24 JULY 2025 Summer in Phoenix is heating up with events and programs for residents of all ages. From empowering youth sports tournaments to festive Fourth of July celebrations, here’s what’s happening around the city. The Native American Basketball Invitational (NABI), the largest all-Native American high school basketball tournament in North America, is set to return this July. Since its founding in 2003, NABI has grown into a platform that combines sports, education, and community impact. This year, over 2,400 Indigenous athletes from more than 180 tribal communities across the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand will come together to compete in over 400 games during the five-day event. The tournament concludes with championship games on July 23 at the Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. Throughout the week, participants engage in the NABI Educational Youth Summit, featuring college and career fairs, workshops, and motivational talks from alumni who’ve gone on to succeed in fields like sports, medicine, and law. The NABI College Scholarship Fund also supports young athletes in pursuing higher education and leadership roles. The Robinson Reading Challenge The Phoenix Public Library invites readers of all ages to take part in this year’s Robinson Reading Challenge, running now through August 1, 2025. With the theme “Color Our World,” the free program encourages reading for at least 20 minutes a day, while earning points, unlocking digital badges, and winning prizes. Gameboards are designed for all ages and reading levels, and participants who reach 1,000 points will receive a free book and other rewards. Families can join themed events, tackle online challenges, and enjoy special programs hosted by library branches. Register now and start logging those reading minutes! South-Central Light Rail Extension Now Open A major milestone in public transportation was celebrated with the grand opening of the South-Central Extension of the Valley Metro Light Rail. The event brought together city leaders, performers, and proud community members in a spirited celebration of progress. This new extension enhances connectivity for South Phoenix, giving residents greater access to schools, jobs, healthcare, and other essential services. More than just an infrastructure project, it’s a step toward greater equity in transit and opportunities for the community. PHXPlays Youth Summer Camps Accepting Registrations Parents looking to keep their kids active and engaged this summer still have time to register for PHXPlays Youth Summer Camps. These affordable camps offer a fun, safe environment with games, sports, arts and crafts, and field trips. Learn more and sign up at phoenix.gov/parks. Celebrate Independence Day at Fabulous Phoenix 4th Get ready to celebrate America’s birthday in style at the Fabulous Phoenix 4th, one of Arizona’s largest free Independence Day events! Head to Steele Indian School Park (300 E. Indian School Road) on Friday, July 4, for an evening filled with entertainment, food vendors, a kids zone, and a fireworks display. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and patriotic spirit for a night of family-friendly fun! Happy Fourth of July! vi Councilman District 6 602-262-7491 District6@phoenix.gov KEVIN ROBINSON Summer highlights: sports, reading, transit, and fun  By Michael P. Murphy It’s called The Proper, a public meeting room located at the center of Found Arcadia, a European-inspired furniture and design store on 44th Street. It’s an inviting, cozy setting, especially late Wednesday afternoons when several tables in the room are graced with a green cover bearing the pink and white PMC logo in the center. Soon, it will be time to play Mahjong. A tile-based game that originated during China’s Qing Dynasty, (1644-1921) Mahjong became popular in the Western world following World War I. It was designed to teach discipline, strategy, and calculation, but more than that, the game inspires social interaction. That’s where longtime friends Julia Zastrow, Leah Seidelmann, and Rachel Semro come in. They have a certain love for playing, so they set out to share that passion with others. “We asked ourselves, what would happen if we started a Mahjong club?” Leah said. “After many text messages, meetings, and FaceTime calls, we started reaching out to others. We thought if we could get 12- 16 people to join, then we might be on to something.” As it turns out, they were. Forty people signed up in a matter of three days. The very first Phoenix Mahjong Club meeting was held in April 2024 at Mini Social, a small venue in Old Town Scottsdale. With positive word of mouth and the magic of social media, they now have 100 members. The club meets four times a month at Found, and with so many members coming from across metro Phoenix, it was important to find a central location: all roads led to Arcadia. “Everybody enjoys meeting new people and the sense of community. We cater food, and we often have wine at our evening events,” Leah said. “It’s a fun, social environment where you’re playing with your friends or people you just met.” With four players at a table, each game often goes at a different pace. Depending on the player’s skill level, the game can be fast-paced and competitive. Sometimes there is no winner. “Typically, you stay at the same table,” Rachel said. “Our events are three hours long. In two hours, you can usually play four games.” “It’s a membership program,” Leah added. “And we offer beginner lessons to anyone that has heard of Mahjong but doesn’t know how to play.” The club is also focused on giving back to the community. Every quarter, the purpose of an event is to support a Valley organization. Past events have contributed to various school auctions, social activities, and clubs, as well as Crowns of Courage, a nonprofit that serves pediatric cancer patients. In August, they plan to host a back- to-school supply drive. Several membership options are available. The Full Membership is priced at a prorated rate of $695 for those enrolling now and granting access to all club events through March 2026. This includes up to four playing sessions per month, catered socials, and drop-ins – many of which feature meals and beverages. A monthly payment plan is also available at $80 per month, starting from the month of enrollment and running through the year. The club offers a Junior Membership, which includes a two-month trial for $100 (or $50 per month). This provides access to two Wednesday drop-in sessions per month, with options for lunchtime or evening play. Beginners are welcome, with guided instruction available. Light refreshments are also provided. Junior members do not have access to socials, but after the trial period, they may upgrade to full membership. Through shared laughter and friendly competition, the Phoenix Mahjong Club has become more than just a place to play – it’s a space for connection and community. As the tiles shuffle and the tables fill, a growing tradition has taken root in Arcadia. phoenixmahjongclub.com How three friends sparked a tile-turning trend in Phoenix Club founders Leah Seidelmann, Rachel Semro and Julia Zastrow. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEAH SEIDELMANN

25 JULY 2025 By Rachael Bouley As JSK Taekwondo celebrates 15 years of empowering students through martial arts, the studio has exciting news: seven of its athletes have qualified for Team USA and will represent the country at the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) World Championships in Croatia this October. Held biennially in odd-numbered years, the event gathers elite practitioners from around the world to compete in various disciplines, including individual and team patterns, sparring, special techniques, power breaking, and pre- arranged sparring. To participate, athletes must hold an ITF Black Belt degree and typically qualify through National Championships or selection trials. The championships are structured to accommodate various age groups and skill levels, promoting inclusivity and fostering international camaraderie among practitioners. Owners Joe and Kate Karstadt are proud to see their team excel on the national stage. For the family, the event will be significant as sons Josh and Max will join their father, Joe, who was part of the U.S. Men’s Team that took home two gold medals at the 2004 World Championships. Joe, a 6th-degree Black Belt, and Josh, a 4th-degree Black Belt, both serve as head instructors at JSK. The father-son duo qualified for the men’s individual and team competitions, including sparring, power breaking, specialty breaking, and adult pre- arranged sparring. Joe brings decades of experience to the mat, holding more than 25 National Championship titles and a spot in the Official Taekwondo Hall of Fame. Josh, who began training as a child, has since competed in 11 international tournaments, earning 14 U.S. National titles and a World Cup medal. Youngest brother Max qualified in individual pre-junior male sparring, while teammate Nicholas Johnson qualified in the junior male sparring category, along with specialty breaking, team sparring, and team power breaking. Nicholas, now 17, has trained at JSK since he was just four years old. JSK’s female athletes also made a strong showing. Eva Pacheco qualified in individual patterns, sparring, and specialty breaking. Wind Tran earned a spot on Team USA in individual women’s patterns, and Sofia LeMense qualified in individual junior female sparring. “We look forward to this exciting journey and the hard work it will take to prepare for the ITF World Championships,” Joe said. With the countdown on to the tournament’s October 7 start, Team JSK has already kicked off their international training. In late May, they traveled to the Netherlands to compete in the Holland Cup, an international event that offered valuable experience ahead of the world stage. “All 11 members did an amazing job going up against some of the best competitors in Europe,” Joe shared. “The team earned three Silver Medals and three Bronze Medals, gaining incredible experience to bring home. It was a great preview of what to expect in Croatia.” Back in Arizona, preparations continue. In July, JSK will host the 2025 USA Taekwondo Championship, featuring events in patterns, sparring, specialty kicking, and Chon-Ji challenges. Students will also have the chance to meet and train with Team USA representatives, an inspiring opportunity to follow in their footsteps. “For 15 incredible years, we’ve helped children build confidence, discipline, and focus – skills that last a lifetime,” Joe said. “At JSK TaeKwonDo, martial arts isn’t just about self-defense. It’s about shaping strong minds and respectful attitudes.” As JSK prepares to represent Team USA on the world stage, they carry with them not only years of training but the support and pride of everyone back home. The road to the World Championships is just one chapter in their story – and it’s only the beginning. jsktkdusa.com From training mat to world stage: JSK heads to Croatia At JSK, martial arts isn’t just about self-defense. It’s about shaping strong minds and respectful attitudes. Joe Karstadt, Eva Pacheco, Josh Karstadt, Sofia LeMense, Max Karstadt, Nicholas Johnson Wind Tran. HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! Enjoy the time with family and friends! 6 0 2 - 9 4 4 - 5 5 1 6 maloneyplumbing.com Serving the Valley for over 60 years! ROC315991 HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY 4TH JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY! JULY!