‘Heartbreaker’ takes step into lowrider culture
March 26,
BY SHELLEY GILLESPIE Tribune Contributing Writer
“Ilike baseball,” exclaimed Nathan Wade, 10, a smile encompassing his entire face.
When he was 7, Nathan had a very full schedule, participating in basketball, soccer and karate, in addition to baseball. With his parents, Nathan made decisions about his time and what activities he would enjoy, in addition to his studies at Shumway Leadership Academy in the Chandler School District. Mimi and Michael Wade, and Nathan plus his three siblings, “Team Wade,” work out their schedules.
Mesa’s new historical museum in limbo Chaos ensues when parents, kids overbook
BY GARY NELSON Tribune Contributor
More than four years after Mesa voters approved a new downtown historical museum, and after $600,000-plus in public spending, the museum may now not materialize.
The project would convert a historic former post office into an ultra-modern, interactive experience far different from the stuffy, artifact-crammed historical museums of old.
It was among the amenities offered to voters in 2012 when Mesa sought permission to issue up to $70 million in general-obligation bonds for a wide array of park and cultural projects.
The proposals included purchase of the Buckhorn Baths, a defunct east-side motel that played a big role in the early history of the Cactus League. When the Buckhorn deal fell through, Mesa funneled some of the money into the historical museum project, eventually setting aside $5 million to
Mimi serves on the National Little League board in Chandler. Little League requires weekly meetings during baseball season, but at least monthly in the off-season.
“I take the kids with me to the Little League events to learn that volunteering is good and that everything doesn’t magically happen, but takes work,” she said.
With four children, and only two of them in school full time, Mimi’s time is at a premium. Her husband, Michael, works full time as a credit union manager. His family time can be squeezed, but he helps with math and reads to the children. On Sundays, they all take a breather, sometimes relaxing by watching movies. Her extended family helps out when their schedules are pinched and kids are sick.
Although she likes the “busy-ness,” Mimi admits that she doesn’t get a lot of time to herself and that date nights with Michael are occasional.
Roxanna Teeling, a licensed master social worker, provides psychotherapy services
(Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)
Alezae Chavez, 7, shows off her "Heartbreaker" lowrider bike that was put together by her uncle, Richard "Chavo" Chavez, of the Rollerz Only Car Club, Chandler chapter. Story, Page 11
(Tim Hacker/Tribune File Photo)
A grapefruit signed by Sammy Sosa is part of the Mesa Historical Museum's famed exhibit "Play Ball."
Stevia founder James May dedicated his later life to a mysterious plant
BY BETH DUCKETT Tribune Contributor
James May was a successful executive in the medical-health care field before he discovered the product that would change the course of his life indefinitely.
In 1981, while attending a gathering at a friend’s house, the late Gilbert entrepreneur met a Peace Corps worker who presented him with an exotic bag of leaves from Paraguay.
The young volunteer “invited Jim to put a leaf on his tongue,” said James’ wife, Carol May.
“So, with a lot of people watching, Jim did so,” she said. “And the taste just got sweeter and sweeter.”
May, a native Arizonan, realized he had something unique on his hands. He journeyed to Paraguay, meeting with government officials and academic researchers to learn more about the mysterious plant, Stevia rebaudiana, that had delighted his taste buds that day.
James May Sr., known globally as “the Father of Stevia,” recently died from heart complications at age 80.
For 35 years, May, a Mesa resident, dedicated his life to stevia, pronounced STEH-vee-ah, the popular sweetener derived from the perennial plant that is native to parts of South America.
A devoted entrepreneur, May helped lift the FDA’s ban on the substance before growing his family’s successful stevia business in Gilbert.
He also is credited as the first person to bring stevia to the United States in 1982.
“It had been an answer to prayer that Jim wanted in an opportunity to really help people with their health. He had what he describes as a vision,” Carol said. “He didn’t realize how much time it would take to bring to fruition.”
In 1982, May began working out of the garage and family room in Scottsdale. His family, with five kids at the time, survived without income for four years.
Stevia was not yet legal in the U.S. May championed the substance before a congressional delegation and, in 1994, then-President Bill Clinton signed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which included the declaration of stevia as a dietary supplement. Regulations still limited the sweetener’s growth, however.
Brands, has expanded over the years, both in its offering of stevia-based products and its physical location, with corporate headquarters near McQueen and Guadalupe roads in Gilbert.
In addition to the granulated sweetener, the international company sells, among other products, liquid stevia drops in flavors and tabs for hot beverages. SweetLeaf has won at least 29 awards, an industry record. May’s wife and his children have been involved in the familyowned company, which continues with Carol as president and May’s son, Michael P. May, as chief operations officer.
May was a medical-health care executive and an internationally known specialist of End Stage Renal Disease before halting his career to advocate for stevia.
“One of those regulations was a dietary supplement cannot be used to sweeten or enhance the flavor of any other product,” Carol said. “We had to say things like ‘don’t sweeten your coffee, supplement it.’”
May developed a premium trademarked brand of stevia, known as SweetLeaf.
The parent company, Wisdom Natural
“It’s a fruition of Jim’s vision and the legacy he has left us, one of focus, integrity, and premium processes and ingredients and ways to work with people,” Carol said. “We’ve been considered the premium product of our industry, both in terms of the consumer products we sell, and also for the ingredients we use.”
In 2008, May’s company reached another milestone as the first stevia product — even besting large corporations — to earn the FDA’s designation of GRAS, or “generally recognized as safe.”
Library coding clubs prepare kids and teens for growing job market
BY EMILY BALLI Cronkite News
With employment opportunities for software, application and system developers expected to grow, and most schools still not offering computer programming classes, dozens of Arizona libraries are beginning to turn themselves into more than just a place to check out books.
“It’s no longer OK to just sit around with books and wait for people to come get the books,” said Kelly Smith, founder of Prenda, a Mesa-based education technology company.
“You can find anything online, and so libraries are under some pressure to be different. Meanwhile communities desperately need a place where individuals can come and learn and be challenged,” Smith said. “Libraries are stepping into that role and the best libraries get that.”
According to Code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science, 40 percent of schools in the United States teach computer programming. In the 2015-2016 school year, 31 schools in Arizona offered advanced placement computer science
courses.
The Bureau of Labor of Statistics projects that employment for computer and information technology jobs will grow 12 percent from 2014 to 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The bureau expects the creation of 488,500 new jobs in the industry by 2024.
Although computer coding clubs may not teach all the skills children and teens will need to land computing jobs, those involved say coding clubs can provide a good foundation.
Every week, Dmitri Greene, 8, and David Greene, 9, attend coding club meetings at Tempe Public Library and Chandler Public Library, where they learn how to build websites, games and apps.
Their father, Conrad Greene, said he believes the skills his sons are learning will help them move forward in the growing fields of technology and computer programming.
“Not only does the job market require it but, from an entrepreneurial perspective, it gives them more options to develop their own games or software to put out into the marketplace,” Greene said.
Greene does not use coding in his
work as a finance broker, but said the boys’ grandmother earned a doctoral degree in computer science and worked at Honeywell before retiring. She inspired Greene to emphasize the importance of computer programming and coding to his sons.
“As a parent, you always want the best for your child, and you want to give them as many opportunities as possible,” Greene said. “The more skills they have, the more options they have.”
Smith and his team created software that makes it easy for librarians with little computer programming experience to facilitate coding clubs. Smith said the software and program Prenda offers are designed to make kids learn to problemsolve instead of having the club facilitator solve problems for them.
“All librarians these days see the value of this,” Smith said. “They think it’s
important but they don’t feel confident that they can do it. So, we give them software and training that makes it feel really comfortable for them.”
When Tempe Public Library’s club began last summer, youth librarian Alicia Hancock said she was shocked to see 40 kids on the wait list to fill 15 spots.
“I’ve never had a wait list for a program that was that big,” Hancock said. “I felt so bad that we couldn’t get them all in. This summer, we’re going to go ahead and have two sessions.”
(Emily Balli/Cronkite News)
Dmitri Greene, 8, and David Greene, 9, play and create computer games during a code club meeting at Tempe Public Library.
(Special to the Tribune)
James May, “the Father of Stevia,” recently died from heart complications.
THE SUNDAY Tribune EAST VALLEY
The East Valley Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in singlecopy locations throughout the East Valley. To find 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
Executive Editor: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryinak@timespublications.com
Managing Editor: Ralph Zubiate | 480-898-6825 | rzubiate@timespublications.com
Reporters: 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: Kimberly Carrillo | kcarillo@timespublications.com
Designers: Ruth Carlton | 480-898-5644 | rcarlton@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.
© 2017 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.
Mesa cook finds redemption and more at Friendship Village
BY COLLEEN SPARKS Tribune Contributor
After losing his job as a restaurant cook several years ago, James Bassett of Mesa never imagined he’d find a fulfilling new position and the recipe for love.
He had already faced his share of demons in life, including battling a methamphetamine addiction. Bassett had stopped using drugs and built a healthier life with two supportive roommates, when the Souper Salad where he worked in Mesa closed in early 2011.
“It was devastating, waking up and all of a sudden, you don’t have a job,” he said. “I had to go on unemployment.”
Bassett, 49, didn’t have a vehicle and walked in temperatures of more than 100 degrees to search for jobs. A neighbor told him about an opening for a cook at Friendship Village Tempe, a senior living community on East Southern Avenue.
He applied and was hired as a line cook in September of 2011.
Bassett loved the position right away and the senior citizen residents are eating up his blend of warmth, humor and cooking skills. He eventually met and married a woman he met through a former resident.
The residents especially like Bassett’s Reuben sandwiches.
“It’s the love I put into it,” he said. “The residents are amazing.”
Many residents check to see if he’s working in the bistro-type Village Café, where he also makes steaks, hot dogs, omelets and pancakes, before deciding whether to eat there. They have other dining options at Friendship Village, but they’re always hungry for Bassett’s humor.
Bassett can barely take a few steps inside the center, home to about 850 seniors, before someone stops him for a hug and chat about loved ones and other topics.
“I love everything about James,” said resident Anne Geffen, 82. “He is so kind, he’s helpful. He’s free with his hugs.”
She added that kindness is important in one’s golden years. Her husband has dementia and also lives at Friendship Village, which offers memory care, skilled nursing, assisted living, rehabilitation and independent living.
Besides the bonds that Bassett has formed with residents, he also met the love of his life there.
Bassett befriended Robert A. Stickney, a former resident, with whom he would often eat lunch and watch golf on TV. He was smitten when he met Stickney’s
daughter, Barbara Franklin, who often came to Friendship Village to visit her father.
“She caught my eye,” Bassett said. “I thought she was beautiful.
“I would tell her, ‘I’m going to come visit you,’” he said. “She had a warm heart.”
Franklin, a retiree, said Bassett caught her attention, not just because of his then very long hair. She added he was “hysterically funny” and has a “magic” about him.
Before they started dating, she ran into him at a local drugstore and she asked him what his long hair exemplified. Bassett said he told her it was just part of his identity and she told him, “No, it’s not.” Shortly after that, he cut his hair.
“I got tired of homeless people offering me money,” Bassett quipped.
The two started dating, which pleased Stickney. Bassett is glad he could support Franklin when Stickney died a few years ago.
He believes God brought him and Franklin together. The couple got married in March of 2015 in the Friendship Village chapel.
Franklin, who has been married before, said her children and grandchildren love Bassett.
“I hit the jackpot with James,” Franklin said. “We pray every night and thank God for blessing us, for all of our blessings and for bringing us together.”
Bassett is a long way from his early days,
when his first cooking job was at age 21 at a Famous Sam’s restaurant in Tucson. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Bassett loved cooking while growing up and worked in restaurants around the country because of his frequent moves.
While living in Tucson, some of his coworkers introduced him to meth, a drug he used off and on for about 10 years.
Bassett believes divine intervention got him off the drug when he lived in Colorado in 2008. He was on his way to the house of a friend, who had drugs, when he decided to go to the Village Inn restaurant where he worked instead.
The restaurant was slammed and he had to work a long shift, so he couldn’t visit his friend. That night, police raided his friend’s house for drugs and his friend went to prison.
“That was the day I said, ‘OK, I get the point,’” Bassett said. “God answers prayers.”
Bassett quit using drugs cold turkey, saying he relied on “prayer” and “inner strength.” He then moved to the Valley.
Bassett said he’s “110 percent” happier now living with Franklin in Mesa. They love their dogs, visiting family, traveling, seeing movies and attending Hillsong Church.
Bassett said he feels “blessed” for his transformation.
“I couldn’t have done it without any of my resident family here,” he said. “I’m just James that makes wonderful pancakes.”
(Colleen Sparks/Special to the Tribune)
Friendship Village Tempe line cook James Bassett is flanked by residents Anne Geffen, left, and Nan Inskeep.
specializing in childhood trauma, teens, women and “safe haven therapy.” When families don’t handle the stress of busy schedules and expectations collide, she provides a place where the issues can be examined and problems solved.
“Children don’t want to disappoint their parents,” Teeling said, “and parents don’t want to be judged and seen as a bad parent. If parents don’t perceive that they are providing enough opportunities for their children, they fear other people’s judgment.”
She said competitive parenting with children pushed to be ready for “Yale by eighth grade” can create a driven agenda. Children have little down time to experience a normal childhood.
When families see her, the oversubscribed children’s agendas are often the focus. Children are depressed, not sleeping well and anxious. Teeling explores what is causing the problems, often discovering that the children aren’t enjoying their many activities. The children don’t want to disappoint their parents, but when they just can’t muster enthusiasm, don’t sleep well and schoolwork suffers, new approaches are suggested.
“Opening the lines of honest communication, creating a new schedule and working out compromises are needed,” Teeling said. Ironing out family
situations can take months. Children need to feel “They are OK and accepted for who they are,” Teeling said.
The Williams family has already faced the overscheduling issues with Zereoue, 14, who attends Kyrene’s Akimel A-Al Middle School, and Eriq, 15, a sophomore at Tempe Union’s Mountain
Signs your child is overscheduled
According to psychotherapist Roxanne Teeling, if parents pay attention, they will notice signs that their child has too many activities in his or her life.
“Children don’t want to disappoint their parents,” said Teeling, so they will often hang on, trying to complete everything in their schedule.
Here are signs to watch for:
Anxiety. The child might be afraid to tell the parent(s) that they are overwhelmed and just can’t cope.
Poor sleep. Restless, sleepless nights could interfere with a child’s major teenage growth spurt.
Problems with studies. When the activities interfere with school success, it’s time to examine priorities.
Sadness. If the child is not happy and nothing they do brings them joy, it’s time to ask questions and find out what needs fixing.
Depression. A child could be depressed and, to the extreme, it could be clinical
depression. This is a serious condition and needs attention.
Some coping mechanisms are not fully developed in children, so it’s difficult for children to sort out priorities. Peers can create additional pressure.
Parents should discuss the situation with their child and really listen. “I’m right and you’re wrong” should not be the attitude on the part of the parent, Teeling said. Are parents demanding that their child meet the parents' expectations without asking what the child can handle and enjoys? Does the child really need to be in every sport?
A helpful approach on the part of the parent is “If there’s a problem, let’s fix it,” Teeling said. And, to assure the child that they are loved and accepted for who they are.
If the parents and child cannot develop a dialogue where the parent can determine what is wrong, an outside party might need to help, she said.
math classes.
She relies on carpools with friends to keep her sons on time at events. With her husband, Rick, away for extended work projects, she handles the scheduling. She balances their lives with family time, personal time and rare “mental health days.”
“Sometimes we need to refocus,” Williams said.
And Zereoue and Eriq know if life gets too crowded, she’ll work with them to decide what they’re willing to give up. Eriq recently started track after being recruited by a school coach. Football is his other activity.
“Eriq’s more a homebody who likes video games, watching TV, especially ‘Scorpion.’ He takes advanced math classes,” Williams said.
Williams tempers her sons’ activities because she was the one who needed to say no earlier in her life. She was exhausted.
Pointe High.
Kim Williams, a Maricopa special ed teacher, needed to convince Zereoue to say “no.” He is currently focusing on basketball, but is on the track and football teams, the student council, vice president of Akimel Middle School and the National Junior Honor Society. He also takes advanced language arts and
The Wade and Williams families are working with their children to make manageable schedules. Both moms want more time to themselves and date nights with their spouses.
Laughing, Mimi Wade said, “I alerted my husband that I’d be sleeping more during the day when the kids are all in school.”
For more information, contact Roxanna Teeling, licensed master social worker, at roxannareid.com or therapy@ roxannareid.com
Panel approves rebuilding of Gilbert Road Bridge
BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer
The Gilbert Road Bridge, a great shortcut to Payson when it’s open but a disaster after a rainstorm or a water release, is scheduled for a longawaited transformation that will help traffic move smoothly.
Funding for a $65.5 million replacement bridge is scheduled to be approved next week by the Maricopa County Association of Governments, which allocates sales tax revenue from Proposition 400. MAG’s Transportation Policy Committee voted unanimously to recommend the project last week.
The need for the bridge was obvious, with a picture on a display monitor showing the so-called “low-flow crossing”
under a lake created by recent rain and a water release. What it didn’t show was that the northbound lanes through the river bottom had washed away.
In optimal conditions, all southbound traffic has two lanes over the Salt River on the aging current bridge. Because of the washout, all traffic heads over the bridge, with one lane devoted to each direction, creating backups at times.
The new bridge will have four lanes, two in each direction, along with bicycle lanes.
“Without question, this is an important connection from one part of the region to another,” said John Bullen, a MAG transportation planner.
The MAG action diverts $28.6
(Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)
The Wade family enjoys some down time waiting for the next practice at Snedigar Park in Chandler.
Teen arrested in Chandler menorah case apologizes
BY RALPH ZUBIATE Tribune Managing Editor
Ateen arrested for twisting a Chandler menorah into a swastika last December has apologized on social media.
Clive Jamar Wilson, 19, and three unidentified juveniles were arrested on March 17. They are each charged with one count of first degree criminal trespass and one count of aggravated criminal damage, both Class 6 felonies. They were then released.
On March 19, Wilson posted an apology on Facebook to “The Family Whose Menorah was stolen and defaced.”
“My name is Clive (CJ) Wilson. I am writing this post to say I am truly sorry for the insensitive prank which my friends and I participated in during the holiday season last December. What we did was reckless, stupid, idiotic, and insensitive,” he said.
The menorah, put up by Seth and Naomi Ellis in the 4300 block of Boston Street, was defaced on the seventh day of Hanukkah, Dec. 30. Naomi’s Facebook post about the incident went viral, leading to news coverage across the country.
A statement from Ellis welcomed Wilson’s apology.
“We believe that (Wilson) is sincerely sorry for his reckless actions,” she said. “It is encouraging to know that he is taking the initiative to learn more about Jewish history and culture. It is our hope that he will continue to learn the importance of tolerance and respect for diversity.
“We will continue to rely on the judicial system and on the Chandler Police department to follow the next steps in the process.”
After the menorah was vandalized last year, the Ellis’ temple and neighborhood rallied around them. The family rededicated the symbol of the Hanukkah
holiday later that day as 200 people attended the celebration.
“From the bottom of my heart I apologize to your family,” Wilson wrote.
“Last December during the holiday season I made a mistake when I joined my friends in a very insensitive prank. If I could turn back the clock and remove myself and my three friends from participating in the horrible prank I would. But I can’t.”
Wilson says in the post that his father attended a Jewish university, Brandeis, and has since given him “a textbook lesson on the Jewish culture and what Judaism is.”
He concludes by asking for forgiveness.
“To the family affected by the horrible prank, I once again express regret and ask you to forgive me.”
– Contact Ralph Zubiate at 480-898-6825 or rzubiate@timespublications.com.
Kyrene moving full-speed ahead with new education approaches
BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor
Kyrene School District officials are losing no time in starting to reshape the way elementary and middle school students learn over the next five years.
And if they succeed, students won’t just be sitting behind a desk in a classroom listening to lectures.
Instead, students could:
• Have more personalized learning with lessons customized to their individual needs, get real-time feedback and have easy ways to track progress that their parents can follow as well;
• Learn from more flexible, engaging, collaborative, authentic and “fun” teachers, as well as more online resources;
• Enjoy flexible classroom environments where they control their learning;
• Get to do more projects, have more athome learning tools and experiences, and greater choice of subjects.
Those ideas were produced during a day-long “visioning” exercise last month that involved about 43 people – including district administrators, teachers, parents,
other interested adults, along with 16 students.
The group had been put together by Superintendent Jan Vesely as she began creating a district vision and five-year plan to address gaps identified in a massive audit of Kyrene’s curriculum, operation, structure and other components that affect students’ learning. It was led in a variety of exercises by education strategists provided free of charge by computer giant Dell Corp.
Dell has committed a team of nine education experts to help school districts develop more responsive systems that address student needs in the 21st century, said Adam Garry, a former teacher who directs the unit.
Driving that urgency in reform is an awareness that by the time they enter the job market, today’s elementary and middle school students will face a very different world than the one their parents and grandparents encountered.
One major factor is the belief that tomorrow’s workers likely will not only not stay in the same job their entire life, but will have to change careers several times.
That requires students to develop skills that help them adapt to those demands, Garry said.
For example, Dell education strategist Leah Rogers said that the group had “a big acknowledgement that technology has had a huge impact” and that 35 percent of core skills needed to succeed in life will change by 2020.
“We need to prepare these kids for a future that we don’t know what will look like,” Rogers said.
During the initial phase of the visioning exercise, the group came up with a series of traits that students need to begin developing so they succeed in college and the workforce. They included resiliency, determination, adaptability, passion and perseverance.
But those traits can’t be taught the way math principles might be taught today, Rogers and Vesely noted. They’re developed through a system of education that encourages their development in every student.
That means moving toward a system based on “blended learning,” an approach toward education that focuses on individual students’ needs and abilities
instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to education.
The group began looking at the education system through four lenses:
• How time currently impacts learning and how it could be altered to improve academic results;
• The places where students could learn more effectively beyond conventional classroom settings;
• The paths needed to tailor education to individual student needs and abilities;
• How the school day can be made more flexible in recognition of the fact that every student succeeds at a different pace.
Both Rogers and Vesely said the students who participated in the program made invaluable contributions to the discussion.
“The kids were awesome,” said Rogers. “One of my biggest takeaways was that I didn’t know how valuable the student voice is in this. Why do we forget them? We think we have these kids’ best interest at heart and then we don’t even consult them. They were phenomenal.”
Vesely agreed, adding: “The students really have an important role. If you hold high expectations for what kids can do, they deliver. Oftentimes, we don’t hold
(Special to the Tribune) Clive Jamar Wilson, 19, and three juveniles have been arrested in the menorah vandalism crime.
(Larry Mangino/Tribune Contributor)
After the family's menorah was vandalized, Seth Ellis rebuilt it and rededicated it for the seventh day of Hanukkah.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Gilbert mayor to tour town, talk up business
The Gilbert Mayor’s Economic Forecast and Red Carpet Tour sets off at 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, from the University Building, 92 W. Vaughn Ave.
Mayor Jenn Daniels will lead a tour of the town focusing on startup successes in Gilbert, the increased demand for creative office space, resources for entrepreneurs and opportunities for collaboration. She will also speak about Small and Medium Enterprises/Entrepreneurship.
A complimentary snack bag will be served. Lunch will be back at the University Building at 11:30, and the mayor will deliver an economic forecast at noon.
Information: Sarah Watts at sarah@gilbertchamber.com.
TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
Mesa to discuss zoning change next to Falcon Field
Mesa is seeking to develop a parcel next to Falcon Field Airport and will discuss its plans during a public meeting 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at the Falcon Field Airport Terminal Building, 4800 E. Falcon Drive.
The city owns about 63.5 acres west of Greenfield Road and Falcon Field Airport between McKellips Road and McDowell Road. The city is seeking to rezone the parcel for development. The meeting will provide further information on planning and zoning. The city will also answer questions and gather input from interested residents, airport tenants, and business owners.
Information: Lori Gary, City Economic Development Project Manager, 480-644-3964 or lori.gary@mesaaz.gov; or Corinne Nystrom, Falcon Field Airport Director, 480-644-2450/corinne.nystrom@mesaaz.gov.
TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
Chandler mayor to lead bike ride along Paseo Trail
Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny will lead a bike ride along the scenic Paseo Trail during the 9th Annual Family Bike Ride at 8 a.m., Saturday, April 1.
The 7.8-mile ride marks Valley Bike Month and will start at Chandler’s Park & Ride lot, 2100 S. Hamilton St. Cyclists will travel north on the Paseo Trail along the Consolidated Canal to Tibshraeny Park and back.
The event is free and participants will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last. Light refreshments and information about bicycle safety, transit services and related topics also will be available.
Pre-registration is available at chandleraz.gov/transit or in person the day of the event beginning at 7 a.m.
Information: Ann Marie Riley at 480-782-3442 or annmarie.riley@chandleraz.gov.
People | Places | Shops
Restaurants | Things To Do Voting Begins Monday, April 10th
redo the old federal building at 26 N. Macdonald.
In response to a public records request from the Tribune, Mesa said it has already spent just over $630,000 on design and demolition work for the museum. City spokesman Kevin Christopher said all the money came from the 2012 bond authorization.
But two weeks ago, Mayor John Giles told the Mesa Historical Society that unless it can soon prove an ability to pay the museum’s annual operating costs, the money that had been set aside will be used to pay for other recreation-related projects, such as parks.
Although Giles was out of the country and could not be reached, city Manager Chris Brady told the Tribune that it is his understanding a council committee will hold a hearing within the next couple weeks to determine the society’s ability to cover the museum’s annual operating costs.
“We can’t take on additional operating costs,” he said. “We have been kept waiting and waiting and waiting. The mayor has told the society we’ve run out of time.”
Brady and other city sources also said that with three new members on the City Council, there is a strong sentiment to redirect the rest of the museum funds to projects in members’ districts.
Former city Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh said that before he left
Council in mid-January, “I saw no analysis or documents from any city staff containing any conclusion that the MHS would be unable to sustain the operation of its portion of the renovated building.”
“Potential donors to the museum obviously would want to confirm city support for the project prior to making the donations,” he said, expressing concern that the plug might be pulled on a project approved by citizens who voted for the bond issue.
Lisa Anderson, director of the Mesa Historical Museum, said work stopped months ago. The interior is a hollow shell and none of the planned exterior renovations is in evidence.
“It’s just stalled,” Anderson said. “It’s been stalled since the summer and we’re actually waiting to have a meeting with the city on it.”
“Our board and our organization is still dedicated to working with the city to make sure that museum happens,” Anderson said. “We think it will be one of the crowning jewels of downtown.”
The City Council voted 7-0 in October 2016 to approve the $5 million museum authorization, and Mesa’s published capital improvement plan shows the project scheduled for completion this fiscal year, which ends June 30.
“From the very beginning, the council made it clear the museum had to demonstrate they had operating funds,” Brady said. “We haven’t seen that. … The operating expenses are what really eat our lunch.”
Although Mesa and the museum have a set of bidready construction plans, Brady said other projects could use the more than $4 million remaining from that authorization.
Anderson is uneasy about where those discussions could lead.
“There have been talks about people wanting that (building) for other things,” she said, “but that has not been formally told to us yet. … As far as the museum is concerned, we’re excited about the project.”
Vic Linoff, president of the Mesa Preservation Foundation, is so concerned about the building’s future that he considers it endangered as a historical site.
“There’s no risk of it being
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
PETA’s Cutest Vegan Kid is 8-year-old from Gilbert
Eight-year-old Rhyan Antonowicz of Gilbert has been selected the Cutest Vegan Kid in a national contest conducted by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Rhyan went vegan almost a year ago once she found out where pork came from, according to the PETA website. Since then, she’s convinced her mom, dad and grandmother to go vegan too.
“I think animals should deserve a life—because they’re living beings, just like us, and they have families, just like us,” she told PETA.
Rhyan will receive a trophy, an animal-friendly prize pack and a year’s worth of bragging rights.
TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
ASU’s O’Connor College of Law ranked 25th in nation
The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law ranked No. 25 among all law schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report’s annual survey of graduate schools.
The school at Arizona State University ranked tops in the state for the eighth consecutive year. ASU Law is also No. 8 among public law schools nationally and No. 3 in the West.
ASU Law is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It was renamed in 2006 after Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court.
TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
East Valley CRIME Roundup
◆ A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle in Chandler on March 23. The incident occurred at Pecos Road and Arizona Avenue around 8 a.m., and the pedestrian was pronounced dead at 8:30.
◆ A man has been arrested and accused of operating illegal Botox and laser clinics in Tempe and Scottsdale. Craig Allen Scherf is not licensed in Arizona. At companies called My MD Clinic and My Laser Centers, which he owns, Scherf was injecting Botox and Dysport and was providing body laser treatments, officials say. Patients suffered bruising and other injuries. Scherf was arrested March 19. Anyone with information about Scherf is asked to call the Arizona Attorney General’s Office at 602-542-4973.
◆ A man tried to pull a 6-year-old girl into his car March 16 in Tempe. Police are investigating the incident that took place near Broadway and Rural roads. The man is described as a black man, 20 to 30 years old, with a thin build and tattoos on both arms. Police say he was wearing a red T-shirt and black jeans.
◆ A Utah man has been arrested for offering money to a “child” for a sexual encounter that he planned on recording and selling. Chandler police arrested Jeremy Rudy Hinton, 22, who was communicating with what he thought was a 15-year-old girl. They say he had several sexually related conversations and sent her several nude photos of himself. Police say he was arrested March 15 when he went to pick up the “girl.” Hinton has been charged with child prostitution.
◆ A man passing counterfeit currency was arrested in Tempe. Police police say Christopher Lee Bettiga bought ice cream from a Baskin-Robbins shop near McClintock Drive and Southern Avenue. The shop owner realized the $20 bill she received was a fake, and ran after after Bettiga. A witness managed to get a license plate number to his car. Police located and stopped Bettiga a few blocks away and found him with $240 of counterfeit money.
Museum keeps strangely busy during transition
BY GARY NELSON Tribune Contributor
While awaiting its promised new home in the downtown federal building, the Mesa Historical Museum is pushing new – even bizarre – ways to tell the region’s story.
A more traditional approach is reflected in the museum’s famed “Play Ball” exhibit, which details the rich history of professional baseball in the Valley dating to the early 20th century.
“Play Ball” first appeared in 2008, when the museum still was open to the public in the 1913 Lehi School in north Mesa. Since then, it has been displayed in numerous spots around the Valley. Until April 4, it will be at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
Then, there is the far-out world that greets visitors to the museum’s downtown Mesa showroom at 51 E. Main St.
“Cat People of the Outer Regions” is the creation of Karen Kuykendall, who lived in Casa Grande. According to museum director Lisa Anderson, Kuykendall was a groundbreaking science-fiction artist in the 1970s.
The exhibit includes paintings of a cat-centric alternative universe that
BRIDGE
from page 4
million previously earmarked for two other projects in the area – a bridge over Dobson Road and additional lanes on McKellips Road – to be allocated to the Gilbert Road Bridge after officials determined that it was a higher priority.
The Proposition 400 funding would be $42.6 million, or about 65 percent of the total cost, with Maricopa County and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community providing the rest.
Bullen said the original cost was
reflected the artist’s own devotion to the species, as well as a trove of related artifacts that Kuykendall collected over the years.
When she died in 1998 without heirs, Anderson said, the city of Mesa acquired the material, which the historical society has been storing at its Lehi campus.
Anderson said visitors are asked to do more than just look at the stuff. They’re asked to contemplate why people collect what they do, to define the boundaries of eccentricity, to weigh whether such material should even be in a museum.
“The exhibit reflects the drift of the proposed downtown museum” in Mesa’s federal building, Anderson said. That museum, if it’s built, would include numerous interactive futures designed to help people create their own experience of the past and their visions for the future.
The Kuykendall exhibit also reflects the historical society’s recent push beyond Mesa to embrace stories from the region at large, Anderson said.
Strange as the cat exhibit is, Anderson said, it’s not as strange as Kuykendall’s demise.
“She died in Casa Grande in her house, and she was alone, and her cats ate her,” Anderson said. “So, she was consumed by her own passion.”
History on parade in East Valley
BY GARY NELSON Tribune Contributor
With its vast seas of new stucco homes and cookie-cutter strip malls, it may seem that the terms “history” and “East Valley” hardly belong in the same sentence.
But our roots go deep – literally as deep as the canals that native peoples scratched out of the rock-hard desert to water their crops long before Columbus was born. And you have to go back almost 150 years to find the beginnings of the settlements that now have merged into the colossus we call the East Valley.
That the region hasn’t forgotten its past is evinced by the museums that guard and explain its legacy. The museums offer a variety of special events, changing exhibits and auxiliary sites. Among them:
• The Chandler Museum, a branch of the city’s Cultural Affairs Division. It operates Tumbleweed Ranch, 2250
MUSEUM
from page 8
torn down or demolished, but (it is) endangered to me because of lack of use,” Linoff said.
The building was constructed as a post office in 1937 and enlarged in 1960. The federal government gave it to Mesa in 2002 with the proviso that it be used for cultural or recreational purposes.
The idea of using it as a historical museum emerged from Anderson’s longstanding desire to push the historical society, ironically enough, into the 21st century.
Anderson said the museum’s mission
S. McQueen Road; offers exhibits and museum headquarters at McCulloughPrice House, 300 S. Chandler Village Drive; and has online archives at chandleraz.gov. Click on “visitors,” then “arts and culture.”
• The Gilbert Historical Museum, operating out of a 1913 school building at the south end of the Heritage District; gilberthistoricalmuseum.org.
• The Mesa Historical Museum, 51 E. Main St., Mesa, is in transition from a historical campus in the Lehi neighborhood to a hoped-for downtown museum; valleyhistoryinc.com.
• The Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald, Mesa, has exhibits ranging from prehistoric cultures to Arizona’s role in film history; arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org.
•The Tempe History Museum, 809 E. Southern Ave., offers permanent and changing exhibits; tempe.gov; click on “city hall,” then “community services.”
will continue even if the federal building project falls through.
“We own the property at Lehi,” she said. “We always will own that. It’s not that we don’t have a home.” Further, she said, the historical society has expanded its mission beyond Mesa to the rest of the Valley. The Play Ball exhibit, for example, is now showing in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library.
But Anderson said Mesa residents have a right to expect the federal building will be converted as promised.
“The council has voted not once but several times to support this museum,” she said. “We want to make sure they keep their obligation.”
estimated at $50 million in 2009, but a more detailed design resulted in a more realistic estimate. He said the 1.6-mile length of the bridge contributes to the cost.
A MAG report cited deterioration of the current Gilbert Road Bridge from wear and tear. It said that the Maricopa County Department of Transportation concluded that replacing the bridge “was its highest priority.”
The report refers to a technical analysis from 2015 that found damage to the current bridge.
“Additionally, seven piers have portions of the drilled shaft foundations exposed
from scour. The piers have deteriorated and allow water to flow through most of joints between and at the end of the superstructure units,” the report said.
Nicole Moon, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Highway Department, acknowledged that there has been some erosion at the bottom of the piers, but she said the bridge is inspected every year and its condition is closely monitored.
“Our bridge engineers would not allow traffic on the bridge if it’s not safe,” she said.
Bullen said, “It’s infrastructure that is deteriorating. It’s not unsafe yet, but it certainly doesn’t have a whole lot of life left in it.”
The new bridge is in a design phase that is scheduled for completion in spring 2019, after the county obtains a series of routine clearances that are a necessary step toward construction. It is hoped that construction on the new bridge will begin in summer 2019 and that it will be finished in about two years, in 2021.
In the meantime, the county expects to begin work in the next couple of weeks to replace the northbound lanes, which washed away, Moon said.
– Reach Jim Walsh at 480-898-5639 or at jwalsh@ timespublications.com.
Lowrider bikes, pedal cars introduce kids to Hispanic culture
BY RALPH ZUBIATE Tribune Managing Editor
Alezae Chavez, 7 going on 8, is the Heartbreaker.
At least, that’s what it says on her lowrider bicycle.
She and her uncle, Richard “Chavo” Chavez, were showing off her bike at the Little Lowrider Show in Phoenix. It was her introduction to the lowrider culture.
“It’s a kids’ scene,” said Enrique “Fat Boy” Maldonado, Sergeant at Arms for the Rollerz Only Car Club’s Chandler chapter. “We have some adults that build the bikes and stuff like that, but the kids are key.”
“We’re trying to get kids involved,” Chavez said. “It’s like a hobby, but passionate.”
Chavez is a member of Rollerz Only. The club, founded in 1988 in Los Angeles, has 42 chapters worldwide.
Lowrider bikes were abundant at the downtown Phoenix event as were tricked-out pedal cars and even retro baby strollers. The kids help build the pieces.
The Phoenix event gathered hobbyists from around the Valley. Lowrider bikes were themed to cartoons and animated features, along with other kid favorites. Looney Tunes and Monster High bikes were shown, glimmering in the bright sun.
The way the bikes are displayed is important to judges such as Joey Calderone.
“We give points for the display,” Calderone said.
Some bikes were sitting on mirror tiles, and some had displays next to them with sports teams – the Dallas Cowboys seemed to be popular – or cartoon characters.
Not far removed from Mardi Gras, one pedal car up on a turntable was decorated in traditional gold, green and purple; beads were strewn about.
Another holiday just passed was St. Patrick’s Day, and one green pedal car was accompanied by a pot and “gold” coins. Another green pedal car had candy covering a rug underneath it.
“I also look for overall craftsmanship and cleanliness,” Calderone said. “Also,
bright candy colors,” for the kids.
He also looks for functionality. He wants the bikes to be ridable, and if they feature stereo systems – yes, on a bike –he wants the stereo to work.
One pedal car looked to be pulling a retro trailer, but that was its stereo speakers.
Stock lowrider bikes can begin at $250, and their value increases as work is done to them.
Candy colors are added, themes worked into the bikes, and twisted chrome pieces are added.
When finished, kids’ street bikes can run $2,000 to $30,000, Calderone said.
Upholstery is also a big addition to the bikes. Chavez did the upholstery for Alezae’s bike through his own company, Los Chavez Custom Upholstery. Having a skill like being an upholsterer or painter is key in the lowrider community because hobbyists can trade their specialties.
“I did the upholstery for that bike over there,” Chavez said, pointing at another bike down the line. In return, he got
Alezae’s bike painted.
Chavez works two jobs to have enough money to pay for the hobby. He also works full-time at a Fry’s Food and Drug store.
The hobby keeps his focus on good choices. He acknowledges that he had to decide what path he went down. Some family members made bad choices. That’s the reason he and his father are raising Alezae.
In the meantime, he’s working on Alezae’s bike themed to the cartoon character Betty Boop.
It started off as a family heirloom, belonging to a cousin in New Mexico.
“It’s sentimental to us,” Chavez said.
And Alezae likes it, too, calling it “nice.”
The shy Alezae was enjoying the scene, loud with a DJ and kids running around oohing and aahing at the bikes. Adults were walking around impressed, too.
A couple from the Czech Republic was in Phoenix visiting family. Remko Bos walked up and asked about the lowrider bikes and pedal cars.
“We don’t have anything like this in Europe,” he said.
Slavomira Reiter agreed, saying of the scene, “It is wonderful.”
– Contact Ralph Zubiate at 480-898-6825 or rzubiate@timespublications.com.
(Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)
Alezae Chavez and her uncle, Richard “Chavo” Chavez, enjoy the lowrider culture together. “We’re trying to get the kids involved,” Chavo said.
(Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer) Freddy from “Nightmare on Elm Street,” not a kid-friendly face, makes an appearance in a Rollerz Only lowrider bike display.
(Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)
A tricked-out lowrider bicycle is on display at the Little Lowrider Show in Phoenix. Some bikes, when customized, can be worth well above $2,000.
MESA
Elk Society hosts banquet to help Arizona wildlife
The Arizona Elk Society’s 16th Annual Fundraising Banquet is April 8 at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St. The banquet will feature dinner, a cash bar, raffles and auctions. Attendees can bid on Arizona Game & Fish Commission special elk, buffalo or lion tags or a Hualapai Reservation special elk permit, with proceeds going to benefit the species on the tag.
Doors open at 4 p.m., with dinner at 5:30 and the auction afterward. Cost is $75, which includes $20 of raffle tickets, if purchased by Friday, March 31. Information and tickets: arizonaelksociety.org.
GILBERT
Charter school network
hosting teacher job fair
Leading Edge Academy will host a teacher job fair for positions throughout the network on Thursday, March 30, from 2-6 p.m. at the Gilbert Campus, 717 N. Gilbert Road.
Leading Edge Academy has campuses in the East Valley in Gilbert, east Mesa, San Tan, Queen Creek and Maricopa, and serves grades K-12 online.
Job seekers will have interviews with administrators and should bring a copy of their resume and IVP fingerprint clearance card. Open positions include elementary, secondary and special education teachers, para-professionals and interventionists.
Information and scheduling: 480-6330414 or resumes@leadingedgeacademy. com.
Maximize irrigation systems at free landscape workshop
Gilbert is offering a course to help residents get the most out of their irrigation system on Thursday, March 30, from 6:309 p.m. at the Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Road.
The course, part of the Spring 2017 Landscape Workshops, will teach residents how to identify the problems in an irrigation system and what to do about them.
The workshop is free, and registration is required.
Information and registration: goo.gl/ forms/r5xWYZ4aaMzRC6Pq2, or 480503-6098, option 5.
Fido Bags delivered to Tempe fire stations
(City of Tempe/Special to the Tribune) A Fetch Foundation representative and pit bull Teagan delivers new Fido Bags and replenishment supplies to Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department Station #273. The Fetch Foundation and PetSmart have donated the bags, which contain an oxygen mask created especially for animals as well as leashes, a water bowl and a soft carrying case for cats. The bags aid in the life-saving efforts of animals suffering not only from smoke exposure but also from bee stings and other trauma. The Tempe fire department has been using the Fido Bag since 2013. An estimated half-million pets are affected by fires each year in the United States and more than 40,000 family pets die from smoke inhalation alone in country.
CHANDLER
Chandler Fire Cadets accepting applicants for 8-week program
The Chandler Fire, Health & Medical Department is accepting applicants ages 16 to 21 interested in a possible career in the fire service.
The eight-week Chandler Fire Cadets program starts April 26, and meets every Wednesday from 5-9 p.m., and every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through June 14. It is held at Chandler’s Fire Training Center, 3550 S. Dobson Road.
There is a $150 registration fee, which includes some of the required uniforms and the training. There will be some additional uniform costs for boots, pants and a belt.
Information and registration: 480-7822120, chandlerfirecadets@gmail.com, or chandleraz.gov/fire.
Meeting will let public discuss Improvements to Cooper Road
Planned improvements to Cooper Road in southeast Chandler will be discussed
at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, at Hull Elementary School, Multipurpose Room, 2424 E. Maren Drive.
The plan is to widen the street from two to four lanes from Riggs Road north to approximately one-quarter mile south of Ocotillo Road.
This is the second meeting being held to obtain public comment on the early design, which will include the construction of raised medians, bike lanes, left-turn lanes, curb, gutter, sidewalk, street lighting, traffic signals, landscaping, drainage improvements and utility relocations.
Information: 480-898-4060.
St. Mary-Basha school hosts second annual Spring Boutique
St. Mary-Basha Catholic School’s second annual Spring Boutique is Saturday, April 1, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
The school is at 200 W. Galveston Street.
Information: smbspringboutique@ gmail.com.
Tempe teacher to be honored for leadership in, out of classroom
TRIBUNE
Ahigh school teacher who lives in Tempe is among seven women who will be honored for their leadership next month at an awards luncheon sponsored by the Arizona affiliate of the ATHENA International.
Claire McWilliams, who teaches hospitality and tourism at Fountain Hills High School, is being honored partly for developing relationships with the tourist industry so that her students can gain practical experience while they are in school.
Founded in 1982, the nonprofit ATHENA develops and honors women leaders through mentorships and other initiatives. Since its inception, more than 7,000 women leaders in over 500 communities across the world have been recognized for their work.
2000 West Court Way, Tempe. She also has organized service trips to study culture and sustainability in Uganda, St. Lucia, El Salvador and Costa Rica with high school students. She also has organized fundraisers and donation drives to benefit the Arizona Association for Foster and Adoptive Parents and the Chrysalis Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence.
McWilliams also served as a master advisor for one of Arizona’s largest chapters of Family Career and Community Leaders of America, which teaches students leadership skills by community action. She also led the Fountain Hills High School chapter in community-wide projects on the topics of cancer prevention, domestic violence, Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, homelessness and veteran appreciation.
The ATHENA Leadership Awards luncheon is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, at the Marriott Tempe at the Buttes,
Information/luncheon tickets: athenaaz. com, Kristine@athenaaz.com or 612860-5992.
NEWS STAFF
(Special to the Tribune)
Claire McWilliams
Waitress attributes 31 years in same restaurant to good service
BY MELODY BIRKETT Tribune Contributor
Milena Prpa doesn’t see customers when they walk into Matta’s restaurant in Mesa.
“I feel customers are part of my family,” she said.
Small wonder: Prpa has been a waitress at the Mexican Restaurant for 31 years.
That’s nearly half of her life and slightly more than half the time Matta’s has been in business.
The family-owned restaurant opened in 1953 at Main Street and Stapley Road, moved two years later to a location across the street and stayed there for 55 years before relocating in 2010 to Mesa Riverview.
Peter Matta now runs the restaurant that his grandparents, Manuel and Mary Lou Matta, started.
While Prpa has been on Matta’s payroll the longest, most of his employees have worked there a long time, he said.
“Probably the average employee has been here 15 years,” he said.
Prpa said it’s a great place to work, adding, “I don’t get stressed going to
work. I look forward to going in.”
“I enjoy the Matta family. I enjoy the customers,” she said, noting that many patrons she knew as children.
They’ve grown up and now she’s waiting on their families. Some even call to see if she’s working before they come in.
Some customers wait an hour to get a table in Prpa’s section.
“Customers wait for me because of my personality and service,” she said. “I’m always friendly, smiling, and I have a passion for customers.”
Naturally, she knows what her regular customers will be ordering.
“I know what they’re eating and drinking. They’re kind of shocked I remember.”
While she doesn’t automatically turn in their orders, Prpa chuckled that she could do so and get it right.
In addition to providing great customer service, Prpa said a successful waitress must work hard.
That fits her schedule.
Monday is her only day off. She works 11 a.m. until closing but sometimes gets off early on Thursdays.
While she does get tired of the grind sometimes, it’s never enough to make her want to leave.
“It’ll be a sad day when I retire,” said Prpa, adding she doesn’t even want to think about that day.
Prpa learned how to be a standout waitress in Croatia.
There, prospective waitresses must go to school to learn the ropes.
Prpa grew up in a popular tourist area near the ocean. When she graduated from high school, she decided she wanted to be a waitress because she felt it was a good way to make money. So, she went to school to train for the job and worked 10 years as a waitress in Croatia.
After moving to the United States, Prpa spent 10 years working as a waitress in Milwaukee before moving to the Valley.
Matta’s has been her only job since she moved here – and only her third waitress job in her career.
Prpa said her customers reward her good service with generous tips.
But she looks at it this way: “By making money for myself, I’m making money for the Matta family.”
While there are tacos, enchiladas and burros on the menu like other Mexican restaurants, Matta’s West Texas Mexican cuisine is different, he added.
He thinks his unique blend of flavors brings customers back.
“We still cook everything fresh. We still negotiate with farmers and try to find the best crops,” said Matta.
Information: Matta’s, 1033 N. Dobson Road, Suite 101, Mesa. mattas.com.
Choices Have Come to Adora Trails Now Open
(Melody Birkett/Tribune Contributor)
Milena Prpa learned to be a waitress in her native Croatia and has been at Matta’s restaurant in Mesa for 31 years.
Business
Fitness trainers get more than training at new Chandler gym
BY BRENT RUFFNER Tribune Contributor
Calling all personal trainers: A new gym has opened its doors and it has one design in mind –help personal trainers run a successful business.
The Trainer’s Club is a “trainercentric” fitness studio geared to bolster the businesses of individual area trainers by providing marketing and advertising along with new state-of-the-art equipment for their clients.
“It’s all about the trainer,” said Cabrina McAllister, co-owner of the business at 6906 W. Ray Road, Chandler. “We want to ensure we are making it easy for them to (have sustained success).”
McAllister said she wanted to open the gym after seeing a lack of support for trainers. In most cases, trainers have a difficult time finding a permanent location where they can operate. She said Trainer’s Club will offer the space on a 24/7 basis whenever it’s most convenient for their clients with no contract.
The 4,000-square-foot gym features a lounge, kitchen and an office space to meet one-on-one with clients.
An Apex rope-climbing machine, tireflip machine and stair climbers are part of the arsenal at the Chandler gym. Trainers can expect more than just gym equipment to make their business thrive.
They get personalized business cards, regular Facebook and Instagram posts
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Choice Career Fair set for Mesa Convention Center
Top area employers will be interviewing prospective employees at the Choice Career Fair on Wednesday, March 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Building A.
A free resume review will also be available.
about their business and quarterly inhouse events that feature specific fitness trainers.
McAllister said she wants her business to bring a sense of camaraderie to trainers and their clients.
The Brooklyn native said the center will offer specialized training programs such as strength training, sports conditioning and weight-loss practices. At some point, the center could offer group fitness classes.
She said trainers won’t have to spend time searching for a workout space or
Employers are looking to hire at this event, so attendees are encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes and to dress appropriately.
Pre-register at choicecareerfairs.com/e/ phoenix-career-fair-march-29-2017.
Dhaba restaurant owner to receive diversity award
Raveen Arora, owner of the Dhaba restaurant and Indian Plaza in Tempe, will receive a Faces of Diversity Award from the National Restaurant Association in Washington, D.C.
marketing themselves and can solely focus on their client base. Instead, the gym will provide trainers access to a website where they can blog and post profiles about themselves and their business.
McAllister said the business is looking for certified fitness experts, whether they are just starting a business or are experienced business owners. She expects to eventually have 15 trainers at full staff.
“It needs to be a place that the trainer wants to be,” McAllister said. “If they
Three national winners, who have overcome adversity through hard work to achieve the American Dream, are chosen each year.
Gilbert Leadership event marks 25th anniversary
Gilbert Leadership will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Friday, March 31, from 6:30 to 10:15 p.m. at Life Community Church, 717 W. Ray Road.
The Monte Carlo themed evening, “Celebrating Silver, Reaching for Gold,” will include a full Italian dinner catered by Zappone’s Italian Bistro and keynote speaker Dr. Wally Delecki.
The after-party features poker, roulette,
aren’t happy for some reason, it’s not the place for them, right? The whole goal for me is to build something that’s appealing to them all.”
McAllister’s business partner, Anson Schenk, comes from a “fitness family” as his father owns two Valley gyms. He was a college athlete at Scottsdale Community College and has been a personal trainer for the past five years. He said having a trainer-focused gym tends to be more engaging than other kinds.
“People are getting bored of same old where you go in and work on your own and don’t really know what to do,” Schenk said, adding that at his gym “you hire a professional who can design a program for you.”
Schenk said he wants trainers who are confident and aware of their skill set. He said most recertification courses require trainers to refresh themselves on particular concepts while adding knowledge in certain areas. Some online courses focus on nutrition. Some look at how fats and carbohydrates affect the body and others look on weight-loss training and teach trainer effective meal preparation.
McAllister said she wants the business to have a community atmosphere and allow trainers to thrive at their craft. She said the trainers will have a voice in which events can be hosted at the center, such as charity events like raising money for the American Diabetes Foundation.
Information: 520-838-1716 or info@ trainersclubaz.com.
black jack and craps tables with a cash bar. Information: Sarah Watts at sarah@ gilbertchamber.com.
Gilbert Chamber Chat connects businesspeople
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce will host Chamber Chat - After Hours on Tuesday, March 28, from 4-6 p.m.
The informal gathering will be at Even Stevens, 384 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 2
Local professionals will meet each other and learn more about businesses and services within the community.
(Brent Ruffner/Tribune Contributor)
Anson Schenk and Cabrina McAliister want their new Chandler gym will meet the major business needs of many personal trainers.
Deep thoughts on life and its lessons upon turning 50+ years old
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist
Passed a birthday the other day, a half century plus a couple more trips around the big hot rock. A buddy of mine, surely trying to mess with my fragile midlife emotional state, shot me a text: “So chuckle%$&!, what have you learned so far? Let’s hear it, Mr. Pontification. The world according to Leibo.”
My verbatim response cannot be shared in this fine family publication. The question has stuck with me, however. What do I know for sure? About which facts of life am I dead-solid certain? This: Human beings love certainty. We love to say, “Well, obviously a happened and that caused b.” Cause and effect is never that simple. Everything is multidetermined.
A corollary point: Opinions and theories, even arrived at by really smart people, are not the same thing as
Voter intelligence
Whenever I feel discouraged, depressed or despondent concerning the current political situations in Washington, D.C., or in Phoenix, I harken back to times of yesteryear to understand and appreciate how voter intelligence almost always bails us out of tumultuous times.
For example, think back to President Richard Nixon (Watergate), Arizona Gov. Evan Mecham (they’re spying on me), former Arizona State Senate President Russell Pearce (of SB 1070 “fame”), Arizona State Attorney General Tom Horne (clandestine trips), Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal (“covert” blogger) and, more recently, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio (myopic immigration policies), and even former Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeau (self-importance trumps service). All of these politicians were eventually “shown the door” by the electorate after some real or perceived misdeeds in office. Many of these “leaders” put their own welfare before the needs of those who elected them. So, if the past is indicative of the future, we the voters are much smarter than many of the lawmakers we initially vote into office. Sure, it takes us awhile to figure out that not all of our candidates we vote for have our welfare in mind as they enter office and pursue their own agendas, but eventually
facts. Just because a smart person says something in a resolute tone of voice doesn’t mean it’s true. And that goes double if it’s being said on television.
Whoever said, “Happy wife, happy life,” knew what she was talking about.
In any disagreement, the minute you lose your temper, you lose the argument. Because then the conflict becomes about your delivery and attitude and not about the situation at hand.
People who think firefighters and cops are overpaid and don’t deserve a pension have never run into a burning building or responded to a 999 “officer down” call.
The least-valuable person in any meeting is the one who says, “Let me play devil’s advocate for a second.” Don’t offer what can go wrong. Offer solutions. No one looks at the social media pictures from your vacation/fancy meal/ couple’s night out and thinks, “I am so darn envious. Man, I really wish I had that guy’s life.” Speaking of social media, your umpteen hundred posts attacking
or defending this president or the last president aren’t persuading any of us.
At the leading edge, human achievement has never been more impressive. We have cultivated better medicine, technology, machines and data-processing skills. Even so, the 50th percentile of human intellect and character seems to be going backward. At warp speed.
People who say, “I love to be the stupidest person in the room,” usually are.
No one thinks your child or your dog is as cute as you do. Especially in a restaurant or on an airplane.
My wife and her mom believe the liberal application of scalding bleach and water will fix anything, ranging from a pimple to an infected wound to a kitchen counter. I believe there’s no upside to arguing this point.
When you see an ad that strings together three capitalized words and periods – Just. Like. This. – the marketing department has run out of ideas.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
we the voters discern the good from the not so good, and via our collective insight we separate the wheat from the chaff. We determine that the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t really a train.
While I have very little confidence in or respect for our elected officials in both Washington, D.C., and in Phoenix, I have the utmost confidence in and appreciation for the overall intelligence and insightfulness of us the voters. We, the amalgamation of voters, will eventually properly take care of any political problems we currently have by doing what we’ve always done, i.e., showing that collectively we’re much smarter than that collection of politicians we elect to represent us. Boo and hiss to many of our lawmakers, and kudos to us the voters!
– Richard K. Meszar – Mesa
Wasteful practices
While Arizona may not have as much oil and gas development as neighboring states, it’s certainly feeling the negative consequences of wasteful practices.
A recent NASA report found a Delaware-sized cloud of methane, a component of natural gas, hovering above the Four Corners area. And if some members of Congress get their way, this may only get worse.
Congress is expected to vote on a measure that
would overturn a recently adopted Bureau of Land Management rule, which seeks to curb natural gas waste on federal public and tribal lands. It would also prevent the BLM, although tasked with managing and conserving federal public lands, from issuing similar rules in the future.
The fixes are common sense – stop leaks and end the wasteful practice of burning off the gas. Every year, hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer-owned natural gas is wasted and dangerous pollutants are released into the air. This poses a public health threat for Arizonans as these pollutants can trigger asthma attacks and lead to cancer. The impact is even greater on Latino communities, as they face elevated risks due to toxic emissions from oil and gas operations, according to a report by the National Hispanic Medical Association and Clean Air Task Force.
The land, air and water are all part of our cherished outdoor heritage and it’s our moral obligation to protect it. By overturning this rule, we are putting our families and communities in jeopardy.
– Pastor Victor Venalonzo Betania – Por la Creacion, Yuma
Where is Norgaard?
If you weren’t already convinced, the current legislative session makes clear that local politics matter. In the Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and Ahwatukee
The average resident of Arizona is approximately 99 percent less interested in a light drizzle than your average TV news reporter.
I’m going to write a magic diet book titled “Eat Less, Exercise More.” When you open the book, it’s going to have those same four words on every page. I’m not expecting a bestseller.
“You know, I am so glad you shared your fascinating gluten-free diet/ CrossFit/vegan/training for a 10k/ marathon/triathlon story with me,” said no one ever.
The older I get, the more I realize that my mom was right: “This too shall pass.” Most of the stuff you think is worth arguing over will vanish long before the hard feelings created by conflict.
And finally, if you’re reading my Sunday column looking for wisdom about life’s great truths, you, my dear friend, may need to deeply reconsider what you know about life.
– David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.
area, Sean Bowie represents us in the Senate and Mitzi Epstein and Jill Norgaard in the House.
Both Bowie and Epstein hold bi-weekly chats where any member of our community can spend two minutes or two hours in dialogue with them. I have attended three of these chats. They are free, advertised in advance via Facebook and Twitter, and unscripted. No preference is given to voters who already agree with them and no topic is off limits. What about Jill Norgaard? I’ve called Rep. Norgaard’s office to ask about similar opportunities and was told nothing is planned. I’ve also tweeted her to no response, and her website is still in campaign mode with a prominent “Donate” tab but no recent updates or obvious ways to connect her. Maybe Jill will read this, so here’s my question: Ahwatukee, Chandler and Tempe enjoy strong public schools, and the vast majority of LD18 residents choose to send our children to public schools. Yet Rep. Norgaard supports the expansion of private school vouchers. Why should a community pleased with its effective public schools give our tax money to pay someone else’s private school tuition? When did you seek our collective input on this stance? When will you start holding free, public chats of your own? We sent you to the Capitol to fight for us. How can you do that if you won’t talk to us?
– Dawn Penich-Thacker
All-Tribune Boys Basketball: McGlothan kept his promise
BY JASON P. SKODA Tribune Prep Sports Director
The more Gabe McGlothan reveals of himself while talking to elementary school kids, college recruiters, members of the Basha basketball program and in interviews, it is clear his path to the United States Military Academy at West Point was more than a simple choice.
In his mind, it is where he belongs and where he was destined to go.
“I can’t wait to see what I can do,” he said. “It takes a man of honor, discipline and integrity to serve. It’s what I try to be and hope to become.”
It’s no wonder then how he helped the Bears grow into a state championship. He was simply keeping his promise –something that shows honor, discipline and integrity – to his teammates.
McGlothan wasn’t alone in keeping the promise, but it partially tells the story of his selection as Tribune Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
The core of the senior class made the same one – winning a state title, the first for the program – when they were freshmen.
“The promise we made to each other was such an important thing,” he said. “A lot of teams talk about winning state. We promised to do it. Everything we did was in the best interest of each other and keeping our word.
“We wanted to make (program) history, and we actually made it happen. I truly believe it was because of that bond we made.”
It culminated with a celebration on the court at Grand Canyon University Arena after beating Corona del Sol with a large contingent of the student body, the parents of players, the cheerleaders and the team posing for pictures.
And in that moment, the smile on McGlothan’s face can hardly be contained, much like his play on the
court.
“It really hit home for me in that moment how everyone had our back,” McGlothan said. “Our student body was huge for us. They pushed us with their energy. It seemed like the whole school was there. The cheerleaders, the coaches and everyone was there. That was an incredible memory I’ll always have when I think about everything we did.”
The Bears did a lot, especially early in the season when they were crushing everyone. Once region schedule came around, Basha kept winning and winning.
The Bears went into the last regular season game undefeated but fell to Perry. It ruined a shot at a perfect season, and that sticks with their 6-foot-5, 190-pound center.
“Oh, it hurt personally,” McGlothan said. “Everyone said it refocused us for the playoffs, but we would have been focused anyway. (The loss) really fueled the fire. The next day’s practice was our best practice all year. It points to us having a goal and doing everything we can to accomplish it.”
McGlothan averaged about 14 points and 10 rebounds (team stats were for 25 games, missing out on the final seven games), but meant so much more to the team’s success.
“Gabe was a nightmare of a matchup for the other team,” Basha coach Mike Grothaus said. “He was too quick and athletic for anyone bigger than him, and too physical for anyone his size.
“We had a great senior class, and a lot of leaders, but Gabe had something a little different. His make up is perfect for being a leader. It’s one of the reasons he was put on this Earth. I truly believe he is destined to do great things.”
– Like and share this article on the East Valley Tribune on Facebook. Follow the East Valley Tribune on Twitter @EVTNow.
– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda.
(Billy Hardiman, Special to the Tribune) Basha senior and Tribune Player of the Year Gabe McGlothan (black shirt) will always have the memory of being in the center of Basha Nation after helping the Bears to the 6A Conference championship.
All-Tribune Boys Basketball
First team
Name Pos. Yr.
School Comment
Alex Barcello G Sr. Corona de Sol An amazing pure shooter
Terrell Brown G Sr. Basha Slasher, shooter, stopper
Saben Lee G/F Sr. Corona del Sol Off to Vandy
Wesley Harris F Jr. Desert Vista Helped DV to state semis
Gabe McGlothan C Sr. Basha No equal down low
Second team
Name Pos. Yr. School Comment
Mason Stark G Sr. Marcos de Niza Made 57 percent of 407 shots
DJ Henderson G Sr. Mesa Played all five positions
Tevian Jones G/F Jr. Chandler 19.3 points, 8.3 rebounds
Rashad Smith F Jr. Hamilton Became big-time for Huskies
David Exline F Jr. Mesquite Good for 16.7 and 8.2 per game
Honorable mention
Evan Quiroz, Apache Junction; Jacob Hunt, Campo Verde; Chris York, Casteel; Clayten McCarthy, Combs; Caleb Simmons, Desert Vista; Trajon Hawkins, Gilbert; Nate Graville, Gilbert Christian; Kyle Patterson, Gilbert Christian; Jake Klingler, Gilbert Classical; Chris Wright, Higley; Kevin Kim, Horizon Honors; Junior Leon, Leading Edge Academy; Mark Hatch, Mesa; Malik Salahuddin, Mountain Pointe; Nick Sessions, Mountain View; Rajhan Billingsley, Perry; Tyson Beringer, Poston Butte; Kade Parks, Queen Creek; Braxton Smith, Queen Creek; Timmy Allen, Red Mountain; Andre Harris, Red Mountain; Luke Thompson, Seton Catholic; J’Saan Strover, Skyline; Naseem Vigil, Tempe; Matthew Svorinic, Valley Christian; Duan Tate, Williams Field.
All-Tribune Girls Basketball: Barcello big part of Seton’s dominance
BY JASON P. SKODA Tribune Prep Sports Director
The East Valley girls basketball scene just might be in a golden era.
Whether it was four teams advancing to respective state championship games, which led to three teams cutting down the net, or the individual talent going up and down the court, the level of play may have never been higher than the 2016-17 season.
It can make it difficult to nail down a player of the year. There are varying opinions and plenty of stats to digest.
There has to be a separator. Something that places one above the rest. Sarah Barcello has quite a few.
It led to Seton Catholic junior guard being named the Tribune Girls Basketball Players of the Year after averaging 18.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.8 steals.
“When you look at everything she did for us, Sarah took over games when she had to on both ends of the court,” Seton Catholic coach Karen Self said. “When she was out (because of a concussion), it completely changed the dynamic of our team.”
When she wasn’t in the lineup against Cactus Shadows, Seton Catholic lost 54-41 on Jan. 20. With her, the Sentinels cruised 62-27 in the 4A Conference championship game against Cactus Shadows.
In a big November showdown with Mesquite, the 5A Conference champs, she played a big part in holding Lindsey VanAllen, who averaged 17.8 per games, to her lowest scoring (2 points on 1 of 9 shooting) game of the year.
“She was all over that court that game,” Self said. “Lindsey had an off night, and Sarah was a big reason why.”
In a stretch from Jan. 6 through 13, either LeeAnne or Jenn Wirth, or both, missed games because of injuries. During those games, Barcello averaged 28.5 points a game over a four-game stretch.
“I wanted to do what was best for my team, and we had some players out, so we all had to contribute more,” she said. “I was doing my part to make sure we won.”
The Sentinels win a lot no matter who is coming through the program. They have made the state title game
(Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer) Sarah Barcello shot 52 percent from the field and sharpened her skills playing against and working with her brother Alex, a former Tribune Player of the Year.
all three years with Barcello and have won two straight championships.
It’s been a good fit for Barcello, whose older sister, Julia, played for Seton. She has another year to try and surpass her brother, Alex, and the two state titles he won at Corona del Sol in three appearances.
Sarah, who shot 52 percent from the field, sharpened her skills playing against and working with Alex, a former Tribune Player of the Year.
“He pushes me, all of my siblings do,” she said. “All I want to do every time I play is do everything I can to help my team win, no matter what it takes and that’s what I’ve always tried to do.”
– Like and share this article on the East Valley Tribune on Facebook. Follow the East Valley Tribune on Twitter @EVTNow.
– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@ evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonPSkoda.
First team
All-Tribune Boys Basketball
Name Pos. Yr. School Comment
Shaylee Gonzales G Jr. Mesquite Creating a great career
Hayley Cavinder G So. Gilbert Led Tigers to 6A semis
Sarah Barcello G Jr. Seton Catholic She’s a difference maker
Maddie Fredrick F Sr. Hamilton Quick ouster doesn’t hurt
Jenn Wirth F Sr. Seton Catholic Headed to Gonzaga
Player of the Year: Nguyen Barcello – Fueled the Sentinels to third title in four years
Coach of the Year: Justin Hager, Mountain Pointe – Took a team that was barely .500, showed them disciplined and helped them to the state semifinals.
Second
team
Name Pos. Yr. School Comment
Lindsey VanAllen G Jr. Mesquite Had some huge 3-pointers
Megan Timmer G Sr. Valley Christian Big-timer for champs
Bailey Osmer G Sr. Mountain Pointe Pushed team to semis
Maya Banks F Sr. Hamilton Avg. a double-double
Jenise Strover F Sr. Mountain Pointe Took over games
Honorable mention
Tia Heggie, American Leadership; Maya Richardson, Apache Junction; Brandi Wilson, Arizona College Prep; Margue Detrizio, Basha; Allie Boyd, Benjamin Franklin; Marlena Arroyo, Campo Verde; Victoria Mason, Chandler; Leilani Peat, Corona del Sol; Sentia Bryant, Desert Ridge; Madison Golla, Desert Vista; Tyria Heath, Desert Vista; Shauna Bribiescas, Dobson; Rayonna Seamster, Dobson; Hanna Cavinder, Gilbert; Tiffany Hurd, Gilbert; Victoria Zebb, Gilbert Christian; Courtney Colleary, Hamilton; Alyssa Navarrete, Highland; Halle Price, Leading Edge Academy; Diamond Fuller, Mesa; Brea Patterson, Mesa; Lauren Gustin, Mesquite; Eve Kulovitz, Mountain Pointe; Olivia Vernon, Perry; Tianna Bruce, Poston Butte; Jacquelyn Ries, Red Mountain; Liz Holter, Seton Catholic; Kendall Krick, Seton Catholic; LeeAnne Wirth, Seton Catholic; Amaya West, Red Mountain; Anna Gorman, Valley Christian; Bethany Wolph, Valley Christian; Lacee Jenkins, Williams Field.
Seton ready to make most of second chance nationally
BY JASON P. SKODA Tribune Prep Sports Director
The level of success the Seton Catholic girls basketball program is having is unprecedented in Arizona.
The Sentinels won their ninth state title overall this season.
It was their third championship in four seasons and the sixth title in the past decade.
Now, they will see what the can do on the national stage.
For the second successive year, Seton Catholic accepted an invitation to the Dick’s Sporting Goods High School Nationals, where eight boys teams and four girls teams from around the nation converge to play in a tournament.
“It’s a huge honor to be invited,” Sentinels coach Karen Self said. “It’s really nice because I think people noticed we played a tough schedule and had a pretty good season. So for a third party, someone who doesn’t have an agenda, to look at our program and feel like we deserve to be in this group is pretty good.”
The Sentinels, who lost 49-41 to Ribault of Jacksonville, Florida, at last year’s event, leave for New York on Thursday. There, they will finish preparing for Miami Country Day, which went 29-1 and won the 4A state title in Florida. The game is at 10 a.m. MST on Friday and will be televised by ESPNU. The other game features No. 2 Hamilton Heights (28-1) of Tennessee and St. Frances (30-0) of Maryland.
The winners advance to the championship game at 7 a.m. MST on Saturday, and the game will be on ESPN2.
“We can’t wait to represent Seton Catholic and Arizona,” junior guard Sarah Barcello said. “They only picked
Hines selected to take over as AIA executive director
The Arizona Interscholastic Association’s executive board unanimously voted for David Hines to succeed Dr. Harold Slemmer as the next AIA executive director.
The announcement came during Monday’s monthly AIA board meeting. Hines, the AIA’s current assistant executive director, first joined in 2008.
“It’s a real honor,” Hines said. “I look forward to working with the board and the membership.”
Hines graduated from Tempe High in 1973. He eventually joined the Mesa School District, serving that district for 30 years as an administrator, teacher and track, cross country and football coach. Among his roles with the AIA, Hines has served as
Seton Catholic is headed to New York for the second straight year to play in the Dick’s Sporting Goods High School Nationals. The Sentinels play Miami Country Day in the first round of the four-team tournament at Christ the King High School in Queens.
four teams from the whole country and we are one of them. We want to make sure we show them why we belong there.”
Since it is the second time they are more comfortable and hope the past experience leads to a good performance.
“I got some good advice and we are getting on the (East Coast) sleep schedule now to make sure we are fresh,” Self said.
Another factor is they will be accustomed to the court at Christ the King High School, where the games are staged.
“We know the level of competition is
a tournament coordinator and AIA member school liaison.
ASU’s Graham selected for 3-point contest
Arizona State’s Torian Graham was selected for the 3-point Championship roster for the 29th annual State Farm College Slam Dunk & 3-Point Championships at Grand Canyon University Arena in Phoenix on Thursday, March 30. Graham is one of eight men’s college basketball players selected for the event that will air live on ESPN at 7 p.m.
Intersport, producers of the event, invites 24 of the nation’s elite men’s and women’s college basketball players to compete in the State Farm College Slam
going to be very high and that the court is very intimate,” Self said. “The stands are right on top of the floor and they fill the stands. It has a different feel and it took some adjusting last year. We will be ready for that this time around.”
The hope is the team will be 100 percent, something Seton Catholic has struggled with this season, when the first game tips off on Friday.
“This has been the most frustrating year of my career when it comes to injuries,” Self said. “We got through it, but this is a whole different level of play. We are going to have to be at our best.”
The team is led by the Wirth sisters,
Dunk & 3-Point Championships (eight dunkers, along with eight men’s and eight women’s shooters).
Former Hamilton coach to receive Kush Award
John Wrenn, former Arizona State University assistant athletics director of football operations and high school relations, has been named the 2017 recipient of the Frank Kush Lifetime Achievement Coaching Award from the Valley of the Sun Chapter of the National Football Foundation.
The award recognizes outstanding Arizona high school and/or college coaches who have contributed significantly to the game. Wrenn becomes the seventh individual with ASU ties to win the award.
“l am very humbled to receive this award that is
Jenn and LeeAnne, Liz Holter, Kendall Krick, Barcello and few others.
If all goes well, Seton Catholic will be doing some sightseeing in New York on Sunday before flying back as national champs.
“If we come out and play hard and do our best, I think we can do it,” Barcello said. “We’ve done it before, so hopefully that will give us an advantage.”
– Like and share this article on the East Valley Tribune on Facebook. Follow the East Valley Tribune on Twitter @EVTNow.
– Contact Jason Skoda at 480-898-7915 or jskoda@evtrib.com. Follow him on Twitter @ JasonPSkoda.
named after a person that I have great respect and love for,” says Wrenn.
Wrenn spent 23 seasons as a high school head coach in Illinois and Arizona. He was named Arizona High School Coach of the Year three times while at Hamilton High School in Chandler in 1999, 2003 and 2004.
Wrenn will receive the award as part of the chapter’s 36th annual Scholar Athlete Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 8, at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort. Information: aznff.org.
Send your sports news to rzubiate@evtrib.com
(Jason P. Skoda/Tribune Staff)
Jesus doesn’t want us carrying the excess baggage of selfishness
BY REV. SUSAN WILMOT Tribune Guest Writer
Afaithful woman I know told me recently that she doesn’t call herself a Christian anymore. If anyone asks, she tells them she’s a follower of Jesus. Many of us probably know how she feels. For quite some time now, it’s been difficult to say we’re Christian without raising eyebrows or bringing the conversation to a grinding halt. Unfortunately, the term “Christian” is now loaded with all kinds of excess baggage. It’s the kind of baggage that Jesus would have steadfastly refused to pick up. It’s the kind of baggage that the majority of Christians never packed and don’t want to claim as part of their faith. It’s the kind of baggage that a lot of followers of Jesus think of as misappropriated, mislabeled, mishandled and misdirected.
Sadly, this excess baggage also comes with a high cost. The kind of baggage I’m talking about includes outright lies in the name of Jesus, or misleading teachings on everything from the Scriptures and socalled Christian values, to Christian living. There are also those who claim the title
SUNDAY, APR. 2
ESCAPE ROOM: THE FREEDOMAN FILES Journey to ancient Egypt to unlock the mysteries of the Pesach Seder. Solve hidden clues, and rescue the Jewish people before it’s too late. This free event is for children 6-10.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m., The Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. RSVP to youth@chabadcenter.com. Information: 480-855-4333 or info@chabadcenter.com.
WED-SAT, APR. 5-15
JESUS THE CHRIST EASTER PAGEANT
This pageant is a drama, dance and musical story about the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Presented April 5-7 and 11-15 in English, and April 8 in Spanish.
DETAILS>> 8 p.m., Mesa Arizona Temple Grounds, 525 E. Main St., Mesa. Information: 480-964-7164 or easterpageant.org.
FRIDAY, APR. 7
BEATLES SHABBAT
The Second Annual Beatles Shabbat is coming to
Christian, but often behave badly and do so publicly, offering strangely ambiguous rationalizations to justify their words and deeds. It’s all a far cry from serving the Lord, or speaking truth to power in the longstanding and honored prophetic tradition.
Some of the baggage is packed with selfserving greed for personal gain, instead of sacrificial service or servant leadership.
So, what are followers of Jesus to do?
There’s a simple way to discern the real sheep from the wolves in sheep’s clothing. As we read in the gospel of Matthew 12:33b, “for the tree is known by its fruit.”
Those who consistently bear the fruit of violence and division are likely not following God’s will. If our faith, beliefs and teachings affirm hatred, or encourage us to exclude or belittle others, it’s not from God. If the teachings of our faith incite us to perpetrate injustice or violence against others, especially those we consider inferior or unworthy, then we’re worshipping self, and not paying any heed to the Holy Spirit.
Similarly, if the teachings of our faith produce no tangible change in the patterns of our thoughts, words or deeds, especially when it comes to characteristic human anger, fear, competitiveness or
Temple Emanuel. Shabbat prayers and songs will be sung to Beatles melodies with Cantorial Soloist Emily Kaye, the Shabba-Tones band & Temple Emanuel’s choir.
DETAILS>> Nosh at 6 p.m., Shabbat services at 6:30. 5801 S. Rural Road, Tempe. Information: 480-838-1414 or emanueloftempe.org.
SATURDAY, APR. 8
EASTER EGG HUNT
New Heights Church’s annual free Community Easter
Egg Hunt has moved to Valley Christian High School’s football field. The day will feature 15,000 eggs, inflatables, characters for the kids to take pictures with, popsicles and more.
DETAILS>>10 a.m., 6900 W. Galveston St., Chandler. Information: kidsegghunt.com
SUNDAY, APR. 10
TRADITIONAL PASSOVER SEDER
Chabad of Mesa is hosting an evening of inspiration, humor and song in a traditional Passover Seder. The full four-course dinner includes salmon and roast chicken, fine wine and handmade matzo. The Seder is English friendly, so you will feel right at home.
DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., 941 S. Maple. Cost is $30 for adults, $10 for students, $5 for children under 12. RSVP
prejudice, then it’s time to find a new teacher.
When we’re open to God’s transforming grace and power, we experience spiritual growth, not stagnation in old ways of being.
There is no violence in God. Living in faith does not involve manipulating others, humiliating, belittling, excluding or exploiting anyone. These actions are manifestations of fear, and a false understanding of God, usually rooted in a theology of scarcity.
On the other hand, God’s life-giving, life-sustaining and redemptive reality drives out all fear and fills us with love and an abundance of blessings. Followers of Jesus put the needs of others before our own, seek justice and equality for all, as well as build relationships on a foundation of respect, loving-kindness and compassion, with no expectation of return favors.
God’s kingdom, as established and revealed by the life and ministry of Jesus, is centered on sound doctrine, healing and forgiveness, peace and reconciliation, selfsacrifice and service to others. Kingdom living creates and supports mutuality in community, and delights in the glorious diversity of God’s good creation.
to chabadmesa@gmail.com. Information: 480-659-7001 or chabadmesa.com.
MONDAY, APR. 10
RELIVE THE PASSOVER EXODUS
Chabad of the East Valley’s community Seder will feature rich discussion about Passover, food and singing. Rabbi Mendy Deitsch, director of Chabad of the East Valley, will facilitate the inter-generational program.
The advance RSVP price for the Seder is $45 for an adult and $25 for a child. Family plans are available upon request. After April 1, the price increases to $55 for an adult and $40 for a child. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Sponsorship available. DETAILS>> 7:15 p.m. at the Pollack Chabad center for Jewish Life, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Information and reservations: 480-855-4333, info@ chabadcenter.com or chabadcenter.com.
SATURDAY, APR. 15
FAMILY EASTER CELEBRATION
Snedigar Sportsplex hosts a free Easter Egg Scramble for kids up to 9 years of age. There will also be information booths, displays, interactive amusements and a family Easter basket giveaway.
Christ’s willingness to die an ignominious death on a cross for the life of the world reveals that faithful living involves both suffering and sacrifice. Our words and actions have consequences. Faithful living isn’t about doing or saying whatever we want; it’s about seeking God’s wisdom in the power of the Holy Spirit who guides us into all righteousness.
Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is the ultimate statement of faith and trust in God. “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want” (Matthew 26:39).
In the resurrection, God conquers sin and death, once for all. In the resurrection of Jesus, God fulfills the promise of everlasting life for all who come to Christ in faith. Followers of Jesus live our resurrection lives even now.
We bear the fruit of authentic faith including gracious hospitality for all, along with selfless service marked by love and joy, peace, forgiveness, and compassion. Followers of Jesus are willing to lose their baggage, for God’s sake.
– The Rev. Susan E. Wilmot is Vicar at St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church & Preschool, 975 E. Warner Road, Tempe. Reach her at rector@stjamestempe.org, 480-345-2686, or stjamestempe.org.
DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-noon, 4500 S. Basha Road, Chandler. Information: 480-782-2735 or chandleraz.gov/easter.
SUNDAYS
NEW CHURCH IN MESA
The Lawrence Memorial A.M.E.Z. Church has opened in Mesa with the Rev. Albert Bolden leading as pastor. DETAILS>> Sunday School at 9 a.m., worship at 10 a.m., 931 E. Southern Ave., Suite 108. Information: 480-393-3001, tlmchurch.info.com, f@ TheLawrenceMemorialChurch.
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.
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.
CALENDAR
KIDS CAN LEARN JEWISH LIFE
Children can learn and experience Jewish life. Chabad 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.
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.
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.
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.
SUNDAY CELEBRATION SERVICE
Inspirational messages and music to lift your spirit. A welcoming community committed to living from the heart. Many classes and events offered. We welcome you!
DETAILS>>10 a.m. Sundays at Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480-7921800, unityoftempe.com.
MONDAYS
CHURCH PRAYER CALL
The Lawrence Memorial A.M.E.Z. Church in Mesa has a prayer call every Monday.
DETAILS>> 7 p.m., 1-712-775-7085. PIN 162106#.
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 480-759-6200 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.
PROSPERITY RECIPES AT UNITY OF TEMPE
Internationally known speaker and author, Maureen G. Mulvaney brings back her Prosperity Recipes class series to Unity of Tempe on Monday evenings. Cost: $10 per session
DETAILS>> 6:15-8:15 p.m., Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480-7921800, unityoftempe.com.
TUESDAYS
MESA BIBLE STUDY
The Lawrence Memorial A.M.E.Z. Church conducts Bible study on Tuesdays.
DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., 931 E. Southern Ave., Suite 108. Information: 480-393-3001, tlmchurch.info.com, f@ TheLawrenceMemorialChurch.
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 480-924-4946.
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.
UNITY YOGA AT UNITY OF TEMPE
Center in Mind, Body & Spirit at our weekly Unity Yoga classes with Mary Jo “MJ” Kuzmick. Bring your own mat (2 blankets & blocks, if you have them). Suggested love offering: $8 a class.
DETAILS>>10 a.m., Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480-792-1800, unityoftempe.com.
WEDNESDAYS
HEBREW READING COURSE
Chabad of the East Valley is offering a Hebrew Reading Crash Course to all Jewish members of the East Valley community. The class will take place over five weeks. DETAILS>> 7:30-8:30 p.m. until April 12, 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler. Cost: $50. Information: 480855-4333 or rabbi@chabadcenter.com.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY MEETS
Celebrate Recovery says it “brings your relationship with the Lord closer to your heart as it heals your hurts, habits and hang-ups.” Participants can discuss issues ranging from feeling left out to addictions. “Nothing is too small or too large.”
DETAILS>> 6:20 p.m. at Mountain View Lutheran Church, 11002 S. 48th St., Ahwatukee. mvlutheran.org/ celebraterecovery or email cr@alphamvlc.com.
OPEN NOW thru April 2nd SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS • 10:00AM–6:00PM
Knitted Knockers Charities plan fundraising cruise
GET OUT STAFF
ATempe-based nationwide charity for breast cancer victims is teaming up with a yarn store to offer knitters a chance to do their thing on water.
Knitted Knockers Charities and Tempe Yarn & Fiber are hosting a two-hour “Knitting Cruise to Change Lives” aboard the Desert Belle on Saguaro Lake on Saturday, April 1.
“The cruise is to give knitters/crocheters a chance to enjoy the beauty of Saguaro Lake, as well as raise awareness about Knitted Knockers,” said the nonprofit’s
executive director, Fred Neal.
Knitted Knockers Charities offers a light, comfortable knitted prosthetic breast for women who have had a mastectomy.
The prosthetics are made by a team of volunteers across the country. Over 12,000 have been distributed to cancer victims, Neal said. Several large Arizona groups meet regularly to knit the prosthetics, and some have met at Tempe Yarn & Fiber on a regular basis.
The cruise departs at 10:30 a.m. from its dock at 14011 N. Bush Highway, Mesa, and returns at 1 p.m. Tickets are $30.
The cruise has been dubbed a way to “change lives” for a reason, Neal said,
explaining:
“When you make a Knitted Knocker, you change your life by giving of your time and knitting skills to a woman recovering from breast cancer whom you will never meet. You also impact their lives by helping them feel better about themselves after a mastectomy, thus making a positive change for them.”
The group’s mission is to “help women to regain their confidence and sense of self after a mastectomy by putting a little ‘giggle’ back in their life,” he added.
Tickets: 480-557 9166.
Information: KnittedKnockersUSA.org or TempeYarn.com.
Halal Guys owner brings passion for food, Arizona to new Tempe franchise
BY COLLEEN SPARKS Tribune Contributor
The owner of a new restaurant in Tempe, AJ Ahmad has come a long way from his college days washing dishes and working as a tutor to pay the bills while sharing an apartment with roommates.
The immigrant and Chandler resident, who moved to the Valley in 1993 from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is excited to be the CEO of the franchise team that owns The Halal Guys Tempe on South Rural Road. It’s the first and only brick-andmortar The Halal Guys in Arizona for the international franchise, but Ahmad and his team plan to add three or four more stores a year until they have 15 in the state.
Ahmad describes the menu as a blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, including beef gyro sandwiches, chickenand-rice platters, falafels and hummus with pita. The Halal food is prepared to meet strict Islamic dietary requirements.
“This is my home state,” said Ahmad, 42. “This is where I learned, this is where I grew up, where I learned English.
“What an opportunity to make it with something I love.”
Ahmad earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Arizona State University in 1999 after moving to the Valley at the age of 17. His older brother lived in the Valley but moved to Texas after
Ahmad’s first semester at ASU, leaving him alone in a new city.
“I had to be a man right away,” Ahmad said. “That’s how you learn.”
The budding entrepreneur made ends meet by tutoring students in chemistry, physics and math for $4.15 an hour. Ahmad said learning English was “very easy” but he struggled to understand why Americans
use certain expressions, including “wearing cologne.”
He added he also discovered in the United States that “everybody has their own opinion” and speaks their mind.
Now Ahmad said he loves the “comfortable feeling” of Tempe, which is his “second home.”
“The Halal Guys encompasses all (of)
what I know in one location, my memories; my loyalty to the ASU brand, everything just here,” Ahmad said.
He said people lined up to try the food at The Halal Guys Tempe during the grand opening in late January, and he and his staff served about 1,000 meals that day.
Customers can order a platter or a sandwich with either one of two of the following: chicken, a beef gyro or a falafel with rice, pita, lettuce and tomatoes for $6.95. The platters and sandwiches are served with a bold and tangy white sauce or a fiery red sauce.
Fries alone and a pita with either hummus or Tahini sauce are $3.45 each.
Ahmad adds that the Tempe restaurant attracted 100,300 followers on Instagram before it opened.
He’s proud to employ 45 workers. By the time the 15th The Halal Guys is opened in Arizona, he will have more than 500 employees.
Three immigrants from Egypt started The Halal Guys franchise as a hot dog cart in 1990 in New York City. As their small business expanded, the three men heard Muslim cab drivers say they were trying to find halal food in the city, so they added their now-famous platter of chicken and gyro over rice, as well as the white and hot red sauces.
Founders Muhammed Abouelenein,
(The Halal Guys/Special to the Tribune)
The Halal Guys officials (from left) Jamie Meiers, AJ Ahmad, Fadi Odeh, Raed Nashef and Tahsin Khairi celebrate at the grand opening of the new restaurant in Tempe in late January.
‘Interrupting Vanessa’
Vanessa prefers to play alone in her room. Out of the blue, her mom invites Timmy Fibbins over to play. How will Vanessa deal with this intrusion? Find out in this short, comedic yet heartwarming play aimed at kids 7 and up.
DETAILS>> Weekends, Saturday, March 25 to Sunday, April 2. Tempe Center for the Arts, 700 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Tickets: $12-$26. 480-350-2822. childsplayaz.org.
Gilbert Downtown Concert Series
Every other Thursday, show up at the Gilbert Water Tower for a free evening concert. On March 30, the band will be the up-and-coming local group Vintage Wednesday.
DETAILS>> 6:30 p.m., Thursday, March 30. Water Tower Plaza, 45 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. Cost: Free. gilbertaz.gov, vintagewednesday.com.
‘In The Mood’
The music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, The Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and more music titans of yesteryear comes to life in this celebratory
extravaganza.
DETAILS>> 2 and 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 31. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Tickets: $39$50. 480-644-6500. mesaartscenter.com.
Vintage & Vino
Drink wine as you browse more than 100 vendors of vintage, antique and handcrafted furniture, jewelry, clothing, beauty products, home decor and plenty of other items. Food vendors and trucks will also be available to keep your shopping energy up.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday, March 31, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, April 1. Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre, 20464 E. Riggs Road, Queen Creek. Tickets: $5-32 adults, Free for children 12 and under. vintageandvinoaz.com.
Chandler Jazz Festival
Spend a weekend enjoying jazz as more than 120 top local and national performers, including Davell Crawford, Bob Fahey, Royce Murray and Sistah’s Too, play outdoor concerts. In addition, enjoy a beer and wine garden, and food vendors.
DETAILS>> 5-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, March 31-April 1. Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler. Cost: Free. chandleraz.gov.
Tempe Festival of the Arts
More than 300 local and national artists will display their work on the streets of Tempe. This
year features a curated market for local artisans, a Kids Block especially for kids and past favorites like Chalk-A-Lot-Street.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., FridaySunday, March 31-April 2. Downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue north of University Drive. Cost: Free. tempefestivalofthearts.com.
March Madness Music Festival
This year, Phoenix hosts the March Madness Final Four and associated events. That’s why you can enjoy three free concerts whose headliners include Aerosmith, The Chainsmokers, and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
DETAILS>> Times vary, Friday-Sunday, March 31-April 2. Margaret T. Hance Park, 1134 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Cost: Free. ncaa.com/ marchmadness/musicfest.
Final Four Fan Fest
College basketball fans won’t want to miss this festival, which offers youth clinics, giveaways, concerts, interactive games, special appearances, autograph signings, championship trophy photo opportunities and more.
DETAILS>>Times vary, Friday-Monday, March 31-April 3. Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix. Tickets: $10 adults, Free for kids 12 and under. ncaa.com/final-four/fan-fest.
CycloMesa Unchained Bicycle Festival
Celebrate your love of all things bicycle at this free festival. Watch El Tour of Mesa, enjoy BMX Freestyle demonstrations, check out the custom bike competition, enjoy the Adventure Zone, a Kid’s Zone, the Historic Bike Tour and plenty more.
DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, April 1. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. Cost: Free (individual activities may have a fee). cyclomesa.com.
Last Chance: Arizona Renaissance Festival
Visit the “Greatest Party Since Camelot” for its last weekend of the season. Watch entertainment on 13 stages, wander the replica 16th century marketplace and village, eat turkey legs, ride old-fashioned rides, watch jousts and discover plenty more fun.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-6 p.m., SaturdaySunday, April 1-2. Arizona Renaissance Festival, 12601 US-60, Gold Canyon. Tickets: $24 adults, $14 ages 5-12. 520-463-2600. arizona.renfestinfo.com.
– Justin Ferris, Phoenix.org.
Taco soup a hot meal that doesn’t heat up the kitchen
BY JAN D’ATRI
Tribune Contributor
We got a little taste of what’s to come this week with the weather heating up so quickly.
Time to start looking for meals that don’t heat up the kitchen. This is going to be your new go-to dish – for any season! It just doesn’t get any easier than grabbing some cans and throwing it all in one pot! The result is a hearty meal loaded with flavor in about 15 minutes!
TACO SOUP
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef or turkey
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 envelope Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix
1 can (16 ounces) chili beans, not drained
1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, not drained
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, not drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomato with green chilies
1 can (4.5 ounces) chopped green chilies
2 fresh Anaheim chiles, roasted, skinned and chopped (Optional)
Flour or corn fresh tortillas for garnish (or use chips)
Directions:
In a Dutch oven, sauté onion in olive oil until soft and golden brown. Add garlic and cook for another few minutes. Add beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain fat if there is an excess.
Add taco seasoning and ranch dressing packets and mix well. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. Recipe yields about 2 quarts. Makes about 8 (1 ½) cup servings If soup is too thick, add a little water to thin out.
For the tortilla garnish: Heat about ½ cup vegetable oil in skillet.
Slice 4 medium tortillas into thin strips. Carefully add them to the hot oil and cook for 1-2 minutes until strips are golden brown. Drain on paper towel. Sprinkle on top of soup.
– Connect with Jan on Facebook/jandatri1 or at jandatri.com/ For a video recipe: jandatri.com/recipes/lemonblender-pie/?category_id=384
King Crossword
ACROSS
1 Earth (Lat.)
6 Witnessed 9 -- -relief
12 Symbol of slowness
13 Inventor Whitney 14 Genetic abbr. 15 Of punishment
16 Burma’s capital, once 18 Astute
20 Took the train
21 Oom follower
23 Thither
24 Xbox enthusiast
25 “-- a Kick Out of You” 27 Worked with rattan 29 Circle around the sun 31 Conspiracy of silence 35 Cardiff’s people
37 Sunrise
38 200 milligrams 41 Gear tooth
43 Affirmative action?
44 Culture medium 45 Cringes
47 Longtime Klugman co-star 49 Symbol of sorrow 52 Jazz job
53 Accomplished 54 Intact
55 Individual 56 Chances, for short 57 Gumby’s horse
DOWN
1 Recipe meas.
2 Away from WSW 3 Cowboy, often 4 Iranian money
5 Dumpster location
6 Venus’ sister 7 Winged
8 Victory
9 Witch craft?
10 Battery terminal
11 Less loony
17 Ranked
19 Singer’s recording 21 Snapshot
22 Past
24 Jewel
26 In the direction of 28 “Forget it!”
30 Trawler need
32 Rifle
33 Pair
34 Moreover
36 Berates
38 Freight
39 Over
40 Kitchen need
42 Outfit
45 Film sample
46 Nevada city
48 Commotion
50 Regret
51 Pigs’ digs
Sudoku
HALAL
from page 30
Ahmed Elsaka and Abdelbaset Elsayed have more than 200 restaurants being developed around the world and franchise agreements in California and several other states.
Ahmad, who used to own Edible Arrangements stores in Ahwatukee Foothills and Gilbert from 2006 to 2013, said he had originally asked The Halal Guys founders if he could open a franchise in California. He owns a trampoline park in California and travels there often, but California was sold out.
restaurant in New York.
Ahmad is happy to own the Tempe restaurant with his close friends, Tahsin Khairi, chief operating officer; Raed Nashef, chief financial officer; and Fadi Odeh, chief compliance officer.
City of Tempe Vice Mayor Robin Arredondo-Savage and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce helped at the ribbon-cutting for Ahmad’s restaurant.
“ You’ve got some great culinary diversity right there in Tempe ”
Steve Chucri, President and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association
“I said, ‘I love Arizona; I would love to take it to Arizona,’” Ahmad said. “I told them, Tempe; that was my vision. “I’m Muslim and I don’t want to have any alcohol or pork products in (the food),” he added.
Ahmad, a married father of two, said he shook hands with The Halal Guys founders in New York and they were “very downto-earth people.” He fell in love with their food when he tried it shortly after the franchise founders opened their first
Steve Chucri, president and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association, is happy The Halal Guys Tempe has opened. He’s of Lebanese descent and said he thinks “there’s always demand” for Middle Eastern food in the Valley.
“I think they’ll find success in this niche of the restaurant industry,”
Chucri said. “I look forward to trying their food.
“You’ve got some great culinary diversity right there in Tempe,” he added.
The Halal Guys Tempe has partnered with delivery service UberEATS so people in the area can get the restaurant’s food delivered to their door. To learn more about The Halal Guys, visit thehalalguys. com.
Storytelling, science and fun collide in Brain Candy Live!
BY ERICA J. THOMPSON GetOut Contributor
Combine the dynamic personality of Adam Savage, former co-host of the long-running Discovery series “Mythbusters,” and the everquestioning mind of Michael Stevens from YouTube’s popular Vsauce channel, and the result is “Brain Candy Live!”
This unabashed celebration of discovering new information, which hits Mesa Arts Center on Sunday, April 2, invites audience members of all ages to think of everyday things, such as air, in new ways.
For two hours, the duo of Savage and Stevens will “shower the audience with knowledge – literally and figuratively,”
IF YOU GO
Where: Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main Street, Mesa
When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2
Cost: $32-$137
More info: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com, braincandylive.com
according to Savage, as they share stories that are rooted in science and art to help the audiences and themselves understand more about the world.
“We are going to be doing a bunch of demonstrations on stage with things that we have built and with audience members to tell a story with these things,” Savage says.
Three tons of toys and equipment will help audiences “visualize things that they were never able to before.”
Demonstrations and explorations include knowledge about air on a molecular level, low-pressure ways to get your dad out of bed, and a machine gun that shoots sport balls.
Savage and Stevens’ relationship blossomed through social media after they admitted to admiring one another’s work. This show is the result, and they can’t wait to share.
Two days before opening the tour, Savage says, “I am champing at the bit to get an audience.”
Speaking of the audience, fans of both performers will “get what they expect,” according to Savage. However, you don’t need to know who Savage and Stevens
Guedo’s Taco Shop ready to party in Gilbert
BY SRIANTHI PERERA Tribune Contributor
With its beach-like feel, colorful Mexican memorabilia and the multitude of photos and newspaper clippings of local celebrities of yesteryear stuck on the walls, Guedo’s Cantina Grille used to be a popular haunt in downtown Chandler.
Folks who were saddened when the restaurant closed last December after a 30-year run may be heartened to hear of its reopening in Gilbert, on Pecos Road close to Loop 202.
The new Guedo’s Taco Shop has a new owner – Justin Erickson, who used to be a frequent diner at the Chandler spot and a friend of William Samora, the man who built and expanded Guedo’s over the years.
“When he told me he was closing the old location, we started talking. One year later, here we are,” said Erickson, a Chandler resident who grew up in
are, or be a science whiz, to appreciate the show. And people of any age are welcome.
“It is totally great to bring your kids to this show, but we not performing only to the kids,” he says. “The jokes will play to adults and children on a Bugs Bunny
level of comedy.”
“Brain Candy Live” also features a song by Kenneth Pattengale of the altrock band Milk Carton Kids. That project leaves Savage “very excited. It is the first time I am trying something like this on stage.”
Gilbert. “I’ve always wanted to build a place of my own, and when this came up, it was something that I was really passionate about. I loved the old place and I couldn’t see it go away.”
Samora is staying on as a consultant.
Guedo’s Taco Shop is 3,400 square feet and situated in a strip mall near the Chandler-Gilbert Community College, San Tan Motorplex and a few residential developments.
The restaurant is the same size as the earlier one, not counting the outside bar in Chandler. And it’s minus the sand, because everything is indoors, although the design tries to bring the outside in.
“The kitchen’s a lot larger and more modern; we went all state-of-the-art, brand new,” Erickson said.
The menu is the same as what was offered at Guedo’s, with the addition of a kids’ menu. The kitchen staff is unchanged, too, hence the taste of the food remains the same.
It serves the “best tacos on earth,” offers
a cantina-like atmosphere complete with palm leaf beach umbrellas suspended from the ceiling, walls containing casual décor and a bar.
Most of the décor were retrieved from the old Guedo’s.
“We saved everything we could off the walls, but after 30 years, a lot of them became a part of the wall.
“We have boxes of stuff that we’re going through,” the owner said. “We’re hoping to make new memories as we go.”
Erickson is no stranger to the restaurant
business. He has been working in restaurants since 14 and worked his way up the ladder from busboy to dishwasher, cook, server, bartender and manager. He also is trained in restaurant management and opened two previously.
He and his wife, Courtney, have three children: Mia, 9, Reagan, 6, and Brock, 2.
Guedo’s Taco Shop is at 3107 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. For details, call 480-6218280. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
(Special to the Tribune)
Adam Savage (left) and Michael Stevens aim to share their love of science and knowledge through their fun and quirky stage show.
(Srianthi Perera)
Justin Erickson is the new owner of Guedo’s Taco Shop, now open in Gilbert.
Employment General
Caregiver Aide to assist Live-in Caregiver for Disabled man, wkdays, NS, Drv Lic, $10/hr S Chandler, Dan 480-786-5029
Seeking CAREGIVERS
Starting Wage $10 00 per hour!
Hiring for all East Valley cities
Great Caregiver Candidates:
* Are Caring & Compassionate
* Looking for Rewarding Work
* Have LIFE Exp And/or Currently a PROF L Caregiver
* Would like to Give Back to the Community
While Earning Income
* Seeking Part-Time & Flexible Hours
Training is Provided for FREE!
Open Caregiver Positions:
* Companions * Personal Care Attendants
For more details please call: Robin or Carol at 480-491-1140
www ResCareHomeCare com
enced Mortgage Loan Officer, this individual should have five plus years of secondary market loan ori-
As the world leader in next generation mobile technologies, Qualcomm is focused on accelerating mobility around the world Qualcomm Technologies, Inc , a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm, Inc , has the following degreed/experienced positions available in Chandler, AZ:
●Senior Circuit Design Engineer: (FR-Q579- P)
skills to a dynamic, collaborative, forward-thinking
e e x p e r i e n c e d es c r i b e d a b o v e , a p p l y o n l i n e a t w w w w e s t e r n b a n k s c o m / c a r e e r s
A c c e p t i n g a p p l i c a t i o n s t h r o u g h A p r i l 1 W e s t e r n S t a t e B a n k i s a n E E O E a n d A f f i r m a t i v e A c t i o n E m -
p l o y e r M e m b e r F D I C
Barnett Management Burger King
We are looking for friendly, energetic, people to join the Burger King Team! Hiring for team member and management positions! General Managers:
Multiple openings avail Employer will accept any suitable combination of education, training or experience Mail CV w/job code to QUALCOMM, P O Box 919013, San Diego, CA, 92191-9013 EEO employer: including race, gender, disability &; veterans status
GENERAL Mechanic ASE Cert , R&R Transmission FT position in AJ with long standing family business Pay DOE Call Darren 480-431-1671
J & F B o r i n g L L C 1 4 9 1 4 W C a r i b
C o n s t r u c t i o n L a b o r e r t o w o r k & r e s i d e i n P H X
Metropolitan to use hand/pwr tools; prep/clean
w r k a r e a H e l p w / d r i l l i n g / u n d e r g r o u n d w r k
Bend, lift&hold up 50Lb, 3mo exp in Res constr, w o r k i n e x t w e a t h e r , o n - t h e - j o b t r a i n a v a i l , n o
edu reqd, travel in Metropolitan area M-F 7am -
3 p m @ $ 1 5 0 7 / h r O T i f n e e d e d @ $ 2 2 6 1 f r om
4 / 1 - 1 2 / 3 1 / 1 7 U S & H 2 B w o r k e r s o f f e r e d s a m e
wages& working conditions to include paid posth i r e d d r u g t e s t S g l e w r k w k c o m p u t e s w a g e s Weekly pmt H-2B Wrkr to be paid U S Consul 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
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!
General
We offer competitive pay and benefits. We are a growing company looking for talented people.
Now hiring for our new locations: 2865 E. Octillo Road Chandler AZ 85249 10726 E. Guadalupe Rd, Mesa, AZ 85209
If you would like to be part of this exciting opportunity and join a winning team, please apply at www.work4bk.com
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
VIEWPOINT RV & GOLF RESORT
8700 E University Dr in E. Mesa Hiring Now Apply in person or Fax: 480-373-5757 Bckgrnd check, Responsible SECURITY ATTENDANTS Night/Other Shifts MAINTENANCE TECHS F/T General maint , plumbing, electricity, painting, jack of all trades Reliable
premier gated 166 home community $295 HOAC covers all outside maintenance Water/Cable/Trash Jerry 651-247-8573
Manufactured
Manufactured Homes
2000 DW Trailer 3bd/2bath Patio Excellent condition, washer/dryer 25k/obo 269-470-4446
55+ Windsor Park in Mesa Has open lots waiting for your new home as well as homes for sale, already set up and ready to go Come by and choose which option will work for you Contact Debbie at 480-969-7192
1 YEAR FREE RENT !!
2B/1B Home, Furn, Appl, W/D,Cent A/C, Covered Patio & Carport, 2 Sheds & AZ Room in a 4 star, 55+ Resort Comm with tons of amenities/activities, near everything $9,500 Bill 480-228-7786
Open House
PARK MODEL 16X34, 1B/1B Central A/C, Covered Carport, Appliances,W/D Hkups, in AJ Resort, 55+, 5 Star RV Resort Community Loads of Amenities/ Activities, Pet Friendly, $32,900
Open House
27, 11am-1pm
Roommates
Homes BRAND NEW, 2017 18X52 Schult home, 2B/2B, 6' Front Porch, Central A/C, Covered Carport, in a 4 Star, 55+ Resort Community W/Tons of Amenities/Activities $60,900 Meridian MHP 351 N Meridian Rd sp # 96 Apache Jct Call Bill 480-228-7786
o o r B
year free 2 B/1B Fro AZ Room 2 Awnings, 4 star, 55 Comm wit Amenities/ El Dorado Estates, 202 an Rd sp #5 Junctio Bill 480-2
