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Judge finds Lakes course owner defied restoration orders BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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P. 31 | B U S I N E S S

he six-year legal battle between two Ahwatukee Lakes homeowners and golf course owner Wilson Gee’s company leaped toward a conclusion last week as a Superior Court judge held the firm in contempt of court for doing nothing to restore the site. In a blistering ruling made from the bench after more than five hours of testimony and argument, Superior Court Judge Theodore Campagnolo set a Sept. 1 hearing on sanctions against ALCR after finding it ignored three separate orders to return golf to the 101-acre site. Attorney Tim Barnes told the judge he wants the company to pay $10,000 or $15,000 for each of the 202 homes abutting the golf course

School daze

– a total of $2.02 million or $3.03 million. “Having listened to him,” Campagnolo said of Gee, “it is clear that he just seems to want to disregard the orders of this court. It’s as if they don’t exist. In fact, he even said today… ’You have to look at the order but also you have to look at the economics.’ That’s not what the order says.” Calling Superior Court Judge John Hannah’s order of May 2018 “clear and unambiguous,” Campagnolo said: “There is no doubt that ALCR knew what the order said and that the company was able to comply with the judgment, with the order and that ALCR intentionally or knowingly failed to comply. They had plenty of opportunities and ALCR simply did not comply with the judgment.”

KID TO KID

“No matter what Mr. Gee or the company think about how it’s not a good business decision to reconstruct and operate a golf course doesn’t matter – and that’s been affirmed by the Court of Appeals,” he added. “That’s what it says. That’s what has to be done.” Hannah on three separate occasions from the summer of 2016 to May 2018 found that Gee had violated the site’s covenants, conditions and restrictions by failing to keep the site as a golf course. In May 2018, he ordered that Gee restore the course – although he did not specify whether it had to be the once-popular 18-hole executive course with five lakes that Gee closed in 2013 because it was no longer profitable.

see LAKES page 14

COVID-19 data improves for TU, Kyrene districts BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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RINGS OF HONOR

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Ahwatukee and other students are back in classrooms at the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa but the hallways cast an eerie sight as students walk in one direction single-file. This same scenario likely will be playing out in all schools once kids are allowed to return to campuses. Details: Page 16. (Patrick Jervis Jr./Courtesy of EVIT)

hile new data on COVID-19 spread last week pointed to improving conditions in both Tempe Union and Kyrene school districts, there were reminders that the coronavirus is far from over. At Milenio Elementary School in Ahwatukee, seven children were directed to be quarantined at home for two weeks after a pupil tested positive for the virus two days after campuses reopened on a limited basis, mostly for special needs students. And Tempe Union Assistant Superintendent Sean McDonald last week told the Governing Board that in the last two weeks, 21 district employees have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result of contact tracing, McDonald said, 62 staffers have been quarantined. No students

see VIRUS page 4

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

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Generation Church founding Pastor Paul Lavino, Mike Jones and Barb Taylor sort out some of the 3,770 pounds of food the Ahwatukee Board of Management collected at its Aug. 15 food drive. ABM hopes to hold another in November. (Pablo Robes/ AFN Staff)

Ahwatukee woman jailed after officer-involved shooting AFN NEWS STAFF

n Ahwatukee woman shot by police after refusing orders to put down a shotgun went from the hospital to a jail cell last Saturday. Hannah Lee Kyyitan, 22, was hospitalized for non-lifethreatening injuries sustained around 5 p.m. Aug. 19 during an incident in an apartment complex at 13200 S. 48th St. She spent three days in the hospital and was then booked into County Jail on two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, and one count of aggravated assault. Phoenix Police said officers were responding to a call from a man who called the behavior clinic Terros to report Kyyitan, his roommate threatened him with a knife and also threatened to hurt herself. Both the roommate and Terros personnel waited outside for officers and the suspect remained inside the apartment. Officers arrived on scene and attempted to establish communication with the suspect and at some point, heard what they believed to be a gunshot inside the apartment. The officers began evacuations of neighboring apartments while maintaining cover. Eventually, the suspect stepped out of the apartment with a shotgun in her hands. “Several commands were given to drop the gun, but she refused and raised it in the direction of the officers,” police said in an official statement. At that point a 24-year-old officer with two years on the force fired at the suspect. “The officers provided immediate lifesaving measures and the suspect was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” the police department statement said. There were no injuries to the officers or other civilians.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

VIRUS from page 1

have tested positive. At the same time, the Maricopa County Public Health Department’s map of COVID-19 conditions shows both districts have moved into the moderate zone for virus spread within their boundaries. That means the overall metrics for the disease would theoretically allow for hybrid learning with students in classrooms a couple of days a week and learning at home the other days. Gilbert Public Schools last week announced it will begin that approach for its 30,000-plus students on Sept. 8. Student bodies will be divided by the first letter of their last name so that some will come to class two days a week and the rest the other two days. For the rest of the week, they will learn at home. And discussions at the board meetings in both GPS and Mesa Public Schools indicated that when districts do reopen classrooms – even along a hybrid format – it will take two weeks to make the transition. Tempe Union has set the resumption of in-class learning for Oct. 13, unless conditions improve before hand. Kyrene has set no date, but Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely said classrooms will be reopened when county and state virus metrics put the district in a green category. In Kyrene and Tempe Union, two of the three metrics improved to yellow and the other moved to green. The county groups metrics in three colors – red, yellow and green – with green indicating full in-class learning can occur safely, though with additional hygiene protocols such as mandatory masks for all students and staff, socially distanced desks and no large gatherings. The data is 12 days old by the time the numbers are posted at 4 p.m. Thursdays at maricopa.gov/5594/School-Metrics. County health officials are advising districts to wait two weeks before making any decisions to see if there is any upward movement in the numbers. County data for both Kyrene and Tempe Union show that the percentage of tests coming back positive and the number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 dropped to moderate levels while the presence of COVID-like symptoms in hospital visits has dropped to the green, or “minimal,” level. Neither the county nor state health departments mandate that the districts follow their benchmarks and metrics, though

Based on data collected Aug. 2-8, the county Public Health Department last Thursday released this map showing COVID-19 spread had dipped to the moderate level in Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts. Health officials say that means learning can be done partly on campus, partly at home. (Maricopa County)

The COVID-19 benchmarks established by the Maricopa County Public Health Department shows Tempe Union High School District in a moderate category for virus spread in two categories and a “minimal” category for a third. (Maricopa Public Health Department)

COVID-19 spread in Kyrene’s boundaries is virtually identical to that of Tempe Union, with cases per 100,000 and a positive result as a percentage of new tests in a moderate category an percentage of hospital visits with virus symptoms at a minimal level. (Maricopa County)

they say the color-coded guide offers the best science available for helping districts make their reopening decisions. But Tempe Union Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil said the district cannot simply go by what in-district data show.

“I also think that we can’t just take it for granted within ZIP codes either because we have a large open-enrolled group of students,” Mendivil said. “And so, when we look at some of the ZIP codes that may be appearing yellow,

we have 48-50 percent of those students coming from higher-risk areas within the community,” he said. The Tempe Union board also has set a special study session to begin at 5 p.m. today, Aug. 26, for a presentation of its “health mitigation plan” and its plan for what school will look like when in-classroom learning does resume. At least a few Tempe Union parents are growing impatient with the district’s pace. In three emails read at last week’s board meeting, parents pleaded with the district to reopen campuses. One email noted that none of the five board members has children in school – prompting a protest of sort from board President Berdetta Hodge. One parent wrote, “Since there are a very large number of families requesting in person learning why are you denying that option to the district?” Another said at-home learning “has taken a huge toll” on her two sons. “My sons are by no means the best or most engaged students but are pleading for a return to school and a healthy social education – and social routine is of special significance,” the mother wrote. “It’s been over two weeks since my freshman son began classes online,” she continued. “It is not working at all for us. The teachers are doing their best and the technology is stable but the amount and quality of learning that can come on through a computer screen is not adequate. “My son is mopey, unengaged and moving from couch to office to bedroom to patio to sit and consume the classes so antsy and unsettled,” she added, saying she followed her son’s schedule for two hours online as a “simulation” and that “at the end of the two hours, I hadn’t gotten up once and my mind and my body were numb from the inactivity.” Another mother said her son attends Corona del Sol and “is becoming increasingly frustrated with school.” “He cares about his education as do I. Online learning is failing him,” she said. “It is imperative to get these kids in the classroom. The consequences of delaying further will be catastrophic.” Hodge said the board wants to reopen campuses – but as soon as data indicates it’s safe. “I have had emails addressing the fact that we are not parents in the district,” she said. “You’re right. We don’t have one child

see VIRUS page 9

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

TU principal, teacher say online classes working BY KAYLEE NIELSON AFN Contributor

empe Union began virtual classes for all students Aug. 3 and so far, it’s working out under the current lessthan-ideal circumstances impacting students across the state. That’s the verdict from Desert Vista High School Principal Michael Deignan and Mountain Pointe foreign language teacher and gifted learning coordinator Mary Boatright. “Considering the circumstance, we feel good about the start of the year,” said Deignan. “Our focus on synchronous, live interaction with students right out of the gate has been the key to success.” In order to combat “the personal, individual interaction that is easier to deliver when you are physically with students,” Diegnan said that “they went with the next best thing – synchronous instruction through the use of technology.” “It was very important to make a connection with students in a more direct way Rugs ~ Luxury V inyl ~

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than we were able to do last spring,” he said, adding: “Initial concerns had to do with our ability to successfully connect technologically through Google Meet and the use of laptops. That was somewhat of unknown territory for us, given the scale we were talking about with nearly 3,000 students at DV. However, for the most part, the technology is working and is getting better as we go.” The same seems true at Mountain Pointe, according to Boatright. “Our district has done its best to provide students with the resources they need, such as laptops, and many teachers – myself included – took classes over the summer that the district designed to help us with online learning,” recounted Boatright. “I have had to change some things so they fit better in an online format,” she said, “but Schoology allows me to capture not only written work but spoken work as well.” “With Google Meet, students can unmute their mics when prompted to do so and answer questions in both English and

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Spanish,” she added. “It is a little awkward in that you sometimes have to be reminded to mute or unmute your mic, but we will get better at this as time goes on.” Despite some concerns that students wouldn’t be getting the same quality education remotely as they did in the physical classroom, the change has not minimized the role of teachers nor made it any easier, she said. “It is a lot of work because I am creating content along with lesson plans,” remarked Boatright, “We all will be working more as teachers because this is new territory and all our lesson plans need to fit into an online virtual in-person platform.” “If there was one thing I needed more than anything,” she continued, “it would be more time to be able to create content. Regardless of digital classrooms, in many ways school is back in session as usual. “I cannot tell you how happy I am to be able to be with my students safely and to feel like I am teaching as closely to a traditional setting as possible,” Boatright said.

“I appreciate that I had the choice to decide to work from home or from school.” Boatright explained that her teaching style did not go out the window simply because she is not in the same room as her students. “Good classroom norms fit just as well into an online platform,” she said. “You just have to connect with your kids and have them understand that they are still in a classroom even though they are home and their teacher is at home or at school,” “For example, in my traditional classroom, if students asked to use the restroom and were gone for more than five minutes, they knew to quietly ask their neighbor what we were doing so they could get up to speed with the class,” explained Boatright. “If students walk away from their computers, they know be prepared to ask a question in the chat if they missed what we are doing. So far I have not had any issues with protocol.” “I am sure the longer we teach and learn

see REMOTE page 9

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VIRUS from page 4

and in that district. We all have 12,832 children in the district that we care about and we will take care of, so you’re right when you say we don’t have one child. We have many and all five of us are going to always support and take care of our kids the best we can.” Meanwhile, citing privacy laws, Kyrene did not reveal much about the child who tested positive at Milenio. Both Kyrene and Tempe Union are allowing a limited number of students, mostly in special education programs, into classrooms. There, they either receive help

from paraprofessionals while they take the same online classes their classmates are taking at home or they are receiving special therapy and other services that cannot be delivered effectively online. In a message to parents, Milenio Principal Michael Lamp said students who rode on the buses to and from the school with the affected child on Aug. 19 – two days after campuses slightly reopened – would have to stay home for 14 days as recommended by county and state health officials. He said the additional cleaning and sterilization would be implemented at the school and on the two buses.

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on this platform, the more things will come up that we need to address. At this point, though, things have worked out well. I have not had to deal with the things I thought could happen,” she remarked. Though schools look different right now, Boatright is not concerned about students falling behind in their education. “It is true that we will be catching kids up this year but the kids I have in my classes are ready to be in school and learn,” she remarked. “I asked all my kiddos how they felt about virtual in-person learning, and most

of them said they felt good about how it has been organized for them,” she explained. “They appreciated that their teachers incorporated learning how to use Schoology to its fullest – like how to submit an assignment, how to post on a discussion board, how to use other sites within Schoology.” “They like that they have a connection to school, their classmates, and their teachers,” she said. “Most just want to get back to a traditional setting – but only when it is safe to do so.”

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Tapestry Canyon

Listed for $2,149,000

Gorgeous 1+ acre property with panoramic mountain views and city lights views! 7,644 sf main house plus a detached guest house and flex room (1940 sf.) Kitchen boasts distressed black finish Alder cabinetry, Cantera stone hood, large island, pantry, Viking double ovens, six gas burner cook top, warming drawer, Thermador refrigerator, two Kitchen Aid dishwashers and a stock pot faucet above cooktop. Open kitchen family room floor plan. All bedrooms are ensuite and have their own patios with mountain views. Negative edge, heated salt water pool. Multiple covered patios. 20’ x 20’ observation deck. Lower level bonus room with grand rock mountain water feature! Bonus room has large wet bar and full - wall pocket doors that open to a large covered patio area. Detached guest house and enormous flex room. Flex room could function as office space, media room, home gym, game room; many options! Five car garage! One garage bay is tandem.. Great for car collectors!

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Keystone Listed for

$319,900

1,742 sf, 3 bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms plus loft. Master suite is downstairs. Double sinks in the master bathroom and secondary full bathroom. Secondary bedrooms are upstairs with Jack & Jill bathroom. Kitchen boasts trendy white cabinetry, casual dining area and breakfast bar. All appliances convey including the refrigerator and washer / dryer. Soaring vaulted ceilings! New carpet installed July 2020. Exterior of home was painted in 2019. 2020 water heater. Lush landscape in back yard. Grass front and back. HOA maintains front yard. North / south exposure; north facing backyard!.

Markwood North Listed for

$650,000

3,394 sf home situated in a cul de sac on nearly a ½ acre lot. East facing backyard. Four bedrooms plus a den plus a flex / game room, and three full bathrooms! Gourmet kitchen boasts upgraded white cabinetry with crown molding and trendy antique gold hardware, tile backsplash, enormous island / breakfast bar, new quartzite slab countertops, walk – in pantry, R/O, double ovens; gas cooking! Open kitchen family room floor plan. Hardwood plank flooring throughout with carpet only in the bedrooms! The sprawling back yard is sure to impress and impeccably maintained; truly something you would expect at the finest resort! Exquisite land and hard scape including extensive travertine pavers, extended custom pergola back patio cover with new mister system & romantic string lighting , large grass area, 38,000 gallon heated pebble tec diving pool and spa, and large in-ground trampoline.

Circle Mountain Land (2 parcels) Listed for

$290,000 each

Two parcels; 4.7 acres each. Residential Acreage abutting Pyramid Peak and state trust land. Elevated property, away from ﬂood zones. Build a grand estate or subdivide a small community! Beautiful Northeastern views of New River Mesa and surrounding mountains. Zoning requires at least 1 acre per home. 15-20 minutes from Anthem and Cave Creek and still only 45 minutes from Sky Harbor 9.4 acres total available (10 acres minus 40 foot road easement along Northern edge)

San Tan Valley Land Listed for

$195,000

Great development opportunity or horse property! 8.35 acre parcel in San Tan Valley. Spectacular panoramic mountain views! No HOA. Property can be split (if desired) into ﬁve 1.67 acre parcels. Miles of state trust land all around. Owner is willing to facilitate a minor land division. In the country but has nearby emergency services, hospital, schools, and shopping.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

Pet fostering increasing during virus pandemic

BY KAYLEE NIELSON AFN Contributor

ocal pet rescues are seeing an increase in the number of people looking to foster animals. “We have seen more people than ever before interested in fostering pets, which is remarkable,” reported Arizona Humane Society spokeswoman explaining that they have nearly 700 pets in Foster Hero homes – which represent “the size of another shelter.” When the pandemic first hit, she said, the Humane Society immediately reduced operations down to one location, the Campus for Compassion at 1521 W. Dobbins Road in Phoenix. The society also implemented a virtual adoption matchmaking process that allowed people to spend less time browsing shelters looking for the perfect adoptee. “Adoptions have remained very steady

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Tapestry Canyon ST JU TED LIS

despite all of the modifications AHS had to make very early on,” Nelson said. “Despite the new process, we have adopted out 80 percent of the number of pets that we did last year for the same time frame – which is remarkable,” Nelson added. “Additionally, we have seen our length of stay for our pets on our adoption floor go from over 10 days down to under four days and the number of pets being returned has also decreased.” Comparing June of this year to June of last year, adoption returns to AHS fell from 13 percent to just 3 percent. In addition to their new adoptions by

see PETS page 12

Two of the region’s largest animal rescues say more people are stepping forward to foster animals. (Special

to AFN)

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

5 BR / 4.5 BA / 4924 SQFT

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

Majestic Southwest contemporary estate on private hillside lot with stunning mountain and city light views. .

Rare opportunity on hillside lot with great views. New interior paint in 2020. Roof replacement in 2019.

Listed for $585,000

Mike Mendoza MendozaTeam.com 5 BR / 5 BA / 6,455 SQFT Stunning panoramic views from privately gated luxury retreat with casita on elevated preserve lot.

Listed for $1,325,000

Listed for $1,510,000

4BR / 3BA / 2,800 SQFT

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Superb updates throughout with downstairs master suite. 2019 interior paint, pool pump, water softener, refrigerator, washer and dryer.

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Listed for $475,000

Listed for $1,950,000

Circle G at Riggs Ranch

Tapestry Canyon

NEWS

PETS from page 11

appointment program, the Humane Society instituted curbside foster pick-up. “Our Foster Heroes simply text us when they arrive at AHS’ Sunnyslope Campus and our Foster Relationship Specialists will head outside to either deliver them their new foster pet and paperwork or to take their current foster pet into our hospital for their exam, all while they wait in their vehicle,” Nelson said. “We can also do telemedicine appointments for our foster pets in which an AHS veterinarian will meet with a Foster Hero and pet over Zoom or Skype for the pet’s follow-up appointments,” she continued. Arizona Animal Welfare League, at 25 N. 40th St., reported similar trends amongst adoption and foster numbers. During the majority of the pandemic, AAWL also had to reduce their operations from two facilities open all week

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

to just three days a week, spokesman Michael Morefield said. Since the changes were enacted on March 18, AAWL is “filling almost every appointment every weekend for months,” and are doing 60 percent of the adoptions they did during 2019. “Those are very good adoption numbers considering what is happening in the Valley right now with layoffs, loss of income, uncertainty, and no real end to this crisis,” Morefield said. “We have been placing a lot of animals into our foster networks, instituted appointment-based adoptions, and have significantly increased our Rural Rescue Program, which is a program AAWL created to help rescues across the state.” “Many of our 32 partners across Arizona have contacted AAWL for help with rescues or helping them with their full ken-

nels, as well as the delivery of food and vital supplies,” he explained. “In some weeks, we will take in over 70 animals from our Rural Rescue partners so they can continue helping their communities,” he said. “We will provide the medical and behavioral care necessary, and then help those animals find a new home so AAWL can rescue even more lives.” It’s clear that for many, more time at home means more time with pets, whether they are old companions or new ones, Morefield added. “A silver lining to 2020 is that people and their pets will have built the strongest emotional bonds they have ever built,” he said. “The increased time together, the comfort animals provide during a difficult time, the camaraderie built weathering this crisis; the

relationship with your pet will be stronger than ever by the end of COVID.” Pandemic protocols apply to furry friends as well. Although there have not been reports of animals being affected by COVID-19, it is possible for the disease to be transmitted from their fur if they come in contact with an infected person. “You should not allow people to pet your dog when you are on walks, to lower disease transmission,” said Morefield. “Luckily, most leashes are 6 feet, which is a perfect tool to determine proper social distancing!” Information: Humane Society, 602997-7585, azhumane.org; Animal Welfare League, aawl.org, 602-273-6852.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

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NEWS

LAKES from page 1

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

violate the U.S. Constitution’s 13th AmendThe following year, homeowners Eileen ment prohibiting involBreslin and Linda Swain sued for the resuntary servitude. toration – setting in motion a six-year leMaynard has until the gal odyssey that reached the Arizona State end of the month to ask Supreme Court. for intervention by the Along the way, two homebuilders – nation’s highest court Pulte Homes and The True Life Compa– which annually gets nies – separately tried unsuccessfully more than 10,000 such to get the majority of the Lake’s 5,400 requests and ends up homeowners to change the CC&Rs so they taking only 80 to 100 to could build houses. even consider for a posCampagnolo took notice of the legal sible full-blown appeal, fight, stating that the course’s previous further reducing them owner, Bixby Village – which also was to a handful it actually partially owned by Gee, “created the ecoaccepts. nomic problem” that ALCR says it faces in Campagnolo also complying with the restoration order. noted that not long af“You can’t use that argument when you ter the 13th Amenddon’t have clean hands,” the judge told The Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course was described by Superior Court Judge John Hannah as a “moonscape,” and last week Judge Theodore ment was passed in Gee, asserting ALCR and other companies Campagnolo held owner Wilson Gee’s company, ALCR, liable for contempt sanctions for failing to do anything about it. (Tom Sanfilippo/ 1865, the U.S. Supreme “have perpetuated the problem that Bixby Inside Out Aerial) Court ruled it “does apVillage caused.” ply to African-American “None of them have tried to restore the with the judgment and that’s fine. That Wilson Gee and company are wrong, as slavery” and has never deviated from that golf course,” he said. “Perhaps if someone was their decision but hundreds of thou- matters of law and morality.” opinion. tried in 2015, we wouldn’t be here today sands of dollars were spent in that fight. Gee also has the options of selling the “This ruling will help restore the faith because they would have taken care of That’s hundreds of thousands of dollars of our neighbors in their ability to de- course or filing for bankruptcy and possithe problem.” that could have gone to the operation of fend their homes,” their statement said, bly seeing it put up for auction. “I do find ALCR has the economic abil- the golf course.” He testified he has had two offers of $4.5 praising Barnes for his “magisterial ity to comply with the order, at least to million that involve building some kind of Swain and Breslin issued a statement preparation.” some extent. ALCR, True Life, all chose hailing the judge’s decision, stating Cam“His work, and our community com- course but include unspecified developto fight this order rather than to comply pagnolo “outlined a litany of reasons that mitment, demonstrate that with patience ment to pay for the golf component. He said he also has been offered $1 miland unity, neighbors can stop developers lion by Ahwatukee resident Brad Butler who try to undercut and a mere $10 by someone who wants to our neighborhood,” build senior housing on the site. Butler, an avid golfer who helped found the two homeowners said. “Anyone who Mountain Park Church more than 30 years doubts our resolve to ago, told AFN, “Recently, God has put on my get the golf course re- heart to restore an ugly patch of dirt that stored should follow was once a nice little golf course called Ahthe sanctions process watukee Lakes. I have secured some investors who like my idea and have given me yet to unfold.” Although Gee has the okay to attempt the purchase.” Gee said that he cannot consider any of an option to appeal the sanctions, such those offers until the contempt proceedappeals generally are ings are resolved and that all four suitors quickly handled, court know what Hannah ordered insofar as restoring a golf course of some kind. experts said. “I am considering every option possible The judge previously said he would not and I know that it’s predicated on this stay the contempt pro- court case and also on what the commuceedings while attor- nity would agree to,” Gee said. Gee detailed his corporate ownership of ney Daniel Maynard tries to get the U.S. all four golf courses in Ahwatukee as well Supreme Court to con- as The Duke in Maricopa. He said he had worked in engineering sider an appeal based There was a time when the Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course offered a pleasant site for both golfers and residents before it was shut down in on an assertion that 2013. Local Photographer Richard Strange’s images preserve that long-gone era. (Richard Strange) see LAKES page 15 Hannah’s directives

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

NEWS

mated would cost $5 million to LAKES from page 14 $10 million. for a while after college and then went into On top of that, his company real estate investment in 1979, adding golf owes Maricopa County $2.7 course management to his business activimillion in tax penalties asties in 1991. sessed when the site was no He eventually began buying golf courses longer open for golf. That tax in the Phoenix area. liability would be his responGee has a separate company that owns sibility, he said, even if he acAhwatukee Country Club and the Footcepted either of the $4.5 milhills Golf Course, both of which are still lion offers. operating. Golf course properties are He said he holds a $750,000 note signed taxed at a lower rate but that by The Edge, which has closed escrow to lower rate goes away as soon buy the Club West Golf Course and partialas they are no longer open for ly develop it for single-family homes. golf. Gee also testified that he closed Ah“Bankruptcy is our only alwatukee Lakes after struggling for several ternative, especially now that years in the wake of the 2008 Great Recesthe homeowners did not try to sion’s adverse impact on the golf industry. compromise or work with us,” When he closed the Lakes in 2013, he Gee testified. said, “there were over 300 golf courses Barnes asked Gee if he would Superior Court Judge Theodore Campagnolo was sworn in in 2015. He took over the Lakes case from Judge John Hannah Attorney Tim Barnes has pressed the case against Lakes course closing that year in the country and we owner Wilson Gee for six years. (AFN file photo) simply walk away from the through a routine rotation of judges. (Special to AFN) were not immune to that.” property in a bankruptcy proceeding, but Gee said he could He explained how the Lakes could not for the site to resolve the litigation and and found no evidence that he could not compete with Scottsdale courses and that he has suggested the recently signed not answer the question because it would afford to restore it. how he tried cutting his rates “just to re- federal Great American Outdoors Act depend on the type of filing his company In his closing argument, Barnes told posed an opportunity for the City of Phoe- ultimately would decide to pursue. tain clients.” Campagnolo, “It is frustrating to hear tesHe said he and his staff have made nu- nix to buy the site and turn it into a park. “Bankruptcy is an option because of the timony that there really isn’t the ability Asked what the business goal of filing for liability we face in building a golf course, to operate a golf course when in fact the merous efforts to determine how the bankruptcy, Gee said that before he could running it, the additional tax liability and findings of fact plainly said there was no Lakes could be restored. He also said he had tried to work with operate a golf course at Ahwatukee Lakes, penalty of $2.7 million, which we do not evidence that you couldn’t operate a golf Swain and Breslin on different concepts he would have to build one – which he esti- have – and because of the golf industry, course profitably. there’s no conven“What Mr. Gee is saying today is what Mr. tional lender that will Gee said in 2014 when he sold the propereven lend us the mon- ties to Pulte. …He’s looking for something ey to build it,” he tes- more comfortable.” tified, referring to the He also said Gee would not sell the proplagging interest in the erty for $1 million, noting in his testimony game. that it would not get a sufficient return on He also said Barnes’ his investors’ investment. clients had a low esti“We’re in this mess for one reason and mate – around $5 mil- one reason only and that’s Wilson Gee,” lion to $6 million – for Barnes said. “That’s the only reason we’re the cost of restoring in this. He’s made the business call to close the course. He said it is down the golf course. He made the busicloser to $10 million to ness call to thumb his nose at the commu$14 million. nity. He never asked for the community to Barnes cited Han- change the CC&Rs. He allowed True Life nah’s rulings that to try to do it and they were thumped…. the Lakes course has We’re seeing in 2020 what we heard in steadily deteriorated 2013 – ‘that it’s just not possible.’” since Gee closed it, making restoration even more expensive than it might have Contact Paul Maryniak been six years ago. at 480-898-5647 Barnes also said or pmaryniak@ The lakes at Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course helped catch run-off from South Mountain to prevent flooding of neighborhoods during heavy Hannah had examined timespublications.com rains. They also added to the scenic beauty of the site for homeowners, especially those whose homes abutted the course. (Richard Strange) all of Gee’s financials

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

EVIT students happily return to classrooms BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

o one could argue that the first day of school at Mesa’s East Valley Institute of Technology was normal – that is not possible during a pandemic. Precautions, such as wearing masks and social distancing, are the bedrock of EVIT’s plan to strike a delicate balance between a student’s right to learn and protecting staff and students from COVID-19. But, if nothing else, a return to auto shop, welding and culinary classes last week marked a return to a normal routine for students – including many from Ahwatukee – while helping them prepare for the workplace with marketable skills. “It will get easy to get lulled into this idea that things are back to normal, but it’s not,’’ EVIT Superintendent Chad Wilson said. “Every day has to be like first day,’’ with strict adherence to the safety protocols. He said it was essential that the technical school return to “hands-on learning,’’ noting the difficulty of teaching someone how to weld or rebuild an engine online. EVIT, with 4,465 high school students enrolled for the 2020-21 school year, reopened for in-person learning on Aug. 17, becoming an East Valley trailblazer along with the Queen Creek schools. “We have some built-in advantages. One of our disadvantages is the hands-on learning,’’ Wilson said, with an instructor potentially working under the hood of a car or truck with a student, dental

students sticking their fingers into other students’ mouths or a budding hair stylist within inches of another person. Nevertheless, 3,988 enrolled students – 89.3 percent –showed up for classroom learning. That included 365 of the 4423 Tempe Union High School juniors and seniors who attend EVIT with counterparts from the 11 other districts that feed into EVIT. In addition, 443 of 616 charter, private and home-schooled students attended as well. “I think our students are ecstatic to come back,’’ Wilson said. “We have had quite a bit of support from parents and students.’’ EVIT students attend one 2 ½ hour class a day. They get off a bus, operated by the feeder districts and walk directly to class following a route identified by signs. The idea is to limit COVID’s spread by eliminating congestion and enforce the six-foot distance between students. After class, the students jump back on the bus to go home. An exposure is defined by the Centers for Disease Control as 15 minutes or more within six feet of person positive for COVID-19, he said. So, no milling about in hallway or hanging out in a school cafeteria is allowed. Students walk corridors in an orderly single line with space between them, wearing masks. To compensate for the risks of working in close quarters during some classes, instructors are required to spend no more than 15 minutes in close proximity with students – or to add extra layers of protection when that is unavoidable, Wilson said.

Dental students follow the same procedures used in dental offices, wearing masks and gloves. Desks and chairs also are spaced sixfeet apart, with classes extending into a second room when necessary to meet the social distancing requirements. Classrooms and equipment are sanitized between the morning and afternoon classes, and after classes wrap up for the day, to protect against the possibility of spreading COVID-19. Although the protocols represent a change from the usual, everyone seems to be embracing them so far, Wilson said. A call to EVIT from a parent about a sick student now prompts a round of contacttracing to ensure other students have not been exposed. EVIT experienced no signs of COVID-19 initially, but as Wilson said, it’s unrealistic to think an entire school year will pass without someone contracting the virus. “Our goal is to have a system in place to mitigate the spread,’’ Wilson said. Wilson detects a combination of excitement and apprehension when he speaks to students about their return to classes. A majority of speakers at the EVIT Governing Board’s Aug. 10 meeting supported reopening the campus, with only one staffer against it. Parents also spoke in favor of reopening, saying their children were looking forward to attending classes after the long COVID-19 break, which started in March. “They feel lost. I have talked to many young people who are desperate to get back to the classroom. They feel this is lost time,’’ said Steve Trussell, executive direc-

tor of the Arizona Rock Products Association and a former Mesa teacher. Dr. Jarilynne Merrill, who has three children enrolled in Mesa Public Schools, said authorities need to look at the big picture when deciding whether to reopen schools, weighing the risks of COVID-19 against the anxiety of staying home in an age bracket prone to suicide. Merrill, who works in a detox center and whose husband is a psychiatrist, said she is not downplaying the dangers posed by COVID-19. “The danger to the community at large is largely behind us,’’ Merrill told the board, citing county Department of Public Health data. “We are going to see a wave of suicides that will make COVID look like nothing.’’ “I’m not advocating that we throw all the kids back in school. I think the decision should be left to individual families,’’ Merrill said. “I think the benefits we offer our students are far more attainable at school, not at home on a computer.’’ Vanessa Lewis, a parent, said her daughter is looking forward to attending cosmetology school. She said teachers who are uncomfortable returning to the classroom should teach online, but that students need to return to school. “What kind of example are we setting if we don’t have the courage to teach them in a classroom,’’ Lewis said. “Every single mom I have spoken with has said the children are suffering, the entire family unit is suffering.’’ Jim McNamara, a retired firefighter and

see EVIT page 19

The new normal at the East Valley Institute of Technology has cosmetology students, left, sitting 6 feet away from instructor Janice Kongas while students in more conventional classrooms sit at desks that are spaced that same distance. At right, first-year EVIT student Nicolas Arias takes apart a computer in the school's digital device and diagnostic repair program. (Patrick Jervis Jr./Courtesy of EVIT)

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

Water, water everywhere – at least in the EV BY GARY NELSON AFN Contributor

he water system that has quenched the East Valley’s thirst through more than a century of droughts and floods is well positioned to deal with the coming effects of climate change, according to a new federal study. The study by the Bureau of Reclamation found that the Salt River Project watershed is far more resilient than the much larger Colorado River system that also supplies some of the East Valley’s water. In fact, according to SRP water managers, the system appears to be better situated now than it was 40 years ago – despite explosive growth and development that changes the face of the region almost daily. The data offer assurance that despite a “mega-drought” that has afflicted the Southwest for the past quarter-century, homes and businesses within the SRP service area won’t go dry anytime soon. That service area is huge.

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It covers 387 square miles stretching from the northwest Valley through Phoenix and into the Southeast Valley. SRP is a major supplier for Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Scottsdale, although those cities draw from other sources as well. SRP water comes our way from northern and eastern Arizona via the Salt and Verde rivers. Four dams on the Salt – including the granddaddy, Roosevelt Dam – and two on the Verde create reservoirs that can be tapped any time you need to make an ice cube. The dams also serve as a flood-protection system. The rivers drain a watershed of some 12,500 square miles stretching from northwest of Flagstaff to near Springerville, then southward almost to Mesa. By comparison, the Colorado River watershed is huge – some 246,000 square miles. And while it might seem the bigger watershed would be more robust, the Bureau of Reclamation study found the opposite is true.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU

That bureau, by the way, oversees water-conservation projects in the American West and actually owns the dams that SRP operates. “The big takeaway from that long report … is that the Salt and Verde river stream flow is less sensitive to warmer temperatures than the Upper Colorado River stream flow,” said Bo Svoma, an SRP meteorologist. “On the Colorado, stream flow reductions due to warming are commonly cited to be about 6.5 percent per degree Celsius, and on the Salt and Verde rivers that number is between 1 and 2 percent per degree Celsius,” he said. The reason, he said, is that much of the runoff in the SRP system occurs between December and April, when days are cool and the sun is low on the horizon. That results in less evaporation than in the Colorado system, where the runoff occurs between April and June. Charlie Ester, SRP’s manager of watershed management, said it’s true that a smaller watershed is not immune from

see WATERpage 19

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the effects of drought and is, in fact, “much more volatile” than the vaster Colorado system. “When a drought hits, we get slammed hard,” he said. “Look at 1996-2002. Those were the driest years we’ve ever seen. But then, 2005. It was a dramatically wetter year and in one wet season it filled up our entire system. “So, where a small watershed is more profoundly affected on the dry side, it’s also more profoundly affected on the wet side. We can fill our system in one season. You can’t do that on the Colorado.” As of last month, water levels in the SRP reservoir system stood at 94 percent of capacity. The nearly 1.9 million acre-feet of water in storage could supply SRP’s service area for more than two years even without another drop of rain. And that is not to mention a wealth of groundwater that lies below our feet. If you drive Loop 202 westbound across north Mesa, you may notice riparian areas

from Page 43

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

WATER from page 17

in the Salt River bed that weren’t there as recently as 25 years ago. SRP and other agencies have aggressively recharged aquifers to the point that the water table in some places has bubbled to the surface. SRP relies on that groundwater for emergency deliveries in case its surface supplies do run low. This, Ester said, has occurred even amid what climatologists believe is Arizona’s worst “mega-drought” in some 600 years. “We’ve recharged, I believe, close to three million acre-feet of water,” Ester said. One reason SRP can do that is that despite the East Valley’s booming population, water use has declined dramatically over the past four decades. “When I first started at SRP in the mid-80s, (annual water demand) was well over a million acre-feet,” Ester said. “Some years we would deliver 1.2 million

to 1.3 million acre-feet. We struggle now to deliver 800,000 acre-feet of water.” Deliberate conservation by water users, as well as more efficient appliances, accounts for a lot of that, he said. Plus, an acre of homes uses less water than an acre of irrigated farmland. The effect is so dramatic that whereas an acre-foot used to be defined as serving a family of four for a year, now it’s defined as what two such families require. Despite the new research showing the resiliency of the SRP water-delivery system, both Svoma and Ester have concerns about the effect of climate change on Arizona. “When the Southwestern U.S. transitions out of its drought and Arizona starts getting more frequent wet winters, that will be happening in a warmer world,” Svoma said, adding: “And if you have a warmer world there’s more water vapor in the air because the oceans are warmer and they’re evaporat-

EVIT from page 16

ing more. … More water vapor in the air with storms means heavier precipitation.” Thus, he said, the Valley could be at a greater risk of flooding on the order of the 1993 gusher that washed away a bridge under construction on Mill Avenue in Tempe. Ester has his own worry – namely, the health of the forests that make up much of the SRP watershed. Poor forest management has fed several massive fires over the past 20 years, creating sediment that runs into the reservoirs and limits their capacity. Arizona needs better forest management, he said, to eliminate catastrophic fires and “get it back to the point where fire can achieve a more natural role that it played over eons of time.” The federal study of the Salt River Project is available at: usbr.gov/watersmart/pilots/docs/reports/Final_Reservoir_Operations_Pilot_Report-Salt_and_ Verde_Az.pdf

fire sciences teacher, said he has confidence in the safety protocols working if they are followed properly. “We are very dependent on being on campus, teaching the kids the skills they need,’’ McNamara said. “I feel we will lose a lot of students if we don’t return to school.’’ Julie Bird, a registered occupational therapist and an anatomy teacher, warned against the infection rate in Maricopa County and said some staff members were “not on the same page’’ as the administration, with one man not wearing a mask on campus. She said all staff members need to wear masks and send a consistent message to students, or the protocols will be ineffective. “Keep the politics and personal beliefs out of the equation,” Bird said. “This is solely a medical situation.”

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

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Community

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Tell us your story about you and Ahwatukee

hat made you choose Ahwatukee as your home? What were the challenges when you arrived? What is the most interesting thing

you have discovered in Ahwatukee? Who is a person you met in Ahwatukee you won’t ever forget? What act of kindness by an Ahwatukee resident or busi-

ness touched you? Today, AFN begins an occasional series called “Their Stories.” We want to hear your first-person account. Stories

Moving to Ahwatukee in the pandemic was a trip BY ALEX GEBHART AFN Guest Writer

hen you leave the military as an officer, you have to put in paperwork a year from the date you want to separate. For me, that date was April 15, 2020. Of course, on April 15, 2019 no one had a clue what was going to be happening in the world a year later. In February, one of the majors in my battalion asked me to go find out if anyone in the batteries had been to Asia in the past

six months. That was the first time I learned about the pandemic, but then it was not even a real blip on the worlds radar. As mid-March rolled around, I began to be concerned. I had saved up leave days so my final official day could be March 25. But, just like everyone else back then, I did not know what was going to happen. For a little while, I thought I might have to stay in the Army longer to finish the clearing process. After some sleepless nights I was able to leave the Army on

should be about 500-600 words and a picture of yourself or you and your family would be welcome. Send your stories to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.

time. They got our household items, and my wife Sasha and I began preparing for the drive. We were not sure we could get a hotel or cross the borders between states. It was an unnerving feeling, but our rental agreement was running out, my wife had put in her two weeks and we honestly did not have a choice, we

�� GEBHART �� 24

Alex and Sasha Gebhart are fairly new arrivals in Ahwatukee. They met while serving in the Army. (Alex Gebhart/Special

to AFN)

How golf gave birth to Mtn. Park Church BY BRAD BUTLER AFN Guest Writer

Mountain Park Church’s stunning campus on 48th Street near Pecos Park was designed by architect and congregation member Steve Bardusan of Ahwatukee. (Special to AFN)

enjoy giving golf lessons because cool things usually happen. First, I make money; nothing wrong with that. Second, it’s fun to see the look on people’s face when they hit a nice shot – possibly for the first time ever. And third, sometimes these people end up being your friends. That’s what happened when a guy named Robin came to me for lessons way

back in the early 80’s. We both lived in Casper, Wyoming, at the time and he was the new associate pastor at the church I was attending. I gave Robin a couple golf lessons and we soon discovered we had more in common than just golf. After that we spent countless hours trying to beat each other in racquetball, basketball and Ping-Pong. Unfortunately, he usually won. Plus we both loved God and challenged each other

�� BUTLER �� 24

COMMUNITY

AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Local woman raising awareness of rare kidney ailment BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

hen Sharon Lagas’ younger brother, Paul Silver, died of Alport syndrome in 2004 at age 38, his family was devastated. But there was even more bad news to hit the grieving family. Lagas and her two sons, her mother, her brother and his two daughters were all diagnosed with the same rare kidney disease that her brother had passed away from. There was little known about the disease, which affects 30,000 to 60,000 people in the United States, though it is now estimated once genetic testing is widened, that figure may be far higher. Alport syndrome is a kidney disease and may include hearing loss and eye abnormalities. “We had seven family members across three generations diagnosed pretty much at the same time,” Lagas recalled. “That’s why it was so devastating, and there was so little information on Alport. I wanted to change that, I wanted to have a way to connect families when they’re diagnosed.” And she did just that. Along with her father, Stan Silver; her good friends Margaret Blue and Vint DeGraw, the Alport Syndrome Foundation was launched in 2007. Last week, Lagas received the TORCH award for her work advocating for Alport syndrome patients. The award – an acronym for “Transforming Outreach in Rare disease and Creating Hope” – is given by the Sanofi Genzyme. The global biotech company focuses on rare diseases and created the award to recognize inspiring advocacy efforts in the rare-disease community. “The awards were to have been presented in Boston, but of course, COVID had different plans for us,” said Lagas, who will receive her award virtually, and a donation from Sanofi Genzyme of $5,000 made in her name to the Alport Syndrome Foundation. Lagas said the award and the 13 years of continued growth of Alport Syndrome Foundation, the leading independent non-

Ahwatukee resident Sharon Lagas, flanked by sons and Desert Vista High alumni Max, left, and Joe, all have Alport syndrome. (Special to AFN)

profit in the nation educating and giving voice to the Alport syndrome community, is due to the grassroots support that Ahwatukee provided from the beginning. “I remember sitting with Margaret Blue watching our boys play soccer and saying I wanted to do something for other families with Alport. She encouraged me to move ahead,” recalled Lagas. It was a leap of faith. “We are very thankful for our Ahwatukee community, friends and family because they supported us from the first. It was definitely grassroots.” Lagas recalled how many years of fundraising through 5K runs in Kiwanis Park provided “seed funding” to the ASF which otherwise had little income. “Through the efforts of our community, we were able to provide resources and support for Alport families and $100,000 seed grants to researchers around the world,” said Lagas. Now, Lagas is hopeful there may be a new treatment to prolong kidney function as there are two clinical trials being conducted for Alport syndrome, and perhaps more in the future. She said she’s most proud of the community that has been created by ASF for patients and families, empowering all with

the resources and connections to overcome the challenges of living with the disease. Sharon and Philip Lagas are empty nesters now. Their three children – Michele, Joe and Max, all Desert Vista High School alumni – on their own paths. Joe, 25, is a third-year PhD candidate in molecular and cellular biology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Max is a second-year medical student at Trinity School of Medicine, working toward becoming a pediatric doctor specializing in kidney disease. Michelle Lagas is a vice principal at a Phoenix area charter school. “Michelle didn’t have Alport but she was the older sister who always worried about having only one kidney to give but two brothers who may need one,” said Lagas, who earned a B.S. in geological sciences at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and completed graduate studies at the University of California, Long Beach, before working in environmental consulting. Philip Lagas works in environmental consulting with Haley & Aldrich, ASF supporters. “The disease obviously affected the whole family, and now you can see the

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boys took that and let it lead their career choices.” Lagas said current research will hopefully help identify more treatment options to slow the disease’s progression so patients can keep their kidneys longer. And there’s research into finding a cure for Alport syndrome. After 13 years on this journey, Lagas said she’s delighted to see such research advance. “Reata Pharmaceuticals is finishing its Phase 3 Cardinal Trial to test bardoxolone methyl – an anti-inflammatory drug to stop or slow down kidney fibrosis and prolong kidney function,” she said. “Sanofi/Genzyme has started their Phase 2 HERA trial on an anti-microRNA therapy. It also targets fibrosis/kidney scarring so that function can be maintained longer.” She said she’s optimistic as she sees more response from researchers worldwide. “ASF also has had inquiries from other biotech/pharma and there are more trials in the rare kidney disease area than there has been at any time since we began the foundation,” said Lagas. “This makes me very hopeful that we may soon have a therapy to prolong kidney function while we work on a cure.” The co-founder and former ASF president is now actively serving in an advisory position and helping to raise awareness of Alport syndrome. “Continuing to raise awareness is really my strongest point,” said Lagas. She recently appeared at ASF’s Alport Connect Together, that was to have been held Aug. 1 and 2 at the Cleveland Clinic. Again, COVID necessitated the event be held virtually, but even so, more than 350 participants logged on to learn more about Alport. The Alport Syndrome Foundation website provides answers to many questions about the disease targeted to teens, young adults, and adults and caregivers. It also offers information on free membership, donation opportunities and a sponsored, no-charge genetic testing and counseling for chronic kidney disease. Information: Alportsyndrome.org.

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

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

Corpus Christi Knights slate tournament AFN NEWS REPORT

orpus Christi Church’s Knights of Columbus Council 10062 will hold its 29th annual Joe Hasulak Memorial Golf Tournament Sept. 26 at the Foothills Golf Club. The Knights are seeking sponsorship at various levels and players of all levels. Registration and tournament play is open to all. Registration deadline is Sept. 20.

GEBHART �� 22

had to go. On April 10 we decided to pack our remaining things and leave early. At the time we thought it could get worse and we would be stuck in Georgia. The stay-at-home order was in effect, but there was talk of upping the protocol and restricting movement. Driving was strange. There were almost no cars on the highway. I rarely had to take off the cruise control, it was basically us and the truck drivers. Stopping at hotels was even more strange. In most of the hotels we stopped it was us, maybe two other guests and the concierge. Despite all of the hype online, the drive truthfully was not bad. We kept hand sanitizer in the vehicles and were careful about what we touched inside of the hotels.

BUTLER �� 22

in our spiritual lives. About that time, I moved to Phoenix to be able to golf year-round and try out for the PGA Tour. A few years later Robin called me and said, “Hey, I’m moving to Phoenix to start a new church. Wanna help?” “Sure,” I said, “Where?” “I guess there’s this place called Ahwatukee that has been really growing and could use another church.” “Sounds good. How do we do it?” “I found this telemarketing approach that supposedly works really well. We just call up people and ask them if they are active in a church. If they say ‘yes’ we

The player registration fee of $85 includes greens fees, two beverage tickets, cart, goodie bag and lunch. Raffle prizes, contests and even the chance to win a new car from San Tan Ford are all part of the tournament. The nonprofit Knights of Columbus Council 10062 golf tournaments and other events benefit many local charitable organizations and programs aiding youth, the less fortunate and law enforcement among other beneficiaries. One of its annual charitable events

Even doing those things, you had this feeling of the unknown and danger everywhere we went. Strangely, we also had a feeling of freedom – like we could go anywhere and do anything because of the obvious lack of other people. When we got to Arizona, we self-quarantined in my brother’s Scottsdale home. I remember telling my mom we could not hug her for a few days before we made sure we were not sick. That is just how bizarre the whole thing was then. No one was wearing masks yet; we did not know much about COVID-19 and we were all just waiting and hoping for good news. When we began looking for homes, we realized just how competitive the Phoenix market is. I lived in Ahwatukee with my mom before in 2012 and loved it. I knew I wanted to be close to the mountains but homes

say ‘Good job, keep it up’ and if they say ‘no,’ we ask them if they would like a brochure on a new church we are starting. “Supposedly, 10 percent of the people we call will ask for a brochure and 10 percent of those people will actually show up at the first service.” “So how many phone calls do you want to make?” I asked. “I’m thinking 20,000,” Robin said. “Dude, that could cut into our golfing time!” I said jokingly. So, Robin recruited about a dozen other people to help and we started making phone calls. After 23,000 conversations we had 2,300 people wanting a brochure. And, believe it or not, just about 230 of

involves the Knights Kids Program, in which underprivileged children selected by a principal of a school in a needy neighborhood are treated to a trip to JC Penney on Ray Road in Ahwatukee, where they have a chance to select a complete wardrobe, from socks to coats. When the shopping trip is finished, JC Penney employees hand out stockings filled with goodies and toys. Some Knights have said these kids would have no holiday celebration at all

were under contract in the first 24 hours and as the saying goes, beggars cannot be choosers. Other offers we made just did not get accepted, and at the time it was very discouraging. Since we were trying to use our VA loan, we could not offer some of the more aggressive terms. Once we found out our offer was accepted on our home in Ahwatukee, we were ecstatic. This home had everything we both wanted and in such an amazing area. It was difficult to move across the country, in the middle of a pandemic, then find a job and house in a new city. Thankfully, Sasha found work as a senior human resource clerk with the City of Phoenix Water Department and I started at Royal Commercial Real Estate LLC in Tempe. We both work less than 20 minutes from the house, and all of the shopping we

those people showed up at the first service. How cool is that! The date was Oct. 18, 1987. We started out in Pueblo Middle School’s cafeteria, then moved to Mountain Pointe High School’s auditorium and finally into a building on 24th and Pecos. It cracks me up now to walk into the Sunday service and have an energetic greeter hand me a bulletin and say, “Welcome to Mountain Park Church. Is this your first time?” “No,” I say, “I’ve been coming here for awhile.” I look forward to the next new person I give a golf lesson to. I just hope it’s not a pastor saying, “Can you help me make a few phone calls?”

if it wasn’t for this outing. The concept sprang from a Christmas program sponsored by a national veteran’s organization and George Notarpole, an In-Country Vietnam Veteran and a Knight of Columbus, suggested his fellow Knights in Ahwatukee do the same here. For further information on how you can be a sponsor of this event, participate as a golfer or both, call the Tournament Chairman Mike Moore at 480-360-5956 or e-mail moore4mike@msn.com.

could ever want to do is within two miles of our home. There have certainly been times that I questioned if leaving the military was the right choice, especially at the time I did. We just picked up our life and moved it, no guarantees for work or a place to live. We have family in Phoenix but there was just so much that could have gone wrong. Finding and moving into this home in Ahwatukee has been our foundation. Once we moved in, we could finally relax again, like we had made it. There is still lots of work we have to do, but we are so thrilled to be in Ahwatukee and plan on making it our home for many, many years.

Alex Gebhart is an associate advisor for Royal Commercial Real Estate LLC. Reach him at 480-306–4399 or agebhart@royalcre.com.

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

Your Local Guide to Better Living

HEALTH

WELLNESS Special Supplement to The Glendale Star and Peoria Times

Summer 2020

Ahwatukee doctor revives old-fashioned house visits BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

n the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new area medical practice has been born that couldn’t be timelier. Dr. Norbert Adame, a 20-year Ahwatukee resident, launched HouseCallsMD that does just what its name says. He makes house calls in Chandler and Ahwatukee. Adame, who graduated from Boston University School of Medicine after serving in the U.S. Army in the latter years of the Vietnam War, completed his residency in emergency medicine at Maricopa Medical Center. For the past six years, he has taught anatomy and physiology at Gateway Community College, then decided to start HouseCallsMD after determining the pandemic could have an debilitating effect on his community. “I decided to start my business after realizing that there was going to be a healthcare crisis as more people were losing their jobs and medical insurance coverage,” he explained. There is a need within our community to provide another venue to receive medical attention because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty that lies ahead,” Adame added. He said he was also concerned about the many seniors in Ahwatukee and Chandler and determined he could be of help to them. “As a result of the pandemic, more peo-

Dr. Norbert Adame is reviving the once-commonplace home visits in Chandler and Ahwatukee. (Pablo Robles/ Staff Photographer)

ple, especially the elderly, are confining themselves to their homes because they cannot take the risk of getting infected – whether visiting their primary physician, clinic or emergency room,” he said. “While telemedicine and telephone calls have been a viable alternative to face-toface time in an office, I feel that there is still a need to assess a person’s concern in person, and help them decide whether they need to seek further care before

ARE YOU TURNING 65 OR NEW TO MEDICARE?

their condition worsens.” Adame also said some health issues that might not require office visits can be addressed by utilizing HouseCallsMD, an independently-owned business not affiliated with national companies with similar names. “There are those simple ailments that can be managed at home with the proper guidance,” he said. “Furthermore, I’ve always believed that being a member of the community means contributing in some small way that enhances the well-being of everyone.” Targeting Ahwatukee and Chandler, he said, “I’m not a company where profit drives the motivation” but rather one individual “taking small steps to hopefully make a large impact in a void created by the pandemic.” Becoming a medical doctor involved determination, years of intense study and hard work and, for Adame, a bit of serendipity as he’d entered college planning to become a teacher. He was born Norberto Adame, Jr. in Kingsville, Texas, a city located in the historic Wild Horse Desert and named for Richard King, founder of the largest ranch in the country. “My family came from humble beginnings,” Adame recalled, noting that his maternal grandfather and great uncle lived and worked on the King Ranch. “My mother’s family were migrant workers who would pack the family in the car and drive to California to pick fruits and vegetables,” he said. “My father came

from a farming family in northern Texas, and when he got out of the Army, he became a carpenter and house builder.” Adame spent many summers as a youth in Kingsville with his grandparents. “They instilled in me the work ethic and compassion that quilted the fabric for who I am,” he said. While enrolling at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, then known as Texas A&I University, his plans for his future took a turn because education classes he sought were unavailable. “I went in to register and the teaching classes were full, so they steered me toward science and biology, and I said, ‘okay, I’ll do that,” he remembered. “As I started down that route, I began hanging out with the wrong crowd – people in pre-med, dentistry and such – and found myself leaning toward science and medicine.” He was one of four from his college graduating class accepted by medical schools. Having served with the U.S. Army from 1973-1976, Adame was a bit older than others enrolled in his medical school class. “I was probably a little more mature than my fellow classmates, but I think it was more difficult for me having to compete with students from the Northeast who’d gone to Ivy League schools,” said Adame, who graduated in 1989. “It was a challenge, but I did great. I was in the top quarter of my class.”

see HOUSE CALLS page 26

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

HOUSE CALLS from page 25

After completing his residency in Boston, Adame joined the faculty at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston, serving as medical director and division chief for its emergency department. He and his wife moved back to Arizona, where he served as a University of Arizona School of Medicine clinical faculty member while working and teaching at Maricopa Medical Center and in the private sector. His students’ reviews at Gateway Community College repeatedly refer to him as “passionate” – which he calls an apt description. “The accolades I’ve received for my clinical teaching are reflective of my desire to educate and help produce quality physicians. I believe teaching at any level helps a physician foster better relationships with his or her patients,” he said. Adame hopes to continue in the classroom “because students find that a clinical correlation to the material they are learning gives it more meaning and it’s not just the routine of memorizing ‘stuff’ to pass an exam.”

And he sees himself as part of “a continuum from learning medicine to practicing medicine to teaching and now returning to the practice of medicine.” As he launches his new business, he was asked to describe his bedside manner. “In two words – compassion and empathy,” he said. “Without going into details, I’ve had first-hand experience in being a patient so I know how an apathetic expression can cause distress, and how a compassionate touch of the shoulder can provide comfort to the pain and fear.” At 65, Adame is a big believer in remaining physically active. “I started running 5Ks and half marathons at the age of 50 because I wanted to follow the same advice I was giving my patients,” he said. “And I ran my first marathon at the age of 60.” He’s also written a fiction eBook, “The Exit From My Dreams,” available on Amazon. Information: housecallsmd-ahwatukee.com, Doctor visits are $135, and payable in cash, by credit card or PayPal. Dr. Adame said he doesn’t accept Medicare or insurance plans at this time.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

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Hawthorn Court at Ahwatukee, a memory care residence, has been carefully designed and crafted as a neighborhood to serve the special needs of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other forms of memory loss. The staff works hard to enrich the lives of its residents. A Montessori-inspired philosophy for care, Hawthorn Court’s Life Enrichment program affords individuals maximum self-expression. The staff is committed to delivering a quality of care that meets the resident’s physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs. As for the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawthorn Court at Ahwatukee is weathering the storm. The staff works hard to keep themselves and residents safe and healthy. For more information, call 480-5981224.

AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

OPINION

Opinion AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Share Your Thoughts:

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

www.ahwatukee.com

DiCiccio: Fixing Club West course is my priority BY COUNCILMAN SAL DICICCIO AFN Guest Writer

am proud to have represented the Club West community in Ahwatukee for many years. Now, it is a community at a crossroads. The golf course at Club West has been closed – barring one unfortunately aborted attempt at reopening - since 2016. Above ground it is in poor condition, with weeds, dead grass, and bushes; below ground much of the course infrastructure has crumbled away. The clubhouse for the course is also shuttered and has been repeatedly broken into and vandalized. While the new owners are in the pro-

Positive approach needed on Club West course

Matt Tyler certainly put a lot of numbers out there for cost of land, which unless he was directly involved, are nothing more than speculation. What is most bothersome to me is he never actually talked about the elephant in the room regarding a golf course for Club West – water. My suggestion is that he read the column right over his by Andy Lenartz, talking about a possible “fix” to the two golf course problems. Taking all the parties to task for what is nothing less than a dreadful result of a poor economy, fewer golfers and yes, bad judgement does nothing to resolve these two issues. I am personally sick and tired of all the backbiting that continues to plague these two golf courses. Why not join together and make these wonderful pieces of ground work for all, not just golfers, but the community as a whole? Dead grass, trees, shrubs and a general blight of the land could become so much

cess of cleaning it up, this is not what a great Phoenix community such as Club West deserves. The situation negatively impacts quality of life and property values for homeowners. We need solutions, not more acrimony and litigation. I am ready to work side by side with homeowners, the Club West HOA the Club West Conservancy and the new owners on the Club West course on solving this community problem. We need a solution that maximizes and preserves open space at the Club West course. This is my priority. There appears to be an ongoing process with the new owners of the course working with an advisory group of Club West neighbors on plans to bring new life to the dead golf course. The process and plans for the future

of the course will eventually lead to the Club West HOA and a vote by homeowners. This is a good thing and democracy at its best. The community needs to move toward a vote on a proposal for the course. The status quo is not an option for improving property values and the quality of the Club West neighborhood. We need a thoughtful plan scrutinized and vetted through a transparent process. The new owners need to answer residents’ questions and address their concerns. Debate should be fierce but also show our commitment to bringing this issue to residents for a vote in the next few months. A vote among homeowners will make sure all residents and neighbors’ voices are heard on the future of the Club West

community – their community. Club West has about 2,600 homeowners. I want everyone at the table. This is my focus. I want to see neighbors working together with the HOA and the new owners to do what is best for Club West, and their community. Golf courses are closing across the country. These are not easy endeavors. But I am confident the Club West community can come together, lift the discourse, and find a positive path to bring new life to the dead course. Other parts of the Valley have done it. This could make Club West a model for other communities wrestling with closed golf courses. Bringing new and revamped open space will lift property values. Ultimately, it is what my constituents and our neighbors deserve.

more. What has been happening is doing nothing to solve the problem, so what is there to lose by taking a different “positive” approach? -Craig Annis

We live in the city of Phoenix, not Ahwatukee. Ahwatukee is merely a part of Phoenix. You are not above (better than) other Valley residents. How many of you opponents now use the freeway? You did not want it but you will use it? You screamed blue murder when the 101 was built to replace Pima Road years ago. I recall being denied access at gunpoint – yes, gunpoint – to get onto Pima Road at the time but now you reap the rewards (as you should) with easier access for patrons of casinos, shopping, etc. There are lots of other projects on the drawing board for ADOT statewide since the need is there with steady population growth here in Arizona. Will ADOT be hearing from you and your members in other areas of the state when projects start? Probably not. Yes, homes were removed as part of the 202 plan. But these homeowners were well aware of what was coming and almost all of them bowed out gracefully, including a church.

Freeways will continue to be built/improved/widened throughout the state to accommodate all of us. Are there options on the table? Yes, there are. Live with the fact that Arizona (along with Nevada) will continue to grow by leaps and bounds. A second option is to do your homework before you move to one of the fastest growing parts of the nation and relocate where you will not be inconvenienced by the necessary state projects. -Rob Byrnes

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Freeway opponents should expect highways

I have a question or two for the antifreeway extension people out there: Where were you 30 years ago when it was proposed, voted on and approved 20 years ago? Pollution causing health issues to children at nearby schools because of passing trucks? Have you ever seen all of the schools twice a day with idling school buses as far as the eye can see? What about all the major intersections in the Valley with schools on the corner and idling cars and trucks, buses at lights? You chose to move to one of the fastest growing parts of the nation. What were you thinking – that all is well now that you arrived and nothing can be altered, improved upon or built to accommodate the thousands that relocated after you?

Belief in government a must for people we elect

We will never have good governance if we continue to elect people who don’t believe in government. For over 40 years, Republicans told us that government is wasteful, incompetent, and a threat to our freedoms. They said only the free market, unregulated, can make us prosperous, along with a strong military to protect us.

see LETTERS page 32

OPINION

LETTERS from page 31

The Republicans promised to cut taxes, spending, and regulations and they did. The rich got richer, the poor got poorer. They said it would trickle down if we elected them, so we did and it hasn’t. In 2016 we were fed up, so we elected a real estate developer and reality TV star as president. He convinced us that he was a successful businessman (he wasn’t) and he would run the government like his (bankrupted) businesses (sadly, he has). We wanted him to blow it up, and he did. He promised to “drain the swamp” but drained our institutions instead. He promised to hire “the best people” but hired grifters and sycophants instead. Now we are in the middle of a global pandemic and our government is completely dysfunctional. The President ignores the public health experts and puts his VP and inexperienced son-in-law in charge of the response. He and his propagandists on cable news spread misinformation and confusion. Several months into this disaster, we still don’t have enough testing, and our economy is a mess. The Republicans can’t decide what to do; they know how to cut, but they have no idea how to govern. The free market is great for many things, but public health is not one of them. We need government to do those things that the market can’t or won’t do. If we want government to work well, we must elect people who want government to work well. -Marnie Greenbie

Got s? New

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

Trump accomplished more than other presidents

Wow, judging by some of the responses, I must have touched a nerve in my letter that attempted to defend our President from the allegation that he is a Nazi. On a brighter side, however, Kathy Rosko, your letter was very enlightening and eye-opening. You state, Mr. Cox, that the comparison of our President to a Nazi is “hardly unfair” because you allege that he took his campaign slogan from Adolph Hitler (Make Germany Great Again). Where is your proof of that? The similarity of the slogans? And even if one slogan inspired the other, Make America Great Again is still a terrific slogan. If this is your “proof” that Trump is a Nazi, then you are standing on very weak footing with nothing solid to back your claim. The fact that a possibly disgruntled niece labels the President a malignant narcissist and sociopath proves nothing, even if she is a psychologist. I was a psychotherapist and I’ve known some pretty nutty psychologists. Actually, most politicians, used car salesmen, and quite a few surgeons are probably sociopaths. But realistically, when debating the President’s fitness for office, it is best to put personality and personal attacks aside and stick to facts. Donald Trump is not perfect. He is a businessman, not a politician. He has been attacked non-stop even before he took the oath of office by a rabid press and by Barack Obama and his weaponized FBI. The Russian Hoax was simply that. A

hoax. Then came Ukraine and impeachment. Now I think they’re running out of ideas and are back onto Russia. A lesser, weaker man would have folded under the constant strain of all those lies and the vile hatred in his first week in office. But Trump stood up to the media. In his first term he has accomplished more for the American people than any other president in history. Not the least of which is a brokered peace in the Middle East, for which he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump has presided over the most robust economy in history until it was cut off at the knees by the virus. Historic low unemployment for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and women in the workplace. Energy independence for the first time in history. Renegotiating the disastrous NAFTA. Inroads toward fairer trade deals with China. Make no mistake. China is the enemy. Not Russia. Trump has garnered respect from world leaders to whom Obama bowed and restored the respect that our country deserves. All you can resort to are personal attacks, while ignoring his many accomplishments, far too many to list here. But you probably don’t know about them because fake news never reports anything positive about the President. If he cured cancer tomorrow, they would still attack him. I don’t care how much you hate Trump. If you love your country you will hold your nose and vote for him or the entire country will resemble Seattle, Minneapolis, San Francisco, New York City, L.A. and Chicago.

A demolished open sewer.

-Jan Johnson

Bowie listens to families and gets the job done

We need our local leaders to listen to their constituents and to be effective. I am so proud of my state Sen. Sean Bowie here in LD18, because he has done just that. Senator Bowie listened to local families who were concerned about the epidemic of teenage suicide in our community. He not only listened; he did something about it. He worked with parents who have lost teens to suicide to come up with real solutions. During the 2019 legislative session, he was able to gain bipartisan support for a bill to require all educators to receive some training in warning signs of suicide. Then he followed up in 2020 to reinforce suicide prevention by introducing two more bills that were passed by both houses and signed into law by the governor. SB 1445 expands suicide prevention training requirements for school counselors and social workers, and SB 1446 requires student ID cards for students in grades 9-12 and at our state universities and community colleges to display information about suicide prevention resources. Senator Bowie is a great example of a legislator actually listening to his constituents and getting the job done. That is why I am supporting Senator Sean Bowie to be reelected to the Arizona Senate. I know he will continue to listen to the concerns of Ahwatukee and LD18. -Laurie Nerat

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

AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Kid to Kid Ahwatukee marks 15th anniversary BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

ach year at summer’s end, Ahwatukee resale business Kid to Kid hosts a combined anniversary party and Customer Appreciation Day with a luau theme. This year, COVID-19 has necessitated a few changes to their festivities – but celebrating 15 years and their faithful and growing customer base is still on tap. Ceding to the pandemic’s social distancing rules meant the one-day blow-out event is now expanded to three days this weekend, Aug. 28-30. RSVPs are suggested, so there’s plenty of breathing room. Owners Brenda Spezzacatena, her husband Jon and her mother Molly Varner are more than thrilled to have the opportunity this year to celebrate because when COVID-19 struck, Kid to Kid and their Uptown Cheapskates store in Chandler were shuttered. “We were closed for about �ive weeks starting in mid-March, but we did what we could to help out,” said Brenda. “We posted items on social media, let people pay by phone and then pick up their purchases at the store,” she said. “We wore gloves and masks and placed their bagged purchases in the trunk of their cars. We sold a lot more toys than clothes because people were quarantined.” During the quarantine, Kid to Kid Ahwatukee also opened an online store – shopkidtokidahwatukee.com – which is still available for those uncomfortable with in-store visits, but Spezzacatena said they knew they would remain a brickand-mortar business because they enjoy interacting with their customers. Kid to Kid reopened at 4940 E. Ray Road, Ahwatukee, in June. Marking 15 years in business is an emotional subject for Spezzacatena as she sees how even a pandemic couldn’t stop their dream that began when the fam-

Kid to Kid Ahwatukee owners Brenda Spezzacatena, left, and Molly Varner, center, take a break with Angel Jaquez. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

ily decided to open the children’s resale store in Ahwatukee. It is a dream that now includes the Spezzacatena’s two children as well. Her daughter Rebekah Ciardella, 25, manages Uptown Cheapskate and son Nick, 27, when not studying to be a �ire investigator, also works in the stores. Both Horizon Honors alum and graduates of Valley Christian High School, the pair had their �irst work experience at Kid to Kid. In 2005, Kid to Kid Ahwatukee opened in a 2400-square-foot storefront at 5030 E. Ray Road – across the street from their current 6,000-square-foot store they moved into in 2015. “We outgrew our �irst store quickly and took over the business next door, knocking out the wall to make it 4,000 square foot,” Brenda explained. “Last year we had our biggest year ever – most sales and most buys and even more customers. I don’t think we’ll beat

that this year,” she said ruefully. “But we’ve been in this community 15 years and we have a lot of regulars and new people, and I have to brag that I think a big reason is because we have great customer service.” Brenda worked in retail and resale for many years, including a stint with Kid to Kid Scottsdale. When her stepfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, the family urged Varner to move to Ahwatukee from Tucson and open the business together. She lives less than a mile from the family. Her husband, Wally Varner, passed away in 2009. Varner isn’t often found in either store, though like Jon, she steps in when needed. Since the beginning, she’s used her accounting background to serve the family business. Jon, a local �ire captain and independent �ire inspector, focuses on the IT side of the business and steps in where needed at

both stores. It was while Brenda was working at Kid to Kid Scottsdale, the iconic children’s retail clothing franchise founded in 1992, that a long-held idea to own her own resale store found the answer. “I have a passion for resale,” she explained. “There’s something about getting in there and �inding those special things that’s always appealed to me. Raising my children, we never paid full price and the kids were always being complimented on their out�its. “In fact, in Nick’s senior year, he was voted best dressed. I’d worked in retail and resale before and I had con�idence in the Kid to Kid franchise concepts and I knew it could work for us.” And for 15 years it has worked well for her, her family and the community as they �lock to her upscale, trendy and organized Kid to Kid store for gently used and wellcurated children’s clothing sizes 0 to 14, baby gear and nursery furniture, maternity clothes, children’s toys and more. Presentation and organization make the store shoppable. “It makes the shopping experience easier. Our customers are busy people, they’ve got kids, they often have a child along with them. We make sure everything has been colorized and sorted according to size and item,” she said. “I never liked going in a store and having to dig through stuff to �ind something, and Kid to Kid is organized so that doesn’t happen.” Another aspect of Kid to Kid is parents can cash in on items their kids have outgrown. A staff buyer assesses the items while customers browse the store. For items that are accepted – and nothing stained torn or out of style makes the cut – the customer is offered cash or an additional 20 percent in store credit. Should the customer choose not to take the unaccepted items with them, Kid to

�� KID TO KID �� 35

BUSINESS

AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Time to think of your open enrollment decisions BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

t’s that time of year again, where, if you work for a medium-to-large employer, you’ve got some decisions to make because it’s open enrollment time. Of course, depending on your situation, you may have been working remotely for a while, but, even so, you will likely have the opportunity to review your bene�its package and make changes. And you’ll want to make the right moves, because your choices can have a big �inancial impact on your life. So, take a close look at these key areas of your bene�its program: Health insurance – Think about your health care needs over the coming year – will you or someone in your family be coping with a chronic illness or facing a surgery? Will you need to at least consider testing and possible treatment for COVID-19? In any case, make sure you’re choosing the right plan for your needs. And pay close attention to any changes in your health insurance, such as whether the plan’s provider networks have changed – you may want to make sure your own doctor is still in-network. Also, check to see if you can reduce your health care premiums by taking part in a wellness program or health-

KID TO KID �� 34

Kid donates them. And when the owners hear of a local family struggling, they offer a voucher so they can shop for their children. “We do things to help the community,” said Brenda, adding that when her husband learns of families who have lost all in house �ires, they are offered a $100 per child voucher to help replace items. In the time of COVID, the Kid to Kid

t o Gews? N

risk assessment. Life insurance – Your employer may offer a group life insurance policy for free, or for a small amount. It’s probably worth your while to take this coverage, but it may not be enough for your needs. If you only had this group policy, but

may provide short-term disability insurance as an employee bene�it. Like group insurance, this disability coverage may not cost you anything, but it may not be adequate – typically, shortterm disability only replaces part of your income for three to six months.

your family situation has recently changed through marriage or the addition of a new child, you may well need to add some private insurance. Disability insurance – In addition to offering group life insurance, your employer

And while you may never need to miss work for an extended period of time, you never can tell – after all, more than one in four 20-year-olds will become disabled before they retire, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration.

Ahwatukee store and their employees take special precautions to keep customers safe. “We try to stay on top of it. Our girls clean counters, doors, anything touched, every hour and of course we wear masks,” she said. “We’re selling masks for children and adults, most with cool patterns. They’re new, of course. I’m �inding masks are becoming a fashion accessory.” Kid to Kid currently has 10 employ-

ees - many of them long-term – and their manager, Angel Jaquez, has been there nine years. Employee Lovita McRoy marks 14 years with the business in December. Special giveaways are part of the threeday Kid to Kid Ahwatukee Luau Celebration and include 15 $100 store gift cards, 15 $50 gift cards for their Uptown Cheapskate store in Chandler, a Princess Gram from Ahwatukee-based Once Upon a Tiara, a balloon garland, new crafts from

You may want to consider purchasing your own long-term disability policy on top of the coverage offered by your employer. Retirement plan – You can probably make changes to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan at any time, but why not look at it now, when you’re reviewing all your bene�its? If you can afford to increase your contributions, you probably should, because a 401(k), with its tax advantages and ease of contribution through paycheck deductions, is a great way to save for retirement. At a minimum, put in enough to earn your employer’s match. You’ll also want to review your 401(k)’s investment mix. Is it still providing you with signi�icant growth potential within the context of your individual risk tolerance? Over time, you may need to make some adjustments, either because an investment is underperforming or because you’re getting close to retirement and you need to reduce your risk exposure. In any case, it’s a good idea to check up on your 401(k)’s investments at least once a year. Your employee bene�its are an important part of your overall �inancial picture – so do what you can to get the most from them. Ahwatukee resident Joseph Ortiz is a �inancial advisor for Edward Jones. Information: 480-753-7664 or Joseph.Ortiz@edwardjones.com. Melissa & Doug and more. “The community of Ahwatukee welcomed us and has supported us for 15 years and we couldn’t be more thankful for all their support,” Brenda said. “We’ve truly made some amazing relationships with customers over the years. We’ve seen children grow up in those years and some even shop at Uptown now.” Information: KidtoKid.com/Ahwatukee. They also have a Facebook page.

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

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Sports & Recreation AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Desert Vista quarterback battle is heating up BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he Desert Vista football program is less than two weeks away from putting on helmets for the first time since last November, meaning several key positions will begin to be filled. One of those up for grabs is quarterback after the departure of Parker Navarro who is now at the University of Central Florida. Navarro left a legacy of hard work, determination and an overall love for the football program. Finding his replacement won’t be easy as Desert Vista offensive coordinator Sean Morin and head coach Dan Hinds agree there are three quarterbacks capable of running the offense. “The first thing I told them was

they all have an equal shot at leading this team,” Morin said. “It’s a job for them to win but this is football, kids get hurt. They all need to be ready to go if one of them goes down. It’s exciting.” Junior Landen Powell, who transferred from Mountain Pointe after the 2019 season, junior Kaden Lentz, who was the starter on junior varsity last season, and sophomore Jackson Akins, who was impressive as the freshman starting quarterback in 2019, are all in the running to start under center. Each player brings their own unique skillset, something Morin said he’ll work around and make adjustments to the offense if needed. As of right now, there is no clearcut favorite. “They’re all smart and they’re all hungry,” Morin said. “It’s a healthy

competition going on amongst them. I don’t see anyone clear-cut at this point. I want all of them to be able to step up as leaders.” All three used the time away from teammates during the lockdown to perfect their craft. They worked with private coaches and all believe they have seen improvements in their game. Due to the pandemic, the typical timeline for Desert Vista has been thrown off, much like it has for other programs across the state. The Thunder would have suited up for their first game last Friday if it weren’t for the virus. But due to the restrictions set forth by Tempe Union High School District in June, Desert Vista just recently moved into phase three of the district’s re-

�ee QB page 39

Sophomore Jackson Akins is the youngest of the three quarterbacks but is conﬁdent in his ability after a strong freshman campaign that opened the eyes of coaches. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff)

TUHSD board receives update on fall sports timeline BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he Tempe Union High School District Governing Board praised administrators, coaches and students for their cooperation in adhering to guidelines to pursue a fall sports season. Members of the board expressed their appreciation after a presentation by new district Athletic Director David Huffine during the board’s bi-weekly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Huffine walked board members through the district’s phased return-to-play plan, which began June 8 and allowed all Tempe Union schools to move to the third phase Monday. “We have been following all guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, the AIA, the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee of the AIA, the district’s Health Mitigation Plan and we have been in close contact with community health experts,”

The Tempe Union High School District Governing Board was updated by district Athletic Director David Huffine on Wednesday, Aug. 19, about the current status of fall sports programs in the district. (AFN File Photo)

Huffine said. The first phase began with groups of 10 or less, which included nine athletes and a coach. Those 10 individuals remained in

one cohort through July 31, which would have helped the district mitigate the spread of the virus should one of the individuals in a group tested positive.

In one instance, it proved to be effective. A Desert Vista football player tested positive for the virus in June and immediately stopped attending summer workouts. Thanks to contact tracing by the school’s athletic training staff, it revealed only the group the student-athlete worked with had to quarantine. Luckily, no other players or the coach responsible for that group developed symptoms and all were able to resume workouts after 14 days. The district as a whole has had little to no problems that caused setbacks. Huffine said during the presentation that since Aug. 1, the district has had one athlete that has experienced symptoms and needed to be tested. As of Aug. 19, that test was still pending, and no other players or coaches experienced symptoms. Huffine added the district hosts over 750 athletes per day on campuses for workouts.

�ee BOARD page 39

SPORTS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

Thunder champs have the rings to prove it Members of the Desert Vista High School boys basketball team ﬁnally have their state championship rings after picking them up last Thursday in the school parking lot. The rings, custom made by Ganem Jewelers in Ahwatukee, feature the school logo on the front and “DV Thunder” with the state championship trophy on the side. 3) Sophomore guard Dasean Lecque and 4) junior guard Malik Mack were proud toget a lifelong memento of their achievement while 5) sophomore guard Isaac Velez waits to pick up his.

PHOTOS BY PABLO ROBLES/AFN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

2 1 3

AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

QB from page 37

turn-to-play plan, which allows for game simulation drills. Morin said that may help in terms of separating the quarterbacks, but overall, he finds himself teaching them what normally would have been covered in spring ball. Despite the competition, all three quarterbacks have grown close as teammates and friends. Powell and Lentz have known one another since eighth grade. Lentz and Akins worked together at the varsity level when both were brought up during the playoffs. Powell and Akins’ relationship continues to grow but has become stronger thanks to workouts both with the Desert Vista program and outside of it. “Every day I try to build camaraderie with my teammates and keep getting better,” Powell said. “Obviously is it a competition but most importantly I’m helping do whatever I can to help the team.” Powell said he’s grown more confident in the pocket after a 2019 season with the Pride in which the team went 1-9 and struggled with injuries along the offensive line. Not only has he worked with private quarterback coaches, he’s also done field work and lifted weights in his garage. Especially during the four-month shutdown, he did everything he could to workout. “I haven’t missed any workouts,” Powell said. “One of the biggest things for me was to improve in the weight room. Obviously, this entire situation in the spring wasn’t ideal but I tried to stay fresh and continue working.”

BOARD from page 37

“We were able to stop one student athlete who wasn’t feeling well and from that we sent them home and recommended for them to get a test taken,” Huffine said. “We feel very good as to where we are as a district.” The second phase of the district’s returnto-play plan began Aug. 1 and expired Aug. 21. Schools were allowed to host as many as 50 individuals at one time and were able to use some shared equipment, such as footballs. All balls and equipment had to be sanitized after each use, and all coaches were responsible to wear masks. Athletes were also responsible for wearing masks when unable to socially distance. Phase three will still follow the same mask and sanitization guidelines but will

Junior Kaden Lentz, who suffered a concussion early in his sophomore season, is eager to show he has what it takes to lead the Thunder varsity program. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff)

Akins impressed last season as a freshman, passing for over 100 yards on three occasions while leading the team to a 7-2 record. He showed poise in the pocket under pressure and also made it known that he has the ability to run. Especially when he was brought up to varsity for playoffs, he was able to learn from Navarro, who quickly became one of the top quarterbacks in the state. Aside

allow for more game-like situations in practices. While still unable to scrimmage, teams will have the ability to do one-onone drills to a certain extent and use more shared equipment such as bags when in drills. The third phase also allows for pom and cheer to begin tryouts and practices on campus. However, band, student council, NHS, yearbook and e-sports will remain in a virtual setting. Huffine added that the district is still waiting on recommendations from Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and state health officials in regard to allowing fans to attend games. Utah schools, which opened the 2020 football season two weeks ago, have limited the number of fans allowed to attend. Masks are also required at all times. Board members asked a variety of questions following the presentation, but nev-

from his ability on the field, Navarro also taught Akins how to be patient off of it in the recruiting process. “Entering senior year, he didn’t have that many offers,” Akins said. “But he had a big year last year and it shows you just have to keep working every day and trust the process.” Despite being the youngest of the three quarterbacks, Akins radiates confidence. He has trust in his ability to take over the Desert Vista offense as only a sophomore. But he knows it won’t be easy with Powell and Lentz vying for the same position. Overall, he embraces the competition. “It’s really fun competing with both of them,” Akins said. “It’s all love between us, but there can only be one.” Like Akins, Lentz found success last season at the junior varsity level despite a concussion early on that resulted in him missing games and sharing the starting role. Lentz also learned from Navarro. He feels he is ready to step up and potentially win the starting job when official practices begin on Sept. 7. “I love the feeling of competition,” Lentz said. “I have a lot of respect for Landen and Jackson, and it feels good knowing the coaching staff has confidence in all three of us.” No matter who wins the starting job, they will have help from veterans in key positions. Jai Rodriguez, Kama Huakau and Antonio Delgado will anchor a talented offensive line, while a trio of talented backs in Devon Grubbs, Michael Allison and Quentin Ivey will man the backfield. Desert Vista figures to be young but er once questioned the ability to have a fall sports season. Board Member Michelle Helm referred to the guidelines from the Arizona Interscholastic Association that appear to be in the process of being updated and questioned how it would affect Tempe Union going forward. Huffine said due to Phoenix Union and perhaps other districts electing to postpone fall sports, the AIA needed to update guidelines for those teams to potentially return at some point during the season. He added all necessary communication would be sent to schools if Tempe Union was forced to take a step back. “I am in close contact with coaches almost on a daily basis,” Huffine said. “I meet weekly with our medical team and go over the data because the one thing we don’t want to do is we don’t want to push some-

Junior Landen Powell, a transfer from Mountain Pointe, worked tirelessly during the spring when he was unable to see his new teammates in person. (Zach Alvira/AFN Staff)

talented in 2020. They feel they have the ability to catch teams off guard with the departure of a senior-heavy class last year. “I think we are going to be underdogs this year,” Lentz said. “We lost a lot of seniors and people know that. We have a lot of good juniors and sophomores and I’m excited to see what we can do against some of the tougher teams on our schedule.”

thing in a way where if a situation were to arise and there might be a student or two that may have symptoms, we need to be able to shut a group down and be able to contact trace immediately.” Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil questioned how Phoenix Union’s decision to postpone fall sports would affect the district’s teams in terms of scheduling. Huffine noted the AIA is currently working on adjusting the fall schedules for all teams. Tempe Union plans to proceed with the fall sports calendar provided by the AIA, which has had golf, cross country and swim & dive already begin. Badminton, fall soccer and volleyball are set to begin official practice on Aug. 31, while football will begin practices Sept. 7 and competition nearly a month later on Oct. 2.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

41 SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

(Continued from previous page)

Mint to date. That’s why area residents who find their zip code on the distribution list today are being urged to call. Since this special advertising announcement can’t stop anyone from buying up all the new 2020 Edition Arizona State Silver Bars they can get their hands on, the Federated Mint has not set a limit of how many Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags residents can get – these are the bags pictured above that contain 10 individual Silver Vault Bags each. Everyone who gets these will be glad they did. “Residents who want to cash in on the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint better hurry. That’s because after the deadline ends, the State Minimum for these pristine half ounce Arizona State Silver Bars set by the Federated Mint will go up to $50 per bar no matter how many bars people get,” Withrow said. “We’re bracing for all the calls and we’re doing the best we can, but with just hours left before the deadline ends, residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication need to call the National Silver Hotline,” Withrow said. ■

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: If you find your zip code on the distribution list printed in today’s publication read below then call: 1-800-280-2754 EXT. FMM4262

I keep calling and can’t get through: Keep trying. Right now everyone’s looking to cash in on the lowest State Minimum ever set by the Federated Mint. In fact, we won’t be surprised if thousands of residents order up as many Silver Vault Bags as they can get their hands on before the deadline ends. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint has been slashed to the lowest ever at just $29 for each silver half ounce bar for the next 2 days for everyone who gets the vault bags. And since each Silver Vault Bag contains 10 pristine State Silver Bars for just $290 we’re guessing state residents will be claiming two or more bags while they’re up for grabs. But all those who really want to cash in are taking the Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bags containing 100 State Silver Bars before the deadline ends and the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes up to $500 per Vault Bag. In fact the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint is reduced even further for those getting the Jumbo Bags so just be sure to ask the National Silver Hotline operator for your discount. So if lines are busy keep trying. How much are the Silver Vault Bags worth: It’s hard to tell how much these Silver Vault Bags could be worth since they are in pristine condition, but those who get in on this now will be glad they did. That’s because the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint goes up to $500 per bag after the deadline ends. So you better believe that at just $290 the Silver Vault bags are a real steal for everyone who beats the deadline. Can I buy one State Silver Bar: Yes. But, the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $29 per bar applies only to residents who purchase a Silver Vault Bag(s). That means only those residents who order a Silver Vault Bag(s) or a Jumbo Silver Ballistic Bag get the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint. All single bar purchases, orders placed after the 2-day deadline and all non-state residents must pay the $50 per silver half ounce bar. Why is the State Minimum set by the Federated Mint so low now: Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to get the silver at the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint. Now all residents who find the first three digits of their zip code on the Distribution List above are getting the Silver Vault Bags for themselves and all the solid .999 pure State Silver Bars found inside. The price for each Silver Vault Bag after the deadline ends is set at $500 which is $50 per bar, but residents who beat the 2-day deadline only cover the lowest ever State Minimum set by the Federated Mint of just $290 for each State Silver Vault Bag which is just $29 per bar as long as they call the National Silver Hotline before the deadline ends at: 1-800-280-2754 EXT. FMM4262. Hotlines open at 8:30 A.M. FRONT VIEW

BACK VIEW INDEPENDENCE: 1776 signifies the year America declared independence proclaiming inalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

SIGNIFICANT: Numbered in the order of which the state ratified the Constitution and was admitted into the Union.

HISTORIC 13 STARS: Each star represents one of the original 13 Colonies arranged in a circle to symbolize the perpetuity of the union as depicted in the “Betsy Ross” flag.

■ SILVER HITS ROCK BOTTOM: It ’s g o o d n ews fo r s t a te residents who get the Silver Vault Bags each loaded with 10 solid .999 pure Silver State Bars. That’s because residents are getting the lowest ever State Minimum set by the private Federated Mint as long as they call before the deadline ends.

LOWEST EVER: State Minimum set by the Federated Mint drops to the lowest ever for State Residents.

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FEDERATED MINT, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. FEDERATED MINT P.O. BOX 1200, MASSILLON, OH 44648 ©2020 FEDERATED MINT P7260A-OF21722R-1

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Attendance ebbs and �lows at Arizona Boardwalk BY ELSA HORTAREAS GetOut Contributor

rizona Boardwalk managing partner, Ran Knishinsky, said guests are vital to his destination spot for reasons that go beyond the obvious. “It’s important for us. It’s important for the animals to see guests so we can continue to run and to continue to operate,” he said. Arizona Boardwalk reopened May 21, just in time for Memorial weekend. The attractions in the Arizona Boardwalk entertainment destination that reopened include OdySea Aquarium, Butter�ly Wonderland, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,

Laser + Mirror Maze, Surprise Your Eyes, and Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs with updated, safety protocols. Restaurants, including Johnny Rockets, Nékter Juice Bar and Pizza Time opened their doors as well. “We have never been in a position where we have been close to full since opening, people are more cautious about going out now,” Knishinsky said. Businesses such as the OdySea Aquarium and the Butter�ly Wonderland exhibit are open but refraining from interactive experiences. The Surprise Your Eyes Sel�ie Instagram Experience is completely open. Knishinsky said it is “remarkable” how the attendance changes so much from

day to day, even though they have not met their new capacity limit since reopening. The boardwalk abided by Gov. Doug Ducey’s “shelter in place,” where only essential businesses remained opened. “Unlike of�ices, we have got really, really high stakes costs to running an aquarium,” Knishinsky said. The aquarium has 7,000 animals to feed and care for. The butter�ly exhibit has over 3,000 butter�lies from more than 20 countries, along with reptiles and bees. As well as a large amount of staff and security, the exhibits cannot just close and come back after the pandemic. The attraction is using “timed ticketing”

to limit capacity in the buildings. Most of the purchasing for tickets has moved online. Social distancing signs are put up around the place, along with markers on parts of the �loor to show 6 feet spacing. The butter�ly exhibit has a cap of 80 people, with 45 in the conservatory. Capacity checks are every hour. OdySea Aquarium caps at 30 percent capacity or about 420 in the building at a time. The aquarium is 200,000 square feet. The interactive exhibits in the OdySea are closed. Those include the stingray feeding station, swimming with the penguins, the kids cove area, behind-the scenes tours, and the sea truck experience.

The Maine planning livestream concert Saturday

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

GetOut Editor

ith The Maine, John O’Callaghan has played festivals, small clubs and larger theaters. This weekend, The Maine will livestream a show from an undisclosed Phoenix venue at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Playing in front of a handful of people – but for fans worldwide on the music app Pillar – makes him anxious. “Before all this madness, we performed at the Orpheum for one person,” said O’Callaghan, who recently moved to Ahwatukee. “It was a neat thing. We surprised her. She thought she was coming to a concert with a room full of other people. It was so hard to just try to impress one person. I was pretty nervous.” The Maine will take a page from the NBA for its virtual show named “The Maine Presents Flowers On The Grave.” “It seems like people are there,” he said slyly. “We’re hoping to make it interactive and hopefully people can see themselves on a screen.” The show will be available for free to fans with an active Pillar membership.

Kohn O’Callaghan of Ahwatukee and his band, The Maine, will livestream a show this Saturday on the music app Pillar. (Special to GetOut)

Launched this year, Pillar is a music community app designed for fans as a direct way to support their favorite band while receiving access to exclusive content and opportunities. Fans not on Pillar can purchase tickets on the band’s website, themaineband.com. O’Callaghan said the pandemic and subsequent quarantine has been tough on

him. Both of his parents came down with COVID-19, but survived. “They saw it through and they’re �ine,” he said. “It’s a scary time. It’s an uncertain time. Our bloodline, our livelihood is being on the road. We’re trying to perpetuate our music by playing live and interacting and we’ve had all of that taken away from us. “We’ve been fortunate in that we have

such a great group of people who support what we do. They allow us to come up with ideas and make ends meet without being on the road. It made us appreciate what we have more.” That said, he’s looking forward to rehearsals this week. “We haven’t stood up and played in a long time,” he said. “I’m sure we’ll pick up where we left off. I’m looking forward to playing music with the guys again. Instead of spending August wrapping up Sad Summer Festival (postponed to summer 2021) and performing at the UK’s Reading and Leeds festivals, The Maine has instead wrapped up recording its eighth studio album (untitled, 2021). The virtual show will commemorate the end of the album cycle of 2019’s “You are OK.” “We’ll play ‘You are OK’ in its entirety,” he said. “There are a few songs we never got around to playing, which is really exciting for us. “We’ll also dive back and play what we think are staples that we think people want to hear. In between, we’ll have a lot of interaction between us on stage, too. Normally, if you go to one of our show, I’m the hog and I take up all the time on the mic. I’d like to get everyone to participate.”

AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

King Crossword ACROSS 1 4 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 26 27 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53

Early bird? Said “not guilty” Molt By way of Emanation Rent Work unit Whirl Long-billed wader Sprinter’s device Many millennia Parcel of land Allude (to) Driver’s license datum Foundation Out of control “Oklahoma!” baddie Stead Vat Haw partner Tureen accessory Prohibit Emeril’s shout Extremely exciting Plankton component Love god Dove’s remark Works with New Haven school Choose Not so much Resorts international? “The Matrix” role

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Marching-band section Half of 49-Across’ fight song Booty Otherwise Census statistics

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Sudoku

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 34 35

Snare PC picture “Unh-unh” Attend

Prior nights Encircle Lady -Cleric Pea-family plant Ms. Brockovich Hung Half a circus clown’s pair Vagrant -- The Red Dilbert’s worksite Stench Go a few rounds Snitch Ostrich’s cousin Pass (off) Total Auction action Wet wriggler Payable Football garb Genie’s home Chapeau Expires

PUZZLES ANWERS on page 17

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Announcements Adult Care/Assisted Living

Obituaries Need help writing an obituary? We have articles that will help guide you through the process. Deadline for obituaries is Friday at 5pm for Wednesday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays.

Call 480-898-6465 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions. Visit: obituaries.Ahwatukee.com

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com Julius (Jay) Tolaro 1926-2020 Born 1926, raised in foster care, WWII navy veteran, computer pioneer, husband of 66 years, father of 2 fabulous kids, carpenter, builder, real estate broker and camper; Guilio Tolaro was born to Sicilian immigrants, Guilio Tolaro and Aida Genchi Tolaro, on July 23rd 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio and died in Phoenix, Arizona on Aug.13, 2020. He is predeceased by his parents, sister, Angelina, brothers Guiseppi and Antonio. He is survived by daughter, Gina Marie Quinn, (John) of Phoenix, Son, Joseph Christopher Tolaro (Carollyn) of Red Rock, AZ, grandson, Colin Christopher, of Nashville, TN, granddaughter, Erin of Denver, CO, granddaughter, Ashley of Dallas TX, nieces, Cindi Kerr, of Osmond Beach, FL, Pamela Griffith of Cleveland , OH, nephew, Jeffrey Lennartz of Cleveland, OH, cousin, Irene Stretar of Cleveland, OH, cousin, Robert Tolaro of Austin, TX. The pandemic of the 1920’s, Tuberculosis, took his mother in 1928 at age 28 and hospitalized his father, placing the children in foster care. A trial parenting by Grandma was a challenge and failed for this precocious boy. He was fortunate to live in the wonderful foster care of the Roth family for 8 years. The depression years and poverty were huge challenges for the now together Tolaro family, so with the onset of WWII, he enlisted in the Navy at age 17, serving 3 years on Adak Island in the Aleutians. One great outcome of those teen-age years was learning to play the guitar. Father was a “primo mandolista” and with his training, the boys formed a guitar, mandolin trio and auditioned for the Ed Sullivan show, but never got to the stage. Along with his fine tenor voice, singing in choirs and various groups, the guitar played a major part in his life until his 80’s. At age 78 he was still offered ‘gigs’! A post military job found him in the “data processing” business,

Hazel Margaret Fysh

Hazel Margaret Fysh, 86, of Phoenix passed away peacefully on August 15, 2020 shortly after a cancer diagnosis in May 2020. Hazel was the youngest of eight children and was born on July 27, 1934 in Bath, Somerset, England to Thomas Simmonds Fysh and Lillian Hinge Fysh. Hazel moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1969 with her husband and three sons: Philip, Gary, and Michael. Hazel retired from the City of Phoenix and then went to work for Express Scripts in Tempe. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Chapman; brother & sister-in-law, Gordon and Jean Fysh; as well as several loving nieces and a nephew, all in Englnd; her son & daughter-in-law, Gary & Eileen Cantrell of South Carolina; granddaughters, Chelsea Cantrell & Nicole Salusky, and two greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson, Derek Simmonds Cantrell, her granddaughter, Vanessa Cantrell; and her eldest & youngest sons Philip & Michael Cantrell, respectively. Hazel also leaves behind numerous long-time friends and wonderful neighbors who provided a great support system, true friendship and love during her illness. Because of the COVID-10 virus, a memorial service will be held at a later date. "Eternal rest grant upon Margaret, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace." where he learned to operate the data machines, the beginning “computers”, by reading the manuals as there were no college courses at the time. He progressed on to installing the first computer, the size of most people’s dining rooms, for an insurance company. He built the first desktop computers for his daughter and for himself. At 6’ 3” inches tall, he was a tall Sicilian! The “Skyscrapers” was the Cleveland Tall Social Society Club, where guys had to be at least 6’2” to join, and girls 5’ 10”, there he thrived socially. A move to Denver Colorado, followed and joining the partner group, the “Timberliners” sealed his lifelong fate. There at his first meeting of the Timberliners, a bowling party followed by a dance party, he met his wife of 66 years, Gloria, an Occupational Therapist in the U.S. Army at the local Army Hospital. They married in 1954, children Gina Marie (1957) and Joseph Christopher (1964) born in Denver followed. Another computer manager position took the family to Bellevue, Washington where they raised the family. Retirement provided them with a dream of living in the country and building their dream home on acreage in Rochester Washington where they thrived for 19 years. At 84 and 80 respectively, they followed their daughter to Phoenix for their final retirement location. This was followed by Joe and Carollyn’s move to Arizona from Texas, where they enjoyed their family for the last 5 years. Jay and Gloria were lifetime exercisers. Jay lead a Senior Baseball team in Bellevue, the Ancient Mariners, and Gloria was a master’s swimmer participating in 6 national Senior Olympics. In spite of Jay battleing prostate cancer, at ages 93 and 89 respectively, they still continued their membership at the Ahwatukee Foothills YMCA visiting 3 times a week. No services are planned at this time. but a memorial celebration will be held in October when friends and family can gather for a final tribute. Memorials or donations, may be made in Jay’s memory, to the YMCA’s Outreach Program for Ahwatukee Seniors (Y OPAS). Please send checks for donations to Y OPAS, 1030 E Liberty Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85048.

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480-893-8091 Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest

ROC#126694

Bonded/Insured

Electrical Paint Tile

Able Handyman Service LLC

And Much, Much More!

Not a licensed

contractor Jim 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com

Home Improvement

Home Remodeling • BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION • CARPET INSTALLATION • LANDSCAPING

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Ask me about FREE water testing!

FOOTHILLS C. READ & SON ELECTRIC GARAGE DOOR

Plumbing

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949

Electrical Services

FREE Estimates!

Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

www.husbands2go.com

Not a licensed contractor.

ROC #158440 Bond/Insured

Handyman

Irrigation

REASONABLE HANDYMAN • Painting • Plumbing • Carpentry • Drywall • Roofing • Block

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

- Free Estimates -

480-276-6600

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical *Not a Licensed Contractor Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical www.Ahwatukee.com Painting “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Man!”

Handyman

Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! Quality Work Since 1999 Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

Jaden Sydney Small Man!” ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo y alit Qu Affordable, Associates.com ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo y Affordable, Qualit And More! Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Decks • Tile • More!

Residential Electrician

Call Sean Haley 602-574-3354 ROC#277978 • Licensed/Bonded/Insured

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

Visit our website! Landlord and Homeowner Property Services

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

AND so much more!

Ahwatukee Resident

480.335.4180 Not a licensed contractor.

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 ty Work Since 1999

2010, 2011 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Small Man!” 2014

Affordable, Quali

Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Drywall

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

CLASSIFIEDS Landscape/Maintenance

TREE

Specials

SPRINKLER DOCTOR

Lawn Mowing Starts At $40 Full Service Starts At $70

Juan Hernandez

15 + Yrs Exp! All English Speaking Crew

$25 per visit.

Ahw. Res - 30 yrs Exp Free Estimates. Call Pat (480) 343-0562

Landscape/Maintenance

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

TRIMMING

Starting as low as

Not a licensed contractor

Landscape/Maintenance

Juan Hernandez

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint. Install/Design We do it all!

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

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

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

Irrigation

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

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

Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

25 years Experience & Insured Not a licensed contractor.

Arizona Specialty Landscape

New & Re-Do Design and Installation • Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

NTY

5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com

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

480.844.9765 WANT A GREEN LAWN?

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Landscape Design/Installation

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

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

Call Lance White

480.721.4146

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE ORGANIC LAWN FERTILIZATION TREATMENT WITH CORE AERATION ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

ROC# 256752

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

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

Call for a FREE consultation and Estimate To learn more about us, view our photo gallery at: ShadeTreeLandscapes.com

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control Starting @ $60/Month!

Complete Clean Ups

• One Month Free Service

Jose Martinez Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767

• High Quality Materials & Workmanship • Customer Satisfaction Free Est imates • Countless References • Carpentry Services Now Available Visit us at Suntechpaintingaz.com or view our video promo at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM5pbvpZJlg

602.625.0599 ROC #155380 Family Owned • Free Estimates

East Valley PAINTERS

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

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

Now Accepting all major credit cards

FERTILIZATION * SOIL AMENDMENTS * LAWN SOIL TESTING

www.irsaz.com

High Quality Results

INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

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

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

SUN TECH

PAINTING

Voted #1

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Painting

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Residential • Commercial • Best Painters EVER! • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • Interior & Exterior “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

ACP is 100% Veteran Owned

480-586-8445

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated

• Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

Meetings/Events?

The Valley’s Premier Painters

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

www.AcpPaintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

CLASSIFIEDS

AUGUST 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Painting

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589 Not a licensed contractor

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

“We get your house looking top notch!”

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

480-338-4011

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

Scott Mewborn, Owner 480-818-1789

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

License #ROC 298736

ROC#309706

Plumbing

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

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

Plumbing

Pool Service / Repair

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

CLR Pool Service LLC

Painting

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

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

Plumbing

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Off 40work done *Any

Beat Any Price By 10% • Lifetime Warranty Water Heaters Installed - $799 Unclog Drains - $49 FREE RO UNIT w/Any WATER SOFTENER INSTALL NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 Months!! ‘A’ RATED PLUMBING REPAIR Free Estimates • Same Day Service

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

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

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

PLUMBING $35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

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.

Excellent Service... First time, Every time! Charles Rock - Ahwatukee Resident

480.399.ROCK (7625)

charles@clrpoolservice.com

www.clrpoolservice.com

Roofing

Over 30 Years of Experience Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

10% OFF with this ad

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS Crops of Luv

Pool Service / Repair

"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."

$25 OFF

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

Roofing

Family Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! We have a “Spencer” on every job and every step of the way.

Jody, co-founder, Ahwatukee based non-profit

Come Join us: Help make embellishments, organize or assist with events, scrapbook, donate your time, money or space. Teens who need to fill Community Service hours for High School are welcome! Come be apart of something Awesome!

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

Cropsofluv.com

602-938-7575 $ 1000 OFF

cropsofluv@cox.net

on qualifying complete roof replacements

480.634.7763

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

Roofing

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

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

Flat and Foam Roof Experts!

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

when you show this ad

inexroofing.com

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

NOTICE TO READERS:

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.

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

ROC #152111

Your leaks stop here!

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs

New Roofs, Repairs, Coatings, Flat Roof, Hot Mopping & Patching & Total Rubber Roof Systems

Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders! Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online! Licensed, Bonded, Insured

FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hirerooﬁng.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

Most service advertisers have an ROC# or "Not a licensed contractor" in their ad, this is in accordance to the AZ state law.

AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

www.porterroofinginc.com

480-446-7663 Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

Roofing

480-898-6465

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

480-280-0390

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/

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

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

• Diverse architecture: Modern Bungalow, Urban Farmhouse, Italian Cottage, Andalusian, Modern Craftsman, French Country, and Spanish Mission • Four amenity areas connected by expansive lawns

• Homes from 1,700 sq. ft. to 4,000 sq. ft. from the $400’s

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 26, 2020

SALE

S H T N O M REST**

AT ALL LOCATIONS!

NO INTE

58” 4K UHD SMART TV • 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In

449 UN58TU7000

WHAT A GRAND OPENING ... OUR VENDORS HAVE REALLY COME THROUGH WITH SERIOUS DEALS!! SPENCERS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE LOW PRICE LEADER… BUT WITH AN EVENT LIKE THIS … THE DEALS GET EVEN BETTER!

1.6 CU. FT. OVER-THERANGE MICROWAVE

T GREA ! L A E D

WMH1162XVQ CLOSEOUT

• 950 Watts of Power • 10 Levels of Power • Sunken Glass Turntable

199

EACH

DISHWASHER • AccuSense® Soil Sensor • AnyWare™ Plus Silverware Basket • 1-Hour Wash Cycle

REFRIGERATOR

• 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers • Energy Star Qualified

WRS325FDAM CLOSEOUT

RANGE

• 5.3 Cu. Ft. • Frozen Bake

• Temp. Sensor • Self Cleaning

NO INTEREST**

499

4.5 CU. FT. WASHER

• Super Speed • Steam • Self Clean Plus • 10 Preset Wash Cycles

7.5 CU. FT. DRYER

• Dryer Rack • Steam Sanitize Plus • Sensor Dry • 10 Preset Dryer Cycles

599

EACH **

WFE515S0ES CLOSEOUT

25.5 CU. FT. FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR

269 2090

12 MONTHS

GRM183TW

WDF520PADM

• Normal Wash Cycle • Heated Dry On/Off

• 2 Adjustable Glass Shelves • Fixed Gallon Door Shelves • Sealed Drawers with Glass Cover

STAINLESS STEEL KITCHEN

DISHWASHER HDA1100FMCC

18 CU. FT. REFRIGERATOR

• Twin Cooling Plus • LED Lighting • Gallon Door • Pull Out Freezer Storage Drawer

1199

RF260BEAESR

BUYS ALL 3 PIECES

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

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

WWW.SPENCERSTV.COM OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM | SATURDAY 9AM-6PM | SUNDAY 11AM-5PM

HOUSE IN S R E C SPEN PLANS PAYMENT BLE AVAILA Due to current circumstances, some items may be out of stock.