The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 11.18.2020 by Times Media Group

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Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Anthem board approves 2021 budget BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

NEWS .........................9

Rural/Metro to host Foothills Food Bank drive

fter a turbulent year in which COVID-19 stood in the way of the community’s activities and holiday events causing a notable loss in revenue, the Anthem Community Council Board of Directors approved the 2021 budget with hopes that things will return to a normal state again. It was approved during the open session October 28 board of directors Zoom meeting. The 2021 budget is based on the expectation that things will rebound to 2019 standards. “It’s hard to compare the 2021 budget to

�ee BUDGET page 4

While Anthem’s 2020 budget was hit with a huge loss of revenue due to COVID-19, the community council anticipates that things will go back to a normal state again with the 2021 budget. (Photo courtesy Anthem Community Council)

NEWS .............13

Carefree Council OKs preliminary plat for Estates

OPINION ........15

BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Behind the scenes of Anthem’s Christmas tree

How America can move on from President Trump

OPINION ................... 14 BUSINESS ................. 16 FEATURES ................ 17 YOUTH ...................... 24 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 25 Zone

he growth of the North Valley will soon be fostered with the development of a small gated residential community called Estates at Carefree. On November 10, the Town Council of Carefree voted unanimously to approve the preliminary plat to subdivide approximately 8 acres for the housing development. There were no public comments made during this meeting concerning the matter. “The point of the preliminary plat is to real-

ly flesh out any obstacles, any constructability issues that may arise before the town council would approve a final plat,” Planning Director Stacey Bridge-Denzak said during the meeting. This new community will be located west of the northwest corner of Stagecoach Pass and Pima Road and will consist of a cul-de-sac with six custom, architect-designed homes valued at around $1.5 million each, according to the owner, Uri Schumm, who was present at the town council meeting. The sizes of the homes range from 35,013 square feet to 80,499 square feet, according to the preliminary plat.

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“We want to set a certain level of quality that is consistent with what Carefree is all about,” Schumm said to the council. The proposed acres of land that will be subdivided for Estates at Carefree currently consist of previously developed but mostly vacant properties, according to the information summary of the preliminary plat. The applicant developing the neighborhood is Phoenix-based 3 Engineering. Schumm and his wife reside in a pre-existing home where the finished neighborhood will be.

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NEWS

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

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

BUDGET from page 1

what happened in 2020,” said Paul Conley, Anthem Community Council’s community financial officer. “We lost about pretty close to half a million dollars in revenue in 2020 over 2019.” The projected operating costs for 2021 reflect a decrease of 3%, or $324,000, from the 2020 budget, it states. Amenities like the swimming pool, water park, summer camps, indoor fitness facility and community center, as well as youth leagues, faced significant cuts to protect the public’s safety, which led to the huge loss in revenue, Conley explained. “It was very tough on the community council here,” Conley said, who is also an Anthem resident. “Everybody here just thrives on doing things and watching the community be happy and having fun.” However, the council hopes that even if COVID-19 continues into the new year, the numbers will diminish and there will be a better understanding of how to navigate through a pandemic, Conley said. Already, the many amenities Anthem offers have been able to reopen, but with prior reservations, social distancing, masks, limited occupancy and enhanced sanitation to keep residents safe. Another big blow to the budget was caused by a major increase in insurance premiums, Conley said. The increase wasn’t caused by any incidences, he explained, but was rather due to a major change in the market concerning excess liability. “We took a pretty good, nearly $100,000 increase in insurance premiums from that,” he said. “That was kind of a tough one to take, because it had nothing to do

Anthem’s parks and facilities have the largest budget to maintain their appearance and infrastructure. (Photo courtesy Anthem Community Council)

with us.” The staff is working hard to put together a more comprehensive insurance mitigation program where they can perhaps get a reduction in 2021, Conley said. Unfortunately, it’s ultimately out of their control where the market stands, he added. Other notable changes in the budget include an increase in funds that go to landscaping in order to maintain the presentable appearance of Anthem over the next 20 years, he said. While a majority of these costs are paid for with reserve funds, the staff budgeted some of the general operating expenses to keep the community looking nice, he said. The current balance of reserve funds is $17.3 million, according to the budget. Trees need to be trimmed more often than before, and as the years go on, some trees are starting to die due to aging water systems, which the budget will help address, he said. From an overhead standpoint, there has been some “restructuring” within the management team, Conley said. There were a number of vacancies in the staff and management team over the

The Foothills Focus is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

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past few years, including a lack of a CFO; however, since then, all positions have now been filled, said Conley, who started as Anthem’s CFO in January. The budget’s drafting process started in June and continued through July and August, Conley said. “There was a lot of deliberation on the budget itself, he said. “I think part of that is that we did get started very early this year.” Drafting becomes “pretty intense” with the meticulous amount of precision that goes into it considering the many different departments, directors and managers that oversee the process, Conley said. “We’re very cautious of all the detail,” he said, adding, “When someone forecasts supplies, there’s backup that basically gets down to how many pencils they’re going to buy.” From there, the budget was presented to the finance committee, which happened in August and again during an open September finance committee meeting. After that, the budget was further analyzed and discussed again in a special board session on September 23 that was open for public comment where the finance committee ultimately recommended that the board approve the 2021 budget. That led to the most recent October 28 open board meeting, where the budget was finally approved. However, COVID-19 presented the Anthem staff, finance and management team with more than a loss of revenue. It also led to a loss of community participation during this process, Conley said. “We’re Zooming so much,” he explained,

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

CAREFREE from page 1

Their home will be included in the final development, with small adjustments made, Schumm said. “The homes will complement ours and fit in with the sort of quality that Carefree has been known for all these years,” he said. It’s unclear what exactly the homes will look like, as the design concepts will be part of the final plat that must be approved by the town council before actual building and development may begin, according to Crane. On June 8, the applicant held a Zoom neighborhood meeting and notified all property owners within a 500-foot radius of the site as a requirement of the preliminary plat process. A total of six members of the public attended and asked questions about where the cul-de-sac and homes would be located as well as questions about the heights of the potential buildings. None of the attendees stated any opposition, as mentioned by Bridge-Denzak during the town council meeting. On October 12, Carefree’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0, recommending approval of the application to the town

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council. During this meeting, commissioners asked about potential issues concerning traffic patterns and drainage erosion setbacks concerning the nearby FEMA flood zone. “There’s a wash on the northern end of the property,” Crane said in an interview, adding that this is a conservation easement. “The wash should not be disturbed. This is important.” The preliminary plat proposes a cutoff wall that is required to be at scour depth of the wash. This wall will be located along the proposed cul-de-sac where the road approaches into the erosion setback, according to the preliminary plat. “Obviously, land can be developed, but we want to mitigate to the disturbance of the desert,” he said, adding that it’s important to “work with the desert, work with the washes that are there and make sure we don’t disturb things that affect properties downstream or impact what’s built there.” The project will be designed for the 100year two-hour storm event and will have proper storm water retention provided. Streets will be designed with a roll curb that will drain to retention basins located on each

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parcel to prevent silts and oils from exiting the property, the preliminary plat states. “While we typically see one large community basin, finding a workable location at this development was challenging,” the preliminary plat says. “Working with the town’s engineer, several smaller basins per lot were located in areas with topography conducive to provide for runoff storage.” There are traffic improvements that must be made as outlined in the preliminary plat’s conditions, like adding a minimum of 5.5 feet of pavement width to Stagecoach Pass Road

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

ProShred AZ raises $4K for Foothills Food Bank BY JOEY HANCOCK Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

roShred AZ raised close to $4,000 and 582 pounds of food in donations during the November 7, eighth annual shred-a-thon event benefiting the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center in Cave Creek. The shred-a-thon offered residents the opportunity to safely and securely dispose of unwanted documents in exchange for a monetary or food donation. The money will be used to help the food bank provide family meals and other services during the holiday season. Patty Caradonna, ProShred AZ marketing director, said they enjoy working with the food bank every year and it’s their way of giving back to the community. “We actually live up in the Cave Creek surrounding area, so that is why we choose to do this event,” she said. “This is our way of giving back every year to

Pam DiPietro, Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center director, center, and Thomas Virgil, ProShred AZ senior driver, left, and a volunteer of the Foothills Food Bank at the November 7 shred-a-thon. (Photo by Joey Hancock)

help the community protect their identity by shredding important documents while raising money for the food bank to help our neighbors.” Almost 6 tons of paper was shredded during the event, which was sent to the recycling station on the morning of November 9. Foothills Food Bank Executive Director Pam DiPietro said she was very pleased with how the shred-a-thon went

Pam DiPietro, Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center director, center, with ProShred senior driver, Thomas Virgil, far right, and volunteers of the Foothills Food Bank at the November 7 shred-a-thon. (Photo by Joey Hancock)

this year. “The shred-a-thon was great, and we made good money this year,” she said. “People were lined up an hour before we opened, so we had a great turnout, and the people were very generous.” The event was nonstop, and people drove in and dropped off documents and donations during the three-hour event. “I had four volunteers, and they worked very hard because it was non-

stop,” DiPietro said. “We were supposed to open at 10, and we had people lined up at 9 and then close to 1 p.m. the truck was as full as it was going to get.” DiPietro went on to say the shred-athon was a huge success, providing the food bank with much-needed resources heading into the holidays. “This is always such a great event, and working with ProShred is always a great experience,” DiPietro said.

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SERT ELITE Foothills Caring Corps has three new board members NEWS

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

GROUP BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

he Foothills Caring Corps has three newly elected board members: Cynthia Driskell, Susie Dymoke and Ron Fink. “I am thrilled and deeply grateful to welcome these three talented individuals,” said Robin Cochran, executive director. “Their diverse backgrounds and skills will provide extraordinary expertise that will further our collective works of service to the Foothills Caring Corps Neighbors and community. Their addition to the board of directors will be key in implementing the strategic plan and will help in shaping and carrying out our mission in the years ahead as the needs of our neighbors grow and change.” Driskell, owner and physical therapist at Carefree Physical Therapy, has been involved in the community for almost 40 years.

“I am very pleased to join the many talented and dedicated board members, staff and volunteers who have built the FCC into a valuable community organization,” Driskell said. “With a strong background in geriatric health care services, it is a good fit for me to participate in the continued growth of quality programs with the FCC.” Carefree resident Dymoke is a community advocate and longtime Foothills Caring Corps volunteer. Dymoke is also involved in the Desert Foothills Land Trust, Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce and Hospice of the Valley. “I long to bring my skills to further help Caring Corps flourish for the good of the community as a whole, and for our dear neighbors in particular,” Dymoke said. Also joining the board is Fink, who has been a volunteer for the Foothills Caring Corps for more than three years. Fink has volunteered as a van driver for the organization and as a handyman. Fink has been involved with many of FCC fundrais-

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ers, gatherings and its newsletters. “I believe I have a good understanding of how the organization helps our neighbors and would like to help us move forward by looking at traditional ways of doing things and also look at fresh new ideas,” Fink said. Fink, Dymoke and Driskell will join Dr. Paul Dale, June Reilly, Pastor Mike Johnson, Sabina Schwan, Beverly Miller-Dastgir, Barbara Giovan, Dr. Leslie Seldin, Suzanne Wagner and Madison Wetter.

The mission of the Foothills Caring Corps is to help older adults and individuals with disabling conditions who reside in the Northeast Valley-Foothills Community to remain living independently in their homes for as long as possible. Foothills Caring Corps is located at 7275 E. Easy Street, Suite B101, Carefree. For more information, call 480-488-1105 or visit foothillscaringcorps.com.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Rural/Metro to host Foothills Food Bank drive BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

ural/Metro will host a toy drive at the Cave Creek Walmart to benefit Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. November 27 to November 29 and December 5 and December 6. According to food bank Executive Director Pam DiPietro, every year, Rural/ Metro hosts a toy drive to benefit the

food bank. Carefree and Cave Creek Rural/Metro firefighters will collect toys and cash donations at the Walmart located at 34399 N. Cave Creek Road. In particular, the food bank is in need of family games and $25 or $50 Walmart or Visa gift cards for its annual Adopt-a-Family program. Cash donations will be placed in a fire boot. Donations of games will be accepted at the Cave Creek and Carefree fire stations. Foothills Food Bank provides emer-

gency food, financial assistance and other life necessities and resources to individuals and families in the Desert Foothills, which encompasses a 180-square-mile area that includes Black Canyon City, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, Desert Hills, New River, North Scottsdale, Rio Verde, Mayer,

Spring Valley, Cordes Lakes and North Phoenix. For more details, visit Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center at foothillsfoodbank.com or email foothillsfoodbank@gmail.com. Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center is located at 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive in Cave Creek.

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NEWS

•• 10

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Fire restrictions lifted on state land

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF WRITER

ecent moisture and cooler temperatures allow the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to lift the remaining fire restrictions on state-owned land in Arizona. On November 11, Stage I and Stage II restrictions were rescinded on state land within Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Restrictions on state land in northeastern and southern Arizona were rescinded back in July. Fire restrictions have been in place in some areas of the state longer than usual due to lingering hot temperatures, lack of monsoonal moisture and extremely dry vegetation. As always, we ask the public to be mindful of their surroundings and be cautious when working or recreating outdoors:

• Never leave a campfire unattended, and make sure it is completely out before leaving. Drown, stir, repeat until it is cool to the touch. • When working outdoors, use a spark arrester with equipment and have a water source nearby. • Never burn debris or vegetation on windy days. • Inspect your vehicle and tires before getting on the road. • Secure tow chains. • Never pull off into tall grasses. • Target shooting and fireworks are not allowed on state land at any time of the year.

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BUDGET from page 4

adding that even though all the board meetings are open to the public via Zoom, “Since March, there’s not as much public attendance.” And while Conley said he understands that navigating technology can be difficult and that some people simply don’t want to spend their free time watching meetings behind a computer screen, “The budget is extremely important and it’s important to get input from everybody and make sure there’s buy-off from everybody.” “We want to be good stewards of the other resident’s money,” he said. Despite that, there were still some residents who contacted Conley directly where they went through the budget in more detail, he said. “The assessments are very low for the amenities that are given,” he said, mentioning Parkside and the Anthem Golf and Country Club. “But when you live up here, I think you still need to know that the money is being spent properly—and that’s what the budget shows.” There hasn’t been an increase in assessments since 2014, which is something the Anthem Community Council is very proud of, he said. While the cost of living does sometimes increase in certain areas, the council has always been able to adjust and become more efficient. “Otherwise, we would have had assessment increases every year,” he said. The Anthem Community Council anticipates that community programs that were affected by COVID-19, like summer camps, adventure club child care and youth leagues, will gain more popularity again as time goes on. Special events like Parents’ Night Out, Monster Ball and the Valentine Dance are expected to return in 2021 as well. However, if COVID-19 numbers continue to rise, causing another possible shutdown, the Anthem Community Council will adjust accordingly in the best way to keep residents safe, Conley said. “This year we are prepared for it. We know what we need to do,” he said. “We know how to react quickly. We know the seriousness of it.” Read the finalized budget here: https:// bit.ly/32DxE5I

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•• 12

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Musicians come together to perform for the food bank

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

he Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center is set to benefit from a Thanksgiving eve concert at Janey’s Coffee Company & Bodega in Cave Creek. Running from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Turkeypalooza includes Sweet Tony Paiotti,

Ed Skibbe and The T-Bonz Unplugged. “Right before Thanksgiving, a group of us decided we would do this for them,” said Skibbe, a Cave Creek resident. “We were thinking about ways to give back to the community. For Thanksgiving, everybody gets together to have a big feast. We thought the food bank would be a great recipient.”

Cave Creek resident Ed Skibbe recently returned from Colorado, where he was recording a new album. (Photo courtesy Ed Skibbe)

Skibbe, who formerly lived in Colorado, volunteered for food banks there. “I’m a big fan of food banks,” Skibbe said. “I did a thing in Colorado where I would go down one day a week and play my music, and it was the same thing. People would come and donate food. It was really quite rewarding.” Skibbe blends Americana, rock, country, folk and blues in his entirely original set. He recently returned from Colorado, where he was recording the follow-up to 2015’s “The Long Haul.” He expects the new album, which is as of yet unnamed, to come out in the first quarter of 2021. Before moving to Cave Creek full time in 2015, Skibbe worked as a staff songwriter for Nashville’s Ash Street Music for 20 years. He called it a “great experience” that he wouldn’t trade for anything. Skibbe said he’s in good company on November 25. Paiotti is an acoustic artist

who performs cover songs. “He’s a great singer who has a beautiful voice,” Skibbe said. “He does folk and folk-rock songs. Tim Brady (of The T-Boz Unplugged) and I have been friends for a while. “We do an occasional show about once a month, mostly up here in Cave Creek. It’s a tribute to the music of Texas, called Red Dirt or Texas Country. We go all the way back to Bob Wills, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Jerry Jeff (Walker), Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson and the more contemporary scene in Austin. We do a mix of songs by those guys we originally love. He’s from Texas and I’m from New Mexico, close to Texas.” Skibbe said the intent is to jam together occasionally through the show—as long as they can remain safe. “Some of the artists are more interested in doing that than others—mostly because of spacing and sharing equipment and health concerns,” he said. “There absolutely will be more than one of us up there at a time. Each of us will do 25 minutes or a half hour. There will be ample time along the way to overlap and coordinate. I’m looking forward to it.” The ﬁrst Turkeypalooza with Sweet Tony Paiotti, Ed Skibbe and The T-Bonz Unplugged

6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 25 Janey’s Coffee Company & Bodega, 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive, Cave Creek $10 donation cavecreekazmusic.com, facebook.com/cavecreekmuseum

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Behind the scenes of Anthem’s Christmas tree

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ictor Serrao has been in the Christmas tree business for more than 35 years, following in the footsteps of his father. Serrao took over the business in 2006 but has been helping bring the Outlets at Anthem Christmas tree to the North Valley for 19 years. The shopping center will host its annual tree-lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 21. Based in California, Serrao loves to travel to Arizona and “be the center of attention for a little bit” as the Outlets at Anthem and its marketing crew showcase his work throughout the process. The process of choosing the Christmas tree begins several weeks before it is driven to Anthem. “The hardest part is probably selecting the tree itself and finding the right one that’s nice and full and has the shape and all of the characteristics that I’m looking for,” he said. “Everything else is pretty easy—getting it (to Anthem) and checking all that is pretty easy.” Serrao assures people that the tree comes from land that has been designated for timber sales. “We are only cutting trees off of timber companies that are telling us that this area has been allocated for timber sales this year,” he said. “That means they’re going to cut them for 2-by-4s, and that’s where we go in and select to cut trees.” After choosing the tree and cutting it down, it takes less than a day to transport it to Outlets of Anthem. “We add branches to the tree, which takes almost a week, and then there’s about another four or five days of decorating,” Serrao said. “The whole process is pretty close to two weeks, or maybe a little bit under if the weather is great and no issues with mechanical failures—it can be a little bit shorter than that, like 10 days—but usually it’s about two weeks to do everything.” When it comes to decorations for the

The state’s largest Christmas tree arrives at the Outlets at Anthem. The shopping center will celebrate the holidays on Saturday, November 21. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

tree, “that is all dependent on the customer and the client and what they choose,” according to Serrao. He said Outlets at Anthem has never deviated from its multicolored theme for as long as Serrao can remember. Ornaments and lights feature the traditional red, gold, blue, silver and green from trunk to the top. Serrao is proud to carry on the family business and help Anthem and the North Valley celebrate Christmas. It’s challenging, though, to follow in his dad’s footsteps. “It’s been a challenge to take a business that has been in business for years and then you know change things,” Serrao said about what it meant being a second-generation tree expert. “There are things that are set in stone with your family or they think so, and then to grow and to make changes to something that has been there for so long, that was tough. But once I ultimately took it over and purchased the business from my dad and I was the owner and can make all the decisions, then it really started to open up.” A Merry Family Night hosted by the Outlets at Anthem 4 p.m. Saturday, November 21 The Outlets at Anthem, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Anthem outletsanthem.com/events

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•• 14

OPINION

Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Here’s to a good night’s sleep BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

ave you been sleeping well lately? If the state of affairs is worrying you, take heart, you are not alone. Seems like the whole country is suffering from insomnia! The American Medical Association claims you will be more prone to stress, anxiety, depression, flu, colds and a whole slew of other ailments without proper sleep. How important is a good night’s slumber? According to experts, sleep is essential if you want to look young, stay healthy and feel great. One study claims that 100 million Americans are waking up tired each morning!

What could be the problem? Besides politics and the coronavirus? Perhaps the mattress is all wrong. It might be too hard, not firm enough or, worse yet, could contain a trillion dust mites. (I think the man who told me this was trying to sell me a vacuum cleaner.) If your back is all knotted up in the morning, there could be a spring coil that is protruding slightly, pressing on your spine. Actually, just going to bed could be downright dangerous. You could wake up out of alignment, which can not only ruin your day but harm your posture. Worry much? If you do, it can cost you as much as two hours of sleep every night! Why wait until nighttime to fret over life’s situa-

tions? Have yourself a worry fest in the daylight hours so it is all out of your system by the time you retire. If you don’t sleep well at night, a sleep expert claims that you should “never, ever have one of those digital clocks on your bedside table that has big, red bold numbers.” It can “traumatize” you further when you constantly look at the clock and notice how much precious rest you’re losing. A woman emailed me to say that between her neighbor’s porch light filtering into her bedroom and the other neighbor’s dog barking all night, sleep has become a “distant memory.” She asks, “Why do people move out to the country to light it up like a parking lot?” Does anyone know the answer? Oh, and on the topic of barking dogs, noise distraction ranks in the top five reasons why people can’t sleep at night. Temperature, light, noise, mattress condition and an individual’s state of mind seem

to be the big factors in how well (or poorly) a person will sleep. Apparently, none of these factors influence our pets. Dogs seem to require about 18 to 20 hours of sleep a day, can snooze on hard surfaces, curl up in a ball, sleep in weird positions, anywhere and anytime. Humans are not so versatile. Ever been exhausted but unable to fall asleep? Hmm, I thought so. Oh, and if you happen to have small children under the age of 5, you rank in the No. 1 category of all people who are sleep deprived. Can’t sleep? Turn off the lights, silence the dogs, unplug the digital clock and have a stiff drink. I mean glass of warm milk. And don’t worry. Our world problems will work themselves out. Hopefully, right out of our minds. Have yourself the sweetest of dreams! Judy Bluhm is a writer and local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

How America can move on from President Trump BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

he seething hatred that marks our politics continues to bubble like muck. Never more partisan, never angrier at one another, we continue to prosecute Election 2020 even as the states run out of ballots to count. Angry tweets, lawsuits, and fraud allegations devoid of evidence fill every news cycle. Sadder still is the realization that we are in act one of this dirge-like drama: Come January 20, we will begin to hear news of one congressional investigation after another. Surely the Department of Justice will get into the act, too. Already, you hear gleeful Democrats thrilling to the dream of former President Donald Trump on trial—for tax fraud, obstruction of justice, campaign finance shenanigans or anything and everything else they can take to court. The perspective here is that this will accomplish exactly nothing worthwhile on behalf of America. It will not stop a pandemic killing us by the thousands, not right our wobbling economy, not restore our standing in the world, not end the fight of our times—

Have something to say?

Team Blue versus Team Red. So how about we simply skip it? How about Joe Biden, in his first official act as the 46th president of the United States, grant Trump a full pardon for any and all crimes Trump may have committed while in office? My logic here harks back to an earlier, equally strife-ridden time: the summer of 1974, when Richard Nixon, disgraced by Watergate, resigned and exited Washington in a chopper. A month later, newly installed President Gerald Ford, Nixon’s Republican running mate, pardoned Nixon. Ford was attacked from all directions for this decision. Almost a half century later, many historians credit Ford as courageous for having done so. And his logic? It fits our present moment like a glove. Should Nixon come to trial, Ford explained, “ugly passions would again be aroused. And our people would again be polarized in their opinions. And the credibility of our free institutions of government would again be challenged at home and abroad.” Sound familiar? Ford went on: “My conscience tells

like “Trump under investigation” and “Trump on trial” suck the oxygen out of his administration for years on end. And America? We, too, would benefit from an end to this sordid chapter in our history. As Ford put it on the day he took office as president, “My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.” Asked on the campaign trail if he would consider pardoning Trump, Biden told a town hall crowd in May that he would not commit to letting the Department of Justice fully investigate Trump. “It’s hands off completely,” Biden went on. “The attorney general is not the president’s lawyer. It’s the people’s lawyer.” The people are exhausted. The people have bigger nightmares to face than one man. And the people absolutely need to move on from Trump.

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me clearly and certainly that I cannot prolong the bad dreams that continue to reopen a chapter that is closed. My conscience tells me that only I, as president, have the constitutional power to firmly shut and seal this book. My conscience tells me it is my duty, not merely to proclaim domestic tranquility but to use every means that I have to insure it.” So, Ford pardoned his longtime friend, and ended up a one-term president for his trouble. Biden might pay a similar price for ignoring party lines to the dismay of his fellow Democrats. Or perhaps committing an act of mercy for Trump, a man who has shown little compassion for anyone save himself, would be viewed as graceful, bold, presidential. Either way, Biden would benefit politically by not having spectacles

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•• 16

BUSINESS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Business TheFoothillsFocus.com

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Bob’s culture, value attracted manager to store BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

ngie Gary manages the new Bob’s Discount Furniture at Desert Ridge Marketplace and couldn’t be happier. “The culture is incredible, and it’s what solidi�ied my decision to take the role,” she said. In August, when the 34,300-square-foot store opened near Target, it, together with other Arizona locations, donated $10,000 to local nonpro�its supporting children and families. “We are excited to introduce our unique and enjoyable shopping experience to the Arizona market,” said Kevin Parker, zone vice president, West Coast store operations. “Our customers will experience a no-hassle atmosphere and the opportunity to take advantage of Bob’s discount throughout all four locations. Giving back is a big part of our culture, and we are looking forward to partnering with some of the great local family-based nonpro�its in the area.” Bob’s Discount Furniture was founded in 1991 and, Gary said, yes “Bob” is an actual person—Bob Kaufman. “He was in a motorcycle accident and was recovering from back surgery,” she said. “He was looking for waterbeds and found a lot of inconsistencies with abilities and pricing.” The experience inspired Kaufman to sell waterbeds. By 1990, waterbeds became less popular, so he partnered with Gene Rosenberg to open Bob’s Discount Furniture. “He came up with a convenient, easy, simpli�ied way to sell mattresses, and that’s how he started,” Gary said. As Bob’s Discount Furniture evolved, it expanded to include rugs, accessories, dining room tables, bedroom sets and sofas. Gary stressed the stores do not sell appliances. Bob’s Discount Furniture sells its own brand, which is visible on the pieces it offers. “We have desks and when you open the drawer it says Bob’s Discount Furniture,” she said. Gary has noticed a trend since she started at the store. Families and single persons nearby

are into sectionals. “That’s what seems to be what they’re focusing on,” she said. “We’ve been at home for so long that we’re looking around saying, ‘I think it might be time to update.’ We have this black leather sectional called the ‘Panther,’ and the other one is called ‘Dream.’ ‘Dream’ has oversized cushions. They’re modular so you can create your own design.” Gary said the dining room sets, chairs and sofas have Bob memory foam from the mattresses it carries in the sleep center. “Typically, when customers come in and they see that, it opens the door to, ‘Do you have mattresses?’” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to do a rest test and lay down on the bed. They

can learn about the different mattresses and the adjustable bases. “We discuss if it’s time to replace a mattress. It’s a great segue to go from anywhere in the store and walk over to the sleep center.” Gary is invested in the company—she has the Envy mattress, which is a hybrid of coils and foam. For folks who buy Bob’s mattresses, she suggests giving them 30 days to break them in. “People lay down on the mattress and they say it doesn’t feel the same as the store,” she said. “That’s because so many people are lying on it all day long, doing these test rests. It typically takes about 30 days. “With my bed, the Envy, it’s a personal decision. Do they want �irm or plush. Customers just

have to realize whatever feels good for them. Since the �irst day I’ve had the Envy, I’ve had a perfect night’s sleep. The Envy is incredible.” In terms of COVID-19, the store is limiting capacity at its showrooms while sanitizing furniture and surfaces. Additionally, all team members go through health screening processes at the beginning of their shifts and everyone entering the store is required to wear a face covering.

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

“My parents live right next door. They’re the reason we do what we do. My dad is a big classic rock fan. He and my mom (Jim and Jayne Shelly) pushed us to follow that. They love music and are extremely supportive.” The school was formed after Shelly and Simmons moved from Germany back to Scottsdale and began giving music lessons. The Redmonds relocated to her hometown from Georgia. Because Brianna and McKenna’s parents inspired them to pursue music, the classes that McKenna called affordable are on their dad’s ranch. “The four of us—especially Dan, Brianna and myself—were really inspired by those who taught us,” McKenna said. “We had some amazing teachers and school experiences. Our goal is to instill the passion we have for music and try to grow whatever comes naturally. “Whether they have a passion for—classical, pop or rock music—we have experience in all genres. I don’t think one should limit their abilities. Music can play to their strengths and help them overcome insecurities. We approach every student like they have their own individual journey. We want to give back what was given to us.” As for McKenna, she “thrives” in pop and

rock music, as well as theater tunes and jazz. “I’m inspired by Queen,” she said. “I think Freddie Mercury was an amazing vocalist and performer. I die for Bonnie Raitt. She’s just so authentic. When I listen to her sing, I feel like she’s talking to me and I believe everything she says to me.” Shelly created Rhythm and Tots, a class that prepares children ages 3 to 5 for music lessons. She introduces them to every instrument and teaches them how to read music in a fun and colorful way. “Pre-COVID-19, we held workshops and group classes,” McKenna said. “The students could get to know each other and build a musical community as well. With COVID, we can’t hold group classes, but we’re really excited to get that going again.” McKenna stressed that Carefree School of Music teaches voice lessons in all genres, piano in all genres and acoustic guitar for people of all ages—not just children. “We have students as young as 5 and in their 80s,” she said. “It’s a wonderful pastime and great for the brain. Some of the students who are a little higher in age realize it’s important to learn something new to keep their brains going. It can do a lot for health, hands and minds.”

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Music school founders see music as essential

usic is important to McKenna Redmond and Brianna Shelly, as the Cactus Shadows High School graduates have been immersed in it since they were children. A year and a half ago, the sisters—along with their husbands Georgian Michael Redmond and Cambridge, England-born Dan Simmons, respectively—opened the Carefree School of Music. “We want to remind our community that music is so, so important and if a child has a passion for music—whether it’s a hobby or a career choice— it can enrich lives,” said McKenna, the director of operations and a voice and piano teacher. “Music is so important, and it has so many bene�its. If they have a twinkle in their eye about it, try to nurture that at a young age.” The classes are held at their dad’s 20-year-old ranch on the border of Scottsdale and Cave Creek. “My father built it so many years ago,” McKenna said. “It’s a 2.5-acre property with the main house and a smaller house on the property. We converted that house into a school, and every room has a grand piano in it.

••

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Features TheFoothillsFocus.com

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For more opinions visit thefoothillsfocus.com

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Robin Ray: Stardust in our souls BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

un and whimsical are just two of the adjectives used to describe Cave Creek artist Robin Ray’s creations. Her illustrations of the natural world are full of life, motion and vivid color. The images leap out to greet patrons in her 2D murals and her 3D ceramic works. The vibrant energy of Ray’s design sensibility instantly creates a positive, fun and imaginative space for its viewers. Watercolor and acrylic are Ray’s first choice of paint. Flowers, vines, birds,

bugs, purple cows, orange horses and yellow pigs may be running across the landscape in any number of forms— as a mural, a watercolor or a ceramic sculpture. “It will have your exploring the world of possibilities,” Ray said. She asks viewers to stretch their imaginations when they see a piece commissioned by Ray. In fact, they are partners with her imagination. “Needless to say, I grew up among creative people,” she said. “I have been encouraged to think,

see RAY page 18

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Robin Ray works in her home studio. (Photo courtesy Robin Ray)

••

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

RAY from page 17

Thanks, Anthem. I love being here to help in a community where people are making a difference every day. Thank you for all you do.

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draw, sculpt and paint out of the box since before my memory.” Her first experience with clay was during a high school art class in Fargo, North Dakota, and it was love at first squeeze. When it was time for college, her dad took her to Bozeman, Montana, where she met Francis Senska, a professor with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of ceramics. Her dad informed her, “This is the school for you. She is the real deal.” And he was right, she said. After three years in Montana, Ray was steered toward Chapman’s World Campus Afloat, sailing to ports in Africa, India and Asia, where students studied religion, art and dance. The objective of the experiences was to teach the students how to integrate universal themes with their creativity across all mediums. Once Ray stepped ashore, she enrolled and graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 art education, teaching degree. In 1972, she purchased her first

potter’s wheel and kiln. Ray returned to Montana, with her ceramics equipment in tow, to work as a professional artist in a cottage manufacturing industry producing soft sculpture. During this time in Butte, she opened her own studio, The Robin’s Nest. As the year 1984 dawned, Ray was back in Arizona, where she took a job at Cactus Shadows High School as an art instructor. She was living her dream working with young artists. She “helped them discover their own creative edge and what their contribution might be to YOU the world of imagination.” TO BE Ray returned to school—this time NAU—to earn her master’s in studio arts with an emphasis in ceramics. Retired from the Cave Creek Unified School District but not from creating, Ray is an active member of the Cave Creek arts community. She is a founding member of Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour and a prominent member of the Sonoran Arts League. Her ceramic animal sculptures are constructed from

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Musical Theatre of Anthem hosting auditions BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

usical Theatre of Anthem has announced auditions for three performances—“Aladdin Kids,” “13 the Musical” and “Godspell.”

‘Aladdin Kids’ Based on the iconic animated film, with an Academy Awardwinning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Disney’s “Aladdin Kids” tells the story of a street urchin, Aladdin, who is vying for the attention of the beautiful princess, Jasmine. He uses a genie’s magic power to become a prince to marry her. Specific to Disney’s “Aladdin Kids” are the Djinn, a group of stage magicians who execute the show’s magical moments. The auditions are Saturday, January 9—10:30 a.m. for general auditions; 9 a.m. for workshop participants A-L; 9:45 a.m. for workshop participants M-Z; dance call 9 a.m. Sunday, January 10; and callbacks at 10 a.m. Sunday, January 10. The cost is $325 for ages 6-12; 10% sibling discount. Scholarships are available. Audition preparation workshops are 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, January 7, and 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, January 8. Performances are March 25 to March 28. ‘13’ The auditions for “13,” a musical about fitting in and standing out, are Saturday, January 9—2:30 p.m. general auditions; 1 p.m. auditions for workshop participants A-L; 1:45 p.m. auditions for workshop participants M-Z; dance call

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at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 10; and 3 p.m. callbacks. An audition preparation workshop is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 7. Performances are April 29 to May 8. The cost to audition is $325 for ages 6 to We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the 12. There’s a 10% sibling discount, and scholarships are available. same committed support, but with a new view.

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‘Godspell’ “Godspell” We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the 3715 W Anthem W auditions are same committed support, but with a new view. Saturday, January Anthem AZ 85086 9—4:30 p.m. general We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the auditions; 4 p.m. for same committed support, but with a new view. workshop participants; dance call 6 p.m. Sunday, January 10; 6:30 p.m. Sunday, January 10, callbacks. Ages 15 to adult, all youth ages 15 to 19 are cast. The cost is $325 for We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhe ages 15 to 19; 10% sibling discount. same committed support, but with a new view. Scholarships available. The audition preparation workshop is 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 8. Performances are April 8 to April 18.

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American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, General information American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 New Address as of August 3, 2020 Those who audition are expected 014472 – 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633 3715 W Anthem Way Suite 112 to bring a musical theater song— Anthem AZ 85086 or any song they’re comfortable 3715 W Anthem Way Suite 112 with—16 to 32 bars or 1 minute Anthem AZ 85086 in length. They should bring an accompaniment with CD or iPod. New Address as o They are welcome to sing a cappella, if needed. Registration materials must be completed prior to the audition. 3715 W Anthem W For materials and additional Anthem AZ 8508 information and to reserve a spot, visit musicaltheatreofanthem.org. During the audition preparation workshops, participants will be instructed on cold reads, acting American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 technique and characterization. American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, 014472 – 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633 American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 Workshop participants will audition 014472 – 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633 prior to the general audition time. Cost is $35, and space is limited to just 18 participants session. is aCompany, 10% S.I. and its Operating Companies, Americanper Family MutualThere Insurance siblingAmerican discount. Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, The014472 auditions will be held at the MTA’s American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, – 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633 American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 theater space, 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite 014472 – Company, 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633 American Family Insurance 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53 B100, Anthem. 014472 – 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633

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ith the last 60 days of 2020 coming upon us, it seems what many people are especially thankful for this year is that it is finally coming to an end. This year has been one like no other. The fall season traditionally brings in the holiday season, except for 2020. The Centers for Disease Control has released new guidelines for celebrating Thanksgiving. This year they recommend families have virtual gatherings versus traveling to spend time with loved ones. People seem to be listening to this advice. According to the New York Times, 70% of Americans plan to celebrate Thanksgiving differently this year, meaning they will not be traveling to spend time with family this month but will be staying home with just their immediate family. Both Butterball and Hormel foods are trying to pivot to the needs of the average family, realizing that unlike years past, large turkeys may not be sought after by the average consumer. Numerator, a Chicago-based market research firm, just released results from recent surveys. The surveys are showing that after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s will also be different. New York City has canceled the annual New Year’s Eve gathering in Times Square. For the first time in 114 years, New York City is banning crowds from gathering to see this yearly tradition of watching that crystal ball drop live. They are asking people to bring in the New Year virtually. Over 50% of the Christmas shopping season is projected to be done exclusively online. It seems 2020 will be going out much like it has been for most of the year. It is completely different—unlike anything we have experienced in past fall celebrations. However, Thanksgiving is still Thanksgiving and Christmas is still Christmas. We may not be feeding as many people or exchanging gifts with as many, but the values and purpose of these year-end celebrations are

still in effect. Yes, it’s been a tough year, but we still have much to be thankful for. We can still pray and give thanks as we gather on the fourth Thursday in November. Quoting the Charlie Brown character Linus, we can still celebrate that, “for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior.” We can still celebrate the beginning of a New Year putting the past behind us and looking forward to a better year. We can still be generous. We can still be encouraging. We can still have hope. What would life be if we didn’t have hope? Let me remind you that earlier this year, when this pandemic hit in full force, shopping malls such as Desert Ridge rehung their outdoor Christmas lights, inviting people to social distance but to walk around the parking lot and enjoy the calmness of Christmas lights shining in the night sky. On Friday, March 20, the Hallmark channel began to run a Christmas movie marathon, playing 27 “Countdown to Christmas” movies. Why did shopping malls rehang Christmas lights and why did Hallmark replay Christmas movies in March and April? Because the meaning and celebration of Christmas brings joy, peace and hope and this past spring people needed that reassurance. This fall and winter season, people need the reassurance that life still holds hope. No matter how many people are around your Thanksgiving table this month or how many people you will be exchanging gifts with next month, let me encourage you to let peace and hope be the center of all you do.

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21 ••

J&B celebrates the holiday with Jingle and Kris Kringle BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

arbara Willis, who owns J&B Furniture Consignment, is getting in on the holiday spirit by bringing Christmas to her store with Anthem’s Jingle & Kris Kringle. The free event is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, November 21. “So many people are tired of being locked up in their house because of COVID-19 going on, so we decided to bring some cheer and have a holiday event,” Willis said. “We’re going to decorate the store and get it all Christmassy.” Willis enlisted the help of her friend Maureen Connolly, who runs Christmas Creations, to help decorate her store. “(Connolly) actually does all the decorating for all the mansions over in Fountain Hills and Scottsdale area. She does beautiful work, and during the rest of the year she does floral arrangements,” Willis said. “She’s going to set up several (custom-

made floral arrangements) out front and then she’s going to let it kind of flow into the store.” Connolly will provide decorated wreaths, garlands and ornaments for sale, too. Santa Claus will make a special appearance, too. “We’re going to have a photographer so if people want to bring their pets (or family) they can get their picture taken with Santa at no charge,” Willis said. Refreshments will be served while masks and social distancing will be observed. Willis’ neighbor Glamour Couture will be involved, showcasing its own set of decorations while customers

Hidden In The Hills Artist Studio Tour

shop the casual to special occasion selection of apparel. The event serves as a benefit as well. “We also thought to get a large gift box and put a little slit in the top and take donations for Anthem Pets because we’re both pet people and to present it to them at the end of the day or the next day,” Willis said. “I think it will be a good. I think people in Anthem really like pets and their pets are family.” Willis hopes that this event will give people the incentive to get out of their house and get “in the festive mood.” “I hope it will turn out great because the tree-lighting ceremony is on the same day and I know for a couple of years we have, the flow of traffic just going to the outlets is pretty heavy,” Willis said. J&B Furniture Consignment 42407 N. Vision Way, Suite 101, Anthem 623-551-4135

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NVSO opts for videos instead of season BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF WRITER

orth Valley Symphony Orchestra musicians have been hard at work this fall in a challenging environment. Though big performances are canceled, the NVSO musicians are planning smaller “chamber concerts” in neighborhoods where they live. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible for the musicians to meet as a full ensemble, NVSO has continued to provide the opportunity for musicians of all ages to learn, rehearse and perform exceptional music. NVSO operates three youth ensembles, which have been meeting virtually every week. Students have been given a premium subscription to SmartMusic, an online music education tool. They receive weekly assignments and also have access to a library of music. In addition to weekly assignments, the

three ensembles hold virtual rehearsals. NVSO adult musicians were given the opportunity to meet in small chamber ensembles. Groups of no more than eight musicians have been rehearsing in homes, following COVID-19 protocols including wearing masks and maintaining at least 6 feet of separation between musicians. The chamber ensembles are recording their work this month, with videos to be released virtually in December and January. In place of its annual Christmas concert, NVSO will offer “very localized performances in our Neighborhood Noels program,” according to NVSO Music Director Kevin Kozacek. NVSO musicians will hold small

chamber concerts of holiday music in their neighborhoods, maintaining appropriate COVID-19 precautions. “COVID-19 has been especially difficult for the entertainment industry,” Kozacek said. “NVSO has canceled our major concerts for one entire year, from March 2020 to March 2021. Our holiday concerts are usually the best attended and most beloved concert of the season, and we are disappointed that we will not be able to provide that special performance.”

RAY from page 18

But he said he was enthusiastic about the chamber concerts plan. “These chamber ensembles will provide weekly YouTube performances beginning around Thanksgiving. The weekly events will be posted on our website and on social media,” Kozacek said. For more information about North Valley Symphony Orchestra programs, visit northvalleysymphony.org or facebook. com/northvalleysymphonyorchestra.

slabs of clay decorated with abstract, sometimes primitive, designs. As a result, her work becomes 3D paintings as well as sculptural pieces. In addition, over time, Ray’s murals have become a major focus of her ever-evolving artistic style in whimsical design. Samples of Ray’s art can be viewed at robinrayart.com. She can be reached

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at 480-567-4197 or by email at robinnst49@gmail.com. Her studio is open by appointment year-round. Visit her home studio No. 26 during this year’s Hidden in the Hills from November 20 to November 22 and November 27 to November 29. For more information about the tour, visit sonoranartsleague.org. Contact arts columnist Shea Stan�ield at �lowingquill@yahoo.com.

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YOUTH

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Cactus Shadows’ soccer captain given scholarship BY KENDALL ROOKER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

actus Shadows senior Riley Glasco was looking to help her soccer team replicate or improve its record this season. She was promoted to captain, but it didn’t work out as planned. The senior will not compete in her last season, because she sustained an ACL injury a few weeks ago. She’ll still serve as captain. “I was hoping to be captain and set my new record for scoring in a season,” Glasco said. “I wanted to score at least 10 goals. I wanted to make it to first team all-conference.”

The former co-captain, Glasco said her focus is to be a good leader and captain of the soccer team because she will be unable to compete with her teammates. “I was excited to find out I was captain, since my freshman year it was hard to feel like I had a place,” Glasco said. “I was timid that year and broke out of my shell, getting comfortable with everyone. I wanted to make sure the next few years everyone was included and not feeling out of place. “I worked toward it. I always wanted to have a voice on the team. I felt hon-

see SOCCER page 25

Riley Glasco is the captain of Cactus Shadows High School’s soccer team but cannot play due to a torn ACL, for which she will soon have surgery. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

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YOUTH

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SOCCER �� page 24

ored because I knew what I had been doing the last few years has been paying off. This year knowing that I will still be able to do it and to be looked at more of a leadership position rather than being someone on the team who leads by example is great.” Leading her teammates isn’t anything new for Glasco. While playing for club teams when she was younger, she was the captain. Her mentality on the field is to be there for her teammates, even if she is having a bad game. She takes a leadership position off the field, too. “I love working at Feed My Starving Children, Welcome to America, a lot of good organizations out there to help improve the community and other aspects,” Glasco said. She has also worked with the community through Ragnar Relay, and has been working with the National Charity League since she was in the sixth grade. She’s done about 25 hours of community service work this year. Thanks to her leadership and community service skills, she was awarded the Positive Coaching Alliance Scholarship. She is one of 15 students in the state of Arizona to receive this scholarship. “I was so excited. It was an awesome feeling knowing I was recognized. I love team sports, so being recognized what I do is huge for me,” Glasco said. Glasco is unsure where she’ll play collegiate soccer. Right now she’s focused on Cactus Shadows’ team. “This season I expect around the same results,” she said. “We did lose a few good seniors, but as always we are going to get a lot of good new players. We have a lot of upperclassmen who will play to our strength of experience.”

HAVE A YOUTH STORY? Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 or christina@timespublications.com

STUDENT CHRONICLES Know a student doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email christina@timespublications.com. BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Andrew Hobley of Phoenix graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee. Hobley earned a Bachelor of Arts in public relations. Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of Downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. More than 8,000 undergraduate students and 3,500 graduate and professional students attend Marquette University; nearly all states and 64 countries are represented. In addition to its nationally recognized academic programs, Marquette is known for its service learning programs and internships, as students are challenged to use what they learn to make a difference in the world.

Find out more about Marquette at marquette.edu. Nearly 600 University of Dallas undergraduate students were named to the spring 2020 dean’s list for earning a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher. Among those were Francis Villanueva of Anthem, Gabriela Garcia of Cave Creek and Damian Kosciolek of Phoenix. The University of Dallas, located in a metropolitan area of more than 8 million people, is a leading Catholic university widely recognized for academic excellence by well-known publications, organizations and accrediting bodies. It offers distinctive individual undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in the liberal arts, business and ministry that are characterized by an exceptional, engaged faculty; a commitment to shaping principled, well-skilled leaders; and academic rigor in the Catholic intellectual tradition. For more information, visit udallas.edu.

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Call Sharon at

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H errera’s M asonry LLC

Licensed - Bonded - Insured • Over 20 Years Experience

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Health & Beauty

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Landscape Design/Installation

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MEDICAL GRADE SKINCARE ACNE SPECIALIST

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Irrigation

& Landscape est. 2002 ~ Anthem, Arizona

Install • Repair • Replace

623-203-7717

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Landscape/Maintenance

Desert Rock Spreaders

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Mobile

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

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Residential & Commercial

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PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC Member of ABM

Licensed • Bonded • Insured ROC 223367

Valleywide

CR 42 DUAL

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Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC #166390

Solar Energy

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Well Drilling & Repairs

REASONS TO GO SOLAR

Specializing in Water Well Drilling and Pump Installation and Service

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(including well inspections)

25+ Years in New River

Questions on Solar?

Commerical & Residential 602-501-0787 Paul.M@Solar-AES.com

Welding

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480-488-3677

623-465-9355 www.beemanbrothersdrilling.com

Call Paul

Cave Creek Welding, Inc.

phillipsroofingaz.com phillipsroofing@cox.net

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AZCAN

We'll Get Your Phone to Ring! We Accept:

42407 N. Vision Way – Anthem, AZ

623.551.4135

Windows

CALL CLASSIFIEDS

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Rooﬁng

Sprinkler Repair Landscaping & More!

Almeida Roofing Inc.

Licensed • Bonded • Insured COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL

Miscellaneous For Sale

DUKES EXCAVATING

Rooﬁng

CaveCreekWelding.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC 064267 Major Credit Cards Accepted

SERVICE DIRECTORY

480-898-6465 We'll Get Your Phone to Ring!

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 18, 2020

Why Invest in a REME-Halo?

Installed Price:

Benefits Include:

• Whole home and building purification • Kills up to 99% of bacteria, mold and viruses • Reduces sneeze germs by 99% in the time a sneeze can reach 3 ft • Reduces airborne particulates (dust, dander, pollen, mold spores)

Learn more by Scanning Here

Schedule for a Furnace Safety Inspection

Membership Price:

Includes:

• • • •

Calibrate Gas Valve Clean Flame Sensor Electrical Component Test Check and Clean Gas Burner

$79.00 Normally

Call or Text to Schedule an Appointment

AIR

CONDITIONING

•

ELECTRICAL

•

PLUMBING

•

WATER

TREATMENT