Ahwatukee Foothills News - 9.8.2021

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CASE HEATS UP

LATE BLOOMER

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HEALTHY NEEDLING

@AhwatukeeFN

Lest we forget

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tating “it just seems like a good time to step away," State Sen. Bowie yesterday announced that he will not seek another term.

The Ahwatukee Democrat, who championed teen mental health with a series of successful bipartisan measures during his three terms in the Legislature, told AFN in an exclusive interview that his decision culminated a long period of introspection.

The bombshell announcement by the 37-year-old Mountain Pointe High School alumnus comes at a time when Ahwatukee’s place in the Legislature for the next 10 years is very much up for grabs as the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission redraws legislative district boundaries.

Bowie has been consistently the top vote getter among all Democratic and Republican candidates in LD18, which currently includes all of Ahwatukee and

��� BOWIE ���� 4

The late Mike Ritter, a cartoonist for the East Valley Tribune and its sister paper, the Ahwatukee Foothills News, published this the day after one of America's darkest days. With the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks being marked on Saturday, many in the East Valley have vivid recollections of that dark day. See page 12. (AFN file)

Rains of August increase mosquito threat

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PROUD START

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Sen. Sean Bowie opting out of politics for now

@AhwatukeeFN |

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

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Wednesday, September 8, 2021

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

A

s Ahwatukee and the rest of the nation struggle with the ongoing menace of COVID-19, another public health danger is becoming a bigger threat here.

West Nile virus – long considered a permanent public health threat in the Valley and Arizona – has become particularly menacing as a

result of last month’s heavy rains.

The mosquito-borne threat already has hit home in Ahwatukee, where two residents between the ages of 40 and 60 from different

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Infected mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus, which has already put two Ahwatukee residents in the hospital. (Special to AFN)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

The Ahwatukee Foothills News is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Ahwatukee Foothills.

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

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

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ADVERTISING STAFF National Advertising Director Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@ahwatukee.com

Advertising Sales Representatives: Karen Mays, 480-898-7909, kmays@ahwatukee.com Laura Meehan, 480-898-7904, lmeehan@ahwatukee.com

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Circulation Director:

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NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:

Paul Maryniak, 480-898-5647, pmaryniak@ahwatukee..com

GetOut Editor:

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Tom Scanlon, 480-278-6903 tscanlon@timespublications.com Wayne Schutsky, 480-898-6533 wschutsky@timespublications.com Cecilia Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@ azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@ azintegatedmedia.com.

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Ignore The Edge, Club West Conservancy tells judge

BY PAUL MARYNIAK AFN Executive Editor

T

he Club West Conservancy has asked a judge to deny The Edge’s request to intervene in its lawsuit against the Foothills Club West Association board.

In a petition filed last week, the Conservancy asserted that The Edge has no standing because state law prevents “third parties from attacking the validity of actions taken by a nonprofit.”

The Edge owns the beleaguered Club West Golf Course and is in escrow with Shea Homes to sell the 165-acre site. Shea Homes owns the declarant rights to the site and is also negotiating to sell them to The Edge.

The due diligence period for the deal between The Edge and Shea Homes is expected to end in the next few weeks.

The Conservancy filed a suit in early 2020 against the HOA board and its previous members over what a Superior Court commissioner eventually called an illegal acquisition of the declarant rights from Shea.

There is a proposed settlement between the new board and the Conservancy before Superior Court Joan Sinclair, who has yet to set a hearing on The Edge’s lastminute request to intervene in the case.

The Edge contended in papers filed late last month that the Conservancy and the board, now comprising some former Conservancy members, have “colluded” on a settlement that threatens its rights as owner of the property.

“There is no actual evidence of collusion,” attorneys Francis and Daniel Slavin told the judge in papers filed on behalf of the Conservancy last week.

Noting Club West’s 2,600 homeowners “turned out in record numbers to overwhelmingly elect a new board” that changed its direction, the Slavins said: “The new board mandate was to protect the homeowners from the false choice being peddled by the golf course owner – conversion of the golf course to homes or be forever stuck with an eyesore of unmaintained blight land. The Edge has no right to intervene in either the CWC’s or (the board’s) business.”

In their filings, the Conservancy’s attorneys trace in detail the history of the course’s declarant rights, which were owned by a previous homebuilder, UDC Homes, and then acquired by Shea when it acquired UDC. They note the declarant rights “emphasize mutually beneficial restrictions and obligations with respect to the use and enjoyment of the Foothills Club West Golf Course by the Foothills Club West community.”

Urging the judge to toss The Edge’s request, the Conservancy asserts, “The Edge is neither a party to this action nor a member of either of the nonprofit organizations which are parties to this action.

see WEST page 6

NEWS

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

BOWIE from page 1

parts of northern Chandler, south Tempe and a bit of southwest Mesa.

But those boundaries could change, and Republicans already are waging a behindthe-scenes effort to dilute all-blue LD18, possibly by including the Pinal County city of Maricopa within its boundaries.

It also is not out of the question that Ahwatukee could be carved into two or more pieces, as it was until 2003.

Currently, the GOP has the backseat among registered voters in LD18, according to the latest figures provided by the County Recorder’s office. It shows Democrats lead with 56,465 registered voters, followed by 54,151 independents and 50,803 Republicans.

The GOP also is in third place in Ahwatukee, where there are 19,909 registered Democrats, 19,871 independents and 19,477 Republicans, according to the County Recorder.

The Pinal County Recorder shows that Maricopa has 10,167 registered Republicans 11,924 independents and 9,534 Democrats.

The commission is expected to unveil its first cut at redistricting later this year.

Bowie a few months ago had signaled some exasperation and weariness with the increasingly polarized Legislature.

As someone who came into office with a pledge to reach across the aisle to push legislation that would benefit all Arizonans, he told AFN, “One thing I noticed this year was it was a lot harder to build those coalitions and stop bills I thought were bad.

“And there were just fewer people that were focused on bipartisanship and the process as a whole was just more partisan than it used to be – which is obviously not preferable. But it seems like that’s only going to continue as both sides get more po-

State Sen. Sean Bowie has made it a habit to visit every school within Legislative District 18 every two years, as he did here at Altadena Middle School in 2017. He’s about to start his tour again.

(AFN file photo)

larized and more partisan, so I do worry about how that’s going to work in the next couple of years.”

Indeed, Bowie is the leading Democrat legislator in the last five years to see measures he introduced signed into law.

The total: Six. But Bowie said he is proud of those bills and the other work he did for his constituents in Ahwatukee and throughout LD 18.

He was one of the first lawmakers of either party to react to the rash of teen suicides, particularly in the East Valley, where at least 50 boys and girls have taken their lives since 2016.

One of those young lives – Corona del Sol High School senior Mitch Warnock, who took his life in 2016 – inspired Bowie to introduce S.B. 1468, which won unanimous legislative support and Gov. Doug Ducey’s approval in 2019.

It requires all school employees who deal with kids in grades 6 through 12 to undergo suicide awareness and prevention training.

“I was pretty proud of that and talking to teachers and counselors now, I think that’s absolutely made an impact in the lives (of many),” he told AFN. He also won bipartisan support for other teen suicide prevention and awareness legislation – including a measure that requires health insurance companies to cover mental health services.

Bowie, who had to relinquish his job as a senior analyst for Arizona State University’s provost when he took his seat in the Legislature, also pushed successfully for increased funding for the state university system and K-12 public education – both of which have been battered for more than a decade by budget cuts.

Bowie was able to be an adjunct faculty

winning the race. As a shy introvert, the thought of knocking on doors, asking for money, or speaking in public scared me.

Was I ready to put myself out there and run for office, something I never thought someone like me could do?

There was no turning back. After filing, I proceeded to spend the next year and a half working to flip a seat that had never been flipped before. I knocked on over 15,000

doors, lost over twenty pounds, and went on to win by three percentage points.

I love my job. It’s why during session I arrive at the office early every morning, visit all my schools, attend community events, and knock on so many doors. I have a banner in my Senate office that says “my heart is in the work,” and I mean it.

At the same time, it’s important to know when to step aside. That’s why, after many

member in ASU’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, teaching a variety of courses on ethics, public service, the Legislature and leadership.

He could have run one more time for the Senate before he was termed out, but expressed frustration over the state’s political landscape as far as the Legislature is concerned.

“There’s just a few competitive districts and in those districts that are pretty blue or pretty red, all the action is in the primary and generally, the way to get now is to be really partisan and bash the other side.”

He told AFN he has no interest in seeking a seat on Phoenix City Council, where incumbent Sal DiCiccio is termed out and where several candidates, including Ahwatukee resident Moses Sanchez and DiCiccio Chief of Staff Sam Stone, already have declared their candidacy.

Nor is he interested in a State House seat or a job as a lobbyist.

“I’m not one of these people who wants to run for something to have a title,” he said. “I want to actually enjoy doing the work and I love my work in the Senate. We can’t do it forever. …I was eligible to run one more time before I hit term limits, but I don’t want that to be the reason for why I would run…I don’t want to be selfish with that and I can step aside and do something else for a while.”

He said he may not stay completely out of politics, as he is planning to make some endorsements in Tempe’s City Council races, which will be held in March.

And he will still be a state senator for the next 15 months or so and intends to work just as hard as he has the last five years, he said.

“Obviously, I won’t be campaigning and fundraising and knocking on doors and all that but will still be very busy doing the job that folks wanted me to do.” ■

In his own words: Bowie explains decision

BY SEAN BOWIE Special to AFN

I

will always remember sitting in my car outside of the state capitol on the morning of March 11, 2015. I was about to file paperwork to run for the state senate in the community I grew up in, and I was terrified.

Very few people gave me a chance of

months of reflection and consideration, I have decided not to run for re-election to the Arizona State Senate next year.

This was one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, but it is one that I feel is the right choice for me going forward.

Anyone who has ever run for office, or

see BOWIE EXPLAINS page 9

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WEST from page 3

“There is no law that would allow a stranger to intervene to direct judgment in another’s lawsuit, especially a stranger which is a mere spectator as to the outcome of the lawsuit,” the petition continues.

It also notes that the tentative settlement before the judge could change, stating the HOA and the Conservancy “may revise their proposed form of judgment” and that the judge also “has the inherent power to change its mind.”

The lawyers also say that even Shea Homes has no right to interfere in the case, contending, “The Legislature has prohibited attacks by third parties to protect nonprofit corporations from outside interference in their business.”

The Conservancy has consistently claimed that the Club West community wants the site to be restored to a “world class” golf course, turned into a park or, worse, left as is.

It cites the responses of about 800 homeowners to a survey it took last year in which the vast majority opposed construction of houses on any portion of the course.

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The Edge unsuccessfully attempted in January 2020 to sell the community on a plan to restore the course and finance it by selling three parcels to another home builder for construction of about 164 single- and two-story homes.

The Conservancy contends those homes would ruin Luxuryand s ~ views Vin the home values a Rugthe yl ~ C ount er

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of people who paid premium lot prices to be located next to the course.

Matt Shearer, one of The Edge’s four partners, contends the Conservancy survey does not necessarily reflect the majority of Club West’s homeowners because less than half answered it.

Although the HOA board has not formal-

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ly stated what its position is, several board members at their August meeting told a handful of homeowners that no decision has been made on what might happen if Shea Homes buys the course and attempts to build houses on the site.

Several board members indicated that they likely would have to conduct some kind of election or survey of homeowners if a legal fight required an increase in HOA dues to pay for it.

While the HOA’s insurance company is paying most of the board’s legal costs in the Conservancy’s case, it is not clear if the insurer would pay for another lawsuit.

In its request to dismiss The Edge’s petition to intervene, the Conservancy’s lawyers also state, “The fact that The Edge expects Shea Homes to attempt to exercise the declarant rights in a way that would permit The Edge to remove the golf course use restrictions so that Shea Homes could develop the land is irrelevant.”

“This situation is like a bettor who places a wager on the outcome of a sporting event and then attempts to force his way into the field to affect the outcome of the game in the bettor’s favor….If The Edge has ‘development rights,’ it has not explained them.” ■

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BOWIE EXPLAINS from page 6

served themselves, can tell you about the many sacrifices that come with the experience. As much as I love my job, the last year and a half has pushed me to consider what is most important going forward.

One of those things is seeking a better balance between my personal life and professional life. When you commit yourself to the Legislature as strongly as I do, it leaves little room for anything else. It means less time, energy, and commitment to other areas and people in your life.

I want to change that. I want my life outside of politics to be as fulfilling as my experience in public service the last five years.

I am so proud of the accomplishments over the last five years. When I first ran in 2016, I promised my constituents that I would seek to govern in a bipartisan way and do all I could to restore education funding.

That’s exactly what I have done. From the university bonding funding approved in 2017, to helping pass landmark sexual assault survivor legislation in 2019, to landmark mental health legislation in 2019 and 2020, I helped forge bipartisan

480-706-7234 !

LD O S

coalitions and had a seat at the table for many of the most important decisions our state has made in recent years.

Serving the community that I grew up in over the last five years has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life. None of this would have been possible without the help and support of hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and friends. I am forever grateful.

What’s next? I honestly have no idea. I hope someone will want to hire me. For now, I am looking forward to the 2022 legislative session, and as always, I will continue to pour 110% of my energy into serving my constituents and doing all I can to make Arizona a better state for all until my term ends in January 2023.

I’m not going anywhere, but I will be contributing and serving in a different capacity.

Thank you for all your help and support on this journey. ■

GOT NEWS?

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

K

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Although some people cringe at the sight of crawly things, Shaw and her children do not.

“We love the caterpillars,” Shaw said, “it’s just been stressful when we’re driving because they (her kids) get really upset about running them over. We don’t want to hurt them. I know some people are absolutely freaking out.”

Drive along the Bush Highway and you can’t miss tens of thousands of these caterpillars frantically wriggling to cross as vehicles fly by. They don’t all make it to the other side – many become yellow splotch-

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The caterpillars are on a mission to eat as much as they can before becoming white-lined sphinx moths that are found across most of North America. They are hawk moths, which are among the largest in the world, and they’re “fast flyers and often highly aerobatic,” according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Not only are the caterpillars abundant on roadways, they’re showing up in swimming pools and gardens, and on walls and hiking trails.

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$725,000

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

9/11: ‘I knew I would know people there’

BY TOM SCANLON AZFN Staff Writer

S

tudents in Jim McNamara’s Fire Science classes at the East Valley Institute of Technology main campus in Mesa learn, according to the program website, “basic fire science fundamentals and technical rescue.”

McNamara was part of one of the largest, most complex, technical rescue efforts in American history: the 9/11 attacks response.

On Sept. 11, 2001, McNamara was at his Long Island home, getting ready for a doctor’s appointment.

“You better turn on the news,” his wife told him.

Like millions of others, McNamara watched live footage of the World Trade Center as smoke poured out of the North Tower – and then saw a plane fly into the South Tower.

At the time, McNamara was the Nassau County fire marshal, a teacher at Nassau County Fire Service Academy and volunteer firefighter.

“After the attacks, my technical rescue team was activated,” he said.

New York City firefighters.

And police officers also were I volunteers. also taught at the fire academy, so I knew other instructors who were New York City firefighters or cops,” McNaFire Science students at EVIT learn from someone who worked on one of mara said.

America’s greatest disasters: Jim McNamara, part of the technical response As he and 15 team at the World Trade Center Sept. 11, 2001. Now living here, McNamara others on his will be part of Mesa’s commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. team drove in (Pablo Robles/Staff photographer) a truck across Within hours, his boots were on the the East River to Manhattan, they could smoldering grounds of the World Trade see the huge columns of smoke. After Center, where two giant towers collapsed, seeing the first tower collapse on TV, Mckilling 2,606 people. (Another 125 were Namara instantly understood this was a killed at the Pentagon and 265 passengers mass-casualty situation. of four planes that crashed died.)

And that it would be personal.

Of the World Trade Center deaths, 343 “I knew I would know people there,” were firefighters who responded to the he said. scene. Some were McNamara’s friends.

His sense that faces he knew would be “Almost all Nassau County was volun- among the deaths came true. teer firefighters, so a lot of them were “From my battalion, we lost five fire-

fighters. From the (fire) academy, we lost three instructors,” he said.

Once his team arrived at the site, even as the sounds of responder distress units filled the smoky, dusty air, McNamara directed his mind away to what he was trained to do – away from “do I know the guy with that chirper?”

As he recalled during a class break, “You kind of compartmentalize things. That was pretty much the thing the night of the 11th....When you’d run into friends, you’d immediately give them a giant bear hug.

“Then you’d say, ‘Did you hear about Tommy?’ Or George. Or ‘Brian’s missing.’

You kind of go down a roll call.”

Jim McNamara remembers the friends he lost every day – especially every Sept.

11. The smiling faces he forces himself to focus on will be sharp in his mind this Saturday, the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

As 14 years in Mesa have not put a dent in his New York accent, so his memories will never fade.

“What you try and do when you talk about (9/11) is think of your friends before the incident. The good times you had

see 9/11 page 16

Healing Field in Tempe commemorates 9/11 victims

BY TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

O

ne of the East Valley’s longest running traditions memorializing the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks will again unfold this week at Tempe Beach Park.

The Healing Field – a somber display of 2,996 American flags honoring each of the victims who died 20 years ago – is an annual remembrance sponsored by the Exchange Club of Tempe and the Valley of the Sun Exchange Foundation.

Each flag bears a yellow ribbon and a small biography about the victim it commemorates.

The Healing Field is an all-volunteer endeavor.

Volunteers are welcome to show up at the park at 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, to help set up the 8-foot flags on rebar and attach a bio card.

At 6:30 p.m. Friday, a Freedom Concert will feature the U.S. Coast Guard

Volunteers erect one American flag for each of the 2,996 Americans who died in the Sept.

11, 2001 terror attacks. (AFN file photo) Auxiliary Arizona Band and the Manhattan Dolls of Tucson.

Starting at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, the Healing Field Tribute will be held in

which the names of each victim will be read. That will be followed at 7 p.m. with a candlelight vigil with speakers.

On Sunday, Sept. 12, the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk will be held at the beach starting at 7:30 a.m. Register at dogood.t2t.org/event/2021-tunnel-to-towers-5k-run-and-walk-tempe-az/e337587 Volunteers also are needed at 8 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 13, for the Stand Down, during which they’ll remove the flags and put them away for another year.

“The Healing Field transforms the park into a place of reverence, of common ground, where you feel connected to each of the people you are standing next to or paying respects to,” organizers state on a City of Tempe webpage. “Each year at first glimpse of the flags it takes our breath away.”

“The Exchange Club of Tempe is the force behind this incredible memorial.

see FIELD page 23

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

2 EV fire chiefs brought back a piece of tragedy

BY CECILIA CHAN AFN Staff Writer

F

or Jim Jobusch, the Tuesday morning 20 years ago on Sept. 11 began uneventfully as he prepared to head into work as Gilbert’s assistant fire chief.

But then the phone rang.

“I got a phone call from my mother-inlaw asking, ‘have you seen what is happening in New York City?’” recalled Jobusch, now the town’s fire chief. “I turned on the TV and saw that a plane had flown into one of the towers. I initially thought it was an accident and as I was watching I saw another plane fly into the tower and then I started to realize what was happening. There was lot of confusion obviously and it kind of halted our day.”

“There were lots of emotions that day, starting with, is it real to see what we saw on TV,” said Jobusch, who tracked the event as he tried to get through the work day.

“It was very surreal and then as we started to see more pictures of people fleeing and the buildings collapse and people falling and jumping out of windows, it became very sad and emotional and from there just curiosity what was going on.”

What especially hit home for Jobusch were the 343 New York firefighters who lost their lives that day, rushing into the two burning towers, both 110 stories, before their collapse.

“It’s a brotherhood across the country,” Jobusch said. “We all do the same things.

Yeah, that was quite shocking as well.

When we heard it was over 300 firefighters that had died, that magnitude is just amazing. When you hear it, nothing even comes close to that in our lifetime.”

What happened that day in Lower Manhattan, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. stayed with Jobusch and especially with then-Chief Collin DeWitt, who retired in 2013.

DeWitt learned that The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns and operates the World Trade Center, was going to make the remnants of the twin towers available once the investigation was completed and submitted an application as soon as he could.

“He stayed aware of that and once they

Former Gilbert Fire Chief Collin DeWitt and current Fire Chief Jim Jobusch brought a piece of a girder from the World Trade Center back from New York City and raised money to have it made as the centerpiece of the town’s commemoration of the victims of the Sept.

11, 2001, terrorist attacks. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer) opened that application, he submitted one on behalf of the Town for one of the remnants,” Jobusch said. “We didn’t know what it would be or anything about it. It took about two years to unfold and finally we were notified in late 2010 that we would be receiving a piece of steel from the towers.”

Jobusch said his predecessor saw the importance of bringing back an artifact from the World Trade Center to Gilbert.

“Even almost 10 years later the memories were very clear,” he said. “People are still drawn to recognizing the day every year and (he) thought wouldn’t it be nice to have something to build a memorial for people to go and remember what happened and for later generations to learn.

He had a vision to bring that here so we could continue to recognize and honor those who had died that day.”

The town had the option of having the remnant delivered but the cost was greater than if they picked up the piece themselves, according to Jobusch.

So that’s what they did.

In March 2011, the two took turns driving a pick-up truck hitched with a trailer nearly 2,500 miles, reaching Queens, New York, in three days.

“We had no idea what we were get-

ting,” Jobusch said. “Collin had given them an idea of what he was thinking and we would mainly build around what we could bring back.”

The Port Authority had stored and preserved pieces of building steel, firstresponders’ vehicles and other objects recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center site inside a hangar at John F. Kennedy International Airport “We went to the hangar, checked in and waited our turn in line,” Jobusch said.

“There were numerous other firefighters and police coming that day to pick up their remnants as well.”

The World Trade Center’s death tally that November morning included 23 New York City Police officers and 37 Port Authority Police officers.

What stood out for Jobusch as he waited was how the departments located near New York handled the artifacts they received.

“Lot of the cities back there got remnants and treated it almost like it was a fallen firefighter,” he said. “They had the Honor Guard there and saluted when (a piece) was brought out there.

“We were going to pick up steel and it became so much more emotional and we realized what it meant for the people

who lived in that area. It was so much deeper with them and they treated it with great honor.”

So, when a forklift brought over an 8-foot steel girder that once supported the North Tower, Jobusch understood the impact more.

“We were watching as they brought the steel (girder) out and loaded it onto the trailer and noticed the character and size and it brought out those emotions again,” he said. “You’re looking at it and (asking) where was it in the building and what happened to bring this to the particular shape it was in – it was bent.”

By the time the Port Authority’s distribution program ended in 2016, it had doled out over 2,600 items pulled from the heap of the twin towers to 50 states and 10 nations for the creation of permanent memorials for the public, according to a department news release.

Other municipalities in the Valley that acquired a piece from the WTC included Peoria and Chandler.

It took Jobusch and DeWitt another three days to haul the beam back to Gilbert. As they stopped at gas stations to refuel, people would approach them, touch the girder and some would cry, Jobusch recalled.

Back home, the department held several fundraisers to pay for fabricating the memorial and raised $74,000.

Gilbert unveiled the memorial in front of its Town Hall building on the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The steel beam is mounted on a base surrounded by four granite slabs, bearing the names of the nearly 3,000 victims.

“What makes me a little proud is when I see others there looking at it. Before COVID hit, I would see school field trips at the memorial when the teachers are talking about it.

“We’re now to the point where anyone in their 20s doesn’t remember it or those who have not lived through it, to explain to them the events and how unifying it was for this country, something we miss today – that makes me very proud that we were able to do something like that and that it will be here for a very long time.” ■

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

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

9/11 from page 12

with those people or working alongside of them. That’s what I try to remember,” McNamara said.

“The day itself, those images you’ll never get out of your head. The smells will never get out of you.”

To honor his fallen comrades, McNamara will speak at the city of Mesa’s 20th Anniversary Commemoration, at 10 a.m.

Saturday at the Mesa Amphitheatre (263 N. Center Street).

Mesa Fire Chief Mary Cameli and Assistant Police Chief Lee Rankin will be part of the salute.

Jim McNamara will honor not just those who died on that historic day in 2001, but those responders who passed away since.

According to a Sept. 11, 2020, report

by New York City TV station ABC Channel 6, “Twenty-seven former New York City firefighters have died of 9/11-related illnesses in the past year, bringing the total number of firefighters killed after the World Trade Center attacks to 227.”

Asked about his own health, McNamara gives a short sigh.

“I’m in pretty good shape,” McNamara said. “I had to get rid of my thyroid, I take

Jim McNamara, a Fire Science instructor at EVIT, is shown in a photo a few days after the Sept.

11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. “The truck behind me was providing the power for the command post,” he said. (Special to AFN) a pill for that. And I’ve got some kidney issues.

“But knock wood, I’m better than a lot of my friends.”

As he points out: “More guys died since 9/11 than on 9/11.”

Indeed, the World Trade Center Health Program says 3,496 deaths are attributed to a variety of illnesses related to the

Sept. 11 attacks. Some of those who died lived in the area of the attacks. Others responded to the damage, breathing in toxic fumes in lower Manhattan and the other two 9/11 plane crash sites, in rural Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon.

Twenty years ago, McNamara had extensive training and experience in technical rescue, which has six disciplines: rope

rescue, confined space rescue, vehicle/ machinery rescue, structural collapse rescue, trench rescue and water rescue.

According to McNamara’s EVIT biography, he responded to the Avianca plane crash in 1990 and TWA flight 800 explosion and wreck in 1996.

On Sept. 11, 2001, McNamara’s team quickly shifted from “rescue” to “recovery” mode.

“Our heavy rescue (truck) had a big generator on it. We set up a command post on basketball courts or tennis courts on the northwest section of the center. We were all over the site,” McNamara said. “My technical rescue team was trained on rope rescue, high angle rescue, building collapse, heavy machinery…

“There were very few people rescued after that first day. The rescues were made predominantly before the towers came down.”

His team was instructed to leave plane parts in place and focus on personal items.

Many of those who died left hardly a trace, pulverized into dust by the weight of the towers collapsing.

“It was important to get closure by bringing something home to (families),”

see 9/11 page 19

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

NILE from page 1

households in Equestrian Estates were hospitalized. While one has been discharged, the other has been moved to a rehab facility.

TV Channel 3 last week broadcast a report on a Peoria man who is in the hospitalized paralyzed by the disease and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health announced that West Nile Virus has claimed its first life of the season.

“We all need to do our part to protect ourselves, our family and our neighborhoods from mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of the Disease Control Division at Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

“With so much rain this summer, we all need to stay mindful of eliminating standing water where mosquitos can breed, like pet dishes, potted plants, and even toys.”

She said 36 human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported so far this year – a sharp increase over the three cases reported last year that resulted in one death.

“This is a significant increase in cases,” the department said. “The individual who died was an older adult who also had other health conditions. While adults over 60 and those with chronic health conditions are most at risk for serious complications of West Nile virus, young healthy individu-

17

ARIZONA 2021 WEST NILE VIRUS STATISTICS

Arizona Department of Health Services of infectious Disease Services

HUMAN CASES of West virus infections identified among Arizona residents

This chart by Maricopa County Environmental Health Services Department shows confirmed cases of mosquitoes with West Nile Virus that it has tested over the years. The figures for 2021 were last updated Friday, Sept. 3. (Maricopa County) als can also get severe disease."

The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department, which conducts aggressive year-round mosquito surveillance and abatement programs, reported a nearly 400 percent increase in positive West Nile virus mosquito samples compared to all of last year.

The Arizona Department of Health Services last Friday reported two deaths statewide so far this year and a total 451 cases of illness.

Residents of Ahwatukee Lakes have been particularly vocal here in expressing concern about the half-filled lakes providing a more potent breeding ground for infected mosquitoes.

“The large body of untreated standing water by Lakeside…continues to place all of us at risk for infectious diseases such as West Nile Virus,” resident Jayne Russell wrote.

West Nile virus can cause severe disease, though only about one in five of those infected will develop any symptoms at all.

Those who do develop symptoms usually experience a flu-like illness, including fever, headache, body aches and muscle weakness. About one in 150 victims infected can develop encephalitis or meningitis, an inflammation of the brain or of the spinal cord.

“This more severe form of the disease can present with headache, neck stiffness,

Combatting West Nile Virus and its carriers A facemask won’t protect you from West Nile Virus and there are no vaccines and there are no medications to treat it.

But people can take precautions – particularly by disrupting infected mosquitoes’ breeding grounds.

Here are some tips provided by the Maricopa County Department of Public Health: In standing water • Don’t allow any outside water to stand for more than four days.

• Cover rainwater barrels with mesh or screen.

• Drill holes in the bottom of any unused containers so water can’t collect.

• Remove or drain any standing water from birdbaths, discarded tires, flowerpots (check the dish underneath the flowerpot), wheelbarrows, barrels, tin cans that are left outdoors.

• Keep decorative fountains operational or drain the water. Check fountains after

rain and at least twice a week.

• Change water in animal watering dishes at least twice a week.

Pools • Immediately remove any water that collects on pool covers.

• Make sure the pool’s pump is circulating water properly.

• Turn over wading pools when not in use.

• Don’t leave out children’s toys, cups, etc.

In Your Eaves & Drains • Clear leaves and twigs from eaves, troughs, storm and roof gutters.

• Make sure that drainage ditches are not clogged.

• Check flat roofs frequently for any standing water.

Around yards and lawns • Fill in any low depression areas in lawns.

• Check knots in trees.

• Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets and remove air conditioner drain hoses frequently.

• Remove areas such as dense shrubbery where mosquitoes breed and rest.

• Let your neighbors know about potential mosquito breeding grounds on their property.

Around the house • Make certain that door and window screens fit tightly and do not have holes.

• If there are no screens, keep doors and windows closed from evening to dawn.

Personal protection • Stay indoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active. If you need to be outdoors during this period, cover up and use insect repellent for extra protection.

• If you like to work in your garden, avoid

vision loss, paralysis and other neurologic symptoms,” the department said. “These severe cases can lead to very prolonged illness, permanent paralysis or death. Those who are over 60 years old, have underlying medical conditions or have depressed immune systems are at higher risk for the more severe form of West Nile Virus.”

Animals, particularly horses, also can be sickened by infected mosquitoes.

Originally isolated in 1937 in the West Nile district of Uganda, Africa, the first Arizona case appeared in 2003, four years after it first emerged in the United States, most likely from bird migrations.

A study two years ago by Northern Arizona University and the Translational Genomics Research Institute said Arizona’s moderate temperatures allow West Nile Virus to survive throughout the winter.

It usually is active in the summer and fall, dissipating when temperatures reach freezing, something that rarely happens in Maricopa County.

“This is the first genomic evidence of local over-wintering by WNV strains over the course of several years in Arizona,” said Dr. David Engelthaler, co-director of TGen’s Flagstaff-based Pathogen and Microbiome Division, TGen North, and the study’s senior author. “These findings will allow pub-

see NILE page 19

early morning and evening when mosquitoes are most active.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors during these active times. Apply insect repellent to any exposed skin, sparingly: • Do not apply repellent to children’s hands, or near any areas of mucous membrane such as the eyes or mouth.

• Do not apply repellent on children under two years of age.

• It’s a good idea is to spray any clothing with repellents containing DEET, as mosquitoes easily bite through thin clothing such as cotton t-shirts.

• Carefully read and follow manufacturer’s directions for use.

First aid for mosquito bites • Wash bite with soap and water.

• Apply anti-itch medication.

• Apply cold cloth for swelling.

• Watch for secondary infections.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

NILE from page 17

lic health officials to better track the virus, allowing for more targeted vector control and public education campaigns.”

West Nile Virus samples for the study were collected from mosquitoes trapped weekly at 787 sites throughout the Phoenix metro area by the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department Dr. Crystal Hepp, an assistant professor at NAU’s School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems, was the lead Vector Control Division.

“The protocol we created researcher in a 2019 study that analyzed the genetic material for this study can now be of West Nile Virus directly from mosquitos collected mainly incorporated into routine in Maricopa County. (Courtesy of NAU) public health surveillance activities, allowMaricopa County conducts fogging oping for better tracking of local viral hotspots, erations to combat mosquitos and its changes in local viral populations and de- most recent map shows where they have tection of the emergence of new strains of been launched. Go to maricopa.maps.arcWNV,” Hepp said. gis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html “We are currently conducting WNV sur- ?id=c00b3ecbb3344ca2930a30b978184 veillance across western states to better ddd. A calendar of fogging operations is at understand how permanent Arizona viral maricopa.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=51. populations may be a source for continual For other information about West reintroductions to other regions and oth- Nile Virus: maricopa.gov/2423/Fighter states,” she added. the-Bite. ■

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9/11 from page 16

McNamara said.

“One cop was identified by the serial number on his gun.”

Six years after the 9/11 disaster, McNamara, wife Gail and sons Jimmy and Joey left New York for Arizona.

Being literally on an island outside Manhattan was part of the reason for leaving: “We always thought, could this happen again?”

But coming here was mostly for practical reasons.

“The No. 1 reason why we left was the cost of living in New York. It’s so much cheaper to live in Mesa than New York. I tease my friends back there that I pay in taxes in a year what they pay in a month,” he said with a laugh.

McNamara, 56, was a civilian fire inspector with the Mesa Fire Department for three years, then a safety officer and coordinator with Community Bridges and inspector with the state Office of Licensing until 2017, when he started teaching at EVIT. No longer an active firefighter, McNamara enjoys teaching the next generation of responders.

“A lot of kids have graduated (from EVIT) and gone on to become firefighters,

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EMT’s, wildland firefighters,” he said.

Asked why his students say they want to become firefighters, McNamara chuckled.

“The profession chooses you,” he said. “It’s in your blood: wanting to help people.”

His father was a firefighter, as well as several uncles and cousins. “It’s kind of a family business.”

This Friday at the campus, he will give a presentation on 9/11.

After the Saturday ceremony at the Mesa Amphitheatre, he plans to jump in his car and drive to Las Vegas, where he typically remembers 9/11 with firefighter friends who retired to Nevada.

Though he wishes he could forget much of Sept. 11, the next day is a cherished memory.

On the morning of Sept. 12, 2001, after working at the World Trade Center for nearly 24 hours, McNamara made his way back to Long Island.

“Coming home on the 12th, you were tired, your eyes were all burnt, itchy, scratchy, red bloodshot. I remember pulling into my neighborhood and seeing American flags on every house.

“Nobody wants to relive the 11th, but the 12th was a special day.” ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Sports betting’s Thursday debut at stake

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

W

ith tomorrow’s debut of the multi-billion-dollar sports betting industry in Arizona at stake, Gov. Doug Ducey urged a judge to throw out a legal bid to quash – or, at least delay – off-reservation sports betting.

Legal papers filed last week contend there is no basis for the claim by the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe that allowing people to wager on professional and college sports violates a 2002 voter-approved initiative that limits gambling to reservations.

And during an unusiual Labor Day hearing, Superior Court Judge James Smith expressed skepticism about the tribe's complaint, though he promised a ruling

by Tuesday – past AFN's print deadline – so that the losing side could appeal.

Hanging in the balance is whether people will be able to lay down bets beginning Sept. 9.At the heart of the legal fight is Proposition 202. Crafted by a coalition of tribes, the 2002 initiative was designed to

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The Diamondbacks and Caesars Palace unveiled renderings of the sportsbook that will open at Chase Field. The 20,000-square-foot, two-story venue will feature both indoor and outdoor seating, bar and VIP lounge with 1,500 square feet of LED screens and 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining space. (Special to AFN) have all casino-style wagering confined to reservations. In exchange, the tribes provide a share of their revenues to the state.

The legislation signed earlier this year

by Ducey – the plan that was negotiated

with most of the tribes – opens the door for on- and off-reservation sports wagering. That deal paved the way for what the governor called “modernized gaming compacts’’ which gives tribes the right to

VOTE FOR US IN

operate more games.

It also opened the door to sports franchises to take bets on college and professional games, with the state getting a share.

Legislative budget staffers estimated that would generate $34.2 million for the state, though some lawmakers have said the take would be much greater.

Attorney Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier, representing the governor, disputes that the wording of Proposition 202 provides tribes with the exclusive right to conduct gaming.

She also argues that the law was crafted in a way that anticipates there could be off-reservation gaming if the tribes got something in return.

In this case, Staudenmaier said, they got permission to operate more gaming machines, more types of gaming and their own right to take bets on sporting events.

While the tribe argued Monday that lawmakers must get voter OK to change the original 2002 law, Smith pointed out there is what has become known as a "poison pill'' in that original agreement.

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

SPORTS BETTING from page 21

It says that if the state violates the gaming exclusivity of any tribe, it is free to operate as many gaming devices as it wants.

Now the Yavapai-Prescott Indian Tribe has a current limit of 936.

That verbiage also would allow the tribe to can operate as many types of table games as it wants.

And it would sharply reduce the amount of revenue the tribe is required to share with the state.

"With that language, how can I conclude that Prop 202 meant to be some sort of perpetual limit on in Arizona?'' Smith asked.

Staudenmaier also noted that 21 of the state’s 22 tribes have been negotiating a new gaming compact for five years while the Yavapai-Prescott tribe “opted not to participate.’’ That was followed by legislative hearings with no objections from the tribe.

“Without any justification YPIT waited to file this action until the 11th hour,’’ she said. And that, Staudenmeiar said, means the tribe purposely sat on its hands, creating this last-minute legal crisis.

Attorney Luis Ochoa, who represents the tribe, says the Voter Protection Act of

the Arizona Constitution precludes lawmakers from altering what voters have approved unless it “furthers the purpose’’ of the original law.

He said the new gaming compact does not do that because it eliminates what he contends is the exclusive right of tribes to conduct certain forms of gaming.

Staudenmaier said the legislation allows the tribe and the state to share in gaming revenues while still limiting the scope of gaming in Arizona.

“Without this action, Indian tribes in Arizona face the risk that tribal casinos could be shut down, and plans to share Indian gaming revenues with the state and to create opportunities for non-gaming tribes to benefit from Indian gaming will go unrealized,’’ she said, quoting from the legislation.

And the governor’s attorneys also claim that Proposition 202 always anticipated the possibility that the state would decide to offer new forms of off-reservation gaming.

Their proof? A “poison pill’’ provision in the original law.

It says that if the state ever decides to allow off-reservation gaming, then the tribes are no longer bound by the original restric-

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tions as to the number and type of gambling machines and tables they can have.

Ducey’s lawyers also reject Ochoa’s argument that giving 10 licenses to take sports wagers to franchises and an equal number to tribes violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Every sports franchise that wants to take bets got a license. By contrast, having only 10 licenses for more than 21 tribes means the odds are better than ever that any given tribe will wind up out of the running.

One tribe that actually lost its bid for an online license is the Gila River Indian Community, although it will run sportsbooks in all three of its casinos.

Staudenmaier said lawmakers had a reasonable basis to create separate classifications for sports franchises and for tribes.

She said franchises are limited to taking wagers to a five-block radius around their facilities, though they also can accept bets online and by phone.

Ochoa claims that his tribe stands to lose money. But the governor counters that the court has to consider what a delay would mean in financial loss to others, including the sports franchises that have invested cash in setting up new gaming facilities. ■

23

FIELD from page 12

Their attention to detail is truly remarkable,” it continues.

“The first responders’ flag poles are respectfully placed along the perimeter, continuing to ‘protect and serve’ even in death. Gary Eugene Bird, the only resident of Arizona who perished on Sept.

11, has a small Arizona flag at the base of his flag pole.

“Additionally, the stuffed bears you see at the base of flag poles identify the children who died that day, and combat boots recognize veterans who have perished. Each pair of boots were donated by a military veteran.”

Each year organizers also make the Healing Field a Teaching Field, noting there are many who were not born until after that dark day.

“The old tattered schoolbooks that most kids have don’t even contain this important part of our history. We’ve heard many kids ask why on Sept. 11 their school didn’t so much as mention it. That is unacceptable. Bring your children to the Healing Fields. There is an information booth and posters that detail the timeline of events that day.” ■

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Phoenix likely to get new city manager today

AFN NEWS STAFF

P

hoenix City Council was expected today, Sept. 8, to officially hire Assistant City Manager Jeff Barton as the new city manager, replacing the retiring Ed Zuercher.

And while that move likely will go through without a hitch, some fireworks might occur if Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia pushes for the firing of police officers who arrested protestors last October and conspired with a now-suspended county prosecutor to charge them as street gangsters.

Garcia indicated in a radio interview last week that the officers should be fired, noting the distress and financial harm they inflicted on individuals by violating their constitutional rights and exposing them potentially to the harsh punishment carried by anti-street gang laws.

Documents filed with City Council show Barton will be hired at an annual salary of $370,000. His contract also ensures that he will get his current job back if for some reason he should be removed from the city manager’s post at a future date.

JEFF BARTON

Barton will lead the country’s largest council-manager form of local government and oversee day-to-day operations including responsibility for nearly 15,000 employees who serve 1.7 million residents.

“It is wonderful to have an internal candidate who not only has the skills, but also

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has the passion for the important work we’ve undertaken as the nation’s fifth largest and fastest growing city,” said Mayor Kate Gallego.

“Jeff has spent years learning the city from the inside out. He has been a critical factor in decisions regarding the budget and community investment, and in developing strategy for deploying federal COVID relief dollars during the pandemic and beyond.”

Gallego also said Barton shares her “drive to innovate and find creative, new ways to deliver a powerful experience for everyone who chooses to call Phoenix home.”

A Pennsylvania native, Barton moved to Arizona in 1999 where he became an auditor of city departments and programs.

That experience propelled his more than two-decade long career with the city, including roles as city manager, budget & research director, deputy city manager and most recently assistant city manager.

Barton helped lead the city through the economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and served as staff director of the city’s $293 million Coro-

navirus Relief Fund Strategic Plan that provided residents and local businesses with vital resources needed to navigate the pandemic.

As budget director he was responsible for planning, forecasting, and managing the city’s $4.4 billion operating budget and $7 billion five-year capital improvement program.

During Barton’s tenure, the department implemented a new five-year forecasting and modeling of expenses and revenues process to better plan for future funding needs, while providing early forecasts of potential budgetary challenges.

As part of the city’s executive leadership team, he has overseen a wide variety of city departments including Police, Fire, Community and Economic Development, as well as the Phoenix Public Library and the Youth & Education Office.

Barton holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Morehouse College and a master of public administration from Shippensburg University. He will move into the new role when Zuercher retires Oct. 8. ■

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A variety of colors and patterns can be found on white-lined sphinx moth caterpillars, from bright yellows and greens to completely black. (Sierra Alvarez/ Cronkite News)

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ment. There are more caterpillars than in years past because of the increased rainfall this monsoon season.

The white-lined sphinx moth caterpillars are in their “wandering phase,” which takes place right before they burrow underground to pupate, according to Sarah Britton, a doctoral student in entomology at the University of Arizona. Britton studies the pattern of melanism, or color pigments, in the caterpillars.

She said these caterpillars sometimes can be found at the tops of plants, and even though they’re large, they keep eating.

“Then sometimes you see these ones that are in the road or just wandering across big expanses and people are running over them,” Britton said. “They’re wandering to find their pupation spot.”

In the pupation phase, the caterpillar goes into its chrysalis to become a moth.

The caterpillar phase lasts about three weeks, and the pupation phase is another three weeks. After that, the moths, which look like stout hummingbirds with white stripes on primarily brown wings, emerge to live for just seven to 10 days.

Dry years also affect the population of the white-lined sphinx moth, according to entomologists.

Goggy Davidowitz, an entomology professor at UArizona, said the white-lined sphinx moth can handle the unpredictability of Arizona’s weather patterns – with one caveat.

“This species is the most abundant

hawk moth in all of North America,” Davidowitz said. “But the highest abundance (is) in the Southwest, they have evolved into semi-arid environments.”

Davidowitz, who lives in Tucson, said the rains there can be unpredictable.

“So, when there is a good rain season, they (caterpillars) capitalize on that and they’re very prolific and they’ll put in multiple generations. If it’s a bad year, they won’t.”

Davidowitz, who spends some of his time researching the white-lined sphinx moth, said the number of moths and caterpillars in Arizona has fallen in the past 15 to 20 years.

“Last year, we found when we went out black-lighting, it was a drought year, we got almost no hawk moths at all,” he said.

Diminished rainfall and rising temperatures from climate change affect this species’ ability to thrive in Arizona. Since the 1970s, the average temperature has increased more than 3 degrees in Arizona, which is the third fastest-warming state in the country, according to Climate Central.

“They can deal with some unpredictability as a species but they still need some monsoons to thrive,” Britton said.

“Last year, for example, we didn’t see this many. If it’s years and years and years of very little rain, that’s a big factor, in addition to the temperature.”

The white-lined sphinx moth plays a role in pollinating plants in Arizona. This species is considered a “generalist,” meaning it doesn’t have a certain type of plant it consumes or pollinates, Britton and Davidowitz said. ■

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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Alzheimers no barrier to Ahwatukee painter and if you don’t like it, we’ll find something else, so finally I said, okay, I’ll give it a try,” he recalled.

One of the first classes Steffen tried was open studio painting with teacher Nikki McIntyre.

“I wasn’t sure I wanted to even try, but Nikki put down a maple leaf beside me and said, ‘let’s just see the best you can do.’

Well, it came out looking something like a maple leaf, and I remember when I drew it, she picked it up and showed it to the teacher in the other art room.”

That affirmation set Steffen on his way. He now has completed at least 15 canvases.

McIntyre, who received a BA degree in fine arts at California University in Pennsylvania and is pursuing her master’s, recalled Steffen’s first day as well.

“The first art class that Bobo (Bob Steffen’s nickname) attended was in my classroom where everyone was listening to music and drawing leaves from life. Through guided instructions, he had sketched a

maple leaf and later added watercolor and it was absolutely incredible,” she said.

“I was amazed he’d never dabbled in art before.”

McIntyre, who has taught at Oakwood for three years, refers to the nonprofit as “a magical little treasure.”

“Oakwood is a unique place where individuals with memory and cognitive impairment can flourish through creativity and express themselves through several different creative outlets. Their members learn to grow and flourish in ways they never thought possible, and have their own close-knit community that they can always count on,” she said.

“I really appreciate Oakwood’s rare approach to individual member care. I’ve never seen another place like it, and I would like to see more places like this available across the country.”

Oakwood Creative Care was founded as Sirrine Adult Day Health Services in 1975.

about the opportunity to raffle a beautiful new Highlander,” said Patti Luttrell, executive director of CCN. “We also are so grateful to Jeff Noble Photo for donating beautiful photography and giving our kids a chance to step into the spotlight.”

Jackson and his big brother, Ethan, smiled for the camera alongside cancer survivors and their siblings from across the Valley.

Ahwatukee residents Jace Hyduchak, left, and Jackson Also in attendance were Dupps, both 10, stand next to the car that will be given Jace Hyduchak and his little away in a raffle to benefit cancer survivors. (Pablo Robles/ brother, Brig. Jackson and Arizonan Staff Photographer) Jace are best friends and classmates at Monte Vista Elementary.

“Words can’t express our gratitude to Jace, too, is a cancer-survivor.

Valley Toyota Dealers and excitement

“These boys have fought so hard and have come so far,” said Jackson and Ethan’s mom, Kelli Dupps. “Experiencing childhood cancer is something that changes you forever. These kids are our biggest teachers. They are a constant reminder of what is truly important and of what matters the most.”

The raffle provides Arizonans a simple opportunity to make a difference for families facing a devastating diagnosis. Tickets are priced at $20 for one or $50 for three and are available for purchase at cnwinacar2021.givesmart.com. CCN will sell a maximum of 8,000 tickets, and the winning ticket will be drawn on September 30.

Proceeds from the raffle will be used to cover basic needs for Arizona families

BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA AFN Contributor

B

ob Steffen of Ahwatukee didn’t put a paint brush to canvas until he was 78, thanks to a painting class at Oakwood Creative Care’s Town Center Day Club in Mesa.

Steffen, who retired in 2007 as a building manager for Kyrene School District, was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment in 2006. Ten years later, the diagnosis was mild Alzheimers.

His wife, Laura Clarke-Steffen, an R.N. at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, researched various adult day care within the metropolitan area and found Oakwood Creative Care a welcome alternative to many others.

“At other places, he would have been one of the highest functioning persons there,” she said. “I liked the Oakwood program because it was more like a club and had members with classes and activities and less of a daycare situation.”

Bob laughs as he recalls her attempts to

At 80 years of age, Bob Steffen of Ahwatukee has developed his painting skills, which he picked up only two years ago. (Special to AFN) get him to Oakwood Creative Care, which he now attends twice a week.

“When I first went, I did not want to go at all, but my wife said try it for six weeks

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SUV raf�le funding hope for children with cancer AFN NEWS STAFF

I

f you have cancer, Children’s Cancer Network will always be there for you.”

Ahwatukee fifth grader Jackson Dupps said this and much more last month when he and a dozen other pediatric cancer survivors and their families came together at the CCN’s offices in Chandler.

The occasion for the get-together was a photo shoot of the cancer fighters and their siblings with a brand-new 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE, a donation from Valley Toyota Dealers to benefit Arizona families fighting a nightmare disease.

CCN is raffling off the Highlander this month in hopes of raising $150,000 – money that will be used to serve local families. The raffle coincides with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

CANCER from page 28

fighting pediatric cancer – things like gas and grocery gift cards.

The American Childhood Cancer Organization notes that 60 percent of families in the United States battling cancer reported spending as much as $10,000 annually on non-medical expenses, including parking, meals away from home and childcare, during their child’s treatment.

“CCN picks up where insurance leaves off,” Luttrell said. “Beyond the medical costs, there are so many expenses that people can’t possibly anticipate. A huge

Still time to sign up for Adelyn’s blood drive Saturday

Twice a year, Ahwatukee residents Matt and Kami Troutman hold a blood drive so that other people can be helped the same way their daughter has been helped every month since she was 2 months old.

Adelyn, nearly 6, recently had her 88th blood transfusion – a monthly ordeal necessary for her to live and lead an otherwise pretty normal life.

The youngster, a kindergartner at Kyrene Monte Vista elementary school suffers from a rare genetic disorder called Diamond-Blackfan anemia, which prohibits her body from making red blood cells.

The cells have a relatively short life span, so by the end of four weeks after her last transfusion, they’ve all died off, forcing the need for another transfusion.

Her parents are grateful that there is blood available – particularly since blood supplies have been critically low ever since the pandemic began in March 2020.

This month, the Troutmans are tying their fall blood drive to the 20th anniversary of one of the darkest days in American history – and another time when blood was in desperately short supply to treat those injured in the terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people.

The next blood drive will be held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday Sept. 11 at Desert Foothills United Methodist Church, 2156 E. Liberty Lane, Ahwatukee.

People can sign up at bit.ly/2VbsBZD or contact Kami Troutman on Facebook.

Matt Troutman estimates that 3,000 people have been saved by the blood donated at the last seven blood drives he and Kami organized. See his video at youtu.be/HgexNLxjcj4.

Corpus Christi Knights ready to hit the links, help charity

The Corpus Christi Knights of Columbus Council 10062 will hold their 30th annual Joe Hasulak Memorial Golf Tournament at 6:30 a.m. Sept. 25 at the Foothills Golf

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portion of the money we raise is used to help families with basic living expenses – such as gas, groceries and even beds.”

Indeed, the nonprofit earmarks more than $150,000 each year to help families cover these costs. But CCN’s impact goes well beyond financial support.

“CCN is an organization the supports the entire family unit. They work hard to create programs and activities that provide a little something for everyone,” added Kelli.

The nonprofit serves as a primary point of contact for families facing cancer – at the hospital when they receive the diagnosis, throughout their cancer journey

and into long-term survivorship.

The organization provides hospital admission kits to help new families navigate the road ahead, adopt-a-family programs for the holidays and back-toschool season, mental health services for families, programs to help siblings cope with cancer, college scholarships, funding for childhood cancer research, advocacy, and a multitude of other services and resources.

“I have been told there is nothing worse in life than losing a child,” said George Hyduchak. “Thankfully, our son Jace is a survivor, but I can tell you firsthand that

families fighting childhood cancer face the prospect of that fear every single day. It’s the support of family, friends and community that help get us through it all.”

“Partners like Valley Toyota Dealers make such a difference for families facing that fear,” said Luttrell.

“During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, our goal is to rally the larger community around the cause and ensure no one has to face cancer alone.”

Club, 2201 E. Clubhouse Drive, Ahwatukee, with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start.

There’s a four-person scramble format and men and women are welcomed. The $85 per person registration fee includes greens fee, two beverage tickets, cart, prizes and lunch.

Contests, raffles and fun are in store for participants as they help the Knights raise funds for local charitable organizations through the nonprofit K of C Charities.

All golfers must be registered by Sept. 17.

Various levels of sponsorships are welcomed. For information on tournament sponsorship levels and advanced registration, contact Mike Moore at 480-3605956 or moore4mike@msn.com.

Monetary donations can be made by mailing a check to PO Box 50596, Phoenix, AZ 85076 or on the Kiwanis website ahwatukeekiwanis.org People can shop from a gift list as well at amazon. com/baby-reg/3K5BWAZABFIII. By default, they will be delivered to a volunteer’s house so donors don’t need to worry about delivering them or dropping them off anywhere.

The following new or gently used items are needed: baby clothing sizes newborn to 5T, strollers, socks, diapers, car seats, shoes, toys, sippy cups, baby blankets.

Items can be dropped off at Ahwatukee Swim & Tennis Center, 4700 E. Warner Road; • Bartoli’s Cleaners, next to Target on Ray Road; • Learn N Play, 15626 S. 42nd St.; • Triple R Childcare, 4510 Ray Road; • Vision Community Management, 16625 S. Desert Foothills Pkwy,; • US West Realty, 4505 E. Chandler Blvd.; • God’s Garden at Horizon Presbyterian, 1401 Liberty Lane; • Primrose Preschool, 3922 ER. Chandler Blvd.; • Ahwatukee Foothills Montessori, 3221 E. Chandler Blvd.; • Tutor Time, 15365 S. 48th St. Information: Andi Pettyjohn, 602-402-6267 or andi@ wttaz.com

awards. To donate raffle prizes email info@ahwatukeechamber.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ahwatukee Chamber Foundation Scholarship program.

Over $50,000 in scholarships has been awarded over the years.

Foursomes can register at bit.ly/TukeeGolf, 480-7537676 or info@ahwatukeechamber.com.

Presenting sponsors are Neighborhood Loans and Spooner Physical Therapy.

To learn more, visit childrenscancernetwork.org or facebook.com/childrenscancernetwork, or call 480-398-1564. ■

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Ahwatukee Kiwanis baby shower donation deadline nearing

People have one more week to help the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee’s annual baby shower benefitting Teen Moms in foster care and parenting teens from Tempe Union’s Compadre Teen Parenting Program.

The deadline is Sept. 15 to donate so that each of these young moms can receive a basket of new items based on information received ahead of time with each baby’s gender, age and clothing size. They will be able to “shop” for free for gently used clothing and necessities for their babies.

For moms who are not able to attend the event, clothing and necessities will be chosen for them by volunteers. All the gifts of new and used items will be delivered to them at the group homes or school.

“These young women are alone in their pregnancy and parenting experience without family and friends to support them,” Kiwanis member Andi Pettyjohn said. “They can use our help to make it easier for them to ‘beat the odds’ in this hard life.”

Donations will also be given to moms in crisis at The Phoenix Dream Center, UMOM, Tumbleweed and other shelters. Foster parents who are fostering babies will also benefit from donations.

Ahwatukee Chamber signing up charity golf tournament golfers

The Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce is seeking players and sponsors for its charity golf tournament Oct. 1 at the Arizona Grand Golf Club, 8000 Arizona Grand Pkwy.

Registration and breakfast will begin at 6:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 7:30 a.m. Masks are required in and around the clubhouse and highly recommended on the course itself.

Attendees will enjoy breakfast, lunch, raffles and

Ahwatukee women’s group schedules luncheon with guest speakers

Ahwatukee Friends Family and Neighbors) will hold a luncheon 11:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Special guest speakers Beverly Beck and Susan Conaway’s will discuss “Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars.”

The two local women are part of PEO, Philanthropic Educational Organization, the longest continuous women’s group in the US founded in 1869.

Contact affanwomensgroup@gmail.com. Cost is $17 prepaid. Registration closes Sept. 19.

Petition signing for protection of rights slated here

A petition signing effort to protect voting rights and public education funding is being held in Ahwatukee.

Locations include: 7-10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays at the Nosh Cafe, 4855 E. Warner Road; 9-11 a.m. Saturdays at Ironwood Library, 4333 E. Chandler Blvd; 8-11 a.m.

Sundays at the Ahwatukee Farmers Market, 4700 Warner Road. ■

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Ahwatukee!

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ARTIST from page 28

In 2013 it changed both leadership and name, and the nonprofit now operates two Mesa facilities: Town Center Day Club and Red Mountain Day Club.

Both give people afflicted with Alzheimers, other dementias, stroke and various conditions of impairment a place to belong and contribute while enjoying various activities.

It is also a blessing to caregivers such as Clarke-Steffen, his wife of 32 years who has been a nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for nearly 25 years.

“I know it (his diagnosis of mild Alzheimers) was more than 10 years after the MCI diagnosis. By then we were more focused on everything he could do and not what the limitations were and now having the label didn’t make a difference,’ she said.

“It did not make a difference in what we were doing to manage the problem or what we were doing to slow down progression.”

She also expressed amazement at her husband’s painting abilities.

“I think what is so special about discovering his art talent is that at a time when Bob is losing many abilities and activities – his running in particular – he has something new that he does well, and that is exciting as he gains the new skills, and is something that he can take pride in,” she said.

She said that after a few weeks at Oakwood, “we noticed that he actually improved in the number of things he can do independently at home as well. This is most likely due to the overall effect of increased mental stimulation and socialization.”

While COVID-19 diminished some of the one-on-one socialization, in Steffen’s life, it added further enrichment.

“It is sort of hard to separate what’s happened related to the discovery of Bob’s art ability from what happened related to COVID,” said Clarke-Steffen. “Bob was only painting about seven months or so before COVID hit. Oakwood stayed open about one to two weeks after lockdown before they went virtual.”

She said her husband’s virtual paint classes proved not only a highlight for him, but kept him engaged while she was at work or away.

“They offered group and one-on-one Zoom classes every day. I would leave Bob at home with the link ready on his computer so he could go to class. If he had trouble connecting he’d call me at work and I’d

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

to Scotland along with his wife and granddaughter. It pictures Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train, which may be familiar to Harry Potter fans as the “Hogwarts Express.”

Steffen’s painting catches the train as it crosses the curved Glenfinnan Viaduct.

With its iconic 21 circular spans, the artfully-designed concrete viaduct appeared in four Harry Potter movies, as did the interiors of the Jacobite Steam Train.

It was from a rear carriage that Steffen shot the photo that was the inspiration for his painting.

Bob Steffen made his dog, Princess, the focus of this painting of an “That’s my favorAhwatukee sunrise. (Courtesy of Bob Steffen) ite painting,” said FaceTime with him to get him connected.

Steffen. “It took a lot of work. It was a lot “If he didn’t log in, Oakwood would also of pencil work before I even started paintcall me to let me know,” she said. “Bob ing. Now I have a picture of the same train looked forward to the classes, both for going in the other direction. That’s one I’d what he was doing in the classes and for the like to paint some time.” social interaction. He painted the train totally through those Zoom classes.”

The train painting she referenced is one Steffen painted from a photograph, a practice he uses for many of his canvases.

In this case, it was Scotland’s Jacobite Steam Train, the train featured in Harry Potter films as one taken the ‘Hogwart’s Express,’ was painted by Bob Steffen not long after he, his during a wife Laura Clarke-Steffen and their granddaughter rode it along a curved 2019 trip viaduct in 2019. (Courtesy of Bob Steffen)

Even with the COVID lockdown, Steffen’s newly discovered painting talent cleverly united friends and family.

Zoom painting parties were organized for his running club – he still competes but chooses to walk the kilometers. A 2022 Dubai run/walk event is already on his calendar.

“For our running club, I made cupcakes and picked up the paint kits for the party and delivered them on door steps to everyone, ringing the doorbell and retreating to my car for them to pick them up,” said Clarke-Steffen.

“Then on the appointed night, one of the Oakwood teachers led us all in a painting.

The one we did with our family involved people from all over the country, so I organized a multi-city Uber Eats delivery of cupcakes and we mailed the paint kits before the party. For one of the parties we painted a picture of sheep blocking the road in Scotland that we had taken on our trip in 2016.”

Steffen said he finds that painting has changed his outlook.

“I see things differently now; I’ll see something and say ‘I want to paint that’.

I am starting to understand the different ways of painting,” he said. “We don’t do as much Open Studio as we used to, the club is short-handed but hopefully we’ll get back to doing more.”

Fundraising for the nonprofit is ongoing with their virtual Create Nights and Private Painting Parties with more information on both at OakwoodCreativeCare.org.

Their annual major fundraiser, Moments Matter Gala, is held this year at Mesa’s CAVU Aerospace on Oct. 23. Fittingly titled Hope Is In The Air, the event runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m., and sponsorships are still being sought. Gala tickets are available online.

In the interim, Steffen is very much a supporter. He said he encourages newlyarriving members at his club to give it some time and give it a chance.

“I tell other members who come in and are a little hesitant, to at least try it. I was that way when I started, but chances are that you’ll find things change, and you’ll like it.”

According to the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org), an estimated 6.2 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2021.

They project this will rise to nearly 13 million by 2050 barring any new medical treatments that might stop or significantly delay the disease progression. ■

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Local woman’s clinic offers old and new techniques AFN NEWS STAFF

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hwatukee resident Jody Murray’s clinic combines an ancient healing art with a more contemporary one.

The Vermont native, who owns the Longevity Wellness Clinic of AZ at 1807 E. Queen Creek Road, Chandler, is both a licensed acupuncturist as well as a certified athletic trainer/sports medicine practitioner.

Her background positions her to make her goal returning clients quickly and safely to their job, their sport and their life because her twin specialties enable her to manage injuries or illnesses.

“I also treat a lot of military veterans who have acupuncture as a VA medical benefit,” Murray explained. “Because acupuncture is a holistic treatment approach, I can address emotional components like PTSD, stress and anxiety.”

She’s also trained in other techniques, including dry needling, a specialized form of acupuncture especially suited for mus-

Jody Murray of Ahwatukee owns the Longevity Wellness Clinic in Chandler, which offers a variety of services, primarily acupuncture and sports medicine. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff Photographer)

culoskeletal injuries; cupping, GuaSha, a scraping technique; Dynamic and KT taping, soft tissue release and prescriptive stretching.

Each visit, Murray explained, incorporates “a thorough evaluation and treatment with multiple modalities, not just acupuncture.”

Her training and experience make her sought after by professional athletes as well as the amateur pickleball player, golfer and tennis player.

She also is experienced in helping the recovery of marathon runners and triathletes, partly because of her expertise in treating a variety of issues such as lowerback pain, neck pain, migraine headache, jumper’s knee, and tendinitis.

Murray calls acupuncture “a modality steeped in history with an evidence-based approach.”

With an athletic trainer degree from Springfield College in Massachusetts and a master’s in exercise physiology from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Murray studied acupuncture at the New York College of Health Professionals, graduating first in the class of 1997.

“I got into acupuncture because I believed that there was a level of rehab and pain management that ‘traditional’ styles

Gill retires as Tempe Chamber president AFN NEWS STAFF

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nn Gill, who left her position as president/CEO of the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce to take the same post in Tempe, last week announced her retirement.

“Today is bittersweet, as it’s my last official day with the Tempe Chamber of Commerce,” she posted on social media.

“I retire today with fond memories and relationships with colleagues that I will cherish forever. I am certain I leave the Tempe Chamber well-positioned to meet future opportunities and challenges.”

Between 2011 and 2016, Gill helped grow the Ahwatukee chamber to a current 450 members, reinforced the group’s shop-local efforts and elevated its signature community event, Red, White and Boom! into a regional July 4 attraction.

She was tapped by the Tempe Chamber

ANN GILL

board of directors to lead an organization that has several hundred more members that employ a total 70,000 people and

had been led by the same CEO for nearly 20 years.

The Tempe Chamber board named Denise Hart as the interim president/CEO while it continues its search for Gill’s replacement.

Hart recently assumed the role of vice president of marketing and programs for the Tempe Chamber after serving as the president/CEO of the Apache Junction Chamber for two and a half years.

Hart was the Tempe Chamber Business Woman of the Year in 2016.

As both an Ahwatukee resident and a leader of the Ahwatukee Chamber, Gill left a legacy of leadership that made her an obvious choice for the Tempe organization.

At the time she was named their new leader, then Tempe Chamber board chair Brian Wood called Gill “a skilled nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of

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business administration experience who excels in corporate development, community outreach, fundraising and specialevents management.”

She joined the Ahwatukee Chamber after serving for a little more than two years as executive director of the now defunct Wellcare Foundation of Phoenix.

Gill’s record of community service also includes chair of the legislative committee for the Arizona Chamber Executives board of directors, a member of the Western Association of Chamber Executives and the South Mountain Community College President’s Community Advisory Council and co-chair of the Tempe Kyrene Business Advisory Council.

Gill holds a B.A. in international business from Eckerd College.

At the time she left the Ahwatukee

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Hollywood power broker buys local building AFN NEWS STAFF

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Hollywood power broker is investing in Ahwatukee, though she’s not talking about her plans.

Stacey Woolf Feinberg recently paid just $2.1 million for an 8,737-square-foot flex building at 4980 E. Beverly Road in the South Pointe Business Center.

Arcadia Management Group, which bought the property in 2019 for $1.3 million was the seller, according to real estate tracker vizzda.com Feinberg started her career as a literary agent with her father, the late attorney-

talent agent Bob Woolf, who was the first sports agents and is considered the architect of seven-figure-earning salaries for professional athletes.

Together she and her father managed over 300 luminaries of the sports and entertainment worlds, including Larry Bird, Larry King, Joe Montana and New Kids On The Block.

In 1998, she formed JLF Asset Management with her now ex-husband, parlaying their talents into $1 billion in assets as one of the world’s top 30 hedge funds.

Feinberg, who also appeared as an actress and producer for several mov-

ies, including the 2015 “Renegade: Star Trek” film, created Pre IPO investing and was an early investor in such 21st century giants as Uber, Facebook and Alibaba, according to her biography.

Recently, Feinberg has developed a reputation for developing female entrepreneurs and performing artists.

“I’m not a stuff person. I’m an experiential person. Money is an opportunity to say AND instead of OR,” she told a podcast on producers called Angle on Producers not long after she produced the award-winning Broadway musical, “Jagged Little Pill.” ■

BUSINESS

STACEY WOOLF FEINBERG

Vaccine refusal can cost your job– and unemployment

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

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eople who got fired from their job for refusing to get vaccinated or wear a mask also may have forfeited any right to collecting unemployment benefits.

That’s the conclusion of David Selden, a veteran labor law attorney. And he said it’s not just because Arizona is an “at-will’’ employment state where companies can fire workers for no reason at all.

But the Department of Economic Security, which administers the benefits, said it may not be that cut and dried.

That issue has taken on increasing importance in the wake of an opinion issued last month by Attorney General Mark Brnovich. He concluded that private employers are free to require their workers to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

The only requirement is that company must make “reasonable accommodations’’ for those who cannot get vaccinated for medical or disability reasons, or have a “sincerely held religious belief.’’

Selden said that pretty much anyone else who is let go or quits over issues like vaccination or masks has been terminated for refusing to comply with a condition of employment.

Jobless benefits generally are limited to those who are fired through no fault of their own. But refusing to comply

with what a company sees as a safety measure, Selden said, is something quite different.

He said it might even be considered necessary and good business for employers to get rid of workers that don’t comply.

Selden said that during the first round of COVID, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration began inspections and investigations in cases where they saw people working in close proximity to one another, not socially distanced and not using protective gear.

He pointed out that OSHA regulations impose a duty on employers to provide a workplace free of recognized hazards.

“Working in proximity to people, or where you’re going to be exposed to customers who could potentially be COVID-positive, that could be one of those

conditions,’’ Selden said.

Tasya Peterson, spokeswoman for DES, said there are multiple factors in state and federal law to determine who is eligible.

“Losing a job because of a failure to become vaccinated will not immediately disqualify an individual from benefits in Arizona,’’ she said. Conversely, she said not everyone who loses a job because they cannot or will not become vaccinated will be eligible.

“All case-by-case reviews will include obtaining information from the individual and the former employer as part of the fact-finding process,’’ Peterson said.

Selden acknowledged that, for the moment, it is “an open issue’’ as to whether disregarding an employer’s rule would be misconduct that is contrary to the company’s interest and therefore a

justified firing, disqualifying someone from collecting jobless benefits “I think there’s a good argument to be made that yes, it is, because the employer is trying to provide a safe workplace for all of its employees,’’ he said.

Selden said it’s no different than disciplining or firing a worker for violating any other safety rule.

Masks may be a bit different. Safety issues aside, he said companies are free to impose dress codes on workers.

And all of that is legitimate, he said, as long as there are those reasonable accommodations, like an alternate workspace.

That might even include being allowed to work from home. And Selden noted that companies were doing that before, making it hard for them to say that that is no longer possible now.

More complicated is determining whether someone has a “sincerely held religious belief’’ that a company would be required to accommodate.

Selden noted the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission said that can be based on the religion that people follow. But he said it also can be “a set of beliefs or value systems that takes the same place in that person’s life similar to the role that recognized religions play in the lives of the people who adhere to one of the recognized religions.’’

What that can mean, Selden acknowledged, is a wide-open situation where it could come down to a “do-it-yourself’’ belief. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Job recovery moving quickly in Arizona

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

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rizona appears to be on the verge of having as many people working as there were before the economy tanked last year due to COVID. The latest figures from the Office of Economic Opportunity which reflect the employment situation in July show the state has recovered 94 percent of the 331,500 jobs shed since April 2020.

That was good enough to be the third largest recovery among all states.

And the situation is even brighter among private-sector employers, with the state at 98 percent of the number of people working prior to the pandemic.

Doug Walls, the labor market analyst for the agency, said he can’t make predictions of what the figures for August will show and whether the state will get out of the red in terms of employment. Those numbers will be released in a few weeks.

But he said the signs are promising.

“We have had some good employment momentum really over the last 12 months after the initial declines in employment,’’ Walls said. “We have seen a steady increase in hiring across all 11

MURRAY from page 32

of medicine didn’t address,” Murray said.

“It was a three-year program and was the perfect match for what I was already doing.

“The science of acupuncture is thousands of years old,” she continued.

“While it hasn’t changed our understanding of how and why it works from a western medical model,” she said, “at this point there are thousands of research studies validating the effectiveness of acupuncture.”

So much so, she noted, that acupuncture has been “much more commonly used by people than it was in 1997.”

“Many insurance companies will now

GILL from page 32

Chamber, longtime Ahwatukee businesswoman Martha Neese called her move to Tempe “a logical next step in her career development.”

“She has a gift and an unassuming way,”

industry sectors across all seven metro areas around the state that the data’s available for.’’

Still, he cautioned, trend lines go only so far.

“It’s not uncommon to see month-tomonth fluctuations,’’ Walls said.

But, at least on an annual basis, the needle is in positive territory.

Total non-farm employment increased 183,200 jobs, a 6.7 percent increase.

Even when statewide employment is back to pre-pandemic levels, however, not all areas of the state will fare equally well.

It’s close to breaking even in Maricopa and Pinal counties.

In Pima County, Walls said the 75 percent recovery level of the 44,000 lost jobs is due largely to the fact that so many people are employed with the university system which has not fully recovered.

That is reflected statewide in the fact that government employment, including colleges and universities, remains 40 percent below where it was.

Among industry segments there also are some stark differences.

The biggest recovery has been in the category of trade, transportation and utilities.

pay for acupuncture and patients can use their health savings accounts to pay for treatments,” Murray pointed out.

Acupuncture also helped her expand the services she could offer.

Murray started her professional career as an athletic trainer – “not a personal trainer,” she quickly pointed out.

She worked in universities and outpatient physical therapy clinics for about 10 years before getting her acupuncture license.

And in this day of heightened awareness of good hygiene, Murray pointed out that clean needle technique has always been practiced by licensed acupuncturists “so no adjustment was really needed to keep

Neese said. “She brings people together, and has a stable, positive, consistent manner.”

Her leadership elevated the Independence Day celebration into one of Ahwatukee’s signature community celebrations.

But two years after she left, construction

Walls said some of that is related to stronger employment at brick-and-mortar’ retailers.

Many saw traffic slow to a crawl both due to a stay-at-home order issued last year by Gov. Doug Ducey and, even after that was rescinded, by a reticence of some people to go into crowded stores.

Now that is beginning to recover.

But the big winners in all this, he said, have been online retailers. Employment has jumped not only at the warehouses and “fulfillment centers’’ but also among trucking companies that deliver all of these items.

The U.S. Department of Commerce predicts that consumers will spend $933.3 billion in ecommerce sales this year, up 17.9 percent. That totals 15.3 percent of total sales.

Agency officials also say that ecommerce should reach 23.6 percent of total sales by 2025, versus 11.0 percent in 2019.

At the other extreme in Arizona is the state’s information sector.

What’s been dragging that down, said Walls, is the fact that it includes employment at movie theaters.

“While we have seen some theaters

my patients safe.”

“My treatment space is cleaned and disinfected between every patient, as it always has been,” she said. “Because I am a sole practitioner, I don’t have a lot of patients sitting in a waiting room.”

While devoting a considerable amount of time to her patients, Murray also has found that “the other thing that is really important to me is volunteerism.”

She has been on multiple medical missions where she has treated medically underserved populations, including the Navajo Nation.

She is on the advisory board of a nonprofit called Project Buena Vista, which works with communities in Peru and has

of the South Mountain Freeway robbed the Ahwatukee Chamber of its staging area for a fireworks show that attracted thousands while the abrupt departure of a major sponsor crippled its financial ability to host the event.

The current executive director of the

open back up, there’s still some ways to go in order for that industry to fully recover,’’ he said.

That presumes that COVID has not forever changed viewing habits.

During the pandemic, some major producers made their releases available online as pay-per-view. And even with theaters now reopening, that trend is continuing.

There are other signs of an improving economy.

One is the “quit rate,’’ the percentage of people who voluntarily leave their jobs, presumably because they believe they can find better work elsewhere.

It dropped to just 1.6 percent nationally at the beginning of the pandemic.

Since then it hit a historic high of 2.8 percent in April, though the latest figures have it at 2.7 percent.

With increasing competition for workers, companies are being forced to pay more.

Walls said the latest figures show an average hourly wage in Arizona of $28.45 – a 3.4 percent increase last year.

Still, the state remains below the national figure of $30.39 which went up 4.0 percent over the same period. ■

posted a number of blogs about her experience on her clinic’s website.

“I was scheduled to return to Peru the first spring of the pandemic and that was cancelled,” she said, adding she is “still hopeful to return soon.”

Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of complaints. Because of my background, my practice specializes in injury, pain management and performance enhancement. I treat elite, professional & Olympic athletes, college and high school athletes, occupational worker-athletes, weekend warriors and even couch potatoes!

Information: 203-512-0572 or longevitywellnessaz.com. ■

Ahwatukee Chamber is Andrew Hayes, who has led the organization for a little more than two years.

The Chamber is currently signing up players for its annual fall golf tournament Oct. 1 at the Arizona Grand Resort. Details are at ahwatukeechamber.com. ■

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

35

Choosing between IRAs requires some thought

BY JOSEPH ORTIZ AFN Guest Writer

I

f you’re in the early stages of your career, you’re probably not thinking much about retirement.

Nonetheless, it’s never too soon to start preparing for it, as time may be your most valuable asset.

So, you may want to consider retirement savings vehicles, one of which is an IRA. Depending on your income, you might have the choice between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA. Which is better for you?

There’s no one correct answer for everyone. But the more you know about the two IRAs, the more confident you’ll be when choosing one.

First of all, the IRAs share some similarities. You can fund either one with many types of investments – stocks, bonds, mutual funds and so on. And the contribution limit is also the same – you can put in up to $6,000 a year. (Those older than 50 can put in an additional $1,000.)

If you earn over a certain amount, though, your ability to contribute to a Roth IRA is reduced. In 2021, you can put in the full $6,000 if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than $125,000 and you’re single, or $198,000 if you’re married and file jointly.

The amount you can contribute gradually declines, and is eventually limited, at higher income levels.

But the two IRAs differ greatly in how they are taxed. Traditional IRA contributions are typically tax-deductible (subject to income limitations), and any earnings growth is tax-deferred, with taxes due when you take withdrawals.

With a Roth IRA, though, your contributions are never tax-deductible – instead, you contribute after-tax dollars. Any earnings growth is tax-free when withdrawn, provided you’ve had your account at least five years and you don’t take withdrawals

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until you’re at least 59½.

So, which IRA should you choose? You’ll have to weigh the respective benefits of both types. But when you’re young, you may have particularly compelling reasons to choose a Roth IRA. Given that you’re at an early point in your career, you may be in a lower tax bracket now than you will be during retirement, making the tax-deduction of traditional IRA contributions less beneficial.

So, it may make sense to contribute to a Roth IRA now and take tax-free withdrawals when you’re retired.

Also, a Roth IRA offers more flexibility.

With a traditional IRA, you could face an early withdrawal penalty, in addition to taxes, if you take money out before you’re 59½.

But with a Roth, you’ll face no penalty on withdrawals from the money you contributed (not your earnings), and you’ve already paid the taxes, so you could use the money for any purpose, such as making a down payment on a home.

Nonetheless, you may still want to be cautious about tapping into your IRA for your spending needs before you retire, since IRAs are designed to provide retirement income.

If your income level permits you to select a Roth or traditional IRA, you may want to consult with your tax advisor for help in making your choice. But in any case, try to max out on your IRA contributions each year.

You could spend two or three decades in retirement – and your IRA can be a valuable resource to help you enjoy those years.

Joseph Ortiz is a �inancial planner for Edward Jones. Reach him at 480-7537664 or joseph.ortiz@edwardjones. com. Joe will resume his coffee clubs on the last Thursday of every month at the Four Points Sheraton Inn 10831 S. 51st St., Ahwatukee. ■

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OPINION

Opinion 36

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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3 important issues await Foothills HOA members

BY DAVID RANDOLPH AFN Guest Writer

M

embers of the Foothills Community Association should be aware of three important issues affecting the HOA. First, the annual election for the board of directors will soon be underway. My colleague George Lemley and I are running and we ask for your vote.

Last year, George and I helped lead the grassroots movement for structural bylaws reforms that homeowners supported by a ratio of 11:1. These reforms and the subsequent election of directors who supported them contributed to the positive changes made by the board over

Lakes course poses a health risk to community

I dutifully follow your updates in the AFN regarding the legal battle with Wilson Gee and our golf course property. This has been on-going for almost 10 years and is a ludicrous illustration of justice.

Despite the excellent legal representation by attorney Tim Barnes, we, Ahwatukee residents and homeowners, continue to be victims of a questionable judicial process. Some additional facts may help us understand, specifically how is it that Judge Alison Bachus did not disclose her conflict until the day of the hearing?

There are reasons for local community frustration and mistrust of our legal system. Ahwatukee residents have helplessly endured almost 10 years of abuses and allowances. It is understandable how anger and mistrust is sadly pervasive throughout our country today.

The large body of untreated standing water by Lakeside, previously a lake, continues to place all of us at risk for infectious diseases such as West Nile Virus, encephalitis, mosquito infestation and

the past year.

If elected, George and I will work to reinforce these gains and to further advance the reform movement’s goals of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the interests of the HOA’s members.

Details of our platform – including specific ideas for ensuring respect for homeowners, strengthening financial management, and enhancing the beauty of our community – are posted at: TheFoothillsInfo.com.

Concurrent with the board election, HOA members are being asked to vote on a lengthy package of bylaws amendments.

These amendments are the product of nearly two years of work by a special committee that included board directors and

reformers, including me. Although COVID slowed us down, in the end the committee produced a solid package.

Many of the amendments amount to basic housekeeping – cleaning up problems that had existed over the years but were never addressed. Others tighten or redefine issues in ways that make the bylaws more community focused.

I urge all HOA members to vote in favor of the bylaws amendments.

Lastly, the HOA has assumed responsibility for lighting Chandler Boulevard for the Festival of Lights. While it is contributing $50,000 – and the Club West HOA is generously contributing an additional $25,000 – significantly more funding is needed to ensure that the FOL glistens

with its full glory.

The HOA has created a GoFundMe site at: gofundme.com/f/w379b-foothillsfestival-of-lights with a goal of $50,000.

Because of the need to get the contract for the lights by the end of September, it is urgent as much of this amount as possible be collected within the next few weeks.

I encourage all those who live in the Foothills and enjoy the FOL – even those who live in other HOAs -- to make even a small contribution to help sustain this cherished community tradition. A flyer with further information on the fund drive is posted on our website.

I thank you for your support in helping make the Foothills such a lovely place to live. ■

even leptospirosis. This disease is found in hot tropical areas, similar to Phoenix monsoon weather and infested by animal urine. We can only guess what lives and grows in those swamps and other infected areas throughout our neighborhood.

Where are the government funded agencies that exist to protect public health concerns – Maricopa County Health Department, Department of Environmental Quality and State Department of Health?

The time for action has long passed; we need facts and hard answers. Please continue to delve and investigate and help to provide us recourse. I encourage all to get involved and support “Save the Lakes.” I love Ahwatukee and cannot tacitly standby and allow Wilson Gee, his attorneys, and his money to risk our health and destroy this beautiful community.

-Jayne Russell

all of the workers were Greek to strike up a conversation. I visited Greece on a school trip as a chaperone last year before COVID and thought it would be a fun conversation.

Instead, the man at the register told me he was from Iraq. I won’t go into the details of the conversation, but this was an unexpected surprise. I’ve also been to Iraq while serving as a Marine infantryman. This employee had made it to the United States per our promises, and he was the first Iraqi that I had spoken to since my last deployment in 2008.

It warmed my heart that I could witness the upheld promise. But it also made me think of the promises we have made to those who helped coalition forces in Afghanistan, namely a ticket to the United States, not to mention the promise of freedom from the Taliban’s cruel regime.

Now it seems that we may fail to deliver on both promises for many, and I am ashamed of our hasty, disorganized withdrawal. We owe those Afghans who believed in us, and we should at least uphold the promises that we still can. It didn’t have to be this way, and the blame

lies with our military leaders, intelligence, and this administration.

-Cailen Dixon

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Ashamed of hasty and chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan

The other day I went to Niro’s Gyros to get some Greek food. I decided to ask if

Biden must protect voting rights, abolish �ilibuster

Biden has a choice to make: Does he want to establish his legacy as a president who fought for voting rights, or not?

In order to be remembered as a president who fought for voting rights, Biden must do more than ask the Senate to pass voting rights legislation. He knows as well as we do that bills like the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act won’t make it through the Senate unless we abolish the filibuster.

Biden must publicly and unequivocally support abolishing the filibuster to clear the way for these crucial reforms.

It’s time for Biden to be the leader he promised to be and call on the Senate to end the filibuster and protect our right to vote. We’re counting on him to do the right thing.

-Deborah Papaleo

�ee LETTERS page 37

OPINION

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

SRP shouldn’t rush billion-dollar decision

BY DIANE BROWN AFN Guest Writer

A

billion dollars is a lot of money even for Salt River Project. And keep in mind SRP’s money is really our money – money from payments you and I make to SRP on our monthly electric bills.

Typically, when a corporation or a utility considers making a million-dollar expense – let alone spending almost a billion dollars – they weigh the upfront and ongoing costs and benefits, and seek competitive bids.

While SRP likely considered various factors related to their proposal to build 16 gas units at a cost of almost $1 billion, the lack of available information and time for stakeholders and customers to provide input is very disconcerting.

Here are our top concerns: At the price tag of nearly $1 billion, the cost to build 16 gas plants is exorbitant.

37

Particularly disturbing is the lack of public information that exists about the total projected cost including fuel and maintenance; total estimated groundwater consumption – which could affect availability and increase water costs for farmers, businesses, and consumers; and impact on the monthly electricity bills of SRP customers and over what period of time.

The need for more power capacity may be overstated while the options to increase energy efficiency, and renewable resources, such as solar, may be understated.

Without SRP adequately and publicly providing information, it is hard to know the various factors and scenarios they contemplated and whether their forecasts are realistic.

However, due in part to its negative contribution to climate change, we know that new gas builds are becoming obsolete, which means gas plants and units may be left stranded with SRP customers needing

to absorb the cost.

And we know that SRP did not request competitive proposals from industry that might have led to a more climate-friendly resource at less cost to SRP ratepayers.

A rushed decision on an item of this magnitude is likely to result in a flawed decision. SRP’s 2035 Sustainability Advisory Group consisted of business, academic, governmental, environmental, and consumer leaders and was arguably one of most robust, data-driven, comprehensive stakeholder processes in which I’ve been involved.

However, the widely-acclaimed and inclusive process that advanced overall sustainability goals has since reversed course.

A stakeholder meeting where minimal information was first presented about the proposed purchase of additional gas units was held 24 hours before a SRP Board committee vote. Many SRP customers are likely still in the dark about this gas expan-

sion proposal and its potential impacts.

The full SRP Board is expected to vote on the proposed construction of 16 gas units at a cost of almost $1 billion to SRP customers on Sept. 13 – only three weeks after SRP management recommended this move, and with numerous and significant details still lacking.

Although many of us can’t relate to spending that amount of money, we are familiar with the benefits of scrutinizing, getting input, and deliberating before making a major expenditure. SRP needs to approach this decision like you and I would approach a major purchase.

After all, it is our money.

But SRP, a public utility, is instead overseen by a board of directors who must be landowners and can only be elected by landowners in a portion of SRP’s service territory.

It sounds archaic, but it’s true.

As a result, renters like me, and even some homeowners in new developments, must get our electricity from a utility that has no state oversight and that we cannot directly influence. Yet, their decisions will impact our monthly bills and the air we all breathe, and we have no choice but to live with both.

This particular proposal to lock in our continued reliance on polluting, unreliable, and price-variable gas is very concerning.

Gas plants require significant water resources, a huge burden on Pinal County, which is facing new water restrictions.

And as we saw in Texas this past winter, gas can be an unreliable resource with volatile prices that get passed on directly to families and businesses.

In contrast, resources such as solar paired with storage do not require fuel to operate and use little-to-no water, all while providing flexible, affordable energy. That’s why across the country we are seeing solar paired with storage, and other renewable energy resources, replace dirty fossil fuels.

SRP should heed this national trend and invest the $1 billion in a clean energy portfolio of resources instead.

But as far as we know, SRP did not even seriously consider clean alternatives to this massive fossil gas expansion. They are rushing to approve this billion-dollar commitment without soliciting public opinion, right when Arizona is enduring

extreme heat and wildfires exacerbated by climate change.

With the Arizona Corporation Commission on the cusp of approving strong and prudent new commitments to transition most of the state’s electric grid to 100 percent clean energy, SRP’s proposal looks particularly backward.

While our neighbors are creating clean energy jobs, spurring investment and leading on climate action, SRP’s two million customers will be stuck in the past and at the will of out-of-state gas suppliers.

At their Sept. 13 meeting, SRP must stop this proposed gas plant expansion and instead pursue local, clean energy solutions.

Diane E. Brown is the executive director of the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, an organization that conducts research and advocacy on issues in the public interest. Reach her at dbrown@arizonapirg.org. ■

SRP board should reject huge gas expansion

BY YARA MARIN AFN Guest Writer

S

alt River Project just proposed a nearly $1 billion gas-fired power plant expansion with only weeks for customers to weigh in before a vote by the governing board.

SRP did not allow clean, local resources to compete for the project or provide stakeholders with their internal analysis that led to this proposal. Now, disenfranchised customers like me are left with little recourse to stop this costly, polluting gas plant expansion.

Investor-owned utilities, like Arizona Public Service or Tucson Electric Power, are regulated by our elected Corporation Commission to ensure that they act in the public interest and protect ratepayers from bad investments.

LETTERS from page 36

Congress must pass Open App Markets Act

When I first started my business Red Canopy Management, which manages online bookings for tour companies, I prepared myself for the mundane red

tape that goes into starting a business.

However, I wasn’t prepared for the monopolistic hurdles that companies, like Apple’s app store, put in place when trying to create and distribute an online app.

Their tactics include a 30 percent transaction fee on all in-app purchases and self-preference their own apps.

These monopolistic behaviors have

become so harmful to developers, the U.S. Congress has taken notice. In August, the Open App Markets Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. This bipartisan, bicameral piece of legislation would promote a fair app ecosystem and allow developers to innovate while providing choices to consumers.

Yara Marin is the Regional Director, Interior West at the solar advocacy nonprofit Vote Solar. ■

As a business owner, I want to see these hurdles removed so U.S. tech innovators and developers grow and prosper. I urge the entire Arizona Congressional delegation, especially Representative Andy Biggs, to support and cosponsor this critical piece of legislation.

-Robert Mayer

38

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

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SPORTS

39

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www.ahwatukee.com

Pride �inds its identity in nail-biter of a win

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

S

ince he was hired to return to Mountain Pointe as the head football coach after the 2019 season, Eric Lauer’s main goal was to establish a new culture and help the team �ind its identity.

The COVID-19 pandemic left him no normal offseason, resulting in a 1-7 campaign last year.

But on Friday night in the Pride’s 2021 season opener against Corona del Sol, it all came together. Mountain Pointe’s identity as a blue-collar program with players who work and play hard for each other resulted in a 34-33 win over the Aztecs.

“We know who we are now,” an emotional Lauer said. “We didn’t know who we were last year. And when you don’t know who you are, people will tell

you you’re something else. Embrace the Chase, people saw it as a joke. We have embraced our chase and I just feel so happy for our guys. We are going to earn respect.”

Mountain Pointe’s win didn’t come easily against a resilient Corona del Sol team. The Pride went up by two scores in the fourth quarter but were unable to hold off an Aztec rushing attack led by junior Jonathan Kubat.

Just as he did throughout the night, Kubat bounced off would-be Mountain Pointe tacklers to gain extra yards on each run. The Aztecs managed to score to pull within a touchdown of Mountain Pointe midway through the fourth. An onside kick followed which was recovered by Corona del Sol. It wasn’t long before the Aztecs were once again knocking on the door to the end zone. Two straight penalties on Mountain Pointe totaling 30 yards

didn’t help. On fourth down from the 11-yard line, Aztec sophomore quarterback Connor Ackerley, who had attempted just eight passes all night, connected with senior wideout Jeff Lambert for a touchdown on his ninth attempt.

Trailing by a point, Corona del Sol head coach Jon Becktold gambled with a two-point conversion take the lead. The Aztecs were stopped short of the goal line by a yard. Mountain Pointe went into victory formation to run out the rest of the clock and secure the victory.

��� PRIDE ���� 40

Mountain Pointe wide receiver Amier Boyd’s second quarter catch over two Corona del Sol defenders was the turning point in the Pride’s 34-33 win Friday night.

(Andy Silvas/AFN Contributor)

Thunder’s comeback falls short against Perry

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

O

ne of the main goals for Desert Vista’s players entering the 2021 football season was to prove they had improved since last season.

They were determined to end a sevengame losing streak – all six games last season and the playoff loss in 2019.

But while the Thunder had several chances to pull away from Perry last Thursday in their season opener, mistakes got in their way.

Despite showing improvement in all facets of the game, the team fell short in a come-from-behind effort, losing 35-28.

“The more disciplined team won, and that starts with me,” Desert Vista head coach Ty Wisdom said. “The little things … I mean we had �ive fall starts because our receivers couldn’t get lined up. We

Desert Vista senior running back Devon Grubbs looked like his old self in the Thunder’s season opener against Perry as he rushed for 180 yards and a touchdown in the team’s loss. (Andy Silvas/AFN

Contributor)

had two unsportsmanlike(s) (penalties)

and two of them were touchdowns.

Those are things we have to get �ixed and at the end of the day that starts with me.”

Desert Vista’s offense got off to a hot start, scoring on its �irst two possessions. Junior quarterback Jackson Akins led the Thunder down �ield through the air while senior Devon Grubbs and sophomore Christian Clark led the ground game.

Clark capped off the Thunder’s �irst drive with a 5-yard touchdown run. After a quick score from Perry, Grubbs broke loose for a 79-yard touchdown run.

A four-year starter at the varsity level, Grubbs looked like his old self after battling injuries the last two seasons. The Northern Arizona commit rushed 17 times for a game-high 180 yards. He had the one rushing touch-

down but caught another – a 16-yard shovel pass – from Akins for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Wisdom credited the offensive line for opening holes for Grubbs and Clark and for protecting Akins, who completed 8 of his 19 pass attempts for 191 yards and two touchdowns – the �irst to senior outof-state transfer Mekhi Hibbler for 25 yards and the second to Grubbs.

“Our offensive line played tremendous.

I’m going to be honest, way better than we thought,” Wisdom said.

Visibly frustrated, Wisdom pointed to several miscues and an overall “lack of discipline” as the Thunder’s downfall.

In the third quarter while leading 21-14, Desert Vista stalled when the offense was forced to punt. But a high snap gave Perry the ball inside the Thunder 30. Perry capi-

��� THUNDER ���� 40

40

SPORTS

PRIDE ���� ���� 39

“I couldn’t really believe we had a game today, I was kind of in shock,” Arviso said.

“And we had a game where we were winning. It felt good to win tonight.”

Mountain Pointe’s defense, �illed with players who go both ways and anchored by freshman Kaleb Jones at defensive tackle, came of age throughout the game against Corona del Sol’s run-heavy offense. Kubat, Jalen Walker and Jovin Gomez all managed to eclipse the 50-yard mark – with Kubat rushing for 130 total yards – but the Pride found ways to get stops at key moments.

The defensive line pressured Ackerley on his few passing attempts, limiting him to just 47 yards through the air and a touchdown. Both of Corona del Sol’s twopoint attempts on the night fell short at the hands of the Mountain Pointe defense, which helped the Pride maintain a lead throughout the second half.

It also allowed Mountain Pointe’s highpowered offense under new offensive coordinator Brian Whitacre to get going. Arviso found a rhythm through the air after a stagnant �irst quarter, at one point completing nine straight pass attempts. He �inished 19 of 25 overall for 223 yards. His two touchdowns came on the ground in the form

THUNDER ���� ���� 39

talized with a score to pull within a point.

On Desert Vista’s next possession, a fumble lost on the snap to Akins was recovered by Perry and led to a touchdown.

A short kick return followed by penalties backed Desert Vista to its own 6-yard line. But a wide receiver screen to Hibbler put the Thunder on Perry’s side of the 50. Even then, however, they couldn’t capitalize. Perry scored two drives later to ice the game.

Puma head coach Preston Jones could hardly contain his excitement when the buzzer sounded. After going through the handshake line at the 50, he jumped into the arms of his players.

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

(56), Mason Hill (58), Amier Boyd (58) and Jordan Huff (70) all surpassing 50 yards.

On the ground, Jay’len Rushing and Devon Sparks combined for 106 yards and two touchdowns.

“To be honest, I think we have too many weapons,” Arviso said. “We are eight deep at receiver and they all could be starters. Having all of them is not a bad thing.”

Mountain Pointe’s �irst quarter struggles would have been the downfall of the team in previous seasons.

The Pride of old didn’t know how to properly handle adversity. But this year’s team didn’t think twice about what they wanted to accomplish against Corona del Sol, even when the Aztecs took an earMountain Pointe head coach Eric Lauer was emotional after ly lead, and nothing seemed his team’s win, as he believes it was the step they needed to to be working. take to finally find their identity as a program. (Andy Silvas/ The turning point for the AFN Contributor) Pride Friday night came in of one-yard quarterback sneaks up the the second quarter when Arviso conmiddle. He connected with seven different nected with Boyd on a 31-yard pass that wideouts on the night, with Terryon Rowe set up Mountain Pointe for its �irst touchLike Desert Vista, Perry went winless last season and lost two games due to quarantine. He relied heavily on his quarterbacks, Colter Brown and Gavin Reetz.

Brown, stat wise, had the better game.

He had 20 total carries for 108 yards and a touchdown — a one-yard walk into the end zone in the fourth quarter to put the Pumas up two scores late in the fourth.

Brown also completed 8 of his 13 pass attempts for 140 yards and two touchdowns.

“This means a lot. I mean, we didn’t get a win last year and we fought the same battles everyone else did,” Jones said.

“There’s no excuse for that but it felt good because we really work our kids hard.”

Desert Vista will have next week off before it faces Mesa Sept. 17. Wisdom vowed

to �ix the mistakes made against Perry during that time, even if it involves pulling freshmen up to the varsity level.

“I don’t usually like to have my bye week this early in the season but with this team, I’m glad we do,” Wisdom said.

“We are going to get this �ixed. I know how to win. The biggest thing is we are going to get guys in there who want to win.” ■

Visibly frustrated by his team’s miscues, Desert Vista coach Ty Wisdom vowed to be more disciplined moving forward. The Thunder will use next week’s bye to fix mistakes before taking on Mesa on Sept. 17.

(Andy Silvas/AFN Contributor)

Have an interesting sports story?

Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications.com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

down of the game. Boyd, one of the most athletic players in the state, high-pointed the ball over two Corona del Sol defenders to come down with it. A few plays later, Mountain Pointe got on the board and never looked back.

“Last year, we couldn’t really move the ball,” said Boyd, who also threw a touchdown pass to Isaiah Ice-Robinson in the second quarter. “So just to see it move like it did tonight, it was a lot of fun. Our offense under coach Whitacre has changed a lot.

We didn’t think he would be able to change it this much, but it’s just been a lot of fun.”

The win for Mountain Pointe avenged the 45-9 beat down the team took last year against the Aztecs. It also proved to be some carryover from last year’s ‘Tukee Bowl win over Desert Vista to end the season.

It’s been two years since the Pride started the season 1-0. That team in 2019 went 1-9. This team, however, is different.

They know they can’t become complacent despite a hard-fought victory. They know they immediately must get back to work to face Brophy next week.

“They can enjoy this tonight but then it’s back to work Saturday morning,” Lauer said. “That’s our Monday. Our week starts right after each game. It’s real, man, it’s real. We will take this (win) tonight.” ■

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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A C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H

ARIZONA’S 2022 GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Thursday, Sept. 30 Doubletree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert Arizona’s economy is recovering at a record pace after COVID-19, but how will the next governor build on that momentum?

Find out at a special event focused exclusively on Arizona and the PHX East Valley jobs economy.

Don’t miss what promises to be the business community’s first look at Arizona’s 2022 gubernatorial candidates.

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PHX East Valley Partnership is a 501(c)(6) nonpartisan coalition of civic, business, education and political leaders dedicated to the economic development and promotion of the East Valley of Greater Phoenix. The Partnership advocates for economic development, education, transportation and infrastructure, health care and other important areas. For more information, visit www.phxeastvalley.com.

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

@AhwatukeeFN @AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

School of Rock plans four days of live music

BY ALEX GALLAGHER GetOut Staff Writer

A

fter months of rehearsals, students at the School of Rock are excited to be able to play an endof-summer show.

Students playing covers of various artists across many subgenres of rock ‘n’ roll will perform hour and a half long setlists across two weekends.

The �irst shows will be held on Sept. 11 and 12 at the Revelry in Mesa with the last two falling on Sept. 18 and 19 and will feature students of all ages – and even some adults.

Despite the varying ages of the performers, School of Rock Scottsdale manager Michelle Worley said this performance is a landmark for all performers.

“I think this is part of where we really learn a lot about the student,” she said.

School of Rock Scottsdale manager Michelle Worley smiles with excitement as her students prepare for another end of season show. (Pablo Robles Progress Staff Photographer) “This is the time where their nerves are going to kick in. This is the time where

they will either put their foot on the amp and rock out that solo or will step on

their chord and ruin the solo.”

Worley naturally hopes the latter will not happen as students have spent three hours a week over the past four months rehearsing the music of rock ‘n’ roll’s most celebrated artists.

“We use rock ‘n’ roll as a foundation for learning and the kids are motivated through different artists,” Worley said.

Students sign up to play music from various artists early on and there are some artists that some students aim for as early as they can.

“We noticed that some kids might be interested in learning Led Zeppelin speci�ically because the guitar parts are really great, or the bass lines are amazing. We’ll put together different genres each season and rotate each genre based on what the kids are interested in,” Worley said.

��� ROCK ���� 43

Cooper’s Hawk �lies with a wine experience DAVID M. BROWN GetOut Contributor

O

ne of Illinois’ most celebrated upscale restaurant chains has opened its second Arizona location near Chandler Fashion Center.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant debuted last month at 3325 W. Chandler Blvd., eight months after its �irst foray west of Missouri opened in Scottsdale.

A restaurant inside a winery setting, Cooper’s Hawk Chandler offers a contemporary American menu featuring entrées that pair with Cooper’s Hawk wines. In addition, it has a Napa-style tasting room and a shop offering these wines and accessories.

The company has hired 150 full- and part-time positions jobs, including line cooks, kitchen staff, servers, tasting room attendants, bartenders and hosts.

Chandler resident Kelsey Kramer, who

Coopers Hawk CEO set out in 2016 to create a restaurant that offered a wine experience.

He now has 46 locations. (Special to AFN) serves as general manager, began her career with Cooper’s Hawk as part of

the opening team in Richmond, Virginia, and was most recently the assistant general manager for the Rockville, Maryland, location.

CEO Tim McEnery earned his bachelor’s degree in restaurant and hotel management from Purdue University and was committed to opening a restaurant with in a wine-driven dining experience.

Inspired by Napa Valley, he was undaunted by early rejections for capital from investors and at age 29 opened his �irst Cooper’s Hawk restaurant in 2005.

The privately-owned company has expanded to 46 additional locations, mostly on the East Coast, all combining a casual restaurant vibe with quality wines.

The ornithological name celebrates the midwest.

When he was researching branding, McEnery found the Cooper’s hawk, a predominantly Midwestern medium-sized bird that lives throughout North America,

including Arizona.

In addition, the word “cooper” refers to someone who makes wine barrels.

“Our Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants are built upon the passionate belief that food and wine hold the power to forge lasting connections,” McEnery said, adding, “We understand that great wines begin in the vineyard.”

The company has grape-growing partnerships with premier vineyards in California, Oregon, Chile, Argentina, Australia and Italy.

This has enabled Cooper’s Hawk to create more than 50 artisanal wines for the restaurants. And, since 2005, the company has won approximately 550 awards from local, national and international wine competitions.

All dishes are made fresh to order, incorporating peak-of-season ingredi-

��� COOPER’S ���� 43

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SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

ROCK ���� ���� 42

This year, the performers will cover the music of Nirvana, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Stone Temple Pilots, Smashing Pumpkins and Soundgarden.

They also will play genre sets, such as the best of the 80’s and old school punk.

In addition, the adults across the School of Rock’s three locations – Ahwatukee, Gilbert and Scottsdale – will play their own setlists of various tunes.

“They put together a really collaborative set of music and they do the same thing that the kids do but in a whole different way because they’re adults,” Worley said.

Whether these students are young rockers or adults �inally living out their rock n’ roll fantasy, this will serve as the �irst concert for many School of Rock students.

While that may sound nerve wracking, Worley chose The Revelry due to its intimate setting that she hopes will calm any nerves the �irst-time rockers may

COOPER’S ���� ���� 42

ents based on local market conditions.

Portioned generously, they encourage sharing.

Taking the guess work out of wine pairings, each dish is listed next to a bin number for the right match.

The wide range of appetizers includes �latbreads such as a carne asada with skirt steak, pesto, Mozarella, roasted chile sauce, onion and cilantro.

The drunken shrimp are bacon wrapped, with tequila lime butter sauce and fresh guacamole; the Asian Pork Belly Tostadas have scallions include cilantro, sweet chili BBQ sauce; and the Over the Border Egg Rolls are house-made with Southwest chicken, corn, black beans, cilantro, cheese, tomatillo salsa and cashew dipping sauces.

Salads include Shaved brussels sprouts with olive oil, shaved Parmesan, lemon, Marcona almonds and balsamic glaze. Among the soups are a crab and

feel and allows the show to operate in a safer manner.

“It feels like being outdoors in somebody’s backyard almost, it’s really comfortable,” Worley said. “The outdoor part of it allows us to execute things safely.

“It has an outdoor area with picnic benches, outdoor service and an outdoor stage that has been comfortable for us because it has a misting and cooling system and is underneath an awning.”

She also stated that having the shows at this venue gives the performers and audience members the same feeling they would get at a music festival.

“This has more of a relaxed, festivallike setting,” Worley said. “People are set up with their chairs and some will pay close attention to the stage.”

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Worley hopes this will be the year that fans get on their feet and move to the music these future rockstars have worked to perfect.

“We haven’t had too many dancers yet, which is kind of a bummer, but I’m

lobster bisque.

The signature Trio of Medallions includes Parmesan-crusted �ilet medallions, Mary’s potatoes and asparagus.

Seafood lovers can select from a wide variety of �ish, including the pan-roasted barramundi with blistered vegetables, grape tomatoes, ginger rice and lemongrass sauce.

Pasta dishes include gnocchi carbonara with pancetta, chicken, sage, Parmesan garlic cream sauce, and a shrimp and scallop risotto, with sweet corn, asparagus, peas, spinach and Parmesan.

A Life Balance section offers dishes that are 600 calories or less. For this, the kitchen was even able to get the Giardiniera burger to weigh in at a light 596 calories.

Lunch entrées, available daily 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., include the bourbon-lacquered BBQ pork chop, with chipotle mashed, tomato-braised kale and a buttermilk onion ring.

The wine menu contains a wide selection of proprietary wines, such as the

hoping this year we can get them up and dancing,” Worley said with a laugh.

While Worley hopes fans enjoy all the acts across the four days of live music, there is one act that she is particularly excited to watch.

“One of the ones I’m personally most excited about is seeing the Radiohead show because my youngest son is performing his last show and is graduating from our program,” Worley said.

She is also excited to see the Stone Temple Pilots show as these students only had six weeks to put the show together.

Fortunately, these students came in ambitious and ready to put together a great show.

“They had high levels of energy and came in knowing their stuff,” Worley said.

Worley is excited for the entire show and hopes this will be a day to remember for students and families alike.

“I hope that fans can see how much the kids appreciate the music and I hope that they also see a musical community Cooper’s Hawk Lux Pinot Noir, Cooper’s Hawk White, a blend of Pinot Gris and Riesling, and the Vin Chocolat Noir, red wine blended with natural chocolate. Flights are also on the menu.

“My team and I are so pleased that our Scottsdale store was so well received by the community,” said McEnery. “We have found a home in beautiful Arizona and look forward to opening our Chandler restaurant and sharing our unique hospitality concept with the East Valley.”

Information: chwinery.com. ■ The drunken shrimp at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant are bacon wrapped, with tequila lime butter sauce and fresh guacamole.

(Special to AFN)

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

43

of people that are trying to teach their kids something different,” she said. “We have a like-minded community that appreciates what Rock N’ Roll can bring to somebody’s life.”

She also hopes it can serve as a good learning experience for the students.

“I hope the kids grow in con�idence and I think that every exposure to the stage helps build it,” Worley said. ■

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

King Crossword ACROSS 1 4 9 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 21 24 25 26 28 31 33 35 36 38 40 41 43 45 47 48 49 54 55 56 57 58 59

Pool stick Gasoline dispensers Attorney’s field “Right you --!”

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With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

Steak sandwich a hearty, tasty family treat

I 37 39 42 44 45

Arm’s-length portrait Femme -Ore layers Longing Smile broadly

46 50 51 52 53

Sudoku

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 16 20 21 22 23 27 29 30 32 34

Forearm bone Rebel Turner Morning moisture -- -de-France Succor

Crow’s cry Mentalist Geller “A spider!”

Slipcover trim Like leftovers Club -Spectrum creator Patronize, as a hotel New York airport Now, in a memo Reasons “-- been had!”

Numbered rds.

Woodland grazer Leer at Summaries Went first Primary Tackles moguls Auctioneer’s cry Cecil B. --

n the 1950’s, my parents opened an Italian restaurant in Lake Tahoe. They were truly pioneers of fine dining in that beautiful resort playground to the stars. As fall approached, it was time now to hunker down for a snowy winter with months of refurbishing, repairing and getting the restaurant ready for the next summer. It was truly a mom-andpop operation with Dad as the butcher and bartender.

Momma was the gourmet chef, prepping all of the meals from scratch.

My father was a butcher all of his life. One of the very first meat cutters at Safeway back in the 1930s.

Through the years I’ve talked a lot about my childhood and that I was the only kid in school who had prosciutto and mortadella hanging on hooks in the garage. I certainly was the only kid whose parents bought Parmesan cheese shipped from Italy in 80 pound wheels. My biggest “meal memory” growing up is how we gathered around our massive butcher block

in the kitchen to eat meals, standing up, side by side, diving into slices of meats, cheeses, olives, pepperoncini and big slices of crusty Italian bread. The Chianti never too far from reach.

Steak sandwiches were a favorite. We’d pan fry a steak then slice it up and lay it open face on olive oilbrushed slice of bread with tomatoes from Momma’s garden that were also soaked in olive oil, salt and pepper. I’ve recreated our family sandwich for you including an incredible two-ingredient cheese slather that brings the sandwich to life. I used a sirloin steak sliced thin, but you can use any cut of your favorite steak – or even better, one that’s on sale. ■

Ingredients: (For four sandwiches) 1 16-oz steak 1 loaf French or Italian bread, cut in four sections 2 large vine ripened tomatoes, sliced thin 8 -10 leaves lettuce 1/2 cup sour cream or Alfredo Sauce 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese 1/2 cup olive oil (for steak and tomatoes) 1-2 teaspoons salt, divided 1-2 teaspoons pepper, divided Directions: Drizzle steak with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil on both sides. Salt and pepper steak on both sides.

Sear in a hot dry skillet or grill. Cook until medium, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Set aside to rest, about 10 minutes. When rested, slice in thin slices.

In a bowl, add about 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Coat tomato slices in olive oil and set aside. Make gorgonzola slather. In a

PUZZLES ANSWERS on page 23

bowl, combine 1/2 cup sour cream or Alfredo sauce and 1/2 cup gorgonzola. Mix until lumps are gone.

Grill bread.

To assemble: Spread cheese mixture evenly over 8 pieces of bread. For each sandwich, begin with lettuce leaf.

Then layer tomatoes, steak, another lettuce leaf and finish with bread.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

45

CLASSIFIEDS Employment General

Employment General

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

NortonLifeLock Inc. has an opening for Automation Product Manager in Tempe, AZ. Job description includes develop and manage platform strategy to improve customer lifetime value of company Cybersafety products; Build execution priority to balance short and long, risk and upside, cost and return. May telecommute from home. To apply, submit resume to jobads@nortonlifelock.com. Must reference job title and job ID: 1648.6890.

MAAX Spas is hiring Full Time v

Starting $15-$17/hr v

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401K Apply online at maaxspas.com or call 480-895-4575

Area Manager – (Phoenix, AZ) Jet Pipe Industries Co.: Investigate alt system layouts to produce the most effective & efficient install.

Reqs:Bachelors degree* (or frgn equivt) in engng, or rel. 3 yrs exp as a project manager, designer or related which must incl: Service customers w/ purchasing design, fabrication, & install of fire sprinkler systems in metropolitan areas. Anlyz hazards & identify approp design approach for fire protection systems under nfpa codes, special hazards & government regs. Prep detailed fire sprinkler system cost estimates incl dsgn, materials, fabrication, equip, permits, subcontracts, consulting fees, & install labor. Negotiating, reviewing, & executing price & terms of agreements. *Employer will accept 5 yrs exp, incl the skills listed above, in lieu of a bachelors degree plus 3 yrs exp. any suitable combination of education, training, or experience is acceptable.

Mail resumes to: Attn: Robert Wees Req #9001 1550 Mike Fahey St, Omaha, NE 68102

HELP WANTED Part- Time Custodial Position Needed to Fill ASAP Ahwatukee Recreation Center currently has an opportunity for someone who takes pride in his/her work and is able to work independently. This person will work as part of the maintenance team to clean the facility and prepare it for the next day of activities. This part-time position is integral to sanitizing and maintaining the ARC facilities. Great Work Environment at a Beautiful Facility.

Part-Time, Sun-Wed Evening Custodial Position • PTO Time Great Work Environment at a Beautiful Facility

Contact Gary 480-893-2549 • Gary.G@ARCAZ.net

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Reqs: 2 yrs’ exp. as Jiu-Jitsu Instrct’r teach’ng JiuJitsu to men, women, & child’n. Must’ve a black belt under Gracie Barra lineage, cmplt’d Gracie Barra’s Instrct’r’s Cert Prgrm (ICP) & at l’st 10 Jiu-Jitsu tour’ts in the Black Belt or Brown Belt divis’ns. Trvl 2-3 times per mo. w/n the U.S. for competit’ns.

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

Maintenance

• 6am - 7pm Monday - Saturday • You Pay Labor & Materials Only • FREE ESTIMATES • ROC#312942 • David R Smith

FREE INSURANCE ANALYSIS NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

No Job Too Small!

Senior Discounts!

Irrigation Systems & Outdoor Lighting Fountain Repair alls C - Caring Repairs & Instuse. rm te ng D - Dedicated lo for S - Service No Yard .

480-698-9818

Home Improvement

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

Landscape Design/Installation

Not a licensed contractor.

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

Irrigation Repair & New Installation Yard Clean-ups • Storm Damage • Palm & Tree Trimming Tree Removal • Landscape Lighting Installation & Repair Landscape Design

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Not a Licensed Contractor

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

480-217-0407 WANT A GREEN LAWN?

Landscape Design/Installation

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

THE POSSIBILITIES

ARE ENDLESS...

Specializing in: • Cabinets - Granite • Plumbing - Electrical • Drywall/Texturing, Crown Molding, Painting, Tile, Carpet • Natural Stones • Roof repair and installation

Call for a FREE Consultation and Estimate!

480-730-1074

ROC# 225923 Licensed, Bonded & Insured

THE MOST READ PAPER in Ahwatukee!

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Specials

CALL US TODAY!

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

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

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

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

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com

FREE ORGANIC LAWN FERTILIZA ATION TREATMENT WITH CORE AE ERATION FERTILIZATION • SOIL AMENDMENTS • LAWN SOIL TESTING

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

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

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

Get Your Lawn Ready For Fall!

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!

Classifieds 480-898-6465

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

Arizona Specialty Landscape

New & Re-Do Design and Installation Affordable | Paver Specialists All phases of landscape installation.

Plants, cacti, sod, sprinklers, granite, concrete, brick, Kool-deck, lighting and more!

Free Estimates 7 Days a Week!

ROC# 186443 • BONDED

480.844.9765

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

High Quality Results TRIM TREES ALL TYPES GRAVEL - PAVERS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Complete Clean Ups

Jose Martinez Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767 Complete Lawn Service & Weed Control Starting @ $60/Month!

• One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

PAINTING Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

— Call Jason —

(602) 502-1655 SUN TECH

PAINTING

Plumbing

Painting

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

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

*Any

CONKLIN PAINTING Free Estimate & Color Consultation

Interior Painting ● Pressure Washing Exterior Painting ● Drywall/Stucco Repair Complete Prep Work ● Wallpaper Removal

INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

• 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

affinityplumber@gmail.com

480-888-5895

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

ConklinPainting.com Lic/Bond/Ins ROC# 270450

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

Family Owned • Free Estimates

Meetings/Events?

“We get your house looking top notch!”

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com Painting

Painting

East Valley PAINTERS

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home?

WE CAN HELP!

Voted #1

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years!

Family Owned & Operated

10% OFF

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

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

Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors

$35 off

Any Service

★ Small Job Specialist

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

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

Plumbing

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

Family Owned & Operated

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 www.affinityplumbingaz.com

602.625.0599 ROC #155380

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Off 40work done

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Residential & Commercial Painting

PLUMBING

• Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Refinishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

We Repair or Install www.ACP www.A CPpaintingllc.com paintingllc.com Licensed - Bonded - Insured ROC 290242

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

A+ RATED

Veteran Owned

ROC # 272721

Not a licensed contractor

Painting

Landscape/Maintenance

49

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured

704.5422

(480)

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

10% OFF

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning!

Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

You will find them easy with their yellow background.

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

Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

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

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

Roofing

480-405-7099

Pool Service / Repair

MARK’S POOL SERVICE

Pool Service / Repair

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

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

10% OFF

LICENSED | BONDED | INSURED | ROC #269218

$1000 OFF when you show this ad *on qualifying complete roof replacements

with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Owner Operated - 20 Years

Juan Hernandez Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

$85/month

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

Ask About Filter Cleaning Specials!

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

Play Pools start at with chemicals

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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

Mark

Call Juan at

Not a licensed contractor.

CPO#85-185793

We offer personalized service for our customers.

We use the best materials that we can find.

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

SELL YOUR CAR IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! 2 WEEKS STARTING AT $20.80

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

u Th

e IN

-EX D i ffe r e n c e

602-938-7575

for your FREE Roof Evaluation Today!

Plumbing

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

Let Us Show Yo

Call

602-799-0147

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

480-720-3840

Owned and Operated

by Rod Lampert Ahwatukee Resident Serving Ahwatukee for over 25 years

Roofing

!

50

Your leaks stop here!

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

FREE ESTIMATES & MONSOON SPECIALS

SAME DAY SERVICE 30 Years Experience References Available

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

Senior & Military Discounts

623-522-9322

www.InExRo

ofin

g.c o m

CLASSIFIEDS

SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Roofing

Roofing

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

Flat and Foam Roof Experts!

Roofing

Window Cleaning

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

desertsandscontracting.com

Serving All Types of Roofing: • • • •

Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service

FLAT ROOFS | SHINGLES | TEAR OFFS | NEW ROOFS | REPAIRS TILE UNDERLAYMENT | TILE REPAIR | LEADERS | COPPER ALUMINUM COATINGS | GUTTERS | SKYLIGHTS

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT

FREE ESTIMATES

Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com Installation Repair Re-Roofing

602-471-2346

Ahwatukee Based Family Owned and Operated Insured • Free Estimates

See our reviews and schedule at:

Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated

www.cousinswindowcleaning.com

480-330-2649

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

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

480-446-7663 480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

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

480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Sell Your Stuff!

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

PHILLIPS

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

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

MonsoonRoofingInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Call our office today!

480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

www.porterroofinginc.com

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Call for our 3 Month Special!

Starting at $145.20/month

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

Classifieds: 480-898-6465

Puzzle

MAZE SEARCH: On the Trail

ROC #152111

623-873-1626 Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Place YOUR Business HERE! in the Service Directory

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

See MORE Ads Online!

www.Ahwatukee.com

Ace is on the trail for a breaking news story. Help him avoid distractions and get to the story on time!

51

52

CLASSIFIEDS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | SEPTEMBER 8, 2021

LABOR DAY

e l a S • 3.5 Cu. Ft. • Porcelain Tub • 700 RPM Spin Speed

$

NTW4500XQ CLOSEOUT

DISHWASHER • Normal Wash Cycle (on dial) • Heated Dry On/Off (on rocker) • Standard Upper Rack

UN58TU7000

FRONT LOAD WASHER

DRYER

• 7.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 4.5 Cu. Ft. Capacity • 10 Cycles • 10 Wash Cycles • 9 Options • Smart Care • Steam Sanitize

RANGE • 4.8 Cubic Foot Capacity • Self Cleaning Oven • Smooth Top • Proudly Made in USA WFE505W0HS CLOSEOUT

12 MONTHS

$

DVE45T6200W

DISHWASHER

REFRIGERATOR

• Integrated Control Styling • Premium Nylon Racks • In Door Silverware Basket • Energy Star Qualified

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

2350

$

WF45T6200AW

12 MONTHS

NO INTEREST **

TOP MOUNT REFRIGERATOR

• Large Crisper Drawer

• 2 Glass Adjustable Shelves • LED Lighting • Independent Temperature Controls

429

CRH10SW

99 $

$

299 599 EACH

HDA2000TWW CLOSEOUT

NO INTEREST**

• 2 HDMI Inputs • Airplay2 Built-In

569

449

$

58” 4K UHD SMART TV

58”

WASHER

IT’S OUR BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR …

WE’D RATHER SELL IT THAN COUNT IT! NOW IS THE TIME TO GET TO SPENCERS ... YOU NEED A DEAL, WE NEED TO MOVE IT OUT OF OUR WAREHOUSE. EVERY MANUFACTURER HAS LOWERED PRICES!!

ASK ABOUT OUR EXCLUSIVE REBATES. GET TO SPENCERS TODAY!!

BFTF2716SS

STAINLESS STEEL 23 CU. FT. SIDE BY SIDE • Deli Drawer • Crisper Shelves

$

• LED Lighting FFSS2314QS CLOSEOUT

949

WRS325SDHZ

WDF520PADM

BUYS ALL 3 PIECES

NO MATTER WHERE YOU SEE IT, READ IT, OR HEAR ABOUT IT, SPENCERS IS GUARANTEED TO BE A LOWER PRICE!

** 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.

MESA SHOWROOM & CLEARANCE CENTER 115 W. First Ave. | 480-833-3072 AHWATUKEE 4601 E. Ray Rd. | Phoenix | 480-777-7103 ARROWHEAD RANCH 7346 W. Bell Road | 623-487-7700 GILBERT Santan Village | 2711 S. Santan Village Pkwy | 480-366-3900 GLENDALE 10220 N. 43rd Ave | (602) 504-2122 GOODYEAR 1707 N. Litchfield Rd | 623-930-0770 RECONDITION CENTER 160 EAST BROADWAY | 480-615-1763 SCOTTSDALE 14202 N. Scottsdale Rd. | 480-991-7200 SCOTTSDALE/PHOENIX 13820 N. Tatum Blvd. | (602) 494-0100 NOW OPEN - MESA 5141 S. Power Rd. | 480-988-1917

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.