Peoria Times 120822

Sponsors needed for Arts and Cultural Festival

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

The 21st annual Peoria Arts and Cultural Festival is slated for Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Old Town Peoria.

This event serves as a fundraiser for the Peoria Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides grants to teachers and scholarships to students in the Peoria Unified School District.

The event lends a unique opportunity for businesses to sponsor the event, which would allow them to advertise their business in front of thousands of communi-

ty members. Although free to the public, multiple sponsorship options are available by visiting the Peoria Education Foundation website.

At the Peoria Arts and Cultural Festival, community members can enjoy a free, interactive arts experience with interactive arts activities.

This event brings in more than 15,000 attendees and features more than 3,000 pieces of student artwork and 80-plus performances on multiple stages, and has grown to be one of the largest events in the West Valley.

The Peoria Arts and Cultural festival includes a full day of fun that highlights band, choir, orchestra, dance and visual art near 83rd and Grand avenues in Peoria.

There are free activities for children, food trucks and performances that take place throughout the day with students from Peoria Unified’s 34 elementary and seven high schools.

For more information on the event, visit peoriaunified.org/artsfestival. To inquire about sponsorships, call 623-486-6100 or email pusdpr@pusd11.net. PT

Fight for education funding is an ongoing debate

BY SAMANTHA REA Peoria Times Staff Writer

Five years ago, Arizona teachers went on strike for eight days with the RedforEd movement to protest ongoing funding cuts and low salaries. In 2022, the strike ended but the fight continues.

Arizona’s educators make 5.5% less than the state’s average wage across many occupations, comparing 2020-21 average wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, according to Business.org. While other states such as Pennsylvania, which ranks first, have made little adjustments to their teacher pay in the last 10 years, their educators make up to 28.5% above the state’s average salary. Business.org reported the average teacher salary in Arizona for 2020-21 to be $52,157.

There’s continuing debate over teacher compensation and whether state education funds are helping teachers or being diverted to other budgetary priorities. Meanwhile, inadequate salaries for educators are cause for concern for Beth Lewis, director of Save Our Schools Arizona, a nonprofit teacher advocacy organization. She said the biggest fear is the impact it will have on teachers and the education system as a whole.

“It is no surprise that we have a massive lack of teachers who are willing to work for this pay and, under these working conditions, these numbers don’t surprise me whatsoever,” Lewis said.

Educators made their dissatisfaction known in 2018 with the RedforEd movement. Educators in Arizona and other states went on strike for anywhere from five to 10

days, fighting for better salaries and fewer budget cuts. Following the walkouts, Gov. Doug Ducey passed the “20x2020” plan — a plan to increase Arizona’s teacher salary by 20% by the year 2020.

While Business.org ranked Arizona No. 50 — the worst state in the United States for teacher pay — as reporting teacher pay has declined by 9.59% from 2010-21. Matt Beienburg, director of education at the Goldwater Institute, said Business.org’s numbers don’t quite match up with data from the state auditor general, however. Data from the auditor general shows the average teacher salary was $56,349 in the 2021 fiscal year, June 2020 to June 2021.

Additionally, Beienburg disputes Busi-

AVANA celebrates 20 years

EDUCATION FROM PAGE 1 ness.org’s report and said there has actu ally been an increase in teacher salaries from 2010-21, though a small one.

In Beienburg’s 2021 policy report, “The Truth About Teacher Pay in Ar izona: How Arizona School Districts Have Held Down Teacher Salaries, Blamed Lawmakers, and Continually Captured Public Sympathy,” he looks at the 20x2020 funds increase and what the distribution of that money looks like in the state’s school districts.

Beienburg’s research indicates that while teachers were receiving pay in creases, much of the money was ac tually being directed away from the pockets of the classroom teachers it was intended for.

“Before you get to a question about more or less, is what we’re spending even getting to the teachers?” Beien burg said. “That’s kind of the funda mental question.”

Much of the teacher pay increas es for Arizona’s education staff came from already existing funding districts receive to offset inflation as well as pay increases. However, the funds from the 20x2020 plan were meant to provide a 20% increase on top of these already existing inflation funds. Even so, districts used less than half of the 20x2020 funds toward pay increases, resulting in only an estimated $3,016 increase per teacher, instead of what was meant to be a $7,050 increase per

teacher according to the Goldwater In stitute’s policy report.

So if school districts received fund ing intended to increase teachers’ sala ries by 20%, where is the money being allocated within districts?

Marisol Garcia is the president of the Arizona Education Association, the state’s teachers’ union organization. She rejects the idea of funds being misused and said the idea is meant to conceive a public distrust for increased funding in public school systems.

“The idea that districts are misusing money is just an easy thing to say,” Garcia said. “It’s almost trying to find a reason to try to take away money.”

She said the funds aren’t being mis used but that numbers can get confusing, which may be the reason for the differing data reports. She said the terminology “classroom teachers” in funding discus sions and reports often excludes other educators who fall behind the line of what is considered a “classroom teach er” but maintain certifications and play essential roles in student lives.

“I would have students that are sig nificantly disabled … and so there’s a person there to help. They’re not con sidered classroom teachers,” Garcia said. “They’re paraprofessionals, who are highly qualified, really important people, but they’re not going to show up as a classroom teacher, right?”

While Tori Schroeder, president of Sun nyside Unified School District’s Educa

tion Association, said she thinks the mon ey her district receives goes a long way, it still isn’t as much as some might think.

“There’s a really big disconnect. … The assumption is that this amount of money is adequate, not understanding what happens when you break that down,” Schroeder said.

She said that hundreds of certified ed ucators in her district are not labeled as “classroom teachers” and also received salary increases, such as counselors, cafeteria staff and janitorial staff.

But even for districts said to be doing well allocating funds back to all educa tors, the extra increases provided still ar en’t enough for some to make ends meet. Lewis, Garcia and Schroeder all speak of their own experiences witnessing col leagues leave the profession and struggle with motivation to stay in their positions as educators because they can’t afford to live on their teacher salary.

Marisol Garcia with the AEA said the high turnover rate for teachers is a large ly concerning stressor in already unsta ble schools and feels what is needed is less focus on teacher recruitment and more focus on teacher retention. A focus on raising the teacher retention rate that would be made much easier to obtain with a better salary to offer, Garcia said.

“I’ve had tons of friends who came in and out two, three years in and left, three, five years and left, and they just couldn’t take it,” Garcia said. “When we start losing veteran educators —

News Briefs

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Enjoy a free performance of The Fir Tree

Families are invited to attend free public performances of The Fir Tree, a Hans Christian Andersen’s holiday fable, presented by TheaterWorks. The Fir Tree is a live performance about a fir tree so anxious to grow up, so anx ious for greater things, that he cannot appreciate living in the moment. The performances are scheduled for Sat urday, Dec. 10, and Saturday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Centennial Park Plaza Amphitheater, located at 9875 N. 85th Avenue. Supported by the Peoria Arts

Commission, this fun production uses creative staging, puppetry and music, and is a wonderful outing for families with children of all ages. Families may also come early for holiday craft activ ities.

Info: theaterworks.org

Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival returns

Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival, featuring Second Saturdays, returns on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., near 83rd and Grand avenues. Event entertainment includes live, lo cal music performances, horse-drawn

carriage rides, a giant interactive snow globe, high school choir performances, gingerbread house displays and holiday photo opportunities. The highlights of the evening will be a tree-lighting cer emony in the heart of Osuna Park with a special appearance from Santa Claus.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/specialevents

The West Valley Art Museum opens Special Winter Exhibit

The West Valley Art Museum, locat ed inside Peoria City Hall at 8401 W. Monroe Street, is hosting a free, spe cial winter exhibit called Fantasy & Wonder: The Art of Myth, Magic and

we’ve lost. If we don’t get them to stay, that instability is going to disrupt even more.”

With low funding and salaries caus ing districts to lose educators, Schro eder also said she has noticed area districts and schools have become competitive, offering incentives like bonuses or higher wages.

“It’s very hard for districts, in gener al, to find especially math, science and special education positions just at all. Literally there’s no applicants for this position,” Schroeder said.

Lewis added that teaching is be coming a profession that many peo ple just can’t take on for economic reasons.

“I’ve been a teacher in Arizona for 12 years,” Lewis said. “I’ve seen it firsthand, and I have seen many, many teachers who are incredibly talented, amazing souls, who really serve kids walk away because they not only aren’t able to take care of their own families but also because they feel disrespect ed.”

“There are people who are running the math on, ‘Can I stay in this profes sion, can I do this thing and still make these bills?’” Schroeder said. “For some of them, it really is, ‘I can’t afford to be in this profession.’”

With talk of more school funding increases to come from Katie Hobbs, governor-elect, the debate goes on. PT

Fairytale through Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. The unique exhibit features a collection of art by some of the most notable names in modern fantasy art, including work by Brian Froud, Wen dy Froud, Scott Gustafson, James C. Christensen, Scott Radke, Rebecca Smith, J. Henry, Toby Froud, Steve Samsara and Sprite Hanson. A special reception and program will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. to learn about the artists on display. The museum is open Monday to Wednes day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thurs day from noon to 6 p.m.

Info: wvam.org or call 623-972-0635

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Register now for spring sports

Peoria’s Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for the spring 2023 youth sports season, which includes basketball, soccer, T-ball and flag football. The city of Peoria’s sports programs are much more than physical activity for children. The program also provides participants with leadership skills, teamwork, communication and respect, and helps to develop and improve self-esteem. Registration is open until Wednesday, Dec. 28.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/sports

Stay safe while shopping this holiday season

With an increase in online and in-person holiday shopping this season, check out these tips to help ensure you have a safe and happy holiday.

• Park in a well-lit space when shopping at night.

• Lock your car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags in the trunk.

• Try to minimize shopping with cash and pay with a card when possible.

• When shopping online, only use secure sites.

• Use strong passwords, and avoid phishing emails.

• Monitor your bank statement for fraudulent activity.

Register for 2023 Sustainable University classes

The city of Peoria’s Sustainable University has released their spring 2023 workshop schedule. Upcoming classes include vegetable gardening, recycling 101, landscape conversion to save water, and more. The classes are free to attend, but registration is required. To register, call 623-773-7137 or visit peoriaaz.gov/recplace and select Adult Specialty Classes.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/sustainability PT

Larry H. Miller Dealerships hosts ‘Share the Warmth’ coat drive

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

According to data, 20% of Arizona’s children live in poverty, and when children are living in poverty, seasonal clothing like win-

ter coats and hoodies become luxury items.

Couple the void in warm clothing with an inability to pay a utility bill to keep heat running, and children end up missing school because of health issues like pneumonia or underperform when they are present in school.

In response to these issues, Larry H. Miller Dealerships recently announced an expansion of its existing holiday coat drive, to include all 12 Arizona dealerships across metro Phoenix and Tucson through a partnership with Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix and United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.

Over the course of two years, Larry H. Miller Dealerships has hosted a winter coat drive at its three Avondale dealerships, collecting more than 840 winter coats for children within the Avondale Elementary School District. Now through Monday, Dec. 12, however, the group has expanded the drive to help even more children through a holiday “Share the Warmth” coat drive campaign, reaching K-6 students in Title I schools near the metro Phoenix and Tucson dealership locations.

“All children deserve the comfort that comes from a winter coat,” said Robert Smith, customer relations manager, Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria. “While we don’t get snowfall in Phoenix and Tucson, our nights and mornings are quite cold, and nowadays, many families are having to make tough choices between basic needs like paying for groceries over a coat or a utility bill. We hope this monthlong campaign serves to warm the hearts of children in our community.”

This holiday season, Larry H. Miller Dealerships is encouraging its employees and the public to help fill a vehicle at each of its 12 dealerships across metro Phoenix and Tucson with new and gently used (must be clean) winter coats, lightweight jackets and hoodies for K-6 students across Arizona to stay warm during the winter months.

“We’re honored to partner with Larry H. Miller Dealerships on the ‘Share the Warmth’ coat drive campaign,” said Melissa L. Boydston, senior vice president of community development and engagement at Valley of the Sun United Way.

480-898-7901

To get

This campaign is part of Larry H. Miller Dealerships “Driven for Good” initiative, a giving program aimed at uplifting the communities in which the dealerships do business.

“Our organization is always looking for solutions to ensure that every child, family and individual in our community is healthy; has a safe place to live;

DEALERSHIPS FROM PAGE 4 and has the opportunity to succeed in school, in work and in life. This part nership and shared mission among multiple organizations provides a real impact for children and their families this winter.”

Valley of the Sun United Way works with a network of 53 school districts across the Valley and Unit ed Way of Tucson and Southern Ar izona partners with 10 school dis tricts. United Way will identify Title I schools in each of the cities where the dealerships are located so that the donations are distributed directly to children in need in those communi ties.

The “Share the Warmth” coat drive campaign will end Tuesday, Dec. 15, when a caravan of Larry H. Miller Dealerships vehicles filled with the coats will deliver the donations to one of the Title I school locations in Phoe nix and Tucson.

“Our community thrives when we live united,” said Tony Penn, president and CEO, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.

“Our ability to impact 1 in 4 mem bers in our Tucson community relies on uniting people, ideas and resources. This collaboration with Larry H. Miller and our sister United Way in Phoenix shows the power of working together in service to our community.” PT

Larry H. Miller Dealerships in Peoria

Larry H. Miller Hyundai Peoria 8425 W. Bell Road, Peoria

Larry H. Miller Dodge Ram Peoria 8665 W. Bell Road, Peoria

Larry H. Miller Toyota Peoria 8633 W. Bell Road, Peoria

Larry H. Miller Dealerships is expanding its annual coat drive to include all 12 Arizona dealerships across metro Phoenix and Tucson. (Submitted)

Election deniers take crazy to a new level

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist

We begin with the good news about the process of certifying Arizona’s November 2022 election.

After all the conspiracy theories, death threats, and fact-deprived screaming about rigged results, only a few hundred protesters showed up for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors’ Nov. 28 special meeting to certify the county’s results.

In a state of more than 7 million people — and in a county where 1,562,758 of us voted on Nov. 8 — a few hundred “nayscreamers” amounts to a raindrop in a river.

The bad news? The people who did show up to scream at the five supervisors were bull goose loony.

Like election denier and podcaster Joe Oltman, who traveled from Castle Pines, Colorado, to lament the board’s lack of transparency — in a public meeting broadcast around the world online — and to accuse them of “gaslight(ing) the American people.”

That was tame compared to speakers who threw around terms like “evil,” “traitors,” “crooked,” “clowns” and “violent revolution.”

Heck, one lady from Wickenburg, Lydia Abril, used her two minutes to share “what God has to say to all elected officials,” courtesy of the Book of Psalms. She thundered about “high and mighty politicians” and “giving justice in exchange for bribes,” before asking God to “break off their fangs” and “let them be as snails that dissolve into slime.”

That got quite the round of applause from her fellow zealots.

Later came my personal favorite

speaker, failed Board of Supervisors candidate Gail Golec, a Trump-endorsed Scottsdale Republican, who got pasted in the primary by Supervisor Tom Galvin. Golec demanded a halt to the certification “until we can get some more audits.”

Golec really hit it out of the park with her finger-wagging tirade: “These machines have come into play and have taken over countries. South America right now is almost gone because of selections! Thank God for Brazil or we would lose a continent — a whole continent — to these machines!”

Lady, for heaven’s sake, please burn your collection of “Terminator” DVDs, pronto.

After four hours of this nonsense, the supervisors — four Republicans and a Democrat — voted to certify the county’s election results, as required by law. Fourteen out of Arizona’s 15 counties have done the same, with only tiny Cochise County, population 126,000, as the lone holdout.

So, election 2022 continues to sputter to its conclusion, despite some national and local press coverage portraying Arizona and the Valley as something of a laughingstock, populated by nuts and dolts and those who see a conspiracy around every corner and every time a computer printer runs out of toner.

My assessment, which I previewed

for you in a column several weeks ago, is this: The 2022 election was imperfect, in part because all elections are. But there were no hijinks afoot.

If it took two weeks to count the ballots, that’s because (a) it always takes long, and (b) a record number of voters listened to MAGA leaders who told them to hold onto their early ballots until Election Day, thus creating the very issue — slow counting — that they later lambasted.

Given the relatively few people who showed up to protest the supervisors — a far smaller crowd than your average JV football game — I’d suggest that 99% of us have moved on to bigger issues and real problems.

You remember those, I’m guessing.

Inflation. Rising crime. Our troubled public school system. The lack of housing supply in our state. The fentanyl epidemic. Our porous border.

These were the issues would-be elected leaders used to campaign on, before they turned to false tales of stolen elections and machine takeovers.

I miss the old days, when the other 1% — not the crazy 1% — got all the attention. PT

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

How to get a letter published

250 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 100, Goodyear, AZ 85338, Email: christina@timeslocalmedia.com

The Peoria Times welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The Peoria Times will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Peoria Times will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the Times, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

County officials adopt grim comedy routine on election

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Peoria Times Columnist

You can forget all about “Abbott and Costello”… Ditto for “Martin and Lewis.”

A new comedy team with a familiar name has suddenly emerged in Arizo na.

These days, Maricopa County res idents are treated to the escapades of a real-life “Mutt and Jeff.” And unlike the original comic strip duo, this mod ern-day pair isn’t confined to the funny papers.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates and County Recorder Stephen Richer have made headlines in the af termath of Election Day. Unfortunately for them, their act — or, more accu rately, their actions — are not receiving rave reviews.

Still, their “political performance

art” played to a full house and a large internet audience during the supervi sors’ “special meeting” Nov. 28.

Gates unwittingly affirmed the per formance emphasis in his opening re marks, referring to the meeting agenda as a “run of show.” And what a show!

As pure entertainment, it fell some where between the efforts of earnest amateur thespians giving their all in a “community theater” production and “open mic night” at a comedy club where most stand-up aspirants would be well-advised to remain seated.

The county’s lead players could be found in that latter category.

Our taxpayer-subsidized comedy team relies upon the maudlin schmaltz of mutual admiration.

With a presentation style reminiscent of “Mister Rogers,” Gates introduced Richter: “The board is very grateful for your work, Stephen, and thanks so much for addressing us,”

Richer recited some specific num

bers: 1.87 million ballots mailed to county voters; 1.3 million completed and returned, 290,000 of those dropped off at voting centers on Election Day and needing signature verification, which was completed by Thursday af ternoon; then the processing of those ballots, done by Sunday afternoon.

In other words, those early ballots dropped off on Nov. 8 — a record number for any election and almost 120,000 more than arrived on Election Day 2020 — took until five days after Nov. 8 to be prepared for counting.

And left dangling in Richer’s ac count was this oratorical gem: “Over 100 people of all parties contributed to the signature verification process.”

That sounds mighty inclusive, but it is devoid of a key detail: What was the partisan composition of that signature checking group?

After expressing his 100% confi dence “in the integrity and character of the people working the other half of

the election operation” — the Election Day balloting, so plagued with prob lems — Richer spread a heavy dose of verbal frosting on this slice of rhetori cal flattery:

“That starts with Chairman Bill Gates, who has continued to lead, de spite personally and probably going through personal hell.”

As for the majority of concerned citi zens in attendance, Richer was disdain fully dismissive.

Saying the focus needed to be on “real issues,” the recorder character ized the grassroots skepticism as “con spiracy theories promoted on social media by people who know nothing,” drawing a loud, angry reaction from the crowd.

Once the recorder finished, the pre siding officer made a pronouncement that was shockingly premature: “This election was run extremely well, as

What’s with a Christmas tree anyway?

BY JUDY BLUHM Peoria Times Columnist

To tree or not to tree, that is the question.

Oh, Christmas Angel, please guide my decision, as I am contemplating not putting up a Christmas tree this year. Yes, we decorated the house with holly, wreaths, poinsettias and other holiday trimmings, but the tree stands silently in a box in the garage, awaiting its fate.

Having coffee with my husband, Doug, one morning, I said that I think maybe we might just forget about putting up the tree this year. Doug stared at me for a few seconds, then started fist-pumping as he joyfully yelled, “Yes!” Hey, this was not the response I had hoped for! What about thoughtful discussion of the pros and cons? Yikes, I thought he loved our Christmas tree!

When I mentioned this “tree situation” to my girlfriend, she said (in a very serious tone), “Well, you know this is how old people think. Last month you wanted to buy flat dress shoes instead of heels; this month you are ditching the Christmas tree. What’s next?” Ouch! It’s just a tree and has nothing to do with “getting old.” It’s all about convenience.

My daughter, Tammy, is holding Christmas at her house this year. The whole family will be gathered, including my grandson, who serves in the Navy and has missed every Christmas for six years. So, it seems like a perfect time to “take a break” from decorating. Because I usually make all big meals for the holidays, Doug and I are looking forward to being guests instead of hosts. You know, show up late, eat well and leave early.

Getting back to the tree dilemma, I cannot recall not having a Christmas tree beautifully decorated gracing our

home over the holidays. Old ornaments that the grandkids made, little silver bells with engraved birthdates of family members, even my horses had ornaments made with their photos. The angel we put on top was given to me from my parents about 30 years ago. My niece says that when you break with traditions that you love it is because you are depressed (not really). My neighbor hasn’t put a tree up since her husband’s shoulder surgery, which was two years ago (good choice). A close friend claims that the tree is the one true symbol of Christmas and when that goes, so does the wonder of the holiday (nonsense).

O Tannenbaum, O Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches. What exactly does the Christmas tree symbolize? And how did it evolve into the most celebrated icon of the season?

Going back to 16th century Germany, Christians began decorating trees, often placing candles on the branches. The Christmas tree tradition was not widely embraced in America until the mid-1800s. Homemade decorations of berries on strings and cookies hung on branches were an early custom. By the 1900s, Americans were buying shiny ornaments and tinsel.

There is more to the Christmas season than a tree! To the folks who are convinced that not putting up a tree is “sad,” I say, “Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.” There’s always mistletoe. PT

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email her at judy@judybluhm.com.

you pointed out,” Gates told Richer. Despite a parade of eyewitnesses recounting mechanical problems with tabulators and printers, as well as a plethora of other Election Day problems, it was clear that this “public hearing” didn’t result in officials truly listening.

After 90-plus minutes of comments, concerned citizen Michelle Dillard summed it up: “This election is not certifiable. … It was targeted voter suppression by the county, including elected officials with glaring conflicts of interest.”

Among the elected officials with “glaring conflicts”? The recorder and the chairman.

Richer started a dark money political action committee, “Democracy Republicans PAC,” targeting Trump-endorsed candidates; Gates spoke out publicly against those same GOP nominees, calling their primary victories a “catastrophe” and telling Politico he

hoped for Republican “humiliation at the ballot box.”

There’s humiliation all right, but it’s Gates and Richer who should be embarrassed — along with all the members of the Board of Supervisors, who voted unanimously to certify the 2022 election.

Mutt and Jeff may be smiling, but few voters in Maricopa County are laughing. PT

J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of federal immigration law in the 109th Congress.

Hayworth worked as a sportscaster at Channel 10, Phoenix, from 1987 until 1994 and represented Arizona in Congress from 1995-2007.

PRESENT

AVANA

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

AVANA Companies, a family of lending and investment platforms that dedicates itself to supporting small businesses and preserving wealth, is celebrating 20 years of making a positive impact for and through its customers.

Brothers Sundip and Sanat Patel founded AVANA with a vision to provide entrepreneurial capital to disadvantaged business owners. With a mission of “Capital for a Better Tomorrow,” AVANA’s global teams build custom loans and in-

vestment opportunities that create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to clean-energy initiatives.

Since 2002, the team at AVANA has managed over $1.3 billion in assets, created over 10,000 jobs, and helped hundreds of businesses flourish.

“Many of our customers are entrepreneurs who started the same way my brother and I did. They are immigrants who have a clear vision and a strong belief in the American dream that anyone can succeed, but they need financial support,” said Sundip, co-founder and CEO at

celebrates 20 years

AVANA.

“We know firsthand the entrepreneurial grit that it takes to overcome obstacles, so we built a compassionate team of problem solvers who are invested in supporting our customers’ needs.”

The AVANA Family of Companies includes AVANA Capital and Extensia Financial Credit Union, which connect small-business owners across 39 states with access to private capital in industries such as commercial real estate, hospitality, renewable energy and cannabis.

The LendThrive platform provides short-term, fixed-rate loans in about 24

hours, while AVANA’s newest service, called EqualSeat, offers fractional investment opportunities with institutional investors and accredited individual investors.

“As we refl ect on our 20-year journey, it’s not about the success of the company, but rather the shared success of the people who work at AVANA. Their dedication is the reason we are here today,” said Sanat, co-founder and chief lending offi cer at AVANA.

“The team at AVANA inspires one another, and we hold ourselves ac-

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countable to stay true to our values of putting people first, doing the right thing, and making a positive impact on our world.”

The Patel brothers also give credit for the company’s recent growth to their in-house technology experts that streamlined processes and built secure platforms that solve the unique needs of small-business owners and brokers, as well as banking partners and investors seeking socially driven alternative investments.

“In the last five years, AVANA Companies has undergone a digital transformation that enabled us to expand our mission and launch new services to reach more people,” said Anish Dhanjee, senior product manager at AVANA.

“Today, we are working on new technologies to democratize the lending and investment process to make it easy for anyone, anywhere around the globe, to benefit, especially those in underserved communities.”

“Many of the entrepreneurs we serve, like restaurant and hotel owners, work hard and create jobs that benefit the community, but they are unable to get financial support,” added Matt Hunt, chief credit officer at AVANA. “That’s why one of our key focus areas has been hospitality construction loans, as banks tend to shy

away from this market because it can be volatile, as evidenced during the pandemic.”

At a time when other companies were contracting due to the uncertainties of the pandemic, the Patel brothers saw opportunity. They acquired a Credit Union Service Organization, bought a community bank and secured an SBA license, and began serving new industries like renewable energy.

AVANA also made the 2021 Inc. 5000 List of fastest-growing companies and grew its staff to 60 people working in the United States, Canada, Philippines, India and the company’s Bahrain office.

“We are celebrating 20 years of service to our customers because AVANA is driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and energy,” said Brianna Vaughan, EVP of operations at Extensia Financial. “We will continue for another 20 years because we constantly adapt by developing new technologies and services to better support our customers and our team.”

“AVANA’s name means to protect and preserve, and Sundip and Sanat take that responsibility to their employees and their customers very seriously,” said Lori Bernhardt, administrative offi ce assistant at AVANA.

AVANA Companies’ Peoria office can be found at 8194 W. Deer Valley Road, Suites 106-333. For more information, visit avanacompanies.com. PT

Liberty stunned by Saguaro in Open Division semifinal

BY JOE MCHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

Arainy night at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale, the sight of the Open Division Playoff semifinal game between Lib erty and Scottsdale Saguaro, produced the game of the year.

First, Liberty — the No. 1 seed and a top-15 team in the country.

Then, Saguaro — the defend ing state champions and No. 5 seed in the Open Division Playoffs.

The hype turned out to be merited, as Saguaro came out on top by a score of 43-42, in a game that could likely be considered the best of the year.

“It's just awesome and it's unbeliev

able,” Saguaro Head Coach Jason Mohns said. “I can't believe that that just hap pened, but we worked so hard, we pre pared, we watched so much film. So, our kids were prepared that if we got in that situation, we could win a game like that.”

The Sabercats struck first on the back of senior quarterback Devon Dampier’s touchdown pass to receiver Dajon Hinton, putting Saguaro up 7-0 in the first quarter.

The Lions responded with a score of their own after a rushing touchdown from MVP junior quarterback Navi Bruzon.

The first quarter, and quietest of the four, finished tied at seven.

In the second quarter, Liberty Head Coach Colin Thomas reached deep in his bag of plays, and came up with a di

rect snap to senior linebacker Anthony Ruiz, who powered into the end zone, putting the Lions up 14-7.

Answering right back was Dampi er-led Saguaro, as he took a 54-yard quarterback keeper to the end zone, tying the game back up 14-14.

Saguaro got the ball right back and re ceiver Zaccheus Cooper finished off the drive with an 11-yard touchdown, putting the Sabercats back in the lead, 21-14.

This back-and-forth affair would con tinue, as Bruzon completed a 55-yard pass to move the Lions down the field, and then from there, he kept it himself for another rushing touchdown, thus ty ing the game at 21 going into the half.

“(Liberty) didn't want this to be a dog fight, we knew it was going to be a dog fight,” Mohns said. “We said we'd get in that situation that plays into our hands.”

The third quarter started off with a bang for Liberty, as the defense forced a three and out, which would be followed up by a bad Saguaro punt giving them the ball on Saguaro’s half of the field.

The opportunity wasn’t squandered, as Bruzon again rushed for a touch down and gave Liberty the 28-21 edge.

To be expected, the Sabercats came right back, this time to the tune of a nine play, 94-yard drive on the back of junior receiver JoJo Clark, sparking the offense with a chunk play to lead Saguaro into the red zone, and capped it off himself with a 6-yard touchdown from Dampier. The game was tied again, this time at 28.

The Lions were back in the driv er’s seat just six plays later, as Bruzon sprinted the offense down the field, and finished the drive with an 11-yard touchdown to receiver Raneill Calvin, ending the quarter 35-28.

The momentum continued for Liber ty as the defense capitalized on a rare mistake from Dampier — a 60-yard in terception returned for a touchdown by defensive back Wesley Grim, further ing the lead to the biggest of the game,

42-28, with just 11 minutes left.

Not to be denied though, Dampier went back to the well, finding Clark for yet another big play. The long touch down tightened the Liberty lead to just seven points, 42-35.

Saguaro’s defense stood tall, with senior defensive lineman Diontae La Maide swatting a Bruzon pass on third down and forcing the Lions to punt, leaving Dampier and the offense five minutes to go 94 yards again. This time, the game was on the line.

Unrattled by the pressure, Dampi er led a 13-play drive, converting on fourth down multiple times — each of them do or die situations. He finished the drive with a long touchdown pass to receiver Mason Whitaker, putting the Sabercats within one point of the Lions, 42-41.

Mohns didn’t stop there. Instead of kicking the extra point, he opted to go for a two-point conversation.

Mohns was going for the win right there.

“We have got nothing to lose,” Mohns said about the decision. “We said our mentality was going to be we're going to throw everything we got at them. We're going to push our chips all in, and that's what we did.”

The decision proved to be the right one, as Dampier found Cooper for the two-point conversion, putting Saguaro in the lead, 43-42, with one minute to left.

Bruzon was intercepted on the sec ond play of the ensuing drive, sealing the game in Saguaro’s favor.

“I'm exceptionally proud of (the play ers),” Thomas said. “It's been a great group to coach. We had a lot of really good football players and great young men. It's been a tremendous season and they've ele vated the program to new heights.”

“Obviously we thought the ball would bounce our way a little bit to night, and it didn’t happen,” Thomas added. “Credit to Saguaro.” PT

‘Big trains’ roll into the Valley for holidays

BY JOSH ORTEGA West Valley View Staff Writer

Model trains remind many peo ple of Christmas as a child, and for one local organiza tion, that nostalgia lasts year-round.

The Arizona Big Trains Operators (ABTO) will hold its annual Christmas Open House tour from 4 to 8 p.m. Satur day, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 17 and Sunday, Dec. 18 with 14 homes across the Valley firing up their festive layouts that help keep the history of locomotives alive and keeps these grown adults kids at heart. While their pastime can be expen

sive, the one thing these operators enjoy more than tinkering with the trains is the joy their displays bring to visitors.

“A lot of people still enjoy the his tory of railroads,” Don Sorenson said.

Sorenson joined the organization in 2006 but had an interest in trains long before that, as his father worked as a brakeman for Union-Pacific Railroad for five years.

He said some of the members have mechanical and engineering back grounds, and this keeps their minds oc cupied with something familiar.

Amtrak said it has seen a 5% de crease in its Arizona station usage be tween fiscal year 2018 and 2019.

“People don’t ride the trains any more,” ABTO President Darrell Wool folk said. “There’s not many of the youth that have been on a train.”

That’s why sharing their hobby — es pecially with children — represents an integral part of the organization’s pur pose “to promote and advance the in terest in and educate the general public about Railroads and large-scale model railroading,” according to their bylaws.

Much to his surprise, Woolfolk said the nonprofit’s membership has seen an uptick in the last two years with 19 new members, bringing its Valleywide total to 77.

Woolfolk joined the organization in

2013 and has served as its president for the last five years.

He said while only half of its mem bers have layouts, they all meet to help each other collaborate and build “ex tremely elaborate” holiday villages.

“It’s not like setting up on a card table when you were a kid,” Woolfolk said.

The individual cars measure approxi mately 4.5 inches tall by 24 inches long with a handful of cars connected that run on tracks up to 500 linear feet wind ing through a festive holiday village.

The villages can take up a person’s en tire backyard and some include railyards,

Cardinals deliver most affordable fan experience

BY DERRIAN CARTER Cronkite News

Home bittersweet home.

Although State Farm Stadium has not been kind to the Arizona Cardinals, who have won once in their last 10 home games, it apparently treats its fans well.

Research by Sidelines sports technology and digital media company lists the Cardinals first in the NFL for offered the most affordable fan experience. Calculations incudes the price of an average wholesale ticket, parking, a 16-ounce beer and a hot dog at stadiums for preseason and regular season games.

The report revealed the Cardinals are the cheapest NFL team to follow this season with an average consumer total of $117.46 per game. The Las Vegas Raiders were the most costly at $273.47.

“It was a pretty packed game, so I

think the ticket price for what I got was reasonable,” said Tucson native Mark Islas, who attended the Seattle Seahawks vs. Cardinals game on Nov. 6. “Their parking pass was surprisingly cheap, and it was one that was relatively close to the stadium. It’s pretty affordable.”

The Cardinals have disappointed fans this season with a 4-6 record and inconsistent play. The team sits third in the NFC West and has Cardinals general manager Steve Keim, coach Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray searching for answers.

“Hard Knocks in Season: The Arizona Cardinals” debuted Nov. 9 and has provided an inside look on how the team hopes to turn things around. Despite the underwhelming play, the 47th-most valuable sports franchise in the world has continued to fill its stadium.

Chicago native and college student Janae Bradford attended her first Car-

dinals game in October when Arizona faced the New Orleans Saints.

Bradford and her friends arrived an hour before the game and walked through the pedestrian underpass with “Arizona” engraved on one side and “Cardinals” etched on the other, which leads to State Farm Stadium’s south entrance. They entered the 2023 Super Bowl site to the sight of a red sea with black and gold sprinkled around.

“I knew it was going to be an overwhelming experience just knowing how serious the fan base is,” Bradford said. “I didn’t want to put too much pressure on what the experience would be like. I just wanted to walk in and let the environment speak for itself.”

Bradford paid around $50 for 400-level tickets. Low ticket prices are one reason that the Cardinals have the NFL’s least expensive experience for fans.

Arizona has the most affordable parking tickets in the NFL ($20) and

ranks fifth in lowest average ticket price ($84.83), fourth in hot dog price ($4.50) and ninth in beer cost ($8.13), according to the report.

“The fan experience and making money has to have a meeting point in the middle, where both are important,” said Ryan Nicklin, who was the primary lead on the Sidelines study. “But you should definitely, as a company, be trying to keep your fans happy.”

Through five home games, the Cardinals are averaging 63,626 fans a game this season, which is an increase of approximately 1,000 from last year. Arizona’s home schedule features popular opponents including the Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots, whose fans travel well.

“Some of the visiting teams have a very strong contingent of fans that will travel regardless of where the

team plays, especially if it is a desirable destination (and) a warm weather place like (Arizona),” Middle Tennessee State University marketing professor Don Roy said. “It’s not a matter of the tickets being priced low because there’s (no) demand. It’s just turning out to be good value for the fans.”

When fans attend games, the Cardinals’ low-cost concession prices can impact the consumer one of two ways, said T. Bettina Cornwell, the head of the marketing department at the University of Oregon.

“One way that ticket price influences fan experience is through the lens of ‘price-perceived quality,’ (where) a fan attributes low prices to low quality and feels that they are experiencing a lower standard than those in markets that pay more,” Cornwell said via email. “This might result in a fan leaving before the end of the game if things are not going well for the team and adding to their own and (the) negative experience of others.

“Another (route) is to experience an

affordable ticket as a boon and have a feeling of enjoyment and appreciation.”

Bradford spent at most $100 during the week seven matchup and appreciated the ticket and concessions cost to get a true Cardinals game experience.

“Being from Chicago and never going to a (Chicago) Bears game, I can only imagine how much a regular meal is in Chicago, New York and all those big cities,” Bradford said.

Arizona will host the Super Bowl for the fourth time in February. It is uncertain if the Cardinals will make the playoffs and try to be the third consecutive team to play and win the big game in its hometown, but management, coaches, players and fans hope for a turnround before it’s too late.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org. PT

The Arizona Cardinals rank fi rst in the NFL for fan experience, according to one study. (Amanda Valle/Cronkite News)

Theater Works brings ‘A Christmas Carol’ to the stage

BY JEFF FAVRE Peoria Times Contributing Writer

It’s hard to think of a better compliment for a theater production designer than an actor afraid the special effects will look so real and scary that he might forget he’s in a play.

But that’s what Louis Farber said about the digital wonders Emmy winner Phil Wilson and his team have created for the revamped vision of Theater Works’ “A Christmas Carol.”

A tradition for more than a decade, the company is infusing more resources into its adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ holiday classic, which includes the most ambitious effects Wilson has ever fashioned for the stage.

The production runs through Saturday, Dec. 24, at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, starring Farber as Scrooge and directed by Theater Works Executive Director Chris Hamby, who said the company used the pandemic

period to revamp the production.

“We used the time productively to really delve into the design details,” Hamby explained. “We asked ourselves, ‘What has or hasn’t worked in years past, and what do we really want this to look like?’ So, starting with a set we built ourselves out of some challenges we had. We also wanted new costumes, so we worked with a costume designer in Los Angeles, something that maybe we couldn't have done during a normal process because of the time crunch.”

And they brought back Wilson, the program director of the Center for Digital Media Arts at Huntington University, who had collaborated with Theater Works on “Sunday in the Park with George” and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Wilson won a Rocky Mountain Emmy award this year for Lighting Location or Studio. He said “A Christmas Carol” dwarfs previous efforts.

“Where Sunday in the ‘Park with George’ was maybe like 10 to 12 items,

this is a little bit more in the realm of 40,” Wilson said. “Throughout rehearsals, they tweaked the images, working with Hamby, the sound designer and other members of the creative team.

One of the most elaborate effects is Jacob Marley. The actor is filmed ahead of time in front of a green screen, looking at a tennis ball in place of Scrooge. Working with former student Laurel Zeiler, and using the Adobe software programs Premiere and After Effects, they create the surroundings and integrate the actor.

“We have him come from the bowels of hell into the stage, surrounded by hellfire, surrounded by smoke and white fog,” he said. “And then the physical Marley will come and replace him, which is exciting for me to think about how this digital projection is going to appear and sort of set the stage, so to speak, for the actual Marley to have his cue to physically then show up and do the rest of the scene.”

It must have worked, because Farber said he thinks the effects will blow

people away.

“I’m nervous that there’s going to be a moment where I just am like up on stage and I’m totally taken out of it, because it’s so much, and I’ll turn and have to remember, ‘Right, there’s an audience out there.’ This is a case where you will be able to see where the money went. You’ll be thinking, where did that ghost come from? How did they do that?”

Given his long track record in local theater, it seems unlikely Farber will lose focus. A Pennsylvania native who works at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, he is the longtime associate artistic director of the Stray Cat Theatre, which produces more cutting-edge work.

Farber hopes to bring some of his natural humor to the role of the miserly Scrooge.

“I think my understanding and love of comedy helps me out in dramatic moments,” he said. “And I do think

that being Scrooge affords you a bit of that as well. There’s something really funny about someone who’s so elitist that they have no concept of what’s go ing on. There’s that sequence where he watches at his nephew’s house where they’re having this great party, but the butt of every joke is him.”

While Theater Works commissioned an original adaptation, Hamby said it doesn’t

stray from the original 1843 story.

“I think our piece really honors Dick ens’ words in a way that is approachable without there being verbatim Dickens,” he explained. “You certainly have the essence of Dickens throughout it, but there are some modern nods that I think a modern audience goes, ‘Oh, I under stand that line. I understand that joke.’”

With the new pieces in place, Hamby hopes the investments in this new-look

“Christmas Carol” will remain a tradi tion for many years.

“I think our audiences are enjoying see ing how the show is changing,” he said. “And I think it also speaks to the evolution of the organization that the first ‘Christ mas Carol’ had very sparse scenic ele ments and very sparse costumes. And this one feels very rich and very robust.” PT

IF YOU GO...

“A Christmas Carol”

WHEN: Various times through Dec. 24

WHERE: Gyder Theater at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria COST: Tickets start at $40 INFO: theaterworks.org

tunnels, ponds, and functioning lights on the buildings with the appearance of snow throughout the setup for the holidays.

The layouts can have multiple zones and take anywhere from two to four weeks to get up and running, but prep work and layout begins as early as June.

The nonprofit holds seven public events throughout the year including one in the spring, but the Christmas Open House is the group’s biggest.

Aside from the two open houses, ABTO maintains train layouts at Ban ner Children’s at Desert and Hospice of the Valley at Ryan House.

Woolfolk said those layouts remain restricted to patients at the medical facilities due to COVID-19 protocols, but members will still maintain the tracks weekly for the patient’s enjoy ment.

“With COVID, everything’s been pretty much locked down,” he said.

Woolfolk said the Christmas event draws hundreds of people per weekend to member’s backyards to watch the layouts light up at night.

Woolfolk said trains have “gone by the wayside” with younger generations and the nonprofit helps rekindle that interest.

Sorenson said it’s an important part

of our nation that young people should remember.

“I find that people are very enamored by railroad,” he said. “They’re part of

Arizona Big Trains Operators West Valley tour homes

Kelly and Cheryl Snow 14725 S. 182nd Drive, Goodyear

Closed — Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11

4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18

John and Boots Gordon 11105 W. Olive Drive, Avondale

our history.”

For closures due to weather and ill ness, or more info, visit azbigtrains. org. PT

4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11

4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18

Pete and Debbie Lassen

9252 W. Lockland Court, Peoria

4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and Sunday, Dec. 11

4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18

The Peoria Times publishes on Thursday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Times’ coverage area, which is Peoria.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Thursday to be considered for the following Thursday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@timeslocalmedia.com.

Sew Smart Sewing Club

WEDNESDAYS

Join the sewing club on Wednesdays for fun, laughter and sewing. Participants are invited to use the library’s machines or bring their own. Experienced adults 18 and older are invited.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Live Music at Winery 101 Peoria

THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS

Winery 101 Peoria pairs vino with live music this month. Anyone is welcome to join, and reservations are not required.

From 5 to 7 p.m., wine by the glass is $1 off, and bottles are 10% off during the live music performances. Tastings will not be

available during the live music.

Winery 101 Peoria, 9299 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 101, Peoria, 5 p.m., free, winery101. com

Momma’s Organic Market

SATURDAYS

Featuring food trucks, local artisans and fresh produce, this weekly farmers market gives locals the chance to shop local and shop fresh. Taking place near Dillard’s, new vendors grace this event weekly. Admission is free and furry friends are allowed if they’re on a leash. Cash and cards are accepted as methods of payment, and the market runs from 8 to 11 a.m.

Arrowhead Towne Center, 7780 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, 8 a.m., free, arrowheadtownecenter.com

Old Town Holiday Festival

DEC. 10

Peoria celebrates the holidays this year with the annual Old Town Holiday Festival, featuring live entertainment, roaming choirs, food trucks, a gingerbread house

display, horse drawn carriage and wagon rides, and much, much more. Drop off your gingerbread house early for a chance to be part of the display and competition.

Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park, 10510 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, free, 5 to 9 p.m., azstreetmarket.com

Ask a Master Gardener

DEC. 10

Have questions about your garden?

Volunteers from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County will be available to answer questions for the public regarding plant selection, irrigation, fertilization, pruning techniques, pest management and problem diagnosis, among other topics. Those who are interested may bring insect specimens for advice and identification.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., free, peoriaaz. gov

FROM PAGE 19

Park West Market

DEC. 10

Check out the market at Park West every Saturday for deals galore. With food trucks, live music, face painting, over 115 local vendors, and live music, there’s plenty to see for the whole family. Park West, 9744 W. Northern Avenue, Peoria, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free admission, facebook.com/parkwestmarket/

The Book Was First Movie Series

DEC. 12

Join in on a viewing of movies based on books, and learn the differences between the famous works of literature and their adaptation to the big screen. This month, check out Perks of Being a Wallflower, the movie based on the famous Stephen Chbosky book.

McClure Branch Library, 315 W. McClure Avenue, Peoria, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Cookbook Club

DEC. 14

Each month, the cookbook club comes together to enjoy a book club and a taste testing all in one. With every month, one particular theme is chosen, then each cookbook is discussed together with others while eating. This month’s theme is ‘Coffee Klatsch,’ which is any edible served with coffee and tea.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 3 to 5 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Merry Mix and Mingle

DEC. 14

Come see Adult Services Librarian Tonya Stuempfl and the many friends of the Peoria library for a night of styling holiday music, a book celebration, a holiday arts and crafts table, and plenty of interesting snacks to eat. Practice mingling with friends new and old, and celebrate the library’s new renovations.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov PT

CALENDER

Your presence is a present this Christmas

CHURCH-COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Peoria Times Columnist

he San Francisco Chronicle reported a story about a humpback whale on Dec. 14, 2005. On Dec. 11, 2005, a female humpback whale was entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She had hundreds of pounds of crab traps and yards of lines wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, and even a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her east of the Farallon Islands, just outside the Golden Gate Bridge. He radioed for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off that the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. Talk about danger. One slap of a whale’s tail could kill a rescuer. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers said she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then returned to each diver and nudged them as if to thank them. The divers were stunned. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eye followed him the whole time and said he would never be the same.

I’m glad someone got involved and took the time, effort and courage to save the whale. You might say the group of divers was like Jesus. They set the ensnared whale free from certain death. But, wouldn’t it be just as good, if not better, if someone was Jesus to those people caught in heavy traps and long lines of calamity, even if by their own doing? Wouldn’t it be fantastic if someone were Jesus to the

lonely person in the nursing home who needs a visit from someone? Wouldn’t fi nding a need and meeting it be better than complaining about long store lines or judging others for their political correctness or the lack thereof?

TWouldn’t it be better to go outside your comfort zone and volunteer for a worthy cause in your community? You don’t get to experience what those whale-freeing divers experienced by just sending a check. When you give a check, something is withdrawn from your bank account. When you get involved, something is deposited in you. You give a Christmas present to yourself when you give your presence as a present to another who needs it.

It’s interesting how everybody these days wants somebody or anybody to do something about the problems in the world or their community. This story illustrates my point.

A mother was preparing breakfast for her sons Kevin, age 5, and Ryan, age 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw an opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.’” Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!” That was our home about 30 years ago.

Have you heard the illustration about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody? There was an important job to do, and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. So, then, Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody

wouldn’t do it. So, it ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

We live in a world of specialists. In some respects, this is great. We all appreciate someone who specializes in a specifi c area, especially if we need the specialist’s specialty. But saying or thinking, “That’s not my department,” regarding a simple job that anyone could do, is something else. That sounds like, “Ryan, you be Jesus.”

Almost anybody could bless others by serving meals to the poor. But Nobody did it. Why? “That’s not my department.” “That’s not my

job.” A servant leader will go where many specialists, professionals, politicians, academics and theologians won’t. Too many people look for a way out of serving others in real and tangible ways. Might I suggest that instead, you look for a “way in” to help others in real and tangible ways, not just an academic or philosophical way?

Look at Jesus in the Bible. Jesus valued people. Jesus took time out for people in need that others could have done. He made time for the children.

Jesus talked to the “loose” woman at the well when most men didn’t speak

to that kind of woman. He stopped his journey, healing a Roman Centurion’s servant on the way to a family funeral. Unheard of, yet He did it. In doing this, Jesus reveals to us God’s nature. Jesus both presented God and represented God. God loves everyone. Everybody is Somebody to God. The first Christmas, God gave us the present of his presence, “now in flesh appearing.”

Here are some final thoughts about

stopping the Everybody-blamedSomebody-when-Nobody-did-whatAnybody-could-have-done cycle. Be a “Solutionary.” You might be one person to the world, but to one person, you might be the world. The more I look at things, the more I believe the willingness to start is the littlest thing in life that makes the biggest difference.

Take a risk, get started, and contribute more than a protest. If you are going to point out a problem, be

prepared to fix it. Don’t say, “Ryan, you be Jesus!” Who knows, you might untangle some person or family from the traps and lines that entangle them.

Maybe I could say it this way. Giving is living, so why not live this Christmas by giving Christmas? After all, your presence is a present. PT

Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. He has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. He may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com. For more info, see nationstrategy.com.

Faith Church supports

www.fsbcg.org 10250 N. 59th Ave. 623-937-9216

101 Freeway Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church - ELCA Reverend John Maroni 623-933-1359 shepherdofthedesertelca.org Handicap Bus - Call for pickup (24 hrs. in Advance) 623 340-8232 • Worship Saturday 4pm, Sunday 9:30am Holy Communion both services • Pancake Breakfast 8-10am Last Saturday Every Month Dine-In and Drive Thru 11025 N. 111th Ave., Sun City/Youngtown

CHurCH

Information 623.334.9482

Dr. Ron G. Rockwell – Pastor Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.

91st

Sunrise Mountain graduate wins national film award

BY LAURA LATZKO Peoria Times Contributing Writer

Ryan Kraska, a sophomore at Arizona State University, had the chance to discover and ex plore his passion for filmmaking as a high schooler. Now in college, he is continuing to push towards his dream of working in film.

Recently, Kraska, who is a grad uate of Sunrise Mountain High School, won a National Student Production Award from the Nation al Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

His national win was in the tal ent-performer category. Audrey Wood from Seton Catholic Preparatory, also received a national award but in the

writer category.

The two were recognized on Nov. 17 during a virtual ceremony hosted by ABC News correspondent Rachel Scott. Each year, the national orga nization holds a competition for stu dent filmmakers across the country.

The winners were chosen out of a field of 2,000 entries from around the United States, in categories such as music video, animation, fiction and nonfiction, talent and commercial. Kraska was up for four categories at the national competition.

Before going on to nationals, Kraska won a number of regional awards from the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chap ter of the National Academy of Televi sion Arts and Sciences. He had submit ted 23 projects in a variety of different

categories.

This is the second year that Kraska has taken part in the national compe tition. His junior year, five of his proj ects went to nationals, but he didn’t win in any category.

He said that winning this year felt like a validation of his talents and work.

“The two things I felt were gratitude and relief,” Kraska said. “We didn’t win any last year. We have so much to live up to. The second I heard my name, I was like, ‘Everything’s worth it.’ Not that it wasn’t before. All of the work that I’ve done, I have something

to show for it.”

Kraska received the national award for a project called “Ryan’s Ryan: College Special.” In the short film, the main character is contemplating his college future.

The special was inspired by the TV show “Lizzie McGuire” and features an animated character, with whom Kraska has a conversation.

“It’s about this kid who is ner vous, and he doesn’t know what he wants to do next with life,” Kraska said. “He knows he has to get into

PeoriaTimes.com /PeoriaTimes

Ryan Kraska recently won a national award from the National Academy of Tele vision Arts and Sciences. (Ryan Kraska/Submitted)

college, and he doesn’t get into the one he wants to. So, he has to find a way to overcome that. He uses his conscience, which is in the animated form, to guide him through what to do next.”

Kraska developed the character and other animations for this seg ment.

“I think the biggest animation feat in there is this one scene where I talked about being an astronaut, and I had to have the animated character fly off in a rocket… That probably took three hours for three seconds, but I know it was worth it just to make it that much better,” Kraska said.

The project was inspired by old Dis ney Channel episodes and features throwback commercials, along with the main episode.

During his time as a high school student, his teacher Amy Nygard was a big influence. He took intro and ad vanced filmmaking classes throughout the years.

He said that Nygard really encour

aged students to take creative ap proaches to their projects and come up with ideas that were out-of-thebox.

Kraska said his filmmaking classes helped him to be exposed to the art form in high school. He was able to get a taste of different aspects of it, includ ing shooting, doing graphics and sound and editing.

He had the chance to do a range of different projects, including sports commercials and music videos. Part of the film class involved doing morning announcements for their school.

Kraska put in as much time as he could on his projects because he want ed to learn and absorb everything he could.

“I was always spending my lunch es in front of a computer editing… I wanted to learn everything, especially while I had the chance in high school,” he said. “I didn’t want to graduate and move on to college without feeling

Ryan Kraska (left) with Kalini Aguon-Sewell (right). (Ryan Kraska/Submitted)

like I was confident in what I could do and what my abilities were. I was always working on something. I was always taking on the extra assignments. I was always working outside of class.”

Kraska worked closely with his good friend Kalini Aguon-Sewell, who is also pursuing film at ASU. She worked the camera while he was often the onscreen personality.

The winning special was one of the last projects that he and Aguon-Sewell worked on during their senior year. They also did a number of music videos together. One called “Mixed Tap” was a throwback to the ‘90s with music from the time period and choreographed dancing. It was shot at a local restaurant. Another project called “Mustang Magazine” focused on their school.

“Every single month, we had a new episode come out,” Kraska said. “We would work with the kids around Sunrise (Mountain) to make little segments. We had one that was linking favorite songs. We would

play a clip of the song. They would explain why it was important to them. We ended up doing this thing where I was the host of a cooking show. I was showing all the kids that were at home doing their schooling a meal to make…. It was a fun passion project to pass the time while we weren’t actually in person at our school.”

They spent the last year and a half of high school doing virtual learning. Kraska said the biggest challenge was not being able to use a lot of other actors. Many of their projects featured Kraska on camera by himself.

“It was just so hard to find other people who could work with us during the time,” he said. “We didn’t want to expose ourselves. We didn’t want to do anything that wouldn’t be safe. So, most of it was me and Kalini planning the shoot, filming it, editing it. It was pretty much the two of us the entire time.”

Kraska started filmmaking around 2015, when his family bought their first iPad. He would use it to record

himself.

“It was a lot of recording my daily life,” Kraska said. “Not that it was interesting, but at the time, it was the most fascinating thing I could do. I think that it not only kept the spark going but even back then, it helped me know what to do and what not to do and everything led up to now.”

Along with filmmaking, Kraska is involved in music. He is a member of Double Vision, which started around two years ago and includes his good friend Noah Strykes.

Kraska is a vocalist and plays the piano and guitar. He was around 10 years old when he started piano lessons, and he later learned the guitar. As an artist, he goes by the name Ryan Rane.

Double Vision recently released a Christmas song called “Picture-Perfect Christmas.”

The group has put out a number of Christmas songs in the last few years. As part of their “Mistletoe Love” Christmas album two years ago, they made an accompanying documentary. It chronicled their musical journey

and their process for making the album.

Through his band, Kraska has been able to combine his filmmaking and music talents, especially in making music videos for the group.

He has been in front of audiences for much of his life. During elementary school, he took part in public speaking competitions.

Through music and film, he has been able to further hone his communication skills.

“Just that exposure, that really got me comfortable with it,” Kraska said. “Now, throw me in front of the camera. I’m used to it at that point.” PT

Kids eat free at these West Valley restaurants

BY CHRISTIAN COPUS-SALLAS AND KAILYNN QUENGA Glendale Star Staff Writers

GLENDALE

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar (multiple locations)

9330 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale 623-877-4885, applebees.com 5880 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale 623-878-3500, applebees.com

Free kids meal provided with the purchase of any full adult entrée.

Denny’s (multiple locations) 15161 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale 623 877-1502, dennys.com 4303 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale 602 439-2337, dennys.com

Offered Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 to 10 p.m. Two free kids meals are provided per adult meal.

IHOP

6601 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale 623-878-9631, ihop.com

Free kids meals are provided throughout the week after 3 p.m.

Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

5670 W. Peoria Ave, Glendale 623-979-3500, manuelsaz.com

Free kids meals are provided all day on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée.

PEORIA

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar

8001 W. Bell Road, Peoria 623 878 3500, chilis.com

Free kids meal provided with the purchase of any full adult entrée.

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill (multiple

locations)

25225 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria 623-900-4736, caferio.com 16955 N. 75th Avenue, Peoria 480-573-0110, caferio.com

Free quesadillas are served for kids 10 and under with the purchase of one adult meal throughout the week.

Chili’s (multiple locations) 7717 W. Bell Rd, Peoria 623-535-4222, chilis.com 10040 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria 623-572-0107, chilis.com Chili’s Rewards members can earn free kids meals for kids 12 and under with the purchase of a regular entrée.

Denny’s (multiple locations) 8737 NW Grand Avenue, Peoria 623-486-5510, dennys.com 8131 W. Bell Road, Peoria 623 486-8505, dennys.com Offered Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 to 10 p.m. Two free kids meals are provided per adult meal.

IHOP (multiple locations)

9976 W. Happy Valley Parkway, Peoria 623-362-8002, ihop.com 10603 W. Olive Avenue, Peoria 623-977-0599, ihop.com 8359 W. Bell Road, Peoria 623-412-1001, ihop.com

Free kids meals are provided throughout the week after 3 p.m.

NYPD Pizza

7650 W. Bell Road, Peoria 623-561-6973, aznypdpizza.com

On Wednesdays, free kids meals are provided after 4 p.m., but on Saturday’s, with the purchase of one small pizza, it is offered all day for kids 10 and under.

Village Inn 9800 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria 623-572-2708, villageinn.com

On Mondays, one free kids meal is provided per every adult meal purchase. PT

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 or christina@timeslocalmedia.com

a 4:30 pm 623-939-9447

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: WESBRIE PROPERTIES LLC

II The address of the registered office is: 2 EAST CONGRESS ST. SUITE 900, TUCSON, AZ 85701 The name of the Statutory Agent is: LEGALCORP SOLUTIONS, LLC III Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a manager or managers. The names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: MEMBER/MANAGE RS/ ORGANIZERS: Name and address for each. IAN WILSON, 2 EAST CONGRESS ST. SUITE 900, TUCSON, AZ 85701 Published in the Peoria Times, Dec 8, 15, 22, 2022

NOTICE OF SALE

Advertisement of Sale

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to the Arizona Self-Service Storage Act, Arizona Statutes 33-1704, Section H, and Enforcement of Lien. The Undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on or after December 22, 2022 at 9:00 am, using an online auction at www.storagetr easures.com.coms said property has been stored and located at Suncrest Mini Storage at 7410 W Peoria Ave, Peoria AZ. Property to be sold as follows: Misc. household goods, personal items, furniture, clothing, toys and/, or business fixtures and items belonging to the following:

Tenant Name Mohamed, Mohamed Unit # C280 Tomlinson, Anettia Unit # I510 Betoney, Davey Unit #RD220 Ledesma, Cicilia Unit #PP124

Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Items sold “as is”, CASH ONLY, and Buyer must pay a security deposit and broom sweep/clean the unit. Published in the Peoria Times, Dec 8, 15, 2022

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At this time, we are able to pay our quarterly bonuses to Direct Care Staff on top of their base starting hourly rate of $14-$15/ hour. This bonus is $2.50/hour paid quarterly bringing the pay rate equivalent to $16.50-$17.50/hour.