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This Week

NEWS ................. 6

New academy tackles urban heat

FEATURES ........19

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse has something for everybody

YOUTH .............21 Torye Lee Calleja named to spring 2021 dean’s list

OPINION ......................8 BUSINESS ................. 17 FEATURES ................ 19 YOUTH ...................... 21 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 22 Zone I

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Wednesday, june 2, 2021

New bill to allow restaurants to sell to-go cocktails BY SARA EDWARDS Foothills Focus Contributing Writers

estaurants, bars and liquor stores can now sell cocktails and alcoholic beverages to go, with the passing of a new legislation. House Bill 2773, signed into law by Gov. Doug Ducey, allows restaurants to permanently sell to-go alcoholic beverages and cocktails to help bounce back from the pandemic. “Business owners have shown that offering to-go beverages can be done responsibly and safely,” Ducey said. “House Bill 2773 will

make sure restaurants and bars have the opportunity to expand operations and meet the needs of their customers, especially after weathering the effects of the pandemic.” The law will not officially take effect until around Oct. 1. Restaurants will have to apply for another permit from the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control to sell alcoholic beverages to go with food. Restaurants will also have to deliver through a third-party delivery service like Uber Eats or DoorDash. These third-party contractors would also not be able to deliver alcoholic beverages between 2 and 6 a.m., and restaurants will have to stop selling alcohol at the

same time they stop selling food. Many business owners think this bill will help them pick sales back up again. Lauren Walters, a bar manager at The Tennessee Grill in Anthem, views it as a good business opportunity, especially after doing takeout only during the pandemic. “To-go alcohol and liquor saved us a good chunk,” Walters said. “It helped bring in a lot of revenue and a lot of money, and as far as it being permanent, I think it’s a great idea.” The Tennessee Grill started off by selling growlers of beer, which customers could

�ee COCKTAILS page 4

New River woman awarded VFW Certi�icate of Commendation

BY ALEX GALLAGHER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

llison Vahle, a New River resident and registered nurse, was awarded the Certificate of Commendation on May 24 for her efforts to save a woman from a house fire last year. The morning of Election Day 2020, Vahle was driving her daughter Jessie to Diamond Canyon School. Everything seemed normal until Jessie saw smoke coming from a nearby residence. The two rushed over and quickly noticed

�ee AWARDED page 5

Chuck Hale, Allison Vahle and Debbie Lesko pose for a photo after presenting an award to Allison Vahle on May 24, 2021 in Anthem, AZ. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt Associate Publisher: Eric Twohey | 480-898-5634 | erict@thefoothillsfocus.com ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 623-465-5808 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@thefoothillsfocus.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 2, 2021

COCKTAILS from page 1

purchase and then return to refill when they’d finished the beer. It also sold 32 oz. margaritas and regular-sized cocktails in sealed plastic containers. The restaurant isn’t currently selling to-go alcohol, due to a change in management and lack of correct licensing; however, Walters said there are plans to partake in permanent to-go cocktail sales when able, as long as the right protocols and safety measures are put in place, like age verification. “I do think that there are going to have to be a lot of regulations that go with this bill,” she said. “Restaurants are a little more complicated, because we can be more liable in the sense of drinking and driving.” Other managers and business owners agree with Walters that regulations should be in place. Becca Harding, the general manager for Local Jonny’s Tavern and Cafe in Cave Creek, said that from a business standpoint, this bill is a great way to pick up sales and make up revenue lost during the pandemic. But it feels a little differ-

Glenda Bowerman serves drinks at Local Jonny’s. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: Pablo Robles | probles@timespublications.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Proud member of :

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ent from a safety standpoint. “My first and foremost concern is the safety of transportation,” she said. “In regard to serving drinks, it’s a little concerning to me that there is going to potentially be an open container in the car.” Local Jonny’s transitioned to to-go orders, selling food and alcoholic beverages during the pandemic to stay in business when in-person dining shut down. Harding said the restaurant opened its pantry and kitchen and sold essentials like toilet paper; napkins; plastic silverware; and a few foods, like ground beef and cheese. “We did whatever we could to survive, and yes, selling alcohol and cocktails togo was something we did participate in,” she said. When the law officially goes into effect, Harding said Local Jonny’s will sell closed containers of wine and liquor, as well as growlers of craft beer. However, it will not sell cocktails to go. Walters said that when The Tennessee Grill gets the right licensing and the right permits are obtained, the restaurant will partake in to-go alcoholic beverages.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 2, 2021

AWARDED from page 1

All the while, Jessie had been waiting in the front yard, panicked that her mom had been trapped inside the burning home. During this time, Jessie answered her mother’s phone to a call from their close friend and neighbor Josh Miller, who thought the fire was on their street. Miller ran over to their street to determine the location of the blaze. Realizing it was farther east than their neighborhood, Miller felt defeated. But, at that moment, the Daisy Mountain Fire Department arrived on the scene. Fire officials broke down the bolted back gate and helped Vahle and the man carry the woman to the front yard. The Foothills Focus previously reported that the woman, who was not identified, was treated for smoke inhalation; several cats and other animals in the home were casualties. Vahle, who has not had contact with the woman since pulling her out of the house, said she hopes she’s OK. In addition to being awarded the Certificate of Commendation by Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Chuck Hale, Vahle was also awarded a Certificate of Special Recognition from Rep. Debbie Lesko on the same day. “I’m humbled by this award, but really, I’m most proud of Jessie for being aware of her surroundings and making a big deal about that,” Vahle said. “If not for her, I would have driven right past it that day.” Though she has saved many lives while on and off the clock as a RN, Vahle hopes that her actions that day will inspire others to be brave in similar situations. “I would like to think that anybody else in that situation would have done the same thing,” Vahle said.

that the entire back bedroom of the house was engulfed in flames. Upon arriving on the scene, Vahle realized only one other person had noticed the blaze. “Nobody was out. Not even the neighbors had any clue that this house was on fire,” Vahle said. Afraid help would not arrive in time, after a man had dialed 911, Vahle rushed to the front door, which was locked. The windows and back gate were also locked, so Vahle ran to an arcadia door in the backyard, where she found a woman sitting on the floor of the living room. “My biggest concern was if anybody else was in the house,” Vahle said. “The woman told me it was just her cats, but because she wasn’t quite with it, I wasn’t sure that there wasn’t anybody in the house.” After discovering the sliding glass door unlocked, Vahle opened it slightly and called to the woman, who was unresponsive. “She was not responsive. She was not coherent whatsoever,” Vahle said. Vahle rushed into the home and unsuccessfully attempted to help the woman to her feet. The temperature began to rise, and the scene turned into something out of an action movie. Alarmed by the sound of shattering glass and explosions, Vahle grabbed the woman by her arm and dragged her onto her patio. Vahle and the unidentified man draped the woman in a blanket they found on the patio, which then began to ignite. The two quickly rushed the woman over to a corner of the backyard and waited for help.

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New academy tackles urban heat BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

egistration is open for the first Urban Heat Leadership Academy developed by The Nature Conservancy, Phoenix Revitalization Corp. and other partners. The academy is free and open to Valley residents. In Greater Phoenix, urban heat is impacting health, safety, comfort and economic development, and this is projected to worsen over time. The number of days above 110 degrees are expected to more than double by 2060. With 60% of Arizona’s population concentrated around Phoenix, heat constitutes a major public health concern. The academy’s goal is to build the capacity of Phoenix residents, so they have the knowledge, resources and skills to advocate for greener,

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healthier and cooler communities. On some days, there can be a 13-degree Fahrenheit difference in Phoenix neighborhoods just 2 miles apart. The hottest neighborhoods also have the lowest tree canopy cover and the highest child poverty. Often, residents in these neighborhoods are less likely and/or able to advocate for heat-reducing, nature-based solutions, such as planting trees and using rainwater to support trees and vegetation. “This is about empowering people to improve their quality of life,” says Diana Bermudez, The Nature Conservancy in Arizona’s director of special projects and interim deputy state director. “This training will help people better understand urban heat, air quality, water issues and their impacts on our health and well-being, as well as

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the role that nature can play in addressing some of these challenges.” This is a key project for The Nature Conservancy’s Phoenix Healthy Cities Program, which is focused on bringing more nature into the city to mitigate urban heat and improve air quality. There will be sessions on sustainability challenges related to urban heat, air quality and water, as well as advocacy, facilitation, communication and storytelling. This academy will equip residents with the tools and skills needed to mobilize their communities to be heard and get a fair shake for resources to make improvements in their neighborhoods. Classes will be held via live Zoom sessions and online lessons starting on July 24 and ending in November 2021. Participants will have

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the flexibility to learn at their own pace, as well as opportunities to build relationships with others in their cohort through a series of live discussions with peers and learning partners. The modules are being led by subject matter experts from ASU, city of Phoenix, Maricopa County Air Quality Department, Trees Matter, Watershed Management Group, Maricopa County Department of Public Health, Valley Interfaith Project, Instituto, and Arizona Sustainability Alliance. Participants who complete the five-month program will also have an opportunity to get funding to apply what they learned by carrying out a green intervention in their community. Sign up at nature.org. Registration ends on July 2.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 2, 2021

Game and Fish still on the lookout for bear BY TYLER WEGLEITNER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

he Arizona Game and Fish Department is searching for a young black bear that has been spotted several times in Anthem and Cave Creek, according to Pat Crouch, a field supervisor for Arizona Game and Fish Department. Crouch said the department is assuming the sightings are of the same bear. He said it is difficult to determine exactly how many sightings there have been because reports have come through social media and the department’s radio dispatch. He did say that sightings like this are not common in Valley. “You’re really looking at a young animal that probably either lost its way, or was not able to compete with other, older animals and somehow found its way into the fringe areas around the Valley trying to, typically, look for food and water,” Crouch said. In its search for the bear, the Game and Fish Department has mostly been relying on tips from the public and has received assistance from Maricopa County Sheriff ’s officers in “working with the public” and obtaining information.

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“We also focus on greenbelt areas, where there’s lots of water and some type of food source for the animal,” Crouch said. “Many times, during the heat of the day we will look in underpasses or road culverts, places where they could find some shelter and some shade.” Crouch said AZGFD sent officials to the surrounding areas in hopes of finding the bear and transporting it. “We had wildlife officers in the area trying to get a visual on the animal and potentially maybe even tranquilize the animal so it can be moved back into a suitable habitat,” he said. As of May 27, Arizona Game and Fish has not located it. The location of the release site will not be released to the public. He said that although this bear was not being lured in with food, he reminds the public to not do the same. AZGFD “is very adamant about the public not feeding wildlife in such a way to attract it into communities.” Crouch said AZGFD is urging anyone who may see the bear to not approach or follow it. Instead, they should immediately call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 602942-3000.

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China means you always say ‘Sorry!’ BY JD HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

“L

ove means you never have to say you’re sorry,” or so Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal told us in the 1970 motion picture “Love Story.” But over a half-century later, the love of money has Hollywood falling all over itself to apologize to communist China. “Fast and Furious” is not only an exhaustive action film franchise — if you’re keeping count, the new release is No. 9 — but it also describes how quickly bodybuilder/wrestler/movie star John Cena scrambled to get back

into the good graces of the millionaire Marxists in Beijing. After encouraging the good moviegoers of Taiwan, saying that the island nation of Chinese nationalists would be the first country to see the new feature, the communist mainland started breathing fire in dragon-like fashion, and Cena promptly surrendered to the worldview of the jarringly misnamed “People’s Republic.” Putting the “dip” in diplomacy, Cena sought to blame his busy promotional schedule for his unintentional deviation from Chicom dogma, with its insistence that Taiwan is really part of China, and the ominous rumblings

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that a “reunification” through military action could become reality. “I’m doing a lot of interviews. I made a mistake in one of my interviews. … I love and respect China and Chinese people. I’m very, very sorry about my mistake. I apologize. I’m very sorry. You must understand that I really love, really respect China and the Chinese people. My apologies.” To reinforce his “love and respect,” Cena offered his apology in Mandarin, a language he initially learned for WWE tours in China. He is now considered fluent in Mandarin, since he moved to China for five months in 2018, shooting a movie there with Jackie Chan. The Cena-Chan casting combination isn’t much of a surprise in the movie biz, but the bipartisan tag teams that emerged to take apart Cena’s Mandarin mea culpa in the Twitter-sphere was eye-opening. Leftist commentator and sportscaster Keith Olbermann called it “shameful;” conservative Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Arkansas, described it as “pathetic.” Two other broadcasters from opposite ends of the political spectrum offered another rare leftright combination. CNN’s Jim Sciutto put forth this rhetorical questionand-answer flurry: “Why not call a decades-long healthy and functioning democracy a country? Because

much of Hollywood operates in fear of Beijing, many of its blockbuster movies are dependent on the mainline Chinese market.” Talk radio host Ben Shapiro taunted Cena with a cross between “Monday Nitro” and “Firing Line:” “Taiwan is a country. Hong Kong should be free. If you are unwilling to say these things because it might hurt your bottom line, you are a pathetic coward.” Cowardice, calculation or both, Cena is scarcely alone when it comes to kowtowing to the communist Chinese. NBA players and coaches, so “woke” when it comes to America’s alleged social ills, stay silent on the subject of slave labor in China. The World Health Organization, tasked by the United Nations to deal with major health problems such as global pandemics, lavished praise on the Chinese government for its initial response to COVID-19, despite reports that security forces locked infected Wuhan residents in their apartments, denying them food and medical treatment while nature took its course. What course will the world follow in the years ahead? Puff Daddy rapped of gritty economic reality in his 1997 hit “It’s All About the Benjamins,” but given the inclinations of the entertainment industry, the indulgent attitude of the Biden administration and the Chinese aspirations for military and economic ascendancy, he would do well to concoct a new composition. Perhaps “It’s All a Yin for the Yuan” will reflect the rhythms of a new reality, but don’t expect anyone in China to say “Sorry!” And no one will confuse it with “Love Story.”

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The best flags speak about what we love BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

ne of the things I miss most about America was how people used to believe certain topics shouldn’t be discussed in public. Religion was one. So was politics. You didn’t ask people what they weighed or how much money they earned. We kept those things to ourselves, and it was deemed impolite to quiz people about it. Those days are over. Now everyone is an amateur newspaper columnist, spouting off 24/7: constantly on social media, with bumper stickers and full-sleeve tattoos, Yelp reviews, you name it. Then there’s the lady who lives in north Phoenix up around 56th Street along Bell Road. Not content to stop at Facebook trolling or boring the

hell out of people at a Memorial Day barbecue, this anonymous soul has hoisted a massive black flag up her backyard flagpole for thousands of drivers-by and neighborhood school kids to glimpse daily. Her flag uses expletives to describe Biden and those who voted for him. “Yes, it might be a little vulgar to some and offensive to some, but everybody’s entitled to their opinion,” Ms. Profane Flag Lady told reporter Jason Barry with Arizona’s Family. “If those kids can figure out what that sign said, then those kids have already heard that kind of language and vulgarity either from their homes, on TV, in movies or in school.” And furthermore: “It’s a sign,” said the woman, who refused to be identified out of fear for her safety. “Get over it. If it hurts your feelings, sorry.” My standard policy when it comes

to people who are striving to be offensive is to refuse to be offended. Instead, like with this lady, I just feel sorry for them. How miserable does your life have to be that you would go to the trouble of ordering such a flag, much less taking the time to raise it to offend strangers? Can you imagine sipping your morning coffee as the sun rises over the neighborhood, sitting in your backyard and enjoying the occasional honked horn or screamed profanity from a Prius driver tooling up Bell? Boy, talk about living. Get a life. That same sentiment occurs to me when I play golf on a course that winds through homes amid backyards. Trust me, Profane Flag Lady is not alone. From Mesa to Glendale, Avondale to chi chi Scottsdale, many of us still feel compelled to lash out at Donald Trump with the same class

this Bell Road idiot has displayed. Trust me, for every gentle soul mortally wounded by your cheap piece of polyester, there’s a hundred of us who simply shake our heads at the statement you’ve chosen for all the world to see. Put another way, there are more than 60,000 flags for sale today on Amazon. There’s innumerable Stars and Stripes. There’s Arizona flags galore. ASU, NAU, UA, they all have flags. Your alma mater has a few dozen. There’s the Jolly Roger, if you’re into pirates. For 10 bucks, you can get a flag adorned with Marlon Brando in full Don Corleone mode from “The Godfather.” There are POW/ MIA flags, yellow smiley face flags, “Beware of Pugs” flags and an “I love Hot Moms” flag. The best flags seem to speak about what we love, not who we hate. If you can’t manage that, there’s always no flag at all. Back in the day, we used to keep quiet about a lot of controversial things, which added some mystery to life. The guy next door or the lady beside you in line at the bank might be an absolute jerk. Fortunately, those people rarely opened their mouths to prove it to everyone.

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ue to the limited availability, Anthem Golf & Country Club is asking members to not register for back-to-back classes, so everyone has a chance to register. No-shows are charged $10. Classes are held at Persimmon or Ironwood, 2708 W. Anthem Club Drive or 41551 N. Anthem Hills Drive, respectively. For more information, call 623-7426200 for Persimmon Clubhouse or 623465-3020 for Ironwood Clubhouse. Thursday, June 3 Trivia Night, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 8 Clublife 101 Orientation, 10 a.m.

Saturday, June 12 Sock Hop with Come Back Buddy, 6 p.m. Sunday, June 13 Family Funday Sunday Pool Party, 12 p.m.

Tuesday, June 15 Clublife 101 Orientation, 10 a.m.

Friday, June 18 Bourbon, Wine and Beer Tasting, 2 p.m. Saturday, June 19 Water aerobics at Home Workshop 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 22 Clublife 101 Orientation, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, June 29 Wine Expo: Anthem Wine Club Member Early Entry, 5 p.m. Clublife 101 Orientation, 5 p.m. Wine Expo: Non-Wine Club Member Entry, 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 30 New Member Mixer, 5 p.m. Heitz Cellar Wine Dinner, 5:30 p.m.

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

rograms and activities are available at the Community Center and Civic Building for all ages. Learn more and register online at OnlineAtAnthem.com. Visit the “residents,” then click on “activity registration.” Most programs and classes are available to nonresidents for an additional fee. With questions, contact Dave at dfermoile@anthemcouncil.com or call 623-879-3027. Summer Day camp 10 weeks June 1 to July 30 $175 a week; Community Center

Thursdays through June 24 Creative Combo Dance: 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. (2.5 to 5 years) Kinder Combo Dance: 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (5 to 7 years) Jazz/Tumbling Dance: 6:15 to 7 p.m. (8 to 12 years) $59; Community Center Senior Activities (50 years and older) Golden Go-Getters: 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays Mexican Train Game: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fridays Free; Civic Building

Tuesdays/Thursdays through June 24 Tai Chi (Beginner): 8 to 9 a.m. $67; Civic Building

Saturdays June 5, 12, 19 & 26 Dodgeball (up to age 12 years): noon-1:30 p.m. $5 (drop-in); Community Center STEM Night at the Community Center All-ages family fun 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 6 Bring the whole family for a night of fun and learning. It features a variety of STEM activities and the rock wall will be open. $25 per family Friday, June 11 Parents’ Night Out: 6:30 to 10 p.m. $18; Community Center

Saturday, June 19 Parent-Teen Fitness Certi�ication, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. For ages 12 to 13 years (with an adult) $30; Community Center Youth Basketball Ages 3 to 6 years old June 19 to July 24 $80 for the season

Anthem Swim University All levels Check Community Center for dates $70 for four days a week

The indoor �itness �loor, basketball gym and rock wall are open. Fitness classes are held throughout the week, including yoga, pilates, kickboxing/boxology, core and the pool’s shallow and deep water. Personal training is available; contact the Community Center for details. Cardio tennis is offered every Saturday morning; $10 drop-in fee for those 18 and older.

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Sully’s Great Snacks BY ALEX GALLAGHER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

ori McKinley invited some friends to bring their dogs over for her dog’s first birthday last year. But after making homemade dog treats, she began to wonder why they went bad so quickly. “I had put the bones in a plastic bag and some moisture built up in the bag,” McKinley said of what she discovered. “The only thing I had done was bake the bones in the oven, so that was when I got the idea to dehydrate them so that they would last longer.” Sully’s Great Snacks was born. Named after her nearly 100-pound Great Pyre-

nees, the company sells McKinley’s own brand of tasty homemade dog treats and jerky. “I went on the internet and found some recipes and broke them down into the simplest way that I could possibly make them that had my own hint of things,” McKinley said. “From there, I began picking out some new recipes for different bones and jerkies that I could make, and I just thought it would be a really good idea to share it with other people.” McKinley was tired of shelling out loads of money on treats that she knew were bad for her dog. “I got Sully at 8 weeks old, and I was

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Tori McKinley created Sully’s Great Snacks after a birthday mishap for her nearly 100-pound Great Pyrenees, Sully. (Photo courtesy of Tori McKinley) spending a ton of money on treats when he was a puppy. When I looked at the ingredients of the treats, there were a bunch of things that are not really good for dogs in them,” McKinley said. “I thought it would be a great idea to start making his own treats. “I found out what spices and ingredients were best for dogs along with what would benefit them best,” McKinley said. One of the biggest challenges she’s had to overcome has been the allergies dogs have. “There are so many dogs that have different allergies, which is why all of my products have five or six ingredients or less,” McKinley said. McKinley offers a variety of products that all have nutritional benefits for dogs. “All of my jerkies are also really great substitutes, and they all break apart really easily and are also extra protein to their di-

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ets, which are extra good for them,” McKinley said. McKinley also makes miniature-sized bones for smaller dogs, despite those dogs not being as food motivated as other breeds. She is best known, however, for biscuits, of which there are three choices: pumpkin peanut butter, apple carrot and sweet potato chicken. “The pumpkin peanut butter treats are really good for dogs with digestive problems, because they have pumpkin and cinnamon in there, which are really good for their digestive systems,” McKinley said. “The other two have their fruits and veggies in there and will add more stuff to their diets.” The pumpkin peanut butter is her most popular, however. “I make at least 30 bags of pumpkin peanut butter biscuits a week, sometimes more depending on how busy the markets are,” McKinley said. The treats are so tasty that even some customers at farmers markets she sells at have wanted to try them. “I’ve had customers even try my biscuits,

even though they’re definitely not made for human tastiness,” she said with a laugh. McKinley currently sells bags of treats for $12 on her website, sullysgreatsnacks. com, and recently launched a subscription service. The free subscription saves customers 5% on orders of treats. Subscribers can also have treats delivered to their door as frequently as they want. For those who would rather view her product in person, McKinley sells her treats at Cookies N Clean and is often at farmers markets. While the farmers market season has ended, McKinley does plan to be at GCS farmers market at Cactus Shadows High School next fall. “I try to make my way all over the Valley just so I can be available to everybody,” McKinley said. As for the future of Sully’s Great Snacks, McKinley does have some ambitious plans. “I am working on some fiber supplements and also want to make some supplements for dog’s hips and joints along with getting into more stores,” she said. Info: sullysgreatsnacks.com; use SUBSCRIBESULLY15 to save 15%.

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Keeler’s has ‘something for everybody’ BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

aul Keeler wanted a restaurant that felt welcoming, was affordable and comfortable for guests. On New Year’s Eve 2018, he opened Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree, and hasn’t looked back. “I wanted a neighborhood steakhouse,” Keeler said. “A neighborhood steakhouse, to me, is much more than a special-occasion, steak-on-a-plate concept. There are many of those around the Valley, where you pay top dollar for the prime steak, $12 to $15 for asparagus or baked potato. It’s all a la carte.” Keeler’s provides the same quality. He serves Certified Angus Beef brand, but each of his steaks and chops comes with two sides of Yukon Gold mash, loaded baked potato, scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, truffle fries, onion rings, risotto, green beans, Brussels sprouts, sauteed mushrooms, creamy corn or grilled asparagus. “I wanted to provide a better value for the dollar, as far as the entrees were concerned,” Keeler said. “We have great seafood, chicken, pork and lamb items as well. There is a pretty diversified menu, that being said.” Prime top sirloin baseball cut ($36), New York strip ($49), ribeye ($52), petite filet mignon ($49), filet mignon ($55), double-cut pork chop ($36), rack of lamb ($39), slow-roasted prime rib ($39 and $45), smoked half chicken ($26) and baby back ribs ($20 and $30) are all on the menu and “full of flavor,” according to the menu. “We have several steaks,” Keeler said. “The New York strip, ribeye and filets are all very popular. We have a baseball cut sirloin, which is the big center cut filet. That’s a very popular steak.” Soups and salads, ranging from French onion soup ($10) to Keeler’s steak salad ($19) kickstart the meal. For those who want to eat

Atlantic Salmon. (Photo courtesy of Keeler’s)

light, there are small plates like lobster mac and cheese ($17), crab cakes ($17) or steak tartare ($15). Sandwiches, which includes burgers, a lobster roll and a prime rib French dip that comes with truffle fries, onion rings or a chopped salad ($13 to $18). Seafood fans will enjoy diver scallops, Atlantic salmon, Baja seabass and shrimp scampi ($29 to $36). As of May 26, seasonal features are cowboy flat icon steak ($39), marinated pork tenderloin ($34) and braised short ribs ($34). “We update the menu on a quarterly basis,” Keeler said. “We like to do features on a regular basis, as well. We recently promoted a sommelier we had working for us, who is developing the wine culture at Keeler’s.” Diners will soon see an expanded wine list and help with selecting bottles of wine that complement meals. Recently, Keeler’s rolled out its own Garrison Brothers bourbon, which the staff barrel ages itself. “We make sure we have something for everybody there, without blurring who we are, first and foremost,” Keeler said. Atmosphere is everything and Keeler’s has it, he said. The restaurant boasts a centrally located island bar, large adjacent patio, gorgeous courtyard and rooftop deck designed for stargazing and acoustic performances. “I wanted more of a neighborhood social restaurant that locals could come to one,

Steak along with geen beans, and mac and cheese. (Photo courtesy of Keeler’s) two, three, four times a week for different, compelling reasons,” Keeler said. “The patio that’s adjacent to the restaurant, the courtyard in the middle of the complex, is very desirable. The Starlight Rooftop, where it’s completely covered with a retractable awning, is heated in the winter and misted in the summer and has entertainment once a week. The happy hour portion of the concept is where we get a lot of repeat clientele.” The food and beverage industry is all Keeler has known. He started out early, around age 15, and eventually owned his own restaurant in the Boston/Upstate New York area. Keeler was recruited to work in the hotel industry. Keeler was named corporate director of food and beverage for Beacon Hotels Corp. in July 1984 and was promoted to the position of vice president-food and beverage for the company two years later. In February 1995, he joined the Doubletree Hotels Corp. as vice president-food and beverage and continued there until its merger with Promus Hotel Corp. in 1999. That year, he joined Hilton, for which he was responsible for its strategic planning for food and beverage operations at more than 3,000 North American hotels. They were

generating over $2.5 billion in annual food and beverage revenue when he left in February 2007. “I’m a recovering restaurateur,” Keeler said with a laugh. “We went back into the restaurant business (after Hilton). It’s a family situation. I have two of my sons working with me. “I’m originally from Northern California, and I spent a third of my life in Northern California; a third on the East Coast and a third in Arizona. It’s a good variety. I’ve enjoyed these destinations. I’m definitely a restaurant guy.” Keeler Hospitality Group LLC now includes Spencer’s Omaha in Nebraska and three Liberty Station American Tavern and Smokehouse restaurants, two in Scottsdale and one in Madison, Wisconsin. Keeler intends to grow his company by opening a restaurant in either the West Valley and/or Norterra. “I’m looking to grow primarily in Arizona, in the greater Phoenix area,” he said. “I am very energized by looking for the right location for the right concept.” As for Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, Keeler was introduced to the Historic Spanish Village space by the previous landlord. He was immediately impressed and dreamt about what he could create. “It’s like finding the right home when you’re looking for a house,” Keeler said. “You immediately know. This one best exemplified a steakhouse. We wanted to be nonintimidating and very inviting, so people knew they could come dressed any way — coming straight off the golf course, or they could dress up, depending on the occasion.” Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse Historic Spanish Village 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, Carefree 602-374-4784 keelerssteakhouse.com keelerhospitalitygroup.com

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Cleaning Services

Auto Engine Machinist

American Engines Only. Experience Required. References Needed. Full Time or Part Time. Email Resume to:

thefoothillsfocus.com

People are looking in the Classifieds Every day! Email Your Job Post to: class@times publications.com

or Call 480

898-6465

Employment General

Glass/Mirror

H errera’s M asonry LLC

Block Walls • Stucco Repairs • BBQ • Fireplace Concrete • Ret-Walls • Flower Beds • Iron Gates Licensed & Bonded ROC #154346

Free Estimates

Office: 480-575-7245 • Armando: 602-763-3696

DONALDSON DRYWALL

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

Cave creek Resident Since 1984 • Water Damage • TV Niche Changes • Texture Match • Repairs/Remodels • New construction

*Signing CASH BONUS at the end of 30 days employment

Submit resumes to: info@rockspringscafe.com

Justin Simons, Agent

623-551-3700

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

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC #289594

Furniture/Refinishing/Upholstery

Rock Springs Café is located just 15 minutes north of Anthem – Exit 242.

™

3655 W Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ 85086

480-861-1375

Lead Host and Assistant to the Manager Lead Pastry Baker Bussers - $15 – 20 per hour with tips Servers - $25 – 30 per hour with tips (average) Line Cooks – Flexible Hours

480-235-6101

www.aboveandbeyondglass.com ROC 233846 & ROC 236899

Insurance

Family Owned & Operated

NOW HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS*!

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

Drywall

FREE ESTIMATES

The legendary Rock Springs Café is

• Custom Glass • Shower Doors & Enclosures • Window Glass Replacement • Custom Mirrors • Glass Table Tops & Shelves

Irrigation ROC#215280

J&B Furniture CONSIGNMENT

WE SELL NEW and GENTLY USED FURNITURE & HOME DECOR

BEST PRICES ON MATTRESS SETS Tuesday – Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday & Monday Closed 42407 N. Vision Way – Anthem, AZ

623.551.4135

Irrigation

& Landscape est. 2002 ~ Anthem, Arizona

Install • Repair • Replace

623-203-7717

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

CLASSIFIEDS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 2, 2021

Landscape Design/Installation

Landscape/Maintenance

HAWKEYE LANDSCAPING INC 85085 local company. Doing business for over 22 years. ROC CR-21138105, ROCB-3284133. Providing all your custom design and installation needs. 623-582-1122 HawkeyeCustom Landscaping.com CLASSIFIEDS

480-898-6465

FREE ESTIMATES • 623-465-2546

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me.

Irrigation

PREMIER LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

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

Roofing

Windows

Almeida Roofing Inc.

All Your Window Covering Needs & Security Doors. Tint, Sunscreens, Patio Shades, Plantation Shutters, Wood Blinds. Check our web site for products & ref's. Family Own/Op 623-465-0373

All Types of Roofing

602-743-3175

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC #166390

DUKES EXCAVATING

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

dhwindowcoverings.com

Licensed, Bonded, Insured ROC# 286896 Desert Hills Sunscreens LLC

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here! 81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465 YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE 480-898-6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Welding

www.almeidaroofing.com Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC #215758 SEPTIC SYSTEMS ◆ COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CONVENTIONAL, ALTERNATIVE SEWER, STORM DRAIN & RETENTION SITE DEVELOPMENT ◆ UTILITIES ROC KA 302118 General Contractor JIM DUKES

623.606.8411

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

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

No Job Too Big or Small

Residential & Commercial

602-330-6965

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Landscape/Maintenance

Sprinkler Repair Landscaping & More!

Meetings/Events?

Backhoe • Hammer Hoe • Grade Tractor 1,000 Gallon Water Wagon • Dump Trailer Septic Install & Repair (Lic. #276732) Tree Brush and Cactus Removal Road/Driveway Repair & Maintenance Utility Trenching & Plumbing Construction Cleanup Material Screening

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465

PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC Member of ABM

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC 223367

Valleywide

CR 42 DUAL

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

KIB EXCAVATING Your Septic System Experts

Complete Septic Systems • Conventional & Alternative and Repairs

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

Mobile

602.319.1089

Licensed • Bonded • Insured COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL

phillipsroofingaz.com phillipsroofing@cox.net

Cave Creek Welding, Inc.

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

480-488-3677

CaveCreekWelding.com

It Only Takes Seconds to Drown. Always watch your child around water.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JUNE 2, 2021

Recent Storms and COVID have Substantially Impacted Supply Chain

= 2020

2021

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

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

Call or Text to Schedule an Appointment

AIR

CONDITIONING

•

ELECTRICAL

•

PLUMBING

•

WATER

TREATMENT

The Foothills Focus - Zone 1 - 6.2.2021

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