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Peoria’s Hometown Newspaper

Vistancia club teams with Walmart to help veterans

FEATURES..... 19 Theater Works offers dark journey into Wonderland

OPINION.................10 BUSINESS...............14 SPORTS...................16 FEATURES...............18 RELIGION................21 YOUTH....................24 CLASSIFIEDS...........25

May 13, 2021

Motorcycle foundation presents awards

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor

NEWS..............5

The Peoria-based Arizona Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation handed out its Visionary Awards to community partners at its Share the Road/Riding for the Long Haul event in May. Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Alberto Gutier was given the 2020 award for supporting the foundation with multiple grants for motorcycle training and helmet assistance. Gutier has also been instrumental in reducing crashes and fatalities in Arizona. He took the lead in helping to reduce or eliminate distracted driving, too. The 2021 prizes went to Law Tigers, Dignity Health and nurse Wendy Otten, the Husband & Wife Law Team, Rosenbluth

Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, a founding member of AMSAF, was presented with the 2018 Visionary Award. Weiers was involved with safety bills aimed to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities. (Photos

courtesy of AMSAF)

Family Charitable Foundation and Michelle Arndt/Arizona Community Foundation. Ray Croghan and Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers were also honored. The Law Tigers’ Warren Levenbaum, founder and chief executive officer, and Ari Levenbaum, chief marketing and operations officer, were given the award. Warren started the company and created the Arizona Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation 20 years ago. The Levenbaums are committed to assisting injured rides or those needing legal assistance or looking for community support. Law Tigers has given back to the community through charitable contributions, insurance education, and safety and awareness initiatives. Ari is president of SEE MOTORCYCLE PAGE 3

Peoria City Council to vote on $695M budget

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor

The Peoria City Council will vote on the proposed $695 million budget Tuesday, May 18, that maintains core citizen services with small, but necessary, adjustments to utility rates and without any increases to taxes, said Peoria City Manager Jeff Tyne. “This budget is a sensible plan that allows us to continue to provide exceptional core services to our residents,” Tyne said. “By taking a balanced and strategic ap-

proach to budgeting, the city of Peoria can continue to meet the changing needs of our community without compromising our financial future.” The proposed budget is comprised of four major categories: the operating budget at $328.8 million represents the day-to-day operations of the city; the capital budget at $241.9 million entails large, one-time capital projects; the debt service payments at $45.2 million; and the contingency reserve at $79.1 million. Also, the city is proposing a 10year capital improvement program (CIP) of

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$835.6 million. “Creating a balanced budget is one of the most important responsibilities of city government,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat. “Council and I began a series of workstudy sessions last fall to allow us the time it takes to assess the details and financial implications now contained in this budget. We remain focused on adhering to the principles of sound financial management, while ensuring that every action we take is for the benefit of those who call Peoria home. I am proud to

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Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

NEWS

MOTORCYCLE FROM PAGE 1

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AMSAF. Chandler Regional Medical Center of Dignity Health and Otten, Trauma Services and Emergency Preparedness director, were honored. Dignity Health is one of the nation’s largest health care systems and operates more than 400 care centers, including hospitals, urgent and occupational care, imaging and surgery centers, and home health and primary care clinics through a network of more than 10,000 physicians and 60,000 employees. Otten and her organization have worked closely with AMSAF and the distracted driving effort for several years due to the health care outcomes they see daily. The Husband & Wife Law Team and owners Mark and Alexis Breyer were given a visionary award. The pair, who founded their business 25 years ago, saw the sufferings of their clients and wanted to do more than just achieve legal outcomes. They yearned to find ways to help people avoid getting hurt and to recognize those who are not fully appreciated. The Breyers have committed many years to AMSAF, with Mark having served as chairman and on the AMSAF executive board for nine years. Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation and Arndt, of Arizona Community Foundation, were honored. Jerry Rosenbluth established the Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation, a supporting organization of Arizona Community Foundation, as a vehicle to support his philanthropic endeavors and investing in the community. Rosenbluth dedicated the last 40 years of his life to improving the safety of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, automobiles, and the lives of the operators and those that share the road with them. RideNow Powersports and Mike Pfab, metric marketing director, took home awards. RideNow Powersports is the largest and most professionally operated powersports dealer group in the Unites States and prides itself on bringing quality vehicles, service and experience to the communities it serves. RideNow plays a pivotal role with AMSAF in advancing the use of SEE MOTORCYCLE PAGE 4

Alberto Gutier, director, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, received the 2020 AMSAF Visionary Award. Gutier and GOHS have supported AMSAF through multiple grants for motorcycle training and helmet assistance to help promote safety and awareness.

Breyer Law, the Husband and Wife Law Team, and owners Mark and Alexis Breyer, received this year’s Visionary Award for their business and personal support on behalf of AMSAF. Mark is a former AMSAF president.

(Photos courtesy of AMSAF)

Mike Pfab, metric marketing director for RideNow Powersports, accepted the 2021 Visionary Award. RideNow has played a pivotal role in advancing the use of high-quality helmets for a discount statewide.

Michelle Arndt of the Arizona Community Foundation accepted the 2020 Visionary Award on behalf of Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation. Founder Jerry Rosenbluth dedicated the last 40 years of his life to improving motorcycle safety, all-terrain vehicles, automobiles, and the lives of the operators and those that share the road with them.

NEWS

Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

BUDGET FROM PAGE 1

see a thoughtful budget that achieves today’s goals, and those of our future, with no increase to taxes.” The CIP provides a schedule of planned improvements over the next 10 years and identifies the revenue sources that will pay for those improvements. As the community grows, new projects and amenities are needed to serve a growing population and maintain service levels. The proposed CIP funds major investments in parks, roadways, facilities, and water and sewer infrastructure. This includes the construction of several major projects already underway, such as the extension of reclaimed water to Paloma Community Park, renovations to the Peoria Main Library, construction of a new segment of Jomax Road from Vistancia Boulevard to the Loop 303, and the expansion of the Pyramid Peak Water Treatment Plant. Other notable projects in the CIP include the second phase of Paloma Community Park, trail system improvements, regional drainage improvements at 67th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road, a new fire station in northern Peoria, a planned replacement of the aging fleet building, expansions of the Beardsley and Jomax water treatment plants, and further expansion of re-

claimed water infrastructure. Building new facilities is the responsibility to maintain current city facilities. As such, there are various projects throughout the CIP related to replacement and refurbishment of existing assets throughout Peoria. Of note this year is the addition of a five-year, $35 million undertaking to rehabilitate all streets with a pavement condition index (PCI) rating of 60 or lower. This will significantly reduce the long-term financial impacts of aging asphalt infrastructure. The city’s top priority is to preserve the high quality of life of Peoria residents. The FY 2022 budget provides the financial resources necessary to do that in the following areas: Public safety The majority of Peoria’s general fund is dedicated to public safety, and the FY 2022 budget reflects this. Two new police officers will provide growth-related public safety support to the community. The city will continue to invest in new technologies to preserve life and property. Examples include SCBA systems for SWAT team personnel, an explosive ordinance disposal storage day box for a K9 unit, ballistic helmets, and replace-

ment of aging Tasers. New vehicles, contract staff and crime predictive technology will allow sworn officers to more effectively engage in proactive policing activities. The Peoria Fire-Medical Department is continuing the community paramedicine program established in July 2020 and investing in new brush fire equipment and arson training. To assist with service delivery, the department is also adding a redshirt position and an ongoing administrative assistant position. The CIP also includes several projects to expand, rehabilitate or otherwise improve fire stations.

Neighborhoods To promote healthy and safe communities, the budget continues neighborhood-focused initiatives. The longtime neighborhood grant program offers financial support to neighborhoods seeking to enhance their communities. A new community assistance coordinator position will oversee the city’s continuing efforts to address the challenge of homelessness in the community. The neighborhood park and retention basin refresh programs will continue to address existing landscaping and aesthetic improvements within and around Peoria neighborhoods.

Economic prosperity One of the keys to any community’s quality of life is a vibrant and diversified economic base, with both a qualified workforce and quality jobs. The recommended budget includes investments in a number of economic development initiatives and projects, such as business attraction consulting services for out-of-state relocation opportunities. The budget includes some one-time funding to continue to foster small businesses, create partnerships and enhance efforts to attract and retain businesses in Peoria.

Integrated transportation Because continuous investment is fundamental to developing and maintaining Peoria’s roadway network, the budget includes a robust capital program for streets and traffic control. The operating budget provides the staffing and other resources needed to maintain all of this infrastructure. The proposed budget adds two new positions related to transportation — a lead technician specializing in traffic signals and street lighting

Nurse Wendy Otten, director of trauma services and emergency preparedness for Dignity Health (Chandler Regional Medical Center), was recognized for her many contributions to AMSAF and the community at-large.

Law Tigers founder and Chief Executive Officer Warren Levenbaum, an AMSAF founder, accepted the 2021 Visionary Award. His son, Ari Levenbaum, chief marketing and operations officer for Law Tigers, was recognized as well.

SEE BUDGET PAGE 6

MOTORCYCLE FROM PAGE 3

high-quality helmets for a discount statewide. Croghan assisted AMSAF with its scholarship program by helping more people get into motorcycle training. He has been involved with various charities in lending a hand to the homeless, veterans, motorcycle groups and others in the community Weiers is a founding member of AM-

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Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 or christina@timespublications.com

SAF. He was involved with safety bills aimed to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities. As mayor, he continues to promote motorcycle safety and awareness. AMSAF’s mission is to promote safety and awareness and reduce crashes and fatalities. AMSAF Executive Director Mick Degn said the visionary award is given based on the following criteria: • Leadership in the state community. • Positive influence in the Arizona motorcycle community. • Individual, business or organization that has had an overall impact in Arizona. • Individual, business or organization that has worked positively to influence and promote safety and awareness and to help reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities in Arizona.

May 13, 2021

Peoria Times

NEWS

Vistancia club teams with Walmart to help veterans

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor

The Trilogy at Vistancia Veterans Club works to engage military veterans within its gated community. It cultivates friendships and creates missions and opportunities that support in-need or at-risk veterans. In addition, the 219 members advocate for legislation that promotes benefits to military veterans and their families. “We’re very active,” said Jim Reavis, the manager of charities. “We’re formed in a way to give back, and we support many charities. It’s always to help veterans in need. “We do that through U.S. Vets, the Grand Village Center, Veterans First Limited, which is a group for females who have been physically and mentally abused in the service and after. Basically, it’s a group for females who have been physic and mentally abused in the service and after the service. We also help MANA House and the Coast Guard.” Last Thanksgiving, they supported the annual St. Mary’s Food Bank turkey drive and the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots. “The people in Trilogy are extremely generous,” Reavis said. The club was founded six years ago, and Reavis has been a member for three. It has 82 Army members, 64 Air Force, 43 Navy, 24 Marines, five Coast Guard and one Royal British Navy. Fifty-six of those 219 are retired military. Reavis is a veteran himself. In the Air Force, Reavis was stationed in Canada, Africa, Germany, Iceland, Michigan, Louisiana, Florida, Colorado and England. “I spent 24 years in the Air Force,” he said. “So many people helped me along the way and guided me and helped me throughout life. What I learned in the Air Force is I want to help people for the rest of my life. “As a senior NCO (noncommissioned officer), we always try to give back. Many of us within the group now continue to give back. We’re at

218 strong at the moment. Twelve of them are female veterans.” Walmart Community Grant Program and local Walmart stores have given money to the organization, which allows it to support those charities. With the Walmart grant monies, the charitable veterans shop at local Walmart stores to purchase equipment, household and nonperishable items. They also provide personal hygiene items for the men and women who receive support from these organizations. The grant is competitive. Walmart receives more than 150,000 grant applications per year. “We’re really appreciative for this,” Reavis said.

Trilogy at Vistancia Veterans Club tvaveteransclub.weebly.com

From left to right are Russell Brown, Jim Reavis, Scott Duke, Colleen Tucker, Bob Meizinger and Bryan Young. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

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and an administrative assistant to support the transit division. Arts, culture and recreation Peoria has long boasted premier recreation programs and facilities, special events, and arts and cultural programs. The city also has a long history of providing family-friendly and culturally diverse events, such as Somos Peoria, Second Saturdays and Young Artist Exhibits. The proposed budget includes funding to continue these programs and events

throughout the community, though some events may need to be canceled or postponed if the coronavirus pandemic persists. There are several one-time requests to repair and maintain key amenities at various parks and community facilities throughout the city. The budget adds a maintenance operations position and two trail maintenance positions. Public services Peoria residents and businesses expect

that clean water will flow whenever they turn on the faucet, that their trash and recycling will be picked up on time, and that their concerns will be addressed in a responsive, professional manner. The proposed budget continues to provide the resources needed to consistently exceed customer expectations. Funding for increased recycling processing fees secures the city’s commitment to sustainability, while a new solid waste equipment operator and vehicle ensure timely trash removal.

Smart growth One of the most important considerations of a growing city like Peoria is an assured water supply. This budget keeps pace with the increasing costs of water purchases and supports continued efforts to encourage the most efficient use of this precious resource. The proposed budget supports requests for contract inspectors to ensure that construction in the city complies with all national and local standards. Finally, the CIP identifies the infrastructure investments needed to keep up with new growth.

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NEWS

Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

Benevilla hosting enrichment program open house BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Benevilla is hosting the West Valley Life Enrichment Day Program open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, at the Church at Cactus, 8133 W. Cactus Road, Peoria. At the open house, people can learn about the West Valley program and meet Director Anthony Arsiniega and his staff. One of four Benevilla Life Enrichment Day Programs, this interactive program supports a diverse group of people with a wide range of care needs. The program provides daytime care for members with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease as well as adults with disabilities or those disabled by a stroke who live in Peoria, Glendale and West Phoenix. Activities are adapted for specific physical challenges to include everyone’s participation. Members are in a club-like atmosphere with the support of professionals

and volunteers focused on the personal needs of each person. With a focus on socialization, activities include cognitive stimulation through brain games; meaningful activities; group exercise; a creative arts program; discussion groups; public outings; and interaction with participant-centric entertainment, including singing, dance and memory challenges. The West Valley program has been in operation for more 22 years. A specially designed Essential Lifestyle Program is tailored for members by an enrichment specialist and implemented by Benevilla staff. They receive morning and afternoon snacks and a nutritious lunch prepared fresh each day by Benevilla’s Birt’s Bistro. Days are enjoyable, staff said, with outings, meals and social exchanges. To make reservations, call 623-5844999. COVID-19 restrictions will be in place, with social distancing and masks required. All who attend will receive a free swag bag.

Benevilla is a not-for-profit family services agency dedicated to enriching the lives of West Valley residents by provid-

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ing care services for older adults, adults with disabilities, children and families. For information, visit benevilla.org.

library storytimes, code compliance workshops, neighborhood watch meetings and more. Info: popuppeoria.com

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Take a class at Pop-Up Peoria City to launch new Pop-Up Peoria is an innovative online payment portal

space that connects the city of Peoria with the business and residential communities to bring new retail and interactive experiences to the area. Peruse the retail space for a collection of featured Peoria artisans, courtesy of the Grand Project Shoppe, or take a class in the back portion of the space. There will be entrepreneurship classes, business pitching practices, coworking opportunities, sustainability classes,

This summer, the city of Peoria will roll out a new online system for paying utility bills. The new system, Invoice Cloud, is a one-stop-shop where residents can access and pay all their city bills electronically. Residents can enroll in paperless billing; get text notifications; and opt to pay by phone, text or online with a credit card, debit card or e-check. When the new, secure system officially launches, more information will be available at peoriaaz.gov.

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Peoria Times

10 OPINION

May 13, 2021

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Shortages abound due to the COVID-19 pandemic BY JUDY BLUHM Peoria Times Columnist

Last year we had no toilet paper or hand sanitizer. This year we have no houses. Oh, and let’s not forget we are running out of chicken wings, lumber, microchips, and chlorine for pools. This summer, “experts” are predicting we might have shortages of gasoline and bacon. It’s almost too much to comprehend. The world might end up in a pretty darn perilous situation if we have a bacon shortage! If people were hoarding toilet paper last year, there could be fist fights in the grocery store aisles when our beloved bacon becomes scarce!

Will stores limit the number of packs we can buy? I doubt that will work. It could be mayhem in the market. Are we supposed to stock up? Not exactly sure how we do that if we are planning summer trips and there is no gasoline at the pumps. Evidently, one of the reasons for this potential “shortage” is that there are 50% fewer fuel tanker drivers this year than last year. Many had to find new work when we were all sitting at home. Now we are back to traveling, and the truck drivers are gone! Come back! We need to go to the beach this summer and cannot drive there without gasoline. Chicken wings are another story. The labor shortages and closures of poultry plants due to COVID-19 have caused many restaurants to have to either slash the wings from the menu or

make them as costly as gold nuggets. What are we to do? The pain is real for many folks in the food industry and lovers of these spicy, delectable chicken bites that are perfect for dipping. Americans consume 2.8 billion chicken wings a year! That would be an average of 18,000 wings in a person’s lifetime. Yikes, how will we cope if the shortage continues? Want to rent a car? Plan wisely. They are out there, just not in great numbers. Many car rental companies sold off their fleets during COVID-19 travel restrictions. Now folks going to Maui are renting U-Haul trucks to drive around the island because $200 a day is more cost effective than trying to snag a car rental at $700 a day. That’s right, go on vacation and rent a truck to see the island. We cannot make this stuff up! Lumber prices are through the roof

(no pun intended). The increase in home prices due to the skyrocketing cost of lumber (up 236% since last year) means that you might be spending $40,000 more to build your house. I saw an ad on Facebook that showed two huge boards and several peel poles that a guy is willing to “trade” for a new red or yellow Corvette. He went on to say, “No lowball offers — I know what I have.” Yes, it is our new reality, and we must learn to survive. And maybe go without. My husband, Doug, says I worry too much. Good advice. Hmm, I do have 25 bottles of hand sanitizer and 70 rolls of toilet paper. If anyone wants to trade me for some bacon, drop me a line.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

SMITH’S OPINION — Las Vegas Sun

How to get a letter published 250 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 100, Goodyear, AZ 85338 Email: christina@timespublications.com The Peoria Times welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The Peoria Times will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Peoria Times will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the Times, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

OPINION

For Arizona’s senators, ‘D.C.’ means ‘decide carefully’ BY J.D. HAYWORTH Peoria Times Columnist

Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly have boldly gone where few Arizonans from their party have gone before. Their joint membership in the “World’s Most Exclusive Club” marks the first time since 1953 that the Grand Canyon State has been represented in the Senate by a pair of Democrats. Sen. Sinema’s unconventional fashion choices began a buzz upon her arrival, but she followed a conventional political path to the upper chamber. That’s not the case for her new Arizona colleague. Like John Glenn and Jack Schmitt before him, Mark Kelly’s path to the Senate was “out of this world”; to stay there, history’s third astronaut-turned-senator must continue to defy political gravity. It won’t be easy. Elected last November to complete the unfinished term of the late John McCain, Kelly must again face the voters in 2022.

Unsurprisingly, Arizona Republicans have made the recovery of that Senate seat their top priority. Businessman Jim Lamon has already thrown his hat in the ring, and more GOP candidates are expected to announce soon. Adding to Kelly’s challenge is the audacious overreach of his fellow Democrats in the House. Nancy Pelosi’s narrow majority has passed bills that would cost trillions, change election law to make voting by mail mandatory, and run counter to the Constitution. Even though our founding document calls for the creation of a seat of government for the United States in Article I, Section 8, Clause 17, a “District not exceeding 10 miles square…” established by “Cession of particular states and the acceptance of Congress…” and that Maryland and Virginia ceded the land for the creation of Washington, D.C., which was founded in July 1790, last month House Democrats passed HR 51 — a bill for D.C. statehood. All 216 votes in favor of the measure came from Democrats — underscoring the

partisan power play. The legislation would change the name from District of Columbia to Douglass Commonwealth and, more significantly, add two dependable Democrat votes in the Senate. But the two Arizona Democrat votes in the Senate are not certain to be cast in favor of D.C. statehood. Sens. Sinema and Kelly have not sponsored the bill, and based on the findings of a new poll, they would both be wise to vote against it, should it come to the Senate floor. A survey of 400 likely Arizona voters was conducted late last month by McLaughlin & Associates for the U.S. Justice Foundation (USJF). It found that a majority of Arizona voters, 50%, oppose D.C. statehood; only 42% support it. Full disclosure, this columnist chairs USJF’s Advisory Committee. Moreover, 77% of the respondents were aware of the House passage of the bill by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her narrow Democrat majority and the partisan implications of the legislation once signed into law. When reviewing and discussing the ef-

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fects D.C. statehood would bring, the opposition of Arizona voters increased to almost 60%, a decisive majority. Meanwhile, one Senate Democrat has taken a decisive and public stance against statehood for Washington, D.C. Joe Manchin of West Virginia will oppose the legislation. Recall that Sens. Manchin and Sinema worked together earlier this year to oppose removal of the filibuster from the Senate rules. Will we see a similar alliance for denying D.C. statehood? And might that duo become a trio with the addition of Kelly? If so, Mark Kelly could claim the mantle of John McCain, describing himself as a “principled pragmatist” and making a midcourse correction common in spaceflight, not unheard of in public office. If not, the third astronaut-turned-senator could see his political mission grounded early. J.D. Hayworth worked as a sportscaster at Channel 10 Phoenix from 1987 until 1994 and represented Arizona in Congress from 1995-2007.

OPINION

Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

Hunting: Some folks simply enjoy killing things BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist

Every so often on Facebook or Instagram, I see that one of my friends has gone hunting, successfully killing this or that forest creature. There are smiles all around as the hunter strikes a pose beside a mule deer, turkey or javelina. All involved — except the animal — seem inordinately proud of the conquest, which always leaves me feeling a bit curious. As in, why such obvious pride? I mean, isn’t hunting sort of a one-sided competition, given that the predator typically has some sort of weapon, like a high-powered rifle, whereas the best a white-tailed deer can manage for weaponry is a set of antlers? Then I remind myself what I have known for a long time: Some folks simply enjoy killing things a little bit more than the rest of us.

I was reminded again recently when the National Park Service and the Arizona Game and Fish Department offered 12 hunters the chance to cull bison from a herd of 500 that have roamed the North Rim of the Grand Canyon since the early 1900s. The bison have apparently been raising all kinds of hell up there, trampling ancient ruins, contaminating watering holes, and leaving Budweiser cans and pork rinds bags everywhere. Kidding about that last part. But I’m not kidding when I say that more than 45,000 hunters applied online during the 48 hours the agencies were taking digital hunting applications. As Matt Mallery of Flagstaff told the Associated Press: “It needs to happen for management purposes. And if it’s going to be somebody, it may as well be me.” Which is exactly the opposite of my own logic when it comes to killing animals: If it’s going to be somebody, it doesn’t have to be me.

I have no moral objection to hunting. I ate a burger for dinner last night, and I have no affinity for, say, javelina, which tend to destroy things I like, like golf courses and small dogs. I wasn’t traumatized by the murder of Bambi’s mommy as a kid. I’m not afraid of guns, which I’ve fired on many occasions. It’s the beaming pride I don’t get — relishing taking an animal’s life. Listen to James Vasko, one of those 45,000 applicants, explaining himself to the AP: “I just thought it would be a cool experience,” said the 27-year-old, who works in real estate and farms in Nebraska. “I’m an avid fisher, hunter. Going to the Grand Canyon to hunt bison would be absolutely awesome.” Would it really? Male bison weigh up to 2,000 pounds and can stand 6 feet tall. They have poor eyesight and run at speeds up to 35 mph. That makes these bulls slightly larger than my parents’ 1972 Volkswagen Beetle, a 50-horsepower behemoth that topped out at about

75 mph. While no one ever riddled that car with bullets, it wouldn’t have been a difficult shot, especially armed with a Browning BAR Mark II Safari rifle featuring the Ballistic Optimizing Shooting System and using belted magnum big game cartridges and a telescopic site. My hunter friends love to refer to hunting as a sport. They cite rules like “fair chase,” which Game and Fish defines as the “ethical, sportsmanlike and lawful pursuit and taking of free-range wildlife in a manner that does not give a hunter or an angler improper or unfair advantage over such wildlife.” Personally, I prefer not to sugarcoat things. Just be honest and admit it: You like killing things. You can try to even up the hunt all you want, but let’s be real: Shooting a 2,000-pound bison will be a sport as soon as the bison can fire back. David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Response to Hayworth Editor: I should have realized the far-right tilt of columnist J.D. Hayworth, as I read that he seemed much more bothered by President Biden’s copying of another politician’s speech 33 years ago than he is by our last president’s admission that he routinely commits sexual assault on unsuspecting women because “when you’re a star, they let you do it” and “You can do anything. … Grab ’em by the (expletive).” Another mystery for Mr. Hayworth is why we have troops and fences around the Capitol and the White House and “not our southern border.” Let me address the first part of his question by reminding Mr. Hayworth that our last president incited a violent riot and insurrection on Jan. 6 in which a troubling number of current and former law enforcement, military and government personnel were arrested, according to ABC News.

Then allow me to address the second part of his question by saying, “Huh?” I grew up in San Diego and can attest that there are nothing but fences and “troops” (used to be Border Patrol, now it’s alphabet soup ICE, DHS, yadda yadda). It appears Mr. Hayworth is trying to perpetuate the worn-out trope on the right that Democrats favor “open borders,” which I have never heard any Democrat who I know even remotely support. We are for secure borders, while, at the same time, we favor allowing those who are fleeing persecution to get a fair hearing for asylum here. The idea that our military men and women must be only Democrats is typical of the ridiculousness that is so prevalent on the right. They take a small kernel of truth, that we are seeking to weed out extremists in the military and law enforcement, PBS reported, and inflate it to something similar to Mr. Hayworth’s nonsense. Finally, Mr. Hayworth is very troubled

by the cost to bail our country out of the mess that the former president left us in. Question for you, Mr. Hayworth: Why aren’t you troubled by the mess that 45 left us in that made it necessary to spend $6 billion in an effort to recover? Why do you blame the person trying to make things better? And why are you so negative about policies (the American Rescue Plan, the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan) that between 60% and 70% of the American people support? Wait a minute, I think I see why you don’t like these plans — you don’t like America. That is the common denominator in all of those plans! Greg Cravens Peoria

Opposes J.D. Hayworth Editor: Re: Mr. Hayworth’s guest column in the April 29 Peoria Times: What a load of crap. He tries to expose liberals for

their manipulation of language while exhibiting far worse himself. Mr. Hayworth uses numerous quotation marks — some are to focus on a certain term, but many are because he is faking quotes or twisting terms. Examples: He puts “word salad,” “insane,” “guilt” and “cheap votes” in quotation marks as if someone else used them, not just him. He decries “open borders,” which very few liberals want, and wrongly implies that being in the United States without authorization is a “crime.” He falsely says the AP doesn’t use the term “illegal” because it stopped calling immigrants “illegals.” No person is illegal. But he doesn’t put quote marks on “invasion” or “amnesty,” which are often used inaccurately, as he does, by farright conservatives. What he is showing us is the tactic of some radical talking heads who use buzzwords that inflame the lower levels SEE OPPOSES PAGE 13

Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

OPINION

OPPOSES FROM PAGE 12

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of their base. Examples: “witch hunt,” “deep state,” “white replacement,” “cancel culture” and “stop the steal.” These catchy phrases substitute for critical thinking and fact-based analysis. For example, while people like Hannity and Carlson shriek about “defunding police,” research shows that fewer than 100 of the 18,000 police agencies have reduced their police budgets, and most of them did so because the pandemic reduced the tax money available to fully fund police. Language can enlighten or mislead us. So, let’s calm down. The United States is not being invaded, Democrats are not trying to take away your guns, trans athletes are not taking over girls sports, baking a cake for a gay couple does not infringe on your religious rights, raising taxes on millionaires will not weaken the economy, there was no significant election fraud, and Bill Gates does not have a microchip in the COVID-19 vaccine. Unfortunately, Mr. Hayworth’s column misleads more than it enlightens. John Flynn Peoria

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Peoria Times

14 BUSINESS

May 13, 2021

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Grand Canyon Decon cleans with care BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor

Mary Stringer and her husband, Steve Whaley, founders of Grand Canyon Decon, distribute information about their company to attendees of the Maricopa County Home and Landscape Show at State Farm Stadium in March. (Photo by

Cleaning homes contaminated by suicides, hoarding, trauma or hazardous chemicals is an arduous task. As the owners of Grand Canyon Decon LLC, Mary Stringer and Steve Whaley do so with compassion for their clients. “I have a psychology degree, so I look at the psychology of every situation — personal and professional,” Stringer said. “I analyze from every point of view. I understand what people are going through. “Steve and I are very compassionate people — and we do care. We’re very

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simple people. We’re not extravagant. We’re business owners who want to help.” The family-owned Grand Canyon Decon LLC is certified and insured, the latter of which didn’t come easily. To be insured, the couple “searched high and low” and found an underwriter to take on Grand Canyon Decon LLC at a high price, said Whaley, who has also owned Sun Devil Pools for 32 years. “Our business is so unique that they had to write it especially for us,” Stringer added. Stringer and Whaley are proud of SEE CLEANING PAGE 15

Tower 16 acquires multifamily portfolio BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

San Diego-based Tower 16 Capital Partners has acquired a two-property multifamily portfolio consisting of 332 units in the Valley for $55 million. Summerhill Place Apartments is in Glendale and consists of 232 units built in 1986. The Villas at Montebella Apartments, located in Peoria, includes 100 units built in 1974. The properties were acquired from a private seller in an off-market transaction. “This acquisition marks our third and fourth properties acquired in the Phoenix market,” Tower 16 co-founder Mike Farley said. “We believe the demand drivers for multifamily housing in Phoenix will continue to grow in the coming years, and we are excited to be providing a naturally affordable product to meet that demand.” Since its founding in 2017, Tower 16 has made similar moves into markets

Summerhill Place is located at 6801 W. Ocotillo Road in Glendale. (Photo courtesy of Tower 16)

throughout the West, having acquired approximately 4,000 units in California, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Tucson and

Denver. The company seeks markets with increasing demand for workforce housing driven by job growth

and in-migration but with relatively low levels of new supply. According to company executives, Tower 16 intends to build a portfolio of over 2,000 units in the Phoenix market over the next several years. Summerhill Place is located at 6801 W. Ocotillo Road in Glendale. The property is just minutes away from Highway 60 and only a few miles from major employment centers on the west side of Phoenix. Villas at Montebella is located at 10860 N. 85th Avenue in Peoria, between Highway 60 and the Loop 101. Tower 16 will oversee close to $6 million in upgrades and renovations at both properties, including modernized unit upgrades, a new clubhouse, gym and updated pool areas. The company will also add outdoor amenities including barbeques, seating and outdoor SEE TOWER PAGE 15

Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

BUSINESS

CLEANING FROM PAGE 14

their staff’s two-hour response time, a rarity in the business. The couple are the only owners, and they love what they do. “We want to help people,” Stringer said. “We’re living in a time when this is needed.” Whaley added, “Because of the nature of the business, we do cleanups of hoarder homes (and) decontaminate homes with meth labs in them. Meth, when it’s cooked, has dangerous chemicals. The residual from the cooking has to be removed from the entire residence. You can’t see it, but it’s there — in the air vents, for example.” Prior to Grand Canyon Decon LLC, the couple bought foreclosed homes and flipped them. With the moratorium on evictions, Stringer and Whaley’s business stopped as well. “It’s been a really rough couple years for everyone,” she said. “I’ve been buying since I was in my 20s.” Founding Grand Canyon Decon LLC was a logical move, Stringer explained. The two never knew what they were going to encounter when they bought foreclosed homes. “They leave behind dog feces and people feces,” she said. “They do horrible things to properties. They rip out cabinets. We were cleaning every property, so we decided to start our own company and have that in our wheelhouse.” Decontamination services are recession proof, Whaley said. People die

every day, and some folks may not be immediately discovered. He sees the effects daily, but Stringer said her husband handles it very well. “I go out and do the bids, quotes and estimates,” said Whaley, who is awaiting his contractor’s license, adding another certification to the already-impressive portfolio. “You see a lot of tragedy. You know you have a job to do, and that lessens the blow of seeing something that’s tragic. You learn to look beyond the circumstances.” In terms of a suicide, cleanup is difficult because the contamination may be widespread. The staff uses PPE, including goggles and face masks, and steam cleans and/or uses HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) vacs. They capture 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns, much smaller than the width of a human hair, a red blood cell, bacteria, pollen and allergens. “Blood and hazardous material have to be handled delicately,” Whaley said. “We have to bag that and have the medical waste company come for proper disposal. We decontaminate everything we use, except the PPE suits. We throw those away. We can’t take any residual into the truck or it’ll follow us the rest of the day. It’s a big setup and teardown. The job is sometimes the easiest part.” Hoarding is another delicate situation. The couple understands the issues behind hoarding — and suicide for that matter — and the associated feelings.

Hoarding clients have generally been traumatized, and that’s why they hold on to items. “We’re passionate and gentle when we’re trying to go through the items,” she said. “We do it discreetly, too. Someone you know is a hoarder. You just don’t know it. It can be very hard to deal with and embarrassing. We just want to ensure everyone is OK.”

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TOWER FROM PAGE 14

gaming areas. “We plan on making numerous upgrades to modernize the properties and provide a better tenant experience,” Tower 16 co-founder Tyler Pruett said. “We’re excited to watch the transformation of these properties over the next six to 12 months, and we think our ten-

ants will be very happy.” Tower 16 was represented by Jesse Hudson, Bill Hahn, Trevor Koskovich and Ryan Boyle with Northmarq’s Phoenix multifamily team. Northmarq also secured debt financing for the buyer, led by Brian Mummaw, Brandon Harrington and Tyler Woodward.

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Peoria Times

SPORTS

May 13, 2021

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Drag boat racing finds home at Buckeye’s Hidden Lake Cronkite News

Just south of Buckeye’s city center and north of the Gila River sits Hidden Lake, a quiet and secluded 120acre recreation area. When the drag boat racers arrive, however, it is a place bustling with activity and entertainment and has become a popular destination for the sport’s competition in the desert. Hidden Lake is home to many events put on by the Arizona Drag Boat Association, which feature intense quarter-mile races with speeds hitting close to 200 mph. “The weather, the people, the openness, the high desert here, it’s just beautiful,” said Jimmy Todd, the ADBA rescue director. In 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ADBA held only two events, including one at Hidden Lake. So far in 2021, the ADBA has hosted three races there, most recently the Spring Shootout from April 1 to April 4. Three more are scheduled for Buckeye as well. Each event takes place from Friday to Sunday. Friday is a testing and tun-

ing day for the racers, who take advantage of their practice runs to make adjustments for the weekend, when the competitive races begin. “What works in Kentucky for their boats may not work here,” Todd said. Alina Nelson/Cronkite Saturdays are qualifying days. Based News) on their best times, drivers are ranked, seeded, and put against other drivers, similar to other tournament brackets, with the top time matching up with the Tanya Scribner, left, and Tara Scribner lowest time. are sisters who share a passion for drag On Sunday, boat racing, a typically male-dominatthose pairings ed sport. (Photo by Alina Nelson/Cronkite are put into a News) traditional tournament bracket for each class of boats, with the winners moving on to the next round until a champion is crowned. Rick Barretta competes in the Pro Outlaw class, which requires the driver to be in a capsule. (Photo by

BY DYLAN WILHELM

A holding rope is draped across the lake for the drivers to hold on to while they wait for the lanes to be clear for drag boat racing at Hidden Lake in Buckeye. (Photo by Alina Nelson/Cronkite News)

Rob Miller’s boat, Old School, lifts out of the water as he takes off from the start line. Miller competes in the River Racer class. (Photo by Alina Nelson/Cronkite News)

SEE RACE PAGE 17

Westside golf tournament supports student-athletes BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor

The foursome of Jeff Lopez, Santino Coronado, Vince Iniquez and Robert Coronado won the 28th annual Cinco de Mayo Benefit Golf Tournament on May 1 at Palm Valley Golf Course.

Coronado, Iniquez and Coronado witnessed the hole-in-one shot by Lopez on the par 3, hole 8 on the north course. The second-place winners were Sammy Garcia III, Mike Avila, Kenny Williams and Steve Cruz. Mike Rudolfo Sr., Brian O’Hare, Matt Lucci and Remington Coates took third.

The event features community and business leaders from across Arizona and is an annual fundraiser event for the Westside Recreational Program. The program has served West Valley youth for more than 50 years and continues to support student-athletes in southwestern Maricopa County.

In addition, the organization provides financial aid to local eighth graders promoting to high school, as well as provides a Christmas party for low-income families. The program thanked the city of Avondale, Rudolfo Brothers Masonry, R-Stucco, Coke and Walmart for their support.

Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

SPORTS

RACE FROM PAGE 16

The racers are a close-knit group. Many even travel across the country to participate in other drag boat racing association competitions as well when Buckeye is not hosting any racing. “They hate each other from 8 o’clock to 5 o’clock, but after that they are buddies again,” Todd said. The Scribner family of Lake Havasu City has two racers with the ADBA, sisters Tanya and Tara. Their grandparents drove drag race cars, and when Tanya tried racing a boat, she was hooked. A few years later, younger sister Tara rode along with Tanya and was also hooked. Often, the two sisters will find themselves racing each other, which leads to a unique sibling rivalry. “It’s extremely competitive … but it’s fun when you get to race your sister,” said Tanya, 32. At the Spring Shootout, the Scribner sisters were two of only three females

because they see I do it and my sister does it, so I feel like it helps inspire kids to get into this,” said Tara, 19. For those interested in racing, Todd said the process includes registering as a member with the ADBA and having the boat scrutinized for safety. The Scribners Paramedics are on standby at Arizona Drag Boat Association’s Spring Shootout in the event of an accident on both said that anythe water. (Photo by Alina Nelson/Cronkite News) one can participate and that the comracing, and for Tara, being one of the munity is very welcoming and helpful only women competing is a sense of to those who want to try it. “Anybody who has a boat can come pride, especially when she sees little out and race. That’s the great thing girls watching. “I like seeing little girls coming up to about this organization. Anybody can me and saying they want to race now do it,” Tanya said.

For those interested in just watching, fans are currently welcomed in limited numbers, and the atmosphere provides activities for all ages. “(TopWater) Cantina here is real family friendly,” Todd said about the dining area at the lake that offers a variety of food and drink options. Todd applauded the work club president Jeremy Denny has put in to make Hidden Lake a spot where drivers want to come out and compete. “If you were here last year, you wouldn’t have recognized this place,” Todd said. “They’ve really done a nice job.” Changes included adding turf areas, moving the track, moving dirt and adding water. It’s the latest effort to make Hidden Lake the “premier” destination for Arizona races, Todd said. Many athletes are pushing for looser marijuana rules in professional sports.

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Peoria Times

FEATURES

May 13, 2021

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Honey Hive Farms buzz about their bees BY JAKARIA ROSS

Peoria Times Staff Writer

Tim Moore and his Honey Hive Farms hope to expand the awareness of his hobby and business of beekeeping and honey extraction by hosting honey tastings on Saturdays in May. “I like to meet people,” Moore said. “Sometimes people buy stuff and sometimes they don’t. “It’s not about the money. It’s nice when they buy and then they buy again. It’s nice that they liked it so much. I like when people tell me I’m their honey guy and they won’t buy it from anywhere else.” Sharing homemade honey, naturally collected pollen and bees, the owners personally deliver to Arizona homes and seven other states. They Customers gather to try honey from Tim Moore, who owns Honey Hive Farms. offer three types of bees, including (Photo courtesy of Honey Hive Farms) queen bees. “We deliver bees to Wyoming, Col- different colors. There are orange sect allergy that can cause life-threatorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, blossom, mesquite, cat’s claw and ening (anaphylactic) reactions, acTexas and New Mexico,” Moore said. wildflower. … The older honey gets, cording to the Arizona Asthma and Allergy Institute. “We deliver honey to Missouri and the darker it gets.” “I’m not allergic, or I’d be dead alServing all-natural honey is a very Oklahoma about four times a year. We deliver to thousands of people a important trait to Honey Hive Farms, ready,” Moore said. “I’ve got stung a lot in the past, but it doesn’t bother according to Moore. year.” “What separates us from other peo- me too much. They usually don’t realMoore said the personal delivery is important when it comes to handing ple selling honey, oddly enough, I ly bother you until you disturb them. bet 85% of other people, and I can’t If you open their hive, it’s on. Noise off bees. “When you get bees in the mail, say for sure, don’t even have bees,” sets them off, and if you’re bothering they’re usually dead,” Moore said. Moore said. “If you’re buying hon- them in some way, they will sting.” As a master beekeeper, Tim’s wife “I’m one of the only avenues, and de- ey, ask them, ‘Does this come from and company co-owner, Connie, livering in the heat is hard. If the bees bees?’” The farm also sells pollen to help teaches classes on the farm, where get too hot, they die, so you have to customers with allergies to plants and individuals wear full bee suits with a be really careful.” hat and veil and learn the basics of Honey Hives Farms offers raw hon- nectar. “The wildflower honey and the pol- beekeeping. eys of different shades, as they do not “It’s one thing to sell a product; it’s mix with inexpensive products like len are for your allergies,” Moore said. rice syrup or sucrose, according to “If you take what you’re allergic to, it another to be there to support it,” she builds up your tolerance to what’s in said. “The classes support educating Moore. “The honey is different colors be- the air and it helps. I thought it was a people and hobbyists in general. We cause it’s different nectars from dif- joke, but I talk to people every week like to have them be successful. In beekeeping, it’s an overload of inforferent plants,” Moore said. “The and it helps a lot.” Bee stings are the most common in- mation. There’s so much out there, nectar that the bees bring back are

but it’s hard to decipher what’s appropriate per your area.” The business chooses to artificially inseminate their queen bees to avoid “defensive genes.” “I don’t let queen bees mate naturally here,” Moore said. “When a queen hatches as an adult, she has to find male drones to mate. We have some honeybees that have this Africanized gene that makes them defensive. I don’t want this for my bees. If you have those defensive bees, they will come at you when you open the hives.” Ants and mites serve as enemies to beehive keepers, according to Moore. “If you get ants, they can devastate your hive. Ants are not our friends. Mites are a huge thing. Once the bees get mites, they leave. We can’t really figure out why,” Moore said. Moore gave advice for newly interested beekeepers. “Take the class,” Moore said. “That’s huge. The class is $65 for three hours. If you took the class, if you’re scared of them, it’s so much easier once you do it. The steps to take care of them are easy, but it’s a lot to know. It’s just like any other hobby — you have to know what you’re doing.” Honey Hive Farms

Farm store hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays 14611 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria 602-330-8468, honeyhivefarms.com Classes are $65 Mailing address 24654 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Suites 103-757 Peoria, Arizona, 85383

May 13, 2021

Peoria Times

FEATURES

Theater Works offers dark journey into Wonderland BY BRIDGETTE M. REDMAN Peoria Times Contributing Writer

For some theater companies, the pandemic opened doors to long-considered innovative productions. For Theater Works, that meant a journey into the wild world of immersive theater that took their artists and audience down a rabbit hole to the world of Wonderland. Their first two trips, “Curiouser and Curiouser” and “A Curiouser Nutcracker,” sold out. Theater Works conducted surveys asking audiences what they wanted next. The answer? A darker trip. “That’s what ‘Curiouser and Curiouser Too’ is,” said Cate Hinkle, Theater Works’ managing director. “It’s mostly the same concept — you’re in Wonderland and you’re walking through the different realms of Wonderland — but there are changes throughout.” The show runs June 3 to July 25. Reservations are required through theaterworks.org. “Curiouser and Curiouser Too” is, she said, a different story than previous efforts. For example, instead of a beach, there is a dungeon. The Red Queen wishes to release the evil Jabberwocky, and it is up to the audience, who play the role of Alice, to stop that. Immersive, interactive experience In immersive theater, the audience moves through the sets, interacts directly with actors, and can sometimes have an effect on the story’s outcome. It became well-known in the United States when “Sleep No More” opened in New York. That was an interactive version of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” that took place over several floors of a former hotel. Theater Works repurposed its building for the “Curiouser and Curiouser” experience. It turned dressing rooms into performance spaces, offices into dressing rooms, and the rehearsal space became one of the realms. Thirteen rooms were transformed into places in Wonderland.

Tweedledee is played by Shelly Trujillo in “Curiouser and Curiouser.” (Photo by Josiah Duka Photography)

Theater Works’ producing artistic director, Chris Hamby, had attended immersive theater in New York, San Francisco and LA. He thought the pandemic would be the perfect time to pivot to immersive theater. The idea was to do a naturally socially distanced show. Each show has 12 audience members who are in different rooms that were disinfected between each scene. “It was one of those things that just made sense as a response to COVID,” Hinkle said. “We couldn’t do normal theater, but with this we could control the spaces and the group sizes, and it fit very well within our constraints.” Creating something different When Theater Works received its first PPP loan in May, it relied on the staff to create an immersive experience. Even those who hadn’t been involved in production before became part of the team. First, Hamby selected each room, and the team created a scenario. Then they wrote the script, working alongside designers, actors and technicians. “It was a lot of trial and error,” Hinkle said. “Then, on the marketing and ticketing side, we just threw out the rule book. We wanted to target a younger

demographic, as the experience-driven night out was something the younger demographic was interested in. We targeted our market and rebranded.” Because “Curiouser and Curiouser” was such a departure, Theater Works created a new brand with its own logo, website and ticketing. “We did small groups, and there were timed entries,” Hinkle said. “That was all new to everyone, and even on the designer side, immersive theater is quite different than typical theater. You are so much more intimate with your environment. We had to think about that intimacy for the individualized audience experience.” The staff worked on the show for four months. Normally, a show like this would take two years to prepare. “This was the thing everyone was working on, so we had dedicated time and space, which is not typical,” Hinkle said. “We were all motivated by the creativity and the newness. This was super cool and exciting. We are the first in Arizona to do this type of theater.” Ramping up the gothic Now in its third iteration, “Curiouser and Curiouser” is darker than the first show, which isn’t recommended for kids.

Hinkle said the first show’s light-hearted elements have grown gothic and dark. The Queen’s throne room isn’t a fun garden but more of a vampire lair. Each room has been overhauled, and there are different interactions with the actors, different choreographies and dance sequences, and an all-new look. “Even if you saw the show before, this will be a totally different experience,” Hinkle said. There is a guided path, but groups will split and have their own experiences. When the audience arrives, they are given a card suit that determines their journey, which includes escape rooms where attendees must solve puzzles to get a clue that allows them to leave. Theater Works is eager to unleash “Curiouser and Curiouser Too” because of the audience’s enthusiastic response to previous offerings. For many people, “Curiouser and Curiouser” was the first time leaving their home since the pandemic started. “There’s been so much joy that has come out of this production,” Hinkle said. “The ‘I never thought theater could be like this’ reaction has been amazing. People who aren’t theater people who experienced this realized that theater doesn’t have to be sitting in their seats being a passive observer. They can participate.” It is that enthusiasm that she hopes will draw new audiences — audiences who can experience something new and different. “It’s fun. It’s engaging. It is something that will expand your mind and expand your creativity,” Hinkle said. “You will never regret it. It will be the best thing that you have experienced in your life.” “Curiouser and Curiouser”

WHEN: June 3 to July 25, with three to

nine shows a day Fridays to Sundays WHERE: Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria COST: $46 INFO: theaterworks.org

Peoria Times

20 FEATURES

May 13, 2021

ANSWERS PAGE 22

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Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

RELIGION

For more religion visit peoriatimes.com Peoria Times.com

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Pastor Delph: Are people two-faced or true faced? CHURCH-COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Peoria Times Columnist

A minister told his congregation, “Next week, I plan to speak about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Chapter 17 in the gospel of Mark.” The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Almost every hand went up. The minister smiled and said, “Mark has only 16 chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying.” When God gives us His wisdom, it’s always for our good. What He calls sin, or “missing God’s mark,” is not meant to condemn us but to help us. Sin is hurtful not because it is forbidden; it is forbidden because it is hurtful. God’s wisdom, given to us, is true in the case of lying. God’s admonition in

the Ten Commandments is to be truthful. Why? Because lying and deception are the No. 1 causes of breakdowns in relationships. Relationship requires trust. Making commitments generates hope. Keeping commitments generates trust. In other words, lying destroys trust, and trust is the currency of all relationships. Trust connects you to that person or institution. Lying started back in the Garden of Eden. The serpent that tempted Eve in the garden was an expert at half-truths and deceit. He could make a mountain out of a molehill. He had more verbal twists and turns than a tornado. The liar can make a case where there was no case, just in case. Adam and Eve fell for the spin. Eat this fruit, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. In other words, you will be the judge of everything, the king and queen of the world, with all the privilege and none of the responsibility. Well, you know the story: Adam and Eve fell for the lie and started lying to themselves and each other. They pro-

duced what they fell for. When God came to find out what was going on, Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the snake, and the snake didn’t have a leg to stand on. Was God trying to stop Adam and Eve from having fun? No way! God was trying to save their relationship. God was trying to keep their trust intact. The result is that men and women have had strained relationships from that day forward. Adam and Eve’s blame shift was, in fact, a “shame shift.” They fell, they hid, they were ashamed, got angry and then got fearful. They overlooked the facts, and the end-justifies-the-means strategy of coping came into existence. They had to look perfect, be large and in charge. Their lying and fabrication suppressed the truth. Then authenticity and integrity are replaced by expedience. Expedience is doing whatever you need to do for yourself and the plan or justification you’re pushing to look good. The truth is, the worst thing about being deceived is you’re deceived. Where did all this start? A lie that cre-

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ated fear produced a lifestyle and culture wherein lying and half-truths are acceptable and expected. Everyone started hiding behind fig leaves. Think of it: Lies must be covered up, but the truth can be around naked. No wonder relationships are at an all-time low. No one believes anyone very much anymore. Oh, by the way, beware of half-truths. You may have gotten hold of the wrong half. A lie is the refuge of weakness. The courageous person is not afraid of the truth. Jesus was always truthful. His integrity intimidated the dishonest lawyers, politicians, religious leaders and business owners of that time. They reacted to His honesty. Honesty is a force. Honesty has the power to flush hidden quail out of the bush in a frenzy. It was like turning over a rock in the desert and watching all the scorpions, centipedes, black widows and bugs run for the cover of darkness again. When the light of the truth invades darkness and eventually will, it will be evident to all. Abraham

(24hrs in Advance) 623 340-8232 Pastor Phil Gustofson, Interim Pastor

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Peoria Times

22 RELIGION

May 13, 2021

PASTOR FROM PAGE 21

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Lincoln said, “No person has a good enough memory to make a successful liar.” Psalm 15:4 talks of a person who walked in integrity and told the truth even if it was to his hurt. Why can’t we be like this person? I’ll bet that person would have many strong relationships because he could be trusted to at least tell the truth. Such integrity would work for him, not against him, in the eyes of God and other people. It’s OK to be wrong and admit it. After all, the wonderful thing about being wrong is the joy that it brings to others. If we can be honest for a moment, I think most would admit it’s better to be true-faced than two-faced. We have lost honesty is the best policy. Here is an

additional benefit of telling the truth. If you tell the truth the first time, you will never have to remember what you said. And with my memory these days, that’s a bonus. Ed Delph is Phoenix native who lives in the North Valley. Since 1980, he has pastored three churches in the Valley. He is a noted author of 10 books, weekly columnist in several local and worldwide newspapers, teacher, business owner and speaker. He has been to or ministered in over 100 countries. He is president of a worldwide ministry, NationStrategy. To learn more about Pastor Ed Delph, the Church-Community Connection and NationStrategy, e-mail nationstrategy@cs.com, visit nationstrategy.com or call 623-376-6757.

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May 13, 2021

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Peoria Times

24 YOUTH

May 13, 2021

For more youth visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com

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Liberty senior becomes second Flinn Scholar recipient

get. It’s a huge burden off our shoulders and Peoria Times Staff Writer it’s a relief, and I’m so For the second time, Liberty High grateful for that,” she School is celebrating a Flinn Scholar. said. Sylvia Lopez is one of the 20 ArizoAnne Lassen, Flinn na seniors who has been awarded the Scholars program diFlinn Scholarship and will receive a rector and vice presifull ride to one of the state’s public unident, said the financial versities. flexibility is a huge “I am in awe. I am so grateful,” she reason students apply said. “Of course, I’m grateful for all for the scholarship. To the resources and funds that I’ll be able continue to make an to get from this, but I’m so honored to impact at their chosen be a part of such a magnificent group university, Lassen said of people. The more that I get to know it’s important that the them, the more that I feel honored just students have the time to be a part of that.” to commit to clubs and In the fall, Lopez will attend ASU to internships as opposed study industrial engineering with a mito having to work full nor in human systems engineering. or part time. “There are so many things I’m super “We want the students excited about,” she said. to be able to continue “I’m looking forward to all of the to devote their time to resources at ASU that are going to be service and leadership open for me. I’m also really excited at the college level, to just be around individuals with the so we are looking for same mindset as me, the same sort of these students to not goal-oriented and engineering probhave to work or worry lem-solving mindset. I’m really excit- In the fall, Liberty High School senior Sylvia Lopez will about the financial side ed to be around people with those same attend ASU to study industrial engineering with a mi- of college and really nor in human systems engineering. (Photo courtesy of values and just really get to learn from the Flinn Foundation) just devote their time them and grow from being around to getting involved in them.” research, getting inThe merit-based scholarship covers a huge financial weight off her family volved in clubs and organizations,” tuition, the full cost of mandatory fees, and that it will allow her to participate Lassen said. “We hope that the finanhousing, meals, study abroad and many in clubs, as she no longer has to find cial stress that often comes with colother exclusive opportunities the uni- a part-time job to help pay for tuition. lege is alleviated for the students and “I was really worried about racking they can just focus on their academics versities have to offer. The scholarship up student debt. That situation just gets and really getting the most out of their is valued at more than $120,000. Lopez said the scholarship has taken scarier and scarier the closer that you college experience.” Lopez said she plans to do just that and continue her involvement in clubs and research programs. Graduating from Liberty High School with a 4.0 grade-point average, Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 Lopez was also involved in extracuror christina@timespublications.com ricular activities that helped her application stand out. BY LAUREN SERRATO

She served as secretary of the National Honor Society, president of Liberty’s Christian Club, a member of a community service-based program called the Key Club, and Club Unified that served as a partnership between students with and without disabilities. Despite her commitment to her academics and her involvement on campus, Lopez admits she had to work much harder once the pandemic forced students into online learning, as staying motivated became an everyday challenge. “I quickly learned from this online platform that motivation is great but it runs out and discipline is what will move you forward,” Lopez said. “I found that discipline, sticking to the times for my classes even though I didn’t have to sometimes, and making sure I carved out time to do my homework, and I still got up every day at 6 a.m. even though I didn’t have to. “Just keeping that discipline and sticking to that routine was something that I learned from doing classes online this year.” As Lopez and the rest of the class of 2021 approach their last few weeks of their high school education, Lassen wishes them all the best and has high hopes for their futures. “Congratulations, and I know it’s been such a tough year. This group of graduating seniors pretty much had most of their year online,” Lassen said. “I’m really hopeful for them that the year ahead can be a new beginning. We are proud of you, and welcome to the community. I hope that they take full advantage of all of the opportunities both at the university and the scholars program community that are here to support them in achieving their greatest potential.” To learn more about the Flinn Scholar Program or to see a list of all the 2021 recipients, visit flinn.org.

Peoria Times

May 13, 2021

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NOTICE OF BID NOTICE FOR BID *** MATERIALS MANAGEMENT 9875 N. 85th Ave., 2nd Floor Peoria, Arizona 85345 Phone: (623) 773-7115 Fax: (623) 773-7118 BID NOTIFICATION INFORMATION SOLICITATION NUMBER: P21-0066 TYPE OF SOLICITATION: (RFP) Request for Proposal BUYER NAME: Drew Ashmun BUYER PHONE NUMBER: (623) 7737116 DESCRIPTION: Sponsorship Sales Agency PRE-BID MEETING DATE: May 17, 2021 at 10:00 AM AZ Time. SOLICITATION DUE DATE: June 2, 2021 at 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) Solicitation is available for download from our website at: www.peoriaaz.gov Published: Peoria Times, May 6, 13, 2021 / 38171

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SUMMONS SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA IN MARICOPA COUNTY ORDER Case No. FN2020-71202 REGINA F HURD, Name of Petitioner/Party A JOE W HURD, Name of Respondent/Party B When you submit a motion [a request] to the Court, you may submit your own proposed version of the Order you want the Judge to sign. IF this motion is a stipulation [an agreement or joint request] presented by two or more parties, you MUST submit your own proposed version of the Order. [Maricopa County Local Rule 3.2 (i)(1)]. The Judge will make a decision on your request and may sign the page that you submitted, or more likely will direct the Clerk to make a "minute entry" recording the decision. A "minute entry" is a note in the records of the Court's proceedings. The minute entry will be printed, reviewed, approved and signed by the Judge, and sent to all parties. If you have prepared your own proposed Order, you must include a copy of the Motion/Request and Order and a stamped envelope addressed to each party who has "entered an appearance" in the case. This means named parties or anyone that has filed papers in the case. [Maricopa County Local Rule 3.2 (i)(1)]. IT IS ORDERED THAT: PETITIONER MAY SERVE RESPONDENT BY ALTERNATIVE SERVICE BY PUBLICATION But must also serve b y mail with tracking or by certified mail to both his last known address and his address in Oklahoma care of Wedon Hurd. DONE IN OPEN COURT 4-132020 /s/ Stasy Click Hon. Stasy Click ------- -------- --------IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF MARICOPA SUMMONS Case No. FN2020-071202 In re the Marriage of: REGINA F. HURD, Petitioner, and JOE W. HURD, Respondent. THE STATE OF ARIZONA TO: RESPONDENT, JOE W. HURD YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to appear and defend, within the time applicable, in this action in this Court. If served within Arizona, you shall appear and defend within 20 days after the service of the Summons and Petition upon you, exclusive of the day of service. If served out of the State of Arizona--whether by direct service, by registered or certified mail, or by publication-"you shall appear and1 defend within 30 days after the service of the Summons and Petition upon you is complete, exclusive of the day of service. Service by registered or certified mail without the State of Arizona is complete 3 0 days after the date of :filing the receipt and affidavit of service with the Court. Service by publication is complete 30 days after the date of first publication. Direct service is complete when made. Rule 41, Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure; AR.S. Sections 25-311 to 25-381.22. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that in case of your failure to appear and defend within the time applicable, judgment by default may be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. ADA Notification: Requests for reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities must be made to the court by parties at least three (3) working days in advance of a scheduled court proceeding. Interpreter Notification: Requests for an interpreter for persons with limited English Proficiency must be made to the office of the judge or commissioner assigned to the case by parties at least ten (10) judicial days in advance of a scheduled court proceeding. YOU ARE CAUTIONED that in order to appear and defend, you must file a proper response in writing with the Clerk of this Court, accompanied by the necessary filing fee; within the time required. You are required to serve a copy of any response upon your Petitioner's attorney. Rules 28, 43, Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure; A.R.S. Section 12-311 The name and address of Petitioner is: Regina F. Hurd 6960 W. Peoria Avenue Lot 5 Peoria, AZ 85345 SIGNED AND SEALED TIIlS DATE: Seal: Clerk of the Superior Court J. Ortiz Deputy Clerk Nov. 17, 2020 Published: Peoria Times, May 6, 13, 20, 28, 2021 / 38035

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