The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 10.27.2021 by Times Media Group

••

ECRWSS Carrier Route PreSorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 371 Cave Creek, AZ

Bruce Kirkwood PAGE

Carol Brook

TheFoothillsFocus.com

INSIDE

This Week

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

NEWS ................. 8

FEATURES ........ 20 Hidden in the Hills artist studio tours return

FEATURES ........ 25 Arizona Musicfest returns with 30 live indoor concerts

OPINION ................... 12 FEATURES ................ 19 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 30 2

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Financing �ire protection creates heat BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Cave Creek native serves in Navy’s ‘Silent Service’

Zone

PAGE

Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

Cave Creek discussed the immediate and long-term �inancing options for its newly formed �ire services with recommendations from an economic consultant and comments from council members and residents during the Oct. 18 town council meeting. The town of�icially started leasing a �ire station as of Oct. 18 and recently hired 15 full-time staff members to operate the station. The goal is to have it fully operational by early January. The �ire department’s upfront costs are covered by the town’s general fund, but there has been disagreement — primarily between town staff and residents — over the long-term �inancing. While there are a few options on the table, town staff is con-

sidering implementing a small property tax in addition to a slight raise in sales tax to ensure funds are available for �ire services in 10 to 20 years. Deputy Fire Chief Jim Ford has helped the town develop �ire services for about a year. He said while people may argue over how to get there, everyone he heard from has supported it. “It’s important for everybody to note that I’ve consistently received positive response from the community related to the need to make the changes and the need to improve the services,” he said. “No matter what we agree or disagree on, that’s been pretty consistent. I haven’t run into anybody yet that says, ‘Stop, don’t do this.’ Everybody has been saying, ‘Yeah, this is a good idea.’ I believe the majority of residents understand that it’s time for the town

and its residents to initiate some type of new system that will support the emergency needs of this community as it continues to grow.” Jim Rounds is president of Rounds Consulting Group and frequent adviser to policymakers at the state capitol as well as throughout the state. The town hired him to take a deeper look at the �inancial options for those long-term expenditures. At the Oct. 18 town council meeting, he presented a detailed breakdown of those options to the council and members of the public. “There’s no right or wrong on a lot of these things,” Rounds said. “In some cases, somebody might just say, ‘I don’t want to have a property tax,’ or, ‘I don’t want to have

North Valley’s restaurant business died Oct. 9 at age 73 due to complications from COVID-19. “Keeler Hospitality Group is heartbroken to announce the passing of their founder and CEO, Paul Keeler,” the organization said in a statement. “Paul was a beloved restaurateur with deep roots in the Cave Creek/Carefree

and Scottsdale communities. His impact on his team members and guests will be treasured for a lifetime to come. Paul’s larger-than-life personality, unwavering faith in God and kind spirit of hospitality will be missed by all who knew him.” Keeler founded the Keeler Hospitality

�� FIRE �� 4

Paul Keeler remembered as ‘beloved’ BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

aul Keeler will be remembered during a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 8, at Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale. The well-known and beloved face in the

Milgard® offers beautiful, comfortable, energy efficient vinyl windows and doors for your home Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your existing one, your choices are wide open when it comes to selecting beautifully designed Milgard windows and patio doors. Strong, beautiful, long lasting and durable. Milgard windows and patio doors are designed with stunning architectural style and superior performance. Plus, you’ll feel secure in your investment with an industry leading, Full Lifetime Warranty that includes parts and labor.

4454 E. Thomas Rd. Phoenix • 602-508-0800 • liwindow.com Mon-Thurs 8:30-5pm • Fri 8:30-4pm • Sat by appointment only • ROC#179513

�� KEELER �� 6

•• 2

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

COMPLETE PLUMBING SOLUTIONS BOOK ONLINE TODAY!

We Do Gas Lines! Whether it’s a whole new underground pipe system or just a few feet, we have the experience and skills to install your gas piping!

• • • • • •

Dryers Kitchen Stoves Built-In Grills Fire Pits Fireplaces Heaters *Permits Required

COMPLETE PLUMBING SOLUTIONS Appliances • Camera Inspection Service • Drain Cleans • Emergencies Faucets & Sinks • Garbage Disposals • Gas Lines • Hose Bibb Replacements Remodels • Showers & Bath Tubs • Toilets & Sewer Lines • Water Heaters Water Pressure Reducing Valves • Water Treatment • Commercial

Tamra & Doug Wyman

5 Star Ratings

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

623.551.6688 • www.wyman-services.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

••

•• 4

NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt Associate Publisher: Eric Twohey | 480-898-5634 | erict@thefoothillsfocus.com ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 623-465-5808 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@thefoothillsfocus.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: Pablo Robles | probles@timespublications.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Proud member of :

The Foothills Focus 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 | OCTOBER 27, 2021

FIRE from page 1

another sales tax.’ What we’ll do is provide information so people can make the best decision possible, and then you at least know, in these different scenarios that we run, what the tax would have to be so that you’re not in financial trouble in 10 years.” It was proposed that, if a property tax was approved, it would be about 0.8% of 100 and the sales tax would be increased by a quarter or no more than a half percent. Ford noted that Daisy Mountain has a property tax rate of 3.49%. Rounds also noted that his suggestions were preliminary, and said he was looking to get feedback from the public before moving forward. At the meeting, there was nearly two hours of public feedback from several community members in attendance. Most of the comments were in opposition to a property tax, though there were some who spoke in favor of the tax. Suggested alternatives to the property tax included using bonds or just increasing the sales tax. Others said the information was based

on projections and estimates not specific to Cave Creek, and was therefore not reliable enough to make a firm decision. After two and a half hours of discussion, council members still seemed in favor of a property tax and most residents in attendance were still opposed. Toward the end of the meeting, Mayor Ernie Bunch addressed the room and said the suggested property tax is a small price to pay for the services that will be provided by the fire department, by joining the automatic aid system, especially when looked at in comparison to the property tax rate of neighboring towns. This comment left some in attendance feeling frustrated and ignored. “What I said earlier about not wanting a property tax still stands after two hours and 40 minutes here tonight,” said Bruce Arland in a public comment. “Mr. mayor, you just said you want a property tax after all this time… I’m a little incensed that after all this time, you guys made firm statements (in support of a property tax).” Moving forward, a scope will be put

Mayor Ernie Bunch said the suggested property tax is a small price to pay for the ﬁre department’s services. together in consideration of the public comments and direction of the council and sent to the council to be voted on for approval by Monday, Nov. 1. Councilmember Kathryn Royer said, regardless of the council’s approval, the town must vote in favor of a property tax, and the council should do its best to make sure residents have a good understanding and are on board. “I think that we should proceed with our consultant and move ahead with expanding his scope of work and let him do what is necessary to answer the questions that were proposed tonight before us,” Royer said. “That way we cannot be charged with not answering the questions that our community has before we put a question on a ballot that may not pass. And that’s good for all of us, because we need it to pass. If we go for a property tax, we don’t want it to fail. So, let’s do what it takes. Whether you’re in favor of it or not, we need to do what it takes, and that means answering the questions that were asked of us tonight.”

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

u O Y n a C h t r a e n Wh ere O ? e im t Y u B Y l l a aCtu

g in it a W s r a e y e t s a W Why W o r g o t s e e r t g n u o y r o f When We can install mature specimens to it provide shade, give fru sis! a o t n a t s in n a e t a e r c d an

SHADE TREES

Hundreds of acres of locally grown favorites in sizes from 15 gal to huge 72” box trees 30’ tall. Ash, Elm, Ficus, Pistachio, Mesquite, Palo Verde, Olive, Pines, Ironwood, Orchids, Oak & many more!

ARIZONA’S LARGEST GROWER DIRECT NURSERY FOR FOUR GENERATIONS!

You’ll See The Difference As Soon As You Arrive! • Best Plants In Town • Friendly, Knowledgeable Nurserymen • No Commissioned High-Pressure Sales People • Best Price In Town On Quality Trees!

PALMS Arizona’s Best Selection Grower-Direct From Our Farms Dates • Bismarkia California and Mexican Fan Cycads • Blues And More!

BESTOF

2021

DELICIOUS CITRUS, FRUIT TREES, FIGS & MORE! Grow Your Own Garden

Plant your own paradise

WORTH THE DRIVE FROM ANYWHERE! VALLEYWIDE DELIVERY JUST $100! MAIN TREE FARM 2647 E. Southern Ave. (Phx) 602-268-9096

EAST VALLEY Cooper (Stapley) & Guadalupe 480-892-2712

NORTH PHX /SCOTTSDALE 824 E. Glendale Ave. 602-944-8479

••

•• 6

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

KEELER from page 1

Group in 2008 with the help from his sons, Matt and Ryan, and subsequently opened Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse in Carefree in 2018. The company also owns and operates Liberty Station and Market Street Kitchen in Scottsdale, as well as Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops in Omaha. As a family business, Keeler Hospitality Group will continue to operate under Matt and Ryan Keeler. Born in California in 1947, Keeler began working in the food and beverage industry in his mid-teens. His work brought him to Upstate New York, where he became vice president of food and beverage for the Beacon Hotel Company in 1986. In 1999, a hotel merger landed him at Hilton, where he was responsible for more than 3,000 hotels’ food and beverage services. Through various mergers, he worked for Hilton for over 20 years before retiring in 2008 to run his family business. He was active in the business com-

Paul Keeler was an active and engaged member of Highlands Church in Scottsdale. (Photo by Jan D’Atri)

Town looking to limit new water meters outside its limits BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Cool Cats

Keep it

Comfortable HEATING • COOLING • INDOOR AIR QUALITY

602-789-3000

Feel the

Comfort You’ve Been

Missing!

munity, serving on various boards and associations over the years. He also shared his expertise with others, mentoring new restaurant owners, giving advice and offering encouragement. “Paul was a friend and client for many years — he always had an encouraging word for me and when the pandemic started, we discussed strategies for making it through as business owners,” said Susie Timm, president of Knife and Fork Media Group. “His advice was excellent and did help me endure 20 months of stress. He will be missed by me and many others for many years to come.” Keeler is survived by his wife, Judy; three children, Ryan, Matt and Jessica; five grandchildren; as well as his mother and three siblings. He had a close relationship with his family and was an involved “Poppy” to his grandchildren. Besides his family, Keeler was also passionate about his faith and the church. He attended the Highlands Church in Scottsdale, where he was an active and engaged member.

info@azperfectcomfort.com www.azperfectcomfort.com

25 OFF on ANY REPAIR

Not valid with other offers or promotions, one coupon per person.

ROBIN & JOHN MCCOMBS VETERAN OWNED & OPERATED ROC#300933 • BONDED & INSURED

The Cave Creek Town Council is expected to discuss limiting new water meters outside of its limits during a November meeting. The town staff presented proposed updates to the 2017 water policy during the Sept. 20 council meeting. The revisions are directed to help ensure the long-term sustainability of water supplies for Cave Creek and the Desert Hills water systems. In 2006 and 2007, the town of Cave Creek took over the operations of the privately owned Desert Hills and Cave Creek water companies. Since these acquisitions, the town has been committed to providing the highest quality water services both inside and outside its municipal limits, according to a town

statement. The legal water supplies for both water service areas are different. Desert Hills only has nonrenewable groundwater rights accessible via wells. Cave Creek has nonrenewable groundwater rights and renewable allocation of Colorado River water provided through the Central Arizona Project (CAP). There are three groundwater wells in the Desert Hills system, but production has been declining for several years. A 2020 hydrologic study concluded that the town cannot rely on drilling new wells to replace the reducing well capacity in Desert Hills. In 2020, more than 77% of the water supplies for Desert Hills came from the CAP allocation for Cave Creek. The town

see WATER page 7

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

is working to obtain new CAP water supplies for Desert Hills. To date, the town has obtained less than half of the CAP water that Cave Creek delivered to Desert Hills in 2020. The new CAP supplied for Desert Hills water is also a lower delivery priority and cannot be relied upon to support future development. It is only helpful in meeting current demands. The 2017 water policy limited new accounts to a single meter per parcel. Any new subdivisions or large water users were required to bring the town new water resources. However, due to the continued decline of groundwater in Desert Hills, it has become necessary to limit any new water services in Desert Hills unless there is an existing contractual or statutory obligation to serve. Existing Will Serve letters are not considered a contractual obligation as they only represent an intent to allow a new service at a prior point in time. This revision is being proposed to reflect that Desert Hills

does not have its own secure long-term water supplies. The town will continue to provide water services to the existing Desert Hills accounts, while working to secure new long-term water resources for the area. Information Watch a recording of the utility director’s presentation at the Sept. 20 regular council meeting: https://youtu.be/f-gfwyOLfqk?t=5302 For the supportive report view the agenda for the Sept. 2 presentation at https://cavecreek.civicweb.net/filepro/ documents

North Scottsdale team ready for Parkinson’s walk BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

he North Scottsdale Movers and Shakers team will walk for Parkinson’s in the area in support of the third annual Moving Day Phoenix fundraising effort on Saturday, Nov. 13. The local walk will cover a 1.3-mile, easy-terrain course through the Terravita community and nature trail. The walk starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Terravita Country Club and will be followed by a group lunch on the club’s patio. Those interested in walking with the Movers and Shakers team are asked to donate funds to support the work of the Parkinson’s Foundation. Contact team co-caption Cathy Boss-Fessel at cboss20@gmail.com to sign up for the walk and lunch. Moving Day is part of a nationwide se-

ries of awareness-building fundraisers to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation, whose goal is to make life better for the 1 million Americans living with Parkinson’s. In Arizona alone, nearly 18,000 people struggle with PD. Across the nation, around 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The Valleywide Moving Day Phoenix event is Saturday, Nov. 6, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. The Movers and Shakers team will also walk at the Tempe event. Fundraiser nets $4,000 for arkinson’s The Movers and Shakers kicked off this year’s Moving Day events at a “Meet the Artists” art and wine reception held at JoyEful Gallery: Joye DeGoede Fine Art, El Pedregal at The Boulders Resort

see PARKINSON page 8

••

•• 8

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Cave Creek native serves in Navy’s ‘Silent Service’ BY ALVIN PLEXICO Navy Office of Community Outreach

Cave Creek native is serving aboard USS Nevada, one of the world’s most advanced nuclear-powered submarines. Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin Mer-

cer serves as an information technology specialist and joined the Navy to travel and earn job experience. Mercer attended Cactus Shadows High School and graduated in 2018. Today, Mercer uses skills and values similar to those found in Cave Creek. “Growing up I learned to aspire to be

more,” Mercer said. These lessons have helped Mercer while serving aboard USS Nevada. Known as America’s “Silent Service,” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines conduct rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security. There are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and

PARKINSON from page 7

on Saturday, Oct. 9. The event drew almost 70 attendees and raised $4,000 for the Parkinson’s Foundation, bringing the team close to its $20,000 goal for 2021. Raffle prizes were donated by local businesses including the gallery host; The Boulders Resort & Spa; Hyde Park Interiors; Stefan Mann at El Pedregal; Clear Dermatology & Aesthetics Center; Salon Mila; HarumiYoga+; Spotted Donkey Cantina; Merle Norman Studio; Spa Splendore and Cave Creek Olive Oil. The bright side of COVID-19 “Last year, in spite of COVID, we raised almost $15,000,” Boss-Fessel said. “While the Valleywide event went virtual, I credit much of our success to an

guided-missile submarines (SSGN). Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. The Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by provid-

see SILENT SERVICE page 9

in-person walk within our own community. So we decided to do another local walk in 2021, and we will also participate in the Valleywide Moving Day Phoenix event in Tempe.” Team co-captain and Boulders resident Jennifer Campbell, who also serves on the Parkinson’s Advisory Board for the Southwest Region, said, “Fundraising to support Parkinson’s research is deeply personal for me. My brother, Dave, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s when he turned 50, 17 years ago. This is considered young adult onset. He underwent brain surgery, yet he still struggles every day to fight PD. “My brother is truly my inspiration. It pains me knowing he suffers with this terrible disease, which underscores just how important are research and the availability of resources to make lives better for those in Dave’s situation.”

Artist Joye DeGoede, host of Oct. 9 “Meet the Artists” gallery fundraiser for Parkinson’s. Team N. Scottsdale Movers and Shakers members Anne Prine, Jennifer Campbell, Julie Udall, Cathy Boss-Fessel and Dr. Karen Weiss-Fisher.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

SILENT SERVICE from page 8

submarines. Beginning in 2028, the new Columbia Class ballistic-missile submarines will arrive and provide continuous sea-based strategic deterrence into the 2080s. Mercer and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service. Mercer is most proud of earning his submarine warfare qualification. “Earning my ‘fish’ was hard, because I pushed myself to learn what I needed,” Mercer said. “The crew was very helpful, because they saw that I was driven.” “Fish” refers to a type of certification for submarine personnel. As Mercer and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions to support national defense, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. “I’m doing my part when I go out to sea, so others can be home and be with their families,” Mercer said.

ing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed specifically for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles. Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN can carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be fired through four torpedo tubes. As a member of the submarine force, Mercer is part of a rich 121-year history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the fight to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies. Serving in the Navy means Mercer is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy. “We have the most planes, ships and fire power in the Navy,” Mercer said. “We have the most capability to protect the nation worldwide.” With more than 90% of all trade traveling by sea, and 95% of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through underwater fiber optic, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy. Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, and for decades Naval Submarine Base BanPetty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin Mercer serves as an information gor (Washington) has technology specialist and joined the Navy to travel and earn job been home to Ohio experience. (Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jake Joy/Navy Office of Community Class ballistic-missile Outreach)

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

Justin Simons, Agent 41722 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, 3655 W Anthem Way #110 Anthem, AZ 85086 Anthem, AZ 85086 (Next to Barro’s Pizza)

623-551-3700 Business: Business: 623-551-3700 justin.simons.j663@statefam.com 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.

*Some customers could see a discount up to 50%. Discount names, percentages, availability and eligibility may vary by state and coverage selected. Enrollment, terms and conditions apply. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas Richardson, TX 1901979

••

NEWS

•• 10

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Court confirms Carefree’s right to land for reservoir

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

fter months of disputes, the superior court approved Carefree’s right to take immediate possession of land owned by the Boulders Homeowners Association for a water storage reservoir and denied the association’s motions to dismiss. This allows Carefree to move one step closer to providing quality, united water service for the entirety of the town, a project they have been working on since January 2019. Carefree started its water acquisition project to provide better quality resources to roughly 530 homes and more than 1,000 residents that were being serviced by Cave Creek Water Company. This was initiated after complaints from hundreds of Carefree residents regarding the quality of their water. Carefree and Cave Creek came to an

official agreement regarding the ownership of those water assets in March, but it is expected to take two or more years for Carefree to fully serve all of its residents. The town will first have to physically disconnect and restructure water lines in a way that the Carefree Water Company reaches everyone. One of the challenges the town faced was being able to pump enough water during peak hours, in which the demand would be greater than the volume that flows through the pipes. Not only would this slow residents’ water flow during peak hours, but could potentially be disastrous in the case of a fire. For these reasons, the implementation of a fourth water storage reservoir was required for the expansion of Carefree Water Company. “Our outside engineer, Coe and Van Loo, evaluated 32 sites for that reservoir that is required for the system expansion, and there was only one out

of the 32 that met all of the criteria,” said Mayor Les Peterson. “It’s close to existing water lines in the street, it was 160 feet from the nearest resident, and it met all the elevation requirements.” That site is adjacent to Tom Darlington Road in an open space owned by the Boulders Homeowners Association. Peterson said while conversations were initially positive, members of the BHOA decided they did not want the land used for the reservoir. The town offered to take measures to ensure the land is as undisturbed as possible, essentially so the reservoir would not be an eyesore to the community. “We will bury it underground and landscape over the top of it,” Peterson said. “You won’t even know it’s there. We’ll replant and put in irrigation in a year or so for that vegetation to get established and you won’t even see it.” He said neighboring communities like Scottsdale are in the process of putting in storage reservoirs above ground and much closer to homes. Burying the reservoir and landscaping over it is not a requirement, and the town will be spending more money to do so. However, the BHOA still did not agree. Peterson said if it was as simple as picking another spot and putting the reservoir there, then they would, but it’s not that easy. “We have Black Mountain up here and a 500-foot difference in elevation causes dramatic differences in the pressures in your water lines,” he said. “So, there’s only a couple of plac-

es where you can strategically place the water storage reservoir to where it will gravity feed for the most part.” The two parties could not come to an agreement. According to Peterson, the BHOA said they would file sequential lawsuits to delay the implementation of the reservoir, which would force the town to choose another spot out of time sensitivity. However, with assurance from the engineer that this was the most cost-efficient and sensical option, the town moved to condemn the property for the public good. The issue went to the superior court and a decision was announced Sept. 29. “The superior court confirmed our right to condemn, that we were applicable and that we were seizing this property for the public good,” Peterson said. While the court confirmed the right to condemn, the town and BHOA are now negotiating over compensation for the land. So far, no agreement has been made and Peterson said they cannot agree over the appraisal due to disputes in the zoning. Despite the hiccups, the town is still moving forward. “I wish we could put this whole thing behind us,” Peterson said. “We need to be community spirited. The people on the south and west side of town need these improvements. There’s a thousand people over there. For every one who comes in with the Boulders, and there’s only a small handful, 10 to 20 of them, we have a thousand people over there saying, ‘Well, let’s get going.’ So, we’re proceeding.”

Carpet • Tile • Grout • Upholstery • Air Duct Cleaning • Commercial & Residential Cleaning

BUSY LIFE?

Call Today! Clean Today! Prices Include: Truck Mounted Units • Pretreat Vacuum • Optical Brightener • General Soil Removal Also Available: Carpet Stretching • Carpet Repair

ANY 3 ROOMS

Learn how to talk to your kids about marijuana. This publication was made possible by SAMSHA Grant number 6B08TI083044-01. The views expressed in these materials do not necessarily reflect the official policies or contractual requirements of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) or the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. 24051 AHCCCS_Newsprint_SlowBrain_4-9x4-9.indd 1

9/20/21 2:50 PM

Men tion ew Wes t Valley Vi e for an Exclusiv Of fer!

Reg. $129.00

Up to 450 sq. ft. total

ANY 5 ROOMS

Reg. $169.99

Up to 750 sq. ft. total

We only have one care. It’s Your Satisfaction. VALLEYWIDE SERVICE • 602-550-7732

PNPOneCareCleaning.com • PNPOneCareCleaning@cox.net

SHOP LOCAL AND SAVE UP TO - $1,500

• New Construction Windows • Interior Doors and Trim ® THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021 Skylights and Sun Tunnels 11 •• Multi-slide - Bi-folding Doors • Doors VELUX • • Replacement Windows • Barn & Hardware • Construction Replacement Windows •• Barn Doors &Trim Hardware • • New Windows • Interior Doors and Entry, French and Patio Doors Security Doors & Retractable Screens • •

SHOP LOCAL AND SAVE UP TO $1,500 SHOP LOCAL AND SAVE UP TO $1,500 • New Construction Windows • Interior Doors and Trim Multi-slide - Bi-folding Doors • VELUX Skylights and Sun Tunnels ®

• Replacement Windows • French Multi-slide -Patio Bi-folding Entry, and DoorsDoors • Construction Replacement Windows • New Windows • • Entry, French andDoors Patio Doors New Construction Windows • Multi-Side - Bi-folding • Entry, French and- Bi-folding Patio Doors • Multi-slide Doors •

Entry, French and Patio Doors

• Barn Doors ®&Skylights Hardwareand Sun Tunnels • VELUX • • Security Doors & Retractable Screens Doors & Hardware •Barn Interior Doors and Trim • Security Doors Retractable • •Interior Doors and Trim VELUX® Skylights and&Sun Tunnels Screens ® Security Doors and & Retractable Skylights Sun TunnelsScreens • •VELUX •

ROOF WINDOWS

Security Doors & Retractable Screens AND SKYLIGHTS ROOF WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS ROOF WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS ROOF WINDOWS AND SKYLIGHTS

SECURITY SCREEN SECURITY SECURITY SCREEN DOORS SECURITY SCREEN DOORS SCREEN DOORS DOORS

602.508.0800 | liwindow.com

| |

•• 12

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com

@TheFoothills.Focus

For more opinions visit thefoothillsfocus.com /TheFoothillsFocus

Is Kelly missing the mark? BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

f airline and orbital miles were interchangeable, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) would never have to purchase a plane ticket. Kelly, who logged more than 22 million miles orbiting the earth as an astronaut, hopes voters will upgrade his status and grant him a full six-year term in November 2022. Currently, he’s on “standby.” Facing the prospect of a spirited Republican challenge next year, the freshman Democrat hopes to employ the advantage of incumbency to keep his job. That’s growing increasingly difficult, given the poor presidential record of Joe Biden. So, Kelly welcomes the chance to

To advertise 480.898.5606

erict@timespublications.com

focus on Arizona issues, as he can be seen an advocate for the state. That was the case earlier this month when he chaired a water and power subcommittee hearing dealing with drought in the west. Sure enough, Sen. Kelly’s scripted opening remarks included a shoutout to the home folks: “We’ve got this old saying in Arizona: ‘Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting.’” There’s accuracy in that anecdote, as Mark Kelly is discovering. An emerging controversy over water has delayed cocktail hour indefinitely, and this fight goes well beyond the Colorado River and a shrinking Lake Mead. It also winds its way through the high-rent headquarters of big money environmental pressure groups, the cavernous halls of the Pentagon and, perhaps most dangerously, the “other chamber” on Capitol Hill. The radical leftists in the House who so often outmaneuver Speaker Nancy Pelosi have also thrown a monkey wrench into Sen. Kelly’s re-election plans. It comes in the form of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and a Housepassed provision concerning an acronym that Mark Kelly may come to regard as a four-letter word — at least politically. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, comprise a major class of heat-resistant chemicals found in products like nonstick pans, adhesives, wire insulation and waterproof clothes. PFAS are even used in spacesuits, like the one Mark Kelly wore on his walks outside the space shuttle. House Democrats thrust the “PFAS Action Act of 2021” into the

NDAA, because it wouldn’t likely pass both chambers as a standalone piece of legislation. As written, the PFAS verbiage is so extreme that it would derail military procurement. It was even too much for the Biden White House, which quietly pushed back in a memo from the office of management and budget, noting such a provision “would prohibit DoD from procuring a wide range of items.” While the manufacture of PFAS has been phased out in the United States over long-term health concerns — primarily residues from fire-fighting foams — it is still produced overseas. Because our military has about 750 installations internationally, an immediate halt to buying all products that might contain PFAS would basically render the supply system useless. Prior to his time as an astronaut, naval aviator Mark Kelly and his shipmates aboard the USS Midway relied on PFAS, most notably contained in aqueous film foaming foam (AFFF). Our Navy regards AFFF as the most effective way to extinguish fuel oil fires aboard ship. The development of AFFF occurred in the late 1960s, following the tragic fire aboard the USS Forrestal off the coast of Vietnam. That blaze was narrowly escaped by another naval aviator who later served Arizona in the Senate: John McCain. In the 2020 special election to fill the late Sen. McCain’s seat, Mark Kelly persuaded Arizona voters to favorably compare him by emphasizing similar military service, while downplaying different party labels. But while McCain relished “going rogue”

in the Senate, Kelly cast himself as a “practical problem solver.” Now that he is completing the remainder of McCain’s final term, striking a balance between environmental protection and military readiness will test that claim. The most important principle for an officeholder to remember is what they see and hear at home. This columnist came to understand that Arizonans’ concerns about clean water and a strong national defense are not mutually exclusive. Sen. Kelly faces a similar tutorial. Undoubtedly, the environmental lobby will bring considerable financial resources to the political process. (After all, they’re called “green” for a reason.) Should Sen. Kelly choose to follow their priorities, Arizona voters could very well make it a priority to limit his stay in the Senate to two years. In just nine months, the bumbling of the Biden administration has turned the political skies unfriendly for Democrats. Given his considerable experience aloft, Mark Kelly knows he’ll need to keep his seatbelt fastened. There is severe turbulence ahead.

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Spooky Savings! • • • • •

Vinyl Plank Laminate Wood Tile Carpet

HUGE SALE!

60 60 60 6 All Flooring

Vinyl Plank - Laminate Wood - Tile - Carpet

Padding & Materials

Professional Installation

License, Bonded, Insured

Call NOW! 623-244-8260 623-244-

Or Go Online www.healthyhomeﬂooring.co

FREE Air Duct cleaning*

Shop At Home Next Day installation Lifetime Labor Warranty 36 MONTHS 0% ﬁnancing*

ROC328401

5 Stars

Reviews * Must present coupon or ad at the time of initial appointment. Offers are first appointment incentives only and only good if both decision-makers are present. Cannot combine offers. Financing is based on approved credit. $5,000 min purchase for free air duct cleaning. 60/60/60 sale must buy the largest room at full retail price, each additional room 60/60/60 discount may apply, based on select styles items, and in-stock flooring only. Includes standard installation and labor only. Free home disinfectant service makes no claims to kill COVID-19 or prevent it.

••

•• 14

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

SPONSORED BY

The 17th Annual Veterans Parade would not be possible without the support of so many volunteers, business vendors, and our generous sponsors! GENERAL SPONSOR:

COLONEL SPONSORS:

LIEUTENANT COLONEL SPONSORS: MAJOR SPONSORS: CAPTAIN SPONSORS: PATRIOT SPONSORS:

Ave! Notary Bright Tutoring Copper State Pavement

Dark Horse Training Diamond Dance Works

Pigtails & Crewcuts - Happy Valley Safeway

••

•• 16

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Getting older has made me look differently at aging BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

he first time I poked fun at the Rolling Stones for being too old to rock ‘n’ roll was in 1997. The band, led by then-54-year-old Mick Jagger, was in Tempe to play Sun Devil Stadium. Lead guitarist Keith Richards was a few weeks shy of turning 54 — a couple years younger than I am today. The Stones must have torn it up that night, because news reports from the concert indicate that sparks from their pyrotechnics set off a huge blaze in some bleachers behind the stage. So much for my jokes about that being The Depends Tour. I raise the point out of a desire to clarify some things concerning the concept of old age. One, despite having multiple college degrees by the time I reached

Custom Layouts for All Print Products Logo Creation & Conversion Photo Editing & Retouching Free Initial Design Consultation Business Cards, Brochures, Flyers, Duplicate Forms, Banners, Signs, Architectural Copies & Prints Binding, Laminating, Folding, Cutting, Booklet/Program Printing UPS, FedEx, DHL, Usps Private Mailboxes Computer Rental, Faxing, Scanning, Notary

(623)551-1305

www.postnet.com/az115 3655 W Anthem Way, A-109, Anthem, AZ 85086 Located in Safeway Shopping Center Behind Taco Bell

my thirties, I was still a naive jackass. Retrospect is startling that way, helping you know what you don’t know. Two, the older I get, the more distant old age feels. Part of that is wishful thinking. But also, it seems to take longer to get old in the 21st century, with all our technology and science than it did back a couple decades ago. Or so I’ve deluded myself. In addition to swabbing away some of my naivete, aging has also increased my tolerance. One example is the newfound respect I have for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who at 44 is leading the National Football League in passing yards and completions while chasing an unfathomable eighth Super Bowl ring. For context, Cardinals QB Kyler Murray was 3 when Brady made his NFL debut. Brady peaking again this late in athletic life makes you wonder how long he can go without a noticeable decline in performance. I had the same thought a few weeks ago while listening to Don Henley, lead singer of The Eagles, hit some impossibly high notes on classics like “One of These Nights” and “Desperado.”

At age 74, Henley sounds no different than he did back in the day. If his voice is being helped along by autotune or technical wizardry, I couldn’t tell. What’s more, I didn’t care. On a Saturday night in September in Downtown Phoenix, surrounded by 15,000 other lunatics who also knew every lyric — and didn’t mind coming out in the midst of a pandemic — you could close your eyes and be transported back to 1977, when “Hotel California” first hit FM radio and shot up to No. 1 on Casey Kasem’s American Top 40. That’s something age has taught me about music, movies, television and books: The best art not only captures a unique story, it helps us capture a unique state of self. Great songs are like thumbtacks affixing certain moments in time in our minds and hearts. It’s a quality that my older self appreciates, in the same way I have a new appreciation for The Rolling Stones. I plunked down a small fortune the other day to see them in Las Vegas next month, nearly 24 years to the day after I skipped them in Tempe. Jagger is 78. Richards and Ronnie Wood are 77. Drummer Charlie Watts

passed away in August at age 80. Used to be, I found something mortifying about the idea of Mick cavorting about bare-chested in leather pants, singing “if you start me up, I’ll never stop” at an age when most of his peers were worrying more about sitting up. Not anymore. Now I get it. Whoever barked “act your age” was some know-it-all in his thirties who’d read a bunch of books but hadn’t really lived at all.

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.

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

READER’S VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR General Plan: In Cave Creek it’s an exercise in deception Editor: Cave Creek is in crisis. Considering how we never wanted to become Anytown, USA, that path has come and the future of our town is right now. It’s really staggering for existing residents to witness the demise of rural Cave Creek — to an exploited urbanized extension of Phoenix. General plans should bring order and management to haphazard growth. When citizens voted 2-1 to approve our plan just in May, they outlined effective methods of attainment for our goals and policies. Hardly dried ink on that plan, planning commissioners have rushed ignoring goals by approving five exceptions to our subdivision ordinance for a California developer. The 76 acres called Hidden Canyon is at Surrey Drive, north to Skyline, west of Cave Creek Road. I remember. It’s been five years, when our town council was trusted by the community to put residents and neighborhoods above special interest groups, commercial development, and holding sacred our goals and policies. I remember. It’s been five years, when our town prided itself on its brand as a rural western town. When our town valued the small-town look and feel that promoted tourism. Ironically, it’s the tourists we chase away by giving up our brand. I remember. It’s been five years, when leaders welcomed and sought resident input and guidance on key decisions and showed sensitivity to resident needs with respect to health, safety and welfare. The 155 signers on the petition opposed Hidden Canyon Exceptions fell on five commissioners’ deaf ears. I remember. It’s been five years, when protection for our rural, low-density, equestrian lifestyle was not in full retreat, being pushed closer and closer to the point of no return. When town man-

Anna Marsolo of Cave Creek. agement allowed proactive enforcement of our town’s codes and laws. I remember. It’s been five years, when a balanced budget with sufficient funds for capital maintenance and needs and no fear of a property tax assured our Western survival and lifestyle. Is getting into a firefighting business deja vu visions of the Cave Creek Water Company purchase/sewer plant utility business which spiraled our town into $65.2 million in debt? We citizens enacted a meaningful general plan, spending $44,000 tax monies for a consulting firm hired by town council to lead us in developing that plan. We were told that “ordinary citizens” define general plans, but what is the good when committees and Council constantly override that plan? Look at Galloway Ridge 72 patio on School House, an example of haphazard growth on commercially zoned lands. Imagine the traffic/safety issue for our citizens using that hill for ingress and egress at full occupancy. Galloway Ridge is the exact same built at the Summit/Scottsdale Road and at Hayden/Pinnacle Peak roads. Why is emulating the Scottsdale-Phoenix style motivating our officials? Has our plan

simply become doctrines to amend for developers being led by a compliant council? Like Galloway Ridge, if the Hidden Canyon application is approved, the plan does not allow us any means to temper bad actions by appointed commissioners or council members. Referendum by citizens to overturn a council vote only is good for legislative actions approved by council; administrative actions cannot be referred. Hidden Canyon would be an administrative act — a done deal just like Galloway Ridge. Our only recourse is at the ballot box on Election Day. Our subdivision ordinance was written with the express concerns in mind that for every right to property there is a corresponding responsibility to the desert and the community. Yes, our town has more restrictive standards for development than those around us. Yes,

this developer says he has rights to 63 homes, but throws 48 homes as a “carrot” to gain exceptions to our subdivision ordinance. The 155 citizens on the petition believe the objections to flag lots, slope, grading and drainage, fire suppression ability, private roads and preserving the aesthetics of the hillside remain important concerns. It’s up to us citizens. Attend the public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 1, at the Cave Creek Town Hall. Or call or email our town council today. Although we are destined to grow there is no reason for council members to eradicate our general plan/subdivision ordinance and set a precedent for other developers to maximize their profits by accelerating our town’s growth. Anna Marsolo Cave Creek

Drive andSave Save DriveSafe Safe and

You loweryour your insurance billupping by upping your safe You could could lower insurance bill by your safe driving driving Call us today Drive game. Callgame. us today to learn abouttoourlearn Driveabout Sales our & Save app. Save up to 30%up or more! Sales & Save app. Save to 30% or more! Call me today. Call me today.

623-742-6866 Nanette McClelland-Miller, Agent nanettemiller.com

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

••

•• 18

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

‘Witching’ you a happy Halloween BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

t is time to get spooky. The approach of Halloween may cause a whole lot of ghouls and witches to come knocking at your door and it also brings the joy of candy! This year Americans will spend $2 billion on confection and another $5 billion on decorations and costumes. Yum, but the amount of sugar we consume is frightful! What’s a few thousand calories every now and then? You might see cute little kids in your neighborhood all dressed up in costumes. That tradition goes back to the medieval times, when poor adults and children went around in costumes during “Hallowmas,”

the autumn holiday which included folks begging for food and money in exchange for prayers. This annual routine was called “souling” and was brought to America by the Irish early in the 20th century. The idea of walking around asking for candy completely went away during WWII when sugar was rationed, but by 1952 trick-or-treating was hugely popular again. And it has been ever since. Even with fears — mostly unfounded — about kids getting razor blades stuck in their candy, children going house-to-house asking complete strangers for candy, is one big American tradition. Doesn’t a Bloody Mary sound good? Oops, no I mean to talk about the ghost of Bloody Mary. Evidently,

on Oct. 31 each year, she will appear if you stare into a mirror in a darkened room by the light of thirteen candles and chant “Bloody Mary” 13 times. Don’t do it! The vengeful spirit might appear at your left shoulder and will either kill you or make you insane. Dear readers, if you try this and let me know what happens. Have you decorated yet? About 70% of Americans will decorate their homes for Halloween with everything from pumpkins to hanging skeletons from trees. You get the picture — lots of black cats, witches, devils, demons, ghosts and jack-o-lanterns out there to set the mood. Our habit of lighting up pumpkins dates back centuries when the thought was that ghouls and ghosts hate light. So, a pumpkin placed at your door, with a candle flickering inside, would keep away any restless spirits flying around that might land at your house. We love our pumpkins. But they attract javelinas! I thought I would decorate by lining my walkway to the front door with a dozen pumpkins. They were beautiful! And once dusk came so did the pack of javelinas! They devoured my festive orbs, leaving the beasts with orange goo all over their little piggy faces and a mess on my sidewalk!

No wonder we like to eat candy on Halloween! We must comfort ourselves in our fight against the witches, ghosts, vengeful spirits, demons and javelinas that might come to our doorstep! So, get ready! Carve a pumpkin, light a candle, drink a Blood Mary (do not chant for her spirit), enjoy the decorations, avoid demons and start eating candy right now. Boo! The scariest day of all is coming soon. Witching you a very haunted Halloween. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a comment or a question? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

••

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Features TheFoothillsFocus.com

@TheFoothills.Focus

For more features visit thefoothillsfocus.com

/TheFoothillsFocus

Bruce Kirkwood talks no regrets, music and his debut album BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

ruce Kirkwood studied accounting at The University of Southern Mississippi but something else was tugging at his heartstrings. Music. “It was hard to pass up my passion,” Kirkwood said about pursuing a music career. “I knew I’d have a lot of regrets if I chose accounting.” A professional violinist, the North Phoenix resident released an EP, “Valley Vibes.” The Chicago native, who was raised in Gulfport, Mississippi, is experienced in playing a variety of styles and presenting

Chicago-born violinist Bruce Kirkwood moved to North Phoenix to pursue a career in music. (Photos courtesy of Bruce Kirkwood)

a fusion of a classical and contemporary sounds. Thanks to his talents, he has performed for various prestigious organizations and events such as the Houston Rockets, Iyanla Vanzant, Archdiocese of New York, National Urban League, Mayo Clinic, Essence Festival and Oprah Winfrey Network. With a collective social media following of over 100,000 people, he commits to using his global presence to motivate, empower and bring hope to the world. He does so through his weekly Facebook Live performances, and motivational content on social media.

see KIRKWOOD page 21

••

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Hidden in the Hills artist studio tour returns BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

idden in the Hills is celebrating its silver anniversary the last two weekends of November with free, self-guided tours featuring 191 artists at 45 private studios in the Desert Foothills communities. Coordinated by the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League, the event is Friday, November 19, to Sunday, November 21, as well as Friday, November 26, to Sunday, November 28. Londoner enthralled by desert landscape Michele Corsini has always loved to create. She was born in London and was influenced, in part, by her Italian father, who was a skilled mosaic craftsman. She “ran away” to art college in 1983 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts, painting, from St. Martin’s School of Art in London in 1987.

Then, in 1988, she joined her high school friend, Mark De Simone, in a true adventure. They moved to the United States. “I ran away again, this time to Phoenix,” she said. “And upon arriving with Mark, my first thought was, ‘What was this land?’ I was enthralled by the harsh beauty of the desert landscape. I was only in my 20s, and here I was in this wonderland of majestic landscapes, harsh vegetation and resilient animals. It was truly an adventure like no other.” She and Mark spent much of their first year in the United States exploring the Southwest and Mexico. They bought an old Volkswagen bus and traveled to remote areas to hike and mountain bike. “In those early years, we would brew our own dark beer and make our own whole-grain bread because we couldn’t find it in Phoenix,” Corsini recalls. Eventually the two good friends fell

see ARTIST STUDIO page 24

Mixed-media collage artist Mimi Damrauer works in her studio. (Photo courtesy of Sonoran Arts League)

NORTH VALLEY PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS General Practice Law Firm for all your legal needs!

• • • •

Free personal injury case evaluations An attorney will supervise your case from start to finish No fees unless we collect on your behalf History of successfully negotiating down medical costs -increasing the money in your pocket. • All vehicle accidents/wrongful death 42104 N. Venture Drive, Suite A 118, Anthem, AZ 85086

623-551-9366 CarrollLawFirm.com

21 ••

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

KIRKWOOD from page 19

“This window of time is set aside weekly as an opportunity for people to step away from the negativity of social media and join a personable environment where positive energy and motivation is generated and transferred freely throughout those present,” Kirkwood said. Kirkwood moved to Arizona to pursue his dream. “My reason for choosing Phoenix was because it had become my second home after making over a dozen trips to perform here during a two-year span,” he said. “It was a great choice, too, because the Valley is a better market for business and was near other great markets like Vegas and LA. My agent/manager lives here and that was a tremendous incentive.” His manager is Marion Kelly, the Mayo Clinic’s director of community engagement, department of public relations, and the co-founder of the Diversity Leadership Alliance. “We met in November 2018 at a conference in Mobile, Alabama,” Kirkwood said. “He was there representing the Mayo Clinic and I was there performing.” Kelly invited Kirkwood to perform in Phoenix, and the violinist fell in love with the desert, mountains and music scene. The pandemic and his subsequent slower schedule allowed him to pull off the move to Phoenix. “Coming from Biloxi, there are far more resources and connections here,” he said. “It was about time for me to move. COVID was slow, so it allowed me to go ahead and make that move. I have no regrets.” He still has ties to the south, however. He recently held a virtual benefit for New Orleans after it was hit by Hurricane Ida.

Bruce Kirkwood, who grew up in Gulfport, Mississippi, is raising money to help those suffering from the aftereffects of Hurricane Ida. Kirkwood survived Hurricane Katrina. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Kirkwood) Kirkwood wanted to “meet a need and be a part of the solution.” “So many people sit back, see it as entertainment or something to look at and say, ‘Wow,’” said Kirkwood, a Hurricane Katrina survivor. New Orleans is an hour from where he was raised. “Many people don’t take that next step and help people rebuild and recover. We’re raising funds for the Greater New Orleans Foundation. My heart goes out to the devastated residents of the birthplace of jazz, who are once again forced to re-

BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS!

If you owe more than $10,000 in credit card or other debt, see how we can help.

build their communities.” He’s still collecting money through GoFundMe and all funds will be donated directly to the Greater New Orleans Foundation and allocated for purposes such as erecting temporary shelters, distributing food and water, providing medical care to the more than 4 million residents without power and other necessities. A violinist for about 20 years, Kirkwood is looking to Phoenix and Kelly to “catapult” him to where he wants to go. He yearns to continue to grow and make

more connections. “I love the musician community around here,” Kirkwood said. “There are great musicians and quality music opportunities at a very high level here. It’s new to me to have that locally. I’m really getting plugged in and making those connections to take things to the next level. That’s happening so quickly.” Bruce Kirkwood

GoFundMe: https://bit.ly/KirkwoodIdaFundraiser

AZ TITLE & REGISTRATIONS No need for an Appointment JUST WALK IN!

Authorized MVD Service Provider

FOR ALL YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICES

• Registration Renewals • Title Transfer • Duplicate Titles • Permits • OHV Tabs • Specialty Plates • Abandon Vehicle Inspections • Bonded Titles • Mobile Level 1 Inspections

BRING IN AD FOR DISCOUNT

10%

DISCOUNT

off convenience fees

Mon-Fri 9:30am-6:00pm Sat/Sun - Closed ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Call today: 1-866-696-2697

iPhone/Android Scan

623-582-1443 | 301 W. DEER VALLEY RD. #10 250 ft. east of emissions station

PeoriaTimes_Jan2021.pdf

••

CMY

1/25/21

3:08 PM

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Winning the race of your life CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

ecently, I turned 72 years old. My desire at this stage of my life is to finish strong. What is finishing strong? A bit of internet humor says, “Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will sit in a boat all day, drinking beer.” Now don’t get it wrong here. Beer isn’t the issue. Sitting in a boat all day, every day, to the exclusion of everything or everyone else is. After all, nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool. Foolish, all-consuming trivial pursuits divert us from finishing strong. Did you know that the Bible mentions more than 1,000 leaders? Dr. Robert Clinton, whose life is devoted to the art of leadership, has studied almost all these leaders. From among this group, he has narrowed the field down to 100 prominent leaders. But, first, he wanted to know how many finished strong in their personal, family and church lives. After careful study, Dr. Clinton found the Bible gave enough information about only 49 of the 100 leaders to determine how they finished. So, he broke these leaders into four groups: 1) cut off early, 2) finished poorly, 3) finished so-so, 4) finished well. You may or may not recognize some of the names, but let’s try to understand what these four basic categories of finishing life represent for us. In his book “Finishing Strong,” author Steve Farrar quotes Dr. Clinton’s results: “Cut off early means that they were taken out of leadership by assassinations, killed in battle,

prophetically denounced or overthrown.” Those cut off early include Abimelech, Absalom, Ahab and Josiah. Some of these leaders were good, but most were terrible. Most have a rather tragic story that explains their finish. Farrar goes on to explain the other three categories. “Finished poorly means they were going downhill spiritually or in their competency during the latter part of their lives. Typical examples of finishing weak were Gideon, Eli or Solomon. In other words, these leaders were barely able to crawl across the finish line. Either that or they were carried across the finish line. “Finished so-so means they did not do what they could have or should have done. They didn’t complete what God had for them to do. “They were pretty good guys like David, Jehoshaphat or Hezekiah, but they didn’t finish strong. They were in the middle of the pack. “Finished well means they were walking with God at the end of their lives. They were strong in faith, family, and community. “Examples are Abraham, Job, Joseph, Joshua, Caleb, Samuel, Elijah, Daniel, John, Paul, and Peter to name a few.” This category is where we hope to be at the end of our life, right? The first three groups of leaders were as gifted and called as the fourth group, but why didn’t they finish well? Farrar observes, “All of these leaders were gifted, and all had very impressive strengths. So how come they didn’t finish strong? The answer is this. They all didn’t finish strong because they didn’t survive the ambushes in life. Getting through life’s ambushes is what separates the profes-

sionals from the amateurs. Men and women who get through the ambushes are generally the ones who anticipate the ambushes.” This thought is worthy of our consideration. Consider King Solomon. Even though he had more wisdom than anyone else in his generation, he didn’t anticipate some ancient and potent ambushes. What were the ambushes? Too many women ambushed him. Money ambushed him. A neglected family ambushed him. Ouch! Many leaders have suffered the shipwreck of betrayal and sex, extreme love of money, and so busy leading that they didn’t invest time with their families. There were consequences to those ambushes. Solomon had more than 700 wives and 300 concubines. Farrar says, “No wonder he didn’t finish strong. He was exhausted.” Solomon had so much money that there was silver lying on the streets of Jerusalem. Solomon’s wives turned his heart against the Lord, and his son Rehoboam split the nation of Israel shortly after Solomon died. I get the feeling Solomon didn’t spend much time with his son. Let me add the ambush of pride and status in Solomon’s life. A good self-image is one thing. Excessive pride is another. The 19th century Scottish philosopher Thomas Carlyle said, “The greatest fault is to be conscious of none.” As a result, experts often end up as “ex-spurts.” Let’s get smart. There are ambushes everywhere. Life is like a race. It’s how well you finish life that counts. In a football or rugby game, a team can have a terrible first half but play strong in the second half. Some teams start strong, have horrible second or third

23 ••

quarters, and then win in the fourth quarter. The same is true in life. If you are living, and I assume you are or wouldn’t be reading this column, even those whose life has been so-so in the first, second or third quarter can finish strong in the fourth quarter. Remember, you are not racing others so much as you’re racing yourself. It’s your race to win or lose. God is always there to help you finish. While life’s ambushes may open the door to calamity, God’s grace closes the door. So, let us live in such a way that when we die, even the undertaker will be sorry! 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.

1720 E DEER VALLEY RD., #104

••

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

ARTTIST STUDIO from page 20

in love, married, and had three children. Early in their marriage, they bought 18 acres by Lake Pleasant and began learning about sustainable living systems. They built a straw bale house on the western edge of Cave Creek. It’s been their home for 21 years. “America has been very good to us,” she said. “It has been a liberating experience, and we have learned that there are huge opportunities if you can prove yourself.” Corsini’s career has evolved since she moved to America. She had a successful faux finishing business in the 1990s, and she indulged in elaborate projects, including byzantine mosaic murals, large-scale commissioned oils and sophisticated wall finishes. She scaled back on her business when she had her children, but her passion for painting was reignited when she began working on small plein air pieces in 2011. “I had been volunteering in the school, but I wanted to get back to painting,” she said. “I worked out a schedule where I would drop my kids off at school, go paint outside, and then pick them up. I love the immediacy of the format, and over this time period, I have honed my skills. I’ll set up anywhere a scene entices me — on the side of the road, balancing on rocks, in a wash or on a rooftop.” The Sonoran Desert and central Mexico inspired Corsini. Years ago, she and her husband bought a second home in Guanajuato, a city known for its colonial architecture. “We fell in love with it because it reminds us of Europe,” she said. “We spend

our summers there because it is a higher elevation and much cooler. Our yard is full of giant agaves and other beautiful plants and trees that I love to paint.” Corsini’s work ranges from large-scale oil paintings and charcoal drawings to small, soft pastel plein air paintings and abstract mixed-media pieces. “I very much see my work, over the years, as a coming back to familiar themes, but every time with new eyes and expertise. The wonder of coming to this desert land from a very tame, conquered landscape has never been lost on me. That our trees and plants can survive this harsh environment and still sing with color every spring is a marvel. I love to celebrate that and probably always will,” she said. During Hidden in the Hills, Corsini will exhibit her new work at Judy Paxton Bruce’s Studio No. 4 in Cave Creek. And her daughter, Anna Lucia De Simone, will exhibit watercolor paintings during the event at Youth Art Studio No. 1, at the Sonoran Arts League’s Center for the Arts in Stagecoach Village. Pivoting to paper collage during pandemic Mimi Damrauer returns to Hidden in the Hills for her fifth year, energized by her time in her studio. The talented mixed-media collage artist creates large, bold, colorful wall art from small, hand-painted pieces of paper fabric that she paints and sews together into a whimsical or abstract design. Her vibrant pieces often resemble primitive folk art. Damrauer grew up in Ohio surrounded by creativity. She credits her mother for teaching her and her sisters about

Coolwater Christian Church May 2010

“You’re Invited!”

May 2021

Building 10 years anniversary Worship & Celebration Sunday May 16 @ 10am

28181 N. 56th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85266 coolwaterchurch.org

Plein air painter Michele Corsini paints a giant agave in Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Sonoran Arts League) art and cooking. By age 9, she was teaching herself how to sew at home and taking art lessons at the Toledo Museum of Art. “The inklings of a business were planted,” recalls Damrauer, a North Phoenix resident. “That lead to my whimsical style of painting, stitching, drawing and hand-cut wobbly designs.” The self-taught artist moved to Arizona in 2016 and is inspired by her surroundings, including everything from sidewalk cracks to scenery from road trips.

Recently, she felt the need to get back to basics and simplicity. “As I go through my life, I appreciate how to edit and make my life less complicated. I see objects in their simplest forms, and my style is all about editing what I see down to recognizable images,” she said. “I am simply striving for good design. In a world that can be so busy and overwhelming, I hope that my artworks are pleasing and joyful to look at.”

see ARTIST STUDIO page 25

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

ARTIST STUDIO from page 24

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound, positive effect on her work, as it forced her to spend more time in her studio. “I was ready for a change, and during the lockdown, I tried to make the best of the situation by taking classes on-

25 ••

line, exploring new techniques and just playing,” she said. “I had so much fun that I developed a completely new technique of making my own medium to sew,

Mixed-media collage artist Mimi Damrauer works in her studio. (Photo courtesy of Sonoran Arts League)

“Cactus - Organ Pipe” by mixed-media collage artist Mimi Damrauer. (Photo courtesy of Sonoran Arts League)

which I call paper fabric.” Damrauer experimented with acrylic paint on a strong cons t r u c t i o n - l i ke paper and created fabric to sew on a sewing machine. She cleaned out her studio, which was full of fabric from all over the world, and she spent time learning more about the tools she had accumulated over the years. She even took the time to create her own tools and

homemade stamps. “My hand-designed papers are painted, stamped and resisted to get a wide variety of color and designs,” she explains. “Each piece of paper has at least two to four layers of colors.” She adds that she uses stamps to pull color and shapes out or put lines and squiggles back in. She then cuts the paper into 3-inch squares to create her background. “I like the scale of that, and I find it to be fun because it’s always changing. There is always something interesting to look at in every square,” she said. With dozens of hand-painted paper squares to choose from, she then begins to sew. “I am able to control the color and shading as I build my final design,” she said. “The end result is a simple design that is more complicated when you look at the composition.” When her designs are finished, she mounts them on wood panels and ap-

plies varnish with sun protection. Her obsession is “Arizona Barnyard,” which includes animals and scenery that she is surrounded by — horses, chickens, cactus and mountains. She also recently added Matisse-inspired shapes to create abstract pieces. During Hidden in the Hills, Damrauer will exhibit her new work at Sandy Pendleton’s Studio No. 21 in Cave Creek. “I believe my work resonates with others because it is happy, bright and simplistic. I’m having so much fun creating my designs,” she said. “I just want to share that joy with others.” Hidden in the Hills

WHEN: Friday, November 19, to Sunday, November 21; and Friday, November 26, to Sunday, November 28 WHERE: Desert Foothills communities COST: Free admission INFO: hiddeninthehills.org

••

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Gail Haire: Perfection can be achieved

Seeing is believing. Get 2 security cameras installed FREE*. ADT’s 24/7 monitoring plus top of the line security cameras help ensure your loved ones are safe – whether you’re out and about or in the next room.

2 cameras installed

FREE

BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

uthor Antoine de Saint-Exupery observed, “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add but nothing left to take away.” It parallels artist Gail Haire’s journey into the land of fine art painting that started in Springfield, Illinois. Raised in an artistic family, Haire was influenced by them and her art instructors/coaches she has worked with as an adult. “My first career was business-to-busi-

ness sales,” she said. “Happily, painting is my second career. “It started with a strong desire to find out if I had any creative ability. I began looking for art instructors and was fortunate to find artists that were equally talented in instruction. I took workshops and individual lessons for several years. This taught me to ‘see,’ developing my realism painting style with an understanding of color, composition and form.” She started with oils and expanded

*Requires a 36-month monitoring contract. Minimum purchase of $599 and upgrade required. Early term. and installation fees apply. For full terms and pricing see reverse.

$200 value

FREE

ADT Video Doorbell Camera installed free

$200 value

FREE

ADT HD Outdoor Camera installed free

Mobile App Access your feed and stored video clips from anywhere via the ADT mobile app. Two-way audio Chat with visitors at your door in real-time.

*Requires a 36-month monitoring contract. Minimum purchase of $599 and upgrade required. Early term. and installation fees apply. For full terms and pricing see below. Motion activated Senses motion outside your home and sends video clips automatically to your phone. Crisp, clear images Get HD quality video, even in dark or low-light environments.

“Dusk,” by Gail Haire. (Photo courtesy of Gail Haire)

*Requires a 36-month monitoring contract. Minimum purchase of $599 and upgrade required. Early term. and installation fees apply. For full terms and pricing see below.

Call today to speak with a home security expert

1-833-986-0324 Offer expires: 7/15/2021

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

“Opposites Attract,” by Gail Haire. (Photo courtesy of Gail Haire)

see HAIRE page 29

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

27 ••

Arizona Musicfest brings the likes of Kenny G and Sergio Mendes to town BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

rizona Musicfest unveiled its starry lineup of exceptional artists to celebrate the return of live indoor concerts in North Scottsdale.

Following the challenges and disappointments of last season, Musicfest has regrouped and renewed its commitment to bringing the joy of music. In its largest season, Musicfest will produce 30 concerts between November and April.

“As our community emerges from the difficulties of the last year, we are honored to engage and entertain audiences with exceptional performances that will uplift and reunite friends, neighbors and artists around our shared love of music,” said Allan Naplan, Arizona Musicfest’s executive and producing director. Featured artists include Paul Anka,

Inspire The World Publish Your Book Today

Bernadette Peters, Kenny G, LeAnn Rimes, Sergio Mendes, Sarah Chang and Emanuel Ax, as well as Pink Martini, Broadway’s John Lloyd Young and the Texas Tenors. The season also features the Festival Orchestra, comprised of musicians from some of the nation’s finest orchestras. For tickets, call 480-422-8449 or visit azmusicfest.org.

Your book made available at all major secular and specialty Christian bookstores including: Amazon, iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and many more.

Call today for your Free Publishing Kit!

480-378-8183

HILLCREST B A P T I S T

C H U R C H

Grow With Us!

SUNDAYS AT 10:30AM ✔ Practical Bible message ✔ Inspiring music

✔ Family atmosphere

HILLCREST BAPTIST CHURCH (Meets inside Ridgeline Academy)

602.350.0968

Bria Skonberg will perform November 15 at La Casa de Cristo Church. (Submitted photo)

www.hillcrestbaptistaz.org

••

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Carol Brook: You can’t use up creativity

BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

he poet Maya Angelou observed, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” Artist Carol Brook discovered this phenomenon as a youngster growing up in small-town Nebraska. Brook discovered “art” when she created doll clothes which, in turn, led to her designing her own wardrobe. “In high school, I based my clothing designs on photos I saw in magazines,” Brook said. “We could not get the latest styles from off the rack where we lived.” Brook gained a reputation among her peers for creating anything she saw or imagined. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in teaching and photojournalism. Following her creative intuition, she

see BROOK page 29

“Reclining Lady,” by Carol Brook

“Peaceful Night,” by Carol Brook

“Whispers in the Dark,” by Carol Brook

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

HAIRE from page 26

into watercolor. She moved to Arizona to be with family.

“I visited often and always knew I would eventually retire here,” said Haire, who lived here for a few years before retiring.

Gail Haire shows off one of her works on display. (Photo courtesy of Gail Haire)

29 ••

Upon arriving in her new Scottsdale home, Haire joined the Cave Creek-based Sonoran Arts League. League members get together weekly for breakfast to share their work, ideas, resources and insights. Here, Haire was inspired to move into a more interpretive style in her work. She explains the process for one of her pieces. “I was reviewing pictures from a hike I did in the Grand Canyon,” she said. “I found I was drawn to the simplicity of the lines, shapes and the contrasts of light and shadow.” Bringing the subjects to their most basic shapes and forms became the motivation for Haire’s work. Haire’s oil paintings could be interpreted as a modern-day variation

of the iconic Works Progress Administration (WPA) National Park silkscreen series of the 1930 and 1940s — simple, elegant lines, masterfully composed, brilliantly colored and breathtakingly beautiful. The peace they bring to the environment for dreaming is unmatched. Her watercolors are stunning for their soft shapes, gradual shadows and subtle detail. Haire’s work may be experienced firsthand at On The Edge Gallery in Scottsdale, which provides an opportunity to purchase a piece for your collection. For more information, visit gailhaireart.com, scroll through the available work, enjoy the contrasting styles.

BROOK from page 28

bers of the animal hide add to its character making each piece a unique individual with the addition of dyes, stains and paints.” Brook is a member of the Sonoran Arts League and exhibits several times a year in league-sponsored shows and events. She and her husband, Mel, also an artist, work from their Scottsdale home studio, known as Brook Art Studio. They are participating in the annual Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour in November. For more information, visit sonoranartsleague.org. Brook’s artwork may be viewed on Facebook @BrookArtStudio. Brook Art Studio accepts private viewing appointments. For more information, email Brook on carol.melbrook@gmail.com.

launched a career in the hospitality industry in Nebraska and crisscrossed the United States several times, working for major hotel companies and independent resorts. “I found a variety of opportunities during this time to push my limits on creativity in business and personal projects, as well as assisting with enrichment events at my son’s school,” Brook said. In 1992, she moved to Scottsdale, where she found a vibrant community of creatives and ample opportunities to attend arts-related events. The turning point came via a fortune cookie message just before her 2019 retirement. “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not why ships are built,” Brook said. She pivoted and spent her time working with leather and fiber arts in her second career. “Today, I work with a variety of leathers and fiber in designing my artwork, but my passion is sculpted free-form leather vessels,” she said. Her pieces are created from vegetable-tanned leather. “The leather has the longevity and beauty only an artisan-created product can sustain,” she said. “The original fi-

To Advertise 480.898.5606

erict@timespublications.com

••

CLASSIFIEDS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

To place an ad: 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com Employment General Northwest Exterminating is Now Hiring Pest Technicians/Laborers in Phoenix and Tucson. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Call 520-631-5953.

Auto Engine Machinist

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

acct.phxengine @gmail.com

Employment General Auto Engine Machinist - Head & Boring Bar Depts. American Engines Only, Chevy & Ford. Must Have 5-10 Years’ Experience. References Needed. FT or PT Apply/Send Resume acct.phxengine @gmail.com or 602-866-8044 or 21632 N 7th Ave, Ste 1, Phoenix, AZ

Classifieds 480-898-6465

Commerical/Industrial/Retail

thefoothillsfocus.com Air Conditioning/Heating

Drywall

Carpet, Tile-Grout, & Air Duct Cleaning AZ PERFECT COMFORT A/C & Heating Services

Please recycle me.

Cleaning Services

DONALDSON DRYWALL

Affordable Anthem Executive Office Suite for Lease in Gateway Office Park. Incl: Internet, util, alarmed. 623-696-8670

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

Deadline: Wednesday at 5pm for the following Wednesday

Info@azperfect comfort.com

(602)789-3000 azperfectcomfort.com

Employment General

Commercial & Residential Housecleaning

FREE ESTIMATES

www.pnponecarecleaning.com

Call Today/Clean Today

602.550.7732

Licensed/Bonded/Insured

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

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

FREE ESTIMATES 480-861-1375

Family Owned & Operated

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC #289594

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

Employment General

Now Hiring The legendary Rock Springs Café is

NOW HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS*! 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

New Hire Bonus

Rock Springs Café is located just 15 minutes north of Anthem – Exit 242. *Signing CASH BONUS at the end of 30 days employment

Submit resumes to: rockspringscafe@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Furniture/Refinishing/Upholstery

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

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

Justin Simons, Agent 3655 W Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ 85086

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.

*Some customers could see a discount up to 50%. Discount names, percentages, availability and eligibility may vary by state and coverage selected. Enrollment, terms and conditions apply. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Richardson, TX

Landscape/Maintenance

Plumbing

North Valley Landscaping

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

Quality you deserve for a great price you can afford.

✔ Yard Clean-ups ✔ Maintenance ✔ Tree trimming ✔ Water features ✔ Irrigation / Repair

FREE ESTIMATES! Call Brian

480-388-9442

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

480-235-6101

Irrigation

& Landscape est. 2002 ~ Anthem, Arizona

Install • Repair • Replace

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

Licensed • Bonded • Insured COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL

602.319.1089

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

Roofing

PHILLIPS

www.aboveandbeyondglass.com ROC 233846 & ROC 236899

Sprinkler Repair Landscaping & More!

Landscape/Maintenance Announcements

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

FREE ESTIMATES • 623-465-2546 • Custom Design • Water Feature • Container/Pot Gardens • Fireplaces & BBQs • Patio & Walls • Irrigation Specialists • Tree Trim/Removal • Bi-weekly/Monthly

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC #166390

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

623-203-7717

PREMIER LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

ROC#215280 • Custom Glass • Shower Doors & Enclosures • Window Glass Replacement • Custom Mirrors • Glass Table Tops & Shelves

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

ROOFING LLC

Irrigation

Glass/Mirror

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

No Job Too Big or Small

Residential & Commercial

602-330-6965

DUKES EXCAVATING

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

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465

••

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | OCTOBER 27, 2021

Our Customers are Happy they bought last year...

$$$$ $$$

As a Premier

Dealer,

$ 2020

ProSkill Services has the Equipment you want!

2021

2022

By this time next year, We expect you will be too.

FREE UPGRADE

Have you been delaying the inevitable?

If yes, it’s Time to Replace!

on 0% Financing Offers 36 months

48 months

60 months

72 months

Call or Text to Schedule an Appointment

AIR

CONDITIONING

•

ELECTRICAL

•

PLUMBING

•

WATER

TREATMENT

The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 10.27.2021

Articles inside

FEATURES