12 minute read
Carefree
VICE MAYOR CRANE WRITES...
Carefree – A Pandemic of Kindness
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VICE MAYOR
Town of Carefree
480.488.3686 www.carefree.org By Vice Mayor John Crane
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 hear about it in phone conversations and face mask cloaked, brief, 6’ distant conversations. I’ve heard 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.
As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has completely reconfigured not only life as we have known it, but also school as we have known it. We know that our families across the nation are adjusting to many situations, including students learning at home whether through virtual school or in some districts, packets of materials dropped off by school buses. For families with younger children, some parents may still be going to work and not able to assist with schoolwork until evenings or weekends; some parents may be working from home and also not able to help with schoolwork until evenings or weekends. Some families are dealing with illness and schoolwork may take a backseat when health is the priority. All families may feel like they are now homeschooling and stress levels for guardians and students alike are high with this new dimension of what school looks like in the 2020 pandemic.
We are also hearing from our educators that they, too, are feeling this stress and anxiety. Many of them have children themselves and are juggling preparing lessons virtually in new formats, connecting with all of their students and then also trying to guide their own children through “school at home” with school days that then seem to never end. In our “new normal,” we all need to take a breath and realize that we are all doing the best we can in this crisis. That may look different for every household depending on their own situations. Things to remember are: • Family health is paramount.
Keep everyone in your household protected and supported, including yourself. Many have used the analogy of the putting on the oxygen mask on a plane first — then helping others. The same goes here. Keep yourself well and calm as best as you can and then help your children. • Pay attention to stress that your child exhibits with school lessons and expectations. When a student hits the frustration point, it is time to take a break. Take a walk with your student, have them eat a snack, do some yoga together — but don’t keep working on lessons when your student becomes stressed and perhaps you do as well. It is okay to take a break. Our teachers are masters at noticing the signs of student frustrations and then switching gears, picking up with what has become frustrating later in the day or the next day.
Superintendent Cave Creek Unified School District DR. DEBBI BURDICK
• We have heard from families where parents are working out of the home or in the home, that they cannot assist their students during the “school day.” Again, this is where educators understand that parents and guardians need flexibility that fits their own family situation. Let your teachers or principals know if your household needs an alternative scenario and let them know when you can assist with schoolwork. It may be that the weekend is the time that you are able to assist with work assigned during the week. • Finally, although I advocate for flexibility as we move forward, I also know that trying to develop some type of a consistent schedule for “school” at home with your learners may help to keep things moving along and less difficult for guardians and students. Find a place in your home for your student that is conducive to “school” with a place to write, good lighting and a comfortable chair. Who knows, you may get the teaching bug and re-career!
To contact Dr. Burdick, call 480.575.2000. For more information on the Cave Creek Unified School District, visit www.ccusd93.org.
SOUL CONNECTION
It Felt Like a Bubble
By Allen Nohre
The months of January and February 2020 in Carefree/ Cave Creek were even busier during what is always a bustling time of the year. There seemed to be more winter visitors joining us, filling the restaurants, bars and saloons. People were strolling up and down the gravel sidewalks along Cave Creek Road, some so happy they were holding hands, enjoying a reprieve from the less pleasant weather back home.
In addition, the economy was booming with exciting developments like the construction of the Sprouts shopping market, the Carefree Hampton Inn, and several housing developments. And, the stock market continued adding funds to retirement plans, giving us a feeling of security.
As I was enjoying all of the positive activity at the beginning of the new year, I had a very faint thought: this is a bubble. But I didn’t verbalize my uneasy feeling and dismissed it. Of course, I am not prescient, or Morgan Stanley would have me on a retainer.
And then, BOOM! It all ended, caused by something we can’t even see. Only scientists with microscopes have seen the virus that causes the disease known as COVID-19. To paraphrase FDR, it is: “A name that will live in infamy.”
Calamities happen unexpectedly and quickly. Many are local. This one is global. We now know, if we didn’t before, that we are inevitably connected in negative and positive ways to every nation and all people. The virus teaches us we are dependent on each other and the next breath we plan to take is infinitely precious.
As I think about the coming days and weeks ahead, I believe we will get through this with the help of medical scientists, those professionals who, 65 years ago, put the kibosh on the frightening and devastating polio epidemic of my childhood. Writer
ALLEN NOHRE
“A Soul from Minnesota,” by Allen Nohre, a collection of CITYSunTimes essays, is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Allen can be reached at anohre@cox.net.
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Due to COVID-19 and our concern for our customers, we closed as of March 27, but hope to reopen May 1.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Determan to Retire After
Fifteen Years of Service Caring Corps launches executive search
The Foothills Caring Corps last month announced the launch of a new executive search after longtime executive director Debbra Determan announced her intent to retire.
The Carefree based volunteerdriven nonprofit organization is dedicated to promoting independence and enhancing the quality of life for older residents in the Northeast Valley. The agency provides a variety of invaluable services including medical and van transportation, friendly visits, mobile meals, shopping assistance and more for residents.
Determan has seen the agency through many stages of growth including the establishment of the organization’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation in 2009. The organization began in 1999 after Canon Steven Dart of Christ Anglican Church teamed up with Gail Simmons who became the organization’s first executive director.
According to Paul Dale, president of the Foothills Caring Corps board of directors, the executive search will be a thoughtful one, reflecting the values and mission of the nonprofit.
“The demand for services continues to increase as our population grows and ages. We are dedicated to meeting that need,” he said.
During Determan’s tenure, the agency has expanded from a small nonprofit group with temporary office space, staffed by part time volunteers, to a well renowned agency with more than 500 volunteers and 12 full time staffers.
“I have enjoyed serving the Caring Corps. To be able to make an impact on so many Neighbors, and to do so with such outstanding and generous donors, volunteers and our dedicated staff, has made the journey a rewarding one. I am now looking forward to passing the baton,” Determan said.
For details, visit www.foothillscaring corps.com, or call 480.488.1105.
