Scottsdale Progress 12–22-2019

Reading with Beanie Babies / P. 10

Candlemakers thriving in Scottsdale / P. 23

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF SCOTTSDALE) | scottsdale.org

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Merry Christmas!

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS............................... 4 Co-op members threatened with penalties.

BUSINESS ............... 26 Global traveller creates luxury vacations.

FOOD ........................... 32 The Herb Box prepares to grow.

NEIGHBORS .........................18 BUSINESS .............................26

OPINION ..............................28

ARTS ......................................31 FOOD & DRINK................... 32 CLASSIFIEDS .......................34

Sunday, December 22, 2019

Questions linger Holiday magic in SUSD board member’s suit

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

A

Scottsdale Uni�ied School District Governing Board member has settled a lawsuit stemming from a parody website created by a Scottsdale resident, but some questions raised by the suit are far from resolved.

The lawsuit, �iled by Mark Greenburg, was a response to a suit �iled by governing board member Barbara Perleberg in April 2018 as she sought to unmask the then-anonymous author of perlebergforsusd.com.

The parody website mocked Perleberg and others in district leadership.

��� PERLEBERG ���� 8

Lauren and Benson Zyla are both fascinated by the brilliant holiday lights display at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, which draws thousands this time of year. To see why, turn to page 24. (Chris Mortenson/Progress Staff Photographer)

Fiesta Bowl teams take over Scottsdale

BY ZACH ALVIRA Progress Sports Editor

I

t’s already considered one of the biggest sporting events to hit the Valley every year.

But this season, there’s added anticipation.

When Clemson University and Ohio State University meet at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 28, the winner gets its

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Both teams stay in Scottsdale hotels and practice at schools in the city. The two bars are more or less official hangouts for Tiger and Buckeye fans and located in Scottsdale.

A 20-year contract between the Fiesta Bowl and Experience Scottsdale makes the city the of�icial home for the two teams during their stay for the game. Both teams, bands, fans and media stay at two of the hotels in Scottsdale or Paradise Valley.

“Each year, the bowl games bring incredible exposure to the Scottsdale-area, intro-

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CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

Contractor threatens co-op residents’ wallets 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 Copy Editor April Morganroth | 480-656-9667 | amorganroth@ timespublications.com Staff Writers Kristine Cannon | 480-898-9657 | kcannon@scottsdale.org Jim Walsh | 480-898-5639 | jwalsh@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.

The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. Scottsdale Progress assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement. © 2019 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

A

n ongoing battle between members and the board of a southern Scottsdale housing cooperative escalated last week when a board-hired contractor threatened to levy thousands of dollars in fines against residents who complain about their work to the state.

The threats are the most recent development in problem that has exposed gaps in the state’s legal protections for co-op members and exposed Scottsdale East Homes residents to alleged mistreatment by the board, its management company and contractors.

The community is a housing cooperative, an uncommon housing structure in Arizona, in which individuals purchase membership stakes in the non-profit corporation that owns the real property.

Scottsdale East members complained that the board did not get their approval to drain nearly $1 million in reserves and take out a $4 million loan for plumbing and sewer work performed by Peterson Plumbing, a contractor hired by the board and HOAMCO, the management company.

Residents have complained of mistreatment and abdication of duties by the board, which has shut down dissent at meetings and barred residents from attending them for openly challening its decisions.

Residents have also alleged the board failed to hold Peterson Plumbing accountable for shoddy work without proper permits – allegations upheld by the city and Arizona Registrar of Contractors.

Despite repeated requests for comment, the board, HOAMCO, Peterson Plumbing and Hazelwood Law Firm – the co-op’s lawyer – have not responded.

Peterson is at the center of the most recent dust-up.

Peterson President Ron Peterson told resident Missy Aitken that the board released his company from liability for delays caused by complaints to AZROC – “which mean if we’re delayed here at all, I’m going to start billing for my men at $1,000 an hour, my lawyers, whatever it is, my brain cells, we’re going to start charging Scottsdale East for it.”

“They’re going to turn around and charge you,” Peterson said.

The exchange, captured on Aitken’s home security camera, took place on Dec. 10 as she attempted to negotiate terms for plumbers to enter her unit to work.

Board President Linda Shannon did not respond to a request for comment.

Aitken and her brother Pete Aitken, who

Kyle Solomon, left, and Matt Stobs are members of the Scottsdale East Homes community. (Progress file photo)

lives a few units away and received a similar threat, both expressed concern that Peterson may damage their belongings during construction. Other residents have complained of damage caused by Peterson workers over the past year.

Members Matt Stobs, Kyle Solomon and Jill Heise all alleged Peterson workers had damaged their units or belongings.

The threats appear to be an attempt to stifle residents who have complained for months about Peterson’s work, resulting delays due to investigations by city and state inspectors.

Pete Aitken has alleged that Peterson Plumbing retaliates against those who complain by more invasive access to their units and taking longer to finish jobs.

Some residents have had their water turned off for weeks at a time, said resident Betty Story, who filed a complaint with AZROC. Peterson Plumbing, also known as Blue Water Management Group, has resolved one of two AZROC complaints.

Story filed the complaint with AZROC after the company improperly installed a water heater in her unit in April. Peterson did not address it until after AZROC cited the company in September.

Peterson Plumbing also failed to get a permit for the water heater replacement until August, months after it actually installed the unit, city records show.

“After investigation, the Registrar has verified that your work fails to meet minimum workmanship standards,” AZROC wrote to Peterson Plumbing.

HOAMCO, another board-hired contrac-

tor, is also a source of complaints.

Residents have complained of phantom fines and charges showing up on their accounts, which are administered by HOAMCO. These outstanding fees are important because they can result in residents being barred from voting on community issues, such as ongoing board recall petitions.

Resident Kyle Solomon wrote on a community Facebook page, “I was on my account 2 days ago and everything was fine and I just checked this morning and I suddenly have 6 late fees?!”

Neither Shannon nor Edward O’Brien, an attorney for Scottsdale East Homes, replied to requests for comment on the AZROC findings or if they had remedied issues with work performed by Peterson and HOAMCO. Instead, it appears the board gave Peterson permission to threaten residents to avoid further delays.

Pete Aitken said he does not know why the board continues to back Peterson and HOAMCO, stating “They have acted like wild dogs in defense of Peterson and HOAMCO…You begin to wonder who works for who.”

Scottsdale East members have reached out to a number of state agencies but have received little help; most agencies claim they have no jurisdiction over its practices.

Arizona law makes little mention of housing cooperatives or rules regulating them.

There is some legal precedence suggesting that cooperatives are subject to Arizona real estate law, according to an opinion

see CO-OP page 12

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

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CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

FIESTA from front

ducing thousands of visiting fans and corporate sponsors to Scottsdale’s offerings,” said Stephanie Pressler, the director of community affairs for Experience Scottsdale.

“This opportunity comes during a need period for our local tourism industry, filling thousands of room nights and giving our hotels and resorts a much-needed boost in occupancy,” she explained, adding: “Plus, Scottsdale hospitality businesses benefit from the influx of football fans this time of year, as those traveling with

“This opportunity comes during a need period for our local tourism industry, filling thousands of room nights and giving our hotels and resorts a much-needed boost in occupancy.”

Jennifer O’Donnell, the owner of K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill in Scottsdale, has become the go-to for Clemson fans to watch the Tigers all season long.

(Pablo Robles/Progress Staff)

–Stephanie Pressler, the director of community affairs for Experience Scottsdale.

their teams explore the area’s restaurants, bars, shops and attractions before and after the games.”

This year, K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill in northern Scottsdale and Bottled Blonde in Old Town are among the big Fiesta Bowl beneficiaries.

K O’Donnell’s has been the go-to spot for Clemson alumni and fans for their weekly fix of Tiger football while Buckeye alumni and fans flock to Bottled Blonde.

“The atmosphere here is crazy every week,” said Jennifer O’Donnell, the owner of K O’Donnell’s Sports Bar & Grill.

“It also helps Clemson is a good team that wins a lot of games,” O’Donnell added. “But we are expecting an even bigger turnout with this game.”

K O’Donnell’s, near Hayden Road and Raintree Drive in northern Scottsdale, became Tiger City when a member of the Clemson alumni group became a frequent patron. When an alumni association watch party was abruptly canceled, the patron led the group to K O’Donnell’s.

As Clemson returns to the destination it won its first national title of the College Playoff Era, O’Donnell’s is preparing to host the national branch of the Clemson alumni association.

“They will be headquartered here,” O’Donnell said. “It will be a fun atmo-

Bottled Blonde in Scottsdale has become the premier destination for Ohio State fans to watch the Buckeyes each week. (Courtesy Bottled Blonde)

sphere. We are expecting things to be on another level than last year with the game here.”

K O’Donnell’s frequently holds fundraisers and raffles during the season for Clemson fans and its walls are generally outfitted with the university’s gear to make them feel at home.

Clemson fans will also have the opportunity to rally their team the day before the game on Friday, Dec. 27, at the W Scottsdale Hotel.

The Legends of Clemson Party will start there at 9 p.m. and likely bring out former Tiger greats to help rally the troops.

And the Clemson fans who can’t head over to Glendale for the game will fill K O’Donnell’s to watch it, ticket-less Buck-

eye fans will be doing the same 11 miles south at Bottled Blonde.

“These fans are unbelievable. They come every week,” said Charlie Brooks, general manager of Bottled Blonde. “I mean, they come for the Rutgers and the Maryland games where those teams are getting blown out by 60. Even then, we still have as many as 250 people every week and it’s the same that have been coming the last five years.”

As a bartender at a now-defunct bar, Brooks had formed a relationship with Kevin Fox, then president of the Ohio State Alumni Club of Phoenix.

In 2014, Brooks moved to Bottled Blonde – and Fox and the rest of the Ohio State alumni followed.

“We try to create a family atmosphere,”

Brooks said. “All of our bartenders know everyone by name. After every touchdown, we are throwing out Jell-O shots and everyone does the ‘O-H’ chant. It really is awesome.”

Brooks and the rest of the Bottled Blonde staff have thought about hosting a rally outside of Bottled Blonde on Friday, Dec. 27, the day before Ohio State’s game against Clemson.

A similar rally in past years has drawn as many as 3,000 Ohio State fans.

If Bottled Blonde holds a similar rally this year, Brooks said number could easily double. He won’t decide one way or another on the rally until sometime this week.

“It’s like you’re literally in Columbus, Ohio,” Brooks said. “This is I think by far the best atmosphere for die-hard Ohio State fans.”

It’s not just the fans of Clemson and Ohio State taking over Scottsdale this week – the teams will too.

The Tigers and Buckeyes are scheduled to arrive in Phoenix today, Dec. 22. On Christmas Eve, both teams will hold their first practice, Ohio State, a frequent Fiesta Bowl presence, will practice at Notre Dame Prep in Scottsdale for the duration of their stay in the Valley. Clemson, meanwhile, will take to the field at Saguaro High School.

“The last two years we had LSU and Penn State here,” said Mark Cisterna, Notre Dame Prep’s athletic director. “The year before I got here, we had Urban Meyer and Ohio State.

“It’s pretty cool, the Fiesta Bowl comes in and overseeds our practice fields in October. We have to basically shut it down, none of our teams are able to use it until after the Fiesta Bowl,” he added, “They overseed it, fertilize it and paint it.”

This is the fourth year of an eight-year contract between Notre Dame Prep and the Fiesta Bowl Committee to host one of the bowl teams.

The campus is shut down for the week the team uses the facility. Luckily, it comes during a time when students are on Christmas break because no Notre Dame team is allowed on campus during that time.

While Ohio State uses Notre Dame’s facilities, Clemson will practice at nearby Saguaro High School.

The 2019 Fiesta Bowl kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 6 p.m. from State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

The winner of the game between second-ranked Ohio State and No. 3 Clemson will face the winner of the Peach Bowl between top-ranked LSU and No. 4 Oklahoma.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

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CITY NEWS

PERLEBERG from front

Filings in the year-long case have called into question whether or not Perleberg should have received legal coverage under the district’s insurance policy.

They also suggest her original suit may have been motivated by a desire unmask current board member Jann-Michael Greenburg as the author of the site.

Jann-Michael Greenburg, who is Mark Greenburg’s son and was running for the board at the time, denied involvement in the website.

Mark Greenburg filed a lawsuit in Nov. 2018, arguing Perleberg’s suit litigation violated his First Amendment rights.

The parties reached a confidential settlement earlier this month.

Perleberg did not respond to a request for comment.

Mark Greenburg declined to comment on the settlement but provides a statement about other aspects of the case, including his argument Perleberg’s suit served her own interests and not the district’s.

This distinction is important because Perleberg’s legal defense was paid for by the Arizona Schools Risk Retention Trust, the district’s insurance provider.

The trust is only obligated to cover the legal costs for a district employee sued in the course of his or her job.

Perleberg told the Progress in Oct. 2018 she dropped her suit after finding out Mark Greenburg was behind the website because she is “not a litigious person.”

Greenburg cited this statement as evidence she acted as a private individual and not a public official.

“Perleberg’s subsequent claim after filing her lawsuit and writing her op-eds she was advancing the interests of the district are completely false,” Greenburg said.

However, Perleberg’s attorney argued she was acting within the scope of her employment with the distinct and the lawsuit was “incidental to her legitimate work activity,” according to court filings.

Initially, this argument did not persuade the trust and it denied Perleberg’s claim in November 2018.

“Because the lawsuit alleges you acted ‘to serve [your] own interests,’ and there is no indication the litigation you initiated against claimant was filed ‘for the district’ or ‘within the scope of authorization granted’ to you by the district, you do not qualify as a ‘covered party,’” trust general counsel Norman Hall wrote.

Evidence filed by Greenburg’s attorneys hint at a political motive behind Perleberg’s original filing and suggests

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

warded to Perleberg also suggested the two board members were attempting to find out if they could have the website’s author charged with a crime.

At that point, Mark Greenburg had been outed as the author.

Bolick, who has since become an Arizona Supreme Court justice, wrote he did not believe the site violated a law against impersonating a public official but it could Maricopa County Superior Court records show that on Dec. 2 SUSD Governing Board Member Barbara Perleberg settled a potentially be considered forgery, a class-4 lawsuit filed by resident Mark Greenburg. (Progress file photo) felony.

“I would be happy to conduct additional research on any of the above claims or put you in touch with some at the (Attorney General) or county attorney’s office to discuss this in greater detail. It’s probably worth at least running by them,” Bolick wrote.

In response to a public records request, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said it had no records of an investigation or request for an investigation into JannMichael Greenburg.

It is unknown whether or not Perleberg is liable for damages or attorney’s fees under her settlement, though it is likely any damages would be paid out by the Arizona Risk Retention Trust, ScottFormer SUSD Board Member Christine sdale Unified School District’s liability Schild allegedly filed legal paperwork insurance provider. on a current board member’s behalf, That is because the trust abruptly redespite having an inactive law license. versed course last March and decided (Progress file photo) to cover Perleberg’s defense under the Perleberg and Christine Schild, a former district’s insurance policy after initially SUSD board member, thought Jann-Mi- denying it four months earlier. chael Greenburg was behind the website.

The trust already paid out $32,205 to Schild, a retired attorney with an inac- Perleberg’s attorneys at Jones, Skelton tive Arizona license, eventually entered & Hochuli under the district’s policy, rethe 2018 board election as a write-in cords obtained by the Progress show. candidate.

It is unclear why the trust agreed to In a May 7, 2018, email to Clint Bolick pay for Perleberg’s lawyers. of Rose Law Group was included in court In a letter to Perleberg on Nov. 19, filings, Schild wrote: “All signs pointed 2018, Trust General Counsel Hall wrote to Mr. Greenburg as the author of the the district’s coverage agreement only website…I was aware Mr. Greenburg was covers “those persons ‘undertaking an seeking admission to the bar.” action for the district under the express The statement about admission to and direct jurisdiction of the district’s the bar suggests Schild was referring to governing board… or while acting solely Jann-Michael Greenburg, who is a lawyer on behalf of the district.” and was seeking admission to the New The district was never a party in either York bar at the time. Mark Greenburg is lawsuit, and the governing board never not a lawyer. voted to approve Perleberg’s initial suit.

Schild did not respond to a Progress reThere is some question surrounding quest for comment. whether Perleberg could legally file a An Aug. 29, 2018, email to then-board defamation suit against an individual on member Pam Kirby from Bolick was for- behalf of the district at all.

A 2011 opinion filed by then-Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott cited U.S. Supreme Court precedent in finding school districts may not cover legal expenses for administrators who file defamation lawsuits because the districts themselves are barred from bringing those type of lawsuits by a 1964 Supreme Court decision.

Greenburg argued this should have precluded Perleberg from receiving trust coverage.

“Perleberg was informed prior to the filing a school district cannot file an action for defamation and an employee filing such an action cannot have their legal expenses paid for by the school district,” Greenburg said.

The only reason given in the letter for the reversal is a claim by Greenburg stating Perleberg’s public outing of him caused a spike in blood pressure resulting in a retinal vein contusion.

“Claimant’s new allegations could potentially give rise to coverage under the trust’s applicable coverage agreement with Scottsdale Unified School District,” Hall wrote.

Ryan Cole, trust director of operations, declined to elaborate and told the Progress “there is no formal appeals process” to challenge a denial of coverage.

SUSD General Counsel Michelle Marshall said the district played no role in appealing the trust’s initial denial of coverage and the trust is solely responsible for deciding who is covered under the district’s policy.

“The Arizona Risk Retention Trust makes coverage determinations, not Scottsdale Unified School District or its governing board,” Marshall said.

Marshall did not respond to a request for comment on whether or not she believed Perleberg qualified for coverage.

It is unclear whether or not the district’s liability insurance premium will increase next year as a result of the $32,000 it paid to defend Perleberg and for any potential settlement payouts.

SUSD paid $1.46 million in 2018 for the insurance in the fiscal year ending June 30.

Cole previously told the Progress Perleberg’s claim did not factor into last year’s roughly 10 percent premium increase.

When asked more recently if the trust’s total expenditures would affect the district’s rate next year, Cole only said, “we do not have information related to that at this time.”

But SUSD Superintendent Dr. John Kriekard emailed Mark Greenburg, “I asked the question and was told there

see PERLEBERG page 16

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CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

Beanie Babies, teens power reading program

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

T

he Beanie Babies toys were all the rage in the 1990s may not be worth what they once were, but it hasn’t stopped some Scottsdale residents from extracting a different kind of value from the plush stuffed animals.

Through the Read to Me program, residents, high school students and educators are using the toys to promote reading among students at Navajo Elementary School, with plans to expand the program to other schools in the Scottsdale Unified School District.

The community-driven initiative saw students from Saguaro High visit Navajo to deliver beanie babies to younger students and read with them.

The goal is to encourage each student to read aloud for 20 minutes per day to their new stuffed animal, which each student officially “adopted” at an event at Navajo earlier this month, Scottsdale parent Susan Hughes said.

Hughes is a member of Arizona Rising Voices, an education advocacy group and includes multiple Arizona teachers of the year and members of Project Humanities and several Valley parent councils.

Hughes was inspired by her children, who used to read out loud to the family’s cats before they were in high school.

“Then I saw online kids reading to beanie babies (and) they were adopting beanie

SUSD Title 1 Director Margaret Serna reads to Navajo Elementary preschool students during the school’s first Read to Me event.

(Special to the Progress)

In return, the students had to sign a Navajo Elementary students walk through a celebration tunnel created by students from Saguaro High School’s National pledge to meet the 20-minute-per-day Honor Society program. (Special to the Progress) goal. babies,” Hughes said. “And I thought, well, Hughes also had let’s take it to another level.” flyers and bookmarks made with the proHughes, Saguaro students and other vol- gram’s name and the benefits of reading unteers collected over 400 beanie babies 20 minutes per day. in order to provide every Navajo student The materials outline stats from the with a brand new stuffed pet.

Arizona Department of Education’s Read

20 Arizona initiative, including students who read 20 minutes per day at home starting in kindergarten will likely score better than 90 percent of their peers on standardized tests. Students who read one minute per day at home are likely to score better than just 10 percent of their peers on those tests, according to ADE. “It’s so important to become a good

ment over the 482 students the district lost between the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 school years.

The 138-student net loss was also lower than Applied Economics own predictions from last year, which anticipated a net loss of 320 students.

Long-term projections remained largely the same, though.

In 2018, Rick Brammer with Applied Economics told the Governing Board the district projected to lose over 1,800 students over 10 years, resulting in total enrollment of 20,554 in the 2028-2029 school year.

The new projections presented at the 2019 meeting showed little variation from the earlier numbers, predicting enrollment of 20,600 in 20282029 – a negligible increase of just 0.2 percent.

more stable than its elementary schools during this time as charters still struggle to offer the range of programs and services offered by public districts at the high school level, Brammer said.

SUSD’s high school enrollment is down 5.3 percent since 2010 while its K-8 enrollment is down 19.2 percent during this time period.

Brammer said SUSD is still losing school-aged kids living within district boundaries, but the effects of this loss were mitigated this year because the district was able to attract a significant amount of students from outside of the area.

In-district enrollment fell by 409 students this year, and out-of-district

see READING page 16

SUSD pupil enrollment still problematic

BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Progress Managing Editor

T

he Scottsdale Unified School District beat enrollment projections this year but still faces long-term declines.

Competition from charters and fewer young families moving to the city are still fueling a decline, according to a recent demographic and enrollment analysis.

Still, district leadership was encouraged by the improved outlook this year, arguing it provides a template to stem enrollment loss in the future.

The analysis, performed by outside firm Applied Economics' and presented to the SUSD Governing Board on Nov. 19, showed a net loss of 138 K-8 students year-over-year, an improve-

These enrollment projections are important for school districts because they help leadership plan for upcoming years and anticipate what the district’s budget will be.

“As you know, the (maintenance and operations) budget is formuladriven entirely, and it’s based on average daily membership,” SUSD CFO Jeff Gadd said.

The district has contended with declining enrollment for years as charter schools gained popularity in Scottsdale, buoyed by Arizona’s permissive school choice laws.

Charter schools in the district’s boundaries have added 6,200 students over the past nine years while SUSD lost nearly 3,800 students during this time.

SUSD’s high schools have remained

see ENROLLMENT page 14

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

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CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

MLK dinner to honor 3 Diversity Champions PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

C

ommunity Celebrating Diversity Board President Kevin Richardson says showing and celebrating diversity is important. It’s why the CCD hosted the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration Dinner for the last 26 years.

The 2020 event starts at 5 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Resort with a reception, followed by a 6 p.m. dinner and recognition ceremony. Seats, $75, can be purchased at scottsdalemlk.org.

ASU Sun Devil football coach Herm Edwards is the featured speaker for the dinner, which has become the signature MLK celebration across the Valley.

Three individuals will be honored as the 2020 Diversity Champions: Rosa Casas, a regional banker district manager for Wells Fargo; Shannon Paloma, a social studies teacher at Arcadia High School; and Peter Rusin, executive director of Health World Education.

Diversity Champions are individuals who exemplify the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and who have enriched the community by empowering others.

Individuals can be nominated by anyone in the community. Eligible nominees must work, live or volunteer in Scottsdale.

Edwards spent 10 seasons in the NFL as a cornerback and then another 18 years in various coaching positions, making the playoffs four times as an NFL head coach.

He joined ASU Sun Devil Football as head coach in December 2017. Edwards has been recognized by multiple organizations for his work in the community and co-authored two books, among numerous other professional achievements.

“For me, it’s important it shows why diversity should be respected,” Richardson says.

“One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Diversity is a fact; inclusion is an act.’ It has always stuck with me. It’s important we respect everybody and show differences can still unite us. It’s a lot of fun. I’ve been part of this now for about four years and it’s an exciting event in Scottsdale. There’s always a

CO-OP from page 4

by the Arizona Court of Appeals in 1996 in Kadera v. Superior Court, declaring: “Since Petitioners’ interest is in the nature of real property, Arizona real estate law is controlling and supersedes any conflicting provisions contained in the Occupancy Agreement.”

The Scottsdale East Board had previous-

Peter Rusin

Shannon Paloma

Rosa Casas

strong turnout.”

The CCD is a Scottsdale-based nonprofit organization sponsoring educational and community events to celebrate and create a greater awareness of our community’s diversity. Its mission is to enhance the perception and understanding of diversity, provide opportunities for citizens to recognize similarities and to acknowledge differences, and to seek respect for the values of others and the oneness of humanity.

Richardson says through the organization and the dinner it’s been interesting to hear people’s stories.

“Others have had experiences in times of civil turmoil in the United States,” he says.

“They’re such empowering stories. The speakers we’ve had the last couple years have had a real message and embodies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message. It’s great to see our recent speakers who have had strong connections to the needs of our community.”

As a regional banker district manager for Wells Fargo, Casas has been instrumental in showing team members how to see value in our differences and encourage an inclusive workplace.

She has led the Latin Connection Network and helped organize multiple events promoting diversity and encourage team members to engage and connect. Casas also has an amazing passion for volunteering and supporting the community. She regularly gives back individually or helps

organize groups to give their time and hard work to charity organizations in Scottsdale and other parts of the Valley.

Paloma has taught social studies for seven years at Arcadia High School where she has served as the student government sponsor for three years and has been the African American Student Union sponsor for the past four years.

In September, thanks in part to her leadership, the Arcadia AASU received the “Next Generation Change Agent Award” at the NAACP Freedom Funds Awards.

Paloma always puts students first, and she consistently has shown, through her deeds and her words, a passion for promoting an environment of inclusion and equity.

“Rusin exemplifies the values and teaching of Dr. King and has committed himself to the health and welfare of children, and especially those less fortunate, for most of his career,” organizers said.

His work in minority communities and his outreach to ensure all are included make him a very deserving recipient for this recognition.

Rusin started Horsense, a horse riding and alternative after-school program teaching responsibility and respect. Now, in its 20th year of serving students from title 1 schools, Horsense has impacted more than 2,000 young people who would not otherwise have had an opportunity to learn life skills through equine experiences.

Rusin has also been part of CCD for about

20 years performing the role of treasurer for many of those years and has worked tirelessly to bring Scottsdale’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration dinner to fruition each year.

The dinner has become the signature MLK celebration across the Valley of the Sun and sponsorships are available. CCD hosts the event with APS, the title sponsor.

CCD is a Scottsdale-based nonprofit organization sponsoring educational and community events to celebrate and create a greater awareness of our community’s diversity.

Its mission is to enhance the perception and understanding of diversity, provide opportunities for citizens to recognize their similarities and to acknowledge their differences.

It promotes seeking respect for the values of others and the oneness of humanity.

Founded in 1993 as the result of a grass roos effort, CCD has spearheaded an aggressive promotion of diversity and made Scottsdale the first Valley city outside Phoenix to host an annual Martin Luther King Day celebration. It is still recognized as one of the best celebrations of its kind in the Phoenix metro region.

It also aims to make its efforts sustainable with an increased focus on local youth, recognizing them as future leaders of the community.

For more information, visit CCDArizona. org.

ly denied members had a real property interest in their units when arguing they had no standing to complain to AZROC. “Therefore, any future complaints from this community should be recognized only if they originate from the Board of Directors,” Shannon told AZROC. However, the Kadera opinion notes, “Given that Petitioners paid a large initial down payment and entered into a contract

which requires that they pay on a monthly basis the principal and interest on the mortgage, as well as other operating costs, their real property interest is clearly in the nature of an ownership or fee interest.”

Even with that opinion, the confusion over how the state views cooperative communities and what, if any, regulations apply to them has left residents frustrated.

Pete Aitken complained to the state At-

torney General and AZROC this month.

A spokesman for Arizona Registrar of Contractors said the agency would continue to investigate any complaint it received concerning work at Scottsdale East Homes “but I can’t really comment on who the proper jurisdiction would be to look into the co-op attempting to prevent them from

see CO-OP page 16

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

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CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

ENROLLMENT from page 10

enrollment grew by 271 students.

“This has enabled the district really to maintain its schools even though in-district enrollment continues to fall,” Brammer said.

Brammer said demographics trends are also the basis for the long-term predictions, noting the group’s analysis does not anticipate an increase in young families in the area would sustain school district growth.

Statewide, Brammer said birth rates have not rebounded to pre-recession levels, resulting in fewer children entering schools overall.

Building trends also speak to less young children living within the district.

The analysis shows the number of school-aged children in Scottsdale remained relatively flat since 2010, even as the number of housing units has grows.

Don Graves, also with Applied Economics, said two-thirds of single-family homes built in the district boundaries were on large lots not usually owned by families with children.

Brammer said analysis showed some families are starting to move into neighborhoods in southeast

Rick Brammer, left, and Don Graves with Applied Economics gave the SUSD Governing Board a detailed analysis of enrollment trends. (Progress file photo)

Scottsdale, something previous studies did not see.

Graves said multifamily, apartments and condos, make up 75 percent of total units being built in the city, but most are luxury products not catering to young families.

“Again, you’re probably not going to get a lot of children out of this multifamily, because that particular market

has changed a lot,” Graves said.

Still, Brammer said there are signs enrollment declines are stabilizing because the number of kindergarten through second-grade students “did not fall very much.”

“That is a very good sign you see this curve start to flatten out,” Brammer said.

“That’s the bottom of the curve; that’s what we’re looking to happen before en-

Why wait?

rollment will ever go back up.”

Though the long-term analysis still predicts losses, SUSD Governing Board President Patty Beckman was encouraged by year-over-year improvement, noting demographic predictions do not account for out-of-district families choosing to attend SUSD – an argument Brammer agreed with.

“That’s difficult for you to project – that outside choice,” Beckman said, noting those decisions are driven more by a district’s programs and leadership rather than demographic trends in a specific area.

Superintendent Dr. John Kriekard said he views the district’s enrollment outlook “as a challenge,” stating the district can bring back lost students and is already seeing progress in thisregard.

Kriekard said, with pre-kindergarten numbers included, the district lost less than 100 students over the past year after losing nearly 600 the year prior.

Kriekard said even if there is a decline in school-age children in the community “it doesn’t mean our district has to decline, because we can recapture more of those kids that are going to private and charter schools through our own investments.”

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CITY NEWS

CO-OP from page 12

filing complaints.”

In July, Ryan Anderson, AG spokesman said his office lhas “no authority over HOAs, planned communities, of any kind.”

The Department of Real Estate said coop’s are not in its jurisdiction either.

“The Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE) does not regulate or have oversight of housing co-ops. Residents are considered to be shareholders in the entity that owns the property,” Deputy Commissioner Louis Dettorre said, adding that members get an attorney.

The problem, Aitken said, is most residents are on a fixed income and cannot afford an attorney. Aitken spent $3,500 on his own to defend against an injunction against harassment filed by Harding, the HOAMCO manager, in October.

A city judge dismissed the request.

Aitken said he has some savings left, but “I don’t want to spend it on this, but I also don’t want my home destroyed.”

READING from page 10

reader for everything for the rest of your life,” Navajo Elementary Principal Matt Patzlaff said.

In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement encouraging pediatric doctors to promote early literacy development in young children.

Patzlaff said encouraging students to read often is already a primary goal for elementary schools “because first you learn to read, and then you read to learn.”

The school has an existing program in place and sets reading goals for students as well as allows them to earn points and rewards. Patzlaff has partnered with restaurants like Lou Malnati’s to provide coupons as rewards for students who meet their goals.

“I’m not saying it to be cliché, but I truly believe there has to be a home-school relationship and we work together,” Patzlaff

PERLEBERG from page 8

will be no increase to our fee to the trust for their involvement with Barbara Perleberg.”

Mark Greenburg alleged the trust’s coverage for Perleberg could violate Arizona’s Gift Clause because it is essentially providing her free legal services.

“The gift of a legal defense appears to be nothing more than a gratuity meant to curry favor with Perleberg and insure she will vote to keep the Trust as the District’s insurer,” Mark Greenburg said.

The board approves contracts with the

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

Co-op communities have long been held up as a model of affordable housing for individuals with fixed income because they pay a nominal up-front cost and hold onto memberships for decades as long as they pay a monthly fee that is typically lower than rent or mortgage.

Many other residents in the community are elderly and on a fixed income and have lived in their units for 30 or more years.

But the community’s carrying fees are rising beyond what some of the lowincome and elderly residents can afford, Pete Aitken said.

The base monthly charge was recently raised from $334 to $364. The board also approved a one-time $2,400 charge earlier this year for the ongoing construction. The charge could be paid in 12 $200 installments atop the $364 monthly payment.

Harding told residents last week the board recently approved another $1,200 assessment from July 1, 2020 to Dec. 1,

2020 for asbestos removal from floors.

Among the allegations by residents are that the board is ignoring rules set forth in the community’s bylaws, including those requiring a community-wide vote to approve disbursements from the reserve fund, like those used for the plumbing projects.

The bylaws allow the board to make those disbursements unilaterally in emergency situation.

Resident Matt Stobs alleged the board never proved the multi-million-dollar sewer line replacement constituted an emergency situation or that the lines needed to be replaced in the first place.

Residents also argued Peterson is taking advantage of a preventative maintenance contract with the community to run up unnecessary bills by replacing water heaters that are only a few years old.

“They’re taking advantage of this contract they have with us,” Story said.

Pete Aitken alleged that HOAMCO violated the community’s bylaws by failing to

properly bid out projects awarded to Peterson – a previous HOAMCO contractor.

Aitken said both HOAMCO and the board have refused to turn over documents proving they bid out the project.

Those same residents allegedly caught HOAMCO, the community’s management company in a lie after an attempt to replace the community’s water lines.

A letter to members dated May 14, 2019, stated that Scottsdale required the co-op to replace its waterlines.

However, a public records request filed by a member in September revealed the city gave no such directive.

That same day, HOAMCO community manager Rhonda Harding sent an email to residents notifying them the waterline project was canceled.

Aitken said he feels like there is nowhere else to turn as the community becomes more inhospitable and more expensive to live in.

“We’re being nickeled and dimed to death,” he said.

district’s insurance providers.

Cole did not respond to a request to comment on his allegations.

Though the lawsuit has been settled, it could have further ramifications in the 2020 election, which will see three seats up for grabs, including Perleberg’s seat.

Schild is a licensed attorney but can’t practice law because her license is inactive.

Mark Greenburg alleged she gave Perleberg legal advice and filed the lawsuit on Perleberg’s behalf. Perleberg and Schild also claimed attorney-client privi-

lege in the case.

According to official transcripts of the Aug. 29 deposition, Schild said she did not actively write, edit or revise Perleberg’s initial lawsuit or subpoena.

Schild said she only provided a copy of a previous lawsuit she filed against Scottsdale resident Mike Norton as a template for Perleberg to work from.

In her deposition, Perleberg said she based her suit off Schild’s Norton complaint.

However, in the May 7, 2018, email to Bolick, Schild said she filed the paperwork herself.

“Quite frankly I could have pointed Ms. Perleberg to other resources,” Schild wrote, but added it “was easier for me to generate these documents using my available resources.

“She has, of course, given me no compensation but you should be aware I paid the filing fee and subpoena fee when I filed the paperwork,” Schild added.

Schild acknowledged in the email the State Bar might frown on her actions, adding: “If the bar takes me out for this whatever – it’s pro bono, personal friend, etc.”

said. “Parents are my partners.”

Patzlaff said his kids read to stuffed animals at home and one Navajo teacher was already using Beanie Babies to encourage her students.

Hughes and Patzlaff coordinated with Saguaro High School Principal Ann Achtziger and the high school’s National Honor Society program to make the Read to Me program happen.

Saguaro’s NHS students did a lot of the heavy lifting and encouraged homerooms at the high school to collect beanie babies for the project.

The homeroom that collected the most toys won a donut party, Hughes said.

Saguaro’s NHS students went to Navajo to take part in the program’s launch, helping adopt out the beanie babies and reading with the younger students.

“Then they had the older kids read to the younger kids, and the younger kids read to the older kids,” Hughes said.

Hughes said the older students got just as much out of the program as the younger children. “The Saguaro students got so much back from just sitting down and being heroes to these kids,” Hughes said.

Achtziger added: “To be able to go back and mentor the younger kids is something our high schoolers just love to do.”

Patzlaff said having the high school students involved added extra gravitas to the program because the younger children look up to them.

Read to Me is just the latest project bringing the two groups of students together.

The high school students also participated in an engineering-themed gingerbread house project with Navajo students on the same day, Patzlaff said.

Achtziger said Saguaro students have been coming to Navajo to build gingerbread houses every year for over two decades.

“Some of those kids have graduated from

college,” she said.

In addition to the Beanie Baby adoption, the new Read to Me project includes a guest reader from the community who reads to students.

At the first event, the guest reader Margaret Serna, SUSD’s Title 1 director, read to preschool students in English and Spanish.

Hughes said the organizers are making an effort to bring in readers who reflect the demographics of the student population at participating schools.

Navajo is one of the more diverse elementary schools in the district with a student population roughly 44 percent white, 34 percent Hispanic, 10 percent Native American and 8 percent black, according to the ADE. “It’s huge for them just to be able to see someone who looks a little bit more like them as a leader in the room,” Patzlaff said.

CITY NEWS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

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Saguaro High students’ projects impress ASU group

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

I

nclusivity, integration, acceptance.

These are all words Saguaro High School students use to describe their latest project – a special education prom and school garden – funded by Arizona State University.

Saguaro is one of five high school finalists in ASU’s the Better Together Challenge, which encourages schools to design a plan to encourage a more inclusive, positive school climate. As a finalist, it will receive a $300 grant to implement the project on campus.

Saguaro’s proposed school garden and special education prom aim to build environments specifically to include students with special needs.

“With such a large special education population here at Saguaro, it’s important for us that we’re an inclusive environment, that everybody feels they belong here no matter who you are,” said Principal Ann Achtziger.

Currently, Saguaro has 50 to 60 students

The ASU committee said they received many strong applications but found Saguaro’s project proposal to be one of the best.

“We believe their plan to both create a garden and host a prom for students with sensory or additional limitations represent multiple activities that will work to change their school climate and create a lasting impact,” said Janniqua Dawkins, program manager at the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family DySaguaro High School is one of five high school finalists in ASU’s The Better Together Challenge. With namics at ASU. special education teachers Joe Muecke and Samantha Trivelli (far left) and science teacher Scott Saguaro set up two comMilne (far right) are students Kathleen McMahon, Sydney Flook, Daniel Hutton, 1. Johnny Corte, Joey mittees, one for the special Hale, Joey Harmon, Jacob Lara, Todd Johnson, Carsten Ramirez, and Frank DiGregorio. education prom and one in its SCA program. teachers at Saguaro. “This aligned with for the school garden.

“This being one of our largest classes giving them an opportunity to experience The special education prom is organized of graduating SCA, this was really perfect this unique part of senior year and the see SAGUARO page 19 timing,” said Joe Muecke, special education high school experience.”

Rotary, nonprofit team up to fix up

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

F

or three hours one morning last month, about a dozen Rotary Club of Scottsdale volunteers gathered at a southern Scottsdale home to dig holes, arrange a sprinkler line, and shovel gravel — 15 tons of it.

In the end, the Scottsdale resident in need was left with a complete yard landscape installation of drought-tolerant plants and, of course, the gravel, thanks to Operation Fix-It and the Rotary.

“Her name was Martha, and she was such a sweetheart and so grateful,” Laura Biever, Rotary volunteer coordinator, said of the Scottsdale homeowner. “She just kept coming out and saying, ‘Thank you so much, so much. This is going to make such a big difference.’ We were all rooting for Martha, so we really wanted to do a nice

job for her.”

In addition to working on the yard for three hours, the club also made a $1,000 donation to Operation Fix-It, a program providing assistance on exterior home projects to Scottsdale homeowners who are unable to address them due to financial and/or physical constraints.

“The goal of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale is to work with Scottsdale-based charities and do-gooders. [Operation FixIt] is based in Scottsdale, it’s all funded by donors and not the city. They had actual projects they needed help on where we could get in there and do some real work.

It just worked out really well,” Biever said.

Assistance on projects, like landscape maintenance, painting, fence-building, and more, is provided to low-income qualifying applicants.

see ROTARY page 20

The Rotary Club of Scottsdale recently presented to Operation Fix It a check for $1,000 for use on future home improvement projects within the City of Scottsdale. (Special to the Progress)

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

SAGUARO ���� page 18

by seven students and two school advisors, Muecke and Samantha Trivelli, who are special education teachers.

“We noticed there wasn’t necessarily an opportunity for the special needs students to have a prom, where they can be involved. So, we decided it would be a good idea to have one for everyone,” said senior Joey Hale, 17.

To plan the special education prom, the group had to ensure they accommodated all of the students’ needs.

“You take into account sensory issues, personal space, things to allow them to not feel like their stressors are overwhelmed, which is what happens sometimes in a traditional prom setting.

There’s just a lot of things happening.

[We’re] trying to simplify the experience but also make it as enjoyable as would be another area,” Muecke said.

For example, one idea they have is to have headsets available for students sensitive to sound.

“The music connects to all of the headsets and everybody’s listening to the same thing at the same time so everybody has an equal chance to enjoy the music,” said senior Joey Harmon, 18.

If the prom is a success, they would like to make it an annual event.

“We don’t really see students including special-ed students, so being able to be a part of the first group who really brings the whole entire school together as one [is] really nice,” said junior Jacob Lara, 17.

“The first [special-ed prom] not only brings about inclusion but [also] integration into what we offer; it’s pretty awesome. I think the community would love to see it happen,” said senior Johnny Corte, 18.

In addition to making the special ed prom an annual event, Muecke said they’d like to eventually expand it to other SUSD schools.

The garden is spearheaded by the Saguaro E.C.O. Club, founded this year.

The club, which stands for Environmental Conservation Organization and currently has about 15 students, will create three total gardens located on the northwest side of campus — two smaller gardens comprised of native desert plants and one garden with herbs and vegetables.

The gardens will have eco-bricks created with plastic bottles stuffed with nonrecyclable materials, like candy wrappers, potato chip bags, plastic bags and more. “[The eco-bricks] are pretty common in developing countries. It hasn’t really hit the United States quite that much yet,” said Scott Milne, club advisor and

19

science teacher. “The whole idea behind this is ... none of this makes it out into the environment. So, it saves a lot of plastic.”

They will then pour concrete around the stuffed plastic bottles, and the school’s art department will then decorate the bottoms of the bottles.

So far, the club has collected about 300 plastic bottles from trash cans around campus during lunch as well as from their respective homes.

“They’ve been going around ... once a week to collect recycling from the school with the special education department,” Milne said.

The club hopes to have the gardens built by the end of the school year and wait until next fall to do the planting.

Saguaro High School E.C.O. Club Co-Presidents Kathleen McMahon, 15, and Sydney Flook, 15, To measure the impact of the have helped collect nearly 300 water bottles for the school’s environmentally-friendly garden, garden, the club plans to weigh funded by ASU’s The Better Together Challenge. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer) the trash-filled bottles before “One of the most exciting aspects of support students’ success. setting up the garden.

The goal of BTC is to support and en- the Better Together Challenge is the “That weight will show the amount we’ve kept out of the environment be- hance middle and high school-aged stu- end-of-the-year award ceremony. Stucause everything you throw away will dents’ engagement in two areas: identi- dents, teachers, and families are invited end up in the environment,” said sopho- fying the issues at their school that may to come to the ASU Tempe Campus to be more and club co-president Kathleen undermine school inclusiveness, and “de- recognized for their achievements and veloping, implementing, and evaluating to hear about each of the projects that McMahon, 15.

Milne added they can also track the their own strategies for addressing the have been implemented over the year,” said Laura Hanish, professor and deputy number of classes at Saguaro using the self-identified issues,” Dawkins explained.

By identifying the barriers to inclusion, director in the T. Denny Sanford School garden.

“That’s one of the major goals, beyond Dawkins continues, the students and their of Social and Family Dynamics at ASU. The E.C.O. Club also welcomes non-rehaving people involved in making the advisors can create environments that are cyclable donations from the community, garden, is making it obvious how much safe and inclusive for all students.

“At Saguaro, we try and make everyone which can be dropped off at the school’s has been kept out of the environment and getting people continually involved in it,” feel welcome and show the community you front office.

“Stuff we’d really like to be donated know we are all one, together,” said senior Milne said.

The club members hope the garden will Todd Johnson, 18. “It’s probably one of my would be stuff you can’t really recycle.

Plastic that’s going to end up floating in not only make their high school a more favorite things being involved in this.”

On May 12, Saguaro will be honored at an ocean somewhere or polluting a forsustainable campus and environment but also bring awareness for recycling to fel- the ASU Tempe campus, along with the est: That’s the kind of plastic we want to rest of the finalists, which include five mid- stuff into the bottle,” said senior Daniel low students.

Hutton, 17.

“Hopefully when they see all the trash dle schools and four other high schools. [in the garden], they realize it’s just a small, tiny segment of all the trash that gets thrown in the recycling bins from places all over the world. Then they might think, maybe I’ll be a little more wary about actually making sure I’m putting the right thing in the right receptacle,” said senior Daniel Hutton, 17.

APY* In addition to $300 given by ASU, both programs are also supported by additional resources and funds from outside sources, including the Saguaro PTO and other grants, according to Achtziger.

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

Notre Dame star swimmer cuts time in nationals PROGRESS NEWS STAFF

H

ard work paid off for Notre Dame Prep DP junior William Bansberg, who dropped significant time in all his swimming events at the USA Winter Junior Nationals earlier this month in Federal Way, Washington.

His 400 individual medley time puts him in the top 10 nationwide in his age group.

It has been a while since Banberg had dropped his time in the 200 individual medley.

But he recently changed his training routine to include weights and ended up dropping five seconds off his time.

He went from a time of 1:54.94 and not being nationally ranked, to posting of 1:49.93, placing in the top 20 in the nation.

“I went into this meet thinking the 200 IM was just a throw-away event,” he said.

“When I was swimming, I could see no one else was around me, and when I hit the wall, I looked up and saw my time; that was the best swimming moment of my career so far,” he added.

ROTARY ���� page 18

Many of Operation Fix-Its clients also include the elderly facing potential fines from code enforcement notices they’ve received.

“A lot of residents don’t realize what a drastic change can occur in literally just a couple of hours, and, truly, that’s how it works. People can give a couple hours of their time and be so impactful on somebody’s life that it helps them stay sustainable in their house. It relieves all the stress they have. It helps reduce their overhead so they can stay in their home,” said Michelle Holmes, program manager of Operation Fix-It. The Rotary Club’s $1,000 donation will be used on future home improvement projects within the City of Scottsdale.

“We appreciate the work the organization takes on,” Biever said. “It’s funded by donors only. No taxes or anything go to it, so it was just important for us to say, ‘Here, we’re going to help you along in this way as well.’”

Operation Fix-It is not funded by the City of Scottsdale and operates solely on donations, including time and physical labor donated by volunteers, like the club.

“Our incredible volunteers, their sweat equity is incredible,” Holmes said.

“We have hundreds of people who come in every year and donate their time and their sweat and their hard work, and

Notre Dame Prep junior William Bansberg shaved a lot of time off his swim events at the USA Winter Junior Nationals earlier this month. (Special to the Progress)

The most significant drop came when Bansberg swam the 400 individual medley.

Prior to last weekend, his personal best was 4:04.05. Last weekend he dropped his time by nine seconds and posted a 3:55.89, placing him in the top 10 nationwide for 16-year-old swimmers.

“William swam beautifully and exceeded all his goals,” said his mother, Julie Bansberg. “We are super excited because he’s worked so hard.”

“Ranked in the top three of Arizona prep swimmers, Bansberg could swim across the family pool at the age 2, showing talent and a love for the sport,” a school spokes-

Eleven volunteers with the Rotary Club of Scottsdale Arizona partnered with City of Scottsdale’s Operation Fix It to complete a yard landscape installation of drought-tolerant plants and 15 tons of gravel for a Scottsdale homeowner in need. (Special to the Progress)

they’re what keeps it keeps the program going, honestly.”

This year marks Operation Fix-Its 10year anniversary, and over the past decade, the program has provided more than 200 projects every year and averaged about 850 to 900 volunteers each year.

“Year one, we probably had about 36 properties we worked on,” Holmes said.

The program not only benefits the homeowner but also the whole neighborhood.

“We might be fixing this one house, but fixing even one house is improving your street and it’s improving your community,” Holmes said. “It just overflows.”

This is the Rotary Club of Scottsdale’s second time partnering with Operation Fix-It. The first was a house painting project in February 2019.

“We really love working with them,” Biever said. “It helps our Club come together because you can really get to know

person said.

He swam recreationally until the age of 9, when he was forced to join a club because he was too competitive for the recreational league, according to his mom.

Now he swims for Notre Dame Prep during the high school season and Scottsdale Aquatic Club the rest of the year.

Since setting his new personal records, he has garnered interest from college coaches across the country.

As a Scholastic All-American, Bansberg doesn’t look too far into the future when asked about Olympic dreams.

“After I graduate, I want to compete at the collegiate level and see what happens after,” he said. “I will take it one step at a time.”

Opened in 2002, Notre Dame Prep is a Catholic diocesan college preparatory high school with a co-ed enrollment of 849 students.

The school has received national recognition for the caliber of its academic, arts and athletic programs. The school is located at 9701 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale. each other when you’re out there painting a house or slinging gravel. We’re trying to be more people of action.”

In addition to making exterior improvements, Operation Fix-It also has a toollending program for those who are physically capable but do not have the proper equipment.

“They can reach out to me and I can actually loan them everything they need to do their yard for free. Then, they just return it back to me,” Holmes said.

For Holmes, many of the people she’s helped through Operation Fix-It have become good friends.

“Some of them have become very dear to me,” he said. “You learned things about them. Sometimes, they’re very forthcoming with everything that’s gone on with their life.”

And it’s this personal connection with Scottsdale residents Holmes enjoys most about the job and the program.

“Some of the key things are watching somebody get a fresh start,” he said.

Looking ahead, Holmes said she’d like two things for Operation Fix-It: to become more of a household name and to increase the program’s number of volunteers.

“We have somewhere between 850 to 900 volunteers a year, and I’d love to see it be 1,500 volunteers a year,” she said.

Information: scottsdalerotary.org, scottsdaleaz.gov/operation-fix-it

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

Join us as we welcome 2020 with an exciting auction featuring fine art, jewelry, antiques and high-end collectibles!

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 @11 :00 a.m. MT Bid live in-person at our auction house or online!

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

Thursday

26

Days DECEMBER

Sunday

22 Oy Vey 5K at the J

Participate in a children’s course or 5K walk or run from 8 a.m. to noon at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Cost $10 to $30 and includes a long-sleeved race tshort, post-race snacks, swag bag and more. Registration is required. Information vosjcc. org/funrun.

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: 480-3127323.

Monday

23 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.

$5 Fido Frisbee Meals

Treat your dog to a delicious outdoor breakfast, brunch or lunch. The Brunch Cafe at 15507 N. Scottsdale Road is serving $5 Fido Frisbee meals to all well-behaved dogs on their patio from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dogs are served two scrambled eggs on a frisbee and owners get to keep the frisbee. Information: www. brunchcafe.com.

Drop-in e-reader help

Receive help with downloadables. Bring your device, li-

Tai Chi

brary card and questions from 11 a.m. to noon at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Information: 480-312-7323.

portive group from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street Information: 480-312-7323.

Join a group of people with optimism and knowledge that can listen and help from 10 a.m. to noon at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue Information: 480-314-6660.

Enjoy the holiday film, “Christmas with the Kranks,” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street Information: 480-312-7323.

Children grades K through 4 will have a blast with art, sports, swimming and splash pad fun from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Registration is required. Information: youth@ vosjcc.org.

25

Cancer support group

Winter Shemesh camp

‘Christmas Vacation’

Enjoy the comedic holiday film, “White Christmas,” from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Information: 480-312-7323.

Tuesday

24 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: 480-4837121.

Alzheimer’s support

Caregivers of loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease can find support and encouragement from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Information: 480-481-7090.

Mustang writers’ critique

Meet with other writers to share and critique writing in a pressure-free and sup-

‘Christmas with the Kranks’

Wednesday

‘Spies in Disguise’

Join friends at Valley of the Sun JCC at 12701 N. Scottsdale Road in spinning the dreidel, making crafts and watching the anticipated film, “Spies in Disguise,” featuring Will Smith from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $15 to $20. Information: 480-481-7090.

Walkin’ Wednesdays

Make friends while exercising during a brisk 1.5-mile walk through The J neighborhood from 9 to 10 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Bring water and walking shoes and meet at the campus’ flagpole.

Strollers, dogs and all walking paces are welcomed. Information: 480-481-1797.

Christmas day hike

Embrace the spirit of the holiday on this picturesque hike on the Gateway Loop into the heart of the McDowells. This is a moderate hike of 4.5 miles in about 2.5 hours with significant elevation gain of 700 ft.

Bathrooms available at the trailhead. Bring water and snacks for the trail. No dogs please. Arrive 15 minutes before start of hike. Meet at Gateway Trailhead at 18333 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy. at 9 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to join a class that focuses on gentle and controlled movements that center the mind, body and spirit for health benefits from 3 to 3:45 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue Information: 480-314-6660.

12 & 12 AA Meeting

Find recovery from alcohol addiction alongside this support group at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays at St. Anthony on the Desert Church, 12990 E. Shea Blvd.

This is a discussion meeting based on the Big Book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

Drop-in e-reader help

Receive help with downloadables. Bring your device, library card and questions from 11 a.m. to noon at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-312-7323.

Friday

27 In stitches knitters

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 Drive Information: 480-312-7323.

Chair yoga

Achieve liberation through physical postures, breath practice, meditation and philosophical study. Join a class to better physical health from 1 to 2 p.m. at Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers, 8880 E. Desert Cove Avenue Information: 480314-6660.

Educational Walk

Join a leisurely group walk on the awe-inspiring 1.5-mile Jane Rau Trail with stops for various discussions of the desert. Bathrooms available at the trailhead.

Bring water and snacks for the

trail. No dogs please. 15 minutes before start of hike, please arrive at Brown’s Ranch Trailhead, 30301 N. Alma School Pkwy. The hike will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Saturday

28 Paintings of Cam DeCaussin

Cam DeCaussin explores what might be behind the windows, doors and houses of a fictional Phoenix neighborhood with his realistic paintings. View the artwork from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-312-7323.

Story stop (Ages 0-5)

Build children’s literacy with a free picture book program from 2 to 2:15 p.m. at Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road Information: 480-312-7323.

‘The Kindness Book’

Children can enjoy storytime activities and a reading of “The Kindness Book” at 11 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, 10500 N. 90th Street Attendance includes a coupon from the Barnes & Noble Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4. Information: 480-391-0048.

Fraesfield Trailhead ride

This all woman’s bike ride is an intermediate skill level ride of about 12 miles from 9 a.m. to noon that begins at Fraesfield Trailhead, 13400 E. Rio Verde Drive A bike with wide knobby tires is required. Please no road bikes, hybrids, folding bikes or electric-assist bikes. Helmets are required. Bring water and snack and arrive at the trailhead fifteen minutes before the scheduled ride.

Sunday

29 Farmhouse friends

The Screamery ice cream parlor is offering a special $5 discount deal for Farmhouse orders every Sunday night in December and January from 5 to 10 p.m. The Farmhouse Sundae is meant to be shared and includes a whopping eight scoops of ice cream

loaded with cookies, brownies, butter cake and a choice of toppings. The Screamery is located at 10625 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix. Information: thescreamery.com.

Bagels Group

Chat with friends, munch on bagels and drink morning coffee from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Valley of the Sun JCC, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road Members can attend for free. Guest tickets are $5. Registration is required.

Information: vosjcc.org/bagelsdec.

Messages in Ink exhibit

This exhibit displays work by print artists from the Phoenix Metro area including lithographs, etchings, letterpress, linoleum cut, woodcut and laser-engraved work. The artwork is on display from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Information: 480312-7323.

‘Pop-Up Peekaboo’

Children can enjoy storytime activities and a reading of “PopUp Peekaboo: Things That Go” at 11 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, 10500 N. 90th Street Attendance includes a coupon from the Barnes & Noble Café for a free tall hot or iced Starbucks coffee. Information: 480-3910048.

Monday

30 Business Energizer

Learn about setting weekly goals and generate business ideas with fellow business owners from 9 to 10 a.m. This group meets virtually. To join, meet the group online through the “Monday Business Energizer” group LinkedIn page. Free.

Information: edgar@compasscbs.com.

Tail waggin’ tales

Children 6 to 10 can practice their reading skills with a certified therapy dog from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th Street Information: 480-312-7323.

Advanced beginner bridge

Join others in playing a fun game of bridge from 3 to 5 p.m. at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive Information: 480-312-7323.

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

NEIGHBORS

23

Siblings’ candle business a first in state

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

G

North

ilbert-based sister and Sc ottsdale brother Laurie Guidi and Ron Jones have a lot in common.

They’re not only twins, but they’ve also spent more than one decade of their professional lives working at the same company, Walters & Wolf.

And as of this year, they both quit their respective full-time jobs to continue to work together: They opened and now co-own their own candle-making company, Candle Chemistry.

“My dad’s like, what, ‘What? You’re going to quit your job after 13 years?’”

Jones recalled. To which Guidi added, “We’ve always worked together.”

Located at Scottsdale Quarter on North Street on the north end of the mall, pet-friendly Candle Chemistry is the first of its kind in the state.

Here, customers can make their own personalized scents in-store.

The idea came to Guidi after 10 years At Candle Chemistry, the management team keeps it in the family. From left, the Candle Chemistry team is comprised of husof calling Jones in the middle of the band and wife duos Chris Guidi and Laurie Guidi, and Ron Jones and Salina Jones. Laurie and Ron are twins who started the night to bounce ideas off him. business. (Candle Chemistry) “[She] would be like, ‘How about a dry clean service that drops off at your “People are all about healthy living. arrive sans reservation; larger groups take away from our neighbors. We want door?’” Jones said.

We’re definitely proud of our products,” must make a reservation on Candle to partner with [them],” Ron added.

Laughing, Guidi added, “Or a drone Guidi said.

Chemistry’s website.

Laurie and Ron opened up a candle that delivers your coffee?”

Candle Chemistry opened in early Starting at $20, customers start the business at an opportune time.

Candle Chemistry has more than 100 November and has since attracted cus- 30-minute candle-making process by A recent report published by Zion scents available in-store, the most pop- tomers of all kinds, from soccer teams choosing their scents, during which a Market Research in September states ular being old books, ginger ale, hot co- to families.

Scent Stylish will help choose comple- the global candle market is expected to coa, and elderflower.

They’ve also hosted candle-making menting scents. reach nearly 14 billion by 2026, largely “I make that one almost every day,” parties, including birthday parties and Then, customers choose their con- due to increasing disposable incomes. said Maddison Wattis, Candle Chemis- corporate parties. tainer and design their label.

But the brother-sister duo didn’t try Scent Stylist.

Looking ahead, they plan to partner Up next, is the fun part: mixing the oils choose the candle market specifically The most unique scents, according to with local artists to host workshops, at the Fragrance Bar. due to its continued growth. the Candle Chemistry team, are bacon, like candle-incorporated floral cenCandles take 90 minutes to cool beThey chose the candle business bepatchouli, and lettuce – yes, lettuce. terpieces and candle glass-designing fore they’re ready to take home, dur- cause it creates – and evokes – memories.

Customers won’t always find the classes. ing which Laurie and Ron recommend “A customer, she smelled Dad’s Den, same scents year-round at Candle “I’m always wanting to incorporate heading next door to Sorso Wine Room and her grandfather had just passed Chemistry, either. something with families because it’s for a glass of vino or walk around the away, and she was like, ‘That’s my Guidi and Jones said they plan to important to us,” Guidi said.

Quarter. grandfather.’ Right away, she was like, ‘I change them quarterly, with FebruFamily is so important to Guidi and Once they get their liquor license, want this one,’” Wattis said. ary or March being the next time they Jones, their respective spouses, Chris however, they’ll allow customers to “Scent is one of your most powerful change the scents.

Guidi and Salina Jones, also work at bring in their own bottle of wine. senses,” Laurie added. “For us, the scent The soy candles sold and made at Candle Chemistry.

“The BYOB will be nice because then if brings back memories.”

Candle Chemistry are environmentally Combine their professional strengths we were to host, say, a bridal shower, we friendly, too.

— sales executive, human resources could do that after hours. We could have “We knew we didn’t want a paraffin. manager, event planner, and operations it as an option where you can bring your We wanted a clean, soy candle,” Guidi guru — and you have what they call a own alcohol,” Ron said. said. “killer combination for business manIn the meantime, they’re more than Candle Chemistry “The nice thing, too, about people agement.” happy partnering up with their neigh15323 N. Scottsdale Road, #140 forming their own candle is they know So, how exactly does Candle Chemis- bors.

480-251-0677 what’s going in. It is wax and oil. There try work?

“We didn’t want to do a complete licandlechemistry.com are no chemicals,” Jones added.

Groups of five or less are welcome to quor license because we don’t want to

If You Go

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(Chris Mortenson/Progress Staff Photographer)

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hristmas wouldn't be the same in Scottsdale without McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, as these folks can attest to. 1) Huddled around Santa are members of the Nezaroff Family, including, from left, Samantha, Chris, Christopher, Andrew and Emily; 2) Tegan Hovatter, left, and Teddy Woods are awed by the spectacle; 3) The engineer guides the train; 4) Anderson Kern is ecstatic while 5) Elliot Neutenswander enjoys the ride and also enjoying the visit are, from left, 6) Linda Venneri, Kathryn Chayka, Chapi Chayka and David Venneri and 7) Lori Dillon, Kilah Kennedy and Janet Alexander.

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BUSINESS

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Globetrotter aims to make travelling memorable

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

S

cottsdale’s Jane Borman visited 83 countries, all seven continents and this year celebrates 25 years of traveling more than 150 days every year – all for work.

Borman is a luxury travel designer – not to be confused with a travel agent – and she also happens to be celebrating another milestone this year with the national Travel Experts network of which she’s a top producer: its 30th anniversary.

“Our independent contractors continue to raise the bar in the industry, and the Travel Experts team is honored to accept these awards on their behalf,” said Travel Experts Founder and President Susan Ferrell. “We continue to attract the most passionate and hard-working independent advisors in luxury travel today.”

Travel Experts is a North Carolinabased host agency for independent luxury travel advisors, boasting combined sales of nearly $400 million.

Borman is one of more than 400 advi-

Jane Borman and Michelle Novoa are travel designers, Borman a luxury travel designer and Novoa a corporate travel designer. They create hyper-personalized trips for their affluent clients. (Pablo Robles/Progress Staff Photographer)

sors who make up the Travel Experts team of independent contractors.

Borman began her career in 1994 as a travel director for Maritz Travel and became a travel agent in 2006, eventually

working her way up to her current position as a luxury travel designer.

“The travel agent term is an outdated term,” Borman said. “If you’re looking at a travel agent today, they’re working in

a call center. They’re fulfilling needs of someone walking in the door, but they’re not really designing something really amazing and special.”

That’s where Borman comes in.

Borman creates personalized travel experiences for her clients – or, as she puts it, she “make dream comes true.”

“What we’re really focusing now is hyper-personalization,” Borman said. “I do intensive research before I design their trips. I visit the location they’re going to prior to building the trip together.”

To design unique, exclusive travel packages, Borman not only relies on her personal experience traveling abroad and the relationships she forms while visiting new and popular destinations, but also the Virtuoso network of high-end travel companies work together to create customized vacations.

“You can’t book direct and get that through just any travel agent. No, you have to be part of the Virtuoso network to have that relationship,” Borman said.

see TRAVEL page 27

Topgolf adding esports to its business

BY WARNER YOUNGER Cronkite News

T

opgolf got its start as an innovator in the tradition-laden sport of golf.

Now the company is innovating again by providing an alternative to traditional sports.

Topgolf recently announced a partnership with TCL, the Chinese television and consumer electronics manufacturer, to roll out esports lounges at select Topgolf locations, including Scottsdale, in an effort to expand Topgolf’s reach.

“Esports presents a new and unique audience and we recognized natural parallels between our existing audience and esports fans,” said Morgan Schaaf, Topgolf’s communications manager. “We create moments that matter for everyone and we figured we want to do the same thing for esports enthusiasts.”

Topgolf is expanding its reach and hosting more esports events, like this recent Ascension tournament. (Jason Krell/Cronkite News)

The Scottsdale location’s esports lounge is still in development, but it hasn’t slowed Topgolf’s esports movement in Arizona.

SAK Gaming, an esports tournament organization located in Tempe, recently collaborated with Topgolf’s Gilbert location to run an Ascension tournament series there. Schaaf said the tournaments have been a massive success.

“SAK Gaming has introduced Topgolf to the huge audience of gamers and esports enthusiasts residing in Arizona,” Schaaf said. “Their events have gone so well other states have begun reaching out to their local Topgolf to inquire about holding events.”

The Ascension tournament series is a monthly event featuring the best talent in the Southwest in the esports titles of Su-

see TOP GOLF page 27

BUSINESS

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

TRAVEL ���� page 26

According to Michelle Novoa, corporate travel designer and experience design specialist at Maritz Travel, travel designers help cut through the confusion of planning the perfect trip.

“The internet is almost too confusing.

There are so many people weighing in.

You don’t know who those people are.

You don’t know what their tastes are.

They may travel once every five years and say, ‘Oh, this place is amazing.’ And if you were to believe them and try it out, you may be sorely disappointed,” Novoa said.

Borman works with affluent clients, those who value time over money and crave to see the world.

“It’s never price-driven. It’s experiencedriven,” Borman said. “It’s always exclusive [experiences], like booking castles and chalets in Switzerland, it can accommodate many people.”

Currently, Borman works with many multigenerational families – almost 50 percent of her business – and individuals.

“I may have a family of five, 10. I have a family of 30 I’ve worked with for the last eight years, and we do amazing trips with them. [They] spend $300,000 a year,” she said.

It takes Borman an average eight to 12

TOP GOLF ���� page 26

per Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

It is the only monthly tournament series in the world to serve as a qualifier for the official Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Power Rankings the esports organization, Panda Global, tracks.

The series started using the SAK Gaming lounge, a 2,000-square-foot venue in Tempe, but as popularity grew, SAK Gaming had to find a bigger venue.

After using the Education Lecture Hall building at ASU and the community center at Chandler-Gilbert Community College over the summer, the 300-plus entry tournament series has finally found a home at Topgolf.

Stephen Shackelford, the owner of SAK Gaming, said it was Paul Ogdee, Topgolf’s

months to plan a large trip.

“It’s a minimum of three months planning,” she said.

Borman’s planning consists of, yes, traveling – and lots of it.

In 2018, along, she traveled 175 days out of the year.

And just one trip sounds exhausting; for example, Borman’s two-week trip to Switzerland consisted of staying at nine hotels, visiting 14, and boarding 35 train segments.

“People think, ‘Oh my God, I want your job.’ No, you don’t,” she said. “It’s never vacation. I’m always on three time zones.”

But Borman couldn’t picture herself doing anything else.

“I’m in my element when I’m traveling,” she said, adding she loves the “languages, the culture, the curiosity – all that.”

“I have, I think, 14 languages my app. I know like 20 words in 20 different languages,” Borman said. “When I’m there, I’m learning. When I’m in Botswana, I’m learning the local language. I’m talking to the gardener in his language, and he’s blown away.”

Looking ahead at 2020, Borman predicts jet trips around the world will become a big travel trend.

“Imagine you have $100,000 per person and 23 days, and the trip is heading east around the world. You travel during lunch,

head of esports strategy, reached out to him.

With the Ascension series looking for a new home, Shackelford said the timing couldn’t have been better.

“I was like, ‘Well, I have this 250-plus person event I need a home for. Would you be interested?’” Shackelford said. “And they said, ‘sure.’”

Topgolf Gilbert had the space SAK Gaming was looking for, a 3000 square feet “Signature Room” complete with HDTV’s used for live streaming and even a private bar.

Topgolf might not be bringing an esports lounge to the Gilbert location, but what the location had already was more than enough to prove to Shackelford hosting Ascension at Topgolf Gilbert was going to be a huge success.

“We have seen an increase in attendance

you stop at a destination for three nights, and you do tours and you land and their site has SUVs all lined up. You jumped in your SUV and off you go on the tour,” Borman described.

Borman added jet trips will become particularly popular among people who have money but little time.

“They like the exclusivity of what it is.

They can afford it,” she said.

She said expedition cruising to exclusive, isolated places will also become a luxury travel trend.

She predicts the South American region of Patagonia will be popular next year, too, because “it’s gorgeous: outdoors, hiking, glaciers, lakes.”

As for specific cities, Norman said Puglia, Italy, a southern region forming the heel of Italy’s “boot,” will become a hot spot.

“Justin Timberlake got married there about 10 years ago in a hotel and then it came on the map. Now people want to go there. It’s totally different,” she said.

And, surprisingly, Scottsdale has been top of mind for travel experts, too.

“Scottsdale’s always been a hot destination for travel,” Borman said.

Lee Abbamonte, global travel expert and graduate of Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, said Scottsdale is always at the top of his list.

because of Topgolf, but also there has been all of this excitement around it,” Shackelford said. “It’s so cool to be partnered with such a legitimate brand.”

The benefits are mutual, Schaaf said.

“Topgolf provides SAK Gaming with a unique, safe, and hospitable venue to host their tournaments,” Schaaf said.

“SAK Gaming brings in an audience who otherwise might not have been to Topgolf and introduces the venue to this audience.”

The hospitality Topgolf puts on for the attendees of the Ascension series includes a free lifetime membership to Topgolf, unlimited golf from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., a $10 Topgolf coupon and access to a fully stocked bar and restaurant, which are all included with the Ascension tournament fee.

Caleb Smith, a tournament organizer for

27

“Scottsdale has everything I look for in a travel destination: golf, food, and great weather. I spend most of my time playing golf, and I go to the Phoenix Open at the TPC Scottsdale every year,” he said.

Abbamonte predicts Scottsdale will have an increase in visitors from Europe.

“With direct flights from Europe to Arizona now an option, as well as charter flights, more people may journey to Scottsdale in order to escape the winter,” he said.

Scottsdale is special to Abbamonte, the youngest American to visit every country in the world plus the North and South poles in 2011 at 32.

“On the weekends while I was in school, I would go to Scottsdale with my friends, and we’d go to the pool and play golf,” he said.

Recently, Borman spent two weeks on an Italian food tour, during which she stayed in nine hotels.

“I continue to travel in it and then learn more about the world,” she said. “I’m out networking referrals, cultivating my own ability, my own business.”

Borman’s No. 1 piece of advice when it comes to planning your next trip? Think differently about the way you travel.

“You can’t return a vacation,” she said.

Information: janeborman.com, travel-xperts.com the Smash scene in Tucson, has attended every Ascension tournament. He said Topgolf is an ideal fit.

“I think this is the best venue now we have more standing room, more breathing room,” Smith said. “You can get away from the tournament if you need to take a breather and there are more things to do here than just play in the tournament.

“It makes the overall experience much more of a spectacle than just a tournament.”

Given the success of the Ascension series at Topgolf, the golf company is eager for its next esports step in Arizona.

“Our TCL Esports Lounge at the Scottsdale venue will be opening up soon and we encourage esports fans and enthusiasts to check out the space when it’s finished in a few months,” Schaaf said.

Tell Scottsdale about your events.

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Letters

Don’t put developers in charge of redevelopment

D

eveloper-driven redevelopment gives free rein to developers to grow cities the way they want to. Sound familiar?

Developer- driven redevelopment – without an up-to-date General Plan, without a City Council leadership that supports the vision and values of all residents and is willing to work to bring people together to solve knotty issues – is doing no one any good.

A City Council that scoffs at the voices of the community is also leadership that does not share the vision and values

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Send your letters or columns to opinions@scottsdale.org

the people want for their hometown.

Scottsdale used to strive for cuttingedge design and development to help maintain its “world-class city” status, inclusive of building techniques, materials, building massing, "U" positioning and site planning to address the muchneeded elements of sustainability and energy efficiency for the future.

This isn’t a swipe at the developer of Southbridge 2. The fact is the late Fred Unger got a lot of help when he proposed the first phase of Southbridge, from the Neighborhood Enhancement

Commission that helped bring the neighbors and businesses in the area together to sort through issues and solve problems. Not all problems, but many of them.

Before that, when he built Scottsdale Crossing, the NEC helped create elements that were a win-win.

Our city leadership has been dragging its feet to bring our planning process off the shelf. We have professionals on city staff in design, site planning, architectural design, construction engineering and real estate.

There are no professionals in ecology of building material, energy sustainability, water usage impacts of heat islands and a whole lot more. We need them today.

We have no representatives of neighborhoods who have to live with whatever gets built.

One other element that is important for creating a “world-class city:” citizens who care about their city and one another, all lives who live, work and play in our city.

- Nancy Cantor

Little�ield’s Southbridge stand criticized

A

few weeks ago, I wrote an opinion related to social media menaces and Bob Littlefield who was getting into the fray regarding Southbridge 2.

On Dec. 9, his wife, Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield, sent out a newsletter to her supporters or previous supporters asking them to sign the petition to halt Southbridge 2.

It is my opinion that Kathy Littlefield, in her position as councilwoman, is irresponsible and unethical in supporting this petition drive. Any political leader who campaigns against their own governing body is suspect to me.

Her husband, a previous council member and candidate for mayor has a Facebook page called Keep Scottsdale Special. His intentions appear to be anything but keeping Scottsdale special. He is behind this action of a few trying to take down Southbridge 2 and he has helped fuel the fires of this antiSouthbridge 2 PAC. It is time that the Littlefields stop.

These contrarian actions are being exploited and they are causing innocent people harm. This is a political strategy, I believe, by Bob Littlefield to

garner support for the anti-everything campaign so he can get back into city politics.

Now he has fueled the Protect our Preserve people to get active in the petition drive.

I was blocked from reading the petition wording when I went to the Mustang Library. That was an illegal action on the part of the Petition drive. I walked away after hearing the pitch of fear-mongering. These petition signature gathers are the lost few who love to complain about everything the government does.

They are the anti-government folks who are looking for attention in whatever cause they can protest. Last month it was the Bond election, now it is Southbridge 2.

Gaining a TV appearance is the ultimate reward for their negative campaigning. Unfortunately, the media is falling prey to these hounds who are garnering the attention they think they deserve.

Some of these protestors are hysterical and acting out with unethical actions which are costing the city taxpayers funding to cover their antics.

False injunctions of harassment and a false 911 call too - all for the sake of harassment.

What will this city do to stop being harassed and what will Southbridge 2 do to overcome this unreasonable action by a few who just want to be seen and heard? This is very unfair for the Unger family, which has for 25 years worked toward this major improvement of our downtown/old town area.

This revitalization of the city is necessary. If this petition gets legs, this will only add to the price of these properties. Who is the winner in any of this confusion and hassle that a few naysayers are causing?

Is it Bob Littlefield who wants to get back into city politics? Is it the oldtime landlords who have no vision but want business as usual with no forward-thinking? Is it just grandstanders who want to be seen and heard? All in all, the city will be the loser if 12,000 petition signatures are acquired by 1/4/20.

-Sandy Schenkat

��� LETTERS ���� 30

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

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OPINION

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

LETTERS ���� ���� 28

Southbridge referendum provides a voice

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n Dec. 4, the Scottsdale City Council approved Southbridge II, multi-use development by the narrowest of margins 4-3. And now, those who want to bring the issue to the voters have until January 3, 2020, to gather almost 12,000 signatures to place the issue on the November 2020 ballot-the referendum.

The highlights of the proposed development are 10 acres of development along 5th Avenue in front of the Arizona Canal, cost of $750 million plus, a 150foot high hotel with 200 rooms, 5 residential condo buildings with 570 units, 128-foot high of�ice tower, plus retail space and an urban grocery, all adding up to approximately 2 million square feet and underground parking.

Old Town Scottsdale has a history, the last cowboy town, arts and crafts stores, jewelry stores, small mom and pop businesses, restaurants, low-slung one-to-three-story buildings.

I witnessed the vibrancy today Sat-

urday when I was in the area gathering referendum signatures, the streets and shops were packed with folks milling around, shopping, eating, just having a good old time. It is a terri�ic area.

This referendum is not about killing the project, it is about allowing the citizens of Scottsdale decide whether or not the project should be built. Should the slimmest of margins-a majority vote by the City Council 4-3 be the be-all and end-all? Or should the citizens decide?

A mere two weeks before the City Council vote, the Mayor and Councilwoman Klapp stated they were ambivalent and concerned about the magnitude of the project, traf�ic issues, tenants losing their stores as buildings are torn down, the changing landscape of the waterfront, shortage of parking and more.

The developer seemed to acquiesce those concerns by reducing the heights of two buildings, one from 150 feet to 139 feet, and the other from 150 feet to

129 feet. He also stated he would keep 5th Avenue open to traf�ic during working hours.

And the developer stated in the council session he has been open to meeting with folks to discuss the project. These factors apparently clinched the votes of Mayor Lane and Councilwoman Klapp to thumbs up from not so sure, mildly negative.

Does a 32 combined vertical feet reduction in two buildings really change the magnitude of this project in our arts district?

It will be a more than large highrise development in an area has never known that tenants of decades will be displaced. Scottsdale would live with this changed high rise landscape along the waterfront for many decades in the future long after this City council is long gone.

In November. 2018 Proposition 420 – Save Our Preserve – was passed by the voters, and thus the Preserve shall

Scottsdale Arts would like to thank our sponsors for making our ARTrageous Gala the most successful ever!

We would also like to thank Billie Jo and Judd Herberger, Scottsdale Progress, Sharron and Delbert Lewis, 5 Arts Circle, BMO Harris Bank, Cox Communications, IMI Design, and Phoenix Magazine, and all the table hosts and guests who were in attendance!

Because of you, we’re able to provide essential art programs throughout Scottsdale!

Squidsoup, Submergence, interactive LED light installation at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, 2017.

remain our sanctuary, not a Preserve with development. It was Mayor Lane, Councilwomen Klapp, Korte, and Milhaven (same four who voted in favor of Southbridge II) that were all against the winning Preserve proposition.

When the vote was a foregone conclusion, the Mayor and Ms. Klapp backstepped stating they supported the citizen vote (a tad late), but not so much from Ms. Korte and Ms. Milhaven.

It is time that the City Council listen to its constituents, it is time for the voters to have the opportunity not only to create their city’s future, but be a part of the decision and the process.

Contrary to the developer’s statement that this referendum is a political ploy to in�luence the 2020 election, it is not. That election will stand on its own, based on issues, and candidates.

For more information on this referendum: standupforoldtownscottsdale.com.

- Jim Bloch

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Females join ring at new Zoppe Circus show

BY LAURA LATZKO Progress Contributor

F

or families like the Zoppes, the circus isn’t just a way to make a living. It is part of their identities.

The Zoppe family’s circus, in its 177th year, will make its annual visit to Chandler from Thursday, Dec. 26, to Sunday, Jan. 5.

Seven generations of the family have been part of Zoppe: An Italian Family Circus.

The family circus was started in Italy in 1842 by French clown Napoline and Hungarian equestrian ballerina Ermenegilda and was moved to the United States by equestrian Alberto Zoppe in the 1940s.

Throughout the circus’ history, matriarchs have played a strong role in keeping the family tradition alive. Emma Zoppe was especially instrumental in making sure the circus survived through tough times of famine and war.

In honor of Emma Zoppe, the family circus will be presenting a new show entitled “La Nonna,” a term used for a grandmother in Italian.

Giovanni Zoppe, a sixth-generation circus performer and family circus’ director, said the new show is centered around and showcases the talent of female performers. Around 80% of the cast is made up of female performers from around the globe.

In each generation, one family member has really taken the reigns of leading the family circus. Emma was this person during the 1920s to the 1940s, and her son Alberto took over after her.

“This truly is a celebration of her life.

This show is about the strength, power and beauty of all women, the Zoppe women in particular,” Giovanni said.

Giovanni hopes the show will empower women and promote tolerance of others and equal treatment of people from different backgrounds.

“The circus has always been an equal-opportunity employer because we’ve always accepted everybody,” he said. “No matter what country you are from, what color you are, what race you are, what religion you are, everybody’s always accepted.”

Giovanni said Emma endured a lot in her life, but remained dedicated to the circus.

When the circus was bombed, she watched

sian-inspired babushka character named Natasha Vodkavitch, portrayed by ringmistress Aimee Klein.

Giovanni brings a Venetian comedic style of clowning known as Commedia dell’arte, and Klein plays the more serious clown to his fool.

This is the The Zoppe Family Italian Circus promises old-fashioned three- �irst time the ring thrills and laughs at the Chandler Center for the Arts. family circus (Special to the Progress) has had a ringmistress. helplessly as the animals died.

The show will also be breaking new “My grandmother was in tears, on her knees crawling back to the show,” Giovanni ground with female-centered acts develsaid. “Our animals are our lives for circus oped or reworked speci�ically for the show.

Audiences will have a chance to see the people. It’s what we live for—our animals.”

Giovanni said she is a testament to the Zingara Riders, an all-female group of Cosstrength of the Zoppe family’s strong sack trick riders. This Russian style of riding is fast-paced and dangerous. women.

“These women are jumping on and off “The show collapsed multiple times, and she would always bring it back,” Giovanni and doing incredible feats and going underneath the belly of a horse,” Giovanni said.

Like men in the show, female perform- said.

The circus will also showcase an allers have always taken on different roles, including helping to set up and take down female group of �lyers from the Santos family, another multigenerational circus the tent.

“The women don’t just walk in a ring and family. For the �irst time, 6-year-old twin take a bow. They also drive the stakes, put sisters Alice and Elise Santos will perform the tent up, help to drive. The women do the Perch Pole Act. The show will have performances of everything on our show,” Giovanni said.

Now, Giovanni, his sisters Tosca and Car- Mongolian contortionism and an aerial act la and their spouses have been upholding with two sisters performing on a lyra apthe family tradition with clown, equestrian paratus.

It took some time to �ind the right perand dog acts, respectively.

During the shows, Giovanni plays an formers and develop new acts for this Auguste-style clown named Nino. Within show.

Giovanni’s daughter Chiara,16, played a this role, he showcases his circus skills that includes trying to take the attention away key role in writing and directing the show.

Giovanni hopes she and her brother Jufrom other performers.

“You’re not supposed to play with other lien, a 10-year-old clown, will continue the people’s props in the circus. That’s rule No. family’s circus tradition, but he isn’t pressuring them.

1, but I always did,” Giovanni said.

“If the next generation wants it. I don’t This year, he will be play opposite a Rus-

want to force any generation to do it, but if they really like to do it,” Giovanni said. “My daughter is really showing a lot of promise…I have a strong feeling she’s going to be a huge part of what we are doing here in the future.”

The show will have a similar intimate feel as others presented by the family circus. The audiences are no more than 20 feet from the action, and their senses are all engaged, especially when the horses are running around the ring.

Giovanni, his sisters, their spouses and his children are part of an extended circus family that includes the other performers.

Each year in Chandler, they set up and �ill stockings and hold a Christmas dinner inside of the ring.

Giovanni grew up learning bareback riding, clowning, juggling and trapeze arts his father and other performers from the time that he was young. He can’t imagine another life than the one he lives.

“I don’t know what a stationary life is. Normal life to me is what I am doing,” Giovanni said.

During the Chandler engagement, members of the circus will be doing a three-day circus camp from Monday, December 30, to Thursday, January 2, where children ages 7 to 13 can learn low wire performing, balancing, clowning, jugging.

Giovanni said that the circus school not only teaches children circus skills but helps to instill con�idence in them.

“When they are in that ring that last day, they just really shine like crazy,” Giovanni said.

If You Go

Zoppe: An Italian Family Circus Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, 480.782.2680, chandlercenter.org, various times Thursday, Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, $15-$40.

Zoppe Circus Camp Chandler Center for the Arts, 250 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, 480782-2680, chandlercenter.org, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 30, to Jan. 2, $105.

32

FOOD & DRINK

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

Food & Drink

Scottsdale.org l

@ScottsdaleProgress

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Get a designated driver for these holiday treats

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

W

ith Christmas just days away, there’s no better time to fully embrace the season by sipping and savoring your way to the big day.

And there’s no better place to find holiday-themed cocktails than Scottsdale.

Mastro’s City Hall is serving up its signature Holiday Cheer cocktail through the month. It is basically a dessert in a martini glass, comprised of Tito’s Vodka, Kerrygold Irish Cream, Kahlua and Licor 43, garnished with a cinnamon and sugar graham cracker rim.

Located on 6th Avenue, Kelly’s at SouthBridge has three $10 holiday cocktails on the menu, including their whipped cream-topped Pumpkin Pie Martini with Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie Liqueur, Rumchata, and Irish cream; their Apple Cider Mule with Pearl Vodka, apple cider, Gosling’s Ginger Beer, and cinnamon; and their Espresso Martini, made with Patron

ZuZu at Hotel Valley Ho offers the Peppermint Mocha “Show Stopper” shake for $18. (Hotel Valley Ho/Special to the Progress)

XO, Dorda Chocolate, Irish cream, and whipped cream.

“I love a freshly baked Christmas cookie especially a ginger snap or gingerbread.

I wanted to share with our customers by amplifying the flavors of the cookie itself and turning it into a boozy yet delicious cocktail,” said bar manager Corrie Turnbull.

Schmooze Bar & Breakfast, formerly Schmooze Workspace & Cafe, is offering the Sweet ‘n Smokey for $10, a mix of pomegranate and mezcal.

“This well-balanced cocktail appeals to both experienced and non-experienced mezcal drinkers,” said Schmooze managing partner Steve Simonelli.

Simonelli recommends pairing their winter margarita with their Bodacious BLT, which is loaded with crispy bacon, topped with a golden-brown fried tomato and served on lightly toasted sourdough bread.

At Hula’s Modern Tiki, you’ll find three more seasonal cocktails: The Gingerbread Man, $12; Gettin’ Blitzen, $13; and Naughty List, $10.

Rum fans will want to order the Gingerbread Man made with Cruzan Blackstrap Rum, chocolate porter beer syrup, Liquor 43, Giffard Ginger Liqueur, St. Elizabeth’s All Spice Dram, figgy pudding bitters, and garnished with a ginger snap cookie rim.

Gettin’ Blitzen is a bourbon-based drink made with Buffalo Trace, Bulleit Rye, Liquid Alchemist Apple Spice Syrup, Barspoon Apple Butter, lemon juice, ginger beer, and orange and angostura bitters.

Naughty List combines Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Dekuyper Creme de Cacao, Malabar Spiced Liqueur, chocolate bitters, and garnished with a chocolatevanilla wafer.

Head down Brown Avenue to The Mission, where the bartenders are serving up the restaurant’s popular Nitro Cold Brew Mexican Iced Coffee cocktail.

This $13 libation boasts house-made cinnamon-infused tequila and house-

see COCKTAILS page 33

The Herb Box plans third location in spring

BY KRISTINE CANNON Progress Staff Writer

I

n 1995, Susan Wilcox opened The Herb Box at the Agua Caliente Shopping Center on 69th Street and Shea Boulevard.

Over the years, the original location was shuttered and two others opened – at DC Ranch in northern Scottsdale and in Old Town.

And in 2020, the Herb Box will return to its roots to open a third location – located just one complex over from where it started.

“Was it intentional? No. Serendipitous,” Wilcox said.

Next spring, the third Herb Box will open at 7 Thousand Shea, at a space Wilcox has kept an eye on for a couple of years.

“I run in that neighborhood, and I’ve just been running and watching and running and watching. It’s just how my life operates,” Wilcox said.

Wilcox describes the third Herb Box as a

“blending of the restaurant with the catering company,” meaning, the new location will have even more culinary offerings on the ever-changing menu.

“We’re going to have this really awesome gourmet deli case, and it’s going to have Arizona native grains and salads that are really fresh, fun, and unique. In that case, we’ll be changing throughout the season to what’s available as well.

There’ll be hot soup and paninis and muffins,” Wilcox said.

Think more gourmet market, less full service, and more casual.

“If you and your friends or you and your mom come in ... you can grab a bottle of wine, you can sit down and get a charcuterie board or a sandwich or appetizer. It’s just very easy,” Wilcox described.

Like the Old Town restaurant, the third location will have two private dining rooms.

However, what sets the new location’s private dining rooms apart is they’ll each

see HERB BOX page 33

Taylor is one of the friendly waitresses at the Herb Box’s Old Town location (Facebook)

FOOD & DRINK

SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

COCKTAILS ���� page 32

made nitro cold brew.

“I love how the nitro adds a creamy texture that balances really well with the other ingredients,” said Kevin Vickers, director of beverage. “It’s reminiscent of the season’s desserts and flavors.”

A mile west on 68th Street, Hotel Valley Ho has not one but two alcohol-spiked holiday treats at ZuZu. For those craving a decadent milkshake, ZuZu’s has its December Peppermint Mocha “Show Stopper” shake.

For $18, this towering milkshake features a peppermint twist base topped with white chocolate popcorn, chocolatecovered espresso beans, peppermint bark, candy canes, sprinkles, a peppermint-flavored ice cream Travis Garcia, Mountain Shadows Resort head sandwich, and a holiday cookie.

Or, give the caffeine-infused bartender, poses with the resort’s holiday drinks, including Rudolph’s Sparkle. (Mountain ShadMezcal Mistletoe holiday cock- ows/Special to the Progress) tail a try. with chestnut, steamed milk and espresso.

“The holiday season is all A short drive north on Scottsdale Road about warmth and family, so I wanted an approachable cocktail featuring a spirit to Fat Ox will introduce you to the Oxfrom an amazing local family in an unex- hopper for $16, a cocktail created by bar pected and exciting way,” said PJ Baron, manager Billy Bessinger.

This “frothy, silky-smooth” cocktail is a beverage ambassador for Hotel Valley Ho. Hotel Valley Ho’s Mezcal Mistletoe, $16, mixture of Giffard’s creme de menthe, Fernis made with Mezcal Carreño Tobala, Coin- et Branca Menta, and white creme de cacao.

Head west a little more than two miles treau, Borghetti liqueur, Nitro Irish Cream

HERB BOX ���� page 32

have their own private patio.

“We do a pretty big private dining business right now and that’s kind of growing and growing,” Wilcox said. “Baby showers, wedding showers, business meetings: We do a ton of that business right now, so it’s been great for us.”

The new, 5,000-square-foot location will also be home to the Herb Box’s cor-

porate office.

“It’s kind of mixed-use,” she said.

Owned by Denver-based DPC Companies, 7 Thousand Shea is a mixed-use 145,000 square foot development in Scottsdale.

Upgrades to 7 Thousand Shea started last year.

“They just got done renovating the center. It’s beautiful,” she said.

In addition to opening up another res-

If You Go Mastro’s City Hall 6991 E. Camelback Road 480-941-4700 mastrosrestaurants.com Kelly’s at SouthBridge 7117 E. Sixth Avenue 480-393-3205 kellysatsouthbridge.com Schmooze Bar & Breakfast 4222 N. Marshall Way 480-999-2822 schmoozescottsdale. com Hula’s Modern Tiki 7213 E. 1st Avenue 480-970-4852 hulasmoderntiki.com

33

The Mission 3815 N. Brown Avenue 480-636-5005 themissionaz.com Hotel Valley Ho 6850 E. Main Street 480-376-2600 hotelvalleyho.com Fat Ox 6316 N. Scottsdale Road 480-307-6900 ilovefatox.com

Kelly’s at SouthBridge has three holiday cocktails on the menu: Apple Cider Mule, Pumpkin Pie Martini, and Espresso Martini (not pictured). All three are available for $10 each. (Kelly’s at SouthBridge/ Special to the Progress)

Hearth ‘61 at Mountain Shadows Resort 5445 E. Lincoln Drive 480-624-5400 mountainshadows.com

down Lincoln Drive and stop into Hearth ‘61 at Mountain Shadows Resort.

Here, the restaurant is serving Rudolph’s Sparkle, a simple $14 cocktail made with spiced strawberries, red wine, and sparkling wine.

“We wanted to create a holiday cocktail that was festive yet unique and different. I loved the idea of a wine-based cocktail!” said Jim Gallen, food and beverage manager.

Gallen recommends pairing Ru-

taurant, Wilcox also celebrates the 11th anniversary of the DC Ranch restaurant, as well as the Herb Box’s 25th year in business – one that started catering high-end events in the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley areas and grew to include a fresh food market, found at the Old Town location, and two full-service restaurants.

Wilcox decided to open a third Herb Box location because the catering company continues to expand, and they needed a

Mix Up at Royal Palms 5200 E. Camelback Road 602-283-1234 royalpalmshotel.com

dolph’s Sparkle with any of Hearth ‘61’s savory dishes.

The Royal Palms’ Mix Up bar offers two seasonal cocktails: the Holiday Spritz and ‘Tis the Season, both $15.

The Holiday Spritz is a mixture of Campari, vermouth, allspice dram, and brut; while ‘Tis the Season is an explosion of flavors, including Chai Tea Ketel One, Cointreau, cranberry, lime, and figgy pudding.

Happy holidays and drink responsibly.

larger kitchen.

“And I’m a sucker for retail environment, so I’m blending those two things together,” she said.

The fact they’re returning to their old neighborhood is just a bonus.

“It feels like home,” Wilcox said. “We’re super excited.”

The third location will be located at 7000 E. Shea Blvd., #G. Information: theherbbox.com

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Santa will be even jollier with a piece of this ‘wreath’

I

t’s one of those classic holiday sides that seem to get passed on from one generation to the next. The name of this recipe just doesn’t do it justice. The frozen cranberry salad is so much more than that.

It’s a smooth, creamy and refreshing dish that is perfect for a holiday side, salad or dessert. There are many variations on this classic. Some recipes call for pineapple chunks. Some have lots of sugar. Some use sour cream instead of the secret ingredient in this particular dish.

I think this variation is perfect. It has a wonderful blend of whole-berry cranberry sauce, cream cheese, whipped topping, walnuts and

shredded coconut. Then, there is the secret ingredient. The one that you can’t taste but adds the creamy and smooth texture.

That secret ingredient is a small amount of Miracle Whip. This frozen cranberry wreath is so easy to whip together. just combine the ingredients, spoon into a casserole dish or spring form pan and freeze. Because it’s such a simple recipe, it’s a perfect dish for kids to make as their contribution to the holiday feast.

Who knows? They may be the ones to pass it along to the next generation.

This wreath looks gorgeous on a platter on a bed of greens and adds just the right festive look and taste to your Christmas table

Frozen cranberry wreath Ingredients: 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup Miracle Whip 2 tablespoons sugar 1 large container (16 ounces) frozen Cool Whip, thawed 2 cups chopped walnuts 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut 2 cans (16 ounces each) whole-berry cranberry sauce Lettuce leaves for garnish

a 13x9-in. casserole dish. If you want the salad to look like a wreath, line a 9” or 10” inch spring form pan with plastic wrap.

I used a Bundt spring form to create a hole in the middle.

Cut a slit in the plastic wrap in the top where the hole is and press down to line the pan. Fill the pan or casserole dish with the cranberry mixture. Cover and freeze until hardened. (Best if frozen overnight.) When ready to serve remove cranberry wreath from the mold, remove the plastic wrap and place on serving platter.

Garnish with lettuce leaves. If desired, place a glass bowl in the hole and fill with cranberry sauce. Serve slices while still chilled. (If using a 13 x 9 inch casserole dish, you’ll just spoon it out to serve.

Watch my how-to video here: jandatri.com/ jans-recipe/one-minute-kitchen.

Directions: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, Miracle Whip and sugar and mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping. Add the shredded coconut, cranberries and walnuts and mix gently until well combined. Spread into

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16-BA-2019 (Garland Wall Variance) Request by owner for a variance to the City of Scottsdale Zoning Ordinance, Section 5.204.G. pertaining to the maximum height of a wall in the required front yard for a property with Single-family Residential (R1-35) zoning located at 7001 E. Cholla Street. Staff contact person is Nate Tonnemacher, 480-312-4205.

Applicant contact person is Ed Garland, 480-8073453.

A case file on the subject properties is on file at 7447 E. Indian School Road, Suite 105, where it may be viewed by any interested person.

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City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard Online at: http://www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/boards/board-of-adjustment ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. CHAIRMAN BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Attest Melissa Berry Planning Specialist For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/boards/board-of-adjustment Published: Scottsdale Progress, Dec. 22, 2019 / 26742

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7-AB-2019 (Morgan Abandonment) Request by owner for abandonment of 33-feet of GLO easement located along Roy Rodgers Road, 33-feet of GLO easement located along 75th Street, 3-feet of GLO easement located along Dale Lane, and a portion of Right-of-Way located along Roy Rodgers Road for two parcels with Single-family Residential District, Environmentally Sensitive Lands, Foothills Overlay (R1-70 ESL FO) zoning located at 7442 and 7477 E. Dale Lane. Staff contact person is Casey Steinke, 480-312-2611. Applicant contact person is Frank Boxberger, 602-725-0372.

11-UP-2019 (Chauncey Social) Request by owner for a Conditional Use Permit for a bar use within an approximately +/- 6,500 sq. ft. restaurant (Chauncey Social) at Chauncey Lane Marketplace with Planned Regional Center, Planned Community District, Planned Shared Development Overlay (PRC PCD PSD) zoning located at 17767 N. Scottsdale Road.

Staff contact person is Katie Posler, 480-312-2703.

Applicant contact person is George Pasquel III, 602230-0600.

A COPY OF A FULL AGENDA, INCLUDING ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS IS AVAILABLE AT LEAST 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING AT THE FOLLOWING

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14-ZN-2018 (South Scottsdale Mixed-Use) Request by owner for a Zoning District Map Amendment from Highway Commercial (C-3) to Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning, including development plan and amended development standards, on a +/- 4.32-acre site located at 1000 N. Scottsdale Road. Staff contact person is Greg Bloemberg, 480-312-4306. Applicant contact person is Lance Baker, 480-9479766.

A case file on the subject properties is on file at 7447 E. Indian School Road, Suite 105, where it may be viewed by any interested person.

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, will hold a public hearing on January 08, 2020, at 5:00 P.M in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona, for the purpose of hearing all persons who wish to comment on the following:

5-UP-2019 (McClain Hangar) Request by owner for a Conditional Use Permit for a new off-airport heliport on a +/- 1.2-acre site with Industrial Park (I-1) zoning located at 7974 E. McClain Drive. Staff contact person is Katie Posler, 480-312-2703. Applicant contact person is Troy Peterson, (480) 689-1219.

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Board of Adjustment of the City of Scottsdale, Arizona, will hold a public hearing on January 08, 2020, at 6:00 P.M in the City Hall Kiva, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, Arizona, for the purpose of hearing all persons who wish to comment on the following:

35

City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard Online at: http://www.ScottsdaleAZ.gov/Boards/planning-commission ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. ALL NON-REMOTE SITE PUBLIC HEARINGS ARE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SCOTTSDALE CITY HALL, 3939 N. DRINKWATER BOULEVARD, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA. CHAIRMAN Attest Lorraine Castro Planning Specialist For additional information visit our web site at www.scottsdaleaz.gov

class@timespublications.com or call 480-898-6465

PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY MAY REQUEST A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION BY CONTACTING THE CLERK'S OFFICE AT (480-312-7767). REQUESTS SHOULD BE MADE 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE, OR AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO ALLOW TIME TO ARRANGE ACCOMMODATION. FOR TTY USERS, THE ARIZONA RELAY SERVICE (1-800-367-8939) MAY CONTACT THE CLERK'S OFFICE AT (480-312-7767).

Published: Scottsdale Progress, Dec. 22, 2019 / 26742

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SCOTTSDALE PROGRESS | WWW.SCOTTSDALE.ORG | DECEMBER 22, 2019

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