The Foothills Focus 010423 Zone 1

Chamber honors Rotarian Joseph Alvarez

BY SUMMER AGUIRRE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

For Joseph Alvarez, it’s easy to be a public servant in a community like Anthem.

The Anthem Rotary Club president-elect and Boston Market’s senior vice president for sales, catering and community relations was named Public Servant of the Year at the Anthem Chamber of Commerce gala dinner on Dec. 3.

The award recognizes a local public servant whose contributions and services to the community have made a significant and lasting impact, which Alvarez has done this year, thanks to his devotion to several local and statewide nonprofits and charities.

“You do these things not for an award see ALVAREZ page 7

Joseph Alvarez was named Public Servant of the Year by the Anthem Chamber of Commerce at its gala dinner on Dec. 3. Left to right: Finalists Dustin Holm and David Coleman, Alvarez, Chamber President Matt Word and last year’s award recipient, Bill Black. (Joseph Alvarez/Submitted)

Navy senior chief answers the call for veterans

BY ELIZABETH TURNER Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

Volunteers do not donate their time for recognition. It comes from a place deep in their hearts, a long-lived personal decision to make a difference.

U.S. Navy Senior Chief Darlene Gonzales does this — no matter the time of day or night.

To her surprise and a standing ovation at the Anthem Veterans Day ceremony, Gonzales was given the Anthem Veterans Service Award by Darrin Francom on behalf of the Anthem Community Council.

Honored for her tireless dedication to helping at-risk and homeless women veterans and their children, the senior chief’s volunteerism exemplifies the meaning of the award.

The prize is given to an Anthem veteran whose extraordinary service and selfless dedication to veterans continues even after his/her service and sacrifice to our country has ended or to an Anthem community member or organization with ties to the community for exceptional dedication and service to veterans.

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VETERANS

Gonzales’ service to the Navy began in 1975. Her decision to join the Navy began while she worked her family farm in Ipswich, South Dakota. Her family ran a working farm, raising cattle, pigs and chickens and growing oat, wheat, rye, corn, hay and alfalfa.

“I loved growing up and working with my family on the farm,” she said.

“But this was a very small town, and I wanted to see the world outside it. I decided I could give back to the country while also seeing what might be outside Ipswich. So, I joined the Navy.”

She completed basic training at the Naval Training Center in Orlando, the only bootcamp that permitted women. Prior to graduation, she completed the standard “Dream Sheet,” noting where she would like to go for her first assignment. Much to her surprise and great pleasure, Gonzales was sent to Pearl Harbor and the first of her travel goals were met.

When she arrived to the base, she expressed a desire to learn and work as an electrician, but her commanding officer said women weren’t permitted to do so. Instead, she was designated as a data processing technician.

“In those days, the machines were the size of walls and the reels of data that came from the ships were transmitted through these machines, which we then downloaded, sorted, printed and communicated. It turned out to be interesting work that provided an exceptional background training for my civilian career,” she said.

was needed around the bases.”

While Gonzales traveled the world, she learned it wasn’t the romantic fairytale she envisioned.

During wartimes, reservists often remain stateside to provide support to those deployed. But in 2007, after the active duty had been deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, some troops were deployed as well.

Gonzales was among those headed to Afghanistan.

Before deployment, she spent three months training at Fort Riley, Kansas, learning to drive high-mobility multipurpose-wheeled vehicles (Humvees). This skill came quickly to a woman reared on a farm and operating tractors. She also learned about cleaning and firing a variety of military weapons and took classes in the Dari language. She then left for Afghanistan to support Operation Enduring Freedom.

“My missions centered on helping the needs of the Afghan women,” she said.

“The more difficult and most tragic assignment was to visit women in the prisons. Remember, their crimes were not crimes that would place them in prison in the United States. These were women who had been molested or raped. They were victims who were seen as shaming their husbands and were sent to prison. They also delivered their children in the prisons, so medical care and assistance was greatly needed.

“As a woman veteran, I understand the journey women take in the military. It is a unique journey, and we have a special comradery among us. It was difficult for women in the 1970s, not that it isn’t challenging still. The time of women’s liberation didn’t mean that doors opened and support systems were automatically adapted for a new workforce. It took years for women to break glass ceilings and even longer for them to take new roles in the military, even with great chiefs and admirals working for change.

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After her four years’ Naval service in Hawaii, Gonzales earned her college degree and worked as a civilian contracting officer in federal contracting. Her authority included securing billion-dollar contracts with TRICARE for military health care services.

“After working with so many veterans as a civilian over the past 12 years, I felt I could do more and give back more, so I entered the Navy Reserves,” Gonzales said.

“My duties required a training weekend once a month, but as I rose through the ranks, those sessions increased in length.

“I was sent to Germany, London, Spain and Pearl Harbor for some of my reservist training, much of which was spent in contracting support roles. My civilian career helped offer the Navy an expertise that

“By this point in time, many of their husbands and been killed by the Russians and Taliban. The U.S. military assisted women to become more self-sufficient. They were talented seamstresses, so we provided sewing machines and materials so they could make carpets to trade or sell.

“The U.S. military helped men plant new orchards and dig irrigation trenches, build schools and helped get the basic necessities back in their lives. I spent a great deal of my time on medical missions, assisting with clinics for women and children, nomads or villagers who had no means to any medical care. We also distributed bags of rice, flour and beans that came to the base from Kabul for the various ministries, such as the Ministry for the Blind.

“However, the women in Afghanistan were alone and placed there by horrible circumstances of war and culture. They were thrown into situations they never chose or wanted. When I saw the heartbreaking situations faced by women outside our country, I had a new understanding of the even deeper, if not insurmountable, challenges other women face. After seeing that, I returned to the States knowing I had to give back; I had to help.”

Her nomination for the Anthem Veterans Service Award noted, “Locally, Senior Chief Gonzales gave her time and talents to the AVM planning committee communication team during the build and dedication ceremony planning, 2011. Since

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Rice, beans and flour are distributed for Ministry for the Blind. (Darlene Gonzales/Submitted)

An Afghan women’s prison. (Darlene Gonzales/ Submitted)

then, she answers the call to serve at the AVM as a speaker or mistress of ceremonies, to carry the Navy flag, to dedicate the Navy pillar, to present the Navy wreath, to lay pavers for veterans unable to do so, to consult on script elements and to supervise pre-ceremony festivities, including the 2022 Vietnam War and Vietnam Warera pinning ceremony.

“However, it is her service to veteran women and children that brings a deeper understanding of her volunteerism. Senior Chief Gonzales has dedicated years to Veterans First, a nonprofit veteran organization that works to aid women veterans and their children. It benefits daily from Senior Chief Gonzales’ dedication and service.”

Gonzales works closely with Veterans First founder and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Joan Sisco. Gonzales assists in coor-

cures bus passes and food assistance; and provides clothing and essentials to veterans identified as in need. Gonzales always answers the call.

“We try to give veterans in need a handup, rather than a handout; helping them secure better lives and to live those lives without additional help,” she said. “One of the greatest needs of late are veterans over age 55. For them, we provide food, gift cards and necessities. We also refer them to community resources.

“Giving food, supplying items for newborn babies and a care package for mom, providing assistance with utilities or shelter and school backpacks for the children are a small part of what we do. We do whatever we can to help veterans get out of their current situation, which often is one of despair, too, a better place in life.”

Gonzales also assists in coordinating bimonthly support meetings for male veterans. “While Veterans First began as

like this, but it is a reality.”

Additionally, she works with partner organizations to help provide the basic necessitates and assistance for Native American Women veterans on the Navajo reservation. “Even with cultural differences, we do our best to help women veterans lead the lives they deserve to lead after service to our country,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales also volunteered for more than eight years for the Women Veterans of Colorado, a Denver-based women veterans nonprofit organization. There, she assisted the VA by coordinating the specif-

ic portion of the annual “Stand Down” for the women veterans and annual conferences consisting of over 400 women veterans. In addition, she has helped in remodeling hotel rooms for transitional housing, stocking them with toiletries.

Stand Down events are typically oneto three-day events that provide services and supplies to homeless veterans. This includes food; shelter; clothing; health screens; VA benefits counseling; and referrals for health care, housing, employment and substance use treatment and mental health counseling. The name is derived from veterans who, while off duty, stand down to support their own.

“No matter what the need, I want to be there for veterans,” Gonzales said.

“The need is so great, and with the incredible partners and members of local communities that offer resources, goods and donations, we can make a difference in these veterans’ lives. It is the least I can do for a fellow veteran.”

The award nomination added, “Senior Chief Gonzales is deserving of this award for

Navy Senior Chief Darlene Gonzales visits a women’s prison. (Darlene Gonzales/Submitted)

you do them because you want to help others,” he said. “I just hope that the award continues my efforts to give back. There’s a need, and I’m willing to support them.”

Alvarez was up against Dustin Holm of North Valley Junk Removal and David Coleman of Precise Pest Solutions, whom he described as “outstanding, great service and community people” who were “just as deserving of the award.”

“I was actually very honored and really felt privileged to have won the award, especially with the other two individuals who were up for the award,” he said.

Alvarez has been a part of the Anthem Rotary Club for the past five years and will take office as the president on July 1.

Throughout his time on the Rotary, he has contributed to a number of the club’s community work. Last year, the Rotarians raised $135,000 through its service projects that benefited charities throughout Anthem.

Alvarez said his proudest moment this year is being a part of the Rotary’s efforts

to support the victims of the armed robbery at Andrew Z Diamonds & Fine Jewelry in July 2022. The Rotarians hosted their first car wash to raise $2,500.

“We really didn’t know what to expect,” Alvarez said. “But that day it almost seemed like most of Anthem came out to support us. We ended up raising over $30,000 for the victim funds. I had the privilege to present the check — the wife of the victim and the victim are now at home and doing well.”

The Rotary also hosts an annual golf tournament supported by 100 local businesses. Its members have gone from raising $20,000 several years ago to raising $73,000 this past year.

Throughout Arizona, Alvarez also serves as board president of Prostate On-Site Project, a mobile screening unit that provides prostate cancer screening for men throughout Arizona. The organization’s annual golf tournament raised over $130,000 last year.

Additionally, he is on the board of directors of Anthem Cares through Service (ACTS) and Give Kids the World Village, the latter of which is a nonprofit resort

that grants free weeklong wish vacations for critically ill children and their families.

“I look forward to a very prosperous 2023,” Alvarez said. “I’ll do whatever that I can personally to continue to support the nonprofits and the charities here in the local area as well as the entire state, from my role with Give Kids the World to (Anthem Cares through Service).”

Alvarez moved to Anthem from Florida over nine years ago due to his Boston

VETERANS

Market position. He has been with the corporation for 27 years.

He expressed his enjoyment of living in Anthem, describing it as “a very caring community.” As a father of three college-age daughters, he also appreciates what it offers for kids.

“Anthem makes it easy for someone to go out and do public service, because it’s a special place,” he said. “So much goes on inside this community, and I’m proud to be a member of our community.”

from page 6

too many reasons to mention. Her genuine kindness, her heartwarming soul, her endless encouragement, her selfless time and efforts to help our veterans and her service-first attitude make her an exceptional volunteer and an example for us all. If there were more like Senior Chief Gonzales, far more veterans could be helped.”

Veterans First Ltd. veteransfirstltd.org

Past Veteran Service Award Recipients:

Daisy Mountain Veterans

Mary Ann Derryberry (USMC)

Lt. Colonel Ray Norris (USA, Retired)

Elizabeth Turner

Bob Hackett (USA)

Col. Tom H. Kirk (USAF, Retired)

Rear Adm. Ron Tucker (USN, Retired)

Lt. Col. John Simmons (USAF, Retired)

Youth for Troops

Mike Spinelli (USAF)

Vitalant, Thunderbirds keep blood supply on par

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

blood transfusions are required in January than during any other month of the year.

That’s why The Thunderbirds, the hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, have stepped up to make sure that 2023 starts out on par for patients across Arizona.

All donors through Jan. 13 will receive a voucher for a free ticket to the Waste Management Phoenix Open in appreciation for replenishing Arizona’s blood supply following the holiday season.

Billed as “The People’s Open,” the greatest show on grass will be held at the TPC Scottsdale from Monday, Feb. 6, to Sunday, Feb. 12. Also, donors who give blood by Jan. 20 will be automatically entered into Vitalant’s Big Trip to the Big Game

Giveaway to win tickets and travel. For more information, visit vitalant. org/biggame. To make a blood donation appointment, download the Vitalant app, visit vitalant.org or call 1-877-25-VITAL (1-877-258-4825).

The partnership between Vitalant and the Thunderbirds began more than 15 years ago and has grown to become one of the most popular “thank-you” gifts received by donors throughout the year.

“We hope to encourage more blood donations while people are still focused on the spirit of giving,” said Sid Lewis, vice president of the Vitalant Southwest Division.

“The gift of life is the most important gift of all and doesn’t cost anything, except a little of your time.”

The Phoenix Donor Center is located at 5757 N. Black Canyon Highway, Bethany Home Road and the I-17, Phoenix.

• 7 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 9, at HonorHealth Deer Valley, MOB 400, 19841 N. 27th Avenue

• Noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Quail Run Behavioral Health, Bloodmobile, 2545 W. Quail Avenue

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, Focal Point Rejuvenation Center, Bloodmobile, 7025 E. Mayo Boule-

vard

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, Scottsdale 101 Auto Collection, BMW Training Room, 18018 N. Scottsdale Road

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, Scottsdale 101 Auto Collection, Bloodmobile in northwest lot, 7015 E. Chauncey Lane

Anthem Activities

Anthem Golf & Country Club schedule

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Due to the limited availability, Anthem Golf & Country Club is asking members to not register for back-to-back classes, so everyone has a chance to register.

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

For more information, call 623-742-6200 for Persimmon Clubhouse or 623-465-3020 for Ironwood Clubhouse.

• Wednesday, Jan. 4

Ironwood: Cycle, 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mixology: 7 a.m.

Persimmon: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Slow Flow (Level 1): 9:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

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

New Member Mixer: 4 p.m.

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

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

Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 5

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

Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Boxology: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves: Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.

Ironwood: Tabata: 5:30 p.m.

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

Ironwood: Tabata: 5:30 p.m.

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

• Friday, Jan. 6

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Vinyasa Flow: 9:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

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

• Saturday, Jan. 7

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Bootcamp: 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Chair Yoga: 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Solutions to Resolutions Workshop: 10:30 a.m.

• Monday, Jan. 9

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Vinyasa Flow: 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Persimmon: Zumba: 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Jan. 10

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

Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: HITT: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Barre Fusion: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Blast: 10 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves: Fee based: 1:15 p.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5 p.m.

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

Ironwood: Stretch & Sip Workshop: 5:30 p.m.

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

• Wednesday, Jan. 11

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mixology: 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 p.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

December ’63 Tribute Concert: 5:30 p.m.

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

Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 12

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

Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Boxology: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood Stretch: 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves-Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.

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

Ironwood: Tabata: 5:30 p.m. Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 13

Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m. Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m. Persimmon: Fun & Fit: 8:15 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio/Core Strength: 8:30 a.m. Persimmon: Vinyasa Flow: 9:30 a.m. Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m. Ironwood: Functional Strength/Balance: 9:45 a.m.

• Saturday, Jan. 14

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Bootcamp: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Chair Yoga: 9 a.m. Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

• Monday, Jan. 16

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Vinyasa Flow: 9:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

AnthemLife 101: New Member Orientation

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

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

Persimmon: Zumba: 5:30 p.m. Ironwood: Cardio Kickboxing: 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Jan. 17

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

Ironwood: HITT: 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Barre Fusion: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Blast: 10 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves: Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5 p.m.

Wine & Spirit Sunset Sampling: 5 p.m.

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

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

• Wednesday, Jan. 18

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mixology: 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

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

New Member Mixer: 4 p.m.

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

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

Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 19

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

Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Boxology: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves: Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.

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

Ironwood: Tabata: 5:30 p.m.

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

• Friday, Jan. 20

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Vinyasa Flow: 9:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

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

• Saturday, Jan. 21

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 p.m.

Anthem Activities Anthem Community Council Activities Schedule

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Programs and activities are available at the Community Center and Civic Building for all ages. Learn more and register online at onlineatanthem.com. Visit the “residents” tab, then click on “activity registration.” Most programs and classes are available to nonresidents for an additional fee. With questions, contact the Community Center at 623-879-3011.

Dolphins Swim Team Many levels to choose from. Email Paul Root at proot@ anthemcouncil.com for more information or to try out

Adult Master Swim

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

CALENDAR from page 9

Persimmon: Bootcamp: 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Chair Yoga: 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Apres Ski Party: 6 p.m.

• Monday, Jan. 23

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyasa Flow: 9:30 a.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Zumba: 5:30 p.m.

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

• Tuesday, Jan. 24

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

Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: HITT: 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Wednesdays or Thursdays

Dance Classes; evenings starting in January $150; Community Center

Senior Activities (50 years and older) Golden Go-Getters; 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays Mexican Train Game; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fridays Free; Civic Building ongoing

Parents’ Night Out

6:30 to 10 p.m. Jan. 20 and Feb. 10 $20; Community Center Tennis

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

Ironwood: Barre Fusion: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Blast: 10 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves: Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5 p.m.

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

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

• Wednesday, Jan. 25

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Mixology: 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

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

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

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

Orin Swift Wine Dinner: 5:30 p.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 6:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 26

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

Ironwood: Muscle Mix: 8 a.m.

Anthem Tots Sports Ages: 3 to 6 years January session; 9:15 to 11 a.m. Saturdays $80; Community Center

Silver Buttons Child & Caregiver Music Ages: 4 and younger 9 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays Jan. 4 to April 26 $220; Drop-in fees offered Civic Building

Youth Recreational League Sports Volleyball, pickleball, soccer and basketball Ages: 5 to 13 Winter and spring sessions: $100 Community Center Jujitsu and swordfit Tuesday and Thursdays January and February sessions Youth and adult classes

$125; Community Center

AARP Tax Services Ages: 50 and older

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 1 to April 12

Drop in, no appointment needed Civic Building

Youth Camps Ages: 5 to 12 years Multiple dates available $55; Community Center

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

Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Boxology: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Stretch: 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves: Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.

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

Ironwood: Tabata: 5:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Candlelight Yin: 6:30 p.m. Trivia Night: 7 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 27

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Vinyasa Flow: 9:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

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

• Saturday, Jan. 28

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Bootcamp: 8 a.m.

Persimmon: Chair Yoga: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

• Monday, Jan. 30

Ironwood: Cycle: 5:30 a.m.

Ironwood: Strength: 6:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Kickology Strong: 7 a.m.

Ironwood: Cycle: 7:30 a.m.

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

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

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 9:30 a.m.

Persimmon: Vinyasa Flow: 9:30 a.m.

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

AnthemLife 101 Orientation: 3:30 p.m.

Persimmon: Meditation and Chair: 4:15 p.m.

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

Persimmon: Zumba: 5:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Jan. 31

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

Persimmon: Mat Pilates: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: HITT: 8 a.m.

Ironwood: Barre Fusion: 9 a.m.

Persimmon: Zumba: 9 a.m.

Ironwood: Cardio Blast: 10 a.m.

Ironwood Stretch: 10:45 a.m.

PWR! Moves: Fee Based: 1:15 p.m.

Persimmon: Water Fitness: 5 p.m.

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

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

AROUND

THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

2022: Thanks for the memories

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

The gifts are unwrapped. Holiday decorations are coming down. We ushered in a new year. Another chance to look forward to what is coming and to let go of what didn’t work. We have a whole new chapter to write. And saying “goodbye” to a year gone and anticipating a chance at new beginnings might be the real thrill of a new year.

Many of our friends and family saw their holidays go out with a bang. Like a bomb cyclone that rendered around 200 million people very cold, with roads undriveable and over 10,000 flights canceled. Just getting to grandma’s house for Christmas dinner became dangerous and almost impossible.

My brother in Ohio watched his prime rib roast get cold, because no one could drive in the storm to his house. Just one

of millions of scenarios in a year-end storm that became Armageddon.

Not all storms are bad. They make us consider our life and life choices. I watched the Pittsburgh Steelers win against the Raiders on Christmas Eve in a blizzard. It was those crazy, cold, wild fans who gave me pause. I was born and raised in Ohio and recalled sitting in the stands watching a Cleveland Browns game on a frigid January day 30-plus years ago. That was the moment I realized how much I hate cold weather and asked, “What am I doing here?” I moved west that spring and never looked back. Yes, sometimes stormy weather is the impetus to change. To take action. Or get warm.

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Psychologists claim they are so casually made and readily broken that they aren’t even worth our time. Instead, we are better off making goals with clear objectives. OK, so one of my resolutions

will be never to make one again.

My cousin made a shocking statement at the dinner table on Christmas Day. She announced (as her family was eating her delicious pumpkin pie) that this was “the last pie” she would ever make. Wish I had been there as family members dropped their forks and jaws in stunned silence. Then Clare said, “I have made 225 pies in my lifetime, and I am done with it. Just wanted you all to know.”

Is this a resolution? Or maybe a goal? When Clare’s husband begged her to reconsider, she smiled and said, “I will be doing other things.” Yikes! Go Clare! When we change, or alter, a behavior, sometimes the family won’t agree or even like it. But it takes emotional muscle to start doing life differently. Yep, we can change. One pie at a time.

My mother wrote a cookbook for the family and then revised it at age 94. She added “crowd cooking recipes” so the

nursing home staff where she was living could “learn a little something about cooking.” Well, they did. It’s never too late to make a difference.

Adios, 2022. It’s been quite a year. Thanks for the memories. Now we are ready to launch new ones. No resolutions required.

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

Sinema helps Congress stick it to taxpayers

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

If you thought the “Christmas rush” that you and other holiday shoppers faced was daunting, think again.

In Washington, an allegedly “lame duck” Congress churned furiously through fetid swamp water in a “Christmas rush” of its own.

Smelling jet fumes, the dirty birds in charge of both the House and Senate hatched a scheme for a high-priced and low-down flight path out of town… and the “gift” they gave you will keep

on taking.

Our kids and grandkids — not to mention today’s taxpayers — just got stuck with a huge holiday shopping expenditure: a $1.7 trillion 4,000-plus page “Omnibus Bill,” with interest payments on our national debt compounded by the nanosecond.

What the legislative leaders lacked in originality, they more than made up for in the astronomical price tag and the slapdash way in which this “buying binge” was formulated.

“Omnibus” translates to “everything, including the kitchen sink.”

“Ominous” is the rhyming well-worn one-word joke played on the American people with disturbing regularity. And, as so often in the past, the calculations were not mathematical but strategic.

Democrats in the House, Senate and White House knew that they could cram one bill full of pork, policies and their priorities, then get enough Republicans to “roll over” so everybody could leave town and head home for Christmas.

Add to that conspiring “Capitol Gang” one newly minted “independent” from Arizona.

As explained a couple of weeks ago in

this space, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s boldly proclaimed “independence” is instead disguised deference to the Senate Democrat leadership.

A sudden and shameful reversal on a key vote by Arizona’s senior senator reveals the Grand Canyon-sized gulf between Kyrsten’s rhetoric and the ugly reality.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced an amendment that would have preserved Title 42, the Trump executive action helping to stem the flow of illegals

HAYWORTH from Page 12

across our southern border.

Of course, the“Biden Bunch” is eager to rescind it, even though it would mean that the number of alien invaders would rise even higher

Lee had high hopes that his amendment would pass, as he later told the Fox Business Network. “For eight glorious minutes, we had it won,” Lee said.

“Then, all of a sudden, (Democrat Leader) Chuck Schumer pulled a couple of members off the floor — Kyrsten Sinema and Joe Manchin. He twisted their arms — who knows what he told them,

what he threatened them with — they came back and changed their votes.”

Not much imagination is needed to know what Schumer said to Sinema. Most likely, it went something like this: “Kyrsten, I like you personally. Politically, I want to do for you what Mitch McConnell did on the other side for Lisa Murkowski. Wasn’t that something?

“His Leadership PAC bought seven million bucks worth of ads to keep Lisa in her seat in Alaska. Of course, that was easier for him to do because Lisa remained a Republican.

“I know Arizona is different from Alaska, and you did what you thought you

How to get a letter published

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needed to do … but it’s gonna be tough for me to keep the DSCC from sending money to a Democrat candidate for your seat. And it will be even tougher if you support this GOP amendment. It will be easier for me to help you if you switch your vote to ‘no’ on this amendment, and then vote ‘yes’ on final passage.”

Do we know for certain that Schumer said that? No, but we do know that Sinema switched her vote to kill that amendment, then voted for the entire Omnibus Bill … all $1.7 trillion of it.

There is border security funding in that monstrosity, but none of it will be spent here.

Instead, there’s $410 million to strengthen borders in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia and Oman. You read that right: money for Middle East borders, but nothing for this border state in the Southwest.

And Uncle Sam keeps playing Santa Claus in the Ukraine. The Omnibus provides another $45 billion there, bringing the total to over $100 billion in aid to that nation. While it is true that Russia invaded Ukraine, the U.S. is also being in-

vaded and our southern border erased.

Spending $100 billion here would fund 20 border walls, but Sinema remains silent on that type of expenditure to protect Arizona and America.

Sinema has made it clear: Her “Declaration of Independence” came at a heavy price to American taxpayers. But it remains a cheap stunt.

Promax Property Services earns 5th straight accreditation

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Promax Property Services recently earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) for the fifth year in a row.

The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada.

Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence.

Promax Property Services owners

Stan and Magdalena Fit offer property

watch services for owners of vacation homes, second homes, investment properties and commercial buildings. Stan has more than 20 years of experience in property maintenance and repair, and he received his certification in home inspections and has been a superintendent in the Valley. Magdalena offers real estate services and has more than 17 years of real estate experience. She is an active licensed real estate broker.

Stan has earned the designation of Certified Home Watch Professional from the NHWA, which makes him one of the Elite Home Watch professionals in the industry. The CHWP designation shows Stan’s commitment to providing excellent service to his clients.

Stan and Magdalena run a family busi-

ness, setting a new standard of excellence for the services they offer. Their primary focus is on the West Valley, and they pride themselves on building long-term relationships and maintaining trust with all their clients.

Promax Property Services serves North Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West, North Phoenix, North Glendale, Anthem, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Avondale and Buckeye. The service can be reached at 623-335-0482 or at info@promaxaz.com.

Promax Property Services, co-owned by Magdalena and Stan Fit, earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the fifth-straight year. (Submitted)

For more information on the National Home Watch Association, visit

nationalhomewatchassociation.org. For more information on Promax Property Services, visit promaxaz.com.

Discount Tire acquires 35 acres in Phoenix for new headquarters

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Discount Tire will develop a new corporate headquarters in North Phoenix following the acquisition of 35 acres near Loop 101 and State Route 51. Discount Tire purchased the site at a recent Arizona State Land Department public auction. Proceeds from the sale will be invested by the state in the Permanent Land Endowment Trust Fund to benefit K-12 education in Arizona.

“Our commitment is to create the best, most positive experience for our people,” said Michael Zuieback, chairman at Discount Tire. “We are pleased to acquire this property in Phoenix and begin work on an innovative, sustainable workspace that honors and strengthens the culture on which our company was founded. Together with the support of our partners at the city of Phoenix, Arizona Commerce Authority and Gov. Doug Ducey’s office, we are grateful for the opportunity to make more

dreams come true.”

Plans for a more than 300,000-square-foot office building and campus amenities are in the early stages. Development is expected to commence in phases, with the construction of infrastructure improvements beginning within 12 months. The announcement represents one of the largest economic development deals of its kind in recent years in Phoenix. Discount Tire, which has maintained its corporate headquarters in Arizona since 1970 while expanding operations across the United States, was applauded by Ducey for the purchase.

“Discount Tire is one of Arizona’s greatest business success stories,” Ducey said.

“From Bruce Halle’s first stores in Phoenix more than 50 years ago to growing to be the nation’s premier tires and wheels retailer, Discount Tire has always done business while giving so much back to Arizona and our communities. I’m grateful to Chairman Zuieback and the entire Discount Tire team for their continued dedication to our state

and look forward to many more decades of their success.”

The future corporate campus will house Discount Tire’s headquarters and the offices of The Diane & Bruce Halle Foundation, a leading provider of philanthropic resources to local communities across the state of Arizona.

“I could not be more excited that Discount Tire chose to maintain its local presence with this new headquarters in North Phoenix,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said.

“The company’s decision to locate here means 1,100 high-value jobs. Given Discount Tire’s long history of growing its own talent, I suspect many a career will be launched at this new location. Plus, with Discount Tire ranking as one of the largest private companies in the U.S. and bringing its award-winning pedigree for being customer centric, its presence further elevates Phoenix’s reputation for excellence.”

Discount Tire ranked as the No. 77 largest company on the America’s Largest Private

Companies list in 2022 and has been named a top employer in Arizona multiple times.

“Discount Tire’s new headquarters in Phoenix marks an exciting new chapter for the company,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority.

“With this innovative corporate campus, Discount Tire joins Phoenix’s vibrant business community poised for continued growth.”

Special attention in the development will be paid to the native desert landscape, indigenous vegetation, and connectivity to nearby trails.

“We are incredibly excited about Discount Tire’s development plans in Phoenix and believe their commitment to Desert Ridge will further enhance new quality business development in the area. Our workforce and the surrounding community will continue to benefit from this partnership,” said Councilman Jim Waring, who represents this area of Phoenix.

The messenger and the message

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

The phone rang, and the lady of the house answered. It was a salesman from a mortgage refinance company. “Do you have a second mortgage on your home?” “No,” she replied. “Would you like to consolidate all of your debts?” “I don’t have any,” she replied. “How about freeing up some cash for home improvements?” “I don’t need any. I just recently had some done and paid cash,” she parried. There was a brief silence, and he asked, “Are you looking for a husband?”

In this brief conversation on the phone, the lady sent a message loud and clear. It was apparent to the salesman that this lady has values that, in many ways, define her. Her actions are consistent with her words. She walked the walk, not just talked the talk. The messenger and her message are compatible.

Those of you who are Christians in my reading audience, let me ask you a question. What kind of message are you sending to that world out there? The word Christian comes from Acts 11:26 in the Scriptures. “And it came about that they met with the church for an entire year and taught considerable numbers, and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” The community named them using the word “Christians.” Why? Because the messengers and the message they were sending were consistent. I think Antioch had a branding gift.

The “Christians” in Antioch walked like Christ, talked like Christ, had integrity like Christ, ministered like Christ, were servant leaders like Christ,

loved like Christ, and had wisdom like Christ; in short, they lived Christ. Christ in them came out of them. Who they were became what they do. The city acknowledged the messengers and their message, naming them Christians or “little Christs.” The Christians of that day were earthly definers of Christ in the same way Christ represented God. They defined Christ by actions, not the religious rhetoric prevalent in their day and today.

God wants more than belief and worship in church. God wants faith and love in action outside of the church. God desires to connect the messenger and message with the audience through Christianity’s real and tangible practices. After all, most people know who you are and what you do by what they see, not what they hear. Remember, Christians, we are carriers and couriers of Christ. We are filled with Christ so we can spill Christ on others. We are God’s representatives “on earth as it is in heaven.” We give God a face in the community.

So, what does mature Christianity look, sound and feel like? Let me share with you readers a human sample of Christ’s example via a true story published in The Prairie Observer. Catch the concept here.

When Wycliffe Bible translator Doug Meland and his wife moved into a village of Brazil’s Fulnio Indians, he was called “the white man.” The term was not complimentary since other white men had exploited them of their lands.

But after the Melands learned the Fulnio language and began to help the people with medicine, and in other ways, they started calling Doug “the respectable white man.” Then, when the Melands began adapting to

the people’s customs, the Fulnio people gave them greater acceptance and spoke of Doug as “the white Indian.”

Then, one day, as Doug was washing the dirty, blood-caked foot of an injured Fulnio boy, he overheard a bystander say to another: “Whoever heard of a white man washing an Indian’s foot before? Certainly, this man is from God!” From that day on, whenever Doug would go into an Indian home, it was announced, “Here comes the man God sent us.”

Doug, God’s messenger, broadcasted a loud and clear message — Jesus, God’s love in action. Doug represented, then presented, Christ. He was filled to be spilled for others. His actions were consistent with his words. Just like those Christians in Antioch, both who Doug was and what Doug did were compelling to the people God sent him to serve.

No matter what part of society you participate in or where you are spiritually, here’s your takeaway. Christianity can be described in three short sentences. Royalty is your identity. Servanthood is your assignment. Intimacy with God is your source.

What do I mean by royalty? I’m not talking about royalty in the entitled or exalted sense. I’m talking about your identity. Identity is who you are. You are part of God’s family. You live from significance, not for significance. You live from acceptance, not for acceptance. You live from being loved, not for being loved. By receiving Christ into your heart, you have completed what God started for you.

What do I mean by servanthood? Servanthood is about purpose. As Christians, we serve first and reign later. If you want to be great in God’s kingdom, learn to be the servant of

all in the church and the world. God saved Christians for the world, not just from the world. Remember, to the world, you might be one person, but to one person, you might be the world.

What do I mean by source? First, realize that it’s impossible to be a Christian or do Christian service by human power. It takes God’s power. God puts into us what God wants out of us. The Spirit of Christ creates messengers with a message. Why? So, God can connect his message with the audience which is the whole world.

What’s God’s message? The best the world can offer is rehabilitation. What people need is transformation through a new life in Christ.

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.

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

The pastor/staff-parish relations committee at North Scottsdale United Methodist Church has hired Tyler Christiana as the director of congregational life.

Christiana will begin filling this fulltime position at the church mid-January. This position was created to help bridge the gap between where the church is and where the church believes God is calling them toward by focusing on three key areas: children’s ministry, fellowship/ connectional ministry and hospitality/ guest care.

Christiana was formerly the pastor of worship arts and the pastor of youth

ministry at Grace Walk Church in Phoenix. Before that, he served as the worship director at First United Methodist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana.

North Scottsdale United Methodist Church celebrates the love of God through Christ by offering a 10 a.m. online and in-person service every Sunday. Sunday school is available in person and online at nsumckids.info.

The campus hosts children and youth activities including children’s choir, volleyball, mission trips, small groups, festivals and youth groups. The church also offers online and in-person adult Bible studies, men and women’s groups.

For more info, call 480-948-0529, email office@nsumc.com or visit nsumc.com.

Tyler Christiana is the new director of congregational life. (North Scottsdale United Methodist Church/Submitted)

Registration open for music classes

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Registration will open at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, for the Jubilate Conservatory of Music’s spring semester classes, which are set for Tuesday, Jan. 17, to Saturday, May 27, at the Desert Foothills Library. Scholarship applications can be filled out during that time, and musical activities for kids will be available until 1 p.m.

The classes are open to all children with a desire to learn.

Jubilate Conservatory of Music provides a complete education in music, from young children learning the basics to young adults preparing for college entrance auditions.

Supported by Kiwanis of Carefree, violin, viola, cello, voice, choir, orchestra, piano, guitar and general music classes are instructed in a joyful setting with a focus on musical communication with others.

For more information, visit jubilateconservatoryofmusic.org or contact Laya Field at jubilateconservatoryofmusic@gmail.com.

Jubilate Conservatory of Music teaches classes in violin, viola, cello, voice, choir, orchestra, piano and guitar. (Laya Field/Submitted)

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Biola University in La Mirada welcomed Destiny Stephens of Phoenix to the Biola community last semester as she started her journey as an Eagle.

Her class represents an accomplished, diverse group of individuals who hail from 41 states and U.S. territories and 45 countries. A total of 1,583 undergraduate and graduate students

started their collegiate journey at Biola University on their first day of classes. Stephens is studying communications.

Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in the heart of Southern California. It was recently recognized as one of America’s best colleges, earning a spot in the top tier of the “best national universities” category of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges 2023 rankings.

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