Queen Creek Tribune 071722

Back to school special / P. 17

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Pinal scrambles to fix QC ballot error 4 file for QC school board race. p. 10

NEWS..................... 6 House panel on teen mental health starts work.

COMMUNITY...... 20 EV man taking cornhole to a new level.

BUSINESS............ 21 QC High grad develops a jewel of a business.

BACK TO SCHOOL...............17 COMMUNITY.........................20 BUSINESS...............................21 SPORTS....................................22 GET OUT..................................23 CLASSIFIEDS.........................25

Sunday, July 17, 2022

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

P

inal County election officials are taking responsibility for an error on early ballots that had already gone out into the mail to an unspecified number

QC school board approves $129M budget

of Queen Creek and other municipalities’ voters.

On July 12, Pinal County Elections Director David Frisk addressed a special session of the county Board of Supervisors and said that due to “human error,” ballots were produced and mailed to voters within seven municipalities without the appropriate local races and measures, including parts of Queen Creek located within Pinal

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

Q

ueen Creek Unified School District, buoyed by a boost in state education funding, now has more money for the new school year.

On July 12, the Governing Board approved a $129 million budget – a 5.5% increase over its original spending plan – as a result of the Legislature’s last-minute boost to education funding.

“We know we are a hyper-growing district, and our growth continues to occur as students

see

BUDGET page 3

Getting started

see BALLOT page 4

Crismon High School football head coach Corbin Smith, flanked by freshmen Jehtt Reidhead, left, and Keith Price, are preparing for the new Crismon High School’s first football season.

There won’t be any varsity sports this year but Smith and the young Rattlers will be using this year to lay a foundation for future varsity fame. For the story, see page 22. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photographer)

Central Arizona College www.centralaz.edu

County.

“It’s my mistake,” Frisk said. “I and my staff are prepared to do whatever we need to do to help.”

Pinal County has approximately 6,950 active voters registered within Queen Creek town limits, according to voter registration statistics as of April 8.

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

BUDGET from page 1

and families choose Queen Creek Unified,” Chief Operating Officer Amber Stouard said.

She said the district tracks its growth “every single day” with a third-party demographer and anticipates an 800-student enrollment increase this year.

“We’re right at that number so we’re excited to be able to know that this budget capacity is realistic, and these kids are going to be showing up,” she said.

Base level per-pupil funding increased by $384.62 to $4,775 per student, she said.

Overall, the district saw a 13.5% increase from last year to more than $101 million in their Operations & Maintenance budget, which funds most day-too-day activities and most salaries.

Capital funding saw a 23.4% increase to more than $10.2 million from $8.3 million last year.

Federal projects funding only saw a 1.2% increase to more than $18.7 million.

Stouard said the district worked closely with lobbyists to inform the Legislature about public education funding and what

was needed in schools.

“With those conversations, we were anticipating that additional funds might be available,” she said.

Stouard said they began working with a third-party salary study professional called JB Rewards to study the possibility of “raise packages” to keep the district competitive in attracting talent in what has becoming a highly competitive market for teachers, administrators and most other staff.

She said they’re hoping to bring results of that study within the next two months to get started on recommendations.

The average teacher salary as of 20192020 in Arizona is $50,782 which makes it number 46 out of 50 states, according to a report. According to this year’s budget, the average annual teacher salary for Queen Creek Unified currently sits at $57,443.

The district said it also anticipates a 3.6% decrease in the overall tax rate to $7.14 for this fiscal year, part of a threeyear slide from the 2020-21 school year.

“We have more people moving into Queen Creek and we’re sharing in those expenses,” she said. “But also, we continue to pay off our debt service with our

bonds.”

One of the crown jewels of this school year stands the opening of the brand new, 80-acre Crismon High School.

“We are on time,” Executive Director of Operations and Construction Jim Lamb said. “Everything we need is on site.”

Lamb presented an update to the board and said the campus will open “in two weeks” with the first day of classes for the district scheduled for July 27.

The site will open for grades 7-10 with more than 1,300 students as the initial student body.

Crismon will have 29 classrooms, eight science labs, six makerspaces, and a gym with three courts, locker rooms, weight room, band room and wrestling room.

The district also approved several items on its consent agenda, including an agreement between the district and City of Mesa for one school resource officer at Eastmark High School.

A separate item approved the possibility of such a position at Crismon High School when staffing becomes available with Queen Creek Police Department.

Mesa Police Department currently has

3

school resource officers assigned to 16 schools across schools in Mesa.

Queen Creek High School currently has an SRO staffed by an officer from QCPD, a district spokeswoman said.

The agreement stated the district reimburse the city “in the amount not to exceed the SRO’s regular salary and benefits for up to 40 regular hours of work.”

Currently, the salary for a Mesa police officer starts at $62,418.72, according to the department’s website.

The agreement said the SRO will provide service Monday through Friday but officer’s hours will be determined at the discretion of the city.

The agreement also said the district and the city will establish by separate agreement the rate to be paid for the services of the assigned SRO on Fridays.

The agreement also requires the SRO provide at least 140 hours of Law Related Education to students as a preventative education approach.

The state budget allocated $50 million in ongoing funding for school safety and supporting school resource officer salaries.

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NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

BALLOT from page 1 An edition of the East Valley Tribune Queen Creek Tribune is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Queen Creek CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 480-898-6500 | Fax: 480-898-562 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@TimesLocalMedia.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@TimesLocalMedia.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 sinsalaco@TimesLocalMedia.com Advertising Sales Executive: Jane Meyer | 480-898-5633 | jane@TimesLocalMedia.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 pmaryniak@TimesLocalMedia.com Managing Editor: Cecilia Chan | 480-898-5613 |cchan@TimesLocalMedia.com Reporters: Josh Ortega | 480-898-5610 | jortega@TimesLocalMedia.com Ken Sain | 928-420-5341 | ksain@TimesLocalMedia.com Photographer: Dave Minton | dminton@TimesLocalMedia.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@TimesLocalMedia.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@TimesLocalMedia.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 customercare@TimesLocalMedia.com Sports Editor: Zach Alvira | 480-898-5630 | zalvira@TimesLocalMedia.com

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Pinal officials said residents of Queen Creek located in Maricopa County are not affected by this error.

Other municipalities affected include Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Eloy, Mammoth, City of Maricopa and Superior.

Frisk said the department needed to create 938 different ballot styles for 108 precincts in Pinal County.

The process begins with voter registration within the state voter registration system called AVID, and that information is used to create the ballots with a tabulation software. “[The software] did what we told it to do,” Frisk said. “It produced ballots on human input.”

Some of the ballots it produced for some areas did not have municipal races for city and town elections. Other ballots in unincorporated areas had municipal races they aren’t qualified to vote in.

While supervising the proofing process, Frisk said he missed the “crucial” step of ensuring that each ballot style produced had appropriate races on it.

He said “thorough proofing” would have prevented this error and they have that in place going forward with a task of six employees under him. An increase from the one employee Frisk had when he started his current role in March.

“Going forward, we have a thorough proofing process in place which we we’ve tested in preparation for however we decide to fix this,” he said.

Pinal County Attorney Kent Volkmer addressed some of the legal issues that the board would have typically discussed in executive session in front of the public.

“I want to commend this board and the decision to have this as a very public and transparent process,” he said.

Most of the issues raised pertained

to voters who vote strictly by mail and included notifying those who’ve already voted and left their home.

District 1 Supervisor Kevin Cavanaugh, who represents some of the southern parts of Queen Creek in Pinal County and brought up the issue of military ballots. Officials said they have approximately 55 voters registered as overseas.

Some residents raised concerns about the cost to the taxpayer and officials said the county doesn’t know what the cost will be but Volkmer said the county is possibly covered for this.

“This is a very specific issue and we’re not sure if our insurance covers that,” he said.

District 2 Supervisor Mike Goodman, who represents the eastern parts of Queen Creek in Pinal County, and said the county must tread carefully after the 2020 election.

“We’ve got to restore the confidence of the voter in the process,” he said.

After the dust from the meeting had settled, the board unanimously approved sending out supplemental municipal ballots to those on the early voting list.

Voters who had requested an early ballot in the affected cities and towns will now be sent a “Municipal Only” ballot, which they will need to complete and return if they wish to vote in their city or town election. The last day to request a ballot by mail is July 22.

Queen Creek Town Council Candidate Matt McWilliams said it’s “unfortunate” their situation happened but he’s positive it will sort itself out with voters knowing what to do.

“I’m optimistic that when people receive the updated ballot, they’ll know how to get their vote in,” he said.

Queen Creek Town Council candidate Travis Padilla said he’s knocked doors in the Ironwood Crossings and Encanterra neighborhoods, which both sit just inside Pinal County.

“It is urgent that Queen Creek voters in Pinal County are made aware that a supplemental ballot is required in order for their votes to count in the Queen Creek Town Council race,” he said.

He said the mix-up appears worse than it looks because residents in those neighborhoods said some have the correct ballots and some don’t.

“Whether you vote in-person or by mail, please ensure that you use the supplemental ballot to make your vote count for Queen Creek Town Council,” Padilla said.

Early voters should complete and return their original early voting ballot for federal, state, legislative, and county races if they wish to vote in these contests.

Municipal contests on the original ballots in the seven impacted cities and towns will be invalid and will not be counted, according to a press release.

If you live in unincorporated Pinal County and see a city or town contest on your ballot, you can complete Federal, State, Legislative and County contests on your ballot and return it as normal. The city/town contests on your ballot will be invalid and not be counted if voted.

On the August 2 Election Day, there will be in-person voting at polling sites for municipal contests in the seven impacted cities and towns and a separate ballot for Federal, State, Legislative, and County contests.

Officials said they will prepare for any situation that may arise including the possibility of recounts for close races. The next board meeting convenes on August 3, the day after the election.

“This will be unlike any election we’ve ever done before,” Volkmer said.

For more information and to see if you’re affected, see pinalcountyaz. gov/vote.

Know anything interesting going on in Queen Creek?

Send your news to pmaryniak@timespublications.com

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

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NEWS

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

House panel on teen mental health maps work

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Tribune Executive Editor

A

special state House committee on teen mental health in Arizona held its first meeting June 12 with one of the panel’s two co-chairs warning people not to expect any overnight fix.

And with that warning by Gilbert state Rep. Travis Grantham, panel co-chair and Goodyear Rep. Joanne Osborne asked the participants to form three or four working groups and come back with specific proposals by September that can be studied and debated through the fall and presented to House Speaker Rusty Bowers before the end of the year.

Reacting to a spate of suicides that claimed the lives of at least eight Valley teens between mid-March and mid-May, Bowers, R-Mesa, created the panel of mental health experts to prepare potential solutions and recommendations to public and private agencies that address teen mental health issues and improving access to mental health care.

Various expects on June 12 pointed out a variety of data illustrating that more teens – as well as adults – are struggling with anxiety and other mental and emotional issues that only intensified and engulfed more kids during the pandemic.

Some experts also noted that access to care is difficult, often because of cost.

Despite the steady increase in drug

Rep. Joanne Osborne, R-Goodyear, said she wants the House Committee on Teen Mental Health to come up with actionable recommendations by December. (Arizona Legislature video)

Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, warned committee members and others at a hearing last week to not expect much from the panel’s work. (Arizona Legislature video)

overdose deaths among Arizona kids 17 and under, there were some encouraging signs in 2020, said Sheila Sjolander, assistant director of public health services for the state Department of Health Services.

Although data for 2021 won’t be available until November, she said deaths and nonfatal overdoses in that age group declined slightly in 2020, giving what Sjolander called “a glimmer of hope.”

Grantham warned the panel and people in the audience against unrealistic hopes for the committee’s work.

“There was an understanding that while mental health can be ad-

dressed and can be changed and for the better,” he said, “it’s like steering a ship: you turn the wheel and over time, the ship slowly starts to move, hopefully, in the right direction. It’s not an overnight fix.”

He said that in relation to teen mental health, the Legislature first wanted to address funding for school resource officers “because if somebody at school is going to have something in their backpacks or do something bad because they’re suicidal or because they have a mental health issue, we at least want every single request for an SRO at a school to be filled before addressing the next step, which was additional counsel-

ors and all those mental health programs and things that are important.

“But we’ve gotten to a point where even if we threw $10 million at counselors, it wouldn’t change these problems,” Grantham continued, noting that increased funding for SROs was prioritized “to try to at least stop one of these issues from occurring in the first place and then address the mental health as well. “ On a more general note, Grantham said that after six years in the Legislature, he’s learned that government moves much slowed than the private business sector.

“We all come down here as legislators thinking we can like just enact or do something and change the trajectory of whatever the issue is,” he said. “It could be taxes. It could be mental health. I’m a business guy too. And government, unfortunately a lot of times, doesn’t work like business.”

He told the group that it may want to consider what it actually can do, admitting “this will be a frustrating exercise.”

“And that’s hard,” he said. “That’s a really hard thing to come up with.

Everybody who’s in these working groups …needs to really focus in on what can government actually do to fix this problem? Can I do anything?

Where can we focus our energy that way because the battle next year if we address this will be to get here in

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MENTAL HEALTH from page 6

January and get at least 31 people in this room, in this chamber to agree to whatever is being proposed. And then 16 across the way and then a governor to sign it into law.”

He noted that many agencies “will say ‘we can do that, just give us more money.’

“Well the problem is there’s not enough money for us to give to answer all those questions every year because every agency and every level of government – their asks never go down.”

He added, “I wish there was more God in our schools and our families and our federal moral structure in our country. A lot of these problems would be solved. We have a decay occurring that you can’t fix here.

But what you can do is at least try to empower the families, give them more of their own resources back to address this internally and encourage them to do it in education. Government can’t legislate morality. We

can’t make home life good for this body. All we can do is help create an environment that allows families to have a better home life.”

Osborne, who is running in the Aug. 2 Primary Election, expressed a determination to have the committee produce concrete results that can be addressed in the next Legislative session as well as by the new state administraSuicide rates among female adolescents in Arizona have been trending upward while those among boys has been tion next year.

Stressing that “leg- heading down, according to the latest available state data, which does not cover 2021. (State Health Services Department) islation is only a piece of what we’re doing,” Osborne said flect the state of teen mental health a binder at the end of the day. We want the panel also can address some of could be shared with school districts, to have something that’s pertinent the gaps that experts and advocates churches and nonprofits. now – within the next six months.” noted – including access to mental “We also have only a short window of What those working groups come health care and treatment. time,” Osborne said. “This isn’t some- up with won’t be clear until the comShe suggested that some data be- thing we want to see (drag) in the next mittee meets in full sometime in Seping generated by agencies that re- year, planning to death and having just tember.

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National suicide prevention hotline revs up

BY ALEXANDRA CONFORTI Cronkite News

M

ental health emergencies in the United States have lacked the attention and support they require, resulting in increased suicide rates over past decades, particularly among teens, young adults and people of color.

Enter 988 – the federally mandated dialing code used to connect those in need to 24/7 suicide prevention services.

A call or text to the number links individuals with trained counselors who are part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.

The Federal Communications Commission requires phone providers to make 988 accessible by July 16.

The Lifeline network’s number (1-800273-8255) will remain in operation, but the idea is to provide an easy-to-remember and faster way to get help.

“The 988 lifeline … will help thousands of people overcome crisis situations every day, and it will serve as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live, you can reach a trained crisis counselor who could help,” Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said at a pre-rollout forum in May. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS, is responsible for launching 988 in the state. An advisory committee has been assembled to guide implementation and ensure the new system meets the needs of Arizonans.

Last year, the state received a $135,000 award for planning; an additional $1.9 million grant will help the state recruit, hire and train additional 988 counselors.

One goal of the new hotline is to reduce interactions between those experiencing a mental health crisis and police, who often are dispatched to handle such situations.

A study this year by the Vera Institute of Justice examined 911 calls in nine U.S. cities, including Tucson, and found about 19% involved behavioral health situations.

If trained properly, 911 dispatchers could transfer crisis calls to 988. Callers then would be connected to counselors who can provide support and resources,

such as access to mobile mental health crisis teams, outpatient follow-up care, therapeutic interventions and more.

“Mental health professionals are there from beginning to end,” said Benjamin Miller, president of Well Being Trust, a national foundation working to advance the mental, social and spiritual health of individuals.

“That’s a totally different process than what happens when you call 911.”

Research shows that people with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter.

“Ideally, the person answering the phone (via 988) is trained to handle mental health crises,” Miller said.

“They know what to say to de-escalate, they know what to say to calm and what to say to help the individual figure out what their next steps might be.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which covers the nation with a network of more than 200 crisis centers, has received over 20 million calls since 2005.

In 2020, the last year for which data are available, almost 43,000 of the 2.4 million calls were from people in Arizona. Calls to Lifeline from the state have increased 86% since 2016.

Federal officials predict that 988 could receive up to 7.6 million calls in the first year – requiring $560 million in funding to expand local and state call centers and increase training.

So far, 21 states have enacted legislation related to 988, with several appropriating tax dollars or adding telecommunications fees to pay for services, according to the nonpartisan National Academy for State Health Policy.

There has been no proposed telecom fee in Arizona, however, and no increase in state funding to support the 988 hotline, according to AHCCCS spokeswoman Heidi Capriotti, who said the agency will further develop financial sustainability plans as 988 evolves.

Experts say more states need to take action to secure funding for years to come.

“If we want 988 to live up to its potential, it needs to be properly funded in every

In this 2017 file photo, Elisa Bertram, grandparent of a student at Queen Creek High School, showed solidarity after five students died by suicide. A new 988 mental health hotline goes live July 16, providing an easy-to-remember and faster way to get help during a crisis. (Miles Metke/Cronkite News) state,” said Molly Candon, a health economist at the University of Pennsylvania.

In 2020, Arizona spent about $158 million on crisis services, including 911, through a combination of federal funds and money from the state general fund.

In addition to the new 988 line, 23 other crisis lines operating in the state will be consolidated into a single statewide 800

number by October.

Beyond funding, some advocates question whether states have enough resources and counselors in place to support 988.

One concern is a lack of mental health specialists trained to work with people of different races and ethnicities, or with LBGTQ people.

“Cultural competency is a core part of the 988 legislation,” Candon said. “Having a shared, lived experience with counselors can be incredibly powerful.”

More than a helpline, 988 is an opportunity to rethink approaches to mental health, substance use disorders and suicide prevention, Candon said, including expanding the reach of mobile crisis response teams or opening urgent care facilities that specialize in behavioral health.

“My hope is that 988 will help improve the crisis continuum at large,” she said.

“My fear is that we won’t prioritize the funding to do this.”

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

4 to vie for 2 QC school board seats

BY SCOTT SHUMACHER Tribune Staff Writer

T

wo potential candidates have dropped out, but two challengers and two incumbents remain in the hunt for two seats on the five-member Queen Creek Unified Governing Board election Nov. 8 after the time for filing ballot petitions expired last week.

Kim Hoffman and Sean Bohart both said they have withdrawn from the race.

That leaves Ken Brague and Samantha Davis fighting to retain their seats with challenges from political newcomers Mark Powell and James Knox.

“Queen Creek is not the sleepy little town I remember from the past, but it is an incredible place, my family is grateful to call home,” Knox said.

Knox has family roots in Arizona and briefly lived here after high

school. He returned to Queen Creek in 2019 with some political experience under his belt as a Montana Legislator.

He has some local political experience as well, including working as a precinct committeeman for the state Legislative District 15.

He said his primary concerns for running for school board come from how much money is spent on the “system/administration,” and not directed to the classroom.

“As a taxpayer and a parent, I think we need to ensure our money is well spent and the public option is one a parent wants to choose,” Knox said.

Knox has a background in information technology and owned his own company for 10 years before moving into the corporate world, according to his campaign website.

He has three kids: one daughter, 35, and two boys currently in home-

school. He said his daughter attended public school in Tempe, and his two boys have homeschooled their entire life.

Powell said he sees a problem with transparency within the district, especially when it comes to spending.

He said he decided to run for school board after spending a lot of time volunteering and getting to know the district faculty outside of school.

“Being able to have these candid conversations have opened my eyes to the pain-points that most parents do not see,” he said.

He said he moved to Mesa in 1993 when he was young and graduated from Red Mountain High School.

He’s lived in the Queen Creek Unified School District since 2007 and has two children who attend school in the district.

He said his biggest concern is looking into more transparency with the

district’s budget to ensure past bond funds were spent as promised.

Besides that, he said the district also needs to look into proactive plans to anticipate future issues such as over-crowding, something he would make a priority if elected.

“Our schools are growing faster than anticipated and an actionable plan needs to anticipate challenges before they happen,” he said.

Incumbent Davis has witnessed this growth firsthand after spending four years on the governing board and said she feels compelled to stay actively involved.

“I believe that as parents it’s our responsibility to stay informed and get involved in our kid’s education,” she said. “I believe that every decision the district makes should be with the student’s best interest in mind.

see SCHOOL BOARD page 13

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NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

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Gateway airport wins federal infrastructure grant

BY SCOTT SHUMACHER Tribune Staff Writer

T

he Federal Aviation Administration has awarded Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport $14.4 million to replace one of its three terminal buildings with a more functional five-gate facility.

Gateway was one of 600 airports that applied for terminal modernization funds contained in the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure deal.

The law allocates $1 billion per year for five years for terminal work specifically. Including all types of improvement projects, airports are slated to receive $25 billion from the law.

Only 90 of the airports, or 15%, that applied for the competitive grants this year received funding; Gateway was the only award recipient in Arizona.

The money will be used to build a terminal for Gates 1 through 5 that is roomier, more energy efficient and accessible for individuals with access and mobility needs.

The new building will replace a temporary structure first installed when the airport was undergoing rapid growth in commercial traffic after Allegiant Air started serving the airport, currently housing Gates 1 through 4 of the airport’s nine gates.

Ryan Smith, Gateway director of communications and government relations, said that one of the limitations of the existing building is crowding when multiple gates are in use.

“During COVID, we kind of learned the hard way … (that) we really only had space to operate two gates at a time,” he said.

The new terminal, he said, will be able to operate all five gates simultaneously.

“When it’s all said and done, it’ll be a great experience for our passengers,” he said.

The airport has been eyeing this upgrade for a long time and already had designs, but the funding was lacking.

Airport officials saw an opportunity in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and while congressional negotiations were

underway on the bill last year, Smith said the airport reached out to Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema.

Sinema held a strong hand as a swing vote in a U.S. Senate with a razor-thin majority, and while Smith and O’Neill said the entire Arizona congressional delegation helped with the project, both men singled out Sinema for praise.

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, whose district includes Mesa, sent a letter of support for the project to the U.S. Department of Transportation in March.

Airport officials had been waiting anxiously to see if their $20 million application to support the $28 million terminal addition would succeed.

Though Gateway didn’t get the full amount it requested, Smith said the airport is moving forward on the project immediately.

At its July 19 board of directors meeting, Smith said airport staff will request funds for a large, tent-like “sprung structure” to house gate operations while the new terminal is under construction.

Smith said the construction timeline is 12 to 18 months for completion. The airport’s shops and restaurants will not be affected by the project.

The upgrade may benefit the airport in its quest to grow its passenger traffic and add commercial carriers.

“We’re going to go out and sell this (upgrade),” Smith said. “We’ve got capacity and brand new terminals. … It’s certainly a great tool in our chest as we go out and talk to airlines.”

Smith said the terminal replacement project “represents the last major expansion construction project on the west side” of the airport.

Gateway’s long-range planning, decades away, calls for a larger-scale terminal costing $500 to $800 million would be situated on the east side of the airport, the opposite side of the current terminal.

If and when that happens, the five-gate terminal the airport plans to start building this year would revert to a new use, possibly general aviation, O’Neill told the board.

NEWS

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

James Knox

SCHOOL BOARD from page 10

The Arizona native said her father, a retired educator, instilled in her the importance of education and how it can help other educators.

She has worked as a substitute teacher since her son started kinder-

13

Mark Powell

Samantha Davis

Ken Brague

garten and said she knows the impact teachers have on their kids with their own time, money and effort.

Her biggest concern comes from the challenge of hyper-growth the district has faced in recent years and how that requires more classroom space, teachers and the facilities.

She said she would feel honored to continue her work and serve the district because she said she believes every decision the district makes should be in the best interest of the students.

“My biggest priority always has been and always will be to put students first,” she said. “I believe that

they need us to advocate for them and do what is in their best interest.”

Current board President Brague has served on the school board since 2009 and has spent the last 13 years serving the district. He did not return a Tribune request for comment on his candidacy.

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

5 candidates file for Chandler Unified board

BY KEN SAIN Managing Editor

F

ive candidates have filed for the Nov. 8 ballot for the two available seats on the Chandler Unified School District Governing Board.

Candidates had until July 11 to file their nominating petitions with at least 400 valid signatures of registered voters to qualify. Incumbent Lara Bruner, and challengers Marilou Estes, Charlotte Golla, Kurt Rohrs and Patti Serrani all turned in more than enough signatures to qualify.

However, there is a 10-day challenge period before any candidate is officially on the ballot. Current board member Lindsay Love is not seeking reelection.

Four candidates filed statements of interest but did not submit petitions.

They are Nicole Eidson, Michael Flores, Crystal Markowsky and Matt Young.

Eidson, Flores and Markowsky all said they did not file because they

did not want to split the vote with like-minded candidates, clearing a path for those with opposing views from getting elected. Young said he had to deal with some issues that prevented him from campaigning in earnest this year, but he intends to run again later.

Here’s an early look at the five candidates running for the two seats: Lara Bruner: She has served on the governing board for four years. Bruner was the only member of the board to vote against approving Frank Narducci as the new superintendent, saying she voted against because she did not like the process the district followed in hiring him. She said it should have been more open and involved the community more.

She said she is concerned about providing students with all types of opportunities, including academic, artistic, athletic and social and emotion growth of the whole child. She

said that’s how schools can provide well-rounded adults in the future.

Marilou Estes: The retired Chandler teacher spent 21 years in the District, working at Galveston, Bologna and Basha elementary schools. Her stepchildren attended CUSD schools.

Estes said she remains informed on the top issues of the day and does not like the polarized environment. She said she can offer a much-needed professional educator’s perspective to the board if she is elected.

Charlotte Golla: The mother of four CUSD students says expanding Problem Based Learning will be the major issue of her campaign.

“I will work tirelessly to ensure all students are provided an education that teaches them to think, teaches healthy habits of mind, and prepares them to enter the world,” she wrote in an email.

She worked as a regional sales manager for Benefits Concept until 2014.

She left after the birth of her 3rd child.

Kurt Rohrs: The financial advisor has been active in Chandler schools, serving on the District’s budget committee and working as a substitute teacher. He is a regular speaker at the board’s meetings.

He wrote in his email that his top issue will be making academic fundamentals the primary focus of the District’s curriculum. He said reading and math achievement must improve for all students.

Patti Serrano: A Hamilton High graduate, has worked in education research after earning a bachelor of science degree from Arizona State University. She worked at ASU on education and child health.

Serrano says that she will listen to the key stakeholders, starting with students, to develop well-rounded graduates. She said she wants to work on addressing all their needs, from academics and social to mental health.

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

Sex offender notification

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

O

n July 12, Queen Creek Police Department released a sex offender notification about Daniel Lee Compton.

Compton, 59, resides at 23004 E. Desert Spoon Drive in Queen Creek.

In 1993, he was convicted in the State of California on three counts of molesting multiple children under the age of 12.

In 1999, he was convicted on one

count of failure to register as a sex offender, two counts of molesting a child, and 14 counts of indecent exposure.

“State law requires every time a sex offender moves from one residence to another, they have to register with the town/city they’re living in,” a police spokeswoman said in an email.

Compton is 6-foot-2, 255 pounds with no discernible scars, tattoos or piercings and has been classified a Level 3 risk to the community, ac-

cording to the notification.

The address in the notification is located less than 1,000 feet east from the Meridian Park with Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary School located west of the park.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety records, 15 registered sex offenders reside at addresses in or near Queen Creek.

The notification also said that he’s required to update his driver’s license or identification card and must update information about his

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Daniel Lee Compton job, car and phone.

State law limits the validity of its driver licenses and identification cards issued to registered offenders to one year from the date of issuance.

Registered offenders are required to show proof of a current address upon application for renewal of a license or identification card and must also have an updated photo taken every year at Motor Vehicle Department.

On June 1, 1996, Arizona adopted its version of “Megan’s Law” by enacting the Sex Offender Community Notification statutes.

But records indicate that Arizona has had laws regarding sex offender registration as early as 1939, according to DPS. Successful community notification is dependent upon three factors: communication, education, and a zero-tolerance approach to harassment or vigilantism, DPS’ website states.

Know anything interesting going on in Queen Creek?

Send your news to pmaryniak@timespublications.com

BACK TO SCHOOL

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

17

Back to School EVIT expands its Power Road campus

BY CECE TODD East Valley Institute of Technology

T

he 2022-23 school year at the East Valley Institute of Technology will include expanded programs at the Power Campus, renovations at the Main Campus and reorganization as EVIT prepares to grow its adult programs, offer associate degrees and create more opportunities for youth in foster care.

In the spring, state lawmakers approved legislation that will allow Career Technical Education Districts (CTEDs) like EVIT to offer associate degrees. Gov. Doug Ducey also

signed a new state budget that includes $10 million for EVIT to construct a residence hall for foster youth on its Main Campus.

“EVIT’s foundation is rooted in seeking ways to support students and communities

that at times have been overlooked, underserved and under-supported,” said Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson.

For instance, he said, “Arizona has a qualified labor shortage and poor education at-

tainment levels. With CTEDs being able to offer associate degrees, adults will have another option for obtaining the training and

BY DR. PERRY BERRY Tribune Guest Writer

Queen Creek Unified Schools.

Our district is welcoming approximately 1,000 more students this school year compared to last year, with a total enrollment of over 13,700. It will no doubt be another year of growth and

change for our community and our students.

The start of school marks the opening of our third and final high school, Cris-

see EVIT page 18

QC Superintendent Berry welcomes students

A

s a district located in the third fastest-growing city in the country, this is an exciting time for

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QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

EVIT from page 17

education they need to be successful.”

Arizona also has a growing number of youth who are facing significant challenges as they transition out of foster care. EVIT offers a program that allows foster youth to enroll in EVIT career training while they work toward obtaining their GED. The residence hall that will be constructed will provide additional services and support.

“EVIT now has the opportunity to truly change their lives by giving them the structure and support they need to transition into a better future,” Wilson said.

EVIT will be laying the groundwork for associate degree and foster care initiatives this year by seeking approval from its accrediting body, the Council on Occupational Education, to offer associate degrees, reorganizing and hiring staff, and renovating the Main Campus.

Upon approval by COE, EVIT plans to offer its first associate degree in registered nursing in 2023-24. EVIT has also entered into a partnership with Heritage Academy to allow the charter school to open a high school on the Main Campus that will give preferential

EVIT’s medical assistant program is one of about a dozen health-care career programs offered by the East Valley Institute of Technology. (EVIT) placement to foster youth. The charter high school will open in 2023-24.

Meanwhile this school year, EVIT has expanded programs at the Power Campus, 6625 S. Power Road, to better meet the needs of the growing population in the southeast Valley.

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Facilities have been expanded for the veterinary, aviation and engineering programs and renovated and upgraded for cosmetology and health care programs.

The Power Campus also has three new programs this year – criminal justice, aesthetics and welding – that are also offered at

the Main Campus. “The expansion of these programs will allow students in the southeast Valley to attend EVIT closer to home,” Wilson said.

At the Main Campus, 1601 W. Main St., Mesa, EVIT offers over 40 career training programs for high school students and a dozen post-secondary programs for adults.

EVIT also provides programs at a branch campus at Apache Junction High School.

Over 5,000 high school students and adults are currently enrolled at the three campuses for the 2022-23 school year. High school students attend tuition-free; adults pay tuition with financial aid available in some programs for those who qualify.

Enrollment is still being accepted for 2022-23. Start the process at evit.com/enroll. For more information, visit evit.com.

CeCe Todd is the public information officer for the East Valley Institute of Technology.

BERRY from page 17

mon High. We’re welcoming new principals for Eastmark High, Queen Creek High, Newell Barney Junior High and Gateway Dr. Perry Berry Polytechnic Academy.

As we prepare for the future of QCUSD, we are planning for additional schools and resources that will be decided by voters this fall. All of these changes present new opportunities for our students and staff, and we’re looking forward to what they bring.

Last year, we added another A+ School of Excellence with Frances Brandon-Pickett Elementary (FBPE), and two Exemplary Principals with FBPE’s Brian Butson and Faith Mather Sossaman Elementary’s Sherry Towns.

We are an award-winning district because of great people like our principals, teachers, students and families.

As a team, we remain focused on student achievement first, and we are very proud to be one of the top performing districts in the state of Arizona.

From all of us at Queen Creek Unified, welcome back.

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

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COMMUNITY

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

Community QueenCreekTribune.com

|

@QCTribune

For more Community News visit QueenCreekTribune.com

@QCTribune

Cornhole business grows into new venue

It looks like a far cry from their time at Lemonade Days in Founders Park in Queen Creek in 2016 when they first

started putting on events.

Kisicki eventually had to find larger venues every year since then to accommodate the number of people wanting to compete in their tournaments.

For those who play in their tournaments, it’s more than just the skill of throwing bean bags into a hole on a wooden board.

He said the competitors that have followed him over the past six years tell him they enjoy the bond they form and coming together as a community.

“They feel like they’re part of something when they compete in these events,” he said.

Kisicki also serves as the national director for the American Cornhole League and said the Valley represents one of their biggest markets in the country.

“The surrounding areas have probably one of the biggest competitive bases in the country,” he said.

He hosts approximately 30 events throughout the year including competitive tournaments and fundraisers, and corpo-

After teaching for 18 years, owner Debbie Rochester felt she needed a change of pace and enhanced quality of life, so she moved to Arizona.

Having family and friends who have lived here, Debbie has always enjoyed this part of the country. Being a native of Illinois and living most recently in Georgia, she decided it was time to move to a place that had always felt like home.

Debbie’s adult sons left home to begin their life’s journeys; therefore, she felt it was a good time to relocate.

Debbie was introduced to Home Watch through a family member and after re-

searching Home Watch, she opened All Good Home Watch, which is a member of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce.

“Debbie has had a variety of pets through the years, including snakes and pet rats, too, so she’s not afraid of coming face-to-face with either of them,” a spokeswoman said. “Her clients can rest assured that Debbie will calmly call their pest control company and wouldn’t run screaming from their home.”

All Good Home Watch serves Queen Creek, Gilbert and San Tan Valley, as well as Encanterra, Johnson Ranch, and nearby communities.

BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer

I

t started as a backyard game and is becoming a full-blown business this fall in Gilbert for Todd Kisicki and his wife, Erin.

The couple opened KB Kornhole Games seven years ago and since then their business has taken off around the Valley.

Last weekend, they hosted their largest tournament of the year, the Arizona State Cornhole Championships at Bell Bank Park.

“It’s our largest event of the season,” he said. “It’s kind of our signature event.”

The tournament offered 15 different events with something for all skill levels and ages from 8-years-old to 80, and had an estimated 410 players over the weekend.

He said most of his monthly events have up to 300 players and this state-level event had drawn up to 400 in previous years.

Todd Kisicki owns KB Kornhole Games which operates one of the largest cornhole tournaments in the country, the Arizona State Cornhole Championships. (Courtesy of Todd Kisicki)

Queen Creek Home Watch gets certified

TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

A

ll Good Home Watch in Queen Creek has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association.

The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada Home Watch provides visual inspections of homes and property, looking for obvious issues and “keeping an eye on things” at a vacation or primary home while the owner is away.

rate events. That’s a decline from pre-pandemic numbers of 80 events per year.

He said finding the venue space to host these large events was one of the most difficult aspects for the business until now.

This fall, that problem now has a solution.

Them Kisickis will have a location right here in the East Valley that will provide enough space for all their future events.

The Hole 9 Yards will be located at 868 North Gilbert Road and will open this fall, he said.

The 20,000-square-foot facility will offer a variety of options including for private event bookings, leagues for all skill levels and open lane rentals.

It will also have a full kitchen and bar with signature food and drink menus, as well as a retail shop as well with cornhole equipment and accessories.

Like it says on their website: “You’ve never seen anything like it.”

Debbie Rochester

Information: 480-764-6337, debbie@ allgoodhomewatch.com, and allgoodhomewatch.com.

QUEEN CREEK TRIBUNE | QUEENCREEKTRIBUNE.COM | JULY 17, 2022

Business QueenCreekTribune.com

|

@QCTribune

BUSINESS

21

For more Business News visit QueenCreekTribune.com

@QCTribune

QC woman started jewelry business in school TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF

H

annah Cohrs wasn’t even out of high school when she became a small business owner.

And now that she’s planning to leave her Queen Creek family in a week or two to start the next chapter in her life – beginning a march toward becoming a veterinarian by majoring in biology at Wingate University in North Carolina – Hannah isn’t about to leave her online jewelry business, CraftedbyHannahCo., in the dust.

She started her business in September 2020, at the beginning of her junior year, as an etsy shop and then started her own web operation when she was about to enter her senior year.

A member of the Queen Creek High Class of 2022, she was inspired to start her avocation by one of her classes.

“I started playing around with polymer clay as a hobby after taking a ceramics class in high school just to release stress and have fun,” she explained. “I ended up loving it so much that I started making

my own earrings and showcasing them on social media.

“As more and more interest grew, I decided to start the business. Opening this shop, I wanted to help women feel confident and beautiful while still expressing their true personalities.”

Her various items – mainly earrings, hair clips, necklaces – are made from polymer clay, a modeling clay based on polymer polyvinyl chloride.

And though the clay hardens when baked and is flexible as well as durable, she said, “we do not suggest bending them as they are not impossible to break.”

Hannah chooses materials that are designed to give her products long life and not cause any irritation or any other health concerns. The earring posts and hair clips are made with hypoallergenic metal backings – or rubber or plastic if requested – so there is no nickel, lead or cadmium.

Her necklaces are made with tarnish resistant 18K gold chains.

Describing herself as a perfectionist,

Hannah Cohrs describes herself as a perfectionist when she makes her jewelry line items.

(Courtesy of Hannah Cohrs)

has come as a bit of a surprise.

“I thought I wouldn’t get any orders and others wouldn’t like what I had to give since it wasn’t 100% perfect,” she said.

“Now CraftedbyHannahCo. is continuing to increase the number of orders flowing in and our items can also be found at a hair salon in Michigan, Hair by the Shore.

Handmade items are Hannah Cohrs just graduated from Queen Creek High School and is heading to Wingate University in North Carolina to begin her not by any means perveterinary studies. The Queen Creek woman also has been a small fect but that’s one of business owner since 2020. (Special to the Tribune) the things that make them beautiful.” each item she makes is a labor lof love.

Though she faces some rigorous studA pair of dangle earrings takes about ies, Hannah intends to keep the business 45 minutes to make and detailed designs going but has brought her mother on can range from an hour to four hours per board to help. pair.

“CraftedbyHannahCo. will continue to “Our stud earrings typically take about stay open, with a two-three-week break 25-45 minutes total to create, depending while moving, through college,” she said. on detail,” she said, recounting how the “I will be restocking on my breaks and process includes conditioning the clay, my mom will be helping restock as well creating the design, baking, soaking, as fulfilling orders.” sanding & buffing, drilling for dangles, And she said she’s learned an importattaching and securing posts, and at- ant life lesson with her early venture taching the earrings to a card.” into the world of business.

For her inspiration, Hannah sees the “The biggest lesson I have learned so world as her oyster. “I draw my inspi- far in this business is to not discriminate ration for the items I make from many against any opportunity that presents itthings,” she said. “I mostly draw it from self,” she explained. nature and items I see around the house “Just because something isn’t in your such as shoes or designs on the wall.” wheelhouse does not mean that it is not While she has been mainly doing na- worth it to try out. We never know what tionwide mail and in-person orders to an opportunity could mean and bring to sell her wares, she said, “I am looking the business in the future.”

Information: craftedbyhannahco.com, into doing some farmer’s market/popup shops once I move to North Carolina.” hannah@craftedbyhannahco.com, and In some ways, success in her business instagram.com/craftedbyhannahco.

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Crismon football establishing traditions ahead of season

BY ZACH ALVIRA Tribune Sports Editor

O

ne by one the freshman and sophomores that make up Crismon High School’s first-ever football roster lined up in front of head coach Corbin Smith.

The Rattlers had just wrapped up a summer practice at Newell Barney Junior High School, which sits about two miles west of the Crismon campus that still remains under construction. Before each player went to take off their cleats and gather their belongings, they shook Smith’s hand.

It’s something that started after one of the Rattlers’ spring practices. It’s carried over to every practice ever since and is one of the many new traditions he plans to establish in Crismon’s first year.

“As it has gone on, everybody shakes hands when they go off,” Smith said. “Being a new school, we can establish those tradition and that is the first one. One of the things my dad always said was after every practice go into the locker room and check attitude and mental well-being.

“This is a way we do it. You can have a bad practice but at the end you shake hands. It does a lot for a player to know the coaches are behind them.”

Smith was tabbed as the school’s first-ever head football coach back in January. Athletic Director Barry Cromer went on to add several more coaches of Smith’s caliber, all of which have come from local schools and varying levels of experience.

Smith previously coached at McClintock and comes from a family that is dedicated to football. His father, Larry, was a head college coach for several years and made stops at Arizona, USC and Missouri, among others. Smith coached under his father at the collegiate level when his playing career ended.

He has now carried over some of the same philosophies he learned from his fa-

Crismon head football coach Cord Smith is beginning to establish traditions with Queen Creek’s newest prep team. One of the most notable is shaking every player’s hand after practices. To him, it shows them the coaches care about them. (Dave Minton/Tribune Staff) ther to Crismon, where he is able to truly put his own stamp on the program as he builds it from the ground up. He’s also taken what he has learned from Preston Jones, his ex-brother-in-law who built the Perry football program into a state title contender.

“I’ve taken a lot from what Preston did at Perry,” Smith said. “Not everything, but some of it. He did a lot of good things over there.”

Part of building a program starts with the traditions established.

Along with shaking each coach’s hands after every practice, Smith said the players will choose a teacher every week to wear their game jerseys throughout the school day. The program will also include four teachers in their pre-game meal.

Other ideas he has include singing the fight song before every game in the locker room and after with the band. Smith wants his players to be prideful for the program and school they represent on the football field. Especially with this roster, they have a special opportunity.

They can lay the foundation for Crismon to be a successful program. In 15 years, Smith said, he wants this group to be able to look back at what they built and be proud.

“This is the start of the program. It’s up to us to set the tone,” Reidhead said. “Being able to come back here like (Smith) said 15 years later is going to be amazing because we built it up. It’s going to be an awesome program to be a part of.”

Reidhead and fellow incoming freshman Keith Price have emerged as leaders of the program. Smith said they are always at summer workouts and have begun to lead at their respective positions.

As the team’s quarterback, Reidhead takes on a more advanced leadership role for Crismon. It’s a position he has played for several years now with various youth tackle football teams in the Queen Creek area.

Both he and Price saw an opportunity to help build a new football program when they decided to enroll at Crismon over other schools in the area. They also enjoy being a part of a class that isn’t very large to begin with. They want to be the ones to establish tradition at the school and a culture centered around winning.

“We start now and come back later, this will be a completely different school, a completely different program,” Price said.

“Just being able to get to know everyone and working hard every day with coach

Crismon freshmen Keith Price, “left,” and Jhett Reidhead have started to establish themselves as leaders of the new football program. They’re excited to have the opportunity to begin laying the foundation for the program. (Dave Minton/ Tribune Staff)

teaching us new stuff so we can be great, it’s been amazing.”

Crismon has had about 30 players show up to summer workouts. Smith said he expects about 20 more to join when school begins.

The Rattlers aim to field one team this season that will play an independent schedule that consists of some freshman and junior varsity games. Red Mountain’s freshman/sophomore team is on Crismon’s schedule as well as Gilbert Christian, Snowflake and Payson, among others.

The summer months have been grueling for the players who are becoming acclimated to a new program. But with the official start of fall practices just a week away, there’s even more excitement brewing. On July 25, Crismon will put on helmets for the first time. Just under a month later on Aug. 18, the school will officially play its first-ever football game.

It’s something Smith has been looking forward to since he was hired to build the program. His players are equally as excited.

“It’s going to be fun,” Smith said. “I’ve never coached the lower level so it’s going to be interesting. But it’s all fun. The schedule, coming up with different logos, it’s all really cool.”

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Tempe jazz series merges with Scottsdale venue TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

T

empe-based Lakeshore Music, which for 14 seasons a premier jazz-concert serie, has merged with Scottsdale-based Ravenscroft Hall.

The renamed Ravenscroft Jazz Series will begin its 2022-23 season Sept. 17 with a concert fronted by jazz drumming legend and Valley native Lewis Nash, according to Lakeshore President/founder Woody Wilson.

Wilson, a longtime civic leader and pioneer in the Valley’s jazz scene, has been named executive producer of the rebranded jazz series, Ravenscroft Director David Bauer said.

“Woody Wilson is a legend in the local jazz community, who has produced and promoted amazing concerts for many years,” Bauer

said. “We’re thrilled that he’ll be bringing that knowledge and experience to our inaugural season of the Ravenscroft Jazz Series.”

The Ravenscroft series will be presented monthly September through May at Ravenscroft Hall, 8445 E. Hartford Drive, just southeast of Loop 101/Princess Drive in the Scottsdale Perimeter Complex.

Ravenscroft Hall is an intimate 200-seat concert venue featuring a Meyer Constellation sound system and state-of-the-art video capability. It boasts an optimal listening experience and perfect viewing from any seat.

“After 14 years of running a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by myself, I’m delighted to hand that part over to the team at Ravenscroft,” Wilson said. “Being separate entities for the first year made sense. Nobody was certain

the move from the Tempe Center for the Arts would work to everyone’s satisfaction.

“But, this past season proved that the move to Scottsdale was not only successful in terms of audience development, but that our missions were compatible and everyone was committed to making it work.

Wilson anticipates considerable savings “by eliminating the duplication of effort that comes with two nonprofits in the same building doing the same mission.”

The Ravenscroft campus includes Jazzbird Lounge, where patrons may enjoy a beverage and light hors d’oeuvres. It has a small performing stage and tables for about 100.

Many of the Valley’s finest jazz artists are booked into Jazzbird each Friday evening in the free-of-charge Jazzbird Nights Series.

“For me, it has been a wonderful 14 years of presenting the finest jazz artists in the world,” Wilson said. “COVID-19 nearly killed us, but Bob and Gretchen Ravenscroft supported us through the hardest of times. And when Bob told me he was going to build our very own theater, I jumped at the chance.”

“It will be bittersweet to close down Lakeshore Music, but another door has opened for me and I’m walking through it,” Wilson said. “I couldn’t be happier with our prospects for the future. Our jazz concerts at Ravenscroft have brought the patrons of Lakeshore Music into an incredible new venue.”

Here’s a brief rundown on its upcoming season. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at Ra-

lyrics from the Estefans and the Miami Sound Machine and features songs like “Conga” and “1-2-3.” Yamotahari calls the couple’s music “anthems” that will encourage audience members to sing the lyrics with the cast.

“As a community of audience members, they all remember what it felt like to be at a concert, or in their car or in their house vacuuming their carpet and hearing a song,” he said. “So, they will hear it and sing out loud.”

Yamotahari said the music will be brought to life by a 13-piece band with Phoenix musicians who blend synth and Afro-Cuban sounds with music from South America and Central America.

“One thing that’s going to be really amazing is to hear a live band bring these into a full piece sound which is something that we don’t necessarily feel when we hear a recording of a song,” he said. “It’s something that you feel in a concert.”

“On Your Feet!” also captures the relationship between Gloria and Estefan. As scenes from their relationship unfold, the audience

will witness the pivotal role that the two played in each other’s lives.

“It’s a crazy, passionate and challenging relationship that they had,” Yamotahari said.

Emilio and Gloria’s relationship was fiery and passionate, which they parlayed into their careers. The pair worked with fervor as they tried to change “what pop music should be defined as.”

The actress who plays Gloria, Kassandra Haddock, said audience members will get a sense of community and family from the show.

“I don’t think Gloria would be who she was without Emilio, without her family and without the love of those people,” Haddock said.

Haddock said she appreciates the relationship between Gloria and Emilio. In the musical, Emilio encourages Gloria to keep going.

“It is the Emilio and Gloria Estefan show,” Haddock said. “Every moment with them is so funny, it’s so real and it’s so inspiring. Who doesn’t want that kind of love?”

see JAZZ page 24

Estefan musical brings audiences to their feet

BY ERYKA FORQUER GetOut Contributor

T

he ideal of the American dream is brought to life in scenes from “On Your Feet!” as Gloria Estefan works to make an impact on the music industry as a Cuban immigrant.

Phoenix Theatre Company Associate Producing Director Pasha Yamotahari said the musical celebrates immigrants’ influence on other cultures.

“Whether you’re living in Kentucky hearing this music or it’s jammed into your Walkman in the early ’90s on a cassette tape in New York City, music is music,” Yamotahari said. “Her music is that, in a way that makes us move, it makes us think, it makes us breathe and it makes us live.”

“On Your Feet” hits the Phoenix Theatre Company stage through Aug. 28.

It recounts Gloria and Emilio’s climb to stardom, detailing Gloria’s childhood in Miami and the tour bus crash that left her with

Kassandra Haddock plays Gloria Estefan in “On Your Feet,” a musical that celebrates her career.

(Special to GetOut)

a fractured spine.

Yamotahari said the musical will bring back memories of Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine.

“It’s going to be a great way to rekindle our love for the Miami Sound Machine and to revisit Gloria and Emilio’s life,” Yamotahari said.

The story is accompanied by music and

see MUSICAL page 24

24

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JAZZ from page 23

venscroft Hall. Tickets: 602-679-0590, lakeshoremusic.org, info@lakeshoremusic.org.

Lewis Nash and Friends, Sept. 17.

Nash, whose career spans more than four decades, has appeared on more than 500 recordings, 10 of which won Grammys. He is the only musician in jazz history featured on Grammy winners in both “Best Jazz Vocal” and “Best Jazz Instrumental” albums.

In 2017, Nash joined the Arizona State University faculty as the Bob and Gretchen Ravenscroft Professor of Practice in Jazz. The Lewis Nash Scholarship Endowment is awarded annually to a jazz-performance student.

• Alicia Olatuja, Oct. 22.

Alicia Olatuja burst onto the national scene in 2013 as the featured soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

While growing up in St. Louis, she was immersed in gospel, soul, jazz and classical music. She began appearing in gospel and jazz concerts. Composer/arranger/pianist Billy Childs brought her on to be part of “Map to the Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro” on a nationwide tour..

• Christian Jacob Trio, Nov. 19 Multi-Grammy nominated pianist/arranger Christian Jacob first gained widespread exposure as music director for Maynard Ferguson and later as co-leader of the Tierney Sutton Band. His extensive discography includes five critically acclaimed trio recordings and eight Grammy nominations.

In 2016, Jacob composed the original

MUSICAL from page 23

Haddock, who grew up singing in choirs, was introduced to musical theater in high school when she auditioned for her first musical role in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” Now at 29 years old, Haddock said playing the role of Gloria is terrifying as she prepares to step into “really, really big shoes.”

Haddock said she is inspired by Gloria’s “endless drive” and her pursuit of the American dream.

“She has dealt with so many hardships in her life,” she said. “From coming to America as an immigrant and then having to help raise her sister and care for her father, my question the whole time is how did you become a su-

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Columnist

Cornell prof gave us a BBQ sauce recipe for the ages

Jazz drummer Lewis Nash, a member of Arizona State University’s faculty, is the featured opener rebranded Ravenscroft Jazz Series in Scottsdale. (Special to the Tribune) score to director Clint Eastwood’s box-office smash Sully, along with Eastwood and Sutton, for a 70-piece orchestra.

Beth Lederman & Jazz Con Alma, Dec. 17.

A mainstay on keyboards on the Phoenix jazz scene for more than 30 years, Arizona native Lederman has developed an eclectic, sophisticated sound that features influence from bossa-nova to swing to pop music, all played with heartfelt integrity.

• Samara Joy, Jan. 21.

Samara Joy’s star seems to rise with each performance. Growing up in New York, her home was filled with the sounds of not only her father’s songs as well as the inspiration of many Gospel and R&B artists. Her father toured with gospel artist Andrae Crouch.

Her grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, led the Philadelphia-based gospel group The Savettes.

Joy studied jazz at SUNY Purchase, eventually named Ella Fitzgerald Scholar and winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. perstar? She didn’t have any trajectory.”

Yamotahari said the musical has all the ingredients for a memorable show.

“You have an orchestra concert,” he said.

“You have top-tier choreography and dancers, amazing vocalists and amazing actors all working together within a beautiful design of the show to create a memorable postcard for anyone that’s attending.”

“On Your Feet! The Story Of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”

WHEN: Various times through Aug. 28 WHERE: The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N. Central Ave., Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $44 INFO: Phoenixtheatre.com

I

t’s one of the most famous chicken recipes in America. So, one delicious way to celebrate summer bbq’ing is by popping a cold one in honor of the man who has helped to make barbecued chicken America’s favorite picnic food.

Cornell University Professor Robert Baker is the creator of the famous Cornell Barbecue Chicken Sauce, the recipe that is often referred to as “State Fair Chicken.” The simple and tasty sauce can be used as a fabulous two-hour marinade or for basting chicken on the grill.

And the bbq sauce that goes with the chicken is just as unique, with a mayonnaise base instead of tomato sauce.

The Cornell Barbecue Chicken isn’t the only iconic recipe to come from Baker. He is also the inventor of more than 40 other recipes including chicken and turkey hot dogs, and the world-famous chicken nugget.

(McDonald’s generally gets the credit for inventing the chicken nuggets, but Baker published his chicken nugget recipe in the 1950s, while McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets recipe was patented in 1979.)

Ingredients: • 8 large skinless, boneless chicken thighs • 1 egg • 1 cup vegetable oil • 2 cups cider vinegar • 2 tablespoons salt • 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Directions: Wash and pat dry chicken thighs. Place in a large bowl.

Prepare the basting mixture by placing the egg and vegetable oil in a medium bowl and whisk vigorously to combine. Add the vinegar, salt, poultry seasoning, and pepper, whisking to combine. Set aside.

Heat a grill plate to medium high heat. Brush with olive oil. Arrange the thighs on the grill.

Immediately start basting the chicken with the basting mixture. Baste often, about once ev-

Another creation that probably helped land Baker in the Poultry Hall of Fame (Yes, there is one!) was his revolutionary method of binding breading to chicken that is used in hundreds of food applications today.

In the book, “The Lexicon of Real American Food,” it says that Robert Baker’s goal in life was to get people to eat more chicken. Mission accomplished. ery 3 to 5 minutes, stirring the basting mixture as you use it. Continue grilling until the chicken turns a rich golden brown and the meat is cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes per side and internal temperature is 165 degrees. Serve with BBQ Sauce. Serves 4 Cornell Chicken Barbecue Sauce Makes 1 ½ cups • 1 cup mayonnaise • 1/2 cup cider vinegar • 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • 1 teaspoon salt In a bowl, combine the mayo, vinegar, poultry seasoning, pepper and salt. Whisk to combine.

Brush lightly over chicken thighs and serve remainder in a small bowl on the side.

Serves 8.

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