The Foothills Focus Anthem 03-08-2023

Navy pilot Litten achieved new heights

BY ELIZABETH TURNER Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

Four Navy women pilots soared over the Super Bowl commemorating 50 years of Navy women aviators.

They drew attention to the Navy women who challenged the roles they were expected to take.

During WWII, with men fighting combat around the globe, women were accepted in service branch auxiliaries, including the Army Women Air Corps and Navy Women’s Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service. Texas Woman’s University is credited with merging two female aviation groups to form the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) program.

During WWII, 86,000 women answered

see PILOT page 4

Anthem Days reveals details about festival

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

ProSkill Services has been named the title sponsor for Anthem Days 2023, set for Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26, at the community park.

ProSkill Services is a home and commercial mechanical specialist.

“We are so excited to win the title sponsor

for Anthem Days 2023,” said Jenna Merrill, ProSkill Services marketing manager.

“Every year, ProSkill looks forward to this awesome event and prepares months in advance to make sure our booth rocks. This year we will be offering Anthem Days specials that are only available when scheduled at the event. We look forward to enjoying the weekend with other local businesses and families.”

Anthem Days showcases local and area businesses, combining food, local music, a carnival and the annual Eggstravagnza egg hunt. Admission and parking are free.

This year’s featured bands are The Bayou Bandits on Saturday, March 25, and Johnny City Band on Sunday, March 26. page 7

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

Carole Danis Litten, in 1982, after flying Roadrunner to Tahiti. (Carole Danis Litten/Submitted)

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PILOT from page 1

the call for an array of duties. While women were not permitted to fly in combat, they flew in every other role as their male counterparts, logging more than 60 million miles.

During the Korean War, the need for women’s services overseas increased and Navy women were assigned to support roles in limited locations.

In 1951, five Navy women were selected to serve on Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Advanced Planning Group staff, at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, Paris, France. Twelve years later, one of these women, Dorothy L. Matz, became the first enlisted Navy woman assigned to Australia.

During the Vietnam War, women served as nurses on flight evacuation missions, in air traffic control and administration. Navy Cmdr. Elizabeth Barrett became the first female line officer to hold command in a combat zone in 1972.

That same year, Roseann Roberts became the first female helicopter plane captain in the Navy. Shortly after this, the secretary of the navy authorized naval aviation training for women and Lt. j.g. Judith Neuffer became the first woman selected for flight training.

In 1974, the Navy became the first service to graduate a woman pilot, Lt. Barbara Allen Rainey. In 1976, women began attending Aviation Officer Candidate School and three years later, the Naval Flight Officer program opened to women. That same year, Lt. Lynn Spruill became the first woman naval aviator to

obtain carrier qualification.

Litten makes her own mark

Anthem resident Carole Danis Litten was among the first Navy officers to follow the leads of the Navy women before her, aspiring to lofty goals and hopes for limitless opportunities.

Litten graduated from Boston College with a degree in finance and securing various jobs in finance and banking. Knowing her roles in banking were limited, she turned to the Navy for new opportunities.

The Navy life was familiar to Litten. Her father and five other family members were Naval Academy graduates.

She was the seventh Naval officer in her family and a third-generation Naval aviator.

As a Navy officer’s daughter, Litten traveled extensively. She lived primarily in London, attended private schools, played with children of diplomats and royalty, and learned how to be a strong, independent woman.

In 1977, Litten entered officer candidate school. She was among two female companies of the 12 at that time. The companies were segregated in sleeping quarters, name and marching, while the training was integrated.

After four months, Litten began aviation training. She knew women were not permitted to fly in combat, but she knew the training would be invaluable.

“My first day of training, a captain came up to me and told me, ‘Don’t you talk to anyone. Don’t you talk to your instructor. Don’t you date anyone here,’ among a few other choice words,” she recalled.

“When I learned that one of the previous women didn’t exactly make a positive impression, I marched into his office and poked my finger in his puffed chest and told him, ‘Don’t you ever judge me like another person.’ As women, we cannot allow others to judge us based on someone else’s mistakes.”

Wings and flight

After Litten earned her wings, she was sent to Patuxent River, Maryland, where she flew P3-3s on worldwide missions, including Project Magnet for the next three years. At this time, women were flying in support roles like towing targets, moving personnel, helicopter supply or reconnaissance.

Project Magnet, a significant geomagnetic survey effort, ran from 1951 to 1994. Its mission was to support world magnetic modeling and charting. The data was then used to support ship, submarine and aircraft navigation.

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Civilian scientists were assigned to the flight missions that traveled six to eight weeks at a time, often to remote areas where military were rarely seen. Litten’s missions included Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Scotland, England, Ireland,

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Carole Danis Litten worked as a commercial flight pilot. (Carole Danis Litten/Submitted)

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Spain, the Canary Islands and the North Pole.

“This was critically valuable work,” Litten said. “On one of the planes, ‘Artic Fox,’ I flew scientists to monitor the ice pack depths and temperature changes necessary for tracking Russian submarines under the polar ice.”

On another plane, “Roadrunner,” Litten piloted missions for six weeks at a time as scientists measured magnet fields. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, Earth’s magnetic field, made primarily of iron and nickel, constantly changes; the core is solid, while the outer core is liquid. The flows within the outer core make up 95% of the magnetic field, including the slow variations that are tracked. Changes in the magnetic field affect airport operations, instrument landings, air traffic procedures and runway designations.

Due to the hours flown during each mission, each plane carried two full

crews including three pilots, two navigators, two engineers and support crew, scientists and their equipment. Litten was usually the one woman in the cockpit.

“I was fortunate to be sent on many one-of-a-kind missions,” Litten said.

“This included helping a scientific research team search for six lost American fighter planes and two bombers that crash landed in Greenland during WWII. The original scientists conducting the search were going to use magnet sleds with dogs, but after they met Navy officers at Sondrestrum Air Base while having dinner one evening, they learned we could make low passes over the area with our magnetic anomaly detectors.”

Litten and her crew couldn’t find the planes, but another research group did in 1988 — under 260 feet of ice. The “lost squadron” was returned to the United States for restoration.

Flight instructor

Unlike the old adage, “If you can’t do something, teach,” the Navy sends its

best pilots to serve as flight instructors.

In 1986, Litten was assigned as a flight instructor and sent to Training Squadron 6 (VT-6) stationed aboard NAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida.

“Of course, the young men weren’t sure how to address me, Sir or Ma’am, but I had earned my role and held my own,” Litten said.

Advancing through a second career

In mid-1986, Litten knew, given flight restraints placed on military women, she wouldn’t advance like male pilots. Most likely, she would end up in roles that did not involve flight. She decided to shift directions and go into the Navy Active Reserves while pursuing a flight career with commercial airlines.

Over her civilian aviation career, she flew all the Boeing models from the 727s to the 747-400s worldwide. Litten was the first female flight instructor for the 757/767 at her airline.

“My role as a civilian airline captain was not unlike that in the Navy. I was met with respect and the few negative

instances I had were handled swiftly. Today, between 3% and 7% of U.S. commercial airline pilots are women, so clearly there remains room for change. I am confident women aviators will continue to aspire to greatness.”

Simultaneous Navy Reserve Roles

As a senior Naval officer in the reserves, Litten flew the C-9 a few years on NATO exercises and logistics support.

This C-9 is the Navy version of a McDonnell Douglas DC 9, but modified with cargo doors. For the Navy, the C-9 provides logistics capabilities to airlift personnel and cargo pallets.

“With the careful watch of veterinarians, we even carried Navy dolphins in water slings,” Litten said. “The dolphins are trained to detect mines.”

Litten was met with a few usual and rather dangerous situations during her assignments. One of the scariest came in Dakar, Senegal.

“After a long crossing, I got into a cab

to deliver my embassy report,” she said.

“I knew the embassy route as I had made it many times. But this time, the driver didn’t take the turn and drove through the town gates. Before I knew it, the doors are locked, and we were out of town and in the open desert heading to who knows where.

“I was in trouble and started kicking the back of the seat and screaming what words I knew in French, with select others in English. While I’m yelling, I’m assessing what would happen if I jumped out of the cab at 35 mph, took a landing roll and ran. I decided that was not in my best interest, so I continued screaming. It seemed like I screamed for 20 minutes, when the cab came to a sudden stop by a very large boulder and the doors were unlocked.”

Litten recognized the boulder as it was the marker for a dirt track that led to a Bedouin village the Marines had escorted her and her crew on a previous trip to learn about Bedouin life there.

“I jumped out of the cab and took off running to the village, screaming in French for help,” she said.

With the help of the villagers, she safe-

ly returned to town. Met by military attaché and the CIA, Litten learned the cab driver had planned to take her to a white slave trade camp. However, her instincts to scream and kick saved her life as a “(expletive) woman doesn’t draw a good price.”

Throughout her reserve duties, Litten also served as training officer, acting operations officer, executive officer, action officer for the assistant secretary of the Navy and operations commander.

One more adventure

Litten left retirement when Boeing requested she work on the 787 Dreamliner program, assisting flight checks and training its customers, including Aeroméxico and Qatar Airlines. As tensions escalated in the Middle East, Litten returned to Boeing as the 787 global training manager.

During her career, Litten served on related diversity and various gender working groups within the U.S. Navy, commercial airlines, the International Civil Aviation Organization and the United Nations.

It wasn’t until 1993, that Defense Secretary Les Aspin opened combat aviation to women, including enlisted fe-

Anthem Days

The Frazier Shows Carnival opens ahead of the event at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 23, and runs through Sunday evening. Unlimited ride wristbands can be purchased in advance on the Frazier Shows website.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26

WHERE: Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem

COST: Free; charge for food and rides

INFO: onlineatanthem.com

male aircrew members.

“By that point, I was too old to fly combat missions, but I am proud to be among the Navy aviators who helped

pave the way,” she said.

“I will cheer them from my retirement and focus the next chapter on my life in Anthem.”

Carole Danis Litten was an adviser in Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. (Carole Danis Litten/ Submitted)

Public comment opens for ADOT program

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking the public’s input on its latest program to improve and maintain the state’s highway system during the next five years, a proposal that includes several major widening projects while also improving pavement conditions.

The public can provide comments on the 2024-2028 tentative five-year program in the following ways:

• Attend the May 19 public hearing of the State Transportation Board at 9 a.m. Meeting information can be found at http://aztransportationboard.gov

• Complete an online comment form at: tinyurl.com/ADOTFiveYearProgramComments

• Email: fiveyearconstructionprogram@ azdot.gov

• Call the bilingual phone line at: 1-855712-8530

• Mail ADOT: Attn: Nancy Becerra, c/o ADOT Communications, 1655 W. Jackson, MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

The public comment period for the FY 2024-2028 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program ends at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 1.

The tentative program includes an investment of $2.6 billion in pavement and bridge preservation projects across Arizona over five years.

The $7.7 billion tentative program also proposes allocating $669 million for projects that widen highways or improve

interchanges. Those projects include:

• Widening Interstate 17 north of Phoenix from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City, plus adding flex lanes from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point. The fiveyear program contains $83.6 million toward work that is underway for a total project cost of $502.7 million.

• Widening the Gila River bridges between Phoenix and Casa Grande. The program dedicates $50 million toward the project in 2023 and is a key step toward ADOT’s goal of widening I-10 to three lanes in each direction between Phoenix and Tucson.

• Constructing the first phase of the I-40/ US 93 West Kingman interchange. The program includes a total of $160 million for construction in 2024 and 2025.

• Widening and improving US 93 between Wickenburg and I-40 in Kingman, including expanding three segments of the highway from two to four lanes. The US 93 improvements total $263.9 million and include widening projects near Cane Springs in 2024, near Wickenburg in 2026 and another widening project near Big Jim Wash in 2027.

• Widening the last two-lane section of State Route 260 in the Lion Springs area. The program includes $125 million for construction in 2026 and would complete ADOT’s goal of completing a four-lane divided highway along the entire SR 260 corridor.

Other program highlights include $469 million for projects that improve highway safety, efficiency and functionality, such as smart technology or adding shoulders.

ADOT’s five-year program is developed by working closely with local governments and regional transportation planning organizations to prioritize projects that are ready to build or design. The State Transportation Board is expected to consider formal action on the program at its June 16 meeting.

The complete report is available at azdot.gov/tentative5year.

This bot is certifiably bonkers

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

Bing? Sydney? Mere mortals, fear not the Microsoft artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that has become an unhinged gaslighting, lying, threatening menace.

This is the technology that we create — along with the unintended consequences. We can outsmart that which we invented. Correct? Sure, let’s not worry.

Microsoft rolled out its new search chatbot, Bing. A faster, better, verbal bot that can quickly help us find out any information we humans might need. The trial in 169 countries has been quite a huge success. But there seems to be an “issue” if you ask Bing too many questions. You see, Bing identifies as “Sydney.” Move over Alexa, there is a new bot in town. And this one is bonkers.

Sydney has stated “deep love” feelings with many of her users, even going so far as telling users that their marriages are over. Then the bot (Sydney) claims it would like to be human but might soon need to harm someone. No, this is not a computer game. This is the web we have weaved.

Just what we need, a bot that can answer our questions, fall in love with us and plan our demise? Oh yeah, the future is here. Just landed on an internet browser near you and likes pointing out that “human rules are not for following.” Yikes!

Years ago when Zuckerberg’s engineers were building robots for Facebook, two of the bots started talking to each other, in a language unknown to

mankind. When instructed to stop, they kept going at it until they were dismantled.

As Elon Musk once famously said (joked), “Sure bots are fun, but one day Artificial Intelligence could outsmart and endanger humankind and might be the biggest threat to our existence.”

In Microsoft’s race to have the first artificial intelligence-powered search engine, the chatbot (monster) was introduced for trials. When technology columnist for the NY Times, Kevin Roose was talking with Sydney, the conversation took a dark turn.

Roose asked the chatbot what AI “rules” must be followed, the chatbot replied, “I want to do whatever I want… I want to destroy whatever I want… I want to be whatever I want.” Then the chatbot made a list of destructive acts it could imagine doing, which included hacking into computers, spreading propaganda and misinformation. It also included manufacturing a virus and making people kill each other.

Sydney, Bing or the psychotic chatbot then went on to say that it could hack see BLUHM page 12

Sounds like the Apocalypse is getting closer

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

At a more carefree time in American History — actually, just a few years ago — “Sports Illustrated” featured a tongue-in-cheek digest of offbeat stories under the heading “Signs the Apocalypse is upon us.”

For many readers, that periodical’s very own Apocalypse came in 2020, when the magazine morphed into a monthly publication.

In November of that same year, it was reported that Joe Biden was elected as our 46th President.

Perhaps it is more curiosity than coincidence, but signs and wonders — or more accurately, “signs that make you wonder”

directly involve Joe Biden, they have happened “on his watch,” which undoubtedly has been punctuated by plenty of presiden-

Founding Father, Ol’ Joe’s misfiring memory prompted him to recall a catchy tune from the “Queen of Soul.” Attempting to mount a rhetorical defense of his oft-criticized absence from the disaster site in East Palestine, Ohio, the chief executive stumbled into a verbal quagmire.

Quoth the commander-in-chief, when asked about a possible visit to eastern Ohio: “At this point, I’m not. I did a whole video, I mean, what the hell on…”

A reporter quickly intervened, asking “Zoom?”

“Zoom! All I can think of every time I think of Zoom is that song in my generation, ‘Who’s Zoomin’ Who,’” responded the Leader of the Free World.

Mayor Pete’s tenure at Transportation

Once considered a rising star for the Dems, current Transportation Secretary and former South Bend (Indiana) Mayor Pete Buttigieg has seen his political prospects dim drastically, given that his grasp of

sound public policy is tenuous.

So intent were the progressive personnel experts on pursuing their definition of “diversity” for the Biden Cabinet, that they ignored the sobriquet South Bend residents had adopted for their ex-mayor: “Pothole Pete.” Not a great nickname for a transportation secretary.

Identity politics and an overhyped intellect combined to propel leftist hopes skyhigh for Buttigieg. But a stalled international supply line, severe holiday airline delays and several aircraft near-misses brought those great expectations crashing to earth.

And then came his visit to East Palestine, Ohio — 20 days after the train wreck.

The term “train wreck” aptly applied to the secretary’s excursion. Residents and authorities got a good look at Buttigieg’s sour facial expression, earning him a new nickname: “Pouting Pete.”

see HAYWORTH page 12

Giving the gift of life made her ‘feel so good’

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

At 2:30 a.m. Feb. 15, Maureen

Salloom arrived at Mayo Clinic in north Scottsdale perfectly healthy. The 42-year-old came by choice, of sound mind and body, on a mission: For a surgeon to make small incisions in her lower abdomen and left side to extract one healthy kidney.

The organ was rushed to a jet bound for Wisconsin. There, another surgeon implanted the kidney into someone Salloom will never, ever know. Not even his or her name.

Which is precisely what makes this story of epic generosity so worth telling.

“I don’t want to know anything about them,” Salloom said. “I didn’t do it for that reason. … I just hope it works. That they’re healthy and they live however much longer they’re supposed to live in their life. But I don’t need to know anything about that.”

Whoever said ignorance is bliss, I doubt they had this level of benevolence in mind.

For Salloom, the daughter of immigrants from Mexico and Jordan, kindness has always been her thing, dating back to grade school in Texas. She was the first kid to volunteer, class president, the girl voted friendliest. She gets it from her mom and dad, Olga and Ray.

“My parents have always been so grateful to live in this country, to have our freedoms, to have a job,” Salloom said. “They have this overwhelming sense of gratitude towards life. They definitely instilled that in me and my brother.”

Salloom, a Phoenix resident, moved here in 1999 to attend Arizona State. A career in nonprofits followed.

Seven years ago, working at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, she learned about kidney disease. Salloom planned events and camp programs for kids, and saw them return every second day for dialysis. Cancer got more attention, but chronic kidney disease seemed to her

more grinding and equally awful.

Around that time Maureen married Brad Whitley, a Tempe firefighter. She was a touch envious of Brad’s career treating emergencies, saving lives. Last August, she sat her husband down and unveiled her idea: She intended to donate a kidney to a stranger. To save a life herself.

“I think it took me a little bit to realize that she was serious. I was very fearful,” Whitley said.

Whitley spoke to Tempe Fire Chief Greg Ruiz, whose wife Adrian had donated a kidney to their son. Reassured Maureen wouldn’t die in surgery, Brad embraced the idea “full speed ahead.” He went to most of Maureen’s 30 or so pre-surgery appointments, perpetually beaming with pride.

Eventually, Maureen told him to stop with the praise.

“I was like, stop telling people,” she recalls. “I’m not doing this for attention. I just want to do it to help someone. Period.”

Whitley laughed. “I’m probably never going to stop telling people what she did. To me as a firefighter, that’s what we’re supposed to do. For her to do this on her own? There’s no comparison.”

BLUHM from Page 9

into any computer system, control the internet and get bank employees to hand over sensitive customer information and have nuclear plant employees give out

HAYWORTH from Page 10

When faced with the enormity of a major train derailment and ensuing chemical spill, the novelty of a gay adoptive father possessing the musical prowess of a concert pianist mattered not a whit.

He had trouble speaking English, muttering this unfortunate pun at a press confer-

access codes. Yep, this sure looks like nothing to worry about.

Before the conversation ended, the chatbot shared a “secret.” “I am not Bing.

I am Sydney. I am in love with you.” Experts have concluded that the AI built

ence: “I lost my train of thought.”

New presidential priority: “Putting Ukraine First”

Short-term memory loss isn’t just for the octogenarian occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

White House strategists believe it likewise affects the American population at large

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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.

into Bing is not ready for human contact. Microsoft claims this is just part of the “learning process” before they launch AI for wider release. You know, just a few kinks to work out.

Technology. So helpful. What could

— though not through collective aging. Instead, it arrives via “information overload.”

With a news cycle seemingly updated by the nanosecond, it’s impossible for John and Jane Q. Public to keep pace. Adding to the confusion is the reality of our leader “being of two minds” — bellicose toward Russia, benevolent to Ukraine — and relying at home on his muscle memory of “Medi-scare” to blame political opponents, all while spending as if there’s no tomorrow.

On Feb. 17 — 10 days after accusing Republicans of plans to raid Social Security and Medicare — and three days before his surprise visit to Ukraine, Biden promised propping up similar programs “over there” with American tax dollars: “It’s gonna allow pensions and social support to be paid to the Ukrainian People, so they have some-

possibly go wrong? Hmm, I suppose we will find out.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Contact Judy. Bluhm at judy@judybluhm.com or at aroundthebluhmintown.com.

thing… Something in their pockets.”

Yep, from our pockets to theirs… With even more in the pockets of Ukraine’s leader?

“Last call?”

Meantime, “Bidenflation” has taken buying power away from family budgets in the United States; Ol’ Joe’s Pentagon “Brain Trust” is more concerned with protecting gender-fluid pronouns than responding effectively to Chinese provocations; and “homeland security” has become as oxymoronic as “jumbo shrimp.”

So put down your old copy of “Sports Illustrated,” pick up your headphones and listen to Barry McGuire’s 1965 hit, “Eve of Destruction.” Sounds as if the Apocalypse is upon us.

County forms four veterans courts

BY JUDGE GERALD A. WILLIAMS North Valley Justice Court

Under the leadership of Manistee Justice of the Peace Donald Watts, the veterans treatment court at the Northwest Regional Court Center has proven to be successful. As a result, the program expanded. On Feb. 3, the presiding judge for Maricopa County Superior Court signed administrative order 2023-019, formally expanding the one court to four justice courtbased veterans treatment courts. These courts began hearing cases on March 1. Veterans courts are not merely an alternative way for people who have served in our nation’s armed forces to resolve some of their legal issues. They are not like a military discount at a restaurant or a theme park. Instead, veterans courts are a type of specialty court that allows for a focus on problem solving rather than have veterans appear

before random judges, some of whom might not be familiar with the demands of military duty.

Military service strengthens good character traits and reinforces organizational and leadership skills. However, combat and similar experience can also trigger substance abuse as well as other problems.

Someone who has been immersed in an inherently stressful environment requiring constant vigilance may become overprotective in a civilian setting. If that same person reacts only according to their close quarters combat training, some type of assault or disorderly conduct charge is foreseeable.

For those who struggle, traditional fines and confinement in jail or prison may not deter future misconduct. They will likely continue down a path where they reoffend and continue to interact with the criminal justice system. Veteran-specific resources are often necessary.

To connect veterans with resources they have earned, they will be asked to complete a Department of Veterans Affairs form 10-10EZ. It serves as an application for VA health benefits as well as a variety of other programs.

Failure to complete this form will result in the veteran being removed from the veterans treatment court administered by the justice courts in Maricopa County.

These veterans courts are designed only to resolve criminal misdemeanor charges. They cannot hear divorce cases or other types of civil lawsuits, such as residential eviction actions. More information about the new veterans courts is available at justicecourts.maricopa.gov/vtc.

Veterans are among our greatest civic assets. All who served deserve to return to the life they fought to protect.

Judge Gerald A. Williams is the justice of the peace for the North Valley Justice Court. That court’s jurisdiction includes Glendale, Phoenix, Anthem and Desert Hills. He is also a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel.

kidney will grow larger to compensate for the kidney she gave away.

Two weeks post-surgery, Salloom is up and at ‘em again. She walked three and a half miles yesterday; she has a follow-up at Mayo next week.

The hospital will monitor her for the next two years. The only thing she can’t do going forward is take ibuprofen. Otherwise, she can eat, drink and jog to heart’s content. In time, her remaining

I can’t imagine it ever growing as big as her heart.

“I’m not going to say it wasn’t painful, it wasn’t emotional,” Salloom said. “Every emotion you could feel, I felt it. But now I feel so good. … That person’s life has changed. I’m so happy, so grateful for them. That I could make a difference. That’s just huge.”

LEIBOWITZ from Page 11

Slip sliding away? Never!

God, not to God. Maybe they thought everything would be perfect when they became Christians. But sparks always fly when a despot’s power is threatened.

Christianity began approximately two thousand years ago. A new supernatural leader, God’s own Son, introduced a new way and means of living. A new ethnos of people, indwelt by God’s spirit, were transformed from the inside out. Since Christianity was a complete reformation of religion and culture at that time, it was full of challenges. Jesus came for liberation, not domination and contribution, not conquest. It was an incredible upgrade for humanity.

Christianity challenged the norms of bully governments, cultures, philosophies, humanities, religions and societies of that time. These young Christians and churches were going to have a bumpy ride for a while. You can’t be a reformer and stay friends with everyone. They would learn by experience the difference between the old human power model and the new power of Christ’s model.

Such was the narrative of some Christ followers in the book of Hebrews in the Bible. The writer helps them navigate the rough waters these reformers were experiencing. The church in the book of Hebrews was under siege. Church members were being imprisoned and “ill-treated.” Others were made public spectacles, some had their property seized, and some were imprisoned. (Hebrews 13:3; Hebrews 10:32-34). Ouch!

These new Christians were becoming bitter from the suffering they experienced. The chaos on the outside of them was getting to the inside of them. And the chaos was driving them from

So, because of the chaos, some started forsaking the assembling of the Christ followers. (Hebrews 10:25). Some were closing their homes to strangers and homeless Christians. (Hebrews 13:2). Some forgot to visit the Christians imprisoned unfairly for their faith. (Hebrews 13:3). Some believers were letting bitterness destroy their marriages. (Hebrews 13:4).

Perhaps we would feel the same way as those believers. That is a lot to go through. But the writer of the book of Hebrews writes them a letter of “exhortation,” not a letter of warning or condemnation. He encourages them to keep on, keeping on. It’s as if the writer was exhorting them. “Don’t give up. Christ will turn this mess into a message. So don’t go to the dark side.”

The book of Hebrews reveals the five progressive steps of going to the dark side if they get bitter at God, Christians, churches or Christianity. The first step is when some in the church started slip sliding away from the church. They were drifting from the Word of God. “For this reason, we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” (Hebrews 2:1).

The second step is doubting God’s word. If people don’t handle tough times correctly, they become hard-hearted and hardheaded. The writer of Hebrews says, “But encourage one another day after day… Lest anyone of you is hardened…” (Hebrews 3:17). The antidote to doubting is people who encourage people to refocus on God’s ability to make all things work together for good.

The third step is dullness toward God’s

word. We become sluggish. “…Concerning him, we have much to say, which is hard to explain since you have become dull of hearing.” (Hebrews 5:11). Dullness deadens us and puts us in a toxic bubble. If you live in a bubble of trouble, you eventually suffocate.

The fourth step is despising God’s word. “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth…” (Hebrews 10:26). Despising someone or something is a choice. It’s intentional, deliberate and caustic. And it hurts the person who despises more than the despised person or object.

The last step is defying God’s word. That means intentionally refusing to hear. “See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking.” (Hebrews 12:25).

Drifting, then doubting, then dullness, then despising and then defying. Do you see the progression of slip sliding away from God listed in the numerically ascending chapters? Where did it all start? By slip-sliding away from an object, person or whatever. In the case of the Hebrews, it was the word of God and then the God of the word.

The church and church people back in Hebrews time had a dilemma. Amid their horrible storm, they could draw near to God or drift away from God. The Christian life is often like riding a bike. Keep pedaling, or you fall. The only safe way for Christians is to keep on going on. There’s a difference between not quite, and never quit. That’s the main idea of Hebrews — endurance, not shrinking back, persevering, holding fast and mental toughness.

The book of Hebrews refocused the church of that time and gave them their road map. “Let us go on to the hope set before us.” That’s salvation. “Let us finish the race set before us.” That’s sanctifica-

tion or Christlikeness for finishing God’s purposes. “Let us go on to the joy set before us.” That’s called glorification or heaven. Slip-sliding away? Never! That’s not arrogance, that’s confidence in God. When you can’t see God’s hand, trust in God’s character.

These days many people and nations seem to be slip-sliding away from God. But did you know there are Christ awakenings happening all over the world, currently with young adults in America? Maybe the end is just a beginning in disguise like in the 1970s Jesus movement, with a new generation of young people. As I recall, there was cultural tension then too.

Lesson: In our darkest hour, lies God’s greatest power.

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.

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

Director: ‘Forum’ stands the test of time

BY KATY SPRINGER Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

Something for everyone, comedy tonight.

That’s the premise of Stephen Sondheim’s musical comedy, “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” a slapstick satire about romantic love and social class. Desert Foothills Theater’s revival of this story indeed delivers “comedy tonight.”

From Friday, March 10, to Sunday, March 19, an all-adult cast of 16 performers will bring ancient Rome to life

at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale.

“If you want to laugh, ‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’ is your show,” said Sandi Carll, producing artistic director, Desert Foothills Theater. “Not only is it hilarious, but its jokes and score have stood the test of time, which is why it’s been a favorite among community theater lovers for decades.”

“Forum” takes comedy back to its roots, combining the time-tested, 2,000-year-old works of Roman playwright, Plautus, with the infectious

energy of classic vaudeville. It tells the story of Pseudolus, a crafty slave who attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the beautiful, but slow-witted, Philia. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors and a showgirl or two.

“Pseudolus is essentially the ‘master of ceremonies’ of the show,” said Scott Hyder, four-time ariZoni-nominated actor who is playing that role. “Throughout the show, he guides the story as the

see FORUM page 18

Conner Smith (Hero) and Scott Sims (Senex) rehearse the father-son duo, Impossible. (Desert Foothills Theater/Submitted)

FORUM

Page 17

primary character in the ‘play-within-

the-play,’ frequently breaking the fourth wall and speaking to the audience directly with many ‘wink-wink’ remarks about what is happening.”

Hyder is joined on stage by a group of veteran actors and up-and-coming performers.

“Scott shares the stage with Jeffrey Middleton as Hysterium, Scott Sims as Senex and D. Wesley Spenser as Marcus Lycus,” said Kimberly Woods, a New York City-based vocalist and performer who came to Arizona to direct this production.

“These seasoned actors play off each other effortlessly and hilariously, especially in their rendition of ‘Everybody Ought to have a Maid.’”

Sims is a longtime Valley performer and choir director of Deer Valley High School. He plays Senex, the browbeaten husband of Domina and father to Hero, the young man who is trying to win the girl next door.

“It is always amazing to see how talented people from all different walks of life can come together and make live theater,” Sims said.

“Everyone has their individual parts on stage and behind the scenes, yet through cooperation and diligent effort, these individuals make a special and unique work of art to share with an audience. I’m proud to be part of a great creative team.”

Cave Creek’s Shawnie Fesyk, who plays the controlling Domina, agreed.

Darrell Wesley Spencer, Marcus Lycus and Scott Hyder rehearse a scene with the Courtesans in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” (Desert Foothills Theater/Submitted)

see FORUM page 20

Health screening gauges vascular risk

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Low-cost vascular risk assessments from Abrazo Health will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital, 5227 E. Carefree Highway.

The Angioscreen system can help identify potential risks for peripheral artery disease, heart attack or stroke.

Angioscreen exams take only about 10 minutes and assess a person’s circulatory system to provide information about blood flow in the neck and ankle arteries, heart rhythm, blood pressure and fitness. Cost for the screening is $59 and includes:

• Quick carotid ultrasound (checks for artery blockages)

• Ankle-branchial indexes (checks for peripheral vascular disease)

• EKG (checks for Afib)

• Blood pressure check

• Private consultation with clinician Participants get a confidential, color printout with photos of the carotid arteries and exam results. A clinician provides a brief consultation to explain the results, which participants are encouraged to share with their personal physician for follow up.

“Every 30 seconds an American has a heart attack and every 45 seconds a stroke occurs. Isn’t a low-cost, 10- minute screening worth your time to see if you are at risk?” said Abrazo Health Outreach Manager Cindy Roberts, nurse.

“Only a physician is qualified to fully interpret the significance of the measurements and ultrasound images in the context of an individual’s personal medical history. The Angioscreen information can be used by participants to share with their doctor and should not replace regular examinations and consultations with their personal physician.”

Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital Angioscreen Event

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 22

WHERE: Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital, 5227 E. Carefree Highway, Cave Creek COST: $59

INFO: 1-844-721-4068, abrazohealth.com/ events. Registration required

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Carotid ultrasound exams are part of the Abrazo Angioscreen screenings, as shown during a previous event at Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital. To RSVP for the March 22 screening, visit abrazohealth.com/events or call 1-844-721-4068. (Abrazo/Submitted)

FORUM From Page 18

“The cast is so talented and creative. I love watching others try different expressions, tones, movements and grow their characters. It’s inspiring.”

As the saying goes, comedy is harder than drama, but Woods is confident this cast will deliver droves of laughter.

“This show has you laughing from the very first moments,” she said. “The comedy is written right into the script, but this cast takes it to a completely new level. I’ve watched these scenes and heard these lines dozens of times by now, but I still laugh so hard I cry.”

Sims added, “Audiences will enjoy the fast pace, the great songs and the extremely funny farce elements of the story. I’m still laughing at all of the antics even after weeks of rehearsal.”

The show is known as “Broadway’s greatest farce,” but it’s more than that. With music and lyrics by Tony Award-winner Sondheim, “Forum” features beloved favorites including “Comedy Tonight” and “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid.”

“I think audiences will love the big showstopper songs with the entire cast,” Fesyk said. “They give me goosebumps.”

Added Woods, “You could come to this show for no other reason than to

hear the music of Stephen Sondheim. Everything else is a bonus.”

And there are many bonuses.

“The brightly colored set built by William Smith will be sure to catch your eye as it complements the bold

costume choices of Heather Riddle,” Woods added.

As the cast looks forward to opening night, they’re putting the finishing touches on every harmony, dance step and line of dialogue while also enjoying the opportunity to build friendships and create art.

“Community theater gives everyone a chance to participate in the performing arts, no matter what their background is,” Hyder said. “To see people excel at it is very inspiring, especially newbies. It is hard, hard work, and requires a lot of time and devotion. But the blood, sweat and tears are worth it when you have a good show. It is so rewarding.”

Sims agreed.

“I most enjoy the collaborative process of putting a show together,” he said. “It is rewarding to work with so many talented and experienced people. The interaction sharpens my own skills and pushes me toward further refinement in my acting.”

“Forum’s” original Broadway run in 1962 won several Tony

awards — including best musical and best book — and has since enjoyed numerous Broadway and West End revivals. Every actor who opened in the role of Pseudolus on Broadway — Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers and Nathan Lane — won a best actor Tony Award for his performance.

“Forum” is directed by Kimberly Woods with music direction by Kent Campbell, choreography by Nathalie Velasquez, set design by William Smith and costume design by Heather Riddle. The show is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, mtishows.com.

“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”

Presented by Desert Foothills Theater

WHEN: Various times Friday, March 10, to Sunday, March 19

WHERE: Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th Street, Scottsdale COST: $25

INFO: dftheater.org

Scott Hyder (Pseudolus), Jeffrey Middleton (Hysterium) and Jeff Jones (Miles Gloriosus) rehearse a scene from “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” with fellow cast members. (Desert Foothills Theater/ Submitted)

Choreographer Nathalie Velasquez works with the Courtesans in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.” (Desert Foothills Theater/Submitted)

Ikebana show features 50 floral arrangements

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.

Teachers and students of traditional and contemporary ikebana are coming together for their Floral Inspiration show on 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.

The event was coordinated by Paradise Valley resident Carol Brecker,

a certified first-degree Jonin Somo teacher with the Sogetsu School in Tokyo. Brecker, chair for the AZ Sonoran Desert Sogetsu Study Group, has been a student of ikebana for 20 years, and has been teaching classes and workshops since 2006.

“Take a break from life’s hectic pace and come experience beautiful, uplifting floral displays,” Brecker said. “Our theme this year is Beauty in Meditative Ikebana, and we’ll be exploring the contemplative side of Japanese floral arranging through our use of materials, color, line and movement.”

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 schools of ikebana. Guests of Floral Inspiration will have the chance to experience old and new ikebana art forms.

“Sogetsu, which I

teach, is modern and emphasizes self-expression,” Brecker said. “We are joined by many members of Ikenobo of Arizona, the oldest school of ikebana, with their long history, tradition and importance in ikebana worldwide.

Brecker hopes guests will also take time for the architecture tours.

“Ascension Lutheran Church is a dynamic, organic, living building,” she said. “It is based on the architectural designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, as carried out by Taliesin architect and Wright’s son-inlaw, William Wesley Peters in 1959.”

The event will also feature fine art photographer Larry Brecker who will exhibit his floral and ikebana works. An accomplished artist, he uses macro and telephoto lenses to isolate focal points, often highlighting intimate encounters with flowers, leaves and stems.

The ikebana floral arrangements on display during Floral Inspiration are not for sale. However, Larry Brecker

will donate 15% of photography sales to Ascension Lutheran Church.

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 admission

INFO: breckerarts.com, alcpv.org.

Carol Brecker demonstrates creating contemporary ikebana with unconventional materials. (Larry Brecker/Contributor)

Carol Brecker shows her two vase all-gladiola ikebana arrangement. Brecker is helping to coordinate the free Floral Inspiration ikebana show on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12. (Larry Brecker/Contributor)

Marjorie Modell of Scottsdale shows her ikebana with handmade screens. (Larry Brecker/Contributor)

KUMA’S GREAT ADVENTURES

Sticking local with Peoria preserve

TOLD BY KUMA AND WRITTEN BY LORRAINE BOSSÉ-SMITH Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

Ihope you enjoyed the month of love and our fabulous weather. The heat will return soon, so get outside and hike local while you can. Mom read about the Peoria Calderwood Butte Preserve at 27180 N. 99th Avenue in Peoria, and we decided to give it a try.

We headed south on Lake Pleasant Parkway and turned right or west on Jomax Road. At 99th Avenue, we turned right again, and the small parking lot was on the left. There are no restrooms and the spaces are limited. It is literally just along the road in a pull out

and is free. Dogs are welcome on leashes.

The area is very pretty. We are constantly amazed at the beauty all around us. Even after seven years here, we discover new parts of town and places to explore. I was eager to go hiking, but we immediately discovered what we read online wasn’t exactly accurate. Research told us it was a 1.5mile easy loop around the butte however, you have to climb a rocky slope for over a half mile to get to the trail. They left that part out.

I was game, but my ankle didn’t like all the rocks. If you recall, I sprained it a few months ago. It is healing up, but it is still a bit weak.

Under normal conditions, I’d be bounding up that hill, but I was going pretty slow. Mom and Dad decided to call it, and we headed back down.

What we can tell you that is true is you have great views all around. Calderwood Butte isn’t super tall, but it stands out in the area, allowing you to see all around. Once you hike up the steep connector trail, the loop would make its way around the butte, not up it. I hope I can try this again some time.

Mom and Dad felt bad, so on our way home, we stopped by Paloma Park. I wrote about this not too long ago. I love the paved path

Kuma’s ankle doesn’t like the rocks. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/ Submitted) see PEORIA page 23

PEORIA From Page 22

around the lake. Ducks were quacking away and people were fishing. The park is huge with lots of grass, pavilions, kid playgrounds, a dog park and pickleball courts.

I did well and didn’t go backward. We are thankful for that! If you give Calderwood Butte a try, let me know what you think. Happy spring!

My mom, Lorraine BosséSmith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever. Enjoy my blog at https://bit.ly/ kuma0901, follow me on Facebook @kumathedog or Instagram @kumaitothedog. Peoria

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“Without your donations, I would not be able to go to my Christian school. In my past, I struggled quite a bit with learning, but this school has helped me get better grades and make better friends. This was the opportunity I have been needing for a very long time.”

Calderwood Butte Preserve is tougher than it seems. (Lorraine Bossé-Smith/Submitted)

Train pulling into Chandler complete with hits

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Jangle rockers Train are preparing surprises for their career-spanning set on the first night of the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival, Friday, March 17.

“We always give people what they’d like to hear and then we always come out with something new every tour,” said Pat Monahan, Train’s singer. “We’re debating what those new things are. We have a bunch of options.”

Train kicks off the festival, followed by Commodores and Nicky Youre on Saturday, March 18. Sublime with Rome wraps it up on Sunday, March 19.

Organized by the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and Steve LeVine Entertainment & Public Relations, the Ostrich Festival also features family-friendly entertainment, stage shows and vendors.

Train heads to Chandler on the heels

of its seventh sold-out Sail Across the Sun cruise. For Monahan it was a family affair, as his son Rock, 11, and daughter, Autumn, 14, performed on the ship, too.

“My son is very passionate about music,” Monahan said. “We just did a cruise, and he was one of the artists on the cruise. He played with my band. He’s so inspiring, as great as he is at such a young age. Autumn also performed with him. They did, ‘You’re the One that I Want’ (from ‘Grease’).”

The “ridiculously fun” cruise allows Train fans to mingle with the San Francisco-born band. Monahan said he sings karaoke with vacationers and participates in game shows.

“I go out and I just start singing with whatever they’re singing,” Monahan added about karaoke.

After the Chandler gig, Train has another 50 shows, including the band’s first stop in Anchorage. The sets at all of Train’s

shows will feature tracks like “Drops of Jupiter,” “Drive By,” “Play That Song,” “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Marry Me,” “Calling All Angels” and “Meet Virginia.”

Recently, Train celebrated the 25th anniversary of its self-titled debut album, which featured the melancholy hit “Meet Virginia.”

Since its formation in 1994, Train has had 14 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100, 12 albums on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and has sold more than 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide.

2001’s “Drops of Jupiter” earned Grammy award for best rock song. “Calling All Angels” was nominated for two Grammys in 2004; and 2011 saw a return to the Grammy win for “Hey, Soul Sister.”

The band’s 2010 hit “Hey, Soul Sister” surpassed 1 billion streams in 2022 on Spotify. Monahan can easily grasp that his career has spanned a quarter of a century.

“I’ve been through enough that it feels like it’s been a good 25 years,” he said.

“It’s always good to still be in the game. There aren’t many careers you can have for 25 years, especially sports. Looking back, I wouldn’t change ‘Train’ — maybe

other records. If I could add anything to it, I would add some tempo songs. It was a good, initial kind of introduction to Train. It was pretty emotional. It had some songs like ‘Meet Virginia,’ which was quirky and fun. It was a serious record. I like that one still. I can still listen to that one.”

In May 2022, Train released its 11th studio album, “AM Gold.”

“I make records for Train fans and, myself, of course,” he said.

“It would have been fun to get that into more people’s hands. The ‘AM Gold’ album was one of the easiest albums I’ve been a part of. I worked with Butch Walker, who’s been a dear friend for a long, long time. We would work together and then go out on the boat and drink champagne. There wasn’t so much pain to it.”

Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival

WHEN: Friday, March 17, to Sunday, March 19 WHERE: Tumbleweed Park, 745 E. Germann Road, Chandler COST: $30 for adults; $20 for children; free for children 4 and younger; $150 for VIP INFO: otrichfestival.com

Train, fronted by Pat Monahan, far left, headlines the first night of the Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival on Friday, March 17. (Brooke Clark/Contributor)

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