines Rio Salado’s GED test prep coursework with its welding technology training, which focuses on
GED...continued on page 21
Rio Salado College and Western Maricopa Education Center have partnered for new GED test prep courses and an adult ed welding program. (Submitted photo)
preparing students to enter the welding industry. Tuition and fees range from $3,175 to $9,575. The adult ed welding program is an ARIZONA@WORK Eligible Training Provider, which means candidates may qualify for full tuition support.
West-MEC is a public school district dedicated to providing innovative career and technical education (CTE) programs that prepare students to enter the workforce and pursue continuing education. It offers a variety of career training opportunities for youth in high school and young adults ages 18 to 22.
“Many West-MEC students live close by with their families, so it only makes sense to offer GED test prep coursework to them and other members of our community,” said Dr. Spencer Isom, West-MEC director of business development and government affairs.
“Like Rio Salado College, West-MEC is hyper-focused on workforce and economic development to help our communities thrive and flourish. We are looking forward to seeing what our partnership can do to make that a reali-
ty in the West Valley.”
Rio Salado serves as the principal provider of GED test preparation programs for the Maricopa Community Colleges and the largest provider of adult education in Arizona, earning the Arizona Department of Education Adult Education Program of the Year Award three years in a row.
“Our partnership with West-MEC gives students a chance to achieve academic and employability skills while they learn a trade in a high-demand field that has great earning potential,”
said Dr. Tamara Cochran, Rio Salado dean of instruction and community development. “This program can be life-changing for students who may not have had the opportunities or resources to pursue this kind of pathway or to achieve economic prosperity before. This partnership epitomizes what we mean by improving access to education and socioeconomic opportunities.”
For more details about Rio Salado’s GED test prep courses, visit riosalado. edu/GEDPREP or call 480-384-9821. For more details about the adult ed welding program, visit west-mec.edu/weldingtechnology-adult-ed.
UPGRADE TO EASY ACCESS AND BETTER STORAGE
Halloween Creepin’ Cruise drives into Phoenix Raceway
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
Avondale Parks & Recreation will host the second annual Creepin’ Cruise presented by Avondale Toyota at Phoenix Raceway on Thursday, Oct. 28.
Kick off the Halloween weekend by enjoying a safe and fun drive-thru trick-or-treat event on Pit Road at Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale.
Families are encouraged to show their Halloween spirit by dressing up and turning their vehicles into ghost mobiles. A variety of hauntingly fun booths will be on-site passing out candy to trick-or-treaters. The event runs from 5 to 7:30 p.m.
The event is free. For more information, call Avondale Parks & Recreation at 623333-2400 or visit the Avondale events web page, avondaleaz.gov/events.
Creepin’ Cruise is a drive-thru trick-ortreat event planned for Phoenix Raceway.
(Submitted photo)
Lucy Vena Woodruff
Lucy was born January 11, 1935 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She ran into the arms of Jesus on October 8 , 2021, after a courageous battle with pneumonia and COVID. She wa s surrounded by her family.
Lucy moved to Tolleson in 1943 She graduated from Tolleson Union High School. Class of 1953. After High School, she opened th e Tolleson Diner at Collins Drug Store. She sold the restaurant in 1978.
She was very active in the community of Tolleson with the Lions and the Tolleson Food Bank, where she was the Director for 15 years. She was a member of Tolleson Assembly of God and The Bridge Church, in Tolleson. She loved to travel with her late husband, Henry Woodruff, traveling all over the United States as well as Asia a nd most of Europe (including Italy, Germany, an d Switzerland). They would spend 3 months of the summer in Colorado.
Lucy loved her family and friends, always lending a hand in any way she could. She loved to exercise, play Bridge, and she loved to shop. She just loved life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, J.L. and Hester Johnson; her husband, Henry Woodruff; her son, Dennis Potter; her brothers Jerry, Ricky, and Bobby; and her sister, Dorma Trimble. She is survived by her brother H.L J ohnson; her sons, Danny Potter and Michael (Tiger ) Potter; stepson, John Woodruff; daughters-in-law, Shelly D avis, Sunny Potter, and Nancy Woodruff; her grandc hildren, Jay Woodruff, Holly Beck, Shawn Potter , Shannon Potter, Amy Lady, Cassie Tyson, and Mackenzie Potter; several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and she will be missed by many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM Saturday , October 23, 2021 at The Bridge Church in Tolleson. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in her honor to the Tolleson Food Bank.
RobertGordonPaul
August7,1938–September29,2021
RobertG.Paulwasreceivedbyou r HeavenlyFatheronSeptember29,2021. Heisproceededindeathbyhiswif e ElainePaulandhisparentsMr.andMrs CharlesPaul.HeissurvivedbyhissisterJeanetteTurner,hisdaughteran d son-in-lawJessicaandKevinflowers , hisdaughterandson-in-lawBethanieandJohnSchoellg en,andhisgrandchildrenAlexandraSchoellgen,an d L ogan,VivianandKyleFlowers.
RobertwasborninWaltham,Massachusetts,August7, 1 938toCharlesandMarionPaul.Hegraduatedfrom PeabodyVeteransMemorialhighschoolin1957.Heatt endedNewMexicoStateUniversity,LasCrucesfor shortperiodoftimewhereheplayedcollegebaseballbeforebeingdraftedintotheArmyin1961.Heservedfor 6 yearsandwashonorablydischargedwiththerankof PFC.HewasawardedSharp-shootercertification.
In1965,hemethiswifeElaineandmarriedheron February19,1967.Theyweremarriedfor42years,beforeshepassed.
Uponretirement,BobandElainemovedtoSundance ActiveAdultCommunityinBuckeye,Arizona.HebecameanavidgolferandwasamemberatSundancegolf c lubwherehedevelopedmanywonderfulfriendships a ndwasaMarshallatthegolfcourse.Oneofhis greatestgolfaccomplishmentswasgettingaholein1on the6thholeatSundance.Later,heandhisdogMully becametheDirectorsofHappinessatSundance,finishingouthismarshallingandgolfcareer.
Bobwasanamazingandlovingbrother,husband,fatherandGrampieandwillbemisseddearlybyhisfriends andfamilyalike.
Acelebrationoflifewillbeheldfrom1:00PMto2:00 PMon2021-10-30atTrinityLutheranChurch,830East PlazaCircle,LitchfieldPark,AZ,USA.
Jerald (Jerry) Lee Jacobson
A proud United States Air Force veteran and resident of Tonopah, AZ passed away peacefully at the age of 76 on October 13, 2021 in his home surrounded by family. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, John and Margaret Jacobson; and one sister Sharri Schmidt . He’s survived by his loving wife of 57 y ears, Patricia Jacobson; daughter, Brenda (Chris) D ouglas; son, John (Teresa) Jacobson; daughter, Tin a (Dan) Goforth; 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; n ephew, Steve (Lisa) Schmidt; and long-time dea r f riends Don (Annette) Egge. The Jacobson family i s served by Avenidas Funeral Chapel. At Jerald’s request, there will be no funeral services. Jerald wishes to spend eternity among the Colorado mountains, his ashes will be spread by family at a later date.
AffinityBehavioralCare,LLCIsseekingaBehavioral HealthTechnician/ResidentialSupportProviderwho isresponsibleforthedirectcareofadultswithmentalhealthandsubstanceabusedisordersina grouphomeResidentialsetting Qualifications -Needtobe21yearsofageand1year experienceintheBehavioralHealthField.-ShiftsavailableF/TMonday–Friday,P/TSaturday-Sunday,and oncall,needstohavecurrentCPR/FA,FingerprintClearancecard,pre-employmentphysical,Tbtest;aswellasa validArizonadriverslicense,beabletopassabackgroundcheckanda39monthMVRcheck.-Hourlyrate $14-$15. www.affinitybehavioralcare.net Pleasecall480-590-6877
Classifieds
EMPLOYMENT
Seamsstress/Ironing needed at dry cleaners near Luke Air Force Base. Name tapes made. Call Thanom 623-935-1575
WINGFIELD LIVESTOCK TRANSPORTATION
Looking for several DRIVERS with 2 yrs OTR Exp. Please Call 623-694-9063
Nowhiringforfull-time DayPorterpositionsin Chandler,Scottsdale andTempe. Forfurtherinformationapplyinpersonat7020N 55thAveGlendaleAZ 85301orCall 623-937-3727
EMPLOYMENT
LOOKING for experienced compassionate CNA's. Certified Caregivers. Part time/ full time. 623-547-7521
The City of Tolleson is currently accepting applications for the following positions: Building Inspector Public Safety Dispatcher Police O cer Recruit/Lateral Water Distribution Operator
To apply, submit your application by the closing date at www.tollesonaz.gov • EOE
VALLEY LIFE
is a non-proit organization that provides programs and services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities. Full Time and Part Time Caregivers Needed!
GARAGE
SALES/ BAZAARS
RUSSELLRANCHHOA COMMUNITYWIDE YARDSALE
SatOct.23rd7AM-2PM 200+HomesParticipating.Electronics,Furniture, Dishes,Clothes,Art, Citrus/BethanyHome. Movingoutofstatesale. Everythingmustgo! Clothes,smpower&hand tools,DVD’s,lawn/ gardeningtools, Christmas&Halloween stuff,pictures, kitchenitems. Saturday&Sunday, October23&24, 7AMto1PM 12503WVistaPaseoDr, LitchfieldPark
WANTED TO BUY
$100-$500+
Cash for Junk Cars all "as is" autos! Good condition more $$$$. Best Prices! Fast, free pickup. 623-329-2043
GARAGE
SALES/ BAZAARS
SundanceAdultVillage CommunityWideGarage Sale! Sat.Nov.68aNoon.Located1/2mile eastoftheintersectionof Watson&Yuma,in Buckeye (northofYumaRoad)
HANDYMAN
JOEL Cedillo- I do construction work! Concrete, Block , Stucco, Bobcat work, Haulaway, Demolition. Call fo r free estimates, 623-707-6072
*Not A Licensed Contractor
Want
to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interests
ARTICLESOFORGANIZATION HAVEBEENFILEDINTHEOFFICEOFTHEARIZONACORPORATIONCOMMISSIONFOR I Name:COPPERSTATEAPPRAISALSERVICESLLCIIThe addressoftheregisteredofficeis: address17470N.PacesetterWay, SCOTTSDALE,AZ85255,US A ThenameoftheStatutoryAgen t is:SELYNAMARIEBALLIIIManagementoftheLimitedLiabilit y Companyisvestedinamanager ormanagers.Thenamesofeach personwhoisamanageran d eachmemberwhoownsatwenty percentorgreaterinterestinth e capitalorprofitsofthelimitedliabilitycompanyare:MEMBE R SELYNAMARIEBALLAT12505 WBirdLn,LITCHFIELDPARK , AZ,85340.PublishedWestValley View,October6,13,20,2021 / 41722
ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN T HE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMM ISSION FOR I Wander Travel, PLLC II The address of the registered office is: 15983 W Diamond St., Goodyear, Az 85338 The name of the Statu tory Agent is: United States C orporation Agents, Inc II I Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a m anager or managers. The names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or g reater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability c ompany are: Organizer , Melissa Rae Andrews, 15983 W Diamond St., Goodyear, Az 85338 Published: West Valley V iew, Oct. 13, 20,27 2021 / 42016
STJOHN’SIRRIGATIONDISTRICTANNUALELECTIONOFDIRECTORwillbeheldonTuesday,November9 th ,2021from8:00amto4:00pmat10219W. SouthernAve.Tolleson,AZ85353.Pleasecall602769-7219LindaReitzwithanyquestions.
INVITATION TO BID
Bids: November 29, 2021 – 1:00 pm
Project: Indian School Rd (Verrado Way to Sunrise Ln) North Half CFD Landscape Improvements
Verrado ARC LLC seeks qualified General Contractors, with a minimum CR-21 Landscaping and Irrigation Systems, to submit sealed bids for the above referenced project, which consists of, but is not limited to all work associated with installation of the landscape and irrigation in accordance with the plans and specifications (the “Work”). The Successful Contractor shall be responsible for all coordination associated with the Work. Copies of the plans, bid documents and detailed information for this project will be available on October 18, 2021. All interested parties should contact Deana Burris at dburris@dmbinc.com to obtain access to the electronic bid documents. Please reference the project name listed above in the email subject line. A MANDATORY pre-bid meeting will be held on October 27, 2021, at 1:00 pm. The pre-bid meeting will be held via Zoom call. A meeting invitation will be sent to all interested parties. Sealed bids will be received until 1:00 pm on November 29, 2021, at the DMB Verrado Offices – 4236 N. Verrado Way Suite A200, Buckeye, AZ 85396. Bids submitted after 1:00 pm will not be accepted. Bids will be opened privately but read aloud at 1:05 pm via Zoom call. A meeting invitation will be sent to all interested parties. Unless all bids are rejected, the Contract will be awarded within twenty-one (21) days. The Contract will be awarded to the lowest qualified bidder that submits a complete and accurate bid. A complete and accurate bid will include all information requested in the bid documents. Every bid made by a Contractor pursuant to this Notice shall be accompanied by a surety bond for ten percent (10%) of the bid amount, listing Verrado ARC LLC as the Obligee, as a guarantee that the Contractor will enter into a contract to perform the Work, or as liquidated damages in the event the Contractor refuses or fails to enter into the Contract with Verrado ARC LLC upon award. Cashier’s checks will not be accepted. The bonds will be returned to all Contractors whose bids are not awarded the Contract, and to the successful Contractor, upon execution of the Contract, and receipt of Payment and Performance bonds for the Work. The cost for providing Payment and Performance bonds shall be included in the bid submittal. A Payment and Performance bond will be required in the amount of 100% of the original Contract value for the duration of the Contract. All bidders shall be required to submit, with their bid proposal, a completed Certificate of Insurance evidencing their ability to meet the insurance requirements for this project. The Contractor shall carry property damage and public liability insurance and shall hold and save harmless Verrado ARC LLC, DMB White Tank, LLC, the City of Buckeye and the Verrado District 1 Community Facilities District from any employer’s liability and from any and all liens for materials or labor in connection with this Work as specified in the bid documents. Any bids submitted without the bid bond, certificate of insurance and any other items as required in the bid documents will be deemed incomplete, and will be rejected. Verrado ARC LLC reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to withhold the award for any reason Verrado ARC LLC determines necessary and appropriate. Award of the successful bid shall be subject to approval by Verrado ARC LLC or its representatives. Interested parties shall refer to the bid package and addendums for further infor mation, or contact Deana Burris at dburris@dmbinc.com – reference Indian School Rd (Verrado Way to Sunrise Ln) North Half CFD Landscape Improvements. No engineer’s estimate will be distributed.
NOTICEOFELECTION OFDIRECTOROF ROOSEVELTIRRIGATIONDISTRICT
NOTICEISHEREBYGIVENthatanelectionfortheofficesof DirectorofDivisionIIofRooseveltIrrigationDistrictwillbeheld onTuesday,November9,2021.Thepollswillbeopenat8:00 a.m.andwillcloseat6:00p.m.Thepollingplaceshallbeatthe Districtoffice,locatedat103WestBaseline,Buckeye,Arizona 85326.3391558.110/18113DATEDthis7thdayofSeptember,2021/s/DonovanNeese,SecretaryRooseveltIrrigation District.Published:WestValleyView,Sept.15,22,2021/ 41319
INVITATIONTOBID
BidsDue:December2,2021–11:00am Project:McDowellRdWest CFDCivilRoadwayImprovements
DMBWhiteTankLLCseeksqualifiedGeneralContractors, withaminimumA-GeneralEngineeringlicense,tosubmit sealedbidsfortheabovereferencedprojectwhichconsists ofbutisnotlimitedtotheroadwayimprovementsinaccordancewiththeplansandspecifications(the“Work”).The SuccessfulContractorshallberesponsibleforallcoordinationassociatedwiththeWork.Accesstotheplansandbid documentsforthisprojectwillbeavailableonOctober27, 2021.AllinterestedpartiesshouldcontactDeanaBurrisat dburris@dmbinc.comtoobtainaccesstotheelectronicbid documents.Pleasereferencetheprojectnamelistedabove intheemailsubjectline.AMANDATORYpre-bidmeeting willbeheldviaZoomcallonNovember3,2021,at11:00am. Ameetinginvitationwillbesenttoallinterestedparties. Sealedbidswill bereceiveduntil11:00amonDecember2, 2021,attheDMBVerradoOffices–4236N.VerradoWay SuiteA200,Buckeye,AZ85396.Bidssubmittedafter 11:00amwillnotbeaccepted.Bidswillbeopenedprivately butreadaloudat11:05amviaZoomcall.Ameetinginvitationwillbesenttoallinterestedparties.Unlessallbidsare rejected,theContractwillbeawardedwithinseven(7)days ofbidopening.TheContractwillbeawardedtothelowest qualifiedbidderthatsubmitsac ompleteandaccuratebid.A completeandaccuratebidwillincludeallinformationrequestedinthebiddocuments.EverybidmadebyaContractorpursuanttothisNoticeshallbeaccompaniedbya suretybondfortenpercent(10%)ofthebidamount,listing DMBWhiteTankLLCastheObligee,asaguaranteethat theContractorwillenterintoacontracttoperformtheWork, orasliquidateddamagesintheeventtheContractorrefusesorfailstoenterintotheContractwithDMBW hiteTank LLCuponaward.ThebondswillbereturnedtoallContractorswhosebidsarenotawardedtheContract,andtothe successfulContractor,uponexecutionoftheContract,and receiptofPaymentandPerformancebondsfortheWork. ThecostforprovidingPaymentandPerformancebonds shallbeincludedinthebidsubmittal.APaymentandPerformancebondwillberequiredintheamountof100%ofthe originalContractvalueforthedurationoftheContract.All biddersshallberequiredtosubmit,withtheirbidproposal,a completedCertificateofInsuranceevidencingtheirabilityto meettheinsurancerequirementsforthisproject.TheContractorshallcarrypropertydamageandpublicliabilityinsuranceandshallholdandsaveharmlessDMBWhiteTank LLC,theCityofBuckeyeandtheVerradoDistrict1CommunityFacilitiesDistrictfromanyemployer’sliabilityand fromanyandallliensformaterialsorlaborinconnection with thisWorkasspecifiedinthebiddocuments.Anybids submittedwithoutthebidbond,certificateofinsuranceand anyotheritemsasrequiredinthebiddocumentswillbe deemedincompleteandwillberejected.DMBWhiteTank LLCreservestherighttorejectanyandallbidsandtowithholdtheawardforanyreasonDMBWhiteTankLLCdeterminesnecessaryandappropriate.Awardofthesuccessfulbid shallbesubjecttoapprovalbyDMBWhiteTankLLCorits representatives.InterestedpartiesshallrefertothebidpackageandaddendumsforfurtherinformationorcontactDeana Burrisatdburris@dmbinc.com–referenceMcDowellRd WestCFDCivilRoadwayImprovements.Noengineer’sestimatewillbedistributed.
