West Valley View - March 15, 2017

FITNESS FUN

Experts suggest cycling to reach New Year’s fitness goals — Page 11.

NEW SCHOOL

Marionneaux

Elementary under construction in Buckeye — Page 9.

DAILY UPDATES!

Liberty super gets vote of confidence

School board supports district leader despite parents’ complaints

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

The Liberty Elementary School Board has given a vote of confidence to its superintendent, who has been the subject of criticism by a group of parents who claim he is mismanaging the district.

Roger Klingler named Buckeye city manager

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

After serving as an interim for seven months, Roger Klingler has been named Buckeye’s city manager.

The City Council approved the appointment at its March 7 meeting.

Klingler had been assistant city manager for two years before Stephen Cleveland resigned in August 2016 after seven years in the job.

The city manager is responsible for the city’s daily administration and implementing council policy.

In a news release, Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck said Klingler’s leadership during the past few years made him the logical choice for the position.

The employment agreement approved by the council gives Klingler an annual compensation package of $220,000, including base pay of $195,000 and an $18,000 contribution to a deferred compensation retirement plan.

Benefits also include a $6,000 car allowance and $1,800 cell phone allowance.

Before coming to Buckeye, Klingler worked with the city of Scottsdale for 30 years, holding the position of assistant city manager for 10 years, and was also general manager of water resources and intergovernmental relations there.

As assistant city manager in Buckeye, Klingler managed the leaders of seven city departments: police, fire, informational technology, public works, engineering, development services and community services.

He has a master’s degree from Michigan State University and a law degree from the Sandra Day O’Conner College of Law at Arizona State University.

Klingler was not available for an interview.

Glenn Gullickson can be reached at ggullickson@westvalleyview.com.

The 3-1 vote of support for Superintendent Andrew Rogers came during a special board meeting Thursday night after the board spent almost two hours in executive session. The district operates six elementary schools in Buckeye and Goodyear serving 3,500 pupils.

Lead

found in

drinking water at Tolleson school

Testing performed as part of statewide effort by ADEQ

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

A program launched earlier this year to test for lead in drinking water at schools across Arizona found that samples from Tolleson Union High School were higher than recommended levels. Screenings were conducted Jan. 28 at the campus by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and school officials were notified March 3 about the issue.

“While all of the school’s water sources are safe for hand washing and toilet use, we are

Roger Klingler

Andrew Rogers

View photo by Jordan Christopher

A DEBRAZZA’S MONKEY cradles her baby Feb. 22 at the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Waddell. The stork has made repeated visits to the West Valley zoo of late, dropping off everything from jackals to a rare pileated gibbon monkey, only the 13th of its species in the United States. Read all about the endangered primate on Page 3.

Zoo welcomes rare pileated gibbon

Babies booming at Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Waddell

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

Baby Fisher still clings tightly to his mother at the Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park in Waddell, but the pair is spending more time in the public eye as the little monkey grows.

The rare pileated gibbon was born on New Year’s Day, and is only the 13th of its species in the United States. He was named in honor of actress Carrie Fisher, who died Dec. 27, 2016.

Gibbons are considered the most endangered primates on Earth, and Wildlife World is one of two zoos in the country to house the monkeys, said Kristy Morcom, director of media r elations.

Fisher is the second pileated gibbon to be born at the zoo, and brings its total to six, Morcom said.

Unlike some animals that are hand raised in the zoo’s Baby Animal Nursery, monkeys usually stay with their mothers on exhibit, she said.

“They’re very social. If you hand r aise them, they lose a lot of that and you can’t just put them back with the monkeys — they won’t accept them,” Morcom said.

Another newcomer to the primate family is Gomez, a black-and-white colobus, who was born Jan. 16 on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Gomez currently has completely white hair and a pink face, but eventually will start to match the rest of his family with black fur, except for white around their faces and tails.

Unlike most monkeys, colobus lack thumbs. Their name stems from the Greek word “kolobus,” which means maimed, a reference to their hands, Morcom said.

Over in the nursery, the zoo’s hand-

in the entire country. Gibbons are the most endangered primates in the world. He was named after actress Carrie Fisher, who died Dec. 27, 2016. To see all photos from this shoot, go to www.westvalleyview.com/pictures.

raising team is hard at work caring for multiple species, including a pair of female Patagonian cavies born Feb. 20.

The rabbit-like animals are herbivores and can be found in the wild in open habitats in Argentina, including parts of Patagonia. They typically weigh between 18 and 35 pounds and are 27 to 30 inches long, Morcom said.

Cavies communicate through a number of sounds, from grunts to screams, and often hop or gallop to get around. A pair will mate for life, and the gestation period for a cavy is 100 days, she said.

Three black-backed jackals, which are about a month old, are also being hand raised. The carnivores can be found in Africa, Asia and Europe, Morcom said.

They’ll eat just about anything and weigh about 20 to 30 pounds when full grown. Jackals can be found in packs of 10 to 30 and communicate with a sirenlike howl or screaming yell, she said.

A baby wallaby named Rocco has also set up camp — literally — in the nursery. The joey, which is about 7 months old, might be hard to see as he nestles inside a handmade pouch

surrounded by a teepee.

The gestation period for a wallaby is only 30 days, because it continues to develop inside the pouch, Morcom said.

“Wallabies can have a baby in all three stages of life,” she said. “A wallaby can be pregnant, have another wallaby in its pouch nursing and one outside the pouch still nursing. They can also delay implantation until the pouch is available.”

The animals communicate with their group, or mob, by thumping their feet. They can leap 13 feet and go several months without water, Morcom said.

An animal that would normally be left on exhibit with its mother, such as a wallaby, could be hand raised for a variety of reasons, including weather conditions, an inattentive mother or if the animal will later be transferred to another zoo as an ambassador for its species, which is the case with the joey, Morcom said.

Certain species are always hand raised at the zoo, such as big cats, which helps them be calmer on exhibit and build trust with keepers through positive reinforcement, making their veterinary care easier, Morcom said.

Other animals, such as antelope with big horns, are better raised by their herd at a healthy distance from people, Morcom said.

“You don’t want them coming up to you and feeling comfortable,” she said.

Babies can be found throughout the zoo this month, including llamas, oryx and gazelles, and other primates such as the Debrazza’s monkey.

The Wildlife World Zoo is at 16501 W. Northern Ave. in Waddell.

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

View photo by Jordan Christopher FISHER

Alexander R. Dubow graduates from basic training

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Alexander R. Dubow has graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio.

He is the son of Chad R. Dubow of Goodyear.

RETIRING OLD GLORY

HARTMAN, center, and Glen Cumberledge salute and pay respect during a flagretirement ceremony March 4 at the American Legion Post 61 in Avondale.

Lead

(From Page 1)

taking this extremely seriously,” stated a letter sent home to parents the same day by Tolleson Principal Richard Stinnett.

The testing is being done in 7,000 buildings at 1,200 schools statewide, and campuses with lead exceeding the federal screening level of 15 parts per billion will be required to take immediate action, according to ADEQ.

At Tolleson, all drinking fountains and water faucets that did not meet the safe standards have been taken offline, and “No drinking” signs have been posted, Stinnett’s letter stated.

The school is now awaiting the results of a second round of testing to see if common methods of alleviating lead levels are effective, said Joseph Ortiz, a spokesman for the Tolleson Union High School District.

The testing, which started in January and is expected to be completed by June, was developed after a federal state of emergency was declared last year in Flint, Mich., because of lead in the water, according to Trevor Baggiore, director of ADEQ’s Water Quality Division.

About 25 other schools and buildings in the West Valley are also on the list to be screened.

Those identified to be tested for lead have higher risks, including schools in certain ZIP codes, any campus that offers prekindergarten programs attended by children under age 5 and buildings constructed before 1987, Baggiore said.

While drinking water is not considered to be a common source of lead in Arizona, the testing is being done to eliminate children’s overall exposure to it, according to ADEQ’s website.

Drinking water may get contaminated as water moves through the plumbing system, where lead from water fountains, faucets and water heaters may leach into the water, the website states.

The risk of lead leaching increases with intermittent water use, and schools’ water lines are not being flushed on the weekends and during breaks throughout the year.

Participation by the schools is optional, and there’s no cost to the districts for the testing. The project is budgeted at $850,000 in state funds.

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

MIKE

View photo by Ray Thomas

Confidence

(From Page 1)

Thursday’s meeting was scheduled three days after the board’s regular monthly meeting, where several p arents aired complaints about Rogers’ management style.

The parents are also critical about the district’s program for gifted pupils and class sizes, and are complaining about difficulties in obtaining public records from the administration.

Rogers, who is in his 10th year as superintendent, told the media the meeting was arranged because the level of concern and attention expressed created an interest in “having some sort of response.”

He acknowledged that he contributed to writing the statement of confidence the board approved, which centered on his performance related to a strategic plan for the district.

The statement of confidence mentioned Rogers’ positive performance reviews toward making progress on the strategic plan, which includes priorities such as pupil achievement and teacher development.

Board member Mike Newman said the topics of the parents’ complaints aren’t part of the standards for evaluating Rogers.

“That’s the tool we use,” Newman said, claiming that it would be difficult to deviate from that standard.

Newman voted for the statement of confidence along with board members Thad McCloud and Regina Simmons.

“With everything that’s going on, we have to make a statement as a board,” McCloud said.

Board Chairman Paul Jensen voted against the statement after asking the board to delay the vote until after the results of a district survey are reviewed.

Jensen said his problem with the statement was its last line, which read, “We have the utmost confidence in Dr. Rogers.”

Jensen’s position drew applause from about 50 p arents who crowded the meeting room and were told several times by board members to suppress their r eactions.

But as the meeting adjourned, the room erupted in catcalls from the parents. Board members left the room through a back door that gave them access to their vehicles in a parking lot behind the building.

Before the board met in open session, parents waited an hour and 45 minutes while the members met in executive session, an exception to the Arizona Open Meetings Law that gives public boards the right to meet privately to discuss certain topics.

According to the board’s agenda, the executive session was necessary to get advice from the district’s attorney about “public records law, board communications and procedures and related issues.”

After the meeting, Michael Todd, who has led the parents’ opposition to Rogers, called the statement of confidence “bogus” and said his group will continue its efforts to have the superintendent removed.

Todd said his efforts to obtain the superintendent’s contract and emails have been hampered by conditions imposed by the administration.

He said he will make another attempt to obtain the information, and has also taken the issue to the Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide Office.

Todd, who has one child in the district, said there have been problems with Rogers over his tenure, but things became difficult about two months ago.

“We’re concerned this man is overstepping his power,” Todd said. “He has a history of bullying people and making problems. Every year, we lose amazing teachers. He chases them off.”

Todd said he and others have been to the district office three times to examine seven boxes of documents that resulted from a request for public r ecords.

He claimed the administration limits the time documents can be viewed and the number of people who can view the documents.

“What is there to hide?” he said. “This is building up to a lawsuit at the end of the day.”

Emily Snyder, who assisted Todd with reviewing the documents, said Rogers retaliated by telling her to leave Westar Elementary while she was performing duties as a parent volunteer and escorted her from the building.

Meeting with the media after the meeting, Rogers denied that Snyder had been asked to leave.

He said criticism of him has taken the form of personal attacks from a group of parents with children in one school.

“There are some people who are very vocal,” he said.

Rogers said the statement of confidence is evidence that “the board wants me to continue doing the job they asked me to do.”

He said the district has responded to concerns by adding two teachers to help reduce class sizes, commissioning a task force to evaluate the gifted pupil program and hiring a clerk to help meet the demands for public records requests.

Board member Kelly Olson-Stewart did not attend the meeting.

Glenn Gullickson can be reached at ggullickson@westvalleyview.com.

Crime spree ends in West Valley

4 suspects in custody; 2 outstanding, possibly armed

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

A crime spree that started early March 10 and traveled throughout Phoenix and Glendale ended up in the West Valley at 107th Avenue and Camelback Road, officials said.

It started at about 1 a.m. at 55th Avenue and Osborn Road in Phoenix when six people in a Chevrolet Tahoe confronted some people at Marivue Park, said Lt. Wayne Dillon, a spokesman with the Phoenix Police Department.

“At least two of those suspects had guns. One of them had a shotgun. One of them had a handgun,” Dillon said.

Two people in the Tahoe stole an Infiniti sedan from the park, and a short time later shot a passenger in another car near 61st Avenue and Bethany Home Road, said Sgt. Scott Waite, a spokesman with the Glendale Police Department.

“This was a random act of violence,” Dillon said.

“These subjects just pulled up to this person in a vehicle, revved the engine of the Infiniti vehicle that they had stolen in the armed robbery and flashed their lights at this subject in a car at an intersection. That person was not interested in racing so they shot that person.”

The victim was taken to the hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries, Waite said.

Police followed the Tahoe to 63rd Drive and Monterosa Street, where the suspects fled on foot, Dillon said.

Three were apprehended with the help of police K9 units, but one is still on the loose and could be armed, he said.

Police on the ground and a helicopter also pursued the suspects in the stolen Infiniti, which came to a stop at about 3 a.m. near 107th Avenue and Solano Drive when the driver crashed into an irrigation canal, Dillon said.

One of the suspects was apprehended, but police are still looking for the other, who might have a gun, he said.

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

Reporters with KPHO/KTVK contributed to this article.

THEIR VIEWPOINT

It’s your right, it’s your business

by Jim Zachary Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. regional editor and The Valdosta Daily Times editor

Every action of government is your business.

Every document held in government halls is your piece of paper.

Every penny spent by government is your money.

From the courthouse to the statehouse to the White House, government belongs to the governed and not the governing.

You have the right to know what the governing are up to, always.

We are self-governed.

The only way the public, and the press, can hold government accountable is by having unfettered access to its deliberations and the documents it holds.

Transparency is not liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat.

The media champions open government in its traditional role as the Fourth Estate, knowing that independent checks and balances are critical to our liberty.

When city council, county commission or the board of education brokers a deal behind closed doors and conceals documents containing important information the public wants and needs to know our freedoms are compromised.

Local government has the biggest impact in our lives on a day-to-day basis.

Whether it is in the form of property taxes, sales taxes, business taxes, state-shared dollars or federal grants, loans and funding, local government is 100 percent taxpayer funded. The decisions being made, the monies being spent and the records being kept by city hall, the county commission, the board of education or the hospital authority affect us all, and when government is allowed to operate behind closed doors, it grows out of control, is not responsive to the public and subject to corruption.

Elected officials — from the school board member to the President of the United States, must remember they answer to the people, not to professional government bureaucrats, not to government lawyers and not to their elevated campaign advisers

It may be true the public has lost a lot of confidence in the national media, but imagine a government run amuck without media watchdogs holding it in check.

Sunshine Week, March 12-18, 2017, is a national initiative to promote a dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Participants include news media, civic groups, libraries, nonprofits, schools and others interested in the public’s right to know. The Florida Society of Newspaper Editors launched Sunshine Sunday in 2002 in response to efforts by some Florida legislators to create scores of new exemptions to the state’s public records law. FSNE estimates that some 300 exemptions to open government laws were defeated in the legislative sessions that followed its three Sunshine Sundays, because of the increased public and legislative awareness that resulted from the Sunshine Sunday reports and commentary.

Sunshine Week is about the public’s right to know what its government is doing, and why.

Sunshine Week seeks to enlighten and empower people to play an active role in their government at all levels, and to give them access to information that makes their lives better and their communities stronger.

Even Thomas Jefferson, who battled with the press, at times excoriating newspapers in his letters, understood that a free press with unfettered access was essential to the health of democracy.

Jefferson would grow irritated with newspapers, even writing, “Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper,” but he is also the man who famously wrote in a letter to Edward Carrington in 1787, “And were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them.”

When you ask to see the county’s operating budget or challenge whether city council has the right to go into a closed session, remember it’s your right. It’s your business.

Jim Zachary is the regional editor of Community Newspaper Holdings Inc. for Georgia and Florida newspapers and the editor of The Valdosta Daily Times. He is also the director of the Transparency Project of Georgia, a member of the board of directors of the Georgia First Amendment Foundation and vicechair of the Red & Black newspaper serving the University of Georgia. He can be contacted at jim.zachary@gaflnews.com.

OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

L etters to the editor are published without any editing. Any errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar are those of the author. Two online

Who are real obstructionists?

Editor:

Democrats claim they are not obstructionists. They say they must oppose President Trump because his values are not main stream American values.

The President wants to build a wall to keep out illegals, as well as drugs. He wants to expand our military to make it the strongest in the world and if necessary fight to WIN ! He wants Israel to know they once again have a friend in the White House. He wants to end job killing regulations and grow the economy. He strongly supports the second amendment, and will appoint originalists to the Supreme Court.

So please tell me which one of those values, to name a few, are not mainstream American Democratic values, to name a few, include raising the minimum wage to $15 hourly to carry out garbage at Mc Donald’s. They insist that the unproven theory of man made global warming is settled science, which it is not, therefore allowing them to stifle fossil fuel jobs and throw families

in the unemployment lines. They insist a woman has a right to control her body even if it involves killing a healthy fetus which cannot fight back. They care more for animal rights and illegal aliens then they do for innocent unborn babies They want open borders so the whole world can come and destroy our way of life.

It is not that the President’s values are not mainstream American values which annoys Democrats . It is that the President’s values are not progressive values . That is what bites them in the butt!

Schumer, Durbin, Pelosi, Obama, Clinton as well as the mayors of most of America’s large cities are definitely obstructionists. Those progressives represent everything which is wrong with America.

Roy Azzarello Goodyear

Bad gas from the spiciness

Editor:

White House press secretary and male Melissa McCarthy, Sean Spicer, has got this Republicans’ hemorrhoids flared up.

In an interview with Politico back on December 16th, Spicer said, “We have a respect for the press when it comes to the government, that that is something you can’t ban an entity from.”

He added: “I think that is what

Editorial: Managing editor: Cary Hines editor@westvalleyview.com

Assistant editor: Emily Toepfer etoepfer@westvalleyview.com

Sports editor: Casey Pritchard cpritchard@westvalleyview.com

Sports writer: Shane McOwen

Staff writer: Glenn Gullickson, Kourtney Balsan news1@westvalleyview.com

Staff photographers: Ray Thomas, Jordan Christopher

Advertising: Advertising coordinator: Julie Sargent-Helm advertising@westvalleyview.com

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

Julius Tiritilli julius.t@westvalleyview.com

Bookkeeping: Manager: Rene Hartmann Alejandrina Trujillo bookkeeping@westvalleyview.com

makes a democracy a democracy versus a dictatorship.”

Fast forward to Friday February 24th. In just 10 weeks, Spicer contradicted himself by banning several news agencies from his off-camera press briefing while hand-picking other reporters to attend; apparently pouting like a child because he doesn’t like the facts that these “mean”organizations have reported in recent weeks. It’s not POTUS’s job to hold the media accountable. It’s the media’s job to hold POTUS accountable and it’s the citizens job to hold both accountable. A press secretary that lacks credibility is gonna struggle.

News Flash Sean! You better grow a pair quick. A woman might mockingly portray you on SNL, but that same women has obviously got bigger balls than you, me, or any other Trump supporter who doesn’t know right from wrong.

Arthur Richarelli Litchfield Park

Special interest influence revealed

Editor:

It is a travesty that HCR2029 passed in the Arizona House and now moves on to the Senate. HCR2029 erects almost insur-

Production: Shannon Mead, Erica Evans production@westvalleyview.com

Classified advertising: DeAna Janco orders@westvalleyview.com

Circulation/Distribution: Ron Sellmeyer missyou@westvalleyview.com

Printing: Ryan Westfall rwestfall@westvalleyview.com Tony Montenegro, Jose Enriquez West Valley View is published each Wednesday by West Valley View Inc.

Subscriptions

Letters

(From Page 6)

mountable and costly requirements that citizens must meet to place initiatives on the ballot. The bill was sponsored by my Representative Dan Shooter and voted for by my other representative Darin Mitchell. Shooter’s reason for sponsoring HCR2029 was his belief that it is too easy for people with money, such as George Soros, to put an issue up for a vote. But the catalyst was the displeasure of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce over passage of Prop 206 to increase the minimum wage. Garrick Taylor, Chamber Vice President, is on record saying that Prop 206 should have never been on the ballot. What HCR2029 reveals is that well-funded special interest groups exert undue influence on legislators. Shooter listened to the “will” of the Chamber. HCR2006, calling for a constitutional convention, is championed not by voters, but by the American Legislative Exchange Council and the Koch Brothers. Senators listened to the “will” of the Center for Arizona Policy and introduced SB1367 and SB1439. Our representatives need to know that we hold them accountable when special interest group agendas undermine our will, rights, and interests. There is still time to let our Senators that they must oppose HCR2029. Rest assured that my Senator, Steve Montenegro, will be sent my demand for him to oppose HCR2029.

Lawrence Peters Buckeye

PebbleCreek helps Goodyear

Editor:

I enjoy the articles weekly, but this one is way out of line. Talk about age discrimination. The community of Pebblecreek is not just old people. It is an active adult community, that is a vibrant part, of what Goodyear is about. 4500 homes generating taxes for Goodyear, without increas-

ing School population. We pay for our infrastructure though our own HOA dues! The Fire station is a decision of the city, being close to high density areas, for response times in emergencies. In response to traffic lights, these are put in for the safety of all citizens, not just Pebblecreek. The new one on Bullard is for safety, and to slow down the traffic in a residential area. During the installation there was a car accident that two of Goodyear’s police responded. Their lights were flashing and right in front of them, a 3 car accident happens due to speeding.

During the Holiday season Pebblecreek continues to raise $14-15,000 for the underprivileged children of Goodyear, so they might have something for Christmas! So before you claim that Pebblecreek should be its own city, you should open your eyes to making Goodyear a great city for all.

Tom Szylkonis Goodyear

Patriotism redefined

Editor:

It’s obvious what is going to happen with the “Affordable Health Care,” the more than 20 million Americans who now have policies that cost about $400 a month will be asked by the insurance industry to pay $1000 a month. Do you believe these numbers? Believe them or not, they are the only numbers you will hear, Trump doesn’t use numbers he uses words. Words like we will have a system that you will love etc. etc. Now that Trump is in Washington his need for people to love him has been transferred to the insurance industries (government health care is cutting into their profits), the arms manufacturers (building up the armed forces to fight the type of war we have not fought since WW2), the pharmaceutical industry (notice he has stopped saying they are the cause behind high health care costs) the oil industry (of course you can build a pipeline) and of course the coal industry that has already contaminated the drinking water in Virginia to the point that it is flammable and unfit to even bath in.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

• Support • Oppose

Do you support or oppose federal funding for Planned Parenthood?

LAST WEEK’S RESULTS

Do you think the Obama administration wire tapped Trump Tower telephones during the campaign? 88 total Votes

It would be easy to chalk this up to more of the same but there is a difference. There are a lot of people who agree with the patriotic rhetoric that seems to give license to hating immigrants and even Americans who are not fortunate enough to have their health care subsidized by an employer. Many in our country believe themselves to be Patriotic Americans and Christians. Patriotism signifies a love of country; the Christian religion signifies a love of our fellow man. Being a Christian requires us to behave as the “Good Samaritan,” patriotism is being used to allow us to stand by, and cheer, while our fellow Americans are being taken advantage of.

Editor:

Art Boyle Buckeye

Ballpark was a mistake

It was a beautiful day, a Friday, already 7 days into the 33 day season, and there might have been 1,000 people in the $100 million dollar GY stadium which costs GY tax payers $8 million dollars per year to operate. (TOTAL primary property taxes in GY are only about $7.5 mil per year.)

If you can’t fill it in the year that one of your clubs won the

• Yes — 47% • No — 53%

AL Championship and nearly the World Series what chance do you ever have to fill it up?

Except, of course, the two games per year when the Cubs play there in March.

This is what happens when you have people who have never had a real job, or run a business, or even know the difference between depreciation and operating costs, run your city government.

Howard Brodbeck Goodyear

Irritated by frauds

Editor:

Do you ever get irritated

Take the View’s online poll at the home page of our Website, www.WestValleyView.com Join the conversation! Share your thoughts with us on Facebook! Or mention @WestValleyView and tag your tweets with #wvvpoll!

seeing people exit (or return) to their vehicles parked in “handicapped” parking spots with no obvious physical disability? For example, sitting in my vehicle for half an hour in one of the Palm Valley parking lots this past Saturday waiting for my granddaughter and husband to finish an errand, I saw 12 different vehicles pull in or out of handicapped spots. All of the vehicles had either a handicap tag hanging or had a handicap license plate. Only ONE of these vehicles had an occupant who was physically impaired (he walked using a cane).

I see this fraud all the time. How do people get away with this? Very annoying....

Susan Hewit Goodyear

West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona, Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Business Briefcase

by Shane McOwen staff writer

It’s Business Briefcase time, everyone, welcome aboard. I wish I had some theme music to play for the opening of the column, just to give it a little sprucing up. It seems to work well for films and television shows.

Unfortunately, the powers that be haven’t perfected the Harry Potter technology (or magic, I guess) that allows such animations on the printed page.

I could look into the greeting cards that play songs when you open them, but shelling out for thousands of them is a little bit out of my price range. Plus, I don’t actually have a tune in mind, so I’d feel a bit silly sitting on a literal ton of devices to play music without anything to program into them.

Let’s just settle for the official soundtrack of the Briefcase being the crinkle of the newspaper. Now that we’ve settled that, let’s get to it.

Multiple inquiries came in this week asking about the construction underway at the southeast corner of Camelback Road and 99th Avenue in Phoenix.

The area in question will eventually be a Circle K convenience store and gas station at 9875 W. Camelback Road. No word yet on the construction timetable, but the Phoenix City Council will vote on the liquor license April

Goodyear nurse wins DAISY award

Goodyear resident Vicky Laureta, a cardiac post intervention unit nurse at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, was recently honored with a DAISY (diseases attacking the immune system) award by the DAISY Foundation, which recognizes nurses who demonstrate exceptional patient care.

Laureta has worked at St.

19. Considering construction is at the dirt moving phase, it’s safe to say the opening will be sometime after that.

G’s BBQ Lounge opened at 5122 N. Dysart Road, just outside Litchfield Park city limits, back in late 2016.

The menu is full of items most would expect from a barbecue joint: ribs, various cuts of meat, sandwiches — the works. However, the restaurant offers something you don’t usually see from a casual dining eatery. Live entertainment!

G’s hosts live events

Thursday through Sunday of each week, such as poetry readings, comedy shows and jazz performances. If you follow the restaurant on its Facebook page, you’ll never be in the dark for what’s coming up next.

Sounds like a pretty cool joint to me!

The hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. G’s BBQ Lounge also takes reservations every day until 5 p.m.

For information, call 623-322-1200, or visit gsbbqlounge.net.

Banner Urgent Care has announced seven new locations in Arizona, including two in the West Valley, in Avondale and Goodyear.

The Avondale Banner Urgent Care took over a vacant building at 11685 W. Van Buren St., at the western end of the commercial complex at the southwest corner of Van Buren Street and Avondale Boulevard.

Joseph’s for more than a decade and was recognized for her “super-human efforts in patient care.”

SRP ranked 1st by J.D. Power

Salt River Project was ranked highest in customer satisfaction for business electric service among the large electricity providers in the western region for the seventh time by J.D. Power.

SRP’s overall customer satisfaction index was 797 out of a possible 1,000 points in the 2016 Electric Business Customer Satisfaction Study, which is a 50-point performance increase from last year.

SRP scored highest among large electric providers in

To get in touch with the Avondale location, call 623465-6420.

The Goodyear Banner Urgent Care is at 16430 W. Yuma Road. For information on that location, call 623-465-6405. For general information on Banner Urgent Care facilities, visit bannerhealth.com/services/ urgent-care.

One last item of note for this week: Corporate Job Bank is celebrating a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, hosted by the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce.

I know what you’re thinking, that I forgot to take the placeholder out for “Corporate Job Bank.” The Briefcase is correct on this one, it’s a real place!

Corporate Job Bank is a staffing organization that places people in open roles for businesses, and vice versa. The company was founded in Arizona in 1985. For information, visit corporatejobbank.com.

Thanks for reading, everyone. As always, send emails full of tips, comments or questions to smcowen@ westvalleyview.com, or tweet the Briefcase @ ShaneMcOwen.

See you all next week!

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

west in four of the six customer satisfaction factors: power

and reliability, corporate citizenship, billing and payment and communications.

Buckeye woman joins Pioneer Title Agency

Pioneer Title Agency’s newest Buckeye branch, 4252 N. Verrado Way, has hired Buckeye resident Linda Burton as an escrow officer. With more than 30 years of experience in the title industry, Burton will be responsible for customer service by creating and maintaining industry relationships, handling real estate transactions from refinances to new builds and fostering teamwork.

West Valley Women’s C Care are

Shane McOwen

Vicky Laureta

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.

Build it and they will come

New elementary school under construction in Buckeye

by Kourtney Balsan special to the View

It looks harder to say than it actually is, Marionneaux Elementary — pronounced Mary-in-no — is the newest addition being built in the Buckeye Elementary School District, and will be as unique as its name.

The 15-acre campus on Roeser Road and 238th Lane in Buckeye broke ground Oct. 4, 2016, and is still in the construction phase. It is scheduled to be up and running by the 2017-18 school year beginning in August.

“If you’ve ever heard of the saying, ‘Build it and they will come,’ when you build a new school, you draw more people into your economy and it’s really good for the city as well,” said Kristi Sandvik, superintendent of Buckeye Elementary School District.

The campus, which will cost $20.8 million to construct and furnish, will be paid for by a bond passed by the Buckeye community in November 2015 along with adjacent ways funds and developer assistance donations, Sandvik said.

what it wanted most from the school, and the pupils were at the center of the decision-making process, Forgette said.

The school’s mascot will be the Tigers, and its colors are purple, black and silver. However, one pupil request had to be left out — a recreational pool, Forgette said.

“We wanted something that was warm, welcoming, safe and also that’s blending in with the communities surrounding it,” he said.

Marionneaux will have multiple buildings, including an administration building with kindergarten through fifth grades; a middle school building for grades sixth though eighth and also science, technology, engineering and math; and a multipurpose building with a gym, cafeteria and library, Forgette said.

“I think one of the most unique aspects of the school is that it will have a science lab and STEM lab.”

— Nick Forgette Marionneaux Elementary principal

It’s been in the making for more than a decade, since the Marionneaux family donated their land in 2004 for the sole purpose of a school, said Nate Bowler, assistant superintendent of business operations for the district.

“The family came to the board in 2006 to ask to officially name the school after the Marionneaux family, so it has been a while in the making,” he said.

Approving the name just made sense, said Principal Nick Forgette, who will lead the new school.

“We wanted to honor them, so that was the easy part, the naming of it,” he said. Marionneaux will be a kindergarten through eighth-grade campus that is unique to other schools in the district, because officials had more time to plan instead of rushing to keep up with the growing population, said Lester Dunning, the district’s director of maintenance and transportation.

“In 2003, we built Bales Elementary. From that time on, we were building schools one after the other not having the time to go back with the committees to get the input from the parents, the input from all of the different teachers and staff and maintenance, because we didn’t have that time,” Dunning said. “We were building too fast. We finally got ahead of the game to actually breathe and say,

‘You know, we want to make this right.’ Time has changed from 2003, so now we need to look at how this building really needs to be designed and that is why you see changes, like from one building to three.”

During the planning phase, the district reached out to the community to find out

“I think one of the most unique aspects of the school is that it will have a science lab and STEM lab,” he said. “This will be the second campus in our school district that will have a separate gymnasium and cafeteria. None of our schools are actual junior highs — this campus will have a separate sixth through eighth building that will serve as the junior high structure of Marionneaux.”

As pupils evolve, schools need to evolve with them, and the need to start technology young is key, Sandvik said.

“It’s a technology-rich environment and a place where socialization and friendships can be made,” she said. “It really gives students the opportunity to thrive.”

The school will feature upgraded technology featured in the school’s STEM lab that is not only unique to the Buckeye Elementary School District, but also to the West Valley and even the country, Forgette said.

“[The STEM lab] has a 35 point interactive wall. You can think of it as a large tablet. With that, it will increase the access that our students are going to have to that technology,” he said. “It’s the first of its type to be used in this capacity in an elementary school in the United States.”

The infamous crowded school pick-up and drop-off lines was another problem the district listened to the community about, which led to innovative thinking, Dunning said.

Twice as many parking spaces and one of the longest pick-up and drop-off lines in the state were included in the plans, along with programs to encourage pupils to walk and bike to school, Dunning said.

“We feel we’ve gone the extra mile in that area,” he said.

When the school opens in August, it will help relieve class sizes at the district’s other campuses by pulling about 500 pupils, Sandvik said.

“When you look to ask your community

AN

what

school in the Buckeye Elementary School District is under construction at Roeser Road and 238th Lane in Buckeye, and is expected to open for the 2017-18 school year.

to support a bond and pay for a school, it’s primarily to focus on population and growth,” she said. “When you have overcrowding, you have safety issues to take into consideration.”

As the city grows, the community and education needs to grow with it, Sandvik said.

“If you’re up to speed on the city of Buckeye, you know that it’s one of the safest cities in the United States,” Sandvik said.

“When you have a choice of where you want to live, where you want to raise your children and where you want to begin your life, we try to say to ourselves, ‘Well, why Buckeye?’ and the answer is, ‘Well, why not?’”

Marionneaux will have a unique newness that Sandvik said she hopes parents will embrace.

“Given that we live in a world of choice and we know that students and parents have several opportunities and choices

to choose from, that we feel like this is a good choice for them,” she said. “I think parents can expect that when they walk into the school, they’ll be able to see that the learning environment may look a little bit different in terms of adaptability and flexibility in the learning spaces.”

Although the school will have many new features, high education standards will stay the same, Sandvik said.

“[Teachers, pupils and parents] can expect the same that they get from all of our schools and that’s high expectations for learning and quality teachers,” she said. “Our passion and our dedication to quality instruction, that’s something that we all strive to provide for all of our students, no matter what campus they’re on.”

Kourtney Balsan can be reached at Kbalsan@westvalleyview.com.

Submitted rendering

ARTIST’S RENDERING shows

Marionneaux Elementary will look like once built. The newest

West Valley recognized for support of Luke AFB

Region named ‘Great American Defense Community’

by Emily Toepfer assistant editor

Luke Air Force Base officials have long touted the support of the West Valley as one of the base’s biggest assets, and now that partnership is being recognized on a national level.

The West Valley region was recently named a “Great American Defense Community” by the Association of Defense Communities, a nonprofit that represents areas with a significant military presence.

The program was launched last year to acknowledge the unique contributions cities, counties and regions make to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans and their families.

Seven other communities throughout the nation were awarded the designation.

They were each selected by a panel of defense community advocates and experts from dozens of nominees based on the broad range of efforts they carry out on behalf of military personnel and their families, such as education, job opportunities, housing, family support during deployments and community appreciation.

The West Valley is home to about 100,000 activeduty military and civilian personnel who are deployed or working at Luke Air Force Base, their families and veterans dependent on important base resources and services.

“Luke enjoys unmatched community support,” said Kiley Dougherty, a base spokeswoman. “We cannot thank

School Notes are published as space permits. The View runs these items free of charge as a service to the community and puts as many into each newspaper as possible. If you have a notice that must run by a certain date, please contact our advertising department at 623-535-8439.

Michael Zhang named to dean’s list

Michael Zhang of Avondale was named to Wartburg College’s dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

West Valley students named to president’s list

Timothy Bland of Goodyear and Manny Martinez of Tolleson were named to Trine University’s president’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

To be eligible for the president’s list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours with a GPA of 3.75 or higher.

Applicants sought for ASU college prep program

High school students are invited to apply to Fleischer Scholars, a weeklong summer college prep program for high school juniors who will graduate in 2018. Fifty students will be given full scholarships for housing at Arizona State University, meals and materials. Sessions will be held June 12-16 and July 10-14. The program’s application deadline is April 30. For information, visit wpcarey.

“This community, for decades, has embraced that installation, and it’s really been an example of how to support a military installation. We have a community of fantastic, amazing Americans, and they truly appreciate Luke Air Force Base and its mission.”

— Ron Sites Fighter Country Partnership executive director

Luke’s neighbors throughout the Valley enough for letting us be part of the community, not just in the community. Their support for our mission and the men and women of Luke Air Force Base has been second-to-none.”

The West Valley Partners coalition, composed of elected officials from Avondale, Buckeye, El Mirage, Gila Bend, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Maricopa County, Peoria, Phoenix, Surprise, Tolleson, Wickenburg and Youngtown, submitted the nomination on behalf of the West Valley region.

It highlighted a diverse collection of efforts, touching on key areas such as community building and integration,

asu.edu/Fleischer, call 480-965-5187 or email wpcsummerprograms@asu.edu.

Isaac Coronel named to dean’s list

Isaac Coronel of Avondale was named to Westminster College’s dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours with a GPA of 3.6 or higher.

Volunteers sought to host international students

Aspect Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c) (3) educational exchange organization, is seeking volunteers to become host families to international high school students from more than 30 countries. For information, call 480-487-7124 or visit aspectfoundation.org.

Nicole Vitola makes dean’s list

Nicole Vitola of Litchfield Park was named to Simpson College’s dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours with a GPA of 3.7 or higher.

West Valley students named to dean’s list

Annalecia Caires of Goodyear and Jamilah Relf of Litchfield Park were named to Azusa Pacific University’s dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

To be eligible for the president’s list, a

support and collaboration, educational and employment opportunities, and family support including efforts from government, nonprofit and education organizations within the community.

When Luke was attempting to land the F-35, it was city and state officials, along with the nonprofit group Fighter Country Partnership, who launched a campaign called Luke Forward to garner support for the base.

The group worked to position Arizona as a strong advocate for the jet’s mission, and almost 22,000 people registered their commitment on the campaign’s website.

“This community, for decades, has embraced that installation, and it’s really been an example of how to support a military installation,” said Ron Sites, executive director of Fighter Country Partnership. “We have a community of fantastic, amazing Americans, and they truly appreciate Luke Air Force Base and its mission.”

The F-35 is estimated to bring 3,000 military, civilian and contractor jobs and more than $125 million in associated construction to the West Valley at full build out.

In addition, Luke contributes about $2.17 billion to Arizona’s economy each year, according to a study commissioned by the state.

“Besides having the great opportunity to have amazing military members of high integrity living amongst us, financially, it’s a massive economic engine,” Sites said about Luke’s contribution to the West Valley.

The official designation will be presented in June during a ceremony at the ADC annual summit in Washington, D.C.

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

Liberty files request for water, sewer rate hikes

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

Liberty Utilities has filed an application for increases in rates for customers served by Litchfield Park Water and Sewer that could show up on bills in 2018.

The increase is necessary to reflect the costs of doing business, according to Matthew Garlick, president of Liberty Utilities-Arizona.

The company serves 18,500 water customers and 17,500 wastewater customers in Litchfield Park and some adjacent unincorporated areas, Goodyear north of Interstate 10 and Estrella Mountain Community College and areas near the campus in Avondale.

Garlick said last month’s filing with the Arizona Corporation Commission is the first step in a process that could take more than a year.

Under the proposed rate structure, a typical residential customer with a threefourths-inch meter using an average of 8,357 gallons a month would see a 12.6 percent increase from $25.96 to $29.24, according to information provided by Liberty.

A residential wastewater customer would have a 31.4 percent increase, with the monthly bill going from $40.35 to $53, or an increase of $12.65.

A customer with both services would pay $15.93 more a month for a combined 24 percent increase in a bill that would go from $66.31 to $82.24.

If approved, it would be the first increase by Liberty since May 2014, Garlick said.

He said the request for the increase

is being driven by infrastructure improvements to the Palm Valley Water Reclamation Facility, which cost about $24.2 million.

The utility also spent about $2.5 million on rehabilitating water and sewer pipes and $3.7 million toward the Liberty Aquifer Replenishment Facility, which opened earlier this year.

Compared to what cities in the region charge, Garlick said Liberty’s fees are in the middle of the pack.

While Liberty isn’t yet required to inform customers of the request for a rate increase, Garlick said the company wanted to disclose the information so customers could plan accordingly as they budget for next year.

“We wanted to make sure everyone knew in advance,” he said.

The request for a rate increase involves a process Garlick compared to a trial, with accountants and engineers reviewing the request.

“We’ll answer hundreds of questions,” he said.

The process will include public meetings and a hearing, with the company reaching out to HOAs in the service area and offering tours of facilities, he said.

While municipalities served by Liberty don’t have a role in approving the request, Garlick said the company has informed the communities.

The application for the rate request can be found at libertyutilities.com.

Glenn Gullickson can be reached at ggullickson@westvalleyview.com.

It’s like riding a bike

Experts suggest cycling to help reach New Year’s goals

by Kourtney Balsan special to the View

If you still haven’t started chipping away at your New Year’s resolution to get in shape, one West Valley trend can help you get there, and it’s as easy as riding a bike.

With clubs, city and school initiatives, bike-friendly trails and almost year-round sunny weather, the West Valley is the perfect place to take up cycling, said Amy Bolton, a Goodyear spokeswoman.

“Cycling has become increasingly popular in Goodyear,” Bolton said. “No matter how you like to cycle — indoors, on the trails or without peddling — Goodyear has something for every type of cyclist to enjoy. Not only do we have the highly rated F.I.N.S. mountain biking trails in Estrella, but we also have the Goodyear Pump Track for BMX riders, as well as several health clubs that feature spin classes and stationary cycling.”

Forming friendships

West Valley Cycle was created 14 years ago after David Herzog and his friend Joe Lozon teamed up with local riders

Shane Tatum and Jim Marshall to create a group where they could become stronger mountain bike competitors, Herzog said.

“We fell in love with the great West Valley roadways,” he said. “Soon, our group of four expanded to 10 riders and I decided to set a standard Saturday route and time so we could all ride together.”

Fast forward to the present, and West Valley Cycle has more than 1,200 riders, Herzog said, adding that the Saturday ride has evolved into a three-level ride, including the C group for new riders so they can become more confident before joining a larger group.

“We routinely get over 100 riders who complete a 62-mile loop throughout Goodyear and Verrado communities,” Herzog said.

West Valley Cycle adopted four core values for riders to not only strengthen themselves physically, but also build the group’s bond and friendships, Herzog said.

The first value is to help increase their fitness, the second is to support each other and their community, the third is to welcome all new riders and the fourth is to respect their neighborhoods and obey all traffic laws.

“Name any sport where you are side by side for a three-hour ride working together as a team and engaging in conversation throughout,” Herzog said. “There are many stories of how our group has created lifelong bonds of friendships and even marriages.

“I’m probably proudest of our group’s community outreach — long-time sponsors of adopt-a-street and welcoming new residents who are involved with cycling. These core values make such a difference for someone new to Goodyear. To instantly get plugged in and make over a hundred new friends is a rarity in this world. We thrive on those connections.”

As for a New Year’s resolution, Herzog said he highly encourages West Valley residents to start cycling.

“For the last few years, we’ve had multiple riders take up group cycling and lose more than 50 pounds in one year,” he said. “Most started with our C group, and with the addition of proper nutrition and determination, we routinely see lifechanging stories in motion. We have even helped propel young cyclists into the cycling pro ranks or top regional cycling teams.”

Cycling is also a sport for all ages, as the group has riders who are older than 75 side by side with teenagers, Herzog said.

“Whether you are a doctor, student, educator, engineer, retired or a cycling team looking for a training session, WVC is here for you,” he said. “For all of the non-cyclists that may be considering something new, we highly encourage you to try our sport in 2017. We have great roadways and bike lanes. You will mentally and physically be challenged in new ways. I’m confident you will find positive results, and best of all, those 1,000 new WVC friends will be here to support and share in your new adventure.”

For information on West Valley Cycle, visit westvalleycycle.net.

An up-hill battle

The West Valley also has many trail systems in its regional parks that are available to bikers.

White Tank Mountain Regional Park, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road in Waddell, has more than 40 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult, including the moderate seven-mile Sonoran Loop Competitive Track and one-mile warm-up beginners loop, Park Supervisor Raymond Schell said.

All of the park’s trails are multi-use

except the Waterfall and Black Loop trails, which are for hikers only, Schell said.

“The White Tanks tend to be rocky, so you need to go slow and stay alert,” he said. “Keep it short and do not push yourself, just go and make it fun. Walk your bike through a challenging spot if you need to, so as not to overwhelm yourself.”

A bike race on the horizon for the White Tank Mountains is the Mountain Bike Association of Arizona’s White Tank Whirlwind series on March 25. It has a dozen categories for people, including children younger than 6 years old. For information, visit mbaa.net/racing/whitetank-whirlwind.

The Estrella Mountains in Goodyear also have many trails available to bikers, hikers and trail-runners, said Kim Doud, chair of the Estrella Trails Committee.

The F.I.N.S. (Fantasy Island North Singletrack) Trail System on Estrella’s western border has more than 12 miles of difficulty-rated trails, and the Pirate-Up Trail System east of Estrella Parkway has another 10 miles of singletrack trails.

Trail and locator maps showing the exact location are placed on certain trail systems to assure people don’t get lost, Doud said.

“Our trails are made to be fun, complete with signage, an enchanted forest where scores of stuffed animals live and decorate the trail, benches at key view spots where

you can sit and enjoy the scenery and flowy trails that are fun to roll, walk or run upon, so we called it the Fantasy Island North Singletrack, or F.I.N.S.,” Doud said.

The trail system is on West Westar Drive, about 1.3 miles west of Estrella Parkway in the Estrella community in Goodyear.

Doud crushes the belief that biking on a mountain is harder than on the road, and said the right equipment and looking 20 feet ahead will prevent most injuries.

“Many people somehow believe that trail riding is more difficult than riding a road bike. It’s just not true,” he said.

Doud has five tips for having a successful ride up and down the mountain:

“Find yourself a real trail bike, because a beach cruiser or discount store bike is not going to do the job. Visit a real bike shop, and have them help you with equipment within your budget,” he said.

“Second, buy a quality helmet. We always say, ‘Use your head, wear a helmet.’ Third, get a good pair of sunglasses. Out here in the desert, this becomes a real issue. You need sunglasses to be able to see the trail clearly, and to protect your eyes from dust, debris and foliage. Fourth, get a hydration pack so that you can carry lots of water, a spare tube — even though you’ll probably have tubeless tires here in the desert — and a couple of bike tools should you have an equipment problem far from your car. Lastly, when riding on trails, don’t look down. People tend to look at the trail beneath them or immediately in front of them to try to avoid obstacles, rocks and the like. The truth is, you need to look 15-20 feet ahead to determine your line, speed and gearing. And don’t look at obstacles you want to avoid. It’s called ‘target focus,’ and if you focus on something you don’t want to hit, you’re often sure to run right into it. Look at where you want to go, not where you don’t want to go. Keep your head up and eyes forward.”

Doud encourages people to try biking up the trails, as it is fun exercise, he said. “Just have fun, ride within your skill set, start on flat and low-rise trails, ride with someone who has some experience and ride regularly to build up muscle, stamina and avoid saddle soreness,” he said. Skyline Regional Park trail system, 2600 N. Watson Road, Buckeye, also provides accommodations for those on wheels with 17 miles of trails varying in difficulty. Park entrance at Skyline is free, while the White Tank and Estrella Mountain regional parks are $6 per

(See Bike on Page 12)

View photo by Jordan Christopher

RAY BAUN, left, of Buckeye helps fellow rider Marianna Parks of Buckeye adjust her seat during the AZ Mountain Biking clinic at the fourth annual Outdoor Adventure Family Day Jan. 14 at White Tank Mountain Regional Park in Waddell.

Teens compete for Youth of the Year

by Glenn Gullickson staff writer

Two young women from the West Valley were among 13 teenagers vying for the Youth of the Year Award presented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix.

The winner, Leonel Cano Leon from the Ed Robson Family Branch in Phoenix, was named last week at the annual Today’s Kids, Tomorrow’s Stars gala, a fundraising event for the organization at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.

West Valley candidates for the award were Raquel Munguia of Avondale and Celia Rodriguez of Tolleson.

They were selected by the staff at their clubs to compete for the award, and during the gala shared their stories of inspiration and thriving despite adversity.

Munguia, 18, a senior at Desert Edge High School in Goodyear, said she has been attending the Boys & Girls Club Tri-City West/Thornwood Branch in Avondale for 14 years. At the gala, she shared how her experience with the club led her to a father figure when her own father wasn’t involved in her life, she said.

“The club helped me find my true calling and purpose in life,” Munguia said.

She said she will attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, where she plans to study nursing with the goal of becoming a

The results of the fourth annual Goodyear Reading Challenge are in and a total of 2,404 students in 92 classrooms from 11 schools read a total of 497,287 pages. One class in each grade level was chosen as the winner for reading the most pages in peer groups.

Winning classrooms were treated to ice cream, pizza, vouchers for Phoenix Suns basketball games and plaques to recognize the achievement.

The 2016 Reading Challenge Winners are:

• Ms. Spallina’s kindergarten class at The Odyssey Preparatory Academy, which read 18,539 pages.

• Ms. Gooszen’s first-grade class at Palm Valley Elementary School, which read 3,536 pages.

• Ms. Villegas’ second-grade class at Desert

pediatric oncologist.

Rodriguez, 18, a senior at La Joya Community High School in Avondale, said she has attended the Woodrow C. Scoutten/Tolleson Branch for two years.

She said the program has helped her develop confidence and communication skills.

At the gala, she talked about how the club helped after she lost contact with several family members, Rodriguez said.

“The club helped me to fill that void and helped me find my voice,” she said.

Rodriguez said she plans to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson to study biological sciences, with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix provides after-school and summer programs for more than 27,000 youths in grades K-12.

Each of the 13 branches in the Valley nominated a member to compete for the Youth of the Year Award.

To prepare for the gala, the teens participated in a 16-week program that included team building, relationship and leadership development, presentation skills and Toastmasters training.

For information, visit bgcmp.org.

Glenn Gullickson can be reached at ggullickson@westvalleyview.com.

Thunder School, which read 9,648 pages.

• Ms. Weddell’s third-grade class at Desert Thunder School, which read 14,617 pages.

• Ms. Salerno’s fourth-grade class at Palm Valley Elementary School, which read 29,020 pages.

• Mr. Munoz’s fifth-grade class at Mabel Padgett Elementary School, which read 33,348 pages.

• Mrs. Alek’s sixth-grade class at Western Sky Middle School, which read 40,036 pages.

• Mr. Beneschan’s seventh-grade class at Centerra Mirage STEM Academy, which read 2,712 pages.

• Ms. Shanahan’s eighth-grade class at Desert Star School, which read 4,807 pages.

(From Page 11)

carload or $2 if you bike into the park. Entrance at F.I.N.S. is also free, but there is a donation box available since it is privately owned and maintained.

Another free option for bike lovers is the Estrella Foothills Bike Park, which is a pump track that opened in April 2015 at Foothills Community Park, 12795 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear.

The track features hills and loops to give riders the feel of mountain biking, which allows them to practice skills, technique and confidence before actually hitting the trails.

“The park is a looping trail system of dirt berms and smooth dirt mounds designed for bicycling without the rider pedaling,” Bolton said. “The name ‘pump track’ comes from the pumping motion used by the rider’s upper and lower body as they ride around the track.”

Next year, riders will be able to take advantage of 315 miles of trails when the Maricopa Trail is complete, connecting all county parks, said Dawna Taylor, a spokeswoman for Maricopa County Parks and Recreation.

The trail, which will accommodate runners, walkers, hikers, cyclists and equestrians, has been in the works for more than nine years and is 70 percent done, Taylor said.

Biking to school

Anyone can ride a bike, which means adding cycling to New Year’s resolutions can help make every member of the family a little healthier.

The Litchfield Elementary School District has various initiatives to promote pupils riding their bikes and staying safe while doing so, said Shelly Hornback, a district spokeswoman.

Rancho Santa Fe Elementary in Avondale has Rock-n-Roll Wednesdays to motivate pupils to ride their bikes to school, Principal Laura Combs said.

“All students who do not drive or bus to school are entered in a monthly drawing,” Combs said. “Local businesses are encouraged to donate helmets and other prizes in support of student health and wellness.”

Biking to school promotes a healthy lifestyle, along with shortening the treacherous drop-off and pick-up lines, she said.

“Our crossing guards love this time of year when students are invigorated by the crisp weather and excited about returning to school after a relaxing winter break,” said Karen Williams, principal of Verrado Middle School.

Practicing safety at home and emphasizing the need for a helmet is a must when it comes to children and bikes, said Bill Hill, physical education teacher at Litchfield Elementary School.

“Even though there is no law forcing kids to wear helmets, I always applaud kids who protect themselves and make good choices about their health and safety,” Hill said. “Kids who ride their bikes to school have an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and gain confidence. I care about all of my students and want them to learn good habits.”

The Goodyear Police Department has also teamed up with local schools to

educate children on the importance of safety through Lids on Kids, a program

Goodyear Police adopted to encourage youths to wear helmets while riding a bike, skateboard or scooter, said Lisa Kutis, a police spokeswoman.

“Most schools who participate in the Lids on Kids program demonstrate an increase in the number of students who wear helmets while riding their bikes, skateboards and scooters to school,” Kutis said.

Practice safe cycling

Safety isn’t just for children, and is important for anyone who takes up cycling, Kutis said.

“As with any physical activity, there are risks as well as health benefits,” she said. “Proper bicycling gear is important, and Goodyear police encourage all bicyclists to wear a properly fitted bike helmet that meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards. It is also wise for riders to know and understand bike and traffic safety laws and educate themselves on how to stay safe.”

Even the most experienced and confident riders should remain aware of their surroundings while biking, Kutis said.

“It is recommended that bicyclists not wear earphones while riding; it is especially important so that a rider can hear a vehicle or potentially dangerous situation approaching,” she said. “It is also recommended that riders always wear eye protection both day and night. Being hit by an object in the eye could cause even the most experienced rider to have a serious accident.”

Overall, as long as safety is being practiced, cycling is a great sport for a New Year’s resolution, Kutis said.

“Practicing safe bicycling while following traffic laws provides for a healthy mode of transportation and a great way to increase physical activity,” she said.

Gasping for air

Along with the benefits of supporting health and local parks, another plus to cycling impacts a much larger cause, Bolton said.

“Cycling is a great way to get outdoors with friends and family while enjoying the terrific weather and picturesque scenery we have in Goodyear,” she said. “As a hobby, cycling can help people get back into or maintain a fitness routine. From a pollution standpoint, cycling is a way to contribute to cleaner air.”

According to Maricopa County’s website, ground-level ozone is the most widespread air quality problem in the United States and can cause various health problems, such as shortness of breath, throat and lung irritation, headaches and nausea.

To help combat pollution, the county participates in the Clean Air Make More campaign to encourage people to make a commitment to bike, walk or carpool one day a week.

If you’re not into the outdoors, then just about every gym in the West Valley offers indoor cycling classes to help you reach your goals — no helmet necessary.

“Many new riders join [a gym] and start off with indoor cycling classes, which is a great foundation before you begin outdoor group riding,” Herzog said.

Kourtney Balsan can be reached at Kbalsan@westvalleyview.com.

Raquel Munguia

Celia Rodriguez

Tolleson baseball off to hot start; Millennium baseball hangs on to win; Tolleson, Westview softball updates

Bring on the madness

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Brackets, brackets everywhere.

The NCAA tournament begins this week, meaning work productivity will decrease dramatically Thursday and Friday around the country.

While that might be infuriating to bosses of the world, it’s not the reason the tournament has been appropriately named March Madness.

The madness comes from brackets getting busted, which generally occurs when cinderella story teams do the improbable and beat one of the powerhouse schools. One example includes Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a No. 11 seed, march all the way to the Final Four, knocking off No. 1 Kansas along the way.

Five years earlier, another No. 11 seed made the Final Four. This time, it was George Mason, who beat Michigan State, North Carolina and No. 1 Connecticut to get there.

More recent history includes No. 15’s beating No. 2 seeds. Last year, Middle Tennessee State pulled the upset over Michigan State, busting plenty of brackets –including mine. It happened twice in 2012, as Lehigh beat Duke and Norfolk State beat Missouri.

However, the one thing to never happen is a No. 1 seed getting upset by a No. 16. There have been some close instances, including a 2013 matchup between Gonzaga and Southern. The game was tied with less than four minutes to play, but Gonzaga managed to pull out a six-point win. The biggest of upsets has never happened, so the record books remain intact, but records are made to be broken.

Ironically, while most people want to see a No. 1 seed go down in the first round for the historical significance, most No. 1 seeds project to make it easily into the Sweet 16, or much further, in their respective brackets. That means people are slightly hesitant to root for a No. 16 seed because of the impact it could have on their own bracket.

Where the fun really begins is the No. 5 versus No. 12 matchup, where there always seems to at least one upset per season. Last year, it was Arkansas-Little Rock and Yale taking down Purdue and Baylor, respectively. In 2013 and 2014, three 12 seeds beat 5s. However, in 2015 a 12 didn’t win at all. The 5-seeds sweeping the bracket is a rarity though. Since 2000, it’s only happened three times: 2000, 2007 and 2015. Overall, it happens nearly 36 percent of the time, meaning you should at least select one 12 to beat a 5 every year. Just make sure you choose the correct one.

Now, there’s also the issue of the play-in games – the ones that started Tuesday and conclude today involving 11 and 16 seeds vying for the last spots in the 64-team bracket. I understand the significance of allowing more teams into the tournament, but does anybody really want to include these when filling out their brackets, especially when it’s meaningless 16 seeds we have to consider? Get rid of the play-in games please.

The real question is, where will you be watching? Will you be watching them at work through the CBS website, utilizing the “boss” button? What a great invention. While watching a game, you can click on a button that says “boss” on it, which flips the game to a spreadsheet that looks like Microsoft Excel. Genius for when your boss might be walking by your desk and you don’t want him/ her to know you’re watching sports instead of working.

Or maybe you’ll be “calling in sick.” Make sure today you’re hacking up a lung, just so it doesn’t seem suspicious when you have to email your boss tomorrow.

The ultimate though, if you’ve never done it, is going to Las Vegas for the opening weekend of the tournament. With so many games going on simultaneously, many of the Vegas sports books have set up auditoriums where four games can be watched side-by-side. In addition to fandom, the fact people are betting money on the games makes for a great atmosphere.

Wherever you may watch, enjoy the tournament. March Madness happens just once a year, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted. The years I’ve done that, I’ve missed some epic games and wished I had paid more attention to. It’s called madness for a reason, so get into the maddening spirit.

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

JUSTIN WILLIAMSON of Estrella Foothills fires the ball across the diamond March 9 against Cactus Shadows. Williamson had an RBI double in the third inning and scored in the fifth, helping the Wolves win 6-4.

Estrella beats Cactus Shadows in home opener

Wolves’

Corbin Wright

comes up clutch on emotional day

by Casey Pritchard sports editor

Estrella Foothills baseball won its home opener March 9, and its hero was the most appropriate person considering the circumstance.

Cave Creek Cactus Shadows.

“It’s pretty cool,” Estrella coach Pat McCubbins said. “I wanted to see something special, I wanted to give him an opportunity, and you can’t describe how clutch that is, especially being 0-2 there. It was outstanding.”

Wright swung at and missed the first two pitches in the at bat, but then deposited a curveball into right-center field, plating both Tyler Godfrey and Justin Williamson to break a 3-3 tie.

BASEBALL

On the day Corbin Wright’s mother, Shelly — an English teacher at the school — was having cancer surgery, Wright delivered the go-ahead RBI’s in the bottom of the fifth inning with a pinch-hit single, leading the Wolves to a 6-4 victory over

“I came out aggressive in the beginning, knowing I had to put the ball in play to score these guys with two outs,” Wright said. “After swinging through two balls and fouling one off, I was just scooting up on the plate, hoping he would throw something outside that I could

Valley View, Avondale, Arizona, Wednesday, March 15, 2017

View photo by Ray Thomas

Casey Pritchard

The following three pages of West Valley View are zoned for the 03/15/2017 edition.

Each zone pages 14, 15 & 16 (16N=North, 16E=East, 16S=South, 16W=West) appears in its designated geographical zone within the West Valley View circulation boundaries. For the purpose of the online edition, all zone pages appear.

Lady Knights taking care of business

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Westview to expand depth once transfers become eligible SOFTBALL

hitting .500 or above, while Matthews trails closely behind at .472. Perez and Matthews each have hit four home runs in the early portion of the season.

Wonner praised the contributions of Dickson and Matthews, both newcomers to the team. Dickson is new to the school after spending her junior season in Florida. She’s also added her pitching services to the team, providing helpful depth to the circle.

Westview softball got off to a hot start and has navigated a difficult freedom schedule without a large portion of its full team.

The Lady Knights are 8-3, including an undefeated showing in the Carl Hayden Invitational tournament to open the season.

Westview’s hot start has almost been accomplished with one hand tied behind its back. The thin Lady Knights’ roster will remain so until April 1, when five transfer students will become eligible, instantly boosting the team’s depth across the board. Westview’s starting center fielder has also missed two weeks because of injury.

“Just having [Dickson] as the second pitcher, that’s really helped,” Wonner said.

“Madi, when she hits the ball, it just jumps off her bat. Those two additions have really helped us. Without those two, I don’t know where we’d be.”

“I’m very pleased with what we’re doing right now with limited [availability]. It’s people stepping up for us and doing a great job.”

— Larry Wonner Westview softball coach

Westview coach Larry Wonner said he’s pleased with his team’s performance this season, and expects it to only improve once the incoming transfers are cleared to play and the depth is ramped up.

“I’m very pleased with what we’re doing right now with limited [availability],” Wonner said. “It’s people stepping up for us and doing a great job.”

The Lady Knights have received key contributions all season long from seniors Ceairra Perez, Devan Dickson, Alexandra McCutcheon and Madison Matthews. Perez, Dickson and McCutcheon are each

Perez and McCutcheon, part of the old Westview softball guard, have come back with strong seasons of their own. Perez leads the team in extrabase hits, runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, and is tied for the lead in hits. She also provides exceptional defense at shortstop. McCutcheon is 5-1 on the mound in seven appearances, and sports a 2.26 ERA. She’s struck out 52 batters in 34 innings pitched, while walking only seven.

Speed bump

The Lady Knights hit a snag against Phoenix Pinnacle, the fifth-rated team in the country in the Maxpreps.com Xcellent 25 national rankings. It wasn’t in the cards for Westview that day, as Pinnacle put up double-digit runs through two innings March 7 on the way to a 21-0 victory.

(See Knights on Page 20)

View photo by Ray Thomas

CEAIRRA PEREZ of Westview throws to first March 8 in an attempt to complete a double play. Perez leads the team in several offensive categories, including extrabase hits, runs, batting average and on-base percentage.

Lady Knights taking care of business

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Westview to expand depth once transfers become eligible SOFTBALL

hitting .500 or above, while Matthews trails closely behind at .472. Perez and Matthews each have hit four home runs in the early portion of the season.

Wonner praised the contributions of Dickson and Matthews, both newcomers to the team. Dickson is new to the school after spending her junior season in Florida. She’s also added her pitching services to the team, providing helpful depth to the circle.

Westview softball got off to a hot start and has navigated a difficult freedom schedule without a large portion of its full team.

The Lady Knights are 8-3, including an undefeated showing in the Carl Hayden Invitational tournament to open the season.

Westview’s hot start has almost been accomplished with one hand tied behind its back.

The thin Lady Knights’ roster will remain so until April 1, when five transfer students will become eligible, instantly boosting the team’s depth across the board. Westview’s starting center fielder has also missed two weeks because of injury.

“Just having [Dickson] as the second pitcher, that’s really helped,” Wonner said.

“Madi, when she hits the ball, it just jumps off her bat. Those two additions have really helped us. Without those two, I don’t know where we’d be.”

“I’m very pleased with what we’re doing right now with limited [availability]. It’s people stepping up for us and doing a great job.”

— Larry Wonner Westview softball coach

Westview coach Larry Wonner said he’s pleased with his team’s performance this season, and expects it to only improve once the incoming transfers are cleared to play and the depth is ramped up.

“I’m very pleased with what we’re doing right now with limited [availability],” Wonner said. “It’s people stepping up for us and doing a great job.”

The Lady Knights have received key contributions all season long from seniors Ceairra Perez, Devan Dickson, Alexandra McCutcheon and Madison Matthews. Perez, Dickson and McCutcheon are each

Perez and McCutcheon, part of the old Westview softball guard, have come back with strong seasons of their own. Perez leads the team in extrabase hits, runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, and is tied for the lead in hits. She also provides exceptional defense at shortstop. McCutcheon is 5-1 on the mound in seven appearances, and sports a 2.26 ERA. She’s struck out 52 batters in 34 innings pitched, while walking only seven.

Speed bump

The Lady Knights hit a snag against Phoenix Pinnacle, the fifth-rated team in the country in the Maxpreps.com Xcellent 25 national rankings. It wasn’t in the cards for Westview that day, as Pinnacle put up double-digit runs through two innings March 7 on the way to a 21-0 victory.

(See Knights on Page 20)

View photo by Ray Thomas

CEAIRRA PEREZ of Westview throws to first March 8 in an attempt to complete a double play. Perez leads the team in several offensive categories, including extrabase hits, runs, batting average and on-base percentage.

Lady Knights taking care of business

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Westview to expand depth once transfers become eligible SOFTBALL

hitting .500 or above, while Matthews trails closely behind at .472. Perez and Matthews each have hit four home runs in the early portion of the season.

Wonner praised the contributions of Dickson and Matthews, both newcomers to the team. Dickson is new to the school after spending her junior season in Florida. She’s also added her pitching services to the team, providing helpful depth to the circle.

Westview softball got off to a hot start and has navigated a difficult freedom schedule without a large portion of its full team.

The Lady Knights are 8-3, including an undefeated showing in the Carl Hayden Invitational tournament to open the season.

Westview’s hot start has almost been accomplished with one hand tied behind its back.

The thin Lady Knights’ roster will remain so until April 1, when five transfer students will become eligible, instantly boosting the team’s depth across the board. Westview’s starting center fielder has also missed two weeks because of injury.

“Just having [Dickson] as the second pitcher, that’s really helped,” Wonner said. “Madi, when she hits the ball, it just jumps off her bat. Those two additions have really helped us. Without those two, I don’t know where we’d be.”

“I’m very pleased with what we’re doing right now with limited [availability]. It’s people stepping up for us and doing a great job.”

—

Westview coach Larry Wonner said he’s pleased with his team’s performance this season, and expects it to only improve once the incoming transfers are cleared to play and the depth is ramped up.

“I’m very pleased with what we’re doing right now with limited [availability],” Wonner said. “It’s people stepping up for us and doing a great job.”

The Lady Knights have received key contributions all season long from seniors Ceairra Perez, Devan Dickson, Alexandra McCutcheon and Madison Matthews. Perez, Dickson and McCutcheon are each

Perez and McCutcheon, part of the old Westview softball guard, have come back with strong seasons of their own. Perez leads the team in extrabase hits, runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, and is tied for the lead in hits. She also provides exceptional defense at shortstop. McCutcheon is 5-1 on the mound in seven appearances, and sports a 2.26 ERA. She’s struck out 52 batters in 34 innings pitched, while walking only seven.

Speed bump

The Lady Knights hit a snag against Phoenix Pinnacle, the fifth-rated team in the country in the Maxpreps.com Xcellent 25 national rankings.

It wasn’t in the cards for Westview that day, as Pinnacle put up double-digit runs through two innings March 7 on the way to a 21-0 victory.

(See Knights on Page 20)

Larry Wonner Westview softball coach

View photo by Ray Thomas

CEAIRRA PEREZ of Westview throws to first March 8 in an attempt to complete a double play. Perez leads the team in several offensive categories, including extrabase hits, runs, batting average and on-base percentage.

Lady Knights taking care of business

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Westview to expand depth once transfers become eligible SOFTBALL

hitting .500 or above, while Matthews trails closely behind at .472. Perez and Matthews each have hit four home runs in the early portion of the season.

Wonner praised the contributions of Dickson and Matthews, both newcomers to the team. Dickson is new to the school after spending her junior season in Florida. She’s also added her pitching services to the team, providing helpful depth to the circle.

Westview softball got off to a hot start and has navigated a difficult freedom schedule without a large portion of its full team.

The Lady Knights are 8-3, including an undefeated showing in the Carl Hayden Invitational tournament to open the season.

Westview’s hot start has almost been accomplished with one hand tied behind its back. The thin Lady Knights’ roster will remain so until April 1, when five transfer students will become eligible, instantly boosting the team’s depth across the board. Westview’s starting center fielder has also missed two weeks because of injury.

“Just having [Dickson] as the second pitcher, that’s really helped,” Wonner said.

“Madi, when she hits the ball, it just jumps off her bat. Those two additions have really helped us. Without those two, I don’t know where we’d be.”

“I’m very pleased with what we’re doing right now with limited [availability]. It’s people stepping up for us and doing a great job.”

— Larry Wonner Westview softball coach

Westview coach Larry Wonner said he’s pleased with his team’s performance this season, and expects it to only improve once the incoming transfers are cleared to play and the depth is ramped up.

“I’m very pleased with what we’re doing right now with limited [availability],” Wonner said. “It’s people stepping up for us and doing a great job.”

The Lady Knights have received key contributions all season long from seniors Ceairra Perez, Devan Dickson, Alexandra McCutcheon and Madison Matthews. Perez, Dickson and McCutcheon are each

Perez and McCutcheon, part of the old Westview softball guard, have come back with strong seasons of their own. Perez leads the team in extrabase hits, runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, and is tied for the lead in hits. She also provides exceptional defense at shortstop. McCutcheon is 5-1 on the mound in seven appearances, and sports a 2.26 ERA. She’s struck out 52 batters in 34 innings pitched, while walking only seven.

Speed bump

The Lady Knights hit a snag against Phoenix Pinnacle, the fifth-rated team in the country in the Maxpreps.com Xcellent 25 national rankings. It wasn’t in the cards for Westview that day, as Pinnacle put up double-digit runs through two innings March 7 on the way to a 21-0 victory.

(See Knights on Page 20)

View photo by Ray Thomas

CEAIRRA PEREZ of Westview throws to first March 8 in an attempt to complete a double play. Perez leads the team in several offensive categories, including extrabase hits, runs, batting average and on-base percentage.

Tolleson goes 2-2 in Cool Nights tourney

Lady Wolverines on brink of getting to .500

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Tolleson’s softball team inched closer to .500 with a strong performance at the Apollo Cool Nights Tournament March 7-10 at Apollo High School in Glendale.

know we struggled at the beginning of the season, but we finally pulled it together and realized we need to play as a team. We finally got those bats to work and got the defense behind us, which is a good confidence booster.”

Tolleson is in the midst of 11 consecutive days off from game action, which will give the team some practice time to build on its current run of form, Schiele said.

SOFTBALL

The Lady Wolverines went 2-2 in the tournament, moving to 5-6 on the season. Tolleson opened the tournament against Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, losing 5-4. The Lady Saints scored two in the bottom of the fifth to snatch the victory before the time limit was up. Each tournament game was capped at 75 minutes.

Tolleson rebounded in an early morning double header the next day, beating Laveen Betty H. Fairfax 6-5 and Phoenix Barry Goldwater 3-2. Tolleson scored a run in the bottom of the final inning before time ran out in each game.

Senior Norma Navarrette’s solo home run in the sixth inning proved to be the difference against Goldwater. She also had an RBI triple in the contest.

Tolleson’s tournament run came to an end with a loss at the hands of Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain, 8-7. Offense came in steady streams for both teams in the game. The Lady Bears and Lady Wolverines combined to score in seven of eight half-inning frames.

The close games were a departure from the norm for Tolleson. The Lady Wolverines have been involved in some wild affairs in the early portion of the season. Tolleson’s average margin of victory before the Cool Nights tournament was 9.33 runs in three games, while its margin of defeat was 10.75 in four games.

Tolleson first-year coach Ashley Schiele said the team showed good evidence of growth in the tournament.

“It was a lot of teamwork,” Schiele said. “We finally pulled it together. I

“I think we’re in a great spot,” she said. “I’m new this year, but people have told us that this is probably one of the best teams of the last few years for Tolleson. We’ve got some great hitting and some great defense, [and] we’ve got some depth.”

Schiele said the team continues to work toward its goal of making the playoffs, something the program hasn’t participated in since any of the current classes stepped on campus.

“I know we were one game short for playoffs last year,” she said. “I want to make it to at least the second round this year. We’re going to keep going all the way until they tell us to go home.”

If Tolleson wants to taste postseason glory, it’ll have to do it on the backs of its young squad. The Lady Wolverines roster has more underclassmen (four sophomores and four freshmen) than upperclassmen (three seniors and three juniors).

Schiele said the older girls, while fewer in numbers, have already exhibited strong leadership.

“All of our seniors in general, Josette [Valdez], Sirena [Rosalez] and Norma, they’re all great,” she said. “They get that defense started and are getting those hits in. I’ve got a lot of confidence in our seniors.”

Tolleson’s extended break will continue into next week. The Lady Wolverines will take the diamond March 21 against Phoenix Trevor Browne on the road.

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

View photo by Jordan Christopher

ANISSA JARAMILLO of Tolleson hits one into the ground March 9 during the Apollo Cool Nites Tournament. The Lady Wolverines went 2-2 in the event and are 5-6 so far this season.

Tolleson goes 2-2 in Cool Nights tourney

Lady Wolverines on brink of getting to .500

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Tolleson’s softball team inched closer to .500 with a strong performance at the Apollo Cool Nights Tournament March 7-10 at Apollo High School in Glendale.

know we struggled at the beginning of the season, but we finally pulled it together and realized we need to play as a team. We finally got those bats to work and got the defense behind us, which is a good confidence booster.”

SOFTBALL

The Lady Wolverines went 2-2 in the tournament, moving to 5-6 on the season. Tolleson opened the tournament against Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, losing 5-4. The Lady Saints scored two in the bottom of the fifth to snatch the victory before the time limit was up. Each tournament game was capped at 75 minutes.

Tolleson rebounded in an early morning double header the next day, beating Laveen Betty H. Fairfax 6-5 and Phoenix Barry Goldwater 3-2. Tolleson scored a run in the bottom of the final inning before time ran out in each game.

Senior Norma Navarrette’s solo home run in the sixth inning proved to be the difference against Goldwater. She also had an RBI triple in the contest.

Tolleson’s tournament run came to an end with a loss at the hands of Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain, 8-7. Offense came in steady streams for both teams in the game. The Lady Bears and Lady Wolverines combined to score in seven of eight half-inning frames.

The close games were a departure from the norm for Tolleson. The Lady Wolverines have been involved in some wild affairs in the early portion of the season. Tolleson’s average margin of victory before the Cool Nights tournament was 9.33 runs in three games, while its margin of defeat was 10.75 in four games.

Tolleson first-year coach Ashley Schiele said the team showed good evidence of growth in the tournament.

“It was a lot of teamwork,” Schiele said. “We finally pulled it together. I

Tolleson is in the midst of 11 consecutive days off from game action, which will give the team some practice time to build on its current run of form, Schiele said. “I think we’re in a great spot,” she said. “I’m new this year, but people have told us that this is probably one of the best teams of the last few years for Tolleson. We’ve got some great hitting and some great defense, [and] we’ve got some depth.”

Schiele said the team continues to work toward its goal of making the playoffs, something the program hasn’t participated in since any of the current classes stepped on campus.

“I know we were one game short for playoffs last year,” she said. “I want to make it to at least the second round this year. We’re going to keep going all the way until they tell us to go home.”

If Tolleson wants to taste postseason glory, it’ll have to do it on the backs of its young squad. The Lady Wolverines roster has more underclassmen (four sophomores and four freshmen) than upperclassmen (three seniors and three juniors).

Schiele said the older girls, while fewer in numbers, have already exhibited strong leadership.

“All of our seniors in general, Josette [Valdez], Sirena [Rosalez] and Norma, they’re all great,” she said. “They get that defense started and are getting those hits in. I’ve got a lot of confidence in our seniors.”

Tolleson’s extended break will continue into next week. The Lady Wolverines will take the diamond March 21 against Phoenix Trevor Browne on the road.

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

View photo by Jordan Christopher

ANISSA JARAMILLO of Tolleson hits one into the ground March 9 during the Apollo Cool Nites Tournament. The Lady Wolverines went 2-2 in the event and are 5-6 so far this season.

Tolleson goes 2-2 in Cool Nights tourney

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Tolleson’s softball team inched closer to .500 with a strong performance at the Apollo Cool Nights Tournament March 7-10 at Apollo High School in Glendale.

Lady Wolverines on brink of getting to .500 SOFTBALL

The Lady Wolverines went 2-2 in the tournament, moving to 5-6 on the season. Tolleson opened the tournament against Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, losing 5-4. The Lady Saints scored two in the bottom of the fifth to snatch the victory before the time limit was up. Each tournament game was capped at 75 minutes.

Tolleson rebounded in an early morning double header the next day, beating Laveen Betty H. Fairfax 6-5 and Phoenix Barry Goldwater 3-2. Tolleson scored a run in the bottom of the final inning before time ran out in each game.

Senior Norma Navarrette’s solo home run in the sixth inning proved to be the difference against Goldwater. She also had an RBI triple in the contest.

Tolleson’s tournament run came to an end with a loss at the hands of Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain, 8-7. Offense came in steady streams for both teams in the game. The Lady Bears and Lady Wolverines combined to score in seven of eight half-inning frames.

The close games were a departure from the norm for Tolleson. The Lady Wolverines have been involved in some wild affairs in the early portion of the season. Tolleson’s average margin of victory before the Cool Nights tournament was 9.33 runs in three games, while its margin of defeat was 10.75 in four games.

Tolleson first-year coach Ashley Schiele said the team showed good evidence of growth in the tournament.

“It was a lot of teamwork,” Schiele said. “We finally pulled it together. I

know we struggled at the beginning of the season, but we finally pulled it together and realized we need to play as a team. We finally got those bats to work and got the defense behind us, which is a good confidence booster.”

Tolleson is in the midst of 11 consecutive days off from game action, which will give the team some practice time to build on its current run of form, Schiele said.

“I think we’re in a great spot,” she said. “I’m new this year, but people have told us that this is probably one of the best teams of the last few years for Tolleson. We’ve got some great hitting and some great defense, [and] we’ve got some depth.”

Schiele said the team continues to work toward its goal of making the playoffs, something the program hasn’t participated in since any of the current classes stepped on campus.

“I know we were one game short for playoffs last year,” she said. “I want to make it to at least the second round this year. We’re going to keep going all the way until they tell us to go home.”

If Tolleson wants to taste postseason glory, it’ll have to do it on the backs of its young squad. The Lady Wolverines roster has more underclassmen (four sophomores and four freshmen) than upperclassmen (three seniors and three juniors).

Schiele said the older girls, while fewer in numbers, have already exhibited strong leadership.

“All of our seniors in general, Josette [Valdez], Sirena [Rosalez] and Norma, they’re all great,” she said. “They get that defense started and are getting those hits in. I’ve got a lot of confidence in our seniors.”

Tolleson’s extended break will continue into next week. The Lady Wolverines will take the diamond March 21 against Phoenix Trevor Browne on the road.

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

and or numbness in the legs and feet are common complaints. But to find relief for this often debilitating condition, you must first know the cause of the symptoms. It is important to remember that pain or numbness in the legs and feet are the symptoms of some other problems. And to find long-lasting relief of these symptoms, it is absolutely essential to identify the cause of the problem producing these symptoms. There are four major conditions that commonly produce pain and or numbness in the lower extremities. While the symptoms for all of these conditions are similar, the conditions must be treated quite differently. In fact, it is quite common for doctors to prescribe medications to treat the symptoms without ever looking into what is causing them in the first place. There’s virtually no chance of obtaining long-term relief from leg symptoms unless or until you identify and correct the cause. The nerves in the legs start in the lower back and travel all the way down to the tips of the toes. When these nerves become irritated, they produce various combinations of pain and or numbness in the legs or feet. But, the irritation may be in the lower back even though the patient complains of symptoms in the legs and feet. And in fact, you can also have no back pain at all, yet still have back-related symptoms in your legs or feet. If your treatment focuses on the legs and feet, there is very little chance of obtaining long[term relief of a problem that starts in the lower back. The three main causes of pain the legs that are actually associated with the lower back are spinal stenosis, sciatica and pinched lumber nerves. No amount of treatment aimed at the legs and feet will reduce the symptoms, if the problem truly is starting in the lower spine. Likewise, neuropathy are in the upper leg, doctors will misdiagnose the patient as having a problem in their lower back. If treatment of neuropathy is directed at the lower back there’s very little chance of a successful outcome and relief of symptoms in the feet. All four of these major causes have very different treatments. So it should be obvious to you, the most important step of finding relief of the symptoms is finding which condition is causing them. That is why I created the comprehensive Neuropathy and Spinal

If you’ve been suffering from debilitating low back,

and

and or

View photo by Jordan Christopher

ANISSA JARAMILLO of Tolleson hits one into the ground March 9 during the Apollo Cool Nites Tournament. The Lady Wolverines went 2-2 in the event and are 5-6 so far this season.

Tolleson goes 2-2 in Cool Nights tourney

Lady Wolverines on brink of getting to .500

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Tolleson’s softball team inched closer to .500 with a strong performance at the Apollo Cool Nights Tournament March 7-10 at Apollo High School in Glendale.

know we struggled at the beginning of the season, but we finally pulled it together and realized we need to play as a team. We finally got those bats to work and got the defense behind us, which is a good confidence booster.”

Tolleson is in the midst of 11 consecutive days off from game action, which will give the team some practice time to build on its current run of form, Schiele said.

SOFTBALL

The Lady Wolverines went 2-2 in the tournament, moving to 5-6 on the season. Tolleson opened the tournament against Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, losing 5-4. The Lady Saints scored two in the bottom of the fifth to snatch the victory before the time limit was up. Each tournament game was capped at 75 minutes.

Tolleson rebounded in an early morning double header the next day, beating Laveen Betty H. Fairfax 6-5 and Phoenix Barry Goldwater 3-2. Tolleson scored a run in the bottom of the final inning before time ran out in each game.

Senior Norma Navarrette’s solo home run in the sixth inning proved to be the difference against Goldwater. She also had an RBI triple in the contest.

Tolleson’s tournament run came to an end with a loss at the hands of Prescott Valley Bradshaw Mountain, 8-7. Offense came in steady streams for both teams in the game. The Lady Bears and Lady Wolverines combined to score in seven of eight half-inning frames.

The close games were a departure from the norm for Tolleson. The Lady Wolverines have been involved in some wild affairs in the early portion of the season. Tolleson’s average margin of victory before the Cool Nights tournament was 9.33 runs in three games, while its margin of defeat was 10.75 in four games.

Tolleson first-year coach Ashley Schiele said the team showed good evidence of growth in the tournament.

“It was a lot of teamwork,” Schiele said. “We finally pulled it together. I

“I think we’re in a great spot,” she said. “I’m new this year, but people have told us that this is probably one of the best teams of the last few years for Tolleson. We’ve got some great hitting and some great defense, [and] we’ve got some depth.”

Schiele said the team continues to work toward its goal of making the playoffs, something the program hasn’t participated in since any of the current classes stepped on campus.

“I know we were one game short for playoffs last year,” she said. “I want to make it to at least the second round this year. We’re going to keep going all the way until they tell us to go home.”

If Tolleson wants to taste postseason glory, it’ll have to do it on the backs of its young squad. The Lady Wolverines roster has more underclassmen (four sophomores and four freshmen) than upperclassmen (three seniors and three juniors).

Schiele said the older girls, while fewer in numbers, have already exhibited strong leadership.

“All of our seniors in general, Josette [Valdez], Sirena [Rosalez] and Norma, they’re all great,” she said. “They get that defense started and are getting those hits in. I’ve got a lot of confidence in our seniors.”

Tolleson’s extended break will continue into next week. The Lady Wolverines will take the diamond March 21 against Phoenix Trevor Browne on the road.

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

is important to remember that pain or numbness in the legs and feet are the symptoms of some other problems. And to find long-lasting relief of these symptoms, it is absolutely essential to identify the cause of the problem producing these symptoms. There are four major conditions that commonly produce pain and or numbness in the lower extremities. While the symptoms for all of these conditions are similar, the conditions must be treated quite differently. In fact, it is quite common for doctors to prescribe medications to treat the symptoms without ever looking into what is causing them in the first place. There’s virtually no chance of obtaining long-term relief from leg symptoms unless or until you identify and correct the cause. The nerves in the legs start in the lower back and travel all the way down to the tips of the toes. When these nerves become irritated, they produce various combinations of pain and or numbness in the legs or feet. But, the irritation may be in the lower back even though the patient complains of symptoms in the legs and feet. And in fact, you can also have no back pain at all, yet still have back-related symptoms in your legs or feet. If your treatment focuses on the legs and feet, there is very little chance of obtaining long[term relief of a problem that starts in the lower back. The three main causes of pain the legs that are actually associated with the lower back are spinal stenosis, sciatica and pinched lumber nerves. No amount of treatment aimed at the legs and feet will reduce the symptoms, if the problem truly is starting in the lower spine. Likewise, neuropathy are in the upper leg, doctors will misdiagnose the patient as having a problem in their lower back. If treatment of neuropathy is directed at the lower back there’s very little chance of a successful outcome and relief of symptoms in the feet. All four of these major causes have very different treatments. So it should be obvious to you, the most important step of finding relief of the symptoms is finding which condition is causing them. That is why I created the comprehensive Neuropathy and Spinal Stenosis Symptom Relief Project If you’ve been suffering from debilitating low back, leg and or foot pain, I invite you to schedule a free consultation to review your MRIs and medical records. I believe it’s your best opportunity to find real relief of your foot, leg or lower back symptoms. So take advantage of this special offer!

View photo by Jordan Christopher

ANISSA JARAMILLO of Tolleson hits one into the ground March 9 during the Apollo Cool Nites Tournament. The Lady Wolverines went 2-2 in the event and are 5-6 so far this season.

Millennium baseball aiming for playoff return

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Millennium baseball produced an eight-run inning, and survived a late rally March 10 to push past visiting Phoenix Brophy, 9-6.

Millennium’s victory moved the team’s record to 6-3, and 3-1 in power-points games.

“The players had great approaches throughout the game,” Millennium coach Ryan Bethel said. “Brophy is obviously no slouch. Coach [Tom] Succow over there, I’ve been a fan of his since I was 10 years old. It’s a good win for us.”

After Brophy tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the third, the Tigers exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the frame to take a commanding 9-1 lead. Millennium wasn’t able to add the additional two-runs to end the game by run rule, and nearly paid for it in the sixth inning.

Millennium sophomore pitcher Deon Reese had been effective for 5.2 innings before hitting two Brophy batters and surrendering a two-run double to Drew Dyer, cutting the lead to 9-3. Ethan Garland replaced Reese, giving up two hits without retiring a batter, and was subbed by

sophomore Robbie Schmidt, who squashed the remaining threat and pitched a scoreless seventh to earn the save.

“With the pitch count system, [Reese] is just a sophomore and only gets 95 pitches total, where as a junior or senior gets 105,” Bethel said. “He was at 87 or 88, so we went with the switch, and it turned out all right.”

The Tigers’ offensive output was strung together with multiple timely hits. Only one of the team’s 14 hits went for extra bases.

“We scored eight runs in one inning, but then we kind of pumped the brakes a little bit,” Bethel said. “You’d like to see it keep going.”

Senior Michael Garverick, junior Logan McDonald and sophomores Alex Figueroa, David Enriquez and Reese each had multi-hit games against Brophy. Figueroa went 3 for 4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Playoff return

Millennium is in the middle of a 10-day layoff of game action before diving into 10 contests in 10 days to close out March, a stretch that includes the Coach Bob National Invitational. Bethel said he feels his team is in a good

spot heading into a congested portion of the schedule.

“It’s fair to say we’ve been playing well,” he said. “We’re young. We have four sophomores that play pretty much every day, [but] our senior leadership is through the roof. I can honestly say that there’s a different guy stepping up every game. Kids are in the game in the dugout. They want each other to succeed. It’s just a blast to coach this team.”

Millennium missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2009. Bethel said the team has its eye set on returning to the state tournament, and is confident in its chances.

“We’ve got a good club, and players that love playing and love playing with each other,” he said. “Obviously, the goal is to get back to the playoffs and go from there.”

Bethel said the team needs to continue improving its offensive output to make a run during region play.

“It’s always going to be scoring more runs,” he said. “Our pitching staff has been tremendous, throwing strikes. We just have to keep scoring runs.”

Millennium’s next contest will be March 20 at Phoenix Maryvale.

Dos Rios Elementary School

2150 S. 87th Ave., Tolleson, AZ 85353

Phone (623) 474-7005

Thursday March 30, 2017

10:00am to 11:30am and 1:00pm to 2:30pm Dos Rios Library please R.S.V.P.

2017 - 2018 School Year

GETTING YOUR CHILD READY for KINDERGARTEN EVENT Come and discover how great Kindergarten can be. Join us for this free event and learn about what Kindergarten will be like for your child. Our staff will be available to register your child and share tips on how to prepare for success in Kindergarten.

Union Elementary School

3834 S 91st Ave., Tolleson, AZ 85353

Phone (623) 478-5000

Thursday March 30, 2017 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

View photo by Ray Thomas

LOGAN MCDONALD, left, of Millennium applies the tag at second base March 10 to Brophy’s Mason Kokodynski. The Tigers had an eight-run inning and held on to beat the Broncos 9-6.

BASEBALL

Millennium baseball aiming for playoff return

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Millennium baseball produced an eight-run inning, and survived a late rally March 10 to push past visiting Phoenix Brophy, 9-6.

Millennium’s victory moved the team’s record to 6-3, and 3-1 in power-points games.

“The players had great approaches throughout the game,” Millennium coach Ryan Bethel said. “Brophy is obviously no slouch. Coach [Tom] Succow over there, I’ve been a fan of his since I was 10 years old. It’s a good win for us.”

After Brophy tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the third, the Tigers exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the frame to take a commanding 9-1 lead. Millennium wasn’t able to add the additional two-runs to end the game by run rule, and nearly paid for it in the sixth inning.

Millennium sophomore pitcher Deon Reese had been effective for 5.2 innings before hitting two Brophy batters and surrendering a two-run double to Drew Dyer, cutting the lead to 9-3. Ethan Garland replaced Reese, giving up two hits without retiring a batter, and was subbed by

sophomore Robbie Schmidt, who squashed the remaining threat and pitched a scoreless seventh to earn the save.

“With the pitch count system, [Reese] is just a sophomore and only gets 95 pitches total, where as a junior or senior gets 105,” Bethel said. “He was at 87 or 88, so we went with the switch, and it turned out all right.”

The Tigers’ offensive output was strung together with multiple timely hits. Only one of the team’s 14 hits went for extra bases.

“We scored eight runs in one inning, but then we kind of pumped the brakes a little bit,” Bethel said. “You’d like to see it keep going.”

Senior Michael Garverick, junior Logan McDonald and sophomores Alex Figueroa, David Enriquez and Reese each had multi-hit games against Brophy. Figueroa went 3 for 4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Playoff return

Millennium is in the middle of a 10-day layoff of game action before diving into 10 contests in 10 days to close out March, a stretch that includes the Coach Bob National Invitational. Bethel said he feels his team is in a good

spot heading into a congested portion of the schedule.

“It’s fair to say we’ve been playing well,” he said. “We’re young. We have four sophomores that play pretty much every day, [but] our senior leadership is through the roof. I can honestly say that there’s a different guy stepping up every game. Kids are in the game in the dugout. They want each other to succeed. It’s just a blast to coach this team.”

Millennium missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2009. Bethel said the team has its eye set on returning to the state tournament, and is confident in its chances.

“We’ve got a good club, and players that love playing and love playing with each other,” he said. “Obviously, the goal is to get back to the playoffs and go from there.”

Bethel said the team needs to continue improving its offensive output to make a run during region play.

“It’s always going to be scoring more runs,” he said. “Our pitching staff has been tremendous, throwing strikes. We just have to keep scoring runs.”

Millennium’s next contest will be March 20 at Phoenix Maryvale.

View photo by Ray Thomas

LOGAN MCDONALD, left, of Millennium applies the tag at second base March 10 to Brophy’s Mason Kokodynski. The Tigers had an eight-run inning and held on to beat the Broncos 9-6.

BASEBALL

Millennium baseball aiming for playoff return

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Millennium baseball produced an eight-run inning, and survived a late rally March 10 to push past visiting Phoenix Brophy, 9-6.

Millennium’s victory moved the team’s record to 6-3, and 3-1 in power-points games.

“The players had great approaches throughout the game,” Millennium coach Ryan Bethel said. “Brophy is obviously no slouch. Coach [Tom] Succow over there, I’ve been a fan of his since I was 10 years old. It’s a good win for us.”

After Brophy tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the third, the Tigers exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the frame to take a commanding 9-1 lead. Millennium wasn’t able to add the additional two-runs to end the game by run rule, and nearly paid for it in the sixth inning.

Millennium sophomore pitcher Deon Reese had been effective for 5.2 innings before hitting two Brophy batters and surrendering a two-run double to Drew Dyer, cutting the lead to 9-3. Ethan Garland replaced Reese, giving up two hits without retiring a batter, and was subbed by

sophomore Robbie Schmidt, who squashed the remaining threat and pitched a scoreless seventh to earn the save.

“With the pitch count system, [Reese] is just a sophomore and only gets 95 pitches total, where as a junior or senior gets 105,” Bethel said. “He was at 87 or 88, so we went with the switch, and it turned out all right.”

The Tigers’ offensive output was strung together with multiple timely hits. Only one of the team’s 14 hits went for extra bases.

“We scored eight runs in one inning, but then we kind of pumped the brakes a little bit,” Bethel said. “You’d like to see it keep going.”

Senior Michael Garverick, junior Logan McDonald and sophomores Alex Figueroa, David Enriquez and Reese each had multi-hit games against Brophy. Figueroa went 3 for 4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Playoff return

Millennium is in the middle of a 10-day layoff of game action before diving into 10 contests in 10 days to close out March, a stretch that includes the Coach Bob National Invitational. Bethel said he feels his team is in a good

spot heading into a congested portion of the schedule.

“It’s fair to say we’ve been playing well,” he said. “We’re young. We have four sophomores that play pretty much every day, [but] our senior leadership is through the roof. I can honestly say that there’s a different guy stepping up every game. Kids are in the game in the dugout. They want each other to succeed. It’s just a blast to coach this team.”

Millennium missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2009. Bethel said the team has its eye set on returning to the state tournament, and is confident in its chances.

“We’ve got a good club, and players that love playing and love playing with each other,” he said. “Obviously, the goal is to get back to the playoffs and go from there.” Bethel said the team needs to continue improving its offensive output to make a run during region play.

“It’s always going to be scoring more runs,” he said. “Our pitching staff has been tremendous, throwing strikes. We just have to keep scoring runs.”

Millennium’s next contest will be March 20 at Phoenix Maryvale.

View photo by Ray Thomas

LOGAN MCDONALD, left, of Millennium applies the tag at second base March 10 to Brophy’s Mason Kokodynski. The Tigers had an eight-run inning and held on to beat the Broncos 9-6.

BASEBALL

Millennium baseball aiming for playoff return

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Millennium baseball produced an eight-run inning, and survived a late rally March 10 to push past visiting Phoenix Brophy, 9-6.

Millennium’s victory moved the team’s record to 6-3, and 3-1 in power-points games.

“The players had great approaches throughout the game,” Millennium coach Ryan Bethel said. “Brophy is obviously no slouch. Coach [Tom] Succow over there, I’ve been a fan of his since I was 10 years old. It’s a good win for us.”

After Brophy tied the game at 1-1 in the top of the third, the Tigers exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the frame to take a commanding 9-1 lead. Millennium wasn’t able to add the additional two-runs to end the game by run rule, and nearly paid for it in the sixth inning.

Millennium sophomore pitcher Deon Reese had been effective for 5.2 innings before hitting two Brophy batters and surrendering a two-run double to Drew Dyer, cutting the lead to 9-3. Ethan Garland replaced Reese, giving up two hits without retiring a batter, and was subbed by

sophomore Robbie Schmidt, who squashed the remaining threat and pitched a scoreless seventh to earn the save.

“With the pitch count system, [Reese] is just a sophomore and only gets 95 pitches total, where as a junior or senior gets 105,” Bethel said. “He was at 87 or 88, so we went with the switch, and it turned out all right.”

The Tigers’ offensive output was strung together with multiple timely hits. Only one of the team’s 14 hits went for extra bases.

“We scored eight runs in one inning, but then we kind of pumped the brakes a little bit,” Bethel said. “You’d like to see it keep going.”

Senior Michael Garverick, junior Logan McDonald and sophomores Alex Figueroa, David Enriquez and Reese each had multi-hit games against Brophy. Figueroa went 3 for 4 with two runs scored and two RBIs.

Playoff return

Millennium is in the middle of a 10-day layoff of game action before diving into 10 contests in 10 days to close out March, a stretch that includes the Coach Bob National Invitational. Bethel said he feels his team is in a good

spot heading into a congested portion of the schedule.

“It’s fair to say we’ve been playing well,” he said. “We’re young. We have four sophomores that play pretty much every day, [but] our senior leadership is through the roof. I can honestly say that there’s a different guy stepping up every game. Kids are in the game in the dugout. They want each other to succeed. It’s just a blast to coach this team.”

Millennium missed the playoffs last season for the first time since 2009. Bethel said the team has its eye set on returning to the state tournament, and is confident in its chances.

“We’ve got a good club, and players that love playing and love playing with each other,” he said. “Obviously, the goal is to get back to the playoffs and go from there.” Bethel said the team needs to continue improving its offensive output to make a run during region play.

“It’s always going to be scoring more runs,” he said. “Our pitching staff has been tremendous, throwing strikes. We just have to keep scoring runs.”

Millennium’s next contest will be March 20 at Phoenix Maryvale.

View photo by Ray Thomas

LOGAN MCDONALD, left, of Millennium applies the tag at second base March 10 to Brophy’s Mason Kokodynski. The Tigers had an eight-run inning and held on to beat the Broncos 9-6.

BASEBALL

Wolverines’ last-inning rally falls short

Tolleson on torrid pace to begin year

by Shane McOwen sports writer

Tolleson baseball tasted defeat for the first time this season March 10 at the hands of Phoenix Alhambra, 7-5.

The Wolverine bats couldn’t solve Alhambra starter Jesus Aldaz’s pitching puzzle, tagging him for only one run in six-plus innings pitched. Tolleson was able to chase Aldaz from the game in the seventh because of pitch count, and put up a four-run rally in his absence in the final inning, but it fell just short.

BASEBALL

“That will be one of the best arms in the state,” Tolleson coach Scott Richardson said of Aldaz. “There’s a reason for that. He throws a breaking ball for a strike, and runs it up there with the fastball. We tried to take some pitches early, but he was pounding the zone. We finally got him to his pitch limit in the seventh, and as you can see, it was a different ballgame.”

Tolleson’s interesting seventh inning began with an RBI single by Luis Castillo off Alhambra reliever David Avitia to make it 7-2. Castillo then advanced to third and scored on consecutive wild pitches. Jose Quezada later scored on an error by the Alhambra left fielder after a single by Aaron Gutierrez, and Ramon Velasco knocked in the final run with a single of his own.

Tolleson had the tying run on first with two outs, but sophomore Omar Baldenegro flied out to left field to end the rally and the game.

“Our goal there in the last inning is to get the tying run to the plate,” Richardson said. “We actually got the tying run to first base. Ball doesn’t land here and there, and that’s it. That’s just the way it goes.” Richardson said the loss was disappointing because of the slow start, but it doesn’t change the narrative of the Wolverines’ play so far this year.

“This doesn’t define our season at all,” he said. “The best team in Major League Baseball loses 60 games. We lost one right now. We’re going to grow from it, get better and move on.

“There were definitely some bright spots. We made a change in the outfield, and he comes in and gets two knocks. We battled and clawed there at the end.”

Kevin Ortega started the game on the mound for Tolleson, but his effort was

undermined by a few mishaps in the field.

Two dropped fly balls — one in the infield and one in the outfield — led to a couple of runs, while technically earned, could have been avoided.

“That was the difference in three runs,”

Richardson said. “You might lose focus for one pitch, and the chances of the ball being hit to you are 1,000-to-1. Well, that’s what happened. Our outfielder losing focus, the ball was hit to him, the lights here aren’t the best and he didn’t pick it up, and it cost us runs.”

Richardson said he was pleased with his team’s fight at the end of the game.

“There are definitely some positives,”

he said. “That’s why I love these guys. We’re going to keep playing until the umpires make us leave, and they finally did that at the end.”

8 out of the gate

Tolleson’s loss to Alhambra aside, things have gone the Wolverines’ way in the first part of the schedule. Tolleson opened with eight consecutive victories, including winning the Wayne DesCombes West Side Invitational tournament Feb. 22-25.

Richardson said the team is making sure the good start isn’t going to its head.

“In baseball, you’ve got to keep that even keel,” he said. “You can’t get too

high and you can’t get too low. Yeah, we win eight, but maybe there’s some question marks with the quality of some of the teams we’ve played. I’m happy with the way we’re playing. Not judging the other teams, I’m happy with the way we’re playing.”

Tolleson got back to its winning ways Monday against Phoenix Trevor G. Browne, beating the Bruins 5-0. The Wolverines host Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor at 6 p.m. today before participating in the Pride Classic March 20-24, an event held at nine different locations around the Valley, featuring 38 teams from 10 different states.

View photo by Mike Rincon

AARON GUTIERREZ of Tolleson throws a second-inning pitch March 9 against Mesa. The Wolverines won 2-1 against Mesa to stay undefeated, but dropped a 7-5 game to Alhambra the next day.

Greek & Italian Grill

Dino’s Greek & Italian Grill is a family owned and operated restaurant that serves fine food and offers Greek hospitality.

Dino’s serves traditional Greek favorites such as gyros, moussaka, souvlaki, spanakopita and Greek salads with house-made dressing. The Italian dishes include pasta, pizza and chicken, beef and seafood entrees. Whether you prefer Greek or Italian cuisine, all dishes use only the freshest ingredients and the end result is authentic, classic dishes.

Dino’s has a full bar and offers outdoor, patio dining with misters. Happy Hour is EVERYDAY from 2pm-7pm. Food and drink specials are both available. Every Thursday Dino’s offers ½ priced bottles.

If you’re hosting an event, Dino’s offers catering-- no party is too big or too small. Hours are 11am-10pm everyday.

Home

(From Page 13)

muscle to right, and it ended up being that way.”

Wright said he had spoken with his father before the start of the game and was informed that Shelly had come out of surgery 30 minutes earlier than normal for the procedure, so he wasn’t too concerned, he said. Still, it was an unusual circumstance.

“It’s always different not having them up in the stands cheering me on, but it was nice to know she was watching and cheering us on from the hospital,” Wright said.

The victory was much needed for Estrella (6-4), which lost its first two power-points games and was shell shocked in the Florence tournament championship. The Wolves had a 5-2 advantage against Florence March 4, but gave up four runs in the last inning and lost 6-5.

“We lost the championship game in the bottom of the seventh, and [March 7] we’re up 1-0 in the fifth [against Apache Junction] and gave up that lead as well, and end up losing,” McCubbins said. “We talked last night about not making it bigger than it is, figuring out how to finish games, and probably the best part of tonight is our entire practice last night was offensive situations. We spent 30 minutes on nothing but bunting, and the inning we needed it, we had two guys that got bunts down, got guys in scoring position, and we get the huge pinch hit by

especially considering the amount of emotion and excitement that comes along with the first home game of the season.

“These guys have been talking all week long about being at home, and being at home also means there’s a lot of nerves, they’re playing in front of their classmates and parents,” he said. “So, we were a little bit anxious, and it showed a little bit, but the best thing was these guys were able to settle down, play the game.”

Estrella plays in the newly realigned 4A conference as one of the smallest schools attendance wise. That presents the Wolves, a team that has had plenty of success over the years, with a tougher challenge.

“It’s not like it used to be where scores are going to be very lopsided, especially moving up to 4A,” McCubbins said. “The analogy we made is every game is going to be like a major league game. It’s going to be a 5-3 game, a 4-2 game, a 2-1 game. For them to finish tonight like they did, especially because we put ourselves with a little bit of adversity — we had two opportunities to end the game [in the seventh] — but they stayed with it and got it done.”

Early momentum

Estrella faced a dire situation in the top of the first, but minimized the damage. Cactus Shadows loaded the bases with nobody out thanks to a pair of hits and a walk, but Estrella pitcher Cunningham induced a 5-2-3 double play out of cleanup hitter Joe Palanzo. The Wolves had a chance to get out of the inning unscathed, but McGregor followed with a single to left, scoring two runs to give the Estrella responded immediately in the bottom of the first. Godfrey, the Wolves’ leadoff hitter, swung at the first pitch he saw from Cactus Shadows’ Hayden Parker, blasting it over the right-field fence to cut the Falcons’

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license, auto insurance, vehicle registration all required. Background check and clean MVR (driving record) required. Experience a plus. Small truck or economical car a plus. Drivers are hired as independent contractors, not employees and provide their own insurance. Taxes are the driver’s responsibility. To earn $200, a driver would need to demonstrate he or she is capable of delivering a larger number of papers than new drivers start with. Please email rsellmeyer@ westvalleyview.com to request an application and background authorization or stop by the office located at 1050 E. Riley Dr. on the NE corner of Eliseo C. Felix Jr Way and Riley, South of Van Buren, East of Dysart Rd.

“One of the goals we set today was to come out and have energy,” Godfrey said. “We talked about it yesterday at practice how we were just flat [March 9 against Apache Junction], and we came out and had a lot of energy the entire night, didn’t fold. [The home run] was

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nice. I’ve been kind of struggling at the plate and that boosted my confidence right there.”

Cactus Shadows made it 3-1 in the top of the third on a Palanzo homer to left, but the Wolves answered again in the bottom of the third. Godfrey reached on an error, and with two outs, Williamson doubled to left, scoring Godfrey to make it 3-2.

The Wolves tied the game with two outs in the fourth when McLeod was hit by a pitch, stole second and came home on a Rob Jesionowski bloop single to left. That set up the fifth-inning heroics from Wright.

Cunningham got the pitching win for Estrella, scattering eight hits over six innings. He walked one and struck out three.

“I was just trying to go straight to the plate, let them put the ball in play, let the people behind me make plays, because they’re hitting the ball off me, why not have it go to someone behind me, right?” Cunningham said.

“Sam did really good,” added Godfrey, who caught the game for the Wolves. “He had lots of control over the ball, and the batters couldn’t handle him. It’s really nice catching Sam. It’s fun because he hits his spots every time.”

McCubbins has been pleased with Cunningham this season, he said. The biggest thing is he’s healthy.

“It’s nice to have him on the mound, because he had an arm injury as a freshman, so he didn’t get to pitch at all last year,” McCubbins said. “He did a great job.”

Estrella played again March 10, but managed only two hits in a 5-0 loss against Flagstaff Coconino. Still, the win over Cactus Shadows was a nice turnaround after a tough couple of games preceding it.

“The biggest thing, and we dealt with it all year as we jumped to 4A, what are the moments with each team, each program, that lets us know that we’re OK, that we can play at that level?” McCubbins said. “I think tonight, definitely, as we look back later in the season, is going to be that turning point that we’re going to be fine.”

Estrella played Tuesday at Chandler Seton Catholic. The result was unavailable at press time. The Wolves are home at 3:45 p.m. today against Prescott, and host Combs at 6 p.m. Thursday.

View photo by Ray Thomas

JACOB MCLEOD, right, of Estrella Foothills dives into second base March 9 while stealing a base. McLeod eventually scored the game-tying run in the

inning, and the Wolves went on to post a 6-4 victory.

of Westview gets ready to unleash a pitch March 8 against Desert Mountain. The Lady Knights won 7-2 and are 8-3 so far this season, which includes a 6-0 record during the

Scorpion Skills Camp starting March 20

Desert Edge High School is hosting a basketball skills camp starting March 20.

The camp is for boys and girls from third through eighth grades, and lasts eight weeks.

The camp will focus on fundamentals, including ball handling, passing, layups, shooting, rebounding and defensive positioning. It will also have an emphasis on small-squad games.

The camp is once a week, with sixththrough eighth-graders going Mondays, and third- through fifth-graders going

Wednesdays. The time for each group is 6 to 7:30 p.m., with the last day of the camp coming the week of May 8.

Cost is $20 per child.

For information, contact Desert Edge girls varsity basketball coach Heidi Behnke at 623-932-7500, Ext. 3033, or hbehnke@aguafria.org.

Local products having successful springs

Kole Calhoun, a 2006 graduate of Buckeye Union High School, and Aaron Altherr, a 2009 graduate of Agua Fria High School, are having good starts to

TEACHERS come to TOLLESON ELEMENTARY to get paid for Experience!

spring training.

Calhoun, a member of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, is batting .269 (7 for 26) with a home run and six RBI.

Calhoun signed a three-year, $26-million contract in January, which came on the heels of his best season in the majors. Calhoun batted .271 with 35 doubles, 18 homers and 75 RBI in 2016. He also cut down his strikeouts and increased his walks, accounting for a .348 on-base percentage.

Altherr, who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies, is batting .286 (8 for 28) with a homer, four RBI and six runs scored.

Altherr is yet to play a full regular

(From Page 14)

“I think it was in our heads,” Wonner said. “We knew who we were playing. We made a couple of mistakes in the first inning, and a team like that, they just jump on them. After that, it was all downhill.”

The Lady Knights showed resolve in their next game against Scottsdale Desert Mountain — not even a full 24 hours following the big loss. Westview controlled the game the entire way, winning 7-2.

“We recovered nicely,” Wonner said. “[We talked about] putting that one away [because] we had two more games in the week. We did a really good job coming back from that. This one was a big win for us for all that’s going on.”

Westview lost a heartbreaker at home March 10 against Chandler Basha. After coming from behind to tie the game and eventually forcing extra innings, Westview surrendered four runs in the top of the eighth to lose 8-4. Only two of Basha’s eight runs were earned.

Of Westview’s three losses, two have come in the seventh inning or later. Against Phoenix Mountain Pointe March 1, Westview scored four runs in the top of the seventh to take a 9-7 lead. Mountain Pointe answered in the bottom of the frame with three of its own for a walk-off win.

“We scored four runs in the top of the seventh to take a two-run lead, and then we basically kind of just gave it to them,” Wonner said. “That’s the only game I’ve been disappointed with how we played.”

After a week off of game action, Westview will take the field again March 17 in the inaugural Youngker Roughrider Classic. Following the tournament, Westview will have three power-points contests — at Phoenix Central, at Gilbert Highland and home against Mesa Desert Ridge — before opening region play with a two-game series against Tolleson.

“Our preseason schedule is tough. We’re looking at getting power points,” Wonner said. “We just have to get to region play and take care of business there.”

season in the majors. Last year, he was projected to be an everyday outfielder for the Phillies, but a preseason injury forced him to spend a lengthy stint on the disabled list. Upon his return, Altherr batted .197 with four homers and 22 RBI in 57 games.

Goodyear youth team looking

for hoops players

The AZ Sharks, a youth basketball club team in Goodyear, is looking for boys in fourth through seventh grades to play. For information, contact Ryan Nelson at 623-210-5451.

If you don’t receive a copy of the West Valley View every Wednesday by 9 a.m., please contact our circulation department. If you tell us by 12 noon, we will bring you a paper as soon as possible. Call us at 623-535-8439. Leave a message if it’s after hours. Or you can e-mail us at missyou@westvalleyview.com. Include your name, address, city, phone number and major cross streets.

View photo by Ray Thomas

ALEXANDRA MCCUTCHEON

Falcon Softball Invitational hosted by Carl Hayden, a tournament Westview won.

Monthly

book discussion

The Buckeye Public Library, 310 N. Sixth St., Buckeye, invites adults to a book discussion from 1 to 2 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month.

Thursday

Spring Carnival Homeless Youth Connection’s Spring Carnival will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Proceeds will benefit homeless youths.

Corpsmen are welcome. The detachment is involved with various programs that assist veterans. For information, contact Detachment Commandant Herb Cato at 623-853-5685 or email hcato@cox.net.

holding a free seminar titled The Mind-Body Connection to teach residents about health and resilience at 6 p.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.

The West Valley View publishes on Wednesday.

The 9 Days a Week calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extends to Estrella on the south and Tonopah on the west. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside of the View’s circulation area will be considered as there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

Fundraisers that are held at restaurants where only a portion of the proceeds benefits the charity or nonprofit will not be considered.

9 Days a Week calendar items print on a spaceavailable basis; the only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Paid Listings for 9 Days

The 9 Days a Week calendar now may contain paid listings which are clearly marked by “Advertisement” across the top and bottom of paid listings and appear in a screened box. Submissions for paid items may be made by calling the classified advertising dept. of the West Valley View at 623-535-8439. Available sizes and prices: 2 inch ad = $80.00, 3 inch ad = $120.00.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Friday to be considered for the Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to news1@westvalleyview.com; faxed to 623-935-2103; or dropped off at the West Valley View, 1050 E. Riley Drive, Avondale AZ 85323.

Caregiver Connect

Benevilla’s Caregiver Connect event will provide family caregivers with resources and education to help them on their journey from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale. For information, call 623-5844999 or visit benevilla.org.

Wildman Phil and his Amazing Animals

Wildman Phil will highlight some of the world’s most notable creatures at Wildman Phil and His Amazing Animals at 2 p.m. at the White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell.

Flag-raising ceremony

The city of Litchfield Park will celebrate the 79th anniversary of the U.S. Merchant Marine founding with a flag-raising ceremony at 8:15 a.m. on the front lawn of City Hall, 214 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. For information, call 623-935-5033.

STEAM Fest Family Event

Explore free activities related to science, technology, engineering, art and math at Avondale’s

STEAM Fest Family Event from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Avondale Civic Center Library, 11350 Civic Center Drive, Avondale. For information, visit avondalelibrary.org.

Macular Degeneration Support Group

A Macular Degeneration nonprofit support group will meet at 3 p.m. at Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q, 845 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. For information, call 623-386-7432.

Cards and Games

Adults 40 and older are invited to play games such as Sequence, Rummikub and Mexican Train from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Goodyear Recreation Conference Room, 3075 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. The free event will include light refreshments. Advance registration is required by calling 623-882-7525.

WomenHeart support group

WomenHeart, a support group for women with or at risk for heart disease, meets from 2:30 to 4 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month at 3657 Clubhouse Drive, Room 100, Goodyear. For information, call 623-215-3629.

Litchfield Park City Council meets The Litchfield Park City Council meets at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the Community Room at the Florence Brinton Litchfield Memorial Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, unless otherwise posted. Meeting agendas can be viewed online at litchfield-park.org

Spring Carnival

Homeless Youth Connection’s Spring Carnival will take place from 2 to 9 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Proceeds will benefit homeless youths.

Avondale water conservation classes

Avondale is offering a series of water conservation classes for landscaping. Classes are held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale. Tonight’s class, “The Nature of Design,” will teach people how to create water- and energy-efficient landscapes. Registration is required by contacting Esmie Avila, Avondale water conservation education specialist, at 623-333-4422 or by email at eavila@avondale. org. For information, visit www. avondale.org/landscapeclasses.

Meet with Rep. Ruben Gallego

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-District 7, has a representative at his mobile office from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at the Chicanos Por La Causa Maryvale Community Service Center, 6850 W. Indian School Road, Phoenix.

Entrepreneur round-up Entrepreneurs are invited to meet other local small business owners at 8 a.m. the first and third Thursday of the month at Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q, 845 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. The group supports the growth of small business in the West Valley, allowing participants to inform the group about their business and services. Owners or managers of all types of businesses are encouraged to attend. For information, email Kevin George at kevin@mrfranchiseadvice.com.

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Spring Carnival at Goodyear Ballpark

To Benefit Local Homeless Youth

March 16-19, 2017

Hours vary, open every afternoon. Hosted by Kastl Amusements, this four-day outdoor carnival features games, food and of course, rides for the whole family. Tickets available for purchase at the event. Proceeds benefit t Homeless Youth Connection. Goodyear Ballpark is located at 1933 S. Ballpark Way in Goodyear. For more information please call 623-374-3747 or visit www.hycaz.org

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Crazy 8s club

The Crazy 8s Math Club meets from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Thursday through April 27 at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. The club is open to thirdthrough fifth-graders who want to learn about math. To register, visit www.mcldaz.org.

Wigwam artist in residence

Litchfield Park artist Michele Schuck will be in the Sun Lounge at the Wigwam from 4 to 8 p.m. as part of the resort’s Artists in Residence program. Schuck specializes in Southwest landscapes. The Wigwam is at 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.

Genealogy assistance

People can visit the Buckeye Valley Museum at 116 E. Hwy 85 in Buckeye to get assistance with their family tree searches from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the first and third Friday of the month. Registration is required by calling 623-349-6300.

Saturday

M.A.S.H. Food Distribution Citrus Road Nazarene Church hosts M.A.S.H, or Miracles Are Still Happening, food distribution from 7 to 8:30 a.m. the third Saturday of each month at the church, 418 S. Citrus Road, Goodyear. $50 to $60 worth of food will be available for a $10 donation. The event runs on a first-come, first-served basis; food supplies vary each month. For information, visit .facebook. com/CitrusRoadNazarene

Cody’s Reading Pack

Buckeye City Council meets

The Buckeye City Council meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of each month at Buckeye City Hall, 530 E. Monroe Ave., Buckeye.

Developmental, hearing & vision screenings

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Dog adoption

meet and greet

Desert Labrador Retriever Rescue is holding a meet and greet to screen potential dog adopters from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cabela’s, 9380 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. For information, visit www.dlrrphoenix.org.

Yoga in the Park

Litchfield Park’s Yoga in the Park will take place from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Staggs Park, 300 Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park. All ages are welcomed and no experience is necessary.

Planting for the Low Desert Master Gardner Jack Wigal will share his gardening knowledge at Planting for the Low Desert at 2 p.m. at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.

Osiris-Rex Spacecraft

Everyone’s invited to learn about the Osiris-Rex Spacecraft at 11 a.m. at the White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell.

Spring Carnival

Homeless Youth Connection’s Spring Carnival will take place from noon to 11 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Proceeds will benefit homeless youths.

Stories of Transformation

Celebrate International World Storytelling Day with Stories of Transformation: An evening of Adult Storytelling at 6 p.m. at BOONgarden, 214 W. Western Ave., Avondale. The suggested donation is $8 at the door and $5 with a student I.D. card. For information, visit storyrise.com.

Shakespeare in the Park

Watch the Renaissance come to life as actors and musicians from the Anderson Institute of Performing Arts perform an interactive play from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Goodyear Community Park, 3151 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

Wigwam artist in residence

Young readers can build confidence by reading to therapy dogs during “Cody’s Reading Pack” at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of the month at the Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye. Readings are by appointment for 15-minute sessions. To reserve an appointment, call 623-349-6300.

Catholic Daughters of America

The Catholic Daughters of America (CDA) will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to discuss “feminine genius” in today’s world in the Teen Room at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 13720 W. Thomas Road, Avondale. New members are encouraged to join. For information, call Mary Ann at 623-680-1845.

Desert Mariners of Arizona meeting

The Desert Mariners of Arizona hosts its monthly chapter meeting at 11 a.m. the third Saturday of the month at the American Legion Hall, 7145 E. Second St., Scottsdale. The chapter is part of The American Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II. For information, email Norman at npalmer8@cox.net.

Sunday

Free developmental, hearing and vision screenings are offered from 1 to 4 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Care1st Avondale Resource Center, 328 W. Western Ave., Avondale. Screenings provide a quick look at how children are doing in areas such as communication, physical ability, social skills, problem solving, hearing and vision. For information, call 623-333-2703.

Pendergast Elem. School Board meets

The Pendergast Elementary School District Governing Board meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month at the district office, 3802 N. 91st Ave., Phoenix (the board meets periodically at schools on a rotating basis). For information, visit pesd92.org.

West Valley View, Avondale, Arizona, Wednesday, March 15, 2017

19

Spring Carnival

Homeless Youth Connection’s spring carnival will take place from noon to 9 p.m. at the Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way, Goodyear. Proceeds will benefit homeless youths.

Monday

20

Avondale City Council meets

The Avondale City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale.

Alzheimer’s support group

22

Wednesday State of City address

Avondale Mayor Kenneth Weise will highlight the city’s current state from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Estrella Mountain Community College Performing Arts Center, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale.

Jungle Jill’s Animal Encounters Join Jungle Jill and her animals at Jungle Jill’s Animal Encounters at 2 p.m. at the White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell.

Estrella Republican Club

The Estrella Republican Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month in the lecture room at Estrella Foothills High School, 13033 S. Estrella Parkway, Goodyear.

Heart disease support group

The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease hosts a support group for women living with heart disease from 2:30 to 4 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month at Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 830 Plaza Circle in Litchfield Park.

Thursday Ford Trimotor Tour

23

The public is invited to observe and tour the historic Ford Trimotor plane from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Phoenix-Goodyear Airport, 1658 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear.

Friday Design Challenge

Youths ages 9-14 can learn the fundamentals of 3-D design using Tinkercad to create an action figure from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the White Tank Branch Library, 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road, Waddell. Registration is required at mcldaz.org.

Blood drive

United Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Contracted Driver Services, 13817 W. Van Buren St., Goodyear. To donate, call 1-877-UBS-HERO or visit Bloodhero.com.

Litchfield Park artist Michele Schuck will be in the Sun Lounge at the Wigwam from 4 to 8 p.m. as part of the resort’s Artists in Residence program. Schuck specializes in Southwest landscapes. The Wigwam is at 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.

AAUW meets

The West Valley branch of the American Association of University Women meets at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of each month in the PebbleCreek community in Goodyear. All interested women are welcome. For information, call at 623-249-5388.

USMC Southwest Detachment meets The Marine Corps League, Southwest Valley Detachment No. 1245 meets from 8 to 10 a.m. the third Saturday of every month at the Golden Corral Restaurant, 420 N. Dysart Road, Goodyear. All present and former Marines and FMF

An Alzheimer’s support group meets from 3 to 4:30 p.m. the first and third Monday of every month at the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 918 S. Litchfield Road, Building A, Goodyear. Support groups provide a forum to share feelings, concerns, information and as a way of supporting and encouraging each other. For information, call 602-528-0545 or visit alz.org/dsw.

Entrepreneur meet up

Meet with fellow entrepreneurs to share ideas, ask questions, talk current business trends and receive feedback and advice during the Monday Night Meetup event at 6 p.m. at the Buckeye Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye. No registration is required.

Tuesday

21

S.M.A.R.T. Referrals Networking

Mind-Body Connection

The city of Litchfield Park is

Entrepreneurs are invited to network with other local small business owners at the Southwest Marketing and Referrals Team (S.M.A.R.T.) meeting. The group meets at noon the second and fourth Thursday of the month at Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q, 845 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Owners or managers of all types of businesses are encouraged to attend. For information, contact Darren Mullins at darren.mullins@ libertymutual.com.

Crazy 8s club

The Crazy 8s Math Club meets from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. every Thursday through April 27 at the Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park. The club is open to thirdthrough fifth-graders who want to learn about math. To register, visit www.mcldaz.org

Jeffrey James Thimgan

Jeffrey James Thimgan, 21, of Goodyear died March 7, 2017, in Tucson.

Mr. Thimgan was born Dec. 7, 1995, to Russ and Nelly Thimgan in La Junta, Colo.

Jeffrey Thimgan

He was an Eagle Scout with Troop 99.

He graduated from Millennium High School in Goodyear in 2014. He was vice president of the FFA chapter and a member of the group’s national parliamentary procedures team. He was a member of the debate, swimming and cross-country teams, the band and Health Occupation Students of America.

He attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he studied agricultural economics, theater and creative writing and appeared in theater productions and served as student body parliamentarian.

He is survived by his parents, Russ and Nelly Thimgan; two brothers, Paul and Andres Thimgan; one sister, Leah Thimgan; and two grandparents, Garth and Barbara Thimgan.

Services were March 11 at the Church at Litchfield Park in Litchfield Park, with graveside services and interment Monday at Rocky Ford Cemetery in Rocky Ford, Colo.

Condolences for the family may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Harriett Faith Odom

Michael O’Neal Mann

Michael O’Neal Mann, 66, of Buckeye died March 6, 2017.

Mr. Mann was born July 10, 1950, in Carlsbad, N.M., to Gardner and Melvean Howe-Mann.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969 to 1975, achieving the rank of corporal E-4. He was awarded the Rifle Expert Badge, National Defense Medal, Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Mast and Good Conduct Medal. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from New Mexico State University.

He was awarded a Certificate of Recognition for Superior and Quality Work in support of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station.

He was a member of the Masons of Arizona.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Lee Mann; one daughter, Jodie Dawn Miller; five sons, Britt Liles, Michael S. Bostwick, Howard Mann, Mickey Mann and James O. Mann; one brother, Rick Mann; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Darryl Constance Mann; and one son, Stephen Mann.

A visitation will be at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday at White Tanks Southern Baptist Church, 1420 N. 192nd Ave., Buckeye. Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. March 20 at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix.

Condolences for the family may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Maria Fernandez

Maria Fernandez, 91, of Avondale died March 4, 2017.

Ms. Fernandez was born Sept. 10, 1925, in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, to Ignacio Amaro and Victoria Gamez.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Augustine C. Fernandez.

She is survived by three children, Gloria Sanchez, Augustine Fernandez and Ruben Fernandez; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Williams Catholic Church, 11001 W. Third St., Avondale, with interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 9925 W. Thomas Road, Avondale.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.advantagefunerals.com.

Kevin Arias

Kevin Arias, 30, of Goodyear died March 4, 2017, in Buckeye.

Mr. Arias was born Nov. 5, 1986, in San Jose, Calif., to Guadalupe and Jesus Arias. He moved to Arizona in 1999. He worked as a machinery operator at Holsum Bakery. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years.

He is survived by his wife, Karla; one daughter, Karla; two sons, Kristian and Kaleb; his parents, Guadalupe and Jesus Arias; one sister, Terry Clark; and one brother, Oscar. Services were Monday at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Buckeye, with interment at the Louis B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery in Buckeye.

Born Harriett Faith Brawner on November 4, 1926 to Frances Odel McKee Brawner and William Goebel Brawner, Harriett grew up in what was then considered “rural” Phoenix at 27th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Rd. She attended Murphy School and Phoenix Union High School with her sisters Frances Catherine and Elizabeth “Betty”. After high school Harriett moved to California with her sister Frances and brother-inlaw George, and worked at North Island Naval Air Station, followed by Alameda Naval Station. She returned to Phoenix to work at Luke Air Force Base and met the love of her life, Jesse “Jess” Odom.

Harriett and Jess married December 23, 1949 and moved to Silver Bell, AZ until the birth of their son Gary in 1957. They then moved to the Buckeye Valley where they entered into the drilling business which became a very large part of their lives. Harriett and Jess retired from the drilling business in 1989 and purchased a second home in Pinetop where they would spend their summers when not traveling in their motor home with friends.

Harriett was very active in the P.E.O. Sisterhood early on and was honored to have served in P.E.O. Chapter “A”, which was founded by her grandmother in the home where Harriett was born and would later live with Jess.

Harriett passed peacefully at home on March 9, 2017, comforted in the love of her nieces and nephews, along with the team of caregivers that loved her like family. She was preceded by her husband Jess, son Gary and her two sisters Frances and Betty. Harriett loved her family, her friends, and especially Jess to whom she was so devoted for 67 years.

Services will be held on Friday, March 17 with the viewing at 9:00am and memorial service at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 25800 W Southern Ave, followed by internment at Greenwood Memory Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Hospice of the Valley.

John S. Martin

John S. Martin of Goodyear, AZ died Tuesday March 7, 2017 at Serenity House in Phoenix, AZ. He was 85 years old.

Born on July 8, 1931 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late Patricia and Edward Martin.

John served in the United States Army from January 8, 1952 to December 17, 1953. As a veteran in the Korean War, John was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, a United Nations Service Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal.

John was an electrician by trade. He worked with his father building Wonder Buildings in his younger years, then owned his own trucking company, J.C. Trucking.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carmella (Delfino) Martin, his son, John Edward Martin, and his grandson, Steven Mitchell

He is survived by four children, Kathleen (Dennis) Kinley of Goodyear, AZ, Pamela (Fiancè, Sam Rinchiuso) Martin-Mitchell of Elkhorn, WI, Edward John (Kelly) Martin of Valparaiso, IN, Anthony Frank Martin of Elmhurst, IL, and daughter-in-law Mary Kaye Martin of Des Plains, IL; eleven grandchildren, Rebecca (Steven) LaNasa of Singapore, Brittney Kinley of Phoenix, AZ, Jodi (Matthew) Scoville of Mt. Prospect, IL, Nikki Martin of Chicago, IL, Valerie (Brian) Recob of Elkhorn, WI, Amanda (Adam) Farrell of Elkhorn, WI, Lauren (Tom) Holland of Chicago, IL, Brian (Joanna) Martin of Mt. Prospect, IL, Jordan Yurko of Valparaiso, IL, and Mark Urban of Edina, MN; seven great grandchildren, Charles, Joseph, Jett, Asher, Bailey Grace, Liam, and Delilah; and four siblings, Sam (La Rue) Martin of Florence, AL, Oliver (Patricia) Martin of San Diego, CA, Edward (Sue) Martin of Chicago, IL, and Carole (Jim) Anderson of Huntley, IL.

The funeral services with military honors will be held on March 17, 2017 at 10:00 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 13720 W Thomas Rd, Avondale AZ 85392.

Condolences for the family may be left at avenidasfuneralchapel.com.

Hazel Dorothy Barnes

Hazel Dorothy Barnes, 78, of Goodyear died March 7, 2017.

Ms. Barnes was born Aug. 28, 1938, to William and Edna Fitzpatrick in Liverpool, England.

She was preceded in death by one son, Greg Barnes.

She is survived by one daughter, Lois Castro; two sons, Steve and Kevin Barnes; one sister, Linda Cain of Australia; 10 grandchildren; and 17 greatgrandchildren.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Kevin Arias

Maria Fernandez

Hazel Barnes

George Stuart ‘Stu’ Alexander Bain

George Stuart “Stu” Alexander Bain, 84, of Goodyear died Feb. 28, 2017, in Sun City.

Mr. Bain was born March 3, 1932, in Birmingham, England, to George Manson Bain and Margaret Rose Bain.

He is survived by four daughters, Sandi Bain of Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Karen Barnett of Goodyear, Valerie Gersonde of San Diego and Janice Buonassisi of San Diego; one son, Scot Bain of Vernon, British Columbia; one sister, Jean Scheline of Fresno, Calif.; and seven grandchildren.

A celebration of life was March 11 at Santisi Brothers Pizzeria and Sports Grill in Phoenix.

This obituary is being reprinted to correct information. The View regrets the error.

Ladislado Ramos Martinez

Ladislado Ramos Martinez, 67, of Avondale died Feb. 26, 2017, in Glendale.

Mr. Martinez was born Sept. 26, 1949, in McNary Texas.

He moved to Arizona in 1972.

He is survived by five brothers, Luis Jr., Lorenzo, Albert and Fermin Martinez; and two sisters, Marisela Porras and Terry Dominguez.

A viewing was March 6 at New Beginnings Church in Phoenix, with interment at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Avondale. Condolences for the family may be left at avenidasfuneralchapel.com.

Ila Mae Odom Gosa Blair

Ila Mae Odom Gosa Blair, 94, of Litchfield Park died March 2, 2017, at home.

Mrs. Blair was born Jan. 17, 1923, in Townley, Ala. She worked at T.I.L. Sportswear in Aberdeen, Miss., where she became active with the union. She later worked as a union organizer for the AFLCIO.

She was preceded in death by two husbands, James William Gosa of Aberdeen, Miss., and Edward Anderson Blair of Nashville, Tenn.

She is survived by one daughter, Janice Marie Gosa Toland; one grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.

This obituary is being reprinted to correct information provided by the funeral home.

Sylvia Folks

Sylvia Folks, 45, of Avondale died March 2, 2017, at her home from cancer.

Ms. Folks was born May 18, 1971, in Phoenix to L.T. and Mary Folks.

She worked for the city of Avondale for 28 years.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Lue Folks; two sisters, LaShella Folks and Nicole Folks; and four brothers, Mickey Johnson, L.T. Folks Jr., Cleveland Folks and Terrell Folks.

A memorial service was held March 10.

Condolences may be left for the family at AvenidasFuneralChapel.com.

Brian Dale Askeland

Brian Dale Askeland, 60, of Goodyear died March 10, 2017, in Phoenix.

Mr. Askeland was born Aug. 10, 1956, to Oscar and Darlene Askeland.

He is survived by his wife, Laura Askeland; one daughter, Carrie Gabriel; two sons, Trevor Askeland and Andrew Askeland; his parents, Oscar and Darlene Askeland; one brother, Calvin Askeland; and seven grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. Memorials can be made to Hospice of the Valley.

Condolences for the family may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

Thomas Edmond Allen

Thomas Edmond Allen, 84, of west Phoenix died March 9, 2017.

Mr. Allen was born Jan. 13, 1933, in Ajo to Benjamin E. and Myrtle E. Allen.

He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956.

He was a member of Gideons International and a life member and golden eagle member of the National Rifle Association.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra L. Allen; two daughters, Genell Dawson and Lynn Snow; three sons, Thomas Jr., Harry and Hugh Allen; 16 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

Mekhi Damari Belford

Mekhi Damari Belford, a newborn, of Avondale died Feb. 21, 2017, at Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix.

Mekhi Belford

Mekhi was born Feb. 21, 2017, at Banner Estrella Medical Center to Muszuba Belford and Nariah Davis. He is survived by his parents, Muszuba Belford and Nariah Davis; four brothers, Marquise Davis, Daniel Smith Jr., D’Marion Belford and Demetrius Belford; and three grandparents, Melina Belford, Lakesha Davis and Steven Perkins.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home, 9925 W. Thomas Road, Avondale.

The Rev. Eddie Robinson will officiate.

Memorials may be made to Melina Belford, 313 E. Madden Drive, Avondale, AZ 85323 or at gofundme.com/mekhi-demari-belfords-funeral.

A word about obituaries

The West Valley View publishes free obituaries for people who were residents or former residents of the West Valley.

We also encourage the use of photos with obituaries. Photos will be cropped to a head shot, so they must be of fairly high resolution (at least 200 dpi) if submitted electronically.

Free obituaries are edited to conform to newspaper style. People who wish to have obituaries published verbatim, without any editing, may purchase a paid obituary; call 623-535-8439.

Funeral homes may submit obituaries using our online form at westvalleyview.com; click on Submit an Obituary. They may also email, fax or mail us obituaries. Our email is news1@westvalleyview.com. Our fax number is 623-935-2103. Our mailing address is West Valley View, Inc., 1050 E. Riley Dr., Avondale, AZ 85323.

Community Notes are published as space permits. The View runs these items free of charge as a service to the community and puts as many into each newspaper as possible. If you have a notice that must run by a certain date, please contact our advertising department at 623-535-8439.

All Faith Community Services seeks volunteers

Thomas Allen

A visitation will be at 5 p.m. Friday at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear. A viewing will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Desert Springs Community Church, 14440 W. Indian School Road, Goodyear. Burial will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

Memorials can be made to Gideons International.

Condolences for the family may be left at thompsonfuneralchapel.com.

All Faith Community Service’s Buckeye Food Bank is seeking volunteers as drivers, office staff, clerks for its thrift store and runners. Volunteers are asked to be available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at 214 S. Fifth St., Buckeye. For information, call Cassie Wilkins at 623-386-3513.

Buckeye among top 10 safest cities in Arizona

According to a report by the National Council for Home Safety and Security, the city of Buckeye placed 10th on the report’s top 10 safest cities in Arizona. The report compared a city’s number of violent crimes and property crimes to its population. The study eliminated any cities that did not submit a complete crime report to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and removed cities with populations under 5,000.

Other West Valley cities that ranked in the top 50 included Goodyear at 18th, Avondale at 36th and Tolleson at 49th.

Ila Blair

Sylvia Folks

Ladislado Martinez

George Bain

Brian Askeland

Personals

you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson

1-800-535-5727 AzCAN

SOCIAL Security Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We can help! Win or pay nothing! Contact Bill Gordon &

Help Wanted 20

ADVERTISE YOUR JOB

Opening in 68 AZ newspapers. Reach over half a million readers for ONLY $330! Call the West Valley View at 623-535-8439 or visit: www.classifiedarizona.com. (AzCAN)

AFTER SCHOOL

Elementary Tennis Coach.

Must be enthusiastic and love working with children. Previous tennis instruction experience is not required, just a passion for the game of tennis. TGA provides curriculum training. Please reply to: severitt-sharpe@playtga.com

Arizona Behavioral Care

Homes is hiring Direct Care Professionals (formerly known BHT’s) and Certified Personal Caregivers for our West Valley group homes. Starting pay is $11 /hour for DCP and $12 /hour for CPC.

Requirements: Must be 21 years old, High School Diploma or GED, Driver’s License, CPR, First Aid, Fingerprint Card, Physical and TB test. We offer paid time off, health insurance dental insurance, life insurance and 401K. Submit resumes to: adavis@abch.us or call 480-840-1601

Busco ayuda para servicio de limpieza. Licensia de manejar y transportacion, Algo de ingles, Blanca 602-680-0421.

CAREGIVERS & DRIVERS needed immediately. We train for certification to care for special needs. Trainees start $10.00/ hour. Higher pay for experience. 14423 McDowell Road Ste G104, Goodyear. 623-547-4839

CAREGIVERS needed in the Buckeye, Avondale, Phoenix, areas. Call 602-841-7611 for more information and to apply.

CDL Class A drivers needed for over the road. Also need line drivers for Phoenix to L.A. and Phoenix to the Bay area. Good pay and benefits and $1000 signing bonus paid over 6 months. Call Mark 602-254-9922.

CDL Driver needed. 2 years experience required. Wingfield Livestock Transport. Call Monday-Friday between 10a.m.4p.m., 623-386-4454. Ask for Claude.

DEPENDABLE female Christian caregiver/ companion to assist with an elderly female on a part-time basis. Duties include, but not limited to, bathing, dressing, grooming, meal prep, medicine reminders and light cleaning. Minimum requirements: must have experience with Dementia patients and in-home care. Prefer someone who is CPR and First Aid certified with a current TB test. All applicants must undergo a background check. If interested in position please call 623-521-0309

WORKPLACE

PLEASE CALL 623-845-1300BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Se Habla Español EOE & E-Verify Compliant

LUNG CANCER? And 60+ Years Old? If So, You And Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 877-510-6640 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out Of Pocket. (AzCAN)

EXPERIENCED Accounting Helper for AP/AR. Invoicing and asset tracking for small West Phoenix construction firm. Send Resume to: chrisalyn@hotmail.com

is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities.

$12 per hour!

Part Time On Call Caregivers

Must have AZ Driver’s License Must have reliable transportation

We are currently looking for caregivers to work in group homes throughout Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria and Scottsdale. Must pass background check.    Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org

An Outstanding Retirement Community at 99th Avenue & Grand In Sun City, Arizona

Dining Server – Full Time & Part Time

Provide high quality, friendly service to residents and guests of Royal Oaks at scheduled meals and special events. Preferably has 1 year previous experience working in a formal dining environment

Sous Chef - Full Time

Cook a wide variety of meats, vegetables, soups, breakfast dishes, and other food items in large quantities. Has a minimum of five years of experience in a culinary field including high volume food service. Preferred experience in Hotels or Upscale Restaurants

Dishwasher – Part Time

Ensures utensils, plate ware, and glassware are sanitized and available as needed.

Preferably has minimum 1 year kitchen experience. Housekeeping/Laundry Attendant – Full Time

Ability to clean rooms and common areas.

Preferably has one year housekeeping experience.

We offer a competitive wage and great benefits! Medical/ Vision and Dental Insurance. Retirement Plan, Competitive Pay, Paid Time Off, Covered Parking, Meal Program. Apply online at www.royaloaks.com/

HELP for cleaning service needed. Must have own transportation, some English required, Blanca 602-680-0421.

HIRING Certified Caregivers. All shifts. Need current TB, Fingerprint Clearance Card, First Aid and CPR, Food Handlers Card and Certification for Certified Caregiver. Our address is 4211 N. Pebble Creek Parkway, Goodyear, Az 85395.

HOUSEKEEPER with experience mostly in home cleaning. Part-time, call 623-792-3176, or apply online delascleaning.com

LANDSCAPE Maintenance Worker needed for Goodyear area. Must speak English, have own transportation. Call Steve 623-399-0139, Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-2 p.m. Starting $11 hour.

LOOKING for experienced compassionate CNA’s, Certified Caregivers. Part time/ full time. 623-547-7521.

REPUTABLE feed mill in Buckeye looking for a daytime driver for flatbed to deliver bags of feed to local dairies. Class A CDL required and current health card. Benefits, 401K. Please apply in person 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at 29700 Lower River Rd. 602-251-3600.

REPUTABLE feed mill in Buckeye looking for a night shift mixer. Mechanical ability required. Class A CDL a + for possible nearby driving. Benefits, 401K. Please apply in person 8:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at 29700 Lower River Rd. 602-251-3600.

Our advertisers say: “Had a great response!” ...Carolyn Let the VIEW work for you. Call 623-535-VIEW (8439)

The City of Litchfield Park is accepting applications for seasonal positions. Cashiers: season runs April through August, 12 to 30 hours/week, $10.00/hr. Lifeguards: season runs April through Labor Day, 15 to 40 hrs/wk, $10/hr to $12.30/hour. Deadlines for applications vary See the City’s website litchfield-park.org for details. Equal Opportunity Employer Monday-Friday Drug-free environment. Trained/Experienced Techs Make Approximately $24.00 an hour + bonuses! Taking resumes for a qualified septic employee. Honest, strong, good attitude, hard working person that is not afraid of a shovel, yet personable & professional. Clean drivers license is a must. CDL is a plus, but not required at first and will be required to get a CDL. Will train to our high standards. Pay starts at $16-$18/hr depending on experience. email resumes to septictech@att.net.

Union Elementary School District No. 62

NOW HIRING:

Bus Drivers 6.5 hours w/ benefits

Transportation Monitors Cafeteria Cook

Cafeteria Substitutes

Guest Substitute Teachers NOW HIRING TEACHERS FOR 17-18 School Year

Apply Online or in Person www.unionesd.org 3834 S. 91st Ave. Tolleson, AZ 85353 (623) 478-5005

Truck driver local deliveries, based out of Buckeye. Must have CDL License HAZ endorsement a plus Must have tanker endorsement Wages depending on experience, benefits included, home every night. Background check required. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Please, no phone calls. Fax resume to 623-386-3432 or drop off at 26675 West Baseline Rd., Buckeye AZ 85326 Helena Chemical

Housekeeping 32

DUST Bunnies Housecleaning.

“Let your day off really be your day off”. Lea, 602-908-1519.

HOUSECLEANING- 6 days/ week. Apartments/ condo’s. Also move in/ out. Experienced, free estimates, reasonable rates. Bonded/insured. 623-533-2846

HOUSECLEANING. Valley wide. Honest. Detailed. Reliable. 17 years experience. References Available. 602-481-8627. VALENCIA’S Cleaning. Home, move in/ out, or one time service. 9 years experience. Call for free estimates. 623-241-3404. Home Sales 50

ADVERTISE your home, property or business for sale in 68 AZ newspapers. Reach over half a million readers for ONLY $330! Call the West Valley View 623-535-8439 or visit: www.classifiedarizona.com. (AZCAN)

2 RESIDENTIAL lots for sale in the City of Avondale. Located on the corner of Corral/ 7th St. Utilities inside the property. For pricing information call 623-349-2035.

5-10 ACRES +fix-up ranch home West of Estrella. 2 wells. $319.5K. Buy direct from owner/ broker. Owner may carry w/ $50,000. down. 602-525-6622. WE buy vacant lots, up to 1 acre. 480-365-8058.

WENDEN, AZ. Ranchettes. 40 acres each from $49,900. Close to Highway 60 off Alamo Road. 7 sold, 1 left. Owner 888-444-1220

Commercial Properties 52

OFFICE/ Retail/ Premium/ Affordable suites available, 722’-2000’. Dysart/ Van Buren/ Litchfield. 602-694-3158. Manufactured Homes 55

2-3 BEDROOM mobile homes for sale. New factory to you homes and lots available. Owner financing. All age family gated community. New homes available. 623-935-4296, 623-826-5398, 623-853-5739.

$25,000 under dealer’s cost! New 2016 Schult mobile homes.

3 bedroom /2 bathroom. Deck, carport awning, shed. 24 X 56 and 28 X 52.

2000 S. Apache Rd., Buckeye

4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, covered patio, desert landscaping in front. 1313 square feet. Minimum one year lease. Available now (as soon as new carpet installed!) Close to schools, shopping, parks. No Pets. 12906 W. Palm Lane. $1150 per month, $950 deposit and credit check fee. Email: publisher@westvalleyview.com

In the sought-after Litchfield Elementary School District.

Roommates

ROOMMATE- Garden LakesAvondale. One bedroom. Utilities included. Pool. Laundry. 623-271-2030.

SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help! 855-801-2882 (AzCan)

SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We can help! WIN or Pay nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-960-3595 to start your application today! (AzCAN)

ARMANDO’S Painting, residential, commercial, Interior/ exterior, 15 years experience, free estimates, 623-329-6966.

HANDYMAN-37 years experience. Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan, 602-434-6057.

LITCHFIELD ClockworksQuality antique clock repair. House calls on grandfather clocks. 623-759-3151.

O.N.B. Landscaping/ Concrete. lawn, cleaning and trimming. Concrete, patio, driveway sidewalk and additions. Call for free estimates. 623-249-0610 Beto.

Merchandise 90

ACORN Stairlifts. The affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time-$250 off your Stairlift purchase!** Buy direct and save. Please call 1-800-268-9843 for free DVD and brochure.

DIGITAL HEARING AIDS Now offering a 45-Day Risk Free Offer! FREE BATTERIES for Life! Call to start your free trial! 877-635-7868 (AzCAN)

DISH TV-BEST DEAL EVER! Only $39.99/mo. Plus $14.99/ mo Internet (where avail.) FREE Streaming. FREE Install (up to 6 rooms.) FREE HD-DVR. Call 1-800-916-0680 (AzCAN)

OXYGEN- Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! Free info kit: 844-843-0520 (AzCAN)

Rovey Farm Estates Community Wide Yard Sales

March 18th, 6am-Noon MANY HOMES PARTICIPATING!

Located between Northern Ave. & Glendale Roads, from 83rd to 89th Ave., look for the signs at the entrances.

PRINTING press. Ryobi

3302M two color press. Prints sheets up to 11x17. In good condition. $2600. Email publisher@westvalleyview.com with questions or to set up an appointment to see it.

PROBATE/ Estate Sale New Holland (bobcat style)front scoop loader Model # NHL555 $4700.00 or best offer. Steinway “O” grand rebuilt, refinished piano. $39,000.00. Baldwin grand 5’ 3” mahagany piano $10,000.00. Washer and gas dryer, little used, good condition, $250.00 for both, or best offer. Call 714-749-7054 or 360-632-5440 to leave message for appointment. Estrella Hills, Goodyear.

SAFE Step walk-in tub. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic jets. Less than 4 inch step-in. Wide door. Anti-slip floors. American made. Installation included. Call 800-538-3092 for $750 off.

Switch to DIRECTV. Lock in 2-year Price Guarantee ($50/ month) w/AT&T Wireless. Over 145 Channels PLUS Popular Movie Networks for Three Months, No Cost! Call 1-800-404-9329. (AzCAN)

CHURCH Thrift Store, Thursday

8:30-12:30, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road, (across from Wigwam Spa). Easter items, Spring/ Summer clothes and shoes, furniture, travel cribs, jewelry, kitchen items, and more!

ESTATE Sale. 1906 N 127th Dr., Avondale. This Friday 8:00a.m.-6:00p.m., Saturday 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Sunday 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m., Miniature heaven plus plus plus more. All must go. House must be empty. Come see us.

FULL house moving sale! Beautiful decor and furniture. 12517 W. Sherman St., Avondale. March 16th and 17th. 623-606-1832 8:00a.m.

HUGE garage sale! 18 families! Saturday, March 18th 8:00a.m.-12noon. 1320 North Villa Nueva Drive, Litchfield Park. Furniture, clothes, household items, books, collectibles, much more. All must go!

Sundance Adult Village Community Wide Garage Sale! Saturday March 25th

8 a.m.-Noon. Located 1/2 mile east of the intersection of Watson & Yuma, (north of Yuma Road) in Buckeye YARD Sale. Yard art, crafts, tools, toys and auto parts. The 17th, 18th and 19th of March. 12401 W Lewis Ave., Avondale.

Sharon’s Petsitting & Australian Shepards LLC. Licensed and Bonded. 623-386-0281 / 623-810-0136.

LATE

Motorcycles, Boats & Golf Carts 400 1994 STRATOS bass boat. 150hp Johnson, loaded, $6500. Negotiable. Call for information 602-300-8023.

(AzCAN)

of, post opening of, or the failure to open, a response packet that is not properly addressed or identified. Request for Proposal Packets will be available on or after Wednesday, March 15, 2017, for pick-up at Avondale City Hall, 11465 W. Civic Center Drive, Avondale, Arizona 85323

or download at www.avondale. org/procurement. Information regarding this Request for Proposals opportunity may be obtained by contacting Loretta Browning at 623-333-2029. The City of Avondale will endeavor to ensure every way possible that disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) shall have every opportunity to participate in providing materials/services without being discriminated against on grounds of race, religion, sex, age, or natural origin. DBE businesses are encouraged to submit on this solicitation. Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 15, and 22, 2017.

General

Public Notice

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA

MARICOPA COUNTY JG 10328 2/2/2017

COMM. ALYSSON H. ABE

CLERK OF THE COURT - R. Jordan, Deputy IN THE MATTER OF:

HARMONY ROSE LUNA F1102904

DOB: 2/10/2016

SHANNON REBECCA GLAU

IRENE LUNA, 2242 S 224TH AVE., BUCKEYE, AZ 85326

LISATTE LUNA, 2242 S 224TH AVE., BUCKEYE, AZ 85326 STATUS CONFERENCE

TEMPORARY GUARDIANSHIP

AFFIRMED

8:33 a.m. This matter is digitally recorded in Courtroom 8. This is the time set for Status Conference.

Present: Shannon Glau, guardian ad litem for the child; Irene Luna and Lisatte Luna, the temporary guardians; Marissa Jones, the mother; and Harmony Luna, the child.

Discussion is held regarding the need for a permanent guardianship.

The temporary guardians inform the Court that they will seek a permanent guardianship.

At the request of the guardian ad litem for the child, IT IS ORDERED reinstating the Petition for Permanent Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed 7/5/2016.

The mother consents to a permanent guardianship of the child with the petitioners. IT IS ORDERED preserving the mother’s consent and waiving her appearance from future hearings in this matter.

For publication on the John Doe father, IT IS ORDERED setting this matter for Guardianship Hearing on 4/6/2017 at 9:30 AM before Honorable Alysson Abe at the Maricopa County Juvenile Court Center, Durango Facility, 3131 W. Durango St., Phoenix, AZ 85009

The Court informs the petitioners that this publication is not completed by the hearing on 4/6/2017, the Court is likely to dismiss the petition. IT IS ORDERED affirming the temporary guardianship of

the child with Ms. Irene Luna and Lisatte Luna. The temporary guardianship expires on 6/1/2017. 8:40 a.m. Court adjourns. This Courtroom utilizes an electronic recording system for the Court’s record. If a court reporter is needed, a written request must be filed with the Clerk of the Court and a copy provided to the assigned judicial officer at least 72 hours before the commencement of the proceeding. To order a copy of the audio record on compact disc (CD), please call Juvenile Court Administration (Durango facility - 602-506-4533/Southeast facility - 602-506-2544). There will be a fee of $30 for each copy of the Superior Court proceedings. All copies will be provided using

View, and the West Valley Business on March 1, 8, and 15, 2017.

Public Notice

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I. NAME: ATA ENDEAVORS, LLC L-2146654-8

II. The address of the known place of business is: 9106 W. Mackenzie Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85037

III. The name and street address of the Statutory Agent

is: United States Corporation Agents Inc., 17470 N. Pacesetter Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85255

B. Management of the limited liability company is reserved to the members. The names and addresses of each person who is a member are: Arnoldo Terrazas Avilez, Member, 9106 W. Mackenzie Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85037

Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 1, 8, and 15, 2017.

Public Notice

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I. NAME: LP INVESTMENTS

1212 LLC

L-2164762-2

II. The address of the known place of business is: 14250 West Wigwam Blvd. #1212, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

III. The name and street address of the Statutory Agent is: Adam Beck, 2509 N. 132nd Avenue, Goodyear, AZ 85395

B. Management of the limited liability company is reserved to the members. The names and addresses of each person who is a member are: Adam Beck, Member, 42 Marisol Street, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA 92694

Annie Woo, Member, 42 Marisol Street, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA 92694

Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 8, 15, and 22, 2017.

Public Notice

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I. NAME: SALDANA DELIVERIES LLC

L-2144537-7

II. The address of the known place of business is: 8590 W. Washington St., Tolleson, AZ 85353

III. The name and street address of the Statutory Agent is: Moises Saldana, 221 N. 153rd Ave., Goodyear, AZ 85338

B. Management of the limited liability company is reserved to the members. The names and addresses of each person who is

a member are: Moises Saldana, Member, 221 N. 153rd Ave., Goodyear, AZ 85338

Daniel Saldana, Member, 221 1st Unit 27, Avondale, AZ 85323

Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 8, 15, and 22, 2017.

Public Notice

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I. NAME: STACQME, LLC

L-2157103-2

II. The address of the known place of business is: 2641 S. 172nd Dr., Goodyear, AZ 85338

III. The name and street

address of the Statutory Agent is: Matthew Merritt, 2641 S. 172nd Dr., Goodyear, AZ 85338

A. Management of the limited liability company is vested in a manager or managers. The names and addresses of each person who is a manager AND each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: AcqMe, LLC, Manager, 2641 S. 172nd Dr., Goodyear, AZ 85338

Sonoran Technology and Professional Services, LLC, Member, 15655 W. Roosevelt St. Ste 141, Goodyear, AZ 85338

Published in the West Valley View, and the West Valley Business on March 15, 22, and 29, 2017.