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Wednesday, September 23, 2020

CCUSD board votes to adjust superintendent/district goals BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

t this time of each year, the Cave Creek Unified School District governing board outlines and approves goals for the superintendent, staff, students, and district as a whole. However, with such unprecedented times, the governing board had to get real on what’s actually possible and most beneficial for the district after months of online learning and the transition to in-person classes once again. At the socially distanced governing board meeting on September 14, Dr. Debbi Burdick, the district’s superintendent,

presented her recommendation for the district’s goals for the 2020-21 school year. The goals outlined were amended to exclude the goal of increasing scores on the AzM2 test for English language arts and math for students in third through eighth grade as well as 10th. The other student-focused strategic goals Burdick presented were adopted as recommended. Burdick’s five goals as presented during the meeting are: 1. Ensure a unique, innovative learning experience that prepares students for college and careers. 2. Create a student-focused environment that enhances and promotes learning. 3. Identify and address the learning com-

munity’s physical, social and emotional needs to encourage each student to reach their full potential. 4. Build optimistic and resilient students for success in careers and life. 5. Explore and secure resources that support innovative learning and creativity for students and staff. The AzM2 test, previously called AzMERIT, is taken annually by all Arizona students in third through eighth grades as well as grade 10. The standardized test measures students’ learning and progress in career and college preparedness. Last spring, students were not required

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Alexandra Anderson greets visitors to the Legends district NEWS.................................... 7 Phoenix police say missing woman’s blood was found in her husband’s home

OPINION....................... 9 Veteran to Trump: Our veterans are heroes

OPINION.................................. 8 ARTS......................................... 11 DINING....................................13 CLASSIFIEDS........................15

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

o Nicole Anderson, hearing her daughter Alexandra say “momma” is a miracle. Alexandra was born 5 years ago to Nicole and her husband, Matt, who live in 85085. Since their first-born child was 10 months old, they have been seeing therapists at United Cerebral Palsy. Alexandra was diagnosed with a rare disorder called Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a condition characterized by intellectual disability and developmental delay, breathing problems, recurrent seizures and distinctive facial features. September is Pitt-Hopkins Awareness Month, with September 18 Pitt-Hopkins Awareness Day. “It’s so rare that doctors hadn’t heard of it at Phoenix Children’s Hospital,” Anderson said. “At the time, she was only the third per-

Alexandra Anderson became the centerpiece of United Cerebral Palsy of Arizona’s new brand campaign, “Possibilities Realized,” facilitated by Knoodle Agency, on July 16. This photograph hangs in Downtown Phoenix’s Legends District. (Photo cour-

tesy Knoodle Agency)

son in Arizona to be diagnosed with it. Now there are seven or eight.” When the couple received Alexandra’s diagnosis, Anderson did what most people would do—she dove into the internet to do research and met with parents’ groups on Facebook. She found Pitt-Hopkins is caused

by a genetic abnormality. “She’s missing one gene, and this gene causes her body to not make a specific protein critical to being able to speak and walk,” she said. “UCP serves individuals of all dis-

see AWARENESS page 2

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Alexandra Anderson has Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, a rare condition characterized by intellectual disability and developmental delay, breathing problems, recurrent seizures and distinctive facial features. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

Matt and Nicole Anderson have been reassured that their infant daughter, Austyn, right, is healthy. Their daughter, Alexandra, left, has a rare condition called Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

AWARENESS from page 1

the genetic testing, Alexandra started therapy at UCP. When Nicole and Matt received Alexandra’s diagnosis, the UCP therapists were equally as interested in learning about Pitt-Hopkins. “Never in a million years did we think it would come back as Pitt-Hopkins,” she said. “Even when the doctor delivered the news, he was very honest and said, ‘We don’t know much about it. I suggest you Google it and we can talk about it in a week when we talk in person.’ I was at work when he called, so I turned to my work computer and I Googled, ‘Life expectancy of Pitt-Hopkins.’” Anderson admits she was “devastated for about a week. It was the worst week of my life.” She hoped to awaken from a “nightmare,” but she realized she had a choice: stay in that place, a dark place, or accept it and move on. She rose to the occasion and is helping Alexandra be everything she can be. “It’s amazing, honestly,” Anderson said. “I’ve seen others with Pitt-Hopkins who are a little bit older. Parents are having conversations with their children and young adults through an iPad. The more she uses it and is exposed to it, the quicker she’ll pick it up through speech therapy. The iPad will ultimately be her voice. One day, she’ll tell us all what she’s really thinking of everything. She speaks volumes without speaking right now.” The Andersons have another daughter, Austyn, who is a perfectly healthy infant. “We opted to learn as much as we could about Austyn before she was born,” said Anderson, the director of

abilities. You don’t have to have a diagnosis of cerebral palsy to be serviced there.” Most people with Pitt-Hopkins are nonverbal, which is true for Alexandra. “She has said ‘momma’ a few times, and it’s the most amazing word ever to hear,” Anderson said. “That’s been really special for us. Only about half of them walk. She’s 5 and she’s still not walking. “We are working hard in therapy for her to take her independent first steps. She takes steps in a gate trainer, and that’s been really special. That didn’t happen until quarantine.” Anderson feels fortunate because she captured Alexandra saying “momma” on video. She replays that “amazing moment” repeatedly. Anderson said her daughter understands commands and requests. “We ask her to hand momma ‘this,’ or say ‘momma,’ or walk over here, and

she knows what we’re asking her to do, which is great,” she said. “She follows through with some of those actions. I kept asking her to say ‘momma,’ and she didn’t say anything. One time I asked her, ‘What’s my name?’ and that’s when she said ‘momma.’ It was amazing to hear.”

Perfect pregnancy

Anderson said when Alexandra was born, she didn’t have a reason to be concerned. Her pregnancy was “textbook perfect,” she said, and Alexandra was born full term at nearly 8 pounds. “It wasn’t until 6 or 9 months we started to be concerned,” she said. “She wasn’t reaching those developmental milestones that most would be checking off and hitting.” Alexandra’s pediatrician listened to the Andersons’ concerns and referred them to Phoenix Children’s Hospital for genetic counseling. Between the pediatrician visit and

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communications for ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. “Everything came back normal. That was exciting. She’s a sweetheart. “As a momma to Alexandra, I can see how neurotypical babies should be a little more receptive, make eye contact and grab on to things. Austyn is 14 days old and she can hold her bottle. Her sister is 5 years old and she can’t hold her cup. It’s a different, really unique perspective. We don’t take any of them for granted.” Anderson is determined to let Alexandra live as close to a normal life as possible. “I’m not going to let medical journals label her,” she said. “We’re not going to listen to that. We’re going to work hard to give her the best future possible.”

In lights

Alexandra may look a familiar to those who frequent Downtown Phoenix’s Legends District. On July 16, she became the centerpiece of United Cerebral Palsy of Arizona’s new brand campaign, “Possibilities Realized,” facilitated by Knoodle Agency, a branding and public relations agency. The campaign is highlighted by a giant 42-by-36-foot outdoor board, located directly across from Chase Field, on Jefferson and Seventh streets. A series of 18 branded bus shelters is also planned along Camelback Road, between Central Avenue and 44th Street, to complement the campaign.

see AWARENESS page 5

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

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to take the AzM2 test by action of the governor as well as the legislature, Burdick stated during her presentation before it was amended. A decision was made that the federal government would not allow a waiver, necessitating that all students take the test this year, she added. “We are starting now on the ball, really working hard to make sure that we can make up for lost time,” Burdick said during her presentation. “We’re optimistic that our students will be able to make up much of that time with a lot of work, and perhaps a little more work than in the past. We hope that we’re able to increase scores again as we have in the past.” The request for amendment was made by governing board member Beth Hatcher, who said that the goal was unrealistic for teachers and students due to the fact that the students missed a whole quarter of face-to-face instruction on top of the learning gap that happens during the summer. “It’s a lot of inconsistency and instability,” Hatcher said during the meeting. When COVID-19 started running rampant in Arizona, all CCUSD students had to transition to online learning, which lasted from April until in-person classes started once again on September 8, excluding Cactus Shadows High School that started a day late due to insufficient staff. Hatcher also brought up the point that students weren’t able to take the test last year due to the remote learning that was required from the pandemic. “To use the scores as anything but information is just absolutely not realistic this year,” she said. After Hatcher’s comments, the governing board members then discussed ways the goal should be amended and reworded, before voting unanimously to forgo the goal. First, Hatcher suggested to reword the goal to say that the scores will be used for informational purposes only. She later suggested it be amended to say that the test be used as a baseline for the 2022 scores. Then Dr. Jana Miller, associate superintendent, suggested that the goal state

At the socially distanced governing board meeting on September 14, Dr. Debbi Burdick, the district’s superintendent, presented her recommendation for the district’s goals for the 2020-21 school year. (Submitted photo)

that the tests will be used as a measure of progress. “I don’t think we can say that it’s a baseline of any sort,” Miller said. “They weren’t in school the last quarter. We’ve had a rocky start to the beginning. We don’t know if we’ll be going in and out of school.” Governing board President Kathryn Hill suggested eliminating the goal altogether instead of attempting to “finagle ways of saying we’re going to try to improve,” because it’s not clear how they’re going to improve and where the school will be at that point, she said. “We know we want the kids to improve, but we don’t have anything we can look back on,” Hill said, adding that the district expects and hopes for improvement but the governing board shouldn’t fixate on improving the test scores. “At this point in time, that’s not where our focus needs to be,” she said. Putting expectation on increasing test scores or benchmarks at this time isn’t beneficial, because “none of it’s accurate,” she said. “We can’t say from fall to fall is the same from 2019 to 2020

because we had a totally destroyed spring and a really bizarre way to begin in the fall.” After almost 20 minutes of deliberation, the board voted unanimously to amend the final list of superintendent and district goals to exclude the goal of improving AzM2 test scores. “Even if it wasn’t used for a measurement of any type, our teachers know how important this test is to our district and to the students and to their schools,” Burdick said. CCUSD students will take the first English language arts and math benchmark test at the end of September, another during the second quarter in December and once more after the new year. Benchmarks are used to measure learning progress before the official AzM2 is taken in the spring.

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Anthem volunteers send care packages to troops BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

o spread patriotism and show appreciation for our country’s deployed troops, Anthem’s community of military volunteers joined together to pack and send decorated care packages. The masked group of around 50 volunteers met on September 16 at the Anthem Civic Building for the charity event, where they assembled care packages for deployed troops and crafted mats made from plastic bags for homeless veterans. The event was a collaboration with the Arizona chapter of the

Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Youth for Troops and Project Veterans Pride-John Walton Home Program. MOAA is a professional association of over 350,000 U.S. military officers from each branch of service as well as their families. The nonpartisan, nonprofit association seeks to protect benefits for the military community. Peter Burger, president of the Arizona chapter of MOAA, said that this was his first packing event and that there is something to be said for the comradery between the community and deployed troops. “I was over in Vietnam years ago, A volunteer writes letters of appreciation for soldiers overseas at the nonprofit charity event. The care package boxing event was a collaboration with the Arizona chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, Youth for Troops and Project Veterans PrideJames Walton Home.

Taylor Piatt, co-founder of Youth for Troops, tapes decorated care packages shut before they are shipped to service members overseas.

Volunteers wearing Military Officers Association of America T-shirts write letters of appreciation for deployed soldiers at the charity event at the Anthem Civic Building. (Photos by Sarah Donahue)

and we didn’t get the same treatment that the folks in more modern times have gotten, so it feels good to be part of a program that really lets the troops know that they’re cared about and folks back here are thinking about them,” Burger said. The Arizona chapter of MOAA received financial assistance from MOAA’s Foundation Community Outreach grant program that helped make the event possible. This MOAA grant, which is given to chapters that provide services to the

local military and veteran community, has been used to help fund other Phoenix and Arizona statewide veteran programs over the years, like Youth for Troops, U.S. Vets, Project Veterans Pride-James Walton Home and Veterans First Ltd. Youth for Troops is exactly what it sounds like: kids looking to volunteer their time and energy to show their appreciation for military and first responders. When the group of kids was

see TROOPS page 5

Volunteers at the September 16 nonprofit charity event pack hygiene, food and entertainment items into boxes that will be shipped to deployed troops overseas.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

AWARENESS

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This culminates six months of work using the campaign direction “Possibilities Realized.” UCP of Central Arizona awarded Knoodle the account in December after an extensive agency search. “We are so proud of our organization and the people we serve,” said Brenda Hanserd, CEO of UCP of Central Arizona. “We wanted a message of hope that conveyed the children and adults we serve as our heroes, and our ‘Possibilities Realized’ brand handle goes beyond cerebral palsy. Every day, we work with children, adults and families with CP and various disabilities to maximize every person’s fullest potential.” Knoodle’s chief creative officer, John Meyer, developed the campaign and created a way to safely shoot it. The campaign celebrates transformative treatments with an individualized purpose of empowering lives to reach their full potential and addressing relevant issues that relate to life with cerebral palsy or other disorders. “Through great coordination and cooperation with UCP, we photographed the children 15 feet away with a very small but talented team,” he said. Meyer and his team shot at six area

TROOPS

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turned away from volunteer events due to their age, rather than give up, they created their own nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization to host events where all ages, 0 to 120, can join. The nonprofit was created in 2017 and is located in Anthem and Tramonto. The youth-led organization was co-founded by siblings Taylor Piatt, Heather Piatt and Hannah Piatt with their three best friends: Sophie Hoffa, Walter Hoffa and Leo Hoffa. The Piatt siblings’ mother, Tonya, is the organization’s president. “We started it because we wanted to find a way to get all ages to serve,” Heather said. “Our main goal was to find things that just anyone at any age could do, whether you’re a child or an adult. We just always have had a passion for military and patriotism.” Youth for Troops holds monthly care

locations, many with UCP children and adults. “My approach was to showcase these children as princesses, cowboys, swimmers and dreamers to inspire Arizonans with these triumphs. UCP makes this happen,” Meyer added. Meyer tapped nationally known photographer Paul Markow for all photography, including on-site at the UCP headquarters and off-site at the McCormick Ranch Park, a private horse ranch and at a Phoenix-area home. The campaign also includes a new website, direct mail effort and a digital donation drive, where the “Possibilities Realized” campaign will be showcased. “We were beyond honored,” Anderson said. “It was unreal that they had asked us to be part of that opportunity, the ‘Possibilities Realized’ campaign. We’re her parents, so we can think of no one better. “We’ve been witness to everything she’s been able to accomplish through her time at UCP, and she’s a living, breathing example of a child given a grave diagnosis who has excelled beyond measure, as far as what medical journals have said.” When Markow spoke to the Anderpacking events at the Outlets at Anthem on the second Monday of each month. Since 2018, the organization has sent thousands of boxes to troops overseas and expects to hit 4,000 boxes next month. At the charity event, volunteers of all ages wrote personalized notes, hand decorated the boxes and filled them with food, hygiene and entertainment items like cookies, chips, beef jerky, lip balm, hand sanitizer, as well as books and magazines, “just the little things you take for granted,” Heather said. The volunteers were able to pack 75 boxes in less than two hours. “We get letters from the deployed troops who receive our stuff, and we love reading them and we get super excited when we go to the post office and

see TROOPS page 6

Nicole Anderson has become an advocate for her daughter, Alexandra, who has Pitt-Hopkins syndrome. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

sons, he asked them if Alexandra had a princess gown. “I said, ‘Do we have a princess outfit?’” he said with a laugh. “‘Sure we do. She’s our princess.’ She was a princess for Halloween. She’s our angel on earth. “No one should have this disability.

Those who have been lucky enough to get to know Alexandra are truly changed for the better—not just for her smile but for the hope she brings to everyone around her. Without saying one word, she said books of dialogue and changes all of us because of that.”

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TROOPS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

from page 5

we see letters there,” Heather said. She added that sometimes the troops will give feedback on items they want more or less of, which helps them adjust to best suit their needs. “I think the relationship between (MOAA) and Youth for Troops and the (Project Veterans Pride-James Walton Home) is a wonderful way of working together to improve situations for veterans, and hopefully we’ll build on it in the future,” Burger said. Project Veterans Pride-James Walton Home was created by veterans seven years ago to offer job training, mental health services and rehabilitation, as well as transitional and permanent housing to homeless veterans. Christeen Verchot, MOAA member, president of Project Veterans Pride and executive director of the James Walton Home, said almost 830 veterans have gone through their program, saying it has a 91% success rate of getting housing and employment within 90 days. While the program is successful, she

said the problem it solves is heartbreaking. “It’s a real dichotomy when somebody that’s military is homeless, because that’s not right,” she said while cutting plastic bags to be made into mats. “Military and homeless—those two words should not be said together.” She said her 20 years in the Air Force and background as a nurse practitioner prepared her to do the work that’s required with Project Veterans PrideJames Walton Home. “We’re all military taking care of military,” she said. Youth for Troops is looking for more men and women overseas to send their care packages to. “We’re so excited that a lot of the recipients of our boxes overseas have come home, which has left a big open space on our mailing list,” Tonya said. Anyone who wants a care package sent to their deployed relative or friend each month can email youth4troops@ gmail.com with their name, address and expected return from deployment.

A group of masked volunteers shows the boxes they helped pack and decorate for deployed troops at the charity event on September 16 at the Anthem Civic Building.

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Volunteers at the September 16 nonprofit charity event pack hygiene, food and entertainment items into boxes that will be shipped to deployed troops overseas.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Phoenix police say blood was found in home BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

n September 6, Joseph Concialdi, 57, called the Phoenix Police Department to report his wife of 30 years as missing from their North Phoenix home. A little over a week later, on September 15, he was taken into custody and faces a charge of first-degree murder of his 59-year-old wife, Julie. The investigation is still ongoing, as her body has not been found. When she first went missing, her friends and family were quick to use Facebook to spread the word about the search for their missing loved one. One of Julie’s friends created a Spotfund online fundraiser to raise money to hire a private investigator to help find her and bring her home. According to court documents, she is believed to be deceased. Julie was a warm, friendly woman who was always laughing, said friend Amaris Baldwin. “She adored her family and was always talking about them and how they were her world. I will always remember her genuine smile and huge personality. “What happened to Julie is completely unfair and so heartbreaking. I am most saddened for the kids and grandkids. It’s just not fair.” Joseph made his initial appearance in court on September 16 and is being held on a $2 million bond, according to documents from the Maricopa County Superior Court. Joseph’s next court appearance was scheduled for September 22, followed by a preliminary hearing on September 25. A search warrant was issued for the Concialdi residence at Dove Valley Road and North Valley Parkway on September 8, and police found evidence of a “significant sanitized crime scene,” according to court documents. Using BlueStar processing, a forensic blood visualizing agent, police found several areas of the house where blood was present or had been cleaned off before the search.

Joseph Concialdi, 57, was arrested on charges of firstdegree murder of his wife, Julie. (Special to the Foothills Focus)

A toothbrush was taken during the search, and family reference samples were ordered from Julie’s son and daughter. A profile was developed with the DNA that was taken from the toothbrush and family samples. After testing, it was found that the blood was Julie’s. “The amount of blood evidence located suggested a significant injury,” documents say. In Joseph’s missing persons’ report, he claimed he last saw her on the evening of September 4, the same evening the Phoenix Fire Department and police department responded to a car fire in an industrial business area in Deer Valley at around 11:07 p.m., according to police documents. After the car fire was extinguished, police determined the vehicle was registered to the couple, whom they were unable to reach, documents say. The vehicle was later impounded and thought to be stolen. A later examination found that the fire was set intentionally, and video footage showed someone walking away from the fire without looking back while holding an unidentified object. However, the video footage wasn’t clear enough to identify who it was. According to the documents, when the police went to the couple’s home at 1:33 a.m. September 5 to notify the

couple about the car fire, bodycam footage showed Joseph’s work truck was parked in the driveway—which allegedly didn’t line up with his alibi. On the evening of September 4, the last time he claimed to have seen his wife, he said the couple got in a heated argument about vacation plans. He claimed that it escalated to a point where he felt he needed to remove himself from the house and walk around the neighborhood, documents say. After his 10-minute walk, he then claimed that he briefly returned home to grab clothes before leaving in his work truck for a nearby Fry’s grocery store to get food before leaving to camp alone in a remote area outside Payson, the documents state. He stated that he didn’t interact with anybody else. An investigation into Joseph’s phone records found that he frequently corresponded with a woman who lived in Payson. Investigators contacted the woman and found that the two had been having an affair since March. He met the woman on a dating app where he portrayed himself as “almost divorced,” documents say. “Joseph’s own admissions paint the marriage as a tumultuous one, with prior separations and talk of divorce,” according to court documents. He told his son that a divorce would be “financially damaging” for him. Julie left behind a life insurance policy, the addendum states. Multiple witnesses confirmed that Julie was suspicious that her husband was unfaithful, documents state. An

investigation shows he visited the Payson woman the weekend of September 5 instead of camping solo. The investigation marked September 2 as being the start of a significant break in Julie’s typical life pattern. Investigators identified major key factors that indicated her death, considering the fact that she lived a “low-risk” lifestyle, the documents state. September 2 was the last time Julie had contact with anyone other than her husband, according to the addendum. She went to a doctor’s appointment that day, but her phone activity abruptly stopped that afternoon. She didn’t return any calls or texts from her adult children. She apparently was on vacation from her job from August 31 to September 7 but since then never returned to work, the documents state. She missed other appointments as well. She left behind her wallet, all identification and payment methods as well as all her clothing, belongings and medications, more unusual factors that indicated her death, according to the documents. Police identified Joseph as a suspect from video footage acquired from the nearby Fry’s grocery store that he visited the night of his wife’s disappearance. In the video footage from Fry’s at 8:53 p.m., Joseph is seen wearing the same clothing as the suspect in the video footage from the car fire at approximately 11:05 p.m., the addendum says. This included the same shirt, jeans, hat and shoes.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

This stubborn dove would make a great politician BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Guest Columnist

am living with a shining example of determination, strength and courage. She is my resident dove, whom I have named Wilma. If only Wilma could run for public office, she would win the hearts (and votes) of her constituents. She would fight to the death for her family, battle all manner of hardship and never give up on anything or anyone. Once she has made her mind up, she is the champion of the underdog. No flip-flopping, uncertainty on issues, principles or ideology. Wilma is tough. Wilma has set up house in my live, potted fichus tree that sits by the front

door under my covered porch. Protected from the evil eyes of predators, sheltered from the sun, hidden from the wind, she has found the ideal spot to raise her family. I initially tried everything to scare her away. Who wants the mess of dove poop to clean up? Engaged in a huge battle to evict Wilma, her true colors came through. My friend said I should hang shiny CDs from the branches, and this would scare the dove away. Not true. A neighbor said put pieces of foil in the tree, which I did. Wilma couldn’t care less. A colleague advised that setting a plastic, life-like owl in the tree that will “hoot” at any movement will do the trick. But Wilma is fearless! No fake owl is going to bother her. I even recruited my neighbor’s big dog to sit by the fichus, thinking he would

frighten the poor bird. This plan backfired when I noticed Wilma dive-bombing the terrified doggy as he ran for cover under a tree. What was I to do? After a valiant attempt (mine) to get rid of this dove, I decided to give up. This is something that Wilma would never do. She sits quietly and patiently in that potted tree, in her makeshift nest, eyes wide open as we approach the front door. You can put your face 2 inches from hers and she will not even flinch! You can stare at her nest and she will glare back, just don’t try and touch her two little babies! So, a tiny creature outsmarts and outlasts a big dog and several humans. Wilma is small but mighty. She sits with her growing offspring, preening and feeding them, knowing that there will be

a moment, soon, when they will fly away. When baby doves take flight, the mother leaves the nest. Sometimes, the babies will return, perhaps in wait for their mother. It seems only after the babies have flown away, to a new life, that the mother revisits the nest. Empty now, the work is done—until next time. Wilma and I have reached a truce. I let her go on living by my front door, and she has stopped pooping on the flagstone entry. The neighbor’s dog sometimes sits by the pot, gazing quietly up at the “rustling” in the tree. We coexist. I won’t let a stubborn dove make me cuckoo. Oh, and if you need a big, plastic owl, let me know, because my dove doesn’t give a hoot. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a comment or a story? Email Judy at

efforts to obtain government rental assistance, (2) they cannot pay their rent either because they have had a substantial loss of income or because they have extraordinary out-of-pocket medical bills, and (3) their eviction would force them into homelessness or into a crowded living situation. Tenants must also acknowledge that rent and late fees will continue to become due and that this temporary halt on evictions concludes at the end of the year. The Arizona Supreme Court’s Administrative of Courts has posted sample tenant affidavit forms on the Arizona Judicial Branch webpage. The name of the form is “Declaration to Landlord for a Temporary Halt in Residential Eviction.” It is available at the following web address: https://www.azcourts.gov/self-

servicecenter/Landlord-Tenant-Disputes-Eviction-Actions/COVID-19-Processing-Eviction-Matters The form is also available in Spanish. Under the CDC order, landlords can still give tenants notice and can still file residential evictions if the basis for the eviction is something other than nonpayment of rent. For example, tenants who engage in criminal activity on the property are not protected by the CDC order. The same is true for tenants who have either unauthorized occupants or unauthorized pets living in the residence. Landlords will likely approach residential evictions with caution. Unlike any current state law, the CDC order provides for felony-level criminal sanctions for landlords who violate the order. The CDC order is controversial. It will

most likely trigger a lawsuit claiming that it is unconstitutional. In addition, it is arguably does not implement an emergency medical policy. Critics will contend that it is an economic order because it is based on not being able to pay your rent. A stated basis for the order is to stop the spread of COVID-19, but actually getting COVID-19 is not a basis to request relief under the order. Some landlords have not received a full monthly rental payment since February. As a matter of public policy, forcing them to remain in that status until the end of the year is problematic. If the supply of rental housing decreases, then rent will be higher, not lower, for nearly everyone. Judge Gerald A. Williams is the justice of the peace for the North Valley Justice Court. That court’s jurisdiction includes Anthem and Desert Hills.

Judge explains CDC eviction postponements BY JUDGE GERALD A. WILLIAMS North Valley Justic Court

apologize for writing another column about residential evictions, but the rules keep changing. After Gov. Doug Ducey’s second executive order on evictions extended eviction enforcement delays until October 31, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added its own ban blocking many residential evictions until after December 31, 2020. Effective September 4, 2020, tenants earning up to $99,000 ($198,000 for married couples who file joint tax returns) may qualify for protection under the CDC order if they sign an affidavit informing their landlord: (1) they have used best

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Veteran to Trump: Our veterans are heroes BY VIRGEL CAIN Foothills Focus Guest Columnist

uty, honor, country. As a Vietnam War veteran, these values have always been my North Star. They form the core of America’s defense and seal our shared bonds here at home. They’ve helped guide America’s steady hand for centuries—and will continue to for centuries to come. So, when I hear our commander-inchief attack our nation’s veterans as “losers” and denigrate the honor of our fallen brothers and sisters, I’m not just outraged. I feel abandoned. Serving our nation is the ultimate act of courage and sacrifice. Not knowing when—or if—they will return home, our nation’s troops put their livelihoods on the line to protect America’s interests and advance democratic ideals around the world. Accordingly, each president has a duty to protect America’s soldiers on the battlefield and care for them when they return home. And each president has always upheld their oath to fulfill that duty—until President Trump took office. Since he entered the White House, President Trump has repeatedly disparaged and abandoned our nation’s military and veterans. He made it clear

that he would not stand up to Russia for placing bounties on the heads of our servicemen and -women. He’s diverted millions of dollars meant for our armed forces to build his border wall, which doesn’t work and doesn’t keep us any safer. He even called his own former secretary of defense, Gen. James Mattis, “the world’s most overrated general.” In hindsight, we should have known that his first attack on the late Sen. John McCain in 2015—infamously scoffing, “I like people who weren’t captured”— would be a harbinger of how he treats our veterans. Five years later, we’re still hearing the same disparaging remarks. “Losers,” he calls our troops. “Suckers,” he says of those who gave their life on the battlefield. Mr. President: Our veterans—fallen or otherwise—are not losers. They are heroes. Arizonans know that military service is part of the lifeblood of who we are as a society. Arizona is proudly home to more than half a million men and women who served in the military—about 1 in 10 adults—as well as seven military bases. Veterans form the fabric of our communities, and we all honor them with the utmost respect that they deserve. It’s time our president does the same. Thankfully, we have the opportunity

to vote for a new president who knows firsthand that veterans, service members and military families deserve the utmost respect and honor. Joe Biden embodies all of the qualities we ask of our troops: sacrifice, bravery and a deep commitment to our country’s ideals. As the father of a service member and as a vice president who has solemnly greeted countless fallen heroes at Dover Air Force Base, we’ll never have to question whether Joe Biden will recognize the valor and sacrifice of those who fought and died for our liberties—we know he will. Joe Biden will help ensure that veterans have the help and resources they need when they return home, including highquality health care and safe, affordable housing. We know he’ll invest in mental health resources to help address PTSD and reduce suicide rates. And as someone who knows his way around the government, we know that starting on day one, Joe Biden will work to ensure the VA serves veterans with efficiency and

accountability. Joe Biden also won’t abandon our troops on the battlefield. By restoring America’s standing in the world and reaffirming our global alliances, Joe Biden will ensure that our troops have the moral leadership they deserve to stay safe while fighting bravely. Our ever-shrinking world is becoming more unstable by the day. As our enemies become stronger and alliances shift, we need to ensure our troops are fully supported to defend our country and secure our liberties. President Trump has shown he is incapable of equipping our troops with the leadership they need and deserve. After four long years under this administration, it’s time we restore the same values we ask of our troops—duty, honor, country—back in the White House. Virgel Cain is a former enlisted Navy veteran who served two tours of duty in Vietnam and has served as the chairman and co-chairman of the city of Phoenix Military and Veterans Commission. He lives in Cave Creek.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

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Foothills Food Bank to offer artistic bowls online BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

he 2020 Foothills Empty Bowls Project is moving online this year. Sponsored by Tech4Life Computers & Websites, the event’s bowl sale and art auction will be held on the Foothills Food Bank’s website, foothillsfoodbank.com. Individuals can bid on art and purchase bowls donated by members and friends of the Sonoran Arts League. “We are excited to offer the bowl sale online so people can support this worthy cause and spend the time they need to bid on their favorite works of art and purchase as many bowls as they like—sight unseen of course,” said Carole Perry, the event’s founder. The Foothills Empty Bowls Project began September 1 and runs through World Hunger Day, Friday, October 16, at 1 p.m. “Bidders and buyers can participate 24 hours a day if they wish,” Perry said. “Each bowl comes with a gift certificate, redeemable between October 19 and October 23, for a spaghetti meal at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, a key sponsor.”

Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement by artists and craftspeople in cities and towns around the world to care for and feed the hungry in their communities. It supports food-related charitable organizations around the world and has raised millions of dollars to help end hunger. (Photo courtesy Foothills Food Bank)

Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement by artists and craftspeople in cities and towns around the world to care for and feed the hungry in their communities. It supports food-related charitable organi-

Tatum Ranch Art Show benefits Foothills Food Bank

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

he Tatum Ranch Art Show will donate raffle proceeds and food from its October 8 and October 9 event to Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center. The show’s hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. October 8 and 3 to 5 p.m. October 9 at 29888 N. Tatum Boulevard, Cave Creek. The hosts, Tatum Ranch Club and Tatum Ranch Artists, are of-

fering a special lunch menu on October 8 and a special happy hour on October 9. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food to support the food bank and the communities it serves. For more information, call Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center at 480-488-1145. Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center is located at 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive in Cave Creek, and 34501 Old Black Canyon Highway in Black Canyon City.

zations around the world and has raised millions of dollars to help end hunger. Bowl purchasers should note that they can choose from a large selection of bowls between October 12 and October 16 from

noon to 4 p.m. at the Foothills Food Bank, 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive, or Laughing Glass Studio, 4944 E. Sawmill Circle, both in Cave Creek. Winning bids for the art auction will be announced after 1 p.m. October 16 on the website, and the art will be available for pickup at Foothills Food Bank from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. Saturday, October 17, or noon to 4 p.m. Monday, October 19. Foothills Food Bank provides emergency food, financial assistance and other life necessities and resources to individuals and families in the desert foothills, which encompasses a 180-square mile area that includes Black Canyon City, Mayer, Spring Valley, Cordes Lakes, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, Desert Hills, New River, North Scottsdale, Rio Verde and North Phoenix. The Sonoran Arts League is committed to advancing art and art education, with a special focus on mentoring youth with the belief that arts training helps develop the ability to focus and strengthens cognitive skills in young people. It offers a number of youth art programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Gedion Nyanhongo: the spirit of stone BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

orn into an artistic family on December 22, 1967, in Nyanga, Zimbabwe, Gedion Nyanhongo entered the world blessed and inspired. He was guided by one of Africa’s first-generation sculptors, his father, Claud Nyanhongo, a prominent, highly regarded sculptor and pioneer of the Shona Sculpture Movement. A movement that took root during the late 1950s, Shona Sculpture is unique to Zimbabwe. Gedion’s work introduces the viewer to traditional values—the importance of community; positive, respectful human relationships; and the sacredness of life. His goal is to inspire the positive aspects of humanity across cultures and in our own lives. “My sculptures are a tribute to enduring life values expressed in the timelessness of ancient stone,” Gedion said. As an adolescent, Gedion was an apprentice to internationally acclaimed sculptor Joseph Ndandarika, a friend of his father. With Ndandarika, Gedion turned his skills into sophisticated, polished expression. By 1988, Gedion was ready to strike out on his own. Empowered by his expanding personal vision and technical skills honed under the grand masters of his craft, he

was quickly recognized as a Shona sculptor of excellence. His debut exhibition was in 1989 at the Mabwe Gallery in Harare, Zimbabwe. Since that first exhibit, his works have been seen in solo and group exhibitions throughout the world, including England, France, Germany, Holland, Hong Kong, South Africa and the United States. Today, his works are shared in private and public collections worldwide, including the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Phoenix Zoo. Gedion creates from his studio in Cave Creek. His stone is imported from Zimbabwe. Specimens include serpentine, springstone, opal, lepidolite and verdite, just to name a few. In the tradition of the Shona Sculpture Movement, he works en-

Gedion Nyanhongo’s work introduces the viewer to traditional values—the importance of community; positive, respectful human relationships; and the sacredness of life. (Photos courtesy Gedion Nyanhongo)

“Hugging Giraffes” by Gedion Nyanhongo.

“Patiently Waiting” by Gedion Nyanhongo.

tirely by hand using a hammer, selection of chisels and drill to rough out his images. Finishing work is done by hand as well, with a series of files and a variety of polishing techniques. His focus is “to release the spirit” by following the natural contour of the stone, gradually removing material, piece by piece, until the image within emerges in its finished form. He is dedicated to offer-

ing his homeland’s cultural beauty to the rest of the world. In 2018, Gedion was awarded the prestigious UMB Excellence Award from St. Louis’ Laumeier Sculpture Park, the country’s largest dedicated sculpture park. Last year, he collected the outstanding achievement award from the Barrington Art Festival and first place at the Beverly Hills Art Show in California. The public will have an opportunity to meet Gedion at the 24th annual Hidden in the Hills Artist Studio Tour & Sale, scheduled for November 20 to November 22, and November 27 to November 29. Visit

sonoranartsleague.org for updates. He is also participating in the 31st annual Celebration of Fine Arts in Scottsdale from January 16 to March 28; visit celebrateart.com for information. His sculptures are created in a variety of sizes to accommodate a variety of environmental setting in homes, gardens and offices. He welcomes tours by appointment of his Cave Creek studio at 29201 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek. Info: 480-255-4184, gedionnyanhongo@gmail.com, gediongalleries.com Contact arts columnist, Shea Stanfield, at flowingquill@yahoo.com.

DINING

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

Dining

@TheFoothills.Focus / TheFoothillsFocus

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Carefree Restaurant Week celebrates its dedicated following BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

o Gemmill believes there’s power in numbers. Collectively,Carefree’s restarants and coffeehouses—including her English Rose Tea Room—will make their mark with the third annual Carefree Restaurant Week from October 1 to October 11. “It’s a chance to say ‘thank you’ to all the folks who have supported us through the pandemic,” said Gemmill, who also serves as the Carefree Restaurant Association’s chairwoman. Restaurant week offers participating restaurants the chance to showcase their menus at discounted prices. Some restaurants will offer a special lunch menu, others a three-course dinner for dine-in or takeout customers. The prices—per person, excluding alcohol—are $18 for a two-course lunch; $35 or $45 for a three-course dinner menu. Gemmill will serve a two-course lunch menu of cottage pie, pumpkin spice scones and a seasonal tea, as English Rose Tea Room at 201 Easy Street, Suite 103, isn’t open for dinner. “It’s a little different than the cucumber sandwiches that people expect us to provide,” she said with a laugh. “We’re hoping a lot more gentleman callers will come by because of the meat-and-potatoes menu. “Unlike many other towns, Carefree’s restaurant base is made up of independent, family-owned businesses. Therefore, no large corporate chains dictate menu, pricing or marketing campaign.

Baseball cut steak is among the Carefree Restaurant Week offerings at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse. (Photo courtesy Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse)

Jo Gemmill opened English Rose Tea Room in Carefree to share her English heritage. (Photo courtesy Jo Gemmill)

Rather, the individual business owner can determine the look, feel, style, concept and brand their own restaurant based on their own individual culinary expertise.” Gemmill said Carefree Restaurant Week piggybacks off Arizona Restaurant Week, which runs through September 27. “Arizona Restaurant Week is sometimes cost prohibitive for smaller independent restaurants to take part,” she added. “When we started Carefree Restaurant Association, we decided there would be free membership, no dues. We just work on the goodwill of our community and neighbors. Carefree Restaurant Week is a free event to take part in for the restaurants. We’re offering a discounted menu and a chance to say, ‘Hey, we’re still in business.’” Adele Giordano owns one of those businesses—Giordano’s Trattoria Romana at 7275 E. Easy Street. The Italian eatery has been in her family since 2004.

see

RESTAURANT page 14

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

RESTAURANT

from page 13

“During this pandemic, I have to say, I’ve had the most supportive regulars and all of the customers were consistently taking out prior to May 12, when we were allowed to have indoor dining with all the CDC guidelines,” she said. “I love restaurant week. It’s a way to give a special menu to the people and thank them for all the support throughout the years.” Giordano’s Trattoria Romana’s menu will feature escargot, house or Caesar salad; pollo gorgonzola, linguine con vongole, lasagna Bolognese, cannelloni Florentine, pollo parmigiana, eggplant parmigiana or gluten-free penne pasta ($35); salmon fra diavalo, vitello francese, vitello marsala, vitello piccata, pork chop voldostano or cioppini frutti de mare ($45); and tiramisu or New York cheesecake. Paul Keeler, of Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse at 7212 Ho Hum Drive, said the overriding theme of Carefree Restaurant Week is “great.” “We feel that Carefree has just so many great community- and inde-

During Carefree Restaurant Week, Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse will offer three courses for $45 per person—tomato bisque, Keeler salad or French onion soup; 8-ounce prime rib, California sea bass (above), baseball cut steak or half chicken; and chocolate cake a la mode. (Photo courtesy Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse)

pendent-driven restaurants that need awareness, especially in these times,” he said. “It builds awareness. The awareness

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is good within the greater Carefree/ Cave Creek/North Scottsdale area, but this reaches out a little bit farther and gives people a great cross section of offerings.” Keeler’s offers high-quality steaks at a lower cost than most standard steakhouses, like Capital Grille or Morton’s The Steakhouse, he said. During restaurant week, it will offer three courses for $45 per person—tomato bisque, Keeler salad or French onion soup; 8-ounce prime rib, California sea bass, baseball cut steak or half chicken; and chocolate cake a la mode. “In our area, they like the fact that they don’t have to go ‘down the hill,’ so to speak, to get a good steak,” Kee-

ler said about Carefree residents. “It’s a very versatile menu. Our happy hour is robust. We have several different venues—a courtyard, patio that’s adjacent to us, a rooftop deck that opens on October 1.” During the event, participating restaurants will follow all CDC guidelines regarding safety measures and limited dine-in capacity. Keeler’s has taken COVID-19 so seriously that the Arizona and Carefree restaurant associations have used it as an example of how to operate during the pandemic. “We adhere to 50% occupancy,” he said. “People have the option to dine in or dine out on the patio. More people are comfortable with open air. We have a good curbside to-go program as well. “We’re thrilled to be a part of Carefree Restaurant Week. We feel we have a lot to offer with the independent restaurants. Kudos to Jo, who’s the president, for organizing it.”

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