Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Monte Vista PTO treasury out of the red
BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
Six months after discovering thousands of dollars in unpaid bills and more thousands in missing funds, the Monte Vista Elementary School Parent Teachers Organization has bounced back into the black.
As a result of the generosity of parents and families, teachers and staff and local businesses and community members, the PTO’s officers announced, “We have managed to pay off our last remaining bill and are now cash-flow positive.”
Now they’re trying to compensate for the grants the PTO traditionally gives at the be-
Eyesore war pits local man vs. city
BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
An Ahwatukee man is battling with Phoenix officials over conditions at various places in and near Mountain Park Ranch.
John Broussal said rusting railings, broken drain grates, rubbish that includes broken shopping cards and other eyesores have created “deplorable conditions” that threaten to multiply and ultimately harm property values.
While Broussal said some of the problems date back three or more years, he has intensified his pressure on the city Street Transportation and Neighborhood Services officials in the last three months, complaining as well to the City Manager’s office and Councilman Sal
see RANCH page 14
ginning of the school year but couldn’t because the officers – who were elected in May – had no money for them.
They’ve teamed up with an unusual nationwide fundraising company called Apex Leadership in order to raise money and simultaneously introduce students to a special two-week program.
The program – which started on the Monte Vista Campus on Tuesday is open only to Monte Vista students – it involves a kickoff assembly as well as daily classroom and playground events built around positive messaging for kids concerning physical fitness, character development and leadership.
It culminates Nov. 22 with an obstacle
course peppered with unusually shaped or oversized slides, monkey bars and other inventions that are as much about having fun as they are about instilling leadership qualities and a commitment to physical fitness.
“Apex is an interactive leadership program that helps schools all over the country raise money, while promoting leadership, good character and fitness,” PTO Co-Vice President Robin Barrett explained.
She said students will “learn the habits needed to be a game-changing leader,” getting pledges for the 30-minute run on Nov. 22, including 26 to 36 obstacles.
Driveway artist
Ahwatukee resident Ashley Renda, 11, is a budding artist who wanted to try a new medium and, apparently, a new “canvas.” So last week the youngster chalked up a kind of beautification victory with colorful results. For details, see page 23. (Pablo Robles/ AFN Staff Photographer)
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Lakes appeal predicts dire consequences, rips panel’s opinion
BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
The court got it wrong.
That’s what lawyers for The True Life Companies and Wilson Gee told the Arizona Supreme Court in appeal the decision rendered by the state Court of Appeals in the lawsuit by two Ahwatukee Lakes homeowners who want the golf course restored.
“The Court of Appeals misconstrued the plain meaning of the CC&Rs that permitted the owner of the property to cease operating a golf course on the property when the CC&Rs provide that the property owner could ‘abandon, demolish cease the use of’ any golf-related activities on the 101-acre site, lawyers said.
In their appeal, attorneys Daniel Maynard and Douglas Erickson said the Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions governing the course are “restrictive” rather than “affirmative” – meaning that they prevent the land from being used for a purpose other than golf.
That doesn’t mean, they argue, the site must be operated as a golf course. It can simply lay fallow, they say.
The 18-hole executive course was closed in 2013, by Gee, who said it was losing money. He also has maintained that the site will never be used as a golf course again and has intimated that he would simply walk away if he was ordered to resurrect the facility.
Estimates vary wildly on the restoration cost.
True Life, which had an agreement to buy the course for $9 million if it could create an agrihood with about 164 homes, a private school, a five-acre farm and other amenities, said its expert estimated $14 million.
Experts presented by homeowners Eileen Breslin and Linda Swain, who filed the suit in 2014, estimate the cost would be between $5 million and $6 million.
While the Supreme Court ponders the appeal, Breslin and Swain have asked Superior Court to hold Gee and True Life in contempt – which could involve thousands of dollars in fines.
But action on that request may be delayed by the appeal, according to Superior Court records.
A ruling issued on Oct. 23, by Superior Court Judge Theodore Campagnolo referred the contempt request to a trial commissioner – who cannot act on contempt requests. Campagnolo’s order noted the case was still in appeal.
Meanwhile, it may not be until next year before the Supreme Court decides whether it will even take the case for consideration.
Attorney Tim Barnes, representing Swain and Breslin, has roughly until mid-December to file a response to the appeal request.
Lawyers for Gee and True Life told the Supreme Court that the appellate panel’s decision “turns the
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law concerning restrictive covenants on its head.”
“Property all over Arizona contains restrictive covenants that limit how property can be used but now, based on this decision, if one buys a property containing a restrictive covenant, they may be affirmatively mandated to operate a business when the CC&Rs do not require it,” they wrote.
The lawyers said Bixby Village, Gee’s company that owns the course, invested $400,000 after buying the course with money it earned from the sale of a course in California.
“By early 2007, however, the (Lakes) started losing money and Bixby began using profits from its other golf courses to subsidize” Ahwatukee Lakes, they say.
Gee owns all four courses in Ahwatukee, though he is trying to sell two of them – Ahwatukee Country Club and Club West.
The lawyers also say their experts have testified “it would be impossible to fund a reconstruction of the golf course without selling homes around the property.”
They also note he testified he had taken into account “the revenue it would generate once it was operational and
concluded that it would take 29 years for a person to recover the initial investment in waiting that long to realize a profit on their investment.”
“No bank would provide lending for such a project,” they add.
The lawyers told the Supreme Court that the implications of the Court of Appeals ruling are dire because it “would
require unprofitable businesses to continue to operate unprofitably for an indefinite period.”
Stating “an important issue of law has been incorrectly decided,” the lawyers further state:
“The fundamental question, which no Arizona decision controls, is whether the court can force a property owner to
run a business on his or her property if they do not want to and whether this mandatory injunction violates numerous laws,” they say.
“Under the Court of Appeals’ ruling,” they added, “the owners of the property encumbered by CC&Rs could be forced to build a golf course and operate it” even if it doesn’t turn a profit.
Closed since 2013, the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course has become a barren expanse of desert and a battlefield between owner Wilson Gee and many owners of homes around and near the 101-acre site. (AFN file photo)
Ex-Sen. Kyl tells DV students to tolerate other viewpoints
BY SAMANTHA MORRIS AFN Contributor
Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl last week visited with students at Desert Vista High School, focusing on the country’s founding principles and deliberately avoiding partisan political talking points.
But after a lesson in government, Kyl also delivered a timely message for today’s youth.
“You all have different ideas about what ought to be done today with government and I would just ask you that as you debate this among yourselves, do it in the most dignified and courteous way you possibly can,” he said.
Students were encouraged to ask questions and when one asked about whether or not there is a power imbalance among the three branches of government, Kyl agreed and voiced concerns about the executive branch in particular.
He cited the media’s fixation on the president as part of the reason that the executive has acquired more influence.
“They make a big deal out of the president, and yet theoretically the senators and representatives are just as powerful
as the president is, but there’s only one of him and there are 535 members of Congress,” he said.
“All they need to do is counter him by two-thirds and that’s not very easy to do. I tend to think right now the presidency has a little more power than it ought to have and the legislative branch ought to exercise more authority then it does.”
Kyl also highlighted the positive role that U.S. can play abroad, whether it
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comes to enabling girls to go to school in Afghanistan or coming to the aid of other countries in the aftermath of natural disasters.
“It was said in the very beginning that Americans believe that all men, not just Americans, that all men are created equal, and that they are given by God certain inherent, natural rights,” he said.
“But if that’s true, then a little girl in Afghanistan should have the same opportunity to go to school. But up until the time we went to Afghanistan, that wasn’t much the rule. Generally, boys went to school, girls didn’t and as a result of our presence there, young women have had way more opportunities than they did before.”
Kyl warned students of the prevalence of fake information online, stressing the individual responsibility one has to seek out the truth.
“You have to understand the validity of what you are hearing and sometimes the validity can be fake,” he said.
However, he said he also warned of the dangerous territory that is censorship of political speech and how it could conflict with freedom of speech when regulated by media platforms like Facebook or
Twitter.
“I happen to believe the more debate the better, and I don’t want anybody censoring political speech because very quickly what people think is inaccurate turns into what they disagree with, and then you got a problem,” said Kyl.
Kyl also shared his frustration with the divisive design of today’s news media, stating:
“I’m frustrated because it used to be that these talk shows would have a commentator on who would say ‘well there’s this point, there’s this point. But I think experience shows that this is the better point here.’
“But now almost always they have a Republican consultant and Democratic consultant. Well, what happens when you have a Republican consultant and Democratic consultant? You are not going to get equal points of view, you are going to get talking points,” said Kyl.
Kyl was invited by Desert Vista’s Young Americans for Freedom Club, which senior and Vice President Allen Pan describes as “a group of politically involved high school students that wanted to see KYL page 16
JON KYL
Bill Watson Gets Results.
Through Apex’s top-notch pledging system, sponsors around the globe can pledge any amount of money they wish for each obstacle the student conquers.
“The fundraising goal during this Apex program is for teacher grants and to support school programs, such as the Family Reading Program,” Barrett said.
“The Reading Program awards almost 600 books monthly. We particularly need books for fourth- and- fifth-graders because those books tend to be more expensive.”
In a joint message, the PTO officers said APEX would “bring positive messaging to our students while also serving as our one and only major fundraiser for the year.”
Noting teachers have used the grants of $300 to $500 in past years to ready their classrooms for the new school year, the officers noted, “Unfortunately, teachers did not receive the grants so it is our goal to make Apex a success to give the teachers the grants they deserve.”
The PTO’s arrival at a positive balance in its bank account was no small feat, since the officers took over at the end of the school year, saddled with $11,000 in debts and as much as $20,000 in missing funds.
When members of the Monte Vista community heard of the PTO’s plight, they rallied in a number of ways.
“Each and every penny fundraised made a difference, such as BoxTops clipping and scanning, shopping at Fry’s and earning through the Community Rewards Program, family dinner nights, business sponsorships, gifts from local families, company matching programs, shopping on smile.amazon.com,” officers said in a joint announcement.
Their last big fundraising success was
a “Pumpkin STEAM Fest” last month that incorporated Halloween themes into an event that stressed science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
“Our PTO Board has been successful thanks to all the amazing volunteers, generosity of local businesses and organizations and overall positive support from Monte Vista families, teachers and staff,” they added.
Barrett said Phoenix Police have not kept the PTO apprised of their investigation into the apparent theft.
“They told me they have a lot of cases ahead of ours and that it could take seven to 10 months,” Barrett told AFN earlier this fall, adding she was told by detectives not to bother them for updates.
“They definitely aren’t interested in us calling them for updates, so we wait,” Barrett said. “They have all the evidence and it’s fully in their hands. Hopefully, they will be able to get us some closure soon.”
A police spokesman told AFN the department would not discuss the case and declined comment on Barrett’s report, except to say that detectives had to determine if a crime was involved and proceed from there.
“Keep in mind these investigations can be very complicated,” the spokesman said. “Investigators have to wait for documents from the banks and in this case documents from the PTO or the school. I am sure the audit process takes time, not to mention the other cases investigators can be working on.”
While mystery surrounds the investigation, there’s no mystery about the PTO’s return to fiscal stability and its dedication to Monte Vista students and staff.
According to its website, APEX builds
MONTE VISTA from page 1
APEX brings as many as 36 different obstacles for kids to conquer as part of its character-development program in schools. Obstacle Course Day is Nov. 22 for Monte Vista students. (Special to AFN)
its programs around principles such as “every child can change their school, and the world, in a profound way” and “serving others brings the greatest joy and contributes to the greatest good.”
APEX claims on its website to have helped dozens of schools raise funds that help teachers stock their classrooms.
It tells schools that “learning by doing and exercise are both undervalued and underutilized in fundraising today... Encouragement and enthusiasm build others up – we will help build leaders.”
“Raising money for your child’s school can also serve as a positive learning experience,” APEX also says. “Many people giving a little reduces the individual burden on the typical givers and donors.”
Barrett said the PTO is “asking parents and family members to volunteer on Nov. 22 only. Volunteers will help cheer on all students, hand out wrist bands and water.”
The obstacle course Nov. 22 is not open to the general public, but Barrett added, “However, we’d welcome donations.”
Information: mvpto@mvpto.org or mvpto.org
Six Kyrene teachers get Fiesta Bowl $5K grants
AFN NEWS STAFF
College football has turned to be pretty generous for six Kyrene School District teachers – four at Ahwatukee schools.
They received $5,000 each from Fiesta Bowl Charities’ Wishes for Teachers program this month.
The grants – totaling $1 million – were awarded through a lottery-style drawing to teachers across the state who had submitted requests. Of awardees in the East Valley, 33 teach in Mesa schools, followed by Gilbert at 14, Chandler with 8 and Queen Creek with 7.
In addition to the money, the teachers can march in the Fiesta Bowl parade Dec. 268 and appear the day before on the field at Chase Field for special recognition during the Cheez-it Bowl.
Of the Kyrene grant winners, Monte Vista Elementary teacher Linda Todd said her wish was for “new library chairs that reflect the vibrant personality of their students and staff,” a Fiesta Bowl Charities spokeswoman said.
Jeremy Dittrich ay Kyrene de los Lagos Dual Language Academy intends to “purchase equipment for recess activities,”
she said.
April Weston at Akimel A-al Middle School hopes to “purchase cameras and lighting equipment that will greatly improve the scope of the class” while Altadena Middle School teacher Alissa Kingsley plans to “provide engaging science escape kits for their students.”
The other two grant recipients are teachers at Kyrene schools in Chandler.
Samantha Johnson at Aprende Middle School plans to spend her grant on clay and art supplies for their classroom while Christa Hurlburt at Kyrene de la Paloma
Arts Integration Academy will be buying science and art supplies, the spokeswoman said.
“They’re great examples of the good that Arizona teachers can do for their communities and their students,” the spokeswoman added. “With many teachers spending their own money to improve classrooms, the Fiesta Bowl decided to lend a hand.”
The program awarded $1 million for the second year in a row.
Over the four years of the program, Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teachers has granted $3.2 million to Arizona teachers, according to its website, impacting over 150,000 children across the state.
The $1 million grant is believed to be the largest donation to Arizona teachers.
A majority of teacher wishes involved enhancements in technology, reading, music and fitness among other things.
But in other districts, some teachers wished for basic necessities like new classroom desks and shade for playgrounds.
Fiesta Bowl Charities last year had a festive day for the anouncement of the 2018 Wishes for Teachers drawing. (AFN file photo)
Lisa Miguel
Foothills Club West
EVIT finds way to get superintendent on campus
BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer
The East Valley Institute of Technology found a way to get Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson back to work despite the automatic suspension of his fingerprint clearance card for his indictment on theft and misuse of public money.
Wilson, 49, who was promoted from interim superintendent to superintendent in July, has been reassigned to a new position that doesn’t require the card, director of external affairs.
The state requires most teachers and superintendents to carry the card if a criminal background check using their fingerprints shows they have no been convicted of most crimes.
Dana Kuhn, who previously was an assistant principal at EVIT, was promoted to interim superintendent, a position she is expected to fill until Wilson regains his fingerprint identification card.
The suspension of Wilson’s card left his job in a precarious situation.
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His contract requires him to possess the card as a condition of employment, said Kevin Koelbel, EVIT’s director of legal services.
Koelbel acknowledged the job switch is a work-around, intended to get Wilson back to work after he took 16 days of personal leave when the card was suspended.
EVIT’s intention is for Wilson and Kuhn to return to their usual jobs eventually after Wilson regains his card, Koelbel said.
Originally, it was hoped Wilson would regain the card much faster, after an expedited administrative review on Oct. 18, before the Arizona Board of Fingerprinting.
But the state board declined to restore Wilson’s card without a full hearing, which could take three or four months.
Koelbel said it is possible that Wilson’s criminal case in Pinal County Superior Court could be cleared up before the fingerprinting board rules on his case.
Kuhn was filling in for Wilson, anyway, while he was off-campus. In return for her added responsibilities, Kuhn is receiving a stipend as compensation.
“We have regular leadership team meetings where educators get together to toss around ideas,’’ Koelbel said. “The board wants to let Wilson’s due process play out.’’
Because of that reason, Wilson’s pay also was not reduced, he said.
In addition, the board has recognized that Wilson’s alleged misdeeds had no connection to EVIT and that the charges stem from his actions while serving as superintendent of Apache Junction schools. The obstacle with the fingerprint card is another complication from the board’s decision to retain Wilson, despite his indictment.
That indictment stems from a state Auditor General’s Office investigation of Apache School Unified School District records.
The state Attorney General’s Office used the audit to obtain charges of misuse of public monies, alleging that Wilson arranged for $133,223 in payments not authorized by the Apache Junction Governing Board to administrators during a five-year period, from 2012 to 2016.
The $126,000 in “performance payments’’ went to 11 to 15 administrators, while another $3,880 was spent on “professional development instruction,’’ and $2,550 was spent on paying three administrators to attend athletic events on Friday nights.
Wilson himself received $480 in unauthorized payments, according to the Auditor General’s report.
Despite the indictment and the case pending in Pinal County Superior Court, the EVIT board voted to retain Wilson, with additional financial safeguards in place.
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DiCiccio’s staff.
But city officials and Broussal sharply disagree on who’s responsible for the broken curbs, cracked sidewalks and other eyesores that he has called their attention to.
Broussal insists that many of the conditions he has reported in dozens of emails to the city are located on city-owned property – and when they’re not, that the city is far too slow in forcing property owners to take care of the messes.
Sam Stone, chief of staff to DiCiccio, said many of the problems are on private commercial property or land owned by the Mountain Park Ranch Homeowners Association while others have been taken care of
Emails from Neighborhood Services to Broussal also indicate that violation notices have been issued to the HOA and several commercial property owners in the area, but that the process for handling the cases takes time.
“There is no excuse for these deplorable conditions to have occurred to start with, and there is equally no excuse for the corrections to not have been made in three months’ time - and counting,” Broussal said.
Stone countered, “We’re getting all that stuff cleaned up and Neighborhood Services has gone out and then they’ve done clean-ups. They’ve had Streets go out and do some cleanups and different things he’s pointing out. And then, we’ve cited the HOA and some other adjacent property owners.”
Emails and a disagreement over a meeting that had been set last month between
Broussal and various city officials illustrate how far the two sides are apart.
Broussal in early September wrote DiCiccio to complain about various eyesores and the councilman’s community liaison, Erin Morris, requested more information.
On Oct. 3, he wrote again, stating:
“All of the photographed areas that I had provided to your office are city owned property, and all have been neglected and abandoned by the city of Phoenix departments charged with their maintenance and upkeep – to include the Phoenix City Manager and the Neighborhood Services Department.
“The deplorable conditions that were shown in the photographs have existed for months, and some several years, and I again remind you that this your city, and the conditions in these photos are a direct reflection of your representation for the
city of Phoenix community.”
Morris replied Oct. 9 to say that of six areas Broussal cited, five were on private property and now the subject of code violation notices and that the sixth – involving debris at the intersection of Ray Road and Chandler Boulevard –would eventually be addressed.
Saying that the islands at that intersection were “part of the Streets Landscape inventory,” Morris explained, “These islands are on a three month schedule for service. The last service was performed in June, another one will take place this month, then again in January. Debris and broken branches will be removed, if any are too big for the crew, the Forestry Division in the Park and Recreation Department will arrive to assist.”
City department representatives have told Broussal that “the resolution of property/blight violations is a process with multiple steps that are determined by our current codes. Except for regions that have been designated as Target Areas, Inspectors do not proactively patrol the City to report blight and open code enforcement cases.”
Promising that those problems that exist on city property would be addressed, they also have told Broussal:
“It is the responsibility of property owners to follow the code and maintain their property. Through education and the code enforcement process, we try to spread awareness about the code and work with property owners, our sister departments and outside government agencies, and other community stakeholders to address and correct deviations from it.
“While this process may take some time, it also resolves over 90 percent of the violations that are reported each year with voluntary compliance from the property owner.”
Morris at one point early last month offered to set up a meeting with Broussal and some of the Neighborhood Services and Street department supervisors and set the meeting for Oct. 23.
“We are always happy to have our constituents in the office to chat with other departments,” she wrote on Oct. 9. “Our office wants to ensure you are completely satisfied with the plan to clean up these areas.”
After Morris checked with Broussal in an email and gave him instructions on where to park and go at City Hall, Broussard angrily replied:
“I must have misunderstood. My intention was to meet on location with those responsible for the issues that were raised, and those in a position to bring about change. I do not believe that it would serve any purpose to meet downtown. Seeing the deplorable conditions first hand would serve a lot more purpose.”
He also told Morris that only one of the areas he wrote about in August had been addressed, writing, “I really believe that those persons responsible for these areas, and those in a position to bring about responsible cleanups and changes to the future maintenance policies and procedures for these areas need to personally come out and see these locations.
“I can meet with these individuals tomorrow on location, or if need be, I can meet with them at a rescheduled time. But I do not think that my coming downtown for a meeting would be of any benefit.”
Stone said it was unfortunate that Broussal bailed out of the City Hall meeting, explaining:
“We had a meeting set up here for him with the head of the Neighborhood Services Department, the head of the streets department to go over on the maps specifically on what he was talking about.”
Stone added, “We’re trying to schedule it, but getting the heads of those departments to be able to come out – it’s something I can’t do in 24 hours.”
In some emails, Neighborhood Services Department supervisors outlined a complicated skein of jurisdictional and due process issues.
“I wanted to remind you that except for the department’s targeted areas – which are determined by City Council and state or federal government agencies – Code Enforcement Inspectors investigate reports of potential blight violations. They do not proactively patrol the City to identify violations of the code,” one official told Broussal, adding:
“If a Code Enforcement Inspector is investigating a complaint, s/he will open code enforcement cases on any violations that exist in the area at the time.”
“If a property has more than two violations in two years, it may be possible for the property to be put on a recidivist list, depending on the severity of the violation,” the email continued. “If that is done, the Inspector will be able to skip some
Broussal said this broken grate and the garbage around it has been this way near Ray Road and 44th Street for four years. (John Broussal/Special to AFN)
This montage, created by AFN, shows various photos that John Brousal took of eyesores in and around Mountain Park Ranch. (John Broussal./Special to AFN)
steps in the code enforcement process.”
The official also told Broussal, “Given the number of concerns you identified in your neighborhood, I’ve had a few conversations with the Code Enforcement Inspector in your area regarding the best way to make sure NSD is not missing anything.
“The Inspector has agreed, during her next round of site visits to check the status of violations, to take a wider look at the area to ensure she hasn’t missed anything. Please feel free to continue to report any potential blight violations you see on private or other types of property by phone or email.”
A resident of Mountain Park Ranch since 1993, Broussal insists that all the problems he has cited are either on city property or have lingered so long that he can’t understand why the city is so slow to address them.
In at least a couple cases, he added, city crews even made things worse.
He said weeds and shrubs had overtaken an area along Ranch Circle South near South Mountain Parkway and that instead of properly landscaping it, “they came and hacked all the shrubs down to the ground,” leaving tire ruts and ugly
stumps. “Any plant that was there, they just hacked off,” he said.
In an area near a wash that he and the city vehemently disagree over who is responsible for maintenance, heavy city trucks crack a curb and a walk, Broussal said. “The city has nobody who cares or who knows what their responsibility is,” he told AFN.
He also criticized DiCiccio’s office, noting that the city says it relies on the public to call attention to problems like the ones he has cited in numerous emails.
“Cleaning up this district is a big part of a councilman’s job,” he said.
But Stone told AFN, “We’ve been trying to do everything that he has asked us that is within our power. Honestly, this is one I’m pretty personally frustrated about. All the managers are trying to do everything he’s asked us.”
Broussal is just as frustrated, telling AFN that eyesores like this can generate more and that eventually, the community enters a downward spiral.
“The deterioration is more visible in the last few years,” he said, lamenting that problem areas in general in Phoenix “haven’t been taken care of as the city has aged.”
But Broussal said he won’t let the pressure up, stating, “I can’t walk away from it anymore.”
from page 7
make a difference in our community by promoting a conservative political perspective.”
Kyl told students, “Think about what the other person feels, the person on the other side of the issue. Put yourself in that person’s shoes, try to understand his or her argument and state of mind. That person is probably not a bad person, not an evil person and not totally wrong about everything he or she believes.
“She’s just another person like you that has a different point of view. And if both sides can go into the discussion that way, it becomes a discussion rather than a food fight.”
Kyl’s approach was welcomed by Allen, who said he also recognizes the importance of civility in our political discourse.
“Senator Kyl emphasized the importance of conversation among Americans to point our country towards a common goal. His encouragement for young people to be dignified in our debates and open to differentiating opinions was unifying and powerful, which is exactly what the U.S. needs,” said Pan.
Instead of simply trimming overgrown shrubbery near a wash in Mountain Park Ranch, city crews slashed it to bits. (John BroussalSpecial to AFN)
2 Chandler lawmakers grapple with ACA health coverage issues
BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services
Two Chandler Republican legislators and Attorney General Mark Brnovich are taking the first steps to craft legislation to ensure that Arizonans with preexisting conditions can still buy health insurance if federal courts strike down the Affordable Care Act.
The move comes even as Republican attorneys general – including Brnovich – are working to have the law declared unconstitutional, including the provisions about access to coverage. They contend Congress lacks the power to mandate that people buy health insurance.
Last December a federal judge in Texas agreed. That sent the case to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, which could rule any day.
But the final word is likely to belong to the U.S. Supreme Court. Depending on how quickly they schedule arguments, a ruling could come as early as this spring.
The law, approved by what was at the time a Democrat-controlled Congress has never been popular among many Republicans.
But Sen. J.D. Mesnard said that if the Af-
fordable Care Act disappears, so does the provision requiring insurers to provide coverage for those with preexisting conditions. And he acknowledged that particular part of the statute, in particular, remains popular.
Mesnard is working with state Rep. Jeff Weninger and Brnovich
“I think there’s growing appreciation that we want to make sure that those with preexisting conditions aren’t now somehow unable to get coverage,’’ he said.
How that would work and who would pay for it, however, remains to be decided.
“There are obviously going to have to be conversations with a wide assortment of folks, including insurance companies that will obviously be impacted by this,’’ Mesnard said.
Those costs, he said, are likely to be passed on to all people with health insurance, no matter where and how it is purchased.
“I suspect there’ll be a domino effect for all of us to be impacted by this potentially in our premiums,’’ Mesnard said. “But at the end of the day, I think that most people acknowledge that the preexisting conditions issue has always been a challenge and one that we have to overcome.’’
The wide-ranging 2010 law, required employers to provide health insurance for their workers and individuals to obtain their own coverage. It also created insurance exchanges to provide discounted coverage for those who meet income guidelines, expanded Medicaid coverage and eliminated lifetime monetary caps on insurance coverage.
And then there was the prohibition against insurance companies from excluding people for preexisting conditions.
The Supreme Court upheld the law in 2012, with the majority hanging its hat on the mandate for individuals to purchase insurance, saying that fits within the power of Congress to impose a tax.
But all that fell apart in 2017, when Congress eliminated the financial penalty for failing to have insurance, a move that the current round of challengers eliminated any legal basis for the law.
It is that, Mesnard said, that creates the need for a contingency plan if the Supreme Court finds the current version of the law unconstitutional.
“We don’t want to be caught unprepared,’’ he said.
Mesnard said he believes Arizonans should not have to go back to the days
Thanksgiving Weekend First Annual
before the Affordable Care Act when they could find themselves unable to purchase insurance.
Mesnard said while there can be debate over other provisions of the law, this issue is “one that most people on both sides of the aisle have rallied behind as an issue we have to tackle.’’
None of this would be necessary if there were no lawsuits, one in which Brnovich has joined. But aide Ryan Anderson defended his boss’ decision to join the litigation to challenge the law.
“There is a question here as to whether or not the act, as it stands today is unconstitutional,’’ he said.
Anderson said it is separate from the policy questions of whether there should be mandated coverage for preexisting conditions and whether more needs to be done to ensure that Americans have better access to health care.
“He personally believes that preexisting conditions should be covered by insurance companies,’’ Anderson said of Brnovich. “But that doesn’t mean the American people should be forced to accept a broader unconstitutional mandate in order to keep the act’s most popular provision.’’
Trot 5K Run & Walk
Bradley Rasmussen, MD Sarah Neumann, MMS, PA-C
Bethany Cheatham, MSN, FNP-C
Brittany Kasprzyk,
April Allen, MSN, FNP-C
Barragan,
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Bridgeway Church joins medical mission trip to Africa
BY ALLY RICHMOND AFN Contributor
Ateam from Ahwatukee’s local Bridgeway Community Church recently returned from a mission with Covenant Medicine Outreach in eSwatini, a small country in Africa.
The team included Bridgeway Lead Pastor Gregg Cantelmo and two members of the congregation, Margaret Reis and Victoria Tschappler.
Covenant Medicine Outreach, founded in 2016, helps people globally who have been left behind and who need medical care. The countries CMO focuses on are Kenya and eSwatini, formerly known as Swaziland.
CMO not only brings faith-based medical care to the people of these countries but also ensures that the care will be sustainable.
To do so, CMO partners with local health clinics, community healthcare professionals and physicians to provide training programs, so individuals are well-equipped to continue aftercare, once the CMO team departs.
The organization’s mission team typically consists of physicians, nurses,
pharmacists, nutritionists, pastors and laypeople.
The Bridgeway team joined six others from across the U.S. who treated 542 people in 10 days.
“I had been on mission trips to Africa before, but this was my first medical trip. I enjoyed hearing discussions among the doctors and nurses, which so clearly revealed their passion for healing and helping physically, emotionally and spiritually,” said Reis, administrative assistant at Bridgeway Community Church.
CMO has gone to eSwatini for many years, each time continuing to strengthen the programs volunteers put in place.
“Returning each year to the same place opens many doors in the hearts of the people as they see that we really care,” said Cantelmo.
He said the mission was meaningful to the people in several ways. Not only did they appreciate the volunteers’ help, but they appreciated their dedication.
see BRIDGEWAY page 24
Ahwatukee author’s apocalyptic series continues
BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor
Anissa Stringer, a long-time Ahwatukee resident and author, has just released her two latest books in an apocalyptic series, The Glare. Her latest books, “By the Oath” and “The Secret Lives of Healers” are her 13th and 14th novels, respectively, as well as numbers six and seven set in the world of The Glare, which begins in Ahwatukee.
“By the Oath” can be read as a standalone novel or as a continuation of a three-book series in which earth has changed greatly in 1,000 years – one difference being humans are no longer at the top of the food chain.
In this book, readers follow the heroine Lista, a newly trained healer assigned to help the sick of a nearby village. Some of the characters introduced in this book make their way into the next, “The Secret Lives of Healers.”
Writing apocalyptic fiction in String-
er’s hands isn’t all Dystopian doom and gloom, but it exists.
How Stringer’s characters, the majority are younger women, rise above dark conditions makes the author’s stories stand out.
Besides often scary surroundings and occurrences, the post-apocalyptic world, in which they must navigate, brings opportunities for learning and loving.
Stringer points out that her characters live very back-to-basics lifestyle.
“The apocalypse strips away the veneer of society and eliminates the social constructs that guide our lives. It also exposes our vulnerabilities in a way most other genres can’t,” she said. “The apocalypse offers a unique opportunity to delve into topics like resiliency and the dark side of human nature.”
These are but a few themes that run through her Glare series and the newer books she recently self-published. All are available on Amazon.
Stringer doesn’t view even the worst in a post-apocalyptic world as a dark ending, but sees it rather as “a do-over for human beings.”
“I think apocalyptic fiction is so popular right now because we’re all exhausted,” she said. “It doesn’t necessarily feel like we’re actually living. We’re just trying to get through the day. The Apocalypse gets us back to simpler times. You either succeed or fail depending on whether you
Interspersed with others from other parts of the country are Bridgeway members with the mission, from left, Victoria Tschappler, Lara Yablonski, Gregg Cantelmo and Margaret Reis (in the very back). (Special to AFN)
Longtime resident and author Anussa Stringer likes to cast her novels far off into the future, where life is not nearly as cozy as Ahwatukee. (Special to AFN)
Local man hopes to start a tradition with Tukee Trot
AFN NEWS STAFF
There’s Festival of Lights along Chandler Boulevard and the Kick-Off Party that goes with it the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
And there’s the arrival of Santa Claus the day after Thanksgiving in front of Mille’s Hallmark Store in Ahwatukee Plaza on Elliot Road and 50th Street.
Now, Hans Lauden wants to add a third tradition to Ahwatukee’s Thanksgiving Day weekend.
He’s planned the first Tukee Trot, a 5K walk-run that will be held at 8:30 a.m. on Black Friday, starting at Desert Vista High School.
With an 8:30 a.m. start at Desert Vista High School, the 3.1-mile race is chiptimed and includes awards for all finishers.
Also on tap is a free onemile Quail Fun Run around Vista Canyon Park for kids 11 and under.
The $25 registration fee also is for a goal in keeping with the holiday spirit.
Proceeds will go to the Kyrene Foundation and the Family Resource Center, both of which help needy families in the school district.
People can register at raceroster.com/ events/2019/26605/tukee-trot-5k.
Lauden calls the trot “Ahwatukee’s local
race with a big heart – and a lofty community goal.
“It’s time that Ahwatukee had its own community 5K on Thanksgiving weekend - given how many runners and fitness-oriented folks of all ages are active in our town,” he said.
“It’s a great way to have fun with family and friends with a morning 3.1-mile run or walk and to work off the big Thanksgiving meal,” he added.
“Our goal is to make this an annual tradition as part of the Thanksgiving weekend holiday. We estimate between 300-400 participants based on the strong registrations and enthusiasm,” he said.
Lauden and other local volunteers are organizing the trot and he notes he also wants to help the Kyrene Foundation’s annual Winter Wonderland toy drive.
The Winter Wonderland has become a
magical time for needy families, who are invited to the district’s headquarters for a festive celebration.
“We will have a toy drive collection station and we would be grateful if participants could bring a new, unwrapped toy or ball to the event,” Lauden said.
Early registrants can receive a dri-fit race shirt in men’s, women’s and junior sizing and all finishers also receive a Tukee Trot 15 oz mug as keepsake award.
“The fun post-race scene will also feature an ‘athletes’ breakfast,’ awards for top three finishers across multiple age groups and local information booths, Lauden said.
He and his team have mapped out a scenic route on 32nd street south of Chandler with input from local runners, high school cross-country teams and Phoenix Police.
Centennial Middle students are collecting socks for the homeless
As cooler weather approaches, students at Centennial Middle School are hoping to help the East Valley’s homeless population by holding a sock drive.
“Socks are among the least donated clothing items for shelters, despite being a year-round necessity,” Kyrene School District spokeswoman Erin Helm said.
Centennial students hope local residents join them in filling the need.
Student Council members are work-
School want to help meet that crying needs. (Special to AFN)
ing with local nonprofit Shoebox Ministry who will assist with distributions across Phoenix.
“I am incredibly moved by our students’ compassion and eagerness to support those in our community in need,” said Acting Principal Carrie Furedy. “It is a pleasure to work with the students and staff of Centennial because they are passionate about making our world a better place for everyone.”
The students are making a contest out of the donation drive. The classroom in each grade level that collects the most socks will win donuts for the class.
The classroom with the most donations overall will get hot chocolate to go with those donuts.
“Of course, the biggest reward is for Centennial students to know they’ve made a difference in the lives of others,” Helm said.
This is the second year for what is becoming an annual cold-weather collection effort. Last year, students collected 279 pairs of socks.
The sock drive will continue through Dec. 13. Sock donations can be dropped off at the Centennial front office, 13808 S, 36th Street, Ahwatukee.
Ahwatukee girl, 11, chalks up a victory for prettier driveways
Fancy garage doors are becoming the rage, but last week young Ashley Renda of Ahwatukee, had a cheaper idea with equal eye-candy value.
The 11-year-old girl decorated the driveway of her Foothills home with signed, handmade chalk illustrations.
The daughter of Melissa and Frank Renda, Ashley – along with her twin brother and a 13-year-old brother – moved a few months ago into the Foothills from Maricopa.
On Nov. 4, Ashley asked her grandfather to get her some chalk.
Then she went to work, populating the driveway with chalk drawings.
“I wanted to try something different by using chalk, Whatever came to my mind
is what I drew. I love shading, blending and rainbows,” said the Cerritos Elementary fifth-grader.
Her mother – a Queens, New York, native as is the youngster’s father – was de-
lighted, but not especially surprised.
“Ashley loves art,” Melissa Renda said.
“She has been drawing for a while now. I am going to enroll her in the art school in the Foothills but with her starting a new school this year we haven’t done that. She is a straight A student at Cerritos.”
Ashley’s artwork drew a lot of attention from her new neighbors, however her mother said, “I have a quiet street” so the compliments are low key though appreciative. But the bud-
ding artist is getting the reaction that means the most.
“It just makes me smile to look at the pictures,” her mother said. “Maybe it’s just me because I’m her mom but I thought this was so creative and expressive.”
AFN NEWS STAFF
The Valley’s homeless population can’t get enough socks and students at Centennial Middle
At age 11, Ashley Renda of Ahwatukee is a budding artist and with a box of colored chalk tried out a new “canvas” last week – her parent’s driveway. . (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)
“One of the women told me that she knows we love them because we keep coming back,” said Reis.
The team faced many challenges along the way. Most notably, after the first day of the medical clinic, the group got stranded with a broken trailer hitch for a while.
“Even though there were innumerable problems, we could always ‘report them to God’ and trust that He is working in the situations,” said Reis.
Tschappler, a nurse, said she also appreciated the chance to bond with the other team members.
“One of the most rewarding parts of this trip was the relationships I made with my teammates,” she said. “We all had similar visions and motivations when it came to treating and loving on the locals. ‘The whole is greater than the sum of its parts’ is a phrase I think about with our team because although we were each talented individuals, we were able to make a more significant impact when we worked together.”
Tschappler also said she was moved by “how grateful the Swazi people are for the small things.”
“A simple gift of food and blankets is received with so much appreciation,” she said. “It opens my eyes to how I may take for granted the food in my fridge or gas in my car. Or at least I should be reminded that those simple things in my life are
still a gift to be appreciated.”
This trip was made possible in part because of the continued support of Bridgeway Community Church.
“Bridgeway contributed a lot. Three church members were part of the team.
We took their pastor, Gregg Cantelmo, and their administrative assistant, Margaret Reis, away for the week. The church also prays for us unceasingly as well as supporting those who go,” said Dr. Lara Yablonski, medical director for CMO.
Cantelmo was also thankful for his church’s assistance and prayers.
“While I raise money for the trip outside of Bridgeway, the church gracefully
allows me the time away for this mission work and supports me with their love and prayers,” he said.
Yablonski said the entire experience is unforgettable.
“For me, two things stood out on this trip. First, so many patients saying ‘thank you’ and letting us know how we touched their lives. I am always amazed at how thankful people are for the littlest things,” she explained, adding:
“Second, it is gratifying to see the strides that have been made by Kudvumisa, the ministry we partner with, in the area they work in.”
Information: cm-outreach.org and bridgewaycc.org.
Margaret Reis of Ahwatukee meets with one of the residents of in eSwatini, a small country in Africa during the Bridgeway Community Church team’s mission. (Special to AFN)
adapt to your surroundings, on whether you can hunt or grow a garden.”
Writing was a natural offshoot of Stringer’s passion for reading.
Because her father was in the Army, she and her family moved around a lot.
“I discovered that books let me escape the anxiety that came with going to a new school and meeting new kids every couple of years,” Stringer said. “I started my first novel in college, although I never finished it – it was that bad. But I’ve been writing ever since.”
A magazine writer, Stringer published her first book in 2015 followed shortly by Blood of an Elf: Quinn’s Story.
In both, the protagonists were young women.
“I do tend to write about females, I like strong women characters,” she said. “They’re typically fairly young, depending on the book.”
The Glare series begins when a wavelength of light that the world’s scientists can’t identify until it’s too late. It reaches earth and affects how humans’ eyes func-
Corpus Christi Church hosting famous Fatima statue for special service
The famous International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Fatima is coming to our parish will be at Corpus Christi Church, 3550 Knox Road, Ahwatukee for one day only on Nov. 21 with a history of Fatima and veneration at 6 p.m.
The statue has been traveling worldwide for 70 years and a church spokeswoman said, “it will be an extraordinary occasion of healing, hope and grace.”
Hundreds and favors and graces, including cures, and countless conversions are associated with the image, the church said.
Thunder marching band to give free concert tomorrow as it heads to state finals
The Desert Vista Thunder Band, the high school’s marching band, is heading into the Arizona State Marching Championship Saturday as the top seed and defending camp with a performance at 8:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Glendale Community College.
In preparation for the big showdown, the band will perform a free concert at 8 p.m. tomorrow, Nov. 14, at the high school stadium.
Band director Jshua Thye is inviting the public to come out for a send-off..
Edward Jones branch hosts Thanksgiving open house tomorrow
Terri McKibbin, a local financial advisor for Edward Jones, invites the public to a Thanksgiving open house 2-4 p.m. Nov 14 at 4910 E. Ray Road Suite 23, Ahwatukee.
“We are happy to be part of the Ahwatukee/Chandler com-
tion. It occurs during an Ahwatukee August.
Jenna, who at 13 survived more than most, is one of the survivors who can still see in the series. She finds she can manage in the new reality.
Stringer’s books may be dark, but she says they show the resiliency of the human spirit.
“It’s not just about the Apocalypse, but what one does to survive,” she said.
Although she admits she is blessed with a vivid imagination and has honed her writing craft with years of freelance writing, her themes require much research.
“You have to research to make the stories believable -you have to know what grows during what time of year, and though it may sound gross, what a dead body smells like. I’m always researching.”
Writing is easy compared to the rest of the process.
“Marketing can be a problem. You have to know how best to market yourself and your books. I’m a whiz on Microsoft Word, but social media, I don’t know that as well,” she admitted.
“It used to be when the only way to go
was with traditional publishing houses, they did everything for you. But with self-publishing, you’re also the editor, cover artist, marketing person. You have to be prepared to step out of your comfort zone.”
Despite the extra work, the author is a fan of self-publishing and in her visits to writer’s conferences and author symposiums, she champions the method.
“Yes, I tell writers that with self-publishing so accessible and inexpensive or often free, there’s no excuse for writers not to put their work out there,” she said. “With the indie publishing movement, there’s no reason people can’t write and publish the books they’re passionate about writing!”
Stringer said self-publishing can lead to mainstream success, but even without that, there are rewards.
“It’s an indie-writer’s dream to be discovered, but you have to decide how badly you want to get your stories out there. Self-publishing allows new writers far more opportunities than the traditional publishing process does.
“I’ve seen an increase in sales and good
AROUND AHWAUTKEE
munity and would like to express our appreciation for the confidence and support we receive year-round,” McKibbin said.
Light refreshments will be served.
In addition, she is supporting the 2019 Edward Jones Bag-aThon for United Food Bank by using her office as a drop-off location for a food drive. Visitors are encouraged to bring items to her office during the open house. R.S.V.P.: 480-785-4751.
Desert Vista High School grad conducted research in neuroscience over summer
Abigail Kany of Ahwatukee, a junior at Bates College, spent the summer working with a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Bowdoin College.
The daughter of Geoffrey and Gracia Kany and a 2017 graduate of Desert Vista High School, she was among more than 240 students who received support from Bates in order to accept summer work that facilitated professional exploration of future careers.
Abigail’s research was funded through IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence via the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory.
“Conducting research during the summer can be a transformative experience for students,” said Malcolm Hill, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “This work not only makes a direct contribution to new knowledge collection and ongoing studies; it promotes meaningful professional development within potential fields of study.”
Club offers free adult beginning tennis clinic next three Sunday afternoons
Ahwatukee Tennis Club is hosting a free beginner tennis clinic for people 18 years and older.
The fun one-hour clinic includes basic instruction in fore-
reviews as I keep going, and that’s heartening,” said Stringer who is also co-founder of Parchment & Prose, a writers group that meets at Ironwood Library.
Although many of her books feature young women, they are not purposely targeted to that group.
“The Glare is pretty dark and gritty and tackles topics like abuse and alcoholism. My advice for parents is to read the book first. If there are concerns, it’s a good way to start a conversation with their teens about those topics.”
Her first book was dedicated to her daughter, Jessica Stringer, a Mountain Pointe High School grad now in pre-nursing at the University of Arizona. Stringer said her daughter remains among her most ardent supporters and fans.
“I see my books actually as a bit of a legacy for my daughter,” she said.
Stringer’s website, StringerStories.com, is chockablock with content for writers and readers. Her free ‘Newsletter of the Apocalypse’ is available, as are many numerous free downloads that correspond with her books, and descriptions of other books in her library.
hand, backhand, serves and volleys. The four-class session will be held 1-2 p.m. on Nov. 17, 24 and Dec. 1
Meet at the Ahwatukee Tennis Courts, 12432 S. 48th Street, Ahwatukee. Register at accinfo@ahwatukeehoa.com or call 480-893-3431, ext. 3.
Ahwatukee Friends and Neighbors group schedules luncheon with special speaker
Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors will hold its next luncheon Nov. 25 at Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, 1706 E. Warner Road, Tempe, beginning with a social time at 11:30 a.m. Nate Meador will speak about “Lost Our Home Pet Service,” the group’s charity recipient this year. Deadline to sign up is Nov. 18. For reservations: affanwomensgroup@gmail.com.
Yoga ministry offers free sessions at Mountain Park Church every day
Elena Porter, yoga ministry director at Mountain Park Church in Ahwatukee, is offering free meditation and yoga classes seven days a week at various times. Information: 602-625-6617.
Discounts on tickets for 20th annual Ahwatukee Nutcracker production
You can purchase seats in the left and right balconies for 25 percent off for the 20th annual presentation of the Ahwatukee Nutcracker by Kimberly Lewis.
Performances at Desert Vista High School’s Fine Arts Theatre are at noon and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 14 and 1 p.m. Dec. 15.
Assigned seating tickets range from $20 to $45 and the two afternoon shows will feature the show’s traditional appear-
ance of Santa, complete with snow.
Tickets can be purchased at Dance Studio 111, 4910 E./ Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, by phone at 480-706-6040 or at afnutcracker.com/tickets. For the discount: use code balcony25.
Ahwatukee Kiwanis hosting 2 holiday boutiques stocked with bargains
People will find plenty of holiday gift bargains in the next month as the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee hosts three-holiday boutiques.
They will include: noon-8 p.m. Nov. 30 at The Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party in the Market Center; and 7 a.m.-noon Dec. 7 in the West USA Realty parking lot, 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.
Try Art in the Garden Studio for holiday fun
The holidays at Art in the Garden Studio offer many classes for gift giving. Customize ornaments, canvas, wine glasses, coaster sets, handmade soap and other gifts. Learn to make small watercolor paintings on your own holiday cards.
Staff parties for your office can be held at the studio, which promises “a different and fun experience for everyone.” Experience not necessary.
Information: artinthegardenstudio.com or 480-302-1304. The studio is at 4221 E. Chandler Blvd.
Ahwatukee moms offer opportunities to pray
Moms In Prayer International has various Ahwatukee groups that meet weekly for an hour of prayer for their children or grandchildren of all ages.
Information: MomsInPrayer.org or azcarolina7@gmail.com
ADVENTURE
CALENDAR
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Knitting for a cause
Join our volunteer-led group of knitters and crocheters as we meet up to crochet or knit blankets to give to non-profit organizations that assist children and families in crisis or transition. Please bring your own knitting or crocheting tools, and your own yarn if you would like. Yarn will also be provided. Basic knitting and/or crocheting skills required. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library Ironwood Chapter.
DETAILS>> 6:30-7:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. No registration required.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Summit School open house
Summit School invites parents interested in learning more about Summit to come spend the morning 8:30–10:15 a.m. They can meet with campus leadership, see classes in action, and have a Q & A session with a student panel.
DETAILS>>RSVP:summitschoolaz.org/admissions/open-house.
Ironwood Writers critique
Bring five double-spaced pages of writing to get feedback from your fellow writers.
DETAILS>> 6:00-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. No registration required.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
Fall fest is free
Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori will be hosting its annual Fall Festival. This is a free event is opened to the Ahwatukee community. Activities will include: a petting zoo, cookie decorating, face painting, seasonal crafts, a bounce house, an inflatable slide, and games. Several clowns will perform magic shows and a guest who will be creating balloon animals for the children. There will be henna painting for grown-ups the Queso Good food truck will sell cheesy treats.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 3221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
Pre-Thanksgiving service
In celebration of Thanksgiving, families get together to worship and have a harvest feast at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Ahwatukee. The church invites individuals and families to a service thanking “the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” All are welcome.
DETAILS>> 599 E. Chandler Blvd. Worship, 9:30 a.m.; Bible Study/Sunday School, 10:45 a.m. Information: 480-283-8329.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Tukee Trot supports Kyrene
The first annual Tukee Trot 5K will be held at Desert Vista High School. The fun 3.1-mile race is chip-timed and includes awards for all finishers. Also on tap is a free one-mile Quail Fun Run around Vista Canyon Park for kids 11 and under. This local charity fundraiser supports the Kyrene Foundation and the Family Resource Center.
DETAILS>> 8:30 a.m. start, $25 includes sized dri-fit shirt. Register: raceroster.com/events/2019/26605/tukee-trot-5k
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Santa Saturday at MidWest MidWest Bank in Ahwatukee will host Santa with cookies, hot chocolate, arts and crafts and pictures with Santa for families and pets.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 4750 E. Chandler Blvd. Information: 480-755-0937.
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
Candlelight service
Lamb of God Lutheran Church will hold a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.
DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., 599 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-283-8329.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 25
Christmas service
Lamb of God Lutheran Church will hold a Christmas Festival service.
DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m., at Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 599 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-283-8329.
SUNDAYS
Free tutoring
Volunteer Desert Vista High School peer tutors will assist with projects and homework. It’s first-come, first-served, so sign in at the tutoring table and wait for your turn.
DETAILS>> Sundays through Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages: 6-1. Free. No registration required.
TinkerTime
Explore hands-on creative ways to design, experiment and invent while learning about science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) through tinkering
DETAILS>> 2-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required.
Learn gardening from pros
Learn desert gardening by getting your hands dirty with the Ahwatukee Community Gardening Project. Share in the knowledge, the produce and the smiles. All ages welcome Bring sun protection and water, tools optional.
DETAILS>> 8-9:15 a.m. in the northwest corner of the park at 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee, behind the guitar player at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, which is open 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: acgarden.org or 480-759-5338.
Chess, knitters clubs
Two clubs meet in Ahwatukee every Sunday the chess club for players at all skill levels and Knitters Anonymous for all levels of knitters and people who crochet.
DETAILS>> The Chess Club meets at 11 a.m. and Knitters Anonymous meets at 2 p.m. For either club, call 602-405-6320 for more information.
Bible Study
A journey through Leviticus that is biblically accurate and understandable for everyone. Learn the historical perspective which reveals the love of God for all His people. Technology and questions are both encouraged.
DETAILS>> 9:15 a.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee, 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org/classes.
MONDAYS
Stretch and roll
Body Firm in Ahwatukee offers a free stretch, foam-rolling class for 30 minutes. Stretching and rolling helps loosen and break up the tension in the fascia while providing more mobility and flexibility as well as muscle performance.
DETAILS>> 11:40 a.m., 3636 E. Ray Road, next to Fry’s Supermarket. No reservation required, but first-timers are advised to come a few minutes early to sign a waiver.
Gentle yoga at Pecos
People can start their week with a gentle yoga class. Be mindful and caring for yourself. Sessions are typically five to six weeks
long. You can also “drop-in” to individual classes.
DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. at Pecos Community Center in Ahwatukee. Register: phoenix.gov/parks/classes-and-programs. Go to adult classes and search gentle yoga. You can also register at Pecos Center or call 602-495-5500.
LD 18 Dems meet monthly
Legislative District 18 Democrats gather monthly, usually the second Monday, to share news, opportunities, food and laughter. Meetings include guest speakers, legislative updates, howto sessions and Q&A. Volunteer or just enjoy an evening with like-minded folks.
DETAILS>> For times and places: ld18democrats.org/calendar.
Babytime for walkers
Babies up to 23 months who are walking and are accompanied by a favorite adult enjoy Babytime with American Sign Language for Walkers, with songs, activities to promote movement, rhymes, books and playtime in each lively session. Closed Nov. 11
DETAILS>> 9:30-10 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages walking to 23 months. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.
Babytime for crawlers
Accompanied by a favorite adult, babies birth to crawling can enjoy songs, music, rhymes, books, interactive stories, simple American Sign Language words, activities to promote movement, and playtime. Closed Nov. 11
DETAILS>> 10:30-11 a.m. Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages birth to crawling. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.
Desert Pointe gardeners meet
Desert Pointe Garden Club meets on the first Monday of the month with special programs.
DETAILS>> 9 a.m., Ahwatukee Rec Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, Ahwatukee. Information: 602 478 6732 or dpgc.org.
TUESDAYS
Yoga Guided Meditation
Instructors from the nonprofit organization Life Empowerment Yoga Guided Meditation and Reflexology will lead participants on a guided tour of how to center the mind-body connection through the practice of yoga and meditation. Please bring a yoga mat or large towel.
DETAILS>> Tuesdays through Dec. 17. 1:30- 2:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. No registration required.
Ladies golf
The Foothills Golf Course Ladies League meets every Tuesday to play 18 holes of handicap golf from September through May. Play includes weekly games, prizes and friendly competition. DETAILS>> Call Lucille Heid at 602-692-7839 or Shayron Conrad at 602-339-8707.
Patriotic playgroup
Parents looking for playtime for their kids and, for themselves, stimulating conversations rooted in family, faith and conservatism can gather ever second Tuesday of the month.
DETAILS>> 9-11 a.m. Pecos Park playground. 17010 S. 48th St., Phoenix. Check ld18gop.com for more DETAILS or contact: ld18gop@gmail.com
Estrangement support
Although rarely discussed, family estrangement is far more common than most people realize. The estranged suffer from loneliness, lack of self-esteem, guilt, anger and depression. Desert Foothills United Methodist Church provides a support group that meets the first Tuesday of every month. The public
is invited to the “Living Loss” sessions. No questions asked, and anonymity will be respected.
DETAILS>> 7 p.m., first Tuesday of every month; 2156 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee. Use Entry B. Free. Information: 480-460-1025 and office@desertfoothills.org.
Prayer night offered
Ahwatukee Health and Recovery holds a weekly prayer night. The public is invited.
DETAILS>> noon-1:30 p.m., 16515 S. 40th Street #119, Ahwatukee. Free.
Chair yoga featured
Inner Vision Yoga Studio offers chair yoga to help seniors and people recovering from injuries to stay fit.
DETAILS>> 1:30-2:30 p.m., 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. $6 per class. Information: 480-330-2015 or donna@innervisionyoga. com.
Toastmasters sharpen skills
Improve your speaking skills and meet interesting people at Ahwatukee Toastmasters meetings
DETAILS>> 6:45-8 a.m at the Dignity Health Community Room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee.
French Talk Time
Brush up on your high school, college, or tourist French speaking and listening skills. Advanced level on the first and third Tuesdays of each month: an informal participant-driven conversational group. Participants should already speak French fairly well to enjoy this program. Beginner/intermediate level is on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month: a facilitator-guided conversation group. Participants should already speak some French to benefit from this program. Closed Nov. 26. DETAILS>> 6:30-7:30 p.m.. See above for appropriate Tuesdays. Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. No registration required.
WEDNESDAYS
Book club forming
An Ahwatukee resident is hoping to start an “an intellectually stimulating book club with a focus on history and/or historical fiction.
DETAILS >> The group will meet the first Wednesday of the month but time and place have not been determined. If interested, call 602-405-6320 for more information.
Meditation meetings
Frank Daly of Ish Salon conducts weekly meditation sessions designed to help participants enter a state of allowing in order to effortlessly reach desired goals and outcomes.
DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 4025 E Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: Fdaly1967@gmail.com or 602-332-3829
Kindness for Kids
Express your gratitude during the month of Thanksgiving by creating cards, kindness rocks, friendship bracelets and more to share with those you’d like to tell “Thank You.”
DETAILS>> Nov. 6, 13 and 20. 5:30-6:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages: 6-11 years. Free. No registration required.
Digital City
Through fun hands-on projects, games and crafts, children can develop coding, 3D modeling, and circuitry skills, plus sequential and computational thinking, in this “tech playground.” Co-presented by Lakewood Learning.
DETAILS>> 4-5 p.m. Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd.
Ages 5-12. Free. No registration required.
ToddlerTime
Toddlers 24-47 months-old, accompanied by a favorite adult, enjoy interactive activities that encourage emerging language skills such as stories, songs, games and playtime. Children and caregivers also practice Baby American Sign Language, a great way to help young children develop communication skills, in this active session.
DETAILS>> Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 24-47 months. Free. Tickets are limited and available 30 minutes before program start time.
Fun with watercolors
People can get step-by-step instructions in water-coloring whether they are beginners or intermediates.
DETAILS>>2-4:30 p.m. in instructor’s home studio off Ranch Circle North in Ahwatukee. Four classes for $90. To register: Judy Lokits: 954-234-1768, or jlokits@yahoo
Celebrate Recovery
Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical 12-step program that helps you find hope and healing from all of life’s hurts, habits, and hangups. Whether it’s addiction, loss, anger, or stress, you can find the freedom you’re looking for.
DETAILS>> 6:20 PM, Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 South 48th Street, Ahwatukee. 480-893-2579, mvlutheran.org.
Economy discussion
Nicholas Goode of Edward Jones Investments conducts a monthly coffee club devoted to a discussion of current events, the economy and investing.
DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m. the first Wednesday of the month, Dutch
Bros Coffee Patio, 3215 E. Chandler Blvd. RSVP: 480-759-1324.
‘Dems and Donuts’ set
Legislative District 18 Democrats gather for an informal chat.
DETAILS>> Free and open to the public 7:30-9 a.m. the third Wednesday of the month at Denny’s, 7400 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler. RSVP: marie9@q.com or 480-592-0052.
Grief support
Hospice of the Valley holds a grief support group for adults on alternating Wednesdays.
DETAILS>> 6-7:30 p.m. at Pecos Community Center, 1710 S. 48th S. The assigned classroom varies signs will be on-premises. It is a drop-in group and there is no need to call or register. Meeting dates this year: Jan. 23; Feb. 6 and 20; March 6 and 20; May 1, 15 and 29; June 12 and 26; July 10 and 24; Aug. 7 and 21; Sept. 4 and 18; Oct. 2, 16 and 20; Nov. 13 and 27; and Dec. 11.
THURSDAYS
Teen Thursdays @ the Library
We provide the snacks and fun; you just bring yourself and a friend for gaming, karaoke, crafting, snacks, and more! #IronwoodLibrary
DETAILS>> Thursdays, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages: 12-18 years. Free. No registration required.
Chronic Conditions Self-Management
Learn techniques that address fatigue and frustration, use of medication, exercise for health, making difficult decisions, relaxation strategies, and effective communication with health professionals in this 6-week series of classes
DETAILS>> Nov. 7 and 14., 1:00-3:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adult. Free. Registration is required online at aaaphx.org/event/chronic-conditions-self-management-6-weeks-4/2019-10-03.
Networking group meets
ACT Networking Group, standing for Ahwatukee, Chandler and Tempe, meets weekly.
DETAILS >> 7:45-8:45 p.m., Tukes Kafe, 15815 S. 50th St., Ahwatukee. Information: 602-418-3645.
Kiwanis meets weekly
The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club meets weekly and welcomes newcomers.
DETAILS>>7:30 a.m. Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee. Information: mike.maloney2003@gmail.com.
Preschoolers’ moms gather
Free childcare for ages 0 to 5.
DETAILS>> 9 a.m. second and fourth Thursday, Foothills Baptist Church, 15450 S. 21st St. Call Kim at 480-759-2118, ext. 218.
FRIDAYS
Financial peace
Financial Peace University is a nine-week video and small group class that teaches God’s plan for handling money. It will help you: pay off debt, save for the future and give like never before!
DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Lutheran Church. 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee 480-893-2579. mvlutheran.org/classes or fpu.com/1070125
FRIDAYS
Toastmasters meet
The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce has a weekly Toastmasters meeting.
DETAILS>> 8-9 a.m., the Dignity Health Urgent Care Community Room, 4545 E Chandler Blvd, Ahwatukee (South entrance). Information: 480-753-7676 or vppr-1811442@toastmastersclubs.org
SATURDAYS
Art class in artist’s home
Ahwatukee artist Kathie Kelly says she’s offering “the perfect opportunity for aspiring young artists to learn drawing and painting skills.” Art Lessons for You, involves “creative exploration classes for first graders and up. All forms of drawing materials and water based paints are supplied. Open enrollment and if spaces are available, drop-ins are welcome. Call to make a reservation.
DETAILS>> 12:30-2 p.m. Artlessonsforyou.com, Kathie4artlessons@gmail.com, or 480-544-6206.
Family Storytime
Children birth to 5, accompanied by a favorite adult, enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and music in a fun interactive program that builds early literacy skills.
DETAILS>> 10:30-11:00 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages: birth to five-year-olds. Free. Tickets are limited & available in the library 30 minutes before program start time.
Sit, Stay, Read!
Young readers & listeners can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy animal & human team. First and third Saturdays: Read with Raven and Cassie. Second and fourth Saturdays: Read with JoJo.
DETAILS>> 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of September, noon-1:30 p.m. the second and fourth Saturday. Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-10. Free. No registration required.
www.ahwatukee.com
Coyotes may have more right to be here than humans
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist
Much of what makes life in this Valley appealing is the state’s rugged desert feel. The landscape is rough hereabouts, all scrub growth and cactus that can tear �lesh. The temperature for many months of the year is too much for weaker beings. And then there’s Arizona’s wildlife, the rattlesnakes, scorpions, javelina and coyotes who have called this place home since long before man moved out West and staked a claim.
Life in the Valley isn’t for everyone. I was reminded of that after watching a story on KTVK Channel 3 about a Nov. 6 neighborhood meeting between scores of angry Scottsdale residents and of�icials from the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The subject of the gathering? A rash of homicidal urban coyotes who have killed
six dogs and a cat since September in the area around Scottsdale and Bell roads.
Said one lady neighbor while jabbing a manicured �ingernail at Game and Fish of�icials: “I’ve been here since 1974, and it’s never been the case (of) this many coyotes. And I can tell you it better not start being the case because if I get hurt, I’m gonna sue somebody. I’m gonna say you should’ve been protecting me and you weren’t.”
I’ll note for the record that coyote attacks against human beings – manicured or otherwise – are exceedingly rare in Arizona (and non-existent in this TV story).
Coyotes mostly eat fruit and garbage and roadkill.
They occasionally switch things up by grabbing small dogs and cats who almost exclusively have been left off-leash or allowed to roam the backyard unaccompanied after leaving the house through the doggie door.
The chances of a coyote or a coyote
pack cornering and attacking you or snatching your pet while you’re nearby standing sentinel?
It’s pretty much zero based on my quarter-century living here.
Confronted by humans – and I’ve seen my share of coyotes while hiking and gol�ing – desert dogs are typically timid, ready to �lee the moment you act unafraid and dominant.
As for the risk of a coyote killing a small pet that’s off the leash, my response may sound heartless, but here it is: That’s life in the desert. It happens. That’s the life we all chose when we came here.
In cities, the greatest danger to pets is a lifetime of con�inement and avenue traf�ic. Here, the desert has predators who kill.
The less you account for that and the less vigilant you are as a desert pet owner, the more likely your pet will end up a victim.
Again, I don’t mean to belittle the grief of pet owners who loses a dog or cat. That
would be devastating.
Still, such losses do not represent blood on the hands of Game and Fish. That department has always been very clear about its role in the Arizona ecosystem: Game and Fish does not remove or relocate “nuisance wildlife” to protect pets. They take action only when human lives are at risk.
The metropolitan Phoenix desert remains a place with rough edges, risks and discomforts. That’s part of what makes the Valley unique.
We don’t live in desert owned by Disney, with a chorus of smiling coyotes singing “Hakuna Matata.” Here, owning small dogs and cats comes with certain risks and responsibilities.
If that’s not what you signed up for, I totally understand.
But the proper response isn’t to call the government to demand protection or to call in a SWAT team of lawyers. Perhaps you should consider calling a real estate agent instead?
My story proves the American Dream lives
BY MARTHA LLAMAS AFN Guest Writer
Some are convinced that the American Dream is dead. I disagree.
As an immigrant and a domestic violence abuse survivor, I am proof it’s possible to break down barriers to achieve the American Dream.
After arriving in Arizona from Mexico with little money and no English, my mother worked hard as a cook to raise my �ive siblings and me. Thanks to my mother’s sacri�ices, I was able to pursue an education.
Eventually, I met my ex-husband. And like many domestic abuse survivors, things were great at �irst. Then it became a living hell.
Fortunately, I was able to escape this nightmare. Being on my own was incredibly scary. Having few discernable job skills and little work experience, the prospect of generating an income was daunting – especially when trying to raise two
young children.
Thankfully, I wasn’t entirely alone. My mother was able to get me a job in the janitorial services company where she worked as a janitor.
My duties in my new job quite literally included mopping the �loors at night. I didn’t earn much money, but I was happy to have a job and earn an honest living.
Determined to make the most of this opportunity, I worked hard and stayed focused. I also began learning English and asked my bosses for additional work. My hard work paid off. I was eventually promoted to operations manager.
From there, as they say, the rest is history.
Today, along with my new husband, I run M & R Inc, a million-dollar janitorial services company and a franchisee of Jani-King Commercial Cleaning – the company that �irst took a chance on me all those years back.
I share my story not to brag, but to serve as a reminder that it is entirely possible to accomplish amazing things in this land of opportunity.
I never could have imagined in my wildest dreams running a company when I was living under the constant fear of an abusive husband, having little education and speaking little English that I would be where I am today.
Many immigrants are contributing positively to our country and creating opportunities for others.
According to a recent report by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, “the rate of entrepreneurs in 2017 was much higher for Latinos than in any other group.”
Another report by the Brookings Institution found that almost half of Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants.
Immigrants are not just starting Fortune 500 companies. They are also innovating and contributing yo places where they work.
One of my favorite examples is the story of Richard Montanez, a Mexican immigrant working as a factory janitor at a Frito-Lay plant in California, responsible for creating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos – a
top-selling product. Today, Richard is an executive at Frito Lay.
Besides having started at the bottom like me, I also admire Richard’s commitment to giving back.
Recently, he said, “Latinos who have made it like myself have a responsibility to open doors to younger generations and teach them that they can do it. I do it because I can and I know what it is like to be hungry.”
I couldn’t agree more, which is why I think that one of the best ways we can celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is not only to celebrate our community’s many accomplishments but also look for ways to pass on what we know to younger generations.
My message to anyone who wants to listen is simple: The American Dream is alive and well and my story proves it.
- Martha Llamas owns Jani King of Phoenix Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial Services. She volunteers for the LIBRE Initiative and with the Arizona chapter of Americans for Prosperity.
PETITION to RECALL
U.S.
Rep.
Greg Stanton
On October 31, 2019, U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ CD-09) voted to approve an impeachment process resolution which is meant to remove a duly elected President from Office through a secret impeachment effort that violates every standard of due process and fairness.
Congress is bound by what the Framers accepted and cannot now apply the criterion the framers explicitly rejected. The constitutional power to impeach a duly elected president was intended by the Framers of the Constitution as a neutral, non-partisan tool of last resort to be used against only criminal incumbents in extreme cases. Most important, misusing the impeachment power in a partisan manner would pose, in the words of Alexander Hamilton, “the greatest danger” to our Constitution.
U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ CD-09) was elected to represent ALL the constituents of the Ninth (9th) Congressional District of Arizona: Democrats, Republicans and Independents. There is probable cause to believe that U.S. Representative Greg Stanton (AZ CD-09) did willingly abuse his elected office by participating in a process which violates Due Process, was explicitly rejected by the Founding Fathers and in so doing demonstrated that his continued presence in Office poses a clear and present danger to our authority – We the People: Government of the People, by the People and for the People in the form of a Constitutional Republic: The United States of America
Therefore, it is the solemn duty of We the Constituents and Registered Voters of the Ninth (9th) Congressional District of Arizona to remove U.S. Representative. Greg Stanton (AZ CD-09) from office in accordance with the law of the State of Arizona (est. February 14, 1912).
https://committeetorecallgregstanton.org
On Saturday, November 16th and Sunday, November 17th Recall Petition Circulators will be at the Ironwood Public Library in Ahwatukee to collect signatures from the Public in accordance with Arizina State Law.
www.ahwatukee.com
Mesa takes next step for nation’s only inland port
BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer
Ahangar building along a runway that is large enough to accommodate a cargo plane for unloading or loading. A large manufacturing or warehouse building for one or two tenants.
These construction projects are tangible �irst steps toward the expansion of a logistics infrastructure at the highly touted SkyBridge project in East Mesa at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.
Economic development of�icials, Mesa Mayor John Giles and business people view SkyBridge as a potential economic bonanza for Arizona and the East Valley and discussed it during a groundbreaking last week for the two buildings. They say the new buildings add credibility to a simple concept that has proved dif�icult to implement.
Because of a unique partnership, SkyBridge will act as the nation’s only interior port of entry for shipments between the two countries, boosting international trade and creating an estimated 17,000 jobs.
Mexican and U.S customs of�icials will work together to “pre-clear’’ shipments back and forth between the two countries. A special seal is being developed by Mexico to help expedite shipments. Once a shipment has been pre-cleared, it has the same effect as crossing the border into Mexico and can be delivered to any Mexican airport, rather than just Mexico City, adding convenience and speed.
The Uniform Cargo Processing Center will make the rest of SkyBridge, a 360acre logistics hub, possible.
“I was optimistic before. This is the manifestation of our optimism,’’ Giles said. “The international economy has great importance to Mesa and we want to be a player here.’’
Marco Lopez, president of Intermestic Partners who is working with Mexican entrepreneur Ariel Picker on the project, said the new buildings represent the �irst steps in building a supply chain to handle shipments from Mesa to Mexico.
He said that last year’s government shutdown created a 45-day delay in obtaining important approvals from the
Federal Aviation Administration to allow construction of facilities located next to the runway, such as the hangar building. The manufacturing building, featured in last week’s groundbreaking, is located just outside the airport’s boundaries. “This is fantastic. It shows the community that progress is occurring,’’ Lopez said.
Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, said that Mexico approved the new United States Mexico Canada Agreement months ago, but the matter is still pending before the U.S. Congress.
The new agreement replaces the much-maligned NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, and it represents a much-needed update after 25 years.
“We are optimistic that the US-Mexico agreement is going to pass,’’ Hamer said, with trade between Arizona, Mexico and Canada already responsible for generating 228,000 jobs.
Of�icials project that SkyBridge, when it is fully developed, would generate
Millennials should consider getting life insurance
BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer
If you’re a millennial –born between 1981 and 1996 – you’re either in the very early or relatively early stages of your career.
And as the old song goes, you’ve got a lot of living to do. Still, it’s not too soon to think about a �inancial issue you may have overlooked: the need for life insurance.
Millennials need to ask three key questions:
When should I purchase insurance? The answer to this question depends somewhat on your stage of millennial-ism. If you’re a young millennial, perhaps just out of college, single, and living in an apartment, your need for life insurance may not be that great.
After all, you may well have other, more pressing �inancial needs, such as
paying off your student loans.
But if you’re an older millennial, and you’ve got a mortgage, a spouse and – especially – children, then you unquestionably need insurance, because you’ve got a lot to protect.
How much do I need? Millennials who own life insurance have, on average, $100,000 in coverage, according to New York Life’s 2018 Life Insurance Gap Survey. But that same survey found millennials themselves reported they need coverage worth about $450,000, leaving an insurance de�icit of approximately $350,000.
That’s a pretty big gap, but of course, these �igures are averages and may not apply to your situation. Still, you should know how much insurance you require. You might have heard that you need life insurance worth about seven or eight times your annual salary.
And while this isn’t a terrible estimate, it doesn’t apply to everyone, because ev-
eryone’s situation is different.
A �inancial professional can look at various factors – your age, your marital status, number of children, size of mortgage, etc. – to help you arrive at an appropriate level of coverage.
Keep in mind, also, your employer may offer life insurance as an employee bene�it. However, it might be insuf�icient for your needs, especially if you have a family, and it will probably end if you leave your job.
What type of life insurance should I get? Many people initially �ind life insurance to be confusing, but there are basically two types: term and permanent. As its name suggests, term insurance covers a given time period, such as 10 or 15 years, and provides only a death bene�it.
It’s generally quite affordable, especially when you’re young and healthy. Permanent insurance, on the other hand, offers a death bene�it and a savings component that allows you to build
cash value.
Consequently, the premiums are higher than those of term insurance. Again, a �inancial professional can help you determine which type of insurance is most appropriate for your needs.
Thus far, we’ve only been talking about life insurance. But you may also need other types of protection, such as disability insurance, which can replace part of your income should you become ill or incapacitated.
And you may eventually want to explore long-term care insurance, which can help cover you for the enormous costs of an extended nursing homestay. You should at least consider all forms of insurance as part of your overall �inancial strategy.
-Joseph Ortiz is a �inancial planner with Edward Jones, 4902 E. Warner Road, Suite 1. Reach him at 480-7537664 or edwardjones.com.
One of the two buildings that will become part opf the SkyBridge operation at Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport will be big enough to accommodate a cargo plane for loading and unloading. (Gateway Airport)
17,000 jobs at the airport.
“Mayor Giles is probably the most free-trade mayor in Arizona. He has taken the place of Mayor Stanton,’’ Hamer said, referring to former Phoenix mayor and now Congressman Greg Stanton.
He said the �irst two buildings at SkyBridge demonstrate con�idence among the private sector that the project is more than a nice idea.
“People have great con�idence. Arizona’s economy is as healthy as it’s ever been,’’ Hamer said. “It shows con�idence that we will increase our trade with Mexico.’’
Jackie Orcutt, senior vice president of industrial brokerage for CBRE Inc., is optimistic that her company will be able to secure leases for the new buildings.
“We have a lot of interest. I think in Phoenix, it’s fair to say, if you build it, they will come,’’ she said.
The new building offer 140,000 square
feet for shipping-related businesses. She said CBRE anticipates the manufacturing building will likely be rented by a producer of aviation equipment, but it could also become a warehouse.
She said the manufacturing building is under construction and the hangar building is scheduled to come before the Mesa City Council in November.
While both of these buildings have been approved by the FAA and take up about 8½ acres, the remaining 358 acres are the subject of an ongoing FAA impact study, Orcutt said. When that document is approved, it will free up the rest of SkyBridge for development.
“Thank you for the opportunity. We feel like it’s more than a project. We feel like it’s home,’’ Picker said. “Working inside an airport is not as easy as working outside an airport. There are many authorities involved.’’
He said SkyBridge “will be a city inside a big city. We’re talking about thousands of jobs.”
AMBASSADOR OF THE MONTH
Tim Whitman
What type of business services do you provide? I am a Sales manager at Engrave My Memories, specializing in personalized engraved gifts.
For the Chamber For the Chamber: President of the Ahwatukee Chamber Community Foundation. He also serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Ahwatukee BNI chapter and is a member of the VFW.
BY SRIANTHI PERERA GetOut Contributor
TArts Center hosts a dazzling display of dynasty
o bring to stage the story of China spanning 2,200 years, from the first Qin dynasty to modern times, is no easy feat.
The Phoenix Wushu Academy, which recently moved from Chandler to Gilbert, is attempting to do just that.
Seventy of the school’s students under, the age of 18, will dance their way through “Dynasty: A Martial Arts & Dance Epic” Nov. 17, at Chandler Center for the Arts.
The Qin Dynasty began in 221 B.C., and was during the construction of the Great Wall of China.
It follows 10 major time periods, including the Golden Age of the Han Dynasty, when martial arts flourished; the Song Dynasty, paper money and gun powder emerged; and ends in modern China, where martial arts, dances and ancient art
forms have become sporting and cultural activities passed to younger generations.
Scriptwriter Jane Ho co-directs with
Bonnie Fu and Andrew Ho.
Dynasty promises to be a rich spectacle of entertainment where dynasties rise and fall, battles are won and lost and adventures unravel.
In essence, it is a treasury of Chinese history and culture, which is performed without dialogue but instead with Kung Fu (also known as Wushu, a modern form of traditional Chinese martial arts), dance, music and acting.
“However far we progress into our future, it is our past that defines who we once were and reminds us of where we came from,” said Jane Ho, who
teaches Wushu and piano at the school.
“We believe it is our duty to bring awareness of our cultural heritage and encourage the people around us to also appreciate the breathtaking history and culture of China.”
Jane Ho called the show the school’s “most elaborate” production so far.
“Dynasty is a visually stunning show that combines advanced technological moving backgrounds as well as beautiful staging and on-set props,” she said.
As visual director, she has worked hard the last three months to bring to life every scene in Dynasty. She has even collaborated with international visual effect artists to create some of the scenes.
The production uses 250 sets of costumes. Head of wardrobe, Chloe Cheng, who has handled similar shows for six years, has custom-ordered the costumes from factories in China that specialize
Ahwatukee comedian’s humor is India-centric
GETOUT STAFF
Ahwatukee native Abhinav Goyal may have a bachelor’s degree in math and a master’s in construction management, but his heart is set on the stage.
He is a part-time comedian who decided to go for laughs because his friends say he’s funny.
Now, you can see what all the laughter is about when Goyal headlines a rare kind of comedy night at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Tempe Center for the Arts.
It’s unusual because it will reflect India to a large degree and all the acts are Indian.
It’s a night made for Goyal, because part of his shtick is “Indian comedy” and, more importantly, because he champions his heritage.
Indeed, he’s donating all proceeds from the show to the Indo-American Cultural and Religious Foundation, which promotes and supports Indo-American culture and activities and keeps the local Indian community together.
Tickets are $25 to $75 and are available at tca.ticketforce.com/ordertickets. asp?p=3886&src=eventperformances.
Goyal, 27, graduated from Desert Vis-
ta High School in 2010, and both his degrees are from Arizona State University.
He’s working his way toward a fulltime career as a comedian after getting into
the laugh life because “people told me I was funny and I enjoy making people laugh.”
He doesn’t limit himself to Indian comedy – and he stresses that kind of comedy is distinguished by the same thing that “distinguishes Irish-oriented comedy or Italian-oriented comedy.
“It’s comedy that’s centered around experiences that a person has within that culture,” he said.
“I draw it from everyday life experiences,” he said. “I write it because it is part of my everyday life. However, it is not the only thing I write about.”
But when his act does reflect his heritage, Goyal added, it seems to click.
He’s performed across Arizona and in various major cities outside the state and said, “People tend to react positively and enjoy the humor because my goal is to make it accessible to everyone.”
Though he admits it’s tough to break into comedy as a fulltime gig, Goyal is maintaining an optimistic outlook.
“It’s tough to break into anything,” he said, “but with hard work it’s possible.”
Martial arts as well as dance is part of the Phoenix Wushu Academy’s elaborate production at Chandler Center for the Arts next Sunday. (Yeung Photography)
Ahwatukee native Abhinav Goyal is bringing a unique cutlural spin as he headlines a comedy night Friday at Tempe Center for the Arts. He and the rest of the all-Indian cast will be cracking wise with lots of India references, though he said Indian humor is no different from Irish or British comedy. (Special to GetOut)
1964: The Tribute mirrors a Beatles experience
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor
When Mark Benson founded 1964: The Tribute, he thought Baby Boomers would enjoy the act that honors The Beatles.
That was 36 years ago the audiences are all ages.
“We never intended for this to be full time,” Benson said with a laugh. “We thought it would be a Baby Boomer thing; you know, class reunions. We’ve played Carnegie Hall 14 times. We played Red Rocks in Colorado every year since 2004.
“The crazy thing was we were not really prepared for the fact there’s no age group that doesn’t like this.”
He chalked it up to The Beatles’ universal theme of love and happiness. “So many of the songs are positive and about
If You Go...
What: 1964: The Tribute. Where: Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix.
When: 8 p.m. Friday, November 15, Cost: Tickets start at $25. Info: 602-267-1600, celebritytheatre.com, 1964thetribute.com.
love,” Benson said. “We can see three generations of a family sitting together there. No one’s complaining and no one’s leaving early.”
When 1964: The Tribute plays the Celebrity Theatre on Friday, November 15, it will focus on the seven American releases, before, Benson said, the psychedelic music or solo material—from “Meet the Beatles” to “Revolver.”
“We show you what it was like if you were lucky enough to see The Beatles when they were touring in the early ’60s,” he said. “It’s more of a replication of a Beatles concert than a Beatles story.”
Through his work with 1964: The Tribute, Benson had learned about the importance of pop music. Thanks to The Beatles, pop music was legitimized.
“It was never thought of as a ‘real living,’” he said. “Suddenly four guys were on the most popular television show of the time. None of them went to college and the place was packed with screaming girls. Many men thought, ‘This looks like a good job.’”
After that, creativity in music “took off,” Benson explained.
“With the British invasion, I remember you didn’t have to be good looking and
talented, you just had to be English,” he added with a laugh.
Based in Akron, Ohio, 1964: The Tribute sticks with the Fab Four’s exact moves. Improvising is out of the question.
“It’s not easily understood by people who don’t do this for a living,” Benson said. “An actor studies a part. When they do it for a movie, they’re done. We have to learn a song and body and stage movements, and we can never change them. If you’re an artist of any sort—a dancer, photographer, painter—your natural tendency is to progress in some direction. Our challenge is to learn something a certain way and never ever change it. Some days, I just want to do a Pete Townshend windmill with my arms, but I can’t.”
The band’s process works. Benson said he was particularly moved by a 6-year-old girl’s thoughts after a show.
“This 6-tear-old girl was totally into meeting us—smiling, jumping up and down and excited,” Benson recalled. “She was 6 years old. She came up to the table and I said, ‘What is your name?’ She said Angel. I told her she looked really happy.
She said to me, ‘It’s because of love.’
“I started thinking about all the music we played, the entire song list. I counted every time love, lover, lovely was used. If you watch our entire show, you hear that word over 100 times in one night. It brought into focus for me why people like this music so much. It’s filled with goodness. How can you not be happy?”
Musicians capture the Harlem Renaissance era
CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor
Musician Michael Mwenso has high hopes about his show, “Harlem 100.”
The performance, set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at the Chandler Center for the Arts, pays homage to the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, its current resurgence and the performances made famous in the Apollo Theater and The Cotton Club.
Starring Mwenso and the Shakes, Briana Thomas, Michela Lerman and Vuyo Sotashe, the show features the music of Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Ethel Waters, as well as a nine-piece band with three dancers.
“It’s a musical celebration that is really subjected to the time of the Harlem Renaissance, it’s artists and history,” Mwenso says. “I want the audience to leave knowing how important these people were and the impact on the world We do it through song, dance, music and histori-
cal narratives, too.”
Mwenso says the African-American story is seemingly unimportant to others and it’s frustrating.
“Anything that is connected to the Afro-American story is something hidden in the mystery of the world,” he says. “I want people to know how intelligent and refined these people are and were. It affected the whole history of what is happening now and how that trajectory has shaped the arts of the world.”
Mwenso has been a performer since he was 12. He was born in Sierra Leone and was raised by his
mother and stepfather in London, where music took hold of him.
“Harlem 100” isn’t just educational for the audience. It’s been a learning experience for Mwenso, too. Recently, he learned about the black migration.
The challenge, he says, is trying to squeeze everything into the show.
“For me, as the musical director and bandleader, I shape the show to the people,” he says. “The rest of it is easy. Everyone can expect a great time with a lot of joy, and to gain some knowledge about the Harlem Renaissance knowing more about these people and what they did in the world.”
If You Go...
What: “Harlem 100”.
Where:Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16.
Cost: $38-$58.
Info: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org.
3 jazz musicians to celebrate a legacy record label
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor
Jazz musician James Carter considers his situation “blessed.”
He’s toured around the world on solo and band jaunts, but this November, the James Carter Organ Trio will tour with fellow Blue Note artists vocalist Kandace Springs and pianist James Francies in celebration of the label’s 80th anniversary.
The musicians will perform a set of their own music followed by a finale with all the acts coming together to perform a classic Blue Note tune.
The show comes to the Tempe Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 16. Carter said this is his first Arizona show since the 1990s.
“I’ve recently heard of The Nash, which is in Phoenix,” he said. “I’ve been dying to get out there to see it.”
The three musicians are stellar in their own right. Springs—a Nashville singer
If You Go...
What: “Blue Note 80th Anniversary Celebration: The State of Jazz 2019”. Where: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Cost: $17-$50
Info:: 480-350-2822, tempecenterforthearts.com
and pianist—will release her third Blue Note album, “The Women Who Raised Me,” in early 2020.
After her head-turning 2014 self-titled EP (which caught the attention of Prince who raved “Kandace has a voice that could melt snow”), Springs released her Larry Klein-produced debut album Soul Eyes in 2016, followed by her 2018 album, “Indigo,” produced by Karriem Riggins.
Francies was born in Houston, but is now based in New York City. He released his acclaimed debut album, “Flight,” on Blue Note in 2018.
Francies has played with jazz headliners like Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Stefon Harris, Eric Harland and Terrace Martin, and racked up equally impressive credits in hip-hop and R&B: from gigs with Lauryn Hill, José James, Common and Nas, to studio time with Chance the Rapper and appearances with The Roots on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
The Detroit-born Carter released his Blue Note debut, “James Carter Organ Trio: Live from Newport Jazz,” on August 30. On the album, he reinvented Django Reinhardt.
He’s well known in the Motor City. As a fledgling musician, Harry Connick Jr. pulled Carter on stage during a gig at the Fox Theatre in 1991.
“I’ve definitely been in a blessed situation,” he said. “I’ve worked with different
heroes and musical people. I’ve enjoyed all the blessings that have come as a byproduct and continue to flow as a result.”
Besides Connick, Carter has enjoyed hanging out with jazz trumpeter Lester Bowie, who died in 1999.
“He was one of the individuals who really stressed diversity in terms of bands’ portfolios,” he said. “He brought different flavors while being artistically fulfilled. He was one of the main catalysts that stuck with me.”
What has really stuck with Carter is Blue Note Records’ legacy.
“The items that have been rolling off the assembly since 1939 have been the soundtrack to all of our lives,” Carter said. “That roster is very exhilarating. To be able to contribute something seminal in the near future is amazing.”
Musician Michael Mwenso and the Shakes will be paying homage Saturday to the music of Harlem when they appear at Chandler Center for the Arts on Saturday. (Special to GetOut)
Jazz musician James Carter will be playing his heart out next Saturday at Tempe Center for the Arts. (Special to GetOut)
19 Asian cultures on display at festival
BY CONNOR DZIAWURA GetOut Staff Writer
The Arizona Asian Festival will once again bring an assortment of cultures to Scottsdale, where Arizonans can experience the customs and foods of a variety of cultures.
Now in its 24th year, the two-day event by the Arizona Asian American Association will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 17, at the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall, 3939 N. 75th Street. An opening ceremony is at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Admission and parking are free.
Nineteen cultures will participate over the weekend, representing areas that include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Pacific Islands, Pakistan, Palestine, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
And there will be a host of food vendors serving Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Lao and Persian cuisine.
Much of the festival’s entertainment will be based around the World Stage and the Cultural Stage.
“The World Stage is basically our main stage, and that’s the one near the water fountain,” festival spokeswoman Mai Le said. “That’s where we host the opening ceremony, the ending ceremony and the highlight of the program, the International Culture Fashion Show.”
“The Culture Stage is actually near the Avenue of Cultures and where the food court is,” she continued. “It’s a smaller one. And every year we select one culture to be the highlight culture.”
The Avenue of Cultures also features informative booths from the various cultures.
Every year, the festival picks a different word as a theme and translates it to each culture’s language. This year’s theme is “enchantment.”
Two years ago, the festival’s producers put the spotlight on Vietnam and last year they focused on Thailand. This year the majority of the entertainment will evoke Persian culture.
The performances are “dynamic,” Le added, with other cultures still represented, and the majority involving dance, singing or martial arts.
A highlight of the festival, however, is its International Culture Fashion Show, which will showcase more than 150 models from various cultures at 1 p.m. Sunday.
“It’s considered a highlight, because everybody loves to go watch the fashion
show to see the beautiful and colorful outfits and learn about the cultures from each region, from each area,” Le explains.
Attire will be “traditional,” she says.
“You will see the colorful and the unique and the custom and the traditional garments that they designed for each culture, and you also will see some similarities from culture to culture,” she explained.
Elsewhere, a Chinese tea garden will offer demonstrations of the formal ceremonies and traditions that go hand in hand with tea drinking, as well as provide information about and access to the teas, Le said.
“It’s a way to learn about the culture, how before you drink the tea you have to show the respect to the earth and respect to nature,” she said.
In between activities and all throughout the weekend, attendees can roam the Scottsdale Civic Center Mall. There will be plenty of artisans comprising a marketplace, as well as booths for civic engagement, health screenings and veterans.
Festivalgoers can pick up a passport at the information booth, visit and learn from each booth and receive prizes, Le said, adding the idea is “to give the children the opportunity to interact with other cultures, to learn about other cultures.”
But while the event as a whole is appropriate for the whole family, kids will also have a Children’s Wonderland.
In the lead-up to the festival every year, the Arizona Asian American Association runs its Kids Art Expo, a contest where children submit artwork to represent various cultures.
It is this youngster-friendly “wonderland” where the art will be displayed, Le said. There will also be activities like origami.
Festival organizers expect the event to be bigger than any of the 23 previous years. With more than 15,000 attendees last year, the Arizona Asian American Association has set a goal of more than 25,000 visitors for this year.
“The event is growing bigger and bigger,” Le said. “We have more participants each year, from the performances, from the culture participants and then the culinary booths and activities.”
But Le emphasized the Arizona Asian Festival attracts more than just those familiar with the customs of its various cultures and that general audiences from a host of different races and backgrounds also attend.
Hip Hop Festival fostered artist growth locally
LAURA LATZKO
GetOut Contributor
Justus Samuel of Respect the Underground vows to celebrate all aspects of hip-hop music when he formed the Arizona Hip Hop Festival.
Now in its sixth year, the Arizona Hip Hop Festival – set for Saturday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 17, – will move to a centralized location, The Pressroom, with all the stages close together. That way, fans can have a fuller experience.
“All of these stages will be within eyeshot of each other but far enough away that the sound won’t bleed,” he said. “I also don’t want people to walk a block, get to the mainstage and stay there be-
cause the other stage is half-a-block away. It will give people the ability to maneuver
through the festival, and it won’t be as far as a walk.”
During the two-day festival, more than 350 hip-hop artists will perform on six stages.
Audiences can expect to hear all different forms of hip-hop, including gangster, Christian, electronic and punk-inspired versions.
This year, the festival has expanded with the addition of a breakdance expo, organized by 602 Cyphers.
The expo area will have a kids’ battle, popping and locking workshops and a performance by the Monster Energy Breakers. The festival will also offer a live graffiti competition, sponsored by the Just Blaze art supply shop.
The festival allows local hip-hop artists, including female artists, to perform for large crowds of fans. This year, female artists will headline on Sunday night.
Samuel’s drive to uplift other artists inspired him to start the festival.
“I want to create a platform that helps artists to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams. I want to give them the necessary tools and resources to create entrepreneurial businesses for themselves and turn their passion into a paycheck,” Samuel said.
The hip-hop artist goes back 20 years. He was a member of the rap group Cut Throat Logic, and he just dropped a solo
A variety of food, entertainment and wares can be savored at the Arizona Asian festival next weekend in Scottsdale. (Special to GetOut)
Justus Samuel of Respect the Underground said a variety of hip-hop artists will perform this weekend during the Arizona Hip Hop Festival (Special to GetOut)
in creating realistic ancient Chinese costumes.
The show is also an opportunity to listen to ancient Chinese music.
“Throughout the show, there will be traditional Chinese music that varies from epic to sorrowful, depending on the scene,” Jane Ho said. “Since it is traditional Chinese music, most of the songs in the show were composed many years back and have been passed on from one generation to the next.”
The performing arts school, which was established nearly a decade ago by Andrew Ho and Bonnie Fu, moved to a larger facility in Gilbert.
Currently, about 100 students are enrolled and they come from every city in the East Valley as well as parts of the San Tan Valley, Peoria, Glendale and Phoenix.
Intake isn’t limited to those of Chinese ethnicity, however, and it welcomes anyone who would like to study the country’s heritage.
“We are blessed to have this facility because it offers a professional and spacious environment for our students to train in,” Jane Ho said.
“I like that I get to perform with other people and get to play characters that are very different,” said Elise Yeung, 11, of
album this last year.
These days, he concentrates more on his work with Respect the Underground than on his career as an artist. He hopes, through the festival and other events hosted by his organization, to make others more aware of the talent in Arizona.
“It has only perpetuated my passion to help other artists. It’s only perpetuated my passion to make the festival even greater than it already is. I want to scale it out, take the show on the road and take Arizona artists to other cities and really introduce the world to what our beautiful state has to offer,” Samuel said.
During the festival, artists have a chance to meet with others in the industry, including producers, engineers and videographers.
A majority of the artists come from Arizona, and a small contingent of out-ofstate rappers perform each day.
The festival has helped to advance the careers of many Arizona hip-hop artists. Some artists, such as Anthony “A-Train” Ramirez, started out doing the open-mic stage and are now performing on the mainstage as headliners.
Chandler, who has studied there for five years. “Even though training takes a lot of hard work and practice, I enjoy being able to perform in both Wushu and dance in Dynasty.”
Elise performs three roles, like Wu Tang tai-chi master, Ming
Dynasty assassin-in-training and a Chinese ethnic tribal dancer.
“For Wushu, I will do hand forms and tai-chi and also use weapons like the straight sword and broad sword,” she said. “I will also do different styles of Chinese dances; some of them use long ribbons and tambourines.”
The school is home to some top athletes that are currently in the US Wushu Team, representing America in the Pan American and World Championships, Jane Ho said. They include Song Tian Ou and Allyson Huang, who have trained there since the beginning of their Wushu studies.
One such weapon is a straight sword from the Qing Dynasty, a long, thin blade without curved edges.
“I gracefully slice my sword through the air while sprinting and leaping across the stage. My quick, light movements wow the audience. The brightly colored silk uniforms represent the silk clothing often worn by nobility in Ancient China,” she said. Allyson said she enjoyed the “hospitable environment” that the school provides.
Samuel said headliner spots are given to artists who have been working hard
all year to advance themselves and their brands.
“We are really celebrating the acts that climbed the ladder. They worked their asses off, and now they’re in a special place. Now, they are going to be doing our most coveted slots and our most coveted stage. It’s because they earned it,” Samuel said.
Ramirez has been performing at the festival for the last four years, but he has been rapping since age 8. He started performing in front of crowds in 2014 as part
“The sport of wushu entertains the idea of pushing past your limits almost to your breaking point,”16-year-old Allyson said. “It requires a deep understanding of the borderline between ambition and exhaustion.”
Allyson, a Chandler resident, is a soloist in Dynasty and performs several roles with an assortment of weapons and styles, each reflective of a specific dynasty.
of Futuristic’s PROVE IT series.
When he first started rapping, Ramirez didn’t have a lot of support for his music and was often bullied. He said that his struggles helped to make him a stronger person and artist.
“You can’t truly be a rapper, a poet or a musician if you don’t go through hardships in life. I feel like that’s what makes a better artist. If you are able to tell these crazy stories of what you went through, there’s beauty in the struggle,” Ramirez said.
Last year was one of the busiest for the rapper. He released his debut mixtape and dropped eight remixes and 10 singles. He started out this year as a featured artist on Sincerely Collins’ “Fall Away.”
Ramirez grew up listening to rappers such as DMX, Nas, Rakim, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and the Game and blends East and West Coast and New School into his music. He has tried to avoid being boxed into one hip-hop style.
“All of my music sounds different. I try to keep my music different, so I can catch the ears of different listeners,” Ramirez said. Hip-hop music has always been import-
“Families are able to create and maintain strong bonds between one another,” she said. “We support each other with humble cheers and shouts of encouragement. They teach discipline, moral values and respect for others.”
In addition to Wushu, the school teaches Sanda, (Chinese kickboxing), Tai-chi, Chinese dance, piano and linguistic Chinese studies.
One of the school’s missions is to preserve and promote Chinese culture and the arts because some of its ancient art forms and customs are fading away. An example is the ancient ink painting skill known as “Guo Hua.”
The East Valley is home to a large Chinese-American community, with a steady rise in population over the span of a few years. Arizona has an estimated 200,000plus community and it’s growing, according to the school.
ant in Ramirez’s family.
Ramirez’s father was also a rapper and shared his love of hip-hop music with his son.
“One thing that we really had to connect with was rap. He wrote my first rap, gave me the name A-Train,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez started to pursue music even more seriously after the passing of his little brother, who would sit in with him during studio sessions.
“He believed in my dream when I was 12 years old, and I sounded like the worst rapper you can imagine. The fact that he was riding with me up until his death, I got to keep this dream going for him,” Ramirez said.
In almost every one of his songs, he pays tribute to his brother. His newest album “42,” which he will release in December, is dedicated to his brother. He plans to perform some of these unreleased songs during the hip-hop festival.
Ramirez’s other little brother is also a fan of his music. This is why he always strives to be a good role model for him.
“As much as I wish he didn’t look up to me, he looks up to me. At the end of the day, I have to be that person that can show him that anything is possible in the world,” Ramirez said. Information: azhiphopfestival.com.
Expoect elaborate costumes and elgant dancing at the Phoenix Wushu Academy’s production next Sunday. (Yeung Photography)
HIPHOP ���� page 38
A majority of the rappers performing at the hip-hop fest will be Arizonans, although a few from out of state will be there as well. (Special to GetOut)
With JAN D’ATRI
GetOut Contributor
NYour first reaction to the combination of pumpkin and pasta may be similar to mine: “What? That sounds crazy!”
Let the holiday baking begin – with a pumpkin roll
ow that trick-or-treating is over, all things pumpkin leads the way to Thanksgiving and our holiday baked goodies. Here to kick things o is a deliciously moist and delicate fall favorite, the pumpkin roll.
You don’t need an excuse with this over-the-top cake With JAN D’ATRI
Your entree may take a back seat to this side dish
f I create it, then I get to name it, right?
I’m always looking for ways to cook zucchini and summer squash. For this recipe, they both come together, getting enrobed in a
But once your kitchen is filled with the aroma of simmering garlic and wine, and then the combination of pumpkin, sage and spicy sausage, you’re going to realize that pasta with
This tasty spice cake rolled around a sweet cream cheese filling is a lovely way to not only satisfy our sweet tooth, but to pay tribute to the pumpkin –one of the first wild plants cultivated for human consumption in America.
lar by PBS star and cookbook author Nick Stellino, whose authentic Italian cuisine has been featured
This dish is taken from Nick’s Sicilian roots and is the perfect meal for fall! We have plenty of choices for food and drink using pumpkin and pumpkin spices, from pumpkin spiced lattes to pumpkin cookies, cakes and pies.
For the dough:
But if you love pasta, this pumpkin sauce brings a whole new flavor profile to your plate.
¾ cup all purpose flour
So, I’m naming this scrumptious, moist strawberry bake the Strawberry Excuse toppings, I’ve added things like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, star fruit and chopped Snickers bars, but you can add whatever your heart desires.
with a cast-iron skillet or any heavy pan that will go from the cooktop to the oven. Then, it’s just a matter of slicing up the squash and tossing them into a avorful cream sauce.
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
squash give this side a variety of colors and textures, which makes it really pretty
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Ingredients:
¾ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons olive oil
I like adding a handful of crisp chopped bacon to the recipe. It just gives it a pop of great avor. You can use any sharp cheese of your choice, but the smoked gouda really sends the avor over the top.
1 pound Italian hot sausage, casings removed
4 eggs, separated
½ cup sugar
1 cup chopped onion
Although the peak time for summer squash is early to late summer, it’s pretty
Besides achieving a deep, rich cake batter, I also wanted the real avor of fresh strawberries to come through, so instead of the cup of water required in the cake mix, I replaced the water with strawberry juice. For this recipe, I used V-8 V-Fusion
10 garlic cloves, sliced thick
Directions:
3 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
Ingredients:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Ingredients:
Directions:
1 box white cake mix
2 tablespoons butter
Line a 15” X 18” shallow baking sheet with parchment paper.
1 large sweet yellow onion, sliced in thin rounds
1 small package (3.5 oz) strawberry Jell-O (not sugar free)
3 eggs
2 large cloves garlic, minced
Grease parchment paper with butter or cooking spray and dust lightly with flour.
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk ricotta
1 cup parmesan
the batter, which gave the cake another
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
For the filling:
This squash au gratin is nice spooned on a plate or served in a ramekin or small side casserole dish. Make sure the top is a bubbly golden brown and serve right out of the oven.
1-1/4 cup white wine
12 oz cream cheese, softened (1 1/2 packages)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1-1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup powdered sugar
Buttercream or a white icing goes beautiand all of the delicious topping! Need an excuse to make dessert this week? This one takes the cake!
2 cups chicken stock
1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla
1 pound of pasta (recommend Penne or Bow Tie)
6 tablespoons Parmesan cheese (optional)
350 degrees for 15 minutes.
I may be going out on a limb here, but I’m pretty sure if you make this dish as a side, the main entrée may take a back seat! Yes, it’s that delicious.
skillet. Add onion slices and cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
1 cup strawberry juice, optional or 1 cup water (V-8 Fusion Strawberry Banana Juice)
In a bowl sift together: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt.
2 zucchini sliced in ¼ inch rounds
3 tablespoons, strawberry liqueur, optional
2 pints fresh strawberries
2 yellow squash sliced in ¼ inch rounds
1 tablespoon sugar
½ cup crisp chopped bacon
1 ½ cups shredded smoked Gouda
Kiwi, grapes, blueberries, star fruit or fresh fruits of your choice
½ teaspoon salt
In a large skillet, cook 1tablespoon of olive oil over high heat for 2 minutes. Add the sausage and break up into small pieces. Cook sausage until it browns, about 3 minutes. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and place in a bowl. Set aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sausage in the skillet. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onion, garlic and chopped sage. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring well until the onion and garlic begin to brown.
Separate egg yolks from whites. In one bowl, combine egg yolks and sugar. Beat at high speed until flu y and light, about 2-3 minutes. Add pumpkin puree and mix until well blended. Slowly add in dry ingredients (flour and spices).
½ teaspoon pepper
5-6 mini bite-sized Snickers bars, cut in small chunks
In another bowl, beat egg whites at high speed until sti peaks form, about 3-5 minutes. With a rubber spatula, gently fold egg whites into pumpkin mixture to blend.
2 containers buttercream or white icing
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Directions:
Melt butter in cast iron or oven proof
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if desired. Add the reserved sausage back into the skillet with onions and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring well.
Spread batter evenly in baking sheet. Bake at
Grease an 8- or 9-inch spring form pan. Mix
Add the wine and deglaze the pan making sure to scrape the skillet to dislodge all the browned bits. Cook for 8 minutes. Add the pumpkin puree and cook for 2 minutes, stirring well. Add the chicken stock and cinnamon.
Remove cake from oven. Lightly grease another large piece of parchment paper and lay over top of cake. Gently flip cake with parchment paper over. Gently remove the top parchment paper. While still warm, roll the cake up from the shortest side. (with bottom parchment paper) Let cool for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, make the filling.
Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. While sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of water (add 2 tablespoons of salt) to a boil.
Add cream and ricotta to the onions, stir and simmer until bubbly and starting to thicken. Slowly stir in parmesan. Add zucchini and yellow squash, gently stirring to combine. Cook for just a few minutes then sprinkle with bacon. Spread the shredded smoked Gouda over the bacon, spreading evenly over the top.
Beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until light and flu y.
Carefully unroll the cake. Spread filling completely over cake. Gently remove the parchment and roll back up.
Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and pour back into the pot. Add the sauce and cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, gently stirring to incorporate. Add the optional Parmesan cheese and serve. Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese. Serves 6 to 8
Top with salt and pepper. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until cheese is a deep golden brown on top and squash is tender. (If squash needs more cooking time, cover the pan with foil so the top crust doesn’t get too burned.)
Serve immediately with entrée of choice like baked chicken or steak.
cake according to package instructions. For deeper strawberry flavor substitute strawberry juice for water (optional.) Add package of strawberry Jell-O to mixture. Mash one cup of fresh strawberries and one tablespoon of sugar in a zip lock bag with rolling pin or use a mini blender. Add mashed strawberries to cake batter and blend well to combine. If adding strawberry liqueur, blend into cake batter. Pour into greased spring form pan and bake according to package instructions. Let cool. Freeze cake for one hour for easier slicing and frosting. Slice cake in two layers. Frost the layers of cake with butter cream or white icing and then frost the entire cake. Top cake with remainder of fresh strawberries, and add fresh fruit of your choice. Mound the Snickers chunks in the middle of the cake.
Cover cake with saran wrap to keep roll tight. Refrigerate for at least 4-5 hours or overnight for easy slicing. Slice into 1-inch slices. Serves about 8-10.
Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com
Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe/strawberry-excuse-cake.
Sports & Recreation
Desert Vista defense dominates Basha in playoff win
BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor
Desert Vista seemed to have limped into the first round of the 6A playoffs after falling to Queen Creek in the regular-season finale last week with numerous contributors battling injuries.
But after a few days of rest, the Thunder were near full strength against a Basha team that has also had its fair share of injuries this season.
Both teams dominated at times in the game, but it was the Desert Vista’s defense that ultimately led the sixth-ranked Thunder to a 52-26 win over No. 11 Basha on Friday night to advance to the 6A quarterfinals.
“I have to be honest with you, the week we had and looking in the eyes of my players throughout the whole game, I had no doubt we would win this game,” Desert Vista coach Dan Hinds said.
“This is what we look like when healthy. We are finally back to that point and we are pretty excited right now.”
Desert Vista came out looking to estab-
lish dominance through the air. Senior quarterback Parker Navarro, who has battled the flu for the past two days, didn’t let that slow him down as he started the game a perfect 6-of-6 through the air for two touchdowns.
Navarro’s first touchdown pass came in the form of a 78-yard bomb to senior athletes Colby Humphrey. The second, a
34-yard pass to senior Elijah Ervin. A field goal by junior kicker Marlon Hauck gave Desert Vista a 17-0 lead after the first quarter.
At that point, Navarro had already thrown for 204 yards.
“Talk about toughing it out,” Hinds said.
“Parker came in today and said he was ready to go. He was struggling, but you would have never known it. Him and Ervin, they’re special. We have a lot of pieces in our offense and they are just two of them.”
Despite a lopsided deficit early on, Basha never quit.
The Bears quickly found a rhythm on the ground led by junior running back
Caleb Jones. The Thunder seemed to have little answers for Basha’s run-game, as the Bears pounded the ball up the middle eventually leading to an 8-yard run by senior Zion Williams.
Basha caught Desert Vista off guard with an onside kick, recovering it and eventually cutting the Thunder’s lead to just four points after sophomore quarterback Josh Sink found junior wideout Trent Pennington for an 8-yard touchdown.
“We had a lot of young kids in their first playoff and they needed to calm their nerves a little bit,” Basha coach Chris McDonald said. “Once we got down, we used that second quarter to kind of get something going.”
Basha didn’t stop there.
Jones found the end zone right out of the half to give Basha the lead. Within just over 5 minutes taken off the game clock between the second and third quarters, the Bears has outscored Desert Vista 20-0. Then, however, something clicked for Desert Vista.
Rich Wellbrock resigns as Mountain Pointe football coach
BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor
Rich Wellbrock resigned as the head football coach at Mountain Pointe High School after two seasons leading the program.
Wellbrock informed Mountain Pointe administration of his decision last week. A letter was sent to families the following day.
“The ability to make a difference in so many kid’s lives and to see them blossom the last two years has been very enjoyable,” Wellbrock told the Ahwatukee Foothills News. “Whether you are 1-9 or 10-0, you have to assess what is the right path for both the program you are involved with and yourself.
“There’s nothing wrong with that on a personal or business level.”
Wellbrock was hired at Mountain Pointe in January 2018, to take over the football program after former coach Norris Vaughan stepped down. In his first
season at the helm of the Pride program, Wellbrock led them to a 7-5 record and an appearance in the 2018 6A quarterfinals, where Mountain Pointe fell to eventual champion Chandler.
Facing turnover in numerous positions from 2018, the Pride went just 1-9 this season and failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008, when they won just two games.
“It was a difficult year,” Wellbrock said. “Maybe we didn’t have the right play call at times on offense or the right defense as a staff, but our kids gave everything they had on a week-in, week-out basis.”
Wellbrock’s tenure at Mountain Pointe was met with controversy this season involving the program. It was revealed in September Justin Hager, a former assistant on the team and also the head girls basketball coach, had sent plays and game strategy to opponents of the Mountain Pointe football and boys basketball teams dating back to 2017, when Vaughan was still the head coach.
Hager used an anonymous email address, walterpayton12@ yahoo.com, to send the information to opposing coaches.
Wellbrock was informed by Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas, Nev.) coach Vernon Fox on Aug. 23, about the emails he had received from the anonymous address. Wellbrock and the district began investigating the emails and found Hager’s school email linked to the anonymous account.
Hager was fired by the Tempe Union High School District after he admitted to being behind the anonymous address following a thorough investigation by district officials.
Rich Wellbrock resigned as Mountain Pointe High School’s head football coach after two seasons leading the Pride. (Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Contributor)
Desert Vista senior running back Tyson Grubbs second-half touchdown helped lift the Thunder over Basha in the first round of the 6A playoffs. (Cheryl Haselhorst/AFN Contributor)
Matt Denny hired as Casteel’s next baseball coach
BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor
Matt Denny, who coached Mountain Pointe’s baseball program the last three seasons, has been recommended by Casteel High School to become the school’s next head baseball coach.
The Chandler Unified School District governing board will vote on Denny’s recommendation at its Nov. 13 meeting. Denny’s request for release from his contract at Mountain Pointe was accepted on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
“He will be an incredible addition to our school and community,” Casteel Athletic Director Ryan Ridenour said of Denny. “He is without a doubt, one of the top coaches in the state of Arizona and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to add him to our team.”
Denny led the Pride to a 57-34 record during his three seasons leading the program.
He coached several current and future Division I baseball players, including senior infielder Carson Tucker, who com- mitted to play at the University of Texas as
WELLBOOK from page 41
Mountain Pointe’s season ended Friday, Nov. 1, after a double-overtime loss to Corona del Sol. Despite a difficult season, Wellbrock said the spirit of the player’s remained high throughout each contest.
“During his time at Mountain Pointe
THUNDER from page 41
“We decided to go back to what we were doing in the first quarter, which worked,” Desert Vista senior running back Tyson Grubbs said. “We broke a couple of long runs and then it was on from there. We just made good adjustments and our defense picked it up.”
Grubbs broke loose up the middle for a 41-yard touchdown to give Desert Vista the lead with just under a minute to play in the third quarter.
Sophomore running back Devon Grubbs then gave Desert Vista some breathing room with an 11-yard touchdown run of his own. With momentum flipped to their side, the Thunder defense buckled down and delivered a dominating fourth-quarter performance led by senior linebacker and captain, Zack McGinnis.
“We didn’t want this to be our last game,” McGinnis said. “We have been together for four years and we didn’t want this to be our last. We played for each oth-
a junior, as well as Nick Wallerstedt, who is now playing at Arizona State University.
“When Matt took over the baseball program in 2017, he managed to work tirelessly to instill purpose, pride and performance into his baseball program by building a culture fostered by respect,” Mountain Pointe Athletic Director Aaron Frana said in an email. “He brought a sense of community to the baseball program and Mountain Pointe. He also developed his student-athletes into more than just baseball players.
“Matt set a standard of excellence that we want to continue within our program.”
Denny takes over for former Casteel baseball coach Matt Perisho, who was let go in October after leading the program from its inception in 2016 and three varsity seasons from 2017-19.
Perisho led the Colts to a 71-21 record during his tenure, making the playoffs each year including the 3A semifinals in 2018.
Denny said he looks forward to the opportunity at Casteel and hopes to continue leading the program to success. He plans to begin working on Casteel’s campus as soon as possible to get acquainted
with players ahead of tryouts in February. The Colts begin their season on March 3, at home against South Mountain High School.
“I’m excited, I think it’s going to be a great opportunity,” Denny said. “It’s bittersweet leaving Mountain Pointe but it’s an opportunity I’m excited for. I loved it at Mountain Pointe, I loved the players and the school was great to me.
“I think I learned some things that I will use when I move over here.”
JJ Sferra will coach the Pride baseball team in an interim role for the 2020 season, Frana said.
Sferra graduated from Mountain Pointe in 2004 before going on to play two seasons at Arizona State University. He helped the Sun Devils finish third in the nation in 2006, hitting a walk-off base hit in the College World Series against Nebraska.
“I think he is going to do great,” Denny said of Sferra. “He’s a great leader and the kids will gravitate toward him. He’s a great coach and a great person and I think he’s going to do an unbelievable job.
“I’m excited for him.”
as the head football coach he was able to work with students from all backgrounds and taught them to respect the game,” Mountain Pointe Athletic Director Aaron Frana said in an email. “We wished coach Wellbrock the best in his future coaching endeavors and thank him for the work he has put in the last two years with our stu-
er so we could play another game.” McGinnis led the charge for the Thunder defense to limit Basha’s run game in the final two quarters. Facing a twoscore deficit, Basha turned to the air for answers.
Unfortunately, the Bears couldn’t find any.
dent athletes.”
Wellbrock’s resignation was approved by the Tempe Union governing board on Wednesday, Nov. 6. He plans to take a few weeks before planning out his future in coaching.
“It’s been quite a year,” Wellbrock said. “From our early-season drama to our
Three straight offensive possessions for Basha ended in pick-sixes for Desert Vista. Senior defensive back Noah Takas returned the first interception 57 yards for the touchdown. Ervin, who doubles as a defensive back for the Thunder, got his 65-yard pick-six off a tipped pass. Junior defensive back Troy Allen completed the fourth-quarter hat-trick with a 30-yard interception return of his own.
“I’ve never had a team do that before and let me tell you, it’s a lot of fun,” Hinds said. “It takes a lot of pressure off us with a defense like that. That’s what made the difference.”
The loss for Basha brings the end of the 2019 season, as the Bears finish 4-7 overall.
While it wasn’t the outcome any of the Basha faithful had hoped for, McDonald
tough region schedule. I’m just going to take a breath and at some point, get back on and start thinking what the next steps are.”
The search for Mountain Pointe’s next head football coach is underway.
“We will have a head coach in place by the end of first semester,” Frana said.
remains proud of the way his team managed to fight through adversity all season.
“I feel bad for the seniors, but I think they will be better people because of this year,” McDonald said. “They never quit. This is a good group. They’re going to be missed.”
Desert Vista advances to the 6A quarterfinals next week where it will face off against third-ranked Perry. Last season, the Pumas knocked off the Thunder en route to their second straight championship appearance.
Needless to say, this is a matchup Desert Vista had hoped for.
“It’s payback time,” Hinds laughed. “This is a game I know will mean a lot to all the guys that were here last year.
“They’re going to get after it.”
Have an interesting story?
Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@ timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.
Matt Denny, who led the Mountain Pointe baseball program the last three seasons, has been recommended to the Chandler Unified School District governing board as the next head baseball coach at Casteel. (Zach Alvira/ AFN Staff)
Desert Vista High School cheerleaders led the team on the field after halftime at last Friday’s game. (Cheryl Haselhorst/Special to AFN)
Classifieds
Employment General
p ositions 12/29/19-10/28/20 Midway West Amusements, Inc located in Sun City, AZ Email: mjmidwaywest@gmail com Duties: perform variety of att
employment drug testing may occur based upon the
a b l e s u s p i c i o n o f a n e m p l o y e e ’ s d r u g u s e W o r k h o u r s : M o n d a y a n d T u e s d a y 9 : 0 0 a m - 5 : 0 0 p m , W e d - F r i d a y 4 : 0 0 p m - 1 0 : 0 0 p m , S a t u r d a y 1 2 : 0 0 p m - 1 0 : 0 0 p m , S u n d a y 8 : 0 0 a m5:00pm, days off vary, 40 hrs/wk Wage is a rang e of $12 01/hr to $12 32/hr depending on the location, O T m a y b e a v a i l a b l e a t $ 1 8 0 2 / h r t o $ 1 8 4 8 / h r d ep e n d i n g o n t h e l o c a t i o n , O T h r s v a r y . R a i s e s / b on u s e s a t c o m p a n y ’ s d i s c r e t i o n , b a s e d o n i n d i v i d u a l f a c t o r s i n c l w o r k p e r f o r m a n c e , s k i l l a n d t e n u r e No
e d u c a t i o n a n d n o e x p e r i e n c e r e q ’ d O p t i o n a l h o u si n g p r o v i d e d a t n o c o s t t o t h e w o r k e r E m p l o y e r provided transportation to/from worksites in the foll o w i n g c o u n t i e s : P i n a l ( A Z ) , M a r i c o p a ( A Z ) , Y a v a p a i ( A Z ) , M o h a v e ( A Z ) , L a P a z ( A Z ) , S a l t L a k e ( U T ) , D a v i s ( U T ) , W e b e r ( U T ) , D u c h e s n e ( U T ) , U t a h ( U T ) , E l m o r e ( I D ) , a n d C a n y o n ( I D )
OTJT prov Transp (incl meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to place of emplymnt will be prov, o r i t s c
p l e t e s h a l f t h e e m p l y m n t p e r i o d R e t u r n t r a n s p w i l l be prov if worker completes the emplymnt period or is dismissed early by emplyr Emplyr will prov w/o charge all tools, supplies, and equipt reqd to perform j o b & g u
Duties: Laborers will be needed for pruning, fertiliz-
general clean up procedures and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units. Work
day shift; Mon-Fri, may include wknd/hol Dates
OT $20 72/h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided
Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to
ployment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimb
yment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is
Ranch Rd #105, Tempe, AZ 85284 Contact: Lesley Barner, fax (480) 893-6846 Employment General
Classifieds: Monday 11am for Wednesday Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday
Landscape laborer, 12 temporary full-time positions
D u ties : Lab o r er s w ill b e n eed ed f o r tu r f car e, p r u ning, fertilization, irrigation system maintenance and r
day shift; Mon-Fri, may include wknd/hol Dates
OT $20 72/h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided
Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, t o t h e e x t e n t n e c e s s a r y , l o d g i n g ) t o t h e p l a c e o f e mployment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimb u r s ed , if th e w o r k er co mp letes h alf th e emp lo yment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is d i s m i s s e d e a r l y b y t h e e m p l o y e r E m p l o y e r w i l l p r o v i d e w o r k e r s a t n o c h a r g e a l l t o o l s , e q u i p m e n t
Assurances: Transportation (including meals and,
and repair, general clean up procedures and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wal l units. Work in the outdoors, physical work. 3 months landscape EXP REQ No EDU REQ D
; day shift; Mon-Fri Dates of employment: 01/20/2011/19/20 Wage: $13 81/h, OT $20 72/h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance
Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to t h e e x t e n t n e c
ployment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimb u r s ed , if th
emp lo yment period. Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is d i s m i s s e d
L a n d s c a p e l a b o r e r s , 1 5 t e m p o r a r y f u l l - t i m e p o s it i o n s
D u ties : Lab o r er s w ill b e n eed ed f o r tu r f car e, p r u ning, fertilization, irrigation system maintenance and r e p a i r , g e n e r a l c l e a n u p a n d i n s t a l l a t i o n o r m o r t a rl e s s s e g m e n t a l c o n c r e t e m a s o n r y w a l l u n i t s 3 m o n t h s l a n d s c a p e E X P R E Q N o E D U R E Q
D a y s & H o u r s : 4 0 h o u r s / w e e k ( 6 : 0 0 a m - 2 : 3 0 p m ) ; day shift; Mon-Fri, may include wknd/hol Dates o f e m p l o y m e n t : 0 1 / 2 0 / 2 0 - 1 1 / 1 9 / 2 0 W a g e : $ 1 3 8 1 / h , OT $20 72/h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided
Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, t o t h e e x t e n t n e c e s s a r y , l o d g i n g ) t o t h e p l a c e o f e mployment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimb u r s ed , if th e w o r k er co mp letes h alf th e emp lo yment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is d i s m i s s e d e a r l y b y t h e e m p l o y e r E m p l o y e r w i l l p r o v i d e w o r k e r s a t n o c h a r g e a l l t o o l s , e q u i p m e n t a n d s u p p l i e s r e
o b J o b
c
tion: Mesa, AZ - Maricopa and Pinal counties Employer will provide daily transportation to and from the worksite A p p l i c a n t s m a y s e n d o r c o n t a c t t h e A Z D E S O f f i c e, 4 6 3 5 S C e n t r a l A v e , P h o e n i x , A Z 8
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7 7 1 - 0 6 3 0 P l e a s e r e f e r e n c e A Z D E S J o b O r d e r # : 3 6 4 4 9 4 0
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Employment General
Nursery workers, 20 temporary full-time positions
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Nursery workers, 3 temporary full-time positions
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Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to
ployment will be provided, or
ment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is
tion: Phoenix, AZ - Maricopa County Employer will
the outdoors, physical work
landscape EXP REQ No EDU REQ
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OT $20 72/h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided
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Duties: Laborers will be needed for pruning, fertiliz-
general clean up procedures and installation of mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units Work in the outdoors, physical work 3 months EXP REQ No EDU REQ D
day shift; Mon-Fri, may include wknd/hol Dates of
OT $20 72/h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided
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ployment will be provided, or its cost to workers re-
ment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is
tion: Cave Creek, AZ
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