The Foothills Focus - Zone 1 - 03.03.2021 by Times Media Group

Cave Creek Museum will remain in its location

BY SARAH DONAHUE

Foothills Focus Staff Writer

The Cave Creek Museum Board of Directors voted against moving the facility to a more visible, commercial area outside of the town limits after volunteers, members and nearby residents voiced major opposition.

“Ultimately, this museum belongs to the people who are members of it and the volunteers who put blood, sweat and tears

Wheels in motion for Anthem skatepark plan

BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

TAnthem community recently got a taste for what may be in store with the completion of the skatepark renovation and expansion project.

A preliminary design of the expanded and renovated skatepark was presented to the community during an Anthem Community Council Board of Directors open Zoom

into everything that goes on out there,” said board president Vince D’Aliesio to the board members before the vote.

“It’s important that we set a precedent here that we are behind what our membership wants. If that’s the will of our membership, then that’s the way it should be.”

The motion to keep the Cave Creek Museum in its current location passed 5-1, with board members Christine Williams, Tom Cross, Reg Monachino, Bill Oelman voting

“yes,” and Frank Tyrol voting “no.”

There was a slight division before the vote. Some board members voiced a desire to amend and broaden the motion to keep the museum in town, but not necessarily in its location to provide flexibility in case an opportunity presented itself in Cave Creek. However, D’Aliesio stated the agenda had been released before the meeting and changes should have been suggested prior to it. It passed the way it was originally

MUSEUM page 4

Celebrating Chinese New Year

Emma Decker, left, and Quinn Swanson, took part in Horseshoe Trails Elementary School’s Chinese New Year parade. For more coverage, see the photo page. (Photo courtesy of the Cave Creek Uniﬁed School District)

the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills, Cave Creek, Carefree, Norterra, Sonoran Foothills, Stetson Valley, Tramonto, New River, Desert Ridge and North Phoenix

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MUSEUM from page 1

written.

In an interview with The Foothills Focus, D’Aliesio said why he was steadfast on keeping the agenda item as it was written.

“I was pretty adamant based on my meeting with the ‘dream team’ and the response that I got that it was important for people to keep the museum in that spot. And I wasn’t going to bend on that.”

The museum’s “dream team” volunteers held a three-hour meeting with D’Aliesio and Susanne D. Johnson, the museum’s interim executive director, to collaborate on ideas to get more support for the museum, D’Aliesio said.

“One of the things that they were very adamant about was working to keep the museum in its current location,” he explained.

The museum has been in the little adobe building at the base of Black Mountain since its inception in 1970.

For decades, the museum’s “dream team” group of volunteers has put in countless hours to create outdoor exhibits like the Stamp Mill, also maintaining and serving as historians for the exhibits.

“The outside exhibits are so strongly embedded at that current location,” he said. D’Aliesio said moving these exhibits would “damage a lot of what our dream team has put into making the exhibits what they are now.

“The dream team is the rock of that museum,” he said.

Paul Diefenderfer, a long-time “dream team” member, initially stated he would not volunteer at the museum until the board committed to making its current location work.

He decided this after reading the Cave Creek Museum’s newsletter that announced the potential relocation. Susanne D. Johnson emailed the newsletter to members on Feb. 4.

“I (was) cautiously optimistic that they would do the right thing,” he said, however, he had already accepted whatever fate would be presented.

Now that the board has eliminated a potential relocation, Diefenderfer said,

“I’m a happy camper.”

“I’m ready and raring to get back in there and work on stuff.”

The dream team is working on building a mining tunnel as well as restoring a crab winch, which will be an interactive exhibit where guests can lift a 500-pound bucket of rocks by cranking a handle, he said.

The board’s vote shows it understands the community’s love for the museum and the “outrage” over the idea of potentially moving it, Diefenderfer said.

He described it from the board’s perspective, saying “we’ve awakened a sleeping giant.”

While this wasn’t the best way to bring attention to the museum, it does help people realize that it could be gone and it’s important to support it, he added.

“You can’t change the past, but you can certainly learn from it,” he said. “They’ve learned that people have a strong attachment to the museum.”

“Now they can really put 100% of their focus on making this a fantastic little Cave Creek Museum. It’s such a great little location. Part of the charm is that it’s tucked away. People need to be happy with what they have and not always think that they’ve got to have something bigger and better. And I think that’s what the Cave Creek Museum is — it’s a perfectly perfect little museum.”

Evelyn Johnson, the museum’s former executive director, said she was “so very pleased” with the board’s vote.

When the vote was taken, she said the relief in the room was “almost palpable.”

Volunteers, members and the entire organization now have the stability they need to keep the museum going, she said.

This means the museum’s leadership can start focusing on things like looking for a permanent executive director, she said.

Former board member and board president, Jo Ann Stuckey, will conduct the search for a permanent executive director along with Darlene Southern, Monachino and Tyrol.

Evelyn Johnson is doing the search

for the new board of directors along with Monachino and Cross. Oelman and Tyrol will be replaced as they’ve reached the end of their term. The museum hasn’t had a permanent executive director since October.

Once the new board of directors is chosen, the members will decide who takes the positions of recording secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer, vice president and president.

During the board meeting, there was a motion to replace vice president Bill Kosanke, who left the board a few weeks ago. Per the museum’s bylaws, D’Aliesio made a motion to appoint treasurer Oelman as interim vice president and move board secretary Monachino to the role of treasurer.

However, this was tabled as the next election is rapidly approaching in the next couple of months.

Finding a stable board of directors and a permanent executive director is “critical” for the health of the organization, she said.

It’s a “relief” to see the board move forward, she said. Part of the reason it’s taking longer than normal to get things moving is likely because “there’s not a lot of experience on the board.”

Evelyn Johnson said she is excited to be part of the search “because I would like to see the museum have a board of directors that is functioning.”

With her 23 years of institutional history with the museum, she said “I bring some expertise to the table that very few people have.”

The process isn’t always going to be easy, but “I see it as a privilege.”

Now that the board is committed to staying in town, it’s really important for the community to come together and support it in every way possible, she said.

“It’s all very positive,” Evelyn Johnson said about the vote. “We just want to keep that positive energy going.”

The board also approved a deed of gift from the town of Cave Creek, which will be a smooth, natural footpath leading to the museum and the surrounding desert.

—Staff writer Sarah Donahue can be reached at sdonahue@timespublications.com

meeting on Feb. 24.

MayDall Construction & Pillar Design Studios is the build and design team for the skatepark project. The board approved this during a meeting on Oct. 28 and signed contracts with the team in early December.

The expansion’s preliminary design included potential new elements like a street skating plaza and pump track, where beginners can learn how to gain control and experts can gain intense speed.

Pump tracks are “very popular and will last a very long time,” said Anthem project manager Dawn Dworak while presenting to the board.

Anthem Skatepark is more than 20 years old, and it’s getting a fresh look.

Dworak mentioned this saying “Now, we know that our existing skatepark needs some attention.”

Riders have voiced their distaste for the dead-end lines in the skatepark, which occur in courses that don’t have enough flow for riders to keep momentum, Dworak explained.

The preliminary design addressed this, with potential improvements like a new bank, quarter pipe and vert wall.

Skaters could also soon be shredding on a newly renovated bowl with pool coping, which was included in the preliminary design.

At the beginning of her presentation, Dworak presented the results from the community e-survey created on SurveyMonkey by the construction and design team.

The e-survey gave local skaters the chance to offer direction on what they’d like to see added as well as improved. It was open from Dec. 14 to Jan. 1 and received 280 responses from mostly intermediate-level teenage skaters as well as parents, she said.

Respondents answered a few questions about what they like and dislike about the existing skatepark as well as what new elements they’d like to see incorporated within the expansion, Dworak said.

Many BMX bikers responded, saying they’d like to be allowed in the skatepark. “Our intention is to make any design

going forward an all-wheel complex to accommodate those riders,” she said.

There are plans to remove the turnstiles that still deter and prevent them from entering, Dworak said.

She however added “reality is they just throw them over the fence and then park patrol comes and kicks them out because bikes are not allowed.”

Another major theme Dworak said from the survey results was a major distaste for the rocks that are kicked into the skatepark, a potentially deadly kryptonite for even the most experienced skater.

She explained where the rocks are coming from, saying “decomposed granite ribbon that currently goes around the state park within the fence line just gets kind of kicked up onto the surface and it becomes a hazard.”

“You fly off your board.”

The design will address that and provide skaters with a little extra peace of mind by pouring concrete right over “just to make it a smooth transition,” she said.

The e-survey also showed the expansion area, which includes an open piece of ground on the south end and potentially, the hockey rink, Dworak said.

Respondents also voiced the skatepark is in need of street spots, which could be addressed by repurposing the hockey rink into a street skating plaza, she said.

The preliminary design for the potential street plaza includes features like stairs with “plenty of clearance to jump down” as well as a rails, boxes and ledges, she said.

“This is a perfect area to put in the street plaza elements,” she said about the hockey rink.

However, two-year Anthem resident Ty Howard said in his public comment he is a regular user of the hockey rink, saying Anthem’s amenities were one of the “major deciding factors” as to why he chose to live in Anthem.

The community center and pool are “incredible,” however, what really resonated with Howard was the hockey rink, he said.

“There’s no question” that the skatepark is often crowded and should be expanded, but “what I implore you to consider is the valuable asset that the roller hockey range is.”

He said he and his wife love Friday and

Saturday nights at the hockey rink.

Overall, if the board chose to discard and incorporate this area within the skatepark’s expansion, “It would be not just a mistake, but there’s a lot of residents in this town with support of keeping it.”

He said he gathered 101 signatures on a social media post, which he said represents 43 households that support the rink staying as it is.

“There’s plenty of room to expand it without taking the roller rink away from us users that are there regularly,” he said. “I can’t emphasize enough what a mistake I think it would be to incorporate that into the skatepark expansion.”

If the board decided to implement the skate plaza on the hockey rink as well as the pump track, the two areas have a total value of around $700,000, Dworak said.

That, combined with the cost of renovations to the existing skatepark, acquiring permits as well as infrastructure improvements, brings the total to around $1.2 million, she said.

She however added those numbers are from a preliminary design with preliminary corresponding numbers.

This project is the fourth and final element of Anthem’s Facilities Master Plan.

The board voted in 2016 to implement additional amenities like its dog park and pickleball courts, which were both completed in 2019. Another element was a remodel of the Anthem Community Center, which was completed in 2018.

All of these projects are paid for with Anthem’s enhancement fund. Every time an Anthem resident sells property, a quarter of 1% of its sale price is added into this fund.

The item was for discussion only, no action was taken.

Once the board has chosen a final design, they will present it for community input at the March 24 meeting.

A final decision will be made on April 4 with all of the solidified costs for the design.

—Staff writer Sarah Donahue can be reached at sdonahue@timespublications.com

Cave Creek Museum, Carefree honor Gerry Jones

BY SARAH DONAHUE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Carefree is known for its creative architecture and the dazzling houses nestled within the Sonoran Desert’s rugged landscapes.

Gerry Jones was part of the town’s inception and watched it grow as he designed hundreds of Carefree’s mountainside luxury homes and by doing so, left a long-lasting impression on the town.

“He’s the last remaining pioneer of the town of Carefree,” said Vince D’Aliesio, Carefree town council member and president of the Cave Creek Museum Board of Directors.

“He is Carefree — and he’s never properly been recognized for his contribution.”

This is why the Cave Creek Museum and the town of Carefree are honoring Jones’ legacy with a ceremony and commemorative plaque installation at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 6, at the Carefree Sundial

in Carefree Desert Gardens.

Jones and his wife, Leslie, will speak at the celebration. The plaque and the tribute monument — a large boulder from Jones’ property at the top of Black Mountain — will be dedicated to Jones at the event.

The dedication ceremony is open to the public and attendees are encouraged to “mask up” and practice social distancing, according to the Cave Creek Museum’s event information.

Those who wish to be part of the event from home can also tune in virtually.

Jones wrote his own tribute inscription on the plaque, which also has the Cave Creek Museum’s logo on it, D’Aliesio said. The plaque will be installed on the boulder and “unveiled” at the celebratory event, he added.

The commemorative plaque was commissioned by the Cave Creek Museum and was made by Howard Bertram of Bertram Signs & Graphics.

Jones and the town of Carefree worked

together to determine what the tribute monument would be, in which he ultimately selected the large boulder from his own property.

It took a great effort to move the giant rock from Jones’ residence to the town-donated piece of land next to the Sundial.

Tom Nichols Excavating provided the crane and Charles Nichols picked up the boulder and placed it at its location and Jones paid for it all at his own expense, D’Aliesio said.

Jones was at the scene telling the crane operator exactly how he wanted the boulder to be placed, which took “well over an hour to get it to his specifications in the way he wanted it,” D’Aliesio said.

D’Aliesio referred to Jones as an obvious “icon” in the community as he built so many homes in the area.

over during the home tour. His home was along with five others that were part of the tour fundraising event where people could get an understanding of the history of the property.

When he approached Jones with the tribute idea, Jones and his wife Leslie invited D’Aliesio and his family to his home on the north slope of Black Mountain, “which was intimidating,” he said.

“It was a long drive, and we get up there and we sit in his living room overlooking all of the desert foothills on the north side of our two communities,” he said.

Jones house is filled with books and upon walking outside, one will find a trail through the desert. Jones calls it “Philosopher’s Trail.”

“He’s just a very zen guy,” D’Aliesio said. Jones is a lover of all the arts, including martial arts from his time serving in the U.S. military during the Korean War.

“He left home when he was 13 years old, I mean, this is a guy who’s done everything for more than two lifetimes, and to sit with him,” D’Aliesio said.

Jones’ career spans over 65 years in the Valley. Jones played an integral role in Carefree’s development, which was originally a 2,200-acre planned community established by Tom Darlington and K.T. Palmer between 1957 and 1959.

Jones laid out the town’s roads and lots, and later went on to design and build an extensive amount of Carefree’s finest homes.

The concept Jones developed for landfit architecture became the foundation for the town’s architectural guidelines. This concept was outlined in his report called “Must We Destroy in Order to Build?”

Jones was devoted to preserving the Sonoran Desert landscapes, respecting the environment with the contours of his designs. This led him to become an instructor at the Frank Lloyd Wright’s School of Architecture.

Jones is 94 years old and continues to be an active member of the community, lending himself to different causes like the Cave Creek Museum, D’Aliesio said.

The Gerry Jones Home Tour last year “was the largest fundraiser that the museum had ever had” in terms of funds generated, he said.

Jones designed the house in which D’Aliesio resides. It was the first house built in the town of Carefree.

He met Jones when he and Leslie came

“We started talking and I was a little nervous because he slipped this piece of paper over to me after I had talked to him about some potential ideas of ways that we can honor him.

“He just, he drew a picture of a rock and he swayed it over to me.”

D’Aliesio said he saw Jones’ humility shine through at that moment, calling it “a humble act.”

Many people would choose something like a statue, which D’Aliesio said he was expecting “but it wasn’t that way at all.”

“Just the fact that he felt that a boulder that was just untouched, unchiseled, would serve as a representation of his career.”

He was more than a builder, he designed a lifestyle and architectural landscape for the Desert Foothills region where the homes blend with respect to the surrounding landscapes, D’Aliesio said.

This celebration is “the least we could do to honor him.”

—Staff writer Sarah Donahue

Ready

Contact

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety awarded Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical a $81,336 grant.

This funding will be used to purchase two new sets of battery-operated extri-

cation equipment to replace outdated equipment. These new tools feature state-of-the-art technology that will provide crews a faster and safer response when rescuing trapped motorists involved in an accident.

Funds from this grant will also be used to enhance the DMFM Child Safety Seat Program. This program not only certifies members as Child Safety Seat technicians, but also aids in educating parents and caregivers in the proper use of child safety/booster seats.

Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical is committed to providing honorable, compassionate and exceptional service. Support from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety ensures this mission will be accomplished.

Anthem Community Council activities schedule Anthem Activities

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Programs and activities are available at the Community Center and Civic Building for all ages. Learn more and register online at OnlineAtAnthem.com. Visit the “Residents” tab, then click on “Activity Registration.” Most programs and classes are available to nonresidents for an additional fee. For more information, contact Dave at dfermoile@anthemcouncil.com or call 623-879-3027. COVID-19 protocols, including occupancy limits and mask guidelines, are being followed.

• Wednesdays through April 14

AARP Tax Aide, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free; appointment required Register at axtax-aide.org

• March 2 to April 20

Tiny Tots, Youth & Adult Tennis Lessons Days and times vary Prices vary; Community Center

• March 2 to 13 or March 15 to 18

StarGuard Lifeguard Classes; times vary

$155; Community Center

• Friday, March 5

Parents’ Night Out, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

$18; Community Center

• Saturday, March 6

Child and Babysitting Safety, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

$70; Community Center

• Saturdays March 6, March 13 and March 27

Dodgeball (up to age 12 years old), 12:30 to 2 p.m.

$5 (drop in); Community Center

• Saturdays March 6 to April 10

Anthem Tots Indoor Basketball (ages 3 to 6 years old)

9 to 10 a.m. (ages 3 to 4); 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. (ages 4 to 5)

$80; Community Center

• Saturdays March 8 to May 8

Anthem Tots Indoor Volleyball (ages 11 to 13 years old)

9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

$80; Community Center

• Tuesday, March 9

Suncatcher Class, 6 to 8 p.m.

$60; Civic Building

• Tuesday, March 9

Sugar Cookie Decorating Class, 6 to 8 p.m.

$45; Civic Building

• March 15 to 19 (Monday to Friday)

Spring Break Camp, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Daily & weekly rates; Community Center

Wednesday, March 17

Senior Cinema, 2 to 5 p.m. (ages 50 years and older)

“Dolittle” $5 (drop in); Civic Building

• Friday, March 19

Parents’ Night Out, 6:30 to 10 p.m.

$18; Community Center

• March 23 to April 27 (Tuesday and Friday)

Youth Pickleball (10 to 14 years old), 6 to 7 p.m.

Anthem Golf & Country Club schedule

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Due to the limited availability, Anthem

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

No-shows are charged $10.

Classes are held at Persimmon or Ironwood, 2708 W. Anthem Club Drive or 41551 N. Anthem Hills Drive, respectively. For more information, call 623-7426200 for Persimmon Clubhouse or 623465-3020 for Ironwood Clubhouse.

• Wednesday, March 3

Zoom: Stretch, 8:30 a.m.

Zoom: Core Class, 4 p.m.

Castello Banfi Wine Dinner, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• Thursday, March 4

Zoom: Barre Fusion, 8 a.m.

• Friday, March 5

Zoom: Life Exercises Class, 8:30 a.m.

Fun Friday Social Hour on the Range, 4 p.m.

• Saturday, March 6

Country Western Night, 6 to 9:30 p.m.

• Monday, March 8

Zoom: Fun & Fit, 8:30 a.m.

• Tuesday, March 9

Zoom: Mat Pilates, 8:30 a.m.

Clublife 101 Orientation, 5 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 10

Zoom: Stretch, 8:30 a.m.

Zoom: Core Class, 4 p.m.

• Thursday, March 11

Zoom: Barre Fusion, 8 a.m.

• Friday, March 12

Zoom: Life Exercises Class, 8:30 a.m.

• Monday, March 15

Zoom: Fun & Fit, 8:30 a.m.

• Tuesday, March 16

Zoom: Mat Pilates, 8:30 a.m.

Clublife 101 Orientation, 10 a.m.

• Wednesday, March 17

Zoom: Stretch, 8:30 a.m.

Zoom: Core Class, 4 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, 5 p.m.

• Thursday, March 18

Zoom: Barre Fusion, 8 a.m.

• Friday, March 19

Zoom: Life Exercises Class, 8:30 a.m.

The indoor fitness floor, basketball gym, and rock wall are open (limited occupancy guidelines are set by AzDHS). Fitness classes are held throughout the week, including yoga, pilates, kickboxing/boxology, core, shallow and deep water (in the pool), and more. Learn more on the website under “Residents”/“Activity Registration” and then “Health and Fitness.”

• Sunday, March 21

Family Funday Trivia, include team name when registering, 4 p.m.

• Monday, March 22

Zoom: Fun and Fit, 8:30 a.m.

• Tuesday, March 23

Zoom: Mat Pilates, 8:30 a.m.

Clublife Orientation, 5 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 24

Zoom: Stretch, 8:30 a.m.

Zoom: Core Class, 4 p.m.

• Thursday, March 25

Zoom: Barre Fusion, 8 a.m.

• Friday, March 26

Zoom: Life Exercises Class, 8:30 a.m.

• Sunday, March 28

Wine Expo: Anthem Wine Club Member Early Entry, 5 p.m.

•Monday, March 29

Zoom: Fun and Fit, 8:30 a.m.

Kentucky “Meats” Utah, 6 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 30

Zoom: Mat Pilates, 8:30 a.m.

Clublife 101 Orientation, 10 a.m.

• Wednesday, March 31

Zoom: Stretch, 8:30 a.m.

Zoom: Core Class, 4 p.m.

New Member Mixes, 5 p.m.

$80; Anthem Pickleball Courts

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

We should take better care of the Earth

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

Rover, mover over. There is a new dog in town. NASA’s Rover, named Perseverance (fondly called Percy) has landed on Mars and even flew the first-of-its-kind helicopter.

A few weeks ago, Percy touched down from a clear, cold Martian sky into a 50-kilometer-wide bowl of rock and volcanic ash called the Jezero Crater.

Oh Rover, how we cheered to the success of a computer-piloted descent with a supersonic robotic jetpack called a sky crane. The incredible crane gently lowered the Rover to the crater floor. And all was good. Humanity took a collective sigh of relief. Are we alone? One of the Rover’s missions is to try to ascertain wheth-

er there was ever life on the red planet. The robot is designed to hunt for signs of past microbial life, called “biosignatures.” Percy has a busy schedule of collecting rocks and soil, which will be analyzed to determine how astronauts on future Mars missions could produce oxygen from the CO2 in the unforgiving atmosphere. Evidently, billions of years ago Mars appears to have been wetter, with a thicker atmosphere, suggesting ancient life forms.

There are thousands of people who have already volunteered to go to Mars. Looks like it would be a one-way trip. You might get there, but without a rocket launchpad, you would be stuck there forever. The scientific reasons are rooted in curiosity and the desire to understand our solar system. Yikes, why anyone would want to go! Yet, many intelligent

minds like Stephen Hawking, Elon Musk and Neil deGrasse Tyson claim that going to Mars is a “necessity” to ensure the survival of our species. Perhaps our survival should depend on taking better care of Earth.

Some “space experts” say that Mars must be colonized by Americans or we will suffer from another country taking over the red planet. OK, but going to Mars is a pretty daunting task, because humans would need to bring every single thing they would ever need to survive. A roundtrip to Mars would take 18 months, and there isn’t enough room on any current spacecraft to carry water, food and supplies. What would you pack for a one-way trip to an inhospitable place? Basic survival courses usually have an end point and a return to civilization and the “comforts” of home. This space travel might be a “road too far” to even imagine colonizing another planet.

Well, if we can’t visit Mars, the next best thing might be to buy a plot of land there. Some lunatic, oops, I mean the various lunar land companies, will happily sell you a few acres of the red planet complete with a parcel num-

ber, quadrant, scope and longitude. Yes, you will receive a deed from a Celestial Real Estate Agency! With more than 5 million humans who have purchased land on Mars, you might want to hurry. There is only so much dirt to go around.

Rover, we applaud you. Space travel? Might be tricky. Owning a piece of Mars? Might be smarter to buy a candy bar of the same name, which is yummy and out of this world. No rocket science required.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.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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Pita Jungle launching �irst food truck

BY CONNOR DZIAWURA Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Since it was founded in 1994, Pita Jungle has grown to 24 locations across the Phoenix area, Flagstaff and Tucson. To continue its expansion and provide healthy options to a growing customer base here in the Valley, the Arizona-based Mediterranean chain is

taking a different angle with the launch of its new food truck.

“Everyone has been kind of seduced by the notion of food trucks, and that had started a few years ago when food trucks came out of the woodwork as a new thing,” said Bassel Osmani, Pita Jungle co-founder. “Chefs were going on food trucks. Suddenly, it wasn’t just typical ‘food truck’ food.”

Citing a shift from typical “festival food” such as hot dogs to “gourmet” options, Osmani realizes there are opportunities that come with mobile food, especially in light of recent events.

“Now, in the wake of COVID — or while we’re still in COVID — we realized that’s something that we can use in several fashions,” Osmani explained. “Having turned to Uber Eats and DoorDash and all these platforms during this pandemic, we noticed with our brand recognition all that we needed to do is turn on a platform to get sales.”

The 20-foot truck features a custom-built kitchen, serving some of the

brand’s usual starters, salads, pitas, sandwiches, bowls and desserts — not to mention combos and a few new items specific to the truck. Osmani called the selections Pita Jungle’s “greatest hits” that also work in a mobile format. Plus, he says, the team is leaving room for specials.

“We’ll be testing things to see what works, what doesn’t,” he explained. Osmani is keeping his eye on opportunities from all angles, and he sees many different ways the food truck could prove useful to Pita Jungle.

Mediterranean chain Pita Jungle revealed a new food truck, the ﬁrst in a planned ﬂeet. (Photo courtesy of Pita Jungle)

Crumbl was logical move for young mother

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

When Sydney Herring and Michael Carlson opened Crumbl Cookies at the Shops at Norterra in April 2020, they had everything against them. The store was unveiled in the throes of a pandemic and a week and a half after Herring gave birth.

Still, they found success.

“It was crazy,” Herring said with a laugh. “We got through it. That’s all that matters.”

The Utah-based chain boasts its signature warm chocolate chip or chilled sugar cookie. On Mondays, four specialty cookies are introduced via social media as weekly specials. A recent week boasted cinnamon swirl, caramel popcorn, peanut butter bar and molten lava.

definition of “essential,” but they’re still crave-worthy. The Glendale resident found that to be true during the pandemic.

“People still wanted their cookies during the pandemic,” Herring added. “As silly as it sounds, it was a bright spot with everything going on. It was something to look forward to.

“They’re sweet treats to drop off to friends. We had a lot of people deliver them to doctors and nurses. They wanted to help out those who were helping during the pandemic. It was really cool to see the community come together. It helps people forget what’s going on for a minute.”

Crumbl was a logical career choice for Herring, who

Cookies aren’t necessarily the

Delivery options are available for those near the store. A box of four oversized cookies starts at around $10.

The sta at Crumbl Cookies’ the Shops at Norterra store include, from left, Sydney Herring, Gabby Miler, Marley Mullen, Danae Bravo, Pierce Johnson and Tanner Mortensen. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

Crumbl Cookies regularly carries chilled sugar and chocolate chip but o ers a handful of new ﬂavors each week. Recently, those were peanut butter bar, molten lava, cinnamon swirl and caramel popcorn. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

Mainly, it will allow expanded accessto areas where the chain doesn’t already have restaurants, while also allowing third-party delivery support. Osmani likens it to a new restaurant and digital storefront.

The truck’s location will be updated in real time on Pita Jungle’s website, with the brand also aiming to engage with supporters on social media, Osmani said.

On the other hand, he said catering is a “huge” part of Pita Jungle, which has always sought a practical way of doing so.

“If nothing else, I mean, that food truck will be a very useful tool just to shape up and fortify our catering operations,” Osmani said. “And then if things work out, the sky’s the limit, right?”

While the goal is to eventually have a fleet of food trucks, Osmani considers the first one “the proverbial wetting the whistle.” It all depends upon results.

“We’ll take it from there,” he said.

Pita Jungle pitajungle.com @pitajungle FOOD TRUCK From Page 14

Beyond the obvious scenarios, Osmani is open to other opportunities for the food truck. That includes a future in which there could be a drive-thru lane,

something he says other restaurants have had success with during the pandemic.

“Imagine you have physical location and you put the truck next to it and you create a traffic loop where cars drive up to the food truck, place an order on a microphone or by a human attendant in a parking lot, and then they drive through it and pick up,” he described.

Another opportunity could be going so far as to put food trucks in more remote locations, giving people access to healthy food by such areas as rest stops.

“I thought about the notion of going somewhere on the I-10 or the I-8 between Phoenix and San Diego, Phoenix and LA, and putting food trucks there,” Osmani noted.

And while he emphasizes it’s not in the works, a “summon” feature is on his wish list so the food truck could target high-demand areas.

“There’s lot of cool applications, but we have to figure out the logistics,” he said.

CRUMBL

From Page 16

is a lifelong lover of baking. She also loves cookies — but “everyone loves cookies.”

“The thing I love about Crumbl is there’s such a variety,” she said. “We have over 120 flavors and we’re coming out with new flavors all the time. We have such a variety that everyone can find something they like. That was a big draw for me in opening the store. It can appeal to every type of audience.”

Herring hails from Crumbl’s home state, where she attended Utah State University in Logan. She moved to the Valley two and a half years ago to follow her husband who landed a job here.

“It’s very gratifying,” she said. “It’s something I didn’t see myself ever doing. It’s something I loved doing and it brought me out of my comfort zone. It’s good for me.”

Crumbl challenged her to balance her business sensibilities with her family. Herring imagined being home with her two children, but she

couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

“I was terrified to run a business, but it worked out great,” she said. “I really, really love my staff and my employees are the best. We get so many compliments on how friendly the environment is when they walk into our store. The staff is always trying to help the best they can.”

Herring added her staff is so great that they helped a woman announce her pregnancy to her husband.

“We wrote ‘baby’ on top of the cookies and had them delivered to the husband to surprise him,” she said with a laugh. “My staff loves being there and helping out. They love being a part of it and it’s exciting.”

—Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski can be reached at christina@timespublications.com

Crumbl Cookies Shops at Norterra 2450 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 1151, Phoenix 602-726-5008, crumblcookies.com

Judgments, generalizations, vows, oh my!

This article is the third of four installments about learning how to trust all over again.

With all we have gone through recently with COVID-19, elections, masks and isolation from quarantines, there will be some trust issues in most people about almost everything.

Here’s a learning-to-trust-again example. Let’s consider Bob, who has put his pastor on a pedestal. He believes that his pastor can do no

wrong, that he always speaks the words of God, that he is a perfect Christian, abounding in wisdom and understanding. But when that pastor, as pastors will, makes a mistake in handling a situation, or says something that touches an exposed nerve in Bob’s life, or even falls into a moral problem, then what happens to Bob? He feels hurt or betrayed.

Then Bob may think, “All pastors are alike. I was stupid to trust him.

If I’m smart, I’ll never trust another pastor again.” Did you ever feel that way about a pastor, boss, spouse or public official? I have. I’ve met many Bobs throughout the years.

Notice how Bob made a judgment and a generalization about all pastors based on one pastor. Pastors are alike. I was stupid to trust him. Then he made a vow, and I’ll never trust another pastor again. He judged, made a vow, and then generalized. Lions, and ti-

gers and bears, oh my!

Judgments and vows are not all bad. If you touch your hand on a hot stove burner and decide not to do that again, that is wisdom. However, if you decided never to touch a stove again, that would be overgeneralizing. Many times, when you generalize, you end up living by self-imposed general lies.

What about Bob? Perhaps he should have been more realistic about his pastor. Perhaps making his pastor and church a God created an expectation in Bob that only God

Car, bike show coming to New River

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Adam Johnson and a host of sponsors are helping Valley residents have a little fun—while staying safe—with the free Run to the Hills Spring Fest CarBike Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 6, at Kiwanis Park in New River.

“As crazy as this year has been, we wanted to host an event outside for not only New River, but everybody all over the Valley,” said Johnson, who owns Doody Defense Pet Services LLC.

To stay aligned with CDC recommendations, organizers will hand out masks at the entrance.

“We want to practice social distancing and follow all the rules,” he said.

Live bands will perform during the eight-hour event, and other entertainment includes a pin-up pageant show for adults and juniors, and people’s choice awards for the best bike and best car. The trophies

ister to show their vehicles at the event. Preregistration is recommended by calling 602-770-7797. The proceeds will go to Youth for Troops.

“The whole idea behind this is to bring the people out who have been itching to get out of their house,” he said. “We’re going to have rat rods to hotrods, to custom cars to custom Harleys. A lot of car shows target a certain car club. We didn’t have any restrictions on what kinds of cars or bikes we wanted out there.”

A kid’s zone with a rock climbing wall and bounce houses wraps up the activities at the festival.

Run to the Hills Spring Fest Car-Bike show

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 6 Kiwanis Park, 48606 N. 17th Avenue, New River

were handcrafted by Gremlin Garage.

“We’re also going to have multiple food trucks, dessert trucks and a vendor alley

with arts, crafts, clothing and jewelry,” Johnson said.

For $10, car and bike owners can reg-

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Run to the Hills Spring Fest Car-Bike Show will feature hotrods, motorcycles and other vehicles during its Saturday, March 6, event. (Photo courtesy of CSG Visuals)

could fulfill. Maybe Bob should get involved in a church again, only this time he needs to focus more on Jesus. When I broke my leg skiing, I had to put things in perspective. Maybe all ski runs are not evil! Perhaps I should ski again, but this time not on double black diamond runs named Rattlesnake. That’s wisdom, not an overreaction.

Mark Twain once said, “We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it — and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove lid again, and that is well, but she will never sit down on a cold stove lid either.”

Let’s get back to Bob. What happens if the object we place our trust in fails, disappoints, hurts us, or does not meet our expectations? We act or

react — often more emotionally than rationally. As a result, we make internal vows about what or what not to trust.

In the human reasoning process, individuals evaluate their own experiences, form judgments about those experiences, and then make a vow to guide future decisions. Webster defines a vow as “…a solemn promise or pledge, especially one made to God or a god, dedicating oneself to an act, service or way of life.”

For example, when you experience burning your hand on a stove, you most likely will make the following judgments: “that’s hot, that hurts, and I don’t like it.” These judgments lead to a vow, “I’m never going to touch a hot stove again!” Vowing not to touch a hot stove will protect you but making a vow you will never trust anyone, or anything again can devastate you.

Vows vary in intensity from weak to powerful. The more powerful they are, the more the vow influences your decisions and behavior. Here are three rules about vows: First, the more traumatic the experience, the more powerful the resulting vow. Second, the more often the experience, the more powerful the resulting vow. Third, the more recent the experience, the more powerful the resulting vow.

Intensity, frequency and recency all contribute to the power of the vow. What does this mean? If something horrible happened to you more than once and not too long ago, you would not let yourself get into that situation again soon. That can either be good or bad depending on what happened and who or what you trusted!

Webster de�ines generalization as “to infer or derive a general law or precept from particular instances.” Many times, the vows we make emotionally turn into generalizations such as, “I’m never going to get hurt again.” “I’m not going to be betrayed again.” “I’m never going to be vulnerable again.” “All men are….” “All women are….” “All politicians are….” “All liberals are….” “All conservatives are….” “All churches are….” Sound familiar? It may seem like it or even feel like it, but “Not all pastors are…” “Not all women or men are…” “Not all liberals or conservatives are…”

What’s the problem with the song that says, “I’ll never fall in love again… all men will never phone you…all men have pneumonia…?” The singer will miss the person who would love her, phone her and doesn’t have enough germs to catch pneumonia. Just like that cat will never step on a hot stove, she vowed she would never fall in love again. One experience doesn’t make every experience.

Next week, let’s regain our trust by trusting wisely. If it’s going to be, it starts with me.

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.

Working with the Community on Advancing the old Kay Mine

Who Are We?

Working with the Community on Advancing the old Kay Mine

Who Are We?

• Arizona Metals Corp is a Canadian gold and copper exploration company listed on the OTCQX under the symbol “AZMCF”

• Arizona Metals Corp is a Canadian gold and copper exploration company listed on the OTCQX underthe symbol “AZMCF”

• We have 2 projects in Arizona and are spending money to advance these projects, working hard to provide value to, and to operate with, the cooperation of local communities

What are We Doing?

• We have 2 projects in Arizona and are spending money to advance these projects, working hard to provide value to, and to operate with, the cooperation of localcommunities

What are We Doing?

• We have 2 projects in Arizona and are spending money to advance these projects, working hard to provide value to, and to operate with, the cooperation of localcommunities

What are We Doing?

• In earlyJanuary we re-started an exploration drilling program at the past-producing Kay Mine which produced mineralization from its underground workings duringthe 1920s and1950s and was later explored by Exxon Minerals from 1972 to 1984

• In early January we re-started an exploration drilling program at the past-producing Kay Mine which produced mineralization from its underground workings during the 1920s and 1950s and was later explored by Exxon Minerals from 1972 to 1984.

• We are drilling 30 holes from surface to try and outline the size of the mineralization identified by Exxon. Each hole will have a diameter of 4 inches and on closure will be sealed and capped according to ADWR regulations

What are We Hoping to Do?

• We are only conducting exploration drilling at this point and this is not, and may never be, an active mining operation

• We are targeting an underground deposit with minimal surface disruption, and NOT a surface open pit operation.

• We are targetingan underground deposit with minimal surface disruption, and NOT a surface open pit operation.

• If we are successful in ourexplorationefforts and economic studies, we willcarefully advance the project towards an ultimate active mining operation; but again, resulting in no open pits.

• If we are successful in our exploration efforts and economic studies, we will carefully advance the project towards an ultimate active mining operation; but again, resulting in no open pits.

• If we are successful in ourexplorationefforts and economic studies, we willcarefully advance the project towards an ultimate active mining operation; but again, resulting in no open pits.

How Does this Affect your Communities?

• All activities are beingconducted to the highest standards in coordination with all state andfederal regulations,including undertheBureau of Land Managementand the Arizona Department of Water ResourcesRegulations

• We have posted a reclamation bond prior to any drilling

• All activities are being conducted to the highest standards in coordination with all state and federal regulations, including under the Bureau of Land Management and the Arizona Department of Water Resources Regulations

• We have posted a reclamation bond prior to any drilling

• Exploration drilling does not use ANY harmful chemicals and drill water is acquired ONLY from private wells

• Exploration drilling doesnot use ANY harmful chemicals anddrill water isacquired ONLY from private wells

• We are striving to be the best community partners possible, including through the improvements of roads and trails, and in the future the creation of hundreds of high paying jobs should the operation ultimately move forward, and only then with all required permits

• We are striving to bethe best community partners possible,including throughthe improvements of roads and trails, and in thefuturethe creation of hundreds of high paying jobs should the operation ultimately move forward, and only then with all requiredpermits

• All these steps will take years and will be done in close consultation with and input from all interested parties, including the local communities

• We are striving to bethe best community partners possible,including throughthe improvements of roads and trails, and in thefuturethe creation of hundreds of high paying jobs should the operation ultimately move forward, and only then with all requiredpermits

• All these steps will take years and will bedone in close consultation with andinput from allinterested parties,including the localcommunities

• We expect to set up a Black Canyon City community meeting soon to answer any questions

For additional information, please contact

• We expect to set up a Black Canyon City community meeting soon to answer any questions

For additional information, please contact the CEO at: safety@arizonametalscorp.com

at: safety@arizonametalscorp.com www.arizonametalscorp.com

Aerial view of proposed Kay Mine drill holes and pads

Drill rig located on Pad 1 at Kay Mine Claims

Aerial view of proposed Kay Mine drill holes and pads

Drill rig located on Pad 1 at Kay Mine Claims

Aerial view of proposed Kay Mine drill holes and pads

Drill rig located on Pad 1 at Kay Mine Claims

Whimsical critters come to Carefree Arts Festival

BY SHEA STANFIELD

Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

Sculpture occupies real space. Patrons walk around it and relate to it almost as another person.

In the world of Scottsdale sculptor Jason Napier, each piece is full of attitude, challenging the viewer to smile with amusement, or gasp with the subject’s awe-inspiring nobility.

Growing up on the Oregon Coast provided the young Napier with endless opportunities to explore nature’s wild coastal regions and experience a variety of ecosystems.

In the beginning, as Napier tells his story, “When I was 18 years old, I started working in a bronze casting foundry, Burning Palace Bronze in Troutdale, Oregon, to pay for college. There, I was fortunate to meet many exceptional and wildly successful artists. Many of them became good

“Stir’d

friends and mentors.”

The on-the-job training provided Napier experience working on various commissions, exposing him to materials and techniques that only the masters of their craft knew. This hands-on experience in sculpting with clay built the foundation for Napier’s work. Eventually, he was encouraged to try out his own ideas in clay and lost wax. Under the guidance of these generous souls, Napier soon completed a small body of his own work. That’s when the magic happened, the spell was cast, and the doors opened.

Napier’s body of work,

see WHIMSICAL page 23

Up” with Scottsdale sculptor Jason Napier.

WHIMSICAL from page 22

at that time, became recognizable for its smooth bold shapes, the contrasting brightly textured patinas and polishing.

“My style evolved into using these shapes as a canvas for my patinas,” Napier said. “Today my unique style

and colorful wildlife is nationally recognized and collected around the globe.”

In 1997, Napier and his wife, Danielle, started a gallery in Friday Harbor, Washington. They learned very quickly how seasonal the art market

see WHIMSICAL page 25

“Nestled In” by Jason Napier.

Norterra Walk 4 Water saves lives

Our

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Elevate Coffee Co. and Hope Church are hosting their seventh annual Walk 4 Water event at noon Sunday, March 7 at Elevate at The Shops at Norterra.

The Walk begins at Elevate Coffee Company at The Shops at Norterra and will go through the Norterra, Fireside and the Union Park communities. To register, visit w4ki.org/ w4wnorterra.

The annual event benefits the drilling of a deep-water borehole in the remote village of Nalia, Uganda. Access to clean, safe water is the first line of defense against illness and death in Uganda. For remote east African villages, accessing SAFE, clean water is even more critical during this time of COVID-19.

Before this global pandemic, life was unimaginable without clean

water, but today, lives are at an even greater risk. They try to keep their family safe and healthy despite having no clean water to drink or to wash their hands.

Each year, Elevate Coffee Company and Hope Church team up with Hope 4 Kids International through its Water 4 Kids International division to educate the community about the deadly effects of the global water crisis in Africa and transform a village with the gift of a clean, safe deep-water well.

Funds raised at the Walk 4 Water are used to drill a deep-water borehole that will serve up to three additional surrounding villages.

In 2006, Hope 4 Kids dedicated its 66-bed hospital in Tororo, Uganda. Dr. Steven Malinga, the Uganda Minister of Health shared at the dedication, “Your hospital is saving lives, but your wells are saving even more.”

A Legacy of Serving Arizona since 2003

Although Water 4 Kids had drilled a number of wells several years prior, Malinga’s declaration was a revelation to its organization. W4KI began to focus its efforts in the village to not only learn how people were suffering from the lack of safe water security, but also how they could make a long-term generational impact with its deep-water wells.

Fourteen years later, W4KI has drilled over 770 deep-water wells in eight countries including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, India, Liberia, The Philippines, Nepal and Bangladesh. Annual Walk 4 Water Norterra events have provided eight wells since the first walk in 2014, restoring hope to thousands of people in need of safe water. The cost to drill a deep-water well that provides water for up to 50 years is $10,500. The proceeds from this event will be used to drill as many wells as possible.

was on the San Juan Island, prompting them to search for larger cities where the arts market was thriving. Spotting an opportunity, the couple, packed up Napier’s sculptures and decided to gamble on Scottsdale.

“No doubt, this was the best decision we ever made, we have been spending winters here ever since,” Napier said.

The Napiers became full-time residents of Scottsdale’s thriving arts community in 2020.

Inspiration comes from many places. Napier and his wife spend much of their time hiking and traveling. Their particular focus is on wildlife, the challenge is to spot an animal in a unique pose or setting that inspires them to bring on a brainstorming session, this typically results with Napier “heating up the clay pot” to capture the animal spirit of the moment.

Napier’s creative critters are seen throughout the year in fine art shows

in Arizona, California, Utah, Florida and Washington. He is also represented by several fine art galleries across the country. He welcomes appointments for special projects and loves the face-to-face process of creating a commissioned piece.

Napier gives back to the arts community by serving as an artist adviser for the No. 1 fine art show in the nation, La Quinta Art Celebration, and sitting on the board of Cougar Mountain Zoo in Issaquah, Washington.

Locally, Napier is a member of the Sonoran Arts League, participating in the annual Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour in November each year. He will be exhibiting with at the 26th annual Spring Carefree Fine Art Festival with the Thunderbird Artists from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 12, to Sunday, March 14. Visit carefree.org or thunderbirdartists.com for more information.

To view a broad selection of Napier’s work or to contact him, visit his website, napierbronze.com.

Scottsdale sculptor Jason Napier in his studio. (Photos courtesy Jason Napier)

Chinese New Year

Students at four Cave Creek Uni�ied School District schools celebrated Chinese New Year on Feb. 12, when the lunar calendar started, with a day of Mandarin Chinese programs. According to the Chinese zodiac, 2021 is the Year of the Ox. Despite the challenges presented by COVID-19, more than 1,200 prekindergarten to 12th-grade students took part in poster competitions, schoolwide parades with Chinese dragons and lions, calligraphy art lessons, ping-pong games and traditional fashions.

1. Students at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School, including Emma Lewis, tried on traditional dress.

2. Max Kim holds a pearl to lead a schoolwide Chinese New Year parade at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School.

3. Chinese teachers at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School show off traditional outﬁts during the schoolwide parade. They are, from left, Kaiqi Huang, Lijia Luo, Lina Yan, Wek Liffick, Yu-Hsuan Wu and Jing Liu.

4. Lone Mountain Elementary School donned traditional Chinese garb for the celebration.

5. The Chinese New Year parade was the top attraction at the Lone Mountain Elementary School celebration.

6. Students at Lone Mountain Elementary School slap hands with their peers during the Chinese New Year parade.

Photos courtesy of the Cave Creek Uniﬁed School District

Deer Valley honors teachers, rookies of the year

BY MONICA ALLREAD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

The DVUSD Governing Board recently began recognizing the 2019-20 Teachers and Rookies of the Year and will honor additional teachers during future board meetings.

Deer Valley Education Foundation (DVEF) Board President Charly Filipek presented the honorees.

Each year, the Deer Valley Education Foundation holds an extensive nomination, application and interview process to identify the DVUSD Teachers of the Year. The recipients are awarded with a $500 check and a trophy.

The program is sponsored by Discover Financial, McCarthy Building Companies, Valley Schools, Chasse Building Team, Gary and Diana Feldman on behalf of Jonah Feldman, DKG and Grad Photography.

The following teachers were honored at the Jan. 26 DVUSD Governing Board Meeting:

• Chef Ryan Mattheis has taught culinary arts at Barry Goldwater High School for seven years. Part of Mattheis’ philosophy is, “When you become a teacher you sign up to be in the business of human beings. Teaching requires you �ee DVUSD page 30

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch, left, and Barry Goldwater High School Principal Anita Stulc congratulate teacher of the year Chef Ryan Mattheis. (Photo courtesy of Deer Valley Uniﬁed School District)

• Vicky Muñoz has graced the halls of Barry Goldwater High School for the last 13 years teaching Spanish 3-4 Honors, and both junior and senior IB Spanish. She noted, “My personal beliefs about teaching are to provide to all my students a positive and safe

to become a part of a student’s life and you make connections no other profession experiences.”

environment, achievable challenges, intentional teaching and reflection. These beliefs stand out in my personal teaching style.”

• Christine Rowlan has taught for six years at Canyon Springs STEM Acade-

my, teaching fourth-grade math. Rowlan’s philosophy is, “I try to follow a STEM mindset in the math classroom by building rich tasks with many entry �ee DVUSD page 31

Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch and Barry Goldwater High School Principal Anita Stulc congratulate teacher of the year Vicky Muñoz. (Photos courtesy of Deer Valley Uniﬁed School District)

Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch and Canyon Springs STEM Academy Principal April Fraley congratulate teacher of the year Christine Rowlan.

DVUSD from page 28

DVUSD from page 30

points. I believe students learn best when they are interested, challenged and find their own path to success.”

• Rookie of the Year Annie Ramos has started her career at Copper Creek teaching developmental preschool.

“As an educator, we have the ability and the responsibility to help create a successful future for our students, and I will strive to achieve this success with

honor, motivation and love,” Ramos said.

The awards wrapped up with Rookie of the Year, Jordan Schwab, a special education teacher at Terramar.

“My purpose on Earth was to become a special education teacher,” Schwab said.

“At the end of the day, children whose basic human needs go unmet will not be able to thrive within instruction.”

The remaining DVEF Teachers of the Year will be honored at upcoming DVUSD Governing Board Meetings.

CAN THE HOA

MANDATE REPAIRS TO MY PROPERTY?

Dear Doreen,

The HOA is coming after me and I am sick of it! I feel like everything I do ends up with me getting a warning or a ﬁ ne. Now I hear that they can inspect the exterior of my property and send me a list of repairs I need to make? Is this true? -Perturbed Patti

Dear Patti, Sorry to say it is true. What many owners don’t do when they move into an HOA-controlled community is read the CC&Rs before buying. That’s where it’s explained what is expected of all homeowners to comply with the rules and regulations of the HOA. One of the major notices we see says your home needs painting. You may not think it does, but here’s an example of why the HOA may send a notice: Visual inspections by the Compliance staff and/ or members of the Lifestyle Enhancement Committee are used to determine if a home requires painting. If it is observed a home shows signs of fading, cracking, uneven paint, garage panel lines, faded shutters, and/or splotchy colors, a paint notice will be sent to the Owner. In other words, either staff or your neighbors who are on the Lifestyle Enhancement group can determine you need to paint your house. Can you appeal? Yes, but it’s not going to change anyone’s mind. In most HOA communities certain things will always be a violation. For example, weeds in the front yard, and garbage cans sitting out for more than a day. I don’t know what you mean by ‘everything.’ Maybe a discussion with the HOA might help clarify the issues they have with you and you with them? I’m sorry we can’t be of more help. But, hope these few answers give you food for thought.

-Doreen

Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch and Copper Creek Elementary Assistant Principal Christina Myers congratulate rookie teacher of the year Annie Ramos.

Superintendent Dr. Curtis Finch and Terramar Academy of the Arts Principal Sharon Wieser congratulate rookie teacher of the year Jordan Schwab.

Golf club offering college scholarships

BY JAKARIA ROSS Foothills Focus Staff Writer

The Mexican American Golf Association, Phoenix Chapter, is offering $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school students.

“We have been awarding scholarships for several years,” said David Juarez, a Goodyear resident and the association’s scholarship chairman.

Students can apply through magaphx.com before April 30.

The Mexican American Golf Association was founded in the early 1960s in California before it branched out to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

“It’s a social organization,” Juarez said. “The one thing we have in common is we play golf. We represent every ethnic group you can think of. We have members in the Valley and in Tucson. There are several hundred

in Texas and California.”

Each club is run differently. The Mexican American Golf Association received its nonprofit status and helps food banks and people in need, along with offering scholarships.

“In the last few years, we’ve pushed our scholarship initiative,” Juarez said. “We’re much more active in the community directly.”

Juarez asked parents or grandparents to encourage their grandchildren or children to apply.

“We assume all the kids need some financial assistance,” Juarez said.

The association hosts golf tournaments, but because of COVID-19, they were canceled. The group is now shifting funds that would typically be used for that to the scholarship program.

“Typically, these western regional tournaments are great financial events for our club, but it does somewhat limit our financial resources during our host year,” Juarez said.

“That said, we are conservative with our scholarships this year, but that may change because the COVID-19 pandemic may cause us to cancel this year’s western regional tournament.”

Juarez said the student qualifica-

MORTGAGE LENDER

tions for a 2021 scholarship will be heavily weighted on grades and essay writing.

“It’s all grades…normally we’d have them get a letter of recommendation,” he said. “Their grades have to be given to us. We have essays and a volunteer educator who grades the essays.”

Juarez added the scholarship weighs heavily on GPA and the essay.

“We take the highest points,” he said. “They don’t have to be associated with our group but if two kids are tied, and they’re associated with the group, they’d get it. Last year we had 20 applicants and we took the top 10,” Juarez said.