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Cave Creek council OKs Popeyes’ site plan

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Wednesday, January 20, 2021

A whim helps Mike Bauer �ind biological mom

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

NEWS .........................6

PAGE

M

ike Bauer didn’t have any expectations when he signed up for the website 23AndMe, which provides personalized DNA insights.

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ in-game host, who is adopted, was wondering if any health problems ran in his biological family.

“As much as I love my family, there are some things you want to know, like, ‘Genetically, am I predisposed to certain health issues?’” said Bauer, whose adoptive parents, Fred and Peg Bauer, live near Cave Creek.

“My mom and dad said, ‘Out of curiosity, why don’t you opt in to this to see, for fun, if we have shared genetic material.’

see BAUER page 5

D-backs in-game host Mike Bauer, left, with his adoptive mom, Peg Bauer, and dad, Fred Bauer, who live near Cave Creek. (Photo courtesy Mike Bauer)

Trail connection will provide pedestrian connectivity

NEWS ..............11

Couple bring experience to handgun classes

CLARIFIED .......16

Teeslanger’s Scott Cerkoney clarifies gun incident

OPINION ................... 10 BUSINESS ................. 14 FEATURES ................ 17 YOUTH ...................... 23 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 26 Zone

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BY TARA ALATORRE Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

C

onstruction recently started for a new town trail connection between Cave Creek Town Hall and Spur Cross Road that will improve safety and connectivity for pedestrians and nonmotorized vehicles.

The trail will be constructed in phases and is expected to last approximately five weeks, causing lane closures on the southbound side of Cave Creek Road.

The first phase of construction is underway, starting near the intersection of Cave Creek and Spur Cross roads, and will end near 38044 N. Cave Creek Road. The construction will continue moving south, end-

see TRAIL page 4

The new town trail between Cave Creek Town Hall and Spur Cross Road will be constructed in phases and will cause lane closures on the southbound side of Cave Creek Road. (Photo by Kelley Francis)

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

Council unanimously approves Tamarisk Rentals An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt Associate Publisher: Eric Twohey | 480-898-5634 | erict@thefoothillsfocus.com ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 623-465-5808 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Office Manager: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@thefoothillsfocus.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com Photographer: Pablo Robles | probles@timespublications.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Proud member of :

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here is a growing need for reasonably priced housing in Cave Creek, and the developers of Tamarisk Rentals are seeking to address it with their newest project.

The Cave Creek Town Council unanimously approved the Tamarisk Rentals site plan for the development of eight single-story detached residential units during a recent council meeting.

Tamarisk Rentals will be located on two adjoining lots in the Tamarisk Grove area of Downtown Cave Creek on the southwest and northwest corner of Hidden Valley Drive and Valley Way. The site plan was submitted by the applicant Ralph Bednar on behalf of Scottsdale-based Mission Property Developers LLC. “We see a tremendous demand for reasonably priced rental units in Cave Creek for servers, for cooks and others in the area that currently have to drive close to 45 minutes or longer in order to get to work in Cave Creek,” Bednar said to the council.

“We believe it’s greatly needed in the

downtown area,” he added.

Each unit will have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, Bednar said. He described the units as a mix of a house and an apartment, or what some call “horizontal apartments.”

This property is vacant land, according to the case summary. The total parcel area designated within the site plan is 0.9 acres or 39,174 square feet, and the total area the units will cover is 10,516 square feet.

In 2005, this property was considered for a similar approval, but when construction did not proceed, the permit subsequently expired, Planning Director Luke Kautzman said during the meeting.

Councilmember Kathryn Royer asked Bednar how much rent will cost at Tamarisk Rentals during the meeting.

“Right now, there’s nothing under $2,500 a month that you can find in the Cave Creek area, and we know we’re going to be substantially below that for the units,” Bednar replied.

Before voting in favor of approving the site plan, Councilmember Ron Sova and Vice Mayor David Smith agreed that this development could be beneficial considering the demand for reasonably priced

housing units within the town.

“Some of our business members have spoken to me and said that the people who work for them just can’t afford to live in the area and they will appreciate the local availability of housing,” Councilmember Thomas McGuire said before issuing his vote.

Mayor Ernie Bunch agreed with McGuire’s comment before voting in favor, saying, “I’ve been hearing that for years.”

There were no public comments requested during the meeting, and no written comments were received by the town’s staff.

The Cave Creek Planning Commission voted unanimously in favor of recommending approval of the site plan at a meeting on Nov. 19.

The property is zoned as a commercial buffer, and the surrounding areas to the south and west are designated as a commercial buffer as well, the case summary states. Properties to the north and east are designated town core commercial.

Each dwelling has two designated offstreet parking spots in close proximity to the units, which makes for 16 parking

ing at town hall.

Bambi Muller, a planner and trails coordinator for Cave Creek, said this trail connection is a big milestone for the town because it will provide a way for pedestrians to walk into town core without having to drive.

“This trail connection is so important because parking has always been an issue. Now people can park here at town hall and walk into town,” Muller said.

The town’s trail system has been a passion project for Muller long before she became a part of the planning department. For almost three decades she has been working with property owners to provide easements for town trail connections.

“The goal is getting closer, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are sections that are missing, but we are get-

ting closer,” Muller said.

She said Cave Creek’s trail system is unique because it not only connects the town to the regional trail system like Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, but it connects the neighborhoods to the retail shops and other local businesses.

In addition, Cave Creek’s trails must be safe for people and equestrians.

“Walkways have to service disabled and equestrians, and sidewalks are bad for horses and can be dangerous,” she said.

“They have to dig a trough 4 to 6 inches and refill it with stabilized granite.”

Cave Creek Town Council approved the trail connection in October as part of its long-term plan to improve nonmotorized transportation into the town core area. The town’s trail system is also a part of the 2021 draft general plan that will be placed on the ballot for Cave Creek voters in May. It includes a map of proposed trails.

Cave Creek has about 30 miles of trails, but Muller said there is an official survey underway so they can get a better understanding where the town can best provide more connections to retail shops to alleviate parking issues.

“We are doing everything retrofit, so it is very difficult to get businesses to dedicate space for trails,” Muller said.

She added the land needed to connect the town’s trails often takes away prime parking spaces that businesses need.

She said the goal is to eventually allow all residents to walk into town or to the surrounding county parks and trails while using connections from the town trail system.

“Eventually I want it to go down to Carefree Highway.”

For more information about the construction phases or lane closures, visit cavecreekaz.gov or call Bambi Muller at 480-488-6609.

BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

T

TRAIL from page 1

see TAMARISK page 7

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

Arizona Diamondbacks in-game hosts Mike Bauer and Vanessa Ramirez graced the screens at Chase Field until the COVID-19 pandemic blocked fans from attending games.

(Photo by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks)

BAUER from page 1

As an adopted kid, I had no expectations. They had no expectations.”

Bauer found much more.

He found his mom and half-sister.

“There was a woman back in Illinois, where I was born, who was a 50% match and there’s a young lady who has a 25% match,” said Bauer, a professor at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He also works full time for A4 Digital.

“She’s 25% because she’s from a different father. Through that, I found that I had blood relatives.”

After Bauer vetted his mother to make sure he wasn’t being catfished, the trio “met” through video conferencing. Still, Bauer was overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions.

“I was happy, sad, relieved, anxious, nervous and fearful,” he said. “I’m one of the lucky ones. I was adopted at birth, and I have a tremendous

relationship with my parents. I love them. They gave me a loving and supportive upbringing.”

Bauer quickly learned his birth mother was not, in fact, one of the lucky ones. She was adopted as well and didn’t have the fortunate upbringing that Bauer was afforded.

“One of the first things I told her was she made a great decision that was probably the most difficult decision of her life,” Bauer said. “In the 30-something years we’ve been apart, since she gave me up for adoption, it’s been very different.

“I’m assuming she wondered for 35-plus years, ‘Did I make the right decision?’” Bauer said she did. He has a loving family.

“I acknowledged it must have been hard to give up your first-born for adoption,” he said. “It was an incredible weight off her shoulders. This year, for Christmas, I sent her an email. I said, ‘This is the first time ever I could say Merry Christmas

to you. I hope Santa brings you everything you wanted this year’ as a friendly note.

“She said, ‘I already got everything I wanted this year.’ Tears came to my eyes. This is a woman wondering if she made the right decision.”

Because his adoption was closed, Bauer did not know his half-sister and mother were looking for him for more than a decade.

“I didn’t have that void that needed to be filled,” he said. “I didn’t have a burning urge because my heart was full from my family — and it still is.

“I understand they were looking for me for a considerable amount of time.

It was quite a relief and an emotional time for them to answer that question they had for so many years. I found it interesting from the inside that we had two very different experiences.”

Bauer’s adoptive parents have been “incredibly supportive,” he said.

“They made me realize just how lucky I am,” he said. “I didn’t need to tell them that they weren’t being replaced, which was a concern of mine.

As we’ve all seen on TV — whether it’s nonfiction or fiction — about families reuniting through interesting means.

“It was important to me that my parents knew I wasn’t closing off any part of my life and my amazing family. I was opening a new door that didn’t affect it at all. They mean the world to me. I’m not a parent, but I can see that being a very difficult moment, feeling left out or inadequate.

I’m lucky I have parents who are happy for me.”

If there is anything similar with Bauer and his adoptive family, it’s their love of baseball. Fred drives the bullpen cart at Chase Field and serves as a Golden Glover, fielding foul balls.

Peg supports her husband and son at the ballpark.

“It’s been weird,” Bauer said. “I missed being at the ballpark and seeing all the great fans at Chase Field last season. I’m looking forward to the day I’m back in the ballpark with the D-backs fans, whenever that day may come.”

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

Cave Creek council OKs Popeyes’ site plan

BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

P

opeyes Louisiana Kitchen is (almost) officially moving into Cave Creek.

The Cave Creek Town Council unanimously approved Popeyes’ site plan as well as the first reading of the zone change request during a recent meeting.

“This is a commercial area, and this is where the fast-food place belongs,” Vice Mayor David Smith said before the vote.

Construction for Popeyes will likely begin in June or sooner, as long as the council approves the second reading of the zone change request at a future meeting, Planning Director Luke Kautzman said to the council.

The estimated opening date for Popeyes is Oct. 15, according to a Popeyes representative who was pres-

ent via Zoom during a planning commission meeting.

If approved, the approximately 2,300-square-foot single-story fastfood restaurant will be located south of the southeast corner of North Cave Creek and East Olesen roads, next to Burger King and across the street from Dutch Bros. Coffee.

This request and the site plan were submitted concurrently by the applicant, Tempe-based SBL Engineering LLC on behalf of HZ Props RE LTD., a Texas limited partnership, which operates as a restaurant.

The exterior design will include the new “2020 NOLA image,” according to a letter submitted by Jennifer Smith on behalf of SBL Engineering LLC. “The façade features visual breaks and material changes, which highlight exterior depth,” Smith wrote. “The building utilizes a bright and visually enticing color pallet that assists in

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providing a more unique and pleasing façade while maintaining the desired franchise look.”

Smith’s letter also mentions that “prefinished metal canopies” will be implemented into the exterior design to provide extra shade.

The fast-food restaurant will open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the weekends.

Popeyes will have a drive-thru pickup window as well as 20 parking spaces. The parking areas will be designed to face away from adjacent residences to the south and east of the building, the case summary states.

The Cave Creek Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of the site plan as well as the zone change request during a meeting on Nov. 19.

The zone change request seeks to change a 1-acre parcel of vacant land from desert rural to general commercial, according to the memorandum.

The applicant prepared a native plant inventory and stated that any cactuses and trees that are salvageable will be used in the project’s overall landscape design, according to the case summary.

Several trees were determined as not salvageable but will remain in place.

During the meeting, Kautzman said the landscape plan goes above and beyond what the town ordinances require for commercial properties in regard to the percentage of landscaped and undisturbed land.

“The landscape plan that was prepared for this project is actually one of the better landscape plans I’ve reviewed.”

The ingress and egress, or entry and exit ways for cars, will be located at the southernmost edge of the property.

The applicant will be responsible for any potential right-of-way improvements that must be made.

No public comments from surrounding property owners or the general public were received by the town staff, the case summary states.

No public comments were issued

during the meeting either; however, a comment card in favor of the development was issued by Jennifer Smith. It’s unclear if this is the same Smith representing the application.

The development’s water recourses will be accommodated by the city of Phoenix, as the property falls within its water service area. The development will connect to the town’s wastewater system, however, as the property is located within its service area.

The applicant is responsible for all “hook up” and “tap in” arrangements to the town’s wastewater system.

The site plan and zone change request were presented to the council for discussion only during the Dec. 7 town council.

During this meeting, Councilmember Kathryn Royer raised concerns about another unhealthy fast-food restaurant opening in town “We’ve become more and more of a fast-food town with the development along Carefree Highway now, and not everyone is crazy about that in town,” she said.

She asked Kautzman if the council has any power over managing growth and determining “our future with respect to providing healthy options for our community if we don’t want our town to look like Bell Road, as a lot of people are saying.”

Kautzman replied and explained Carefree Highway will never look like Bell Road because of the zoning ordinances and restrictions that are in place.

Mayor Ernie Bunch explained this specific area where the property is located is primarily reserved for the goods and services the town does not want in the historic core.

“When you think about Cave Creek, you have to look at the entire doughnut,” Kautzman said, addressing Royer’s comments. “Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road is right in the middle of the doughnut that serves the community far outside of the town of Cave Creek’s municipal borders.”

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

TAMARISK from page 4

spaces. The applicant is responsible for any potential right-of-way improvements that must be made.

Rather than having one common trash receptacle for all the tenants, there will be individual trash bins for each unit.

Trash bins will be obscured by a combination view fence and masonry walls in the rear of each dwelling on the days that the trash is not collected.

The developers will be responsible to upgrade and extend infrastructure to the site of the project and adding tenants to both water and wastewater utilities, according to the case summary. It also mentions how the utilities director has authorized the applicant to connect to the town’s water and wastewater systems.

The applicant has worked with the town’s staff to provide a pedestrian pathway that will connect Tamarisk Rentals to the town-owned public parking area to additional connections in the town core, Kautzman said.

The applicant prepared a native plant inventory and said cactuses or trees

that are “capable of being salvaged” will be used as a part of the project’s overall landscape design.

Several trees will be removed, as their species appears on Arizona’s invasive species list.

Councilmember Paul Diefenderfer commented on the area’s significance, saying, “That area has been known to be a hangout for artist types for many many years.”

He mentioned the tamarisk trees will be removed, as “they’re well past their glory,” also mentioning that they’re an invasive species.

Tamarisk trees, also called salt cedar, are described on a Nature Conservancy website as one of “the worst weeds,” explaining how “salt accumulates in the soil and makes it very difficult for other plants to grow nearby.” It also says that salt cedar “sucks large amounts of water from the ground, transforming valuable desert streams and ponds into salty dry basins.”

He suggested to the applicant, however, that “it’d be nice if you could offer up some of the (tamarisk) wood to locals to see what they could make out of it.”

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

Cave Creek joins Arizona opioid settlement agreement

BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

T

o hold entities within the pharmaceutical industry accountable for causing the opioid epidemic and inflicting significant harm on people and communities, local governments have entered into the One Arizona Opioid Settlement memorandum of understanding.

The Cave Creek Town Council voted unanimously during a recent meeting to ratify Mayor Ernie Bunch’s signature on the memorandum.

This will allow the town to obtain settlement funds, all of which must be spent on opioid abatement strategies like treatment and prevention within the town’s area limits, the document states. It doesn’t bind parties to a specific outcome, however.

Town Attorney William Sims encouraged the ratification of the mayor’s signature and explained how settlement

funds will be allocated and spent.

Sims raised some objections to the circumstances leading up to the town’s signature as well as the way it was designed.

“Who is protected here are the big cities and the counties and the state,” Sims said. “The little cities aren’t protected.”

It states 44% of settlement funds will go to the state of Arizona. The other 56% YOUis divided and allocated to “participatingTO local BE governments” or the counties, towns and cities that signed the agreement.

“The problem is the mechanism by which that 56% is allocated,” Sims said.

The percentage of how much a region will receive from the settlement is based on three equally weighted factors, the memorandum states.

These factors are the number of opioids shipped to the region, the number of opioid deaths that occurred in that region and the number of people who suffer opioid use disorder in that region.

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Bunch’s signature on the memorandum says the town agrees to its allocated percentage listed in the agreement, Sims explained.

According to the memorandum, the percentage of settlement money allocated to Cave Creek is 0.06%.

For reference, the town of Carefree has been allocated with 0.04% and the town of Guadalupe was allocated zero. Scottsdale was allocated 3.99% and the city of Phoenix was allocated 21.28%.

Sims compared the situation to the tobacco settlement Arizona entered into in 1998, which was called the Master Settlement Agreement. When this took place, Sims was a deputy county attorney and represented the county hospital, he said, adding, “Almost all the tobacco monies went to the state.”

Participating regions must spend the funds on opioid treatment and prevention strategies within its specific region or issue grants to organizations that provide these specific services, also stating the same for the state’s share.

The memorandum also states that all participating regions must comply and report their opioid abatement expenditures to the state at least annually.

However, Sims questioned the document’s word choice describing how the state will use its share of funds.

The state is saying it’s going to take its share and is “going to endeavor to prioritize to use it to support opioid remediation,” Sims explained. “To endeavor to prioritize — what is that?”

Sims stated all of these elements suggest “an institutional problem” in which little towns and cities are not protected or represented as much as big cities, big counties and the state itself.

“This truly is hunger games incorporated into a document,” Sims explained.

“If you don’t sign, your money goes to other cities and towns.”

Each county participating in the MOU will receive 60% of its available share. The county will receive up to an additional 40% of that share by securing MOU signatures from its constitu-

ent cities and towns.

If the participating county doesn’t receive 100% participation from its cities and towns within the required period of time, however, “the remaining portions of the local government share will be reallocated,” according to the MOU. The reallocated monies will go to the state’s share and to the participating counties that actually achieved 100% participation from its towns and cities, it states.

“The reason there’s this incentive to try to get everybody to sign is that the defendants, the opioid producers, realized that it’s no good to strike a settlement if you don’t get all the plaintiffs,” he explained to the council.

Defendants voiced that they would encourage and increase the settlement if the state gets more local governments to sign, Sims added.

Sims mentioned that he wrote a memo to every risk pool member saying that “it’d be wise to sign.

“Everyone is signing because you have no choice,” he said. “It is like the hunger games.”

However, the town was originally excluded from the MOU’s negotiations, Sims said.

Sims noted that Bunch already signed the agreement before the council’s vote to comply with the state’s Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s Dec. 15 deadline for executing the MOU. “This is a product of the state negotiating on your behalf and cities and towns being at the end of the chain,” Sims said, explaining the reason for the deadline.

About nine months ago, negotiations were being made with the counties, and the town was not included “at all,” Sims said.

When Sims found out about the negotiations, he said he made calls in an attempt to get the town included but added that nothing came from it.

In November, however, the town received a memo from Brnovich say-

see OPIOID page 9

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

OPIOID From Page 8

ing the town had around six weeks to agree and sign the memorandum, Sims said, adding, “You really had no choice.”

“I’m recommending signing. There’s very little you can do because you weren’t included,” Sims said. “Counties were included, the state was included, you weren’t.”

Sims also mentioned how it’s “not fair” how smaller towns and cities are

responsible for a large sum of litigation fees and that this is something he is seeking to change on the town’s behalf.

“But once we all sign, you do have the right to reject the settlement at the end of the day,” he said. Sims added that he’s “hopeful” that the town will get at least a little bit of the settlement funds and get the state to pay its percentage of litigation fees and not shift the responsibility to small towns and cities.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

Couple bring shared experience to handgun classes

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

O

z and Karin Johnson of Desert Hills started their company, Christian-based Johnson Group Tactical, in October 2020.

At the top of its website is a quote from John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

“We do everything with God as a partner,” Karin said.

Johnson Group Tactical was a logical business move for the Johnsons.

Oz had more than 30 years’ experience with firearms and tactical training with the military and law enforcement. He retired from the Maricopa County Sheriff ’s Office in 2016 but

still wanted to share his knowledge.

He opted to impart his experience on the community surrounding Desert Hills at Ben Avery Shooting Facility.

“With the direction the world is going, there are a lot of people out there who want firearms training,” Oz said.

The couple met while they were serving in the Air Force as part of Operation Desert Storm from 1987 to 1993. Oz also served in the Army with the 101st Airborne as an infantry sniper from 1983 to 1987.

“We were medical air evac technicians in the Air Force,” he said. “We were assigned to a C-130 aircraft, and we evacuated patients from a warzone to the hospital.”

Two years after Oz left the Air

Force, he spent 20 years with the MCSO. Seven of those 20 years he spent with its SWAT team. He was also the lead firearms and tactical instructor at the Maricopa Regional SWAT School.

Johnson Group Tactical’s business has been “very good” since the couple founded it. Oz said most of his

clientele are beginners, with 90% of that group being women.

“Most of them are new gun owners,” he said. “They just purchased a gun, and the first time they shoot that gun is at the beginner’s class I teach.

see HANDGUN page 12

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NEWS

HANDGUN from page 11

“Some women come to the class, and when they first shoot, they’re shaking. When they leave, they feel so comfortable not only with shooting but with knowing their weapon.”

For a beginner’s three-hour class, it’s $80; that includes the lecture and instruction and two hours on the range. The intermediate class is $125.

Open practice is $25. The couple pur-

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

posely kept the prices affordable.

Students automatically become members of the Johnson Group TAC Shooters Club, Karin said. They get $15 toward any future beginner’s class or $25 toward any future intermediate class. Students who refer clients receive a $5 credit. In addition, the military receives a 15% discount.

“Because we started our company with the beginner’s classes, I didn’t want to scare people away from get-

ting instruction about firearms because of the price,” he said. “Other ranges charge more, but I wanted to make it affordable so people would learn how to shoot and handle the firearm.”

Oz said Johnson Group Tactical affords him a different experience than he’s used to. For that, he’s grateful.

“It’s kind of a change for me,” he

said. “I’m used to teaching in the military or law enforcement capacity.

My wife comes into play by dealing with civilians and women. It’s a different environment. It’s been really rewarding.”

Johnson Group Tactical 602-448-8283 johnsongrouptac.com

Oz Johnson instructs Angela Benson, Sherrie Dymond and Stacey Hoover during a handgun class.

Karin Johnson shares her knowledge of handguns with Sherrie Dymond and Stacey Hoover.

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Lawsuits make the world go ’round

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

T

he lawsuits are coming!

No, I am not talking about politics. OK, so this year has started out like a dumpster fire. But while people are plenty “upset” for obvious reasons, there are some pretty funny lawsuits to take our minds off more serious issues.

First, we have the “distressed” lady in California who is suing Starbucks because (hold on to your hats, dear read-

SAVE OVER

ers, as this will shock you) iced coffee has ice in it! The nerve of those little baristas putting ice in my iced latte! It all gets down to trust (according to the attorney handling the case) and “truth in advertising.”

OK, I get it. I want a venti iced latte, which is supposed to be 24 ounces of coffee. Instead, it appears it might be only about 14 to 16 ounces of coffee and the rest is ice. Sort of like the “foot-long” fiasco at Subway, when a group of people sued because the foot-long sandwiches are actually only 11 inches. I guess we

5

13

want what we are paying for!

One might ask, where does this all end? Shall we start counting French fries at fast-food restaurants? Perhaps start weighing the quarter pounders?

Hey, it is a known fact that the food industry has been squeezing consumers for quite some time. Our 16 ounces of potato chips are less chips and more air.

Every product seems to be smaller in weight and volume and higher in price.

What are we to do?

see BLUHM page 16

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

15

Dave Rehnke advocated as cancer ravaged him

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

H

e wrestled with kidney cancer for a decade, fought like a demon, but Dave Rehnke took his last breath on Monday, the 11th of January. Rehnke worked for 26 years as a firefighter in Peoria, rising to the rank of captain. He loved his city, his peers on the front lines and the job—though it was firefighting that killed him.

I met Rehnke five years ago, at the Arizona Legislature, where the state’s firefighters, clients of mine, were pushing to expand the roster of cancers presumed to be caused by their profession. Rehnke, newly retired from Peoria, was five years into being eaten alive by renal cell carcinoma, a cancer undoubtedly caused by his line of work, with its smoke, soot and burning poisons.

He testified before a legislative committee about how the disease metastasized into his lungs and the debilitating effects of chemotherapy, about how just one of his drugs cost $90,000 a year, and about the months he’d spent in court suing to get the workers’ comp he so clearly deserved. Don’t let this keep happening, he begged. Don’t make firefighters fight job-related can-

cer and bankruptcy simultaneously.

The legislators, unmoved, did nothing to expand the law.

Rehnke continued to advocate for his former colleagues year after year. It seemed to take a little more out of him each time, but he never slowed down, never quit. Of course, fighting a few dozen heartless politicians is nothing compared to beating back rogue cells intent on murdering you.

Finally, last February, the Legislature

passed a law expanding the number of cancers covered by firefighters’ workers’ compensation insurance. I’m glad Dave lived long enough to see it, that he had that victory to celebrate. Because in a profession of heroes, Capt.

Rehnke was one of a kind — a man fully committed to helping not himself but every other firefighter who wears turnouts today or will one day put on the boots.

Dave leaves behind his wife of almost 29 years, Brenda, and their two children Shannon and Dustin. I remember him telling me about getting his diagnosis back in 2011. His doctor gave him a 5% chance of surviving 10 years. Rehnke, who refused to miss seeing his young kids’ teenage years, basically told the doctor 5% was a silly number and that he had no intention of dying. So he didn’t. Dave rode his bike, screamed at the TV rooting on his beloved Minnesota Vikings, raised

a beautiful family, and built a lasting legacy for himself as the director of the Arizona chapter of the Fire Fighter Cancer Support Network.

At a time when our nation seems awash in selfishness, Rehnke exemplified the concept of service before self, living one’s life for a cause greater than individual gain. Hunter Clare, president of the Peoria Fire Fighters, put it like this: “This is a guy who continued to fight not only for his family but for everyone in our profession, for each of us, even people who aren’t on the job yet,” Clare said. “He had such passion for it. He didn’t want anyone to go through what he went through, what his family went through. In a profession of people willing to sacrifice, he was willing to sacrifice even more to try to make sure this would never happen again.”

see LEIBOWITZ page 16

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OPINION

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BLUHM from page 13

Bring in the lawyers! It is not right that the box of “fishies” that my grandson loves are actually just a bunch of crackers shaped like fish. What, no seafood in those little fishies? And what about a Mars bar? It is not made in some far-away planet as the name implies; it is just another Earthly confection. Isn’t that fake?

We already know that packages of Parmesan cheese contain miniscule amounts of sawdust as a filler. Hey, that sounds pretty darn dangerous. Go out to eat at a fancy restaurant, order the parmesan sole and get a splinter? Ouch.

It’s not only America that has weird lawsuits. A poor guy in Italy is suing his wife and her family because they are sneaking him a “love potion” that has kept him married for more than 20 years.

LEIBOWITZ from page 15

I kept the notes from my first conversation with Rehnke, hoping I’d never need them for a story like this.

So, what is the problem? The husband told the judge that his wife is “mean and ugly” and yet he refuses to divorce her because of the “secret love potion” she is giving him. When asked to elaborate on this “potion” the man only cried, “What else could explain the fact that I am still married to her?” The judge then asked, “Could it be too much red wine?”

Let’s enjoy this week by going out and getting a nice cup of joe at the local java store. Make it iced. Go easy on the ice.

OK, make it cold and forget the ice. Let’s get a foot-long (and I am taking my measuring tape) sandwich. Oh, and if you’d like a “love potion,” maybe switch to a glass of Italian red wine. No lawsuits required.

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

“I know my time is coming eventually,” he said back then. “But before it does, I want to do everything I can to make a difference. I am going to keep fighting because this matters.”

CLARIFICATION In a Jan. 13 cover story about Teeslanger, owner Scott Cerkoney noted it should have said the man pushed him before he pulled the gun on him.

How to get a letter published

E-mail: christina@timespublications.com The Foothills Focus welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The Foothills Focus will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Foothills Focus will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the Foothills Focus, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

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Simple Machine fetes 1st anniversary with special beers

BY TARA ALATORRE Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

S

imple Machine Brewing Company celebrated its first anniversary by releasing three special beers during what it dubbed “Anniversary Week.”

Although the North Phoenix brewery did not have a typical anniversary celebration because of the pandemic, it did not stop it from putting out brews worth stopping in for.

Fans of IPA will want to check out the Helical Haze Galaxy Edition, which is Simple Machine’s flagship IPA brewed with Galaxy and Mosaic hops.

Marshall Norris, the brewer and co-owner of Simple Machine, said in the last year it has gained a local reputation for its milkshake IPAs, which were brewed for Anniversary Week.

The Celebration Fedora Milkshake IPA was brewed with black currant, orange, vanilla and lactose. Chinook, cascade and cashmere hops were added to the whirlpool, and then it was dry hopped with cascade.

“The reason we did our anniversary spread out is so people could get the beers all week and not have to feel like they need to come here on release day,” Norris said. “We’re releasing them on draft and in cans so people can enjoy

on-site or off-premise.”

Those who prefer the sour varieties should try the Anniversary Pastry Sour, brewed with cherry, vanilla, lactose and rounded out with notes of graham cracker. The can art displays the top tier of a wedding cake in a freezer, playing off of the tradition of married couples eating their wedding cake on their first anniversary for good luck.

Speaking of luck, Simple Machine acknowledges that it played a small part in surviving its first year while navigating the pandemic. Beyond luck, the brewery survived by taking matters into its own hands by quickly

adapting, working hard and earning the support of the community.

“It just warms my heart,” Norris said when reflecting about the last year.

“Really it was a combination of local community supporting us, being able to make the right decisions and, honestly, luck.”

He explained that when the shutdown happened in March, Simple Machine quickly pivoted to producing more packaged beer and added online ordering and delivery. It also increased self-distribution as much as it could.

see BREWING Page 18

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BUSINESS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

WHICH DIRECTION ARE HOME PRICES HEADED? Dear Doreen, I really should have listened to you and Amy a few months ago when you told us to list then! I’m researching the real estate market and it appears we’re in for a decline in home prices in 2021. What do you two think? Are we in for it or not?

Thank you!

- Teresa Dear Teresa, we get this question all the time. Unfortunately, our crystal ball is a bit cloudy. But I can tell you the following: By far the most pessimistic prediction comes from the Centre for Economics and Business Research: it says “transitory” policies such as stamp duty, mortgage deferrals, and income support will create a perfect storm when they end, resulting in prices falling by 13.8 percent in 2021 Core Logic reports, while all states are expected to experience a price decline, Arizona and Florida “faced the perfect storm of elevated COVID-19 cases and the subsequent collapse of the spring and summer tourism market,” the report says.

While harder-hit areas may also experience a slower rebound, The preservation of factors like low mortgage interest rates and a shortage of for-sale supply has already supported prices in some metros and may also encourage home price stabilization nationwide.

Our AZ Regional MLS is showing an all-time low in the active homes for sale.

That leaves me to believe it’s supply and demand. When there is little supply there is always more demand. Personally, I doubt we’re in for a decline in prices for 2021.

But, we may not see the huge increases we saw in 2020. Call us to discuss further.

Thanks for the great question!

-Doreen

OVER

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BREWING From Page 17

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Simple Machine Brewing Company celebrated its first anniversary by releasing three special beers during what it dubbed “Anniversary Week.” (Photo courtesy Simple Machine Brewing Company)

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“Thankfully, I had experience in production and packaging,” he said.

“There was a really big push to support local, too.”

The Arizona Craft Brewers Guild was also a valuable resource that Simple Machine and other breweries heavily relied on to help sort out all the governor’s executive orders and understand how it applied to their businesses.

The year 2020 was still a struggle, though, and very labor intensive because Simple Machine brews on a small three-barrel system and there were supply shortages in the summer, too.

“It was no easy task, it was lots of work to keep up with production,” Norris added. There will likely be a brewery upgrade in the future to help ease the workload for 2021.

Simple Machine poured love into its business and community, and it shows.

At the beginning of 2020, the brewery expected to make about 350 barrels of beer; instead it produced 461 barrels,

with 40% going into cans.

“We feel pretty fortunate, and we’re grateful for how much support we’ve gotten from the local community and brewers guild.”

Looking into 2021, Norris said they hope to brew 30 new beers, but they will have to strike a balance by continuing to keep up production with their flagship beers, too.

“The biggest thing on our list is upgrading the brew system, and it’s definitely possible after how well received we are by the community — and that is despite shutdowns,” he said. “We’re wanting more barrel-aged product this year, and to up our sour game.”

Simple Machine is planning on doing collaboration ale with proceeds benefiting the brewers guild and continuing to focus on community.

Simple Machine Brewing Company

701 W. Deer Valley Road, Suite 1, Phoenix 623-469-9199 simplemachinebrewing.com

BUSINESS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

19

Market offers ‘Main Street’ shopping experience

BY ANNIKA TOMLIN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

T

he Arizona Sage Art Market will bring together 30 artists from various mediums during its sixth annual event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30. Admission to the market at The Holland Center is free.

Attendees can purchase art like paintings, jewelry and glass art at the indoor/outdoor market. At the event, 15% of the proceeds will go to The Holland Center to support its programming.

According to Betsy Anderson, The Holland Center’s program and event manager, the event’s run has been a learning experience. Anderson has gone from volunteer to participant to manager.

“There is nothing better than spending the day with artists and

Metalsmith jeweler Marlene Sabatina has been a part of the market since the beginning.

(Photo courtesy Arizona Sage Art Market)

talking to them and talking to the people that come in,” Anderson said.

“I came up with this phrase that sort of epitomizes it: It’s like bringing Main Street shopping back to the art world. It’s about people actually coming and being able to have that one-on-one connection. It’s more than just buying; it’s a whole experience finding more out about art.

We’re trying to bring Main Street back to the art world.”

Anderson said there will be 10 fewer participants than previous years to allow for social distancing between the different artists. Artists have their own area either inside the lobby or the large room within Holland Center or at an outside tent.

“We are trying to keep everybody spaced out,” Anderson said. “(Everyone) of course have to wear masks.”

see SAGE ART MARKET page 22

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ARIZONA - “It’s a miracle these State Restricted Bank Rolls even exist. That’s why Hotline Operators are bracing for the flood of calls,” said Laura Lynne, U.S. Coin and Currency Treasurer for the National Mint and Treasury.

For the next 2 days the last remaining State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Morgan Silver Dollars are actually being handed over to Arizona residents who call the National Toll-Free Hotlines listed in today’s newspaper publication.

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“That’s because the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Morgan Silver Dollars sealed away inside the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that all the coins date clear back to the 1800’s and are worth up to

JACKPOT: Imagine finding the 1892S Morgan Silver Dollar shown above worth thousands of dollars in collector value in one of these unsearched Bank Rolls. There are never any guarantees, but Arizona residents who get their hands on these State Restricted Bank Rolls will be the really lucky ones because even more common coins are still worth up to $125 - $1,000 in collector value.

100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Arizona residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne said.

And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Arizona you cover only the $59 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s ten rarely seen U. S. Gov’t issued Morgan Silver Dollars’ worth up to 100 times

VALUABLE: It’s like a treasure hunt - there’s no telling what you’ll find. That’s because the dates and mint marks of the ten U.S. Gov’t issued coins sealed away inside these State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. All we know is some of the coins are worth up to 100 times their face value.

their face value for just $590 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $136 per coin which totals $1,360 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline.

The only thing Arizona residents need to do is call the National TollFree Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends.

“Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued

coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Morgan Silver Dollars minted in the 1800’s are now worth $125 - $1,000 each in collector value,” Lynne said.

“So just imagine how much these R1015

(Continued on next page)

21

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last remaining, unsearched State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls could be worth someday. Remember, these are not ordinary coins – these rarely seen coins are over 100 years old. In fact, these coins have been forever retired by the U.S. Gov’t, and you can’t get them rolled this way anywhere because these are the only State Restricted Bank Rolls known to exist,” Lynne said.

“We’re guessing thousands of Arizona residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne said.

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22

BUSINESS

SAGE ART MARKET From Page 19

In previous years, there was a Friday night showing prior to the Saturday event that will be canceled this year because they “are just not trying to socialize,” according to Anderson.

One of the participating artists is metalsmith jeweler Marlene Sabati-

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

na, who has been a part of the market since the beginning.

Sabatina and Anderson met years prior at a small breakfast artist group, and when Anderson was told about the show she asked Sabatina to join.

“The show is small and doesn’t seem expansive,” Sabatina said. “The

HAVE BUSINESS NEWS?

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amount and knowledge from artists and the breadth of work that is there.

It’s pretty prolific for a small show.

“We can take time to look at each other’s pieces and get to know each other. Consequently, it becomes a cohesive group. It becomes a group that honors each other and can stay within a camaraderie within the arts.”

Sabatina began her metalsmith jewelry business more than 10 years ago and continues to make new items specifically for the Sage Art Market each year.

“I try not to go to my tried and true,” Sabatina said. “I probably have cases and cases of jewelry, so I try not to rely on that.”

She calls herself the “conundrum of the group” because she goes beyond her medium.

“One of my loves is old vintage items, so I tend to bring in some of my vintagey things. Maybe it’s taking wire and creating something with an old vintage doorknob or various different things.

“Usually, I have two pockets of jew-

elry. I have small pieces that are easy for all ages to pick up and then I have some vintage pieces or pieces that bring in found objects or something like that and set a show along with creating a small group of items that are nonjewelry items that are specific to the Sage Market.”

Sabatina will take a portion of her proceeds from the show and other sales this year and donate them to various organizations. This year Sabatina will help establish a suicide awareness foundation and create a specific piece for the nonprofit.

“My husband was a cancer survivor, and I do a compass jewelry line that is specifically done to bring awareness for different cancers,” Sabatina said.

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23

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Too stressed to be blessed?

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

W

hen explaining stress management to an audience, a lecturer raised a glass of water and asked, “How heavy is this glass of water?” Answers called out ranged from 20 grams to 500 grams. The lecturer replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long you hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you will have to call an ambulance. In each case, it’s the same weight. However, the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”

He continued, “And that is the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won’t be able to carry on. When refreshed, we can carry on with the burden. So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work or whatever is burdening you down.

Don’t carry it home. Please don’t pass it along to your spouse or kids. You can pick it up tomorrow!”

That’s good advice. If you never stop, you can’t start! Sometimes, we need to come apart or we will come apart! Here’s some logic for the overly stressed. Because it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the early bird, sleep late! Many folks today are like a billiard table with balls scattered all over the board. From time to time, we all need to take time to re-rack our billiard balls.

Jesus taught us stress management and how to move from stressed to de-

stressed. Remember the Bible story when Jesus’ disciples were in the middle of a sea, in the middle of the night and in the middle of the perfect storm? I’ll bet their blood pressure was 190/130. Then Jesus appears, walking on water. They thought it was a ghost. Let’s take a glimpse into the disciples’ minds. “It’s midnight in the perfect storm, in the middle of the sea, and now there’s a ghost walking on water. Mercury rising. Now their blood pressure is 210/150!

Yet, even in the middle of the storm, Jesus was there. Then Jesus spoke to his stressed-out companions, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

There are 365 times in the Bible that God says, “Do not be afraid.” If you are like me, you probably need a “fear not” at least once a day every day of the year. Sure enough, the storm calmed down.

The lesson here is don’t let the storm on the outside of you get inside of you. Great advice for the storm challenged and overly stressed, huh?

Maybe it’s time to relax a bit, cool our jets, turn off our fear alarm clock, quit watching the news, and re-rack our emotions. Remember the glass of water? The longer you hold it, the heavier it becomes.

In Matthew 6, Jesus calmed the storm inside of 5,000 stressed-out,

hope-hungry people. He said, “Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The 10 best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them. If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers — most of which are never even seen — don’t you think that He will attend to you, take pride in what you do, and do His best for you? What I’m trying to say here is relax, to be not so occupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.”

Jesus is still telling his people and telling us at this very moment, “Relax, rest and trust in me, open your eyes.

God has things under control. You won’t respond to God and all that God

has given you when you’re stressed.

Listen, there’s another option, you can pivot from ‘too stressed to be blessed’ to ‘too blessed to be stressed.’ A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”

Let me be honest and transparent with you. I’m stressed about life right now. There is too much melodrama going on in the world as well as in my world right now. What is on the outside of me is starting to get inside of me. I needed this article today. I’m slowly learning that it’s not the load that breaks you down; it’s the way you carry it that breaks you down.

Let’s see if we get the message here.

When life gets too stressed, put down the glass, sleep late for one day, and come apart lest ye come apart. Jesus calmed the storm on the outside of you, and He can calm the storm on the inside of you, too.

There you go. Now you have been exposed and hopefully enlightened about stress management for dummies and smarties. I prefer the second category but sometimes visit the first.

How about you?

Ed Delph is a native of Phoenix who lives in the North Valley. Since 1980, he has pastored three churches in the Valley. He is a noted author of 10 books, weekly columnist in several local and worldwide newspapers, teacher, business owner and speaker. Delph has been to or ministered in over 100 countries. He is president of a worldwide ministry, NationStrategy.

To learn more about Pastor Ed Delph, the Church-Community Connection and NationStrategy, call 623-376-6757, e-mail nationstrategy@cs.com or visit nationstrategy.com.

24

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Hospice of the Valley patient hopes his art can find a home

BY LIN SUE COONEY Hospice of the Valley

A

s a child, Paul Corbani spent hours in his room constructing intricate shoebox-size models of fabulous backdrops he conjured up in his head. He spent many more hours daydreaming about actually stepping inside those miniature scenes.

“I could imagine myself there and it was a great adventure, but then I realized that I could make them life size so I could actually go in them. I wouldn’t have to imagine anymore,” he said.

On a sunny Phoenix morning, he recalled days when he was younger, stronger and cancer free. At 75, this spirited Hospice of the Valley patient is frail but stylish, wearing a brightly striped scarf around his neck with his white curls flowing atop. A smile plays at the corners of his mouth as he goes back in time.

As a teenager in Santa Barbara, Cor-

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Paul Corbani with his Hospice of the Valley nurse Paula Ryan and social worker Diana Neuling.

(Photo courtesy Hospice of the Valley)

bani discovered theater, which led to a job at an LA prop shop after high school, constructing stage scenery for television and Las Vegas shows. When he moved to San Francisco in 1975, a friend asked him to paint backdrops for an all-girl punk rock band. “The first one was a jungle,” he said with a laugh.

Corbani loved creating backdrops. It was like making his miniature scenes again — only scaled for real people to enjoy.

All of them are 9 feet high and 12 feet wide because that was the height and width of his studio apartment.

He bought cheap muslin, stitched it together and stretched the canvas to cover the entire wall. Then he spent years painting whatever drew his soul — a blue forest, an opera box scene, the Golden Gate Bridge. Before he realized it, he had created something amazing — and he named it the Portable Illusion Kit. With parts from the local hardware store, he constructed a giant scaffold-

ing to hold his canvases in layers that could be unrolled to reveal the next scape. Though it looks complicated, Corbani claimed it’s a simple one-man assembly that “any ninth grader who ever took a course in theater would know how to put up.”

Except for one showing held in a warehouse in Downtown San Francisco in 1991, his elaborate scenes have never been displayed — a heartbreak Corbani’s Hospice of the Valley care team hopes will be remedied soon.

His doctors have been honest with him, and he knows he doesn’t have much time left.

“He spent many years creating these beautiful, detailed drawings,” nurse Pamela Ryan said. “He desperately wants them to live on in some way.”

“It would be wonderful if it can find a permanent home — and very soon, so I can rest easy. It’s been sitting in my apartment for 30 years all rolled

see HOSPICE page 23

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25

Hospice of the Valley patient Paul Corbani shows photos of his Portable Illusion Kit. (Photo courtesy Hospice of the Valley)

HOSPICE from page 22

up waiting — waiting for someone to use it,” he said softly.

Corbani said his Portable Illusion Kit is still in excellent shape and can continue to evolve. “An artist could take an air brush and tint my fluffy clouds pink or blue and it’d be beau-

tiful,” he said.

It pleases him to imagine his life’s work taking center stage again — and he hopes someone out there will be moved to not only care for it but share it.

“It could fill a ballroom, and it’s very colorful. I would like to personally leave it with someone who

would be so inspired, they’d want to dance in front of it or tell a story in front of it. I just want it to be used,” he said.

Interested in acquiring the Portable Illusion Kit or learning more? Email Corbani at bcorbani@cox.net.

Paul Corbani strikes a pose in front of his Golden Gate Bridge painting. (Photo courtesy Hospice of the Valley)

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Judith Rhue conveys the beauty of color and form

BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

N

orth Scottsdale artist Judith Rhue was introduced to oil painting after her disabled Vietnam veteran husband gave her a gift set. The oil painting set came with a large canvas.

She decided to give it a go and soon realized she absolutely loved to paint.

Soon thereafter, a nationally known antique archeology firm hired her to paint images on tin ceiling tiles that they sold to clients involved in restoration projects.

“My art is constantly developing intuitively,” Rhue said. “I enjoy traveling, which is evident in my images that range from the Blue Lagoon in Iceland to just outside my studio window in the Sonoran Desert.”

Over time, Rhue’s subjects have moved from the realistic to abstract,

for which she is free to explore color, shape, form and line to allow viewers to form their own conclusions of the images. In other words, her paintings moved from representation of a subject to capturing the energy and movement of the subject’s essence.

A home studio allows Rhue to express her most immediate inspiration.

As her work evolved and gathered more attention, she found herself juggling a number of venues. Her paintings have been chosen for juried art shows, sold locally through art venues and worldwide through the internet.

She received a finalist award in the International Juried Paint & Photography Competition 2020 sponsored by the Camelback Gallery in Scottsdale, camelbackgallery.com. She is also a featured artist by the same gallery.

Rhue is a member of the Sonoran

see JUDITH RHUE page 25

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Judith Rhue in her outdoor studio near Carefree. (Photos courtesy Judith Rhue)

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“Nightly Contrasts” by Judith Rhue.

JUDITH RHUE from page 24

Arts League in Cave Creek and the Rehoboth Art League in Delaware.

She exhibits at the Holland Gallery of Fine Art and the Gallery at el Pedregal in Scottsdale, as well as the Desert Foothills Gallery and the Sonoran Arts League Center for the Arts in Cave Creek.

Many of Rhue’s original works are available as prints, cards, textiles and metal art though judithrhue.pixels. com and through judithrhue.etsy.com.

For more information about Rhue, visit judithrhue.com or email her at judithrhue@gmail.com.

Contact arts columnist Shea Stanfield at flowingquill@yahoo.com.

“The Detectable Day” by Judith Rhue.

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North Phoenix bakers get sweet deal on ‘Cakelikes’

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

R

ebecca Hauger and Mara Hodge call being on the Discovery+ show “Cakealikes” a mirror image of the hard work they put into their business, Geek Desserts.

The show is a comedic competition program in which bakers create life-size cakes that are spitting images of famed celebrities. On the episode that begins streaming on Thursday, Jan. 28, the two North Valley home bakers and their peers are tasked with creating a cake of rapper Flavor Flav. The Public Enemy alumnus helps judge the cakes with Kalen Allen and Natalie Sideserf.

The winning team brings home $10,000.

“It was almost like a dream come true,” Hodge said. “It was very magical, and I kept pinching myself.

“The magic of Hollywood sprinkled

its way onto our set. Hollywood and LA really consumes you and makes you feel like you’re in the Academy Awards. It makes you feel like this is a big deal.”

Hodge said she felt she was doing something “profound that not a lot of people are blessed with.”

“Cakealikes” contestants are kept in the dark about their task. Hodge and Hauger were asked if they accepted a blind challenge, and Hodge said, “We were crazy enough to accept a challenge like that.”

“We had no idea until the moment it was announced on camera, on set,” she added. “Those reactions are genuine. We did not know what we were getting into until that moment.”

Hauger said they “worked their butts off” to get to this point. Two years ago, the pair merged their respective baking companies to found Geek Desserts. Custom cakes are at the core of their business.

see GEEK DESSERTS page 27

Rebecca Hauger, left, and Mara Hodge of Geek Desserts appear on “Cakealikes” on Discovery+.

(Photo courtesy Discovery+)

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GEEK DESSERTS from page 26

However, last holiday season, they found themselves in the center of another trend.

“We accidentally fell into the hot cocoa bomb business,” Hodge said. “My business started out as a chocolate business, so I have a lot of background in chocolate. Becca saw this idea when it started to come into the scene.

“A hot cocoa bomb is a hollow sphere of chocolate with hot cocoa powder inside. It took off for us. Last month, we were rocking them out like crazy.”

The two bakers are reality show veterans, but “Cakealikes” stands out. It is set in a real studio and they were treated like stars, Hauger said. That doesn’t mean the cake was a breeze.

“It was so much work,” Hauger added.

“It was exhausting and exhilarating. It was so much work — a crazy amount of work.”

Hodge enjoys focusing on cakes and chocolate, as the work is unpredictable.

She called herself an “artist to the extreme.”

“I look at each piece like a work of art,” she said.

29

A software engineer by trade, Hauger has a penchant for art as well. She uses cakes as her artistic outlet.

“It speaks to me,” Hauger said. “I love seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they see our cakes. We are hoping to have a storefront. If COVID-19 didn’t hit, we probably would have one. We work out of our homes right now.”

Their job isn’t all in vain. Hauger and Hodge donate cakes as “sugar angels” through Icing Smiles, a nonprofit organization that provides custom celebration cakes and other treats to families impacted by a child’s critical illness.

“We’ve been doing that since the start of our baking career,” Hauger said. “We do one to two a year — whenever they need somebody. That’s when we get to do our crazy cakes. That’s when we stretch our talents. We enjoy adding to this little brave child’s birthday. It fills our hearts.”

“Cakealikes”

Available on Discovery+ on Thursday, Jan. 28 discoveryplus.com

Host Kalen Allen interviews Rebecca Hauger, standing, and Mara Hodge about their Flavor Flav cake on “Cakealikes.” (Photo courtesy Discovery+)

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31

Twist Bistro: Where art and food come together

BY SARAH HABER Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

A

t 10 years old, Larry Shore sat in the kitchen and watched eagerly as his mother prepared dinner.

The kitchen was a beautiful mess with flour dusting the countertops, spoons scattered and an assortment of vegetables laying across the cutting board. By the stove, the dough was laid out ready to be kneaded.

“Larry, why don’t you pretend this dough is a bully and help me make dinner,” his mother said, enticing him to partake in that evening’s meal preparation.

Larry rushed over and began to push his palms into the dough. In that instant, he knew cooking was in his future. He loved how his mother made cooking a fun game, and he never wanted it to end. From that moment on, he told everyone he wanted to be a “cooker man” when he grew up.

Years later, Larry is living out his dream. His culinary career has taken

him all across the country working for and owning various restaurants. He and his wife, Sandy, opened their own restaurant, Cedar 65 Bistro and Gallery, in Evergreen, Colorado. Both of them loved having the freedom to create and serve in their own way.

Four years later, the couple returned to Arizona and opened Twist Bistro & Gallery in North Scottsdale. This unique restaurant and art gallery serves locally sourced Mediterranean cuisine with the couple’s own special flavor.

“We want everyone in our restaurant to feel special and be served exotic food without intimidation or arrogance,” Larry said. His goal as executive chef is to take care of every person who walks through the door.

Sandy is an artist with an eye for pieces that elicit emotion. Her role at Twist Bistro & Gallery is selecting new pieces from local artists every three months to display in the restaurant. She follows a theme and gives local artist the opportu-

Larry and Sandy Shore opened Twist Bistro & Gallery in North Scottsdale. The Shores feel art and food should coexist. (Photos by Pablo Robles) nity to exhibit their work, while adding to the overall ambiance of the restaurant.

“Art is a feast for the eyes, and the food is a feast for the rest of the senses,” Larry said. To elevate the dining experience,

the Shores have created a place where art and food flow together making the experience of dining creative, special and fun.

The theme is peace. Sandy chooses pieces that emulate current events and give customers a relaxing setting when they come in.

“I always want to get the right pieces and put them together so that it is a cohesive unit,” Sandy said.

When the couple went on their first date, they agreed from the start that it is frustrating to see people in the creative space who don’t let artists do their job.

Larry said most people opening restaurants “don’t know what they are doing or don’t get it.”

The Shores feel art and food should coexist — one would not make sense without the other. From then on, they shared the goal of one day owning a restaurant where they could connect their passions.

In Scottsdale, it is hard to find a restau-

see TWIST BISTRO page 31

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32

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

OPEN DOOR POLICY

The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Derrick Hall

BY DAVE HOGG Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

my office windows designed from floor to ceiling,” he said. “It is a great way for me to gauge crowd sizes, concourse traffic flow and concession stand line lengths from my office. There is nothing better than having fans point up, cheer and applaud on the way out after a win when I am back in there.

“It is a fishbowl but by design for interaction.”

The 51-year-old has long ties to Arizona, having earned his bachelor’s degree from ASU, but his career in baseball started across a state line and on the other side of a bitter rivalry. From 19922004, Hall worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers, starting as a minor league intern before working his way up to his final job as the Dodgers’ senior vice president of communications.

L

ike many Americans, Derrick Hall hasn’t seen much of his office in the last nine months.

He probably misses it more than most of us.

After all, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ president and chief executive officer has a nicer office than most people. Not only is it large, but it has some of the best views imaginable.

“I’m lucky to have the views I do,” Hall said. “I can look straight out toward the hallway and other offices, behind me to the rotunda and team shop, and to my left down on the main concourse and field.”

Until 2020, that made Chase Field home games special for Hall.

“On game days, I am constantly waving at fans as they pass by below, with

Derrick Hall is the president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

see DERRICK page 32

(Photo by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks)

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33

Twist Bistro & Gallery’s patio keeps patrons safe while eating during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Larry and Sandy Shore want their food to match the ambiance of Twist Bistro & Gallery on North Scottsdale Road.

TWIST BISTRO from page 29

The menu is highly “chef driven,” Larry said, while still being pleasing to the rant that is not the typical happy-hour average “foodie.” For example, the inMexican cuisine type of eatery. The gredients in this dish Turkish flatbread Shores’ goal was to introduce upscale cui- pizza ($14) have ground lamb, tomato, sine in a way that is not scary. Even better, feta, green onion and cherry tomatoes their prices are fair and competitive to cooked in a way that blend and expand remove any “stuffiness” that comes with the tastebuds to something delicious expensive dining. and out of the ordinary. He understands All of the food is sourced locally and consumers can be intimidated about made from scratch. The menu changes trying something so exotic, so he introevery three months to reflect the season duces the flavoring in an easy format — and to explore customers’ palates. a flatbread pizza.

“People look forward to the changes The most popular dish on the menu we make. It’s like a new restaurant ev- is the shrimp and sausage diablo, with ery few months between the new art spicy Italian sausage, grilled gulf shrimp, and new food,” Larry said. fresh basil, asparagus, green olives, tomato confit and organic three-cheese polenta ($25).

The couple say their customers love the feeling of walking into Twist and knowing that they are somewhere special. Twist Bistro & Gallery only opened in May but has already built a large customer base.

“There is a good percentage of people out Fresh grilled dayboat scallops feature Meyer lemon grapefruit, vin- there who want someaigrette and calabrian chiles and fennel salad ($16). thing different, good

and healthy,” Larry said.

The husband-and-wife duo encourage people to switch up their food experience and give chef-driven food “a shot.”

The restaurant’s menu is different but still comfortable.

“We want our food to match what is put on the walls and vice versa,” Sandy said. Between the stunning artwork mindfully displayed, the lingering smell

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OUR OFFICE IS MOVING!

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the same committed support, but with a new view.

DERRICK from page 30

OUR OFFICE IS MOVING!

Those days are recognized in a very

place we call the Culture & Innovation Center.”

When he gets back, he’ll be surrounded by baseball memories, but the three most important things he named all had to do with his family.

“The most important is a photo of my father, who was my idol and mentor and had his life taken far too early from pancreatic cancer,” said Hall, who fought prostate cancer in 2011. “He was a newspaper executive, and it was taken with him standing in his office completely covered and flooded with paper and streamers by his employees as a prank.

“He was beloved by his staff and made family culture his top priority, which I try hard to replicate.”

The second item combines his family and his employer.

“Next would be a photo of my wife, Amy, on the wall right next to my desk,” he said. “It is an amazing shot taken by our staff photographer on opening day.

Not only does it display her beauty but also that of our stadium, which is seen in the reflection of her sunglasses.

“It is a sellout, and the entire crowd is wearing red.”

Finally, he listed a family memento that most parents don’t consider saving.

“Third, I have the first pair of cleats worn by each of my three children in baseball and softball on my credenza,” he said. “I receive more positive comments from visitors on those, and most say they regret not having kept those of their own children.”

One day, Hall hopes to emulate his friends in Los Angeles and celebrate a World Series title in his office. Until then, he’ll stick with one of the biggest moments in franchise history.

“I have so many favorite moments here, but one that stands out is when Commissioner Selig paid us a visit and informed me and our owner, Ken Kendrick, that we had been selected to host the (2011) All-Star Game,” he said.

“It took several years of hard work, begging and lobbying to be chosen, and we did not let down. Chase Field and our staff provided one of the most memorable Mid-Summer Classics on record.”

This series of stories highlights what we all want to know: What’s in an office?

We might be changing locations, but we aren’t special picture on Hall’s office wall, one he We might be changing locations, going anywhere. You can expect the going anywhere.

You can expect the samebut we aren’t considers one of his favorite decorations. commited support, butsupport, with a newbut view. same committed with a new view.“(One) choice would be a photo of Dodgers owners) Walter and John Kovach,(former Agent Peter O’Malley,” he said. “I grew up a

Dodgers fan, and Peter was the first Bus: (623) 551-7900 owner I worked for. He taught me a great MOVING! deal about customer service and investjkovach@amfam.com ing in your employees, and it is another g locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the

reminder of the importance of the bond between a father and son.” port, but with a new view. photo3,cherished New Address as Another of August 2020 by Hall has to do with Southern California but not the Dodgers. ight be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the 3715 W Anthem“(There) Way Suite is a 112 giant photo of Walt committed support, but with a new view.

Disney outside of his Sleeping Beauty Anthem AZ 85086 Castle on opening day of the park in We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the 1955,” Hall said. “It was given to me same committed support, but with a new view. by our chief revenue officer and our chief financial officer with a note as to its significance. They chose it as a gift because of my love for Disneyland and their belief that my passion and vision We might be changing locations, but we aren’t going anywhere. You can expect the resemble that of his. same committed support, but with a new view.

“It was quite the compliment.”

After a short stint doing corporate communications, Hall joined the Diamondbacks as a senior vice president in May 2005. He was promoted to presNew Address as of August 3, 2020 American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, ident in 2006 and became CEO in 2009.

American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 New Address as of August 3, 2020 The Diamondbacks have had some 014472 – 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633 3715 W Anthem Way Suite 112 success on the field during Hall’s tenAnthem AZ 85086 ure, winning the National League West 3715 W Anthem Way Suite 112 in 2007 and 2011, but have struggled Anthem AZ 85086 to keep up with the financial juggernaut located in Chavez Ravine. The New AddressDodgers as of August 3, 2020 have won eight straight division titles, three pennants and, finally, this year’s World112 Series over the Tam3715 W Anthem Way Suite pa Bay Rays.

Anthem AZ 85086 Meanwhile, the Diamondbacks struggled to their worst season in a decade, going 25-35 in the pandemic-shortened season and finishing last in the division.

It was a season Hall had to watch from n Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, n Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 home.

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, – 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633 American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 “I have only been in my office about 014472 – 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633 10 times since the pandemic,” he said.

“This is sad to me, as I truly love being in my office and I miss the activity. I Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, have an open-door policy and it is the y, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, setting of all-day drop-ins and schedAmerican Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. and its Operating Companies, American Family Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 uled meetings. I cannot wait for myself 014472 – Company, 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633 American Family Insurance 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 and our staff to return when safe to the 014472 – 1/18 ©2018 – 12539633

R OFFICE IS MOVING!

OUR OFFICE IS MOVING!

John Kovach, Agent

John551-7900 Kovach, Agent Bus: (623) OUR OFFICE IS MOVING! Bus: (623) 551-7900 John Kovach, Agent jkovach@amfam.com jkovach@amfam.com Bus: (623) 551-7900

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3715 W Anthem Way Suite 112 Anthem 3715 W Anthem Way Suite 112 Bus: (623) 551-7900 AZ 85086 Anthem AZ 85086

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YOUTH

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

Youth

35

For more opinions visit thefoothillsfocus.com @TheFoothills.Focus

TheFoothillsFocus.com

/TheFoothillsFocus

Sandra Day O’Connor High School news

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

O’Connor freshman makes a splash Sandra Day O’Connor High School

Caelle Armijo started swimming when she was 11.

(Photo courtesy Deer Valley Unified School District)

freshman Caelle Armijo clinched a state title for the 100-yard freestyle swim.

She’s the first freshman to be awarded a state champion title since the AIA division reconfiguration in 2010.

Caelle started swimming YOUTH when she was 11. At the state championships this year, Caelle placed fourth in the Division 1 girls 50-yard freestyle and led the 200 medley

and 200 free SDOC relays to top-15 finishes at state. Caelle plans to defend her State Championship next year and win the 50-yard freestyle title. After swimming for SOHS for three years, she hopes to pursue a NCAA Swimming Scholarship.

(Photo courtesy Deer Valley Unified School District)

Senior golfer takes talent to Marquette University Four and a half years ago, Max Lyons was new to golf. Now the Sandra Day

Jumbo Loans up to $

State champion Caelle Armijo, third from left.

2M!

O’Connor High School senior is the Arizona state individual golf runner-up and will

�ee O’CONNOR page 37

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YOUTH

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

O’CONNOR from page 35

take his talents to Marquette University.

During his time on the golf team, Lyons helped continue the boys golf program’s success. Lyons did this not just through his tremendous skill. He was a leader and demonstrated the effort and resiliency it takes to be successful.

37

ASK US HOW TO GET THE

Max Lyons signed on to play golf for Marquette University. (Photo courtesy Deer Valley Unified

School District)

On the green, Max Lyons demonstrated the effort and resiliency it takes to be successful. (Photo courtesy Deer Valley

Unified School District)

Friendly Pines hosting information night

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott will host a virtual information night event for families at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, on the camp’s Facebook page.

Parents and children are invited to attend. The featured speakers will be camp Directors Kevin Nissen and Megan May, who will answer questions

Desert foothiLLs Library join the party!

Be Our Valentine Saturday February 13, 2021

about the summer sleepaway camp. This year’s camp, its 80th season, is May 29 to July 24.

Friendly Pines Camp is available for children ages 6 to 14 and offers a noncompetitive program of more than 30 activities. After campers select eight hours of activities, a personalized schedule is created for each.

The traditional camp activities include

sports, horseback riding, swimming, waterskiing, rock climbing, performing arts, fine arts, hiking, archery, fencing, canoeing, kayaking, animal care and sewing.

There are one-week, two-week, fourweek and six-week camp sessions available. Discounts for siblings and multisessions are available. For more information about Friendly Pines Camp, call 928-4452128 or visit friendlypines.com.

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• Power When The Power Goes Out • Federal & Az Tax Credits Available • Smaller Electric Bills • 0 Down Financing 2.99% or CASH Disount

Questions on Solar?

Commerical & Residential

Call Paul

602-501-0787 Paul.M@Solar-AES.com

Welding

480-488-3677

CaveCreekWelding.com

PHILLIPS ROOFING LLC

Roofing

Member of ABM

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Valleywide

CR 42 DUAL

623-873-1626 All employees verified Free estimates on all roofs 36 Years experience in AZ Licensed contractor since 2006

Almeida Roofing Inc. All Types of Roofing

602-743-3175 Free Estimates & Inspections • Tile • Shingles Foam • Coatings • Modified Bitumen • New Roof Repairs • Reroofs

• Custom Design • Water Feature • Container/Pot Gardens • Fireplaces & BBQs • Patio & Walls • Irrigation Specialists • Tree Trim/Removal • Bi-weekly/Monthly

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC #166390

Electric • Acetylene • Heliarc Equipment • Fireplace Screens Repair • Blacksmithing Portable Equipment • Gates Fencing • Wrought Iron Work Home Accessories • Small Repairs & More!

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

FREE ESTIMATES • 623-465-2546

PREMIER LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

Cave Creek Welding, Inc.

Roofing

ROC 223367

• Synthetic Grass • Paver Installation • Travertine • Irrigation Systems

All Your Window Covering Needs & Security Doors.

Tint, Sunscreens, Patio Shades, Plantation Shutters, Wood Blinds.

Check our web site for products & ref's.

Family Own/Op 623-465-0373

623.551.4135

602-330-6965

• Design & Install • Planting • Lighting • Outdoor Audio

Solar Energy

CONSIGNMENT

515 E. Carefree Hwy, #44, Phoenix, AZ 85085 dukesexcavatinginc@gmail.com

Landscape Design/Installation

FREE Come 'n get it!

Glass arcadia door 61x81, hutch 79x 21 (623)204-2048

Windows

J&B Furniture ROC KA 302118 General Contractor JIM DUKES

We'll Get Your Phone to Ring!

We Accept:

Miscellaneous For Sale

Complete Septic Systems • Conventional & Alternative and Repairs

Mobile

Landscape/Maintenance

• Affordable Same Day Service • Dependable • Guaranteed • 12 Years Experience

Landscape/Maintenance

39

www.almeidaroofing.com Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC #215758

phillipsroofingaz.com phillipsroofing@cox.net

40

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JANUARY 20, 2021

Water Heater on it’s Last Leg?

New Water Softener • • • •

Limited Lifetime Warranty Adaptive Smart Control Professional Installation 120 lbs. of Salt Included Supplied & Installed Starting At:

$1,299*

50 GALLON ELECTRIC

SUPPLIED & INSTALLED STARTING AT:

50 GALLON NATURAL GAS

$997*

$997*

• American Made • 50 Gallon Capacity • Professional Install

• Disposal of Old Unit • 6 Years Parts Warranty • 1 Year Labor Warranty

Reverse Osmosis System

$550*

Interested in Tankless?

• Includes Color Matched Tap • Remineralizes Water • High Efficiency 1 to 1 membrane

No Problem. That’s Easy For Us! Starting at:

• • • •

$4796*

Enjoy Endless/Instant Hot Water Adjust Using WiFi Connectivity Increase Gas Savings Little to No Maintenance

Call or Text to Schedule an Appointment

AIR

CONDITIONING

•

ELECTRICAL

•

PLUMBING

•

WATER

TREATMENT