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JAN 6–19, 2018 | www.SanTanSun.com

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Upgrade of Arizona Avenue segment praised, feared BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

A major construction project on Arizona Avenue is expected to start in just days, making some residents anxious to see if it will improve safety and help the local economy or boost traffic and steer people away from businesses. The roadway and streetscape work is likely to begin Jan. 15 on Arizona Avenue between Frye and Pecos roads. Crews will create wider sidewalks, add bicycle lanes, create raised medians, enhance storm drainage, install street lighting and signs and make traffic signal changes. They also will replace 1,700 feet of an old waterline beneath Frye

Road west of Arizona Avenue as part of the many aesthetic and safety-oriented changes. A raised median with landscaping down the center of the road could improve safety as it will discourage people from jaywalking or riding bicycles across the road, said Jim Phipps, public information officer with the City of Chandler’s Public Works Department. A traffic signal and crosswalk will be built at Fairview Street. Sections of Arizona Avenue also will have a raised median where it does not intersect with side streets. “We’re hoping that will give people a protected crossing area that they will use,” Phipps said. “Right now, they have to go up to Frye or down to Pecos. It should

help with respect to that raised median down the center and could improve safety. People right now on bicycles and stuff can go right across the road. Medians will kind of prevent that. “The aesthetic part is to try to make the gateway from the 202 freeway into Chandler more welcoming, nicer-looking and to improve the experience for pedestrians because it’s a wider sidewalk, some seating/benches, bike lanes on both sides, new streetlights help light the street,” Phipps added. “It will give some continuity to that part of Arizona Avenue with respect to better tying into the downtown with the consistent improvements that go beyond Frye Road.” Road enhancements on Arizona

Avenue between Chandler Boulevard and Frye Road were finished in 2010. The new phase is expected to be finished in October. During the first two-thirds of the construction period, over about six months, all four traffic lanes on Arizona Avenue in the work area will stay open, Phipps said. For about the last three months, while the raised median is being built, only one lane in each direction will be open during non-peak hours Monday through Saturday. However, during the busiest traffic times, drivers will be able to use all four lanes in the construction area, even in the last three see

ARIZONA AVENUE page 3

Yarbrough now sees need for tax credit cap BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Nora Ellen and son JD Mesnard

Chandler mom and son merge political paths BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

Children often follow in their parents’ footsteps when choosing a career, but Nora Ellen and JD Mesnard turned that dynamic on its head – twice. He was in the first year of his first term in the Arizona House of Representatives in 2011 when his mom made her first run for Chandler City Council and won. Now, Ellen has her eyes set on her son’s State House seat as he goes after the Senate seat in Legislative District 17, which covers most of Chandler and Sun Lakes as well as bits of Mesa and Gilbert. Term limits are propelling both their moves in next year’s election as see

MOTHER AND SON page 15

Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

A taste before building At 18 months of age, Elva Xing of Chandler apparently thought it best to taste a block before figuring out what to do with it. The tot was among a number of children under 5 who gathered last week at Chandler Library’s downtown branch to have fun building things with blocks. For more photos on their activity, see page 53.

Don’t Forget To Join Us At Our See Page 37 For More Details!

The architect of an ever-increasing flow of state tax revenues to help send students to private and parochial schools said he’s willing to consider a cap now that the diversion has topped $74 million a year. Senate President Steve Yarbrough acknowledged that he has been a staunch defender of the tax credits originally available only to individual taxpayers. The Chandler Republican was the sponsor of a major expansion of the law, allowing corporations to give what they would otherwise owe the state in income taxes instead to organizations that provide scholarships for the private schools. Most significant is that Yarbrough demanded – and got – an annual escalator clause, boosting the amount that corporations can divert by 20 percent a year. For this year, the cap is $74.3 million. That rises to nearly $89.2 million next year, $107 million the year after that more than $128 million the following year. And there is no limit. To put that in perspective, corporations, already benefiting from a multisee

YARBROUGH page 10

F E AT U R E STO R I E S Pickleball sweeping Chandler, region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . . . . . Page 16 New road menace: drugged driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMMUNITY . . . . . . . Page 20 Couple finds use for old Riggs Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . Page 23 Kyrene kids have fun with STEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NEIGHBORS . . . . . . . . Page 44 City finds partner for MLK celebration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 55

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ARIZONA AVENUE p from page 1 months or so of the work, Phipps said. Bicycle lanes, currently intermittent in this part of Arizona Avenue, will be installed on both sides of the thoroughfare, close to the outside curbs. Terri Kimble, president and CEO of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce, praised the planned upgrades. “The Chandler Chamber is excited about the renovations on Arizona Avenue especially the additional street crossings to ensure safety with the potential increase in foot traffic that will come with renovation of the area,” Kimble said. However, some residents in Facebook’s Living Chandler group recently expressed concerns about the roadwork while others hailed the upgrades as long overdue. “Love it! Long overdue!” Misti Ludwick posted on Facebook. Faedra Rutledge also expressed enthusiasm for the project. “I can’t wait for better lighting,” Rutledge wrote. “I feel like there are always people in the middle of the road there, and you can’t see them. I am

terrified I am going to hit someone.” Jacob Gilchrist agreed with Rutledge but was skeptical about whether the roadwork would help boost safety. “Between Pecos and the Circle K closest to downtown, I always see people walking all over the road,” Gilchrist posted. “Doubt improvements will changes those habits but better lighting will help me see them.” Lacey Portugal said she was concerned about traffic during the construction period. “Not looking forward to the increase in traffic that construction is going to bring,” Portugal posted. “We just got finished with the Alma School and Chandler mess too.” She added she did not think the work would “help much appearance-wise.” Some people in the Living Chandler group said they feared the construction would hurt businesses in that section of Arizona Avenue. “I’d love to see somebody keep track of how many of those small businesses go under during the construction,” Marnie Buquo Brookins said. Phylls Prior Goodhart also mentioned the impact of the roadwork on businesses.

Major upgrades on Arizona Avenue will include wider sidewalks, bicycle lanes, raised medians, storm drainage, street lighting, signs, traffic signal changes and other aesthetic and safety-oriented changes. This is a look at Arizona Avenue south from Frye Road.

Photos and renderings courtesy of City of Chandler

This rendering shows some of the enhancements the city is planning on Arizona Avenue between Frye and Pecos roads. A traffic signal and crosswalk will be built on Arizona Avenue at Fairview Street.

business square section to keep the small businesses from going under,” Prior Goodhart posted. Phipps said signs will be put up indicating where drivers can turn into the driveways of businesses along the construction route. Businesses and residents’ access will be maintained during the work. “We’re going to need to maintain access to the neighborhoods and to the businesses,” he said. “Maybe we’ll do half of their driveway at a time so the other half can be accessed while we rebuild it.” Phipps said about 10 people, mostly business owners, attended a recent meeting the city held to talk about the Arizona Avenue construction. The city held two previous public meetings to educate people

“As we’ve had more and more meetings, the attendance goes down because people have got their questions answered,” Phipps said. He said the city asked businesses in the construction area if they wanted workers to do the upgrades over a couple of years or do it all in one phase as quickly as possible. “They told us they wanted us just to do it all in one phase,” Phipps said. “They said, ‘Get in, and get out.’ In fact…except for concerns about the construction period, they’ve been pretty excited about the city investing in and beautifying that part of where their businesses are.” Information: chandlersnewfrontdoor. com or 480-898-4060.

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“I hope they work quickly in the

about the project and get input.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Politics, jackhammers will rattle EV in 2018 BY GARY NELSON Contributor

In ancient China, seers sought to foretell the future by studying cracks in heat-stressed animal bones. Smart seers learned to hedge their bets; vague forecasts had a bet-ter chance of pleasing the emperor than precise ones. While it’s true that art of foretelling the course of human events hasn’t improved much in the past 4,000 years, we can at least say, without the resorting to oracle bones, to hedge their bets; vague forecasts had a better chance of pleasing the emperor than precise ones. While it’s true that art of foretelling the course of human events hasn’t improved much in the past 4,000 years, we can at least say, without the resorting to oracle bones, multimillion-dollar projects that continue to transform the growing region’s physical face.

BATTLEGROUNDS

The noisiest political combat in Arizona undoubtedly will be that to replace U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, the Mesa Republican who announced this year he will not seek re-election out of disgust for the governing style of President Donald Trump. Among those seeking Flake’s seat will be U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Synema, a Demo-

crat whose Ninth Congressional District stretches through Tempe, Chandler, Ahwatukee and west Mesa. The most prominent name among those seeking to replace Synema as of late December was Phoenix’s Democratic mayor, Greg Stanton. He faces primary opposi-tion from Talia Fuentes, who also ran for Congress in 2016. Four Republicans, two Libertarians and two independents also are chasing the seat Synema is vacating. The racket emanating from congres-sional campaigns likely will be ratcheted far beyond normal levels in an election that not only will decide who controls the Capitol but that also will be widely seen as a referendum on the controversial president. In addition, every seat in the GOP-dominated Arizona Legislature will be up for grabs, as will state offices including the governorship, now held by Republican Doug Ducey. East Valley city council races are nonpartisan, but there will be a lot of action on that level as well: Chandler will replace term-limited Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and elect three other council members. In early 2019, Tibshraeny will complete his seventh term as mayor, in addition to service in other City Council seats and in the Legislature in a

political career dating back to 1986. In Gilbert, whose Town Council members have no term limits, four of Special to the San Tan Sun News the seven council U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Synema seats will be at is running for the seat stake in the Aug. vacated by Sen. Jeff Flake. 28 primary. Runoffs, if needed, will be decided on Nov. 6. Mesa will elect council members from central-city District 4 and east-side districts 5 and 6. There also will be a special election for the District 3 seat to which Francisco Heredia was appointed to fill a vacancy in September. In addition to filling three council seats, Tempe voters will be asked on March 13 to set aside about 175 acres in Papago Park as a desert preserve, and to bolster campaign-contribution disclosure requirements for city elections.

ROAR OF CONSTRUCTION

The coming year also will see major progress on construction projects aimed at improving the region’s quality of life: After a year devoted mainly to design and utility work, construction of Tempe’s

$186 million downtown streetcar system is expected to resume in the summer. It will take another two years to finish. By springtime, Valley Metro expects to begin laying track for the light-rail exten-sion along Main Street to Gilbert Road in Mesa. By midyear, every inch of the 22-mile South Mountain Freeway, extending Loop 202 through Ahwatukee to the West Valley, will be under construction as crews race toward completion in 2019. Gilbert will finish design and begin construction of a 272-acre regional park South of Queen Creek Road and west of Higley Road. December is the projected opening date for the expanded Chandler Museum, featuring 10,000 square feet of new space next door to Chandler Fashion Center. One of the more innovative housing projects in the region will be completed in the summer when Artspace opens near the Mesa Arts Center. The 50-unit project, funded by federal tax credits, is designed specifically for artists and their families. It is one of several transit-oriented projects in various stages of development in Mesa’s historic downtown. The Signal Butte Water Treatment see

YEAR AHEAD page 9

Scandals and Trump shook Chandler in 2017

Flake’s exit, bribery charges and Hamilton hazing made headlines BY GARY NELSON Contributor

The political earthquake that is Donald Trump rattled Chandler and the East Valley to its foundations in 2017. In some ways, it was no surprise. The tremors had begun a year earlier, when U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, a Mesa Republican, registered his extreme dislike of the future president even before Trump had nailed down his party’s nomination. As 2017 progressed, Flake’s animus congealed into a book bearing the same title as Barry Goldwater’s 1960 “Conscience of a Conservative.” Although Flake actually favored most Trump proposals that came to a Senate vote, he skewered the president’s governing style and perceived lack of truthfulness. “Under our Constitution, there simply are not that many people who are in a position to do something about an executive branch in chaos,” Flake wrote in his book. But calling on members of Congress to act, he said, “Too often we observe the unfolding drama along with the rest of the country, passively, all but saying, ‘Someone should do something!’ without seeming to realize that that someone is us.” Then, having blown the bugle, Flake left the battlefield. In the midst of a stinging anti-Trump speech on the floor of the Senate, Flake announced on Oct. 24 he will not seek reelection in 2018. He will leave Congress in 2019 after six terms in the House and one in the Senate. His withdrawal aborted what would have been a barn-burning GOP primary contest with Kelli Ward, a Trump-backed

Special to the San Tan Sun News

Four former players on Hamilton High School’s vaunted football team were criminally charged in connection with violent and sexual hazing incidents, costing coach Steve Belles his job.

doctor from Lake Havasu City. It sets up a potential general-election brawl between Ward and U.S. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat whose Ninth District includes Tempe and portions of Mesa and Chandler. Sinema’s Senate aspirations, in turn, have created a scramble for her House seat. By year’s end, at least 10 people had declared as candidates for the job. Trump’s controversial presidency shook East Valley politics all the way down to city hall level. Mesa Mayor John Giles appeared to call Trump an “idiot” during an open-mike moment with Flake after a town hall on Nov. 17. When that story broke, some Trump fans spewed vitriol at the mayor, who responded by saying his comment was “a manifestation of my frustration and concern with national politics.” Flake’s departure wasn’t the region’s only political shock in 2017. On May 23, a federal grand jury issued an indictment charging that developer George Johnson bribed Gary Pierce, a former Mesa legislator and ex-member

of the Arizona Corporation Commission, in order to obtain favorable votes on rate hikes for his water and sewer company in Johnson Ranch, southeast of Queen Creek. Pierce’s wife, Sherry, and prominent Republican lobbyist Jim Norton also were indicted in the alleged scheme. The indictment sprang from a long FBI investigation of the corporation commission, an elected five-person body that oversees utilities and other business matters. But as the year wound down, there had been no further developments in the case. Scandal of another sort erupted in Chandler. Four former players on Hamilton High School’s vaunted football team were criminally charged in connection with violent and sexual hazing incidents in the locker room. Police believe there were more victims than the six who had come forward. The Chandler Police Department also recommended that three school administrators, including former head coach Steve Belles, be charged for failing to report the alleged sexual abuse. By late in the year, the Maricopa County Attorney’s office had not acted on that recommendation. And despite calls by some for Hamilton to forfeit its season, the football team took the field, compiling an 8-4 record and losing to Perry High School in the playoffs. In February, Intel Corp. CEO Brian Krzanich used Trump’s Oval Office as a backdrop to announce the company was reviving a $7 billion investment in a Chandler plant expected to generate up

to 3,000 jobs. Although Trump claimed credit for the move, industry analysts said market conditions would have led Intel to proceed no matter who was president. Salt River Project agreed to route highvoltage lines away from a neighborhood that had protested the original routing plan. The lines, aimed at supplying the Price Road high-tech corridor, will be buried along the Price Road alignment. Construction began on a $6 million, 20,000-square-foot building that will house the main wing of the Chandler Museum. Chandler is joining Mesa in a study of whether to bring light rail down Arizona Avenue. John Kapoor, the billionaire founder and former chairman and CEO of Chandler-based Insys Therapeutics, resigned his board seat in October after his arrest on numerous charges related to the company’s alleged fraudulent schemes to market powerful opioid drugs. The company also faces at least one lawsuit from a health insurance company over the alleged scheme. Next door in Gilbert, Mike Soelberg, a former assistant Mesa police chief, replaced longtime Gilbert Police Chief Tim Dorn in June. Christina Kishimoto, who became Gilbert schools superintendent in 2014, left to become the top public education official in Hawaii. Shane McCord, an assistant Mesa schools superintendent who began his career in Gilbert, replaced her in October. Winkle was arrested in May for extreme DUI. He admitted guilt and see

YEAR IN REVIEW page 9

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COMMUNITY NEWS

A 360-acre tract called SkyBridge Arizona is being built at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Photos special to the San Tan Sun News

in 2018, Chandler will replace term-limited Mayor Jay Tibshraeny and elect three other council members.

YEAR AHEAD from page 4 Plant, at Signal Butte and Elliot roads in Mesa, is expected to go online in 2018. The plant and associated infrastructure, viewed as crucial to developing the area around Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, will cost $184 million. The airport itself will push develop-ment of a 360-acre tract it has renamed SkyBridge Arizona. A master developer was chosen late this year and planners en-vision an air logistics hub encompassing up to 5 million square feet of office, warehouse, logistics, retail and hotel space.

ECONOMIC GLUE

The East Valley economy, of course, largely depends on what happens in the uncertain world at large. But the region got several good grades in that regard this year, including Gilbert’s No. 1 ranking among prosperous American cities in one national

YEAR IN REVIEW from page 4 professed remorse, but in August, the City Council took the extraordinary step of removing him from office, later appointing Francisco Heredia to represent the city’s southwestern corner. In January, Mesa adopted the Unity Pledge, a statewide effort to promote equal treatment in the workplace, housing and public accommodations. The proclamation lacked enforcement power, but officials said it sends a message that Mesa welcomes diversity. A formal antidiscrimination ordinance failed to pass the City Council in 2016. The deportation of Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos, a Mesa mother of two, drew national media attention in February. Her deportation was among the first manifestations of Trump’s strict immigration policies. She had lived in the United States for more than 20 years. Ramon Batista, an assistant Tucson police chief, was hired in May to lead the Mesa Police Department. Michael Cowan, Mesa schools superintendent for nine years, announced his retirement in November. Allegiant Air announced in June it would add flights from Mesa to eight major airports, a departure from the airline’s previous policy of targeting smaller destinations. Sears announced in the fall that it is closing its Fiesta Mall store, the last full-fledged department store in the once-booming center. Plans are afoot to

survey. (Chandler came in at No. 4.) That the economic engines will keep humming is suggested by U.S. Census Bureau projections indicating another 300,000-plus people will live in the East Valley by 2030. That’s more than the current population of either Gilbert, Chandler or Tempe, and adds up to a lot of nail-pounding in the near future. Even at that, however, the region does not expect a return to the fevered days preceding the Great Recession, when house-flipping became every man’s hobby and home prices soared beyond all ratio-nality. Late in the year, Salt River Project hosted an event called Thought Leader Forum, featuring an economic forecast by Gary Schlossberg of Wells Capital Management. He foresaw no major bumps in the coming year, noting that the East Valley has developed a diversified economy with costs of living far below those of other metro centers. redevelop the mall for education and business uses. Mesa agreed with Habitat Metro, a Phoenix-based development firm, on a proposal for a 14- or 15-story mixed-use project in the heart of downtown, just south of City Hall. Other market-rate downtown housing projects also are in the works. Former Mesa Police Officer Philip “Mitch” Brailsford was acquitted in December after facing second-degree murder charges in the 2016 shooting of an unarmed Texas man at a motel. The verdict made national headlines amid heightened scrutiny of policy shootings nationwide. Jesse Parker, who led Mountain View High School to four state high school football titles, died of cancer in July at age 77. Wil Cardon, who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2014 and secretary of state in 2014, died at his own hand in August. He was 46. Karen Wittmer Jekel, former publisher of the East Valley Tribune and a prominent community activist, died of cancer in December at age 65. __________________________________

TEMPE

Arizona State University said in February it will not participate in a proposal to build an Arizona Coyotes hockey arena on university property, effectively killing the idea. There is still see

YEAR IN REVIEW page 10

The expanded Chandler Museum features 10,000 square feet of new space next door to Chandler Fashion Center.

COMMUNITY NEWS

YARBROUGH from page 1 year reduction in tax rates, will pay only about $368 million of the state’s $9.8 billion in expenses this year. That 20 percent year-over-year increase in allowable credits, unless capped, would swallow all of that up by 2027. “You don’t have to be a mathematician to have determined that a 20 percent escalator that is compounding, at some point in time is actually going to exceed the totality of the corporate income tax,” Yar-brough told Capitol Media Services. The scholarship program predates – and is different from – vouchers that provide state funds directly to parents to pay for tuition and other expenses at private and parochial schools. With scholarships, donor organizations determine the dollars given to any student; the amount of a voucher is limited. Yarbrough’s change of heart came as he announced Thursday he no longer will be executive director and general counsel of the Arizona Christian School Tuition Organization. That’s a position he has held since the organization was first formed 20 years ago, when lawmakers – at the behest of

YEAR IN REVIEW from page 9 talk of a possible arena deal between the Coyotes and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. ASU professor Angeles Maldonado received death threats after allowing students in her Global Politics of Human Rights class to attend anti-Trump protests in lieu of writing a research paper. Tempe Union High School

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

his group and others – first opened the door to individuals to divert their tax dollars to groups like his that provide those private and parochial school scholarships. Yarbrough and his family have benefited from the credits. The Internal Revenue Service filings

ACSTO also currently rents space in a building owned by Yarbrough. A spokeswoman for ACSTO said she did not know the amount of the lease. But the IRS form lists occupancy costs of $49,180. Yarbrough said his sponsorship of ex-

by the ACSTO show that out of the $21.3 million the organization collected in the most recent year, Yarbrough was paid $98,241 in annual salary plus another $27,840 in what he said is the cost of fringe benefits and life insurance. On top of that, the organization paid another $659,300 to HY Processing, a firm owned by Yarbrough and his wife, Linda, to handle the accounting and paperwork for the scholarships.

panding the credits to also include corporations was based on his personal belief that more dollars mean more education opportunities for students who otherwise could not afford to attend a private or parochial school. He also said he had nothing to gain from his sponsorship of the corporate tax credits, saying the more than $155 million ACSTO has received in donations since 1998 comes only from individuals.

Yarbrough’s retirement from ACSTO – and his apparent change of heart – could provide the best chance in years to actually rein in the credits before they further reduce state revenues. Rep. Heather Carter, R-Cave Creek, and Rep. Doug Coleman, R-Apache Junction, have sponsored legislation for at least four years seeking to limit the annual increase to a more reasonable number. “This inflation sticks out like a sore thumb,” Carter said. More to the point, “it’s not sustainable,” citing the same compounded data that shows corporate taxes drying up at some point. Yarbrough’s willingness to cap the credits does not temper his defense of allowing organizations like ACSTO to keep up to 10 percent of donations by both individuals and businesses for administrative expenses. That could provoke a separate fight. Coleman wants to cut that figure in half. Yarbrough, however, said just doing the paperwork on scholarships – the part now done at ACSTO by HY Processing – eats up about 3 percent of what comes in. And he said another 2 percent goes to the companies that process the donations paid by credit card.

Superintendent Kenneth Baca announced his resignation in June. His replacement: Kevin Mendivil, an associate superintendent with the district since 2014. Downtown Tempe’s long quest to land a downtown grocery store paid off with groundbreaking in July for The Local, a mixed-use project anchored by a Whole Foods store at University Drive and Ash Avenue. The complex also will feature 286 upscale apartments.

The mother of a newborn girl found alive in a backpack on June 4 outside a Food City store on Apache Boulevard was never identified. The official high temperature that day was 107. Construction began on a $186 million project that will route streetcars through downtown Tempe. Completion is expected in about a year. The historic Mining Camp Restaurant in Apache Junction burned to the ground

in July. The owners plan to rebuild. The 22-mile extension of Loop 202 called the South Mountain Freeway began to take shape on the south side of Ahwatukee Foothills even before all the legal battles over the project were settled. Opponents lost what likely is the final round in court in December, and the freeway’s opening is scheduled for late 2019.

You don’t have to be a mathematician to have “determined that a 20 percent esca-lator that is compounding, at some point in time is actually going to exceed the to-tality of the corporate income tax.

”

– Senate President Steve Yarbrough

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

SANTAN SUN NEWS |

JANUARY 6–19, 2018

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Chandler High scores as a ‘most beautiful’ school BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Chandler High School – known for getting second looks for its striking pillars and old-fashioned charm – has a piece of the national spotlight. Architectural Digest named it the “most beautiful public high school” in Arizona. The magazine recently chose the “most beautiful” public high schools in every state in a variety of architectural styles including Gothic and Art Deco, historic and modern. The magazine said Chandler High, which is at 350 N. Arizona Ave., has a “blend of Colonial Revival and Spanish Revival styles.” The distinction is an honor, Chandler High Principal Larry Rother said. “Honestly it’s a beautiful school and Old Main, our centerpiece building, was built in 1922,” Rother said. “Just walking by it on Arizona Avenue, you can tell it stands out. It’s definitely something we take a lot of pride in. There is really no other high school in Arizona like it. Everyone knows our pillars in the front. Kids take pictures of it; they’re proud to have graduated from Chandler High.” Chandler High opened in 1914 and the “Home of the Wolves” had a 91 percent graduation rate in the 2014-15 year, according to its report card on the Arizona Department of Education website. The school has earned the A+ School of Excellence honor from the

include a 1917 Mediterranean Revival main structure and the 1937 Streamline Moderne-type auditorium. The school was a location for movies and TV shows including “Bruce Almighty,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” the magazine reported. While many of the schools on the list are older, Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Volcano Vista High School, a modern structure, took the top spot in that state with it rust-colored obelisk guards in earthy colors at the school’s entrance, the magazine said. Sin City captured the magazine’s attention. The “most beautiful” public high school in Nevada was Las Vegas Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas. The campus features two Art Deco Special to SanTan Sun News buildings from the city’s first high school, constructed in the 1930s. Chandler High recently built Chandler High School was recently named by “Architectural Digest” as the “Most Beautiful Public High School” in Arizona. Its centerpiece building shown here, called Old Main, was built in 1922. a marquee and private donor courtyard in the colors and style Arizona Educational Foundation several added to Old Main and other buildings of the 1922 Old Main building so it times and has received other state and were constructed around campus, Rother “all blends together just great,” Rother said. national recognition. said. The old gym on campus was built “I was a history teacher so…preserving Rother said he often sees students at in 1939 and has an old honeycomb dome the history of our community is so graduation take photos of themselves by roof, he added. important,” he said. “I’m just blessed to Chandler High. In California, Torrance High School was work in a school district that values that, “We’re proud of it and it’s a focal point named the “most beautiful.” Many of its and it is truly a symbolic structure in our in our community,” he said. buildings are on the National Register of community for academic excellence.” As the school grew, additions were Historic Places. The buildings on campus More information: cusd80.com/chs.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS |

COMMUNITY NEWS

JANUARY 6–19, 2018

MOTHER AND SON from page 1

incumbent Sen. Steve Yarbrough retires. Ellen will be in the second year of her second and last four-year term on the council and Mesnard will be wrapping up his eighth year in the Legislature, where he has been House Speaker since December 2016. It wasn’t always a matter of mom following her only son. When Mesnard was 4 years old, Ellen saw music in his future. “I started giving him lessons when he was 4 and I noticed he had a real talent,” recalled, who plays piano and some guitar. She concedes her son “is much more talented than I am” when it comes to music, although she sings in her church choir and plays in small informal groups. Mesnard stayed on that initial career path at Arizona State University, where he majored in music composition. He had his sights on a career writing film and television scores, noting, “I love soundtracks and movie scores. I love epic music.” Growing up, Mesnard favored John Williams, the legendary composer who has won dozens of film awards for composing the scores for movies such as “Jaws,” the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” series and other blockbusters. These days, he likes Hans Zimmer, who is echoing Williams’ award-winning career with scores to movies like “Gladiator,” “The Lion King” and several of the Batman movies. Mesnard also continues to play piano – including one in his Capitol office. “I don’t have as much time as I used to,” he said, saying he loves to compose and improvise. “I’m really good at playing

by ear,” he added, noting he prefers “She was always one of the parents on classical and neo-classical music but is the field trips,” Mesnard quipped. “She warming up to jazz as well. was always involved in the school, so Politics emerged in his life by chance. I wasn’t surprised when she joined the “It all comes down to one Neighborhood Advisory Committee.” conversation I had with a musical Ellen said she decided to run for the colleague,” he recalled. Legislature next year “because I’m termed That colleague talked about getting a out” on council. “This is my last term and it’s legislative internship. a natural progression for me to serve at the “It was one of those things where I had state level. I’ve been encouraged to do that.” some extra time and I was a senior, so I Although she said she sought her son’s applied,” said Mesnard, who wound up with a advice before her first council run, she made research internship in a nonpartisan capacity her decision to run for Legislature without for the Senate Education Committee. seeking his counsel – although, she added, It turned out he liked policy making “he probably knew” what she would do. even more than music – which was fine He said when she did tell him, his with his Realtor mom. thought was, “She’s going to be a great “I thought it was great,” she said of candidate and a great legislator.” his decision to leave music as a pastime During her first council run, Mesnard and take up politics and government recalled, “We did our own thing but we fulltime. “I saw his leadership skills and worked together.” his problem-solving abilities and how he Now, as they plan their 2018 cares about people. We need honest and campaigns, he said they likely will do the compassionate people in office.” same thing because “We each have our While Mesnard was on the Senate staff, own identify and we don’t want to lose his mom was moving slowly toward politics. our identity.” “I was encouraged by the mayor and Naturally, they have talked about next year. other City Council members to serve on the “I think his best advice for me was I Neighborhood Advisory Committee because have to raise support and reach out to I’d been involved in the city and because of people to help me,” Ellen said. my real estate experience,” she said. Mesnard said that while they will do Added Mesnard: “She’s always been some campaigning together, that will involved in helping the community. That’s likely occur more during the runup to the where I got that value. We both found November general election – if they both ourselves moving in the same direction in survive the August primaries. different ways, not planned.” Right now, she said, she’s reaching Even before Ellen moved to Chandler 15 out to people and getting a start on a years ago, she was involved in the community, campaign war chest. serving on a Kyrene School District curriculum Her son sympathizes with her task. task force while she lived in South Tempe just “It’s tough asking people for money,” he said. Limited Limitedtime timeonly! only! over the Chandler border. Although “a senate race can be more

competitive, can be more expensive,” he said raising money “will be easier for me than it will be for her. I have a bit of a head start.” His mom added that she’s confident of eliciting the support she’ll need, noting, ”I’ve had a good relationship with the Republican Party for many years. Relationships with people are important because that’s how we learn what’s important to them.” Moreover, Mesnard said, he’ll be ready to pitch in as a kind of shadow advisor during the campaign. “She will have an advantage over someone with no experience,” he said. “There are some issues she might not be familiar with and I’ll help her with that.” He also is apprehensive about what might be said about his mom during the campaign. “As her son, when people pick on your mother, it’s hard. I don’t care what they say about me, but when they say something about my mom, I am a bit more sensitive. The state level is more competitive than a city election. It can be more merciless in some ways. In my experience, people get personal. But when you get personal with my mom, I have trouble not taking it personally.” And despite the looming campaign and the work ahead, mother and son say they’re not so preoccupied as to let it dominate their day-to-day relationship. When they get together, she said, “We talk about what families talk about. We don’t really talk about politics.” Mesnard added, “I imagine we talk about it as much as anyone else. I’m vaguely aware of what’s going on in the city. She’s semi-tapped into the state level. I’ve never known her to talk about politics that much.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Once an RV park perk, pickleball is sweeping the region BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

Whenever Susan and Steve Manolis plan a trip, their first question for an RV park is whether it has a pickleball court. “If they say ‘no,’” I say ‘OK, thank you. Click,” Susan said. At least they and a growing legion of Chandler and other East Valley pickleball fans are having an easier time closer to home. Chandler and other East Valley municipalities have recognized that pickleball is hot and getting hotter – enough to warrant the same kind of public investment they make in Little League ballfields and tennis courts. School districts are not far behind. Advocates are converting students of all ages to embrace a sport that once was associated with being old. “If you look at a year ago, there were virtually no public pickleball courts in the East Valley,” said Steve Manolis, the Central Arizona ambassador for the USA Pickleball Association and a pickleball instructor for both Phoenix and Chandler. Not so now. By the middle of this month, Chandler will be opening six courts at Arrowhead Meadows Park near Chandler Boulevard and Dobson Road, Manolis said. Currently there are four tennis courts and a rebuild will involve keeping two of them so that there will be six permanent pickleball courts. Mesa last fall opened four pickleball courts at Kleinman Park and Gilbert is planning 15 at a new park it’s building at

Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Steve Manolis demonstrates the art of serving during a pickleball class at Tumbleweed Recreation Center in Chandler

Higley and Queen Creek roads, though that park is not expected to open before 2019. The move in Chandler has sat well with tennis fans, who complained about the loss of two courts at Arrowhead Meadows last fall. John Furseth, who organized the online Chandler Tennis Meetup that now has over 700 members, expressed concern about the loss of courts throughout the Valley and said municipalities never asked for input from the tennis community. “There are thousands of tennis players

in meetup groups…so it’s not like we’re hard to find,” Furseth said. “In any case, the tennis community will certainly monitor all recreational proceedings in the future - in every city, not just Chandler.” The trend also is catching on in Gilbert Public Schools District, which not only is creating dual-purpose courts for tennis and pickleball, but also is starting to teach it in some high schools. That echoes a move by Phoenix to increase pickleball courts in the city. It is installing 16 pickleball courts at Pecos

Park in Ahwatukee alone – significantly expanding opportunities at a site frequented by players particularly from Tempe and Chandler. “This is in response to public input we’ve received over the last several years regarding a need for more pickleball options, and likewise we’ve worked that need into existing facilities and taken it into consideration when doing renovations,” said Gregg Bach, spokesman for the Phoenix Parks & Recreation Department. “It’s like many years ago, when a need developed for skate parks. I’d also liken it to the demand for dog parks, one of our most popular amenities,” he added. Noted Steve Manolis: “Pecos Park will be a regional draw as a home base for some of the top players and we anticipate having tournaments that will draw competitors from all over the U.S.” Pickleball is a combination of several racket sports – badminton, tennis and pingpong. It was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, at the home of former legislator and lieutenant governor who started using a whiffle ball when they couldn’t find a tennis ball to bat around. Over time, the paddles have evolved from an unwieldy solid wood into a lightweight graphite, enhancing the sport’s popularity because it doesn’t require the physical stamina demanded by tennis – a sport that the Manolises played extensively and that Susan still does. “Tennis players are one injury away from being pickleball players,” Steve said. “I think everyone on my team has had knee surgery

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

or shoulder surgery.” Moreover, he added, “It’s one of the few sports that is truly a gender equalizer” because “it’s more of a finesse sport” than a physical endurance test. “Some people liken it to chess in that you have to stay three steps ahead,” Steve said, adding that a good part of the game requires watching the ball and relying on strategy. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a cakewalk. “It’s a much quicker sport and the reaction time you need is much quicker than tennis,” Steve said. On the other hand, he noted, “It’s quick to pick up.” But while people can learn the basics in an hour, devotees hone their skills by taking intermediate and advanced classes at parks throughout the region – thanks to municipalities that have made pickleball classes a part of their recreational instruction programs. “We set up two eight-hour classes and they were filled within a day – 32 people and there’s waiting list,” Manolis said of a class he teaches at Pecos Park. “Those classes get filled in a matter of days. The demand is there. The city saw that.” His experience has been the same in Chandler, where he teaches beginner and intermediate classes at Tumbleweed Rec center. The Manolises say Ahwatukee is ground zero for pickleball’s growth in Phoenix. “Ahwatukee ZIP codes have highest number of pickleball players than any other ZIP codes in the city,” said Steve Manolis, a retired marketing executive who researched the sport’s growing popularity extensively when he was trying to convince Phoenix officials to build more courts and

incorporate pickleball lessons in its adult education programs at local parks. It’s not just the game’s ease that attracts people, he added. Pickleball is also a very social activity. “You play more doubles than singles,” Susan said. “It’s the complete opposite of tennis, which is predominantly a singles game. It’s a social sport. The games are much quicker and maybe last a half hour. And when people are playing, everybody’s laughing and having a good time.” Added her husband: “You can hear their excitement.” None of this is new to RV parks and retirement communities throughout Arizona. Many recognized years ago that pickleball courts were almost as much a necessity as swimming pools. Indeed, that’s how the Manolises discovered the game about five years ago. As Susan recalled, they were at an RV park in Camp Verde, where “it’s hard to find people who play tennis.” Suddenly, they heard a lot of noise and laughter and discovered a group of people playing pickleball. “One thing about pickleball players is that they want you to learn how to play. They taught us how to play,” she said. “Pickleball players are so helpful.” Many form clubs, though Steve noted, “There are a lot of people who are not in a club or association; they just go out and play. But a lot of residents through the East Valley belong to a club.” Pickleball’s simplicity and camaraderie have now caught the attention of students of all ages – and school officials from grade school through college. That’s a welcome development to the sport’s apostles. “The association recognizes that in order

Kimberly Carrillo

Steve Manolis said people can pick up the basics of pickleball in a week or so, but can spend many years refining their experise in the game.

to grow the sport, you can’t wait for people to get old,” Steve said. The Manolises saw that first hand when about 150 students from Horizon Honors Secondary School watched some pickleball games at nearby Pecos Park. It didn’t take long before the school created a makeshift pickleball court. Matt Mixer, Horizon’s physical education teacher, said he’s working to developing pickleball as part of the physical education program in schools from elementary to universities.

Dozens of PE teachers throughout the East Valley are learning the game as well, and, Steve said, “Now our various ambassadors are going to schools to teach pickleball.” In early November, Casa Grande hosted hundreds of players from across the country for a big tournament – fueling Steve’s ultimate goal for pickleball. “ASU has a program in place and community colleges are getting interested,” he said. “My goal and my dream is to have pickleball become a NCAA sport.”

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COMMUNITY NEWS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Chandler growth creating demand for office, industrial space BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff Writer

Driven largely by demand from companies in the technology industry, Chandler is seeing low vacancy rates in both office and industrial space, an indication that the city is a prime spot for new development. Those low vacancy numbers have fostered a competitive real estate market in Chandler as businesses considering locating in the city vie for remaining space. “The amount of skilled labor out there in tech and financial services makes it a place where a lot of employers are looking to find a home,” said Sven Tustin, Conor Commercial Real Estate vice president. In the third quarter of this year, the Valley posted its lowest vacancy rates in Class A office space since 2006, and Chandler was one of the submarkets that posted the most significant net absorption numbers in the office market during that time. Demand for space in the Valley was concentrated primarily in Chandler and Tempe as the two cities combined to account for 50 percent of the office market’s total net absorption in the third quarter, according to CBRE’s most recent Phoenix Office MarketView report. Chandler’s industrial market has seen a similar level of activity. During the third quarter, developers in the Valley delivered 2,152,175 square feet of new industrial space, over 90 percent of which was preleased. Cushman & Wakefield’s most recent MarketBeat Phoenix Industrial report noted that Chandler was one of three submarkets – the only in the East Valley – leading that development. Currently, the vacancy rate for office space in Chandler is 11 percent, and the vacancy rate for industrial space in the city is even lower at 5.9 percent, said Mi-

cah Miranda, Chandler economic development director. Both figures are well below market averages. The overall office vacancy rate in the Southeast Valley is 15.3 percent, according to the CBRE report. The overall vacancy rate in the industrial

ing to a City of Chandler Development Services memorandum concerning the project. The City Council recently approved a zoning amendment that will allow buildings with heights of up to 150 feet. That overlay previously applied to only the 15-acre site.

Conor Commercial Real Estate

A preliminary industrial rendering shows the Lotus Project at Loop 202 and Kyrene Road.

market in Phoenix Metro is 8.3 percent, according to Cushman & Wakefield. With demand for high-end office and industrial space on the rise throughout the East Valley, developers are making investments in mixed-used properties in Chandler to meet that pent up demand. “Why (new development) is important is because 85 percent of the prospects and leads we talk to require existing building space,” Miranda said. One such project is the Price Corporate Center, located within the Price Road Technology Corridor at Price and Germann Roads, which recently received zoning approvals from the Chandler City Council. The 55-acre site features the combination of two parcels – a 15-acre parcel and a 40-acre parcel – that had received zoning approval in the recent past, accord-

The project is expected to have an office component along with space for manufacturing operations, said Erik Swanson, Chandler senior city planner. “What we are looking for are users in accordance with the Price Road Technology Corridor, such as knowledge-intensive industries and corporate campuses,” Swanson said. Chandler also will be home to another mixed-use business park called Lotus Project on land previously owned by the city at Loop 202 and Kyrene Road. Illinois-based Conor Commercial Real Estate recently purchased the city-owned lot for $15 million with plans to develop 53.6 acres into a business complex featuring office and light industrial space. “What we are looking to do as part of this project is deliver high-quality real

estate and to continue to have real estate available for new companies and to give existing companies place to expand,” Miranda said. The project is geared for supply chain companies within the technology industry and knowledge-based research and development companies, Miranda said. “We are big believers in the Southeast Valley generally and Chandler specifically,” Tustin said. “It is where we are seeing lots of population growth.” Conor Commercial is still working on designs for Lotus and plans to adopt an aggressive development timeline. “We plan on closing on the land in the second quarter of (2018) and starting construction pretty quickly thereafter,” Tustin said. He added that the company plans to deliver the first phase of the project – which will include 450,000 square feet of light industrial and advanced manufacturing space – in the second quarter of 2019. The plot was originally acquired by the city in 1998 for the future construction of a wastewater treatment plant. However, the city no longer had a need for a plant at that location and made the site available for commercial development. “The city had the site for a number of years and, given the fact that we are in such a strong real estate market here in Chandler, deemed this a good time to look for development,” Miranda said. When the city decided to sell the parcel in early 2017, it issued a request for qualifications to find a developer for the site and eventually chose Conor Commercial from a field of four candidates. Proceeds from the sale of the property will go to the city’s Wastewater Fund, which was originally used to purchase the parcel. – Reach Wayne Schutsky at 480-898-6533 or wschutsky@timespublications.com.

Legislator calls for partisan council elections to keep out liberals BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A Scottsdale Republican lawmaker wants to force city council and mayoral candidates to run with party labels, saying he believes it will help prevent liberals from sneaking into office. “I want people to say, ‘Here’s who I am and here’s what I believe,’” said Rep. Jay Lawrence. And he said making people declare if they’re a Republican, Democrat or something else goes a long way to providing voters with that information. “There are certain things that a Republican believes,” Lawrence said. Lawrence contends the lack of a label allows some people to get elected who he believes do not represent the people who put them in office. He said having to declare party affiliation keeps candidates from “meandering from side to side and kind of being conservative, but never saying, ‘But I’m a Democrat.’” His legislation, HB 2032, comes near-ly a decade after the Legislature moved precisely in the opposite direction. Jonathan Paton, who in 2009 was a Republican state sena-tor from Tucson, got his colleagues to forbid local candidates from running with party labels. Paton said at the time that the

issues important to local voters, like fixing potholes and picking up trash, are not partisan. But there also was a par-tisan reason behind the measure: Paton conceded he believed that more Re-publicans would get elect-ed in Tucson, a city with a Democratic majority, if they didn’t have to run with the party label. As it turned out, the Arizona Supreme Court voided the law, declaring the Legislature has no right to tell charter cities like Tuc-son how to conduct their elections. That precedent makes it questionable whether the measure would be enforceable in any of the state’s 19 charter cit-ies, assuming Lawrence could get it en-acted. But that ruling does not apply to the other more than 70 communities without charters, leaving the door open for the Legislature to force them to move to partisan elections. If passed as is, the mea-sure would affect Gilbert. Mesa, Chandler, Tempe and Phoenix are all char-ter cities. The bottom line, Law-rence said, is the labels would help voters identi-fy the true conservatives. “I think Scottsdale is a great example,” he said. There, he said, conser-vatives oppose

Political affiliations would help voters identify the true conser-vatives, Rep. Jay Lawrence said.

the Desert Discovery Center in the McDowell Sonoran Pre-serve, a more than 47,000-square-foot facility to educate visitors about desert living. The $61 million facility would cover about 5.3 acres near a trailhead. It’s already been scaled back from its

original plans due to protests. “But there’s a very liberal cadre that wants it built,” Lawrence said, suggesting that a council elected on a partisan basis would never approve such a plan. Lawrence also believes that, if nothing else, having candidates run with party affiliations will bring out more Republicans voters. He said it’s part of the whole Trump effect. “Whether you like Trump or not, I believe there is a strength in the president that will paste itself to many who might not otherwise go to the polls,” Lawrence said. “I think there is an angry electorate at the way Trump’s being treated by the media.” What that means, he said, is a Republican “might stand a better chance than just a nonpartisan, where you wind up with a Democrat or a friend.” And what of Paton’s argument that most city issues are not partisan? “Potholes are nonpartisan,” Lawrence agreed. But he said party affiliation – and even support for Trump – even can be a factor here. “If you declare your loyalty, for example, to President Trump, I believe that, in and of itself, is an issue that says, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll take care of the potholes. The other people may not.’”

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‘Drugged driving’ is the new menace on the road BY JIM WALSH Staff

Early one morning last November, an Ahwatukee mom on a jog suddenly turned into a tragic symbol of the evolution of driving under the influence cases. Martha Hilts, a 36-year-old mother of two, was struck and fatally injured by a woman who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a blood test revealed a .08 percent blood alcohol reading, the level at which drivers are presumed under the influence in Arizona. But police also detected the odor of marijuana in driver Shannon Marie Scott’s car and suspect she may have been impaired by a combination of alcohol and pot. In what is a deadly trend throughout Arizona and the nation, police are seeing more DUI cases in which alcohol is combined with potent drugs, including powerful painkillers and even heroin. Although the results of blood tests are still pending, Hilts’ death Nov. 2 appears to be the result of “a mixture of possible intoxicants,’’ said Phoenix Police Lt. David Moore, supervisor of the Vehicular Crimes Unit. “Sometimes what is overlooked is you have two lives destroyed’’ by one person’s irresponsible decision to drive while impaired, he said, adding that he has little sympathy for Scott. “All sorts of lives are destroyed by this decision.’’ Moore and officers in Chandler and the rest of the East Valley say they are seeing more drug cases in traffic arrests, while impairment from alcohol remains a deadly problem. He said even the most non-threatening events – Hilts’ early morning run and even the recent Ignite Hope Walk at Phoenix Children’s Hospital – can suddenly get turned into a dangerous situation by an impaired driver. He said a woman nearly hit a security guard at the Phoenix Children’s event and eventually struck a barricade. Police did not smell alcohol but a drug recognition officer examined the driver and found evidence that she had been using a narcotic painkiller. A search of the woman’s car found six bottles of pills and a syringe, Moore said. “I would like to believe most people are not going out impaired,’’ he said, with many people not realizing how impaired they are by their medication, or addicted to various drugs after being prescribed medication legally for a valid reason. “They don’t realize they are very impaired and putting other people at risk.’’ Decades of crackdowns and education campaigns have made an impact on drinking and driving, with the public tolerating it far less and the use of designated drivers and ride sharing services increasing. But police say the number of drug-related cases continues to rise, demonstrating a need for more education on the growing “drugged driving’’ problem. “They have a veritable pharmacy in their systems,’’ said Chandler police officer Dan McQuillan, mentioning marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, Xanax and Soma as some of the drugs found in drivers’ systems. “When you get out on the street, the people I work for are at risk,’’ he said.

Special to SanTan Sun News

Chandler and other East Valley police departments rallied at the State Capitol in November to begin the state’s annual crackdown on drunk driving during the holidays. Arrests between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve came close to 3,000, with nearly a third involving drugs.

“That’s when I care.’’ McQuillan and Mesa police officer Jim McDowell, a Drug Recognition Officer and instructor, agreed that drugged

addiction kicks in.’’ Police say there seems to be less public awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence of

Special to SanTan Sun News

During their DUI-patrol rally at the Capitol, officers gathered beneath one of Arizona’s most famous slogans warning motorists not to drink and drive.

driving seems most prevalent during daytime hours. McQuillan said he had one month in which only two or three of his arrests involved alcohol. McDowell estimated 90 percent of his DUI arrests during the day are for drugs, while it would be more like 65 percent when the night shift is included. McQuillan said drugged driving cases are sometimes different from stereotypical cases of drunks driving home from the bar. “A lot of people who take pain medications, they are just trying to get through their day,’’ McQuillan said. “They build up a tolerance if they have been on the drug for a while. That’s when the

drugs, and they wish that people would simply read the warning labels attached to their prescription bottles and act more responsibly. While the number of DUI arrests might not be changing dramatically, the dynamics are much different than 25 years ago, when Mesa police Sgt. Sean Kelly started his career and the vast majority of DUI arrests were attributed to alcohol. “What’s way up is the number of designated drivers,’’ Kelly said. But the move toward drivers under the influence of marijuana, painkillers and opiates is also unmistakable, with Kelly estimating that 70 percent of his cases are drug-related and 30 percent alcohol-

related. “We are seeing a resurgence of DUIs with opiates,’’ Kelly said, which can include powerful prescription drugs such as Oxycontin and Percocet. Kelly said many suspects tell police how they have suffered a major injury or undergone a major surgery and develop a dependency, turning to street drugs such as heroin when their prescriptions run out. Heroin also can be cheaper than prescription opiates. “In many cases, it starts with pain management. There is an addiction element to using these drugs,’’ Kelly said. “It can eventually manifest itself in illegal drugs such as heroin.’’ Although police are sympathetic to such cases, they still have to cite drivers who are impaired, whether the substance is alcohol or heroin, he said. “It’s our job to prevent tragedy,’’ Kelly said. McQuillan said his compassion for such drivers is tempered by memories of informing family members that a drunk driver just killed their husband or daughter. Chandler police lost longtime motor officer David Payne in such a collision during the 2014 East Valley Halloween task force, when an impaired driver ran into Payne’s motorcycle from behind. “Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, all the people we’ve arrested are flawed. We all make mistakes,’’ McQuillan said. Across the East Valley, Arizona and the nation, opiate abuse has reached epidemic proportions. The Arizona Department of Health Service estimates that 564 people in Arizona have died from heroin overdoses this year. Arizona is considered a major drug smuggling transit point for cartels that mainly ship heroin to the upper Midwest and Northeast, where they can maximize profits and where the opiate problem is considered the worst see

DRUGGED DRIVING page 21

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COMMUNITY NEWS

JANUARY 6–19, 2018

DRUGGED DRIVING from page 20 nationally, according to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Arizona law enforcement officers and deputies statewide made 6,960 drunk driving arrests through Dec. 25, according to Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Of those arrests, more than 1,000 involved drugs. “There’s no question that impairment by drugs has grown tremendously over the last 10 years,’’ Gutier said. “It’s a major problem, even though we have hundreds of drug recognition officers.” With a fully accredited forensic lab and a team of 11 traffic officers trained as DREs, Mesa appears better equipped to handle the drug cases than many agencies, which either have partial labs or no labs and rely on busy Arizona Department of Public Safety labs. All of Mesa’s traffic officers are drug recognition experts, who perform tests in the field to recognize the symptoms of drug impairment. One of these tests involves tracking eye movements. Most DUIs start with a traffic stop where the officer determines the driver’s behavior is symptomatic of an impaired driver, such as weaving in a lane, driving too slow or even passing out at a traffic light. The officer’s observations serve as probable cause for a traffic stop and the results of a DRE exam serve as probable cause for a blood test. Police in Maricopa County can obtain an electronic search warrant for a blood test in about 10 minutes, speeding up the process, said

Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Gutier said Arizona serves as a national example of how to address DUI drugs, with other states sending officers to Arizona for training. He said 400 to 500 Arizona officers are DREs, helping them spot drug-impaired drivers who previously went undetected because of a lack of alcohol recorded in breath tests. Chris Murphy, the National Highway

on blood alcohol readings to obtain an easier conviction. While alcohol levels are wellcalibrated to equate with impaired driving, drug levels are much murkier when determining impairment, according to Murphy and Jim Hedlund, a former NHTSA official considered a top national expert on the issue. “This thing is so under-recognized and under-enforced,’’ Murphy said. “We are

A lot of people who take pain medications, they are “ just trying to get through their day,’’ McQuillan said. “They build up a tolerance if they have been on the drug for a while. That’s when the addiction kicks in.

’’

– Chandler police ofﬁcer Dan McQuillan Traffic Safety Administration’s regional director for California and Arizona, praised Arizona’s commitment to combatting DUI drugs, noting that Arizona is the 16th largest state in population but has the third most DREtrained officers. “There is no state more committed to impaired driving than Arizona,’’ Murphy said. For the first time in 2015, more drivers nationwide who were involved in fatal collisions tested positive for drugs, 43 percent, than for alcohol, Murphy said. The drug problem is only beginning to come into focus because many police departments prefer to stick with relying

right now with drugs where we were with alcohol in the 1950s.’’ Police say routine cases sometimes are held up for three or four months while they await the results of blood tests for drugs. Hedlund, who has studied the DUI drugs problem for the national Governors Highway Safety Association, said that while alcohol has been scientifically correlated with impairment for 50 years, the correlation with drugs is far less exact. “Everyone tries to put it in an alcohol framework and it doesn’t work very well,’’ he said, with different drugs breaking down into the system at different rates.

He said scientists understand that there are certain symptoms of impairment with different types of drugs. “The impairment varies substantially from person to person,’’ Hedlund said. He said the studies so far confirm that drug use among drivers involved in fatal collisions is going up. But Hedlund cautioned that he can only say that there is a higher presence of drugs in the systems of such drivers. He said he does not have enough information to conclude that these drivers were impaired at the time of the fatal collision and more studies are required. Amanda Jacinto, a spokeswoman for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, said drug cases rely on another aspect of the Arizona DUI law that many people overlook. While drivers are presumed under the influence of alcohol at a .08 percent blood alcohol reading, the law also specifies that it illegal to drive if impaired to the slightest degree, she said A positive drug test, when combined with an officer’s observations of driving behavior and a DRE exam, all help to establish that a driver is impaired. Hedlund said he is closely monitoring the results of one-year pilot program in Michigan, in which the Michigan State Police are using the results of oral swab exams to determine if a driver is positive for drug use. “The thing that would help us is good roadside testing for drugs,’’ Hedlund said. “That would really help officers a lot. I think it’s the next big thing’’ in DUI enforcement.

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Market-garden sprouts up on historic Riggs farm BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Crowds eager to eat fruits and vegetables fresh from the ground are flocking to a farmers market where they are also getting a taste of history. Cameron and Jeannine McChesney grow seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs and raise hens that lay eggs that they sell at their Greenhouse Gardens on East Chandler Heights Road every Saturday. The couple runs their outdoor farmers market on four acres of land they bought last year between Gilbert and Cooper roads that was once owned by the well-known Riggs family. Visitors can still walk through the original barn, built in 1950, as well as see tools Lyle Riggs used and the family’s antique tractor. “Everything’s grown on the property,” Jeannine said. “Everything’s chemical-free and pesticide-free. We’re just growing things the old-fashioned way. It’s clean food. We’re showing people how you can do it, too, in your backyard. Everybody can do it.” Jeannine and Cameron, who also own a marketing/advertising/public relations company called Greenhouse Creative, grow the food themselves. They say the produce is ideal for anyone with food allergies who is sensitive to fruit

Photos by Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Jeannine and Cameron McChesney, owners of Greenhouse Gardens, have preserved items the Riggs family had owned on the historic site, including tools Lyle Riggs used. Visitors may still walk through the original barn, built in 1950.

and vegetables treated with pesticides, as well as people with weakened immune systems. They say their produce will make people feel better and have more energy.

“We can take you out and show you where the beet was pulled out yesterday,” Cameron said. The McChesneys’ market is open every

Saturday except those in August. The free-range, organic eggs come from 13 hens the couple owns on their property, as well as from numerous chickens that two neighbors own. Kelly Penuela, who lives in the area, loves to buy produce at Greenhouse Gardens. “I love the fact that they are an organically grown garden a half-mile away from me that has amazing produce,” Penuela said. “Not to mention they are friends of ours! That’s just a bonus, though. They have such knowledge and passion for what they do. It shows in what they grow and how they interact with their customers.” Customer Deanna Reynolds also enjoys the food at the local farmers market. “I love that Greenhouse Gardens is local and does not use harmful chemicals and pesticides to grow their produce,” she said. “My family can’t stand to eat grocery store lettuce anymore Greenhouse Gardens has completely spoiled us with their varieties of lettuce. “We barely use salt or salad dressing anymore in our salads. Our 8-year-old son is partial to their carrots and enjoys being able to help Jeannine and Cameron pick them.” Many other people praised the quality of the vegetables and other foods, as well see

GREENHOUSE page 24

Wine aficionados soak up knowledge at Vinum 55 BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Less than two years after opening, more than half the wine lockers are being rented by members of an Ocotillo business offering robust services to those who like to stop and smell the rosés. Vinum 55, which opened on West Queen Creek Road in March of last year, is described by cellar manager Jared Silverman as a “wine club” that gives members a wide range of services. They can safely store wine in lockers in a cellar where temperatures are kept at 55 degrees with between 60 and 70 percent humidity, which are ideal conditions for preserving the beverage. The company, named after the Latin word for wine, also gives members access to exclusive opportunities to buy wine, as well as tasting events the public would rarely be able to attend. In Vinum 55’s Wines of the World program, members can soak up knowledge about wines, including facts about the grapes, geography, soil science, history, climate, culture and wine-tasting techniques in that region. Vinum 55, which also has locations in the Scottsdale Airpark and north-central Phoenix, also does a complete inventory of members’ wine, making details about their bottles accessible on an app called CellarTracker. The company will accept wine deliveries for its members so the bottles do not sit outside in the hot sun or other damaging weather conditions when they are not home. As part of its concierge

Raini Keyser is director of operations and managing partner for Vinum55 in Chandler, as well as the two other Vinum 55 locations, which are in north-central Phoenix and Scottsdale.

services, members can have wine delivered to their homes or businesses. Vinum 55 also offers logistical help for those moving, so their wines stay secure in temperature-controlled vans. Of the 200 wine lockers in the Chandler Vinum 55, located next to Press Coffee, 115 were rented as of midDecember, Silverman said. The Chandler operation had 162 members as of that date. The wine storage lockers at the Vinum55 on North 16th Street in northcentral Phoenix are almost filled and the Scottsdale wine cellar on North 78th Way is more than half-full. “Any problem or issue or help someone might need with their wine collection, we’ve done it,” Raini Keyser,

director of operations and managing partner for the three Vinum 55 businesses said. “People here drink wine from all over the world. Chandler’s such a really cool, authentic, genuine community of people who love to have wine and have fun. It’s about connecting.” Keyser, of Ahwatukee, said Vinum 55 is “just a bunch of wine geeks” who enjoy harvesting friendships over vino. Members may come to Vinum 55 any time it is open to have a glass or bottle of wine with their family members, friends and business colleagues in the tasting rooms. The tasting room may be reserved for private events. A social membership at Vinum 55 in Chandler costs $65 a month and gives

clients a locker/personal wine vault in the cellar to store 12 cases, or 144 bottles, of wine. Customers who pay for a year’s membership up front get a month for free. The cost for a guest of a member to attend a Wines of the World event is $45, but Vinum 55 members can bring a guest for free to the wine tastings. Storing up to 24 cases of wine costs $125 a month. Vinum 55 can “accommodate a wine collection of any size,” Keyser said. The prices differ at each of the three Vinum 55 businesses and depend on the size of the locker and the location. For additional dues that Vinum 55 did not want to disclose, members can buy concierge services, including having their wine delivered to them at a home or business. Assisting members with moving outside Arizona is also an additional, concierge service. Members can also rent a rooftop area at Vinum 55 in Chandler for special events if they give 45 to 60 days notice. “The social aspect is huge, but also people have less room in their homes but they also love wine,” Keyser said. She said most of their members are over 40, but that some are in their 30s. They are upper middle class to affluent and many form friendships through Vinum 55. Some are just learning about wine while others are already knowledgeable. Usually, about 40 people gather for the wine tastings, while about 25 to 30 see

VINUM 55 page 25

BUSINESS

GREENHOUSE FROM page 23 as the friendly owners on the Greenhouse Gardens Facebook page. “I just discovered this gem around the corner from home,” Susanna Orozco Rios posted on Facebook. “The owners Jeanine and Cameron gave me a very warm welcome. Beautiful vegetables and ambiance. I’ll be back!” William Leroy Jenkins also expressed enthusiasm for Greenhouse Gardens. “This place is great!” he posted on Facebook. “You can look around and see the veggies growing right there. Can’t get any fresher than that. I love it and we try to go every Saturday and stock up for the week.” Cathy Ward wrote that she has “severe food allergies and chemical sensitivities” and she gets most of her produce at Greenhouse Gardens because their fruit and vegetables are not chemically processed. “I don’t tolerate any grocery store produce, not even USDA-certified ‘organic,’” Ward said. “Jeannine and Cameron go out of their way to custom-pick my orders for me every week due to my severe allergies and sensitivities and are very caring, lovely people in addition to being highly talented farmers. Their tangerines and grapefruit are the only ones I’ve been able to tolerate for years because they’re truly grown the way nature intended.” Ward’s experience is not new, said John Zortman, who owns John’s Amish Country, which sells produce in downtown Phoenix and in Goodyear. He sells apples, grapefruits, oranges and lemons that are “non-genetically modified.” Genetically modified foods have had their DNA changed in some way that does not naturally occur by mating and/or natural recombination. “I think it’s very important to know where you’re getting your food from,” Zortman said. “The biggest problem we have right now is genetic modification, which affects your gut. You’re seeing a lot more Irritable Bowel Syndrome, gut problems. It just follows suit with the introduction of Roundup into the food system. Roundup is a weed killer.” He said the opening of Greenhouse Gardens is “great.” “It’s wonderful,” Zortman said. “It’s a good, positive trend that we need and not just in our local communities but in the whole general food supply.” Beth McRae of Paradise Valley said she goes to “a lot of farmers markets” and loves “the sound of Greenhouse Gardens.” “I love farmers markets because of their fresh produce, delicious food and artisan products,” McRae said. Everything customers buy on Saturdays, when the market is open from 9 a.m. to noon, has been harvested either the day

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

before that or two days prior to the sales. About 50 people typically come to the Saturday market, often grabbing much of the produce from a table within the first hour. Usually about 15 different kinds of vegetables are sold at each market and about five or six different herbs and four to five different kinds of fruit. Some of the herbs they grow are thyme, oregano, garlic and basil. On a recent Saturday, visitors could buy lettuce, rainbow chard, kale, Chinese cabbage, tangerines, scallions, sweet peppers,

Marcy Denyer shops at the Greenhouse Gardens farmers market on a recent Saturday.

This historic photo from 1987 shows Lyle and Willetta Riggs at their 50th anniversary party.

hot peppers, bell peppers, carrots and eggplant. Shoppers can find unusual varieties of vegetables they might not find in grocery stores including ping tung, an Asian eggplant that resembles a purple cucumber. Cameron said he and Jeannine try to keep their prices reasonable and comparable to what shoppers would find at Whole Foods stores. A bag of eggplant costs $2, a bag of peppers costs $3, a head of lettuces costs $3 and a dozen, farm-fresh eggs cost $6. Lettuce and carrots are among the most popular vegetables customers buy at Greenhouse Gardens. Detroit red beets are also a big hit. “Everyone is really into a fresh-grown carrot,” Cameron said. “Our lettuce is so tender and delicious and healthy,” Jeannine said. “It’s more effective in your body.” Tangerines and red grapefruits are big sellers among the fruits. Cameron and Jeannine also have sold some of their produce to local restaurants. Jeannine said she loves the marketing world but also really enjoys growing food

and selling it on the farm. “I love design; I love advertising,” Jeannine said. “This was a new challenge. I love working outside. It’s really good for the mind, body and soul. I sleep better. I feel like I’m changing, making something happen. We have a lot of families coming in with young kids, retirees, people trying to have a more healthy diet.” She and Cameron said they are longtime backyard gardeners. Cameron and Jeannine had started growing vegetables in their backyard garden and giving them to friends. “The seed was being planted,” Jeannine said. “We swapped our full-time gig for our passion and hobby.” The couple decided to pursue agriculture more seriously in 2014 and put a garden in their friend’s backyard, where they grew vegetables. They sold produce at a farmers market in Gilbert for about a year. “We loved it and had great response,” Cameron said. Jeannine and Cameron bought about two and a half acres on the old Riggs property in February of last year from the nephew of the late Willetta Riggs. Willetta and her husband, Lyle had bought the property in 1948 and raised their five children there. Later, their youngest daughter, Sherrill Sumrall, lived on another part of the property with her husband, Dan Sumrall, until they sold the rest of the family land to Jeannine and Cameron. Sherrill, now 67, said her family kept chickens, cows, horses and equipment on the land where Greenhouse Gardens is located but farmed in other areas of Chandler. She said she loved growing up in the rural area with her grandparents and uncle and cousins nearby. “We all grew up together there,” Sherrill

said. “We would all meet and ride horses. Life was a lot simpler back then.” Sherrill is happy Cameron and Jeannine are running Greenhouse Gardens on the site now. “They’re very nice and they’ve been very nice,” she said. “They’ve let some of the family members come back and take pictures there by the shop. We had tried to do a garden; we were just too far ahead of ourselves at the time. I raised some really good tomatoes. People from Scottsdale and Carefree and Phoenix would drive out to pick tomatoes. We’ve tried a little bit of everything. “I’m glad Cameron and them are able to do what they’re doing. It’s needed. People need to be able to go get fresh vegetables and stuff.” Sherrill and Dan now live in Fort Thomas in Graham County, about 30 miles northwest of Safford. Cameron said he and Jeannine are honored to be the first people who are not part of the Riggs family to live on the land. He and his wife rent out the front of the old farmhouse to a family and use the rest of it for their business. Jeannine said the farmhouse was built in the 1930s. Cameron and Jeannine live in a house in the neighborhood. Lyle Riggs was born in 1916 in Mesa and his father farmed at Jep Peterson’s land, which was a mile and a half south of Williams Field Road on Gilbert Road, according to an oral history from the Chandler Museum. Willetta was born in 1917 on the John and Fanny Nelson farm at Gilbert Road and Chandler Heights Road, according to “Driving Chandler’s Streets, The History of Chandler’s Streets as told by CGCC Students” out of Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Lyle and Willetta met at Chandler High School. Lyle’s family moved to different farms between Gilbert and Chandler and as a young man, Lyle worked for various farms, including harvesting hay for the Chandler Improvement Company, the CGCC report said. Lyle Riggs created a seeder, a device for spreading seeds, on a frame of a Ford Model A vehicle, and the prototype is in the Chandler Museum, said Nate Meyers, Chandler Museum curator of collections. “It was such a great little piece of innovation and ingenuity,” Meyers said. “They sold the idea to John Deere. The Riggs obviously contributed a lot to this community.” He said Greenhouse Gardens “sounds like a really cool idea. It seems like a great reuse of that historic farmland,. The Greenhouse Gardens farmers market is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at 13103 East Chandler Heights Road. Information: facebook.com/ GreenhouseGardensAZ.

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BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

VINUM 55 FROM page 23 folks come to the Wines of the World gatherings. Several events are held every month at Chandler Vinum 55. Wines from California, Oregon and Washington state are popular among members, Keyser said. Everyone on staff is highly trained in wine, said Keyser, who is a certified specialist of wine through the Society of Wine Educators. To earn that certification, one must pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge of wine and mastery of major elements in the worlds of wine production and the science and study of grapes. Cellar manager Silverman has a level one sommelier degree from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. That is a certification for which wine and hospitality professionals complete a thorough study of wines and spirits and undergo an intensive review by master sommeliers on their knowledge of wine and spirits, proper wine service as well as deductive tasting. Staff members involved in the wine tastings and Wines of the World seminars have at least the level one sommelier degree or an equivalent wine degree. Silverman creates and teaches the Wines of the World seminars at the three Vinum 55 locations. At these monthly events, students learn about “one of the world’s most important wine regions.” “We taste, on average, 10 wines per seminar and we focus on the main grape varietals and producers of that particular region,” Silverman said. “Our intent is to provide members with opportunities to learn more about known and lesser-

known wine regions and producers across the world. We take people on a journey.” At the tastings, Silverman said sommeliers “bring in wine makers from all over the world for our members to meet and learn from.” Clients learn how to taste and evaluate wine in the tastings, he said. Wine lover Mike Finney, 68, of Chandler, has not tried Vinum 55 but likes the concept. “I think the idea sounds terrific,” Finney said. “We have over the years been members of some wine clubs like the Wall Street Journal’s WSJwine Discovery Club and the New York Times Wine Club, where they make periodic deliveries. It’s always fun. Sometimes we’ll do wine battles.” While those wine clubs are fun, he said it would be more enjoyable to get together with wine experts to talk face to face. Finney created branding for several wineries and tasting rooms in the Verde Valley for the Verde Valley Wine Trail through his company, AZ Communications Group. “I think the thing I enjoy most about wine is the opportunity to get together with people and share the experience,” he said. “Whether it’s reds or whites, there’s such an abundance of really, really credible good wine. Our wine storage is pretty nominal; we abuse our wines and I think having an alternative to be able to do something like with the Vinum experience could be interesting.” Arizona has other wine storage businesses, but they don’t sell wine and offer all the other types of services Vinum 55 does, Keyser said.

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Members of Vinum 55 can safely store wine in lockers in a cellar where temperatures are kept at 55 degrees with between 60 and 70 percent humidity, which are ideal conditions for preserving the beverage. This shows the wine cellar at the Chandler Vinum 55 on West Queen Creek Road.

The Vault Wine Storage on North 44th Street offers enough wine lockers to hold 8,000 cases of wine in its vault, owner Deborah Fortini said. Customers can’t buy wine through The Vault, though, as they can through Vinum 55. “They (Vinum 55) differ a little from me in that they have more of a bar element to it,” Fortini said. “I have really exclusively focused on wine storage. Most of my clients are entrepreneurs or workaholics.” Members of Vault Wine Storage, which opened in 2013, can access their wine in their lockers any time they like, even when the business is closed. A biometric access security system means members’ fingerprints allow them to get into their lockers. “It’s very high security. It alerts me

on my phone so I know who’s in there,” Fortini said. “Some of them just keep the really special bottles there so they don’t have to worry about things like power outages or break-ins or family members or guests opening up the wrong bottles.” Fortini is not sure whehter the number of wine storage businesses will expand in the Valley. “The market is only so deep,” she said. “There’s only so much wine. If you have too many or they’re too close together then what happens is you end up with a lot of occupancy in your wine storage facility. The electricity bill goes down as you become more occupied.” Vinum55 is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Information: vinum55.com.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

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BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Could this be the year you buy your first home? Average sales price: $317,659 Average days on market: 40 Number of active listings: 42 Number of pending/under contract: 41

BY CARI GILILLAND Contributor

Chandler 85248 Number of homes sold: 42 Average sales price: $445,810 Average days on market: 59 Number of active listings: 66 Number of pending/under contract: 41 Chandler 85249 Number of homes sold: 119 Average sales price: $422,000 Average days on market: 59 Number of active listings: 127 Number of pending/under contract: 93 Special to the San Tan Sun News

Chandler 85224 Number of homes sold: 84 Average sales price: $281,874 Average days on market: 46 Number of active listings: 47 Number of pending/under contract: 71 Chandler 85225 Number of homes sold: 124 Average sales price: $282,475 Average days on market: 54 Number of active listings: 72 Number of pending/under contract: 71 Chandler 85226 Number of homes sold: 73

Chandler 85286 Number of homes sold: 107 Average sales price: $388,375 Average days on market: 50 Number of active listings: 62 Number of pending/under contract: 63 This information comes directly from Arizona Regional Multiple Listing System. Information based on sales between 11/1/17- 12/28/17, single-family homes only. For real estate questions or suggestions on future real estate tips, contact Cari@ CariSellsHomes.com 480-390-9247. Visit her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ CariSellsHomes.

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One of the most exciting occasions in your life is the purchase of your first home. There is nothing more satisfying than planning, saving and watching all that hard work turn into the reality of a new home. The National Association of Realtors reported that 34 percent of all home buyers in 2016 were first-time home buyers. How exciting is that? As a Realtor, there is nothing I enjoy more than handing over a shiny set of keys to a first-time home buyer. I for one will never forget how fun, stressful and rewarding our experience was when my husband and I purchased our first home. While every home buyer’s situation and expectations are different there are some basic steps that every buyer should pay attention to. First you must put together your team! Having a team of professionals to help you through the process is crucial. You will need a Realtor, lender, home inspector, insurance agent and several other professionals along the way. A great Realtor will be able to help you connect with most of these professionals. Second, get your financing in order. Your lender will be able to help you understand your options for obtaining a home mortgage, the cost associated and

BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Deal to rescue TechShop in Chandler falls apart BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY Staff

The potential rebirth of TechShop Chandler hit another roadblock after a deal to acquire the makerspace’s defunct parent company fell apart. TechShop 2.0 LLC had agreed to a memorandum of understanding to acquire all assets from TechShop Inc. – the company behind all 10 TechShop locations in the U.S. that was on the verge of filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy weeks ago – with the intention of reopening as many locations as possible. However, TechShop Inc. has now canceled the memorandum of understanding, said Doug Busch, board director, in Facebook posts to several groups dedicated to TechShop members. TechShop 2.0 Managing Partner Dan Rasure confirmed that it was not his decision to end the deal and expressed dismay at the current situation. Before receiving notice of the cancellation, TechShop 2.0 had finished up debt negotiations on Dec. 8 and planned to finalize the deal before the New Year, Rasure said. In a Facebook post of his own to the TechShop Thereafter Facebook group, Rasure wrote that during negotiations his group had provided funds to pay for TechShop Inc.’s “lawyer, health insurance for their employees, some staff pay, and money for their email services.” Those payments were a part of a $200,000 commitment made by

(Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer)

Equipment at TechShop Chandler awaits users. The shared work space, which seemed about to reopen, is in limbo again.

TechShop 2.0 in the memorandum of understanding to provide “wind-down expenses” to TechShop Inc., Busch wrote. In his post, Busch outlined the reasons TechShop Inc. ended the agreement. “We were advised by our attorneys that we have an obligation to have ‘reasonable assurance’ that anyone we sell assets to has the capability to execute the commitments made,” Busch wrote. “This includes seeing evidence that the buyer has sufficient capital to get started

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acquire TechShop Inc. assets and reopen TechShop locations, Rasure said. Busch noted that other parties have contacted TechShop Inc. about reopening one or multiple TechShop locations, though he did not specify which ones. He also wrote that the company will continue to communicate with Rasure and that filing Chapter 7 bankruptcy is still an option. – Reach Wayne Schutsky at 480-8986533 or wschutsky@timespublications.com.

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BUSINESS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Business Briefs Chandler Allstate agents help Chandler apartment complex raise thousands for charity sold for $56 million Three Allstate agency owners in Chandler helped raise thousand of dollars for charity. Joe Kennedy and Kevin Lum helped to secure Allstate Foundation Helping Hands grants of $21,000 for the Scottsdale New Life Center. They were joined by another Chandler agent, Bob Gallego, in securing a $25,000 grant for the Goodyear Homeless Youth. “As small business owners and community leaders, Allstate agency owners and financial specialists see firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing the communities they serve,” said Charlie Lala, Allstate field vice president. The foundation since 1952 had awarded more than $400 million in grants to charities that address domestic violence, youth empowerment, disaster preparedness, hunger and other causes. ___________________________________

Great Clips in Chandler aids foster child drive

Great Clips teamed up with the Arizona Department of Child Safety for a fundraiser to raise $13,493 for the Arizona Helping Hands Holiday Toy Drive last month. “I’m blown away by Great Clips and their generous donation to our holiday toy drive and their commitment to help make lives better for kids in foster care,” said Dan Schufelt, president & CEO of Arizona Helping Hands. Besides providing support for the toy drive, Great Clips also pledged to donate 500 free haircuts a month to children in the foster care program.

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Pinnacle Terrace, a 300-unit complex on North Federal Street in Chandler, has been sold for $56 million – roughly boiling down to $186,667 per unit. Institutional Property Advisors represented seller TA Realty in the sale to an unidentified institutional investment manager. “Strong economic fundamentals in Chandler’s largest employment hub, the Price Corridor, which accounts for nearly one-third of the city’s total employment base, are creating operational momentum for the submarket’s multifamily assets,” said Steve Gebing, senior managing director. “Pinnacle Terrace’s new owners are in an excellent position to increase revenue by complimenting recent enhancements to the leasing office, clubhouse, and fitness center with strategic interior upgrades,” he added Completed in 1998 on about two acres, the complex is a gated community with a porte-cochére entryway, reserved covered parking, and detached garages. ___________________________________

Old-fashioned barber sets up shop in Queen Creek

V’s, a self-described old-fashioned barbershop specializing in haircuts and hot lather shaves, has opened a location at 21576 S. Ellsworth Loop Road in Queen Creek, making it the 14th shop in Arizona and the 35th across 11 states. It includes six antique Koken barber chairs (from the 1950s), multiple flat-screen

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televisions, iconic sports imagery on the walls and barbers in classic uniforms. V’s Barbershops began in Phoenix in 1999 with one shop in the Arcadia neighborhood and are the brainchild of Jim Valenzuela (Mr. V). Recalling his childhood and going to get a haircut with his dad at Nick’s Barbershop in Tucson, Valenzuela said he saw a need in the marketplace “for a first-class barbershop experience” that includes shoeshines. The new V’s Queen Creek location is locally owned and operated by Jim and Marie Nelson. Every haircut includes a hot lather neck shave and always ends with a relaxing shoulder massage. V’s full-service offerings include high-quality haircuts, straightrazor shaves, men’s facials, face massages, moustache and beard trims and shoe shines, with complimentary hot towels, neck and shoulder massages and neck shaves. ___________________________________

FirstBank donates a halfmillion to youth education

FirstBank, the nation’s third largest privately held bank with locations in Chandler, has donated $500,000 to multiple youth education nonprofits, including: $300,000 to the Arizona Leadership Foundation (ALF), $190,000 to Catholic Education Arizona (CEA), and $10,000 to Arizona Tuition Connection. The donations to all three organizations will help provide scholarships to low-income families and families with displaced/disabled children, allowing them to send their child to any K-12 school, within the state. “I cannot underestimate the importance

of companies, like FirstBank, who are makin strategic investments in our schools and toward the future of Arizona’s children,” said Maureen Adams, president and CEO of Catholic Education Arizona, Arizona’s largest School Tuition Organization (STO). “We’re grateful for FirstBank’s commitment to our students and their families.” “FirstBank’s generosity will directly benefit and empower numerous families with educational choices across Arizona,” added Aaron Muth, president of Arizona Leadership Foundation. ___________________________________

Gila River Gaming names casino marketing director

Gila River Gaming Enterprises Inc. has named Blake Katsnelson director of casino marketing for Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino and Lone Butte Casino, both in Chandler. “I am looking forward to contributing to the vision of Gila River Hotels & Casinos corporate brand by aligning Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino and Lone Butte Casino to meet the new overall brand standards,” said Katsnelson. Katsnelson began his career with Gila River Gaming Enterprises Inc. in 2008 as the Lone Butte Players Club supervisor. He then took on the role of Lone Butte marketing coordinator. Most recently, he has worked as the Lone Butte marketing manager. Katsnelson received his associate’s degree in business from Chandler-Gilbert Community and a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and media studies from Arizona State University.

Sports & Recreation

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Hamilton interim coach took tough job, honored by district BY GREG MACAFEE Sports Editor

When the Hamilton High School football program was turned over this past year due to a sexual assault scandal that has since resulted in the reassignment of former football coach Steve Belles, athletic director Shawn Rustad and principal Ken James, they were left without a leader for their program. As the season drew near, Hamilton High School Assistant Principal Richard Baniszewski stepped onto the gridiron to lead the Huskies on an interim basis. As someone who had been around the program, but who also had experience leading a team, he was a perfect choice. He had coached at schools around the Valley and had helped with the junior varsity offensive line. Before accepting the position, he said, he didn’t really have any interest, but he took it for one simple reason. “That was for the kids at Hamilton, for the kids in that situation,” Baniszewski said. They were set with a challenge of overcoming an enormous amount of media attention. After finishing with a 7-5 record in 2016, people thought the 2017 Huskies wouldn’t amount to much. But, they ignored all of that and buckled up for an interesting ride with Baniszewski at the helm. His first goal was to create a new team culture and a process inside the football program. Then, he wanted to create a process that people could believe in. Something that was consistent, transparent and disciplined in nature. “He wanted us focusing not as much on

Andy Silvas/Sports360AZ

Richard Baniszewski stepped in to coach the Hamilton Huskies after a sexual assault scandal swept the team and leadership.

football but our bond and how we had to come together as a team,” Hamilton starting quarterback Tyler Shough said. They came up with the message: Humble and Hungry. “That was one thing we constantly reminded ourselves,” Baniszewski said. “To stay humble and stay hungry and

continue to move forward.” The newly established football regime at Hamilton took that approach into their first game of the season. A road game against Boulder Creek. Senior running back Jawhar Jordan Jr. turned in a stat line of 215 yards and four touchdown runs, while Shough threw for 133 yards and two

touchdowns. It was a good start, but when the Queen Creek Bulldogs came to town in the second week of play, they sent a message to the Huskies. The 5A team, which went through most of the season undefeated, upset the Huskies in their first home game of the season. “At the time, it was maybe the worst thing that could have happened, but when you look back at it, it was probably the best thing that could’ve happened,” Baniszewski said. “That was the point where we went. ‘OK, guys, which way are we going here?’” The Huskies responded to the challenge by winning six straight games, scoring 284 points and averaging 47.3 per game. The winning streak was led by the seniors at the front of the pack. Baniszewski said Jordan, Shough and Hunter Mayginnes, who are all committed to play at the Division I level, were all key components of Hamilton’s success this season. “More than anything, it was their leadership and their willingness to buy in to the things that we were doing,” Baniszewski said. “Staying focused and staying true to their school and continue to be Huskies. That’s what they had to do and be good role models and buy into what we were doing.” After falling to Perry and Chandler in their final two games of the season, the Huskies earned a trip to the 6A state playoffs. They skated by Skyline in their first-round matchup, then fell to Perry in the quarterfinals. For a storied program, see

COACH page 31

Perry girls are undefeated in soccer, set higher goals BY GREG MACAFEE Sports Editor

Fourteen games into their 2017 campaign, the Perry High School girls soccer team is still undefeated after a 4-0 win over Red Mountain High. Although their early hot streak is nice, it isn’t exactly what the Pumas are using as motivation for this season’s success. That goes back to their 2016 season, which they think ended a little too early. It was a 2-0 loss in the 6A state semifinals that motivates head coach John Roberts and his Perry squad to continue to exceed expectations. “We kind of had some unfinished stuff that we want to sum up this year,” Roberts said after the win over Red Mountain. So far, the Pumas have done just that. They have scored 89 goals, while only allowing six. They have scored 10 or more goals on three separate occasions and they have shutout opponents in eight games. They also haven’t allowed more than one goal in a game this season. The Pumas have been known to put the ball in the back of the net this season. But, Roberts said although finishing at the offensive end is a focus, their primary

Photos by Greg Macafee/Staff

Remmi Deutsch of Perry dribbles the ball toward the Red Mountain goal after beating a defender on the sideline.

attention is their play on the defensive side of the ball. “We strive to be a good defensive team, so our big focus is defense,” Roberts said. Anchored by senior defenseman Emma Richie and company, the Pumas have been one of the best defensive teams in the state. The Pumas will need to keep

up their level of play to stick out in their region as four other teams in the 6A Premier region still remain undefeated in power points play, and a fifth has only one loss. That shouldn’t be a problem for Perry as they have yet to play a game with their full starting lineup, due to injuries.

Amanda Dahl, their leading goal scorer for 2016 who finished with 36 goals and 23 assists last season, has played in only a few games this season. The Pumas are still missing other key contributors. Their absences have allowed other players to step up and contribute early for the undefeated Pumas. Sophomore Brenna Alderson has been one of those players. Working out of the midfield, Alderson has tallied a teamhigh 17 goals to go with 13 assists, and she’s ranked second in the state in points, behind only Margie Detrizio from Basha. “She’s probably one of our smartest players and now she is just putting into use what she has known all along,” Roberts said of his sophomore who scored six goals and dished out 15 assists as a freshman. “Her body is finally growing and she is able to compete with the older girls now. Last year she was a 15-year-old competing against 18-yearolds. Now, she’s a 16-year-old competing, so the gap is getting smaller for her and everything is slowing down and she is taking advantage of it.” She isn’t the only one that has been contributing to the early success of the Pumas. Twenty-one players have scored a see

SOCCER page 31

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

COACH from page 30 going through a season that was clouded by scandal, the Huskies overcame a lot throughout the season. “I was very proud of the kids and the coaching staff, the way we all came together and probably did some things no one thought we would be able to do and really changed a culture and a way of doing things,” Baniszewski said. The guy who had navigated the ship through murky waters received the highest praise from all around the Valley. Baniszewski was honored with the AllChandler Unified School District Coach of the Year and he also earned Coach of the Year honors from Friday Night Fever. But just like he had taught his players all season long, he stayed true to form and made it about the unit rather than the individual. “It’s very humbling and really it was the players and the coaching staff that hung in there through all of this,” Baniszewski said. “They are the ones that did this I kind of just came in and steered the boat a little bit.” Baniszewski won’t return as the head coach next year, and the Hamilton football program is searching for a new leader. While the program may still be under scrutiny, Hamilton will never be short on talent. “Hamilton is Hamilton. There are 4,200 kids here. There are a lot of hungry athlete here,” Baniszewski said. where we went. ‘OK, guys, which way are we going here?’” The Huskies responded to the challenge by winning six straight games, scoring 284 points and averaging 47.3 per game. The winning streak was led by the seniors at the front of the pack. Baniszewski said Jordan, Shough and Hunter Mayginnes, who are all committed to play at the Division I level, were all key components of Hamilton’s success this season.

“More than anything, it was their leadership and their willingness to buy in to the things that we were doing,” Baniszewski said. “Staying focused and staying true to their school and continue to be Huskies. That’s what they had to do and be good role models and buy into what we were doing.” After falling to Perry and Chandler in their final two games of the season, the Huskies earned a trip to the 6A state playoffs. They skated by Skyline in their first-round matchup, then fell to Perry in the quarterfinals. For a storied program, going through a season that was clouded by scandal, the Huskies overcame a lot throughout the season. “I was very proud of the kids and the coaching staff, the way we all came together and probably did some things no one thought we would be able to do and really changed a culture and a way of doing things,” Baniszewski said. The guy who had navigated the ship through murky waters received the highest praise from all around the Valley. Baniszewski was honored with the AllChandler Unified School District Coach of the Year and he also earned Coach of the Year honors from Friday Night Fever. But just like he had taught his players all season long, he stayed true to form and made it about the unit rather than the individual. “It’s very humbling and really it was the players and the coaching staff that hung in there through all of this,” Baniszewski said. “They are the ones that did this I kind of just came in and steered the boat a little bit.” Baniszewski won’t return as the head coach next year, and the Hamilton football program is searching for a new leader. While the program may still be under scrutiny, Hamilton will never be short on talent. “Hamilton is Hamilton. There are 4,200 kids here. There are a lot of hungry athlete here,” Baniszewski said.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Greg Macafee/Sports Editor

Perry High’s Mikella Reed lines up a shot as she prepares to drive the ball down field during its win over Hamilton High.

SOCCER from page 30 goal in 2017 and five players have scored five or more. Along with Alderson, seniors Remmi Deutsch has 11 goals and 12 assists this season while Jackie Gilbert has 10 goals and nine assists. Senior midfielder Logan VanDine leads the team with 12 assists. “We have so many threats,” Roberts said. “Everyone has contributed and our depth is pretty good. And the girl that might not have the ability that other girls do but they know the expectations, they know what they need to do.” The Pumas have the tools to be

successful, but moving forward, Roberts wants his team to be focused on succeeding while still getting healthy for the long run and the ultimate goal that is at the end of it. “It’s about just letting everyone compete and getting everyone healthy, because we haven’t had our full starting line up in one time this year,” Roberts said. “So, I am anxious to see how we play when we have everyone together.” – Contact Greg Macafee at gmacafee@ timespublications.com or at 480-898-5630 or follow @greg_macafee on Twitter.

Boxing fuels growth of women-only gyms BY TIM JOHNS Cronkite News

Melissa de la Rosa has been boxing at Jabz Boxing in Arcadia for just under a year. The women-only facility fulfills more than de la Rosa’s desire to amp up

popular by celebrities such as Gigi Hadid and Khloe Kardashian. Scottsdale-based Jabz, a women-only boxing gym franchise, has 11 facilities in the Phoenix area with eight more slated to open in the coming months. “It is a really good workout – 45

comfortable and don’t feel as intimidated as they might at other kinds of gyms. For de la Rosa, the gym makes her want to keep coming back.

“I’m going to be here for a while. I’m going to be here until, I don’t know, until I can’t come here anymore,” she said. “I love this.”

There’s no intimidation factor, They come in. They “ know somebody’s not gawking at them or somebody’s not looking at them like … they’re doing it wrong ” .

– Josette Rosene, the owner of Jabz Arcadia

her cardio and relieve stress. “I’m an Orthodox Jew, and I can’t work out uncovered around men,” she said. “So, I come here because I can uncover because it’s all only women.” Over the past several years, womenonly fitness facilities have exploded in popularity. More women now have gym memberships than men, and women-only fitness is the fastest-growing sector of the fitness industry overall, according to my30minutehit.com. Women-only boxing gyms have played a role in that growth. Boxing offers an intensive, full-body workout made

minutes,” De la Rosa said. “It’s solid running, jumping, hitting, punching. You relieve stress. You relieve everything. You just come in, and you let loose.” Josette Rosene, the owner of Jabz Arcadia, said there are many reasons women want to work out with just other women. “There’s no intimidation factor,” she said. “They come in. They know somebody’s not gawking at them or somebody’s not looking at them like … they’re doing it wrong.” Rosene said women feel more

Photo by Tim Johns/Cronkite News

Over the past several years, women-only fitness facilities have exploded in popularity. in the Arcardia neighborhood of Phoenix is part of a franchise.

SPORTS & RECREATION

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Stretching is good, but not before exercising temperature of the muscle and better prepare it for exercise, thereby reducing risk of injury.

BY SITHARI EDIRISOORIYA Contributor

Many years ago, stretching was thought to be something you perform before exercising. We were told to stretch before exerting our bodies; otherwise we might be prone to injury. While it is still important to stretch the muscles, doing it before sports and exercise may not necessarily be the answer. A study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports from 2013 suggests that stretching before a workout actually inhibits the muscles. According to one study, athletes jump less high and runners run slower if they stretch before their respective activity without significantly decreasing their risk against injury. I recommend stretching after exercise or during non-exercise times (in the middle of your eight-hour work day) to condition the muscle and increase ﬂexibility. Stretching a muscle should be performed when the muscle is short, meaning the length of the muscle for the task the person is trying to accomplish is contracted or feels tight. While a person who competes in hurdles requires the hamstring muscle to be lengthened in order to clear the leg over the hurdle, the majority of runners with shorter strides generally

The following are a few examples of basic low back stretches that you can do at home.

Knee to Chest:

Lie on your back with both knees bent. Grab one leg by the thigh underneath the knee and bring it towards the chest in a pain free range of motion. Hold for 30 seconds, relax. Repeat 10 times on each leg.

Lumbar Rotation:

Lie on your back with both knees bent. Keep knees together and slowly rock them from one side to the other side in a pain free range of motion. Allow the back to rotate slightly. Repeat 10 times.

Pelvic Tilt: Special to the San Tan Sun News

don’t need this. Continuous stretching of a runner’s hamstring muscles in preparation of a 5K is not going to help the person run very far or efficiently. The bigger confusion is between ﬂexibility training and warming up before exercise. Stretching is defined as “lightly bringing a joint to its end range of motion.” If you are looking to gain ﬂexibility, I would recommend stretching

BETTER than GRANITE

and holding each stretch 30-60 seconds. Although many people stretch to warm up their muscles before exercise, this would be better performed by more dynamic movements such as squats, lunges, front kicks, back kicks, jumping rope, jumping jacks and jogging. Dynamic movements such as these bring the body through a full range of motion and activate increased blood ﬂow. These movements will lengthen a muscle, but will also increase the

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SanTan Sun News

January 2018

SAN TAN FAMILY FUN Special to SanTan Sun News

Director Harvey Lowry’s romantic comedy, “The Competition,” opens the Chandler Film Festival next week.

Festival aimed at making Chandler ‘a film place’ BY DAISY FINCH Contributor

Film is a universal language, and Mitesh Patel said that’s the most important part of his Chandler International Film Festival, which runs Friday, Jan. 12, to Monday, Jan. 15. “People should attend the film festival because they will be watching stories from around the world,” said Patel, the founder and CEO. “If people attend the festival, they will be engaging with and learning different cultures. “Along with that, over 200 filmmakers, local and international, come to Chandler so people attending the festival can talk with the filmmakers of films they have just watched. They can ask questions about the film, where the idea came from, how it was filmed, and it is a great opportunity for people to network.” The film festival is held throughout Chandler and kicks off with “The Competition,” directed by Harvey Lowry and starring Thora Birch, Chris Klein, Claire Coffee and David Blue, at Harkins Crossroads Theater. The film is a romantic comedy that follows Lauren Mauldin, a successful blogger who develops her own theory on romance. She encourages women to break up with the men they date after six months to avoid heartbreak.

What’s inside Page 2,3 Santan Family Fun Calendar

Special to the SanTan Sun News

Mitesh Patel is the founder and CEO of the Chandler Film Festival.

Special to the SanTan Sun News

The festival also will present “Detroit under STESS,” a movie about the plight of Detroit ever since it lost its status as the carmaking capital of the world.

Besides screening more than 150 films, festival highlights include educational workshops, a film auction, film market, after parties each day and an awards ceremony. Daily passes, which range from $35 to $115 per day, include general admission and VIP options. All-access VIP passes are $330. For more information, visit chandlerfilmfestival.com. In addition to the daily ticketed events, the festival teamed with Chandler officials to offer a free movie screening at the Multicultural Festival on Saturday, Jan. 13. Visit chandleraz.gov for more information. Patel acknowledged that the Chandler International Film Festival comes with its set of challenges, especially because this is only its second year. “Chandler is not a film place,” Patel said. “It’s a new thing to the people of Chandler, and filmmakers outside of Chandler have to get used to us being here. They have to know we are here. “We want to make the festival bigger, more well-known, and have the ability to spend more money so we can offer more, but we are limited. We are limited in budget since it's only our second year and our team is limited. Since our team is limited, our creative side is limited, which requires me and everyone else on the team to wear multiple hats in order to get this festival up and running,” Patel added. “But everyone does a great job taking on multiple roles and, as the CEO, I have to wear the most hats, which is exciting for me so I can have a decision in the entire festival process.”

He said his passion for “anything and everything that has to do with film” keeps him going. “As a child, my love of film triumphed over everything else and that love stuck with me as I got older,” Patel said. “I am a film producer and distributor myself, have been so for the last 10 years, so I deal in a lot of different aspects of film. “One of my biggest passions with film is helping other filmmakers. Helping other filmmakers get their films done and released properly is one of my favorite things because films tell stories and people love stories. “It’s very important to me that the filmmakers themselves come to the festival to talk about their film. I love bringing filmmakers from different backgrounds together in one place to talk about the one thing we all have in common, our common language, which is film.” Some of the films that attendees can expect to see are “The Competition,” “Detroit Under STRESS” and “Dad, Where Are You? I Am Lost.” The films are from a wide variety of genres, and patrons will have the opportunity to explore each. “My hope is that as we grow, it will allow us to officially select more films to show at the festival, being able to bring more and more filmmakers together,” said Patel, who decides which films to screen. “Our main goal is to make Chandler a film place so more filmmakers from around the world will come here. Whether you’re a local who just loves film, or you’re a filmmaker looking to network, this festival is the place to be.”

JANUARY 6–19,52018 November - 18, 2016

January 2018

• Arizona Railway Museum • Dinosaurs in the Desert

• Tumbleweed Tots

• Arizona Railway Museum • Dinosaurs in the Desert

• Tumbleweed Tots

• Family Storytime • Lego Club • STEAM Club • Lapsit Babytime • Toddlertime

• Family Storytime • Lego Club • STEAM Club • Lapsit Babytime

• Family Storytime • Lego Club • STEAM Club • Lapsit Babytime • Toddlertime

Always call to verify information as some events change or cancel after the calendar is printed. Send family events and activities to STFF@SanTanSun.com

• Tumbleweed Tots • Read & Play Group • Preschool Storytime • Lapsit Babytime

•Monthly Family Bird Walks •Arizona Railway Museum • ImprovMANIA

• Toddlertime • Lego Club • Chandler Farmers Market • Toddlertime • STEAM Club • Preschool Storytime

• ImprovMANIA • Tumbleweed Tots

• ImprovMANIA • Tumbleweed Tots • Chandler Art Walk • Rhythm and Rhyme

• ImprovMANIA • Tumbleweed Tots

• Arizona Railway Museum • ImprovMANIA • Preschool Science: Icy Investigations

• Arizona Railway Museum • ImprovMANIA • Just Craftin’ Around • STEM

• Arizona Railway Museum • ImprovMANIA

• Tumbleweed Tots • Read & Play Group • Preschool Storytime • Lapsit Babytime

SEE

CALENDAR PAGE 3

SunBird Tennis Club offers 10 games played with a racket SANTAN SUN NEWS STAFF

Did you know there are 10 games you can play with a tennis racket? You can try them all out at the Carnival of Games 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 14 at SunBird Golf Resort in Ocotillo and benefit SunBird Charities and the Chandler Lions Club. The event is cosponsored by the SunBird Tennis Club and the Lions. For an $8 donation – children 12 and under are free – visitors can try their racket at bola pong, bowling, Bean Bag Bucketz, corn hole, putting green, ladder ball, cones, buckets, darts and Ring the Bell. In addition, another $1 will enable participants to measure the speed of your serve with a radar gun. “We have enlisted the help of the Basha High School tennis team,” said Charlotte Wiard, one of the organizers. “Some of the team will be doing this to earn community hours they need before graduation. Great group of young adults.” Organizers also have assembled a bunch of baskets with assorted foods or beverages that will be rafﬂed at the end of the event. The games are being held in honor of the late Ray White, an avid tennis instructor/player who lived at SunBird. A member of the SunBird Tennis Club, White, who had lived previously in New

Jersey and Pennsylvania would often say, “I came to Arizona because I hated the East Coast weather.” In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for four years and spent time in Hawaii, Johnston Island and White Sands Proving Ground. While stationed at Enewetak Atol in the Marshall Islands, he

program and contract manager, and “retired after 32 years with awards for his proficiency in the corporation,” Neuman added. “It was 1997 when he and Marjorie drove through the Riggs Road gate to check out SunBird,” Neuman continued. “He made a left turn, saw the villas and

for H&R Block. Neuman also said of White that he “works out conscientiously, plays racquetball, likes bridge games, competes in tennis matches, has ushered for 20 years at Grady Gammage at ASU, and thoroughly enjoys the community and people here.”

window in the morning, and “ I look out myit’bedroom s almost like heaven.”

– Ray White

assisted with the development of the first hydrogen bomb. “I was in meteorology and the one who gave the OK for the explosions when the weather was right,” he said, according to a 2009 story that SunBird resident Bob Neuman wrote for the resort newspaper. “Deciding further education was necessary and using the GI Bill, he enrolled and graduated from New Mexico State while also looking after a wife and two children,” Neuman wrote. White later he received his MBA degree from Arizona State University. He started working at the Scottsdale Motorola plant in 1963, where he was

decided that was not for them. From a friend he learned there was more, so returning he discovered a home on Championship with a marvelous view.” He recalled White said, “I look out my bedroom window in the morning, and it’s almost like Heaven.” White also was a professional dancer, appearing in numerous shows and even choreographing one of them. Because he felt “he wants to give back to the community,” White also assembled a team of people to help prepare taxes for residents of SunBird, Sun Lakes, Solera, Springfield and Ocotillo. He also had worked for 11 years as a tax prepare

Special to the San Tan Sun News

Ray White was an avid tennis buff.

6–19, 2018 November JANUARY 5 - 18, 2016

CALENDAR FROM PAGE 2 6 Monthly Family Bird Walks, 8 a.m. to noon. Desert Rivers Audubon leads free guided birdwatching tours through Veterans Oasis Park the first Saturday from November to April. One-hour walks begin every 30 minutes. Sunscreen, closed-toe shoes and water are recommended. Environmental Education Center, 4050 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, free, 480-782-2889, chandleraz.gov/eec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 Arizona Railway Museum, noon to 4 p.m. Visit Chandler’s railway museum at Tumbleweed Park. The Arizona Railway Museum was founded in 1983 as a nonprofit organization and is dedicated to the railways of Arizona and the Southwest. All types of railroad memorabilia and cars are represented in the museum. Arizona Railway Museum, 330 E. Ryan Road, Chandler, Display yard and building free; display cars $2 per person or $5 per family/ group. For information, call 480-833-4353 or 480-831-6520, azrymuseum.org 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 ImprovMANIA, 7 p.m. Join ImprovMANIA on Fridays and Saturdays for familyfriendly comedy shows. ImprovMANIA’s improv performances are fast paced, like on the show “Whose Line Is it Anyway?” Prepare for a night of laughter in downtown Chandler. ImprovMANIA, 250 S. Arizona Ave., Chandler, $10, 480-699-4598, improvmania.net. 7, 14, 21, 28 Dinosaurs in the Desert, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Travel back to prehistoric times and encounter dinosaurs of all sizes at the Phoenix Zoo. Some of the animals in the exhibit include the Brachiosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Stegosaurus and Tyrannosaurus rex. Children can dig for fossils and attend meet and greet with a baby Triceratops and T-Rex. Families can take pictures with the prehistoric creatures along with listening to Keepers talks about dinosaur artifacts. Throughout the month, the zoo is offering special dino-themed events. Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, $5 in addition to regular admission, 602-286-3800 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29, 31 Tumbleweed Tots, 12:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This indoor play area is designed for children age 5 and younger to have fun under parental/ guardian supervision. This fun, safe

and clean area will have plenty of toys, equipment and activities that are sure to keep the kids entertained. There is a maximum of four children per adult. Tumbleweed Recreation Center, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler, $2 to $3, 480782-2900, chandleraz.gov/tumbleweed. 9, 16, 23, 30 Family Storytime, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Read books, sing songs and play with puppets at Family Storytime. This week, families will build forts, select books and read. Materials to build the forts will be provided. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Road, Chandler, free. 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 9, 16, 23, 30 Lego Club, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Meet new friends and have fun building with Lego. Lego are supplied, imagination required. Lego Club is a Vertex program, where Chandler Public Library intersects with STEAM and makerspace. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Road, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 9, 16, 23, 30 STEAM Club, 4 to 5 p.m. Visit the Chandler Library STEAM Club and have fun Tuesdays with science, technology, engineering, art and math. Win prizes just for showing up. Ages 6-11. STEAM Club is a Vertex program, where Chandler Public Library intersects with STEAM and makerspace. Downtown Library Copper Room, 22 S. Delaware Street, Chandler, free, 480-7822800, chandlerlibrary.org. 9, 16, 23, 30 Lapsit Babytime, 11:30 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. Read books, listen to music and interact with fun puppets at play time. All activities are designed for newborns to 18-month-old children. One parent for each child is highly recommended. Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 9, 16, 23, 30 Toddlertime, 10:15 a.m. Toddlertime features singing and puppets to engage the children. The storytime is approximately 30 minutes. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Road, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 10, 17, 24, 31 Read & Play Group, 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. Network with other parents while children read and play games. Different child development experts may visit on certain days.

Win prizes just for showing up. Ages 6-11. STEAM Club is a Vertex program, where Chandler Public Library intersects with STEAM and makerspace. Sunset Library Monsoon Room, 4930 W. Ray Road, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org.

Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 10, 17, 24, 31 Preschool Storytime, 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 prepare for kindergarten through reading, puppets and ﬂannel boards. This is a 30-minute High Five Program. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 10, 17, 24, 31 Lapsit Babytime, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Read books, listen to music and interact with fun puppets at play time. All activities are designed for newborns to 18-monthold children. One parent for each child is highly recommended. Downtown Library Copper Room North, 22 S. Delaware Street, Chandler, free, 480782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 11, 18, 25 Toddlertime, 10:10 and 10:40 a.m. Toddlertime features singing and puppets to engage the children. The storytime is approximately 30 minutes. Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 11, 18, 25 Lego Club, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Meet new friends and have fun building with Lego. Lego are supplied, imagination required. No registration required. Lego Club is a Vertex program, where Chandler Public Library intersects with STEAM and makerspace. Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware Street, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 11, 18, 25 Chandler Farmers Market, 3 to 7 p.m. The market offers fresh local produce, prepared goods, desserts and some crafts on select days. All items are grown in Arizona or are homemade from local vendors. 3 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, Free, downtownchandler.org/farmersmarket. 11, 18, 25 Toddlertime, 9:10 a.m. Songs and puppets engage toddlers during this 30-minute event. Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware Street, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 11, 18, 25 STEAM Club, 4 to 5 p.m. Come to the Chandler Library STEAM Club and have fun every Tuesday with science, technology, engineering, art and math.

11, 18, 25 Preschool Storytime, 9:10 to 9:40 a.m. Children ages 3 to 5 prepare for kindergarten through reading, puppets and ﬂannel boards. This is a 30-minute High Five Program. Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 13 Preschool Science: Icy Investigations, 10:15 a.m. Children interested in science will have a blast learning about winter weather at this hands-on event. Each participant will learn about snow with demonstrations involving dry ice Arizona Science Center, 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, $18 to $23, 602-716-2000, azscience.org 19 Chandler Art Walk, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Visit Downtown the third Friday of the month to view art from local vendors and enjoy live music. A variety of art is one sale, including paintings, jewelry and woodworking. AJ Chandler Park, 178 E. Commonwealth Avenue, Chandler, free, 480-855-3539, downtownchandler.org 19 Rhythm and Rhyme, 11 to 11:30 a.m. Young children are welcome to join in a musical celebration at the library. During the event, they can sing, dance and play instruments. Hamilton Library, 3700 S. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 20 Just Craftin’ Around, 2 p.m. Come visit the library to participate in a winterthemed craft. Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware Street, Chandler, free, 480-782-2800, chandlerlibrary.org. 20 STEM Saturday: Wonderous Waves, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Take part in science experiments, play with water and hear faster than the speed of sound at the Museum of Science and Sustainability. The entire family is welcome to interact with the many exhibits on-hand. Tumbleweed Ranch, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler, free, 602-633-5707, chandleraz.gov.

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Arrive a contender, leave a champion. Gamers face-off against opponents to win smart Bluetooth prizes, bragging rights and a grand prize bag. Game night includes tailgate, paper football match and more. Tournament will be played on PlayStation 4, with semi-finals and finals broadcasted on a giant projection screen. This is a single elimination tournament. To get into the game, visit chandleraz.gov/registration.

Who will be Chandler’s 2018 most talented teen? You’ll have to get a front row seat at our 14th Annual Teen Competition to find out. Join as we cheer on talented young adults. Doors open at 6 p.m. and admission is $5. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov/teens.

PAINT AND PLAYDOUGH

WED., JAN 31 6-7 p.m.

SNEDIGAR RECREATION CENTER

WED., JAN 17 5:30–7 p.m.

FEE INCLUDED IN TRC PASSES Hosted the first and third Wednesday of each month, Family Nights offer a variety of family-friendly fun. In the spirit of family togetherness, join us as we break the mold and build colorful masterpieces from playdough and paint. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov/trc.

Stay cohnunse!cted wit

E FR E

YOUTH & TEEN

14 th Annual

$6 RESIDENT | $9 NON-RESIDENT

VETERANS OASIS PARK

Dusk Jockey, anyone? Head over to Veteran’s Oasis Park with your blankets, chairs and coolers to enjoy a free concert under the stars. Rockin’ Memories delivers an exhilarating live performance. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov/ eec.

JAN 8-14

TUMBLEWEED RECREATION CENTER

THURS., JAN 18 6-7 p.m.

Lessons

@ChandlerRec

$3 RESIDENT | $5 NON-RESIDENT PLUS $10 INSTRUCTOR FEE

Two left feet? Great, we’ll help you find the right one! Just in time for our annual fatherdaughter dance, DJ Ron Howard is hosting dance lessons to help father-daughter duos move like Jagger. For more information, visit chandleraz.gov/registration. chandleraz.gov/registration

Chandler Recreation

JANUARY 6–19,52018 November - 18, 2016

HUNTERS • JUMPERS • EQUITATION

Beginner through advanced lessons for all ages.

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Gilbert Rd.

480-812-8924

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50 S. Hearthstone Way, Chandler 85226 — 1 Block W of Chandler Fashion Center

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Opinion

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Chandler demonstrates global leadership for businesses BY MAYOR JAY TIBSHRAENY Guest Writer

Chandler’s success is built upon a foundation of great vision, engagement and the spirit of entrepreneurism. It is a city – a quarter million strong – that enjoys a reputation as progressive, innovative and one of strong ideals. Our roots grow deep, sprouting from the turn of the 20th century to the Chandler of today. And 2017 showed once again that Chandler is well positioned to maintain and grow its reputation as a dynamic and robust economic engine. From Intel’s $7 billion expansion

announcement to Waymo’s groundbreaking advancements in automotive technology, we remain a global leader with our reputation as the innovation and technology hub of the southwest firmly in place. Businesses continue to invest, expand and relocate to our city, solidifying an already strong place of commerce. Turbo resources is building a large global headquarters in Uptown Chandler, and Rei, Jaguar and Land Rover are just a few of the high-end brands locating in West Chandler. Flix Brewhouse is under construction in our downtown, joining many new tenants there. And our employment centers on the Price Corridor and at our airpark continue to see new development as well. Of course, one of the major

highlights of the year was Rogers Corporation locating its international headquarters here. But we are also a community that values families and faith. As a city, we continue to invest strongly in services and infrastructure, ensuring a safe and abundant water supply, sustainable neighborhoods with great recreational amenities, as well as a place that enjoys very low crime rates. We celebrate through a number of festivals and events that grow stronger each year. These include our Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade Of Lights, Fourth Of July Spectacular, Woofstock and My Safety And Veterans Expo. In 2018, we’ll unveil a new museum, public safety training center and fire station, as well as enhance some parks

and continue to strive to make our city the best in the state, if not the nation. Please join me on Feb. 13, as I deliver my annual State of the City Address. It will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by my remarks. I plan to use some of that time to look back at the history of our community and those iconic moments, figures and businesses that have made chandler the success it is today. The event will be at The Chandler City Council Chambers, 88 E. Chicago street. In the meantime, please follow me on twitter for more city news: @jaytibshraeny. Finally, Happy New Year Chandler! We look to keeping the momentum going this year, with more exciting announcements for the community. Here’s wishing you all a safe and prosperous year.

Let’s have a national conversation about ‘national conversations’ BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Columnist

Of all the many “national conversations” we’ve been having of late – about guns, race, sexual predators, about illegal immigration, health care, the National Anthem and every other damn thing – there’s one national conversation we aren’t having that’s long, long overdue. That would be a national conversation about the wisdom of having national conversations at all. Let me give you a moment to unravel that last sentence. Still here? Great, because nothing is sadder than a monologue with no audience. Unless it’s a national conversation with everyone jawing at top volume. Here’s the thing about America’s endless so-called “dialogue” that bugs me to distraction: All this chatter occurs based on the false premise that talking about a problem is the prelude to actually solving the problem. This premise is only true when the people

engaged in the conversation are (a) listening to each other, (b) capable of rational thought and (c) willing to compromise in the pursuit of an effective solution. If this sounds to you like no national conversation of recent vintage, welcome to the club. Take, for example, the public debate over guns and mass shootings. The phrase “thoughts and prayers” as a response to tragedy has now become offensive to some on the left, because they take this expression not as a condolence, but as a kiss off, a hollow sentiment offered in place of action on gun violence. Hmm. Many felt free to debate phraseology last year while Sutherland Springs, Texas, laid to rest 26 dead. I pondered how to repair a patchwork gun background check system so porous, a convicted domestic abuser with an Air Force court martial, a history of mental illness and time spent locked in a psych ward still managed to legally purchase a Ruger

semiautomatic 556 rifle and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Of course, to many of my friends on the right, shooter Devin Kelley’s red-flagfilled life should not have occasioned any mention of gun control. Instead, they pointed to the armed neighbor who winged Kelley outside the First Baptist Church and argued loud and long for more guns, as if the 270 million firearms currently in circulation in a country of roughly 240 million adults represents some massive lack of firepower. You can always tell for sure a conversation is going nowhere when the people involved can’t even agree on the problem they’re discussing, much less solutions to the problem. Then there’s those national conversations where everyone is pretty much on the same side, like the current dialogue focused on allegations of sexual harassment and depravity against powerful men like Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey. These conversations tend to dissipate

when our attention spans dwindle, or when those who scream the loudest propose a set of solutions so extreme, the reasonable rest of us recoil in dismay. As a species, it appears we can only handle so much talk about a given problem. Nowadays, the more frequent the Facebook rants, the more often CNN televises some cliched “town hall,” the more often Fox News Channel trots out a “special report,” the faster we hit unfriend or simply change the channel. I don’t know who originally made the point that talk is cheap, but they drastically overestimated the value of chatter. As a country, we have never talked more and solved less. Maybe we need a new model to fix what ails us, a better strategy to cut through the din, identify what works and enact meaningful solutions. That’s the national conversation I’m waiting for. And I have no doubt it will be a long, chatty wait. David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

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OPINION

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

United Food Bank fights Arizona hunger but needs help BY RUSTYN SHERER Guest Writer

While volunteering with the United Food Bank, I have seen hundreds of families receive meals when they otherwise would have gone hungry. The holidays bring about a flood of goodwill from the community, but families need our support throughout the year and the need is most visible to us during the summer. UFB got its start 35 years ago as a modest partnership between several East Valley cities, their respective United Way

affiliates and a few local churches. In the mid-1980s, the organization took in mostly canned goods, and partnered with a handful of local agencies to distribute these meals to a few hundred families in need each month. While that early effort may have been small in scope, this partnership has grown into something great. Today, UFB partners with more than 200 agencies and programs, making it Arizona’s second-largest food bank. Our menu of items includes canned goods, fresh produce, chicken and thousands of pounds of rescued food donated by local grocery stores and restaurants. Our distribution partners include

Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank in Chandler, the Casa Grande Food Bank and the Tempe Community Action Agency. UFB’s efforts positively impact more than a half-million Arizonans annually. We distribute more than 23 million meals each year (an average of 63,000 meals daily). UFB also employs 41 staff members who bring in and distribute food through two Mesa warehouses. We take efficiency seriously; our 20-member volunteer board of directors is proud that 97 cents of every dollar donated to our organization is used to purchase and/or deliver food to hungry people in five Arizona counties. My volunteer efforts with UFB have

been rewarding because I’ve witnessed first-hand how we directly benefit our neighbors – we serve people in need, with who we may otherwise never interact. If you, your company or any organization you represent would like to join the fight against hunger in Arizona, UFB is easy to find (unitedfoodbank.org). Whether you make a financial donation, lead a food drive in your neighborhood or school, or volunteer at an event, you will feel great about the time you invest in UFB, and the lives you are positively impacting. Rustyn Sherer is the current board president at United Food Bank and is the East Valley community affairs manager for APS.

How to help end hunger before Congress ends aid BY ANGIE RODGERS

Guest Writer

The holidays are a bittersweet time at our food banks: We witness both the immense generosity of people giving to their neighbors and the staggering number of families in need. In 2017, more than one million Arizonans still face hunger, and nearly half of them are children. At the Association of Arizona Food Banks, our vision is a hunger-free Arizona, and we, alongside our member food

banks, work hard to ensure that everyone has access to the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. As a result, we support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly “food stamps”), which helps more than 900,000 Arizonans access sufficient nutrition and infuses nearly $100 million into Arizona’s economy each month. Despite its proven success providing people with short-term support during natural disasters, times of economic uncertainty, or personal crisis, SNAP faces an unmistakable threat from the next priority on the Congressional agenda: “welfare reform.” The current administration aims to

pay for tax cuts that are skewed toward corporations and high-income households by cutting funds from federal investments that serve people in need, including SNAP, Medicare, Medicaid, possibly Social Security, and others. In a two-step process, here’s the path Congress follows to carry this out: 1. The taxlaw changes will reduce taxes for high-income households and corporations, while raising taxes for lowand middle-income households over the next ten years. The price tag? $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years. How will we pay for that? 2. In the budget resolution adopted in October, Congress outlined trillions

of dollars in proposed cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, possibly Social Security, and other investments. Everyone reading this knows someone – or is someone – who would be affected by these cuts: a friend who was recently laidoff, a single parent in your neighborhood, an elderly relative on a fixed income. We are grateful for the many volunteers who donate their time and money to local food pantries. Another great way to help is to talk to your elected officials about supporting Arizona’s families to put healthy food on the table. – Angie Rodgers is president/CEO of the Association of Arizona Food Banks.

OPINION

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Maricopa County has achieved progress on several major goals BY DENNIS BARNEY Guest Writer

It’s hard to believe it has been almost a year since I was sworn in as Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. At the beginning of 2017, I made my priorities clear: a balanced budget, regulatory and personnel reforms that help business thrive and families flourish, more evidence-based justice initiatives that reduce repeat offenders and lower the cost of criminal justice; and personnel reform that improves customer service. Now that we are in the final month of the year, I’m happy to report success on all fronts. BUDGET: We balanced our budget and kept the tax rate flat, even as we made significant investments in future growth. I challenged elected leaders and department heads to be efficient with resources, to rethink processes and to be innovative in their approach to customer service.

They responded and their efforts are making us a leaner, more efficient government. That unwavering commitment to fiscal responsibility is the reason Maricopa County maintains AAA bond ratings to this day. REGULATION: We want to make it easier than ever to do business in Maricopa County. This year, we rolled out a new way for builders and developers to file documents online, which can save time and money. We are also processing more plan reviews than ever – nearly 9,700 projected for fiscal year 2018 compared to 5,775 in FY 2014. This year, less than 5 percent of plans required more than one resubmittal, and 85 percent have been processed within 20 business days. While we must be diligent in our safety reviews and procedures, I have pushed us to take an even harder look at needless bureaucracy that slows economic growth. CRIMINAL JUSTICE: It is unacceptable to me that more than 50 percent of Maricopa County inmates return to jail within

12 months of release. So I have been a tireless advocate for smart justice initiatives, like the recently expanded MOSAIC substance abuse program, that help us rethink our approach to incarceration. Giving justice-involved individuals some skills they can turn to instead of a substance, then linking them up with community groups – and even housing – once they are released makes our communities stronger and, ultimately, saves taxpayers money. EMPLOYEES: To provide exceptional customer service, we need to have an accountable, outcome-driven workforce. I’ve supported the work done by county leadership this year to design specific performance metrics that apply across all departments so the best employees are rewarded and those who are underachieving are not allowed to continue doing so. This year, we also examined the way we recruit for jobs and found that unnecessary and redundant processes were leading to delays in hiring the best candidates. We’re fixing our approach and cutting

down the recruitment time so the best and brightest don’t have reason to look elsewhere. Sometimes recruitment needs an extra nudge. I said as much to our Office of the Medical Examiner and encouraged them to find a creative solution to their staffing challenges. In September, they launched a firstof-its-kind loan repayment assistance program for medical examiners, giving us a unique incentive in a highly competitive, hugely important field. This is just one example of how we are looking for opportunities to tilt the odds in our favor, as we strive to become an employer of choice in the fastest-growing county in the nation. The goal is a leaner, nimbler, more service-oriented government. And 2017 has moved us closer to our goals. I look forward to making more progress in the coming year. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. -Dennis Barney chairs the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

GOT NEWS?

Contact Paul Maryniak at 480-898-5647 or pmaryniak@timespublications.com

Neighbors

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Arcade contest builds Kyrene students’ character and knowledge BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

Who said learning can’t be fun? It sure wasn’t Pete Flocken, Kyrene School District’s program manager for community education, or 140 elementary school students – many from three Chan-

and recyclable materials. “We were inspired by the athletic intramural program we have in the district,” Flocken explained. “We wanted to create the kind of energy and enthusiasm you can find in the athletic program in an academic format.” Another source of inspiration was a

We wanted to create the kind of energy and “ enthusiasm you can find in the athletic program in an academic format.”

– Pete Flocken, Kyrene School District

dler campuses. They relied on fun and ingenuity to begin mastering complex principles from science, technology, engineering and math, usually now grouped under the acronym STEM. Flocken and his team – who develop and oversee the district’s preschool, after-school and summer programs for some 3,500 children – organized a “STEMtramural” competition that had students develop arcade games from cardboard

viral video called “Caine’s Arcade” about a young boy who built a cardboard arcade in the back of his father’s auto repair store. The only requirements for the STEMtramurals were that the inventions had to be playable arcade games and had to incorporate a design, engineering or other STEM principle that could be demonstrated by their project. With teachers serving as coaches, the students worked in teams or on their own

Kimberky Carrillo/Staff Photographert

Kyrene community education manager Pete Flocken and his assistant Jen Biddison show off some of the arcade games students made for their STEMtramural.

in school after classes to produce 55 different games that were displayed at show at Pueblo Middle School, where judges

voted on what game was best of show, see

ARCADE page 45

Chandler SRP worker spends holidays helping Puerto Rico BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Rick Hudson spent the holidays away from his Chandler family, helping hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico try to get back on its feet. The 53-year-old SRP engineering supervisor had a personal as well as a humanitarian reason for helping with restoration of the island’s electrical grid, which was shattered by Hurricane Maria in September. His wife, Susan, used to work with a woman who grew up in Puerto Rico and still has family members there. “I was just thinking about it and praying about it and (Susan) called her former coworker,” Rick said. “That coworker mentioned that a lot of her family was still there (in Puerto Rico) without power. It was at that moment that we both said, ‘This is one of those things where you feel like you should be doing that.’ I put my name in the hat.” The SRP employees are staying in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, but they are responsible for restoration work in the Carolina region, which is in the northeastern area of the island. Helping bring back light to the stormtorn island is a team effort. SRP workers are tackling the issue with employees of Austin Energy, as part of Team American Public Power Association. Hudson and his wife have three children in their 20s and a 15-year-old daughter, as well as five grandchildren He said his 15-year-old, Emily, was “probably the most apprehensive” of his

Courtesy of SRP

Rick Hudson of Chandler spent his holidays in Puerto Rico, helping to restore that island’s electrical grid system, which was shattered by Hurricane Maria. An engineerign supervisor for SRP, he was one of dozens of workers for the utility that volunteered to help.

kids about him leaving for Puerto Rico. “She doesn’t necessarily say a lot, but I could just tell it wasn’t easy for her. But I also think she’s really into service herself, and I think she understands the need

and appreciates that I can do what I can,” Hudson said. “They’re all really good kids. They all try to serve in their way.” He said his work might be a good example for his daughters and sons, but

they already like to give back. Hudson said his oldest son is in the U.S. Army Reserve “so he understands at any moment he could be in this situation.” see

SRP page 48

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

NEIGHBORS

Bowie visits Altadena and completes his mission BY PAUL MARYNIAK Executive Editor

After a year in office, state Sen. Sean Bowie has become accustomed to fielding questions, but the eighth-graders at Altadena Middle School last week still kept him on his toes. What was his position on net neutrality? one asked. How are you going to get more money for education? queried another. What’s the favorite part of your job? wondered another. In some ways, Bowie was partially answering that third question by standing right in front of the three eighth-grade social studies classes. After 51 weeks as a state senator, he was completing a personal mission he had set for himself not long after being sworn in: visiting every one of the 45 public and public charter schools in his Legislative District 18, which covers all of Ahwatukee and parts of Chandler, Tempe and Mesa. “I place a high priority on these visits,” he said, noting that he partly wanted to see first-hand what students were doing, how teachers and administrators were coping under the financial constraints that Arizona schools have been confronting for several years and to thank the faculties and staff for their hard work. Since he started his campaign early last year, the freshman senator has consistently made education funding his top priority. He started off the final segment of his year-long tour the way he handled the other 44 – meeting with the principal. And Altadena Principal James Martin was delighted to host him. The 20-year Kyrene School District veteran employee, who has been principal at the 1,100-student school for about a year and a half, had no particular agenda with the senator as Bowie queried him on topics ranging from enrollment trends to programs. The morning tour started with the studio used by students to craft a daily morning report to the student body. Some students hovered over laptops in a dimly lit classroom while others looked through a large window into a brightly lit room where three students stood in front of a camera telling their classmates via a school-wide network the news of the day at Altadena, from who won the intramural baseball game the previous night to preparations for the

ARCADEfrom page 44

showed the most creativity or fit in some other award category. Every game also had to include a blueprint for its construction that students drew as part of their project. Some games incorporated pulleys or ramps to demonstrate engineering principles. One student used a pulley to build a game where players moved a homemade claw to grab paperclips and win a prize. Similar to an arcade game where players use a claw to grab little dolls or other toys in a glass-enclosed box, the game used Saran wrap instead of glass. Another game had players tossing a small ball into an egg carton on a spinning disc. No one realized there was a student underneath the disc who kept it turning. While “an introduction to engineering design was important,” what also

(Kimberly Carrillo/Photographer)

Ahwatukee State Sen. Sean Bowie talks to an eighth-grade social studies class at Altadena Middle School, the last stop on his tour of all 45 public and public charters in his district.

upcoming winter break. Then came the gauntlet of three social studies classes, and it was clear many of the students in each had given considerable thought to what they wanted to ask their special guest. Bowie began each session with an admission that he went to Pueblo Middle School and then to Mountain Pointe High. Altadena is largely a feeder for rival Desert Vista High. The students didn’t seem to care all that much. They were focused instead on the rest of his introductory remarks – and getting answers to their well-thought-out questions. “The main reason why I wanted to visit all the schools and talk to the principals and teachers is that I want them to know there are advocates for them at the state Capitol,” Bowie explained. “We really want to get more support for our teachers as well as for our schools.” During each Q&A, students’ questions reflected as much an awareness of

government as it affects them as it did an interest in what was involved in the job of being a state senator. On the latter, Bowie explained how he approached most of the approximate 600 bills that came his way this year. He talked about spending many weekends in his Capitol office, reading every piece of legislation and often supplementing his reading with viewing videos of committee hearings. And when it comes to voting, he stressed, he keeps his constituents’ desires in mind instead of party politics, noting that he has taken flack from Democratic party members for supporting a bill that they opposed but that “I knew my constituents would favor.” That practice prompted the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting to note that Bowie voted with Republican senators more than any other Democratic lawmaker. Ultimately, he added, voting was “the most stressful part of my job because you

have a lot of competing interests.” On issues, many students were interested in matters related to funding, while others waded into areas – such as net neutrality – that prompted Bowie to explain the differences in focus between Congress and the state Legislature. Asked what the most controversial bill he voted on was, Bowie replied that it involved the fight over the expansion of the voucher system for private schools. “I was very opposed to that because I know it would have a very negative impact on schools like Altadena.” And his favorite part of his job? “It’s being out here in the community, visiting schools and local businesses and talking to people in my district.” Bowie said he learned a lot in his school tours and that he would like to do it again in 2019. As for next year, he has a different tour in mind: knocking on as many as 13,000 doors in LD 18 to help him win a second term.

was critical in the project was helping the students to develop character traits they would need as they advanced their education and even when they eventually enter the workforce, Flocken said. “It involved getting the students to think of a goal and taking it from start to finish and to be innovative and persistent,” Flocken said. “They’d hit bumps in the road and the coaches would work with them to solve them.” Such lessons are part of Kyrene’s overall philosophy to make sure students just don’t learn their ABCs and how to count, but to develop the traits they will need to succeed in college as well as the workforce. “It was a really cool and innovative program and our students are innovative thinkers,” said Flockens. And the students built them without help from older siblings or parents since the games could not be taken home.

“It was a surprise how well thought out and how innovative each game was,” he said. “They thought of things I never would have thought of.” The Stemtramurals also represented the next generation in extracurricular academic competitions that began with a Rubik’s Cube meet that Flockens started last year and will repeat in the coming months. In that competition, students learn the algorithms and patterns for solving various Rubik’s Cubes and eventually compete to solve 20 in the shortest amount of time possible. The schools represented in the Intramurals included Brisas, Mirada and Paloma in Chandler. In the school competition, Division 1 saw a first-place tie with Brisas and Cielo while Estrella took second place and Brisas was named a fan favorite; Division

2 winners were Mirada, first place; Lagos, second; Waggoner, third and Lagos the fan favorite. Chandler students who won in various categories were: Allison Chelus and Alana Marquis, Mirada, Best Team Spirit; Warner Milhoan, Cielo, Most Fun; Sarah Quillen, Brisas, Best Use of Simple Machines; Mirada students Jack Hunter, Karthik Raman and Matthew Parsons, Best Use of Simple Machines; Also, Henry Walker, Brisas, Best Presentation to the Judges; Jay Miller, Mirada, Best Presentation to the Judges; Nathaniel Tipp, Cielo, Best in Show 1st place; Mirada students Arianna Stapp, Caelyn Tisinger and Frankie Chen, Best in Show 1st place; Paloma students Kalevi Hakkarainen, Brady Hansen, Charles Quillen and Anders Molvik, Best in Show 3rd place; and Paloma students Marisa Alba and Josue Alba, Best in Show 3rd place.

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Around Chandler Chandler Police hail local man as a hero in shooting

Chandler Police have issued a Valorous Conduct Award to a local man who protected a boy during a July 31 shooting at the Valero gas station at 2955 East Riggs Road. The suspect exited the store and opened fire from the parking lot, wounding an employee who was inside. Jeremy Douwstra was standing at one of two DVD vending machines in front of the Valero when the suspect exited the store,” police spokesman Sgt. Seth Tyler said. Douwstra heard the suspect yell from the parking lot near the gas pumps, then saw him firing rounds from a handgun toward the inside of the store. “Jeremy noticed a 12-year-old boy standing at the other DVD vending machine, which was located only a few feet from where the bullet rounds were striking the front of the Valero,” Tyler said. “The child was frozen in fear and did not move. Jeremy immediately grabbed the child, pulled him out of harm’s way and moved the boy behind cover.” Citing Douwstra’s “courageous actions,” the officers who responded to the shooting also were on hand during a formal ceremony last month “to thank Jeremy for his heroism under an extremely dangerous situation,” Tyler added. __________________________________

Corona Steel Drum Band to play at next Art Walk

The next downtown Chandler Art Walk will take place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 at Dr. A.J. Chandler Park, 3 S. Arizona Ave. with the Corona del Sol High School Steel Drum Band providing music to strollers looking at displays. Bear Paw Pottery is one of the many vendors that will be at the art walk. The Native American pottery will be sold, and DBL Cross by Lalo will also return to the event, selling his unusual crosses made with found treasures. Every downtown Chandler Art Walk has its own theme, as well as live music and local artisans selling their pieces. Some art typically sold at the gatherings include woodworking, jewelry and painting. Many artists sell their goods for $50 or less. Information: downtownchandler.org/ events/2018/1/19/chandler-art-walk.

Shalom Hadassah to host an- Ancients kick off 2018 nual High Tea & Fashion Show Speaker Series presentations Tea, fashion and food will combine at a special event on Jan. 16 when Shalom Hadassah holds its annual High Tea & Fashion Show, starting with the traditional high tea luncheon at noon at Oakwood Country Club on Oakwood Boulevard in Sun Lakes. The fashions will be provided by Chico’s at Chandler Fashion Center. The luncheon will include finger sandwiches with the crusts cut off, mini quiches, scones with cream, fruit and mini-desserts. Participants can get a look at the new spring collection out of Chico’s. Tickets are $30 per person and reservations must be made by Wednesday, Jan. 10. Checks and reservations can be sent to Barbara Silverman at 3868 E Hazeltine Way, Chandler, AZ 85249. Anyone with dietary restrictions should note them with their checks. __________________________________

Supreme Court justice to address Sun Lakes GOP

People can get an inside look at the state’s judicial system when Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick speaks at the next Sun Lakes Republican Club’s meeting. Bolick will deliver a presentation, “Our Constitutions and The Courts,” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, in the Arizona Room of the Sun Lakes Country Club, 25601 S. Sun Lakes Boulevard in Sun Lakes. The public can attend the meeting. Bolick “is a dynamic speaker who will talk about recent decisions impacting liberties at the state and federal level,” the club said in a release. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in January 2016 after serving as vice president for litigation at the Goldwater Institute from 2007 to 2016. The judge has received many honors and awards for his public service, including in “Legal Times” magazine’s “90 Greatest DC Lawyers in Past 30 Years” and the Thomas J. Szasz Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Cause of Civil Liberties. Anyone attending the Jan. 9 meeting will also get a chance to meet some area candidates for office and visit with friends and neighbors. Information: slgop.org.

The marks that ancient people left on rocks and seeds ancestors planted to help Chandler sprout will be explored at three events at Chandler Public Library locations as part of its Our Stories Speaker Series. “History Found in the Land” is the title of a Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve representative’s talk about Native American peoples who created artwork on rocks around the Valley over thousands of years. That event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 13 at the Downtown Library, 22 S. Delaware Street. The petroglyph preserve is an area archaeology site and museum. Participants can learn about how the City of Chandler’s roots came out of seeds from the Michigan-based Ferry Seed Company at “The Seeds that Grew Chandler and the East Valley” at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17 at the Sunset Library, 4930 W. Ray Road. The company was trying to foster drought-resistant alfalfa in Arizona. In 1887, Dr. A.J. Chandler came to Arizona to try to acquire land for the company to grow those seeds. Nate Meyer, the Chandler Museum’s curator of collections, will deliver the information for this gathering, which will be held in conjunction with the annual spring seed swap at the library. A presenter from the National Park Service will share stories about the Salado and Hohokam Indians in Arizona in the 14th century at the “Casa Grande Ruins and Tonto National Monument” talk at 10:30 a.m. March 3 at the Basha Library, 5990 S. Val Vista Drive. The stories come from the preserved sites and structures of the two monuments. Information: chandleraz.gov. __________________________________

Robson Library features skits, other hearing loss help

“What’ja Say??...Or A Day in the Life of the Bickersons” is the title of a series of skits on hearing loss and relationships that will be presented 12:45-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at Ed Robson Branch Library, Lecky Center, 9330 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes. “If you, a family member, or a friend is challenged by hearing loss, please come and join us for education, sharing, and

refreshments,” the spokesman added. The library will provide real-time captioning and the meeting room is looped, thanks to the Friends of the Library, for attendees’ hearing. Visitors should park in the church lot next to the library. Information: Liz Booth at halib72@ gmail.com, Regina Milgroom at reggiefaith@gmail.com; or Patty Dennehy 602-652-3000 and ask for the Ed Robson Branch. Other upcoming events include a session about “organizing for seniors” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, that will give tips on sorting through collectibles and memorabilia; a session on fraud and seniors’ vulnerability by the Arizona Fire & Medical Authority at 10 a.m. Jan. 17; and a history of African Americans in the military at 1 p.m. Jan. 23, with Herb Zinn making the presentation. Seating begins 15 minutes before the programs on Jan. 9 and Jan. 17 start and sessions are limited to 100 attendees. Information: mcldaz.org or call 602652-3000. The library will be closed on Jan. 15 and Jan. 26. __________________________________

Earnhardt hosting Red Cross blood drive

The American Red Cross is holding a blood and platelets drive 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 10 at Earnhardt Ford, 7300 W. Orchid Lane, Chandler. Donations decline between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Last year, nearly 64,000 fewer blood and platelet donations were given through the Red Cross during the seven weeks from Thanksgiving through the first week of January than the average during the rest of the year. “By taking just about an hour of time today, you can help save someone’s life within a few weeks or even days of your donation,” said Carmen Madsen, Donor Recruitment director of the Red Cross Arizona Blood Services Region. “We’re asking donors to give now to help ensure blood is available when patients need it most.” All blood types are needed this winter. Platelet donations are especially encouraged the first week of the new year, which is among the most difficult to collect enough platelets to meet patient needs. Donation appointments can be scheduled at redcrossblood.org or 1-800733-2767.

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SRP from page 44

quickly and safely as possible.” The last time SRP helped another utility bring back power due to a major natural disaster was in November of 2012. That’s when over 60 SRP workers spent two weeks working with Long Island Power Authority and other utilities to replace damaged power poles, impaired electrical equipment and overhead lines when customers in the New York region lost power during Hurricane Sandy. Hudson’s coworker, Dorian Speed of Ahwatukee, says spending the holidays without his wife and four sons while he’s

Our role is to do whatever they need from us to “ get the power restored here in Puerto Rico.”

– Bret Marchese, SRP director of distribution maintenance

With the Incident Command structure, seven incident management teams with 10 people each were formed to help the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority with guidance from the central command center in San Juan to coordinate and manage about 3,5000 utility field workers who were deployed on the island. “Our role is to do whatever they need from us to get the power restored here in Puerto Rico,” said Bret Marchese, SRP director of distribution maintenance, adding: “We are helping to create efficiencies in areas that will most benefit PREPA. I think we’ve made a lot of progress in getting information together to put the right resources in the areas where they are most needed and restore circuits as

Hudson was taken aback when he arrived in San Juan to experience the power outages. “It’s incredible,” he said. “When we first got there, to see how dark it was in their capital city; they had lights but not nearly as many as are available. It made driving very difficult. Most of the traffic signals do not work. “They don’t have enough police to have people directing traffic. It’s pretty much kind of a free-for-all when you get to a major intersection. “As we’ve moved into the region just outside of San Juan, the devastation is even more pronounced but the people have been very welcoming. They’re really appreciative. It’s incredible the amount of thanks we get. It’s kind of a different culture in terms of how they deal with these situations.” Hudson said working with the local utility company was a bit challenging at first because “they want to do the work because they know their system.” But the local crews also knew they needed help to bring residents and businesses’ power back. “We don’t run their crews,” he said. “Our function as an incident management team is to really work with them, to understand where their crews are (at) work, contract personnel on the island and we just want everyone to remain safe, making sure everyone knows where each other is at. He added: “The model was one-teamone-mission. We’re all together as one team and our mission is to get power restored to those who don’t have it as quickly and efficiently as possible with safety being the number one thing.” Seeing the fruits of their labor, as peo-

ple get their electricity back, is gratifying. He met the manager of a store owned by the relatives of the woman who had worked with his wife, Susan. “He had just had his power restored two to three days prior,” Hudson said. “His home is so damaged that he had to move to another family member’s home inside our region. He had a son that was autistic. His son had some issues; it was hard for him to deal with. He was extremely grateful his son could now be more comfortable. It’s pretty heartwarming to hear that.”

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

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in Puerto Rico has been difficult, but the hardship is nothing compared to what people on that hurricane-ravaged island have suffered. Speed said he and his wife, Carrie, believe in giving back. Both are active in the Grove Church in Chandler and feel God called him to try to help Puerto Rico get back on its feet. “It was pretty difficult,” Dorian, 43, said. “It was pretty easy for my wife. She was like, ‘Yeah, you need to go,’ but for me I’m not away from my boys or my wife too much. It was probably harder on me. It’s a bigger picture thing. It’s a small sacrifice. The people down here are making a huge sacrifice being without power. “SRP is providing us the opportunity

to come down here. It’s a blessing to be down here and helping people out and being with the team we have. It’s a really cool experience. It’s just so rewarding to do something little by little.” Speed’s role in Puerto Rico is to coordinate the process of ensuring electricity lines are switched on and off safely and synchronizing the priority of which ones need to be energized first. “It’s mainly for safety purposes,” he said. “It’s kind of a big deal. That coordination needs to come down for the crews. We drive around and people see us. They’ll see we’re from a power company, they’re real appreciative. They’ll come give you a hug. People have been really great.” Speed had been to Haiti after a hurricane hit about five years ago with his church group, but said the damage in Puerto Rico is more startling. He had previously visited Puerto Rico about 25 years ago as a professional baseball player. “It’s a beautiful island,” Dorian said. “It’s been ravaged by the storm to say the least. We’re flying in and we see a lot of darkness vs. when you’re flying in and you see light everywhere. All the trees are completely stripped of the foliage. There’s trees everywhere. “There’s broken, concrete poles hanging over the freeway. There’s lines down everywhere.” “You definitely get a shock,” he said. “You’re like, ‘Wow, all these lines are down.’ You always have things so easily in the (United) States. You just think of the people (in Puerto Rico); they’re still upbeat and they’re still happy. It’s unbelievable. The people here are just prevailing through all of that.”

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Tiny implant helps Chandler woman manage heart BY LORI BAKER Contributor

Heart disease has been an all too familiar part of Patricia Parker’s world. It claimed the lives of not only her mother and brother but also one of her sons. And for the past 39 years, Parker of Chandler has been dealing with her own heart problems, as well. But she’s never given up hope. “I live for today,’’ the 74-year-old said. “I’m a very positive person.” It was that kind of determination that led her to trust the Abrazo Community Health Network to help improve her condition. Parker had the CardioMEMS Heart Failure System implanted into her pulmonary artery in 2016. The device – as small as a paper clip – is a sensor that allows cardiologists to remotely track the pressure of the artery and monitor the health of her heart. “It’s become a phenomenal piece of equipment,’’ Parker said. The device has created quite a change in her life. In 2016 alone, Parker had been in the hospital 14 times, including three times for congestive heart failure. Since getting the implant, she’s not had any hospital stays because of that ailment. Finding a solution to help her heart has been a long road. But early on, Parker helped educate the medical community not to ignore a woman’s heart. In 1978 while living in New York, she began to feel heart pain and sought medical attention. Parker said she wasn’t taken seriously. “(Their) response was ‘No way is this your heart, lady,’” she said. “They couldn’t comprehend that a 36-year-old woman had heart disease.” After seeking another opinion, Parker learned she was having a major angina attack. She thought about her mother, who was only 39 when she died of a heart attack. Doctors told Parker her own situation was dire. “I had a 99 percent blockage in an artery and needed a single bypass surgery,” she said. “I had a second bypass after that.” Parker became stronger after going on a customized workout and nutritious program. She was running 31/2 miles seven days a week. But 10 years later, she had a mini-stroke because of blockage of blood

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Photos courtesy of Abrazo Community Health Network

Patricia Parker of Chandler had the CardioMEMS Heart Failure System implanted into her pulmonary artery after experiencing many heart problems. She wants to be an ambassador for heart health, especially for women.

to her brain. Surgery removed the cause: ber went into atrial fibrillation, requiring plaque that had built up in her left neck another ablation. artery. Swarup determined Parker could benHer approach to staying healthy and efit from getting the CardioMEMS device getting doctors’ attention helped her to help manage her congestive heart failraise awareness about heart disease and ure. The sensor alerts doctors when a women. She was feapatient is having tured in “A Woman’s fluid accumulate Heart,” a 1993 film in the lungs, which narrated by actress Jocan cause congesanne Woodward that tive heart failure. aired on PBS. With such an early Parker’s health warning, medications The CardioMEMS Heart Failure System improved. She had can be adjusted to is a device as small as a paper clip. It moved to Phoenix in help keep patients is a sensor that allows cardiologists to 1991 and kept busy. from having to be remotely track the pressure of the artery In recent years, she treated in the hosand monitor the health of a heart. became a patient of pital. Dr. Vijay Swarup at The sensor in Parkthe Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital. She er’s body sends a message about changes needed an ablation on the lower part of in the pressure of her blood, which can her heart and had a pacemaker defibrillamean worsening heart failure. tor implanted. In 2016, her upper chamEvery day, Parker lies down on a pillow

that has an embedded monitor. The monitor transmits information to her doctor’s smartphone or computer. “They see how I’m doing absolutely every day,’’ she said. “They stay right on top of me. The hospital has taken really good care of me so I don’t have to worry.” Parker wants to be an ambassador for heart health and continue to share her story. “I want to help everyone, especially women, know how important it is to find someone who will listen,” she said. Lori Baker is the regional communications specialist for Abrazo Community Health Network. Disclaimer: Dr. Vijay Swarup is an independent physician and is not an employee, agent or representative of Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital. He is solely responsible for the provision of his medical services to patients.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Stormy’s Corner

Stormy Light/Guest Writer

Students at CTA Independence School in Chandler helped bring some holiday cheer to needy families of Hamilton High School by raising $3,800 in gift cards as part of a communiuty service project.

CTA Hawks help their community soar BY STORMY LIGHT Guest Writer

Christmas 2017 brought out a giving spirit to communities in the East Valley as a group of students at CTA Independence brought holiday hospitality to families at a local high school. The elementary school’s National Honor Society as raised funds for underprivileged students at Hamilton High School. Hamilton High School social worker, Rajani Rastogi praised this act of kindness from these students. “We are truly humbled by the support from these ENHS students and counselor, Michele Dussault for organizing this amazing

holiday fundraiser,” Rastogi said. “As a result of the funds raised in gift cards, we are able to help some of our families that are either living in a shelter during the holidays or will not be able to celebrate Christmas due to the lack of funds.” The support from CTA Independence that contributed to this thoughtful donation raised $3,800 in gift cards. The students recognize the importance of service in their community, even at a young age. The Hamilton social work team worked together with sponsors within the community and has provided gifts for 116 CUSD families through the charitable Adopt a Family Program and had the opportunity to donate holiday meals.

Additional student run clubs and programs at Hamilton High contributed their time and resources to provide gifts and necessities for these families during the holiday season. Hamilton High is grateful for the generosity and partnership with these CTA hawks. Chandler is a strong community built from people with a determination to change the foundation of others’ lives. With the New Year underway, students are using creativity to see this change and bring hope to their community. Stormy Light is a 15-year old Hamilton High School student who writes a column for the SanTan Sun News.

students learn to classify the things around them. This leads to the child creating his or her own experiences in the environment and helps them learn how to adapt to the world. Montessori materials are designed to assist boys and girls in developing the necessary skills for intellectual learning as they later enter elementary school,” Darmawaskita said. Other sensorial activities at the school include the “brown stair” and “knobbed cylinders.” The brown stair helps children learn to visually discriminate the differences in two dimensions. Students build stairs from the thickest stair step to the thinnest to prepare the child for the concept of numbers and for work in geometry. Knobbed cylinders consist of a set of four blocks with cylinder insets to prepare students for math through observing the differences between the cylinders. It teaches children how to visually discriminate items of different sizes. Inspire Kids offers early-education programs that introduce student’s ages six

weeks through six years to the fundamentals of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), reading, writing, art, music and movement, nature study and Practical Life Skills. “Practical Life Skills teach students how to measure food ingredients and other activities related to cooking and how to take care of themselves and the environment,” Darmawaskita said. “Students are also introduced to the concepts of grace and courtesy and how to be respectful of others.” The school’s campus features open classrooms, state-of-the-art security measures, “back to nature” playgrounds for different age groups and a new school garden that the students tend. “Our mission is to help each student reach their full potential in a safe and loving environment in which a child’s individuality and uniqueness is respected, and their creativity and independence are celebrated.” Information: 480-659-9402, info@inspirekidsmontessori.com or inspirekidsmontessori.com.

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Inspire Kids Montessori is giving little ones a taste of sensorial learning through innovative hands-on activities. “Tasting activities use the five basic senses – sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. Children have about twice as many taste receptors as adults, which can be why some kids can be picky eaters. This activity lets them explore the differences between sweet, salty, sour and bitter tastes and food texture. They also discover the unique flavors of different foods and substances,” said Diana Darmawaskita, founder of Inspire Kids, 4025 E. Chandler Blvd., Ahwatukee. Sensorial Work was developed by Maria Montessori, founder of the Montessori Method of early education. She believed that children needed to use all their senses in order to learn to understand their environment and take their first steps in organizing their intelligence. “Through work with sensorial materials,

NEIGHBORS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Built to play

Kimberly Carrillo/Staff Photographer

Thanks to the Chandler Library, kids under 5 years last week attended a Build-’n-Play program at the downtown branch, where they let their creativity run wild as they connected blocks and toys. 1) Brothers Fabrico and Iker Cisneros see how high they can build; 2) the scene at Chandler Library’s downtown branch; 3) Daniel Mitov, 2, enjoys connecting some blocks; 4) Iker Cisneros continues to pile it on; 5) Lucas Kanwisher, 2, tries to balance some stubborn blocks; 6) Gregory Noirth takes a brak from some strenuous play; 7) Daniel Mitov shows he has the hang of this block-building stuff; 8) Ryan Xing, is fascinated by a toy pipe; and 9) Lucas Kanwisher ponders his next move.

NEIGHBORS 52

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Girl overcomes brain trauma after ATV accident BY COREY SCHUBERT Guest Writer

The family of 7-year-old Rilynn Mellen celebrated the holidays with one monumental wish recently granted. After an ATV accident stopped the ginger-haired girl’s breathing and resulted in brain trauma and intensive care treatment, she’s back on her feet again. The cheerful Queen Creek child was riding as a passenger in a side-by-side ATV in November during a family trip to a cabin in Payson when it appears she unbuckled her seatbelt before the vehicle stopped to unlock a gate. She fell out when it braked, suffering an open skull fracture that stopped her breathing and pulse. The cabin’s remote location proved to be problematic for emergency medical team workers to get to the family. Rilynn’s mother, Kassondra, knows CPR and performed the proper steps as her dad, Kevin, rushed to the nearest fire station. Efforts to revive Rilynn on the way to the station were successful, as she began to breathe on her own and had a pulse on arrival. An emergency medical team took over, and the girl was eventually airlifted to Banner Desert Medical Center/Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa. The medical team rushed into action at the Level I trauma center, which is designed to provide the highest level of trauma care. In times like these, minutes can mean the difference between life and death. A CT scan showed Rilynn’s skull fracture, as well as a small area of bleeding

and bruising within her brain which didn’t require an operation. She was sedated and closely monitored for several days. Rilynn’s family knew there was a possibility she might have long-term mental and physical health issues, but they held out hope. In the first few days after awakening from sedation, she began sitting up in a chair and taking steps. By the third day, Rilynn was able to walk down a hallway in her medical unit without assistance at Cardon Children’s Medical Center, located on the Banner Desert campus. One week later, Rilynn reached another major recovery milestone: She was able to leave the hospital on her own two feet. “Cardon Children’s and Banner Desert gave excellent care to our daughter during her stay and at all follow-up visits after her injury,” said Kassondra. “CPR is a powerful thing and can save lives if initiated early on. I believe everyone (including teenagers) should be trained, as you never know the moment you may need to perform it to save a life.” Rilynn shows no signs of any mental deficit from the incident, but she has concussion symptoms. She has already returned to doing many of her normal daily activities, Kassondra said. She’ll continue visiting several specialists, including a neurosurgeon and neuropsychologist, to monitor her recovery. Banner Desert Medical Center is a nonprofit hospital in Mesa, providing a range of inpatient and outpatient services, including emergency services, Level I trauma care, cancer care, heart care,

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Save the Family brought holiday joy to Chandler needy BY STEVE CARR Guest Writer

For at least one Chandler family, the best part about Christmas 2017 were the presents they didn’t get. Oh, there were still gifts under their tree, but unlike the previous few holiday seasons, Jeanne and her daughter bought, wrapped and put them there themselves. That opened the door for another family to benefit from Save the Family’s Adopt a Family Program. “I’ve got a good, steady job and am making OK money and I felt that because I was doing better, there were other families who needed the program more than we did,” Jeanne said. “Their program makes Christmas very special. For myself and a lot of others being helped by Save the Family, we were not able to afford Christmas. I felt very blessed and very thankful for the program.” Jeanne, 33, a recovering addict who escaped a “really, bad situation,” is a client in Save the Family’s Affordable Rental Movement (ARM), which provides affordable rental housing to help lowincome families grow and prosper through financial literacy classes, afterschool programs and job coaching. “Our Adopt a Family program is 100 percent sponsored by the generosity of those in our community. Each year, hundreds of families served through our programs have been able to enjoy the holidays during a time when they didn’t think it possible” Jacki Taylor, CEO of Save the Family says. “In my first year with Save the Family, I was very, very poor and the sponsors

Special to SanTan Sun News

Left: Paul Arch, left, and Steve Langstaff deliver gifts from Save the Family to a needy household in Chandler. Right: Bruce White and Meghan Coppock haul bags of presents to a needy family in Chandler.

and volunteers bought things like towels, bed linens and household items,” Jeanne said. “They were things I needed. I cried. The necessities were most special and the presents they bought my daughter made her so happy. We wanted another family to have that opportunity this year.” Helping families in need celebrate the season motivates sponsors and volunteers to become involved in the Adopt a Family Program in December and a similar effort that provides families with items for Thanksgiving. “My husband and I believe in what Save the Family does with their very structured programs to get people back on their feet,” explained Judi Yates, an event planner in Chandler who, with her husband, sponsored two families this

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year. “So many of the things the families ask for are staples that we take for granted. Save the Family makes it very easy for us as sponsors because we get a list of what the family needs.” Employees at Chandler-based Blue Square Manufacturing, which manufactures and sells swimming pool cleaning hardware, first participated five years ago. “It’s the holidays and I have a very good staff and they want to do something to help the community,” said General Manager Mike Long. “We believe in the cause and know we’re helping people who really need it. It gives everyone here a nice feeling.” Greg D. and his family of four know that feeling well, too. Like Jeanne, he

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opted out of the program this year. “Save the Family is a life-saving program,” he said. “They even took care of us during the holidays with Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts I couldn’t afford. Even now, I’m the only one working, but we felt there are families who needed it more than we did this year.” At Aspen Orthodontics, Dr. Stephen Hunsaker and his staff of 12 participate alongside their patients, who fill out wish lists after choosing tags from the office tree. “There are many people in the community who need a helping hand and by engaging our patients to join our staff, we can make an even bigger difference for families that may be struggling at this time of year,” Hunsaker said.

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Arts & Entertainment

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

City, Chandler group partners on MLK vigil BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

For the first time, the City of Chandler is partnering with a nonprofit organization pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a special event. The city and Chandler Men of Action are organizing One: A Candlelight Vigil for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 14 on the Downtown Chandler Stage just west of the Downtown Library at 22 S. Delaware St. The City of Chandler’s Diversity Office holds Celebration of Unity events every January to honor the community’s diversity and heritage, as well as the life, legacy, spirit and ideals of King Jr. and the civil rights movement. The Chandler Multicultural Festival has been “the highlight of the events,” but the festival does not pay specific homage to King Jr., said Niki Tapia, resources and diversity supervisor with the city’s Diversity Office. The African-American community often gave feedback that “nothing is a specific tribute to him,” Tapia said. “The diversity that exists here in Chandler is just wonderful,” she said. “We in the diversity office are members of East Valley NAACP. We just really value our partnership with Chandler Men of Action. We have a lot of similarities and we should appreciate all of those and we should appreciate our differences too and we should work together.” Victor Hardy, president of Chandler Men of Action, said his intent with the vigil is “to really, really celebrate his ideals and the future that we have. “He is a representative of what we can do,” Hardy said of King, adding: “He was a man, he had flaws, but still he rose this nation to a plateau, to a place which we had never seen before. That’s what we wanted to celebrate. We decided to have people come in and talk about him as a theologian, as a pastor. He’s the only pastor that we do celebrate in this Christian country.” Hardy and the other members of the Chandler Centennial Celebration Choir, or

Photos by Tim Sealy

Poet Donna Williams recites a poem about Martin Luther King Jr. at last year’s Chandler Multicultural Festival.

C4, will perform a song they wrote called “This Is Chandler” at the candlelight vigil. The song is based on a tune by singer-

Chandler does as a city of diverse people and what we have to offer here,” Hardy said. “A lot of people say other places

wanted to celebrate what Chandler does as a city “ofWediverse people and what we have to offer here. ”

– Victor Hardy, president of Chandler Men of Action

songwriter Darius Rucker, but it is “about the diversity in Chandler,” Hardy said. C4 will also sing “I Have a Dream” by BeBe Winans. “We wanted to celebrate what

Jesse Washington of Chandler sings the National Anthem during a naturalization ceremony that was part of last year’s Chandler Multicultural Festival. Behind Washington is U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Phoenix Section Chief Charles Harrell, and on the far right is Chandler Vice Mayor Kevin Hartke.

they go tell you, ‘There is no place like Chandler, Arizona.’ We can learn from each other. We want to know and understand so we have respect for each other and what we’re doing. AfricanAmerican men come from other places. I am also part Irish.” Hardy, who is also pastor at Congregational Church of the Valley in Chandler, said he is “African-American with a mixture of some of everything else.” Leaders of different faiths will speak about unity and King at the Jan. 14 gathering and other musical performers will also take the stage. Video clips of King, including his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, will be shown at the event. At the end of the vigil, everyone will hold up their phones to light up the night sky and sing “We Shall Overcome.” Nonprofit organizations will set up tables and provide information at the vigil so “folks can sign up right then and there to do something, to get out in their community,” Tapia said. Hardy said Chandler Men of Action is an organization made up of AfricanAmerican professional men who mentor

young men. They mostly mentor AfricanAmerican men but will help any young men. The young men help the Chandler Men of Action members support the Jewish Community Center, Chandler Symphony Orchestra, For Our City Chandler and other organizations by helping at events and fundraisers. “We are there with some of our young people,” Hardy said. “Other times people don’t know that they’re there. We give them a spotlight to show what other people are doing so they don’t get locked into the only thing you see African-American men doing is basketball or football.” Sometimes the young men who volunteer with the adults in Chandler Men of Action end up interning for them in their jobs. Chandler Men of Action also provides college scholarships to high school graduates and holds an annual banquet in Chandler. The Chandler Multicultural Festival is joining forces with the Chandler International Film Festival this year and will take place Jan. 13 in the same area as the Martin Luther King Jr. event, just west of the downtown library. The festival will feature entertainment, informational booths and merchandise, as it always has had, from 4 to 7 p.m. Then from about 7:10 to 9 p.m. the film festival portion of the night will take place with five different short films from different countries being shown. The rest of the Chandler International Film Festival takes place Jan. 12-15 at the Crowne Plaza Phoenix Chandler Golf Resort, Harkins Theater Crossroads 12 and other venues. Information: chandleraz.gov.

ARTS

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Choir, foundation partner to help Chandler schools BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Schools in Chandler and other parts of Maricopa County are able to offer music education on a larger scale thanks to a partnership between the Phoenix Boys Choir and the Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation. They are starting and funding a threeyear community music education initiative aimed at helping elementary school children have opportunities to explore and enhance their love of singing. Two days of music workshops have been held at BASIS Chandler Primary South School. The new community education initiative integrates various music education workshops delivered over a school year. Music education experts from the Phoenix Boys Choir teach the workshops at the area elementary schools. The workshops are offered to all elementary and middle schools in the county at no cost to the schools. These classes include classroom materials, assessment tools and curriculum. Recent and heightened cuts in school budgets have led to a decrease in the quantity and quality of music education classes and programs in elementary schools in Maricopa County, leaders of the foundation and choir noted. They said some schools have axed music education programs entirely, leaving students with “no opportunities to cultivate their passion and creativity in music appreciation.” In addition, the partners noted, schools that have preserved some amount of music education programs have suffered with a lack of professional development training

Special to SanTan Sun News

The Phoenix Boys Choir performs a number of concerts during the year, including at Christmastime.

for teachers and a lack of resources. “Our ultimate goal is to provide thousands of children (and their music teachers), quality music education, instruction and curriculum, free-of-charge to enhance overall student interest and participation in music and while creating better, well-rounded communities,” said Phoenix Boys Choir executive director Oleg Shvets.

“This program will provide a supplemental source of quality music education programming that any elementary or middle school music education instructor can use to help meet State Music Education Standards and provide their students with a beneficial music education experience,” he added. Shvets’ goal is to expand the Phoenix Boys Choir’s mission.

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“The Phoenix Boys Choir, by educating boys in the art of singing and performing the best music in the boy choir tradition, helps youths develop character, discipline, global awareness, leadership and a strong commitment to excellence,” Shvets said. “It contributes to the musical life in greater Phoenix and improves Arizona’s cultural reputation in the country and world.”

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

ARTS 58

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

High school dance students to perform at festival BY COLLEEN SPARKS Staff

Photo Courtesy of Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Dance students at Chandler-Gilbert Community College perform in a previous Faculty Showcase at the college.

too. It’s always good to see what other colleagues are doing.” About 220 students from 11 high schools are expected to take part in the festival. The festival is at capacity and can’t accept any more students. The dancers who will study at the festival all go to high schools with dance programs that have some kind of dance performance companies, Church said. Some schools will bring only 10 or 12 students while other larger high schools will take 30 students to the festival. The high school students can attend

the festival at no cost and the college provides lunch. The high school groups will perform dances they have already rehearsed ahead of time at their schools in the showcase. Dancing at the festival gives high school students a chance to see what opportunities are available to them at CGCC, whether they want to become a dance major or just take classes there eventually, Church said. “They can experience a wide array of classes,” she said. “You can also just take one (style) and specialize in it.”

Students who graduate from high school but are not ready to enroll at a four-year university or college can benefit from the “more personalized attention” at a community college at a lower cost, Church said. “Most of the classes here transfer to a four-year institution,” she said. “Sometimes we view it as we’re the bridge between high school and that four-year institution.” Information: cgc.edu/Academics/ comm-arts/performing/dance.

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High school dancers will polish their pointe work, step up their jazz technique and expand their improvisational skills at a festival next week in Chandler. The High School Dance Festival kicks off at 8 a.m. Jan. 11 at Chandler-Gilbert Community College’s Arnette Scott Ward Performing Arts Center, 2626 E. Pecos Road in Chandler. The public can see performances by high school groups, as well as the community college’s companies TranscenDANCE and The Hip Hop Coalition from 1:15 to 3 p.m. at the arts center. Students from Seton Catholic Preparatory in Chandler, as well as several other East Valley high schools, will participate in the festival’s dance sessions throughout the day. They will take classes in modern, ballet, hip-hop, tap, jazz funk, improvisation and yoga. Each session is 50 minutes of movement and each dancer will take four different classes, said Micaela Church, Chandler-Gilbert Community College residential faculty member and lead faculty for the dance department. “What we do is we want them to not only experience Chandler-Gilbert but also experience high schoolers from other schools,” Church said, adding: “Hopefully they get a full experience. It’s fun to see the students, the potential that may even be coming to the college. It’s nice networking for the students,

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SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Anneliese van der Pol heading on ‘Easy Street’ in ‘Annie’ BY CARSON MLNARIK Contributor

While television knows her as Chelsea Daniels, the ditzy best friend on Disney’s “Raven’s Home,” it’s the stage where Dutch-American actress Anneliese van der Pol said she truly thrives. Valley audiences can see van der Pol in her element this month as Lily St. Regis in Scottsdale Musical Theater Company’s production of “Annie” at the Tempe Center for the Arts through Sunday, Jan. 7. Hungry for money and self-absorbed, Lily St. Regis is a bit of a departure from the friendly, goofy character people are used to seeing van der Pol play. “I can’t wait to talk like this and do a New York accent,” she said, squeaking her voice. “But I’m most excited to dance, to be honest, and get to do all that fun dancing with Rooster.” Van der Pol is no stranger to Arizona stages. In 2012 and 2013, she was in Arizona Theatre Company’s “Emma” and “The Importance of Being Earnest.” “I love Arizona,” she said. “I love driving around the city and I really appreciate how much Arizona appreciates theater. They have a big, wide appreciation for theatergoers and I think they’re interested in real talent.” The theater has always been van der Pol’s favorite performance space. Her long list of stage credits, including Eva Peron in “Evita” and Esther in “Meet Me in St. Louis,” dates back long before she appeared on Disney Channel. “Nothing is like the live audience aspect,” she said. “I always feel a bit more challenged, if I’m being perfectly honest,

Special to the San Tan Sun News

“Raven’s Home” star Anneliese van der Pol appears in “Annie” at the Tempe Center for the Arts.

in the theater than I ever do in television.” Between her acting, dancing and singing, van der Pol is a triple threat, and she even graced the Broadway stage as Belle in “Beauty and the Beast.” Recently, however, she has been busy at work on “Raven’s Home,” a spin-off of

the 2003 hit Disney Channel show “That’s So Raven.” The show brings together van der Pol’s Chelsea and Raven, played Raven Symoné, as single mothers raising their children. One of Raven’s kids even has psychic visions, like the original show.

The 33-year-old van der Pol said it’s been a little odd returning to the same character, set and parking spot she had at 19, but the cast and crew is truly her family. “I happen to come in this age where they happen to be rebooting everything,” van der Pol said with a laugh. “I mean who does this happen to? I feel nothing but lucky.” As the new show focuses more on the kids, van der Pol said she’s found herself taking more of a teaching role on set, helping the younger actors develop their sense of scene, comedic timing and improv skills. In her spare time, she teaches an acting class on the weekends in Glendale, California. With plenty on her plate, van der Pol said her free time is rather limited. She laughs when she describes the struggle in writing her bio for the “Annie” program and coming up with an off-stage hobby. “I think I said juggling or something like that,” she said. Van der Pol said it’s refreshing to be at a point in her career where she’s not auditioning but still getting offers and working. She points to a lack of strong comedic roles for women on network TV shows and said she’s thankful for her current role. “When they told me I’d be doing (the show) with Raven and that we’d be raising children on our own together, I just thought that was the coolest freaking thing in the world,” she said. Information: 602-909-4215 or scottsdalemusicaltheater.com

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Faith

For more community news visit SanTanSun.com

Spiritual Reflections

New year brings opportunity to help and forgive BY RABBI DR. IRWIN WIENER Guest Writer

It was approximately 2,500 years ago that a prophet of Israel roamed the countryside preaching about the goodness of humanity and how it could be found in each of us. In fact, he emphasized that the most enduring force known to man was the power of our ability to conquer the wrongdoing we witness every day. There are many ways we can accomplish what was suggested so long ago. For example: Supporting institutions that give others the ability to survive and even carry themselves with dignity. Every day we witness the poverty and misery of those less fortunate. And there are those among us who were more independent but somehow woke one day to the progress of time. It is not enough to acknowledge the problems. We are obligated, as partners with God, to ensure that the tear in our

society is repaired to the best of our ability. Each tear in the fabric of our existence should bring us closer to understanding our place in the journey we are embarked upon. Age should not be a deterrent to reaching out to lend a helping hand. Rather it should encourage us to do more because we have been there and have seen the results of indifference. We are nothing without purpose and only when we lift a person who has fallen, can we with pride, declare who we are and truly comprehend the connection of heaven and Earth. This time of the year enables us to recollect as well as plan for tomorrow. There is the custom of New Year’s resolutions – a wish list of things yet to be accomplished and with good intentions attached. But it shouldn’t end there. The act of making a wish should be connected to the action necessary to see them completed. Some will falter

and some will see their dreams come true. There is no shame in failing but rather in not making an honest attempt. That is the beauty of trying and our responsibility as God’s children. God does not expect us to succeed in everything we undertake, but is disappointed when we do not attempt to improve our lives. The special ingredient in any attempt at connection with God and receiving the salvation we all so desperately need is a thing called forgiveness. Forgiveness gives us the ability to heal from wounds that have been inflicted. More importantly, forgiveness is a sign of positive self-esteem. All these things are why a special time is set aside and designated for new beginnings. We forgive, but never forget. For it is through forgiving that we remain a blessing and it is remembering that should help us refrain from repeating our mistakes. May all of our New Year’s be fulfilling, and rewarding.

Special to SanTan Sun News

Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D.

GriefShare classes help people cope with loss BY JEAN NEWELL Contributor

Used wrapping paper and bows fill the recycling bin. Decorations have been packed up and put away for next Christmas. Holiday leftovers are now stored in only one corner of the refrigerator shelf. Finally, it seems the dust from the holiday season is starting to settle.

The busyness is behind you, and yet what lies ahead is uncertain, especially now that you are entering the New Year without your beloved spouse, family member or friend who has passed away. Whether the death was recent or occurred months or years ago, you may experience a sense of loneliness that overshadows your life and makes it difficult for you to accomplish even the simplest of tasks.

If you are feeling frustrated because you are finding it difficult to move forward with your life because of the grief you bear, consider being part of the Wednesday afternoon GriefShare class from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 11 through March 21 in room four of the Education Building at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, 9248 E. Riggs Road Each class is self-contained, so if you are not able to attend every class, you

are welcome to come as often as you can. The class registration fee of $15 covers the cost of the workbook. Interested participants may register online at sunlakesumc.org or at the church office. For more information, call Pastor Jean at 480-895-8766. - Jean Newell is an associate pastor at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church.

If you are stressed, consider giving it up to God BY WILLIAM HOLLAND Guest Writer

It may seem insensitive, but the idea of stress being an issue we can control is worth considering. Many within the medical world agree that stress is not a monster that forces us to be afraid, but rather our worries originate as a response from within our own mind. Thus, if we can learn how to rewire the way we think, we can begin to walk in victory over the stress which we blame for ruining our happiness. In some way or another, we’ve heard about going to our “happy place,” a seemingly magical location where we can take shelter from whatever is threatening our security. But just what is this well-intentioned

advice really talking about? It can mean different things to different people but to many, it’s a place in the deepest part of our conscience where we can commune with God and embrace the safety and joy of His presence. I remember a movie where a young girl was experiencing severe anxiety and panic attacks whenever a stressful situation would present itself. Her family would lovingly remind her to go to her happy place, and she would close her eyes and begin to control her breathing. As she blocked out what was happening around her and focused on comforting thoughts, she would eventually calm down and return to a peaceful state of being. As Christians, we are reminded that Jesus is a type of strong tower where those who are afraid can run into Him

and be safe. Psalm 91 also encourages our faith, “They who dwell in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God in Him will I trust.” Anxiety, fear, tension stress, and worry are caused by thinking too much about the future. Guilt, regret, resentment, sadness and all types of unforgiveness are established by concentrating too much on the past. I was listening to a sports commentator the other day as he was explaining how a positive mental state for any sports team is a crucial factor when it comes to success. He mentioned a particular football team which had recently lost a game by barely missing a field goal with no time left on the clock. The intensity of this gut-wrenching defeat was multiplied by the fact they

had been defeated by this opposing team 30 years in a row. He was sympathetic yet making the point that if they could not get past this heartbreaking agony, this discouragement could possibly cause them to lose their next game. Living in the present means not allowing the disappointments from our past to prevent us from accomplishing the victories that are waiting for us in the future. Consider this wonderful passage of inspiration found in II Corinthians 4:8-9. “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed.” – William Holland is a Christian minister, community chaplain and author of the book, “A Lifestyle of Worship.” Discover more at: billyhollandministries.com

FAITH 62

Spiritual Connections Call ahead to confirm as details occasionally change after print. If you have a recurring monthly support group or meeting to list in Spiritual Connections, email complete details to news@santansun.com.

SUNDAYS Celebration Service 10:30 a.m. Sundays All with peaceful beliefs are welcome to this inclusive, loving, thriving UNITY Community. Join the group at 10 a.m., preceding the service, for fellowship. Youth and toddlers meet during service. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org Kids’ Sunday School 10 to 11 a.m. Sundays Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Lift Your Spirit 10 a.m. Sundays Hear inspirational messages and music. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Traditional and Contemporary Services 7:30 a.m. daybreak contemplative worship, 9 a.m. traditional worship and

choral music, 11 a.m. contemporary worship with live Christian rock band. There is also a service at 12 p.m. Wednesdays. St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 901 W. Erie Street, Chandler 480-899-7386, saintmatthewschurch.org MONDAYS The Art of Parenting 7:30 p.m. Mondays Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Pollack Chabad Center for Jewish Life 875 N. McClintock Drive, Chandler 480-855-4333, rabbi@chabadcenter.com TUESDAYS Silva Class and Meditation 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays Learn the Silva method with Lois Britland. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800

Career Connectors 8:30 a.m. to noon, fourth Tuesday of month Nonprofit organization connecting professionals in career transition to high-quality resources and hiring companies; each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. Central Christian Church, Gilbert Campus/Student Center, 965 E. Germann Road, Gilbert 480-442-5806, careerconnectors.org Christian Business Networking, Tri-City Chapter – Chandler, Tempe, Mesa 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Crackers and Co. Café, 535 W. Iron Avenue, Mesa Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Gong Meditation and Yoga Nidra 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday Presented by Will Zecco, gong master. Bring yoga mat, blanket and pillow as desired. Love offerings will be accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center, 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org “A Course in Miracles” with the Rev. Julianne Lewis 1 to 2:15 p.m. Wednesdays The weekly group is an interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for course beginners, as well as longtime students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org.

Christian Business Networking, Chandler Bi-Monthly Chapter 7:45 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays each month Offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and business referrals. Chandler Christian Church, Building B, Room 202 1825 S. Alma School Road, Chandler Maia, 480-425-0624, christianbusinessnetworking.com

The Art of Parenting 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Six-session course from the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute and presented by Rabbi Mendy Deitsch of Chabad of the East Valley, designed to help parents at all levels of Jewish knowledge develop their own parenting philosophies and techniques. Cost is $99. Chandler Jewish Community Center 908 N. Alma School Road, Chandler 480-855-4333 or rabbi@chabadcenter.com.

HOPE—Help Overcoming Painful Experiences 7 p.m. Tuesdays Free weekly small-group sessions helping people overcome emotional pain caused by divorce, grief, addictions and more; free child care for children ages 10 and younger. Desert Springs Church 19620 S. McQueen Road, Room 106, Chandler hope4all@comcast.net, helpovercomingpainfulexperiences.org

Grief Care 6:45 p.m. Wednesdays A place to come share your feelings or just listen to others as we try to navigate through our grief. You don’t have to do it alone. Epiphany Lutheran Church, South Campus, old church building, 800 W. Ray Road, Room 325, Chandler griefcareaz@gmail.com.

Shalom Chapter of Hadassah 11:30 a.m. second Tuesday of each month Iron Oaks (Oakwood) Clubhouse 24218 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Sun Lakes Cyril, 480-802-0243; Kathy, 480-895-5194; Shirley, 480-883-9159; or Joyce, 480-802-4902.

Healing Prayer and Meditation Circle 7 to 8:15 p.m. Wednesdays Guided prayer, affirmations and visualization for those facing physical, emotional, mental or spiritual issues in their lives. Love offering requested. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800

Monthly Women’s Fellowship 6:15 p.m. fourth Tuesday of each month The monthly fellowship Bible study with the East Valley Chapter of Christian Women’s Devotional Alliance “ministers to women’s spiritual, emotional and physical needs.” Best Western-Mezona, 250 W. Main Street, Mesa 480-232-3773 Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon), Chandler Chapter 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Twelve-step program for families and friends of addicts. Faith Community Church 1125 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, nar-anon.org

Meditation Moments 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Wednesday of the month An interactive time of learning and sharing, appropriate for beginners or longtime students of ACIM. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church 12 p.m. Healing and Eucharist service St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church 901 W. Erie Street, Chandler 480-899-7386, saintmatthewschurch.org THURSDAYS

WEDNESDAYS Panic Healing 7 to 9 p.m. every Wednesday Receive a 15-minute energetic tuneup.

Women’s Empowerment & Awakening 7 to 8:30 p.m. third Thursday Release negative beliefs. see

CONNECTIONS page 63

FAITH

SANTAN SUN NEWS | JANUARY 6–19, 2018

CONNECTIONS from page 62 Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 A Course in Miracles 7 p.m. first, second and fourth Thursday Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Empower Model for Men 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays The three-class series is taught by author Scott E. Clark and designed to offer practical wisdom and tools to help men shift into their higher consciousness, based on the seven-step empower model detailed in Clark’s book, “Empower Model for Men.” Cost is $85. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road,, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 Real Love Support Group 6:30 p.m. Thursdays For those who have a desire to acquire more “real love” and in the process find great personal happiness and more fulfilling relationships. Love offering requested. Unity of Tempe, formerly Unity of Chandler 1222 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103, Tempe 480-792-1800 FRIDAYS ___________________________________ Temple Havurat Emet 7:30 p.m. first Friday of each month Lecky Center, Robson Library 9330 E. Riggs Road, Sun Lakes templehavuratemet.org Grief 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Friday Each session presents a 45-minute videotape

of expertise of counselors, pastors and others who have coped with grief and understand its effects and the steps toward healing. Each week a different stand-alone topic is presented as part of 13 sessions. Discussion follows, but participation is entirely voluntary. Call 480-895-1088 for information. The program is offered at First Baptist Church Sun Lakes. SATURDAYS Spirit Night – Psychic Fair 4 to 8 p.m. third Saturday of each month The “Lightworkers” offer a wide range of services, including Reiki, facials, mediums, drumming, tarot, angel messages and more. Services range from $20 to $30. Cash only. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa interfaith-community.org heatherposey70@gmail.com. Spirit Night – A Holistic Healing Festival 1 to 6 p.m. third Saturday of the month Lightworkers offer a wide range of services including Reiki, facials, mediums, drumming, tarot, angel messages and more. Services range from $20 to $30. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa interfaith-community.org heatherposey70@gmail.com Unity Drumming and Healing Circle 6:30 to 8 p.m. fourth Saturday of each month Beginner, expert drummers and observers welcome. Bring snack, appetizer or dessert to share. Love donation accepted. Interfaith CommUNITY Spiritual Center 952 E. Baseline Road, Suite 102, Mesa 480-593-8798, interfaith-community.org

Chandler United Methodist Church Making and Deploying Disciples for over 100 Years.

Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.

January 11th @ 7 pm in the Worship Center Guest Speaker Judi Edmonds presents a program – “Welcoming the Stranger” addressing refugees in Arizona. All Welcome!

SUNDAY WORSHIP

SUNDAY SCHOOL

9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.

9:10 a.m. & 10:40 a.m.

Worship

For Children

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL 9:00 a.m.

480-963-3360 | www.chandlermethodist.org | 450 E. Chandler Heights Rd.

OTHER Forever Marriage Ministries Marriage Restoration Support Group for Wives Offers hope to the hurting Valleywide through one-on-one Biblical marriage teaching, God-honoring wife discipleship and marriage restoration mentoring to wives seeking God’s will in the restoration of marriage. Lisa, 602-377-8847, marriage@lisacmyers.com, forevermarriageministries.com, facebook.com/forevermarriages Jewish Women International, Avodah Chapter 1581 Monthly luncheon. Social Box Eateries, 1371 N. Alma School Road, Chandler RSVP: 480-802-9304, 480-655-8812 Moms in Prayer International A group of mothers who meet one hour each week to intercede for their children and schools through prayer. Liane Wright, 480-699-7887, momsinprayer.org Bible Study Meets twice a month Members of the Women’s Life Group study the Bible and discuss how the lessons can relate to their lives. Sun Lakes United Church of Christ, Chandler. Jan Olson: 480-802-7457, Joy King 480-588-1882 East Valley Jewish Couples Club Offers once-a-month social activities such as dining, movies and plays for Jewish couples in the 45- to 65-year-old age range. Melissa, 480-785-0744, beadlover@cox.net.

Let us help you publicize your church or temple’s events in the Spirituality section by emailing details to news@ santansun.com. Include a brief description of the event, times, days, dates, cost or free, if registration is required, venue, address, publishable phone number, website if applicable and contact information for verification purposes. We welcome photos, which must be 300 dpi JPEGs or taken on a digital camera on the “best” or “highest quality” setting. Information is due 10 days prior to publication date. Submission does not guarantee placement.

First Baptist Church of Sun Lakes A Church of Joy Committed to the perfect Word of God, living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and worshiping with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Dr. Marc Drake, Senior Pastor invites you to join in our traditional worship service at 9535 E. Riggs Road Sun Lakes, Arizona 85248

480-895-1088 www.fbcsl.org Sundays:

Bible Study: 8:30 am | Worship: 10:00 am Wednesday: Prayer & Bible Study: 6:30 pm