Vista - Spring/Summer 2017

Vista

WELCOME TO VISTA

Summerequals savings in the Valley of the Sun. If you can stand the heat, you can do plenty of things on the cheap, and without the crowds you’d find during other times of the year. Always wanted to learn how to golf but don’t want to spend a fortune? Book an early morning or twilight time in the summer for pennies on the dollar. Twilight’s a great time for the novice golfer. The throngs of golfers have cleared the greens, allowing the newbie to take his time without feeling rushed when he undoubtedly causes a backup.

Like roller coasters but can’t stand waiting hours in line for a ride that lasts a few minutes? Castles ~n~ Coasters in Phoenix is a ghost town during the summer. Instead of spending an entire day there in the spring or fall and maybe riding everything once, you can spend a few hours there in the summer and ride everything three times! And the best part? The park slashes

its admission fees during its Summer Fun Days from the end of May through Labor Day. Children home from school and you don’t know what to do with them without a bunch of extra money? Harkins Theatres in Avondale and Goodyear shows children’s movies for 10 weeks during the summer for less than $1 per movie; local libraries hold free events to accompany the county’s annual summer reading program; and municipal swimming pools only charge a couple of bucks for an entire day of swimming, and even offer free admission during special events. Splash pads can also be found at Avondale and Goodyear community parks and they’re totally free! When the mercury climbs, the prices (and lines) drop, so get out there and take advantage of some hot savings!

— Cary Hines Managing editor

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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Editorial

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

Assistant editor: Emily Toepfer etoepfer@westvalleyview.com

Sports editor: Casey Pritchard caseypritchard@westvalleyview.com

Sports writer: Shane McOwen

Staff writers: Glenn Gullickson, Shane McOwen news1@westvalleyview.com

Intern: Kourtney Balsan

Staff photographers: Jordan Christopher, Ray Thomas

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Press

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Antonio Montenegro

West Valley View is published each Wednesday by West Valley View Inc.

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

Subscriptions: Home delivery of West Valley View is free upon request within western Maricopa County west of State Route 101 and south of Northern Ave. as well as all of the city of Tolleson. Requested mail subscriptions within Maricopa County: $75 per year, $40 for 6 months. Out of county & state: $88 per year, $45 for 6 months.

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Vista is printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks. 2/22/2017 • 78,885 - 3,000

ONE HECK OF A SLICE Golf courses cut rates for summer

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Outdoor activities are brutal during the summer months when temperatures soar into triple digits, but when the price tag of something drops, that’s enough to intrigue the consumer.

That’s what happens with summer golf in the Valley of the Sun. As temperatures increase, golf prices decrease — especially if you’re willing to brace the afternoon heat and play twilight hours.

Trevor Finton, the head golf professional at Golf Club of Estrella, said the rates during peak season, which is January through April in the Valley, range from $75 to $119, but go as low as $20 in the summer during twilight hours. It’s a great time for locals to play different courses around the Valley.

“We get people that shop because every course in the Valley drops rate,” Finton

said. “It’s an opportunity for some people to play some of the nicer courses at a reduced rate.”

Even during summer mornings, prices are still as low as $30 at Golf Club of Estrella. If you get an early enough tee time, you’re starting when it’s around 80 degrees and fi nishing when it hits 100.

However, some locals like to play in the afternoon when the course is nearly empty because temperatures are between 105 and 110.

“For local people, I know some don’t mind going out at 11 or 12 because there’s not much difference in the temperature change,” Finton said. “It’s not as dramatic.”

See SLICE on V21

VIEW FROM THE TOP

West Valley offers 83 miles of mountain trails

SUN CITY GRAND HIKING

CLUB MEMBERS begin their trail Jan. 24 at Skyline

The 8,700-acre park has no entry fee and is open sunrise to 10 p.m. daily.

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

Development may be picking up in the West Valley, but it’s still home to more than 63,000 acres of peaceful mountain land with 83 miles of trails for people to explore.

While the area offers multiple options for hiking, admission to the newest park is also free. Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye opened in January 2016 and had more than 200,000 visitors in its first year, said Robert Wisener, conservation and project manager for Buckeye.

“If you go out there on a Friday or Saturday or Sunday, it’s packed,” Wisener said. “A lot of people are coming out to the park and enjoying the trails, especially in the cooler months.”

The 8,700-acre park at 2600 N. Watson Road features trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, as well as picnic areas and seven camping sites.

“We’ve got a really great trail system that’s well

marked that can accommodate a lot of different types of users,” Wisener said. “Whether you’re looking for a shorter hike or something a little bit more challenging, we have that available.”

Out of 12 completed trails spanning 16 miles, four are rated easy, five moderate and three difficult, which are defined as the following:

• Easy — Mostly smooth and wide dirt trail with minimal unevenness.

• Moderate — Mostly smooth and wide dirt trail with occasional unevenness and narrowing tread.

• Difficult — Long rocky segments with possible drops and exposure. Rocky dirt trail with frequent unevenness and narrow tread.

The weather in the next few months will be perfect for hitting the trails, but people can continue visiting the park into the summer season as long as they take precautions.

Trail difficulty ratings increase by one level when temperatures go above 90 degrees, so easy becomes moderate and moderate

becomes difficult.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, but the best times to visit in the summer are early mornings and evenings when there’s more shade on the trails.

It’s also important to hydrate well in advance of a hike, and take plenty of water with you. Once your water is half gone, that means it’s time to turn around and head back to the trailhead.

Signs that you might be in trouble include clammy skin, weakness, blurry vision, cramps, fatigue, dizziness, dragging your feet, tripping and headaches.

Other tips include wearing proper clothing, shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Also carry a cell phone and tell someone when you plan to start and end your hike, as well as the location

View photo by Jordan Christopher

Regional Park in Buckeye.

if you’re hitting the trails alone.

Emergency markers can be found on sign posts every quarter mile on trails at the park. If you need help, call 911 and reference the nearest marker to assist first responders in identifying your location.

The letters on the signs indicate the name of the trail, and the numbers provide information about the distance traveled for that segment at quarter-mile intervals.

Camping close to home

If you’re looking to get away without traveling too far, check out Skyline’s camp sites. They have picnic tables, barbecue grills and fire pits, but no water, electrical hookups or dump stations. Restroom facilities are available, and each site includes a 50-foot parking stall and two graded tent pads measuring 12 feet by 12 feet.

“We haven’t seen many people using the camp sites, but we do get reservations for it,” Wisener said. “We still have a lot of openings on the weekends.”

Other park amenities include an overlook with seating for 30 people and ramadas that offer picnic tables and barbecue grills.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

BUCKEYE MAYOR JACKIE MECK stands with local children as he speaks at the one-year anniversary celebration of Skyline Regional Park Jan. 14 in Buckeye.

HORSEBACK RIDERS head out Jan. 9, 2016, during the grand opening of Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye. The park, at the southern base of the White Tank Mountains, has 16 miles of trails for hikers, cyclists and equestrians.

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Reservations for camping sites and picnic ramadas require a fee and can be made at skylineregionalpark.com.

Expansion plans at Skyline include a trail that will be accessible for people with limited mobility that’s expected to open by April on the flats north of the bridge, and will include interpretive signage about wildlife and plants.

“It will be compacted and stabilized, so it will be a firm surface,” Wisener said. “People with strollers and wheelchairs can get out there and enjoy the scenery and plants along the trails.”

Work is also being done to make Skyline accessible from the adjacent communities, Wisener said.

“People can walk out their front door and into park, which makes it nice that it can easily be incorporated into their everyday lives,” he said.

The need for additional parking will also be addressed, and long-term plans could include

See TRAILS on V7

Trail terrain

Skyline Regional Park offers the following trails:

• Bridge Bypass Equestrian Trail (BB): 0.22 miles; easy rating; 25-foot elevation gain; for use by equestrians.

• Chuckwalla (CW): 2.4 miles; easy rating; 210-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers, bikers and equestrians.

• Crest Summit (CS): 0.17 miles; difficult rating; 200-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers.

• Granite Falls Loop (GF): 1.7 miles; easy rating; 280-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers, bikers and equestrians.

• Lost Creek (LC): 1.03 miles; moderate rating; 440-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers, bikers and equestrians.

• Mountain Wash (MW): 1.06 miles; moderate rating; 400-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers,

bikers and equestrians.

• Parking Lot Connector (PC): 0.6 miles; easy rating; 160-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers, bikers and equestrians.

• Quartz Mine (QM): 2.6 miles; moderate rating; 445-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers, bikers and equestrians.

• Skyline Crest (SC): 1.3 miles; difficult rating; 530-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers and oneway bike traffic.

• Turnbuckle (TB): 3 miles; moderate rating; 560-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers, bikers and equestrians.

• Valley Vista (V): 0.33 miles; difficult rating; 270-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers.

• Watson Overlook (WO): 0.15 miles; moderate rating; 120-foot elevation gain; for use by hikers.

View photo by Ray Thomas

THE FIRST CYCLISTS head out to Mountain Wash Trail Jan. 9, 2016, during the grand opening of Skyline Regional Park in Buckeye.

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

a nature center and small amphitheater in 15 to 20 years, Wisener said.

Multiple mountains

The West Valley also has three other regional parks to choose from, each with an entry fee of $6 per vehicle. Their hours are 6

Buckeye Hills Regional Park, 26700 W. Buckeye Hills Drive, Buckeye, consists of 4,474 acres of natural desert and offers views of the Gila River riparian area. Hiking at the park is primitive. It has restrooms, but no running water or electricity. For information, call 623-932-3811.

Estrella Mountain Regional Park, 14805 W. Vineyard Ave. in Goodyear, became the first regional park in the Maricopa County Park System in 1954, and includes a large wetland, or riparian, area. The 19,840 acres of

Give Hope To Others

mountains and desert offer about 40 miles of trails and tracks for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, ranging in length from 2.3 miles to 8.8 miles. For information, call 623-932-3811.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road in Waddell, is the largest regional park in Maricopa County at nearly 30,000 acres. It has about 25 miles of shared-use trails, from .9 mile to 7.9 miles long, and 2.5 miles of pedestrian-only routes. For information, call 623-935-2505.

TRAILS from V6

View photo by Ray Thomas

LUXURY FOR LESS

Wigwam is West Valley’s staycation destination

SEVERAL SWIMMING POOLS can be found on the grounds of the Wigwam in Litchfield Park. The four-star resort, which also has several golf courses and restaurants, tennis and volleyball courts and a fitness center and spa, offers discounted rates for summer stays.

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

For those who don’t mind the heat, a summer weekend or vacation close to home can offer top amenities at a bargain price.

That’s because Valley resorts and hotels discount their rates when occupancy is low, making summer prime time for a staycation.

In the West Valley, the Wigwam in Litchfield Park is a destination for luxury on a budget during the summer.

The historic hotel is a local landmark with its adobe and timber structures.

The AAA four-star property claims to be Arizona’s largest golf resort with 54 holes of golf, including two courses

designed by architect Robert Trent

Jones Jr.

Other hot weather athletes will find nine illuminated tennis courts, including a stadium court, bocce ball courts, sand volleyball, cornhole and pingpong.

There’s also a fitness center and spa.

To cool off, the 440-acre property offers four pools, including the newest with cabanas and a 25-foot tower with water slides and water play features.

The pools have adult and family areas with poolside movies, water games and live entertainment.

Food service includes the option to dine on a 9,300-square-foot plaza, which also has an indoor/outdoor bar, lounge areas and entertainment venues.

But when temperatures reach triple digits, dining indoors might be more attractive. The resort is home to Litchfield’s, offering farm to table dining; Red’s Bar and Grill, serving American cuisine; and the Wigwam Bar.

The resort’s Sunset Point provides a cowboy town experience in the desert.

The Wigwam’s history dates back to 1918, when it was built as a gathering place for suppliers of the cotton ranch established by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. as well as company executives. It opened as a guest ranch with space

See LUXURY on V9

Submitted photo

Sbidh

for 24 guests in 1929, and the first golf course was built the following year.

As its reputation grew, the resort attracted public figures and became a destination.

In late 2009, the property was purchased by JDM Partners and about two years later, the latest redevelopment project was completed.

The resort has 331 guest rooms, including 70 suites and two presidential suites, with one measuring 5,000 square feet.

The Wigwam offers package deals during select spring/summer dates, including “Stay More Save More” with 25 to 35 percent off based on length of stay. A three-night stay is 25 percent off, a five-night stay is 30 percent off and a seven-night stay is 35 percent off.

The Wigwam’s website also promotes discounts for local military and first responders.

For information, visit wigwamarizona. com or call 623-935-3811.

Gullickson can be reached at ggullickson@westvalleyview.com.

A SILVER SCREEN STEAL

Harkins shows $1 children’s movies every summer

HARKINS ESTRELLA FALLS 16 opens to a crowd of eager moviegoers last fall in Goodyear. The theater, at 15010 W. McDowell Road, shows children’s movies during the summer for about $1 each.

by Shane McOwen staff writer

Technology has given us entertainment options at the tips of our fingers. Streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime allow us to select a movie and begin watching within moments from the comforts of our own homes. Those innovations have proved to be extremely popular among children, and maybe even more so for the parents of those children.

The child dynamic that gets overlooked when it comes to instant access is the “going” portion of the movie-going experience. As many parents, or siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, even distant relatives know, cabin fever is a reality among children. Since Arizona’s summers famously bring the heat once school gets out, it’s tough finding an option to get

the children out of the house without succumbing to the excruciating heat.

Never fear, Harkins Theatres is here.

Both West Valley locations, Harkins Gateway at 10250 W. McDowell Road in Avondale and Harkins Estrella Falls, 15010 W. McDowell Road in Goodyear, will participate in the Summer Movie Fun promotion, where children 12 years old and younger can enjoy 10 films in 10 weeks over the summer for less than $1 per movie.

The Summer Movie Fun series for 2017 will include Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Trolls, The Secret Life of Pets, The Lego Batman Movie, The Angry Birds Movie, Norm of the North, Kung Fu Panda 3, Storks, Ice Age: Collision Course and Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Beginning May 29, Memorial Day, and running until the first week of August,

each Valley Harkins Theatre location offers a different movie once a week for the 10 weeks of summer, beginning at 9:45 a.m., before the regular showings begin. Tickets for the entire season have to be purchased at the door, and single-day tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis the day of the showing for $2.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and adults likewise can only be admitted if they are with children.

The Summer Movie Fun program has been going on for more than 35 years, each year offering titles rated “G” or “PG,” most of which are no longer in the original release run.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

(ABOVE) THE CINE ONE screen at Harkins Estrella Falls 16 in Goodyear is the largest in the state. (Right) Luxury recliners are standard in every theater. From the end of May till the beginning of August, the theater shows a different children’s movie each week for less than $1 a ticket.

A GOURMET CONCESSION stand offers Nathan’s hot dogs, Oreo churros and White Castle burgers along with the usual spread at Harkins Estrella Falls 16 in Goodyear.

A fun fact, or maybe not-so-fun, is Disney movies are not part of the program, unless they’re currently in the original release. Disney films are not available after they’ve left the theaters, according to harkins.com.

Season tickets are available until they sell out, or once the seventh week of the program has been completed. Season tickets are good for only one location. The theater recommends purchasing season tickets to secure your seat, as tickets go fast, according to the website. Exact schedules for each location will be released in mid-February.

It’s certainly tough to find a better way to beat the heat without having to empty out the pocketbook.

For information, visit harkins.com, visit the Estrella Falls or Gateway ticket office, or call Estrella Falls at 623-2231105 or Gateway at 623-478-9411.

SILVER SCREEN from V10

View photos by Jordan Christopher

View photo by Jordan Christopher

COASTING ON DOWN

Castles ~n~ Coasters slashes entry fee for summer

CASTLES ~N~ COASTERS in Phoenix is the Valley’s only amusement park and offers discounted entry fees during the heat of summer.

by Shane McOwen staff writer

Asummer day at Disneyland can cost a family of four upward of $400 these days.

And that’s the base cost if you somehow finagle getting to the front gates without having to pay for travel expenses, lodging and food.

In other words, it costs a pretty penny. Heck, if you want to visit its sister park, California Adventure, on the same day with a park-hopper pass, the price goes up to almost $650.

It’s certainly not just the heat causing

parents to break out into a sweat when it comes to summer family entertainment.

Those looking to have some fun without breaking the bank just have to head east, to the Valley’s lone amusement park.

Castles ~n~ Coasters, located in the heart of Phoenix at Interstate 17 and Dunlap Avenue near Metrocenter mall, has offered the Phoenix metro area entertainment and amusement in one form or another since 1976.

The original park opened as Golf ~n~ Stuff, featuring four outdoor 18-

hole miniature golf courses, go karts, batting cages and an indoor video arcade.

The park remained that way until 1992, when Golf ~n~ Stuff reinvented itself as Castles ~n~ Coasters and expanded by 10 acres to add various thrill rides. The expansion included Arizona’s only double-loop roller coaster, Desert Storm, as well as a log

See COASTING on V13

View photo by Shane McOwen

flume ride, carousel and swinging ship.

More recently, Castles ~n~ Coasters has added a few new attractions: On the Ropes, Sky Wire and XD Dark Ride. On the Ropes is an elevated, three-story obstacle course designed to test balance and courage. Sky Wire is a zip line that travels over the miniature golf courses, and XD Dark Ride is a 3-D motion theater shooting game competition that goes after all the senses with 400 seat movements per second, up to two G’s of force, surround sound and air blowers.

Castles ~n~ Coasters offers three different price packages normally. The Gold Pass is $39.99, and includes all-day unlimited rides, one round of 18-hole miniature golf and a $10 arcade card. The Silver Pass, $34.99 includes the all-day ride pass and one round of golf, and the Bronze Pass is unlimited rides for $29.99.

The good news for thrill-seekers, or those just wanting to get the children out of the house, is the park offers discounts during the summer as part of its Summer Fun Days from the end of May through Labor Day in September. This year, the Summer Fun Days Promotion will take $10 off the Bronze Pass all-day rides price.

Sky Wire, On the Ropes and XD Dark Ride are available at an additional cost.

Park hours vary depending on the time of the year. Generally, the arcade and mini golf activities are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Go karts and bumper boats are open from noon to 9 p.m. Monday though Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The ride park is open on weekends from 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.

For information, visit Castles ~n~ Coasters’ website at castlesncoasters.com or call 602-997-7575.

Shane McOwen can be reached at smcowen@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @ShaneMcOwen.

MINIATURE GOLF has been a staple of Castles ~n~ Coasters since it opened under the name Golf ~n~ Stuff in 1976. Back then, the park offered four miniature golf courses, go karts, batting cages and a video arcade. In 1992, the park was renamed and expanded by 10 acres to add various thrill rides, including the state’s only double-loop roller coaster. The park discounts its rates from the end of May through Labor Day as part of its Summer Fun Days.

View photo by Shane McOwen

DRIVE IN TO A GOOD VALUE

Glendale drive-in theater offers affordable entertainment

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Drive-in movie theaters still exist.

That may come as a surprise to many people, but it’s a fact. Not only do they exist, but some of the ones that do are fl ourishing.

West Wind Drive-in 9, 5650 N. 55th Ave. in Glendale, is one of them, and it’s the closest theater to the West Valley. It offers patrons a cheaper alternative to the normal walk-in theater, costing only $7.50 per customer. Children 5-11 are admitted for $1.25 each, and anyone 4 and younger gets in free.

“We get a lot of young families at the drive-in because it’s a great babysitter,” said Tony Maniscalco, vice president of marketing for Syufy Enterprises, which operates

the drive-in theater in Glendale. “People bring infants to the drive-in because if they cry, nobody cares. If you want to talk on your cell phone, nobody cares. It’s great for families, it gives them a chance to see a movie in digital projection on a screen that is sometimes 100 feet wide.”

A regular movie theater screen is generally 40 feet wide, unless it’s an IMAX screen, Maniscalco said.

Drive-in theaters offer several other benefits compared to the traditional theater. Drive-in theater concession prices are often cheaper, and movies are generally shown as a double-feature, meaning two movies for the price of one.

West Wind also shows first-run movies, so you’re getting to see the latest attractions when you go.

The parking lot is asphalt, but there is a

playground for children to use before, or even during, the movie. Patrons listen to the movie through an FM dial, so you can turn up the speakers in your car, or even take a portable radio and sit outside your car to watch the movie.

“Some people come on motorcycles or school buses and bring a boom box,” Maniscalco said. “They put out lawn chairs and a boom box so they can all hear the movies.”

Maniscalco said he’s even seen people take couches in the back of their trucks.

“They back up the truck, put out the couch and sit and watch the movie,”

View photo by Ray Thomas

WEST WIND DRIVE-IN at 55th and Montebello avenues in Glendale offers patrons a cheaper, more unique alternative to the normal walk-in theater.

DRIVE IN from V14

Maniscalco said. “There are multitudes of ways to enjoy yourself at the drivein.”

In addition to the several ways to enjoy a drive-in theater, Maniscalco said there is always the nostalgic feel people get when attending.

“A lot of times, people just love the drive-in vibe,” he said. “They dig it, they enjoy it and they come back weekend after weekend.”

While there are many great things about the drive-in, it has some limitations. Movies can’t be shown until the evening because it’s too bright outside. Also, a normal theater can show approximately eight screenings of a movie per day, whereas a drive-in can only do three.

“At a regular theater, you can show movies all day long, all night long,” Maniscalco said. “We have to wait for it to get dark, but that sort of adds to the romance of the whole thing.”

Fall and rise of drive-ins

While the West Wind Drive-in is doing well, drive-in theaters haven’t always been so attractive. Over the years, certain things have hurt the drive-in business, Maniscalco said.

“Real estate values have been one of those,” he said. “As real estate values go up, the property goes up and a lot of people will look for something else to do on that property; rent it to Walmart, or sell it to somebody to build a building or parking lot.”

Drive-ins hadn’t been paid much attention to for about a 15-year span when Syufy Enterprises took them over in 2006, Maniscalco said. That’s when the company decided to see what they could do with them.

“We cleaned them up, fixed them up, added digital projection to all of our theaters,” Maniscalco said. “The drive-in [in Glendale] is one of the bigger ones in the country at nine screens, and all the screens are digital.”

In total, Syufy runs seven drive-in theaters between California, Nevada and Arizona.

“We’re the largest drive-in theater

chain, and we have not found a business that we can put on these drive-in locations that will perform, necessarily, better than the drive-ins,” Maniscalco said. “So, the goal is to keep them open as long as we can.”

While certain things, such as real-estate prices, have hurt drive-ins, something that actually helped was the economic downturn in 2008, Maniscalco said.

“When the market tanked, people were looking for alternative forms of entertainment that weren’t so expensive,” he said. “The drive-ins are really, really cheap. It was a great way for families to go back to the movies.

“That really helped our business, and as the economy got better, people stayed with us and they keep coming back.”

In February, movies start at West Wind Drive-in 9 in Glendale at 6:45 p.m. The theater’s concessions include Nathan’s hot dogs, Pepsi products and Orville Redenbacher popcorn.

For information, visit westwinddi.com or call 623-939-9715.

Casey Pritchard can be reached at caseypritchard@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @CaseyonSports.

WET, WILD & CHEAP

Municipal pools keep things cool at a bargain price

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

An afternoon at one of the West Valley’s municipal pools is probably one of the best ways to deal with the desert heat. And during the summer, staying cool at the pool doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Most pools charge just a couple of bucks.

Goodyear

The Goodyear Community Pool, 430 E. Loma Linda Blvd., offers relief from the heat from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with the cool price of $1.50 a day for open swim. Children 3 and younger swim free.

“You can’t do much around the Valley for that price,” said Michael Beadle, recreation superintendent. “It’s a great way for kids and families to stay active during the summer.”

For regular swimmers, the pool offers family and individual seasonal passes.

The complex has a competitive eightlane pool and a diving well with two one-meter diving boards.

Beadle said the swimming pool has new decking, fencing and diving boards.

“It will basically be a brand new pool,” he said.

During the summer, the pool will offer two free “teen nights” for youths 13 to 17, with games and contests.

Tuesday nights are family nights, with games, activities and sometimes a movie, events Beadle said can attract 70 to 100 people.

Water aerobics will be offered a couple of nights a week for $3 a class.

The Goodyear swim program is also expanding its swim lessons this summer, Beadle said.

Buckeye

The Buckeye Aquatics Center at the Dr. Saide Recreation Center, 1003 E. Eason Ave., can attract up to 300 people a day, including those who participate in lessons, swim team practice and open swim, according to Jessica Thompson, recreation supervisor.

“Our pool is pretty jam-packed,” she said.

The complex features a zero-depth area and a beachfront area with water features. It also has a 10-foot high dive, low dive and 160-foot water slide.

View photo by Ray Thomas

TIM BEASLEY of Goodyear catches air off the diving board last summer at the Goodyear Community Pool. The pool, at 430 E. Loma Linda Blvd., is open from Memorial Day till Labor Day. Open swim costs $1.50 per day; free to children 3 and younger.

The cost for open swim is $2, but hit the pool on one of the days that’s sponsored by a business and it’s free.

Sponsor days include a program with a water safety demonstration, lessons and games, Thompson said.

Once during the summer, the Buckeye Fire Department gets involved with a rescue demonstration.

Family passes are available for $150 for the summer. Individual passes are also sold.

The pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day with open swimming from noon to 5 p.m. and night swimming from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Water aerobics starts May 8 for $1 a day.

The pool also offers tot time Friday mornings.

Litchfield Park

April 8 has been dubbed “April Pools Day” to mark the opening of swimming season at the outdoor pool at the Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road.

The facility includes a 25-yard heated pool, a therapy pool and a baby pool.

Admission is $3, but Jenna Harris, pool manager, said family, seasonal and monthly passes are available to get “more bang for your buck.”

Children 3 and younger get in free.

Another money-saving tip, Harris noted that swimmers who want to take a break can save their receipt to be readmitted to the pool on the same day they’ve purchased their swim ticket.

The pool opens at midday after swim team practice and swim lessons, and closes at 9 p.m.

Harris said the pool is busiest later in the day.

“After the sun goes down, there are more people,” she said.

Family nights have been scheduled from 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 16, July 21 and Aug. 21. The events will have themes and prizes, Harris said.

The pool also hosts the Splash Bash on July Fourth.

The pool is open through Labor Day.

Tolleson

The pool at Tolleson Union High School, 9419 W. Van Buren St., becomes a community pool during the summer.

Plans for the summer, including opening date, hours and prices, were still pending in late January, according to Joanna Morse, special projects manager with Tolleson Union High School.

She said she expects a repeat of last summer’s movie night at the pool, as well as swim lessons and swim team practice.

Splash pads

Splash pads offer a great deal for entertaining children on the

HOARDES OF CHILDREN DESCEND on the newly built splash pad last fall in Avondale. The splash pad, at Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, will open for the season April 8 as part of the annual KidFest event. It will operate on weekends until Memorial Day and then be open daily through mid-October.

cheap — they’re free.

Avondale’s splash pad, which opened for the first time last fall, will open for the season on April 8 as part of the annual KidFest at Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road.

The 1,900-square-foot splash pad will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends until Memorial Day, then 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily for the rest of the season.

In Goodyear, a splash pad is at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road. The 4,000-square foot splash pad is open from mid-April to mid-October.

View photo by Ray Thomas

TAKE A LOOK, IT’S (NOT JUST) IN A BOOK

Local libraries are passport to free entertainment

If you have an Avondale or Maricopa County library card, it’s your ticket to access thousands of movies, television shows, audio books and music albums, all for free.

The libraries partner with hoopla digital, an online service that allows patrons to instantly stream and download free materials with a valid library card.

Content is accessible through hoopla’s mobile app and at hoopladigital.com.

Library users can sign up using their card and choose from a large selection of media, which will automatically expire based on the check-out time allowed.

Almost 500 people have registered to use the program through the Avondale Public Libraries, said Ava Gutwein, library manager for the city.

Patrons can “check out” 10 digital items a month, and Avondale pays anywhere from one penny to $3.99 per item streamed or downloaded, Gutwein said.

“You just have so many more options,” she said. “Hoopla has over 280,000 titles in music, 151,000 e-books, audio books close to 40,000 titles, so you’re getting a huge library to select from, and obviously it’s 24/7. If you’re stuck waiting in the doctor’s office or at the airport, it’s just great.”

Libraries in Avondale, Buckeye and Tolleson also take part in the Act One Culture Pass program, which provides free admission for two people to arts and cultural attractions around the Valley.

Patrons can select a performance or venue of their choice from a display at their local library and have seven days to visit the attraction or reserve tickets to a show.

“It’s an overwhelming success,” said Jana White, library manager for the Buckeye Public Libraries. “A lot of our community is low income, and don’t necessarily have the ability to pay for an entrance, so it really makes it feasible for them.”

Participating sites include the Desert Botanical Garden, Arizona Science Center, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Challenger Space Center and Halle Heart Children’s Museum.

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

Whether you’re looking for the latest book from your favorite author, activities for the entire family or resources on how to create a resume, look no further

than your local library.

The West Valley has several to choose from, and they each offer a variety of programs year-round to keep children (and adults) entertained and engaged.

Even if reading isn’t quite up your alley, libraries today go way beyond the book.

Performance partners include Ballet Arizona, Phoenix Theatre, Arizona Theatre Co. and the Chandler Center for the Arts. For a full list of library and arts partners,

See BOOK on V19

View photo by Jordan Christopher

VERONICA BELL OF GOODYEAR and her 2-year-old grandson, Brandon, work on an ocean-themed craft Jan. 25 after story time at the Tolleson Public Library in Tolleson.

, left, with the Tolleson Public Library in Tolleson, helps children shake out their sillies Jan. 25 during story time at the library. Local libraries offer a variety of activities for children and adults, free of charge.

BOOK from V18

visit act1az.org/culture-pass.

“Arts and culture and literacy kind of just go hand in hand, so I think it’s just a natural fit,” White said about the libraries being able to offer the Culture Pass.

Don’t forget about the age-old purpose of libraries, though — physical books. Combined, the eight West Valley branches have more than 245,000 copies on their shelves to choose from, and also have access to thousands more through partnerships with other libraries.

“It’s exciting to have the immediacy of digital formats, but we still have a lot of people who come in and ask for books,” said Kim Eckhoff, library manager at the Tolleson Public Library. “I really don’t think books are going away, and statistically, it doesn’t show that they are.”

If your children need incentives to get the pages turning, check out the free summer reading program, which typically runs in June and July. This year’s theme is “Build a Better World.”

Participants earn points for minutes added to their reading logs, and can get

prizes for reaching certain milestones. Registration will be available at maricopacountyreads.org or your local library.

“Reading 20 minutes a day is crucially important to assist our young people in preventing the reading slide,” White said.

West Valley libraries also offer an array of events each month ranging from story times to knitting groups and children’s yoga to Pinterest Parties.

Veronica Bell of Goodyear takes her 2-year-old grandson, Brandon, to story time at the Tolleson Public Library at least once a week so he can interact with other children, she said.

“I just think he learns a lot from it, sitting with the other kids, and [the story teller] is very entertaining,” Bell said.

The libraries also provide people with information about resources available in the community, Eckhoff said.

“We just try to be the place where people can come to get information about really anything that they need,” she said. “We want to make sure everybody has equal access to information, and they’re not limited by economics.”

To find out what’s happening at your branch, visit the library’s website or take a look at the 9 Days Calendar in the most recent issue of the West Valley View.

Local libraries

• Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale; 623333-2602 or avondalelibrary.org.

• Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library, 495 E. Western Ave., Avondale; 623-333-2601 or avondalelibrary.org.

• Buckeye Public Library Downtown Branch, 310 N. Sixth St., Buckeye; 623349-6300 or buckeyeaz.gov/library.

• Buckeye Public Library Coyote Branch, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Suite 116, Buckeye; 623-349-6300 or buckeyeaz.gov/library.

• Goodyear Branch Library, 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite C-101, Goodyear; 602-652-3000 or goodyearaz. gov/residents/library-services.

• Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park; 602-652-3000 or mcldaz.org/custom/ branches/litchfieldpark.aspx.

• Tolleson Public Library, 9555 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson; 623-9362746 or tollesonaz.org/86/Library.

• White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell; 602-652-3000 or mcldaz.org/ custom/branches/whitetank.aspx.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

DIANA WEST

SCHOOL’S OUT FOR SUMMER

But Kid’s College is just beginning at EMCC

by Kourtney Balsan special to the View

Learning doesn’t have to stop once school is out for the summer.

Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale offers a special program called Kid’s College where youths can learn a skill before heading back to school in the fall.

“Kid’s College is really about creating a joy for learning for kids and young adults,” said Marcia Ford, coordinator of community education and Kid’s College at EMCC. “By offering low-cost summer learning programs, we are able to encourage fun with learning and help familiarize them with college, helping kids gain confidence, knowledge and have a great time.”

Children can learn from various classes of different lengths and age groups, Ford said, adding that although the short summer classes don’t transfer over to a university in years, the benefit from the program allows children to understand the meaningfulness of an education.

“Our goal is to provide a diverse schedule of classes to help parents expose their kids to a variety of programs,” she said. “Classes range from fitness to music and theater to math, science and engineering. We have had great success with our culinary arts program and have repeat students join us for our Minecraft and pre-engineering courses using LEGO.”

The program began in 2010 when the college’s culinary faculty had the idea to offer cooking classes for children, Ford said.

“It is a very direct way of exposing students to higher education early on and letting them know that access to a college education is right at their fingertips,” she said.

Culinary Director Steven Griffiths, who has been a professor at EMCC for about 12 years, implemented a recruiting program for local high schoolers, which evolved into Kid’s College, he said.

“You can really mold their minds and show them different things and they really get into it. There are some students we have here who follow cooking channels and competitions,” Griffiths said. “They get to try new things; we encourage it. Any leftovers, they get to take home to mom and dad. I think it’s an overall great experience.”

REGIONS CHEF and Culinary Professor

kitchen Jan. 19 at Estrella Mountain Community College

college offers a variety of classes, including cooking, for

“When you look at it on paper, it looks expensive to some parents, but when you really do the math, it works out to be $12.50 an hour and when you look at the average rate for a sitter these days, it’s $10,” he said. “For $12.50, they’re getting a professional education, they’re meeting other kids, they’re learning how to cook for themselves and eating at the same time.”

Every year, the program gets better, as does the menu, Griffiths said, adding that the culinary program ranges from bakery and pastry themed, to diner, summer grill and international recipes, with each day having a full menu and always ending with something sweet.

“We’ll show them some simple items, as well as some more advanced items. They get to taste a lot of different things, and we always tell our students that you may not like something, but we’ll show you how to cook it properly,” he said.

“A lot of times, people don’t like things because it was never cooked properly.”

Picky eaters won’t have a problem in the program, Griffiths said, as he was once a picky eater himself.

ways well done, the fish always over cooked, the chicken was like rubber,” he said. “She was always afraid she was going to make someone sick, so I was a very picky kid growing up. Then I went to culinary school. I was a little leery on trying things, but then I realized this is how you actually cook a fish nicely and this is how you cook a vegetable properly. Your palate really increases.”

The classes use professional equipment and instruction while the chefs are sure to be very thorough without being too mundane with cutting and measuring, Griffiths said, adding that many of the children are ready to experience a professional cooking environment.

“A lot of times, you think kids are automatically picky, but we had some who’ve tried everything under the sun,” he said.

“You could tell they were working with their parents at home and were learning properly. It’s a pretty diverse population that we have here. I think some of the palates of these kids are ready. We had a few students last year whose mom or dad

The culinary program runs for four days from 9 a.m. to noon and is $150 with different cuisines on the menu, Griffiths said. See KID’S

“I love my mom to death, but she always cooked everything to death. Steak was al-

View photo by Jordan Christopher

Steven Griffiths stands in his

in Avondale. The

children during the summer.

owned a restaurant or worked in a restaurant, or they had a good ethnic background with international food. They knew all the spices and different flavors.”

Kid’s College is growing every summer, with nearly 1,000 students enrolled last year, Ford said, adding that was 50 percent more students than the program had the previous summer.

“Our classes are very popular, and the interest continues to grow each year,” she said. “There are so many options to choose from, which is appealing to both children and parents who want their kids to have some fun during summer breaks, while also expanding their mind with hands-on activities.”

Many students attend again and again every summer, Griffiths said.

“There’s a lot of familiar faces each year, so you watch them grow up over the years,” he said.

To the children interested in trying a new skill, such as cooking, the key is opening up to new experiences and having fun, Griffiths and Ford agreed.

“Come in and have fun. The things we are going to teach you are things you can go home and show mom and dad. You can cook for them,” Griffiths said.

Classes range in cost, topic and age. For a full list and to register, visit estrellamountain.edu/kids or call 623-935-8888.

“It is an overall great benefit to the student. They get to learn something new, meet new friends and have a good time, all while becoming official college students at an early age,” Ford said.

Additionally, players can get around the course in no time when others are too shy to play in the heat.

“If the person coming out in the afternoon doesn’t mind going out, you can fly around in two, three hours easily,” Finton said.

To battle the heat, Golf Club of Estrella offers some special amenities to customers who play in the summer. They have ice cold mango-scented towels that can be used to cool off players, and several drink specials are available.

“A lot of time, we’ll have drink specials, not only with beer but also with water, Gatorade; we’ll do drink specials on the beverage cart,” Finton said.

Other courses’ rates

Courses similar to Estrella in peak price include the Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa and Verrado Golf Club.

The Wigwam has three different 18-hole courses, with the Gold course being most expensive in peak season. The spring rack rate is $119, falling down to $60 at twilight, which is after 2 p.m.

Both the Patriot and Heritage courses range from $60 to $99 in peak season. All three courses are $39 in the summer, with a twilight special, after 1 p.m., of $25.

All rates can fluctuate depending on how busy the course gets.

Verrado Golf Club just opened a second course Feb. 13, the Victory course. It

will be closed for the summer, but golfers wanting a taste of some new turf can play it for $99 this spring.

The original course, called the Founder’s course, is $129 during peak season. It has twilight, 2 p.m., and super twilight, 3 p.m., prices, which are $45 and $30, respectively.

Another facility with multiple courses is Tuscany Falls and Eagles Nest in the PebbleCreek community. Tuscany Falls features three nines where players can combine two of them for an 18-hole round, while Eagles Nest is a traditional 18-hole course.

During peak season, rates for PebbleCreek homeowners are as high as $57, $61 for homeowners’ guests and $80 for everyone else. During the summer, that rate drops as low as $15.

Palm Valley also has two courses, Palms and Lakes. The Palms course ranges from $74 in peak season to $22 during summer twilight. The Palms course, which is a Par 62, is $43 at its highest rate, and $15 during summer twilight. Summer twilight begins at 11 a.m.

Coldwater Golf Club’s 18-hole course charges up to $60 for its peak season, but its summer twilight, which is after 3 p.m., is only $10.

Falcon Golf Club has a $49 rate at its peak time, but is $25 after noon in the summer, and $18 for super twilight, which starts at 2 p.m.

All rate quotes were obtained from the respective courses’ pro shops, and are subject to change.

Casey Pritchard can be reached at caseypritchard@westvalleyview.com or on Twitter @CaseyonSports.

Consider appointment companions

Visits to a physician are just one step people make in an effort to improve their well-being. While it’s important that everyone visit their physicians at least once a year for a checkup, seniors may need to see their physicians more frequently than other age groups.

When visiting the doctor, it is easy for anyone to miss important components of what the doctor is saying, and it’s just as easy to misunderstand certain instructions or medication information. Seniors who bring companions along to appointments with their physicians can reduce the risk of misunderstanding advice or diagnoses given by their doctors.

Data from U.S. News and World Report states that about one-third of seniors still living on their own take a companion with them to their routine doctor’s office visits. Companions are typically spouses, but they can include children or other family members as well.

Patients may find there are many advantages to bringing someone along to an

appointment. And companions may want to learn more about patients’ goals at each appointment prior to going along so they can prepare and know how to help during the appointment.

Listen

People tend to forget at least half of what they hear in the doctor’s office, says the Archives of Internal Medicine. This tendency may be increased when patients are nervous about the potential outcome of their visits. Bringing a companion along means that both people are actively listening. Together, the information they’ve heard can combine to provide a full account of the visit.

Taking notes

Companions can jot down important notes about the appointment, such as dates and times for follow-up visits, medication advice and any other instructions that may be forgotten once the patient leaves the office. Companions can later translate the jargon-heavy language of a physician into an understandable

language the patient can fully understand.

Medical history

Sometimes a companion can be a useful resource, calling a doctor’s attention to a patient’s prior hospitalizations and illnesses. Companions can even call attention to any medications the patient is currently taking.

Serving as an advocate

Very often a companion can operate as a patient advocate, clarifying questions or getting further information out of a doctor if the patient is hesitant to ask. If the information isn’t clear, the companion can raise red flags or ask to have the instructions put in a different light.

Translation

Sometimes patients need companions who speak their native languages when their physicians do not.

People are learning that bringing a family member or friend along to doctors’ appointments can be a smart way to make the most of doctor/patient interactions.

Managing prediabetes or diabetes

Diabetes and its precursor is a major problem, both in the United States and across the globe.

In 2015, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that nearly 50 percent of adults living in the United States have diabetes or prediabetes, a condition marked by higher than normal blood glucose levels that are not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reports that the global prevalence of diabetes figures to rise from 8 percent in 2011 to 10 percent by 2030.

Preventing diabetes should be a priority for men, women and children, but management must take precedence for the millions of people who have already been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes. According to the American Heart Association, making healthy food choices is an essential step in preventing or managing diabetes. Making those choices can be difficult for those people who have never before paid much attention to their diets, but the AHA offers

the following advice to people dealing with prediabetes or diabetes.

• Limit foods that may worsen your condition. Some foods, including fiberrich whole grains and fish like salmon that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, can help people with prediabetes or diabetes. But many more foods must be limited, if not largely ignored. Limit your consumption of sweets and added sugars, which can be found in soda, candy, cakes, and jellies. It’s also good to limit your sodium intake and resist fatty meats like beef and pork.

• Document your eating habits. The AHA recommends that people with prediabetes or diabetes maintain a food log to see how certain foods affect their blood glucose levels. Within 60 to 90 minutes of eating, check your blood glucose levels to see how your body reacts to the foods you eat. As your food log becomes more extensive, you will begin to see which foods match up well with your body and which foods you may want to avoid.

• Plan your meals. Hectic schedules

have derailed many a healthy lifestyle, but people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes do not have the luxury of straying from healthy diets. Plan your meals in advance so your eating schedule is not erratic and your diet includes the right foods, and not just the most convenient foods. Bring lunch and a healthy snack to work with you each day rather than relying on fast food or other potentially unhealthy options in the vicinity of your office.

• Embrace alternative ingredients. Upon being diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes, many people assume they must abandon their favorite foods. But that’s not necessarily true. Many dishes can be prepared with alternative ingredients that are diabetes-friendly. In fact, the AHA has compiled a collection of diabetes-friendly recipes that can be accessed by visiting www.heart.org.

A prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis requires change, but these conditions can be managed without negatively affecting patients’ quality of life.

Importance of annual health exams

Annual health exams are a key component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A person may not see the need to visit the doctor if he or she is feeling well, but not every disease or condition manifests itself in a way that men and women can detect. According to the Unity Point Clinic, nearly one-third of the 133 million Americans living with a chronic disease are unaware of the presence of their conditions. Routine physical exams can detect serious illnesses before they do much damage. No two physical exams will be exactly alike, but many will share some general features.

Health history

A crucial element of a physical exam will include a thorough health history if the physician doesn’t already have one on file. The doctor will take time to ask questions about family history of illness, health habits, any vices (smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.), exercise schedule,

and diet. If there is a possible hereditary health condition running through your family, the doctor may suggest certain testing and make note of potential signs to look for in the future.

Current ailments

After discussing a patient’s history, the doctor may ask if they are having any problems they cannot explain. These can include changes in eating or sleeping patterns; aches and pains; lumps or bumps and other abnormalities. Again, the presence of symptoms may be indicative of illness or physical changes, but not all diseases produce obvious symptoms.

Vital signs

A doctor will check a patient’s vital signs during the physical. Areas the doctor will look at include but are not limited to:

• Heart rate: This measures the speed at which the heart is pumping. Normal resting heart rate values range from 60 to 100 beats per minute.

• Blood pressure: A blood pressure

Goodyear Chiropractic

Jeffrey A. Trinka, D.C.

Derek Legg, D.C.

Sara Haggett, G.M.

Paul Woolf, D.C.

blood is pushing through the arteries. The diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries between beats, when the heart rests. The systolic (top number) should be below 120, while the bottom should be less than 80, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• Respiration rate: The doctor will measure the number of breaths taken in a minute. WebMD says between 12 and 16 breaths per minute is normal for a healthy adult. Breathing more than 20 times per minute can suggest heart or lung problems.

• Pulse oximetry: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine says pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood. It is a measure of how well oxygen is being sent to the parts of your body furthest from your heart. Normal pulse oximeter readings usually range from 95 to 100 percent. Values under 90 percent are considered low.

Physical exam

The examination will also include physical components. The doctor will perform a visual inspection of the skin and body for any abnormalities, such as the presence of skin cancer. The physician may feel the abdomen to check that internal organs are not distended. Females’ physical examinations may include breast and pelvic exams.

Comprehensive testing

In addition to the exam at the office, the physical may include an electrocardiogram, or EKG, to check electrical activity of the heart; blood count and cholesterol checks through bloodwork; body mass index testing; X-rays or MRIs and bone-density tests. Physical exams remain an important part of staying healthy. Consult with a doctor for more preventative maintenance tips.

Personalized medicines may be the future of healthcare

When a person feels ill, his or her doctor may assess any symptoms and then prescribe a particular medication to treat or alleviate those symptoms. Doctors prescribe medications hoping to treat sickness, but sometimes prescriptions fall short, leaving some to wonder if prescription medications could be customized more for individual needs?

The science is already here.

Making specialized drugs is not a new concept. Prior to the rise of drug manufacturing companies, early pharmacists routinely customized ingredients.

According to Professional Compounding Centers of America, customized medications are created through a process known as pharmacy compounding, which is defined as the art and science of preparing personalized medications for patients.

Specialized pharmacists take a practi-

tioner’s prescription and mix individual ingredients together in the exact dosage and strength required. Compounding may be done to change the form of the medication from a pill to a liquid or to remove a certain additive or ingredient, such as gluten, that might cause an allergic reaction. The American Pharmacists Association says that compounding also can be used to flavor a medication in an effort to make it more palatable.

Compounded drugs can be just as safe as mass-produced prescriptions. And thanks to their tailor-made formulas, compounded medications also may help people avoid side effects and other adverse reactions. Compounding gives physicians flexibility in regard to how to best help their patients.

Compounding is done in hospital pharmacies and other healthcare facilities. There also are thousands of communitybased pharmacies in the United States

that specialize in compounding services. Pharmacists in these facilities spend all of their time making special preparations.

All pharmacists and pharmacies engaged in compounding are subject to oversight by both federal and state authorities. On November 27, 2013, Congress amended the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by enacting the Drug Quality and Security Act to ensure that compounded drugs are produced in accordance with applicable federal requirements. The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities helps to oversee compounding in Canada. Preparations of products are subject to the Food and Drug Act and Regulations, Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines, and inspection by Health Canada. Pharmaceutical compounding may not be new, but it is increasingly relied on to create the best formulations for individual patients.

Gema Fernandez, M.D.

Maria R. DiLeo, M.D.

Kim Roberts, W.H.N.P.

Cari L. Cowling, M.D.

James M. Johnson, M.D.

Briggs J. Geier, D.O.

Raymond D. Suarez, M.D.

Erica McLaughlin, M.D.

Prevent medication mismanagement

Medication management is an important issue for seniors and their families. Failure to properly manage medications can threaten the lives of seniors, highlighting the emphasis families must place on ensuring seniors take their medications in strict adherence to their physicians’ instructions.

Polypharmacy, or the taking of multiple medications for different conditions, can be a potential health hazard for the thousands of seniors who must manage health conditions with prescription drugs. Harmful drug interactions are a result of the confusion that can arise when seniors take multiple medications at the same time. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists estimates that more than 34 percent of senior citizens are prescribed medications by more than one physician, and 72 percent use medications they were prescribed more than six months prior. Many people also have begun ‘pharmacy shopping’ to save money. According to a study published in

2010 in American Nurse Today, 44 percent of men and 57 percent of women older than age 65 take five or more medications per week, with some taking as many as 10.

Medication confusion is one risk, but older adults also metabolize medications differently than young people. As a result, they may be more susceptible to overdose or other ill effects. Families looking to help seniors effectively manage their medications should consider the following tips.

• Keep a running list of medications. Maintain a list of all medications being taken, noting both prescription and overthe-counter medications and any supplements and herbs. Provide a copy to any new doctors and pharmacies you visit.

• Use pill sorters. Medication sorters can keep medications organized and eliminate some of the personal errors. Organizers have daily slots and may also differentiate between nighttime and daytime medications.

• Understand why each medication is being prescribed. Ask your pharmacist and doctor to explain why each medication is

prescribed. This information should be printed on the prescription label. Some drugs designed for one symptom may actually be used to treat other issues as well.

• Ask for help. Some seniors may benefit from friendly reminders from a loved one regarding when to take certain medications. Cognitively impaired seniors may require the services of a visiting nurse or another caregiver.

• Recognize that not all medications are right for seniors. The American Geriatrics Society maintains a list of medications that older adults should avoid or take with extreme caution. Some drugs pose a high risk of side effects or interactions, while others are less effective. Discuss alternatives with your physician if you are prescribed one of these medications.

• Keep a medication diary. Record any side effects that occur and how the medications make you feel. Always bring up issues promptly with a doctor.

Proper medication management can help seniors avoid drug-related accidents or worse.

Excellent Survey Rating

Palm

for each guest. We believe our commitment to uncompromised care on a daily basis is what each of our guests deserve. Palm Valley provides an elegance wrapped in love and care.

WEST VALLEY HEALTH CARE DIRECTORY

Chiropractic

Goodyear Chiropractic

11 W. Van Buren St. Avondale (623) 932-4060

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

Ear, Nose & Throat

IMS Ear, Nose & Throat Sinus Center

13555 W. McDowell Rd, Suite 104 Goodyear (623) 512-4199

Fitness

Burn it Build it Fitness

13048 W. Rancho Santa Fe Blvd. Avondale (623) 444-4800

Core Body Pilates

4820 N. Litchfield Rd., #104 Litchfield Park (623) 285-5462

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Estrella Womens Health Ctr. 1170 N. Estrella Parkway, #A-107 Goodyear, AZ 85338

9930 W. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85037 (623) 846-7558

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

Senior Care

Benevilla (623) 584-4999 www.benevilla.org

Skilled

Nursing

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

Automobile Dealers

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

Batteries

AZ Battery Store

560 N. Bullard Ave., Ste E-50 Goodyear (623) 853-3321 www.azbatterystore.com

Business Organizations

Buckeye Main Street Coalition (602) 881-9111 www.buckeyemainstreet.org

Chamber of Commerce

Buckeye Valley

Chamber of Commerce

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

Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce

289 N. Litchfield Rd. Goodyear (623) 932-2260 www.southwestvalleychamber.org

Day Spa

Massage Envy

1468 N. Litchfield Rd. Ste. M3 Goodyear (623) 935-5495

9945 W. McDowell Rd. Ste. 107 Avondale (623) 209-3939

9744 W. Northern Ave. Ste. 1340 Peoria (623) 872-3689

5143 W. Olive Ave. Glendale (623) 931-3689

Donations

Salvation Army (800) 479-0210 www.sarmygift.org

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

Newspapers

West Valley View

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

Recreation

Litchfield Park

Recreation

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

RV Service & Parts

RV Master Techs 12445 W. Glendale Ave. Glendale (623) 932-5444

Harvest Preparatory Academy

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

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

(623) 932-3464 www.septictechnologies.com

SAVE THE DATES

West Valley spring/summer calendar jam-packed

CLEVELAND INDIANS players practice Feb. 19, 2016, at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear before the start of last year’s Spring Training season. The Indians will play the Cincinnati Reds Feb. 25 for opening day.

February

25 — Reds vs. Indians Spring Training Opening Day will begin at 1:05 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. For information and tickets, go to www.goodyearbp.com.

March

4 — The Goodyear Community Farmer’s Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

4 — Dog Days of Buckeye will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye. The fourth annual event will feature performances by the Phoenix Disc Dogs and Buckeye K-9 units; pet health

and nutrition education; Chihuahua races; a pooch pie-eating contest; fashion and rescue runway shows; and plenty of food and beverages. For information, visit www.buckeyeaz.gov/events/.

4 — A Stargazing event is set to run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Skyline Regional Park, 2600 N. Watson Road in Buckeye. Admission to the park is free. For information, visit www.buckeyeaz. gov.

4-5 — The Latin Jazz and Mariachi Festival will be held from 2 to 11 p.m. March 4 and 2 to 9 p.m. March 5 at Paseo de Luces, on Van Buren Street in downtown Tolleson. For information, visit tollesonaz.org.

4-5— The Tres Rios Nature Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Base and Meridian Wildlife Area, 7602 S. Avondale Blvd., Avondale. The annual free event will feature wildlife and habitat information as well as information on the history and culture of the area. Activities such as canoeing, fishing, hiking and bird tours will be available. For information, visit tresriosnaturefestival.org.

4-5 — The 19th Annual Litchfield Park Art and Wine Festival is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library lawn on the corner of Old

View photo by Jordan Christopher

DATES

Litchfield Road and Wigwam Boulevard in Litchfield Park. Admission is free. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-9040.

10 — Buckeye’s Movie in the Park will feature Finding Dory at 7 p.m. at Tartesso Sports Park, 30300 W. Tartesso Parkway, Buckeye. For information, go to www.buckeyeaz.gov/events or contact Myra Curtis at mcurtis@buckeyeaz.gov or 623-349-6322.

11 — The Goodyear Spring Concert Series will feature the PebbleRock Band at 7 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

12 — The Arts in the Park Concert Series will feature the PebbleRock Band from 4 to 6 p.m. on the Wigwam’s front lawn, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Admission is free. For information, visit www.litchfield-park.org or call 623935-9040.

15 — A fl ag-raising ceremony will be held from 8:15 to 9 a.m. at Litchfi eld Park City Hall, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfi eld Park. Light refreshments will be served. For information, visit www.litchfi eld-park.org or call 623-935-5033.

17 — The W.C. Scoutten Boys & Girls Club Golf Tournament will be held at the Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. For information, call 623-936-9020.

17 — Buckeye’s Concerts in the Park series will feature bluegrass music from James Reams and the Barnstormers from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye, Buckeye. For information, call 623-349-6322.

18 — Yoga in the Park will begin at10 a.m. at Staggs Park, 300 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. For information, call 623-935-9040.

25 — The Goodyear Spring Concert Series will feature Sunkissed at 7 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

31 — Buckeye’s 50th annual melodrama “Mister ‘E’ at the San Linda” will be held from at 7 p.m. at Youngker High School, 3000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye. For information, visit buckeyeaz.gov/events or call 623-3496350.

practices his role as Hobo Joe in last year’s Buckeye Melodrama. This year’s show, “Mister ‘E’ at the San Linda,” will be held at 7 p.m. April 1 at Youngker High School in Buckeye.

April

1 — Buckeye’s 50th annual melodrama “Mister ‘E’ at the San Linda” will be held from at 7 p.m. at Youngker High School, 3000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye. For information, visit buckeyeaz.gov/ events or call 623-349-6350.

1 — The Goodyear Spring Concert Series will feature the New Destiny Band at 7 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

1 — The Goodyear Community Farmer’s Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goodyear Commu-

nity Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

7 — The Arts in the Park Concert Series will conclude with Cold Shott and The Hurricane Horns from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Wigwam’s front lawn, 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Admission is free. For information, go to www.litchfield-park.org or call 623-9359040.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

JASON BECHTOL

DATES

from V33

7 — Buckeye’s Concerts in the Park series will feature big band music by DK Orchestra from 7 to 9 p.m. at Festival Foothills Park, 26252 W. Desert Vista Blvd., Buckeye. For information, call 623-349-6322.

8 — Buckeye’s Spring Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sundance Park, 22865 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye. The annual event will feature an egg hunt, face painting, train rides, bounce houses and a petting zoo. For information, go to www.buckeyeaz. gov/events or call 623-349-6350.

8 — The annual Lakeside Music Fest will be held from noon to 9 p.m. at the Estrella Lakeside Amphitheater, Goodyear.

8 — KidFest will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale. KidFest celebrates the value and importance of families. All ages are welcomed. For information, visit avondalekidfest.com.

8 — Buckeye Spring Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sundance Park, 22865 Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye, with photo opportunities with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny, train rides, a petting zoo and more. For information on the egg hunt schedule, visit buckeyeaz.gov/events.

14 — Buckeye’s Concerts in the Park will feature ’50s music by Come Back Buddy from 7 to 9 p.m. at Tartesso Sports Park, 30300 W. Tartesso Parkway, Buckeye. For information, call 623-349-6322.

15 — The Goodyear Spring Concert Series will feature the Highway 85 band at 7 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

21-23 — Tolleson’s Whoopee Daze Festival will be held at Veterans Park, 8601 W. Van Buren St., Tolleson. For information, call 623-936-2754 or email respinoza@tollesonaz.org.

28 — Buckeye’s Arbor Day Expo will begin at 8 a.m. at Town Park, 207 N. Ninth St., Buckeye. The expo will include tree planting demonstrations and pruning education.

May

5 — The Avondale Fiesta, celebrating Cinco de Mayo, is set from 5 to 8 p.m. on Western Avenue in Historic Avondale.

6 — The Goodyear Community Farmer’s Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

20 — A Mother Daughter Luau is set to take place from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Hampton Inn, 2000 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. The annual event will have a DJ, prizes and games.

29 — Litchfield Park’s Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 7 a.m. on the west lawn of Litchfield Elementary School, 13825 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. For information, visit www. litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-9040.

29 — Avondale’s Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. at Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale.

29 — Buckeye’s Veteran’s Memorial Ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. at the Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery, 23100 W. Broadway Road, Buckeye.

June

14 — A flag-raising ceremony will be held from 8:15 to 9 a.m. at Litchfield Park City Hall, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Light refreshments will be served. For information, visit www. litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-5033.

July

4 — Buckeye’s 4th of July Celebration will begin at 6 p.m. at Youngker High School, 3000 S. Apache Road, Buckeye.

4 — Goodyear’s Star Spangled 4th will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. The event will have live music, fireworks, activities and inflatables. Admission and parking are free.

4 — Litchfield Park’s 4th of July Splash Bash celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the city’s Recreation Center pool, 100 S. Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. Admission is free to anyone with a pool pass, $2 for everyone else. For information, visit litchfield-park.org.

4 — Tolleson’s 4th of July Celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks, water slides, free watermelon, contests and food venders at Veterans Park, 8601W. Van Buren St., Tolleson.

August

4 — A flag-raising ceremony will be held from 8:15 to 9 a.m. at Litchfield Park City Hall, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. Light refreshments will be served. For information, go to www. litchfield-park.org or call 623-935-5033.

September

18 — A fl ag-raising ceremony will be held from 8:15 to 9 a.m. at Litchfi eld Park City Hall, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfi eld Park. Light refreshments will be served. For information, go to www.litchfi eld-park.org or call 623-935-5033.

View photo by Jordan Christopher

A VINTAGE CAR drives in last year’s annual Whoopee Daze Parade in Tolleson. This year’s event will be held April 21-23.

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

DESERT HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH at Verrado Way and Yuma Road in Buckeye is officially open after its Jan. 29 ribbon-cutting ceremony. The church previously met at Odyssey Preparatory Academy. Weekly services are held at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Bible study takes place at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. Children’s classes and child care are provided.

Cornerstone

Bethany Church

Garden Lakes Elementary School 10825 W. Garden Lakes Parkway, Avondale 602-339-7433 www.bethanychurchphx.com

The Carpenter’s House

Christian Worship Center 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

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

Harvest Outreach

Christian Center 715 E. Western Ave., Avondale 623-932-6453 www.harvestoutreachaz. iconosites.com

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

Redemption Christian Church

305 W. Western Ave., Avondale 480-447-9416

redemptionchristianchurch.org

Rose of Sharon World

Evangelistic Church

Hilton Garden Inn

11460 W. Hilton Way, Avondale 480-938-9012 www.wecintl.org

Avondale

View photo by Jordan Christopher

The Sanctuary Community Church

811 E. Riley 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

Truth Tabernacle — Avondale Apostolic Church

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

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

www.wordoflifechristiancenter.net

Buckeye

Buckeye First Assembly 23230 W. MC85, Buckeye 623-386-4783

www.buckeyefirstassembly.net

Calvary Chapel

Buckeye Elementary School District building

25555 W. Durango St., Buckeye 623-282-1086

www.calvarychapelbuckeye.com

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 Hills Baptist Church 20909 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye 623-202-2822 www.dhbcb.org

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

7598 S. Liberty School Road, 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 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

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 13735 W. Auto Drive, Goodyear 623-694-2939 www.c3goodyear.com

West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona

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.citrusroadnaz.org

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

Crossings Church

Desert Edge High School 15778 W. Yuma Road, Goodyear 623-466-6262

crossingschurchaz.org

Desert Springs Community Church

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 Church

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 3095 N. 140th Ave., 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 623-262-4969 www.theriverchurchaz.com

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

Wellspring Church

Great Hearts Academy 2001 N. Bullard Ave., Goodyear 623-299-9780 www.wellspringchurch.com

Westpointe Baptist Church

Desert Thunder Elementary 16750 W. Garfield St., Goodyear 623-521-3549 www.westpointebaptist.org

West Valley Church of Christ 18604 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Goodyear 623-695-5623 www.wvcochrist.org

West Valley Fellowship

Word of Life Christian Center 1435 Central Ave., Avondale 602-525-8467

West Valley United Pentecostal Church

Wildflower School cafeteria 325 S. Wildflower Drive, 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

Generations Church

Litchfield Elementary School 255 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park 623-271-2705 www.generationsfamily.org

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

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

Tolleson

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

W. Phoenix, Glendale

The Refuge Church 10550 W. Mariposa St., Phoenix 623-282-4970

www.refugechurchaz.com

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

DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS

High Schools

Agua Fria Union High School District

Superintendent: Dennis Runyan

District office: 1481 N. Eliseo

Felix Jr. Way

Avondale, AZ 85323

623-932-7000

www.aguafria.org

Board president: Tom Rosztocsy School board meets: Visit website for times and dates Place: District office

Agua Fria High School

530 E. Riley Drive

Avondale, AZ 85323

623-932-7300

Principal: Ernest Molina

Coldwater Academy

750 E. Riley Drive

Avondale, AZ 85323

623-932-7106

Coordinator: Shelle 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

623-386-9701

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: Nora Gutierrez

District office: 9801 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-4000

www.tuhsd.org

Board president:

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

Place: District office board room

Copper Canyon High School

9126 W. Camelback Road Glendale, AZ 85305

623-478-4800

Principal: Mindy Marsit

James A. Green Continuing Education Academy

9701 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-4120

Director: Travis Johnson

La Joya Community High School

11650 W. Whyman Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-478-4400

Principal: Brandi Haskins

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

623-478-4377

Director: Travis Johnson

Sierra Linda High School

3434 S. 67th Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85043

623-474-7700

Principal: Tim Madrid

Tolleson Union High School

9419 W. Van Buren St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-4200

Principal: Richard Stinnett

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

www.arlingtonelem.org

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

Place: Arlington Elementary School or the Harquahala Fire District

Arlington Elementary School 9410 S. 355th Ave. Arlington, AZ 85322 623-386-2031

Avondale Elementary School District

Superintendent: Betsy Hargrove

District office:

295 W. Western Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323 623-772-5000 www.avondale.k12.az.us

Board president: Noemi Cabrales 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 STEM Academy 15151 W. Centerra Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-772-4800

Principal: Casey Frank

Copper Trails School 16875 W. Canyon Trails Blvd. Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-772-4100

Principal: Stacy Ellis

Desert Star School 2131 S. 157th Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-772-4600

Principal: Catherine Wood

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 St.

Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-925-3400

www.besd33.org

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: Brittany Tarango

Buckeye Elementary School

211 S. Seventh St. Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-386-4487

Principal: Dina Cegelka

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

Marionneaux Elementary*

24155 W. Roeser Road

Buckeye, AZ 85326

Principal: Nick Forgette

*Opening August 2017

Sundance Elementary School

23800 W. Hadley St.

Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-847-8531

Principal: Neva Burlingame

WestPark Elementary School

2700 S. 257th Drive

Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-435-3282

Principal: Kevin Bulger

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: Paul Jensen School board meets: 6:30 p.m. second Monday of each month

Place: District office

Estrella Mountain

Elementary School

10301 S. San Miguel Drive

Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-327-2820

Principal: Sharon Marine

Freedom Elementary School

22150 W. Sundance Parkway

Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-327-2850

Principal: Tony Reynolds

Las Brisas Academy

18211 W. Las Brisas Drive

Goodyear, AZ 85338

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: Sandra 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 School

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: Amy Soucinek

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: Bryan D’Alessio

Country Place

Leadership Academy

10207 W. Country Place Blvd. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-478-6100

Principal: Michael Cagle

Estrella Vista STEM Academy 11905 W. Cocopah Circle North Avondale, AZ 85323

623-478-6200

Principal: Richard Ramos

Fine Arts Academy 1700 S. 103rd Ave. Tolleson, AZ 85323

623-478-6400

Principal: Susan Gibson

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

623-478-5700

Interim Principal: Jim Verrill

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

623-478-6000

Principal: Eric Atuahene

Tres Rios Service Academy 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: Visit website for times and dates 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: Jose Arenas

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: Lori Pizzo

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: Debby Cruz

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: Brian Winefsky

Villa de Paz

Elementary School

4940 N. 103rd Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85037

623-772-2490

Principal: Shakira Simmons

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

623-772-2700

Principal: Rod Henkel

Saddle Mountain Unified School District

Superintendent: Paul Tighe District office:

38201 W. Indian School Road

Tonopah, AZ 85354

623-474-5115

www.smusd90.org

Board president: Paul Roetto School board meets: 6 p.m. second Thursday 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

623-474-5403

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: Elizabeth Hunsaker 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 St. Tolleson, AZ 85353

623-907-5181

Principal: Cynthia Mills

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

623-907-5270

Principal: Melissa Marze Union Elementary School District

Superintendent: Lorah Neville 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: Adam Klingelhoets

Union Elementary School

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

623-478-5000

Principal: Michael Welsh

Others

Archway Classical Academy-Trivium West

2001 N. Bullard Ave. Goodyear, AZ 85395

623-414-4883

www.archwaytrivium.org

Headmaster: Jamee Twardeck

Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center Estrella Mountain High School

3400 N. Dysart Road Avondale, AZ 85392

623-535-0754

www.aaechighschools.com

Principal: Dale Nicol

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.org

Principal: Ronald Alexander

BASIS Goodyear

15800 W. Sherman St., Goodyear, AZ 85338

480-276-8592

www.basisgoodyear.org

Head of School: Robert Bowley

Bradley Creemos Academy 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: William Burke

E-Institute at Buckeye

6213 S. Miller Road, Suite 109 Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-505-7118

www.e-institute.us

Principal: Marty Acosta

Estrella High School

510 N. Central Ave. Avondale, AZ 85323

623-932-6562

www.estrellahs.com

School Leader: Laura Perry

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., Building E Goodyear, AZ 85338

602-708-2334

www.harvestprep.com

Site Director: Alicia Schroeder

Heritage Elementary School

6805 N. 125th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85307

623-742-3956

www.hesglendale.org

Principal: Justin Dye

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: Michelle Hart

Montessori in the Park 1832 N. Litchfield Road Goodyear, AZ 85395

623-535-4863

www.mipschool.org

Director: Fiona Quinlan

The Odyssey Institute for Advanced and International Studies

1495 S. Verrado Way Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-327-1757

www.odyprep.com

Junior High School Principal: Mary Daniels

High School Co-Principals: Bryan Pratt and Kari Hurley

The Odyssey Preparatory Academy - Buckeye

6500 S. Apache Road Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-327-3111

www.odyprep.com

Co-Principals: Kenneth

Olson and Angie Price

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

623-882-1140

www.odyprep.com

Principal: Liz Douglass

The Odyssey Preparatory Academy - Sienna Hills

2400 N. Sienna Hills Parkway Buckeye, AZ 85396

623-882-1140

www.odyprep.com

Principal: Lorrese Roer

Painted Desert Montessori Academy

2400 S. 247th Ave., Buckeye, AZ 85326

623-900-5132

pdma.education

St. John Vianney Catholic School 539 La Pasada Blvd. Goodyear, AZ 85338

623-932-2434

www.sjvazschool.net

Principal: Doug Weivoda

St. Peter’s Montessori School

400 S. Old Litchfield Road

Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

623-935-7737

www.stpetersmontessori.com

Director: Bonnie Shearer

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

Head of school: Anita Mosley

West Valley Christian School 16260 W. Van Buren St. Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-234-2100

www.wvchristianschool.org

Principal: Nathan Wieler

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)

218 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)

413 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

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: 1412 N. Central Ave., Suite B, Avondale, AZ 85323 623-536-3388

District 4

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

District 7

Rep. Ruben Gallego (D) 1218 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

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Board of

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. Lisa Otondo (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 308 Phoenix, AZ 85007 602-926-3002; lotondo@azleg.gov

Rep. Charlene R. Fernandez (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 322 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3098; cfernandez@azleg.gov

Rep. Jesus Rubalcava (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 334 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-4842; jrubalcava@azleg.gov

District 13

Sen. Steve Montenegro (R)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 303B Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-5955; smontenegro@azleg.gov

Rep. Darin Mitchell (R)

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

602-926-5894; dmitchell@azleg.gov

Rep. Don Shooter (R)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 222 Phoenix, AZ 85007

Steve Gallardo (D)

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

602-506-7092

district5@mail.maricopa.gov

District 19

Sen. Lupe Contreras (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 305 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-5284; lcontreras@azleg.gov

Rep. Mark A. Cardenas (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 339 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3014; mcardenas@azleg.gov

Rep. Diego Espinoza (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 308 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3135; 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)

602-926-4139; dshooter@azleg.gov

1700 W. Washington St., Room 337 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-3130; randrade@azleg.gov

Rep. Cesar Chavez (D)

1700 W. Washington St., Room 318 Phoenix, AZ 85007

602-926-4862; cchavez@azleg.gov

Cities at a Glance

Year of incorporation: 1946

Population: 85,167

Median age: 32

Median household annual income: $64,785

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: Sandi Nielson

Year of incorporation: 1929

Population: 62,582

Median age: 32.5

Median household annual income: $60,983

Land area: 600 square miles

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

www.buckeyeaz.gov

Mayor: Jackie Meck

Vice mayor: Craig Heustis

Year of incorporation: 1946

Population: 77,776

Median age: 36.7

Median household annual income: $69,078

Land area: 190 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: 5,392

Median age: 44.2

Median household annual

income: $77,481

Land area: 3.3 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: 7,008

Median age: 30.8

Median household annual income: $34,485

Land area: 6 square miles

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

www.tollesonaz.org

Mayor: Anna Tovar

Vice mayor: Juan Rodriguez

Council: Pat Dennis, Bryan

Kilgore, Veronica Malone, Mike

Pineda 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: Jeanine Guy, G. Patrick

HagEstad, Michelle Hess, Eric Orsborn and Tony Youngker

Interim city manager: Roger Klingler

Police Dept.: 100 N. Apache Road, Suite D (623-349-6499)

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.: 21699 W. Yuma Road, Suite 101 (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.: 11 N. 145th Ave. (623-932-1220)

Police chief: Jerry Geier

Fire Dept.: 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite E-102 (623932-2300)

Council: Tim Blake, Ann Donahue, Peter Mahoney, Jeff

Raible and John Romack

Interim city manager: Sonny Culbreth

Police Dept.: Maricopa County

Sheriff’s Office (602-876-1011)

Council: Lupe Leyva Bandin, John Carnero, Clorinda Erives, Linda Laborin and Albert Mendoza

City manager: Reyes Medrano Jr.

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

Police chief: Wayne Booher

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

Fire chief: George Good

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)

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)

Rides and Animals!

Introducing new rides in the new Adventureland including an exhilarating 100 foot high Vertigo Swing, exciting family Roller Coaster, breathtaking Soaring Eagle Zip Line and a fun Flying Scooter. All centered around new exhibits featuring Bears, Buffalo, Javalinas, Bobcats, Mountain Lions, Monkeys and more.

Arizona’s Ultimate, Year-Round Family Fun destination. Arizona’s Largest Collection of Exotic Animals.