Town of Carefree 2019 Special Events

Serving the Community Since 2002

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Carefree Serving the Community Since 2002

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MAYOR PETERSON WRITES...

Carefree Town Council Will Address Many Important Issues in Coming Months

By Mayor Les Peterson

Perhaps the most important of these will be the issue of water for all our residents. It is one of the primary responsibilities of the Carefree Town Council; to ensure the long-term future of a consistent supply of highquality water is available for every Carefree resident.

MAYOR The future supply of Town of Carefree acceptable water throughout 480.488.3686 the Southwest, and central www.carefree.org Arizona in particular, is coming under increased stress with every passing year. While we would like to be optimistic and believe that the current 17-plus year drought we are experiencing will end soon, the water experts are telling us that even maintaining the current situation will be very difficult.

Given this prognosis, we are re-examining all aspects of Carefree’s water sourcing and delivery systems.

Currently, over 20 percent of Carefree’s residents do not have full representation in determining how their water utility is operated nor do they have the same level of confidence in long-term water supply as do the other 80 percent. Fulfilling the needs of all our residents in this area is critical to maintaining the quality of life that characterizes Carefree.

We also have responsibilities in other lesser-known areas. These are in the area of providing for acceptable levels of service from the multi-region/ statewide utilities that service our residents. Gas, internet and cell phone, and electricity, are all provided by utilities under the watchful eye of the Corporation Commission. It is in the areas of the more “local” utilities, such as those utilities that handle water and waste water service, where Town Council members can exert their greatest level of influence.

Recently the Town Council worked with Liberty Utilities to effect the de-commissioning of the Carefree Waste Water treatment plant and the transfer of the effluent to Scottsdale for processing. Closing the Carefree Waste Water Treatment Plant is a winning proposition for all involved. For the Town of Carefree, it will support residential home values and aid in economic development by assuring continued provision of safe and reliable wastewater services.

For Scottsdale, it will increase revenues and provide greater operating efficiency to their existing facility.

And, importantly, for Carefree residents utilizing the Liberty Utilities System, it will significantly reduce the costs they would face from the inevitable closing of the antiquated Carefree plant at a later date.

Your Town Council is dedicated to our town, our residents and our businesses. If there are areas of concern that you don’t feel are being addressed adequately, come to a Council meeting or contact us at council@carefree.org.

Art & Wine Festival to Feature Austin Casson’s Birds in Flight Austin Casson will be the featured artist for the 26th Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival, Jan. 18–20.

Hosted by Thunderbird Artists, award-winning producer of fine art and wine events in the Southwest, the event will bring together more than 150 juried fine artists, musicians, wine connoisseurs, chocolatiers and more.

Casson was raised on a farm, and as a child found an interest in birds of prey, which is evident when viewing his work. He works with stone, steel, bronze and resins, with a primary focus on forged steel. His mother was an artist, so one might say art is in his genes, but as fascinated as he was with working with his hands, he didn’t pursue an art career until mid-adulthood. He worked with the Department of Tourism in marketing for the State of Utah, as well as director of marketing for clothing suppliers for the 1988 Olympics in Calgary, Canada. He did not become a sculptor until he developed the Fairway replicas line of golf gifts. His passion for animals led him to be directly involved in tagging mountain lions and golden eagles in Southern California. He also works very closely with the Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Conservancy, which is a children’s education program that educates 45,000 third graders every year on the wonders of nature. His sculptures are used every year as a fundraiser.

He has pieces all over the world, with one of his early bronze eagles going into late President George Bush senior’s personal collection.

Casson also has five large pieces in the World Golf Hall of Fame, and the trophy on top of the Breeders Cup at the Thoroughbred Hall of Fame at the Santa Anita race track. He has received National recognition from publications and is presently working on a fallen heroes’ memorial for the city of Temecula, California.

In addition to Casson’s creations, the Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival brings together more than 150 phenomenally talented artists; displaying works of art in all mediums and subject matters. Thunderbird Artists strives to bring a variety of styles, sizes and price points together in one location, ensuring something for everyone. Surrounding the event is the crown jewel of Carefree, the Desert Gardens. An amazing oasis in the desert, it is only one of two public botanical gardens in the Valley. Situated on four acres, patrons can stroll and enjoy fascinating desert plant specimens on a self-guided walking tour, which leads visitors to experience a purely visual and emotional connection with nature.

A Town of Carefree “Signature Event,” the festival will not only highlight the artistic works of more than 150 juried fine artists, but provide live music, appetizing food, tempting chocolates and unparalleled wine tasting. Held in Downtown Carefree, on Ho Hum & Easy Streets, event hours are 10am–5pm each day. Admission is $3, and parking is free all weekend. For details, call 480.837.5637 or visit www.thunderbirdartists.com.

Publisher Lorrie Pomeroy Editor-in-Chief Kathryn M. Miller Creative Director Jenifer Lee Assistant to the Publisher Darlene Keberle Account Representatives Bob Hesselgesser Susan Pine

10645 N. Tatum Blvd., Suite 200-413 Phoenix, AZ 85028 Phone: 480.922.8732 Fax: 480.922.8731 E-mail: info@CITYSunTimes.com news.CITYSunTimes.com CITYSunTimes is a locally owned community publication now in its 17th year, serving over 80,000 readers in the North Valley. CST offers personalized news each month to Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, North Phoenix, Carefree and Cave Creek. CST is mailed to area homes and businesses and is available for free pick up at locations in Paradise Valley, North Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Carefree, Cave Creek, Anthem, Black Canyon City, New River and Fountain Hills.

Published by Indigo Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the express written permission of the publisher.

Walks in Carefree Desert Gardens

“A Soul from Minnesota,” by Allen Nohre, a collection of CitySunTimes essays, is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle. Allen can be reached at anohre@cox.net.

Serving the Community Since 2002

When the winter sun is disappearing early behind Black Mountain, Bailee and Kathie walk through the scenic Carefree Desert Gardens connected by love and a leash.

During our short drive to downtown Carefree for our daily walks, Bailee, our beautiful pure white Samoyed, is in her crate impatiently moaning and scratching. She knows where we are going, and she is certain that pleasure again awaits her on her walk in the park. Bailee was born in Oregon and ALLEN NOHRE selected among her siblings as a show dog. She has won ribbons and walks with pride as she tugs on her leash and Writer pulls Kathie to yet another bush, person or a dog.

I think she knows she is beautiful. How could she not know she is special when during her walk little kids and adults come up to her telling her, “You are so beautiful.” And asking, “Can we pet her?” She loves to be petted as her admirers exclaim, “She is so soft.”

Bailee is Kathie’s pride and joy. There is no doubt that Kathie’s connection with Bailee is a soul connection. It has taken me 29 years to understand that humans and pets can have soul connections.

I never wanted a pet, but 29 years ago I wanted Kathie, and Kathie’s first Samoyed, Chelsea, came with her, a non-negotiable package.

I found adjusting to living with Kathie was easy; adjusting to Chelsea was not always easy, and years later, I don’t like it when Bailee barks in the house. She doesn’t realize how my hearing aids amplify her bark.

Despite sometimes getting irritated with Bailee, my companionship with her, and the Samoyeds who preceded her, have enriched my life. We are all creatures of one Creator enjoying a walk in the late afternoon in Carefree Desert Gardens.

Carefree

SOUL CONNECTION

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Carefree Serving the Community Since 2002

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Chamber Chorale to Perform Concert at Desert Hills

Mix & Mingle with the Chamber in January

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church will host Valley Chamber Chorale Sunday, Jan. 27, for a 4pm concert. Valley Chamber Chorale, conducted by published composer and writer Dr. Christopher Samuel, is currently celebrating its 31st season.

Area critics have applauded the Valley Chamber Chorale for its “gorgeous, silvery sound, and its refined, masterful, and precise singing.” Through skilled performances of choral programs featuring an eclectic repertoire with emphasis upon unaccompanied works of the Renaissance and selections by 20th century American composers, the Chorale has engendered the refined blend which audiences find so appealing.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church is located at 34605 Nor Tom Darlington in North Scottsdale. For information about the Chorale, visit www.valleychamberchorale.com.

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce will hold its first mixer of the new year Wednesday, Jan. 9, 5:30–7pm. This month’s Business Spotlight will be on CIVANA Carefree, located at 37220 Mule Train Road, Carefree. Visit www.civanacarefree.com for additional information.

Always the second Wednesday of every month, the mixer event offers the opportunity to join Chamber members to network, socialize and win prizes. The cost to attend is $5 for members; $15 for non-members (non-members may attend twice before joining).

To learn more about the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, call 480.488.3381 or visit www.carefreecavecreek.org.

Desert Foothills Theater (DFT) will present the delicious adventures of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr. Jan. 11–20.

Share the experience with Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory as it lights up the DFT stage

in this captivating adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. A cast ages 8–14 will perform the enchanting songs from the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder in addition to a host of fun new songs, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Jr. is a scrumdidilyumptious musical guaranteed

to delight the audience’s sweet tooth.

The DFT production will be presented at Cactus Shadows Fine Art Center, 33606 North 60th Street in Scottsdale. For additional information or tickets, call 480.488.1981 or visit www.dftheater.org.

Carefree

DFT Presents Scrumdidilyumptious Musical This Month

Chamber Welcomes Thunderbird Artists Gallery

Serving the Community Since 2002

The Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce was present Thursday, Dec. 6, to conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Thunderbird Artists Gallery, which is located at 99 Easy Street, Suite 235, in Carefree.

After 37 years of producing award-winning, juried fine art and wine festivals, Thunderbird Artists expanded to open its first fine art gallery. The new gallery will showcase and sell the works of renowned artists, including David Bennett, Guilloume, Jacinthe Dugal-Lacroix, Sandy and Dave Daniel, Valentine, Dan Hale and others.

For additional information about Thunderbird Artists, contact Denise Colter or Judy Combs at 480.688.4960 or visit www.thunderbirdartistsgallery.com.

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2019 Desert Gardens Seminar Series Kicks Off The Carefree Desert Gardens kicks off the first of four in its seminar series Jan. 12 with Living with Urban Wildlife.

Arizona residents see many species of wildlife; small to large, flying to four-legged. As natural habitats and native food sources shrink, “urban wildlife” is adapting to life in neighborhoods and yards.

Inviting wildlife into one’s living space can be enjoyable to observe, but sometimes it can create problems.

Carefree Desert Gardens welcomes Darren Julian, Urban Wildlife Specialist for Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region 6. With a B.S. degree in Wildlife Conservation Biology from ASU, Julian has been with the department for 18 years. He is frequently called upon to resolve wildlife conflicts statewide.

At this seminar, learn how to coexist with Arizona’s wildlife in urban areas. Find out how to prevent problems with wildlife before they occur, and how to safely invite them into yards and ways to discourage them.

The program, which usually includes a plant raffle, will begin at 9:30am and run until approximately noon in the Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy Street and Nonchalant Avenue, Carefree. A $5 (or more) donation is appreciated to support these programs. Seating is limited so it is recommended that guests arrive early. Additional seminar offerings will be held monthly through April on the second Saturday of the month. For information call 480.488.3686 or visit www.visitcarefree.com.

Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion / 9–10am, $8 per class Led by Bina Bou of TaiChi Easy, each class guides participants through practical components of healing and stress management, which are the most effective aspects of the tradition in Qigong practice.

First Friday Art Walks — First Friday of the month, Nov. – May Visit www.carefree.org for participating galleries / 4–7pm Photo: Desert Hearts Photography

ONGOING EVENTS Carefree Desert Gardens Open 365 Days/ Free Admission An amazing oasis in the desert, the Carefree Desert Gardens is one of only two public botanical gardens in the Valley. Situated on four acres along Easy Street, the gardens provide a unique and charming experience for residents and visitors alike. Take a self-guided tour to enjoy rare and fascinating desert plant specimens and discover the way nature behaves in our desert environment.

Kiwanis Splash Park — Open daily, April 1 – Oct. 1 Carefree Desert Gardens / 9am–7pm Bring the kids to their own special area to visit the water scorpion “KIWANI,” who comes to life to cool them down in the desert heat!

This exciting area of the gardens creates a level of interactivity and team play experience for children, located within a one-of-a-kind nature-inspired waterpark environment.

MONTHLY EVENT CALENDAR Historic Spanish Village — Open Year-round Historic Spanish Village is among the most picturesque properties in Arizona, with a unique history and identity that has maintained its appeal for decades. Explore a variety of fine art galleries, unique shops and salons, charming restaurants and more! Located at 7211 East Ho Rd. in Carefree. For more, visit www.historicspanishvillage.com.

Carefree Farmers Market — Fridays, Year-round Carefree Desert Gardens at the Sundial / 9am–1pm Free admission. Vendors change weekly, and may include fresh and local seasonal produce, herbs and flowers; locally-made jams, honey, jellies and salsas; fresh baked breads; a variety of ethnic cuisine and much more!

Free Yoga by Desert Foothills YMCA — Mondays, Oct. – April Carefree Desert Gardens at the Sundial / 11am–noon

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Enjoy a diverse display of artistic styles and mediums, meet the artists, enjoy refreshments and engage in conversation about art and architecture.

Participating galleries WILL PAY THE SALES TAX on purchases made during the event!

This class, open to all experience levels, explores yoga movement outdoors with Black Mountain as a beautiful backdrop, and the soothing sounds of the reflecting pool underneath the Sundial.

Artwork by Sabzi

Carefree Special Events Calendar 2019 Town of 32

Tai-Chi at the Pavilion — Wednesdays, Oct. – April

Jan. 12: Carefree Desert Gardens Seminar Series — Living with Urban Wildlife Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy Street / 9:30am; $5 suggested donation Guest Speaker: Darren Julian, Urban Wildlife Specialist for Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Arizona is home to a variety of wildlife species, and as their natural habitats and native food sources shrink, “urban wildlife” begins adapting to life in our neighborhoods, which can be both enjoyable and problematic.

Jan. 18–20: 26th Annual Thunderbird Artists Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival Downtown Carefree, 10am–5pm The Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival features more than 155 juried fine artisans from throughout the United States and abroad. Artists will participate displaying paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic and ink; impressive small, medium and life-sized sculptures, sparkling hand-blown glass, clay, metal, stone, wood, bronze, one-of-kind handcrafted jewelry, beautiful photography and much more!

Admission: $3; wine tasting ticket/souvenir glass: $10. Visit www.thunderbirdartists.com.

Feb. 9: Carefree Desert Gardens Seminar Series — Legumes: More Than Just Beans Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy Street / 9:30am; $5 suggested donation Guest Speaker: Dr. Marty Wojciechowski, associate professor at Arizona State University.

Dr. Wojciechowski will discuss the unique aspects of legume biology, their diversity in the Southwest, and their importance in agriculture, horticulture and ecology.

March 1–3: 24th Annual Thunderbird Artists Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival Downtown Carefree, 10am–5pm The Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival features more than 155 juried fine artisans from throughout the United States and abroad. Artists will participate displaying paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, and ink; impressive small, medium and life-sized sculptures, sparkling hand-blown glass, clay, metal, stone, wood, bronze, one-of-kind handcrafted jewelry, beautiful photography and much more!

Admission: $3; wine tasting ticket/souvenir glass: $10. Visit www.thunderbirdartists.com.

Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 10am This annual event is both moving and inspiring, as people from over 80 nations and all 50 states in hundreds of cities come together to wrap the world in a global Tai Chi and Qigong event. Celebrate and learn more about the profound health and healing benefits of this ancient Chinese practice. For more, visit www.binabouchi.com.

Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy Street / 9:30am; $5 suggested donation

Memorial Day Weekend: Memorial Day Tribute Join the Town of Carefree as they honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and our freedom. Visit www.carefree.org for dates and event times.

Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 3–5pm This popular annual celebration honors area veterans with a mixture of live patriotic music, student exhibits from Veterans Heritage Project, and noted local and national veterans sharing experiences from their service.

Guest Speaker: Sarah Maitland, Certified Arborist and Plant Health Care Manager for Integrity Tree Service. Learn how you can prepare your landscape to withstand harsh weather conditions and help prevent significant storm damages from occurring.

March 23: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 7–11am Stacks of Fun! Kiwanis of Carefree pancake breakfasts are a favorite local tradition, offering good food at good prices while supporting a variety of local community services. Visit www. kiwaniscarefree.org for more information.

April 6: Second Annual Community Block Party Easy Street and Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 3–7pm Join the Town of Carefree as they bid adieu to the ‘snowbird’ season! Town residents, businesses and Foothills neighbors are welcome to celebrate with live music, great food and fun activities for kids of all ages.

April 12-13: Rock the District Rock the District is the Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation’s largest annual fundraising concert event. Enjoy live music on two stages, performed by talented Cave Creek Unified School District students. For more, visit www. rockthedistrict.net.

April 13: Carefree Desert Gardens Seminar Series — Responsible Gardening in Severe Drought Town Council Chambers, 33 Easy Street / 9:30am; $5 suggested donation Guest Speaker: Rick Cober, ISA Certified Arborist and owner of Tree Theory Landscape Asset Management. Learn how, with proper water management, desert gardens can remain healthy in harsh, dry conditions.

CHRISTMAS IN CAREFREE EVENTS Nov. 29: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion and Sundial, 5pm

Oct. 18–27: Enchanted Pumpkin Garden Carefree Desert Gardens Halloween invades the Town of Carefree in the form of whimsical pumpkin carvings from master sculptor Ray Villafane and the Villafane Studios team! This one-of-a-kind fall festival celebrates the magic of the season with the incredible artistry of Villafane Studios on display throughout the gardens.

On weekends, enjoy magical activities for both kids and adults, culinary delights and autumnal refreshments including a beer garden and live music. Visit www.carefreepumpkingarden.com.

Oct. 31: Third Annual Trunk-or-Treat Celebration Easy Street, 5–7pm Hosted by Bella Donna and Cane Boutique, this safe alternative to trick-or-treating invites families to walk through downtown Carefree, visiting Halloween-decorated car trunks providing seasonal goodies! Visit www.carefreepumpkingarden.com/ trunk-or-treat for details.

Nov. 9: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 7–11am Stacks of Fun! Kiwanis of Carefree pancake breakfasts are a favorite local tradition, offering good food at good prices while supporting a variety of local community services. Visit www. kiwaniscarefree.org for more information.

Get into the spirit of the season with a holiday performance, then stroll through the east garden to the Sundial, where the 26’ Christmas tree will be lit for the first time! Following the tree lighting, return to the Pavilion for a special holiday film screening.

Nov. 29 – Jan. 15: Carefree Desert Garden “Glitters”

Carefree Special Events Calendar

March 9: Carefree Desert Gardens Seminar Series — Preparing Your Trees for Summer: What and When You Need to Know

Nov. 11: 11th Annual Veterans Day Honor and Celebration

2019 Town of

April 27: World Tai Chi & Qigong Day

Nightly, 5–10pm Enjoy the beauty of the Gardens dressed up for the holiday season! Take a self-guided walking tour and marvel at the 26’ Christmas tree while meandering garden pathways of Sonoran Desert flora and fauna adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.

Dec. 22–30: Menorah Lighting Ceremony Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 5:30pm

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Local families will be invited to light the menorah each evening, with a special ceremony on Monday, Dec. 30. Each evening’s lighting is open to attendees of all denominations and faiths.

Visit www.christmasincarefree.com for the complete holiday schedule.

Visit www.carefree.org for all new event updates and follow “Town of Carefree” on Facebook and Instagram.

All event details are current at the time of publication.

Please contact the respective venue or organization prior to attendance.

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Carefree Special Events Calendar 2019 Town of 34

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L Skincare

2 Le Sans Souci French Restaurant 14 Allstate Insurance, Rebecca Niessink 6

Arizona Territorial Antiques, LLC

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Azul Verde Design Group Inc

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Bags & Rags

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Manship Builders

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Network Wellness Center

17 Paradise Valley Community College 4 Real Life Weight Loss & Wellness

6 Black Mountain Coffee Shop & Cafe 8

Carefree Cave Creek Chamber

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Carefree Clarity

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Carefree Consignment

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Carefree Coverings

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Carefree Outdoor Living

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Carefree Shell

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Carefree Traveler

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Carefree Water Co

*Map not to scale.

Duplicate numbers indicate approximate vacinity of business location.

17 Cave Creek Unified School District 17

Desert Foothills Theater

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Desert Treasures

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E-Clips Salon

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Eco Blue Pool

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English Rose Tea Room

12 Foothills Caring Corps

3 Sherrie’s Hair Salon – Candice, Nail Tech 18

Sesame Inn

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Sonoran Properties

3 Stagecoach Tailoring & Alterations 19

Stefan Mann

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Success Realty

11 Graham Surveying & Engineering

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Ted Phillip Denton

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UPS Store, The

16 Heritage at Carefree

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UPS Store, The

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Town of Carefree

17 Foothills Community Foundation

4 Tyrol Insurance Agency 13 Karsten’s Ace Hardware 17

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Key Physical Therapy

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Venues Cafe

6 Walker Lawn & Home Services, LLC

Carefree

Ted Denton & Joy Landau Retiring – Carefree Gallery to Close in May retire from gallery life will be the loss of interacting with all of you, our wonderful visitors, friends and supporters and the conversations we have had about art and architecture!”

“But as a wise person* once said, ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the ones you did ...

So sail away from the safe harbor ....

Explore. Dream. Discover.’”

Ted Phillip Denton Contemporary Art Gallery is located at 100 Easy Street, Suite 1 (at the back side of the Post Office building facing the Desert Gardens waterfall) in Carefree.

Hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11am–5pm, by appointment and at First Friday Artwalk events (January through May from 4–7pm). For more information, feel free to contact Ted at tedsart@ cox.net or 760.780.8484; or Joy at reflectionsofjoy@cox.net or call/text 760.835.9204. *The quote is by H. Jackson Brown’s mother in his 1991 book: P.S. I Love You: When Mom Wrote, She Always Saved the Best for Last.

Serving the Community Since 2002

While sitting on the banks of the Pecos River, sipping a glass of cabernet from their favorite winery, La Chirpada, Ted Denton turned to his wife Joy Landau and said, “What do you think? We could be spending more time like this in nature and in our Airstream and being spontaneous once again. Maybe it’s time to make this our last season in the gallery.”

And so, after much thought and discussion, Denton and Landau decided to close their gallery at the end of their sixth season in Carefree.

The Ted Phillip Denton Contemporary Art Gallery will be “business as usual” through the month of May 2019. This will give them the opportunity to thank all of their patrons and visitors for making six seasons in Carefree so successful. And also, to thank and express their appreciation to the fine artists that they have so proudly represented in the gallery.

“Please stop by to see us during the ensuing months,” says Denton.

“What we will miss the most as we

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Liberty Utilities Announces Closure of the Carefree Wastewater Treatment Plant Liberty Utilities (Black Mountain Sewer) Corp. has owned and operated the Carefree Wastewater Treatment Plant (Carefree WWTP) located in the Boulders Resort for more than 40 years and has provided safe and reliable wastewater service to customers including the Town of Carefree and Boulders Resort residents. On Friday, Nov. 30, Liberty Utilities ceased the flows of wastewater going into the Carefree WWTP and instead began conveying its wastewater flows through an interconnection with the City of Scottsdale to the City of Scottsdale Water Campus.

In 2007, Liberty Utilities, the Boulders Homeowners Association, (BHOA) and the Town of Carefree entered into a series of discussions about closing the Carefree WWTP located in the Boulders. In late 2010, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) ordered the closure of the Carefree WWTP to address concerns expressed by the customers within the area of the Carefree WWTP. While Liberty Utilities operated the Carefree WWTP within compliance of applicable regulations, Liberty Utilities partnered with concerned stakeholders and agreed to close the plant as requested by the Town of Carefree, the BHOA and Liberty Utilities’ customers.

Carefree Mayor Les Peterson was at Liberty Utilities’ Carefree Wastewater Treatment Plant Monday, Dec. 10, to pull the switch and officially close the Liberty Utilities Carefree Wastewater Treatment Plant.

It was through the guidance of the mayor for the Town of Carefree, new ownership of the Boulders Resort, The BHOA, the ACC, the Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO), and the openness of Liberty Utilities for finding a resolution that all parties began new settlement discussions in 2015. Ultimately, all parties entered into a proposed settlement agreement to finalize the closure plans for the Carefree WWTP and filed it with the ACC in late 2015. The ACC approved that settlement agreement

in April 2016 and ordered a closure on or before Nov. 30, 2018.

As of Nov. 30, wastewater flows are no longer being treated at the Boulders WWTP. The wastewater flows are now rerouted through existing Liberty Utilities owned infrastructure to the City of Scottsdale Water Campus, where the wastewater flows are now being treated. The closure of the Carefree WWTP and the rerouting of the wastewater flows to Scottsdale involved upgrading the commercial lift station at the Spanish Village See Liberty Utilities, page 37

Chamber to Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Join the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Premier Documents to the neighborhood Jan. 15, 5–5:30pm.

Premier Documents is located at 748 Easy Street, #11, in Carefree.

Premier Documents is a family-owned business with several locations in the Valley.

The founder, Michael Maloney Sr., created the company in Iowa in 1989. His son Michael Maloney Jr. joined him shortly thereafter. Premier Documents provides education on the subjects of estate planning, estate settlement and asset protection. Learn more at www. premieraz.net or by calling 602.371.8898.

For more information about other Chamber happenings, call 480.488.3381 or visit www. carefreecavecreek.org.

Serving the Community Since 2002

commercial center, installation of a new force main down Tom Darlington/ Scottsdale Road, and reworking the gravity sewer within the Boulders subdivision. In addition, Liberty Utilities had to purchase additional capacity at the City of Scottsdale Water Campus. These improvements and investments within Carefree and Scottsdale were required in order to close the Carefree WWTP. All required construction to route the flows to the City of Scottsdale Water Campus was completed as of Nov. 30. Liberty Utilities says it will continue to provide safe and reliable services to its customers as the company has for the last 40 years.

“Our customers asked, and we listened,” said Matthew Garlick, president of Liberty Utilities – Arizona. “While the final closure of the Carefree WWTP located in the Boulders took a while due to extenuating circumstances, it was always Liberty Utilities’ intent to work with our customers to come to a favorable resolution. Our priority is to provide safe and reliable utility services. We are committed to our customers and we will continue to be the service provider being as Liberty Utilities still owns, operates, and maintains all of the needed infrastructure to convey the

wastewater flows to the City of Scottsdale Water Campus. We look forward to continuing to provide premiere services to our customers.”

Les Peterson, mayor of the Town of Carefree added, “Closing the Carefree Wastewater Treatment Plant is a winning proposition for all involved. For the Town of Carefree, it will support residential home values and aid in economic development by assuring continued provision of safe and reliable wastewater services.

For Scottsdale, it will increase revenues and provide greater operating efficiency to their existing facility. And importantly, for current users of the Liberty Utilities System in Carefree, it will significantly reduce the costs they would face from the inevitable closing of the antiquated Carefree plant at a later date.”

Over the next seven months, starting in December, decommissioning of the Carefree WWTP is expected to take place and the former Carefree WWTP site will eventually be returned to residential use.

The site will be closed upon approval of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. The property will be for sale once it has been approved for residential use, which is currently anticipated to occur during the summer of 2019.

Carefree

Liberty Utilities, continued from page 36

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Carefree Serving the Community Since 2002

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Save the Date: Spring Fine Art & Wine Festival Thunderbird Artists is excited to partner with the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce for the Town of Carefree’s final signature event of the season — the 24th Annual Carefree Fine Art & Wine Festival, March 1–3. The festival will feature jeweler, Jewelry by featured artist Harold Lujan Harold Lujan.

In addition to Lujan, this festival features 150 juried, world-class artists displaying over 5,000 original pieces of artwork in a variety of mediums. Wine tasting, ice cold microbrews, as well as rum sampling, are offered for patrons who choose to purchase a souvenir wine or beer glass, with six tasting tickets, for $10. The event will also host food trucks and sweet treats onsite.

The Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion will come alive with live performers and provide background music for attendees to enjoy while tasting fine wines and indulging in delicious sweets.

This fine art event will take place in the heart of downtown Carefree, surrounded by beautiful gardens emphasizing the plants and cacti indigenous to the Arizona desert. Hours are 10am to 5pm each day. Admission is $3, and parking is free all weekend. For additional information, call 480.837.5637 or visit www.thunderbirdartists.com.

The Nature of Finance Workshop Series Navigating life’s financial milestones can be tricky, which is why Desert Foothills Land Trust and professionals from BMO Wealth Management are offering a free workshop series to help residents better understand financial planning for all of life’s situations. Topics will include planning for life’s curveballs like divorce or end of life decisions, building a financial roadmap and how to talk to family about money. These workshops are being offered as a benefit for the community — guests will not be solicited for products or asked to give a donation.

The following presentations will be held January through April: • Jan. 15: Planning for Life’s Big Events • Feb. 26: Creating a Financial Roadmap • April 12: Talking to Family about Money Carefree Council Center is located at 33 Easy Street in Carefree. All workshops are free and begin at 9am, running approximately one hour. To register or for more information, visit www.dflt.org/workshops or call 480.488.6131, Ext. 203.

Carefree

Ring in a Beautiful New Year with L Skincare

Serving the Community Since 2002

Owner Lindsay Pennino invites residents to let the L Skincare team help make 2019 their most beautiful year yet. Whether looking for facials, laser treatments, injectables, hair services, massages, nail services or lash extensions, Peninno says that the L Skincare team has your beauty needs covered.

Since its opening in 2015, the L Skincare team has grown to 13 beauty experts. Pennino and her team remain committed to staying abreast of the latest technologies.

“We offer many different services and product lines, which helps us easily customize our treatment plans and address each client’s needs,” says Pennino.

L Skincare is excited to announce the arrival of new products such as Bellafill. Bellafill is an FDA-approved filler that works with the body to stimulate collagen production. It helps restore volume lost during the natural course of aging, softening the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

“Clients love their results and that it lasts for five years,” says Pennino.

She is also happy to welcome aesthetician and laser technician Hayley Schilling to her team.

Schilling is an expert who offers a variety of services — be sure to schedule a facial, laser hair removal or lash extension appointment with her.

With all the services Pennino’s team offers, L Skincare is a one-stop beauty shop in Carefree. For more information, call 480.488.1441 or visit www.l-skincare.com.

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Serving the Community Since 2002

Carefree