Vista - Fall/Winter 2015

WELCOME TO VISTA

After hibernating indoors with our air conditioning cranked for the last four or fi ve months, we’re ready to get out and play.

Those of us who choose to make this our home know that every year, we’ll face triple-digit temperatures, dust storms and maybe even some torrential monsoon rains, but once fall and winter arrive, it’s all worth it, because while so much of the rest of the country is hunkering down indoors with their fi replaces and woodburning stoves stoked, we’re donning our shorts and T-shirts and hitting the trails, fi ring up the grill and putting in our winter gardens.

This is the time of the year when we don’t have to put heatresistant booties on our dogs’ feet before taking them for a walk, the time of year when we don’t risk dying from heat stroke when going on a hike, the time of year when we don’t have to drive north to enjoy camping, the time of year when we don’t watch the fruits of our

labor burn before it’s even had a chance to ripen, the time of year when we can run through corn mazes like the children we once were.

This is the time of year when visitors fall in love with our environment and choose to become permanent residents. And if they miss their precious snow, they know it’s only a twohour drive away and then it’s back to the Valley of the Sun where they never have to shovel sunshine again.

This Vista touches upon all of these reasons that make the West Valley one of the best places in the country to live. We’ve also included, as always, handy guides to places of worship, public schools, your local representatives and info on all fi ve West Valley cities. Don’t forget to check out our calendar of events. It’s loaded with fun things to do.

What are you waiting for? Get out and play!

— Cary Hines Managing editor

1050 E. Riley Dr., Avondale, AZ 85323 (623) 535-8439 [535-VIEW] FAX (623) 935-2103

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TRANSPLANTS TAKE ROOT

Warm winters make West Valley ideal new home

View photo by Jordan Christopher John Wachtman grills steaks Aug. 13 in his Goodyear backyard. Originally from California, John and his wife, Nancy, moved to the Estrella community in Goodyear about 12 years ago. The couple love gardening in the cooler months and plant an herb garden that goes hand in hand with John’s love of cooking.

by Rachel Trott assistant editor

There’s a big difference between winter in Arizona and winter for the rest of the majority of the nation.

For example, Phoenix’s average temperatures in January hover in the high 60s, compared to Milwaukee’s average high of just 28 degrees ... on a lucky day.

“The winters there are definitely worse than the summers here,” said Jo-Ann Wordell of Goodyear. She recently moved from the Milwaukee area to Arizona with her husband, Fred.

“I worked in property management there and two winters of minus 15 degrees — and that’s not wind chill, that’s actual temperature — well, that impacts all sorts of things managing a property. Not to mention just getting out day to day, plus the snow.”

Of course, sometimes the temperatures were so low that it was too cold for even snow to fall, Jo-Ann added.

The Wordells settled in Goodyear in late 2014 and quickly started enjoying the sunny December and January weather.

“We’d text friends while we were sitting and eating outside last December, it’d be a beautiful 80 degrees, and after awhile, I kind of felt bad about it, so I stopped,” Jo-Ann joked. “It’d be snowing back home,

and of course, you’d pay attention on the news, we’d just be glad it wasn’t us.”

Good company makes good weather even better, so the Wordells hosted a lot of friends their first winter here, they said.

“It seemed like we had nonstop visitors during February and March,” Fred said. “We’d invite them and say, ‘Hey, come on out, get used to this kind of weather.’”

This summer was the couple’s first summer in the Valley, when temperatures burned the record books at more than 115 degrees, but it still made the coming fall and winter worth it, they said.

“Often, we’ve heard that you don’t have to shovel sunshine,” Jo-Ann said.

Green thumb learning curves

The heat doesn’t seem to bother John and Nancy Wachtman, either.

The Wachtmans, also of Goodyear, moved to the West Valley roughly 12 years ago from California, and they embrace the temperate fall and winter months after the summer.

One thing the couple love to do together is garden, which is nearly impossible to do until the weather cools down.

“I was in banking, but my favorite job was working at a florist shop. I got

to be around plants and flowers every day,” Nancy said. “But you don’t plant the same plants as you do in California. It’s a completely different growing cycle. [My first year here] I picked a bunch of stuff and planted it, and they immediately died.”

These days, Nancy’s gardening is limited by back problems, so John helps out by planting the flowers and plants she picks out, he said.

“Planting means a lot to her, so we’ve been a team,” he said. “I ask her what to plant, and sometimes, I surprise her and come home with a couple of shrubs.”

One unique thing the Wachtmans have found that’s different from California gardening are cactuses. With the help of a landscaper, the couple planted a cactus garden when they first moved into their Goodyear home. More than a decade later and the cactuses are thriving.

“They require very little care. I think I watered them once in July and I tried to soak them a little bit,” John said. “They seem to be real happy. Different ones also bloom — some get big, white flowers, but they only last a day and a half.”

Nancy said that while maintaining greenery might be a little bit more difficult in Arizona than in California, there’s still natural beauty to be found here.

“We wanted to live in a place where our money bought us a nice atmosphere and retirement,” Nancy said. “We came out here and just fell in love with the palm trees, there’s a little color, it’s not just all sand.”

The couple also grow an herb garden in the cooler months, which goes toward another favorite hobby of John’s: cooking.

Venturing out

One thing the Wordells and Wachtmans have in common is they enjoy visits to California.

With San Diego roughly five hours away by car, it makes for a quick, convenient trip from Arizona.

John retired after 20 years of service in law enforcement in California, and while the Wachtmans eventually moved from the state to Arizona, they still have children there, plus six grandchildren.

“We visit San Diego twice a year, and we visit Sacramento twice a year. That’s probably our other favorite activity we like to do is take road trips or fly,” Nancy said.

Fred and Jo-Ann Wordell pose Aug. 12 outside their Goodyear home. The couple, who retired to the Estrella community from Milwaukee in 2014, have lived through their first West Valley summer and said the warm winters make the triple digits worth it.

The Wordells also have ties to California. The couple started their married life off in San Diego while Fred served in the Navy.

“Our son and his wife still live in the Los Angeles area. They’ve got two boys, ages 3 and 2,” Fred said.

Los Angeles is also a relatively quick and easy drive from Arizona.

“Part of the reason why we liked Goodyear and not some place like Sun City is because it’s more open to kids and things that they can and like to do,” Fred said. “We figured as they get older, they can come here and enjoy the pools or splash parks.”

The Wordells also like taking advantage of the good weather to sightsee around their home state ... most of which are places free of snow for most of the year.

“We have lots of places in Arizona that we plan to get to. Some we’ve gotten to already, like Sedona and the Grand Canyon, but there’s a lot more we need to and want to get to,” Fred said.

Rachel Trott can be reached by email at rtrott@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @byracheltrott.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

LOCAL CAMPING A HIT

Spots fill up fast at county parks during cooler months

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Camping in Arizona’s high country is popular in the summer when temperatures reach triple digits, but the ideal climate of the Valley’s fall, winter and spring seasons makes camping at regional parks a great “staycation.”

Both Estrella and White Tank mountain regional parks have plenty of camp sites for locals to get away from the hustle and bustle, while still staying close to home.

“Campers come for various reasons,”

White Tank Mountain Regional Park Supervisor Raymond Schell said. “Some just come to camp or are passing through, others to use the trails, others for specific events in the West Valley, PIR or spring training. That’s some of our peak times, or when the kids are out of school for spring break.”

Both parks offer an array of activities for campers to choose from. Be it hiking, biking, ranger programs or local events that take place, entertainment options are plentiful.

“We have a lot of different activities here,” said Tippy Jackson, an interpretive ranger at Estrella Mountain Regional Park in Goodyear. “We have some beautiful hiking trails. I think it’s a combination, you get away from the city a little bit, you have the wilderness space, you have 20,000 acres of land, 53 miles of hiking and biking trails, we have horse rides available, a golf course nearby.”

Jackson also pointed out the NASCAR race, which takes place in March and November at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale. Some people prefer to camp at the park because it’s near the track but not as hectic as PIR’s camp sites, she said.

“Rather than camping with everybody [at PIR], they can come to a much more peaceful place to camp and they don’t have to fight traffic for the actual event,” Jackson said.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell has 40 camp sites that it designates as the family campground, with all sites having water and electric and access to a dumping station. The amenities have all been built within the last couple of years, Schell said. The park also has primitive camp sites in

Vince Campbell and Amy Douglas, along with their cat Kaylee, are yearround camp hosts at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell. The park’s campground has sites with water and electric hookups and access to a dumping station, as well as primitive sites.

the overflow section, which is near the competitive track. Additionally, the park has youth camp sites for Boy Scouts and other similar groups.

“The group [site] is used for every weekend for six months,” Schell said. “October through the end of March, even into May sometimes. It’s very popular.”

Schell said the park gets a mix of out-of-towners and locals during the peak season, which runs from the end of October through November, and February through Easter.

Jackson said Estrella sees an influx of people from out of town during big event weekends, but otherwise, it’s mostly locals who use the campgrounds.

Estrella has different types of camping, from RV sites with hookups to primitive camping sites, which can be used by RVs but have no hookups, to a youth camping area.

“Altogether, we have a 65-acre plot of space that’s a multipurpose area: ramadas for parties and for picnicking, playgrounds around, basketball hoops, and in between is grassy turf,” Jackson said. “The youth camp area takes 10

percent, and people camp all around that space. You can really camp wherever you want in that space.”

Camp hosts

Camp hosts take up some of the RVhookup sites at Estrella, and a few of them live there year round. Earl Reed and his wife, Sharyl, do that. They’ve been park hosts for about nine years, Earl said.

“We’re from Iowa,” Earl said. “We used to leave Iowa right after Thanksgiving and stay until just after Easter, and now, the last two or three years, we just stay here.”

Living there year round allows them a lot of interaction with others, Earl said.

“You get to meet a lot of interesting people, and 99.9 percent of the people are super nice around here; most of the people are from Goodyear,” Earl said.

“We enjoy that.”

Earl said the park has nine hosts during the summer, but upwards of 20 in the

See CAMPING on V7

View photo by Jordan Christopher

CAMPING from V6

winter. Additionally, the park sees several regular campers.

“A lot of people come out here for hiking, a lot of them have annual passes,” Earl said. “Several of them, we’re on a first-name basis.”

One of Earl’s jobs at the park is working in the contact station, where he greets people as they drive in and takes their $6 fee. He also checks on the irrigation system for leaks, among other responsibilities.

“Hosts that live on site are volunteers, they are always here day and night,” Jackson said. “They’re amazing people, always available to help. They work our nature centers, clean ramadas and prepare sites, clean bathrooms. This park could not exist without them.”

Additionally, both parks have regular programs hosted by rangers. Jackson is constantly trying to update and add new material, she said.

For information on the parks and their campgrounds, visit www.maricopa.gov/ parks and click on the “select a park” tab.

Casey Pritchard can be reached by email at cpritchard@westvalleyview.com.

A sign points to the family campground at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell. The family campground has 40 sites with water and electric hookups and access to a dumping station.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

by Emily Toepfer staff writer

TWest Valley community gardens offer plots for rent

ucked away on a quiet plot of land in Avondale sits a not-so-secret garden open to anyone interested in growing his own fruits and vegetables.

Fall and winter is a prime time to plant in Arizona, and almost every type of fruit and vegetable can be found at the Garden Patch, located next to the Civic Center Library at 11350 W. Civic Center Drive in Avondale.

Plants that grow well in the cooler weather include lettuce, kale, spinach, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, radishes, beets, turnips, onions, peas, tomatoes and strawberries, said Esmie Avila, water conservation education specialist for Avondale.

“It’s too hot in the summer for them, so they’re more cool-season vegetables,” she said. “Anywhere it’s cool, those will grow better.”

Avila has been gardening since she was young, and learned most of what she knows from her grandmother, who taught her when to plant certain foods.

“I was basically the human irrigation timer, before it got developed,” she said. “You had to get up early to water, or late at night.”

When she’s in the garden, Avila shuts off her cell phone and enjoys the tranquil surroundings, she said.

“I like just not worrying about anything else; coming out and putting something in

• Avondale — The Garden Patch is next to the Civic Center Library at 11350 W. Civic Center Drive.

Applications for renting a plot are available at avondalegardenpatch. com and should be mailed to Garden Patch Community Garden, P.O. Box 816, Avondale, AZ 85353, or dropped off Monday through Thursday to Esmie Avila at the city of Avondale Municipal Operations Building, 399 E. Lower Buckeye Road in Avondale.

Cost is $120 a year starting in March, and is prorated if you sign up later in the year. The fee covers one 10-foot by 20foot plot of land, insurance and water to irrigate the plot with its own water spigot.

Thomas Esmie Avila, left, Jissel Cervantes, Hailey Samaniego and Marlene Rey break up the ground in preparation for laying a drip watering system Aug. 1 at The Garden Patch community garden in Avondale. Ten-foot by 20-foot plots can be rented for $120 a year.

the ground and watching it grow and then being able to eat it,” she said.

Steps to be successful

The first step in planting a successful garden is choosing a good location. Areas with plenty of morning sunlight

Community gardens

Information about the Garden Patch is also available on its Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Garden-PatchCommunity-Garden/204918572855182.

• Buckeye — The Buckeye Outreach for Social Services community garden is at 501 E. Mahoney Ave.

Plots are available for $50 a year, which includes water. To sign up for a plot, visit the BOSS office before noon Monday through Thursday. For information, call Monty Mathis at 623-386-6365.

• Goodyear — The small, eight-plot community garden is at Parque de Paz, 1601 N. Palo Verde Drive.

Plots can be rented for $10 a year for

and some afternoon shade are best. Vegetables, especially fruiting types, grow well with six to eight hours of full sun exposure.

Goodyear residents and $60 a year for non-residents. The rental period is from Feb. 1 to Dec. 1, and is not prorated. The city covers the cost of water and controls the watering schedule.

If there are no plots available, you will be placed on a waiting list. Renewal registration begins Jan. 2 each year, new participants who live in Goodyear can submit applications starting Jan. 17, and nonresidents who don’t already have a plot can submit their applications starting Jan. 23. New garden applicants will only be issued one 9-foot by 12-foot plot per person. For information and an application, contact Jacque Bento do O’ at Jacqueline. Bento@goodyearaz.gov or 623-882-7330.

View photo by Ray

GARDEN from V8

Avoid planting your garden under or near trees or large shrubs, because their roots will rob fertility and water from the vegetables.

It’s also recommended to buy newer seeds, since some over a year old will not germinate well. Vegetable transplants can also be purchased from garden stores, nurseries and greenhouses. Select plants that are healthy, stocky, medium sized, with vigorous roots and that are pest free.

Preparing the soil is another important step. Solid ground should be broken up so it’s easier for the roots to grow. To maintain and improve soil conditions, mix organic matter and fertilizers into the dirt before planting, and prepare and cultivate when the soil is dry or slightly moist.

Organic matter makes the soil loose and easy to work with. It also improves nutrients, water-holding capacity, drainage and aeration. Well-rotted manure, compost and leaf mulch are commonly used organic materials.

“Most of us here don’t use any kind of synthetic fertilizer or synthetic weed killer — everything’s organic,” Avila said. “Different types of flowers also put out odors that repel bugs. They don’t deter completely, but most of the time, it’s a good way to go.”

In preparing the seedbed, don’t work the soil when it’s too wet. Wait for it to dry sufficiently so it crumbles in your hands. Mark out straight rows to make cultivation, insect control and harvesting easier.

Space seeds properly and uniformly in the rows, and plant at the proper depth. Planting directions are usually outlined

on the seed packages.

Cover seeds and firm the soil over them by gently tapping the soil by hand or with the flat back of a hoe. That prevents rain or sprinkler water from washing away the seeds.

Watering is recommended early in the morning or late at night, and should be done often enough to prevent crusting and drying around the seeds.

After plants emerge, water less often but deeper. The soil should be kept moist, not wet, in the root zone of the plant throughout the growing season.

Excessive fluctuations of soil moisture can adversely affect plant growth and quality. Plants should also be thinned to the desired number as soon as possible by removing weaker plants.

TFARMING COMPANY

he Rousseau Family has been putting food on the tables of Arizona families since 1892. We are proud to provide fresh, healthy and locally grown produce.

We pack our conventionally and organically grown produce under the labels Rousseau, Pacific, Pure Pacific Organic and Majesty. We are available in your local retailers and restaurants – ask for us by name. www.facebook.com/RousseauFarming

See GARDEN on V11

Goodyear is hosting an Intro to Gardening class from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 17 at 200 S. Calle Del Pueblo in Goodyear.

Avondale also offers a variety of classes throughout the year about gardening and landscaping. The classes are free, but space is limited and registration is required.

To register for one of the following classes, call Esmie Avila at 623-333-4422 or email eavila@avondale.org.

• Vegetable gardening — 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 14 and 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 20, 2016, at the Avondale Municipal Operations Service Center, 399 E. Lower Buckeye Road.

Learn how to get your garden growing

Gardening classes

and strategies to overcome challenges of our environment. Classes will cover planting seasons and watering.

• Wildflowers — 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Avondale Municipal Operations Service Center, 399 E. Lower Buckeye Road.

Fall is the perfect time to plant annual wildflower seeds for a spectacular spring bloom in your landscape. Learn which annuals do best in our area, and how to combine them with perennial plants for the most impact.

• Plant Propagation — 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 28, 2016, at Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive.

Learn techniques for propagating

plants, including how to collect and sow seeds, divide specialized structures and take cuttings to enhance your garden and save money.

• Butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden — 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 25, 2016, at Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive in Avondale.

Residential landscapes can be great wildlife habitats. If you’re interested in plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies, this class is for you.

Numerous water-thrifty plants are available for a colorful yard. Depending on the time of year and what you plant, you can attract different types of hummingbirds, moths and butterflies.

GARDEN from V9

Most vegetables are at peak quality for only a short period of time. Learn to tell the proper time to harvest each crop, because immature vegetables will not improve after harvest, and over mature vegetables will be tough and lack the desired taste and texture.

“We always tell people who are hesitant, because that’s a big plot to start off with — if you want to join in with someone else and learn about gardening, or come on the weekends and watch other gardeners and ask them questions,” Avila said.

Growing what you eat

A plot in the Garden Patch is $120 for the year, and people can easily recoup the

cost by not having to buy produce, Avila said.

Avondale resident Candace Price, 57, is also a long-time gardener, and grows about 90 percent of the food her family eats.

“I like to know where my food came from,” she said. “People have lost that ability to know, this is how you get a cucumber or a pea — they think it just comes from the grocery store, and they don’t realize the seasons.”

When Price moved into a subdivision in Avondale, she had a harder time with her garden because of the block walls in her backyard, which block air circulation, she said.

She found the Garden Patch when it first opened in 2011, and currently has three plots. Price also takes care of three other plots for New Life Center. Last year, more than 1,200 pounds of fresh

food was donated to the West Valley domestic violence shelter.

Price’s favorite plants to grow vary by season, but she enjoys tomatoes and had 60 different varieties this year, she said. When a fruit or vegetable is not in season, Price doesn’t buy it at the store, because often it’s been picked before it’s ripe and then ripens in a warehouse, which causes it to deteriorate faster, she said.

“You get spoiled; when you taste a home-grown tomato or carrot or potato or onion or garlic, or whatever it might be, it has a true, rich flavor to it,” Price said. “You really get the true flavor of the vegetable. It’s picked when it’s ripe, right then and there.”

Emily Toepfer can be reached by email at etoepfer@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @EmilyToepfer.

A HIKING WE WILL GO

Cooler months ideal for hitting the trails

by Jeannette Cruz staff writer

After a long, dry summer of hiding indoors with the air conditioning blasting, fall is finally here, which means it’s finally time to take a hike.

County parks each have their own distinct character, and range from relatively flat strolls for casual hikes to more difficult trails for a good workout. An adventure for all!

Below is a roundup of West Valley parks and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

Estrella Mountain Regional Park

Address: 14805 W. Vineyard Ave., Goodyear

Phone: 623-932-3811

About the park: Comprising approximately 19,840 acres, Estrella Mountain Regional Park is the second largest park in the Maricopa County park system. The park offers a plethora of smoother hikes. The mountain doesn’t have a summit, strenuous trails or steep elevation changes. Most healthy adults and children can hike the trails with no problem, Interpretive Ranger Tippy Jackson said.

The park has more than 33 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. For an all-day hike, hike the Pederson Trail, which extends 8.7 miles far into the mountains. Some of the most popular and easy trails are the half-mile Gila Trail, a barrier-free and wheelchair- and stroller-friendly trail, and the mile-long Horseshoe Trail.

Quail and Baseline trails are the most popular intermediate trails, located west of the horse arena.

“These are less crowded because not a lot people know about them,” Jackson

Estrella Mountain Regional Park’s Quail Trail is open to hikers, equestrians and cyclists. The park, at 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. in Goodyear, is the second largest in the county park system with more than 33 miles of trails.

said. “You lose sight of the city back there and merge into the desert.”

Estrella’s bird life makes it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Jackson said. The Gila River runs through the park and draws more than 72 species of birds, including bald eagles, road runners, pelicans and herons.

Hiking at Estrella Mountain Regional Park is only allowed on designated trails, but several programs such as the petroglyph hikes, allow for further viewing of the park’s unique features.

Park hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to

Hiking safely in cool months

While succumbing to heat-related illnesses is less common during the fall and winter months, hikers should still be cautious and plan ahead before hitting the trails.

• Pack wisely: Pack extra layers of clothes in case it gets cold.

• Take extra tools: Daylight hours are short, so a flashlight is important in case night falls before the end of your hike. A signal mirror can help alert search and

rescue people.

• Take plenty of water: Even in cooler months, it is still important to stay hydrated. Park rangers suggest at least one gallon of water for every hiker.

• Pack plenty of snacks: Do not underestimate the amount of calories you have burned by the end of your hike.

• Be prepared for an emergency: Be sure to take a first-aid kit, a cell phone and any medication.

10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Find out about upcoming programs at www.maricopa.gov/parks/estrella.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park

Address: 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell Phone: 602-506-3011

About the park: Located in westcentral Maricopa County are 29,271 acres of desert and mountain landscape, belonging to White Tank Mountain Regional Park — the largest regional park in the county.

The park offers approximately 25 miles of trails, ranging in length from 0.9 to 7.9 miles, and difficulty from easy to strenuous. The most popular, and oftentimes most crowded, trail is the Waterfall Trail, according to park rangers. The Waterfall Trail is two miles round-trip, with a wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, barrier-free, flat grade for most of it. Highlights of the trail include Sonoran desert scenery and hundreds of petroglyphs, or rock art, created by the Hohokam Indians during

See HIKING on V13

View photo by Jordan Christopher

his

the time period A.D. 500-1100. Horseback and mountain bike riders are also welcomed.

For a less crowded hiking experience, park rangers recommend the 1.5mile Black Rock Loop or the mile-long South trails.

For moderate to experienced hikers, hike to the tops of Mule Deer (3.4 miles), Mesquite Canyon (five miles), Goat Camp (6.3 miles) or Ford Canyon (7.4 miles). Harder trails have larger rocks; uneven surfaces; a gain and loss of elevation; a little more caution in way-finding, as trails are not as well marked; and even a little boulder hopping, said Jennifer Bland, the park’s interpretive ranger. Bland said hikers can join several trails together to create their own custom loops.

Park hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Skyline Regional Park

What are petroglyphs?

Petroglyphs are prehistoric rock carvings, or drawings, left behind by ancient civilizations. The meaning of them still remains a mystery, and according to Interpretive Ranger Tippy Jackson, modern man may never really know the true meaning of the drawings.

“It’s not like hieroglyphics where there’s a translation,” Jackson said. “They’re symbols and there’s no way to tell what their original intent was.”

Although petroglyphs at the White Tank and Estrella Mountain sister parks have not been studied comprehensively, Jackson said there are circular petroglyphs that White Tank park employees have created a hypothesis for.

“On the longest and shortest day of the year, the sun hits these spots,” she said. “So we think it might be a way to track the longest and shortest days.”

Jackson said there is another she believes resembles a roadrunner, but different people view it differently.

Address: North of Interstate 10 off Watson Road and south of White Tank Mountain Regional Park Phone: 623-349-6621

HIKING from V12

View photo by Jordan Christopher

About the park: If you are looking for a new, scenic landscape to explore, the 8,675-acre site is the most recent addition to the mountainous region of Buckeye, and is combined with White Tank Mountain Regional Park. The park offers a 133-foot-long, 14-foot-wide

bridge that connects equestrians and bikers to 28 miles of trails.

Trails located closer to the trailhead offer an easier rating, while trails in the back country have a more difficult rating and elevation.

The park is also home to an abundance of different plants and wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, javelinas, jackrabbits and kit foxes.

Robert Weisner, conservation and project manager, said each hike is unique and offers a different experience.

“Depending on what you’re looking for, we’ve got it here,” he said.

Skyline Regional Park is open from sunrise to sunset. An entrance fee is not required.

For information about Skyline Regional Park, visit skylineregionalpark.com.

A-MAIZE-ING JOURNEY

Corn mazes make getting lost fun

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Every year, tall corn stalks sway to and fro in the crisp autumn wind, ready to expel their harvest.

For many farmers, there’s more to the crop than the ears of corn it produces; those farmers purposely sow the seeds to create a maze of maize.

Rocker 7 Farm Patch, 19601 W. Broadway Road in Buckeye, added a family-friendly corn maze last year to its annual fall festivities. To accomplish that, the farm must start planning in the spring and get busy during the hot months of summer.

“The first thing that we do, and we start this really back in the spring, is

View photo by Jordan Christopher Corn grows for this

family-friendly corn maze at Rocker 7 Farm Patch in Buckeye.

planning out how big we want the maze to be,” Rocker 7 Farm Patch’s Katie Leister said.

During winter and spring, wheat grows on the four-acre spot that will be the maze. Even while the wheat is still in the ground, preparations for the corn maze are under way.

“While that was still growing, we were setting up our irrigation ditches and everything to grow [the corn],” Leister said. “You have to make sure the way everything is set up in the fields will accommodate irrigation needs as well, especially if you’re growing other things in that small area. We plan out how we’re going to lay everything out back then.”

Once the wheat is harvested, the corn is planted — something that requires a science-like dedication to time management. Plant too early and the corn will be wilting at the end of the festival season. Too late and guests will be able to see over the maze walls, ruining the entire experience. The corn is planted at the end of July, and after about a week and a half, has grown to 6 inches in height.

“Corn shoots up very quickly,” Leister

Get lost

Corn mazes have become a fall staple in the West Valley. Some are familyfriendly while others aren’t for the faint of the heart. But one thing they share in common is providing a venue to have a good time getting lost in.

Check out these West Valley maize mazes:

• Fear Farm

2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix

Fear Farm features five haunted houses and the Valley’s largest corn maze.

For information, visit www.fearfarm.com.

• Rocker 7 Farm Patch

said. “I’m actually surprised how tall it is right now.”

By the time the maze is completed, the corn will be well over guests’ heads, Leister said.

“For the next couple of months, we’ll be monitoring that, fertilizing needs and irrigation,” Leister said in August. “Growing it as we would any other crop on our main farm.”

Irrigation needs change when the maze opens in October.

PREPARATORY ACADEMIES

ENROLLING NOW!

19601 W. Broadway Road, Buckeye Rocker 7 Farm Patch features a pumpkin patch, four-acre corn maze, straw bale maze, straw bale pyramid, petting zoo and train wagon ride.

For information, visit www.rocker7farmpatch.com.

• Tolmachoff Farms

5726 N. 75th Ave., Glendale

Tolmachoff Farms features a six-acre family corn maze, a haunted corn maze, a mini corn maze, petting zoo, train ride and a hay pyramid.

For information, visit www.tolmachoff-farms.com.

“When it gets closer to when we open, the timing of the irrigations are very critical,” Leister said. “That’s something we have to plan very strategically to make sure we irrigate it long enough that we’re not going to have dead corn out there by the end of the season, but it also has to be dry enough when people come that they’re

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See MAZES on V17

not trampling through mud either.”

Design

Rocker 7 Farm Patch, like many farms, doesn’t actually create the maze. Companies all over the U.S. are contracted to cut and create designs in the corn.

“There are actually quite a few companies across the United States that do these sort of services for different farms,” Leister said. “That was something I didn’t know until we started getting into this. There were actually a lot of options in selecting a corn-maze designer and cutter. That was interesting to me.”

MazePlay, based out of Idaho, will cut the design into the field after the corn has grown. It’s the second year Rocker 7 Farm Patch has contracted with the company.

Rocker 7 Farm Patch has the option to either pick from a selection of pre-made designs or work with MazePlay to create a custom design.

“They can alter one of those to fit in the space you have, or you can take one and tell them how you want to alter it, or you can do a completely custom design,” Leister said. “There’s a little more cost involved with that.”

Leister said the farm is considering getting commercial sponsors to sign up to have their logos cut into the maze, but that hasn’t materialized into anything just yet.

Eventually down the road, Rocker 7 Farm Patch would like to design and cut its own maze.

“We think that we will someday when my husband [Brandon] has time for that, but right now, we don’t,” Leister said.

Last year, Rocker 7 Farm Patch chose a design that features the Statue of Liberty.

“Last year, they ended up having a Statue of Liberty design they’d used before, that’s what we ended up going with,” Leister said. “This year, if we don’t do a custom design, we’ll do something that fits our farm.”

Rocker 7 Farm Patch wants to base this year’s festival on agricultural education, Leister said.

“Since we do have an actual main farm where we gain our living from, we are really basing this one on agricultural education vs. turning it into a complete carnival,” Leister said. “We want it to be a festival and people to have fun and everything, but we want to stay away from the [carnival] type things. We’re not going to have cartoon characters in our maze; we’ll keep it a little more realistic.”

MazePlay sends a team to Rocker 7 Farm Patch when it’s time to cut out the design. The MazePlay representative has the design mapped out on a GPS locator and quickly mows down the corn.

“We watched him cut it when they got here [last year],” Leister said. “He was done in an hour and a half. He zipped right through there.”

Rocker 7 Farm Patch will open this fall, and run through the Halloween holiday. For information on hours and an opening date, visit www.rocker7farmpatch.com.

Shane McOwen can be reached by email at smcowen@ westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @Shane_WVV.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

Fido flourishes in temperate temps

by Jeannette Cruz staff writer

It’s finally cool outside, and if you’re from the Valley, then you know hibernating season is over around here. Fall and winter are the perfect times to play outside with your pup, even if it’s an idling English bulldog.

Don’t believe me? Lilian Scott of Avondale already has a ton of activities lined up to keep busy during the fall and winter months, after a long summer of bonding with her 12-week-old “baby” Butch Benedict Scott.

Dogs such as Butch dread the summer since they quickly overheat because of their thick bodies and folds of skin, Scott said.

“You have to make sure you are always going out at proper hours, that you are always hydrated and making sure there’s shade, because the heat here is insane,” she said.

But, even with the scorching temperatures, Scott rarely missed an opportunity to give Butch a moodboosting social life this past summer.

Butch really can’t complain. This summer, he and Scott did plenty of home shopping, ate, swam and even made a few coffee runs.

“We go to a lot of pet-friendly restaurants with a patio where he can sit and I can give him water and biscuits,” Scott said. “We go to Dutch Bros. and Starbucks and I get him a Puppoccino — which is usually something really simple like a little milk bone with whipped cream.”

Scott said she thinks it’s important to

See DOGS on V19

West Valley dog parks

The West Valley is home to three parks devoted to dogs. They all feature separate areas according to size or energy level; doggy drinking fountains; and benches for owners who want to kick back and watch their little ones socialize.

Friendship Park

ADDRESS: 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale PHONE: 623-333-2400

AMENITIES: Doggie drinking fountains, benches for dog owners, doggie toys and separate dog parks for small and medium dogs and large dogs.

Sundance Park

ADDRESS: 22865 Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye

AMENITIES: Doggie drinking fountains, shaded areas, an agility course, waste-disposal bags and separate areas for small and large dogs.

Roscoe Dog Park

ADDRESS: 15600 W. Roeser Road, Goodyear

PHONE: 623-882-7525

AMENITIES: Doggie drinking fountains, shaded benches, waste-disposal bags, restrooms, picnic tables and separate areas for active and passive dogs.

View photo by Ray Thomas

Lilian Scott of Avondale and her English bulldog Butch rest after romping around in the dog park section at Friendship Park in Avondale.

make Butch feel like part of the family.

In the summer while swimming and grilling, she’d throw a few meatless rib bones on the grill for Butch. And, just in case he decided to take a dip in the pool, Butch has his very own life jacket.

“Physics won’t allow him to swim,” Scott said. “He’s kind of fat and top-heavy, so he really can’t.”

Being a couch potato is Butch’s favorite activity, which means he and Scott, who loves to run and cook, are total opposites.

“We’ll go for a walk, and at the end of the street, he is boycotting the walk and he’ll just drop,” Scott said. “If he pulls himself together, maybe we can finish the walk, but if not, I have to pick him up, so I end up getting my exercise because he’s heavy.”

During the cooler months, Butch will enjoy plenty of bike rides on Scott’s beach cruiser bicycle, eating homemade peanut butterbased holiday treats, pumpkin carving and a little costume fun.

“I usually make Halloween treats for my dogs so that they get the trick-or-treating experience,” Scott said. “I usually make them bone-shaped, but since it’s Halloween, I’m going to try to find something skull-shaped.”

If he’s lucky, Butch will even get to dress as Rubble from Paw Patrol, and get his own pumpkin with his name carved in it, Scott said.

Scott said dogs need holiday love, too, whether it’s a Thanksgiving dog-approved meal or Christmas presents to rip open.

“I know it’s silly, but Butch loves boxes,” she said. “I’m thinking of getting him a box within a box within a box, with some treats in there.”

Jeannette Cruz can be reached by email at jcruz@westvalleyview.com.

View photo by Ray Thomas Lilian Scott of Avondale plays with her English bulldog Butch in the dog park section at Friendship Park in Avondale. After a long hot summer, the two are excited for cooler weather when they can enjoy bike rides, pumpkin carving and holiday treats.

FUN IN THE SNOW

Skiing, snowboarding, sledding a day trip away

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

It’s hard to think about snow on the ground when temperatures have been in the triple digits for so long, but in a few short months, the fluffy white stuff will be falling all across the northern part of our state. That means lots of opportunities for people in the West Valley to get their winter fix.

The high country boasts a pair of ski resorts, as well as snow parks and cross country ski trails.

One of the ski resorts is Arizona Snowbowl, 9300 Snowbowl Road, Flagstaff. Snowbowl has 40 runs serviced by six chairlifts, encompassing 777 skiable acres. Several improvements began over the summer to make Snowbowl a more enticing spot this winter. The improvements include trail maintenance, adding new snowmaking machines and installing additional chairlifts.

“This is moving forward on our master plan development that was put in place several years ago,” Arizona Snowbowl’s Director of Sales and Marketing Jason Stratton said. “Implementing snowmaking was the first stage of that master plan, and now we’re moving forward on making sure that guest experience and uphill capacity is met by adding a new chairlift this summer, and hopefully a new chairlift next summer, as well.”

The Humphreys Peak Quad is Snowbowl’s first new chairlift in 30 years. It’s also the first four-person chairlift at the resort.

“It basically adds access to some new trails we developed in 2011,” Stratton said. “It’s in a section of the mountain where you had to take two different chairlifts and kind of side slip to get to these trails, so now there’s going to be this dedicated lift to these trails.”

Planned to be built next year is another lift called the Grand Canyon Express.

“That’s going to be the first true high-speed [lift],” Stratton said. “That’s going to service almost 90 percent of the terrain that’s accessed by Agassiz right now, which gives you a faster ride to the highest, most popular terrain.”

The two new lifts should greatly help reduce wait times for skiers.

SNOW

Photo by Casey Pritchard

A chairlift goes above a snowy hillside at Sunrise Ski Park near Greer. The resort, which offers 65 runs, is about a four-hour drive from the West Valley.

“During the holiday periods, we can see times on the hill where it is congested, so hopefully, adding new high-speed chairlifts will help with that guest experience, not only during the holidays but every other time during the year, as well,” Stratton said.

In addition to the new lifts, a snowmaking infrastructure will be added to the trail areas those lifts service. Stratton said snowmaking is vital for Snowbowl.

“Certainly, in the last two years, being record drought years, without snowmaking, we just wouldn’t have the capital to put these chairlifts in. It’s critical to the success and future of Snowbowl.”

Snowbowl has had two full years of snowmaking, Stratton said. Without it, the ski season is sometimes cut short.

“In the history of Snowbowl, there were times we had very short seasons, as short as 10 days, without snowmaking

See SNOW on V23

Photo by Casey Pritchard

Skiers make their way down a run at Sunrise Ski Park near Greer.

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and without help from mother nature,” Stratton said. “This snowmaking system has proven to always guarantee a 100-plus day winter season.”

The average ski season at Snowbowl is mid- to late November through early to mid-April. The resort gets guests from as far as Mexico, Texas and Southern California, but a majority of visitors are from the Valley, Stratton said.

“We see folks coming out of the Valley, and we never want to see them unhappy,

so it’s our commitment to make sure that experience on the mountain is the best we can do,” Stratton said. “Hopefully, they’ll go home at work on Monday, tell their friends about it and get more people up here.”

More skiing, parks, trails

The other ski resort is Sunrise Ski Park, offering 65 runs over three mountain peaks. It’s owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, located

on Indian reservation land near Greer. Other areas to check out up north are Wing Mountain Snow Play area, 15 miles from Flagstaff. There, you can throw snow balls at your friends, or sled down hills on a toboggan.

Another place for winter fun is the Flagstaff Nordic Center, which has 40 kilometers of cross country ski trails.

Casey Pritchard can be reached by email at cpritchard@westvalleyview.com.

WEST VALLEY HEALTH CARE DIRECTORY

Assisted Living

Palm Valley Rehabilitation

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

Cardiologists

Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona

9305 W. Thomas Rd., #270

20940 N. Tatum Blvd., #325 1331 N. 7th St., #375 (602) 307-0070

Dentistry

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. Ste-D400

Avondale (623) 889-2516 www.arrowheadderm.com

Ear, Nose & Throat

IMS Ear, Nose & Throat

Sinus Center

13555 W Mcdowell Rd Suite 104

Goodyear (623) 512-4199

Hearing Loss

IMS Ear, Nose & Throat

Sinus Center

13555 W McDowell Rd. Suite 104

Goodyear (623) 512-4199

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Estrella Womens Health Ctr. 1170 N. Estrella Parkway, #A-107 Goodyear, AZ 85338 10240 W. Indian Sch. Bldg. 2 Phoenix, AZ 85037 (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. Maria R. DiLeo, M.D. Erica McLaughlin, M.D. Cari L. Cowling, M.D. Briggs J. Geier, D.O. Kim Roberts, W.H.N.P. 9305 W. Thomas Rd. #155 Phoenix (623) 936-1780 www.westvalleywomenscare.com

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

Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona exemplifies Heart Care at its Best! The Cardiologists at Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona are leaders in cardiovascular diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and education. The Heart & Vascular Center of Arizona physicians provide the highest level of cardiovascular care to patients through their expertise, with over 25 years experience treating cardiovascular disease in Arizona.

Our practice is committed to spreading the word about the risks of heart disease and early detection. Heart disease can be prevented or controlled. The risk factors include: high blood pressure, smoking, high blood cholesterol, overweight, diabetes, inactivity and a family history of early heart disease.

NATHAN LAUFER, M.D. Medical Director

ADAM BRODSKY, M.D. Interventional Cardiology

ALAN GROSSMAN, M.D. Noninvasive Cardiology

PARMINDER SINGH, M.D. Interventional Cardiology

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JOSHUA WAGGONER, M.D. Interventional Cardiology

ASHISH SADHU, M.D. Electrophysiology

EASY WAYS TO START LIVING HEALTHIER

Contrary to popular belief, adopting a healthy lifestyle is not a difficult undertaking. In certain instances, convenience may need to be sacrificed in favor of nutrition, but many people find that living healthy is not nearly as difficult as they assumed it would be when they initially decided to make a change.

When men and women decide they want to start living healthier, many mistakenly assume they must abandon their existing habits entirely and start from scratch. But the following are some easy ways to start living healthier every day.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables. One of the best and easiest ways to live healthier is to begin eating more fruits and vegetables. Instead of unhealthy snacks such as potato chips and cookies, snack on a piece of fruit, and never sit down to a meal unless you include some vegetables to go along with the main course. Studies have shown that men and women whose diets are high in fruits and vegetables are less likely to develop certain types of cancers, including cancers of the digestive tract. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture notes that people whose diets are rich in fruits and vegetables have a lower risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.

• Slow down your eating routine. Some people may already be eating the right foods, but they may just be eating too much of them. It takes time for your body to let you know it’s had too much to eat, so eating too fast can increase your risk of overeating. While eating, try to limit distractions that can take your attention away from how much you’re eating. If you’re always watching television or checking emails on your phone while eating, try a few days of distraction-free, careful eating, and you may find yourself

Including more fruits and vegetables in your diet is an easy and effective way to improve your overall health.

eating less and feeling more energized after a meal.

• Skip the second glass of wine. The much publicized medical benefits of wine are somewhat misleading. According to the Mayo Clinic, when consumed in moderation, red wine can help prevent heart disease. That’s because alcohol and antioxidants found in red wine have been shown to increase levels of high-density lipoprotein, often referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol, and protect against artery damage. But wine also contains sugars that can fatten the liver, and a fatty liver can contribute to a host of serious health problems. If you already drink wine, limit yourself to one glass per day.

If you are not a wine drinker, then it’s important to note that many doctors believe the potential benefits of drinking wine do not outweigh the potentially negative consequences associated with alcohol consumption, which include neurological problems and an increased risk for heart disease.

Submitted photo

HEALTHY from V26

• Get more sleep. Inadequate sleep affects the body in a variety of ways. Many people are aware that one poor night’s sleep is certain to affect their energy levels the following

day, but fewer may know of the link between sleep duration and chronic disease. For example, the Harvard Medical School notes that studies have linked insufficient sleep to type 2 diabetes, as the body’s ability to process glucose can be compromised by poor sleeping habits. Other medical

conditions that have been linked to insufficient sleep include obesity, heart disease and mood disorders. While you might be proud of your ability to function on minimal sleep, the long-term effects of insufficient sleep can be dire, so be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep each night.

Choosing to live healthier does not mean you need to completely overhaul your existing lifestyle. In fact, you can make several easy everyday changes to dramatically improve your overall health.

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If you answer “YES” to any of the following questions, you may have a

• Does it often seem as if people are mumbling?

• Do you misunderstand conversations?

• Do you have difficulty tuning out background noise?

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• Do family members or friends often think you’re not listening to them?

Hearing loss can occur at any age and can affect much of your daily life. Most cases can be easily treated with amplification. Talk to our

THE TO-DO LIST

West Valley calendar jam packed with fall, winter events

While other parts of the county may be buried under snow, Arizona’s weather has cooled off just enough to be perfect for activites. Check out the calendar below for local winter and fall events.

September

12 — The Back to School Movie Night & Viewing Party will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at Phoenix International Raceway, 7602 W. Avondale Blvd., Avondale. A 4 p.m. viewing of the NASCAR Spring Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway will be followed by a 7:30 p.m. screening of the movie Cars. Take lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Parking and admission are free; concessions will be available for purchase. For information, visit www.avondale.org/events.

13 – The 9/11 Memorial & Family Day will begin with a flag-raising at 7:30 a.m. at Goodyear Fire Station 183, 3075 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Speeches from police, fire and military personnel will begin at 7:45; and a charity pancake breakfast hosted by United Goodyear Firefighters Charities will begin at 8. For information, visit www.southwestvalleychamber.org.

18 — Movie Night will begin at 7 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way. Take a blanket to view the PG-rated movie Strange Magic on the outfield lawn. Admission and parking are free; concessions will be available for purchase. For information, visit www.goodyearaz.gov.

19 — The Tardeada Latina Street Fair will take place from 2 p.m. to midnight at Paseo de Luces at 91st Avenue and Van Buren Street in downtown Tolleson. The festival will feature food trucks, craft vendors, music and a car show. For information, visit www.tollesonaz.org.

19 — Oktoberfest will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on the front lawn of the Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Entertainment will be provided by the Bob Doszak Band and authentic German food and beer will be available for purchase. The event will also include games, activities and prizes.

Admission costs $10 and tickets are available at the Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road; online at www.eventbrite.com, keyword Litchfield Park Oktoberfest; or at the gate. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Proceeds benefit the Litchfield Park Recreation Center. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-9359040.

25 — Ballet Under the Stars will begin at 7 p.m. at the Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, 10300 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear. General admission is free. Take lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Concessions will be available for purchase. For information, visit www.balletaz.org.

October

3 — Relay for Life will run from 6 p.m. Oct. 3 to 6 a.m. Oct. 4 at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Teams are invited to raise money for the American Cancer Society and pay tribute to loved ones. Teams must have one participant walking on the track at all times. Teams will camp on the fi eld. Food and other vendors will be on site. For information, to register or make a donation, visit www.relay.acsevents.org.

7 — Lunch and Bunco will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Goodyear Library Community Room, 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite C102, Goodyear. The lunch menu will feature food from a local Goodyear restaurant. Registration is $13 for food and prizes. To register, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/ cityofgoodyear/Home.

9-10 — The Helzarock’n Gem & Mineral Show will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Arena on Miller Road south of the Buckeye Irrigation District Canal in Buckeye.

9-11 — Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church’s Fiesta de Amistad will run from 5 p.m. to midnight Oct. 9, 9 a.m. to midnight Oct. 10 and 1 to 10 p.m. Oct. 11 at the church, 512 N 93rd Ave. in Tolleson. A parade starts at 9 a.m. Oct. 10. Carnival rides and games run all weekend and traditional Mexican food will be sold. A beer garden will also be

open to people 21 and older. Bracelets for one day of unlimited rides can be purchased for $15 in advance up until 5 p.m. Oct. 9 at the church office. For information, go to www.facebook.com/ BlessedSacramentFiestadeAmistad, www.blessedaz.org or call 623-936-7107.

10 — Tour de Tonopah will begin at 7 a.m. at Tonopah Valley High School, 38201 W. Indian School Road, Tonopah. Bicyclists are invited to join the Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Buckeye for a ride through Tonopah to raise funds for the Rotary Foundation. The ride spans 100K through the flat Sonoran Desert, passing the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station, stage coach passes and mountain ranges. Registration runs from 7 to 9:30 a.m.; course closes at 3 p.m. Register for the ride by visiting www.tourdetonopah.com.

10 — Sangria and Shopping will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Sixth Street Plaza to 517 E. Monroe Ave. in Buckeye. More than 60 vendors will line the street. Glasses of sangria will be sold for $10. For information, call the Buckeye Valley Chamber at 623-386-2727.

10 — The Foam Glow 5K will begin at 6:30 p.m. (check-in begins at 3:30 p.m.) at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Participants will run through Foam Glow zones, which are different colored non-toxic foams that glow in the dark under high intensity black lights. A party filled with music and black lights will take place after the race. Registration costs $40 per person. To register, visit http://www.foamglow.com/phoenix-az/.

10 — The Faded Jeans Band will be playing from 7 to 9 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road. For information, visit www.goodyearaz.gov.

16 — Avondale’s Out & About — Resident Appreciation Night/G.A.I.N. Boo Bash will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at 495 E. Western Ave., Avondale. Attendees can meet police officers, check out police cars

See TO-DO LIST on V30

and tactical equipment, visit interactive booths about city services, enter raffles and a Halloween costume contest, trickor-treat and carve pumpkins. Admission is free. For information, visit Avondale.org/events.

17 — Buckeye’s G.A.I.N. event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Lowe’s parking lot at 700 S. Watson Road, Buckeye. The event will allow people to get involved with their neighborhood Block Watch, as well as learn crime prevention tips. Local police officers will be present to answer questions. For information, visit www.buckeyevalleychamber.org.

17 — The 8 Tracks will be playing from 7 to 9 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. For information, visit www.goodyearaz.gov.

18 — Litchfield Park’s Arts in the Park Concert Series featuring the Thaddeus Rose Band will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on the front lawn of the Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Admission is free. For information, visit

www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-9359040.

24 — The Tres Rios Make a Difference day will run from 7:30 a.m. to noon at the Base & Meridian Wildlife Area, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale. The event will include a river clean up, graffiti removal, trail building and installation of new signage. For information and to sign up, visit www.avondale.org/events or call 623333-2400.

24 — The Tour de Park is set for 9:30 to 11 a.m. starting at the Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. The community bike ride is approximately six miles with stops for brief rests and refreshments. Participation is free. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623925-9040.

24 — The Community Health and Pet Expo will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson. 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.

24 — Dia de Los Muertos will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Goodyear Farms Historic Cemetery, 3900 N. Santa Fe Trail, Avondale. The annual event features performances by ballet folklorico groups, costume and salsa making contests, arts and crafts and food vendors and a posada.

24 — Goodyear’s Fall Festival will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Activities will include trackless train rides, a pumpkin patch, a hay maze, pony rides, inflatable activities, costume contests, trick-or-treating and a Corn Hole contest. Parking and admission are free; some activities require a nominal fee. For information, visit www.goodyearbp.com.

24 — Buckeye’s Halloween Carnival will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Earl Edgar Complex, 500 S. Miller Road, Buckeye.

30 — Litchfield Park’s G.A.I.N event will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on the grounds of Litchfield Elementary School, 255 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. The free event, which will coincide with

Back row: Dr. Gary Gibbs, Sam, Jenn, Jennifer, Susan, Tami, Dr. Patrick Martin. Front row: Kathy, Krystal, Cheri, Loree, Sandy

TO-DO LIST from V30

the school’s fall carnival, celebrates the efforts to prevent crime in the community. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-9040.

31 — The 4th Annual Art is Alive, Arts and Cultural Festival is set from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. The festival will have artists booths, well-know jazz musicians, children’s art activities, teen skateboard painting, dancers from the Tohono O’odham Nation, wine and beer booths, art demonstrations and performing arts. For information, visit www.southwestvalleychamber.org.

November

1 — The 4th annual Art is Alive, Arts and Cultural Festival is set from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. The festival will have artists booths, well-know jazz musicians, children’s art activities, teen skateboard painting, dancers from the Tohono O’odham Nation, wine and beer booths, art demonstrations and performing arts. For information, visit www.southwestvalleychamber.org.

4 — Lunch and Bunco will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Goodyear Library Community Room, 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite C102, Goodyear. The lunch menu will feature food from a local Goodyear restaurant. Registration is $13 for food and prizes. To register, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/cityofgoodyear/Home.

7 — Buckeye’s Community Yard Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the Town Park, 207 N. Ninth St., Buckeye.

7 — Chalk Art in the Park will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 190 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. The family-friendly event encourages the participation of artists and community members to come together and express themselves through sidewalk painting. The event is free. For information, visit www.goodyearaz.gov.

7 — The Southwest Valley Writer’s Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Avondale City Hall, 11465 W.

Civic Center Drive, Avondale. Registration costs $40 for a half day and $85 for a full day before Oct. 1; $50 for a half day and $95 for a full day after Oct. 1. To register, visit www.swvwc.org.

7 — Buckeye’s Veterans Day program will kick off at 9 a.m. at Benbow Veterans Memorial Park, 413 E. Monroe Ave., Buckeye.

7-8 — The 45th annual Litchfield Park Festival of the Arts will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wigwam Boulevard and Old Litchfield Road in downtown Litchfield Park. The festival will feature more than 250 fine artists and craftsmen, live performances and plenty of food and drink. Admission is free. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org.

7 — Relay For Life of Buckeye will be hosted from 6 p.m. Oct. 7 to 6 a.m. Oct. 8 at Youngker High School, 3000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye. The event features teams of people taking turns walking or running around a track with one member on the track at all times. The celebration of cancer survivors will begin at 6 p.m. and the luminaria ceremony to remember those who have been lost to cancer will begin at 9 p.m. For information, visit www.relayforlife.org/buckeyeaz.

7 — The Rare Collection will be playing from 7 to 9 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road.

7 — The Goodyear Police Department’s G.A.I.N. event will take place in different neighborhoods in the city. G.A.I.N. stands for Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods. The programs will cover Block Watches, crime prevention and general safety. For information, call Christina Plante at 623882-7801.

11 — The Avondale Veterans Day Fitness Fun Run & Pancake Breakfast will run from 8 to 11 a.m. at Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale. The Fitness Fun Run, which will kick off at 8 a.m., will benefit the Dr. Bryan K. Tippett Scholarship Fund for Estrella Mountain Community College students. Breakfast will be served starting at 10 a.m. For information, visit www.ci.avondale.az.us.

11 — A Veterans Day event, hosted by Tolleson and VFW Post 6310, will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson. The event will feature bounce houses, a barbecue and guest speakers. It is free and open to the public.

FACT:

14 — The VFW golf tournament will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sundance Golf Course, 900 S. Sundance Parkway, Buckeye. The cost is $70 per person and includes golf, cart, lunch and prizes. Trophies will be awarded for the top three teams, longest drive and closest to pin. For information, visit www.vfwbuckeye.org.

14 — The Risque Band will be playing from 7 to 9 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road.

15 — Litchfield Park’s Arts in the Park Concert Series will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on the front lawn of the Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Admission is free. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-9040.

20 — Avondale’s Mayor’s Challenge Golf Tournament will start at noon at the Wigwam Golf Course, 451 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. The event will benefit the Tri-City West Thornwood Branch of the Boys & Girls Club. For information, visit www.bgcmp.org.

21 — Buckeye’s Fall Demolition Derby will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Helzapoppin’ Rodeo Arena on Miller

Road south of the Buckeye Irrigation District Canal.

December

2 — Lunch and Bunco will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Goodyear Library Community Room, 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite C102, Goodyear. The lunch menu will feature food from a local Goodyear restaurant. Registration is $13 for food and prizes. To register, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/ cityofgoodyear/Home.

5 — Buckeye’s Hometown Holiday Boutique will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sundance Crossing, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye.

5 — Avondale Winterfest will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at 495 E. Western Ave., Avondale. Western Avenue will come alive with arts and crafts booths, live entertainment, food vendors, children’s activities and snow. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will flip the switch to light up the street and be available for pictures. For information, visit www.ci.avondale.az.us.

5 — Home Plate for the Holidays will be held from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. The event will feature the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, the annual Goodyear tree lighting, performance from local elementary school choirs, reindeer games, arts and crafts vendors and 40 tons of snow. Wristbands for inflatables are $10 for unlimited access and tickets are three for $5.

11-12 — Tolleson’s Luces de Navidad community event will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. Dec. 11 and noon to 11 p.m. Dec. 12 from 91st to 99th avenues along Van Buren Street in Tolleson. For information, visit www.tollesonaz.org.

12 — The 28th annual Christmas in the Park will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in downtown Litchfield Park. Arts and crafts vendors will be selling their wares; a Christmas parade will start at 10 a.m. and end with the arrival of Santa; an Elf’s Alley with children’s crafts, Santa’s workshop, pictures with Santa, pony and trade rides, local stage acts and snow will be set up from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and a reading of Twas the Night Before Christmas will start at 2:45 p.m. The day will end with carolers spreading holiday cheer throughout the city. Admission is free. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-9359040.

12 — Buckeye’s Glow on Monroe electric light parade will feature lighted floats and a visit from Santa beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monroe Avenue in downtown Buckeye. Children will receive candy canes and other treats after they talk to Santa.

12 — Through a Child’s Eyes, a Christmas performance by Ballet Folkorico Esperanza, will begin at 7 p.m. at Copper Canyon High School, 9126 W. Camelback Road, Glendale. The cost is $10. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit dance group.

12-14 — The Buckeye Marathon Race to the Runway is a downhill grade Boston Qualifier. The event will include a marathon, half marathon and 5K run. All events will be chipped time. The marathon course will have a closure time of six hours, requiring a minimum pace time of 13:45 per mile. For information visit www.buckeyeaz.gov.

January

6 — Lunch and Bunco will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Goodyear Library Community Room, 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite C102, Goodyear. The lunch menu will feature food from a local Goodyear restaurant. Registration is $13 for food and prizes. To register, visit https://apm. activecommunities.com/cityofgoodyear/Home.

8-10 — The 24th annual Native American Arts Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of Litchfield Elementary School, 255 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. The festival will highlight Southwest Native American artists, including traditional and contemporary Native American jewelry, pottery, basketry, weaving, katsinas, painting and beadwork. Admission costs $10 per adult, $5 for active military and students and free to children 12 and younger. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-9040.

16 — Litchfield Park’s State of the City address is set for 9 to 11 a.m. (registration begins at 8:30 a.m.) at The Church

at Litchfield Park, Souers Hall, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. The mayor, council and staff will present an update of the city’s operations, as well as current and future projects. Light refreshments will be served. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-933-9040.

16-23 — The Indians Fantasy Camp will be held at the Indians Development Complex, 2601 S. Wood Blvd., Goodyear. Men and women ages 30 and older can spend a week talking and playing baseball alongside numerous former Cleveland Indians players. For information or to register, visit indians.com.

16-23 — The Reds Fantasy Camp will be held at the Reds Development Complex, 3125 S. Wood Blvd., Goodyear. Participants will receive daily instruction and coaching from former Cincinnati Reds players. For information or to register, visit reds.com/fantasycamp.

17 — Litchfield Park’s Arts in the Park Concert Series featuring the PebbleCreek Band covering music by The Everly Brothers, The Beach Boys, The Dave Clark Five and The Beatles will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on the front lawn of the Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Admission is free. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-9040.

23 — The Kiwanis Litchfield Park Winter Trout Derby will kick off at 7:30 a.m. (registration begins at 6:30 a.m.) and

TO-DO LIST from V33

run till 3 p.m. at Tierra Verde Lake Park, 301 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. The lake will be stocked with 700 pounds of trout. A fishing license is not required for the derby. Trophies will be awarded for shortest trout, longest trout and most trout caught. Take your own equipment and bait. The cost is $4 per pole for children 15 and younger and $6 per pole for those 16 and older. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-9040.

February

6 — The 11th Annual Heart & Sole 5K and Family Fun Walk will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. The event will feature 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, T-shirt and ribbon. For information, call Deanna Ortiz at 623-882-7531.

12-14 — The 6th annual Wigwam Festival of Fine Arts is set from 10

a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. The event features award-winning master artists of Western, Native American and Southwestern genres as well as Native American entertainment. Parking and admission are free. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org.

20 — The 5th annual Tale of Two Cities Parade and Festival will start at 10 a.m. on Thomas Road between Litchfield and Dysart roads. The festival celebrates different cultures from around the world with live entertainment, cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, crafts, food, shopping and a naturalization ceremony at Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale. The festival is organized by Avondale and Goodyear. For information, visit www.ci.avondale.az.us.

20 — Tolleson’s annual Daddy/ Daughter Dance will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Tickets will go on sale Jan. 5, and the deadline to purchase tickets is Feb. 13. Tickets cost $45 per couple and $20 per additional ticket for Tolleson residents, and $55 per

couple with $25 per additional ticket for non-residents. Tickets can be purchased at the Tolleson Recreation Department, 9555 W. Van Buren St.

21 — Litchfield Park’s Arts in the Park Concert Series featuring the Bluesman Mike & the Blues Review Band will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on the front lawn of the Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Admission is free. For information, visit www.litchfieldpark.org or call 623-935-9040.

27 — The Litchfield Park Friends of the Rec 10K, 5K, 1 Mile Run/Walk and Healthy Classroom Challenge will begin with check in at 6:30 a.m. at the Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each age group. The cost is $20 for each run and $10 for the Healthy Classroom Challenge. A race T-shirt and one raffle ticket will be given to each registrant. Refreshments will be available. Register online at www.active.com or at the Recreation Center.

Avondale

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

Avondale Apostolic Church —

Truth Tabernacle 825 N. Central Ave., Avondale 623-932-0893 www.avondaleapostolic.com

Bethany Church of God in Christ Garden Lakes Elementary School 10825 W. Garden Lakes Parkway, Avondale 602-339-7433 www.bethanychurchphx.com

The Carpenter’s House of Worship

13048 W. Rancho Santa Fe Blvd., Avondale 623-266-2469 www.thechowchurch.org

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

Iglesia Bautista del Oeste 19 N. Central Ave., Avondale 623-925-1960

Iglesia La Luz Del Mundo

7 E. Kinderman Drive, Avondale 623-882-8487

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

Life Elevation Church 2517 N. 107th Ave., Building A, Avondale 623-396-6290 www.lifeelevationchurch.org

Love on Fire Church La Joya Community High School

11650 W. Whyman Ave., Avondale 602-690-1442 www.loveonfirechurch.org

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

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.org

Rose of Sharon World

Evangelistic Church 919 N. Dysart Road, Suite W, Avondale 623-363-0585 www.wecintl.org

The Sanctuary Community Church 10739 W. Mountain Drive, 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

www.sufficientgraceaz.org

Sword of the Spirit Ministry

501 W. Van Buren St., Avondale 623-932-4448 www.swordofthespiritaz.org

Temple of Faith

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

Wings As Eagles

International Church

16 N. Fifth 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. MC85, 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 7707 SW Hwy 85, Buckeye 623-340-4289 www.buckeyeworshipcenter.com

Calvary Chapel

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

Camino de Santidad 22953 W. Morning Glory St., Buckeye

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 623-866-4225 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. Verrado Way, Buckeye 623-202-2822 www.dhbcb.org

Elevation Church

Inca Elementary School 23601 W. Durango St., Buckeye

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

Liberty United Methodist Church

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

Lifeway Church

18926 W. Latham St., 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

Steven R. Jasinski Elementary School

4280 S. 246th Ave., 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 Ave., Buckeye 623-386-2714 or 623-386-5049 www.njmonline.net

Our Saviour Lutheran Church 10 N. Apache Road, Buckeye 623-386-6708

Palm Valley Church

Youngker High School

3000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye 623-536-2106 www.palmvalley.org

Palo Verde Baptist Church

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

The River Church

19923 W. Edgemont Ave., Buckeye (Wednesdays) 623-262-4969 www.theriverchurchaz.com

St. Henry Catholic Church

24750 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye 623-386-0175 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

Inca Elementary School 23601 W. Durango St., Buckeye 623-680-4615 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

C3 Church

Comfort Suites 15575 W. Roosevelt St., Goodyear 623-694-2939 www.c3phx.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 623-882-0156

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 856-455-2671 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

GracePointe

Palm Valley Community Center 14145 W. Palm Valley Blvd., Goodyear 623-933-0118 www.gracepointechurchaz.com

Heritage Baptist Church

Christ Presbyterian Church

925 N. Sarival Ave., Goodyear 623-882-2351 www.HeritageBaptistAZ.org

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

Jehovah’s Witnesses 14038 W. Yuma Road, Goodyear 623-932-1708

King of Kings Church

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

New Foundation

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

Palm Valley Church

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

Redeeming Grace Church

3673 S. Bullard Ave. Suite 104, Goodyear 623-925-2440 www.rgcaz.org

The Refinery

Christian Church

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

The River Church Millennium High School 14802 W. Wigwam Blvd., Goodyear (Sundays) 623-262-4969 www.theriverchurchaz.com

River in the Desert

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

River of Life

Lutheran Church

3690 S. Estrella Parkway, Suite 107, Goodyear 623-312-8650 riveroflifeaz.org

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

Vineyard Goodyear Church

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

Wellspring Church

Mabel Padgett Elementary School 15430 W. Turney Ave., Goodyear 480-455-8244 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

Iglesia Bautista Bilingue

13500 W. Maryland Ave., Litchfield Park 623-536-6071

Liberty Worship Center

3020 N. 191st. Ave., Litchfield Park

480-254-3163

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

www.litchfieldparkfirstbaptist.com

Litchfield Park SeventhDay Adventist Church

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

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

FIRST COUNTRY BAPTIST CHURCH

12844 W. Santa Fe Dr. Surprise, AZ Sat. Worship 6:00pm Sun. Bible Study 9:30am Sun. Worship 8:15am and 10:45am For more information call Pastor Coy G. Wilkerson 623-583-9838

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

Tolleson

A Church of Grace 8 S. 92nd Drive, Tolleson 623-936-4629

Beth Yeshua Ha Go’el 1010 N. 95th Ave., Tolleson 623-535-3122

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 512 N. 93rd Ave., Tolleson 623-936-7107 www.blessedaz.org

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, El Mirage

Abundant Harvest Church

3306 W. Catalina Drive, Phoenix 623-810-2355 www.ahconline.org

Abundant Living Unity

The Courtyard Marriott 1650 N. 95th Lane, Phoenix 623-243-3501 www.abundantlivingunity.org

Alleluia Lutheran Church

8444 W. Encanto Blvd., Phoenix 623-849-4327 www.AlleluiaChurch.org

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

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

Central Christian Church

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

Davids 400

7905 N 71st Ave., Glendale

623-889-0313 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.cschurchglendaleaz.org

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

Iglesia Armonia

9495 W. Coyotes Blvd., Glendale 623-760-2026

In His Presence Christian Church Comfort Suites 9824 W. Camelback Road, Glendale 623-688-3447

Jehovah’s Witnesses 2448 W. Colter., Phoenix 623-386-2775

Kingdom in the Valley Christian Church 11640 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix 602-441-0540 www.kivcc.org

LifeSpring Church

12336 W. Butler Drive, Suite 200, El Mirage 623-935-3202 www.lifespringaz.com

Love Life Church

8016 W. Camelback Road, 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, Bldg. B, Surprise 623-933-4999 www.rlmdestiny.com

The Refuge Church

10550 W. Mariposa St. 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

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 www.westvalleyfamilychurch.com

WEST VALLEY BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Air Conditioning

Aldaco Air, LLC 623 229-8822 www.aldacoair.com

Automobile Dealers

Jones Ford Buckeye 24600 W. Yuma Road (623) 386-4429 www.jonesfordbuckeye.com

Surprise Ford Loop 303 & Waddell Rd. (623) 738-0223 www.surpriseford.com

Business Organizations

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

Carpet Cleaning

Coopers Carpet Cleaning (623) 872-8552

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

Credit Union

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

Farming

Rousseau Farm 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

Furniture

Lina Home Furnishings

1487 N. Dysart Rd.

Avondale (623) 882-9232

5870 W. Bell Rd.

Glendale (602) 993-1338

Golf

Eagle’s Nest Country Club

3645 Clubhouse Drive

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

Goodyear (623) 935-6761

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

Verrado Golf Club 4242 N. Golf Drive

Buckeye (623) 388-3000 www.verradogolfclub.com

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

Scruff’s Grooming for Cats & Dogs

14175 W. Indian School Rd, Ste C-4

Goodyear (623) 535-3159

Plumbing

1 Buckeye Plumbing (623) 386-0710

www.1buckeyeplumbing.com

Pumpkin Patch

Rocker 7 Farm Patch 19601 W Broadway Rd. Buckeye www.Rocker7FarmPatch.com

Real Estate

The Richard Egly Team Arizona Premier Agents (480) 363-3969

TheRichardEglyTeam.com

Recreation

Litchfield Park Recreation

100 S. Litchfield Rd. Litchfield Park (623) 935-9040

St. Thomas Aquinas Camp Patterdell Pines (623) 935-2151 ext. 321

Restaurants

The Verrado Grille 4242 N. Golf Drive Buckeye (623) 388-3013 www.verradogolfclub.com

Zetas Grill

2935 N. Dysart Rd.

Avondale (623) 547-4612

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

Cyber High School 4200 N. 99th Ave.

Phoenix (623) 907-2661 www.cyberhs.com

Heritage Elementary School 6805 N. 125th Ave. Glendale (623) 742-3956 www.hesglendale.org

Harvest Preparatory Academy 14900 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear (602) 708-2334

Incito Schools 877 N. Sarival Rd Goodyear (623) 398-6968

Septic

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

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

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: Maxine Hill

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: Thom Luedemann

Coldwater Academy

750 E. Riley Drive Avondale, AZ 85323

623-932-7106

Coordinator: Edy Schlosser

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: Terry Maurer

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: Steven Chapman

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: Susan Thompson

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

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: visit website for times and dates 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 Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-772-4800

Principal: Kimberly Meehan

Copper Trails School

DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS SCHOOLS

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

www.arlingtonelem.org

Board president: Thomas Vanosdel School board meets: 6 p.m. second Monday of each month

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: Araceli Montoya

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: visit website for times and dates

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: Donna Fitzgerald

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

Las Brisas Academy

18211 W. Las Brisas Drive

Goodyear

623-327-2860

Principal: Matthew Flagg

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: Terri Matteson

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: Steven Yamamori

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

Place: Litchfield Elementary 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: Sarah Lewis

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: Sabine Hopper

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 Heritage

Elementary School 20895 W. Hamilton St. Buckeye, AZ 85396

623-547-3300

Principal: Kimberly Franz

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: Michael Cagle

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: Lorie Eastep

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: Karen Grose

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: Susan Serin School board meets: visit website for times and dates Place: District office; periodically at schools on a rotating basis.

Amberlea Elementary School

8455 W. Virginia Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2900

Principal: Amy Bonilla

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: Jill Helland

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: Joseph Jacobo

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: Shakira Simmons

Westwind Elementary School 9040 W. Campbell Road Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2700

Principal: Rod Henkel

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: Gary Burton

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

Place: District office

Ruth Fisher Elementary School 38201 W. Indian School Road

Tonopah, AZ 85354

623-474-5501

Principal: Rene Molina

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; periodically at schools on a rotating basis

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

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 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

Union Elementary School

3834 S. 91st Ave., Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-5000

Principal: Michael Welsh

Others

Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center Estrella Mountain High School

3400 N. Dysart Road Avondale, AZ 85392

623-535-0754

www.aaechighschools.com

Principal: Mona Ramirez

Arizona Preparatory Academy 4200 N. 99th Ave., 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

Principal: Ronald Alexander

BASIS Goodyear

15800 W. Sherman St., Goodyear, AZ 85338

480-276-8592

www.basisgoodyear.org

Head of School: Robert Bowley

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

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

623-760-9061

www.e-institute.us

Principal: Curtis Gardner

E-Institute at Buckeye

6213 S. Miller Road, Suite 109

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: JD Corey

Grace Fellowship Academy

1300 N. Miller Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-393-8883

www.

gracefellowshipacademy.org

Principal: Geri Parker

Harvest

Preparatory Academy

14900 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, AZ 85338

602-708-2334

www.harvestprep.com

Site Director: Kellye Carroll

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.org

Principal: Kim Agnew

Incito Schools

877 N. Sarival Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-398-6968

www.incitoschools.org

Principal: Jayson Black

Legacy Traditional School

12320 W. Van Buren St. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-344-0330

www.avondale. legacytraditional.org

Principal: Kristin Smith

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 Institute for Advanced and International Studies 1495 S. Verrado Way Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-327-1757

www.odyprep.com/oi

High School Principal: Bryan Pratt

Junior High School Principal: Mary Yanke

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

Interim Principal: Christine Tax

St. Peter’s Episcopal Montessori School

400 S. Old Litchfield Road

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-935-7737

www.stpetersmontessori.com

Director: Shiffa Mashood

St. Thomas Aquinas

Grade School

13720 W. Thomas Road Avondale, AZ 85392

623-935-0945

www.stacc.net

Principal: Cynthia Scheller

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 16260 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-234-2100

www.wvchristianschool.org

Principal: Tanya Mooney

Colleges/Trade Schools/ Universities

Arizona State

University West 4701 W. Thunderbird Road Glendale, AZ 85306

602-543-5500

https://campus.asu.edu/west

Estrella Mountain

Community College

3000 N. Dysart Road Avondale, AZ 85392 623-935-8000 www.estrellamountain.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

www2.gccaz.edu

Universal Technical Institute 10695 W. Pierce St. Avondale, AZ 85323 800-510-5845 www.uti.edu

University of Phoenix 9520 W. Palm Lane Phoenix, AZ 85037 602-557-2000

www.phoenix.edu

STATE DIRECTORY

U.S. Senate

Sen. John McCain (R)

241 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510

202-224-2235; mccain.senate.gov

Local office: 2201 E. Camelback Road, Suite 115, Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-952-2410

Sen. Jeff Flake (R)

B85 Russell Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 202-224-4521; flake.senate.gov

Local office: 2200 E. Camelback Road, Suite 120, Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-840-1891

U.S. House of Representatives

District 3

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D) 1511 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-2435; grijalva.house.gov

Local office: Rancho Santa Fe Center

13065 W. McDowell Road, Suite C-123, Avondale, AZ 85392

District 4

Rep. Paul Gosar (R) 504 Cannon HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-2315; gosar.house.gov

U.S. House of Representatives

District 7

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D) 21218 Longworth HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-4065; rubengallego.house.gov

Local office: 411 N. Central Ave., Suite 150 Phoenix, AZ 85004

602-256-0551

District 8

Rep. Trent Franks (R) 2435 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-4576; franks.house.gov

Local office: 7121 W. Bell Road, Suite 200 Glendale, AZ 85308 623-776-7911

9555 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Board of Supervisors

Clint L. Hickman (R)

District 4, which includes Avondale, Litchfield Park, Goodyear, north Buckeye

301 W. Jefferson Ave., 10th floor Phoenix, AZ 85003

602-506-7642 chickman@mail.maricopa.gov

State Legislature

District 4

Sen. Lynne Pancrazi (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 315 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3004; lpancrazi@azleg.gov

Rep. Charlene R. Fernandez (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 126 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3098; cfernandez@azleg.gov

Rep. Lisa Otondo (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 123 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3002; lotondo@azleg.gov

District 13

Sen. Don Shooter (R)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 200 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-4139; dshooter@azleg.gov

Rep. Darin Mitchell (R)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 307 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-5894; dmitchell@azleg.gov

Rep. Steve Montenegro (R)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 218 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-5955; smontenegro@azleg.gov

Steve Gallardo (D)

District 5, which includes Goodyear, Tolleson, Avondale, south Buckeye 301 W. Jefferson Ave., 10th floor Phoenix, AZ 85003

602-506-7092 gallardos001@mail.maricopa.gov

District 19

Sen. Lupe Contreras (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 313 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-5284; lcontreras@azleg.gov

Rep. Mark A. Cardenas (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 122 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3014; mcardenas@azleg.gov

Rep. Diego Espinoza (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 118 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3134; despinoza@azleg.gov

District 29

Sen. Martin Quezada (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 313 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-5911; mquezada@azleg.gov

Rep. Richard C. Andrade (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 125 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3130; randrade@azleg.gov

Rep. Ceci Velasquez (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 124 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3144; cvelasquez@azleg.gov

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: Stephanie Karlin

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: Sheri Lauritano

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, Bryan Kilgore, Jim McDonald, Sandi Nielson and Lorenzo Sierra

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

Libraries: Avondale Civic Center

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

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

Libraries: Downtown Branch, 310 N. Sixth St.; Coyote Branch, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Suite 116 (623-349-6300)

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

Council: Wally Campbell, Sharolyn Hohman, Joanne Osborne, Joe Pizzillo 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, Jeff Raible, John Romack and Paul Stucky

City manager: Darryl Crossman

Police Dept.: Maricopa County

Sheriff’s Office (602-876-1011)

Council: Lupe Bandin, 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

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

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

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

Library: 9555 W. Van Buren St. (623-936-2746)

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