Carefree Cave Creek CITYSunTimes ~ December 2014

Carefree/Cave Creek

Community News Excellence for Over a Decade

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CAREFREE

CAVE CREEK

SCOTTSDALE

PARADISE VALLEY

NORTHEAST PHOENIX

BLACK CANYON CITY

FOUNTAIN HILLS

By Kathryn M. Miller

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Cave Creek Wedding Chapel

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Smiling faces and bustling rooms full of employees and volunteers who clearly love what they do, all moving with purpose – this is the first impression upon walking in to Cave Creek’s Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center.

Established in 1988, the organization serves a growing number of families in the Foothills area – encompassing about 180 miles as far north as Black Canyon City, south to Pinnacle Peak, east to Rio Verde and west to the I-17 – and the need and its area continue to increase.

Whether it is food, financial assistance or referral information, Executive Director Pam DiPietro and her team work hard to make sure that needs are met.

In a new 5,000-square-foot facility – owned free-and-clear due to a very successful capital campaign and a generous $300,000 donation that put them over the top – the food bank is already experiencing growing pains after a year and a half.

“When we moved in here, we knew right off we needed 7,500 square feet, but we thought, ‘ok we’ll make this work’,”

Executive Director Pam DiPietro (left) and just two of the 400 plus volunteers that keep Foothills Food Bank running smoothly.

says DiPietro. “We did not anticipate that within a year, our client base would increase greatly. A year ago December we saw 350 families. This October, we saw 454 families and we are anticipating reaching 500 this December.”

But DiPietro and her team are undaunted. This fall, the Food Bank became an official agency to distribute SNAP (food stamps), they are working

Seventh Annual Carefree Christmas Festival

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DECEMBER 2014

Foothills Food Bank: A Precious Commodity

Cowboy Christmas at the Museum

Foothills Community Community Foothills Foundation Grants Grants Foundation

ANTHEM

A three-day, two-night celebration with real snow, an electric light parade and a fireworks extravaganza, will welcome in the holidays December 12-14, as the town of Carefree turns into an illuminated winter wonderland for annual the yuletide event. ABC 15 morning meteorologist Iris Hermosillo will serve as the parade emcee, with the children of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Phoenix on the Tonto Hills Volunteer Fire Department fire truck as parade marshals.

Enjoy live entertainment, a visit with Santa, holiday gift and food market, pet parade and so much more. Look for complete coverage beginning on page 25.

with Russ Lyon Realty to create and distribute container gardens and plans are in the works to launch an on-site garden that will provide fresh food and educational opportunities to the community.

“We are held up right now – because of the little critters, we want to build a retaining wall and then Elrod Fence Company said they will put chicken wire to enclose the garden completely. We would like to find somebody to donate concrete for us, and the blocks. We hope by spring, it will be ready to go.”

In addition, the organization is in need of mentors willing to work with clients applying for services from beginning to completion.

“I’ll start my 14th year in January,” says DiPietro. “It’s a very beautiful, rewarding experience we have here.”

Foothills Food Bank is located at 6038 East Hidden Valley Drive in Cave Creek.

To learn more, call 480.488.1145 or visit www.foothillsfoodbank.com. |CST

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Serving the Community Since 2002

Serving the Community Since 2002

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INDEX

EDITOR’S PICKS

Changing Our Cosmic History “As a matter of cosmic history, it has always been easier to destroy than to create.”

Serving the Community Since 2002

inside this issue YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS Scottsdale... 6 North Phoenix... 16 Anthem... 23 Carefree... 26 Cave Creek... 41 Fountain Hills... 49

4

Editor-in-Chief Kathryn M. Miller

Assistant to the Publisher Darlene Keberle Columnists Stephen Cohen, O.D. Cathy Droz Peggy Fiandaca Barbara Kaplan Rabbi Robert Kravitz Mr. Modem Bonnie Moehle Allen Nohre Hope H. Ozer James Roberts Melanie Tighe Pastor Paul Witkop

We can stay informed about what our government is doing at a local, state and national level – and use our voice as voters when they get it wrong.

It can be so easy to keep blinders on and ignore the potential for destruction around us – many of us have plenty on our own plates to deal with. But instead, let’s take a look around, see where help is needed and lend a hand. Creating a strong and vibrant community is not always easy – it takes hard work, but in the end, we all reap the bounty of the effort.

We wish you all a beautiful holiday season and a bountiful New Year.

Contributors Dr. Debbi Burdick Sara Clawson Cave Creek Mayor Vincent Francia Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane Carefree Mayor David Schwan Taylor Seely Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton Account Representatives Eloise Donati-Kopec Bob Hesselgesser Susan Pine Loren Sheck Bulk Distribution Mark Feinberg

Until next year, all my best,

Kathryn M. Miller, Editor-in-Chief kathryn@CITYSunTimes.com

10645 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 200-413 Phoenix, AZ 85028 Phone: 480.922.8732 Fax: 480.922.8731 E-mail: info@CITYSunTimes.com news.CITYSunTimes.com

HEALTH & WELLNESS ... 53 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ... 54 CITYVIEWS ... 58 Publisher’s Note

YOUTH & EDUCATION ... 51 DESTINATIONS ... 60 ... 65

CITYSunTimes is a locally owned community publication now in its 12th year, serving over 80,000 readers in the North Valley. CST offers personalized news each month to Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, North Phoenix, Carefree and Cave Creek. CST is mailed to area homes and businesses and is available for free pick up at locations in Paradise Valley, North Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek, Anthem, Black Canyon City, New River and Fountain Hills.

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A CAREFREE CHRISTMAS ... 25

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Forever Families

FOOD & WINE ... 52

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Publisher Emeritus Hope H. Ozer

Creative Director Jenifer Lee

~ Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan One in five Arizonan’s live in poverty; one in four children and one in seven elderly.

More than 28 percent of children in Arizona face hunger – they may not know where their next meal is coming from. The number nationally is more than 21 percent.

Those are the statistics. Here are a couple of facts: there is help available and there is more that we can all do.

In late November, I had the honor of touring two North Valley organizations that have worked hard to create something vital in our community – programs that help meet the basic needs of our most vulnerable residents, and help move them to a path of self-sufficiency. John C. Lincoln’s Desert Mission Food Bank and Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center are just two of the many Valley organizations that are making a difference. By providing emergency food boxes, delivering affordable healthcare, educating and empowering the population and providing access to the resources that will assist those in need, these organizations can help individuals and families move out of situational poverty and avoid a cycle of poverty that could destroy our communities. But there is so much more that can be done.

We, as a community, can volunteer. We can donate food, clothing and funds. We can show compassion and caring for our neighbors in need. We can strengthen our education system – and keep learning alive in the home. We can become mentors and share our life skills with others. We can work to find accord with those with whom we may disagree – and seek a way to move forward together. We can help spread the word about positive results, rather than rehashing failures.

Publisher Lorrie Pomeroy

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Serving the Community Since 2002

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MAYOR LANE WRITES...

Serving the Community Since 2002

By Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane

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In April, the parents of 26-year-old Danny enrolled him in Cortney’s Place, a day program for adults with special needs.

At the time, he couldn’t sit still. He communicated physically, not verbally. He tried to run away several times each day. But staff at Cortney’s Place wasn’t giving up MAYOR on Danny.

City of Scottsdale They embraced the challenge and kept up with his 480.312.3111 every move – and their persistence and hard work paid off. www.scottsdaleaz.gov Today, Danny talks and is blooming socially. He plays video games and eats meals with others, while also learning how to work and play independently.

Best of all, Danny’s happy.

Cortney’s Place is one of a dozen agencies that receive funding from Scottsdale Cares, the City’s voluntary utility bill donation program. Without that money, Danny and others who share his challenges might not receive the help they need.

You can help Danny and many others by contributing to Scottsdale Cares. Simply pay the “grand total” on your Scottsdale utility bill, and $1 will be directed to the program. The city annually distributes that money to various agencies that, in turn, assist thousands of people. These agencies provide services like teen suicide prevention, utility payment assistance, job training for those with mental disabilities and youth mentoring.

Scottsdale Cares in July divvied $140,000 to 12 agencies. Unfortunately, demand is far beyond the program’s financial capacity. Twenty-seven agencies asked for a combined $475,000 – that’s more than triple the amount that was available. Requests have grown, but Scottsdale Cares funding has dropped more than 40 percent in six years.

Consider donating to Scottsdale Cares to assist people like Danny.

Get more Scottsdale Cares information by calling the City of Scottsdale Human Services Department at 480.312.2646.

Fighting Hunger And Raising Awareness SCC hosts empty bowls fundraiser

Scottsdale Community College will host the “Empty Bowls 2014 – Commemorating Alli Ortega” fundraiser to fight hunger Wednesday, December 3, in the school cafeteria.

The community event, which is free and open to the public, sells handmade ceramic bowls and a modest meal for $10, with proceeds going to a Vista del Camino Social Services Center, which provides emergency food, clothing and shelter to Scottsdale residents.

This year’s event will commemorate longtime City of Scottsdale employee and Empty Bowls volunteer Alli Ortega, who passed away during the past year. A “Celebration of Service” in her honor begins at 12pm in the school’s Turquoise Room. Food will be served from 11am-2pm (or as long as quantities last).

Ceramic bowls will be sold until 6pm.

The bowls are made by middle-school and high school students in the Scottsdale Unified and Paradise Valley Unified school districts. Other bowls are donated by interested community members.

The meal of pasta or soup will be prepared by the SCC Culinary Department and donated by the school’s Center for Civic & Global Engagement.

In addition to SCC and the school districts, community partners involved in the event are City of Scottsdale Community Services Department, Concerned Citizens for Community Health and Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts.

SCC is located at 9000 East Chaparral Road, Scottsdale. For more information, call 480.423.6605.

The Vista del Camino Social Services Center is located at 7700 East Roosevelt Street. The Center provides a variety of services to prevent homelessness and meet the basic needs of individuals and families in crisis. To learn more about how to help throughout the year, call 480.312.2323.

Learn more at www.scottsdaleaz.gov/ page4753.aspx.

Know Your Limit Grant supports Scottsdale’s alcohol-education outreach

By Taylor Seely

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, GOHS, recently rewarded the Scottsdale Police Department with a $260,000 grant to help support an alcohol-education outreach program that they say has successfully led to a decline in number of DUI arrests.

Police said they started the Know Your Limit program in 2010 as an effort to combat four consecutive years of rising DUI arrest numbers. Since the program’s start, arrests have decreased 9.1 percent, falling from 2,678 arrests to 2,435 in 2013 according to police records.

Lieutenant Joe Kertesz of Scottsdale PD’s traffic division said the program aims to inform the public about different types of alcohol, how they affect

impairment, and what the consequences are for driving under the influence, such as fines and arrests.

The program, however, does not arrest people.

“We’re really changing the focus to an education and outreach type of focus from enforcement,” Kertesz said. “We’re still doing enforcement, but we’re doing a lot more education and outreach.”

For the program, Kertesz said groups of three to five officers will visit areas that serve alcohol to large numbers of people, usually Scottsdale’s entertainment district, and hand out informational cards, talk with passerby’s and provide them the opportunity to take a free breathalyzer test, which gives a general indication of how much alcohol is in their system.

The test, which is “totally consensual,” is not as accurate as a blood analysis test, but Kertesz said it is a good reference for someone questioning his or her ability to drive.

“A lot of people will consume alcohol and feel like they’re okay to drive, and then we’ll provide the opportunity to take the breath test and they’ll reconsider,” Kertesz said.

Last quarter, the police performed 13 Know Your Limit events, which Kertesz said was largely funded by the GOHS grant they were rewarded with in 2013.

He said he believes the grants are a “major reason why we have a decline in the number of arrests.”

Continued, page 7

Taylor Seely is a sophomore at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and a student in Barrett, The Honors College.

Serving the Community Since 2002

With this year’s GOHS grant, Kertesz said the department will be able to host more events.

The GOHS director in charge of distributing grants, Alberto Gutier, said he fully supported the Know Your Limit program and that it was a primary reason Scottsdale was rewarded the $260,000 grant.

“Our formula is simple – you perform, you get grants. You don’t perform, you don’t get grants,” Gutier said. “Scottsdale is in the top three or five (agencies) in Arizona, (and) the most important thing they’ve done is the launch.”

Gutier said he liked the program’s focus on education because it keeps the surrounding communities outside of Scottsdale safe from drunk drivers.

“We think the Scottsdale PD has an incredible impact on saving lives because when people leave Scottsdale or any area, they drive out to other communities,” he said.

“Because of that, I think it’s one of the most successful programs in the country.”

Gutier said Scottsdale’s program was so successful that other police agencies such as those at Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and some other out-of-state departments began adopting the program as well.

Louise Lamb, a 30-year veteran of Downtown Scottsdale and neighborhood block watch captain, said she thinks a public more informed of the consequences helps reduce drunk drivers.

“People don’t want to have a fine. They don’t want to go to jail,” she said. “So I think the awareness is helping. The education is helping.”

Lamb also said she thinks arrests are important in addition to the education because people are more afraid of fees, jail sentences, and potentially attorney fees to get out of the jail sentences, which she said “cost a pretty penny.”

“I think educational programs on the whole are helping,” Lamb said. | CST

SCOTTSDALE

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SCOTTSDALE

Giving Back This Holiday Season The Shops at Gainey Village kick off the season of giving with a special charity promotion in benefit of the Crisis Nursery in Phoenix, the Valley’s longest-serving children’s shelter providing a safe haven for more than 22,800 children through child-centered and family focused programs and services. Through December 31, residents and visitors are encouraged to drop off donations to any of the charity boxes throughout the center.

Some of the restaurants/boutiques will be offering specialty discounts and incentives for donation drop offs including:

• 10 percent off any one clothing item or accessory for a donation at Scottsdale Jean Company • 20 percent off the total bill with a donation at Naya Mediterranean Cuisine • Free dessert at Cuttlefish Ocean Kitchen with any donation • Free dessert at Notorious Burgers with any donation • 10 percent off one regularly priced clothing item at Bryn Walker with any donation Items needed include new, fall/winter items include toddler and youth athletic shoes, outfits, pants and shirts (sizes newborn-3T and 4-8); underwear (2T-3T, 4-6); socks (youth size 4+); body wash, toddler training toothpaste, moisturizing lotion; shampoo and conditioner; hair accessories (toddler & youth); liquid pump soap and refills; shaving cream, sunscreen (SPF 35+), diapers (3,4, 5 & 6), pull ups, baby wipes, baby food (stage 2), diaper bags, bike helmets, crib and twin sheets, birthday party supplies and wrapping paper, batteries (AA, C & D), kids band aids, kids white towels, CD players, digital cameras, and neutral colored area rugs.

Gainey Village is located on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Doubletree Ranch Road. For information, visit www.theshopsgaineyvillage. com. For additional information about Crisis Nursery, call 602.273.7363 or visit www.crisisnurseryphx.org.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Donors Needed For Holiday Giving Programs

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The City of Scottsdale is still in need of donors for a number of holiday giving programs. The Adopt-a-Senior Program provides care packages to isolated, homebound Scottsdale seniors. They don’t have the same happy holiday experience that most have. Many live alone and don’t have family contact during the holidays. The Adopt-a-Family Program assists eligible families for Thanksgiving and Christmas through donations of food, gifts, gift cards or money. About 400 families need assistance this year. The Paiute Teen Holiday Program assists teens who are often overlooked when it comes to holiday donations. Gift ideas: department store and fast food gift cards, movie theater passes, electronics, DVDs, hair accessories, sports apparel and equipment and jewelry. To learn more, call the Paiute Neighborhood Center at 480.312.2529.

To learn more about all of the the City’s Share programs, visit www.scottsdaleaz.gov/shares.

SCOTTSDALE

Artist And Chef Collaborate To Help Feed The Hungry

The artist and Chef Beau MacMillan

Serving the Community Since 2002

During the month of December, Ludvic’s Gallery at the Quarter will present “The Food Show,” an exhibit of food, paintings and prints benefiting St. Mary’s Food Bank. The exhibit runs from December 4 – January 4.

This first-time art retrospective presents an array of still life food paintings – breads, fruits, cheeses, desserts and hamburger paintings from the artist’s touring “Burger Show.” Ludvic’s food paintings have been exhibited in numerous venues. Highlights include two exhibits at the James Beard House, Gourmet Magazine headquarters and The French Culinary Institute, all in New York City. He has a long association with the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, having painted posters for past festivals.

To mark the occasion of this exhibit, Ludvic has created a painting of celebrity chef Beau MacMillan’s, Jade Burger, served at elements at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain. The painting, titled “Beau’s Burger,” will be unveiled during the opening reception event on December 4. Chef MacMillan will attend the VIP event and serve his burger to gallery guests. For a limited time, prints of “Beau’s Burger” will be signed by both Ludvic and MacMillan. A portion of all print sales during the exhibit will benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank.

To attend the private VIP opening reception on December 4, visitors may pre-order a food print online, which will admit them and a guest to the celebratory evening. Prints are available online or in the gallery for the duration of the exhibit. Ludvic: Gallery at the Quarter is located in the Scottsdale Quarter Mall at 15037 North Scottsdale Road on South Street and is open MondaySaturday 11am-8pm, and on Sunday 12-6pm. For more information visit www.ludvic.com or call 800.724.4060.

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Fine Art & Wine On The Waterfront Thunderbird Artists presents the Third Annual Waterfront Fine Art & Wine Festival, December 5-7, featuring glass sculptor, Gustavo Santana. The event will feature fine art, domestic and imported wines for tasting, food, live entertainment and a special performance, by world-renowned guitarist, Esteban, and his daughter, violinist Teresa Joy. Gustavo Santana’s work stands out for its richness in color and detail. Each piece is hand-blown and etched using a glassblower’s torch and sandblasting tools. Gustavo created his own technique, “Sea Treasures,” which gives each piece the impression it has been washed to shore after years of traveling the open seas. His love and appreciation for plants and animals are reflected in the designs he etches into his bowls, vases and plates. His 25 years of experience is evident in each piece he creates.

This festival also hosts one of the largest wine tasting events in the Southwest. For $10, patrons will receive an engraved souvenir wine glass and six tasting tickets, providing a unique opportunity to sample an extensive collection of wines, all while strolling throughout fine art and listening to live music.

Patrons can also enjoy some of Scottsdale’s finest restaurants. Surrounding the festival are the Culinary Dropout, Herb Box, Olive & Ivy, P.F.Chang’s China Bistro, Sauce, Stax Burger Bistro, Wildfish Seafood Grill, Zoe’s Kitchen and many others.

The festival will take place on the pedestrian walkway of Scottsdale Waterfront and Southbridge, next to Olive & Ivy and Nordstrom’s. The hours are 10am-5pm all three days. Admission is $3 and parking is free. The Scottsdale trolley is available, as a complimentary service, and runs every 15 minutes from 11am-6pm and stops in Old Town, Main Street District, Fifth Avenue Shops, Scottsdale Fashion Square, Waterfront and Southbridge. For information, visit www.thunderbirdartists.com.

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Celebrate The Holidays With Furry Family Members Mackie’s Parlour Pet Boutique & Spa will host two family-friendly events this month, just in time for the holidays. For those who want the entire family – including the dog – to pose for a holiday photo with Santa Claus, Mackie’s will offer special photo sessions. All dogs are welcome. The special family photo sessions will be offered on December 6 from 12-2pm and December 7 from 12-1:15pm and from 2-3pm. Advanced registration is required. Cost for the family photo is $19 plus tax.

Mackie’s will host its annual “Reindoggie Parade” Sunday, December 7, from 12-3pm, where entire families and their dogs are invited to dress up in their favorite holiday sweaters or holiday costumes and walk together in a fun-filled holiday parade around The Shops at Gainey Village. Santa Claus will be there to lead the festive, two-legged and four-legged parade. Complimentary refreshments and doggie treats will be served.

Registration to be in the parade will be from 12-1pm and the parade will start promptly at 1:15pm. Judges will award prizes in a number of dog divisions: Puppy, Adult, and Senior Citizen. The judging categories will be for: Cutest, Most Festive, Most Outrageous, Fastest Wag, Most “Look-alike,” Best Dressed, and Best of Show. The cost to enter the Reindoggie Parade is $10 per family and all proceeds will go to the Arizona Humane Society. Its new adoption truck will also be on site starting at 12pm.

Mackie’s Parlour Pet Boutique & Spa is located in The Shops at Gainey Village, 8787 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 106, Scottsdale. For more information, call 480.991.7600 or visit www.mackiesparlour.com.

The 10th Annual Holiday ArtWalk takes place in the Scottsdale Arts District December 4, from 7-9 pm.

The annual event premiers on the first Thursday of December each year with free opening receptions, demonstrations and live music. The free event is sponsored by Scottsdale Gallery Association in partnership with the City of Scottsdale.

For more information, call 480.990.3939 or visit www.scottsdalegalleries. com/holiday-artwalk.

Artwork by Nate Ronniger, Bonner David Galleries

On Thursday, December 4, from 5:30-8pm, Market Street at DC Ranch will host a free Holiday Tree Lighting and Hot Cocoa Stroll for the community. Various retailers and restaurants will be serving hot cocoa, and the tree lighting will begin at 7pm.

Market Street includes Safeway Grocery, Fleming’s Steak House, Grimaldi’s Pizza, Wells Fargo, MidFirst Bank wealth management offices, McCormick & Co. and Edward Jones along with new additions; Jalapeno Inferno Restaurant and The Living Room Wine Cafe & Lounge, as well as Paradise Medspa, DC Ranch Community Medicine, GoldenHawk Financial, Pavoreal Interiors, Lindsey Schultz Design and DC Dance AZ. Market Street at DC Ranch is located at 20555 North Pima Road in Scottsdale. For more information, visit www.beonmarketstreet.com.

Tree Lighting and Hot Cocoa Stroll

SCOTTSDALE

Holiday ArtWalk

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Renovations Unveiled In Time For Holiday Celebrations Talking Stick Resort officially unveiled expansions to its casino-level lounge, Palo Verde, November 3. The venue includes two multi-colored LED staircases and premium tequilas in its lower atrium.

“The renovations are just one of Talking Stick Resort’s latest efforts to enhance guest services,” says Ramon Martinez, the director of public relations at Talking Stick Resort. “By expanding Palo Verde and adding additional amenities, we have heightened the nightlife experience for Scottsdale patrons. Regardless if they’re looking for a night out with friends or a delicious cocktail at the bar, guests will find Palo Verde is the ideal location to unwind.”

Touting a sleek décor and modern furnishings, Palo Verde’s upper level includes oversized couches, coral tables and seating for more than 100 guests. It also features a second full bar and DJ booth for live entertainment. Connecting patrons on the second floor with the property’s garden level, the new customized staircases are stainless steel and include manufactured glass. Equipped with sensors, the stair tread is activated by motion and changes colors with each individual’s step.

Additional renovations include a downstairs tavern complete with Southwestern-inspired cuisine and tequila offerings. Showcasing more than 40 tequilas, the venue allows guests to customize their experience and create their own margaritas, in addition to sampling Spanish wine, bottled beer and madeto-order Sangria all on the property’s outdoor patio.

Talking Stick Resort is located in Scottsdale just east of the Loop 101 on Indian Bend Road. For more information, visit www.talkingstickresort.com.

Desert Storage locations in Scottsdale and surrounding areas will serve as official Toys for Tots drop-off locations. Through December 17, Desert Storage will waive the administration fee for any new customers, and offer a $15 rent credit for current customers, who bring in an unwrapped toy. This will be the fifth consecutive year Desert Storage has participated in the toy drive.

Toys for Tots is a nationwide toy collection drive by US Marine Corps Reserve, started in 1947. Since its inception they have collected and distributed more that 469 million toys. The mission of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, the gift of hope. Toys for Tots plays an active role in the development of children by bringing all members of local communities together in a common cause during the holidays. “Every year we have seen tremendous support from our local communities in Scottsdale, Peoria, Cave Creek and Glendale. We are privileged to support such a worthy cause,� says Matthew Hall, director of operations for Desert Storage. Last year, over 400 toys were collected and donated by Desert Storage locations.

Desert Storage has 10 locations in the Phoenix metro area open from 8am-6pm, Monday-Saturday and 9am-3pm, Sunday to collect toys. Any community member can donate unwrapped toys at these locations until December 17. For information, visit www.desertstorage.com.

SCOTTSDALE

Toys for Tots Collection

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Photos by Peggy Coleman

MAYOR STANTON WRITES...

Serving the Community Since 2002

By Mayor Greg Stanton

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During my time as mayor, I’ve operated with a bedrock principle when it comes to education: that every Phoenix child – regardless of their neighborhood or how much their parents make – should have access to a quality education that puts them on the path to success.

MAYOR We have a stake in the future City of Phoenix of every child. Our economy 602.262.7111 depends on our ability to get kids www.phoenix.gov reading and performing in math and science at or above grade level, raise the high school graduation rate and boost our college attainment rate.

More than ever, extracurricular activities such as field trips, music programs and after-school sports are a key part of the school experience. They encourage curiosity, develop character, build self-esteem and so much more.

But for too many schools, these learning opportunities have become nice-to-have rather than must-have. They rely primarily on the state school tuition tax-credit to provide funds so schools can offer those activities.

An unfortunate truth is that too often, the schools that need these kinds of activities the most get the least financial support. Last year, some schools received per-child contributions of more than $100. But in the Union Elementary School District, it was a mere $2.59 per student.

And it’s our kids in low-income school districts who are paying the price – missing out on a well-rounded education.

We can narrow the funding gap – and we must.

It’s going to take all of us to make a difference, and it’s easy: Any individual may contribute up to $200 to a school – and a couple can contribute up to $400 – and that money comes right back to you when you complete your taxes.

All of those dollars go straight toward funding extracurricular activities for our kids.

Participating in this program is common sense, but not enough Arizonans take part. As a result, too many kids are missing out.

I want every school to benefit from this tax credit, but especially schools in districts that receive fewer and smaller contributions. These are the schools that need help the most.

To see how you can help, please visit www. kidsaremissingout.com. Together, we can make a difference for our kids.

Phoenix Festival of the Arts Returns Phoenix Center for the Arts presents the third annual Phoenix Festival of the Arts, sponsored in part by APS and Lou and Evelyn Grubb. Phoenix Festival of the Arts takes place in the heart of Downtown Phoenix at Margaret T. Hance Park, December 12-14.

This year’s Festival offers three full days of live arts and entertainment, plus over 125 vendor booths. Valley artists, musicians, writers, students and scholars will unite to create a weekend-long cultural celebration for the whole family.

In addition to presentations by Valley artists, area food trucks will be on hand, including Waldo’s BBQ, Spice It Up, Roasted Shallot, Palettas Betty, Mamma Toledo’s, Comfort Cravings Gourmet Food Truck, Cactus Corn, Cold Stone Creamery, Satay Hut, 2 Fat Guys Grilled Cheese and more. Sit back, relax and catch some tunes at the Festival’s beer and wine garden presented by Hensley Beverage Company.

In addition to live music on the Festival’s outdoor stage, the event will host several mini festivals indoors, within Phoenix Center for the Arts’ Third Street Theater. Events include a Student Film Festival, a Poetry Slam, Infuse Open Mic, Dance Dance Saturday and Phoenix Film Festival.

For more information, entertainment schedule and a complete list of vendors/exhibitors, visit www.phoenixfestivalofthearts.org or call 602.254.3100.

A new event space is on the horizon for North Phoenix that promises to bring “high-end design and opulent detail” to the area. Chateau Luxe is set to open mid-February next year. Located just north of the 101 off 7th Street, Chateau Luxe is a multimilliondollar event space envisioned by owner Deepika Bhalla. It is designed and built by the award winning luxury builders, Chaves AIA, a local company.

The 50,000-square-foot venue stays true to its name by bringing a modern ode to decadence. Nestled between mountain and city views, Chateau Luxe will feature rich fabrics, terrazzo tile, custom designed chandeliers and lush furniture to evoke images of luxury at every turn.

Private dressing rooms, a billiards table and massage table in the groom’s room and a private massage table for the bride to de-stress in her room are just a few of the amenities. In addition, a world-renowned chef, two ballrooms, a scenic outdoor space, a child watch center and a chapel are all part of the design.

Chateau Luxe is located it 1175 East Lone Cactus Drive in Phoenix. For more information, visit www.chateauluxeaz.com or call 602.769.1090.

Luxury Venue Set To Open February 2015

• Plastic storage bags (quart or gallon) • Dawn dish soap • Laundry bleach • Heavy-duty trash bags (30-33 gallon) • Tall kitchen trash bags (13 gallon) • Gift cards to grocery and hardware stores • Game meat (good quality, not freezer burned) • Monetary contributions The wildlife center is located north of Pinnacle Peak Road just west of I-17 in Phoenix. It is on the same property as the Adobe Mountain School. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Over 30 years ago, the Arizona Game and Fish Department opened the first state-run wildlife rehabilitation and education center in the nation.

Today, the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center has provided wildlife triage, treatment and rehabilitation to more than 30,000 sick or injured animals and delivered wildlife education programs to millions of people at events and schools.

Its original focus, when founded in 1983, was on treating and rehabilitating sick and injured wildlife.

While the center still continues to provide care to wild animals, it also focuses heavily on educating the public about Arizona’s diverse native wildlife. Ultimately, the center strives to rehabilitate wildlife for return to

the wild, but in instances where an animal cannot be re-released, the center may use them as educational wildlife ambassador.

It is operated with a small budget from the Heritage Fund, a voter-passed initiative that provides for wildlife conservation and education through Arizona lottery ticket sales, and operated by the Game and Fish Department with help from the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Auxiliary. The center offers volunteer opportunities and depends on public support to care for the vast number of animals that come through its doors. The following donations are always welcome: • Paper towels

NORTH PHOENIX

Go “Wild” At Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center

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NORTH PHOENIX

Block Watch Grant Application Deadline Approaches

Serving the Community Since 2002

Horse Rescue Relocates To New North Phoenix Location

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Healing Hearts Animal Rescue and Refuge is preparing dozens of horses for the 230 mile move to its new location in New River this month. The move will provide the refuge with the space to grow and take in more neglect cases and further expand its Photos courtesy of Images by Blaire Catherine impact in Maricopa County.

“Our 54-acre ranch in Willcox, Arizona was the perfect location to launch our Rescue, giving us the ability to save hundreds of animals. Unfortunately our ability to adopt the animals was limited due to our distance from major cities,” says Jen Brumbaugh, executive director of Healing Hearts. “In 2013, we opened a Satellite Adoption Facility on the Arizona Humane Society’s South Mountain Campus, which allowed us to more than quadruple our adoption rates and consequently rescue many more animals in need. As a natural result of the successes we’ve experienced in the Valley, we are strategically relocating all operations to New River to further expand our impact in Maricopa County.”

The new location is being leased from Dreamchaser Horse Rescue’s founder, Susan Thompson, who moved her organization and animals to Missouri. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity since the property is already equipped for all of the needs of a rescue. The new location will also pave the way for new community programs, including the unique “Books in The Barn” program where school-aged children are encouraged to read to a special horse.

Healing Hearts will be launching a capital campaign to purchase the facility. Any individual, corporation or organization interested in assisting with the campaign is encouraged to contact Healing Hearts.

For additional information, visit www.healingheartsaz.org.

The Phoenix Police Department opened the 2015 Neighborhood Block Watch Grant Program (NBWGP) application process last month. The NBWGP provides an opportunity to enhance the safety and quality of life in the city by offering neighborhood groups the resources to create new and innovative programs and activities designed to prevent and reduce crime in the community. The goals of the NBWGP are to detect, deter, and/or delay crime through educating individuals to work together to solve problems. The program also encourages citizens to develop a sense of ownership for their neighborhoods, address common neighborhood goals, coordinate neighborhood/community meetings, and teach crime prevention and safety techniques.

“Block watch grants are a vital tool to help residents take back their neighborhoods,” says Councilman Michael Nowakowski, chairman of the Public Safety and Veterans subcommittee. “In addition to providing crucial resources, this program also gets residents talking with each other and working together, which is essential to making neighborhoods stronger and safer.”

Funding is provided on a competitive basis for proposals that demonstrate the potential to produce the greatest measurable results for a definable population or area.

Grant applications are due no later than 4pm, Thursday, December 18. For more information, please call the Neighborhood Block Watch Grant Program Unit at 602.262.6131 or visit the website: www.phoenix.gov/police/ neighborhood-resources/block-watch-grants.

The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation announced that the 2015 Barrow Grand Ball will be held Saturday, January 17, at the Arizona Biltmore.

This year’s Ball will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Board and the significant contributions it has made to Barrow Neurological Institute since 1965.

Ball co-chairs are Carole Moreno and Sarah Suggs. The purpose of the event is to raise funds for research projects and special programs for Barrow Neurological Institute.

Barrow is known worldwide for its research and for dealing with difficult surgical and medical neurological conditions.

The January 17 black tie event will begin with 6:30pm cocktails, followed by 7:30pm dinner and dancing. For more information visit www.supportbarrow.org/events/ barrow-ball or call 602.406.3041.

National Association of Women Business Owners Phoenix (NAWBO) will host its annual Red Affair, December 10 from 11am-1pm at Scottsdale Resort and Conference Center, 7700 East McCormick Parkway. The holiday luncheon celebrates women in business in the Phoenix metro area, and will include entertainment and auction items.

The cost is $55 for members and $65 for guests. Festive red holiday attire is requested.

The theme this year is The Power of Giving and Receiving. A portion of the profits from the Red Affair will benefit the Women’s Enterprise Foundation (www.wefphx. org). Register by December 7 at www.nawbophx.org.

Serving the Community Since 2002

NAWBO Holiday Luncheon

NORTH PHOENIX

Barrow Grand Ball Celebrates 50th Anniversary

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Business Expo and Holiday Mix & Mingle

Serving the Community Since 2002

The North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce will hold a special Business Expo and Holiday Mix & Mingle Thursday, December 4, at Embassy Suites Phoenix/Scottsdale. The event will be the Chamber’s biggest networking event of the year, and the only event held in December.

Expo tables are available for $150 for businesses wishing to showcase their company. As part of this event, and in keeping with the holiday spirit, NPCC will be conducting a toy drive for OCJ Kids (http://ocjkids.org). Guests may bring a new, unwrapped toy in lieu of the $5 entrance fee. Throughout the event, guests will enjoy carolers, raffles, networking and hors d’oeuvres, as well as a cash bar.

Sponsors of the event include AmTrust Bank and RNB Flooring.

Embassy Suites Phoenix/Scottsdale is located at 4415 East Paradise Village Parkway South. To register for the event, or to see a complete listing of the Chamber’s future events, visit www.northphoenixchamber.com/events. For additional information, call 602.482.3344.

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Thank you for patronizing our advertisers and telling them you saw their ad in CITYSunTimes !

We know your work week can be hectic and keeping up on everything going on with the Chamber and in your North Valley community can be a challenge – that’s where social media comes in. Like us, join us, follow us or tweet us and at a glance, we will keep you up-to-date on all of our community events and opportunities – whether it is a business resource, networking or volunteer event.

NORTH PHOENIX

Keep Up With NPCC On Social Media

• http://facebook.com/NorthPhoenixChamber • http://facebook.com/groups/ NorthPhoenixChamber • http://linkedin.com/groups/ North-Phoenix-Chamber-Commerce1762057 • http://twitter.com/NorthPhxChamber

Serving the Community Since 2002

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NORTH PHOENIX Serving the Community Since 2002

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North Phoenix Resorts Celebrate The Holidays Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 North 7th Street, will transform its Falls Water Village into a poolside winter wonderland December 11 from 5-8pm for its annual Holiday Festival at the Falls benefitting St. Mary’s Food Bank. Guests of all ages can indulge in holiday cheer while strolling through a festive village of cabanas featuring holiday-themed activities, treats and more. Just for the little ones: a special cabana where children can share their holiday wishes and get a photo with Santa Claus. Kid’s cookie decorating, putt-putt golf and other arts and crafts will also be offered. The Phoenix Fire Department will also be at the event for a special meet-and-greet and fire truck showcase. To enter, guests are asked to bring two cans of food or make a donation of $5 per person to benefit the food bank. Call 602.866.7500 or visit www.tapatiocliffshilton.com for additional event information.

Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort’s, 7677 North 16th Street, annual Breakfast with Santa series will be offered December 13-14 and December 20-24 at Rico’s American Grill with seating times at 8am, 10am and 12pm. Guests will enjoy seasonal photos with Santa and holiday story time, while Mrs. Claus treats children to whimsical cookie decorating, gingerbread activity books and a tasty breakfast buffet. Pricing is $29.95 for adults and $18 for children ages 10 and under, inclusive of a complimentary photo with Santa. To make a reservation, call 602.997.5850.

Visit www.squawpeakhilton.com for additional event information.

North Valley Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet is viewed annually by thousands of audience members. North Valley Symphony Orchestra (NVSO) will perform The Nutcracker Suite, Tchaikovsky’s concert version of eight of his favorites from this classic holiday music, including the popular Russian dance “Trepak” and the flowing “Waltz of the Flowers,” Saturday, December 14. The orchestra will also play Victor Herbert’s “March of the Toys” from Babes in Toyland.

To continue the theme, the Youth Orchestra will perform the Toy Symphony, which features parts played on a toy trumpet, drum, cuckoo and nightingale. The piece was originally attributed to Leopold Mozart, and then later attributed to Joseph Haydn. Current research however reveals the fact that the true composer may never be discovered.

Joshua Barnes is the featured soloist for the Flute Concerto in G major, by Johann Joachim Quantz. And rounding out the concert is a whimsical ride in the snow depicted by Leroy Anderson’s popular “Sleigh Ride.”

The evening will culminate with upbeat swing music by the newest NVSO ensemble, “Maestros of Swing” (NVSO’s outreach swing band).

Tickets are $5 and can be purchased on-line at www.northvalleysymphony. org. The concert begins at 7pm at North Canyon High School Performing Arts Center, 1700 East Union Hills Drive.

PVCC Students Reach Out Through The Art of Storytelling Paradise Valley Community College students are bringing books to life through the art of storytelling during the Festival of Tales, 9:30am-2pm, Saturday, December 6, in and around the Kranitz Student Center (KSC).

PVCC’s Art of Storytelling classes, Club Ed and the Education program present this free event for children in the community.

Storytelling sessions are at 10am, 11am and 1pm. In addition, PVCC’s Partners in Art Club will provide demonstrations of pottery making and clay sculpting and local elementary school schools will perform live music.

In its 13th semester at PVCC, the Festival of Tales is a fun day of reading, literacy and cultural activities for local children and features arts and crafts, games, simulations, face painting and music. More than 2,000 new books will be given away to participating children.

The Festival of Tales engages community college students in the teaching and learning process through storytelling. Since its inception, the festival has grown from just 250 participants to nearly 1,000, with more than 100 volunteers at each event. In the past six years, more than 30,000 new books have been given away to children, many of whom come from low-income families.

Paradise Valley Community College is located at 18401 North 32nd Street Phoenix. Free parking for the KSC is at the 34th Street and Union Hills Drive entrance. Please RSVP for this event by emailing meggin.kirk@paradisevalley. edu. Be sure to include the number of the children who will be attending and their ages.

Celebrate Trail Stewardship Day

A new “Doc Talk” series of workshops focusing on current health topics will be offered at the Anthem Civic Building.

Organized by Hospice of the Valley, the workshops are free to attend and will be led by medical experts.

The first session was held in November. The sessions that follow in early 2015 will include: • Internal Medicine: January 21; 6:30-8 pm, led by Dr. Patrick Sciara, internal medicine physician • Dementia and Alzheimer’s: March 11, 6:30-8:30pm, led

by Amy McLean, CNP • Naturopathic Health/Integrated Therapies: May 6, 6:30-8pm, led by Dr. Eugene Eihausen, naturopathic physician For additional information about programs at the Anthem Civic Building, visit www.onlineatanthem.com/ anthem-civic-building-programs.

New Year’s Eve Signature Event The community of Anthem will close out 2014 with a New Year’s Eve celebration December 31 from 6-10pm. This celebration will be the signature event for the year-long commemoration of 15 years of Anthem.

A full lineup of family-friendly activities is planned, including music and dancing; food stations with items such as s’mores, trail mix and popcorn; the movie Frozen on a big screen; synthetic ice rink for skating (which will be held over through January 1); and fireworks.

Anthem residents can purchase admission bracelets at the ACC Community Center for $1 until December 19 (ages five and over; limit six per household). Early-bird $5 admission bracelets (non-residents) are also available.

Event night, the cost of admission bracelets, resident/non-resident, is $5.

For additional information, visit www.onlineatanthem.com.

Serving the Community Since 2002

The Anthem community and Desert Foothills Land Trust are stewards of the Maricopa Trail, which runs through the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills and New River. Area residents are invited to celebrate Trail Stewardship Day Saturday, December 6, at the Anthem Trailhead, 11th Avenue and Desert Hills Drive.

Check-in begins at 7:30am, followed by special guest speakers from 8-8:15am and hike (follow experienced hike leaders and conservation experts will lead guided interpretive tours through a segment of Maricopa Trail), clean (pick up litter along the trail) or build (participate in small building projects along the trail) opportunities from 8:15-10am.

Youth who participate will receive a certificate verifying service hours. Maricopa Trail is rated “easy” or “beginner.” Participants must wear closed-toed shoes and are encouraged to wear sunscreen and a hat, and bring extra water.

To register, visit www.dflt.org. For additional information, call 480.488.6131. Space is limited and registration is required.

Doc Talk Series Addresses Current Health Concerns

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ANTHEM

Musical Theatre of Anthem Presents Holiday Show

Serving the Community Since 2002

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) announces its upcoming Holiday Show, a concert-style performance filled with the sounds of the season, including classic carols and popular holiday music performed by 35 youth, ages nine to 19. The show is directed and vocal directed by Jackie Hammond, along with co-vocal director Karen Blanzy.

Performances take place December 12 at 7pm, December 13 at 3pm and 7pm and December 14 at 3pm and 5pm at MTA’s theatre performance space at 42323 North Vision Way in Anthem. Tickets may be purchased online at www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org. Adult tickets are $19 and students, seniors and children 12 and under are $16.

24 ad·ver·tis·ing [ad-ver-tahy-zing]

dictionary.com

noun ~ the act or practice of calling public attention to one's product, service, need, etc.

If you see this ad, so will your target audience.

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Call Ellie at 724.309.1713 or e-mail ellie@CITYSunTimes.com

Seventh Annual

Carefree Christmas Festival Downtown Carefree transforms into a Winter Wonderland December 12-14

Desert Foothills Theatre’s Ice Queen and Snow Princesses will make special appearances throughout the weekend.

Photo by Byron Medina

A three-day, two-night celebration with real snow, an electric light parade and a fireworks extravaganza, welcomes in the holidays at the seventh annual Carefree Christmas Festival, December 12-14.

The tiny town of Carefree, located just north of the Scottsdale and most famously known for its over-sized sundial, turns into an illuminated winter wonderland for the yuletide event. Festivities take place at the Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, from 10am-9pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am-5pm Sunday.

The signature Electric Light Parade, presented by APS and produced by the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, takes place Saturday at 6pm, along Easy Street, followed by a fireworks display. ABC15 morning meteorologist, Iris Hermosillo, emcees the parade for the third consecutive year.

“I’m excited to be a part of the Carefree Christmas Festival for the third year in a row,” says Hermosillo. “The committee of Santa’s elves does an amazing job at showcasing the spirit of the holidays with this event.”

All activities are free. Information and a full schedule of events are available by calling 480.488.2051 or at www.carefreechristmasfestival.com.

Expanded event highlights include special appearances by Desert Foothills Theatre’s Ice Queen and Snow Princesses throughout the weekend.

This year’s grand marshals are the children of the United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Phoenix, who will lead the parade on the Tonto Hills Volunteer Fire Department fire truck.

The parade’s finale will include Santa, presented by the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce. Following the procession, Santa will return to Santa’s Grotto for pictures.

Parade entry highlights include Cactus Shadows High School Marching Band, the Elks Club, Aerial Solutions and illuminated parade floats from an array of community businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, churches and residents.

A new live nativity scene will allow families to have their photos taken with the cast of the Desert Foothills Theater’s, The Holy Night, including Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus and Pepper the Donkey.

The annual event has quickly become a holiday tradition in the Northeast Valley. Highlights include a lighted holiday village with daytime and late night shopping, seasonal food and drink, live holiday dance and singing performances including the Salvation Army Marching Band, a Kid’s Zone with 35 tons of real snow, lighted carriage rides, and ice princesses, Charles Dickens inspired carolers, a live Nativity display and Santa.

Pet lovers are invited to bring their pets, dressed in their holiday best, for a pet parade and pictures with Santa on Sunday. Pet adoptions by the Foothills Animal Rescue (FAR) will take place throughout the day.

“The festival has become one of the most well-attended holiday events in the Valley because it brings out the child in all who attend. It is reminiscent of a traditional Christmastime of years past,” says Jo Gemmill of Carefree. Gemmill is the director and founder of the event.

The four-acre Carefree Desert Gardens provide a stunning backdrop, with thousands of cacti, many rare or unusual specimens, illuminated in holiday lights for the festival.

According to Gemmill, the festival relies heavily on generous corporate and small business sponsorships to fund the event.

Several important sponsors have signed on this year, including APS who will make possible the Festival’s signature event, Saturday night’s Electric Light Parade.

Sanderson Lincoln on Bell Road will present a snow slide and 35 tons of real snow, and local Carefree businessman, Chris Mellon of Chris Mellon Custom Home & Remodeling Center, is sponsoring the always-popular Kid’s Zone. Discount Tire has also signed on to be a supporter this year, according to Gemmill.

ABC15 morning meteorologist, Iris Hermosillo, emcees the parade See centerfold for a complete Carefree Christmas Festival Calendar of Events! for the third consecutive year.

MAYOR SCHWAN WRITES...

Serving the Community Since 2002

By Mayor David Schwan

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Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Seasons’ Greetings from the Town of Carefree!

As Carefree looks forward to its Seventh Annual Carefree Christmas Festival, we are very excited to welcome some new entertainers who will perform during our three-day event. From new local dance troops MAYOR Town of Carefree to The Dickens Carolers; live nativity photo opportunities, community 480.488.3686 www.carefree.org choirs, a comic magician, a Pet Parade and special guest appearances by the Ice Queen & Snow Princess; there is something that will appeal to every family member.

Children can look forward to 35 tons of snow on a special delivery from the North Pole, a snow slide, visits with Santa, a kiddie train, carriage rides and the highlight of the entire festival...the Electric Light Parade on Saturday, December 13, sponsored this year by APS, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Mark your calendars to spend December 12-14 in Carefree and for more information including a full list of events visit: www.carefreechristmasfestival.com.

We also have a wonderful display of lights in the Carefree Desert Gardens. The Gardens are open 24 hours every day.

I’d also ask that you remember to help people in difficulty. The Foothills Food Bank and the Salvation Army Kettles are two good ways to contribute to your community.

Come to Carefree and ENJOY!

Downtown Carefree “Village” Development Approach

By Les Peterson, Vice Mayor Town of Carefree

One of the projects that the entire Carefree Town Council continues to work on with its funds designated for economic development is to stimulate the vibrancy and usage of the downtown Village Center. Economic development success for this area would stimulate increased visitation of the Village Center by Carefree residents and visitors, as well as generate additional sales tax revenues for Carefree from the sale of taxable products through the Village Center merchant’s stores.

In order to resolve how best to proceed in this area in a thorough and professional manner, this past summer the Town Council commissioned a major study, called the “Baker Group Study.”

This study utilizes an outside team of nationally recognized real estate and property development experts to chart a course to build increased visitation of the downtown Village Center in an affordable manner. The recommendations from the Baker Group consultants will be presented to all Carefree residents next spring.

After discussions with members of the Baker Group Study project development team, and based upon our previous work in economic development, we anticipate that one of the major Baker Group Study recommendations will be to develop a major cultural draw to the downtown area to attract residents and visitors to visit that area on a frequent basis. In anticipation of this recommendation, two parallel projects, either or both of which could function as a strong stimulus to the Village Center, are in development at the current time and are targeted to be integrated into the Baker Group Study final report. These are: • The Foothills Community Foundation/Desert Foothills Theater who would manage and operate on a full time basis a Cultural Center including community and professional theater, movies, lectures, classes on a variety of topics, etc.

• ASU, which through its Herberger School of Design, could offer a wide platform of museum activities, performances, lectures, classes in selected topics and exhibits If either, and preferably both, of the Desert Foothills Theater based Cultural Center and/or the ASU projects continue to show promise of feasibility, they will be incorporated into and evaluated as components of the overall Baker Group Study implementation plan. Subject to affordability, we would like to see a collaboration of both of these organizations open and successfully operate appealing programs and satellite facilities in Downtown Carefree.

The entire Carefree Town Council and staff will continue to develop the Theater/Cultural Center and ASU opportunities, and then review them and possibly any other available options and their costs with the consultants from the Baker Group in the spring when the Study is completed. We will keep residents and merchants informed of progress and milestones being achieved as these projects move forward.

Carefree Farmers Market Shop seasonally at the Carefree Farmers Market for organic, fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs and flowers; locally made jams, jellies and salsas; fresh baked breads. Grass-fed beef and organic, free range eggs are also frequently available. Shoppers will also enjoy demonstrations by chefs from Valley restaurants. With free admission and free adjacent parking, the event is held at the Sundial Gardens in Downtown Carefree 9am-1pm Friday’s. Learn more at http://arizonacommunityfarmers markets.com/fm_carefree.html.

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Fourth Annual Carefree Indian Market and Cultural Festival

ProMusica Presents Holiday Concert ProMusica Arizona Chorale & Orchestra is collaborating with Christ the Lord Lutheran Church to present a “Community Sing” of Handel’s Messiah, Saturday, December 13 at 3pm. The holiday concert will feature guest soloists including Vernon Hartman, the leading bass baritone at the Metropolitan Opera for two decades. The Baroque-size orchestra and 60-member chorus will be under the direction of guest conductor Maestro John Sikora. This intimate sing-along presented in the beautiful setting of Carefree promises to be a unique musical experience and a perfect prelude for the holidays.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 480.488.2081 or by visiting www.ctlcarefree.org Christ the Lord Lutheran Church is located at 9205 East Cave Creek Road in Carefree. For more information, visit www.pmaz.org.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Magic Bird Festivals will host the Fourth Annual Carefree Indian Market and Cultural Festival, 10am5pm, January 23-25 at the Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, Carefree. Admission to the event is free.

Native cultures unite at this much-anticipated festival where 100 artists will display traditional and contemporary creations celebrating Native American artisanship and intercultural understanding. Over 10,000 visitors are expected to attend.

Many of the invited artists are recognized under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 that validates exhibitor authenticity. Visitors will enjoy the intimacy of the Carefree Desert Gardens as they weave their way through the flourishing, outdoor garden paths lined with vendor booths. Attendees will feel at ease to connect with the artists and truly experience all the festival has to offer. For more information, call 480.488.2014 or visit www.magicbirdfestivals.com.

CAREFREE

Save The Date:

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CAREFREE Serving the Community Since 2002

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SOUL CONNECTION

Will You Be My Girlfriend?

Do you remember when you were in grade school and wanted someone to be your girlfriend or boyfriend, or maybe someone wanted you? That breathtaking experience recently happened to my nine-year-old, fourth-grader granddaughter, Nicole.

She noticed that Duane came to school dressed up ALLEN NOHRE more than usual, wearing a white shirt, black trousers and Writer with his hair slicked back.

Nicole said to him, “Duane, really, what’s up?”

He said, “I have something important to ask you.”

Then he popped the big question that takes a lot of courage. He said, “I would like you to be my girlfriend.”

My mature granddaughter said, “Let me think about it and I’ll tell you at recess.” Two hours later, at recess, Nicole found Duane playing basketball and told him, “That was nice of you to ask, but I don’t think my mom would approve. Besides, I’m so young and I really have to focus on being a kid right now. If we still know each other when we are older, maybe we can talk about it again.”

I asked Nicole how Duane took it and she said, “He seemed to take it okay. He was kind of like ‘that’s fine’ and he went back playing basketball.”

When Nicole got home she needed to talk about what had happened, and she told her mom, “I knew I didn’t want to be his girlfriend, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings because he got all dressed up for me.”

Her mother said, “You handled it really well, Nicole. You were honest and you tried not to hurt his feelings. You did better than some adults.”

Being honest and telling someone you care about, what he or she may not want to hear is a challenge for all of us. I admire my granddaughter for speaking truthfully with sensitivity and integrity.

Allen Nohre lives in Carefree with his wife, Kathie. He is a writer at Terros and can be reached at anohre@cox.net.

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Holiday Mixer at Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House to celebrate its successes for the year. Guests will enjoy a delicious meal as well as some photo booth fun.

The menu includes: Salads – Napa cabbage, baby gem lettuce, green apple, golden raisins, prickly pear pistachio vinaigrette. Roasted winter vegetables, toasted almonds, and candied ginger vinaigrette.

Entrees – Carving station with attendant, bacon-roasted pork loin with apricot and fig jam, served with mustard trip and rosemary garlic jus lie. House-made silver dollar rolls, mesquite wood-grilled all natural salmon, roasted garlic and

mesquite honey jus. Sweet potato, butternut squash and caramelized onion hash, sauteed asparagus.

Vegetarian and Gluten free – Brussels sprouts, grilled chayote, apricot quinoa, wildflower honey vinaigrette and orange coriander aioli. House made four-onion baguette.

Dessert – Chocolate espresso candy cane torte, espresso cake with dark chocolate ganache candy cane cream filling, eggnog anglaise and chocolate truffles.

Pre-registration is required, and after November 26, the cost is $45 per person. RSVP deadline is Friday, December 5. Cartwright’s is located at 6710 East Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. For additional information, visit www.carefreecavecreek.org.

CAREFREE

Chamber Holiday Mixer

Kiwanis Concert Series The Kiwanis Concert Series, which kicked off in October, continues in January with Beachfront Property. The group performs everything from the American Songbook of Jazz Classics to the number-one hits of rock n’ roll.

Described as “Manhattan Transfer meets Take 6,” the group’s smooth singing style combines the rich sounds of jazz with the fun and energy of pop music. Beachfront Property has shared the stage with Mel Torme, The Four Freshman, The Hi-Los, Kenny Rankin, Crystal Lewis, The Brothers Four and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.

The concert takes place January 10 at Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion in Carefree Town Center Gardens. Individual show tickets are $30. For information or tickets call 480.488.7169 or visit www.kiwaniscarefree.org. Tickets may also be purchased at The Kiwanis Marketplace, 6535 East Cave Creek Road.

Kiwanis Concert Series raises funds for Kiwanis Club of Carefree Benefit Foundation, Inc. For information on Kiwanis Club of Carefree and its youth education programs in the arts, sciences and living skills and scholarships.

Serving the Community Since 2002

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CAREFREE Serving the Community Since 2002

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Chamber Launches New Website The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce launched a newly designed website with more accessible event content and information. Updated to address the Chamber’s growing membership and expanded community outreach, the site follows a user-friendly format with a fresh, modern look.

Now organized with five major tabs, the site conveniently highlights the following: Events, Business Directory, Things to Do, Living Here, News and Members. New sections include an open house real estate directory, expanded calendar views and an “Event Countdown” timer.

Established in 1965, the Chamber serves nearly 400 member businesses, as well as multiple networking events each month. This year it celebrated its 50th Anniversary and a membership base increase of 20 percent. With over 425 annual business events posted, the new webpage now delivers a comprehensive guide to the Carefree Cave Creek community.

“We receive nearly 100,000 unique visitors annually, and over the last year visitors to our website have grown by 43 percent,” says executive director Patty Villeneuve.

In addition, the website includes highlighted homepage portals on upcoming events, how to become a member, and the member business directory.

Users will find the “Add an Event” feature an appealing addition, and visitors will appreciate the wide-ranging “Living Here” directory with guides to places of worship, healthcare, education, and real estate.

The Chamber is located at 748 Easy Street in Carefree. Visit the site at www.carefreecavecreek.org.

Call 480.488.3381 for more information.

Business owners, are you reading this?

So it DOES work!

Call Bob Hesselgesser today to reserve your space in our next issue!

12.14

602.214.7661

Who we are.

We are your neighbors.

We have homes, careers, friends and family in the community.

We love that we can call the Valley home.

What we do.

Easy Street Clinic has a new massage therapist, Jane Perkins, who came to the Clinic from California after having a massage office in Pleasanton for 20 years. Perkins bio can be seen on the company website www.easystreetclinic. com/about-us. For new clients, she is offering $20 off their first massage as she works on building up her new clientele.

Easy Street Clinic is located at 7202 East Carefree Drive in Carefree. For information, call 480.595.0001.

CAREFREE

Clinic Hires New Therapist

We cover news and events in and around our publication areas.

Our focus is on your community, education and the arts.

We want to share all of the great things that are happening where you live.

Who we serve.

We want to be your community partner.

Get Involved.

Pick Us Up. Read. Advertise. Enter Contests.

Write in and tell us what YOU want.

Serving the Community Since 2002

We are here for YOU. You are Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek, Anthem and Fountain Hills residents and businesses.

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The People Working For You...

Publisher Lorrie Pomeroy

Editor-in-Chief Kathryn Miller

Creative Director Jenifer Lee

Account Representative Bob Hesselgesser

Account Representative Loren Sheck

Account Representative Ellie Donati-Kopec

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Grant Recipients Receive $17,200 From FCF Partners in Education Foothills Community Foundation seeks donations for next year’s grants Programming robots, working on a student newspaper, reading Shakespeare and exercising to music during physical education classes… these are just some of the educational activities students in the Cave Creek Unified School District are participating in, thanks to funds received through the Foothills Community Foundation (FCF) Partners in Education program (PIE).

Horseshoe Trails Elementary School teacher Kimberly Blackert with her second grade class.

FCF’s PIE program designated $17,200 to seven Teacher Vision Grant recipients for the 2014-15 school year, the fourth year of this particular type of grant. The special grants enable local schools to pilot and adopt sustainable and transferable educational innovations that advance learning in the arts, mathematics,

communications, information technology and environment.

The seven grant recipients were chosen out of a total of 17 creative applications, including several from charter and private schools. FCF PIE also collaborated with Kiwanis Club of Carefree in the funding of two of the grants and provided $1,000 to be used for scholarships for the Cactus Shadows High School Horseshoe Trails Elementary School second grade students with front row: Rosie Ciammitti, Principal Science Club.

Janiene Marlow; and second row: Penny Davis, Kimberly Blackert, Mark Warren, Kathy Mellody.

“Each fall, we visit the grant recipients’ classrooms to see how the funds are being used,” says Chris Winger, FCF president and CEO. “We’re always impressed with how innovative our local teachers and school administrators are, and it’s very rewarding to see the students engaging in the PIEfunded programs.”

This year’s FCF PIE recipients include: “Happy Feet” was proposed by Janelle Roberts-Perrin on behalf of the physical education team of the Cave Creek Unified School District. With a grant of $3,659, each school (K-12) in the district received a sound system to support curriculum and instruction through music. PIE members visited Cactus Shadows High School to see the system in action.

At Bella Vista College Preparatory School, Principal Lisa Artenian requested $725 for Cactus Shadows students with Principal Steve Beebe, PIE Chair Mark Warren, Janelle

Continued, page 33 Roberts-Perrin, Rosie Ciammitti and Penny Davis.

“A Season of Shakespeare” for fourth through 12th grades. A semester of studying Shakespeare will culminate in a Shakespeare Festival in the spring.

Horseshoe Trails Elementary School has two grant recipients, each of whom received 10 iPads.

With $4,921, Kimberly Blackert is creating a “Mad Classroom All About Tech” for her second grade students.

Kathy Mellody’s “The Science of Living Systems: Structures and Functions” supports cross-disciplinary technology integration for grades K-6. PIE funded $2,921 while Kiwanis contributed $2,000.

At Quality Interactive (QI) Montessori, Kari Frentzel was granted $500 for equipment to create an “Elementary Newspaper Layout and Production Center” for fourth to sixth grades. In addition, PIE donated lightly-used equipment, including a digital camera, laptop computer and a

digital monitor. The newspaper’s first issue included an interview with PIE member Bob Zinser explaining how the Teacher Vision Grant process works.

Hilary Sohm, who teachers first through third grades at QI Montessori, purchased Bee-Bots and Pro-Bots with her $1,650 grant for her “Terrapin Logo Programmable Robots for Students” project. Students program the robots as the first step in learning computer programming.

Foothills Academy College Preparatory’s “School Wide CrossCurricular STEM Project,” submitted

by Jonathan Brechner, received $2,887 from PIE and $2,000 from Kiwanis of Carefree. The grant provides equipment and supplies for a STEM project across all grade levels at the upper school.

FCF is seeking donations to help fund next year’s Teacher Vision Grants. To donate or for more information, visit www.azfcf.org or call 480.488.1090.

CAREFREE

Continued from page 32

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Workshop for Veterans Returns The Healing of Memories for Veterans Workshop returns to Arizona December 5-7 at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center in Carefree. The retreat is being coordinated by Mike Wold, a Navy Vietnam veteran.

This workshop has been conducted three times for men and women Arizona vets of all eras with good reviews from the more than 40 vets who have attended. It is designed to help vets heal from the emotional and spiritual effects of their military experiences. The workshop begins with dinner at 6pm Friday, December 5, and ends at 2pm Sunday, December 7. The workshop is free of charge for veterans, including all meals and two nights lodging.

Transportation will be provided to veterans in the Phoenix area who need it.

The Healing of Memories Workshop was created by Father Michael Lapsley, an Anglican missionary priest, who in 1990 suffered the loss of his hands and the sight in one eye from a letter bomb that was sent to him in Zimbabwe by a supporter of the pro-apartheid government in South Africa.

Veterans of any era may register free for the workshop by contacting Cyndy at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 480.488.5218 or cyndy@spiritinthedesert. org; or online at www.spiritinthedesert.org. Registrations are limited to the first 24 veterans who register.

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A CAREFREE CHRSTMAS

Illuminated holiday activities for the entire family with an electric light parade, fireworks display, live music and dance performances, real snow, a pet parade, gift market, holiday food court and much more!

When December 12-14 Where Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, Carefree Cost Free Information 480.488.2051; www.carefreechristmasfestival.com

Friday, December 12, 10am-9pm

Serving the Community Since 2002

10am-9pm, Gift Market and Holiday Food Court

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12-2pm, Salvation Army Brass Band 2:30-3:30pm, Dickens Carolers, Christmas Around the World 3:30-4:30pm, Dickens Carolers, Christmas Around the World 4:30-5:30pm, Dickens Carolers, Christmas Around the World 4-9pm, Kid’s Zone with snow slide and 35 tons of real snow 5:45-6:45pm, Kelso Brothers – Holiday jazz music 6-9pm, Live Nativity and lighted horse-drawn carriage rides 7-8pm, Community choirs from local churches

10am-9pm, Gift Market and Holiday Food Court 10am-9pm, Kid’s Zone with snow slide and 35 tons of real snow 10-11am, Adage Dance Company, “A White Christmas” 11:30am-12:45pm, Desert Foothills Theater, Medley of Christmas Classics, Snow Queen and Ice Queen appearances 1-1:45pm, Desert Foothills Library presents “Mrs. Claus Reading Christmas Stories” 2-2:30pm, Cactus Shadows High School Honors Choir 2-4pm, Live Nativity

Sunday, December 14, 10am-5pm 9am-12pm, Pet Parade – presented Foothills Animal Rescue (FAR) 10am-12pm, Pet photos with Santa 10am-5pm, Gift Market and Holiday Food Court 10am-5pm, Kid’s Zone with snow slide and 35 tons of real snow 11am-3pm, Kiddie train rides 12:30-2pm, Center Stage Dance Studio 2:15-3:15pm, “Jolly Roger,” children’s comic magician 3:30-5pm, Johnny Martini presents a Christmas “Rat Pack” special, also featuring the Desert Cactus Kickers

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Saturday, December 13, 10am-9pm

2:30-3:30pm, “Sing Sleigh Bells Ring” Christmas concert 3:30-4:30pm, Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, live Nativity and community sing-along 5-9pm, Holiday Party with DJ Robin Sherman 6pm, Electric Light Parade sponsored by APS, followed by a fireworks extravaganza

All event details are current at time of publication.

Visit www.carefreechristmasfestival.com for up-to-date information.

A Development L.L.C.

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Allstate Insurance, Rebecca Niessink

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American Federal Rare Coin & Bullion

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Arizona Territorial Antiques

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Azul-Verde Design Group, Inc.

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Bags & Rags

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Bill Mulliniks, State Farm Insurance

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Black Mountain Coffee Shop

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Bonnie’s Yarn Crafts

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Buttercup Interiors

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Ho Road

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Carefree Cleaners

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Carefree Coverings

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Carefree Resort & Conference Center

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Cave Creek Unified School District

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Stefan Mann

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Serving the Community Since 2002

Serving the Community Since 2002

The Black Mountain Partners – Foothills Community Foundation, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) and Desert Foothills YMCA – invites the community to join them and their supporters for an evening of fun to celebrate five years of community partnership and the groundbreaking of a new PVCC educational facility on site. The free open house event will feature food trucks, live music, Gary the Singing Cowboy and family-friendly events for all ages.

The festivities kick off at 4pm with a groundbreaking ceremony of the new Aquila Hall. PVCC at Black Mountain has become known for hosting star parties under the exceptionally clear skies that characterize the area.

Thus, the new building is named after Aquila, a constellation in the northern sky.

The celebration will be held Thursday, December 4, from 4-7pm at the PVCC Black Mountain Campus, 34250 North 60th Street in Scottsdale. The event is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.blackmountaincampus. com/5year.

CAREFREE

Black Mountain Partners Celebrate Anniversary

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Library Events To Delight, Educate & Entertain Desert Foothills Library offers a number of events and activities this month.

The Annual Craft & Bake Sale takes place December 6 from 10am-3pm.

The event is a fundraiser for the library. Residents can do their Christmas shopping, with delicious goodies and unique craft items.

December 19, join the Library for Art Nosh Afternoons: Post-Impressionism, presented by Hugh Ruddock. Enjoy a nosh – tea and gourmet treats — while being educated and entertained by art historians, and docents from Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum Guild. The event will be held from 2-3pm and cost is $10.

Desert Foothills Library is located at 38443 North Schoolhouse Road in Cave Creek. For information, call 480.488.2286 or visit www.desertfoothillslibrary.org.

Area Couple Opens CertaPro Franchise For three decades, Tom Potts worked in the healthcare industry, most recently as a CEO. For two decades, wife Molly was a dental hygienist. Both in their early 50s, the Potts’ decided that now was an opportune time to make a change and live out their dreams of being their own boss by purchasing CertaPro Painters of Cave Creek. Located at 29834 North Cave Creek Road, Suite 118-165, the company serves the Phoenix, Cave Creek, Carefree and Anthem areas.

Open since September, the Potts’ have already received positive feedback from members of the community.

“The things our customers have told us about the services we provided for them mean so much to us,” notes Tom. “It’s one thing to think that we’re providing great service, but to have validation of that belief by way of positive words from others is greatly affirming. It helps us know we’re on the right path.”

For more information, visit http:// cave-creek.certapro.com.

MAYOR FRANCIA WRITES...

By Mayor Vincent Francia

As the sun sets on the evening of Saturday, December 6, hundreds of runners, joggers, walkers, families and friends will gather to participate in the 12th Annual Cave Creek Luminaria Run amid the beautiful desert mountains and hills of the Cave Creek Regional Park. The event features a timed 5K Run, an untimed one-mile Fun Run/Walk and Kids’ Desert Dashes ranging between 50 and 100 meters.

The first race begins at 4:45pm and participants and onlookers are encouraged to arrive early for the best parking at Cave Creek Memorial Rodeo Arena, 37201 North 28th Street, in Cave Creek. Registration fees range from $17 to $30. Proceeds benefit Desert Foothills Theater, a program of the Foothills Community Foundation.

The course location is uphill out and downhill back featuring stunning desert views and gorgeous city lights. Lit luminarias will line both sides of the road as participants run and walk the course.

“It’s a fun activity for friends and families and you’ll also be treated to free pizza,” says race director and founder Meribeth Reeves.

Participants can register online, via mail or in-person from 9:30am-4pm, Tuesday through Friday at the FCF-Holland Community Center, 34250 North 60th Street, Building B, in Scottsdale through December 4.

Mandatory packet pickup is Friday, December 5 from 2-7pm at Roadrunner Sports, at Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard (south of the 101, next to Whole Foods). For more details, visit www.luminariarun.org or call 480.488.1981.

Eighth Annual Cowboy Christmas

Photo by Stephanie Bradley

Cave Creek Museum kicks off the holiday season with the family-friendly Cowboy Christmas, December 7. Activities include crafts and games, such as “Creating your Brand,” “Paper Saddle” and “Hobby Horse.” Participants also will make and decorate cookies. Gary Sprague and his own talented mount, Dusty, return to entertain visitors at 2:30pm with holiday poetry, stories and songs.

This is a free family event, but reservations are required. Space is limited. Register by calling 480.488.2764.

The event runs from 1-4pm. Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 East Skyline Drive in Cave Creek. For additional information, visit www.cavecreekmuseum.org.

Serving the Community Since 2002

The Christmas Season is upon us.

Being an elected official, it would be more politically correct for me to say, “The Holiday Season” is upon us.

In our rush to be politically perfect about this Season, we sometimes relegate to a whisper both the message and the messenger.

MAYOR Town of Cave Creek After all, Christmas is named after a man who had a profound impact on planet Earth and an 480.488.1400 www.cavecreek.org equaling compelling message.

Christ’s message was that of peace.

Peace is a concept universally understood. The practice of peace…not so much. We have to look no further than our beloved America to know that peace is not being practiced. It gets worse as we leave our borders.

Why is this simple concept so difficult to practice? Perhaps it’s because peace asks us to take a great leap: Peace asks us not to fear another; to take a leap of faith that others will not do us harm; that there is only good will between you and another. The rewards of peace are promising. Getting there is the challenge. This makes Christ’s message all the more compelling, if not urgent.

Humankind is capable of living in peace. Christ is an example of how it’s done, his message a blueprint of how to do it.

A good place to begin might be the annual, two-night Kiwanissponsored Christmas Pageant on December 6 and 7 at Spur Cross at 7pm. There, people of all religious persuasions, gather to witness the reenactment of the birth of a child that brought the message of peace to the world.

So, on behalf of the Town staff and Council, a Council that is composed of Christians, a Jew and a Buddhist, we wish you the peace of the Christmas Season.

Twelfth Annual Cave Creek Luminaria Run

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J. Julian Expands Natural Product Lines J. Julian Fine Skin Care services include eco-friendly face and body treatments, skin consultations, hair removal, make-up applications, as well as a retail line of essential oils, supplements and cosmetic products.

This holiday season, the spa debuts an expanded selection of all natural, ecologically credible products from the United Kingdom, Europe and South Pacific. Delivering innovative, antiaging solutions, the Nelly Devuyst skin care line follows a “best of science and nature” approach. The company’s nutrient rich, active ingredients help initiate molecular healing and internal and

external synergy. J. Julian is a certified provider of the full line of Nelly Devuyst skin care products, which are featured in the spa’s premier dermatological treatments.

A European-trained esthetician, Joann Julian offers personalized solutions and tailored treatments for her clients. Dedicated to using only premier products tested at the highest standards, Julian’s facial treatments and packages are at the cutting-edge of cosmetology.

J. Julian, located at 6450 East Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek, is by appointment only. All clients receive a free consultation with their first appointment. For information and bookings, call 480.595.1281.

Black Mountain Fitness and Bodhi Coyote Yoga are sponsoring the 2014 Jingle Bell Jam – a three hour fitness marathon – Saturday, December 13, from 8:30-11:30am at 6450 East Cave Creek Road, #200, in Cave Creek.

Residents are invited to bring their energy to three hours of jamming to great music, pumping weights, cardio blast and relaxing with yoga, all to benefit Foothills Food Bank and The Joybus. There is a minimum of $35 to participate. Afterwards, participants will receive a souvenir T-shirt for participating; then stay for raffle drawings and refreshments.

The Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center provides an emergency supply of food, referral information and financial assistance to individuals and families in the foothills area that are in a crisis situation. The Joybus is a not-for-profit organization whose sole purpose is to relieve the daily struggles of homebound cancer patients with a fresh chefinspired meal and a friendly face.

For more information on how to be a sponsor for this event and/or participate, contact Janie French at Black Mountain Fitness at 480.488.0444.

CAVE CREEK

2014 Jingle Bell Jam

Library Film Series Continues Serving the Community Since 2002

Desert Foothills Library’s film series, Cinematic Reflections – The Cold War Era: 1947-1991, continues this month with the film A Grin Without a Cat December 16. Described as “An epic film-essay on the worldwide political wars of the 60s and 70s. A sweeping, global contemplation of a defining 10 years’ political history,” the film begins at 5pm.

Each documentary film in this series, which continues through April, is introduced by documentary filmmaker Penelope Price, who will discuss the cinematic style; a post-film discussion follows, led by Gary Zaro, faculty expert from Paradise Valley Community College. The film series traces the evolution of the Cold War from its genesis after WWII to its conclusion in 1991 with the formal dissolution of the USSR. The films reveal the back stories behind the events, interview the major players and analyze the political fallout that occurred during that time.

Desert Foothills Library is located at 38443 North Schoolhouse Road in Cave Creek. For information, call 480.488.2286 or visit www.desertfoothillslibrary.org.

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CAVE CREEK

Christmas Boutique The Gold Mine Thrift Shop offers a way to find unique seasonal items and bargains at its Christmas Boutique, which continues through December 20, Wednesday through Saturday, 9am-3pm.

The thrift shop is located at 6502 East Cave Creek Road.

For additional information, call 480.488.3721.

Serving the Community Since 2002

62nd Annual Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant

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The annual Desert Foothills Christmas Pageant, which was started by the local 4-H Club in Cave Creek in 1952, takes place December 6 and 7, 7-9pm at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. Area residents perform in the choir and in pantomime. There is a live, occasionally stubborn, donkey for Mary, and the Three Kings travel on horseback. Locals enact the roles of Mary, Joseph, infant Jesus, angel, townspeople, shepherds and kings. Volunteers handle all aspects of the Pageant, from ground prep, sound tech and sets, to luminaria placement and critter coordination.

Admission and parking are free. Because there is no built-in seating, bring a blanket to sit up close on the ground or a portable chair. Wear warm clothes and walking shoes. A flashlight is useful because the Spur Cross Ranch is illuminated primarily by the moon and stars.

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area is located at 44000 North Spur Cross Road. For more information, call 480.488.8400.

Business owners, are you reading this?

So it DOES work!

Call Bob Hesselgesser today to reserve your space in our next issue!

12.14

602.214.7661

Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbecue expanded last month by adding Sunday to its daily roster, opening Tuesday through Sunday. The new hours, which began November 2 run through May 31; summer hours resume in June.

This will give guests an added day and allow patrons to pick up take-out for those football games and parties, while still keeping full service in the restaurant and patio dining.

Bryan’s is also expanding physically into the space next door. The expansion will be called Bryan’s Side Door and will be home to a new space dedicated to pick-up orders and allow for private parties and more individual tables. The space will allow chef Bryan Dooley more room in his current location and dedicated to take-out orders moving more rapidly. Bryan’s Side Door is set to open sometime in early February, 2015.

“It was just a matter of time that we would begin to grow and our space would need to be enlarged. The timing is perfect, the space become available so I had to jump on it,” says Dooley. I will be changing the patio a bit by changing the railing, enlarging the space. Now people will be able to head right into Bryan’s Side Door, pick up their order and head back home or to a party. In addition, the added space will allow private parties in the back where we will have great space.”

Bryan’s Barebecue is located at 6130 East Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. For more information, call 480.575.7155 or visit www.bryansbbq.com.

Serving the Community Since 2002

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Wild West Days photo (shown) included in our November 2014 issue was by fine art photographer Susan Q. Byrd (www.susanquinphotoart.com).

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Bryan’s BBQ Set To Expand

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The historic Cave Creek church, located behind and above Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, is now the Cave Creek Wedding Chapel. The completely refurbished, non-denominational venue offers a stylish setting for weddings, vow renewals and elopements.

According to owner and operator, Maggie Hunt, no important detail has been overlooked.

“The new Cave Creek Wedding Chapel is a work of art,” she says. “The candle-lit, flower strewn center aisle is flanked by intricately carved pews

imported from historic St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church located in Baltimore, Maryland.” Hunt added that the pews were hand-made in 1857 and have been lovingly restored to their original condition.

“Many of the nails used in their construction remain in the wood.”

The Chapel’s interior is flanked by jewel-hued stained glass windows. A large, panoramic window provides guests with views of the surrounding desert mountains during the ceremonies. Wedding parties can relax and prepare for their big event in charming private suites. The Chapel’s bridal suite includes a private bathroom, vanity and additional amenities. The separate groom’s suite

Photo by Dylan Sido

CAVE CREEK Serving the Community Since 2002

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Historic Cave Creek Church Re-opens As Wedding Chapel

is furnished with leather sofas, stereo system, TV and refrigerator.

Hunt has customized services to accommodate four to 80 guests, depending on the event.

The Cave Creek Chapel is located at 6914 East Bella Vista Drive in Cave Creek. Those wishing to inquire about the various services offered can call 480.658.0182 or visit www.cavecreekchapel.com.

Monies raised will help adopt horses, burros in need

Serving the Community Since 2002

The results are in and by all accounts, the Triple R Horse Rescue second annual Hope for Horses Gala was a success. Held in October at the Carefree Resort and Conference Center, approximately 200 people attended the dinner and auction event to support the organization.

According to Ken Bacher, president of Triple R Horse Rescue, the evening was filled with fun, laughter and aggressive silent and live auction bidding for more than 100 items from numerous businesses that support the rescue and its mission. During the evening, Mary Hoffman, a Mesa-based singer songwriter, entertained the crowd prior to the live auction getting underway. Robert J. Leary, the founder of ASU’s western equestrian team, served as master of ceremonies and auctioneer and got the crowd into a frenzy as he raised monies for the cause.

However, the big auction item for the evening, the chance for a walk-on role for two on the show’s newest series, “CSI Cyber,” was auctioned off by “CSI” creator, Anthony Zuiker, who came to the fund-raiser to show his support and that of his wife, Michelle. The excitement increased as Zuiker, who started the bidding at $500, raised the bar to $2,000. Wanting more, he added the opportunity for lunch with the stars of the original series, “CSI: Las Vegas,” to the mix. The bidding went wild and moved up into the $5,000 range. But he didn’t stop there. He added lodging and transportation and four people each bid $6,000 for the opportunity to “star” on “CSI.” The auction item went for $24,000.

“Thank you to the Zuikers and to all of the auction supporters and our volunteers who brought the event to life,” said Bacher.

Details of the Triple R Horse Rescue 2015 gala will be announced soon. Triple R Horse Rescue is a 501(c)3 organization that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses surrendered to its care. The organization, which is run 100% by volunteers, relies on support from the community to fulfill its mission. Located on three acres donated by Lil Bit North Ranch in Cave Creek, Ariz., Triple R Horse Rescue is dedicated to assisting the 175,000 unwanted horses in the United States. In the past three years, the organization has re-homed more than 100 horses. For more information, visit www.triplerhorserescueaz.com.

CAVE CREEK

Horse Rescue Holds Successful Fundraiser

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Serving the Community Since 2002

Holiday Classic Returns To Fountain Hills

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony The Fountain Hills Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony will take place at 11am Sunday, December 7, at the Fountain Hills Veterans Memorial, located on the south side of Fountain Park, on El Lago Boulevard. The keynote speaker will be Ralph Truax, a WW II sailor, a Korean War marine and former Commander, Fountain Hills VFW Post 7507. VFW Post 7507’s Color Guard will participate in the ceremony and post the colors.

On December 7, on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the nation honors the lives lost in that attack and salute the veterans of World War II, as well as pay tribute to all those now serving the country.

This year, American Legion Post 58 has lead responsibility for the ceremony, which is a joint project of the town’s three veteran’s service organizations (VFW Post 7507, AmVets Post 7 and American Legion Post 58). All are encouraged to wear their medals and/or ribbons whether on civilian clothes or full/partial uniforms or veteran’s organization apparel.

American Legion Post 58 invites all ceremony attendees to its Post for coffee and donuts immediately after the ceremony. It is anticipated that the speakers will meet and greet attendees at the Post during this period. American Legion Post 58 is located at 16837 East Parkview Avenue in Downtown Fountain Hills.

The Town of Fountain Hills will be celebrating 25 wonderful years as a town on Saturday, December 6; 12-5pm. Join the festivities in the Centennial Circle for an afternoon of family fun, games, commemorations from former mayors, and last but not least, a celebration for the town.

From 12-4pm, bounce houses and game booths will be set up in Centennial Circle for family enjoyment. The celebration continues at 4pm on the Avenue of the Fountains Plaza with a performance by OK Chorale from 4-4:30pm, then clubs, organizations and the faith community will provide birthday cake and a lively short program about the town – past, present and future.

Come and enjoy the celebration as the Town shares 25 reasons to love Fountain Hills. For more information, send an email to tourism@fh.az.gov or visit the official Fountain Hills Tourism website at www.experiencefountainhills.org.

Stroll in the Glow Head over to Avenue of the Fountains December 6 for Stroll in the Glow. Experience more than 60,000 twinkling lights and ornaments adorning the trees and lighted holiday displays that dot the avenue with light. Stroll the avenue under the twinkling lights and visit the shops and boutiques and pay a visit to Santa. The free event begins at 6pm. For additional information, call 480.837.1654 or visit www.experiencefountainhills.org.

Holiday Concerts The Fountain Hills Community Chorus will present its 23rd Holiday Concert December 7-8. The program includes “Ave Maria,” “O Come Emanuel” (15th century), “Sing Choirs of Angels,” “Children, Go Where I Send You” (Traditional spiritual ),”The Friendly Beasts,” “Shepherd’s Joy,” “Ose Shalom (The One Who Makes Peace)” and nine other numbers.

The concerts will be held Sunday, December 7, at 4pm and Monday, December 8, at 7pm, at Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 La Montana Drive. Tickets are $15 in advance for adults and $17 at door; youth tickets are $7 (high school age and younger).

Tickets are available at Card$mart, 12645 North Saguaro Boulevard at the fountain; Gridleys 16830 East Avenue of the Fountains, or by calling Nancy at 480.837.2050.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Fountain Hills Theater announces the return of A Christmas Carol: The Musical, a musical adaptation of the Charles Dicken’s classic holiday tale, December 5-21.

A miserly and miserable man, Ebenezer Scrooge greets each Christmas with a “bah humbug,” until he is visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Future.

Through a restless night, the spirits show him happy memories from his past, cruel realities from the present and the grim future should he continue his cantankerous ways.

A Christmas Carol is produced by Patricia Tonzi and directed

by Peter J. Hill, with musical direction by Jay Melberg, costumed

by Carrie Grief and choreographed by Noel Irick.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. Individual tickets are $20 for adults and $13 for children 17 and under. All performances are at Fountain Hills Theater at 11445 North Saguaro Boulevard. For more information, call 480.837.9661, Extension 3, or visit www.fhtaz.org.

Fountain Hills 25th Anniversary Celebration

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Holiday Pet Festival

FOREVER FAMILIES / BY SARA CLAWSON Aid to Adoption of Special Kids

Melodee is a sweet and bubbly girl who has special needs, but a lot of joy to offer a forever family.

The Fifth Annual Holiday Pet Festival takes place December 6 and offers a day of interactive activities, demonstrations, exhibitions and animals galore. Shoppers can peruse everything from the latest in pet products, pet foods and pet related services to unique and one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, perfect for your pets and pet-loving friends.

Guests will also have the opportunity to meet hundreds of animals looking for their forever homes from over 50 rescue groups, enjoy on stage entertainment, pet photos with Santa, Reindeer Run Flyball Tournament, Pug-A-Palooza, discounted vaccinations, micro-chipping, huge silent auction, tons of free giveaways and much more. Admission and parking are free, and pets are welcome. The event is presented by Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary, 7848 East Redfield Road, Suite 7, Scottsdale. Visit www. tranquilitytrail.org to learn more.

The Holiday Pet Festival takes place 10am5pm at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 North Pima Road. For more information, visit www.holidaypetfestival.com information.

FOOTHILLS ANIMAL RESCUE PET OF THE MONTH

Serving the Community Since 2002

Four-and-a-half-year-old Female

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Fun-loving, sweet Melodee is pure joy buzzing around the i.d.e.a.

Museum in Mesa.

The 13-year-old bubbly girl describes her favorite foods, animals and activities at school while she works to create a colorful mask and costume. Her excitement is catchy.

“Math, science, reading – me and my friend Trevor, we love reading,” she says. “My favorite animal is a tiger and Transformers are really cool.”

Melodee constantly has friends at her side and her infectious smile and laugh follows her everywhere.

“Melodee is the type of child that, she will make your day ‘cause she’s just always happy and wants to please you and she never gets angry,” says Lisa Krebs, her case manager.

One thing Melodee is passionate about is her love of Transformers.

She brought her Bumblebee car with her.

“He has an engine inside his body and he can talk. His voice is really adorable,” she says.

Though Melodee is a teenager, she functions at a six- or sevenyear-old level, Krebs says. “She’s always going to be special needs and always going to need somebody to care for her.”

Despite her need for long-term care, Melodee has much to offer a family.

She’s positive, social and happy. She loves to interact with other people, including children, and she likes animals, too. A good family for Melodee would ideally contain two parents who are very patient, outgoing and active. Parents with an understanding of children with special needs is not required, Krebs says.

“As long as they have patience and they know how to care for children, that’s really all she needs. Somebody who has lots of patience, who understand that physically she’s 13, but developmentally is seven,” she says. “It’s not as easy for her and she’s going to repeat and ask and she can’t stay focused very long.”

For information, call 602.254.2275 or visit www.aask-az.com.

Michelle is a pretty girl with a quiet and very sweet nature. She prefers to be on her own in favorite places where she can curiously watch people and things around her. Michelle loves being scratched – especially behind her ears.

She is very low profile and is also not keen on dogs. Michelle would be a wonderful companion in a one pet home. Call to meet Michelle. The adoption fee $35.

Foothills Animal Rescue is located at 23030 North Pima Road in Scottsdale.

For more information, call 480.488.9890 or visit www.foothillsanimal.org.

480.922.8732 advertise@CITYSunTimes.com

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

To contact Dr. Burdick, call 480.575.2000. For more information on the Cave Creek Unified School District, visit www.ccusd93.org.

PVUSD Announces Student Honors Eight PV School students have been named National Merit Semifinalists. They are Ava Garcia, Horizon High School; Maurene Jiang, North Canyon High School; Brandon Heise, Matthew Huntley, Keilen Kelley and Nicholas Leto, Paradise Valley High School; Melissa Liberson, Pinnacle High School; and Gabrielle Marinick, Shadow Mountain High School. National Merit finalists will be announced in February.

Twenty-nine students were named National Merit Scholarship Commended Students: Horizon High School: Eli J. Bliman, Nathaniel Blakemore Briggs, Haley Ciccone, Alyson Giordano, Emily Hong, Shobitha Jillella, Mary Kennedy, Spence Krivulka and Tayler Niziolek.

Paradise Valley High School: SriSaiswetha Atluri, Liam Hait, Emily Powell, Steven Sawtelle and Rom Zarchi.

Pinnacle High School: Maria Ambrose, Meera Arora, Nicole Cosmany, Marisa Forthun, Michelle Jaffee, Gabrielle Jeannet, Molly MacDonald, Zachary McWhorter, Trisha Ray and Isaac Wong.

North Canyon High School: Corey Arnold, Neil Parekh, Michael Saporito and Jeenal Shah.

Four students from Horizon High School were named National Hispanic Scholars: Ava Garcia, Mary Kennedy, Nicholas Leto and Kara Piatt.

Learn more about the Paradise Valley Unified School District at www.pvschools.net.

SCC Dance Presents Images in Motion The Scottsdale Community College Dance Program presents Images in Motion, a dance concert performed by SCC’s three resident companies Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6 – both shows being at 8pm. The performances are free and open to the public. This all-ages concert will be an enthralling evening of entertainment.

The performing companies will be Instinct Dancecorps, performing works by faculty members Angela Rosenkrans and Carley Conder, as well as guest choreographers Phillip Flickinger, Jenny Gerena and Kathryn Alter; SCC Moving Company, performing works by faculty members Karryn Allen and Lisa Thorngren and guest choreographer Scott Bodily; and Scottsdale Arizona Jazz Ensemble, performing works by faculty member Jenn McKusick and guest choreographer Jordan Daniels.

Images in Motion will be held at the Performing Arts Center at Scottsdale Community College, 9000 East Chaparral Road. For more information, call 480.423.6000 www.scottsdalecc.edu.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Our 30th president, Calvin Coolidge, said, “No person was ever honored for what he received.

Honor has been the reward for what he gave.”

Although our schools’ primary task is to teach the academic subjects, in Cave Creek Unified, we also want to grow our students’ sense of “service.”

We are in our third year of the Superintendent’s Challenge. In year I, we challenged our high school students to complete 200 hours of DR. DEBBI BURDICK community service outside of their school day. At graduation, these senior students who Superintendent have completed the requirement wear honor Cave Creek Unified School District cords that designate their accomplishment. In year II, we added the Superintendent’s Challenge for the middle school, with a requirement of 50 service hours over their seventh and eighth grade years. These students receive a special pin and recognition at their spring promotion service.

This school year, with the urging of teachers and parents, we have added the Superintendent’s Challenge for our fifth and sixth graders at our elementary schools. Elementary participants must accumulate 15 hours of service by May of a given school year to receive recognition and a certificate. In addition, we have also added a unique opportunity for our high school students this school year, borrowing the idea from Gilbert Unified School District. Cactus Shadows High School students may now earn a varsity letter when they accumulate over 200 community service hours in one school year. As is typical, accomplished athletes receive a varsity letter for participation on varsity athletic teams. Our CSHS students can also earn that varsity letter for giving back to their community.

To learn more, go to www.ccusd93.org and click on Superintendent’s Challenge under “Quick Links” on our homepage. While on our website, also check out all the innovative programming that makes CCUSD unique and excelling.

We’re proud to be CCUSD!

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KITCHEN INSIDER

Costantino’s Kitchen This month, step into the kitchen of chef Christopher Costantino of Costantino’s Kitchen. His recipe for Classic Lasagna brings together the flavors of family tradition.

The Mac and Cheese Throwdown returns this winter to the House of Comedy located at 5350 East High Street, Sunday, December 14, at 4pm.

The brainchild of Kirti Dwivedi of Diya Marketing and Susie Timm of Girl Meets Fork Marketing & Media, the Mac & Cheese Throwdown has sold out for the past five years and the organizers do not expect anything different this year.

Participating chefs and/or restaurants include Rick Bronson, House of Comedy; John Collura, Cibo e Vino; John Cruz, Social Box Neighborhood Eatery; Stephen K. Eldridge, Pink Pony; Richard Garcia, Café ZuZu; Mel Mecinas, Talavera; Michael O’Dowd, Urban Vine; and Sadhana Raj, 24 Carrots, among others. A panel of three non-professional judges will blind judge the competition in order to crown a winner.

Event attendees can purchase $1 “People’s Choice” tickets and stuff the ballot box of their favorite chef. All proceeds from the People’s Choice contest Last year’s winning Mac & Cheese from will be donated to a Arizona Friends of Foster Chef Richard Garcia of Café ZuZu. Photo by Kristin Heggli.

Children Foundation.

Tickets are $22 each and include admission, and assortment of mac and cheese and a ticket to see Ben Gleib from “Chelsea Lately” perform after the throwdown at House of Comedy. This event is open to mac and cheese lovers 21-years of age and older only and tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis at http:// girlmeetsfork.com/events/mac-cheese-throwdown-2014.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Mac & Cheese Throwdown 2014

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DISCOVER AZ WINES

BY PEGGY FIANDACA Owner, Lawrence Dunham Vineyards President, AZ Wine Growers Association

Everyone entertains at the holidays. Holidays are meant to be spent enjoying your family and friends not breaking out in hives from stress. For most people, a holiday may be the only time they will entertain during the year.

The key to holiday entertaining is preparation. Having a plan in place will reduce the stress tremendously.

So decide early which holidays you will host and begin planning early. It is not like you don’t know what day of the year the holiday falls on well in advance.

Read the rest of Peggy’s column online at news.CITYSunTimes.com.

Originally from Wyoming but an Arizona resident for over 20 years, Christopher Costantino has always had a passion for food since learning family recipes as a child.

After his move to Arizona and a successful sales and management career, Costantino left corporate America to pursue his culinary dreams full-time and in 2011 opened Costantino’s Kitchen, a product line of Italian pasta sauces, infused garlic oils, hot sauces, home-style soups and herb and spice blends.

Featuring his Grandma Angie’s famous tomato basil recipe, and other Costantino family recipes dating back five generations to Italy, Costantino’s Kitchen has grown from online sales to now also being available in AJ’s and Sprouts statewide and various Whole Foods throughout the greater Phoenix area.

The chef recently released two new flavors to its line of pasta sauces, Crimini Mushroom with Roasted Garlic and Artichoke with Sun Dried Tomatoes.

“While my Grandma Angie’s Tomato Basil sauce is a crowd pleaser, there are so many other sauce recipes our family has used over the generations,” says chef/owner Christopher Costantino.

The savory crimini mushroom sauce features a blend of San Marzano style tomatoes with fresh and roasted garlic, earthy crimini mushrooms and porcini mushroom powder to provide an extra boost of “umami.” Whereas the Artichoke with Sun Dried Tomatoes offers an almost sweet vegetable flavor with a blend of San Marzano style tomatoes with fresh garlic, artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomatoes.

For information, visit www.costantinoskitchen.com.

Go online now for more on chef Costantino – including his recipe for Classic Lasagna.

Visit news.CITYSunTimes.com.

New Healing Services Provide Holiday Stress Relief

HEALTH BUZZ

Abrazo Health’s Arrowhead, Maryvale, Paradise Valley (in the Northeast Valley) hospitals received top grades in The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2014 Safety Score, representing the hospitals’ continued commitment to delivering safe, high-quality healthcare services. The Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Score is a rating system designed to give consumers information they can use to make healthcare decisions for themselves or a loved one.

Paradise Valley hospital is located at 3929 East Bell Road in Phoenix. For more information, call 602.923.5000 or visit www.abrazohealth.com.

Winter Wellness For The Valley’s Vulnerable When nighttime temperatures drop and days cool down, many of the community’s homeless end up on the streets without blankets, clothing and other necessities to keep them warm.

The City of Phoenix is asking for donations to help. Blankets, new or used (but clean and freshly laundered), are the highest priority. Clean warm clothing, such as long-sleeve jackets and long pants, sweatshirts and sweatpants, warm hats and gloves, coats, underwear and socks (new only), shoes and hygiene items also are accepted.

The items above also are needed in children’s sizes for families. Additional needs are baby food/formula, diapers and children’s blankets. These are the only items the city will accept. The items will be collected through March.

The program is coordinated by the city’s Human Services Department.

Donated items, which are tax deductible, may be delivered to any of the city’s three Family Services Centers between 8am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday: Travis L. Williams, 4732 South Central Avenue; John F. Long, 3454 North 51st Avenue; and Sunnyslope, 914 West Hatcher Road. The donations will be distributed by local outreach teams.

Children and baby items will be distributed to families at the city’s emergency shelter facility.

Large group or corporate donations can be arranged through the Homeless Programs Coordinator. For more information, contact Kristina Blea at 602.256.4302 or e-mail kristina.blea@ phoenix.gov.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Shopping, entertaining, family – words that often evoke a rush of stress and adrenaline at the mere thought.

Coupled with already hectic day-to-day schedules, the intended joy and peace of the holiday season can become easily diffused and even more easily forgotten.

Magnified pressures as the year races to a close can cause many people to desire bypassing the holiday hoopla altogether and instead opt for a long winter’s nap. As hibernation is not a viable option for the human kind, finding more healthy and effective ways to find a sense of peace amidst the chaos is not only a priority, but an achievable reality, according to Mindfulness Life Center.

A Mindfulness Life Center is home to several practitioners with specialties in the healing arts. These modalities cover a wide range of practices – from energy work, sound healing and aromatherapy to holistic nutrition and life coaching. While many have experienced the transformational effects firsthand, an even greater number have yet to understand the significant and often fastacting benefits that can come about from these stress-reducing practices.

To schedule a consultation, book an appointment or learn more about these services and practitioners, visit www.amindfulnesslifecenter.com or call 480.207.6016.

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480.922.8732 advertise@CITYSunTimes.com

www.CITYSunTimes.com

12.14

Dec. 5-20

AROUND TOWN

12 Days of Christmas Brelby Theatre Company www.brelby.com

Dec. 6-21

Frances Smith Cohen’s Snow Queen Herberger Theater Center www.herbergertheater.org; 602.252.8497

Thru Dec. 14

On Golden Pond Theatre Artists Studio www.thestudiophx.org; 602.765.0120

Dec. 7

Brad Mehldau Trio Musical Instrument Museum

Thru Jan. 10

Dec. 5-21

Glendale Glitters

A Christmas Carol: The Musical

Dec. 7

Historic Downtown Glendale www.glendaleaz.com/events

Fountain Hills Theater www.fhtaz.org; 480.837.9661, x3

The Scottsdale Philharmonic Concert Two

Dec. 2-7

Dec. 5-23

Harvey

Pippin

A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

www.desertstages.org; 480.483.1664

ASU Gammage Theater www.asugammage.com; 480.965.3434

Valley Youth Theatre VYT.com; 602.253.8188, x2

Thru Jan. 11

National Touring Production of Pippin.

Photo: Terry Shapira

Dec. 1

ASU Concerts at the Center: Big Band Night

Serving the Community Since 2002

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts www.scottsdaleperformingarts.org; 480.499.8587

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Dec. 2

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel: The Miracle of Mozart!

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Dec. 4

Dec. 6

Coyotes vs. Kings C

Coyotes vs. Bruins

Jobing.com Arena www.ticketmaster.com ww

Jobing.com Arena

Pinnacle Prebyterian Church www.pinnacleconcerts.com Dec. 7

Dec. 6

Grand Canyon Nutcracker

28th Annual APS Electric Light Parade

The Great Arizona Puppet Theatre www.azpuppets.org; 602.262.2050

Downtown Phoenix www.phoenix.gov; 602.534.3378

Dec. 4-28

Dec. 7

Pinnacle Concert Series Celebration of Christmas

Philip Phillips Celebrity Theatre www.celebritytheatre.com Dec. 8-9

An Irish Christmas in America Dec. 5

Dec. 6

Dakhabrakha

Dmitri Matheny’s The SnowCat

Musical Instrument Museum www.mim.org; 480.478.6000

Dec. 2-3

Elf the Musical

Dec. 5-7

Mesa Arts Center www.mesaartscenter.com; 480.644.6500

46th Annual Fall Festival of the Arts Mill Avenue District www.tempefestivalofthearts.com; 480.967.4877

Kerr Cultural Center www.asukerr.com; 480.596.2660 Dec. 6

ARTrageous Benefit Gala with Pink Martini

Musical Instrument Museum Dec. 9

Melissa Etheridge with Alexander Cardinale Mesa Arts Center Dec. 10

Pedrito Martinez Group featuring Ariacne Trujillo

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Musical Instrument Museum

Disengage

Dec. 6-7

Fleetwood Mac

Rising Youth Theatre www.risingyouththeatre.org

Musical Instrument Museum

Dec. 5-14

Experience Norway

Dec. 10 US Airways Center www.usairwayscenter.com

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Dec. 11

Tower of Power Musical Instrument Museum Dec. 11

Coyotes vs. Predators Jobing.com Arena

Dec. 20

An Irish Christmas

Dec. 12

Mesa Arts Center

Angel Romero featuring The Aeolus Quartet

Dec. 27

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Coyotes VS. Ducks Jobing.com Arena

Dec. 13

Coyotes vs. Wild Jobing.com Arena Dec. 13

Dec. 27

44th Annual Fiesta Bowl Parade Central Phoenix www.fiestabowl.org; 480.350.0911

Meteor Mania with the Gemenids

Scottsdale Arts District www.scottsdalegalleries.com; 480.990.3939 Dec. 29

Coyotes vs. Flyers Jobing.com Arena Dec. 31 Dec. 13-14

Mesa Arts Festival Mesa Arts Center

44th Annual Fiesta Bowl Football Classic University of Phoenix Stadium www.fiestabowl.org; 480.350.0911

Dec. 16

Coyotes vs. Oilers

The Christmas season comes alive with annual Pinnacle Presbyterian Church holiday concert series. With a mixture of bells, brass, strings and voices, “Celebration of Christmas” creates a festive occasion that is the perfect way to herald the season.

Join the Pinnacle Chancel Choir, Pinnacle Pealers and special instrumental guests for a memorable and inspirational holiday experience. “Celebration of Christmas” will be presented at 4pm and 7pm Sunday, December 7. Tickets to the event are free, however, a donation is requested to further the fine arts program of Pinnacle Presbyterian Church, 25150 North Pima Road, Scottsdale.

The acclaimed and popular “Hallelujah” chorus highlights the classical favorite, Handel’s Messiah, December 14 at 3pm. Music Director Tito Muñoz and Phoenix Symphony return to present the full-length version of Messiah, joined by the Phoenix Symphony Chorus and soloists. General admission tickets are $49.

Information and tickets for both events are available online at www.pinnacleconcerts.com.

Serving the Community Since 2002

Kitt Peak www.noao.edu/outreach/kpvc/ classes

Dec. 27

17th Annual Fiesta Bowl ArtWalk – “ArtWalk the Line”

Holiday Magic At Pinnacle Concert Series

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Dec. 19

A Merri-Achi Christmas

Jobing.com Arena

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Dec. 16-21

Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold Dec. 31 – Jan. 3

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

The Producers Scottsdale Musical Theater www.scottsdalemusical theater.com

Dec. 17

David Koz & Friends Christmas Tour

Dec. 31 – Jan. 18

Mesa Arts Center

Murder For Two

Dec. 19

Mythbusters: Behind the Myths Tour Mesa Arts Center

at

Arizona Theatre Company Herberger Theater Center www.arizonatheatre.org; 602.256.699

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Serving the Community Since 2002

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CITYSunTimes had an amazing time at the Arizona Wine Growers Festival at The Farm at South Mountain, November 15, and so did our ticket winners...

SHOW US YOUR WINNING SMILE! < Pictured: Carrie Ragsdale and Dafina Hearn. Ragsdale says, “We had a fabulous time and bought some delicious wine. Thank you CITYSunTimes! We had an amazing time and can’t wait until next year.” > Kim and Woody Howard of Cave Creek

NOVEMBER WINNERS...

• Tickets to Valley Youth Theatre’s production of A Winnie the pooh Christmas Tail: Jennie Valentin of Scottsdale • Tickets to Dmitri Matheny – The Snow Cat (Family Matinee) at ASU Kerr Cultural Center: Donna Ropp of Scottsdale • Tickets to Desert Foothills Theatre’s production of Hair Spray: Kathleen Garast of Scottsdale • Tickets to see Arizona Coyotes take on the Minnesota Wild: Ann Rosenberg of Scottsdale • Tickets to see the Arizona Coyotes take on the Anaheim Ducks: Hiroko Gattrell of Cave Creek

Congratulations to you all!

DECEMBER CONTEST TICKET GIVEAWAY

Celebrate The Holidays With These Great Giveaways! ❑ A pair of tickets to dinner and a show at Arizona Broadway Theatre to see The King and I, running January 9 – February 15 ❑ Two pairs of tickets to ASU Kerr Cultural Center to see Bettman & Halpin, January 23 ❑ A Family Four Pack to the 27th Annual Renaissance Festival, February 7 – March 29 ❑ A pair of tickets to see Valley Youth Theatre’s production of Emperor’s New Clothes, running February 6-14 ❑ A pair of tickets to see the Arizona Coyotes play the Calgary Flames, January 15 ❑ A pair of tickets to see the Arizona Coyotes play the Detroit Red Wings, February 7

Choose Your Fun And Enter To Win! Enter online at http://news.CITYSunTimes.com/contests or complete the short survey form, indicate which event you would like to attend and mail to CITYSunTimes, 10645 North Tatum Boulevard, Suite 200-413, Phoenix AZ 85028. Deadline to receive submissions is December 15.

Do you receive CST at [

] your home or [

] pick up on newsstand?

Who is the primary reader of CST in your home? ____________________________ Do you have children? [ ] Y or [ ] N

Pets?

[ ] Y or [

]N

What kind of advertising do you look for in newspapers? __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Name ____________________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________

Phone Number ________________________________________________________ E-Mail _______________________________________________________________

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Serving the Community Since 2002

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CITYVIEWS

Serving the Community Since 2002

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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Dear Patrons, For the past year, I have been Publisher of the CITYSunTimes and I can’t express the appreciation of the warmth I received from my staff, past and present advertisers and, most of all, the readers. It has been an amazing experience to be surrounded by such wonderful people. It has truly been a rewarding and memorable year!

I want to take this opportunity to thank our readers, who have patronized our advertisers.

We value you, our advertisers, who have believed in us to drive business to your business. Without your support we would not be able to provide this wonderful publication to you each month!

On behalf of all of us at CITYSunTimes, please have a healthy and happy holiday season. At this time, and at all times, we wish you and yours happiness, good health and prosperity in 2015!

Fondly,

Lorrie Pomeroy, Publisher

WHAT OUR READERS SAY I am writing to thank you, CITYSunTimes, and the Arizona Broadway Dinner Theater for the wonderful opportunity to see The Producers. The show was top notch and extremely professional from the acting, to the set design and costuming. I will certainly spread the word about such a fine, professional theater sitting right here in the Valley of the Sun for all to enjoy. ~ Mary Zolkiewicz I received a wonderful e-mail from a reader (Barbara) about Candles of the Desert [November 2014]. She was so touched by the loss of our saguaro, she offered us a replacement one. Now that’s a great reader! ~ Allen Nohre, Soul Connection

12.14

MUSINGS OF A DISTRACTIBLE MIND / BY HOPE H. OZER How proud to be me!

Obnoxious? Perhaps. Braggartly? Maybe.

Truthful? Most certainly.

I’ve just returned from yet another trip to New York City. Primarily to fulfill my Glammie role to babysit for my “I’m not a baby anymore, Glammie!” Oakley. Oh, what a “trip” it was. In more than one sense of the word!

If I were to ask you, “What do Emma Stone (making her Broadway debut as Sally Bowles in Cabaret opposite Alan Cumming), Charity Angel Dawson (making her Broadway debut as the Fortune Teller in the musical Side Show) and Max Crumm (in the lead role of the Off-Broadway production of The Fantasticks) have in common?”

What would you say?

Probably, “Huh?” Well, being the kind soul that I am, I am herewith providing the answer for you: They all “grew up” in Valley Youth Theatre. And – drum roll please – I was there to see the fruits of my/our labor come to fruition on the stage!

In its infancy, when yours truly established the VYT board of directors, who would have thought that this fledgling theatre company would someday have such a positive influence on so many. That this arts organization dedicated to youth development would grow to be so impactful. That it would provide exceptional opportunities for thousands of children over its 26 years. That it would inspire a professional work ethic that prepares them for careers both in and out of the arts – for whatever road they choose to follow.

Now you know why I’m so proud to be me!

This is not boasting. This is fact! VYT was just named “Best Star-Making Machine” by The Arizona Republic.

In my serendipitous life I fall upon opportunities that lead me to explore and create – to follow my instincts. Thus, “Musings of a Distractible Mind.”

I would dearly love to tell you that my path has been one meticulously planned. But that would be a lie. Find a need and fill it. That’s my mantra.

Or, a “need” finds me. And I do likewise.

In 1997 the “need” found me when I was asked to serve on the newly formed Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation Board. For the 17th year (yikes!), I’ve just completed reviewing a myriad of applications for grant money that span a broad cross section of need – from homelessness to indigent healthcare and children’s programs of all types. The services

The writer and Emma Stone at the after party on opening night of Emma’s Broadway debut as Sally Bowles in Cabaret.

needing funding are endless. The resources – though generous – are nonetheless limited.

As 2014 comes to an end – and the pressure of defining one’s New Year’s resolutions creeps into our consciousness (immediately following the hysteria and pressures of the holiday season) don’t consider for a minute that the “Season for Giving” has ended. The “Season for Giving” is a constant. If you are amongst the more fortunate, make a commitment to yourself to do something on-going for your community.

It doesn’t come with a paycheck – but the payback is priceless.

Hope H. Ozer is founder and Publisher Emeritus of CITYSunTimes. Her monthly columns previously written as “Publisher’s Pen” range from personal – some humorous, some poignant – to observations on life, and continue to be one of CST’s most enduring features.

P.S. Valley Youth Theatre is collecting new stuffed animals for Operation Noah, a program initiated in 2004 by then teen Dennis Fries.

Operation Noah delivers the stuffed animals to hospitals, gifting them to pediatric patients and children treated in the emergency rooms.

Donations are welcome at any performance of A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail, running December 5 thru 23.

WE COVER NEWS AND EVENTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY. WE ARE YOUR NEIGHBORS HERE FOR YOU! GET INVOLVED. READ. ADVERTISE. ENTER CONTESTS. WRITE-IN AND TELL US WHAT YOU WANT.

Serving the Community Since 2002

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Serving the Community Since 2002

Celebrate The Holidays And Beyond

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There will be plenty of excitement during the next few months at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel. Cliff Castle is Arizona’s number one Casino 15 years running (Ranking Arizona).

Its “Football Madness” promotion concludes on December 28, with tickets to those two big professional Bowl games played in Phoenix being awarded to a few of the guests. The 20-lane bowling center, Shake, Rattle & Bowl, will also give away tickets to the All-Star contest.

The Casino will end 2014 (and start 2015) with the New Year’s bash to end all New Year’s bashes.

“Champagne & Chandeliers” will feature two parties for twice the fun. One party will feature DJ Point Blank spinning tunes for everyone’s enjoyment.

The other party

features the popular band Priminition at the Dragonfly, preceded by a delicious dinner at the award-winning Storytellers restaurant. There’ll be no time for hangovers, as New Year’s Day starts with a wheel spin cash promotion.

One lucky guest may win the top prize of $100,000. Look for new contests, tournaments and giveaways as Cliff Castle Casino Hotel moves into its 20th year of operation.

2015 will be a big year for entertainment at the Casino. The 2015 Cliff Castle Concert Series starts with The Band Perry on April 25. Look for

other great shows at Stargazer, along with music festivals and events in the Dragonfly, the casino’s popular nightclub. There will be many player promotions and on-floor events to generate guest excitement and to keep Cliff Castle Casino “The Perfect Place to Play” for all.

Cliff Castle Casino is located at 555 West Middle Verde Road in Camp Verde.

For information, call 928.567.7900 or visit www.cliffcastlecasinohotel.com.

Polar Express 2014 Every winter, the entire family can experience the magic of The Polar Express, the classic children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, brought to life by the Grand Canyon Railway’s Polar Express. Passengers will take a journey from the nighttime wilderness of Williams, to the enchanted beauty of “the North Pole” – where Santa Claus and his reindeer are waiting with a keepsake present for every good boy and girl. Adults will be smiling from ear to ear, as they watch children’s faces light up when the train arrives, and enjoy hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies while listening to this timeless story.

The ride lasts a little over an hour, with the train leaving each night at 5:30pm and 7:30pm, as well as select days that feature a 3:30pm matinee departure.

The Polar Express Experience will run through January 3. For reservations, call 888.848.3511.

DESTINATIONS

All Aboard!

Serving the Community Since 2002

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DESTINATIONS

Ready Or Not:

Here Comes 2015!

Here are a number of ways to ring in the New Year around Arizona December 31.

FLAGSTAFF: New Year’s Eve Pinecone Drop – A Flagstaff tradition with a big countdown at 10pm and 12am, giant, LED-lighted pine cone is lowered from the top of the Historic Weatherford Hotel; free; www.flagstaffarizona.org.

GLENDALE: 44th Annual Fiesta

Serving the Community Since 2002

Bowl Football Classic – University of Phoenix Stadium; 6:30pm; 480.350.0911 or www.fiestabowl.org.

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PHOENIX: New Year’s Eve Celebration – Symphony Hall, end the year on a high note and join one guest conductor, Stuart Chafetz as he conducts The Phoenix Symphony; 7:30pm; 602.495.1999 or www.phoenixsymphony.org.

PHOENIX: 25th Annual Midnight Madness Run – Rose Mofford Sports Complex; 480.338.7041 or www.startlineracing.com.

PRESCOTT: 2014 Boot Drop – The Palace Restaurant & Saloon. A six-foot illuminated cowboy boot will be lowered down a 40-foot flagpole to ring in the New Year; 8pm-1am.

A DJ will spin tunes, food vendors will be on hand; 928.776.0234 or www.bootdrop.net.

SHOW LOW: Deuce of Clubs Drop – Festival Marketplace.

Entertainment, music and food and countdown to midnight, drop of a giant electrified Deuce of Clubs from a crane, giant fireworks show follows, 11pm-12am; 928.532.4140.

TEMPE: 31st Annual Circle K New Year’s Eve Block Party on Mill Avenue – High-energy video dance clubs create a party like never seen before. Enjoy local entertainment and attractions, a family fun zone (with an early fireworks show at 10pm), gourmet food trucks, beer gardens and a midnight countdown consisting of a shimmering firework display and confetti blast; free; 6pm; 480.355.6060 or www.blockpartyonmill.com.

Serving the Community Since 2002

The Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to visit its western community for the 26th Annual Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering December 5-6. The special heritage event will feature cowboy poets and entertainers including Mary Kaye, Mike Beck, Amy Hale Auker, Ross Knox and Chris Isaacs.

The Cowboy Reception is Friday, December 5 and includes beer or wine and appetizers at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, located at 21 North Frontier Street. Several of the featured cowboy poets and entertainers will be performing to give guests a small taste of what will be featured at the Saturday night show. Limited tickets are available for the reception; $10 per person advance or $20 at the door; 6-7:30pm. Doors open 15 minutes prior.

Most of the action will take place on Saturday, starting with a cowboy Dutch-oven biscuits ‘n’ gravy and cowboy coffee from 7-9am ($5 donation) in the north side parking area of the Wickenburg Community Center, 160 North Valentine Street in the historic district of Downtown Wickenburg. A line-up of invited cowboy poets will take place inside the community center from 9am-12pm and 1:30 -3:30pm. Admission is free for the day sessions. The featured cowboy poet’s performance is scheduled on Saturday night at 7pm at the Wickenburg Community Center. Admission is $25.

Tickets are available through the Chamber website at www.wickenburg chamber.com. For additional information, call 928.684.5479.

DESTINATIONS

26th Annual Cowboy Christmas Poetry Gathering

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BLACK CANYON CITY

Bazaar & Craft Fair To Be Held St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Black Canyon City will host a Bazaar & Craft Fair Saturday, December 6, from 10am-2pm. Guests will enjoy games, crafts, a cake walk, raffle and lots of food. Residents and the surrounding community is invited to join the fun.

The church is located at 34621 Old Black Canyon Highway. For more information, call 623.374.5392.

Student Gives Back To Community

Serving the Community Since 2002

By Karen Brewer

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A few months ago, the school had a reading program competition. The winner in each grade received a bike. The winner in the eighth grade, Jackie Hernandez, asked the school secretary how she could give her bike back to the community to help another child. Well it happens that the secretary, Paula Albin, is a Lion in the Bi-Centennial Club in Black Canyon City, and she explained the Christmas Angel Tree program the Lions does each year. So Jackie decided to donate her bike to the Angel Tree so a needy child will have a great Christmas.

Lion Paula called Lion President Karen who made an award certificate and went to the school to give it to Jackie and pick up the bike. It is so nice to find young people that has such a wonderful attitude toward their community. Now it is getting close to Christmas, the Bi-Centennial Lions Angel Tree is going up and soon some little girl or boy will get a new bike under their tree thanks to Jackie Hernandez and the Lions Club.

Learn more about the Bi-Centennial Lions Club at www.e-clubhouse.org/ sites/blackcanyon.

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Mailed extensively to homes, plus free pick-up at over er 300 businesses, res and libraries. restaurants, retail stores

Serving the Community Since 2002

CITYSERVICES

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FOUNTAIN HILLS

66 CST reaches 80,000 affluent readers in North Phoenix, Scottsdale, the Town of Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, Carefree, New River, Black Canyon City and Anthem.

Serving the community for over a decade. CST is welcomed into more North Valley homes than any other paper. Period.

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Reserve your space today!

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NOW GO...GET MORE! Get more on each columnist at news.CITYSunTimes.com.

PASTOR PAUL WITKOP

Light of the Desert Lutheran Church

Christmas Means Life Together Our family dynamics have changed radically in the last three years. Two of our three children are now living in college dormitories. The youngest, who is still at home, answers all of our many questions with one word answers.

Our house has become much quieter. We remember fondly the commotion that used to be our home life, the complications of car seats and even refereeing of daily of the regular “he touched me” battles. Looking back, we actually miss the chaos because it was life together. Times together now are fewer and we celebrate them. Life together is what real life is all about.

JAMES ROBERTS Phoenix

Only Santa Gets A “Peak Beard” Pass

A Few Of Your Favorite Things Our final winning shot of 2014 was submitted by Ken Greshowak of Cave Creek, visiting from Duluth. He says, “We drove out the Carefree Highway to watch the hot air balloons.

Standing outside the car we heard a steady roar approaching, louder and louder, suddenly 40 burros appear in a cloud of dust. They were as startled as we were.”

This year’s contest was all about your favorites – whether a person, place or thing. Go online now and help us choose the winning photo, which will be on the cover of the January 2015 issue.

Keep a look out for all of the details of our 2015 Photo Contest.

WELCOME NEW ADVERTISERS

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David Jewelers

•

Desert Foothills Theater

• Bridget Brennan

•

Desert Title Service

• Cobblestone Auto Spa

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Flat Tire Bike Shop

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Foothills Community Foundation

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Foothills Food Bank

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Heart & Soul Café

• Dentistry at Westland

MELANIE TIGHE

Phoenix Book Enthusiast

Dog Eared Review This month, Melanie reviews Titanium Texicans by local author Alan Black, which is a sci-fi adventure that begins when young Tasso’s grandfather dies, leaving him all alone on a dangerous and desolate planet. Read the full review online now.

• Elegant Affairs • Fluid Factor • Manship Builders

Thank you for patronizing our advertisers and telling them you saw their ad in CITYSunTimes !

•

Heritage at Carefree Senior Living

• ProAGC Auto Glass

•

High Desert Creations, Kathi Turner

• Rebecca Niessink, Allstate Insurance Company

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Jewish Tuition Organization

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Karsten’s Ace Hardware

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Mane Effects by Shirley

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Marquette Books

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Money’s Worth Pool Construction

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Pieh Tool Company, Inc.

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Red Velvet Tailoring

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Rustic Cafe

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S & S Tours

• Scottsdale Bedrooms • Starpoint Marketing • Thomas Custom Jewelers • Travel Destinations, Inc.

BARBARA KAPLAN

Scottsdale Interior Designer

Change Your Decorating Choices, Change Your Life When buying a new home or redecorating an existing home, personal transition is happening. This can be overwhelming, as well as being an exciting time of new beginnings.

Change requires a deeper look at personal needs and wants. Often we have outgrown furniture or accessories we have lived with, but hold on to them without realizing or thinking. It’s an opportunity to honestly assess what pieces are broken, worn out or no longer fit your personality, taste and lifestyle.

WELCOME BACK ADVERTISERS • American Federal Rare Coin & Bullion

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Stool and Dinette Factory

• B&D Gravel

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The Carefree Traveler

• Bags & Rags

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Tumbleweed Hotel

• Big Bronco

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Tyson Wells Enterprises, Inc.

• Black Mountain Coffee Shop

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Upper Crust Pizza

• Bryan’s Black Mountain Barbeque

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Valerie’s

• Carefree Cleaners

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Wild Holly Gallery

• Christ the Lord Lutheran Church

•

Z’s Asian Fusion

• AZ Title & Registrations

Join Us! Stay tuned all month long to see what’s going on in the community.

Serving the Community Since 2002

What is Santa without a beard? That’s like a leprechaun without a green suit. Or a Scottsdale lady without blonde hair and highlights.

All right, all right…as an old Arabian saying goes: “Guys who live in bald houses shouldn’t roust their camels for a caravan raid.”

(We may not have that translated exactly right.)

In case you haven’t heard, the concept of “peak beard” is not unlike “jumping the shark”; that is, it’s the point at which production of something maxes out and starts to decline.

PARTING SHOT

2014 GIVE US YOUR BEST SHOT PHOTO CONTEST

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