The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 5.26.2021 by Times Media Group

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This Week

BUSINESS .........18

Daisy Mountian Veterinary Hospital: ‘Your other family doctor’

he recent �ire activity and dry conditions across the state have prompted �ire of�icials to implement Stage I Fire Restrictions across most of central and western Arizona. Some jurisdictions have also implemented �irearm restrictions as well. According to Tonto National Forest Fire Management Of�icer, Taiga Rohrer, the Maverick Fire that started May 8 in the Mesa Ranger District was one of six human-caused wild�ire starts in the forest

YOUTH .............20

OPINION ......................8 BUSINESS ................. 16 YOUTH ...................... 20 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 21 2

Congratulations Class of 2021!

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

this month. “With extreme drought, ‘very high’ to ‘extreme �ire danger,’ no rain forecasted in the near future and rising temperatures, we’re anticipating an active wild�ire season,” Rohrer said. “These �ire restrictions will protect human life, property and our natural resources.” On May 14, the Bureau of Land Management, Phoenix and Colorado River districts, the Prescott National Forest, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, the Tonto National Forest and the Tonto National Monument implemented �ire restrictions that prohibit camp�ires and smoking.

The restrictions speci�ically forbid “building, maintaining, attending, or using a �ire, camp�ire, charcoal, coal or wood stove �ire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site.” It also bans smoking except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Developed recreation sites are de�ined by the Tonto National Forest as campgrounds and picnic areas that are maintained and administered by the Forest Service shown on current visitor maps and are equipped with permanent �ire structures such as metal or concrete. The BLM Fire District, BLM Colorado Riv-

ment partnered with the ASU School of Community Resources and Development Watts College of Public Service and Community on an economic impact study. “The county conducts visitor surveys to better understand how we are performing, and what our visitors do with their time and money in our community,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Sellers, District 1. “This partnership with ASU enabled us to take a deeper look inside the data and quantify the value of this precious asset.” The team from ASU analyzed data from the 2018-2019 Maricopa County Park Vis-

itor Survey. They calculated the overall economic impact of the parks, facilities and services. “I was excited to learn how much bene�it nearby cities and towns receive from the presence of our large county parks. We are talking about millions of dollars in economic impact,” said Supervisor Clint Hickman, District 4. “And not surprisingly, that impact didn’t stop at the county line. Yavapai and Pinal counties bene�it as well.” The following parks were included

�� FORESTRY �� 4

The economic impact of Maricopa County’s open space park system

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Kiwanis Club of Carefree awards scholarships

State Forestry implements statewide �ire ban BY TARA ALATORRE Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

GRADS .............11

Zone

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

PAGE

hanks to the pandemic, communities are relying on their local parks and recreation departments for outdoor recreation, health and wellness, and safe open spaces. Well-run parks systems support the local economy. Maricopa County oversees more than 120,000 acres of open spaces and 11 regional parks that see visitors from around the world seeking outdoor opportunities. To gain a better understanding of the economic impact of our parks, the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Depart-

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�� CITY COUNCIL �� 5

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NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt Associate Publisher: Eric Twohey | 480-898-5634 | erict@thefoothillsfocus.com ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 623-465-5808 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@thefoothillsfocus.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: Pablo Robles | probles@timespublications.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Proud member of :

The Foothills Focus is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

FORESTRY �� 1

er District, Prescott National Forest and the Tonto National Forest said they will prohibit discharging a �irearm, air ri�le or gas gun, except while engaged in a lawful hunt. “Fireworks and exploding targets are never allowed on federal and state lands. Target shooting is prohibited year-round on state lands,” stated a press release from DFFM. “Violation of restrictions is punishable by �ine, imprisonment or both. Violators may also be held personally responsible for reimbursement of �ire suppression costs.” The restrictions will be in effect until rescinded. Although fires are banned, pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters that have shut-off devices are allowed. However, recreationists should make sure the stove is stable and the area is clear of dried vegetation and other fine fuels to avoid starting a fire. As people prepare for summer travels

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The map shows the areas under Stage I Fire Restrictions in Arizona as of the morning of May 14. It bans fires, smoking and discharging a firearm in some jurisdictions. (Map courtesy of DFFM) and camping, �ire of�icials remind them to practice Leave No Trace Principles and to be vigilant in practicing �ire safety. “Cigarettes should never be thrown out the window of a vehicle,” DFFM said. “Never park a vehicle over dead grass as the catalytic converter can ignite the vegetation.” In collaboration with these agencies, the Arizona Emergency Information Network started its �ire safety outreach for recreationists. It emphasized these prevention measures, tightening towing chains and straps so they don’t drag, for OHV operators to stay on trails, and for motorists to pull over in areas without vegetation.

“As Valley temperatures increase, people are headed to public lands north of Phoenix this weekend,” the network stated in a press release. “Incident officials are asking that motorists drive slowly and stay out of the fire closure areas.” Visitors should check with the respective jurisdictions they plan on visiting for the most up-to-date information about localized �ire conditions, closures and restrictions. Tribal, federal, state and local mandates vary in their restrictions and it is best to contact the nearest land management agency of�ice, or visit wildland�ire.az.gov for more information.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

CITY COUNCIL �� 1

Top industries that bene�ited the most from visitor spending, in terms of value-added impact, were museums, historical sites, zoos and parks, lodging, and food and beverage retail stores.

in the survey: Cave Creek Regional Park, Estrella Mountain Regional Park, Lake Pleasant Regional Park, McDowell Mountain Regional Park, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, Usery Mountain Regional Park and White Tank Mountain Regional Park. Here are a few of the key highlights identi�ied by the study:

Impact of park concessionaires Maricopa County Parks is home to numerous small and medium-sized businesses or concessionaires. These concessionaires provide additional recreation opportunities and visitor services within the parks that enhance the visitor experience. In return, the concessionaires contribute to central Arizona’s economy. A total of 557 full- or part-time jobs were generated in the region by concessionaires operating in the county parks. This resulted in: • $25.11 million in direct revenue earned • $51.57 million revenue output generated • $30.41 million in gross regional product • $21.38 million total labor income

Impact of visitor spending In 2019, the eight parks included in the study welcomed 1.67 million recreation visitors. These park visitors spent approximately $93.36 million in local gateway regions. The impact of total visitor spending has resulted in: • $56.99 million in gross regional product • $36.64 million in labor income • 796 full- or part-time jobs • $7.68 million in federal tax contributions • $5.17 million in state/local tax contributions

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• $4.67 million in federal tax contributions • $3.31 million in state tax contributions “While reviewing the data, it is worth noting that the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department receives less than 10% of their operating budget from the county’s general fund. The overwhelming majority of our operating revenue is generated from concessionaire revenue sharing, entrance and camping fees and events,” said R.J. Cardin, director for the Parks and Recreation Department. “Over the past 10 years, the county has made signi�icant improvements to the county’s regional parks including the completion of Phase One of the 315-mile Maricopa Trail system,” added Supervisor Bill Gates, District 3. “These are not only important investments in our quality of life, but as this study shows, they are an important regional economic driver.” Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2, said he’s excited to see the data supports the county’s investment in the

regional park system. “It also shows why we should continue to plan for open space and maintain it for future generations,” Chucri said. “The parks department is working on the Vision 2030 Plan, which builds on the previous master plan and outlines a vision for the next 20 to 50 years. I would like to encourage those interested in the protection of natural and cultural resources to get involved with the project.” Details on the department’s Vision 2030 plan or the complete economic impact study, can be found at maricopacountyparks.net.

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NEWS

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

Cave Creek wins national budget award BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF WRITER

he town of Cave Creek received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The award reflects the commitment of the town of Cave Creek and

its staff meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the budget award, the town had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as: • a policy document

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• a financial plan • an operations guide • a communications device Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and in the 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. When a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is granted to an entity, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individuals or depart-

The Foothills Focus Online at www.TheFoothillsFocus.com

ment designated as being primarily responsible for having achieved the award. In Cave Creek’s case, it was presented to finance department. There are more than 1,600 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFONs website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America. Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 20,500 members and the communities they serve.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

Remote appearances for evictions become permanent BY JUDGE GERALD A. WILLIAMS North Valley Justice of the Peace

ven though our front doors have largely remained closed, courts have remained open. Many, if not most, appearances are being done either over the phone or by a video link. In Maricopa County, residential eviction actions have largely been conducted in a conference call format. Gov. Doug Ducey recently signed Senate Bill 1322 into law. It creates a new statute, A.R.S. § 22-206, that authorizes landlords, tenants, attorneys and witnesses to appear at the first court date for a residential eviction action “by using a telephone or video conference connection.” To participate remotely rather than in person, advance written notice to the court is required. The new law does not de�ine either the format or deadline for that notice, but there will likely be a court rule to clarify those issues. My best guess is that sending an e-mail to the court will ful�ill the notice requirement. If the case is set for a trial, the judge has the option of requiring everyone to appear in person. Courts in Maricopa County are moving toward an online platform called Court Connect. It is somewhat similar to Microsoft Teams. It allows all participants to see each other and to share documents and exhibits. There are obviously advantages

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and disadvantages to appearing remotely. Nothing is as good as having everyone in the same room. However, remote appearances increase access to justice because they can solve transportation problems and allow people to take less time off work. Prior to COVID-19, I conducted garnishment hearings, default hearings and civil pretrial conferences by telephone because our courthouse is often nowhere near the people who need to access it. (Yes, the courthouse for Anthem and for Desert Hills is actually in Surprise.) While I look forward to seeing people in the courtroom again on a regular basis, all judges will soon have the additional option of conducting cases remotely. Maybe participating in the equivalent of a Zoom call for your traffic ticket is not how you envisioned your day in court; but it is nice to have that option. Judge Gerald A. Williams is the justice of the peace for the North Valley Justice Court. The court’s jurisdiction includes parts of Anthem, Desert Hills, Glendale and Phoenix.

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Don’t be shocked if you see pointy objects BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

ave you had trouble trying to open anything lately? Hmm, I thought so. Armed with sharp knives, scissors and other assorted pointy (and potentially lethal) objects, I am ready to rumble with any packaged item that comes my way. Yet, I usually have to ask for the assistance of my husband, Doug. From opening bottles of iced tea to a new container of yogurt, the consumer better be physically fit to get through the tight layers of plastic, cemented bottle tops,

steel-like cardboard and other major obstacles. Why is everything so difficult? We’ve all heard the stories about the elderly people who can no longer open up their pill bottles because of the manufacturer’s “baby-proofing.” Let’s see, a drug designed for arthritic hands requires a vice to open. What’s wrong with this picture? I don’t have arthritis, but I cannot open a bottle of over-the counter aspirin! Even if I could get the dang pill bottle open, sometimes twisting off the top of bottled water takes Herculean strength. Why bother? A few physicians in Phoenix claim that elderly patients often don’t take their meds

correctly because the hassle of getting things open is just too hard. One 80-year-old man told his doctor, “it would take a bodybuilder to open my heart medication bottle.” How is it that the average person cannot muster the strength to open a jar of food or a pill bottle? Maybe we should resort to sledgehammers to smash the little, mean bottles. Clearly, our safety-minded packaging has gone too far! The other day I tried to rip open a package of cheese where it says, “Tear here.” Oh yeah, that’s a big, fat lie. Anytime you see those two little words — “tear here” — you might as well run for your scissors.

I have a daughter with a disability and her struggles are real. If you have a slight vision problem (can’t line up those little marks on the child-proof bottle caps) or haven’t been lifting weights lately, day-to-day tasks become almost impossible. Worse, people are inadvertently stabbing themselves when they try to cut those plastic bottle-top rings with sharp knives. Ouch! It’s a bloody mess in the kitchen these days. Who would have guessed that we have to walk around with our toolbelts on just to survive? My most trusted item in the kitchen is the bottle grip-opener, yet most of the time, I still need help. The other day I was fumbling with a mean little olive jar when I decided that without Doug, my life in the kitchen would be useless. (Doug, if you’re reading this, what I meant to say is that my

see BLUHM page 15

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

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OPINION

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

Human beings act on emotion, not science BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

he edict from the Centers for Disease Control came down May 13, catching most of us by surprise. The new guidance: Anyone fully vaccinated against COVID-19 should feel free to do whatever we want indoors or outdoors without wearing a mask or practicing social distancing. After more than a year of face coverings, compulsive hand washing and avoiding tightly packed crowds, the CDC’s announcement felt like liberation, a giant step in the direction of normal. At least to me it did. But maybe I’m strange, because over the next few days I kept catching glimpses of people wearing masks in the oddest places. Like the woman walking her Shih Tzu up my street alone the morning after the CDC relaxed its guidelines — just her and her ragamuffin pup and no one else

around as far as the eye could see. And the guy wearing an Arizona Cardinals mask at a stoplight. In his Honda Accord. With the windows rolled up tight. And the guy on the golf course wearing a mask while playing. Alone. Perhaps those folks were unvaccinated or suffering from compromised immune systems. Or making a fashion statement. I doubt it. What’s more likely is, they’re proof of something reaffirmed by our conduct as a species throughout the pandemic. Human beings suck at science. Incidentally, I include myself in this blanket statement. An embarrassing revelation: Last February, before the pandemic struck Arizona in earnest and long before we faced a mask mandate, I went to eBay and ordered $185 in N95 respirator masks. It was a purchase driven by fear. I was afraid masks might go out of stock. Or life might turn into a reboot of the Dustin Hoffman flick “Outbreak.” The key word in the above sentence?

VOTE NOW! BESTOF

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Fear. It’s an emotion, and emotions are really what drive us, not intellect, facts or science. If the pandemic hammered home anything for me about human nature, it’s that we make decisions with our hearts. Then our brains ratify what the heart decides. It’s why salesmen insist you test-drive the car before you talk price: so you’ll fall in love with that convertible, then finance it for 108 months at an astronomical interest rate. If mankind truly “listened to the science” — a phrase we’ve heard a few million times over the past 15 months — then McDonald’s wouldn’t sell $35 billion worth of Big Macs, Cokes and fries annually. None of us would stare at a screen for eight hours a day — guilty as charged — nor would any Arizonan leave the house without slathering on sunscreen and hydrating like a porpoise. The truth? We follow the science when it relieves our fears, when it’s ridiculous-

ly convenient, or when it offers us some social cachet. That last point is inescapable when you consider masking habits. For every friend I have who has treated wearing a mask as a sign of weakness or a massive curtailment of freedom by the government, I have another friend who sports the mask to signify their virtue. After a year, I’m not sure which one is more annoying, the “masks are for sheep” badasses or the “I’m wearing a mask because I care about you so much” herd. Me, I chose to follow the science on unmasking, as I did with getting a vaccine. Wearing a mask wasn’t difficult. Maybe masks kept us physically safe, or maybe they merely provided some psychological comfort. Either way, on the day the CDC said vaccinated people didn’t need to wear masks anymore, I took mine off and was glad to be rid of it. The only shame is that a mask was great for hiding my grimace when out in public.

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Congratulations Class of 2021!

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

Ottawa gave him a passion for learning BY SCOTT ALBRIGHT Ottawa University

loyd Daniels lost his job unexpectedly in 2013, when his employer closed its Phoenix office. He was 39, had worked his way up to management level with only a high school education and was now at a crossroads. He realized that education needed to be his priority, so he decided to pursue an associate’s degree in business administration and enrolled in Everest College. Nearly two years later, with only two courses left to complete his degree, Everest filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and closed all its campuses nationwide. “Needless to say, I was devastated and discouraged – I just felt hopeless,” Daniels said “This is when I was introduced to Ottawa University’s Arizona campuses. I remember meeting with an Ottawa admissions representative, who encouraged me by saying: ‘It’s not over. Let me help you complete your degree.’ “I was defeated at the time, thinking maybe I wasn’t meant for school, so that’s exactly what I needed to hear.” Daniels took the information shared with him about Ottawa’s flexible, online adult education offerings, which included an opportunity to finish his two outstanding associate’s degree courses and a transfer opportunity to get his bachelor’s degree from Ottawa. Though he thought of taking a break, he received a call from the admissions department at Ottawa University-Arizona asking if he was ready to finish his education. “Even though I wasn’t yet convinced about my plan of action, something made me say, ‘Yes, let’s do it.’ By the summer of

Ottawa University in Arizona has campuses in Surprise and Phoenix. (Photo courtesy of Ottawa University)

Floyd Daniels lost his job unexpectedly in 2013, when his employer closed its Phoenix office. (Photo courtesy of Ottawa University)

2015, I was enrolled and taking my first class at OUAZ’s Phoenix campus.” Now 41, Daniels was on his way to earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He was also working again fulltime, putting in a minimum 55 hours per week. “There were many times I wanted to quit,” Daniels said. “I figured I made good money, so why did I need to continue? I came to the realization that this was not about the money. It was something I needed to do for myself. Not having a degree and working around many that did make me feel inadequate. This frame of mind really motivated me to push forward.” In 2017, Daniels experienced what he says was “one of the proudest moments of my life:” He walked the commencement stage after completing his bachelor’s degree. “I can remember saying, ‘God, please let me get through this,’ and with his grace I

did,” Daniels said. There was something inspiring about the accomplishment and his experience at Ottawa: he wanted more. “I never would have thought I’d consider pursuing another degree after what it took to get my bachelor’s,” Daniels said. “But that’s exactly what I did. In 2018, at the age of 44, I decided to take the leap once more and get my master’s in leadership from Ottawa.” Daniels completed his masters in 2019. He could have just move on to the next chapter in his life. But he wasn’t quite finished yet. “The strangest thing happened, I enrolled yet again!” Daniels said. “This time, I am pursuing a second master’s in human resources. I’m currently in my last two classes which I will complete at the end of April 2021 at the age of 46. “I won’t say this time that I’m done because, obviously, I have developed a passion for continuing my education. Ottawa instilled that passion in me, and really changed my life.” Daniels is the first and only member of his immediate family of eight to have completed any type of degree. He said he

will be forever grateful that “Ottawa took a chance on me and allowed me to live up to my potential.” “It has truly been an honor, and I sing Ottawa’s praises every opportunity I get,” Daniels said. To learn more about Ottawa University’s Arizona campuses in Phoenix and Surprise, visit ottawa.edu/ouaz or contact an enrollment adviser at 1-855-546-1342 or ouazadmiss@ottawa.edu to set-up an advisory session. Founded in 1865, Ottawa University has grown from a single building in Ottawa, Kansas, into a comprehensive educational institution serving more than 5,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kansas, and Surprise, and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kansas; Phoenix; and Milwaukee as well as online. Ottawa University-Arizona (OUAZ) in Surprise opened in August 2017 and since then has grown to more than 800 students. With its adult campus in Phoenix, Ottawa University has had a footprint in Metro Phoenix since 1977 with more than 8,000 alumni. Nationwide, the university has more than 22,000 graduates. Information: ottawa.edu.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

CACTUS SHADOWS T

he class of 2021 has approximately 470 graduating seniors. Congratulations to Jessica Brashear for being named the valedictorian, Alicia Rifkin being named salutatorian and Katianna Blackwell Scott was named a National Merit Finalist. The graduating class of 2021 was awarded approximately $13 million in secured scholarships.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

Football • 5A Northeast Valley Region Player of the Year: Hafeez Ahmed-Momoh • 5A Northeast Valley Region Special Teams Player of the Year: Ryan Wintemeyer • Five players were selected for all-conference first and second teams Cross country • Merit Thompson individually qualified and took fifth place in the Division 2 State Cross Country Meet

High School

Swim and dive • Girls swim team took third at state • Madelyn Bachmeier: 200 IM state champion and 100m backstroke state champion • Sera Hanagan: 200 IM runner up • Katherine Rink: third place in 50 freestyle and second place in 100 freestyle • State champions 200 free relay and the 400 free relay with Katherine Rink, Jenna Moore, Sera Hanagan and Madelyn Bachmeier. Girls volleyball • Division 2 state runner up • Four: first- and second-team selections for the 5A Northeast Valley all-region teams • Two: honorable mentions for the 5A Northeast Valley all-region team

Girls golf • Division 2 team state runner up • Calynne Rosholt: Division 2 team individual state champion

Boys golf • Division 2 team state champions • Jacob Tarkany: Division 2 team individ-

ual state champion • Jacob Tarkany selected for the all-state boys golf team

Boys basketball • 5A northeast region conference champions • Two: first- and second-team selections for the 5A Northeast Valley all-region teams • Cole Caruso named 5A Northeast Valley Region defensive player of the year • Three honorable mentions for the 5A Northeast Valley all-region team Girls basketball • 5A Northeast Region conference champions

Boys Soccer • Sam Rojo named all-conference second team • Two first- and second-team selections for the 5A Northeast Valley all-region teams

Girls Soccer • Nine first- and second-team selections for the 5A Northeast Valley all-region

teams • Emily O’Neil named all-region offensive player of the year Wrestling • Brayden Hasher placed third at state • Brandon Herzog placed second at State

As part of the superintendent’s challenge, Ryland Davidson accumulated 938.5 hours over his four years at Cactus Shadows High School of volunteer service time. Forty-eight seniors participated in this superintendent’s challenge and the class of 2021 contributed a total of 12,365 volunteer hours to the community over the four years.

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

‘Idol:’ TV show or show trial? BY JD HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

newspaper’s cautious description that the person beside Kennedy appeared to be wearing a KKK hood. No, any information that might put the accusation in context must be summarily dismissed. Welcome to the age of “woke,” a curious title for a practice that demands the reflexive response of somnambulism. It may be difficult to believe now, but the left once indicted what it now champions. Eighteen years ago, Haynes Johnson of The Washington Post penned a predictable polemic, demeaning the two terms of President Reagan with the derogatory title, Sleepwalking Through History. Whatever Reagan’s shortcomings (and assuredly they were fewer than what Haynes Johnson imagined), they certainly did not include the inclination to ignore reality, nor the willful ignorance of historical context. Yet, today’s “Courtroom of Public Opinion” allows for no statute of limitations on imagined offenses. Neither do leftist elites or their “professional grievance mongers” recognize the constitutional sanction against ex post facto laws. (Then again, does the left ever truly recognize constitutional primacy?)

BLUHM from Page 8

(snipping steel staples). Does any of it work? Occasionally. Olive jars, beware! Until next week, stay safe, dear readers, and try to conquer allthings hard to open. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

ou may find the description below distasteful, disturbing and overwrought. But after reading this column, you may very well agree with the assessment. America saw its third “Kennedy assassination” earlier this month. No one died, though we may have witnessed the death of a promising career. It wasn’t political — at least not in the traditional sense, though there was an “election” involved; and the incident was featured on national television, though only on one network. On May 12, 16-year-old Caleb Kennedy, one of five finalists, left “American Idol” after a social media entry from four years ago resurfaced. Kennedy’s hometown newspaper, The Spartanburg (South Carolina) Herald-Journal, reported that a Snapchat post included a video in which Caleb was seated next to someone who appeared to be wearing a Ku Klux Klan hood. Never mind the fact Caleb was all of 12 years of age at the time of the Snapchat entry; never mind the fact that the video was of three seconds’ duration; never mind the

life without you would be useless). I generally walk around the house armed. If you stop by, don’t be frightened if you see me with a knife (cutting plastic rings), hemostat (gripping plastic), scissors (cutting cardboard) or wire cutters

Moreover, the basic notion of fairness is eliminated because there is no “presumption of innocence.” So, in today’s hothouse of Big Tech’s instantaneous and invasive social media, an accusation becomes reality. Small wonder that Caleb Kennedy and his family opted for an Instagram post instead of mounting a vigorous rhetorical defense. Perhaps with the advice of a “woke” Disney/ABC publicist, young Mr. Kennedy offered an apology that was more of an admission of guilt: “There was a video that surfaced on the internet, and it displayed actions that were not meant to be taken in that way. I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse. I wanna say sorry to all my fans and everyone who I have let down…I know this has hurt and disappointed a lot of people and made people lose respect for me. I am so sorry!” Again, context is missing. What if the person “appearing” to wear a KKK hood

sat down beside Caleb uninvited? And with a video that runs only three seconds, what if Caleb got up and moved after five seconds? Moreover, the Herald-Journal refused to link to the video in its internet edition, citing the fact that Kennedy was only 12 when it was shot. However, the publication reported that others had added the word “bow” in subsequent video copies they produced. Because Caleb is a country singer from South Carolina, that would seem to imply that viewers should infer that Kennedy has some sort of allegiance to the Klan. What Caleb Kennedy does possess is pure talent, housed in an unflappable persona. He’s only a high school sophomore, but there’s nothing sophomoric about his songwriting and performing abilities. He might have won “American Idol,” but instead, he became the latest casualty of the “Woke Wars.” He could very well mount a comeback, as hard it is to imagine that a 16-year-old would have to do that. If there’s a “silver lining” to this curious culture battle it is this: character assassination isn’t fatal.

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BUSINESS

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Anthem mom creates memories with ice cream truck BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

ome childhood memories are so special they deserve to be shared and relived with the next generation. For Anthem mom, Stacee Foxx, one of those sweet memories was stopping by the ice cream truck once a week after school and walking home with her friends. Seeing local trucks were rare in her area, Foxx found her own vintage ice cream truck and started Just Chillin’ Ice Cream. She brings the indulgent treats and future memories to kids. “After school, [when I was younger] we’d stop at the ice cream truck, get ice cream and walk home with our friends,” Foxx said. “It was an experience, and I feel like kids these days don’t have enough of those types of experiences. It takes doing something over and over again to make it that repetitive experience and childhood memory. I really wanted to give them that.” Once Foxx purchased her truck, she organized routes. The owner of a fellow local ice cream truck, Bright

See MEMORIES Page 17

Stacee Foxx grew up visting the ice cream truck after school, and started running her own ice cream truck, Just Chillin’, to give kids the same sweet memory. (Photo courtesy of Just Chillin’)

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MEMORIES from Page 16

Angel, mentored Foxx. She then decided to fill a void and became the “after-school ice cream truck.” Seven years later, Foxx’s routes have remained mostly unchanged, and she regularly visits elementary schools. Just Chillin’ Ice Cream rolls up at Gavilan Peak Elementary on Mondays, Anthem Elementary on Tuesdays, Canyon Springs Elementary on Wednesdays and Diamond Canyon Elementary on Thursdays. Once the after-school crowd quiets down, Foxx drives through the nearby neighborhoods. On Fridays, she drives through Arroyo Norte. Foxx has regulars, too, like Hayden Marks, who has visited the Just Chillin’ truck with his dad every Tuesday for years. “They developed a special bond,” said Hayden’s mom, Sharon. “She’s not just the ice cream truck girl. She’s pretty much his friend. Every week he says, ‘I have to see Stacee, I have to see Stacee,’ and if he doesn’t see her after school, he sits by the window waiting to hear her music to make sure he sees her.” Foxx doesn’t just deliver treats to Hayden. Before COVID-19, she occa-

sionally allowed him to help serve customers. While he was having a blast, she was also teaching him math by counting the money and dealing out change. Hayden loves his ice cream, but, just like Foxx said, his parents are happy to relive some of their childhood memories. “My husband grew up in New York, so the ice cream truck was more around his neighborhood,” Sharon said. “Just the sound of the music and she has an actually old-school ice cream truck … it’s nostalgic for us and brings back memories. Obviously, my son loves the ice cream truck, but we do, too. It brings back memories of our childhood.” Her most popular items are the traditional bomb pops and ice cream sandwiches, but Foxx said most adults tend to go for what they always got as a kid. They give their kids suggestions based on their favorites. She also has “a little something for everyone,” with gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free and peanut-free options. Foxx’s old-fashioned truck is charming, but as an antique, it requires many repairs. It was nearly totaled in a crash in early 2020 when the brakes went out. Fixing the truck was expensive, but Foxx said the

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community supported her. “Someone I didn’t even know created a GoFundMe for the truck,” Foxx said. “Somebody else that I didn’t know created a whole page for people to get updates on my repairs and to offer support in any way they could help me. “So many people were so generous, even with just their words, it lifted me up during a hard time. It was incredible, honestly.’

Just Chillin’ Ice Cream Truck

WHEN: 3 to 6 p.m. WHERE: Elementary schools and surrounding neighborhoods, listed below. Mondays: Gavilan Peak Elementary Tuesdays: Anthem Elementary Wednesdays: Canyon Springs Elementary Thursdays: Diamond Canyon Elementary Fridays: (No schools) Arroyo Norte neighborhood INFO: facebook.com/justchillinicecream

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BUSINESS

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Vet hospital: ‘Your other family doctor’ BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Dr. Kirstin Young has always loved taking care of animals, so it was a natural fit for her to open a clinic, Daisy Mountain Veterinary Hospital.

“I tried asking my mom about when I wanted to become a veterinarian, but it’s always been something that I’ve known,” said Young, an Anthem resident.

See VET HOSPITAL Page 19

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Dr. Kirstin Young has 25 years’ experience as a veterinarian and opened her own general practice clinic, Daisy Mountain Veterinary Hospital, in February 2013. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Kirstin Young)

BUSINESS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

VET HOSPITAL from Page 18

“She said it was probably around seven that I was saying that I was going to take care of these guys when I get older. From that day forward that was all I ever wanted to do.” In February, the clinic relocated to a bigger space in the same shopping center. Daisy Mountain Veterinary Hospital is now fully staffed with veterinarians. Young said with a laugh her mother was a “very good enabler” for her veterinary ambitions. They always had a “menagerie of animals at our house.” From stray cats, mice and rabbits, to guinea pigs, hamsters and a pot belly pig, Young was constantly surrounded by animals. “At the moment, I have one very lazy Labrador named Bear and three cats,” Young said. Prior to opening her own clinic, Young worked as a veterinarian in Washington for 10 years. She moved there after deeming her hometown

of Phoenix too sunny. “I worked with a great veterinarian up there,” Young said. “I decided that I wanted to come back to Arizona and at the time my mom was living in Black Canyon City and my daughter was probably five years old.” Young knew Black Canyon City didn’t have a proper play area for her daughter. Her mother suggested they take a trip to an Anthem park. “I swear, we got off the freeway on the Anthem Way exit and as soon as we drove kind of just past Safeway and just saw the park, the houses and the mountains there I just had this feeling of ‘this is home,’” Young said. “This has some just amazing aura about it. That was when I decided I was going to make the transition here and call Anthem home.” Two years later she moved to Anthem and opened Daisy Mountain Veterinary Hospital in February 2013. “We are just truly a general practice clinic,” Young said. “I love animals, but I also love the people that

are attached to them. That’s why our motto is ‘your other family doctor.’” The hospital is equipped to do everything from wellness exams and dental care to surgeries and vaccinations. “One of the best parts is that no two days are ever alike,” Young said. “You just don’t know what is going to walk in the door next or what your next appointment is going to be. “Being able to meet and connect with so many different people as well as their pets — and obviously puppies and the kittens.” During the past year, Young has tried her best to balance her clients and her staff ’s safety. “It’s definitely been challenging and frustrating for our clients as well as us,” Young said about the pandemic year. “Trying to do what we can to make sure that I’m keeping my staff safe but also trying to continue in a way that I can have people be coming in with their pets.” Young explained that while several clinics switched to curbside-only ap-

pointments, she did not want to do that. “It’s been really, really busy, which is a good thing but is also frustrating in the way that I can’t help everybody like I would want,” Young said. “But the clients have been amazing, and we are so thankful for that.” In turn, Young supports and gives back to the community. “I’ve been practicing for 25 years now, and I’ve always worked with rescue organizations,” Young said. Since she opened her clinic, Young has worked with Anthem Pets. “I also work with two other rescues routinely: one is Rescues Angels out in New River and the other is called Chiquita Chihuahua Rescue,” Young said. “I don’t think I would be able to work if I couldn’t do some kind of rescue work as well.” Daisy Mountain Veterinary Hospital 39512 N. Daisy Mountain Drive, Suite 178, Anthem 623-551-8387 daisymountainvet.com

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YOUTH

Youth TheFoothillsFocus.com

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Kiwanis Club of Carefree awards scholarships BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

he Kiwanis Club of Carefree awarded $249,000 in scholarships and merit awards for 23 high school seniors during a recent ceremony at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center. The volunteers and staff at the Kiwanis Marketplace in Cave Creek made the awards possible. Kimberly Marie Jack, the Kiwanis president, introduced Pastor Mike Johnson, who offered the Invocation and timely words to the awardees. Cave Creek Unified School District Su-

see KIWANIS page 21

The Kiwanis Club of Carefree welcomed 23 high school students as new scholarship and mertit award recipients. (Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Carefree)

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YOUTH

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KIWANIS From Page 20

perintendent Dr. Cort Monroe provided inspiring words to the students and those in attendance. Janet Busbee, the scholarship chair, introduced committee members Scott Brown, Jack Mahay, Gene Orrico, MariaElena Rizzo and Susan Uhl. Committee member Ron Bell was unable to attend the ceremony. The presentation of scholarship and merit awards included: • Art and Humanities Merit: Mia Milinovich and Allison Van Stone • Foreign Language Merit: Jessica Brashear, Keagan Neff and Emily Watters • Math & Science Merit: Hannah Steward • Athletic Merit: Bennett Allan, Benjamin Stoutenburgh and Ashley Strouse • Two-Year Scholarship: Kolten Sauber • Four-Year Scholarships awarded: Miah Thirion (Jim Shaw Memorial Scholarship); Luke Hernandez, Landen Argabright, Christopher Fletcher, Alexandria Koklys, Isabella Koklys, Anya Lang, Sage Lewis, Ethan Mock, Gianna Palanzo, Nicole Quenzler, Mia Sabbara and Mackenzie Zoerb (Rockford Scholarship). The Kiwanis president-elect, Joyce Jordan, CCUSD Superintendent, Dr. Cort Monprovided the closing re- roe. (Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Carefree) marks.

Four-year scholarship recipient Luke Hernandez with committee member Gene Orrico. (Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Carefree)

Hospitality committee members who assisted at the event were: Gene Orrico, Arron Vasquez, Remi Pettus, Jackie Perry-Brown, Robin Crane-Cochran, Joyce Jordan and Alexis Popovich.

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Math & Science Merit recipient Hannah Steward along with committee member Scott Brown. (Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Carefree)

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Foreign Language Merit recipient Keagan Neff with committee member MariaElena Rizzo. (Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Carefree)

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Engineered Pads • Site Prep • Grading • Hard Digs Utilities • Trucking/Hauling • Driveways (Gravel, Dirt and Rock)

Mobile

602.319.1089

Discount up to 30% with Drive Safe & Save !* ™

Licensed • Bonded • Insured COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL

Outdoor Improvements

Justin Simons, Agent 3655 W Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ 85086

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC 223367

Valleywide

CR 42 DUAL

623-873-1626 All employees verified Free estimates on all roofs 36 Years experience in AZ Licensed contractor since 2006

Sprinkler Repair Landscaping & More!

623-551-3700

justin.simons.j663@statefarm.com I’m inviting you to make our roads safer and get rewarded for doing so. Are you in? Contact me today to get started.

MORE CLASSIFIED ADS ONLINE! www.TheFoothillsFocus.com

Roofing

PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC

Insurance

• Affordable Same Day Service • Dependable • Guaranteed • 12 Years Experience

No Job Too Big or Small

Residential & Commercial

phillipsroofingaz.com phillipsroofing@cox.net

602-330-6965

DUKES EXCAVATING

Irrigation

480.599.7388

Welding

Roofing SEPTIC SYSTEMS ◆ COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CONVENTIONAL, ALTERNATIVE SEWER, STORM DRAIN & RETENTION SITE DEVELOPMENT ◆ UTILITIES ROC KA 302118 General Contractor JIM DUKES

623.606.8411

515 E. Carefree Hwy, #44, Phoenix, AZ 85085 dukesexcavatinginc@gmail.com

Almeida Roofing Inc. All Types of Roofing

602-743-3175 FREE ESTIMATES • 623-465-2546 ROC#215280

Irrigation

& Landscape

PREMIER LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

• Custom Design • Water Feature • Container/Pot Gardens • Fireplaces & BBQs • Patio & Walls • Irrigation Specialists • Tree Trim/Removal • Bi-weekly/Monthly

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC #166390

est. 2002 ~ Anthem, Arizona

Install • Repair • Replace

623-203-7717

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Free Estimates & Inspections • Tile • Shingles Foam • Coatings • Modiﬁed Bitumen • New Roof Repairs • Reroofs

www.almeidaroofing.com Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC #215758

Cave Creek Welding, Inc.

Electric • Acetylene • Heliarc Equipment • Fireplace Screens Repair • Blacksmithing Portable Equipment • Gates Fencing • Wrought Iron Work Home Accessories • Small Repairs & More!

480-488-3677

CaveCreekWelding.com

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 26, 2021

Recent Storms and COVID have Substantially Impacted Supply Chain

= 2020

2021

Inventory is Scarce Now and when the Heat hits, Quilted won’t be an Option

Replace your A/C while you have Time for only $ 79/month* *On approved credit only, please call for details.

Call or Text to Schedule an Appointment

AIR

CONDITIONING

•

ELECTRICAL

•

PLUMBING

•

WATER

TREATMENT

The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 5.26.2021

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