Peoria Times 02-20-2020

Plaaaaaay ball! Spring Training is back

BY TOM SCANLON Peoria Times Managing Editor

Mike and Debbie Christian have been coming to Spring Training since they landed in Peoria a few years back.

“It’s a hoot,” Debbie Christian said, of spring ball.

“Baseball in its purest form,” Mike Christian added. “You’re not sitting in a 50,000-seat stadium.”

They wandered over to the Peoria Sports Complex last week and bought tickets for an upcoming game, planning to see the Milwaukee Brewers play.

After walking about 100 yards from the

SEE SPRING TRAINNING PAGE 2

Arrest for video, child pornography

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

An alleged hidden camera led police on an investigation that resulted in a child pornography arrest.

Brandon Sheffert of the Peoria Police Department said the investigation of Robert Miller, a massage therapist, began on Feb. 10.

“An extremely aware customer noticed an odd item plugged into an outlet in the massage room, discovered it was a hidden video camera, and police were contacted,” said Sheffert.

He said Miller, 52, works as a massage therapist with New Serenity Massage / Pain Management Arizona. Miller provided massages at a Phoenix office as well as in Peoria. The address of the Peoria New

Serenity Massage is 13460 N 94th Drive.

“It appears Miller was recording customers before, during and after massages he performed. Miller’s behavior would have not surfaced if it was not for the victim coming forward,” said Sheffert.

Miller was arrested Feb. 12 at his home in Phoenix after a search warrant was served on his residence.

“During the search, detectives located hundreds of images of child pornography, sex toys that resemble children and videos of customers during their massages,” said Sheffert.

Miller was processed at the Peoria Police Department and was booked into the 4th Avenue Jail.

SEE PORNOGRAPHY PAGE 3

Robert Miller, a Peoria massage therapist, was arrested for child pornography and other charges. He is accused of surreptitiously video taping massages he gave, using a hidden camera that plugs into an outlet. (Photo courtesy Peoria Police Department)

Spring Training is great family time. The James gang, left, Alex, 14, William, 12, Gary, 43, Nicole, 46, and Tracy Grady, 47, hit the gift shop to get ready for spring ball at Peoria Sports Complex. (Peoria Times photo by Tom Scanlon)

ticket office, Mike Christian looked at the tickets.

“Oh, shoot,” he said (or something like that). “He gave us the wrong tickets.”

But, instead of walking back and exchanging the tickets, Mike and Debbie did a quick version of a mound visit. They decided to just go with the tickets they have.

Such is how Spring Training rolls.

The Cactus League kicks off this weekend here and around the Valley.

The San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, the two teams that call Peoria home in the spring, face off at 1:10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. This will be the annual charity game, an event celebrating the fundraising success for various local charities through the Peoria Diamond Club.

Padres and Mariners games will continue here for the next month, with the hometown Arizona Diamondbacks playing the Mariners March 20.

For folks like the Christians, it doesn’t really matter who is playing.

“It’s a good time,” said Mike Chris-

tian, who works in the insurance industry. “The confines are smaller, you’re closer to the action.”

And the price is right, he added. Using his Peoria resident discount, he scored four tickets for a total of $74 (even if it was for the wrong game).

Spring ball often makes for good

family time. Gary James, of the Boston area, brought his wife Nicole and kids Alex, 14, and William, 12, plus sister Tracy Grady to the gift shop. Gary and Tracy’s mother lives in Surprise, and they are looking for their first taste of the Cactus League.

What do they imagine it will be like?

“Very relaxing,” Gary James said. “You can bring a blanket and sit on the grass and watch a game,” said Grady. “Plus, the weather is so nice.” Those who have been to games here will say they pretty much hit that one out of the park.

“Spring is here and it’s time to get excited about baseball,” said Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat. “No matter how you like to enjoy America’s pastime,

stretched out on the lawn, sitting in a shady seat, or with a group of family and friends surrounded by specialty foods and craft beer, the Peoria Sports Complex has it all.”

Early-season matchups include the Mariners and Chicago Cubs on Feb. 24 and the Padres and Cubs on Feb. 28.

Five of the season’s eight night games will be on Fridays. The stadium will be open early at 4:30 p.m. every Friday for the new Happy Hour and includes drink specials ahead of game time and entertainment in the Four Peaks Pavilion.

Back by popular demand this year are Dog Days, Kids Days, Little League Day, Education Night and Book it to the Ballpark.

To those who use baseball as a background to socialize, eat and drink, this is the place.

Mike Hyland, Peoria Sports Complex superintendent, said new menu items include a street taco cart, a Ruthian Foot-Long hot dog wrapped with jalapeno bacon and the Mac Attack hot dog.

Pitchers and catchers from both the Padres and Mariners reported to Peoria last week for workouts.

Full-squad workouts started this week. The players are getting loose, the fans are buying tickets, the grills are being fired up.

The days are ticking down for the umpire behind the plate to call out the official opening:

“Plaaaaaay ball!”

Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres batters will start swinging for the fences Saturday, when Spring Training games return to the Peoria Sports Complex. (Peoria Times photos by Tom Scanlon)

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Two Grand Avenue intersections to be restricted through spring

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Delays are in store for Grand Avenue travelers.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Grand Avenue (US 60) intersections at Bethany Home Road and Northern Avenue will be restricted for several months as part of an improvement project and started Feb. 12.

Crews will be extending the westbound Grand Avenue left-turn lanes at each intersection to provide more room for drivers to travel westbound onto each of the cross streets.

The intersection restrictions are due to be in place until this summer.

Westbound Grand Avenue will be narrowed to two through lanes and a

PORNOGRAPHY FROM PAGE 1

“I want to thank the observant and brave victim who brought this forward to our department and want to thank our detectives for their hard work investigating such disgusting crimes and quickly taking a true criminal off the streets,” said Peoria Police Chief Art Miller. Peoria Police are encouraging those with any information regarding this case to contact the Peoria Police Department in one of the following ways:

• P3 App: Download from Apple App Store or Google Play.

limited left turn lane at the Bethany Home Road intersection starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday. Eastbound Grand Avenue also will be narrowed to two lanes in the work zone although

place at the Grand Avenue intersection with Northern Avenue starting Tuesday, Feb. 18.

According to ADOT, drivers should allow extra travel time while the Grand Avenue improvement project is underway.

• Tip Phone Line: 623-773-7045.

• E-mail: PDTips@peoriaaz.gov (Note: E-mail is not anonymous).

• Online form: https://p3tips.com/927.

• Call Silent Witness: 480-WITNESS.

• Call Peoria Police Detective Krause: 623-773-7036.

the left turn lane to eastbound Bethany Home Road will remain open. Similar restrictions were put into

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511.

Peoria Fire-Medical Departments updates city council

BY TOM SCANLON Peoria Times Managing Editor

As part of budget preparation for the coming fiscal year, Peoria City Council held a Feb. 4 study session with public safety representatives.

Peoria Fire-Medical Department leaders voiced appreciation for past

funding from the council, then hinted at more requests to come.

Jim Bratcher, deputy chief of emergency medical services, provided background on the department’s relatively new ambulance service, which began in 2017.

“This was a phased approach,” he

noted. “In January 2017, our first two ambulances went into service. Our second phase we added the next two ambulances. Just last month we implemented our fifth.”

Bratcher said from January 2017 to December 2019, his department made 13,768 ambulance transports.

“Our goal was to be cost neutral .... 7,073 transports have been billed,” he said, adding after first having third-party billing, in-house billing was implemented in November 2018.

“We have seen increased efficiency, we have seen increased customer service,” he said.

Bratcher gave an update on a community paramedicine program. United Healthcare funds the unique partnership between Peoria, Surprise and Goodyear.

“We kicked it off in September of 2019, and we have one year of funding,” he said. “We trained 13 community paramedics. The first quarter (of the program) we saw 78 patients and made 128 referrals.”

Bratcher said part of the goal is to cut down on emergency calls by those who frequently access the 911 system.

“We look at home safety, transportation needs and try to make referrals into community programs that exist and reduce 911 calls. …. We’re dealing with trying to find the root cause of why they’re calling 911,” he said.

“People who are frequently using the 911 system, we’ve found historically there’s usually an underlying need that has not been met and their last resort is the 911 system and they’re not sure what to do other than call. Our job is to go in and find the source or sources in some cases and to provide them resources so they decrease their reliance on the 911 system.”

Rob Brewster, a second Peoria Fire-Medical deputy chief, talked about the department’s employee wellness program and cancer prevention.

Frontline personnel have two sets of personal protective equipment, or PPE, he said. “And after exposure to carcinogens, they go through decontamination.” The second pair of PPE allows them to be available for calls while the first pair is cleaned.

He said firefighters are routinely exposed to carcinogens, from diesel exhaust to active structure fires.

Protecting firefighters from things potentially causing cancer “is something we’re aggressively addressing,”

EMS Chief Jim Bratcher presented to the council on Feb. 4 (Photo courtesy city of Peoria)

Fire Deputy Chief Robert Brewster presented information on firefighters and FireMedical’s latest developments to City Council on Feb. 4 (Photo courtesy city of Peoria)

Police arrest woman for killing husband, hiding body

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Glendale Police said they arrested Shata Syreeta Johnson, 39, on charges of killing her husband, Timothy Johnson, 55.

Glendale Police responded to a home on the 5900 block of Redfield Road, less than a mile from Peoria shops on 59th Avenue.

Police said neighbors called 911 to a woman driving erratically and throwing items from her vehicle Feb. 10. Contacted outside her Glendale home, Johnson told the officers she was “fine,” and her husband was not at home.

She stated there was no one else inside the home and she did not need further assistance, police said.

Johnson went to a Phoenix Police precinct Feb. 13 and admitted to shooting and killing her husband outside their home, according to Glendale Police.

Glendale officers went to the Redfield Road home and located Johnson, deceased inside the vehicle parked in the carport.

“He appeared to have been shot once and it was determined he had been dead and left inside the vehicle for sev-

FIRE-MEDICAL FROM PAGE 4

Brewster said.

He also noted, despite fire station remodels and expansions, “We are out of space.”

Brewster pointed to six new senior living facilities in Peoria and “a 5% growth in emergency medical services over the last year.”

Councilwoman Vicki Hunt told Brewster she was impressed by the multi-faceted nature of the firefighters’ jobs.

“I hope people are watching to see all the miraculous things you do,” Hunt said. “I know people watch shows on TV and think you sit around playing poker and having romances

“You people are so appreciated.”

Noting the demands and stress of the job, Councilman Bill Patena asked how the fire-medical department detects

things like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder among firefighters.

“One of the challenges we face in the fire service is the stigma about getting help for mental health issues. It’s always been, ‘Just suck it up,’” said Brewster.

He said a new peer support team is trying to turn this way of thinking around, and be on the lookout for those who may need help but don’t know how to ask.

“I’m really proud of our fire department,” said Councilwoman Denette Dunn, after an hour presentation. “Keep doing what you do.”

It drew a quip and a return thank-you from Fire Chief Bobby Ruiz.

“A dream without resources is nothing more than sleep deprivation,” said Ruiz.

“Thank you for your support.”

eral days,” said Jay O’Neill, a police spokesman.

Johnson was transferred to Glendale police custody and was interviewed by detectives.

She allegedly told detectives she shot her husband during an argument, then moved the vehicle to hide

her deceased husband’s body from neighbors.

She said she remained inside her home for days before going to the police.

Police arrested Johnson and charged her with second-degree murder and concealment of a dead body.

a fun-filled day focused on community outreach and health and safety education for all ages. Events include:

■ Car seat safety checks from 9 – 11:30 a.m.

■ Police department vehicles and K9 demonstrations

■ Helicopters, fire trucks and ambulances on display

■ On-site “Hands-only CPR” education

■ Free food and beverages

■ Free giveaways presented by Phoenix Suns, Diamondbacks, Rattlers and Mercury

■ Educational booths; and more!

Glendale Police said Timothy Johson, 55, was killed by his wife, Shata Johnson, 39. (Photos courtesy Glendale Police)

Researchers in Flagstaff developing an additional test for deadly coronavirus

BY HANNAH FOOTE AND MADISON ATKINSON Cronkite News

Scientists in Flagstaff are working to develop a test doctors and hospitals could use to diagnose coronavirus, which could help medical professionals respond to the global outbreak more quickly.

For now, the only test available in the U.S. was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and medical professionals send samples to approved labs to determine whether a patient’s illness is coronavirus.

Researchers at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, known as TGen, are hoping to create a test to be more broadly implemented, by making it available to hospitals and doctors to conduct their own testing.

“We want to make sure we’re ready to be able to respond,” said Dr. David Engelthaler, director of the northern division of TGen.

TGen North is using genetic informa-

tion to map the RNA of the respiratory virus to determine whether the patient has a strain, what strain they have, and whether there is a mutation present, Engelthaler said. The novel coronavirus, identified as COVID-19, was first detected in China in late December.

To date, only the CDC’s test is being used, and the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization Feb. 4 to allow more CDC-qualified labs to test samples

“This continues to be an evolving situation, and the ability to distribute this diagnostic test to qualified labs is a critical step forward in protecting the public health,” FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn said in a press release.

With more than 40,000 confirmed cases globally, there are 13 novel coronavirus cases in the United States, as of Monday.

TGen’s test is in the approval process at the Food and Drug Administration, which typically takes months to com-

plete – however, the FDA has a shorter approval process for public health emergencies. For use in other countries, however, the process of approval is expected to take longer.

“If we’re going to work with partners in other parts of the world, we’re going to have to work with their own regulatory agencies,” Engelthaler said.

TGen isn’t the only company racing to develop a test: Biotech company

Novacyt is also seeking emergency use approval from the FDA for its test and researchers in Hong Kong claim they have a test that gives a diagnosis in 40 minutes. Public Health England also launched a test Monday for 12 laboratories in the United Kingdom.

TGen researchers previously assisted in developing tests for other strains of coronavirus, including SARS and MERS.

Legislation targets ‘social promotion’ in schools

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

State lawmakers are moving to end “social promotion.’’

On a voice vote last week, the House gave preliminary approval to legislation requiring students be held back if they don’t meet the required criteria. It also would mandate high school teachers fail students who don’t meet the course requirements.

The move came over the objections of Democrats who questioned whether it would do more harm than good.

“Once you hold a student back you increase the likelihood they will drop out,’’ said Rep. Reginald Bolding, D-Laveen.

And Rep. Geraldine “Gerae” Peten, D-Goodyear, said it would amount to “destroying the lives’’ of students because the failure of the state to properly fund education resulting in many classrooms staffed by uncertified teachers.

“The state should be accountable for fully funding education, filling all of those teacher vacancies with certified, highly qualified teachers, and thereby giving the students everything they possibly need to succeed,’’ she said.

Rep. Joanne Osborne, R-Goodyear, who said she hasn’t made a final decision on the issue, provided a more personal perspective.

She told the story of her son whose reading skills were delayed because he had hearing problems as a child. Yet his fourthgrade teacher sought to promote him to the fifth grade even though he was reading at a second-grade level.

Osborne said she had to fight with school officials to have him retained. She told colleagues it worked, with her son now a graduate of Northern Arizona University.

“It’s not about the money,’’ stated Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction, the architect of the legislation.

“What this bill does is when there are kids who fail to meet the standards it gives them a second opportunity to grasp they need to know to succeed in life,’’ Fillmore said.

“It’s also going to take and give our kids a head’s up there are no more social promotions, no more easy rides, there is responsibility in this world,’’ he continued.

“And those kids will be given a chance with this bill.’’

Fillmore said the way he sees things, the education practices of the last 40 years are not working.

“Our education system is declining,’’ he said.

“Our children are not being educated,’’ Fillmore continued. “And self-esteem programs sociologically people want to promote are not the thing.’’

The answer, he said, is making kids take responsibility for their own learning. “They are like sponges wanting to learn.’’

Rep. Isela Blanc, D-Tempe, criticized the hard-and-fast rule the legislation would create. She said it presumes teachers —and parents — cannot be trusted to determine what is best on a case-by-case basis.

Fillmore doesn’t see it this way.

“It enables the teacher to have another opportunity for a kid who is not achieving the standards necessary for him to be successful in life to be given a second chance to learn what he needs to know,’’ he said. And Fillmore said it provides an opportunity for teachers to identify the kids with problems.

Rep. Mark Finchem, R-Oro Valley, said he was surprised foes of the legislation were concerned students would have to repeat a class.

“Well, if you stop and think about it, if they didn’t learn it the first time they probably need to be taught the same thing again,’’ he said.

“We are setting them up for failure,’’ agreed Rep. Michelle Udall, D-Mesa about social promotion. She said it makes no sense to try to teach a child high school algebra if he or she can’t do fractions.

The legislation, which needs a final House vote before going to the Senate, does have an escape clause of sorts. It says exceptions to the no-promotion rule can be made if the student is a “limited English proficient student’’ who has had fewer than two years of English language instruction if the teacher and parent agree promotion is “appropriate.’’

Exceptions also can be made for students in special education programs if the parent and teaching team assigned to a child agree.

Peoria signs memorandum of agreement to pursue Old Town development

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Peoria may have paved the way for major development of the Old Town area, with multi-family homes, restaurants, retail and office space.

Then again, maybe not.

At its Feb. 4 meeting, Peoria City Council authorized the city to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vintage Partners. There is no firm contract to develop the area at this point.

The agreement “will establish a collaboration toward working jointly on redevelopment projects in the city’s Old Town area,” according to agenda information.

“This is the first step of a highly-anticipated Old Town redevelopment plan,” said Katie Gregory, deputy city manager, who presented the agreement to council.

Council unanimously approved the MOU, which Councilwoman Vicki Hunt called “slipping the ring on the finger.”

The metaphor is apt, as the agreement is more of an engagement than a legally-binding marriage.

Though neither side is committed to a contract, Peoria and Vintage Partners “will consider redevelopment opportunities in the Old Town area by negotiating a public/private partnership for the financing, acquisition, development and operation of proposed projects.

“The parties will investigate options for specific development projects, re-

years, with multiple phases outlined in the agreement:

Phase 1 – Completion of a development master plan.

Phase 2A – Historic Central School and associated out-buildings – Food and Beverage. Timing on Phase 2A to be completed within two years of execution of development agreement.

Phase 2B – Implementation of agreed upon public improvements per the approved development master plan (i.e. park improvements, streetscapes, signage, etc.). Timing on Phase 2B to be completed within three years of the execution of development agreement.

sulting in land acquisition, onsite and off-site improvements, infrastructure, as well as demolition and new construction opportunities,” according to the agenda.

At the same time, Peoria and Vintage Partners “agree the MOU is neither an agreement nor a contract between them, nor an offer from (the) city that allows acceptance by (the) developer.”

The agreement includes two key sections.

First is “A 10-year agreement with a possible lease, lease/purchase option for city-owned property within the Old Town Project Area at or near the time the developer is ready to break ground … The agreement will include an option to purchase that will be available

for the entire term of the agreement, contingent on if agreed-upon deliverables and timelines are met.”

The agreement also outlines plans for “Historic Central School and associated out-buildings,” giving the developer “an as-is condition lease agreement with a favorable rate for the first five years.”

The time frame of the project is 10

Phase 3 – Washington Street block and NAPA building, any combination of multi-family/retail/food and beverage.

Phase 4 – Extension of Washington Street block (Park and Ride lots) office/retail and residential.

“It’s critical for us to take care and time and make sure Old Town reflects who we were and who we are,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat.

Peoria and Vintage Partners signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a multi-phase development of Old Town Peoria. (Images courtesy city of Peoria)

What Medicare does and doesn’t cover

BY CATE KORTZEBORN Guest Writer

Medicare helps pay for a wide variety of medical services and goods in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare settings. But it doesn’t cover everything, and it’s useful to know what is and isn’t covered.

Services and goods are covered either under Medicare Part A or Part B. If you have both Part A and Part B, you can get many Medicare-covered services whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare health plan, such as Medicare Advantage.

Part A is Hospital Insurance and it helps pay for:

• Inpatient care in hospitals.

• Inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility (but not custodial or long-term care).

• Hospice care.

• Home health care.

• Inpatient care in a religious nonmedical health care institution.

Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover medically necessary doctors’ services, out-

patient care, home health services, durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and walkers, and other medical services.

Part B also covers many preventive-care services, such as vaccinations and cancer screenings.

You can find out if you have Parts A and B by looking at your Medicare card. If you have Original Medicare, you’ll use this card to get your Medicare-covered services. If you join a Medicare Advantage plan, in most cases you must use the card from the plan to get your Medicare-covered services.

Under Original Medicare, if the yearly Part B deductible ($198 in 2020) applies, you must pay all costs (up to the Medicare-approved amount) until you meet the Part B deductible before Medicare begins to pay its share.

After your deductible is met, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount of the service, if the doctor or other healthcare provider accepts the assignment. (“Accepting assignment” means a

doctor or other provider agrees to be paid directly by Medicare, to accept the Medicare payment amount for the service, and not to bill you for more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance.)

There’s no yearly limit on what you pay out-of-pocket under Original Medicare.

If you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan (like an HMO or PPO) or have other insurance, your costs may be different. Contact your plan or benefits administrator directly to find out about the costs.

Under Part B, Medicare pays for many preventive services detecting health problems early when they’re easier to treat. You pay nothing for most covered preventive services if you get the services from a doctor or other qualified provider who accepts assignment.

However, for some preventive services, you may have to pay a deductible, coinsurance, or both.

Medicare doesn’t cover everything, of course. If you need certain services not covered under Part A or Part B, you’ll have

to pay for them yourself unless:

• You have other insurance (including Medicaid) to cover the costs.

• You’re in a Medicare Advantage plan covering these services.

Some of the services and goods Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover are:

• Most dental care.

• Eye exams related to prescribing glasses.

• Dentures.

• Cosmetic surgery.

• Massage therapy.

• Routine physical exams.

• Long-term care.

• Concierge care (also called concierge medicine, retainer-based medicine, and boutique medicine).

• Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Cate Kortzeborn is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800633-4227).

PeoriaTimes.com /PeoriaTimes

By their hateful words, you will know them

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist

Recently, a work acquaintance of mine used the word “Jews” in a sentence and promptly apologized to me in a panic.

His explanation: “I’m not sure if we’re allowed to use that word anymore. Like, is it still politically correct to say? Because I don’t want to offend anyone.”

As someone who fancies himself not especially politically correct, I responded as I believe most so-called normal people would in such a situation. I made fun of him.

“My understanding is, the World Language Police have developed a three-pronged test on this subject,” I explained. “One, are you using the word ‘Jew’ as a verb? It’s not allowed. Two, does the sentence include positive sentiments about Adolf Hitler or Nazi Germany? It’s off-limits. Three, are you

saying the Jews in question control Hollywood, the media, Wall Street or all the world’s money? If so, stay away from it, too.”

For a moment, he looked like he might pull out a notebook and write down the rules. “I’m kidding,” I told him. He laughed and drank half his iced tea.

“You really had me worried there for a second,” he admitted.

As someone who works with words for a living, I’m also worried.

Back in the day, words were used to construct sentences, which put forth ideas and enabled us to connect with and better understand one another.

In 2020, each word seems to be like a small explosive charge, linguistic TNT, liable to detonate at any moment and maim not only the speaker but everyone within hearing distance.

Last week, for example, UN Women,

the United Nations “global champion for women and girls worldwide” tweeted to its 1.7 million Twitter followers to “use your language to fight gender bias with gender-neutral expressions!”

Their recommendations: Say “chair,” not “chairman.” Say “partner,” not “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.” Say “humankind,” not “mankind.” Say “owner,” not “landlord.”

To me, if the biggest problem in your relationship is what to call your, uh, “better half,” then you two are doing just peachy.

Meanwhile, the folks over at PETA have taken aim at the word “pet” as derogatory and demeaning to animals. Their term of choice? “Animal companions.”

“How we say things governs how we think about them, so a tweak in our language when we talk about the animals in our homes is needed,” said Ingrid Newkirk, the founder of PETA, in an interview with the British media outlet Metro.

“A pet is a commodity, but animals should not be things on shelves or in boxes. … Hopefully, the time is passing for this kind of attitude.”

Here’s a thought. When dogs and cats

can buy their own food, open their own can of Purina and feed themselves dinner, I’ll start referring to them as equals. Until then – or until I start scooting on the kitchen floor as a sanitary practice – I’m sticking with the word “pet.”

Besides, Newkirk and many members of the language police have it backward. They believe the words we use govern how we think. I believe our thoughts govern the words we use.

Think about it: Is a member of the Ku Klux Klan smart enough to avoid using racial slurs in public any less racist? Of course not.

Is the person who laughs and says, “Let’s just steal this parking space marked for ‘people with disabilities,’” any less rude? Hardly.

Personally, I’d rather racists, bigots, sexists, anti-Semites and the rest of the world’s haters speak out at the top of their lungs, using the most offensive language they can muster.

To me, it makes it easier to separate the blithering morons from the rest of us.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

National debt is sugar water for our economy ATRIAL

BY BOB MUSSELWHITE

Peoria Times Guest Writer

My name is Bob Musselwhite and I am running for the U. S. Congress as a Democrat. I want to thank the West Valley View for running these comments expanding from my platform.

This commentary involves the planned increase in the national debt contained in the proposed budget. I am opposed to any further increase no matter the party in power. At the end of President Obama’s last budget, according to figures, and calculations vary, the national debt stood at approximately $20.24 trillion.

tax bracket requiring the very rich to pay their share. We must then cancel expensive privatized contracts and begin to reduce costs by bringing services back “in house” within the government.

This budget extended about 10 months into President Trump’s term in office. Now, a little after two years in control, by this president the national deficit has increased to $23.2 trillion and continues to climb. This increase is not in response to any national emergency or reason such as the threat of collapsing banks.

Now we have a budget being proposed by this President who continues to increase this deficit as if it is normal, spending money we do not have. This budget will continue an economy on credit while giving lip service to cutting expenses by reducing the safety net of those who are least likely to have any say in the matter.

This is a pragmatic solution. Ideology is almost never pragmatic and it is certainly not related to common sense. The ideology of Milton Friedman, in this case, has proven to be incorrect.

The organic problem with the costs of our government is too many public functions have been turned over to more expensive privatization and opportunities for corruption. Privatization requires profit to start with. Smaller government is not necessarily less expensive government if functions are privatized.

The ongoing increase in national debt must be immediately addressed by returning to a broader progressive

Why does it matter? Currently, interest rates are very low. I would call the rates abnormally low, so there is not much of a pinch on our treasury/ taxes. This will change when it becomes necessary to cool an overheated economy by raising interest rates. At this time as a nation, these higher rates will produce limited resources to address ongoing national needs. In addition, with this debt, we are putting our children and their children in a straight jacket when it comes to addressing the concerns of their day. A very possible day of reckoning may lead to the devaluation of our dollar and would destroy savings accounts and pensions. We need to avoid this situation by stopping this increase in the debt now and by adopting as a national goal the idea of paying it down to a more manageable level. National debt is sugar water for our economy. It is not nourishing or sustainable.

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DATE: Friday, February 21st TIME: 12:00 Noon Lunch will be provided

PLACE: Rio Vista Community Center 8866 W. Thunderbird Rd.; Peoria, AZ 85381

RSVP: Call 480-271-2018 or Email: Kevin.knutson@bsci.com

Bob Musselwhite

Peoria business owner shares her passion for dancin’

BY EMMA RICHBURG Peoria Times Staff Writers

In the dance world, taking a leap doesn’t have to happen only on the stage.

Just ask Lora Wood, who combined a leap of faith and hard work to fulfill her life-long dream of owning her own dance company.

Nearly 15 years after pursuing her dream and after expanding to her current location, Wood and her team of dance professionals now serve more than 280 families from across the Northwest Valley and beyond.

Woods started small, renting out available studio space in Peoria to teach dance classes. Her classes grew and so did her passion for dance as she continued to

build her network as both an independent dance instructor and an entrepreneur.

Wood attended Arizona State University, double majoring in both elementary education and dance. In 2005, Wood was given the chance to teach dance classes out of the Vistancia Community Center, so she left ASU and began renting out the space.

“I had always wanted to open a dance studio since I was young and when this opportunity came about I knew I had to jump on it,” said Wood.

Wood’s classes began filling up fast,

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and she realized she needed a bigger storefront. Four years of tightly packed classes later, Wood decided it was time to open her own dance studio.

The thought of running an entire business on her own seemed daunting, but Wood continued to work hard to make her name known within the dance community.

Wood left the Vistancia Community Center and moved into her own studio at 9815 W Happy Valley Rd #1140. She then hired a well-equipped crew of dancers to be a part of the studio’s staff.

Thinking big, Wood named her studio L.A. Dance and began offering a variety of dance classes, including jazz, contemporary, ballet, hip-hop and tap.

“The studio has been a part of my life for so long, before I got married, before I had kids, so it’s been a learning pro-

What AZ Residents Say are Deterring them From Traveling…

By Leading Physical Therapist, Nick Hunter

Did you know that 30-60% of drivers report having back pain at some point in their life? Driving for long periods of time exposes the body to many different forces such as acceleration, sudden stops, and most notably vibrations from the road – and it especially affects those of us who drive larger heavy vehicles for hours at a time!

So what do you do about it? Even just adding exercise into your routine 2-3 times a week will help strengthen your back muscles, release tension and help you maintain a healthy posture.

Cardio exercises like cycling, walking and swimming are great for overall fitness, and weights are perfect for improving muscle strength. If your back pain is severe, making you fearful of participating in exercise in case it makes your back worse, you can jumpstart your recovery with physical therapy.

Seeking help from a physical therapist instead of resting and taking pain killers could give you the permanent relief that you are after and help you return to living your life, TODAY!

So let me ask you… What questions do you have about your back pain?

JOIN US FOR OUR LOW BACK PAIN WORKSHOP!

Where: Preferred Physical Therapy, 18301 N 79th Avenue B122, Glendale, AZ 85308

When: Saturday, February 22nd, 2020 at 11AM

Author, Nick Hunter, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Preferred Physical Therapy. He’s happy to answer any questions about low back or chronic pain. Email him at nickh@preferredptaz.com or check out his website: www.preferredptaz.com.

All ages and skill levels are welcome at L.A. Dance Studio in Peoria. (Photos courtesy L.A. Dance)

BY AMY-XIAOSHI DEPAOLA Cronkite News

The U.S. Census Bureau wants 57,000 workers, the number of people who will be needed to fill jobs just in Arizona alone for the decennial census in 2020.

It’s part of a push to hire 500,000 workers nationwide, mostly for census takers who will go door to door, but also for clerical, supervisory and outreach recruitment positions in local offices.

“The census is gearing up to do what we do best, and it’s counting everyone in America once,” said Tammy Parise, the Census Bureau’s partnership coordinator for Arizona. “We are in the process of recruiting 57,000 people in the state of Arizona alone, by county.”

Despite low unemployment rates across the country, Parise said there have been “no real challenges” attracting job-seekers to the temporary census work so far. She said the bureau has received “tens of thousands of applicants” already in Arizona and is on track to hiring the people it needs.

Pay will vary by county and job, from $14.50 to $19.50 an hour, with field employees compensated for transportation and mileage.

While the pay is not bad, there may be another reason to apply, said Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation.

“You’re fulfilling your civic duty,” said von Spakovsky, manager of the foundation’s Election Law Reform Initiative.

The bureau began taking applications in September and will continue to do so through February. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, fluent in English and be able to pass a criminal

DANCE FROM PAGE 14

cess for me, not only as a businesswoman but as an individual,” said Wood. “Being able to watch my students grow and succeed after they leave the studio is amazing.”

All ages and skill levels are welcome to join the studio beginning at the age of two and a half. “We strive at teaching proper dance techniques since day one,” said Wood.

Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat recent-

background check. Those hired will begin paid training in March, with official work starting in the middle of the month and expected to last several weeks, according to the bureau’s FAQ page.

As of early January, only Yuma and Santa Cruz counties had met their goals for recruiting workers, according to the Census Bureau.

In Arizona, most of the jobs will be for enumerators, the people who go door to door to interview people who have not filled out the census form. The bureau is especially looking for bilingual workers, particularly Spanish speakers.

The hiring push has been helped by large national and statewide outreach programs. Parise pointed to a campaign in October and included social media and job fairs. Schools like Northern Arizona University and Glendale Community College have also involved the Census in career fairs and on-campus recruiting.

While the numbers may seem daunting, they are actually down from the 700,000 workers who were hired for the 2010 Census, as improved technology has led to a need for fewer workers.

“We have been able to streamline many of the Census Bureau’s internal processes and therefore reduce the physical footprint in the field,” said a bureau statement.

This technology also allowed the bureau to put job applications and employment training online – along with much of the census itself.

“For the first time in history, we have three methods of responses: online, phone and (mailed) questionnaire,” Parise said. For more information or to apply, visit 2020census.gov.

ly awarded Wood and L.A. Dance as the Mayor’s Business of the Month for January.

The studio has paved the way for many students who have gone on to pursue successful careers as dance professionals.

“L.A. Dance is helping our youth achieve their dreams and it’s my honor to recognize this meaningful organization,” said Mayor Carlat.

For additional information, visit ladanceaz.com or call 623-572-8222.

Liberty High takes state wrestling championship ….

BY TOM SCANLON Peoria Times Managing Editor

A budding dynasty is emerging in Arizona wrestling, as the Liberty High wrestling team won the state team championship.

Again.

Dominating the mat in Prescott last weekend, Liberty High brings a third state title in four years back to Peoria.

Four Liberty wrestlers scored individual titles.

“I believe we’re moving in the right direction,” said coach Eric Brenton, in perhaps the understatement of the year.

Including Sara Schmoker, who took second place in the girls tournament, 14 Liberty wrestlers qualified for the state match.

The Division 1 competition wasn’t even close, as Liberty scored 228 team points, far ahead of Cibola High’s 173.

Freshman Jayson Flener started things off for Liberty with a fifth-place finish at 106 pounds.

Then came talented sophomore Zander Phaturos, who nailed a 5-2 decision over Noah Kasprowicz of Boulder Creek to take the state title at 113 pounds.

Roman Provenzano, another sophomore, fought his way to fourth place at 120 pounds. Senior Andrew Correa lost a close quarterfinal match but finished third at 132 pounds.

Tyler Sauter, yet another sophomore,

became Liberty’s second state champ of 2020, with a 7-2 victory over Chandler’s Dalton Loyden.

Senior Edgar Delgado was third at 145 pounds and Gage Beaton, also a senior, finished fifth at 152.

Kamyn Stonebraker, 36-4 going into the tournament, capped a dazzling Liberty career. He pinned his first three opponents, then took a 5-2 win over Sebastian Valencia of Cibola for the 160-pound title.

Nicholas Magri, another senior, battled to fourth-place at 170 pounds.

Matthew Stevenson, 47-2 as the Prescott tournament started, destroyed his competition. Like Stonebraker, he pinned his first three opponents, then dominated the final at 182 pounds with an 11-4 win over Makai Obregon, who started the tournament 42-4 and had two pins and a 15-1 major decision in early rounds.

Gavin Dodge, a sophomore, finished fifth at 195 pounds.

Heavyweight Frank Thompson, a senior, closed his Liberty wrestling career on the podium with a fourth place finish at 285 pounds.

“I hope we have a good reputation,” said Brenton, the king of low-key statements. “In our area, there’s a lot of good wrestling programs.”

The spark for the team at Prescott, Brenton said, came not by superstars

like Stevenson and Stonebraker, but by Magri, a true grinder who had a hard time getting varsity mat time last year.

“He blossomed late. He was behind tough kids all the time during his high school career,” Brenton said.

After a loss in the quarterfinal, Magri pinned his opponent in a consolation round to finish fourth. “It set off a chain of events, we just started winning and winning,” the coach said.

“That Magri, a lot of kids would have quit, but he stuck it out,” Brenton said.

“Everybody loves him. He’s one of the hardest workers in the room. He’s a total team player.”

The senior champs Stonebraker and

Stevenson will be wrestling in college, though they have not made decisions yet.

For other seniors, they may never wrestle again, as they go on to focus on college studies.

“A lot of seniors who came up from our little kids program, they wrestled their last matches Friday night. It was bittersweet. They went out there and left it all on the mat,” said Brenton, the Liberty wrestling coach since 2006.

“For every coach it’s the heartbreak moment: Watching a senior hang up his wrestling shoes for the last time.”

Liberty High dominated, with four individual champions, to

has won three wrestling titles in four years. (Photo courtesy Eric Brenton)

Spring Training set to begin at Peoria Sports Complex

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Spring Training returns to Peoria this weekend, as another Cactus League season kicks off.

The San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, the two teams that call Peoria home in the spring, face off at 1:10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22. This will be the annual charity game, an event that celebrates the fundraising success for various local charities through the Peoria Diamond Club.

Coyotes get ready to golf

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Hopefully, there will be no slapshots, or cries of “game on!” when the Arizona Coyotes trade hockey sticks for golf clubs. The Coyotes Top Golf Classic tees off from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at Top Golf Scottsdale.

Participants will have the chance to hit golf balls, play yard games, drink and dine alongside Arizona Coyotes players. Five golfers are allowed per bay, with Coyotes players and personalities rotating into the 6th position throughout the tournament.

Golfer registration is $300 and includes golf game play, Coyotes player and personality interactions, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Spectator registration is $100 and includes the opportunity to mix-and-mingle with players, play lawn games and NHL video games.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit peoriasportscomplex.com.

Padres and Mariners games will continue here for the next month, with the hometown Arizona Diamondbacks playing the Mariners March 20. Five of the season’s eight-night games will be on Fridays. The stadium will be open early at 4:30 p.m. every Friday for the new Happy Hour that includes drink specials ahead of game time and entertainment in the Four Peaks Pavilion.

All proceeds benefit the Arizona Coyotes Foundation, which funds charities

that help kids and first responders in the community.

Top Golf Scottsdale is at 9500 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale. All spectators and players must have a ticket. Registration is available at arizonacoyotes.com/topgolf.

We set a higher standard for independent senior living with our engaging activities, unmatched hospitality and upscale amenities. Plus, we offer a continuum of care, so we’ll always be there for you – even if your needs change.

FEEL WELCOMED FROM THE MOMENT YOU WALK THROUGH THE DOORS.

Arizona Coyotes hockey players like Oliver Ekman-Larsson will trade sticks for clubs to support charities. (Photo courtesy Arizona Coyotes)

Bravo Peoria!

Kick-off Peoria Public Library’s Centennial Celebration at the annual Bravo Peoria! special event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. This year’s event includes a special 1920’s theme and offers a huge book sale, giveaways, henna tattoos, crafts, programs and much more.There is something for the whole family, so join us as in the celebration to the library’s 100th birthday. Free.

Sunday

Peoria Times publishes on Thursday. The 9 Days a Week calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue. Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Times’ coverage area, which is within the city of Peoria. 9 Days a Week calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement. Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Thursday to be considered for the following Thursday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Rachel Hagerman, rhagerman@timespublications.com, or faxed to 623-935-2103.

Thursday Scrabble

Play a game of Scrabble at 12:30 p.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. This Scrabble group meets weekly and welcomes new participants. Free. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Pinochle

Play a game of Pinochle at 1 p.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Attendance is free. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Autism Society Open Jump

Families with children on the spectrum with sensory needs are invited to an indoor inflatables jump event from 6:20 to 7:30 p.m. at Pump it Up, 14131 N. Rio Vista Boulevard, Suite 5. Tickets are $5. Waivers and socks are required to participate.

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission meets the first and third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 8401 W. Monroe Street. Free. For information, call 623-773-7340.

Crazy Times with Madame Patchouli

Enjoy songs, stories and crafts with the eccentric and much-loved Madame Patchouli from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Free. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Friday

Play a

of

at 12:30 p.m.

cost 25 cents and 50 cents for coverall. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Songercise (Ages 1-5)

Learn the benefits of and ways parents can play with their children to maximize brain and skill development from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Free. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Exploring the Cottonwood Trail

Explore the Lake Pleasant landscape with park rangers from 9 to 11 a.m. on a 2.5 miles hike. Follow the “Hike” signs from the main gate of Lake Pleasant Regional Park along Castle Creek Drive to the Cottonwood Lane Trailhead to find the meeting location. Included with the park entrance fee of $2 to $7. For information, call 602-506-9557.

Desert Questions and Answers

The rangers will have lots of neat desert-related items 2 to 4 p.m. in the Discovery Center at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 39345 N. Overlook Road. Learn about the lake and some of the critters and plants that call the lake area home. Included with the park entrance fee of $2 to $7. For information, call 928-501-1714.

Saturday Glow

Lasers, music and backlights will transform the indoor trampoline park into a jumping dance club from 8 to 11 p.m. at Sky Zone Peoria, 9040 W. Larkspur Drive, Suite 134. The park has trampoline dodgeball, a foam pit, a warrior course and more. Tickets are $20. All ages are welcome. Participants must wear an all-white or neon-color shirt. Shirts will be available for $5. For information, call 623-979-4000.

Mini Bingo

Meet new friends over short rounds of bingo from 9:15 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Post 62, 9847 W. Desert Cove Avenue. 25 cents. For information, call 623-972-8372.

Technology Classes

Learn to download apps, take and transfer photos, use mobile websites and more in these technology classes from 6 to 7 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Today’s class focuses on spreadsheets. Registration is required. Free. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Downtown Teens Art Night

Swing by the Peoria Main Library at 8463 W. Monroe Street from 5 to 7 p.m. This month’s project is a hummingbird on a black canvas. Free. Registration is required as space is limited to 20 teens. For information, call 623-7737556.

Centennial Cinema Family Movie

Early Bird Jump

The early bird gets the work from 10 a.m. to noon at Sky Zone Peoria, 9040 W. Larkspur Drive, Suite 134. Tickets are only $10 for two hours of jump time. This premier indoor trampoline park has trampoline dodgeball, a foam pit, a warrior course and more. For information, call 623-979-4000.

Distillery Tour

Bring family and friends to see a craft distillery in action. Lucidi Distilling Co. tours are available at 1 p.m. Sundays. Pricing starts at just $14 per person and includes a generous sampling of three kinds of spirits and a custom-made signature cocktail. The distillery is located in Historic Fire Station No. 1, 8307 W. Washington Street. To book a party and learn more, call 623-299-8779.

Knit and Purl (Ages 16+)

Make friends as you knit, crochet or quilt from 1 to 3 p.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. Free. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Monday

24

Private Riding Lessons

Arizona Riders private horseback riding lessons are available from 5 to 8 p.m. for all levels of experience from children ages 3 and older to adults. Arizona Riders is located at 15125 N. 83rd Avenue. For information, call 602-403-9560.

Line Dances

Have a fun morning of line dancing from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. The class does not require a partner dancer. Attendance is $5. For information, call 623-773-7436.

SilverSneakers

The focus of this class is on toning muscles and building overall strength. The class is comparable to the Fit After 50 exercise program and takes place at 9:30 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Attendance is $1.50 for nonmembers. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Purposeful Play Group

Children can practice socialization, participate in creative play and stimulate brain development with a fun, free play group from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. Free. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Leap into Science

Explore the science of wind through hands-on activities and children’s books from 6 to 7 p.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Some Like it

Yacht

Enjoy a musical cruise through come of the best soft rock hits of the 70s and 80s featuring an incredible live band and smooth vocals recreating the hits by The Doobie Brothers, Hall and Oates, Toto and many more. Dress in cruise or beach attire to make the getaway complete at 7:30 p.m. at Gyder Theater in Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive. Cost is $15 to $20. Food trucks will be on-site, including AZ Chimney Cakes and The Fry Bread Truck.

Enjoy “Balto,” a child-friendly movie, as a part of the Peoria Public Library’s centennial celebration from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. For information, call 623773-8650.

Tuesday

Wednesday Westside Stitchers

Tai Chi Essentials

Learn Tai Chi from 9 to 9:50 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Attendance is $1.50. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Open Play

Children of all ages can jump around and play from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Jumper’s Jungle Family Fun Center at 9299 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 406.The center is complete with bouncy houses, super slides, inflatable obstacles and more. Cost is $7 to $10. For information, call 623-322-4100.

Busy Bee Crafters

This creative group meets weekly to share ideas and work on a variety of craft projects at 9 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Free. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Zumba

Instructor Akua Jitahadi will lead a Zumba class at 8 a.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. Thursdays at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Attendance is $1.50 for nonmembers. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Toddler Time: Step Up from Baby Steps

Toddler Time embraces the energy of toddlers with entertaining songs, dances, crafts and stories from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Free. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Baby Time

Babies through 18 months of age are invited to a morning go songs, stories and playtime from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. Free. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Teddy Bear Storytime

Children ages 2 to 6 are invited to a late-evening storytime event from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Pajamas and teddy bears are optional. Free. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Baby Time

Babies through 18 months of age are invited to a morning go songs, stories and playtime from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. Free. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Thursday

Join others in a variety of needlecraft projects including knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery and beading at 12:30 p.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Free. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Free Ice Skating Lessons

AZ Ice Peoria offers one skating class for free every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. at 15829 N. 83rd Avenue. The intro class is available for children and adults of all ages. After the class, an evaluator will provide a class recommendation.To register, email bridgetk@azice.com.

Sew Smart

Bring or start a sewing project at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Library sewing machines are available for use. Free. For information, email mary.vass@peoriaaz.gov.

Baby Steps

Learn how to help babies step into reading more easily from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Free. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Storytime (Ages 3-5)

Ms. Jenni will share stories, songs, poems and activities from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. Free. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Card and Board Game

Afternoon (Ages 18+)

Come play fan favorite games like Phase 10, UNO, Old Maid, Hearts and Rummikub with other adults from 2 to 3 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Free. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Love, Joy and Oils

Learn how to use essential oils for emotional support, overall wellness and to promote more love, joy and peace from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-773-7556. Free.

Design Review Board

The Design Review Board meets at 6:30 p.m. every fourth Wednesday in the Point of View Conference Room at 9875 N 85th Ave, Peoria, AZ 85345. Free.

Thrifty Thursdays

Children of all ages are admitted to Jumper’s Jungle Family Fun Center at 9299 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 406, for only $5. The center is complete with bouncy houses, super slides, inflatable obstacles and more. For information, call 623-322-4100.

Shuffleboard

Join friends for a game of shuffleboard from 5 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post 62, 9847 W. Desert Cove Avenue. For information, call 623-972-8372.

Grab Bag Bingo

Enjoy eight games of free bingo at 10:45 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Winners choose from an assortment of grab bags. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Toastmasters Club

Become a stronger leader and speaker in biweekly meetings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on second and fourth Thursdays at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. Free. For information, email vppr-4318@toastmastersclubs.org.

Toddler Time

Toddlers can play and learn beside their caregiver with group stories, music and fingerplays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at the Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. Free. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Friday

Do You Remember When?

Have fun with the family while checking out the old items set out in the center to guess the items’ use from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Discovery Center at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 39345 N. Overlook Road. For information, call 602-506-9556.

‘Anything Goes’

Enjoy a play at 7:30 p.m. in the Gyder Theater at Theater Works, 10580 N. 83rd Drive. In this hilarious musical comedy, Billy Crocker falls in love with the lovely Hope Harpcourt and sets out to win her love. Tickets are $16 to $37. For information, call 623-815-7930.

‘La Cage Aux Folles’ Enjoy a performance of “La Cage Aux Folles” at the Arizona Broadway Theater, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, at 5:30 p.m. This musical follows newly-engaged couple Jean-Michel and Anne trying to unite Anne’s strait-laced parents with Jean-Michel’s outgoing parents who own a drag nightclub. Cost is $44.20 to $109.99. For information, call 623-776-8400.

Bingo

game

bingo

at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Individual bingo cards

THE TRADITIONAL ACADEMY AT BELLAIR

The Deer Valley Unified School District is excited to offer a traditional choice for the 2020-2021 school year!

This traditional academy will provide:

• Back-to–basics learning environment

• Opportunities for accelerated learning

• Strong behavior expectations

• A focus on citizenship and patriotism

• Strong parent involvement & more!

Now accepting applications for the 20-21 school year.

Apply now at openenrollment.dvusd.org. Select Bellair.

A new traditional choice for your child’s education

Stay Updated by signing up for e mails at: www.dvusd.org/Traditional 4701 W. Grovers Ave.Phoenix, AZ 85308 2020 OPENING

Sleep plays an important role in maintaining a healthy heart

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Peoria Times Staff Writer

Most of us are aware proper nutrition, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight play a key role in heart health, but what about sleep? Proper sleep habits are paramount to a healthy heart. Not getting enough sleep as well as getting too much sleep, increases your risk of mortality significantly. In addition, getting good quality sleep is equally as important.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than one in three American adults say they don’t get the recommended amount of sleep, which is seven to eight hours per night. The

American Heart Association states an irregular sleep pattern (one varying from the seven to nine hours nightly) is linked to a host of cardiovascular risks, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and coronary artery disease.

Adults not getting the recommended hours of sleep on most nights may have higher levels of stress hormones, which may trigger anxiety and increase inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a key player in cardiovascular disease. Additionally, sleep apnea (when you stop breathing for short amounts of time) affects how much oxygen your body gets while you sleep. This lack of oxygen increases your risk for high blood pres-

sure, heart attack and stroke. Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep) is also linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. Even one or two nights of insufficient sleep can affect your system.

On the other hand, there is some evidence getting too much sleep also plays a role in heart problems. Getting too much sleep (more than nine hours per night) can cause calcium buildup in the artery walls leading to heart failure and stroke.

As we age, our sleep patterns change. Many older adults have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. We also spend less time in

Teri Elkins

New faces help TheaterWorks tap out Cole Porter’s ‘Anything Goes’

BY SARA EDWARDS Peoria Times Contributing Writer

As a part of its MasterWorks program, TheaterWorks in Peoria is setting sail with the classic production of “Anything Goes.”

“Anything Goes” is a classic musical telling of the boy-meets-girl, loveat-first-sight tale, told with plenty of catchy songs and swift dancing.

Stowaway Billy Crocker falls in love with lovely Hope Harcourt until he learns she is betrothed to another man. “Anything Goes” is a classic musical production with its dance ensembles and unforgettable music score by inimitable composer Cole Porter.

“There’s some mistaken identity and a whole lot of tap dancing,” said Chris Hamby, artistic director for TheaterWorks. “I think what keeps it so classy is Cole Porter’s music. It’s just timeless.”

For this production, TheaterWorks has brought on well-known names and faces from around the Valley.

David Dickenson, an actor with

Phoenix Theatre Company, is performing with TheaterWorks for the first time as Billy Crocker. Molly Lajoie, who is playing Reno Sweeny, has worked with TheaterWorks as well as ASU’s musical theater department.

“The last couple of years, TheaterWorks has seen Molly as a director and so I believe this is the first time Molly has worked with us as an actor,” Hamby said. “There are a lot of new faces to us.”

Hamby wanted to develop collaborations and invite new people into the TheaterWorks family. One of his new invites was to the director of the musical, Michael Kary.

Kary teaches acting and playwriting at Grand Canyon University. He has performed in theaters around the valley like the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company and the Actor’s Theatre of Phoenix.

“Chris Hamby has been reaching out to GCU hoping to develop a relationship with us,” Kary said. “I direct a lot with (GCU) and I’m primarily an actor

in the Valley with Phoenix Theatre Company. I direct a lot but haven’t directed at the community level.”

Kary said he’s excited to have been able to work alongside actors and performers he’s respected and admired throughout the Valley.

“I’m a huge fan of their work so it’s been a real privilege to work alongside them,” Hamby said. “Molly moves

better than anybody. David is such a smart and caring actor. It’s great to work alongside them and coach them and cheer them on in an environment where they can work.”

“Anything Goes” opens at TheaterWorks at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Tickets start at $39 for adults, $34 for seniors and $18 for students. For more information, visit TheaterWorks.org.

In just one short appointment we’ll show you all the benefits of transferring your arrangements to Menke. Our team of dedicated professionals will walk you through the steps of how we can honor your contract and make it even better. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

TheaterWorks brings in a new director and some fresh faces for the timeless musical “Anything Goes,” opening at 7:30 p.m. Friday. (Photo courtesy TheaterWorks)

Prolific composer to direct church concert with 130 singers

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

The prolific Pepper Choplin will direct some of his popular compositions in a concert at Bellevue Heights Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. Admission is free.

The Bellevue Heights chancel choir will be joined by other Valley singers to form a 130-voice mass choir for the special event.

With a diverse musical background, Pepper Choplin has published more than 300 anthems for church and school choirs, with 20 church cantatas and two books of piano arrangements. His anthems consistently appear in the top seller lists of publishers and distributors. Since 1991, his choral music has sold several million copies.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

FEBRUARY 29TH - MARCH 1ST

saturday 10am - 4pm sunday 10am - 3pm

Choplin has conducted eight New York concerts of his music at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, with 250 voices and full orchestra. More than 120 groups have commissioned him to write original works for them.

Beyond his choral music, Choplin has produced two humorous CDs and an inspirational recording. In concerts, he can move audiences with his hilarious sense of humor.

HEALTHY HEART FROM PAGE 20

a deep sleep which can cause us to wake more often. This can be for a variety of reasons, including the need to use the restroom, taking certain medications, anxiety, discomfort, or pain from other medical problems.

Below are seven tips to help you get better sleep:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Try to go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.

• Do not take naps during the day.

• Get enough physical activity during the day. Try not to exercise within a few hours of bedtime.

• Avoid stimulants such like caffeine (coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate) for at least three or four hours before bed.

Bellevue Heights Church is at 9440 W. Hutton Drive in Sun City. For more information, visit bhcsuncity.com or call 623-977-8308.

• Avoid too much stimulation such as violent TV shows or computer games before sleep.

• Avoid artificial light, especially within a few hours of bedtime. Use a blue light filter on your computer or smartphone.

• Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet.

Sleep plays a key role in good overall health, maintaining healthy brain function, weight control, energy, immune function, emotional stability, heart health and so much more. Make sleep a priority starting today!

Teri Elkins, MPH, CHES is a Certified Health Education Specialist, ACE-Certified Health Coach and the Health and Wellness Coordinator for Sun Health Wellness in Surprise. For more information visit sunhealthwellness.org.

Pepper Choplin will direct a free concert of his most choral-music compositions in a concert at Bellevue Heights Church at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23. (Photo courtesy Pepper Choplin)

Envoy America offers transportation services for seniors

BY ALISON STANTON Peoria Times Contributing Writer

Drivers - and senior riders - now have another option, in addition to the likes of Uber and Lyft.

Envoy America, which bills itself as “the safest and most reliable senior transportation,” now serves the West Valley. More than just rides, the company provides “driver companions” who help seniors during trips to the grocery store, doctor’s office and more.

When Carmen Cortes decided to take an early retirement after working for over three decades in the medical field as a physician’s assistant, she knew she wanted to stay busy.

“At first it was really hard for me, because I’m not a person who wants to stay home,” said Cortes, a Surprise resident.

When her sister told her about a friend who works as a driver companion for Envoy America, Cortes said she was intrigued with the company and how they offer transportation plus assistance and

companionship services for seniors and the infirm.

Cortes applied with Envoy America and was hired just over a year ago, also as a driver companion.

For Amanda Blackwater, a busy mom of five who lives with her family in Buckeye, working as a driver compan-

ion for Envoy America has offered her a chance to bring in an income while still being there for her kids.

Blackwater, who has worked part-time for Envoy America for just over a year, said she has also found the experience to be much different than working for other ride-share companies.

“With Envoy America, there are more personal interactions with my clients and I get to know them,” Blackwater said, adding she has also made trips all around the West Valley and as far east as Apache Junction.

“It’s flexible, I can build my own schedule and take the rides I want, and the days I need to be home I can take off and be with my kids at school events.”

As Cortes noted, Envoy America is similar to other ride-share companies in drivers can set their own hours and use their own vehicles, but it also offers some differences she found appealing.

She said she had an extensive background check, interview and training as

part of being hired for Envoy America. According to the company website, services cost $39 per hour. “Our trained driver companions assist throughout the whole trip. Whether it’s grocery shopping or navigating to the correct doctor’s office, you can trust Envoy America to help your loved one with the same degree of care you would use.”

CEO Inspired by Parents to Launch Company

K.C. Kanaan, CEO of Envoy America, said he was inspired to open the company by his experiences with his own parents.

“When my parents got older, we couldn’t find reliable transportation suitable for elderly people. I could see the impact it was having on their health and psyche to not get out, so I decided to start Envoy America,” Kanaan said.

The company, which was founded in Scottsdale, is now based in Tempe.

Carmen Cortes of Surprise said she drives senior customers all over the West Valley. (Photo courtesy Carmen Cortes)

Envoy America covers Maricopa, Pinal and Pima Counties, Kanaan said, and they also operate in Tucson and as needed up to Flagstaff and Sedona; for instance, if a passenger needs a ride up north for an appointment or family event.

While Kanaan said Envoy America does not compete directly with other ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft, depending on the trip and the distance, they are often a very affordable option.

“Our rate of $39 can be very competitive,” he said.

Driver Companions

As a driver companion, Cortes said she goes all over the West Valley taking her passengers grocery shopping to doctor’s appointments and other places.

“I’ve been to Peoria and Glendale and all over—wherever I need to go.”

Cortes makes an average of three to four trips a day, and is happy to help her clients with their grocery shopping if they like, or to wait with them at their medical appointments.

“I will stay there with them in case something happens, and I have a lot of people who request me,” she said.

Like Cortes, Blackwater said she prefers working for Envoy America over other ride-share companies.

“All of my clients are nice and I don’t have to expect any surprises. I like working with seniors and taking them where they need to go and then taking them back home,” she said.

Both Cortes and Blackwater said working for Envoy America has

evolved into much more than merely providing reliable and safe transportation for their clients.

In many cases, they have provided emotional support for their passengers, who might be scared or nervous about an upcoming medical appointment or procedure like chemotherapy.

“I’m helping people and that is what I like,” Cortes said.

“I know how much people can suffer when they have chemo and how scary it is, so I try to calm them. Sometimes I get really attached to my clients, but I try to help them as much as I can.”

Blackwater said she has also found it very rewarding to offer companionship and support for her passengers.

“When I first started working for Envoy America I had one client and she had four weeks left to go with her medical treatments, so I got to know her well and was there with her at the end of her treatments, which was very emotional.”

Kanaan said the company focuses on customer service.

“One of the things that sets us apart is our hiring process and training. We really zero in on the person and their motivation and level of customer service. We are looking for people feel this type of work is their calling, not people who are just looking for a job,” Kanaan said.

“It is great to get feedback how our service has brightened their lives, or from a family member who says, ‘When Mom came back from her appointment, she was relaxed and happy.’”

For more information about Envoy America, visit envoyamerica.com.

Midwestern University to host eyewear fashion show

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Midwestern University hosts a Spring Designer Eyewear Show from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb 27.

The Midwestern University Eye Institute is at 5865 W. Utopia Road in Glendale. Glasses and sunglasses frames designed by Vera Wang, Lily Pulitzer, Timex, Dana Buckman and more will be discounted up to 30% off of retail prices. Designer frames will be on display at the Eye Institute’s Vision Center.

To schedule an appointment for an eye exam, call 623-537-6000. Outside eyeglass prescriptions are accepted. Visitors are also encouraged to bring

gently-used glasses to the Eye Institute for charitable donation. Donated glasses will be refurbished and distributed by Arizona College of Optometry (AZCOPT) faculty and students on medical missions to nations such as Guatemala and Mexico.

The state-of-the-art 33,300-square-foot Eye Institute offers unsurpassed technology and exceptional vision care for the entire family, with affordable rates. Most vision insurance plans are welcome. Services available at the Eye Institute include comprehensive eye exams, glasses and contact lenses, ocular disease management, ophthalmology, sports vision performance training, low vision rehabilitation, pediatric care, vision therapy and ocular prosthetics.

King Crossword

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

SUDOKU TIME

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

SCRAMBLERS

Unscramble

within each

to form four ordinary words. Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

I like to call my weekly article ”Equipping People for Life,” not just church life. My desire is to see you elevating, getting better all the time. Perhaps the greatest lesson I have learned in life is what I’m going to write about today. It’s called the Principle of Recognition. Believe me, this principle is a life lifter and a difference-maker. The tragedy is not many people know about it. I will start with a little word teaser that shows you the power of that organ you have inside of your head called a brain. If you can read this, you have a strong mind. Your mind moved you from cognition to “re-cognition.” The teaser is called F1gur471v3ly 5p34k1ng.

7H15 M3554G3 53RV35 7O PR0V3 H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5! 1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5! 1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG 17 WA5 H4RD BU7 N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3 Y0UR M1ND 1S R34D1NG 17

4U70M471C4LLY W17H 0U7 3V3N 7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17, B3 PROUD! 0NLY C3R741N P30PL3 C4N R3AD 7H15.

Are you still working on it? Notice that your mind is adjusting from not seeing the message to seeing the message. God gave us a brain and mind so we could not just see but understand. Let me say it this way, it’s one thing to have knowledge about something. It’s quite another to have an understanding of something. With understanding, you receive illumination on the ‘why the what’ of something. You don’t just know about it. You know it. The Aha moment takes you from knowledge to application. You get it!

exit your life. You could also insert whomever to this principle.

Here’s what I am concerned about for all of us. Let me personalize it. There could be something or someone you are not seeing in your life today and it could be costing you dearly.

chaeus. It’s one thing to have sight. It’s another thing to have insight. Lesson: When you recognize the Lord, He recognizes you, no matter where you are presently or what you have formerly done.

Many times, we can see something but not see it. Many times, we can hear something but not hear it. Oh, we see it physically or hear it physically. However, we miss what we need to understand what we hear or see. Henry David Thoreau said, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it is what you see.”

Here’s the Principle of Recognition for you. Author Mike Murdock wrote about this principle years ago. Whatever you don’t recognize, you don’t appreciate. Whatever you don’t appreciate, you don’t celebrate. Whatever you don’t celebrate, may eventually

Do you know how divorces happen? A divorce is when one spouse or both spouses stop recognizing each other and revert to just cognizing each other. When they first met, it was a revelation, an aha; they recognized each other. But over time, the trials, and the ups and downs of marriage, familiarity, and unmet expectations crept it and they lost their recognition. Now all that is left is cognition of one another. As they say, love is grand, divorce is one-hundred grand.

Do you see that? Here’s the principle of recognition in action in marriage. Who you don’t recognize, you don’t appreciate. Whoever you don’t appreciate, you don’t celebrate. Whoever you don’t celebrate may eventually exit your life…and it will cost you, your kin and your community dearly.

In Bible times, the disciples walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus yet didn’t recognize Him. They had cognition but they did not have re-cognition. Why? You rarely see what you are not looking for. Knowing how to recognize what others only cognize could change your life, just ask Zacchaeus.

If you have never heard of Zacchaeus, he was the short, greedy taxman, disdained by the people of the time, that climbed into a tree to see Jesus as He walked by. The crowd cognized Jesus but Zacchaeus recognized Jesus. Suddenly, F1gur471v3ly 5p34k1ng became Figuratively Speaking for Zac-

Too many people are not aware of the Principle of Recognition yet most all of life operates on this principle. Recognition can release you from your past so you can live in the present in order to prosper in the future. It impacts your personal life, spiritual life, family life, business life, and community life. Recognition changes everything. Work with this principle, not against this principle.

So how do people move from the ‘natural’ of cognition (knowledge) to the “supernatural” of recognition (understanding)? How do you move from sight to insight? You need to become a seeker. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, “Seek and you shall find...” When you find, you move from sight to insight. Let me summarize why this principle is imperative to be aware of. (1) Some of the greatest gifts of your life may have not yet been recognized. (2) God probably has put something close to you that you are not seeing. (3) Failure to recognize the gift, person, miracle, circumstance, situation or provision could be costing you incredibly. (4) Anything unrecognized by you remains uncelebrated by you. (5) Quality of life and a better life require recognition and awareness. (6) Anything you refuse to celebrate (intentional or “clueless”) may eventually exit your life.

The best way to make your dreams come true is to wake up...to God and the Principle of Recognition. More on the practicalities of this next week.

To learn more about Pastor Ed Delph, the Church-Community Connection and Nation strategy, call 623-376-6757, e-mail nationstrategy@cs.com or visit nationstrategy.com.

GOD’S LOVE IS ETERNAL

Roman Catholic Parish Glendale 5614 W. Orangewood Ave., Glendale • 623-939-9785

www.olph.com

Mass Schedule - English M-F 6:15am & 8:30am Sat 8:30am & 5:00pm Sun 6:30am, 8:30am & 10:30am

Mass Schedule - Spanish Fri 6:00pm (OLPH) Sat 7:00pm (Capilla) Sun 10:00am (Capilla), 12:30pm (OLPH) & 3:00pm (OLPH)

First United Methodist Church of Glendale

Phone (623) 972-8479 office@westolive.com www.westolive.com

Sunday Bible Study 9 a.m. Worship 10 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Classes for all ages - 7:00 p.m.

Everyone Is Welcome!

Wednesdays: TeamKid, Youth Worship Bible Study & Prayer ........................6:00 pm Dr. Mark Mucklow, Pastor www.fsbcg.org 10250 N. 59th Ave. 623-937-9216 7102 N. 58th Drive In Historic Downtown Glendale

Sunday Services: 8:00 am - Communion 9:00 am - Traditional Worship 10:10 am - Sunday School 11:11 am - Blended Worship 623.939.1409 glendalefirstumc.com

• Holy Communion both services

• Word on Wednesday 6:30pm, Supper 5:30pm

• First Communion ClassesCall to schedule • Youth Programs - ScoutsAfter School - Camp

Bus - Call for pickup • Worship Saturday 4:00pm, Sunday 9:30am

sodsecretary@qwestoffice.net

SMart Center clear for takeoff at Sunrise Mountain

BY OCTAVIO SERRANO

Peoria Times Staff Writer

The Peoria Unified School District held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $1.7 million Sunrise Mountain Art Center (SMart Center) Tuesday, Feb. 11. The renovated building opened Jan. 6 and is part of Sunrise Mountain High School. The SMart Center is an opportunity for children to expand their arts education.

Danielle Airey, a spokeswoman for the PUSD, said, “In our district, we have a strong focus, commitment and dedication to arts education.”

Over 100 were present for the ribbon-cutting. The ceremony began with attendees reciting the pledge of allegiance, which was followed by a presentation by the school’s orchestra. A few students watched from a platform.

The recently renovated building resembles a large cylinder with an elevator taking guests and students to the main floor. On the walls, there is a large mural showing the planet and technology.

The SMart Center will serve roughly 250 students in 11 classes. The subjects include visual art, traditional art, ceramics and photography, among others, Airey said. The building has a

The Peoria Unified School District held the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Sunrise Mountain Art Center Tuesday, Feb. 11. (Peoria Times photo by Octavio Serrano)

maximum occupancy of 176 people.

“The students benefit to having a larger space dedicated and focused on arts education,” Airey said. “Arts education really has always been a really critical component helping to shape the whole child.”

Airey said the building was originally built in 1986 to be the center of space innovation and activity center.

quired the building through land-swap agreements.

The project took roughly six months to complete, Airey said, and it is seven months ahead of schedule. The project cost $1.7 million

Airey thanked the school’s community members.

“Many students in our district would take tours through this building and certainly use it as a space of learning,” Airey said. “Now it will be a center of art.”

Airey explained the district reac-

“We want them to know about how the community really came together to bring this project and this space to life, to reinvigorate it and how it will continue to serve the students and the community for years to come,” Airey said.

The SMart Center is at 21200 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria.

Sunburst Elementary teacher scores ‘Wish List’

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

This January, hundreds of teachers from across Maricopa, Gila and Pinal County submitted their classroom “wish lists” for a chance to take part in Desert Financial Credit Union’s Adopt-A-Teacher program.

Six teachers from around the Valley were randomly selected from the list of submissions and will now have their classrooms “adopted” by Desert Financial.

One winner was Sue Young, a fifthgrade teacher at Ironwood Elementary.

“Participating in this program will impact not only my teaching but the learning of all of our students,” she said. “We are so excited to be a part of this program.”

Also selected was, Sonja Hernandez, a kindergarten teacher at Sunburst Elementary School, near the Peoria-Glendale border

up to $5,000 in items from their submitted lists.

The other teachers selected: Jenny Hagen, fourth-grade teacher at Pioneer Elementary (Gilbert Unified); Tanya Kopke, second-grade teacher at Peralta Trail Elementary (Apache Junction Unified); Paige Millan, second-grade teacher at Gateway School (Creighton Elementary District); and Jennifer Vidrios, third-grade teacher at Hartford El-

ementary (Chandler Unified).

“Desert Financial was founded more than 80 years ago, and we’ve been deeply involved in supporting the education system ever since,” said Jeff Meshey, CEO of Desert Financial.

“This year, we wanted to enhance our longtime Teacher Appreciation program by enabling teachers to share what’s most needed in their classroom, and then help make it happen.”

Salt River students discover ancestral roots through language, weaving

BY ANDREW CHRISTIANSEN AND WILLS RICE Cronkite News

of it is they don’t always have the outlets to learn from.”

“Participating in this program will allow me to create a space that is safe for children and allows them to access materials independently that fosters responsibility,” she said.

“Adopted” teachers will be awarded

Some Arizona schools are working to preserve Native American culture by spending classroom time on disappearing languages and cultural traditions. At Salt River Schools, the O’odham language is taught to seventh-graders as a requirement, even though it’s not widely spoken in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Salt River elementary and high schools are committed to honoring and integrating O’odham and Piipaash language and culture in all facets of education, according to their website.

“It helps build their sense of identity, because most of our students have been told ‘Language is important, you need to know it’,” said Kino Reed, who teaches Native studies. “But the reality

Headed by a language and culture team, the schools hope to have every student know a couple hundred O’odham words by the end of their high school years. But the effort goes beyond language. Salt River students also are weaving baskets, using a textile loom, making sashes and copying petroglyph’s – just like their ancestors.

“We’re weaving like them, we’re building like them,” said Kira Zotigh, a student. “We’re basically learning how their life was, but doing it (in the) present.”

The students want to pass on these traditions to future generations.

“Something I feel would be nice for other people in the future to learn, so our tribe really doesn’t go extinct or just disappear,” Zotigh said.

Sonja Hernandez, a kindergarten teacher at Sunburst Elementary School, will get her “wish list” granted by Desert Financial. (Photo courtesy Sonja Hernandez)

ASU develops program to prevent debilitating chronic anxiety in children

BY ASHLEIGH STEWART Cronkite News

Anxiety among children continues to climb, contributing to rising rates of depression and mental and behavioral disorders. More than 7% of children 3 to 17 in the U.S. have been diagnosed with anxiety, which can greatly alter “the way children typically learn, behave and handle their emotions, causing distress and problems getting through the day,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“How are we going to teach our kids to be more self-aware and manage their own emotions and problem solve?”

asked Ashley Kronabetter, a school psychologist at Porter Elementary School in Mesa. “That, I think across the country, is becoming a bigger ordeal.”

Researchers at Arizona State University’s department of psychology created Compass for Courage to address anxiety. It’s now in use at Porter and more than 25 other schools in the state.

Compass for Courage is a youth development program using evidence-based intervention methods. Developed in collaboration with researchers and more than 150 professionals in K through 8 schools, its purpose is to prevent chronic anxiety by teaching skills using game-based resources and role-playing.

Ryan Stoll, the co-creator of Compass for Courage, believes being able to identify anxiety-provoking situations can help reduce anxiousness.

“You have the power to reduce anxiety, so you can thrive in anything you do,” he said.

The program focuses on generating scientific knowledge of courage, fear, and anxiety in children and adolescents.

Diana Diaz-Harrison, founder and executive director at Arizona Autism Charter Schools, said she started her business because she was inspired by her son, who was diagnosed with autism at 2. She struggled to find an appropriate school for her son, who also suffers from anxiety.

Diaz-Harrison said working with your

child’s school can help minimize disruptive behavior.

“Your child might need a certain type of accommodation or structure, and to not be ashamed because everyone has needs,” she said.

The creators of Compass for Courage focus on identifying factors responsible for the developmental course of anxiety in youth. They work on repackaging interventions into simpler and less intensive community-focused interventions. They

also work on developing mechanism-target intervention programs to reduce mental health problems and promote positive development in young people.

From making friends, social media and other daily stressors, the pressure on adolescence is at an all-time high. According to some experts across the Valley, the need for effective resources continues to be in demand for today’s youth.

“Anxiety is a normal emotion sometimes just gets out of control and becomes chronic,” Stoll said.

According to the CDC, depression and anxiety in young people have been on the rise for more than a decade.

Diagnosis of either anxiety or depression among children 6-17 increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and 8.4% in 2012.

Diagnosis of anxiety among this age group increased from 5.5% in 2007 to 6.4% in 2012.

Diagnosis of depression did not statistically change from 2007 (4.7%) to 2012 (4.9%).

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A Glendale Republican lawmaker says he’s found a way to ensure that university students get all sides of controversial issues: force the schools to search out -- and, if necessary, fund -- opposing viewpoints.

Kern wants college students to hear from all sides of issues

that students are not getting all sides of issues when guests are invited to any of the state’s three universities. He said that’s wrong, particularly at schools which are funded with tax dollars.

Rep. Anthony Kern said he believes

Quit playing the neuropathy pain game.

“What we’re trying to do is train our students to become citizens, good citizens of the United States,’’ he told

Capitol Media Services.

“In order to do that you cannot just feed them one certain point of view at our universities,’’ Kern continued. “You’ve got to give them both sides of the issue and let them make that decision.’’

To do that, his HB 2238 requires the Board of Regents to establish, fund and staff a new Office of Public Policy Events at each university.

It would be the responsibility of each office to organize and stage debates, forums and lectures that address issues “from multiple, divergent and opposing perspective.’’

concerned, all issues have two sides.

“I would leave that up to common-sense rulemaking, whatever the public policy office would want to do on that,’’ he said. “But if you have any topic, any topic, at least present both sides of the issue, no matter what the topic.’’

But does that mean finding someone who denies the Holocaust occurred if someone is on campus speaking on that, or finding someone who says humans have been around for just 6,000 year to balance a talk about human evolution?

“I don’t think there are any limits to free speech in the country we live in,’’ Kern responded.

Quit playing the neuropathy pain game.

If medications and surgeries haven’t stopped the tingling, pain and numbness in your feet—you may be one of the countless people who are misdiagnosed each year. Symptoms of neuropathy often feel very similar to symptoms of poor circulation in your legs and feet. It’s time to stop playing the neuropathy pain game. Call today. We can help.

If medications and surgeries haven’t stopped the tingling, pain and numbness in your feet—you may be one of the countless people who are misdiagnosed each year. Symptoms of neuropathy often feel very similar to symptoms of poor circulation in your legs and feet. It’s time to stop playing the neuropathy pain game. Call today. We can help.

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More to the point, Kern said that the office would have to seek out speakers from outside the university who have contrary positions to those being taken by people who have been brought to campus. And the school also would, as necessary, have to provide honoraria as well as travel and lodging expenses for those who the office invites to campus, whether for debates or individual lectures.

Kern acknowledged that, in many cases, the people invited to speak are not through the university itself but by student groups. And in those cases, he said, there would be no mandate for university officials to find a counter speaker.

“On any topic, I think it serves our students well, it serves the taxpayers well that on any topic there are two sides to every issue,’’ he continued. “So let’s hear them. And let the hearer determine which side, no matter what the topic, determine which side is truth, which side is not, which side they want to sit and agree with.’’

Still, Kern said, that doesn’t mean having to bring someone to campus at the same time and in the same venue.

But Kern said this new public policy office would be charged with at least keeping track of all those speakers and creating a report, possibly for legislative leaders.

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AVAILABLE AFTER APRIL 15— KERRY ZANG, DPM • SHAH ASKARI, DPM

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AVAILABLE AFTER APRIL 15— KERRY ZANG, DPM • SHAH ASKARI, DPM

“And part of their responsibility would be to let us, the citizens of Arizona and legislators ... and let them know who’s coming on campus the past year or two years,’’ he explained.

“This is not to diminish free speech in any way, shape or fashion,’’ Kern said. But he defended seeking a state mandate to find opposing views.

“It’s not happening now,’’ he said.

“I think taxpayers deserve, if a student goes to these universities, that there’s a well-rounded discussion on a variety of topics and the student gets both points of view,’’ Kern said. “And the taxpayer can be assured that both points of view are being presented.’’

And Kern said that, as far as he’s

“But if you schedule, let’s say, a conservative viewpoint, then you would schedule a non-conservative viewpoint, or vice versa,’’ he explained. “If you schedule a non-conservative viewpoint, a speaker come in, then you should have to have an opposing viewpoint also discussed.’’ Kern said it would be up to this new public policy officer to search out opposing viewpoints. And he said that should not be difficult.

“You and I could Google pretty much any topic and find speakers on that particular issue,’’ he said.

“So I don’t think it’s really going to be a rough adventure for any of these universities to find speakers,’’ Kern said. “They know the networking out there and they know what’s going on.’’

And if they can’t?

“Just feel free to, again, just reach out to the Legislature,’’ he said. `We could help you find some good speakers.’’

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AUTORECREATIONAL

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AUTOS -FOR SALE

The following vehicles will available for sale at a public sale on:

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 10am

2016 Kia Soul 2018 Kia Sorento

2015 Dodge Grand Caravan

2017 Ford Explorer 2017 Mazda CX5

2018 Can Am Maverick X3 MAX XRS Turbo R 2017 Nissan Sentra (Salvage)

2016 Yamaha YXZ1000R EPS Racing

2019 Suzuki GSXR750

Location: 821 S. 30th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85009

ll sales are “AS

19223

623-853-2525

EMPLOYMENT

Varsity Facility Services is hiring for Part-Time and Full Time Janitorial positions for offices in the City of Glendale. Applicants must have some janitorial experience, must be dependable and able to communicate with client and supervisor. Applicants must have reliable transportation, must be authorized to work in

Varsity está solicitando personas para limpieza de oficinas en la Cuidad de Glendale. Los solicitantes deben tener alguna experiencia de limpieza, ser confiable y capaz de comunicarse con el cliente y supervisor, deben tener transportación confiable. Deben pasar una verificación de antecedentes, y ser autorizados a trabajar en los Estados Unidos.

Aplique en persona al: 8930 N 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345 de 9:00 am a 4:00 pm de lunes a viernes.

Varsity está solicitando personas para limpieza de oficinas en la Cuidad de Glendale.

Please note that the vehicles available for sale are subject to change

m s , f l o o r s c r u b b e r s , g a s p o w e r e d b l o w e r s p r e f e r r e d

G R E E N S K E E P E R S - F u l l t i m

i t h b e n e f i

n d P a r t t i m e p o s i t i o n s $ 1 3 . 0 8 p / h , – M a n u a l l a b o r . M u s

Apply online/view more jobs:

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VALLEY LIFE

TANNER TERRACE APARTMENTS

A Non-Smoking Facility

7138 N. 45th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

ALL ONE BEDROOMS

Subsidized

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TANNER TERRAZA APARTAMENTOS

Un complejo residencial para no fumadores

7138 N. Avenida 45 Glendale, AZ 85301

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TODOS DE UN DORMITORIO

Subvencionado sección 8-202 62 años Y personas discapacitadas fisicas Lunes-Viernes 8:00 am a 4:30 pm 623-939-9447

9875 N 85th Avenue, Peor a 85345, and from 5 p

to

p m at the Sunr se Mountain L brary, Commun ty Room, ocated at 21109 N 98th Aven-

budgets and potential programs for the Commun ty Deve opment Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Act on Plan as we l as use of HOME Program funds for Federal F sca Year 2020-2021 The CDBG Annual Action Plan is requ red by HUD for annual funding under the gu del nes of a CDBG ent t ement city The Annu-

next f sca year to meet the goals and

Consolidated Plan The City of Peoria

$840,000 CDBG and $230,000 HOME Program funds for Federal Fiscal Year 2020-2021 These funds are directed to the assistance of low and moderate income persons, primarily for C ty of Peoria residents The C ty encourages the publ c to provide input on desired pro-

tion P an wi l be publ shed for a 30-day comment period During the comment

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

date of the f rst publication of this notice or be forever barred Claims aga nst the Estate may be presented by del ver ng or mai ng a wr tten statement of the c a

to DAVID S JENKINS, care of Nico as J Corne ius, The Law Office of N

DATED this 5th day of February, 2020

NOTICE OF HEARING

COUNTY OF KOOTENAI Case No CV2007-8791 NOTICE TO APPEAR WILLIAM MICHAEL SCHWALD SR , Petitioner, vs ANGELA MICHELE WENDLING, Respondent NOTICE IS HEREBY GIV-

Time, to be heard n front of the Honora

ourthouse at 324 W Garden

A v e , C o e u r d A l e n e , I d a h o 8 3 8 1 4 t o e ther admit or deny the a legat ons set forth in Pet t oner s Motion to ho d you n contempt of court for a eged y violating an order of this Court as more specifica ly stated in Pet t oner’s Mot on and n Petitioner s Affidavit mailed to with this

Not ce to Appear You are further notified that if you fail to appear at the hearing scheduled here n the Court may s-

sue a warrant for your arrest You are further notified that if you w sh to prod u c e te s ti m o n y ( i n c u d i n g y o u r s e f) o r e v d e n c e o r t o c r o s s e x a m i n e t h e a dv e r s e p a r ty o r th a t p a r ty ' s w

s t s e r v e w r i t t e n n o t i c e o f t h a t i n t e n t t o t h e C o u r t a n d o p p o s i n g counse at least twenty-four (24) hours before the hearing This document is notice to you that Pet t oner intends to produce ev dence and cross-examine witn e s s e s a t a n y h e a r n g i n t h s m a t t e r Field K Herr ngton Attorney for the Petitioner POST FALLS LAW 806 Po ston A v e , S u i t e B P o s t F a l s , I d a h o 8 3 8 5 4 Published: P