Issuu

INSIDE: INSIDE:

www.ahwatukee.com

RUNNING FOR JERUSALEM

. 19

TUKEE TAMALE TIME

. 35

COMING SATURDAY

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

DV students make impassioned mental health plea BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

igh school students, mostly from Desert Vista, implored the Tempe Union Governing Board last week to do more to address their classmates’ mental health or risk deepening their anguish to a point where some take to drug abuse and others turn to suicide. Harkening to the fact that they had been before the board a year ago asking for more counselors on campus who are devoted to mental health concerns and not college preparation, Armando Montero, an Arizona State University freshman who graduated from Desert Vista in May, said: “I’ve gotten plenty of promises that we were going to work on this and we’ve met with you several times, but it’s gotten nowhere. We have our pilot committee at Desert Vista that has continuously worked but has not had a voice and the problem goes beyond that. “It’s as if the conversation we started has

Snowgoing

not gone anywhere to the point where we have students that have attempted to commit suicide over the summer. Yet, it’s thrown under the rug and nothing is done about it.” School board members and Superintendent Kevin J. Mendivil expressed sympathy with, and support for, the students’ concerns, but made no specific promises. “While it doesn’t feel like a lot has been done in one year,” Mendivil told them, “there’s been positive movement in the right direction and you don’t feel that and you may think that they’re empty words, but they’re not. I worked with our SSAC (Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council) group. I think you know, where my heart is and where my passion is but I alone can’t do it. This board can’t do it. This is a collective effort.” “I hope that you have no doubt that there is commitment on this board for all the students,” Mendivil added, praising the students for speaking up and telling them “we have to work together and we have to look to the other sources where we need to make that difference.”

Concern for mental health services has swept across many school districts but especially so in the East Valley, where 41 students – some as young as 12 – have taken their lives since July 2017. Some of the student speakers who address the Tempe Union board Dec. 4 talked about counselors too busy to talk to them and portrayed some teachers as helpful and others seemingly too distracted to bother. “I’ve seen teachers with the same level of compassion for their students working to create nourishing relationships with said students clubs on campus had been formed on ours like Thunder Strong and our diversity committee,” senior Lance Watkins said. “And while these groups and individuals have worked to cultivate a culture and community that opens the door to wellness and mental health dialogue, therein lies the problem: Students have been forced to do the faculty’s job for them,” Lance continued, adding: “Clubs standing on this unofficial platform

see COUNSELORS page 8

Police, civilians ‘Ringing’ in crime BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

. 38

NEW PRIDE COACH

. 43

This wintry scene will be resurrected after a year hiatus this Saturday at Foothills Baptist Church in Ahwatukee, which is bringing back its popular gift to the community. For details, please see page 4. (Foothills Baptist Church)

doorbell never made as many friends and enemies, but then again, The Ring is far from the ordinary lighted button with chimes. Ring videotapes people walking up to your front door – some of whom might be up to no good. And at a time when Christmas online shoppers are expecting packages, Ring has become a new crime-fighting tool for Phoenix as well as many communities in the metro area. Neighbors by Ring and the Neighbors app has created digital neighborhood watches on Phoenix residents’ phones where you can get real-time crime and safety alerts from neighbors and law enforcement. Phoenix Police are using Neighbors to monitor crime in users’ neighborhoods and send

see RING page 12

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

49 YEARS OF TRUSTWORTHY SERVICE! The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills. Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282 Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com Advertising Sales Representatives: Karen Mays, 480-898-7909, kmays@ahwatukee.com Laura Meehan, 480-898-7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com Classified: Elaine Cota, 480-898-7926, ecota@ahwatukee.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny 480-898-5641, customercare@ahwatukee.com

NEWS STAFF Executive Editor: Paul Maryniak, 480-898-5647, pmaryniak@ahwatukee..com GetOut Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, 480-641-4518, christina@timespublications.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira 480-898-5630, zalvira@timespublications.com Copy Editor: April Morganroth 480-656-9667, amorganroth@timespublications.com Designer: Ruth Carlton - rcarlton@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Reporters: Jim Walsh, 480-898-5639 jwalshe@ahwatukee.com Wayne Schutsky, 480-898-6533 wschutsky@timespublications.com Cecilla Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@ azintegatedmedia.com.

WRITE A LETTER

To submit a letter, please include your full name. Our policy is not to run anonymous letters. Please keep the length to 300 words. Letters will be run on a space-available basis. Please send your contributions to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.

EDITORIAL CONTENT

The Ahwatukee Foothills News expresses its opinion. Opinions expressed in guest commentaries, perspectives, cartoons or letters to the editor are those of the author.

ADVERTISING CONTENT

The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Ahwatukee Foothills News assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement.

Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club members last year spent several days wrapping the gifts people donated for foster group home kids. (AFN file photo)

Kiwanis plea for help in making foster teens’ holiday a bit happier AFN NEWS STAFF

he Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee is once again reaching out to residents and businesses to help make Christmas a little merrier for teens who don’t have much – and aren’t normally the beneficiaries of the many toy drives in the Valley. The Kiwanians are focusing their drive on teens living in foster group homes and face a much shorter time to gather gifts because Thanksgiving fell so late in November. The Kiwanians’ deadline is Dec. 18. “These kids are aged 13-18 and don’t benefit from the multiple toy drives,” said Kiwanian Andi Pettyjohn, one of the drive’s organizers. “One of the boys I had mentored was 19, still in high school, living in a group home and he said one year he had received a “Frozen” coloring book and crayons as a Christmas gift at one of the events for foster youth. They are great for the younger kids, but the teens are forgotten,” she said. The club – which also organizes a Thanksgiving dinner for foster kids in group homes – started its Christmas drive years ago only for teen boys. “Then I had the opportunity to take a teen foster girl to lunch,” Pettyjohn recalled. “She was living with a foster family in Ahwatukee and I met her when she volunteered for one of our events. She told me that for the four years she lived in group homes, she never owned a jacket or a hairbrush. I found this unacceptable.” Last year, the Kiwanis Club made a merry Christmas last year for 15 group homes with about eight to 10 teens in each. But in 2017, it provided gifts for 22 homes, and Pettyjohn said, adding that she hopes people can help the club “provide Christmas to more teens.” “We can’t do it without donations from caring people in our community,” she said. People can help in three different ways: They can donate money, making checks payable to “Ahwatukee Kiwanis” and sent to PO Box 50596, Phoenix 85076. Donations also can be made at ahwatukeekiwanis.org.

see FOSTER page 6

TIME FOR A NEW A/C UNIT INSTANT REBATES Up to

1,000

with SRP rebates up to $1,125 Special Financing Available

*Subject to credit approval. See dealer for details. Not valid with any other offers. Expires December 31st, 2019.

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR NIGHTS OR WEEKENDS. Joe Sez -

WE SELL PARTS! Ask about: • Free in-home Educational Assessment • Multi Unit Discounts • SRP Rebates

Maintenance Inspection

Prolong the life of your A/C and heater and maintain maximum performance of your home. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 12/31/2019.

480-813-1700 www.hendels.com 3434 N. Arizona Ave. | Chandler, AZ 85225-7707

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Ahwatukee forecast: 20 tons of snow on way BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hen Sheena Christiansen grew up in North Phoenix, seeing snow meant watching it fall in movies like “Miracle on 34th Street’ or “It’s a Wonderful Life.” That was as close to snow as she was going to get. This year she’s expecting 20 tons of the white stuff right in the parking lot of her church, Foothills Baptist, 15450 S. 21st Street off Chandler Blvd. That’s because Snowy Night at Foothills is returning to Ahwatukee after a year’s hiatus, and Christiansen is chairing the festive community event. It is actually designed as a gift for the community. You might say it’s a Miracle on 21st Street. Beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, the three-hour event organized by church members features many activities and food designed to delight residents of any age while capturing the iconic aspects of Christmas - the gathering of family and friends, snowfall, Christmas lights spar-

kling in the night and bonfires blazing. This year the committee expanded the number of food trucks to provide four well-lauded kitchens on wheels to dish up gourmet food items from flavored kettle popcorn to fancy churros, quesadillas and nachos, to cheese melts with all the trimmings. The evening also includes crafts for children, train rides around the snow mound, a petting zoo, face painting, games and inflatable bouncy toys. There’s plenty for the family to enjoy, and except for the food trucks, everything is free – including hot chocolate, cookies and s’mores available to toast over six, heat-shielded fire pits. “It’s not just for the kids, it’s for adults too. I think it’s important for us to come together as a community. We’re hoping to help bring the Spirit of Christmas to everyone,” said Christiansen, a nurse practitioner at Banner Urgent Care in Gilbert and Queen Creek and mother of two sons, 5 and 6 a year-old daughter. A friend of Christiansen’s, Nadia Harrison, said she’s delighted Snowy Night at Foothills is returning this year. “We’ve been twice before, and it’s just

such a great family event,” said Harrison who, along with husband Michael, will ferry their two children to the church lot, where the snow will be heaped into piles by Laveen’s The Ice Wagon. “The snow is so much fun, especially for us who live in Arizona and don’t have snow. I think it’s so fantastic, and so inclusive,” said Harrison. For Foothills Baptist Church facilities director Greg Dreas, the three-hour community event requires lots of advance preparation. First, there’s the delivery of the 20 tons of snow. Actually, it’s ice transformed into snow when it is fed into a chipper - “similar to what tree trimming folks use,” he explained. Over the hours, event-goers are also treated to gently falling “snow.” “The soft snowfall effect is actually a bubble machine. The units are placed on top of light poles, when as the bubbles fall to the ground and are exposed to the light, it looks like snow falling. It’s just magical,” said Dreas. Providing power for the holiday lights is key. “We need lots of lights to have a Christ-

mas feel,” said Dreas who has lived in Ahwatukee with his family since 1982. “We have over 23,000 lights on the buildings and trees, and we need electrical power to run the many entertainment areas. It is all-hands-on-deck to host a community event like this.” Dreas and family have attended Foothills Baptist for 18 years, and he’s been facilities director of the church campus for 10. He said watching children and families celebrating the snow is more than gratifying. “It’s always a joy to see the laughing children playing in the snow because for many, it’s their first exposure to the cold and chill it brings to their hand, and then so fun to see them warm themselves by the fire pits, and run right back to the snow,” he smiled. “Watching families enjoying their time together is always warming to the heart, knowing the efforts of all have made it an evening of fun for all, children of all ages, which includes parents and grandparents. There is something special about throwing a snowball at a loved one, and having some thrown back at you,” Dreas laughed.

see SNOW page 6

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS Flat and Foam Roof Experts!

PAM EAGAN 33 YEARS OF CONTINUALLY

PROVEN SUCCESS FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019 desertsandscontracting.com

AND STILL ON THE JOB 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR YOU

602.390.5740 PamEagan@gmail.com

Commercial & Residential | Family Owned & Operated AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 FULLY INSURED

Realty Executives Associate Broker

COME VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION!

40th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL

Kathleen A. Nielsen

ad n this Mentio eive 15% c and re t month. s off ﬁwr clients only. Ne

Attorney at Law

SENSEI RICK SAVAGIAN

Family Law & Estate Planning

Head Instructor Fifth Degree Black Belt in Traditional Wado-Ryu Karate.

Serving Ahwatukee for 30 Years!

Trusts • Wills • Probate Divorce • Premarital

480.730.6469 kathleennielsenlaw.com

Southwest Business Center 4500 S. Lakeshore Dr. Ste 300 Tempe, AZ 85282 (SE Corner Rural & Lakeshore)

Serving Ahwatukee since 1979

We are a Private Traditional Martial Arts School that has served our community for over 40 years. Our curriculum is disciplined based for students 4 years of age and older.

3173 E Chandler Blvd (SW Corner Chandler Blvd & 32nd St) Call or visit our website for more information www.mountainsidemartialarts.com

(480) 759-4540

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Kyrene Winter Wonderland needs donations, volunteers AFN NEWS STAFF

nother drive for toys also is being undertaken by the Kyrene Foundation for its annual Winter Wonderland, a special Christmas celebration held annually in December at the Kyrene School District headquarters. The all-volunteer effort last year helped the foundation give gifts to more

FOSTER from page 3

It costs about $150 per child, Pettyjohn said. “If you can do one child, that will help. More kids is even better.” People or groups or businesses also can adopt a whole group home and donate the money to do the shopping. People also can donate gifts or clothing. The club tries to give a $25 gift card to every teen for Walmart, Target, AMC or Harkins Theater. Other stocking stuffers include $10 gift cars for fast food restaurants and toiletries. Clothing should be I men’s sizes and can include sweat or pajama pants, gym shorts, socks, boxer shorts and flip flops. Donation deadline is Dec. 18.

than 257 needy families in the district with 933 children. Unwrapped donations of new items are being accepted 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Kyrene headquarters on the northwest corner of Kyrene and Warner Roads, Tempe; and Unwrapped Donations are welcome at the following locations: Keller Williams Realty, Sonoran Living, 15905 S. 46th

Places accepting donations on the Kiwanis Club’s behalf include Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road; Dr. Euzarraga DDS, 4206 E. Chandler Blvd., West USA Realty, 4505 E. Chandler Blvd.; Mountain Park Senior Center, 4475 E. Knox Road; Mountian View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St.; Vision Community Management, 16625 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy.; Liv Generations, 15815 S. 50th St.; and Horizon Honors High School, 16233 S. 48th St. During last year’s Christmas for foster group homes, Debbie Sullivan organized a Christmas meal at one while Carrie Chipman organized bakers to donate cookies so each group home could receive cookies.

Street, Ahwatukee 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Gifts for pre-teen boys and girls are the most needed and the deadline for donations is 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Gifts also can include wireless headphones, toddler & baby toys, remote-control cars, action figures, ethnic Barbie and other dolls, skateboards and scooters, bikes, Slime, Blume and LOL dolls,

SNOW from page 4

Since the Snowy Night at Foothills occurs in the church parking lot, there’s obviously no parking available. The church has arranged for free parking and shuttle service to the event from three area school sites: Kyrene Monte Vista, 15221 S. Ray Road; Kyrene de los Cerritos Elementary, 14620 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. and adjacent Kyrene Altadena Middle School. Food trucks visiting Snowy Night at Foothills are some of the area’s finest: Churro Gonutz, Cactus Corn, Queso Good, and Cheese, Love and Happiness. The church has been working to provide Snowy Nights at Foothill since April.

baby shark toys, Dreamworks dragons, Pomsies lumies, LEGO Star Wars/Boost, LEGO Frozen/Disney, Mega Mystery Treasure Chest, Nerf Blaster and gift cards. Volunteer also are needed to wrap gifts and help distribute them at the Dec. 16 event. Sign up at kyrenefoundation.org/ event/toy-drive.

Their pastor, Brian McCoy, said the church has long had a connection with the community including the presentation of the “Living Christmas Tree” which was held each December for 10 years. “Foothills Baptist has been part of the Ahwatukee community for over 30 years, and Snowy Night at Foothills is just our way of helping our friends and neighbors enjoy an opportunity to connect with one another and celebrate Christmas,” said McCoy, who came to the church in 2010 as pastor of discipleship and missions and last September accepted the call as lead pastor. “It’s a blast,” he said, “and some work for us and we hope everyone who attends experiences the joy and meaning of Christmas.”

Enjoy the Best in Flooring Installed in time for the Holidays! OUR GIFT TO YOU,

WE WILL PAY YOUR

Sales tax!!! Expires December 31, 2019

Since 1998

E! ATUKE G AHW

SERVI

In-Home Care for Total Peace of Mind We Care Every Day, In Every Way.® Caregive

• Meal Preparation • Errands • Friendly Companionship • Respite Care for Families

• Light Housekeeping • Bathing Assistance • Up to 24 Hour Care • Medication Reminders

r Employment Opportunities are Available!

480-886-1165 • 16815 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy. • Suite 123 www.VisitingAngels.com/SouthPhoenix Each Visiting Angels agency is independently owned and operated.

Family managed since 1981

WHOLESALE to the TRADES

SHOWROOM HOURS Mon-Thurs: 10 am - 6 pm Fri & Sat: 10 am - 5 pm or by appointment Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Traci Tartaglio Owner

480.598.9811

15215 S 48th St, Ste 185 Phoenix, AZ 85044 ahwatukeecarpets.com

HUGE SELECTION OF OVERSIZED Southern Chandler POTTERY! 23843 S. Cooper Rd. 1/4 Mile S.Delivery of Chandler AvailableHeights Rd. PET Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. 5p.m., Sun. a.m.pm - 5 p.m. Hours: Open-Daily 9:00 am11 - 5:00 CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS FRIENDLY! LOWEST PRICES, LARGEST SELECTION! 480-802-1309

• Fountains • Benches • Bird Baths • Ceramics • Stoneware • Wrought Iron • Oversized Pottery • Metal Wall Decor • Indoor/Outdoor Decor • Much More!

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Kyrene earmarked for $1.5M in performance bonuses

AFN NEW STAFF

hirteen of Kyrene School District’s 25 campuses earned a total of more than $1.5 million in bonuses from the state Education Department through Arizona’s results-based funding for their performance in the recent AZMerit tests. But whether Kyrene or any district will get the full amount from the $72.3-million pool of money won’t be known until after the next legislative session, as the department said in a memo there is a 5 percent shortfall in what the districts and charter schools should get under the formula used to determine the bonuses. “A supplemental appropriation to cover the shortfall, which would be subject to legislative approval, is currently being discussed and would likely be included in the second distribution of funds later in the fiscal year,” the memo said, referring to the fact schools entitled to the bonus get it in two installments. “If the supplemental appropriation does not materialize, the shortfall will be allocated to each school district or charter district school based on its recalculated annual results-based funding allocation at the time of the second payment,”

the memo said. While the bonuses can be used in a variety of ways – including supplemental payments or salary increases for teachers at the school, Kyrene will be doing what it did last year: spread the wealth across all schools. “It can also be used for professional development to replicate effective practices in student learning and achievement,” Superintendent Jan Vesely said in a message to parents. “In Kyrene, our goal is always to build capacity district-wide, in order to benefit all students.” Schools and the total bonus each received are: Altadena Middle School, $238,280; Estrella Elementary, $102,040; Mirada, $131,216.; Sierra, $114,698; Brisas, $143,189; Cerritos, $104,973; Lagos, $99,874; Ninos, $115,761; Cielo, $147,607; Norte, $99,066; Monte Vista, $141,769; and Kyrene Traditional Academy, $147,443. Two other Ahwatukee schools also received a bonus. Horizon Honors Elementary was awarded $176,191 and BASIS Ahwatukee will receive $162,064. Horizon Honors handles its bonuses differently – to the benefit of teachers’ pocketbooks.

CURRENT MORTGAGE RATES 30 yr fixed: 3.75% 20 yr fixed: 3.625% 15 yr fixed: 3.25%

(APR of 3.89%) (APR of 3.77%) (APR of 3.39%)

This rate is based on a loan amount of $250,000. Restrictions apply.

Naveen Vadhwa NMLS #203016

Use this coupon toward an appraisal refund at a successful closing.

A $450 Savings!

Senior Mortgage Loan Ofﬁcer

Ofﬁce: 480.339.8568 | Mobile: 480.570.5691 Fax: 1.833.406.2115 nvadhwa@bell.bank www.naveenvadhwa.com 4435 E Chandler Blvd. | Suite 201 Phoenix, AZ 85048

bellbankmortgage.com

This statement of rates is for real estate professionals only: it is not intended for consumer use. Rates current as of 12/9/19. Examples listed are typical principal and interest payments based on a 45-day rate lock on a $250,000 purchase with 20% down payment. Payment estimates do not include amount for taxes and insurance: therefore, the actual payment obligation will be greater. Rates are based on borrowers’ ability to quality and are subject to market ﬂuctuations which may change the rates without notice.

“We followed the guidelines and gave teacher and teacher assistant stipends,” Horizon spokeswoman Melissa Hartley said. “We also purchased technology for the classroom like chrome books and interactive display boards.” Vesely last year conceded some teachers at schools qualified for the bonuses feel they’ve earned some extra pay. But she said school principals felt a more equitable approach – and one encouraging teacher development – would be to spread the money throughout the district. High-performing schools in high-income areas get a bonus of $225 per student while $400 per student is awarded to high performing schools in lower-income areas. All the Kyrene recipients fit the former category. The performance-based incentives are a source of contention between the Republican-controlled Legislature and public education advocates. When Gov. Doug Ducey and the State Legislature adopted the program in 2017, $39-million was set aside, with supporters saying the money it would expand access to high-quality education for all students throughout Arizona and help lower-income students to close the

achievement gap. In the previous two fiscal years, about $39 million a year has gone to nearly 300 public schools, according to Arizona Education News, a service of the nonpartisan Arizona School Boards Association. In Fiscal Year 2020, the funding was increased by $30 million for a total of $68.6 million. Arizona Education News analyzed the allocations for Fiscal Year 2019 and found 70 percent of the award money went to schools with less than 60 percent of its student population on the federal free- and reduced lunch program. Top-performing schools with 60 percent of their student population on the free and reduced lunch program got more money than those below the threshold. The news service also discovered schools serving a high percentage of white students had more awards as did schools with fewer disabled students and English-language learners. The Children’s Action Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy organization has been opposed to this funding formula, which it claimed has numerous inequities, includ-

see BONUSES page 9

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Bill Watson Gets Results.

Top 1% of Agents in Arizona.

THE Hardest Working Real Estate Professional.

I CAN SELL YOURS TOO! kw ®

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

www.TheBillWatsonGroup.com

O 480.706.7211 • C 602.469.0388

Professionalism • Integrity • Communication

Each office is independently owned and operated.

COUNSELORS from page 1

don’t have the authority and the power to enact massive change and teachers can only create a positive class culture within their classrooms. When that bell rings, their comradery is left at the door.” Lance urged “fundraising to support these on-campus clubs that handle wellness, increasing awareness or participation with these entities or equipping the schools of resources like our counseling staff with the ability to refer students to these clubs in their time of need.” “We really urge for your outspoken support and consideration,” he continued. “I understand that the burden to reach out inherently lies within the student, but the student cannot do this if they do not know or know how to reach out. Awareness is a powerful tool that we need to be incorporating and integrating into the TUHSD culture.” He cited seniors who are facing “trying times” as they deal with graduation and “making large steps toward their futures” while many juniors “are facing the arguably hardest academic year in their high school careers” and sophomores “are still feeling lost and navigating the halls of their campuses.” “We just want to know that you’re on our side, (that) you’re fighting with us and we can’t do this alone,” he said. “We just want to feel safe at school physically, emotionally and academically.” One girl told the board she went to see a counselor because she was feeling “very overwhelmed” and that from the counselor’s rushed treatment, “I didn’t think that she actually had any investment other than to get me to stop emailing her, so that she could just get onto the next student.” Desert Vista junior Andrew Miller said, “I think one of the main issues that is associated with mental health I see on a lot of campuses and with friends from other campuses is drug use and I feel like if we are able to take action on mental health, you’re going to be able to prevent a lot of students going to drugs.” “I’m a junior. It’s stressful,” Andrew continued. “I have friends who get too stressed and they have to find alternatives to just calm themselves down. It’s a genuine problem and it’s something that we can clearly prevent.” Claire Van Doren, another 2019 graduate of Desert Vista and former president of the school’s LGTB Club, told the board, “Teachers and clubs are often the only resource that LGBT students have” at a time in their life when they are struggling with their sexual identity. “It’s hard to go out of your way to find

somebody to speak to and to find the courage to talk about something as personal as your sexuality or your gender, especially when you aren’t even sure if you know what that is yet,” she said. “That’s the reality for many high school students that they are questioning their identity and that’s something that’s very difficult to talk about. And while my club was a really important recess resource to a lot of students on campus, I didn’t have the power to actually go out of my way and advertise it to every single student.” She said counselors “weren’t given the resources to actually reference my club or even be made aware of its existence.” “The reality is that for LGBT students, it can be extraordinarily isolating to be at a massive school with no resources. Counselors need additional resources to be able to deal with these kinds of issues and students need additional resource as well. … Otherwise we see LGBT students at a higher risk of suicide, depression and bullying by their peers. “That is the sort of thing that we cannot wait to take action on and we have to take action on in the moment. It cannot wait a year. It cannot wait two years and it certainly can’t wait four years for an entire body of students to go through there. The reality is that this is something that needs to be fixed now, not later.” Board President Berdetta Hodge told the students, “The resources for mental health for adults aren’t much better than you’re seeing for students,” and praised the students for continuing their campaign for better services. “Mental health is very big right now and it doesn’t just start in high school or grade school,” Hodge told them. “It’s something that continues to life. So, this fight that you’re fighting will not just be in just high school. It’s going to be something that you will be fighting for probably for the rest of your life.” She explained how she and board member Sandy Lowe and Tempe Union administrators have lobbied the Legislature for more funding for counselors, adding “It’s not just in our district. It’s not just in Vista. It is a world-wide problem. So, maybe one of you guys may be the person to solve it. I hope so.” Mandivil said, “I wish I had a magic wand that could make things different today in this moment for you in your lives. It pains me to know that you have that level of concern at your age. You should be enjoying life…You’re still teens, enjoy them because it’s going to end soon and you become adults. I just want you to know that you have our commitment. And I ask you to be patient.”

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

BONUSES from page 7

ing the “test-based funding reaches only one in four of Arizona’s public-school students” and nearly half of the funding went to higher-income schools. Looking at the combined charter and public-school beneficiaries of the bonuses, the alliance found 74 percent of all students attend schools in high-income neighborhoods. “Nothing in the initiative expanded access to high-quality schools or required any expansion of the schools getting the bonus,” the alliance complained, adding: “The initiative leaves less funding available to strengthen education in all the other schools with AzMERIT scores below the top 10 percent.” This academic year, the department awarded traditional and alternative schools who received “A” and “B” letter grades, which were largely calculated based on how students scored on AzMerit, the state’s accountability assessment. Last year, the department awarded schools whose AzMerit scores ranked in the top 10 percent statewide. Critics of results-based funding contend the Legislature takes money away from basic subsidy funding for public schools.

480-706-7234

Legendary coach Karl Kiefer passes away at 83 BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

arl Kiefer, who led McClintock High School to three state titles and is credited with starting the Mountain Pointe football program, died Sunday afternoon. He was 83 years old. His passing came on the 30th anniversary of McClintock’s state-championship win over Westwood in 1989, Kiefer’s third leading the McClintock program. “Waking up today, one of my buddies reminded me of that 5A title game at ASU,” said David Klecka, the dean of students at Desert Vista High School who played for Kiefer in 1989 and coached under him. “We played Westwood and beat them 4214. That was a huge moment in my life. “I think that’s what drew me closer to him.” Kiefer was placed in hospice care in November after he suffered a heart attack while in a rehab facility for a broken rib. It was his latest battle with health issues, which included a heart attack in 1997 and a major stroke in 2005. “That’s kind of what really started all of his health issues, the major stroke,” Klec-

see KIEFER page 10

Mike Mendoza

MendozaTeam.com

Magnificent mountain luxury retreat perched high on elevated hillside lot in exclusive gated community with majestic views.

Tempe

ka said. “After that first heart attack he had bypass in the fall while at Mountain Pointe. Even then, he only missed one game. He was just so strong.” Kiefer informed Klecka in November that doctors had sent him back to his assisted-living facility in Chandler to receive hospice care. He made it his goal to make it to Nov. 29, the day of his 60th wedding anniversary with his wife, Sharon. “My wife is a fantastic woman,” Kiefer said in November. “It’s been a good trip.

We have three children, they’re wonderful.” Kiefer is credited for coaching McClintock to three state championships in 1977, 1980 and 1989 during his tenure. He said his first championship was one of his fondest memories. “It would have to be the first state championship at McClintock High School in 1977,” Kiefer said. “We won it against Washington High School. I started coaching there in 1963 so it took a long time to get there. “It was a great night in the old Sun Devil Stadium.” After McClintock, Kiefer went on to start the Mountain Pointe football program, where he remained until he retired in 2005. Klecka coached under Kiefer at Mountain Pointe before moving on to Perry and then Desert Vista, Mountain Pointe’s rival. Even then, he and Kiefer would talk on a regular basis. If they weren’t talking about the upcoming game Klecka would be coaching his team in, they reminisced about the 1989 championship. “We always talked about that state

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 30 Years 5 BR / 5.5 BA / 5,002 SQFT

Tapestry Canyon

KARL KIEFER

Listed for $1,510,000

NG MI N! COSOO

5 BR / 3.5 BA / 4,839 SQFT 5 BR / 4.5 BA / 4,924 SQFT

Call for Listing Details

4 BR / 2 BA / 2,340 SQFT

4 PLEX / 3,272 SQFT

Prime location across from ASU Gammage Auditorium. Great opportunity on large lot with detached 2-car garage.

Prime ASU location on Farmer Avenue. Great investment opportunity. All units are 2BR and 1BA.

Listed for $524,900

Amazing mountain and city light views from outstanding custom home on hillside lot in exclusive gated community.

Luxurious Southwest contemporary home on private hillside lot with stunning mountain and city light views.

Tapestry Canyon

Tapestry Canyon NG MI N! COSOO

Listed for $1,100,000 5 BR / 3.5 BA / 3,255 SQFT Stunning views with additional privacy from desirable South Mountain preserve lot. Gorgeously remodeled throughout.

Listed for $699,900

Tempe

Foothills

Call for Listing Details

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Lawmaker says names make a meaty matter

Lisa Miguel

Extraordinary Real Estate Services Call me for a FREE Home Value Report!

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Top 1% in Sales

480-444-6058 • www.Lisamiguel.com

Canyon Estates Listed for

$520,000

5 bedroom, 3 bathroom PLUS BONUS ROOM! 3009 square feet. Open kitchen-family room ﬂoor plan. Kitchen has an enormous walk-in pantry, island and large eat-in dining nook. All appliances convey including the refrigerator and washer/ dryer. Family room has soaring vaulted ceilings and a cozy ﬁreplace. Formal living and dining room; tons of living space! Master suite is downstairs! Master bathroom has double sinks, large walk-in shower with custom glass enclosure and a walk-in closet. Oversized lot with sport court backs to a wash!. Plantation shutters, wet bar, vaulted ceilings.

Graysil Condominiums Listed for

$217,900

Impeccably cared for 1,534 sf, 2 bedroom/2 bath PLUS DEN condo is move-in ready. Open den area can be used as play area/bonus room for kids, or an ofﬁce or easily converted into a 3rd bedroom. Open kitchen – family room ﬂoor plan. Good storage, new carpet, sun screens. Finished attached garage with entrance into the unit. Easy access to freeways, Light Rail, bus stops, ASU, MCC, SCC, Mesa Riverview and Tempe Marketplace. Gated community with heated pool and Ramada area.

Chandler Heights Ranches Listed for

$565,000

Five acre property with RV pad! Breathtaking mtn & desert views! 2,441 sf, 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Highly upgraded throughout and a rare ﬁnd! Gourmet kitchen, remodeled in 2015, boasts granite slab counters, large island w/pendant lighting, upgraded SS appliances (Fisher & Paykel range/oven and Electrolux dishwasher) and ﬁve burner propane gas cooking! Composite sink, upgraded faucet, R/O, upgraded cabinets with crown molding, travertine backsplash, pantry, built-in desk/shelves off eat-in dining nook. Fireplace at dining nook has stone surrounds and custom wood mantel. Room for 10 car / truck parking. Full RV hook-up (septic/electric) incl internet and TV. Extended length and height 3 car garage has workbench and built-in shelves. 6 ft wall around a glassed-in salt water pool (all glass can open.) 2019 barn, 3 Mare Motel stalls. Two stalls plumbed with self-water, tack room, hay room, tie-up wash area, hitching rail, 75 foot round-pen. Wide gates on opposing sides. Two stalls lead into round-pen. 2019 fence. 3/4 of one of the 5 acres is fenced with no-climb fencing. All areas have gates leading into 100 acres of riding trails.

Arcadia Lite Listed for

$875,000

Cape Arcadia Ranch style home on nearly a ¼ acre lot with north / south exposure! FIVE BEDROOMS PLUS A FINISHED 560 SF BASEMENT WITH HEATING/COOLING. 2019 roof with architectural shingles. New insulated ductwork. New LED lighting throughout. Kitchen boasts white Shaker cabinetry with 42" uppers. Large island with double bar seating, quartz counter tops with double waterfall, 36" stainless steel farmhouse sink, Danz potﬁller faucet at range, 42" built in Monogram refrigerator, 36" commercial Fulgar Milano Range and Zephyr 36" hood with LED lighting. LG dishwasher, Sharp microwave in island with auto glide drawer. Open kitchen great room ﬂoor plan! Two master suites. The main master suite has a sitting room, large walk in closet; double vanities and beautiful custom cabinetry in the bathroom. Vinyl clad windows throughout. Extensive pavers at front and back patios. Pool-size backyard! New interior and exterior paint.

Crimson Ridge Listed for

$385,000

Three bedrooms plus loft! 2.5 bathrooms. 2,102 sf. Family size back yard with covered back patio and newly reﬁnished pebble tek pool. Kitchen boasts white cabinets. Open kitchen family room ﬂoor plan. Formal living and dining room. Tons of living space! 2.5 car garage. Low maintenance landscape. Close to schools and easy freeway access.

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra!

n Arizona cattle rancher wants to ensure anything sold to Arizonans as “meat’’ came from something with at least two legs, if not more. But Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, insists it won’t prevent people from calling things a “burger’’ – or even a “steak’’– as long as there’s no claim it’s beef, chicken, pork or anything other than a living, breathing animal. Cook’s legislation seeks to make it illegal to “misrepresent’’ any product not derived from a harvested livestock or poultry animal as meat. More to the point, HB 2044 would define the act as the use of “any untrue, misleading or deceptive oral or written statement, advertisement, label, display, picture, illustration or sample.’’ “It’s about truth in labeling,’’ he said. Cook told Capitol Media Services he’s not trying to put a dent in the market for things like soy burgers. And even the commercial Impossible Burger would remain legal to sell, complete with what could be mouth-watering pictures of the product. “The ‘burger’ is not the meat,’’ he explained. “‘Burger’ is just what you grind up,’’ Cook continued. “It can be soy, it can be whatever.’’ It’s the word “meat’’ Cook is trying to protect against future incursions. “This is what’s being done in laboratories and stuff where meat does not come from a carcass,’’ he said. “You can call it a ‘burger,’ ‘’ he said. “You cannot call it ‘meat.’‘’ Similarly prohibited by HB 2044 would be any other words suggesting what is being offered for sale or consumption has some relation with something at one time was alive. “They can’t call it ‘ground beef,’ ‘’ Cook

KIEFER from page 9

championship season,” Klecka said. “He would always expect a phone call from me after every Friday night game.” The football stadium at Mountain Pointe was named in honor of Coach Kiefer’s, who attended almost every Pride home game, sitting to the left of the scoreboard bearing his name. Friends, former coaches and players visited or called him when his condition was made public last month.

State Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, wants anything sold as meat to Arizonans to have come from a two- or fourlegged creature, not a plant. (Capitol Media Services)

said. Similarly, companies would still be able to sell “nuggets’’ to patrons -- as long as they are not labeled as chicken. “When you walk up to a meat counter, you know what you’re buying,’’ he said. “You know what you are putting in your body. You know what you’re consuming and what you are paying for.’’ Cook attempted similar legislation last year, but with a twist: It also would have prohibited the use of the word “milk’’ on any product not coming from a lactating animal, effectively saying products could not be called “soy milk’’ or “almond milk.’’ It proved too much as the House voted 3622 to kill the plan. This time, Cook said, the dairy farmers are on their own. But he questioned whether such a measure could get legislative approval. “They’re 15, 20 years too late,’’ Cook said, with the plethora of non-dairy “milk’’ products already on store shelves. “We want to make sure we’re out in front of this thing before it even becomes an issue.’’

Coach Kiefer is survived by Sharon and his three children, Sheri, Shauna and Kent. Plans are being made for a celebration of Coach Kiefer’s life smetime between Ja. 4-11.. “He meant the world to me,” Klecka said. “He was the first person I called after my dad passed away. I’ve had friends that passed away and I would call him about that, too. “It wasn’t just football with him. It was life.”

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Better than Mistletoe

Pure Brazilian Straightening or Global Keratin Straightening $175 (Normally $250) V1 SALON, LOCATED IN AHWATUKEE HAS SUITE & CHAIR RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES *Room Rentals $840 per month *Chair Rental $630 per month

15725 S 46 St., Building B, #108, Phoenix, AZ 85048 480.704.1277

RECEDING GUMS?

We provide the new Pinhole Surgical Technique™ as seen on “The Doctors” Call for a free consultation today!

Jeffery A. Kohler, D.D.S. Aesthetic Family Dentistry COMPLIMENTARY COSMETIC CONSULTATION • Revolutionary Laser Technology • Invisalign • Porcelain Veneers and Crowns • Digital X-Rays and Imaging • Tooth Colored Fillings • PerioProtect for Gum Disease

15215 South 48th Street, Suite 190

480.893.2474 | www.jakohlerdds.net

Ahwatukee!

PRE-ORDER TODAY! PHOENIX Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center 4722 E. Ray Road, #14, Phoenix, AZ 85044 (480) 753-1121 • nothingbundtcakes.com

Best Dessert

Make someone’s season brighter with truly personalized gifts they’ll never forget.

J OY I S P E R S O N A L Thing sRemembered.com

CHANDLER FASHION CENTER

SAVING IS PERSONAL TOO | GET $10 OFF YOUR PURCHASE USE CODE: JOY19 Offer valid on purchases of $50 or more through 12/13/19 online and in store. Not valid on select items. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotions. Additional exclusions may apply.

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

RING from page 1

updates on key crime incidents. “By working together, we can all make Phoenix a safer community,” Phoenix police said. While The Ring generally helps police crack down on property crime, it has become useful in apprehending violent crime suspects at all. Earlier this year, Ring video obtained by Phoenix police led to the arrest of a woman and her boyfriend for alleged multiple cases of assault on her child. Police had been called to a school after the child showed up with a burn on his hand. The boy accused his mother’s boyfriend, William Johnson, 28, of burning his hand with a cigarette. When questioned by police, the boy’s mother, 26-year-old Nicole Lynne Marker, showed the detectives videos from her Ring account, which showed the inside of her apartment. Investigators later used a search warrant for Ring.com videos from Marker’s account and obtained 2,200 video clips showing dozens of assaults by both Marker and Johnson on the child, who could be heard “wailing and sobbing,” police said. Court records show that Johnson repeatedly struck the child in the face and

with a belt. Johnson and Marker were arrested at their home on Tuesday morning. Police would like to charge Johnson with 11 counts of aggravated assault and Marker with three counts of aggravated assault on a minor. In Chandler Police Commander Ed Upshaw’s south Chandler district, Ring has helped police nab a stalker, porch pirates swiping Amazon packages – even a couple of Amazon delivery workers caught stealing packages they supposedly delivered or a previously delivered. Chandler Police Commander Ed Upshaw shows the Ring kit, calling it a valuable Chandler police also tool in the fi ght against property and other crimes. (Pablo Robles/Staff Photographer) used the Ring to bust anhands. In other incidents, Marker punched other sort of ring – a carload of teens from Phoenix who jumped out of a car early in the child in the face and chest. Police say the abuse occurred as punish- the morning and opened the doors of unlocked, park cars to steal whatever valument while the child did homework. Doctors at Phoenix Children’s Hospital ables they could find. “We have used it on multiple cases. It is examined the boy and reportedly found “discoloration and scabbing on his neck, a valuable tool our agency uses,’’ Upshaw back, and flank.” The victim said the inju- said. “It’s 2019. It’s not the same world you ries were caused by Johnson hitting him lived in in 1970. The world has changed.

You are under constant surveillance.’’ But some civil libertarians consider Ring a technological manifestation of Big Brother and a dangerous intrusion on privacy rights, with innocent people suddenly accused of suspicious behavior without reason and cops obtaining evidence quickly, with no oversight, through a network of nosey doorbells. Upshaw and other East Valley police officials say their concerns are overblown. They consider Ring the equivalent of a digital block watch, an update on an aspect of community policing that departments have been promoting for decades. Instead of holding a Block Watch meeting or calling each other, neighbors are sharing videos and issuing potential crime alerts of their own. “They are giving it to us for free and it works with every camera system,’’ Upshaw said, referring to Ring’s Neighbors App. “We’ve been trying to create something like this for years. No one has ever done it.’’ Gilbert police spokesman Sgt. Mark Marino, another Ring fan, said town residents have shown no hesitation about sharing Ring videos. “The Valley as a whole works well with

see RING page 14

Happy Holidays from all of us at REEis! It’s time to

your HOME’S

COMFORT & ENERGY EFFICIENCY Holiday Special

$750 OFF*

any new Trane HVAC System! *cannot be combined with financing packages — expires 12/31/19

REEIS.com 480-969-7500 REEIS A/C LLC ROC# 318364, 318363

ARIZONA’S #1 TRANE DEALER

Door OPEN. Door CLOSE.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Guaranteed. CALL TODAY!

480.635.8114 Free Phone Quotes! We Can Fix Anything!

FREE Service Call (with repair)

65 Value!

21-Point Safety Inspection

With coupon only. May not be combined with other offers. Exp: January 15, 2020

ArizonaGarageDoors.com ROC# 173822

75 OFF

A Pair of Springs

Broken Spring REPAIR!

With coupon only. May not be combined with other offers. Exp: January 15, 2020

Garage Door Opener

329

.95

+LABOR

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Teen suicides rose 38 percent in Arizona in 2018 AFN NEWS STAFF

uicides among Arizonans under 18 increased by 38 percent between 2017 and 2018, a recently released state report said. The Arizona Child Fatality Review Program said boys comprised three-quarters of all suicide deaths and that half of all children and teens who took their lives were white and another 25 percent white Hispanics. It also reported that 68 percent of all child suicides involved boys and girls between 15 and 17 and that 44 percent of them involved a firearm in the household. The report also said that family discord was the primary risk factor in suicides under 17. That accounted for 20

RING from page 12

law enforcement,’’ Marino said. “As long as people are willing to share their videos, it will help us.’’ In a world where customers always are under surveillance at supermarkets, big box stores and other public places, it shouldn’t be shocking that the same concept would be extended by technology into neighborhoods, he said. “We don’t have the ability to pull video from anyplace. This is a voluntary submission. We don’t have access unless you provide it to us,’’ Marino said. Police have been asking major companies for access to surveillance videos for decades while investigating a wide range of crimes, from armed robberies to even hit-and-run accidents, he said. “No one ever had privacy rights in public. Privacy and public are contradictory terms,’’ Marino said. “I think there is a misconception about what privacy is.’’ A Ring doorbell also recorded two thieves going through the owner’s car in a Mesa driveway while the unsuspecting owner was asleep inside his home. Mesa police eventually arrested the suspects. None of these incidents qualify as crimes of the century. Instead, they are what police often describe as crimes of opportunity – incidents that upset victims to no end but often do not lead to an arrest. But to Chandler, Mesa and Gilbert police – which all have relationships with Ring along with about 600 agencies nationally – the popular device represents another crime-solving tool. Residents can go to police web sites and enter a code to sign up for Ring’s Neighbors App, where videos are shared.

percent of all suicides involving teens and children, followed closely by a recent breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend (18 percent), an argument with a parent (16 percent) and drug abuse (14 percent). Bullying was a risk factor in 10 percent of all child suicides. But the report also noted, “For many of the child suicides, important information regarding risk factors was unknown or unavailable to review teams, even after law enforcement records were available.” However, of those suicides where a risk factor was determined, signs of suicide and substance abuse were the two leading factors. “There are ways to help children, youth, and their families strengthen pro-

“We’re not seeing it wipe out the burglary problem, but it gives residents a little bit of power,’’ said Mesa police Commander Ed Wessing. Residents download videos taken by the Ring, with a smart phone and other devices to Ring’s Neighbors App, alerting each other about suspicious activity. Police can view such videos through Ring’s law enforcement portal, using geo-fencing to monitor up to a five-mile area. Cops can also put out an alert requesting videos in response to a particular crime or crime trends, such as the vehicle burglaries. Police also say civil liberties are not violated because they have no direct access to anyone’s Ring system and do not monitor specific doorbells on a daily basis. “They are empowering each other through the Neighbors App, sharing the activity involved,’’ Wessing said. “Just like your neighborhood can view it, we can view it.’’ “It’s community-driven. These are videos they are giving us,’’ Wessing added. After a string of vehicle burglaries in the Dobson Ranch neighborhood, for instance, when thieves can commit 15-20 burglaries in short period of time, “it was overwhelming sought after and supported by the community,’’ he said. These agencies report no major crimes, such as homicides or sexual assaults, being solved by Ring. But they say the doorbell might just capture a fleeing suspect’s car driving by or license plate number that could be used a track down a suspect. “It’s a much faster way for us to canvass a neighborhood than 15 years ago,’’ Wessing said. The traditional police procedure is for

tective factors and prevent suicide,” the report said. “Some of these factors include seeking early treatment of effective clinical care for mental, physical and substance abuse issues; restricting access to lethal means of suicide; building strong family and support connections; gaining and retaining skills in problem solving, conflict resolution and stress management; having family, friends, and acquaintances taking any discussion of suicide seriously and seeking help.” To curb the growing trend, the report recommended funding and training for schools, communities and clinical and behavioral health services providers on the prevention of suicide, bullying, and related behaviors, monitoring children

officers to comb through a neighborhood, knocking on doors, looking for witnesses or others with information. A civil libertarian, however, argues that’s part of the problem with Ring. Depending upon how the settings are set by the owner, Ring can also record innocent people doing nothing wrong in a neighborhood – such as a delivery person simply leaving a package near a front door, someone soliciting contributions for charity or someone walking their dog along a familiar route. Evan Greer, deputy director of Fight for the Future, a digital civil rights advocacy organization, fears that Ring could create a nationwide neighborhood surveillance network, with police involved in cozy relationships with Ring and evidence obtained by police without obtaining a warrant. She said there are no oversight or safeguards, creating a permissive atmosphere where residents with no law enforcement training have engaged in racial profiling, automatically assuming that someone innocently walking through a neighborhood is acting suspicious because they are not white. “Speed matters. It changes the impact on society,’’ Greer said. “I think that’s what is so concerning. They don’t need a warrant. It allows them to do it astonishingly fast. It makes it so much easier.’’ With Ring becoming so popular, it’s hard to escape from surveillance, she said. “It’s not just stores, it’s literally everywhere,’’ Greer said. Greer’s fears were amplified when BuzzFeed.com reported that a former Chandler police assistant chief had spoken about the capability of matching Ring videos with facial recognition technology at a seminar in April before the International

and teens with known behavioral problems, enacting anti-bullying policies in all schools, educating families “about the consequences of family discord” and removing firearms from homes “where individuals are showing signs of mental health issues, depression, substance abuse or suicides.” “Monitor your child’s social media for any talk about suicide and take immediateaction. Encourage social media organizations to develop opportunities to flag information that might indicate suicidal thinking and respond with crisis information resources,” the report said, calling for funding for “quality behavioral health and substance use assessment and treatment services for youth and their families.”

Association of Chiefs of Police. Police have acknowledged that they have access to facial recognition technology through the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center, but Upshaw said that level of effort would be reserved for solving major crimes, not property crimes. “It’s there, but it’s for kidnappers, bank robbers, active killers,’’ Upshaw said. “We’re not going to use that for simple burglars and shoplifters.’’ Greer accuses Amazon, the owner of Ring, of turning police into glorified Ring salesmen. Police reject such a characterization. Upshaw said Ring gave Chandler police 25 doorbells when police entered into the agreement, and one new doorbell for every 20 people who sign up for the Neighbors App through the Chandler police web site. The relationship paid dividends in crime prevention when Chandler police gave a free doorbell to a woman in south Chandler who was being stalked by her ex-boyfriend after she ended the relationship and threw him out of her house. Upshaw said the ex-boyfriend is accused of terrorizing the woman for two months, slashing her tires, entering her house through a window and sending her text messages that he was watching her. The woman placed the Ring in an unconventional spot, not as a doorbell, and the video captured the ex-boyfriend trespassing on her property shutting off her power. Police arrested the ex-boyfriend at a hotel. Despite the privacy concerns, Wessing said, “At the end of the day, we are trying to prevent future victims.” Ahwatukee residents can download the free Neighbors app at download.ring. com/phoenixpd.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Lawsuit accuses lawmakers of illegal meetings BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

coalition of rights groups filed suit last week accusing state lawmakers of illegally meeting behind closed doors with special interests and violates Arizona’s Open Meeting Law. Attorneys for the organizations charge there is a quorum of at least five legislative committees attending the annual conference of the American Legislative Exchange Council. The organization, funded largely by corporate interests, serves as a clearinghouse of sorts for proposed changes in state laws across the nation can wind up being formally adopted by the Legislature. It is this process, the lawsuit states, which shuts the public out of the process at the earliest stages of amendments to state law. The fact there is a quorum present means the first action on the legislation effectively occurs behind closed doors. “When lawmakers are going to be debating, deliberating on, deciding upon the policies impacting every Arizonan, all

Arizonans have a right to be able to view and participate in that process,’’ said Heather Hamel, an attorney with The People’s Law Firm which is representing those who filed suit. “These proceedings completely undermine that.’’ The lawsuit names only the Arizona Legislature as a defendant and not any of the individual lawmakers. Attorney Aya Saed of the Center for Constitutional Rights, which also is representing the plaintiffs, said Arizona law is built around the premise that all meetings are open to the public. There are exceptions to allow for executive sessions, for only for certain specified purposes. Saed said the Exchange Council’s closed-door sessions give challengers no way of knowing exactly what went on, creating what the lawsuit calls a “circular impossibility’’ for someone to say that the meeting was illegal. “We’re essentially shifting the burden of proof and demanding that they tell us who it is and what it is they’re discussing,’’ she explained.

see MEETINGS page 16

ch, Holiday lun Reserve for t r, Dinner ge Happy Hou together.

LIVE MUSIC

CHRIS DONNELLY December 14th, 21st, & 28th

NEW YEARS EVE 11AM-9:30PM

BESTOF 1/2 OFF

2019

Lunch entree! with purchase of a 2nd entree. Must include the purchase of two beverages. Not valid with social hour pricing, daily/weekly specials, or any other promotions, discounts or specials. One coupon per table. Dine-in-ONLY at the Ahwatukee location. Equal or greater value, minimum $9.00 Expires12/31/19.

DINNER ENTREE!

with purchase of a 2nd entree. Must include the purchase of two beverages. Not valid with social hour pricing, daily/weekly specials, or any other promotions, discounts or specials. One coupon per table. Dine-in-ONLY at the Ahwatukee location. Equal or greater value, minimum $12.00 Expires12/31/19.

AHWATUKEE 4723 EAST RAY ROAD

480-705-0505

Coming Soon!

WATCH THE GAME WITH US!

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 1/2 OFF COME JOIN US CHRISTMAS EVE 11AM-8PM

Attorneys Heather Hamel, left, and Aya Saed discuss the lawsuit they filed against ther Arizona Legislature for allegedly violating the state Open Meetings Act. (Capitol Media Services)

Everything Made from Scratch Daily

Our reader poll is designed to let YOU tell us about your favorite people, places, shops, restaurants and things to do in Ahwatukee.

PEOPLE | PLACES | SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO

VOTING STARTS JANUARY 2, 2020! www.Ahwatukee.com

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Don’t miss school or work! Available hours from 7am - 7pm plus select Saturdays

MEETINGS from page 15

Andrew Wilder, spokesman for House Republicans called the action ``a politically driven and legally meritless lawsuit brought by far-left activists.’’ He said lawmakers from both parties attend a wide variety of policy conferences. There was no response from Senate Republicans. Bill Meierling, chief marketing officer for ALEC, called the press conference and lawsuit “a PR stunt.’’ He said that ALEC meetings are open to the media for free, and to anyone else who wants to pay the registration fee. General sessions are streamed live, though the individual committee meetings are not. But the bottom line, Meierling said, is that ALEC sees itself as a forum to educate lawmakers. “What we are is an academic institution that brings people together on an ongoing basis to engage in dialog on issues of importance,’’ he said. None of this, he said, runs afoul of the Open Meeting Law. “They’re not crafting legislation and they’re not looking at legislation,’’ Meierling said. “What they’re doing is discussing broad public policy.’’ Meierling does not dispute that ALEC is funded by business interests whose lobbyists and executives attend the sessions and are seeking a role in the education of lawmakers. But he said there is nothing exclusive about ALEC membership, saying any interest is free to join the dues-paying organization. The challengers, however, say what emerges from these meetings is “model legislation’’ that Arizona lawmakers who

GetConnected

$1000 Awarded To the School With the Most New Patients!

facebook.com/getoutaz twitter.com/getoutaz

BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS!

(until Dec. 31)

If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card or other debt, see how we can help.

480.240.9393

ClearSmilesAZ.com NE Corner Ray Rd and 44th St

attend the ALEC conferences can bring back to the Capitol and essentially cutand-paste it into legislative proposals. Sandra Castro, an activist with the Puente Human Rights Movement, said that SB 1070, the historic 2010 Arizona law aimed at illegal immigration, came directly from a draft crafted at an ALEC meeting. Parts of that law have since been struck down by federal courts. Meierling said SB 1070 was already adopted in Arizona before it became part of the ALEC agenda as a model for other states. Anyway, he said, ALEC no longer is involved in immigration issues. Other complaints centered around what they said is ALEC-inspired legislation to increase criminal penalties and build more private prisons. The lawsuit seeks more than a court order barring a quorum of any committee from attending future ALEC conferences without complying with the Open Meeting Law. Plaintiffs also want a judge to declare that any documents presented to lawmakers during ALEC meetings, including model bills, fact sheets, notes, minute, recording and presentations are public records and therefore have to be disclosed. State law says that all meetings of the Legislature and its committees are open to the public, though lawmakers can exempt themselves from requirements to post notices and agendas. On a broader perspective, the law defines “meeting’’ as “any gathering ... of a quorum of the members of a public body at which they discuss, propose or take legal action.’’ And it specifically includes “any deliberations by a quorum with respect to that action.’’

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Call today: 1-866-696-2697

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

H A R D W O O D • C A R P E T• L U X U R Y V I N Y L•T I L E • L A M I N AT E • C A B I N E T S A N D M O R E

of Chandler

ARIZONA ANNUAL CASA GRANDE GUN SHOW DECEMBER 14-15 SAT 9-5, SUN 9-3 Firearms, ammunition, tactical gear, accessories and more from the best vendors

Happy

Holidays

special

100 off

BRING THIS AD FOR CHANCE TO WIN

100

GIFT CERTIFICATE (FOR ANYTHING AT THE SHOW)

special

$200 off

your flooring purchase of $1,000 or more

your flooring purchase of $2,500 or more

Some restrictions apply. See store for details. Discount valid through January 3, 2020. Cannot be combined with any other offer or coupon.

N O S A L E S TA X O N I N S TA L L AT I O N S S P E C I A L 12- M O N T H F I N A N C I N G AVA I L A B L E! * O A C THERE’S A REASON WE’RE THE

MOST RECOMMENDED.

Now Serving Black Rifle Coffee General admission $8 Veterans and 55+: $7 Children under 12: Free

flooringamerica.com/review Dale & Becci Schnaible

Ahwatukee family owned since 1997

6909 W. Ray Rd., Ste. 5 (SE Corner of Priest & Ray)

www.flooringamericaofchandler.com Mon-Fri: 8-6, Sat: 9-4

Call (480) 775-0160 Now to schedule your Free In-home Estimate & Free Cabinet Design Service

PINAL COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 512 S. 11 Mile Corner Rd.

CASA GRANDE, AZ

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Lost Our Home Rescue gets Pulliam grant AFN NEWS STAFF

ost our Home Pet Rescue in Tempe received a $64,000 grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, pushing the no-kill shelter closer to its $2.4 goal for buying and renovating its shelter building. The no-kill shelter is raising money to purchase and restore the 8,400-squarefoot building they occupy at 2323 S. Hardy Drive and houses about 80 cats and dogs. “Mrs. Pulliam had a deep connection to animals and understood the powerful role they play in people’s lives,” said Lisa Shover Kackley, a Nina Mason Pulliam trustee. “In addition to adoption services to the public, Lost Our Home Pet Foundation’s unique programs provide women and children escaping abuse and homelessness peace of mind so they may focus on their own healing knowing their fourlegged family members are being well taken care of.” Lost Our Home was founded in 2008 as a grassroots response to the housing crisis left thousands of people displaced and thousands of pets abandoned. Founder and Executive Director Jodi Po-

Rescue dogs and cats will soon find more comfortable digs at the Lost Our Home Rescue shelter in Tempe. (Special to AFN)

lanski worked as a local mortgage banker during the time and was moved by the devastating results pet suffered. Service quickly expanded to also include a 90-day temporary care program and Pet Food Bank. In 2015, it partnered with Sojourner Center, one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the country.

“Today, the no-kill shelter is expanding again to serve more pets in need,” a Lost Our Home spokeswoman said. “The renovated shelter has a medical room to treat sick pets, improved safety and sanitation features throughout, increased capacity to help more pets, and enhanced overall quality and comfort for the dogs, cats and people who enter the shelter.” Polanski praised the Pulliam Trust for its gift, saying it will assist “with our growth to continually help more pets and pet parents in need.” “This building purchase and renovation is the largest project we have ever done to expand and improve the services we provide to the community and because of the generosity of the Nina Mason Pulliam

Charitable Trust, we are getting near our finish line of the $2.4 million needed to complete the project,” she added. The shelter is selling bricks for its Pathway of Hope to help raise the remaining funds. Bricks are available in three sizes for either $250, $500 or $1000. All donations of $100 or more are currently being matched by a generous donor and the bricks are engraved with the name of the donor’s pet. The trust helps people in need, protects animals and nature and enriches community life in metropolitan Indianapolis and Phoenix. Since its inception, the Trust has distributed more than $317 million. Lost Our Home runs the only shelter in Maricopa County dedicated to rescuing pets abandoned or at risk of homelessness due to pet parents’ life crises: eviction, domestic violence, job loss and illness. It has saved more than 5,600 pets, reunited another 700 pets with families through its temporary care program and fed 17,000 pets through their Pet-Food Bank Program. Information: LostOurHome.org or call 602-445-7387 (PETS).

Cynthia Worley BROKER ASSOCIATE

Ahwatukee Equestrian Estates 3,845 sqft | 4BR & Bath | Pool Soaring Ceilings, Stunning Flooring, Wet Bar, Resort Backyard & MORE

$789,900

480.330.7035 cynthia@stellarealtyAZ.com www.stellarealtyAZ.com

All ofﬁces independently owned and operated

Community DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

COMMUNITY

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee musician eyes Jerusalem Marathon BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

n March 20, more than 30,000 runners and walkers will participate in the international Jerusalem in Israel – one of the world’s most unique athletic events in marathons, half-marathons and 5K walks. And among them will be Ahwatukee resident, musician and businesswoman Rhonda Morrison. Morrison is raising funds through year’s end to help fund her once-in-a-lifetime journey to Israel for the ninth annual 42.2 kilometer Jerusalem Marathon, which attracts many elite runners from throughout the world. Although Morrison is a runner of 10K and 5K’s locally, this is her first marathon. To increase her stamina, she’s been hard at work training and increasing her mileage daily. She’s also running her first 15K this weekend in the Allstate Hot Chocolate. But, she admits she prefers hiking, es-

Ahwatukee businesswoman and musician Rhonda Morrison hopes to raise enough money by Dec. 31 to get to Jerusalem in March. (Special to AFN)

pecially on South Mountain, Mount Humphreys and the Grand Canyon. Still, the opportunity to run in the streets of Jerusalem and the surrounding

countryside means so much to her - so, she employed area trainers and coaches to help her prepare. The Jerusalem Marathon route begins next to the Knesset – Israel’s Parliament – and the renowned Israel Museum. Runners then enter the walled Old City by the Jaffa Gate, continuing past King David’s Citadel before exiting the ancient cobblestone streets through the Zion Gate. In all, it encompasses 3,000 years of Jerusalem’s history. The run continues to the Sherover Promenade with panoramic views of the “Holy Basin,” the Dome of the Rock, the restored Hurva Synagogue and the Mount of Olives. For Morrison, many of the sites she’ll be passing, as well as later tours arranged by the Run for Zion organization she opted to go with, are familiar places from her Bible studying - beginning as a young child. She recalled how she and her older brother Randell were well-versed in Biblical history through church attendance with their parents and the siblings would

often draw maps of Israel during church services, and then quiz each other later. “We’d draw maps with our crayons and say ‘here’s Bethlehem, here’s Jerusalem, there’s the Sea of Galilee. Our parents were very active in the church and we absorbed the Biblical stories and learned a lot about Israel.” She said she’s excited to have the chance to run and walk the streets and roads once trod by King David and Jesus and his disciples. “I’m really not a runner,” she said. “But when I learned of this opportunity, I was drawn to explore the possibilities of blessing Israel as the Bible encourages Christians, specifically, to do. “I thought ‘what if I could contact a trainer, a gym, a running coach, could it be attainable?’ My legs and feet would actually walk and run in the steps of Jesus Christ, my number one mentor.” Her determined quest led her to Michael Gerdis of Anytime Fitness, body

see ZION page 22

Ahwatukee artist aims to ‘spread light, energy’ BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

argaret Connery-Boyd combines two great passions in her life – oil painting and the healing art of Reiki – and reflects them in her work. “These two passions are combining right now,” said Connery-Boyd, who is showing some of her giclee and original artworks at Inner Vision Yoga Studio, 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwtaukee. Other of the Ahwatukee artist’s framed and unframed prints are exhibited at the IVY studios in Chandler and Tempe. All will remain through Jan. 2. “I am trying to spread light, be uplifting and share my joy and healing energy with others,” said Connery-Boyd. “I think my work reflects where I am in my life right nos.” Painting has been a life-long love of Connery-Boyd, who began painting as a child using watercolors. She was the youngest of six siblings and grew up in Springfield,

Margaret “Peg” Connery-Boyd of Ahwatukee reconnected with painting and has exhibits at Inner Vision Yoga studio in Ahwatukee and IVY studios in Chandler and Tempe. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

Massachusetts. “We weren’t well off growing up. My father was a teacher, so I knew I had to get a practical job, so I studied to be a computer programmer,” she explained. “I was

involved in computer programming and project management for 15 years.” “I refound art after a personal health crisis, and I had the blessing of studying with an amazing artist, Christopher Zhang. I

studied with him for about 10 years,” she added. With her degree from College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, Connery-Boyd – who prefers to be called Peg and signs her art with “P” – she pursued her art at the New London Art Students League and the Lyme Artist Association in Connecticut. During this period, she established oil painting as her main medium, rediscovering her talent in painting portraits and landscapes. “I’ve always done people and landscapes, even as a child. I still can’t get enough of it – landscapes especially,” she said. “I love mountains. And I get up to Sedona as much as I can as I feel really connected to God there.” There are several Sedona paintings in her oeuvre, including “Cool Colors in Sedona” and Sunset Glow,” both with prints available on her new website, ConneryBoydGallery.com.

see YOGA page 22

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

How to handle common parenting challenges BY DR. ARIE ZAKARYAN Guest Writer

he situations are all-too-familiar. The teenager who refuses to get out of bed. The middle-school daughter who rages when it’s time to shut off her phone. The 6-year-old who screams when she’s refused a new toy, and the pre-teen who punches the wall when his parents won’t allow video games until his homework is done. These kids are holding their parents hostage. Today’s moms and dads face a constant onslaught of demands, from home and work responsibilities to school projects and extracurricular schedules. Many simply don’t have the energy to battle their children. They give in to their kids’ demands – and make few demands of their own – in favor of momentary peace. This is especially true for parents of children who have difficult temperaments. Not surprisingly, they often walk

on eggshells or turn a blind eye to bad behavior to avoid a fight. Unfortunately, this can rob them of the joys of parenthood and instead consumed them with feelings of failure and guilt. How can parents – including those with moody and oppositional kids – course-correct to help their children grow into healthy, happy adults? These evidence-based parenting strategies can take the edge off challenging behaviors and restore happiness at home. Start small: Parents often try to tackle big issues all at once. This won’t work. Instead, I advise parents to take baby steps and address one issue at a time. If a child is frequently disrespectful, parents may set a simple, clearly defined goal for their child to use only kind and quiet words from 4-6 p.m. Rewards: Of course, a child or teenager won’t get on board if there’s no perceived prize. The reward should be attractive enough to compel an improvement in your child’s behavior, whether it be a night out with friends, a new toy or

game or a fun evening with Mom or Dad. Praise: Parents will find success by focusing on positive behaviors and ignoring negative behaviors, within reason. Many children act out because they want attention – even negative attention. Parents can meet these needs for attention by heaping praise on them when they make good choices. As the saying goes, “catch them being good.” Consequences: Parents should expect their child’s behavior to get worse before it gets better. Kids have learned if they fight hard enough or cry loudly enough, their mom or dad will give in. Parents should anticipate such occurrences and discuss with their children appropriate consequences, like the loss of a privilege or the addition of an extra chore. Though easier said than done, parents who respond consistently will see improvements over time. Time in: Instead of a timeout for bad behavior, parents can increase connection through regular time-ins with their children. This time-in – like a visit to the

bowling alley or a movie night at home – must not be contingent on good behavior. Time-ins are separate from other behavioral goals and are intended to strengthen the parent-child relationship. The majority of these parenting strategies were first put forth by Alan Kazdin, Ph.D., a noted professor and researcher of child behavior. All of the interventions have proven effective in my own work with families. Parents who are concerned about their child’s behavior go beyond willfulness or teenage angst should seek advice from their pediatrician. The doctor may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy with a psychologist or counselor. Most importantly, moms and dads should expect to stumble. It’s about setting manageable goals, aiming for small improvements and cutting themselves some slack when things go wrong. - Dr. Arie Zakaryan is with Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 42

Christmas Eve Services 5:00 PM Kid-oriented and family friendly service concluding with glowstick candlelight.

7:00 PM Service with Holy Communion, choir, traditional carols concluding with candlelight.

Something to Smile About!

Exam & Digital X-rays

$29

Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Offers may not be combined. Exp. 12-31-19.

Join us for Cookies and Cider after each service.

Crowns

$750

Harvey Arnce, D.D.S.

2156 E. Liberty Lane, Phoenix

(480) 460-1025 www.desertfoothills.org

• General Dentistry • Orthodontics - Invisalign • Teeth Whitening - Zoom • Implants

480.704.0701

• Crown / Bridgework • Dentures • Oral Surgery / Extractions

15425 S. 40th Pl., Phoenix, 85044 40th St. & Chandler Blvd.

Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Offers may not be combined. Exp. 12-31-19.

Implant

$1,400

Coupon must be presented to receive discount. Offers may not be combined. Exp. 12-31-19.

www.ironwooddentalcenter.com

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Desert Home Cleaning Service, Inc.

CARPET, Ahwatukee! UPHOLSTERY, TILE & GROUT

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL 5 Rooms Only $80

Combined living area and/or area over 300 sq.ft. Considered separate rooms NO HIDDEN CHARGES

• OWNER OPERATED • 36 YEARS EXPERIENCE • TRUCK MOUNTED EQUIPMENT

Cleaning includes Pre-Treating Most Furniture Moved Carpet Groomed

480.759.3361

Protector and deodorizer available

Find Any Hidden Charges and the Cleaning is FREE!

WE’VE REINVENTED SENIOR LIVING. C O M E F I N D O U T W H AT M A K E S U S U N I Q U E ! This Holiday season, consider donating to the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee. Kiwanis is heading up a community effort to provide Christmas gifts to Foster Youth in Group Homes. Without the help of community support, these children would otherwise not have a gift under the tree. Items in need are: Clothing Items: (Men’s sizes) Sweat pants Pajama pants Gym/sport shorts T-shirts Socks Boxer shorts Flip Flops

Stocking Stuffers: $25 Walmart or Target gift cards $25 Harkins or AMC movie gift cards$10 Fast food gift cards Toiletry items Disposable razors Shaving cream Toothpaste Deodorant

COME SEE US! WE ARE A DROP OFF LOCATION!

For every donation brought in, your name will be entered into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate at a local restaurant of our choosing.

(480) 485-3000

15815 South 50th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85048

www.livgenerationsahwatukee.com

COMMUNITY

YOGA from page 19

Some of Connery-Boyd’s best selling art pieces are of sunsets – “End of a Wonderful Day” and “Awakening” are two of her more popular pieces, both sold as giclees. Her website has a large assortment of categories including portraits, colorful and contemporary, walking in the desert, sunsets and seascapes and restorative series. “I feel the energy of the subject I’m painting and convey it from my brushes to the canvas,” she said. “In some ways, I feel I am the interpreter.” She said though she was trained in realism, of late her paintings show evidence of “exploring the space between the realistic

ZION from page 19

trainer Vegas Davis and Susan Loken of Believe, Train, Become – all of whom continue to help her train. “They, as well as my beloved Ahwatukee and its unusually tight-knit community, took on the goal of getting me ready to face this challenge head-on,” she said. Morrison is an unabashed fan of Ahwatukee because it was here, she said, where she was able to begin her life again after enduring years of physical and emotional abuse in a marriage to a minister. She recounted how she came to Ah-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

and the abstract.” “What is reality anyway when the light changes every second?” she mused. It’s the energy that fills her art and her Reiki practice helped her accept an invitation to show her prints at Inner Vision Yoga studios. “I feel my work is in synch with some of the same goals as Inner Vision Yoga: to create a sense of peace and spaciousness and to uplift,” she said. “I spend a lot of time in meditation and prayer and my intention is to share the divine connection through my painting.” Connery-Boyd explained how being a Reiki master has affected her art as well. “When I’m sending Reiki to a person,

watukee after visiting a friend in 2006 to heal, physically and emotionally. She searched out Phoenix medical therapists to help her healing process. “When I first came to Ahwatukee, there were signs everywhere welcoming people that read, ‘Warm People, Bright Future.’ It was very providential,” she said. “Physically, I’m a living miracle.” The owner of Ahwatukee Music – where she provides music instruction to adults and children – explained: “After enduring an abusive marriage, my health was shattered in 2005. I was living in Tulsa, and I’d researched some

I sort of turn on a faucet and a current of energy flows through me to an individual. It is the same kind of peaceful and joyful energy I often feel when I am meditating or when I am surrounded by stillness in nature,” she said. “When I’m painting, I purposefully set an intention to do the same thing - to share the same healing light, joy and grace with those may may experience the piece. I also add a Reiki blessing to each piece, so all of my artwork comes with a little gift of healing light.” Her revival of painting as a life course has expanded her outlook, including intermingling with artists of all ages. “I just feel so lucky to be doing this at my

options for rebuilding my health. I found some promising options in the Phoenix area. I made arrangements to travel here and stay short- term as I embarked upon what I knew could be the last chance at restoring my health,” she recounted. “I fell in love with Ahwatukee, the process of healing began and results flowed in waves of supernatural magnitude, including learning of a need for a pianist to play the grand piano at Mountain Park Community Church. I also started teaching a few students at Music Makers, became involved in the worship team at Mountain Park Community Church and

age, in my late fifties, to have something that I love waking up for every day. Especially as other aspects of my life slow down a bit with children growing up and moving in all directions, and my body showing its wear and tear,” she said. “I feel very blessed to have this gift of painting which still energizes me and makes me feel like a kid sometimes. I also love how artwork can cross the generational gaps; I enjoy meeting young artists still in school, as well as friends into their eighties in the art groups that I belong to. “Art is such a wonderful thing that brings people together. All different kinds of people can appreciate a beautiful sunset on a canvas.”

have never looked back!” Another miracle occurred this past summer when a car avoiding another auto’s illegal turn, crashed head-on with Morrison’s vehicle at the light. Her right leg, ankle and arm were injured and she suffered whiplash. But with her eye on Run for Zion and the Jerusalem Marathon, she was undeterred. Morrison is undertaking her journey through Run for Zion, a ministry of the Genesis 123 Foundation, a U.S. non-profit whose mission is to provide meaningful

see ZION page 23

YOUR TODDLER'S EDUCATION BEGINS AT SUMMIT

Join us for, Toddler Discoveries, a weekly two-hour parent and toddler class that takes place inside of Summit's NAEYC accredited preschool!

This is the perfect opportunity for your little one to build a solid social/emotional and intellectual foundation needed for success in preschool and beyond.

Now Providing Orthodontics!

480-759-1119 4232 E. Chandler Blvd. #10, Phoenix, AZ 84048

www.jungleroots.com

Happyys! Holida

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

ZION from page 22

ways to connect Jews and Christians with Israel while “blessing Israel, per God’s injunction.” As a musician who plays in a band with her brother, Morrison said she’d always owned and taught at her own music studio. Not long after arriving in Ahwatukee, and finding her body and soul recovering, she established Ahwatukee Music and became more involved in the local music community. Morrison said while she is thrilled to run in the Jerusalem Mara- Rhonda Morrison is an avid runner, though her Jerusalem visit will involve her thon, it is the aid given first marathon. (Special to AFN) to many Israel charities through Run for Zion that makes her ways been to be baptized in the Jordan fundraising more worthwhile. River,” said Morrison. “By joining with me, donations support She said she is not unaware of the conimportant needs such as Aliya – the pro- troversy Israel faces over the Palestinian phetic ingathering of exiles – caring for issue. Holocaust survivors in the last years of “I realize there are many opinions and their lives, the providing of critical med- harsh words swirling in the wind conical services and social welfare for young cerning Israel and its ongoing unrest, but men and women, and helping orphans I am not one to choose sides and publicize and children at-risk,” she said. opinion. My modus operandi is to simply Fundraising has had its ups and downs, lean on my deep roots in the timeless Bibsaid Morrison, but she optimistically per- lical admonition regarding Israel as found severes, stating on her Facebook page, in Numbers 24:9, Good News translation: “Rhonda Run for Zion. Remember, I don’t ‘The nation is like a mighty lion. When it is need a lot of money from a few; I need sleeping, no one dares wake it. Whoever a little money from many. $6,000 = 600 blesses Israel will be blessed and whoevpeople donating $10. I believe!” er curses Israel will be cursed.’ Her young life’s learning experiences in “I’ve studied Israel, its place in history church and the Bible have made this jour- and current events, as well as the life and ney all the more meaningful. travels of Jesus Christ since I was a little “Having studied Israel, its place in his- girl in Bible studies. This is a once in a tory and in the future through the lens of lifetime missionary journey for me, and the Bible since I was 5 years old, I’ve alan opportunity to help many Israelis in ways wanted to visit Israel,” she said. need.” “I envision how the words, places and Morrison is nearly halfway to her fundevents in the Bible will pop out of the pag- raising goal and is hopeful more donaes and become even more believable as tions will be made before her Dec. 31 I witness first-hand the streets of Jerusa- deadline. She is also available to speak lem, the Garden of Gethsemane, the hill about Run for Zion to local groups and called Mount Calvary where the crucifix- churches. ion occurred, the Sea of Galilee and the Morrison is a licensed minister through Dead Sea, and the Jordan River, to name the Indiana nonprofit, Starfishers. Her aua few.” tobiography, “In the Shadow of the Stee“Although I was baptized at 8 years of ple: Finding God’s Grace and Mercy” will age, my ultimate spiritual dream has al- be published in 2020. Donations can be made on the Facebook page Rhonda Run for Zion Starfishers or directly at RunforZion.com by entering her name, Rhonda Morrison, in the Sponsor A Runner box.

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Are you invested properly? Get a second opinion Joseph B. Ortiz, AAMS , CRPS ®

Financial Advisor

8950 S. 52nd St., Ste. 209, Tempe, AZ 85284 (SE corner of I-10 & Warner Rd.)

480.753.7664 Member SIPC

www.edwardjones.com

Explore BASIS. Discover excellence in accelerated education.

AROUND AHWAUTKEE

Holiday boutique slated Saturday at Mountain Park Church

Mountain Park Church, 16461 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee, will hold its 11th annual holiday boutique 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Vendors are welcome to sell their wares and mush register at mountainpark.org. Food, music and raffles also will be offered.

‘Bring Your Own Parent Volleyball’ session tonight explains program

Parents can learn about BYOP – or “Bring Your Own Parent” – volleyball at an informational session 6-7 p.m. tonight, Dec. 11, at Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. BYOP is an eight-week program for kids ages 5-7 and 8-10, no matter what skill or ability level that teaches volleyball fundamentals alongside their parent. Each hour-long session tries to build on a solid foundation of skills that the sport requires. The Tuesday sessions will be 6-7 p.m. for kids 5-7 and 7-8 p.m. for ages 8-10 at the AZ Region Volleyball Facility located at 7100 W. Erie Street, Chandler. Information: 480-580-4393 or byopphoenix@gmail.com. Registration: byopphoenix.weebly.com

Corpus Christi hosting free Christmas concert Friday at the church

Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 3550 E. Knox Road, Ahwatukee, is hosting a Christmas choir concert Friday, Dec, 13 at the church. At 6:15 p.m., a children’s concert will be held followed by the combined adults choir concert at 7 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public.

Esperanza Lutheran Church offering special services, programs

Explore Apply for 2020-2021 Open Enrollment by December 16, 2019

Grades 4–12

During Advent, Esperanza Lutheran Church hosts a Wednesday service to nurture hope in frenetic and divisive times at 7 p.m. in the church, 2601 Thunderhill Place, Ahwatukee. Tonight, Dec. 11, the congregation will join in the Holden Evening Prayer, a vespers service composed in 1985-86 at the mountaintop retreat center Holden Village in Washington by composer Marty Haugen. The music is contemporary and inclusive. The Blue Christmas service is Dec. 18. The service is designed to bring solace and hope to people who are grieving loved ones, who have suffered other types of loss or who are lonely and sad. Christmas Eve services are at 4 p.m. for children, 7 p.m. contemporary with carols and candlelight and 8:30 p.m. traditional with carols and candlelight. Christmas service is at 10 a.m. Sunday worship services are at 8:30 a.m. (traditional) and 10:30 a.m. (contemporary); Sunday School and youth groups also meet on Sundays. Information: 480-759-1515.

Phoenician Oasis slates cooking classes in private Ahwatukee home

Phoenician Oasis offers cooking classes for all ages in an Ahwatukee home. Learn how to make low-fat, low-sodium and low-sugar dishes as well as bread-making, vegan, French and international cuisines while savoring gourmet hors d’oeuvres and sipping wine or cold drinks. Upcoming bread classes: Dec. 14 and 28 and Jan. 11 and 25. Vegan classes: 1Dec. 21 and Jan. 4 and 18. Details: phoenicianoasis.com or 480-888-5521

Ahwatukee women’s group needs bears, blankets to benefit Cardon center

The Ahwatukee Women’s Golf Association is again con-

ducting annual Blankets & Bears drive – the 20th it has held to benefit kids. The beneficiary this year is the Cardon Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Hospital. Previous beneficiaries have included Phoenix Fire Station # 38; Cardon Children’s Hospital; ER at Banner Desert (now Cardon Children’s, Mesa Fire and the Child Crisis Center. New knitted, crocheted and fleece blankets of all kinds are needed. (If they are too large or inappropriate for a child, they will be donated to the homeless). Crib size or smaller is preferred but there is a need for any size. Stuffed animals must be new, soft and cuddly and something that a child can hold and carry. Donations are accepted at the dining room of Ahwatukee Country Club, 48th Street and Warner Road, 32 S 48th Street, Ahwatukee. Items will be placed under the ACC Christmas Tree and packaged and delivered. Information: text Joyce Blobner @ 480-381-4195.

Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill slates holiday dance party with specials

Cactus Jack’s Bar & Grill, southwest corner of Elliot Road and 48th Street, Ahwatukee, will hold a holiday dance party starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 18. It will include free line-dancing lessons at 5:30 p.m. and open line and couples dancing at 7 p.m. Specials and raffles also are planned. Information: Carrie@dancemeetsfitness.net, 480-221-9090.

Cardio and line-dancing classes at Pecos Center taught by Carrie McNeish

Ahwatukee certified fitness instructor, Carrie McNeish is lining up beginner and intermediate/advanced line dancing classes and Muscle Mania cardio fitness classes next month at Pecos Center in Ahwatukee, starting the first week in January. No partner or experience is necessary for the dancing classes. Beginner dance classes are at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 11:15 a.m. Thursdays; the others are at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 12:15 p.m. Thursdays. Muscle Mania is a small-group personal training class in a comfortable environment. They are at 11 a.m. Mondays and 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays. Register for any class in person or at apm.activecommunities.com/phoenix/Home. Information: 480-221-9090, cmcneish@cox.net, or dancemeetsfitness.net.

Y OPAS needs volunteers to help local seniors get to the doctor, grocery

The Ahwatukee Family YMCA’s Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors needs volunteers to help Ahwatukee seniors maintain independent living. Services include transportation to appointments, shopping and errands as well as friendly phoning and visiting, social activities and minor handyman services and minor business help. The agency is most in need of drivers. If you would like to volunteer, call the Y OPAS office at 602-212-6088 or visit the Ahwatukee Foothills YMCA, 1030 Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee.

Yoga ministry offers free sessions at Mountain Park Church in Ahwatukee

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.

Try Art in the Garden Studio for holiday fun as well as classes by skilled artists

The holidays at Art in the Garden Studio offer many classes for gift giving. Customize ornaments, canvas, wine glasses,

see AROUND page 26

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

GRAB LIFE BY THE HANDLEBARS

MORE ADVENTURE

Activities, travel, learning, growing — it’s all here for you. Enjoy your neighbors at a community happy hour, go on an excursion to the local museum, or venture out on your own wild ride — you decide.

Age fearlessly. Live colorfully.® Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care

MP Ahw Foothills 11 13 27 19

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Book club donates Seuss works

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12

CALENDAR

Crocheting for a Cause

Join a volunteer-led group of knitters and crotchetiers to create blankets for non-profit organizations that assist children and families in crisis or transition. 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.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 Cross stitch for all

The Pointe of View Book Club on Dec. 14 will be donating 40 Dr. Seuss books to Frank Elementary School in Guadalupe. They wanted to “spread the love of reading to the children in the community.” The book club formed seven years ago in Pointe South Mountain when recent arrivals discovered a common love of reading. The club has been meeting monthly ever since. This is their first outreach in the community. Members include, from left, Susan Winchell, Bobbi Illing, Pam Thompson, Madaline Chaney, Bonnie Fields and Valerie Ettinger. (Special to AFN)

AROUND from page 24

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.

Comedy club show Saturday

The Ahwatukee Comedy Club show starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at Tukee Urban Kafe, 15815 S. 50th St., after a 6:30 p.m. concert by Lenny LIzzard the Lounge Siinger. Purchase tickets for $15 after facebooc.com/ahwatukeecomedyclub or for $20 at the door. Tickets a drink.

In anticipation of the latest movie interpretation of Louise May Alcott’s classic book Little Women, join us for a beginner’s introduction to a sewing craft the civil war era characters may have practiced: cross stitching. Crafters ages 6 - 600 will stitch their own small hanging needlework piece, with step-by-step instructions by staff and supplies provided by the Friends of the Phoenix Public Library Ironwood Chapter. DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-noon, Ironwood Library, 4333 E, Chandler Blvd. Ages: 6 through adult Free. No registration required.

Library Teen Council Meeting

LTC meets the second Saturday of every month to plan teen events at Ironwood Library. Join us to earn community service hours, make friends, and have fun. DETAILS>> 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: 12-17 years. Free. No registration required.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15

The need for blood is great around the holidays, please consider giving at Men of Emanuel’s blood drive. The Vitalant (formerly United Blood Services) Bloodmobile will collect whole blood and Power Red donations. Appointments recommended at bloodhero.com, type in sponsor code: templeemanuel DETAILS>> 8 a.m.-noon, Temple Emanuel, 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Information: scaputo@yahoo.com

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 Writers Critique Group

The third Tuesday of every month bring five double-spaced pages of writing to get feedback from your fellow writers. DETAILS>> 6-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free. No registration required.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Red Cross blood drive

Give the gift of blood at this American Red Cross blood drive. Appointments are recommended and can be made at redcrossblood.org; select the “Donating Blood” option to submit your appointment time. Walk-in donations are also welcome, as available. DETAILS>> 2-6:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages: Adults. Free.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 Tukee Christmas House

“The Ahwatukee Christmas House” opens its doors one day a year for folks to enjoy a home literally transformed into all things Christmas. Visitors will find over 100 animated figures, ornaments and nativities from around the world, an 8-foot wall of

see CALENDAR page 28

Blood drive

The Best Place to Watch Your Favorite Sports Teams! CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY!

Best Burger in town!

Made in-house, 1/2 lb. Angus beef. Fresh not forzen. Vegan and Vegetarian burgers available.

OFF

YOUR ENTIRE BILL!

Dine in only, with coupon. Not valid with any other offer. Of Equal or Lesser Value. Excluding Alcohol. Expires 12/31/19

799

Per Dozen!

Dine In Only Thursday Wing Special

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS! Every Day • 3pm -7pm JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!

Off Track

Betting

15410 S. Mountain Pkwy. (NW Corner 40th St & Chandler Blvd. behind Walgreens) • 480-759-4034 • www.bleacherssportsgrill.com

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

First annual Tukee Trot was a soggy success

BY ALLY RICHMOND AFN Contributor

espite a steady downpour, more than 300 people ranging in age from 4 to 82 showed up for the first annual Tukee Trot 5K the day after Thanksgiving. The run began at 8:30 a.m., but many runners arrived as early as two hours ahead of time in the cold dark to get their racing packets and t-shirts. “It was great to have a race like this in our community, especially around Thanksgiving when families were together, and alumni were home visiting and could enjoy the run together,” said Michael Bucci, a cross-country coach at Desert Vista High School. The weather did not dampen the spirits of the participants as they arrived with running shoes on their feet and smiles on their faces. “It brought people together, even in the cold rain and it was heartwarming to see,” said April Donihi, a participant and one of the volunteers who helped to plan the event. The race started and ended just outside the Desert Vista student parking lot. “The best part of the event was witnessing the level of community involvement in putting on an event of this size after Thanksgiving holiday and the level of family participation at this event despite the inclement weather. It was a wonderful way to bring the local community together,” said Ean White, who placed fifth in the men’s 40-49 category. The 5K portion of the event was a success and many people finished with impressive times. For women overall, Megan Ping came in first; Tracy Campagnano, second; and Eryn Schimisseur, third. For overall men, Seamus White placed first, followed by Reece Donihi and Bryce Schimisseur, second and third place, respectively. “It was fun running around on our streets with other people from the community,” said Erin Hammond, who came in third for women in the 19-24 category. The event also featured a mile-long fun run for kids, called the “Quail Run.”

Among the participants at the first Tukee Trot were, on left, Desert Vista High School Marching Band Josh Thye and his kids, Madelyn, Amelia and Oliver while Matt Anciaux dressed as a quail to lead the Quail Run. (Ally Richmond/Special to AFN)

Desert Vista cross-country alumnus Matt Anciaux sported a quail costume, complete with headpiece and wings, as kids chased him around the perimeter of Vista Canyon Park. At the end of the race, tents were set up to hand out Tukee Trot mugs as well as water bottles, chocolate milk, granola bars, bananas, and bagels courtesy of BagelMan. Tukee Trot was planned entirely by local volunteers over many months. It would not have been possible if not for the support of community volunteers, Desert Vista High School, the Phoenix Police and the Phoenix Parks Department, organizers said. “There were so many people who could have stayed home and chosen not to. It was great to see it all come together and without them, it could not have happened!” said Donihi. The race was also sponsored by several local vendors, including Global Bikes, Sole Sports, Orfe Kelly Real Estate, Illuminate You Fitness, The Ahwatukee Foothills News, The Kyrene Foundation and Prichette Physical Therapy. This 5K was created not only as a community and family experience but also to help benefit the Kyrene Resource Center. The Kyrene Resource Center supports Kyrene students and their families with immediate needs, including food, clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies.

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

Participants of the Tukee Trot were encouraged to bring toys to donate to the Center to help with their upcoming Winter Wonderland. Winter Wonderland is an annual event where families can come to receive Christmas gifts and pajamas for their children as well as a Bashas’ gift card. Last year, the center provided gifts for 232 families. In addition to toy donations, the event raised $1,000 for the Center. Overall, the event was a success both

in helping benefit the Kyrene Resource Center and in helping bring the community together. “Given positive word of mouth and better weather conditions, I predict the turnout will be even better next year. I highly encourage our neighbors to consider participating in this event next year,” said White. Information: kyrenefoundation.org.

Lamb of God Lutheran Church Phoenix (Ahwatukee Foothills), AZ

December 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: 6:30 PM December 25 – Christmas Day Festival Service: 9:30 AM Join us to hear the Christmas story and celebrate the birth of Jesus Join us to hear the Christmas story and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! Christ! Ourwill worship featuremessage, an inspiring Our worship featurewill an inspiring favoritemessage, Christmas favorite carols, Christmas carols, a place to love. find and a place to find God’sand world-changing God’s world-changing love. Everyone is welcome! Questions? (480) 283-8329

Everyone is welcome! Questions? (480) 283-8329599 E. Chandler Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85048 MyLambofGod.org 599 E. Chandler Blvd.

Phoenix, AZ 85048

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR from page 26

angels, a 12-foot Christmas tree, over 75 nutcrackers, train sets, an 85-house village, over 30,000 lights in and around the house, and Santa Claus himself. The magic of Christmas will surround guests. DETAILS>> 6-9 p.m. 2313 E. Taxidea Way, Ahwatukee. Free, but bring a can of food for a food bank.

Pop-Up musical

Enjoy holiday classics performed by the Desert Vista High School Music Club! Families with children ages 0-5 may want to stay for the Polar Express Storytime 6:30-7 p.m. DETAILS>> 6-6:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. All Ages. Free. No registration required.

Polar Express

Wear your pajamas and join us for this special holiday storytime featuring the classic children’s book The Polar Express. Come early to enjoy the Desert Vista Music Club. DETAILS>> 6:30-7 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 0-5 years. Free. Tickets are required and limited and available 30 minutes before the program start time.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20

Hanukkah celebrated

Congregation Nefesh Sould will celebrate Hanukkah and Shabbat at a special service, DETAILS>> 6:15 p.m., 640 W. Del Rio St., Chandler.

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.

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.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

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.

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

Overcome painful experiences

Men’s H.O.P.E., an acronym for Helping Overcome Painful Experiences, meets weekly for confidential and candid conversations about divorce, dependencies and relationshps. DETAILS>> 6:30-8:15 p.m. Mountain Park Church 16461 S. 48th St. (Southeast corner of Frye & 48th)

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

Chandler Blvd. Ages 24-47 months. Free. Tickets are limited and available 30 minutes before program start time.

Sit, Stay, Read!

Emerging readers of all ages can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy animal & human team. #SitStayRead #IronwoodLibrary DETAILS>> Wednesdays December 11 & 18, 4:00-5:00 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. All Ages. Free. No registration required.

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: Nov. 27 and Dec. 11.

THURSDAYS

Fun with watercolors

People can get step-by-step instructions in water-coloring whether they are beginners or intermediates. DETAILS>> 1-3:30 pm at Michael’s at 48th Street and Ray Road, Ahwatukee. $25/class. Sign up online:michaels.com/classesand-events/classroom. Information: Judy Lokits, instructor. 954-234-1768.

Teen Thursdays @ the Library

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.

We provide the snacks and fun; you just bring yourself and a friend for gaming, karaoke, crafting, snacks, and more! #IronwoodLibrary DETAILS>> Thursdays, 4-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E Chandler Blvd. Ages: 12-18 years. Free. No registration required. Not held Dec. 26

Meditation meetings

Networking group meets

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

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.

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. Upcoming speakers: Nov. 21, Vicki McAllister, Senior Advocacy Group of Ahwatukee; and Dec. 12, Adrian Fontes County Recorder. DETAILS>>7:30 a.m. Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee. Information: mike.maloney2003@gmail.com.

see CALENDAR page 29

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

CALENDER from page 28

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

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

Shabbat Services

Ahwatukee Rabbi Susan Schanerman leads Shabbat services the first and third Friday of the month. DETAILS>> 7 p.m. first Friday of the month, 6:15 p.m. third third. Congregation NefeshSoul meets at the Valley Unitarian

GetConnected facebook.com/getoutaz twitter.com/getoutaz

Call today to connect with a

SENIOR LIVING ADVISOR INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE UNDERSTAND YOUR OPTIONS — Learn the different types of senior care available LOCAL KNOWLEDGE — Our Advisors have the local knowledge to help you hand pick communities in your area SIMPLIFY — Your dedicated Advisor will simplify your search and help schedule tours EXPERIENCE — Our Advisors help thousands of families understand their options every day

There’s no cost to you!

(844) 880-2798 ! We’re paid by our partner communities

A Place for Mom has helped over a million families find senior living solutions that meet their unique needs. Our Advisors are trusted, local experts who can help you understand your options.

Joan Lunden Lunden, journalist, best-selling author, former host of Good Morning America and senior living advocate.

Universalist near Kyrene and Ray roads, Chandler. Information: nefeshsoul.org

Running with Rosco

SATURDAYS

Reading Hebrew

A beginner’s class in learning to read Hebrew will be held Saturdays in December and January. DETAILS>> Valley Unitarian Universalist near Kyrene and Ray roads, Chandler. Taught by Ahwatukee Rabbi Susan Schanerman. Rabbi@nefeshsoul.org for details.

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.

Submit your releases to pmaryniak@ timespublications.com St. John Bosco students, from left, Shelby Savoy, Riley Snyder, Aubrey Keane, Sophie Vaughn and Adrienne Noble joined their classmates and teachers in in running laps with school mascot Rosco the Bulldog in an event that helped fitness as well as the school’s fundraising campaign for technology. The school also is collecting 300 pairs of pajamas for foster kids in its Jaammie Jingles program. The greatest need is for boys’s sizes 6-18. Donatioons can be dropped off at the school, 16035 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. Information: 480219-4848. (Special to AFN)

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Miracle League is a home-run for these kids BY MELODY BIRKETT AFN Contributor

trikes, home runs and even wins aren’t all that important for the Miracle League of Arizona – the 300 special-needs athletes, ages 4 and up, who comprise it, play ball at a North Scottsdale park to have fun. “Our pitcher has never gotten anyone out in six years,” said Al Maag, past president of Miracle League of Arizona. “Almost every game ends up in a tie.” “Everybody bats and they take the field, basically two innings,” said Maag. “They all get walk-up music and announced. They have their name on the back of their uniforms. They sing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame.’ They get together after the game is over and all have a little cheer for their own team and shake hands.” Maag comes every Saturday to watch the children play from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “We’ve added a batting cage, an adaptive playground and picnic area,” said Cassandra Switalski, executive director of the Miracle League of Arizona. “We also added a video scoreboard just to give our families the Major League feel where they

time, whether at bat or in the field,” explained Maag. “So, they have a friend right away. Some get very attached to each other. And then you get kids who have their family members help out.” The play is free as the Miracle League relies on sponsors and Xavier Gray takes a swing during a game sponsored by the Miracle League of Arizona. fundraisers to (Melody Birkett/AFN Contributor) survive. can come here, enjoy a day at the ballpark, “It’s one thing we’re so proud of, too,” and then go home and enjoy the rest of said Switalski. “We know parents have their weekend.” other expenses with medical costs, transOut of 300 Miracle Leagues in the U.S., portation, making everything adaptive so Scottsdale has the only stadium with a flat the last thing we want is for them not to field to accommodate wheelchairs. be able to participate because of funding.” While parents are in the stands, cheerThe leagues run in nine months of the ing their junior player on, a buddy is as- year, with summer being a break time signed to each child. because of hot weather. Each season is “The buddy sticks with them the whole about seven weeks.

“The majority of our leagues are recreational,” explained Maag. “Everyone hits. Everyone scores. It ends in a tie every time. But then we do have competitive leagues where we do adaptive strikes and closer to the real games of baseball for some of our athletes who want to use their skill and knowledge at a higher level.” “For me personally, I have a strong connection because I have two siblings who have special needs,” said Switalski. “I have two younger brothers who are athletes here. They play twice a week. My father coaches. “It’s just a family-run affair for me. It’s so great because when I was growing up I was playing sports and they were supporting me and now it’s all about them. I feel very fortunate.” Sarah and Dean Allen’s 9-year-old twin boys play every week. “It’s good because they can interact with their peers,” said Sarah. “They can talk about baseball. It helps them with interactions on the baseball field. It’s just amazing how easy it is to join in and how

see MIRACLE page 31

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

MIRACLE from page 30

welcome the coaches and the volunteers are. It’s also nice the way all of the buddies look after them. They can just go out there and play.” Added Dean: “It’s fantastic. We know the boys are going to be safe while they’re playing. The buddies and volunteers understand the boys have special-needs they need to be catered to. When we come, it’s great for us because it’s rare we get to just sit and watch our boys have fun without us worrying about what they’re doing.” Thomas Allen, one of their sons, likes it too. “I like making friends and running around because I’m more of an active person and I enjoy sports a lot,” said Thomas, who dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. Jessica Terrazas said Miracle League has done wonders for her daughter Maia, who can’t speak without an electronic talking device. “When Maia started, I couldn’t even get her on the field,” said Terrazas. “She was crying. The noise. The people. Everything was so overwhelming. I know she liked sports. She loved to throw a ball. And then to be able to have this experience for her and play baseball and be around all of

when they’re playing baseball. Because she can’t talk, it’s different for her to make friends at school. So, being able to play baseball here and throw a ball and use a bat, when she sees people at school doing it, she goes and does it then. “She feels Maia Camarillo is all smiles playing at the Miracle League of Arizona’s Scottsdale field. comfortable. (Melody Birkett/AFN Contributor) They have no these people it has just brought her out of idea she’s non-verbal. So it disappears her shell. She just feels so important, so and she blends in with the crowd. This has brought so much joy and happiness good when she gets off the field.” At the end of the season, all players get to Maia.” Lisa Gray’s son, Xavier, has vision chala trophy. “She holds onto it and she’s just so lenges but the 10-year-old doesn’t let that proud,” Terrazas said. “She’s been able stop him from pursuing his dream of beto make friends here. She sees different coming a professional baseball player. “He absolutely loves it and everybody people every week. Her anxiety has gotten better. She plays with friends at school here knows him as the slide king,” said

HAWTHORN COURT AT AHWATUKEE

A Memory Care Community ASK ABOUT OUR RESPITE READY PROGRAM.

Announcing All-Inclusive Pricing! ◆ Now Offering a Furnished, Shared Suite! ◆ Secure, Open and Naturally Lit Neighborhoods ◆ Fresh, Home-Style Meals ◆ Trained and Caring Tenured Staff Visit today and learn how we can make a difference for your family member experiencing dementia. We have a compassionate staff that wants to meet and care for your loved one.

13822 South 46th Place • Phoenix, AZ

(480) 598-1224

www.hawthorncourtseniorliving.com follow us on facebook

Gray. “Every time he makes a home-run he has to slide literally all of the way in so he loves that.” “He has a great time,” Gray added. “I have to give credit to all of the coaches and the buddy kids who come out. They’re just wonderful with him. They give him extra time in the outfield to run around and to really feel the game and to be part of it.” Miracle League’s confidence boost helps Xavier at school as well. “It was such a blessing to find this place and for them to understand him and to really give him no extra special consideration other than he’s a kid first,” said Gray. “And I think it’s always important to remember with any of these kids with disabilities or other abilities, they’re kids first.” Maag said even spectators get a lift. “I don’t care what mood you’re in, you’re going to leave smiling because the kids are so happy,” said Maag. “And the parents are happy. Here, children of all ages can come here with some disability – it can be physical or mental. I’ve also seen miracles. “I’ve seen some kids who barely could walk and by the end-of-the-year they could because they see other kids their age and they say, ‘I can do that, too.’” Info at miracleleagueaz.com.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

OLD WORLD ITALY IN AHWATUKEE, AZ

HAPPY HOUR 3-6pm Every Day

Thank You Ahwatukee for Nominating Us

Best New Restaurant!

4855 E. Warner Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044 • 480-855-9990 Open 6 days a week, Closed Mondays • Tue to Thur 2pm-10pm • Fri-Sat 12pm-10 pm • Sun 12pm-9pm

We invite you to experience the taste of authentic Italian cuisine made from fresh seasonal ingredients.

Christmas in

Ahwatukee D EC E M B E R 24 AT 3 P M & 4 : 3 0 P M

You are cordially invited to celebrate Christmas in Ahwatukee Foothills Baptist Church—Chandler Blvd and 21st St

Foothills Baptist Church 15450 S 21 St FoothillsBaptist.org

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

33 Paid Advertisement

SleeperTrends

Reclining Power Lift Chair Designed for Great Sleeping

All Day Comfort...Sleep Soundly All Night We challenged our power-lift chair designers: design every aspect of the new WiseLift Chair to be the most comfortable chair our customers can sit in all day, and sleep in relaxed comfort every night. We were pretty demanding because a lot of our customers are elderly, some are disabled, and many senior citizens suﬀer from back injuries and muscle aches. Then we told our designers it has to be a recliner as well… for reading or watching TV; then open all the way to be the world’s most comfortable sleeper chair. EVER. OK, here’s how they did it. Twin silent motors adjust the backrest and the footrest independently to adjust to an inﬁnite number of comfortable positions. Over 1,000 positions possible for your perfect comfort!

Perfect for Watching TV, Reclining, Sleeping. To alleviate pressure on your back and spine and relieve back aches the WiseLift Chair reclines to the perfect Zero-Gravity position. Provides quick relief to back pain, eases tension and muscle spasms fast with fully adjustable heat and massage. If you suﬀer from constant back aches and pains the Zero Gravity position immediately eliminates all pressure points on your neck, back and spine. Raising the legs soothes and reduces aching swollen legs and helps relieve chronic leg and back discomfort. The chair’s Trendelenburg heart-healthy position raises your legs higher than your heart to promote increased blood circulation with less strain on your heart. Reduces swollen legs and feet. Recommended by doctors for low blood pressure patients.

More comfortable than your own bed. Fall Asleep in Total Comfort. Every Night! Fully recline to the lay-ﬂat position to experience the most comfortable sleep chair ever. The soft, supportive independently adjustable backrest and leg rest cradle you in perfect comfort. Made of multiple layers of the highest grade memory foam, plus additional layers of resiliency foam — so every time you sit in this chair it feels new! We’ve added 90 individually wrapped support coils to ensure our chair oﬀers perfect support where you need it, and more comfort than your own mattress! You will never again have to face your bed with fear and anxiety - afraid you won’t be able to fall

asleep. Relax and drift off in the most restful sleep ever. Tight muscles fade away with warming heat and massage. Auto-timer safely turns these off after you fall asleep. Sleep all night in floating-like comfort.

The New Power Lift Chair Reclines Fully for Sleeping.

The Industry’s Best Power Lift Assist

Built for Years of Everyday Comfort. Over 1,000 Positions. True comfort for long term all-day sitting, reading, watching TV and reclining; sleeping all night. Independent adjustment of backrest and footrest allow inﬁnite positions to perfectly control your comfort - exactly the way you like it.

Getting out of the chair is easy even for people who have diﬃculty with hips, back or legs.

The Lighted Remote Control has a speaker for optional audio conﬁrmation of your commands. Five one-touch presets for sitting, sleeping, watching TV, zero gravity reclining, and the heart healthy Trendelenburg position (legs higher than heart.) Re-program any of the preset positions to your own favorite position. One Remote controls lift-assist, heat and massage.

Gently and safely raises you to an almost standing position - allowing you to step oﬀ safely.

Please take advantage of our best factory-direct pricing! When you call today, ask about our Instant $500 Discount for Medicare card holders, Seniors, Disabled and Handicapped Persons, and Veterans.

F F O 0 0 $5 this week

only

CALL NOW -5611 4 1 4 0 0 8 1

FREE WHITE GLOVE, IN-HOME DELIVERY AND SETUP

FREE SWATCH BOOK OF FABRICS AND COLORS

Call now and our white glove delivery team will deliver your WiseLift Chair, bring it into your home and set it up for you - FREE. Please mention FREE Delivery oﬀer J-5611

Exciting new colors are available in our newest stain and fade resistant fabrics. Please call now to receive a FREE color swatch book of Enduralux fabrics and leathers. (Yours to keep, free.)

11/27/19 1:46 PM

OPINION

Opinion 34

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Unconstitutional fees threaten ride-sharing at Sky Harbor BY JON RICHES AFN Guest Writer

he city of Phoenix is attempting to raise rates by 200 percent for customers using ride-sharing platforms like Uber or Lyft when they travel at Sky Harbor Airport. And it’s doing so in direct violation of the Arizona Constitution, which was amended with overwhelming voter support just last year to prohibit fee increases of exactly this sort. Over the last several years, ride-sharing services have reduced the cost of ground transportation substantially, while offering a product that is better and more reliable than traditional taxi services. Today, the average cost of a Lyft ride to or from Sky Harbor is about $10. And many of these rides originate in low-income areas. In an astounding money grab that has little to nothing to do with ride-sharing, the city of Phoenix wants to increase the

Foothills residents deserve fair elections, term limits

At the December Foothills Community Association Board meeting, President Bill Fautsch showed his true colors in breathtaking fashion. In October, in response to a storm of criticism, the board created a committee to update the bylaws. The committee members deadlocked on the issue of term limits for board directors, with homeowners in favor and board directors adamantly opposed. To break the impasse, the committee agreed that the association’s entire membership should decide the issue in a special election in February. This reasonable compromise was taken to board last week, but the board de�iantly rejected it 7-0. Essentially, the board refused to allow the membership (read: us homeowners) to make this decision. They made clear they opposed term limits, but even if the membership approved term limits in an election, the board would

cost of a ride-share by adding a new $5 fee to get dropped off at the airport, as well as substantially raising the fees to get picked up from Sky Harbor. Currently, when you take a ride-share from Sky Harbor, you pay a $2.66 pick-up fee that goes to the airport. However, the city plans to immediately increase the pick-up fee to $4 and create a new drop-off fee of $4. These prices will increase to $5 each way by 2024. That means that in a few years, the city plans to take a $10 fee just to get a ride from your house to the airport and back – nearly doubling the cost of the ride for many riders. This substantial rate increase will affect Arizona’s national standing as a tourist and business destination, harm passengers (especially low- to middle-income passengers), and impact ride-sharing drivers who earn modest pay by providing a reliable and valued service. This horrendously bad policy – passed by a handful of local lawmakers – will thus cause ripple effects throughout the

entire state of Arizona. Even more appalling is that the city of Phoenix passed this measure without regard to a provision of the Arizona Constitution that prohibits cities from creating or raising fees on services in this state. Just last year, Arizona voters overwhelming passed Prop 126, a ballot initiative that added Article IX, § 25 to the Arizona Constitution. That provision prohibits any city in Arizona from imposing or increasing any sales tax, transaction privilege tax, luxury tax, excise tax, use tax, or any other transaction-based tax, fee, stamp requirement or assessment on the privilege to engage in, or the gross receipts of sales or gross income derived from, any service performed in this state” In other words, the imposition or increase of “any…fee” on any service in this state is expressly prohibited by Arizona’s Constitution. Here, the city is adding an entirely new drop-off fee on ride-sharing services to Sky Harbor that never previously existed.

And the city is substantially increasing the pick-up fee at Sky Harbor. Obviously, both ride-sharing platforms and drivers utilizing ride-sharing platforms are providing a service in this state. Thus, under the plain and unambiguous language of the Arizona Constitution, the city’s proposal that imposes new fees and increases existing fees on ride-sharing services at Sky Harbor is patently unlawful. The Goldwater Institute has sent a letter to Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego asking the city to withdraw the proposed rate increases. The city has a �inal opportunity to reject this punitive fee at a Council meeting on Dec. 18. They would be wise to do so. Ride-sharing drivers and passengers should not be made to pick up the tab for a few local lawmakers looking to break the law and thwart the will of countless voters.

not make them effective until 2021. Moreover, the clock would only begin then. In essence, the board insisted that no matter what the FCA’s members say, Fautsch – who has already been on this volunteer board nearly 14 years – could remain for many more. For me, the board makes a mockery of the whole concept of term limits. And it became apparent to me the various actions that the board has taken in recent months to address our legitimate complaints were feints aimed at quelling the groundswell of criticism. Fautsch’s assertion that the FCA’s members could decide in the annual election whether they wanted to reelect him sounds reasonable, but it overlooks the inordinate power of corporate members. Two corporate members command 465 votes. In the May recall, these two used their power to overwhelm homeowners who voted nearly 4:1 to remove Fautsch. In the upcoming election, these two could reelect Fautsch without a single vote from

homeowners. At the board meeting, Fautsch and other directors railed against last week’s article in the Ahwatukee Foothills News. In fact, the article was written by an independent journalist; it was well researched and well written, and it offered a fair re�lection of what has been going on. Much of it accurately quoted board directors’ own words. In essence, it held up a mirror to the board…if the directors did not like what they saw in that re�lection, they should not criticize the mirror. The team of concerned homeowners with whom I am proud to associate has repeatedly proclaimed its desire to work collaboratively with the board. We agreed to participate in the bylaws committee in good faith, and we refrained from public criticism in order to help foster a productive atmosphere for this important effort. Sadly, in the face of the board’s intransigence and Fautsch’s manifest intention to remain in power no matter what, we are compelled to resume our efforts to force

transparency and accountability. Homeowners will be receiving a letter from me with petitions calling for a special election for bylaws reforms, including term limits. I ask homeowners to read the enclosed information, and I urge all those who are not among the hundreds who have already signed the petition to do so and send it in as soon as possible. With regard to the petition, when I pressed Fautsch to commit to having a special election within 30 days when we submit it with the legally required number of signatures, he would not do so. I invite FCA members to visit our website: thefoothillsinfo.com. It contains information about the issues and details of Fautsch’s own troubling record. Fautsch and his board have much power, but we FCA members have greater power. If we stand up to them, we can start �ixing our HOA. -David Randolph

- Jon Riches is the director of national litigation at the Goldwater Institute.

LETTERS

Share Your Thoughts: Send your letters on local issues to: pmaryniak@timespublications.com

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Business

BUSINESS

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Tukee’s Tamales prepared for holiday rush AFN NEWS STAFF

f the Mazatlan Post is accurate when it calls tamales like Christmas cookies in Mexico and the Southwest, the Caprice Gouveia is pretty much Mrs. Claus to Ahwatukee. Instead of a sleigh, however, Gouveia and her tool around the area in a food truck for their all-mobile business, Tukee’s Tamales. And as the holidays bear down on the community, Gouveia, her husband and son and daughter are ready for the onslaught of orders for tamales – and a whole bunch of other Mexican dishes – with a word of advice. Order her tamales early – and, hopefully, often. This is the �ifth holiday season for Tukee’s Tamales – which Gouveia started in her kitchen, serving up take-out orders of Mexican cuisine she made herself, based on old-Mexico recipes she inherited from

amount of tamales we are able to ful�ill for the Ahwatukee area grown tremendously but so has the catering aspect.” While Tukee’s Tamales is focused this time of year on tamales, it also has a full-time mobile catering service – ensuring patrons who’ve come to appreciate Gouveia’s Tukee’s Tamales owner Caprice Gouveia, ﬂanked by her children, Jonathan and Jasother Mexican dishmine Becerra, is ready for holiday orders. (Special to AFN) es won’t have to wait until tamale time has expired. her grandmother. Indeed, she can now cater to private Now she has a truck, said administrative and corporate parties for as many as assistant Solaya Allen, business is, well, 650 people. hot as some tamales. “We wouldn’t be able to do it if it weren’t “The business has been doing amazing,” for our loyal Ahwatukee followers,” she Allen said. “Every year that passes we said. see tremendous growth. Not only has the

All tamales must be ordered in advance and salsa is provided at time of pickup. People are encouraged to order at forms. gle/nU73Bgaxoh7yUpSv9 and follow the prompts there. Or they can leave a voice mail message at 602-359-0573. You can also follow Tukee’s Tamales on Facebook to see where they’re traveling. “We encourage everyone to follow us on Facebook and track us on our website to see when we are around Ahwatukee and where we will be,” said Allen, And if you’re planning to leave some tamales for Santa’s visit to your home, be advised the deadline is Dec. 21 for Dec. 23 pickup. “I’ve spent the 30 years in the kitchen,” Gouveia said. “My goal is for people to feel my passion of cooking through my dishes. I love sharing my Hispanic heritage with the community. I want them to feel like they’re in a small village in Mexico when they’re eating our food.”

“Always showing up on time, with warm toasty brown paper bags full of Everything & Salt Bagels had just come out of the oven,” Nelson wrote. Probst became known in some foodie circles for his bagels, which he had said took 24 hours to make.” He also was known for partnering with STARS Handlebar Helpers, a Scottsdale nonpro�it teaches and employs special needs people to repair and recondiOdelay Bagel Co. owner Ryan Probst said he had no choice but to close his 4-year-old tion bicycles. business in Ahwatukee because it wasn’t generating enough revenue. (Special to AFN) Probst used his bakery as venue for sales of the bikes and homeless person. “People were really responsive to these for every bike sold, one was given to a

things and I felt so glad we could do something like this,” he said. Nelson in his post lauded Probst’s friendly attitude and “incredible bagels,” stating: “This true artisan baker always walked in with a great mood and time to talk. As much as we will all miss his incredible bagels, it’s that attitude that got us �ired up every week that we loved seeing the most.” “The reason we featured Ryan’s is because (in our opinion) they were THE BEST in the Valley...by a long shot. We didn’t bring them in to celebrate NMF, we brought them in to support a small business with incredibly passionate people that made something so special- it was always our goal. Which is what makes the news of their closing even harder to take,” he added. Probst said he wasn’t sure what his next venture might be, although he said he has been talking to various people in Tempe about possibilities. “For now I just want to sell my equipment, maybe make enough to live on for a few months,” he said.

Odelay Bagels in Ahwatukee closes doors

AFN NEWS STAFF

delay Bagel Co., a popular Ahwatukee eatery knowns as much for its charitable endeavors as its bagels, closed. Four years after he opened on Warner-Elliot Loop, owner Ryan Probst last week called it quits, saying despite the rave reviews for his bagels, the business just wasn’t generating enough revenue to live on. “I tried as hard as I could but we just couldn’t survive,” Probst told AFN. There just wasn’t enough revenue.” “People have been great here but I had to make the call,” he added. “It was a hard thing to do.” Chris Nelson, owner Nelson’s Meat & Fish, posted a tribute to Probst on social media last week, saying “our partners from Ahwatukee, Odelay has closed.” Nelson told AFN Probst was a “platonic partner” and though they had no formal business relationship, he “would make the trek up to Nelson’s Meat & Fish early every Saturday morning.”

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Plan for the �inancial catastrophe that is divorce BY HAROLD WONG AFN Guest Writer

“gray divorce” applies to breakups involving people over 50. Data from the National Center for Health Statistics and the U.S. Census Bureau show the divorce rate for those 50 and up has doubled since the 1990s and tripled for those 65 and older since 1990. Divorce, no matter what the age, is often an emotional and �inancial crisis. A major longitudinal survey was conducted on 20,000 Americans born before 1960 by I-Fen Lin, Anna Hammersmith and Susan Brown. Susan is the co-director of the Bowling Green University National Center for Family & Marriage Research. Women who divorce after age 50 see their standard of living plunge by 45 percent – double the decline for younger divorced women. Older men see a 21 percent drop in their standard of living after a gray divorce. In virtually all states, one loses half of all assets after a long-term divorce, ab-

sent a very strong pre-nuptial agreement. When Brown and her colleagues surveyed those for up to a decade post-divorce, “There is no appreciable recovery on the wealth front and in standard of living. According to the Bowling Green study, of those Americans older than 63 who qualify as poor, 26.9 percent are gray divorced women who remain unpartnered and 11.9 percent are unpartnered gray divorced men. Only 3.4 percent of Americans older than 63 who are considered poor have been continuously married. The other percentages are 3.1 percent, remarried after early divorce; 3.3 percent, remarried after gray divorce; 18.6 percent, unpartnered early divorced women; 10.7 percent, unpartnered early divorced men. At least 40-50 percent of �irst marriages wind up in divorce and a higher percentage of second and third marriages wind up in divorce. There are complex emotional, lifestyle, and �inancial factors causing divorces. The �inancial consequences are so serious one should go through lengthy counseling before divorce. One should also preserve assets by go-

house rich and cash poor. As the ex-husband, it probably does not make sense for you to buy another $500,000 house when you are only 5-15 years from retirement. • Maximize the retirement cash �low from your share of the �inancial assets. If you deposit funds in a private pension fund and can wait �ive to 10 years, you may get triple the annual income compared to the bank, bonds, or stock dividends. • Minimize your investment risk. You just lost half your �inancial assets due to divorce and can’t afford to lose 25-50 percent in the next stock market crash. • Find a life partner to live with but think very hard before getting formally married again. It really is cheaper for two to live together than separately. Dr. Harold Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at the University of California/Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs. Contact him at 480-706-0177 or harold_wong@hotmil.com. Check for future free educational seminars at drharoldwong.com.

Voted “One of the Best” a Record 20 years in a row!!!

DESIGN CENTER

1st Place “Best Dentist” 9 times!!!

PENTAIR SPECIAL! INTELLIFLO® VSF Intelliﬂo Variable Speed Pump

Free Install $1,399 MSRP with 3 yr warranty Offer expires 12/31/19

-MSRP $1399 - $100 Pentai Visa Card - $250 Install Savings from Barefoot Pools

BRING IN A WAT ER S A MP L E F OR A F RE E A N A LYSIS.

** Pentair rebate requires SEE STORE proof of purchase. Offer must FOR DETAILS be redeemed within Pentair guidelines to qualify for Pentair Visa Prepaid Card.

VSF Pump $1,399 + tax + Pentair Visa ($100) + Install $250 + Install Savings ($250) = Final Cost $1,299-tax

Pool Resurfacing Experts Specializing in pool service, maintenance & repair

602-546-POOL (7665)

1241 E. Chandler Blvd., Ste. 124, Phoenix, AZ 85048

www.barefootpoolman.com (SW corner of Desert Foothills Parkway & Chandler Blvd.) Ahwatukee!

ing through mediation instead of hiring two sets of attorneys who motivate you to �ight for years with huge legal fees. However, do hire a CPA or some impartial �inancial analyst to make sure all the assets are counted and the net after-tax assets are divided equally. Getting half of his $1 million 401k, which is taxed as ordinary income rates when funds are withdrawn is not the same as receiving the $500,000 free-andclear house. Now you are getting a gray divorce, how do you still have a future comfortable retirement when you are now 50, 55, or even 65 years old? • Plan on working at least 5-10 years later than originally planned so you can add to your retirement nest egg. • Don’t take your Social Security retirement bene�its until age 70, where it may be up to double what it would be at age 62. Note only 3 percent wait until age 70. • Be very realistic about your expenses now you’re single. If your ex-wife chooses to keep the $500,000 house, she may become

Voted Ahwatukee’s “Best Of” Pool Service Ahwatukee Owned & Operated Company 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015, Licensed, Bonded & Insured 2016, 2017 & 2018! ROC# 272001

Foothills Family Dental P.C. We have registered therapy dogs Bella and Mia available for patients!

• Implants • Cosmetic Dentistry • Emergency Care • Digital X-rays/Scanning

• Invisalign Certified • Root Canals & Crowns • Dentures & Veneers • Bridges

Celebrating 25th Anniversary in the same location! Accepting New Patients

Located On The NW Corner Of Chandler Blvd & Desert Foothills Pkwy

(480)460-0484

1238 E. Chandler Blvd. • Ste. #101 Phoenix, AZ 85048

www.foothillsfamilydental.com

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Main Street Ahwatukee

Brought to you by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce

Music Maker Workshop singing a sweet tune BY ANDREW HAYES AFN Guest Writer

NEW MEMBERS

Bodiac Sculpting 4855 Warner Road Suite, Ahwatukee Barbara Purdom bodiacsculpting@yahoo.com 480-770-6271

La Stalla Cucina Rustica 4855 E Warner Road, Ahwatukee Paolo Vetrat paolovetrati@hotmail.com 480-855-9990 RENEWING MEMBERS

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori Brewer’s Air Conditioning & Heating

usic Maker Workshops is a family-owned and operated music studio, in Ahwatukee, started by Mrs. Beverly Bigam in 1997. This family business has been bringing the musical arts to the local area for over two decades. With the faithfulness of the community, the studio has steadily grown and developed into an Ahwatukee gem. It all started with Bigam’s musical journey as a young girl in McBride, British Columbia, where she took lessons for many years from an inspirational teacher. Soon she was considered to be a gifted pianist, and she shared her talent at church, schools, and even at the local funeral home. She raised her three children with an appreciation for the arts. She had always worked in the health industry, but there was a desire to pursue her passion and start teaching piano. When Bigam moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 1997, she knew it was her opportunity to start teaching. She focused on providing keyboard workshops for senior citizens, hence the name Music Maker Workshops. In 2001 she recruited her daughter, Shelley

The Music Makers Workshop instructors and other staff surround founder Beverly Bigham, seated in the center. (Special to AFN)

Yakubow, to help teach the younger students. Within a year, they had over 100 students. In 2005, Bigam’s other daughter, Kim Steedman, joined the staff. At the time, she was a fulltime nurse and was getting tired of the stressful 12-hour shifts. Her children became the guinea pigs for all the chants and songs she needed to memorize to pass her certification – and they loved it. She traded in her stethoscope for maracas and started providing early childhood programming at the studio. Throughout the years, she’s not only provided creative lessons for many young children but emotional support for new parents.

MMW has branched out from just piano lessons to offering lessons in a variety of instruments, including brass and woodwinds. Now, the facility has over 16 classrooms and 35 staff members. Students have options to find teachers best fitting their learning styles and personalities. In addition to weekly lessons, the studio hosts such as recitals, showcases, and gigs. MMW has established communication and partnerships with local elementary schools, providing sponsorship and music workshops/ drum demos. The music team has developed relationships with middle school and high school

band teachers in Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts. For the past decade, the Friends of Esperanza Lutheran Church have opened up their sanctuary for the biannual recitals. The quaint and beautiful campus and gorgeous grand piano provide a lovely space for concerts. The winter recitals are free to the community, and over 250 students will be performing Dec.12-14. The MMW annual seasonal camp will be Jan. 2-3 2020, for children between 5 and 12. Students have the opportunity to learn three different instruments. The contrast between music in the morning and art classes in the afternoon keeps things exciting. A few years ago, Mrs. B retired from the dayto-day running of the studio. However, she still teaches a few adults on Monday mornings. Her daughters co-direct the studio and enjoy the responsibility of continuing the legacy of positive music-making in-which a sweet, humble teacher gifted their Mother many years ago. MMW will continue to be one of the driving forces for the arts in Ahwatukee. Drop-by for a tour, conveniently located on the southeast corner of 32nd Street and Chandler Boulevard in the Dutch Bros Plaza. Information: mmwaz.com. 480-706-1224

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

@AhwatukeeFN @AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com www.ahwatukee.com

Her steps add dazzle to Ahwatukee Nutcracker BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA

GetOut Contributor

veryone entranced by the beautiful dances performed at the annual Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet has Meghan Arena to thank. Arena, who once again also reprises her role as Clara’s Mother, is the main choreographer for this 20th anniversary event, slated for three performances – noon and 5:30 p.m. Saturday Dec. 14, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets are still available either at 480706-6040 or afnutcracker.com. If any are left, they’ll be at the door of Desert Vista High School Theatre, 16440 S. 32nd S., Ahwatukee. Arena has helped choreograph the Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet for 11 years. But this year she is the sole choreographer – with the exception of the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, which was done for

tory at Berklee. “This year I’ve used some choreography from the past, but the rest is mostly new. I’m also using my own choreography for the younger kids, then bits and pieces from our past artistic director, Jill Hammond, in some of the second act, but I’ve put my own touch on it,” she explained, adding: “I just have a vision and really wanted this year to show it and showcase what how I want our Nutcracker to look.” A dancer herself who trained and performed from age 11 at The School of Ballet Arizona and other studios throughout the Valley as a youngster, Arena began teaching Meghan Arena, ﬂanked by son Jett and daughter Leni, has been at Dance Studio 111 in 2008. artistic director for the Ahwatukee Nutcracker for more than a Besides ballet, Arena also taught decade. (Special to AFN) tap, jazz, combo and competition the troupe by Russell Clarke, an associate classes there. She left teaching because “I professor of dance the Boston Conserva- was loving family time.”

Arena’s whose two children, daughter Leni, 7, and son Jett, 5, both perform in this year’s Ahwatukee Foothills Nutcracker Ballet. “My daughter Leni made her first appearance in our 2012 Nutcracker at just 15 months as a China Baby. She now dances multiple roles and loves spending all day with the big girls and her friends. Dance Studio 111 is her second home, and she loves performing,” smiled Arena. “My son Jett joined last year at age four as a March Boy, and strives to be Fritz one day, so that’s his big goal,” she added. The age range of the 85 dancers – 2 to 18 – years, can make for some extended hours and interesting rehearsals, said Arena. “Rehearsals are tricky sometimes,” she laughed. “It’s been easier to schedule this year since I am the only one rehearsing the kids but it makes for long days. We start rehearsing in August, and I’m usual-

see NUTCRACKER page 39

10th annual German-language Christmas service slated AFN NEWS STAFF

hy do more than 400 people attend an event many can’t even pronounce? Because the visitors to “Weihnachtsgottesdienst in Deutscher Sprache” –or the German Language Christmas Service – share a love of the country’s language and Christmas traditions. The 10th annual service – which draws hundreds of Germans from across the Valley – will be held at 4:10 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15, at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th Street, Ahwatukee. It includes 20 minutes of caroling, followed by the service itself and then a social with German Christmas cookies. The sermon will be delivered by Pastor Wolf W. Kaufmann, a native of Germany who earned degrees in English and evangelical theology, he was ordained as a pastor in 1990 and parish priest in the Waldeck Upland in Germany. His wife Stella worked at the University of Marburg, so he became parish pastor in a small rural community near the university town. In 1997, the German Protestant parish

A Children’s Choir is one of the many features of the German Language Christmas Service in Ahwatukee that draws hundreds of people from the East Valley and beyond. (AFN)

of Yorkville in New York City elected him pastor of their small immigrant community. The work with emigrants justified his interest in a second career along with his ministry: He became a lawyer with a specialty in immigration law. In his two offices in Palm Desert, Cali-

fornia, and in Scottsdale, he advises immigrants who are looking for a new home in the United States. He also has served as a German honorary consul for Arizona. The Christmas service also will include the music of a recorder ensemble, the brass choir and the children’s and adult choirs.

Several children will narrate the Christmas story and read an Advent prayer. “Christians of all denominations and everybody who wants to experience a traditional German Christmas Service are welcome,” said Ingeborg Mack, one of the initiators of the service and is responsible for managing it, especially in terms of its musical design, recruitment of staff and “the festive preparation of the parish hall.” Other key players in putting the service together are Hella B. Kinney, who says she enjoys “arranging the cookies and cake donations for the cozy get-together; Bettina Munn, a former teacher in Germany; Petra Schmid-Riggins, who works with the Germanic Language Culture Club students and designs thank-you cards; Peter Wrschka, a physicist who reads the Christmas story; Daniela Yuenyongsgool, a German and yoga teacher who works with the children’s choir; and Birgit Zimmermann, a German teacher at Mountain Point High School who helps with a variety of tasks. Information about the service: ingeborg07@hotmail.com, 480-961-4649 or weihnachtsgottesdienst.org

GET OUT

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

12K’s of Christmas a holiday is a treat for pets and people GETOUT STAFF

ets, Christmas and exercise are the order of the day next Saturday as the 11th annual Fulton Homes 12K’s of Christmas takes place. A 12K run and runs/walks of 6 and 1.2 kilometers are a central feature of the event beginning at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 14 and runs through 12:30 p.m. at Freestone District Park, 1045 E. Juniper Road, Gilbert. Started a decade ago by Fieldworks Events & Marketing, Inc. of Scottsdale, the 12K’s of Christmas has been rated as one of the 10 best family runs in the country by Runners World magazine. The magazine also rated the 12k’s as one of the nation’s top “bucket-list races for you and your dog.” But besides offering a chance for a healthy run/walk, including trophies for the top finishers, the festival also offers several attractions for pet owners and pet lovers. It includes one of the season’s largest pet-adoption events as well as a

NUTCRACKER �� page 38

Santa’s Pet Village with 20 pet rescue groups on hand offering information as well as animal-oriented gifts to raise money for their cause. Among those groups are the Akita Advocates Relocation Team Arizona, Any Rat Rescue, Arizona Adopt a Greyhound, Arizona Border Collie Rescue, Arizona Sheltie Rescue, Arizona Great Pyrenees Rescue, Back the Blue Pet Rescue, Boxer Luv, Desert Harbor Doberman, K9 Heroes, Mini Mighty Mutts, R.A.I.N. Rescuing Animals in Need, Rusty’s Angels Sanctuary, Save the Cats Arizona, Saving One Life Animal Rescue, Southwest Collie Rescue and W.O.W. Dog Rescue. A Christmas Bazaar will feature more than 50 vendors with gift items for people and pets. Admission is free to both the Santa’s Pet Village and the Christmas Bazaar. Of the three runs/walks, the shortest is the Santa Sled Run for families, who are welcome to bring decorated wagons strollers or similar vehicles along with their pets – preferably

ly at the studio weekends from 7 or 7:30 in the morning to four or five at night. ” I also work with some of the older girls during the week for a few hours while I’m there with my daughter.” The real challenge comes from teaching the dances to the younger children – some under age 5. Many of them are new to the production. “On the topic of working on choreography with the young ones, it’s a lot of work,” she said, stressing “a lot.” “They’re also very loud, so just imagine one person talking over 30 little kiddos. You have to have patience and use your teacher voice for sure. A fitness microphone with a fanny pack may be in my future.” Despite the grueling pace, Arena finds it worth the effort because it is not only an Arena family tradition, but one coming from the heart. “We love it all. Yes, it’s challenging and my husband Tony is our rock because he knows how much our Nutcracker means to us all.

t o G ws? Ne

dressed in holiday attire. Christmas carolers and performers will be stationed along the run/walk route and gifts will be given for the “most Christmas spirit and the best Christmas-themed running outfits on people and their pets,” organizers said. Dozens of Scout troops, school chorale and instrumental groups, performing outfits and families sing carols, play handbells and provide other holiday entertainment. There even is a Christmas karaoke area. All 6K and 12K participants will receive a pair of high-quality running socks. There will be 5” finishers medal this year for all 12k and 6k finishers, plus first, second and third place age-group awards. People can pre-register for the run/ walk at 12krun.com or sign up the day of. A portion of the proceeds supports participating animal rescues. Over the past 10 years, the 12k’s of Christmas has raised over $100,000 to help the animals and has helped almost 2,200 pets find forever homes.

Colorful handmade costumes and engaging choreography combine to make Ahwatukee Nutcracker a sure-ﬁre holiday treat. (Special to AFN)

“And as a family, we do what we need to do to make it happen, not only for our kids, but for the rest of our Nutcracker family and the community. Honestly, what we get out if it is the magic of it all.”

Lewis has great praise for the intrepid Arena. “This amazing woman…has been at every Saturday rehearsal since August, teaching the entire cast,” Lewis said.

Sean Geasley and Aleta Ewing were dressed in the spirit of the 12K’s of Christmas last year. (File photo)

“She’s poured her heart and soul into this year’s Nutcracker. There wouldn’t be a Nutcracker if not for the love and passion and commitment from this one woman.” In turn, Arena demurred and said Lewis deserves the credit for her passion and commitment. This year the young dancers come from throughout the Valley to star in the holiday production. It is an extraordinary production with more than 400 individually-designed costumes and headpieces, and special effects like snow falling in the theatre and a Christmas tree growing through the stage ceiling. Following the Saturday and Sunday matinees, the audience is encouraged to come onto the stage to meet Santa – who arrives by sleigh – and sit with Clara on the Throne in the Land of Sweets. Photographs can be taken with Santa Claus, Clara, the Nutcracker, Mouse King, Sugar Plum Fairy and other cast members who are also available to sign autographs as festive Holiday music plays. “You won’t want to forget your camera,” said Lewis.

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Alice Cooper reforms band for Christmas Pudding CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Staff Writer

lice Cooper has been embedded into the Valley since he moved here in the late 1960s, but it doesn’t mean his heart isn’t in his home state of Michigan. “Go Lions!” he exclaims as he hangs up the phone. This forthcoming album is a love letter to Detroit. He used Detroit musicians like drummer Johnny “Bee” Badanjek; guitarists Mark Farner and Wayne Kramer; along with Motown session musicians. “It’s a tip of the hat to Detroit,” says Cooper, calling from Huntsville, Alabama. “For some reason, with Detroit musicians, there’s a certain amount of R&B in guitar playing, in the drums, in the bass. They can’t get away from it. It’s built-in—even

If You Go...

What: Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding Fundraiser. Where: The Celebrity Theatre, 440 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, When: 7 p.m. Dec. 14. Cost: $50 to $220. Info: 480-987-7469, qcpac.com.

Jam sessions with Alice Cooper at his Christmas Pudding Fundraiser always bring out some of the best musicians for a memorable experience. (File photo)

with the hard rock stuff.” He’ll spend 2020 promoting his new album, but this holiday season, his efforts are in Phoenix where he’ll host the Christmas Pudding Fundraiser at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Celebrity Theatre. Cooper’s signature event will bring together Michael Bruce, Neal Smith and Dennis Dunaway from the original Alice Cooper Band. Other guests include Ju-

das Priest frontman Rob Halford of Paradise Valley; guitarist extraordinaire Joe Bonamassa; Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme; musician/comedian Gary Mule Deer; Cooper’s guitarist Nita Strauss; Mark Slaughter of Slaughter; and comedian Jim Breuer. “Every year, I try to get an entirely different lineup,” Cooper says. “I thought, ‘Who haven’t we had on the show?’ Bonamassa

is going to be great. He’s one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Rob Halford, the guys from Extreme, the original Alice Cooper Band, Jim Breuer, Gary Mule Deer, Mark Alice Cooper reprised the role of Scrooge in a promotional video Slaughter, and for one of his Christmas Pudding we invited Nita shows. (Special to the AFN) Strauss and her boyfriend, who plays the drums. They have an album out. She was just voted one of the best female guitarists in the world. She’s going to come up and do a couple songs. “We make it very loose. Everybody can sit in with everybody. I’ve invited Johnny Depp. He’s been to the Pudding five or six times. If he wants to drop in, he can.” Depp and Alice Cooper, along with Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, perform as the Holly-

see COOPER page 41

Father, son celebrate Serrano’s with colorful mural BY KEVIN REAGAN

GetOut Staff Writer

oe “Such Styles” Baez used to do his art in the dark of night – hidden from public view and guided only by streaks of moonlight. His brand of graffiti art was not socially accepted back when he first started, Styles explained. It was the 1980s and spray-painting buildings was considered delinquent behavior. So, Styles went underground, painting in old train yards and hoping to remain undetected from the cops. But on a recent afternoon, Styles could be seen painting in broad daylight outside City Hall and across the street from the Chandler Police Department. There was no reason to hide because he had been asked to paint a mural on the back wall of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant. The Serrano family is celebrating 100 years of business in Chandler and commissioned Styles to paint a mural that commemorates this milestone. “This is their story,” Styles said, pointing to his panorama of purple desert skies and cactus patches.

Ernie and Eva Serrano, who opened the family’s first Mexican restaurant in 1979. The remaining roses represent the couple’s eight children. “The mural they designed and spray painted reflects our history as well as the three The back wall of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant in downtown Chandler now sports an pillars of our elaborate work of graffiti art by father-and-son team Noe “Such Styles” Baez and his son business – faith, Champ. (Chris Mortenson/Staff Photographer) family and The Serranos moved from Tucson to food,” said Ric Serrano, president and CEO Chandler in 1919 and opened their first of of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants. many mercantile stores. It’s fitting their family mural was made Styles displays the family’s Tucson roots by Styles, Serrano added, since he created by painting the city’s famous San Xavier it with his own family. Mission in the mural’s background. Champ Styles, the muralist’s oldest son, There are 10 roses lined up across the has been tagging along with his father to bottom edge of the mural; two are white graffiti projects since he was a toddler. and the rest are red. “It’s like in his DNA,” the senior Styles Styles said the white roses represent said.

The father and son have worked on projects all over the Valley. Their work has been displayed in galleries, museums, and clubs. Champ said his father never pressured the younger Styles to follow in his footsteps. He was bit by the graffiti bug as a kid after watching “Style Wars,” a documentary about New York City’s street artists. Champ was quickly hooked, but his dad was strict about treating graffiti as a discipline that had to be learned and practiced. Champ recalled his dad forcing him to spend long stretches of time learning how to paint each letter of the alphabet. Sometimes his father purposefully made it more challenging by turning the lights out, the son said, replicating the conditions Such had to paint under as a teenager. This art form is so temporary, Such would teach his son, because it may exist one day and then get painted over the next. Therefore, it was necessary to know how to detach quickly from the work and to let it go. The father learned this lesson early on in his career.

see MURAL page 41

GET OUT

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

COOPER �� page 40

wood Vampires, who return to the road in the spring. “The Hollywood Vampires is entirely different than my show,” Cooper says. “We’re one of the last hard rock bands out there. It’s fun. The Alice Cooper show is much more produced like a storyline. I call the Vampires ‘the world’s most expensive bar band.’ “The Alice Cooper band never talks to the audience until the end of the show. I don’t want Alice to be human. I want him to be a

MURAL �� page 40

Such said he completed his first graffiti project while attending Tempe’s Marcos de Niza High School in the early 1980s. He painted a Christmas-themed mural near the school’s racquetball courts. Its depiction of Mickey Mouse and Santa Claus were meant to be perfectly wholesome, nothing that would rile the nerves of school administrators. When Such returned from winter break that year, the teenager noticed all his work had been sandblasted off. People back then didn’t really understand what this was, Such said, so it was vital for his son to see that graffiti was like all other types of art – a form of creative ER N & TAV ERN & G V A T GR

Champ Styles is following in his father’s footsteps as a graffiti artist as he puts some ﬁnishing touches on the back wall of Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant in downtown Chandler. (Chris Mortenson/Staff Photographer)

expression. Champ credits his dad with teaching him not to be close-minded about culture.

Best Sports Bar, d d e e t t o o Happy Hour Bar! Sports V V Best

portunity to come in and try to learn art and dance, but mostly they come in to learn guitar, bass and drums. Everything is free.” The Solid Rock Teen Center sees about 100 children a day and Cooper sees them work. “I’ll see kids who transform from negative to being positive kids,” he says. “I just love seeing the progression. I’ll see a kid pick up a guitar and three years later, he’s a lead guitarist in a band. “He’s more addicted to that and he has a career in front of him, rather than saying,

HAPPY HOUR One of the Best Server/BartenderBrittany, Kate & Brenda One of the Best Wings and Restaurants and Mom & Pop!

If Champ wanted to be great artist, his father encouraged him to study the history and technique of all types of artwork. He was like Mr. Miyagi, Champ added, referencing the wise karate master of the “Karate Kid” films. As Champ got older, graffiti became legitimized in the art world and was no longer considered a form of vandalism. Such credits this shift in public opinion to the power of the worldwide web. Graffiti was generally more acceptable in Europe, he said, and attitudes started to change once Americans saw how artists overseas used this medium. When Champ became a student at Marcos de Niza, he spearheaded his own mural project that championed diversity. The

is 7 Days a Week!

appetizers • wings • burgers • full menu

Catch All College & NFL CK’s Football Games at CK’s Wish Tree

Your FOOTBALL MakeIsthisUp! holiday special for the Arizona Headquarters Friends of Foster

All You Can Eat Fish Fry Fridays Kids & Large Parties Welcome

Children. Please stop in and pick up a Wish Tag off the tree. Bring back an unwrapped gift by December 20th.

Sun 10am-1am • Mon-Thurs 11am-1am • Fri 11am-2am • Sat 10am-2am

www.ckgrill.com • 4142 E. Chandler Blvd • (480) 706-5564

Elizabeth Estes

‘I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ll just sell drugs.’ I’m not saying every teen is like that. Some are born into it. I like the idea of the kids coming in from the worst parts of town and the rich parts of town and the common denominator is music. They say, ‘Why don’t we put a band together?’” Solid Rock Teen Center is a Christian nonprofit, but Cooper says, he and his staff don’t press guests about religion. “We’re not sitting around beating you over the head with a Bible,” he says. “We’re not judging anybody. This is open for you. Come on in.” school let Champ do it and he decided to add his own personal touch to the portrait. Champ said he made a stencil of his father’s name and sprayed it on one corner of the mural. It was a subtle tribute to an artist who once had his work erased on the same campus decades earlier. “It just kind of came full circle,” Champ said. The father and son now try to promote graffiti in a positive light by going into local schools and teaching lessons on street art. They particularly enjoy doing community projects like the Serrano’s mural, as the duo thinks of their work as portals into the stories of their friends and neighbors. “It takes you to another place,” Champ said. “It’s an attraction.”

& Burger! And One of the Best Happy Hour Restaurant Wings

EE EE K

AHWA H L •LA• WATUTUK IL IL

character. In the Vampires shows, I tell stories about Jim Morrison, The Who and John Lennon. That’s the nature of the show.” Proceeds benefit the free music, dance, arts and vocational programs for teens ages 12 to 20 at Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Center. “You’re never going to run out of teenagers who have the potential to go left or right,” Cooper says. “They’re going to go in a really good direction or a damning sorts of direction where they’re going to get shot or go to jail. I try to give those same kids the op-

PRACTICING SINCE 1998

ESTATE PLANNING FAMILY LAW REAL ESTATE BUSINESS TRUST ADMINISTRATION PROBATE

Call for a Free Consultation

480.656.3733 | www.esteslawfirmaz.com 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 260 | Phoenix 85048 | Located in Ahwatukee

42 36 26 26

GET OUT GET OUT GETGET OUTOUT

DECEMBER 11,2019 2019 AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 2019 THE EAST TRIBUNE | DECEMBER THE SUNDAY SUNDAY EAST VALLEY 1,8,4, 2019

King KingCrossword Crossword King Crossword With With JAN D’ATRI GetOut GetOut Contributor Contributor

W I

Your guests will Rugelach makes forscream delicate for ice cream and this delicious gifts cake

hoever came up with t’s said to have come from the the combination of Yiddish word “rugel,” meaning cherries and chocolate royal. Rolled out delicate dough hit a home run. filled with a variety of ingredients, That combo is especially delirugelach (pronounced rug-a-lach) cious in a black forest cake with layhas grown in popularity from a ers of cherry filling, chocolate cake Jewish specialty baked during the and whipped cream. Have you ever holidays to an American favorite thought about a frozen version of enjoyed all year long. this favorite dessert? It’s delicious. It seems as though every country This cake starts with a thin layer has its own version and name for ofrugelach chocolate andcake thereorarebrownies hundredsonof the bottom, then layers cherry recipe variations for thisofbite-sized ice cream, ice cream sandwiches goody. For the dough, sour cream and whipped topping maketo this or cream cheese is added the flour which makes recipe a frozen dream! all gets easy to work with. for flavorful dough that’sItextremely topped berries, and maraThesewith onefresh or two bitecherry morselspiearefilling generally filled schino cherries for color. I screamed, and you’ll with ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, walnuts,scream raisins, for this refreshing gourmetwith ice cream chocolate, or preserves a littlecake. cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top. Again, there are a number of ways to roll and Ingredients: cut rugelach, but Cake the classic are crescents 1 box Chocolate mix or shapes Fudge Brownie mix or squares. I know that rugelach is baked up en masse for (or store-bought cake or brownies)

Hanukkah celebrations and but there are plenty more chances in the days ahead to make, bake and deliver these delicious and delicate gifts from the kitchen for the holidays.

1 quart cherry or cherry chocolate ice cream, thawed 1 package (12) ice cream sandwiches Ingredients: 1 tub, Cool Whip, thawed in the refrigerator Dough: Filling: 1 package Oreo cookies, thin or regular 1 cup butter, softened 1 ½ cup sugar 1 small jar maraschino cherries 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 can Cherry Pie filling 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon salt Fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, optional 2 tablespoons sugar 1 ½ cups walnuts, finely chopped Chocolate coating, optional 1/8 teaspoon salt Directions: Directions: Line 8 x8 inch pan with foil,and extending enoughuntil foil on ends to beAdd ablefltoour, liftsugar the cake In aanmixing bowl,square blendcake together butter cream cheese wellboth incorporated. and out frozen. Bake the chocolate or fudge brownies according to packagewrap instructions in a1-2shallow salt,when blending well. Gather dough andcake divide into two balls. Refrigerate in plastic for at least hours. baking sheet pan about 1 inch When done, cutcinnamon, the cake or1/8 brownies to salt fit the Meanwhile, makesofithat lling.the In acake bowl,is only mix together 1 cuphigh. sugar, 2 teaspoons teaspoon and8”1 cake pan.chopped (You canwalnuts. also use When a storedough boughtis frozen cakeinto or store boughtYou brownies.) ½ cups chilled,chocolate cut each ball two pieces. will have 4 dough balls cherry ice cream in a container enough so it can be spreadable. Spread about ½ to ¾ inch of toThaw workthe with. the For melted ice cream cake flbottom. Place the cream bars over the9-inch ice cream crescent shape:over Onthe a lightly oured surface, rollice dough ballsandwich into an approximate circleso1/16that of they all fithick. t snuggly together. onover the ice cream sandwiches they press ice into cream. Top an inch Sprinkle ¼ of Press filling down mixture circle, leaving a ¼ inchsoborder. Gentlyinto patthe filling dough. the cream the remainder the melted cream. Cuticecircle intosandwiches 12 wedges. with Roll each wedge upof starting at theice wide end to form a crescent. Sprinkle top with filling Covermixture. and freeze overnight. When cake has hardened, spread Cool Whip over the top and sides of the square shape: OnCool a lightly surface, dough into 9-inch long rectangle. ¼ ofcherry filling cake.ForIf desired, put some whipfloured in a piping bagroll to decorate thea top. Combine about ½Sprinkle cup of the mixture a ¼ inchmixing border. Gently pat filling into dough. Starting at the bottom, roll dough pie filling over with dough, severalleaving fresh berries, gently to combine. upSpoon tightlythe intoberry tubemixture shape. Gently flattenoftube in the center the with cake.your Presshands. Oreo cookies around the top of the cake so that 1-inchup. squares. Sprinkle tops with fiand llingplace mixture. pieces theyCut areinto standing Rinse maraschino cherries a fewPlace around theonto top ofparchment the cake. lined (or lightly greased) baking sheet. Bake at bright 375 degrees for about until deep golden brown. about (Optional: In addition to the red cherries, you15-18 canminutes also dip or cherries in chocolate coating.Makes Let harden, 36 pieces. Doughthe cancake.) be made ahead and stored in plastic wrap for up to one week. Baked rugelach can be and place around frozen. Return to freezer for several hours. When ready to serve, cut cake immediately and serve while cake is still frozen. Watchmy myhow-to how-tovideo: video:jandatri.com/recipe/reeses-peanut-butter-oatmeal-bars jandatri.com/recipe/reeses-peanut-butter-oatmeal-bars Watch

ACROSS ACROSS 11 Chum Zinger Temperate 45 With 5 Nuisance Owns29-Across, 9 Conrad Oprah’s novel 8 Lovers’network quarrel 812 Faction Chills and fever 12 Sandwich treat 12 13 Whatever Viscous amount 13 Final (Abbr.) 13 14 Dermatology Dove’s call subject 14 Horn Smallsound comboworks 14 15 Short musical 15 Related “Desperate Housewives” 15 to summer theater 17 “Hail, Caesar!” actress Eva 17 hurts!” 18 “That Yule quaff 17 Decorate Cincinnati team 18 T-shirt, 19 Fairy tale avillains 21 Chic 18 60s-style Ingratiate 19 Olds 22 Island porch pile 19 Old Warehouse 21 “-the 24 Formerly 21 Pigpenﬁelds we go” 22 27 Evergreen 22 Trite Deck for type a 10-count 26 McCartney cohort 28 Break 23 Wife suddenly of Saturn 29 See 4-Across 31 Tasseled topper 26 Embrace 30 in verse 32 Praise locale 28 Lobe Become one 31 33 Doves’ Gorilla place 31 Addict 32 34 Eviscerate Dread 33 Actress Shell game item 33 Cannon 36 Attempt 35 “My Heart Will 34 37 Commotion Car sticker no. Go On” singer s pal 35 38 Trot Batman’ 36 Part Ringworm 36 of a Santa costume 40 Proceed 38 1935 Egypt’Astaire/Rogers s boy king movie 37 41 Dishes 39 43 Commercial 40 Oppositionist Toss in song 40 47 Scoot 41 Swelled Transmithead 41 Pester 48 Varieties of wheat 43 Afternoon party 45 Oodles 51 Carte lead-in 45 “Jane Eyre” author 48 hero’fa,s trademark 52 Handle 47 Western Do, re, mi, sol, la, ti, do 50 53 Suitor Point 51 Mongolian tent 51 54 Draftable Clear the tables 52 Stitches Great blissabbr. 52 55 List-ending 54 Mideastern potentate 53 56 Complain Wanr. 55 Fields or Butterworth 54 Peruse 56 Villain’ 55 “Quiet!”s look DOWN Fix, in a way 157 Foundation 58 Enthusiastic Crafty 2DOWN 1359 History Youngstep woman Ladder

Tourney Conclude 43 45Whip Wooden stripsituations 3630 Seafood Went by water 45 41 entree Derriere Space ﬂight 44 46 Leave an impression 3832 Streaming Excited 42 videoconclusion giant 46 Catch sight of Job for a medical examiner 49 45 48 “TheVicinity Chew” network 3934 Apple Porcelain 43 co-founder Away from WSW 46 49 Meadow 4237 Wildebeests “I’ll have what -- having” Competes Pismire 44 50 Do some lawn work 39 Georgia -42 Considers 44 Coral circle

50 Corn spikes 53 Web address

Sudoku

24 Oppositionist Cap with a propeller 35DOWN Orpheus’ Bluenoseinstrument 461 Attorney ADouble billion years agent 572 Earth tone Hot tub Press 683 Genetic stuff Mike Giveofforthe a ring time 79 Midwestern Simple windcity instruments 4 Venetian magistrates 810 Remained upright Used a loom 5 Vetoers’ “Get asmove on!” 911 Debtor’ letters votes 6 Foreman foe 10 Bugs 16 Elmer, Heavy to weight 7 Biblical Pile verb ending 11 20 Petrol 8 Worship Wandered off 16 22 Memorize 9 Shade Transvaal city 20 source 23 Distorted 10 Georgetown Staffer athlete 23 24 Vacationing 24 25 Born 11 Hebrew Pitch month 25 to 26 Ivan’ s and Peter’recitation s wives 16 See Inauguration 26 “Shoo!” 27 Bigfoot’ s cousin 20 Ewe’s mate 27 29 mo. stylish 23 --Spring Nolistlonger 28 On 30 Vigor 24 Omega preceder 29 container 35 Director Howard 25 Moonshine Brain’s stimulus receptors 32 hostilities 37 Commence “Friends” role 27 Understand 39 Thick Soaks up some rays 33 29 Hodges Deity of baseball lore 40 Binge 35

PUZZLE ANSWERS on page16 15 ON PAGE 13 PUZZLE ANSWERS PUZZLE PUZZLEANSWERS ANSWERSon onpage page 23

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Sports & Recreation @AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

SPORTS

Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook

www.ahwatukee.com

DV basketball relying on youth for success BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

t’s viewed as a rarity in high school sports. But for Desert Vista High’s Basketball team, it happens to be reality. The Thunder, widely regarded as a favorite to contend for the 6A title this season, has just one senior on this year’s roster. Lucky for them, he also happens to be one of the best players in the country. “He is a leader on and off the court,” Desert Vista coach Gino Crump said of Osasere Ighodaro. “He’s our anchor. He’s our shot blocker, he creates offensive opportunities for us. He’s what we do. As he goes, we go.” Ighodaro is a 6-foot-10, 180-pound power forward committed to play Basketball at Marquette University next year. He’s quickly risen the ranks as one of the top players in the country and had offers from nearly every major Division I college basketball program in the nation. He is quiet and reserved off the court,

spending the little free time he has tutoring his fellow classmates. On the court, however, he uses his long frame to overpower defenders. He’s one of the key reasons Desert Vista has jumped out to a 6-0 start this season heading into Tuesday’s matchup Osasere Ighodaro, a 6-foot-10 forward, is the only senior on Desert Vista’s roster this season. against Bro- (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff) phy. Especially being the only senior, he’s about taking every practice, every rep semade it his goal to become more of a lead- riously to get to where we want to get to.” Crump and Ighodaro have looked to er than ever before. “I’ve learned from all the seniors we’ve some of the younger players for help leadhad in the past,” Ighodaro said. “It’s just ing the team this season, in particular,

those with varsity experience. Andrew King, a 6-foot-2 sophomore guard found himself thrust into this role this year after he played a considerable number of minutes on the Thunder’s varsity team last year. King has averaged 11.5 points and 2.2 assists per game so far this season. His highest point total came against Hamilton on Nov. 27, in which he scored 16 points in Desert Vista’s 77-49 win. While he’s helped other players on varsity for the first time this season, he’s also lent a hand to those who have transferred into the program this season. “I have to show a lot of the new guys in practice how things will be in the game,” King said. “Practice gets competitive because we are trying to push them to do their best.” Junior forward John Soloman missed several of Desert Vista’s first games this season as he battled pneumonia. He saw his first action against Mesa in the Fear

history when the Pride won the program’s only state title in 2013. “I love Mountain Pointe and I love Eric Lauer,” said Vaughan, who was the head coach of Arnold High in Panama City, Fla. this past season. “He’s a super coach and an even better person. I think it’s a great hire and I think he will do well.” Mountain Pointe Athletic Director Aaron Frana, who coached with Lauer under Vaughan, said the hiring committee was focused on Eric Lauer, who was an assistant at Mountain Pointe for 12 years before coach- finding “someone who ing the Marcos de Niza football program, has been recommended as the is passionate about imPride’s new head coach. (AFN File Photo) proving culture and and Norris Vaughan. He was elevated to building a competitive football program.” assistant head coach by Vaughan during Needless to say, Frana and the commitMountain Pointe’s best run in program tee believed they would get it with Lauer.

“Coach Lauer is about creating relationships with our student-athletes and building a competitive football program,” Frana said. “Coach Lauer has been a part of the Mountain Pointe community and understands the needs of our students and families. He will bring back the success and competitive drive the program had under Kiefer and Vaughan. “I am excited to be a part of it.” Lauer took on an assistant coaching role at Arizona Christian University after Wellbrock was hired to take over the Mountain Pointe program in 2018. He coached the Firestorm throughout the spring before being hired to take over the Marcos de Niza program to replace the late Paul Moro. “Marcos gave me the opportunity after Norris left,” Lauer said. “They helped give me the credibility to get another chance after all of those guys (at Marcos) bought in and helped turn things around in 18

�ee BASKETBALL page 44

Eric Lauer next Pride head football coach BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he month-long search for the next head football coach at Mountain Pointe High School has come to an end, as Marcos de Niza coach Eric Lauer has been recommended to take over the Pride program. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Lauer back to Mountain Pointe as our new head coach,” said Mountain Pointe Principal Tomika Banks in a press release. “We are looking forward to the future.” Lauer will take over the program after former coach Rich Wellbrock stepped down after two years leading the program. Wellbrock, who led Desert Edge to its only championship in 2015, coached Mountain Pointe to an 8-14 overall record during his tenure. The Pride went 1-9 this season. Lauer served as an assistant coach at Mountain Pointe for 12 years under former coaches Karl Kiefer, Phil Abbadessa

�ee COACHpage 44

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Desert Vista lacrosse to host 12th annual LAX4Life Classic BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

esert Vista’s lacrosse team will host the 12th annual LAX4LIFE Classic on Dec. 13-15 to benefit the Phoenix Children’s Hospital and a 12-year-old boy battling cancer. The LAX4LIFE Classic brings together high school and middle school lacrosse teams, referees and volunteers for preseason games at Tempe Sports Complex. The games will begin on Friday night and run through Sunday when the competitive division games will take place. A portion of the proceeds will go toward Brady Wein, a 12-year-old boy battling AML-Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Brady’s father, Mike, is a longtime lacrosse coach for several schools across the Valley and is also the founder of the Brady’s Bunch Lacrosse Team. The rest of the proceeds will go toward Phoenix Children’s Hospital. LAX4LIFE will also sponsor a toy drive for PCH and other local hospitals. Last year, Desert Vista coach Dan Lennon and his team presented two checks for $1,500 each to two Ahwatukee kids

COACH from page 43

months.” Lauer coached the Padres to a 9-13 overall record in his two seasons, making the playoffs this year before losing in the quarterfinals to championship-bound Mesquite after upsetting second-ranked Canyon Del Oro in the first round. He informed Marcos de Niza players of his departure on Thursday morning. Even with the excitement of being able to

BASKETBALL from page 43

the Hop Tournament on Nov. 26, Desert Vista’s second game of the season. At 6-foot-8, 190 pounds, he compliments Ighodaro to give the Thunder a major size advantage inside. But even if the Thunder are unable to get the ball to their two big men in the paint, they have the ability to kick it out to King, junior guard Marcus Wady or sophomore guard Desean Lecque, who is in his first year with the program after transferring from New Jersey when his older brother, Jalen, was signed by the Phoenix Suns. “I really didn’t want to move because I’ve been in Jersey my whole life,” Lecque said. “But once we moved, I heard Desert Vista was a good school academically and for the athletics. Coach Gino is a great coach, he’s helped me get comfortable.

The Desert Vista lacrosse team is preparing to host its 12th annual LAX4LIFE, which benefits Phoenix Children’s Hospital and local children battling illness in the community. (Photo courtesy Kim Torgerson)

battling cancer as part of the event. A third check for $1,500 was presented to Phoenix Children’s Hospital by the team.

go back to a program that held a special place in his heart for so many years, he said it was tough to have to tell them the news. “Today has been real hard for me because I try to hang my hat on making our relationship about more than just football,” Lauer said. “How do you tell a young person you love them and you want the best for them but at the same time you’re leaving? I told them if I leave here as just your football coach then I didn’t do my

“Now I just want to show what I can do in a different state.” Lecque has been a force so far this season for Desert Vista. He averages a teamhigh 21.8 points per game to go along with 3.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds. He saw varsity action last year while playing for Teaneck High School in New Jersey. He brings an added boost of both speed and ball-handling ability to the Thunder lineup, two characteristics Crump is excited to see in full swing throughout the season. “Thank God for the Phoenix Suns because we landed him,” Crump said of Lecque. “When he and Marcus are on the floor together it could be really special. He can really do it all for us.” Desert Vista’s dominant start to the season isn’t a surprise to any players on the team. They expected it to be much im-

The event will begin on Friday, Dec. 13 and run both Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Tempe Sports Complex.

job. “Right now, today, it’s about me having to give bad news to guys and it doesn’t feel good. But I know Marcos will keep moving forward. That’s a great group of players.” Lauer will maintain his position as a Health and Wellness Coach for the Tempe Union district. He is tasked with developing programming focusing on the prevention of underage drinking, marijuana use and prescription drug misuse and abuse.

proved over last year’s team - who ended with the season 17-10. They also realized the type of expectations for them from those outside of the program. But the Thunder aren’t letting any of the pressure get to them. They just plan to play their game and see how far it takes them. “Since I’ve been at Desert Vista, we’ve always had good teams,” Crump said. “I think this is the best shot they have at winning the whole thing because not only are they good, they play as a team. We have the personnel to play fast but the right way. “This could be a very special group, we’ll see.” Andrew King, a sophomore guard on Desert Vista’s varsity basketball team, has started to step up as a leader this season after he saw considerable playing time as a freshman last year. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff)

All interested are encouraged to attend. For more information on LAX4LIFE, visit www.azlax4life.com.

Those in this position work with students, staff and parents at several of the district’s schools to create and execute awareness campaigns and special events will help students make healthy choices when it comes to drugs and alcohol. “I have a great opportunity to go back somewhere I have spent a lot of time,” Lauer said. “I’m looking forward to building a positive culture at Mountain Pointe - embracing the chase and getting back to balance.”

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Classifieds

Ahwatukee Foothills News

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com Deadlines

Classifieds: Monday 11am for Wednesday Life Events: Friday 10am for Wednesday

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | Ahwatukee.com

Miscellaneous For Sale Available for purchase or for fundraising to an Arizona resident: 3 foot African Rhino Horn Text Only: 480-233-3208

HIRING?

Appliance Repairs

Cleaning Services

People are looking at the Classifieds Every day!

Appliance Repair Now

EUROPEAN STYLE CLEANING Honest & Responsible European lady Provides Quick, High Quality At Your House or Business 602-750-5971

Email Your Job Post to: class@times publications.com or Call

480-898-6465

Pets/Services

While Your’ Away Services Pet, Home & Property Checks

Voted one of the “Best of Ahwatukee” 10 Years Running!

Reasonable Rates Special Pricing on Extended Service

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

Classifieds 480-898-6465

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

Caregiver Services Amethyst Homecare LLC

In-home caregiver services for the elderly • Companionship • Light housekeeping • Meal prep, walks, etc.

Call Eleanor Today!

480.287.4897 www.WhileYouAreAwayServices.com

Garage/Doors

Concrete & Masonry

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

DESERT ROCK

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Not a licensed contractor

Cleaning Services

CONCRETE & MASONRY

BLOCKWALL

RETAINING WALL BLOCK FENCE PLANTER BBQ

Total Home Solutions

HOUSE CLEANING

Mention this ad for 50 OFF $

When you schedule your Initial Service Visit

($25 off 1st house cleaning & $25 off 2nd house cleaning)

FREE INSTANT ONLINE QUOTE

Block Walls • Concrete • Pavers BBQ & Fireplaces • Stucco Cool Deck • Imitation Flagstone Call Garcia 602-515-6627 Free Estimates

www.HouseSpouse.com

480-834-2905

Carpet Cleaning

FOUNDATION DRIVEWAY SIDEWALK PATIO

H ouse Spouse CONCRETE MASONRY Carpet Cleaning also available.

Call Sandra Laura at 480-907-6987 email: info@amethysthc.com

CONCRETE

PAVER • CONCRETE REMOVAL • HARDSCAPE BONDED & INSURED • ROC#321648 SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! FREE ESTIMATES • 16 YEARS EXPERIENCE RESIDENTIAL CALL JOHN: 480.797.2985 COMMERCIAL

AHWATUKEE OWNED • BONDED & INSURED

Licensed/Bonded/Insured Ahwatukee Resident

Cell Cell

Small Jobs Welcome!

Not a licensed contractor

Not Enough Time in the Day? Call

Contractors Quality Professional Cleaning

Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years. Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.

Air Conditioning/Heating

Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Residential/Commercial

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship Seasonal AC Tune Up - $99 New 3-Ton AC Units - $3,995 We are a Trane dealer & NATE-Certified! 0% FINANCING - 72 Months!!

www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

480.460.5030

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

(480) 833-1027 JENNIFER BEEBE References Available 20 Years Experience Bonded & Insured

It’s a Clear Choice!

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com Business/Professional Services

OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR. FIND THE BEST TALENT. EASILY POST JOBS.

‘A+’ RATED AC REPAIR FREE ESTIMATE SAME DAY SERVICE

COMPETITIVE PRICING AND EXPOSURE More info: 480-898-6465 or email jobposting@evtrib.com

Most jobs also appear on Indeed.com

J BS.EASTVALLEYTRIBUNE.COM

SERVICES INCLUDE: Do you have a picky eater? Does your child experience sensory issues with certain textures or other qualities of unfamiliar foods? If mealtimes are a constant struggle in your home and your child’s extremely limited diet is beginning to make you worried or frustrated, we have some answers! Recent blog post: • https://kidsempowered4life.com/picky-eater-or-something-else/

Free consultation: www.kidsempowered4life.com, kidsempowered4life@gmail.com or 602-753-7441

• Detailed evaluation by a pediatric occupational therapist and speech therapist to provide the most comprehensive and evidence-based information • Recommendations for intensive feeding therapy, or a less intensive program to address picky eating and provide parent support

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Home Improvement

Drywall

Garage/Doors

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING

FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR

House Painting, Drywall, Reliable, Dependable, Honest! QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

480.266.4589 josedominguez0224@gmail.com Not a licensed contractor.

Same Day Service Repair/Install All Major Brands

Call for Our Monthly Special Discount

• FREE ESTIMATES •

480-893-8091 Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest

ROC#126694

Home Improvement

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town! R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's

CASH OUT!

480-215-3373

Home Improvement

Bonded/Insured

Fireplace Conversion

Electrical Services

Handyman

C. READ & SON ELECTRIC

FREE Estimates!

From Pilot to Electronic Pilot

Irrigation

Plumbing Electrical Paint 2008 through 2018

Electric Car Chargers • Fans • Troubleshooting • Remodeling • Security Lights • Recessed Cans • RV Outlets • Indoor/Outdoor Lighting • Spas • Dedicated Circuits and more Ahwatukee www.readelectricaz.com Resident ROC #158440 Bond/Ins

480-940-6400

Tile

Able Handyman Service LLC

And Much, Much More!

Not a licensed

contractor Jim 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com

Jaden Sydney Associates.com Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

Repairs • Drywall • Painting • BINSR Items Trash Removal • HOA Compliance

Residential Electrician

AND so much more!

CALL NOW! 480-294-6072

www.NowPlumbing.net

Home Remodeling

NTY

5-YEAR WARRA

• BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL No Job • ELECTRICAL Too Small! • PAINTING Senior • PLUMBING Discounts! • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE COUNTERTOPS • CARPET INSTALLATION

480.654.5600

azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 21671

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

Please recycle me.

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Ahwatukee Resident

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354

480.335.4180

ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

Home Improvement

Not a licensed contractor.

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

- Ahw Resident Since 1987 -

Full Service & Repair on ALL Gas Fireplaces

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

for ALL your 39 years electrical needs experience

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting

✔ Sprinkler Repair

ALL RESIDENTIAL & ✔ Lighting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ & MUCH MORE! COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Roof Tiles Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured Over 28 Years Experience ROC #246019 Marks the•Spot for ALLBonded/Insured Handyman Needs! Painting •Your Flooring • Electrical

*Not A Licensed Contractor

Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Marks the Spot for ALL Plumbing • Decks Drywall • Carpentry • Tile • More! Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Your Handyman Needs! Place YOUR Business HERE! Decks • Tile • More! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! • Drywall • Carpentry Plumbing Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing in the Service Directory Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Tile • More! Needs! DrywallDecks • Carpentry • Decks • Tile • More! Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Painting • Flooring • Electrical Decks • Tile • More! “No Job Too • Drywall • Carpentry Plumbing “No JobSmall Too Man!” Decks • Tile • More! “No Job Too Small Man!” Small Man!”

rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo 1999 ce Sin rk Wo y alit Qu Call fore, our 3 Month Special! Affordabl

“No Job Too Work Since 1999 Quality le,Small 2010, 2011 Affordab Man!” 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2012, 2013, 2010, 2011 “No Job 2014 2014 2012, 2013, 9 199 e 2014 Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a LicensedToo Contractor “No Man!” Job Too Small le, Quality Work SincAhwatukee

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruceatat$145/month 602.670.7038 Starting Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Affordab CallAhwatukee Bruce at 602.670.7038 Small Man!”

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not aBruce Licensed at Contractor Call 602.670.7038

2010, 2011 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2012, 2013, 2014 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Classifieds: 480-898-6465 Call Bruce 602.670.7038 9 ce 199 Sinat

Quality Work Affordable,Ahwatukee 2010, 2011 Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

2012, 2013, 2014

Why re-do when you can RE-NEW? YOUR #1 CABINET REFACING COMPANY IN THE VALLEY 39 Years of Masterful Craftsmanship WE DO ALL THE WORK INCLUDED IN EVERY PACKAGE: • New custom doors • New dovetail drawers • Soft-close hinges, tracks and more ALL OUR PRODUCTS ARE PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA!

0% DOWN (OAC) Credit Union West

FREE HARDWARE

with any cabinet replacing project

FREE SINK & FAUCET

with purchase of a granite or quartz countertop Minimum required. Must present ad. Expires 12-31-19

WE WILL BEAT ANY WRITTEN ESTIMATE FREE In-Home Estimates

480-361-3121

Re-NewCabinets.com Visit Our Showroom!

6503 W Frye Rd, Suite 1 Chandler, AZ 85228 Licensed, Bonded, Insured - ROC#293053

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Landscape Design/Installation

CDS LANDSCAPING

Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting C - Caring alls Repairs & Instuse. D - Dedicated for long term ing S - Service No Landscap

LANDSCAPING

. Maintenance

Landscape Maintenance Juan Hernandez

SPRINKLER Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups! Not a licensed contractor

• Evening & Weekend Service Only • You Pay Labor & Materials Only Rated 4.9 • ROC#312942 on homeadvisor.com

25 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

david@swo-of-artworks.com

Juan Hernandez

Owner: David “Ray” Smith

TRIMMING

480-580-4419

TREE

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

HIRING? If One Needs a Job, They Look Every day! For a Quote email: class@times publications.com 480-898-6465

Landscape Maintenance

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

Custom Design and Renovation turning old to new Custom Built-ins, BBQs, Firepits, Fireplaces, Water Features, Re-Designing Pools, Masonry, Lighting, Tile, Flagstone, Pavers, Culture Stone & Travertine, Synthetic Turf, Sprinkler/Drip, Irrigation Systems, Clean ups & Hauling

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

Call Lance White

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

I could help you have your palm trees and other trees trimmed by giving you a reasonable and better price than the others.

Irrigation Repair & New Installation Maintenance Bi-Weekly • Monthly Yard Clean-ups • Storm Damage • Palm & Tree Trimming Tree Removal • Landscape Lighting Installation & Repair Landscape Design • Install Winter Grass

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Not a Licensed Contractor

480-217-0407

MD’S LANDSCAPING

To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-940-8196

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

FREE FERTILIZER & SOIL AMENDMENT TREATMENTS WITH ALL SERVICES

480-730-1074

theplugman.com

FERTILIZER PROGRAMS • SOIL TESTING • DETHATCHING

Landscape Maintenance

ROC 282663 • BONDED • INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

Arizona Specialty Landscape

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week! ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765 Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control Starting @ $60/Month! • One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection. • Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

FREE ESTIMATES! CALL 24 HOURS 25 Yrs Exp. I Do All My Own Work! Call Mark

480.295.2279 Referred out of Ewing Irrigation Not a licensed contractor.

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED!

D&L SPRINKLER SERVICE Landscape Lighting Misting Systems

MOST REPAIRS

UNDER $100 We Do Installs! Warranty On All Work

New & Re-Do Design and Installation

Affordable | Paver Specialists All phases of landscape installation. Plants, cacti, sod, sprinklers, granite, concrete, brick, Kool-deck, lighting and more!

Let’s get your Watering System working again! System Checks • Drip Checks

Wi-Fi Irrigation & Lighting timers

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate

Landscape Maintenance

RAMON LANDSCAPING SERVICES

Drip Systems Installed, Valves/Timer Repairs

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

dandlsprinklerservice.com

602.329.3396

Specials

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

Is your lawn ready for the holidays? Call for a clean up.

Limo Services

SPECIAL

$35 AIRPORT SEDAN SERVICES AHW/AIRPORT OR AIRPORT/AHW

*GRATUITY NOT INCLUDED

Choose us for all your transportation needs

Other Services Weddings/Parties Night out on the town 602.348.2141 Keep this number in your cell as your Ahwatukee Transportation Service.

Way2GoTransport.com

480-825-6272 Painting

Not a Licensed Contractor

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds! You will find them easy with their yellow background.

Not a licensed contractor

Garage Sale Fri & Sat 7a-11am Household, clothes, kitchen items, furniture, electronics, mason jars, kid items, DVDs, MORE 555 W. Lane Dr Mesa

SUN TECH

PAINTING INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior • High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available

Only$27.50 $25 includes Only includes up online up to to 11 week week online

Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

To place an ad please call:

480-898-6465

class@timespublications.com

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded

Family Owned • Free Estimates

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, Exterior House Painting. Stucco Patching. Gate/Front Door Refinishing. Quality work/Materials Free Estimate Ignacio 480-961-5093 602-571-9015 ROC #189850 Bond/Ins'd

Plumbing

Painting

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT SPEND A LITTLE…

MAKE A LOT!

★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789 License #ROC 298736

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465 The Valley’s Premier Painters Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated Residential • Commercial • Best Painters EVER! • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings

Owned and Operated by Rod Lampert Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years

Our services include: Sinks, Toilets, Faucets, Water Heaters, Garbage Disposal, Drain Cleaning, Pressure Reducing Valves, Pressure Vacuum Breakers, Hot Water Circulation Systems, Main Service Valves and Hose Taps.

(480) 279-4155 Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC 189848

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

PLUMBING

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

480-338-4011

ROC#309706

Plumbing

“Professional, Punctual & Clean”

ACP is 100% Veteran Owned AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Off 40work done

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

• Interior & Exterior

Like us on Facebook to stay current & Receive 5% Off Services

We offer personalized service for our customers. We use the best materials that we can find.

“We get your house looking top notch!”

We Repair or Install

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

ROC # 272721

704.5422

(480)

*Any

PlumbSmart

www.AcpPaintingllc.com

Plumbing Heating & Air

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

4995

DRAIN CLEANING

OFF REPAIR 1st time customers

200 OFF!

480-405-7099

Water Heaters 0% FINANCING

($85 Value)

ITS NEW A/C UN

East Valley PAINTERS

FREE SERVICE CALLS

3,995!

(advertised offers cannot be combined)

We are A+ Rated by the BBB and stand behind our work with a Lifetime Warranty. Call us for the BEST SERVICE and PRICES in the East Valley!

Voted #1

Thank you Mesa for Voting us #1

FREE ESTIMATES

Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

10% OFF

SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today! Call us for details.

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Experience, Service and Price

Find out why our customers become customers for life! Over 700 five-star Google reviews!

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Pool Service / Repair

CLR Pool Service LLC

For a limited time

Call Now!

Excellent Service... First time, Every time!

Ahw Resident • Owner Operated Maintenance & Repair Professional and Superior Service

We maintain, repair and service all types of pools, equipment, filters, cleaning systems, fresh water and salt water systems

Call me, Howard:

480.231.9651

Charles Rock - Ahwatukee Resident

480.399.ROCK (7625)

N POOL

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning! Monthly Service & Repairs Available

See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

GREEN POOL

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

Email Your Job Post to:

Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

class@times publications.com

www.barefootpoolman.com

Not a licensed contractor.

www.clrpoolservice.com

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

People are looking in the Classifieds Every day!

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member

charles@clrpoolservice.com

Roofing

???

1st Month of Service FREE

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

or Call 480

898-6465

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

LLC

Pool Service / Repair

ROC #152111

AE&Sons

CLEAN UP & REPAIR

SERVICING THE VALLEY FOR OVER 25 YEARS

350

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Pool Plaster Company

Call our office today!

480-460-7602

All Complete Pool Renovations

Acid Wash

Pebble • White Plaster • New Pool Builds Tile • Deck • Pump & Filters

Juan Hernandez Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

FREE Estimates FREE Pool Inspections Specializing in Expert Tile Cleaning & Acid Wash

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

FREE Estimates • BEST Prices

602-505-8066 Cell

www.porterroofinginc.com

Se Habla Espanõl

Lic’d, Bonded • ROC #235771 • ROC #235770

Roofing

FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

PROFESSIONAL • WEEKLY POOL SERVICE • REPAIRS

480-208-1808

Call Juan at

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

480-720-3840

CERTIFIED • BONDED • INSURED

Not a licensed contractor.

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

Remodeling

Spring into Summer with a NEW Kitchen, Bathroom or Windows Put Our Experience to Work for You!

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Roofing

We also offer Energy Efficient Window Replacement

The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

• TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSIONS • KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELS • MASTER BATHROOM WALK IN SHOWERS

25 NO INTEREST $500 NO PAYMENTS MONTHS

ABA KITCHEN WINDOWS BATHROOMS •

www.abahomeremodeling.com

HOME REMODELING •

OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE REMODELING HOMES

Gift card to Lowe’s with Quote off project

DON’T OVER PAY! Call or text us TODAY!

480.988.1903 BONDED & INSURED • ROC#271056

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time! 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

www.timklineroofing.com

FREE Estim a and written te proposal

480-357-2463 R.O.C. #156979 K-42 • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Roofing

aOver 30 Years of Experience aLicensed, Bonded & Insured

is your roof

Monsoon Ready? Let seasoned pros

handle all your

roofing needs

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service 480-446-7663

Roofing

Window Cleaning

PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC

John’s Window Cleaning

Roofing

Member of ABM

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC 223367

Inside & Out Up to 30 Panes Additional Panes $3 ea. Screens Cleaned $3 ea. pane

Mobile Re-Screening

480-201-6471

For a Quote email: class@times publications.com

480-898-6465

623-873-1626

1000 OFF

All employees verified Free estimates on all roofs 36 Years experience in AZ Licensed contractor since 2006

You never know what you’ll find inside

phillipsroofingaz.com phillipsroofing@cox.net

class@timespublications.com

when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the IN-EX Difference! Serving The Valley Since 1996

Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

10% OFF with this ad

480.898.6465

Pass the Fruit Cake! Movie Quiz Given the year and the actor or actress, can you figure out the movie title? NOTE: All movies contain a seasonal party scene.

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile & Foam Roofer! Check Us Out FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

CR 42 DUAL

1-Story $145 2-Story $165

If someone Needs a Job, They Look Every Day!

602-938-7575

inexrooﬁng.com • New Roofs • Re-Roofs • Repairs Tile • Foam • Shingles • Patios

Valleywide

The Owners Clean Your Windows!

HIRING?

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

Place Your Advertisement Here.

ACTOR/ACTRESS

YEAR

MOVIE TITLE

Jennifer Aniston

2016

_________________________________

Tom Hanks

1988

_________________________________

Bruce Willis

1988

_________________________________

Eddie Murphy

1983

_________________________________

Tim Allen

1994

_________________________________

Jamie Curtis

2004

_________________________________

Tea Leone

2000

_________________________________

Meg Ryan

1993

_________________________________

Bill Murray

1988

_________________________________

Chris Pratt & Will Arnett

2019

_________________________________

Call 480-898-6465 to Advertise in the Service Directory. CB

Answers,from the top down: Office Christmas Party, Big, Die Hard, Trading Spaces, The Santa Claus, Christmas with the Kranks, The Family Man, Sleepless in Seattle,Scrooged and The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part.

DECEMBER 11, 2019 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

palmabrisa.com

COMING SOON FROM THE MID $400’s!

A new gated resort community is coming soon in the Ahwatukee Foothills with a dramatically different style. It feels exclusive, but also lively and exciting — and it's called Palma Brisa. • Modern resort-style gated community with stately palms

• Diverse architecture: Modern Bungalow, Urban Farmhouse, Italian Cottage, Andalusian, Modern Craftsman, French Country, and Spanish Mission

• Four amenity areas connected by expansive lawns • Homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft.

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

© Copyright 2019 Blandford Homes, LLC. No offer to sell or lease may be made prior to issuance of Final Arizona Subdivision Public Report. Offer, terms, and availability subject to change without prior notice. Renderings are artist’s conceptions and remain subject to modification without notice.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 11, 2019

Happy Holidays

CU CU. FT. SUPER CAPACITY WASHER SHER HER 5.2SUP WASHER WAS

• 3.4 Cubic • 700 RPM Spin Foot Tub Speed • Porcelain Tub

• 1080p Resolution • Built-in Wi-Fi • 2 HDMI Inputs • 2 USB Ports

379 UN55NU6900

TOP LOAD WASHER • 3.8 Cu. Ft. • 12 Wash Cycles • 2 Water Levels • 5 Temperature Options • Power Wash Agitator

FREE DELIVERY ON PAIR

MVWC416FW CLOSEOUT

DRYER • Large 7.0 cu. ft. Capacity • Wrinkle Control Option • Heavy-Duty Motor

399

MEDC415EW CLOSEOUT

EACH EACH

NO MATTER WHERE YOU SEE IT, READ IT, OR HEAR IT, SPENCERS ALWAYS HAS A LOWER PRICE! WE GUARANTEE IT EVERYDAY. IT’S LIKE HAVING A FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS!

359 599 $

NTW4500XQ CLOSEOUT

RANGE • 4.8 Cu. Ft. • Self Cleaning Oven • Smooth Top • Proudly Made In The USA

WFE505W0HZ

REFRIDGERATOR • 25 Cu. Ft. • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers • Energy Star Qualified

WRS325FDAM

DISHWASHER • Integrated Control Styling • Premium Nylon Racks • Indoor Silverware Basket • Energy Star Qualified

EACH

14.6 CU. FT. REFRIGERATOR • Adjustable Shelves • Gallon Door Storage • Two Adjustable Humidity Drawers

499

GTS15CTHRWW CLOSEOUT

WDF520PADM

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST**

DAY DELIVERY

• Deli Drawer • Crisper Shelves • LED Lighting FFSS2314QS CLOSEOUT

1999 $ 799 249

HDA1100FMCC

STAINLESS STEEL 23 CU. FT. SIDE BY SIDE

DISHWASHER

• Normal Wash Cycle • Heated Dry On/Off

• Tur Turbo Wash • 12 Wash Programs 7.3 CU. FT. CAPACITY • TrueBalance™ DRYER Plus • EasyLoad™ Door • NFC Tag On • TurboSteam® • ENERGY STAR® Technology Qualiﬁed • 14 Drying Programs WT7500CW DLEX7600WE

BUYS ALL 3 PIECES

NEXT NEXT

DA DAY Y DELIVERY ERY

** NO INTEREST IF PAID IN FULL IN 12 MONTHS. $799.00 Minimum Purchase Required Minimum Payments Required 30.79% APR If the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end for the promotional period or, to the extent permitted by law, if you make a late payment, interest will be imposed from the date of purchase at the APR noted above. This APR is as of 7/4/2019 and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. Your card agreement, the terms of the offer and applicable law govern this transaction including increasing APRs and fees and terminating the promotional period.

WWW.SPENCERSTV.COM See Website for Additional Store Locations

Arizona’s largest independent dealer! “It’s Like Having A Friend In The Business”

Come Visit Our New Mesa Clearance Center – 115 W. First Ave.

OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM | SATURDAY 9AM-6PM | SUNDAY 11AM-5PM