Water safety focus turns to adult drownings
BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer
Pediatric drownings are heartbreaking, preventable tragedies that leave lifelong emotional scars on family members, firefighters and neighborhoods, but there are many other drownings that have
received little or no attention.
Safety campaigns since the 1980s have consistently focused on reducing and preventing pediatric drownings, with everyone agreeing there was a need to protect the most vulnerable victims.
But adult drownings are entirely different events with the
same tragic results. Instead of vulnerable toddlers innocently wandering into life-threatening bodies of water, adult drowning victims often have used alcohol or drugs, have experienced some sort of unanticipated medical emergency or have overestimated their ability to swim.
When the Coalition to Prevent
Drowning in Arizona observed pediatric drowning fatalities dropping in the past two decades, the result of pool fence laws and campaigns to increase vigilant adult supervision of children around water, it noticed a surprising and troubling trend.
See DROWNINGS on page 10
Summer program feeds hungry East Valley students
BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Tribune Staff Writer
The beginning of summer is typically a time of celebration for children as school comes to an end and vacations, pool parties and camp fill the schedule. However, for youth that suffer from hunger, the end of the school year is much less joyous.
Arizona has one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country, with one in four children facing hunger everyday. For many of those children, the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program is an invaluable resource
“650,000 children participate in the National School Lunch Program, and it is a wonderful way to consistently feed children who need that source of nutrition to be in class, to learn, to thrive,” said Association of Arizona Food Banks CEO Angie Rodgers.
Around 78 percent of those children receive free or reduced-price lunch.
When school ends, so do those meals.
“If you take all of those meals out of the equation, kids struggle to get that source of care,” Rodgers said. “Kids rely on school to receive regular meals, and they struggle in summer.”
That is where the Summer Food Service Program comes in. It is a federally funded program designed to give low-income children access to meals when school is out. The program is funded through the USDA and administered in Arizona by the state Department of Education.
The Department of Education regulates the program, conducts site visits, administers all required training for site sponsors and ensures that all prospective sponsors meet eligibility and budget requirements.
There are over 1,000 sites where children can receive SFSP meals in Arizona, including many schools and Boys & Girls Club locations. However, site sponsors are making an effort to diversify their locations in order to go to where the kids are.
“We encourage sponsors to have
activities at their sites,” said Kenny Barnes, Department of Education summer food program specialist. “That way, they can stay from breakfast through lunch, and it keeps them occupied” in a controlled, supervised environment, he said.
The Chandler Unified School District alone hosts 13 sites across the city, including some locations at city pools. The SFSP sites are set up outside of the pool gates so that
(Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)
Ryan, Brady, Katlyn and Courtney Dillworth have a meal at Folley Pool in Chandler. The Chandler Unified School District hosts meals at 13 sites across the city, including some locations at city pools.
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
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Haboobs roll in with Arizona’s monsoon season
BY LEAH MERRALL Tribune Staff Writer
Arizona’s monsoon season has arrived, and that means haboobs are here too. These dust storms are a staple summer weather event for locals in the Valley, and they’re more dangerous than their name lets on.
Haboobs (derived from the Arabic word for “strong wind”) are the leading cause of injuries by hazard in Arizona, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Technical Memorandum report on blowing dust and dust storms. The report also found that haboobs are the third leading cause of death by hazard in the state, behind heat and flooding.
According to Jaret Rogers, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Phoenix, haboobs are typically generated from thunderstorm wind gusts. As a thunderstorm decays, it produces strong wind gusts over open desert that kick up dust, which causes an outflow.
It’s this outflow that can travel dozens of miles across the desert, kicking up dust along the way and creating the wall of sand that citizens of the Valley see during the summer months. Chandler, Queen Creek and Ahwatukee are especially vulnerable to dust storms, Rogers said, because
What to do before the monsoon
• Prepare a three-day family disaster supply kit including:
3 gallons of water in clean, closed containers for each person and pet
Flashlights
Battery-operated radio
Spare batteries
Nonperishable food that doesn’t need to be heated
Medications and prescriptions
First-aid kit
Backup power source for cellphone chargers and medical equipment
• Trim trees sensibly so they are away from windows and roofs; thin tree canopy to help prevent limb breakage and uprooting.
• Inspect and clean your roof drainage system including gutters and scuppers.
• Check current weather forecasts.
• Don’t apply fertilizers or other outdoor chemicals before expected storms.
• Clear debris from street gutters adjacent to your property to help prevent street flooding.
• Secure loose items on your property, such as patio and pool furniture.
• If you live in a flood-prone area, have an evacuation plan and place sandbags to prevent flooding of your home and property.
• Unplug expensive electronics (TV, stereo, home entertainment centers, and computers) and/or install power protection devices.
Source: City of Tempe
thunderstorms often develop near Tucson and the open desert between creates a large opportunity for the collection of dust. Those southernmost cities are the first to get hit.
“It’s not always obvious when they’re going to hit, so it can be short notice,” Rogers said. “You may only have 10 or 15 minutes before you can see the wall of dust that’s going to hit you.”
(Special to the Tribune)
Joseph Plotz of Gilbert captured this look at a haboob rolling toward his neighborhood.
Gilbert schools will challenge audit that found it owes $1 million
BY SRIANTHI PERERA Tribune Staff Writer
The Gilbert Public Schools
Governing Board voted unanimously to appeal an Arizona Department of Education audit that directs it to repay nearly $1 million for erroneous reporting of student enrollment numbers.
Auditors determined that the district incorrectly calculated the full-time status of 512 high school students during fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016. As a result, the district was overfunded by $952,739.67, the report states.
Board members attribute the discrepancy between the enrollment, known as the Average Daily Membership, and the state-allocated funds to a Senate bill related to school finance that was recently signed by Gov. Doug Ducey.
SB 1156, which goes into effect Aug. 9, “will change the way that the full-time equivalent students’ minutes and hours of instructional time are calculated at the high school level,” said GPS attorney Jennifer N. MacLennan during a special meeting Tuesday. “That new calculation
was not in effect at the time this audit has been published.”
The three-year duration of the audit, released May 31, corresponds to the tenure of Superintendent Christina Kishimoto, who is leaving for the top education position in Hawaii that begins Aug. 1.
Stefan Swiat, spokesman for the Arizona Department of Education, said the timing was coincidental and that there were no red flags to prompt an audit.
“It’s an absolute coincidence that’s nothing to do with anything,” he said. “It never figured into why the school is audited.”
This year, 33 audits have been done so far. Six found no discrepancies, five found cases of underfunding and the remaining 22 found schools and districts that have to return funds to the department.
Swiat said the million-dollar figure due is not unusual either. Primavera, the online school in Chandler, was audited for 2012-2014 and had a funding adjustment of $1,415,675, while the Arizona School for Integrated Academics and Technologies was audited for 2010-2012 and had an adjustment of $4,721,456.
the Tribune)
Kishimoto took over as Superintendent of Gilbert Public Schools July 1, 2014.
Each year, the Department of Education selects at random about 30 schools and school districts to audit whether they properly reported student enrollment, which is directly tied to basic state aid.
the school district administration to Arizona Department of Education and that’s correct,” MacLennan said. “The administration specifically requested that ADE assist in understanding how the full-time equivalent students in the high school level should be calculated and ADE then initiated an audit.”
Because of the appeal, it’s not clear yet whether the school district will have to make do with less funds the coming school year. The district’s budget already projects a reduction of about $6 million because of declining enrollment.
This year, Gilbert Public Schools was caught randomly in the department’s audit crosshairs.
“This audit came about after an inquiry by the school district as to how the ADM or full-time equivalency is calculated,” said Reed Carr, clerk of the GPS board. “I reviewed correspondence from
The district has 30 days from the date of receiving the audit report to file an appeal. It’s usually followed by an informal settlement conference between representatives of both parties, where it would make its case.
“Typically, they get a year to pay,” Swiat said. “We withhold state aid a little bit every month throughout the year next year. They also have the option to write a letter applying for hardship and they can get that paid out over two years.”
– Contact Srianthi Perera at 480-898-5613 or srianthi@timespublications.com.
‘Millionaire’ auditioning contestants in Tempe
Long-running game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” is auditioning hopeful contestants 7-10 a.m. and 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at the Dave and Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace, 2000 Rio Salado Parkway.
Audition space is limited and is not guaranteed to everyone who arrives at the audition site. You must be 18 years of age or older.
Information: millionairetv.dadt. com/2017-phoenix- road-auditions.
Gilbert to host talk about Heritage District Parking Garage
A public meeting about the new Heritage District Parking Garage will take place 5-6 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at the Gilbert Council Chambers, 50 E. Civic Center Drive.
This session will begin with an informational presentation regarding the design and construction schedule, associated roadway improvements along Vaughn Avenue, Gilbert Road and Hearne Way and an overall status update.
After the presentation, attendees are encouraged to walk around to view the elevations, discuss the proposed design with the team and provide comments.
– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
Tempe financial company to hold job fair for more than 500 positions
Freedom Financial Network, about to move into a new 300,000-square-foot office campus at 2100 E. Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe, has announced a job fair 3-6 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at its office at 4625 S. Wendler Drive.
In January, the company announced plans to hire nearly 1,000 additional employees in Tempe this year and has hired 442 to date.
Customer service, negotiations, loan servicing and underwriting positions will be filled. Job seekers should arrive with resumes and be prepared to interview that day. No advance notice or reservations are required.
– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson at Mesa pool
SWIMkids USA in Mesa is joining in on the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, a global event trying to break a record of 40,300 people participating in a swim lesson together.
Last year, 40,298 participants participated in 641 locations in 24 countries. The event is intended to highlight the importance of teaching children to swim.
The lesson in Mesa will be at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 22, at SWIMkids, 2725 W Guadalupe Road. –
FOOD PROGRAM
children and parents do not have to pay a pool entrance fee in order to take advantage of the meal program.
The meals are free for children 18 years old and younger. Select locations also offer meals for adults for a price that generally ranges between $2 and $4.
The meals served vary by site. Many sites serve breakfast, lunch and /or snacks and a few sites also offer dinner options. It is possible for families to eat three meals a day at SFSP sites, though they would have to travel to multiple locations since program regulations only allow a site to serve two meals per day.
In Arizona, SFSP-affiliated programs serve between 3.5 million to 4 million meals every year, though those numbers are dropping. By comparison, the lunch program provides roughly 13 million meals every month during the school year, Rodgers said.
In 2014, the program provided 4,046,104 meals, and in 2016 that number fell to 3,432,722, according to statistics provided by Arizona Department of Education.
Those numbers do not necessarily equate to falling demand, though. That is because actual demand during the summer likely far outpaces meals served under SFSP, Rodgers said.
That disconnect is caused by range of factors, including cumbersome regulations, access to meal service sites, summer heat and community awareness.
While there are over 1,000 sites serving meals across the state, they tend to cluster in urban areas and many children – especially in rural communities – have trouble accessing them.
Mesa, the East Valley’s largest city,
HABOOB
from page 4
The biggest concern is safety for motorists, as dust storms can decrease visibility down to almost zero. “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” is the slogan of the National Weather Service, which advises drivers to pull over as far away from the road as possible to wait out a haboob.
The National Weather Service also issues dust storm warnings so people have the opportunity to take precautions.
Although monsoon season officially takes place between June 15 and September 30, Rogers said, the most common time for haboobs to hit is late
has just under 50 SFSP locations. However, smaller cities and towns like Chandler (14 locations) and Gilbert (six locations) have far fewer, according to the interactive online map from Arizona Nutrition Network.
There are no SFSP sites in Ahwatukee, though there are nearby sites at Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley in Guadalupe and Wood Elementary School in Tempe.
Children and parents do not have to be residents of a city or town to take advantage of a site located there, though.
For instance, under a program called Snack on the Bus, 150 students from Gilbert are bused to a Chandler swimming pool that also features an SFSP site run by Chandler Unified School District where they eat breakfast and lunch. Then, on their way home, they stop at another SFSP site for a snack.
It’s a great way to keep the children fed throughout most of the day and also
June and early July. They tend to occur in the late afternoon or early evening.
One of the biggest haboobs in recent history took place in Phoenix on July 5, 2011. Ken Waters, the warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Phoenix at the time, told EarthSky.org that the storm was so big because there had been no rain in parts of Arizona for up to four months, meaning there was a lot of available dust.
While there isn’t anything anyone can do to stop the storm from coming, there are measures that citizens of the Valley can take to ride it out.
“Pay attention to the dust storm warning in our forecast,” Rogers said. “And just take safety precautions.”
makes sense logistically, Audri Knutson, supervisor for Chandler Unified School District’s Food Services Department.
In many cases, children and their parents still must brave the heat of the Arizona summer to receive meals, and they must eat those meals at the location rather than take them home due to program regulations. Transportation to and from SFSP locations, many of which are schools, is difficult for many low-income families in the summer, when there is no school bus in service, Rodgers said.
“Here in the metro area (a major issue is) just the heat,” Barnes said. “When it gets 110 or 115 degrees outside, it is hard to get children to come down.”
One recent food trend in the area may hold the solution to that problem – food trucks. Chandler Unified School District is currently awaiting the arrival of its own food truck thanks to a donation from the Arizona Diamondbacks and a partnership with Aeromark. The food
truck will be ready for service by next summer.
In order to comply with the USDA regulations that require food be consumed on site, the food truck will bring tables for children to use.
This type of creativity and hard work is part and parcel of the dedicated public servants and volunteers who navigate the various regulations and logistical challenges involved in the program to feed hungry children, organizers say.
“Whatever twists and turns come up, we will prevail,” said Patti Narducci, food and nutrition supervisor for Chandler Unified School District.
The Summer Food Service Program also suffers a publicity problem. In many cases, children cannot take advantage of the program because their families simply do not know about it.
Association of Arizona Food Banks, Arizona Department of Education and other interested groups are working to reverse that trend by investing in social media marketing. Department of Education also partners with St. Mary’s Food Bank, Dairy Council of Arizona and Arizona Nutrition Network to create public service announcements and other promotional materials.
Chandler Unified promotes the program on school and district websites and also sends information home with students.
– Reach Wayne Schutsky at 480-898-6533 or wschutsky@timespublications.com.
Parents can find meal sites and information at eatwellbewell.org/ summerfood, by texting FOOD to 877-877 or by calling National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-Hungry.
Where to get sandbags
As the monsoon season begins, municipalities around the East Valley are again offering free sandbags to protect homes.
Here’s where to get them, by city.
CHANDLER: Fire training center, 3550 S. Dobson Road, north of the Intel in southwest Chandler.
GILBERT: Fire Station 1, 2730 E. Williams Field Road, between Greenfield and Higley.
MESA: Fire Station 202, 830 S. Stapley Drive; Fire Station 204, 1426 S. Extension; Fire Station 205, 730 S. Greenfield; Fire Station 209, 7035 E. Southern; Fire Station 212, 2430 S. Ellsworth; Transportation Building, 300 E. 6th St. (west side of building); East Mesa Service Center, 6935 E. Decatur (front parking lot).
QUEEN CREEK: Fire Station 2, 24787 S. Sossaman Road.
TEMPE: Solid Waste Compost Facility, 1001 N. Rio Road, north of Rio Salado Parkway and Hardy Drive; Benedict Sports Complex, 490 W. Guadalupe Road, northwest corner of Guadalupe and Kyrene roads, east side of parking lot.
(Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)
Karla Alamanza and Mario Garcia serve the kids in the Summer Food Service Program at Folley Pool in Chandler.
THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Mesa RV resort wins Park of the Year award
Orangewood Shadows RV Resort has won Park of the Year in the large park category from the Arizona Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds.
The award is given annually to parks that “deliver extraordinary guest experiences as a result of all-around excellence in operations, professionalism, marketing, customer service and industry involvement,” according to a statement.
Orangewood Shadows, at 3165 E. University Drive, has previously earned a score of 10 on the AAA ratings system and a 9.5 from the Good Sam Club.
Information: orangewoodshadows.com.
– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
Tempe water violates drinking standards, but no emergency declared
West Tempe water violated drinking-water standards for toxic organic chemicals, city officials announced, but they assured residents that it wasn’t an emergency.
Total trihalomethanes, called TTHMs, exceeded the maximum level of 80 parts per billion set by the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies. TTHMs are a byproduct of disinfecting water with chlorine, the city said.
Tempe’s average was 85, or five parts per billion over the acceptable level.
Information: 480-350-2678.
Arizona children fare poorly in national survey of well-being
– TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT
Arizona children rank 46th of 50 in a national survey of child well-being, according to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
The survey that looked at factors ranging from the percentage of kids living in poverty to the teen birthrate to access to health care. The report is based on data from the 2015 mid-year census.
Children living in high-poverty areas, low enrollment in early-childhood education and access to health care were blamed for the low score.
The survey found 8 percent of Arizona kids lacked health insurance, compared with 5 percent nationally.
STAFF REPORT
Tire shop’s former manager accused of defrauding customers, company
The former manager of a Discount Tire store in Mesa has been arrested, accused of pocketing gift cards and refunds worth thousands of dollars.
Jason David Klem, 38, allegedly altered customers’ invoices so he could receive gift cards the company sent during various promotions. Mesa police say Klem received at least 105 gift cards totaling nearly $10,000. Klem also is accused of sending fake tire refunds to his own bank accounts. Discount Tire officials found nine such refunds totaling over $9,100.
Klem was terminated last August.
DROWNINGS
In the four major East Valley cities –Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe – 12 of the 24 victims who drowned in 2016 were adults. In Chandler and Gilbert, all seven drowning victims last year were adults. The numbers, which fluctuate from year to year, underscore the fact that adult drownings are a chronic problem, just like pediatric drownings, but for different reasons.
If Phoenix is added to the death toll, the numbers are even more startling: 30 out of the 37 drowning victims during 2016 were adults.
“I think people are more sympathetic to children. Kids are naturally drawn to the water,” said Jackie Morgan, executive director of leadership and risk management for the Valley of the Sun YMCA. “People are less sympathetic to adults drowning. They feel like they should know better.”
Changing attitudes
Morgan said the unfortunate statistics demonstrate that adults need to change their attitude toward water, recognizing that it is not just a source of enjoyment but also a potential threat. She said adults should never swim alone, because of unanticipated issues such as cramps, head collisions with pool walls and other medical problems.
“They think they can swim, so they are waterproof,” Morgan said. “Just because you are a good swimmer doesn’t mean you can’t drown.”
Morgan said adults should respect water, rather than take it for granted, and use common-sense precautions. An adult who is not a good swimmer should avoid the water until taking swimming lessons, or a swimmer who is not feeling well should choose to stay away from the water on a particular day, Morgan said. “I think learning a skill as an adult is intimidating, especially when there is fear involved,” she said. “Swimming is a life
the water I kept to myself.”
Sholes said that in New York and New Jersey, she was used to seeing lifeguards, which gave her a sense of security, but she felt very vulnerable at Saguaro Lake, north of Mesa, realizing there was no one there to help her.
Although some disappear from kiosks for months, only to return after the end of boating season, authorities are just happy to see the vests used to prevent drownings, he said.
In Arizona, children ages 12 or younger are required to wear life vests on boats, while it is voluntary for teens and adults.
“The drowning of children with boating has definitely plateaued,” Hoffman said. “It’s still a constant battle with adult drowning.”
skill. It’s about survival. It’s like looking both ways before you cross a street.”
Sandra Franks, executive director of the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA, said swimming classes for adults are increasingly popular.
“Lots of times, you have parents and grandparents who have children, who need to be safe around water,” Franks said. “They need to be able to jump in” and save a child from drowning if necessary.
Franks said that East Valley YMCAs offer group classes and individualized instruction for adults.
“It gives you quality time with the instructor, at your own pace, at your own level,” she said.
Sharon Sholes, 56, of Chandler, was always around water when she lived on the East Coast, but she was never confident in her swimming ability. She always wears a life vest or uses a flotation device, but she decided recently to confront her fears about water and to take an adult swim class at the Ahwatukee YMCA.
Part of Sholes’ motivation is that she is looking for exercise that puts less friction on her joints as she gets older. She dreams about going snorkeling in Hawaii without a flotation device.
“You don’t voice your fears. You feel a little ashamed,” Sholes said. “I was never a strong swimmer. I always had a fear of
The tragic death of Ryan Thomas, 21, an Arizona State University student who was also a center for the Mountain View High School football team, shows tragedy can happen at any time around water.
Thomas drowned eight years ago in Saguaro Lake only about 20 feet from the shoreline. Described as an above-average swimmer, Thomas was not wearing a life vest. Thomas’ death motivated family members to the launch the Ryan Thomas Foundation, hoping to save other families from suffering such a devastating loss. The foundation has kiosks at eight lakes, including Saguaro, where visitors can borrow a life vest for the day. It has donated 1,000 vests in memory of Thomas.
“We kind of look at this as Ryan’s legacy, to save other families” from such tragic losses, said Shannon Liebrock of Chandler, Thomas’ aunt. “I think with adults, there is over-confidence in their swimming abilities.”
‘Regardless of age’
While people tend to blame adults for behavior that contributes to drowning, “accidents are accidents regardless of age,” she said.
Josh Hoffman, boating safety education coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said the vests donated in Thomas’ memory are heavily used during the boating season.
He said one theory in Thomas’ death is that he may have succumbed to “cold water shock,” a reaction to the contrast between 100-degree air temperatures and 70-degree water temperatures.
“Your body is going to want to gasp. It’s an involuntary reaction,” Hoffman said.
When a victim’s lungs fill with water, “at that point, you might not be able to regain the surface” without help from a floatation device, he said.
Lori Schmidt, a spokeswoman for the Scottsdale Fire Department and the drowning prevention coalition, said she has seen tragic incidents where adults could have been saved from drowning through additional vigilance.
She said there needs to be a sober “water watcher” at pool parties, keeping track of people to make sure there are no lifethreatening accidents.
“Someone needs to be paying attention, whether it’s an adult or a child,” she said. Schmidt said that mixing alcohol with swimming can have the same disastrous effects as mixing drinking with driving.
“The adults need to change the way they think about water,” she said. “It just hasn’t been focused on. People are not aware of the risks.”
Sholes said its obvious more adults need to take swim classes in Arizona. She ended up with her individualized class because not enough people signed up for the group class.
(Christophe (Christopher West/Cronkite News)
Lifeguards watch for trouble in the water. In Chandler and Gilbert last year, all seven drowning victims were adults.
Chandler man illegally sold securities, owes more than $1.5 million, officials say
BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Tribune Staff Writer
AChandler resident is on the hook for nearly $1.5 million in restitution and $50,000 in penalties after the Arizona Corporation Commission found he illegally sold securities in a beverage company and failed to pay back investors.
The commission found that Lucio George Martinez and Samuel A. Jones sold a total of $2.14 million in unregistered securities in their company Shadow Beverages and Snacks. Neither individual was registered as a securities dealer or salesman, in violation of Arizona statutes.
Shadow Beverages and Snacks also failed in at least four cases to determine whether investors’ net worth or income would qualify them as accredited investors. In order to be considered an accredited investor, the SEC requires an individual to have a net worth of at least $1 million or earn $200,000 annually.
The Arizona Corporation Commission found that the company solicited a total of 16 promissory notes and one investment contract and also failed to repay investors when those investments came due. The company eventually paid a total of $552,500 to repay five of those investments.
The company ceased operations in 2015 and currently is in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
In a previous decision, the Arizona Corporation Commission ordered Jones to pay $95,000 in restitution and a $15,000 administrative penalty. He has since done so.
The responsibility for the bulk of the restitution falls to Martinez, whom the commission ordered to pay $1,492,500 in restitution along with a $50,000 administrative penalty.
If Martinez fails to satisfy those obligations, they will go to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office acting in the role of a collections agency, said Wendy Coy, director of enforcement in Arizona Corporation Commission’s Securities Division.
The agency began investigating the company after receiving investor complaints, Coy said.
Martinez denied a request to comment on the decision, though internal ACC documents do offer a glimpse into his side of the story.
Martinez claims in a document filed with ACC that former Shadow
Beverages and Snacks executive Rick Peterson initiated the investigation for personal gain with help from an ACC employee who is Peterson’s personal friend. Peterson misrepresented himself as a licensed broker when Shadow Beverages hired him, Martinez says in the document.
Furthermore, Martinez states that “the majority of lawsuits and complaints now come from (Peterson) and the investors he brought to Shadow.”
The ACC’s Recommended Opinion & Order from the Hearing Division filed by Administrative Law Judge Mark Preny found that Peterson had a direct role in at least six of the 17 investments in question.
The documents do not provide, beyond Martinez’s testimony, further evidence of collusion between Peterson and an ACC employee.
According to documents filed with the ACC by Martinez, all company funds were used to pay employees involved in day-to-day operations and to build the business. These documents also stated that “five executives worked at the company without pay throughout the life of the company.” However, another section of the same document states that “the officers of the company were not on the payroll 80 percent of the time and never had a salary of more than $80,000 on a yearly basis.”
Martinez also argues, via these documents, that “At all times investors
knew that the company had debt, some past due, but the company was also working on larger financial deals tied to the distribution agreements or product agreements.”
The investors ranged from experienced securities and investor professionals to a former CEO of Ironclad Performance Wear. The pool also contained several personal friends and a cousin of Martinez. Investments and loans solicited by Martinez and Jones ranged from $25,000 to $500,000.
Other investors included a Buckeye resident who owns a construction management company, a married couple who work as real estate agents in the Valley, and another husband and wife who live in Arizona and are an oncologist and corporate attorney, respectively.
The investments carried a range of terms, interest agreements and repayment timelines that went unfulfilled.
The ACC documents contain testimony from a variety of investors who claim that this situation caused them financial hardship, including a Gilbert resident and her partner who invested $75,000 over the course of two investments.
To complicate matters further, nutrition and fitness retail chain GNC received a $1.4 million judgment against Shadow Beverages and Snacks in 2014. According to Corporation Commission filings, the company did not disclose
this judgment to potential investors. American Outdoorsman Inc. also won a judgment against Shadow Beverages and Snacks in 2014 worth between $5 million and $6 million stemming from a commercial licensing agreement dispute. Shadow licensed the American Outdoorsman brand to sell food products but failed to make agreed-upon payments to the media company, according to a press release from attorney Arthur D. Goldman, who represented American Outdoorsman in the case.
In the ACC filings, Martinez claimed that the company sold its largest asset, the No Fear drink brand, to Mix 1 Life Inc. in March 2015 for $12.2 million in cash and stocks with the intention of paying creditors with the proceeds. However, he stated that Mix 1 Life took possession of the No Fear brand but did not follow through in paying for the transaction and “their business dealings have caused the stock price to decline…”
Coy would not comment on whether or not the ACC is referring the case to another agency for criminal charges. She did state that any potential future criminal charges could be pursued by the U.S. District Attorney, Arizona Attorney General or Maricopa County Attorney.
(Kimberly Carrillo/Tribune Staff Photographer)
Lucio George Martinez of Shadow Beverages and Snacks owns this house worth $585,000 in south Chandler.
Mesa council says Winkle violated ethics; he vows to fight for job
BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer
With the Mesa City Council laying the groundwork to discipline him, defiant council member Ryan Winkle has vowed to fight to save his job.
Winkle admits he was driving under the influence and said he plans to plead guilty, but he also argues that his constituents want him to continue representing them.
Winkle, a first-term council member from diverse District 3 in southwest Mesa, said he is willing to accept censure or any other form of discipline short of removal from office.
On Thursday, the Mesa City Council voted to charge Winkle with violating the council’s code of ethics by lying to Tempe police when he denied drinking at least three times during an early morning traffic stop on May 7 near Baseline Road and Mill Avenue.
A disciplinary hearing likely will be held in mid-August.
The charge of conduct constituting grounds for discipline accuses Winkle of behavior demonstrating he is unfit for office by drinking heavily that night at an Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce event, driving while under the influence, putting his wife’s life in jeopardy as a passenger in the BMW in which they were riding and narrowly avoiding a collision with three pedestrians before being stopped by a Tempe police officer.
Although Winkle refused a standard breath test, he agreed to a blood test that later revealed that he had a blood alcohol level of 0.22 percent, nearly three times the legal limit of 0.08 percent at which Arizona drivers are presumed impaired.
Winkle admits all of it. He said that he hasn’t had a drink since that night and that he is undergoing alcohol counseling. He also has completed an alcohol screening at Tempe Municipal Court, designed to measure the extent of his drinking problem.
“That was a dumb mistake,” he said when asked about his statements to police where he denied drinking, even though he was unable to complete field sobriety tests, had slurred speech and was obviously impaired on police body cam videos.
“I have been wanting to plead guilty to this since the beginning,” Winkle said. “I see it as a cut-and-dried issue. I did it and I take full responsibility.”
Winkle acknowledged that he realizes his fellow council members are under mounting political pressure, with a city election coming up next year and a group called “Better Mesa” attacking him on Facebook and planning a recall campaign.
“I just hope my fellow council colleagues will be fair to me on this,” he said. “I am willing to accept any form of discipline they want to give me below removal.”
Winkle said he is more concerned about the political repercussions from
quasi-judicial hearing.
Giles said the board’s vote was procedural only. He said the council has flexibility to potentially delay the disciplinary hearing until after Winkle’s misdemeanor case is resolved, but it is under no legal obligation to do so.
Previously, Giles had urged restraint as debate reached a fevered pitch among Mesa residents about Winkle’s political future, saying that Winkle deserves due process in court like anyone else. That was when Winkle took a voluntary leave of absence from his council duties.
“ I just hope my fellow council colleagues will be fair to me on this. I am willing to accept any form of discipline they want to give me below removal.”
Ryan Winkle, Mesa councilmember
the disciplinary hearing than his legal obligations. A status conference, where Winkle could have entered a guilty plea, was continued last week because blood tests were incomplete. His court hearing was rescheduled for July 13.
Mesa Mayor John Giles and the other five council members gave no indication at Thursday’s special meeting on how they are likely to vote on Winkle’s future. The council voted unanimously, 6-0, to initiate the charges and to approve disciplinary procedures, which include a
support disciplinary action.
Wirken said a state Department of Public Safety formula, based upon the weight of the defendant, equates Winkle’s BAC with consuming about 11 drinks. At that point, Winkle would have been 80 times more likely to have been involved in an accident than a sober person, according to national studies, he said.
“Council member Winkle had been drinking very heavily,” Wirken said. “His drinking and driving demonstrates a lack of responsibility and poor judgment.”
He said Winkle’s behavior also demonstrates that he lied to the public as well as the police when he disclosed his previous arrest for DUI on an Arizona Republic questionnaire but added that he “learned his lesson.”
Wirken said Winkle’s behavior fell well short of the council’s code of conduct, which requires “the highest standards of ethics and personal integrity.”
Speakers at Thursday’s council meeting alternately called for kicking Winkle off the council or giving him what amounts to a third chance. Winkle was convicted of extreme drunk driving in 2009 and served 45 days in jail in Scottsdale.
“I really wish the right thing had been done and Mr. Winkle had stepped down,” said Derek Brosemann, a Mesa resident. “I am very disappointed about what has transpired. This should have never happened. It should be moved by, very quickly.”
He said Winkle’s arrest damages Mesa’s reputation. Other speakers described how they had been nearly killed by impaired drivers, with one woman speaking for a friend who had lost her son to a drunk driver after surviving a deployment in the military to Afghanistan.
“There’s no determination of guilt or innocence. We are just starting the process,” Giles said. “I don’t know anyone who does not like Ryan Winkle. This is not a personal thing, this is not a political thing.
“None of us want to do this. Unfortunately, this is our job and we are going to do our job,” he said.
Charles “Chas” Wirken, an attorney hired by the city to handle disciplinary matters, laid out the case against Winkle, concluding that there is evidence to
But Kiana Sears, a member of the Mesa Public Schools board who stressed that she was speaking as an individual and not a school official, agreed with Brosemann that Winkle’s behavior was unacceptable but said he deserves an opportunity to redeem himself.
“I was angered and I was disappointed. I am still hurt,” Sears said, about Winkle’s behavior, but she also believes in restorative justice.
“We can make the best out of an unfortunate situation,” Sears said. “Hold this council member responsible for making it right.”
– Reach Jim Walsh at 480-898-5639 or at jwalsh@timespublications.com.
(winkleforemesa.com)
Ryan Winkle and his wife, Ericka Varela, were pulled over in a gray 2006 BMW. According to a police report, Varela told an officer that "she knew neither should be driving because they had been drinking."
Dogs’ bacterial disease can spread to humans, area vets warn
BY JESSICA SURIANO Tribune Staff Writer
In the past year, over 70 dogs in Maricopa County have been diagnosed with a bacterial disease that can spread to humans – and the number of outbreaks is on the rise.
According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the disease, leptospirosis, or “lepto,” spreads through urine, urine-contaminated water or wet soil. Dogs with leptospirosis can sometimes contain the harmful bacteria in their urine for months without showing any symptoms.
Symptoms of leptospirosis in dogs include fever, lack of energy, lack of appetite, red eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, frequent urination, excessive drinking and abdominal pain.
State veterinarian Peter Mundschenk said the 70 reported cases mostly have been from the Scottsdale and Phoenix areas, and a new cluster has appeared in Tucson. Three dogs have been euthanized, but it is unknown what the reasons for euthanasia were.
The Arizona Veterinary Medical Association website said new cases are being reported in Gilbert and Tempe, as well as Litchfield Park, Fountain Hills and Avondale.
Mundschenk said many of the outbreaks have been associated with boarding and day care in pet facilities because of the high concentration of animals in these environments.
“Lepto thrives in a warm, moist environment and can stay infective for a long time if the environment is right,” Mundschenk said in an email. “It could be that the increased moisture we had this winter, and the irrigation and warm weather would allow the bacteria to survive in the environment.”
There is a vaccine available for leptospirosis, and Mundschenk said boarding and day care facilities may consider starting to require proof of a leptospirosis vaccine. The vaccine protects animals from the disease for one year.
Jeff Jenkins, a veterinarian at Ahwatukee Animal Care Hospital, says there are
different varieties of lepto. He said symptoms aren’t unique, so sometimes veterinarians may not realize lepto is the underlying problem right away.
“The vaccine covers the four most common strains of the disease,” Jenkins said.
“Once vaccinated, the chances of getting sick are very, very slim.”
Dogs at risk for exposure are ones that have had contact with areas potentially contaminated by rodent, wildlife or farm animal urine, dogs that swim in potentially contaminated water sources and dogs that visit dog parks and boarding facilities.
for the Friends for Life Animal Rescue in Gilbert, said the shelter has avoided any incidents of leptospirosis so far.
Even dogs in completely urban settings can be exposed to rodent urine, according to Mundschenk.
Barb Savoy, public relations director
She related the decision of whether or not to vaccinate a dog for lepto to parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children, and said it can be very personal from household to household.
“The more we have not vaccinated, the more we’re putting at risk,” Savoy said.
Most people who contract leptospirosis from dogs will not get sick until a week after exposure to the bacteria, but symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 30 days after contact.
However, all the testing the Arizona Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have done on exposed
humans have come back negative for the disease, according to Mundschenk.
Leptospirosis in humans can cause fever, headache, chills, severe muscle pain, red eyes, rash, yellow eyes and skin, vomiting, diarrhea and liver or kidney damage in severe cases.
Leptospirosis in cats is rare, according to the AVMA.
People who work in jobs with frequent contact with animals should wear protective equipment such as gloves, facemasks and gowns when caring for ill patients or animals, especially if they are responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids, according to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health website.
Infected dogs placed in boarding facilities or day cares should be placed in floor-level kennels and away from hightraffic areas.
Jenkins cautioned that many animal clinics don’t vaccinate for lepto.
“We recommend people are going to the southeast or northeast U.S. or Texas get their dogs vaccinated because they were having problems there,” he said, adding pet owners can administer the vaccine themselves.
(Special to AFN)
Dog owners lined up to have their pets vaccinated against the lepto disease at the Animal Rescue League’s Phoenix headquarters earlier this year, but only 50 doses were on hand.
(Special to AFN)
State veterinarian Peter Mundschenk said the 70 reported lepto cases mostly have been from Scottsdale and Phoenix.
East Valley cities use apps to connect with residents
BY GABRIELLA J. DEL RIO Tribune Staff Writer
Cities across Arizona are jumping on board the digital age by producing mobile apps for residents.
Some of these apps are safetyoriented, some act as a map, and others are for entertainment.
The city of Mesa has four apps people can download on the Apple App Store. For example, CrimeReports lets residents view crime reports around their area. They are able to set up alerts or submit tips with CityLink. Mesa Now allows residents to view news happening in their city. Mesa411 offers location-based road restrictions, events and more.
Chandler has developed Public Stuff, an interactive app that lets residents use many of the city’s online services using smartphones and tablets
“The app allows residents to report problems in real time, ranging from graffiti, water leaks and broken street lights,” said Kim Kaan, the Chandler information specialist and web editor. “It is a great way to communicate directly with the city to resolve issues in Chandler neighborhoods.”
According to Kaan, residents can
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
EAST VALLEY
SRP awards Learning Grants to 10 schools in East Valley
Salt River Project has awarded $125,000 to 28 schools across the state, including 10 in the East Valley, to develop projects and programs that improve student performance objectives in math and science.
Salt River Project annually contributes more than $1.3 million to education initiatives, grants and partnerships and provides free training and resources to educators throughout the state.
The winning schools and amounts they received:
Andersen Junior High, Chandler, $5,000; Arete Preparatory Academy, Gilbert, $5,000; ASU Preparatory High - Polytechnic Campus, Mesa, $5,000; Basha High, Chandler, $5,000; Christ the King Elementary, Mesa, $5,000; Eduprize, Gilbert, $5,000; Gilbert High, Gilbert, $4,300; Patterson Elementary, Gilbert, $3,800; Rudy G. Bologna Elementary, Chandler, $5,000; Seton Catholic Preparatory, Chandler, $3,500.
also pay utility bills, register for recreation classes, download library books, file a police report, obtain a building permit and more.
The city does not have an app specifically designated for public safety, but residents on the Public Stuff app can report non-emergency cases to Chandler Police at the nonemergency line at 480-782-4130, or by texting the same number. Residents can even submit a tip to Chandler Police by texting 274637 using the keyword ChandlerPD.
The city of Chandler also has a waste services app, called My Waste, that lets residents get information and set reminders on trash and recycling pickups.
If residents want to see a specific app or feature, they can request it.
“Ideas for new applications generally come from employee and citizen input,” Kaan commented.
Gilbert offers apps for safety and fun.
With the Gilbert Fire Department app, residents can access fire safety advice, fire station locations and other helpful community resources.
The Gilbert Police Department app offers extensive features such as crime maps, a link where users can see up-
MESA
Mesa looking to hire new 911 operators
Mesa hopes to hire five new full-time 911 operators soon. The salary for the job ranges from $36,000 to $51,000 a year. Operators spend four weeks in the classroom before three months of on-the-job training.
Mesa is second-largest dispatch center in the Valley, fielding 800,000 calls a year, including 230,000 to the 911 emergency number.
To apply, visit mpdjobs.com/public-safety911-operator/job/6885240.
Mesa warns of scammers saying they work for city
A private company whose workers represent themselves as Mesa Water Resources employees has been attempting to gain access to homes to test water quality.
The city says real Mesa Water Resources staff will never ask to enter a home to collect samples. Agency employees always drive a city vehicle with the city logo, wear a uniform with their name and city logo, and carry an
to-date news information, and a place to report crimes. DDACTS (DataDriven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety) is another application which integrates location-based crime and traffic data “to establish effective and efficient methods for deploying law enfacement and other resources” according to the Town of Gilbert website.
Alongside the law enforcement apps, Gilbert offers a Heritage District app, which gives visitors the opportunity to learn about Gilbert’s history, see the businesses in the Heritage District, and even get a walking tour.
Similar to the apps in Gilbert, Tempe developed an app that connects to the Tempe Police Department. Another app, Tempe 311, offers real-time access to city services and information.
Apps can be found at the iTunes Store for Apple phones and at Google Play Store for Android.
Residents can find all of the same information online on the cities’ websites.
chandleraz.gov/index.aspx gilbertaz.gov
mesaaz.gov tempe.gov
identification badge.
Mesa urges residents to call 480-644-4444 to verify anyone saying they’re from the agency.
CHANDLER Street work at 2 locations to affect drivers in Chandler
An ongoing intersection improvement project at Chandler Boulevard and Alma School Road will require Alma School Road to be restricted to a single lane at the intersection beginning Monday, June 19, and lasting until July 8.
On July 10, a second southbound lane will be opened through the intersection.
Also, eastbound Chandler Boulevard between California Street and Arizona Avenue will be narrowed to two lanes until mid-July for street and utility work.
The upgrades are needed for a new commercial development.
Traffic lanes to be restricted for repairs to street medians
Damaged medians around Chandler will
be repaired in the coming months, creating traffic restrictions on several major streets. The work to replace, repair or add pavers to the damaged medians will begin after morning rush hour and conclude before evening rush hour. Inside lanes closest to the medians will be closed.
The project will repair center medians at 28 locations and take seven months to complete.
To see a map of the project, go to chandleraz.gov/infomap. Information: 480782-3500.
TEMPE
Fashion camp for girls offered this summer at FABRIC Tempe’s fashion incubator, FABRIC, is conducting summer fashion camp to girls ages 8-14.
The camp will teach color theory, fashion sketching, stitching and how to sew simple projects. The two-day camp will be offered four times this summer: June 19-20, 2223, July 13-14 and 20-21.
The cost of the camp is $110. Information: designufashioncamp.com/home. html.
(Special to the Tribune) Chandler’s app allows residents to pay utility bills, register for recreation classes, download library books, file a police report, obtain a building permit and more.
Gilbert woman killed by hit-and-run driver in Oregon
BY JIM WALSH Tribune Staff Writer
It’s bad enough that a Gilbert mother lost her 22-year-old daughter, who was struck and killed by a hit-andrun driver in Grants Pass, Oregon.
But Mary Lynn Rana also lost a second life. Her deceased daughter, Gabriella Licata, also was five months pregnant with a little girl who she was planning to name Aura.
Rana said she is overwhelmed by a heartbreaking combination of grief and outrage that she would lose her daughter and granddaughter, and that the driver would callously flee the scene.
“The fact that he left my daughter and my future granddaughter, I am livid,” said Rana, a massage therapist. “She might have been saved. Maybe they could not have saved my daughter, but they could have saved my grandchild.”
Funeral services were held last Wednesday in Mesa.
Deputy Chief Jim Hamilton of the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety said police received a description of the vehicle involved in the crash. An officer spotted a Chevrolet Monte Carlo with damage matching the report parked on a nearby side street not far from where the accident occurred.
Hamilton said police questioned the car’s registered owner, but he has not been arrested or charged pending the results of an ongoing investigation. He said that police are completing a reconstruction of the scene on Grants Pass Parkway and that an autopsy has been completed on Licata’s remains.
The incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. and Licata was pronounced dead on the scene, he said.
He said investigators “are trying to put it back together” to learn how Licata was killed and to develop evidence that will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office, which will determine if charges will be filed.
Police say that the reasons why hitand-run drivers flee from the scene generally include that they are impaired, that they have warrants for their arrest from unrelated incidents, or because they are afraid.
“I never got to say goodbye to her. I cannot believe people could be so
selfish,” Rana said.
Rana said she tracked down three young women who saw the suspect’s vehicle that night and then saw her daughter lying in the road. The women told Rana that Licata was unconscious but that she had a pulse. Another offduty paramedic also stopped to render aid.
But she said her daughter had stopped breathing by the time firefighters arrived.
Rana said that Licata loved the outdoors and was a very spiritual person. She said her daughter wanted to have a natural childbirth. She left Gilbert with the intention of heading to a commune in Ashland, Oregon, where she planned to give birth. She was planning to name her baby Aura, as in having the aura of a good person.
Rana is trying to piece together the last 48 hours of her daughter’s life, the details of which remain sketchy and shrouded in mystery. She knows a friend gave Licata a ride to California, and that her daughter somehow made it to the Eugene, Oregon, bus station.
A Go Fund Me account was established to pay for Licata’s funeral. It exceeded the goal of $10,000 in two days. The address is gofundme.com/ WeLoveYouGabriella.
(Special to the Tribune)
Gabriella Licata was five months pregnant with a little girl who she was planning to name Aura when she was killed by a hit-and-run driver.
Mesa library renovating to attract teens, innovators
BY ERICA APODACA Tribune Staff Writer
Changes are coming to the Mesa Main Library.
Maren Hunt, librarian and THINKspot coordinator, said these renovations include a designated teen room and a THINKspot maker’s space. The goal is to make teens more comfortable at the library, and to expand beyond books.
THINKspot is an area that will be home to various types of technology. Some of the technologies that may be available include 3-D printers, sewing machines and virtual reality. The final decisions will be made on the wants and needs of the community.
“Libraries aren’t just a way to get ideas from the books you read and the magazines you read, but also to express your ideas through the things you make,” Hunt said. “We want to have what (equipment) will help the community and what the community wants to learn.” The equipment, and classes on how to properly use them, will be available to all visitors with very few limitations on age.
“THINKspot is kind of a continuation of what libraries have always done. Libraries are really about access to ideas, and access to information and access to how to be able to do certain things,” Hunt said.
Construction is set to begin at the end of summer or early fall with the projected completion by the beginning of next year, according to Hunt.
“We’ve done a lot of activity already,” Hunt said. “We are shifting our collections to make space for the teen room and the THINKspot maker’s
space.”
The adult collection is being moved to the second floor at the library, 64 E. 1st St. The first floor is reserved for the kids and teen collection as well as the teen room and THINKspot.
These renovations are not new for the Chandler community.
Red Mountain Library was first to receive its own THINKspot.
“The equipment out there (at Red Mountain Library) is helping people learn new skills, and we wanted to bring that to our core downtown area as well,” Hunt said.
to life.”
Hunt said these renovations are just a way that libraries need to evolve with the technology.
“Libraries are continually evolving, and this is the next step up. Who knows what is in the future, but we are going to keep up with technology and make sure we give our community what they need to express their creativity,” Hunt said.
Ross said, “I think it will be more beneficial, just seeing how technology is being used more in the workforce. When we start teaching kids younger it will provide for a more successful future for everyone and with resources being available that is even better.”
The teen room has slightly different plans. It will be the first teen room in a library in the Mesa area.
“As far as the teen room, we just think that the library is a great place for teens to spend their time, and we want to do everything that we can to make them feel welcome,” Hunt said.
Alexis Ross, 19, library volunteer and library patron, conducted interviews and attended teen board meetings to best find out the concerns and wants for the teen area.
“The teen zone is going to provide a safer place for the teens to hang out and just be themselves in their own little area without bothering the rest of the library,” Ross said.
The area will be for teens to play games, read, work with groups on projects, and will feature writable walls and tables, according to Hunt.
“We’re just kind of giving them a space to take ownership of and to make their own so that they can come to the library and have a really comfortable space,” Hunt said.
Hunt said the main purpose of the THINKspot space is to “make their (the visitors) dreams come true.” She said the THINKspot space will give the visitors the equipment and training to “put those ideas into motion and bring those ideas
These renovations are expected to bring more visitors to the library.
“A lot of our attendance is because of our activities, so with both of the new rooms being built we will be able to provide more programs at Main,” Ross said. “That itself will bring more people to Main and they will stay longer and they will get more involved with the library.”
The plans have been drawn out and are out for bid.
The projected costs are $330,000 in construction and an additional $100,000 for furnishing and technology between the two rooms, according to Heather Wolf, library director.
The expenses are to be covered in part by the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, which gave the library $100,000 for construction costs. Another $100,000 was granted to the library through the Community Development Block Grant, according to Wolf, which will also be used for construction costs.
The remainder of the cost will be covered through the library’s “book sale area, the revenue we’ve raised through that will be used to fund any additional construction costs and then the room furniture and equipment,” Wolf said.
(Special to the Tribune)
Mesa Main Library’s Teen Zone and THINKspot will be specialized spaces apart from the quiet of the library.
Specialty car dealer sells souped-up classic vehicles
BY MICHAEL BUTLER Tribune Contributor
As a kid in the early 1960s, you might have been too young or too poor to hitch a ride on the Shelby Cobra sports car phenomenon.
A new boutique East Valley auto dealer, Hillbank Motorsports, knows baby boomers are not too young and not too poor anymore, and it is ready to give flight to their feverish motoring dreams.
The dealer specializes in selling the Superformance MKIII, a Shelby American -licensed, factory-made replica of the original AC Cobra.
As Cobra connoisseurs know, Carroll Shelby capped an illustrious racing career by winning the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans in a sleek British roadster built by AC Cars. After retiring from the circuit, Shelby hit on the brilliant idea of dropping a big Ford V-8 into that nimble, lightweight chassis and cruised into American automotive legend.
Other Ford buffs revere Shelby for his later work on the Cobra Mustangs, the Daytona Coupe and the GT40. Dodge fans covet Shelby’s 1980s-era highperformance tweaks to the Charger and the Daytona.
Art Manni, general manager of Hillbank’s Tempe store at 2180 W. University Drive, said the dealership bridges the gap between unauthorized – and often low-quality – do-it-yourself kit cars and the astronomical prices of collectible Cobras.
The Superformance MKIII is a replica,
Online mattress company opens first store in Gilbert
Amerisleep, an online mattress company based out of Scottsdale, has opened its first store in Gilbert, at 2150 E Williams Field Road, Suite 115.
The company was founded by Firas Kittaneh, an American citizen from Dubai, along with his brother Mo and Kansasborn Joey Holt.
Manni explained, because the modern ladder frame chassis is quite different than the original. In terms of looks, the fiberglass two-seater with its open cockpit, structural roll bar, instrumentation and other details, is spot on.
The Mark III is sold as a “roller” from Hillbank, meaning that you’re buying a mid-$50,000 car that still needs an engine and transmission, which pushes the basic price into the mid-$80,000 range.
If South Africa-based Superformance exported cars with engines, Manni explained, they’d have to conform to modern emission standards. Superformance buyers are not interested in catalytic converters and other performance-robbing innovations.
It’s not a loophole, according to
Amerisleep had $30 million in revenue in 2016 and manufactures all its products in the United States.
Tempe Town Lake project has offices, retail, residences
Real estate investment and development company Fenix Development has broken ground on The Watermark, a project that will include 1.9 million square feet of office space, restaurants, retail and luxury apartments.
Manni. The feds know that this market only amounts to a few hundred cars per year, and that most owners drive only on weekends and special occasions.
Manni said most buyers opt to drop a push-rod, 427-cubic-inch Ford V8 into their MKIIIs, which can be ordered from Roush Performance and other outlets.
“They shake the ground,” said Manni, a longtime resident of Ahwatukee. “They make all the right noises.”
Some customers order a modern overhead cam Mustang engine for a smoother ride, Manni said.
In either case, you’re good to go with premium unleaded pump gas.
Enthusiasts should also note that Hillbank sells new GT40s and Corvette Grand Sports, designed by Zora Arkus
The first phase of the project is set to be completed in late 2018. A second phase of the project will include an additional office tower, more restaurant and retail space and a business-class hotel.
The Watermark will be on the north bank of Tempe Town Lake.
Cottonwood business to relocate to Mesa
Amphenol Griffith Enterprises is closing its Cottonwood location to move to the
Duntov in 1962. These are considered “continuation” cars because there aren’t any differences in the way they are made from the originals. They’re licensed by Shelby and GM and have very exacting manufacturing standards.
Because those cars are also enclosed, buyers can order air conditioning.
Like a lot of other Arizona Cobras members, Bob Broberg of Glendale rolled into Hillbank’s recent open house to show off his Superformance Cobra, which he bought for $66,000 years ago.
He put a 460-cubic-inch, 550 horsepower engine into it from a 1972 Thunderbird. If he feels like he needs a speed boost on the road up to Flagstaff, he can give it a shot of nitrous.
“I’ve had $66,000 worth of fun,” he said, “and I can sell it for more than I bought it.”
Not that he would.
East Valley.
The company will move to 716 E. Auto Center Drive in Mesa to collocate with another Amphenol division, said Shelley Van Dyke, director of human resources at Amphenol Griffith Enterprises.
Amphenol Griffith Enterprises “is a leading value-added manufacturer of electrical interconnect harnesses, systems controls, and ground support equipment for the military and commercial aerospace industries,” according to the company’s website.
(Michael Butler/Tribune Contributor)
Art Manni, general manager of Hillbank Motorsports of Tempe, shows off the timeless design of the Superformance MKIII, a licensed replica of the Shelby Cobra.
(Michael Butler/Tribune Contributor)
The MKIII is every bit as exciting as the great British sport roadsters of old. Each factory-made “rolling” chassis is completely assembled and painted, ready for the performance Ford engine and transmission of your choice.
Here’s something you didn’t know: The monsoon is dangerous!
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Tribune Columnist
The advertisement on a local news website proved once again that you are never too old to learn something new. I have lived in this state for 22 years now, somehow surviving 22 monsoon seasons, and never once had it occurred to me that said monsoon could actually be dangerous.
Unless, of course, you’re an idiot. Sure, that will sound harsh, but we’ve all seen those helicopter live shots on the nightly news and read the stories in this fine publication: Some putz sitting on the roof of his stranded Toyota Tercel, perched like Huck Finn on his raft, bobbing in a flooded wash while awaiting a rescue. Later, after the firefighters fish the guy out, there’s the obligatory quote.
“Yeah, I, uh, well, uh, I, uh, thought I could make it through,” says our intrepid explorer. “It didn’t look that deep. But,
yeah, I guess maybe whoever put up the warning signs was right. Whaddya know, huh?”
Cut to a reporter reminding us of Arizona Revised Statute 28-910, the state’s so-called “Stupid Motorist Law.”
The gist: If you drive your vehicle on a flooded street and swerve around warning barricades, then get stuck, you can be held “liable for the expenses of any emergency response.”
I’ll say it again: The monsoon is only dangerous if you’re idiot – though you wouldn’t know it from this year’s government and media approach to the June 15 start of monsoon season. The ad I mentioned was part of something called “Flood Awareness Week,” a Maricopa County campaign I had managed not to notice for two decades. It included all sorts of helpful tips, like how to properly use sandbags, what to stockpile in case of a flash flood – food and cash! – and how to build an ark and get animals to board two by two arranged by species.
I borrowed that last one from a book,
but you get the idea.
As for the local TV stations, they have long produced monsoon season specials that I have always ignored. But this year’s versions seemed to be longer on death and destruction than in years past. I especially liked ABC15’s video homage to downburst winds, subtitled “Destruction in the Desert!”
Cue the meteorologist’s dramatic narration: “It happens every summer. Downed trees and power lines, roofs ripped up and cars smashed as fierce winds whip through parts of the Valley.”
My question: If “it happens every summer,” then why the hell is it news?
The answer is simple, of course: Who doesn’t like to see pictures of a strip mall littered with downed palo verdes, its roof dangling like an opened can of Del Monte peas? I believe stations all over town call this “great television.”
If I sound callous about the monsoon, please understand that I spent my formative adult years in newsrooms, where calamities involving people who
drive into flooded washes or go outside to watch lightning storms were inevitably referred to as “thinning the herd.” As a true believer in personal responsibility, I don’t think we should need public service announcements and TV specials to tell us that dangerous things are dangerous. You want to survive the monsoon this year? Frankly, all you need is one thing. Common sense.
Not that the endless monsoon news reports from now until September are all bad. We will get lots of live shots of massive dust storms rising up from the south to eclipse Ahwatukee and half of Chandler, and many, many references to that Arabic word everyone in the Valley has learned to chuckle at whenever it’s said aloud.
Let’s hope the 2017 monsoon features a terrific set of haboobs. Who among us doesn’t like to stare, right?
– David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.
A Father’s Day message: Encourage a sense of adventure
BY CARLOS TOSCA Tribune Guest Writer
Fathers play an essential role in creating a safe and secure environment for children to grow and explore. In today’s world of social media, this can be a challenge.
The internet exposes children to the world in a manner never seen before in human history. While this can be an enlightening experience, learning about the world, other people, and other cultures, it also can expose children to inappropriate and, at times, disturbing material.
Parents have a choice on how they manage this exposure, and what controls they place on their children’s environment. The tendency to protect their children from harm can lead some to become “helicopter parents,” shielding their children from any potential risk. As a result, many children are growing
up without experiencing a true challenge. This is a disservice to the overall wellbeing and maturity of our children.
We cannot shield them from everything – and we should not. While children need to grow in a secure environment, they also have to develop the strength and confidence to explore the world and take on new challenges. Challenges should not be avoided; the risk of failure is key to becoming a well-balanced adult.
Fathers should model this behavior and speak with their children about their own experiences and adventures, including misadventures. During this era of social media, it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to talk to your kids, but DrugFreeAZKids.org, a program of Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, has resources you can use on its website.
In keeping with this perspective, I have modeled our family trips to include adventure. During family trips, we don’t just go to amusement parks and stay at hotels; we travel to different parts of the country, often renting private homes to
have the experience of a local.
During summer months, we send our children to overnight camps. When my children were younger, these were anxiety-provoking experiences because many of the camps did not allow us to communicate with our children.
We were without contact for a week at a time. These experiences planted the seed of adventure and encouraged independence.
For example, my daughter spent a college semester in Ecuador. She traveled to places that are on many people’s bucket list. She went to the Galapagos Islands and swam with sea turtles; she hiked for three days to Machu Picchu in Peru, and spent five days in the Amazon jungle, trudging through knee-deep water for hours eating ants.
Since her return, I’ve noticed a distinct change: She stands taller, she is confident, she is more independent, she is in control of her life.
What can fathers do? They can encourage travel, domestic and
international; encourage their children to learn a new language and, thus, culture; send their kids to overnight camps; have them walk or ride to school alone; at a young age, have children manage their own backpacks and lunches.
And let them take on a challenge, and yes, let them fail
The message that fathers can convey is that amid life’s ups and downs, take time to enjoy. Spend time with the people around you, your friends and family, and cherish them. Children need to accept that at times, life will be difficult; however, let them know that they belong to a family that cares about and loves them.
To my children I say: Run, laugh, play, feel the sun on your skin, swim in the ocean, climb a mountain, tour the world, dance under the stars at night. Open your eyes to the beauty around you and inspire others to do the same.
– Carlos Tosca is the Mesa outpatient clinic director for Southwest Behavioral & Health Services. He and his wife of 20 years have three children.
Hamilton grad has special weapon at U.S. Open: His caddy dad
BY GREG MACAFEE Tribune Sports Editor
On Thursday, Mason Andersen, an Arizona State commit and recent Hamilton High School graduate, teed off alongside some of the best golfers in the world at the U.S. Open at Erin Hills Country Club in Erin, Wisconsin.
But Mason wasn’t tackling this year’s star-studded field alone. His father, Richard, walked alongside him as his caddy.
“I’m no real caddy,” Richard said. “I’m just there to calm him down, really, or to keep him up. Sometimes he’ll make a couple bogeys to start a round and I have to remind him that he’s done this before. I’ve seen him start off with three bogeys and then follow it up with three birdies and he’s right back where he started. You can do this.”
At press time Friday morning, Mason was 2-over par for the tournament through 29 holes, with the projected cut set at 1-over.
This isn’t the first time the father-son duo from Chandler have teamed up on the golf course. His father walked right next to him for the 36-hole U.S. Open qualifier. And Richard caddied for his son on his 47th birthday as Mason attempted to qualify for the Waste Management Phoenix Open in January. Every time Mason has needed him, his
father has been there to calm his son’s jitters. The most recent opportunity came after just two holes of the sectional qualifier. Mason had started off his round with a birdie and an eagle and was 3-under after two holes.
“I was basically jumping up and down on the inside,” Mason said. “My dad was there and he was telling me to calm down and remember that we still had 34 holes left.”
He went on to finish with a low score of 64 on the first 18 holes, then tallied a 70 on his second 18 holes of the day to find his name at the top of the leaderboard when he walked into the clubhouse. But it wasn’t official yet.
“I got in and I saw my name at the top and I really didn’t know because there was still some players out there with some holes left,” Mason said. “I knew 9-under had more than a chance to get in and I’m just sitting there thinking to myself, ‘You could be playing in the U.S. Open.’”
He finished second at Newport Beach, California, shooting a 9-under. Mason is one of 18 amateurs to qualify for the tournament and is just one of two 18-year-olds.
The journey to the U.S. Open began when Mason was about 11 and his father introduced him to the sport. While they already shared time hunting and fishing, they also began sharing a love for golf.
Soon enough, Mason began playing competitively. In April 2015, his current swing coach and mentor, Ben Weir, began to train him and admired his abilities.
“His body is perfect for golf, he’s got the
perfect build for golf. He’s strong, and a lot of people that are like that don’t have a lot of touch,” Weir said. “You either have one or the other. But he didn’t have much of a short game when he came to me. He was just overpowering courses to get to shoot his even par or couple under or couple over.”
Now, after almost two years of tutelage under Weir, an Arizona State alumni who roomed and learned from Phil Mickelson while at ASU, Mason’s game has evolved into something special. It’s evolved enough to where Weir believes his game has no weaknesses.
“I mean, there really is none. He’s got power. We built his swing so mechanically strong that even when he is nervous, it’s going to be healthy because he’s so mechanically sound there isn’t a shot he doesn’t know how to hit,” he said.
Mason went up against a field filled the likes of Jordan Speith, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day, Sergio Garcia, Rory McIlroy, and others. But, the Chandler-native will have his father by his side, which Weir believes will make a big difference.
“He’s just calm cool and collected and he’s just easy going. If Mason gets out of hand, he just snaps him back into shape, and Mason respects his father so much and there is such a deep love there and there is a love and respect there.”
– Contact Greg Macafee at gmacafee@ timespublications.com or at 480-898-5630 or follow @greg_macafee on Twitter.
Diving community determined to quell fears about sport’s safety
BY NICOLE WALKER Cronkite News
One of the most high-profile diving accidents of all time still resonates with many.
“There was this ‘wham’ and this big gasp from the crowd,” Arizona State diving coach Mark Bradshaw said. “The best diver in the world (just) hit the board.”
That diver was Greg Louganis and the nationally televised collision during the 1988 Summer Olympics left many with a deep concern about springboard diving.
Officials in the Valley’s diving community understand. They also are determined to keep their members safe.
“I think in any (sport) there’s some danger to it, but diving is still a relatively
safe sport,” Bradshaw said.
The diving club program run out of ASU puts a special emphasis on mechanics. The city of Mesa also requires all diving coaches to be trained on concussion protocol.
The diving community is relatively small compared to other sports and typically attracts only a few thousand
See DIVING on page 20
According to the American Institute for Research, 16.8 percent of divingrelated accidents occur at a recreational pool when people attempt a dive they are not trained to do. Children often try to mimic tricks they see performed by professionals at the Olympics, or dives by athletes training with their competitive club team.
(Greg Macafee/Tribune Staff)
As Mason Andersen qualified for the U.S. Open, his father Richard was walking right next to him for the 36-hole qualifier.
athletes at the competitive level. Although at the professional level severe injuries still occur, most come at the amateur level.
According to the Knowles Law Firm, 6,500 children are taken to the hospital due to diving-related accidents and injuries every year.
Diving-related injuries are the fourthleading cause of spinal injuries in males, and the fifth-leading in females, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.
Bradshaw has been diving since he was 9 years old. He received a scholarship to Ohio State and eventually made his way onto the U.S. national team and then, ultimately, the Olympic team. Bradshaw was on the deck at the 1988 Summer Games when Louganis had his accident.
“My recollection was he’d been training on that particular dive and he was kind of a little bit close to the board,” said Bradshaw, who began coaching at ASU in 1997. “You don’t expect someone at that level to strike the board, let alone with their head, and (he is) probably the best diver ever.”
At the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Louganis was on his ninth of 11 dives during the preliminary round. While attempting to perform a reverse 2½ somersault pike, he hit his head on the 3-meter springboard and split open the back of his scalp, eventually needing five stitches.
It led to a concern among many that springboard diving is a dangerous sport.
USA Diver, the national governing body of diving, began researching and looking into various diving board related accidents after pools began removing their diving boards due to the “potential for injury.” They discovered that the diving well section of a recreational pool is the safest part of a swimming complex. Diving from diving boards was shown to be incredibly safe compared to other activities, they determined.
“You might experience some injury, but for the most part it’s pretty safe,” Bradshaw said.
The city of Mesa, however, is going to great lengths to ensure it remains a diving community.
Mesa Recreation Supervisor Darla Armfield and Recreation Coordinator Mark Foote help create a safe environment to keep diving a major asset at their facilities.
“Our diving has (always) been a big part of our program,” Armfield said. “Our program is probably 60 years old. Diving has just been with us, so we have
worked really hard to maintain as much safety as possible. It’s important to us and (we) want a decent program.”
To ensure the safety of their divers, all nine Mesa swimming facilities have mandatory concussion trainings for coaches.
“They are trained to recognize the symptoms of what a concussion (is and how it) may appear to surface the next day,” Armfield said. “As a city, we work with A.T. Still (University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona) and their grads come out and do trainings.”
Coaches have to make sure safety precautions are being met and that kids not be asked to perform at a level that exceeds their confidence and abilities.
“There is a preseason training before we even get started that teaches the coaches about the progression and to make sure they are maintaining safety,” Armfield said. “We have a full-time specialist. They go from facility to facility and they monitor the coaches to make sure they are implementing the progression. That gets checked daily.”
Preparation is a key to avoiding accidents.
Sun Devil Divers, the club program at ASU’s Mona Plummer Aquatic Center, offers Future Champions, a class that requires no prior diving experience. If the diver wants to continue past the basic lesson program, Sun Devil Divers also offer a variety of different team levels that divers can work through based on their skill level.
“We want to teach them the proper way, the proper mechanics and how to do these things and if they really enjoy it and want go further, we move them up to our team levels,” Bradshaw said.
Mesa also has beginning and intermediate diving classes throughout its nine facilities that bring in roughly 3,000 participants every summer.
“In lessons, we really work on progression,” Armfield said. “We start off with the most basic level of instruction and then as the confidence of the diver gets better, then we move on to the next level.”
(Special to the Tribune)
The diving community is relatively small compared to other sports and typically attracts only a few thousand athletes at the competitive level.
(Special to the Tribune)
A diver hits the water at Skyline Aquatics Center in Mesa.
Photo By: Peggy Sirota
Faith Faith
If you are facing a door as Father’s Day nears, I’ll pray for you
BY LYNNE HARTKE Tribune Guest Writer
“It’s just a door,” my friend said as I talked to him over the phone. We had been discussing dates to have him come over and replace the entry door of our home. “Pick out what you want and I’ll install it.”
So, I went to Home Depot. Just? There is nothing “just” about choosing a door. Slab doors. Pre-hung doors. Wood doors. Steel doors. Fiberglass doors. Did I want a window in the door? Did I want to paint the door? Did the door open from the right or from the left? Was it 32 or 36 inches wide?
The man from Home Depot had many questions. I went back home without a
FAITH CALENDAR
JUNE 19-23
MAKER FUN FACTORY
Join us at Maker Fun Factory Vacation Bible School at Grace United Methodist Church.
DETAILS>> 6-8:30 p.m., 2024 E. University Drive, Mesa. Information: 480-964-8747.
JUNE 26-30
‘ONE OF A KIND ZOO’
Calvary Lutheran Church will host “One of a Kind Zoo,” a Vacation Bible School class. Bible lessons, music, crafts, games and snacks are part of the program. Children ages 3 until 6th grade are welcome.
DETAILS>> 9 a.m.- noon, Calvary Lutheran Church, 1270 N. Dobson Road, Chandler. Register online at calvarychandler.net under EVENTS, until June 19. Information: 480-963-9397 or 480-204-4297.
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: 480-3933001, tlmchurch.info@gmail.com.
HORIZON SEEKS YOUNG PEOPLE
High school and middle school students meet to worship and do life together.
DETAILS>> 4 p.m. at Horizon Presbyterian Church, 1401 E. Liberty Lane. 480-460-1480 or joel@horizonchurch.com.
VALOR CHRISTIAN OUTLINES MISSION
Valor Christian Center in Gilbert offers “great praise and worship and great messages for today’s living,” according to Associate Pastor Thor Strandholt. “Our
door.
I lamented about the door to my husband, the man who was perfectly fine with the original 1970s pressboard door that currently hung in the entryway, a door that was exfoliating like skin after a bad sunburn. After four decades in the Arizona sun, the door’s condition was understandable.
“You’ve been talking about replacing that door for over a year,” he said.
“I know.”
“What’s keeping you from doing it?”
I started to repeat the Home Depot lament.
He interrupted me, “What’s keeping you from doing it?” We both knew I had no problem picking out other things I’ve wanted over the years for the house.
The answer to his question hit me
mission is to evangelize, heal and disciple through the word of God.”
DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Thursdays. 3015 E. Warner Road. Information: valorcc.com.
UNITY OFFERS A PATH
Unity of Mesa says its Sunday service offers “a positive path for spiritual living” through “transformational lessons, empowering music and various spiritual practices with an open-minded and welcoming community.”
DETAILS>> 9 a.m. Spiritual Discussion Group and Meditation Practices Group. 10:15 a.m. Celebration Service. 2700 E. Southern Ave., Mesa. Nursery available for infants through kindergarten at service times. Youth ministry classes are open in the Education Annex at 10:15 a.m. Information: 480-892- 2700, unityofmesa.org, lori@ unityofmesa.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.
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.
MONDAYS
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
hard. My dad always did house projects with me.
I was waiting for Dad to walk through that door and help me install a new one – which, of course, made no sense at all since Dad had died four years ago. The longer I put off installing a new door, the longer I could avoid facing the fact that he wasn’t around to join me on a trip to Home Depot, exploring the aisles of faucets, toilet seats and window blinds. Choosing a door was just one more of the unexpected changes needed to be faced in the walking out of loss and grief. Who knew grief was so complicated? Yet, once I realized and put a name to it, I went to Home Depot and selected a door. I made an appointment for our friend to install it.
Sometimes grief leaves you gasping
session
DETAILS>> 6:15-8:15 p.m., Unity of Tempe, 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe. Information: 480-7921800, unityoftempe.com.
TUESDAYS
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE BIBLE STUDY
Join Valor Christian Center in Gilbert for great fellowship and walk through the word of God with depth.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m. Tuesdays, 3015 E. Warner Road between Greenfield and Higley. Free. Information: 480545-4321, valorcc.com.
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@gmail.com.
for air. Sometimes grief is about walking through new doors.
So, to my dad on this Father’s Day: I’m opening a door. It’s been closed for too long and I wasn’t even aware it was shut. But you taught me how to open closed doors. You taught me that when life shuts a door to open it again.
Because it’s a door. And that’s how doors work.
If you are facing a closed door on this Father’s Day, my heart is with you. I pray for the courage to grasp the door knob and open your door. I pray you discover that’s how doors work.
– Lynne Hartke is the author of “Under a Desert Sky: Redefining Hope, Beauty, and Faith in the Hardest Places.” She blogs at lynnehartke.com and is the pastor’s wife at Trinity Christian Fellowship in Chandler.
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
Submit your releases to rzubiate@ timespublications.com
ANSWERS TO PUZZLES AND SUDOKU from Page 26
Corona High senior debuts in ‘Little Mermaid’ title role
BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Tribune Contributor
Young East Valley thespians will populate the cast of a production next weekend of “The Little Mermaid,” a pop culture phenomenon since the 1989 release of the Disney animated film.
Approximately 45 actors, ages 4 through 19, will sing and dance in the production presented at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Mountain Pointe High School, 4201 E. Knox Ave., Phoenix.
Performers hale from Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix and Tucson, while, one, Yale Langworthy in the role of Prince Eric, is from Boise, Idaho.
The role of Ariel, the teenage mermaid princess who falls in love with the human prince, is played by Corona del Sol High School senior Lizzie Stewart, who is appearing in her first Studio 111 Theater Company musical.
It also is the first area musical for Langworthy, 13, who came to the role through his mother – a Boise dance studio owner who is friends with the musical’s director, Jenefer Miller. Rachal Bautista directs the music.
Desert Vista High School alumnus and Studio 111 newcomer Jackson Clithero, 19, plays King Triton.
Ursula, the sea witch who tirelessly attempts to sabotage the mermaid princess and prince’s romance, is portrayed by Mia Dickson, an incoming freshman at Desert Vista High School.
Dickson is no stranger to the Studio 111 musicals, having played the role of Mrs. Potts in last year’s summer production of
MARK YOUR
Tony winner at Gammage
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is about 15-year-old Christopher, who boasts above-average intelligence but below-average social skills. When his neighbor’s dog is killed and he becomes a suspect, he sets out on a journey to find the real killer. Don’t miss the Tony Award-winning Broadway play.
“Beauty and the Beast.”
Lizzie has extensive choir-singing experience, starting as a youngster in Chandler’s Children’s Choir, directed by her mother, Aimee Stewart, and with the Tempe Corona Del Sol’s Performance Choir.
But her role as Ariel is her first attempt at musical theater, as well as her first time onstage in any theatrical production.
“This has been an exciting adventure for me,” said Lizzie, 17. “It’s really expanded my horizons, musically and socially. And it’s certainly inspired me to continue to go out and try something new.”
Part of her adventure involves complying with her director’s instruction to dye her blond hair red for the role as depicted in the Disney film.
“That’s going to be interesting,” she laughed. “But I do admire Ariel’s passion. I think its inspiring to me because she’s such a go-getter. That’s something I can relate to. I mean, when she has something she desperately wants, she sacrifices to do it.”
Sacrifice is something everyone in the cast and crew are familiar with as the show was in rehearsal from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
And, as is usual with Studio 111 productions, the costumes, lighting (by newcomer Daniel Lowe) and scenery dazzle.
Under the guidance of costume designer and head seamstress DeAnn Nevision, undersea creatures are swathed in tulle, sequins and hand-painted fabrics including Ursula’s (the sea witch) skirt fashioned from more than 30 yards of fabric and tulle netting.
Ariel and her “mersisters” wear handmade seashell crowns, and other eyecatchers
DETAILS>>Tuesday-Sunday, June 2025. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. Tickets: $20-$125. 480-965-3434. asugammage.com.
Kidtastic: Escape Games
Escape rooms are all the rage, but this scenario aims squarely at kids 7-12. Six players get 45 minutes to find a stuffed monkey and get to bed before their parents get home.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, June 22. Escape Games AZ, 12 N. Center St., Suite
include Nevison’s 18 fish heads, four jellyfish, five seagulls, swans, turtles, flamingos and lily pads – all handmade.
“DeAnn has a creative vision, and the audience will truly feel as if they’re under the sea,” said Dance Studio 111 owner and instructor Kimberly Lewis. “All of the fabric for this production was purchased in the garment district in L.A. and brought to Arizona.”
“There’s a lot of time and love that goes into these productions, and I just try to myself every year,” said Nevison of her third summer musical production. The stage at Mountain Pointe High School theater is being transformed with Jon Nevison’s designs, which include a 16-footwide papier-mache seashell as the back of King Triton’s throne.
His creative touches are readily seen on other scenery and props, like the undersea grotto, Ursula’s lair, the Prince’s castle and the rowboat upon the waves.
plays Jetsam, the crafty sea eel.
“We would love the community to come see ‘The Little Mermaid’,” said Lewis. “These kids have worked so hard, and the dancing, singing and acting are all incredible. Why go to Broadway when you have outstanding theater and talent
Making the show a family affair is the Nevisons’ 10-year-old daughter, Ashley, who
200, Mesa. Tickets: $10 per player. 480-6493144. escapegamesaz.com (click Book Now and select Special Tours).
Summer Splash Thursday
On Thursdays, kids get the opportunity to meet their favorite superheroes and Disney characters, plus enjoy music, themed games and activities, and a splash pad. This week: Belle and Rapunzel.
DETAILS>> 6-7:30 p.m., Thursdays until July 27. Tempe Marketplace, 2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe. Cost: Free.
Lewis wholeheartedly denied a rumor about her 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., Suite 111 dance studio being sold. “Oh no! I just signed a new sixyear lease, so we’re going to be here and continue serving the area dancers and performers! I’ve been in business for 23 years – this September starts my 24th year in Ahwatukee. I’ve been at this location for seven years and I love it. It’s our happy
Assigned-seating tickets for “The Little Mermaid” are $10, $15 and $20, and may be purchased at Studio 111, 4910 E. Chandler Blvd., or
(Coty
Corona del Sol
Stewart, who plays Ariel, is appearing in her first Studio 111 Theater Company musical.
tempemarketplace.com/summer.
The East Valley Children’s Theatre presents a musical adaptation of the classic “The Wizard of Oz.” Follow Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, Tin Woodsman and more favorite characters on their adventures.
DETAILS>>Thursdays-Sundays, June 2225. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Tickets: $15 adults, $11 17 and under. 480-
Dolores Miranda/Tribune Contributor)
High School senior Lizzie
CALENDAR
644-6500. mesaartscenter.com.
Spencer Jones and Redhill
Coming off a tour in London, this rock group, which includes two members of the breakout local band Simply Three, brings a unique sound you won’t want to miss.
DETAILS>> 8 p.m., Friday, June 23. Mesa Arts Center, 1 E. Main St., Mesa. Tickets: $20. 480-644-6500. mesaartscenter.com.
Queen Creek Feastival
Craving gourmet street food from a food truck? Every Friday night, 15 to 25 food trucks show up along with live entertainment and a boutique market for an evening of fun. Feel free to bring chairs, tables and leashed pets.
DETAILS>> 5:30-9 p.m., Friday, June 23. Queen Creek Library, Ellsworth Loop and Ocotillo, Queen Creek. Cost: Free Entry. azfeastivals.com/qcfeastival.
The Confirmed Kills Tour
Iliza Shlesinger, the youngest and only female winner of NBC’s “Last Comic
Standing,” Shlesinger brings her latest hilarious special to the Valley.
DETAILS>> Times vary, Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24. Tempe Improv, 930 E. University Drive, Tempe. Tickets: $27.50 and two-drink minimum. 480-921-9877. tempeimprov.com.
Summer Art Market
The full Downtown Mesa Festival of the Arts closes for the summer, but it still hosts a monthly market. Show up to enjoy the work of local artisans and crafters.
DETAILS>> 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 24. SW Herb Shop & Gathering Place, 148 N. Center St., Mesa. Cost: Free. dtmesafest.com. Gun show
Gun collectors, hunters and those interested in self-defense will enjoy the Crossroads of the West Gun Show’s hundreds of tables with all kinds of guns, ammunition and gun accessories.
DETAILS>> 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25. Mesa Convention Center, 263 N. Center St., Mesa. Tickets: $12 for both days. crossroadsgunshows.com.
– Justin Ferris, Phoenix.org.
Get more ideas for fun things to do in the East Valley – and beyond – at Phoenix.org.
ROAD TRIPPIN’ WITH MY FRIEND
Dad will like this bacon – no fakin’
BY JAN D’ATRI
Tribune Contributor
OK, dads, today for Father’s Day, we’re making you the most “highly craveable” snacks in existence –according to me, anyway.
It’s hard to believe that only four ingredients could create such a taste sensation, but when you combine bacon, brown sugar, maple syrup and crescent rolls, you pretty much know what the reaction is going to be. Best part is, this bacon candy-like snack is so easy you can make it today for Dad’s special day. But wait! There’s more! I’ve included an irresistible recipe for beer candied bacon, too.
Maple bacon crack
Ingredients:
1 lb. bacon, chopped
1 tube crescent rolls
1/4 cup real maple syrup, divided
1 cup brown sugar, divided
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9x12 inch baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
In a medium skillet, cook bacon until almost done, about 5 minutes.
Transfer to plate with paper towels to drain. Roll out crescent rolls or puff pastry onto parchment. Pinch seams to make one single sheet. Prick all over with a fork.
Drizzle with half the maple syrup. Sprinkle a half cup brown sugar over dough. Top with cooked bacon, distributing evenly. Sprinkle remainder of brown sugar and drizzle with remaining maple syrup. Bake for about an hour or until golden brown and brown sugar has caramelized. (Note: It could take less time than one hour, depending on your oven.)
Let cool completely to harden before slicing into pieces.
Beer candied bacon
Ingredients:
1 lb. bacon, thick-cut
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup dark beer (I used Stockyard Oatmeal Stout) 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chipotle powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a wire cooling rack or oven rack on top. Arrange bacon on the rack. Cook for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, combine brown sugar, beer and cayenne, whisking to form syrup. Arrange bacon on the rack. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and brush one side of the bacon with beer syrup. Turn bacon over and brush the other side with syrup. Return to oven and cook for 7-10 minutes. Repeat process until bacon is browned and syrup is used up. (Do not burn bacon.) Cool to allow bacon to harden, about 10 minutes.
ACROSS
1 Muppet master Henson
4 Wile E. Coyote’s supplier
8 Low- diet
12 Mimic
13 Make dinner
14 Medley
15 Preside over
17 Walden, for one
18 Mountain goat
19 Feudal lord
20 Choir members
22 You
24 Slender
25 Mao Zedong’s title
29 Encountered
30 Band section
31 Praise in verse
32 Like kebab
34 Greek letters
35 Walk in the woods
36 Expositions
37 Less
40 Sicko, for short
41 Rue the run
42 Steep
46 Bistro name starter
47 Shakespeare’s river
48 Plaything
49 Broadway prize
50 Wilson predecessor
51 Ram’s ma’am
DOWN
1 Predicament
2 Wall St. debut
3 Indulge in reflection
4 Farm statistic
5 Wheedle
6 Witticism
7 -- out a living
8 Office machine
9 -- vera
10 Circle
11 Olympic skier Miller
16 Black, in verse
19 Island neckwear
20 Charitable donations
21 Onion relative
22 Crowd?
23 Full house, e.g.
25 Stopper
26 Spur on
27 Hebrew month
28 Loch Monster
30 Estate recipient
33 Asthmatic, maybe
34 Deserve
36 Pretense
37 Datum
38 Reverberate
39 Timely query
40 Campus VIP
42 Wrestling surface
43 Actress Gardner
44 AAA job
45 Storm center
Sudoku
BY AFN
When you lose a loved one, it is one of those times in life when you can feel lost, or adrift–not sure of which way to turn and how to make it through. You need to know that there’s someone there that you can trust, someone who feels like family. A funeral director who cares can make a huge difference in your comfort level, and allow you to the safety of knowing that your best interests are being considered. This is the benefit of choosing Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery for your final arrangements and those of your loved ones.
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We believe our work is a “mission of service” and it’s a privilege to help a family during the most difficult time in their life.
Obituaries
KLEIN, Angelina B.
The family of Angelina Bond Klein, 13, deeply regret her death on Sunday, June 4, 2017
Funeral services will be held at 6:00 p m Sunday, June 11, 2017 at the Renner-Wikoff Chapel and
Angelina was born on June 27, 2003 in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Sebastian Klein and Mindy Lawson Survivors include her father of Champaign; mother of Queen Creek, AZ; brother, Elvis Klein of Champaign; half-sister, Elizabeth Fitton of Mount Jackson, VA;
mons of Chandler, AZ; maternal grandmother, Maureen Gallagher of Bowling Green, KY; maternal step-grandmother, Maribeth Lawson of Gilbert, AZ; and paternal grandmothers, Joan Larsen Klein of Urbana, IL and Emma Franklin of Florida She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, James Lawson
Angelina graduated from Franklin Middle School, Champaign She had high hopes of being a veterinarian or a heart surgeon Angelina loved to sing, was a cheerleader, an avid reader, artist and writer She loved animals and will also be missed by her pets, Sugar, Jackaroo and Cheesy
Memorial contributions may be made to The Champaign County Humane Society
Condolences may be offered at www rennerwikoff com
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