The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 2.16.2022 by Times Media Group

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INSIDE

This Week

NEWS ................. 6 Nonproﬁt youth theater to host annual fundraiser

FEATURES ........ 17 Women take center stage in worldwide ﬁlm festival

FEATURES ........ 18 Celebration of Fine Arts returns with high ambitions

OPINION ......................8 BUSINESS ................. 15 FEATURES ................ 17 YOUTH ...................... 21 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 22 Zone 2

PAGE

Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Jaime Hansen does not take honors lightly BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

s the Canyon Springs STEM specialist, Jaime Hansen lives for those “aha” moments. “It’s a new experience every day,” the New River resident said. “No day is the same. I just like being a part of their learning experience. I love to see that ‘aha’ moment when sparks fly. I think it’s amazing that I helped foster that.” For her efforts, Hansen was one of the Deer Valley Education Foundation’s Teachers of the Year. Hansen, who has worked in the district since 2014, joins Diane Allen, Village Meadows Elementary School; Kathleen Bartolomey, West Wing School; Ryan Donovan, Boulder Creek

see HANSEN page 4

Canyon Springs STEM specialist Jaime Hansen with her husband, Tory, and daughter, Ashley. (Photo courtesy of Jaime Hansen)

Air Fair host turns up the excitement BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

eff Overby had just moved to the Valley when he was introduced to the breakfast fly-in at Buckeye Municipal Airport. An air show host, Overby was asked to bring a sound system and describe some of the participating planes for visitors.

“I told them they could have great attendance if they had a proper air show,” said Overby, who lives in Cave Creek. “I made that comment to the airport coordinator, John McMahon, at the time. He said he always wanted to have an air show in Buckeye. Two weeks later, he was killed in an airplane crash.” Soon thereafter, the city emailed Overby canceling any future fly-ins.

“He (McMahon) was such a fixture in putting this together,” Overby said. “I called everyone and told them about the last conversation we had. We needed to grant him his wish.” The Buckeye Air Fair took flight and returns Saturday, Feb. 19, and Sunday, Feb. 20, to the airport, 3000 S. Palo Verde Road. This year’s event

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see AIR FAIR page 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 ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-348-0343 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: Tricia Simpson | 480-898-5624 | tsimpson@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

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

HANSEN �� 1

Education Foundation Impact Grant for the last �ive years; and an APS $2,500 STEM Materials Grant. She was the Rotary teachers of the year for the 2018-2019 school year, and a DVEF teacher of the year nominee for that same time frame.

High School; Chelsea Harman, Terramar Academy of the Arts; Lorin Herrington, Esperanza Elementary School; Kristi L. Kroeger, Diamond Canyon School; Bradley Land, Union Park School; Debbie Moore, Mountain Ridge High School; Phil Nichols, Las Brisas Elementary School; and Kimberly Williams, Stetson Hills Schools. She doesn’t take the honor lightly. “I have always loved to learn, which I believe makes an outstanding teacher,” she wrote in an essay. “I feel that if you have the desire to better yourself through education, then that will re�lect in your teaching style and approach to learning. Being involved in learning, through leading organizations such as clubs and activities in your school, gives you an insight into students’ lives and thinking. Being around children my whole life, I �ind myself being as much a counselor as a teacher, leader and role model. All these roles I have taken can greatly in�luence a child’s life. That is not something I take lightly.” Accolades are nothing new to Hansen, who was the recipient of the Deer Valley

Inspired Hansen said this is an honor she doesn’t take lightly, as she comes from a family of teachers. “My aunt was a teacher and I have a cousin who is a counselor,” she said. “My mom was in community education. Being an older sister of three — I have a younger brother and sister — that gave me a passion for teaching at an early age.” Raised in Cave Creek, Hansen graduated from Cactus Shadows High School in 1994. She earned a Master of Education with an emphasis in early childhood at NAU in 2002. Four years later, she obtained a Master of Information Services and library science from UA. Hansen served as a youth librarian at Desert Foothills Library but eventually returned to where her heart was — schools. Hansen taught reading intervention to kin-

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dergarten to third-grade students at the Glendale Elementary School District from June 2007 to June 2014. “I’ve always been around kids and literacy,” she said. “I try to remind myself of that, too. Teaching is so important. It’s that building of a relationship with kids. “The social emotional part of it really gets overlooked. It’s such an important part, especially nowadays. Grade school teachers are all about building relationships with students. That’s what students remember: ‘She was so nice.’ ‘She made me feel special.’ ‘She always said hello to me when I walked in the classroom.’” Hansen also helms the Robotics Club, which involves Lego, for kids in sixth to eighth grades. They’ll compete in the state championships at ASU Gammage on March 5. “I’ve learned so much about Lego and robotics these last couple months from the kids,” she said. “It’s such an amazing thing. Sometimes the roles are reversed and I’m more of a facilitator in this role as the robotics coach. They come to me with a lot of knowledge of coding. Kids are just amazingly techy right now. They are incredible.”

Persevering Hansen admitted it’s not easy to teach, but the profession is more critical now. In her classrooms, she creates an environment where different learners — thinkers — can �ind success through hard work. She shows the students a variety of ways to learn. “I �ind different avenues, such as embracing technology — FlipGrid or Google Slides — that students can use to show understanding. “I give them challenges, like learning the states, capitals, oceans or continents; the major bones in the body or muscles. Why? Because every child learns differently. Some need a challenge. Others need a different way to show, ‘Hey, I understand now.’ Children come with their own views, personalities and feelings.” Her room, she said, is a place where “learning comes alive.” Here, she said, students �ind a way to show what they have learned. “I feel that Thomas A. Edison said it perfectly, ‘Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.’”

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Jeff Overby will host the Buckeye Air Fair on Saturday, Feb. 19 and Sunday, Feb. 20 at the Buckeye Municipal Airport located at 3000 S. Palo Verde Road, Buckeye. (Submitted photo)

AIR FAIR from page 1

includes a new air show, STOL Drag Racing, the Copperstate Fly-In and Expo, Arizona SciTech Festival and a VIP experience for a front row view. “We had a very special inaugural event,” he recalled. “We went from 4,000 people, then 8,000 then 13,000 and then pushing 40,000 attendees in such a short time. The backing of this community is just outstanding, It’s been amazing to see this thing blossom.” “This year, we’re going to have a variety (of activities),” he said. “We’ll have very patriotic, Lee Greenwood-type music and then some Jason Aldean for the Vanguard Squadron. We’ll have performers like three-time national acrobatic pilot Jeff Boerboon, who flies this extra 330 SC, which is one of the dominating high-performance acrobatic aircrafts in the world today.” Boerboon, who also lives in Cave Creek, will perform to “good old classic rock music,” Overby said. “It’s going to be quite a variety of, not only the performers and the types of planes, but the kind of energy from the music and the audience.” Overby has long been into flying. He “got the bug” after attending a fly-in pancake breakfast in his home state of Wisconsin. A pilot took him for a ride and that inspired

him to get his pilot’s license in 1997. “I then participated in every kind of extreme motor sport—anything with wheels or wings,” he said with a laugh. “My wife purchased a ride for me in an acrobatic plane and that fueled the fire for acrobatic flying. “I had been wanting to be the next world champion acrobatic pilot. Just as I was learning the sport, the coach asked me if I would announce shows back in the Midwest for them. I knew every maneuver they were doing. It turned out that the crowd really seemed to enjoy it. I got my wife involved, we added music to the maneuvers, and it just took off from there and I drifted more toward the announcing side.” Now, Overby balances his full-time job owning Overdrive Tech Group with announcing. He wouldn’t have it any other way. “Although I do have a day job, this is my fun job for sure,” he said. “It can vary anywhere between eight to 12 shows a year. It’s great.” Buckeye Air Fair

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NEWS

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Nonprofit youth theater to host annual fundraiser BY JORDAN HOUSTON Foothills Focus Staff Writer

he Musical Theatre of Anthem is hosting its annual fundraiser in an effort to continue uplifting local youth performers. The award-winning, nonprofit theater company, located at 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, is presenting the fun-filled gala at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 26, outdoors behind the MTA building. The fundraiser will feature performances by professional singers, including MTA’s own Outreach Group, dinner from Bad to the Bone BBQ, soft drinks and desserts. A live auction and dollar auction, as well as a MTA Prize Basket drawing, will also be offered. The company, which produces allyouth shows and offers training in vocal, dance, acting, improv, pantomime, prop sets and more, will announce its

This year’s benefit will feature performances by professional singers and MTA’s Outreach Group, dinner from Bad to the Bone BBQ and a Live Dollar Auction.

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Fantastic 15th Season during the annual event, according to Musical Theatre of Anthem Office Coordinator Karen Gallagher. “It’s a really neat night to see all of our supporters and families that are close to MTA and that participate in our programs,” Gallagher shared with Foothills Focus. “It’s a night to see everyone come together and enjoy a special experience and really celebrating their kids and what they’ve been able to do.” MTA staff will create seating charts, which will be distributed to guests upon their arrival. Seating requests or changes will not be accommodated due to the limited amount of seating and overall structure of the event, the MTA website states. Masks are optional for the outside event, but recommended, the website continues. Tickets cost $60 per person, regardless of age, and include the dinner and sodas.

The Live Dollar Auction, which features paddle bidding, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, Gallagher expressed. Participants will use paddles to make their bids by holding them in a way that’s visible to the auctioneer, she explained. Only those bidders holding paddles will be allowed to place bids. “It’s a paddle auction and it’s really so fun,” the office coordinator shared. “Businesses that donate an item get a lot of exposure to a live audience versus walking around and seeing a silent auction.” Each auction participant – including kids – will be given one paddle distributed by MTA. The auctioneer will then present the donated items. Depending on each individual value, the items will cost between $1 - $2 to bid, according to the MTA website. Participants can either place a “bid” by placing cash in the collection jars

see MTA page 7

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

MTA from page 6

in the middle of their table or opt for a $50 all-in paddle, the site continues. All-in participants can bid on every item without having to place money in the collection jar. To win, the auctioneer must pull a number out of the lottery bin matching the person’s paddle. The only numbers that can win are the paddles that placed a bid and held high enough for the auctioneer to see, Gallagher noted. MTA’s fundraising goal this year is roughly $25,000, which is $5,000 more than what it raised last year, Gallagher disclosed. All proceeds will be funneled toward MTA’s production-related expenses, she added. “Ultimately, we use it for all things associated with production-related expenses, so that could be anything from sets to costumes and any items really associated with covering production costs that tuition alone does not cover,” Gallagher said, noting that

The Musical Theatre of Anthem, which produces all-youth shows, will announce its Fantastic 15th Season during the fundraiser. (Submitted photo) the nonprofit dues charge tuition solely funneled toward production expenses. MTA, founded in 2008, is dedicated to developing youth and adults within the performing arts field while “enhancing their intrinsic creativity and brokering their vast talents,” according to its website. The theater company trains and ed-

Carefree water project moves toward construction BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

arefree residents will soon notice construction activity related to the Carefree Water Consolidation Project. The project will transition those portions of Carefree served potable water by the town of Cave Creek onto the Carefree Water Company system. Construction activity will first occur at the following locations: • The new Tom Darlington Water Storage Reservoir: East side of Tom Darlington Drive between Leisure Lane and Meander Way. • Scopa Trail and Cave Creek Road Staging Area. • “Neighborhood C:” Rising Sun Road, Scopa Trail and Stevens Road.

Traffic restrictions are likely in these areas. For updates, visit carefreewcp.com or call 480-898-4100. In addition, over the next month, Carefree Water Company crews will replace water meters in Neighborhood C and in portions of Neighborhood B.

ucates youth so that they can become “the artists, patrons and leaders of tomorrow while providing opportunities to adults that empower them and foster their creativity.” “We believe every child deserves the chance to shine on stage and learn and grow as a performing artist – that is our mission statement,” Gallagher explained.

Past theater productions have included “Disney’s 101 Dalmatians,” “Once On This Island JR.” and “Singing In The Rain JR.,” which incorporated new developments thanks to a parent volunteer, Gallagher disclosed. “For the first time at our theater, we had real rain on the stage and had a whole setup with a special type of flooring put in and an actual rain system,” she continued. “One of our parent volunteers set it up – so it has actually rained on stage. That is something new for our theater.” The nonprofit is now in its rehearsal stages for “Cinderella KIDS,” “Seussical” and “Shrek JR.”, which will complete MTA’s 14th season, Gallagher said. The “Cinderella” adaptation will run from Thursday, Feb. 17 to Sunday, Feb. 20. For more information about the Musical Theatre of Anthem, visit musicaltheatreofanthem.org/index.html. Tickets for the fundraiser are available at musicaltheatreofanthem.org/ tickets.html. Businesses interested in donating to the auction can contact Gallagher at creed.karen@gmail.com.

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OPINION

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Be bold when expressing love BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

ow was your Valentine’s Day? Hope you had time to buy (or receive) flowers (red, of course), a box of chocolates and a wonderful bottle of champagne. We celebrate the “most romantic day of the year” that actually started in the fifth century as a pagan holiday. The “day of love” had its beginnings in Rome, when mid-February marked the annual Lupercalia festi-

val, an ode to the God of fertility. It was one huge celebration. Evidently, those Romans knew how to party, because it became the season to fall in love and marry. Then Claudius II became emperor and the party stopped. He had the notion that marriage only distracted and weakened men (sadly, my husband agrees) and so to assure quality soldiers, he banned marriage. A bishop named Valentine, stood up for love and met couples in secret places and joined them in the sacrament of matrimony. When the evil

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Claudius learned of this, he labeled Valentine a “friend of lovers” and had him arrested. Unless Valentine agreed to worship the Roman Gods and stop marrying young couples, he would be executed. Valentine was a man of faith and conviction, therefore he refused to stop and was jailed. A miracle happened while Valentine was in jail awaiting his fate. He fell in love with his jailer’s daughter, Asterius. Just before Valentine was executed, he wrote a heartfelt letter to Asterius and signed it, “Be mine, your Valentine.” Legend has it that he wrote love letters in his own blood and wore a red scarf to his execution. At a garage sale I spotted a beautiful square piece of lace that was lying on a table. I picked it up and an elderly lady came and gently took it out of my hands. “This is mine,” she said sweetly. Then she scolded her daughter for putting it up for sale. The lady told me that her husband wrapped their wedding bouquet in this little piece of lace, when they got married. “I still remember that moment,” she sighed. Love lives in those tender gestures. Valentine’s Day is about undying love. It’s not the candy, but the sweet-

ness of romance that it celebrates. It is the joy of the children in classrooms, who make special cards and red construction paper hearts to take home to their parents. And why not be bold and wear red – that brazen flash of color that “shouts” out that our love will not be secret, quiet or go unnoticed. And let’s not overlook the power of a small, lovingly placed piece of lace. To celebrate “love” properly, this week, call an old friend. Hug your children. Hold hands. Be bold, like the color red, in your expression of love. Treasure and rejoice in a little paper heart made for you by a child. Savor a cherished memory, like a piece of lace. Dear readers, be courageous and write someone a love note and sign it with the most famous and romantic phrases of all time, “Be mine, Your Valentine.” Judy Bluhm is a writer and local Realtor. Have a story? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

How to get a letter published E-mail: christina@timespublications.com

The Foothills Focus welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The Foothills Focus will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Foothills Focus will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the Foothills Focus, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Anchovies on pizza? Only in weird Arizona BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

aving made it this far in life without landing on Death Row, I feel confident a lethal injection won’t be my fate. With that said, I have my last meal all picked out: A large pepperoni pizza from any restaurant not named Domino’s or Papa John’s. What I’m saying is, I am a certified pizza lover, a man who can hardly go a week without a slice or three. While I did not partake on Feb. 9th to mark National Pizza Day, I certainly will on Super Bowl Sunday, the busiest day of the year for pizza shops, ahead of New Year’s Eve and Halloween. Unless, of course, I am served an abomination like pizza topped with anchovies. Which, according to the food blog “How to Cook Recipes” is the most popular pizza topping in Arizona, at least according to rankings by Google search throughout 2021.

Yep, anchovies. Ahead of pepperoni, extra cheese, sausage and pineapple in the state’s Top Five. People, must everything in this state be weird all the time? I’ve lived here 25 years and I love the place. But every time I speak to someone from out of state, it’s always, “What’s wrong with Arizona? Did the desert heat fry your brains?” I’m sure you get it, too. “Joe Arpaio this, fraudulent election audit that. What’s up with you guys and _______.” Insert Gov. Jan Brewer wagging her finger in Barack Obama’s face or Arizona leading America in COVID-19 infection rates. I would suggest there’s something in the water here, but given the drought, we barely have any water left. Now we’ve desecrated pizza. Though, to be fair, anchovies were also the most searched-for pizza topping in New Mexico as well. Just what we’ve

always dreamed of: being associated with the home of Roswell in a national list. Slice, the country’s leading app for independent pizzerias, put together their own study of the most popular pizza styles in the nation. Arizona apparently prefers Sicilian pizza, which I can get behind. As for popular toppings, Slice broke it down nationally: Pepperoni (of course) ranked first, appearing on 37 percent of pizzas. The rest of the Top 10 in order: mushrooms, extra cheese, sausage, onions, bacon, black olives, green peppers, Italian sausage and meatballs. Anchovies didn’t even get a participation ribbon. In an effort to disprove this half-assed accusation – and potentially win a Pulitzer Prize for investigative journalism – I spent a solid two hours Googling pizza topping rankings in various fashions. A rival ranking list, assembled by the health and wellness

experts at YorkTest, arrived at a different answer, again using Google searches. Drum roll, please. They say Arizona’s favorite pizza

see LEIBOWITZ page 13

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Fed program would foster drug abuse, addiction

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

ne century, one decade and one year separate us from the birth of Ronald Reagan. With each passing day, especially in these troubling times, we are reminded of Reagan’s basic goodness and yes, greatness.

Derided by the Manhattan elites and the Georgetown Cocktail Set as a “simpleton,” Reagan’s genius was his ability to simplify the seemingly complex. “If you want less of something, tax it,” Reagan said, succinctly explaining the rationale for tax cuts. History recalls that the reduction of tax rates led to the expansion of economic opportunity during the Reagan Era.

But our 40th President also understood the absurdity of the big talking, big spending, big government Left. “If you want more of something, subsidize it,” Reagan warned. Sure enough, Joe Biden is buying bigger and bigger problems for our nation and our future. Among the outrageous examples of “your tax dollars at work” comes this gem: the funding of the distribution of crack pipes to drug addicts. Courtesy of Senate Democrats and Vice President Harris, who cast the deciding vote, the American Rescue Plan features a “harm reduction” grant program. Of course, it comes with a cheap price – at least by Washington standards: “Only” $30 million. As it stands now, that dough will be divvied up into $400 thousand chunks and sent to local governments as well as selected “nonpro�it organizations.” The goal? To make drug use safer for addicts. How will that be accomplished? In part, through the purchase of “smoking kits and supplies” for addicts. The all-knowing, all-caring, sensitive bureaucratic souls at the Department of Health and Human Services will oversee this bene�icence. An HHS of�icial con�irmed this “forward-thinking action” to the “Washington Free Beacon,” explaining that the smoking kits will include those precious, specially made pipes for users to smoke crystal meth, crack cocaine, or “any illicit substance.” But faced with a strong and immediate backlash from media reports concerning the inclusion of crack pipes, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra issued an “11th hour revision.” A press release stated that “no federal funding will be used…to put pipes in safe smoking kits.” So the “safe smoking kits” remain…addicts will just have to furnish their own crack pipes. Got it! And…with a bureaucratic bow to the American Rescue Plan, Ol’ Joe and his gang didn’t limit the giveaway-by-grants to just smoking kits. Other items to be distributed included fentanyl strips, syringes, and condoms! Also detailed among the items for which your tax dollars can be spent are “disease

screenings” and vaccinations. Remember, this was enacted during the COVID-centric days of “crisis,” and as we’ve collectively learned, the Left never lets a “crisis go to waste.” Undergirding this entire exercise is a wrongheaded idea that government should shoulder the responsibility of making drug use more secure and “healthier.” To the extent government is involved, its resources should be focused on the prevention of drug abuse. It’s bad enough that the Biden Bunch disregards this simple concept, but compounding the error is the curious moral and political “accounting” that accompanies it. By abandoning “equality” in favor of “equity,” the Left confers special status on an underclass and a commitment to expanding that underclass. Here’s the perverse rationale at work: these grants are prioritized for “underserved communities.” While the late actor and comedian Robin Williams joked that “cocaine is God’s way of telling you that you’re making too much money,” can anyone seriously believe that expanding access to drugs and drug paraphernalia in “underserved communities” does anything but increase the number of drug abusers in those communities? Compassionate? No, it’s “confused compassion” at best – and more likely, counterfeit. Subsidizing drug abuse and all that comes with it – violent crime, homelessness, and death – is no way to serve “underserved communities.”

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

READER’S VIEWPOINTS

VERMILLION PROMOTIONS PRESENTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Response to Leibowitz Dear David Leibowitz: I read with interest your piece about the criteria for the Supreme Court and — as you probably expected — I have some questions/comments. Strikingly your comparison of the job of being a judge to being a player on an NBA team seems, to say the least, far fetched. There are certain physical attributes required of an NBA player (hopefully height, working eyes, etc.). The only physical attribute requirement for a judge might be good mental health. Comparing requirements for the job (NBA vs SCOTUS) is comparing apples to oranges. No matter how hard I try, my short frame wouldn’t get me on an NBA team but if I studied hard enough and had the motivation, being a judge should be within the realm of possibility, no matter my gender/race/height. Now for the questions; • Would you feel the same (or even take notice) if any president had said, “I commit to appointing a white man as the next justice.” • Did you have the same opinion when Reagan promised to (and did) appoint a (white) woman before the election, to attract women voters? • Do you agree that there are a multitude of well-quali�ied candidates to choose from and (realistically) there have been

LEIBOWITZ �� page 10

topping is … pesto. Which is only marginally better than anchovies. And again, it’s weird. Though arguably not as weird as putting fruit on pizza, you pineapple people. Pizza was not meant to be topped by fish or things that grow on trees or fungus or anything that’s green, if you really want to get down to it. As a pizza purist, I just crave your standard cheese pie topped with something sold in the meat aisle. I’m not even a huge fan of the frou frou

quali�ied Black women candidates passed over in the past solely because they were not white? Quali�ied Black women didn’t just pop up in 2022, so why weren’t they chosen before? As a point to support my last question, might I suggest comparing the quali�ications of Amy Coney Barrett to the two women in your piece (Ketanji Brown Jackson and Leondra Kruger) and you’ll notice a decided gap, not in Justice Barrett’s favor. Yet she sits on the court and (as you probably know), not because of her quali�ications but because of her political views. The “political views” driver for nominations/appointments of judges is, instead, a valid criticism for these (or any) judges, but getting that out of the system is probably, at this point, impossible. Balancing past injustices (of appointing majority white men to the court) isn’t, in my opinion, the real problem we are dealing with. It does limit the personal experience exposure (as you noted) but the core problem is the hidden “political viewpoint” requirement/screening. That screening is the real problem that “demeans the process and the judges in it” and will, more importantly, continue to undermine the public’s faith that “justice is blind.” Thank you for your time. CA Dazell Anthem

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fancy pizza sold at places like Pizzeria Bianco or Pomo, though I’ll dabble in a pinch. Please just give me a few slices from Nello’s or Spinato’s, NYPD Pizza or Lou Malnati’s. Frankly, I’ve always subscribed to the idea that there’s really no such thing as bad pizza – until I contemplated my fellow Arizonans all fighting for the last slice of something topped with anchovies. They say “pizza is life.” You serve me a slice with anchovies and Death Row may not be entirely out of the question.

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OPINION

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H O M E

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Current laws won’t solve our border crisis BY TIFFANY SHEDD Foothills Focus Columnist

n our family farm, 90 miles from the border, I’ve seen the horrors of Biden’s failed border policy and Obama’s before it. During the Obama years, the cartels stole our family vehicle and, when we reported it, the police were forced to evacuate my family from our home due to credible threats. Later, our neighbor was murdered and found in a 55-gallon drum in the desert. I wish those were isolated incidents or my story is unique. The sad reality is they weren’t and it isn’t. Ask my friend Sue Krentz — her husband was murdered by an illegal immigrant on their ranch. The situation improved under Trump. Ask my friend John Ladd — under Trump’s watch and with the wall, illegal border crossings on his ranch went from hundreds per month down to less than 100. Here we are in 2022, however, and the border crisis and all the violence and chaos that accompanies it has returned with a vengeance. The numbers speak for themselves. In 2021, Border Patrol reported a record 1.6 million-plus encounters with illegal immigrants, a 2300% increase in Arizona border encounters, and 1 million-plus encounters with illegal immigrants from countries as far away as Saudi Arabia. Make no mistake: This is Biden’s fault and the result of a failed border policy. That’s why I am running for Arizona attorney general. In the absence of a federal response to this crisis, Arizona has a duty and the authority under Article 1, Section 10, Clause 3, of the U.S. Constitution to protect Arizonans from this invasion. Now, one of my opponents for the

Republican nomination has said that the attorney general exists to simply enforce the law and not to advocate for policy. I disagree. We cannot secure our border with just the laws that are already on the books. We need big and bold ideas. That’s why, as attorney general, I am not only going to enforce current law, I am going to ask our Legislature for new laws that focus on securing our border and giving law enforcement the tools they need to protect the people of Arizona. First, Arizona needs to designate cartels as terrorist organizations and we need to reform our civil asset forfeiture laws to allow law enforcement to interrupt their revenue stream. Second, we need a law enforcement agency with a single mission — defending our border. Local law enforcement is doing the best they can, but they are not equipped to handle a crisis of this magnitude. I support reconstituting the Arizona Rangers as a border force tasked with interrupting the flow of drugs and illegal immigrants across our border. Third, we need to finish the border wall on our own because walls work. Ask our ranchers. I am pleased to see many of our Republican gubernatorial candidates rallying around these very same ideas, but they are going to need an aggressive attorney general who is ready to defend them in court because you better believe Biden is going to fight us on this. The cavalry isn’t coming. I’ve accepted that, but I refuse to accept a situation where Arizona families like mine live in a state of perpetual chaos and violence. Because Biden won’t do anything, I am rolling up my sleeves to get it done myself. Tiffany Shedd is a Republican candidate for Arizona attorney general.

BUSINESS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Business TheFoothillsFocus.com

@TheFoothills.Focus

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Discover adding more than 1K jobs this year BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

iscover Financial Services is growing across its credit card and bank lines of business, and to meet its needs, the company is looking to �ill more than 1,000 customer care center positions by the end of 2022. This exciting hiring initiative features roles with location �lexibility, allowing employees to choose how they work — on site, remote or a combination of both — as long as they live in a state with a call center, which includes Arizona, Delaware (and surrounding area), Illinois, Ohio or Utah. Open positions include customer service representatives, cardmember assistance (collections) representatives, underwriters,

personal loans specialists and team leaders. “Our award-winning customer service team is 100% U.S.-based and we’re excited to be adding more individuals to our team,” said Jill McAree, human resource director at Discover. “With increased �lexibility and a full suite of bene�its for �lex and full-time employees, Discover offers a range of opportunities and is truly a great place to work.” Discover has long been recognized as a top employer through a variety of awards and achievements, including multiple location speci�ic best place to work awards and Glassdoor’s 2021 Best Place to Work for Large U.S. Companies List. Full-time employees will receive Discover’s full bene�its package, which includes:

• Starting hourly wage of $16 with shift differential opportunities to earn up to $20.70 per hour • Paid time off (at minimum, 20 personal days plus seven holidays per year) • Medical/dental/vision/life insurance • Education assistance: fully paid bachelor’s and tuition assistance and reimbursement options • 401(k) with company match and �ixed contribution • Employee stock purchase plan The education bene�it, Shine Brighter U, offers employees access to fully paid undergraduate education programs, undergraduate/graduate degree tuition assistance, along with opportunities to enroll in nonde-

gree college courses, all in partnership with guild education. Eligible employees can take advantage of this program on the �irst day of employment, and over 2,000 employees have taken advantage of this program since 2017. “We are proud of the over 2,000 employees who have participated in and completed various education programs through Shine Brighter U,” McAree said. “We encourage all interested employees to pursue their education goals, including our new hires, and ensure they will be supported along the way.” Discover operates only U.S.-based customer care centers. To view all current Discover job opportunities, including information regarding other locations and bene�its, visit jobs.discover.com.

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BUSINESS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Airport businesses seek employees to fill positions BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

hoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will host its first job fair of the year from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15. Those looking for work will have an opportunity to meet with representatives from more than 30 airport businesses to discuss the availability of nearly 1,000 listed open positions. Candidates will be able to speak with employers in-person and may even interview or receive offers onsite. Available work spans a broad selection of industries such as food and beverage, customer service, retail, airline, automotive and security. Benefits may include insurance and retirement options, paid time off, hiring bonuses and discounts. The event will take place at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station located at 200 S. 44th Street, at Wash-

ington Street. Facial coverings are required. No registration is required; however, applicants are encouraged to bring

two forms of ID for security badging processing. Thirty-day transit passes, provided by the Phoenix Public Transit Department, will be available

What’s next Serving Arizonans in all forms of learning at all stages of life Ambition, curiosity, creativity and passion don’t fit in any one box. No matter who you are or how you learn, ASU is here to help you and your family. Our learning options are growing every day. Visit ASU for You to travel the world through virtual field trips, access research learning tools through the library; conduct experiments with K–college science labs; and enhance your professional skills with badge and certificate programs.

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to attendees as supplies last. Applicants can access the job fair using the city’s bus system, light rail or by parking for free at the station. Companies in attendance will be ABM, Accufleet, Ace Parking, Allied Universal, Avis/Budget, Cam Concessions/Wendy’s, Covenant Aviation Security, Enterprise/National/Alamo/Nu Car Rentals, Flagship, Global USA, Goodfellows Shoe Shine, HMS Host, Hudson, InMotion, IPSA Security Services, Jetstream, Kind Hospitality, LSG Sky Chefs, MAG (Escape Lounges), Marksman Security, Paradies Lagardere, Piedmont Airlines, Prospect International Airport Services, Sixt, Southwest Airlines, SSP America, Stellar Partners, Swissport, TMG Services, Transdev, TSA and Worldwide Flight Services. For more information, visit skyharbor.com/jobs/jobfair.

in learning?

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FEATURES

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Features TheFoothillsFocus.com

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Women take center stage in this film fest BY ALEX GALLAGHER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

he Worldwide Women’s Film Festival is returning next weekend with more than 120 films. Beginning Friday, Feb. 18, at Harkins Theatres Shea 14 in Scottsdale, the twoand-a-half-day festival will feature films across a wide variety of categories, including shorts, documentaries, features and music videos. Also on tap are interactive workshops, an after party and the famous filmmaker’s breakfast. “We are back,” festival president Kim Heunecke said. “We took 2021 off because of the pandemic but we are ready

to show amazing films by filmmakers that tell a woman’s point of view.” Now that the world is seemingly safer for in-person events, Heunecke is anxious to pick up where the festival left off in 2020. “Women are making strides in the entertainment industry, but we still have a way to go,” she said. “There’s women behind the scenes that really don’t get recognized that much and it’s validation to recognize women for doing amazing work.” Heunecke also believes the festival serves as the perfect venue for displaying women filmmakers’ creative ways of telling stories cinematically.

Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann Woodward Brest were on the red carpet for the Worldwide Women’s Film Festival in 2020. (Special to Foothills Focus)

“Women tell stories differently than men because it seems like women are more willing to go after tough or difficult subjects,” she said. However, there are films in the festival that are directed by men as the requirements for a film to make it in the festival are that woman play a principal role behind the camera – such as director, cinematographer, producer, screenwriter, sound, music or wardrobe – or the film must have a woman-centered story. “We think those are easy and attainable requirements for the films,” Heunecke said. “We take these films very seriously and we want to present the best of independent women and men filmmakers.”

“It’s a labor of love to make a film and some of these films run on tight budgets with actors who don’t get paid. These filmmakers also had to jump through hoops to get their film here and this may be the only time that this film may be shown,” Heunecke said. Heunecke admits feeling some trepidation about hosting an in-person festival. “This festival is going to be very challenging in so many ways,” she said. “The films that we have are good but it could be challenging for audiences to come out and view them since we are doing this in person.”

see FILM FEST page 19

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FEATURES

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Celebration of Fine Art returns with high ambitions BY ALEX GALLAGHER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

fter seeing record sales of art last year, the Celebration of Fine Art has returned for its 32nd year with high energy and hopes for continued success. Located off of Loop 101 and Hayden Road, 40,000 square feet of tents comprise home to 100 artists who have covered just about every inch of wall space with art and converted their slice of the space into their own studios where guests and buyers can get an inside look into the artist’s creative process. “It’s different than a gallery setting where we would put the art in the gallery and be void of the clients,” says Kirk Randle, one of the few artists who has displayed at every Celebration of Fine Art over the past three decades. “I have developed relationships and a client base over 32 years of doing this,

and that’s how this has come together.” While those who have been with the celebration since its inception admit it was a crazy idea at first, it has turned into an event that artists circle on their calendars every year. “I have been involved since the beginning, and back then everyone thought it was a crazy idea to put a tent in the middle of the desert and put artists and collectors together,” says Susan Morrow Potje, the show director of the Celebration of Fine Art and daughter of the show’s founder, Tom Morrow. “But it’s turned into an amazing experience where people can stand at the elbow of the artists while they’re creating their work,” she says. Although the show has remained steady in its space size, Potje has noticed a demand for larger pieces in the years she has been involved. “We haven’t grown in size as we have stayed at 40,000 square feet of exhibit space and 100 artists, but what’s grown

over the years has been the quality of art in every aspect,” Potje says. “It used to be really simple where each artist had two 8-foot-by-12-foot walls. … We learned over time that display is important, and the size of paintings has substantially grown as bigger homes were built here.” “A lot of these artists sell almost as much art as they create in a year at this show,” Potje says. “It’s a great choice for artists to be here financially. The weather is also great, and there’s such a sense of community. A lot of our artists have compared this to art camp only with the public there to buy and support it.” Because of this, the artists are able to translate their enthusiasm to potential buyers and give a sneak peek into their creative process — which also happens to be a great sales tool. “My biggest selling tool is sitting there painting while people watch me do what I do,” Randle said. “That makes

it personal, as people can see the person creating the art.” Not only has this technique attracted buyers, but it has also drawn the attention of artists like Erin Matlock, who is displaying her art for the first time at the Celebration of Fine Art this year. “For me, it’s watching the progression of the artists and to see how their work changes and evolves over the years,” Matlock said. “To me, the growth of that spirit of art is interesting to me.” Other artists were sold on the opportunity to create a bond with the guests who walk through the spaces. “One of the reasons why I won’t do other tent shows is because by the time you set up, you don’t get the chance to paint or talk with the collectors or viewers like you do here,” says Priscilla Nelson, who has been showing her art at the Celebration the past four years. “It is fun, educational and the people

see FINE ARTS page 19

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

FINE ARTS

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coming through here learn a lot about what they like and the variety.” While Potje tries to create a show with good spirits, she also tries to keep the show diverse. “Each year at the end of the season, any artist who is in the show and wishes to come back submits an application and goes through the jury process,” she says. “We look at the quality of work, sales, ability to play well with others and provide an artistic balance. However, we try to have at least 15 new spaces available each year for new artists to come in.” However, Potje admits this is a hard task at times. “It does get harder to eliminate, because we have so many high-quality artists,” she says. “But having the new art is exciting for our collectors who come back year after year.” Potje also believes that the show’s educational component has become a draw for guests, especially in the past two years. “One thing we’re also proud of is how much education we have provided the community through our website, podcast and art discovery series we host every Friday at 4 p.m. during our sea-

son in our cafe,” she says. “People can walk through and talk to the artists to get different perspectives on art all day, but we thought it would be fun to put together an organized method to pick topics. We felt this would be more formal and it would build the educational platform.” In addition to being drawn to the educational component, there is a sense of longing among the guests who are eager to experience the arts once more. “I feel like this is an escape,” Matlock says. “We all have been through quite a bit, so if someone can leave all of that behind and be completely immersed in art, that’s a therapeutic experience and the celebration of art for me.” “We’re hardwired as human beings to appreciate beauty, and most of what we experience here is art that will take you back to a memory or inspire a creative thought process,” Potje says. There appears to be a consensus among artists and Potje that the show has picked up right where it left off in 2021. “As events and festivals have picked back up, artists are having their best years ever, and 2021 was our highest year of sales ever,” Potje says. “If it continues like this, it could be a banner year,” Randle adds.

FILM FEST

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Heunecke strongly encourages guests to wear masks in all applicable settings and situations and will be providing hand sanitizer at the festival’s registration tables. Despite that, Heunecke feels that in-person is the best way for filmmakers and audiences to enjoy the material that is projected. “The filmmakers are excited that their films are getting shown but they do have the regular anxieties of whether or not the crowd will like their work,” she said. “Filmmakers love it when they’re in a theater and people are laughing at the jokes they wrote or gasping when something gets revealed. When you are online, you don’t know what their reaction is.” Heunecke is also excited to offer educational experiences throughout the two and a half days of the festival like the interviewing 101 workshop — where attendees can learn interviewing techniques used by reporters on the red carpet.

19 ••

“We have a lot for everybody and we’re always looking for volunteers, we can find a use for anybody in the festival,” she said. “This festival is very special to me and everyone is welcome at this festival.” She is always grateful to see an audience that appreciates the lengths that women in film and filmmakers go to tell a good story. “I am honored when people come to the festival, whether it’s from around the country or far away, when they come to the festival on their own dime it’s amazing,” she said. She also hopes that the festival will inspire a new generation of filmmakers. “What I want people to take away from the festival is that they shouldn’t limit themselves,” Heunecke said. Fourth Worldwide Women’s Film Festival

When : Friday, Feb. 18, to Sunday, Feb. 20 Where : Harkins Theatres Shea 14, 7354 E Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale Cost : Tickets start at $15 Info : wwﬁlmfestival.org

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FEATURES

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The power of one decision is ready when you are CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph

Foothills Focus Columnist

imagine every reader in newspaper land will relate to this story. A friend promised his 8-year-old son, Bobby, that he would take him fishing on Saturday. The boy waited eagerly for the day to arrive, but rain spoiled their plans. Bobby grumbled all morning, moping about the house. The rain ended by 3 p.m., and they went fishing. They caught a boatload of fish. At supper, Bobby’s mother asked him to say grace. Bobby did so and concluded his prayer with, “And, Lord, if I sounded grumpy earlier in the day, it was because I couldn’t see far enough ahead. Thank you for the fish.” I like Bobby’s prayer. “It was because I couldn’t see far enough.” Are we seeing far enough? Saying “thank you” is a great way to end the day for our life here on earth, but what about heaven and our eternal life? If you are ready to

think God is a reality, you can believe that there is life after death. And the way to get into heaven is through His Son Jesus. We have talked about Him in these articles since November 2004. Look at what God says in The Message version of the Bible in Romans 10:9-10 about Jesus.

Telegraph Quartet • Sunday, March 6, 4:00 PM

Florence Price: Five Folksongs in Counterpoint Grazyna Bacewicz: String Quartet No. 4 Ravel: String Quartet in F Major

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“The word that saves us is right here, as near as the tongue in your mouth, as close as the heart in your chest.” It’s the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us. This is the core of our preaching. Say the welcoming word to God — “Jesus is my Master” — embracing, body and soul, God’s work of doing in us what He did in raising Jesus from the dead. That’s it. You’re not “doing” anything; you’re simply calling out to God, trusting Him to do it for you. That’s salvation. With your whole being, you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: “God has set everything right between Him and me.” There is a prayer that embraces what these Bible verses say. I prayed when I was 24 years old in March 1974 on a snowmobile at 3 a.m. in Pinetop. Before that prayer, I had never considered my future. But that night, I looked far enough into the future and decided for Christ. Afterward, I said, “Thank you.” I’ve never been the same since that moment. I’ve found that God is reliable. I’ve found that God is who He says He is. I’ve found that God does what God says He will do. As I said a few weeks ago, “God’s not dead. God’s dad.” I found a new life through Jesus, and I’ve never turned back, nor do I want to turn back. I discovered the power of the one decision that matters most. It’s not weird, like some religious stuff. My life is just the way I know you would like yours to be — normal yet supernatural. So, look over the prayer that follows and, if you are ready, go ahead and pray it if it expresses what you want God to do for you. No pressure; it’s just God and you. Here’s the prayer. “God… I receive your Son Jesus into my heart. Even though I don’t understand it all, I say by the faith Jesus is Lord, and I believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, which is what God will do for me. Thank you for making things right between You and me. I thank You that I have a new start.” If you prayed that prayer and meant it, welcome to a bigger world. Welcome

to what God created for you. Welcome to the family of God. God has lit the candle of your life. You are in right standing with God, already producing the light that God has called you to. You have discovered the power of one decision. Now for the rest of us, I hope that this article has inspired you, equipped you, and made you more aware of the God you can know. My sincere desire is that you could say after reading this artcle, “Ed, you and God have touched me, and I have grown.” I hope God, through my writings, has shifted your thinking a bit from unaware to aware, unconcerned to concerned, and from uninterested to interested in knowing more about the God you can know. I pray that you are closer to God now than when you started reading these weekly articles. I also hope your heart and mind are open to considering the possibility of God. That would be a win-win for you and heaven. My purpose in writing this article is to put things “God’s way, but nicely” and truly. I desire to see you unencumbered. I wish you would be free from the ghosts of the past and prepared for opportunities in the future. The welcome mat of this article is always here for you. And we’ll leave the lights on for you. Don’t forget, the power of one decision is ready when you are. If your decision is for God, remember gratitude gives you a confident assurance about the future. God loves you, and He approved this message. Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. Ed has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy.com. Ed may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

YOUTH

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | FEBRUARY 16, 2022

Youth TheFoothillsFocus.com

For more Youth News visit thefoothillsfocus.com @TheFoothills.Focus

/TheFoothillsFocus

STUDENT CHRONICLES Know a student doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email christina@timespublications.com. BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Kasey Zollo of Phoenix was named to the University of Hartford’s dean’s list in West Hartford, Connecticut. The University of Hartford is a fouryear private university focused on advancing the public good through meaningful connections within its communities. Megan Zapp of Phoenix was named to the dean’s list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the fall semester. Zapp is a freshman majoring in psychology. More than 6,700 students at Nebraska were named to

the dean’s list for the fall semester. Qualification for the dean’s list varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Amber Walterscheid, Ainsley Nystrom and Mason Setto, all of Phoenix, and Rachel Curnutt of Cave Creek were named to the dean’s list YOUTH for the fall semester at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. Curnutt is working toward a Bachelor of Science in games. Walterscheid will earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ballet, while Setto is studying to get a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-computer science. Nystrom

will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah. Four local students — Emily Cardellini, Erin Cooney, Tanner Mendenhall and Regan Shipley, all of Phoenix — were named to the dean’s list at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Students must earn a 3.5 to 3.84 grade-point average to be listed. Gonzaga University is a humanistic, private Catholic University providing a Jesuit education

to more than 7,500 students. Kaylee Byerly of Phoenix was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2021 semester at Wheaton College in Illinois. To earn dean’s list honors at Wheaton, an undergraduate student must carry 12 or more credit hours and achieve a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher on the 4.0 scale. Wheaton College is a coeducational Christian liberal arts college noted for its rigorous academics, integration of faith and learning, and consistent ranking among the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

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