MAYOR PETERSON WRITES... Town Of Carefree Emerging As A Social And Cultural Hub
At the April 11 Town Council meeting, Mayor Les Peterson honored Carefree business owner Steve Woods with the fourth annual Carefree Spirit Award. The Spirit of Carefree Award, underwritten by Sanderson Lincoln, is an annual award given to a Carefree resident who shows above-and-beyond dedication to the community and its residents. The Spirit of Carefree award consists of a dichroic glass sculptor, handcrafted by local glass artisan Peggy Pettigrew Stewart, who is known for her fascination with light and prismatic color in her glass art. Woods is proud to be an Arizonan with his business located in Carefree. He owns and operates Tech 4 Life Computers, LLC, serving the area since 2003, specializing in computer consulting, repair, web sites, training and personal devices. The town was inspired to honor Woods and his business because of his strong work ethic and L-R: Carefree Mayor Les Peterson and Steve Woods, Tech4Life service to the business and non-profit community. Expressed on the Tech 4 Life website, his business is built on love, integrity, honesty and commitment to his neighbors. He promotes the phrase “Buy Local or Bye Bye Local,” to encourage residents to buy from their local businesses and support prosperity. Outside of the business, he has given countless hours of undocumented service without asking for anything in return. “I am sure they have the wrong guy,” shared Woods. “I have known some of the previous recipients and would not ever consider my contributions on par with theirs. I am grateful that the principles modeled to me by other godly leaders are impacting our community and any day I take action that loves my neighbor is a good day. I hope everyone comes to understand there is nothing more important for us to do with our lives than this.” Carefree Mayor Les Peterson expressed the sentiments of the Town Council and a wide crosssection of Carefree businesses and residents when he stated, “We are fortunate and grateful to have Steve Woods taking such a positive leadership role through his Tech for Life organization in Carefree. Steve has provided much needed technical assistance in the computer and software areas to many residents and businesses in Carefree, including most of the local non-profit organizations where he has often worked on a pro bono basis. With a constant smile on his face and a wealth of technical expertise, Steve has always provided service to his clients above and beyond their expectations. Steve is a deserving recipient of the Spirit of Carefree Award.” Woods is the father of two girls who spends his off time playing the guitar, hiking and being of service.
Serving the Community Since 2002
It is no wonder why eco-tourism plays a significant role in Carefree’s future economic development. Positioned between the stunning landscapes of Spur Cross Ranch, which the Town of Carefree made significant financial contributions to preserve, and the MAYOR Town of Carefree desert oasis of Bartlett Lake, there is no letup of traffic coming through Carefree 480.488.3686 www.carefree.org year ‘round. The idea of “seasonality” is fading. Consistent traffic through the Town allows opportunities for our business sector to capture the critical mass of customers already enjoying the indelible landscapes, breathtaking views and easy access to the lakes in the summer. For several years, the Town of Carefree has strategically invested in infrastructure and unique events/experiences to build traffic within the Town Center. As a result of these public investments, private investment is starting to excel within the community. From the recent extensive Bashas’ remodel, to the Spanish Village face lift and emerging new tenants and restaurants, to the pending new ownership of the Carefree Resort, there is a lot of positive synergy building within Carefree. A recent sale of the northeast corner at the major intersection of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road, shows the promise of a “domino effect” starting to take place in and around Carefree and the driving force to create perpetual sales tax for the Towns’ sustainability. The Town will continue to take an active role in seeking opportunities to forge mutually beneficial public and private partnerships to further cultivate the economic vision. Wellbranded restaurant concepts that offer a wider appeal to the trade area, unique events that complement the critical mass and sales, and tax driven land development will all contribute to moving the economic engine forward and allow Carefree to emerge as the next social and cultural hub of the Northeast Valley.
Town Selects 2016 Spirit of Carefree Award Recipient
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Take In Yoga in the Gardens This Month The Town of Carefree and the Desert Foothills Family YMCA offers free community yoga class called “Yoga in the Gardens,” located in the Carefree Desert Gardens, underneath the Carefree Sundial on Mondays from 11am-12pm. This free, all levels, class will explore yoga movement with the added beauty backdrop of Black Mountain and the sounds of the reflecting pool underneath the Carefree Sundial. Just show-up, bring a friend and a yoga mat for a one-of-a-kind yoga experience. Go to www.visitcarefree.com for more information on Town events and programs. Visit www.valleyymca.org/desert-foothills to learn more about Desert Foothills Family YMCA.
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