The Foothills Focus, inpartnership with the AnthemVeterans Memorial, will honora local veteran each month. This is the story of Roxanne Gustitis.
BY ELIZABETH TURNER Anthem Veterans MemorialGustitis grew up with the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, honor, integrity and personal courage. She’s the daughter of an Army colonel who served as a helicopter pilot in the Viet nam War, and the granddaughter of an Army
GUSTITIS
4
Plan for overnight lane restrictions on Interstate-17 as work continues on the I-17 Improvement Project be tween Anthem Way and Sunset Point. Driv ers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment
while the following restrictions are in place through Saturday, Nov. 5:
Northbound I-17 Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 246-248) from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through the morning of Wednes day, Nov. 2, for underground utility work.
Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near New River Road (mileposts 231-233) to the morning of Thursday, Nov. 3, for work on the New River Road bridge.
Southbound I-17
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lieutenant colonel. Hearing their stories, she knew in her heart the welfare of the nation always comes before self.
That doesn’t mean she ran straight to the recruiting station after high school. Her father also preferred she attend a college instead of the academy, like West Point, where he and his father-in-law graduated.
While West Point opened women’s enrollment a few years prior, he wanted his daughter to have the college experi ence without the pressures of the mili tary guiding her future.
Like most military children, Gustitis followed her father’s advice and attend ed Lock Haven University in Pennsylva nia, where the family lived at the time.
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Lock Haven was the perfect university for Gustitis. In addition to stellar aca demic programs, the university boasted some of the nation’s best athletic teams. She played on the field hockey team, which became a national champion her senior year. Soon, they will be inducted into the Lock Haven Hall of Fame.
During her sophomore year of college, her parents relocated to Ohio. Not sure she wanted to make that move, she saw an article that invited students to spend their summer at an ROTC program at Fort Knox.
For Gustitis, an athlete always looking for more ways to train, the idea of basic training was like summer camp to her. Off she went to Fort Knox.
By the end of the summer program, she was offered a two-year scholarship that covered her last two years at the university. By accepting the scholarship, she committed to six years of active duty.
On the day of her Lock Haven gradua tion, she was officially commissioned to the U.S. Army and her parents pinned her bars on her new uniform. She also received the keys to a car, as her father promised if she or her siblings received a scholarship, he would purchase them a car.
With keys in hand, she drove to Fort Lee, Virginia for officer basic training as a second lieutenant.
“I remember walking into my barracks assignment to meet my roommates, only to find I was assigned to a male room mate,” she said.
“I called my father telling him I arrived
and was now facing my first challenge in the Army in getting the right bunkmate. It was immediately fixed after I went to the assignment officer. I was pret ty proud I handled my first obstacle. I didn’t know until years later, my father had already called the sergeant to raise holy you-know-what and had me reas signed; Army strong, daughter first.”
Gustitis’ athleticism proved to be an asset in her Army training. She ex celled in the challenges, often exceeding the men’s scores. “I always got perfect scores on the training exams — the de mands like sit-ups or running were nev er difficult for me.”
She spent her free time playing rac quetball at a local club, often playing and beating her superiors. “They had respect for me because of my athletic abilities, so my basic training was a positive experi ence for me. I never had any issues with anyone there and felt well supported.”
From Fort Lee, Gustitis was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey, where her first unit assignment began — C Company, 1st Battalion 5th Training Brigade, as the company executive officer of 250 sol diers and 12 drill sergeants.
“Here, like all Army executive officers assigned to a company, I was charged with providing effective training, man aging the supply chain and mainte nance,” she said.
“In my second assignment, as 5th Bri gade, Headquarters Detachment Com mander, I was responsible for 120 sol diers’ readiness and support. After three years at Fort Dix, I was ready for a new
position and wanted to see the world. After talking to my assignment officer at the Pentagon, I accepted a new chal lenge.”
After passing a language test, she was sent to the Defense Language Institute, Monterrey, California, for a year. For eight hours a day, she learned how to write, read and speak Greek.
“I loved this experience. I walked to class, studied to the sounds of the seals barking in Monterey Bay, and learned Greek. It was a great opportunity in an exceptional setting.”
Her next assignment took her to Ath ens, Greece, where diplomatic relations and military collaboration between the United States and Greece dates back to the early 19th century.
As both nations realized their shared values of democracy and freedom, long-standing historical, political and cultural ties were strengthened as al lies during WWI, WWII, the Korean War, Cold War and War on Terror.
Following the end of WWII, the Greek government allowed the USAF to use the Kalamaki Airfield, a semi-perma nent presence established as the airfield was being reconstructed to facilitate the Marshall Plan aid to Greece and Turkey.
By 1954, the U.S. Air Forces in Europe 7206th Air Base Squadron was assigned to the airport, where it remained the primary USAF unit at the airport, along with the U.S. diplomatic air traffic.
The history of our two nations con
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tinues, in fighting against terrorism and the war against drugs, in Greece acqui sitions of stealth and F-35 fighter jets and through an updated defense pack allowing for the expanded access of U.S. troops to train and operate from four ad ditional bases in Greece indefinitely.
Well aware of the long history of dip lomatic relations with Greece and the importance of her new role, Gustitis left for Athens, assigned to a NATO 558th field artillery group outside the 7206th Air Base Squadron at Hellenikon Air Base, formerly Kalamaki Airfield.
She served as property book officer, responsible for all U.S. Army property in Greece, then as the S4 logistics officer in charge of all military strategic equip ment, property, transportation and maintenance. While there, the S4 was awarded the Southern European Task Force Supply Award, given for best unit supply operations.
Unfortunately, her assignment in Greece was not always complemented with great dancing or smashing plates.
Terrorist organizations, with anti-U.S. military philosophies, had a history of attacking military personnel.
Prior to her arrival, an American mas ter sergeant was shot and wounded out side Athens by the Nov. 17 group. It was reported the weapon used was the same pistol that killed the CIA station chief in 1975 and a U.S. Navy officer in 1983.
This was followed by a bombing of a suburban Athens nightclub frequented by U.S. servicemen. Sixty-nine Ameri cans were injured.
In April 1987, a bus bombing injured 16 U.S. military and civilian personnel and two Greeks outside Athens. In Au gust, the same group bombed a second bus, injuring 10 U.S. military personnel, one American civilian woman and the Greek bus driver.
On June 28, 1988, Capt. William Nor deen, the U.S. naval attaché in Athens, was killed by an explosives-filled car detonated by remote control as he drove in Athens.
“We always changed our schedules in 15-minute increments when traveling by bus as we never wanted a set schedule for
a terrorist organization to find and target us. We also traveled in civilian clothing to help mask our military ties,” she said.
Despite the danger posed to the mil itary there and around the world, Gus titis’ experience provided her opportu nities to travel extensively, including the Holy Land, where she traveled with the base priest.
Always searching for new athletic op portunities where she was stationed, Gustitis played on the Army racquetball team, taking her to tournaments in Italy and Germany and Greek Islands, among other places.
“My experience there broadened my understanding of the world,” she said.
“I witnessed how other countries viewed the United States and my per sonal value of teamwork and patriotism grew enormously.”
Following Greece, Gustitis was offered but declined another advanced training course, as this would return her to lo cations where she had already served. Instead, she accepted an active-duty liaison position in Phoenix with the 164th support group, responsible for
over eight reserve companies scattered throughout Arizona.
It was there she met the logistics officer, a reservist who worked for Honeywell. Gustitis was offered a job as a purchasing agent for Honeywell. In 1988, Gustitis, now an Army captain, left the military to become a civilian. She was afforded the opportunity to see, firsthand, how things worked in the corporate world, too.
After various assignments and oppor tunities in international contract man agement, Gustitis eventually opened her contracting business, Desert Mountain Technical Sales, focusing on the sale of me chanical and electro-mechanical devices to aerospace, space and military industries.
“I highly recommend the military to any graduating senior who may not know what he or she wants to do with the next chapter in their lives,” she said.
“The military allows one to see things outside the bubble of their immediate community. It opens one’s eyes to a world of possibilities, cultures and life styles. I wouldn’t give up my military ex perience for anything. I am a stronger person because of it, Army Strong.”
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Bum ble Bee Road (mileposts 249-246) from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 2, to the morning of Friday, Nov. 4, for equipment mobiliza tion.
Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between New River Road and Anthem Way (mileposts 233-229) from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the eve ning of Thursday, Nov. 3, to the morn ing of Saturday, Nov. 5, for temporary striping.
p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, to 6 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, for the placement of temporary concrete barrier.
The I-17 Improvement Project be tween Anthem Way and Sunset Point includes widening 15 miles of northand southbound I-17 between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City; replacing two bridges and widening 10 others; and constructing approximately 8 miles of flex lanes between Black Can yon City and Sunset Point. Construc tion is expected to last for approxi mately three years. Learn more at im provingi17.com or call the project in formation line at 1-877-476-1717.
The southbound I-17 off-ramp at New River Road will be closed from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Thursday, Nov. 3, to the morning of Sat urday, Nov. 5, for temporary striping. Drivers who need to access New River Road during this time will be detoured south to Anthem Way and north on I-17 from Anthem Way to New River Road. Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed) near New River Road (mileposts 233-231) from 7
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The Food and Drug Administra tion rules now allow the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids. Consumers, especially in our im portant senior community, can buy hearing aids directly from store shelves and online at lower prices. Finding the right OTC hearing aid may require consumers to try more than one device before finding the perfect fit. That’s why consumers
should carefully read return policies and be wary of very low prices.
Key points to keep in mind as you begin your search for an OTC hearing aid, according to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich:
Refund Period: Look for the seller with the longest return timeframe. You may need a couple of weeks to adjust to a hearing aid. Getting the technical support needed to calibrate the hearing aid to your particular hearing loss may take some time.
Money-back guarantee: Under stand the process for getting your money back. Do you have to use a particular shipping service? Who makes the determination that you returned the devices in satisfactory condition? What happens if you dis agree with that decision? Is there a restocking fee? What if you accept an alternate or upgraded device in exchange for the original device and
decide that you do not want the alter nate one? Will the company policy let you return the alternate?
Compare prices: Often, a consumer can find the same product at vary ing prices. You may be able to find the same product sold by a different seller with free shipping and a reli able return or refund policy. Make sure you are not being sold a cheap import that has been re-branded at a high markup price.
Read reviews carefully: Some in ternet reviewers are paid for their reviews. Also, many sites appearing to be scientific blogs may actually be infomercials written by the sell ers themselves. Even worse, some reviews are fake. While bad Better Business Bureau ratings are proba bly a good reason to beware, positive reviews and ratings may not be as helpful.
Expert advice: Licensed hearing
specialists may be willing to help consumers find the right OTC hear ing aid. They may help with consul tations, fittings and adjustments. Beware of online self-tests some ven dors may offer that recommend their top-of-the-line device to every per son that completes the test.
Finally, remember that OTC hear ing aids are intended for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Chil dren under the age of 18 and adults with severe hearing loss should con sult a licensed hearing specialist for appropriate hearing assistance ad vice.
Anyone who feels they have experi enced consumer fraud, they can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Arizona attorney general’s website, azag.gov. For consumer inquiries or to request a complaint form, call the attorney general’s office in Phoenix at 602-542-5763.
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What is quiet quitting? Evident ly a malaise has taken over the American workforce, it is the definition of slacking off, doing the bare minimum, and displaying an unwilling ness to do anything extra. In China, this phenomenon is called “lying flat.” Geez, sounds like this behavior is “a thing” in fecting employees worldwide. If you are “quiet quitting” in your job, you are probably doing it in your life! Show up, pay attention, try harder, work
harder, go the extra mile, do a good job! All the sayings we grew up incorporat ing into our lives are being tossed away like they are unnecessary virtues and “old-fashioned” standards.
The evidence is mounting that we have a workforce attitude problem. If research is correct, about 50% of em ployees dislike their jobs and don’t care much about outcomes.
So why are folks “quiet quitting?” The reasons offered are burnout, lack of re spect from the boss, not enough income, boredom, too many tasks. Some young employees say it is simply that they are
establishing boundaries for work-life balance. So first came the Great Resig nation, now it’s Quiet Quitting and next is Quiet Firing. Oh yeah, the workforce is about to get dicey.
Maybe this idea of being disengaged from your job and doing the bare mini mum seems like it has little impact. The employee at the coffee shop who adds whipped cream when you specifically asked for non-fat creates an annoyance. It can be more serious if the doctor’s office fails to return your call, your ac countant doesn’t bother to mention a few write-offs that could save you mon
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Voters can be forgiven their skepti cism as Election Day approaches.
While eight days separate Hal loween from the “first-Tuesday-follow ing-the-first-Monday in November,” there is little to differentiate campaign promises in television ads from the youthful cries of “Trick or Treat!” on the front porch.
One “age appropriate” distinction be comes readily apparent.
For the “over 18 crowd,” the trick-ortreat dynamic is superseded by two con flicting emotions: Hope or fear.
Sadly, that latter feeling is spreading… and with far more credibility than the false assertion that “This is a pandemic of the unvaccinated!”
It was bad enough when Joe Biden “played a doctor on TV” to utter that talking point. It was even worse when Anthony Fauci, a trained physician more comfortable with political science than medical science, echoed the same inane phrase.
And just as American tax dollars ap parently flowed to Communist Chinese research labs to help engineer a bio weapon, so too is federal largesse un derwriting a contagion that could prove fatal to our Body Politic.
The shocking steps taken by the Biden Administration to politicize the Justice Department and the FBI, augmented by the Chief Executive’s menacing re marks in Philadelphia Sept. 1, where he described his political opponents as extremists threatening the “very foun dations of our Republic,” have poisoned our public discourse.
Call it the “Death of Civic Virtue.”
Our electoral system depends upon people of good will and strong character. While they may eagerly embrace a po litical philosophy or partisan label, they must also recognize the rights of oth ers to espouse opposing political view
points and different partisan passions.
Whatever disagreements that occur during the course of a campaign must ultimately yield to a uniform insistence that only legal votes be counted on Elec tion Day – and that the tabulation take place in a way that insures both accura cy and transparency.
Unfortunately, events surround ing the 2020 election and its after math have featured little transpar ency, prompting serious questions about the accuracy of the outcome.
A recently released study of the 100 most populous counties in the 14 traditional swing states discovered that only two of those states and six of the counties retained the actual voter files from the General Election of 2020.
The analysis, conducted by the Amer ica First Policy Institute (AFPI), found that 12 states and 96 counties are vio lating the Civil Rights Act of 1960, which mandates the retention of those records.
Included in that AFPI count are six Ar izona counties: Apache, Coconino, Mar icopa, Pima, Pinal and Yavapai. Again, none of those counties appear to be in compliance with the aforementioned Civil Rights Act.
Whether this non-compliance arises from incompetence or ignorance, arro
Justin Simons,
Justin Simons,
As the Nov. 8 General Election draws near, you may want a pre diction about the outcome. Here’s mine – and it’s a pretty safe bet.
In the major races drawing hundreds of millions of dollars and the national spotlight, we aren’t going to know any thing definitive on the night of Nov. 8. And likely not for days or weeks after ward.
You’ll hear a lot of screaming that this wait is evidence there’s election rigging afoot – despite zero credible evidence of any cheating.
Ironically, much of the reason it will take days on end to tabulate our ballots traces back to the very same election de niers who bleat constantly about cheat ing. Let me explain.
It has become fashionable among the MAGA elite, including President Trump, to tell their people – even those who re
ceive an early ballot in the mail – to hold that ballot until Election Day, then turn it in. As Trump put it recently, “it’s much harder for them to cheat that way.”
State Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Pluto, told One America News Network a few days ago, “We need to vote on the last day, the day of Election Day, so they don’t know how much to cheat by.”
There will likely be a few hundred thousand of these ballots statewide, known in the business as “late early’s.” Per the law, each “late early” must have the signature verified by a human being before being counted.
That can’t start until after Election Night, leading to days of counting – and lots of screaming, especially if a Repub lican candidate is trailing and drawing nearer by the day.
Jen Marson, executive director of the Arizona Association of Counties, is one of the state’s foremost elections experts. A fierce independent and a certified elections officer, Marson works with
county election officials statewide. She, too, sees massive amounts of “late ear ly’s” as a potential issue.
“The late early votes count just as much as any other vote and sometimes they turn the tide of what was report ed on Election Day,” says Marson. “And that’s when people lose their minds.”
Marson warns some races will last into December if they’re close enough to trigger a recount – 1/2 of one percent age point between the top two candi dates or between the yes and no sides on ballot measures. Such a recount can’t even begin until Dec. 5, says Marson.
“If the governor’s office has to be re counted, it’s going to be mid to late De cember before we know the results,” she explains.
Can you imagine? We already have candidates saying they won’t accept the results unless they win – thanks, Kari Lake – and armed morons in camo camped outside a ballot dropbox in Mesa.
Let the hard feelings simmer for a few weeks, and add in fantasies about ballot mules and rigged voting machines. An other prediction: Chances are slim we make it through this election without at
don’t want our loved ones cared for by “quiet quitters” in the nursing home. Have big companies been “quiet quit ting” on their consumers? Been to a grocery store lately where you have no choice but to go through self-checkout?
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gance or even evil intent, it must end.
Such actions—or more accurately, non-actions—prompt an obvious question. What are you hiding?
Thankfully, two neighboring secretar ies of state— Frank LaRose of Ohio and Mac Warner of West Virginia—have be gun a national effort to ensure that their colleagues in the other 48 states will preserve election files going forward.
Of course, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is a little preoccupied right now, since she’s the Democratic nomi nee for governor.
Not only has she been criticized for her failure to debate GOP nominee Kari Lake, now renewed scrutiny of her per formance as secretary of state has at tracted additional criticism.
During the six month period from April 1 through Oct. 14, Katie only showed up to her official office for a to tal of 19 days.
No foolin’.
Press reports reveal that she was es pecially scarce during April and August, absent from her office for almost the en tirety of those months.
Of course, Katie has ignored her oppo nent’s request that she step aside from any supervision of the midterms, given that her name is on the ballot.
That’s why there’s a real fear that Hobbs may spend much more time in her official office during the remaining days before the election.
Republicans hope Lake’s margin of votes is so great that it can withstand any “hands on” efforts from the secre tary of state.
The world we have created is one of convenience (not necessarily for cus tomers), computers (just fill out the form online and we will get back with you), impersonal interactions (please leave a message) and so on. Have a question about your medical tests? Get on your portal to find out the results (and stop asking questions). It seems that entire swaths of the workforce are disengaged.
I was in a fast-food restaurant with
my grandson when an elderly man with a walker placed his order and was given a number. When his number was called, he attempted to get up from his booth, but the cashier ran over to him with his order and also got his drink. Funny how one worker’s simple act of “going above and beyond” can make a difference. The message is not quiet, but loud and clear. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Real tor. Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.
least one weapon fired in anger.
All this over fantasies of cheating that have never, ever come true. Heck, half of you reading this column think I’m part of the cabal of cheaters trying to persuade you to allow yourself to be cheated.
Whatever happens in this election –and I don’t care who you vote for, though I do hope you vote – I agree with my friend, Jen.
“There has never been any law en forcement investigation, “fraudit,” au dit, people looking (that has uncovered widespread cheating),” says Marson. “Whoever has come to look at whatever machines in any county, they have found no evidence of widespread cheating or fraud or hacking. None of it.”
Settle in, friends, for a doozy of a wait. Unless I’m dead wrong – and I pray I am – Election 2022 will be with us for a while.
E-mail:
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Dueto the limited availability, An them Golf & Country Club is ask ing members to not register for back-to-back classes, so everyone has a chance to register.
No-shows are charged $10.
Classes are held at Persimmon or Iron wood, 2708 W. Anthem Club Drive or 41551 N. Anthem Hills Drive, respectively.
For more information, call 623-7426200 for Persimmon Clubhouse or 623465-3020 for Ironwood Clubhouse.
• Wednesday, Nov. 2
Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Slow Flow (Level 1): 9:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Functional Training: 10:30 a.m.
New Member Mixer: 4 p.m.
Persimmon: Yoga Stretch: 4:15 p.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 3
Ironwood: Total Body: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.
Ironwood: Boxology: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.
PWR! Moves: Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.
Ironwood: Tabata: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night: 7 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 4
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Functional Strength/ Balance: 9:45 a.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 5
Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Bootcamp: 8 a.m. Persimmon: Chair Yoga: 9 a.m.
Ironwood: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m. Posture Workshop: 10:30 a.m.
• Monday, Nov. 7
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m. Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Fun &. Fit: 8:15 a.m. Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow: 9:30 a.m. Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Power Strength/ Stretch: 10:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Meditation & Chair: 4:15 p.m. Sunset Yoga and Sip: 5 p.m. Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m. Persimmon: Zumba: 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 8
Ironwood: Total Body: 5:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m. Ironwood: HITT: 8 a.m.
Ironwood: Barre Fusion: 9 a.m. Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m. Ironwood: Cardio Blast: 10 a.m. Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m. PWR! Moves: Fee-based: 1:15 p.m.
Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5:30 p.m. Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 9
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Mixology: 7 a.m. Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m. Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m. Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m. Persimmon: Slow Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Functional Training: 10:30 a.m. Persimmon: Yoga Strength: 4:15 p.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m. Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m. • Thursday, Nov. 10
Ironwood: Total Body: 5:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.
Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Ironwood: Boxology: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood Stretch: 10:45 a.m. PWR! Moves-Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: Tabata: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 11
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow: 9:30 a.m. Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Functional Strength/Bal ance: 9:45 a.m.
Veterans Day Event: 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 12
Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Bootcamp: 8 a.m.
Ironwood: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Chair Yoga: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
• Monday, Nov. 14
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood Power Strength/ Stretch: 10:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Meditation & Chair: 4:15 p.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 15
Ironwood: Total Body: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: HITT: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.
Ironwood: Barre Fusion: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Blast: 10 a.m.
Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.
PWR! Moves-Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.
Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5:30 p.m. Wine & Spirits Expo: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 16
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Mixology: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Slow Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Functional Training: 10:30 a.m.
AnthemLife 101 Orientation: 4 p.m.
Persimmon: Yoga Stretch: 4:15 p.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 17
Ironwood: Total Body: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Ironwood: Boxology: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.
PWR! Moves-Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: Tabata: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 18
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Functional Strength/ Balance: 9:45 a.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 19
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Bootcamp: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Chair Yoga: 9 a.m.
Ironwood: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
• Monday, Nov. 21
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
(5 to 7 years)
and activities are available at the Community Center and Civic Building for all ages. Learn more and register online at onlineatanthem.com. Visit the “Residents” tab, then click on “Ac tivity Registration.” Most programs and classes are available to nonresidents for an additional fee. With questions, contact the Community Center at 623-879-3011.
Many levels to choose from Email Paul Root at proot@anthemcoun cil.com for more information or to tryout.
• Adult Master Swim
Monday to Thursday monthly 5 to 6 a.m. $35; community center
• Wednesdays or Thursdays
Creative combo dance: 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. (2.5 to 4 years)
Kinder combo dance: 5:30 to 6:15 p.m.
Junior combo: 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. (6 to 9 years)
Cheer 101: 6:30 to 7:30 (6 to 12 years)
Cheer 201: 5:45 to 6:45 (8 to 12 years)
• Senior Activities (50 years and older)
Golden Go-Getters: Mondays, 1 to 4 p.m.
Mexican train game: Fridays, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Free; civic building, ongoing
• Parents’ Night Out
6:30 to 10 p.m.
Fridays Nov. 18 and Dec. 16 $20; community center
• Tennis Youth tennis: Monday to Thursday options
Cardio tennis is offered every Saturday morning; $10 drop-in fee (18 years and older)
Prices, times and dates vary; community center
• Anthem Tots Sports Ages: 3 to 6 years
October to December; Saturdays,
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
9:15 to 11 a.m. $80; community center
• White Horses Child & Caregiver Music Ages: 4 and younger Aug. 10 to Nov. 16, Wednesdays 9 to 9:30 a.m. $220; Drop-in fees offered, community center
• Youth Recreational League Sports Volleyball, pickleball, indoor floor hockey, soccer and basketball Ages: 5 to 13 Fall Sessions: $100, Community center
• Phoenix Rising North Valley Soccer Skills Camps Ages: 5 to 14 years Community park
• Youth Camps Ages: 5 to 12 years Multiple dates available $55; community center
• Teen Night – Glow Capture the Flag Ages: 11 to 15 years Nov. 12; 8 to 10 p.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
$7; community center
• Parents Day Out Sports Sampler Ages: 5 to 12 years
Nov. 26; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. $30; community center
• Child and Babysitting Safety Ages: 11 to 15 Nov. 12, $70; community center
• Level Up Youth Peak Performance Ages: 10 and older
Tuesdays and Wednesdays $30; civic building
• Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowl Ages: 14 and older
Friday, Nov. 25, 9 a.m. to noon $10; Anthem Community Park
The indoor fitness floor, basketball gym, and rock wall are open. Fitness classes are held throughout the week. That includes yoga, kickboxing, core, shallow and deep water (in the pool). Personal training is available; contact the community center for details.
• Tuesday, Nov. 29
Ironwood: Total Body: 5:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Power Strength/ Stretch: 10:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Meditation & Chair: 4:15 p.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, Nov. 22
5:30 a.m. Ironwood: Total Body
Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.
Ironwood: HITT: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Ironwood: Barre Fusion: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Blast: 10 a.m.
Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.
PWR! Moves-Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 23
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Mixology: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Slow Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m. AnthemLife 101 Orientation: 10 a.m.
Ironwood: Functional Training: 10:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Yoga Stretch: 4:15 p.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m. Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 24
Ironwood: Total Body: 5:30 a.m. Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m. Turkey Trot: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Boxology: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.
Thanksgiving at Ironwood: 11 a.m. PWR! Moves-Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5:30 p.m. Ironwood: Tabata: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m.
• Friday, Nov. 25
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Functional Strength/ Balance: 9:45 a.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 26
Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Bootcamp: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Chair Yoga: 9 a.m.
Ironwood: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Santa Breakfast: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
• Monday, Nov. 28
Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood Power Strength/ Stretch: 10:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Meditation & Chair: 4:15 p.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: HITT: 8 a.m.
Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.
Ironwood: Barre Fusion: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Blast: 10 a.m.
Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.
PWR! Moves-Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 5:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 30
Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Mixology: 7 a.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.
Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Slow Flow: 9:30 a.m.
Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.
Ironwood: Functional Training: 10:30 a.m.
AnthemLife 101 Orientation: 4 p.m.
Persimmon: Yoga Strength: 4:15 p.m.
Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m.
Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.
Comeearly next year, Anthem will be the home of a new Ziggi’s Coffee drive-thru location.
The franchise coffee company was ap proved for a site plan in Commerce Park by Anthem’s board of directors on Sept. 28, having previously received approval from the city of Phoenix. Owners Cheryl Clark-Stoner and Larry Adams are excit ed to get to know their community and be a part of a company they believe in.
“We certainly are looking forward to working with the community and de veloping some sort of steady custom
ers, some regulars,” Adams said. He expressed his excitement at creating a team of employees passionate about coffee and serving customers in a lively, family-oriented environment.
The drive-thru building will be con structed by Phoenix Design Group and occupy 624 square feet on the site, ac cording to a document. The owners proj ect its construction to wrap up in March, followed by the location’s grand opening for the community several weeks later.
Its menu will offer Ziggi’s Coffee sta ples, from classic hot and iced coffees to a variety of blended drinks, teas, Red
1 Annual amount based on possible monthly or quarterly amounts. 2 Allowance amount does not carry over to the next quarter or the following year. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/service area. Limitations, exclusions, and restrictions may apply. Contact the plan for more information. This information is not a complete description of benefits, which vary by individual plan. You must live in the plan’s service area. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711) for more information. Cigna is contracted with Medicare
Every day, hundreds of thousands of working Americans are forced to pay tribute to a union boss just to earn a living and feed their families. Union chieftains funnel this hard-earned money into the campaigns of Tax-and-Spend politicians who protect and expand Big Labor’s compulsory unionism power and the BILLIONS in forced–dues dollars it generates.
Nearly 80% of Arizonans think that’s just plain wrong.
l
l l
Mark Kelly has admitted he supports the goals of the PRO Act, which would wipe out every state Right to Work law in the country, including Arizona’s.
This same bill would help union bosses impose their so-called “representation” on workers without a secret-ballot vote.
Pledged to cosponsor the National Right to Work Act, which would remove from federal labor law the authorization for forced union dues.
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Opposes monopoly union bargaining in the public sector.
Supports the Freedom from Union Violence Act.
ZIGGI’S from Page 17
Bull infusions, Italian sodas and smooth ies. Its spread also includes seasonal drinks, muffins, scones, cookies, break fast sandwiches and burritos.
ability, community and family-focused values.
Contact Mark Kelly today. Demand he apologize for his past support of forced unionism and that he publicly pledge to support Right to Work.
Ask Mark Kelly where his true loyalties lie -- with Arizonans or with the union bosses in Washington, D.C. Call him at: (202) 224-2235
Urge Mark Kelly to change his ways and stand with the 80% of Arizonans who oppose compulsory unionism.
This will be the Denver-based compa ny’s fifth location in the Valley, as it has recently opened shops in Tempe, Mesa and Chandler.
When deciding where to open their franchise, Adams said he and Clark-Ston er chose to plant roots in Anthem be cause the city is “already a bit of a planned community, clean and progres sive.”
“Ziggi’s kind of prides itself on the sustainable products that they produce,” said Adams. “Ziggi’s coffee roaster, Coda Coffee, goes to Guatemala, and they help rebuild communities, put up schools and churches, take out poppy fields and put in coffee beans, and Charlie Joe chai is connected to a mission in India.”
Through its business, Adams added that the company cultivates strong rela tionships with its vendors thanks to its connectivity and community-minded ness.
This advertisement was paid for by voluntary contributions from Arizona members of the National Right to Work Committee, 8001 Braddock Road, Springfield, Virginia 22160. The Committee is nonpartisan and does not endorse or support any political candidate or party.
For more information, please return this to:
Right to Work Committee 8001 Braddock Road Springfield, Virginia 22160
Yes, I want to help you tell the Right to Work story. Enclosed is my generous contribution.
Name:______________________________ Address:____________________________ City:______________ State:___ Zip:______
“They offered a lot of amenities — they have a lot of visions going forward of how they want the community to be, and we were happy that we fit into that profile,” said Adams. “The more we looked around, it seemed to be a really good spot.”
The pair was attracted to investing into Ziggi’s in particular due not only to its ability to organize and support its franchises, but its emphasis on sustain
Recently, Ziggi’s was even listed as the top regional coffee brand on Yelp, ac cording to Clark-Stoner.
“They are growing really, really fast,” she said. “So, we’re really excited to be into something that is new and exciting.”
Ziggi’s Coffee
42404 N. Vision Way, Anthem ziggiscoffee.com
Right now is when politicians pay the most attention to the folks back home!
Oneof the state’s oldest restaurants, Harold’s Corral, is celebrating its 87th anniversary on Saturday, Nov. 5, with a party starting at 1 p.m.
As Cave Creek’s original “Wild West Sa loon and Restaurant,” Harold’s is a landmark and popular stomping ground for locals and tourists.
The party not only commemorates nearly nine lore-filled decades of dining, entertain ment and fun, it also pays tribute to several generations of patrons who have become like family to the restaurant’s owners and staff.
Admission to the Harold’s 87th anniversa ry party is free. Highlights include a barbecue chuckwagon, featuring $9 plates for adults, including a SanTan Brewing craft beer, and $5 plates for kids, including a beverage.
During the afternoon, guests can enjoy acoustic music or participate in a cornhole tournament at 4 p.m.
The Crown Kings take the stage at 8 p.m. followed by the Silver Sage Band at 9 p.m. Throughout the party, guests will purchase $3 bottle or pints of Coors Light and a San Tan Brewing Company Tap Takeover featur ing $4 pints of SanTan’s Juicy Jack Hazy IPA, SanTan HefeWeizen and Moon Juice.
A man named Johnny Walker built the original structure of Harold’s Corral in 1935. Back then, it was known as The Cave Creek Corral Bar, and it became popular with pa trons who spent their days building Bartlett and Horseshoe dams.
There were seven bars in Cave Creek at that time, but by 1947, when the dams were finished and the workers left, The Corral was the only bar that survived.
Somewhere around 1950, Harold and Ruth Gavagan purchased the building, changing the name to Harold’s Cave Creek Corral. Though Harold died many years ago, and ownership has changed three times, the restaurant’s current owners, Danny and Meri Piacquadio and Bill and Marie Vale, continue the legend with comfort food, live entertainment and hospitality.
Longtime “Creekers” often reminisce about
the restaurant’s storied past, pointing out bullet holes in the bar and as proof that things could often get rowdy in the old days. Others remember the crazy antics of Harold Gava gan, who once housed tigers in cages behind the restaurant, hoping to attract people from Phoenix and other parts of the Valley.
In the 1970s, Hollywood discovered that Harold’s was a great location to shoot Western films. The restaurant walls are filled with pho tos of celebrities and memorabilia from mov ies that were filmed there, such as “Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins” and “Little Fauss and Big Halsy.” Movie and TV star, Dick Van Dyke, sometimes stopped by and played the drums.
Harold’s walls are also full of photos of professional athletes as well as event photos from the four massive Steelers Super Bowl parties that were held there.
Like all things related to Harold’s Corral, there’s a great story behind how this West ern restaurant and bar in a small town be came host to more than 4,000 Steelers fans during Super Bowl games.
Danny Piacquadio is a Pittsburgh native, and his father, Dan, owned several restau rants in Pittsburgh before purchasing Har old’s in 1987. Danny attended ASU from 1987 to 1991 and took over managing the restaurant in 1991 when his father moved back to Pittsburgh. The Steelers tradition at Harold’s began in 1993 with about 75 fans per game. Two years later, Danny began Har old’s Steelers Fan Club with 80 members. Today, there are more than 2,000 members in Harold’s Steelers Fan Club.
Now affectionately known as “Heinz Field West,” Harold’s transforms into a sea of black and gold on NFL Game Days. The restaurant serves traditional Steelers delica cies, and employs a DJ who plays more than 40 Steelers songs. The special menu includes Primanti Brothers sandwiches, Ben Roeth lis(burger)s, Iron City beer and pierogies.
The 12,000-square-foot restaurant can accommodate 700 Steelers fans inside and on its new, expanded outside patio. During season games, the restaurant averages 650 fans who gather to wave their “Terrible Tow els” and root for their team some 2,091 miles away from Pittsburgh. During the playoffs,
Harold’s rents a large tent to accommodate the overflow of fans. Harold’s has seen up to 2,000 fans during the playoffs. It has received national press coverage for hosting past Su per Bowl games, accommodating more than 4,000 fans from as far away as Pennsylvania.
“When I started Harold’s Steelers Fan Club, I never imagined it would grow so fast,” Danny Piacquadio said.
“I’m particularly proud of our patrons, who have generously participated in fundraising events during football season through raf fles of Steelers memorabilia and golf tourna ments. Thanks to them, we’ve raised more than $100,000 for non-profits such as the Mel Blount Youth Home, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Foothills Food Bank, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and other local charities.
To join the Harold’s Steelers Fan Club, visit haroldscorral.com/steeler-s-club.
Harold’s “mayor,” Bill Vale, loves to give new visitors the tour of the restaurant and share some of the lore. A master at networking, Bill Vale often connects like-minded people at the restaurant, who come in as strangers and leave as friends. On a few occasions, the couples whom Bill Vale introduced at Harold’s married.
“There’s something about Harold’s that brings people together,” Bill Vale said.
Harold’s is also the chosen venue for many nonprofits and civic groups that gather regular ly for monthly meetings or fundraising events.
“We’ve always been very communi ty-minded, and we look for ways to help oth ers,” Bill Vale said.
The pandemic was particularly difficult for residents, and despite their own operational
challenges, Harold’s stepped up to help. Harold’s temporarily closed its dining room and began to offer curbside and takeout service. But the iconic western bar and restaurant took matters a step further, solic iting the help of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree to help fund a program to help the Foothills Food Bank and families of the Cave Creek Unified School District (CCUSD).
With a goal of feeding more than 2,300 people, Harold’s designed its take-out menu to include a commitment to the community: For every family-style meal ordered, which feeds four to five people, Harold’s donated a family-style meal to a family in need through CCUSD’s meal assistance program. Addition ally, Harold’s donated individual meals to the Foothills Food Bank.
Harold’s Corral and the Kiwanis Club of Carefree provided funding to start the pro gram, which eventually served more than 5,000 meals. Harold’s prepared the meals and CCUSD and the Foothills Food Bank picked up the meals and distributed them.
“When the coronavirus came to Arizona, there was no playbook for restaurants, and we all had to make tough decisions regard ing our operations,” Danny Piacquadio re called. “Thankfully, we were in a position where we could still help our community.”
Harold’s Cave Creek Corral’s 87th Anniversary Party
WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5
WHERE: Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek COST: Free admission
INFO: 480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com
a story I think you will enjoy.
The children lined up in a Cath olic elementary school cafeteria for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note and posted on the apple tray: “Take only ONE. God is watching.” Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table, was a large pile of chocolate chip cookies. A girl had written a note, “Take all the cookies you want. God is watching the apples.” That girl is probably one of those characters that could use a bit of character. Have you noticed all the chatter about
character and ethics lately? I see it every where. Good character traits are listed in school cafeteria walls, business walls and government offices. The list goes on and on. Character and the necessity of ethics are trying to return. But it seems like the more we push “good” character in our world, the more we get characters in our world. Our current lack of character is because character comes from within us, not outside of us. You can’t change your character by getting a facelift. Likewise, a person’s character is like a fence — it can’t be strengthened by whitewash.
Character and ethics determine longterm success. Our talents, drive, gifts, or abilities might get us to the top, but char acter keeps us on top. Realizing our full potential becomes impossible without good character. Let’s say it this way. Mas sive character flaws and deficiencies with in people and leaders produce limited and guarded relationships by those affected by character flaws and weaknesses. People and institutions withdraw. Why? There’s no trust. Trust is the currency of meaning ful and fulfilling relationships.
Let me give you an example. Years ago, I was contacted by a high official of the Unit ed Nations. He told me he was the head of a United Nations program whose goal was to find people of “ethics” who could teach character in cities throughout Russia. He said many western businesses were trying to invest and conduct business in Russia, but because of a lack of basic business eth ics, most were leaving Russia. The United Nations’ solution was to find leaders with a lifestyle of sound ethics and introduce the Russian business community to these values through seminars all over Russia. We will underachieve with employees, politicians, teachers, academics, business leaders and the like who are characters without sound character. That kind of per sonality-driven, media-supported leader ship will have a limited shelf life. It’s not
sustainable. Leaders and people with sub stantial character issues may succeed in the short run, but it will get them in the long run. So many times, the way to find out about one person is to ask him about another. Ouch!
Some people have a compartmentalized character. They may be very trustworthy in some areas of their life but untrust worthy in other parts of their life. For ex ample, a person can be very responsible by making a good living, yet inconsistent in investing time with their family or be ing faithful to their spouse. A person might have a magnetic personality, but much of what they say is untrue.
It’s easy to be swayed or impressed with people like these because we focus on their positive attributes but look away from the negative, hurtful ones. Eventual ly, their credibility issues expose the per son for who they are. Character diminish es when a high ideal (like telling the truth) is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.
Ethics and good character are essentials for any nation, business, or person that wants life, liberty, and the pursuit of hap piness. Theodore Roosevelt wisely said: “To educate a man in the mind and not in morals (values) is to educate a menace to society.” Lindsay White of Costa’s Fresh Produce says, “We used to hire people for their skills, but we found we were firing them for character issues. So now we hire those with good character (values) and train for skills.”
Let me ask you a question. If you are an employer, which of these employees would you rather have? An employee who is alert or careless; compassionate or in different; diligent or slothful; orderly or confused; thorough or incomplete? The answer should be evident if you are trying to grow a good organization.
Here are some questions to consider. If you are an employee, which type of em
ployer would you rather have? An em ployer who is generous or stingy, attentive or distracted; wise or foolish; truthful or untruthful? Enough said.
Our national and personal character can be our best friend or worst enemy. My advice is to make good ethics your best friend. Good character is not old-fash ioned. It’s wise. Too many of us have given up hope on finding people with good char acter these days. Yet, good character is still here, and history shows that people and nations who forget the necessity of sound ethics and character are soon forgotten.
Don’t get me wrong. No one is perfect. We all have areas where we could grow in character. Let me say it this way, it’s OK to be a character, but you better have good character too.
Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. He 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. He may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.
High School graduates
Nikki and Brie Bella haven’t been invited to their 20-year reunion. So, they’re throwing their own party during “The Bellas Podcast” at CB Live at Desert Ridge Marketplace at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.
“We still haven’t gotten our invita tions,” Brie said coyly with a smile.
“We’re like, ‘What’s going on Chapar ral?’ I know of other high schools that sent theirs out. So, Nicole and I thought, ‘Why not do our own high school 20year reunion?’ We’re going to make our podcast a homecoming theme.”
Nikki and Brie will surprise each other with a long-lost guest from high school. Their mom, Kathy Laurinaitis, and brother, JJ Garcia, will make a guest appearance.
“It’s going to be like happy hour with the Bellas,” Brie said. “We’re going to talk about life, have some fun with the Bel la fam and then take things back to high school.”
Generally, nerves come with reunions. But the former WWE Superstars, who now serve as ambassadors, don’t see it that way.
“I absolutely loved high school,” said Nikki, who recently married “Danc ing with the Stars” performer Artem Chigvintsev in Paris. “Our high school was totally like the movies. Every time I see people from high school, I get so fired up because it takes me back to those days. It was a really amazing four years. I really get excited for that.”
Brie adds, “When I was attending our 10-year high school reunion, people said our 20-year would be better because no one cares. They’re not trying to impress people. All they want to do is have fun. Everyone’s so settled in their lives in a way, and they don’t care. It’s just all about having fun and seeing each other. It’s a different type of energy, which I love.”
The CB Live appearance marks a return to Desert Ridge. Before the COVID-19 pandemic started, the Bel
las brought their podcast there, in the hopes it would kick off a tour.
“CB Live has been our one and only live podcast show,” Nikki said. “Frankie Nunez was our guest. Brie’s husband, (professional wrestler) Bryan Danielson, opened up the show and Artem came on as a guest. It was a lot of fun and memo rable and that’s why we’re going back.”
The appearance is a way of promoting the Bella Twins’ brand as well. In 2017, they launched Birdiebee, a lifestyle intimates and activewear brand. The line includes intimates, activewear and loungewear aimed at “empowering and educating women through mirroring the twins’ passion for life, strength, wom en’s health and wellness, and fun.”
Two years later, they introduced Ni cole + Brizee, a body and beauty line, fol lowed by their wine label Bonita Bonita last year. They serve as creative advisers and investors in Colugo.
“How blessed am I that I’ve been able to see the world with my twin sister, been in the ring with my twin sister, and been able to walk red carpets with my twin,” Brie said.
“I truly feel blessed. The one thing for Nikki and I is we’re constantly evolving. We see our brand as an empire—a glob
al empire. In order to do that, you have to evolve. I feel like we’ve done a really great job.
“We’re going to be 39 years old in No vember and we’re still 20 year olds at heart. With everything we do, we make sure we’re authentic. Now that Nikki’s a mom and Nikki’s a wife, it fun that we get to explore all these different adven tures together in life.”
Motherhood has changed both of them. Brie and Danielson are the par ents of Buddy and Birdie, while Nikki gave birth to Matteo.
“I feel like, for myself, motherhood has definitely changed me for the best,” Brie said. “For so long, you’re concentrating on yourself and making sure all of you is just shining bright. Then you bring chil dren into the world and you concentrate on them. It just changes your views, how you live your daily life, things you care about.”
Brie said now she can relate to other
mothers.
“I was totally one of those who had al ways talked about my dog, Josie, like it’s the same thing,” she said with a laugh.
“I feel like it’s just changed me and I can connect with my audience who are moms in a different way than my single folks who are our fans.”
The key, Nikki adds, is to stay authentic.
“When we went into the (WWE) indus try, we were 23 years old,” Nikki adds.
“Being almost 39, you learn so much about yourself, not only confidence, but empowerment. Even though we’ve evolved, we’ve always stayed authentic and relatable.”
The Bellas Podcast
WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, November 10
WHERE: CB Live, 21001 N. Tatum Boulevard, Phoenix
COST: Tickets start at $35 INFO: 602-910-5161, cblive.com
