December 29, 2010 • Vol. 09, No. 7
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Anthem • Black Canyon City • Carefree • Cave Creek • Desert Hills • New River • N. Phoenix • Tramonto
Christmas comes early for New River family MARC BUCKHOUT MANAGING EDITOR
Marc Buckhout/The Foothills Focus
New River resident Heather Turner, left, and her son Carson got the keys for her Habitat for Humanity home in New River on Dec. 22. The home was furnished by Kurt and Brenda Warner’s foundation.
Some Valley residents think fondly of Kurt Warner because of his five season stint from 2005-2009 as the Arizona Cardinals quarterback, a run highlighted by the team’s first trip to the Super Bowl in 2008. Others enjoyed his dancing ability during his run on Dancing with the Stars. For new New River resident Heather Turner and her son Carson, Warner’s impact is much more personal. On Dec. 22 Warner was in New River with his wife Brenda as part of the First Things First Foundation that the couple started. In May Turner, a single mom, raising Carson, who has cerebral palsy, was selected by
Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills to be the recipient of a new home. “I can close my eyes and see Carson running, digging, swinging and exploring our new home, and it makes me feel like the proudest mom ever,” said Turner about her new home located on more than an acre of land off of 27th Ave and New River Road. Potential homeowners must have a need for simple, decent, affordable housing. Their current living space may be too small for their family, or they are paying more than they can afford. The applicant must have the ability to pay for housing, as well as other expenses by showing at least two years of consistent income. The selected applicant
then works in partnership with HFHDF to build and buy his or her own home. Part of the arrangement includes the recipient providing 400 hours of ‘sweat equity’ for a dual parent household, or 200 hours for a single parent family. While Turner thought she was simply on hand for a ceremony to get the keys just days before Christmas she was in for a surprise. After a ceremony outside, which include some words from the Warners as well as Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills executive director Todd Rogers, it was time for a ribbon cutting ceremony and then to head inside the house. One of the programs within First Things First New River habitat house continued on page 7
Peter Pan brings Neverland to Anthem MARC BUCKHOUT MANAGING EDITOR
It will be one of the biggest theater productions to ever take flight in Anthem. In deciding to take on the challenge of Peter Pan Jackie Hammond the founder of Musical Theater of Anthem said many considerations factored into the decision. “Every year we try to do one big show and at some point you think what’s bigger than Peter Pan?” she said. “With this one it’s go big or go home.” With a cast of nearly 100, ProMusica lending its talents
Inside:
with a 17-piece orchestra and three dynamic lead characters Hammond thinks she’s got a combination that will have theater fans clamoring to Boulder Creek High School for the show which will include eight performances from Jan. 14 – 22. “It’s a show not to be missed,” she said. “Not a lot of people do Peter Pan not only because of the length of the show, but because of the special effects. It’s a very entertaining show, one that is appealing to all ages.” The special effects Hammond refers to will be the flying done
by the main characters. A company that specializes in helping theater companies perform flying scenes in their shows will spend the week leading up to opening night giving direction. “They fly somebody in from Kentucky and stay with us for five days,” Hammond said. “They train four flying operators and a flying supervisor while spending five days getting things ready for the show.” Megan Mahoney will be making her third appearance in a production of Peter Pan, but
HISTORY:
MEMORIAL:
SPORTS:
Cave Creek Museum seeks input from area resident
Anthem losses advocate for breast cancer research
Anthem youth lead state team to tourney win in California
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Peter Pan
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Submitted photo
Musical Theater of Anthem will perform Peter Pan Jan. 14-22 at Boulder Creek High School. The run of the show will include eight performances with 3 p.m. matinees and 7 p.m. evening shows. For information or for tickets go to www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org
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