20 AUGUST 2025 By Mallory Gleich At Vincent on Camelback, where fine dining meets the flavors of the Southwest, summer has brought more than just seasonal ingredients – it has reignited Chef Vincent Guerithault’s long-standing passion for teaching. For the first time since the early 2020s, the well-known restaurant near the corner of 40th St. and Camelback is hosting in-person cooking classes, giving guests an intimate, hands-on experience with the chef himself. Known for signature dishes like smoked salmon quesadilla, lobster chimichanga, rack of lamb with spicy bell pepper jelly, and veal sweetbreads, Chef Vincent blends classical French training with regional flair, and now, patrons have an opportunity to step behind the scenes and into the kitchen with one of Phoenix’s culinary pioneers. “Vincent has always enjoyed teaching,” his wife, Leevon Guerithault, said. “He spent years at Les Gourmettes cooking school with Barbara Fenzl and even taught non- credit courses for ASU’s Barrett Honors College. These new classes are such a fun and personal way for him to share that knowledge again.” Held on Sunday and Monday evenings inside the restaurant’s cozy bistro, each class focuses on a specific topic, such as sweet and savory soufflés or classic French sauces. Students gather around a large table for a hands-on session led by Vincent and his son, Christian, as they work through techniques, taste ingredients, and – most importantly – cook. With a limit of 14 students per class, the format remains intentionally intimate and engaging. And yes, there are usually leftovers for students to take home. “We’ve had requests for years,” Leevon said. “The slower summer finally gave us a chance to make it happen. The response has been incredible – these classes have been booking up fast!” The Guerithaults have committed to releasing the schedule on the first of each month at noon via their Tock page. The return of classes marks yet another chapter in the restaurant’s storied legacy. “We hosted our first private event in December 1985 and opened to the public in January of 1986,” Leevon said. “We’ve been at the same location ever since and will be celebrating 40 years soon.” For fans of French cuisine and those seeking to elevate their culinary skills, the classes provide a unique opportunity to learn from the pros. And for Vincent, it’s about more than recipes. “Sharing what he’s learned over a lifetime in the kitchen – that’s what really excites him,” Leevon says. “It brings him joy.” August’s classes are almost sold out, but there are a few spots still available toward the end of the month. Classes will focus on croissants, crepes, crème brûlée and more. vincentsoncamelback.com or exploretock.com Whisk it up with Chef Vincent’s immersive cooking classes Guests learn techniques, taste ingredients and cook specific dishes; upcoming classes focus on sauces and croissants. PHOTO: LEEVON GUERITHAULT PHOTO COURTESY OF CLS

21 AUGUST 2025  The City of Phoenix Lockbox Program allows firefighters to gain entry to your home in case of emergency without causing any damage to your residence. This is done by utilizing a key that you provide in a secure lockbox attached to your entryway. This program not only provides free lockboxes to vulnerable Phoenix residents; it also allows those who already have their own lockbox in place to register their lockbox code with the fire department. Free lockboxes are donated by the Phoenix Realtors and are distributed on a first come, first served basis to vulnerable Phoenix residents who are 55+, or have special needs or mobility issues. New Phoenix Police Chief As chairman of the public safety and justice subcommittee, I want to congratulate Matt Giordano for being selected as the Police Chief for the Phoenix Police Department. I know he will serve the citizens of Phoenix and the women and men of the police department well. Parks and Rec Month This month, we’re celebrating everything our parks and recreation team does to support a healthy community, from maintaining clean and safe parks to offering programs that bring neighbors together. Parks and Recreation touches lives in so many ways, and their work deserves our recognition. I encourage you to get out and enjoy a local park, pool or splash pad – and if you see a Parks and Rec employee, don’t forget to say thank you! Bulk Trash Appointments Phoenix residents now have a more convenient way to manage large waste items that don’t fit in standard garbage or recycling containers, thanks to the city’s appointment-based bulk trash program. This Q&A covers what you need to know: What is bulk trash? Bulk trash are materials that are too large and must not be placed in the garbage or recycling container, like furniture, small appliances, toilets and large amounts of vegetation. What is appointment-based bulk trash? Appointment based bulk trash offers customers the convenience of scheduling a collection on a date that works for them. Find a list of accepted items online and visit phoenix.gov/publicworks or call the Public Works Customer Contact Center at 602-262-6251 to schedule an appointment. Customers can schedule appointments up to six months in advance for up to four collections per year. What if there’s not enough space at the edge of the property for bulk trash? Place piles at the front edge of the property (curbside). The edge of a driveway can be used as well. For exceptions, we can work with the customer to place a pile neatly at the curb on the street. If the street is the only available space, please work directly with management. Customers can place up to 10 cubic yards of material and all items in the pile should be placed within five feet from the edge of the property. Happy August! Councilman Kevin Robinson Safety, services and summer fun Councilman District 6 602-262-7491 District6@phoenix.gov KEVIN ROBINSON By Cliff Summerhill The Connections Program at Christ Lutheran School is transforming the educational experience for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and enriching the school community in the process. “Connections is so much more than a classroom,” Director Caley Chapman said. “It’s a Christ-centered community where students are known, loved, and supported in every aspect of their development.” The program blends individualized one-on-one instruction, small-group learning, and intentional inclusion in general education classrooms. Students follow the same curriculum as their grade-level peers but benefit from customized instruction that incorporates hands-on activities, visual supports, and a strong emphasis on vocabulary and conceptual understanding. “Because students are learning the same content in the Connections room, they are well-prepared to push into the general education classroom when they demonstrate academic and behavioral readiness,” Chapman said. “This model allows them to learn alongside their peers while still receiving the individualized support they need to thrive.” Patrick Polachek, a student in the program, shared that he likes science, friends, and loves his teachers. “They make me feel so happy in my heart,” Patrick said. “The Connections Program helps me do my math, helps me make friends, and it shows people I can do anything!” Fellow student Sibilla Orazio shared the sentiment. “I love school because I love all my friends, my classroom, and art class too,” Sibilla said. “I get extra help with my reading and math, and I love all my teachers.” According to Chapman, Connections students participate in meaningful inclusion and join in all school activities, including art, music, PE, lunch, and recess. From leading prayers at pep rallies to performing in the school musical, students who were once hesitant to participate are now taking center stage. “This intentional integration promotes authentic relationships and creates opportunities for our students to shine in ways that are truly inspiring,” Chapman said. “The impact has been deeply meaningful for students and our entire school community.” Chapman returned to the school after earning her master’s in special education and shared her dream of starting an autism program, which resulted in an immediate, “Let’s do it!” from Principal Doyle. What followed was the launch of a much smaller Connections Program, created in partnership with Gentry Pediatric Behavioral Services. Starting with just a few students, it has grown into a robust initiative with dedicated teachers, Applied Behavioral Analysis therapists, speech and language support, and a thriving culture of inclusion. In addition to the student program, Christ Lutheran has started the Adult Work Program, which provides adults with autism and other neurodiversities with meaningful opportunities to work in a structured, Christ-centered environment. “The Adult Work Program adds another layer of purpose and connection to our ministry, showing our students and families that we’re committed to walking alongside them – not just now, but for the long haul,” Chapman said. The school’s immediate goal is to expand into the seventh and eighth grades, continuing to support students as they grow. In fall 2026, Chapman hopes to launch an additional cohort of younger students to meet the growing demand for early intervention and support. A fundraising campaign is currently underway to support these expansions, which would include new classrooms, resources, staff, and services. “At the heart of it all, our mission remains the same: to foster belonging, growth, and faith in every student we serve,” Chapman shared. “With God’s help and the continued support of our community, we are building a future where every child has a place to learn, grow, and be loved.” clsphx.org/connections CLS program helps students gain confidence by developing potential Cole Pitas, Jonathan Banks, Caden Phillips, Cooper Phillips and Caden Reder. PHOTO COURTESY OF CLS At the heart of it all, our mission remains the same: to foster belonging, growth, and faith in every student we serve.