Issuu

Building the better ﬁshbowl

Controversial purchase of Gilbert land to build charter school is approved

Mesa beer fans join forces, start up 12 West Brewing Co.

Aquaponics combines ﬁsh, greens to create cleaner food

BY JIMMY MAGAHERN Tribune Contributing Writer

Aquaponics is an ancient farming discipline with roots extending back either to Aztec agricultural islands or Far Eastern polycultural farming systems (depending on who you ask). East Valley eco-innovators are counting on aquaponics to become the next wave in the good food movement.

But can a rag-tag community of sustainability soldiers and survivalists sell greens grown with sh poo to the “Shark Tank”?

George Brooks, an Arizonaborn urban agriculture specialist, teaches an aquaponics course at Mesa Community College’s Center for Urban Agriculture and runs NxT Horizon Group, a consulting

rm focusing on sustainable food systems.

“Have you ever read ‘Crossing the Chasm’?” asks Brooks, referring to the 1991 marketing textbook by Geo rey A. Moore that examined the gap between early adopters of innovative new products and the “pragmatists” who typically maintain a more waitand-see stance.

“Right now, aquaponics is at that chasm, before it makes the jump into the mainstream. We can see the potential on the other side, but in order to get there, there are a lot things that need to be worked out: national and state regulations, cost issues, marketing strategies.

“Someone has to come up with just the right innovation that’s going to make every

See AQUAPONICS on page 4

Longtime member leaves after 16 years on Council

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

n so many ways, Dennis Kavanaugh is synonymous with the past 20 years of Mesa history, serving 16 years on the City Council, the longest tenure ever. Kavanaugh liked being a council member

George Brooks, a professor of sustainable agriculture and aquaponics at Mesa Community College, shows off an aquaponics rig with the ﬁ sh tank in the foreground. Plants grown in the equipment are visible behind Brooks.

so much that he came back and did it again. He served two consecutive four-year terms, got booted o the ballot in 2004 over a termlimits dispute, then served two more fouryear terms.

But in other ways, some people might consider Kavanaugh a strange t. Kavanaugh has been a Democrat for most of his life in a conservative city that has elected a long line of Republicans to the state Legislature and to Congress.

Beyond the obvious political di erence, Kavanaugh, who is now technically a

registered independent who leans toward Democrat views, is an avowed St. Louis Cardinals fan in the rival Chicago Cubs spring training home.

When the city gave him a reclaimed seat from Hohokam Stadium, the Cubs’ previous spring home before the opening of Sloan Park, Kavanaugh was grateful for his retirement gift but also unapologetic, hanging a Cardinals hat on the chair in his law o ce.

COVER STORY

(Larry Mangino/Tribune Staff Photographer)

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Camaraderie and competition in Mesa as game players flock to convention

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Tribune Contributing Writer

Scores of adults strategized ways to confront dragons, defeat monsters and build “energy empires” in imaginary worlds at a recent convention in Mesa.

While the players at the inaugural Arizona Game Fair enjoyed the fantasy scenarios conveyed in the games, they said the real magic of gaming is in faceto-face bonding with people.

About 280 people attended the game fair at the Mesa Convention Center’s Rendezvous Center Jan. 21, and 200 attended Jan. 22. They played a variety of organized board games, role-playing games (RPGs) and card games while mingling with fellow gamers.

Game designers and producers displayed their latest creations, and participants had a chance to buy games from vendors. Four local groups recorded podcasts at the show, and wellknown gaming podcasters Edward and Amanda Uhler of Colorado did their “Heavy Cardboard” podcast there.

The tables were packed with hundreds of games, where many men and a few women maneuvered game pieces and cards with friends and people they just met. Many came from the East Valley and several from Tucson.

Event organizer Andrew Long of Mesa, owner of game parts store Spielpro, organized the convention to bring enthusiasts together and attract game designers to Arizona.

Long, 47, got into board games as an adult after finding some of his old Dungeons and Dragons books he used as a teenager when he was about to move two years ago.

“I really got excited,” Long said. “I found friends and others and started playing Dungeons and Dragons. When someone didn’t show up, we’d just play board games. It’s almost like poker night, but we play games.”

Long said playing board games gives people a chance to connect and step away from their computers.

The convention looked like a scene from the CBS TV show “The Big Bang Theory,” where scientist characters Sheldon, Leonard, Rajesh and Howard play similar games at their favorite comic book store and in Leonard and Sheldon’s

apartment.

In the role-playing game room, players talked in animated voices as they invented storylines for characters who would only exist for the day.

Jim Gutt of Chandler, who has designed some board games with others, played “The Manhattan Project: Energy Empire,” with his friend Tom Wells of Gilbert and several men they had just met. Gutt, 60, said the object of the game is to create “energy empires” without polluting the environment.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Gutt said. “At most gaming conventions, everyone’s friendly.”

Wells, 48, said the gaming world is a “very friendly industry,” where game designers will sit down to explain and play their games with fans.

Mario Polito, 29, of Mesa, a Valley of the Sun Gamers Group member, played an Eldritch Horror board game involving monsters.

“I like the puzzles, just the thought process,” Polito said. “It’s definitely a renaissance in board gaming right now.”

The Valley of the Sun Gamers Group plays board games the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at the University of Advancing Technology on West Baseline Road in Tempe.

People can also play board games for free Friday and Saturday nights at The QCB Fun Store, a Mesa business on East

Pecos Road that sells games, Pokemon cards and LEGO sets. Husband-andwife owners Scott and Melissa Dion sold games at the convention and just opened their brick-and-mortar storefront in December after running it online for about 20 years.

“We wanted to be able to create a place that people wanted to hang out in,” Melissa Dion said.

Added her husband: “The last few years have been really strong for games.”

Mesa-based game publisher EagleGryphon Games brought some games to the convention and recently launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund production of a new card game, “Huh?”

“My dad was a big gamer,” said EagleGryphon Games CEO Alex Soued, 28. “We all like to stay up late and play games.”

Soued said older games “Sorry!” and “Monopoly” are among American-style, family-oriented games based mostly on chance. However, many of the games at the convention were “Eurogames,” involving more strategy and “options.”

Game fair coordinator Darrell Lynn, 33, of Mesa, said many game designers live in the Valley.

“I’m an everything gamer,” Lynn said. “I run several gaming groups. I enjoy telling stories, writing stories, bringing people together, helping people explore themselves.”

(Jesse Stawnyczy/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Scott and Melissa Dion, owners of the QCB Fun Store, have been in business online for 20 years. They recently opened a brick-and-mortar location near Pecos and Ellsworth in Mesa.

AQUAPONICS

thing work. We’re looking for our Henry Ford or our Steve Jobs right now.”

Brooks, 61, an alumni of the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture who holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation and Management, could be poised to become that figure himself. Next month, he plans to release a book, tentatively titled “The ThreeHour Farm,” that he says will instruct any team of four do-it-yourselfers how to build their own backyard aquaponics farm in just three hours.

“I would love to be that kind of innovator, who’ll be able to take aquaponics to the next level,” Brooks admits. “But it is going to be somebody who knows 21st century business. You’ve got to be able to do the ‘Shark Tank’ thing, you’ve got to be able to go to a pitch session and woo those investors.”

Problem is, the aquaponics community is a highly fragmented group, comprised of a variety of eco-conscious types that generally steer away from big business sharks: supporters of the local food movement, ecological sustainability soldiers, food justice warriors and even a fair share of post-2012 survivalists still storing up for Armageddon.

Brooks says this fragmentation is particularly evident in the East Valley. Innovators range from Dennis and Danielle McClung, whose backyard “Garden Pool” stands as one of Mesa’s longestrunning experiments in self-sufficiency, to Mark Rhine, a former electrical con-

KAVANAUGH

from page 1

The small gesture speaks to Kavanaugh’s personality, which is disarming and nonconfrontational. He also has a self-depreciating sense of humor, often joking about his height— or lack thereof.

After his long run on the council, Kavanaugh participated in his last City Council meeting as a member earlier this month. Mayor John Giles thanked Kavanaugh and two other outgoing members, Alex Finter and Dave Richins, for their dedication and service to the city.

tractor who stumbled onto the science of aquaponics and whose Rhibafarms in Chandler now produces pounds of aquaponic lettuce, wheatgrass, veggies and fruit for an impressive roster of restaurants, juice bars and farmer’s markets.

“There’s not a lot of unity. In Tucson, they have a very nice group called the Tucson Aquaponics Project that comes together every month at the University of Arizona. Here, it’s all very scattered. The closest thing we have to unity is we do have a Facebook page,” he adds, with a laugh. “But that’s a start.”

As the science instructional special-

but to his political skill and his ability to get along well with others, even those with whom he disagrees.

He has been an old-fashioned, consensus-building politician, the kind that wants to get something done to help people or to make a significant improvement, rather than stand on a soap box and scream for headlines or air time on CNN or Fox News.

Kavanaugh’s long run not only speaks to his unquestionable allegiance to Mesa,

“I think with aquaponics, it’s just adding the element of live animals to something that’s already very interesting, which is watching plants grow and experience creating food,” she says.

In addition to organizing the field trips to the Center, Kellaris also partnered on a grant with Mesa Community College to get five cabinet-sized aquaponic systems into the district’s classrooms. She says the teachers spend time introducing the young students to a variety of foodgrowing techniques.

“Both hydroponics and aquaponics are similar in that they don’t use soil,” she says, “The difference is, with hydroponics, you are putting the nutrients directly into the water, and they get filtered through the system that the roots have direct access to in the water. But in aquaponics, the nutrients come from the fish waste.”

That’s the part that always gets the chuckles from the kids.

“I get along with everybody. The way I was brought up, you try to see some good in everybody,” said Kavanaugh, 63. “The city isn’t supposed to be a partisan place. You leave your partisan politics in the parking lot.”

Kavanaugh said a setback in 2003 that

ist for the Roosevelt School District in South Phoenix, Cassandra Kellaris helped develop a science curriculum for the district that includes frequent field trips to the Roosevelt Center of Sustainability, a retired school turned into a 13,000-square-foot greenhouse just west of the Tempe border.

There, kindergarten through eighth grade students get to experience handson lessons in growing healthy greens using soil, hydroponics and aquaponics. But Kellaris says by far the favored gardening method among kids is aquaponics.

kicked him off the ballot turned out to be a blessing. He spent nearly five years working on the boards of Mesa’s rich group of non-profits, including the Mesa Historical Society, the Child Crisis Center, the Marc Center and the Mesa Arts Center.

Mesa has proven consistently that it’s a conservative area with a big heart.

“It’s a caring community,” Kavanaugh said.

When Kavanaugh returned to the council for his last stint in 2008, he found himself serving with a group that believed in consensus building and was compatible with him, even if they belonged to a different party.

“They are all different personalities,” Kavanaugh said diplomatically, describing the mayors he served with— Wayne Brown, Keno Hawker, Smith and current Mayor John Giles, who is starting his second term.

Kavanaugh praised Smith for leading

“They also like composting, and playing with the worms,” Kellaris says. But fish poop is good for more than just a few gross-out jokes.

“There’s actually nitrogen in the waste in the form of ammonia that, with the help of bacteria, gets converted into a form of nitrogen that plants really like called nitrates. So, the fish waste actually becomes really powerful nutrients for the plants, and then the plants picking up those nutrients help filter the water so that clean water is then going back into the fish tank portion of the system.

“All you have to do is feed the fish. It’s sort of a closed ecosystem.”

the city through some rough economic times when layoffs were necessary. He said he is proud that 95-98 percent of council decisions ended up being unanimous.

Kavanaugh said he does have a few regrets, such as the defeat of a fire sprinkler ordinance and the failure to build a new stadium for the Arizona Cardinals, who ended up in Glendale. But he notes that Mesa also managed to keep the Cubs from moving to Naples, Florida, by gaining approval from voters to build what turned out to be an economic development home run in Sloan Park and the new, muchimproved version of Riverview Park.

Mesa also built another signature project that also defines the community, the Mesa Arts Center. He called that center the “crowning achievement” of the late Mayor Brown.

– Reach Jim Walsh at 480-898-5639 or at jwalsh@timespublications.com.

(Cassandra Kellaris/Tribune News Service)

Roosevelt Center of Sustainability, a former school turned into a 13,000 square foot greenhouse just west of the Tempe border, is the site of an aquaponics greenhouse.

(Larry Mangino/Tribune Staff Photographer) Longtime Mesa fixture Dennis Kavanaugh was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and has been a resident of Arizona since 1975.

Queen Creek celebrates peach blossoms at Schnepf Farms

Schnepf Farms marks its Peach Blossom Celebration beginning Thursday, Feb. 2.

Once a year, over 80 acres of fruit trees start blooming at different times, and the farm opens to celebrate. Train rides, hay rides and walking tours are available to see the pink and white blooms.

To track when the blooms are at their peak, visit schnepffarms.com.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Women’s empowerment seminar planned in Chandler

Women can learn about becoming more empowered at an event Saturday, Feb. 4, in Chandler.

The seminar, hosted by Women to Women, includes a brunch and pop-up shops. It runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at SoHo63, 63 E. Boston St.

Organizer Melanie Peralta said the event is designed to teach women about empowerment and “self-expansion.”

Speakers include Atlantic Records recording artist Sam Bruno, registered nurse and author Jocelyn Freeman, motivational model Nizhoni Cooley and local blogger Cheyenne Janelle Gonzalez.

The cost is $25. Advance registration is required at bit.ly/2jHlYt5.

– SHELLEY RIDENOUR, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Prostate cancer screenings offered at Mesa Community College

Prostate On-Site Project, a medical mobile service, will provide prostate cancer screenings to men 40 older, or younger if a history of prostate cancer runs in the family.

The screenings are Wednesday, Feb. 1, from 7 to 10 a.m. at Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave.

The event accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Health Net and UnitedHealthCare. It’s free to eligible state employees and spouses. Those without insurance will be charged $81.

Appointments are required, at 480-964-3013 or 1-800-828-6139.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Arizona CAF hosts ‘night missions’ throughout February

The Arizona Commemorative Air Force is booking ﬂ ights above the East Valley in the C-47, a classic WWII airplane that has “the most extensive combat history” among the CFA’s units.

“Night missions” in the C-47 cost $150 per seat, or $1,500 for the whole plane, which seats 12. Flights take off at 6:30 p.m. every Friday in February and guests must arrive by 5:30.

Call or book online at 602-448-2350 and azcaf.org/ﬂ y-with-us. – RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Altered Tails offering $20 spay surgeries

Arizona’s largest spay/neuter clinic is offering $20 spay surgeries for female cats during the month of February as part of its “Beat the Heat” promotion.

Altered Tails’ campaign, sponsored by PetSmart Charities, is designed to help cat owners prepare for spring, which animal shelters call “kitten season.”

To schedule an appointment, call 602-943-7729 or visit alteredtails.org.

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Childsplay celebrates 60th birthday of ‘Cat in the Hat’

birthday of ‘Cat in the Hat’

Childsplay Theatre Company is hosting a celebration for the 60th anniversary of the Dr. Seuss novel, “The Cat in the Hat.”

The party starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 5, with the performance scheduled for 4 p.m. Childsplay is at 900 S. Mitchell Drive in Tempe.

Tickets cost $40 per person and are on sale now at childsplayaz.org.

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Controversial purchase of Gilbert land to build charter school is approved

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

Gthe school. The hearing quickly turned into a debate about what some consider the saturation of charter schools in Gilbert at the expense of district schools, and others espousing competition that fosters quality education.

ilbert resident Phil Alibrandi doesn’t think a charter school belongs on a prime piece of real estate near the San Tan Freeway and Higley Road long envisioned as the future home of a major office complex.

Ralph Pew, American Leadership Academy’s zoning attorney, said the company is allowed by state law to build anywhere it wants. However, Pew said the academy would prefer to benefit from town services.

Three Town Council members, spearheaded by Eddie Cook, agreed with Alibrandi and voted against American Leadership Academy’s annexation petition, with Cook arguing that it undermines the town’s general plan and its long-term goal of broadening the tax base.

He said the academy has made concessions beyond what is normally required, including construction of a northbound lane for thru traffic on the east side of Higley, even though the school is planned for the west side of Higley and the freeway.

But Mayor Jenn Daniels and three other council members voted to approve the controversial annexation, despite their misgivings about the site, saying the school would be built anyway if the land remained in an unincorporated county island.

Cook said an economic forecast predicted the 42-acre site would generate $1.3 million in new revenues for the time as office space during a 25-year period, but only $52,000 as a school. He said it would be foolish for Gilbert to squander such a prime opportunity in the Loop 202 business corridor.

“The product you are going to put at this location is the wrong product,” Cook said, adding that the lost revenues are “hard to let go.”

Daniels criticized American Leadership Academy for buying the site and proposing the annexation, even though they knew it was against the town’s wishes. But she voted for the annexation anyway, saying the school would get built one way or another because schools are exempt from zoning codes.

“I know you can; I wish you wouldn’t,” Daniels said, scolding the charter school. “I do not have the power to prevent this charter school from being built.”

Several council members also mentioned at a Dec. 1 meeting that they don’t think the site is a good match for

Pew said the school’s traffic flow has been carefully planned to move traffic onto school grounds and off Higley. The K-12 school is projected to have 2,400 students, according to town zoning documents.

“This has been well-planned, well thought out from a traffic safety standpoint,” he told the town’s Planning and Zoning Board. “We are going to make it look even better.”

The board voted to recommend the annexation, 7-0, even though at least two board members expressed some misgivings.

“It’s a land-use decision,” Pew said. “Cities are not enabled by the legislature to deal with charter schools. The debate and discussion of charter schools is really a forum for the state legislature.”

Gilbert has long been considered a hotbed for charter schools. The town has 20 charter schools, according to the Arizona Charter School Association.

Council member Jared Taylor is the business manager of Heritage Academy, a controversial charter school that has been accused in a lawsuit of teaching religion in violation of the separation of church and state, a charge it has denied.

– Reach Jim Walsh at 480-898-5639 or at jwalsh@timespublications.com.

(Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Phil Alibrandi opposes a move to build a large American Leadership Academy charter school so close to a freeway.

New bill would allow 18-year-olds to serve alcohol in bars, eateries

State Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler) introduced a new bill that would allow 18-year-olds to serve alcohol in bars and restaurants.

The bill would lower the minimum age for serving alcohol from 19 to 18 and doesn’t change the legal drinking age of 21.

“I don’t believe in precluding 18-year-olds—who are a legal adult, who can serve in the military—from being able to support themselves by waiting tables,” Weninger said in a release.

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Attorney General files charges against Mesa accountant

A former Mesa accountant who had her license revoked is now facing charges from the offi ce of the Attorney General. The Arizona State Board of Accountancy found that Tiffany White “wouldn’t disclose the price for service, over-charged for work, and would access clients’ credit cards and bank accounts to pay herself without getting authorization,” the offi ce reports.

At the time of her arrest Tuesday, White was attempting to change her name. Courts have found her indigent.

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Remains of 7 were inside mortuary that caught fire, Chandler company says

Tempe man arrested, accused of misusing credit cards

A Tempe man is accused of using information of recently deceased people to order duplicate credit cards using the victims’ information.

Jason Siebert-Thomas, 34, was arrested in Tempe.

Siebert-Thomas is accused of getting the information of over 150 people and making over $300,000 worth of purchases from the stolen credit cards.

He was arrested and booked for fi ve felony counts, including theft and fraud schemes, and charged with one misdemeanor.

The cremated remains of seven bodies were inside the Valley of the Sun Mortuary and Cemetery during an early January fi re, a company spokesman says. He says the remains are undamaged.

The company previously said no bodies were in the

The blaze near Chandler Heights and Alma School roads was contained to one building. The building

An investigation is ongoing, and families affected by the fi re were contacted by the mortuary and other arrangements were made.

Chandler man secretly recorded family in bathroom

The mortuary says it is still open for business in its mausoleum chapel, located in the center of the cemetery.

– RALPH ZUBIATE, TRIBUNE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Maricopa County Superior Court sentenced a Chandler man to two years of supervised probation after he secretly recorded his family in the bathroom for several years.

Jason Travis Mekelburg, 42, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to commit unlawful viewing or tape recording.

After Mekelburg’s family moved from their Chandler home, the new residents discovered the camera. Police later found a DVR and camera mounting system in the home.

More than 1,000 videos were found on the DVR.

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Mesa police request help to ID

sexual-assault suspect

The Mesa Police Department is seeking help to identify a sexual-assault suspect.

On Jan. 9, a male suspect entered a home in the Broadway and Mesa Drive area in Mesa while the occupants were sleeping. The suspect sexually assaulted a child, police said.

A witness says the man was a Hispanic male, 18 to 30 years old, short build with short dark hair. He was last seen wearing a T-shirt and shorts. Anyone with information is asked to call the Mesa Police Department at 480-6442211 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. Callers may remain anonymous.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Volunteer gives out books as parents stock up at food bank

BY RALPH ZUBIATE Tribune Executive Editor

One charity in Chandler is providing food for the body and for the brain, too.

While Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank doles out hundreds of food boxes a month, a small corner of the shop offers something special for the children: books. It’s the project of Suellen Eyre, who wants to make sure children have chances to read, whatever their circumstances.

“As a former reading teacher, you never get it out of your system,” she said. Families that don’t have enough money for food surely can’t provide books for their kids, Eyre said. That’s why she started filling totes with books and making them available to families.

“It’s thrilling to me that when parents come in, their kids don’t have to be coaxed to get books,” Eyre said. “They walk right over, and as their parents are getting food, they’re going through the books.

“Just seeing the smiles on their faces is a blessing.”

Matthew’s Crossing welcomed Eyre with open arms when she proposed the book bank.

“It’s such a great idea,” said Jennifer Lowry, business manager of the food bank, which is at 1368 N. Arizona Ave. No. 115.

Eyre hands out about 125 books a week—more than 10,000 since starting up in the summer of 2015.

She fills the totes once a week. They’re separated into four categories: preschool to kindergarten, first to third grade, fourth to sixth and seventh to ninth. There are Disney books, history books, noisemaking books and fun fantasy books.

“We just know how important it is to read early,” said Eyre, who used to teach in Phoenix and her native Louisiana. “I would tell the kids I taught, read to your kids the day they come home from the hospital.”

Eyre gets books from Changing Hands Bookstore, thrift stores such as Savers, Girl Scout troops and church donations. A school nearby held a book drive to

help replenish the supply.

She gathers the books into her garage and she and her husband Gary clean them up. They make sure that there are no missing pages and that the books don’t have too many markings.

Although it wasn’t her intention, books for grown-ups have been donated, so parents will have something to read,

too. For the most part, old romance paperbacks and dog-eared novels find their way to the book bank.

“Parents are so appreciative and grateful for the books,” Eyre said. “They’re surprised that they can keep them.”

There are some limits—one book per child, whether they’re present or not, and one extra book for the family.

But Eyre isn’t a stickler for that rule, especially when she’s confronted with a special case.

“One woman came over to the sixthgrade bin to look for a book for her son,” Eyre said. “She saw two books and gasped. One was about Abraham Lincoln and the other about the American Revolution.

“She said, ‘I’m studying these in my citizenship class.’ I told her to take them both, and to get another for her son.”

While Eyre provides the books, Lowry and Matthew’s Crossing provide the food.

The shop gave out 75,000 food boxes last year, according to Lowry.

“Food boxes” is a bit of a misnomer. Those who ask get a milk crate full of food, with pasta, canned foods, meat and milk if they want. They also get cereal, which Lowry says is a big need.

“We go through cereal,” she said. “People think of peanut butter, tuna, mac and cheese, and ramen. But people don’t think of cereal.”

The food bank gives to whomever asks, no judgment, no questions.

“The people we help are between jobs or they have a sudden medical bill and have to decide between prescriptions and food,” Lowry said. “We also get grandparents who suddenly have to care for the grandkids on a fixed income. They all need help.

“We are that bridge.”

Veterans and single moms—the working poor—make up a large portion of their clientele, she said.

Those who need it can get food once a month. They don’t always want to ask for that help.

“I get people who are crying, ashamed to come for food,” Lowry said. “They want to volunteer to earn the food. I have to tell them that it’s OK, that’s what we do.”

And giving out books is what Eyre does. That’s a blessing to Lowry.

“I can’t believe you’ve given out 10,000 books!” Lowry said to Eyre.

She replied, “I can’t believe we’ve cleaned 10,000 books!”

(Larry Mangino/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Suellen Eyre was looking for something to do after retiring to care for her sick husband Gary. She decided to set up a book bank at Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler.

(Larry Mangino/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Jennifer Lowry, business manager of Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler, says the site gets most of its food donations in November and December.

(Will Powers/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Persistence pays off for inventor, entrepreneur Curtis Smith

BY RYAN CLARKE Tribune Staff Writer

Curtis Smith’s career didn’t start on a basketball court. It began with a candy bar.

“When I was eight, I made a Skittles candy bar, and I sent it to the corporation thinking I was going to be rich,” he said. “They actually sent back a letter and I was so hyped, but the letter said, ‘Sorry Curtis, we appreciate your enthusiasm but we can’t accept outside ideas.’”

Smith’s first rejection in the business world was bittersweet, and it certainly wasn’t his last. But through it all, a positive outlook and persistence paved the way toward his latest invention: The Lazer 900, a machine that helps basketball players with their ball handling in an unconventional way. And that’s exactly how Smith envisioned it: unconventional and innovative.

“People will doubt it like it’s just some dumb video game,” said Smith, from Tempe. “But I will actually expose people on this thing because it’s really a challenge.”

The Lazer 900 displays dribble moves on a screen for players to mimic, much like the once-popular video game “Guitar Hero” had players mimic the notes as they came rolling forward. Smith’s machine poses a much greater physical challenge, though, invoking the use of a basketball, tennis ball, cones and more. It’s traditional basketball training blended with the digital age, and it’s on the rise.

Smith recently debuted the Lazer 900 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and has contracts with major college programs including Kentucky, UCLA and Michigan State, along with a handful of NBA teams.

Smith’s ambitions for the company are picking up momentum, but the journey to this point didn’t come without its share of roadblocks.

Whether it was candy, a shoe idea he sent to Nike or hip-hop greeting cards, Smith’s ideas had promise but never found their footing. That was until he got to Mountain Pointe high school and capitalized on his hairstyle.

“I was known for my hair because I had waves, so I went on this website and they were having a sweepstakes where, if you click a button, you get a free can of hair grease,” Smith said, laughing at the memory. “So, I’m on the website and I’m clicking the button and it’s not working. I kept clicking it and clicking it and it wasn’t working.”

Much to Smith’s surprise, it turned out the button was working the whole time. About a month later, two giant boxes of free grease showed up at his front door. Smith’s mom, naturally, saw the boxes as a major inconvenience. He saw them as a business venture.

“I got all this free grease, so I sold them to all my teammates and friends for like $4 apiece, and I ended up making like $3,000,” Smith said. “That was the first time I really took advantage of an opportunity as an entrepreneur.”

While Smith has an enduring

Physicians Research Group is conducting a clinical research study with a new investigational medication for toenail fungus

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You may qualify if you: are between 18-74 years old and have at least one thickened and discolored large toenail

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Curtis Smith’s Lazer 900 machine uses a screen, basketball, tennis ball and traffic cones to help a player work in ball handling.

entrepreneurial spirit, basketball has always been an integral part of his life. Those two passions crossed over when his basketball career came to a close after stops at Scottsdale Community College and Texas Southern University.

For months, Smith trained young basketball players in the East Valley, but he soon grew tired of the tedium.

“It just got so boring to do the same thing over and over again. It was mundane,” Smith said. “I went into my mom’s garage and started thinking of an idea, and that’s when I came up with the Lazer 900.”

Almost three years went by before Smith sold his first machine to a team. He hadn’t heard back after repeated calls, messages and emails to University of Arizona, so he decided to hop in his wife’s car and make the trek down to Tucson.

When he got there, the man at the front desk brushed Smith off and told him that he needed to leave. But Smith kept at it, begging for 10 minutes of the equipment team’s time until finally they caved and brought him down to the practice court.

“I’m showing them the demo, and that 10 minutes ended up turning into

an hour and a half,” Smith said. “They ended up buying it on the spot.”

Smith’s persistence led to over a dozen college programs buying the machine, and in May he will present it to the NBA combine to use the machine as an aptitude test for players trying to make the jump to the pros. Smith said he’s hoping the NBA is willing to take a risk on him and continue innovating as it has in so many areas.

But not everyone—players and coaches alike—is all in on Smith’s idea.

Coaches are often set in their ways and want to stick to old-school drills, and players are afraid of being embarrassed by how challenging the machine is.

Among the NBA players that have used the Lazer 900, Stephen Curry mastered it, while others like Carmelo Anthony struggled and quit. Teams and players that use it have to put egos and tradition by the wayside, according to Smith.

“Right now, it’s like the pool at the hotel,” Smith said. “It seems like fun, but some people are reluctant because they’re uncomfortable or they don’t know how.

“In the next few years, I want to be the bed at the hotel. Everybody needs a bed.”

In the business world, Smith hopes to separate himself and leave a legacy on the game of basketball.

MESA

Vote for the Tribune’s Best of Mesa 2017

Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 1, readers of the East Valley Tribune can vote for the Best of Mesa 2017. This special issue will highlight readers’ favorite places to eat, shop and have fun in Mesa.

Fifty categories will be featured this year, among them the new categories of Best Yoga Studio and Best Microbrewery/Tap Room.

Voting takes place Feb. 1 to 24 online at eastvalleytribune.com. The special Best of Mesa 2017 issue will publish March 26.

Mayor Giles to deliver State of the City address

Mesa Mayor John Giles’ State of the City Breakfast is Tuesday, Jan. 31, at the Mesa Convention Center, 201 N. Center St., at 8 a.m.

Giles will highlight some of Mesa’s successes in 2016 and talk about his goals for 2017. His State of the City topics will include economic development, education and community engagement.

Mesa Channel 11 or mesa11.com/live will broadcast the address live.

After the live broadcast, the program will be posted online at mesaaz.gov/ stateofthecity and rebroadcast on Mesa Channel 11.

CHANDLER Volunteers sought to help install smoke alarms

Chandler firefighters seek volunteers to help install smoke alarms and promote fire prevention and safety on Saturday, Feb. 4. Firefighters and volunteers will go door to door and install free smoke alarms in homes that need them. Select neighborhoods in Chandler, Tempe and Mesa have been notified that they will be visited by teams of three people who will offer to install free smoke alarms.

Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to noon. No experience is necessary and all training, tools and materials are provided that day. Register online at azburn.org/events/ community-smoke-alarm-installationevents. Select the Chandler event on Feb. 4 and sign up. Once registered, volunteers will be sent event details, including the location to meet that morning and what to expect.

For more information, call the Arizona Burn Foundation at 602-230-2041, ext. 104, or go to chandleraz.gov/fire.

Two New East Valley Communities Opening Early 2017!

Brewing adventure expands for Mesa beer lovers

BY SHELLEY RIDENOUR Tribune Staff Writer

It’s not the most unusual tale in the business world.

Two guys from Mesa met, found they had a common business goal, teamed up and started a new business. What’s a bit unusual is how fast it occurred—eight months from meeting to opening the doors. And, they started from scratch; they didn’t buy an existing business.

Bryan McCormick and Noel Garcia are co-founders of 12 West Brewing Co., based in an unincorporated area of Maricopa County, east of Mesa. They have a tap room in Gilbert, too, and in about three years will open a tap room and brewery in downtown Mesa. They were introduced last April by McCormick’s cousin. As they talked, they learned that they were each trying to set up breweries, Garcia said. The person McCormick planned to hire as the brewer “didn’t work out,” so they reconnected and decided to join forces. They began by purchasing 10-barrel brewing kettles from a German

manufacturer, designed to their specifications, and cleared space in what McCormick had built to house the autos used by the Lucas Oil racing team he owns.

Garcia doubles as the head brewer and McCormick adds brewery engineer to his title. Garcia started out as a homebrewer and then worked as a brewer at the Beer Research Institute.

“I have a weird fascination with brewing,” he said. “It went from a little hobby to a full-blown obsession.” He also creates his own recipes.

Today, 90 percent of the beer Garcia brews is kegged and sold at their Gilbert tap room, housed inside Barnone at Agritopia. It opened Nov. 18. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. The Gilbert location does feature a one-barrel pilot brewing system for customers to see, but obviously, the bulk of the beer is brought in from the East Mesa brewhouse.

McCormick and Garcia like the Agritopia location, although they have a limited amount of space. The other

tenants in the old Quonset hut are complimentary to 12 West, they said. In fact, nearby restaurants will serve meals to patrons at 12 West or allow diners to take beer from 12 West into those restaurants.

“Everybody wins that way,” McCormick said.

The owners self-distribute the remaining 10 percent of their products to local brewpubs, bars and restaurants.

“We will grow that” percentage, McCormick said.

Currently, 12 different beers are under production, ranging from several IPAs, to wheats to a stout to a saison to ales.

Plans call for 12 West to have four to six core beers on hand all of the time. The other six or so styles will rotate, in part to use seasonal produce, Garcia said.

They are also aging three varieties in whiskey barrels and plan to continue with those “limited series, stronger” beers.

Plans call for eventually bottling and canning their beer for wider distribution and searching for a beer distributor who will pick up their product line.

The business name is based on the future brewery and tap room location

in downtown Mesa—at 12 West Main Street. McCormick purchased that building about 15 years ago and leases it to a person who uses it as a reception venue.

Growing up in Mesa, McCormick went to the stationery store that was originally housed at 12 West “every week” with his grandmother.

When it went up for sale, “I just had to have it,” he said. He’s extensively remodeled the building and plans more work before opening the brewery there.

“I always wanted to put a brewery in there,” he said. “I waited for the light rail to get built and for Mesa’s time to come.” The time is now, he said, with downtown Mesa ripe for growth.

The 12 West building will have a 20-to30-barrel brewery in the basement, with a portion of the floor cut out so people can see parts of the process. They plan to use the 2,000-square foot loft as a speakeasy of sorts to host VIP events. An outdoor beer garden has already been constructed.

(Shelley Ridenour/Tribune Staff)

Noel Garcia and Bryan McCormick stand in front of some of their gigantic brewing equipment at 12 West Brewing Co. in East Mesa.

(Shelley Ridenour/Tribune Staff)

Noel Garcia, the head brewer at 12 West Brewing Co., discusses the barrel-aging process he’s using to make three beers.

‘Smart home’ apartments to be built in Gilbert

An apartment complex being built in Gilbert will be the first to offer remote, mobile-device enabled technology to residents, developers say.

Cisterra is developing Vistara at SanTan Village, which will offer remote-control locks, temperature and lighting to its residents who will be able to control these home features with a smart phone, making them “smart apartments.”

The community is expected to be finished this May.

Recovery from recession leaves Mesa behind, site says

WalletHub has compiled a list of how cities have recovered from the recession, and Mesa is almost at the bottom of the list.

Of 62 cities surveyed, Mesa finished 60th. Tucson came in last.

The top five included four Texas cities: Austin at 1, El Paso at 3, Fort Worth at 4 and Corpus Christi at 5. Denver, Colorado, was second.

Classes will train women how to negotiate a salary

Free training classes for women on negotiating a salary are taking place at the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRiC) inside the Tempe Public Library, 3500 South Rural Road.

The city says the classes are for women live, work or study in Tempe.

Each class session will cover the same information. Classes will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4; 6 p.m. March 21; 10 a.m. April 29; 6 p.m. May 16; and 6 p.m. May 30.

Registration is required. For more information, go to aauw.org/work-smarttempe.

Self-driving cars discussed at association’s Feb. luncheon

The impact of self-driving cars and other vehicle technologies will be examined at the Arizona Association for Economic Development‘s February luncheon.

The luncheon will be Feb. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at 2901 N. Seventh St. in Phoenix

Speakers will discuss self-driving cars, and new transportation partners operating in the state, as well as Arizona’s role.

The luncheon’s cost is $40 for members and guests, $55 for non-members and $60

for late registrants. Registration is online until noon Thursday, Feb. 9. Go to aaed. com/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=915092.

$75,000 grant awarded to help homeless families in Arizona

Save the Family has been awarded a $75,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities to support the Homeless Families Intervention Project. The money will be directed toward case coordination and programs for children, including drop-in childcare, Little KidsWorks and Youth Enrichment and Achievement.

Thunderbirds Charities is a nonprofit organization formed in 1986 to distribute funds raised through the Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament.

For more information about Save the Family, visit savethefamily.org. For more information about Thunderbirds Charities, visit thunderbirdscharities.org.

Name change for Chandler Chamber of Commerce group

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce Women in Business committee has changed its name to Women in Leadership.

The group meets monthly to meet the needs and enhance the development of women on their professional journey.

The monthly luncheons feature a mentoring/education session from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m., with the lunch and keynote speaker starting at noon. Registration is online at chandlerchamber.com or info@ chandlerchamber.com or by calling 480963-4571.

Chase conducts job fair in Tempe for 300 positions

Chase will be hiring for more than 300 job openings in the Tempe area for experienced and inexperienced workers on Wednesday, Feb. 1

Positions include specialist call center jobs in customer service, collections, merchant services, fraud, and new client engagement. Candidates who have held jobs helping customers face-to-face are also encouraged to apply for call center positions. Previous call center experience is not required and bilingual workers are encouraged to apply.

The job fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Chase Centerpoint Operations Center, 100 W. University Drive, Tempe.

Job candidates may find more information by applying to job #160128541 at chase.com/careers.

$86/credit*

The angry White Guy in the White House – and other White Guys, too

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

The sad part is, you really would’ve loved the column

I was going to write this week. It had all the things you look for in a good newspaper piece—passion, humor, a unique perspective, some common sense. You might have made it almost to the end before flipping to the sports.

I had the thing all written. Then President Donald Trump opened his mouth and killed it.

Yep. Deader than U.S. relations with Mexico. DO-freaking-A. Just one more casualty of Trump’s first week in office, up there beside “alternative facts” and Kellyanne Conway’s fashion sense.

The column was going to be an impassioned, well-reasoned defense of the last demographic group in America you can attack with zero fear of suffering a backlash White Guys.

I had the argument all worked out— about how White Guys had had a centuries-long run when it comes to creativity and problem-solving, having done cool things like discover penicillin, paint the Mona Lisa, cure polio, write “Hamlet,” invent the automobile and sign the Emancipation Proclamation. Have White Guys done and do White Guys continue to do awful things? Absolutely, and for that we should hold the perpetrators responsible, while not damning an entire group for the sins of a few. To do so is to commit, in essence, the same racial offense as the white person who perpetually crosses the street to avoid every black kid in a hoodie.

As a White Guy born to teenagers and raised in a three-room apartment in Queens, the product of public schools, years working through college, and decades of 70-hour work weeks, I had every intention of arguing against White Male Privilege, noting that for every White Guy born on third base who thinks he hit a triple, millions of us

actually have struggled to get where we are in life.

Then I would’ve apologized for Michael Moore, Piers Morgan, Bill O’Reilly and the “Duck Dynasty” guys, and we would’ve been done. Instant Pulitzer candidacy.

Until Trump murdered my idea. It’s what this president does, of course. He keeps raising his volume until everything else—reason, nuance, distinctions, facts—is drowned out by an ear-splitting Trumpian noise. Trump’s shouting invites more shouting, his stereotyping invites more stereotyping, leaving everyone who looks like him— adult, white, with a Y-chromosome— susceptible to the accusation that we’re all like him, White Guys who “mansplain” without a clue about how offensive we are.

The truth? Not all White Guys “grab ’em by” a body part. We don’t puff about the size of our own hands, or our own intellect. Nor do we go 180 degrees in the other direction, plastering our Priuses with “Not History. Herstory” bumper

stickers. Some White Guys think for ourselves while acting with respect for those who look and think nothing like we do. Some of us haven’t consciously built our identity around the color of our skin and our gender, choosing instead to aim toward another ideal entirely.

That of being a good human being. Am I claiming the mantle of victimhood for White Guys? Not so much. Am I a precious snowflake incapable of tolerating insults? Not hardly. What I am is a White Guy ready to rant against the idea that White Guys are all alike—ignorant, bigoted, chauvinistic, privileged.

That’s a column for another day, however. A day when it’s possible to have a rational discussion not encapsulated by angry tweets and Magic-Markered protest signs.

I’m guessing that day is maybe four years from now. Or eight. Or never, if the White Guy in the White House has another week like last week.

– David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Reach him at david@leibowitzsolo. com.

Economic Profile tells everyone what’s great about East Valley

BY JOHN LEWIS Tribune Guest Writer

Welcome to the East Valley—a region with approximately 400,000 residents 30 years ago, 1.4 million residents now, and another million on the way. In support of promoting our region, which for marketing purposes has been given the name “PHX East Valley,” each year we compile and publish an Economic Profile and Asset Map. The Economic Profile provides information that can help PHX East Valley ambassadors—those who live and work in our region—as they talk to others. The message to share is simple: where we live is a great place to receive a quality education, experience excellent career opportunities, raise a family, enjoy single living and retire. We note that it does not hurt to mention that we have over 300 sunny days a year with an average winter temperature of 68 degrees.

As a region, we have a reputation for having a highly educated and skilled workforce. Estimates show that with another million residents coming to our region that will call PHX East Valley their home, 400,000 new jobs will be created in the next 30 years.

The Economic Profile, which can be viewed in its entirety at phxeastvalley. org/splash/wp-content/uploads/17-EVProfile-Booklet.pdf, highlights some of our recent recognitions.

Nationwide,

• Gilbert is ranked as one of the safest cities

• Chandler is noted as the 7th hardest-working city

• Mesa is known as a “Best Big City”

• Apache Junction is one of the top places to retire

• Tempe has the 7th best downtown

• Queen Creek is identified as a top place for young professionals.

When a business outside of Arizona considers our region, they observe several advantages:

• Business costs are approximately 40 percent lower than those of neighboring California

• 32 million square feet of shovelready property is available

• Corporate income taxes are low, as are individual income taxes

• Compared to neighboring states, cost of living is lower, utility rates are lower and median household income is higher.

Businesses appreciate our regional emphasis on transportation infrastructure, shortening commutes and education. PHX East Valley is the location of our “Nation’s Most Innovative University,” Arizona State University, along with many other outstanding highereducation institutions. There is a strong emphasis on business promotion and support of STEM education. World-class incubators and accelerators are available to support our local entrepreneurs.

On a lifestyle note, PHX East Valley offers a quality of life that provides hiking, boating, fishing and outdoor fun

within short distances from our work areas and homes. We have fabulous facilities to enjoy that promote the arts. We are the Spring Training home to the Chicago Cubs—2016 World Series Champions.

As ambassadors for our region, our elevator speech might be: the PHX East Valley is a dynamic region of the southwestern United States that has experienced tremendous growth, and through thoughtful planning and collaboration we have a vibrant economy with regional assets such as a highly skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, world-class education, diverse real estate and ideal climate.

We invite you to study the Economic Profile and continue your service as regional ambassadors in promoting the PHX East Valley.

– John Lewis, former Mayor of Gilbert, serves as the President/CEO of the East Valley Partnership, a regional coalition of Business, Education, Community and Government leaders.

Tell the East Valley what’s best about Mesa beginning this week

BY RALPH ZUBIATE Tribune Executive Editor

Mesa is the third-largest city in Arizona, home to nearly 500,000 residents. It’s also home to some of the best places to eat, drink and have fun in the East Valley.

Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 1, readers of the East Valley Tribune can vote for the Best of Mesa 2017. This special issue will highlight the places that make Mesa great, voted on by the people that dine, shop and work there.

We’ll be featuring 50 categories this year, among them Best Breakfast Spot, Best Burgers and Best Asian Food. In the services category, you’ll be able to pick Best Hair Salon, Best Auto Shop, Best Jeweler and more.

Medical favorites are available, too. We’re adding some categories this year, like Best Yoga Studio, Best Microbrewery/Tap Room and Best Place to Watch the Game.

As always, we encourage you to vote online for places listed, and to add your own, too. Don’t see your favorite sushi restaurant listed? Write it in!

This is your chance to tell everybody what you like best about Mesa, and to say “Thank you” to your favorite places.

Voting takes place Feb. 1 to 24 online at tiny.cc/bestofmesa. The special Best of Mesa 2017 issue will publish March 26.

Good luck to all the best businesses in Mesa.

– Contact Ralph Zubiate at 480-898-6825 or rzubiate@timespublications.com.

School drop-off nightmare

After six months of participating in parent drop-off and pickup at South Valley Junior High School, this morning I witnessed the Gilbert Police Department harassing numerous parents dropping off their children at the school, pulling cars out of line on school property to issue tickets for apparently not following imaginary and unclear drop-off protocol.

Parking stalls in the back of the school are for parking, no matter how short of a time. If the school does not want those spaces used, then block the parking spaces off with cones or post a clearly marked sign that between the hours of 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. those parking spots are a noparking zone. Parents who drop off occasionally have no clear guidance on the status of the rear entrance to the school and, unfortunately, today they were victims of poor traffic control signage.

SVJH administration, if you do not want parents utilizing the rear entrance, block your never-used rear parking stalls with cones and inform your parents that that area is not a dropoff zone. Don’t call the police on your parents to enforce an unclear and unmarked zone in your traffic pattern flow.

You would use your resources better if you paid attention to the consistent vandalism that occurs in your boys’ bathrooms on a regular basis where ketchup and mayonnaise is consistently smeared over faucet handles, and vandalized toilets cause the closure of bathrooms. This creates an unsafe environment for our children and perhaps Gilbert police can assist you on that matter rather than set up a parent drop-off traffic trap on your property.

– Nathan Kitchen – Gilbert

with only one option to buy insurance. With no competition, what do we think will happen to pricing? And let’s not forget about the 17 Obamacare co-ops that failed, leaving hundreds of thousands of Americans without insurance and costing billions in taxpayer dollars.

Since 2010, Republicans have promised to fully repeal Obamacare, campaigned on full repeal, and voted over 60 times to repeal parts or all of this disastrous healthcare law. Now that the American people gave Republicans unified control of the government, there are no more excuses. The so-called “two budget” repeal strategy is the best path forward.

Congress should begin this process ASAP by passing the fiscal year 2017 budget that failed to pass earlier in the year. That generic budget would also allow them to use a filibuster-proof process known as budget reconciliation to pass a simple, one-sentence repeal of Obamacare with 51 Senate votes and have it ready for President Trump to sign.

Once Obamacare is repealed, Congress should pass a second budget for fiscal year 2018 that lowers spending levels and then debate and pass a series of conservative, free-market health-care reforms that enact consumer choice, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and lower cost. This two-budget strategy will ensure that momentum for Obamacare repeal does not stall. It also provides ample time for individuals who have insurance through the Obamacare exchanges to transition back to the individual market without losing coverage.

The American people are so close to taking back their health care. Our Republican leaders in Congress have one last chance to make it a reality. There are no more excuses.

Obamacare: No more excuses

The Affordable Care Act is no longer affordable, and it never was. In Arizona, it has been especially damaging.

Average premiums for Obamacare plans will go up 25 percent this year, with some states seeing as much as a 116 percent increase. Personally, our premiums have gone up 37 percent this year. Health insurance companies are dropping out of the exchanges left and right, leaving five states and about a third of all U.S. counties

To submit letters: Go to eastvalleytribune.com/opinions and click “Submit letter” or email forum@evtrib.com.

– Kevin Parmenter – Chandler

Mesquite girls balance staying sharp, respecting

BY JASON P. SKODA Tribune Prep Sports Director

Candice Gonzales relishes practice more than games these days.

Most coaches have similar sentiments because it’s when they get to work with the team, improve and tweak if need be between tip-offs.

But it is different for Gonzales and the Mesquite girls basketball team this season. The Wildcats were dropped down a classification by the AIA a year after making the championship game in the state’s biggest division. They have no opportunity to petition their way back to the 6A Conference.

It means that most days, practice is the true challenge rather than game days.

“This is when we push them and really unleash the beast,” she said at the end of a practice. “We put them in positions where they have to work and play hard the entire time. We have to do it here because we try to be respectful in games and keep it from getting out of hand.”

Mesquite (24-1) has been so dominating against 5A Conference opponents heading into the final three games of the regular season that one recent opponent considered forfeiting rather than making the trip to Mesquite. They played anyway after the athletic directors talked things out leading up to the second meeting.

“We know what we want to accomplish; play team basketball night in and night out,” Gonzales said. “Sometimes, we are limited in what we can do out of respect for the other team.

“I feel bad for our girls. It’s hard on them because they don’t get a chance to show what they can do. But we are getting accustomed to it.”

The Wildcats, whose only loss came against 4A power Seton Catholic, have won 19 straight entering this week’s action. They had an impressive showing at the Nike Tournament of Champions

against out-of-state opponents, and with wins over 6A teams like Valley Vista and Xavier.

The dominance has come against Arizona teams, especially against San Tan Region foes, since the start of the year.

The average margin of victory—minus the loss to Seton and the four wins against out-of-state teams in the Nike tournament—has been 52.6 points through Tuesday. They’ve scored 99 points or more five times, with the largest margin of victory being 91 points—102-11 at Vista Grande.

“It’s been hard because we have had to play down to the competition level at times,” said junior guard Shaylee Gonzales, the coach’s daughter. “We can’t play at our best for the entire game most of the time out of respect.”

It means Coach Gonzales has to balance keeping the Wildcats game-ready while keeping in mind there could be backlash for hammering a team. There will come a time when

Mesquite has to play an intense 32 minutes, but in the meantime a big win could cause of rift or embarrass another group of girls.

It’s long been a debate in sports all across the landscape—does the dominant coach or team have any responsibility when it comes to lopsided scores, or is that already taken care of by the running clock rule (the clock doesn’t stop if the lead reaches 30 points in the fourth quarter)? Or is up to the lesser team to compete as hard as it can and know that stepping on the court in a high school game means the opposition is going to do its best to win?

The Wildcats have done their best to balance it by not pressing, passing five times before trying to score and sitting the starting five at various points in the game.

“I manage their minutes, but it is hard because I feel we got where we are in the game because of them. It is only fair that they get minutes, too,”

Gonzales said.

“I may play them for a minute and half in the fourth quarter, but they are definitely not playing the minutes they deserve to play.”

Even so, they are making the most of it. Gonzales averages 6.3 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.8 steals, and fellow junior guard Lindsey Vanallen averages 3.3 assists and 3.3 steals, and they both lead the way in scoring at 19.0 and 16.3 points a game, respectively. Utah transfer Lauren Gustin has been a great addition, especially on the boards, as she averages 16.1 points and 12.8 rebounds.

Hailey Walker (8.4 points), LonNae Johnson (5.7 points), Maggie Herberger (5.0) and Zyan Smith (4.5 points) also play a big role as Mesquite ranks ninth nationally in scoring (78.7) and fourth in assists (22.3).

“Everyone has done a good job of accepting their roles,” the elder Gonzales said. “Our other starters (Walker and Smith) have really come on lately, and contributing every way they can.”

The Wildcats, who only have one senior on the roster, know there are some critics out there, but they are only focused on winning the school’s second team state title and first for a girls team of any kind.

They are even more driven after walking off the court about 11 months ago as state runners-up. Margin of victory at this point doesn’t matter as long as a victory is the outcome.

“You never know what’s going to happen step on the court,” Vanallen said. “We play as hard as we can as a team. We were so close last year, and it’s a feeling we don’t want to have again. Putting a banner up (in the gym) would be the best thing in the world. That’s why we practice so hard every day.”

– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda.

(Larry Mangino/Tribune Staff Photographer))

Mesquite’s style of play and talent level has led to several easy baskets for players like Shaylee Gonzales and blowout victories.

Queen Creek wrestling building toward DII favorite

BY JASON P. SKODA

Tribune Prep Sports Director

The impetus to this year’s breakout season for the Queen Creek wrestling program is twofold.

The second thing is easy to pinpoint, with the two key transfers of Xavier Rico and Matt Saba.

The first, however, backtracks to last year’s state tournament, when the Bulldogs finished fourth in Division II.

“They made up their minds last year after finishing fourth at state,” Bulldogs coach Jacob Goddard said. “They saw the teams ahead of them and knew they were that good.

“It is completely like night and day from last year. They come in, they grind, they work and they don’t settle if things are not right.”

Things are certainly going right on the mat as the Bulldogs finished third at the Flowing Wells Invitational last week as Rico (113) and Saba (182) won championships.

Additionally, Denen Fernandez (138) finished second after giving up the lead

in the final seconds to Seton Catholic’s Jacob Garcia for his first defeat on the season. Dale Banning (220) was fourth and Brady Schall (120) finished fifth.

It was third event in which the Bulldogs had very good showing. They won the Las Cruces Invitational in early December and then finished highest of any Arizona team at the Las Vegas Holiday Tournament, in fifth place. DII contenders Williams Field and Liberty finished ninth and 10th.

Queen Creek just might be the favorites for the DII crown this year, with defending champion Liberty and Williams Field right there as well, when sectionals get underway on Saturday.

“They are the ones earning it,” said Goddard, who is a former state champ for the Bulldogs in 2009. “They deserve what they get now.”

The Bulldogs returned four state placers in Fernandez (second), Brady Schall (third), Christian Reyes (third) and Truen Bowman.

“I had high expectations, and now the kids are starting to see it,” Goddard said.

“They’ve been this good in the room, but

it is different when you step on the mat. Accountability is a huge word in our room. They are all about it. We talk about it all of the time.”

Fernandez has been the leader of it all.

“He does more work than anyone I know,” Goddard said. “It’s not like he just grew into this position. Denen worked over the last few summers.”

Rico has been impressive after coming over from Seton Catholic, while Saba is back with the program after spending last year at Hamilton, but did not wrestle for the Huskies.

He’s back and wrestling well, picking up Outstanding Wrestler at Flowing Wells. Not only is he making a difference, he has seen a difference in the program.

“We’ve come together as a team more,” he said. – Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda.

(Jason P. Skoda/Tribune Prep Sports Director) Queen Creek has been helped out by two transfers, including Xavier Rico (behind) who will be a state title contender at 113 pounds in Division II.

Shift your view from the mountain to the Mountain Maker

MBY DIANE MARKINS Tribune Guest Writer

“All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes.”

– Winston Churchill

aking mistakes and facing challenges is not optional in life. We face them, big and small, on a regular basis. If you see people who appear to float through life unscathed, look closer.

Some people have a way of always looking fresh and cool, nothing ruffles them. More faith? Possibly. More

trying desperately to find a way forward right now. The courage and energy it takes to just keep going (and even breathing) is staggering.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever gotten was from Pastor Michael Tucker (21stCenturyMinistries.org) years ago.

He told me that I was making a particular challenge into the focal point of my existence; a “mountain” of which I was relating a timeline of my life, the way things were “before” and “after” this incident.

Instead of the experiences of my life being on a straight line, there was this giant hump that stood out in bleak

blessings? Maybe. Better ability to suck it up and not let it show? Likely.

The challenges I’ve encountered in my life have varied from fighting for my kids (sometimes fighting with my kids), a rough patch in my marriage, a time in my youth of near-poverty, loss of loved ones and a few hurtful moments with close friends.

I find that the most difficult to recover from are those I’ve caused. And to be honest, I tend to usually point a finger at myself first, even when it may not be rightly deserved.

Moving on to the next “thing” in life can feel impossible when we are mired down with a challenge like the death of a loved one or an important relationship in crisis.

I know some people who are standing in front of those giant stone walls and

contrast. He told me to “Level the Mountain.” Stop making this one awful thing into such a defining point in my life and my future.

It takes time and deliberate action to survive some of the challenges in our lives. Keep moving forward if you are faced with a challenge right now. God will help you find a way around, over or through that fortress wall in front of you.

In time, you will be on the other side, then you can focus on leveling it into just another one of the challenges you’ve overcome. Shift your view from the mountain to the Mountain Mover and your forward progress won’t be such an uphill climb.

- Diane Markins of Ahwatukee is an inspirational speaker and author, helping people transform to a joy-filled life at dianemarkins.com.

Fans watch the action on the 16th hole during the third round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, at TPC Scottsdale.

Phoenix Open returns, bringing golf, parties and tourism

BY TIM J. RANDALL Tribune Contributing Writer

Waste Management Phoenix Open chairman Andy Markham contends that Scottsdale is a great golf town. His tournament builds on that belief by bringing tourists and Arizonans from the East Valley and beyond to enjoy golf, food and music Monday, Jan. 30, to Monday, Feb. 6.

“We provide a really great time and have incredible corporate and municipal partners,” Markham says. “The event brings people out in droves. It is the place to be in the Southwest at that time of year.”

Now in its 31st year at TPC Scottsdale, the Waste Management Phoenix Open has a long and storied history of phenomenal golf dating back to the 1930s.

“The event was started by the Thunderbirds, a local community organization, to promote the Valley of Sun

through sports,” Markham says. “Through the years, it became a hit with celebrities, golf professionals and fans.”

That is an understatement, as Markham anticipates that the 2017 event, dubbed the “The Greatest Show on Grass,” will draw record crowds of more than 600,000— despite a confl ict.

“The fi nal round of the tournament will again fall on Super Bowl Sunday,” Markham says. “That makes for a good, fun and festive week.”

The roster of past winners is a who’s who of golfi ng legends including Arnold Palmer, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller. In the TPC era, greats such as Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh and Tom Lehman have prevailed. In recent years, the next generation of talent has hoisted the championship trophy, as did last year’s victor, 24-year-old Hideki Matsuyama.

“We want patrons to have the opportunity to see the best players in the world,” says

Markham, who is a Thunderbird. “We are going to continue to see a great fi eld this year.”

That great fi eld includes last year’s sixthplace fi nisher Will Wilcox.

“I’ll remember that week last year for the rest of my life for a few reasons,” Wilcox says. “First, it’s not often when you get to play in front of a crowd that makes you feel like you’re a quarterback in the Super Bowl or pitcher in the World Series. You defi nitely get that feeling at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

“That crowd is incredible and so into it. I was also putting so well that week last year. I fi nished seventh in putting distance. The greens were great. It was just an overall great week, and I’m thrilled to have fi nished inside the top 10.”

Attendees understand that there is more to the Phoenix Open than golf; the atmosphere is a compelling draw. Whether it is the Coors Light Birds Nest, the event’s

IF YOU GO

Where: TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale

When: Monday, Jan. 30, to Monday, Feb. 6, Times vary

Cost: Starts at $40

More info: wmphoenixopen.com, coorslightbirdsnest.com

music series, or the electrifying Par 3 16th hole that defi nes energy and passion for raucous fans, the emotion is palpable throughout tournament week.

“This year, the Birds Nest over four days will have eight headliner acts,” Markham says. “This year will have six expanded skybox areas around the 15th and 16th holes and 350 new bleacher seats. We also will enlarge the 2016 Bay Club area.”

The environment has become more vibrant since Tiger Woods’ famous 16th hole ace in 1997. Incredible noise and energy fl owed down from the stands.

“We are very careful to balance the golf with the party fun,” Markham says. “We have great fans and we make sure that everyone has a good time and a few attendees do not ruin it for everyone.”

It seems that there is no stopping the momentum of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Each year the Thunderbirds, sponsors and partners outdo themselves to provide the world’s best golfers with the canvas to dazzle patrons, while also catering to guests who want the entire entertainment experience.

“In the last fi ve years, we have expanded the 16th hole skyboxes from 240 to 270,” Markham says. “I wish I had a crystal ball to tell you what the event will look like in the next fi ve years. Our team gets creative and when there is demand we will fi gure out the supply.”

One such interesting evolution could potentially be the addition of the adjacent Champions Course to the tournament to broaden the player fi eld and enliven the Pro-Am.

It is not just the fans who win at the annual event. In 2016, the Thunderbirds raised $9.3 million for charities, making the total amount of $111 million over the life of the tournament, according to its website.

“This is the people’s open,” Markham says. “We have great fans, a great tourney, great weather and a great time.”

(Chris Condon/PGA TOUR)

Move over Whoopi: East Valley company stages ‘Sister Act’ musical

By Get Out Staff

Starring Whoopi Goldberg as lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier in an unconventional witness protection program, Maggie Smith as the stern but caring Mother Superior, a cast of colorful nuns and a soundtrack of dynamite oldies, 1992’s “Sister Act” could arguably be considered a classic—or, at the least, highly entertaining.

Fourteen years later, “Sister Act” reappeared as a musical, dropping the familiar movie songs in favor of original disco-infused numbers from lyricist Glenn Slater (“The Little Mermaid” musical)

IF YOU GO

Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 East Main St., Mesa

When: Wednesday-Sunday, Feb. 1-5

Cost: $17

More info: 480-644-6500 or mesaartscenter.com

and composer Alan Menken (“The Little Mermaid,” “Newsies”). Review were generally positive, and from 2011 to 2012 it even ran on Broadway.

Now, the musical version comes to the Mesa Arts Center for its first-ever Valley performance by a local company, thanks to Gilbert’s Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy, Limelight Performing Arts and a cast of 30 teenagers.

“Our actors rehearsed throughout their winter vacations and all this month singing and dancing to bring this uplifting story to the stage,” says Emma England, the owner and Artistic Director of Studio 3. She also co-choreographed and co-directed the show with Marie South of Limelight Youth Theatre.

For the actors, the show creates personal connections, despite the fact that they’re nearly 10 years younger than the original movie.

Phoebe Koyabe of Chandler says of her role as Deloris Van Cartier, “I like playing a character with a lot of stamina, who has a deeper character than meets the eye.”

Likewise, Gillian Elliot of Gilbert enjoys

the part of Mother Superior because she gets to be “stern and British the entire time.” This also happens to be one of her favorite shows.

Playing the part of the initially timid Sister Mary Robert, Lina Cappellano of Chandler found a deeper meaning. Sadly, her father passed away from illness two months before rehearsals started, and she had a hard time just getting out of bed to practice.

However, the show eventually got her back on her feet.

“Now, I realize that it’s better than not doing what I love,” she says. “And I know when we open the show, my dad will have the best seat in the house.”

The musical opens Wednesday, Feb. 1, and England promises “a feel-good show that we know will get audiences of all ages rocking in their seats.”

(Tribune News Service)

“Sister Act” stars, from left, Gillian Elliot, Ryann Neubauer, Phoebe Koyabe and Lina Cappellano.

Twistin’ Time is Here

Chubby Checker boasts his show is ‘the best’

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Tribune Contributing Writer

Rock ‘n’ roll legend Chubby Checker is sure that his show is the best that any music fan will see.

“I don’t care who you see—whether it’s someone who makes $1 million a night or $20 a night—my show is the best show you’re ever going to see,” Checker says.

Calling from Pennsylvania, “The Twist” singer is so sure that he doesn’t need to explain his reasoning.

“Because it’s the best show you’re ever going to see,” he says. “Other people get their music played and perform in front of thousands of people.

it’s been that way for a very long time.”

Concert goers can see for themselves when Checker performs at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live Showroom on Friday, Feb. 3. Playing in front of his fans is “the greatest feeling” for him.

“This has been going on since I’ve been in the 11th grade when I had the song ‘The Class,’” Checker says. “That was before ‘The Twist.’ My ﬁrst song was No. 34 on the charts, so I was spoiled immediately.”

When his two subsequent songs failed to live up to their expectations, Checker begged his mom to talk to God.

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service, the differences between cremation and interment, and provide you with a wealth of additional options including beautiful touches such as a release of white doves after the service.

I have the best show that’s on stage, and

“I told her I was a has-been already,” says Checker, the father of former Phoenix Mercury player Mistie Bass. “She always had a hookup with God. She said he had a vision that I was going to make a song that was going to cover the whole Earth. It wasn’t going to be my song, but I would be famous.”

A record company then called and asked him to cover Hank Ballard’s “The Twist.”

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“By the time I was graduating, the song was being played on the radio and the whole world was going to change because of it,” Checker says. “People don’t realize the power of that song. It changed the dance ﬂoor like Edison changed the lights in the room, or Alexander Graham Bell changed the way people talked to each other.”

IF YOU GO

Where: Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler

When: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3

Cost: $29-$70

More info: 800-946-4452 or wingilariver.com

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from page 22

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Community Education

A family funeral home takes services a step further by offering education before a loss as well as caring and compassion during a period of mourning. Funeral directors and their team will help you understand the meaning of different parts of the memorial

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ACROSS

1 Stomach muscles

4 Graceful sprite

8 Wise one

12 Promise

13 Surrounded by

14 From the beginning

15 Mound stat

16 Make more acceptable

18 Picture puzzle

20 Thee

21 Sharp turns

24 Horse’s call

28 Drool

32 Unrivaled

33 Hearty brew

34 Beethoven’s “Fuer --”

36 Pitch

37 Campus mil. org.

39 Part

41 Man of morals?

43 Mediocre

44 Workweek end (Abbr.)

46 Poisonous

50 Asphyxiate

55 Cattle call?

56 Capri or Wight

57 Always

58 Puncturing tool

59 Bygone comedian Martha

60 College VIP

61 Blue

DOWN

1 State with certainty

2 Use a drill

3 Use a mop

4 Lethargic

5 Ostrich’s cousin

6 Cage component

7 Without doing anything

8 Justice Alito

9 Literary collection

10 Obtain

11 Ram’s mate

17 Charged bit

19 Submachine gun

22 Guys’ dates

23 Pigs’ digs

25 Tittle

26 Summertime pest

27 Present

28 Poet Teasdale

29 Lotion additive

30 “-- Make a Deal”

31 Hockey legend Phil, to fans

35 Oriental

38 Morning stimulant

40 Kanga’s kid

King Crossword

42 Expert

45 On the rocks

47 Grand opening day?

48 Midwest state

49 45-Down, perhaps

50 Knightly address

51 Mex. neighbor

52 Aviate

53 “Hail!”

54 Alternative to 38-Down

Sudoku

Life Events

Obituaries

EDMONDSON, Roger Duane

n February 26, 1944 Roger Edmondson of Mesa Aria passed away December 25, 2016 surrounded by family

orn February 26, 1944 Roger Edmondson of Mesa Ariona passed away December 25, 2016 surrounded by s family

er was preceded in death by his parents Elton and Edmondson and sister Virginia Kiplinger Roger is vived by his sister Marge (Terry) Hurley, son Steve ne), daughter Suzanne Edmondson, granddaughter on, as well as many nieces and nephews, Pat Byrd ught the world of

oger was preceded in death by his parents Elton and nn Edmondson and sister Virginia Kiplinger Roger is urvived by his sister Marge (Terry) Hurley, son Steve anne), daughter Suzanne Edmondson, granddaughter dson, as well as many nieces and nephews, Pat Byrd and friends he thought the world of

LEONARDSON, Gladys Marie

May 5th, 1931 to January 20th, 2017

LEONARDSON, Gladys Marie

May 5th, 1931 to January 20th, 2017

Gladys is a kind soft-spoken woman who loves the Lord She was born o n M a y 5 t h , 1

2017 at her home in Mesa Blessed over the years with two devoted sisters, three marriages to husbands she adored, six children, twelve g r a n d c h

Gladys is a kind soft-spoken woman who loves the Lord She was born o n M a y 5

2017 at her home in Mesa. Blessed over the years with two devoted sisters, three marriages to husbands she adored, six children, twelve g r a

f r i e n d s

Gladys enjoyed many special moments i n life As a mother, she was very involved with Scout programs and spent many of her years on field trips, creating crafts and other noteworthy volunteer activities She truly loved watching each of her children grow into adulthood and was their biggest fans cheering them on to always follow their dreams When asked, “What do you love or enjoy most in life?” Gladys replied, “I loved each of my husbands at the time I was married to them I am close to m y s i s t e

g r a n d c h

Gladys enjoyed many special moments i n life As a mother, she was very involved with Scout programs and spent many of her years on field trips, creating crafts and other noteworthy volunteer activities She truly loved watching each of her children grow into adulthood and was their b i g g e s t f a n s c h e e r i n g t h e m o n t o a l w a y s f o l l o w t h e i r d r e a m s W h e n

asked, “What do you love or enjoy most in life?” Gladys replied, “I loved each of my husbands at the time I was married to them I am close to m y s i s t e r s a n d l o v e m y c h i l d r e n

Gladys has left a legacy behind that will be forever cherished Her family and friends are thankful for each of the moments they were able to share with such an enlightening soul Together they pray for her to rest in eternal peace with her heavenly father

V i s

Sign the Guestbook at: www.EastValleyTribune.com

SUNDQUIST, Leroy Kedrick

Surrounded by his family Lee, 79, went to be with his S

Sign the Guestbook at: www EastValleyTribune com

forever cherished and dearly loved by his two daughters Katy and Krissy, nine grandchildren, his sister Doris, and his beloved nieces Welcoming him into Heaven are both of his parents, Ernest and Mildred, together with brothers Charlie and Dexter, and sister Pearl A m

SUNDQUIST, Leroy Kedrick

Trinity Baptist Church at 4:00pm on Saturday, February 11th Friends are in amily as we celebrate Lee and the generous love he d ll around him

Surrounded by his family Lee, 79, went to be with his S

Please sign the Guestbook at eastvalleytribune.com

Trinity Baptist Church at 4:00pm on Saturday, February 11th Friends are invited to join the family as we celebrate Lee and the generous love he demonstrated to all around him

Please sign the Guestbook at eastvalleytribune.com

For every offer that is published in the classiﬁeds, there is a reader out there someplace that is looking for just that offer. –Richard Clark 480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

HUMAC has multiple openings for Software Engineer (SE) & Operations Research Analyst (ORA) in Phoenix, AZ SE & ORA candidates reqs Masters degree/US equiv and/or bachelors degree + 5 yrs exp SE reqs skills in SQL, Oracle, J2EE,JSP, SAP, JAVA, & UNIX; ORA reqs skills in WebLogic, ClearCase, Oracle JAVA, & UNIX to analyze/dsgn/ dev/ implement/ test systems & applics

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IntraEdge has multiple openings for Software Engineer (SE), Operations Research Analyst (ORA), and Programmer Analyst (PA) positions at different levels in Chandler, AZ PA candidates req BS/BE degree/US equiv; ORA & SE candidates req Masters degree/US equiv and/or bachelors degree + 5 yrs exp, w/ skills in C, SQL, Oracle, J2EE, SAP, JAVA, JSP,UNIX to analyze/dsgn/dev/ implement/test systems & applics.

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The available positions are full time and part time, janitor positions starting at $10 25/hour and day porter positions starting at $11 00/hr If interested please apply in person at ACE Building Maintenance 7020 N 55th Ave Glendale AZ 85301 (623) 937-3727

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The Arizona Republic wants to contract you to deliver newspaper on the weekends in the East Valley and Apache Junction For additional details, contact Bob Griner at 602-444-4069 or rgriner@republicmedia. com

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Garage Sales/ Bazaars

“Mark your calendar!” TRAIL RIDERS RANCH ANNUAL WHITE

ELEPHANT SALE

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begins at 10 am

Warner Rd Tempe AZ 85284