12 FEBRUARY 2021 By Sam Lowe D uring a travel writing career that has covered more than 40 years, I have been borne from one destination to another by motor vehicles, sailboats, cruise ships, the backs of large animals, tour buses, jet planes and other forms of transportation. And on every one of those excursions, I have enjoyed countless situations that have made the trip pleasurable. But, of course, there have been a few irritating incidents. None were severe enough to spoil the adventure, just enough to annoy and embarrass fellow adventurers. Among the leaders on my list are rude travelers, particularly those who ignore the rules. They take photos in places where signs forbid it. They swear at bartenders in foreign lands because they don’t make certain drinks as they do back home; they bully their way into crowded tourist sites while others are waiting in line. They’re always late for tour bus departure times, complain about seating arrangements and smoke in non-smoking areas because they think the rules don’t apply to them. They criticize local customs and meals, loudly refuse to try new food and criticize those who do, and sneak into areas marked “No Trespassing” so they can brag about getting photos nobody else has. Delightfully, some of them get what’s coming to them. In Germany, one of my fellow travelers – upset that a waiter didn’t bring her the right kind of water, removed her wig and threw it at the waiter while screaming, “You people should learn to speak English!” The waiter left, then returned with the manager, who politely but firmly asked the woman to leave. One day in China, a tourist insisted on snapping photos despite signs in many languages warning against doing so. A guard approached, grabbed the man’s camera and opened the back to expose the film. Then, while the offender screamed at the top of his lungs, the guard slid the camera into his pocket and calmly marched away. The man looked to his companions for assistance. They were too busy applauding the guard to offer any help. Next, there are the local tour guides who insist visitors know absolutely everything about their particular city while passing up stunning photo ops in favor of some nondescript narration about what happened here in pre-Roman times. On that same level are the quasi- intellectuals who insist on knowing every little detail about what happened here in pre-Roman times so they can dominate the dinner table discussions with their new-found knowledge, even though they misinterpret most of it. But my list-topper is graffiti. When I look at spray-painted defacements and felt-tipped scrawls, I wonder what goes on in the minds of those who perform such eyesores. It is particularly prevalent in Europe. On a recent trip to Vienna, I spotted a massive wooden church door with a spray-painted slogan spewed across it. The church was more than 600 years old. That makes little difference to those whose art medium spurts from an aerosol can. In Prague’s business district, every building has been spray-painted from ground level up to about the six- foot mark. Apparently, the “artists” had to stop at that height because they don’t carry step ladders. In Athens, hundred-years-old sculptures bear the scars of graffiti. In Bariloche, Argentina, a war hero’s bronze statue is completely covered with red and blue paint blotches. Museums, schools and memorials are all targets. I asked a man at an information desk in Vienna why there’s so much. He replied, “They’re young people. They’re just exercising their right to freedom of expression.” And I’m an old person, just exercising my right to object. The Lowe Road Former Valley newspaperman Sam Lowe now writes about his travels across Arizona, the U.S. and the globe. BY SAM LOWE Traveling travails: Vandalism from around the world Dublin Croatia Argentina Vienna REMOVE BARRIERS. EMPOWER PEOPLE FOR INDEPENDENCE. Provide an assistance dog for a disabled child or adult. OUR MISSION: To provide highly skilled assistance dogs to people with disabilities, education, and continuing support for working assistance dog teams, and to be a resource in the community for people with disabilities. WHO WE SERVE: Disabled children and adults with Type I Diabetes, PTSD, and Mobility Challenges. We also provide Facility dogs for victims advocate programs. FOR INDEPENDENCE. To provide highly skilled assistance dogs to people with disabilities, Mobility Challenges. We also provide Facility dogs for victims advocate programs. D O N AT E T O D AY: www.azpowerpaws.org/donate/arizona-tax-credit ARIZONA CHARITABLE TAX CREDIT (CQO 20717)

13 FEBRUARY 2021 By Ray Artigue For someone who claims she got a “late start in life,” this accomplished woman has made up her fair share of ground. Though her budding career was put on hold to raise a family, Susan Junker reengaged the workplace in a way that is making a real difference. As a dedicated wife, mother and humble community servant, Junker has always focused on service to others. “The point of serving is to give of yourself, whether it’s your time, your resources, or your heart, for the benefit of others,” Junker said. Undoubtedly, she learned this altruistic principle from her parents, her large extended family and the middle-class upbringing in which she and her four siblings were raised. “I was the middle child or peacemaker and always worried about keeping everyone safe and happy,” she said. After attending Oregon State University, she moved to Arizona in 1988; she and her husband John married later that year. They eventually settled in Arcadia in 1991, where they raised their children, daughter Lucy and son Michael. She regards her family as “the greatest gift of all.” Before starting a family, Junker worked in administrative and management roles in the commercial real estate, auto racing and performing arts industries. These days, she works at St. Vincent de Paul, serving the past nine years as a senior development officer and executive assistant to CEO Steve Zabilski. “Susan is respected by everyone who works here, and her contributions are extremely significant,” Zabilski said. “I am most grateful for her.” Junker says it is she who is fortunate to be involved with SVdP and calls it “a place of second chances, grace and healing.” “The people who work and volunteer at SVdP are the humblest, most generous and loving individuals I have ever met. They help people in ways that are hard to describe,” she said. Among Junker’s many contributions while at SVdP is co-founding WISH – Women in Service and Hope – a group of dedicated women who serve as ambassadors and advocates for SVdP. These leaders embody hope and helping others with dignity, encouragement and love. “Many people want to serve others but may not know how,” Junker said. “What you receive from volunteering is far greater than what you give, and the gratitude from our guests at SVdP is profound.” When Junker isn’t busy caring for others, she enjoys sewing, playing the piano and spending time with family. “Being from the Northwest, I was used to a lush, green environment, so I’ve always felt right at home in the Arcadia neighborhood. Our family loves the sense of community and how friendly people are,” Junker said. “This is a very generous community with hearts for helping others and bringing them great hope.” It’s a little wonder she fits right in! Susan Junker The point of serving is to give of yourself, whether it’s your time, resources or your heart. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 Call (480) 945-7122 for a no-obligation free quote. insuranCe DesigneD with You anD Your Dreams in minD. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com merican Family Mutual Insurance Company, .I. & its Operating Companies, 000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 all (480) 945-7122 for a o-obligation free quote. nsuranCe DesigneD with ou anD Your Dreams in inD. J M Chapman Agency Inc Jay Chapman, Agent Bus: (480) 945-7122 7055 E Thomas Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 jchapman@amfam.com American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 006441 – Rev. 2/20 – 12923221 Call (480) 945-7122 for a no-obligation free quote. insuranCe DesigneD with You anD Your Dreams in minD. INSURANCE DESIGNED WITH YOU AND YOUR DREAMS IN MIND. CALL (480) 945-7122 FOR A NO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE.