VICE MAYOR CRANE WRITES... Carefree – A Pandemic of Kindness
Serving the Community Since 2002
By Vice Mayor John Crane
14
5.20
The adversity of COVID-19 brings out the best in people. We read about it on our electronic news feeds and social media postings and VICE MAYOR hear about it in phone conversations Town of Carefree and face mask cloaked, brief, 6’ 480.488.3686 distant conversations. I’ve heard www.carefree.org it described as a “global pandemic of kindness.” Within our community, like COVID-19, the pandemic of kindness is among us and has demonstrated person-to-person contagion. As illustrated below, it is a reflection of our community, our values and who we are. The Foothills Caring Corps (FCC) reports an influx of volunteers asking, “What can I do to help?” During these stressful times, when some services have been reduced for everyone’s safety, the FCC has initiated once and twice a week telephone reassurance calls, stepped up efforts to make others aware of available services and modified their mobile meals program to assure a delivered meal for every day of the week. With the advent of the virus, the Desert Foothills Foodbank put the word out for help. The Foodbank reports the response in terms of monetary and food donations has been “phenomenal.” Plus, local residents are making 600 face masks. Thanks to the generosity of many residents, the Foodbank is stepping up to the pandemic challenges. When the Carefree Fire Department announced they were experiencing supply backorders on cleaning supplies for the fire station and asked that anyone with enough paper towel rolls assist and drop them outside of the Carefree Fire Station, within two days they were overwhelmed with supplies, snacks, food and donated masks. Bertram Signs & Graphics is offering free banners for Carefree and Cave Creek small business owners to encourage local restaurant take-out service. Bashas’ in the Carefree Marketplace, as well as all Bashas’ stores across Arizona, are now open Wednesdays from 5am to 6am for anyone at least 65 years of age — an opportunity for those who are older and vulnerable to the virus to food shop in a more sanitized, less crowded environment. More examples abound. But long after stay-at-home orders are lifted, COVID-19 will continue to stress our social safety nets, our businesses, government services and our personal lives. We are fortunate to live in a community where neighbors are so committed to helping one another. We should be thankful we live where we do and among such fine people.
Holland Center Hosts Classes Online During Closure While the Foothills Community Foundation’s Holland Community Center temporarily closed its physical doors in April, it has opened opportunities for residents virtually. During the month of May, and into June, the Center will offer classes and programs online that cover a broad range of topics. Here are just a few: May 4: “Summerize” Your Home with Jeff Stack (4–5pm) Even with all the uncertainty in the world today, at some point, many will be leaving their Arizona winter home and traveling back to summer homes. There are a lot of things to take into consideration when leaving a home for months, and Jeff Stack has some valuable tips on this process. He asks the question, “What keeps you awake nights after leaving your home in the desert for the summer? Worried about plumbing leaks ruining your floors? Worried about the AC failing?” This talk will cover the basics to help give residents peace of mind while away. May 8: Travel Talk – David Decker Travel after Covid-19: The best ways to safely ease our way back out there (10:30am–noon) It’s a safe bet that it will be a while before residents go running to jump on cruise ships again. What types of travel will be the most popular right away, and more importantly, which ones will be the safest and best positioned to provide a good experience in this changed world? This session will outline the travel industry’s collective thinking so far on this topic, so participants can be the first to know. May 12: Memoir Writing with Patricia Brooks Write the Memoir You’re Afraid to Write (10–11am) For those who have been thinking about writing a memoir about their life, what better time than now. The last few months have been unprecedented in human history, and a well-written memoir from one’s own point of view, will be a valuable addition to a family history. Brooks will help participants capture the essence of their untold story through her presentation. She will share how to produce a memoir, helping participants face their fears about putting pen to paper. Brooks created the Scottsdale Society of Women Writers and serves as its president.
May 18: Mosaic Stepping Stones with Tamsin Wolff (3–4pm) Wolff has been making mosaic steppingstones for the garden for years now. There is an infinite variety of possibilities and a difference in interpretation for each one. They can be personalized, and that is what makes them special. In addition to steppingstones for the garden, the same techniques can be used to make refrigerator magnets and smaller tiles and coasters. No “art talent” is needed — and supplies are readily available from local home improvement stores. There may even be items around the house that can be used. The mosaics can make great Mother’s Day and Father’s Day gifts. Register at www.azfcf.org for a supply list. May 23: Self-Hypnosis with Michele Guy Syne All Hypnosis is Self-Hypnosis (9am–noon) This is one in a series of monthly sessions being held by Michele Guy Syne, a Certified Hypnotherapist. It is a three-hour course to provide participants with a tool to improve the quality of life in any area they choose. Hypnosis has become popular for weight loss and quitting smoking; however, its uses are limitless. Holland Center Community Center is located at 34250 North 60th Street, Bldg. B, in Scottsdale. For additional information, call 480.488.1090 or register online at www.azfcf.org.
