The Foothills Focus Cave Creek 03-08-2023

OPINION ............ 8 Bluhm talks Microsoft’s ‘bonkers’ chatbot

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Interim superintendent named for CCUSD

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Dr. Cort Monroe has taken personal leave from his position as Cave Creek Unified School District superintendent, which paved the way for the governing board to name chief financial officer Marcie Rodriguez to temporarily fill the role

on Feb. 27.

Board president Janet Busbee read a statement from the governing body after the unanimous vote.

“Mrs. Rodriguez has over 20 years of cabinet experience with school districts in the Valley,” she said. “Her financial expertise coupled with her administration experience will lend itself to moving the district forward

in a positive light.”

She continued that Rodriguez is “keenly aware” of the needs and issues facing staff and students, and she will “diligently reestablish a cohesive environment in which all will thrive and to make the remainder of the school year a positive and successful teach-

see INTERIM page 7

Arizona Foothills 911 to launch whistle initiative

BY SUMMER AGUIRRE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

FEATURES ........ 13 Director: ‘Forum’ stands the test of time

FEATURES ........ 20

Ikebana show features 50 floral arrangements

OPINION ......................8

FEATURES ................ 12

CLASSIFIEDS ............ 22

Zone 2

Sunny Parker started her safety whistle initiative with one hope: to bring people home to their families unharmed.

After hearing about the deaths of hikers

Dr. Evan Dishion and Kathleen Patterson in fall 2022, Parker created the Arizona Whistle Initiative through her nonprofit, Arizona Foothills 911, to provide hikers and other individuals with safety whistles for emergencies.

The initiative will launch at an event honoring Patterson and Dishion from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation.

see WHISTLE page 4

Arizona Foothills 911’s founder and CEO, Sunny Parker, is launching the Arizona Whistle Initiative through her nonprofit. The initiative’s purpose is to provide hikers and other individuals with safety whistles for emergency situations. (File photo)

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find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com

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WHISTLE

from page 1

Attendees can obtain whistles, Spur Cross maps and information, readyset-go bags from Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN), participate in raffles and learn about liquid IVs.

“I think it’s really important to keep people safe on the trail,” Parker said. “After speaking to the families of both Dr. Evan Dishion and Kathleen Patterson, we’re pretty convinced that had they had a whistle, maybe they’d be here today.”

The initiative will provide 120-decibel safety whistles that one can grasp with their teeth. They can be used by not only hikers, but by anyone in an emergency.

The whistles will be free, but individuals will have to sign a waiver due to how loud they are. For now, those interested in obtaining a whistle will only be able to do so at the initiative’s events or by contacting Parker.

Parker emphasized how crucial it is to know how to safely use the whistles and how to perform the distress signal.

After placing the whistle between their teeth and covering their ears, the user will execute the distress signal: three long blasts, followed by three short blasts and another three long blasts. This translates to “SOS” in Morse code.

“A good survival whistle is designed to send out these blasts that can be heard over a mile away,” Parker said. “You’re giving yourself the best chance you can to survive.”

To help ensure that people understand that the whistles are for hiking purposes and are not toys, an instructional video is in the works to demonstrate their proper usage.

“As this goes on and the bigger we get, the more we’re probably going to need volunteers to go to different places to hand these out and to help explain to people what they are, why you want to use them, why you don’t want to put them in a child’s hands,” Parker said.

She explained that the most valuable resource that the nonprofit can provide its communities is education, because it is “the one thing that you can give away for free.”

Because many Valley residents are transplants, it is especially important to educate newcomers about the desert environment’s harsh nature.

As a result, the organization is working on an array of educational videos discussing outdoor safety to supplement its existing services.

The videos will touch upon the need for adequate water and electrolytes, emergency blankets and other necessary hiking supplies, and recognizing one’s individual physical limits.

“I think (the initiative) is twofold — it’s a great thing for us as people to welcome new people into the neighborhood, and give them a chance to meet us and us to meet them,” she said. “But also to help them be safe, as well, and help them become great stewards of our community.”

For those who would like to support Arizona Foothills 911’s whistle initia-

tive, they can donate funding for the purchase of whistles.

“The most important thing is making sure that we get these survival whistles in the hands of people who need them,” Parker said.

“At the end of the day, (the goal) is just to truly make it so that if you’re totally lost, you have the confidence to get you through whatever it is and at least have a chance, a little bit better of a chance, to get back home to your loved ones.”

Parker established Arizona Foothills 911 and its Facebook page in 2020, and it has since grown to around a thousand active volunteers.

The team serves in North Valley communities like Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, New River, Desert Hills, Rio Verde, North Scottsdale and Black Canyon City.

Appropriately, their mission statement is, “Neighbors helping neighbors, because it is the right thing to do.”

In addition to the whistle initiative, the nonprofit has several branches through which it serves its local communities and those statewide, including assistance for those whose homes have burned down; clothing for those in need; transportation for animals during disasters; and care for burned animals, thanks to veterinarians who volunteer their time.

“We just want to do whatever we can to help our community during any disaster relief situation, including floods, fires, crossfires, anything we can,” Parker said.

“Whatever we can do to help our community is what we want to do. We want to make sure that we are a resource for the local people here.”

Arizona Foothills 911

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Arizona Foothills 911’s Arizona Whistle Initiative kickoff will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation, 44000 N. Spur Cross Road.

For more information about the whistle initiative and Arizona Foothills 911, visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page or contact Sunny Parker at 480-204-4443.

Donations are accepted through PayPal.

The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To

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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 pro-

posal 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.

ing and learning environment for all.” Monroe did not answer requests for a statement. Meanwhile, board vice president Scott Brown referred all questions to Busbee, who did not respond. Instead, Frank Hendricsen, CCUSD’s executive director of human resources, said, “At this time we are providing no other comments or interviews related to this matter.”

The Feb. 27 meeting agenda read, “The superintendent is currently on leave and there is no other administrator currently authorized to act as superintendent. The acting superintendent would be authorized to act in the capacity of the superintendent in the superintendent’s

absence.”

As acting superintendent, Rodriguez will be responsible for ensuring that CCUSD schools continue to provide high-quality education to students, according to a governing board letter to parents.

“She will work closely with teachers, staff, the CCUSD Governing Board and community members to promote academic achievement, foster a positive school culture and enhance the district’s reputation as a top-performing school district.”

Monroe began his run as CCUSD superintendent in January 2021, coming from the Queen Creek Unified School District assistant superintendent position.

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

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

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

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

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

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

1. Finding the underlying cause

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

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

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

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

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

It’s completely painless!

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

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

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

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

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Dr. Cort Monroe is on “personal leave” from the Cave Creek Unified School District superintendent post. (Cave Creek Unified School District/Submitted)

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

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” — have proliferated during the Biden Presidency.

A trio of recent news items provides intriguing examples. Though not all of

them directly involve Joe Biden, they have happened “on his watch,” which undoubtedly has been punctuated by plenty of presidential naps.

Biden Cites Franklin — Not Benja -

min, but Aretha

Rather than invoking the memory of a 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 Transporta -

tion

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 sky-high for Buttigieg. But a stalled international supply line, severe holiday airline delays and sever-

see HAYWORTH page 11

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.”

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

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.”

How to get a letter published

E-mail: christina@timeslocalmedia.com

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

HAYWORTH from Page 9

al 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.”

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 conference: “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 — 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 something… 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.

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

see FORUM page 14

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

FORUM from page 13

Scott Hyder, four-time ariZoni-nominated actor who is playing that role. “Throughout the show, he guides the story as the 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.

“My favorite thing about the process of putting this show together is the nightly rehearsal laughter,” she said. “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

see FORUM page 16

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)

FORUM from page 14

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

The company of Desert Foothills Theater’s “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” performing March 10 to March 19. (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)

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)

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 Ameri-

can 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.”

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)

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

KUMA’S GREAT ADVENTURES

Sticking local with Peoria preserve

MARCH 23 4 - 7pm

I hope 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 1.5-mile 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 around the

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

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

PEORIA From Page 18

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 Bossé-Smith,

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.

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

Pageant MC Radio Personality Danny Davis

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)

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