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Wednesday, December 12, 2018
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ABM getting results in efforts to beautify Ahwatukee BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor
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@AhwatukeeFN |
rees and flowers along Warner-Elliot Loop. Repainted utility boxes. Perhaps even welcome signs along the eastern parts of Elliot and Warner. In coming months, these enhancements are coming to Ahwatukee proper as the Ahwatukee Board of Management works with the city and utilities to spruce up the ‘hood. “These projects all fit together as a com-
munity aesthetic boost,” said Karen Young, ABM assistant general manager and the point person for improvements at the ABM board. Prompted by General Manager Robert Blakesley and board President Chris Gentis, Young has been working with various city departments to implement a broad range of improvements to the landscape that is part of the 2,720 acres that make ABM one of the largest HOAs in Arizona. As a result, this week city crews are expect-
ed to enhance the first two medians on Elliot and Warner roads. Some of that work is beginning this week. “Because those medians are maintained by the city using county funds, there were funds available for trees and plants to be restored,” Young said. “The median on Elliot Road is very large, so numerous trees and a few dozen plants will go there, and on Warner, three trees and about dozen plants. ABM selected See
ABM on page 12
3 women help make Having a (snow) ball this ‘Nutcracker’ an Ahwatukee classic
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ON THE MOVE
Arena and seamstress Brandi Petersen are particularly crucial to the ballet’s success among he pageantry, glitz and the other adults in backstage glamor of the annual supporting roles. “Ahwatukee Foothills Producer and Dance Studio Nutcracker Ballet” – performed 111 owner Kimberly Lewis, who at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, is presenting the “Nutcracker” for Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. the 19th consecutive year in her 16 – is a perennially awe-inspiring community, explained: spectacle to audience members of “Jill was with me at the all ages. beginning of the Nutcracker Among those responsible for which took two years to plan the magic are the production’s before bringing it to the stage. two choreographers who oversee Meghan Arena joined our ‘dream all the dance routines, and team of magic’ in 2008. Working the seamstress responsible for together for so many years, the fashioning some of the myriad three of us share so many magical and richly-detailed costumes – stories and memories. We’ve seen (Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer) Open or tailoring them to fit the new dancers grow up dancingHouses: in our The weekend brought lots of snow to Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori, as dancers. Nutcracker whoFebruary now have their Mira and London Kay can attest. They were among scores of kids Saturday, 20th atMemioglu 9:00am who frolicked during the school’s annual Winter Festival. To see how others “Nutcracker” choreographers the white stuff, see page 23. February at 6:00pm See NUTCRACKER on page 24th 8 enjoyed Jill Hammond and Meghan Wednesday,
BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor
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