Scottsdale Progress 07-14-2019

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

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Sunday, July 14, 2019

AG probing SUSD Governing Board

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

NEWS.................................12 SUSD superintendent sets tone for new year.

BUSINESS ......................22 Sunny skies keep plastic surgeon busy.

FOOD .............................. 28 Local restaurants honored

by Wine Spectator.

NEIGHBORS .........................16 BUSINESS ............................. 22

OPINION ..............................24

ARTS .................................... 25 FOOD & DRINK...................28 CLASSIFIEDS .......................30

T

he Arizona Attorney General’s Of�ice is investigating Scottsdale Uni�ied School District for multiple alleged open meeting law violations that may have occurred in late 2017 and early 2018.

The attorney general’s of�ice sent a letter on July 3 to attorney Susan Segal, the district’s outside counsel, notifying her of the investigation.

According to the letter, the attorney general received a complaint alleging that open meeting law violations took place during executive sessions held by the SUSD Governing Board on Dec. 14, 2017 and Feb. 21, 2018.

The complaint alleged that the board discussed topics that were not posted on the

��� SUSD ���� 6

The Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board met on Dec. 12, 2017, just days before it allegedly committed open meeting law violations during an executive session on Dec. 14.

Prosecutor gets justice for rape victims

BY JIM WALSH GSN Staff Writer

S

exual assault victims from the East Valley and throughout the nation are �inally getting justice – even though they had to wait far too long.

In Maricopa County alone, an exhaustive quest to test a backlog of more than 4,500 sexual assault examination kits dating back 27 years is �inally winding toward an end early next year with about 200 kits to go.

In Phoenix, the person who spearheaded this four-year campaign to right a wrong was Gilbert’s Jon Eliason, a former Mesa

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“You have all these women who went through an exam fully believing that the police would analyze it,’’ said Eliason, now chief of the County Attorney's Major Crimes Division. “I can’t imagine there was a victim who went through the examination who expected it would not be tested.’’

“It’s doing the right thing, bringing closure to victims and arresting bad guys for violent, intimate crimes,’’ Eliason said.

Defendants who might have thought they got away with felonies a decade or more

ago are going to prison instead, thanks to the inexorable trail of DNA evidence and a more enlightened approach by police and prosecutors.

These criminals include Michael Joseph Paladino, 30, who was linked to sexual assaults involving six victims about 15 years ago, when he was a minor, in Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa. One victim was 13.

Paladino was indicted in December 2017 on six counts of sexual assault and was sentenced in June to �ive years in prison and lifetime supervised probation as part of a plea bargain that spared the victims

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CITY NEWS

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Lane asks Congress to preserve overseas investments An edition of the East Valley Tribune Scottsdale Progress is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Scottsdale. To find out where you can pick up a free copy of Scottsdale Progress, please visit www.Scottsdale.org.

CONTACT INFORMATION Main number 480-898-6500 | Advertising 480-898-5624 Circulation service 480-898-5641 Scottsdale Progress 4301 N 75th St., Suite 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising 480-898-6309 Classifieds/Inside Sales Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@scottsdale.org TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@scottsdale.org Advertising Office Manager Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@scottsdale.org Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@scottsdale.org NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor Paul Maryniak | 480-898-5647 | pmaryniak@scottsdale.org Managing Editor Wayne Schutsky | 480-898-6533 | wschutsky@scottsdale.org Staff Writers Kristine Cannon | 480-898-9657 | kcannon@scottsdale.org Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@scottsdale.org Colleen Sparks | 480-898-5638 | csparks@scottsdale.org Photographers Kimberly Carrillo | KCarrillo@scottsdale.org Pablo Robles | Probles@scottsdale.org Design Veronica Thurman | vthurman@scottsdale.org Production Coordinator Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 | production@scottsdale.org Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@scottsdale.org Marketing Director Lynette Carrington | 480-898-5621 Scottsdale Progress is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, and for subscription information, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia. com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegatedmedia.com.

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BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

S

cottsdale Mayor Jim Lane traveled to Washington D.C. in June as part of a bipartisan group asking Congress not to cut funding for State Department programs that provide for U.S. investment overseas.

In its budget, the White House has proposed cutting funding to the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by 24 percent.

That includes major reductions in funding for While in Washington D.C., Mayor Jim Lane and a group of Arizona officials with U.S. Global Leadership Coalition met with refugee assistance and Senator Martha McSally. (Courtesy of U.S. Global Leadership Coalition) global humanitarian aid volved with in the State of Arizona to the Lane did say he would like to see some and health programs, acbene�it of everyone in the state, inclusive efforts to reduce the politicization of UScording to the Washington Post.

AID and ensure the dollars are used effecThe mayor, who traveled to the U.S. of Scottsdale,” Lane said.

Arizona exported over $20.9 billion in tively, a feeling he believed was shared by Global Leadership Coalition’s State Leaders Summit on June 16 and 17, was part goods overseas last year, according to U.S. some in the Congressional delegation.

“Certainly (they were) understanding of a group from the summit that met with Global Leadership Coalition.

It is unclear exactly what effect a de- (of our concerns), but in some instances staff from Arizona’s Congressional delcrease in USAID would have on Arizona there was some of the hesitancy that even egation.

I brought to the table with regard to how The group met with Senator Martha exports, though.

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, some of these programs had been politiMcSally and staff from the of�ices of Senator Kyrsten Sinema and Representatives Arizona’s top-three foreign trade part- cized and some of the activity within the Greg Stanton (D-9), Paul Gosar (R-4) and ners in 2018 – Mexico, Canada and Chi- State Department on the overall has not David Schweikert (R-6) to plea their case. na – accounted for nearly 50 percent of been necessarily to my liking,” Lane said.

USAID has been plagued by criticism Lane also signed onto a letter with over those exports and hardly qualify as develand scandal in the past for how its funds 300 current and former state and local oping markets.

Those three countries received a total are spent in recipient countries. elected of�icials from all over the country According to a Los Angeles Times fact that urged Congress to preserve funding of $120 million in USAID in 2018, which levels for the federal International Affairs is less than half of the $266 million re- check from 2017, millions of dollars ceived by Colombia alone, according to worth of drugs paid for by the U.S. make Budget. their way onto the black market in Africa, Scottsdale Councilwomen Suzanne USAID. Colombia accounted for just 0.5 per- where they are resold.

Klapp and Kathy Little�ield also signed cent of Arizona’s exports in 2018, accordIn 2017, Dr. Eugene Sickle, a South Afthe letter. rican doctor, pled guilty to charges that Lane said that his primary objective ing to the Census Bureau.

Though he said “all too often unfortu- he stole $200,000 in USAID grant funds was to safeguard funding for USAID’s investment in developing markets, which nately” the group was met by staff and meant to promote safer childbirth, accould affect Arizona – and Scottsdale – not the senators and congressman them- cording to a press release from the U.S. selves, Lane thought that, overall, the District Attorney for Washington D.C. economically.

Lane said he would like to see reforms “That was my focus of attention prin- message was well received in Washingto improve the ef�iciency and effectivecipally from the standpoint of how does ton.

“I would say overall our reception was ness of the funds allocated to USAID that help to develop export and import through public-private partnerships. markets, which we are intimately in- good,” Lane said.

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CITY NEWS

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SUSD ���� �����

meeting agenda made available to the public.

Arizona state law allows school boards and other public bodies to meet in executive session out of public view in limited situations, including receiving legal advice, discuss potential employment decisions or discuss pending contracts under negotiation.

However, in most cases, the school board is required to provide notice to the public before an executive session that includes “a general description of the matters to be considered,” according to statute.

According to the letter from the Attorney General’s Of�ice, the complaint alleged that discussions took place that were not properly noticed.

Three current SUSD board members were on the board when the alleged violations occurred: Barbara Perleberg, Sandy Kravetz and Allyson Beckham.

Perleberg, Kravetz and Beckham did not respond to requests for comment.

Former board members Pam Kirby and Kim Hartmann also did not respond to requests for comment.

A spokesperson for Scottsdale Uni�ied School district declined to comment for this story.

When asked if they had knowledge of the content of the conversations that allegedly violated open meeting laws, a spokesperson for the Attorney General said they could not answer that question.

Though it is unclear what alleged discussions prompted the complaint, school board documents provide some clues as to what was supposed to be on the agenda.

The alleged violations took place at a time when the district was embroiled in

controversy over procurement violations related to the use of district bond monies for school rebuilds and other capital projects under the leadership of former Superintendent Denise Birdwell.

At the time, SUSD was embroiled in a controversy over the rebuild of Hopi Elementary School after stakeholders voiced concerns about Hunt & Caraway, the architecture �irm hired by the district.

A story by public radio station KJZZ and Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting that broke just days before the Dec. 14 meeting disclosed that Hunt & Caraway may have received favorable treatment in the procurement process and received a $60,000 payment before bidding had even closed on the district contract.

KJZZ reported that local concerned residents also discovered that Hunt & Caraway president Brian Robichaux was not a licensed architect in Arizona and had been convicted of theft for misusing over $125,000 from a Department of Transportation contract.

The Arizona Attorney General began investigating the district’s procurement issues in late 2017. The district settled a civil lawsuit �iled by the Attorney General related to that investigation in October 2018.

The Dec. 14 meeting took place in the midst of this chaos.

The board’s executive session agenda for the meeting included discussion and legal advice regarding Arizona School Procurement Code and district procurement policies.

The meeting agenda also mentioned discussion and legal consultation “regarding contracts that are the subject of negotiations, or in contemplated litigation regarding architect professional services and

construction,” and discussion and legal advice regarding a performance evaluation of Birdwell.

The board did not take any action when it concluded the executive session on Dec. 14.

The two additional alleged violations took place at an executive session on Feb. 21, 2018 – when the board noticed the public that it would discuss a litany of matters that dominated headlines at the time, including the Attorney General’s ongoing investigation and the status of district contracts with Hunt & Caraway.

The board’s notice also said it would discuss administrator contracts and, ultimately, decided to put Birdwell on temporary paid leave at the end of the meeting.

On March 20, 2018, the board took the �irst steps to dismiss Birdwell when it adopted a statement of charges against her, including allegations she received two checks totaling $30,000 from Robichaux, according to public radio station KJZZ. The board ultimately agreed to pay Birdwell $150,000 to resign to avoid potentially-costly litigation, according to KJZZ. At the Feb. 21, 2018, meeting that is the subject of the current complaint, the board‘s notice also said it could discuss Laura Smith, the former district CFO accused of signing off on contracts with a consulting �irm run by her sister.

Smith is currently the subject of an ongoing criminal case brought by the Arizona Attorney General in Maricopa County Superior Court on charges of con�lict of interest and fraud.

It is unclear if the violations alleged in the complaint to the Attorney General had anything to do with the litany of controversies the district was dealing with in late

2017 and early 2018.

It is also unclear who attended the meetings in question.

Of�icial minutes for the Dec. 14 special meeting that preceded the executive session show that that Perleberg, Beckham, Hartmann, Kravetz, Kirby and Birdwell were in attendance.

In a video of the special meeting, Perleberg said Beckham left the executive session early.

It is unknown if SUSD General Counsel Michelle Marshall or Segal, the district’s outside counsel, were present at the meetings.

Of�icial minutes for the Feb. 21 meeting state that Perleberg, Beckham, Kravetz, Kirby and Birdwell were in attendance.

Hartmann arrived late.

A spokesperson for the Attorney General declined to provide the name of the individual who �iled the most recent complaint.

Under Arizona state law, minutes and discussions made at board executive sessions are to remain con�idential from everyone except members of the board and employees who were the subject of discussion in the session or the Auditor General in connection with an authorized audit.

County attorneys and the Arizona Attorney General may also be given access to records of these discussions in connection with an investigation of alleged violations of Arizona open meeting laws.

The Attorney General referred the investigation to its Open Meeting Law Enforcement Team and requested the district provide meeting minutes, available audio or video recordings and af�idavits from all those present at the meetings.

The district has 30 days from receipt of the letter to comply with the request.

RAPE KIT ���� �����

from testifying.

Another man who had skated was Nur Muktar. He was linked by DNA from an untested kit to a sexual assault inside a vacant Tempe apartment in 2002. Eventually, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

With the approval of then-County Attorney Bill Montgomery, it was Eliason who saw a moral imperative for his of�ice to participate when one of his prosecutors came back from a conference in 2015 and told him about an exciting – and generous – project launched by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. Vance, the son of a noted U.S. diplomat, launched a national campaign to eliminate the backlog by passing out $38 million in grants to police and prosecutors, including $1.9 million to Mari-

copa County in October 2015.

Vance’s grants came from forfeiture funds seized from banks accused of violating U.S. sanctions. It was enough money to test 3,100 out of the 4,530 rape examination kits that had accumulated in Maricopa County since 1989.

Tempe police, one of the �irst Phoenix metro law enforcement agencies to embrace the program, obtained a $369,000 grant independently from Vance’s of�ice and tested 546 kits that had accumulated since 1993.

At a New York press conference in March attended by a Tempe victim, Vance said he had obtained a promise from the U.S. Department of Justice to match his “investment’’ in testing the grants – greatly expanding his program’s impact in eliminating an alarming backlog of rape examination kits.

Eliason said this teamwork paid off in

Maricopa County, with his of�ice receiving a $1.2 million federal grant in 2016 and $1.7 million in 2017. That money went toward �inishing the testing and hiring two detectives to assist in the project.

Among the detectives’ duties was combing through old police reports to prepare the kits for testing to determine which evidence would be most likely to return a “hit,’’ a DNA sample matching one already in the federal system.

Eliason said about 230 kits still need to be tested by two labs that were approved nationally to handle the testing, Sorenson Forensics in Utah and Bode Technologies in Virginia.

“With our $38 million investment, we have begun to rectify what has been a tragic failure of government and law enforcement at all levels – a decades-long, systemic denial of equal rights for women in the justice system,’’ Vance said.

Since Vance’s attack on the backlog started in September 2015, more than 55,000 kits have been tested in 32 jurisdictions in 20 states, with 18,803 new DNA pro�iles developed.

As of March, there had been 186 arrests nationwide and 64 convictions, including 47 for sexual assault.

Murder cases may be solved

The efforts have paid off in Maricopa County as well, with 12 arrests and seven convictions on Tempe cases. Eliason said more than 800 kits from the East Valley cities of Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert were tested, generating 172 hits.

The majority of those were in Mesa, where 602 kits were tested, generating 134 hits, Mesa police Sgt. Matt Lawes said.

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CITY NEWS

RAPE KIT ���� ���� 6

Sgt. Mark Marino, a Gilbert police spokesman, said all of his department’s backlog was tested as of 2018, but he said he did not know the number.

Sgt. Dan Mejia, a Chandler police spokesman, said 120 Chandler kits were tested. He said 80 cases were reviewed and closed, while 40 are pending review.

Chandler police re-evaluated three cases for potential charges. One case was dropped when the victim did not wish to pursue further investigation, while the two others are awaiting additional DNA testing.

“Chandler detectives throughout the years have submitted cases for testing appropriately when DNA became readily available,’’ Mejia said. “So, in most of these cases, DNA was not a factor with regards to substantiating some of the elements required in a sexual assault.’’

In the West Valley, the grants paid for police departments to get 467 kits tested, with 87 DNA hits obtained.

Eliason, now division chief of the Major Offenders Bureau, said the 14 convictions stemming from testing the kits so far have been on relatively obvious cases and that the DNA information obtained from other kits may eventually lead to additional arrests years into the future.

He said he anticipates that the DNA trail from the kits will eventually lead to arrests in two homicides.

“I am con�ident in the next 12 months, we will be talking about a murder case,’’ Eliason said.

Future better for victims

In several incidents, the old rape examination kits helped police establish a pattern of behavior, identifying a serial rapist, Eliason said.

“If you have three of them, they become a lot more powerful than one by itself,’’ he said.

While police and prosecutors dug into the backlog, they also sought to make sure the same mistake was never repeated by establishing the Maricopa County Sexual Assault Kit Protocol Work Group.

The study group included police, prosecutors and victims’ rights advocates who established protocols for investigating sexual assault cases.

“Every victim counts,’’ Eliason said. “It was setting standards. We want to make sure this never happens again.’’

The Legislature also passed a law in 2017 requiring all rape kits to be processed within 15 days.

Tasha Menaker, co-CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domes-

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

tic Violence, praised Eliason’s efforts, but she said more work is needed for the legal system to treat victims with respect.

“I think it’s a positive thing,’’ Menaker said. “I’m pleased the kits are being tested now and I’m glad we have protocols in place.’’

But she said the backlog also demonstrates why many victims – an estimated 70 percent to 80 percent – don’t report sexual assaults to police, believing that the criminal justice system will ignore them.

“If you went A rape kit contains a number of elements police use to collect physical evidence from a victim close to the time of the through the effort to assault. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer) go through the exam and nothing happens, test everything back then. It was cost ‘pretty high’ when he was younger and you feel your voice wasn’t heard,’’ Mena- prohibitive.’’ he was ‘a little rough,’ but he denied inker said. “It’s a bigger issue than just the Police understand DNA evidence tending to hurt the women,’’ it said. kits. At the end of the day, we still blame much better today and take a broader Paladino generally claimed the sex and stigmatize sexual assault victims.’’ approach, realizing it can not only iden- acts were consensual, even though any While a sexual assault leaves an in- tify suspects, but also link them to more sex act with an underage victim in Aridelible scar on a women’s psyche, un- than one incident, including cases in zona is considered a sex crime. dergoing the 13-step rape kit examina- other states, through use of a federal “The defendant commented that when tion can also be humiliating. databank, Tempe Det. Greg Bacon said. girls get upset, they accuse you of raping Throughout the metro area, victims “It’s something that will never happen them,’’ the pre-sentence report said. are brought to facilities such as the again,’’ he said. “When you look back at Acosta argued for leniency, saying that Mesa Family Advocacy Center, where the grand scheme of DNA, there may Paladino had given up drinking and had they can be interviewed by a detective have been a disconnect on what DNA become a family man, running his own and examined by a forensic nurse, who could do.’’ landscaping and auto repair businesses. administers the sexual assault examina“The defendant is deeply and sincerely tion kit.

‘The power of DNA’ sorry for his actions,’’ Acosta wrote. “Mr. “If they have the courage to come forPaladino’s case seems like a classic Paladino has a conscience and he knows ward, it’s a one-stop shop. You can tell example. In a sentencing memorandum, there is no excuse for his actions.’’ the story once,’’ Lawes said.

But a probation of�icer viewed PalaJesus Acosta, his defense attorney, outFor years in Mesa, the sexual assaults lined a series of allegations that never dino much differently after reviewing kits had been sent to the Mesa Crime resulted in sexual assault charges. reports of how his victims were trauLab the next day, with results generalGilbert police referred Paladino to matized, with one reporting anxiety, dely coming back in about two weeks, he juvenile authorities. He was placed on pression and a hospitalization. said.

“The defendant’s actions demonstratintensive probation for three years and “The backlog is not recent cases. It’s received mental health treatment, ac- ed he was more concerned with ful�illing older cases when DNA testing was ex- cording to a pre-sentence report. his own personal sexual interests and pensive. They were very judicious about But testing the old rape kits, dating desires than for any negative long term which kits they tested,’’ Lawes said. back to 2003, linked Paladino to the se- emotional or psychological impacts his Many of these untested kits were on ries of assaults in which the victims told actions could potentially have on his vic“he said-she said” cases in which a vic- similar stories. The victims included a tims,’’ the probation of�icer wrote. tim identi�ied her attacker and consent 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl.

In the end, Paladino pleaded guilty was the key issue, Lawes said.

A 17-year-old victim said Paladino on June 12 to one count of sexual asIn some cases, DNA might tend to con- dropped out of high school at the time sault and one count of attempted sexual �irm a victim’s identi�ication of a sus- because his nickname was “The Rapist,’’ assault. He was sentenced by Superior pect, but it might not necessarily lead to according to a pre-sentence report. In Court Judge Warren Granville to 5.25 an arrest because of the consent issue, Arizona, the age of consent is 18. years in prison and lifetime supervised he said.

In the report, Paladino claimed that probation. He also must register as a sex “Evolution of DNA is part of the puz- he had sex with more than 200 women offender. zle. Then, you have to overcome cus- and had dif�iculty recalling details.

“Now we understand the power of toms,’’ he said. “It was not possible to “He commented that his sex drive was DNA,” Bacon said.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

3rd private jet service coming to Airpark PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

D

esigns recently submitted to the City of Scottsdale show that progress is being made on plans to add another private jet service to Scottsdale Airpark.

Scottsdale Jet Center will be the third �ixed-based operator, or FBO, at the airport alongside Signature Flight Support and Ross Aviation.

The City Council in December 2018 approved the transfer of existing leases for parcels totaling about 14 acres at the southern end of the airport to Scottsdale Jet Center Real Estate, an entity owned

by John and Herbert Marchman, who also own the Jet Center at Santa Fe FBO at Santa Fe Regional Airport.

The Council simultaneously approved a new 40-year lease with the Marchmans for the combined areas.

Under the lease, Scottsdale Jet center will pay the city monthly rent payments of $13,116.51 until May 2022. Beginning on May 22, 2022, the operator will pay the city $19,724 monthly in rent.

The property leased for the Scottsdale Jet Center includes the Air Commerce Center, Greenway Hangars and city Tshades properties, and the operators are in the process of building out the new facility.

The project will be completed in three phases.

According to designs submitted

Scottsdale Jet Center will be the third flight-based operator at the airport.

to the city, the �irst phase of will include a 29,000-square-foot hangar, an 8,400-square-foot terminal building and other amenities.

“The project will include landside parking for the facility, landscaping, fueling systems for aircraft, customer terminal facilities with hold room, rental car operations, catering and support facilities, ramp parking for aircraft and storage hangar,” according to the submission from Dallasbased architectural �irm Mead & Hunt.

Two additional hangars will be added in Phase 2 and 3, according to the lease agreement.

Herbert Marchman told the Council the second phase will include approximately 50,000 square feet of hangar space at the southeast end of the runway.

The third phase would replace the cityoperated t-shade area.

Marchman said the lease includes stipulations that the company will work with existing users of the t-shades to accommodate them when they are displaced by construction.

The lease also sets deadlines for completion of each phase.

Phase 1 must be completed by July 31, 2021.

11

If the operator fails to meet the Phase 1 deadline, the 40-year lease will terminate early on July 23, 2027.

The lease also contains deadlines to complete Phase 2 by July 31, 2022 and Phase 3 by May 22, 2025.

If those deadlines are not met, the operator risks forfeiting interest in some properties included in the lease.

Originally the ownership planned to break ground this summer and complete Phase 1 by mid-2020, according to a city press release.

However, a press release announcing Jet Aviation’s acquisition of a stake in the project in May stated the anticipated opening is now slated for late 2020.

The Marchmans, along with business partners Ron Tarrson and Troy Padilla, previously developed and owned the former Scottsdale Air Center, which is now Signature Flight Support, according to the city.

In May 2019, New Jersey-based Jet Aviation announced it had acquired a stake in the Scottsdale Jet Center project.

“Scottsdale is a highly attractive location to business jet owners and operators and is regularly ranked in the top 15 US airports,” said Dave Paddock, senior vice president and general manager for Jet Aviation Regional Operations USA. “Having a presence in Scottsdale will enable our customers to have greater connectivity across the Jet network,” he added.

School board revises times for public comment

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

T

he Scottsdale Uni�ied School District Governing Board has modi�ied the public comment process to allow some attendees to speak earlier during board meetings.

The new guidelines – unanimously approved by the board on June 25 – are a compromise of sorts that splits public comment into two sections.

The general public comment period and will take place following the superintendent’s comments – and before information and discussion items on the agenda.

Then, individuals who wish to speak about agenda items will have the opportunity to speak as they come up before the board.

Under the old policy, all public comment took place after information and discussion items.

The previous policy, in which all public comment took place during the middle of the hours-long meetings, drew the ire of some members of the public.

That timing issue posed problems for parents who do not have the ability to stay at a board meeting for hours on a week night, current Board President Patty Beckman and Board Member Jann-Michael Greenburg told the Progress in December 2018.

The information and discussion item portion of the meeting can take up a considerable amount of time, depending on a speci�ic meeting’s agenda, and force parents and others to wait hours in some cases to speak to the board.

For instance, at the June 11 meeting, information and discussion presentations took an hour and 13 minutes.

��� BOARD MEETINGS ���� 14

Both SUSD Board President Patty Beckman (left) and Board Member Barbara Perleberg, the previous board president, characterized recent changes to the schedule for public comment at board meetings as a good compromise that will allow some attendees to speak earlier during board meetings. (Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Unified School District)

BACK TO SCHOOL

12

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

A message for parents from Scottsdale Uni�ied’s superintndent

BY DR. JOHN A. KRIEKARD SUSD Superintendent

A

s parents ready their students to begin a brand-new school year with new supplies, backpacks and the latest tech, we have been preparing school buildings, lesson plans, buses, technology and staff to make Scottsdale Uni�ied School District’s 123rd year our most successful yet.

This year, we must continue to stay focused on our core purpose – that of ensuring that every individual learner achieves his or her full potential. That core purpose is more than just a saying on our letterhead: we use it in our daily conversations to be sure that the best decisions for students are always at the heart of every single thing we do.

At our upcoming welcome back rallies for teachers, staff and school administrators, I will personally hand out new badge cards that feature this core purpose and our core values, to keep these guiding principles visibly handy each school day.

Also at those rallies, I will introduce our

items as they are considered during the course of the meeting. These enhancements are designed to further bolster SUSD’s transparency and accountability with our community.

We are excited to start this new school year and renew our dedication to deliver excellence in education to students. Here are some ways you can stay informed about what is happening in the Scottsdale Uni�ied School District:

four new principals who were selected over the summer through a collaborative process that included parents, staff and the community: Copper Ridge School: Tim Eyerman Desert Canyon Middle School: Robert Akhbari Mountainside Middle School: Adam Kohnen Tavan Elementary School: Julie Ballard

Keeping up the momentum of the �irst six months of 2019, our Governing Board will resume its public meeting schedule in August, with a few enhancements. To better accommodate working families, we have realigned our study session meeting dates and times.

Beginning Aug. 6, 2019, study sessions will take place on the �irst Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. Beginning Aug. 20, regular monthly meetings of the board will be held on the third Tuesday of the month, also at 5 p.m.

The Governing Board also recently approved a change to the format of its regu-

lar monthly meetings so that there will be two opportunities for public comment: one at the start of the meeting for nonagenda items and another for agenda

cipal Todd Dreifort, both of whom took over their respective schools last year.

On June 6, the Governing Board approved Julie Ballard to replace longtime Tavan Elementary Principal Margaret Serna, who was appointed the district’s executive director of Title 1 schools.

Ballard will look to continue the legacy of high achievement Serna brought to Tavan.

“Margaret has shown me that great school leadership requires the ability to

build respectful relationships by listening, understanding and acknowledging others’ input,” Ballard said.

Ballard, who has served as assistant principal at Tavan for �ive years, has been with Tavan since 2001 when she started as a special education teacher.

Superintendent John Kriekard expressed support for Ballard when the hiring was made of�icial at June 6 board meeting. “(This hiring) will be a great continuation of all the wonderful things you’ve been

DR. JOHN A. KRIEKARD SUSD Superintendent

Governing Board Meetings: susd.org/ Board Monthly Newsletters: susd.org/ Newsletter Social Media: susd.org/Connect Monthly Superintendent Letters: susd.org/Superintendent School Websites: susd.org/Schools Join us in welcoming back all students and staff for the 2019-2020 school year! As we strive to continue to be a cooperative, positive force in the community, we appreciate that you have entrusted the education of your talented youth to us.

Principals named for 6 Scottsdale Uni�ied schools PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

A

handful of Scottsdale schools throughout the community will have new leadership when the next school year begins after the Scottsdale Uni�ied School District Governing Board of�icially hired four new principals over the summer break.

The board also removed the interim tag from Coronado High School Principal Amy Palatucci and Chaparral High School Prin-

JULIE BALLARD

ROBERT AKHBARI

TIM EYERMAN

TODD DREIFORT

doing,” Kriekard told Tavan staff present at the meeting.

Ballard co-chairs Tavan’s Intervention Planning Team, serves as Leader of the Multi-Disciplinary Team and is a member of the school’s Literacy Team and Teaching and Learning/Leadership Committee.

Also on June 6, the board named Adam Kohnen principal at Mountainside Middle School to replace Terri Kellen, who retired

ADAM KOHNEN

��� PRINCIPALS ���� 14

AMY PALATUCCI

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

We’re in our approach to develop every student’s full potential!

OUR FIVE LEARNING COMMUNITIES

ARCADIA

CHAPARRAL

CORONADO

DESERT MOUNTAIN

SAGUARO

Welcome Back to School!

We are thrilled to welcome back students, parents and staff to kick off Scottsdale Unified School District’s 123rd year of educating. Through our student-focused and growth-minded approach, we engage students to help them develop their full potential. Connect with the District and our schools on social media to learn more about the exciting year ahead of learning, achieving and making memories.

CONNECT WITH US

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CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

‘Glaring �law’ cited in city clerk’s NoDCC case

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

A

recent letter sent to the City of Scottsdale by a lawyer for activist Jason Alexander called out a supposed “glaring �law” in a City Clerk review of alleged campaign �inance violations by Alexander and others associated with the NoDDC movement.

Former Scottsdale City Councilman David Smith �iled a complaint with the city in May alleging that Alexander, Rebecca Holmes and Mike Norton violated state campaign �inance laws by misusing funds controlled by an Arizona nonpro�it and political action committee operating under the NoDDC name.

The NoDDC groups were active in support of Proposition 420, which was passed by voters in November 2018.

The City Clerk reviews all such complaints to determine if there is reasonable cause to refer the allegations to the city attorney’s of�ice.

After reviewing the complaint, Jagger concluded there was reasonable cause to refer some of the complaint to the City Attorney for further investigation.

It also is looking into allegations that

BOARD MEETINGS ���� ���� 11

Beckman and Greenburg both said moving public comment earlier during meetings was a key issue for them.

“Restoring public comment to the beginning of the agenda was an important issue for me,” Beckman said. “I truly value what our taxpayers and community members have to say and want to give them every opportunity to have their voices heard.”

The previous board voted in December 2017 to push back the time for public comment.

At the time, the board and former Su-

PRINCIPALS ���� ���� 12

after seven years in the position.

Kohnen will bring valuable experience to Mountainside, which is currently a candidate to become certi�ied by International Baccalaureate as an IB Middle Years Programme School.

Kohnen previously taught history at Desert Mountain High School and Pre-Diploma IB Program teaching staff.

Before coming to Mountainside, Kohnen was an assistant principal at SUSD’s Chaparral High School for two years.

donations to the NoDDC Inc. nonpro�it were combined with donations made to NoDDC PAC after the non-pro�it was dissolved in November 2018.

That would constitute a violation of state law requiring corporate donations to remain in an account separate from individual donations.

Alexander and Norton are listed as directors of the now-defunct NoDDC Inc. non-pro�it in Arizona Corporation Commission records.

Alexander’s attorney Thomas F. Galvin Jr. sent a letter to acting City Attorney Joe Padilla on July 3, arguing that some of City Clerk Carolyn Jagger’s analysis was �lawed.

He said it operated under the premise that the NoDDC grassroots community group and NoDDC Inc. were one and the same.

The response details a complicated web of entities all operating under the NoDDC name and calls into question whether the city properly treated each organization as a separate organization.

In the letter, Galvin argued that the Jagger’s current interpretation that NoDDC and NoDDC Inc. are the same contradicts a previous settlement between the city and Alexander to resolve a campaign �i-

perintendent Denise Birdwell said they often saw individuals comment on district issues early in meetings and leave before district faculty or staff had a chance to present information on the same issues.

“Board members for years had bemoaned the fact that public comment was right up there at the beginning and then when it came time for information, discussion, even decisions, the room was empty,” member Barbara Perleberg said at a board study session on June 6.

Despite what may have been good intentions, Beckman said the 2017 changes created a problem with some mem-

On June 25, the board approved Robert Akhbari as principal at Desert Canyon Middle School and Tim Eyerman as principal at Copper Ridge School.

Akhbari, who has spent the last 13 years with SUSD, was an assistant principal at Cheyenne Traditional School for the past six years.

He started his SUSD career as an assistant principal at Saguaro High School before moving to Kiva Elementary school from 2010 to 2013.

According to the district, Akhbari has experience working in a number of different

nance violation complaint �iled in 2018.

“The City Attorney should no longer investigate NoDDC, because the determination by the clerk has blurred the distinction between NoDDC, NoDDC PAC, and NoDDC Inc. This mistake could make the entirety of the investigation by the City of Scottsdale questionable,” Galvin wrote.

Under that previous agreement, Alexander agreed to pay a $5,000 �ine because “NoDDC” failed to register as a political action committee, according to a letter written by former City Attorney Bruce Washburn.

That �ine was based on the over $9,000 raised by NoDDC and monies expended in favor of candidates in the 2018 election, according to the letter.

Alexander’s attorney argued that the previous �ine was levied against the NoDDC community group – not NoDDC Inc. – for failing to register as a PAC. Washburn’s letter summarizing the previous settlement only referred to NoDDC, without specifying which group the �ine was being levied against.

Galvin argued that the amount of the previous �ine – $5,000 – proves that the city intended to punish the NoDDC community organization.

bers of the public who viewed it as an attempt to “wait out” constituents who wanted to speak. ”In fact, some time ago I witnessed a community member walk out of a lengthy meeting and say aloud as she was leaving, ‘Okay, you win. I cannot stay any longer,’” Beckman said. “If we are to truly serve those that elect us, we need to listen and also respect for their time.”

Greenburg referenced similar complaints.

“I am happy that the Governing Board agreed to make this change as requested by our community,” Greenburg said. “I am

areas, including student testing, achievement and discipline, emergency response planning, gifted programs and special education.

Unlike Akhbari, Eyerman is new to SUSD. He will succeed Lindsay Stollar Slover, who is joining the district of�ice, as principal at Copper Ridge School, which serves grades Kindergarten through eighth grade.

Eyerman most recently held the title of senior director of Charter School Advocacy for BASIS.ed and ran the organization’s grades 5 to 12 school in Washington, D.C. from 2014 to 2017.

“If NoDDC and NoDDC, Inc. were the same entity, then the only money that should have been subject to �ines was NoDDC’s approximately $300 in spending,” Galvin wrote.

He argued that if the city is going to treat NoDDC and NoDDC Inc. as the same entity then the city should largely refund Alexander’s $5,000 �ine because “the remainder of the funds were corporate funds and had no relation to the PAC, as it was not PAC money.”

Otherwise, if NoDDC and NoDDC Inc. are separate organizations, Galvin argued the city should drop the current complaint.

“By levying a �ine of $5,000, the City Attorney and Clerk was (sic) implicitly assuming all �inds raised were the property of the PAC, not the corporation. This untenable conclusion by the City is akin to �ining Mr. Alexander and his associates twice for the same series of events,’ Galvin wrote.

Essentially, Alexander’s lawyer has told the city that the most recent complaint is an attempt to punish NoDDC Inc. for improperly operating as a PAC when it already punished the community group for the same violation.

happy that I have been able to achieve one of my campaign promises, and I believe that this is a step forward, however big or small, in rebuilding the community’s faith and trust in our District.”

Perleberg, who was board president at the time the rule was changed in 2017, said she sees the new public comment schedule adopted in June is a good compromise.

“I agree that it captures the intent of what past governing boards and what this current governing board is trying to do and that is a productive engagement with our community,” Perleberg said.

The Basis.ed organization manages Basis charter schools, which have campuses throughout Arizona, including in Scottsdale.

“Over the past 12 years I have endeavored to make a difference in American education and I am eager to provide educational excellence daily for all Copper Ridge students,” Eyerman said.

Eyerman previously headed Basis’ grades 6 to 12 school in Phoenix.

Before going to Basis, Eyerman taught at Isaac Middle School in Phoenix and Phoenix Collegiate Academy.

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Scottsdale girls get lessons in democracy

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

N

early 300 high school girls from across Arizona gathered at the University of Arizona for the 72nd session of the American Legion Auxiliary’s premier program, American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Arizona Girls State.

Scottsdale Preparatory Academy student Rosie Eden, 17, of southern Scottsdale was among them.

“As someone who is extremely interested in politics, Girls State was the perfect program for me,” Rosie said. “I was drawn to the program by its ability to simulate something as monumental as Arizona’s state government.”

Girls State is a weeklong program designed to educate young women in the functions of their government and spark the desire to actively participate and responsibly ful�ill their role as citizens.

The program is open to girls completing their junior year of high school who meet the necessary quali�ications.

Also in attendance from Scottsdale Uni�ied School District and Scottsdalearea schools were Scottsdale Preparatory Academy student Paulina Titterington, Arcadia High School students Claire McCarville, Eileen Spahle and So�ia Avino; Chaparral High School students Isabella Struckman, Cassity Bunjovac, Meave Lomax and Riley Glick; Desert Mountain High School student Tara Namie; Horizon High School students Sona Shah and Phoenix Irwin-McCabe; and Notre Dame Preparatory student Nichole Huffman.

Girls State includes 12 cities and four counties, with 22-24 girls in each city and about 75 girls in each county.

The girls are then divided into two pseudo political parties called federalists and nationalists.

Each city elected a mayor and council, wrote their own ordinances and resolutions, and passed a budget and a strategy for planning and zoning.

Cities were then assigned to a county, and the students campaigned to be elected to county and state positions.

Throughout the week, the young women conducted city and party meetings,

At ALA Arizona Girls State last month, Chaparral High School’s Maeve Lomax Scottsdale Preparatory Academy student Rosie Eden, 17, was one of nearly and Audrey Landers from Campo Verde High School in Gilbert were selected 300 high school girls from across Arizona who took part in American Legion to attend Girls Nation from July 20 to 27 in Washington, D.C. (American Legion Auxiliary Auxiliary Arizona Girls State. (Courtesy of Rosie Eden/Special to the Progress) Girls Nation/Special to the Progress)

wrote and debated bills and received instruction from actual elected state and county of�icials.

“I enjoyed how even in cooperation with the rigid structure of government, Girls State allowed us delegates to use our creativity to truly make our �ictional cities our own,” Rosie said.

Midweek, the students elected a governor and secretary of state, and the young women elected to those two positions will return to preside over the 73rd session of Girls State.

“I think the most important thing I learned from Arizona Girls State is how to campaign,” Rosie said.

She added that those running for of�ice had the opportunity to make campaign posters and engage in a meet-thecandidates night, where all of the girls running for of�ice would shake hands, introduce themselves and describe their beliefs to the other delegates.

“I learned how to effectively communicate my ideas to other delegates and how to get my name out there,” she said.

“It was a great way to experience what the campaigning process is like.”

Rosie said the highlight was being elected Supreme Court justice.

“When I �irst got to Girls State, the idea

of running for a state position felt extremely daunting,” she said. “I ended up really enjoying the campaigning process as it helped me meet so many girls with similar passions to my own.”

Rosie recalled standing on a stage with only two minutes to persuade over 300 girls to vote for her.

“When I learned that I was elected to the position, I was euphoric; it was my favorite moment of Girls State,” she said.

After she was elected, Rosie joined the court program and acted as a defense attorney in the Girls State Mock Trial.

This was an important learning opportunity for Rosie because she is considering a career in law.

“The court delegates had the opportunity to work with real prosecution attorneys to strengthen our cases,” she said.

“Throughout our trial, I was able to experience the conditions of a lawyer, and I could exercise my knowledge of the law and my ability to construct persuasive arguments.”

Girls State Director Penny Maklary describes the program as “a week that shapes a lifetime.”

“Similar to past years, we have senior staff that work as city and county advisors, while junior counselors return

from the previous year’s Girls State session to assist senior staff in the education – and fun – process,” Maklary said.

At the end of the week, two delegates were elected as senators.

Senators from across the country will attend the ALA Girls Nation convention July 20-27 in Washington, D.C. More than 7,000 young women have participated in Girls Nation – an all-expenses-paid event – since its founding in 1947.

In Arizona, Chaparral’s Maeve and Audrey Landers from Campo Verde High School in Gilbert were selected to attend.

At Girls Nation, they will debate federal issues they present as bills and visit the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery and the White House, among other memorials in the nation’s capital.

Rosie said young women should consider taking part in Girls State because it is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where girls learn by doing.”

“By joining Girls State, I was able to surround myself with some of the brightest, most quali�ied girls from all over the Arizona, which led to some passionate political discussions and the attainment of many lifelong friends,” she said.

Information: azgirlsstate.com

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

Scottsdale woman nominated for healthcare award

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

SCOTTSDALE

A

mendola Communications Founder and CEO Jodi Amendola has been named a �inalist for the PR News Top Women in Healthcare for 2019 Award.

Amendola lives and works in Scottsdale; Amendola Communications is located in the Scottsdale Airpark.

“I am so grateful for this honor and want to acknowledge my colleagues, clients, employees, associates and family who have supported me along the way,” said Amendola in a prepared statement.

The PR News Top Women in Healthcare award recognizes the most innovative women in healthcare public relations.

Amendola was recognized for her work leading and executing high-performing global communications campaigns for leaders in healthcare information technology, biotech and beyond.

Finalists are placed in seven categories: Advocates, Collaborators, Directors, Entrepreneurs, Healers, Innovators and Visionaries.

Amendola was nominated in the Advocates category alongside three other �inalists: Eva Heintz of Solvay, Elyse Margolis of W2O Group and Rebecca Parker of Envision Healthcare.

Finalists, including Amendola, are invited to travel to New York City to attend the Top Women in Healthcare Awards Luncheon, which takes place on July 16 at The Yale Club.

The event will bring together female leaders from a wide range of healthcare organizations who are advancing their profession in meaningful ways.

Following a networking reception, Jennifer Mieres, national spokeswoman for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and a co-author of several books about heart health for women, will give the keynote address.

This is Amendola’s �irst time being a �inalist for a PR News Top Women in Healthcare for 2019 Award.

Previously, Amendola has been named PR News’ Top Women in PR for 2017 and a Forty-Under-40 Business Leader by the Phoenix Business Journal, and has received PRSourceCode’s Top PR Pro award.

In addition, Amendola Communications has been named one of the best informa-

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tion technology public relations �irms in the nation four times by PRSourceCode.

The �irm, which was founded in 2004, also has been named a top Healthcare Agency in Ragan and PR Daily’s Ace Awards.

Amendola has led campaigns for industry giants and start-up companies, including Cisco, Intel, McKesson, Allscripts and Health Catalyst, among others.

Outside of Amendola Communications, Amendola is currently an active member of the National Charity League.

She was also unanimously appointed to the board of the Help in Healing Home Foundation, a nonpro�it organization based in Phoenix that offers low-cost lodging and care to patients recovering from major surgeries or awaiting transplants.

Amendola Communications provides pro bono marketing and promotional PR support for Help in Healing Home Foundation.

Amendola has also served on numerous leadership boards, including AzHIMSS, the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, X2 Health Network, D.A.R.E. NJ and the Community Resource Council.

“Being recognized by PR News is an honor that inspires me to give back,” she said. “I am so proud of our agency’s mission to accelerate the market success of innovative health and healthcare technology companies, playing a vital role in improving the health of people everywhere.”

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019 Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480312-7323.

Family faves �ilm fest

JULY

Sunday

14 Summer splash pool party

Gather friends for a day at the pool with a crazy hat theme from 10:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road There will be a DJ, rock wall, kids activities and more. Members only. Information: 480-483-7121.

Story stop (Ages 0-5)

Build children’s literacy with a free picture book program from 2 to 2:15 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Monday

15 New Faces AA meeting

Find recovery from alcohol addiction alongside this support group at 7:45 a.m. at North Scottsdale Fellowship Club, 10427 N. Scottsdale Road Club membership is not required to attend meetings.

Alphabet Yoga

Children ages 3 to 6 can have fun alongside their parents while learning letters and animals from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Information: 480-312-7323.

Tail waggin’ tales

Children 6-10 can practice their reading skills with a certi�ied therapy dog from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480312-7323.

Summer stay and play

Give children up to 5 an opportunity to explore, create and

Days

investigate with a play-based learning environment program from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Dr. Information: 480-3127323.

Tuesday

16 Basketball camp

Kids ages 7 to 13 will have the chance to enjoy a basketball camp weekdays all summer long through Aug. 5 at DreamTeam Academy, 15955 N. Dial Blvd., Suite 3. Camp days include three hours of basketball training with two hours of open court time.

In the afternoons, children can watch parent-approved movies, play video games, board games, read books and more. The halfday camp takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and costs $50. The full-day option takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and costs $75.

A catered lunch is available for an additional $10. Registration is required. Information: 480800-8326.

Let’s knit

Learn or practice knitting with others from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Free. Information: 480-483-7121.

Young Professionals volunteering

Learn how Arizona Helping Hands helps the foster children of Arizona from 5 to 7 p.m. at 3110 E. Thunderbird Road, Suite 100, Phoenix. The event is open to both Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals and guests.

Free to members. Guest preregistration is $20. Guest tickets may also be purchased at the door for $25. Information: www.scottsdalechamber.com.

‘Captain Marvel’

Enjoy the action-packed superhero movie, “Captain Marvel,” from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480-312-7323.

Join other families in watching “The NeverEnding Story” from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Arizona history

Yoga babies

Bond with your baby and learn gentle stretches and techniques that will calm, soothe and help your baby digest from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480-312-7323.

Wednesday

17 Speedy bridge

Join others in a fast round of bridge at 10:30 a.m. at Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. Registration is required.

Information: 480-312-5810.

Kids Cafe

Stop by the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., at 12:30 p.m. for a free lunch provided by Scottsdale Uni�ied School district, followed by an educational activity, for anyone ages 18 and under. Information: 480-312-7323.

I love marketing

Network with fellow entrepreneurs and learn helpful marketing tips to promote your business from 6 to 7 :30 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

ESL classes

All conversation levels are encouraged to practice the English language from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Information: 480-312-7323.

Book discussion group

Pick up a copy of “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley before the group discussion at 1 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Dr. Information: 480-312-7323.

Snow in July

Children ages 5 and older are invited to learn about polymers and make their own snow from 3 to 3:30 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic

Robrt Pela will discuss the several stories he has written about the Judd case as well as theories about what really happened one fall night in 1931 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Dr. Information: 480-312-7323.

Thursday

18 ESL class

All conversation levels are encouraged to practice the English language with experienced teachers and other students from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Books 2 boogie

Children up to 5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in music, movement and song from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Information: 480-312-7323.

Reading Buddies

Children ages 1 to 4 can get extra reading practice this summer from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Teen volunteers will use iPads, games and crafts to boost children’s literacy skills. Information: 480312-7323.

AM Connect

Attend a business professionals networking breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. at Chapman Ford, 3950 N. 89th St. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the shop and parts department and make valuable new business connections. The event is open to both Scottsdale members and guests. Pre-registration guest tickets are $30. Guest tickets may also be purchased at the door for $35. Information: www. scottsdalechamber.com.

Book character bingo (Ages 3–8)

Play bingo based on favorite children’s book characters from

2 to 2:30 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Caregiver assistance for younger children is essential. Information: 480-312-7323.

and participate in rhyming activities from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Dr. Information: 480312-7323.

This class is designed for students with no prior experience in English and takes place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Join Arizona’s “Hip Historian” to explore the �ive C’s of Arizona and learn their importance to the Arizona economy and history from 2 to 3 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Introductory English

Book discussion

Pick up and read “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” by David Grann for a library book discussion from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: 480948-2651.

Friday

19 In stitches knitters group

Gather with other knitters to work on individual projects, share advice and talk with others from 1 to 3 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Advanced beginner bridge

Join others in playing a fun game of bridge from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Dr. Information: 480-312-7323.

Master gamer tourney

Teens 12-18 can compete in the eighth annual summer library gaming tournament from 1 to 2 p.m. at Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Information: 480-312-7323.

Writer’s creative group

Practice writing exercises and share writing in a pressure-free and supportive group from 10 a.m. to noon at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Information: gpaulson4@gmail.com.

Saturday

20 Family storytime (Ages 0-5)

Children and their caregivers can listen to stories and music

Marshall Shore

Sunday

21 Story stop (Ages 0-5)

Build children’s literacy with a free picture book program from 2 to 2:15 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480-312-7323.

Pool party

Gather friends and dress to the theme of an 80’s dance party in this pool party complete with a DJ, rock wall, kids activities and more from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Food will be available for purchase. Members will receive an entry for a prize drawing for every guest they bring. Information: 480-483-7121.

Monday

22 Breakfast Babies

Parents and their babies can enjoy a delicious gourmet breakfast 9 a.m. Mondays at Brunch Café, 15507 N. Scottsdale Road.

Families will meet in the large, private dining room and will receive complimentary coffee and a chocolate-covered strawberry with the purchase of any meal.

Grandparents are also welcome to join in on the dining, socializing and read-aloud story time.

Information: 480-398-7174.

Drop-in e-reader help

Receive help with downloadables. Bring your device, library card and questions from 11 a.m. to noon at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Information: 480312-7323.

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

19

A seed library sprouts up in Scottsdale

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

T

North

he Seed Library inScottsdale side Mustang Library in northern Scottsdale has been open and available to the public for a little over two months, but it was a pilot project that took library assistant Laura Couty two years to get approved and into the library.

“The library’s goal is to inspire, engage, educate, so we’re always trying to bring new and different things,” Couty said.

In partnership with Mesa-based nonpro�it Garden Pool, Mustang’s Seed Library is stocked with over 1,900 edible plant and herb seeds, all tucked away in 24 different drawers labeled with the seed name.

Library card holders can come into the Library assistant Laura Couty has championed a Seed Library at Mustang Library for years. And it library, pick out three packets per month finally opened two months ago. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer) and check them out free of charge.

Since it opened in May, Couty said they’ve had nothing but “amazing responses” and that 1,200 packets have been checked out to date.

“It’s super well-received,” Couty said.

“The patrons love it and that’s the most important thing to us.”

Couty saw seed libraries elsewhere, but when she approached her team, “they thought it was tedious, a lot of work,” she said.

But it wasn’t until Mustang Library branch manager Medina Zick joined the team in October that Couty was able to get the ball rolling.

Seed availability depends on seasonal growing conditions. Currently, seeds range from peppers and parsley to marigolds and moringa, the latter being one of the most popular seeds so far.

Taylor Beavers and Cindy Robinson are both volunteers at Garden Pool, headquartered in Mesa.

“We have some holes,” Couty said. “Spin- (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer) ach was one of them that’s empty. Moringa they just restocked. Roma tomatoes als. But they pay it forward by saving the Beavers said, adding: “If a library can allocate a portion of their is also empty. They just �illed it and they’re seeds of their harvest and donating them budget – and it’s a one-time thing because already empty and they’re going to start to Garden Pool.

Garden Pool – a nonpro�it whose mission then we supply the seeds and they just leaving us with extra so we can �ill them.”

Couty said Mustang Library made a one- is to “continue to innovate, create, educate, have a volunteer there – it’s a great additime payment of $1,500 to Garden Pool to and support better ways to grow food,” ac- tion to bring more people into the library.”

Beavers said she was attracted to the cover the cost of the library card �ile cabi- cording to its website – seed libraries in net, seeds, a seasonal chart and a lighted two Mesa libraries, Tempe and Huntington nonpro�it’s mission and its seed library Beach, California. project. plant display.

Mustang’s is the only seed library in “When I describe what a seed library is “We had to work with our graphics deto people, they love the idea because it’s partment to create the logo and coordi- Scottsdale.

Garden Pool’s Seed Library Director Tay- free seeds for the community. And whethnate with Garden Pool to get stamps. Every single packet is stamped. It has our logo, it lor Beavers has seen increased interest in er you’re a master gardener or a beginner has their logo, it tells you the name [of the the nonpro�it’s seed library from other li- growing something for the �irst time, you can try it and it’s wonderful,” she said. seed], it tells you the germination period, braries in and out of state.

“We had a different library from ScottsEvery Tuesday and Thursday morning, harvest period – all that stuff,” Couty said.

Library patrons do not need to return dale want to do it as well. We had [a library Beaver and fellow Garden Pool volunteers seeds as they would other library materi- in] Oklahoma email me. It’s really fun,” work on ful�illing seed orders from librar-

ies that have run low on certain seeds and need re�ills.

Once a month, she and a group of about 20 volunteers host seed-packing parties at the libraries.

At the most recent packing party in June, she said, they completed around 3,600 seed packets.

Currently, Garden Pool has just over 90 varieties of seeds, but it wants to increase that to 100 by the end of the year.

The nonpro�it’s other goals for 2019 include obtaining native and pollinatorfriendly seeds, as well as increasing its vegetable and herb offerings.

Beavers said they’ve also tossed around the idea of having a “seed of the month,” providing a limited number of more expensive seeds, like asparagus.

“That would be wonderful because a lot of the varieties people want might be a little pricier, but if we could work something out where it was almost like an event for the month and then put it on social media, I think it would go really well,” she said.

In 2017, Garden Pool founder Dennis McClung said the nonpro�it achieved its goal of providing free garden seed access to over 4 million residents in Arizona and California.

And last year, Garden Pool produced over 200,000 packs of seeds.

Beavers and Couty were attracted to Garden Pool because they both love plants and gardening.

Couty, speci�ically, tends a garden at her southern Scottsdale home, where she currently grows four different kinds of peppers, three kinds of tomatoes, eggplant, rosemary, mint and bok choy, among other vegetables and herbs.

Couty even checks out seeds for her garden from Mustang’s Seed Library.

“In fact, I have an empty pot at home today. I [thought], ‘What am I going to put in there?’ It’s probably going to be marigolds. I need the marigolds for my peppers,” she said.

Those interested in donating from their harvest can put their seeds in a labeled envelope and drop into the seed donation box at Mustang’s Seed Library for Garden Pool to pick up.

If you go

Mustang Library Seed Library Where: 10101 N. 90th St. Website: seedlibrary.info

20

NEIGHBORS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

McDowell Village celebrates its Honor Wall

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

M

South

cDowell Village residents Scottsdale Steve Jacobs and Ron Williams both donned their most patriotic garb on July 5.

Jacobs proudly wore a patriotic buttonup depicting a bald eagle soaring over an American �lag, and Williams opted for an American �lag tie that popped against his otherwise all-white, monochromatic attire.

But Jacobs and Williams weren’t dressed to the nines for some post-Fourth of July celebration. This was the day of McDowell Village’s highly anticipated Honor Wall unveiling and festivities.

The Honor Wall was a project spearheaded by Executive Director Michael Brown, who joined McDowell Village in McDowell Village Executive Director Michael Brown is flanked by resident veterans Steve Jacobs, left, and March.

Ron Williams. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer) Of the more than 200 residents at the assisted living facility, 53 are veterans, inIt’s like you’re doing cluding Jacobs and Williams, and Brown [crossword puzzles] wanted to recognize the veterans with a full-time.” grand gesture – one that elicited “oohs” Williams served in and “aahs” the moment the Honor Wall the military around was revealed to the rows upon rows of resthe same time, from ident veterans and their spouses, friends 1950 to 1957. and family.

He originally “Our veterans deserve our recognition, joined, however, to respect and gratitude,” Brown said. “There play the trombone is no better time to extend our sincere in the military band, thanks to the McDowell Village residents but that was shortwho have served the various branches of lived. the U.S. military.”

“The money went The Honor Wall spans 22 feet, and all �ive away I guess or of the U.S. Military Branches – Army, Navy, City of Scottsdale Councilwoman Suzanne Klapp attended the Honor Wall something and evMarine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard celebration at McDowell Village, where resident veterans, including Steve Ja- erybody in the band – are represented, as well as the National cobs were recognized for their service. (Kimberly Carrillo/Progress Staff Photographer) became a medic. So Jacobs gestured at the photo of 20-yearGuard and British Royal Navy. that’s what I did the “I’m very pleased,” Williams said of the old him. rest of the time,” Williams said.

“I don’t look like that anymore,” he said Honor Wall. “I didn’t think that the NaBrown and the McDowell Village staff tional Guard would be acceptable [for the with a laugh. spent about a month gathering photos, Jacobs joined the Air Force during his service dates and other information from Honor Wall], not being in the real Army.”

Williams was a Staff Sergeant in the Na- second year of college. The Korean War the veterans and their respective families. began two years prior. tional Guard.

“They didn’t talk much about the honor “I thought it’d be better off to go into the wall. It was a secret,” Jacobs said.

Servicemen and women from nearly all ranks were recognized on the wall, which Air Force and do something I prefer to do Before the unveiling, the wall was hidwill remain in McDowell Village as a long- than to go into the Army and be drafted,” den behind a navy blue-hued fabric that standing tribute to resident veterans for he said. shimmered as the light hit it.

Jacobs went on to become a weather their sel�less service and sacri�ice.

In attendance at the Honor Wall cel“Oh, it’s wonderful,” said Steve Jacobs, an forecaster at an Air Force base in southern ebration was City of Scottsdale CouncilAir Force veteran who served from 1952 to Illinois, and then he attended �light train- woman Suzanne Klapp and nominee for ing school in Texas.

1956, as he admired his plaque. state representative in Arizona’s 6th legFollowing, Jacobs moved to the Wash- islative district Walter Blackman.

Both Jacobs and Williams were appreciative of the efforts that went into the Honor ington, D.C. area and worked as a code Blackman served 21 years in the Army.

Wall, which depicted photos of each resi- breaker.

“Everything you did while you served “I was stationed in the same building set guys like me up for success in Iraq and dent veteran from when they served and today, as well as the branch they served with CIA,” he recalled. “I really enjoyed in Afghanistan. Every lesson you learned the code breaking. It was very intriguing. in World War II or Korean or Vietnam and length of service.

was a lesson applied on the battle�ields of Iraq,” he told the resident veterans in attendance.

“I’m sitting here today because something you did could have possibly saved my life, and I want to thank you for that.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacri�ice to this country,” Blackman added.

Klapp called the Honor Wall a “great example” of ways to recognize veterans.

“I appreciate the service and the contributions each and every one of you made for this country,” she said. “My hope is that as time goes on, you will share some of your stories with me and with other people. … I hope that you understand how much we appreciate each and every one of you.”

The Honor Wall festivities also included a color guard presentation and an award ceremony following the unveiling, where veterans and spouses received certi�icates of appreciation signed by Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane.

Jacobs has been a resident of McDowell Village for over three years; in August, it’ll be four.

He said McDowell Village has, by far, the best food and activities and the nicest people and atmosphere.

“As soon as you walk in the front door, you realize that it’s an active place and it’s bright. We went to half a dozen places that were beautifully decorated, but they were gloomy. It was like walking into a funeral home,” Jacobs said.

Williams, who has been a resident at McDowell Village for 20 months, is an active member of the community.

He organized the pinochle players group, and he sings every Sunday at the church located upstairs.

“My son took me here. We had three visitations set up for me, and this was the �irst one, and that’s as far as I got. I really liked it. They take care of the details of life. You don’t have to worry about much,” Williams said.

McDowell Village, owned and operated

by MBK Senior Living, is southern Scottsdale’s only resort-style senior living community.

It is located adjacent to the Granite Reef Senior Center and offers high-end services and amenities to encourage an active lifestyle.

“When I get older and can �inally relax, I hope someone does something like this for me,” Blackman said of the Honor Wall.

“Your service is not forgotten.”

Information: mbkseniorliving.com

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

21

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BUSINESS

Business

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

Scottsdale.org l

@ScottsdaleProgress

/ScottsdaleProgress

Sunny Arizona keeps plastic surgeon busy

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Progress Executive Editor

I

n the last 10 years, incidents of skin cancer have gone up by more than 50 percent nationwide – which means Dr. James Kelly is a pretty busy physician.

Kelly is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who deals with the ravages of skin cancer.

The job can be challenging for Kelly, one of the partners of the Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery – which has grown to nine clinics across the Valley, including Scottsdale, since he joined the practice in 2015.

“I do a lot of skin cancer reconstruction on the head and neck, nose, eyelids, ears,” he said, recalling how one of his more challenging surgeries involved the reconstruction of an ear.

“It basically was the entire ear,” he said.

‘All the earlobe was completely gone…

I had to replace the cartilage in the ear and then also the skin on the front and back of the ear. So that required about three different surgeries to reconstruct the ear, rebuild it and put new cartilage in the ear to help support the ear.”

He sees a lot of the damage that unprotected skin can suffer from exposure to the sun. And the age range of patients is virtually limitless.

The sun generally inflicts most of its damage on people before they turn 30, but skin cancer can take decades to develop. Moreover, when older patients were that young, sunscreen products were not nearly as effective as they are today.

Consequently, “We definitely have a lot of patients 60, 70, 80,” Kelly said.

“But being in Arizona, we see a fair amount of younger people in their 30s and 40s with some pretty significant skin cancers,” he added. “I see a lot of pediatric patients that pediatricians and dermatologists send me.”

Of the 19 different medical providers at the Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Kelly is one of three types of physicians.

Besides dermatologists, the center also has Mohs micrographic surgeons.

Named after Dr. Frederick Mohs, the

founder of micrographic surgery, they remove cancerous tissue while removing as little of the healthy tissue as possible.

They usually are the physicians whom patients see before they see Kelly – who has two Mohs surgeons on his team – in the hope that radical reconstructive surgery might be averted.

“Most patients will come in and they have a spot that’s not healing,” Kelly explained. “So we’ll biopsy it and once we determine it actually is skin cancer, then I would normally work with a Mohs surgeon.”

“They’ll look at the skin underneath the microscope immediately and make sure all the skin cancer is completely gone.”

But what happens if the Mohs surgeon removes enough tissue to create disfigurement is why Kelly and the Mohs surgeons coordinate their schedules with

“Nobody wants to have a half their ear missing and wait a week or so to see another doctor.

So, when that patient is done with having a skin cancer removed, I can do reconstructive surgery if needed.” patients.

“I work hand in hand with them,” he said, explaining, “Nobody wants to have a half their ear missing and wait a week or so to see another doctor. So, when that patient is done with having a skin cancer removed, I can do reconstructive surgery if needed.”

“It’s in my same office. I meet patients, evaluate them, talk about what we need to do, how we need to fix this, and then we try to do that the same day. That way it’s just easier for the patient.

“That makes a big difference and that’s one of the things that attracted me to this practice.”

A Utah native, Kelly did his post-graduate medical training in North Carolina and Kentucky.

He recalled how in North Carolina, “most patients have to wait one to two weeks to get in to see a plastic surgeon, so they have a bandage on their nose or the ear for a week or so. It’s just not the best way to handle things.

“It increases the risk of infection, doesn’t have as good of an outcome. So, the way it is here, it’s nicer for the patient. We can evaluate immediately.”

see KELLY page 23

BUSINESS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

KELLY ���� page 22

Kelly, whose brother is an oral surgeon and a longtime Gilbert resident, had a lifelong ambition to become a doctor – partly because his father is a pediatrician.

“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a surgeon, but I didn’t know what kind of surgeon,” he recalled.

But then he had the chance to go to Africa and Guatemala, where he helped doctors treat children and adults with significant burn injuries and birth deformities.

And those transformations he helped work on led him to plastic and reconstructive surgery.

“I liked the concept of plastic surgery that we operate on the entire body,” he said. “We can operate on adults, children. We kind of run the gamut.

“When I was a medical student and resident, I just loved the skin cancer aspect of it – taking care of patients with large skin cancers on their face and helping them. There’s an immediate sense of satisfaction in reconstructing the nose or the ear or the eyelid or whatever.

“So that’s what attracted me, the variety. Every day is something different….

If the patient has a skin cancer on the nose, I don’t know if it’s going to be a small skin cancer or if it’s their entire

nose that I have to reconstruct. So, it’s challenge. You have to use your creative skills trying to figure out how to reconstruct and how to solve their problem.”

And the potential for challenges is always there, especially since post-cancer reconstructive surgery accounts for 60 percent of reconstructive and plastic surgery that the Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery handles.

The rest is cosmetic, such as face and neck lifts, eyelid and breast enhancements and what Kelly called “kind of mommy makeovers.”

Kelly – who with his wife of 18 years, Ashley, has four children ranging in age between 3 and 12 – doesn’t let the skin cancer part of his work dissuade him from hiking and running.

“That’s one of my favorite things about living here is being able to be outside most of the year,” he said.

But Kelly takes no chances and thinks everyone should follow suit – meaning a nearly slavish attention to wearing protective clothing and good sunscreen at virtually any time under the sun and getting a skin cancer checkup every year.

The Center for Dermatology and Plastic Surgery is at 14275 N 87th St., Scottsdale. Information: 480-9058485 or azcdps.com.

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OPINION

Opinion

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

Send your opinions to opinions@scottsdale.org Scottsdale.org l

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Girl Scouts helped me build character

BY BRIANNA IANNONE Progress Guest Writer

W

hether it’s leading a service project, teaching younger girls to make s’mores around the camp�ire or earning my Gold Award, Girl Scouts has taken a starring role in my life since I joined in kindergarten.

When I bridged to the Girl Scout Senior level in ninth grade, I started thinking about social issues I could tackle for my Gold Award project.

I knew I wanted to earn a Gold Award, the most prestigious scouting award, and �ind a sustainable solution to something I was passionate about.

I was overwhelmed with choices –

there was so much I wanted to do. My inspiration came from personal experiences I had as a little girl, and I was diagnosed with a learning disability. Since that time, I have always wanted to help other differently abled children.

So, I had an idea and a whole lot of enthusiasm, but little did I know how much growth I would experience through this challenge of earning the highest award in Girl Scouting.

Because most kids learn through play, I wanted to create a “play �irst, learn second” program for all children, including those with special needs.

With this in mind, I developed a class for youth groups to learn about different neuro and physical disabilities. I would speak about a learning disability and then have the group play a game that

required them to adopt the disability to experience the daily challenges differently-abled people may face.

I feel the top reason for youth to not extend kindness to those who are different from them is that they don’t know what to do or say.

I also feel that all youth can learn a lot from people who have disabilities and develop compassion in doing so.

In the learning groups that were part of my Gold Award project, I aimed to bring awareness to this issue and learned how to practice etiquette and person-�irst language, as well as about invisible disabilities, accessibility, and adaptations.

The program stressed inclusion and the importance of showing a positive attitude toward people with special needs.

For the second part of my Gold Award project, I solicited donations and created a sensory toy library that is currently hosted by the Civic Center Library in Scottsdale.

I also created two adapted-toy libraries, one of which is hosted in Chaparral High School in Scottsdale and the other in the Oracle School District.

For these libraries, I adapted toys to make them more suitable for different abilities. My goal was to make sure children of all abilities could play with the toys independently.

Re�lecting on my Girl Scout journey and experience during this project, I realized that Girl Scouts has allowed me to

“Scouting has taught me hard work, leadership skills, integrity and dedication.

I have learned the importance of taking the initiative, networking and leading by example.” grow into the young adult I am today.

Scouting has taught me hard work, leadership skills, integrity, and dedication. I have learned the importance of taking the initiative, networking and leading by example.

In addition, the Girl Scout High Awards gave me challenges and roadblocks that I never would have imagined or faced in another setting.

These experiences tested who I am as a person – and helped build my character. I’ve learned that while things don’t always go as planned, what is important is how one responds and gathers the courage to face these obstacles.

Girl Scouts has helped me build the con�idence I have as I prepare for college, where I plan to study genetic counseling, and for my future, when I plan to advocate for people with special needs.

-Brianna Iannone is a senior in high school from Scottsdale. She has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and has earned her Gold Award.

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Scottsdale authors at Payson Book Festival

BY MARIE FASANO Progress Guest Writer

T

he Arizona Professional Writers Rim Country Chapter is presenting its fifth annual Payson Book Festival, featuring Scottsdale authors among some 90 guest writers.

The free, family-friendly festival is 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Mazatzal Hotel and Casino on Highway 87.

Youngsters can have fun in the Kids’ Zone with story times, activities and a puppet show.

Workshops run all day for adults as well.

One of the Scottsdale guest authors is award-winning Nikos Ligidakis, who writes with clarity and passion to recount adventures and encourage readers to find hope in the eternal struggle for the meaning of life and the awareness of harmony.

As a publisher of Inkwell Books, he devotes his life to coaching new authors encouraging and assisting them to write and publish their books.

Although he has written several books as a renowned Greek chef, Ligidakis goes back to his culinary roots with his newest, “The Mediterranean Functional Life-

Scores of book lovers will be heading to Payson this weekend to meet Scottsdale and other authors at the fifth annual Payson Book Festival.

(Mary Fasano/Special to the Progress)

style.”

He encourages cooks to learn how to create new tastes, simplify their cooking process and, above all, recognize that the paramount step toward success is using quality ingredients.

Another Scottsdale author, Caren Cantrell, is an eclectic writer of several genres. Being a golfer, she shares her interests with “Maximize Your Golf Swing – A Golf Exercise Plan for Hitting Longer”

and “Straighter Every Time.”

Her attention spreads to children’s books with “Annie Argyle’s Amazing Adventure” and “The Sweet Dream Fairy.”

Written under the pseudonym Matthew Taylor, the Planet Discovery Books are dedicated to helping children learn about, and respect, the creatures, both real and imagined, that share our planet.

Scottsdale author Jody Sharpe had a rewarding career as a special education

teacher. After losing her daughter, then her husband, writing about angels became healing for her.

In her books, she shares the valuable lessons she learned about moving forward and loving life in the now.

In her latest angels book, “Town of Angels,” the fictitious town of Mystic Bay has given her an avenue to put characters to-

“They learn Jason Morgan has a personality and how Bradford can sing.

Nobody knows that.

He’s theatrically trained. Basically, it’s a live version of ‘Dumb and Dumber.’

You’ll definitely see a lot of dumb stuff.”

Anderson is a little less silly about the description of the show that comes to CB Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace on Monday, July 15.

“It’s 90 minutes of

music and comedy based on the world of ‘General Hospital,’” Anderson said.

“There are a lot of stories about ‘General Hospital,’ an interactive Q&A, and a little bit of everything.”

The two actors will perform separate sets and then come together for a few bits and an audience Q&A. Fans can expect “General Hospital” parody songs, cover songs, comedy and discussions about their podcast, “That’s Awesome.”

“We finish the show with a mock theme from ‘General Hospital,’” Burton said.

The CB Live gig will feature some improvisation, but Burton and Anderson stress they will come prepared.

see PAYSON page 27

Soap stars bring multifaceted show to Phoenix

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Progress Staff Writer

W

hen “General Hospital” stars Bradford Anderson and Steve Burton decided to hit the road and promote their individual talents, fans weren’t sure what to think.

Their characters – computer nerd Damian “The Jackal” Spinelli (Anderson) and mafia hitman Jason “Stone Cold” Morgan (Burton) – are polar opposites, but their relationship works – just like offscreen.

“Because of our relationship on the show, fans know they’re going to see something fun,” Burton said. “They don’t know they’re coming to see an actual show. They’re pleasantly surprised.

Bradford Anderson and Steve Burton bring their tour to CB Live in Phoenix on Monday, July 15. (Courtesy Bradford Anderson)

see BURTON page 27

26

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27

UNESCO adds Wright sites to World Heritage List

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

A

fter more than 15 years of collaborative efforts, eight of Frank Lloyd Wright’s major works have officially been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee.

This collection of Wright-designed buildings, formally known in the nomination as “The 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright,” spans 50 years of his influential career.

Works include Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois; the Frederick C. Robie House in Chicago, Illinois; Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin; Hollyhock House in Los Angeles, California; Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania; the Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House in Madison, Wisconsin; Taliesin West in Scottsdale; and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, New York.

With more than 1,000 World Heritage sites around the world, the Wright sites are among the only 23 in the United States, and represent the first modern architecture designation in the country.

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation President and CEO Stuart Graff attended the UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, which voted to inscribe the Wright buildings last week.

“It is an immense honor to have Frank

BURTON ���� page 25

“Within the bits, though, there is a lot of room for us to play,” Anderson said.

“There’s no work on the audience’s part. We do allow for a very short Q&A just for the people who have burning questions. This is the one time they can ask Steve Burton what kind of hairspray he uses.”

“Or if I wear boxers or briefs,” Burton interjected playfully.

One question Burton refuses to answer is his favorite love interest.

“That’s called ‘death by answer,’” he said with a laugh. “There’s no right answer in that question.”

The two plan shows according to the location, so fans, say in Phoenix, won’t see the same show twice.

“We have such an amazing relationship with our audience,” Anderson said.

“It’s so easy to have fun with them.

We’re so comfortable with them. It’s an amazing room full of human beings.”

Burton and Anderson’s shows have

Taliesin West is one of eight of Frank Lloyd Wright’s major works officially inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee. (Andrew Pielage/Special to the Progress)

Lloyd Wright’s work recognized on the world stage among the most vital and important cultural sites on Earth, like Taj Mahal in India, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt and the Statue of Liberty in New York,” Graff said.

“To have this unique American legacy placed alongside these precious few sites around the globe is meaningful because it recognizes the profound influence of this American architect and his impact on the whole world,” he added.

Graff called the designation a source of national pride.

evolved organically. It began as a concert, but then fans wanted to know if they could ask questions.

“We thought, ‘Let’s really craft a show,’” Anderson said. “He and I have a great energy on stage. We thought, because we were performing in comedy clubs, we could try comedy. That’s scary, right?

“We were singing cover songs, like ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.’ If you sing ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ in a room full of ’80s music fans, you’re going to be a hit. But with comedy, you’re a little more yourself and vulnerable. We were a little nervous and unsure if fans would find us funny. But it worked. It’s really fun for us to be creative.

“We get to present something prepared just for them that’s out of our brains and heart. We’re very lucky, though. Our audience is friendly. No tomatoes are thrown.”

Anderson and Burton have been touring together for 12 years, performing close to 40 sold-out shows. Prior to

“It recognizes the importance of Wright’s work, embodied in every one of his buildings and designs,” he said.

“These sites are not simply World Heritage monuments because they are beautiful…These are places of profound influence, inspiration and connection.”

The nomination effort was spearheaded by Director Emerita of Fallingwater Lynda S. Waggoner, who is also a founding board member of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, an international organization dedicated to the preservation of all of Wright’s remaining that, Burton met with fans on his own.

“The great thing we get to see on the road are generations of fans who have passed on the ‘General Hospital’ ritual,” Burton said. “We see, say, four generations of fans—grandmother, mom, daughter and her daughter. It’s an amazing thing to see. It means a lot that we can shake hands, hug fans and thank them for watching the show.

“It means so much to them to see us and tell us we’ve been a part of their family.”

If you go

Steve Burton and Bradford Anderson: Stone Cold and The Jackal Tour 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 15 CB Live, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix $49 general admission; $99 VIP (ticket, reserved seating and meet and greet) 602-910-5161, cblive.com

built works.

“This recognition by UNESCO is a significant way for us to reconfirm how important Frank Lloyd Wright was to the development of modern architecture around the world,” said Barbara Gordon, executive director of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy.

Gordon said the conservancy hopes that the inscription will also underscore the importance of preserving all of the nearly 400 Wright buildings “as a vital part of our artistic, cultural and architectural heritage.”

“All communities where a Wright building stands should appreciate what they have and share in the responsibility to protect their local – and world – heritage,” she said.

The conservancy worked with each of the nominated sites as well as independent scholars, with a substantial financial commitment realized through subsidies and donations.

The National Park Service also provided guidance and assistance, submitting the Wright nomination to the World Heritage Centre in Paris in November.

Over the summer, Taliesin West invites Arizona residents to visit the nowinscribed UNESCO site for 33 percent off.

Taliesin’s preservation team is also hard at work restoring and maintaining the buildings using innovative and sustainable techniques.

PAYSON ���� page 25

gether, hopefully, enlightening the reader toward contemplation of the precious life and memories we are given.

As a former elementary teacher, Scottsdale author Lucy T. Geringer educated children for more than 27 years. She applied her knowledge and understanding of young children to develop the Cleocat-tra series of early concept books for children ages 2-6 with “Cleo-cat-tra’s ABC’s” and “Counting in the Woods with Cleo-cat-tra.”

Her newest, “Rhymes and Times of Cleo-cat-tra” is a picture book about a special cat that cleverly rhymes about animals, people, and things she encounters inside and outside her house.

The rhymes are silly making learning a fun and creative process for kids and parents to share. This delightful story makes use of colorful illustrations to heighten a child’s imagination.

Information about the festival: paysonbookfestival.org.

28

FOOD & DRINK

Food & Drink

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18 local restaurants honored for wine selection

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

E

ighteen Scottsdale restaurants have been honored in Wine Spectator’s 2019 Restaurant Awards, which highlights dining destinations around the world that offer the best wine selections.

Overall, the Restaurant Awards program honored 3,800 restaurants from all 50 states and 79 countries.

The awards are split into three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award Winner.

Nearly 2,500 restaurants were winners in the Award of Excellence category.

These restaurants boast a well-chosen assortment of quality producers and offer at least 90 selections.

In Scottsdale, the 10 winners were Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, Roka Akor, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Village Tavern, deseo at The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, Preston’s Steakhouse, Mastro’s Steakhouse and both Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar locations.

More than 1,200 restaurants won the Best of Award of Excellence award – restaurants that typically offer 350 or more selections.

The eight Scottsdale winners include Talavera Restaurant at Four Seasons Scottsdale, Bourbon Steak at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, The Capital Grille, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Orange Sky at Talking Stick Resort, Mastro’s City Hall Steakhouse, Cafe Monarch and J&G Steakhouse at The Phoenician.

“We feel that the [Restaurant] Awards are a highly prestigious honor,” said Patrick Norton, J&G Steakhouse general manager.

“We are delighted that the Wine Spectator has chosen to affirm what we feel and believe – that our beverage program at J&G Steakhouse is one of the major pillars of our success over the past 10-plus years,” Norton said, adding:

Wednesday Nowak is Talking Stick Resort’s wine director and sommelier. Orange Sky was one of nearly 20 Scottsdale restaurants honored in Wine Spectator’s 2019 Restaurant Awards. (Talking Stick Resort/Special to the Progress)

“We are very proud of everything that J&G’s Sommelier and Beverage Manager Taylor Chandler, along with Jared Sowinski, as well as the entire purchasing and receiving teams have done to deserve this award.”

Though no Arizona restaurants won the Grand Award, the state did bring in a similar number of awards this year – 60 compared to last year’s 63.

“We’re pleased to shine a spotlight on the destinations around the world that show devotion to their wine program, while also creating a comprehensive global dining guide for our readers to enjoy,” said Wine Spectator editor/publisher Marvin R. Shanken.

“Both novice wine lovers and seasoned sommeliers alike actively seek and frequent restaurants with exciting, well-curated wine lists,” he said.

Cafe Monarch in Old Town Scottsdale is a �irst-time winner of the Best of Award of Excellence.

For Fleming’s at Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas, however, this marks the restaurant’s 20th year winning the Award of Excellence. It’s been a winner since 1999.

Fogo de Chão has won the Award of

Excellence award 10 years in a row.

Other longtime Award of Excellence winners include Ruth’s, a winner since 1997; Village Tavern, which has received the award since 2001; Fleming’s on Pima Road, since 2003; and deseo, since 2005.

“We are honored, once again, to be included in the 2019 Wine Spectator’s Restaurant Awards,” said Jeff Barba, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa’s director of food and beverage, adding: “I believe it gives our guests a certain level of comfort when dining in deseo.

Not only will there be a nice selection of wines, but more importantly, the deseo team is knowledgeable and lends insightful assistance in guiding guests through the selection process.”

Barba continued: “Given deseo’s wine list is 100 percent comprised of wines from South America, staff education is critical to ensuring a memorable and re�ined guest experience.”

A total of three Mastro’s restaurants in Scottsdale won awards.

Robbi Jo Oliver, the senior director for wine and spirits and training for Mastro’s Restaurants, called the win a “true honor.”

“It truly makes us all proud and validates the team. We get a sense of accomplishment and that feels very nice,” said Robbi Jo Oliver, the senior director for wine and spirits and training for Mastro’s Restaurants.

Mastro’s Steakhouse at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston was one of eight Grand Award winners.

“To be awarded several Best of Awards of Excellence and the Grand Award at our Houston location is an incredible honor for everyone who works so hard on our programs at Mastro’s,” Oliver said. “We are beyond thrilled that we have been recognized with such honors. The moment the Awards were announced, a huge congratulations was sent to all our local wine directors and general managers – the whole company was copied, of course! We are so proud.”

Talavera, a Best of Award of Excellence recipient, has won the award since 2015.

“This accomplishment is one that does not happen without a truly dedicated and passionate team who wants to master their craft. Our team is regularly tasting, sharing stories and knowledge of our evolving list of wines so that we are best prepared to provide a special and memorable dining experience to our guests,” said Bryan Feigenbaum, Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North director of food & beverage.

This year marks Orange Sky’s third Best of Award of Excellence award.

Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Talking Stick Resort, called the win a “great honor” that the team does not take for granted.

He credits Talking Stick Resort’s wine director and sommelier, Wednesday Nowak, for the recognition.

“Instead, we make a continuous effort to diversify our wine lists giving guests an amazing selection from which to choose,” he said. “This award means we are doing something right.”

The full list of award winners is available in print in Wine Spectator’s August issue, on newsstands July 16.

In the meantime, all winners are pro�iled at restaurants.winespectator.com.

FOOD & DRINK

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This cake with have your family humming with delight

T

he one thing we do know about Hummingbird Cake is that it was first printed in Southern Living Magazine in 1978 and eventually became the most popular and requested recipe in the magazine’s history. What we don’t know about Hummingbird Cake, is how it got its name.

This moist, three-layer slice of heaven was created and submitted to Southern Living by Mrs. L.H Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina, 41 years ago. Over the years, information about Mrs. Wiggins was lost, but a

recent post online from Southern Living revealed this: “Stay tuned, because in the coming weeks, you’ll more about cracking the case of the Hummingbird Cake in a new Southern Living podcast—including exclusive interviews with Mrs. Wiggins’ family and Southern Living food editors throughout the decades.”

So maybe we will find out about the cakes’ origin and its name. Once you make it, you’ll find out why it’s been a time-tested and beloved recipe for dessert lovers for decades.

HUMMINGBIRD CAKE For the Cake Layers: Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans 2 cups granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 large eggs, beaten 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained (such as Publix Crushed Pineapple in Pineapple Juice) 2 cups chopped ripe bananas (about 3 bananas) 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted 2 cups pecan halves, toasted for top of cake Vegetable shortening For the cream cheese frosting Ingredients: 2 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup salted butter or margarine, softened 2 (16-oz.) pkg. powdered sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

dium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Do not burn.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large bowl; add eggs and oil, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Stir in vanilla, pineapple, bananas, and toasted pecans.

Step 3: Divide batter evenly among 3 well-greased (with shortening) and floured 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 4: Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.

Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks, and cool completely, about 1 hour.

Step 5: Prepare the cream cheese frosting: beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on mediumlow speed until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating at low speed until blended after each addition.

Stir in vanilla. Increase speed to medium-high, and beat until fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Cake: Place 1 Cake Layer on a serving platter; spread top with 1 cup of the frosting. Top with second layer and spread with 1 cup frosting. Top with third layer, and spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Arrange pecan halves on top of cake.

For more great recipes: jandatri.com/jans-recipe/ one-minute-kitchen

Directions: Step 1: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over me-

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019

Handyman

Painting

Remodeling

HANDYMAN 40 Years Experience Drywall, Framing, Plumbing, Painting, Electrical, Roofing, Trim & More. Stan, 602-434-6057

STEVENSON PAINTING Exterior Paint Specialist Serving Scottsdale Since 1985, Pressure Washing Drywall Repairs, Wood Repairs Top Quality, Free Estimates Stevenson-Painting.com Brian 480-368-0606

HOME & BUSINESS REMODELING & REPAIRS

BY MY FATHER'S TOOLBOX Honest, Dependable, Quality Workmanship Upgrade your plumbing or electrical fixtures.

Carpentry, Drywall & Painting Concierge & Computer Services Available For free consultation call 480-600-0958 We accept Major Credit Cards ROC258814

Need to hire some help?

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Automotive Services

AHWATUKEE MOBILE CAR DETAIL

MOBILE DETAIL SERVICE TO YOUR LOCATION IN GREATER PHOENIX

Place Your Meeting/Event Ad email ad copy to ecota@times publications.com

480-206-9980 AHWATUKEEMOBILECARDETAIL.COM

Cleaning Services

Roofing

Roofing

1000 OFF

$

when you show this ad

on qualifying complete roof replacements

Let us show you the In-Ex Difference!

Serving The Valley Since 1996

inexroofing.com

602-938-7575

CALL FOR YOUR FREE ROOF EVALUATION

Handyman QUALITY WORK, AFFORDABLE PRICING DISCOUNT RATES FOR: SPECIAL EVENTS • FLEETS • COMPANY CAR WASH DAYS

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Honest, reliable and experienced.

NO BULL!

• Honey-Do List • A/C • Plumbing • Electrical • Drywall • Tiling • General Home Renovations

YOUR DO-IT-ALL HANDYMAN SERVICE

Call or text James

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC # 269218

602 738 2170

aarcticairr0508@gmail.com

Roofing

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Carpet, Tile-Grout, Air Duct Cleaning, & House Cleaning

The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

Irrigation

Serving Scottsdale Residential

FREE ESTIMATES

TK

®

www.pnponecarecleaning.com

Call Today/Clean Today

602.550.7732

Licensed/Bonded/Insured

Garage/Doors

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

Unbeatable Customer Service & Lowest Prices Guaranteed!

Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 21671

FREE

Opener & Door Lubrication with Repair

480-561-6111

www.lifetimegaragedoorsaz.com

Your newspaper.

Your community.

Your planet.

Please recycle me.

15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

NTY

GARAGE DOORS

Discount for Seniors &Veterans

Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time!

5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600

10%

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC www.timklineroofing.com

480-357-2463

azirrigation.com

FREE Estim a and written te proposal

R.O.C. #156979 K-42 • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Remodeling

Plumbing

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541 affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor

Spring into Summer with a NEW Kitchen, Bathroom or Windows Put Our Experience to Work for You!

We also offer Energy Efficient Window Replacement

Anything Plumbing Same Day Service Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

• TUB TO SHOWER CONVERSIONS • KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELS • MASTER BATHROOM WALK IN SHOWERS

25 $ 500

$

Disposals

$35 off

Any Service

ABA

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Not a licensed contractor

www.abahomeremodeling.com

HOME REMODELING

KITCHEN • WINDOWS • BATHROOMS OVER 40 YEARS EXPERIENCE REMODELING HOMES

Gift card to Lowe’s with Quote off project

DON’T OVER PAY! Call or text us TODAY!

480.988.1903 BONDED & INSURED • ROC#271056

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | JULY 14, 2019