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BUSINESS ......... 14 Edkey president and CEO receives Titan 100 honors

BUSINESS ......... 14 Pure Rejuvenation joins chamber of commerce

FEATURES ........ 15 Phat Turtle Barbecue brings good eats and homey setting

OPINION ......................9 BUSINESS ................. 14 FEATURES ................ 15 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 18 Zone 2

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Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Cave Creek re�lects on 2020 �ires BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

t’s been two years since major brush fires tore through Cave Creek in May 2020 and town officials are reflecting on what they learned, how the town has grown and the steps it continues to take toward fire safety. The East Desert and Ocotillo fires burned more than 2,700 acres, impacting several structures. Hundreds of residents were forced to evacuate their homes. According to reports from Maricopa County, the Ocotillo fire alone caused $1.2 million in dam-

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Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical Fire Chief Brian Tobin at the opening of the new Cave Creek Fire Station No. 1/Daisy Mountain Fire Station No. 147. (David Minton/Staff)

Museum to remember Unknown Soldier BY ANDREW CROWLEY Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

he Cave Creek Museum will host “The Unknown Soldier Story” Saturday, May 21, with a presentation about the history and meaning behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Cave Creek Museum Administrator Jo Ann Stuckey said the program is a good fit for the museum because of its proximity to the National Ceremony of Arizona as well as Valley veterans. She added she

felt it was important to recognize those who died for the country. “It just gives me the goosebumps to even think about it,” Stuckey said. “It’s just so meaningful when you think of young men going off to war knowing that they may not come back, not many people can do that. It’s just very moving to me.” The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at Arlington National Cemetery, serves as a memorial to members of the military whose remains cannot be iden-

tified. It was established in 1921 and initially housed the remains of a U.S. soldier killed during the first World War. In 1921, the remains of four unidentified members of the U.S. military were exhumed from cemeteries in France. Sgt. Edward Younger, a veteran of the conflict who received the Distinguished Service Cross, was charged with selecting the unknown soldier would be interred at Arlington. Younger was presented with

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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 Design: Veronica Thurman | vthurman@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com

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

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

FIRES �� 1

age, destroying 20 buildings, including eight homes. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management sent air tankers to help control the fire. “It’s obvious from two years ago just how bad fires can get,” Mayor Ernie Bunch said. “When you’re the mayor and you’re watching the big aircraft dumping retardant on your town and the helicopter dipping from the ponds and trying to control it — that’s a pretty scary thing.” In Town Marshal Adam Stein’s 2020 review, he called the fires a “rude awakening.” At the time, the town did not have fire services of its own and instead contracted with Rural Metro. After the 2020 fires, however, neighboring fire departments contacted Cave Creek officials and said they may not respond the same way if the town didn’t make an effort of its own. This prompted the town to create its own fire department and seek entry into the regional automatic aid system. The town made this a priority and worked quickly and diligently to see it through. Cave Creek opened its �irst �ire station in partnership with Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical on Jan. 3, just over one year after it started the effort. “The town of Cave Creek has come a long way since the summer of 2020 and the East Desert and Ocotillo wildland/urban interface fires,” said Daisy Mountain Fire Chief Brian Tobin in a recent letter to the town. “In less than two years you, partnering with the Daisy Mountain Fire District, have purchased a fire station, a fire engine, a brush truck and hired and trained the firefighter/paramedics needed to staff the station and equipment. And now inclusion in the Regional Automatic Aid System. This is truly exceptional considering the condensed timeline of events.” The town hasn’t settled with automatic aid, though. It recently expanded its partnership with Daisy Mountain to provide ambulance services to residents. More than that, Jim Ford, Cave Creek director of community risk reduction, wants to ensure residents are as safe and prepared as possible.

In May 2020, two fires burned approximately 2,700 acres and has been called a “rude awakening” to Cave Creek’s need for increased fire protection measures. (Town of Cave Creek/Submitted) “Getting to where we are now has been a huge collaborative effort and I’m happy to have been a part of it,” Bunch said. “Having the protections in place from the Regional Automatic Aid Partners still doesn’t relieve us of our own personal responsibility to make sure we have Defensible Space around our structures.” At the May 2 town council meeting, Town Manager Carrie Dyrek alerted the town that its fire rating had been changed to “very high,” invoking stage one fire restrictions. Stage one fire restrictions include no smoking outside near combustible ground cover, outside of vehicles, outside of residential yards or beyond designated smoking areas; no spark generating activities without a permit such as welding or grinding; no fireworks or other pyrotechnic displays and no use of flame in any outside area. “If you have any questions about your property, would like an inspection to make sure that you are compliant with the distance of your brush and have that cut or whatever following the regulations, Jim Ford is always available,” Dyrek said. “Just make an appointment with him and he will come out to your property and give you some ideas of how you can improve the safety to avoid any structures burning down should there

be a fire.” Ford said, so far, 109 residential properties have been evaluated for fire safety. One of the first and most basic steps people can take is ensuring a safe and defensible area within 5 feet of structures on their property. Fire safety guides for Arizona recommend removing standing dead and downed trees or shrubs, debris from gutters and dried out grasses and wildflowers. It is also suggested to remove dead leaves, branches, trigs and needles from living trees to a height of 15 feet. Firewood and other combustible debris should be relocated at least 30 feet uphill from structures. Cave Creek is classified as a wildland urban interface area, or an area that’s highly flammable. Town staff asks residents to do their part to ensure fire safety. For a free wildland residential site inspection, contact Ford at 480488-6600. “I can’t stress enough that the people in the town get a hold of us,” Ford said. “We’ll be happy to come out and look at your properties and do what you can to provide defensible space to make our firefighters that much more effective in the case of an incident.”

Cave Creek Fire Safety CaveCreekAZ.gov/FireSafety

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

SOLDIER �� 1

the four identical caskets and placed white roses on one of them. That casket was brought to the United States to rest in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At the event, Matt Scott, AZ Sons of American Revolution color guard commander and historian, will give the presentation at the Cave Creek Museum. Other than his interest in history, Scott has a personal connection to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. His grandfather was a clerk in the Cemetery Division of the Department of War and was charged with documenting the ceremony in France and the subsequent burial in Arlington in 1921. Scott will discuss a report written by his grandfather about the details of that process, a discussion of who is buried in the tomb as well as an explanation of the ceremonies and rituals related to the tomb. Cave Creek Museum Executive Director Evelyn Johnson said the mu-

Johnson said the museum once had an exhibit related to alcohol which featured patriotic commemorative bottles manufactured between the 1940s and 1950s. “Many of today’s generation had never seen that,” Johnson said. The connection to the military goes deeper, she said Cave Creek was founded as a military remount station. “In our history wing, we have a longstanding exhibit that addresses the military presence in Cave Creek and our founding,” Johnson said. Seating is limited so pre-registration is recommended but walk-ins will be accommodated if space allows. The program is free apart from museum admission. Unknown Soldier Program

The Cave Creek Museum will host “The Unknown Soldier Story” Saturday, May 21, with a presentation about the history behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Cave Creek Museum/Submitted) seum has hosted other events related to the military. Former military members shared their experiences at

Veterans Day events and the facility exhibited artifacts. The museum participated in a Veterans Day Parade.

School district wins �inancial reporting award BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

We are devoted to making our community a great place to live, work and raise families. Everything we are and everything we do is in the service of a stronger community. Unite for the greater good at www.carefreecavecreek.org

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WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21 WHERE: Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek COST: $5 for students 12 and older, $5 for seniors, $7 for adults INFO: cavecreekmuseum.org

he Association of School Business Of�icials International gave Cave Creek Uni�ied School District 93 the Certi�icate of Excellence in Financial Reporting. ASBO International’s COE recognizes districts that have met the program’s high standards for �inancial reporting and transparency. The school district earned the Certi�icate of Excellence for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the �iscal year ended 2021. Cave Creek Uni�ied School District 93 earned the Certi�icate of Excellence for the last several years. “The COE’s mission is to promote and recognize excellence in �inancial reporting,” said David Lewis, ASBO International exec-

utive director. “The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report informs stakeholders about the �inancial and economic state of the district, making it an important communications tool for building trust and engaging with the school community.” By participating in the Certi�icate of Excellence program, school districts demonstrate their commitment to �inancial transparency. Applicants submit their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for review by a team of �inancial professionals who provide feedback to improve future documents. If the report meets the requirements of the program, it may receive the Certi�icate of Excellence. A district’s participation in the Certi�icate of Excellence program can facilitate bond rating and continuing bond disclosure processes.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

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NEWS

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

Cave Creek Museum news C BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

ave Creek Museum has named its 2022-23 board of directors. The new board members are Evelyn Johnson, interim executive director; Pam DiPietro, treasurer; Tammy Causey, recording secretary; Steve Greenberg; Chris Kempster; Nina Spitzer; Darlene Southern, president; Molly Tufts; Debbie

Israni and Dwight (Joe) Dollison. The of�ice of vice president will be decided at the June 6 board meeting. Frank Tyrol, former vice president, resigned to other obligations. “The board of directors is committed to museum excellence, customer service and are highly educated about the historical signi�icance of this area,” Johnson said.

From left, Pam DiPietro, Tammy Causey, Steve Greenberg, Chris Kempster, Nina Spitzer and Darleen Southern. Not pictured are Molly Tufts, Debbie Israni and Dwight (Joe) Dollison. (Cave Creek Museum/Submitted)

“The Cave Creek Museum is �illed with exciting exhibits with creative plans for our season opening in October 2022.

Caption Museum Board The new Cave Creek Museum board members are, from left, Pam DiPietro, Tammy Causey, Steve Greenberg, Chris Kempster, Nina Spitzer and Darleen Southern. Not pictured are Molly Tufts, Debbie Israni and Dwight (Joe) Dollison. (Cave Creek Museum/Contributed) Volunteer of the year The Cave Creek Museum has named Judith Hatsell the volunteer of the year. “Judith Hatsell has dedicated her time, talent, knowledge to Cave Creek Museum with unrelenting enthusiasm,” said Evelyn Johnson, interim executive director. “She has given, and continues to give, in ways that have positively impacted this great organization.”

Judith Hatsell received an Agave membership for her talent and administrative efforts. (Cave

Creek Museum/Submitted)

Hatsell was presented with an Agave membership in recognition of her talent and administrative efforts. The 51-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek. Call 480-488-2764 for more information.

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

We can all appreciate a winner BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

h, Rich Strike, how we love thee! The underdog who stunned the racing world! The horse who barely had an opportunity to run in the Kentucky Derby and was only given a spot through default of another horse. The biggest longshot to win the derby in the modern era. The winning horse that was outmatched, dismissed, given an 80-1 shot to win. There was nothing in his previous races that suggested he had a chance. Well, his original owners gave him up for a mere $30,000, not like the million-plus dollar colts that were “born to win.” And against all odds, the racing world was turned upside down. Throw your hats off, ladies! Spit out that mint julep. Something great just happened. Running from the outside post, in a field of 20, Rich Strike was behind when the opening quarter was run by the leading horses at a blistering pace. The fastest opening quarter in the race’s history, set up a possibility for a late closer. Horses, like cars, simply can run out of gas. At the pace of 21.78 seconds in the first quarter mile, the horses leading the pack were at a supersonic speed

that could not be sustained. Riding at the outside and the back of the field, Rich Strike’s jockey started methodically angling to the inside position along the rail. And history was made. The racing world thought that the top prize might go to Zandon or Epicenter, elite horses deemed best by handicappers. Instead, it went to a chestnut colt named Rich Strike, which was beyond reason, logical handicapping or lucid dreams. This horse hadn’t run a race in six months and came to the derby on a five-race losing streak. He was down on his luck, had few chances to seriously compete with the “champions” in the ring. Imagine about 150,000 people roaring at Churchill Downs and becoming eerily quiet momentarily as the longshot of the century goes tearing past the two lead horses. Whoa! Is this happening? From last to first? When Rich Strike blazed across the finish line, fans erupted, joyful cries (especially from those who placed a bet on Rich Strike), squeals and laughter ran through the hallowed stands of Churchill Downs. We probably know what it feels like to be driving on I-17 with everyone going full speed, almost bumper to bumper, at 70 mph. It can be scary and

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.

requires focus! Now imagine sitting on a horse, in a thick pack of 20, going about 35 mph around that final turn of the derby, with dirt flying, traffic closing in, a crowd screaming, and then accelerating to weave in and out of tight spaces. Oh yeah, this is a bit different than my trail riding days on my old horse, Baxter. He did like to run (on occasion) but I think his pace was more like 5 minutes for a quarter mile, not 21 seconds. We don’t even have to like horse

racing to appreciate a winner. This is the American story that we love: believe, give it your all, never give up and dreams can come true. 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

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

Disagreement now discredited as ‘disinformation’

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

hrough the mists of memory comes this observation from the now-retired Washington Post columnist Robert J. Samuelson: “When one side deliberately distorts and misstates the arguments of the other, the intent is not to debate, but to destroy.” Samuelson’s mid-1990s assertion came to mind following the recent announcement that the Department of Homeland Security is establishing a “Disinformation Governing Board,” or DGB. Talk about a “pot-meet-kettle” moment! The imagination calls forth similar absurdities: picture Hugh Hefner in his heyday, taking vows of chastity. Or Bill Clinton announcing that he will forswear “senior statesman status” to devote the rest of his days to marriage counseling. Or Martha Stewart disclosing that she’s really a “hoarder” rather than the “doyenne of domesticity.” The difference, of course, is that the Sec-

retary of Homeland Security remains adamant in ignoring the abundance of absurdity that accompanied his announcement. But the willful ignorance of Alejandro Mayorkas doesn’t dissuade wizened Washington observers from offering an accurate assessment of what’s really going on here. In a word, politics. How best to put tax dollars to work to discredit political opponents? Just claim that those opponents are disseminating disinformation…dangerous disinformation. And so, for the “public good,” not to mention its own political advantage, the left rises to say those on the right are wrong, and must face consequences – consequences far beyond losing elections. Obviously, this isn’t politics as usual. It is a threat to our constitutional republic. Disagreement wasn’t always viewed as dangerous or deceitful. For most of our history, it was considered the principle that underpinned our political process. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who led the greatest fighting force ever assembled in defeat-

ing one of the most evil regimes the world has ever known, was eventually promoted by the American people from general of the army to commander-in-chief. Upon taking the oath of office as our 34th president in January 1953, the man who had just assumed the position widely regarded as the “most powerful on Earth” appealed to an even higher power. “May cooperation be permitted,” Ike prayed, “and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concepts of our Constitution, hold to differing political faiths.” Sixty-nine years later, it can no longer be taken as an article of faith that the left still accepts the most basic of our constitutional concepts. Barack Obama, who vowed to “fundamentally change America” in his 2008 presidential campaign, continues on that mission as an ex-president. Appearing at an April symposium sponsored by his comrades at “The Atlantic” and the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics titled “Disinformation and the Erosion of

Democracy,” Obama couldn’t resist indulging in some rhetorical misdirection of his own. Seeking to inoculate himself from what he was about to suggest, the former president asserted, “I am close to a First Amendment absolutist.” Then, the self-described “absolutist” absolutely declared war on free speech, calling to “put in place a combination of regulatory

see HAYWORTH page 13

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

Only the victim deserves our sympathy

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BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

he man who raped and murdered Deana Bowdoin was put to death by the state of Arizona on May 11 at 10:30 a.m. This was 44 years, four months and four days after the homicide in question – or about 44 years too long by my reckoning. Even so, this column has little to do with Deana’s killer. This piece is about a 21-yearold girl subtracted from the world decades too soon, a young woman for whom there were no candlelight vigils this week, no protesters, no legal motions long enough to deforest the state. That’s the thing about the anti-death-penalty conversation: All the focus is on the wrong loss of life, the wrong final heartbeat. The only death I mourn here is Deana’s. The ASU coed was mere hours from graduation on Jan. 7, 1978, courtesy of three stab wounds and strangulation with a belt. “When you think about it, you think how could this possibly have happened to this cute, good little girl?” Deana’s mother, Bobbie, told the local ABC TV station back almost 15 years ago. “How could somebody treat her like that? And it hurts. It hurts a lot.” Bobbie died in 2009 after a fight with cancer. Deana’s father, Dean, lived nine more years before he passed at age 86. Justice for Deana took more time than they had. One wonders what Deana would have given this world had she lived deep into adulthood, say as long as the man who snuffed out her life. He was allowed to live until age 66 and still managed never to contribute a single thing to mankind. If only Deana had been given the time he was gifted with, the oxygen, the attention. She graduated with honors from Camelback High School. A debutante for the Phoenix Honors Cotillion, she went on to ASU where she was about to graduate with a degree in marketing management. Perhaps Deana would have become an

attorney or a diplomat – she’d already taken the law school admissions exam and the Foreign Service test – or maybe she’d have returned to Europe, where she had and lived with her family, to pursue a career in international marketing. That we will never know compounds the tragedy of her murder. We do know how Deana’s sister feels. Leslie Bowdoin James has been eloquent about the long wait her family endured before a lethal needle finally slipped past the killer’s flesh. As Leslie put it to reporters a few minutes after the execution: “Forty-three and 20: the number of hearings and the number of years I have attended since the indictment. Thirteen: The number of women that this inmate victimized. One and zero: The number of sisters I had up until, and after, Jan. 7, 1978.” Outside the state prison in Florence, those who oppose the death penalty bemoaned the unfairness of it all. They carried signs for the killer. Nowhere was the name Deana Bowdoin mentioned. We forget the dead all too soon, but let this 21-year-old girl be remembered far longer than the trash who ended her life. She had amber eyes and long dirty blonde hair, plank-straight and parted down the middle. A poet, some of her writing made the local newspaper after her death, 44

see LEIBOWITZ page 13

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

READER’S VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Preparing for worsening drought Editor: Most local communities throughout the desert southwest have been strategically preparing for looming water shortages by diversifying their water portfolios and storage capacity of their water delivery systems. Carefree is no different. The current water consolidation and improvement project benefits all Carefree residents. It expands Carefree’s water allocation, gives access to Carefree’s robust water aquifer to all Carefree residents, enhances Carefree’s water storage capacity and provides for more fire suppression capacity. Carefree’s water improvement project was not decided upon overnight. The planning and public discussions took place over the course of a fiveyear period and involved hundreds of Carefree residents. This extensive publicly vetted process has led to: • a thorough plan to transition nearly 1/3 of Carefree’s population into the Carefree water system • the pre-ordering of materials to ensure escalation costs of materials are minimized • the hiring of industry leading construction firm, Achen-Gardner, to deliver a high-quality project • a state-of-the-art underground storage reservoir that will be completed in the next several months • a funding revenue stream strategical-

ly taking advantage of generationally low interest rates and maintaining annual water rate increases at the historical 4.4% annual increase level, well below the national annual average rate increase of 6%. Recently, the first Carefree neighborhood was transitioned into the Carefree system. Numerous additional neighborhoods will continue to transition in the coming weeks and months. Concrete is being poured for the underground reservoir which will be completed this summer, including comprehensive native landscape restoration. It is anticipated that all the water improvement projects will be completed by the beginning of 2023, which will place all Carefree residents and properties in a more resilient position to address the worsening drought. Indeed, important community investments and infrastructure projects like this do not happen overnight. Dozens of open public meetings were held and ultimately, decisions were made to ensure both the efficiency and sustainability of Carefree’s water resources in the face of the ongoing drought. A special thanks to all of those who have made significant contributions to protect Carefree’s water resources, including the staffs from the Carefree Water Company and the town, notably Greg Crossman and Gary Neiss, and the entire Carefree Town Council — John Crane, Cheryl Kroyer, Tony Geiger,

1720 E DEER VALLEY RD., #104

Vince D’Aliesio, Stephen Hatcher and Michael Johnson. Representative and effective government is about understanding and solving issues that face the community. These people worked with Carefree residents and property owners to provide an effective and cost-efficient solution to Carefree’s water future. Les Peterson Carefree Mayor

Areas of consideration for Carefree Town Council election Editor: Residents have inquired if I utilized a checklist to help distinguish between candidates when the town council is appointing a new councilmember to fill a vacancy. Because this is election season, and the criteria used to vote for a councilmember, is in many respects, identical to that which could be utilized to appoint one, I offer the following criteria for consideration. I believe each candidate which I support should: 1. Be knowledgeable of and interested in all of the important issues impacting Carefree residents, and not just be focused on one issue of particular interest to them 2. Have an open and analytical mind 3. Have a proven track record of successful accomplishments 4. Work well with others and have a history of constructive community involvement 5. Be knowledgeable of Carefree’s history, have a vision for Carefree’s future, but be open to knowledgeable input 6. Be informed, impartial and fair in their judgment and actions 7. Bring forward alternatives for consideration, analysis and discussion rather than just criticizing the ideas and possible solutions of others 8. Support what they believe to of-

fer the greatest good for Carefree residents 9. Use the office for the greater public good, not for personal gain or gains for a few 10. Conduct deliberations and processes openly in an atmosphere of respect and civility Les Peterson Carefree Mayor

Veteran: Vote for John Crane Editor: John Crane does his homework and so much more. I’d like to share my reasons for supporting John Crane as the next mayor of Carefree. Having attended some of the monthly town council meetings, I’m always impressed at the level of knowledge of our councilmembers. However, this doesn’t mean they are all prepared to contribute to the same extent. For that they must spend hours on end of their personal time studying the issues. As I’ve witnessed, John is not only prepared but able to communicate his understandings of a specific issue in a manner that is clear, concise, and covers all views of the issue. An example is the discussions over the past several years of the Carefree water issue. John has extensive knowledge of all sides of the issue and has acknowledged the concerns of all Carefree citizens. I have personally reached out to John for clarification on this issue and received a timely response specific to my concerns. Another example is a discussion on the Carefree Veterans Memorial. John, being an active veteran and volunteer in the community, was clear and specific from the beginning that donations and volunteers would need to be the backbone of the project. What might be considered a pipe dream suddenly

see LETTERS page 13

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

LETTERS �� page 12

became a real possibility as John explained how and when this could come together and offered to lead the effort to form the committee of Carefree veterans to engage in this worthy cause. Fast forward to 2020 when the memorial became a reality: There was John on site before sunrise preparing for the initial raising of the flag and the all-day festivities to celebrate the Carefree Veterans Memorial. And at the end of the day, John was still there putting away chairs, emptying trash cans, and thanking all for attending. In summary, his preparation and leadership throughout this project cannot be questioned, and it’s my belief this is what Carefree needs going forward. Please join me in supporting John Crane for mayor in the upcoming election. And next time you pass through town, stop by and admire our Carefree Veterans Memorial. Jim Northcutt Carefree Veterans for John Crane

LEIBOWITZ �� page 11

long years ago. “Parents and friends (with good intention)/Beg ‘slow down!’ But I just can’t mention/Why summer’s magic has its hold on me/I am too enveloped; can’t be set free/ So while I am both young and innocently

HAYWORTH �� page 10

measures and industry norms that leave intact the opportunity for these platforms to make money, but say to them that, there, there, there’s certain practices that we are not, that we don’t think are good for our society and we’re gonna discourage.” What are those “certain practices” Obama doesn’t think “are good for our society?” Why, any efforts to oppose the leftist vision of a fundamentally transformed America! Thus, the establishment of the “Disinformation Governing Board,” more accurately described in Orwellian fashion as a real-life “Ministry of Truth.” Perhaps seeking its own inoculation, the Washington Post featured an article from

aware/I will exist in summer and be safe in its care.” Not safe enough, as it turns out. Deana Bowdoin was lost to a killer and to time, but never, ever forgotten. David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com

Glenn Kessler, its designated “fact checker,” calling out the assertion of DHS Secretary Mayorkas that the illegal aliens he allows in the United States are promptly deported. Kessler described that claim as “mostly false.” Thus far, that publication has remained silent on the establishment of the DGB. But if the Post truly believes that “Democracy dies in darkness,” there’s one direct action the newspaper could take immediately: Bring Robert J. Samuelson out of retirement. J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of Federal Immigration Law in the 109th Congress.

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BUSINESS

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Business TheFoothillsFocus.com

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Edkey CEO receives Titan 100 honors BY JORDAN ROGERS Foothills Focus Staff Writer

ark Plitzuweit, president and CEO of Edkey Inc., is a recipient of a 2022 Phoenix Titan 100 award. Edkey Inc. is a nonprofit organization with 16 schools around the Valley. The Titan 100 program recognizes Phoenix’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives who have shown to demonstrate exceptional leadership, vision and passion as business leaders in their industry. Plitzuweit, a leader in education

for nearly three decades, has been the recipient of multiple awards in both K to 12 and higher education environments. “I am humbled by this recognition and am grateful to work with Edkey’s accomplished team that made all this possible,” Plitzuweit said. “I appreciate the countless individual efforts of each employee and student across our great organization.” Under the leadership of Plitzuweit, Edkey Inc. has increased student outcomes, fiscal stability and student enrollment growth. “The Titan 100 are shaping the future of the Phoenix business com-

VOTE NOW!

munity by building a distinguished reputation that is unrivaled and preeminent in their field,” said Jaime Zawmon, president of Titan CEO. “We proudly recognize the Titan 100 for their successes and contributions. “We know that they will have a profound impact that makes an extraordinary difference for their customers and clients across the nation.” This year’s honorees will be published in a limited-edition Titan 100 book and profiled exclusively online. Plitzuweit will be honored at the Titan 100 awards on Thursday, Sept. 29, at the Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.

Mark Plitzuweit, president and CEO of Edkey Inc., is a 2022 Phoenix Titan 100 Award recipient. The program recognizes Phoenix’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executivesshowing exceptional leadership. (Submitted photo)

Pure Rejuvenation welcomed to chamber

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Our reader poll is designed to let YOU tell us about your favorite people, places, shops, restaurants and things to do in Anthem, Carefree, Cave Creek and North Phoenix PEOPLE | PLACES | SHOPS | RESTAURANTS | THINGS TO DO

Vote at TheFoothillsFocus.com Vote from April 21st-May 19th

Pure Rejuvenation Wellness Lounge was recently welcomed to the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce. The sister-owned mini-med spa in Carefree offers a variety of aesthetic and wellness services. Located at 42 Easy Street, Suite 4W, the spa offers free consultations. For more information, call 480-500-9722 or visit purerejuvenationwellnesslounge.com. (Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce/Submitted)

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FEATURES

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Protein is king at Phat Turtle Barbecue BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

ike and Kelly Sloan were at a crossroads when the pandemic forced the closure of their screen printing and sign graphics company, Phat Turtle Media. After soul searching, the couple recalled their hometown of Kansas City and opened Phat Turtle Barbecue in Cave Creek. Upon its first meal on July 4, 2020, the eatery was a success. Kelly said they expected to serve about 80 guests. Instead, the skeleton staff waited on 170 diners. Earlier this year, the Sloans expanded to Anthem. Mike said the openings of Phat Turtle Barbecue in Cave Creek and Anthem were pieces of good news during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the timing, the Sloans did not receive pandemic money. “They talk about all the bad things in the restaurant industry,” he said.

Mike and Kelly Sloan founded Phat Turtle Barbecue in Cave Creek first, before moving into Anthem. (Cassandra Tomei/Submitted)

The menu includes a burnt end sandwich with a side of beans and a rack of ribs with onion rings.

(Cassandra Tomei/Submitted)

“They don’t talk about the ones that open.” The Phat Turtle Barbecue restaurants are the couple’s first eateries. Previously, Mike was a chemist in the printing industry, creating colors for commercial signage. Mike left the company and formed Phat Turtle Media with Kelly. “When we landed our first account, we got whacked on the pandemic,” he said. “I was flipping through Craigslist and I saw a barbecue restaurant for sale. My wife and I went down there and took a look at it.” The location didn’t quite work out. With the seed planted, they looked at other restaurants and venues, not knowing what they wanted was lit-

erally in their backyard. Behind their home sat a former breakfast joint that the Sloans eventually turned into Phat Turtle Barbecue. They took the next step in fall 2019 and started developing recipes and catering events to introduce the Valley to their food. “We bought a smoker and put it in the backyard and learned all about using it,” he said. The result is “authentic” barbecue, something Mike said is missing in the Valley. Phat Turtle Barbecue shares Mike and Kelly’s penchant for the smooth sweet flavors of slow-smoked meats. “I think that’s what everybody’s looking for because there are a ton of Midwestern people out here,” he added. “There are a ton of Kansas City people out here. “They’ve been searching for authentic barbecue because they don’t want to have a jalapeno in their cornbread. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. That’s just not what they’re raised on.” Guests can get started with a jumbo corn bread muffin, onion ring tower, cow candy (burnt ends, caramelized with savory hickory sauce), mac and cheese, brisket chili or a sampler. The latter features an eighth-pound of burnt ends, and eighth-pound of pulled pork, an eighth-pound of brisket, two baby back ribs, chopped chicken, a quarter pound of sausage link and finished in onion rings. The extensive menu continues with comfort plates of pulled pork, brisket, baby back ribs, chopped chicken, two-meat platter, smoked sausage and burnt ends. Brisket, burnt ends,

see PHAT TURTLE page 16

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FEATURES

PHAT TURTLE

�� page 15

pulled pork, chopped chicken, sausage and rack of ribs are available smoked, too. “Grazers,” as the couple call them, can dine on salads — house; brisket, pork or chopped chicken salad; or cobb. Sandwich, children and dessert menus are featured, too. “Any barbecue enthusiast knows there are different kinds of barbecue

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

profiles across the country,” Kelly said. “Kansas City is known for the dry, sweet side of the barbecue profile. You just don’t seem to have that here. It’s all been Southwesternized. It’s not a bad thing. It’s just how they present their barbecue. For us, it’s all about the proteins. Whatever you want to do with it afterward is fine. You can put whatever sauce you want on it. “But we’re serving the meats dry. We prefer not putting sauces and stuff on them.”

The interior of Phat Turtle Barbecue was designed by founders Mike and Kelly Sloan. (Cassandra

Tomei/Submitted)

Just as impressive as the meals is the building’s interior. The Sloans overhauled the building themselves, thanks, in part, to the printing and graphics arm of Phat Turtle. They printed the tabletops at Phat Turtle, and found pieces to hang on the walls, which are covered with bright paint. The tables were repurposed from the community. “We’re just happy the community

has embraced us,” she said. “This has been a great adventure.” Phat Turtle Barbecue

30845 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 602-527-3257 39508 W. Daisy Mountain Drive, Suite 158, Anthem 602-635-3010 phatturtlebbq.com

Phat Turtle Barbecue has a homey atmosphere. (Cassandra Tomei/Submitted)

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

CAVE CREEK The Foothills Focus publishes on Wednesday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue. Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Foothills Focus coverage area. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the Foothills Focus circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries. Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement. Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@ timespublications.com.

Craft N Chat

The Unknown Soldier Story

MONDAYS Those who knit or crochet are invited to the Desert Foothills Library for Craft N Chat. New crafters and experienced ones are welcome to join. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., free, dfla.org

MAY 21 Presenter Matthew Scott is a life associate member of the Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Scott will talk about the selection and burial of the first unknown soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, 2 to 4 p.m., free, 480488-2764

Free Couples Dance Lessons THURSDAYS Learn how to line dance to country music with significant others, friends or alone Thursdays in April. Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, 6823 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 7 to 10 p.m., free, buffalochipsaloon.com

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American Legion Post 34 and the Korean War MAY 21 American Legion Post 34 will invite veterans and the public to learn about the post’s role during the Korean War. The day begins with a brunch at 9 a.m., which will feature a bloody Mary and mimosa bar and egg burritos. At 10 a.m., Post 34 will install its new officers for the coming year. Afterward, the town of Cave Creek will present Post 34 with the Local Landmark award. At 1 p.m., Post 34 will feature Bill Johnson, a Bob Hope impersonator. Top Hat Catering will serve a barbecue from noon to 4 p.m. Painted Cave Band will hit the stage from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. American Legion Post 34, 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 9 a.m., $15 per show, $20 at the door, azpost34.com

Yoga Fusion THURSDAYS Join Elizabeth Boisson in an intermediate-level course of Yoga Fusion at the Desert Foothills Library from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays. The class will start with breathing exercising and then go through different types of stretching movements and then into Vinyasa or the Flow yoga. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, noon to 1 p.m., $10 cash per class, dfla.org

Carefree Farmers Market FRIDAYS Vendors from around Carefree and the Valley head to the Farmers Market to sell goods like fresh, local, seasonal produce, herbs and flowers. They also sell local jams, jelly, honey and salsas. Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, Carefree, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., free admission, carefree.org

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see CALENDAR page 18

17 ••

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FEATURES

CALENDAR

�� page 17

Reader’s Theater

MAY 25 Theater veterans Mo and David Mason host readings/ performances and teach how to make parts come alive by emphasizing facial expressions and reading with emotion. No experience necessary; everyone can participate. Desert Hills Presbyterian Church’s Fellowship Center, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road, Scottsdale, 11 a.m., reservations required, music.arts@deserthills.org

Carefree Restaurant Week MAY 30 TO JUNE 5 Carefree Restaurant Week allows the town’s eateries to showcase their menus at discounted prices. Some restaurants will offer a special lunch menu, others a special 3-course dinner for dine-in guests. Prices fare $18 for two-course lunch menu, or $35 or $45 for three-course dinner menu. Participating restaurants include Venues Café, Black Mountain Café, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, Raven’s View Wine Bar, Alberto’s Ristorante, Confluence, English Rose Tea Room, Corrado’s Cucina Italiana and Giordano’s Trattoria Romana. Throughout Carefree, various times, $18, $35 or $45, carefreerestaurants.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022

memoir. The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., free, desertfoothillsbookfestival.com

Carefree Budget Workshops JUNE 7 The town of Carefree is scheduled to host budget workshops for public participation this spring. Residents and community members are invited to attend any of the scheduled meetings to learn and ask questions about the town’s budgeting process. The workshops will touch on topics such as where the town gets its revenue from and how those funds are utilized to support town operations. Carefree Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy Street, Carefree, 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 7 (final budget hearing), free, carefree.org

The Foothills Focus Online at www.TheFoothillsFocus.com

The Desert Foothills Book Festival

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The Art of a Thank You Note

The long journey to securing a job interview can leave us so exhausted that we forget one of the most important steps in the hiring process: Saying thanks. Here’s a primer on the art of the thank you note. EXPERTS AGREE Recruiters, human resource professionals and others in job-hiring positions recommend that you send a custom letter of appreciation within 24 hours of your interview. This is a great way to show appreciation for the opportunity to discuss their job opening. You’re reinforcing your interest in the open position, while showcasing your attention to detail and good manners.

where your letter might get lost in the inevitable early-morning wave of work-related emails. With that in mind, aim for an early-afternoon submission window, after they’ve filtered through the morning’s correspondence. GET SPECIFIC A bland, obviously generic thank you note might be almost as damaging to your candidacy as forgetting to send one in the first place. Be specific to the company and the interviewer, reminding them of a key moment from your talk. If you discussed a future project or a shared past business contact, reference that directly so the hiring professional is sure to remember you.

to go overboard. A thank you note is not supposed to be so details that it reads like a synopsis of your meeting, nor so conversational that it grows boring. Try to keep your note to about three sentences: Thank the person who met with you, mentioning the specific date of your interview. Add a sentence tailored to your experience, then a line that reiterates your interest in the open position.

Be a part of something

WHEN TO WRITE It may occur to you to compose this note as you’re wrapping up your day, but timing can be important. Try not to fire off a word of thanks at midnight, since hiring professionals aren’t likely to be at their desks. You’re putting yourself in a situation

KEEP IT SHORT

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Announcements We are devoted to making our community a great place to live, work and raise families. Everything we are and everything we do is in the service of a stronger community.

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Come and visit our custom glass showroom behind the Dairy Queen in Cave Creek.

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HEATING • COOLING • INDOOR AIR QUALITY Publication: Wednesday, June 1st. Deadline: Tuesday, May 24 at 9am.

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Your North Valley Real Estate Specialist

REALTOR®

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Almeida Roofing Inc. All Types of Roofing

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Notice of Hearing SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA MARICOPA COUNTY Case Number JG512290 ORDER and NOTICE OF HEARING In the Matter of Guardianship of: Rhianna Mahan (07/06/2006), Xavier Trammell (12/22/2012), Amarilon Trammel (11/19/2016) The Court has reviewed the PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT OF GUARDIAN OF A MINOR. Based upon the Court's review, IT IS ORDERED SETTING A HEARING. NOTIFICATION: You must give a copy of this PETITION AND THIS ORDER to all interested persons. You need to mail or deliver the copies. You do not need to give formal notice by personal service. For information about notice or consent requirements contact Community Services Unit at (602) 506-4308 or seek legal counsel. HEARING DATE AND TIME: May 24, 2022 at 9:15 AM HEARING PLACE: Online via Microsoft Teams at https://tinyurl.com/CommissionerGialketsis (This is the Court's preferred method of participation) Check your email fro a message sent by the Court that includes a direct link to enter our virtual courtroom, otherwise type the above link in the browser of your computer/device to join. You can also dial in using your phon +1 (917) 781-4590 Access Code: 248-804 623# Please Note: Long distance fees may apply if dialing by phone. For privacy purposes, you can block your phone number by dialing *67. HEARING OFFICER: COMMISIONER GIALKETSIS REPSONSE: You can file a written response to the petition. File your original written response with the court, mail a copy of the original response to the petitioner(s), and provide a copy of your response4 to the Judge/Commissioner named above at least 5 business days before the hearing. Or, you can appear in person at the hearing. You must appear at the hearing only if you wish to object to the petition. [X] IT IS ORDERED Appointing a guardan Ad Litem to investigate and report to the Court. Petitioner(s) must either file the following documents with the Clerk of the Court prior to the hearing or present them to the court at the hearing. [X] Petitioner's Unite States or State issued identification (required for all Petitioners) [X] Birth Certification for each child (required for each child listed on the petition) [X] Publication if Father/Mother whereabouts unknown. Signed this 22nd Day of April, 2022 /s/ Commissioner Cynthia Gialketsis. Published: East Valley Tribune, May 8, Foothills Focus, May 11, 18,2022 / 46580

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MAY 18, 2022