The Foothills Focus 121422 Zone 2

Biden visits TSMC amid huge industry boom

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

President Joe Biden visited Arizona for the first time as president on Dec. 6 for a ceremony celebrating the first piece of equipment added to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. microchip facility in North Phoenix.

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) also revealed plans to construct a second semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) on-site, which will more than triple its total investment in Arizona from $12 billion to $40 billion. This is the largest Foreign Direct Investment in the state and one of the largest in U.S. history.

As the semiconductor manufacturing industry is experiencing a boom, the president highlighted how TSMC’s investments are a product of his mission to improve the

Tribe to supply CAP water to Rio Verde

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

San Carlos Apache Reservation—

The San Carlos Apache Tribe has reached a preliminary, one-year agreement with Dynamite Water Company to provide water for the Rio Verde Foothills community that faces a Jan. 1

deadline to secure a new water source. The tentative agreement calls for the Tribe to lease up to 200-acre-feet (65-million gallons) of its Central Arizona Project water allocation to Dynamite Water to help meet the immediate water needs for the Rio Verde Foothills community. A final agreement will require approvals

from U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and the San Carlos Apache Tribe Council.

“The Tribe is pleased to have the opportunity to provide assistance to Arizona communities in need of water and

Judy Bluhm takes a “Santa-

President Joe Biden visited Arizona for a ceremony celebrating the completion of the Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) microchip facility in Anthem. TSMC also announced its plans to construct a second semiconductor fabrication facility. (Courtesy of TSMC, Brodeur Partners)

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nation’s economy.

“What I’m most excited about is people are starting to feel a sense of optimism as they see the impact of the achievements in their own lives,” Biden said.

“It’s going to accelerate in the months ahead, as part of the broad story about the economy we’re building that works for everyone. As we build a stronger supply chain, our allies and partners are pulling alongside us, as well. That’s why what we’re doing here in Arizona matters across the country and around the world.”

TSMC’s first fab, which broke ground 11 months after the May 2020 construction announcement, will begin production of 4 nanometer (nm) chips in 2024. These are more technologically innovative chips than were originally proposed at the location. By 2026, the second fab is slated to produce advanced 3nm chips.

Together, the completed facilities will manufacture over 600,000 wafers per year, with an estimated end-product value of more than $40 billion. They will be the most technologically advanced chips produced in the United States.

In alignment with its commitment to sustainable manufacturing, TSMC also revealed its plan for an on-site industrial water reclamation plant. Once finished, the plant will allow for the campus to achieve “near-zero liquid discharge.”

To mark the importance of the ceremony, the president was joined by executives from TSMC’s supplier and customer bases, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, TSMC founder Morris Chang, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang. TSMC’s CEO C.C. Wei was also present.

play a role in his strategy to address economic and national security concerns. Challenges that have been present for decades, such as collapsing infrastructure, manufacturing going overseas and stagnant wages, were only made worse by the pandemic.

A release stated that two years ago, Phoenix had an unemployment rate of 6.5%, over 9,000 residents filing for bankruptcy and roughly one in six small businesses permanently closing.

To grow the economy “from the bottom up and middle out,” as the president said, his plan of action is to create jobs, revitalize manufacturing, strengthen supply chains and give families “more breathing room.”

Since his plan’s implementation, Phoenix’s unemployment rate has dropped to 3.2% while Arizona’s overall economy increased by 6.3% in 2021 — the most in 16 years.

The completion of TSMC’s facilities is expected to expand this improvement.

“I can sum up the effect on the community in a single word, and that word is ‘jobs.’ TSMC is already employing close to 10,000 construction workers. Nearly 4,500 people will work at the fab once it is online,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego.

Within the next five years, she said that the technology ecosystem is projected to create up to 80,000 jobs, with much of that demand met by local residents.

Investments attract global customers, partners

chains.

As the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced semiconductors, TSMC supports a network of customers and suppliers across the globe. Its chips are utilized in products from microwaves to F-35 fighter jets, and are pivotal to the functioning of supply chains as shortages drive up prices.

One of the company’s major customers in Taiwan is Apple, which recently announced that it would purchase chips made in Arizona.

“I know that a company like Apple could only come from America — and we are as committed as ever to giving back to our great country,” Cook said at the ceremony. “We are going to continue to design and engineer our core products in the U.S., just as we always have, and we are going to continue to deepen our investments in the U.S. economy.”

Cook said during his remarks that Apple accelerated its spending across the United States last year, increasing its commitment to $430 billion over five years.

“These investments will create thousands of American jobs in everything from silicon engineering to 5G technology, while supporting our work with more than 9,000 suppliers in all 50 states. And they reflect our unshakable belief in America’s future,” he said.

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Other dignitaries in attendance were Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, Gov.-elect Katie Hobbs, Gov. Doug Ducey, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, and U.S. Reps. Ruben Gallego, Raúl M. Grijalva, Tom O’Halleran and Greg Stanton.

Economic impact

During his remarks, Biden explained how TSMC’s new Valley investments

Biden said he believes the U.S. can once again lead the world in manufacturing. His plan in tandem with TSMC’s presence in Arizona will generate interest in other companies investing in the state.

The White House reported that based on analyses from a major investment bank and leading economists, the Biden Economic Plan could produce around $3.5 trillion in public and private investment over the next decade.

This makes Phoenix and Arizona more attractive locations to companies around the world for investment and expansion, contributing to the creation of well-compensated jobs vital to supply

Arizona’s technology epicenter has also accumulated more than $1 billion in total investment from supplier companies to date, including Sunlit Chemical, Chang Chun, Kanto PPC, LYC Chemical, United Integrated Services and others. This will increase alongside TSMC’s growing presence in the state.

The passing of the federal CHIPS and Science Act in August this year is a significant factor to TSMC’s ability to expand and draw other related companies to the region.

According to Rep. Ruben Gallego’s office, the act provides $52.7 billion for semiconductor research, development, manufacturing and workforce development. Currently, Arizona is ranked fourth in the United States in semiconductor manufacturing and is projected to see significant dollars from the act

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with numerous companies investing in the state.

Today, the United States is only producing 10% of global chips and manufacturing none of the world’s best chips despite the country’s dominance in chip technology research and design, which will change with the act’s effects.

During his remarks, Kelly lauded the president and Raimondo for their leadership contributions to ensure the act passed.

“Because this is exactly what we envisioned when we worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass and fund the CHIPS Act: getting companies like TSMC, and their suppliers, to expand their operations in the United States of America,” Kelly said. “Now, this facility will soon manufacture the most advanced microchips in the world, and it’s going to be done right here in our state.”

“For years, politicians have talked about bringing manufacturing and supply chains back to America. Well, we’re actually doing it,” he added. “That’s going to lower costs for Americans and strengthen our national security by ensuring that the most advanced chips do not need to cross an ocean to get here. Over the next few years, it’s also going to create tens of

thousands of new, high-paying jobs.”

Creating skilled job-ready employees

To ensure Valley workers are equipped with the skills and resources needed to capitalize upon opportunities transpiring from the semiconductor boom and his economic plan, Biden has been ensuring that services and funding are available as support.

A key component to strengthening and diversifying the workforce is expanding upon STEM education momentum and embracing the potential of local talent.

ASU is already playing an integral role in job training. Its Fulton School of Engineering is poised to provide a pool of potential employees from which TSMC can draw, as the school has over 30,000 students enrolled.

Not all employees will need to be Ph.D.-level engineers, as technicians will be in high demand, as well.

“When you look at the workforce needs in the semiconductor industry, they go all the way from degreed engineers to community college graduates to even individuals coming out of trade schools,” said Kyle Squires, dean of ASU’s Fulton Schools, in a statement. “So, what matters is creating pathways

for learners currently in those systems as well as existing workers to be ready for these jobs.”

Through Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Maricopa County Community College District is offering a “Route to Relief” program including specific training certifications in semiconductor fields.

To date, 18 classes have graduated with 197 individuals earning their National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) Semiconductor Certifications. The program is expected to grow when more people understand the long-lasting value of working in the semiconductor industry.

Additionally, there will be a number of jobs occurring in the coming years that will not require a four-year degree.

Kelly recalled meeting an unemployed mother of three who enrolled in the 10day Quick Start Program at Estrella Mountain Community College. She was able to get an interview with a semiconductor manufacturer at the end of the program, and is now a technician in Arizona.

“Now that story, because of this plant and the ones that will follow, will be repeated here thousands and thousands of times. This is such a win for our state. For folks who do not have a four-year degree, they will now be able to raise a fam-

ily on that salary as a semiconductor manufacturing technician,” Kelly said.

“This is a win for the state of Arizona, for our universities and community colleges, but most importantly, for our global competitiveness.”

Thanks to legislation signed into law by the president, the city of Phoenix has also been able to invest funds for local workplace development programs, such as the Semiconductor Technician Bootcamp run in collaboration with two major semiconductor manufacturers in the region.

The city is providing further support with wraparound services, like childcare and transportation or individuals whose careers were disproportionately affected by the pandemic.

With TSMC’s residence in Arizona, the acres of desert will soon be transformed into a global technology hub.

“It’s a special day to see this vision take shape,” said Ducey at the ceremony. “When TSMC set out to build its new hightech fab, they had all 50 states to choose from. They chose Arizona because of our robust and growing talent pool, unbeatable business environment and unparalleled quality of life. As the U.S. semiconductor industry continues to advance in the years ahead, Arizona will be the engine powering its growth.”

stands ready to work in a cooperative manner on complex water issues facing our Tribe and state,” said Terry Rambler, Tribe chairman.

“We are grateful that the San Carlos Apache Tribe was willing to assist our community with water it des-

perately needs, and I look forward to reaching a final agreement in the near future,” said Dynamite Water owner Damon Bruns.

“We now have a tangible plan in place to provide an immediate solution to a pending cutoff of water to more than 700 Rio Verde homes by the end of the year.”

The city of Scottsdale announced in 2021 that it would no longer provide water to commercial companies hauling water to Rio Verde Foothills by the end of this year. Most of the Rio Verde Foothills community — an unincorporated area adjoining Scottsdale that has about 740 homes — relies on commercial water companies to haul water to their homes. Dynamite Water has been hauling water to Rio Verde Foothills since 2006. Bruns is also a Rio Verde Foothills resident.

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

The American Legion Post 34 auxiliary is accepting donations of goods for its annual rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27, and Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Legion Post.

To donate, visit the post, 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays Jan. 9 and Jan. 16; Wednesdays, Jan. 11, and Jan. 18; and Saturdays Jan. 7, Jan. 14 and Jan. 21.

There will be a pop-up tent with signage in the parking lot. People with furniture or extremely large items should call or text Susie Snid -

er at 480-772-6778 to make arrangements. All of the proceeds benefit veterans.

At the sale, featured goods include clothing, thrift store goodies, furniture, electronics, household items and collectibles.

The American Legion, formed in 1919, supports and advocates on behalf of veterans, active military and their families. The 501 (c)(19) also supports the initiatives and programs of the American Legion while fostering patriotism and responsible citizenship. The American Legion is a nonsecular, nonpolitical organization.

AROUND

THE BLUHMIN’

TOWN

A Santa-mental look at the holiday

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Yes, of course you do. Who can honestly say that there is no Santa! So, as we approach Christmas, we still have many reasons to believe.

My uncle used to say that there are four stages of the “Santa Story.” First, you believe in Santa. Then you stop believing in Santa. Then you become Santa. Lastly, you end up looking like Santa. The big guy in a red suit is more than just some made-up token of gift-giving.

When people claim Christmas has become “too commercial,” they might point at Santa as the culprit. Hey, don’t blame him for the push, shove and chaos that surrounds

Christmas shopping. We did that all by ourselves. Santa is the guy who gives that one meaningful gift per child, from a sleigh, on a wintry night, with nothing but true and good intentions. We all need a little Santa in our lives.

When children are told that Santa is coming, their parents have created one of the biggest faith-based magical stories of all time. Santa is an all-inclusive sort of guy. He may be regarded as a Christian symbol of Christmas, but religion doesn’t matter to Santa. He gives willingly, freely, kindly and completely to kids throughout the world.

Santa has no lists of religious affiliations. Just believe and he will show up. A common thread in his mass appeal is that he lives to give, to bring joy through some small parcels, a

few good toys, and unselfishness that is often lacking in a troubling world. When children throughout the course of time ask, “Is there really a Santa,” the answer has always been universally the same. “Yes, there is a Santa. He lives in the spirit of humanity, in each of us, exemplified by the essence of giving to others.”

No, we shouldn’t blame Santa for making Christmas too commercial. His legacy of thoughtful planning, undying devotion, exemplary work ethic and fondness for cookies should be the gold standard for what giving and sharing is all about.

There will be times in our lives when we are plagued by problems, illness and loss. We grow from wideeyed children into skeptical teenagers to cynical adults. The way we see the world begins to change as we mature, experiencing many lumps and bumps along the way. We have big worries and bigger problems. The world is a scary place. And then comes along Santa.

At times, the true meaning of the holidays seems to get lost. But take heart, there is a jolly man in a red suit who will show each of us that to

give presents, laugh and sing carols, is to spread joy. The rich traditions of the holidays are all intertwined into a tapestry of sharing that extends throughout our lives. Santa sets the example to believe in the power of unbridled enthusiasm and unmatched anticipation. He also looks good in a red suit and loves cookies. A subtle reminder to wear a splash of red and eat lots of cookies during this Santa-mental season.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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Sinema amnesty bill a not-so-merry ‘gift’ for America

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

Ex-FCC Chairman Newton H. Minow famously called television “a vast wasteland” in the early 1960s.

But during that decade, the networks consistently aired programs with a singular holiday theme during one special week in December and the practice continued through the rest of the 20th century.

Not just Christmas specials for the kids, featuring Charlie Brown, Rudolph and Frosty…nor those aimed more at an older demographic, with Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Perry Como.

Regularly scheduled prime time shows—regardless of genre—all featured one episode each year with a Christmas theme.

Not so with “The Invaders.”

Producer Quinn Martin’s sci -

ence-fiction series about an alien race from outer space taking over Earth just didn’t lend itself to silver bells, sleigh rides, or “chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”

But now, a long-form Christmas

“reality series” may be in production.

The theme is not science fiction, but political science, and it’s airing on C-SPAN 2, the “home channel” of the United States Senate.

With apologies to the late Quinn Martin, call it “The New Invaders: A Christmas Gift.”

Starring in this production is our own Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (This was written before she changed to independent). Though her costume designer may hope otherwise, Sinema will probably not challenge Senate decorum by wearing a daringly-styled suit befitting a provocative “Santa’s Helper.”

But make no mistake: Arizona’s senior senator is actively involved as a “political provocateur.”

She has teamed up with a “co-star,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), and together they hope to turn “The World’s Greatest Deliberative Body” into a rapid-delivery gift fulfillment

center.

Like a pair of overcaffeinated elves surrounded by empty Red Bull cans, they are hurriedly cobbling together controversial legislation that heretofore has been unable to clear the Senate.

In the spirit of Senators Past (and also “passed”), it’s another pass at amnesty for illegal aliens.

And this time, amid the holiday rush and a rash of Republican Senate retirements, it could very well succeed.

Regular readers may recall that in April there was a prediction in this space of such an occurrence prior to the conclusion of this Congress. But of the quartet of Senators mentioned then, only Tillis remains. He’s now been joined by Sinema, who’s feeling political heat back home.

Leftist activists found their ardor

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The rich aren’t interesting – until they are

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

We grew up poor. I was the first son of married teenagers who lived in a three-room apartment in New York. My brother and I shared the bedroom and bunk beds until I was 12 and he was 9.

Our parents slept in the living room on a fold-out couch from Levitz. Our mother ironed patches over the knees of the jeans we bought at Sears not because that was the style, but because we couldn’t afford anything better.

Finally, about the time I hit my teenage years, we made it to lower middle class. I even got a couple pairs of Levi’s and Pro Keds as proof. Fast forward 40-odd years. I’m not poor anymore. Yet I still find myself not trusting – or much liking – the rich. Maybe it’s envy.

Or maybe F. Scott Fitzgerald was

correct in his story “The Rich Boy,” which begins, “Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.’’

To which I’ll add, “in ways that can be annoying as hell.”

This is precisely why I’ve enjoyed watching Elon Musk, the world’s richest human, struggle as his latest toy –Twitter – falls apart around him. It’s also why I studiously avoid news coverage of the British Royal Family, especially Californians-come-lately Prince Harry and his wife, former TV actress Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.

Musk reminds me of a few fabulously wealthy folks I have worked for in my day job as a communications consultant.

A brilliant engineer who used his brain to make billions as the mind behind SpaceX and Tesla, Musk has confused his scientific genius

and astonishing knack for making money with the ability to run the world’s most unruly social media cesspool.

Perhaps you’re familiar with the Peter Principle, a management concept that theorizes that workers rise in a hierarchy until they reach their level of incompetence – and there they stay.

Musk seems right about there with Twitter, doddering about as the self-proclaimed “chief Twit,” while his toy hemorrhages users, followers and cash.

Meanwhile, Musk’s every move –and his 10 kids, silly memes, and personal bottom line, currently estimated by Forbes at $185 billion – churn out daily headlines that I work hard to ignore. At least with Musk, there are indisputable accomplishments in the tech and business worlds.

The Royals? If they’ve done much

since they lost that war to George Washington, John Adam and Thomas Jefferson, et al, 245 years ago, I must have missed it.

Prince Harry and Meghan seem especially loathsome, given that both whine constantly about problems that are so far beyond “first world,” they’re not even of this galaxy.

Yet somehow a good number of folks seem fascinated: Netflix is releasing a tell-all documentary on the pair as I write this, and Meghan’s podcast won a People’s Choice Award this week. People magazine –nope, not a subscriber – breathlessly reported on the couple “having a glamorous night out in New York City” this week in a story I passed on, along with everything else Sussex-related.

Disliking the rich may not be a popular stance. Newspapers are full of “news” about bajillion-dollar home purchases, massive sports salaries, and profligate spending.

Personally, I find the rich uninteresting until precisely the moment they aren’t so rich anymore.

One story I did read this week was about one of the wealthiest fellows

cooling for Kyrsten when she opposed ending the filibuster.

With widespread speculation that Sinema could face a spirited challenge in the next Democratic primary, Kyrsten has opted to strut her thigh-high boots along a path once shuffled by the wing tips of Dennis DeConcini and the late John McCain.

In August, there was her “high stakes horse trading,” insisting on language in the wildly misnamed “Inflation Reduction Act” that shielded well-heeled investors from a “carried interest” tax increase.

The language was added, Sinema voted “aye,” and her advocacy carried another kind of interest from the investment community—one that bolstered her campaign war chest to the tune of $1.5 million.

It’s now time for Kyrsten to get back to her grassroots on the Left and lavish attention on a long-held priority.

Of course, amnesty also has boosters who claim to be conservative, like Tillis. Namely, it’s the “anything for money” crowd willing to sacrifice our collective national security – and what’s left of any middle-class financial security – all the while shouting “It’s the free market at work!”

Nope. It’s a “market distortion” that floods the workplace with cheap labor and depresses wages for the law-abiding.

But Sinema’s sole focus is political, since the bill will bolster Joe Biden’s efforts to erase the southern border, and will result in millions of “cheap votes” for the Left, helping Democrats achieve their dream of one-party political dominance.

Sinema and Tillis claim that their Amnesty is only for “Dreamers,” but it will be a nightmare to enforce.

Kyrsten’s Christmas gift to you? America as a “vast wasteland.”

Editor’s note: This column was written before Sen. Sinema announced last week that she has chanegd her registration to Independent.

in Arizona, Ernie Garcia III. Garcia’s personal bottom line dropped 98 percent this year as his company, Carvana, teeters near bankruptcy. Ernie the Third dropped from being worth about $7 billion to less than $120 million.

That I find fascinating. And sad. Though now-multi-millionaire Ernie will probably make out just fine. Rich folks, I learned a long time ago, always do.

David Arkenstone celebrates Christmas in the desert

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

David Arkenstone remembers waking up on Christmas morning as a child in Geneva, Illinois, playing in the snow, making snow angels and sledding.

“Winter is beautiful — everything sparkles, the lights on the houses and the trees,” Arkenstone said.

“The world is not in the best shape right now. The Christmas season gives us a little hope; the spirit of it and the brotherhood. I love trying to be a part of that. We need healing in a lot of areas.”

David Arkenstone & Friends will bring A Winter’s Eve Concert to Yuma, Phoenix, Sedona and Tucson, Wednesday, Dec. 14, to Saturday Dec. 17.

Arkenstone’s A Winter’s Eve Concerts feature chart-topping favorites and surprises, including the debut of some of his neo-classical compositions featuring strings, flutes and percussion. Get a glimpse of the concert here: https://youtu.be/zihbfwuIm4g

“I’ve done a lot of Christmas wintery music and a lot of original songs that are inspired by winter,” he said.

“And then we do a bunch of songs that people will recognize with my own arrangement style. We have wintery sets to bring a mood to the people. There are four musicians with me — a violinist, a flutist, a cellist and percussionist. It’s a pretty cool combination. They really enhance the songs and there are moments

Folk-rock favs Ryanhood share the holiday spirit

BY JONATHAN FRAHM Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

Folk-rockers Ryanhood have made the most of the last few years.

Ryan David Green and Cameron Hood cultivated a dedicated Patreon family and released a new album while they were at it, all despite global happenstance.

Their dedication to positive artistic movements is blossoming into ambitious new work like Hood’s space rock opera, “Voyagers”, too — a collaboration with the Saguaro City Music Theatre in Tucson.

The Tucson duo is also delivering their electrifying live performance across the country again, with their latest Phoenix appearance set for the Musical Instrument Museum on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

During their second year with dual December showings at Tucson’s Club Congress, their first evening took on the overarching Ryanhood catalog. Their second night was more specifically focused on their holiday and winter season portfolio.

Tight harmonies and stellar acoustic musicianship were guarantees for both nights. Now, the band’s Musical Instrument Museum offering is a best of both worlds, offering fans an opportunity to enjoy their recurring live holiday show and a few old favorites.

Active for nearly two decades — 2023 will mark Ryanhood’s 20th year — the band has long been known for their inspiring and electrifying musical performance. Their long-standing, celebrat-

ed portfolio spans seven non-holiday studio albums so far. So, when the duo decided to settle on delivering a Christ mas-themed full-length in 2017, it was fair to ask: “Why Christmas?”

It turns out that the holiday season makes for a long time Ryanhood tradi tion, rooted in the early aughts.

“When we were living in Boston, we

Award-winning Tucson duo Ryanhood is bring ing fan favorites and seasonal tunes to the Mu sical Instrument Museum. see RYANHOOD

wanted to come back to Tucson for the holidays and had a ‘Christmas at Congress’ show as our homecoming,” Green said.

“This eventually turned into a vision for a big holiday album and show at the Rialto, where we wanted to make it this sort of spectacular.

“We had set pieces that culminated into a living room set on stage that we’d walk over to and do a portion of the show there. It would feel close to a television special. It went by so well that people started to ask, ‘When’s the next holiday show?’”

Regarding the “On Christmas” album and their pursuit of holiday recordings, Hood stated, “It started with a song

ARKENSTONE

called ‘What Is Christmas?’ that became the ‘On Christmas’ album opener. It got local radio play here in Tucson all the time and still does, and even featured on ‘This American Life’. The thought grew from there. We asked each other, ‘Do we have more to say about Christmas?’”

Green added, “With that song, we’re asking the question — ‘What is Christmas to you?’ It’s pointing out how different Christmas is to everybody and what different people take from it. For some, it’s a very reverent and religious holiday. For some people, it’s more about the youth and kids and family, or it’s just a complete festival of lights. For many of us, it’s all of those things and more. It makes this time of year really fascinating.”

“On Christmas” does well in establish-

ing this vibe throughout its runtime. The ballad “Magnificat” pays homage to traditional hymns, while “Good News (On Christmas)” is familial and fun-loving.

The duo jam out on exciting instrumental covers of holiday classics, too, like “Sleigh Ride” and “Skating.” It’s a jovial collection of work that feels fit for the season.

Ryanhood also hones in on the eclectic dynamism of their overall catalog. Fans might expect to hear long-time classics like “Sickbed Symphony” and “I Didn’t Put Anything into Your Place” alongside new hits from their 2021 release, “Under the Leaves.”

with a bassist and a drummer that brought in this extra energy,” Hood said.

“We got this added musical boost, but we feel like our connection with our audience suffered. We looked back on when we were playing as just a duo, and we had this organic give-and-take with the audience that went away.

From Page 15

when they individually shine.”

Arkenstone plays the keyboards, guitar and handpan, “which is kind of like a steel drum but the opposite side. If it bulked out, it would be a handpan. I got this one last year and I love using it,” he said.

Arkenstone has more than 60 albums to his credit, plus numerous film and game score compositions, and themes for NBC (The Kentucky

Derby, US Figure Skating, Premier League soccer and more).

The Windham Hill artist is working on a new album, tentatively called “Winterlude.” He’s also a penning an opera with his brother.

“We played in the summer in Arizona,” Arkenstone said. “I wasn’t planning on going back there but we had requests, and I couldn’t really pass that up. I go to the Grand Canyon as much as possible. I just love Arizona.”

They bring all of the instrumental and vocal moxie that won them the International Acoustic Music Award for “Best Group/Duo” to the stage. Their aim is to have fun with their long-time Arizona musical family while welcoming new fans to the fold with their virtuosic performance.

Reflecting on their last several years as a touring act, Ryanhood shares thoughts on their evolution.

“Back in the day, we had a full band

“It’s just weird. With the extra volume, a distance was created. In the intervening years, Ryan and I learned to tour again as a duo, but to make it more dynamic. We added in foot percussion with kickdrums and tambourines, we added in mandolin and ukulele and electric guitar every once in a while, and we learned how to build up all of that energy we had as a full band just between the two of us.”

A Winter’s Evening with Ryanhood

WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 21

WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $23.50

INFO: 480-478-6000, mim.org

& Friends

WHEN: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14

WHERE: Historic Yuma Theatre, 254 S. Main Street,Yuma COST: Tickets start at $45

INFO: 928-373-5202, yumaaz.gov

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15

WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $49.50

INFO: 480-478-6000, mim.org

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16

WHERE: Sedona Performing Arts Center, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona COST: Tickets start at $30

INFO: https://bit.ly/DavidArkenstoneTix

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17

WHERE: Sea of Glass Center for the Arts, 330 E. Seventh Street, Tucson COST: Tickets stat at $30

INFO: theseaofglass.org

A Joyous Christmas

A Winter’s Eve Concert with David Arkenstone

A gift that always fits

when we love others with sometimes sacrificial random acts of kindness and concern. Your kindness and concern are gifts that always fit.

boy misunderstood the doctor; he thought he would have to give his sister all his blood to save her.”

Let’s start this week’s article with a story from Peanuts’ comic strip. Lucy decides that Linus (her little brother) must grow up and learn to live without his security blanket. So, when Linus falls asleep, she slips the blanket out of his hands, takes it outside and buries it. Linus wakes up and discovers his missing blanket; he panics and falls to the floor. Linus can’t catch his breath. He gasps and screams, “I’ve got to have that blanket. I can’t live without my blanket.”

Then, Snoopy sees Linus’ dilemma and rises to the occasion. With his trusty nose, he goes outside and sniffs out the blanket, digs it up and brings it back to Linus. Linus is so relieved. With one arm, he grabs the blanket, and with the other, he hugs Snoopy saying, “Oh, thank you, Snoopy. You have saved my life!” The last picture shows Snoopy lying on his back on top of the doghouse, looking content and thinking, “Every now and then, my existence is justified.”

I like that idea. Every now and then, our existence is justified, especially

Here is another story by an unknown author that illustrates that we exist for ourselves and others. It’s an excellent reminder by author James Moore for us this Christmas.

“Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz suffering from a rare and severe disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same condition and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, ‘Yes, I’ll do it if it will save her.’

“As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked, trembling, ‘Will I start to die right away?’ Being young, the little

Christmas is God’s love reaching out to us even when we are far away from Him. Christmas, whether we like it or not, reminds us about God and His great concern for us. Just like that boy was willing to die for his sister, Immanuel, or God with us, was willing to die for us. He was ready to take away our diseased blood and give us his healthy blood.

Yes, we need Christmas to wake us up, bring us back, jog our memories and remind us of what life is all about. Let’s face it; there is some ‘Ebenezer Scrooge’ in all of us. Just like Ebenezer, we need to be converted from selfishness to love. The ability to love is more than enough evidence to justify our existence.

Author James Moore says Christmas does three things for us. First, Christmas reminds us that we need a savior. Second, Christmas reminds us that we have a savior. Third, Christmas reminds us that we can share a savior. Just think, every time we reach out to help others with the love of Christ, we are sharing the Savior. We love, in action, giving Christmas to those who need a little Christmas now. We are giving life to someone in need of a transfusion. The boy’s gift to his sister was a gift that always fits.

Maybe we have concentrated so much on the gifts we give to one another that we have missed the gifts Christmas gives us, one of which is a justification for your existence. Your existence is evidence that you have something on Earth that only you can do. You are God’s workmanship for a purpose, and God doesn’t make ‘no’ junk.

Let’s finish with a poem by John Boyle O’Reilly who reveals to us a reason for our existence.

“What is ‘real’ good?” I asked in a musing mood. “Order,” said the law

court. “Knowledge,” said the school. “Truth,” said the wise man. “Pleasure,” said the fool. “Affection,” said the maiden. “Beauty,” said the page. “Freedom,” said the dreamer. “Home,” said the sage. “Fame,” said the soldier. “Equity,” said the seer. But spoke my heart full, sadly, “The answer is not here.” Then within my bosom, softly this I heard; “Each heart holds the secret; ‘Kindness’ is the word!”

Just like that Christmas song says, give kindness to someone special this Christmas. Like Snoopy, I can see us all lying on the top of our doghouse, looking content and thinking, “Every now and then, my existence is justified.” Now, that’s a gift that is always appropriate, a gift that money can’t buy.

Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. He has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy.com. He may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

CHURCH

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

The Foothills Focus publishes on Wednesday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Foothills Focus coverage area. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the Foothills Focus circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@ timespublications.com.

Live Music at Janey’s Coffeehouse

NIGHTLY

Listen to live music every night at Janey’s Coffeehouse, performed by a variety of talented local artists. The venue has over a dozen performers each month, and for those looking to perform, new talent is encouraged to come by and sign up. This week, check out Sweet Tony Paiotti, Audio Farm, Sarah James Project, JMT3 and Andrew Gork.

Janey’s Coffeehouse, 6602 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., cover charge varies, cavecreekazmusic.com

Fine Wines of the Northwest Dinner

DEC. 14

Enjoy a special five-course meal featuring fine wines chosen from the Northwest. Try chef’s crab roll, pork chop and apple sauce, cedar plank salmon, baseball cut sirloin, and Washington apple pie. Each course is paired with a specially chosen wine meant to complement the meal. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, 7212 E. Ho Hum Road, Carefree, 6 p.m., $125, keelerssteakhouse.com, 602-374-4784

The Painters Palette

DEC. 14

Bring your paints, palette, watercolors and brushes to a public gathering of artists. Learn to let the creative juices flow and learn new techniques and insight from artists. Open to any medium and skill level.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 9 to 11 a.m., free, dfla.org

Little Known Stories of World War II

DEC. 16

Watch a film filled with intrigue and suspense about the lesser known, often overlooked stories behind World War II. This month, check out “A Call to Spy” by Lydia Dean Pilcher, about the British women who took on the role of spy during the early days of the war.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 2 to 5 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Connections: A Holiday Vendor Showcase

DEC. 17

Visit the museum and support local artists and artisans who will offer holiday products. Cave Creek Museum, 6140 E. Skyline Drive, free, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., cavecreekmuseum.org

Christmas Benefit Concert

DEC. 18

Join the American veterans for a benefit concert featuring a number of talented local bands and musicians. Throughout the free concert, donations will be accepted to support charities and local veterans. Food and drink will be sold during the event.

American Legion 34, 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, Arizona, free, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., http://azpost34.com/

Workshop: Learn to Play the Native American Flute with Henry Molder

DEC. 18

Have fun learning to play the Native American flute, which radiates a cool, healing sound. Learn the beginner-level techniques and how to create music with it. Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy Street, Carefree, 9 a.m. to noon, carefree.org/ holidays-in-carefree

Hanukkah in Carefree - Nightly Menorah Lighting and Celebration DEC. 18 TO DEC. 25 Celebrate the holidays under the stars with the traditional lighting of the menorah by community leaders each night. Support the Foothills Caring Corps, a local charity that seeks to help support Carefree neighbors who are struggling this winter. Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy

Street, Carefree, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, carefree.org/holidays-in-carefree

Free Dance Lessons

DEC. 20

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

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

Live Music Wednesday w/Casey and George

DEC. 21

Enjoy live music played by local favorites Casey Killian and George Brunson while noshing on the saloon’s food.

Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, 6823 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 6 p.m., no cover charge, buffalochipsaloon.com

Alcoholics Anonymous

DEC. 22

Regardless of how far into an addiction a person is, it’s never too late to quit, and it’s never the wrong time to stop. Alcoholics Anonymous is here to give the support and care every recovering alcoholic needs, regardless of age, status, or social situation.

Enjoy a judgment-free environment among friends.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 5 to 6 p.m., free, dfla.org

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