The Foothills Focus 110222 Zone 2

Lane restrictions expected on I-17

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

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

Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) near Bumble Bee Road (mileposts 249-246) from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning the evening of Wednes day, Nov. 2, to the morning of Friday, Nov. 4, for equipment mobilization.

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

Harold’s to fete its 87th anniversary

BY SUE KERN-FLEISCHER Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

One of 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 land mark and popular stomping ground for lo cals 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

Saturday. (Photo courtesy of Harold’s Corral.)

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Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363

Circulation: 480-898-5641

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ANNIVERSARY from page 1

staff.

Admission to the Harold’s 87th anni versary 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 corn hole tournament at 4 p.m.

Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926

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Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@timeslocalmedia.com

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Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timeslocalmedia.com

CIRCULATION : 623-535-8439

Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | aaron@phoenix.org

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 SanTan Brewing Company Tap Takeover featuring $4 pints of San Tan’s Juicy Jack Hazy IPA, SanTan Hefe Weizen and Moon Juice.

Colorful, rich history

A man named Johnny Walker built the original structure of Harold’s Cor ral in 1935. Back then, it was known as The Cave Creek Corral Bar, and it be came popular with patrons who spent their days building Bartlett and Horse shoe 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

RESTRICTIONS

a.m. beginning the evening of Thurs day, Nov. 3, to the morning of Saturday, Nov. 5,

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

The original structure of Harold’s Corral was built by Johnny Walker in 1935, and it has since collect ed a rich and colorful history. (Photo courtesy of Harold’s Corral.)

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 remem ber the crazy antics of Harold Gavagan, who once housed tigers in cages be hind 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 photos of celebrities and memorabilia from movies 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.

Official home of ‘Heinz Field West’

Like all things related to Harold’s Corral, there’s a great story behind how this Western restaurant and bar in a small town became host to more than 4,000 Steelers fans during Super Bowl games.

Danny Piacquadio is a Pittsburgh na tive, and his father, Dan, owned several restaurants in Pittsburgh before pur chasing Harold’s in 1987. Danny attend ed 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 Harold’s Steel ers Fan Club with 80 members. Today, there are more than 2,000 members in Harold’s Steelers Fan Club.

Now affectionately known as “Heinz

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 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.

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Tips for buying over-the-counter hearing aids

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

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

The

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.

Field West,” Harold’s transforms into a sea of black and gold on NFL Game Days. The restaurant serves traditional Steel ers delicacies, and employs a DJ who plays more than 40 Steelers songs. The special menu includes Primanti Broth ers sandwiches, Ben Roethlis(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 av erages 650 fans who gather to wave their “Terrible Towels” 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 Super 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 sea son through raffles of Steelers memo rabilia and golf tournaments. Thanks to them, we’ve raised more than $100,000 for non-profits such as the Mel Blount Youth Home, the Juvenile Diabetes Re search 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.

Bringing people together

Harold’s “mayor,” Bill Vale, loves to give new visitors the tour of the restau rant 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.

Who will stand up to Big Labor?

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.

Who is Right for Arizona?

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.

l l

Opposes monopoly union bargaining in the public sector.

Supports the Freedom from Union Violence Act.

Right now is when politicians pay the most attention to the folks back home!

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

of Arizonans

oppose compulsory

Mark Kelly Blake Masters

(Photo courtesy Harold’s

Detectives investigating fatal motorcycle crash

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Aman was pronounced dead after an early-morning single motor cycle crash on Oct. 28 near 25400 Northeast Cave Creek Road.

At about 1:46 a.m. Phoenix police re sponded to a call of a crash involving a single motorcycle rider. Witnesses stopped along Cave Creek Road to help

the motorcycle rider and waited for po lice to respond.

When officers arrived, they provided help to the victim and closed traffic on Cave Creek Road. The adult male rider was taken to a local hospital by Phoenix Fire Department where he died from his injuries.

Detectives are looking into what led up to the collision and have taken over the investigation.

ANNIVERSARY from page 7

“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 regularly for monthly meetings or fundraising events.

“We’ve always been very communi ty-minded, and we look for ways to help others,” Bill Vale said.

The pandemic was particularly dif ficult 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 take-out service. But the iconic western bar and restaurant took matters a step further, soliciting the help of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree to help fund a program to help the Foothills Food Bank and fam ilies 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 as sistance program. Additionally, Harold’s donated individual meals to the Foot hills 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 Arizo na, there was no playbook for restau rants, and we all had to make tough deci sions regarding our operations,” Danny Piacquadio recalled. “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

FIRM

For more opinions visit thefoothillsfocus.com

THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Quiet quitting isn’t so silent

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

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 of fice fails to return your call, your accoun tant doesn’t bother to mention a few write-offs that could save you money, or the mechanic doesn’t bring up that one of your tires has little tread. We 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? Americans are getting bigger, yet air lines continually make the seats smaller! Need to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider? You better be savvy on the computer, or you might be out of luck. Do you have to make an in surance claim? Download the app first so you can upload photos from your phone.

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),

How to get a letter published

E-mail: christina@timeslocalmedia.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.

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.

Play POn! lay On!

‘Trick or treat’ not just a Halloween mantra now

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

Voters can be forgiven their skepticism as Election Day ap proaches.

While eight days separate Hallow een from the “first-Tuesday-follow ing-the-first-Monday in November,” there is little to differentiate cam paign promises in television ads from the youthful cries of “Trick or Treat!” on the front porch.

One “age appropriate” distinction becomes readily apparent.

For the “over 18 crowd,” the trickor-treat dynamic is superseded by two conflicting emotions: Hope or fear.

Sadly, that latter feeling is spread ing…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 sci ence than medical science, echoed the same inane phrase.

And just as American tax dollars apparently flowed to Communist Chi nese research labs to help engineer a

bioweapon, so too is federal largesse underwriting 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 remarks in Philadelphia Sept. 1, where he described his polit ical opponents as extremists threat ening the “very foundations 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 char acter.

While they may eagerly embrace a political philosophy or partisan label, they must also recognize the rights of others to espouse opposing politi cal viewpoints and different partisan passions.

Whatever disagreements that occur during the course of a campaign must ultimately yield to a uniform insis tence that only legal votes be counted on Election Day – and that the tabula tion take place in a way that insures both accuracy 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 tra ditional swing states discovered that only two of those states and six of the counties retained the actual vot er files from the General Election of 2020.

The analysis, conducted by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), found that 12 states and 96 counties are violating the Civil Rights Act of 1960, which mandates the retention of those records.

Included in that AFPI count are six Arizona counties: Apache, Coconino,

Maricopa, Pima, Pinal and Yavapai. Again, none of those counties appear to be in compliance with the afore mentioned Civil Rights Act.

Whether this non-compliance aris es from incompetence or ignorance, arrogance or even evil intent, it must end.

Such actions—or more accurate ly, non-actions—prompt an obvious question.

What are you hiding?

Thankfully, two neighboring secre taries of state— Frank LaRose of Ohio and Mac Warner of West Virginia— have begun a national effort to ensure that their colleagues in the other 48 states will preserve election files go ing forward.

Of course, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is a little preoccu pied right now, since she’s the Demo cratic nominee for governor.

Not only has she been criticized for her failure to debate GOP nominee Kari Lake, now renewed scrutiny of her performance as secretary of state has attracted additional criticism.

During the six month period from April 1 through Oct. 14, Katie only showed up to her official office for a total of 19 days.

No foolin’.

Press reports reveal that she was especially scarce during April and August, absent from her office for al most the entirety of those months.

Of course, Katie has ignored her op ponent’s request that she step aside from any supervision of the mid terms, 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 remain ing 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.

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

As the Nov. 8 General Election draws near, you may want a prediction about the outcome. Here’s mine – and it’s a pretty safe bet.

In the major races drawing hun dreds of millions of dollars and the national spotlight, we aren’t going to know anything definitive on the night of Nov. 8. And likely not for days or weeks afterward.

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 deniers who bleat constant ly about cheating. Let me explain.

It has become fashionable among the MAGA elite, including President Trump, to tell their people – even those who receive an early ballot in the mail – to hold that ballot un til 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 ear ly’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 Republican 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 elec

tions experts. A fierce independent and a certified elections officer, Mar son works with county election offi cials statewide. She, too, sees mas sive amounts of “late early’s” as a potential issue.

“The late early votes count just as much as any other vote and some times they turn the tide of what was reported on Election Day,” says Mar son. “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 percentage point between the top two candidates 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 recounted, it’s going to be mid to late December before we know the re sults,” 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 drop box in Mesa.

Justin Simons, Agent

Justin Simons, Agent

READER’S VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Vote ‘yes’ on CCUSD override

Editor:

We work hard to keep our commu nities safe and ensure all our residents enjoy a high quality of life. Living in great communities is a team effort and no community is complete without ex cellent schools.

This November, the Cave Creek Uni fied School District is asking for our help in approving an override. The last time our community came togeth

er to pass a CCUSD override was 2007 and that funding dried up nearly seven years ago.

Funding from the CCUSD override will provide a better educational envi ronment for our students.

There are significant student safe ty, support and counseling priorities funded through the override, as well as more career, technical and vocational programs for students at all grade lev els.

It will also provide a much-needed

bump in teacher salaries.

Without the override, CCUSD might be forced to operate with larger class sizes, reduced transportation options, or even close a school.

If we want to continue to enjoy a healthy local economy, a vibrant com munity and an unparalleled quality of life, it requires strong schools. Join us in

voting “Yes” on the CCUSD override. Brian Tobin Fire Chief Daisy Mountain Fire and Medical Damien Mendoza President Police Officers Association of Scottsdale

LEIBOWITZ from page 11

Let the hard feelings simmer for a few weeks, and add in fantasies about ballot mules and rigged vot ing machines. Another prediction: Chances are slim we make it through this election without at least one weapon fired in anger.

All this over fantasies of cheat ing that have never, ever come true. Heck, half of you reading this column think I’m part of the cabal of cheat ers 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,” audit, people looking (that has un covered widespread cheating),” says Marson. “Whoever has come to look at whatever machines in any county, they have found no evidence of wide spread 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.

Anthem prepares to welcome Ziggi’s Coffee

BY SUMMER AGUIRRE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Come early 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 project 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

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

to a variety of blended drinks, teas, Red Bull infusions, Italian sodas and smooth ies. Its spread also includes seasonal drinks, muffins, scones, cookies, break fast sandwiches and burritos.

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.”

“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 ability, community and family-focused values.

“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.

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.”

T h e G R A M M Y w i n n i n g

ZIGGI’S from page 14

The coffee chain’s menu features a range of blended coffees, Red Bull infusions, smoothies and bites to eat. (Ziggi’s Coffee Submitted)

Ziggi’s Coffee

42404 N. Vision Way, Anthem ziggiscoffee.com

Opening in early 2023

Cheryl Clark-Stoner and Larry Adams, the Anthem location’s owners, are excited to be bringing a Ziggi’s to the community. (Ziggi’s Coffee Submitted)

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Bellas return home to host their own reunion

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Chaparral

High School graduates Nik ki 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. Thurs day, Nov. 10.

“We still haven’t gotten our invitations,” 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 20-year re union?’ 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 “Dancing 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. Ev eryone’s so settled in their lives in a way, and they don’t care. It’s just all about hav ing fun and seeing each other. It’s a differ

ent type of energy, which I love.”

The CB Live appearance marks a return to Desert Ridge. Before the COVID-19 pan demic started, the Bellas 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, (profes sional wrestler) Bryan Danielson, opened up the show and Artem came on as a guest. It was a lot of fun and memorable 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 inti mates and activewear brand. The line in cludes intimates, activewear and lounge

wear aimed at “empowering and educat ing women through mirroring the twins’ passion for life, strength, women’s health and wellness, and fun.”

Two years later, they introduced Nicole + Brizee, a body and beauty line, followed by their wine label Bonita Bonita last year. They serve as creative advisers and inves tors 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 global 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 adventures together in life.”

Motherhood has changed both of them. Brie and Danielson are the parents of Bud dy 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 children 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

Nikki and Brie Bella graduated from Chaparral High School in 2002. (Sequoia Emmanuelle/Contributor)

Many don’t know they are at risk of diabetes

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

November is American Diabe tes Month. Chances are you know someone who has dia betes, a metabolic disorder affecting more than 37 million Americans, in cluding those who have the disease but have not been diagnosed.

Diabetes is a chronic medical con dition that occurs when excess glu cose (sugar) builds up in the blood. It can cause numerous health prob lems if not properly managed. Some symptoms of diabetes may seem so insignificant that you may not even notice them for months or years –but being diagnosed early is key to a lifetime of better health.

If left untreated, long-term diabe tes complications include cardiovas cular disease, such as heart attack, stroke and narrowing of the arteries, according to dietitian Katy Stemple, MDA, RDN, manager of the Abrazo Health Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program.

“The increase in diabetes in adults worldwide has quadrupled over the last few decades. The connection with heart and blood vessel damage is undeniable,” said Stemple. While there isn’t a cure yet for diabetes, the CDC says that losing weight, eating

healthy food, and being active can really help.

“Type 2 diabetes, which typically is diagnosed in adults and accounts for between 90-95% of all diagnosed cases, can increase your risk of devel oping cardiovascular disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease and kidney disease,” she explained. “In the last 20 years, the number of adults with diabetes has more than doubled as the American population has be come more overweight or obese.”

According to the American Diabe tes Association, cardiovascular dis ease is the leading cause of death in people living with diabetes, result ing in two-thirds of deaths in people with type 2 diabetes.

“The good news is that with proper exercise, diet and diabetes manage ment, you can reduce your risk of

Legion plans craft fair and bake sale

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

American Legion Post 34’s aux iliary in Cave Creek will host its fifth annual craft fair and bake sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sat urday, Nov. 5, at the post’s hall, 6272 E. Cave Creek Road.

The arts and crafts event will include creative wooden creations, specialty

Christmas items, handcrafted jewelry, handmade glass art, purses, candles, Arizona honey and custom T-shirts.

All baked goods and snacks will be handmade by post members. In ad dition, the auxiliary will feature a raffle table filled with items donated by vendors. The event is open to the public. All proceeds will support vet erans and their families in need.

getting cardiovascular disease and the complications that come with it,” noted Stemple.

Symptoms of diabetes will vary to some extent depending on the type. Classic symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes include excessive thirst and increased urination. This occurs because your kidneys have to work overtime to filter and absorb surplus sugar that has built up in the blood.

Other common signs of diabetes

include fatigue, unexplained weight loss and blurred vision. Fatigue may be caused by increased urination resulting in dehydration and the body’s inability to properly use sug ar for energy.

People with diabetes also may have slow-healing sores, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet and tender gums. Nerve damage caused by high sugar levels can make your hands and feet tingle, or you might experience burning pain in your arms, hands, legs and feet.

The good news is diabetes can be successfully treated. Talk with your doctor if have questions or suspect any symptoms. For more informa tion about diabetes, visit the Ameri can Diabetes Association at diabetes. org. For a physician referral or to learn more about the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss program, visit AbrazoHealth.com.

By George, that’s

In search of characters with character

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

Here’s a story I think you will enjoy. The children lined up in a Catholic 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 ta ble, 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 everywhere. Good character traits are listed in school cafeteria walls, business walls and govern ment 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 char acters 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 per son’s character is like a fence — it can’t be strengthened by whitewash. Character and ethics determine long-term success. Our talents, drive, gifts, or abilities might get us to the top, but character 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

within people and leaders produce limited and guarded relationships by those affected by character flaws and weaknesses. People and insti tutions withdraw. Why? There’s no trust. Trust is the currency of mean ingful and fulfilling relationships. Let me give you an example. Years ago, I was contacted by a high official of the United Nations. He told me he was the head of a United Nations program whose goal was to find peo ple of “ethics” who could teach char acter in cities throughout Russia. He said many western businesses were trying to invest and conduct busi ness in Russia, but because of a lack of basic business ethics, most were leaving Russia. The United Nations’ solution was to find leaders with a lifestyle of sound ethics and intro duce the Russian business commu nity to these values through semi nars all over Russia.

We will underachieve with em ployees, politicians, teachers, aca demics, business leaders, and the like who are characters without sound character. That kind of per sonality-driven, media-supported leadership will have a limited shelf life. It’s not sustainable. Leaders and people with substantial character is sues 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 compartmen talized character. They may be very trustworthy in some areas of their life but untrustworthy in other parts of their life. For example, a person can be very responsible by making a good living, yet inconsistent in in vesting 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. Eventually, their credibility is sues expose the person for who they are. Character diminishes when a high ideal (like telling the truth) is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.

Ethics and good character are es sentials for any nation, business, or person that wants life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Theodore Roosevelt wisely said: “To educate a man in the mind and not in mor als (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 care less; compassionate or indifferent; diligent or slothful; orderly or con fused; thorough or incomplete? The answer should be evident if you are trying to grow a good organization. Here are some questions to con sider. If you are an employee, which type of employer would you rather have? An employer who is generous or stingy, attentive or distracted; wise or foolish; truthful or untruth ful? Enough said.

Our national and personal charac ter can be our best friend or worst enemy. My advice is to make good ethics your best friend. Good char acter is not old-fashioned. It’s wise. Too many of us have given up hope on finding people with good charac ter these days. Yet, good character is still here, and history shows that people and nations who forget the necessity of sound ethics and char acter are soon forgotten.

Don’t get me wrong. No one is per fect. 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.

The

Blitz Bingo

NOV. 3

Enjoy a night of football themed bingo and good drinks with friends at the bar, to be enjoyed by any one regardless of their love of sports. Special drink and food offers are available as well, with a $25 gift card for the winner.

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 5 p.m., free ad mission, 480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com

holiday projects and box decoration for craftier participants.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, youthfortroops.org

International Film Series: Around the World in 9 Films

NOV. 4

Learn about worldwide cultures with a series of international films intended to broaden understand ing and give context to the lives and cultures of those overseas. This month, check out the 2014 film “Secrets of War,” a Dutch film set in World War II.

Yoga Fusion THURSDAYS

Join Elizabeth Boisson in an intermediate-level course of Yoga Fusion at the Desert Foothills Library from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays. The class will start with breathing exercises and then go through dif ferent types of stretching movements and then into Vinyasa or flow yoga.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School house Road, Cave Creek, noon to 1 p.m., $10 cash per class, dfla.org

Friday Night Bull Riding & Mutton Bustin’

FRIDAYS

Come watch riders rodeo on the back of a mighty bull. For children 3 to 6, sheep are available to ride alongside them.

Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, 6823 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 8 to 11:45 p.m., $10 tickets $20 to ride a bull, buffalochipsaloon.com

Live Music at Janey’s Coffeehouse

NIGHTLY

Come listen to live music every night at Janey’s Coffeehouse, performed by a variety of talented local artists. The venue has over a dozen unique performers each month, and for those looking to perform, new talent is encouraged to come by and sign up. This week, check out Tap Takeover, Chris Grieve, Scandalous Hands, and Glade Wilson. Janey’s Coffeehouse, 6602 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., ca vecreekazmusic.com

Death Café

NOV. 2

Death Café is a discussion about death and dying, meant as a way for people to come together and talk about a topic that is often seen as taboo. Rather than a support group, Death Café is meant as a way for anyone at any station to appreciate the time they have left. To date, over 12,000 Death Cafés have opened worldwide in 78 different countries.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School house Road, Cave Creek, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Free Couples Dance Lessons

NOV. 3

Learn how to line dance to country music with significant others, friends or alone. Anyone from beginners to seasoned dancers are encouraged to swing by and learn the ropes.

Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, 6823 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 7 to 10 p.m., free, buffalochipsaloon.com

Youth for Troops: Freedom Isn’t Free

NOV. 3

Available for all ages, residents are encouraged to support our troops across the world and help mitigate a critical supply shortage. Halloween candy and travel sized items are valuable items to a soldier right now, so spread the love when and where possible by donating. The drive also includes special

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 1:30 to 5 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, youthfor troops.org

Spaghetti Western: Dinner with a Side of History

NOV. 8

Enjoy a western-themed dinner with spaghetti, gar lic bread, salad and iced tea. Learn about the history of Cave Creek with a musical tribute to the area, and help fund the Cave Creek Museum all in one. The event also has a well curated raffle for people looking to win big, and Western selfie stations to help make memories of the event.

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 4 to 7 p.m., $24 for adults, $10 for children, cavecreekmu seum.org