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

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INSIDE

This Week

BUSINESS ......... 19

Dr. Edward J. Dohring named president of spine society

Anthem Area Edition

Desert Mountain’s Schwarting named top principal BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

r. JoAnn Schwarting, who helms Desert Mountain School, has been named Deer Valley Unified School District’s 2021 Principal of the Year. “I am honored beyond belief,” Schwarting said. “The 2020-21 school year required unprecedented campus leadership, and there isn’t an administrator in the district who doesn’t deserve to be principal of the year this year. I am also profoundly thankful for the Desert Mountain staff.”

Schwarting said the staff ’s collaborative nature and experience allows her to succeed in her job and with the Return to School Safely committee. “I am so proud to bring this award back to Desert Mountain School to share and honor this collective achievement,” she added. A native of Lakeside, Schwarting graduated from Blue Ridge High School. After serving four years in the U.S. Navy, Schwarting earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in education from ASU, a Master of Arts degree in educational administration and supervision from NAU, and

Martin, Spinelli honored in Anthem

Local wellness center taps into reiki services

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

YOUTH ............. 29

OPINION ................... 10 BUSINESS ................. 19 FEATURES ................ 20 YOUTH ...................... 29 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 30 Zone I

Thursday, November 25, 2021

FEATURES ........ 20

Justin Williamson named to 2021 dean’s list

PAGE

he Anthem Community Council presented veteran photographer Mike Spinelli with the Anthem Veterans Service Award on Nov. 11. He was honored for his service to the Anthem Veterans Memorial and the community. Additionally, Anthem Veterans Memorial Chief Engineer Jim Martin was recognized with a $1,000 STEM Scholarship in his name. The prize will be awarded to a 2022 Anthem graduate, who will major in a STEM field.

Anthem Veterans Service Award Retired from the USAF, Spinelli donated his time and resources in service to the build of the Anthem Veterans Memorial and spent years photographing ceremonies and veterans. His pre-ceremony slideshow is still in use. This year, Spinelli volunteered for three days to take photos of veterans for the ceremony, and he accepted the ACC’s request to support the event as a photographer due to short staffing. In 2019, Spinelli received a Congres-

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VETERAN �� 4

a doctorate in education leadership and innovation from ASU. Schwarting has served the Deer Valley Unified School District since 2005. For seven years, she taught English language arts at Desert Mountain School before transferring to Desert Sky Middle School to work as an instructional coach and an assistant principal. In her fifth year as Desert Mountain principal, Schwarting supported the COVID-19 model school set-ups across the district.

�� DVUSD �� 9

Veteran photographer Mike Spinelli, right, was awarded the 2021 Anthem Veterans Service Award presented by the Anthem Community Council. (Submitted photo)

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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 :

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

VETERAN from page 1

sional Service Award from Rep. Debbie Lesko. A quote from his nomination reads, “His photos remind us that behind each branch are proud men and women who selfishly stand to protect our values and rights…as a photo is worth a thousand words, Mike’s dedication to telling the stories of our veterans and capturing the stories that continue with the AVM, is unprecedented.” The ACC created the Anthem Veterans Service Award in 2013. The award, presented annually to an individual or group to recognize “extraordinary service and sel�less dedication in support of our nation’s veterans,” has become a staple of the Veterans Day Ceremony, held each Nov. 11 at the Anthem Veterans Memorial. A plaque with the names of all recipients is on display at the Anthem Civic Building. Past winners include Youth for Troops (2020): Ron Tucker (2019); Tom Kirk (2018); John Simmons (2017); Bob Hackett (2017); Liz Turner (2016); Ray Norris (2015);

Jim Martin, right, is resposible for all the engineering and math concepts that ensure the sun casts a perfect solar spotlight onto The Great Seal every year. (Submitted photo) Mary Ann Derryberry (2014) and the Daisy Mountain Veterans (2013).

Jim Martin STEM Scholarship In 2008, Martin took a drawing, wrote concept papers, produced tech-

nical drawings, worked and reworked cost estimates, and determined the engineering and math concepts to ensure that the sun could cast a perfect solar spotlight onto The Great Seal every year, including leap years. He then interfaced with the county, vendors and Haydon Building Corp. personnel on site to bring the idea to life. Many are not aware that the math behind the memorial is used in schools around the country, including textbooks, and was even featured on “Jeopardy.” In that spirit, a $1,000 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math—or STEM—scholarships will be awarded to an Anthem resident and 2022 high school senior or graduate who will attend an accredited university or community college. This student will have demonstrated exceptional mathematical or engineering abilities, determination, integrity and community spirit, like Martin. Thanks to a donor, this scholarship also is funded at the $500 level for the next five years. The Anthem Veterans Memorial Thousands were in attendance for the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Anthem Veterans Memorial, which also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the memorial. Military veterans and

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

VETERAN from page 4

those serving from all five branches, as well as their families, were honored. Speakers included: Admiral Tom Fargo (USN, retired) served as the keynote speaker. Fargo’s distinguished Naval career culminated with his assignment as commander of the U.S. Pacific Command. He served as commander, Submarine Group SEVEN; commander, Task Force SEVEN FOUR; and commander, Task Force ONE FIVE SEVEN in the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf; and commanded the United States FIFTH Fleet and Naval Forces of the Central Command during two years of Iraqi contingency operations. He served as the 29th commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet from October 1999 to May 2002. Lt. Col. Mark Clifford (USAF, retired) presented the Veteran’s Perspective. Clifford served as a fuel loader for Air Force One; an executive officer in the physical education department and assistant boxing coach at the U.S. Air

Thousands were in attendance for the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Anthem Veterans Memorial, which also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the memorial. (Submitted photo) Force Academy; in special operations deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Qatar, Africa and South Korea; and as a squadron commander. Clifford is the assistant dean and director of sports business for the Colangelo School of

Business at Grand Canyon University. Dr. Timothy Swindle, director of the University of Arizona Space Institute and the Arizona Space Grant Consortium and after whom Asteroid 8690 Swindle is named, provided a brief

history about the extensive role Arizona has played in the space program prior to the U.S. Space Force flags being dedicated into the memorial. Other speakers included Lt. Col. Amber Cargile (USAF, retired), who served as the mistress of ceremonies; Pastor Mac McElroy delivered the invocation; Musical Theatre of Anthem and ProMusica Arizona performed special music; and Darrin Francom (lieutenant, USN) who is the ACC Board of Directors vice chair, presented the awards. Throughout the 10th anniversary ceremony, others who have participated or contributed to the AVM since its dedication in 2011 were featured or honored in various roles. At 11:11 a.m., the sun shone through the five ellipses of the AVM and a spotlight was cast on the Great Seal of the United States; the moment was shown live and in real time on an LED screen. Additionally, four F-16s from Luke Air Force Base, flown by four squadron commanders — a historic first in Arizona — flew over the memorial to end the ceremony.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

APS encourages customers to hang up on scammers BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

he phone rings. Caller ID lists APS. The caller says your electricity will be shut off within the hour if you don’t pay your overdue bill immediately. Hang up — this is a scam. An imposter scam is when someone pretends to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money. The scammers are often aggressive and intimidating, demanding payment directly from your bank or in the form of prepaid cards or cryptocurrencies. Before and throughout the pandemic, Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) has provided customers with tips to recognize imposter scams, which escalated to take advantage of the �inancial challenges many have faced through COVID-19. APS joined energy, water and gas utilities across the country to recognize Nov. 17 as the sixth annual Utility Scam Awareness Day, an advocacy and

awareness campaign organized by Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS). The 2021 theme is “End the Call, End the Scam.” Scammers will prey on anyone from vulnerable populations like the elderly to small business customers and even a Valley mayor. City of Surprise Mayor Skip Hall knew the call threatening to shut off his power and demanding $400 via a Green Dot prepaid card was not legit, but he can understand how others become victims of these scams. “What I found most concerning was seeing ‘APS Customer Service’ on my caller ID. It’s deceiving and does make you question, ‘how is this possible?’” Hall said. That practice is called spoo�ing. Scammers disguise their number to make it appear it is from a known source. In addition to utilities, they spoof the numbers of local businesses, government agencies, even police departments. “As soon as I hung up, my thoughts

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went to warning others. I reached out to APS to report the call and get information to share with residents and help protect them from these scammers,” Hall said. “APS representatives will never use the tactics often employed by scammers, such as threatening language or demanding money or personal information on the spot to prevent disconnection,” said Monica Whiting, APS vice president of customer experience and communications. “It’s important for customers to be aware and know they can check their account status anytime on aps.com or through our care center by calling the number listed on their bill or online. APS also offers customers payment arrangements, customer assistance or time to pay through secure ways to avoid disconnection.” Common scam tactics Utility scammers can be extremely sophisticated at making customers believe they are not an imposter, often by using strategies such as: • Threatening immediate service disconnection. They ask for personal information or demand payments to prevent service interruption. • Taking advantage of increased online activities during the pandemic. They ask for payments over the phone via digital payment apps, cryptocurrencies or direct bank transactions. • Preying on households with tight budgets. Scammers may inform customers they have overpaid utility bills and are due a refund but must �irst provide

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their banking information to process the refund. They also may claim that immediate bill payment will result in a discount or that a charitable donation can be made in exchange for a lesser bill payment. • Posing as utility employees by claiming the number on the caller ID does not match the utility’s phone number due to the company’s COVID-19 remote work policies. If you receive a suspicious call from a possible scammer, APS offers these tips: • Slow down. Scammers typically try to rush customers into making rash decisions. • Verify. If you are unsure of a caller’s identity, hang up and contact the utility directly by using the information on your most recent bill or the utility’s website. Never use redial or the number provided by the suspicious caller. • Stop before you act. Think about the information the caller is asking of you. If it seems unsafe or incorrect, rethink the situation and ask questions. • Protect your personal information: Never share personal or credit card information with an unveri�ied source. • Call 911: Customers should call 911 if they ever feel they are in physical danger. APS encourages customers targeted by scammers to report the incident to local law enforcement, APS at 602-3717171 or 1-800-253-9505 and the Arizona Attorney General’s Of�ice at 602-5425763. Customers can visit aps.com/ scams for more information about utility scams.

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elp Arizona firefighters and police officers ensure an ample patient blood supply by donating during the First Responders Unite Holiday Blood Drive. Thanksgiving and through New Year’s Eve is the most difficult time of the year to maintain our blood supply. First responders know firsthand you can’t wait for an emergency to donate. It’s the blood on the shelves that saves lives. In appreciation for giving blood by Nov. 30, all Valley donors will be thanked with a voucher for one complimentary admission to the Hall of Flame, the world’s largest fire museum. To make an appointment to donate blood, visit vitalant. org or call 1-877-25-VITAL (877258-4825). It was the blood already on the shelves that saved Phoenix Police Officer Chase McCance, who was injured in a nearly fatal crash with a wrong-way driver last New Year’s Day. It was the early morning hours of Jan. 1 when McCance was struck by a wrong-way driver. First responders rushed him to the hospital with multiple broken bones and internal bleeding. He required numerous blood transfusions while doctors operated to try to find the source of this internal bleeding. He spent more than one month in the hospital recovering from his injuries before he was finally able to come home to welcome his new baby boy in March and return to work on light duty in May. “I’ve consistently donated blood throughout my life, but never thought I would be on the receiving end,” McCance said. “I’ll always be grateful to the people who donated blood and gave me the gift of getting to see my kids grow up.”

COVID-19 continues to impact Arizona supplies, as virtual workforces have caused the cancellation of nearly 33% of all blood drives statewide. At the same time, hospital blood usage has escalated as patients resume essential surgeries postponed during the height of the pandemic. “Holiday blood donors are urgently needed,” said Sid Lewis Sr., director of Donor Recruitment for the Vitalant Southwest Division. “Since blood has a shelf life of 42 days, donations given in November can help save lives through New Year’s Day.” Donors of all blood types are needed for the holiday season, especially O-negative, the universal type used in emergencies and traumas. To dedicate your blood donation in honor of first responders, register at First Responders Holiday Blood Drive and follow the prompts to make an appointment at any Vitalant Arizona blood drive or donor center.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

DVUSD from page 1

“Principals today must have a collaborative spirit,” she said. “As they collectively develop a vision of the school, they must also trust and support the community as they work toward meeting the vision. Being a principal today also means that you are able to develop and sustain trusting relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members. You have to be truly invested in the well-being of all you serve.” Dr. Gary Zehrbach, deputy superintendent of administrative leadership and services, said he admires her work. “Dr. Schwarting was instrumental in helping more than 30,000 students from the DVUSD community experience in-person school for the majority of the 2020-21 school year,” Zehrbach said. “Her leadership and efforts went above and beyond.” McCarthy Building Companies is the award’s sponsor.

Dr. JoAnn Schwarting, middle, 2021 Deer Valley Uniﬁed School District Principal of the Year with Dr. Gary Zehrbach, right, deputy superintendent of Administrative Leadership & Services for DVUSD and Jennifer Minor, left, manager of Administrative Leadership & Services for DVUSD. (Photo courtesy of Deer Valley Uniﬁed School District)

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Spend one day being thankful plenty of food and loved ones close by. Still, our hearts will go out to the many families who will set one less dinner plate at the table this year. What are you eating on Thanksgiving? Let me guess. Probably a big bird. We Americans love our turkey dinner. Did you know that 1 million people will call the Butterball Turkey Talk Line around the holidays? From anxious �irst-time cooks to experienced chefs, it seems every now and then, it helps to “talk turkey” with an expert. There are 50 “turkey experts” standing by to advise peo-

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

t seems we are all thankful for the ability to get together this year. Last year we had to cope with words like “social distancing” and “nuclear family gatherings,” with suggestions of holding dinner outdoors. Well, good riddance to 2020. The good news is that about 50 million Americans are traveling this week. Time to break out the china and celebrate this Thanksgiving the way we want to, with

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ple on how to safely thaw out the bird (no, do not put it in a bathtub) or how to speed up the cooking process when you forgot to turn the oven on (impossible to do). Oh, and those hot oil turkey fryers? Get your �ire extinguisher handy because they can burn the house down. Be careful. Cooking can be dangerous. Gee, if a million folks a year have been calling into a hotline about cooking turkeys for the past 35 years, it tells me that something is way too complicated. Maybe the only reason we eat turkey is because it is big enough to feed a crowd, even if we don’t necessarily like it. Uh oh, now the emails will be �lying my way. Honestly, I love traditions, yet how many times a year do people actually make turkey dinners? Ha! Once. Probably the pilgrims didn’t worry much about cooking turkeys. They got on a ship, off to place unknown, unsettled, with only hopes of a better life. One hundred men, women and children spent 66 days crossing the Atlantic to come to a “new world,” overcoming harsh weather, sickness and fear. There were Native people, strange foods, no way back home, and yet in 1621 a group of brave and weary souls joined the Wampanoag tribe for a feast to “give thanks.” Fast forward to 2021. Many stores will be open on Thursday and folks might

start their Christmas shopping. Hmm, maybe Thanksgiving will become one big “early bird special.” Which would be a shame because it is the day that symbolizes the pure spirit of giving thanks. In many ways, Thanksgiving might be the greatest holiday of all. No gift giving to commercialize it, no one religion to limit it, no elf to trivialize it. If you are sitting across the table from children or grandkids who look, think, talk and act in ways you might �ind “dif�icult” to understand, remember the pilgrims. They had found themselves in a place that was unimaginable, and yet were grateful for a harvest and life itself. After the last year, let’s spend one day being thankful. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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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.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Politics and the projection room BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

hat is the strongest combination in �ilm’s history? Not Tracy and Hepburn. Nor Bogart and Bacall. Not even Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. Nope, the combination that’s tighter than popcorn and hot butter is Hollywood and the American left. The closeness between Tinseltown’s “creative community” and the political causes supported therein can be found in the plot lines of major motion pictures and television shows, the high-dollar donations lavished on Democrat candidates, and the sheer “star power” that energizes campaigns when a candidate’s charisma is in short supply. Hollywood has even contributed one of its terms from the �ilm industry lexicon: projection. Production runs its course on location

and the sound stage; projection is the “perpetual process,” so vital to the movie biz. Whether in a theater, at a drive-in or via video, �ilms depend on projection for viewing and, ultimately, for revenue. But in “Hollywood for the cosmetically challenged” — the place we commonly call Washington, D.C. — politics provides a different meaning for “projection.” In a recent column, Victor Davis Hanson describes it as “the psycho-political syndrome of attributing all of one’s own sins to one’s opponents.” Examples abound. One of the most vexing problems we face as a nation is now called “Biden�lation.” In less than one year, Ol’ Joe and his crew have triggered an in�lationary spiral by clamping down on energy production, shutting down domestic pipelines, and imposing even more excessive regulation on the oil and gas industry. As prices at the pump — and the grocery store — have soared, Democrat

poll numbers have tanked. That reality becomes increasingly problematic for members of the House who sit on the left side of the aisle and hope to hang on to their seats in the 2022 midterm elections. Facing electoral extinction, what’s a leftist to do? If you answered, “projection,” you may one day �ind work as a political columnist. Under the guise of oversight, Democrat Reps. Carolyn Maloney of New York and Ro Khanna of California recently held a hearing titled “Fueling the Climate Crisis: Exposing Big Oil’s Disinformation Campaign.” While that title isn’t as catchy as “Jaws” or “All the President’s Men,” this Democrat duo hopes to evade the jaws of defeat, having ignored the actions of “The Biden Bunch,” but impugned energy companies. Rep. Maloney, chairman of the House Oversight Committee, made it clear she would overlook any cogent responses

offered by the energy executives “invited” to testify, as in her scripted remarks she claimed that those executives were obviously lying. Chairman Maloney chose to de�ine differences of opinion as devious deceptions — even when some who testi�ied agreed that there is, in fact, climate change — but not to the apocalyptic de-

see HAYWORTH page 18

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Take ownership for your words BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

n my first newspaper job 30 years ago, I worked for higher-ups who were, to put it mildly, cretins. One boss, dead now, stood out for his screaming, insults, and the glee he took in being outrageously offensive. Part of my job was taking part in afternoon news meetings, where this Head Honcho presided over a discussion about what would make tomorrow’s Page One. In one such meeting the focus turned to a homicide committed in a poor part of the city. The Big Boss had a question. “What persuasion” was the dead man? Informed the victim was Black, he uttered a word I’ll never forget. “Next.” The killing was buried deep inside the paper. We all left disgusted by where we worked and for whom. But nobody objected. I didn’t say a word.

November Specials

Maybe because this was the 1990s, or because I was a coward, new to the job and afraid to be fired. Regardless, I am ashamed to retell the story in print. I do so because, to hear ESPN tell it, working for the Phoenix Suns under owner Robert Sarver may be a lot like working for that despot — a bully, a misogynist, a racist. These are charges Sarver has denied through his attorneys, including in a lengthy denial released weeks before ESPN published its Nov. 4 story, written by senior writer Baxter Holmes. Holmes’ piece accuses Sarver of frequently using the N-word, including in the presence of Black employees like then-coach Earl Watson. Holmes says he interviewed more than 70 former and current Suns employees, including executives and at least one co-owner. The story describes “a toxic and sometimes hostile workplace” during Sarver’s 17 years owning the Suns.

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Sarver’s denials have been emphatic. “I’ve never called anyone or any group of people the N-word, or referred to anyone or any group of people by the N-word, either verbally or in writing,” he said through his lawyers. “I don’t use that word. It is abhorrent and ugly and denigrating and against everything I believe in.” The NBA has hired law firm Wachtell Lipton to investigate the charges. Media reports indicate the investigators have offered team employees confidentiality in exchange for their participation in the investigation. That confidentiality bothers me, as does the confidentiality granted by ESPN to virtually every accuser in the story, essentially everyone quoted with the exception of Earl Watson, who Sarver fired only three games into the 2017 season, after a 48-point defeat that ranks as the worst opening night loss in NBA history. After three decades writing news,

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I understand the desire of sources to stay anonymous. But Holmes’ 70 interviewees are not risking their safety or lives in calling out Sarver. The former employees may be risking some career impact. The current Suns employees? They’d be risking a job they might be better off leaving, given the workplace they’ve described. Had ESPN’s sources used their

see LEIBOWITZ page 18

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OPINION

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CORRECTIONS The opinion piece by JD Hayworth headlined “Political ‘press-ure’ demeans Trump” in the Oct. 20 issue of The Foothills Focus, included the following paragraphs:

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When the inevitable yielded to the improbable, Bennett cried and other staffers scrambled, scurrying to �ill the gap with somber live coverage that supplanted the joyous pre-produced, planned programming.”

“As it does for every U.S. presidential election, VOA produced accurate, objective, and comprehensive coverage of Election Night 2016 for its global audience,” said Yolanda Lopez, acting VOA director.

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Amanda Bennett, then the VOA director, ordered the production of a celebratory documentary, ‘America’s First Woman President,’ to be aired once the votes were counted and the inevitable had occurred.

In a statement to the Foothills Focus, VOA con�irmed no such documentary was ever requested by VOA leadership. Additionally, former VOA Director Amanda Bennett was in the presence of many other VOA staff members and was never witnessed crying on Election Night 2016.

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“Then, on election night, the unthinkable happened: Donald John Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States. Not only did the alphabet networks have trouble minding their p’s and q’s, but the taxpayer-�inanced Voice of America (VOA) dissolved into the tears of a clown. Radio/TV insiders relayed a revealing tale from deep inside the broadcast bureaucracy.

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OPINION

LEIBOWITZ �� 13

names, they very well might have been hailed as heroes. In 2021, in the more supportive culture of whistleblowing that exists today, I’d say the chances were 50-50. Regardless, we will never know. Criticizing their anonymity is easy for me to do. It even brands me a hypocrite. After all, I didn’t have the fortitude to confront a bully when I had

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

the chance, even anonymously. I’m still ashamed by that failure. I’ve never been a Sarver fan, so denigrating those who have attacked him feels uncomfortable. But I have come to feel strongly about speaking truth to power. Holmes’ story is thorough, but its rampant anonymity leads me to wonder how much of it is gospel truth. I think it’s better to put your name on the things you say. Every last word.

HAYWORTH �� 12

gree enshrined in Democrat dogma. One glaring omission in this “oversight” hearing was obviously a deliberate oversight: the extent to which energy dollars have fueled the campaigns of Rep. Maloney and the personal fortune of her partner in “protection through projection,” Rep. Khanna. Nonpartisan campaign �inance watchdogs have documented that the New York congresswoman has taken campaign contributions totaling over $100,000 from the energy industry — including $12,000 from oil and gas interests for next year’s midterms — even after signing a “no fossil fuel” pledge in the last election cycle. In attempting to publicly shame energy executives, Rep. Maloney believes it will de�lect attention from her oil-soaked campaign coffers, which, at one point, had her ranked ninth among all 435 House members — Democrats and Republicans alike. Rep. Khanna obviously believed that he took his “star turn” during the hearing when he demanded that oil executives commit to an “independent audit to verify that none of (their) funds are going to climate denial.” Sad to say, the California congressman is experiencing his own “economic climate denial,” because he never speaks publicly about the energy investments found in his family’s

ample portfolio. Newsweek recently reported that Mr. Khanna’s family purchased between $30,000 and $100,000 in stock from Chevron and ExxonMobil. That same report states that they also purchased $3,003 to $45,000 worth of shares in natural gas companies ConocoPhillips, Dominion Energy and Duke Energy. Those revelations, required by law in annual economic disclosure statements, have put Rep. Khanna on the defensive, but, still, he’s in denial. How else to explain that oil and gas have made up as much as $1.6 million of assets in his fortune? He now claims he’s divesting from the fossil fuel industry, but his recent campaign reports record over $11,000 in oil contributions for the current cycle. No one is claiming that either member of this Democrat duo is laundering funds. We’re just pointing out that they’re both stuck in a permanent “spin cycle.” And, when they need a break from hanging out their political wash, they will no doubt opt for a movie. Perhaps they’ll next choose to screen “The Candidate,” starring perennial Democrat donor Robert Redford, and released in 1972 — the same year a 29-year-old Joe Biden was elected to the Senate. Whatever �ilm they watch, Reps. Maloney and Khanna can take turns running the projector.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

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Dohring named president of spine society BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

r. Edward J. Dohring, the founder and medical director of the Spine Institute of Arizona, was named president of the North American Spine Society for the 2021-22 term. The North American Spine Society is the world’s largest organization of spine surgeons and nonsurgical spine care professionals, with over 8,000 active members from a plethora of disciplines, including orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, physiatry (PM&R), neurology, radiology, anesthesiology, physical therapy, chiropractic and research. Dohring — who has of�ices around the Valley including Peoria and Anthem — has been society volunteer for over 20 years, gaining invaluable experience, which led to his election as president. “I am honored and humbled to be asked to lead this great society and hope I can adequately �ill the shoes of those who have served before me,” he said. Dohring seeks to strengthen the society’s many projects. His goals during this presidency include growing diversity among society leadership, strengthening spine surgeon education, expanding video resources on the NASS

Dr. Edward J. Dohring is awarded the presidential medal, a symbol of his presidential status with the North American Spine Society for the 2021-22 term. Each president who has served gives the medal to the new president. (Submitted photo) website for surgeons and nonsurgical spine care physicians, and promoting evidence-based research for innovative surgical techniques. He graduated with honors from Dartmouth College and Yale Medical School and then completed his orthopaedic and spine residency training at the UVM Spine Institute of New England.

After graduation, Dohring completed his neurosurgical and orthopaedic spine surgery fellowship education at the University of Washington Medical Center. Dohring is a clinical associate professor at the Arizona College of Medicine and has trained innumerable medical students and more than 30 spine surgeons in the fellowship he directs at the Spine Institute of Arizona. He is the team spine consultant for the San Francisco Giants and is on the editorial board of The Spine Journal. His practice focuses on minimally invasive spine surgery, including the emerging �ield of robotic surgery, and he has

helped develop many of the minimally invasive techniques commonly used in spine surgery. After participating in the leadership transition ceremony, longtime friend and colleague and former society President Dr. Eric Truumees stated, “I already miss serving in the role of NASS president. But the leadership team at NASS works together closely. So, I have had several years to get to know Dr. Dohring as an exceptional and thoughtful leader. “As an organization, NASS is in great hands over the next year. I wish him all the success in the world, and I know he will do a great job.”

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Local wellness center taps into Reiki services BY JORDAN HOUSTON Foothills Focus Staff Writer

he North Phoenix-based Burns Integrative Wellness Center is expanding its reiki services to those looking for alternative forms of healing. The naturopathic medical office, located at 34406 N. 27th Drive, Unit 114, specializes in medical, aesthetic and therapeutic services using herbal, holistic and homeopathic remedies. It recently announced the addition of its newest staff member 18-year-old certified reiki practitioner Marshall Gedge. Gedge, a level II practitioner, said he is looking forward to raising awareness

about the alternative practice — which focuses on healing the energy and spiritual side of a person and has been used in Japan for over 100 years — while helping new patients throughout their healing journey. “I didn’t really know how to feel, I just knew I was excited,” Gedge said of his new opportunity. “And I’m still excited for it.” Reiki is an ancient therapeutic art designed to “increase the body’s restorative potential and is a complementary treatment approach to health,” according to The Life Enrichment Center. It works to decrease stress and anxiety through energy healing while promot-

ing wellbeing and calmness. The Burns Integrative Wellness Center emphasizes that each person has a flow of internal energy dictating their overall health. If low, the body becomes susceptible to “disease and illness,” it continues. Reiki seeks to strengthen that “life force” to promote “good health and happiness.” The term itself stems from the two Japanese words Rei, meaning “Higher Power,” and Ki, meaning “life force energy,” The Burns Integrative Wellness Center adds. A typical reiki session with Gedge lasts roughly 15 to 30 minutes, the 18-yearold explained. “I’ll start by asking what they want

reiki to do for them, whether it’s to help with anxiety, depression, pain or whatever they want to have reiki do,” Gedge said. “I figure out what they want done, and after that I’ll start at the head to get energy to flow and go from there and then find problem areas — that’s where I’ll start doing the work and try to help them.” Patients can opt to lie down on a table or recline in a chair during their session, Gedge continued. The practitioner will then place his hands on or over the patient’s body and hover over a few locations, such as the head, feet, or stomach, with the goal of directing energy to

see REIKI page 21

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Marshall Gedge is the new certiﬁed reiki practitoiner at the North Phoenix-based Burns Integrative Wellness Center. (Photo by David Minton)

REIKI

From page 20

help facilitate the person’s own healing response. Calming music is played in the background to promote relaxation and ease, according to The Center’s website. “I’ve had some people tell me they feel a warm feeling going through them, or that they felt stress going out of their jaw,” Gedge said. “I’ve also had people who don’t feel anything until a couple days after.” On an emotional and mental level, reiki works to promote personal awareness, amplify a more relaxed state and reduce stress. The Life Enrichment Center states that the “spiritual level benefits from reiki by enhancing the spiritual connection to the Light, balancing the various energies of the body, such as the chakras, and helps elevate meditative states.” Gedge said he believes reiki will eventually become more commonplace in Western culture. “I could definitely see it becoming more common,” said the practitioner. “A lot of people recently have been anxious and depressed because of the virus.” “We have psychologists for the brain, doctors for the physical – but we don’t really have that much in store for energy healing,” he added. Gedge, said he always felt keen on energy during his youth, received his reiki certification from the Tempe-based Life Enrichment Center. The organization, located at 2405 E. Southern Avenue, offers a variety of healing modalities, including

reiki, rapid eye technology, hypnosis, psychological-kinesiology and structural genetics-face reading, as well as certification courses. The Burns Center staff member said he was working to become a mechanic when he ultimately decided to take a leap of faith and pursue reiki. “Around my teenage years, I noticed I was able to do energy work — before anyone ever told me what it was,” Gedge said. “I was doing stuff for myself and then I found out about reiki and I kind of just pursued it.” During his entry-level trainings, Gedge was informed about the history of reiki, how to perform self-reiki and how to use the first three reiki symbols, according to The Life Enrichment Center’s website. He was also taught how to perform distant reiki. The 18-year-old is now working toward his III & IV level certifications, which are considered “Reiki Master Level.” Upon completion, Gedge will receive the Usui Master Reiki attunement and learn the Usui Master Reiki symbols. “I’m looking forward to actually helping people,” Gedge expressed. “Before, I didn’t feel I was reaching that many people. With this, I can help more people and I’m so excited. The Burns Integrative Wellness Center

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Sheila Kollasch paints in the studio.

to National Forest foothills and Spur Cross Ranch home their entire life. Raised in the “Valley of the Sun,” Kollasch’s first declaration of career choice came in kindergarten when she announced she would be an artist. True to the 1950s classrooms for Arizona children, that comment was not to be taken seriously, just a child’s

see KOLLASCH page 23

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

KOLLASCH

From Page 22

musings. As time passed and Kollasch moved into advanced grades, this dream began to materialize with a full four-year art scholarship to Arizona State University. Yet, Kollasch’s inner silence spoke to not a formal education but one with hand-picked teachers at various campuses of the Maricopa Community College District and the Scottsdale Artists’ School. This experience, by all standards, met with Kollasch’s idea of “an excellent custom art education sans degree,” requiring dropping out of ASU. She recounts, “Upon leaving ASU, I worked at a local art supply store, providing an opportunity to deal with the personalities of local artists and see their work in action.” Kollasch returned to school in the early 1990s to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree with a minor in museum studies through Prescott College. Over the years, Kollasch has been an avid hiker and desert explorer, from

her childhood roots of digging holes for forts in the shade of creosote bushes to wading in the area’s irrigation ditches to living in the great wilderness, known today as the Spur Cross Preservation Area. According to her, “Nature is my church, and each meeting is a chance to be reborn.” Kollasch’s canvases reflect both the maturation of the artist and the change in our desert environment. Micro-view images into the spines of a cactus or pebbles in a slow-moving creek, as well as macro-visions of expansive landscapes or canopies of Mesquite and Palo Verde trees, have found their way into numerous private and corporate collections around the state. Her collectors are the Bank of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Memorial Hospital North and the Arizona Museum of Natural History, to name a few. Kollasch’s museum studies program enabled her to work as a full-time curator with the Desert Caballeros Western Museum in Wickenburg, consult with

many other Arizona museums, and eventually retire in 2018 from the Phoenix Airport Museum at Sky Harbor International Airport. Kollasch’s work can be seen at On The Edge Gallery in Scottsdale ontheedgegallery.com on her website skollasch.com and various art shows during the season. Kollasch is a member of the Sonoran Arts League and exhibits with the Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour each November see son o ra n a r t s l e a g u e . org. Kollasch may be contacted at sheila@skollasch. com.

“Mammilliaria and Brittlebush” by Sheila Kollasch

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Guitarist Esteban plays to inspire others S LASS C LASS CIZES! S IZES! S

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

lamenco guitarist Esteban is practicing scales, just as he does for two hours daily. He demonstrates a few licks, and it is just a snippet of the 73-year-old musician’s talents. “It’s the thing I’ve been doing since I was 9 years old,” said the effervescent Esteban. “It’s something that’s really deep in my heart. After all these years of performing, I have a lot of wisdom and intelligence in this music. When I get in front of a crowd, magic just is happening every time we play. It’s a really amazing, great life.” Esteban of Prescott is bringing his “magic” to the Musical Instrument Museum for two shows: 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28. “This year, it’s a semi-Christmas

RIGOR, RELEVANCE & RELATIONSHIPS Esteban’s debut album, “Songs from My Heart,” is celebrating its 30th anniversary. (Photo courtesy of Esteban)

show, and the rest is ‘Bach to rock,’” he said. “It’s a composite of music that’s eclectic in nature. I play songs my classical training in Spain and then I work in some rock ‘n’ roll tunes that I’ve loved to play when I was growing up. “It’s beautiful. It’s very ethnic. There is some ethnic music in there. I really enjoy playing the music of India, Arabian scales and then we do Christmas songs. It’s an eclectic mosaic of music from all walks of life. When you come to our show, man, you’re going to get a taste of the world.” At the show, he will be joined by his electric violinist daughter, Teresa Joy, the pride of his life. “My daughter is one of the greatest violinists in the world,” he said. “It started when she was 5, with these

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ESTEBAN

From Page 24

fingers that were meant to play the violin—and boy, can she ever play. It’s beautiful to have a father and his daughter playing music for people at a level that is just unbelievable, and people respond that they love it and feel it. We make people feel good.” Music, he added, inspires everyone and is the perfect medium for lifting spirits in the pandemic’s wake. “People come to our concerts feeling like crap because the world is upside down,” he said. “When they leave, they’re on cloud nine, girl. When people feel this music go into their soul, they tell us afterward that that was the best thing they ever heard. “I’m very blessed. I’m one of those diamonds in the rough. I’m not internationally famous, but I’ve been all over the world and lived all over the world, trying to help people and inspire kids.” Born Stephen Paul in Pittsburgh, Esteban has not had the easiest ca-

reer. Just when he was embarking on a concert career in 1980, he was hit by a drunken driver just as he returned from Spain. He is blind in one eye and, for years, lost the use of his arm. “I say, ‘To improve life is to be in a

constant state of change,’” he said. “‘To be perfect is to change often.’ I had a car accident, and I couldn’t play for 10 years. He hit me going 80 miles per hour on my door’s side. “I lost (use of ) my left arm. The nerves severed in my spine and blinded me in one eye. I was endorsed by the greatest guitarist in Spain. My first professional gig was supposed to be in 1980, but I never got to play it. I was in the hospital.” Through acupuncture and a variety of modalities, Esteban gained the use of his arm. “I came back with a vengeance and mission to make up those 10 years,” he said. “Not a lot of people get to come back from a thing like that. I had to relearn the guitar. It was something I had to do. I love my little guitar that’s always in my hands.” That instrument is inspiring lives, too. Esteban said that’s the most

gratifying part of his career. “Music can change a life,” said Esteban, who produces instructional DVDs. “That’s my legacy. I was on TV for so many years. We changed millions of lives I sold millions of guitars and instructional DVDs on TV. All these kids picked up the guitar. I’ve received emails from moms, dads, kids. They just love the fact that their lives were normal and after they got the guitar and watched the DVD on their TV screen, their lives were changed.” Esteban

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

December Art Adventures at Sonoran Arts League BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

he Sonoran Arts League is continuing its mission of promoting creativity with a slew of upcoming events. Celebrate the arts at the annual Winter Artisan Market of local art and gifts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 4, at The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale. The showcase features local artists and makers celebrating the arts with handmade gift options. The Winter Artisan Market is a juried show that supports regional fine artists and the sale of their original creations. Veterans are invited to take part in a monthly free open studio art workshop on the second Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Dec. 9. Veterans and active-duty service members can work on any of their art for free; guests and spouses are invited to join pending available space for $12.

A two-session ceramic class with instructor Robin Ray will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 to learn advanced hand-building techniques. (Photo courtesy of the Sonoran Arts League)

Join a two-session ceramics class with instructor Robin Ray from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 to learn advanced hand-building techniques. This is designed for adults who have attended an intro to ceramics workshop at the Sonoran Arts League or who have prior experience with ceramics. Ceramics materials provided include clay, tools, wareboards, plastic and underglazes with two rounds of firing. Fee is $150 with a $20 materials fee to be paid to the instructor. Students in third through eighth grades can get in on the pottery painting fun for free from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 11. Kids select a bisquefired ceramic piece and use a variety of glazes and texture materials to embellish. The pieces will be kiln fired and available for pickup at the Sonoran Arts League-Center for the Arts the

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SONORAN ARTS

From page 26

following week. This workshop is presented free to the community through the support of Kiwanis of Carefree. Veterans are invited to learn to draw skulls in a free art workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 16. An important step in learning how to draw portraits, this class will review perspective, shadows and angles. Veterans and active-duty service members can work on any of their art for free; guests and spouses are invited to join pending available space for $12. Meet the Members Coffee is held the first Wednesday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. Jan. 5, when league members can network, share artistic ideas and learn more about the organization. All members are welcome, and coffee and breakfast pastries will be provided. Free. An exhibit of 53 artists partic-

Robin Ray is the main ceramics instructor for classes and a long-time Sonoran Arts League member. (Photo

courtesy of the Sonoran Arts League)

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ipating in Hidden in the Hills is on display at the Desert Foothills Library Gallery, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek through Thursday, Jan 20. The Sonoran Arts League is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), volunteer-based, arts service organization dedicated to actively advancing art, artists and art education with more than 780 members from around the United States and Canada. The league’s mission is to “give to the community by promoting art, artists and art education through leadership and service in the belief that an artistic awareness is essential to the well-being of life and our community.” Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. For information about an event or to register for a class, visit sonoranartsleague.org, email info@ sonoranartsleague.org or call 480575-6624.

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This Thanksgiving, and this Christmas CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

ave you heard of the song “This Christmas”? Well, this year, I’ve added to the title, as you can see above. To me, these two holidays belong together. Thanksgiving precedes Christmas. First thanks, then giving. Thanksgiving is a pause of thankfulness that reorients us to the things that matter the most: God, family, friends. It’s a time to pause, pray, praise, and celebrate God and others. Think of it. When you drink from the stream, remember the spring. Thanksgiving is much more than a time when one species ceases to gobble and another begins. Consider this quote by Robert Lintner: “Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day.” Mr. Lintner made a great point here. Be thankful to God and people more than just one day a year. Let me illustrate Thanksgiving with the following story. An older man lived alone in Ireland. He needed to spade his potato garden, but it was backbreaking work. Moreover, his only son, who would have helped him dig, was in Long Kesh Prison. So the older man wrote a letter to his son and mentioned his predicament. Soon the father received a reply

from his son. “For heaven’s sake, dad. Don’t dig up that garden. That’s where I buried the guns!” At 4 a.m. the next morning, a dozen British soldiers arrived and dug up the entire garden without finding any guns. Confused, the older man wrote another note to his son telling him what happened and asking him what to do next. His son replied, “Now plant your potatoes, dad. That’s the best I could do from here.” You know what I would do if I were the older man in the story. Thank God and thank my son! This Thanksgiving weekend, I have a suggestion for you. Why not give thanks for and to your family, co-workers, friends, spouse, employees or your employer? John F. Kennedy said that we must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. I agree with that. Even the famous sprinter Usain Bolt has found a way to thank his doubters. Here is what he wrote: “I’d like to say to all my fans out there. Thanks for the support. And to all my doubters, thank you very much because you have pushed me.” Not bad! Dub Nance points out something for which we all can be very thankful. “There’s one thing for which you can be thankful. … Only you and God have all the facts about yourself.” Richard Douglas notes the following on the idea of Thanksgiving. “The modern American seldom pauses to

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give thanks for the simple blessings of life. One reason is that most of us have many good things in life. Another reason is that it hurts our pride to be grateful. We do not want to admit that God is the provider of all good things. We are stewards, not owners. Being thankful requires humility and faith in God. When we have these things, we can be grateful.” The lack of thankfulness in our lives has devastating consequences. It affects our attitude when we are closed to gratitude. We end up becoming judgmental. We end up becoming selfish and self-sufficient. We end up underachieving and alone in our unthankful world.” Brene Brown captures Douglas’ concept in this statement: “What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude.” Craig Lounsbrough clarifies Thanksgiving for us even more. “Let’s be frank, being thankful doesn’t change the reality of what we’re facing; it simply emphasizes what we do have rather than what we don’t have. It focuses us on the possibilities, not the liabilities. It’s not about making anything different. It’s about seeing things differently. When we see things differently, we engage those things differently. “Being thankful is entirely contrary to a sense of entitlement. The two don’t do well with one another. In some ways, we’ve been groomed and grown to believe that life owes us. If I’m entitled, there is no need to be thankful. If I’m owed something, and it’s legitimately mine, why should I be grateful for it? And why would the thought of thankfulness even cross my mind if it’s mine in the first place?” Think of it. Attitudes sour in the life that is closed to thankfulness. If someone isn’t thankful for what they have, they aren’t likely to be thankful for what they are going to get. Soon selfish attitudes take over, closing life to better things. If you are living in a world of

thanklessness, pause and change it, taking the time to thank God and others. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about. It’s giving thanks, not just taking thanks. Thanking God and others is a way to bless God and others. Thankfulness gives you a different perspective on life, an attitude that builds up, not tears down. A happy Thanksgiving is a healthy Thanksgiving, and a healthy Thanksgiving leads to more giving, not getting Christmas. Now, do you see why God says, “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God…?” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. Ed has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy. com. Ed may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

YOUTH

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Youth TheFoothillsFocus.com

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Williamson makes Lawrence University’s dean’s list BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

ustin Williamson of Anthem was named to the Lawrence University dean’s list for 2021, an annual honor roll of students demonstrating exemplary academic performance. The dean’s list is compiled at the end of the academic year once all grades have been recorded. To make the dean’s list, a student must have earned at least 36 units in Lawrence courses during the academic year and have earned a GPA of at least 3.5.

Founded in 1847, Lawrence University integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a nationally recognized conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It was selected for inclusion in the book “Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College.” Engaged learning, the development of multiple interests and community outreach are central to the Lawrence experience. Lawrence draws its 1,500 students from nearly every state and more than 50 countries.

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

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC #166390

Almeida Roofing Inc. All Types of Roofing

602-743-3175

Roofing

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Free Estimates & Inspections • Tile • Shingles Foam • Coatings • Modiﬁed Bitumen • New Roof Repairs • Reroofs

www.almeidaroofing.com Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC #215758

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

OUR JOB BOARD HAS THE TALENT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

ROC KA 302118 General Contractor JIM DUKES

623.606.8411

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

North Valley Landscaping

602-330-6965

Wyman Plumbing. Your friendly neighborhood plumber for the NORTH PHX area! We can quote most jobs over the phone! 623-551-6688 ROC License #309216 Book Online at wyman-services.com

PHILLIPS

ROC#215280

Roofing

Plumbing

Quality you deserve for a great price you can afford.

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

FREE ESTIMATES! Call Brian

480-388-9442

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

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

“

EASILY POST JOBS 480-898-6465 EMAIL: jobposting@evtrib.com JOBS.EASTVALLEYTRIBUNE.COM MORE INFO:

THE MAN WHO STOPS ADVERTISING TO SAVE MONEY IS THE MAN WHO STOPS THE CLOCK TO SAVE TIME. - UNKNOWN

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CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

480.898.6465

Irrigation

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | NOVEMBER 25, 2021

Our Customers are Happy they bought last year...

$$$$ $$$

As a Premier

Dealer,

$ 2020

ProSkill Services has the Equipment you want!

2021

2022

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

FREE UPGRADE

Have you been delaying the inevitable?

If yes, it’s Time to Replace!

on 0% Financing Offers 36 months

48 months

60 months

72 months

Call or Text to Schedule an Appointment

AIR

CONDITIONING

•

ELECTRICAL

•

PLUMBING

•

WATER

TREATMENT

The Foothills Focus - Zone 1 - 11.25.2021

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