Vista - Fall/Winter 2014

FACES OF THE WEST VALLEY THE VALLEY

1050 E. Riley Dr., Avondale, AZ 85323

(623) 535-8439 [535-VIEW] FAX (623) 935-2103

“The noblest motive is the public good.’’ – Richard Steele

Publisher Elliott Freireich publisher@westvalleyview.com

Editorial

Managing editor: Cary S. Hines chines@westvalleyview.com

Assistant editor: Rachel Trott rtrott@westvalleyview.com

Sports editor: Casey Pritchard cpritchard@westvalleyview.com

Sports writer: Shane McOwen

Staff writers: Shane McOwen

Emily Toepfer, Charity Yodis news1@westvalleyview.com

Staff photographers: Ray Thomas, David Weibel

Advertising Julie Sargent-Helm advertising@westvalleyview.com

Account executives: Rachael Freireich rachael.f@westvalleyview.com

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Julius Tiritilli julius.t@westvalleyview.com

Production Manager: Arthur Schneider aschneider@westvalleyview.com

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Alejandrina Trujillo bookkeeping@westvalleyview.com

Classified advertising Anna Brandt classifieds@westvalleyview.com

Circulation/Distribution Manager: Tina Hopkins thopkins@westvalleyview.com

Circulation Assistant: Linda Ryan lryan@westvalleyview.com

Inserting: Larry Binkowski, Matt Holland Press

Head Pressman: Ryan Westfall rwestfall@westvalleyview.com

The theme of this Vista is “Faces of the West Valley.” It showcases the people who choose to live, work and play here. There are plenty of reasons people choose the West Valley over other places. We have entertainment that’s unique to the Valley. The Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is the largest aquarium east of California and is always evolving; Buckeye is home to two demolition derbies a year as well as a couple of rodeos; we have Phoenix International Raceway, which despite its name is actually in Avondale; more golf courses than you can shake a stick

at, all with their own unique qualities; miles and miles of trails to hike, bike and use for horseback riding; and acres and acres of farmland. We’ve also included handy listings toward the back — West Valley houses of worship, public schools and important city information such as who the mayor and council are and numbers to call such as police and fire. And last but not least, we’ve included a calendar of events for the next six months, until the next Vista hits the streets. We hope you enjoy it.

ON THE COVER

THE VISTA COVER was shot by West Valley View Photographer David Weibel. The photo shows children playing on the fencing around Petroglyph Plaza on the Waterfall Trail in White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell.

Santos Cervantes, Michael Helm II, Antonio Montenegro, and Gabriel Rivera West Valley View is published each Tuesday and Friday by West Valley View Inc.

Vista is published semi-annually by West Valley View Inc.

Subscriptions: Home delivery of West Valley View is free upon request within western Maricopa County west of State Route 101 and south of Northern Ave. as well as all of the city of Tolleson. Requested mail subscriptions within Maricopa County: $150 per year, $80 for 6 months. Out of county & state: $175 per year, $90 for 6 months.

Copyright: The entire contents Copyright 2014 by West Valley View Inc.

Vista is printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks. 9/9/2014 • 74,742 - 5,000

— Cary Hines

A HIKING WE WILL GO

White Tanks a West Valley favorite

The popular Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park is a favorite for West Valley residents Heather Rose and Krissa McCranie.

“This is the famous trail for when my in-laws come into town, so we hike it a lot with them because it’s easy for them,” McCranie said.

McCranie said Aug. 11 was the first time she’s been able to go hiking since giving birth to her now 3-month-old son, Grayson.

“It’s nice to be out and get fresh air with him. It beats walking around our neighborhood all the time,” she said.

Though Grayson was too young to talk about his first hiking experience, his big, blue eyes were wide open, taking in the world around him.

The two friends said they like the Waterfall Trail because it is mostly paved, educational signs about wildlife are placed along the way and there are plenty of scenic views.

“You get good pictures at the end of it,” McCranie said about the waterfall, which is at the very end of the trail.

However, the waterfall can be somewhat elusive. Even after a nightly monsoon, most hikers will only see a small puddle in the rocks.

Those who happen to be out hiking when it

See HIKING on V8

West Valley residents Krissa McCranie, left, and Heather Rose begin their early morning hike on the Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell. The one-mile trail leads to a waterfall that runs after heavy rains.

View photo by Charity Yodis

Zoo & aquarium always evolving

Facility has been longtime staple in West Valley

Park

Litchfield Park resident Ashlynn Jaffee, 3, is a frequent flier at the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium in Waddell.

Her grandparents, Lisa and Russell Jaffee, have a year membership and take Ashlynn to the zoo about three times a week in the winter.

“She has learned all the animals, what they eat, what they do, where they are,” Lisa said. “There’s a lot of variety and interaction with animals — feeding the birds and giraffes. It makes people appreciate nature and wildlife, especially kids from the city who don’t have that experience.”

On a recent Saturday morning, the trio took a quick break in the shade, misting each other with a spray bottle fan as they waited for the lorikeet feeding.

When the keepers opened the exhibit, Ashlynn hurried for the entrance, picking

LOCATION: Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium,16501 W. Northern Ave., Waddell.

HOURS: The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the aquarium from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 365 days a year.

COST: $32 for adults; $15.25 for children 3-12; and free to children younger than 3 (not including tax). After 5 p.m., the cost for the aquarium only is $16.99 for adults and $8.99 for children 3-12. Rides are not included.

INFO: Call 623-935-9453 or visit wildlifeworld.com.

out slices of apples and holding them up eagerly as the rainbow-colored birds perched on her little arms.

“She’s fearless,” Lisa said.

The Brannins from Buckeye were also taking part in the bird feeding. The family has been going to the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium since 1997.

“It’s a pretty cool zoo; you get to feed wild animals,” Anna Brannin, 6, said. “I like the lorikeets, pretty much, because they fly onto your hand.”

“We can actually see the animals, and they

Litchfield

resident Lisa Jaffe and her granddaughter Ashlynn, 3, make friends with the lories — mediumsized colorful parrots — during a feeding at the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium in Waddell.

View photo by Ray Thomas

have a lot of different kinds,” her father, Mike, added. “I love taking my kids and seeing them enjoy it.”

Plans to expand

The zoo, at 16501 W. Northern Ave., has frequently changed and expanded in the last 30 years, which officials and visitors alike attribute to its success.

On deck this fall is an outdoor sea lion exhibit designed to look like a pirate ship, which will host shows featuring a trio of sea mammals.

Further down the line, the zoo will be opening another 15-acre project on the southwest corner of the property. Plans are under way, and completion is set for the end of 2015 or early 2016, zoo owner Mickey Ollson said.

“This area out along the Loop 303, we’ve been landscaping it now for about two years, and it was also a nursery,” he said. “So we have some mature palm trees and a number of olive trees.”

It will have three indoor exhibits, along with a number of outdoor animals, a cafe serving Mexican food and four new rides, bringing the zoo’s total to 10.

A 100-foot-tall swing ride called a Yo-Yo will go around a monkey island with palm trees, and a smaller swing ride will be built for children.

Another ride will be a family roller coaster that reaches 35 feet at its peak and travels over hoofed animals below.

“As you leave the station where you load the coaster, it will go through one of the buildings and you’ll see some animals inside as you ride,” Ollson said.

Lastly is a Soaring Eagle Zip Line, which will take riders backward and up 100 feet before dropping them down.

“Normally, you’re on a zip line and hanging there in a harness of some sort; this one, two people sit down side-by-side,” Ollson said. “Older folks probably don’t want to be out there hanging on a zip line, but this is something where they’ll actually be sitting down.”

Native animals

The animals in the new addition will mostly be from North and South America, and include mountain lions, capybara (world’s largest rodent), a heard of alpaca and buffalo, Ollson said.

“We’ve never had native animals here at the zoo, and part of the reason was because most of our visitors historically over the last 30 years live here in the Phoenix area or in Arizona,” he said. “We haven’t had a lot of tourists coming in, and normally those are the people who want to see the rattlesnakes and coyotes and cougars.”

That’s started to change with increasing tourism and the growth of events such as spring training, Ollson said.

Currently, the zoo and aquarium are spread out over 85 acres and attract about 400,000 visitors per year, Ollson said.

“There’s very few days when you come to the zoo — even in the peak season where you’ll have long lines — we pride ourselves on nobody waiting over about five minutes to take a ride,” he said. “One of my own personal peeves is I hate to stand in line to hand somebody money, and I don’t want my customers having to, either.”

— Emily Toepfer

The world’s tallest animal, at about 20 feet tall, also has an incredible 21-inch-long tongue that’s used to gather leaves and buds from tree tops. But the giraffes at the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium in Waddell use their tongues mainly to beg for treats from visitors.

by

View photo

Ray Thomas

Threemonth-old Grayson takes his first hike with his mother, Krissa McCranie, on the Waterfall Trail at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell.

starts to rain have a better chance of seeing the waterfall.

Both McCranie and Rose said they like to hike the more challenging trails at the White Tanks as well as other destinations in the Valley.

One of the main reasons White Tank Mountain Regional Park has such a draw, however, is its proximity.

“It’s pretty much in your backyard, so why not?” McCrainie said.

“It’s close and it’s beautiful,” Rose added.

Rose said now that fall is

approaching and the weather is cooling down, she plans to go hiking more often.

Another popular destination for many West Valley hikers is Estrella Mountain Regional Park.

The park spans more than 19,000 acres with plenty of hiking spots for its visitors.

Those who wish to hike in Arizona should make sure to wear sun screen and take plenty of water.

— Charity Yodis

View photo by Charity Yodis

MAN ON THE STREET

What makes the West Valley a great place to live?

“People are nice, and the city has a nice senior center I can come to. I also like the police force — they’re very friendly when I call.”

— Rosemary Mayes, 63 Tolleson

“I was driving downtown a couple days ago, and I was reminded how much I love the openness, cleanliness and newness of the West Valley. When you go down Litchfield Road, it’s gorgeous with the palm trees. I go three miles from my house and get everything I need.”

— Ed Prieve, 79 Goodyear

“It’s clean, there’s not that much crime and it’s just a nice area.”

— Anthony Dickerson, 49 Avondale

“I like all the parks in Verrado — that’s why I’m here. It has grass, and a lot less cars in suburbia.”

— Loan Nguyen, 29 Buckeye

“You don’t have to go too far for shopping. I’m retired from the armed forces, so I like the closeness to Luke Air Force Base.”

— Ruben Rosales, 80 Litchfield Park

THEY CALL THE THING RODEO

Buckeye siblings make nationals twice

James of Buckeye and her trusty steed take on the pole bending competition at the National High School Finals Rodeo competition July 13-19 in Rock Springs, Wyo.

Buckeye is a pretty great place to practice for the rodeo, as two teenage siblings will tell you.

Jessilee and Codey James, who are entering the 11th and eighth grades respectively, have made it to nationals in rodeo competitions not once, but twice now.

The Buckeye natives compete in light rifle shooting. Codey competes at the junior high level and Jessilee at the high school level.

In addition, Jessilee also competes in Barrel Racing and Pole Bending,

and went to nationals for all three competitions for the first time.

Their love of shooting began when they were very young. Codey said he would take his BB gun to go hunting with his father, Terry, when he was just 5 years old.

“I started out with the BB gun and worked my way from there,” Codey said.

Jessilee was about 10 years old when she started joining her father and brother on their hunting trips.

“Doing rodeo and shooting, I’ve been

in it for three years now,” she said.

Their mother, Sheri, said her children love going hunting with their father and became interested in rodeo when Jessilee was a freshman in high school.

In order to make it to nationals, students must place in the top four at state. Codey ranked 24th nationally and Jessilee ranked 43rd, out of more than 100 competitors in their

Jessilee

Submitted photo

Vista — West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona

divisions.

Jessilee also made it to nationals for pole bending and barrel racing.

Barrel racing is a timed event where the horse and rider race around barrels. Pole bending is a similar race, but requires the competitors to weave between poles at full speed

RODEO

IMAGINE AVONDALE SCHOOL

without knocking any down.

This summer was the first time Jessilee had placed high enough at state to compete in all three events at nationals. At nationals, she ranked in the top 20 for barrel racing, but not quite as high in pole bending.

“I did really good the first day, but then I hit one the next time I went,” she said. “Just making it to nationals for me is just a really big accomplishment. Especially ending up top 20 in the nation for barrels.”

Jessilee said she’s been riding horses since she was 2 years old. When she isn’t in the arena near her house practicing, she rides her horse, Stormy, in the White Tank Mountains.

“I love riding in the arena, but if I don’t feel like running or working my horses that day, I like to go on trail rides. So I’ll just go out one day and walk over in the desert and try to go up by the mountains, and that’s something that I like to do because it’s just relaxing for me,” she said.

Codey and Jessilee both said their favorite part about competing in rodeo is the people they get to meet.

Sheri said those who compete in rodeo events are like “a big family.”

“They all come down and watch you and cheer you on, even the people you’re running against,” Jessilee said.

“It’s just this huge family who wants

you to do good, and you want everyone else to do good.”

Buckeye siblings Jessilee and Codey James pose with their rifles. The teens compete in light rifle shooting and Jessilee also competes in barrel racing and pole bending rodeo competitions.

View photo by David Weibel

— Charity Yodis

BUCKLE THAT SEAT BELT

Diehard derby driver shares secrets to success

If you wrecked your car as much as Kevin Gilroy of Phoenix, you probably wouldn’t like your car insurance bill. In fact, you might not be able to afford anything but that bill.

Fortunately for Gilroy, wrecking his car, and more importantly others’ cars, is his goal. He’d actually get penalized if he wasn’t actively trying to hit others.

Such is the life for Gilroy and other demolition derby car drivers.

Gilroy competes at the Helzapoppin’ Demolition Derby in Buckeye, driving in both the May and November events each year. Gilroy is the driver of the No. 25 car.

Gilroy has been competing in demolition derbies for 14 years, and currently drives a 1976 Chevrolet Impala.

“The older cars have thicker and more stable bodies,” Gilroy said.

A stronger body is key for derby participants, as the rules for the Helzapoppin’ Demolition Derby state

the winner is the last car to strike the other car that is still running. The last remaining car has to be able to move forward or backward at least six inches.

Of course, cars must go through a rigorous preparation process before they’re fit to run in the derby. For example, all of the glass and interior covering must be removed from the vehicle, except for the driver’s seat.

Between modifying cars to enter the derby and repairing previous entry cars, Gilroy spends a lot of time working on his vehicle.

“I get to keep it at home and work on it there,” Gilroy said. “I’m lucky I don’t have an [homeowners association].”

Gilroy said he used to compete in multiple derbies across the state, but the lack of entries has caused a few of the events to shut down.

“People aren’t coming out to participate as much because of the cost,” Gilroy said.

Gilroy said he does as much as he can to foster participation, such as running the Helzapoppin’ Facebook page.

“If you get a newer style of car, it’s one and done,” Gilroy said. “The older models can go through multiple races before being too damaged to race again.”

Even if some of the locations aren’t holding derbies as frequently as they once were, Buckeye is still holding strong, Gilroy said.

He plans on entering a car in the November event at the Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Arena on Miller Road south of Baseline Road.

Call the Buckeye Chamber of Commerce at 623-386-2727 for more information on the event in November. The date and time of the next demolition derby have not been set as of yet.

— Shane McOwen

Kevin Gilroy of Phoenix sits in his demolition derby car.

View photo by Ray Thomas

THE MIDDLE MAN

Watching NASCAR from comfort of campsite

a atch h Rac but is s

atching a NASCAR race at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale is a wonderful experience, but being engulfed in the track for an entire week is something even more unique and special.

“

m Wa W tson o anyone, havi v n ng c track k s sinc n e 2001 1 unre r seerved e sec e ti always y get t the e s

Tom Watson of Litchfield Park knows that as well as anyone, having camped for every NASCAR race at the track since 2001. He takes his RV and likes to park in the unreserved section, showing up early to make sure he can always get the same spot next to his friends.

“I I stage e my co o weeekks,” said Wa Huufff, wh who o alsso h to o get e our r sppot. I geet t thhere e ea to o

“I stage my coach for a week and a half, almost two weeks,” said Watson, who goes there with his friend, Dennis Huff, who also has an RV. “We usually get there early enough to get our spot. It’s almost a three-week process. You have to get there early to get a good spot and where you want to be.”

Watson likes the unreserved section because campers have more room to spread out.

Wa W tsson liikees t more roo o m t to sp

“Years rs aggo, I tooge g ther,” ” Watso p pretetty d siizze annd d o on sidde e o

“Years ago, I was in the reserved area, but it’s so close together,” Watson said. “I like to have a little space. They are pretty good sized spots, and you get the mountains behind us and on the side of us.”

Watson’s trailer is a 32-footer. He has two 12-by-12-foot awnings that extend out from it, and a 10-by-10 spot over the top of the kitchen area.

W Wats t onn’s s trail awwnings that a ext toop p of the kit i ch c e

“IIt t stretche h s o c cowbboy campfir

“It stretches out pretty good,” Watson said. “I have my re grill over there.”

Watson likes to cook steaks, hot dogs and brats during his camping time, while Huff does barbecue ribs.

Wa W tson n lik i e es t campin i g time, w

“I call him the rib man,” Watson said.

During the week, Watson participates in several activities in addition to cooking, including playing cornhole. PIR also has things for the fans to enjoy.

“I I calll l him m the Du g the h we ad a diittion n to c cook o things gs for r the h fan

“They keep things going down there,” Watson said. “There is always something going on. You’ve got campers’ night, sometimes for season ticket holders they have ride-alongs with drivers from Bondurant. They offer a lot of different things to season ticket holders. They treat us well.”

“TThe h y ke k ep e th is i alwway a s sommeth h so s metiimees s f foor r se wiith t drivers r frrom th t innggs to o seas a on o carars of f the e noi o se and d

When the cars finally hit the track, Watson loves being part of the noise and the crowd.

“Once you sit and go to the races, you kind of get hooked a little bit,” he said. “The loudness of the track is better than the 1.5-mile tracks.”

“OOnce e you sit liittle e bitt,” he e sa s id 1. 1 5 5-mi m le l traacks.”

Wa W tson lik i es e P flat a ter r tr t ack

Watson likes PIR because the one-mile oval is a smaller, atter track than most on the NASCAR circuit.

“They come out of [Turn] 2 and go down low, then come way up high again,” Watson said. “The short track, they’re working hard and lose their brakes coming into [Turn] 1, banging the wall, stuff like that. It’s the excitement.”

While Watson doesn’t take his camping rig to other tracks, he has been to Charlotte Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he said. However, he likes the uniqueness of PIR’s camping experience.

“TThhey come o way up agga working hard an banging the waal Whil i e Watson n he has a been n to t C Motor r S Sppeeedwway of o PIIRR’’s camppin

“Many people enjoy it,” Watson said. “I’ve talked to other people from other tracks, and this one you get a lot of California people, a lot of people from Nevada, too, New Mexico, Colorado. A lot of people enjoy this one better than the one in California.”

“ “MMany y pe p ople e otthheer r frro o Caalifo f rnnia a peopl l Me M xicoo, , C Colora r d the e on o e Califo

— Casey Pritchard

Tom Watson of Litchfield Park cooks outside his RV at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale. Watson has camped in the center of the track during NASCAR races every year since 2001.

Milking it Farming is a family affair

Whether they’re families enjoying a relaxing day at the zoo or crowds cheering at demolition derbies, the West Valley is full of diverse faces. But drive north up Sarival Road in unincorporated Maricopa County and you might see some very different faces staring back: more than 2,500 Jersey cows call the West Valley home at Mountain Shadows Dairy.

The owner of the herd is Kelvin Moss, who has grown up around the dairy since he was born and his father purchased the land in 1965.

“I’m pretty much the same age as this operation,” Moss said. “When my dad started out, it was just about 400 cows on 14 acres. I don’t remember this, but my folks said that Northern Avenue wasn’t paved from 75th Avenue all the way out here, so they’d have to take Olive. It’s changed a lot.”

Today, the dairy has grown to a sprawling 80 acres and employs 14 people.

The jobs include one herd manager, who is the only person aside from Moss and his family to live on the property. He’s responsible for looking over the health and well-being of the cows.

There are also milkers, who help make sure the cows get safely milked two to four times a day; and feeders, who feed the cows a mixture of alfalfa grown on the farm and flour byproducts.

Moss only raises Jersey cows, which are typically all-brown and smaller in size compared the iconic white and black Holstein cows.

Despite the smaller size, Jersey cows still ring up a hefty grocery bill for their food.

“They eat about 80 pounds of feed a

day, per cow. They’re big eaters, food is our biggest expense. Probably 60 percent of our expense is food,” Moss said.

Cow pals

Sometimes, the big appetites are justified since the Mountain Shadow Dairy cows are eating for two. Moss raises his own calves on the farm.

“It’s a quality control thing. We can control the genetics, we’re more involved in their health from start to finish, like their nutrition,” he said.

A single female cow averages one calf a

year on the farm, although the high heat in the summer can make it harder for a mom-to-be to conceive, Moss said.

They’re a lot like the human population. It’s a nine-month gestation,” Moss said. “The average [birth rate] is 51 percent males, 49 percent females, and a 3 percent chance for twins.”

Once born, the calves are temporarily moved away from the herd to a safer location, closer to the farm’s buildings

Mountain Shadow Dairy owner Kelvin Moss stands alongside his Jersey milking cows.

View photo by David Weibel

MILKING from V20

and away from hungry coyotes, under the watchful eye of the employees.

It’s here that some of the unique traits of cows can be seen: they make friends.

“When they’re born, we put a tag on their ear and number them to identify them,” Moss said. “It’s not uncommon, when they’re grown up and put back into the pens, to find them side-by-side with the same cows they were next to [in the calf pens]. I do think that there’s some social interaction and recognition.”

Cows can also have distinct personalities, Moss said.

“There are some cows who are always right at your elbow. If you’re in the pen, they gotta be right there, bugging you. Others don’t want anything to do with you and will always run away,” he said. “There are some cows who always have to be first

in the milking parlor, no matter what. They really are individuals; it’s a lot of fun.”

Keeping it in the family

Even though cows may have personalities, their No. 1 purpose is still to keep Shadow Mountain Dairy in business.

This year, Moss is planning on getting about 18,000 pounds of milk from his herd, which measures up to just shy of 2,100 gallons.

Since the Jersey cow’s milk is high in butter fat and protein, Moss sells the milk to be turned into products such as cheese, butter and cottage cheese.

One hundred pounds of a Jersey cow’s milk can make about 14 pounds of cheese.

Sometimes, milk buying prices can fluctuate, as well as the cost of food, Moss said.

“Agriculture in general is not for the faint of heart. You have to be patient, the

thing about the dairy industry is that it’s always been volatile and you can’t give up too easily.” he said. “You gotta love it, and you can’t get easily discouraged. If you’re going to do it right, it’s a lot of work.”

Moss has passed along the traits of patience and persistence to his five children, who both live in a house on the property and help out on the farm when needed, just like he did growing up.

“I started working here in first grade. I was feeding calves and getting a wage. When I turned 16, I bought a car. I probably shouldn’t have, but I saved my money and bought a Pontiac Trans Am,” he said. “[All my kids] love the farm. My oldest daughter is doing a two-year program in dairy science in Wisconsin.”

— Rachel Trott

COMING UP NEXT ...

West Valley events calendar sure to keep you busy

September

13 — A September 11 memorial ceremony will begin with a flag-raising ceremony at 7:30 a.m. at Goodyear Fire Station No. 183, 3075 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. A pancake breakfast served by Goodyear firefighters will follow the service. The event is free, but donations will be accepted to go toward the United Goodyear Firefighters Charities.

20 — The City of Litchfield Park will host a familyfriendly Oktoberfest from 5:30 to 9 p.m. on the Wigwam’s front lawn at 300 E. Wigwam Blvd. Prizes will be awarded to the participants wearing the best German outfits. The band “Denny and the Polkadots” will perform at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 a person. Youths younger than 12 are free. Food and drinks cost extra. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-9040.

26 — Watch Cars at the city of Avondale’s movie night from 6 to 9 p.m. at Phoenix International Raceway, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale. The event is free. Attendees will watch the movie in the pit of the raceway. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. For information, call 623-3332400.

26 — Ballet Under the Stars will start at 7 p.m. in the amphitheater in the Estrella community in Goodyear. The performance is free and open to the public.

October

10-12 — The City of Buckeye is hosting the HelzaRockin’ Gem and Mineral Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Arena on Miller Road at the Buckeye Irrigation District canal. Admission is $3. There will be rocks, gems, jewelry, minerals, fossils, beads, slabs, cabochons, demonstrations and activities for children. For information, visit www.westvalleyrockandmineralclub.com.

11 — The city of Avondale’s “Out and About” event will partner with Western Avenue’s Art Walk program to offer some spooky Halloween fun from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can walk along Western Avenue in Avondale to look at artwork, listen to live music, participate in giveaways and a costume contest or do some trick or treating. The event is free to attend; food and drinks will be available for purchase.

11 — The City of Buckeye is hosting a car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Buckeye. Food vendors will be on site. For information, call Tammy at 623-386-6122.

11 — The city of Buckeye is offering “Sangria and Shopping” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 60 vendors will line up from Sixth Street Plaza to 517 E. Monroe Ave. Glasses of sangria will be $10. For information, call the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce at 623-386-2727.

Jazmyn Reese, 4, of Goodyear shares her Christmas wishes with Santa at the Home Plate For The Holidays celebration at Goodyear Ballpark.

Vista — West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona

WEST VALLEY HEALTH CARE DIRECTORY

Assisted Living

Hacienda Del Rey

12917 W. Las Cruces Dr. Litchfield Park (623) 498-8682

Palm Valley Rehabilitation 13575 W. McDowell Rd. Goodyear (623) 536-9911

Dentistry

All Smiles

4130 N. 108th Avenue #101 Phoenix , 85037

Omega Dental

14551 W Indian School Rd. #200. Goodyear (623) 535-8777

Patrick Martin, D.D.S.

Gary R. Gibbs, D.D.S. 14044 W. Camelback #200 Litchfield Park (623) 535-5488

Dermatologists

Arrowhead Dermatology

10750 W. McDowell Rd. Avondale (623) 889-2516

Internal Medicine

Samuel Figueroa M.D. PLC Internal Medicine & Total Vein

Care

2970 N. Litchfield Rd., Ste. 110 Goodyear (623) 535-6638

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Estrella Womens Health Ctr. 10240 W. Indian Sch. Bldg. 2 Phoenix (623) 846-7558

Palm Valley Women’s Care (623) 535-0740 www.pvwomenscare.org

West Valley Women’s Care

James M. Johnson, M.D.

Raymond D. Suarez, M.D.

Gema Fernandez, M.D.

Dr. Phillip M. Harmon, M.D.

Maria R. DiLeo, M.D.

Erica McLaughlin, M.D.

Briggs J. Geier, D.O.

Kim Roberts, W.H.N.P.

Meaza Ejigu, W.H.N.P.

Christy Brown, F.N.P. 9305 W. Thomas Rd. #155 Phoenix (623) 936-1780

Medi Spas

Golden Apple® Skin Laser & Veins

2970 N. Litchfield Rd., Ste. 110 Goodyear (623) 535-0504 www.goldenapplemedicine.com

Pharmacies

New Spring Pharmacy

10750 W McDowell Rd., C-301 Avondale (623) 932-9800

Urgent Care

Good Night Pediatrics

10320 W. McDowell Rd. Bldg. L Avondale (623) 643-9233

8801 W. Union Hills Dr. Peoria (623) 241-9026

www.goodnightpeds.com

Vein Care

Arizona Vein and Laser Institute

13065 W McDowell Rd., Bldg A, Ste 103 Avondale (623) 249-2710

Optima Vein Care 9305 W. Thomas Rd. #490 Phoenix (480) 496-2653

Back row: Dr. Patrick Martin, Kathy, Sam, Jenn, Susan, Sandy, Dr. Gary Gibbs Front row:

Good Night Pediatrics

All-Night Urgent Care for Kids

When your child is ill after hours, a long wait in the ER isn’t necessary. Our Pediatricians will take care of your child, newborns thru 18 year olds.

Open 5:00pm to 5:00am every night of the year. Most insurance accepted. All AHCCCS accepted. Discounts for cash pay patients.

Excellent Survey Rating

11 — Buckeye’s Oktoberfest will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sixth Street Plaza at 517 E. Monroe Ave.

12 — Avondale’s Resident Appreciation and GAIN night will be from 5 to 8 p.m. starting at 495 E. Western Ave. There will be a chance to meet police officers, look at police cars, interactive booths about city services, raffles, giveaways, a Halloween costume contest, trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving.

18 — Big Pete Pearson will perform at 7 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, as part of the city of Goodyear’s family concert series. Big Pete Pearson has worked with Ray Charles, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Tina and Ike Turner and Etta James.

18 — Buckeye Police Department’s GAIN event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at Inca Elementary School, 23601 W. Durango St. GAIN stands for “Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods.” The program will cover bicycle safety, block watches and crime prevention. There will be entertainment and a bounce house. Free food will be available for the first 1,000 attendees. For information, call 623-349-6459.

20 — Cold Shott & The Hurricane Horns will perform from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.

25 — The Pumpkin Patch Splash will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Buckeye Aquatic Center, 207 N. Ninth St. Swimmers will be given the opportunity to hunt for the perfect pumpkin floating in the pool. Pumpkins can then be decorated at the decorating station. Tickets are $10 for two people and include the pumpkin. Only 200 tickets will be sold.

25 Tres Rios Make a Difference Day will kick off at 7:30 a.m. at the Base & Meridian Wildlife Recreation Area, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale. The event needs volunteers to make improvements to the wildlife area to prepare for the Tres Rios Festival in March. There will be a river clean up, graffiti removal, trail building and installation of new signs.

25 — The PebbleCreek Creative Arts Festival will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the PebbleCreek Creative Arts Center, 16280 W. Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear. More than 70 award-winning local artists and out-of-state vendors will be displaying their artwork and hand-crafted items. There will also be an art raffle, artist demonstrations, bake sale, wine tasting, food and music. Call the PebbleCreek Expressions Gallery at 623-935-6744 for information.

25 — The city of Tolleson is hosting its annual pet health expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St. Vendors will be showcasing information, products and services about pets. Adoption and rescue services will also be on site. It is free and open to the public. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

25 — Buckeye’s annual Halloween Carnival will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Earl Edgar Recreational Facility, 500 S. First St. Tickets are 50 cents each and can be used to purchase food and activities. Proceeds benefit local nonprofits and charities. For information, call 623-349-6354.

25 — Goodyear’s Oktoberfest will take place from 6 p.m. to midnight at Goodyear Municipal Airport, 1658 S. Litchfield Road. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $59 and include one shirt, one beer mug, free food, free water and two free beers. Each additional beer is 50 cents. Wine will also be sold. To purchase tickets, call Brigitte at 623-932-5836. A member of the Liberty Wildlife rescue organization holds a bald eagle during a Veterans Day parade in the PebbleCreek neighborhood in Goodyear.

November

1 — The Goodyear Police Department’s GAIN event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way. GAIN stands for “Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods.” The program will cover bicycle safety, block watches and crime prevention. For information, call Christina Plante at 623-882-7801.

1 — The Pebblerock Band will perform at 7 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road as part of the city of Goodyear’s family concert series.

2-3 — The 43rd Annual Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Proceeds benefit the Litchfield Park Library Association.

8 — The city of Goodyear’s eighth annual “Wag & Tag” event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Roscoe Dog Park, 15600 W. Roeser Road. The free event is geared toward pets and their owners. There will be a contest for best pooch smooch, best voice, best wiggle/waggle, best dressed and best dog trick. Informational booths will feature rescue and adoption organizations. There will also be merchandise vendors and a picture booth. For information, call 623-8827525.

10 — The Screamin’ Javelinas will perform at Litchfield Park’s Arts in the Park Concert Series for Veteran’s Day from 3 to 5 p.m. at Litchfield Elementary School, 255 E. Wigwam Blvd.

11 — The city of Avondale is hosting a Veterans Day Picnic and Concert from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the amphitheater at City Hall, 11465 Civic Center Drive. There will be a musical performance by JC & the Juke Rockers. Free food will be provided for veterans and their families.

11 — Buckeye’s Main Street Coalition will host a Veterans Day Celebration at 9 a.m. at Benbow Veterans Memorial Park.

11 — The City of Tolleson and the VFW are hosting a Veterans Day event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson. There will be bounce houses, a barbecue and guest speakers. It is free and open to the public.

15 — The Southwest Valley Writer’s Conference will meet from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Avondale City Hall. The event is designed to allow agents, editors and writers to network with each other. The theme of this year’s conference is “writing outside the lines.” Lunch is included. The fee is $85 for early registration and $75 for students. Register at www.swvwc.org.

15 — The city of Buckeye’s Hometown Holiday Boutique is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Sixth Street in downtown Buckeye. More than 100 shopping and food vendors will line the street. There will be live entertainment and activities such as holiday crafts and art. For information, call 623-349-6354.

22 — The Demolition Derby is returning to Buckeye at 7 p.m. at the Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Arena on Miller Road south of Baseline. There will be a car and truck derby. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Buy tickets at any of Buckeye’s Community and Recreation Centers. For information, call 623-3496354.

December

6 — The city of Goodyear’s annual “Home Plate for the Holidays” event will take place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way. The free event will give families a chance to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, see carolers and a tree-lighting, craft vendors and more.

7 — The city of Litchfield Park will host “Christmas in the Park” from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The free event will have a craft show at 9 a.m. and a parade at 10 a.m. Children will be able to visit with Santa Claus.

12 — Tolleson’s Luces de Navidad community event will take place from 6 p.m. to midnight at Veterans Park, 8601 West Van Buren Street.

13 — Tolleson’s Luces de Navidad community event will take place from noon to midnight at Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St. Ryan Welborn, 2, of Goodyear, isn’t sure of what to make of a giant Chinese dragon Feb. 16, 2013, during the Tale of Two Cities parade in Avondale.

Just like snowflakes ...

No 2 West Valley golf courses are alike

Arizona is a great place to golf; just ask the thousands of tourists who visit our state every year. Thankfully for us who live here, there are several golf courses in the West Valley, each offering something unique that makes them a favorite destination for locals. Here’s what people who frequent some of those courses had to say:

Golf Club of Estrella

Goodyear resident Eric Schmidt is an annual pass holder at the Golf Club of Estrella, and loves playing the course because it’s only three minutes from his house.

“It’s a great layout,” Schmidt said. “I’ve played courses in better shape and worse shape, but it’s my home course. I’ve played here five years and I still haven’t gotten tired of playing it. I think that says a lot about a place that you can play over and over again. I’m here three to five days a week.”

Schmidt said Hole No. 17, the course’s signature hole, is his favorite.

“I got a hole-in-one there a couple years ago,” he said. “There are really no holes here I don’t like, some are tougher than others.”

In addition to Estrella, Schmidt has played several other courses in the Valley. However, he enjoys what Estrella has to offer.

“I’ve played a lot of courses in Scottsdale, private clubs, stuff like that, and those are nice all for their own reasons,” Schmidt said. “The people here, the staff is great, everyone is nice, I know a lot of the people that come out here. It’s good getting together with the guys on the weekends, the competitiveness.”

Course statistics:

Yardage: 7,139 from the tips; 5,124 from the forward tees.

Slope: 137 from the tips; 116 from the forward tees.

Raven at Verrado

Buckeye resident Becky Kelly plays regularly at the Raven Golf Club at Verrado and loves the nice staff

Eric Schmidt of Goodyear practices his iron shots at the Golf Club of Estrella driving range. Schmidt, who lives in the Estrella community, has a yearly membership to the course.

View photo by Casey Pritchard

members who are friendly and helpful every time she plays there, she said.

“They always go out of their way to make sure you have everything you need before your round, during your round and when you come in,” Kelly said. “It’s a very nice course, has some pretty views of the Valley because it’s elevated into the White Tanks. I find it a fun course, but it can be challenging, too. It changes, too, so even though you’re there every weekend, it doesn’t feel like it’s the same thing over and over.”

Kelly had a hard time picking her favorite hole because she likes so many of them for various reasons, but she chose No. 16.

“Driving on that hole, no matter which tee box you’re at, gives you a great picture of the Valley and it’s a really nice open-fairway look. The ball looks so nice carrying over that fairway as you’re looking into the horizon.”

Course statistics:

Yardage: 7,258 from the tips; 5,142 from the forward tees.

Slope: 139 from the tips; 113 from the forward tees.

Coldwater Golf Club

Goodyear resident Rhonda King frequents Coldwater Golf Club and said she enjoys playing there because of the affordability, as well as the difficulty of the course.

“For an amateur, I’d say it’s probably a medium difficulty,” King said.

She said the course provides more of a challenge than other courses around the West Valley.

“It has a little bit more elevation change,” King said. “It makes everything more challenging.”

Another factor that keeps King going back to Coldwater is the appearance of the course.

“In Arizona, it’s hard to keep the course in that great of shape,” she said. “But theirs, theirs is pretty.”

Course statistics:

Yardage: 6,758 from the tips; 5,174 from the forward tees.

Slope: 120 from the tips; 111 from the forward tees.

Wigwam’s 3 courses

The Wigwam boasts three separate courses, the only place in the West Valley to be able to make such a claim.

An afternoon golfer about to start his

round said he enjoys the cart girl and the bar, but Brand Singleterry went into a little more depth about the course.

“I think all of the courses are a great challenge,” Singleterry said. “The Gold Course, you probably need a single digit handicap to play it and do well from the back tees.”

Singleterry, who also works at the course, said the Heritage Course is probably the easiest.

“My favorite is a toss-up between the Patriot and the Heritage,” Singleterry said.

Gold Course statistics:

Yardage: 7,430 from the tips; 5,885 from the forward tees.

Slope: 135 from the tips; 119 from the forward tees.

Patriot Course statistics:

Yardage: 6,001 from the tips; 4,791 from the forward tees.

Slope: 123 from the tips; 113 from the forward tees.

Heritage Course statistics:

Yardage: 6,852 from the tips; 5,806 from the forward tees.

Slope: 126 from the tips; 118 from the forward tees.

— Casey Pritchard

View photo by Ray Thomas

Brothers Bryan, left, and Tommy Janovich show off the fish they caught during the annual Trout Derby in Litchfield Park.

13 — The city of Avondale is partnering with the Western Avenue Art Walk to offer a holiday celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees can walk along Western Avenue between Dysart Road and Central Avenue to see musical performances and art. There will be crafts, activities for children, a Ferris wheel, snow and a chance to meet Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. The event is free.

13 — Buckeye’s Glow on Monroe electric light parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. along Moneroe Avenue. After the parade children will get a chance to take pictures with Santa at the Buckeye Elementary School Gym on the Sixth Street Plaza.

13 — The city of Buckeye’s “Race to the Runway” marathon will kick off at 8 a.m. at the Buckeye Municipal Airport, 3000 S. Palo Verde Road. Runners can sign up for either a marathon, half-marathon or 5K race. The certified marathon route includes an overall altitude drop of 640 feet. All races end at the Buckeye Municipal Airport. All races will be chip timed. Participants will receive a shirt, medal, pre- and post-race food and entry into a post-race celebration. Proceeds from the marathon go to the city of Buckeye’s Youth Scholarship Fund. For information or to purchase an entry ticket, email mgomez@buckeyeaz.gov.

January

10-11 — The Litchfield Park Native American Arts Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Litchfield Elementary School, 255 E. Wigwam Blvd.

24 — The Litchfield Park Winter Trout Derby will take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tierra Verde Lake, 301 S. Old Litchfield Road.

30 — The city of Avondale is hosting a Superbowl party from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, 11460 W. Hilton Way, Avondale. There will be a musical performance by JC & the Juke Rockers and other sports activities. The event is free.

February

7 — The Heart & Sole Run/Walk will kick off Feb. 7 at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way. The event offers a 5K race and a one-mile fun walk and run race. Medals will be awarded to the top three men and women in each event. Everyone will receive a goody bag, shirt and ribbon. For information, call Deanna Ortiz at 623-882-7531.

21 — The Tale of Two Cities Parade and Festival will start at 10 a.m. down Thomas Road between Litchfield and Dysart Roads. The festival is organized by Avondale and Goodyear. It will celebrate different cultures from around the world with parade floats, food, arts, crafts and live entertainment. A festival will take place after the parade on Estrella Mountain Community College’s campus at 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale.

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

Avondale

Abundant Harvest Church

919 N. Dysart Road, Suites N and O, Avondale

623-810-2355

www.ahconline.org

Avondale Apostolic Church — Truth Tabernacle

825 N. Central Ave., Avondale 623-932-0893

www.avondaleapostolic.com

Christ Community

United Methodist Church

104 W. Western Ave., Avondale 623-932-3480

www.myccumc.com

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

10930 W. Garden Lakes Parkway, Avondale 623-772-9275

Cornerstone Christian Center

11301 W. Indian School Road, Avondale 623-877-3220

www.cornerstoneaz.org

Desert Springs

Worship Center

10714 W. Fourth St., Avondale 623-936-4166 www.dswc-pcg.org

First Baptist Church Garden Lakes

2517 N. 107th Ave., Avondale 623-936-7148

www.gardenlakesbaptist.com

First Southern Baptist Church of Avondale

1001 N. Central Ave., Avondale 623-932-2723 www.fsbca.org

Goodyear Friends Inc.

104 N. Dysart Road, Avondale 623-932-2292

Harvest Outreach Christian Center

715 E. Western Ave., Avondale 623-932-6453

www.harvestoutreachaziconosites.com

Heritage Baptist Church

La Joya High School

11650 W. Whyman Ave., Avondale

623-882-2351

www.HeritageBaptistAZ.org

Iglesia Armonia

1035 E. Van Buren St., Avondale

623-760-2026

Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo

7 E. Kinderman Drive, Avondale

623-882-8487

In His Presence

Christian Church

316 N. Central Ave., Avondale 623-688-3447

www.ihpcconline.com

Kingdom in the Valley

13048 W. Rancho Santa Fe Blvd., Avondale

623-584-3113 www.kivcc.org

Lighthouse Baptist Church

Collier Elementary School

350 S. 118th Ave., Avondale

480-721-2206 www.lbcavondale.com

La Misión

Assembly of God

11147 W. Buckeye Road, Avondale 623-936-3703

Morning Star Baptist Church

500 S. Seventh St., Avondale 623-932-4320

New Life Covenant Church

541 E. Main St., Avondale 623-932-1670 www.avondalechurch.com

Pathway Bible Church

2150 Rancho Santa Fe Blvd., Avondale www.pathwaybibleaz.com

Primera Iglesia Bautista de Ant

12610 W. Whyman St., Avondale

623-932-5723

Redemption Christian Church

305 W. Western Ave., Avondale 623-521-0621 redemptionchristianchurch@q.com

Rose of Sharon World

Evangelistic Church 919 N. Dysart Road, Suite W, Avondale 602-446-5790 www.wecintl.org

The Sanctuary

Community Church

1233 S. 111th Ave., Avondale 623-936-6793

St. Thomas Aquinas

Catholic Church

13720 W. Thomas Road, Avondale 623-935-2151 www.stacc.net

St. William

Catholic Church

11001 W. Third St., Avondale 623-936-6115

Sufficient Grace

Christian Center

Homewood Suites 11450 W. Hilton Way, Avondale 480-522-5196

Temple of Faith

201 E. Main St., Avondale 623-695-6670

Wings As Eagles International Church 16 N. 5th St. Avondale 623-932-3156 www.waeic.com

Word of Life Christian Center 1435 N. Central Ave., Avondale 623-932-2055 www.wordoflifechristiancenter.net

Buckeye

Arlington Baptist Church

32700 W. Arlington Road, Buckeye 623-386-1447

Buckeye Christian Church

214 S. Fifth St., Buckeye 602-386-3513

Buckeye First Assembly 23230 W. Highway 85, Buckeye 623-386-4783 www.buckeyefirstassembly.net

Buckeye Light & Life Church

304 E. Roosevelt Ave., Buckeye 623-386-4759

buckeyelightandlife.com

Buckeye Seventh Day Adventist 501 N. Fourth St., Buckeye 623-386-4588 www.buckeyesda.org

Buckeye Worship Center 104 W. Corona St., Buckeye 623-340-4289

Calvary Chapel

Buckeye Elementary School District building 25555 W. Durango St., Buckeye 623-282-1086 www.calvarychapelbuckeye.com

Camino de Santidad First Assembly of God Church 23230 W. Highway 85, Buckeye 623-386-1376 www.buckeyefirstassembly.net

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

1002 Eason Ave., Buckeye 623-386-4188

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 22487 W. Sundance Parkway, Buckeye 520-421-0322

Community Church of Buckeye

A United Methodist Church 810 Eason Ave., Buckeye 623-386-2674

www.ccobumc.weebly.com

CrossPointe Church

Tartesso Elementary School 29677 W. Indianola Ave., Buckeye 623-313-5857

www.xpointe.net

Crossroad Baptist Church

Verrado Middle School cafeteria 20880 W. Main St., Buckeye 623-341-0490 www.crossroad-az.org

Desert Baptist Church

201 W. Baseline Road, Buckeye 602-386-7636

Desert Hills Baptist Church

Odyssey Institute

1495 S. Airport Road, Buckeye 623-202-2822 www.dhbcb.org

Elevation Church

Inca Elementary School

23601 W. Durango St., Buckeye www.elevationbuckeye.com

First Southern Baptist Church of Buckeye

405 N. Third St., Buckeye 623-386-5614 www.buckeyebaptist.org

Grace Fellowship Church

1300 N. Miller Road, Buckeye 623-393-8386 www.graceinbuckeye.com

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Buckeye Congregation 23427 W. Pioneer St., Buckeye 623-386-2775

Liberty United Methodist Church

19900 W. Highway 85, Buckeye 623-386-4090 www.libertyunitedmethodist.com

Lifeway Church

18926 W. Latham, Buckeye 623-853-0686 www.lifewaychurchaz.com

Living Water

Lutheran Church

The Odyssey Academy 6500 S. Apache Road, Buckeye 623-266-1835 www.livingwateraz.org

Mountain Vista Community Church Youngker High School auditorium

3000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye 623-474-5757 www.mtvistaonline.org

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church

403 N. Fourth St., Buckeye 623-386-6365 www.mtpleasentbaptistchurch.org

New Jerusalem Ministries 508 Clanton, Buckeye 623-386-2714 www.njmonline.net

Our Saviour

Lutheran Church

10 N. Apache Road, Buckeye 623-386-6708

Palo Verde Baptist Church

29600 W. Old Highway 80, Palo Verde 623-393-9628

www.paloverdebaptistchurch.org

St. Henry Catholic Church

24750 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye 623-386-6407

www.sthenrybuckeye.com

Summit Community Church

Verrado High School auditorium

20050 W. Indian School Road, Buckeye 623-535-0251 www.summitcc.org

Summit of Hope

Assembly of God

Buckeye Elementary School

210 S. Sixth St., Buckeye 623-695-0224

Sundance Community Church

West Park Elementary School 2500 S. 257th Ave., Buckeye 623-327-1940 www.sundancechurch.com

Valley Christian Ministries

Bales Elementary School

25400 W. Maricopa Road, Buckeye 1-855-808-2553 www.vcm1.ws

Victory Baptist Church

Rainbow Valley Elementary School

19716 W. Narramore Road, Buckeye 623-386-3240 www.victorysbc.org

Way of Grace Church

Sundance Elementary School 23800 W. Hadley St., Buckeye 623-478-2130 www.wayofgracechurch.com

West Valley Free Will

Baptist Church

19956 W. McDowell Road, Buckeye 623-853-0570 www.wvfwbc.org

White Tanks Southern

Baptist Church 1420 N. 192nd Ave., Buckeye 623-853-0089 www.wtsbc.org

Goodyear

Abundant Living Unity

Holiday Inn Express 1313 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear 623-243-3501

C3 Church

Comfort Suites

15575 W. Roosevelt St., Goodyear 623-694-2939 www.c3phx.org

Calvary Chapel

3673 S. Bullard Ave., Goodyear 623-925-2440 www.calvarygoodyear.org

Christ Evangelical

Lutheran Church, ELCA

918 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear 623-932-2394 www.christevangelical.org

Christ Presbyterian Church

925 N. Sarival Ave., Goodyear 623-882-0721 www.cpcgoodyear.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

425 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear 623-925-0106

Citrus Road Community Church of the Nazarene 418 S. Citrus Road, Goodyear 623-932-2733

www.crccnazarene.com

Compass Church

16060 W. Van Buren St., Goodyear 623-935-3060 www.compasschurch.info

Crossings Church

Desert Edge High School 15778 W. Yuma Road, Goodyear 623-239-1096 www.crossingschurch.org

Desert Springs Community

Church West Campus

14440 W. Indian School Road, Goodyear 623-435-2105 dscchurch.com

Estrella Mountain Church

10485 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear 623-386-0300 www.emcaz.org

Love on Fire Church

13770 W. Van Buren St., Goodyear 602-690-1442 www.loveonfirechurch.org

Harvest Baptist Church

535 N. Sarival Ave., Goodyear 602-361-8025 www.hbcgoodyear.org

GracePointe

PebbleCreek Tuscany Falls

Sienna Room, 16622 W. Clubhouse Drive, Goodyear 623-933-0118 www.gracepointechurchaz.com

Jehovah’s Witnesses

14038 W. Yuma Road, Goodyear 623-932-1708

King of Kings Church

14130 W. McDowell Road, Suite 222, Goodyear 623-385-6607 www.KKChurch.org

New Foundation

122 S. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear 623-444-9762 www.newfoundation.org

Palm Valley Church

431 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear 623-536-2106 www.palmvalley.org

The Refinery

Christian Church

600 N. Bullard Ave., Suite 10, Goodyear 623-925-2000 www.therefinerycc.com

The River Church Millennium High School auditorium

14802 W. Wigwam Blvd., Goodyear 623-262-4969 www.theriverchurchaz.com

River in the Desert Christian Fellowship

918 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear 602-628-4465

The Rock

877 N. Sarival Ave., Goodyear 623-932-1009 therockaz.com

St. John Vianney Catholic Church and School

539 E. La Pasada Blvd., Goodyear 623-932-3313

www.sjvaz.net

Skyway Church of the West Valley

14900 W. Van Buren St., Goodyear 623-935-4858 www.skywaychurch.com

Sword of the Spirit Ministry

13380 W. Van Buren St., Goodyear 623-932-4448 www.SwordoftheSpiritAZ.org

Vineyard Church

255 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear 623-932-2500 www.azvineyard.com

Wellspring Church

Mabel Padgett Elementary School

15430 W. Turney Ave., Goodyear www.wellspringchurch.com

Westpointe Baptist Church

Desert Thunder Elementary School

16750 W. Garfield St., Goodyear 623-521-3549

www.westpointebaptist.org

West Valley Assembly of God

1781 N. Central Ave., Goodyear 623-932-5737

www.westvalleyassembly.com

West Valley Church of Christ

18604 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Goodyear 623-695-5623 www.wvcochrist.org

West Valley Fellowship 18503 W. Van Buren St., Goodyear 602-525-8467

West Valley United Pentecostal Church 16277 W. Jackson St., Goodyear 623-692-6850

Litchfield Park

The Church at Litchfield Park

300 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park 623-935-3411 www.churchatlitchfieldpark.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 301 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park 623-536-2098

Desert Joy

Christian Fellowship

Dreaming Summit Elementary School

13335 W. Missouri Ave., Litchfield Park 623-872-0721 www.desertjoy.org

Desert Springs Community Church

East Campus

447 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park 623-435-2105 dscchurch.com

Iglesia Bautista Bilingue

13500 W. Maryland Ave., Litchfield Park 602-761-0334

Lighthouse Fellowship

3015 N. Jackrabbit Trail 623-853-1050 www.lighthousefellowshipaz.webs.com

Litchfield Park

First Baptist Church 901 E. Plaza Circle, Litchfield Park 623-935-3163

Litchfield Park SeventhDay Adventist Church

901 E. Plaza Circle, Litchfield Park 541-944-5342

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

400 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park 623-935-3279 www.stpetersaz.com

Trinity Lutheran Church

830 E. Plaza Circle, Litchfield Park 623-935-4665 www.trinitylcs.org

Peoria

Fresh Start Church

14185 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria 623-979-4392 www.freshstartaz.com

Pentecostal Deliverance COGIC

8668 W. Mountain View Road, Peoria 623-486-7782

South Peoria Baptist Church

9000 W. Olive Ave., Peoria 623-486-1556 www.spbch.com

A Church of Grace

8 S. 92nd Drive, Tolleson 623-936-4629 www.achurchofgrace.com

Beth Yeshua Ha Go’el

1010 N. 95th Ave., Tolleson 623-535-3122

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

312 N. 93rd Ave., Tolleson 623-936-7107

The Bridge Community Church

10 S. 93rd Ave., Tolleson 623-399-8540 www.bridgeworshipcenter.com

Open Doors

Ministries Church 9302 W. Monroe St., Tolleson 602-908-0608 www.opendoorsministrieschurch.org Tonopah

Valley Baptist Church of Tonopah/Wintersburg

37702 W. Indian School Road, Tonopah 623-393-0211 www.tonopahvalleybaptistchurch.org

Waddell

Cotton Lane

Community Church

6240 N. Cotton Lane, Waddell 623-935-1776

Wat Promkunaram

Buddhist Temple of Arizona 17212 W. Maryland Ave., Waddell 623-935-2276 www.watpromkunaram.org

W. Phoenix, Glendale, Sun City, Surprise

Alleluia Lutheran Church 8444 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix 623-849-4327 www.AlleluiaChurch.com

Beth El Congregation 1118 W. Glendale Ave., Phoenix 602-944-3359 www.bethelphoenix.com

Beth Emeth Congregation 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., Sun City West 623-584-7210 www.bethemethaz.org

Tolleson

Calvary United Methodist Church

7949 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix 623-849-1676 www.calvaryumcphoenix.org

Camelback Community Church

7634 W. Camelback Road, Glendale 623-846-3497 www.camelbackcommunity.com

The Carpenter’s House of Worship

Independence High School 6602 N. 75th Ave., Glendale 623-266-2469 www.thechowchurch.org

Central Christian Church

8600 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale 623-937-2741 www.centralaz.com

Davids 400 7905 N 71st Ave., Glendale 602-400-1056 www.davids400.com

The Door Christian Fellowship Church

7342 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix 623-848-0849 www.doorwphx.blogspot.com

First Church of Christ, Scientist

8228 W. Orangewood Ave., Glendale 623-937-9258 www.christianscienceaz.com

First Country Baptist Church

12844 W. Santa Fe Drive, Surprise 623-583-9838 www.firstcountrybaptist.org

Grace Walk

Community Church

7840 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix 623-907-8991 www.gracewalkchurch.org

Hamblen Chapel Evangelical Methodist Church 1614 S. 111th Ave., Phoenix 623-936-9524

In Him Church

Kellis High School 8990 W. Orangewood Ave., Glendale 623-930-6351 www.inhimchurch.org

Kingdom in the Valley Christian Church 15002 N. 25th Drive, Phoenix 623-584-3113 www.kivcc.org

Love Life Church

8016 W. Camelback Road, No. 108, Glendale 623-872-4998 www.lovelifechurch.com

Our Lady of the Sun Catholic Church Inc. 12546 W. Peoria Ave., El Mirage 623-974-4133 www.ourladyofthesun.com

Real Life Ministries

13174 W. Foxfire Dr. Bldg. B, Ste. 127, Surprise 623-933-4999 www.rlmdestiny.com

The Refuge Church

Villa de Paz Elementary School

4940 N. 103rd Ave., Phoenix (Sundays) 4620 N. 111th Glen, Phoenix (Wednesdays) 623-282-4970 www.refugechurchaz.com

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

6300 W. Camelback Road, Glendale 623-846-8046 www.standrewsglendale.azdiocese.org

St. Andrew’s Reformed Episcopal Church

The Chapel at Faith Lutheran Church

801 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix 623-377-8698 www.saintandrewsrec.com

St. Paul Lutheran Church

6301 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix 623-846-2228 www.stpaullutheran-az.com

Streams Church

6532 N. El Mirage Road, Glendale 623-363-7450 www.streamschurch.org

Temple Beth Shalom Jewish — Reform

12202 N. 101st Ave., Sun City 623-977-3240 www.templebethshalomaz.org

Thomas Road Baptist Church

5735 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix 623-247-5735 www.trbcphx.org

Turning Leaf Community, A Church of the Nazarene

Heritage Elementary School 6805 N. 125th Ave., Glendale 602-743-3790 www.tlcnaz.org

Vision Baptist Church 13419 W. Ocotillo Road, Glendale 623-505-5631 www.visionbaptistchurch.com

Sunday - Meditation 10:00am Service 10:30am

Rev Sandra Hopper • (623) 243-3501 A spiritual path for life

Holiday Inn Express 1313 N. Litchfield Rd., Goodyear, 85395

West End Baptist Church

9101 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix 623-877-2815

West Valley Family Church

6115 N. 91st Ave., Glendale 623-872-1734

Sunday School - 9:30am

Sunday Morning Service - 10:30am

Sunday Evening Service - 6:00pm

Wednesday Service - 7:00pm

Collier Elementary School

350 S. 118th Ave., Avondale Lighthouse Baptist Church h

Shining the Light of Christ in a Darkened World 480-721-2206 • www.lbcavondale.com

WEST VALLEY BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Automobile Dealers

Earnhardt Hyundai

10401 W Papago Fwy Avondale, AZ 85323 www.earnhardthyundai.com

Tom Jones Ford

23454 W. Hwy 85, Buckeye (623) 386-4429 www.tomjonesfordinc.com

Business Organizations

Buckeye Main Street Coalition (623) 764-3525 www.buckeyemainstreet.org

Chamber of Commerce

Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce

508 E. Monroe Ave., Buckeye (623) 386-2727 www.buckeyevalleychamber.org

Southwest Valley

Chamber of Commerce

289 N. Litchfield Rd.

Goodyear (623) 932-2260 www.southwestvalleychamber.org

Church

Wellspring Church

Mabel Padgett Elementary Goodyear www.wellspringchurch.com

Credit Union

Alhambra Credit Union

13331 W. Indian School Rd., #205 Litchfield Park (623) 246-5120 www.alhambracu.org

Farming

Rousseau Farming Company

www.farmfreshaz.com (623) 936-7100

Funeral Homes

Avenidas Funeral Chapel 522 E. Western Ave. Avondale (623) 925-1525

Thompson Funeral Chapel 926 S. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear (623) 932-1780

Golf

Eagle’s Nest Country Club

3645 Clubhouse Drive (1 mile W. of Litchfield Rd. on Indian School)

Goodyear (623) 935-6761

Raven Golf Club at Verrado 4242 N. Golf Drive Buckeye (623) 388-3008 www.verradogolfclub.com

Tuscany Falls at PebbleCreek I-10 W. Exit 126, 1-1/2 mile N. on Pebble Creek Parkway to Clubhouse Drive. Goodyear (623) 935-6757

Municipalities

City of Tolleson 9555 W Van Buren Tolleson, AZ 85353 www.tollesonaz.org

Newspapers

West Valley View 1050 E. Riley Drive Avondale (623) 535-VIEW (535-8439) www.westvalleyview.com

Pet Services

Scruff’s Dog Food Co. 14175 W. Indian School Rd, Ste C-4 Goodyear (623) 935-9553

Plumbing

1 Buckeye Plumbing “Veteran Owned & Operated” Licensed, Bonded & Insured (623) 386-0710

Recent monsoon rains helped provide a unique desert trail experience for these two boys running together on Waterfall Trail in White Tank Regional Park.

Restaurants

The Verrado Grille

4242 N. Golf Drive

Buckeye (623) 388-3013

www.verradogolfclub.com

Retail

Brass Armadillo

13277 W. McDowell Rd.

Goodyear (623) 889-0290

12419 N. 28th Dr.

Phoenix (602) 942-0030

Rugs

World of Rugs

1428 N. Litchfield Rd.

Goodyear (623) 536-5030

RV Resort

Leaf Verde RV Resort

1500 S. Apache Road

Buckeye (623) 386-3132 www.leafverde.com

RV Service & Parts

RV Master Techs 12445 W. Glendale Ave.

Glendale (623) 932-5444

Schools

Estrella High School 510 N. Central Ave

Avondale (623) 932-6561 www.estrellahs.com

Imagine Schools Avondale

950 N. Eliseo Felix Jr. Way

Avondale (623) 344-1730

Incito Schools 877 N. Sarival Rd

Goodyear (623) 398-6968

Christian Schools

Wagner Leadership Institute 14900 W. Van Buren

Goodyear (623)935-4858

Septic

Septic Technologies (623) 932-3464 www.septictechnologies.com

Sewing Machines

35th Ave. Sew & Vac 3548 W. Northern Ave. Phoenix (602) 841-5427

Shipping

The UPS Store 14175 W. Indian School Rd., Ste. B4 Goodyear (623) 935-9720

Shopping

Centers

Palm Valley Pavilions West SW corner of Litchfield Rd. & McDowell www.shoppalmvalley.com

Solar

Argent Solar Electric Inc. 671 N 137th Ave., #105

Goodyear (623) 444-5808 www.argentsolar.com

Tires

S & S Tires

Dysart Rd. South of I-10 (623) 932-3511

Veterinarians

Estrella Animal Hospital 10865 W. Indian School Rd. Avondale (623) 877-1088

Zoo

Wildlife World Zoo 165th Ave & Northern (623) 935-WILD

View photo by David Weibel

DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS

High Schools

Agua Fria Union High School District

Superintendent: Dennis Runyan

District office: 1481 N. Eliseo Felix Jr. Way, Suite 110 Avondale, AZ 85323

623-932-7000

www.aguafria.org

Board president: Tom Rosztoczy School board meets: 5 p.m.

second Wednesday of each month

Place: District office

Agua Fria High School

530 E. Riley Drive Avondale, AZ 85323

623-932-7300

Principal: Matthew Bentz

Coldwater Academy

750 E. Riley Drive Avondale, AZ 85323

623-932-7106

Coordinator: Jamie Sue Burgess

Desert Edge High School

15778 W. Yuma Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-932-7500

Principal: Julie Jones

Millennium High School 14802 W. Wigwam Blvd. Goodyear, AZ 85395

623-932-7200

Principal: Tamee Gressett

Verrado High School 20050 W. Indian School Road Buckeye, AZ 85396

623-932-7400

Principal: Tom Huffman

Buckeye Union High School District

Superintendent: Eric Godfrey

District office: 1000 E. Narramore Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-386-9700

www.buhsd.org

Board president: Steve Warner School board meets: 6:15 p.m.

second Monday of each month Place: District office

Buckeye Union High School

1000 E. Narramore Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-386-4423

Principal: Tawn Argeris

Estrella Foothills High School

13033 S. Estrella Parkway Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-327-2400

Principal: Leslie Standerfer

Learning Center

751 N. 215th Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-474-0332

Principal: Karen Sanders

Youngker High School

3000 S. Apache Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-474-0100

Principal: Randy Stillman

Tolleson Union High School District

Superintendent:

Lexi Cunningham District office:

9801 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-4000

www.tuhsd.org

Board president: Vincent Moreno

School board meets: 6 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday of each month

Place: District office board room

Copper Canyon High School

9126 W. Camelback Road Glendale, AZ 85305

623-478-4800

Principal: Mindy Marsit

James A. Green Continuing Education Academy

9701 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-4120

Director: Travis Johnson

La Joya Community High School 11650 W. Whyman Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-478-4400

Principal: Brandi Haskins

Lighthouse Academy 9419 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-4377

Director: Travis Johnson

Sierra Linda High School

3434 S. 67th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85043

623-474-7700

Principal: Tim Madrid

Tolleson Union High School

9419 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-4200

Principal: Ernie Molina

University High School

9419 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-4380

Academic Dean: Courtney Stevens

Westview High School

10850 W. Garden Lakes Parkway Avondale, AZ 85392

623-478-4600

Principal: Michele Wilson Elementary Schools

Arlington Elementary School District

Superintendent: Chad Turner District office: 9410 S. 355th Ave. Arlington, AZ 85322

623-386-2031

www.arlingtonelem.org

Board president: Charles Main School board meets: 6 p.m. second Monday of each month

Place: Arlington Elementary School or the Harquahala Fire District

Arlington Elementary School 9410 S. 355th Ave. Arlington, AZ 85322

623-386-2031

Avondale Elementary School District

Superintendent: Betsy Hargrove District office: 295 W. Western Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-772-5000

www.avondale.k12.az.us

Board president: Mark Gonzales School board meets: 5:30 p.m. one Tuesday a month

Place: District office

Avondale Middle School 1406 N. Central Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-772-4500

Principal: Lillian Linn

Centerra Mirage School 15151 W. Centerra Drive South Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-772-4800

Principal: Kimberly Meehan

Copper Trails School 16875 W. Canyon Trails Blvd. Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-772-4100

Principal: Stacy Ellis

Desert Star School

2131 S. 157th Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-772-4600

Principal: Kara Largent

Desert Thunder School 16750 W. Garfield St. Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-772-4700

Principal: Wayne Deffenbaugh

Eliseo C. Felix School

540 E. La Pasada Blvd. Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-772-4300

Principal: Bryan D’Alessio

Lattie Coor School 1406 N. Central Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-772-4400

Principal: Patricia Scarpa

Michael Anderson School

45 S. Third Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-772-5100

Principal: Lori Goslar

S.T.A.R. Academy

44 S. Third Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-772-5195

Administrator: Patrick Becker

Wildflower School

325 S. Wildflower Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-772-5200

Principal: Kyann McMillie

Buckeye Elementary School District

Superintendent: Kristi Sandvik District office: 25555 W. Durango Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-925-3400

www.besd.k12.az.us

Board president: Marcus Eads School board meets: 6:30 p.m. first Monday of each month Place: District office

Bales Elementary School 25400 W. Maricopa Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-847-8503

Principal: Fred Lugo

Buckeye Preschool 640 Centre Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-925-3333

Preschool director: Tessa Herrington

Buckeye Elementary School 210 S. Sixth St. Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-386-4487

Principal: Lorrese Roer

Inca Elementary School 23601 W. Durango Street Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-925-3500

Principal: Laura Wilson

Steven R. Jasinski Elementary School

4280 S. 246th Ave.

Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-925-3100

Principal: Tracy Watkins

Sundance Elementary School

23800 W. Hadley St. Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-847-8531

Principal: Neva Burlingame

West Park Elementary School

2700 S. 257th Drive Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-435-3282

Principal: Nick Forgette

Liberty Elementary School District

Superintendent: Andy Rogers

District office:

19871 W. Fremont Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-474-6600

www.liberty.k12.az.us

Board president: Kathryn Shelton School board meets: 6:30 p.m. second Monday of each month Place: District office

Estrella Mountain Elementary School

10301 S. San Miguel Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-327-2820

Principal: Sharon Marine

Freedom Elementary School

22150 W. Sundance Parkway Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-327-2850

Principal: Cindy Robinson

Liberty Elementary School

19818 W. Hwy. 85 Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-327-2810

Principal: Jennifer Gray

Rainbow Valley Elementary School

19716 W. Narramore Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-327-2830

Principal: Mike Cagle

Westar Elementary School

17777 W. Westar Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-327-2840

Principal: Dave Bogart

Litchfield Elementary School District

Superintendent: Julianne Lein

District office: 272 E. Sagebrush St.

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-535-6000

www.lesd.k12.az.us

Board president: Shawn Watt

School board meets: 6 p.m. second Tuesday of each month

Place: Western Sky Middle School

Barbara B. Robey Elementary School

5340 N. Wigwam Creek Blvd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-547-1400

Principal: Sandy Flood

Corte Sierra Elementary School

3300 N. Santa Fe Trail

Avondale, AZ 85392

623-547-1000

Principal: Chris Barnes

Dreaming Summit

Elementary School 13335 W. Missouri Ave.

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-547-1200

Principal: Jodi Gunning

L. Thomas Heck Middle School

12448 W. Bethany Home Road

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-547-1700

Principal: Ron Sterr

Litchfield Elementary School

255 E. Wigwam Blvd. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-535-6100

Principal: Mary Ann Hartwick

Mabel Padgett Elementary School 15430 W. Turney Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85395

623-547-3200

Principal: Gina DeCoste

Palm Valley Elementary School

2801 N. 135th Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85395

623-535-6400

Principal: Jennifer Benjamin

Rancho Santa Fe Elementary 2150 Rancho Santa Fe Blvd. Avondale, AZ 85392

623-535-6500

Principal: Laura Combs

Scott L. Libby Elementary School

18701 W. Thomas Road

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-535-6200

Principal: Rachelle Morris

Verrado Elementary School

20873 W. Sunrise Lane Buckeye, AZ 85396

623-547-1600

Principal: Luke Jankee

Verrado Middle School

20880 W. Main St. Buckeye, AZ 85396

623-547-1300

Principal: Karen Williams

Western Sky Middle School 4095 N. 144th Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85395

623-535-6300

Principal: Tami Garrett

White Tanks Learning Center

18825 W. Thomas Road Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-535-6085

Director: Carl Burks

Wigwam Creek Middle School 4510 N. 127th Ave. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-547-1100

Principal: John Scudder

Littleton Elementary School District

Superintendent: Roger Freeman District office: 1600 S. 107th Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-478-5600

www.littletonaz.org Board president: Sandi Nielson

School board meets: 6 p.m. second Tuesday of each month

Place: Underdown Learning Center

Collier Elementary School

350 S. 118th Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-478-5900

Principal: Gioia Pitts

Country Place

Elementary School 10207 W. Country Place Blvd. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-6100

Principal: Lance Chebultz

Estrella Vista Elementary School

11905 W. Cocopah Circle North Avondale, AZ 85323

623-478-6200

Principal: Richard Ramos

Littleton Elementary School 1252 S. Avondale Blvd. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-478-5700

Principal: Chance Whiteman

Quentin Elementary School 11050 W. Whyman Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-478-6000

Principal: Eric Atuahene

Tres Rios Elementary School 5025 S. 103rd Ave. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-6300

Principal: Seu Hee Kim Ledet

Palo Verde Elementary School District

Superintendent: Robert Aldridge District office: 10700 S. Palo Verde Road Palo Verde, AZ 85343

623-327-3690

www.paloverdeschools.org

Board president: Todd Hall School board meets: 5:45 p.m. second Monday of each month Place: District office

Palo Verde Elementary School 10700 S. Palo Verde Road Palo Verde, AZ 85343 623-327-3680

Principal: Robert Aldridge

Pendergast Elementary School District

Superintendent: Lily Matos DeBlieux

District office: 3802 N. 91st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2200 www.pesd92.org

Board president: Martin Quezada School board meets: 7 p.m. first and third Tuesday of each month

Place: District office; periodically at schools on a rotating basis.

Amberlea Elementary School 8455 W. Virginia Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2900

Principal: Brian Winefsky

Calderwood Elementary School 10730 W. Campbell Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2356

Administrator: Deanna Smith-Stout

Canyon Breeze Elementary School 11675 W. Encanto Blvd. Avondale, AZ 85392

623-772-2610

Principal: Kate Laser

Copper King Elementary School 10730 W. Campbell Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2580

Principal: Janine Ambrose

Desert Horizon Elementary School 8525 W. Osborn Road Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2430

Principal: Suzie Jaramillo

Desert Mirage Elementary School

8605 W. Maryland Ave. Glendale, AZ 85305

623-772-2550

Principal: Susie Torrejos

Garden Lakes Elementary School 10825 W. Garden Lakes Parkway Avondale, AZ 85392

623-772-2520

Principal: Harold Waltman

Pendergast Elementary School 3800 N. 91st Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2400

Principal: Mike Woolsey

Rio Vista Elementary School 10237 W. Encanto Blvd. Avondale, AZ 85392

623-772-2670

Principal: Siobhan McCarthy

Sonoran Sky Elementary School 10150 W. Missouri Ave. Glendale, AZ 85307

623-772-2640

Principal: Stephanie Ward

Sunset Ridge Elementary School

8490 W. Missouri Ave. Glendale, AZ 85305

623-772-2730

Principal: Jef Heredia

Villa de Paz Elementary School

4940 N. 103rd Ave.

Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2490

Principal: Danelia Portillo

Westwind Elementary School

9040 W. Campbell Road Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2700

Principal: Natasha Camp

Saddle Mountain Unified School District

Superintendent: Mark Joraanstad

District office:

38201 W. Indian School Road Tonopah, AZ 85354

623-474-5115

www.smusd90.org

Board president: Paul Roetto

School board meets: 6 p.m. second Monday of each month Place: District office

Ruth Fisher Elementary School

38201 W. Indian School Road Tonopah, AZ 85354

623-474-5501

Principal: Pat Kilborn

Tartesso Elementary School

29677 W. Indianola Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85396

623-474-5400

Principal: Liz Burton

Tonopah Valley High School

38201 W. Indian School Road Tonopah, AZ 85354

623-474-5201

Principal: Edgar Garcia

Tolleson Elementary School District

Superintendent: Lupita Hightower

District office: 9261 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-936-9740

www.tollesonschools.com

Board president: Adriana Garza School board meets: 6 p.m. first Wednesday of each month Place: District office

Arizona Desert Elementary School

8803 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-907-5260

Principal: Brenda Catlett

Desert Oasis Elementary School 8802 W. McDowell Road Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-533-3901

Principal: Claudia Espinoza

Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School 9401 W. Garfield Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-907-5181

Principal: Cindy Mills

Sheely Farms Elementary School 9450 W. Encanto Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-907-5270

Principal: Melissa Marze

Union Elementary School

District

Interim superintendent: Jim Rice

District office: 3834 S. 91st Ave. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-5005

www.unionesd.org

Board president: Delson Sunn

School board meets: 5:30 p.m.

second Thursday of each month

Place: District conference room

Dos Rios Elementary School

2150 S. 87th Ave. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-474-7000

Principal: Milton Collins

Hurley Ranch Elementary School 8950 W. Illini Drive Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-5100

Principal: Tommie Dyer

Others

Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center High School

3400 N. Dysart Road Avondale, AZ 85392

623-535-0754

www.aaechighschools.com

Principal: Mona Ramirez

Arizona Preparatory Academy

10720 W. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-907-2661

cyberhs.com

Executive director: Kurt Huzar

Arts Academy at Estrella Mountain 2504 S. 91st Ave. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-474-2120

www.plcaaem.com

Site director: Ruben Ruiz

Bradley Academy of Excellence

16060 W. Lower Buckeye Parkway Goodyear, AZ 85338

800-993-1458

www.mybradley.org

Director: Daniel Hughes

Crown Charter School

12450 W. Maryland Ave. Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-535-9300

www.crowncharter.com

Director: James Shade

Cyber High School

14970 W. Indian School Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

11435 W. Buckeye Road Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-907-2661

cyberhs.com

Executive director: Kurt Huzar

E-Institute at Avondale

1035 E. Van Buren St., Suite 111 Avondale, AZ 85323

623-760-9061

www.e-institute.us

Principal: Patricia Dowd

E-Institute at Buckeye

6213 S. Miller Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-505-7118

www.e-institute.us

Principal: Kathy Wenzlau

Estrella High School

510 N. Central Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-932-6561

www.estrellahs.com

School Leader: Casey Zordani

Grace Fellowship Academy

1300 N. Miller Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-393-8883

www.gracefellowshipacademy.org

Principal: Geri Parker

Harvest Preparatory Academies 14900 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, AZ 85338

602-708-2334

Heritage Elementary School 6805 N. 125th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85307

623-742-3956

www.hesglendale.org

Principal: Justin Dye

Hope Montessori School 5348 N. 106th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85307

623-877-2985

www.hopemontessori.info

Director: Kathy Selland

Imagine Avondale

950 N. Eliseo C. Felix, Jr. Way Avondale, AZ 85323

623-344-1730

www.imagineavondale.com

Principal: Kim Agnew Incito Schools 877 N. Sarival Goodyear, AZ 85338

602-819-7170

www.incitoschools.org

Principal: Molly Garcia

Montessori in the Park 1832 N. Litchfield Road Goodyear, AZ 85395 623-535-4863

www.mipschool.org

Director: Lisa King

Montessori West Preparatory School 13034 W. Solano Drive

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 623-935-2017

www.montessoriwest.com

Director: Cora Gaabucayan

The Odyssey Preparatory Academy - Buckeye 6500 S. Apache Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-327-3111

www.odyprep.com

Principal: Kenneth Olson

The Odyssey Preparatory Academy - Goodyear 17532 W. Harrison St. Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-882-1140

www.odyprep.com

Principal: Liz Douglass

St. John Vianney

Elementary School

539 La Pasada Blvd. Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-932-2434

www.sjvazschool.net

Principal: Sister Cecilia Henry

St. Peter’s Episcopal Montessori School

400 S. Old Litchfield Road

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 623-935-7737

www.stpetersaz.com/ montessori/index.html

School administrator: Karin McMillan

St. Thomas Aquinas Grade School

13720 W. Thomas Road Avondale, AZ 85392

623-935-0945

www.stacc.net

Principal: Patrick Reardon

Skyview High School 4290 S. Miller Road Buckeye, AZ 85326 623-386-6799

www.skyviewhs.com

School leader: Danielle Calderon

Trinity Lutheran School 830 E. Plaza Circle Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-935-4690

www.TrinityNewThinking.org

Headmaster: William Luedtke

West Valley Christian School 14900 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-234-2100

wvchristianschool.org

Principal: Bob Byrd

Colleges/Trade Schools/ Universities

Arizona State University West 4701 W. Thunderbird Road Glendale, AZ 85306 602-543-5500 www.west.asu.edu

Estrella Mountain Community College 3000 N. Dysart Road Avondale, AZ 85392 623-935-8000 www.emc.maricopa.edu

Franklin Pierce University 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite 100, Building A Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-518-2386 www.franklinpierce.edu

Glendale Community College 6000 W. Olive Ave. Glendale, AZ 85302 623-845-3000

www.gc.maricopa.edu

Universal Technical Institute 10695 W. Pierce St. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-245-4600 www.uti.edu

University of Phoenix 9520 W. Palm Lane Phoenix, AZ 85037 480-557-2000 www.phoenix.edu

20,000

CIRCULATION DELIVERED WITHIN WEST VALLEY VIEW

Cities at a Glance

Year of incorporation: 1946

Population: 83,420

Median age: 29.9

Median household annual income: $64,289

Land area: 54 square miles

City Hall: 11465 W. Civic

Center Drive (623-333-1000)

www.ci.avondale.az.us

Mayor: Kenn Weise

Vice mayor: Frank Scott

Year of incorporation: 1929

Population: 58,100

Median age: 30.8

Median household annual income: $64,268

Land area: 600 square miles

City Hall: 530 E. Monroe Ave. (623-349-6000)

www.buckeyeaz.gov

Mayor: Jackie Meck

Vice mayor: Eric Orsborn

Year of incorporation: 1946

Population: 72,864

Median age: 33.6

Median household annual income: $76,523

Land area: 191 square miles

City Hall: 190 N. Litchfield Road (623-932-3910)

www.goodyearaz.gov

Mayor: Georgia Lord

Vice mayor: Joe Pizzillo

Year of incorporation: 1987

Population: 5,568

Median age: 44.2

Median household annual income: $84,204

Land area: 3.5 square miles

City Hall: 214 W. Wigwam Blvd. (623-935-5033)

www.litchfield-park.org

Mayor: Tom Schoaf

Vice mayor: Paul Faith

Year of incorporation: 1929

Population: 6,756

Median age: 29

Median household annual income: $37,972

Land area: 5.75 square miles

City Hall: 9555 W. Van Buren St. (623-936-7111)

www.tollesonaz.org

Mayor: Adolfo Gamez

Vice mayor: Linda Laborin

Council: David Iwanski, Stephanie Karlin, Bryan Kilgore, Jim McDonald and Charles Vierhout

City manager: David Fitzhugh

Police Dept.: 11485 W. Civic Center Drive (623-333-7000)

Police chief: Dale Nannenga

Fire Dept.: 1825 N. 107th Ave. (623-333-6000)

Fire chief: Paul Adams

Council: Robert Garza, Michelle Hess, Craig Heustis, Brian McAchran and Ray Strauss

City manager: Stephen Cleveland

Police Dept.: 100 N. Apache Road, Suite D (623-349-6400)

Police chief: Larry Hall

Libraries: Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive (623-333-2602); Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Ave. (623-333-2665)

Post Offices: Avondale Post Office, 401 W. Western Ave. (623-882-9148); Cashion Post Office, 1216 N. 111th Drive (623-936-1362)

Fire Dept.: 100 N. Apache Road (623-349-6700)

Fire chief: Bob Costello Library: 310 N. Sixth St. (623-349-6300)

Post Office: 51 E. Monroe Ave. (623-386-3117)

Council: Wally Campbell, Sharolyn Hohman, Sheri

Lauritano, Joanne Osborne and Bill Stipp

City manager: Brian Dalke

Police Dept.: 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite E-101 (623932-1220)

Police chief: Jerry Geier

Fire Dept.: 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite E-103 (623-932-2300)

Fire chief: Paul Luizzi

Library: 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite C-101 (602-652-3000)

Post Office: 875 S. Estrella Parkway (623-882-9148)

Council: Tim Blake, Peter Mahoney, John Romack and Paul Stucky

City manager: Darryl Crossman

Police Dept.: Maricopa County

Sheriff’s Office (602-876-1011)

Fire Dept.: Goodyear Fire Department (623-932-2300)

Library: 101 W. Wigwam Blvd. (602-652-3000)

Post Office: 591 Plaza Circle (623-935-2089)

Council: Clorinda Erives, Kathie Farr, Albert Mendoza and Juan Rodriguez

City manager: Reyes Medrano Jr.

Police Dept.: 8350 W. Van Buren St. (623-936-7186)

Police chief: Larry Rodriguez

Fire Dept. : 203 N. 92nd Ave. (623-936-8500)

Fire chief: George Good Library: 9555 W. Van Buren St. (623-936-2746)

Post Office: 8805 W. Van Buren St. (623-907-0206)

Skyway