CityLine
July-September 2015: Join in the Fun
Hello Everyone, Join in the Fun!
by Sonny Culbreth, Assistant City Manager, Community and Recreation Services Director
The theme of this CityLine is “Join in the Fun”. In our last issue of the CityLine, there were a few
announcements letting you know that some valued and long-time City Staff were announcing
their retirements. I was one of them. Well, due to a few staff changes, I was asked if I would
consider delaying my retirement plans. I thought, “Why not?”, and I made the decision to keep
serving the City in my full capacity for at least one more year. I have appreciated the many
well-wishers congratulating me on my retirement; I have also had a ton of fun telling the same
people that I have decided not to retire. I guess you could say I could not resist joining in the fun.
In this edition, Mayor Schoaf reminds us of just how much fun it is to live in Litchfield Park.
The issue contains fun and interesting programs and activities that are being offered through our
Healthy Litchfield Park Program including “Intro to Pickleball” and the “Tour de Park” bike
ride. Discover fun activities, such as youth sports and aquatics. Included in this issue: When is
Oktoberfest? What new businesses have come to town, how and why is it fun to become a volunteer?
“The Doctor is In”, an interesting article of our youth giving back to the community. The fun
does not stop here. What a101-year old former Litchfield School student felt after touring the
Litchfield Elementary School Campus? Who is featured in “Bits of History”? All these features
will peak your interest. But why spoil your fun? There are many more reasons to read this issue.
So go ahead, take a look and “Join in the Fun”.
MAG Elects Policy Committee Chairs
On June 10, 2015, Litchfield Park City Manager Darryl Crossman was elected as chair of the
Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Management Committee by regional city, town
and county managers. Crossman, Litchfield Park City Manager since November of 2004, is also
a former Chair of the MAG Street Committee. The MAG Management Committee provides
a key role in the policymaking decisions at MAG. The Committee is responsible for receiving
input from technical committees, analyzing the technical and policy implications, and providing
recommendations to the MAG Regional Council. The Management Committee consists of the
chief administrators from each member agency, such as the jurisdiction’s city or town manager,
the county manager from Maricopa County and Pinal County, and the chief administrative officer
of each Native American Indian Community. A representative of the Arizona Department of
Transportation and the Regional Public Transportation Authority also serve on the committee.
Welcome New Neighbors
Shop Litchfield Park and support area businesses!
Help sustain the local economy and maintain City
programs and projects including parks, recreation,
streets, and public safety. Please extend a “welcome”
to these new Litchfield Park businesses:
 Charity Realty, Downtown District,
116 N. Old Litchfield Rd., Suite A
 Tri West Realty, Downtown District,
114 N. Old Litchfield Rd., Suite D
litchfield-park.org
Jul-Sep 2015 Issue | 1
A NEWSLETTER FOR LITCHFIELD PARK RESIDENTS
A Message From Mayor Tom Schoaf
This quarter’s CityLine theme is “Join in the Fun”. My message generally focuses on economic
development, road maintenance, and park improvements. Often, the message concerns
improvements, including the Recreation Center’s refurbished outdoor courts or general plan
amendments, but this is the first opportunity to address “fun” in our community.
Is it fun to live in Litchfield Park? I think the answer is a resounding “yes”. We have a tremendous
number of activities and special events in ‘The Park’ and nearby. Many of us are spoiled with the
amenities of a world class resort. The Wigwam has three golf courses, a wonderful tennis facility,
two pools with large water slides, and play areas for our children and grandchildren. While others
across the valley come to the Wigwam for staycations, we have the unique opportunity to enjoy
resort living every day, right here at home.
What about those who do not use the resort? Our community residents have access to three public
golf courses within two miles of our City, and a Recreation Center with swim lessons, swim team, water aerobics, tennis, camp, youth
sports, preschool, Pickleball, and open swim in the family-centered pool. Within a short drive, our residents are able to enjoy the Wildlife
World Zoo and Aquarium and the White Tank and Estrella County Parks. The City is also home to the Litchfield Branch Library and
the Historical Society’s Museum. In addition, many local charities and faith based organizations offer a variety of “fun-filled” activities.
Enjoying the “fun”, either in our City or right next door, coupled with the exceptional quality of life in our neighborhoods, is what
we strive to protect for the future. We are entering a period of change as our vacant land is developed. Your Council and City Staff
will continue to focus on maintaining the City as a place to live and “join in the fun” for all of our residents.
FREQUENTLY REQUESTED PHONE NUMBERS
Animal Control – (602) 506-7387
Goodyear Fire Customer Service – (623) 932-2300
APS – (602) 371-7171 (to report street light outages)
Library (Litchfield Park) – (602) 652-3000
Bus – (Valley Metro) – (602) 253-5000
Liberty Utilities (water & sewer)
(623) 935-9367 after 4:30 p.m. call (623) 935-3395
Chamber of Commerce (Southwest Valley) – (623) 932-2260
City Hall
Administration/Clerk/City Manager – (623) 935-5033
Building Department – (623) 935-1066
Building Permits & Property Maintenance – (623) 935-1066
Court – (623) 935-7091
Finance – (623) 935-4364
Human Resources – (623) 935-4364
Public Works – (623) 935-4356
Luke Air Force Base Information – (623) 856-1110
New Life Center – (623) 932-4404 (women’s shelter)
Police — Emergency – 9-1-1
Non-Emergency – (602) 876-1011
Recreation Center – (623) 935-9040
Southwest Gas Corporation – 1-877-860-6020
Waste Management – (602) 268-2222
Cox Cable – (602) 277-1000
West Valley Arts Council – (623) 935-6384
Dust Control Violations – (602) 372-2703
West Valley View – (623) 535-8439
MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
TOM SCHOAF, Mayor
[email protected]
JEFF RAIBLE, Councilmember
[email protected]
PAUL FAITH, Vice Mayor
[email protected]
PETER MAHONEY, Councilmember
[email protected]
TIM BLAKE, Councilmember
[email protected]
PUBLISHED BY: City of Litchfield Park
2 | Jul-Sep 2015 Issue
JOHN ROMACK, Councilmember
[email protected]
PAUL STUCKY, Councilmember
[email protected]
EDITOR: Chris Weaver
DESIGNED & PRINTED BY: EZ Web Printing, LC.
litchfield-park.org
A few years ago the City of Litchfield Park adopted a program titled “Healthy Litchfield Park”.
The series was part of a commitment our community made in support of
Arizona in Action, a program targeted to encourage individuals to develop a
more active and healthy lifestyle. For the past three years, the Community
and Recreation Services Department has sponsored and presented various
Healthy Litchfield Park activities, educational programs and outdoor activities
nd events. In September of this year, we are increasing our efforts to offer new
and fun Healthy Litchfield Park programs and activities in cooperation with by Sonny Culbreth, Community & Recreation Services Director
Sun Health Community Education.
Our Mission: To promote healthy living by providing a fun and entertaining experience through activities and education that empowers
our citizens to improve their lifestyle. Healthy Litchfield Park will provide one educational program and one outdoor activity each
month. The educational programs will be offered on the third Monday of each month and the outdoor activities will be held on the
Saturday following the Monday education program. These programs and activities are being offered as a benefit to adults and families
who desire to create healthy habits and develop daily routines that result in living a long, healthy life. Questions concerning education
or activities should be directed to 623-935-9040.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
All education programs are free of charge and will be held at the Litchfield Park Branch Library Community Room, 101 W.
Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park.
“The Link Between Nutrition and Inflammation”
“10 Keys to Healthy Living”
Monday, October 19, 2015
9:30-11am
Monday, September 21, 2015
9:30-11am
ACTIVITIES
The Healthy Litchfield Park free activities will be held and/or start at the Litchfield Park Recreation Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield
Road. Questions?
“Introduction to Pickleball”
What is Pickleball?
Learn how to play one of the fastest growing games in Arizona!
Saturday, September 26, 2015
9:30-11:30am
“Tour de Park”
A community bike ride to visit each of the large parks in our community.
Approximate distance, 6 miles. We will stop for brief rests and refreshments.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
9:30-11:30am
We want to offer programs designed to serve our residents. Please take the brief Healthy Litchfield Park online survey at
litchfield-park.org to provide us with your input. It will only take five minutes of your time. Join in the fun!
Holiday Office Closures
City Hall, Magistrate Court & Recreation Center
Labor Day
Monday, September 7, 2015
RECREATION CENTER
Labor Day
Monday, September 7, 2015
Open 10 am-5 pm
litchfield-park.org
Jul-Sep 2015 Issue | 3
The Doctor is In
henk
da
… an
quote
Sc
rolyn
by Ca
Tips
Most of us love pizza, but not when it’s soggy. If you are lucky
enough to have leftovers, here is a great way to enjoy it. I’ve tried
this and it works great! I added a little olive oil to the pan and
heated prior to adding my pizza. To reheat a pizza so that the crust
is out-of-the-oven crisp, heat your leftover slices in a fry pan on
low-medium heat on the stove top until warm and wave goodbye
to the days of soggy microwaved warmed pizza.
Tidbits
Rishi Sar na, g rew up in
Litchfield Park, “where
everyone knows your name” and
community members treat
you as part of their extended
family. Growing up, he played
a variety of sports but by age
10 focused solely on basketball
and as a teenager volunteer
coached for LPRC’s youth
basketball leagues. He left
Litchfield Park to attend
college, graduating from The
University of Arizona with a
BSHS in Physiology, BS in Molecular & Cellular Biology and a
BA in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology.
Rishi started medical school overseas at the American University
School of Medicine and finished up at UCLA, graduating in 2010
with his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. He decided to continue
his medical training to become an oral & maxillofacial surgeon
to treat international children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
HELP! I need to recycle my long tube fluorescent bulbs. Although
there is a company in Phoenix who will recycle these bulbs, their
services are limited to large quantities generated from commercial
businesses. It has been an arduous process to locate a facility that
will handle one or two bulbs from residential dwellings; however,
persistence prevailed and I finally was successful in locating
Batteries Plus Bulbs, 1809 N. Dysart Road, Avondale 623-536-002,
batteriesplus.com. Mon-Fri 8am-8pm; Sat 8am-7pm; Sun 10am5pm. There is a slight charge for recycling, which they must pass
on to cover their costs: 4’ .48/ea; 5-8’ .85/ea; Circline (circular or
curved) .58/ea. I am hopeful this resource is helpful to the residents
who have called City Hall in the past searching for a recycling center
for this item. Note also that this store carries a selection of more
than 45,000 types of batteries, light bulbs and related accessories.
Happy shopping while you recycle!
It was during this career transition, that Rishi decided to “give back
to his community” by applying for a Recreation Center seasonal
position. When asked “why” Rishi explains that the Litchfield
Park community “has a unique family feel, almost as if we are time
locked back to a period in our world where all communities had a sense of
family. Growing up in Litchfield Park emphasized the importance of family
and helping one another. Giving back to Litchfield Park is an honor and
privilege because this community has given so much to my family and I.”
Tickles
8:15 am City Hall
I went to the cinema the other day and in the front row was a man
and with him was his dog. It was a sad funny kind of film, you
know the type. In the sad part, the dog cried his eyes out, and in
the funny part, the dog laughed its head off. This happened all the
way through the film. After the film had ended, I decided to go
and speak to the man.
“That’s the most amazing thing I’ve seen,” I said. “That dog really
seemed to enjoy the film.” The man turned to me and said, “Yeah, it
is. He hated the book.”
Rishi will be leaving the Recreation Center the end of July to move
forward with his medical training. His plans include donating his
seasonal earnings to charity. We applaud Rishi’s willingness to
give back to his childhood community.
2015 Flag Ceremonies
Reception on front lawn to follow
US Coast Guard 225th Birthday August 4
Flag Raising Ceremony: Tuesday, August 4
US Air Force 68th Birthday September 18
Flag Raising Ceremony: Friday, September 18
… and a Quote
US Navy Day 240th Birthday October 13
Flag Raising Ceremony: Tuesday, October 13
“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see”
– Mark Twain
Marine Corps 240th Birthday November 10
Flag Raising Ceremony: Tuesday, November 10
4 | Jul-Sep 2015 Issue
litchfield-park.org
Permanent Early Voting List
by Carla Reece, City Clerk
The City of Litchfield Park has held All-Mail Elections for many
years. Maricopa County has advised the City that since the local,
statewide, and federal elections are together on the same ballot,
All-Mail options will not be available to city jurisdictions.
If you prefer to take your time with your ballot and avoid long
lines on Election Day, there is a solution. You may sign up for the
Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) and vote from the comfort of
your own home. Use the link noted to make your request NOW:
http://recorder.maricopa.gov/pdf/PEVL_Request_Form.pdf
Once you choose to be included on this list, you will remain on
this list until your registration is cancelled, mail sent to you is
returned by the Postal Service marked undeliverable, or you request
in writing to be removed from the list, whichever occurs first.
If an upcoming election is a partisan primary election and you are
not registered as a member of one of the recognized political parties
participating in the election, the notice will include information on
how to select a political party ballot for that election. Independent
voters can vote in the Primary, but must choose which ballot they
wish to receive.
Remember, local issues affect us directly. No matter how you decide to cast
your ballot, by mail or at the polls, make sure your voice is heard through
the sound of your vote.
Resolving Rodent Problems
by Lynn Webb, Code Enforcement Officer
Rats/rodents are a common problem in Arizona. This is a reminder
that it is up to each homeowner to periodically check your premises
for signs of rats/rodents and do your part to discourage rats/
rodents from taking over your property.
Steps you can take to keep rats/rodents away:





Clear away all rubbish, especially piles close to buildings
and fences including stacks of wood
Store all food inside your home. This includes birdseed,
grass seed and other possible foods commonly kept in
garages
Store trash in cans with tight fitting lids in your garage and
dispose of garbage properly and often. Never store trash
cans outside, if at all possible (trash containers cannot be
stored in view per Section 9-5-5 C)
If you feed your pets outside, leave the food outside just
long enough to be eaten and then remove the bowls. Do
not leave food out all day. Reminder: Do not leave food
for feral cats
If you have fruit trees of any sort, keep them picked of
fruit and remove all fruit on the ground immediately
This is the responsibility of every resident. Please do not hesitate to
contact Code Enforcement at 623-889-6215 if you notice possible
habitats (filth, junk) in any areas. Everyone benefits from clean
property space.
litchfield-park.org
Are You Accidentally Ruining
Your Recycling?
One bad apple can spoil the bunch. The same goes for recycling.
Food scraps and liquids can ruin a whole load of recyclable
materials if they end up in your bin. One of the three basic rules
of good recycling is to keep your materials clean and dry.
How clean is “clean”?
Use a spatula to scrape cans, jars, or jugs (peanut butter, syrup,
salad dressing, oil, etc.). There is no need to rinse - just empty and
clean. With some of our severe drought areas, rinsing makes no
sense at all.
If it’s in the wrong bin, can’t you easily sort it later?
When nonrecyclable items are sent to the Material Recovery
Facility, they must be removed by hand and/or mechanically
sorted. They can also end up contaminating high value recyclables.
Garbage in recycling containers increases the cost of the recycling
process and ultimately, of your garbage and recycling collection
service. Similarly, recyclable items placed into garbage containers
are usually hauled to the landfill when they could have been put
to their next use.
The right thing to do is to put the all the right recyclables in
your recycling bin and non-recyclables into your garbage bin.
Recyclables with the greatest impact are bottles, cans, and paper.
Remember the rules
Let’s get back to the basics of good recycling with these three
simple rules:
1. Recycle all bottles, cans and paper
2. Keep items clean and dry
3. No plastic bags
Follow these simple guidelines and manufacturers will receive
materials they need to manufacture new products and you help
to keep recyclable items from ending up in the landfill. For more
answers about recycling, visit www.RecycleOftenRecycleRight.
com for educational resources for all ages, including videos, FAQs,
recycled art projects, and more.
Jul-Sep 2015 Issue | 5
Call for Volunteers to Join in the Fun!
Special events are fun and enhance the quality of life for our
community. Join in the fun and volunteer for one or more of
our award-winning special events. The City of Litchfield Park is
in need of volunteers to help plan and execute several of our key
events throughout the year, including Oktoberfest, Christmas in
the Park, the Native American Fine Arts Festival, and our Spring
Art & Culinary Festival.
Pickleball at LPRC
Pickleball was created with one thing in mind...fun! The racket
game was designed to be easy to learn and play whether you are 5
or 85 or somewhere in between. Pickleball is traditionally played
on a badminton-sized court with special Pickleball paddles, made
of wood or high-tech aerospace materials. The ball is similar to a
wiffle ball, but slightly smaller. The lower net and wiffle ball allow
the game to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities, while
still allowing more competitive players to test their mettle.
We have the courts reserved at the Litchfield Park Receation
Center, 100 S. Old Litchfield Rd, on Tuesday and Thursday nights
from 6pm to 8pm. Summer hours 7pm to 9pm. The cost is $3 per
session or you can purchase punch passes at a discounted rate.
Pickleball contact: Irene VanHofwegen, [email protected]
or 602-579-7338.
We are seeking community members interested in serving as Special
Event Planning Committee Volunteers. Our Planning Committee
Volunteers play key roles in the planning of an event. Duties
include attending meetings on a monthly, or otherwise agreedupon, basis during the planning season. Planning Committee
Volunteers generally meet at City Hall during a time convenient
to the members of the Planning Committee.
Volunteers share their ideas, provide input, and may take on a
leadership role as a Committee Chair. Volunteers may be asked to
make phone calls or help with fundraising and getting donations of
goods or services. Volunteers will have regular communication with
our Special Events Coordinator and other Planning Committee
Members regarding the status of their assignments.
If you would like to volunteer for our special events, but are unable
to serve on one of our Planning Committees, please join in the
fun by becoming one of our Event Volunteers. Event Volunteers
work at festival entry gates, coordinate parade traffic, supervise
children’s activities, oversee recycling efforts, and assist with setup
and cleanup, and more. We are currently compiling a database of
interested individuals.
To join the Planning Committee for your favorite Litchfield
Park event, or to be added to our general Volunteer database,
please contact our Special Events Coordinator, Tricia Kramer, at
623-935-9040 or at [email protected].
OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
“Stay Cool” Family Nights
Join us at the Recreation Center pool, 100 S. Old Litchfield Rd.,
for the remaining 2015 “Stay Cool” Family Nights hosted by the
Aquatics’ Staff. Each themed event includes swimming, games and
activities, music and dancing, and giveaways. Entrance into each
event is $3 per person or valid passholder. Children 3 and under
are admitted free. Questions? Call 623-935-9040.
Neverland Splash
Friday, July 24, 2015
6-8:30pm
Aqua Invaders
Saturday, August 8, 2015
6-8:30pm
Walk the Plank, Follow the
Leader and Buried Treasure
Space-themed, cosmic
swimming, Aquaman visit
6 | Jul-Sep 2015 Issue
Are you retired, semi-retired or just want to give back
to your community? Here is another way you can
join the fun and give back to your community. The
Recreation Center has several volunteer opportunities
that usually occur between September and May. Do
you have computer or point-of-sales skills and enjoy
working with the public? Do you have a background
in sports or physical training and want to help with
youth sports or adult physical training? Do you enjoy
outdoor activities such as hiking, walking, or biking?
Do you have a talent or hobbies you would like to share
with others in the community? If this sounds like YOU,
our Community and Recreation Services Department
could have a volunteer position for you. If you would
like to join in the fun, contact Sonny Culbreth at
623-935-9040 or [email protected].
litchfield-park.org
Slips, Trips and Falls
by Tanja Tanner, Community Risk Reduction Coordinator
Goodyear Fire Department
Americans are living longer while staying active and healthy.
But adults 65 and older are at risk for falls, which can signal the
beginning of the end of that active life, and their independence.
Injuries from falls can lead to limited activity, reduced mobility,
loss of fitness and a fear of falling, all of which increase risk of
additional injury.
Litchfield Park Branch Library Fun
Are you looking for fun, child-focused indoor activities this summer?
Discover a variety of programs at the Litchfield Park Branch
Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd., Litchfield Park, 602-652-3000.

Summertime Story Times for babies, toddlers,
preschoolers

Movie Matinees

Activity Workshops

Toybrary
You can check out books, movies and music from your library,
and you can check out toys! Toybrary’s occupational therapist
Donna will host an unstructured play session in the Litchfield Park
Community Room. After your child has found a favorite toy, you
will be able to borrow it for two weeks. This is a perfect opportunity
for children of all abilities to explore therapeutic play!
A comprehensive list of events and activities is available online:
http://evanced.mcldaz.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp?df=
calendar&EventType=ALL&libnum=8
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for adults age
65 and older, according to Injury Facts 2015, the statistical report
on unintentional injuries created by the National Safety Council.
Falls are preventable and aging, itself, does not cause falls.
Some of the underlying causes of older-adult falls, such as muscle
weakness, medications that cause dizziness, improper footwear,
impaired vision, slick floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, clutter and
uneven surfaces, can be improved.
While falls can happen anywhere, they most often occur at home.
What can you do to make your home or the home of someone
you love safer?

Remove clutter, small furniture, pet gear, electrical cords,
throw rugs and anything else that might cause someone
to trip

Use non-skid mats or appliques in the bath and shower

Install grab bars in the tub, shower and near the toilet

Install railings on both sides of stairs

Provide adequate lighting in every room and stairway

Place nightlights in kitchen, bath and hallways
Pools Close Labor Day
Litchfield Park Recreation Center’s
outdoor pools will close at 5:00 p.m.
on Monday, September 7, 2015.
The outdoor 25-yard lap pool, baby
pool and spa will reopen on April
1, 2016. The lobby will remain
open during the winter months,
September 8, 2015 - March 31, 2016:
Lobby Hours
September 8, 2015March 31, 2016
Monday - Friday: 8:00am-7:30pm
Saturday: 9am-12pm
Sunday: CLOSED
Questions should be directed to the
Litchfield Park Recreation Center
Staff at 623-935-9040.
litchfield-park.org
Jul-Sep 2015 Issue | 7
Shop the Park
KM Advisory Group
Shop the Park is a shop local campaign developed and implemented
by the City of Litchfield Park. Shop the Park promotes the growth
of local businesses and the local tax base. Local businesses
build strong neighborhoods by sustaining communities, linking
neighbors, and by contributing to community causes. Subscribe
to receive the Shop the Park monthly email that includes local
business specials and discounts:
1. Log onto litchfield-park.org and select “Email Updates”
2. On the E-News Sign-Up page, type your email address,
select “Sign In”
3. To receive text messages enter your phone number and select
“Save”
4. Click the Shop the Park icon to subscribe
5. A confirmation link will be sent to your email address;
confirm to receive email updates
Keeping Swimming Safe and Fun!
Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among
children ages 1-4:
• Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of
water, giving them your undivided attention
• When there are several adults present and children are
swimming, use the Water Watcher card strategy, which
designates an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain
amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses
in supervision
• Teach children to swim with an adult and to never go near
or in water without an adult present
• Learn CPR
• Teach children to never play or swim near drains or suction
outlets
Source: safekids.org
Eins, zwei, drei…
Oktoberfest!
Saturday, September 19, 5:30 - 9pm
The countdown is on for this
year’s Oktoberfest! The City of Litchfield Park and The Wigwam
are partnering, once again, to host a fantastic event! Litchfield
Park’s Oktoberfest will take place on Saturday, September 19,
2015, from 5:30-9pm on the front lawn of The Wigwam. Come
dance and sing along to your favorite live Oktoberfest music. Get
in the spirit with fun games and activities, a costume contest,
and prizes! Authentic German entrees and beer will be available
for purchase at the festival. Festival admission is $10 per person
(children under 12 free). Tickets will be available for purchase
online at eventbrite.com and at the Litchfield Park Recreation
Center beginning August 1, 2015. Details regarding the menu and
entertainment schedule are published at litchfield-park.org or call
the lobby at 623-935-9040.
8 | Jul-Sep 2015 Issue
KM Advisory Group, partners Bobby King, Penny King and Tim
Maiefski, is Litchfield Park’s newest business with deep roots in the
Midwest. KM recently opened their new offices on Wigwam Boulevard.
Bobby and Penny grew up in north central Indiana attending Caston
High School, about an hour north of Indianapolis. They dated in high
school, reconnected over 20 years later and married. Bobby grew up
on a farm, but started selling insurance in 1974. Penny worked in
banking for over 20 years. They joined forces in the 1990s as financial
planners. Moving to Arizona in 2000, they established King Enterprises
in Goodyear and bought a home in Litchfield Park.
Tim Maiefski is the youngest of 14 children, born and raised in
Omaha, Nebraska. Tim moved with his parents in 1993 to Arizona.
In 1995, he started with Charles Schwab as a financial consultant,
helping people, face-to-face with their monetary strategies. He joined
Bobby and Penny about two years ago, forming KM (King/Maiefski)
Advisory Group. Their approach to financial planning is holistic.
They have learned that all things financial are related. A tool they
use to illustrate this principle is a wheel with a list of topics related
to financial planning. When they meet with people they look at all
aspects including estate planning, long-term care, and social security
advice, to mention a few.
Education and promoting financial wellness is also an important
part of their business. Tim finds that many people spend more time
planning their vacation than they do planning their retirement. They
sometimes feel like an emergency room with clients rushing in with
a crisis. Using a medical comparison, they want people to come in
for a blood pressure check-up instead of a heart attack. To promote
knowledge and financial wellness, Bobby and Tim often hold classes
in the Litchfield Park Library. They help people understand how all
the pieces fit together. Everyone has a different story and it’s usually
complex. They love solving puzzles and giving people options.
KM Advisory Group works with a team of experts including Attorneys,
CPAs, Insurance, Medicare, Investment Advisors and Reverse
Mortgage specialists to help in assisting and advising clients. KM
Advisory Group is a one-stop shop. Bobby says that they moved their
business to Litchfield Park because of its midwest feel and the potential
to help people. Tim says “Litchfield Park is a great town with great
potential”. Bobby, Penny, and Tim meet by appointment only. Give
them a call at 623-935-5101 or visit online at kmadvisorygroup.com.
litchfield-park.org
101-Year Old Student Visits LES
by Ann Donahue, LESD Public Information Officer
On May 20, 2015 four of our Litchfield Elementary School (LES)
5th grade National Honor Society officers, Roszy McGeorge,
Jordan Sornsin, Jacob Green, and Brandon Muth, were on hand
to lead a tour of the school for Mrs. Edna Rayner Pasqualetti. Mrs.
Pasqualetti is a former LES student who attended class in the early
1900’s and turned 101 years old in March of 2015. She arrived for
the tour wearing “royal blue”, the school’s color.
Edna Rayner arrived in Litchfield Park with her family in 1916. She
was two years old at the time. Within a few years Edna attended
Litchfield Elementary as a grammar school student of LES’s first
teacher Mrs. Mabel Padgett. Edna’s grandfather was Jonathan
Lambert Rayner, a West Valley farmer and founder of the Litchfield
Elementary School District. The Rayner family was one of the
first farm families in the West Valley, and nephew’s Robert, Ron,
Earle and John (son of Earle) still farm today. Many generations
of Rayners attended LES and were indeed a major part of building
the foundation of the district.
Mrs. Pasqualetti was very excited to observe the changes at LES
and pleased to see some of the history preserved in the remodel.
On Oct. 9, 1917, the first session of school was held at Litchfield
Elementary in a cook shack with wooden floors, a double roof,
and canvas side flaps. So much of the community that surrounds
“The Park” has been developed in the last 10 to15 years, including
many schools. Because of the growth, the Litchfield Elementary
School District has built eight schools in 10 years since 1999. The
District will open its 14th school in August of 2015, in the Verrado
community.
Mrs. Pasqualetti is very proud to be a Litchfield Elementary Owl.
After meeting Edna, we can confirm that she is a real “hoot” and
to honor this special alumnus, our student officers finished the tour
by reciting the LES pledge.
Red’s Bar & Grill
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Pictured: Three Rayner generations standing in front of the “L”,
cut out from the old LES gym floor. L to R: John Rayner (Earle’s
son, Edna’s great-nephew), Robert Rayner, Edna, Ron Rayner,
and Earle Rayner (all nephews.) (Picture compliments of West Valley
View photographer David Weibel.)
litchfield-park.org
BREAKFAST BUFFET | SAT & SUN 7AM-11AM
623.856.1042 | WigwamArizona.com
Jul-Sep 2015 Issue | 9
Arturo and Vicenta Pariga
by Cruz Pariga Dominguez
Both my father and mother were born in 1913 – over 100 years ago.
My paternal grandparents were living in Chandler, Arizona, when
my father, Arturo Portillo Pariga, was born. He had six sisters
and one brother. They moved to Marinette Ranch (part of the
Southwest Cotton Company) before coming to live in Camp 53. My
mother, Vicenta Moreno, was born in Miñas Pietras, Mexico. Her
father and uncles were brought to the United States by their bosses
to work in the mines in Bisbee, Arizona. When my grandmother
became a widow with five children, she and her family had to look
Vicenta and Arturo Pariga
for work. Her family and relatives first moved to Coolidge, and then Marinette Ranch, before
coming to live in Camp 54. In the 1960s, my mother became a United States citizen along with her sister and brother.
My dad and mom met at a celebration that was held in one of the camps, and they were married in Phoenix in 1936. Their firstborn,
Margarita, only lived less than an hour. After Dr. Penn delivered her, he had to leave and deliver another baby at a different camp.
He was the only doctor for all of the camps. I was born in Camp 54 as well as my sisters, Herlinda and Mary Ellen, and my brothers,
Arthur and Gilbert. We moved to Camp 53 in 1945.
Both of my parents worked very hard. I remember my mother saying that after the first time she worked in the fields, “I cried all day
long.” She didn’t realize that working as a farm laborer and in the heat of the day would be so difficult. My father was an hourly worker
at Goodyear Farms. He did everything from picking cotton to irrigation, planting crops, and driving the service truck. He was proud
that the rows he made in the fields with the tractor were always perfect. We all worked in the fields growing up and so did all of our
relatives. We even went to California to work. It was referred to jokingly as “going on vacation” because we got to leave Arizona and see
the ocean for the first time.
My mother was an excellent cook. Tortillas were made every day and one pot of beans was always on the wood-burning stove; we had
fresh vegetables from her garden. We also had two cows and raised chickens. A neighbor would churn the butter for us and we paid her
with a dozen eggs. My siblings all drank cow’s milk – except me, I wanted milk from the store.
Everyone spoke Spanish in the camps since we were almost all Mexican-Americans. Because we only spoke Spanish at home, going to
school was difficult for us. I remember the first day at school thinking, “Where did all these white kids come from? They don’t even know how to
speak Spanish!” It turned out that we were the ones who had to learn a second language. We had excellent teachers – Miss Gomez, Miss
Sanchez, and Miss Ybarra. They taught us well. When we moved to Avondale in 1948, I was able to skip second grade. My parents had
a limited education since they both had to go and work at an early age to help support their families, yet both of my parents could read
and write in English and Spanish. My parents wanted us to continue our education and go to high school. Most of our school mates
and relatives only went through the eighth grade. My dad said that someday the fields would all be gone and he didn’t want us to work
as hard as he and my mother did in the fields. College was out of the question because we could not afford it.
The house in which we lived in Avondale was made of adobe. My dad and uncles made hundreds of adobe blocks to build five houses.
They did all of the plumbing and electrical work. We still had ‘out houses’ in those days, but my dad built a room in the backyard for our
shower. He used a 10-gallon drum to heat the water. He was also a great mechanic. For extra money, he would fix and overhaul car engines.
My mom passed away in 1966 at the age of 52. It was only two days before her 53rd birthday. A few years later my dad married Lucita,
and I now have two more sisters, Rosemary and Lori. My dad passed away in 1993 at the age of 80. Material things were never our
priority. We grew up with much love and respect for our parents, a strong Catholic faith, and a strong work ethic.
Youth Sports League Fun
Register your child(ren) for the fall youth sport leagues including coed basketball
(ages 4 to 14), flag football (ages 6 to 10) and tee-ball (ages 3 to 6). All sports include
a seven-game season, October 3-November 14, and are played in local gymnasiums
and Litchfield Park parks. Registration opened July 13, 2015 and will close on
August 31, 2015. Residents $64 and non-residents of Litchfield Park $85. A $10
late fee is assessed for registrations received August 25-31, 2015. A valid $20 annual
registration fee is required to participate in the youth sport leagues. Register in the lobby,
100 S. Old Litchfield Road, online, litchfield-park.org, (no convenience fee) or by
phone. Questions may be directed to the Recreation Center Staff at 623-935-9040.
10 | Jul-Sep 2015 Issue
litchfield-park.org
Beautification Committee Selects Yard of the Quarter Winner
Congratulations! Ms. Mildred Ezell, 400 Wigwam Boulevard “Welcoming and charming.”
Sun Health Community
Education
Monsoon Season is Here!
Are you ready?
SSafet
af y First! Monsoon season comes with
hhigh
i winds, dust storms and serious rains.
If
If you’re new to Arizona, look online for
monsoon safety tips.
Don’
Don t water your yard after a rain. Remember,
your
yo plants just got a drink. Turn your
irrigation
timer off to skip a couple days.
ir
Want a FREE
Landscape Irrigation Audit?
Call us at 623-935-9367 to learn more.
litchfield-park.org
The Sun Health Community
Education series promotes
healthy lifestyles through
community health and
wellness education.
Registration is required, class
sizes are limited. To register
for classes, please call 623207-1703 or SunHealthWellbeing.org and click “Education”.
All classes are held at La Loma Village Health & Rehabilitation,
14260 Denny Blvd., Litchfield Park.

Zumba Gold

Yoga for Optimum Health

“Weigh” to Go! An Introduction to Weight Loss

Sun Safety

Understanding Low Back Pain

Staying Hydrated

Add Strength to Your Routine

Brain Health & Spirituality
Jul-Sep 2015 Issue | 11
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