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INSIDE

This Week

BUSINESS ......... 17

Stoke Interactive personally connects to local businesses

FEATURES ........ 21 Creativity runs in landscape artist Matthew Killick’s blood

YOUTH ............. 24 Deer Valley Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch sees positive AzM2 results

OPINION ................... 10 BUSINESS ................. 17 FEATURES ................ 19 YOUTH ...................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 26 Zone I

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Serving the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills, Norterra, Sonoran Foothills, Stetson Valley, Tramonto, New River, Desert Ridge and North Phoenix

Anthem Area Edition

Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Scholarship honors late Rotary member BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

o the Anthem Rotary, Ed Varney was more than a member. He was a friend and family member. Recently, the organization named its annual scholarship in honor of Varney — the Edward F. Varney Memorial Scholarship — who died on June 20. “He was a dear member of the community and a long-time Rotarian,” said Joseph Alvarez, Anthem Rotary’s treasurer. “Ed’s mission in life was education and he was really

a driving force in our scholarship program.” A retired salesman, Varney was told of the honor when Rotarians visited him days before his death. His friends read a few of the scholarship applicants’ essays to him. “He was very proud,” Alvarez said. “You could see it in his face.” The next day, Varney died. And, instead of giving five $1,000 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors, all 18 applicants received checks. “Our scholarship committee, led by Krista Solomon, reviewed all the applications and we could not separate five winners,” Alvarez

said. “The board of directors agreed with the scholarship committee’s recommendation, and we awarded all 18 of the applicants with a $1,000 scholarship.” Other members of the scholarship committee are Manny Chazan, Bill Temple and Bonnie Markham. On July 27, the Anthem Rotary held a reception for the seven winners who were able to attend. “All seven got to speak and read to the public their essay on why they felt they were deserving of the scholarship,” he said. “It

campus. In the coming months, DVUSD will hire a principal, and that person will coordinate the selection process to determine a school name, colors and mascot. “This is a historic day,” said DVUSD Governing Board President Ann O’Brien. “Whenever we break ground and celebrate a new school, we are really celebrating the extraordinary Deer Valley family. As we expand our family, we increase our excellence throughout the community.” Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch also spoke, mentioning the semiconductor

boom that’s bringing rapid growth of business and housing development to North Phoenix. “This school is in a perfect location for the expansion that’s already begun in our district,” he said. “I have no doubt that the neighborhood will fill this school quickly, and it will be an extraordinary school from the start.” Students from nearby Sandra Day O’Connor High School, where Elementary No. 32 students will move on to graduate, partic-

see ROTARY page 5

DVUSD breaks ground for new school

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

ignitaries helped break ground for Deer Valley Unified School District’s Elementary School No. 32 in Stetson Valley on Sept. 17. Students in kindergarten to sixth grade will enter its doors in August at 5757 Inspiration Mountain Parkway, near 57th Avenue and Happy Valley Road. District officials have yet to find a permanent name for the school, which will have the infrastructure for future expansion to a kindergarten to eighth-grade

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NEWS

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

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

DVUSD from page 1

ipated in the ceremony: the school’s drumline and mascot welcomed attendees, JROTC presented the colors, a select choir sang the national anthem and student body president Nathan Edlebeck shared his thoughts on the day. “I am confident that this new school will continue to strive toward Deer Valley’s vision of graduating lifelong learners who will successfully compete, lead and positively impact the world,” Edlebeck said. “I am excited for Elementary No. 32 to be built and to have O’Connor receive yet another school into our OHS family.” Edelbeck said his excitement doubled when he learned that his family members — two young cousins — will attend the new school. The Elementary No. 32 construction team includes SPS+ Architects and McCarthy Building companies. When complete, the school will have capacity for 965 students, and be home to creative features like a media center and

Dignitaries celebrate the groundbreaking for a new Deer Valley Unified School District elementary school on Sept. 17 in the Stetson Valley development. (Photo courtesy of Deer Valley Uniﬁed School District) maker space. The project includes an administration building, multipurpose building and three classroom buildings. Site development will include shade structures, baseball and soccer fields, bus routing and parking. The site is approximately 14 acres with 72,742 square feet of building footprint. The process to develop the school’s

NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com

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attendance boundary is underway. Boundary maps are posted on the new school’s website at dvusd.org/Elementary32. Community members are invited to see the posted maps and provide feedback to a dedicated e-mail, boundaries@dvusd.org, through Nov. 3. There is also a board meeting on Oct. 13 that is open to the public; visit the website for more details.

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Anthem Rotary members and their scholarship winners celebrate at a recent reception. (Photo courtesy of the Anthem Rotary)

ROTARY from page 1

was a great moment, and we were able to have Ed’s wife, Betty, there. It was really a great event.” Many charitable organizations were forced to cut back during the pandemic, but Anthem residents and neighbors rallied around the Rotary to help expand its scholarship program. So far, $6,000 has been raised in honor of Varney and his memory for next year’s scholarship winners. Rotary will add its traditional $5,000 to the donations. “We want to honor more students,” he said. “It’s something we’ve been doing annually. It’s so heartwarming to listen to the stories from these outstanding students — where they were going to college and what they wanted to do in life. I’m so proud to hear there is such a great group of individuals in North Phoenix and Anthem who are going to be our next leaders.” Anyone wishing to donate to the Edward F. Varney Scholarship Fund can mail a check to 3655 W. Anthem Way, Suite A109, Anthem, AZ 85086.

Edward F. Varney Scholarship winners Boulder Creek High School • Nicholas Casarella • Mark George Soerheide • Olivia Hall • Tristan Crowley • Emma Suttell • Paige Loscalzo • Benjamin Egli • Kendra Cinotti • Mia Maldonado Caurus Academy • Jordan Perry • Anna Crandall • Zoe Zidzik

Anthem Prep School • Claire Hargrove • Elease Tewalt • Meaghan D’Arcy • Elizabeth Grace Marino • Tyler Pillsbury

Sandra Day O’Connor High School • Ryan Watson

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

High Street Farmers Market returns to North Phoenix BY JORDAN HOUSTON Foothills Focus Staff Writer

romas of baked goods, visions of pitched tents and quiet sounds of community chatter will paint the scene at High Street on Sundays through the spring with the return of its annual farmers market. The Farmers Market on High Street, located off of Loop 101 at 56th Street, officially kicks off at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, and runs through 1:30 p.m. Roughly 100 vendors will decorate the North Phoenix spot, dubbed a staple for quality dining and entertainment opportunities, to showcase hand-crafted goods, food, arts and more. The dog-friendly event seeks to attract shoppers from across the Valley to indulge in and connect over creative local products while enjoying the open-air district’s stylish urban

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The Farmers Market at High Street features a variety of vendors with gifts and treats. (Photo courtesy of High Street)

see FARMERS MARKET page 8

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FARMERS MARKET from page 6

ket favorites, such as Big Reds Hot Sauce, RA Seasonings and The Tamale Store, will be returning this year. She added that the popular market is the perfect opportunity to knock out holiday shopping while uplifting the community and supporting small businesses. “I think farmers markets, in general, bring communities together and I think it helps support local businesses,” Patterson said. “I think High Street has done a good job at giving space to local businesses outside of their existing tenants. “Personally, I just love the momand-pop businesses that are supported and find success through events like this. It’s a fun way to introduce their products to new customers and I think a lot of people need support during this time. I know it has been tough, especially on food businesses.” Since its inception, High Street has

embodied a modern blend of “the swanky and suave from Scottsdale and the casual creature-comforts of Phoenix.” High Street offers entertainment outlets for all social palates, including hip night-out venues for those after-work gatherings, boutiques for leisurely shopping and delicious treats and succulent eats at top-rated restaurants. The area is also the only location worldwide that houses a Sprouts Express Market. “It’s a really unique property up in North Phoenix,” Patterson expressed. “It’s a top dining and entertainment destination and it’s essentially one street of great restaurants, entertainment venues, shops and random businesses.” After mornings spent at the upcoming farmers market, attendees are invited to unwind at one of High Street’s many delicious eateries, in-

see FARMERS MARKET page 9

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

FARMERS MARKET from page 8

cluding The Boozy Breakfast, The Stir Coffee Bar, Modern Margarita, Mellow Mushroom and Hula’s Modern Tiki. The Farmers Market on High Street will also adhere to all social distancing, health and safety guidelines relating to COVID-19, ensuring that participants of all ages can safely enjoy the festivities, Patterson added. “I think they always look to expand year after year and add new vendors,” she explained. “They added safety protocols to comply with COVID-19 health regulations to ensure the safety of the vendors and the crowds.” The Farmers Market at High Street

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Parents are far more complex than our memories BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

found something. When my parents died a few years ago I was left boxes of recipes, photos and papers to sift through. I have browsed through everything but recently came across a file folder of old recipes and found a letter my father had written to his mother. The letter was dated Sept. 17, 1945, and scrawled on American Red Cross stationery, written in Tidworth, England. My father was a radio announcer and a writer, so I could hear his distinctive

baritone voice as I read the letter. He was a frustrated Army Air Force Sergeant trying to get home to America after the war ended. “Dear mother. I am mad as (bleep)! I should never have told you I was coming home because this redeployment deal is such a mess that it could stand a Senate investigation. My entire outfit was stranded in France, sitting around doing nothing! Then a bunch of us in the 450th Bomb Squad got flown out to England, staying in Warrington for over a week, doing nothing again. On Sept. 14, 1,000 men left on a train for South-

ampton. where we were to catch a ship home. Instead, 200 of us were sent on a 300-mile train ride to Liverpool to try and catch a beat-up old boat that may limp to New York in 14 days! Oh, but we missed the ship, so we are stuck for another two weeks!” My father had plenty more to say, and then ended with, “Something is rotten when the great Army and Navy that transported men and equipment to invade the fortifications of Western Europe cannot even land their own men on their own shores in a reasonable time.” He was pretty steamed that

he would miss my mother’s birthday. And reading the long-lost letter was like seeing a completely different side of my father. The lens that we view our parents through is often constricted to one-way … child to parent. I also found a little booklet made out of the flimsy pages of cigarette packs, strung together with string. My father had received this from a friend who was a prisoner of war for two years. As a colonel, the man had the other prisoners write their names, rank, serial

see BLUHM page 14

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Biden administration wants to fundamentally change America BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

ou may not recall the name Paul Greenberg, but you certainly recall the nickname he bestowed on a politician who became president. It was Paul Greenberg, in his newspaper column, who concocted

the sobriquet “Slick Willie” to describe then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton. Gov. Clinton cast himself as a progressive reformer in a speech to the 1980 Arkansas Democratic Convention; Greenberg disagreed, calling Clinton a false reformer and making up the memorable moniker. “Slick Willie” stuck to Clinton and contributed to his

defeat by Republican Frank White that November. Of course, Clinton came back. In 1992, when he decided to make his move and run for president, Paul Greenberg made a move from the Pine Bluff Commercial to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock. From that newspaper’s editorial page, he made another prescient pronouncement. “When it comes to the Clintons,” he wrote, “don’t listen to what they say … watch what they do.” Actually, that’s good advice for evaluating anyone in public office. But in the case of Joe Biden and his cabinet, the advice should be modified in this fashion: Listen to what they say… at least, what they say again and again and again. In a recent appearance before the Senate Homeland Security Committee, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas could not give Sen. Ron Johnson (RWI) a specific count of the number of Haitians encamped under a border bridge in Del Rio, Texas or the total of Haitians who had already been admitted to the U.S. illegally from that location. Nor did Secretary Mayorkas provide the committee with updated information on the Afghan evacuees awaiting resettlement here, though he did apologize to Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), saying, “You’re entitled to that information.” But perhaps the most memorable moment in the hearing came when Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) confronted the Secretary of Homeland Security,

pointing to more than 200,000 “border encounters” over two straight months. “Are you happy with what’s happening at the border now… Is this success?” Secretary Mayorkas responded, “We have a plan. We’re executing on our plan, and we will continue to do so.” That is the response that the HHS Secretary always offers and that part is true. The Biden administration does have a plan. It is a plan to fundamentally change America and the way it will be done is by fundamentally changing who is American. Illegal aliens are pouring across our southern border— though it may be inaccurate to even call it a border any longer. Our Border Patrol has been turned into a taxpayer-funded “Welcome Wagon” and babysitting service. Incompetence? No. Intentional? Yes. Couple the ongoing influx from Mexico with the aforementioned arrival of evacuees from Afghanistan and forget the false claims of vetting those “newcomers” or checking them for COVID-19. Joe Biden has a nation that he must “internationalize” and thereby neutralize on the world stage. Fresh from the debacle of abandoning Americans in Afghanistan, and trusting the Taliban to insure their safety, Ol’ Joe was making his maiden speech at the United Nations while

see HAYWORTH page 14

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

Not enough attention paid to all the missing BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

here’s no telling what seizes our population’s collective imagination on any given day, what generates news headlines and clicks by the million. But one topic remains a sure bet: An attractive young white woman gone missing. The latest such tale, the disappearance of 22-year-old Gabby Petito, came to the saddest end imaginable Sept. 19, when investigators found her body in Wyoming’s Teton-Bridger National Forest. On Sept. 21, the Teton County coroner ruled Petito’s death a homicide. The news media’s Petito obsession will likely continue for some time: The deceased’s travel partner and fiancé, Brian Laundrie, is still missing at press time. Authorities are combing a swampy 25,000-acre nature preserve in west

Florida searching for Laundrie, who could hardly look guiltier in Petito’s death. In July the pair went off to explore the American West by van. It was set to be a four-month trip, but Laundrie reportedly came home on Sept. 1, solo and mum about Petito’s whereabouts. The girl’s family reported Gabby missing 10 days later. A national whodunit erupted that has stretched for weeks. In its wake trail the names we all have heard: JonBenet Ramsey, Chandra Levy, Elizabeth Smart, Laci Peterson, Natalee Holloway, Caylee Anthony. All white, all female, all gone, all the subject of intense fascination. Which leads to my point: I’ve read often about “missing white woman syndrome,” a media reality that has been the subject of academic research. Many who cite it complain that the Gabby Petitos of the world don’t deserve such attention. That sounds small to me, petty.

Instead, I wish that every missing person — skin color, age and gender aside — would receive some level of national attention, with the resources that scrutiny brings. Because for every Gabby Petito, there’s a Daniel Robinson and a thousand more cases like his. Robinson, a 24-year-old African American male, went missing in the far West Valley near Buckeye on June 23. Three weeks later, a rancher found the geologist’s Jeep upturned in a ravine. Twelve days after that, searchers found a human skull near the vehicle, but police say those remains are not Daniel. What happened to Robinson is still a mystery, despite Buckeye police using off-road vehicles, cadaver dogs, a drone and a chopper to search 70 square miles of desert. For every Gabby Petito, there’s also a Jhessye Shockley. The 5-year-old Glendale girl with the big

smile went missing in October 10 years ago. Police have never found her body, which they believe was forced into a suitcase and abandoned in a Tempe trash bin. A month after the little Black girl vanished, cops named her mother a suspect. Today, Jerice Hunter is serving life, convicted of murder and child abuse despite no eyewitnesses and no body. The case is closed beyond a reasonable doubt, but I still wonder about Jhessye every year about this time. I think about Mikelle Biggs, too, every January. The Mesa 11-year-old went missing the day after New Year’s 1999. One minute she was riding her bicycle on El Moro Avenue, the next she was gone. It has been nearly 23 years. I wonder what becoming a national obsession might have meant for Mikelle, Jhessye and Daniel. I wonder about the 600,000 Americans who go missing

see LEIBOWITZ page 14

OPINION

HAYWORTH �� page 12

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

his DHS Secretary was testifying on Capitol Hill. To the U.N. General Assembly, Mr. Biden proposed even more ways for America to waste more of your money. “Build back better world,” he called it; “Ending America as we know it” is more accurate. And though his gait and his memory have slowed, Joe wants this done

quickly. “We cannot afford to waste anymore time,” he said in closing. Paul Greenberg closed out his column-writing career in September of 2018; he passed away in April of this year. A wise newcomer to composing columns will not emulate Greenberg’s example of nicknaming the politically notorious. Besides, the most accurate nickname for Joe Biden would be unprintable.

numbers and addresses on the pages of the flimsy cigarette pack paper. Not sure how, but it ended up in a folder of Christmas cookie recipes. Worthy of a WWII museum, it is a faded glimpse into the treacheries of war. And the hope of men. I looked at a recipe for Christmas Day plum pudding and I saw my mother’s handwriting on the back of the index card saying “very long and hard day.” It sent a jolt through me, since I guess the

recipe was written when I was a child, and I never recalled one holiday being “long and hard.” But then again, I never knew my father to say the “h-e-l-l” word in my entire life. Our parents. Did we really know them? Maybe, or maybe not. They are far more complex than our memories. They taught us so much, and even after they are gone, the learning continues. One letter at a time. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

BLUHM �� page 10

LEIBOWITZ �� page 13

yearly and about the 970 Arizonans currently listed in NamUS, the national missing persons database. Some blame racism for our fascination with Gabby Petito. That’s part of it, but

hardly the major felony at hand here. These are kidnappings, trafficking cases, homicides. We should pay as much attention as we can to as many of the disappeared as we can, for as long as we can. Ignorance is not bliss, not when lives hang in the balance.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Republicans spread misinformation Editor: I wanted to thank Robert Lukacs for such a well-written letter to the editor in the Sept. 22 edition of the Foothills Focus. The founding fathers established free public education for all because they knew a democracy needs an educated public to succeed. The GOP-controlled states have tried for 30 years to eliminate public education through reduced funding and impossible mandates. Unfortunately, they have been successful in using social media and right-wing extremists television to “dumb down” about a third of the population by repeating lies and producing misinformation. They have convinced their base, and even the church, that hatred and discrimination of other human beings is acceptable. Unable to discern information

correctly, the individuals affected have no ability to analyze or problem solve. Amazingly, many are led to vote against their own best interest without having the mental acuity to realize it. Jim Selgo

Hayworth op-ed con�irms Lukacs’ letter Editor: I read Mr. Lukacs’ letter on Republicans in the Sept. 22 issue of the Foothills Focus and found it interesting. Then I read the op-ed by J.D. Hayworth and found verification of everything Mr. Lukacs had written. My only comment to Mr. Lukacs is: Bravo Zulu, sir, Bravo Zulu. Jude M. Clark

Wake up to the news Editor: Robert Lukacs’ letter in response to J.D. Hayworth was certainly his bloviating opinion, but it is hard to believe, in view of events since Joe Biden took office, that anyone could be so stupid. Since Joe took office, gas has increased in excess of $1 per gallon, our Southern border is out of control with no signs of relief, and Joe wants to spend $6.5 trillion of money which we don’t have. The country’s debt is out of control, impossible to repay, and politicians’ continued spending will increase our national debt, which is driving our country into bankruptcy. Robert must realize that Democrats are also skilled at lying; Republicans do not have exclusivity. Wake up, Robert Lukacs Jim Swenson

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Local marketing and ad agency connects with clients BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus staff writer

o-owned by a Norterra husband-andwife team, marketing and advertising agency Stoke Interactive aims to connect with clients and prioritize their vision, whether it’s a multimillion-dollar company or a local mom-and-pop shop. “We’re a full-service marketing and advertising agency,” said Craig Beckman, co-owner. “We do everything from website design and development to print advertising, digital advertising and branding. I mean, we’re kind of full service, so if you can think about it in the advertising industry, there’s a good chance that we can get it accomplished.” Lindsay Beckman, co-owner, has an extensive background in web development and design. She said she was also one of very few women doing coding in the early 2000s. With her skillset combined with Craig’s advertising skills, Stoke Interactive handles everything a company could possibly need, even if it is just opening. “Our bread and butter is website design and development from the ground up. Then we do everything else from starting a business all the way to launching it,” Lindsay said. “So we start with branding, then go through all the graphic design, designing websites, any signage, brochures and print stuff. And then all the way up through photography, videography, advertising, SEO and social media. We kind of do it all, which has been awesome.” Stoke Interactive started in 2008, when the couple still lived in San Francisco. Lindsay worked in a huge advertising agency with clients like Skype, the NBA, Hyundai and others. While she was certainly successful at her job, Lindsay said she wanted to work more directly with clients instead of a project manager handling the conversation and then

Craig Beckman said working with the North Valley hot air balloon company Rainbow Ryders, for whom they did web design and development as well as digital advertising, was a fun experience. (Photo courtesy of Rainbow Ryders) passing along the information to her. “I realized I wanted to do more of working directly with clients rather than being behind the scenes. I really enjoyed that excitement of hearing the client’s vision and coming up with a strategy to help them,” Lindsay said. “So when we decided to move to Phoenix, we just went full force with making it happen. It’s been great because it’s been me working with the owners of companies, seeing their visions and helping them bring that excitement to life, which is what I’ve always wanted to do.” This one-on-one connection is something that Craig and Lindsay agreed made their business unique. They said they have gotten comments from clients about how unresponsive or uncooperative other companies were, whether going over budget, over timeline or just

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S LASS C missing the mark on the intended viES!in IZstep sion. The S �irst their process is to

have an in-depth conversation about the business — their goals, clients, product, budget and timeframe. After that initial meeting, Craig then sends a detailed questionnaire to get even more information. He said getting this information is vital to making sure they meet the client’s needs and create a product they can be proud to showcase as their brand. “I love the feedback and the collaboration of a client having a vision and being able to sit down with them and make it come to life,” Lindsay said. “That’s one of the most exciting things, because it’s not my business — it’s their business. We want to do everything we can to make them happy and represent them well. So, listening to all of their desires, wishes and goals is such a big part of it, and not trying to push too much of what we want to do but more about what they always wanted to do and help them achieve that goal.” Because its approach is client focused,

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on a wide range. Craig said they have worked with Firearms, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Rainbow Ryders, a local hot air balloon company. Lindsay even designed the logo and created the mascot for Union Park School when it opened last year, and the company is working on projects with the Deer Valley Uni�ied School District. Lindsay and Craig try to keep their business local to be able to meet face to face and have good communication. On top of that, though, they live in the community and want to see it grow for the bene�it of businesses and residents. “We live in this community, our kids go to school here, and we’re involved with the school systems. We’re a big part of trying to do what we can to make Phoenix the happiest place for our family, which in turn means the happiest place for everyone else. It’s growing so fast and there’s so much exciting stuff happening here that it’s great to be a part of. I’m excited to see where it’s going to go.” For more information, visit stokeinLindsay Beckman said one of her favorite projects was creating the logo and mascot (named Tomas the Toro) for Union Park School when it opened in 2020. teractive.com.a tour! Schedule

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Robert Bartko keeps George Michael’s vision alive BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

obert Bartko says his George Michael Reborn act is not a gimmick. The tribute did not choose him. In fact, it was the opposite. “From the time I was in high school, I looked like George Michael when he began to emerge on the scene,” Bartko said. “I could grow a full beard at 17. I was a football jock and sang in the drama club. Usually, those are very polarized worlds in high school.” But friends and family saw something special—his uncanny vocal resemblance to Michael. Bartko said he felt he found his

musical home. “In 1988, I went to his big show at the Orange Bowl in Miami. I thought I was going to lose my life that night,” said Bartko about the reaction to his look. He spent the 1990s producing songs for rock acts like Korn (“A.D.I.D.A.S. Level X Mix,” “Wicked” and “All in the Family,” which featured Fred Durst) and dance artist Stevie B. In 2018, he saw a resurgence of his dance career. When a booking agent called him to perform, however, he said, “Man, you look and sound just like George Michael. If you could put together a George Michael act, we could book it a lot more than we could book you on your own.”

Thus George Michael Reborn was off and running. Now, he said, fans “lose their minds” at his shows, which includes a Saturday, October 9, gig at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino. Bartko’s act is a retrospective of Wham and Michael’s careers. He said he “nails” the whole “Faith” era and, at age 51, he “does not look a day over 32.” “I’ve been really fortunate to be able to pull off a 22-year-old George doing ‘Faith,’” he said. “I touch upon all the hits from the ‘Fantastic’ album, ‘Edge of Heaven,’ ‘Faith’ and beyond that. I concentrate most on the ‘Faith’ era.” “They love George Michael,” he said. “They put their claws in and don’t let go for

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Creativity isn’t a problem for artist Matthew Killick BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contibutor

harles Lindbergh is quoted as having said, “Life is like a landscape. You live in-the-midst of it but can describe it only from the vantage point of distance.” Artist Matthew Killick provides us with the opportunity to describe the various landscapes of our inner and

outer worlds through his medium of oils. Born at Stanford University Hospital in California, Killick grew up on the great plains of Alberta, Canada, in Calgary. He credits his creativity to the lack of creativity in his environment. An interesting juxtaposed perspective on his own landscape from childhood. Killick claims his most significant influence was the Group

of Seven. “The Group of Seven was also known as the Algonquin School of landscape painters,” Killick explained. “The group was founded in 1920 as an organization of self-proclaimed modern artists and disbanded in 1933. “I am distantly related to A.Y. Jackson, a painter who was a leading member of the Group of Seven, helped to remake the visual image of Canada.” Today, Killick proudly displays a few drawings and paint sketches from his ancestor in his home studio. The turning point for Killick’s life imagined was enrolling in an introductory art class at the University of Montana. “I entered a state of bliss while doing a self-portrait for the class,” Killick commented. True to his vision, he completed his B.A. in art and soon

after moved to the Phoenix area to accept a job teaching art. After 12 years in the classroom, Killick knew it was time to step off the edge into his own art career. “I took over the family dining room table, went to work, and never looked back,” he described, revealing, “I remember admiring artists for being brave and leading their lives with an artistic lifestyle unconcerned with materialistic, greedy and competitive outlooks. I also remember thinking art was one of the few things you can dedicate your whole life to and never get bored because you are always growing, improving and learning.” An example of this: “I draw or paint every day. I didn’t choose it; it chose me. I’m in this for the long haul.” Where does his inspiration come from?

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KILLICK �� 21

“Creativity isn’t a problem for me,” Killick revealed. “Controlling all the

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merizing. His work includes a peaceful, winter landscape holding a solitary barn or that old gas station from a bygone era that reminds one of their childhood. The subjects are thought-provoking and soul-moving, all rendered in Killick’s casually detailed style. The last year has put a damper on many shows and venues for the arts, but On the Edge Gallery in Scottsdale stayed the course, representing local artists and their life supporting work. Killick’s paintings can be seen at the gallery, on its website ontheedgegallery.com, or on his website matthewkillick.com.

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Why are relationships so hard? CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph

Foothills Focus Columnist

ere’s a concept attributed by some to Mother Teresa about life. Her attitude, compassion, work ethic, and incredible belief in God have inspired the whole world. “Life is a challenge; meet it. Life is a promise; fulfill it. Life is a duty; complete it. Life is sorrow; overcome it. Life is an adventure; dare it. Life is a struggle; accept it. Life is a tragedy; confront it. Life is beauty; take time to admire it.” Don Kraft, an old acquaintance of mine, added two more thoughts about this. “Life is an opportunity; seize it. Life is chaos; organize it.” I like this upgrade in perspective. It’s authentic and inspiring. It’s realistic about the present, but it makes way for a future. It says one door may be closed, but another door opened, and I will find it. The challenge adjusts our attitude and outlook. It assures us that we can get back up given time, commitment and perseverance if we fall. So please permit me to add one more perspective to this list. Life is about relationships; value those relationships. Consider this neglected family relationship. It was a couple’s 60th anniversary. The couple’s three grown children, all successful, agreed to a Sunday dinner in their honor. “Happy anniversary, mom and dad,” their oldest son gushed. “Sorry, I’m running late. I had an emergency at the hospital with a patient, you know how it is, and I didn’t have time to get you a gift.” “Not to worry,” the father said. “The important thing is we’re all together today.” Their second son arrived. “You and mom look great. Dad, I just flew in from Montreal between depositions and didn’t have time to shop for you.” “It’s nothing,” the father said. “We’re glad you were able to come.” Just then, their daughter arrived. “Hello, and happy anniversary! Sorry, but my boss is

sending me out of town, and I was swamped packing, so I didn’t have time to get you anything.” After they had finished their dessert, the father said, “There’s something your mother and I have wanted to tell you for a long time. You see, we were poor, but we managed to send each of you to college. Through the years, your mother and I knew we loved each other very much, but we just never found the time to get married.” The three children gasped and said, “What? You mean we are illegitimate?” “Yep,” the father said. “And cheap ones, too.” Well, as they say, the truth will first make you miserable, but then it sets you free. Free from what and whom? Free from yourself. So, why are relationships so hard? We were raised to think that everything revolves around us. We learned we could get whatever we wanted when we wanted it and there would be no consequences. We cried. We manipulated. It was all about us. “I deserve and am owed the best.” We didn’t want green grass; we wanted green grass with a horse on it. But, then, the horse was not enough; it had to be a unicorn with a hat, standing on a flowery carpet. Then the hat was not enough; it needed to be a flower on top of the hat.” Thanks to the Huffington Post for this observation. Then, when we got married. Or we met someone else or work with someone else with the same upbringing and expectations we have, who is taking our spotlight. Suddenly the focus is on someone else. Then we competed. We demanded attention. “My need matters the most.” As a result of this, we radiate our self-absorption to others. “Wait until the world sees how amazing I am. I’m special. I don’t want the American dream; I want the American dream my way, and don’t get in my way.” That creates dissatisfaction,

envy, jealousy, shame, conflict and coveting. The result is relationship issues from the consequences of broken or neglected relationships that should have lasted years. Ego anger not transformed is ego anger transferred. Here’s our takeaway. I said, and I’m pretty sure Jesus would say, life is about relationships; value those relationships. But, first, understand that there is nothing wrong with having a good self-image. That’s a good thing. But good things taken to extremes become bad things. Self-centeredness and happiness don’t play well with each other. “You have an ego — a consciousness of being an individual. But that doesn’t mean that you are to worship yourself, to think constantly of yourself and to live entirely for yourself ” (Billy Graham). “I have more trouble with D. L. Moody than anyone else I have ever met” (D. L. Moody). That’s a challenge; meet it. That’s a struggle; accept it. That’s an opportunity; seize it. That’s a tragedy; confront it. Second, maybe it’s time to re-establish the relationships with your parents, siblings or others who you think have hurt you. Or, almost as likely, your ego was bruised by them, just being them, because you believed the lie that life is all about you. Perhaps the offended is the offender, and the offender is the offended. That’s sorrow; overcome it. Most of us don’t like self-evalua-

tion because we don’t want to open a letter that has bad news. Hint: Look at yourself, and you will look at others differently. That’s a duty; complete it. That’s a promise; fulfill it. That’s an adventure; dare it. That’s chaos; organize it. These days life is defined by O.U.Y., which means You – Others – Jesus. The definition of J.O.Y. is Jesus – Others – You. That’s beauty; take the time to admire it. Your joy depends on it. Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. Ed has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy. com. Ed may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

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Deer Valley Uni�ied trending positively with AzM2 results BY CURTIS FINCH Superintendent Deer Valley Unified School District

he state of Arizona tests public school students every year on the core academic areas of English language arts (ELA) and math. Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) was the first statewide test, organized in the early 2000s. Throughout the past 20 years the testing parameters have evolved. The tests were originally called AIMS, then AzMERIT (the Arizona Merit Test), and then evolved into the current version today, the AzM2. As fate would have it, the test will completely change

again next year and be renamed the Arizona Academic Standards Assessment (AASA). After the statewide results are collected, schools earn letter grades to show academic growth and/or proficiency on the academic standards based on score thresholds determined by the AZ Department of Education and later adopted by the AZ State Board of Education. The previous 18 months have provided a unique learning environment for students and teachers; a portion

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of the last two years were conducted online while other months were in-person — Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD) chose to be in person for most of that time. The initial research on the statewide data is very clear: a) students who were in person fared much better than those who were online; and b) the poorer test performances came from students in poverty. Even though the statewide data is not a complete picture, since thousands of students did not even take the test, the data can be useful to study and analyze for trends, strengths and weaknesses for improvement. Although COVID-19 caused the cancellation of the statewide assessments for 2019-20, last year’s tests (2020-21) were specifically administered for schools to have some data to focus on the now famously coined “learning loss.” The entire state of Arizona’s AzM2 test results declined due to the enormous impact COVID-19 had on communities. The good news? Many DVUSD students and schools reaped

the rewards of having in-person instruction. Even in this difficult environment, DVUSD documented several schools actually improving their ELA and math academic performance — nearly an impossible feat given the circumstances! In DVUSD, 313 students received a “perfect” math score, 98 scored perfect in ELA, and 18 students who actually scored perfectly in both ELA and math. Amazing! In comparison to our “peer districts” (Paradise Valley, Peoria, Chandler, Gilbert, etc.) DVUSD high school students earned the second highest overall performance in ELA and third highest in math. Against our biggest academic rival, Chandler, DVUSD beat or tied Chandler in many of the test categories. Every year we are getting closer, and now we are starting to pass them. When will DVUSD grab the top spot for the best academic unified school district in the state of Arizona? We will not really know for a couple of years until two consecutive years of the new tests can be compared for actual trends. By all indicators, DVUSD is still on that path of #extraordinary! Dr. Curtis Finch is the superintendent of DVUSD and can be reached at superintendent@dvusd.org.

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Musical Theatre of Anthem slates fall schedule BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

s fall officially arrives, the Musical Theatre of Anthem is beginning a new season. From a production of “Matilda” to something spooky for the season, you won’t want to miss out on this mix of unseen shows, auditions and special events.

‘Matilda Jr.’ MTA’s next show is “Matilda Jr.,” a classic story of rebellion, imagination and youth, with a little Broadway twist of singing and dancing. Sierra Litman, co-director and co-production stage manager, said the performers have spent over a month preparing and rehearsing for the play. The cast is composed of 57 kids, ranging from 6 to 18 years old. “It’s a really cool show, because it has parts for a variety of ages. There’s a very cool group of younger kids who have never gotten to be the lead in a musical who are getting to play big parts, like some of the main kids and

Matilda,” Litman said. “So, they’re all pretty giddy and excited. We cannot get them to stop. When I’m like, ‘OK, take 15,’ they’re still up on stage, running through songs. And it’s the same with the older ones. It’s a challenge for them, too, because they’re having to play such unique characters. They’re all just doing such a great job.” Join Matilda and her classmates in their mischief at shows on Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 at various times. Tickets are $25 online, and all audience members will be required to wear masks.

‘Once on This Island Jr.’ auditions “Once on This Island Jr.” is an interesting adaptation of the classic story of “The Little Mermaid.” Ti Moune, the main character, is a young girl who saves and then falls in love with a rich boy from the other side of the island where they live. The gods who rule the island watch Ti Moune and use her struggles to be with the boy as a kind of competition between the power of love and the power of death.

Auditions are Oct. 9 and Oct. 10 for ages 6 to 18. Those auditioning should have about one minute of a prepared song to sing on the first day, as well as completed paperwork. Callbacks will be the following day. The tuition and costume fee is $325, and MTA ensures that every person who auditions will have some kind of role. “We’re a no-cut theater. Any kid who wants to come out and audition, even if it’s their first time, they’ll be in the show. It’s just a great learning opportunity,” Litman said. “Regardless of how the audition goes, you’re in the show. You get to see what an audition is like and actually be in a show and learn how to be in a performance. From there, you just kind of grow and grow and become more confident with every show.” Haunted house This is the first year the theater is hosting a haunted house, but Litman said she hopes to make it an annual tradition. The entire

theater will be transformed into a spooky — but family-friendly — witch’s lair with the help of performers. “The kids who participate have a hand in every single element. They make their character that fits with the theme, and then we teach them how to do the makeup. They design their own character and pull their costumes,” Litman said. “Then, once we kind of have our characters and storyline set, we start looking at the actual building process. We have a design and the kids come in and we’re going to build everything together and put it all up in the theater. Then they will work in the haunted house as well.” Auditions for the Haunted House will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 and are open to ages 14 to 18. Due to the nature of the performance, this audition will not require singing, but will measure acting ability and creativity. The haunted house will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 29 and 30. For more information, visit musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

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