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Pandemic alters but won’t stop Christmas shopping Black Friday deals still abound see page 29. BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY AFN Staff Writer

Thursday, November 26, 2020

espite the pandemic’s economic fallout, experts expect holiday shopping sales will remain relatively consistent this year compared to 2019. “If it stays �lat or even down by 3 or 4 percent…that for me is an optimistic scenario,” said Hitendra Chaturvedi, professor of supply chain management at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. But how and when shoppers purchase gifts,

decorations and other seasonal items is expected to change dramatically. The pandemic likely accelerated the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, experts say, and they expect online shopping’s share of sales to jump dramatically this holiday season. “Between e-commerce and retail, you’re going to see a K-shaped curve…this is more like one is going to lose at the expense of the other,” Chaturvedi said. “K-shaped” refers to an economic recovery in which different segments of the economy diverge on different paths, with some performing better than others and each trending in opposite directions – like the prongs on a letter K. While one segment, like online sales, is on

the upswing, another, brick-and mortar, trends downward, experts explained. Chaturvedi said e-commerce made up 14 to 15 percent of the $740-billion holiday retail market in 2019, but he expects that share to jump to 40 percent this year. But while the distribution of sales may be different, Chaturvedi said he expects overall holiday sales to remain consistent with 2019. Katherine Cullen, senior director of industry and consumer insights for the National Retail Federation, agreed, citing her organization’s polling of consumers. In 2019, the federation projected sales during the holiday season – Nov. 1 to Dec. 31 – to-

�� ECONOMY �� 14

Ho Ho No! COVID-19 has Santa’s lap in no-sit zone BY KRISTINE CANNON AFN Staff Writer

ocially distant photos. No sitting on laps. Waving to a masked-up Saint Nick through a clear, frequently sanitized plexiglass shield. This year’s Santa Claus experience – in malls and private residences, alike – will look different due to COVID-19. But that isn’t stopping Santa Clauses-forhire from entertaining the kiddos this year. Well, it isn’t stopping most of them. At Tempe-based Santa Claus and Company, a third of owner Mark Brenneman’s group of entertainers that comprise Santas, Mrs. Clauses and elves opted out of performing this year. “They said, ‘Hey, I’m going to sit out this season. I don’t want to work, and I don’t want to

�� SANTA �� 11

Mark Brenneman (center) is the owner of Tempe-based Santa Claus and Company, which saw a 33 percent drop in Santa, Mrs. Claus, and elf entertainers this year due to the pandemic. As someone who has donned the red-velvet Santa Claus suit for nearly 50 years, Brenneman calls this holiday season “totally unusual.” (Courtesy of Mark Brenneman)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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

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

PUBLISHER Steve T. Strickbine

VICE PRESIDENT Michael Hiatt

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

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

Classified:

Elaine Cota, 480-898-7926, ecota@ahwatukee.com

Circulation Director:

Aaron Kolodny 480-898-5641, customercare@ahwatukee.com

NEWS STAFF Executive Editor:

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

GetOut Editor:

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

Sports Editor:

Zach Alvira 480-898-5630, zalvira@timespublications.com

Designer: Ruth Carlton - rcarlton@timespublications.com

Production Coordinator:

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

Reporters:

Jim Walsh, 480-898-5639 jwalshe@ahwatukee.com Wayne Schutsky, 480-898-6533 wschutsky@timespublications.com Cecilla Chan. 480-898-5613, cchan@timespublications.com Ahwatukee Foothills News is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, 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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To submit a letter, please include your full name. Our policy is not to run anonymous letters. Please keep the length to 300 words. Letters will be run on a space-available basis. Please send your contributions to pmaryniak@ahwatukee.com.

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

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

Kyrene, TU return to at-home learning for all

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mid metrics showing a surge in COVID-19 throughout Ahwatukee and Arizona, virtually all Kyrene and Tempe Union students are back to learning at home – likely for the rest of 2020. Both districts within hours of each other on Friday notified parents that virtual instruction would be the order of the day effective next Monday, though they are making on-campus provisions for special education and a few other students. Though neither districts’ officials indicated when students might be invited back into classrooms – even for a few days a week – the last day of the quarter is Dec. 17 and officials have previously said it takes two weeks to ramp up for open campuses. Meanwhile, Horizon Honors in Ahwatukee remains open, although it announced last week that secondary students would learn at home on Wednesdays to allow for deep cleaning of their part of the campus. Elementary classrooms remain open and all families can elect five-day virtual learning More significant is the likelihood that Kyrene and Tempe union students will learn at home the rest of the calendar year as the virus surges. It shows no sign of reversing, especially after the long Thanksgiving weekend that already was causing considerable concern among health and other officials in Arizona. During a press conference Nov. 17, Gov. Doug Ducey said that “getting back to normal isn’t in the cards right now” and state health Director Dr. Cara Christ said virus metrics “are going in the wrong direction.” At the same time, Ducey renewed his contention that schools should provide in-classroom learning. Noting that more than 800 students are in quarantine, Kyrene Superintendent Dr. Jan Vesely wrote parents: “When we see substantial community spread, it poses a risk to our entire school community, not just children, and for those who are older or at high risk, the outcome could be life threatening. My first and foremost priority is to keep everyone safe.” Kyrene followed Tempe Elementary in closing classrooms in the wake of increases in all three benchmarks used by school districts in deciding whether to keep campuses open. Both those districts are feeder districts for Tempe Union and it was no surprise that Tempe Union pulled the trigger quickly. Tempe Union Assistant Superintendent Sean McDonald briefed his Governing Board on Nov. 18, the day before updated metrics were released by the county, and noted that there has been a steady increase in cases the last two weeks and said it is un-

see VIRUS page 4

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VIRUS from page 3

likely the metrics would decline any time soon. “We know what’s coming our way,” he said. During that meeting, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Mendivil reiterated that – unlike Gilbert Public Schools and Chandler Unified – all schools would close if a decision is made to return to full virtual learning because principals had said months ago they wanted all schools maintaining the same approach to learning. Both Gilbert and Chandler are closing schools on an individual basis after setting thresholds for the percentage of active COVID-19 cases on their campus. Separate triggers were established by those districts for elementary, middle and high school campuses that range from 1 to 2 percent of a school’s population with infections. The higher percentages were set for elementary schools because it is easier to keep those students socially distant. The Tempe Union Governing Board on Nov. 18 voted 3-2 to give Mendivil authority to make the decision on closing. Andres Barraza and Sandy Lowe abstained, saying they didn’t think the board could vote because the resolution was not on the agenda. Mendivil disagreed, as did the three other board members who backed him. The latest data from the county showed that for the week of Nov. 8, cases per 100,000 jumped from 100 to 179 in Kyrene’s boundaries and from 112 to 213 within Tempe Union’s boundaries. That indicates substantial virus spread. The data are 12 days old when the county posts them on Thursday mornings. The percentage of new test results coming back positive jumped from 4.7 to 6 percent in Kyrene and from 5.3 to 7 percent in Tempe Union. Although that level is considered an indication of moderate spread, Mendivil noted the state was “cavalier” in changing that guideline since earlier this year a 7 percent positivity had been considered a sign of substantial spread. In both Tempe Union and Kyrene, the third benchmark – percent of hospital visits with COVID-like symptoms – rose for the first time in a couple months from the minimal-spread category and en-

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

The governor's office released this chart showing the course of COVID-19 cases in Arizona since the pandemic hit the state in March. (Special to AFN)

tered the moderate-spread level. Both Mendivil and Vesely made indirect references of that particular metric’s increase. “A growing number of staff are experiencing COVID-like symptoms due to flu, colds or other viruses. Staff are required to remain home with ANY symptoms, and we are having extreme difficulty securing substitute teachers for those classrooms,” they said in their respective messages to parents, adding: “Soon, we will not have enough personnel to cover classes. Moving to contingency reduces the risk of teachers being out sick.” Both superintendents also stated that while many families “have been diligent about practicing good safety habits both on and off campus,” they have seen “multiple cases of students sent to school with symptoms or while awaiting COVID test results. “These incidents put staff and students at risk in addition to causing preventable school quarantines,” their messages said. “Higher community spread translates into higher positive COVID cases on campuses, higher counts of quarantine and greater risk for everyone,” they added. Mendivil also noted that, like Kyrene, while the actual number of active cases on any Tempe Union campus was relatively low, more than 600 students and staff had been isolated or quarantined due to possible exposure on campus. The two districts’ decision came three

days after Ducey told a press conference he wants to see in-classroom learning continue. “I think children should be in school,” the governor said. “I want parents to have options and one of those options should be in-person learning.” He also insisted that his position did not compromise children’s safety, stating: “Despite the best efforts of of teachers and parents, no one can argue: Kids have already missed out on too much

learning due to this pandemic.” Kyrene began reopening campuses in mid-September, opening classrooms for the lowest grades in mid-September until finally all campuses were open by mid-October. In mid-October, Tempe Union students were divided alphabetically to attend inclass instruction either Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday while all students are learning at home on Wednesdays. Mendivil at the board meeting Nov. 18 said that more students’ families throughout the district were opting to learn at home five days a week. He said about 60 percent of students in the district’s northern campuses – including Desert Vista – had opted for athome learning. Ahwatukee showed the same increases in the three metrics that both school districts show. The biggest change is in 85045, where cases per 100,000 soared from 61 the week of Nov. 1 to 208 the following week. The latest data showed 187 cases per 100,000 in 85044(up from 101) and 136 in 85048 (up from 11). Positive test result percentages were close to 7 percent in 85045 and 85044, and just above 6 percent in 85048 while the percentage of hospital visits with COVID-climbed into the moderate spread level in all three ZIP codes. 

Gov. Doug Ducey and state health Director Dr. Cara Christ discussed the ongoing surge of COVID-19 in Arizona. (Special to AFN)

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Gallego calls for state mask mandate in vain

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division and politics that have happened around this issue,’’ Ducey said, saying he prefers “participation and cooperation.’’ Gallego conceded that the issue of curbing the virus may be less tied to people wearing masks in public than other forms of transmission. She said there is an issue of spread in “small groups of people who know each other, including family members. “It is not going to be possible to have enforcement at people’s homes if they are having big Thanksgivings in their dining room,’’ she said. Gallego said her own city’s police department has had “hundreds of educational contacts with our residents talking about the importance of masks.’’ “We believe that arresting people and putting them in jail -- that would be one of the most likely areas for transmission -- is not the way to get through this,’’ she said. The issue of mandatory testing of new arrivals goes a step beyond the directive by Ducey on Wednesday for the state health department to set up sites at Sky Harbor, Tucson International and Phoenix Gate-

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DELIVERS A KNOCKOUT WITH ITS FRESH, AUTHENTIC AND MOUTHWATERING FOOD If you thought you have been to a Mexican restaurant lately you probably need to reconsider and visit La Casa De Juana in Ahwatukee. The fare is authentic Mexican, and when we say authentic we mean it, unlike many of the restaurant chains that call themselves Mexican. Upon entering you’ll be dazzled by the colorful décor, the tables and chairs are beautiful, Mexican painted murals, colorful banners hanging from the ceiling and the gracious service with warm orange and yellow tones echoing throughout the restaurant will make this your favorite Mexican restaurant. With great lunch and dinner specials, live guitar player on Tuesdays and a bar with freshly made drinks, TVs, and live guitar music for all ages on the weekends and least but not last their happy hour from 2 pm to 6 pm every day $2 beer domestic and imports and $3 margaritas this place is a must. In conclusion The flavorful salsa, the delicious margaritas, the extraordinary and well-priced food will definitely keep you coming back.

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

AIA board approves Jan. 5 start for winter sports

BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

he Arizona Interscholastic Association Executive Board last week approved a Jan. 5 start date for winter sports. The winter sports season was originally scheduled to begin on Nov. 9. However, due to the rising number of cases and key metrics in the state, few teams were able to begin as scheduled. “It is safer to be at school with your kids than at home,” AIA Executive Director David Hines said. “Delaying the start of the season will give our coaches and administrators time to implement safety protocols and put sports modifications in place.” For competition to begin, specific guidelines must be met. If a student participates with a nonschool team, they must be excluded from practice for 14 days. All winter sports modifications must be followed. No scrimmages, invitational tournaments, regional tournaments or out-of-state competition will be allowed.

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The metrics introduced in the fall by the AIA’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee will be used to determine when and if fans are allowed to attend events. However, they will not be used to determine when competition may begin. “The metrics can be all over the place but if kids are doing all the mitigation they’re required to do when at school, practice and games, the health department and our sports medicine said they are safer there than at home,” Hines said. “They aren’t following the protocols when they’re home. “The cases are not being caused by being at school or playing sports.” The AIA board also voted to approve agenda items related specifically to wrestling, the winter sport with the most contact among the three. Wrestling will be included in the nonparticipation bylaws as a team sport for this season only. Typically, wrestling is considered an individual sport and athletes are free to train on their own or participate in national club events during the season. This year, however, athletes will be prohibited

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Price said. “My approach is to just stay ready. Stay ready for if that day comes and if it changes, stay ready. “That’s all we can really focus on is staying ready for if and when we get that call.” Desert Vista basketball Coach Gino Crump has already seen the impact delaying a season can have on a public-school program. In the last two weeks, he lost shooting guard Marcus Wady to a Texas high school and point guard Dasean Lecque to Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix. Prep teams have fewer restrictions and have been playing games and practicing since summer. While Crump believes the AIA’s action is a step in the right direction, he said the damage has been done. “Most of the top players have already left,” Crump said. “There really isn’t much room for the prep schools to take the kids, in my mind. The seniors I understand because they’re trying to earn a scholarship as soon as possible. “It’s a step in the right direction but

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from any wrestling activities outside of the school program. Additionally, the board increased the number of matches in a season from 12 to 14. Mountain Pointe wrestling coach Greg Dayoob welcomed the new guidelines. Having missed the entire 2019 season while battling colon and liver cancer, he is excited to get back on the mat with his wrestlers. “I haven’t coached a wrestling match in almost two years, which is weird to me,” Dayoob said. “It feels good to know the AIA has a plan for wrestling. I think a lot of us coaches in the wrestling community thought they wouldn’t try really hard to get wrestling going. “But after going through virtual meetings with the AIA and the athletic director for Tempe Union, I have changed my thoughts on that.” Mountain Pointe basketball coach Kaimarr Price said the announcement of a start date for winter sports progress and remains cautiously optimistic. “Nobody really has a lot of definitive information on what is going to happen,”

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

AIA from page 9

as far as I’m concerned, the damage has been done.” As was the case with fall sports, once schools are approved to begin practicing and competition in the winter, the AIA will not stop the season. A decision of that caliber would have to come from state health officials or the governor. Hines and the AIA have said on numerous occasions they want to avoid the same scenario that unfolded last spring, when baseball, softball, boys’ volleyball, beach volleyball, track & field and tennis saw its seasons cut short due to the virus’ arrival in the state.

SANTA from page 1

take a chance,” Brenneman said, adding that typically he has 30 entertainers onhand over the holidays. What the performers didn’t want to take a chance with was contracting COVID-19 – and the actors who perform the role of Santa and Mrs. Claus are often in the highrisk category. “The majority of the people who work in this industry as Santas are in the 60, 65-up age range. They’re higher-risk for COVID; I, myself, am 70 years old,” said Brenneman, a retired teacher who has donned the Santa suit for nearly 50 years. Booked gigs are down, too. On average, Santa Claus and Company, which has been around since 1972, books 200 to 300 home visits and clocks in 260 to 300 hours at malls and holiday events like Phoenix Zoo’s ZooLights and Schnepf Farms’ annual Christmas event. This year, however, Brenneman’s business is down roughly 35 to 40 percent. “Although, I will tell you that over the last week, we’re getting a rash of calls” for home visits, Brenneman said. “It’s really an up-in-the-air business,” he added. Also on the rise are virtual Santa visits. “They certainly have exploded,” said Deanna Golden, who fulfills multiple roles at IBRBS, an international organization for Santas and Mrs. Clauses. Golden – a.k.a. Mrs. Anna Claus – lives in Cave Creek and is one of more than 150 IBRBS members in Arizona. IBRBS has nearly 2,000 members nationwide and many of them have rallied to take training sessions and webinars to help them pull off seamless, uninterrupt-

The delay to winter sports now pushes back the start date of spring sports by a week from Feb. 8 to Feb. 15. Spring championships schedules have not been changed. “If we didn’t do some of these protocols, we aren’t playing sports,” Hines said. “If we don’t make adjustments and follow the health data and listen to experts, we don’t get to do these things. I know sometimes that’s hard for people to understand but we are going through a lot of important people that have a lot of say. “We aren’t going to do anything that would cause the government entity to shut us down.” 

ed, and — most importantly — entertaining and memorable virtual Santa visits, Golden said. They have even practiced with friends and family to ensure their online visits with children are an “amazing experience” for the kids. “When so many are worried that Santa won’t come visit Christmas Eve, a virtual visit reminds children that Santa is most definitely here and looking forward to his Christmas Eve visit,” Golden said. “Parents are happy that they don’t have to stand in line at the mall and can plan a virtual visit to fit their schedule. Even more, the ‘visit’ can include extended family members, like Grandma and Grandpa who live in another state,” she explained. Gilbert resident Jerry Gibbens, the founder and owner of Zippy Entertainment, is no stranger to offering virtual Santa visits. Portraying Santa since 2014, Gibbens’ Full Virtual Santa Claus Show takes families on a virtual tour of the North Pole, where they meet reindeer and tour of the toy shop and Santa’s workshop. Gibbens has offered this show well before a pandemic. So far this year, he has at least 10 virtual visits — and counting — scheduled. “We’re currently growing between inperson as well as virtual Santa visits,” Gibbens said. “We have added [virtual visits] to our [in-person] package as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for booking us for free leading up to their in-person visit with Santa Claus. We didn’t do this because of COVID-19; we always believe in taking care of our clients and families year after year.”

see SANTA page 12

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

SANTA from page 9

Home visits are one of Zippy’s popular services, too, with the business averaging about 15 home visits per holiday season. Different this year, however, are the protocols that Gibbens and his clients follow both before and during visits. In addition to both parties wearing a face mask and keeping a distance of at least 6 feet, Gibbens will take all guests’ temperatures and have them sign a document stating that they followed CDC guidelines. Also, no lap sitting. At all. “They can take their pictures either standing or sitting next to Santa Claus or sitting in front of Santa Claus on the floor,” Gibbens said, adding that families do have flexibility on wearing masks while taking photos. “Clients and families do have the option to either wear the masks or take off the masks for their pictures with Santa Claus,” Gibbens said. Brenneman, on the other hand, does not require his entertainers wear face masks, but he does require they wear face shields. “I am issuing face shields to all my Santas,” Brenneman said. “When it comes to a mask it’s between them and the customer. So, I am not requiring them to wear a mask, but they can talk to the customer about it.” Physical contact is also banned for Brenneman and his Santas. “There will be no physical contact between Santa and any of the children or any of the people there. They can stand around Santa or behind Santa for pictures, but there’ll be no touching whatsoever,” he said, adding that Santa will also wear gloves and change gloves for every appearance. “It’s going to be very much very nontouch,” Brenneman said. And that includes not handing out candy or other sweet treats, and not touching or handing out any presents. “If a client wants us to hand out presents, then they will have the presents there, or they they’ll be in a bag for us to carry in and they’ll hand out the presents. We’re not going to handle them,” Brenneman said. Santa visits at malls very much reflect a similar no-touch, socially distant experience. In addition to requiring advance reservations, Macerich’s malls – including Scottsdale Fashion Square, Kierland Commons, and Chandler Fashion Center – require Santas and guests over 2 years old to wear masks and socially distance at all times.

Mark Brenneman, along with this other Santa Claus entertainers, wear face shields when visiting clients. Other precautions his business, Santa Claus and Company, takes is zero physical contact, including no lap-sitting, and no handing out of gifts or sweets. (Courtesy Mark Brenneman)

Hand sanitizer will be available upon entering and exiting, and the staff will “regularly” deep clean the set. “As we have with our centers, the Santa set will undergo regular intensified cleaning and sanitization, and the health and well-being of our staff and Santa will be monitored daily,” said Rachel Olish, Scottsdale Fashion Square events and communications manager. “High-touch-point areas, like the photo seating area and point of sale, will be cleaned regularly throughout the day between guest visits,” she said. At the start of the season, Santas — provided by New Jersey-based Cherry Hill Programs, which boasts a network of more than 1,300 Santa characters — are tested and quarantined for 14 days. They are then

screened daily prior to every shift. According to Olish, Macerich did not forgo in-person Santa visits due to demand. “Santa is not only a storied tradition at malls during the holidays, but now more than ever, people are excited about things in life that feel ‘normal.’ In order to create lasting memories with their families, we have thoughtfully adapted Santa visits for today’s health concerns,” Olish explained. Santas already are doing their thing at Scottsdale Fashion Square and Chandler Fashion Center and will be at Kierland Commons starting Dec. 4. Retail stores such as Bass Pro Shops, which has locations in Mesa and Glendale, will also require face coverings for their contactless, socially distant Santa visits, as well as place a “glare-free clear protective

Bass Pro Shops is among several retailers welcoming Santa back this holiday season. Changes to their Santa visits include requiring Santas and guests wear masks and socially distanced at all times. The retailers will also clean and sanitize the sets, with Bass Pro Shops, specifically, installing a clear, protective barrier between Santa and families. (Courtesy of Mark Brenneman)

barrier” between Santa and families. They will also take the temperatures of all families, which are also required to make advance reservations, and team members with a non-contact thermometer prior to entering Santa’s Wonderland, as well as clean all surfaces between each visit. “This year has been incredibly difficult for so many kids and families,” said Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris. “With countless activities canceled and many families dealing with added stress, we feel it’s more important than ever to provide some free Christmas magic and help safely create cherished holiday memories.” However, for the first time in at least 35 years, Santa won’t make an appearance at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s popular Holiday Lights event in Scottsdale. Last year, about 1,700 families visited Santa at the Railroad Park’s annual holiday event. This year, they gave Santa the year off due to the pandemic. “Santa is concerned about COVID-19, as he falls into a higher risk category for coronavirus based on CDC and public health guidelines,” said Parks & Recreation Manager Nick Molinari. “Normally, Santa sees hundreds of children and families nightly. Many sit on his lap, with others in close proximity in an adorable, yet small, vintage Santa Fe train depot. Our goal this year was to create a completely outdoor event. So, Santa and the staff at the Railroad Park decided collectively that this would be a good year for him to take off,” Molinari continued. In the end, families want some normalcy this holiday season. If it means welcoming Santa into the home virtually or paying a masked-up, socially distant visit, they’ll do it. “People are wanting some normalcy. They’re wanting something more than what has been happening. People are suffering from COVID fatigue,” Brenneman said. Golden echoes Brenneman’s sentiment. “More than ever, families, and especially children, need to hold on to the traditions of Christmas and not let anything get in their way. Christmas is coming, and Santa will surely visit Christmas Eve. The greatest gift may not be under the tree, but rather the time spent with those you love. Be safe, but don’t be afraid,” she said. “My personal philosophy is,” Golden continued, “don’t let anyone, or anything, steal your joy.”

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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NEWS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Ex-judge, store CEO aim to stop new education tax BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Scottsdale business owner and a retired judge are challenging the legality of the just-approved tax hike on the wealthy to provide more dollars for K-12 education. Attorney Logan Elia claims there is no constitutional authority for voters to levy a tax and then direct how the cash must be spent. That, he told Capitol Media Services, is strictly the purview of the legislature and the elected representatives. One of the plaintiffs in the case is John Buttrick, a former Maricopa County Superior Court judge and 1994 Libertarian candidate for governor. The other is Ann Siner, CEO of My Sister’s Closet, a chain of upscale consignment shops. She complained in a prepared statement that the tax will harm Arizona businesses. Elia acknowledged that voters have enacted numerous prior levies at the ballot box – including a 0.6-cent sales tax hike in which voters directed that the dollars be put into classroom spending. Even the just-approved Proposition 207 legalizing the recreational use of marijuana imposes a new tax on sales. Elia said that is irrelevant as these lev-

ECONOMY from page 1

taled between $727.9 and $730.7 billion, which equates to an average of $1,047.83 per consumer. This year, Cullen said polling shows consumers will still shell out about $1,000 during the holidays. “What we saw is that where gifts and for holiday items like decorations, candy, food, cards, people are spending very much in line with last year and actually in line with what the five-year average has been,” Cullen said. “Where they’re a little hesitant is on those extra purchases for themselves and their families.” One reason overall sales could remain consistent with past years is an expansion of holiday shopping season, which typically kicks off with Black Friday sales that go into effect late on Thanksgiving Day. This time around, retailers started rolling deals out online weeks before Thanksgiving. If you just compare the Black Friday

My Sisters Place CEO Ann Siner is leading the charge to overturn the voter-approved income tax surcharge. (Special to AFN)

ies never were challenged. And that, he said, makes the issue ripe for a ruling by the Arizona Supreme Court as there are no precedents. But Roopali Desai, who represents the Invest in Ed Committee that crafted the measure and put it on the ballot, said the litigation is based on a “half-cocked theory.’’ She said the people who crafted the Arizona Constitution and created the power of people to propose their own laws imposed

period in 2019 versus 2020, you would see a steep drop off in sales this year, Chaturvedi said. But the expanded shopping season has been the industry’s “saving grace.” “There are going to be a lot of sales by these e-commerce guys again and again and again all the way through the end of December, so you have 45 days that’ll help ecommerce and holiday sales not be concentrated in just two weeks,” Chaturvedi said. This year, many retailers moved away from that Black Friday model and launched sales online and in stores earlier in the season. Cullen said that trend actually started last year. “The term we were talking about last holiday was Black November with the kind of November-long sales that a lot of retailers were doing,” she said. That trend has only intensified as retailers look to attract shoppers wary of crowded lines that a traditional Black Friday is known for.

no such limit on what they can enact. Desai pointed out, the state constitution specifically makes voters co-equal with the Legislature, meaning they have exactly the same powers. Central to the fight is the initiative which imposes a 3.5 percent income tax surcharge on earnings of more than $250,000 a year for individuals and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly. Proponents say the levy would raise $940 million a year for education. Efforts by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce to keep the measure off the ballot faltered when the Arizona Supreme Court said there was nothing wrong with the wording of the description given to voters. But the justices did not rule on the legal merits of the measure, saying any challenge would have to wait until after it was enacted. This lawsuit, Elia said, raises those issues. “We believe that voter-initiated statutory taxes are unconstitutional,’’ he said. But the litigation faces some legal hurdles. That includes a 2004 voter-approved amendment to the Arizona Constitution which specifically prohibits initiatives that require new state spending unless the measure also includes a way to raise the additional dollars. That provision, known as the “revenue

Major retailers like Walmart and Target have already announced they will not open on Thanksgiving Day, opting to roll out deals online early and then open on Black Friday. The one “wild card” that could throw a wrench into these holiday sales projections is the failure by Congress and the White House to agree on a second round of stimulus for most Americans, Chaturvedi said. If Congress does not pass a new round of stimulus before the end of the season, sales could drop by around 20 percent, he said. But, Chaturvedi was quick to caution that the situation is changing by the day. “Every day, things are changing, so I can, I can even make a statement today that maybe that 20 percent…that now could potentially become a 15% because of the optimism about the vaccine that we learned about,” Chaturvedi said. For shoppers, the change in retailers’ holiday shopping tactics means there are

source rule,’’ was designed to keep voters from redirecting existing tax dollars from one program to another unless they also found the new dollars to finance the new spending. Desai said the lawsuit is based on the premise that voters can’t raise taxes. But that, she said, would require courts to rule that voters never could enact any new spending programs despite the constitutional right of initiative because there never would be the revenues to fund it. Desai said what the challengers are arguing would sharply and illegally impair the constitutional right of voters to create their own laws. Elia disagrees, stating, “There are other revenue sources other than taxation,’’ he said. He contends that if voters want a new program, they could impose new fees or even direct that the money be borrowed. They just can’t impose taxes. Elia cannot file his lawsuit until Dec. 1. That’s because the state first has to certify the results of the Nov. 3 election and the fact that Proposition 208 got 51.7 percent of the vote. Opponents and proponents of the initiative spent more than $30 million on the campaign. 

more options in place to avoid crowds amid rising COVID-19 cases numbers in Arizona and across the nation. “I think the general consensus is that people aren’t going to want to shop in crowded stores and retailers want to make sure their employees aren’t exposed to crowded stores,” Cullen said, adding: “And so they’re giving consumers the option to stretch out their holiday shopping season while still being able to take advantage of sales.” She said retailers are more likely to offer curbside pickup for customers and offer the same sales online and in stores. Shoppers are not the only ones impacted by the changing dynamics of holiday sales brought on by the pandemic. The realities of this year’s shopping season could negatively impact workers who rely on seasonal employment. Chaturvedi said in recent years employers typically add around 700,000 jobs dur-

see ECONOMY page 17

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Nightlife may have ebbed, drunk driving hasn’t BY JIM WALSH AFN Staff Writer

olice tactics are changing amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but the East Valley DUI Task Force will return during the holiday season with the same goal of promoting public safety by busting as many impaired drivers as possible. Throughout Arizona, driving under the influence arrests are down 10-15 percent this year, but East Valley agencies report the opposite trend, with Gilbert police arrests increasing 31 percent from a year ago and Chandler police also reporting an increase. Mesa and Scottsdale police report little change from a year ago, with drivers still drinking or using drugs before getting behind the wheel – apparently more from imbibing at home or private social gatherings. “Overall, our numbers are down slightly from last year. However, our crashes involving impaired drivers have remained at a similar level,’’ said Sgt. Ben Hoster, a Scottsdale police spokesman. “This is still significant because of how nightlife has been impacted. “Across the Valley, we are seeing a noticeable amount of people driving impaired that are not coming from the establishments impacted by the pandemic.’’ Mesa police Officer George Chwe, a state instructor in DUI investigations, said the problem can be traced to substance abuse and addiction. “A lot of old habits are coming back,’’ Chwe said, with people who have suffered from substance abuse in the past likely backsliding under the pressure of losing their jobs and sustaining other setbacks during the pandemic. “I think impaired driving and substance abuse will be a huge factor,’’ he said, as the nation mobilizes to defeat the pandemic and return to a sense of normalcy. “We’re just changing our tactics, but it’s business as usual,’’ Chwe said. “We’re doing it in a COVID-prevention manner.’’ Chwe said the entire point is to prevent needless fatalities and deter high-risk behavior that can have a deadly consequence for innocent people on the road.

Tempe Police and virtually all other municipal departments, as well as the state Department of Public Safety, will have additional patrols on the street during the holiday season to get drunk drivers off the road. (Special to AFN)

“People do make mistakes. We would rather catch them before they make a tremendous mistake, killing someone,’’ he said. Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, said police are changing tactics to avoid either contracting COVID-19 from each other or from suspects during traffic stops or at mobile testing and booking stations. “We have to be very careful. No briefings with 50 people in a room,’’ Gutier said. He said the safety protocols will help protect officers and suspects alike by promoting social distancing, with maybe one suspect being booked at a time in a command van, while the others wait outside. Other holiday enforcement campaigns this year, during the July 3 holiday and Labor Day, have followed similar practices. Gutier anticipates that arrests statewide from the holiday enforcement campaigns will probably drop 10-15 percent from this time last year. He canceled his yearly Thanksgiving rally against DUI at the State Capitol, where police from around the state would gather in a show of force to publicize their campaign, which is largely funded by federal highway safety grants.

Instead, police agencies will either work on their own, or form smaller, regional partnerships to carry out the campaign between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, he said. Barring an extreme flare-up of COVID-19, the East Valley task force has been divided into north and south divisions. Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler will form the south division, while Tempe, Scottsdale, the state Department of Public Safety, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona State University police and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa tribal police form the northern contingent. Hoster said the two divisions also cut down on travel time, allowing officers to focus more on DUI enforcement. “Each of the respective cities have grown up enough that they need their traffic units working in their own city at night,’’ he wrote. “Eliminating the drive time, for example, between Scottsdale and Gilbert allows more time for officers to focus on enforcement.’’ Brenda Carrasco, spokeswoman for the Gilbert police, said the plan is to use a somewhat scaled-down approach featuring six nights of enforcement during the

holiday period. The task force would rotate their enforcement efforts among the three cities, hitting Gilbert one night and Chandler or Mesa the next, she said. “We have seen a 31 percent increase in DUI arrests. We have had our traffic units go out three nights a week,’’ Carrasco said, adding that all Gilbert patrol officers are vigilant about spotting possibly impaired drivers. “When you can take people off the road who are endangering others, you want to do that,’’ she said, adding, “we don’t have a specific answer as to why’’ arrests have increased. Gilbert’s DUI arrests have increased to 1,092 between January and October 2020, from 832 during the same period in 2019, Carrasco said. Detective Zachary Waters, a Chandler police spokesman, said traffic officers have noted an uptick as well and his department is planning saturation patrols throughout the holidays. “We just want to keep impaired drivers off the roadways,’’ Waters said. “We think people still continue to drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol. We believe the task force is still important.’’ 

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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Deb Hoover, a member of the Festival of Lights Committee dropped in on Christmas Light Decorator crews last weekend to check out the installation of a million white lights on Chandler Boulevard. Committee President Raphael Isaac said lights should be on this weekend, but you can help keep them on. See Around Ahwatukee on page 26 for details. (Special to AFN)

ECONOMY from page 14

ing the holiday season, but this year that number is likely to be closer to 400,000 or 500,000. Chaturvedi said the U.S. was already seeing those numbers come down annually before the pandemic but the current situation could hasten the decline. “If we touch (400,000) or cross (400,000), that for me is an optimistic scenario,” he said. What people are buying this year is also changing and that shift includes some very pandemic-specific buying habits. Walmart and Target are already reporting that sales of clothing for the upper body are up and sales of clothing like pants and skirts are down, Chaturvedi said. “Because if you’re sitting in front of this Zoom and your computer and you’re talking to folks and your peers in your offices,

you change your uppers but you don’t change your lowers,” he said. As more people spend time at home, purchases related to home improvement are on the rise, including lumber, appliances and power tools. Consumer electronics and home fitness equipment are also seeing spikes in popularity. Meanwhile, sales for suitcases are down 300 percent. Cullen said she expects consumers will make an attempt to shop at their local retailers instead of reserving all their spending money for the big box stores. “We do know people have wanted to support local businesses during this time and tried to make purchases specifically to support local businesses, so we expect people will be kind of looking all over to spread their holiday shopping out,” she said. 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Ahwatukee comes through again for less fortunate AFN NEWS STAFF

hanks to the efforts of the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee and Boys Team Charity Ahwatukee, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be served to 337 kids and staff members at 21 group foster homes in the Valley. The Kiwanis Club in past years has partnered with several Ahwatukee and Mesa churches to hold a celebratory dinner early in Thanksgiving week, having children and teens in group foster homes brought to a church where they were feted with dinner and some surprises. Not unexpectedly, COVID-19 prevented that from happening this year, Undaunted, Kiwanis Club members Annlouise Ferguson and Stacy Rasmussen teamed up with BTC Chairwoman Karen Snyder to bring dinner to them. “Ahwatukee Kiwanis and Boys Team Charity are preparing food and arranging deliv-

ery because despite COVID-19 every child deserves a Thanksgiving,” Ferguson said. A shortage of drivers forced Kiwanis event chair Annlouise Ferguson to make a public plea for drivers with security clearance. “The community response is impressive and heartwarming,” Ferguson said. “We have so many people offering to volunteer that we do not have work for all of them. It’s evidence that Ahwatukee is rich with people who want to help others.” Kiwanis members, current and former teachers and community activists began delivering meals last Saturday and were planning to continue through today. On Saturday deliveries occurred in two ways: Twenty-two cars pulled up to Ferguson’s curb to drop off food items and pick up Thanksgiving dinners to deliver to 120 foster kids. The food being dropped off was donated by Boys Team Charity to Ahwatukee families.

Toaster exhibit

Snyder said that teenage boys prepared food items, packed boxes, and loaded vehicles – part of Boys Team Charity’s effort to develop a lasting attitude among its members of giving to the less fortunate. “Many families dropped off more food than requested,” Ferguson said, stating that huge coolers full of food went out to each group home with bags of shelfstable food and paper goods like Thanksgiving themed napkins, plates donated by the community. Thanksgiving dinners to 95 more foster kids living at group homes were delivered from other locations arranged by the two local nonprofits on Saturday. “We anticipate delivering 125 more meals to group homes through Thanksgiving Day,” Ferguson said. “The effort has been a big success,” she added. “We’ve gone from Thanksgiving canceled to Thanksgiving delivered all because Ahwatukee stepped up and pledges to keep stepping up.” But even as one effort ended, Kiwanis

Club members are beginning to think of their next charitable endeavor: New volunteers and drivers have agreed to help with the Kiwanis Foster Teen Christmas. Kiwanis heads up a community effort to provide clothing, hygiene products and gift cards to older children who otherwise would not have a wrapped package under the tree to open on Christmas morning. Collection boxes will be placed throughout the community next week at places like the Ahwatukee Swim Center at 4700 E. Warner Road; Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St.; and US West Realty, 4505 E. Chandler Blvd., Ste 170. “Kiwanis has long served the needs of the underprivileged members of the community, especially children,” Ferguson said. “We could not perform the outreach without the help of nonmembers and businesses in Ahwatukee, Chandler and Tempe. This Thanksgiving the Ahwatukee Kiwanis Club is grateful for the support the community gives us all year long.” 

AFN NEWS STAFF

the retro side,” the nonprofit states on its website. “The older restoration was likely done in the 80s. It has a Ford 400ci engine that starts right up and goes nicely down the road.” People can still register their vehicles for showing off at ahwatukeecarshow.com. Raffle tickets can be purchased at hopeforthehomelessaz.com The event will include a photo booth, balloon artist, music and food trucks for spectators. There also will be trophies for winning vehicles. 

Ahwatukee car show to benefit the homeless

T Ahwatukee Lakes resident Donald Ellwanger collects toasters and people can check out some of his collection at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Drive, in the lobby at least until Monday. Ellwanger, who said exhibits usually are kept on display for only a month, has included cards to explain each device as well as how he began his unusual hobby. (Courtesy of Donald Ellwanger)

he Goodman Taylor Team is holding the Ahwatukee Car Show 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, at Mountain Park Church, 16461 S. 48th St., to benefit the homeless. Since there is no Festival of Lights KickOff Party that day because of concerns about COVID-19, the car show gives Ahwatukee residents a chance to have some fun and give back. Admission is free, but organizers are collecting new blankets, socks and underwear for HOPE for the Homeless, a Phoenix nonprofit. People also can buy raffle tickets for a 1954 Ford F100 gifted to HOPE for the Homeless by Precision Auto Body. People can help the homeless and get a chance at winning this 1954 Ford pickup as “This daily driv- part of the Goodman Taylor Team’s Ahwatukee Car Show. er is definitely on (Special to AFN)

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COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Valley museums have high hopes for next Sunday’s event BY KRISTINE CANNON AFN Staff Writer

fter months of being shuttered, many museums have recently reopened their doors just in time for the annual international oneday shopping event called Museum Store Sunday. Taking place Nov. 29, Museum Store Sunday encourage shoppers to support their local museums – many of which are in need of the public’s support. Many East Valley and Scottsdale museum directors are hoping holiday shoppers will visit their stores next Sunday, not only for discounts on unique gift items but also because their

revenue streams this year have been shattered by prolonged pandemic-driven closures. “It is very important for patrons of the arts to support a museum or other cultural institutions during this pandemic,” said Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts’ Assistant Retail Manager Raechel Miller. Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts are two of six area museums participating in the event founded by the Colorado-based Museum Store Association. “Most cultural institutions rely heavily on the day-to-day revenue of admission sales, donations, sales from their

museum store and patrons becoming year to lifelong members,” Miller said. Also participating in Scottsdale is Western Spirit Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. SMoW Director and CEO Mike Fox calls Museum Store Sunday “critical” to the museum’s sustainability, as it was closed for seven months. The museum “has continued to incur

�ee MUSEUM page 23

Mesa Historical Museum volunteer Anita Peters is helping to sort through more than 10,000 books at the Mesa Historical Museum in advance of its book sale Dec. 5, another way it is trying to raise money in addition to its sales on Black Friday and Museum Store Sunday this coming weekend. (Courtesy of Mesa Historical Museum)

Time to think about Ahwatukee Nutcracker 2020 AFN NEWS STAFF

ith the 2020 Christmas season officially underway – no matter how stunted by the pandemic – it’s time to think of one of Ahwatukee’s longest holiday traditions – the Nutcracker presented by Dance Studio 111 owner and local resident Kimberly Lewis. Since two long-running Thanksgiving weekend traditions – the Santa helicopter drop at Millie’s Hallmark and the Festival of Lights Kick-Off Party have been canceled – Lewis’ production takes on an even bigger meaning in a season that’s been shredded by COVID-19. Tempe Union High School District has already put Lewis’ traditional venue, Desert Vista High, off limits. So, she’s presenting her 21st annual Ahwatukee Nutcracker at the Madison Center for the Arts at 5601. N. 16th St., where

�ee NUTCRACKER page 23

The cast for this year’s Ahwatukee Nutcracker includes: from left: Marzipan Queen Taylor Carey, Russian Queen Laycie Michell, Queen of Sweets Mikaylee Bellino, Snow Queen Abby Bigelow, Sugarplum Fairy Ashleigh Griffin, Arabian Queen Lexa MacKenzie, Butterﬂy Queen Niyana Harris, Angel Queen Kiara Reyes, Spanish Queen Maddy Mindeman and China Queen Gigi Tosca. (Courtesy Kimberly Lewis/Dance Studio 111)

COMMUNITY

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Ahwatukee brothers earn Eagle Scout honors AFN NEWS STAFF

pair of Ahwatukee brothers earned the highest honor in Boy Scouts by completing a project that aimed to keep their classmates safer outside of their school. Gabriel Kwan, 15, and his 13-year-old brother Elijah earned their Eagle awards by building nine traffic barricades for the area around Horizon Honors School, where Gabriel is a sophomore and Elijah is in 7th grade. Members of Boys Scout Troop 475 and the sons of Lynda and Aaron Kwan, they settled on the project at their principal’s suggestion. They raised $824 by doing garage sales and donations from family and friends. Home Depot on Warner and Kyrene roads discounted the nails, paint and wood for the barricades while volunteers provided some labor to put them together. “The project was a great way to give back to their school and to ensure student safety,” their mother said. Gabe became a Boy Scout because of his

In the photo below, Elijah Kwan, left, and his brother Garbriel show off the Eagle awards they earned by making barricades for Horizon Honors school. At left, the brothers are ﬂanked by their parents, Lynda and Aaron Kwan. (Special to AFN)

interest in the military and Elijah followed his big brother. The boys said they learned many skills

by undertaking and that time management, delegation, fund raising, and teamwork were just a few.

south Phoenix. Fiorenza noted that clients can make appointments to “shop” in their rooms for clothing, as well as other household items. The group serves an estimated average of 150 to 200 families a day. Originally a part of the St. Mary’s Food & Clothing Bank, the Community Food and Clothing Bank was spun off with its own board of directors in the 1960s. In 1982, largely through the efforts of Dr. Culver Nelson of the Church of the Beatitudes and United Church of Christ, Salt River Project donated half a storefront it owned at 315 N. Third Ave. In that building, the clothing bank was combined with a variety of emergency relief services under the name Interfaith Cooperative Ministries, or ICM. The organization also provides workforce programs and classes to help those obtain new jobs. Nourish Phoenix president Mark Livingston said that the organization recently

built a new classroom in their building to provide lessons about financial literacy, healthy eating and other services to clients. “Instead of just giving people food, clothing and toiletries, we’re trying to help people better themselves and not have to be clients of ours any longer,” said Livingston. “For the food pantry and for the workforce program, we’re making sure everybody that comes in to see us is being served and they are able to get what they need for their family,” said Fiorenza. Livingston said it was time for the new name of Nourish Phoenix that would realign more with their long-term goals to help nourish others not just with food but with life skills as well. “People come in and it’s a happy place to do other things, to learn other things, to better themselves and their families,” said Livingston. “It just resonated really well for me, the rest of the board and obviously a lot of the volunteers.” With the success of the organization’s

They also learned to work well together and have fun doing work. Troop 475 also awarded Maxwell Green and Joshua Davis their Eagle rank in a ceremony conducted virtually earlier this month. 

Nonpro�it changes name, but not its mission BY KENZEL WILLIAMS AFN Contributor

Phoenix nonprofit is switching to a bigger virtual presence as the pandemic settles in for the long term. Nourish Phoenix, formerly known as the ICM Food and Clothing Bank, recently hosted its first virtual fundraiser, unexpectedly drawing so many more people than organizers anticipated that there were some technical difficulties. The Beyond the Pantry fundraiser was originally intended to be an in-person breakfast. “We decided to keep it, do it virtually over our website and still have an event,” said Executive Director Beth Fiorenza. “We’ve never really had an event in the past, so this was something that we were committed to.” Fiorenza had set a goal of $175,000 to continue its mission of providing free food, clothing and appliances to the community around downtown and

first virtual event, both Livingston and Fiorenza said that Nourish Phoenix will have more virtual programs and events in the future. Livingston said that they’re planning on providing virtual tours to show the community the work that they do. “We’re making a concerted effort to introduce new people to the organization,” said Livingston. “The best way to do that is to walk into the door and see the volunteers, the clients and see what we do on a day-to-day basis. Until we can do that, we’re gonna try to do that virtually.” Although the organization went through many changes, such as a new name and a switch to virtual events, Fiorenza said that they haven’t strayed away from their original goals. “We want to serve everyone however they can see us, whether it’s on the phone, or online, or if they can come in,” said Fiorenza. “We want to be there for our clients and their needs.” Information: nourishphx.org. 

COMMUNITY

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

MUSEUM from page 21

greater than $150,000 in operating expenses monthly with no earned income to help support the institution,” Fox said. This year, Museum Store Sunday boasts more than 1,400 participating venues across all 50 states and D.C., 22 countries and five continents versus last year’s 1,200 participants. “Whether online or in person, Museum Store Sunday is a wonderful opportunity for consumers around the world to shop local, support artisans and small suppliers, give back to the community, and find unique gifts for loved ones,” said Blue Anderson, president of the Museum Store Association board. The Mesa Historical Museum, which will offer half-off items on Black Friday,

has even more merchandise to offer this year both on Black Friday and Museum Store Sunday. “We are also doing something unique: We are going to have a mini-boutique,” said Mesa Historical Museum Executive Director Susan Ricci. The new mini-boutique offers an array of items such as vintage jewelry, gently used purses and scarves and boutique clothing donated by a local consignment store — all of which will be half-price, with nothing priced over $5. “I owned and operated a small history museum several years ago, and we found that local people enjoyed having a variety of items. They weren’t looking for a museum souvenir; they enjoyed getting vintage purse and vintage jewelry,” Ricci said of her museum’s boutique.

Special Christmas walk

“It was hugely successful,” she added. “The majority of our sales before we closed due to COVID-19 had been our vintage items.” The Chandler Museum Store, which held its grand opening earlier this month, will feature locally made art pieces and will offer 10 percent off all purchases next Sunday. Local author Kathy Peach will also perform a reading at 1:30 p.m. of her children’s book “The Tiniest Tumbleweed,” which can be purchased at the Chandler Museum Store. “This is our first year participating in Museum Store Sunday, and we are looking forward to joining museums around the world in this effort to encourage shoppers to support their local museum stores,” said Jody Crago, director of the Chandler Museum. Tempe History Museum is also taking part — but strictly online. “Although the museum is currently closed to the public, we are developing an online store in partnership with Tempe History Society, said Brenda Abney, Tempe arts & culture manager and museum director. New to the museum, the online store will include T-shirts, books on Tempe’s history, and a small selection of unique gift

NUTCRACKER from page 21

The pandemic has forced the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ahwatukee to alter its Christmas presentation. Instead of a concert with a Nativity walk and cookies, it is sponsoring a Christmas Nativity Walk 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at 2955 E. Frye Road with a real baby, live animals that include a camel and alpaca as well as a donkey and hundreds of luminaries. It’s free and social distancing and masks will be required. (Special to AFN)

the show will be at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 19 and 1 p.m. Dec. 20. Lewis found the Madison Center after some frantic moments. “Theaters sign contracts years in advance,” Lewis said. “I found smaller theaters but they did not have the rigging and fly system for backdrops and room for props to bring the magic of the Nutcracker to the stage.” Then she called Madison, a 2-yearold venue that Lewis called “a first-class state-of-the-art theater. This theater is gorgeous.” But the news was bleak: Madison was booked for the mid-December weekend she needed it. “I cannot tell you how many phone calls and hotel ballrooms and parks I contacted and how many miles I put on my car driving all over the Valley to find a venue for our Nutcracker,” Lewis said. But the company that had rented Madison the weekend she needed it backed out, and so the show will go on.

items available for purchase and pick-up. “This is a new process for the museum, so we appreciate any feedback from shoppers and are willing to modify our process to accommodate needs,” Abney said. Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum are also participating. Not participating this year, however, are i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa and the Frank Lloyd Wright Store at Taliesin West in Scottsdale. Ricci said the pandemic was a doublewallop for the Mesa Historical Museum, which was closed for more than seven months and experienced an increase in suspended memberships. “We didn’t have any membership renewals or donations. We had to cancel our largest fundraiser – our Historic Home Tour. We probably lost 30 percent in revenue,” Ricci said. But just because a museum reopens its doors, doesn’t mean the bounce back is instantaneous. “It’s very important!” Ricci said. “We are struggling like most other small museums. Being closed for over seven months really hurts financially when you have no admission or gift shop sales.” Information: museumstoresunday. org  The theater will handle all ticket sales and will follow all health protocols, including socially distant seating. Families will be able to purchase tickets to sit together and the theater ropes off other seats. “This theater is triple the cost that we have in our budget but I am hoping our Ahwatukee Foothills Community will continue to support us and make the drive to the theater to support our children who have been in rehearsals since August to bring this show to life,” Lewis said. “We need our community’s support and we need them to please come see the magic of the Nutcracker this holiday season,” she added, noting the theater is a 19-mile drive from Ahwatukee, located off the Loop 51 Piestewa Freeway and Missouri Avenue. Lewis already knows what she wants under her tree: the same feeling of accomplishment she has every December after another Nutcracker production. “As long as we are able to pay our theater rental and tech crew this year,” she said, “that’s all I want for a Christmas.” Information: ahwatukeenutcracker. com. 

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AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

AROUND AHWATUKEE

Shred-a-thon will help Kyrene food bank

‘Tis the season to be shredding as the year closes and people get rid of important but outdated documents and this year, local Realtors Shirley Coomer and Gregory Stanton are combining their semi-annual shred-a-thon with a food drive 9-11 a.m. Dec. 5 at Monte Vista Elementary School, 15221 S. Ray Road, Ahwatukee. The drive will benefit the Kyrene Family Resource Center’s food bank. People are asked to bring one item for every box of documents destined for the shredder. They’re looking for donations of disinfectant wipes, goldfish, granola and protein bars, cheese crackers, cereal, raisins as well as hygiene supplies.

Festival of Lights group’s auction has begun

The Festival of Lights has launched its online auction at folaz.org and should be launching its celebrated wine pull soon. The cash-strapped FOL Committee, which is staring at a $50,000 repair bill next year to keep its million white lights burning along Chandler Boulevard between Desert Foothills Parkway and 24th Street, is still on track to have the display going this holiday season. People also can donate to the nonprofit at the website.

FOL Committee President Raphael Isaac said Christmas Light Decorator of Mesa was to start hanging the display along the boulevard’s medians this week, avoid saguaros that appear too weak to support them. He added the lights themselves pose no threat to the water-starved, heat-impacted saguaros.

Kyrene Foundation seeks donations for Wonderland

The pandemic is forcing the Kyrene Foundation to seek cash donations instead of gift items for its annual Winter Wonderland. Last year, organizers said, “with the tremendous outpouring of support from schools, businesses, and community members, our foundation was able to ensure family’s basic needs were met and children did not go without the simple joy of a gift during the holiday season. For families who are struggling, the holiday’s look very different this year, and the pandemic has pushed us to find new ways to support these families while maintaining the health and safety of our community,” they added. This year the foundation hopes to raise $35,000 by Dec. 10 for over 700 kids and their families in need within the Kyrene community. Donations can be made at kyrenefoundation.org/ winterwonderland. They also can be dropped off at Keller Williams Realty, Sonoran Living, 15905 S. 46th St., #160, Ahwatukee 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and at R Squared Graphic and Web Design, 8400 S. Kyrene

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Road, Tempe, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Desert Vista teens launch toy drive for foster kids

Student Community Outreach, an Ahwatukee nonprofit organized by five Desert Vista High Schools students, is collecting toys for the AZ Helping Hands Holiday Toy Drive. AZ Helping Hands supports foster kids and their foster parents. “There are over 19,000 children in foster care throughout Arizona. Your donation of a toy for children ages 1–12 could provide hope and love for these children in a tangible way,” said group spokesman Jaden Gerdis. Donations can be dropped off, unwrapped, Anytime Fitness, 1420 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee until Dec. 5. No toys replicating violence are allowed, such as Nerf guns and similar items. Recommended gifts for infant-2: wood blocks, board books, LEGO Duplo sets, musical toys, O-Ball toys, shape sorters, stacking toys, Fisher Price Linkimals, Little People Playsets. For ages 3-7: craft kits, dinosaurs, play vacuum and cleaning sets, magic kits, multicultural dolls, National Geographic Science Dig Kits, Paw Patrol/PJ Mask, remote-control cars and superhero items. For 8-12 age bracket: Craft/DIY/jewelry making kits, journals and sketch pads, magic kits, make-up/nail/ hair kits, National Geographic Science Dig Kits, sport balls and young adult coloring books. For all ages, STEM kits, LEGO sets and K’NEX.

Annual Blankets & Bears Drive is underway

The Ahwatukee Women’s Golf Association is again conducting its 21st annual Blankets & Bears Drive, this year benefitting Cardon Children’s Hospital at Banner Desert Hospital. The drive started in 1999 and has generated blankets and stuffed bears in the thousands to Phoenix Fire Station # 38; Cardon Children’s Hospital; Mesa Fire and the Child Crisis Center. New knitted, crocheted and fleece blankets of all kinds are needed. Crib size or smaller is preferred. Stuffed animals need to be new. Dolls or stuffed animals should be soft and cuddly and something that a child can hold and carry.

Because of COVID-19, blankets and bears need to be small enough to fit into plastic bags (approximate size of 15” by 13”). Donations without bags will be bagged by volunteers. Donations are accepted at the dining room of Ahwatukee Country Club, 48th Street and Warner Road. Items will be placed under the ACC Christmas tree and packaged and delivered. Staff at ACC is aware that there may be some “special deliveries.” Information: Joyce Blobner at 480-381-4195.

Pandemic puts public radio station in raffle mode

Ahwatukee resident Nancy Dudenhoefer, communications specialist for KJZZ FM, said that like many nonprofits, public radio is having to find new ways of doing things. For more than 15 years the stations held First Press, fine wine dinner and auction. This year, the Public Radio Raffle will benefit KJZZ and KBACH and offers participants a chance to snag relaxing retreats, action adventures, shopping sprees, unique dining, art, jewelry, golf, soccer and more. The raffle goes through Dec. 21 and winners will be contacted two days later. Tickets are $25 or five for $100.Information: Events.kjzz.org and Events.kbach.org All dollars raised benefit KJZZ 91.5 FM and KBACH 89.5 FM, part of the Public Service Division of Rio Salado College.

Ahwatukee Chick-fil-A looking for good workers

Ahwatukee Chick-fil-A at 5035 E. Ray Road is looking for full- and part-time front and kitchen staff. Benefits include flexible schedules, a free meal during each shift worked and college scholarships. Information: Lois at 480-620-4471.

Couple offers free pool treatments in their home

An Ahwatukee couple is offering free “Waterathon” exercise program sessions for men and women 7:308:10 a.m. Monday-Thursday beginning Nov. 23. Pool temperature is set between 96 to 98 degrees and an optional hydrotherapy in an oversized spa is available. Space is limited to eight people to insure social distancing and reservations are required at waterfeel.club.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 41

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NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Mesa teen sings her way to helping abused kids BY BROOKE DIXON AFN Contributor

hirteen-year-old Rosevelt Rawls has a passion to sing and a drive to help children suffering from abuse. Earlier this fall, the Mesa teen combined her passions at her own fundraising event, titled “The Music and the Message,” to raise money for Childhelp, a nonprofit that fights child abuse. Rosevelt’s budding singing career started about four years ago when she was given the opportunity to sing with comedy legend Dick Van Dyke – who worked with her father Jef Rawls, a corporate trainer ad entertainer who founded The JesterZ, an improv clean-comedy group. “It just kind of happened,” said Rosevelt, a seventh grader currently in distance learning. Rosevelt’s love and passion for singing and helping children led her to create an inspirational fundraising project. In a single night, she raised $100,000 and now has her sights set on raising $1 million to help abused children. Her blockbuster fundraiser Sept. 26 drew more than 200 socially distanced vehicles to Schnepf Farms while other people who could not attend her concert watched on livestream. Her father ran much of the marketing for the event. “We set up a page online so people could watch from the comfort of their homes and families could have watch parties at home,” said Jef, who also has acted and produced a variety of TV and radio shows. The father-daughter duo has been putting on the Childhelp fundraising event for two years but this year COVID-19 made

Mesa resident Rosevelt Rawls has a big voice and a heart to match, holding concerts to raise money to help fight child abuse. (Special to the AFN)

everything a little different. Rosevelt was not discouraged by the pandemic, and noted that they followed all safety guidelines because they were determined to put on the show. “Everything going on has raised numbers of child abuse because kids can’t escape their homes as they don’t have school or after-school activities,” Rosevelt said. As a Childhelp ambassador, Rosevelt cares most about helping children in need. She noted that in the past 61 years, Childhelp has helped over 10.5 million children and she wanted to be a part of that. All benefits and proceeds raised from The Music and the Message went directly to Childhelp and Operation Underground Railroad, another nonprofit that works to end sex trafficking of minors.

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Sponsors who covered the concert’s cost included Spring Creek Enterprise, Western Transport Logistics, Bashas’ and The Hebets Company, among others.

Throughout the pandemic, Rosevelt said, Childhelp has done its best to continue helping children as much as possible. It started a text helpline so children can text or call for help or any questions they may have. Rosevelt said she was determined to pull off the concert because so many nonprofits like Childhelp and Operation Underground Railroad depend on events for the bulk of their fundraising. The event consisted of musical performances from Rosevelt Rawls, William Joseph, and Colton Avery. Speakers included Operation Underground Railroad CEO Tim Ballard, Childhelp co-founders Sara O’Meara, and Yvonne Fedderson. It was emceed by Coach Dar and Jef Rawls. Rosevelt’s first concert on Childhelp’s behalf was held at the Mesa Arts Center, which has been closed since the pandemic broke in March. The keynote speaker at that event was Elizabeth Smart, who spoke about her 2002 kidnapping from her Utah home when she was just 14. 

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

@generationaz

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BUSINESS

Business NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

@AhwatukeeFN |

@AhwatukeeFN

www.ahwatukee.com

Black Friday deals will be plentiful with precautions BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY AFN Staff Writer

lack Friday will look a little different this year due to the pandemic but many retailers are still offering sales and other deals to entice consumers. This year more than ever, retailers are likely to offer the same sales online and inperson in order to help consumers avoid crowded stores and long lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Katherine Cullen with the National Retail Federation. She said retailers are also more likely to offer services like curbside pickup for customers who do venture out to stores. Cullen is encouraging shoppers to take advantage of the more �lexible options this year in order to stay safe and avoid unnecessary stress. “We are encouraging people to shop early and shop safely,” she said. “Avoid the crowds, avoid stress and last-minute shopping, particularly with a lot of online

orders going on you want to make sure you get your gifts on time.” East Valley shoppers can expect a wide range of sales from traditional retailers, restaurants and even local companies that offer services to the business community. Thanksgiving Day will look different this year as many major retailers – including Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Kohl’s – have announced they will remain closed on the holiday instead of opening up in the evening to give shoppers a jump start on Black Friday deals. Walmart announced it will open at 5 a.m. on Black Friday. The megachain also issued new sales online and in stores that

rolled out in phases on Nov. 4, 11 and 25. Target, which will open at its normal time at 7 a.m. on Friday, has also issued new weekly “Black Friday deals” throughout November. Major malls will remain closed on Thanksgiving as well, including Scottsdale Fashion Square and Chandler Fashion Center. Both malls will reopen on Black Friday at 6 a.m. Locally, retailers are offering deals to consumers for Black Friday. Scottsdale’s Hook & Hunt is offering 10 percent off all merchandise on Black Friday. The retailers sells all sorts of discount items, including electronics, fur-

niture, clothing and handbags. Hampton Design & Closets, also located in Scottsdale, is offering 15 percent off all projects valued at $2,500 or more. Scottsdale-based golf equipment manufacturer PXG is offering discounts off a variety of bundles for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Offers include the Holiday Hostess Bundle that includes a signature candle, ornament, leather wine bag and facemask. The Dog Lover Bundle includes a leash, collar and PXG water bottle. The Cozy bundle includes a PXG-brand beanie, home course hoodie, and facemask. Chandler-based Dazzle Dry, a nail care company, is offering 25 percent off all products on their website dazzledry.com from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Ahwatukee Skin and Laser is offering customers a free $25 gift card with the purchase of a $100 card.

One possible factor, said the Farm Bureau’s Julie Murphree, is the pandemic. She said that has had ripple effects on the retail market. Stores have incurred higher costs as they have had to hire more staff for things like enhanced cleaning of everything from conveyor belts to shopping carts. And there were one-time costs for installing

safety shields. But what’s helping hold down prices here, she said, is the fact the state has one of the most competitive grocery markets, with several major chains as well as smaller food stores. That, in turn, can work to a shopper’s advantage. The prices quoted in the Farm Bureau survey are what’s marked as retail, what the organization’s shoppers found when they went to stores. They do not include deals available to shoppers who carry a grocer’s af�inity card. For example, the organization’s shoppers found the average price of a 16-pound bird was 88 cents a pound. But Fry’s is offering its own Kroger brand whole turkeys at 68 cents a pound

for their frequent shoppers who also made a $25 purchase. Bashas’ shoppers could score a similar deal on a Jennie-O turkey. And shoppers could buy a 5-pound bag of potatoes at Albertsons and Safeway for a quarter, versus the $2.16 average in the Farm Bureau survey. Also more expensive this year is a onepound veggie tray of half celery and half carrots, whole milk, whipping cream and fresh cranberries. But a 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix is a bit cheaper, as are those frozen pie shells to pour it into. And there are some cheaper alternatives outside what the Farm Bureau considers a typical Thanksgiving dinner. For example, organization shoppers found fresh ham for $2.27 a pound, quite a bit less than turkey. And russet potatoes

�� BLACK FRIDAY �� 30

Thanksgiving dinner in Arizona more expensive BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

t’s going to cost a bit more to feed the brood around the table this year for Thanksgiving – assuming there is a big family gathering amid the pandemic surge. The latest survey by the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation �inds that the average price of a 16-pound turkey is 88 cents a pound. That compares with 73 cents last year and 84 cents the year before that. Shoppers also will have to dig a bit deeper into their wallets than last year for everything from that box of cube stuf�ing to a bag of frozen green peas. There are some offsets, but the overall cost of a typical dinner for a family of 10 is $47.02 – up 10 percent from last year and slightly higher than the national average of $46.09. So what’s causing the increase?

�� TURKEY �� 30

BUSINESS

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

5 reasons for shopping locally this season BY MARK STEWART AFN Guest Writer

n an attempt to get a jump on that firstholiday purchase, big box stores have been pushing their Black Friday ads for weeks. But as we know, small businesses are trying to recover from the horrendous summer and the impact of the COVID-19. It is important to remember: your local retailer could use a boost this holiday season. According to Google, 66 percent of people in the U.S. who plan to shop this holiday season say they will shop more at small businesses this season. This is terrific news. Let’s check out the impact and benefits of shopping.

Local economic stimulus

Shopping locally stimulates the local

BLACK FRIDAY from page 29

The company is also offering its 2940 ablative laser resurfacing with PRP protein-rich plasma treatment for $1,200, a $300 discount. The package must be used within six months of purchase. Gilbert-based Smart to Finish Office Solutions is offering 15 hours of Virtual Assistant services for $599, a $150 discount. They will also include their Delegation Dare Online Training Program for free. Many restaurants are also offering holiday gift card deals to shoppers. Roaring Fork, located in Scottsdale near Fashion Square Mall, is offering shoppers a $20 bonus card with any $100 gift card purchase. Fired Pie – with locations in Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler and Ah-

TURKEY from page 29

are cheaper than sweet potatoes. The overall cost of Thanksgiving dinner in Arizona has risen from $24.99 in 1993 to the current $47.02. Of course, all this presumes there will be feasts for families of 10. State Health Director Cara Christ is

economy. Often small business owners and their employees choose to frequent other local businesses, which keeps the money in the community even longer. In fact, according to a study by Local First, for every $100 spent, roughly $68 to $73 is kept in the community. That local impact generates local sales tax funds, government services, road maintenance, fire trucks, health services and much more.

Better customer service

Many suggest that locally owned businesses provide better customer service as they invest in you and their community. Often, a local business owner is a neighbor, and they want you to have a great experience and make sure you tell your friends and family. The restaurant down the street will go

�ee SHOP LOCAL page 31

watukee – will give shoppers a bonus $15 gift card if they purchase $50 in gift cards on Nov. 27 only. The restaurant chain will also give shoppers a free $5 card with the purchase of a $25 card from Nov. 27 to Dec. 24. Serrano’s Mexican Restaurants, with locations in Chandler and Mesa, will give customers a $5 kickback with $25 gift card purchase, $10 kickback with $50 gift card purchase or $20 kickback with $100 gift card purchase . Scottsdale’s Hotel Valley Ho is running its own Black Friday special from Nov. 27-30. The hotel will give shoppers a free $20 gift card with the purchase of $100 in gift cards. The hotel is also offering guests a third night free when they reserve two nights between Nov. 27 and Jan. 24. 

cautioning against getting together with people who have not been part of the family ``bubble.’’ And in any case, she said, it would be best to move the festivities outside or a room with a lot of ventilation. Murphree acknowledged there is one thing the Farm Bureau did not price that might be of interest to Arizona consumers: toilet paper – assuming it’s available. 

Walmart and the Salvation Army are working together on multiple fronts to help raise money the nonproﬁt needs to help needy people of all ages. (Special to AFN)

Walmart, Salvation Army join forces for the needy

AFN NEWS STAFF

o help meet the unprecedented level of need this holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army are working together to make it even easier for people to help others this Christmas. Building upon a 40-year relationship of supporting people in need during the holiday season, Walmart and The Salvation Army are expanding programs like Angel Tree and Red Kettles. A recent study by Columbia University showed that nearly 8 million Americans have fallen into poverty since May. “Since the beginning of our national health crisis, The Salvation Army has been serving our neighbors in need with emergency food, rent and utilities assistance, PPE, hygiene kits, and emotional and spiritual care,” said Major David Yardley, the Salvation Army Metro Phoenix program coordinator. Through Dec. 31, Walmart will offer customers the option to round up their pur-

chases to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to The Salvation Army. Customers can do this in stores at staffed cash registers, on Walmart.com or through the Walmart app. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles and iconic bell ringers will be at participating Walmart and Sam’s Club stores. The Salvation Army is adopting nationally mandated safety protocols for physical kettles to ensure the safety of bell ringers, donors and partners. Salvation Army Angel Trees will appear in participating Walmart stores, giving local shoppers the opportunity to select a child or children from the tree and to purchase or drop off gifts onsite. Those who prefer to do their shopping online can visit salvationarmyusa.org/ walmart-angel-tree to find their closest Angel Tree Registry, either in-store or online. Visit SalvationArmyRedKettle.org to donate or learn more about how you can help The Salvation Army rescue Christmas this year. 

BUSINESS

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Website helps parents find safe toys for kids STATEPOINT

hildren look forward to opening their holiday presents all year. However, there are some things to keep in mind to make sure gifts are safe and appropriate. To help you make savvy selections, PlaySafe.org from The Toy Association, the premier site for toy safety information, is offering the following guidance: • Avoid shady sellers: This time of year can be especially costly, making it tempting to shop around. However, that low priced toy may not actually be “a good deal.” “U.S. toy safety laws are considered the gold standard. Before reaching your home, a toy is subjected to over 100 different safety standards and tests and must be certified compliant by an independent testing laboratory,” says Joan Lawrence, the Toy Association’s “Toy Safety Mom” and senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs. “The cheap imitations and counterfeits available online from illicit sellers haven’t met these same safety standards.” A recent survey commissioned by the Toy Association of U.S. parents who are their household’s primary toy purchaser revealed that 71 percent of parents whose kids get holiday gifts from grandparents who shop online aren’t completely confident that their elders know how to ensure that toys are from verified sellers. In the same survey, 19 percent of par-

SHOP LOCAL from page 30

that extra mile to make sure you come back again and again.

Owners more invested in the community

Those who live and work in our community are more likely to care about the community’s future. Many owners sponsor little league, the local high school band, or volunteer at the food bank. Whether they’re investing time or money, those business owners have a vested interest in seeing the community continue to grow and thrive.

Product diversity

Local shops can carry a much more di-

PlaySafe.org is the place to go for information on what toys are safe and which ones should be avoided. The Toy Association puts together a guide to safe toys and publishes a variety of related information every parent

ents report that their child has received a knock-off toy that was bought online. Parents should talk to gift purchasers about sticking with verified sellers. This includes buying directly from brand websites or by following provided links to official retailers selling a brand’s products. For those who do choose to shop through lesser-known online sellers, checking out reviews and a product’s legitimacy before making a purchase is essential.

verse inventory than national chains and adjust their inventory based on what customers want. You can also find small-batch products that may not be cost-efficient when produced on a larger scale. Small businesses are more likely to have these types of exclusive, one-ofa-kind goods, which in turn helps preserve our community’s unique identity.

Increased expertise

Are you looking for a particular prod-

• Follow age recommendations: Playing with toys above a child’s age grade can lead to misuse and possible injury. However, 26 percent of parents in The Toy Association survey report that their kid has received a toy which was meant for kids who were older. Pay special attention to age grading on product labels and encourage family members who are also toy shopping to do the same. These are not merely suggestions, they’re firm recommendations made by safety experts based on child-

uct or service but have a few questions before you make a purchase? There’s no one better to talk to than a small business owner. By having a smaller focus, they become experts in their fields and can answer questions and help you decide on the best gift for your significant other. They also see purchasing trends and can point you in the direction of best-selling or trendy items. Don’t be afraid to take

hood developmental stages. Find this information on labels and in product descriptions. If it’s not available, that’s a red flag and could mean the toy is illicit. • Pay attention to toys labeled 3+: Toys labeled 3+ may contain small parts that can be a choking hazard for children under 3 or kids who still mouth toys. While these items often make great gifts for older kids, they should be stowed away after playtime to keep younger siblings safe. Not sure if a toy is small enough to be hazardous? Consider getting a Small Parts Tester to test toys and other small household objects. • Monitor playtime: Kids find ways to play with things that are not toys, including objects that can be very dangerous if accidentally swallowed. The holiday season may introduce new curiosities to the house (e.g. batteries, high-powered magnets, decorations, medications from visiting family members). On the other hand, there is a federal law that requires batteries in toys to be kept inaccessible, thanks to the use of a locking mechanism. Keep dangerous, non-toy items out-of-reach and monitor children during playtime. “Don’t let your child unwrap a potential safety hazard this holiday season,” says Lawrence. “By shopping smart, you can ensure safe play.” Information: PlaySafe.org.  advantage of their knowledge this shopping season. This has been a challenging year for all, but if you can, I encourage you to spend your hard-earned dollars locally during the holidays. We find unique and thoughtful gifts and feel good knowing that we helped keep the Arizona rebound momentum moving forward. See you in the neighborhood. Mark Stewart is a former Fortune 50 leader and founder of the small business marketing and business accelerator, Concept2Completion. Mark serves on the board of directors for the East Valley Partnership and several business leadership groups throughout Arizona. 

Thank You

to our loyal customers for supporting our business for the last 28 years.

Due to Covid-19, we have decided to close our store as of November 30th. Please contact us at 480 759 9224 if you have any questions or have any items to pick up. All the best to the wonderful community of Ahwatukee.

Kimberly and John

Fine Fitter’s Alterations & Cleaners 4810 E Ray Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

OPINION

Opinion NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Share Your Thoughts:

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

www.ahwatukee.com

My Thanksgiving is canceled; giving thanks is not BY MARJORIE CONDER AFN Guest Writer

y Thanksgiving is canceled this year. I am weary of this darned virus, and I’m sure

I’m not alone. I shall miss my family’s holiday traditions this endless year 2020. Traditions are important, and I find them even more so as I’ve gotten older. For many years, we have spent holidays with our daughter, son-in-law and their two girls. Sometimes we went to their home when the girls were small. Sometimes they came to our house, where I cooked the turkey and made the pies (one pumpkin, one pecan). My daughter brought side dishes, and she whipped up feathery mashed potatoes while I made the gravy. What will she do for gravy this year? She hasn’t learned how to make it because that was my job. Will she have to buy the pies? She works long hours and doesn’t bake often. We shall miss being together. In recent years, as the girls grew up, we started going to my daughter’s home for most holidays. Because they usually had

to work on Fridays after Thanksgiving, we stayed the holiday weekend, which gave us more time to spend with them. I would make the pies in my daughter’s kitchen and still made the gravy. What a joy it was to spend time cooking, eating and enjoying the time spent with those we loved. Our family gathering has grown with my son-in-law’s extended family and my granddaughter’s fiancé. Our single son moved in with us, so now he is a welcome part of our celebration. With a larger crowd at my daughter’s table, I gave her our dining room table which extends to seat 12, along with the long, linen tablecloths, some of which were my mother’s and some even older ones, hand monogrammed, from my grandmother. It’s good to pass on traditions. After I lost my husband three years ago, these holiday gatherings became even more important to me. Though we had a missing chair at the table, it was heartwarming to be among loving family. We always gave thanks for the opportunity to be together, sharing stories around the table of times past, reminiscing about happy, funny and even sad events in our lives. Gathering together

brought our family closer each time. This year we shall have to give thanks separately. Thanksgiving 2020 is canceled and I shall miss it all. So, what is one to do? Do I just sit around and complain about what we are missing? I believe with all my heart that we can get through this cancellation of family holidays by holding on to the wonderful memories of years past. Remembering the joy of sharing our turkey dinners with loving family and friends. Thinking back to the times when our children came home from college for the Thanksgiving holiday – glad to be home, if only for a short while. Recalling the many years of being together, the treasured traditions and the love we share will make it bearable this year when Thanksgiving is canceled. Though celebrating Thanksgiving with family is impossible this year, thanksgiving is not canceled. This day, and every day, I give thanks to God for the many blessings in my life. Thanks to all the medical personnel who have given their devotion (and sometimes their lives) to those infected with COVID-19.

Thanks to those who have developed vaccines which may stop this pandemic in its tracks. Thanks to those essential workers who have kept grocery stores, banks, pharmacies and the post office open. Thanks to all of those in the military, past and present, who have kept our country safe. Thanks for all the electronic marvels that allow us to keep in touch with each other even when we are quarantined. Thanks that none of my immediate family has gotten sick with COVID-19. Thanks that at my age as a very senior, senior citizen I can still think and do for myself. I shall give thanks especially for the love that I receive from my family and from my dear friends, even though I can’t give and receive their hugs in person. I have many blessings and I am truly thankful for them this very different Thanksgiving Day. May each of you have a blessed, thankful Thanksgiving. Marjorie Conder is an early resident of Ahwatukee and the author of the newly released book, “‘Furriners’ in Appalachia.” 

Further, in a lawsuit filed by the Club West Conservancy, Superior Court Judge Daniel Kiley ruled on Nov. 6 that the Foothills Club West HOA Board is now prohibited from moving forward to approve a vote on new housing on the Club West Golf Course Property until the underlying lawsuit against the board is decided. This lawsuit is scheduled to be considered in a trial in February 2021 on the board’s decision to accept the transfer of the golf course declarant rights and amend those declarant rights to substantially lower the threshold for approval of home development on the Club West Golf Course

Property from a 75 percent super majority of all residents to a mere 16 percent (a majority of 30 percent who choose to vote). The decisions of the Courts in the Lakes and Club West cases represent critical rulings for the Club West situation and raise caution regarding Gee’s other golf properties as well. Bottom line: Covenants, conditions and restrictions (CC&Rs) requiring a golf course will be enforced by the courts. The courts’ actions also weaken the position of The Edge, the current owner of Club West Golf Course. The Edge “bought” the course from Gee and partners (with apparently little to no

money down so they could easily walk away) with full knowledge of (1) the CC&R requirements that it remain a golf course, (2) the water expense issues and, (3) the pending lawsuit against the Club West HOA Board. The Edge has been selling a pipedream of a beautiful parkland to the community while downplaying its principal aim: to develop homes on the Club West Golf Course. There also has been unwarranted speculation in the community that Gee may try to use bankruptcy or foreclosure laws to

The Edge should take heed of Lakes Course case BY DIANE HOELZL AFN Guest Writer

t has been years since I have practiced law, but I was elated to hear that justice has been served on Wilson Gee, whose belligerence has earned him strict and hefty sanctions. According to Ahwatukee Foothills News, Judge Campagnolo decreed that Gee’s company must pay $3.5 million in sanctions if he does not have an 18-hole Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course and all amenities restored and ready for golfers by Aug. 31, 2022.

see WEST page 34

OPINION

WEST from page 33

change the CC&Rs. Club West homeowners, please don’t let speculation scare you or be led down the path that development of homes for parkland is the only possible outcome. The law clearly supports protecting the rights provided in CC&Rs. If filing bankruptcy was an easy way to change the CC&Rs for a golf course, Gee would have done that six years ago when The Lakes issue became untenable. Most important, don’t let the Club West

Thor grateful for reelection to community college board

I want to thank the voters of Maricopa County who overwhelming re-elected me to the Governing Board of the Maricopa Community Colleges in the at-large or countywide seat. I look forward to continuing to provide leadership to this premier college district that serves 185,000 students each year. I also look forward to working with Professor Jacqueline Smith, newly-elected to the District 1 seat on the Governing Board. As a result of the Nov. 3 election, the future of community colleges is bright for several reasons. First, the passage of Proposition 207 brings a badly-needed new source of revenue to Arizona community colleges. For the Maricopa Community Colleges alone, the new excise tax produces an estimated $9.2 million in the first year, increasing by $23.2 million by year 5. This goes a long way towards replacing the $45 million in state aid that was eliminated by the legislature in 2015. Second, the new First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, is a long-time community college faculty member who will bring an educator’s perspective to the White House. Dr. Biden, I am confident, will bring recognition to the fact that community colleges enroll 44 percent of all undergraduates in this country. Community colleges students are di-

Got s? New

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

HOA Board think they can get away with changing the CC&Rs to create an easy path for developers. Arizona law is very clear that HOAs have limited authority. They can levy dues to maintain common property owned by the association and regulate compliance with the CC&Rs. HOA boards of directors don’t have the legal right to make unilateral changes that are inconsistent with the Club West Master Declaration and other governing documents. While the Edge has taken the position that the Club West community must allow new housing on this land because golf

course restoration is financially impossible, the recent legal precedent set in The Lakes case holds that “a mere change in the economic conditions rendering it unprofitable to continue the restrictive [golf course] use is not alone sufficient to justify abrogating the restrictive covenant.” Through decisions in both the Shalimar Ass’n v. D.O.C. Enterprises, Ltd. and the Swain v. Bixby Village Golf Course Inc. cases, Arizona courts send a clear message to speculative real estate developers that the motus operandi of creating eyesores out of golf courses in order to bend homeown-

verse, with 29 percent being first- generation college students, 15 percent are single parents and 5 percent are veterans. Most importantly, Dr. Biden understands the needs and the potential of America’s nearly 10 million community college students. -Dr. Linda Thor

stead maintains its current ratio of those who contract it versus those who die from it, this strategy would kill 70 million Americans and leave that many more with debilitating and life-shortening disabilities. And maybe not much in the way of immunity. This may be an acceptable strategy for those who, like Donald Trump, have unlimited access to teams of taxpayerfunded doctors and the finest of taxpayer-funded medical facilities. It is not a good strategy for the rest of us. It is NOT science; it is mass murder. -Barbara Clark

ers to submit to their housing redevelopments will not be tolerated. The results of the Save the Lakes lawsuit prove that anyone trying to obliterate CC&Rs will be made to pay the piper. Gee has been given that clear-cut message in the court-ordered penalties. Other land speculators should pay careful attention to these judicial rulings or be prepared to pay the piper in the courts themselves.

-Diane Hoelzl is a homeowner in Club West. 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Herd immunity exists but science can’t be ignored

Yes, there actually is such a thing as “herd immunity.” We achieved herd immunity from smallpox and polio. It took safe and effective vaccines, and up to ten years to get there, but we did it. This is called “science.” Researchers have discovered that if everyone wore a mask, the spread of the coronavirus would be dramatically slowed but not stopped. And those who do contract the virus would have much milder symptoms, be far less likely to die, and may develop a certain level of immunity. This is also called “science.” The stated preference of the Trump administration is to do nothing, let the virus kill who it will and assume that anyone left over would be immune. But scientists know that recovery from COVID-19 does not necessarily confer immunity and when it does, the immunity may be short-lived. They have estimated that if the virus does not mutate but in-

Civility replaced by vile threats in post-election

Both Secretary of State Katie Hobbs and Superintendent of Public Education Kathy Hoffman have received vile emails, letters, and rallies with personal and family death threats spouting such garbage as “we’re watching you” and “your family is not safe.” Is this because of the incivility and insane rhetoric we’ve tolerated for the past four years in a Trump environment? Is this because our society is so full of hatred we’ve become the lowest of animals? Is this because these cowardly threats are an outlet to spew misogynist bitterness aimed at the elected women in our state structure? When retribution occurs, and extreme

vitriol and death threats are empowered by the Trump divisive rhetoric, it’s time for such actions to stop. -Judy Wade and Bill Baker

Hats off to DiCiccio for street name change vote

Bravo to Phoenix because, despite the cost, two roadways and addresses are to be renamed in order to more accurately reflect our city values. The Phoenix City Council voted unanimously to rename Squaw Peak Drive to Piestewa Peak Drive and Robert E Lee Street will be renamed Desert Cactus Street. Councilman Sal DiCiccio approved the changes, specifically citing, “At the end of the day, it is an honor to a woman who was an American hero. It is an honor because we have an entire mountain (Piestewa Peak) dedicated to this American hero and it would make logical sense (for) the roadway going up to that mountain to have her name on it.” Arizona Hopi member Lori Piestewa was the first Native American woman who was killed in Iraq while serving in the US Army. Residents on both roadways will be reimbursed for the costs to change legal documents like licenses and vehicle registrations and the City will replace the street signs by March. -CJ Briggle

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

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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Mountain Pointe reclaims Tukee Bowl trophy with win over Desert Vista BY ZACH ALVIRA AFN Sports Editor

ric Lauer said he was overcome with a sense of relief when the clock at Karl Kiefer Stadium hit zero Friday night. The �irst-year Mountain Pointe coach, drenched after his players poured an ice-cold bucket of water over his head, watched as his players made a mad dash toward the north end zone to grab the coveted Ahwatukee Bowl trophy. For the �irst time in two years, the trophy will stay at Mountain Pointe after the Pride knocked off rival Desert Vista 35-7 to pick up Lauer’s �irst win as head coach. “It was a relief,” Lauer said. “Sometimes you start second guessing yourself. You try to block out the noise, but it still leaks in. We were never a bad team just a work in progress.” Contrary to the rest of the season for the Pride, things went their way against Desert Vista. Junior quarterback Amier Boyd opened up the scoring with a 31-yard pass to senior tight end Kevin Sawitzke, who still had a cast on his left hand from a previous injury. As the triple-threat option in Mountain Pointe’s two-quarterback system, Boyd also made plays with his legs. In the third quarter, he helped extend Mountain Pointe’s lead with a 51-yard run in which he broke a tackle, reversed �ield and caught the edge on the way to the end zone. It was the second of two touchdowns Boyd accounted for on the night. He �inished 5-of-7 through the air for 48 yards and 89 yards on the ground. “Everything came from the blocking,” Boyd said. “They gave us the time to look down�ield and go through our progressions. Everything clicked. It seemed like we were all on the same page all game.” Sophomore quarterback Chris Arviso II, the other half of Mountain Pointe’s quarterback duo and the traditional pocket passer, lit up Desert Vista’s sec-

Mountain Pointe head coach Eric Lauer picked up his first win with the Pride and it came in arguably the biggest game of the year, the Tukee Bowl against rival Desert Vista. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff)

ondary in his two quarters of action. Arviso immediately found a rhythm in the second quarter, connecting on all six of his passes in his �irst drive that was capped off by a 14-yard touchdown pass to Sawitzke. Before the half, he found senior Jaden Crockett from 19 yards out. In the second quarter alone, Arviso threw for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He added another touchdown to Sawitzke — the senior’s third on the night — in the fourth quarter. It was a breakout performance for the sopho-

more, who had to sit the �irst four games of the season after transferring from South Mountain. He �inished 18-of-22 for 205 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. “I honestly had no idea,” Arviso said of his total yards through the air. “Against a rival school, we got the win, it honestly all felt so surreal. We had intensity the whole game, it was there the entire time.” Desert Vista struggled to �ind any momentum on both sides of the ball. Penalties, including one that resulted in the

Mountain Pointe players sprinted to the north end zone to pick up the Ahwatukee Bowl Trophy, which had been in the possession of Desert Vista the last two seasons. (Pablo Robles/AFN Staff)

ejection of starting tackle Jai Rodriguez, stalled Thunder drives on multiple occasions. Consistent pressure from Mountain Pointe’s defensive forced errant throws by sophomore quarterback Jackson Akins. The Thunder were without star junior running back Devon Grubbs and sophomore athlete Michael Allison was banged up during the contest. Desert Vista’s lone score came late in the fourth quarter on an 8-yard pass from junior quarterback Kaden Lentz to junior tight end Fisher Hawkes. “I’m not going to make any excuses, we had opportunities to make plays and we didn’t,” Desert Vista coach Dan Hinds said. “We had wide open guys and stuff like that. They made plays and we didn’t. That’s the difference in the game and in any win and loss.” The loss in the regular-season �inale Friday left Desert Vista winless for the �irst time in program history. But with several starters returning, Hinds is con�ident in the direction of his program. “We hit the rest button tonight,” Hinds said. “Starting Monday, we are looking toward next fall. We just hope and pray COVID doesn’t shut football down. We are going to do everything we can and everything we are allowed to do to get ready for next year.” The win for Mountain Pointe was the �irst, and arguably most important, for Sawitzke and the rest of the senior class this season. He believes not only was it a way to end a dif�icult season on a high note, it creates momentum for the returning players heading into the offseason. “It meant so much to us,” Sawitzke said. “We worked so hard this season and we feel like it never really paid off come game time. We felt like we were getting there and tonight it all came together. “And it was against our rivals. It was great to get that big win and to go out in my �inal game with a huge win, everything felt great tonight.” 

SPORTS

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Sights from the 2020 Ahwatukee Bowl 1

COVID-19 pretty much kept people from seeing the action on the field in last week’s Ahwatukee Bowl, but AFN’s photographer was there to see: 1) Thunder sophomore running back Quinton Ivey heading down field; 2) Desert Vista Quarterback Jackson Akins, also a sophomore, flinging passes; 3) Pride QB Chris Arviso II, another sophomore, poised for a throw; 4) the Pride’s Isaias Reece aiming to bring down running back Quinten Ivey; 5) Mountain Pointe’s other quarterback, junior Amier Boyd, dodging a tackle; and, 6) Blake Taylor trying to grab Pride tight end Kevin Sawitzke before he could fly down the field.

PHOTOS BY PABLO ROBLES/AFN Staff Photographer

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These holiday light shows will sleigh it BY ADIANNA BERMUDEZ GetOut Contributor

t’s time to celebrate the holidays with light shows that bring glittering delight to all. There are multiple opportunities to visit light displays that feature music, 3D spectacles and snowfall.

World of Illumination

The largest animated light show in the world will host “Rockin’ Christmas” in Glendale and “Arctic Adventure” in Tempe. “Our team feels a responsibility as a preeminent light display in Arizona to end 2020 on the brightest note,” says Simon Kreisberger, co-owner of World of Illumination. “Rockin’ Christmas” will feature a 500foot long tunnel made of millions of RGB LED lights in the Westgate Entertainment District. “Arctic Adventure,” at the Tempe Diablo

Stadium, is a polar bear-themed display featuring a 36-foot tall animated snowman named Sunny. Both shows will have additional Christmas characters and simulated snowfall. “Our mission has been to do this for the community and give them the special escape that they really need,” Kreisberger says. Visitors will remain in their cars at World of Illumination, ensuring everyone’s safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration is required to help control traffic and reduce wait times. All tickets can be bought online at worldofillumination.com. Tickets are $29 per car on weeknights. On weekends and holidays, it’s $39 per car. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Arizona Foundation. Customers have the option to donate all of their purchase at checkout. “We have always used our huge plat-

form to do the community’s work,” Kreisberger says. “Rockin’ Christmas” opens November 6 while “Arctic Adventure” opens November 10. Both shows end at the Phoenix Zoo always offers a thrilling holiday spectacle for the entire family. January 3 and ZooLights (Courtesy of the Phoenix Zoo) are open every ZooLights Walk Thru will run November day including holidays from 6 to 10 p.m. 7 to January 31 on select nights. Members tickets cost $16. General tickets cost $20. ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo Cruise ZooLights, the drive-thru option, Arizona families can create fun memoopens November 12 and runs through ries at the Phoenix Zoo’s dazzling light January 28 on select nights. Members show. Animal sculptures and millions of tickets per car cost $60. General tickets Christmas lights will showcase the beauty per car cost $75. and wonder of the animal kingdom. This year, visitors have the option to walk or drive to view the light display.

COVID-19 rules impact Railroad Park admissions BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY AND KRISTINE CANNON GetOut Staff Writers

ttendees at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s popular holiday lights event can expect smaller crowds and higher ticket prices this year due to health and safety precautions. The event has become one of Scottsdale’s most popular holiday attractions since it began in the 1980s, and draws in thousands of spectators from all over the Valley to ride the model train and view the thousands of lights blanketing the park. This year’s holiday lights will be on display 6-9:30 p.m. Nov. 27-Jan. 3. There will be no lights on Dec. 24, 25 or 31. The park will allow a limited number of guests in one-hour increments at 6 p.m., 7:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. each night. Guests can purchase tickets ahead of time to reserve a time at therailroadpark.

The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park will still be open this holiday season, but the number of guests allowed at any one time will be substantially reduced. (GetOut ﬁle photo)

com/holidaylights. Nick Molinari, the City of Scottsdale’s operations supervisor for the park, said only around 200 guests will be admitted

per hour. “However, we will continuously evaluate the event to determine whether that number should be adjusted,” he said. “We

�ee LIGHTS page 40

normally have thousands of people at the event nightly, so the 200 threshold is minimal for an outdoor park.” The 200-person limit will likely drastically reduce the total number of people who can enjoy the park’s holiday lights. In 2018, Molinari estimated 1,000 people visited the park on a slow night and 3,000 or 4,000 on busier nights during the five-week event. Those visitors accounted for 49,000 rides on the park’s train and $313,000 in sales, according to ticket sale numbers tracked by the park. This year, the park is also limiting its train and other rides to 50 percent capacity to allow for social distancing and will not have a Santa Claus on site. Molinari said park staff did not consult with anyone outside the city to create rules for the modified event but relied on

�ee RAILROAD page 44

GET OUT

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

LIGHTS from page 43

Both experiences are open from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Check the ZooLights calendar at phoenixzoo.org for specific dates. Visitors who choose the walk-thru experience can visit Santa and his elves for a photo at the Leapin’ Lagoon. A three-story Christmas tree will stand tall and pretty at the Crossroads Café. Visitors can munch on kettle corn and sip hot cocoa while they shop at pop-up Zoo shops and the Desert Marketplace gift shop. Both experiences will feature newly added exhibits. The Outer Tropics Trail hosts the Polar Paradise and the Wildlife Lantern Safari features 66 animals including polar bears and kangaroos. Drivers must prepurchase food and photos but can purchase souvenirs at the Stop, Shop and Support Cruise Gift Shop at the end of the drive-thru.

Holiday Lights at Salt River Fields

Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is excited to debut their Holiday Lights display on November 23. The display is 1.2 miles of nearly 5 million lights that make up six tunnels and 20 vignettes. Visitors can expect to see twinkling displays of traditional Christmas themes such as ornaments, snowmen and candy canes but also unique displays involv-

RAILROAD from page 43

current best practices and event management trends for COVID-19. “The Center for Disease Control places a lower risk on events that can be held outdoors with a smaller amount of people who can remain socially distanced,” Molinari said. “This was the foundational principle for the modified structure of the event.” Once their hour is up, guests will be asked to leave. Molinari said there will be a specific area blocked off for staff to check in guests with tickets for a specific time slot and separate entrance and exit points. “Since the only people in the park during a specific hour will be those who have bought tickets, we will notify them at certain points how much time they have left in the hour,” he said. “We will then notify visitors when they need to exit the area.” Ticket prices will also go up this year

Arctic Adventure at Tempe Diablo Stadium dazzles as people drive through a field of stunning light displays. (Special to GetOut)

ing butterflies and optical illusions. This drive-thru holiday light show was designed over the course of two years by Steve Driscoll. On December 10, the lights will blink white and blue to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. Synchronized holiday music will play on FM radio. Visitors have the option to purchase carriage rides, which include Fast Passes. It is highly encouraged that visitors purchase tickets online to reduce wait times. Tickets will be sold at the door based on availability. Online general tickets for week days are $35.99 and for weekends are $45.99. At-the-door general tickets during week-

Year’s Eve.

as a result of the new reservation model. The park will charge a flat $15 per person admission. Last year, the park charged $5 per train ride and $3 per carousel ride with no admittance fee during the holiday lights event. The park also sold a limited num-

over 12,000 computer channels that keep the lights in sync to music. The show features ceramic elves, Arizona-themed displays, reindeer with personal nametags and a 10-foot tall snowman. Families can skate under the stars on the 4,000-square-foot skating rink made of synthetic panels. Lights at the Farm was created out of a love for Christmas. It is sure to bring joy to everyone who visits. Lights at the Farm will be open from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $11 online and $13 at the gate. Military personnel, medical professionals and seniors will receive a discount. 

Lights at the Farm

Mesa’s Vertuccio Farms at 4011 S. Power Road, is hosting Lights at the Farm, Arizona’s largest walk-thru synchronized light show. From November 14 to January 3, visitors will experience tunnels of dazzling lights that feature over 2 million LEDs that are powered by

Jeremiah and Patrick (front, left to right) with parents Shelby and Stan Mclemore enjoying the holiday lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in 2019. (Photo by Christopher Mortenson)

days are $40 and on weekends are $50. Special pricing for Fast Pass, VIP, limo/ bus and holiday tickets can be found at h o l i d ayl i gh t ssrf.com. H o l i d ay Lights will be open from 5:45 to 10 p.m. daily including holidays until New

Lights at the Farm is a far East Valley tradition offered by Vertuccio Farms at 4011 S. Power Road, Mesa. (Special to GetOut)

In past years, the holiday lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park drew thousands of people each night, but the park will limit admittance to 200 people per hour in 2020 due to COVID-19. (Photo by Christopher Mortenson)

ber of fast passes for $15 that allowed riders to jump the line for one train ride. Molinari said the price increase comes with an improved experience for customers due to the smaller-than-normal crowds. “While that may seem like a significant

jump from last year, visitors can ride the train and carousel more than once during their hour at the park,” he said. “With the limited amount of people in the park, the lines should be very short, equivalent to what our fast pass customers normally experience.” 

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

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QUALITY WORK, AFFORDABLE PRICING DISCOUNT RATES FOR: SPECIAL EVENTS • FLEETS • COMPANY CAR WASH DAYS

Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Quality Professional Cleaning

Weekly, Bi-Weekly & Monthly JENNIFER BEEBE

CASH OUT!

★ Room Additions ★ Water Damage ★ Popcorn Removal ★ Residential/Commercial ★ Interior/Exterior Painting

Same Day Service Repair/Install All Major Brands

Call for Our Monthly Special Discount

• FREE ESTIMATES •

★ Ahwatukee Resident ★ Call 480-200-0043

480-893-8091

ROC# 262737

ROC#126694

Ahwatukee Resident • Dependable & Honest

Bonded/Insured

CLASSIFIEDS

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

Glass/Mirror

Meetings/Events

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Crops of Luv Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Irrigation

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

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

NTY

5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Cropsofluv.com 480.634.7763

cropsofluv@cox.net

Plumbing

Tile

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

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

AND so much more!

480.335.4180

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

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

SPRINKLER DOCTOR Repairs - Installs - Modifications Timers/Valves/Sprinklers DRIP-PVC-COPPER Backflows & Regulators

Not a licensed contractor.

Sprinkler & Drip Systems

Able Handyman Service LLC

And Much, Much More!

Repairs • Modifications • Installs

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

Not a licensed contractor

Jim 480.593.0506 Ablehandyman2009@gmail.com

• One Month Free Service • Licensed, Bonded Insured for your protection.

Holiday Services

• Call or Text for a Free Quote

kjelandscape.com • ROC#281191

480-586-8445

Your Christmas Lights Hung with Care!

Ahwatukee Resident

Not a licensed contractor

TREE

TRIMMING

25 years Experience & Insured

Electrical Paint

Handyman

Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

Juan Hernandez

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

FREE Estimates!

SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY Call 480-306-5113

Landscape/Maintenance Juan Hernandez

"My dreamMarks is thatthe oneSpot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting Flooring • Electrical day we will bePainting able to “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Family Owned with 50 Man!” give every "wish" child Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry ✔ Electrical Decks • Tile • More! years' EXPERIENCE. a scrapbook to remind 1999 e Sinc Quality Work Decks •Affo Tile • More! Shower and tub enclosrdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 them that dreams do 2012, 2013, ures, Framed, Frame2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall come true." Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job less or Custom Doors, Jody, co-founder, Ah✔ Carpentry We also install insuwatukee based non-profit Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks lated glass, mirrored Come Join us: Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry closet doors, window Help make embellishSmall Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens glass, mirrors, patio ments, organize or asce 1999 Sin rk Wo y alit Qu e, abl Affordscrapdoors, glass table pro✔ Bathrooms sist with events, BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 ality Work Since 1999 able, Qu 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Afforddonate book, your tectors. If it’s glass, we And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, time, money or space. can help you. QUAL2014 Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor 1999 Since Ahwatukee / References Work ty Quali , dable Affor Teens who need to fill ITY SERVICE at Com2010, 2011 2012, 2013, Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor 2014 Bruce at 602.670.7038 Community Service petitive Prices. Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor hours for High School FREE Estimates are welcome! WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Come be apart of wesleysglass.com something Awesome!

Landscape Design/Installation

Not a licensed contractor.

LLC

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

Hang your Lights, Decorate & Remove. Take down services. 20 years exp. Call Rudy & Arturo now!

480.345.1800

480-721-3309

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

All Estimates are Free • Call:

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

Home Improvement

Landscape/Maintenance

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949 Ask me about FREE water testing!

CALL DOUG

480.201.5013

THE HANDYMAN THAT HANDLES SMALL JOBS THAT OTHERS DECLINE ✔ Painting ✔ Gate Restoration ✔ Lighting ✔ Plumbing Repairs ✔ Replace Cracked ✔ Sheetrock Roof Tiles Texturing Repairs ✔ & MUCH MORE! Ahwatukee Resident, References Available, Insured

*Not A Licensed Contractor

Specials

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

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

MALDONADO HOME REPAIR SERVICES

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

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

SONORAN LAWN

480-745-5230

Schedule your holiday cleanup with SONORAN LAWN.

Serving the Valley for over 28 years

The Possibilities are Endless

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

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

480-730-1074

Bonded/Insured/Licensed • ROC #225923

CLASSIFIEDS

Landscape/Maintenance

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Landscape/Maintenance

Painting

SYNTHETIC TURF

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

Foothills Touch Landscapes LLC Lawn care/Maint. Starting as low as

$25 per visit.

Install/Design We do it all!

Not a licensed contractor

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

& PUTTING GREENS

Starting at $5.25/sq.ft. Installed

Made in the USA

480.643.9772

HIRING?

Painting

Not a licensed contractor

Looking To Freshen Up Your Home? WE CAN HELP!

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

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

People are looking at the Classifieds Every day! Email Your Job Post to: class@times publications.com or Call

480-898-6465

Painting

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

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

Proudly Serving Ahwatukee for 15 Years! Family Owned & Operated Residential & Commercial Painting

Call Lance White

• Interior & Exterior • Professional Cabinet Reﬁnishing • Epoxy Floors & Concrete Coatings • In-Home Color Consultations “Professional, Punctual & Clean”

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

Arizona Specialty Landscape

Veteran Owned

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

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

Jose Martinez

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

Not a licensed contractor.

602.515.2767 Painting

Responsible • 100% Guaranteed Ask for Ramon

Not a Licensed Contractor

480-940-8196 theplugman.com

FREE FERTILIZER & SOIL AMENDMENT TREATMENT WITH CORE AREATION

“We get your house looking top notch!” ★ Interior/Exterior Painting ★ Drywall Repair & Installation ★ Popcorn Ceiling Removal

★ Elastomaric Roof Coating ★ Epoxy Floors ★ Small Job Specialist

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

FERTILIZATION * SOIL AMENDMENTS * SOIL TESTING

ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED YOUR LAWN EXPERT SINCE 1995

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

602.625.0599 ROC #155380

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

FREE ESTIMATES • CALL TODAY!

(480)785-6323

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

East Valley PAINTERS

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.Ahwatukee.com

10% OFF

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

480-688-4770

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

ROC#309706

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

Voted #1 Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

480-217-0407

WANT A GREEN LAWN?

INC.

Serving Ahwatukee Since 1987 Interior / Exterior

Family Owned • Free Estimates

480.844.9765

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

SUN TECH

PAINTING

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Plumbing

AHWATUKEE SPECIAL $

Off 40work done *Any

CLASSIFIEDS

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

Pool Service / Repair

Plumbing

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

$25 OFF

Filter Cleaning! Monthly Service & Repairs Available

602-546-POOL 7 6 6 5

www.barefootpoolman.com See our Before’s and After’s on Facebook

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

480-405-7099 ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 272001

1st Month of Service FREE

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Call Now!

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

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Cell: 480.417.3689 Office: 480.912.5014 Email: tomjilek60@gmail.com

480-720-3840

Licensed & Insured • Bonded, Res/Com ROC 328854

Not a licensed contractor.

To place an ad please call: 480-898-6465 class@times publications.com

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

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

Roofing

480-446-7663

480.231.9651

24/7

New Roof Installation & Roof Repair Specialist

Call Juan at

Call me, Howard:

Water Heaters

AZPoolExpert.com BBB Member Not a licensed contractor.

CLASSIFIEDS 480-898-6465

Not a licensed contractor

Any Service

Only $27.50 includes 1 week online

JILEK ROOFING, LLC

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

$35 off

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

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

30 Years Roofing Experience

For a limited time

affinityplumber@gmail.com

Disposals

You will find them easy with their yellow background.

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

Pool Service / Repair

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

Roofing

Pool Service / Repair Watch for Garage Sales in Classifieds!

class@times publications.com

Plumbing

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

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

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

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

Plumbing

PLUMBING A+ RATED

We Repair or Install ROC # 272721

SERVICE • REPAIR • REPLACEMENT

$35.00 Off Any Service Call Today!

AHWATUKEE’S #1 PLUMBER Licensed • Bonded • Insured (480)

704.5422

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

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS Roofing

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

Roofing

Roofing Family Owned & Operated for over 30 years

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

ROC #152111

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

Quality Repairs & Re-Roofs Complimentary & Honest Estimates

Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663 602-938-7575 $

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

TILE ROOFING SPECIALISTS

10% OFF with this ad

Ahwatukee’s Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

1000 OFF

when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Call our office today!

480-460-7602 Ask us about our discount for all Military and First Responders!

www.porterroofinginc.com

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

10% OFF COMPLETE UNDERLAYMENT Commercial & Residential Family Owned & Operated AZROC #283571 | CONTRACTOR LIC. AZROC #312804 CLASS CR4 | FULLY INSURED

FREE ESTIMATES 602-736-3019

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

WORD SEARCH: Au t umn

Licensed, Bonded, Insured

inexroofing.com Call for your FREE Roof Evaluation

Find the words:

SHARE WITH THE WORLD!

apple autumn

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

chilly cider gourd harvest hayride leaves november rake scarecrow

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

See MORE Ads Online!

www.Ahwatukee.com

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

CLASSIFIEDS

NOVEMBER 26, 2020 | AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS

palmabrisa.com

NOW SELLING

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

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

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

ERIC WILLIAMS

480-641-1800

TERRY LENTS

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

AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | NOVEMBER 26, 2020

BLACK FRIDAY SALE

NO MATTER WHERE YOU SEE IT, READ IT, OR HEAR IT, SPENCERS WILL BEAT IT. IF WE AREN’T ALREADY LOWER, JUST LET US KNOW, BECAUSE WE GUARANTEE A LOWER PRICE!

SAVINGS START NOW

MONTHS

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

NO INTEREST**

√ BEST PRICES

OVER THE RANGE MICROWAVE

WASHER

• 2 LED Lights • Power Sense™ Cooking Technology • 2.1 Cu. Ft. • 400 CFM

• 3.5 Cu. Ft. • Porcelain Tub • 700 RPM Spin Speed NTW4516FW

449 199

FPBM307NTF CLOSEOUT

30” RANGE

DISHWASHER

• 5.2 Cu. Ft. • Air Fry • Hidden Bake • Steam Self Clean

649

JB735SPSS

12 MONTHS NO INTEREST**

• Active Blue Light Technology • NeoFrost Dual Cooling Technology

449 $549 UN58TU7000

√ BEST SELECTION √ BEST SERVICE

COUNTER DEPTH REFRIGERATOR

G R E AT DEAL!

BFTF2716WH BEKO

REFRIGERATOR DISHWASHER • Integrated Control Styling • Premium Nylon Racks • In Door Silverware Basket • Energy Star Qualified WDF520PADM

• 25 Cubic Foot Capacity • Spill Proof Glass Shelves • Humidity Controlled Drawers • Energy Star Qualified WRS325SDHZ

RANGE • 4.8 Cubic Foot Capacity • Self Cleaning Oven • Smooth Top • Proudly Made in USA WFE505W0HS CLOSEOUT

• Normal Wash Cycle (on dial) • Heated Dry On/Off (on rocker) • Standard Upper Rack

299 2199

HDA1100FWH

BUYS ALL 3 PIECES

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

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

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

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