East Valley Tribune: Gilbert Edition - Feb. 5, 2017

The Demons and Headhunters square up in an Arizona Football League game. As the NFL wraps its season today with Super Bowl Sunday, semipro organizations in the East Valley are just starting theirs.

One last chance in semipro football Athletes pay for a final

run at glory

There’s no question that these guys are in it for the love of the game.

BY RALPH ZUBIATE Tribune Executive Editor

In Houston today, the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons will play before 72,000 people in NRG Stadium while seeking football’s ultimate prize: a Super Bowl championship.

The winning players will get $97,000 each for the day, and the losers do pretty well, too, earning $49,000. That’s not counting the high-dollar contracts players have anyway.

MORE INSIDE:

Semipro football leagues and teams dot the East Valley, and as the NFL wraps up, these warriors are just getting started. Players pay to join, and must assemble their own equipment, new or second-hand.

The leagues, which attract all ages, are populated with wanna-bes and neverweres, and those just itching to finally win a championship.

Big day for caterers, party rentals ...........................Page 3

Leibo: Worst ads you'll see today ........................Page 20

In the East Valley, some football players are paying up to $500 a year for the privilege of getting knocked around before sparse numbers of family and friends in the stands.

Ben Burnell plays with the East Valley Warlords. The team plays in the Arizona Gridiron Football League.

“I’ve been playing football since I was 9 years old,” said Burnell, who is 27 now. “Since high school, I’ve only had two or three

Legislator from Mesa narrows attempt to stop texting and driving

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

State lawmakers are moving to keep cellphones out of the hands of the newest drivers while behind the wheel.

But the practice apparently will remain legal for the other 5 million Arizona motorists and anyone else who drive in the state.

Members of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure voted 6-1 Tuesday to spell out that those with instructional permits cannot use hand-held devices for any reason at all. That includes not only texting but also talking on the phone.

SB 1080 also extends that restriction to those with a Class G license—the first license available to teens—for the first six months they on the road.

But Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, said he will not give a hearing this year to either SB 1049 or SB 1135, much broader measures.

The former, crafted by Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, would making texting and messaging using hands illegal for anyone behind the wheel, regardless of age. The other from Steve Farley, D-Tucson, also applies to all motorists but is more comprehensive, covering not only texting and messaging but also requiring the use of a hands-free device to make a call.

Worsley, however, said he wants to take baby steps.

“We’re going to start and see how this goes,” he said, with SB 1080 covering only about 1 percent of those licensed in the state.

“I’m going to learn kind of what the issues are this year on this one,” Worsley explained. “And then we’ll expand from there if it goes well.”

SB 1080 is being shepherded through the process by Sen. Karen Fann, R-Prescott, who sponsored similar measures in prior years

(Kevin Pakos/Tribune News Service)

Kyrene middle-school students to see major changes

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Managing Editor

Kyrene School Superintendent

Jan Vesely is rolling out a plan to revamp the district’s middle schools.

It is designed to improve students’ academic performance, make them more self-reliant and give them greater freedom to pursue studies in areas that interest them.

It also involves a significant overhaul of the district’s athletic program to increase the options and opportunities for students, will provide more intensive intervention for students struggling academically, and make grading and academic programs more consistent among all six middle schools.

The rollout coincides with the release on Feb. 14 of a comprehensive districtwide audit by a consulting firm that examined “our policies, organizational relationships, administrative functions, budgeting and curriculum design,” Vesely said in a letter to parents. She said that rather than trying to

find additional money for the middleschool redesign, “We will focus on decentralizing our operations at the district office and re-dedicate more resources towards schools and classrooms in support of student learning.”

such as providing additional help for students who are struggling academically.

But because the district is still mapping out the implementation of the plan, to be largely implemented by August, it is not known if the plan will involve only

Christie McDougall, director of the district instructional services, said the middle school overhaul will require the transfer of some teachers into new roles,

Us

transfers of non-teaching staffers or their replacement.

Part of the middle-school redesign was already unveiled last month when

Each informational presentation is also the perfect time to learn about Savanna House—an all-new, service-rich supportive senior living community fully licensed for assisted living and memory care.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017 • 5 to 7 p.m.

The Falls Event Center

4635 E Baseline Rd • Gilbert, AZ 85234

After the Dementia Diagnosis

Presented by Brian Browne, Dementia Care Education and Outreach for Banner Alzheimer’s Institute.

Coping techniques and other caregiving strategies to help you and your loved one retain a sense of identity.

RSVP by Monday, February 13 to (480) 418-1768.

Hurry! Refreshments will be served, but seating is limited. RSVP for each event you plan to attend to secure your spot.

Thursday, February 16, 2017 • 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Zappones Italian Bistro

1652 N. Higley Rd, Suite 103 • Gilbert, AZ 85234

Neighborhood Happy Hour. Drop by to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and a chance to hear about your new neighbor.

RSVP by Monday, February 13 to (480) 418-1768.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017 • 6 to 8 p.m.

Residence Inn Marriott

3021 E Banner Gateway Drive • Gilbert, AZ 85234

Estate Planning Mythbusters. Presented by Becky Cholewka. Separate facts from fiction when it comes to estate planning.

RSVP by Thursday, February 16 to (480) 418-1768.

the board approved the introduction of International Baccalaureate program at Kyrene Middle School and converting Kyrene Traditional Academy in Chandler into a campus that has classes from prekindergarten to eighth grade.

Currently offered at more than 1,370 schools in the U.S., the IB program is world-renown for its high standards and emphasis on creative and critical thinking. IB students are responsible for their own learning, choosing topics and devising projects while teachers act more as supervisors or mentors.

The IB program is the most challenging of three new intensive “student agency” programs that will be offered to all students, depending on what middle school they attend.

But all three programs share some similarities and a common purpose, McDougall said: Help students develop their “executive skills” that help them identify what they need, and set goals and formulate a way to achieve them. They also help a student develop leadership skills and their ability to work with others.

(Tribune News Service)

Kyrene students posted their ideas for the suggestions middle-school redesign on poster boards so that administrators and children could track the suggestions.

THE SUNDAY

Tribune

The East Valley Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in singlecopy locations throughout the East Valley. To fi nd out where you can pick up a free copy of the Tribune, please visit www.EastValleyTribune.com.

Times Media Group: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219 Tempe, Arizona, 85282

CONTACT INFORMATION

Main number: 480-898-6500

Advertising: 480-898-5624

Circulation service: 480-898-5641

Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine

ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT

Local Advertising Sales: Ryan Brown | 480-898-6482 | rbrown@evtrib.com Kimberly James | 480-898-5652 | kjames@timespublications.com

Classifieds/Inside Sales:

Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@evtrib.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@evtrib.com

Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 ldionisio@evtrib.com

Director of National Advertising: Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 zac@evtrib.com

National Account Coordinator: Patty Dixie | 480-898-5940 | pdixie@evtrib.com

Major Account Sales: Terry Davenport | 480-898-6323 | tdavenport@evtrib.com NEWS DEPARTMENT

Editor in Chief: Roberta J. Peterson | 480-898-5638 | rpeterson@timespublications.com

Executive Editor: Ralph Zubiate | 480-898-6825 | rzubiate@timespublications.com

Managing Editors: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryinak@timespublications.com Lee Shappell | 480-898-5614 | lshappell@timespublications.com

Reporters: Shelley Ridenour | 480-898-6533 | sridenour@evtrib.com Mike Butler | 480-898-5630 mbutler@timespublications.com Madison Rutherford | 480-898-5629 | mrutherford@timespublications.com Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@timespublications.com

Prep Sports Director: Jason P. Skoda | 480-898-6581 | jskoda@evtrib.com

GetOut Editor: Justin Ferris | 480-898-5621 | jferris@timespublications.com

Photographer: Larry Mangino | lmangino@timespublications.com

Art Director: Erica Odello | 480-898-5616 | erica@timespublications.com

Designers:

Ruth Carlton | 480-898-5644 | rcarlton@timespublications.com

Christy Byerly | 480-898-5651 | christy@timespublications.com

Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 | production@timespublications.com

Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Tribune assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement.

Party rentals, caterers set up for Super-big event

BY MIKE BUTLER Tribune Staff Writer

Although the Super Bowl is being played 1,200 miles down the road in Houston, the game is giving a super-sized boost to Tempe-based Kool Party Rentals and the restaurants that are providing catered and take-out food for the many thousands of viewing parties in the East Valley.

Jack Weiner, owner of Kool Party Rentals (or, as they advertise, “kool. Party Rentals”), said he’s supplying furniture, bar set-ups and other accessories for several dozen high-end corporate and residential viewing parties this weekend.

“This is one of our biggest weekends of the year for sure,” he said.

Many of those parties are taking place at TPC Scottsdale, site of the Phoenix Open, which once again this year concludes just before kickoff, unless there’s a lengthy playoff. That happened in 2009, causing spectators to miss the beginning of the game featuring the Arizona Cardinals.

Weiner said he supplied the chairs, tables and bars for the elevated VIP cabanas at the Birds Nest, which rent for $30,000. He also outfitted a number of other corporate and private tents at the event.

Weiner said some of his homeowner clients move their furniture out for the day so he can create sleek, temporary nightclubs. Viewing parties often extend to the backyard with the addition of tents.

“Many clients have very specific ideas,” he explained. “People are starting to get into design and decor. Others say this is my budget, this is my room—do it.”

Since starting up Kool in 2006, Weiner has added warehouses in Palm Springs, Las Vegas and Hawaii to

Clients often ask Kool to decorate their backyards or, in this case, hotel pool. The fi rm uses rechargeable wireless LED lights to eliminate cords.

keep up with demand. He has 50,000 square feet to store his products, which need to be constantly repaired and replenished with the latest styles.

Outside of the Super Bowl, weddings are the bread and butter of the business.

Weiner and his team created an elegant and magical setting for the 2011 wedding reception of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and Amy Harlan and their 650 guests.

“It’s a fun business,” Weiner said. “I get to go to a lot of really cool events.”

Joey Maggiore, of Maggiore Group Catering and Maggiore Culinary Concepts, said the Super Bowl is a poor dining-out day compared to New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. But East Valley restaurants more than make up for it with catering and take-out orders.

“People want to be in the comfort of their

homes,” he said, “but they also want to impress their guests with as little effort as possible. It’s a big process to host a party in general. We do the work for them, they get to enjoy the great food. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

It’s quite a different story in a year when the big game is being played in the Valley, he said. There’s a huge influx of tourists, and even locals tend to make a week of it. “It’s just not one day of increased sales,” Maggiore said.

That’s why he’s looking forward to the Final Four—the NCAA men’s 2017 college basketball championship. The three games will be played April 1 and April 3 at University of Phoenix Stadium, but there will be a bunch of fun events Friday through Sunday, including the free March Madness Music Festival at Margaret T. Hance Park.

The National Retail Federation expects the average American football fan to spend $75 on food, alcohol, party decorations and accessories on this year’s Super Bowl, for a total of $14.1 billion. That would be down from the $82/$15.5 billion spent last year.

The NRF’s annual Super Bowl Spending Survey of 7,591 consumers also found that about 43 percent of viewers say the most important part of the party is the game itself; 24 percent are there for the commercials; 15 percent just want to hang out with friends; and 12 percent say the halftime show is their top highlight.

(Tribune News Service)

SEMIPRO

from page 1

week,” she said.

There are younger players, too. Homeschooled students don’t usually have an outlet for sports, so some have ended up with the Warlords.

“Home-schooled kids who are in high school don’t have a team to play for. Their parents will allow them to come to us and play competitive football,” Zupan said.

The Arizona Gridiron Football League has teams all over the Valley, as well as down in Tucson, in Prescott and northeastern Arizona. Locally, the league plays games in high school stadiums, such as Williams Field High in Gilbert.

Chasing the dream

Kevin Pakos is president of the Arizona Football League, another group that starts play in February.

“Our motto on our website is ‘Keeping the dream alive,’” he said. “The dream for football players is to put the pads on again, to rejoin the brotherhood.”

“A buddy of mine played for the Warlords while I was in the Navy, and told me about them. I played for them last year. They really are a great organization.”

There are many reasons why people would endure practices and games long after many others have hung up their cleats.

“There are a lot of guys who are trying to move up to the next level,” Burnell said. “I just like to keep playing.”

Burnell is chasing his first championship at any level.

“That’s a big part of what keeps me going,” he said. “If we win the championship this year, I’m going to hang it up and not play anymore.”

Burnell knows how difficult it is to play at any level, and says that sometimes pros get unfairly slammed. He knows that a player during the Super Bowl today will make a mistake and will have to endure criticism.

“It bothers me when people say this guy on this pro team stinks, that they’re not really good,” he said. “It’s not true. When you’re on an NFL roster, you’re not bad at football.”

There is a dividing line between those pros and players like Burnell, though.

“They could complain a little bit less about the money they’re making,” he said. “Their minimum salary is half a million dollars.”

Even though he isn’t getting the big bucks—or any bucks—Burnell says he’s happy playing.

“To me, it’s worth it to play,” he said. “Football’s always been part of my life, and I don’t really know what I’d do without it.”

Owner’s growing hobby

Nikki Zupan has co-owned the Warlords the past three years, and has been with the team for eight years in all.

“This is somewhere between a hobby and a business,” she said. Assistant coach Jonathon Roundtree is another owner.

“I started off just helping them out with social media, getting their name out and finding players,” Zupan said.

She said that although some teams are more for fun, the Warlords are a developmental team. They try to get their players connected with colleges and pro leagues, such as the Canadian Football League and various indoor leagues.

Pakos says the options are limited for all but the best players. After high school, there is college for a few talented players, and the pros for even fewer, but the majority never play again.

TEXTING

from page 1 seasons I haven’t played.

when she was in the House.

“I was one of those kids who came out of Glendale College and never went further. I wondered what could happen if I could keep playing,” Pakos said.

“For our players, this is for fun. That’s why we do it.”

Some get a little more than fun out of it. Siaha Burley played in the Arizona Football League, and went on to play Arena football with the Arizona Rattlers and Orlando Predators.

Deuce Lutui played in the league, too, before going on to junior college and then USC and a pro career with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.

Fann said what she’s trying to do is not a big stretch. She pointed out there already are restrictions on Class G drivers, ranging from having no more than one unrelated teen in the vehicle to a ban on driving between midnight and 5 a.m. without a parent present unless it’s for something like going to work.

The texting and talking ban, Fann said, fits right in.

“The sole purpose is these young people need to be concentrating, not be distracted by others in the car, by other things going on,” she said. “They need to learn good driving habits.”

At Tuesday's hearing, Sen. Juan Mendez, D-Tempe, was the only member of the committee to vote against the measure as not going far enough. He said he has worked with high school students.

"I don't understand the idea of telling them that they can't do something at this age but at this next age it's OK,'' Mendez said. "I feel like they don't listen to that.''

“We’re looking for those guys who maybe need another year or two of seasoning after high school,” Zupan said.

Although the median age of the league’s players is 23, not all of them are trying for the big leagues.

“Some guys are older and just looking to stay active. Some are just looking to get out of the house for a few hours a

The semipro leagues offer chances for more than men over college age.

“We have women coaching and playing,” Pakos said. “One player, Lynn Autry, played with her husband Byron.”

All that is fine, Pakos said, but busting barriers is not the reason for the game.

“We want to be more than a weekend warrior game,” he said. “We know the players have a passion for the game.”

Sen. Lisa Otondo, D-Yuma, agreed that she wants a more comprehensive measure. But she said that does not justify killing this bill.

"At the end of the day, I believe this bill will save a life,'' Otondo said, saying it serves its purpose if it saves even one life.

The measure still needs approval by the full Senate before going to the House.

(Capitol News Service)

Sen. Bob Worsley, R-Mesa, said he doesn't want to consider a wide-ranging ban on texting while driving just yet.

(Will Powers/Photographer)

Ben Burnell and other East Valley Warlords lift team co-owner Nikki Zupan. She's been with the team for eight years.

(Will Powers/Photographer)

Ben Burnell works out with the East Valley Warlords at the practice facility at Garza Elementary School in Phoenix.

Untold story of Pima Marine shared at Chandler Library

Ira Hamilton Hayes, a Native American marine, was one of six servicemen in a famous photo of a fl ag being raised in Iwo Jima during World War II. Retired Maj. Urban Giff will share Hayes' story at the Chandler Library on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 10:30 a.m.

More details on the event, “From Gila River to Iwo Jima: The Untold Story of Ira Hayes,” are at chandlerlibrary.org.

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Desert Woodcarving Show and Sale in Mesa Centennial Hall

Expert woodcarvings and sculptures will be on display Saturday, Feb. 11, at Mesa’s Centennial Hall.

The judged competition is open to participants and the public. Some participants will have their work for sale.

Admission for the weekend is $10, and parking is free. For more information, visit desertwoodcarvingshow.com

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Chandler Recreation Division offers ‘Homeschool Day’

The Environmental Education Center is hosting a “Homeschool Day” for students in Chandler.

From 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9, students ages 5-17 can participate in learning activities with a focus on science. “Students will study how insects are a benefi t to the environment and to humans,” said Ariane Francis, a Recreation Coordinator at the EEC. The fee for the program is $6 for Chandler residents and $9 for non-residents. To book a reservation, contact Francis at 480-782-2886 or by email at ariane.francis@ chandleraz.gov.

Earth & Space Open House features telescopes at ASU

The technology behind telescopes will be explored at Arizona State University on Friday, Feb. 10.

ASU Earth & Space Open House will also feature experts in astrobiology, geology, cosmology and planetary science. A keynote lecture, “Hubble, James Webb, and the Bright Future of Big Telescopes,” will be presented by ASU astronomy professor James Rhoads at 8:15 p.m. in the Marston Exploration Theater. Two 3-D planetarium shows will take place in the theater at 7:15 and 9:15 p.m. Weather permitting, there will be a telescope viewing from 8 to 10 p.m.

The open house runs from 7 to 10 p.m. in the ISTB4 Building, 781 E. Terrace Mall, on the ASU Tempe Campus, at Rural and Terrace Roads. Parking is available in the adjacent ASU parking garage. The building is just south of the Rural/Terrace Valley Metro Rail stop.

For more information, call 480-965-5081 or go to openhouse.sese.asu.edu.

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Mesa CC hosts 14th Annual Rose Auction

More than 120 types of roses are up for sale at the 14th Annual Rose Auction in Mesa.

Mesa Community College is home to the largest rose garden in the Desert Southwest and includes rare roses.

Doors open at noon on Thursday, Feb. 9, and admission is free. More information is at roses4az-mevrs.org.

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival makes stop in Chandler

The 21st Annual Greater Phoenix Jewish Film Festival will show movies at Harkins Chandler Fashion 20 from Feb. 12 to 26.

In all, 18 features and seven shorts will be shown in theaters throughout the Valley.

In Chandler, the fi lms “Rosenwald,” “On the Map,” “Remember,” “Wunderkinder,” “Fever at Dawn,” “Kapo in Jerusalem,” “Sabena Hijacking” and “Moos” will be shown.

Ticket prices will be $11 for adults ($13 at the door) and $7 for students. A festival pass is $150.

For the full list of fi lms and venues, go to gpjff.org.

– RALPH ZUBIATE, TRIBUNE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cubs plan Mesa celebration, viewing of World Series trophy

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

The Chicago Cubs will kick off their first Cactus League as World Champions with a rally that will allow their fans in the East Valley to see their long-awaited World Series trophy.

Details on the rally are still in a planning stage, but it will be held on Feb. 24 at Mesa’s Sloan Park, the team’s spring training home, from noon to 4 p.m. Manager Joe Maddon and several players are expected to attend, with long lines to see the trophy likely, making an early arrival imperative.

“If you are a Chicago Cubs fan, you don’t want to miss it,” Mesa Mayor John Giles said after announcing the free rally as his last item in the annual State of the City address sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce.

Giles said the city realizes that every

game at Sloan Park will be a sellout this year. The Cubs staged a historic World Series victory in 2016 after a seemingly endless 108-year wait.

“We will do everything we can to capitalize on that,” Giles said, with spring tourism still an important part of Mesa’s increasingly diversified economy.

Mike Lufrano, the Cubs’ executive vice president, appeared at the breakfast and thanked Mesa for its support in winning approval to build Sloan Park, despite the Great Recession. He was the team’s main point man in the successful election drive.

Lufrano said that having the best spring facilities was one factor in the team’s championship season.

“Our intent is to thank our fans and the people of Mesa who have supported us all of these years,” he said. “I think it will be a big celebration.”

Lufrano noted that the trophy has been on a grand tour since the World

• Immediate results that last

• Dramatic reduction of underarm sweat

• Non-invasive, in-office procedure with minimal to no downtime

• FDA cleared

• Toxin-free, no need for endless treatments

• No need for ineffective antiperspirants Call Dr. Hiatt at 480-844-1410 to schedule your appointment!

As the Chicago Cubs get ready to start Spring Training at Sloan Park again, a rally will welcome the team's World Series trophy.

Series and is on display today in Iowa. He said the trophy will make 100 stops by the time it arrives in Mesa to start the 2017 Cactus League season in a very special way.

When the Cubs notified Mesa that the team needed a new stadium in 2005, said, “we said we needed to up our game,” Lufrano said. “We said we could do it together. We created the best facility in baseball for spring training.”

Sloan Park has been a huge hit in Mesa, with sellouts for the vast majority of games. The new version of Riverview Park next door, at Rio Salado Parkway and Dobson Road, has also been wellreceived. A Sheraton hotel also was built near both facilities.

Lufrano cautioned fans to turn out early to view the trophy. He said fans have camped out overnight in other locations for an opportunity to see it.

(Tribune File Photo)

Plumber found guilty of stealing from customers, company

Michael Duane Mullett has been found guilty of multiple counts of fraud and theft after a scheme to steal almost $17,000 from Lawson Family Plumbing, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced the verdict.

From April to August of 2014, Mullett had Lawson customers pay him directly and would deposit those checks into his personal bank account. Mullett’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 3.

– RYAN CLARKE, TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

$1,000 offered for info on menorah vandalism

Silent Witness is offering up to $1,000 for information about a menorah in Chandler that was disfi gured into a swastika.

The vandalism occurred during the fi nal days of Hanukkah.

Naomi and Seth Ellis of Chandler found that their front-yard menorah had been turned into a swastika on Dec. 30. The incident gained national attention after Naomi’s Facebook post on the incident went viral.

Police are investigating the Chandler incident as aggravated criminal damage, police Sgt. Daniel Mejia said.

Authorities ask anyone with information to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or silentwitness.org, or call the Chandler Police Department at 480-782-4000.

2 still being sought in shooting death of Chandler man

Two men are still wanted in the killing of a Chandler man one year ago.

On Jan. 29, 2016, Aaron Yaw was shot and killed outside of his home near Frye and McQueen roads. Bayrd Goudeau, 23, was arrested a day later, but suspects Aasim Hart and Jamel Moodie are still being sought.

Police believe the shooting happened after a drug transaction, but no further information was released.

Chandler police say the suspects are considered armed and dangerous and shouldn’t be approached.

Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to call the Chandler Police Department or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS. A $3,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

Gateway airport passenger numbers climb again

The number of passengers fl ying in and out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport increased in 2016, for the second straight year.

However, passenger numbers were below the numbers registered in 2012, the busiest of the last fi ve years at the airport. And, last year’s numbers were lower than 2013, the second-busiest recent year.

Last year, a total of 1,355,243 people fl ew in or out of the Mesa airport, including 676,745 departing passengers and 678,498 arriving passengers. Those numbers were up from the total 1,283,557 users in 2015. The 2015 breakdown showed 641,173 people fl ew out of Gateway and 642,384 fl ew in to the East Valley. – SHELLEY RIDENOUR, TRIBUNE WRITER

Gilbert, Chandler among best cities for people with disabilities

Two East Valley cities are ranked among the best for people with disabilities, the website WalletHub announced recently.

Gilbert was fourth and Chandler tenth in a study conducted to identify the cities with the most suitable living conditions for people with disabilities. The factors ranged from economy to health care to quality of life.

Overland Park, Kansas, ranked fi rst, followed by Scottsdale; Lincoln, Nebraska; Gilbert; Peoria; Huntington Beach, California; Honolulu; Irvine, California; Oklahoma City; and Chandler.

– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

Mesa man arrested, accused of counterfeiting cash

A man in Mesa has been arrested and accused of counterfeiting money in his apartment after neighbors complained of a strong chemical odor.

Police arrested Michael Christopher Provencher, 53, and charged him with forgery on Jan. 19.

Police received a tip saying counterfeit money was being made inside an apartment near Main Street and Country Club Drive. Provencher was allegedly washing legitimate money in chemicals and reprinting them in higher denominations.

The apartment manager reportedly told police that neighbors complained of a strong smell of chemicals in the apartment.

– RALPH ZUBIATE, TRIBUNE EXECUTIVE EDITOR

• We build replacement windows that will last* because we test them to withstand temperatures from 180°F to minus 20°F, 120 mph winds and 8 inches of rain per hour!**

• Because our window’s Fibrex® material is twice as strong as vinyl, our window will help make your home more comfortable.

• Our teams of installers are exceptionally trained, tested, and skilled. This is why most installations—including a top-to-bottom cleanup of the work area—are completed in just one day.

180° sweltering temperatures…

Panel pushes schools to offer 50 minutes of recess a day

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Saying it will lead to healthier children more ready to learn, a House panel has voted to require all schools to offer at least 50 minutes of recess a day to those in kindergarten through fifth grade.

And it has to be unstructured, meaning the kids decide for themselves how they want to spend the time.

The approval of HB 2082 by the House Education Committee came last Monday after a plea from freshman Rep. Jesus Rubalcava, D-Gila Bend. He told colleagues that his experience as a teacher working with students with special needs, including hyperactive children, convinces him that all youngsters will benefit. But despite the unanimous vote, not everyone was convinced the state should be telling schools what to do.

“I don’t support mandates,” said Rep. David Stringer, R-Prescott. And he questioned the comments of a series of witnesses who insisted that play time like this really leads to better education.

“Students became more on-task and less fidgety on days when they had recess,” Rubalcava said, saying that even included students with attention-deficit disorder. And he said there is evidence that sunlight stimulates the pineal gland that regulates the body’s clock “and simply makes us feel better.”

But Rubalcava said he’s not relying purely on academic studies, citing his experience with hyperactive kids.

“Recess is an opportunity to expend energy in a healthy, suitable manner,” he said.

Rep. Michelle Udall, R-Mesa, questioned how a mandate on unstructured play would work on a rainy day when kids can’t go outside.

And Rep. Jill Norgaard, R-Phoenix, said she’s not convinced that schools have the time to do what the legislation proposes.

“What subjects would you suggest be replaced to include recess?” she asked. Rubalcava said the research is so strong that it becomes an obligation on state lawmakers to tell districts they will fit this into their schedules.

He cited one study conducted after recess was added to a school.

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

Localized treatment of the toe(s)

3 treatments over 8 weeks

No daily topical application

No pills

Rep. Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, said schools too often deal with children with behavior problems by categorizing them as having special needs and creating special programs for them. He said they “put people in a box as quickly as possible.” He said adding recess to the mix might let those students, and others too, learn how to get along with each other.

This fight over classroom time vs. recess has played out all over the East Valley. Last fall, a group of parents at Fulton Elementary in Chandler challenged the school’s break times.

The students had one 20-minute break during the day, called a “Brain Break,” in the classroom supervised by physical fitness teachers. The parents wanted another break of outside, unstructured time.

“We want to give these children a true brain break,” said Aubrie Krausman, whose son Ryan is in the third grade at Fulton.

Eventually, the school announced that starting in the 2017-2018 school year, third and fourth grades will receive an additional 15-minute recess.

The legislative measure likely faces greater debate—and potentially more opposition—when it goes to the full House.

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

Compensation for time and travel will be provided

No cost to you for participating in the research study

(Tribune News Service)

Rep. Michelle Udall, R-Mesa, had questions about the recess mandate.

((Tribune file photo)

Rep. Rusty Bowers, R-Mesa, says recess might teach students how to get along with each other.

Mesa truck company owner thinks quick, thwarts scam

BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer

The caller knew enough about the trucking industry to think he could lure a Mesa trucking company into sending him nearly $2,000 for nothing in a fraudulent shakedown scheme, playing to the company’s fears.

But in the end, his story didn’t add up, he didn’t get a dime of Jason Bates’ money, and Bates is hoping that the recorded telephone calls he turned over to police eventually will lead to the notso-slick con man’s arrest.

Bates, of Cactus Leasing, has spent 21 years in the trucking industry. A red flag flashed in front of him almost immediately when the caller attempted to impersonate an officer with ADOT’s Compliance Division.

The caller claimed that one of Bates’ trucks had been involved in an accident and that Bates needed to send him an electronic check to cover the costs of mechanical repairs. ADOT would not release the truck until the bill was paid for a mechanic’s services.

The story went that another truck had lost its load on a freeway and that one of Cactus Leasing’s trucks had run over some metal, damaging it. He provided numbers off the truck as proof.

But Bates realized that anyone who saw a truck would have access to the numbers. He knew ADOT’s job in regulating trucks does not include arranging for repairs. He also knew ADOT would never hold an expensive piece of equipment hostage.

Bates calmly kept the caller on hold while he determined that his only driver in the area was off-duty in Tucson and had not been involved in an accident.

When he asked the caller for the truck’s Vehicle Identification Number, the caller quickly hung up.

“I said, I’ve been in the trucking business for 21 years. We never give checks to anyone but a driver.”

He said the caller “definitely knew something about the trucking industry,” but not enough to bilk him.

The caller claimed the driver kept two log books, a serious violation of federal law. What he did not know is that Cactus Leasing keeps an e-log book, which will soon be a federal requirement.

“This guy was trying to scare me, that my driver had two log books. We don’t run paper log books at all,” Bates said.

ADOT officials praised the actions of Bates as a savvy operations manager. They warned other trucking companies to be wary of the scheme and to call the Compliance Division if there are any questions.

“The truck company told us about it. We want to warn other trucking companies,” said Ryan Harding, an ADOT spokesman.

“An officer is not going to unilaterally call out a mechanic,” Harding said. “It would not have happened. The guy made up a story and tried to get some money out of them.”

Harding said the purpose of compliance officers includes the enforcement of weight limits and other safety regulations. He said they mostly work at ports of entry but will inspect trucks at other times as needed.

He said the fraudulent scheme that targeted Cactus Leasing remains under investigation.

jwalsh@timespublications.com.

Lego fans show their brick-building skills with Gotham City

BY RALPH ZUBIATE Tribune Executive Editor

Clark Edwards owns a few pieces of Lego.

OK, more than a few.

“More than I want to say,” he shared, smiling.

Edwards is a member of Cactus Brick, a Tempe-based fan club for Lego lovers.

“My dining room is filled with Lego. In fact, I no longer have a dining room,” he said. “My wife was not surprised.

“She’s been fairly supportive,” he joked.

Edwards and other members of Cactus Brick build displays with Lego, and get to show them off. With “The Lego Batman Movie” debuting Friday, Feb. 10, the group was asked to build a gigantic Gotham City. The 15-foot by 22-foot display features Wayne Manor, the Batcave, Arkham Asylum and Wayne Tower.

The city is in Tempe Marketplace, at space 1234, the site of an old athletic shoe store. It’s next to Buckle and across from Spencer’s, on the east side of the outdoor mall.

Edwards, the treasurer of the group, says about 35 people are members, both men and women. Yes, they’re all a little bit nerdy, but they have real jobs, too.

The group features a welder, a cab driver, a police officer, a real-estate agent and a lawyer. Edwards keeps records at a Scottsdale hospital.

“Yeah, we do also have computer

people,” he confessed.

The city they’re building is placed on a series of custom-built tables three feet tall. Everybody who has participated in the project built their pieces at their homes and then had them taken to Tempe Marketplace to be installed.

“We use a lot of bubble wrap,” he said.

Over the course of a couple of days, the city is assembled and finishing touches are added, such as more Lego character figures and trains that go around the city.

The Lego group itself evolved from a model train group.

About two years ago, people with “The Lego Movie” contacted Cactus Brick and had the members build for the film’s debut. Warner Brothers liked how it turned out, and contacted the group afterward. They’ve constructed several displays for them since, one for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” last year. Edwards is hoping that they’ll be asked to build something out of Lego for the “Wonder Woman” or “Justice League” movies out this year.

Oh, and the company that makes the bricks insists that “Lego” is the plural of Lego.

“They’re very definitive about it,” he said. “They will correct you.”

The group doesn’t just build for movies. A couple of times a year, the group makes a diorama for Tempe Marketplace or for Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix. As with the “Batman” movie, they’re given an empty store rent-free for a couple of weeks. They don’t get paid.

“We do leave out a tip jar, just in case,” Edwards said.

“We do try different things on occasion, but mostly it’s a city with a train around it.”

Cactus Brick will be building something special for Phoenix Comicon in May. They’ll put together a pirate battle. It’ll change daily to show the progress of the fight.

They’ve built for Comicon before, from a post-apocalyptic city to a medieval scene to a Battle of

Hoth from “The Empire Strikes Back.”

The group also has a display at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. Right now, a winter village is featured, and it replaced a fairy tale town. Edwards created a lot of fairy tale display. One piece of it has been hidden in the Gotham City scene: The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe.

The group gets a positive feedback from their displays. Edwards says people are fascinated by the projects.

“People are amazed what you can build.

They think you have to build what’s on the box. But Lego is so imaginative,” he said.

“Some people create with clay, some with oil and paint. We use plastic bricks.” Lego Gotham City will be on display today from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, Feb. 10 and 11, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 12, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(Jesse Stawnyczy/Tribune Staff Photographer) Joker and Harley Quinn make a motorcycle escape in Cactus Bricks’ Gotham City.

(Jesse Stawnyczy/Tribune Staff Photographer) Clark Edwards of Cactus Brick rearranges a row house in the group’s Gotham City diorama at Tempe Marketplace.

(Jesse Stawnyczy/Tribune Staff Photographer) Villains and heroes are scattered on the train tracks, waiting to be placed in Gotham City.

East Valley cigar club sends its sweet aroma round the nation, world

BY RALPH ZUBIATE Tribune Executive Editor

Three men sat in the lounge of the Cigar Warehouse in Mesa, watching TV and relaxing as they enjoyed their cigars amid a thick, luxurious smoke.

They weren’t following the inauguration of Donald Trump, which was on three screens. They were studying golf on a fourth screen, offering opinions on drives and putts.

Not that they had a problem with the new president.

“Cigar-rights guys love this man,” said Granison Shines, pointing to Trump on the screen. They feel he’ll make sure regulations that the Food and Drug Administration are seeking to slap on Cuban cigars will not go through.

“We’ll see with that one.”

Shines runs the Blue Flame Cigar Society, which he founded in the East Valley in 2012 with a friend, Koroun Butler. It’s named for the blue flame created by the small torch that aficionados use to light their cigars.

(Larry Mangino/Tribune Staff Photographer) Granison Shines is founder and CEO of the Blue Flame Cigar Society, which now has branches around the country.

YOU Deserve Hometown Banking with NO Hidden Fees!

Vanessa Gonzalez AVP/Retail Banking Manager

CIGARS

from page 13

Since then, the society has set up shop in San Jose, Silicon Valley, Tucson, Chicago, Orlando, Washington state and Dallas.

“It’s going to be the biggest cigar club in the nation,” he said.

Shines is ready for the influx of cigars once the embargo on Cuban goods is lifted completely.

“There are a lot of people who will be seeking Cuban puros,” among the most sought-after cigars, he said. “This has definitely been the talk of the town.”

Shines is about to take the Blue Flame Cigar Society to an international audience via his website, blueflamecigarsociety. com. It will offer videos on cigars and fine liquor, podcasts and access to cigarsupply partners who ship to members.

For now, even though his group has members and branches nationwide, Shines talks about the smaller, tight community of cigar smokers in the East Valley.

“Everyone knows each other. Everyone is a friend,” he said, pausing to greet another pal who walked into the shop. “People come in, relax and get away.”

Cigar shops and clubs offer fans the chance to escape for a while.

smoking cigars,” he said.

But that rich fragrance isn’t just about lighting up.

“It’s an aroma that becomes nostalgic for me,” he said. “When I was growing up in Palo Alto, there was a store I would walk by with my mom, and it sold tobacco. I always loved walking by that store as a kid.”

Part of the experience of the Blue Flame society is the accompanying spirits.

“It’s about taking different flavors— scotch or bourbon, for example—and pairing them with cigars,” Shines said. “You want a smooth pairing, not strong.”

The group hosts at least three events around the Valley each month. It also sponsors a Cigar University, which teaches the curious all about cigar smoking.

If the group feels a bit elite, that’s because it’s not an inexpensive hobby. Some of the cigars Shines pointed out at the warehouse ran into hundreds of dollars per box.

“My ex-wife hated cigars,” Shines said, laughing. “That was part of the problem.” Now, Shines’ girlfriend, Yasmin Murray, joins in his hobby.

“She smokes them, and we run the club together. She’s awesome.”

In his day job, Shines is the chief marketing officer for a marketing firm. “But this is my fun business,” he said.

“A true cigar smoker won’t light up unless they have at least an hour to smoke. A good cigar takes about an hour to two hours to smoke,” he said.

It’s not an easy hobby to take part in with the dry desert climate. Cigars need moisture. The Cigar Warehouse store had a humidifier working extra hard to keep the right dampness in the air.

“It does take a bit more distilled water in a humidifier here,” Shines said. “Cigars need a dark, cool environment.”

Shines, a former sales and marketing manager, was drawn to cigars when he was growing up.

The Blue Flame Cigar Society started out mainly with men, but Shines says more women have been joining the group.

“It’s about 50 percent women now,” he said.

Now, the group features connoisseurs of all ages, all races and all experiences. But there’s one thing that they all agree on, Shines said.

“Most people who smoke cigars cannot stand cigarettes,” he said. “I can’t stand cigarette smoke!”

“I was always intrigued when I was younger by my uncle and godbrothers

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

Vote for the Tribune’s Best of Mesa 2017

Mesa 2017 issue will publish March 26.

Westwood High students

raising cash for movie

Readers of the East Valley Tribune can now vote for the Best of Mesa 2017. This special issue will highlight readers’ favorite places to eat, shop and have fun in Mesa. New categories will be featured this year, among them Best Tacos and Best Place to Watch a Game.

Voting takes place until

24

Westwood High School students in Mesa are trying to raise funds to cover production costs of a student film project.

A GoFundMe account has been created at gofundme.com/westwoodfilm. People can learn more about the film at westwoodfilmstudio.com.

Seniors in a creative writing class

Writer seeking people who lost a parent when they were young

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Managing Editor

Michelle Shreeve will never forget the loss that struck her to her core when she was 9 years old.

Now, nearly a quarter century after the Gilbert woman lost her mother, Shreeve is on a mission to write a book that will help other youngsters deal with the death of a parent.

“There was only one book I could find to try and help me navigate what I was supposed to do next,” said Shreeve, a San Francisco native who moved to the Valley with her family in 1998, five years after her mother passed away.

“The book was about motherless daughters, but it was not a book for a 9-year-old to try and comprehend,” she recalled. “I had to figure out a lot on my own, and by doing so came a lot of mistakes along the way. As I grew up I kept looking for books that spoke to parentless teens, but even to this day there really isn’t one that speaks to teens in their voice.”

It has not been as easy a task as she

anticipated.

She is searching for two kinds of people to provide the authenticity of enough real-life experiences that will bring comfort and guidance to the youngsters she wants to help.

But so far, she has had trouble finding either adults who recall how they dealt with losing a parent at an early age or teens who can articulate how they are coping with such a loss.

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and two master’s degrees, in English and creative writing, Shreeve wants to focus specifically on helping youngsters deal with the devastation that a parent’s death usually inflicts.

help so many more people through the power of writing,” she said. “That’s when I dived right into writing, and haven’t looked back ever since.”

She talks about her mom as if the loss didn’t occur all that long ago.

“We were best friends. She would take me to the Scholastic book fairs and let me read to my heart’s content,” she recalled.

a beautiful smile, and everyone loved her. Twenty-four years later, and people are still talking about her, remembering her laugh, and still miss her.”

“I miss her so much and life has never been the same since she passed away,” she added.

She recalled meeting classmates in middle and high school who had experienced the same loss.

While she found peace in reading and playing basketball as a youngster, she said, “I also found consolation through helping others—offering advice, mentoring teens. I volunteered a lot throughout high school and even lettered in community service.

“I started out wanting to be a psychologist, but then realized I could

“My mother was extremely sick, and was a fighter,” Shreeve said. “When she died, we all didn’t see it coming despite the fact that she was sick. The day that she died was also the day that I grew up. Looking back, I felt like I was 9 going on 30, trying to navigate life without her. She was a gentle soul, very kind and sweet. She had

“By helping others with what they were struggling with, or mentoring a teen who lost their way, it helped not only take my mind off of my situation, but I felt better knowing I was helping them get through theirs. I especially helped children and teens who lost a parent.”

Several years ago, she came upon a book series aimed at helping teens cope with major issues in life and noticed

See LOSS on page 17

Support The Arts In Chandler!

Restaurants help by donating a percentage of their proceeds to the Chandler Center for the Arts on that day. You help by eating at one or more of the participating restaurants.

Funds from Eat Your Art Out Chandler will go to support various programs at the Center including the Free Summer Concert Series and the Connecting Kidz programs.

For more information: www.ChandlerCenter.org/EAT

Tuesday, February 28 th

Participating Locations

Eat Breakfast Here

Crisp Greens

Eat Lunch Here

California Pizza Kitchen - Chandler Crisp Greens • Crust - Chandler

Floridino’s • The Living Room

Nando’s Mexican Cafe

Peckish Prep • Rock Lobster

LA SALA Tequila Cantina

San Tan Brewing Co.

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant

Eat Dinner Here

Bourbon Jack’s Bar & Grill

Brickyard Downtown CHoP Chandler • Crisp Greens

Floridino’s • The Living Room

Nando’s Mexican Cafe

Rock Lobster

LA SALA Tequila Cantina

Serrano’s Mexican Restaurant

Stone + Vine Urban Italian

(Tribune News Service)

Michelle Shreeve wants her book to remind teens “that they don’t have to feel like they are going through their loss alone.”

are working on the screenplay. Video production students will film the movie, actors will include students in the drama program, art students will help build stages and marketing students will help promote the movie.

The premiere is planned for May.

CHANDLER

Mayor conducts mini summit on homeowners’ associations

Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraney will conduct an HOA Mini Summit on Tuesday, Feb. 7, starting at 7 p.m. at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center, Cotton Room, 745 E. Germann Road.

During the free event, attorney Beth Mulcahy will provide an overview of proposed legislation that impacts homeowners’ association communities as well as an overview on dealing with difficult people. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Summit attendees also will have the opportunity to pre-register for the upcoming Spring HOA Academy, which is scheduled to start on Thursday, March 9.

Residents must pre-register for the Mayor’s HOA Mini Summit by contacting Priscilla Quintana with the City’s Neighborhood Programs Office at 480-782-4300 or emailing priscilla.quintana@chandleraz. gov no later than Monday, Feb. 6.

Bank giving free lunches to customers in Chandler

FirstBank will be giving away free lunches to customers on Fridays in February at several branch locations. In the East Valley, the Chandler branch at 2020 S. Alma School Road, at Alma School and Germann, will be participating.

On Feb. 10, 17 and 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., food trucks will be handing out lunches to bank customers. One menu item and drink will be provided. Each customer must present a FirstBank debit or credit card and a photo ID.

Participating food trucks include Circle R Farm, PAZ Cantina, Safron Jak, Short Leash Hot Dogs and The Panini People.

GILBERT

Gilbert to try out new vehicle to answer some medical calls

Gilbert’s Fire and Rescue Department is trying out a project to send a smaller vehicle instead of a firetruck to handle some medical calls.

The two-person rescue vehicle will handle less-critical medical calls. It will carry a paramedic and emergency medical technician in contrast with a four-person firetruck.

TEMPE

Tempe one of best cities for recent college grads

Tempe has been ranked as a prime area for recent college graduates in the “2017 Best Cities for New Grads” report by careers and personal finance website GoodCall.com.

The city was ranked No. 30 in the U.S. for its affordable cost of living, relative salaries, plentiful local amenities and strong job market for recent college graduates.

GoodCall analysts used data from 589 cities and towns across the country to determine the best places for new graduates. Most of the cities at the top—more than half of the top 30—were mid-sized, with less than 100,000 people. The city at the top of the list was Roanoke, Virginia.

The full report, including methodology, is at goodcall.com/data-center/2017-bestcities-new-grads.

time for them to get to the point where they can share their story,” she said.

TRIBUTE TO BROOKS & DUNN Tuesday, Feb. 7th, 7-9pm $20 or 2 for $30

MUSIC

TRIBUTE TO JOHN DENVER

SALE Combined with Swap Meet & Bake Sale Sat., Feb. 4th 7am-12noon PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Saturday, Feb. 18th 7-11am COWBOY BRAD RETURNS! Saturday, Feb. 11th, 6-9pm $10 in Advance $12 at Door DEBBIE & THE DOUBLE EAGLES BAND

Starring Rachel Kroog & her amazing puppet, Frederick Valentine’s Day, Feb.

none of the volumes dealt with the death of a parent.

She wrote to the editor, who liked her idea and she has a tentative contract to write the book.

But Shreeve needs at least a dozen more subjects. She has encountered an unexpected reluctance among many she’s talked to.

“I think deep down inside, parentless children everywhere want to help, but depending on what stage of grief they are experiencing, it might not be the right

Shreeve is running out of time to round up more subjects because a deadline is fast approaching.

“I am trying to write the book that didn’t exist when I needed it the most as a 9-year-old girl,” she said. “I want this book to help future generations of parentless children not feel like I did and like my peers did when we lost our parent and tried to find something or someone that could help us move forward.”

People who think they can help her should email writtenbymikey@gmail. com.

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT OUR OFFICE: 320 N 55TH PL., MESA, AZ

Chiropractor’s pillow adjusts to give a better night’s sleep

BY MIKE BUTLER Tribune Staff Writer

If you spend a lot of nights tossing and turning instead of sleeping comfortably, and wake up feeling tired with aches and pains, the problem is probably your pillow, according to Jason Loth, a Gilbert sports chiropractor and inventor of the SpineAlign Pillow.

Over 17 years of practice, Loth said he observed that some patients would feel great when they left his office, but that they had reverted back to aches and pains on their return visits. Assuming they were practicing good posture during their waking hours, Loth wondered if some patients were getting out of whack while they slept.

He became frustrated by his inability to find a comfortable, orthopedically sound pillow that he could recommend to his patients.

“Ninety-nine percent of pillows out there don’t support the head and neck in correct posture,” he said.

The few that do, he added, tend to work for side sleeping or back sleeping— but not both.

Loth, who operates Cornerstone Wellness Center near Val Vista Drive

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Hiring

managers will give

tips to job seekers at college

Hiring pros will give job-interviewing advice Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the ChandlerGilbert Community College.

The panel discussion, from 4-5:30 p.m. at the college, 2626 E. Pecos Road, will feature professionals who conduct interviews and make hiring decisions on behalf of their companies. Panelists will share the types of questions job hunters can expect, ways to prepare and proper form of follow-up after an interview.

The seminar is free to the public.

House-flipping workshop

to be held at Gilbert library

The Arizona Flipping Network will present a free two-hour workshop for beginning investors and real-estate agents

and Elliot Road, went to the drawing board and spent several years perfecting the design. He obtained a patent and brought the SpineAlign Pillow to market (spinealign.com; $149) a few years ago with the help of business partner Dave Scheina.

The cervical contour pillow features three chambers. The middle section is designed for back sleeping, the outer chambers for side sleeping. Loth doesn’t recommend stomach sleeping.

Each layer is filled with a comfortable and proprietary blend of shredded foam. The chambers are also zippered, so that owners can add and subtract fill to their liking. The outside of the pillow, which fits in a queen pillowcase, is covered in soft fabric, and the sides have mesh for breathability.

Kim Martin, a Gilbert kindergarten teacher, said she loves her SpineAlign Pillow. In fact, she’s on her second one, having worn out the first.

“I know I’m getting a much better night’s sleep,” she said. “I had a stiff neck every morning, plus I had headaches three or four times a week. Now, I wouldn’t be without it.”

Loth said the pillow’s design accommodates two kinds of sleepers

on how to get started finding, fixing and flipping houses.

The workshop will take place 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Road.

The featured speaker will be Lloyd Segal, best-selling author of “Flipping Houses.”

Reservations are required, but the workshop is free. To register, go to flippingworkshops.com or call 323-3651004.

Kona Ice food truck franchise moves into North Gilbert, Chandler

An East Valley mother and daughter are opening a Kona Ice food truck franchise in North Gilbert and Chandler.

Angela Powell and her mother Isabelle Nicolaus are also continuing the mobile franchise’s tradition of donating thousands of dollars each year to local school groups, teams and community organizations.

and people of all shapes and sizes, but he knows it won’t be perfect for everyone. He offers a 90-day moneyback guarantee. He said anyone who wakes up with a headache, with back or neck pain, or with tingling or numbness in the hands and arms should give the Spine Align Pillow a try. These are symptoms of forward head posture, he said, and shouldn’t be

Nationwide, Kona Ice has donated more than $40 million to community-based organizations since the launch in June 2007.

To learn more about Kona Ice of North Gilbert and Chandler or to book an event, contact Angela Powell at apowell@kona-ice. com or at 480-335-3193.

WestJet starts service to Canada from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway

WestJet has officially inaugurated the start of service to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport from Calgary and Edmonton. Service between Calgary and PhoenixMesa will operate three times weekly and Edmonton and Phoenix-Mesa will operate once weekly through April 29, 2017.

Gilbert-based online home buyer receives $260 million investment

OfferPad, an online home buyer based in Gilbert, has received $260 million to expand

accepted as a nuisance or inconvenience. If left untreated, he explained, forward head posture can lead to long-term muscle strain, disc herniations, arthritis and pinched nerves.

“Sleeping is one-third of your life,” he said. “Can you put a price on your health?”

– Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-5630 or at mbutler@timespublications.com.

across the country. Philadelphia-based management firm LL Funds LLC made the offer.

OfferPad is available in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Tampa Bay and Orlando. Plans have been made to expand into Los Angeles.

$17 million land purchase made for Gilbert medical campus

A $17 million purchase of four acres of land has been made for an upcoming Gilbert medical campus that is already 65 percent pre-leased.

Spectrum Medical Commons will be built near Val Vista Drive and the 202 SanTan Freeway. The facility will be adjacent from the Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center.

Development will begin with a twostory, multi-tenant building at 3367 S. Mercy Road.

(Larry Mangino/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Jason Loth, a sports chiropractor in Gilbert, invented the SpineAlign pillow to help patients stay in correct posture while sleeping.

(SeungYeol Cho/Cronkite News)

Korean businesses are expanding with shift in customer base

BY SEUNGYEOL CHO Cronkite News

When John Chung opened his first restaurant, Gogi, only 10 percent of his Chandler customers were American. He was primarily focused on Korean consumers.

But that is no longer the case.

“Now our main customers are Americans and Chinese. Families, friends and companies of all different groups now come to eat their meals here,” Chung said.

And he said he’s not the only restaurant owner seeing that kind of growth.

“When I started this restaurant, there were only a few Korean restaurants in Arizona. However, now there are many Korean restaurants here,” Chung said. “I think this is a great phenomenon because local residents know more about Korean food.”

That is the case for Shad Gorton, one of Gogi’s customers.

“There are a lot of Asian restaurants around this area. I just wanted to try all the sources, and I really like the Korean food,” Gorton said.

Chung said restaurant owners are putting effort into localizing Korean food. For example, Korean dishes are traditionally spicy, but the Korean restaurants here give the option of making dishes less spicy and a little sweeter for non-Korean customers.

It is becoming easier to find Korean products in Arizona as well, as more Korean businesses are now coming to

the state.

SeongHo Lee, senior vice president of the Arizona Korean Association and Korea Mart CEO, said three Korean mega stores, Korea Mart, H Mart and Asiana, have plans to open markets in Mesa next year.

Kaye Won, publisher of the Korean community newspaper KoreaPost, said other Asian communities and local residents are becoming Korean businesses’ primary customers.

That’s in part because of demographic shifts in the area. According to the United States Census Bureau, in 2010, Arizona had the second fastest growing Asian population, and it had increased 95 percent since 2000. Since 2010, Arizona’s Asian population has increased by nearly 50,000 people. At the same time, the Korean population has decreased since 2012.

Won said he thinks the success of Korean businesses is due to an increase in the popularity of Korean entertainment such as K-pop music and Korean drama.

Lee said he believes that having three mega stores in Arizona is a good sign for everyone, including both Asian and local customers, because more stores and competition ensure that there is no monopolization.

“Korean community and business in Arizona will be difficult and take a long time to become like California now,” Lee said. “However, I believe our next or later generation can develop a Korean community like Los Angeles someday, because we are smart and strong people.”

The main chef of Gogi, Aleiandro Garcia, makes dinner entrees with pride. He has worked for almost 10 years as an Asian restaurant chef.

It’s the Super Bowl for advertisers, too—here are the losers

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist

Once upon a time, I found myself working in an advertising agency, where I learned an invaluable trade secret, one you might want to keep in mind today when you slip on your amateur creative director’s beret to grade this year’s Super Bowl TV spots.

The big secret? Most advertising really, really sucks.

A slew of reasons exists to explain this suckage, but for the purposes of today’s conversation, let’s focus on the only reason that matters: Most ads do nothing to persuade you to buy the product they’re selling. In fact, the worst ads are so bad, they work in reverse, compelling you to never, ever use the advertised product again.

Talk wasting $5 million for 30 seconds of airtime before 110 million viewers.

Case in point: This year’s Super Bowl

commercial from Sprint, which features a prematurely balding, harried dad faking his own “SUV over a cliff” death in front of his cute son and daughter all so he can escape his Verizon cellphone contract.

I know, I know. Lighten up, right? If you can’t use a hoo-larious suicide joke to hawk “saving 50 percent on most current Verizon rates,” when can you?

Dear Sprint: For a second, when I thought you maybe tossed the Verizoncan-you-hear-me-now-guy-turnedSprint guy over that cliff, I almost considered your service. Maybe next year.

Also to be found among the 2017 Big Game ads is a commercial that uses the raging American immigration debate to … hawk Budweiser. The Anheuser Busch ad, titled “Born the Hard Way,” covers a lot of ground in 60 seconds. It depicts young Adolphus Busch braving the raging Atlantic to sail to the New World, abandoning a flaming ship, facing down racist taunts and wandering into a bar in St. Louis where he meets his new

comrade-in-suds, Eberhard Anheuser.

The message? I think it’s supposed to be, “We came a long way to brew this swill, so drink up.” Or maybe Budweiser is hoping for a few mid-game Donald Trump tweets to stoke America’s thirst. I have no clue. Nor will you.

Then there’s Scottsdale-headquartered Internet giant GoDaddy. For years, they used a tried-and-true advertising formula: “Hey, let’s show a hot chick with big boobs to distract customers from the fact that our product isn’t very good.”

Once that felt played out, they tried the old “do something outrageous to create controversy” strategy to distract us. This year? Their commercial stars a scruffy, tatted-up yutz in a VW convertible who’s supposed to personify “the Internet.” It’s nearly as much of a jumble as trying to understand a GoDaddy invoice, or to reach a human being who can help you when your website crashes.

Other cringe-inducing ads this year?

The “Avocados From Mexico” spot starring Jon Lovitz, which made me hope

our president starts building that “big beautiful wall” ASAP, preferably with Lovitz on the other side of it. There’s also an environmentally friendly commercial from Kia that will make you dislike their new Niro hybrid nearly as much as you dislike Melissa McCarthy, the ad’s “ecowarrior” heroine.

The moral to the story? My years as an ad man taught me the power of advertising, how well-done commercials can use spectacle and celebrity, storytelling, drama and humor to hawk products. The best ads lodge brand names deep in our brains and our hearts, connecting our moments of need—“Boy, do I want a candy bar!”—with the mental vending machine that exists in our heads—“A Snickers bar! Heck yeah, that’s what I want!”

Bad ads manage to pull off the impossible: They make guacamole and beer sound absolutely horrible.

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

Gilbert premieres Digital State of the Town: ‘Choose Gilbert’

BY JENN DANIELS Tribune Guest Writer

My journey as mayor to help Gilbert’s continued growth and prosperity is just beginning. Recently, we premiered our 2017 Digital State of the Town in front of hundreds of guests where I could share my vision and passion for Gilbert’s future. The documentary-style video shows why so many residents, businesses and visitors “Choose Gilbert” every day for a variety of reasons.

Gilbert is home to nearly 250,000 citizens, and our residents agree that our community is a great place to live and raise a family. From our safe neighborhoods and beautiful parks, to our premier education system, it’s no wonder why so many choose Gilbert to be their home. As you’ll see in the video, the choices

that generations of leaders have made have led to national and international recognition for our community. In 2016, Gilbert was once again named the second safest city in the country. In addition, Gilbert’s crime rate per 1,000 residents is the lowest of the 100 largest communities in the United States. We

continued growth of the Rivulon development to the booming Heritage District in our downtown, we’re dedicated to continuing to grow employment opportunities and the businesses in our community.

Town leadership is making choices every day to make sure Gilbert is

“ Town leadership is making choices every day to make sure Gilbert is heading in the right direction.”

were also named the best city to raise a family, the seventh happiest city in America and one of the top five safest cities to build a startup.

Several businesses chose Gilbert last year for our open for business mentality, accessibility and our strong workforce. In fact, Gilbert’s unemployment rate is the lowest in the region. From the

heading in the right direction. The average household cost for property tax, sales tax, water, wastewater and solid waste services are all lower than our neighboring communities. Our community’s solid economic growth was one of the many contributing factors to Fitch upgrading Gilbert’s Municipal Property Corporation (MPC) revenue

bonds to AAA. This upgrade makes Gilbert one of only four cities in Arizona with two or more AAA ratings from major agencies. These AAA ratings will help us as we continue to plan for Gilbert’s future.

Through the work of our town leaders, businesses and residents, we have the opportunity to continue our community’s story to ensure that Gilbert will be a destination of choice for decades to come.

So why did I choose Gilbert? For my children. For our residents and businesses. And for our future as we work and plan for our fast-growing community to thrive.

To view the 2017 Digital State of the Town, please visit gilbertaz.gov/ stateofthetown. We want to hear why you chose Gilbert. Share your story on social media using #ChooseGilbert. – Jenn Daniels is Mayor of Gilbert.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cut your budget, Giles

Mayor Giles, according to East Valley Tribune (“Giles readies agenda for Mesa, focuses on economy, feedback,” Jan. 29), you regret that the recent proposed sales tax increase failed because you wanted the $38 million it would draw from the pockets of your citizens to use on your favorite downtown projects.

As one of these deeply concerned citizens, I offer you this sensible alternative: Instead of jacking up retail prices to accommodate your spending habits, why don’t you slash $38 million from your bloated, overstaffed, extravagant, inefficient, wasteful, agenda-driven budget? That way, your voters are happy and you’ll have the money you want for your projects. Please let me know you will drop your dream of driving up taxes on your citizens.

– PJ O’Malley – Mesa

No alarms over higher temps

I can’t get too excited about NASA and NOAA findings of temperature increase in 2016. The inclusion of such qualifiers as “warmest year since modern record keeping began,” “highest among the 137 years since records began in 1880” and “above the 20th century average” make me suspect a hidden agenda.

Like anyone with a third grade or above education, I know that climate change is real. I also know that the “Little Ice Age” ended around 1850. Logic tells me temperature will rise after an ice age. Mathematics tells us that earth’s temperature has reached a plateau over the past 15 years or so—the differences recorded are statistically insignificant. Science tells me that there are, generally, a couple of minor warming and cooling cycles every 100 years—there were two in the 20th century. Science also tells me there is a reason Greenland acquired that name— it was covered in beautiful pasture land around A.D. 1300. It also tells me that the “Medieval Warm Period” (A.D. 1000 to 1350) boasted temperatures the same as today—and there were fewer people, no industry or combustion engines. Interestingly, CO2 lags about 800 years behind temperature change so, let’s see, A.D. 1200 plus 800 years … hmm. I wonder why the “warmers” changed the “CO2” argument to “greenhouse gases.” Climate change is a fact of existence. The oceans may rise and fall. But abundant food is necessary in a civilized world. Instead of believing we can beat nature, we must embrace it and adapt, using technology and science to mitigate whatever comes our way. If there is a God that intended for mankind to perish due to climate change, He wouldn’t have given us the brains to overcome it.

– Jim Barber – Mesa

Trump. Rather, this is intended as being fearful for the furtherance of our Founding Fathers’ attempts to build a more perfect union that emphasizes inclusion, the common good and unselfish motives.

It seems that Republicans can’t or won’t cooperate with Democrats, and Democrats can’t or won’t cooperate with Republicans on almost any item that benefits us the voters. Statesmen like Barry Goldwater and Morris Udall are in short supply and, unfortunately, independent thinkers like them would probably find it hard to survive in the toxic political environment we currently seem to be experiencing.

Narrow agendas, narrow minds and narrow foresight appears to be in vogue politically on both the state and national levels.

Do I have a solution to this real or perceived insidious threat? No, and that makes me very worried for the continued survival of our democracy and our democratic way of life.

“Fearful for our future” is not a very positive headline for a letter to the editor, but my usual optimism is giving way to pessimism in light of the lack of cooperation, compromise, trust and futuristic thinking I see coming from our political “leaders.”

Instead of having the traditional “God Bless America” sung, perhaps we need someone to write and sing a new “God Help America” rendition.

– Richard K. Meszar – Mesa

Fourth Estate vs. Fifth Column

Ever since Donald Trump won the 2016 presidential election back in November, the TV and newspaper media have stopped being the “Fourth Estate” and become the “Fifth Column.”

The TV news, major and local newspapers have demeaned, denigrated and slandered presidentelect and now President Donald Trump at every turn. Just look at the inauguration news coverage. What was the major story? The inaugural address or the size of the audience? Look at the slanted, biased reporting on President Trump’s Cabinet. Look at the slanted, biased reporting on President Trump’s executive actions.

When you lose a loved one, it is one of those times in life when you can feel lost, or adrift–not sure of which way to turn and how to make it through. You need to know that there’s someone there that you can trust, someone who feels like family. A funeral director who cares can make a huge difference in your comfort level, and allow you to the safety of knowing that your best interests are being considered. This is the benefit of choosing Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery for your final arrangements and those of your loved ones.

Family Owned and Operated

Mountain View Funeral Home understands the concept of family: since 1951, the Coury family have been operating the family funeral home under the guiding philosophy of being of service to members of the community in their time of need. Now managed by the Second and third generation of Coury’s, Mountain View Funeral Home is a Mesa, AZ tradition with professionally trained and licensed staff members all with the stated goal of ensuring your loved one receives the dignified memorial service that they deserve.

Community Education

Family Funeral - Comfort From Trust

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.

Your Personal Concierge When a loved one passes from the mortal coil, you can feel overwhelmed with details, so another benefit that family funeral homes can offer is access to a concierge to help with everything from florists, hotels, restaurants and even car services. Our professional staff is available to assist with any special needs six days per week.

Fearful for our future

This should not be construed as a negative or a slam toward President Obama or President

Did President Obama receive this same negative reporting? We all know that the answer is a big fat “no.” He was a left-wing liberal, just like them. For eight years, it was a “lovefest” between the White House and the media. Our local TV stations and local newspapers continue to demean, denigrate and slander our duly elected president (306 electoral votes). Just look at the political cartoons in our local newspapers. Shame on you. When did you throw you Americanism under the bus and join the “global community”? Since the Fourth Estate no longer shows any allegiance to our great nation, why should they claim any rights under the constitution of a country whose duly elected administration they are trying to destroy?

– Leon Ceniceros

Mesa

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

Finding the right fit for a funeral home is important; you want to know that not only is your loved one being treated with dignity, but that you and your family will feel comfortable and supported in your decisions during this time. Selecting Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery is one way to ensure that you are using a family funeral home who will go above and beyond your expectations.

Mention this ad to get $200 Discount

We believe our work is a “mission of service” and it’s a privilege to help a family during the most difficult time in their life.

Sports

Mountain View wrestling making a push for state

BY JASON P. SKODA Tribune Prep Sports Director

Mountain View wrestling practices have evolved in Corey Anderson’s first year running the program.

To put it in wrestling terms, it is a bit like a scramble: It’s a quick, intense burst of movement and pressure.

The results have been pretty positive before Saturday’s sectional, and the Toros hope it continues this week heading into the state tournament, which gets underway Thursday for the small divisions and Friday for the big divisions in Prescott Valley.

“We have perfected training,” Toro 145-pounder Ben Peters said. “We’ve cut back training and we should be fresh and ready to go.

“Coach Anderson has done a great job of prepping everyone. Wrestling is wrestling. You just have to go out and do what you have to do.”

The Toros should be back in the mix for

State wrestling schedule

Division I and Division II

Session I: Fri., Feb., 10, 2017, 11:30 a.m., PVEC Session II:

Sat., Feb. 11, 2017, 10:00 a.m., PVEC Medal Rounds:

Sat., Feb. 11, 2017, 4:00 p.m., PVEC Division III and IV

Session I:

Thu., Feb., 9, 2017, 10:30 a.m., PVEC Session II:

Thu., Feb. 9, 2017, 6:00 p.m., PVEC Session II:

Fri., Feb. 10, 2017, 10:00 a.m., PVEC Medal Rounds: Fri., Feb. 10, 2017, 7:00 p.m., PVEC

the Division I top five and maybe even a title if everything goes well at sectionals and the state brackets fall just right.

It’s pretty impressive, considering the Toros only returned three starters and two state placers after losing a good portion of last year’s lineup due to transfers or graduation.

“We had the best backups in the state last year,” Peters said. “People like Garrett Wolfe would have started anywhere else in the state last year.”

Wolfe is making up for lost time as he is ranked third in the state at 152, while Brock Doolen is No. 1 at 182 and Peters is fourth. If a few more can find their way to the podium, the Toros will be making a push for the top five. They finished third in Bob Callison’s last season in 2016 after winning the DI title the previous two years.

Anderson, who came from Cleveland, New Mexico, knows the Mountain View history, and if he didn’t, he is surrounded by it on the walls of the practice room. He’s friends with Callison, but he isn’t

concerned with what Mountain View has done in the past.

“I have these wrestlers and what they want to accomplish the next two weeks,” he said before sectional action on Saturday. “I know the expectations and the standard Mountain View has for this time of the year, and I think we have these guys ready to leave their own mark.”

Doolen had similar sentiments, knowing he will be putting on the blue and red singlet for the last time in his career. He doesn’t want to take that singlet off for the last time without stepping down from the highest point on the podium.

“This is what you work for the whole time in your career,” said Doolen, who finished as the state runner-up last year.

“If I wrestle at my best, and that’s what we have been preparing for all year, I should be a state champion and that’s a great way to end it.”

The East Valley should have plenty to say about the outcome of the Division

I tournament as Corona del Sol is considered the favorite with Sunnyside expected to push the Aztecs, who edged the Blue Devils at Flowing Wells Invitational in mid-January.

The will be a ton of title contenders from the area at each weight class with Corona’s Zack Kvavle (106), Chandler’s Chris Kelly (113) and Jason Holmes (120), Corona’s Cole Bernstein (126), Jacob Garcia (138), Hunter Carmona (145), Vincent Dolce (152), Brandon Konecny (160), Desert Vista’s Chad Porter (195), Basha’s Trevor Nipper (220), Desert Ridge’s Christian Mederiois (220) and Harold Colbert (HVY) all considered championship material.

The Division II team race should have two local teams—Queen Creek and Williams Field—competing for a state championship, something neither program has ever achieved.

Queen Creek has three legitimate title contenders in Xavier Rico (113), Denen Fernandez (138) and Anthony Saba (182), while the Black Hawks have Cyler Rustad (132), Shavez (170) and Shaun’dell Hawkins (160).

McClintock will be a contender as well as the Groves brothers—Gator (145) and Marco (160)—go for their third titles each, while Campo Verde and Tempe are always top five material.

The Division III and IV action will be centered on individual achievements as team championships will be hard to come by this year.

The top individual contenders should be the Marcos de Niza duo of Andrew (152) and Alejandro Torres (160) and Combs 220-pounder Isaiah Jacobs, all in Division III.

(Editor’s note: Results of the state qualifiers based on sectional results were unavailable before deadline)

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

(Andy Silvas/Tribune News Service)

Williams Field’s lineup was bolstered by several transfers including Shavez Hawkins, who came over Poston Butte. The Black Hawks are looking to win their first state title.

Local football players pick their schools on signing day

BY JASON P. SKODA

Tribune Prep Sports Director

The day has come for a few that many dream of happening.

National signing day for college football has become a spectacle that celebrates high school football players officially signing their letters of intent to play for a college program.

A handful of local athletes are part of the 6.5 percent of high school players across the nation who make it to a Division I to Division III college on Wednesday.

The big name is Mountain Pointe safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, who announced his choice of Southern California over Arizona State and Washington on Jan. 27.

“I definitely knew in my heart after my official visit,” Pola-Mao said. “I prayed

on it, and that God would lead my path so it would be easy. In my heart, I knew USC was the best fit.”

Williams Field cornerback Tre Bugg, Tempe cornerback Deandre Hughes, Chandler linebacker Sam Pepper and Desert Vista quarterback Nick Thomas are headed to Air Force.

“It’s honor, honestly, to serve our country and get an opportunity to play football at the same time,” Thomas said.

“I am excited for it, and the way the Air Force puts it. This isn’t setting me up for just the next four years, but the next 60 as this education and service will set me up for a better life in the future.”

Sack artists My-King Johnson of Tempe and Desert Ridge’s Jalen Harris are headed to the University of Arizona.

Johnson de-committed from UCLA.

The Wildcats also secured Higley tight end Bryce Gilbert.

All-Tribune Player of the Year and Chandler running back T.J. Green ended up at Utah after originally committing to Oregon State.

Northern Arizona continues to get very good high school players due to the work of coach Jerome Souers.

Basha wide receiver Terrell Brown, Hamilton wide receiver Chance Brewington and Mountain Pointe lineman Eddie Rivas are among those headed up to Flagstaff.

“The recruiting process really is a crazy thing, but through it all NAU was there always showing love,” Rivas said. “That really meant a lot to me. They gave me every reason to want to be a Lumberjack—from what they represent to having the respect from the players to want to play

for them. And to me that’s everything. Much like MP, they have coaches that you WANT to play for.”

One of the first players to commit in the 2017 class was Williams Field kicker Brandon Ruiz, but it didn’t stick. He initially said he’d to go to national power Alabama over the summer, only to announce on Jan. 16 he decided to head to Arizona State instead.

Arizona State also benefitted from another local player changing his mind as Basha quarterback Ryan Kelley originally picked Oregon but backed out.

The Sun Devils, whose draft class ranked in the 40’s according to most national recruiting web sites, also have Highland tight end Tyler Johnson, who missed a good portion of his senior year with various injuries, and Mountain View wide receiver Curtis Hodges.

Some of those headed out of state include Chandler wide receiver Johnny

Johnson (Oregon), Queen Creek lineman Mike Young (Boise State), Hamilton offensive lineman Tyler Stevens (San Jose State), Hamilton wide receiver C.J. Jarmon (LSU) and Chandler wide receiver Kolby Taylor (Oregon State).

American Leadership’s Donovan Hanna is headed to BYU and Desert Ridge long snapper Adam Bay is headed to Big 10 country at Wisconsin.

“The recruiting process really is a crazy thing,” Rivas said. “I’m very blessed to say I’ll be competing at the next level. Because I know the struggle it takes to get there. Not everything is perfect but putting in the time is worth it at the end of the day. Being able to play another four years is everything to me. It’s been the goal since youth football and my dad was my coach.”

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

(Twitter)

Chandler running back T.J. Green is one of several local players who changed their commitment leading up to Wednesday’s signing day. He’s heading to Utah after committing to Oregon State early in the process.

(Tribune News Service)

Mountain Pointe track athlete Nura Muhammad (with flowers) poses with her mother, Toni Bradley Stephens, and coaches Larry Todd (left) and Tim O’Neil (right).

‘The

only benchmark for real life is the Great Commandment’

BY REV. SUSAN E. WILMOT Tribune Guest Writer

Benchmarks and best practices are terms frequently used in business. Benchmarks are used to determine the performance gap between an industry leader and other companies. Best practices are exactly what they sound like.

In any given industry or service, there are leading companies that have developed the most efficient, most effective and probably the most profitable ways of doing their particular business well. Best practices are often copied, but don’t always translate to similar great results in a different context.

Scripturally, the Great Commandment is the benchmark of faith. We’re always called to love God first and foremost, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. All Scriptures are useful, but the Book of Proverbs offers a treasure trove of best practices for living our faith.

Proverbs are brief figures of speech, often with a poetic structure and parallelisms that emphasize the point being made. Proverbs assert a general truth that can have diverse application in our lives. But context matters, so they’re not inflexible rules without exceptions. The following small selection from Proverbs gives us a taste of best practices. These are ways we can live in the integrity of our faith.

22:8-9, 22-23).

Just in these verses, we have wisdom’s gift for three vital areas of our lives: relationships, justice and generosity. Each facet is interwoven, just as we’re all connected by faith as members of Christ’s body, or interdependent in our common humanity. Since relationship, generosity and justice are characteristics of God, they also characteristics of living

“ When it comes to justice, God always stands with the poor, marginalized and oppressed. ”

“The fear of others lays a snare, but one who trusts in the Lord is secure” (Proverbs 29:25). “Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail. Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor… Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate; for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them” (Proverbs

as God’s children.

God’s desire for relationship with us is changeless. In turn, our own relationships broaden our vision and enrich our lives. God’s generosity and provision for all our needs is unending. It’s a well-known fact that living generously helps us to grow spiritually and emotionally.

God’s justice will not fail. And yet, we are the hands and feet that will continue to make God’s justice a reality in the

world. Even when we see relationships being trashed, or generosity twisted in self-serving or manipulative ways or all the times that justice is denied, in faith we still continue to be living witnesses to God’s goodness and mercy, love and justice in the example of our lives. When it comes to justice, God always stands with the poor, marginalized and oppressed, or those in need, and we’re accountable for the responsible use of our resources. We can’t disconnect our generosity from our relationships or from God’s justice.

We exercise our generosity in relationship and as good stewards with the imperative of ending poverty and challenging injustice. In reality, that’s doing whatever we can to support justice and equality for all. We don’t give up just because those in power are determined to hang on to what they’ve got. We stay the course. We resist without violence and encourage others to join us.

See WILMOT on page 25

Operation Christmas Child seeks year-round volunteers

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Managing Editor

The decorations haven’t even been put away when Robin Earle of Chandler starts thinking about the next Christmas.

And recently at Mountain Park Community Church, she explained why as she tried to enlist about 20 other people to think and act like she does.

Earle heads up the South Mountain team for Operation Christmas Child, the international drive that delivers gift-wrapped shoeboxes filled with little necessities and toys to more than 11 million need children around the world.

Her team covers Chandler, Tempe, South Phoenix, Guadalupe, Ahwatukee and several Pinal County communities. She has been a full-time team leader for much of the 22 years that she has participated in the drive, run by the international Christian charity, Samaritan’s Purse.

She has a straightforward answer when asked why she does it:

“There’s a lot of hurt in the world and children need hope.”

Samaritan’s Purse has distributed shoebox gifts to children in over 130 countries since 1993, and more than 11.4 million received one last year alone.

Boxes packed by Arizonans are delivered to kids in the Philippines, Indonesia, Peru, Mongolia, Bangladesh and native Americans in the U.S.

The idea behind the project is simple: Pack a shoebox with school supplies, toiletries and small toys. Prohibited items include liquids, perishable food and warrelated toys.

The containers are either pre-decorated photo-storage boxes or plastic boxes with tops and bottoms gift-wrapped separately so they can be checked before they are shipped. Donors also kick in $7 per box to defray shipping costs.

These days, donors can also go online to samaritanspurse.org and just click and

pay to have a shoebox stuffed, wrapped and delivered.

But Early doesn’t think that’s any fun.

So even though 20 of her 110 team members worked throughout the year preparing for the midNovember push to get the shoeboxes packed and sent along their way, Earle is looking for a lot more help.

A project leader at Mountain Park Community Church for the first five years of her participation in Operation Christmas Child, Earle said the more

year-round workers she has, the deeper she can penetrate the community and spread the word about the project. For example, there are businesses to contact for support, at least permission

(Dianne Ross/Special to the Tribune)

Robin Earle of Chandler tries to recruit more year-round volunteers for Operation Christmas Child.

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

PURIM UNDER THE SEA

Chabad of the East Valley’s 19th Annual Purim Celebration features a seafood buffet dinner, seashell crafts for the kids, a mechanical surfboard challenge and other fun.

DETAILS>> 4:30 p.m., Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive. Information and tickets: chabadcenter.com/purim, 480-855-4333 or info@chabadcenter.com.

SUNDAYS

VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION

Valor Christian Center in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Pastor Thor Strandholt, associate pastor. “Our mission is evangelize, healing and discipleship through the word of God.”

DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.

KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE

Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad

WILMOT

from page 24

We use our God-given voice and our vote to make the necessary changes a reality. No one says faithful discipleship is easy. One of the issues we face is breaking down barriers to get beyond ourselves so we actually put God first and put our faith into action serving others. We know the way, because Jesus showed us. The question is, what we are we willing to sacrifice in obedience to God’s call? Moving beyond our comfort zones and overcoming our inertia takes prayer, courage and effort. Recognizing what is holding us back can help to put it all into perspective. Is fear the problem? Or are we struggling so much with our own self-esteem that we compulsively belittle others to make ourselves feel better? Do we need more information? Or do we simply need to connect with others in

VOLUNTEERS

from page 24

to set up a stand with shoeboxes that patrons can then take home. Then, those stands need to be replenished.

With more than 200 churches in the area covered by her team, Earle also could use a project leader for each one.

Schools offer a bigger challenge, though Earle said she is “delighted” that teams have formed at Desert Vista and Corona del Sol high schools.

Before beginning her recruitment pitch to the would-be volunteers, Earle read a passage from Ephesians and another helped said a prayer.

“What stands out for me are our partnerships,” she said. “What I really

Hebrew School focuses on Jewish heritage, culture and holidays.

DETAILS>> 9:30 a.m. to noon, for children ages 5-13 at Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. 480-855-4333, info@ chabadcenter.com, or chabadcenter.com.

HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE

High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together.

DETAILS>>5 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or email joel@ horizonchurch.com.

UNITY OFFERS A PATH

Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.”

DETAILS>> 9 and 10:45 a.m. 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Nursery available for infants through kindergarten at service times. Youth ministry classes are open in the Education Annex at 10:45 a.m. Information: 480-892- 2700, unityofmesa.org, lori@ unityofmesa.org.

new ways?

In times of uncertainty, distress or grief, never forget that everyone is equal in God’s sight. Every word we utter matters, because it betrays the true condition of our hearts. We are without excuse for our prejudice and our complicity in perpetuating injustice and inequality. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection reveal God’s desire for reconciliation in our relationships.

The Lord shows us how to live abundantly and generously. We have full access to the power of God’s life-giving love. The only benchmark for real life is the Great Commandment. All the best practices we need for living with integrity are modeled by Jesus. It’s time to move to a new level of faith in action.

– The Rev. Susan E. Wilmot is Vicar at St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church & Preschool, 975 E. Warner Road, Tempe. Susan can be reached at rector@stjamestempe.org, 480-345-2686, or stjamestempe.org.

love about this is how interwoven we all.”

“We want to expand our South Mountain Team in order to reach more churches and community groups as well as supporting all we do, with God’s strength, through our prayer team”

She talked of hour her team packed 14,000 boxes last year—1,800 more than the previous year—and said her mission this year is to do whatever she can to help the overall Operation Christmas Child reach 12 million kids.

People who are interested in volunteering can contact her at bottsearle@gmail.com. Earle also is hosting a gathering for prospective volunteers at 9 a.m. Feb. 13 at Cupz N Crepes, 4232 E. Chandler Blvd., Phoenix.

RABBINIC LIT COURSE OFFERED

Ongoing morning study of two classics of rabbinic literature by medieval philosopher Moses Maimonides (the “Rambam”). At 10 a.m., Prof. Norbert Samuelson, Grossman chair of Jewish Philosophy at ASU and TBS member, teaches “Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed: What Jews Ought to Believe.” At 11:15 a.m., TBS member Isaac Levy teaches “Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah: How Jews Ought to Behave.” Readings in both Hebrew and English.

DETAILS>> Community Room of the administration building at Temple Beth Sholom of the East Valley, 3400 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. 480-897-3636.

ALL ARE WELCOME

All on a peaceful spiritual path are welcome and honored in this inclusive, loving, thriving Unity Community. Join us for Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center’s Sunday Celebration Service DETAILS>> 10:30 a.m. Toddlers and children meet during our service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline, Suite 102, Mesa. Information: info@interfaith-community.org.

MONDAYS

JOIN CHRIST-CENTERED YOGA

This Flow 1-2 class (intermediate) is free and open to the community.

DETAILS>> 6-7 p.m., Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. Greg Battle at 480-7596200 or gbattle@moutainpark.org.

CLASS TARGETS THE GRIEVING

Classes for those grieving over death or divorce. DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 739 W. Erie St., Chandler. 480-963-4127.

STRUGGLING FIND SUPPORT

Support group for those struggling with how to deal with a loss in life.

DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1825 S. Alma School Road, Room C201, Chandler. Pastor Larry Daily, 480-963-3997, ext. 141, larrydaily@chandlercc.org or chandlercc.org.

TUESDAYS

CELEBRATE RECOVERY

Celebrate Recovery is a Biblical program that helps us overcome our hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Through teaching, worship, and sharing in small groups, you will find genuine people devoted to help discover the power of Christ through the recovery process.

DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Central Christian Church, 933 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa. Information: Eric at 480-9244946.

GRIEFSHARE

Mountain Park Community Church is offering an ongoing GriefShare programs to help people deal with the pain of losing a loved one.

DETAILS>> 6:30-8 p.m., 2408 E. Pecos Road, Ahwatukee. To register: mountainpark.org and click on Launch. Information: Alex at 480-759-6200

FINDING HEALING FOR PAIN

HOPE, an acronym for “Help Overcome Painful Experiences,” offers support for men and women who seek God’s grace and healing.

DETAILS>> 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mountain Park Community Church, 2408 E. Pecos Road. mountainpark.org.

East Valley restaurants offering Valentine’s Day specials

BY COLLEEN SPARKS Tribune Contributing Writer

Anyone who is in the mood for food—or thinks the way to their loved one’s heart is through their stomach—can find many special Valentine’s Day dinners at East Valley restaurants.

Lovers can treat their sweetheart on Tuesday, Feb. 14—or a few days earlier—to a formal, multi-course meal by candlelight or grab more a casual, less expensive treat in local bars/restaurants.

Restaurants in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe are stepping up their culinary game with food and drink specials.

In downtown Chandler, restaurant and wine bar Vintage 95 on West Boston Street is offering a multi-course meal on Valentine’s Day.

Customers can indulge in a three-course dinner for $60 per person or a five-course meal for $80. They can pair three wines with the three-course meal for another $15 or drink five wines for $25 with the five-course meal. The restaurant will take reservations for 6 and 8:30 p.m. Feb. 14.

“Valentine’s Day is probably one of our more popular days,” Vintage 95 general manager Grant Rembis said. “Wine and romance kind of goes together.”

The three- and five-course meals both include the same choices for entrees: either seared monk fish; roasted French chicken breast or baseball-cut sirloin.

Rembis said about 200 people came to the restaurant last Valentine’s Day. He said the candles, fireplace inside and fire pits outside make it romantic.

D’Vine Bistro & Wine Bar in Chandler and Mesa is also offering a special, three-course dinner for Valentine’s Day. The Chandler

restaurant is on South Alma School Road and the Mesa bistro on North Power Road.

The three-course meal is $45 per person, and for the entrée, diners can choose from filet mignon with a cocoa and chili rub or sea scallops sautéed and served over saffron risotto with champagne-vanilla-infused vinaigrette.

“I did look for items that are considered aphrodisiacs for this menu,” D’Vine Bistro executive chef Ramon Rice said. “People still absolutely love date night.”

In Mesa, Frank Spaccarelli promises romance is on the menu at his restaurant, Pacino’s Italian Restaurant on North Power Road.

He is offering a four-course dinner for two people for $59.99 that will include heart-shaped ravioli gorgonzola. People have several choices for the entrées, including a New York strip with shrimp skewers, the lobster ravioli or short ribs with potato

Chocolate-covered strawberries will be served for dessert and Danny D. will perform keyboard and vocal music.

“There’s no better place for a romantic dinner than an Italian restaurant,” Spaccarelli said.

Anyone looking for a more casual dinner can check out Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill bars in Gilbert or Tempe.

From Feb. 10-14, Thirsty Lion will offer several Valentine’s Day specials, including bronzed

mahi mahi with passion fruit Beurre blanc, rice and Asian vegetables for $22.95. Grilled salmon cakes with Sriracha aioli, balsamic marinated tomatoes and arugula will be $9.95 and peppercorn beef tenderloin ribs with white cheddar mashed potatoes will be $20.95.

To coincide with Arizona Beer Week, Valentine’s Day diners can buy six beers for $10 from Feb. 9-18 at Thirsty Lion. The restaurant in Tempe is in the Tempe Marketplace mall on East Rio Salado Parkway and the one in Gilbert is in SanTan Village on East Williams Field Road.

Thirsty Lion appeals to people who want a more casual place to “hang out and have fun,” Thirsty Lion marketing director J.K. Kahl said.

“There’s a lot of people that don’t want to go out to the little, candlelit restaurant on Valentine’s Day,” Kahl said. “They just want to go out and spend time with the one they love.”

(Special to the Tribune)

The Thirsty Lion Gastropub & Grill in Tempe and Gilbert will be serving mahi mahi as a special Valentine’s Day dinner Feb. 10-14.

‘Is He Dead?’

Mark Twain’s hilarious story of an artist who fakes his death to increase the value of his paintings—and then pretends to be his own sister—comes to the stage for its final weekend of performances.

DETAILS>> Times vary, WednesdaySaturday, Feb. 8-11. Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. Tickets: $18-$42. 480497-1181. haletheatrearizona.com.

Arizona Beer Week

During Arizona Beer Week, you can find beerrelated activities from the Strong Beer Festival to seminars, pub crawls, and specials at local bars and establishments all around the Valley.

DETAILS>> Times vary, Thursday, Feb. 9 to Feb. 18. Locations vary. Cost varies. arizonabeerweek.com.

Highland Yard Vintage Market

The popular monthly market returns in February with a popular “Love!” theme. Shop for unique Valentine’s Day items and other vintage and handmade home decorations from 30 local artisans.

DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-evening, ThursdaySunday, Feb. 9-12. Behind Merchant Square, 1509 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Cost: Free. 480-622-0842. facebook.com/ Highlandyardvintage.

14th Annual Rose Auction

Love roses? Bid on, or just look at, rose bushes that feature dazzling and unique colors carrying names like “Eternal Flame,” “Silver Star,” “All My Loving,” “Drop Dead Red” and tons more.

a free screening of the family-friendly movie “Minions.” Bring a blanket or chairs. Complimentary popcorn provided.

DETAILS>> 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11. Red Mountain Park, 7745 E. Brown Road, Mesa. Cost: Free. mesaaz.gov/biceped.

Sweethearts on Main

DETAILS>> Noon, Saturday, Feb. 11. Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa. Entry cost: Free. roses4az-mevrs.org/ rose-auction.

‘Minions’ at the park

Ride your bike—or drive—to the park for

Swing dance, eat treats, let the kids make a Valentine craft and plenty more at Mesa’s monthly 2nd Friday Night. This month’s theme is “Sweethearts on Main.”

DETAILS>> 6-10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 10. Main Street, Mesa between Central and Country Club. Cost: Free. 2ndfridaynightout.com.

61st Annual VNSA Used Book Sale

Browse more than half a million books at seriously reduced prices—as low as $1.50. Rare books, vinyl records and other interesting items will be available as well. Show up Sunday for 50 percent off almost everything.

DETAILS>> 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday-

Sunday, Feb. 11-12. Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. Cost: Free. vnsabooksale. org.

Swingsational

The Salt River Brass presents the music of the Big Band era, including the work of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller and Woody Herman.

DETAILS>> 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Tickets: $17-$24. 480-644-6500. mesaartscenter.com.

‘Rhythm of the Dance’

Get swept off to glorious Ireland at this presentation of contemporary and ancient Celtic music, song and dance. It features a live band, three tenors and 22 dancers.

DETAILS>> 3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12. Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Tickets: $38-$44. 480-7822680. chandlercenter.org. – Justin Ferris, Phoenix.org

AJ’s at San Marcos Golf Resort expands menu past Sunday brunch

BY MIKE BUTLER Tribune Staff Writer

Until recently, if a Chandler resident or a snowbird thought of AJ’s Restaurant inside the San Marcos Golf Resort at all, it was for the occasional splurge on the lavish Sunday brunch. Not anymore.

Word is quickly getting around that AJ’s is open for lunch and dinner again—and how good the food is.

Hungry downtown workers and visitors have new outlets manager Nicole Coughlin and new executive chef Wilson Ferrufino to thank for that.

“We get a great breakfast crowd because we’re a hotel,” she said. “We love to see the locals come out for lunch and dinner.”

Bolivia-born Ferrufino has created a bright, contemporary American menu with a hint of Latino spice and Southwest heat. The all-day menu (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.) has a long list of appetizers that are meant to be shared. Try the smoked pork sliders, which are topped with a roasted corn slaw and a dollop of Jack Daniel’s barbecue sauce. Ferrufino turns the quesadilla upside

down, or perhaps inside out, by rolling it and then slicing it. It’s stuffed with a delicious medley of roasted poblanos, pepper jack cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, lime crema and your choice of grilled chicken breast or carnitas.

Another must-have is the crispy potatoes. Ferrufino roasts red potatoes on a bed of kosher salt and lets them cool down before smashing them slightly. The potatoes then get flash-fried and presented with a garlicky tequila-lime aioli for dipping.

The street tacos are a lunch and dinner favorite. Choose fried or grilled fish, carnitas or grilled chicken. If only a burger will do, go for the half-pound Arizona burger, topped with applewood-smoked bacon and crispy onion straws. In a nod to the hotel’s Mediterranean architecture and ambiance, Ferrufino offers a chicken breast Milanessa and a roasted vegetable penne pasta. There’s much to like for salad lovers. You can opt for a tried-and true chopped or Caesar, or go off the beaten path with

the jicama-citrus and brussels-kale-quinoa salads. The chopped salad includes grilled chicken breast; you can add grilled chicken or seared salmon to the others.

Ferrufino has a thing for ice cream. Who doesn’t, really? It figures prominently in

Built in 1912 by Dr. AJ Chandler, the San Marcos just started offering a $12.95 daily twilight menu from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Start with a house salad or soup of the day. Entree choices are steak chimichurri, mahi mahi with pineapple salsa, grilled pork chop and roasted vegetable chicken tortellini. A dessert and coffee or tea are included.

Coughlin’s and Ferrufino’s updating impulses extended to breakfast, too. There’s a buffet but no brunch, except for Easter, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving.

Before coming to Chandler, Ferrufino worked in San Diego at the Hard Rock Hotel, Hilton and other properties managed by Evolution Hospitality, which also operates the Crowne Plaza Chandler. He got a kick out of catering the San Diego Chargers’ training camp for six years.

3 TO 13 YEARS OLD!

the San Marcos pie, the old-school banana split and the soothing Ghirardelli warm brownie sundae.

“The first time I came to this hotel was five years ago,” he said. “I was on vacation. I told my wife I would love to work here. I’m excited.”

– Reach Mike Butler at 480-898-5630 or at mbutler@timespublications.com.

(Mike Butler/Tribune Staff)

Executive chef Wilson Ferrufino created an all-new contemporary American menu for AJ’s Restaurant inside the historic San Marcos Golf Resort in downtown Chandler.

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

42 Expert

King Crossword

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

Obituaries

H, Mark Joseph

ark Joseph Farnsworth, age 46, passed away on

rn to loving parents, Bob and Marilyn Farnsworth, July 20, 1970, Mark grew up in Simi Valley, Calinia Mark worked at HACI Mechanical for over 15 ars In his free time, Mark was an avid golfer who o

h friends Mark is survived by his wife, Beverly, s

ease visit www sonoranskiesmortuaryaz com to h memorial service information Please Sign the Guestbook at eastvalleytribune.com

GIBBONS June Badger

J u n e B

G

Life Events Classifieds

a y ,

January 17, 2017 at her home in Mesa, Arizona at the age of 93 She was an Air Force wife, Cadet Nurse, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, camp

n

Nurse, Teacher, Ombudsman and all while raising six children

George and June retired to Mesa, Arizona over twenty five years ago She loved to play the piano, sing, clog, bicycle, swim and crochet Most important, she loved to socialize with those in the n eighborhood

Please Sign the Guestbook at eastvalleytribune com

Landscape laborers, 12 temporary full-time positions

Duties: Laborers will be needed for turf care, pruning, fertilization, irrigation systems maintenance and repair, general clean up procedures around properties Outdoor work, physical work 3 months landscape EXP REQ No EDU REQ Drug testing REQ

Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri Dates of employment: 04/01/1711/30/17 Wage: $11 74 /h, OT $17 61 /h if necessary Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance

Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job Job location: Mesa, AZ - Maricopa and Pinal counties, AZ

Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040 Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608 Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2527042

Employer: Ronning Landscaping, Inc 535 East McKellips Road, Ste 127, Mesa, Arizona 85203 Contact: Robert Ronning, fax (480) 946-1410

Duties: Laborers will be needed for turf care, pruning, fertilization, irrigation system maintenance and repair, general clean up procedure around properties Outdoor work, physical work 3 months landscape EXP REQ No EDU REQ

Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri Dates of employment: 04/01/1711/30/17 Wage: $11 74 /h, OT $17 61 /h if necessary Raises bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance OJT provided

Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job Job location: Chandler, Arizona - Maricopa and Pinal counties, AZ Employer will provide daily transportation to and from the worksite

Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix AZ, 85040 Desirae Diaz ph:520-866- 3608 Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 2526897

Employer: Evergreen Turf, Inc 11407 E Germann, Chandler, Arizona 85286

Contact: Josh Fox, fax (480) 456-4699

Employment General

Landscape laborer, 20 temporary full-time positions

Classifieds

East Valley Tribune

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 Tempe, AZ 85282 • 480.898.6465

class@timespublications.com

Employ

m e n t

Employment General

Verification Engineer sought by ARM, Inc in Chandler, AZ to develop SystemVerilog UVM testbenches Req MS in Elec Engg, CS or rltd + 2 yrs prcsr vldtn exp Exp w/: Perl, Tcl, & Python Apply @ www jobpostingtoday com #34725

Law Firm seeks FINANCIAL and SYSTEMS OPERATIONS ANALYST MBA and ACCT Cert a must 7-10 yrs exp in the legal field pref Knowledge in MS Office & Litigation Software req. Must have a strong tech bkgd Fax resume to 480 500-6672

Mechanical Engineer Perform job duties w/knowledge of Mech /Electrical Eng structure & sys and skills of Kaizen/LEAN/ SCRUM MS degree req mail to Job Loc Arizona Productions & Packaging LLC 7303 S Kyrene Rd, Tempe AZ 85282

Caregiver Aide to assist Live-in Caregiver for Disabled man, wkdays, NS, Drv Lic, $10/hr S Chandler, Dan 480-786-5029

MISSED THE DEADLINE?

Place your ad online!

Call 480-898-6564

Employment General

EARN EXTRA INCOME!

$100 to $200 per week.

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

EARN EXTRA INCOME!

The Arizona Republic wants to contract you to deliver the newspaper in the early morning hours. Work just 2-3 hours a day and earn an extra $700$1,200 per month

Routes available now in your area Call 1-855-704-2104 or visit deliveryopportunities gannett com

KollaSoft has openings for Software Engineers (SE) and Sr Programmer Analysts (Sr PA) in Scottsdale, AZ Candidates for SE must have US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach + 5 yrs exp w/ skills in Java/J2EE, RAD, JSP, and Websphere to dsgn/dev/implement/ test systems/applics Candidates for Sr PA must have US Bachelors degree/foreign equiv w/ skills in J2EE/JSP/MS/SQL/ Excel/Java/C to dsgn/dev & maintain systems/applics

Email resume to Sekhar at skolla@kollasoft com and place ref no 2017-19 directly on front of resume for SE position; 2017-21 for Sr PA position w/ ref to EVT ad

PRESCHOOL TEACHER:

Association Montessori International accredited private Montessori school in Mesa, Arizona is seeking a full-time AMI trained primary preschool teacher Spanish language skills are also desired but not required for this position

QUALIFICATIONS:

Ideal candidates will have a BA in Early Childhood Education and 2 years or more experience in an early childhood setting We offer competitive salary/benefits Applicants must have proof of legal authority to work in the US Send resume & referral #1106 to: Therese Kestner, Director, Montessori International School, 1230 N Gilbert Road Mesa, Arizona 85203.

Deadlines

Classifieds: Thursday 5pm for Sunday

Life Events: Thursday 10am for Sunday

Employment General

MetaSoftTech Solutions has openings for Software Engs (SE) Operations Research Analysts (ORA) and Computer Systems Engs (CSE) in Chandler, AZ SE/ORA candidates must have US Masters degree/foreign equiv or Bach +5 yrs exp; CSE candidates must have US Bachelor/foreign equiv SE/ORA skills in Net/ASP Net/SQL/XM L/WebServices/AngularJS: CSE skills in Java/Agile/Scrum/Iterative/Waterfall to analyze/design/develop/i mplement/test software/systems Email resume to Thamiya at hr-us@mstsolutions com with ref no 2017-19 for SE; 2017-20 for ORA; 2017-21 for CSE on resume and ref EVT ad

Employment General

Property Caretaker

Accessible Space, Inc a national non-profit provider of housing to individuals with disabilities seeks experienced Part-Time Caretaker (up to 20 hours/week) for an apartment building in Mesa, AZ

Caretaker duties include: apartment turns, cleaning, painting and minor maintenance.

Competitive hourly wage + PT benefits!

Two bedroom unit avail on site for $300/mo

Apply online at www accessiblespace org or fax resume to HR (651) 645-0541 Reference job code 900 when applying

Arizona State University seeks Staff Director and Senior Research Fellow in Tempe, AZ

Work directly w/external Sr executives to craft actionable proposals of real value for public & private sector clients Execute proposals, either directly thru research, or as the project leader of multi-disciplinary teams including faculty & staff PhD & 10 years of work experience required Apply at http://facultypositions asu edu/ Search for job ID#11879

Now hiring Janitors & Day Porters for Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler & Gilbert

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

d u p 5 0 L b , w o r k i n e x t weather, 3mo exp, on-the-job train avail, no edu n o r t r a v e l r e q d M - F 7 a m - 3 p m @ $ 1 3 3 8 / h r I f needed OT @$20 07 4/1 to 11/15/17 US&H2B

workers offered same wages& working conditions to include paid post-hired drug test Sgl e wrkwk computes wages 40hr/w Weekly pmt H-

2 B W r k r t o b e p a i d U S C o n s u l a t e , b o r d e r ,

l o d g i n g f e e s o n 1 s t w o r k w k o n a c o m p a n y

check “Transportation (including meals & to the e x t e n t n e c e s s a r y l o d g i n g ) t o p l a c e o f e m p l o y -

m e n t o r i

early by employer” Tools provided at no charge to worker” Apply in person at nearest SWA, call 520 866 3608 fax res 520 836 5876 Attn: Desirae Diaz or fax res to emplr 602 870 4943 Attn:Cindy Leffler RE JP2516499

Cash Management Officer

Western State Bank is a 115 year old progressive financial institution with total assets of over $900 million and growing! Western has an opportunity for a

AZ This individual will be responsible for identify-

Business Banking Officer

Western State Bank is a 115 year old progressive financial institution with total assets of over $900 million and growing! Western has an opportunity for a

ing our unique deep-draw fabrication technique We are looking for candidates that are experienced

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Pay will include 75 cents an hour shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shifts Initial raises at three months and

Reply with resume and salary requirements to: 1650 Tamarack Road Newark, OH 43055

Fax: 740-788-9134 careers@anomatic com

values, team guidelines, business plan and ability to p r o v i d e a s u p e r i o r c u s t o m e r e x p e r i e n c e P o s i t i o n provides online banking support both externally to c u s t o m e r s a s w e l l a s i n t e r n a l l y t h r o u g h i n t e r - d e -

p a r t m e n t a l c o l l a b o r a t i o n , b y p r o v i d i n g e x p e r t i s e t h r o u g h t e c h n i c a l s o l u t i o n s a n d t r o u b l e s h o o t i n g

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in business or finance-related field required with three (3) years of financial experience preferred

At Western State Bank, “what” you know is importa n t , b u t n o t a s i m p o r t a n t a s h o w y o u r e l a t e t o t e a m m a t e s a n d c u s t o m e r s O u r e n v i r o n m e n t i s b a s e d o n t h e p r i n c i p l e s o f r e s p e c t c u r i o s i t y , c r eativity, individual empowerment, and the ability to listen effectively and communicate openly We also b e l i e v e

, keeping commitments, and doing our absolute best every day We believe that our ability to deliver on our promise of being Your Hometown Bank is a result of these high standards This is a full time position with benefits (health, life, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and ESOP) I

skills to a dynamic collaborative, forward-thinking e

www westernbanks com/careers Accepting applications through February 16

Western State Bank is an EEOE and Affirmative Action Employer Member FDIC

portfolio Posi-

ness Management preferred with 2+ years of business banking experience

At Western State Bank, “what

you know is import-

ativity, individual empowerment and the ability to listen effectively and communicate openly We also

keeping commitments, and doing our absolute best every day We believe that our ability to deliver on our promise of being Your Hometo wn Bank is a result of these high standards This is a full time position with benefits (health, life, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and ESOP)

www.westernbanks.com/careers. Accepting applications through February 16

EOE/AA

WANTED:

WANTED:

WANTED:

36 People

People

36 People

to try the latest digital technology in hearing aids

latest digital technology in hearing aids

36 People to try

Are you, or someone you know, struggling with hearing loss?

Are you, or someone you know, struggling with hearing loss?

Are you, or someone you know, struggling with hearing loss?

with hearing loss?

Are you, or someone you know, struggling with hearing loss?

loss?

We need 36 people with difficulty hearing, especially in noisy situations, to evaluate the new style in digital technology from NuEar. We will perform thorough hearing consultations FREE of charge to ALL callers. We will then choose 36 qualified candidates for this program.

We need 36 people with difficulty hearing, especially in noisy situations, to evaluate the new style in digital technology from NuEar. We will perform thorough hearing consultations FREE of charge to ALL callers. We will then choose 36 qualified candidates for this program.

We need 36 people with difficulty hearing, especially in noisy situations, to evaluate the new style in digital technology from NuEar. We will perform thorough hearing consultations FREE of charge to ALL callers. We will then choose 36 qualified candidates for this program.

We need 36 people with difficulty hearing, especially in noisy situations, to evaluate the new style in digital technology from NuEar. We will perform thorough hearing consultations FREE of charge to ALL callers. We will then choose 36 qualified candidates for this program.

We need 36 people with difficulty hearing, especially in noisy situations, to evaluate the new style in digital technology from NuEar. We will perform thorough hearing consultations FREE of charge to ALL callers. We will then choose 36 qualified candidates for this program.

We need 36 people with difficulty hearing, especially in noisy situations, to evaluate the new style in digital technology from NuEar. We will perform thorough hearing consultations FREE of charge to ALL callers. We will then choose 36 qualified candidates for this program.

3 DAYS ONLY!

Tuesday – Thursday

February 14, 15 & 16

MEET

REWARD

REWARD

REWARD

REWARD

Candidates selected will receive tremendous savings due to their participation.

Candidates selected will receive tremendous savings due to their participation.

Candidates selected will receive tremendous savings due to their participation.

Candidates selected will receive tremendous savings due to their participation.

Candidates selected will receive tremendous savings due to their participation.

Candidates selected will receive tremendous savings due to their participation.

If your evaluation shows hearing improvement with the new NOW hearing aids, you may choose to retain them and receive up to $1,500 OFF the suggested retail price!* Participants who choose to keep the hearing instruments will also receive FREE in‑office maintenance for the

If your evaluation shows hearing improvement with the new NOW hearing aids, you may choose to retain them and receive up to $1,500 OFF the suggested retail price!* Participants who choose to keep the hearing instruments will also receive FREE in‑office maintenance for the

MEET

MEET

MEET

MEET

MEET

NuEar Factory Specialist

you

If your evaluation shows hearing improvement with the new NOW hearing aids, you may choose to retain them and receive up to $1,500 OFF the suggested retail price!* Participants who choose to keep the hearing instruments will also receive FREE in‑office maintenance for the life of the hearing instruments.

If your evaluation shows hearing improvement with the new NOW hearing aids, you may choose to retain them and receive up to $1,500 OFF the suggested retail price!* Participants who choose to keep the hearing instruments will also receive FREE in‑office maintenance for the life of the hearing instruments.

of the hearing instruments.

If your evaluation shows hearing improvement with the new NOW hearing aids, you may choose to retain them and receive up to $1,500 OFF the suggested retail price!* Participants who choose to keep the hearing instruments will also receive FREE in‑office maintenance for the life of the hearing instruments.

If your evaluation shows hearing improvement with the new NOW hearing aids, you may choose to retain them and receive up to $1,500 OFF the suggested retail price!* Participants who choose to keep the hearing instruments will also receive FREE in‑office maintenance for the life of the hearing instruments.

NuEar Factory Specialist

NuEar Factory Specialist

NuEar Factory Specialist

NuEar Factory Specialist

NuEar Factory Specialist

Dr. Jane Petersen

Dr. Jane Petersen

Dr. Jane Petersen

Dr. Jane Petersen

Dr. Jane Petersen

Dr. Jane Petersen

Jane’s experience gives her tremendous insight into the problems and frustrations that accompany hearing loss and the exciting solutions that are now available. Her time is dedicated 100% to traveling across the country to help people with all types of hearing loss.

Jane’s experience gives her tremendous insight into the problems and frustrations that accompany hearing loss and the exciting solutions that are now available. Her time is dedicated 100% to traveling across the country to help people with all types of hearing loss.

Jane’s experience gives her tremendous insight into the problems and frustrations that accompany hearing loss and the exciting solutions that are now available. Her time is dedicated 100% to traveling across the country to help people with all types of hearing loss.

Jane’s experience gives her tremendous insight into the problems and frustrations that accompany hearing loss and the exciting solutions that are now available. Her time is dedicated 100% to traveling across the country to help people with all types of hearing loss.

Jane’s experience gives her tremendous insight into the problems and frustrations that accompany hearing loss and the exciting solutions that are now available. Her time is dedicated 100% to traveling across the country to help people with all types of hearing loss.

Jane’s experience gives her tremendous insight into the problems and frustrations that accompany hearing loss and the exciting solutions that are now available. Her time is dedicated 100% to traveling across the country to help people with all types of hearing loss.

Don’t miss your chance to meet with Jane!

Don’t miss your chance to meet with Jane!

Don’t miss your chance to meet with Jane!

Don’t miss your chance to meet with Jane!

Don’t miss your chance to meet with Jane!

Don’t miss your chance to meet with Jane!

understand conversations and hear comfortably in any noisy environment g Make speech more audible by keeping loud sounds comfortable and boosting soft sounds

Please call immediately to schedule your evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this program!

Please call immediately to schedule your evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this

Please call immediately to schedule your evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this program!

Please call immediately to schedule your evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this program!

Please call immediately to schedule your evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this program!

Please call immediately to schedule your evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for this program!