A Carefree Christmas December 2018

Serving the Community Since 2002

hristmas in Carefree returns to the Carefree Desert Gardens, with a full weekend of holiday-themed events, as well as special celebrations to welcome in the spirit of the season.

“Every year the ‘Christmas in Carefree’ programs are strengthened through new activities to better meet the desires of our residents,” says Carefree Mayor Les Peterson. “We believe that the program scheduled for this holiday season will be particularly well received and enjoyed by all.”

This year’s official tree lighting will take place Friday, Nov. 30, at 6pm at the iconic Carefree Sundial. The giant 25-foot Christmas tree and the Gardens will be illuminated for the first time during this holiday season with thousands of twinkling lights sparkling throughout the desert landscape. The ceremony will include performers from local churches and Cave Creek Unified School District student choirs. The tree lighting will be followed by a special screening of the beloved holiday film, The Polar Express, in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. Free hot chocolate and holiday treats will be available, along with snacks for purchase, and a keepsake Carefree Holiday Bell will be gifted to each child/family in attendance.

Congregants from Temple Chai, as well as members of the Jewish Social Group of Cave Creek and Carefree will host a Chanukah Menorah Lighting every evening beginning Sunday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 9, from 5:30pm in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion. The lighting each evening will be led by a different community group or family, with special Chanukah bags gifted to the first children to arrive each night. After lighting the menorah Tuesday, Dec. 4, Rabbi Sarah Grafstein from the Spirit of the Desert congregation will host a drumming circle led by master drummer Daniel Hirtz. No prior drumming experience is necessary to participate, and attendees are encouraged to bring a drum of their own, with extra instruments available.

Local families will be invited to light the menorah each evening, with a special ceremony Sunday, Dec. 9, that will include the Temple Chai cantor and choir leading the event, and Lara Bistro donating potato latkes and dips to accompany the festivities for the last evening. Each lighting is open to attendees of all denominations and faiths.

A full weekend of holiday-themed events begins Friday, Dec. 7, at 10am with Christmas in Carefree returning to transform the Carefree Desert Garden into a weekend-long “winter” wonderland, featuring an open-air Holiday Market, live music daily and a Holiday Happenings area for families, which will include jolly bounce houses, family-themed activities and Santa’s Carefree Workshop. Saturday, Dec. 8, take in Breakfast with Santa, at 9am in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, and the Carefree Community Holiday Parade, which will kick off around the town at 3pm and a Holiday Fireworks display will launch beginning at 8:30pm. The festivities continue through Sunday, Dec. 10, with a Holiday Pet Parade and Blessing, a Christmas Cookie Contest and more seasonal fun.

For information, visit www.christmasincarefree.com, or call 480.488.3686.

Photos courtesy of Town of Carefree

Gather ‘Round for Christmas in Carefree

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Find a complete Christmas in Carefree Calendar of Events on page 32.

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MAYOR PETERSON WRITES...

The Christmas Season is a Time of Reflection, Celebrating and Sharing

Serving the Community Since 2002

By Mayor Les Peterson

It’s hard to fully accept that 2018 is almost over, and that we are already in the midst of the holiday season.

The holidays, coming at the end of the year, are always a time of reflection of what happened during the course of the current year.

Where did this past year MAYOR go, and what did each of us Town of Carefree contribute to make the lives of 480.488.3686 our families happier and more www.carefree.org fulfilling, and Carefree a better place for all of us to live? Those are good questions and certainly deserve some thought from each of us. I have found that when I think I have been most successful in making contributions to my family and community at the end of a year, I started out that year by thinking through and writing down what I

wanted to accomplish during the upcoming year, and then referring to that list frequently. I believe that the key is keeping those objectives at the forefront of my thinking, which dramatically increases the potential of my achieving them.

Celebrations during the holiday season are always most memorable for me. Among these, the Christmas in Carefree festival is one of my favorites. This year’s event, occurring weekend of Dec. 7–9, will focus upon Carefree and our surrounding communities, with an array of activities and celebrations. Events will include the Carefree Community Holiday Parade at 3pm Saturday, Dec. 8, plenty of activities for the children in the Holiday Happenings area, Saturday’s Breakfast with Santa, an expanded Holiday Market and fireworks Saturday evening. Of course, the guest of honor for the entire weekend will be Santa himself!

Happening again this year is the Chanukah Menorah Lighting Ceremony, beginning Sunday, Dec. 2, through Sunday, Dec. 9, daily at 5:30pm in the

Carefree Mayor & Council Take Oath of Office

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At the Nov. 13 Carefree Town Council meeting, Mayor Les Peterson and newly elected Council member Vince D’Aliesio, as well as re-elected Council members John Crane, Stephen Hatcher, Michael Krahe, Cheryl Kroyer and Gene Orrico, took the Town of Carefree’s Oath of Office and all signed the Town’s Code of Conduct for Elected and Appointed Officials. Councilman Crane was nominated by Mayor Peterson to continue serving as vice mayor, receiving the unanimous approval of the Council. All council terms run for two years.

Learn more about the Town of Carefree at www.carefree.org.

Photos by Herbert Hitchon

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Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion.

The end of any year and the holiday season are about more than just reflecting and celebrating, they are also about sharing with those who are less fortunate than ourselves. Among a host of area organizations who help the less fortunate throughout the year, the holidays most immediately bring to mind the great need of two of our local nonprofits, the Foothills Food Bank and the Foothills Caring Corps. Both organizations provide wonderful products and services to residents throughout the region, and I strongly encourage you to volunteer and/or contribute financially to the effort of whichever such organization is of greatest interest to you. It is our combined efforts behind the leadership of these worthy organizations that truly make the holiday season meaningful.

I would like to extend a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year greeting to each and every Carefree and Foothills resident. Have a wonderful Holiday Season and throughout 2019.

The Desert Foothills Library will offer classes and events throughout December that have a holiday flair. From the annual Holiday Craft & Bake Sale to how to survive the holidays without the extra pounds, the library is cooking up some fun this season. Here are just a few of the events:

Carefree

Enjoy Holiday Events & More at the Library

Dec. 1: Ninth Annual Library Holiday Craft & Bake Sale; 10am–3pm Take care of holiday shopping, have treats, coffee and feel good knowing it all benefits the Library. Enjoy holiday décor and live music.

Dec. 5: Plan, Do, Deliver and Survive the Holidays without the Extra Pounds; 2–3:30pm Learn how to manage diet throughout the challenges of family gatherings, neighborhood parties and other unhealthy temptations.

Chef Celine will provide guests with valuable information to help with the holiday challenges, provide healthy twists on traditional recipes, with guidance and a “plan of action” for the holidays.

Call to register; cost is $25, food is included.

Dec. 8: A Duet with Arizona Musicfest; 7pm The Library hosts the eighth annual performance of a Duet. Maestro Robert Moody is joined by guests. There will be Prosecco, coffee and dessert prior to the performance. The fee of $30 for this event benefits the Library and AZMusicfest, both nonprofit organizations. Fee is due at RSVP in advance.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Dec. 8: From Your Hands to Their Hearts, Homespun Wigs for Little Cancer Fighters; 10am–2pm The Magic Yarn Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to bring magic into the lives of children battling cancer. Very often, chemotherapy treatments leave little scalps too sensitive for traditional wigs. At this workshop attendees will create a wig inspired by a Disney character that is warm and soft, providing a magical escape for these brave children. No experience with yarn is required. All net proceeds go to The Magic Yarn Project. Call to register; cost is $60 includes lunch and all supplies.

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Dec. 7–9: Chapter2Books Special Sale Chapter2Books offers more than 15,000 books, as well as DVDs, CDs and audiobooks, are available starting at just 50 cents. Call 480.488.2777 or visit www.chapter2booksaz.com.

The library will close at 1pm Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and will be closed for Christmas December 25. Desert Foothills Library is located at 38443 North Schoolhouse Road in Cave Creek. For additional information, call 480.488.2286 or visit www.desertfoothillslibrary.org.

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Carefree Serving the Community Since 2002

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12.18

SOUL CONNECTION The Dreaded Needle

By Allen Nohre

Walking again toward the handsome Mayo Clinic building on a cool fall morning, I was thinking about the intravenous needle that would soon be inserted into my arm. Actually, I was dreading it.

My high regard for the Mayo Clinic began when ALLEN NOHRE growing up in a small Minnesota town. I remember when Writer my parents said that someone was going to the Mayo Clinic, it meant the person was getting the best possible medical care.

Decades later it was easy for me to trust the Mayo Clinic when I needed treatment for multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow.

I checked into the infusion lab on the third floor, as I had done every two weeks for over a year.

From my cubicle, I could see Carefree’s Black Mountain and I felt connected to Kathie and our Samoyed, Bailee, imagining they were into their morning routine as I was into mine.

When my nurse, Patricia, had everything organized for my treatment, it was time to get the IV going. She said, “This looks like a good vein.” As she approached my arm with the needle, I tried to relax by closing my eyes, breathing deeply and repeating some positive thoughts. Then, I cringed when Patricia said, “I didn’t get it. I will try another spot.”

Nurses want to get it right the first time and they don’t want me to feel the pain of another poke. As Patricia prepared for a second try, my attempt to relax wasn’t working as I felt my toes scrunched up tight in my shoes.

Then, Patricia said, “Got it,” and I relaxed.

I am grateful that in this pleasant and professional environment I am receiving a new drug that acts as a cheerleader to motivate my own disease fighting cells to attack my nasty cells. The drug is brilliantly holding my cancer at bay. To do that, it needs to get into my body and that puts my dread of the needle in perspective.

“A Soul from Minnesota,” by Allen Nohre, a collection of CitySunTimes essays, is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Allen can be reached at anohre@cox.net.

The quiet beauty of Carefree Desert Gardens has been enchanting and educating visitors and residents to the wonders of the desert landscape since its creation in 2002. Now in its 16th season, the Town of Carefree announces the return of its popular annual garden seminars. Offerings will be held monthly from January to April 2019, on the second Saturday of the month beginning at 9:30am in the Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy Street.

Each seminar focuses on a gardening topic of interest, and features an expert speakers:

Carefree

Dates Announced for 2019 Gardens Seminar Series

Photos courtesy of the Town of Carefree

Feb. 9: Legumes: More Than Just Beans The guest speaker is Dr. Marty Wojciechowski, associate professor at Arizona State University specializing in legume research. With more than 19,500 species worldwide, legumes are more diverse than other flowering plant families. Dr. Wojciechowski will discuss the unique aspects of legume biology, their diversity in the Southwest and their importance in agriculture, horticulture and ecology.

March 9: Preparing Your Trees for Summer — What and When You Need To Know The guest speaker is Sarah Maitland, certified arborist and plant health care manager for Integrity Tree Service. Valley residents are well aware of what damage excessive heat and monsoon winds can do to desert trees.

Learn how to prepare one’s landscape to withstand harsh weather conditions and help prevent significant storm damages from occurring.

April 13: Responsible Gardening in Severe Drought The guest speaker is Rick Cober, ISA certified arborist and owner of Tree Theory Landscape Asset Management. How do we deal with drought in our landscapes? By learning more about the properties found in our soil and water, along with better water management, desert gardens can remain healthy in harsh, dry conditions.

Programs traditionally include a plant raffle, and a suggested minimum donation of $5 is requested for the continued support of these programs. Early attendance is suggested.

For information, visit www.carefree.org, or call 480.488.3686.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Jan. 12: Living with Urban Wildlife The guest speaker is Darren Julian, Urban Wildlife Specialist for Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Arizona is home to a variety of wildlife species, and as their natural habitats and native food sources shrink, “urban wildlife” begins adapting to life in our neighborhoods, which can be both enjoyable and problematic. Julian will address the many issues surrounding this interesting topic.

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Your Community News @CITY Sun Times

All Month Long

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Carefree Serving the Community Since 2002

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Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse Opens in Carefree Keeler Hospitality Group, LLC, the creator of popular restaurants such as Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse in Scottsdale, is set to open its latest concept in Carefree in December.

Located at 7212 East Ho Hum Road, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will offer diners a high-quality, affordable steakhouse experience in an unpretentious “social house” environment.

“We are extremely elated about the introduction of this new concept and are looking forward to providing it to the diners of Carefree and to our city’s visitors from near and far,” says Paul Keeler, president and CEO of Keeler Hospitality Group. “Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will satisfy the need for a high-value, top-of-the line steakhouse dining experience in Carefree while also staying true to the approachable and comfortable atmosphere the surrounding community.”

The culinary team at Keeler’s is spearheaded by Keeler Hospitality Group executive chef Anthony Apolinar, who currently lends his talents to both Liberty Station restaurant locations in Scottsdale. The menu at Keeler’s will feature Certified Angus Beef specialty cut steaks, the freshest seafood available, chicken and American comfort food specialties.

Starters will include “For the Table” sharables such as Lobster Mac & Cheese, traditional Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Crab Cakes, Mussels and Fried Artichoke Hearts. Classic steakhouse menu soups and salads include French onion soup and assorted bisques and market greens, Caesar, wedge and cobb salads.

“Neighborhood Favorite” mains include Double Bone-In Pork Chops, seared Lamb Loin Chops and Braised Short Ribs. To accompany any protein from seafood to steak, specialty sides include Bleu Cheese Cream Spinach, White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, loaded hash browns and risotto. Spirit-forward, traditional cocktails, craft draft beers from Arizona Breweries and an extensive, wellbalanced selection of bottled wines and wines by the glass round out Keeler’s offerings.

The restaurant’s upscale menu will be matched by the high-end yet comfortable atmosphere with a neighborhood feel featuring multiple seating areas, a centrally located island bar, open kitchen, large patio, lush courtyard and rooftop starlight deck.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will be open for lunch Monday through Saturday 11am– 3pm; for dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5–9pm and Friday and Saturday from 5–10pm; for happy hour daily from 3–6pm and for brunch Sunday from 10am–3pm For more, visit www.keelerhospitalitygroup.com.

Carefree

Happy Holidays from...

PALM DESERT REALTY “Established in Carefree Since 1968”

46400 N. SEVEN SPRINGS ROAD, #41

Chamber Holds Ribbon Cutting at Clearview

ADVERTORIAL

A HOME OFFICE AWAY FROM HOME

EXCLUSIVE TONTO HILLS RESIDENTIAL LOT

CAREFREE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE

LOT 149, Deer Trail Rd. Fabulous, high, 1.81 acre view lot w/water, electric & phone.

Striking homes on all sides, boulder strewn arroyo adds instant landscape character.

MLS#5317571 $129,900

ANOTHER NEW Classic, Modern Landmark Office Building Now for Lease.

Corner of Elbow Bend & Nonchalant. 7405 Nonchalant, 2,500 sq.ft. New building. 6 Luxury Office Suites now only available, 234-410 sq.ft. Can be combined. Turnkey ready. Tile and carpeting throughout.

Private baths. Individual heating and cooling.

A home office away from home. Modified gross leases now available.

CAREFREE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE CAREFREE GALLERIA 3755 Hum Road. 3 upstairs office suites: 710, 722, and 1,749 sq.ft. Private baths. Individual heating and cooling. Modified gross leases available.

Elevator access. Excellent views.

37002 N SIDEWINDER Excellent office location, center of Town of Carefree.

Approximately 990 sq.ft. 2 private offices plus meeting room. Ample parking.

New modern upscale, landmark office building 7405 Nonchalant in Carefree is the address of the new modern upscale, landmark office building, seven suites ranging from 234 to 410 sq. ft. - individual heating and cooling - private baths - tile and carpeting throughout - A HOME OFFICE AWAY FROM HOME - modified gross leases.

Call Harry S. Vardakis for appt. at Palm Desert Realty. Office: 480-4883099, cell: 602-399-0708, fax: 480-488-5483

CAREFREE CORNERS Corner of Elbow Bend & Cave Creek Road. 1 suite now available, 3165 sq.ft. Multi-use building with roll up rear doors for assemblage, work area, 13 ft to graduating 18 ft ceiling. Front for showplace displays and office. Modified gross lease available.

Excellent exposure.

Serving the Community Since 2002

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, Oct. 18, at Clearview Title and Escrow, located at 7202 East Ho Road, Suite C, in Carefree.

With 20 years of experience, the team at Clearview is “committed to providing expert handling of all transactions from sophisticated developers to investors and first-time homebuyers.” Learn more about Clearview at www.clearviewabstract. com or by calling 480.372.5530.

Well built, superbly maintained, and thoughtfully updated, this cabin is located across from a flowing spring in Camp Creek, Tonto National Forest. Great room concept with 2 bedrooms and one bath, in 800 Sq. Ft. Fall change of colors, Infrequent snow and an easy drive from the Valley.

MLS#5790577 ............................................................................................... $135,000

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The office is staffed with qualified professionals at all times.

Associate Brokers Mike Ragains • Tara Laman Broker/Realtor Harry S. Vardakis (Cell 602-399-0708)

(480) 488-3099

30 Easy Street • PO Box 921, Carefree, AZ 85377 (480) 488-5483 fax

12.18

Carefree

DFT Brings Delicious Experience to the Stage Desert Foothills Theater (DFT) will present the delicious adventures of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. Jan. 11–20.

Share the experience with Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory as it lights up the DFT stage in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. A cast ages 8–14 will perform the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Jr. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed to delight the audience’s sweet tooth.

The DFT production will be presented at Cactus Shadows Fine Art Center, 33606 North 60th Street in Scottsdale. For additional information or tickets, call 480.488.1981 or visit www.dftheater.org.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Carefree People on the Move

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Longtime area real estate agent Kathie Nohre is now a broker associate at the Carefree office of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Nohre can be reached at 602.316.2332 or kathie.nohre@russlyon.com. For additional information, visit www.kathienohrepc.com.

Proven Media, a premier cannabis marketing communications agency, announced that it has signed 365 Cannabis, a leading seed-to-sale software provider for the industry, as its newest client.

Through a unique combination of cannabis industry know-how, media relationships and years of experience in public relations and marketing services, Proven Media will launch an integrated campaign to build upon 365 Cannabis’ existing brand foundation for future growth and visibility.

365 Cannabis offers organizations in the cannabis industry the ultimate seedto-sale experience through a modular system, powered by Microsoft Dynamics 365, allowing businesses to use only the modules needed to run and streamline their business processes.

“We have already hit the ground running to expand the presence of 365 Cannabis on an international level,” says Neko Catanzaro, vice president of brand strategy and development at Proven Media. “We are truly excited to promote such a comprehensive technology solution designed for the cannabis industry.”

A full-service agency established in 2008, Proven Media serves a diverse client base in nearly every segment of the emerging cannabis market. Nationally recognized cannabis experts and high-profile organizations including the World Medical Cannabis Conference & Expo and the Marijuana Industry Trade Association of Arizona call Proven Media their agency of record.

For more information, visit www.provenmediaservices.com.

Carefree

Proven Media to Lead Client to New Highs in Brand Visibility

Serving the Community Since 2002

It makes sense to get your company name, logo and service known in your community.

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You see us. They will see you.

Contact Bob Hesselgesser: 602.214.7661 Bob@CITYSunTimes.com

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Carefree Serving the Community Since 2002

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Town Reports: 2018 Enchanted Pumpkin Garden a Success At the Tuesday, Nov. 13, Carefree Town Council meeting, Beth Renfro, the Town of Carefree’s marketing director, gave an overview of this year’s Enchanted Pumpkin Garden event. The event lasted 10 days and experienced a 66 percent increase in attendance with over 100,000 attendees.

New this year was the addition of Centerpoint Events, an events company specializing in event logistics. Revising the logistics allowed for an expanded footprint for the event, running down to and including Historic Spanish Village.

This expanded footprint included a vendor market, a petting zoo, bounce houses, a haunted house, pony rides, entertainment stage and beverage garden.

In addition to approximately two dozen sponsors, the local nonprofit Sonoran Arts League successfully managed two beverage gardens and raised awareness of their upcoming community events. In all, the event was a tremendous success, with many of the local businesses and restaurants reporting record sales.

DOWNLOAD PAST AND PRESENT SPECIAL SECTIONS ON OUR WEBSITE.

Kiwanis to Host Annual Christmas Luncheon Members and guest of Kiwanis Club of Carefree are invited to the organization’s Annual Christmas Luncheon, scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Holland Community Center. Social hour begins at 11am with lunch following at noon.

Holland Community Center is located at 34250 North 60th Street in North Scottsdale.

The Upscale Singers will be providing the entertainment, and an open bar will serve beer and wine. To RSVP, contact Ted Dimon at 602.568.3505 or desertdimons@coz.net.

The club’s focus is on helping children recognize and develop their potential. They offer post-secondary scholarships, summer art programs, community science fairs and mentoring, special needs support, youth service organizations and more. The vast majority of the funds the Kiwanis raise are invested in the children in their own community and programs benefitting the community; a portion is also donated to eradicate diseases in third world countries in conjunction with Kiwanis International initiatives and to disaster relief around the world.

The Kiwanis Club of Carefree has about 200 members, ranking them within the top 10 largest Kiwanis clubs in the world. They believe that investing even one fraction of one’s time, talents, energies and experiences will make a world of difference tomorrow.

The club meets for lunch almost every Wednesday at Harold’s Corral in Cave Creek from 11:30am–1:30pm. Learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Carefree at www.kiwaniscarefree.org.

ARE YOU A CAREFREE BUSINESS OWNER OR EVENT ORGANIZER?

THEN, HAVE WE GOT NEWS FOR YOU!

CITYSunTimes is showcasing The Town of Carefree to 80,000+ readers in our special section featuring The Town of Carefree’s 2019 annual events!

Reserve your spot in 40,000+ copies mailed and distributed throughout the North and Northeast Valley promoting your business!

Contact Bob Hesselgesser at 602.214.7661 or Bob@CITYSunTimes.com

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Local Business Hosts Marine Toys for Tots Drive The Scottsdale Carefree office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage is hosting a Marines Toys for Tots drive from now until Friday, Dec. 14. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off during regular business hours at the Scottsdale Carefree office, which is located at 33765 North Scottsdale Road, Building A Suite 101, in Scottsdale.

“We are inviting our community members to help us collect new unwrapped toys for the economically disadvantaged families in our city,” said Sandi Hess, the branch manager of the Scottsdale Carefree office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Marine Toys for Tots Program aims to collect new unwrapped toys and distribute those toys to less fortunate children at Christmas. Learn more about the program at www.toysfortots.org. Visit www.coldwellbankerhomes. com for additional information about Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

Serving the Community Since 2002

The Horny Toad invites children and their parents to enjoy Christmas: A Toad Story Saturday, Dec. 1, 11:30am–1pm. During the Christmas event, residents are invited to bring their child to the Cave Creek Christmas Company inside the Toad. For lunch, children can enjoy a corn dog and French fries for only $4.

In addition, The Horny Toad special will be two pieces of The Horny Toad’s famous fried chicken, a quarter-rack of pork ribs, coleslaw and fries for just $14.99 between 11am–4pm Just as important is the opportunity to help neighbors in need. Bring an unwrapped new toy for a child 4-12 years old. The toys will be donated to Foothills Food Bank for its Adopt-a-Family program. The Toad also will accept canned food and cash donations for the food bank.

The Horny Toad, which has earned numerous awards for its food including Best Fried Chicken, Best Steakhouse, Best BBQ ribs and Best Dessert (strawberry shortcake), is open Sunday through Thursday, 11am–9pm, and Friday and Saturday, 11am–10pm. In addition, breakfast is served Saturday, Sunday and Monday holidays from 8am–noon.

The Toad is located at 6738 East Cave Creek Road. Call 480.488.9542 for reservations or more information or visit www.thehornytoad.com.

Carefree

Santa, a Toad Christmas, at The Horny Toad Dec. 1

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Carefree

Christmas in Carefree 2018 December 7–9 Enjoy the holidays the Carefree way! Stroll through Carefree Desert Gardens (101 Easy Street), elegantly dressed for the holidays, bring the kids to play in the Holiday Happenings area and shop the Holiday Market. Weekend activities include Breakfast with Santa, the Carefree Community Holiday Parade, live music, Saturday evening fireworks and special holiday-themed activities all weekend.

Admission is free, however there is a fee for some holiday events. Free parking is available in and around the Gardens, and throughout the downtown area. For additional event information, visit www.christmasincarefree.com.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Friday, Dec. 7, Noon–8pm

Serving the Community Since 2002

Highlighted Events: Holiday Market

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Holiday Happenings Bounce Houses, Kid’s Holiday Arts and Crafts; Carriage Rides (4–8pm) Live Entertainment in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Photos with Santa (5–7pm) Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion (5:30pm)

Saturday, Dec. 8, 10am–8pm Highlighted Events: Breakfast with Santa, Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion (9–11am) Carefree Community Holiday Parade (3–4pm) Holiday Fireworks (8:30–9pm) Holiday Market Holiday Happenings Bounce Houses, Kid’s Holiday Arts and Crafts; Carriage Rides (4–8pm) Live Entertainment in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Photos with Santa (4–7pm) Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion (5:30pm)

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Sunday, Dec. 9, 10am–6pm Highlighted Events: Christmas Cookie Contest, Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion (11am–noon) Pet Blessing, Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion (3–4pm) Holiday Market Holiday Happenings Bounce Houses, Kid’s Holiday Arts and Crafts; Carriage Rides (4–8pm) Live Entertainment in the Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion Photos with Santa (4–7pm) Menorah Lighting Ceremony, Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion (5:30pm)

All event information is current at time of publication. For additional information, call 480.488.3686 or visit www.christmasincarefree.com.

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A Development

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Allstate Insurance, Rebecca Niessink

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American Federal Rare Coin & Bullion

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Arizona Territorial Antiques, LLC

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Azul Verde Design Group Inc

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Bags & Rags

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Black Mountain Coffee Shop & Cafe

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Carefree Cave Creek Chamber

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Carefree Clarity

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Carefree Coverings

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Carefree Outdoor Living

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Carefree Shell

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Cave Creek Saddlery

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Cave Creek Unified School District

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Christ the Lord Lutheran Church

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Desert Foothills Theater

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Desert Treasures

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Eco Blue Pool

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English Rose Tea Room

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Foothills Community Foundation

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Graham Surveying

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Heritage at Carefree, The

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L Skincare

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Key Physical Therapy

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Manship Builders

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Network Wellness Center

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Ortega Turquoise Trails

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Palm Desert Realty

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Paradise Valley Community College

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Real Life Weight Loss & Wellness

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Ristorante Alberto

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RMorales Law PLLC

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Sesame Inn

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Sonoran Properties

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Stagecoach Tailoring & Alterations

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Sonoran Arts League

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Stefan Mann

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Town of Carefree

Carefree

CITYSunTimes Advertiser’s Map

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Serving the Community Since 2002

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Duplicate numbers indicate approximate vacinity of business location.

4 Tyrol Insurance Agency 13

UPS Store, The

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UPS Store, The

6 Walker Lawn & Home Services, LLC

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Serving the Community Since 2002

Carefree

MAYOR BUNCH WRITES…

By Mayor Ernie Bunch

Gary Sprague and Dusty

Cave Creek Museum’s Santa (aka Butch Brown)

Cave Creek Museum (CCM) will celebrate the history of the area, and the holiday season, with a number of December events.

See the Museum’s Golden Reef Stamp Mill in action Saturday, Dec. 8, at 1:30pm.

The stamp mill is Arizona’s only fully operational 10-stamp ore crushing mill. Come watch the 10 1,000-pound stamps slam down in synchronized precision, hear Artwork by artist-in-residence Sharon Brening the pounding echo against the Desert Foothills, just as it did 100 years ago. The stamp mill was carried down from its former location at the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain and is the only one in Arizona operating within 5 miles of its original site.

Celebrate a Cowboy Christmas Sunday, Dec. 9, 2–4pm. Join Gary Sprague, the Singing Cowboy, and Dusty, his trusty horse, for some holiday caroling. Then see Santa Claus for a free photo and enjoy his favorite snack (cookies and milk). The event is part of the Museum’s Second Sundays @CCM, which take place every second Sunday at 2pm.

Participating children will create a CCM Passports that will be stamped at each event.

Collect at least five stamps over the 2018–19 season to get a special gift from CCM. The Museum wraps up the month with its continuing Adult Discover Series, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2–3:30pm. Artist-in-residence for the season, Sharon Brening, will present this event. Learn about how her canvases allow her viewers a personal glimpse into the lives of people that shaped the American landscape.

Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 East Skyline Drive. For more information, call 480.488.2764 or visit www. cavecreekmuseum.org.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Welcome to the holidays, a time to be thankful for what we have, and the opportunities afforded to us.

I won’t bore you with a lot of words here but just hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Slow down and enjoy it.

There is always something to celebrate. I’m very pleased with MAYOR the following.

Town of Cave Creek My wife and I have a place 480.488.1400 out of town. It is in brush country www.cavecreek.org (scrub oak, manzanita, grasses) all very flammable. Last summer, the power would go out very frequently. When this happened, it would take five to six hours for it to come back on. This was because APS (Arizona Public Service) had the “breakers” set so sensitive that a sparrow pooping on a line would cut the power. The reason it took so long to get power back was because they had a rented helicopter on call and would fly the lines and then drive them for a visual inspection to make sure nothing was wrong. Then, and only then, would they power them back on. In light of Pacific Gas and Electric’s admission that there were sparking lines in Paradise California the day before the tragic fire started and also another utility near the Malibu fire I have to say here: thank you APS for your diligent efforts to keep Arizona safe!

Discover History & Celebrate the Season at the Museum

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Explore the Art of Chocolate with ECS

There is an art to chocolate making. Every step is a challenge. Cacao trees only grow within a narrow corridor spanning the equator. They bloom unpredictably. Individual pods must be hand-harvested at just the right time, fermented individually and dried on burlap in the sun before being shipped to chocolate companies for roasting and conching.

The bean mixing rooms are heavily guarded because mixing is a top-secret operation and conching is where the magic happens. Conching removes the outer shell and beats the cocoa nibs, extracting the “milk” and cocoa “butter.”

A cheap bar of chocolate might be conched for one hour. High-end Belgian chocolate, on the other hand, takes at least 12 hours.

“I use only Callebaut, a Belgian chocolate,” said Bobbie Burt, who teaches a holiday chocolate making class offered by Education & Community Services (ECS). “I’ve been making chocolate as my grandmother taught me.” Burt went on to practice the art of chocolate making for 20 years as the former owner of the Seven Sisters Sweet Shop.

Burt will share the techniques used in tempering chocolate and creating delicious fillings culminating in “the lost art of hand dipping.” Her December class (Dec. 1 and 8) in the teaching kitchen on the Cactus Shadows High School campus, will make caramel, truffles and a variety of clusters. In the spring, the class will mold chocolate eggs and bunnies. Class size is limited to eight, teens through adults.

ECS has an extensive catalogue of classes and camps for all ages, preschool through adult. Programs focusing on visual and performing arts, education, sports, culinary arts, life-skills and much more, are available year-round.

For more information and to register for the holiday chocolate classes, visit www.ecsforall.org.

Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center is seeking donors to brighten the holiday season for children, families and seniors in the Desert Foothills community as part of its 15th annual Adopt-a-Family program. Foothills Food Bank is working with more than a dozen local organizations and churches to provide gifts, holiday meals and hope for those in crisis in the community.

According to Pam DiPietro, executive director for Foothills Food Bank, all families must be signed up

by Dec. 4. Individual donors as well as donor groups such as businesses, HOAs, churches and schools, are encouraged to participate in this year’s Adopt-aFamily program. Interested donors determine the size of the family they are willing to adopt then a family wish list is provided as a shopping guide.

Monetary donations are also accepted to support the program. All gifts must be wrapped and delivered by at Holland Community Center Dec. 10–13. Checks should be payable to Foothills Food Bank. All gifts and donations are tax deductible according to tax laws.

Cave Creek

Food Bank Seeks Adopt-A-Family Sponsors for Families

For information about the 2018 Adopt-a-Family program or to request a donor sign-up form, email adoptafamily@foothillsfoodbank.com or pick up a form at the food bank.

Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center is located at 6038 East Hidden Valley Drive in Cave Creek. For additional information, call 480.488.1145 or visit www.foothillsfoodbank.com.

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Cave Creek

Celebrate December with the Arts League The Sonoran Arts League will host a number of events in December, beginning with its Sonoran Small Works Holiday Fine Art Show at the League Center for the Arts at Stagecoach Village, 7100 East Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. A kick-off reception will be held Dec. 1, 5–8pm, and the show will run through Jan. 6.

Admission is free.

Next up is the Holiday Artisan Market at Stagecoach Village. The Market is free to attend and runs Dec. 8–9, 10am–5pm, at the Center for the Arts and in the Village courtyard. Running concurrently is the Stagecoach Village Christmas event, which runs 10am-5pm Dec. 8-9 and is also free to attend. Guests can enjoy holiday cheer including hot cocoa and cookies, photos with Santa and more.

Finally, attend the monthly Sonoran Arts League “Art Party” at the Gallery at el Pedregal Dec. 15, 1–4pm.

The free event features art, food and music. The Gallery at el Pedregal is located at 34505 North Scottsdale Road in Scottsdale, on the second floor next to the Spotted Donkey. Contact the gallery at 480.575.6658.

To learn more about any of these events, or for information about the Sonoran Arts League, call 480.575.6624 or visit www.sonoranartsleague.org.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Big Earl’s Has a New ‘Backyard’ Area

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“Out with the old and in with the new!” says Brooke Dallas, owner of Big Earl’s Greasy Eats. Everyone who has been to Big Earl’s has seen or played in the sandpit in the back, which hosted Tuesday and Thursday night volleyball for seven years. Well, that has come to an end.

“We are sad to see our volleyball court go, but our neighbor Harold’s will now host volleyball for all of those wanting to participate,” says Dallas.

“I was ready for something new! We have had so many great nights and memories on that court, however all good things must come to an end.

I just knew it was time to move on. I wanted a place for families, friends and customer alike to enjoy the back lot of Earl’s. I knew the volleyball court only catered to a few folks.”

The Big Earl’s team began removing the volleyball court Sept. 25, and after three days and six tons of sand removed, the back was transformed. In the place of sand are pavers, gravel, bistro lights and picnic tables.

They made and hung up a 24-foot chalkboard for all to color on. Also, for children (and parents) to enjoy, there are giant Legos, a giant Jenga set, corn hole boards and more.

“This new Backyard, as we’ve named it, is so inviting,” Dallas says. “I’d love to welcome you to go out and eat your delicious cheeseburgers, drink those yummy milkshakes and cold beer under the bistro lights. Spend quality time with your friends and family enjoying the beautiful view of Black Mountain.”

In the future, Big Earl’s will host more live music.

“I’m so excited to have more space for customers to enjoy.”

To reserve the backyard for birthday parties, baby showers, holiday events, etc., call Brooke Dallas at 480.385.9949 for more information — spots are booking quickly.

Big Earl’s Greasy Eats is located at 6135 East Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. For details call 480.575.7889 or visit www.bigearlsgreasyeats.com.

Residents Invited to

Open House Event Foothills Academy’s Elementary Campus (K-6) will host a STEAM Open House, in partnership with the Arizona Science Center and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, Dec. 4, 5–7pm. This event is free and open to the public to enjoy.

Guests will experience hands-on, minds-on STEAM learning activities for learners of all ages.

Foothills Academy Elementary Campus is located at 4720 East Lone Mountain Road in Cave Creek. For more details, call 480.292.9819 or visit www.foothillsacademy.com.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Nicole Neri, Cactus Shadows High Sschol (CSHS) Class of 2016, has been awarded the Greg Crowder Memorial Photojournalism Award from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU. Neri was selected by a committee of professional photojournalists and ASU faculty for the award, given to one student each year.

According to the dean of the college, her photos stood out for their excellent composition and use of color, interesting angles, and most importantly, for the way they told a story. These photos are on exhibit for one year at the Cronkite building (third floor) in Downtown Phoenix.

A lifelong Cave Creek resident, Neri developed a passion for photography at the age of 13, when she started playing with her twin sister Natalie’s point-andshoot camera. Not long after, she was a winner in the Carefree Desert Gardens photo contest and her photos were part of the annual calendars. At CSHS, she was a lead photographer for the CS Press and for the yearbook.

A junior at ASU, Neri also this year received a scholarship from the Arizona Press Club, and she placed 13th in the nation for news and feature photography at the 2017 Hearst Journalism Awards.

As a freelance photographer for Reuters, her photos of Sen. John McCain’s memorial, as well as the Arizona primary election, recently appeared in The Wall Street Journal, msn.com and other worldwide publications. Following graduation, Neri plans to pursue a career in photojournalism as a staff photographer at a news organization.

Cave Creek

Cactus Shadows Alum Wins Photojournalism Award

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Cave Creek

Greasewood Announces December Show

Serving the Community Since 2002

The Wild West comes alive with a series of shows at Greasewood, the newly opened one-of-a-kind western town in Frontier Town in Cave Creek. The cast of Six Gun Entertainment, LLC, will perform stunt and acting shows for western aficionados, residents and tourists alike. The authentic town, Greasewood, which also is a stunt theater, will be home to a performance Dec. 8 at noon. In addition to the exciting western entertainment complex, more enhancements and shows are planned for 2019.

Six Gun Entertainment, LLC offers headlining, authentic Wild West theatrical stunt and acting performances for special events, stage, film and television and high-quality production services.

Frontier Town, which is owned by Frontier Enterprises, is located at 6245 East Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. For information, visit www.frontiertownaz.com.

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Kids Traffic

LIFE IS FULL Take a Coffee Break and Stay Connected to Your Community and Local Happenings!

To advertise:480.922.8732

| news.CIT YSunTimes.com

Photo by Karrie Porter Brace

Cave Creek

Cave Creek Museum Adventures Presents: The Eddie Basha Collection

Join the Chamber for a Holiday Mingle & Jingle The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce will host a Local Business Mingle & Jingle holiday event Dec. 12, 6–8pm, at Desert Foothills Library, 38443 North Schoolhouse Road in Cave Creek. Wear your holiday best and join the Chamber for a fun evening of food and mingling. Entry includes a buffet dinner, open bar, live music and a silent auction to benefit the CTE Scholarship Fund.

The cost is $30, and tickets must be purchased by Dec. 6. Visit www. carefreecavecreek.org. For additional information on this or other Chamber events, call 480.488.3381.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Join the Cave Creek Museum for its inaugural “Adventure” with a day trip to the Eddie Basha Collection in Chandler (www.eddiebashacollection.com/ the-gallery) Monday, Dec. 3, at 8:30am. The trip includes a charter bus ride to the Eddie Basha Collection, admission to the museum, and a Scandinavia Christmas Smörgåsbord lunch provided by Beaver Choice in Mesa.

Seats for this event are limited. Contact the Cave Creek Museum for pricing options and availability at 480.488.2764. For additional information about the Museum, visit www.cavecreekmuseum.org.

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Cave Creek Serving the Community Since 2002

Local Mompreneur Introduces Baby Bib Line

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New mom Elizabeth Schutte launched The Little Monkey Company to introduce a first of its kind bib that will fully protect babies’ skin and clothes. The Cave Creek resident spent a year in product development, and her patent pending line of baby bibs are now available online and began shipping to customers in mid-November.

Schutte began experimenting with product design when she could not find a bib for her daughter that didn’t result in food rashes on her skin and stained clothes.

She also wanted something durable, easy to clean and convenient for parents to grab on the go.

Schutte explains, “When we started feeding our daughter baby food, I noticed the food would inevitably get on her neck regardless of the bib she was wearing, it would also get on her clothes.

When she started developing rashes on her neck and I couldn’t get some of the stains out, I started to search for a bib that provided better coverage, and nothing did the trick.”

The Little Monkey Company bib features a high neckline made from a soft, washable, water-repellant nylon. It is offered in seven color combinations including gender neutral and choices for boys and girls. The snug fit and cap sleeves offer secure coverage from messy food spills that can irritate delicate skin. The bottom of the bib holds a silicone cup that is removable and washable by hand or in the dishwasher and the top can be thrown in the washing machine. Parents can roll the bib into the silicone cup for compact storage and easy grab and go use.

Schutte wanted a product that was environmentally friendly and kid safe. All the materials used to make the bib are non-toxic and free of PVC, BPA and latex. The cup attached to the bottom is made from 100 percent food grade silicone and is CPC certified “It was important to me that I create a bib that protects children from harmful chemicals, and does not negatively impact the environment,” adds Schutte.

To learn more about the company and its product line visit www.thelittlemonkeycompany.com.

The Desert Foothills Library will celebrate its 65th anniversary by hosting a “Red Carpet Evening” gala event, and the entire community is cordially invited to attend. The Library is an integral part of the Desert Foothills community with more than 150 volunteers and a dedicated staff that facilitate the sharing of knowledge, ideas and culture by providing personalized and responsive resources as well as social and lifelong learning opportunities.

Desert Foothills Library is unique in that it is a 501(c)(3) member supported public library funded through annual memberships, donations and fundraising events. Attendance at the upcoming gala is an opportunity to help the Desert Foothills Library continue to provide high quality library and research resources as well as extensive educational and cultural programs for children, teens, seniors and adults seven days a week.

The “Red Carpet Evening” will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, at 6pm at the Desert Foothills Library, 38443 North Schoolhouse Road in Cave Creek. Entertainment will be provided by talent from the Phoenix Opera and renowned pianist Nicole Pesce. This fundraiser includes hosted cocktails, a champagne and wine event, a gourmet dinner and silent and live auctions. Jo Gemmill, library board member and owner of the English Rose Tea Room, will emcee the event.

Tickets are $200 per person and are available by contacting David Court, executive director, at 480.488.2286 or by email to dcourt@dfla.org. All proceeds benefit the library. For information, visit the library website at www.dfla.org.

Cave Creek

Library Celebrates Sixty-Five Years — Community Invited to Festivities

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