Ahwatukee Foothills News - December 27, 2017

INSIDE:

COMMUNITY P.20 | AROUND AF P.25 | OPINION P.31 | BUSINESS P.33 | FAITH P.38 | GETOUT P.39 | SPORTS P.44| CLASSIFIED P.48

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS www.ahwatukee.com

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

ROCKIN’ TUKEE

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS Plenty to make 2017 here a year to remember – or forget

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

C AHWATUKEE . 20

P

FORD POWERHOUSE

18th annual Ahwatukee Nutcracker and the 22nd annual Festival of Lights went off as scheduled.

And while scores homeowners were enraged by unexplained spikes in their water usage costing them hundreds of dollars, others fumed over a mysterious stench that has bedeviled certain neighborhoods since August.

Here is a look at some of the major news events and newsmakers in Ahwatukee that will make 2017 either a year people want to remember – or forget.

The freeway Bulldozers and hundreds of workers began reshaping the desert along Pecos Road, flattening hills and even leveling the 20-year-old Mountain Park Community Church for an interchange along the South Mountain Freeway. The congregation opened a magnificent new church on 48th Street and Frye Road.

They didn’t even bother waiting for a federal appeals court ruling that put a stake through the heart of the freeway’s opposi-

FOOTHILLS NEWS

lub West Golf Course was restored to a lush venue, but the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course remained deader than a duff.

The South Mountain Freeway started rising out of the desert, but a missing link in Chandler Boulevard opened to provide residents of several HOAs a way around Pecos Road.

There were no Independence Day fireworks, but the 41st annual Easter Parade, the

See

YEAR REVIEW on page 16

Ahwatukee trio uses wedding gowns to comfort grieving parents

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

. 33

P

GLADIATOR

W

hen a parent or parents lose a baby – either stillborn or shortly after birth – there are area angels ready to step in during the painful experience, providing them and their infant with a white lace or satin bereavement gown.

In Ahwatukee, those angels are a trio of friends who joined together to design and sew these bereavement gowns, made from donated wedding dresses.

They are officially known as Sew Sweet Angel Gowns – Debbie Sinfield, Joann Cooper and Yvonne Leake.

Sinfield and Cooper began their mission See

GOWNS on page 10

(Dianne Ross/ AFN Contributor)

. 44

P

Debbie Sinfield, left, and Yvonne Lenke, cofounders of Sew Sweet Angel Gowns with Joann Cooper, display a wedding gown they will convert into bereavement gowns for deceased newborns.

December 27 - January 12

JOIN FOR $1

4No sign-up fees (Sign up by January 1st and receive 2 FREE months) 4Upscale Gym & 24/7/365 Access 4New Cardio and Strength Equipment 4Now with Hydro Massage

1420 E Chandler Blvd • Phoenix, Arizona 85048 (480) 460-1673 • anytimefitness.com

2

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

MUST SEE

AT LEAST ONCE in YOUR LIFETIME

“

Art that Connects Heaven & Earth Tucson Music Hall 260 S Church Ave., Tuscon, AZ 85701

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS FOOTHILLS NEWS AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS TUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every AHWATUKEE NEWS Wednesday and distributed free ofFOOTHILLS charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills.

UKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

NEWS NEIGHBORS

Times Media Group: AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Arizona, 85282 TUKEETempe, FOOTHILLS NEWS Main number: 480-898-6500 Advertising: 480-898-5624 Circulation service: 480-898-5641

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director

Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com

National Account Coordinator:

Patty Dixie 480-898-5940, pdixie@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@timespublications.com Managing Editor:

Ralph Zubiate, 480-898-6825, rzubiate@timespublications.com Sports Editor:

Greg Macafee, 480-898-5630, gmcafee@timespublications.com GetOut Editor:

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, 480-641-4518, christina@timespublications.com Designers:

Ruth Carlton, rcarlton@timespublications.com Christy Byerly, cbyerly@timespublications.com Tonya Mildenberg, tmildenberg@timespublications.com Production Coordinator:

Courtney Oldham 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Reporters:

Jim Walsh, 480-898-5639 jwalshe@timespublications.com Photographer:

Kimberly Carrillo, kcarrillo@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. © Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

(Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Photographer)

Ahwatukee State Sen. Sean Bowie talks to an eighth-grade social studies class at Altadena Middle School, the last stop on his tour of all 45 public and public charters in his district.

Bowie visits Altadena and completes his mission

Award-Winning Attorney Team

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

A

fter a year in office, state Sen. Sean Bowie has become accustomed to fielding questions, but the eighth-graders at Altadena Middle School last week still kept him on his toes.

What was his position on net neutrality? one asked.

How are you going to get more money for education? queried another.

What’s the favorite part of your job? wondered another.

In some ways, Bowie was partially answering that third question by standing right in front of the three eighth-grade social studies classes.

After 51 weeks as a state senator, he was completing a personal mission he had set for himself not long after being sworn in: visiting every one of the 45 public and public charter schools in his Legislative District 18, which covers all of Ahwatukee and parts of Chandler, Tempe and Mesa.

“I place a high priority on these visits,” he said, noting that he partly wanted to see first-hand what students were doing, how teachers and administrators were coping under the financial constraints that Arizona schools have been confronting for several years and to thank the faculties and staff for their hard work.

Since he started his campaign early last year, the freshman senator has consistently made education funding his top priority.

He started off the final segment of his year-long tour the way he handled the other 44 – meeting with the principal.

And Altadena Principal James Martin was delighted to host him.

The 20-year Kyrene School District veteran employee, who has been principal at the 1,100-student school for about a year and a half, had no particular agenda with the senator as Bowie queried him on See

NEIGHBORS on page 5

Melanie Beauchamp

Martha Neese

- Serving Ahwatukee Since 1994 -

We See Law Differently.

Do you have a legal question?

Call us first.

If we cannot help you, we will find an attorney who can.

480-704-0777

4425 E. Agave Rd., Suite 110 • Phoenix, AZ 85044

3

4

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

COMING SOON TO

A H WAT U K E E

2 2

MONTHS FREE MEMBERSHIP

E L A S  E PR W O N N I JO NLY

PLUS

PROVE PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS

ONLINE O

New members only. 30-day money back guarantee. Valid thru 12/31/17

30-day money back guarantee. Valid thru 10/31/17

NEWS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

NEIGHBORS

from page 1

topics ranging from enrollment trends to programs.

The morning tour started with the studio used by students to craft a daily morning report to the student body.

Some students hovered over laptops in a dimly lit classroom while others looked through a large window into a brightly lit room where three students stood in front of a camera telling their classmates via a school-wide network the news of the day at Altadena, from who won the intramural baseball game the previous night to preparations for the upcoming winter break.

Then came the gauntlet of three social studies classes, and it was clear many of the students in each had given considerable thought to what they wanted to ask their special guest.

Bowie began each session with an admission that he went to Pueblo Middle School and then to Mountain Pointe High. Altadena is largely a feeder for rival Desert Vista High.

The students didn’t seem to care all that much. They were focused instead on the rest of his introductory remarks – and getting answers to their well-thoughtout questions.

“The main reason why I wanted to visit all the schools and talk to the principals and teachers is that I want them to know there are advocates for them at the state Capitol,” Bowie explained. “We really want to get more support for our teachers as well as for our schools.”

During each Q&A, students’ questions reflected as much an awareness of government as it affects them as it did an interest in what was involved in the job of being a state senator.

On the latter, Bowie explained how

he approached most of the approximate 600 bills that came his way this year.

He talked about spending many weekends in his Capitol office, reading every piece of legislation and often supplementing his reading with viewing videos of committee hearings.

And when it comes to voting, he stressed, he keeps his constituents’ desires in mind instead of party politics, noting that he has taken flack from Democratic party members for supporting a bill that they opposed but that “I knew my constituents would favor.”

That practice prompted the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting to note that Bowie voted with Republican senators more than any other Democratic lawmaker.

Ultimately, he added, voting was “the most stressful part of my job because you have a lot of competing interests.”

On issues, many students were interested in matters related to funding, while others waded into areas – such as net neutrality – that prompted Bowie to explain the differences in focus between Congress and the state Legislature.

Asked what the most controversial bill he voted on was, Bowie replied that it involved the fight over the expansion of the voucher system for private schools. “I was very opposed to that because I know it would have a very negative impact on schools like Altadena.”

And his favorite part of his job?

“It’s being out here in the community, visiting schools and local businesses and talking to people in my district.”

Bowie said he learned a lot in his school tours and that he would like to do it again in 2019.

As for next year, he has a different tour in mind: knocking on as many as 13,000 doors in LD 18 to help him win a second term.

GOT NEWS?

5

COME VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION!

Kathleen A. Nielsen Attorney at Law

Family Law & Estate Planning

Serving Ahwatukee for 28 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)

Need an exciting gift idea?

This Holiday Season give them something they’ll actually use.

Givethe the gift gift of of Martial Give MartialArts.

Arts.

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

Gift Certificates Available!

Saving a Life from a potential catastrophe EVERY 10 MINUTES

Self-Defense Skills Influence Life Skills • Confidence • Tone of Voice • Posture • Self-Esteem

but I’m never alone.

I have Life Alert.® AS SEEN ON

3173 E. Chandler Blvd.

TV

For a FREE brochure call:

1-855-822-1055

(SW Corner Chandler Blvd. & 32nd St.) Serving Ahwatukee since 1979

www.mountainsidemartialarts.com

RICK SAVAGIAN Head Instructor

Fifth Degree Black Belt in Traditional Wado-Ryu Karate USA World Cup Coach, 1999, 2002, 2009, 2016

NEWS

6

Area police, firefighters using drones

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY AFN Staff Writer

M

esa Fire and Medical Department is a pioneer in the use of drones to respond to emergency situations, and its pilots have evolved into a valuable resource for first responders and municipalities across Arizona.

While many of the department’s pilots had little to no experience with drones – also called unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs – prior to the program’s inception, they have developed into experts and now use the technology to respond to structural fires, large commercial fires, search and rescue operations, and other emergencies in Mesa and surrounding areas.

“These guys were excellent students and they became excellent pilots,” instructor John Nunes said. “I would put them up against any drone pilot in the United States.” Nunes is a drone pilot and industry expert who provided training for Mesa Fire and Medical Department’s drone program.

The department’s foray into drone use began when then-Fire Chief Harry Beck

and Assistant Chief Mike Dunn tapped Deputy Shift Commander Brian Kotsur to look into the technology.

Kotsur, who had no experience with UAVs at the time, began researching the technology and was connected with Nunes by Captain Dean Morales, who is now one of Mesa Fire’s drone pilots.

“We (met) John, who was putting together a pilot program for the FAA (with the Scottsdale Police Department), and that is really how we got started,” Kotsur said.

The program did not develop overnight.

The department’s pilots needed rigorous training from Nunes in order to master both the skills needed to fly drones and understand the complicated set of rules and regulations that govern the technology.

“It’s a slow progress to do things the right way,” Kotsur said. “You don’t want to just jump into this thing and get it out of the box and start flying it.”

He added, “You are an unmanned pilot and you need to treat the airspace that you are working in in the same way (as a traditional pilot).”

The department now uses drones in a

CARPET DESIGNED FOR PETS and THEIR PEOPLE

RESISTS PET STAINS RELEASES PET HAIR REDUCES PET ODOR SHOWROOM HOURS Mon-Thurs: 10 am - 6 pm Fri & Sat: 10 am - 5 pm or by appointment Licensed • Bonded • Insured

480.598.9811

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

Traci Tartaglio Owner

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

variety of capacities, including gaining a 360-degree perspective on damaged structures.

Captain Vance Friend has also used the department’s drones to survey buildings in Mesa and provide hazard assessments for property owners.

The program’s impact extends well beyond Mesa’s boundaries, too.

Kotsur and Nunes responded during a flood in Mayer and assisted local authorities in water (Brian Kotsur/Special to AFN rescue operations The Mesa Fire and Medical Department uses drones in a variety of and flood damage capacities, including gaining a 360-degree perspective on damaged assessment. structures.

The department’s drone unit also assisted with the search “Without that, the program would be for missing kindergarten teacher Cathryn limited.”

Currently, the department Gorospe in Williams earlier this year.

Additionally, Mesa Fire and Medical predominantly uses drones in a survey Department has participated in joint capacity after actual fires take place.

“Right now, most of the response is after specialized training exercises with other members of the automatic aid system – the fact, so it is not a part of the initial including fire departments from Phoenix, response,” Friend said.

However, Kotsur and Friend see that Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert – to demonstrate how UAVs can be used to changing in the future as more fire and respond to emergency situations such as a medical departments across the country make use of the technology. hazardous materials spill.

“We are just hitting the tip of the The automatic aid system is a coalition of emergency response departments in iceberg with what is going to take place the Valley that allows firefighters to cross with automation as well as with pilots that jurisdictional boundaries if they are the operate” drones for public safety, Kotsur said. closest responders to an emergency.

He envisions drones taking off from In a recent demonstration, the department showed how public safety preset locations throughout the city organizations can keep first responders after the department receives a 911 call safe by using drones outfitted with special and sending real-time video feeds to meters and cameras to identify potentially responding trucks. This would allow engine, ladder and battalion chiefs to assess lethal chemicals in hazmat situations.

“You are quickly assessing what is going fires before responders arrive on scene on in the hazard, making a determination, instead of relying solely on information and identifying possibly what the from 911 callers, who may exaggerate or underestimate the situation. chemicals are,” Kotsur said.

Developing procedures to use drones for While effective, this technology is not initial response to fires “will be huge down cheap.

The department currently has four the road for public safety,” Friend said.

In the meantime, Mesa Fire and drones, which can cost several thousand Medical’s drone pilots are focused on dollars apiece.

Meanwhile, Nunes – who owned a using the technology at their disposal in a company that was acquired by Gresco – safe and effective way.

“What I tell (our pilots) is that it’s not loaned the department a thermal camera used during the box truck demonstration. about showing off,” Kotsur said. “It’s about being comfortable and very good at That camera costs upwards of $13,000.

“The partnership (with Nunes and See DRONES on page 8 Gresco) is important,” Kotsur said.

7

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

HUSBAND AND WIFE LAW TEAM.COM

“Your Ahwatukee Home Seller”

CONGRATULATIONS! JULIE SEIZ

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School

}Our Teacher of the Month}

Top 1% Ahwatukee Realtor

Awarded : $25 and a Piz 0 Gift Card za Party!

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER TODAY!

25 Year Ahwatukee Resident

BreyerLaw.com/LawyersForTeachers

Time for Fall Cleanup!

WINDOW CLEANING • PRESSURE WASHING • WINDOW TINTING

• Family Owned • Ahwatukee Residents

WINDOW CLEANING

149

$

Up to 18 windows Interior and Exterior

PRESSURE WASHING Call For A Fast Free Estimate!

480.912.1695

Foothills Gateway 4 BR, 2.5 BA, 2,399 sq.ft., 2 car garage

129

Golf Course Lot, Club West 3,156 sq.ft., 5 BR, 2.5 BA, pool, 3 car garage D! TE LIS T S JU

$

Call for free estimate.

Porsche Chandler A/C System Special

S229

Ahwatukee • $499,988

up to 1,300 sq. ft.

windowgenie.com

95

Ahwatukee • $373,000

• • • • • • • •

Initial System Test Check System Components Recover Existing Refrigerant and Oils Vacuum A/C System to Detect Issues Recharge A/C System Add A/C Oil and Leak Detection Leak Test Components Full Post Recharge System Test

Ahwatukee • $429,000

Ahwatukee • $489,000 Crimson Ridge 4 BR, 2.75 BA, 3,307 sq.ft., 3 car garage, pool

Mountain Park Ranch 5 BR, 2.5 BA, 3,204 sq.ft., upgraded

!

LD SO

Porsche Chandler 1010 S. Gilbert Rd. Chandler, Al 85286 1480) 994-9000 PorscheChandler.com

Valid at Porsche Chandler on Porsche vehicles only. Plus tax & fees if applicable. No cash value. Offer not valid in conjunction with any other special or offers. Must present coupon at time of service write-up. Expires 1/15/18.

Ahwatukee • $419,800

Ahwatukee • $394,000

Mountain Park Ranch 4 BR, 2 BA, 2,592 sq.ft., semi-custom

Palmia at The Foothills 3 BR, 2.5 BA, 2,581 sq.ft., pool, remodeled

James R. Nichols, MD, ABFM Trevor Whitmore, PA-C ✦ Michelle Barnett, FNP ✦ Primary Care for Acute and Chronic Conditions ✦ Annual Wellness Evaluations ✦ In Office Labs

✦ Physician Supervised Weight Loss ✦ EKG ✦ Easy Access to Imaging ✦ Patient Portal

480-759-5151

13838 S. 46th Place, Ste #320 Phoenix, AZ 85044 www.AhwatukeeFamilyDoctor.com

kw SONORAN LIVING ®

KELLERWILLIAMS REALTY

Each office independently owned and operated.

Better Business A+ Rating

Call Kevin directly at

602-370-8106

www.Ahwatukee-Homes.com

8

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Bill Watson

Gets Results.

Top 1% of Agents in Arizona.

THE Hardest Working Real Estate Professional.

I CAN SELL YOURS TOO! AHWATUKEE

$329,900

AHWATUKEE

$331,900

Wow! Truly impressive remodeled 2 bed, 2 bath home located on a corner lot in the heart of the family section of Ahwatukee. Beautiful entrance into nice living room dining room area leads to large kitchen with replaced cabinets, granite counters, R/O system and upgraded appliances opening to nice family room. Two huge master bedrooms just had carpet installed, remodeled bathrooms and separate exit out to charming low maintenance backyard. List of recent update include exterior paint 2015, furnace 2013, A/C heat pump 2014, hot water heater 2017. Home sits on large corner lot. Ahwatukee Community center has tennis and pool. Washer, Dryer and refrigerator are included! This home is a 10! To show is to sell!

Wow! Come see this full re-model just completed!

4 bedroom/ 2 bath/ single level/almost 2000 square feet on a large north-south lot in the the heart of Ahwatukee! All New in October 2017... cabinets through out/ tile floors, carpet, interior paint, exterior paint, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, all new baths. Also new landscaping in front and backyard, A/C and roof are less than 10 years old. Don,t miss plantation shutters and fireplace in the family room. This home is awesome! To show is to sell!

PRICE REDUCED

AUGUSTA AT THE FOOTHILLS

PENDING

$339,900 Wow! JUST LISTED $32,000 LESS THAN ORIGINAL LIST PRICE! This Ahwatukee Foothills 3 bed plus loft, 2.5 bath beauty with a pool and spa located at end of a oversized 6900 square foot cul-de-sac in a gated community has been re-modeled in the past few months. Some features include new cabinets through out kitchen/ bathrooms, large eat-in kitchen with granite counter tops, island and black appliances. Also wood plank ceramic tile flooring on entire first level, fresh paint inside and out, window coverings and screens. Master bedroom is downstairs with private exit out to pool/spa. Upstairs has two bedrooms, large loft area and upgraded carpeting. Excellent schools, hiking trails and mountain views. This home is a 10! If you show it, you will sell it!

$781,000

AHWATUKEE

kw

®

Wow! Move-in ready, stunningly updated single level ahwatukee custom home sitting on over 1/2 acre lot!

5 Bd/ 3.5 Bath/ split floor plan with 3 car garage and pool! Imposing mtn’s surround with circular drive and tile walk way! Enter into large living and dining room area w/16’window,gorgeous wide plank cherry wd floors,10’’ crown molding, party size family room/great room with fireplace. Open re-modeled eat-in kitchen is a chef’s delight w/slab granite counters & island, sub zero frig, high end s/s dual wall ovens, micro and warming drawer, tile back splash, walk-in pantry,black granite sink and 5 burner cook top. Sunny breakfast room overlooks amazing backyard, perfect for hosting large parties w/ pergola,fireplace,bbq, ramada, huge pool, living room type patio. Master and nursery/office.

SONORAN LIVING

KELLER WILLIAMS® REALTY

www.TheBillWatsonGroup.com

480.706.7211 • 602.469.0388 Professionalism • Integrity • Communication

Each office is independently owned and operated.

(Brian Kotsur/Special to AFN)

The Mesa Fire and Medical Department is among the Valley's leaders in use of drone technology.

DRONES

from page 6

what you do in safety and repetition.”

That means communicating with other users in the airspace to avoid potential accidents.

“Before they even got to fly, we hammered in the importance of safety and learning all about airspace, because we are sharing airspace that is occupied by passenger jets,” Nunes said.

He added, “Here in the Valley you can’t sneeze without having it land on somebody’s airspace. It’s that complicated.”

So far, that focus on safety has paid off and reflected well on the Nunes’ pilot program for the FAA. Saying the agency “is pleased,” Nunes added, “These fine pilots (in Mesa) have been able to operate at a 100 percent safety level. There have been absolutely no issues. We have had nothing but positive feedback.”

GOT NEWS?

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

BE DEBT FREE in 24–48 months!

If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card or other debt, see how National Debt Relief can resolve your debt for a fraction of what you owe.

Call today:

1-866-696-2697

NEWS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

GOWNS

Ahwatukee’s #1 Team for Over 28 Years

from page 1

over cups of coffee, when Cooper mentioned she’d sewn bereavement gowns while living in Michigan and attending a National Christ Child Society chapter.

Founded in 1887, the society and its volunteers serve children in need, and one of their outreaches is the bereavement program. The Phoenix chapter, to whom Cooper belongs, doesn’t have that particular program among their many offerings but does do layettes.

“When Joanne shared the idea with me, I thought it would be fabulous to do in Ahwatukee, so we recruited our friend Yvonne, who does a lot of sewing,” said Sinfield, a retired RN and mother of two sons.

When Leake, a pediatric nurse, heard about the plan to provide bereavement gowns for the grieving parents, she was in.

The trio, who belong to different churches, were determined to gath(Debbie Cox Sinfield/Special to AFN) er weekly to create and assemble the Bridal gown donator Kristen Martinez with dress bereavement gowns.

There were a few other steps required, however.

“And when the parents left the hospital, First, they needed donated wedding they had something tangible to take with gowns. them to remember their beloved child. I Like many Ahwatukee residents look- cannot imagine the grief they were going ing for help or advice, Sinfield went to through to go home empty-handed.”

Facebook and explained their need for She was there to present her friend with wedding gowns to create the bereavement one of the gowns when her child was stilloutfits and “create a little comfort to the born. hurting families.”

“The look on her face will be with me “I decided to wait and see what God forever,” Cooper said, adding: would do, and the response was awe“I hope these gowns provide some some,” she said. shred of comfort to know that someone Within weeks, she had 40 by the end has thought of them, and prayed for their of October. little angel.”

With the bridal dresses in hand, it was Leake is a pediatric nurse who voluntime for the real work, which starts with teers at nonprofits like Neighborhood deconstructing the gowns and cutting Christian Clinic to keep her RN license the fabrics. Their first meetings were at active. The mother of three has lived in Bridgeway Community Church at 2420 Ahwatukee 17 years.

E. Liberty Lane in Ahwatukee.

A lifelong avid seamstress, Leake not “Though we’re not techinically under only sews the most, but found the pattern the church auspices, they were kind to to be used. She said the cutting of the preallow us to use their building,” said Sin- cious bridal gowns is done with care. field, a Bridgeway congregant who has “I think it’s important the brides who lived in Ahwatukee 25 years. donate their gowns know we’re mindful; For Cooper, a friend’s loss of a child we’re very diligent at taking apart a gown early in her pregnancy was an impetus to and salvaging the materials,” Leake said. sewing bereavement gowns.

“A lot of the gowns are from the 1980s, “I was a nurse at a Michigan hospi- when I got married, and they’re what I tal and had the privilege of sewing and call Cinderella gowns,” she added “There’s delivering these gowns to our labor and so much lace that you can use a bunch delivery department. The nurses were so for trims. Whatever we have left over, we grateful to have something to clothe these drop into another gown.” beloved angels in to present to their grieving parents,” she recalled.

See GOWNS on page 10

Mike Mendoza

480-706-7234

~Front ~

www.MendozaTeam.com

Crown Point

~ Back~

Exceptional Santa Barbara-style estate in exclusive gated community. 5 br, 7 ba with 9,668 sq. ft. Gourmet kitchen boasts granite countertops, Viking appliances, double refrigerators, 6-burner gas range, island with prep sink and spacious pantry. Exquisite custom appointments throughout including rich alder woods, discerning stone accents and beautiful stone flooring. The finest in extended outdoor living with inviting patios, lush landscaping, built-in BBQ, fire pit, negative edge pool and spa on oversized lot with breathtaking lake and golf views.

Listed for $2,950,000

Summerhill

Ahwatukee Custom Estates

Exquisite Tuscan living with stunning mountain views.

6 br, 6 ba with 6,444 sq. ft. Abundant custom features including gourmet kitchen, open floor plan, basement theatre room, elegant library, soaring coffered ceilings, art niches and three fireplaces. Resort-style backyard boasts entertaining areas, pool and spa with dual water features, built-in BBQ, fireplace and lush landscaping.

Superb South Mountain views from front circular drive with portico. Custom single level with desirable split floor plan on ½ acre lot. 5 br 4.5 ba with 4,763 sq. ft. Gourmet kitchen features newer cabinetry, granite countertops, Sub Zero refrigerator and breakfast bar. Dramatic entry with 2011 custom iron door.

Travertine flooring and Plantation shutters. 2015 updates to spacious play pool and decking. Two Trane A/C units in 2007.

Listed for $1,395,000 NG NI N COSOO

Listed for $725,000

The Sanctuary

Mountain Park Ranch

Single level custom home with open space lake bordering the back of this spacious gated-community lot. 5 br, 5 ba with 4,114 sq. ft. Designer touches include 12’ coffered ceilings, Roman columns, travertine flooring and Plantation shutters.

Spacious gourmet kitchen. Elegant master suite boasts twoway fireplace. Three secondary bedrooms with in-suite baths.

Convenient full bath leading into the house from the pool area.

Enjoy mountain preserve view from front balcony deck.

3 br, 2.5 ba with 1,611 sq. ft. Open kitchen features granite tile countertops. 17” travertine flooring plus hardwood in great room. Remodeled master suite boasts marble flooring in bath with spacious stone walk-in shower. Gorgeous mature landscaping, extended covered patio and fountain in backyard.

Call for List Price ST JU TED S LI

Listed for $309,000

O FR

KE

LA

NT

Foothills

Harbor Island

Superbly updated Richmond American home on oversized lot with over $100k in upgrades. 5 br, 4 ba with 4,027 sq. ft. Enjoy the gourmet kitchen with Thermador stainless steel appliances, a temperature controlled 609-bottle wine cellar, extensive wood flooring and Plantation shutters throughout. Stunning views from the gated front courtyard with water feature. Resort-style backyard with Pebble Tec pool, sport court, built-in BBQ and lush landscaping.

Enjoy the serenity of waterfront living in Ahwatukee from this gorgeous home. 5 br, 3 ba with 3,650 sq. ft. Spacious eat-in kitchen features refinished white cabinetry with custom rubbed bronze hardware, island and Sub-Zero refrigerator. Upstairs master suite boasts French doors to view balcony, updated bathroom plus large walk-in closet. Resort-style backyard with pool, BBQ, lush landscaping, custom dock fence and boat that conveys.

Listed for $685,000

Listed for $574,500

www.MendozaTeam.com Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated

9

10

NEWS

Lisa Miguel

Extraordinary Real Estate Services

Call me for a FREE Home Value Report!

Top 1% in Sales

480-444-6058 • www.Lisamiguel.com PRICE REDUCED!

Foothills Listed for

$499,000

Rare-find 1/3rd acre lot with mountain views! 3,111 sf, 4 bedrooms plus huge bonus room and 2.5 bathrooms. Cul de sac location, sparkling fenced pool, above ground spa, huge sport court, gazebo, built-in BBQ and large grass area. Perfect for families and entertaining!

2015 roof! 2017 interior/exterior paint. 2015 variable speed pool pump. 2016 water heater. HVAC compressors replaced 2012 and 2014. Open kitchen-family room floor plan.

Kitchen boasts Corian counter tops, island, eat-in kitchen nook, and cabinet pantry. Open kitchen-family room floor plan. Master suite is downstairs. Master bathroom completely remodeled in 2016; walk-in shower with travertine tile surrounds and custom glass door enclosure, Roman tub with travertine tile surrounds. New cabinetry, quartz vanity top, upgraded faucets and trendy hardware. Upstairs secondary bathroom has skylight, double sinks and was remodeled in 2013 with tile flooring and tile surrounds in shower/tub. RV gate. Extended length and over height garage.

COMING IN 2018!

Old Stone Ranch Listed for

$389,900

Impressively upgraded and impeccably maintained single level home.

Open, great room floor plan! 2096 sf, 4 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms. Kitchen remodeled in 2015 with granite slab counter tops and elegant back splash.

Large center island, stainless steel appliances, pantry and gas cooking!

Bathrooms remodeled in 2015 with granite counter tops and tile surrounds in the showers. Large walk-in shower in master bathroom. Upgraded lights, fixtures and hardware throughout. Extended covered back patio, built-in BBQ and sparkling pebble tec pool; no neighbors behind! 2017 AC compressor.

2017 variable speed pool pump. 2016 water heater. Built-in surround sound speakers in family room and on back patio. Private courtyard in front.

Kerby Estates Listed for

$459,000

Highly sought-after single level, 3,382 sf, 4 bedroom PLUS office, 2.5 bathroom, split master floor plan on NEARLY a ¼ ACRE LOT! Sparkling pebble tec pool with water feature, Baha bench, new kool decking including decorative stamped kool deck coping. New artificial turf and new landscaping! Built-in BBQ. Open kitchen-family room concept. Kitchen boasts maple cabinetry with granite slab counter tops, large island, stainless steel appliances; 2017 oven/ range, and walk-in pantry with custom door. Spacious family room with gas fireplace. Travertine tile and wood-look porcelain tile throughout with carpet in only one secondary bedroom. Both air conditioners had compressors replaced; one in 2017 and one in 2015. Wood blinds throughout. Enormous master suite with separate exit to backyard. Home backs to a greenbelt/common area with gate/path to the canal and close proximity to City of Chandler Crossbow Park. Dog run on side yard. Three-car garage and 5 car slab parking; 4 car slab parking in front and an extra slab for parking,behind the RV gate.

Ahwatukee Custom Estates Listed for

$1,150,000

Nearly 2 acre preserve property situated in a cul de sac with majestic mountain views! 5,553 sf, 6 bedrooms plus office, 5.5 bathrooms; separate guest quarters. The gourmet kitchen boasts rich dark wood cabinetry with crown molding, granite counter tops, large center island with prep sink, breakfast bar, enormous walk-in pantry, Viking Professional range with 6 burners plus griddle, double ovens, two dishwashers, Sub Zero refrigerator and freezer and two warming drawers. Open kitchen family room concept; large family room with 14 ft ceilings, crown molding, impressive fireplace with Cantera stone hearth and mantel, and built-in entertainment center. The backyard is an entertainer’s dream with built-in BBQ, fireplace with stone surrounds, extensive covered patio area and sparkling pebble tec pool and spa. The master suite is a retreat you won’t want to leave with cozy gas fireplace, built-in bar with refrigerator with ice maker and large balcony with wrought iron railing and panoramic views of South Mountain Preserve. Master bathroom has steam shower with bench and dual showerheads, Jacuzzi tub, double sinks with marble vanity tops. The attention to detail will exceed your expectations.

GOWNS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

from page 9

When each bridal dress is collected, the donor is told that the bereavement gowns it leads to will be given in their name unless they want to honor someone’s memory.

“We don’t want to simply collect the dress,” Sinfield said. “We want to let them know what we have created. While we have no contact with the grieving family, we want the donor to know where the infant gown went.”

Phoenix Children’s Hospital was among the first to receive the gowns from the Sew Sweet Angels.

Bereavement gowns will be made available to other interested hospitals for distribution, and some go to Christ Child to supplement the group’s layette program.

Kristen Martinez of Ahwatukee was one of the first women to donate her precious wedding dress, which she wore two years ago when she married Nick Martinez at Mountain Park Community Church.

“It was cream lace and flared out a little at the bottom; it was beautiful and I felt beautiful in it,” said the 12-year Ahwatukee resident.

“A wedding dress is such a significant sentiment. Yes, it is expensive, but it is for one day. I hated that it just sat in my closet. I thought about selling it, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it,” she said, adding: “I saw the posting on Facebook, and when I saw it, I knew I wanted to donate my dress.”

Martinez had a special reason for her donation.

“At the end of July, one of my closest friends had a stillborn she named Landon Jeffrey. I told her I was going to donate my dress in Landon’s honor,” she explained.

(Dianne Ross /AFN Contributor)

Carol Schamante sews a bereavement gown as one of the volunteers for Sew Sweet Angel Gowns.

“To know that my dress, the dress that made me feel so beautiful, can be made into something so meaningful, was the perfect decision. In the midst of such heartache, I can only hope that it brings some comfort to see your baby in such an angelic dress.”

The trio of women are encouraging other locals to join them in Sew Sweet Angel Gowns.

“We totally would like other women to join us,” said Leake. “We wanted to make this an Ahwatukee thing. If they’re going to come and volunteer their time, we’ll find something for them to do, regardless of their skill level.”

Information: SewSweetAngelGowns@ gmail.com

Scottsdale Estates Listed for

$415,000

Remarkable remodel! 1736 sf, 3 beds and 2 bathrooms 2017 AC! Kitchen boasts white shaker cabinets with trendy hardware, quartz counter tops, breakfast bar, eat-in kitchen area with upgraded crystal chandelier, pantry, and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances. Dual pane vinyl windows throughout. New wood-look tile flooring throughout with carpet (new) only in bedrooms. Bathrooms have new cabinets, quartz vanity tops, new toilets, sinks, faucets, designer mirrors and upgraded light fixtures. Master bathroom has double sinks and walk-in shower with tile surrounds. Large master suite with his & hers closets, including one huge walk-in closet! Master suite has NEW Arcadia door exit to back patio. New water heater. New hardware, fixtures and lights throughout. Enormous backyard with covered back patio and sparkling pool! 1 car garage and 3 car slab parking in front. New garage door and garage door opener. Close to Old Town Scottsdale, ASU, shopping, trendy restaurants and the 101.

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra!

(Special to AFN)

Kristen Martnez of Ahwatukee, shown here with her husband, Nick, and their 9-year-old son, Rylan, donated her bridal gown for conversion into a burial outfit for a newborn.

11

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PAM EAGAN over 4,000 contracts negotiated.

Experienced, dedicated & available!

D L O S

New Year, New Look?

We Are Going To Give Away 10 Gallons Of Our Kilz Tribute Paint To register clients just need to come in to be entered into drawing. Drawing will occur on Jan. 31st, 2018 No purchase necessary.

See current inventory at www.PamEagan.com

602.390.5740 Realty Executives

Jeffery A. Kohler, D.D.S. Aesthetic Family Dentistry

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

K

• Revolutionary Laser Technology • Invisalign • Porcelain Veneers and Crowns • Digital X-Rays and Imaging • Tooth Colored Fillings • Perio-Protect Non-Surgical Gum Therapy and Much More!

SALE!

On Carpet, Tile, Hardwood, Laminate, Lvt & Cabinets Lifetime Workmanship Warranty included with every install Call (480) 775-0160 Now to Schedule Your FREE In-Home Estimates FREE Design Consultations

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

www.flooringamericaofchandler.com Mon-Fri: 8-6, Sat: 10-4, Sun: 11-4

15215 South 48th Street, Suite 190

480.893.2474 www.jakohlerdds.net

AHWATUKEE RESIDENT FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1997 *Some restrictions apply. See store for details. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 1/31/18.

NEWS

12

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Police Chief Jeri Williams calls community engagement critical

BY JENNA MILLER Cronkite News

A

fter her first full year on the job, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams says that when it comes to her relationship with diverse communities, “I try not to make it a big deal.”

“But it becomes a big deal or something of great significance when I’m out walking down the street and people want pictures, when people who are sitting in audiences are weeping with joy because they feel so blessed to have me as a representative because of who I look like and who I am … probably more so, who I am than what I look like.”

She carries into her job an attitude she learned as a child.

“As a kid growing up in West Phoenix, and I married a guy who was born and raised in South Phoenix, we’ve always been very connected to the community,” she said. “And it’s still, to many, so baffling that I’m as approachable as I am.”

Williams said she enjoys being out in the hoods.

“When we go to community events, you literally see every ethnicity, gender, sexual

(Jenna Miller/Cronkite News)

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams grew up in West Phoenix and attends community events to build relationships

orientation, faith, you name it,” she said.

“You don’t just see that in the community, you see that in the officers, too.”

“I know for a fact that we are an ‘A’ on trying to reach out and engage the community. So much so … part of our policing plan is community engagement and outreach because it’s so big.”

She also feels the need to “build legiti-

Yappy New Year!

macy” among residents.

“People have to feel as if their voices are heard, and it’s more than just an extension of the community. It has to be an extension internally, too. So, one of the focuses that I had when I started was creating legitimacy, for lack of a better term, both internally and externally,” said Williams, adding: “When my people or my officers or my employees feel as though their voices are heard internally, they make way better product and service delivery to our community. I literally spent the first year trying to build that.”

She admits she brought a different leadership style to the office as the city’s first African-American female chief.

“I lead and manage differently, not that any of my predecessors managed ineffectively. I think we all have our different styles. I just bring a different skill set to the table. And a different lens, from a mom standpoint, a daughter standpoint, a wife standpoint,” Williams said.

“I just bring so many different hats to the table that people are very comfortable with me. So I can come in with a uniform, and they see the uniform, but then they

quickly see Jeri versus Chief Williams.”

She said she advises her officers to be transparent, telling them: “Every time you make a stop, every time you make contact, just keep in mind that you’re probably being videotaped because you probably are. Do you want to be the next person on the YouTube website that did something inappropriate or wrong, because it’s going to be all over the place here?

“If we can be known as an agency that’s accountable and transparent, regardless of whether you like police or not, then I think that we have done our job.”

Although she is a woman, she said “me being female was secondary” when she sought the job as the city’s top cop.

“The idea and notion of being the best police chief is really what I was looking for. The fact that I’m the first female does bear some weight and some burden because if I mess up, who knows if there will be another female,” Williams said.

“The blessing and beauty is that I had so many women who came before me. All these ladies had to go through some very significant dynamics to be accepted in policing.”

Voted Best Dentist & Customer Service

7 Years

Best Dentist

Please Vote for Diamond Cut for BEST Pet Grooming!

OUR SERVICES: Hair Cuts Bath & Brush Spa Packages

480-689-1261 4825 E. Warner Rd (Bashas Center, 48th St/Warner Rd) www.diamondcutpetspa.com

• Implants • Invisalign • CEREC Same Day Crowns • In Office Whitening • CT/3D Scanner • Specialists on-site • Laser Treatment for Canker/Cold Sores, Gingivitis, and Periodontal Disease

Not Using Your C-PAP? Ask us about your options!

Rashmi Bhatnagar, DMD Dallin Birch, DMD

IMPLANT SPECIAL!

3000

$

With Crown and Abutment included.

Not to be combined with Insurance and extraction not included Offer expires 1-31-18

NEED A CLEANING?

79 $ 49 $

New Patient Special*

Children 14 & Under* Includes: Exam, Cleaning & X-rays

15715 S. 46th St., Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85048

480.598.5900

BellaVistaDentalCare.com Mon/Wed 8-5 • Tues/Thurs 9-6

Call Us for In-Network Insurance Status

Door OPEN. Door CLOSE.

13

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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 31, 2018

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 31, 2018

Garage Door Opener

269

$

.95

+LABOR

14

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Local beauty industry opposes repeal, urges no training cuts

BY COLLEEN SPARKS AFN Staff Writer

A

state lawmaker’s proposal to relax requirements for some people who style hair in Arizona does not gel well with some beauty industry professionals.

Republican Rep. Michelle UgentiRita of Scottsdale wants to repeal a state law that requires stylists in Arizona to complete at least 1,100 hours of training at a state-licensed school.

Ugenti-Rita said she was approached by lobbyists for Drybar, a decade-old national firm with three locations in the state that specializes in quickie blowouts.

That can include everything from a shampoo to simply putting someone’s hair up with pins.

Only thing is that to do that in Arizona requires a state license – which UgentiRita said can cost close to $10,000.

“When they told me about the scope of their business, you could clearly see that it was an impediment to them hiring, and for someone to be hired, simply to hire them for blowing out hair – blowouts they’re called – and style,’’ she said.

Ugenti-Rita said what’s being done there is far different from what occurs at beauty salons.

“You can’t even get hair cutting,’’ she said.

“They don’t have scissors there.’’

Her bill, HB 2011, would create (Kimberly Carrillo/AFN Staff Photographer) an exception LouAnne Savolt of Sun Lakes gets her hair done by Elisha Davis, a student at from licensing The Studio Academy of Beauty in Chandler. for those who “dry, style, arrange, dress, curl, hot-iron Schools board.

“Students go to school to get a or shampoo and condition hair’’ as long as there are no “reactive chemicals to cosmetology license,” Koluch said. permanently straighten, curl or alter the “They are learning more than just styling hair, cutting, coloring; they’re learning structure of the hair.’’

The proposal drew a sharp objection the health and anatomy side of it… from Cathy Koluch, founder and sanitation, infection control. When you president of the Studio Academy of use a flat iron, you have to make sure Beauty in Chandler and a member of the that you are practicing sanitation and American Association of Cosmetology infection-control procedures.

“People come into your salon with illnesses,” she added. “They could have an open wound, they could have lice. How are these people going to be trained to handle these situations? That’s what they learn in school. It’s never just a blow dry.

You need to understand the integrity of the part of the body that you’re working on.”

Students must complete 1,600 hours of class time and do a certain number of haircuts, styles, coloring and other services to earn their cosmetology license from the Studio Academy of Beauty, Koluch said.

A cosmetology license allows them to cut, color and style hair, including with permanents and relaxers, as well as to give manicures and pedicures and provide waxing.

Students at the school provide services to clients under the supervision of a licensed educator.

“They learn the respiratory system, the nervous system, the bone structure,” Koluch said. “There’s a lot of health sciences in cosmetology. When you have See

HAIR on page 15

NEWS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

HAIR

from page 14

somebody that’s trained, they’re going to definitely do it better.”

Students learn how to protect clients’ scalps, including how to hold a blow dryer so they do not burn them, she added.

Koluch does not have a cosmetology license and does not work on clients.

She opened her Chandler campus in 2006 and started working in the adult education industry in 1989.

Anthony Colello, owner and founder of TouchUps Salon on North Dobson Road in Chandler, also is opposed to cutting the hair-styling requirements. He has worked in the salon industry for 13 years.

“I think it’s a really interesting caveat for them to be pushing,” Colello said.

“I know that I personally would not be for any exceptions that weaken the professional side of our industry.

“Even though it would be an exception strictly for styling, there is a lot of client protection taught in the schools as to how to best work with certain textures of hair. I was talking to my stylists and we are concerned that clients with fragile hair types or difficult hair textures could

be left permanently damaged because of the lack of understanding that comes with minimal training.”

Ugenti-Rita said the staff members who work at blow-dry bars do not even do things like hair coloring or using chemicals to make a perm.

“They blow it out, style, arrange, they curl,’’ Ugenti-Rita said. “Maybe they use some bobby pins.’’

Bottom line, she said, is her belief that nothing being done there should require a state-issued license.

“I don’t see a public health or safety issue,’’ Ugenti-Rita said. “The worst that can happen is you don’t like the way your hair is styled,” she said.

Erin Romley, who owns Studio E Hair

by Erin Romley in the Seville Golf & Country Club in Gilbert, disagreed. The Chandler resident is in her 18th year working in the beauty industry.

“Your skin can be burned; your hair can be burned,” Romley said. “I would just want to know things like, who is training these people? As a cosmetologist, we are trained to look for lice, help our clients decide if their scalp is healthy or not.”

She said she has noticed clients with hair loss and she has recommended they see a dermatologist. Cosmetologists also learn how to sanitize their tools.

“It’s not just blow-drying hair,” Romley of Chandler said. “I think clientele should be worried. They shouldn’t be paying the price of a non-licensed hair stylist doing their hair. You’re getting what you pay for.

If you’re paying for a professional to do your hair and they’re not a professional, then what’s the point?”

Prior efforts to create exemptions also have been met with sometimes fierce opposition from people who already have the licenses and the board that regulates them. The board is dominated by those in the field and those who teach at schools that are now the precursors of licensing.

As far back as 1983, Douglas Norton, who was the state auditor general at the time, recommended to lawmakers that they scrap all laws requiring licenses of all cosmetologists or barbers.

“Licensing is not justified because of possible harm from the use of barber implements or chemical solutions because such items are readily available to and routinely used by the general public,’’ Norton said. But legislators ignored the report amid stiff opposition from the regulated community.

In 2004, over the objection of cosmetologists, lawmakers decided that people who only braid hair for a living no longer have to be licensed.

15

Seven years later, the board agreed to stop trying to regulate “threading,’’ the practice of using thread to pluck eyebrows. But that came only after the Institute for Justice filed suit.

And earlier this year, Gov. Doug Ducey personally interceded when the board sought to shut down the operation of Juan Carlos Montes de Oca for giving free haircuts to the homeless in a Tucson park.

Gubernatorial press aide Daniel Scarpinato said his boss has not yet seen the latest proposal on hair styling, but he suggested it would get his boss’ approval if it passes.

“The governor’s bias would be toward making it easier for people to do it, especially if we’re not talking about anything that would jeopardize public health or safety,’’ Scarpinato said.

“We’d want to know the details and talk to the people that are dealing firsthand with it,’’ he continued. “But if we can get more people who otherwise would not be able to get hired for a job in there without them having to spend a lot of money on fees or education, that’s something the governor would be very much in favor of.’’

Howard Fischer with Capitol Media Services contributed to this story.

16

NEWS

YEAR REVIEW

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

ing with the city Water Services Department, which said it has no explanation for the spikes – especially since most of the affected homeowners had no undetected leaks.

DiCiccio and a group of five professionals who live in Ahwatukee are analyzing a massive amount of data to figure it out.

from page 1

tion by unanimously upholding a federal judge’s August 2016 opinion that gave the $1.7 billion project the green light.

The Ahwatukee-based Protect Arizona’s Resources and Children gave up its 10year fight, though it continues to insist that highway planners conducted inadequate environmental impact studies.

The Gila River Indian Community has yet to say whether it will drop its claims that the freeway desecrates South Mountain, which it considers sacred. But it’s almost a certainty no court will hear another argument.

The freeway did produce one new addition to Ahwatukee’s street grid with the completion of the 1.2-mile Chandler Boulevard Extension between 27th and 19th avenues.

After pressure from city Councilman Sal DiCiccio, city officials agreed to make it a three-lane road instead of only two lanes. It provides an access to several HOAs in far west Ahwatukee that would have been stranded once Pecos Road closes for good in late 2019 when the freeway opens.

Ahwatukee’s golf courses

The long-awaited nonjury trial over the future of the defunct Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course has yet to produce a verdict, but it may not matter anyway as far as resolving the stalemate over it is concerned.

After losing its yearlong campaign to get enough homeowners to back its proposal to build about 270 homes, a farm and some other amenities on the 101-acre

The nose knows

(Arizona Department of Transportation

Crews along the Pecos Road segment of the South Mountain Freeway began laying the groundwork for sound walls that will be 16-20 feet high.

site, The True Life Companies asked a state Superior Court judge to throw out the land-use regulations requiring a golf course.

That judge is also considering homeowners’ insistence that True Life be required to restore the course.

But company executives testified the firm would simply declare bankruptcy and walk away.

A radically different scenario occurred at Club West, where only a year ago homeowners were fretting over that golf course’s future.

Longtime Ahwatukee resident Richard Breuninger bought the course and immediately restored the water-deprived site to lush green.

He also has other big plans for the course, which is now part of his Inter Tribal Golf Association of 63 Native

(AFN file photo)

Architect Steve Barduson of Ahwatukee realized his vision for the new Mountain Park Community Church, the latest in a line of 75 churches he has designed in his career.

American tribes owning a total of 111 courses nationwide.

Water meters gone amok

It started with a trickle and became a deluge.

First, the small Foothills Gateway Homeowners Association noticed that their July water bill showed they had used 20,000 times the normal amount of water that feeds a tiny park no more than the size of half of a football field.

Then, homeowners throughout Ahwatukee started noticing huge spikes in their water usage readings for the same month.

In most cases, the readings went back to normal the following month or two later, but homeowners stuck for hundreds of dollars in unexpected utility payments to the city were outraged.

DiCiccio arranged for a town hall meet-

Another mystery that cropped up during the late summer and hasn’t been resolved is a mysterious stench plaguing some neighborhoods in Ahwatukee.

County and city air quality experts are now working together to track down the source of the on-again, off-again stench, which appears to primarily affect an area between 40th and 32nd streets and Pecos Road and Chandler Boulevard.

At the polls

Ahwatukee residents had big elections in both August and November, first as incumbent DiCiccio fended off a challenge

by Central Phoenix executive Kevin Patterson. DiCiccio won his third and final term.

In November, voters overwhelmingly approved a raft of budget-related requests by both Tempe Union High School and Kyrene Schools districts.

Tempe Union got approval not only to extend a 10 percent budget override but increase it to 15 percent, with the extra going to increase pay for teachers and staff incrementally over the next five years.

Kyrene got the nod for extending its 10 percent operating and capital budget See

YEAR REVIEW on page 17

(AFN file photo)

Resident Steve Hartwick was one of scores of Ahwatukee homeowners who attended a town hall in October on unexplained spikes in water meter readings.

NEWS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

YEAR REVIEW

from page 16

overrides and extend its borrowing capacity by more than $100 million.

Independence Day fizzle

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce cancelled its longtime tradition of celebrating Independence Day with its Red White and Boom festival and fireworks show.

Besides the fact that freeway construction rendered the fireworks staging area unavailable and could have forced the show to be relocated outside Ahwatukee, the chamber also lost an unidentified company that had promised to pay for it.

Unable to cover the estimated $50,000 cost of the fireworks show, the chamber pulled the plug on the event. Ahwatukee promoter Tim Matykiewicz tried to raise public contributions to stage a smaller version but didn’t reach his fundraising goal in time.

Also terminated after nine years was the Tukee Fest rock gathering, which was replaced by a cornhole tournament for businesses.

And in education

(AFN file photo)

City Councilman Sal DiCiccio of Ahwatukee fended off an election challenge to win a third term.

Kyrene officials are shaking up their approach to education after ordering a massive audit of everything from course offerings to available technology.

In addition to implementing the popular International Baccalaureate program at Kyrene Middle School, the board also approved a $6 million addition to Kyrene Traditional Academy in Chandler to provide a K-8

Thank you for a wonderful 2017

17

campus.

Both measures are popular with many parents and the district is competing with other districts as well as charter schools in an effort to retain and grow current student population.

On another front, Superintendent Jan Vesely and her staff tried to stop the state Board of Education from releasing Arizona’s first letter grades for schools in two years, showing how its formula was flawed.

The board admitted there were questions, released the grades anyway, then announced it was going back to the drawing board because the formula was indeed flawed.

The business scene

The business scene in Ahwatukee brightened considerably with the arrival of at least a half-dozen new restaurants, the opening of a Burlington Coat Factory outlet, 20-year anniversaries celebrated by Jamba Juice and Native Grill and the emergence of dozens of small, homebased businesses.

In addition, Generations Ahwatukee opened its senior residential facility, which has both assisted and independent living units.

(AFN file photo)

Longtime resident Richard Breuninger is CEO for Club West Golf Course’s new owner.

Hikers get big news

Phoenix launched a $21 million program to improve trails and amenities on the South Mountain Preserve, starting with a major improvement of Pima Canyon Trail Head that is wrapping up right now.

BETTER than GRANITE

vote for us for best law office, again! www.HusbandAndWifeLawTeam.com

Only Granite Transformations uses ForeverSeal™, which means our granite is more stain and scratch resistant than “ordinary” granite. And our surfaces bond permanently over existing countertops, walls, showers and tubs, so you get lifelong beauty without the usual renovation mess. Most installations are done in a day and backed by a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Done in a day. Beautiful for life.

• Heat and Stain Resistant • No Demolition

480-222-2022

1230 West Southern Ste. 103 Tempe, AZ 85282 http://www.granitetransformations.com/phoenix/

• Lifetime Warranty BESTOF

2016

©2012 Granite Transformations.

ROC 185966

NEWS

18

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

When it comes to babies, Arizonans prefer Emma and Michael

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

R

emember all the Jessicas and Jennifers born in the 1980s and 1990s?

Well, those babies are all grown up and having children in Arizona of their own.

But if their choices this year of what to name their own offspring are any indication, they see no reason to keep those names popular.

How radical has the change been?

The state Department of Health Services, which track the names babies are given at birth, said Jessica was the top name for girls born in 1987. And it remained there for a decade.

But by 2007, the name had slipped from the Top 20 list.

And this year? There weren’t enough baby Jessicas born in Arizona to make even the Top 100.

This isn’t just a development among girls.

While the changes may be less radical, the pattern among boys’ names also has changed.

Consider Justin. In 1987, there were

Top 10 names for babies in 2017 Capitol Media Services

Here are the top names for babies born in Arizona this year, according to the state Department of Health Services.

Girls

Boys

1. Emma Liam 2. Isabella Noah 3. Olivia Sebastian 4. Sophia Alexander 5. Mia Daniel 6. Ava Oliver 7. Emily Julian 8. Evelyn Benjamin 9. Amelia Logan 10. Charlotte Elijah enough of them born in Arizona to rank No. 10 among all boys.

By this year, however, like Jessica, it didn’t show up in that Top 100 list.

So what names are popular?

Among girls, Emma retained the No. 1 spot it clinched a year ago. But Sophia,

LLC WHOLESALE to the TRADES

Family managed since 1981

LOWEST PRICES, LARGEST SELECTION! HUGE SELECTION OF OVERSIZED POTTERY! PET FRIENDLY! – CLOSED TUESDAYS –

480-802-1309

Southern Chandler 23843 S. Cooper Rd.

1/4 Mile S. of Chandler Heights Rd.

Mon.-Sat. - 5p.m., 11 a.m. p.m.

M, W, Th, 9F, a.m.

Sat: 9am - 5pmSun. • Sun: 11am- -55pm

• Fountains • Benches • Bird Baths • Ceramics Ahwatukee!

• Stoneware • Wrought Iron • Oversized Pottery • Metal Wall Decor • Indoor/Outdoor Decor • Much More!

the top name for 2015, has now slipped to fourth place, with more girls named Isabella and Olivia born in 2016.

Still, that’s a tiny bit misleading: When you add the alternative spelling Sofia into the mix, the two names together tally more than Emma.

Thank you for your continued support.

Vote for us in 2017!

BEST POOL SERVICES

There are some girls’ names that might be considered evergreens that have remained popular over the years, such as Abigail, Emily and Victoria. Even Madison, which popped onto the list in the 1990s, is still at No. 21.

But other staples in the “what to name the baby’’ category from the 1980s and 1990 are no more.

Stephanie was among the more popular names as far back as the 1970s and pretty much up to the turn of the century.

And now? Nowhere on that Top 100 list in Arizona.

Other names appear to be more of a flash in the pan.

Remember when you ran into a lot of babies named Tiffany? Or Kayla? You’d be hard-pressed to find a newborn today with that name.

And then there’s Nevaeh, a name that was virtually unknown two decades ago.

It made a meteoric rise to the Top 20 earlier in the decade after Sonny Sandoval, frontman for the Christian rock group P.O.D. (Payable on Death) chose that reverse spelling of “heaven” for his newborn daughter and took her on MTV in 2000.

It’s still around in Arizona, but at No. 78.

Among boys, there are some perennials.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a year in at least the past four decades when Michael was not in the Top 20.

But the chart is led by Liam, Noah and Sebastian.

Overall, though, the Bible appears to be a perennial source of names for new baby boys in Arizona.

Daniel and James have been quite popular. And while some biblical names have fallen off the Top 20 – Matthew went from No. 3 in 1987 to falling of the chart this year – they have tended to be replaced by others like Noah, Elijah and Isaac.

GOT NEWS?

Thank You For Your Votes!

4730 E. Warner Rd., Suite 5, Phoenix Across from Nello’s Pizza www.PritchettePhysicalTherapy.com 480.785.5415

www.barefootpoolman.com

602-546-POOL (7665)

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Ahwatukee owned and operated.

Specializing in pool service, maintenance & repair.

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

NEWS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

19

Mesa Republican targets billboards that tout marijuana

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

bill that would ban billboards advertising marijuana has been introduced by Sen. David Farnsworth. SB 1032 would make it illegal to advertise along state roads any drug illegal under federal law – and that includes marijuana.

Whether that’s legal or not is up for debate.

Attorney Jeff Kaufman, who has specialized in legal issues surrounding marijuana, questioned whether the state could enact special rules for a product that is legal – at least under state law. He pointed out that judges in Arizona have said the state can’t use the federal prohibition as a reason to enact regulations that hamper the ability of marijuana dispensaries to operate.

“I think the bill, if enacted, would eventually be stricken down by the Court of Appeals as discriminating against a lawful form of medication,” Kaufman said.

Dan Barr, a lawyer with the First Amendment Coalition, sees it in a

slightly different light.

“I personally have been offended in my He said that courts have given own neighborhood when I see a billboard governments a certain amount of leeway that’s promoting marijuana usage,” he in regulating “commercial speech.” For said. Similar billboards have sprung up example, Barr noted, California has rules around the state with similar messages, that prohibit advertising in a manner like a claim that states that have legalized intended to encourage anyone marijuana have seen a decline under 21 from consuming the in opioid use. product as well as a strict ban The problem with that kind on billboards within 1,000 of ban, Barr said, is the state feet of day care centers and would be seeking to regulate schools. not a product but an idea.

But both Kaufman and Barr “If you’re advertising about agree that Farnsworth cannot a public issue regarding legally do one of the things he voting on legalizing it, that’s wants: make it illegal to have something else,” he said. signs touting the benefits of Farnsworth conceded (Capitol Media Services) the drug or making claims Sen. David Farnsworth Arizona can not ban about how legalization has has taken aim at billboards that urge people billboards advertising worked out in other states. to vote specifically for a marijuana before.

That clearly is one of Farnsballot proposition that would worth’s goals. legalize marijuana for all The Mesa Republican specifically purposes. complained to Capitol Media Services “Free speech and promoting what you about a billboard he saw that says there believe in is an important part of our has been no increase in teen use of the society,” he said. And Farnsworth said he drug in Colorado since marijuana was will make sure that the final version of legalized for recreational purposes. SB 1032 is worded in a way so as not to Farnsworth says that’s “totally false.” stifle legitimate political speech.

But Barr said the message does not even need to specifically urge people to vote yes for a specific numbered ballot measure to gain constitutional protection. He said even signs talking about how legalization affects crime or the number of people incarcerated are entitled to the same First Amendment protections.

“Those are all public policy issues,” Barr said. And he’s not sure that Farnsworth’s proposal can be crafted in a way to pass constitutional muster.

“As we know, the Arizona Legislature’s not famed for its narrowly drafted legislation,” he quipped.

As much as Farnsworth wants to keep billboards promoting marijuana out of the public eye, he acknowledged that SB 1032 as crafted has a huge loophole.

The measure puts the ban on advertising marijuana into a section of law that governs only what can be erected along interstate highways as well as other numbered state roads. None of that would preclude any sort of advertising of not just the political debate but the drug itself on signs along major local streets or even right downtown.

Farnsworth said that wasn’t his intent.

R

uss Lyon Sotheby's International Realty is dedicated to bringing the highest level of service and technology to today's home buyers and sellers, expanding our reputation as the most respected name in real estate. Our agents strive to deliver real estate experiences beyond expectations to enhance the lifestyles of our clients. Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty is committed to creating enjoyable real estate transactions through the efforts of the most talented, dedicated professionals supported by innovative programs, tools and management. Contact us today, and let Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty help you with your next real estate move.

Sherri Monteith Managing Broker 275 E. Rivulon Blvd Suite 409 Gilber t, AZ 85297 | Phone: 480.750.7424 Sherri.Monteith@RussLyon.com

RussLyon.com

20

COMMUNITY

Community

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

School of Rock's mantra is 'Go! Play! Have fun!'

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

A

unt B bandmates Shane and Megan Baskerville don’t identify with the stereotype of late-rising, hard-partying musicians.

And neither do their students.

The Baskervilles run the School of Rock in Ahwatukee and, respected musicians in their own right, their seven-member band has done well in greater Phoenix.

Together with franchise owner Steve Gentilini, they tapped into the popularity of the 2003 movie “School of Rock” to change the standard approach to music education, making it more of a fun experience and performance-based.

It’s working. Since opening their three schools providing after-school and Saturday lessons with teachers who are, for the most part, working musicians, numbers have increased.

Currently, the Ahwatukee School of Rock has 85 students while their schools in Gilbert have 110 and 200 budding musicians, respectively.

Managing the three schools spread across the county requires a great deal of time, travel and discipline.

(Dianne Ross/ AFN Contributor)

School of Rock instructor Jacob Unterreiner gives some tips for fledgling drummer Aston Rollins during a lesson at the Ahwatukee school. For the most part, teachers there are working musicians.

“We work a lot,” laughed Megan, who also fronts Aunt B, which plays soul, ska and, of course, rock. “We have an incredible staff, and that’s invaluable to us.”

Megan is the main day-to-day oper-

(Dianne Ross)

Cheyenne Sullivan, left, and Kris Edwards jam on their guitars during a typical lesson-session at the School of Rock in Ahwatukee.

On that tour, Megan served as tour coordinator and Shane was music director not only of this tour, but three Minneapolis School of Rock locations.

In total, he has worked with School of Rock for 13 years.

It was while on the bus that Steve Gentilini, president of Dunham Associates, was asking the School of Rock chief operations officer why there wasn’t a franchise in Arizona, where he often came to as part of his job.

“We were getting tired of the cold, so we chimed in, ‘We’ll do it,’ and six months later, we were here,” said Megan.

While opening the Scottsdale location, the trio researched demographics and selected Gilbert and Ahwatukee.

Not only were the store locations excellent, but “the cool family vibe” of both reminded them of the Midwest.

Their philosophy of making music fun and available to all personalities has gained them fans.

“A lot of kids haven’t found their tribe, and we work really hard with our staff to

ations manager, while husband Shane “floats” among the three schools in his Ford Escape.

See ROCK on page 22 “It gets great gas mileage and holds lots of gear,” said Shane, guitarist with Aunt B. Their schools are of good size: The Ahwatukee location at 4645 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 114, has 2,400 square feet while the Gilbert School of Rock at 885 E. Warner Road has 2,750 square feet.

Both opened in 2014.

Finding their way from Minnesota to Arizona was a serendipitous moment when the couple was accompanying the 2011 School of Rock All-Stars on a tour.

“Of 20,000 kids who apply, 170 are chosen,” explained Megan. “It is (Dianne Ross the ultimate School of Mia Costello belts out a tune during a rehearsal at the School of Rock goal to be on this Rock. annual tour.”

21

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

The 2018 Porsche Macan.

Lease for $499 Per Month.

Porsche Chandler, a luxury experience encompassing Sales, Service, Parts & Accessories in the heart of the East Valley. Offering complimentary Porsche service loaners and door-to-door Sales & Service vehicle delivery. Showcasing the finest selectionof New, Certified and Pre-Owned Porsche models.

Conveniently located North of the Santan 202 Freeway on Gilbert Road.

==-==-==-�=�=-�-�-�

Please visit us online at PorscheChandler.com

=--

-.-----.

Porsche Chandler

1010 S. Gilbert Rd. Chandler, AZ 85286 (480) 994-9000 PorscheChandler.com 2018 Porsche Macan, Stock 118M032, .00200 money factor, residual 63%. 36 month lease, 7,500 miles/year and $6,999 due at signing. Includes 2 Year / 20,000 mile Porsche Service Maintenance Plan. Lease offers plus Arizona tax, title, license, $995 acquisition fee, and $399 doc fee. On approved credit thru Porsche Financial Services. Offers end 1-2-18.

© 2017 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porache recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.

22

COMMUNITY

ROCK

School of Rock for nearly five years and says its like “a second home.” from page 20 “I could talk endlessly about how make School of Rock a place of inclu- School of Rock is such an amazing sion, a place where they can come and place. I really appreciate having such a just exist,” said Megan. loving group of people who genuinely A couple who have “found their tribe” care about one another. I think that’s are avid enthusiasts of the schools and super-cool and my favorite thing about their programs.

School of Rock,” said Ross, a self-deVictoria ‘Torri’ Ross, a Desert Vis- scribed multi-instrumentalist who plays ta High School junior, has been with guitar, bass and drums, all for which she continues to take lessons in Ahwatukee. She also sings .

“For a while, I was doing both Ahwatukee and Gilbert purely because of the performance show Gilbert was doing; I did a Red Hot Chili Peppers versus the Beastie Boys at Gilbert this past season,” said Ross, who at 15 says she’s the youngest Desert Vista junior she knows.

Brophy College Preparatory sophomore Michael Valentine started School of Rock in Ahwatukee more than four years ago at age 11. He began with guitar and vocal lessons before adding keyboard.

Valentine started piano lessons around age 5, then moved onto guitar.

He played guitar in middle school band (Dianne Ross/AFN Contributor) at Summit School At only 8 years old, Maddie Arebato is gaining experiencing on drums of Ahwatukee and through her participation at the School of Rock in Ahwatukee. realized around the

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

same time that he loved to sing.

“I found School of Rock and haven’t looked back,” said Valentine, 15, who says his main instrument now is vocals.

“I think no matter who you asked, everyone would agree that the atmosphere of School of Rock is what makes it so great. Everyone is there to support each other and just have fun,” he said, adding: “It’s a stress-free environment where you get to play music with your friends, and have a direct connection with your band director.

I’ve had many teachers through my years there, and never had a bad experience.”

He said since attending School of Rock, he’d grown as a musician and a (Dianne Ross/AFN Contributor) person.

Victoria "Torri" Ross,a Desert Vista High School junior, calls the School “I’ve done more of Rock "my second home" because she's been going there for nearly musically than I five years. could ever have dreamed of. I’ve been in the Sugar Skulls dio coordinator at Ahwatukee School house band three times, I’ve started my of Rock, agreeing that in her capacity, own band, and I’ve gone on a national she has impacted their lives and those of tour twice,” he said. “The opportunities other students.

“She is the most loving, caring and that it has to offer can’t compare to any other music school. It’s simply the best.” genuinely nice person I’ve ever met,” Sugar Skulls is a touring band that said Ross, who assisted in teaching Rock Valentine describes as the “varsity” mu- 101 classes.

“She may not teach lessons, but she sicians.

Both Ross and Valentine made a point positively impacts our lives every day in of mentioning Jenny Weintraub, stu- more ways than one,” agreed Valentine.

Thanks!

Ahwatukee!

For voting

• Best Chiropractor • Best Medical Specialist 4350 E. Ray Rd., Suite 110 • Phoenix, AZ 85044

www.azspinediscandsport.com • 480.759.1668

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

23

Ahwatukee SRP worker spends holidays helping Puerto Rico

BY COLLEEN SPARKS AFN Staff Writer

D

orian Speed of Ahwatukee says spending the holidays without his wife and four sons while he’s in Puerto Rico has been difficult, but the hardship is nothing compared to what people on that hurricane-ravaged island have suffered.

The distribution supervisor is part of an eight-person crew from SRP assisting other utility companies as they help restore electricity after Hurricane Maria pummeled Puerto Rico in September.

This SRP group deployed around Dec. 8 and will stay through Jan. 8, when another team from the local utility will replace them in Puerto Rico.

Dorian said he and his wife, Carrie, believe in giving back. Both are active in the Grove Church in Chandler and feel God called him to try to help Puerto Rico get back on its feet.

“It was pretty difficult,” Dorian, 43, said. “It was pretty easy for my wife. She was like, ‘Yeah, you need to go,’ but for me I’m not away from my boys or my wife too much. It was probably harder on me.

316 E Paseo Way • Phoenix • 85042 3bd • 1ba • 1064sf • NoHOA • Taxes-$1,027

$194,900

(Special to AFN)

Dorian Speed of Ahwatukee, a distribution supervisor for SRP, is working in Puerto Rico with crews to help restore electricity after Hurricane Maria pummeled the island.

It’s a bigger picture thing. It’s a small sacrifice. The people down here are making a huge sacrifice being without power.

“SRP is providing us the opportunity to come down here. It’s a blessing to be

Happy Holidays!

SALLY MARTINEZ, Realtor ® Phone/Text: 480-239-4813 Email: sally.martinez@cox.net Web: www.sallymartinez.com www.desertfairwaysrealty.com

4331 W Seldon • Glendale • 85302 4bd • 1.75ba • Pool • 2389sf • NoHOA • Taxes-$1,743

$259,999

down here and helping people out and being with the team we have. It’s a really cool experience. It’s just so rewarding to do something little by little.”

Dorian’s role in Puerto Rico is to coor-

dinate the process of ensuring electricity lines are switched on and off safely and synchronizing the priority of which ones need to be energized first.

“It’s mainly for safety purposes,” he said.

“It’s kind of a big deal. That coordination needs to come down for the crews. We drive around and people see us. They’ll see we’re from a power company, they’re real appreciative. They’ll come give you a hug.

People have been really great.”

The SRP employees are staying in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, but they are responsible for restoration work in the Carolina region, which is in the northeastern area of the island.

Helping bring back light to the stormtorn island is a team effort. SRP workers are tackling the issue with employees of Austin Energy, as part of Team American Public Power Association.

Several other teams landed in Puerto Rico earlier this month for an Incident Management Team training workshop.

Over two days, the 10-member Incident Management Team surveyed damage in the Carolina region and developed a comSee

SRP on page 24

Classes ages 6 months and up:

• • • • •

Gymnastics Tumbling Trampoline Acrobatic Gymnastics Ballet, Hip Hop and Tap • Martial Arts WINTER • Swimming

CAMP!

Dec. 26th thru Jan. 5th

NEW!

Creative Play-an educational gym program beginning in January $30 value. New enrollment only. Not valid with any other offer.

Please enter promo code SANTANSUN at time of registration. Expires 3-31-18.

25807 N 49th Lane • Phoenix • 85083 3bd+1 • 3ba • 3037sf • HOA-$220qtr • Taxes-$3,209

$549,000

aspirekidsports.com

480-820-3774

50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler 85226 — 1 Block W of Chandler Fashion Center

24

SRP

COMMUNITY from page 23

mand center inside a Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority operations center. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is also in Puerto Rico helping with the restoration efforts.

Priorities are set as far as which entities need to get their power restored first, Dorian said. Hospitals and police stations are high priorities.

Dorian had been to Haiti after a hurricane hit about five years ago with his church group, but said the damage in Puerto Rico is more startling. He had previously visited Puerto Rico about 25 years ago as a professional baseball player.

“It’s a beautiful island,” Dorian said.

“It’s been ravaged by the storm, to say the least. We’re flying in and we see a lot of darkness versus when you’re flying in and you see light everywhere. All the trees are completely stripped of the foliage. There’s trees everywhere.

“There’s broken concrete poles hanging over the freeway. There’s lines down everywhere.”

Driving around the island is challenging with traffic signals out, Dorian added.

He said the experience makes him appreciate how much easier things are in the United States. Working to help fix outages

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

during storms in Arizona does not compare to the extent of the need in Puerto Rico, Dorian said.

“You definitely get a shock,” he said.

“You’re like, ‘Wow, all these lines are down.’ You always have things so easily in the (United) States. You just think of the people (in Puerto Rico); they’re still upbeat and they’re still happy. It’s unbelievable. The people here are just prevailing through all of that.”

Dorian said he hopes his work is setting a good example for his sons: Braeden, 12; Kellen, 10; Devin, 8 and Taren, 6.

He uses FaceTime to communicate with his wife and sons every day. Devin is doing a presentation at school about Dorian’s work in Puerto Rico and Dorian sent him a video of local women singing and dancing to welcome the SRP workers to the building where they are stationed.

Rick Hudson, 53, an SRP engineering supervisor who lives in Chandler, also left family members behind to assist with the restoration work in Puerto Rico.

He is married and has three children who are in their 20s and a 15-year-old daughter, as well as five grandchildren.

His wife, Susan, used to work with a woman who grew up in Puerto Rico and still has family members there.

“I was just thinking about it and praying about it, and she (Susan) called her for-

mer coworker,” Rick said. “That coworker mentioned that a lot of her family was still there (in Puerto Rico) without power.

It was at that moment that we both said, this is one of those things where you feel like you should be doing that. I put my name in the hat.”

Like Dorian, Rick was taken aback when he arrived in San Juan to experience the power outages.

“It’s incredible,” Rick said. “When we first got there, to see how dark it was in their capital city; they had lights but not nearly as many as are available. It made driving very difficult. Most of the traffic signals do not work. They don’t have enough police to have people directing traffic. It’s pretty much kind of a free-forall when you get to a major intersection.

“As we’ve moved into the region just outside of San Juan, the devastation is even more pronounced, but the people have been very welcoming. They’re really appreciative. It’s incredible the amount of thanks we get. It’s kind of a different culture in terms of how they deal with these situations.”

With the Incident Command structure, seven incident management teams of 10 people each were formed to help cordinate and manage about 3,5000 utility field workers deployed on the island.

“Our role is to do whatever they need

from us to get the power restored here in Puerto Rico,” Bret Marchese, SRP director of distribution maintenance, said.

“We are helping to create efficiencies in areas that will most benefit PREPA. I think we’ve made a lot of progress in getting information together to put the right resources in the areas where they are most needed and restore circuits as quickly and safely as possible.”

The last time SRP helped another utility bring back power due to a major natural disaster was in November 2012.

That’s when over 60 SRP workers spent two weeks working with Long Island Power Authority and other utilities to replace damaged power poles, impaired electrical equipment and overhead lines when customers in the New York region lost power during Hurricane Sandy.

GOT NEWS?

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

VOTE NOW!

‘Best of Ahwatukee’ Voting Time! www.ahwatukee.com

PRACTICING SINCE 1998

Elizabeth Estes

ESTATE PLANNING FAMILY LAW REAL ESTATE BUSINESS FORMATIONS

Sarah Neumann, MMS,PA-C

• BEST MEDICAL SPECIALIST DERMATOLOGY • PHYSICIAN’S ASSISTANT ~ SARAH NEUMANN • SKIN CARE ~ CARRIE KLOWSKI, LME, LT

PROBATE TRUST ADMINISTRATION

Call for a Free Consultation

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

Carrie Klowski, LME, LT

4425 E. Agave Road, Suite 148, Phoenix, Arizona 85044 www.ahwatukeeskincare.com 480.704.SKIN (7546)

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

25

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Desert Pointe Garden Club sets first meeting of the new year

Prospective members are welcome to attend the first meeting of the year for the Desert Pointe Garden Club at 9 a.m. Jan. 8.

The program that day will be presented by the Desert Valley Orchid Society. The club normally meets the first Monday of each month September through May at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive. It is not necessary to belong to the Recreation Center to join the club.

In addition to the meetings, members also sponsor a butterfly garden, renovate the yards of certain group homes for the disabled, maintain the Blue Star Memorial on Warner Road and participate in many other outreach projects. Information: 480-759-4407 or dpgc.org.

Urban Air Adventure Park hiring workers for 50 positions

Urban Air Adventure Park is looking to hire more than 50 employees at its first Arizona site, 4816 E. Ray Road near 48th Street in Ahwatukee.

Urban Air is a family entertainment center offering a variety of attractions for all ages and events ranging from birthday parties and corporate meetings to church gatherings and family outings.

A grand opening date will be announced soon.

On that day, the first 100 people lined up outside Urban Air will be able to jump for free.

Once completed, the 24,000-square-foot facility will offer a variety of attractions, including two Olympic-size trampolines. The facility will include a Slam Dunk Track and Dodge Ball Heaven – where you can dodge, dip dive and dunk.

Information: urbanairtrampolinepark.com or 602-663-9340.

Blankets and bears drive extended to year’s end

The Ahwatukee Women’s Golf Association has extended until Sunday, Dec. 31, its annual collection of blankets and bears, this year benefitting the Cardon Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Hospital. The drive started in 1999 and has generated thousands of donations.

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 clean and not worn.

Dolls or stuffed animals should be soft and cuddly and something that a child can hold and carry.

All items should be clean and not showing wear. Cardon cannot accept items that are not appropriate, not clean and quite worn.

Donations are being accepted at the Ahwatukee Country Club, 12432 S. 48th St. Items will be placed under the Christmas Tree and packaged and delivered.

Questions or to arrange another location for a delivery: text Joyce Blobner at 480-381-4195. Do-

nations are needed and appreciated.

Fitness/nutrition seminar focuses on all ages

Carlos Mange, personal trainer and owner of Body by Design, 4206 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee, is holding a fitness and nutrition seminar 1-3 p.m. Jan. 13 at his studio.

He will discuss why bodies don’t respond to some fitness/nutrition plans, how people can live better and longer and why exercise is the best therapy. The seminar focuses on all ages, especially from 40 up.

Seating is limited. Reservations: 480-650-1230.

Ahwatukee Scout troop slates Christmas tree pickup

Ahwatukee Boy Scout Troop 278 says it’s not too early to think about calling them to arrange for a pickup of fresh Christmas trees after the holidays.

For the seventh consecutive year, the troop is collecting them as a fund raiser, asking for donations of $10 to $20.

Curbside pickups will be 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 30, and 8 a.m.-noon Jan. 6.

The money helps the troop pay for activities throughout the year. Trees need to be left at curbside and all decorations removed.

To arrange for a pickup: troop278trees@gmail. com.

Line dancing and Muscle Mania classes begin in January

Ahwatukee physical fitness and dance instructor Carrie McNeish is offering beginning and intermediate/advanced line dancing classes as well as Muscle Mania sessions beginning the first week in January at Pecos Community Center.

No partner or experience is necessary for the dance classes, and evening sessions are on Tuesdays and daytime classes are Thursdays. Muscle Mania classes, aimed at strengthening and toning muscles, are on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Walk-in registration is allowed, or people can sign up at phoenix.gov/parks. Information: 480221-9090, cmcneish@cox.net, or dancemeetsfitness.net.

Senior Olympics registration is now open for 2018 games

Registration is underway for Ahwatukee residents 50 and older who want to participate in the 2018 Arizona Senior Olympics.

The games will be held Feb. 17-March 11 at various venues across the state. There is a wide variety of games, from bocce ball to tennis, running to swimming. The purpose is to encourage health, fitness and safety in a fin and competitive atmosphere.

The games, sponsored by the Arizona Lifelong Fitness Foundation, are in their 37th year. Information: seniorgames.org or 602-274-7742.

26

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Thank You Ahwatukee for Voting Us “One of the Best Dentists” Stacey Zittel, D.D.S., P.C.

AFN News Staff

“Gentle Dental Care...Our Specialty” Gentle Care and Beautiful Smiles is Our Job...

Confidence in that Smile is Your Reward Complete Family Dentistry

480-598-5510

Three dogs, two cats seek a home for the new year

Now Taking New Patients!

Dr. Zittel and Family Ahwatukee Resident & Dentist for Over 15 Years

4530 E. Ray Rd., Suite 180 Ahwatukee (In the Foothills Health Center) INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

AMENITIES INCLUDE: • Heated Salt Water Swimming Pool & Spa • Foothills Skydeck with Scenic Mountain View • Open to the public tuk Urban Kafé for Casual Meals and Drinks • The Crave Dining Room, Bistro and Seasonal Veranda Grille • State-of-the-art Movie Theater with Daily Showings • Fitness Center • Art Studio & Game Room • Beauty Salon/Barber Shop • Scheduled Transportation • Front Desk Concierge • Wi-Fi throughout Community • 24/7 Emergency Response • Weekly Housekeeping & Personal Laundry

Call today to schedule your tour with a complimentary lunch!

(480) 485-3000

livgenerations.com

T

hree dogs and two cats hope to start the new year off in real homes in Ahwatukee.

For now, the rescued animals sit in shelters, waiting for a forever family.

Jenny Bernot of Arizona Rescue, whose shelter has both cats and two of the three dogs, said Maximus is a “big, lovable, sweet 6-year-old border collie mix who is looking for a second family to love after his last owner passed away.”

She said the dog adores being petted and massaged. While Max enjoys a tug of war, he’s not much into toys.

Water is another thing altogether as he “loves cooling his paws in kiddie pools, drinking from hoses and playing in the sprinklers until he is soaked to the core.”

“Max has wonderful house manners and is a smart boy; he’ll sit and lie down, treat or no treat,” Bernot added, stating he “would enjoy having another dog to play with, although his size and energy level can intimidate some of the canines he encounters.”

Also seeking a home is Jacob, a 2-yearold cat whose “objective in life is to interact with and love his people as much as he possibly can.”

Besides being “very people-oriented and super-affectionate” who loves being petted and brushed, the cat “will let you hold his little paws in your hands while he flexes his little toes,” Bernot said.

“If you swirl a feather wand around on

the floor, Jacob will leap over it, running back and forth trying to catch it,” she added. “Nothing at all seems to bother this guy…except…if you leave a cuddling session prematurely.”

Azrescue also is sheltering Mona, a 7-year-old boxer who is “sweet, happy, delightful, charming, gentle, laid-back, affectionate,” Bernot said.

“Mona also enjoys the company of other friendly dogs. Mona’s smart. She knows the commands sit and down, performing them extra well when there is a tasty treat involved. Mona’s excellent See

PETS on page 27

Maximus

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PETS

from page 26

leash manners make taking her on a walk a real treat for both of you.”

“Mona loves going on walks…this social pup views it as another great opportunity to make some human friends

while she’s out and about,” Bernot added.

“Mona has a sense of humor too; if she sees a puddle while out walking, she will saunter right through it without hesitation. She views it as icing on the cake” and “enjoys car rides, riding in the back seat like a pro.”

Year-old Obi “is a real character who is quite simply a lot of fun to be around.”

The “friendly and affectionate” cat “cracks us up when it comes to playtime,” Bernot said. “Obi runs, plays, chases balls, hunts feather wands and is generally all over the place pursuing anything that resembles a toy. He plays so hard that without warning, he

suddenly lies down and can barely keep his eyes open. He literally plays until he drops.”

Obi also “holds the dubious distinction of being one of the messiest eaters we’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Makes you wonder how much food he actually ingests when you see bits of food haphazardly surrounding his bowl in a wide circumference. One volunteer even witnessed Obi shaking his head while he had food in his mouth, which caused chunks of food to randomly

Something to Smile About!

Coming Soon!

COMMUNITY

27

decorate the nearby wall.”

Both dogs and cats are available through azrescue.org.

Meanwhile, Kathy Priest of Home Fur Good is offering a 7-year-old Staffordshire terrier mix named Kettle, who “thrives when taken out for social interactions and activities.”

“He is energetic and loves to be active and on the move. Fetch is his game and his feet start to dance when he sees the leash,” she said, adding that at 35 pounds, he is “perfect to fit on a lap.”

Home Fur Good is at 10220 N. 32nd St., Phoenix. The shelter is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Information: 602-9711334.

Implant

$1,200

Coupon must be presented to receive discount.

Offers may not be combined. Exp. 3-31-18.

Exam & Digital X-rays

Who’s The Best?

The votes are

$19

in. The people have spoken... It’s the 201 Best of Ahwatukee 7 !

Harvey Arnce, D.D.S.

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

480.704.0701 Be a Part of Our Aw

ard Winning Publica

tion!

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

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

Crowns

$700

Coupon must be presented to receive discount.

Offers may not be combined. Exp. 3-31-18.

www.ironwooddentalcenter.com

Learn about the Market Coffee & breakfast are on us!

You're invited to join us at the next meeting of our monthly coffee club When: Friday, January 12th, 2017, 9:00-10:00a.m.

Where: Sheraton Four Points 10831 S 51st St, Phoenix, AZ 85044 RSVP: 480-753-7664 by January 10th, seating is limited.

PEOPLE | PLACES | SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO

VOTING STARTS JANUARY 2, 2018!

• Crown / Bridgework • Dentures • Oral Surgery / Extractions

Coupon must be presented to receive discount.

Offers may not be combined. Exp. 3-31-18.

Joseph B. Ortiz, AAMS®, CRPS® Financial Advisor 4902 E Warner Rd Suite 1 Phoenix, Arizona 85044 Member SIPC

480.753.7664

www.edwardjones.com

28

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Fresh Dough and Sauce Made Daily!

Vote for BEST Preschool

[

VOTE FOR US!

Thank You

Ahwatukee for making Frank & Lupes a new Mexican Favorite!

We are thrilled with the success and welcoming of all our patrons

Vote Now!

Order Online!

zzeeks.com 4825 E. Warner Rd. | 48th St. & Warner

480.940.5555 When you think of God’s Garden Preschool…

Think Quality Educators At God’s Garden preschool, our commitment is to nurture your child’s love of learning, citizenship and spirituality. Our amazing teachers foster your child’s critical thinking skills and our bi-weekly chapel themes are carried back into the classroom to enrich your child’s relationship with God. Our highly educated staff is led by Director, Michelle Rhodes, who brings a wealth of knowledge to our team. Ms. Michelle has a PhD in Early Childhood Education and over 14 years of experience working in the field, including many years of mentoring early childhood professionals.

Our Director’s Assistant, Ms. Denise has her masters in Early Childhood Education, an undergrad degree in Elementary Education and over 25 years of experience teaching and serving as a Vice Principal.

What makes all of our staff so special is their commitment to enriching the life of your child and giving them the best possible start.

All of our staff are highly educated and engage in an enriching series of ongoing professional development opportunities onsite yearly. All of our workshops are open to the community. Check out our website for more details.

Preschool Programs Ages 2-5 Years

Come Join Our Family

DINE IN DELIV ERY CARRY OUT

F REE DELIV E RY!

Please vote for us For “Best Senior Living Community” in Ahwatukee!

MountainParkSeniorLiving.com | (480) 648-2069 4475 East Knox Road | Phoenix, AZ 85044 A SPECTRUM RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

MP Ahw Foothills Best of Dec 2017

Full Service Pet Grooming and Self Serve Dog Wash

Call to schedule a tour TODAY!

vote for us!

480.460.0081

www.godsgarden.com

1401 East Liberty Lane • Phoenix 85048 God’s Garden Preschool of Ahwatukee Follow us for the latest news and special offers!

Best Dog Grooming

480-759-1699

• NO Cage Dryers

(42nd Street and Chandler Blvd.)

• Handled with the Utmost Care and Love Pawsible

4206 E Chandler Blvd #36, Phoenix TUESDAY TO SATURDAY FROM 9AM-5PM

• Custom Doghouse Kennels (no wire cages)

COMMUNITY

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

29

CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27

Join us to earn community service hours, make friends, have fun!

DETAILS>> 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 12-18. Free. No registration required.

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. Walkin donations are also welcome, as available DETAILS>> 2:30-7 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. Registration required via the calendar at phxlib.org.

TUESDAY, JAN. 16

Writers Critique Group

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. Free. No registration required.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 3

THURSDAY, Jan. 25

Book discussion

Talk with local police

TUESDAY, JAN. 9 LEGO Lab

Growing Growing More More Smiles!

Smiles!

Read the book and join each month’s lively discussion the first Wednesday of the month. January’s read: “Daring to Drive” by Manal al-Sharif.

DETAILS>> 7-7:45 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. No registration required.

Tukee Talks, the quarterly meeting for Ahwatukee residents with representatives of the Phoenix Police Department’s South Mountain Precinct, which includes Ahwatukee, holds its first session of 2018.

DETAILS>> 6-8 p.m. Friendship Community Church, 9807 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 31

Children accompanied by an adult can stop by for fun LEGO building time the second Tuesday of each month. #stem DETAILS>> 4-5 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required.

SATURDAY, JAN. 13

Teen Council meeting

Unleash Untapped Potential

Turn your vision into reality by setting goals for your career and business that will motivate you to succeed.

Presented by Margo Brown, productivity coach and founder of Wave Productivity.

DETAILS>> 6-7:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. Registration required via the calendar at phxlib.org.

Ahwatukee!

Learn gardening from pros

Learn desert gardening by getting your hands dirty with the Ahwatukee Community Gardening Project. Share knowledge, produce and smiles. All ages welcome.

Bring sun protection and water. Tools optional.

DETAILS>> 7-9 a.m. in the northwest corner of the park at 4700 E. Warner Road, Ahwatukee.

Information : acgarden.org or 480-759-5338.

Chess players, knitters clubs

Two new 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. at Einstein’s at 48th Street and Ray Road. Knitters Anonymous meets at 2 p.m. at Pomegranate’s Café, 40th and Chandler Boulevard. For either club, call 480-246-1912 for more information.

Little Bytes

Kids can learn the foundations of coding and computer commands before they can write or spell! Fun activities, apps and games will teach the fundamentals of simple logic, sequencing and coding language. #stem DETAILS>> 2-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 4-7. Free. No registration required.

Coder Dojo

What do video games, robots and self-driving cars have in common? Code! You can become a coding master by learning Code.org, Kodable, Scratch, Tynker, HTML and

more. Beginners welcome. #stem DETAILS>> 3-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 8-17. Free. No registration required.

MONDAYS

Ahwatukee women can meet

Ahwatukee Foothills Friend & Neighbors offers local women a chance to meet other ladies who like to have fun at monthly meetings and in its interest groups.

The group meets the fourth Monday of each month at local venues to enjoy lunch or happy hour and sometimes a program. Payment is always due a week ahead of the event.

DETAILS>> affanwomensgroup@gmail.com.

Babytime with Sign Language for Crawlers

Accompanied by a favorite adult, babies birth to crawling enjoy songs, music, rhymes, books, interactive stories, simple sign language words, activities to promote movement, and playtime. #pplstorytime #babytimewithsign DETAILS>> 10:30-11 a.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages birth to crawling. Free. Tickets are limited and available in the library 30 minutes before program begins.

TUESDAYS

Homework help

Volunteer Eric will help with homework.

See

CALENDAR on page 30

480-759-1119 480-759-1119 AHWATUKEE OFFICE

4232 E. Chandler Blvd., #10 Phoenix, AZ 85048

GILBERT OFFICE

John John E. Culp, E. Culp, III III DMDDMD

2080 E. Williams Field Rd.,#104 Gilbert, AZ 85295

www.JungleRoots.com www.JungleRoots.com

VOTE FOR US in 2017!

480-759-1119 Caring for her patients’ teeth for 30 years!

BUILDING STRONG BRIGHT FUTURES At the Y, we know your kids are a big deal! That’s why their enjoyment and safety is our priority! Come find out why our After-School Program is a bright idea!

Licensed S.T.E.M.

.a h

om

e

e

ww

w

.c

“ Be s

VOTE NOW

www.JungleRoots.com

”

John E. Culp, III DMD

t

A hwa t u k of ee

Growing More Smiles!

This group meets to plan teen events at the library.

SUNDAYS

w atuk

Homework Help Fitness Activities Healthy Snacks Transportation

H ygi e n ist s : M icH ele K i ng & ca r M e n s a l a i z

480.494.2435 | drEfamilydental.com | 4206 E. Chandler Blvd. Suite 20 | Phoenix 85048

The YMCA is a non-profit organization.

Financial aid is available for families that qualify.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS FAMILY YMCA 1030 E. Liberty Lane Phoenix AZ 85048 480-759-6762 www.valleyYMCA.org

30

COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

5444.

from page 29 DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 5-18. Free. No registration required.

Coloring for grown-ups

Adult coloring promotes mindfulness, reduces stress, and improves cognitive motor skills. We’ll provide the markers, crayons, colored pencils, and coloring sheets; you just bring yourself and your friends!

DETAILS>> 1:30-3 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Free. No registration required.

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. $5 per class. Information:

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.

Power Partners available

The Ahwatukee Chamber offers Power Partners every Tuesday except the second Tuesday, when attendees are encouraged to attend the Wake Up Ahwatukee Morning Mixer. Unlike our Monday Power Group, this group will be non-category specific, meaning you can have more than one member in each business category.

DETAILS>> 7:45-8:45 a.m. Early Baker, 15645 S. 40th St., Ahwatukee. Free. Information: Gina Jenkins, 480-990-

registration required..

WEDNESDAYS

Fun with watercolors

Local author and artist Judy Lokits offers a class in watercolors.

DETAILS>> 2:30-5 p.m., Hobby Lobby, 4710 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Beginners as well as intermediates are welcome. $25 per class or $80 for four classes.

Contact Judy Lokits at 480-471-8505 or judylokits.com to register.

Chamber offers networking

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce networking and leads group is open to chamber members.

DETAILS>> Noon, Native Grill and Wings, 5030 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. Gina Jenkins, 480-990-5444.

LD 18 Dems meet monthly

Montessori holds open house

Broadway Road, Phoenix. Free. RSVP at 602-827-8200, ext. 348, or rcarter@cals.arizona.edu.

Grief support is free

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 480592-0052.

Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori holds an open house weekly. It includes a short talk about Montessori education, followed by a tour of its campus.

DETAILS>> 4 p.m. Wednesdays, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Information: 480-759-3810 Hospice of the Valley offers a free ongoing grief support group for adults and is open to any adult who has experienced a loss through death. No registration required.

DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m. first and third Wednesdays, Pecos Community Center, 17010 S. 48th St. 602-636-5390 or HOV.org.

Foothills Women meet

Legislative District 18 Democrats gather monthly, usually the second Monday, to share news, opportunities, food and laughter. Meetings include guest speakers, legislative updates, how-to sessions and Q&A. Volunteer or just enjoy an evening with likeminded folks.

DETAILS>> For times and places: ld18democrats.org/ calendar.

An informal, relaxed social organization of about 90 women living in the Ahwatukee Foothills/Club West area. A way to escape once a month to have fun and meet with other ladies in the area. Guest speaker or entertainment featured.

DETAILS>> 7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Foothills Golf Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive. Contact Shelley Miller, president, at 602-527-6789 or essentiallyshelley@gmail.com

Sit, Stay, Read!

Parents can ‘drop in’

Young readers and listeners can sign up for reading time with a registered therapy animal and human team. Read to Truffles on Wednesdays.

DETAILS>> Wednesdays 3-4 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 4-10. Free. No

Parents are invited to join a drop-in group to ask questions, share ideas or just listen to what’s going on with today’s teenagers.

DETAILS>> 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of each month. Maricopa Cooperative Extension, 4341 E.

‘Dems and Donuts’ set

THURSDAYS

Teen Thursdays

Ironwood Library provides the snacks and fun every Thursday; teens just bring themselves and a friend! First Thursdays: video games; second Thursdays: art-making; third Thursdays: Upcycling Makerspace.

Fourth Thursdays: Library Volunteer Opportunities.

DETAILS>> 4-5:30 p.m., Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd. Ages 12-18. Free. No registration required.

Kiwanis meets weekly

The Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club meets weekly and welcomes newcomers.

DETAILS>>7:30 a.m. Biscuits Restaurant, 4623 E. Elliot Road, Ahwatukee. Information: mike.maloney2003@ gmail.com.

Email calendar items to pmaryniak@ahwatukees.com

Voted “One of the Best” a Record 18 years in a row!!!

1st Place “Best Dentist” 9 times!!!

Ahwatukee!

DESIGN CENTER

Dr. Anita Marra and Staff

Foothills Family Dental P.C. • Implants

• Invisalign Certified

• Cosmetic Dentistry

• Root Canals & Crowns

• Emergency Care

• Dentures & Veneers

• Digital X-rays/Scanning

• Bridges

23 Years in the same location!

Accepting New Patients

www.foothillsfamilydental.com

(480)460-0484

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

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

Extend your swimming season by installing an energy efficient BRING IN A Pentair Master Temp gas pool heater. WATER SAMPLE E

10%

All Gas Pool Heaters

FOR A FRE ANALYSIS

off SEE STORE FOR DETAILS

Expires 12/31/17

ASK ABOUT OUR POOL DRAIN SPECIAL

Pool Resurfacing Experts Specializing in pool service, maintenance & repair

602-546-POOL (7665)

www.barefootpoolman.com

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

(SW corner of Desert Foothills Parkway & Chandler Blvd.)

Ahwatukee Owned & Operated Thank you for voting us an Licensed, Bonded & Insured Ahwatukee’s “Best Of” Pool Service ROC# 272001 Company 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015!

OPINION

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Opinion

@AhwatukeeFN |

31

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

No matter how you look at 2017, many in Ahwatukee made it a good year

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

A

s we say farewell to 2017 and wait with anticipation and, perhaps, some anxiety for the new year to begin, I thought a lot about the Ahwatukee people I’ve met in the course of my work for AFN. I thought the year began pretty auspiciously when the first story I worked on involved Neal Lester, an Ahwatukee resident and Foundation Professor of English at Arizona State who also started and runs the university-supported Project Humanities.

His academic accomplishments and knowledge of literature made this former English major blanch. But what I’ve seen him do all year – running a variety of projects to better the community and improve understanding among people of different color, creed and background – has been inspirational.

Meeting Neal was a propitious start to a year in which I’ve met and written

about a number of people in Ahwatukee who have given of their time and energy to make this a better community and to strengthen the good that already exists.

Some give to the least fortunate; others give to the community so that such concern for others can continue and thrive.

And whether they stayed focused on a singular cause or maintained a broader vision, they have done it to keep Ahwatukee a thriving place to live, work and play.

They’ve ranged from people like attorney Howard Shanker, who devoted untold hours without pay to fighting on behalf of residents who feel threatened by the emergence of the South Mountain Freeway, to Lindy Lutz Cash, who spent her first year as president/CEO of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce with unflagging zeal for a strong local business community.

They’ve included people like Richard Breuninger, the new owner of Club West who has restored the heart of a community that is home to thousands of residents, and Chad Blostone, who has

guided the Ahwatukee Foothills Village Planning Committee as chairman and maintained a strong voice and vigilance on behalf of new and existing neighborhoods.

They include people like Mike Schmitt, Easter Parade Boss who, with his fellow Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club members, has kept a community tradition alive and thriving for more than a quarter century.

They include our local elected officials – state Sen. Sean Bowie, state Rep Jill Norgaard and city Councilman Sal DiCiccio – who have never let the bigger and broader concerns of their respective offices distract them from the needs of their immediate neighbors and constituents.

They include a broad swath of local business owners who not only work hard to make their enterprises jewels of the community but go well beyond the daily demands of their work to be good neighbors as well.

Add to that mix the teachers, administrators and aides in all of Ahwatukee’s private and public schools.

I know I am overlooking people and organizations, but you get the point.

In many ways, this has been a tough year for Ahwatukee.

Many homeowners look at the freeway with great trepidation; there seems to be no resolution in sight for the mess that is the defunct Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course; problems like the mysterious spikes in scores of homeowners’ water meter readings and the mysterious stench that comes and goes in some neighborhoods continue to elude an explanation – let alone a solution.

But all years seem tough in retrospect for many of us.

Yet, it’s the people who look beyond themselves and work on behalf of their neighborhoods and communities that keep us from despair.

And in Ahwatukee, you don’t have to look too far to see the hundreds who do just that.

To them, I say thank you on behalf of the community. And on behalf of all of us at AFN, I wish all of you readers a happy, healthy and prosperous 2018.

Whenever someone makes an accusation – “It’s disgusting that the Republicans keep backing Roy Moore, who’s accused of being a child molester” – the person facing the accusation responds not by answering the charge, but by firing off a different accusation – “What about Democrats who have stood by Bill Clinton after everything he’s been accused of sexually?”

Or they say: “It’s pathetic the way the Republican-led Arizona Legislature has shortchanged our public schools and education.” To which you say, “Uh huh.

What about how the Arizona Democrats are pawns of the teachers’ union and the anti-charter-school crowd?”

Most eggheaded analyses of whataboutism include an etymological timeline of the term, which the Oxford English Dictionary traces back to the 1990s, and a reference the old Soviet Union Communist propaganda machine.

The Russkies raised whataboutism to

an art. In the 1980s, whenever critics portrayed the Russians as repressive and brutal, they didn’t deny it – they simply pointed to American segregation and lynchings or South African apartheid and said, “What about that?”

In no media reports have I read references to the Leibowitz family of Queens, New York, where whataboutism was a staple of family life during the 1970s, along with Fonzie imitations and Kiss posters.

Hypocrisy.

Practitioners of whataboutism love to point out hypocrisy as a way of diminishing their own failings and flaws. Me, I did it whenever my parents disciplined me for anything I did wrong back in the day. I didn’t clean my room? Well, what about Matthew, my brother? He didn’t put away his Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle or his G.I. Joe with Kung Fu Grip? What about him?

I got graded unsatisfactory for behavior?

Well, what about Matt? Didn’t he get a

U in geography? At least I know where North America is.

Even now, I use the tactic on my wife all the time. She hints maybe I should drive my car another 10,000 miles, rather than eyeballing a new vehicle. I immediately deflect: “Yeah, I’m surprised Amazon doesn’t open a fulfillment center in our living room. What about that, eh?”

Look, I’m not proud that I’ve been acting 4 years old for almost 50 years now. In fact, the opposite is true.

The sooner we recognize whataboutism as the strategy of children, and instead demand a frank conversation not about hypocrisy, which everyone practices, but about deeper issues – like sexual harassment, presidential lying, school funding and my burning desire for a new car – the better off this nation will be.

If I’m hypocrite for pointing that out, well, all I can say is … yeah, what about it?

Oh, yeah? Well, what about the other guy, huh?

By DAVID LEIBOWITZ AFN Columnist

I

f you derive joy from following politics and the news media – the hobby equivalent of putting your hand in a moving garbage disposal because you love “tinkering” – you’ve no doubt heard the term “whataboutism” a lot lately. Smart pundits have begun tossing around the label like President Trump tosses off Twitter insults.

Suddenly, like bitcoin and anthem kneeling, whataboutism is a thing.

Except whataboutism has always been a thing.

At least among those of us who had a sibling or have ever been 4 years old.

Which is pretty much all of us – with apologies to any 3-year-olds reading this.

If whataboutism sounds confusing, it’s actually a simple rhetorical power move.

32

OPINION

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Maricopa County has achieved progress on several major goals

BY DENNIS BARNEY AFN Guest Writer

I

t’s hard to believe it has been almost a year since I was sworn in as Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

At the beginning of 2017, I made my priorities clear: a balanced budget, regulatory and personnel reforms that help business thrive and families flourish, more evidence-based justice initiatives that reduce repeat offenders and lower the cost of criminal justice; and personnel reform that improves customer service.

Now that we are in the final month of the year, I’m happy to report success on all fronts.

BUDGET: We balanced our budget and kept the tax rate flat, even as we made significant investments in future growth. I challenged elected leaders and department heads to be efficient with resources, to rethink processes and to be innovative in their approach to customer service.

They responded and their efforts are making us a leaner, more efficient government. That unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility is the reason Maricopa County maintains AAA bond ratings to this day.

REGULATION: We want to make it easier than ever to do business in Maricopa County. This year, we rolled out a new way for builders and developers to file documents online, which can save time and money. We are also processing more plan reviews than ever – nearly 9,700 projected for fiscal year 2018 compared to 5,775 in FY 2014.

This year, less than 5 percent of plans required more than one resubmittal, and 85 percent have been processed within 20 business days. While we must be diligent in our safety reviews and procedures, I have pushed us to take an even harder look at needless bureaucracy that slows economic growth.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE: It is unacceptable to me that more than 50 percent of Maricopa County inmates return to jail

within 12 months of release. So I have been a tireless advocate for smart justice initiatives, like the recently expanded MOSAIC substance abuse program, that help us rethink our approach to incarceration.

Giving justice-involved individuals some skills they can turn to instead of a substance, then linking them up with community groups – and even housing – once they are released makes our communities stronger and, ultimately, saves taxpayers money.

EMPLOYEES: To provide exceptional customer service, we need to have an accountable, outcome-driven workforce.

I’ve supported the work done by county leadership this year to design specific performance metrics that apply across all departments so the best employees are rewarded and those who are underachieving are not allowed to continue doing so.

This year, we also examined the way we recruit for jobs and found that unnecessary and redundant processes were leading to delays in hiring the best candidates. We’re

fixing our approach and cutting down the recruitment time so the best and brightest don’t have reason to look elsewhere.

Sometimes recruitment needs an extra nudge. I said as much to our Office of the Medical Examiner and encouraged them to find a creative solution to their staffing challenges.

In September, they launched a first-ofits-kind loan repayment assistance program for medical examiners, giving us a unique incentive in a highly competitive, hugely important field. This is just one example of how we are looking for opportunities to tilt the odds in our favor, as we strive to become an employer of choice in the fastest-growing county in the nation.

The goal is a leaner, nimbler, more service-oriented government. And 2017 has moved us closer to our goals. I look forward to making more progress in the coming year. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

-Dennis Barney chairs the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

How to help end hunger this holiday season

By ANGIE RODGERS AFN Guest Writer

T

he holidays are a bittersweet time at our food banks: We witness both the immense generosity of people giving to their neighbors and the staggering number of families in need. In 2017, more than one million Arizonans still face hunger, and nearly half of them are children.

At the Association of Arizona Food Banks, our vision is a hunger-free Arizona, and we, alongside our member food banks, work hard to ensure that everyone

has access to the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives.

As a result, we support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly “food stamps”), which helps more than 900,000 Arizonans access sufficient nutrition and infuses nearly $100 million into Arizona’s economy each month.

Despite its proven success providing people with short-term support during natural disasters, times of economic uncertainty, or personal crisis, SNAP faces an unmistakable threat from the next priority on the Congressional agenda: “welfare reform.”

Ahwatukee Commons Veterinary Hospital 4902 E Warner Rd. Ste. 14 Phoenix, AZ 85044 480-893-8423

“We treat your pet as if it were our own.” inarian!

Don’t forget to vote Best Veter

Visit us online: theacvh.com

The current administration aims to pay for tax cuts that are skewed toward corporations and high-income households by cutting funds from federal investments that serve people in need, including SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid, possibly Social Security, and others.

In a two-step process, here’s the path Congress follows to carry this out: 1. The tax plan currently being finalized – which could be signed into law before Christmas – will reduce taxes for highincome households and corporations, while raising taxes for low- and middleincome households over the next ten years. The price tag? $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. How will we pay for that?

2. In the budget resolution adopted in October, Congress outlined trillions of dollars in proposed cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, possibly Social Security, and other investments.

Everyone reading this knows someone – or is someone – who would be affected by these cuts: a friend who was recently laidoff, a single parent in your neighborhood, an elderly relative on a fixed income.

As ever during the holiday season, we are grateful for the many volunteers who donate their time and money to local food pantries.

(Special to AFN)

Another great way to help is to talk to your elected officials about supporting Arizona’s families to put healthy food on the table.

– Angie Rodgers is president/CEO of the Association of Arizona Food Banks.

BUSINESS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Business

@AhwatukeeFN |

33

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Ahwatukee businessman earning honors ahead of degree

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

T

im Hovik has been an Arizona State University Sun Devil fan since he was a youngster growing up in Washington State and went to the campus to visit his two older brothers.

Now the owner/general manager of San Tan Ford, the Ahwatukee man was in eighth grade when he caught Sun Devil fever and determined at that first visit that he, too, would follow his brothers’ footsteps and enroll in ASU. Even after leaving ASU, Hovik remained an avid fan, and as he’s advanced in his career, he worked to ensure his alma mater was a recipient of his support.

As a chair for the Arizona Ford Dealer’s Association, he advocated for the university, ensuring the group was on board for providing partnerships with Sun Devil Athletics that, according to ASU, were “worth north of seven figures” in dollars.

In acknowledgment of his support, Hovik was presented with the Alumni Appreciation Award at ASU’s 2017 Homecoming several months ago.

Making the honor even more amazing, Hovik said, is that he hasn’t yet graduated from Arizona State.

“I changed majors (from business to political science), and actually have more credits than I need to graduate,” he said.

“I’ve lectured at their business school, and I think of myself as an alum. The homecoming kinda spurred me to knock off those remaining credits and get my degree.”

As an upperclassman, Hovik had planned to take a gap year while earning money as a car salesman working with Tex Earnhardt.

“I knew people who’d made money at it and I thought I’d do it for a little while, and pop back to school and finish. The very first month, I led in sales. I came out of the gate hot,” said Hovik.

He stayed with Earnhardt for 13 years, rising to general manager.

In 2007, he was offered a partnership at a Las Vegas Ford franchise.

(Special to AFN)

Ahwatukee resident Tim Hovik has grown his San Tan Ford in eight years from 70 employees and $49 million in sales to a current 230 employees and more than $200 million in annual sales.

“I went to Vegas right when the recession hit, and it was hard time for a lot of businesses,” said Hovik who stayed the course three years. “I’d kept my home in Ahwatukee, and San Tan Ford had just opened, and after a couple months, they asked me to come over and I finally agreed.”

In the ensuing years, Hovik and the firm’s parent company, The Richardson Group, continue to grow. The parent firm owns five Ford franchises in California, New Mexico and Texas.

San Tan Ford, the group’s only dealership in Arizona, is now among the top 40 largest Ford dealerships in the world.

“I’d like to move into the top 20,” said Hovik, who follows former Ford CEO Alan Mulally’s example of referring to the franchises as “stores” rather than “dealerships” because Mulally thought the latter word carried a negative connotation.

His San Tan Ford store at 1429 E. Motorplex Loop in Gilbert has grown from 70 employees eight years ago when he arrived, to more than 230.

One of them is his oldest brother, Steve, who is sales manager. Sales at San Tan Ford have skyrocketed from approximately $49 million in 2009 to more than $200 million in 2017.

Even with demands of owning a major business entity and his ASU Alumni Association and Sun Devil Athletics involvement, Hovik is an active member of several area Chambers of Commerce.

In the Gilbert Chamber, he’s a board member. For the Chandler Chamber, he was the presenting sponsor of this year’s Charity Golf Tournament. He’s also on the board of his hometown’s Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce.

“I’ve been a resident of the Foothills area for 20 plus years,” said Hovik, adding that it’s a family affair with his older brother Jeff, an attorney based in Ahwatukee, and his 84-year-old mother, who also resides in the village.

“The Ahwatukee Chamber is really unique in that there’s really no downtown,” he said. “I don’t think people realize how many activities this chamber is involved in to better their community.”

Hovik says he’s strongly driven to give back to the communities in which he works and lives, as well as ASU, which he said was “great to me and taught him so many lessons.”

“I don’t give back to the community or ASU either of my time or resources to get a lot of ‘attaboys,’” he said. “But when they recognize you like the Alumni Association did with this award, they make you feel like you’ve achieved

something.”

And those achievements are why ASU Alumni Association president and CEO Christine K. Wilkinson said Hovik was honored.

“With the Alumni Appreciation Award, the ASU Alumni Association has the opportunity to recognize an individual who positively impacts Arizona State University, and Tim Hovik generously supports the Sun Devil community,” said Wilkinson, who is also senior vice president and secretary of the university.

“Tim is a passionate Sun Devil and extremely supportive of many programs including Sun Devil Athletics, the Sun Devil Club and the ASU Alumni Association,” she continued.

“At the Alumni Association, we appreciate his involvement in our home tailgates, Legends Luncheon and the annual scholarship fund-raising event hosted by the White Mountain Alumni Chapter.”

He admits finding himself in an “under-the-scene storm” because he was repeatedly approached as a possible candidate to seek Jeff Flake’s Senate seat.

He said he’d told those asking him to run that though he felt “very honored,” he didn’t feel this was “the right time.”

However, he admitted he could see himself tossing his hat in the political arena at a later date.

In addition to owning and operating San Tan Ford, Hovik has also chaired the Arizona Ford Dealers Association, and currently sits on Ford’s National Dealer Council as the Southwestern United Sates representative to Ford Motor company.

What keeps this 51-year-old Everett, Washington, native involved the multitude of activities? What drives him to continually accomplish more?

“I think by nature, I’m pretty competitive and competitive with myself. You strive to succeed, but you always want to balance that drive. At San Tan, we take care of each other. If there’s a Little League game an employee’s kid is playing in, we try and arrange schedules so they can go. We want to be supportive, and help the next generation.”

34

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Arizona hopes consumers get honest about out-of-state purchases

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capital Media Services

S

tate revenue officials are hoping a new tax form and a public relations campaign convince more Arizonans to send them money after they buy items from out of state, whether online or on vacation.

The new fill-in-the-blanks form created by the Department of Revenue lets shoppers put in how much they spent and then compute what they owe the state by multiplying that by 5.6 percent. Paying the applicable city sales tax requires a few more steps.

But the bottom line is a belief that the state can get more money from its residents.

Anyone who has purchased something at an Arizona store knows the retailer adds on all the appropriate state and local taxes. And even online sales from companies that have a physical presence in the state – such as Walmart, Target and even Amazon – are supposed to include what is formally known as Arizona’s “transaction privilege tax.”

Shoppers who go online – or travel else-

where – to buy everything from clothing to furniture and electronics are legally required to compute what they would have paid had they purchased the items in Arizona and send that off to the state every month.

How many do?

Department spokesman Ed Greenberg said Arizona collected $300 million last year in use tax. But more than 99 percent of that came from businesses that not only have a more formal process of reporting but also are subject to audits.

He has no figures for how many individuals are complying with the law. More to the point, Greenberg said, he has no way of knowing how many Arizonans are not.

But the state is proceeding with the presumption that there are tax dollars out there from individual shoppers that are due the state.

“The intent of the form is to improve Ahwatukee!

VOTE FOR US!

Ahwatukee’s Best Dry Cleaner, Best Customer Service and Best Mom & Pop www.ahwatukee.com Family-Owned & Serving Ahwatukee since 1999

(480) 460-5343

3902 E. Chandler Blvd. Suite #2 • 1442 E Chandler Blvd #113

customer service for Arizonans using the use tax payment program,” he said, both making it easier for consumers who want to comply with the law and for Department of Revenue officials to process.

Greenberg said it’s not just about the state generating more dollars.

“The use tax was instituted to protect Arizona sellers who otherwise would be at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to out-of-state sellers,” he said.

Consider a $300 camera.

If purchased in Arizona, the state tax alone would add $16.80 to the bill. And that doesn't count local taxes which, at a rate of 2 percent, can add another $6 to the total price.

The use tax applies even to purchases made personally by consumers.

So, someone who purchased a wind chime while vacationing in Oregon, where there is no sales tax, also would be required to pay the levy on returning home.

And to complicate matters, if the purchase is made in a state with a lower tax rate than Arizona, the Arizona resident would owe the balance plus the local tax.

There’s no minimum purchase which

does not count. So, technically speaking, that $5 “We Visited Montana” mug triggers a mandate to send 28 cents to the state.

“It all circles back to the reason for the use tax being instituted,” Greenberg said.

“That was to level the playing field as much as possible ... and protect Arizona sellers so they’re not at a competitive disadvantage.”

Greenberg said his agency is operating under the presumption that Arizonans are not knowingly and purposely shorting the state.

“The Department of Revenue recognizes consumers who may not even realize they could be required to pay use tax on many of their out-of-state purchases,” he said. “We’re hoping the consumers will become more aware that this voucher program is in place and be more aware of the use tax payment program.”

And in case anyone was wondering, there actually is a penalty for those who do not comply – assuming they’re caught – that's 4.5 percent of the tax.

The form and instructions are at: https://www.azdor.gov/Portals/0/ADORforms/11300/11349_f.pdf

Don’t Forget to Vote

Ahwatukee!

BEST EYECARE! designer frames & digital lenses

medical exams & treatment

customized contact lenses

caring staff & doctors

480.706.3060 • azlifetime.com Murray S. Pratt, O.D A. Kash Sullenger, O.D 3961 E. Chandler Blvd, Ste. 106 (40th St & Chandler Blvd near Fryʼs Marketplace)

Vote for a Kyrene Teacher.

Best of Ahwatukee Foothills News 2017

K-8 Enrollment begins January 8

Kindergarten Roundup January 18, 6:30 p.m.

All Kyrene Elementary Schools

Linda Potts Best Middle School Teacher 2016

www.kyrene.org • 480-541-1000 • @Kyrene Schools

Chorus Teacher at Altadeña

BUSINESS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

New Pill Triggers All-Day Arousal in Men Key ingredients stimulate the production of a molecule required to achieve firm, long lasting erections; clinical studies show users experience significant improvements in sex drive, erection quality, and performance.

By Ryan Steele Mens Health News Syndicate

of this crucial sex compound resulting in harder, firmer, longer lasting erections.

MHNS, San Diego – Although drugs like Viagra®, Cialis® and Levitra® all promise harder erections, more stamina and a better sex drive, for the vast majority of men these promises never come true.

Vesele® uses the same science found in drugs like Viagra® but then amplifies it four-fold.

And that’s because these drugs do not stimulate a man’s desire or interest in sex!

But now Nobel Prize winning research has inspired the creation of a new kind of pill, created just for older men.

It’s called Vesele and its formula is designed to stimulate a man’s body and his brain which studies show significantly improves sex drive and erection strength. ®

MADE FOR THE AGING MAN According to experts, Vesele® is not a drug. It’s something completely different.

And because Vesele does not require a prescription and is not sold in stores, the makers are doing everything they can to keep up with the demand.

“Orders are coming in so fast we may have to start a waiting list.” reports the head of fulfillment at Innovus Pharma Laboratories, the makers of Vesele®.

KEEPS YOU AROUSED ALL DAY

STIMULATES DESIRE

And since it’s natural there are no unwanted side effects, only a stronger desire, more passion and a renewed interest in sex as well as rock hard erections that last.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND VESELE® According to the Journal of Vascular Research changes in blood flow to and from the penis are thought to be the most frequent cause of male erectile dysfunction.

Vesele® combines two clinical strength, pharmaceutical grade circulation boosters into one easy to use pill.

Research shows that they work by increasing the production of a key molecule in the male body, which triggers blood flow to the penis.

Studies on Vesele show that it can increase levels of this molecule by a staggering 95%, which is why so many users report stunning improvements in the quality of their erections.

Pills like Viagra® work in a similar way, but only focus on blood flow to the penis and not the brain, which is why man men never feel an improvement in sex drive like they do with Vesele.

Vesele is a pill that focuses on restoring blood flow, allowing it to work on both the brain and body.

IMPRESSIVE CLINICAL TRIALS

It does this by stimulating the production of a key sex molecule known to dilate the small arteries in the penis that support a strong erection.

In a recent clinical study men between the ages of 45 to 65 were asked to take the main ingredient in Vesele® once a day. They were then instructed not to change the way they eat or exercise.

As men age, they lose their ability to create this critical molecule and their sex life suffers. Vesele contains the active ingredient which gets men producing it again!

And unlike other sex pills, this doctor formulated formula contains a patented ingredient called Bioperine® which has been shown in clinical studies to increase absorption of this miracle molecule by as much as 1544%.

This means your brain and your body receive more

The results were truly amazing. Virtually every single man who took Vesele® reported a huge difference in their desire for sex. They were like teenagers again. They also reported experiencing harder erections that lasted for almost 20 minutes. The placebo group experienced no change.

In a separate double-blind study reported in The Journal of International Impotence Research, participants

35

Enhances Sex Drive and Triggers Erections: Vesele is a 2-in-1 doctor formulated pill that stimulates a man’s brain and body, resulting in significant improvements in every area of sexual health. were given nutrients like those found in Vesele® and asked to record their sexual function/dysfunction in diaries. After just one month erectile function was restored to normal, and intercourse frequency doubled.

OVERWHELMING DEMAND Because of the amazing results users are achieving and the fact that Vesele® doesn’t require a prescription – men are reaching for it first before trying other more costly or dangerous alternatives.

“When the results came in, we knew we had something every aging man would want and need, said Dr. Damaj. Our phones ring non-stop daily with order requests, It’s been really crazy. We know how important it is so we’re doing everything in our power to meet the overwhelming demand for Vesele®.”

VESELE® 2 PILLS IN 1 According to experts it takes more than just getting an erection to enjoy sex. That’s because arousal and desire are key elements to the joy of sex. That’s where drugs like Viagra® and Cialis® miss the boat. By stimulating just an erection without the passion or intensity the experience will be less enjoyable for you and your partner.

“As an expert in the development of sexual dysfunction, I’ve studied the effectiveness of Nitric Oxide on the body and the brain and I’m impressed by the way it increases desire as it increases penile blood flow. The result is evident in the creation of Vesele®”, said Dr. Damaj.

HOW TO GET VESELE® This is the first time we offered Vesele® to the public since its news release. In an effort to get Vesele® in the hands of as many men as possible, Innovus Pharma is offering one time discounts for first time buyers. A special hotline has been set up for readers in your area to take advantage of this limited offer. The Special TOLL-FREE Hotline number is 1-800-358-5205 and will be open 24-hours a day. If you miss out on our current product inventory you will have to wait until more becomes available, which could take 6 weeks or more. We advise you to call 1-800-358-5205 now.

These statements have not been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Vesele is not a drug. Results based upon averages. Models are used in all photos to protect privacy.

303382_10_x_11.indd 1

12/19/17 3:57 PM

36

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Medicare premiums for 2018 will rise for some recipients

BY GREG DILL AFN Guest Writer

H

ow much will your Medicare cost in the coming year? The numbers just came out, so let’s go over them.

We’ll start with the Medicare Part B premium. Part B covers doctor services, outpatient hospital services, certain home health services, durable medical equipment and other items.

The standard monthly premium for people with Part B will be $134 for 2018, the same amount as in 2017.

Under the law, people with Part B pay 25 percent of the costs of running the program, with the government picking up 75 percent.

A statutory “hold harmless” provision applies each year to about 70 percent of Part B enrollees. For these enrollees, any increase in Part B premiums must be lower than any cost-of-living increase in their Social Security benefits.

After several years of no or very small increases, Social Security benefits will increase by 2 percent in 2018 due to a

cost-of-living adjustment. Therefore, some beneficiaries who were held harmless against Part B premium increases in prior years will see a higher premium in 2018.

Part B enrollees held harmless in 2016 and 2017 will see an increase in their Part B premiums from the roughly $109, on average, they paid in 2017.

An estimated 42 percent of Part B enrollees are subject to the hold harmless provision in 2018 but will pay the full premium of $134, because the increase in their Social Security benefit will be greater than or equal to an increase in their Part B premiums up to the full 2018 amount.

About 28 percent of Part B enrollees are subject to the hold harmless provision in 2018 but will pay less than the full $134 premium. That’s because the increase in their Social Security benefit isn’t big enough to cover the full Part B premium increase.

The remaining 30 percent of Part B enrollees aren’t subject to the hold harmless provision and will pay the full $134 per month in 2018.

This group includes beneficiaries who don’t receive Social Security benefits; enroll in Part B for the first time in 2018; are directly billed for their Part B premium; are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid and have their premiums paid by state Medicaid agencies; and pay higher premiums because their incomes are higher.

Since 2007, beneficiaries with higher incomes have paid higher Part B premiums. These higher premiums apply to about 5 percent of people with Part B. For a chart showing premiums at higher income levels, go to: cms. gov/Newsroom/MediaReleaseDatabase/Fact-sheets/2017-Fact-Sheetitems/2017-11-17.html The annual deductible for Part B will be $183 in 2018, the same amount as in 2017.

Now let’s take a look at Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing services and some home health services.

About 99 percent of Medicare beneficiaries don’t pay any Part A premium since they’ve worked for at least 40 quar-

ters in Medicare-covered jobs.

The Part A deductible that beneficiaries pay when admitted to the hospital in 2018 will be $1,340 per benefit period, a rise of $24 from 2017.

The Part A deductible covers beneficiaries’ share of costs for the first 60 days of Medicare-covered inpatient hospital care in a benefit period.

Beneficiaries must pay a coinsurance amount of $335 per day for the 61st through 90th day of a hospitalization (versus $329 in 2017) in a benefit period, and $670 per day for lifetime reserve days ($658 in 2017).

For beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities, the daily coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of extended care services in a benefit period will be $167.50 in 2018 ($164.50 in 2017).

You can find an explanation of benefit periods (and lots of other valuable information) in the “Medicare & You” handbook, medicare.gov/medicare-and-you/ medicare-and-you.html -Greg Dill is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona. Get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-633-4227.

Toddler • Primary • Elementary • Adolescent

A Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning

Keystone Montessori has provided my children with a warm and nurturing environment in which to develop their love of learning. The teachers, staff, and parent community all work together to ensure our children receive an outstanding education that focuses not only on academics, but also on grace, courtesy, and respect for their community.

We love Keystone!

- Parent Testimonial

www.keystonemontessori.com • (480) 460-7312 1025 E. Liberty Ln. , Phoenix, AZ 85048 (Across the street from the YMCA)

BUSINESS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Main Street Ahwatukee

37

Brought to you by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce

MEMBERS (Special to AFN)

Students in the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce's Young Entrepeneurs Academy got to hear business leaders during the CEO Roundtable earlier this month. Sharing their experience with the fledgling entrepenuers were Morgan Higginbotham of Poccette LLC, Cynthia Worley of Stella Realty, Patrick MacQueen of MacQueen and Gottlieb Law Group, Andrew Usherwood of KnowledgeNet and Firefly and Rima El-rabaa of Express Automotive.

SHOP LOCAL

Arriba Mexican Grill 4649 E. Chandler Blvd.

Ahwatukee 480-753-4453 arribamexicangrill.com

Specializing in New Mexican Cuisine, Arriba Mexican Grill has been serving the Valley with spice since 1995. All of the dishes are prepared daily from scratch, using only the highest-quality ingredients.

Renewing Blue Chip Signworks C.Read & Son Electric. Inc. CLW Construction Eye Priority, PC Hauling AZ HDE LLC Heidi’s Events- Renewal Homebridge Financial Hospice of the Valley HUB Fitness

Be an Artist

Landings Credit Union

16414 S. 15th Drive Ahwatukee 480-247-6689 beanartistaz.com.

Pak Mail Superstore School of Rock Tempe Union High School District #213

Be an Artist believes that the arts have the power to transform people’s lives.

Combining fine art, music and entertainment all under one roof.

Total Wine & More TruWest Credit Union Von Hanson’s Meats of Az

C2 Tactical Shooting 8475 S. Emerald Drive Tempe 480-588-8802 c2tactical.com

Tempe’s Premier Indoor Shooting Range, is open to the public seven days a week for range time, personal training, retail sales and group events.

A full-retail firearms and accessories one-stop-shop, C2 Tactical raises the bar of customer service while providing a wide variety of personal protection products, comprehensive training from beginner to expert, competitive pricing, incredible membership packages, and a well informed and friendly staff.

Cox Communications Business Services 20401 N. 29th Ave. Phoenix 866-867-7644 cox.com

Cox provides TV, internet, digital telephone, home security and tech solutions services for its residential customers.

Get access to fastest digital life.

Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee 4545 E. Chandler Blvd.

Ahwatukee 480-728-4000 dignityhealth.org

Since 1994, Dignity Health Urgent Care has been caring for our neighbors in Ahwatukee. We know life never takes a day off and neither do we. We are here every day of the year, including holidays, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Weeks & Mitchell Construction

(Special to AFN)

The Ahwatukee Chamber's Women in Business group celebrated the holdiays earlier this month. They included, from left, Andrew Hayes of Mass Mutual, Amy Holt of Generations Ahwatukee, Chamber President/CEO Lindy Lutz Cash and Nicole Gerard, Women in Business president.

New Good Time Charli’s re:vitalize weight loss and wellness NewPoint of View Counseling, PLLC WSI-Optimized Web Solutions

Small-business branding is much more than a logo

BY TOM RODRIGUEZ AFN Guest Writer

As a small business owner, how well have you branded your company?

With the robust competition in today’s marketplace, the goal is to differentiate your business from the rest.

When branded correctly, businesses can use their brand identity as a marketing tool to help separate themselves from the competition. Customers are more likely to evangelize for a company they trust and use over and over. That in turn becomes a crucial part of the company’s marketing.

Brand identity. The complete brand identity goes much deeper than your marketing materials. To your customers, brand identify is the way that you interact with them, whether in person, on the phone, through email, or on social media.

Developing your brand identity often begins with a solid mission statement that captures who you are and your promise of what you are going to provide. The goal of good branding is to create a positive emotional attachment with customers. Remaining true to your mission statement promise helps develop that attachment.

The logo. Although the logo isn’t the end-all in a company’s branding process, it is clearly the most visible piece. Once you have developed your logo, the most important rule is consistency. Use the same logo on all marketing materials, such as brochures, letterheads, business cards, signage, and social media sites.

When you print new materials, always retrieve the original logo artwork from your files. As a graphic designer, I have seen logos change and distort over time, because original files were not used.

Social media. A personal Facebook page is a fantastic way to keep up with family and friends, but probably not the best way to showcase the new product your company is ready to introduce to the marketplace. A good practice is to regularly take inventory of your business social media pages.

Do all sites show consistent colors, fonts and images? Are all links active and working correctly? Are there images of products that you no longer carry? How about the profile image, is it current? The look and feel on each site should show consistency from one to another.

Marketing materials. Maybe there are stacks of brochures in your storeroom that were printed years ago. The company’s logo has been updated to a more current look and

products in the brochure are no longer being carried. You may feel that the brochures must be used and not wasted, but remember that they will be out in the marketplace giving potential customers conflicting and confusing messages about your business.

While it may be easier and less-expensive in the short term to create a new flyer or brochure in Word, professionally created marketing materials reinforce your brand and send the right message to potential customers.

Customer loyalty is what small businesses rely on for success. Whether it’s your marketing materials or how you and your staff interact with customers, maintaining a consistent brand identity will help solidify that loyalty.

The Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of verticals to promote your company brand, ranging from networking opportunities, e-newsletter advertising, web and printed directory listings, sponsorships and much more.

For additional information on chamber benefits, contact Gina Jenkins at 480-990-5444.

-Tom Rodriguez is owner of TJR Designs in Ahwatukee.

480-940-7767.

38

FAITH

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Faith

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

SPIRITUAL SIDE

Be aware of what’s happening while driving – and in living – in 2018

BY RABBI DEAN SHAPIRO AFN Contributor

L

os Angeles is a city of excess: Restaurants are crowded, McMansions line the streets and sunsets explode over the Pacific Ocean in gaudy glory. The distances are great. The traffic is extraordinary.

Driving on the freeway some Saturday night, you can be stopped cold, traveling zero miles per hour. Los Angeles’ twisty, potholed roads can make you pine for Phoenix’s straight, ample avenues.

But there’s one way, at least, in which Los Angeles is tame: cell-phone use.

Recent laws made it illegal for anyone to write, send or read text messages while behind the wheel.

Adult drivers can use “hands-free devices,” but those under 18 years of age cannot. Even in entitled, car-cultured

Los Angeles, the American city with the longest commutes, drivers are far more gracious than in Phoenix.

I spent Thanksgiving in Los Angeles with my family, and I was astounded: Drivers make eye contact with each other.

They communicate their intentions.

They look around themselves, checking mirrors. They’re aware of what’s happening around them. They invite others to merge.

Not long ago in Tempe, I was stopped at a red light. I watched another driver approach the intersection slowly, looking down at her phone. The inevitable happened: She hit the car in front of her.

Fortunately, the impact wasn’t great and they both drove away. Still, how can you be so oblivious to what’s going on around you? As we all know, it’s pretty common.

Spirituality is hard to define, but one element is clear: Spirituality asks us to be

aware of what’s happening in this very moment.

Meditation is the practice of becoming aware. While some believe that meditation teaches us to tune out, I’ve learned that it accomplishes the opposite. It trains us to tune in. When I meditate, I become profoundly aware of the position of my body, and where it’s in contact with my clothes, the floor or the furniture. I’m aware of the temperature of the air and each sound in the room.

I acknowledge what I’m feeling – whether sadness, openness, hunger, or something else – but I don’t allow it to define me. I pay attention to my breath, the fundamental process of my life: air moving in and out of my being in a constant flow. Since I’m not going anywhere, I learn patience.

Meditation doesn’t end when you stand up. Ideally, we bring our heightened awareness with us into the world.

Cell phones, on the other hand, take our attention away from our experience of the moment. They allow us to pursue each fleeting thought, whether or not it’s substantial. Our distractions get distracted. The worlds around us and within us seem less vibrant, less meaningful, less interesting than the cyber one – even though the exact opposite is true.

Our surroundings merit our attention, and I long for a society in which people care enough for one another to put down their phones and concentrate on what’s happening around them.

As we enter 2018, will you join me, please, in paying attention, and in driving hands-free?

— Rabbi Dean Shapiro is the spiritual leader of Temple Emanuel of Tempe. Contact him at rshapiro@emanueloftempe.org and visit his “Rabbi Dean Shapiro” page on Facebook.

FAITH CALENDAR

SUNDAYS

HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE

High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together.

DETAILS>> 5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or email joel@horizonchurch.com.

KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE

Children can learn and experience Jewish life.

Chabad Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays.

DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@ chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.

SUNDAY CELEBRATION SERVICE

Inspirational messages and music to lift your spirit.

A welcoming community committed to living from the heart. Many classes and events offered.

DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480792-1800, unityoftempe.com

MONDAYS

CLASS TARGETS THE GRIEVING

Classes for those grieving over death or divorce.

DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.

TUESDAYS

SENIORS ENJOY TUESDAYS The Terrific Tuesdays program is free and includes bagels, coffee and a new speaker or theme each week.

DETAILS>> 10-11 a.m., Barness Family East Valley

Jewish Community Center, 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler. evjcc.org or 480-897-0588.

WEDNESDAYS AWANA CLUBS MEET

AWANA Children’s Clubs build lasting faith foundations for children, with games, Bible stories, learning God’s Word.

DETAILS>> The clubs meet at Bridgeway Community Church, 2420 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee, starting Sept. 6. 6-7:30 p.m. for kids 3 years old through sixth grade. Register at bridgewaycc.org or 480-706-4130.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 43

GET OUT

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

@AhwatukeeFN |

39

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com www.ahwatukee.com

Rawhide rave, Improv comedy on New Year’s Eve

BY DAVID M. BROWN GET OUT Contributor

T

here is a certain catharsis about the ending of a year.

And music helps you escape from all your worries of the past 12 months and start the new year on a lighter footing.

Thankfully, there is something for everybody this New Year’s Eve.

Decadence 2017 EDM is taking over Rawhide Western

Town and Event Center in Chandler over the New Year’s weekend.

“Decadence” hosts two days of music, with two stages boasting 33 acts, like legendary trance DJ Armin Van Buuren, French house pioneers Justice, Zedd, the electro/ dubstep trio Black Tiger Sex Machine, who performs in tiger helmets, and the cake master himself, Steve Aoki.

Decadence, Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Chandler, decadencearizona.com, 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 30-31, $189-$2,500.

Jim Brickman If the softer, smoother sounds of adult

contemporary music is more your speed, we have that for you as well. The American songwriter and pianist has collaborated with some of the biggest names in pop and country music, including Martina McBride,

Lady Antebellum, Johnny Mathis, Donny Osmond and Olivia Newton-John.

The adult contemporary juggernaut has earned a plethora of honors, including two Grammy nominations.

Jim Brickman, Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix, 480.478.6000, mim. org, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 30; 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, $45-$250.

(Special to AFN)

Spafford

Cutline

Multi-show weekend slots aren’t reserved for just million-selling acts.

Prescott-based S p a f fo rd , who plays Crescent Ballroom on December 30 and December 31, is big on talent and renowned for being

est and Head for the Hills, sharing the stage with Rusted Root, Gov’t Mule, The String Cheese Incident and My Morning Jacket.

Spafford, Crescent Ballroom, 308 N. Second Ave., Phoenix, 602.716.2222, crescentphx.com, 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 31, $20-$199 (December 30), $30-$35 (December 31).

311 w/Original Wailers and Phunk Junkeez

(Special to AFN)

DJ Armin Van Buuren, top, and Zedd, above, will fuel at a two-day rave at Rawhide this weekend while the Phunk Junkeez, left, will bring their funk to Tempe as part of a funk and reggae show at the Marquee Theater.

one of the best rock/jam bands on the scene.

Spafford effortlessly melds rock, funk, jazz, ska, reggae and improvisational music to create an experience like no other. With two studio albums and four live collections under its belt, the band has played a ton of music festivals, including Euphoria, Mad Tea Party Jam, Electric For-

The Marquee Theatre in Tempe is lightin’ it up on New Year’s Eve with a pair of local funk and reggae bands opening up for two legendary funk and reggae outfits.

The Valley’s The Black Bottom Lighters – otherwise known as BBL to their fervent fans – have released four albums and were voted Best Local Band in 2015.

Local music pioneers Phunk Junkeez are stalwarts of the Phoenix music scene and one of the few remaining acts intact after 25 years. The Junkeez have released eight studio albums and are best known for their songs “I Am a Junkee” and “Me n Yer Girl.”

The Original Wailers are a bit of an anomaly. Although band founders Junior Marvin See

RAVE on page 41

GET OUT

40

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Anneliese van der Pol heading on ‘Easy Street’ in ‘Annie’

BY CARSON MLNARIK GET OUT Contributor

W

LL RI

• AHWAT

U K

(Special to AFN)

“Raven’s Home” star Anneliese van der Pol will appear in “Annie” at the Tempe Center for the Arts starting Jan. 3.

d Sports Bar! VoteBest And One of the Best Happy Hour Restaurant Wings

EE

ER N & TAV G

hile television knows her as Chelsea Daniels, the ditzy best friend on Disney’s “Raven’s Home,” it’s the stage where DutchAmerican actress Anneliese van der Pol said she truly thrives.

Valley audiences will see van der Pol in her element this January as Lily St. Regis in Scottsdale Musical Theater Company’s production of “Annie.”

Hungry for money and self-absorbed, Lily St. Regis is a bit of a departure from the friendly, goofy character people are used to seeing van der Pol play.

“I can’t wait to talk like this and do a New York accent,” she said, squeaking her voice. “But I’m most excited to dance, to be honest, and get to do all that fun dancing with Rooster.”

Van der Pol is no stranger to Arizona stages. In 2012 and 2013, she was in Arizona Theatre Company’s “Emma” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.”

“I love Arizona,” she said. “I love driving around the city and I really appreciate how much Arizona appreciates theater.

Ahwatukee!

HAPPY HOUR is 7 Days a Week!

appetizers • wings • burgers • full menu

Catch All College & NFL Football Games at CK’s

Your FOOTBALL Headquarters

NEW YEAR’S BASH with

Rock Steady Sunday, Dec. 31st 9 pm-2 am

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

Food & Drink Specials & a Complimentary Champagne Toast No Cover Charge!!

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

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

They have a big, wide appreciation for theatergoers and I think they’re interested in real talent.”

The theater has always been van der Pol’s favorite performance space. Her long list of stage credits, including Eva Peron in “Evita” and Esther in “Meet Me in St. Louis,” dates back long before she appeared on Disney Channel.

“Nothing is like the live audience aspect,” she said. “I always feel a bit more challenged, if I’m being perfectly honest, in the theater than I ever do in television.”

Between her acting, dancing and singing, van der Pol is a triple threat, and she even graced the Broadway stage as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.”

Recently, however, she has been busy at work on “Raven’s Home,” a spin-off of the 2003 hit Disney Channel show “That’s So Raven.”

The show brings together van der Pol’s Chelsea and Raven, played Raven Symoné, as single mothers raising their children. One of Raven’s kids even has psychic visions, like

GOT NEWS?

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

the original show.

The 33-year-old van der Pol said it’s been a little odd returning to the same character, set and parking spot she had at 19, but the cast and crew is truly her family.

“I happen to come in this age where they happen to be rebooting everything,” van der Pol said with a laugh. “I mean who does this happen to? I feel nothing but lucky.”

As the new show focuses more on the kids, van der Pol said she’s found herself taking more of a teaching role on set, helping the younger actors develop their sense of scene, comedic timing and improv skills.

In her spare time, she teaches an acting class on the weekends in Glendale, California. She admits it’s something she never thought she would do.

“But I’ve learned, holy smokes, I’m actually really good at this,” she said.

With plenty on her plate, van der Pol said her free time is rather limited. She laughs when she describes the struggle in writing her bio for the “Annie” program and coming up with an off-stage hobby.

“I think I said juggling or something like that,” she said.

Van der Pol said it’s refreshing to be at a point in her career where she’s not auditioning but still getting offers and working. She points to a lack of strong comedic roles for women on network TV shows and said she’s thankful for her current role.

“When they told me I’d be doing (the show) with Raven and that we’d be raising children on our own together, I just thought that was the coolest freaking thing in the world,” she said.

“How lucky that we get to be strong individual women and fabulous together.”

IF YOU GO

What: SMTC’s Annie When: Wednesday, Jan. 3, to Sunday, Jan. 7, times vary Where: Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe Tickets: $32-$58.

Information:602.909.4215, scottsdalemusicaltheater.com

GET OUT

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

RAVE

from page 39

and Al Anderson played with Bob Marley and the Wailers, they were not original members of the band.

In 1974, the duo replaced Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer in 1974, the true original Wailers who created the group with Marley in 1963. Anderson and Marvin formed the Original Wailers in 2008 as a reggae/ jam band with dueling guitars and melodic rhythms.

Marvin left in 2011 prior to the release of the band’s critically acclaimed EP “Miracle,” which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album.

Closing out the show is the pride of Omaha, Nebraska: Funk-rockers 311.

The venerable band has been rocking for nearly 30 years together with its first studio album, “Music,” being released in 1993.

It wasn’t until 1995 that the band achieved mainstream recognition with its self-titled album. Singles “Don’t Stay Home,” “Down” and “All Mixed Up” lit up the Modern Rock charts with “Down” reaching the vaunted No. 1 position.

311 recently released its 12th studio album (15th overall) titled “Mosaic,” which mixes the vibe of a Caribbean island with

hard-driving guitar riffs and Grateful Dead-esque jamming.

311 w/The Original Wailers, Phunk Junkeez and Black Bottom Lighters, The Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe, 480.829.0607, luckymanonline.com, 7 p.m. Sun., Dec. 31, $63-$98.

FOR YOUR BEST DENTAL EXPERIENCE

OTHER NOTABLE SHOWS: Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns, The Rhythm Room, 1019 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, 602.265.4842, rhythmroom. com, 9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, $15.

Jim Breuer, Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe, 480.921.9877, tempeimprov.com, various times, Thursday, Dec. 29, to Sunday, Dec. 31, $35-$68.17 (New Year’s Eve).

MEET AL DR. ROGER ROYB TEAM G IN AZ AM AN AND ALS OF PROFESSION

DENTAL BENEFITS DON’T ROLL OVER! USE THEM OR LOSE THEM! CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE!

Joel McHale, Stand Up Live, 50 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, 480.719.6100, phoenix. standuplive.com, various times, Thursday, Dec. 29, to Sunday, Dec. 31, $40-$68 (New Year’s Eve).

Mac Sabbath and The Dwarves w/ Broloaf, Club Red Theatres, 1306 W. University Drive, Mesa, 480.200.7529, clubredrocks.com, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31, $25.

COMPLETE NEW PATIENT PACKAGE Includes Comprehensive Dental Exam, X-Rays and Cleaning New patients only. Not for use with dental insurance.

In absence of periodontal disease. Limited time offer

EMERGENCY VISIT

FREE

Includes Problem-Focused Exam & One X-Ray New patients only

47

$

FREE take-home whitening

Receive 3 take-home whitening trays with a completed cleaning or treatment appointment. Must be a candidate for whitening.

Call for details.

PAYMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE AS LOW AS

$

99 per mo.

We provide most specialty services in-house!

A growing mind. A gentle heart.

A place to learn. The perfect start.

Ahwatukee!

�

SUMMIT SCHOOL AHWATUKEE

Developmental, play-based curriculum for social, emotional and cognitive growth.

• Same-Day Appointments • Emergencies Welcome!

• Painless Dentistry • Modern, Friendly Environment

This independently-owned office is recommended by BestDentalCareAZ.com

Call 480-295-7192 for your appointment www.foothillsvistadentalaz.com 4505 E. Chandler Blvd. Suite #150 Phoenix, Arizona 85048 Conveniently located at 45th St. and Chandler Boulevard

41

42

Zoppé Family Circus a holiday tradition here

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GET OUT Editor

T

he Zoppé Family Circus has been entertaining audiences around the world for 175 years. But Tosca Zoppé and her husband, Jay Walther, find comfort in coming to Chandler each holiday season.

“It’s our favorite spot,” Zoppé says.

“We’ve been coming there for so long that we feel like we’re part of the community.

“We usually come in around the 20th.

We get the tent and everything set up.

On Christmas Eve, we decorate the tree in the center of the ring. We hang stockings in the tent, then we have a big Christmas dinner in the circus tent.”

Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus returns to its 500-seat tent on the Chandler Center for the Arts’ lawn Dec. 27-31 and Jan. 2-7.

The circus was founded in 1842 in Budapest, Hungary, when French street performer Napoline Zoppé wandered into a plaza, where he met an equestrian ballerina, Ermenegilda. The two ran away to Venice Italy and founded the circus.

Starring Nino the clown, the circus is

propelled by a central story that features acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and audience participation. Nino is played by Giovanni Zoppé, a sixth-generation circus performer.

Giovanni is returning, as is Tosca, an equestrian performer, while Walther is Papino, the white-faced clown. New this year is Chiques Sanchez, a bicyclist in a vintage act called the Black Hole.

“It’s a bottomless cone, basically, made out of wood,” Zoppé says. “One of our artists, Chiques, starts riding the bicycle, circles it and is then lifted into the air.

That’s a really interesting act we have this year.

“We also have Owen (Special to AFN) Sanchez, doing a handThe Zoppé balancing act, and a beautiful Family Circus artist, Elena Sanders, who features all the attractions you does a strap act, an aerial would expect act. She has a strap on each under a big tent arm and circles the tent.” set up near the The Zoppés love to share Chandler Center the family’s tradition. for the Arts.

“It’s our life,” she says. “It’s our heritage. It’s who we are.

It’s just embedded in us. We

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

(Special to AFN)

The Zoppé family has carried on a circus tradition that started in 1842 in Hungary when a street performer met a ballerina and the two fled to Italy to start it.

love our tradition and we’re grateful that we can share it with everyone else.

“Being able to talk in that ring and know that our ancestors did the same thing we’re doing is something to be really proud of.”

IF YOU GO What: Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus When: Dec. 27-31 and Jan. 2-7, times vary Where: Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: $15-$40 Information: 480-782-2680

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Velveeta fudge: Don’t knock it till you try it

BY JAN D’ATRI AFN Contributor

N

ever in a million years is this going to be good. I love fudge, but no, I’ll stick to the more traditional fudge recipes, thank you.

That was my original thought the first time someone emailed me about this method. I was polite. I was gracious. But in the back of my mind, all I could think of was “yuck.” But a second email from another person, Laveen resident Cal Griggs, convinced me that I should give it a try: “Dear Jan, with the holiday season upon us, I thought I would share one of my favorite chocolate fudge recipes with you and your readers. This is a recipe that my Mom used many, many years ago and has been a favorite of the family and friends ever since. It is made with (here we go … )

Velveeta cheese. I know you might say “yuck” but you will be surprised by the fact that you can’t taste the cheese, only the smooth mouth-feel of real quality chocolate fudge.”

So out came my double boiler and the first “aha” moment happened when I watched the Velveeta melt into the butter, chocolate and powdered sugar mixture. It was a gorgeous, glossy color and consistency.

The second “aha” moment came when I tasted the fudge. It was sensational. Cal, your mom had the perfect secret ingredient! It’s not only been a delight to share, but this fudge makes for fun conversation, too.

So, I’ve replaced “yuck” with “yummy” and “weird” with “wonderful.” Don’t fudge the recipe.

Just make up a batch or two, let your family hold a plateful and have them say, ‘Cheese!’”

Holiday Velveeta Fudge Ingredients:

3/4 lb. Velveeta block or slices, cubed 2 sticks (one cup) butter 6-8 squares unsweetened baking chocolate 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 2 lbs. (2 boxes) powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 1/2 cups walnuts or pecans, chopped

Directions:

Step #1: In a double boiler or a 3-quart saucepan, heat Velveeta, butter, corn syrup and chocolate over medium heat. Mixture will look like clabber when melted.

(Clabber is when a substance gets to a yogurt-like consistency and may curdle.)

Step #2: Remove from heat and slowly add powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and glossy.

Step #3: Mix in the vanilla and nuts until well incorporated.

Step #4: Pour mixture into a wax paper-lined 9 x 13-inch pan. Refrigerate. Cut into squares.

Jan’s Notes: This fudge should be refrigerated or it will soften. I was so surprised and pleased to know that it can stay refrigerated for weeks without losing any of the quality. I keep it loosely covered with tin foil so condensation doesn’t build.

Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipes/one-minute-kitchen.

GET OUT

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Possess 4 Hourglass fill 8 Frizzy hairstyle 12 Witness 13 Bassoon’s cousin 14 Applaud 15 Meadow 16 Supreme 18 Longtime talk-show legend 20 Supporting 21 Isinglass 24 Apprehensive feeling 28 Sunshades 32 Unmatched 33 Historic time 34 Sum 36 Tavern 37 Teen’s facial woe 39 Archetype 41 Top 43 Take the bus 44 Knightly address 46 Interior design 50 Skydiver’s need 55 Hearty brew 56 Oodles 57 Eastern potentate 58 Lemon meringue -59 “Puttin’ on the --” 60 Gorillas 61 Turf

47 Uppercase, for short 48 Hodgepodge 49 Need for 13-Across 50 Standard

51 “The Greatest” 52 Decay 53 Ref 54 Cravat

Sudoku

DOWN 1 Scandinavian city 2 Cry 3 Approach 4 One whose reasoning is faulty 5 “The -- Daba Honeymoon” 6 Neither mate 7 Unhearing 8 Oak nuts 9 Winter ailment 10 Operated 11 Make up your mind 17 Extinct bird 19 Doctors’ org.

22 Hen pen 23 Sacrifice site 25 Asian desert 26 Metal refuse 27 Expression 28 Carrots’ partners, often 29 St. Louis landmark 30 Hindu royal ...

31 ... and what she may wear 35 They counteract chutes 38 Inferior substitute 40 Fourth letter 42 Twitch 45 Actress Perlman

PUZZLE ANSWERS on page 38

43

44

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Sports & Recreation @AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

Check us out and like the Ahwatukee Foothills News on Facebook and follow @greg_macafee on Twitter

www.ahwatukee.com

Martial arts champ helps others achieve dreams from martial arts, instead working as a bodyguard for the likes of Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson and Olivia hen Zane Frazier Newton-John. saw the Bruce Lee He transitioned later to movie “The Chiprivate security for nightnese Connection” in 1972 as clubs in Compton. He a child in Los Angeles, he fell worked for Ice-T after a fight in love with martial arts. gave Frazier the chance to Since then, he has made his showcase his defense skills. mark on the sport as a twoDespite these opportime international karate tunities and experiences, champion, a World KickboxFrazier’s heart was still in ing Federation U.S. heavyMMA. Martial artist and weight champion and one of fitness mogul Billy Bush eneight participants in the first couraged him to open his UFC competition. own gym in 1981.

Now, the Ahwatukee res“We had this idea that we ident has partnered with wanted to make the AmerSteve Murbach to open a ican public respect martial Title Boxing Club franchise arts more than they had,” he in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighsaid.

“I left the bodyguard borhood. scene and I stayed with this “We want Title Boxing to (Photo by Kimberly Carrillo) particular format.” be the best hour of your day, Ahwatukee resident Zane Frazier is using his martial arts skills to help aspiring fighters pursue opportunities in the sport.

While owning the gym, by helping you with your opFrazier became a UFC piportunity to aspire to what oneer.

He earned a spot in UFC 1 in you want to become,” Frazier said. time at University of Idaho, where he “We were doing MMA training then, 1993 after an incident with Frank Dux. Frazier’s life has been eventful. Born also played basketball. He trained in before MMA training was fashionable,” in 1966, he began martial arts training tai kenpo, a hybrid of karate, boxing, Frazier said. in 1972 and it continued through his karate and wrestling.

Following school, Frazier veered away See MARTIAL ARTS on page 47

BY JOE GILMORE AFN Contributor

W

PlayStation Fiesta Bowl promises exciting game

BY GREG MACAFEE AFN Sports Editor

S

ince its inception in 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has been a consistent platform for some of the most exciting games in the history of college football.

Last year, the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl funneled its winner to the College Football National Championship as Clemson shut out Ohio State, setting up its national championship victory over Alabama.

The 32nd Annual Fiesta Bowl in 2003 was another memorable game, one some have called one of the greatest games in the history of college football.

In double-overtime, the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the Miami Hurricanes 3124, ending Miami’s 34-game win streak in the process.

There also was the wild finish of the Fiesta Bowl in 2007 when Chris Petersen led Boise State to defeat Oklahoma by using the now-famous “Statue of Liberty” play.

Petersen will return to the desert once

(Photo by Mark Selders)

Penn State Coach James Franklin will lead his ninth-ranked Nittany Lions against No. 11 Washington in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

again this week with the No. 11-ranked Washington Huskies. They will take on the No. 9-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled on our end,” Petersen said. “You made our whole month and really our season to be able to come to a game like that. Our kids are extremely, extremely thrilled to be a part of this.”

While it has had its memorable moments, the Fiesta Bowl has also been a consistent platform for the top players in the country to display their talents.

In the past, the game has had playSee

FIESTA BOWL on page 46

SPORTS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

ASU football fan base shrinking, even as school grows

BY BRITTANY BOWYER Cronkite News

F

or many, sports serve as an escape from everyday life, a chance to engage with others who share a common interest. Throw in high-level competition and a large student enrollment and Arizona State seems like an ideal setting for a strong football fan base.

Yet the largest public university in the country should draw better, many believe. During the six-season Todd Graham era, ASU finished fifth in attendance in the Pac-12 Conference four times and never higher than fourth. In the 2017 season, the Sun Devils averaged 51,380 fans, or 90 percent of the stadium’s 57,078 capacity.

Stadium capacity has decreased steadily since 1991, when it peaked at 74,865. Although the removal of seats has helped increase the amount of seats filled, sellouts are rare.

Four issues are debated most: onthe-field product, local fan culture, the game day experience and game times.

“I would love any ideas on new traditions that we might consider,” said Ray Anderson, ASU’s vice president of athletics. “Particularly, my view is when those things are initiated by students or fans or alums, not necessarily the marketing or sponsorship department, sometimes they even get more traction.”

Fans rarely want to spend time and money on a lackluster product. If the team isn’t performing well, a decrease in attendance is likely. Across the Pac12, attendance numbers fluctuate based on a team’s win-loss record.

“The support for the teams comes in waves, I feel like, depending on if they’re good or not, which I hate to see because I’m a diehard fan,” said Chris Montana, a season-ticket holder since he began attending ASU in 1994.

“I hate it when the fan support kind of wavers and goes in and out, and I feel like ever since I’ve been a fan, that’s always been the case.”

A correlation between success and fan interest is real. Attendance peaked during the Graham era in 2013, with an average of 62,869 going to games

during the team’s 10-4 run and firstplace finish in the Pac-12 South.

The lack of a strong performance and poor attendance often leads people to believe that a new coach is necessary and can restore a team’s dynasty, but that is not always the case.

Anderson felt the solution to this problem was to part ways with Graham after he posted an 18-19 record the past three seasons.

In a survey of more than 500 fans, 71.5 percent believe the game day experience at ASU is lackluster. Their thoughts addressed three areas: pregame, in-game and postgame.

One big concern was the limited tailgating options.

Restrictions have been placed on tailgating that have turned people away from wanting to partake in pregame festivities, many said.

Many were upset when the university did away with the Devil Walk, when players could be cheered on by fans as they walked to the stadium.

Fans had concerns about their experiences during the game, too.

Some said there are minimal things

to keep students interested during the game when the clock isn’t running.

“There’s so many other things students want to get out and do,” Anderson said. “What you’re challenged with is how do you program your ingame entertainment and activities to essentially keep them there.”

Many believe if students had to make more of a sacrifice to get the tickets, they would likely think twice about leaving halfway through the game or skipping out completely.

Although alcohol is a tricky subject for Arizona State, especially because of President Michael Crow’s effort to clean up the school’s party image, the school has toyed with the idea of selling more of it in the stadium.

Like many places, fans say there is not much incentive to stay the entire game unless it is close. Fans would rather leave for multiple reasons, like beating traffic.

Many believe the lack of postgame activities that connect the fans in the stands with the athletes relates to the idea that there is a lack of tradition at ASU.

FREE!

Lots of Prizes and Giveaways

INCLUDING

$100 DRAWING Every Hour!

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 31, 2018 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

FREE! Healthcare | Retirement Living | Financial Leisure | Home Repair | Education | Casinos Tour & Travel and More...

45

FREE!

MESA CONVENTION CENTER 201 N Center St., Mesa, AZ 85201

Now in our 30th Year!

Entertainment by

Partners Include:

(480) 898-6500 • (800) 959-1566 • www.seniorexpos.com

Hosted by

SEAN HOY

SPORTS

46

FIESTA BOWL

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

from page 44

ers like Andrew Luck, Ezekiel Elliot, Blake Bortles, Alex Smith, Adrian Peterson, Sam Bradford and Deshaun Watson. Watson tore apart the Buckeyes in 2016, rushing for 57 yards and two touchdowns, and throwing for 259 yards and another score. This year’s bowl will feature another crop of star talent.

Washington’s Jake Browning has thrown for 2,544 yards and 18 touchdowns this season and Penn State’s Trace McSorley has thrown for 3,228 and 26 touchdowns while completing 65 percent of his passes.

Sharing the backfield with these gunslingers are Penn State’s Saquon Barkley (1,134 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns) and Myles Gaskin (1,282 yards and 19 touchdowns).

Although the winner won’t have the chance to play for a national championship, this one could get interesting.

No. 9 Penn State

The Nittany Lions are a perfect 6-0 in Fiesta Bowl history, and they captured a national championship in Phoenix in 1987, when they defeated Miami 1410. The 2017 Nittany Lions are look-

(Special to AFN)

Washington Huskies Coach Chris Petersen is no stranger to the Fiesta Bowl, having led Boise State to a thrilling victory in 2007 when he was coach at the Idaho university.

ing to extend that undefeated streak.

They were, at one point, ranked in the top five teams in the nation as they cruised to a 10-2 regular season record and a 7-2 conference record. Their only losses of the season came in backto-back weeks through a brutal three-

Check Out Our Special NFL Menu

NEWLY REMODELED!

week gauntlet of teams at the time.

After defeating No. 19 Michigan, Penn State fell to No. 6 Ohio State and then to No. 24 Michigan State.

At the time of their match-ups with Michigan State and Michigan, each team had the No. 1 rushing defense in

Desert Home Cleaning Service, Inc. CARPET, UPHOLSTERY, TILE & GROUT • OWNER OPERATED • 34 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Open until 10:00pm New Year’s Eve! Think Keegan’s... …to Celebrate!

Buy a Breakfast entree & Get the 2nd entree

Catering, Office Get Together, Friends & Family Get Together

Let us make your celebration festive!

$5 OFF purchase of $30 or More

Ahwatukee Location Only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp 02/15/18.

• TRUCK MOUNTED EQUIPMENT

GOOD AT AHWATUKEE KEEGAN’S ONLY!

FREE APP

Min Purchase of $30 or more

See

FIESTA BOWL on page 47

CARPET CLEANING SPECIAL 5 Rooms Only $80

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

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!

CAN’T SLEEP? ARTHRITIS? JOINT PAIN? ALLERGY’S? I have an ESSENTAIL OIL that could help!

1/2 OFF!

Equal or greater value. Minimum $9.

Sunday only 8am-12pm Expires 1/31/18.

the country. The Nittany Lions will encounter that problem once again when they take on the Washington Huskies, who currently have the No. 1-ranked rushing defense in the country.

“In the Big Ten, I think this is a conference that really prides itself on playing really good defense,” said Penn State Coach James Franklin. “You look at the rankings and statistics, there’s a lot of teams in this conference that are leading nationally. It’s a challenge. I think those challenges also present opportunities to get better and really test yourself and see how good you are. It’s going to be a tremendous challenge.”

While the Nittany Lions had their way against the Wolverines, rushing for 224 yards and five touchdowns, they rushed for only 65 yards against the Spartans. Behind junior running back Barkley the running game has been a strong part of the Penn State offense in 2017, but senior quarterback McSorley has been good as well.

The gunslinger threw for 3,228 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2017 and had four receivers with over 500 yards. But after being able to see Washington in stints over the past season, Franklin said their defense is something the Nit-

$10 Credit

Start your own YL business now!

Ask me how!

when you sign up for this starter kit!

Your Choice of Spinach & Artichoke Dip or Mezze Platter

Ahwatukee Location Only. Cannot be combined with other offers. Exp 02/15/18.

DECEMBER SPECIAL! $10 credit on YL account

AHWATUKEE

Everything Made 4723 EAST RAY ROAD from Scratch Daily 480-705-0505

Join YL with Premium Starter Kit

Lucy Jones, LMT

over $340 value for $160 +T&H

Young Living Independent Distributor member #1513568

youngliving.org/lucygirljones

480.227.3838

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

FIESTA BOWL

from page 46

tany Lions need to worry about.

“They are big. They are strong. They are physical. They are fast. And they take a lot of pride in how they play defense there, them and the Seattle Seahawks,” Franklin said. “They’ve got it rolling on the defensive side of the ball and obviously doing a great job on offense as well.”

No. 11 Washington

After hearing that his team was placed in the Fiesta Bowl, it didn’t take long for Petersen to say he was excited to be coming back to Phoenix.

“I can’t tell you how excited and honored we are to come back here,” Petersen said. “There’s no better bowl. I’ve been to a bunch of them. The way we were treated — I’ve been to two Fiesta Bowls; we also played TCU down there a few years after we played Oklahoma.

When we heard today that we were coming back, there was a lot of jumping around and smiling faces, until we found out that it was James Franklin’s Penn State Nittany Lions. Then we said, uh-oh, be careful what you wish for.”

Rightfully so.

The Nittany Lions will be the toughest opponent that the Huskies have played all season. The only other ranked team the Huskies played this season was No. 13 Washington State in the final week of the regular season. The Huskies won the game handily 41-14.

Defensively, this Huskies squad has been strong all season long. They have allowed only two teams to score over 25 points, and their only losses came in the two games that they didn’t eclipse the 30-point mark offensively.

The high-scoring offense, which has averaged almost 37 points per game this season, has been led by Browning, the 6-foot-2 senior quarterback.

He threw for 2,544 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2017 while only throwing five interceptions on 308 attempts.

On the ground, Gaskin, a junior running back, led the Huskies, rushing for 1,282 yards and 19 touchdowns.

Although their offense has been high scoring, one might overlook the stout Washington defense that has only allowed teams to score a mere 14.5 points per game. This matchup has the intangibles to be a great one, pitting two of the top defenses, and offenses, against each other.

MARTIAL ARTS

SPORTS from page 44

The two were at odds after Dux invited Frazier to teach at his studio. Frazier backed out and Dux refused to pay him.

Frazier opened a studio nearby and some of Dux’s students followed. The feud culminated in a fight that the LAPD had to break up. UFC officials, who were already interested in Frazier, followed up with him after the fight, letting him know that he had secured a spot in the tournament.

Frazier has taught in 12 gyms and accumulated 36 years of training experience. He asks his students to go beyond their comfort zone, and he emphasizes mental, physical and spiritual toughness.

“The difference between being good and being great is, simply, one word: sacrifice,” he said. “A lot of people work

47

hard, but can you push yourself more than the next person?”

Citing his mantra “lose yourself,” Frazier wants his students to get lost in training and come out on the other end a changed person. He is committed to excellence.

“Commitment to excellence means we want you to inspire, to challenge and to motivate,” he said. “If you want to become great, we want to help you become that.”

Frazier hopes his lessons will carry beyond the gym, though.

“I teach life and success skills inside the glove and outside the glove,” Frazier said.

He advocates them to do the right thing – even when it’s inconvenient.

“The real fight is not in here,” he said about his gym. “The real fight is out there.”

Information: 480-712-3490, titleboxingclub.com/arcadia-az.

Do you have a human-interest or feature story idea?

Contact Sports Editor Greg Macafee at gmacafee@timespublications.com or by phone at 585-610-2344.

Follow Greg on Twitter @greg_macafee

Vote For Us, Best Dentist!

Collin N. Ito, D.M.D.

From Our Family to Yours...

Happy Holidays

Family & Cosmetic Dentist Voted one of Ahwatukee’s Best Dentists!

(480) 785-9191

4909 E. Chandler Blvd. Ste. 501 Phoenix, AZ 85048 www.sonoranhillsdental.com

STANDARD OIL CHANGE

WINTER CAR CARE PACKAGE

OR 5 off Premium Oil Change

• Lube, Oil Change & new filter (up to 5 quarts of a major brand oil) • Top off fluids under the hood • Complete tire rotation • Check tread depth & adjust air presure on all 4 tires • Complete vehicle inspection

2195

$

$

VOTE NOW FOR BEST BUSINESS SERVICES!

* Must present coupon to get offer. Most vehicles. No other discounts apply. Up to 5 quarts of oil. Disposal and shop supplies additional charge for shop supplies. Redeem only at your local Purcell Tire and Service Center location. Offer ends December 31, 2017

3495

$

* Must present coupon to get offer. Most vehicles. No other discounts apply. Up to 5 quarts of oil. Disposal and shop supplies additional charge for shop supplies. Redeem only at your local Purcell Tire and Service Center location. Offer ends December 31, 2017

On Sale Now!

The Perfectly Practical Gift!

4 Oil Changes • 4 Tire rotations

Just $89

FREE Tire Pressure Check!

Temperatures are falling and your tire pressure light might come on soon!

We’llWe’ll fill your tires and lightoffoffforforyou! you! fill your tires andturn turnthat that pesky pesky light No appointments necessary. seeus!us!

No appointments necessary. Come Come see

FREE Air, Brake, and Alignment Checks. No Appointment Necessary!

AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING S I N C E 19 8 2

3810 E. Ray Road

ROC #CR39-312643

480-893-8335 www.BrewersAC.com

Price Match Guarantee

(East of Fry’s)

(480)706-8600 purcelltire.com

Mon-Fri 7:00 - 6:00, Sat 7:00-5:00, Sun CLOSED

48

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

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 Click on Marketplace

Announcements

Business/Professional Services

Homes For Sale

Announcements Employment General

HIRING?

This is my father, Alex.

He is an amazing man, an amazing husband and father. He has Polycystic Kidney Disease and is only 56. He still has many long and beautiful years ahead, but his two failing kidneys will not take him there. Our family hopes of getting his story out and reaching someone who has it on their heart to donate a kidney. He is O+ blood type.

Please contact me at 623-692-6314 or email: sandysimon@live.com

We have the applicants!

Merchandise

Place your Job Post Today!

Pets/Services

Pete Meier

Associate Broker, CRS, GRI

602-690-3361

Need More Houses to Sell! Call Pete!

Call us for a FREE Consultation

SOLD $229,000 The ‘’cutest’’ little patio home you ever saw in west chandler.

2br/2ba/2gar Applc stay. Low maintenance yard.

SOLD $335,000 Nicer home in the area! Slab granite counters, oak cabinets, built-ins, split master, 48th/Kiowa

Starting at $229 for a 30-day Online Job Post

Air Conditioning/Heating

Minuteman Home Services

HEATING/ AIR CONDITIONING Same Day Service Guaranteed 24/7 FREE Service Call with Repairs

10% OFF

any total work performed

$

29.95

Seasonal Tune Up (reg. $99) up to $2,800 in rebates and discounts

Financing for as little as $69/month minutemanhomeservices.com ROC 242804, 257474, 290005

For more info: 480-898-6465 or jobposting @evtrib.com

$259,000 2br 2ba, Meticulously maintained, Liv/Fam rooms. Adult, amenities, Low maintenance landscaping.

APS/SRP Certified Contractor BBB A+ • Licensed, bonded, and fully insured for your protection.

Code T01

Carpet Cleaning

Family owned and proudly serving Ahwatukee for over 20 years.

Powerful Truck Mounted Soft Hot Water Extractions.

Carpets, Tile & Grout, Upholstery, Pet Stain/Odor Treatment Residential/Commercial www.extractioncleaning.com 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

480.460.5030 Cleaning Services

480-755-5818

$199,900 Mountain Views of Golf Course. 2br+ den/office with recent updates.

Great room, fplc, new applcs. Rec Center. 55+.

Appliance Repairs

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! Homes For Sale

$234,900 Navajo Flr plan, 2br, 2ba. Newer carpet & new roof. Fplc. MultiM Million Rec Center.

• Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

We Also Buy Used Appliances, Working or Not $275,000 Very nice 55+ adult home, 3/2, 2cg + golf cart gar + den. On 17th Fairway.

Large AZ room. Snowbird ready with Roller Shields!

CHAD CHADDERTON

Broker/Owner “The The Original Ahwatukee Realtor” 480-893-1461 – Phoenix office 520-568-3572 – Maricopa office AhwatukeeRealty.com

petemeier.com

E N J OY

A Z!

The Musical Instrument Museum

Est. 1973, Ahwatukee’s oldest real estate company!

4425 East Agave Road, Building 2 • Ahwatukee (Phoenix), AZ 85044

Call for a FREE Home Value Analysis

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured Your newspaper.

Your community.

Your planet.

Please recycle me.

Concrete & Masonry

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Contractors

Electrical Services

Electrical Services

Garage/Doors

49

Handyman

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE East Valley/ Ahwatukee

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

Not a licensed contractor

Residential Electrician

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online!

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354

Call 480-898-6564

Gary is Back Household Repairs Xmas lights, drywall, plumbing, small painting, varnish doors, grout cleaning,ceiling fans, roof turbines.

30 years experience

Gary 480-268-0380 ROC#183872, 227944

ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

RENOVATION SOLUTIONS

Handyman

FREE Estimates!

HOME IMPROVEMENT & RENOVATIONS

aPlumbing

General Contractor

aElectrical

Licensed, Bonded & Insured

aTile

aPaint

30 Years of Experience

HOME

• Additions • Alterations • Kitchen and bath remodeling specialists Ahwatukee resident

- Ahw Resident Since 1987 -

480.848.9890 ROC#245469

aAnd Much, Much More!

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

R E N O VAT I O N

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

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932 Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Garage/Doors

FOOTHILLS GARAGE DOOR

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

Bonded/Insured

GARAGE DOORS Unbeatable Customer Service & Lowest Prices Guaranteed!

10%

Discount for Seniors & Veterans

Electrical Services

Minuteman Home Ser vices

ELECTRICAL

Same Day Ser vice Guaranteed 24 / 7 FREE Ser vice Call with Repair s

10% OFF ANYTHING ELECTRICAL: • Troubleshooting experts • Panel upgrade, breaker replacement • Outlets, Lighting & Ceiling fans Code T02

Able Handyman Service LLC

FREE

Opener & Door Lubrication with Repair

SERVICE FEE WILL BE WAIVED WITH REPAIR

480-626-4497 www.lifetimegaragedoorsaz.com Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

any total work performed minutemanhomeservices.com ROC 242804, 257474, 290005 APS/SRP Certified Contractor BBB A+ • Licensed, bonded, and fully insured for your protection.

480-755-5818

Call for our 3 Month Special!

Starting at $120/month Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Jim 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com

50

CLASSIFIEDS Home Improvement

Handyman

REMODEL CONTRACTOR

R.HANDYMAN Rebuild: Under sink floors, drawers & shelving.

All sm repairs, welding. Clean carpet traffic areas & stains. Fix: toilets, faucets, gates, doors.

Plans / Additions, Patios New Doors, Windows Lowest Price in Town!

R. Child Lic#216115, Class BO3 Bonded-Insured-Ref's

480-215-3373

ROC095639 BOND/INS'D

Call Bob 480-893-9482

Handyman

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Sprinkler Repair ✔ Lighting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ & MUCH MORE! Roof Tiles Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured *Not A Licensed Contractor

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Handyman

• Plumbing • Electrical • Remodel • Additions • Drywall • Painting • Framing ROC #312897 • Patios • Tile & Flooring • All work guaranteed • 30 years experience SOLID ROCK STRUCTURES, INC.

Landscape Design/Installation

Landscape Maintenance

Landscape Maintenance

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint.

Starting as Low as $25.

Install/Design

Juan Hernandez

SPRINKLER

Arizona Specialty Landscape

Not a licensed contractor

Ahw. Res. 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates.

Call Pat (480) 343-0562

Drip/Install/Repair Not a licensed contrator

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

Juan Hernandez

TREE

TRIMMING 25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Landscape Maintenance

602-332-6694

solidrockstructures@gmail.com

Affordable | Paver Specialists All phases of landscape installation.

Plants, cacti, sod, sprinklers, granite, concrete, brick, Kool-deck, lighting and more!

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765

Specials Lawn Mowing Starts At $20 Full Service Starts At $70 15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

Home Improvement

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

Home Remodeling • BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES

New & Re-Do Design and Installation

We Only Service Ahwatukee, So We Are Always Close By To Meet Unexpected Needs

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE

Serving Ahwatukee for 27+ years

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Professional Irrigation Repairs

Se Habla Español daveshomerepair@yahoo.com

Timers, Drip and Sprinkler repairs

Professional Tree Trimming & Removal Regular Yard Maintenance

Landscape Maintenance

Service is our key to success

602-722-2099 MONTYBROS.COM

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry • Decks • Tile • More!

ce 1999

Affordable, Quality Work Sin 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

“No Job Too Small Man!”

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Jaden Sydney Associates.com

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com Landscape Maintenance

Irrigation Repair Services Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

Visit our website!

Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

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

AND so much more!

Call Lance White

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

480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Landscape Maintenance

Landscape Design/Installation

Painting

Painting

SPRINKLER & DRIP REPAIR Landscape Lighting

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Wi-Fi Irrigation & Lighting timers

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Misting Systems

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

MOST REPAIRS

UNDER $100

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

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

We Do Installs!

Warranty On All Work Call Dennis or Lisa

Place YOUR Business HERE!

Call for our 3 Month Trial Special!

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Painting ROC#309706

SUN TECH

PAINTING

602.329.3396

INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

Not a Licensed Contractor

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction ates • Countless References Free Estim • Carpentry Services Now Available

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

Meetings/Events

Meetings/Events

Crops of Luv

Beta Sigma Phi, a woman's cultural and social organization, is looking to reconnect with non-active members in the East Valley.

New members are also welcome. Beta Sigma Phi is a non-college sorority, which offers "sisterhood" and "friendship" to women of all ages. You can never underestimate the importance of other women in your life.

Contact: Gail Sacco at gailsacco@q.com

"My dream is that one day we will be able to give every "wish" child a scrapbook to remind them that dreams do come true."

Jody, co-founder, Ahwatukee based nonprofit

ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded

Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

Call for our 3 Month Special!

Starting at $120/month Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Landscape Maintenance

Come Join us: Help make embellishments, organize or assist with events, scrapbook, donate your time, money or space.

Come be apart of something Awesome!

Cropsofluv.com

480.634.7763

cropsofluv@cox.net

Bosom Buddies, Ahwatukee/Chandler nonprofit, breast cancer, support group, meets 10am-12 Noon on the 2nd Saturday of the month. Meetings are held every month at Desert Cove, located at 1750 W Frye Rd., Chandler 85224. This is just north (across the street) from the Chandler Regional Hospital. For more info, call Benji Tucker at 602-739-8822.

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a weight loss organization that is over 60 years old. We meet at Ahwatukee Rec Center on Cheyenne between S. 48th St. and S. 51st St. on Wed. eve's from 67:30 p.m. For more information: Terri at 480-893-6742.

The Valley’s Premier Painters Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for a Decade.

Family Owned & Operated

East Valley PAINTERS

-Interior & Exterior Painting

Voted #1

-Stucco/Drywall Repairs & Texture Matching

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

-Minor Carpentry -4 Year Warranty!

-Competitive Pricing

10% OFF

ACP is 100%Veteran Owned & Supports Our Vets with 10% off for all Military Personnel

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

See What We’re Up To!

Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

www.AcpPaintingllc.com

480-688-4770

Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

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

Locksmith

51

Now Accepting all major credit cards

52

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

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

Minuteman Home Services

PLUMBING

Same Day Service Guaranteed 24/7 FREE Service Call with Repairs

10% OFF

any total work performed

ANYTHING PLUMBING • Water heaters • Leaks • Garbage disposal • Bathrooms

minutemanhomeservices.com ROC 242804, 257474, 290005 APS/SRP Certified Contractor BBB A+ • Licensed, bonded, and fully insured for your protection.

480-755-5818 Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor Anything Plumbing Same Day Service Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

Pool Service / Repair

$35 off

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Meetings/Events

Any Service

Overeaters Anonymous Tuesday's at 10:30 AM Esperanza Lutheran Church Ray & Thunderhill

BUY AC UNITS WHOLESALE SAVE THOUSANDS!!

Smart Recovery Meeting Wed’s 7:00 8:30 p.m. 6400 W. Del Rio Chandler Montessori School next to Unitarian Church room 5. All issues drugs, alcohol, gambling, online addictions, & medications. 480-532-2460

Plumbing

Not a licensed contractor

Summer AC Tune Up - $59

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

1st Month of Service FREE For a limited time

Call Now!

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

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member Not a licensed contractor.

CLR Pool Service LLC 1174

Plumbing & Rooter Service From Water Heaters to Toilets, CES E RV Ito P OSlab O L SLeaks Clogs!

PLUMBING

ROC # 272721

Plumbing

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

In-Ahwatukee Toastmasters Club meets from 6:45-8am every Tuesday at Dignity Health Urgent Care Ahwatukee - Community Room (1st floor), 4545 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix, AZ 85048.

Guests welcome anytime! http://4873.toast mastersclubs.org/

Code T03

We Repair or Install

Plumbing

$

64

24/7

Any Drain Unclog*

Emergency Service!

100% $ 39 OFF* Guarantee Any Service on Our Work

FAST 60 Minute

Service Available

Estimates Available

480.405.3020

Excellent Service...

First time, Every time!

Charles Rock - Ahwatukee Resident

480.399.ROCK (7625)

charles@clrpoolservice.com

www.clrpoolservice.com

JuanPavers Hernandez • Concrete Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

P O O L R E PA I R

Pebble cracking, Plaster peeling, Rebar showing, Pool Light out?

I CAN HELP!

25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

See MORE Ads Online!

www.plumbingandacmedic.com Bonded | Insured Lic’d ROC 257806, 309544 *Call for Details. For a Limited Time.

www.Ahwatukee.com

CLASSIFIEDS

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Roofing

Roofing

The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

ROOFING CONTRACTOR with 44 years exp Specializing in all types repairs, re-roofs, coating & walking decks.

Quality service & response our first priority.

All work guaranteed.

ROC# CR42 132572 Call Carl 602-432-9183

TK

®

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC

Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time!

15-Year Workmanship

Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

www.timklineroofing.com FREE Estimate and written proposal

480-357-2463

R.O.C. #156979 K-42 Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Meetings/Events Dining For Women (DFW) diningforwomen.org inspires, educates and engages people to invest in programs that make a meaningful difference for women and girls living in extreme poverty. DFW helps women find dignity and strength, develop skills and opportunities, value and support their children's education. We have a local chapter in Ahwatukee which meets the 3rd Thursday every month from 6:30 p.m.-8:30p.m. If you'd like to know more on how you can transform lives and reduce poverty contact Mary Hake at marysullivanhake @gmail.com

Roofing

Public Notice

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

You will find them easy with their yellow background.

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

Only $25 includes up to 1 week online To place an ad please call:

480-898-6465

class@timespublications.com

NOTICE TO READERS:

Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.

Aegis Hospice Grief/Loss Support Group We meet 6 pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

Legacy Funeral Home: 1722 N. Banning St. Mesa, Refreshments provided.

Contact: Rick Wesley 480-219-4790 rick@ aegishospice.com

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC): The advertising requirements of the statute does not prevent anyone from placing an ad in the yellow pages, on business cards, or on flyers.

Roofing Family Owned/ Operated

Quality Leak Repairs & Re-Roofs

Honest Free Estimates References DENNIS PORTER

480-460-7602 or 602-710-2263 RANDY HALFHILL

602-910-1485

Lic#ROC 152111 Bonded

What it does require under A.R.S. §321 1 2 1 A 1 4 ( c ) www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01165.htm is that the advertising party, if not properly licensed as a contractor, disclose that fact on any form of advertising to the public by including the words "not a licensed contractor" in the advertisement.

Again, this requirement is intended to make sure that the consumer is made aware of the unlicensed status of the individual or company.

Contractors who advertise and do not disclose their unlicensed status are not eligible for the handyman's exception.

Reference: http://www.azroc.gov/invest/licensed_by_la w.html

As a consumer, being aware of the law is for your protection.

You can check a business's ROC status at: http://www.azroc.gov/

53

CLASSIFIEDS

54

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

Window Cleaning

Owned & Operated by Ahwatukee Residents

10 OFF

$

WITH THIS AD

480-519-9327

southmountainwindowcleaning.com • Insured • Family Owned & Operated • Insured ••Family & Operated Insured • FreeOwned Estimates Insured

••Free Estimates Family Owned Operated Owned &&Operated •Family Honest & Reputable •••Honest & Reputable Free Free Estimates Estimates Honest & Reputable ••Honest Reputable

jEssE jOnEs, OwnER jEssE jOnEs, jOnEs, jEssE jOnEs, OwnER OwnER jEssE OwnER 602.695.9660 602.695.9660 602.695.9660 602.695.9660 uptOwnwIndOwclEanIng@gmaIl.cOm uptOwnwIndOwclEanIng@gmaIl.cOm uptOwnwIndOwclEanIng@gmaIl.cOm

uptOwnwIndOwclEanIng@gmaIl.cOm

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

Window Cleaning

Meetings/Events

John's Window Cleaning 1-story $135 / 2-story $155 -inside and out up to 30 panes (add'l panes $2) Screens cleaned $2.50 per pane.

Power Washing and Re-Screening available Same day Service (480) 201-6471

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS SENIOR ASSOCIATION (AFSA)

Meetings/Events GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS & GAMANON for meeting information 602-266-97846 Christian Business Networking, Chandler BiMonthly Chapter 7:30 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays of the month Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals.

Chandler Christian Church, Room B202 1825 S. Alma School Rd., Chandler Info: Maia, 480-4250624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

Attention: Seniors 55+ --- become a member of AFSA. Mark your calendars for the first Thursdayof every month and enjoy meeting new friends, have a delicious lunch, and be entertained.

This all takes place at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel located at 51st St. and Elliot Rd. in Phoenix. Doors open at 11am and lunch is at Noon. Cost is $15. For further information and details, please call Sue McCann at (480) 469-9388.

Ahwatukee Foothills Friends and Neighbors (AFFAN) is a women's organization, dedicated to cultivating friendships, and goodwill. AFFAN promotes social, charitable and educational events all year long. AFFAN holds monthly luncheon meetings with varied speakers. We offer over 40 monthly activities including Book Clubs, Canasta, Bunco, Euchre, and Bridge. Other monthly activities are Dining Out, Stitch and Chat, Explore Arizona, and Garden Club. Significant others/ spouses can attend some events.

For more info contact affanwomensgroup @gmail.com.

Check our website at affanwomensclub.com AMERICAN LEGION AHWATUKEE Post #64 We Meet Every 3rd Wed at 3pm at the Ahwatukee Retirement Center At 5001 E Cheyenne Dr, Phoenix, Az. 85044.

Contact ED MANGAN Cmdr 602-501-0128

FACT & FIND: Ye Olde Nutty Fruitcake Have you ever received a fruitcake in December 27th is National Fruitcake Day a tin that was obviously a re-gift from and December is National Fruitcake Month. previous years? More likely that is due to the first receiver not knowing how good fruitcake can be, rather than continuing a very old tradition of saving fruitcake for later.

Fruitcake can be traced back to the Roman times. Pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and raisins were mixed into barley mash. In the Middle Ages, they added honey, spices and preserved fruits.

The British started loving fruitcake in the 1400’s when dried fruits first arrived from the Mediterranean.

In the 1700’s, Europeans had a type of fruitcake baked at the end of the nut harvest and stored away, then eaten the next year to celebrate the next harvest.

In the 1800s, Europeans outlawed fruitcake as they were considered as sinfully rich. Later laws restricted its use, tho Victorian teas weren’t complete without fruitcake. Queen Victoria supposedly FIND THE HOLIDAY TREATS: Fudge wanted a year to eat a birthday fruitcake Fruitcake Almond Bark Pizzelles because she thought it showed restraint.

Spiced Nuts Gingerbread Trifle Fruitcake is found all over the world in Candy Canes Pfeffernusse Peanut Brittle varied recipes. Some are more cakey, some is loaded with rum soaked dried fruits and more less. The cakes are frequently soaked with rum poured over the hot cake. American versions Rum, brandy or other liquor. The German variety, can be more cakey with a vanilla sweetness, or Stollen, is a bread with zest, dried fruits and a more dense with brandied fruits. dusting of powdered sugar. The Bahamas version

East Valley Tribune is proud to announce our new Job Board!

The best and brightest professionals visit our site everyday. Access this targeted and qualified pool of talent by advertising your jobs on our Job Board!

S

EMPLOYER

POST A

The East Valley Tribune’s Job Board has the talent you’re looking for.

JOB SEE

KERS

Find the best talent HERE.

JOB

Easily POST jobs.

Competitive pricing and exposure

B

FIND A JO

Post your jobs at: jobs.eastvalleytribune.com Contact us for more information:

480-898-6465

or email jobs@eastvalleytribune.com

Windows

J BS. EASTVALLEY TRIBUNE.COM

Most jobs also appear on Indeed.com

DECEMBER 27, 2017 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

55

CLASSIFIEDS

56

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 27, 2017

NOTICE: END OF YEAR SELL OFF It’s The End Of The Year... We Need To Blow Merchadise Out The Door! There Has Never Been A Better Time To Buy An Appliance, Water System, Or Tv. Get Here Today.

YOU’LL GET A GREAT DEAL!

40" SMART TV

25.4 CU FT REFRIGERATOR

• 1080p Resolution • Wide Color Enhancer • Smart Apps

• Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Adjustable Gallon Door Bins • Humidity Controlled Drawer • 5 Wash Cycles • Accu-Chill Temperature System • 1-Hour Wash Cycle • Triple Filtration System WRS325FDAM CLOSEOUT • Stainless Steel Interior

DISHWASHER

379 399

$$

WDT720PADM CLOSEOUT

OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE

UN40J5200

• 1.7 Cu. Ft. • 1000 Watts • 220 CFM Vent System

WMH31017AS CLOSEOUT

30” RANGE

WASHER

359 369

$$

EACH

• 3.6 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 12 Wash Cycles • Quick Wash • Presoak

WTW4915EW WED4915EW CLOSEOUT

DRYER

• 7.0 Cu. Ft. Capacity • Wrinkle Shield™ Option • 12 Dry Cycles • 5 Temperature Settings WED4915EW CLOSEOUT

229

$

ALL 4

60

$

MONTHLY PAYMENT**

ALL 4

WFE320M0AS CLOSEOUT

REFRIGERATOR

• 15 CU. FT. • 2 HUMIDITY CONTROLLED CRISPERS • 2 SHELVES FFTR1513LW CLOSEOUT

1999 399

$

1.6 CU. FT. OVER-THE RANGE MICROWAVE • 950 Watts of Power • 10 Levels of Power • Sunken Glass Turntable WMH1162XVQ CLOSEOUT

• 4.8 Cu. Ft. • 4 Radiant Elements • Custom Broil • Storage Drawer

299

$

$

199 $989

$

FFSS2614QS

The Spencers TV & Appliance credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank. Special terms apply to qualifying purchases of $499.00 or more charged with approved credit. The special terms APR will continue to apply until all qualifying purchases are paid in full. The monthly payment for this purchase will be the amount that will pay for the purchase in full in equal payments during the promotional (special terms) period. The APR for Purchases will apply to certain fees such as a late payment fee or if you use the card for other transactions. For new accounts, the APR for Purchases is 28.99%. If you are charged interest in any billing cycle, the minimum interest charge will be $1.00. This information is accurate as of 01/06/2016 and is subject to change. For current information, call us at 1-800-431-5921. Offer expires 11/30/2017.

12/30/2017.