The Foothills Focus Cave Creek 03-01-2023

Student Chronicles

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Carefree council hears about automatic aid

BY JAMES LOTTS Foothills Focus Contributor

Jim Ford, Cave Creek Community Risk Reduction director, spoke at the Feb. 7 Carefree Town Council meeting about the regional automatic aid system.

The talk was ahead of a May 16 special election. Resolution 2022-18 calls for a special election in May to consider a primary property tax to enable the community to support the long-term financial commit-

ment to become part of automatic aid. If passed, the primary property tax will be implemented. The contract for automatic aid lasts for 25 years.

Under the system of regional automatic aid, which includes more than 25 departments, response to a request for assistance is not optional if a town is a member of the Regional Automatic Aid system. The closest firefighters in the area are dispatched to assist with emergencies regardless of jurisdiction.

Fire presentation celebrates recruits

BY COLE JANUSZEWSKI Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical Chief Brian Tobin and Cave Creek Community Risk Reduction Director Jim Ford updated the Cave Creek Town Council on their respective departments during the governing body’s Feb. 6 meeting.

Daisy Mountain met an important milestone on Dec. 7, when the town’s first fire recruits had their final evaluations.

“This was their last hoop that they had to jump through before they became full-time permanent members of the fire department,” Tobin said.

“All of us remember our final evaluations and all of us remember getting through it because it is a lot of stress, but I am

see CELEBRATES page 4

Under a system of mutual aid, one fire department calls neighboring fire departments to request assistance with local emergencies and the neighboring departments have the option of whether or not to send resources to assist if they are available. Rural Metro Fire Department, which Carefree has a contract with, uses this system.

Ford said the town of Cave Creek began see CAREFREE page 4

Benefit supports dementia care

Judy Bluhm talks about a “living legend”

Guests at the Hospice of the Valley fundraiser can bid on a trip to Triple Creek Ranch. See details, see page 19. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

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CELEBRATES from page 1

pleased to tell you that every single one of the members we hired passed with flying colors.”

The recruits were also the first ones to go through a new, fast-paced firefighter training program.

“We hired Rural Metro fire employees and put them through the (Phoenix Regional) Bridge Fire Academy,” he said. “It was a very intensive and fast-paced initial firefighter training program. We had put a lot into it because there is a lot at risk to make sure, in the end, we would produce a similar — if not better — result than we would after 14 to 16 weeks (of standard training).”

The Phoenix Regional Bridge Fire Academy provides an accredited training program that allows for partnering fire agencies within the Phoenix Regional Automatic Aid System to efficiently

CAREFREE from page 1

the process of transitioning to automatic aid when they received a letter from the city of Phoenix on behalf of the region after two large fires in May 2020, in which neighboring fire departments provided assistance to Cave Creek, stating that Cave Creek needed to upgrade their emergency services or they would not receive the same resources that helped with those fires.

“Once Cave Creek got that letter, they looked at it and said, ‘We need to do something,’” Ford said.

and effectively train incumbent-recruit (Arizona state certified firefighter I and II) firefighters to meet established automatic aid academy recruit firefighter standards.

He could not gauge the program’s success quite yet. However, Tobin is sure they’ll succeed.

“I can tell you that our response to that is we accomplished all of those goals and hired some really, really good people that will be with us for a long time,” he said. “We call that recruit class ‘Fast and Furious.’ That’s what they called themselves when they went through the training academy, and they have proven to be exceptional firefighters. So, we are pretty proud of that.”

Ford said his goal is to bump up the fire department’s rating within the next year.

“The grading scale works from a one to a 10 with 10 being no fire service and

dardized training. One of the main requirements to join the automatic aid system is that every truck is staffed with a full crew that includes a captain, driver and two firefighters, with two of the staff receiving training as medics.

According to Ford, Cave Creek residents are largely satisfied with their service since switching to automatic aid. He noted that response times have not fallen off even if their truck is already on a call because of the immediate dispatch from automatic aid.

one being the very best you can have,” he said. “Currently, Cave Creek is at a four, and I am working toward getting us to a three.”

With Cave Creek’s first full year of calendar information about their fire and medical incidents on the books, they will be able to better track and compare their progress moving forward to better serve the residents of Cave Creek.

Ford addressed the rise in car crashes in Cave Creek. EMS reported that makes up 74% of all incident types.

“(They are) happening everywhere, and it is usually a result of driver error,” Ford said. “The three things that most often impact (crashes) are impairment, speed and not paying attention. The biggest thing we have to do is keep people from hitting each other. Pay attention when you drive and don’t be distracted, that’s the biggest issue.”

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Cave Creek looked at its options and signed a contract with Daisy Mountain Fire District and began working on getting the necessary staff, equipment and training necessary to create a fire department and enter the automatic aid system. Ford said Cave Creek Fire Department went live on Jan. 3, 2022, and were approved on Jan. 7, 2022, to join the automatic aid system.

Ford laid out in detail what is required of places looking to enter the automatic aid system. Before entering the automatic aid system, towns must address the needs of their own emergency services, which includes paying for new equipment, staff and stan-

“The people that I talk to…are thrilled with the service levels they are getting,” Ford said. “I have not had any issues with anyone calling saying, ‘Why did we do this? There’s no change,’ because everybody has recognized the change and knows somebody that has benefited from that.”

The city of Scottsdale recently canceled the mutual aid agreement with Carefree because it felt it wasn’t receiving the same aid it was giving out from Rural Metro, leaving the town with less available assistance to respond to emergencies. After this news, the conversation about the process to join the automatic aid system began.

“There’s been a material change in

our fire service and that is we lost the Cave Creek station on the west side that used to come, we lost mutual aid with Scottsdale,” Carefree Councilmember Tony Geiger said. “We…have an obligation to present solutions.”

Ford said the risk in not being a part of the automatic aid system is not having the guarantee of additional assistance when it is needed. He noted departments might send help in life-saving situations if it is available but not for normal day-to-day operations under the mutual aid system.

“If the town of Carefree has a large issue and they’re under automatic aid, they’re going to get all the resources that’s available with the region to come,” Ford said. “If they’re under mutual aid, then it’s optional.”

Carefree Town Council was grateful that officials from Cave Creek came out to provide details about automatic aid.

“In my opinion, what it comes down to is for us all to be educated about what automatic aid will do for us and what mutual aid will do for us,” said Carefree Vice Mayor Cheryl Kroyer. “Then it’s up to the citizens of Carefree to decide what they’re willing to live with and what they’re not.”

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Local event highlights DaVinci robot

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Since Dr. Varun Chakravorty moved to Norterra Fireside, he’s longed to introduce his neighbors to Valley Surgical Clinics.

He’s doing so from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4 — with kids in mind. He’ll show off a robotic surgery simulator at Norterra Fireside Community Center Great Room.

“It’s going to be a cool event where there are a lot of young professionals with kids,” he said. “They’ll learn about the DaVinci robot while they’re having fun. They’ll have the opportunity to sit and try the robot itself. I was hoping to hold it previously, but then the pandemic hit. Now the stars have aligned.”

A Toronto native who moved to the Valley in 2018, Chakravorty operates at HonorHealth and Abrazo and performs a wide range of procedures including cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), appendectomy, hernia repairs, colon surgery and thyroid surgery. His group, Valley Surgical Clinics, is home to a number of surgeons performing bariatric, anti-reflux and breast surgery, as well.

“I hope that, through this event, everyone — not just kids — can see that surgeons are members of their own community, and a lot of these services are available to them right around the corner,” Chakravorty said.

“It’s a great way to meet and talk to surgeons, whether they have an interest

in a career in medicine or engineering, or they’re having a procedure.”

The event will feature snacks and soft drinks, activities for kids and goody bags. Children can earn “certificates” on robotic proficiency.

“I really love living in this community,” he said. “My girlfriend and I are expecting in April. I just really thought this would be something fun and educational that we could do not just for the kids, but adults or anyone who has any interest in it.”

Manufacturer Intuitive is bringing a traveling DaVinci robot to Norterra Fireside, and representatives will be available to chat with the public.

Chakravorty said minimally invasive surgeries are important considering the nation’s opioid epidemic.

“With minimally invasive surgeries, we’re significantly reducing the amount of medication after surgeries,” he said. “More surgeries are outpatient, rather than admitted. Seeing the techniques that go into it can give people more understanding. Surgeries are a big deal in people’s lives. I think it makes things a little more accessible.”

Valley Surgical Clinics is Chakravorty’s first employer, after graduating St. George’s Univeristy School of Medicine. He did his residency at St. Barnabas Medical Center.

“Medicine was something I’ve always been interested in,” he said. “My mom is a retired anesthesiologist. I think what inspired me is the relationships that doctors have with patients. There are very

few professions where someone will innately trust someone they’ve met for the first time. They trust you’re going to do what’s best for them.

“I take that responsibility very, very seriously. I love having that responsibility.”

Dr. Varun Chakravorty

show off a demonstration version of the DaVinci robot during a March 4 event

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Mesa AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Aspen Medical in Mesa AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until February 28th, 2023. Call (480) 274-3157 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers Y OU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274-3157 NOW!!

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

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Dorothy Crane is a living legend

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

Dorothy Crane has a purpose. A talent. And a God-given gift that she has graciously shared with sick children. Dorothy is having a birthday; she’ll soon celebrate her 100th.

A resident of Black Canyon City, she makes collage books out of construction paper, with cut-out pictures from magazines, creating uplifting and beautiful picture books. Her mission is to bring smiles and comfort to suffering children and every day she makes little works of art, punching holes, tying ribbon, arranging and pasting pictures, in a true labor of love.

Author H. Faizal who wrote “We Hunt the Flame,” claimed, “life without a purpose, is no life at all.” Pur-

pose is not restricted by age, health, wealth or circumstance. It is the inner drive to forge ahead, make a difference, know that our efforts matter, that our journey is richer when we have a goal.

My mother died at the age of 97. Her last few years were difficult as she moved out of the family home, into assisted living. As her health was failing, one of her missions at the nursing home was to improve the food by “teaching” the cooking staff how to cook.

At age 96, she revised her cookbook that she had written years before. She held cooking classes at the nursing home. The lesson? Keep going. The rewards (to yourself and others) are huge.

Dorothy is a role model for each of us. Her husband of 64 years passed away many years ago and to work

through her grief, she poured her heart into craft projects. The one project that dominated her time and became a core purpose, was the collage books. When 30 books are completed, Dorothy boxes them up and sends them to a children’s hospital on her list of 20.

So how many books has Dorothy made? A whopping 17,000 books have been lovingly created, sent and received! Every box that is sent brings hope, joy and encouragement to an ill child. What a legacy!

Boxes of collage books are sent to numerous hospitals in five states. How is this possible? Neighbors and friends in Black Canyon City take magazines, paper, glue and other supplies to Dorothy Crane. Often these helpful folks take the boxes to the post office and pay for the postage. One lady inspires a whole town to spring to action. And we are all better because of it!

A couple of the hospitals who receive these books in Arizona are John C. Lincoln and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Today a child is in

a hospital room, perhaps frightened and in need of comfort. And today, a sick child will receive a happy, handmade book of pictures of kittens, doggies, rabbits, unicorns, sunsets and princesses... And many more images that are joyful reminders of a wonderful world.

How do we spread hope and love?

If you are Dorothy Crane, one book at a time. And 100 years of living and giving is a milestone to emulate and celebrate. Thank you, Dorothy!

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

How to get a letter published

E-mail: christina@timeslocalmedia.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.

Feds’ alphabet soup becomes gruel in Ohio

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

For the better part of four generations, Americans have grown into adulthood seemingly afloat upon an ocean of acronyms.

That’s especially true when it comes to our federal government.

News from Washington is filled with letters denoting governmental entities — DOJ, FBI, CIA… CDC, OMB — and the one agency that expects to hear directly from you every April 15 — the IRS.

What most of us find especially taxing is the explosion of acronyms that corresponds with the exponential growth of government.

Bill Clinton may have said “the Era of Big Government is over” in early 1995, but 9-11, the Age of Obama and the “Pandemic Panic” ensured that poll-tested phrase would end up in

history’s wastebasket.

More resilient and reliable is the humor of the late Ronald Reagan. Our 40th President, speaking at a 1986 press conference, famously quipped, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’”

Sure enough, there’s one federal agency that is supposed to answer urgent calls for assistance requiring the resources of the Feds.

It answers to the acronym FEMA — the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As the name implies, it is supposed to assist states, cities, towns and wherever afflicted Americans can be found in times of peril.

But like the Reagan observation of almost 40 years ago, a recent national emergency did not result in an urgent response from Uncle Sam — and unlike the Gipper’s anecdote, there’s nothing funny about it.

On the first Friday night in February, a Norfolk Southern train pulling close to 150 freight cars derailed in East Palestine, Ohio.

Twenty of those cars were carrying hazardous materials, and five of them were filled with vinyl chloride. That’s the chemical compound associated

with increased risk for liver cancer, and other forms of that disease, according to another federally funded entity, the National Cancer Institute — also known by its acronym, NCI.

Given the dangers, you would think that an SOS would emanate from that eastern Ohio town, and also from affected Pennsylvanians, who live just across the nearby state line.

In fact, that distress call did go out — but for some reason, the bureaucrats on the banks of the Potomac weren’t especially keen on offering a quick response.

Instead, those “acronym bearing swamp dwellers” embraced an anachronism — the old advertising slogan of a bygone era: “Long Distance is the next best thing to being there.”

So with Official Washington content to “phone it in,” state and local offi-

see HAYWORTH page 11

cials, along with railroad representatives, worked over that first February weekend to contain a catastrophe that soon grew even more catastrophic.

Officials on the ground observed a “drastic temperature change” in one of the rail cars carrying vinyl chloride, and that prompted a drastic decision.

Fearing a massive explosion that could scatter shrapnel over a milewide area, authorities opted to evacuate East Palestine on Sunday evening, then initiate a “controlled release” of the toxic chemical the following day.

When that “vent and burn” began in the late afternoon of Monday, Feb. 6, a mushroom cloud soon took shape, prompting one official to comment that the small town had been “nuked.”

Certainly it made the situation even more politically “radioactive” for elected officials, but it was much worse for residents who were eventually allowed — and encouraged — to return to their homes.

They found pets and livestock sick and dying… And the water in nearby creeks shimmering with an ominous rainbow hue.

Even the air that they breathed concerned the townspeople, as officials explained that the evacuation was required since more than vinyl chloride was released.

LEIBOWITZ from Page 10

termine which gun fired the deadly shot. Thus far, it appears the prosecutor’s case is based mostly on the testimony of Kelly’s two other alleged victims.

Unimpressed, the defense says, “It is entirely possible that the person found on Mr. Kelly’s property was a victim of other drug traffickers.”

Predictably, Kelly’s case has spawned massive international media coverage. He remains in jail on $1 million bond, the subject of death threats and on 23-hour lockdown.

Multiple GoFundMes have been started to pay for his defense — and been shut down because the case is

Phosgene and hydrogen chloride fumes also escaped.

Phosgene was used as a chemical weapon in World War I, a highly toxic gas that causes vomiting and breathing difficulties… And some area residents began suffering from those symptoms long after authorities had given the “all clear.”

Still unclear is Washington’s lack of motivation to provide a “muscular response.”

Is it because East Palestine, Ohio is not “diverse” enough?

Recall that Vice President Harris initially suggested that post-Hurricane Ian aid to Florida be based on “equity, and understanding that not everyone starts out at the same place… Sometimes we have to take into account those disparities.”

Or could it be the disparity between the 2020 vote totals in East Palestine?

The Trump/Pence ticket received 906 more votes than Biden/Harris… A margin far greater than the 641 ballots cast in favor of Joe and Kamala.

What casts a political shadow on all of this is the fact that FEMA finally decided to show up in East Palestine… As soon as Donald Trump announced that he would personally visit on Feb. 22.

Which proves that the acronym giving Joe Biden a “sinking feeling” is spelled “GOP.”

so controversial.

On the political right, Kelly has become a hero, his case a cautionary tale of the evil left. As one conservative blogger spins it: “How is it that Mr. Kelly finds himself in this position? It is because of the lawlessness of the progressive socialist left, the Biden administration, to enact an unconstitutional open borders policy.”

I believe two things about this case with all my heart.

One, Kelly is innocent until proven guilty. And two, nothing at the border has changed in 20 years, no matter the president, no matter the political promises, no matter the lengthy list of the dead.

Foothills opens new location in Anthem

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy has opened its 29th location, this time in Anthem, offering free rapid pain assessments to anyone concerned with an injury.

Located near Anthem Way and Gavilan Peak Parkway, the full-service PT clinic focuses on its patients’ needs and full recovery by restoring movement, improving function, and helping those recovering from chronic pain, surgery or an accident.

“We design each rehabilitation program custom to each patient or athlete we treat,” said Kevin Truitt, clinic director and physical therapist.

“We will assess how they move to identify the injury site and the source of any pain or weakness. Addressing the underlying cause is essential for healing any injury, preventing recurrence and getting our patients back to feeling their best.”

During the last 23 years, Foothills Sports Medicine Physical Therapy has helped more than 500,000 patients recover from injury.

Foothills has 29 clinics throughout the Valley and surrounding cities.

“Whether recovering from an injury, impacted by physical limitation, dealing with chronic pain or being in a car accident, we understand the

stress and urgency of returning to your daily routine,” Truitt said.

Hailing from Tucson, Truitt started his PT career in outpatient orthopedics

Kevin Truitt, clinic director and physical therapist,

Lennar’s rental homes set sales record

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

As Gen Z deals with significant pandemic-level rental rates, Arizona families have found Next Gen homes an alternative, leading to Lennar’s largest sales jump.

The 5-year-old company sees the Next Gen models accounting for 20% to 25% of all business.

For the first time, last summer, these numbers hit 30% to 35%, with some communities greater than 35% of all homes sold. Due to this increase, Lennar is growing the number of Next Gen homes in its communities from 20% to 25% to 30% to 40% of total homes. Most communities are seeing this shift, such as Lennar’s Mystic, Copperleaf, Warner Ranch and Asante neighborhoods.

Consumers are purchasing Next Gen homes as a space for adult children returning to the nest or if they are unable to afford a home on their own.

For many, the decision to buy this “home within a home” is more of an economic decision.

“We have never seen Next Gen home sales in the 35% range,” said Alan Jones, Lennar division president. “It’s changing the way we are doing business and developing our new communities.”

Lennar’s statistics fall right in line with national figures.

A 2022 study found that nearly half of all young adults are living at home in the United States — a historical high not seen since the Great Depression, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Analysts estimate that about 48% of young adults, between the ages of 18 and 29, are living with parents in 2022, due to factors like high rental rates.

The National Association of Realtors also found in its 2022 generational trends report that Gen Z

makes up only about 2% of the buying market right now, while a 2021 realtor.com survey found 72% of Gen Zers indicated they would like to buy a house in the future.

“As pricing and interest rates increase, we have seen more families combining resources to purchase a Next Gen home,” said Matt Wolf, vice president Lennar Mortgage.

“It helps with qualifying and monthly expenses based on combining incomes, property tax bills and insurance costs. We see many families with boomerang kids or aging parents strongly considering the Next Gen to solve their housing needs.”

Elan McMonigal’s family is one of those statistics.

They purchased a Next Gen as their daughter is a teacher and couldn’t qualify to buy on her own.

“The Next Gen still allows our separate privacy, while helping our kids save money to make a better living,” McMonigal said. “We are so grateful the Next Gen exists for parents who want to help their kids move into home ownership.”

Lennar pioneered the Next Gen model in Phoenix in 2011.

The Next Gen offers a private suite providing all the essentials multigenerational families need to work, learn, live and have a sense of independence.

In addition to living space for adult children, families use the Next Gen suites as home offices, classrooms and separate businesses.

The reasons consumers purchase a Next Gen change with the economy. Through the years, Lennar has seen it become more of a lifestyle purchase and then with the pandemic, more of a necessity.

Today the main reason is an eco -

LOCATION from Page 12

and spent five years as the team physical therapist for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Since 2017, he has been with Foothills focusing on orthopedic postop rehab and musculoskeletal pain. Truitt takes a special interest in evaluating and rehabilitating professional, amateur and overhead youth athletes. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with the National Strength and Conditioning Association and has a certification in dry needling.

LENNAR’S from Page 13

nomic one, as adult children are paying off college debt or saving money for their own home.

It’s an arrangement that’s financially feasible for adult children, while beneficial for parents.

“The Next Gen concept has expanded for us nationwide because of its

The clinic specializes in physical therapy; pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation; acute injury management; chronic injury management; sports physical therapy; strength and conditioning; general orthopedics; pediatric and geriatric physical therapy and rapid-recovery free injury assessments.

Foothills Anthem 3655 W. Anthem Way, Suite A129, Anthem 480-847-7050 foothillsrehab.com

ability to be self-evolving and fit so many needs,” Jones added. “Whether it’s due to constraints in the economy, a need for a home office, kids returning home or aging parents, consumers see the Next Gen model as a responsible way to manage most living conditions or economics.”

Lennar expects to see the trend last at least through 2023.

Kevin Truitt’s clinic in Anthem specializes in physical therapy; pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation; acute injury management; chronic injury management; sports physical therapy; strength and conditioning; general orthopedics; pediatric and geriatric physical therapy and rapid-recovery free injury assessments. (Foothills Anthem/Submitted)

When something supernatural happens

Ed Delph

Last spring, something happened to me that propelled me to a higher way of living. The incident created a highway to a higher way. Interested?

I was ministering at Destiny Center International in Phoenix. After the church service, one of the church leaders walked up to me. He looked me directly in the eyes and asked me a question loudly: “What do you need?”

Having recalled the day before when I was made aware by several board members of our ministry that our website wasn’t very inspiring, I blurted out, “I need a new website!” The leader gazed at me and said, “I’ll give you $3,000 for the new website because you said you need it. God supplies our needs, not our wants. Now, get started on the website.” I found Nemo! Knowing the higher way is more valuable than the $3,000.

Did you know there is a sure way to know when something good, even supernatural, is about to happen? Read on.

The highway to a higher way I’m addressing today is about asking God for certain things to happen or not happen. Everyone, whether a Christian or a non-Christian, has asked God for something at one point in their life. “God, please let my team win.” “God, let my political candidate win.” “God, help me pass my exam.” One thing is for sure, if there are final exams, there will be prayer.

How about this plea asking, “God, please give me the promotion, new house, or the new car.” Or other more serious prayers, George Bailey prayers

like, “Lord, please don’t let me die. I want to live.” In tough times, God’s cell phone gets busy with texts and calls. Nothing improves our prayer life like a crisis.

There’s nothing wrong with asking God to answer a prayer. God’s word encourages us to ask God to meet our needs, not our greed.

Jesus said, “Don’t bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn’t a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we’re in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? Do you scare him with a live snake on his plate if he asks for fish? As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of such a thing. You’re at least decent to your own children. So, don’t you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?” Matthew 7:7-11.

So, asking God is okay. But did you know there is something better than asking God for something? It’s when Jesus asks us for something. Then something supernatural happens.

My friend, Wilson Ng, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, sums this idea up this way. “As you traverse through the Gospels, you will find that whenever Jesus asks for us to do something, something supernatural takes place. Something important happens, and something divine is unleashed.”

Think of the times in the Scriptures when Jesus asked people for something, and they provided what he asked. After speaking to 5,000 people, the people became hungry. Jesus asked if anyone had some food in the audience. Someone gave him a few fish and a few loaves of bread. Jesus multiplied the fish and loaves to feed the 5,000 and then, on another occasion, to feed 4,000. That’s supernatural. After listening to Jesus, they received

a fish and chips dinner. On another occasion, Jesus attended a wedding in Cana. The hosts were running out of wine. When Jesus asked for earthen vessels filled with water, he turned water into wine. Something supernatural happened because someone provided for what Jesus asked.

On another occasion, Jesus asked his disciples to ask the owner of a donkey and the donkey’s colt if Jesus could borrow the pair of donkeys to ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. We still celebrate the results of Jesus’ triumphal entrance into Jerusalem.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, purity came with him. He cleansed the temple of moneychangers. After the moneychangers dispersed, God’s house became a house of prayer. After purity and prayer, the power came as Jesus healed the blind and the lame. And, after purity, prayer and power came, the children began to praise God, saying, “Hosanna” (God save us). Purity, prayer, power and praise — that’s supernatural. Why did this happen? Rather than asking Jesus for something, someone responded when Jesus asked for something.

Here’s your takeaway to a higher way. It’s one thing to ask God for something. That’s good. It’s another thing when God asks you to do something. That’s great. Why? Because something supernatural and God-sized happens.

Remember the opening of this article with the church leader? Like Jesus, he asked me a question. I provided what he asked. Then, something supernatural happened.

How will you know God asked you to do something? Here’s what Scripture says, “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true,

noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious — the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:8-9.

Above all, listen for Jesus knocking at the door of your mind and heart, asking if he can come in, then open the door and let him in, and something supernatural happens. You start harmonizing with God. Revelation 3:20.

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.

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Foothills Focus Columnist

Walk 4 Water helps families in need

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Water 4 Kids International will host its signature Walk

4 Water fundraiser on Sunday, March 5, in partnership with Hope Church and Elevate Coffee Co.

Water 4 Kids International is a division of Hope 4 Kids International, a nonprofit working to provide clean water to children and families who are suffering through extreme poverty and disease.

Proceeds raised by Walk 4 Water Norterra will fund a safe water borehole in the remote village of Bilton Forest, Uganda. The well will be drilled next to Bilton Forest High School, where schooling is interrupted each day by the student’s twomile trek to retrieve drinking water from a marsh.

A complimentary lunch will be provided by Butcher Block Catering and will include live music and a gift basket raffle at Elevate Coffee Co. 2530 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 1273, Phoenix, prior to the walk at 11:30 a.m.

Walk 4 Water Norterra will begin at 1 p.m., where participants will walk a 2-mile trail — the same distance Bilton Forest High School students must walk for water every day.

Walk 4 Water participants can

walk this course as individuals or as a team and are encouraged to post their progress on social media and share the impact with friends and family using the hashtag #W4WNORTERRA.

“Together we can empower the students and families, along with neighboring villages, to transform their lives through the life-saving gift of clean, safe water,” said Angie Simon, Hope 4 Kids International vice president of international development.

Clean water is one of the best ways to prevent diseases in remote villages in which a minor ailment could be fatal, Simon said. In addition to drilling deep water wells, Hope 4 Kids International provides these communities with hygiene and sanitation education, as well as operation and maintenance training. When properly installed, these wells can last between 30 and 50 years with little to no maintenance.

Walk 4 Water fundraising supports the nonprofit’s international efforts to provide clean drinking water and deliver long-term solutions.

Walk 4 Water Norterra’s fundraising goal is $12,500. Registration is $25 for adults and $15 for youth under 13. To register for or donate to Walk for Water Norterra, visit: http:// w4ki.org/w4wnorterra.

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Fundraiser supports dementia care in the Valley

BY LIN SUE FLOOD Director of Community Engagement Hospice of the Valley

Enjoy a beautiful evening out while supporting a wonderful cause at Hospice of the Valley’s signature fundraiser: aaha! art. food. wine. In 45 years, no one in need of care has been turned away by the not-for-profit agency, and that is largely due to community generosity.

“We are grateful to local businesses and individuals whose donations make this event so unique and special,” said Debbie Shumway, executive director of Hospice of the Valley.

“This year, we are focusing on families who are caring for a loved one with dementia, raising funds for programs that we provide at no charge in the community and at our new Dementia Care and Education Campus.”

Tickets are available for the March 11 gala at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn. Guests can bid on fine art, unique wines, dining experiences, dreamy getaways and exciting trips, including a luxury excursion to Spain. The benefit event features spectacular silent and live auctions, raffle prizes (including diamond earrings and a Ralph Lauren suede crossbody bag), an elegant dinner and lively dancing to The Hamp -

tons.

Here’s a peek at this year’s fabulous live auction items:

• Explore the charm of Madrid and Seville in a six-night stay that includes luxury boutique hotels, gourmet meals, tours and day trips, shopping, cooking classes and flamenco dancing at a tapas and dinner show.

• Food and wine lovers will savor an evening with one of the Valley’s most wellknown and beloved chefs. Mark Tarbell is cooking up something special for an intimate group of friends, pairing ex-

Art lovers will adore a brilliant-white enamelwork horse sculpture by Arizona artist Carl Dahl. The piece, “Justified,” stands proud and regal, a study in elegant simplicity. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

quisite cuisine with exceptional wines.

• A private jet transports you to exclusive Triple Creek Ranch, high in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, for a three-night stay. The tranquil escape includes horseback riding, mountain bike riding, fly fishing, archery, sapphire panning and guided yoga.

Delight in nature’s beauty with artist Scott Christensen’s stunning painting, “Seasonal Golds in Jackson.” (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

Artist Elaine G. Coffee’s “The Mysteries of Art” is a sophisticated glimpse into everyday life that captures people enjoying a leisurely afternoon, immersed in the masterpieces at The Met. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

At the Hospice of the Valley, the auction features a dinner with Mark Tarbell. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted) Castle Hot Springs is a luxury and wellness retreat in Arizona. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

FUNDRAISER From Page 18

• Hop on a Bell 429 helicopter and land

outside your sky-view cabin at Castle Hot Springs, Arizona’s famous luxury and wellness retreat. Unplug from the

world, relax in the hot spring’s magical powers and try fun activities like a farm tour, garden workshop, horseback

riding, wine tastings and mixology classes.

• Art lovers will adore a brilliant-white enamelwork horse sculpture by Arizona artist Carl Dahl. The piece, “Justified,” stands proud and regal, a study in elegant simplicity.

• Artist Elaine G. Coffee’s “The Mysteries of Art” is a sophisticated glimpse into everyday life that captures people enjoying a leisurely afternoon, immersed in the masterpieces at The Met.

• Delight in nature’s beauty with artist Scott Christensen’s stunning painting, “Seasonal Golds in Jackson.” The colorful landscape beckons the nature lover in all of us.

aaha! art. food. wine.

WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, March 11

WHERE: JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa, 5402 E. Lincoln Drive, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $300

The aaha! art. food. wine. event will offer an auction, featuring a six-night trip to Madrid and Seville that includes luxury boutique hotels, gourmet meals, tours and day trips, shopping, cooking classes and flamenco dancing at a tapas and dinner show. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

INFO: hov.org, hbrogan@hov.org or 602-636-5314

Guests at the Hospice of the Valley fundraiser can bid on a trip to Triple Creek Ranch. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

Cave Creek artist to showcase ikebana

BY SUE KERN-FLEISCHER Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

An ancient Japanese art is making a comeback in a busy, noisy world, bringing peace, harmony and joy to all those who experience it.

Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging, expresses emotion with branches, blossoms and leaves while emphasizing line, mass and space.

For Cecilia “CC” Klevan, of Cave Creek, ikebana has been bringing her joy for 24 years, and it has become even more important to her since she suffered a stroke seven years ago.

Klevan is one of 25 artists exhibiting at the Floral Inspiration show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 11, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 12, at Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane in Paradise Valley.

The fifth annual event will feature over 50 floral arrangements by 25 local ikebana artists, a “Meet the Artist” tea reception, ikebana demonstrations, live music, a floral photography exhibit and architecture tours of the Taliesin-designed church.

“I need the calm, and working with such beautiful flowers brings me peace,” Klevan said recently at a class being taught by Carol Brecker, a certified first degree Jonin Somo teacher with the Sogetsu School in Tokyo. Brecker is also chairperson for the AZ Sonoran Desert Sogetsu Study Group

Ikebana was introduced to Japan in the sixth century by Chinese Buddhist missionaries who formalized the ritual of offering flowers to the Buddha. Today, there are more than 3,000 different schools of ikebana. Guests to Floral Inspiration will have the chance to experience both old and new ikebana art forms.

“Sogetsu is modern and emphasizes self-expression, which appeals to my creative side,” Klevan said, adding that she has been taking classes with Brecker for five years. “We don’t always know what materials we’ll be using

and how the fresh materials will behave, so each class is a fun challenge.”

While the stroke caused some limitations she only has use of one arm she is very determined and resourceful, and her husband, Lenny, steps in to help if she wants to arrange branches a certain way.

The theme of this year’s Floral Inspiration is Beauty in Meditative Ikebana. The event will also feature fine art photographer, Larry Brecker, who will exhibit beautiful floral and ikebana art photography.

Floral Inspiration

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 11, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 12

WHERE: Ascension Lutheran Church, 7100 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley COST: Free

INFO: breckerarts.com, alcpv.org.

From left, Cecilia “CC” Klevan of Cave Creek and Carol Brecker, instructor, critique an ikebana arrangement. (Larry Brecker/Contributor)

Cecilia “CC” Klevan of Cave Creek shows her ikebana created with unconventional materials. (Larry Brecker/Contributor)

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Emily Knape of Cave Creek and Cheyenne Kuczi of Phoenix were named to the dean’s list at Rochester Institute of Technology for the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. Full-time degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for dean’s list if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any

grades of “incomplete,” “D” or “F;” and they have registered for, and completed, at least 12 credit hours. Knape is in the media arts and technology program, while Kuczi is studying photography and imaging arts.

Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,700 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the United States.

Info: rit.edu

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