The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 6.23.2021 by Times Media Group

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This Week

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Group looks to block Boulders water tank BY TOM SCANLON Foothills Focus Staff Writer

NEWS ................. 6 Cave Creek declares Dairy Queen a historic landmark

FEATURES ........ 17 Bricks & Miniﬁgs coming to North Valley

YOUTH ............. 25 Area students are doing remarkable things.

OPINION ................... 10 BUSINESS ................. 17 FEATURES ................ 19 YOUTH ...................... 25 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 26 Zone

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Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

nable to obtain land from the Boulders in private negotiations, the town of Carefree dropped a two-word bomb: eminent domain. Some Carefree residents responded with their own two words: “No way.” While the town insists it plans to use eminent domain to take control of private land for “the public good,” some who live near the prop-

see BOULDERS page 5

The Carefree Citizens for Responsible Government group ﬁled “Desert and Open Space Protection Act,” an initiative challenging Carefree’s use of eminent domain, on June 11. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

Save Our Desert group outlines initiatives BY TOM SCANLON Foothills Focus Staff Writer

The group Save Our Desert recently filed an initiative aimed in general at changing the way the town of Carefree can use eminent domain, with the specific goal of blocking the town’s planned takeover of land in The Boulders for a water tank. Here is the complete text of the initiative: Of�icial title: An Initiative Measure Amending the Carefree Town Code by adding Chapter 16, Relating to the Town’s Powers of Eminent Domain

and Placing Restrictions on Exercise of Such Powers in Certain Circumstances; Providing For Retroactive Application of Measure and Divestment of Assets.

Text of proposed amendment: Be it enacted by the people of the town of Carefree: Section 1. Title. This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Desert and Open Space Protection Act.” Sec. 2. Findings and Intent. The People of the Town of Carefree find and declare the following: (1) Remaining desert and open space

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in Carefree must be protected in a manner that is consistent with robust private property rights. (2) The citizens of Carefree have not been sufficiently included in the process whereby open space is preserved and/or developed, and this Act requires greater public participation in the decision-making process with regard to desert and open space preservation and conservation than exists under current law. (3) This act is to be retroactive and is to apply as of Jan. 1, 2021, to prevent any

see INITIATIVE page 4

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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 | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

INITIATIVE from page 1

developing privately owned open space. The town is prohibited from utilizing the power of eminent domain to develop, improve, alter, or modify in any way any land that is designated as open space/ recreation by the town of Carefree general plan in effect on Jan. 1, 2021. 16-3. Procedure for permitting any change to town-owned open space A. Council referral. An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members of the Carefree Common Council is required to present any proposal to develop, alter, modify or improve in any way land that is town-owned and that is designated as open space/recreation by the general plan in effect on Jan. 1, 2021, to the registered voters of the town. B. Voter ratification. Any council action taken under subsection A hereof shall become valid and effective only upon ratification by the registered voters of Carefree at an election called as provided by law. 16-4. Retroactivity. This Act applies as of Jan. 1, 2021. 16-5. Divestment of Property Seized without complying with provisions of this act. A. If the town has seized or acquired any property by eminent domain between Jan. 1, 2021, and the effective date of this act after passage, and such seizure or acquisition is prohibited by the provisions of this act, the town shall proceed as described in subsection B hereafter. B. The town shall: 1. Immediately cease all activities and improvement on the seized property, except as specifically permitted in this act. 2. No later than 30 days following the effective date of this act, and for a period of not less than six (6) months, offer the seized property for repurchase by the persons or

exercise of eminent domain while this topic has been at the forefront of public discussion, or alternatively, where such power has been exercised, to require divestment of any properties taken pursuant to such power after Jan. 1, 2021. Sec. 3. Conflicting Provisions. The provisions of this act shall prevail over any conflicting or inconsistent provisions in the town code, and the ordinances, resolutions or other enactments of the town of Carefree. Sec. 4. Construction. This act shall be liberally construed to accomplish its intent; interpreted in a manner consistent with all federal and state laws, rules and regulations; and construed to avoid an interpretation that would render all or any part of the Act invalid. Sec. 5. Severability. If a provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect any other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable. Sec. 6. The town of Carefree town code is amended by adding Chapter 16: CHAPTER 16—DESERT AND OPEN SPACE PROTECTION ACT 16-1. Preservation of Town-owned open space. The town shall not develop, alter, modify or improve in any way any property that is town-owned and that is designated as open space/recreation by the general plan in effect on Jan. 1, 2021, except as permitted in Section 16-3. 16-2. Prohibition of exercise of power of eminent domain for the purposes of

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entities that the seized property was seized from. The offered purchase price shall equal the price that the town paid for the property plus interest at the prime rate from the date the town acquired and paid for the property to the date of repurchase. If the town has made partial payment, the repurchase price shall be whatever has been paid plus interest at the prime rate from the date the town partially paid for the property to the date of repurchase. If no payments have been made by the town, the town shall transfer title to the seized property upon the election of the persons or entities that the seized property was seized from. 3. If the seized property is not sold back to the original owners as provided for above, the town may proceed as described in Section 16-3, but will cease any development or improvement of such land until the procedures described in Section 16-3 are followed. If the procedures in Section 16-3 are followed, and the registered voters vote in favor of the developments, alterations, modifications, or improvements proposed, the land shall be developed in accordance with that proposal. If the developments, modifications, alterations or improvements are rejected, the Town shall proceed as described in subsection (C). C. If the seized property either is to be returned to the persons or entities that the seized property was seized from pursuant to subsection (B)(2) above, or if the procedures described in Section 16-3 are attempted but rejected by the Carefree Common Council or the registered voters, the town shall restore the property to its condition immediately prior to the town obtaining possession thereof, which shall include the demolition and removal of any facility, improvement, structure, equipment, roadway, or other element added to the property by or on behalf of the town. D. Nothing in the act shall be construed to prevent the town from removing any personal property owned by the town from any seized property that is subject to sale pursuant to subsection B, regardless of whether such property has become a fixture or otherwise attached to the real property that was seized. 16-6. Definition.

see INITIATIVE page 7

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

BOULDERS from page 1

erty in question say it’s is a bad deal — and will turn a pristine area into an ugly mess. Just when many thought the legal battle over Carefree water was finally over, a new skirmish has erupted. On June 11, a group called Carefree Citizens for Responsible Government filed “Desert and Open Space Protection Act,” an initiative challenging Carefree’s use of eminent domain. Seeking to be applied retroactively to the beginning of this year, the initiative demands a two-thirds majority vote of Carefree’s Town Council “to present any proposal to develop, alter, modify or improve in any way land that is town-owned and that is designated as open space/recreation by the General Plan in effect on Jan. 1, 2021” — plus “ratification by the registered voters of Carefree at an election.” To make it to the ballot, the group needs 203 signatures supporting the initiative within four months. If this happens, it will potentially throw a roadblock in front of part of the town’s plan to take over the portion of its residents currently provided water by the town of Cave Creek. A two-year, multimillion-dollar legal battle ended in December, with an arbitration panel granting Carefree the right to purchase a portion of Cave Creek’s water system for $1.4 million. On April 23, after failing again in private negotiations, this time with the Boulders Homeowners Association, Carefree filed a “condemnation” request in Arizona Superior Court. This time, the town is asking the court to set a price and force the Boulders HOA to sell a chunk of land where Carefree plans to build an additional water storage reservoir. This enraged a group of citizens who organized to stop the move. Save Our Desert has filed a ballot measure it said will fight “the town of Carefree’s predatory eminent domain lawsuit against its own homeowners … preserve Carefree’s pristine desert open spaces and limit the power of government.” “When a town sues its own residents to seize land, you have to take drastic action to stop the bullies,” said Maureen Benedetto, the chair of Carefree Citizens for Responsible Government. “The Desert and Open Space Protection Act will make sure

Mayor Peterson and his politician and developer friends get the message: we don’t want the desert open spaces that make Carefree so beautiful stolen from property owners by brute force and permanently destroyed.” An online petition, signed by more than 1,700 people, complains Carefree’s plan is overly aggressive and will create a glaring eyesore: “Every time anyone drives into the town of Carefree, we will be welcomed by an industrial water tank mounded over by a massive pile of dirt instead of our once lovely untouched Sonoran Desert view.” Not so, according to a town press release: “The water company will take all reasonable steps to minimize the visual impact of the reservoir. The reservoir will be placed underground as much as permitted by the sloping and irregular terrain in that area, and covered over with soil. It will be landscaped with native desert vegetation to minimize its visibility and to make the site, when construction is completed, in harmony with the surrounding desert vegetation and terrain.” Carefree Town Administrator Gary Neiss later added, “The town already has one similar underground tank that is 3.5 times larger than the one proposed here. No one knows it’s there, as the desert was restored over top of it. It’s located in an open space tract at the northeast corner of Stagecoach Pass and Pima roads and adjacent to existing homes and entry gateway sign to Carefree.” Neiss also clarified eminent domain versus condemnation: “Eminent domain refers to the inherent right of the government to take private property for a public use,” he said. “Condemnation is the legal process used by governmental entities with the Constitutional power of eminent domain for the taking of a landowner’s land for a public purpose.”

Boulders background In its February presentation, the town stressed it considered 32 sites before choosing the Boulders as the best: “The site selected already had an existing high volume water line running through it. Beyond that, this site also permitted site access without the requirement of water company vehicles transiting through residential neighborhoods.” During that meeting, the town said it

initiated the water acquisition process in January 2019 after “hundreds of Carefree residents raised concerns about the water service being provided by the Cave Creek system.” That led to a prolonged legal battle between the neighboring towns. Carefree Water Company Manager Greg Crossman said the town spent around $2.3 million on legal fees and experts. After the towns failed to reach an agreement on their own, a Dec. 4 arbitration panel ruled Carefree must pay Cave Creek $1.4 million — far less than Cave Creek was asking — for the Carefree portion of the water system. And the panel directed Cave Creek to pay Carefree legal expenses including expert fees. At the February Carefree meeting, Dan Jackson, of Phoenix-based consultants Coe and Van Loo, said an annual rate adjustment of 4.4% from 2022 to 2026 likely would be required to complete the acquisition and improve the water system. In an email to The Foothills Focus, Neiss noted that, according to the consultant, “Water rates nationally are increasing at an average pace of 6% per year. The anal-

ysis he has done for Carefree illustrates a continuing rate increase of 4.4% which is what it was the past two or three years.” Neiss pushed back against those who are concerned Carefree’s water quality will suffer from the change: “The water quality issues facing the Carefree customers on the Cave Creek system has been documented in the past. The water quality we are receiving from our wells and Scottsdale have not experienced these issues and thus, is one reason why it is important to have all Carefree residents served by the Carefree Water Company.” Also at the February meeting, the Carefree Utility Community Facility District board unanimously voted to acquire land in the Boulders gated community near North Tom Darlington Road to construct a 1,300-square-foot water storage reservoir. The addition of this reservoir will help meet peak demand and ensure proper fire protection, Crossman said. “Extraordinary measures” were taken to obscure the view of the reservoir, he said, mentioning a wall that will shield the view from residential

see BOULDERS page 7

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

Cave Creek declares Dairy Queen a historic landmark

BY TARA ALATORRE Foothills Focus Contributing writer

airy Queen was dubbed a Cave Creek Local Landmark on June 9, with a small ceremony that included placing a brass plaque on the building. Approximately 25 people attended, including the owners, town council, staff

and volunteers close to the project. Husband and wife Jimmie and Linda Thompson purchased the Cave Creek Dairy Queen in 1984 and it has been family-owned and -operated since. The Thompsons offered free ice cream cones with a donation to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital to mark the occasion. “When we bought this in 1984, they

Linda Thompson, who owns Dairy Queen’s Cave Creek location, was given a brass plaque by the town dubbing the store a local landmark. She and her husband, Jimmie, have owned and operated the business since 1984. (Photo courtesy

Dairy Queen’s brass plaque has a brief historical description and a QR code that will take users to an interactive map that includes photos, facts and stories. All six of the landmarks designated by the town will receive a plaque. (Photo

courtesy of the town of Cave Creek)

of the town of Cave Creek)

said we were crazy, we paid too much money for it and it was too far out (of the city),” Jimmie said. “But I could just see it getting ready to happen out here.” The Cave Creek Dairy Queen is one of the busiest in Arizona. It’s also the only traditional drive-thru fast-food business in the town core. So, although a fast-food chain like Dairy Queen that was built in 1977 may not invoke a stereotypical image of a landmark, it has served as a significant place to the rural community. The Thompson family has also been a generous, active part of the Cave Creek community for decades. In fact, the Thompsons say five of their former employees have gone on to become doctors. “We are just so proud of that award, and the fact that our daughter-in-law is keeping it going,” Jimmie said. Cave Creek spokesperson Kelley Francis spoke at the ceremony about how Dairy Queen is nostalgic. She said many residents’ first job was at Dairy Queen and it still serves as an official meeting spot for the town’s people. Cave Creek Local Landmarks was a project recently launched by the town and celebrates its iconic places, which are defined as “historic or significant buildings, iconic destinations and significant places.” The landmarks are nominated by the public and approved by the town council.

A photo inside the Cave Creek Dairy Queen from December 1977, the ﬁrst year the location was open. (Photo courtesy of the Thompson Family) Dairy Queen is the second of six landmarks that will be honored with the brass plaque and a QR code that links to an interactive storytelling map. Harold’s Cave Creek Corral was awarded a plaque at the end of May, and soon The Hideaway (which once was Hannah’s Chocolate House) will receive its award. That’s followed by Oregano’s, Coyote Creek and Big Earl’s Greasy Eats, with dates to be announced by the town. The stories of each of these six entries can be read online at cavecreekaz.gov or via the QR codes. The upcoming honorees’ stories will be populated over time. Submissions are open and anyone can submit content about the six landmarks to locallandmarks@cavecreekaz.gov or deliver them to the town hall administrative offices. News about the unveiling of the landmarks will be posted on the town’s website under news and announcements.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

BOULDERS from page 5

communities as well as the landscaping that will block the view from the road. After investigating multiple potential properties, the approved parcel was chosen because it provides the “greatest public good and least private injury.” Crossman said construction of a new system to connect with Cave Creek’s would cost about $20 million. As a Foothills Focus story on the February meeting noted, the town said it received 58 letters, many in favor of the project. “This is an extremely critical issue for the future of Carefree and will impact all Carefree residents positively in the future if this project moves forward,” said Carefree residents Ronald and Barbara Neagle in a letter.

The town of Carefree is attempting to use eminent domain to take ownership of part of the Boulders, where the town plans to put an underground water tank. A citizens’ group is hoping to get enough signatures to put a roadblock on the plan. (Photo courtesy of town of Carefree)

Legalese The citizens’ group filing is titled, “An initiative measure amending the Carefree Town Code by adding Chapter 16, relating to the town’s powers of eminent domain and placing restrictions on exercise of such powers in certain circumstances; providing for retroactive application of measure and divestment of assets.” The initiative, which is five pages and 1,100 words long, includes legalese such as, “This act shall be liberally construed to accomplish its intent; interpreted in a manner consistent with all federal and state laws, rules and regulations; and construed to avoid an interpretation that would render all or any part of the act invalid.” It was prepared and filed by Timothy LaSota, a Phoenix attorney with extensive experience in political challenges; he recently represented a group of Republicans who unsuccessfully challenged Kelli Ward’s reelection as the party’s chair. Through her group’s publicist, Benedetto said the initiative’s funding is “a res-

idents’ effort. Fortunately, we only need about 200 signatures to get this on the ballot. That’s not going to be difficult and it’s not going to be expensive.” Benedetto, a Boulders resident for nine years, said she is concerned about the way the town is going about its water business. “What I’m against is the town first trying to make a backroom deal to site a 300,000-gallon water tank near homes, then – when that failed – suing residents and using eminent domain to seize private property by brute force,” she said. John Mattes, one of her Carefree neighbors, agreed with Benedetto. “What we need here is transparency and open government — or the exact opposite of what we’ve seen the Town do over the past two years,” Mattes said. “By giving voters a voice and requiring a two-thirds vote of Council on eminent domain land grabs, we can protect private property, protect freedom and protect Carefree’s quality of life and property values.” Kandace French Contreras, the town’s clerk, confirmed Carefree received the

As used in this act, the following definition applies: “Prime rate” shall mean the Wall Street Journal prime rate in effect for the day that is the effective date of this Act. 16-7. Severability.

If a provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this act are severable.

INITIATIVE from page 4

There is not much to see, currently, at a stretch of the Boulders land east of Tom Darlington Road. But this has become a controversial site, as the town of Carefree is attempting to use eminent domain to take ownership of it to put an underground water tank here. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

initiative June 11. “There was no fee, and 203 qualified signatures are required,” she said. If the group turns in those required signatures, the issue could go to Carefree voters as early as this November. When asked if the town would consider an alternate site, if the initiative makes it

to the ballot, Neiss was noncommittal. “The site selected is the best site from an engineering, financial and least disruptive perspective,” he said. “As with all infrastructure, it must exist and go somewhere within the community, the above attributes are what govern this decision-making process.”

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

County looking for citizen scientists for Eco-Blitz BY TARA ALATORRE Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

aricopa County is looking for citizen scientists to gather and upload photo observations of Saguaro blooms and white-winged doves for its June Eco-Blitz program. Participants can join by creating an account at iNaturalist’s website to register. Once registered, search for “Maricopa County Parks Eco-Blitz” through the app or website, select the join option and upload captured photos of Saguaro blooms or white-winged doves when visiting any of the 12 parks managed by the county in June. Participants can attempt to identify the species themselves, or, if they are unsure, the app or an iNaturalist expert will suggest the correct species based on the photos uploaded. “If participants get it wrong, that’s OK. There are a variety of regional experts in the Valley that are willing to review photos,

identify them, confirm and suggest the actual species. This is all part of the learning process of the program,” a Maricopa County Parks spokesperson stated in an email. According to Maricopa County’s Natural Resource Specialist Juanita Armstrong-Ullberg, the app’s suggestions are often accurate if the photos uploaded contain high resolution, lighting and display identifiable characteristics. She also suggests asking rangers at their nature center, if someone is unsure of the species identification. “This is a fun, fantastic way to learn about native species,” Armstrong-Ullberg said. “The more people know, the more people care.” She said the staff chose Saguaro blooms and white-winged doves for the June EcoBlitz because the bird’s breeding season is synchronized with the reproductive cycle of the Saguaro. “Saguaros are a keystone species in the Sonoran Desert and provide nesting, shelter

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Pictured is a white-winged dove, which is one of the species that is a part of this month’s Eco-Blitz Program. Using the iNaturalist’s app or website, citizens can upload photos of species observed in Maricopa Parks, and the data collected can be used by staff to better manage the parks. (Photo by

Vera Markham)

and food for many birds, insects and bat species,” she said. “These birds rely on Saguaros almost solely for nutrients and water during the breeding season.” Saguaro blooms can be a little challenging to photograph because they are so high off of the ground. Armstrong-Ullberg suggests either bringing a lens attachment for a smartphone or a camera with zoom for this month’s observation. Otherwise, most species are easily captured on a phone camera. Her tip for citizens scientists trying to capture a photo of a Saguaro bloom, “Go to

a park that has a trail that goes up above the saguaro…Cave Creek is a good spot to go.” She suggests that participants take photos while visiting the parks but upload them from home because it provides more opportunity to identify the species and it’s often faster to upload photos. However, if someone wants instant feedback, they can upload the image in the field. Eco-Blitz was launched in February by the Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department and is designed to help educate participants about native species, while

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

“The more people that are doing it, the better data that we are going to get.”

Participating parks

The Maricopa Parks are looking for citizen scientists to take photographs of Saguaro blooms and white-winged doves that visitors observe in June at any of its 12 parks for the Eco-Blitz program. (Photo courtesy of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department) increasing park’s data collection on each park’s biodiversity. The data collected will help wildlife managers make more informed decisions when it comes to protecting these areas. The scientific data can also be used by universities and students conducting research for school projects and possible future studies, as iNaturalist allows others to download the data.

Each month the parks offer a different challenge to participants that joined EcoBlitz, and the featured species highlights the animals and plants that are most active during that month. The monthly challenge will be featured on Maricopa Parks social media and an email is sent to registered participants. There are 45 Eco-Blitz participants officially registered, with 3,102 observations

and 564 species identified, and the department is excited to see more people join the Eco-Blitz program as well as increased data collection, according to the department. “It is going really well, and obviously the more people we get involved the better. The goal is a few thousand people registered, but I would be happy with a few hundred,” Armstrong-Ullberg said.

Maricopa County’s regional parks that are a part of the Eco-Blitz Program include • Adobe Dam Regional Park • Buckeye Hills Regional Park • Cave Creek Regional Park • Hassayampa River Preserve • Lake Pleasant Regional Park • McDowell Mountain Regional Park • San Tan Regional Park • Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area • Usery Mountain Regional Park • Vulture Mountains Recreation Area • White Tanks Mountain Regional Park Anyone interested in the program can download the iNaturalist app or visit inaturalist.org. There is also a brochure available there and an instructional video on MC Parks YouTube channel.

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OPINION

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Easy and odd solutions to everyday problems BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

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ooking for easy solutions to common household problems? There’s a whole world of uses for the stuff we keep in our cupboards. Did you know that you could immobilize flying insects with hairspray, repel fleas with salt and condition hair with mayonnaise? You can polish your leather boots with Endust, prevent car battery corrosion with chapstick and clean the toilet bowl with Coca-Cola. Books have been written about using common ingredients for a multiple of purposes that will simplify our lives. I’m not convinced. How am I supposed to remember that whipped cream in the can is also a great hair conditioner, shaving cream and make-up remover? (I’ll ask my husband, Doug, to try whipped cream next time he shaves and see what he thinks.) Who would have guessed that charcoal briquettes could be used to deodorize your refrigerator? Or better yet, when one briquette is placed in a toolbox, it prevents your tools from rusting! If you are barbecuing, tea can tenderize the meat and club soda can clean the grill. Eating outdoors? Don’t worry about ants. Just draw a chalkline around your table (ants never cross a chalk line) or throw some cof-

fee around your patio. Ants hate coffee. Vinegar is the most versatile product of all. Buy a bottle and you might be set for life. The miracle liquid can actually dissolve warts, relieve arthritis, cure an upset stomach, stop itching, soothe a sore throat, cool sunburn, repel bugs, clean windows, dentures and toilets. And that’s only a partial list of the wonders that can be accomplished with a little splash of vinegar. It can remove bumper stickers, prevent ice from forming on a windshield and cure hiccups. If you have a child who has gotten gum stuck in his hair, don’t worry. Just slap some peanut butter in the hair and voila, the gum can be combed right out. You can also spread some peanut butter on a mousetrap to use as bait. Mice love peanut butter. It’s a pretty mixed-up situation when you can brush your teeth with

see BLUHM page 14

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OPINION

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

Feel like a victim? Don’t invite me to lunch

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

he argument began, as so many do, over words. A friend, male, late forties, Jewish, was detailing an anti-Semitic insult he’d suffered at the hands of a client. Then he wanted it to be my turn. “You must be the victim of discrimination like that all the time,” he asserted. My response? “I’ve never been the victim of anything in my life. Have I experienced anti-Semitic language, insults? Sure. A lot. But victimized? I don’t think so.” Our conversation descended into semantics and harshness over what constitutes victimhood. My friend argued that we’re all — all 7.6 billion Earthlings — victims of slights and people we may never admit or never know harmed us. I argued that his de�inition of victimization trivializes real injury. “If everyone’s a victim, then no one’s a victim,” was my �inal salvo. The server mercifully delivered the check. “I’ve been to murder scenes. I’ve interviewed survivors of concentration camps and rape. I just don’t see a parallel between how they’ve been hurt and some idiot calling you a hebe.” It’s true that there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Mine probably cost me a friend. I thought about this exchange for days, about why being called a victim so lodged in my craw. I guess it’s because in America today,

the prevalent narrative — one I reject with great force — is that we are a nation of victims and victimizers, the af�licted and the af�licting and I try every day to live my life as neither one. To consume news in 2021 is like reading an endless scroll of society’s victims. Violence, racism, income inequality, police brutality, bullying, ageism, sexual harassment, gender inequality, COVID-19, LGBTQ discrimination, kink shaming, sizeism and countless more stigmas and prejudices. If I sound intolerant, cold or sarcastic — or like I’m “mansplaining” in a discriminatory huff — that’s not my intention. But lately I �ind myself experiencing an “empathy de�icit,” the sense that my well of compassion might be running lower than Lake Mead on a blazing June afternoon. A confession: I do everything I can to

empathize with victims in proportion to the injury done to them and the theft committed against them. I grieve the murdered dead. I want justice and greater compassion for all who suffer sexual assault or hate crimes. I loathe Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein for their criminal acts. I want police of�icers to seek out wrongdoers without seeing skin color. I donate to charity. And yes, I “hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,” and that we, one and all, possess “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” I was raised to honor the Golden Rule. Or, as Jesus put it in Matthew 7, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” That’s an old-fashioned way of

BLUHM �� page 10

toothpaste, then use it to polish the silver, clean the piano keys and patch small holes in the walls. Have a bug problem? Sprinkle Tabasco sauce on your outdoor plants. Oh, and if you have a toothache, rub on lots of Tabasco. Your mouth will be “set on fire” and you won’t notice your tooth pain. One more thing, if you have bags under your eyes, just rub on Preparation H. It will take the bags away! And you

thinking, of course. Today, it’s insufficient to treat others as you hope to be treated. Instead, we’re asked to treat everyone exactly as they would like to be treated, or risk being branded a victimizer. Alternately, we are expected to empathize with anyone who has not been treated up to their own exacting standards. Don’t believe me? Check the scathing Yelp reviews authored by anyone who has ever been served a not-quite-medium-rare burger. There are victims in the world, and I do feel for them. But there are also people who seem to de�ine themselves chie�ly by the injuries they have suffered, every sickening insult, every deprivation, every last inequality. That is their prerogative, I suppose. But they probably shouldn’t invite the rest of us to lunch anytime soon. can even slather it on your hair; it’s supposed to work great as a leave-in conditioner (just don’t pile it on). Looking for a cure from a hangover? Grab a can of WD40, or was it baking soda? Perhaps it was the peanut butter mixed with vinegar. OK, just use anything for everything and let me know how it all works out. Like to experiment? Be brave, but be very careful. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

Through a dark class, confusedly BY JD HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

oe Biden and Vladimir Putin spent a mid-June day in Geneva, talking to each other at a summit conference. NBC News headlined its preview of the event in this fashion: “Biden begins long, tense meeting with Putin.” Don’t believe it. NBC and the other alphabet networks, plus their cable cousins, along with The New York Times and The Washington Post, no longer disseminate news — they construct narratives. And in a world where the true news cycle would change by the nanosecond, the oldline press organs in the United States have remained remarkably consistent, especially over the last decade. Collectively, they spout varied narratives under this broad theme: Conservative principles are wrong and dangerous, while Leftist goals are somehow “forward thinking,” and to be embraced. You may be tempted to �ile that general theme under the heading, “Wrong is Right,” and you would be correct. But when it comes to the pre-summit headline from NBC, further analysis is in order. The National Broadcasting Company is better de�ined these days by the words “Never Believe Conservatives.” According-

ly, the pro-Biden press partisans wanted to project an image of the 46th president as the “tough guy in the aviator shades.” If only. Sadly, we saw a very different image of Joe Biden during the G-7 meetings, just prior to the Russian summit. The swagger was replaced with a shuf�le. Con�idence gave way to confusion. Statements of certainty became mumbled, incoherent mutterings. The “Leader of the Free World” had to be led by his wife. Joe Biden has cognitive problems, and the press has a real problem with credibility. Our international adversaries suffer no such delusions. Neither should we. Russian “President” (in reality, Neo-Soviet Dictator) Putin resembles the cat who ate the canary. He remembers the days of the old USSR, when he was a young KGB agent, and “old” was the operative term in Moscow. The Soviet Politburo was a gerontocracy. When President Reagan was asked why he had not held a summit with the USSR during his �irst term, he responded, “My problem for the �irst few years was they kept dying on me.” Brezhnev. Andropov. Chernenko. Now, in the United States, there’s an aging Democrat Troika on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Pelosi. Schumer. Biden. Of the three, the Senate Majority Leader is

the “spring chicken,” at age 70; the House Speaker is the most senior at 81; and the president is 78. What’s Russian for “Now the shoe’s on the other foot?” Over a year ago, when he was a little more spry, candidate Biden challenged a Marine veteran who criticized his son’s unsavory associations to a push-up contest. During the one-day US-Russia summit, President Biden meekly pushed a list across the table to Putin — a list of 16 critical infrastructure targets “off limits” to Russian cybercriminals. So, can the internet thieves begin with No. 17 on the target list, or should Vlad have thanked Joe for helping Russia’s cyber warfare experts by doing their work for them — or both? Instead, Putin took the typical Russian approach: he simply denied any cyber connection. Back home, there’s no denying the curious paradox of President Biden: our chief executive, so confused during his trip

abroad, leads an administration that is singularly focused on what it perceives as the top domestic threat. Attorney General Merrick Garland spelled it out during the “off day” between the G-7 meeting in England and the summit in Geneva. “In the FBI’s view, the top domestic extremist threat comes from racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists — speci�ically those who advocate for the superiority of the white race.” Got that? Never mind the more than 8,500 extremists of BLM and Antifa arrested during the riots last summer. They did billions of dollars in damage, but many made bail, courtesy of the Hollywood left and Democrat politicians, including Kamala Harris. So, rioters from the left are mere protestors. Protestors from the right are rioters, insurrectionists and, likely, white supremacists. Quite the narrative. Dark days ahead.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

BUSINESS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

Business TheFoothillsFocus.com

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Barro’s, Pepsi partner for pediatric cancer fund BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

amily-owned Barro’s Pizza and Pepsi are teaming up for the sixth year this June to raise money for children and families affected by pediatric cancer. Until June 30, all Barro’s Pizza locations will donate proceeds, up to $40,000, from the sale of any lunch special to the nonpro�it Arizona Cancer

Foundation for Children. Locations include: 41722 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Suite 100, Anthem; and 30815 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite 132, Cave Creek. “Our passion is helping our community,” said Bruce Barro, co-owner of Barro’s Pizza. “Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children is such an incredible organization, so each year we look forward to helping raise money for the families they support. These events are

Bricks & Mini�igs coming to North Valley BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

llen and Kat Blaz’s home is �illed with Lego. The construction toys have so overrun Allen’s of�ice that it looks like a playroom. So, it was a logical move for them to sign on to open a Bricks & Mini�igs shop in the North Valley. Slated to open in early September, Bricks & Mini�igs is expected to move into the NortAllen and Kat Blaz, pictured with their kids Alec and Evie, erra area. The exact location will plan to open a Bricks and Minifigs location in the Norterra be announced soon. area in early September. (Arizona Front Porch Project) “My husband is really big into Lego,” Kat said. “When we were visiting my brother, Allen went to have since visited the Bricks & Mini�igs a Bricks & Mini�igs in Albuquerque, and in Avondale. he thought it was really cool. Who knew “In February, he approached me and there was a store you could go to that said, ‘What do you think?’” Kat recalled. had retired and used sets, new sets and “I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ I’ve always liked the everything you need to collect Lego?” The couple and their two children �� BRICKS �� 18

the very core of who we are as a family, and it makes everything we do worthwhile.” The Scottsdale-based foundation was founded in 2013 by Chrisie Funari after she lost her young daughter, Ava, to cancer. Funari traveled the country seeking the best treatments and care for her daughter. Knowing the struggle and the toll it takes on the family, Funari started the organization to empower families by ensuring they have a secure place to live, access to medical treatment and continued support. “Barro’s Pizza is an important partner of Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children,” Funari said.

“We are so grateful to have a local business like Barro’s Pizza understand and support our mission each and every year. The money donated will help cover expenses associated with a child’s cancer diagnosis, provide K9 therapy and counseling, birthday gifts, art classes and overall emotional and financial support to Arizona families. Barro’s Pizza and support from our community are an integral part of Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children and allows us to offer our programs free of charge to hundreds of Arizona families yearly.” Info: barrospizza.com or azcancerfoundation.org

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BUSINESS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

Purse Impressions’ fundraiser bene�its rehab patients

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

urse Impressions, a nonpro�it organization that donates purses and bags to rehab graduates, will host its �irst Pop-Up Fundraiser on Saturday, June 26. Purse Impressions is a 501 (c)(3) charity that was founded in 2019 and has donated around 2,100 purses to 11 rehabilitation centers. “This all began with an idea that my daughter had, and the charity started in her honor,” said Purse Impressions owner Patricia Brusha. Brusha’s daughter, Courtney, died of cirrhosis of the liver at age 28 in June 2019. “Courtney had been in and out of rehab a handful of times and whenever she would leave, she would call me and ask if I could bring her a purse or a tote so that people wouldn’t think that she was coming out of prison,” Brusha said.

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boutique in October. “I started getting so many purses that it outgrew my house,” Brusha said. “So, instead of renting a storage space or a place to run the charity out of, I decided to open a boutique and sell some of the higher end purses to raise money for hygiene kits, feminine products and makeup to put in the purses.” Purse Impressions recently received donations from Shoebox Ministry, The Do Patricia Brusha next to a picture of her daughter, Courtney Gooders of Cave Creek, the Michaels, who died of alcohol abuse and is the reason she Cave Creek Rotary Club and started her nonprofit. (Photo by Pablo Robles) United Healthcare through her purse drives. Before Courtney’s funeral, Brusha During the last year, Brusha asked for purse donations instead of has donated truckloads of purses �illed �lowers so she could donate them to re- with things to help graduates succeed. habilitation centers. She received 400 Each purse or backpack comes with a purses at the ceremony. letter telling Courtney’s story as well as “We wanted to do something that ac- a note from Courtney that says, “Take knowledged the patient’s accomplish- 5 minutes. You can do it. You are loved. ment and allowed them to leave with We care.” dignity and hope,” Brusha said. Brusha receives letters from patients Brusha has since partnered with who choose from her bags. Crossroads Inc. and Community Bridg“I’ve gotten a lot of letters of gratitude es, who have created a display of her and the underlying statement of them bags for patients to choose from when all is that they didn’t know that somethey graduate. one cared about them,” Brusha said. Brusha quickly found herself over- “One gentleman even said that, ‘This whelmed with purses, so she opened a backpack was going to save my life.’”

Brusha is eager to donate more items, so she’s hosting a pop-up fundraiser with entertainment and refreshments on June 26. She will sell purses and take donations at her event. Those who donate a purse, backpack, hygiene items or jewelry will receive a free tote bag. Brusha does request that people donate new & gently used purses. Monetary donations can be made on Purse Impressions’ website. “We’re going to have designer brands, evening purses, southwestern purses and some really unique ones,” Brusha said. “We want to make sure that people feel good about themselves, so we do prefer that purses are gently used and not marked up or dirty.” She is also looking for people who are willing to donate their time to help her with her day-to-day operations in the shop. “We’re always looking for volunteers as well to help with the pop-up shop or in the shop in general,” Brusha said.

lectible mini�igures, the poseable characters that come in sets or in individual packets. The mini�igures found in sets are sold individually at Bricks & Mini�ig stores. Bricks are available in bulk, too. “If you have a set and you’re missing one or two pieces of it, you can buy the pieces to complete it,” Kat said. “There are other stores out there that sell Lego or Mega Bloks. Ours is strictly a Lego storefront.” A horseback riding teacher, Kat is excited that her and Allen’s Bricks & Mini�igs will have a birthday party space, something that is lacking in the Norterra area. “There’s a huge need for that and

camps,” she said. “We are going to do both. We’ll have camps during the summer and possibly during the breaks, but birthday parties are a part of the store. “What’s really great is the Lego product itself. It’s creative and educational that attracts all ages and interests. It’s a common ground for people. It brings families together and gets kids off of screens, which is super important, especially during the pandemic. It’s something you never grow out of.”

BRICKS �� 17

idea of owning my own business. It’s something we’re both so passionate about.” Bricks & Mini�igs was founded in 2009 as a one-stop shop for all-things Lego with a buy, sell, trade model. “You can sell or trade old Lego,” she said. “It’s nice for families whose home is very full to Lego to bring Lego to Bricks & Mini�igs. They can negotiate with kids. ‘Take this in and get a new set.’ We’ll offer cash to buy Lego or we offer store credit.” The namesake of the store is the col-

Purse Impressions Pop Up Fundraiser

WHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 26 WHERE: The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale COST: Admission is free, but donations are encouraged INFO: purse-impressions.com

Bricks & Miniﬁgs

bricksandminiﬁgs.com

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FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

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Comedian Lee is ‘tall, dark and pleasant’ BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

alifornia comedian Pete Lee loves the Grand Canyon State. He calls Scottsdale “the new Vegas.” He filmed his forthcoming Showtime special, “Tall, Dark and Pleasant,” at the Tempe Improv. Needless to say, he’s excited about playing CB Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace Thursday, June 24, to Sunday, June 27. “It’s very special to me,” said Lee, about the CB Live, Copper Blues, Tempe Improv and Stand Up Live family of venues. “It felt really emotional to tape a special in the pandemic. For them to take all the COVID precautions and get that ready, and for all the fans in Phoenix to come out to the Tempe Improv, I will always love Phoenix. I can’t wait to come back.” As a former Wisconsinite, Lee is pleased with the Midwestern contingent in Arizona. “There are a lot of Wisconsin transplants down there,” he said. “The sunshine is a factor, I’m sure. Every time I play in the Phoenix area it feels like an away game for the Wisconsin team. “They come out in full force. I’m very

Pete Lee was the first standup comedian to get a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” (Photo courtesy of Pete Lee) hands on. I like to meet everyone after the show and say hello. So many artists tell me they’ve sold VIP tickets. I don’t do that. I just meet everyone.” Lee was the first standup comedian to get a standing ovation on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and it resulted in him appearing on the show several times over the years. Lee made his fifth appearance on “The Tonight Show” in March.

In 2008, Lee made his network TV debut performing on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” finishing as a semifinalist. That same year, he made his TV acting debut on the CBS Soap Opera “As the World Turns.” At the end of 2008, he shot his own Comedy Central half-hour special, which earned him a cult following at comedy clubs, and the opportunity to perform over the next 10 years at 500 colleges across the country. July 9 will mark the debut of his one-hour special, “Tall, Dark and Pleasant,” on Showtime. Since he was in Tempe, Lee penned a new show is grinding it out on tour. “When you do a special, you have to write a new hour to tour with,” he said. “If

people see that hour on TV, they want to come out and see new stuff. “It’s the opposite of music. They want to see your new stuff. I’ve been working really hard since the day after I taped my special on Feb. 25 to come up with a new hour. It’s banging.” Pete Lee

WHEN: 8 p.m.Thursday, June 24; 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Friday, June 25, and Saturday, June 26; and 7 p.m. Sunday, June 27 WHERE: CB Live, Desert Ridge Marketplace, 21001 N.Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix COST: $22 INFO: 602-910-5161, cblive.com

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FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

Cindy Lopatynski: Making old new again BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

he question has been asked, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Wearing a crafted piece of Cindy Lopatynski’s jewelry will certainly make anyone stand out. The Scottsdale artist grew up in the small rural farming community of Arlington, Iowa. Her father owned the local Texaco gas station, and her mother was the general store’s proprietor. While working at the store, Lopatynski learned people skills at a very young age. However, it was her grandmother who helped her form her “out-of-the-box” style in design. Hours spent crafting puppets for puppet shows, creating bread dough

see LOPATYNSKI page 21

“Ice Crystals” necklace designed by Cindy Lopatynski. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Lopatynski)

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FEATURES

YOUTH TACKLE FOOTBALL FALL 2021 “Something Fishy,” by Cindy Lopatynski. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Lopatynski)

LOPATYNSKI From Page 20

sculptures and playing dress up with grandma’s vintage jewelry built a bright and imaginative world. By the time Lopatynski entered high school, she was designing her own wardrobe and studying science, as she was fascinated with the way things worked. Lopatynski earned a fashion management degree from Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Soon after graduation, she launched what would be a 15-year retail sales career. She became a buyer for ladies’ and children’s clothing at large department stores. “My eyes were open to the fashion world on my various trips to New York City,” she said. During this time, she also taught fashion management courses at a local community college. Eventually, she set aside the lifestyle of travel and glitz so she could stay close to home and have a regular schedule. “I changed course to work in the insurance industry as an agent, eventually owning my own agency,” Lopatynski said. “I retired in 2012 and create my next act.” The seeds of how she relocated to Arizona were sown in 1992, accord-

ing to Lopatynski. “I came to Arizona on a vacation to visit a girlfriend and her husband,” she said. “I immediately fell in love with the state and its lifestyle. This prompted a move and I have loved living here ever since.” Lopatynski has created a jewelry studio in a spare room of her home. “I give credit to my incredibly supportive husband allowing me as much space as I need to expand, grow and create my designs and collections,” she said. Lopatynski described her process. “I love designing with beautiful, old vintage jewelry and giving it new life,” she said. “When I find a piece that catches my eye, I start to create with it, each piece is unique and inspired by what I find. I especially love customers that bring their pieces to me and ask me to create something from their family treasures.” Lopatynski is a member of the Sonoran Arts League and exhibits with them in a number of shows each year. She also is represented by Adelante Gallery in Spanish Village in Carefree, visit adelanteartgallery.com Lopatynski owns A Cin-D and sells her creations online at itsacind.com. For more information, email her at CindyL3@q.com.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

THE “10% SAVINGS RIGHT FROM THE START” POLICY

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*ADT Video Doorbell AND Outdoor Camera Professionally Installed Free: Requires 36-month monitoring contract starting at $56.99/mo. with QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees from $1,367.76), and enrollment in ADT EasyPay. Offer includes installation of one (1) video doorbell camera AND one (1) outdoor camera with minimum purchase price of $599 after promo is applied depending on geographic location. Applicable taxes extra. Upon early termination by Customer, ADT may charge 75% of the monthly service charges due for the balance of the initial contract term. Quality Service Plan (QSP) is ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. Service and installation charges vary depending on system configuration, equipment, and services selected. Expires 7/15/2021. Interactive Services: ADT Command Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Command”) helps you manage your home environment and family lifestyle. Requires purchase of an ADT alarm system with 36-month monitoring contract ranging from $45.99-$59.99/mo. with QSP (24-month monitoring contract in California, total fees ranging $1,103.76-$1,439.76), enrollment in ADT EasyPay, and a compatible device with Internet and email access. These interactive services do not cover the operation or maintenance of any household equipment/systems that are connected to the ADT Command equipment. All ADT Command services are not available with all interactive service levels. All ADT Command services may not be available in all geographic areas. You may be required to pay additional charges to purchase equipment required to utilize the interactive service features you desire. General: Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. System remains property of ADT. Local permit fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only. ©2021 ADT LLC dba ADT Security Services. All rights reserved. ADT, the ADT logo, 800.ADT.ASAP and the product/service names listed in this document are marks and/or registered marks. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Third-party marks are the property of their respective owners. License information available at www.ADT.com/legal or by calling 800.ADT.ASAP. CA ACO7155, 974443, PPO120288; FL EF0001121; LA F1639, F1640, F1643, F1654, F1655; MA 172C; NC Licensed by the Alarm Systems Licensing Board of the State of North Carolina, 7535P2, 7561P2, 7562P10, 7563P7, 7565P1, 7566P9, 7564P4; NY 12000305615; PA 09079, MS 15019511. DF-CD-NP-Q221

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

23 ••

Creekside Lodge & Cabins is a hidden gem BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

estled between State Route 69 in Mayer and the seasonally running Big Bug Creek, Creekside Lodge & Cabins is a hidden gem. From its restaurant, The Cellar, to the views, it’s the total package for a weekend getaway. John Papuga is the third owner since Creekside Lodge & Cabins opened in 2000. New to the hospitality field, Papuga owned American Fire Equipment for 28 years, sold it in 2017 and invested in and overhauled Creekside Lodge & Cabins. “I retired for eight months,” he said with a laugh. “This has been a long time coming. I thought about owning an RV park, a bed and breakfast or a small resort. “Here, I just want people to have a good time, have great food and see

John Papuga became the third owner of Creekside Lodge & Cabins on Thanksgiving 2019, a few months shy of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Dave Karasinski)

fantastic events and relax here.” From the get-go, Creekside Lodge & Cabins has been a challenge. Papuga took ownership on Thanksgiving in 2019—just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Papuga and his staff forged through it. He chalks up his success to having “pure heart and pure drive.” “We were able to make it through with live music, good food and the ability to isolate,” Papuga added. “Plus, we had a lot of good marketing and employees.” Papuga used the pandemic to remodel the hotel resort. He described the lodge’s condition as poor before he bought it. “We had a three-year remodel plan,” he said. “When I saw what was happening (with COVID-19), we made adjustments to have more outside seating and to do a lot of renovations.

see CREEKSIDE page 24

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••

FEATURES

CREEKSIDE From page 23

“We went into high gear because there really wasn’t any business.” The Cellar opened in May 2020 and Papuga said that was gutsy. “I took a big chance opening a restaurant then,” he added. “I thought there wasn’t that much competition in the corridor. We went with high quality, and it seems to be paying off. We went with outside music entertainment to help guests and visitors feel comfortable and it seemed to help sell the place.” Papuga describes The Cellar as a red meat specialist with pork ribs ($17.99 to $27.99) and hand-cut steaks, like the 10-ounce top sirloin ($22.99) and 12-ounce ribeye ($27.99). The entrees also include eight panko-breaded shrimp ($16.99), grilled chicken and marinated chicken ($13.99). The menu includes appetizers, salads, burgers, baskets, wings, pizza, sandwiches and hot dogs. On the more creative side is the Sedona wrap, a prime rib wrap with lettuce, tomato,

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

ed hiking trails. “We had a group who came in, stayed the night and went to the Grand Canyon on side by sides,” Papuga said. It also offers wine tours, casino trips and visits to Prescott’s Whiskey Row. Creekside Lodge & Cabins is quickly picking up steam, Papuga said. “It’s becoming a quick destination, even for people from Sedona, Flagstaff and North Phoenix,” Papuga added. “It’s great for a one- or two-night getaway. They can stay here, eat here and have great entertainment.” Already, Papuga has learned a John Papuga took the time during the pandemic to renovate the hotel resort from its former poor condition prior to his ownership. (Photo by Dave Karasinski) valuable lesson. “An innkeeper’s job is never onion and horseradish rash. place and cable TV. done,” he said with a laugh. “HospiThe hotel resort boasts private cabThe lodge’s amenities include a restau- tality has earned my respect quickly.” ins with private porches overlooking rant, bar, game room and back patio. Big Bug Creek. They house a king or Pets are welcome in cabins nine to 15 at Creekside Lodge & Cabins two double beds. Each cabin comes a charge of $25 per night, per pet. 11255 S. State Route 69, Mayer with a microwave, Keurig coffeemakActivities are aplenty. The hotel re928-632-0777, creekside-az.com er, refrigerator, air conditioning, fire- sort is on 60 acres and the staff creat-

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

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Local star headed to San Diego State University BY GRANT GREABELL Foothills Focus Staff Writer

actus Shadows’ Ryan Wintermeyer will be suiting up for the Aztecs next year as a long snapper. The 2021 Under Armour All-American accepted a preferred walk-on spot at SDSU. Wintermeyer had scholarship offers from Akron and Air Force, but nothing compared to SDSU. “When I started snapping, I wanted to go to San Diego State. I loved everything about them. My mom went to San Diego State,” Wintermeyer said. “That was my No. 1. It’s a dream come true to be able to go there.” Wintermeyer started long snapping go-

ing into his freshman year of high school and has never looked back. He has been training with Ben Bernard, who trains long snappers across Arizona, since his very first day practicing at the position. Wintermeyer has two goals set for himself once he heads to campus on June 12. “My main goal right now is to win the job. Winning the job is for sure my No. 1 YOUTH priority. And then behind that is to get the scholarship. Those are my two big goals right now,” Wintermeyer said. The life of a long snapper comes with a lot of pressure, though. It is one of the few jobs in sports that requires perfection out of an athlete. Wintermeyer understands that and is ready to take a jab at the next level.

Coolwater Christian Church May 2010

“You’re Invited!”

“Another goal is to have no bad snaps in a game, because my job is based on being perfect every single time, and that’s just what I need to do,” Wintermeyer said. Though he is a bit nervous to head off to college, Wintermeyer is mainly excited to get started on his new journey. A plus for him is that he knows the San Diego area well. “I’m very excited, a little nervous of course, but I’ve been to San Diego a lot before. That’s why I’m not too nervous. I know the area very well. My family would go on trips to Mission Beach every year,” Wintermeyer said. He will study business at SDSU, which is something Wintermeyer is very interested in and something he hopes to pur-

sue in the future. If there’s one thing to know about Ryan Wintermeyer, though, it is his work ethic. At his position, there is zero room for error, and that means to perform at an elite level, a long snapper must put countless hours of work in. He has and will continue to do just that. “I am a hard worker. At the long snapper position, it’s not about how athletic or how big you are; it’s more about how much effort and time you put into it,” Wintermeyer said. “You need to practice a lot, and I’ve spent hours upon hours in my backyard and at practice with Ben Bernard just practicing and perfecting my craft.”

May 2021

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Fry’s Shopping Center: Next to Verizon and Tru Burger

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 23, 2021

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The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 6.23.2021

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