The Foothills Focus 122822 Zone 2

Cave Creek reviews topics, discusses future

BY JT GOMEZ Foothills Focus Staff Writer

At the Cave Creek Town Council’s final meeting of the year, multiple topics were discussed, signifying the end of both the calendar year and the fiscal year in June.

A comprehensive report on the town’s financial responsibilities was given by its auditing firm, in addition to an ending “Year in Review” presented by city staff.

During the meeting, traffic — a citywide is-

sue that has affected pedestrians and motorists — was discussed and options explored to further curb this problem.

The way in which the council looks to move forward with the plan is at the discretion of further governmental agencies who will decide whether or not the town is to receive grant funds.

Cave Creek’s comprehensive financial report

Newly appointed Cave Creek Finance Director Mitzi Callow introduced Brian Hemmerle of Bakertilly, the town’s auditing firm. He

at

BY LAURA LATZKO

said the upcoming ballot initiative would determine what action the town takes.

produced the audit results required by state statute for the 2022 fiscal year. In a presentation to council, Hemmerle described how the audit didn’t go beyond what the state requires, and rather that the accounting firm provided a “reasonable opinion” that the results were “materially correct.” Reasoning behind this was provided as Hemmerle described that in order to provide exact assurance, the firm would have to test every transaction of the town.

The Carefree Town Council voted 6-0 Dec. 13 to put on the May ballot a $2 million property tax levy to support fire and emergency services.

One town councilmember was absent.

The town of Carefree is looking into switching its fire and emergency services through mutual aid with Rural Metro to the automatic aid system with a provider like Daisy Mountain Fire District.

Town of Carefree Administrator Gary Neiss

“If the community supports it, we will make a transition, most likely to a contract with Daisy Mountain to automatic aid. If they don’t support it, we will maintain our relationship with Rural Metro,” Neiss said.

A switch to automatic aid would impact what resources would be available to Carefree in the case of an emergency.

“Automatic aid was developed down in the city of Phoenix,” Neiss said.

“It’s a partnership with many of the municipal

fire departments throughout the Valley and fire districts like Daisy Mountain. … They share resources so that they can still evenly spread emergency services throughout their community when there’s a large emergency within their community. So, they don’t deplete their resources.

“They pull from these other agencies through a central dispatch system. They know where every piece of equipment is. There’s a computer-aided device on each piece of equipment. … It’s really a very sophisticated, satellite-based operation system of dispatch, where they seamless-

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“The reasonable assurance provides a basis on statistical examples such as walkthroughs, observations and samples of expenses, revenues and balance sheets,” Hemmerle said.

According to the audit, the accounting firm did not find any inconsistencies that needed to be reported to council, and issued a “clean opinion” on the town’s financial statements for this fiscal year. There were also no issues when performing the audit and no uncorrected misstatements, meaning that the council did not have to shop further auditing companies for this “clean opinion.”

There was one verbal recommendation related to software, regarding a specific information technology arrangement, in which a new government accounting standard for next year would require the accounting firm to implement this new IT arrangement for the town.

Voter-approved expenditure limitation for Cave Creek was $40 million, and by Bakertilly’s calculations, the town’s expenditures were around $33 million and change, bringing the town’s total expenditures under their limit by around $6 million.

A federal single audit will be required for Cave Creek next year for the funds received during the coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds. According to Hemmerle, with knowledge of the high restrictions placed on these funds, a specific warning was given about an audit that will be transcribed for the next fiscal year.

tion program in 2000 — projects such as the roundabout at School House Road, the acquisition of land for public parking, streetscapes, street lighting, as well as right-of-way design and improvement of emergency access North and South of Cave Creek Road — was described as “essentially a capital improvement program.”

Discussions have been had on other improvements, such as reducing Cave Creek Road to one lane at certain blocks to improve on street parking, a different roundabout at Rancho Manana Boulevard, and the signalization at the intersection of School House Road and Cave Creek Road.

Upon partnering with Maricopa Association of Governments, Cave Creek has funded additional studies to identify safe modes of travel through the town core. Several grant applications during the 2000s were submitted and, although not funded, they would have further accommodated pedestrians.

Making evident that the town has an issue with pedestrian safety in its core, town staff recommended further grant applications that would allow for the improvement of pedestrian safety by targeting high vehicle speeds, areas with low lighting, and unsignalized and unmarked crossing locations.

presented by Town Manager Carrie A. Dyrek. Dyrek went through expense reports including financial viability reports, enterprise funds and development services.

She said expenses for the year had remained under budget and water utility rates and capacity fee increases that were adopted by the council. For the third consecutive year, Cave Creek received the “Excellence in Financial Reporting.”

Through November, the town of Cave Creek issued 534 permits while also conducting 6,700 building and fire inspections and issued 47 “new home” permits. Dozens of “hot work” inspections were also conducted, a plan new to this year that works to properly plan and prevent fires during the dry seasons of the year.

Several infrastructure improvements were made, but the Ridgeway Drive cleanup and road fixture was one of the most important improvements throughout the year. The widening of Spur Cross Road was “one of the biggest and really important road projects,” according to Dyrek. About 650 feet of road was widened, and an area that originally only 18 feet wide was pushed to 25 feet. Calling it a “safety issue,” Dyrek further explained that it “really had an impact on traffic.”

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Bar graphs were presented to the town council’s audience that displayed the growing number of assets, equity and expenses. Upon viewing this, council then questioned why proprietary funds had risen from $21 million to $39 million throughout the year. The accounting firm represented by Hemmerle could not give a straightforward answer when asked about this, citing that they would have to “take another look at why the proprietary funds were up this year.”

Town traffic and pedestrian safety update

Town traffic and pedestrian safety was another topic that was discussed at the meeting. In a report by town staff, the adoption of the town core implementa-

The town staff reported it wanted to go forward with three grants. One grant would present the city with funds to create three locations for crossing Cave Creek Road. These locations would be the Hidden Valley West End, Hilltop by the Dairy Queen, and near the Roadhouse.

According to staff, these three locations would be designed with raised crosswalks to provide a designated location to cross, set with warning devices letting motorists know when pedestrians are present.

With no commitment to complete these projects as of yet, the town looks to be responsible for the design of the projects if the funding is approved. As of now, $100,000 of the budget has been set aside for this. Contract for the design would be brought back to council for approval, pending the acceptance of the grant funds.

Year in review

The final item on the Cave Creek Town Council’s agenda for its last meeting of the year, fittingly, was its year in review

Before a final “Year in Review” video was played for both the public and the council, it was clarified that in the beginning of 2022, a lot was done to add to public safety of Cave Creek including the purchase of the Town Fire Station 1. A future public brush drop-off will be coming in February and March, just as it was done earlier this year. This drop-off allows for the public to clear out brush and hopefully motivates residents to clean and clear the brush from their properties.

In November, the Cave Creek emergency plan was updated to incorporate all of the changes and updates that go along with that plan.

Calling on a “community collaboration,” Dyrek explained that the 2022 rodeo was successful and cited the Cave Creek Tourism Bureau, run by volunteers, for providing concierge bus tours and dinners throughout the year. Finally, it was announced how a new resident packet has started to be given to new Cave Creek residents upon officially entering the town as a resident.

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Rodeo Days accepting royalty applications

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Cave Creek Rodeo Days is accepting applications for its royalty competition and pageant set for Saturday, Feb. 11, at a location to be announced soon.

Applications are due Saturday, Jan. 28. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/ CaveCreekRoyalty or call 602-743-4348.

Prospective queens must be age 18 to 25 on March 1 of the competition year, while teen queens should be 13 to 17 on the same date.

According to Patty Pollnow, organizer, the Cave Creek Rodeo Days title holder symbolizes the young women of Arizona who desire to promote the sport of rodeo and, in doing so, the Western way of life.

“She is the ideal American young woman,” she said. “She is a person who will rep -

FIRE from page 1

ly erase all jurisdictional lines, and the closest, most appropriate equipment is automatically dispatched to a call for assistance.”

Neiss said getting help through mutual aid is a bit more complicated.

“They have to call out to a neighboring jurisdiction and say, ‘Hey look, we need some backup up here.’ And that backup is not guaranteed,” he said.

“When you call, you have to go through the clearance protocol of their independent fire departments to see what resources are available to send up to Carefree. So, there are delays in doing that. It’s not a seamless system where it’s automatic. There’s no guarantee that you will get support with Scottsdale or Phoenix. We have been put on notice with those agencies that we may not receive the support that we have received in the past and that we are an island right now with the level of service that we have with Rural Metro as a result of Rural Metro’s shrinking service area, based upon both Cave Creek and now Fountain Hills canceling their past relationships with Rural Metro.

The meeting was a culmination of a twoyear citizen-driven process. This included presentations from different agencies.

“Based on those collective discussions,

resent rodeo as she travels throughout the Turquoise Circuit as well as other parts of the Southwest as required or desired assisting the Cave Creek Rodeo Days organization and its royalty program.”

The royalty program participates in community service programs, 4-H and local events within Cave Creek, the charities supported by Cave Creek Rodeo Days, supporting the Western heritage and lifestyle.

Competitors for the Cave Creek Rodeo Days Queen will compete for an educational scholarship award, Cave Creek Rodeo Days buckle and other prizes.

Competitors for the Cave Creek Rodeo Days Teen Queen will compete for a rodeo buckle and other prizes.

The Cave Creek Rodeo Days Royalty reign is from the coronation ceremony to Jan. 31 of the following year.

they recommended the town explore the option of joining automatic aid,” Neiss said.

“The council took that report generated by the citizen committee, adopted a resolution that directed me to further explore what those options are, what the costs are to be entered into with automatic aid and what the annual operation costs will be in the future. And based upon those costs, design a financial plan that is sustainable to ensure that we don’t have a structural deficit to support this. If this is a long-term commitment, we need a long-term revenue stream.”

A third-party analysis used to model the costs was brought before community members during fall open houses.

“We wanted to ensure that we were in people’s backyards with these citizen workshops and evenly spread these workshops throughout the community. In addition, we had an online Zoom meeting for those that are still uncomfortable about meeting in person, traveling or had some reason they couldn’t attend,” Neiss said.

The Dec. 13 council meeting drew around 80 people. Thirteen residents spoke, the speakers split between those in support of the property tax to enhance fire and emergency services and those who did not support the proposed property tax. Neiss said a majority of those who attended the citizen

workshops this fall supported the proposed property tax because they spent the time to review the town’s video on fire and emergency services, read the fire report, and spent time asking questions to the experts in fire and emergency service and fiscal analysis.

Under a contract with a regional automatic aid agency, it would cost the town of Carefree approximately $2.6 million the first year and $4.6 million by the final year of a 25-year contract.

With its current Rural Metro service, the town generates revenue with a sales tax. The town of Carefree has been looking into how it could balance both sales and a nominal property tax to pay for the expanding costs associated with automatic aid.

Neiss said property taxes would generate $2 million toward the fire fund, and sales tax would bring in anywhere between $1.2 million to $1.4 million. Over the 25-year period, these two dedicated revenue streams will be used to pay for this long-term financial commitment and ensure a responsible, solvent and sustainable revenue stream.

Property tax is determined by limited property value, not the value one pays for your home, market value. Neiss said for the average home in Carefree with a limited property value of $630,000, property taxes would be approximately $670 a year. This

proposed tax to support fire and emergency services is less than what Carefree residents paid out of pocket to Rural Metro when they charged private subscription service 17 years ago. Additionally, Neiss stated, these past out-of-pocket fees annually increased, but the property tax will remain flat as the sales tax is being used to address the escalation in the contract costs each year.

The decision to investigate switching services was impacted by changes made in other communities.

Cave Creek recently switched from a subscription to Rural Metro to a master contract with Daisy Mountain Fire District, which would make them a part of the automatic-aid system.

In May 2020, Cave Creek had had two wildfires, which destroyed 12 homes, and a fire at a local feed store.

The town paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to other jurisdictions for assistance with these fires, and faced the threat of not receiving the same help if they didn’t join automatic aid. As a result, the town eventually entered into a contract with Daisy Mountain for fire and emergency services.

Scottsdale recently notified Rural Metro that it was canceling a long-standing mu-

The Cave Creek Rodeo Days Royalty reign is from the coronation ceremony through Jan. 31 of the following year. (Cave Creek Rodeo Days/Submitted)

Cox supports Wreaths Across America

tual-aid agreement, and the town of Fountain Hills also advised Rural Metro that it was canceling a master contract with Rural Metro.

“The concern for the town of Carefree is their ability to deal with simultaneous, long-duration events, like a structural fire or large-scale unique events like a hazmat event in a timely fashion,” Neiss said.

“If your service area is contracting, how long will it take to get the additional backup? With our neighboring jurisdictions part of a regional automatic-aid partnership, there’s no guarantee that they would respond. … Certainly, that raises an alarm that we are on an island right now with a lack of support if we need it in an emergency situation.”

up with a solution and give that choice to residents to decide on that issue.”

If the town of Carefree moves forward with switching over to an automatic-aid provider, it would take effect in January 2024.

The town would switch over to a new dispatch system while maintaining ownership of its fire equipment.

The automatic-aid provider, which could potentially be Daisy Mountain Fire District, would manage the labor force at the Carefree fire station.

“We would be hiring Daisy Mountain and their administration to select the firefighters for our station. When we subscribe to the service, we buy essentially the administration of Daisy Mountain. They have their own HR department. They are the ones who hire their fire department and control the policies,” Neiss said.

Cox volunteers recently honored the nation’s fallen veterans, including those from Arizona, by participating in Wreaths Across America at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. This effort seeks to lay a wreath at the headstone of every fallen veteran with a marked grave. Pictured is Christine Robison-Sargent, daughter of fallen Vietnam veteran Lt. Col. Rex Robison of the U.S. Marine Corps. Robison-Sargent joined 20 other Cox volunteers in laying wreaths as she remembered her dad. Cox also donated $1,500 to help ensure every veteran is honored with a wreath. (Cox/Submitted)

Neiss said town staff worries fire and emergency services may not be available in a timely manner.

“There are real concerns that we have that aren’t daily occurrences, but they do occur in every community,” he said.

“It’s not if; it’s when. We felt a real need to share this risk with the community, come

The special election will take place on May 16 with ballots mailed to registered Carefree voters in April. Carefree residents are encouraged to review the fire report on the front page of the town’s website (carefree. org) to learn more about the provision of fire and emergency services, the costs and the financial solution.

AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

A new year offers new opportunities

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

’

Tis the season of giving. As we approach a New Year, Americans are unified through one common bond over the holiday season. We give generously to those in need, to the tune of over $484.85 billion a year! The largest source of charitable giving comes from individuals like you and me. And while donations may not fix the ills in our society, we still try.

Giving matters. The dollars you donate to your favorite nonprofit can help the orchestra keep playing beautiful music, feed the hungry, clothe the poor, heal the sick, house the homeless. The bicycle you donat -

ed to the child who never had one may not change his economic living situation, but it gives him transportation. And it just might bring him joy. We don’t “cure” poverty, but we help kids (and families) one bike, meal and blanket at a time.

Time is the currency of volunteering. We do that, too. Right now, there are volunteers driving meals to homebound and senior folks, people dishing out meals at the food bank, gathering up toys for children and blankets for kids. We read to lonely folks in nursing homes, play with doggies in shelters, spend time with teens, hold babies in hospital nurseries.

We can all do something, and it seems we all do, because we are a

force of doers when it comes to helping others in our community.

Hope is one outcome of giving. It is the sparkling glimmer that helps a disadvantaged child see a possible future of a better life. A doll can become a surrogate friend, a ball a chance to play with, a book an opportunity to explore, and new clothes to boost self-esteem.

Some give all. A teacher wrote to tell me that she was given a special gift from a first grade student name Anna, who thought that she had “nothing to give.” The little girl separated out all the colorful tiny marshmallows from her school breakfast box of Lucky Charms cereal. Anna then placed these marshmallows in the plastic that was wrapped around the utensils and left them with a note for the teacher, saying, “Happy Christmas.” The teacher said that this gift touched her the most, since it was from the “purest part of a child’s heart.”

Generosity is kindness. An elderly woman who fell on hard times went to a jewelry store to sell her

wedding ring. Her husband was in a nursing home, and she needed money to make ends meet. The jeweler offered her $300 for her well-worn, 50-year-old gold band. She reluctantly agreed. Then a man stepped up and gave the lady $400 and told her to keep her ring, which she tearfully accepted.

As this year ends, let’s not focus on the news of crime, conflict and sadness but the generosity that restores our faith in humanity. And if you think you have nothing much to give, don’t forget those marshmallows. A new year gives us another chance to plan, dream, live and give.

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

How to get a letter published

Linus told us what Christmas is all about

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

You can’t say you weren’t warned.

A year ago in this space, as the glad tidings were reported that “A Charlie Brown Christmas” was airing again on national television for the 56th straight year, there also came a warning that the Peabody Award-winning “Peanuts” special might not be seen for a 57th consecutive Yuletide broadcast on conventional over-the-air TV.

Sadly, that has come to pass.

In their beneficence, the fine folks at Apple TV+ say instead that their platform will provide a free window for streaming video viewing of the show from Dec. 22 to Christmas Day.

Of course, that free stream of video won’t mean much to the technically and economically challenged among us… But hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?

Your initial reaction to this Apple TV+ corporate decision could very well be, “Where have I heard this before?”

Stop. Think. Remember. You first heard this notion when you

were old enough to understand the plot of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Our forlorn hero is even more forlorn as Christmas Day approaches; Charlie Brown bemoans the commercialization of the Christmas season.

Thankfully, there’s good news, but more on that in a moment.

First, a word not from but for Apple.

Sure, corporate executives made a business decision. After spending big bucks for exclusive rights to the “‘Peanuts’ Gallery” of TV specials, those rights aren’t exclusive if you share

freely of the one special that’s most special in a way that insures the widest possible distribution.

But maybe you should listen to the question asked by the star of the show.

Charlie Brown shouts it out of exasperation, in a volume that can be heard even in a soundproof Executive Suite: “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”

Linus answers him, quietly, effectively and movingly from the Gospel of Luke: “For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Linus then concludes, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

That’s what Christmas is all about, Apple executives.

That’s what Christmas is all about, dear reader.

Our Creator loved us enough to send His most beloved creation out of the splendor of eternity and into the squalor of a sinful world to give us the gift of eternal life, if we accept it.

“Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz accepted that gift and chose to share it with others.

That’s why he insisted that the pas-

sage from Luke be included in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

But other members of his creative team were skeptical, even way back in 1965.

“You can’t put the Bible on television,” one told him.

“If we don’t do it, who will?” Schulz responded.

The passage from Luke remains, even if the annual nationwide telecast has now ended.

The same Bible that motivated and inspired Charles Schulz also warns us of the tackiness, trendiness and, yes, sinfulness of this temporal world.

Charles Schulz was called from this temporal existence into eternal rest more than two decades ago.

The Bible in which he believed also said of the Savior in whom Schulz believed that He “is the same yesterday, today and forever” and that His gift of salvation is available to all.

You can’t say you haven’t been invited.

May you and yours celebrate a peaceful, joyful and meaningful Christmas… Whether or not you watch “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

A Christmas wish for real human contact

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

It was a Christmas morning a half-century ago in a cramped second-floor apartment in New York. The little boy, 6 years old, had done everything save petition his parents and Santa for a “big-boy bicycle.” Something without training wheels. A bike he could pedal like the wind.

The boy awakened at dawn to gifts spilling out from under the tree, but no bicycle in sight. There was a bulging stocking with plastic soldiers, a new football, some toys he’d break in

hours, but nothing with wheels and pedals.

This would have been the holiday that dashed the boy’s heart for eternity. But then his mother made a magical statement.

“Did you look in the shower?” she said. “Maybe it didn’t fit under the tree.”

Hollywood has never done a grander reveal. There it was: a Huffy bicycle in a shade of gold like bars of bullion. With high handlebars and a banana seat that was all the rage in 1971. The boy immediately would have ridden through the living room and down the dozen steps to the sidewalk had

the golden machine not come with a list of rules, including no stunts like Evel Knievel.

The boy rode that bicycle for years, until he was 12 and he couldn’t pedal it without his knees threatening to clock his jaw. The golden bicycle took him on so many adventures. It remains the single greatest Christmas surprise of his lifetime.

Now it’s 50 years later. The boy sits with his fingers on a keyboard, pondering another Christmas morning. He has every material thing he could ever want, plus his health, a warm home and

love in his heart. There is a tree in the other room with presents spilling out. What more could he — could I — possibly want?

For a few days, I have not been able to escape a gnawing in my heart. It started, strangely enough, when I walked into the grocery store and saw a winding line of humans waiting for a self-service checkout machine to come free. The registers were all closed, not a cashier to be seen, just one harried employee scurrying around trying to coach a half-dozen people checking out themselves.

I used to joke about my hurry to leave the grocery store. “Hello,” the cashier would say, all chummy. “Plastic,” I would bark, because, haha, I was too busy to spare a moment for human interaction.

Now — be careful what you wish for — we have machines incapable of chat.

Later that night, I turned on the news to a photo op from Sky Harbor Airport.

city in the world where driverless taxis will take you to the airport. As Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego put it at a press conference, “The future is here.”

Indeed, it is. And I’m not all that psyched about it.

On this Christmas, all I have is a simple ask, as much a gift for you and yours as me and mine. At no time in history have there been more ways to remove humans from life’s many equations — drone deliveries, automated checkouts and ordering kiosks, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence. We can chat using Snap and Zoom into meetings. We can be everywhere, all without being physically present to those with whom we live and love.

It is cold. It is a poor substitute for the one thing I want this holiday season. For us to be a little more present, a little more kind, a little more human.

It is a simple thing to wish for, though like that bike, it would not fit under the tree. Merry Christmas, friend. I hope you have love and everything else you desire.

Revital center celebrates grand opening

Revital-AZ Medical Spa and Laser Center celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 7. The center is located at 7439 E. Elbow Bend Road, Carefree. The ceremony was attended by the community, chamber leaders, and Revital’s owners nurse Rosie Andaverde and Dr. Mark Bilack. Carefree Mayor John Crane stopped by as well. For more information, visit revitalaz.com. (Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce/ Submitted)

True lies create false lives

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

As we enter 2023, let’s look at what made the news in 2022. Perhaps the most memorable news people heard about was “fake news.” To understand fake news, let’s explore the concept of white lies.

“Little white lies. We all tell them. We do it to be kind: ‘I love this gift!’ We do it to protect ourselves: ‘I’m leaving in five minutes.’ We do it because it’s an uncomplicated way out of something awkward: ‘I didn’t see your text.’ White lies are the kinder, gentler fibs about less important things.” (Author unknown.) Dictionary.com defines the white lie as a harmless or trivial lie, especially one told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.

DIRECTV surveyed 2,000 United States adults to find out what white lies they told the most and to whom. The survey yielded some fascinating results if the respondents were telling the truth.

Here’s a list of the top 10 most frequently told white lies and the percentage of people who have used them. 1. “I’m fine.” (92%) 2. “I love this present!” (80%) 3. “Sorry, I’m sick.” (78%) 4. “I didn’t see your text.” (72%)

5. “Let’s keep in touch!” (70%) 6. “This meal you made is delicious.” (70%)

7. “Leaving in five minutes.” (69%) 8. “On my way.” (66%) 9. “I’ll be ready in 15 minutes.” (65%) 10. “No, you don’t need to lose weight.” (63%)

Speaking of white lies, the biggest lie I tell myself is, “I don’t need to write that down. I’ll remember it.”

Here’s a list of the top groups of people to whom we use white lies: 1. Co-workers. (26.99%) 2. Family.

(23.95%) 3. Friends. (22.06%) 4. Significant other. (10.78%) 5. Parents. (8.71%)

6. Other. (7.51%)

So, white lies are justified by people to not hurt others. I guess I get it. However, could there be a danger in developing a habit of telling white lies? I think so. First, little white lies are often a way of avoiding responsibility. The “I didn’t see your text” is more of a shame-based response of the sender than not hurting someone’s feelings. Wouldn’t telling yourself and them the truth be more authentic and constructive?

Secondly, habitually telling white lies often transforms into more significant, intentional and often destructive lies. It’s not about protecting the recipient. It’s about justifying the sender’s words or actions no matter the cost to themselves or others. The result is exaggeration, spin, fibs, halftruths, partial truths, manipulation and fake news. Fake news comes from fake views. It’s “true lies.” So here’s a lesson we can glean from Adam and Eve about lying. Lies have to be covered up, but the truth can run around naked.

The Bible has much to say about this. The Apostle Paul outlines the seven progressive downward steps leading to cultural disintegration in Romans, Chapter One. Then he reveals how it happens. The influencers of culture exchange truth for lies by suppressing the truth in unrighteousness. Paul means that people who influence others through “fake news” started by telling people white lies. Then, they progress from white lies to intentional lies and partial truths because of their social, political or personal biases. That’s called “spin.”

Might I say the world is spinning

out of control because of spin? And remember, the first casualty in a military or cultural war is the truth. George McDonald says, “When a person argues for victory and not for truth, they are sure of just one ally, the devil.” So I suggest being careful about who you listen to and who you hang out with.

Spin is more intellectually deceptive than white lies. Wikipedia’s definition of spin in public relations and politics is a form of propaganda achieved through providing a biased interpretation of an event or campaigning to persuade public opinion in favor or against some organization or public figure.

What’s the problem here? How can receivers of the spin gang make an informed decision based on facts? For example, let’s say your foot is standing in a fire. Then the nerves (your internal informer) in your foot mislead you by reporting you are not standing in a fire. So your foot becomes a victim of fake news.

How can you make an informed decision that has future consequences, whether kindly intentioned or intentionally misled? Nerves are created to report the news, not spin the news. When someone tells you a white lie, you are uninformed. When someone lies or spins the truth, you are misinformed. The worst thing about being deceived is you are deceived.

As we step into 2018, let’s be aware, alert and intelligent. Invest in investigating the news. Don’t let your easily manipulated feelings rule you. Let truth lead you. There’s a difference between credibility and plausibility. Credibility means something is true. Plausibility seems true, and for the moment, it seems like it’s working.

Hint: Just because it seems true doesn’t mean it is true. Truth is always strong, no matter how weak it seems, and falsehood is weak, no matter how strong it looks.

Here’s a resolution for 2023. Realize real lies downgrades both the sender and the receiver. If we stop telling white lies habitually, we will probably stop telling real lies. The only thing that can set us free to make informed decisions is the truth. Living by lies and lying to make a living has a limited shelf life. That’s called truth or consequences.

As the title of this article says, true lies create false lives. Do we get any better in 2023, or is this it? I think we will get better.

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

Top New Year’s resolutions include weight loss, exercise

BY KEITH JONES Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

Three of the top five New Year’s resolutions this year were for better health, according to data website Statista. Whether it’s overindulging during the holidays, the annual New Year’s resolution, or years of unsuccessful dieting, many individuals are motivated this time of year to lose weight.

Earlene Miranda can relate. After years of yo-yo dieting, the Buckeye resident decided it was time for help in achieving her weight loss goals.

She reached out to the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program. It’s a comprehensive pro -

gram with physicians specializing in obesity medicine and bariatric surgery, as well as dietitians and others who provide support and education.

“Through the years, I have had many friends and co-workers have bariatric surgery. I researched the Abrazo Health website for information on the surgery and services. My initial consultation showed me that the program is geared for long-term success,” Miranda said.

As a nurse, Miranda understood that choosing the right team would be a key factor in a successful outcome. Through her job, she knew of Dr. Daniel Fang at Abrazo Scotts -

Earlene Miranda of Buckeye chose the supportive, team approach with the Abrazo Medical and Surgical Weight Loss Program to help achieve her weight loss goals. (Abrazo/Submitted)

The Birthing Cave is a worthy stop in Sedona

TOLD BY KUMA AND WRITTEN BY LORRAINE BOSSÉ-SMITH Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

Ilove this time of year when the mornings and evenings are cooler, don’t you? Ah. We survived summer so we can enjoy fall and winter. We haven’t been to Sedona in quite some time, and to be honest, it has become overcrowded for us. However, we thought we would try a weekday and headed up I-17 North through Cottonwood to the 89A North.

Dad read about the Birthing Cave, and you follow directions to the Long Canyon trail head: Turn left on Dry Creek Road, and take another left on Long Canyon until you see the trail head parking lot on your left. It is a very tiny dirt lot with limited spots and no

human restroom. We arrived early but still had to park along the street.

Note: In many places in Sedona now, parking along the street is forbidden. This particular trailhead has some dirt pullouts that work, but you will want to watch where you park.

We couldn’t believe how busy it was for a Tuesday! Thankfully, almost everyone was coming down the trail as we headed up, so we did have some peace and quiet. To get to the Birthing Cave, you follow the Longs Canyon trail past the “area

The views of Sedona are breathtaking. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/Submitted)

Kuma needs help bouldering. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/Submitted)

Cottonwood is worth a visit. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/Submitted)

The Birthing Cave in Sedona is a popular stop. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/Submitted)

closed” section on your right and then veer to the left when you see a wood fence for the Longs Canyon trail.

The trail is flat and easy for a mile. As you approach the red rock on your right, you will see a trail that goes up to the Birthing Cave. We read that the Indigenous Hopi women would birth their babies in this cave as a spiritual experience. Hmm. As steep as this last section gets, we couldn’t imagine a pregnant woman making the trek up. It is bouldering! I love boulders, but alas, daddy had to help me on one big step. With a little push, I was on my way again. Small dogs would have a difficult time climbing up, and mom was glad she had her hiking pole with her.

We were grateful the traffic was gone so would go at our own pace. Once at the cave, we had views of Sedona. Unfortunately, the view will be changing soon. They are building a huge condo complex that will ultimately ruin the view from the cave. The price of progress, I guess.

As we took our pictures, we noticed the “V” shape of the cave opening. The cave is shaded, cool and quiet… except for the construction noise! Doh. We had a nice picnic in the cave before heading back down. As you know, going down a steep, rocky trail can be more challenging than going up. Daddy ended up carrying me most of the way, and his back did fine. Yippy! Mom was worried I would fall and hurt myself since I am 14 now with some arthritis in my hips.

The rock was slick as it was covered in dust, and as we were back to the trail, more people were going up. Perfect timing. Hiking back to the car was quick and totaled two miles. We decided we would stop in Cottonwood on our way home. We’ve driven through a bazillion times but never walked Downtown.

Downtown Cottonwood is cute and is full of quaint shops and restaurants. Dad and I found a bench in the shade while mom popped into a few places. Once again, people had to stop and admire me. “No, I am not a Husky!” “Yes, I know I am adorable.” Another day in my life.

The drive home went smoothly, and I was home napping before I knew it. Should you be in Sedona and want to do a short but interesting hike, the Birthing Cave might fit the bill. Now that we’ve done it once, we don’t need to do it again. The red rock never disappoints, though, and Sedona was as beautiful as always. We are fortunate to live so close to an amazing place.

My mom, Lorraine BosséSmith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever.

Enjoy my blog at https://bit. ly/kuma0901, and follow me on Facebook @kumathedog or Instagram @kumaitothedog.

dale Campus and was encouraged by what she saw.

“I chose Dr. Fang based on my observations of him in my work as a registered nurse. He and his team treat staff and patients with the utmost of respect and professionalism. His credentials are second to none and his actions are proof! His patients did great post-op,” Miranda said.

According to the National Institutes of Health, rising rates of obesity are an alarming trend considering the risks and costs of treating its associated diseases.

“Weight loss surgery is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and it can help alleviate many other obesity-related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, depression and more,” Fang said.

Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like any surgery, it does have risks. Those who are consider-

ing surgical weight loss are encouraged to consult with their personal physician about the risks and benefits, he said.

“Regardless of which bariatric surgery procedure you and your surgeon decide is best for you, it is important to remember that bariatric surgery is a tool. Weight loss success also depends on many other important factors, such as nutrition, exercise, behavior modification and more,” Fang said.

Miranda agreed: “They clearly communicated the weight loss center’s services and expectations, dieting, exercise programs and education with each available option. I knew, though, that I had to believe in myself to do this. They were professional and courteous and listened to all my concerns and questions.”

A year after the procedure, her results are 89 pounds lost so far. “Things went extremely well after surgery. I followed all the education and instructions outlined by Dr. Fang.

A year after her bariatric surgery, Earlene Miranda has lost 89 pounds. (Abrazo/Submitted)

It was difficult at first to change my eating and activity habits, but with the monthly check-ins and nutritional counseling, it became easier. I felt

great and empowered on my journey to regain my health.”

Miranda offers these words of encouragement for anyone considering bariatric surgery. “Do the research and understand that the surgery is a tool of the overall path to weight management and health.”

For more information, online health assessments or a physician referral, visit abrazohealth.com.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity

• Almost 3 in 4 men (73.7%) were considered to be overweight or have obesity; and about 2 in 3 women (66.9) were considered to be overweight or have obesity.

• Obesity was higher in women (about 40%) than men (35%).

• Extreme obesity was higher in women (9.9%) than men (5.5%).

Source: National Institutes of Health

Lorraine Bossé-Smith and Kuma enjoy a beautiful day in Sedona. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/Submitted)

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

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

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

Live Music at Janey’s Coffeehouse

NIGHTLY

Listen to live music every night at Janey’s Coffeehouse, performed by a variety of talented local artists. The venue has over a dozen unique performers each month, and for those looking to perform, new talent is encouraged to come by and sign up. This week, check out Tim Brady, Aaron Howard, Glade Wilson, Jay Allan, Tres Burros and Eric Ramsey.

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

Tech Help: Library Tips, Electronic

Devices and More!

DEC. 28

Navigating technology can be daunting, even when doing something as simple as downloading an e-book. Get the help you need and ask questions about technology and how to interface with your local library. Apple users will need their Apple ID to hand.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 2 to 3 p.m., free, dfla.org

Yoga Fusion

DEC. 29

Join Elizabeth Boisson in an intermediate-level

course of Yoga Fusion at the Desert Foothills Library from noon to 1 p.m. The class will start with breathing exercises and then go through different types of stretching movements and then into vinyasa or flow yoga.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, noon to 1 p.m., $10 cash per class, dfla.org

Chris Lawrie at Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse

DEC. 29

Enjoy Keeler’s weekly music lineup one last time before the year ends. Check out Chris Lawrie’s musical talent this week on the rooftop and enjoy delicious food and adult beverages.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, 7212 Ho Hum Drive, Carefree, 5 to 8 p.m., free admission, keelerssteakhouse.com

Drum Circle - Healing Rhythms

JAN. 3

Join Frank Thompson for an interactive drum circle meant to reduce stress, promote joy and help strengthen the immune system through healing rhythm. All drums are provided, and no musical experience is required.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 4:45 to 5:45 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla. org

Caring for the Caregiver

JAN. 3

Taking care of loved ones is important, but to do so, a caregiver must also take care of themselves. Join hospice worker Judy Peters and openly share your feelings with other caregivers, and discover new tools to navigate the difficult journey ahead.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 10 to 11:30 a.m., free, 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Saguaro Hill Trail Tour with a Desert Awareness Naturalist

JAN. 4

Brenda Olive of the Desert Awareness Committee is an expert at the nature and life of the desert, taking people through leisurely strolls through the sands to learn more about its secrets. Learn about the plants of the Sonoran Desert and how they survive, and take a look through the Richard E. Rudolph Memorial Garden.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 10 to 11 a.m., free, 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Free Couples Dance Lessons

JAN. 5

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

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

Spirited Book ClubLanguage for God

JAN. 5

Join author Mary J. Streufert as she discusses her new novel “Language for God, A Lutheran Perspective.” The book discusses androcentric images and how Christianity’s changing perspective on God can show the higher being as a mother figure as well as a father figure.

Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 7415 E. Elbow Bend Road, Carefree, 2 to 3:30 p.m., free, spiritinthedesert.org

Shred Event: Foothills Food Bank

JAN. 7

Donate to the Foothills Food Bank to support those in need and get rewarded with four free boxes of documents shredded for free.

Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, 6038 E. Hidden Valley, Cave Creek, 9 a.m. to noon, free with donation, https://bit. ly/FoothillsFoodBankShred

Rummage Sale Donation Drive

JAN. 7 TO JAN. 21

Donate something of value for a good cause and support veterans in need on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The items donated will then be used for the American Legion rummage sale. For very large items such as furniture require arrangements, call Susie Snider at the number below.

American Legion Post 34, 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free, azpost34.com, 480-772-6778

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Sibish Neelikattil Basheer Ahammed of Phoenix earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. Neelikattil Basheer Ahammed was among approximately 1,660 undergraduate and graduate students who earned degrees during the summer 2022 semester. The Georgia Institute of Technology, or Georgia Tech, is one of the top public research universities in the United States, developing leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The institute offers business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts and sciences degrees. Its more than 46,000 students, representing 50 states and more than 150 countries, study at the main campus in Atlanta, at campuses in France and China, and through distance and online learning. Info: gatech.edu

Anthony Casarella of Phoenix was accepted for enrollment for the fall 2022 trimester in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Florida Campus in Port Orange, Florida. Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiro -

practic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida. Info: palmer.edu

Fatima Saucedo of Phoenix graduated from Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa. Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 4,500 students — nationally and internationally — at its Fayette, Iowa, campus and over 20 U.S. locations. Info: uiu.edu

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