The Foothills Focus 100522 Zone 1

City �inds little cheer in bigger budget surplus

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Thecity of Phoenix saw a bigger budget surplus from the 2021-22 fiscal year than officials expected.

City Manager Jeff Barton told the city council in a memo last week that general fund revenues of $224.4 million exceeded the original estimate by $39 million and that the extra money will become part of the 2023-24 spending plan.

Actually, total revenue of nearly $1.5 billion exceeded estimates by $45.8 million, Barton said, but $7.3 million had to be transferred to the city’s self-insurance reserve and workmen’s compensation fund to meet legal obligations, he said.

Barton said the primary reason why rev-

Signatures ‘fell short’ to block ESAs for all Arizona students

BY TORI GANTZ Cronkite News

Theapparently successful petition drive that blocked a “universal” expansion of Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts may not have been so successful after all.

Officials with Save Our Schools Arizona, who said Friday, Sept. 23 that they turned

in thousands more signatures than needed to force a vote on the issue, have now conceded that they “definitely got the numbers wrong.”

And while they were not ready to admit defeat, they said they were not optimistic that the secretary of state’s office would find that they collected the 118,823 signatures needed.

“We fell short. We are, of course, awaiting

the accurate number from the secretary of state’s office,” said Beth Lewis, executive director of Save Our Schools Arizona.

Lewis’ comments came Tuesday, Sept. 27, one day after supporters of the universal ESA program said their own analysis of the petitions showed the number of signatures submitted was closer to 89,000 — well be-

Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton painted a bleak forecast for the 2023-24 fiscal year. (Foothills Focus file photo)

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BUDGET

enue exceeded estimates “is primarily due to more-than-estimated (job) vacancy savings.”

But Barton wasn’t celebrating that fact.

“City departments are having a very difficult time recruiting and retaining employees due to the competitive labor market,” he wrote.

But Barton offered other reasons why the unexpected surplus offered no reason for cheer as he painted an overall forecast for 2023-24 that is fraught with uncertainties.

He noted that the past two budget cycles have made revenue forecasting “extremely difficult in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, more recently, increased economic uncertainty.”

He said federal pandemic relief created “a remarkable, unprecedented” windfall and that high inflation pushed sales tax revenue well beyond what the city expected.

But that all will change, he said.

“The recent geopolitical crisis in Europe, market volatility and concerns of recession by economic professionals have all contributed to uncertainty about the direction of the economy,” Barton wrote.

He said city budget staff “has taken a cautious approach to estimating revenue and will continue to do so in order

ESA from page 1

low the 141,714 SOS Arizona claimed it had.

to ensure revenues are not projected too aggressively in an uncertain economy.”

“The higher-than-anticipated ending fund balance is good news and will be beneficial as we move forward,” he said. “However, the city faces many fiscal challenges in the years ahead which will require strategic decision making to optimize resources.”

Among those challenges will be the need to raise city employees’ salaries to compete in the job market, an increasing pressure to address aging infrastructure and city equipment and vehicles, cyber-security enhancements, the impact of any U.S. Justice Department sanctions on Phoenix police, diminishing tax revenue as the result of a recession and “potential reduction in state and federal funding or new unfunded state or federal mandates, including environmental requirements and attempts by the legislature to reduce taxes.”

Together with rising costs and the demand for expanded city services, Barton said, all these budget items “add significant pressure and uncertainty to the general fund operating budget and create challenges estimating city revenues and expenditures.”

On top of that, the city is anticipating higher police and fire pension costs — especially when it comes to paying down a more than $3.4 billion unfunded liability to the Public Safety Person-

nel Retirement System — the largest pension debt of any governmental entity covered by the system.

Phoenix’s debt accounts for nearly half the $8.84 billion of the plan’s unfunded liability that existed at the close of the 2021-22 fiscal year on June 30.

Barton’s predecessor warned Phoenix city council several years ago that the pension liability is a legal obligation and that it could impact what the city has to fund basic services if it was not addressed.

Former Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher outlined those consequences in June 2021 as he pushed to borrow $1 billion at a fixed-interest rate of about 3% to pay down part of the city’s total $5.4 billion pension debt — which includes other plans besides the $3.4 billion PSPRS debt. It pays a 7% rate on its back payments to PSPRS.

While expressing enthusiasm for Zuercher’s proposal, council never acted on it and interest rates on loans likely no longer make the plan feasible.

In his memo last week, Barton also outlined the schedule for presenting the 2023-24 budget, which will start with the release of an inventory of programs for that fiscal year on Feb. 2 followed three weeks later by a 5-year general fund forecast.

Barton will release a trial budget on March 21, leading to hearings for several weeks in April.

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It could be mid-October before the secretary of state’s office reviews “every sheet and every signature” to determine the actual number of legitimate signatures on the petitions, a spokesperson for the office said. She did confirm, however, that the office received 8,175 petition sheets, each of which can hold up to 15 signatures — 122,625 signatures at most, a cushion of just over 3%.

If there are more than 118,823, the law will be put on hold until 2024, when it would go before voters; if there are fewer, the expansion of the school voucher program will take effect imme-

diately.

As of Sept. 19, the Arizona Department of Education said it had received more than 10,000 applications for scholarships under the expanded program.

The signature discrepancy was first pointed to by supporters of the ESA program, including the Goldwater Institute and the Center for Arizona Policy, who said petition organizers “radically overstated” the number of signatures submitted Friday.

“Our petition review team counted all the signatures,” said Joe Setyon, a Goldwater Institute spokesperson. “They double-checked every line to ensure accuracy.”

Goldwater Director of Education Poli-

cy Matt Beienburg said the institute was “participating in the process to make sure that there was an accurate count of the number of signatures.”

The current Empowerment Scholarship Account program gives taxpayer dollars to families whose children attend failing public schools or a school that cannot provide the services their children need. The families can use that money to pay for private or other nonpublic schooling.

The new law would expand that program to any family in the state, giving as much as $6,500 per child in exchange for not attending a public school.

The law was sponsored by Rep. Ben

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Toma, R-Peoria, who said in a prepared statement on Sept. 28 that “when fund ing follows the student, the performance of schools and students has improved.”

“Proponents of the failed referendum built their effort on the fallacy that pub lic schools are harmed by Arizona’s ESA program,” Toma’s statement said. “That of course is untrue.”

The bill was the last signed into law

by Gov. Doug Ducey — a move Lewis called “deliberate.”

“That took 10 days out of our 90-day window in which citizens are allowed to refer a bill, which may not sound huge to some people, but those 10 days… definitely broke our efforts,” Lewis said of Ducey’s delay.

She said her group of grassroots vol unteers did everything in their power to meet the Sept. 23 deadline to turn in pe titions, but were often confronted and “harassed” by supporters of the law as they tried to collect signatures.

The Center for Arizona Policy Presi dent Cathi Herrod dismissed claims of harassment. She said it was a “grassroots group of parents organized to track the petition drive” who were merely trying to counter inaccurate descriptions of the law and “share the truth” about ESA funding.

Beth Lewis on Friday, Sept. 23, when Save Our Schools Arizona thought it was turning in more than 140,000 petition signatures to halt the state’s expanded ESA program. The final number could be well shy of that. (Save Our Schools Arizona/Submitted)

A supporter in Phoenix signs the Save Our Schools Arizona petition that would stall the expansion of the state’s empowerment schol arship accounts – school vouchers – and put the issue on the 2024 ballot. Petition organiz ers now say they may have fallen short of their goal. (Justin Spangenthal/Cronkite News)

Lewis praised the work of her vol unteers, who she said were “operating under an extreme amount of stress and chaos.” She said she wants people to un derstand “how wild it is at the end.”

“We had petitions just flying in from

around the state, we had folks coming up from Sierra Vista and Yuma and the Navajo Nation,” Lewis said.

Even if her organization ends up fall ing short on the petitions, she said it is “not going to give up the fight.”

“There’s potential for litigation for fu ture initiatives,” Lewis said. “We are not

going anywhere, and we’re not stopping this fight for the future of public educa tion in the state.”

Info azed.gov/esa sosarizona.org

Anthem accepting nominations for Veterans Service Award

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Thedeadline to nominate someone for the Anthem Veterans Service Award, which is given to an outstanding in dividual or group who shows extraordinary service and selfless dedication in support of U.S. veterans, is Friday, Oct. 7.

The award will be presented during the Anthem Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November, 11, 2022.

According to Communications Di rector John Safin, Anthem Community Council created the Veterans Service Award in 2013.

Justin Simons, Agent 41722 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, #110 Anthem, AZ 85086 (Next to Barro’s Pizza) Business: 623-551-3700 justin.simons.j663@statefam.com

Justin Simons, Agent 3655 W Anthem Way Anthem, AZ 85086 Business: 623-551-3700 justin.simons.j663@statefarm.com

“Two year previous, the Anthem Com munity Council erected and dedicated the Veterans Memorial in 2011. We wanted to make sure that we could recognize, ob viously, the veterans that had served the country in our community,” Safin said.

“And then the thought was, why don’t we also recognize the people, groups and orga nizations that go out of their way to support our veterans? Because the veterans are im portant, and there are a lot of people who have that mindset where we need to thank the veterans, make sure that they’re taken care of and recognize what they have done for the county. So, this was the Anthem Community Council’s way to be able to thank those people.”

Nominations can be made by download ing the form from the ACC’s website. The form requires the name and contact infor mation of the person being nominated, as well as an explanation of why they are de serving of the award. Safin said the nom inations are open to anyone and are not limited to Anthem residents. Once complet ed, nomination forms can be mailed to the ACC at 3701 W. Anthem Way, Suite 201, or emailed to Safin at jsafin@anthemcouncil. com. Nomination forms that arrive after the October 7 deadline will not be considered.

Once all the nominations are collected, Safin said the ACC Board of Directors will determine the award winner based on the content and clarity of the completed nom ination form.

“What they’re looking for is any per

The Anthem Community Council is accepting nominations for its Veterans Service Award. (ACC/Submitted)

son, group or organization that has gone above and beyond to provide support to veterans,” he said. “That might seem a lit tle bit arbitrary, but once you start read ing the stories and what people have done to help the veterans, it starts to become clear how many people have a passion for wanting to help them.”

The presentation to the award recipient is part of the community’s prestigious Vet erans Day ceremony held at the Anthem Veterans Memorial. The award recipient will receive a plaque and staff inscribed with his/her name and an official press release celebrating their achievement. The winner is required to attend the Anthem Veterans Day Ceremony for the formal award presentation.

Previous Veteran Service Award win ners are Daisy Mountain Veterans, Mary Ann Derryberry, Ray Norris, Liz Turner, Bob Hackett, John Simmons, Tom Kirk, Ron Tucker, Youth for Troops and Mike Spinelli.

“Every recipient, at least the ones I know, they have all been surprised, very much appreciative and certainly humbled,” Safin said. “You know, they do what they do out of the goodness of their heart, most of them are not expecting any type of recognition.”

Questions about the Anthem Veterans Service Award can be directed to Safin at 623-742-6065.

Summer

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

Lookingfor a reason to celebrate?

Summer is over! Hey, I am not making this up… check the calendar.

Autumn has arrived! So, we might still have a little more sweating to do, but at least there is a crisp hope in the morning air that cooler days are coming.

One woman new to the Valley called this summer a “disgusting, sickening, onslaught of hot horror.” She claims that her poodle was “too hot to make doo-doo” and refused to step out of air

conditioning, consequently getting a “life-threatening” bladder infection. This may give new meaning to the saying, “dog days of summer.” I’m no expert on “doo-doo,” but I can understand wanting to stay in the house.

A newcomer to the area emailed to say that one July day, while walking barefoot to his pool, he burned the soles of his feet so badly that he couldn’t wear shoes for a week. This is exactly the reason why flip-flops were invented! He also said he “fried” his hands just grabbing the steering wheel of his car after it was parked outside for a few hours. Gloves

CONTOURING

were designed for this very purpose! He claims that no one “prepared” him for such a “harsh, inhospitable, dangerous place.” Welcome to paradise my friend! It can get a bit hot here.

A neighbor believes that the only way to walk her dog “safely” in the summer months is to put little booties on his feet, to protect his pads. She said that her dog would absolutely not run in the heat (who would?) and “fattens up” every summer. Well, have you been on a scale lately? Scorching weather, inactivity, and too much ice cream is not a “recipe” for fitness and health. Thank goodness Au-

tumn is here!

Now with summer over, life is getting better. I was driving in Desert Hills and watched three horses running and chasing each other. It was a beautiful

BOO-TOX EVENT

SHED THAT DEAD SKIN

October

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Cheney

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

SMALL

colors with

here

holder wallows in self-pity, dependent on the accolades of the elites, who are happy to utter them loudly, if insincerely.

You,

your neighbors, heck… even Aunt Mavis and Uncle Travis… know all about the “strange bedfellows” that populate politics.

But it’s not the bedfellows who warrant watching… it’s the bedbugs.

Political bedbugs find their fulfillment in efforts aimed at “campaign infestation,” hoping to first deprive their targeted candidates of sleep — and eventually of votes.

A caterpillar becomes a butterfly through metamorphosis; a political bedbug undergoes a process that is completely reversed, metaphorically speaking.

Once a political “high flier,” often due to very generous financial backing or a famous family name (or both), the reclusive creature is soon attracted to the neon sign of Washington’s so-called “smart set.”

Willing to trade principles for prominence, the previously promising public servant begins to echo the outlook of elites, forgetting the promises made and the priorities expressed by the folks “back home.”

It becomes quite problematic if “back home” isn’t really back home… if the luminary in question is much more comfortable living amidst the bright lights of the big city and all the attendant hubbub, instead of the quieter, simpler ways of the remote “residence.”

True residents of the aforementioned “residence” eventually respond harshly and justly.

Simply stated, they find their voices through their votes.

ZAP!

The people speak and the one-time high flier is brought low.

The fall is a long one, and the landing rough, though not fatal.

But rather than being humbled and chastened, the soon-to-be former office

After all, there’s an ulterior motive afoot… one for which the now-vanquished, earthbound and publicly embarrassed “public servant” is uniquely equipped… if “handled” in a clever, faux compassionate manner.

Revenge.

And that promised vengeance is found through (you guessed it) voting.

Only now, the newly created political bedbug advocates voting for candidates anointed by the elites… candidates who will quickly disassociate with the newly motivated “pest” once the masterful manipulation is complete and any envisioned electoral advantage is realized or rejected.

Though she lost the GOP nomination for her seat in Congress, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyoming) is the obvious nominee for “Political Bedbug of the Year.”

Egged on by the elites and her “new

Schedule a tour!

best friends” on the left, Liz has gone… well, “buggy.”

Her displeasure — some might say derangement — concerning Donald Trump remains unabated.

But for some reason, she now wants to insert herself into the race for governor

Middle/High

ADOT driving test changes evoke fond memories

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

The summer after I turned 17, my father took me to a middle school parking lot and attempted to teach me how to drive a car. This did not go well, mostly because we were operating at cross purposes.

I wanted to drive fast. My dad wanted me not to crash his beloved Toyota Tercel.

Voices were raised. Feelings were bruised. The car may have brushed a traffic barrier. Thus, my driving lessons quickly came to an end — until my mother took over.

Which was how I learned to drive on my mom’s ancient 1972 Ford Pinto with a four-speed stick shift, a mushy clutch and 150,000 miles on it.

We practiced two nights a week, working up to the big encore: parallel parking, which my mother simulated for me with some five-gallon paint cans and a

couple of stolen traffic pylons.

Chances are good the Perry Middle parking lot still has splashes of latex semi-gloss from my many suboptimal tries at parallel parking. There was a rhythm to it that eluded me, a sense of space and objects my eyes and hands couldn’t nail.

Especially with my mom screaming over the screech of grinding gears.

Still, when the big day came and I had the Motor Vehicles examiner in the car, I wedged that Pinto into a parking space well enough to earn my driver’s license.

This immediately surpassed winning the eighth grade spelling bee as my life’s biggest accomplishment to that point.

And it’s why I was a bit nostalgic this week when I saw that the Arizona Department of Transportation has changed the state’s road test so it no longer requires new drivers to parallel park as a condition of earning a license.

I get it: Parallel parking is one of those

skills, like knowing how to drive stick or how to start a fire, that has been lost to time and modern convenience.

ADOT did add a few wrinkles to the test that I appreciate, like requiring each would-be driver to locate the vehicle’s registration and insurance card among the old napkins in the glove compartment.

There’s also a brief vehicle inspection to make sure the turn signals work — though I’ve rarely seen an Arizona driver use that particular feature — and a safety test to prove the applicant can find the hazard lights and emergency brake — again, not Arizona specialties.

Only then will the road test begin. “This portion of the test will now take approximately 15-20 minutes to cover the five to eight miles that better reflects a typical commute,” ADOT’s press release explained.

Their prep materials indicate that screwing up following distance during

the test is a 10-point violation, while hitting the curb gets you four points. Score 21 points or more and you fail.

The test apparently doesn’t include points for tweezing your eyebrows while

Judy Schwiebert

for Arizona State House | District 2

Working for our public schools, protecting women’s rights

& putting people over politics.

BLUHM from Page 9

sight. Children are out playing ball in the parks. Golfers are back at it, looking peppy and having fun. ATVs, horses and bikes are being ridden (or driven) and even couch potatoes are venturing into the great outdoors. Physicians say that people who have been sedentary all summer are suddenly out doing things (and injuring themselves). Be careful! It may take some time for your body to get used to walking out to get the mail at a fast clip.

Autumn brings the promise of better things to come — leisurely strolls, ballgames and open doors. Ninety-degree

HAYWORTH from Page 10

here in Arizona.

Featured as the “closing keynote” at the “‘Texas Tribune’ Festival” Sept. 24, Liz lashed out at Kari Lake.

“I’m going to do everything I can to make sure Kari Lake is not elected,” the soon-to-be ex-congresswoman said.

Liz even said she would come to our state and campaign for the Democrats.

If that was supposed to be a threat, it failed miserably.

LEIBOWITZ from Page 11

driving, using an electric razor while on the freeway, or dislodging a 500-degree venti Starbucks from your lap because you stopped short to avoid running a red light — all things I’ve witnessed during my 27 years driving in Arizona.

OK, fine. It was my coffee. And yes, my thighs healed nicely after a month and three tubes of Neosporin. Thanks for asking.

My relationship with my parents

days are positively thrilling! It holds the possibility of walking barefoot without having to be rushed to the local Burn Unit. Little doggies can make “doo-doo” and old dogs can dream of running, jumping and feeling young again.

As one reader put it, “Autumn is the time to remember why we love it here.” Or perhaps summer isn’t a season, but merely an inconvenience. Until next week, look for your sweater and hang it boldly in a prominent place that can help you imagine the cool that is coming!

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

When informed of Rep. Cheney’s comments, the Arizona GOP nominee was jubilant.

Lake exclaimed, “I think she just gave me the biggest, best gift ever!”

Don’t look for the Dems to invite Liz Cheney here… and don’t expect Aunt Mavis or Uncle Travis to vote for Katie Hobbs either.

They’re behind Kari Lake, but they don’t think Liz Cheney is a political bedbug.

They call Liz by another name: RINO.

healed eventually, too. Parallel parking and driving stick were teenage rites of passage we muddled through together, along with learning to tie a Windsor knot and how to balance a checkbook.

Now it’s 2022. I only wear ties to funerals and Quicken handles my checking account. But I did parallel park downtown last week without clipping a car or ending up four feet from the curb. My mom would have been proud — right after she stopped screaming.

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Anthem Activities

Anthem Golf & Country Club schedule BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Dueto the limited availability, An them Golf & Country Club is ask ing members to not register for back-to-back classes, so everyone has a chance to register.

No-shows are charged $10. Classes are held at Persimmon or Ironwood, 2708 W. Anthem Club Drive or 41551 N. Anthem Hills Drive, respec tively.

For more information, call 623-7426200 for Persimmon Clubhouse or 623465-3020 for Ironwood Clubhouse.

• Wednesday, Oct. 5

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength, 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mixology, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Slow Flow, 9:30 a.m.

AnthemLife 101 Orientation, 10 a.m.

Ironwood: Functional Training, 10:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Yoga Stretch, 4:15 p.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing, 5:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 6

Ironwood: Total Body, 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mat Pilates, 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Muscle Mix, 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch, 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves (fee based), 1:15 p.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness, 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Candlelight Yin, 6:30 p.m.

Trivia Night, 7 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 7

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow, 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Functional Strength/ Balance, 9:45 a.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 8

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Bootcamp, 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Chair Yoga, 9 a.m.

• Monday, Oct. 10

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength, 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Power Strength/Stretch, 10:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Meditation & Chair, 4:15 p.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 5:30 p.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing, 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 11

Ironwood: Total Body, 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mat Pilates, 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch, 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves (fee based), 1:15

Persimmon: Water Fitness, 5:30 p.m.

Ironwood: Muscle Mix, 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Candlelight Yin, 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 12

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength, 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mixology, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Slow Flow, 9:30 a.m.

AnthemLife 101 Orientation, 10 a.m.

Ironwood: Functional Training, 10:30 a.m.

New Member Mixer, 4 p.m.

Persimmon: Yoga Stretch, 4:15 p.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing, 5:30 p.m.

Ironwood: Total Body, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Muscle Mix, 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Mat Pilates, 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch, 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves (fee based), 1:15 p.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness, 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Candlelight Yin, 6:30 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 14

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow, 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Functional Strength/Balance, 9:45 a.m.

GLOW! Social Hour, 5 p.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 15

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Bootcamp, 8 a.m. Ironwood: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Chair Yoga, 9 a.m.

• Monday, Oct. 17

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength, 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m. Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow, 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Power Strength/Stretch, 10:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Meditation & Chair, 4:15 p.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing, 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18

Ironwood: Total Body, 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mat Pilates, 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch, 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves (fee based), 1:15 Wine, Spirits and Music Festival, 5 p.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness, 5:30 p.m.

Ironwood: Muscle Mix, 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Candlelight Yin, 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 19

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength, 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mixology, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Slow Flow, 9:30 a.m.

AnthemLife 101 Orientation, 10 a.m.

Ironwood: Functional Training, 10:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Yoga Stretch, 4:15 p.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing, 5:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 20

Ironwood: Total Body, 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mat Pilates, 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Muscle Mix, 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch, 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves (fee based), 1:15 p.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness, 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Candlelight Yin, 6:30 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 21

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow, 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Functional Strength/ Balance, 9:45 a.m.

• Saturday, Oct. 22

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Bootcamp, 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Chair Yoga, 9 a.m.

• Monday, Oct. 24

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength, 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong, 7 a.m.

Anthem Activities

Anthem Community Council activities

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

(6 to 9 years old)

• Anthem Tots Sports

• Child and Babysitting Safety

Programs

and activities are avail able at the Community Center and Civic Building for all ages. Learn more and register online at onlineatan them.com. Visit the “Residents” tab, then click on “Activity Registration.” Most programs and classes are available to nonresidents for an additional fee. With questions, contact the Community Cen ter at 623-879-3011.

• Dolphins Swim Team

Many levels to choose from Email Paul Root at proot@anthemcouncil.com for more information or to tryout

•Adult Master Swim

5 to 6 a.m. Monday to Thursday $35; Community Center

• Wednesdays or Thursdays

Creative Combo Dance: 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. (2 1/2 to 4 years old)

Kinder Combo Dance: 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. (5 to 7 years old)

Junior Combo: 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.

Cheer 101: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (6 to 12 years old)

Cheer 201: 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. (8 to 12 years old)

• Senior Activities (50 years and older)

Golden Go-Getters: 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays

Mexican Train Game: 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fridays Free; Civic Building ongoing

• Yoga Paddleboard and Board Fit

For ages 18 and up

8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 $35 per class; Community Center

• Parents’ Night Out

6:30 to 10 p.m. Oct. 21 $20; Community Center

• Tennis

Youth Tennis: Monday through Thursday options Cardio Tennis: every Saturday morning; $10 drop-in fee (18 and older) Prices, times and dates vary; Community Center

Persimmon: Water Fitness, 5:30 p.m.

Ironwood: Muscle Mix, 5:30 p.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow, 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Power Strength/Stretch, 10:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Meditation & Chair, 4:15 p.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing, 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Oct. 25

Ironwood: Total Body, 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mat Pilates, 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch, 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves (fee based), 1:15

Italian Night, 5 p.m.

Persimmon: Candlelight Yin, 6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Oct. 26

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength, 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mixology, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Slow Flow, 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Functional Training, 10:30 a.m.

AnthemLife 101 Orientation, 4 p.m.

Persimmon: Yoga Stretch, 4:15 p.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing, 5:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Oct. 27

Ironwood: Total Body, 5:30 a.m.

For ages 3 to 6

9:15 to 11 a.m. Saturdays Oct. to Dec. $80; Community Center

• White Horses Child and Caregiver Music

For ages 4 and under 9 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 16 $220; Drop-in fees; Community Center

• Youth Recreational League Sports Volleyball, Pickleball, Indoor Floor Hockey, Soccer and Basketball

For ages 5 to 13 Fall sessions $100; Community Center

• Adult Basketball Recreational League

For ages 17 and older Oct. 22 through Dec. 17 $350 Team, $50 Free Agent; Community Center

• Youth Camps

For ages 5 to 12 Multiple dates available $55; Community Center

Persimmon: Mat Pilates, 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Muscle Mix, 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch, 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves (fee based), 1:15 p.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness, 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Candlelight Yin, 6:30 p.m.

• Friday, Oct. 28

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow, 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Functional Strength/ Balance, 9:45 a.m.

Trunk-or-Treat, 6 p.m. Boos & Booze Social Hour, 6 p.m.

For ages 11 to 15

Saturday, Nov. 12 $70; Community Center

• Teen Night — Glow Capture the Flag

For ages 11 to 15

8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12 $7; Community Center

• Parents Day Out Sports Sampler

For ages 5 to 12

9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 $30; Community Center

• Level Up Youth Peak Performance

For ages 10 and up

Tuesdays and Wednesdays $30; Community Center

The indoor fitness floor, basketball gym and rock wall are open. Fitness classes are held throughout the week, including yoga, kickboxing, core, shallow and deep water (in the pool). Personal training is available; contact the Com munity Center for details.

• Saturday, Oct. 29

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Bootcamp, 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Zumba, 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Chair Yoga, 9 a.m.

• Monday, Oct. 31

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength, 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong, 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle, 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Fun & Fit, 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength, 8:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyassa Flow, 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Power Strength/Stretch, 10:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Meditation & Chair, 4:15 p.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing, 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Zumba, 5:30 p.m.

to partner with Anthem’s Dr. William Fishco

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Pacesetter

Health, the preeminent management and growth partner to lower extremity care clinics throughout the country, recently ex panded its network by partnering with William D. Fishco, DPM, PC, a leading po diatry practice based in Anthem.

Fishco is board certified in foot surgery and reconstructive rear foot and ankle surgery by the American Board of Podiat ric Surgery. He is a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to partner with Pacesetter Health, a na tional practice management group that will remove the burden of administra

tive tasks so that I can do what I do best, which is focus on the highest quality of care for my patients,” Fishco said.

“My modus operandi has always been to follow three basic tenets: be nice, perform the highest quality care and do the right thing for every patient every time. This has served me well over the past twenty years. This partnership will afford me more time with my patients, which is the ‘real’ reason I get up every morning.”

Fishco’s practice has been serving the north Phoenix market for 20 years, during which time he and his fami ly have lived in Anthem. The practice serves a loyal patient base with a broad array of cutting-edge lower extremity

treatments and procedures. Fishco, a nationally recognized speaker and the author of many peer-reviewed articles and textbooks, including McGlamry’s 5th Edition of Foot and Ankle Surgery, is deeply committed to providing the high est level of care to patients in Anthem, the greater Phoenix area, Arizona and

beyond.

“Dr. William Fishco and his colleagues represent a first-class addition to our growing Phoenix team,” said Tyler Cain, chief development officer of Pacesetter Health. “We are poised to continue to ex pand rapidly in Phoenix and throughout Arizona as well.”

And, according to Pacesetter Health Chief Executive Officer David Weiss, the company plans to continue that growth and is actively seeking to partner with growth-oriented independent providers and groups.

“Our partnerships with the lead ing practices in Denver, Louisville, San Antonio, Columbus and Phoenix have made Pacesetter Health the preeminent national, integrated group of lower ex tremity care practices in the country,” Weiss said. “If you are a growth-oriented doctor who is interested in exploring a partnership with us, please email info@ pacesetter-health.com.”

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, and backed by private equity investors Com pass Group Equity Partners, VSS, Siguler Guff, and SunGate Capital, Pacesetter Health is a leading growth partner to lower extremity care providers through out the country. Its mission is to “set the pace” in lower extremity care as the partner of choice for leading physicians delivering best-in-class patient out comes. For more information about join ing the Pacesetter Health team, visit pacesetter-health.com.

‘Favorites – Past and Present’ commences ProMusica’s 20th season

BY ERYKA FORQUER Foothills Focus Staff Writer

attract between 300 and 400 people ev ery time we perform there.”

ProMusica

Arizona is kicking off its 20th performance year with “Favor ites — Past and Present,” a concert featuring a variety of well-known and -loved pieces from throughout the ages at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15.

The opening concert will feature a full first half of patriotic favorites including “America the Beautiful,” “God Bless Amer ica,” toe-tapping John Philip Sousa march es and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

The second half will continue with more favorites including music by John Wil liams, a medley of songs by Stephen Sond heim, including “Send in the Clowns,” and a Richard Rodgers medley with songs from “The Sound of Music,” “South Pacif ic” and “Oklahoma,” to name a few.

The Oct. 15 performance will be the first in a three-part series for the 20222023 season.

The season’s concerts feature the or chestra and choir where they will per form sets including patriotic songs, famil iar show tunes, holiday music and new tracks. Yvonne Dolby, the executive direc tor of ProMusica Arizona, said there will be “a lot of variety” in the organization’s upcoming season.

“There will be some pieces that are the

ProMusica Arizona, a community nonprofit, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the upcoming season. (ProMusica Arizona/submitted)

chorale with an accompanist, and there’ll be some pieces with just the orchestra,” Dolby said. “Then there will be pieces that they do together.”

This season, ProMusica Arizona con sists of 50 to 60 choir members and near ly 40 orchestra members. The number of participants is far from the original count that ProMusica Arizona started with when it was founded in 2003.

“Seventeen singers got together and wanted to sing and form a choir,” Dolby said. “So, within a few months, there were 50 people in the choir, and then they add ed an orchestra the next year.”

Dolby said the ages of the organiza tion’s members range from mid-teens to early 80s. The choir and orchestra are mixed with college students, unpaid com munity volunteers and paid professionals who are actors and musicians. Although there is no maximum or minimum age to join the organization, Dolby said mem bers are required to audition and perform a piece with the artistic director and con certmaster.

“They need to have an intermediate skill level and ability to read music,” Dol by said.

Members must also have an intermedi ate or advanced playing level to join the orchestra.

Commission on the Arts, which provides grants to help support the arts communi ty and make it accessible to the public.

“Most of our funding comes from in dividual donors, but we do get a lot of grants from government agencies,” Dol by said. “The Arizona Commission on the Arts gives us grants and we do get corpo rate sponsorships as well.”

In addition to its concert series, Dolby said ProMusica Arizona also partakes in outreach performances with its women’s ensemble, Women in Song. The ensemble is directed by Patti Graetz and performs at community events, retirement commu nities and different meetings.

ProMusica Arizona has performed over 275 times for more than 134,000 people. Although its offices are based out of An them, the chorale and orchestra perform in Sun City and north Phoenix. Dolby said the organization was looking to expand and cover more of the north valley when it stumbled upon the American Lutheran Church in Sun City.

“It’s just a fabulous venue there,” Dolby said. “The acoustics are great, and all the equipment is great.”

After uncovering the venue, ProMusica Arizona worked to build an audience and establish its presence in Sun City.

Following “Favorites — Past and Pres ent” in Oct., ProMusica Arizona will per form its holiday concert, “Christmas Through the Ages,” at 7 p.m Saturday, Dec. 17 in north Phoenix. Audience members can sing along to “Carol of the Bells” and other traditional Christmas songs at the holiday concert.

“Christmas is typically the most well attended concert because people are in the mood to go to an event and celebrate the holidays,” Dolby said. “It will be music they recognize and then some special ar rangements of other pieces.”

The concert series will conclude with the “20th Anniversary Celebration Con cert,” which will include the debut of “Sa guaro Song,” a suite of five songs created by Arizona composer Craig Bohmler. The songs feature texts from the Canadian author Marion Adler, who uses a saguaro cactus to depict the seasons of life.

“We’ll also do a lot of music that we’ve performed over the years that audiences have really liked,” Dolby said.

The last performances will be held at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 1 in north Phoenix..

Dolby said the orchestra and choir have been rehearsing for the upcoming concert series since August. The artistic director of ProMusica Arizona has also been work ing on the programming for several months.

ProMusica Arizona’s “Favorites — Past and Present”

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15

WHERE: All Saints Lutheran Church 15649 N. 7th Street, Phoenix

COST: Children under 15 free with paid adult;

ProMusica Arizona’s “Favorites — Past and Pres ent” concert Saturday, Oct. 15 is the first of the season. (ProMusica Arizona/submitted)

The organization receives funding from grants, donors and ticket sales. ProMusica Arizona is also supported by the Arizona

“When we started with the first concert there, we only had 75 people show up,” Dolby said. “We had more people on stage than we did in the audience, and now we

$12 for students; $25 for seniors and military; $27.50 for adults

The Lord wants

to follow the leader, not the follower

responded, “Here at the telephone company, we set our watches and clocks by the noon whistle at the factory!”

Here’s

an opening thought I gleaned from Monday morning coffee.

“On the playground of any school, and on any day, you can witness examples of children playing ‘follow the leader.’ One child hops, skips or jumps, and all the others follow. As adults, however, many of those children play a variation of that game — called ‘follow the follower.’

“On the job, they look around, see how someone else is doing their work, and duplicate the effort. They don’t realize that their fellow employee is also watching someone else. A circular ‘follow the follower’ game evolves, resulting in a mediocre workforce. The same can be true in marriages, education, hobbies, sports, religion, politics or culture.”

Consider the story of a telephone op-

erator in a small town. Every day she received a call from a gentleman asking for the correct time. Finally, one day, she asked the mystery caller who he was and why he called every day. His answer? “I’m the one who blows the factory whistle daily at noon. I like to be right on time!” The operator laughed and then

Today’s world and culture seem filled with followers following followers. Look at those horrific political ads. Each ad follows the other ad’s strategy. The same intense music; the same outraged, barely-able-to-control-their-anger voice; the same half-truths and lies; the same pretexts taken out of context; magnifying the ‘demonic’ in the follower candidate they are demonizing. There’s no leader here because there is no leader to follow. Only lemming followers, following other followers, creating other followers.

It’s OK to follow the leader if you know who they are and where they are going. However, I suggest it’s not OK to follow mysterious, autonomous, anonymous, beyond wealthy followers, hiding behind fancy organizations with nice-sounding names, creating confusion via their emotions-driven chaos commercials.

Jesus found himself with the follower

problem early on in His ministry. His following had become too big, too “attractional” and too consumer-driven and conditional. The crowd used Jesus as a means to their end, making Him into their image. They weren’t going to embrace the mission given to Jesus by God of building quality people who build quality nations.

Because Jesus was secure, he risked numbers and the polling expert’s data for a higher purpose, fulfilling God’s desire to make disciples that would create cultures of wisdom and upliftment. Jesus wanted people to know where He was going and how to get there. So he said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

To thin the crowd of followers, He started talking about issues like, “For I come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” “He who eats My flesh and drinks

My blood has eternal life.” He was talking about the elements of the communion table, not spiritual cannibalism. But I can see the political ads about statements like these. Headlines: Jesus is a cannibal creating cannibals, and I’m appalled.

What happened when he taught those things? “Many of His disciples withdrew and were not talking with Him anymore.” They became followers following followers. But the 12 disciples hung around, saying, “…to whom shall we go? You (Jesus) have the words of eternal life.” That’s what history-making disciples do. They recognize a true leader worth following when they see one.

Jesus used “attractional” strategies as a starting point for building His church and movement but not at the expense of God’s mission to “disciple nations.” Jesus presented a new model of church and society. Jesus was designing a nation changed from the inside out, not the outside in.

Jesus addressed four attractional but completely wrong reasons for following Him in John 6. Unfortunately, in most cases, these four reasons are the same reasons people follow political parties or candidates.

1. Miracles. Verse 2, “a great multitude was following Jesus because they were seeing signs….” Jesus was charismatic and gifted. Jesus did amazing things, and He could attract people. But you don’t follow Jesus because He makes life better. You follow Jesus because He’s better than life. Signs and miracles are attractive, even sensational, but don’t necessarily create leaders who can transform underachieving societies.

2. Food stamps, give-a-ways, and entitlements. Verse 26, “…you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” He compassionately fed the poor, but not forever. Jesus knew trading votes and popularity for constant handouts created co-dependence, producing followers following followers. Jesus lived by God’s voice and a higher calling to uplift all levels of society.

3. They wanted a political party or candidate to rid themselves of an op-

pressive government. Verse 15, “…they were intending to come and take Him by force, to make Him king.” Many followers wanted to make Jesus the king, the president or the senator of their political party. They thought politics was the answer to their problems. But Jesus wasn’t about legislation. Legislation is an outside job. Jesus was about transformation. Transformation is an inside job.

4. Jesus’ branding as an excellent leader/personality/winner for people to identify with. Verse 14, “When people saw the sign…they said, ‘This is of a truth the Prophet who is to come into the world.’” Everyone loves a winner. There will always be another latest, greatest, biggest and best movement or personality people want to identify with. But deifying a figure, a fad or a movement has seldom transformed a runaway society.

Jesus’ mission is to engage, influence and empower underachieving cultures and nations, not just get bodies in chairs or scare people enough to vote. Being attractional might produce larger church meetings or political rallies, but while this is happening, societal problems worsen. Gaining attendance or winning an election at the expense of losing the culture is not a beneficial societal contribution.

Ask yourself this question. Am I following a true leader with real solutions or am I following followers who say to their followers, “Where I lead you, you will follow; what I feed you, you will swallow because your head is mighty hollow”? I don’t believe for one moment that your head is hollow.

Undoubtedly, the Lord has more for us than this.

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

Comedian’s new film is a love letter to Arizona

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

made a movie before, of course. She just turned 8. It was her idea.”

Free speech is everything.

Actor

Rob Schneider has a love affair with the Valley, where he now resides. Because of this, he’s bringing a taste of Hollywood to the Grand Canyon State.

His forthcoming movie “Daddy Daugh ter Trip” — which he produced, directed and stars in — is now showing exclu sively in Harkins Theatres as of Friday, Sept. 30.

Shot in Arizona, the film is a family affair. His wife, Patricia Maya Schnei der co-wrote the script, and it stars his daughters, singer-songwriter Elle King and Miranda Scarlett Schneider. “Daddy Daughter Trip” also features the legend ary John Cleese (“A Fish Called Wanda,” “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”) and in troduces Gavin Guerrero.

“We hope people love it,” he said. “I hope people get the love. My daughter is fantastic. She’s young and she never

She took multiple takes well, too, once she understood.

“I had to explain that it’s not that easy. It’s work,” he said.

“It’s fun and it’s exciting and it’s glam orous, with camera and makeup. It’s long hours. It was so hot in the back of the car. We had an old car and it was repainted a beautiful blue. That’s the theme of the movie. The color of the car is the color of the sky that I see in Arizona.”

Rob and Cleese appeared at comedy clubs around town during the filming. The actor, often paired with friend Adam Sandler, said it was an honor to work with Cleese.

“He’s my hero,” he said. “He really is a wonderful man. He has a lot to say, and God bless him. It’s OK to have opinions.

He’s to the left of where I am, but we both agree it’s about making the human condition better. He won’t call himself a conservative, but we do bridge the gap.

“But ‘Life of Brian’ is the greatest Brit ish comedy of all time. I love British humor. Monty Python is the high water mark of comedy in the 20th century. If you think otherwise, you’re not educat ed about comedy, and you can’t argue it. They changed comedy. Without Monty Python, we wouldn’t have had ‘Saturday Night Live.’”

A blend of live action and animation, “Daddy Daughter Trip” tells the story of second grader (Miranda) who dreams of a fun-filled spring break vacation her family can’t afford. Against the bet ter judgment of her mom (Jackie San dler, Adam Sandler’s wife) and with only coins in their pockets, her dream er father (Rob) decides to take her on a spring break trip anyway.

After a series of misfortunate adven tures, their vacation is saved when the duo meets a couple of famous travel bloggers.

“It’s about dreams,” Rob said. “If you

don’t have money, it doesn’t mean you can’t figure out how to have a dream. It’s about family and hanging on to your dreams.

“In a way, it’s a universal truth that we’re dealing with in the movie that I’m really, really happy with. Besides all the jokes and the physical comedy, this is about love and family and that’s some thing I really wanted to show.”

The film is also a love letter to Arizona, where the Schneiders moved two years ago.

“My family, we are California refu gees,” he said. “Arizona was nice enough to take us in. This is my thank-you letter to the people in Arizona. We feel very welcome here. I’m grateful.

“It’s my love letter to the state and the people who were unbelievably helpful to get this movie made. I show some pretty cool places here and how beautiful the state is. The differences are incredible

between Flagstaff and Sedona. It just goes to show how gorgeous the state is. I love it here.”

Now he’s hoping to bring more films here, thanks to the state’s tax incentives.

“I was asked to make this movie in other states for a tax rebate,” he said. “I’m glad we did it here. I think we’re looking to open a studio here, but we need to see how this movie does and how it’s received and then we’ll take it from there.

“We want to support other filmmakers. I’ll produce the movies and make a few more. I don’t know how many more I’ll do. I’ll make more films here and have them made here. As a matter of fact, I’m flying to meet some investors to produce more films here.”

Info: daddydaughtertripmovie.com

Comedian Rob Schneider and his daughter Miranda Scarlett Schneider star in his upcoming movie, “Daddy Daughter Trip.” (Daddy Daughter Trip/Submitted)

Plumbing

Plumbing