The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 3.9.2022

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This Week

BUSINESS ......... 16 On-site job fair set for Abrazo hospitals

FEATURES ........ 17 Uncover a love of geology at Rock and Mineral Show

FEATURES ........ 18 Author’s new book puts the fun in potty training

OPINION ......................7 BUSINESS ................. 16 FEATURES ................ 17 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 24 Zone 2

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Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

22

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Trio to be honored at Italian gala

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

J

erry Colangelo, Ralph Marchetta and Chris Bianco will be recognized for their outstanding achievements during the National Italian American Foundation’s Regional Arizona Gala on March 19 at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel.

The evening’s honorees are Colangelo, NIAF chairman emeritus; Marchetta, senior vice president and general manager of the Footprint Center; and Bianco, owner of Pizzeria Bianco and semi-�inalist for the 2022 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restauranteur.

The black-tie gala will begin with a

cocktail reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by an awards program and an Italian-curated dinner.

During the gala, before 250 guests, the foundation will honor Colangelo with the inaugural Jerry Colangelo Sports Excellence Award in recognition of his career as a sports, business and philanthropic icon.

“It’s always been an organization that’s been close to my heart,” Colangelo said.

“I have had a life of involvement with the organization and — in order to create awareness in the state of Arizona where I’ve lived for 60 years now coming out of Chicago — we’re planning a big night at

��� GALA ���� 4

Ralph Marchetta is devoted to his Italian heritage.

The former Cave Creek resident married his wife, GinaMarie Scarpa, in Italy. (File photo)

New festival introducing services to area

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

F

oothills Food Bank & Resource Center manager Kim Basile called her nonpro�it a lifeline to the community.

She hopes to reinforce that with the �irst Hope and Health Fest from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 12, at the food bank’s parking lot in Black Canyon City. The event will feature 15 vendors, including dental hygienist students from Rio Salado College.

“We have several health organizations in Yavapai County participating along with Family Church BCC, the library and Daisy Mountain Fire,” Basile said.

“The Daisy Mountain Fire Department will present a program on smoke detectors and carbon monoxide.

“We have a lot of services come down from Prescott. I think they’re bringing narcolepsy kits down. A nurse is going to take blood pressure and test A1C.” A Grand Canyon University registered di-

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Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center provides emergency food, �inancial assistance and other life necessities and resources to individuals and families in the desert foothills, which encompasses a 180-square-mile area that includes Black Canyon City, Mayer, Spring

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NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-348-0343 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timespublications.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timespublications.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timespublications.com Advertising Office Manager: Tricia Simpson | 480-898-5624 | tsimpson@timespublications.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@thefoothillsfocus.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timespublications.com Design: Veronica Thurman | vthurman@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

GALA ���� ���� 1

the Arizona Biltmore. I think it’s a great platform for the organization and certainly I’m pleased and proud to be honored by the group.”

Colangelo said it is important for him to keep his Italian heritage alive.

“I would say the Italian community is just like most of the ethnic groups in America; from one generation to the next, it gets watered down a little bit,” he said.

“That’s why it’s important to maintain the connectivity and to pass onto our children and our grandchildren the stories about their roots, where they came from, who really made it all possible in this country and, in some cases, parents and, in some cases, grandparents, who left the old country with nothing and created a life for their family.”

The stories are never ending, he said.

“They wanted to provide for their families and America gave them their platform,” he said. “They tell the stories of how people of Italian heritage have risen to the top of the heap, if you will,

in medicine and business, for example—right across the board.

“A number of years ago, I was honored in D.C. at the big gala and that was a big exposure to the whole organization in my opinion for me. When I was asked to go on the board, I was asked to serve proudly. It has great roots, just like people of Italian heritage.”

Colangelo explained he’s been blessed with a lot of success in business and in sports. He credited his formative years in his “old neighborhood.” Colangelo grew up with living in the same home with his grandparents.

“Living in an Italian-American community, I learned the basic things about life—hard work, commitment, passion, family, all of it,” he said. “That’s where it all began for me. I’ve tried to pass that on to my kids, grandkids and, now, my great-grandkids.”

The Al Carfora Italian Heritage Award, named after the late Al Carfora of Phoenix, a former NIAF area coordinator, will be awarded to Marchetta and Bianco.

“It’s really an unexpected honor, but

I’m super appreciative,” said Marchetta, a former Cave Creek resident who now lives in Downtown Phoenix.

“The award was named after Al Carfora. I knew Al and he was a great member of the Italian American community.

It’s like a double honor.”

His great-grandparents emigrated from Italy more than 100 years ago and, because of this, he has been passionate about the culture. Marchetta and his wife, GinaMarie Scarpa, even married in Italy, south of Salerno.

“I got my Italian citizenship seven years ago,” Marchetta said. “I’ve been studying the language. I’ve been involved with different organizations in town, and I’ve been trying to support the Italian culture. This is a huge honor.

It’s really an incredible honor for me.”

Marchetta and Colangelo worked together for some time, as the latter formerly owned the Phoenix Suns.

“He’s been a mentor and an inspiration,” Marchetta said. “It’s incredible, and Chris Bianco and all the success he’s had. His passion for Italian food is incredible. I’m blown away to be included.”

At the gala, special guests in attendance will include, actress, TV personality and former model Clarissa Burt; former general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks Joe Garagiola Jr.; former MLB player Luis Gonzalez; former NBA player Tom Chambers; along with District 6 representative of the Phoenix City Council in Arizona, Sal DiCiccio and Honorary Consul General of Italy in Arizona, Roberta Gentili-Purcell.

The master of ceremonies for the evening will be former TV sports anchor Jude LaCava, with musical performances by Santan Swing Band and opera singer Sedona Libero. The event is co-chaired by NIAF’s area coordinators of Phoenix, Pete Melucci, Alfred Molina and Michael Farrar.

To commemorate NIAF’s Regional Arizona Gala, NIAF will award a $5,000 grant to the Boy Scouts of America Grand Canyon Council, based in Scottsdale. This donation will support scholarships for Italian American children, ages 5 to 18, to attend one of four Boy Scout summer camps located in Arizona.

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NEWS

NEW FESTIVAL ���� ���� 1

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

Valley, Cordes Lakes, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, Desert Hills, New River, North Scottsdale, Rio Verde and North Phoenix.

“We just want to make sure that everyone knows the food bank is in town,” Basile said. “We don’t discriminate We really ask very little. We’re going to have our information out there.”

Black Canyon City has about 3,000 residents, yet the food bank sees 150 clients a week.

“We have 150 clients a week who we’re contacting,” she said.

“We’re having free haircuts, which is pretty neat. Four bikes that we’re raf�ling.

The tickets are free. We want to give away a new coffeepot and bread maker that someone in the community donated.”

As a community organization, the Foothills Food Bank serves as the neighborhood supermarket, essentially. The nonpro�it sees 150 to 160 clients per week.

“Black Canyon City is lacking resources,” she said.

“They don’t have a pharmacy. We used to be able to get our propane here, as

most of the people there live in trailers and they need propane to heat. They have to go to Anthem to �ill up the tanks for propane. It’s tough.”

Recently, the Foothills Food Bank teamed up with Yavapai County after years with Maricopa County. However, the area is so far south in Yavapai County that it’s dif�icult for clients to get resources — especially mental health counseling, optical and hearing services.

“With this event, I’m just trying to make something a little fun and different,” she said. “There isn’t a lot that goes on there. We’re hoping, with this one, that we can get resources that stick in the town. That’s our goal for the Foothills Food Bank.

“We’re hoping for a fun day.”

Hope and Health Fest

WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 12 WHERE: Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center, 34550 S. Old Black Canyon Highway, Black Canyon City COST: Free INFO: foothillsfoodbank.com

Interactive miners’ dinner planned at museum

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

C

ave Creek Museum will host its major fundraiser, a miners’ dinner, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 22.

The event honors the museum’s past and future plans. Along with dinner catered by Phoenix Palate, the museum will offer a silent auction, raf�les and entertainment. Guests can enter for a chance to ride in a hot air balloon with Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon Co. The cost is $75 per person and reservations must be made by Friday, March 18. Raf�le tickets, which are $25, also may be purchased online or at the event.

Guests arrive at 4:30 p.m. to check in and socialize, followed by demonstrations of the Golden Reef Stamp Mill and blacksmithing at 5:15 p.m. Dinner

Ziker to discuss �inding revolutionary patriots

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Catalyst, Convener, Champion

is served at 6 p.m. as cowgirls from the Cowgirls Historical Foundation mingle with guests. Mike Ewing and the Cowboy Balladeer also will entertain.

Dinner and raf�le tickets can be purchased online at cavecreekmuseum.org, at the museum or by mailing a check to the museum at 6140 E. Skyline Drive, Cave Creek, AZ, 85331. Seating is limited to 150 persons. Culture passes will not be accepted. For more information, call 480-488-2764.

The 51-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits. The museum is open October to May.

C

ave Creek Museum and Sarah Ziker present “Do you have a revolutionary patriot in your family tree?” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 19, in its historical church.

Ziker, a representative of Daughters of the American Revolution, will discuss how people can use free online resources to discover their ancestors’ service.

Ziker has been part of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) since 2002. She is passionate about exploring her family and �inding historical connections.

In the DAR, she proved that she descended from 22 men and women who aided in establishing American independence. These patriots vary between farmers who helped feed the Continental Army to someone who was part of

the Boston Tea party.

Ziker now serves Arizona DAR as state recording secretary and is the national vice chair of the membership task force.

She is an honorary regent of the Black Mountain Foothills Chapter in Cave Creek. This session is open to men and women who want to learn about their colonial ancestors, such as whether family members might have fought in the American Revolution.

The 51-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek. For more information, call 480488-2764.

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Golden ideas to avoid the gas crisis

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

H

ave you been taking many road-trips lately? Hmm. Maybe not. Now that gasoline is around $4 a gallon, it appears we’re all trying to find ways to drive less.

Some gloomy TV news commentator had the nerve to suggest that we’ll be paying $5 a gallon by summer! I’m sick of hearing how the price of petro in Europe is expensive, but no one seems to complain

like we Americans. We don’t live in little villages with trains running through town. Some of us drive in one year what a person in Europe will drive in their lifetime! We live in sprawling communities and have many places to go. Our lives take us down many roads (literally) and we seem to need at least two vehicles per family. Now we’re rethinking our overpriced gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs. Yes, it’s the perfect time for drivers to think small, compact and

maybe electric. I drove a Volkswagen Beetle when I was in my twenties, and I think I’d faint if I had to get behind the wheel of such a little car. Going back to “tiny” is a pretty hard stretch. Besides, we love carrying “our stuff ” around in our vehicles. Tools, folders, files, boxes, sporting equipment, doggy cushions, child seats, are only a few of the “things” that we love to keep in our cars — not to mention the kids and pets!

I heard a politician point a finger

into a news camera and say, “Americans should just be happy.” Hey, I take issue with that statement. How could anyone be happy when you know that today, tomorrow or the

see BLUHM page 15

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OPINION

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

Neighbor’s suicide leaves regret, questions in its wake

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

T

he white house sits across the street from the window fronting my desk. Not much distinguishes the place from the rest of the block where I moved two weeks ago. Four orange trees, their trunks painted white, line the east edge of the driveway.

The side gate has a sign that reads “Beware of the Dog” in faded orange letters. On the porch sits a white pot sprouting a metal replica of a sunflower.

The flower’s bright yellow adds a little cheer to the scene, but this is not that kind of story.

I met the woman who owned the house once, a few days after I moved in.

I was unloading the last of my boxes. She walked over from across the street and introduced herself as Linda. She looked to be approaching 80, and blunt in the way people of a certain age can pull off.

“It’s a nice street,” she assured me,

with a hard glance that seemed to suggest I had better keep it that way. I learned Linda had lived in the small white house for decades, beside Carolyn, her best friend and forever neighbor. There was rarely traffic on the block. Dogs barked on occasion. I told her my name. Then my phone rang. It was a work call I needed to take.

We said goodbyes and I thought nothing more of it for a few days, when I came home to a street full of police cars and an ambulance. The low white house had police crime scene tape blocking the driveway. Officers milled about. Carolyn, the forever neighbor, sat on her porch talking into her phone. I could see her shoulders heaving.

The sergeant running the scene met me in the street. He had little to say except there had been a death. Now a death investigation was happening. I asked whether there had been a crime.

He said he didn’t think so, that it looked like an older woman, the home’s only

occupant, had taken her own life. No, not with a gun. It appeared she had hanged herself.

“That’s sad,” was the best I could do.

“Very sad,” he agreed. A thought occurred to me: “I guess she might have been lonely.”

A couple of visitors have come and gone from the house since that afternoon, and I have looked for excuses to bump into Carolyn from the house next door, to ask if there’s anything I can do.

Each morning, I glance through the obituaries, to see if there might be more to Linda’s life – loved ones left behind, a memorial service scheduled, a charity where one might pay tribute.

Possibly, that’s the reporter in me, wanting to know “the rest of the story,” as Paul Harvey used to say. But more likely, it’s the human being in me, the new neighbor who wishes he hadn’t answered his phone, who regrets not being warmer, who wonders how he might have made some small difference.

This is magical thinking, I suppose.

The world may feel small today, with everyone in each other’s business on Facebook, on Twitter, online, but the truth is, we have never been more isolated.

Buried under the outward self we show the world, the #blessings and

proclamations of gratitude, each of us has endless hidden nuances, stories we take pains to keep locked away.

Now I write a story about a neighbor no longer here to read it, while I stare at the house she left vacant and wonder what happened behind those closed curtains, that front door with the iron security grate.

So it goes. We are here until we’re not, and sometimes we take the rest of the story with us.

How to get a letter published E-mail: christina@timespublications.com

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

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OPINION

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

State moves in wrong direction on health card

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

W

hen Dwight David Eisenhower said farewell to public life in January 1961, he noted the rise of the “conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry.”

Eisenhower warned the American People that “we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought” by what he labeled “the military-industrial complex.”

While Ike’s historic description and warning endures, his farewell address sounded an additional cautionary note about another worrisome faction. Six decades later, that less-heralded admonition has proven remarkably prophetic.

“We must also be alert,” President Eisenhower said, to the “danger that public policy itself could become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.”

Two years after Dr. Anthony Fauci persuaded President Trump that our nation

faced the prospect of a dangerous pandemic from COVID-19, it is painfully obvious that Ike’s concern of six decades ago became our own bitter reality.

What began as “15 days to slow the spread” morphed into a much longer and sustained effort to establish “Fauci-ism.” As our nation’s highest paid bureaucrat, with a salary of $417,608 in 2019, Fauci obviously believes that he should have power equaling the status of his paycheck. After all, he makes more than the president!

Outpacing that generous sum from the taxpayers is Dr. Fauci’s oversized ego, demonstrating the “fine for me but not for thee” inclinations of the Washington elite.

When challenged on his policies by other health experts, the frustrated Fauci channeled French King Louis XIV, attempting to shut down the essence of scientific inquiry, by claiming that “his” science alone was valid. “I represent science,” he boasted. (“L’Etat c’est moi,” anyone?)

Even before Dr. Fauci’s veracity began to unravel, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis cast a

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Eisenhower’s assertion was the catalyst that prompted DeSantis to prioritize vaccinations and care for seniors, embrace innovative treatments such as the use of monoclonal antibodies, and reopen Florida for business and travel as well as public education.

“The job of the statesman is not to subcontract out your policy to help bureaucrats,” he said. “The job of the statesman is to lead…so many governors over the last two years would simply defer to help bureaucrats because it was a safe thing to do politically.”

Governor Doug Ducey hasn’t always done the wise thing politically when it comes to combating COVID, and it appears he’s now poised to take the Grand Canyon State over the edge when it comes to individual rights and health records.

The business magazine “Forbes” recently featured this headline: “A National Vaccine Pass Has Quietly Rolled Out—And Red States Are Getting On Board.”

Arizona is among 21 states, along with D.C. and Puerto Rico, that offer the SMART Health Card, a verifiable digital proof of vaccination.

“Forbes” reports that “having digital access to personal health records empowers

the individual,” and that’s why Arizona wants its residents to “get SMART.” But instead of empowering individuals, the so-called SMART Card puts more power in the hands of government, because it would allow government to control—and in some cases, deny— the freedom of travel to its citizens.

A “pass?” No. In reality, a national vaccine passport.

Of course, Florida is not among the 21 states who want to use “SMART cards.”

Ducey, the Legislature, and other Arizona leaders should follow Florida’s example.

SMART cards are not “what the doctor ordered.”

Well, maybe one certain doctor.

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OPINION

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READER’S VIEWPOINTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Mayor: Carefree Water Consolidation Project is good for town Editor: The Carefree Water Consolidation Project (WCP) will bring 500plus existing Carefree homes and businesses into the Carefree Water Company system. These homes and businesses are currently connected to the Cave Creek Water system and were part of that system when Cave Creek acquired it from a private water provider in 2007.

When Cave Creek pursued acquiring the private water system to better serve Cave Creek residents, Cave Creek was required to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the town of Carefree because 500plus Carefree residences and businesses were impacted by this acquisition.

The intergovernmental agreement accomplished a number of items including providing Carefree’s support of Cave Creek’s acquisition, setting standards for service for these Carefree customers, and providing Carefree with the option to acquire all of the water system located within Carefree in the future under certain conditions. The intergovernmental agreement also allocated the quantity of water associated with each Carefree account which would accompany them should they ever be serviced by Carefree Water.

Why is Carefree integrating this portion of the Cave Creek system to serve these Carefree residents?

Carefree’s elected officials, who serve as the town council and the water company’s board of directors, have made the policy decision that all Carefree residents should be served by one water provider; and that water provider should be the

Carefree Water Company. This decision was years in the making after exhaustive investigations, analyses, and negotiations, and many factors weighed into this decision.

Key factors included: • political representation for all Carefree residents in water system decisions • consistent levels of water service within Carefree including maintenance and fire protection • water quality • infrastructure investment long-term water supply/water • availability concerns.

Based on these and other factors, Carefree exercised its acquisition rights under the IGA and through a unanimous decision by a three-judge arbitration panel, Carefree’s concerns and decision were validated.

For a more global perspective, Carefree, like any other municipality, wants to serve its residents in the best way possible and part of that service includes the water utility. Almost every municipality in the Valley manages and operates their water utility to better serve their residents, and Carefree is no different. This transition will improve water service to Carefree residents and give them a voice, through their elected officials, in the water system’s current and future operations.

Why is a water storage tank required for Carefree’s Water System as part of the Water Consolidation Project?

All water systems require storage for distribution because this storage provides for system delivery capacity during times of high demand. This includes water needed to fight fires, which requires balancing large volumes of water within the system.

As a water system grows, it re-

see LETTER page 14

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

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OPINION

LETTER ���� page 12

quires more water storage to support the increased water demand and increased needs for water balancing and fire protection. This growth typically occurs gradually over time, allowing for the construction of water storage facilities in areas that support this growth.

In Carefree’s situation, the acquisition of more than 500 water customers currently served by Cave Creek represents a nearly instantaneous 25% increase in Carefree Water Company’s customer base. The need for additional water storage was verified by Coe & Van Loo (CVL) professional engineers based on computer modeling of the Carefree Water Company system.

How was the location for the water storage reservoir selected?

The location for the water storage reservoir was selected based on a combination of engineering requirements, cost drivers and minimization

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

of inconveniences to residents. The most opportune locations for utility equipment are those areas that provide service in the most cost-effective manner to the most people and creating inconvenience to the fewest.

Specific criteria for locating Carefree’s new water storage reservoir include, but are not limited to: • A location that balances water availability and pressures within the system.

• An elevation that supports gravity feeding the system. This minimizes costly and maintenance intensive components such as booster pumps and emergency backup generators.

• Proximity to existing water mains to connect to the current water system. Water mains are typically located in or near main traffic roadways to facilitate repairs and maintenance without necessitating entry into and work in residential neighborhoods.

• Evaluating the geology as the reservoir cannot be located on a rock ledge or other natural impediment,

as that significantly increases construction costs.

• Being cited as distant as possible from adjacent residences, to minimize the impact to those nearby.

The professional engineers of Coe & Van Loo were contracted to identify the most suitable site for a new water storage reservoir. Thirty-two potential locations were identified within Carefree, and each site was assessed using the criteria noted above. Coe & Van Loo’s conclusion and recommendation was that only one site met all criteria, and that was a site along Tom Darlington Drive located within a 12-plus-acre Boulders open space property. This site met the needs of the water company system, and the reservoir could be serviced entirely from Tom Darlington Drive. This eliminated the need to travel through residential neighborhoods for construction access and in the future, for maintenance access.

The nearest residence is 165 feet away from the water storage reser-

voir, far more distant than at any of the other sites analyzed.

What are some of the specific characteristics of the water storage reservoir?

The water storage reservoir is located on a piece of property that is approximately 3/4 of an acre. The reservoir will store fresh potable water only for drinking and household use. There will be no odors associated with the water storage reservoir.

Excavation to place the new water storage reservoir below the ground has already been completed. And, once construction of the concrete water storage reservoir is complete, the excavation will be filled back in with earthen material.

Earth will be placed around all but the west side of the new reservoir and on the top of the reservoir. All of the backfilled earth material will be relandscaped with rocks, cacti,

see LETTER page 15

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LETTER ���� page 14

native trees, and desert plants and shrubs to match the surrounding environment.

The only entry and exit point for reservoir construction and for future maintenance will be from Tom Darlington Drive.

Will water from the new water storage reservoir serve the parcel at the northwest corner of Tom Darlington Drive and Carefree Highway?

No. The water from this new water storage reservoir will not have adequate pressure to serve the property at the northwest corner of Tom Darlington Drive and Carefree Highway. The water from this new reservoir has been designed, and has always been intended, to serve the far southwest portion of Carefree that is part of the area being acquired from Cave Creek (Neighborhood A). This new reservoir will be instrumental in meeting peak demands and fire flow requirements in that area without overtaxing the current delivery and fire-fighting capabilities of Carefree Water’s existing service areas.

BLUHM ���� page 7

day after you’re going to get robbed at the gasoline pumps! If you are ever bored, dear readers, go to any gas station and look at the facial expressions of the poor, hapless, folks as they swipe their credit cards and watch, with glassy-eyed horror as the numbers keep rising. It’s pretty interesting (sad) to see how people are coping.

My grandson pays about $120 to fill up his truck. This is not a “happy” situation. I did notice that he purchased a bicycle a few weeks ago, which he claims is part of a fitness program and has nothing to do with a gas-hog of a truck. I expect I’ll be riding my horses to a few more places. Perhaps we need to install some hitching posts at our

How will the parcel at the northwest corner of Tom Darlington Drive and Carefree Highway be served water?

The property at the northwest corner of Tom Darlington Drive and Carefree Highway is within the town of Carefree and will be served water by the Carefree Water Company.

There are no water pipelines adjacent to this property and as stated above, the pipelines that will serve Neighborhood A from the new water storage reservoir on Tom Darlington Drive will not have adequate pressure to serve this property.

The developer of this property will therefore be required, at their cost, to make the connections to the existing Carefree Water distribution system and extend pipelines carrying water at adequate pressures along the frontages of their property. As with the properties surrounding the northwest corner, this property will be served directly from the existing 500,000-gallon water storage reservoir on Up and Down Place, which can provide an adequate volume of water at the correct pressure.

Les Peterson Carefree Mayor

local shops and restaurants.

But why get in a bad mood about gas prices? It’s obviously out of our control. I try to put everything into perspective. The value of our homes has skyrocketed, jobs are plentiful, incomes have increased, and people are out and about post-COVID-19, spending money and enjoying life.

It’s all good! But then I fill up my SUV and head to the grocery store and my mood begins to shift. I have started drinking a high-octane beverage, which is the only high-octane I can afford.

On a positive note, there is a jeweler in Phoenix that is exchanging gold jewelry for gasoline cards. Gold for gas? Sounds like a “golden” idea.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and local Realtor. Have a story or a comment?

Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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BUSINESS

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On-site job fair set for Abrazo hospitals

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

A

brazo Health is scheduling an on-site hiring event at the Abrazo Scottsdale Campus on March 30. Hiring managers will be interviewing for positions at the Abrazo Scottsdale and Abrazo Cave Creek hospitals.

Job opportunities in all departments are available with Abrazo, which offers hiring generous bonuses for eligible positions. Abrazo is holding job fairs at its hospitals across the Valley during March and April.

“We are growing as a health system, investing in our future. Abrazo hospitals offer competitive pay and

benefits, support and growth opportunities,” said Abrazo recruiter Kathi Athey. “Our culture embodies a community built on care, with concern for the well-being of others – both for our patients and our heroic employees and caregivers.”

Day and night shift openings are available at all Abrazo hospitals. Abrazo Health is one of Arizona’s largest health systems, with advanced expertise in cardiovascular, stroke and neurosciences, complex orthopedics and spine, minimally invasive surgery and maternity services. Abrazo recently announced plans for a new medical campus and hospital in Buckeye.

Hiring events are set for the following dates and locations. All of them run from noon to 3 p.m.

• March 23: Abrazo Arrowhead/Surprise Hospital, 18701 N. 67th Avenue, Glendale, Sierra Room • March 23: Abrazo Central Campus/ Mesa Hospital, 2000 W. Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, Wellness Room • March 30: Abrazo Scottsdale Campus/Cave Creek Hospital, 3929 E. Bell Road, Phoenix, Glass Conference Room

• March 30: Abrazo West Campus, 13677 W McDowell Road, Goodyear, second-floor conference room • April 6: Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, 1930 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, second-floor conference room “Arizona is committed to supporting the vital contributions of its healthcare workers on behalf of our patients.

We value staff input on best practices, safety, quality, patient experience and more through a culture of positivity and inclusion. We are optimistic about the future of health care, with continual investment in bedside clinical equipment, facilities and career growth opportunities for our staff,” Athey said.

The Abrazo Health network extends across the Valley, including Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, Abrazo Central Campus, Abrazo Scottsdale Campus and Abrazo West Campus, the latter of which is a trauma center.

Abrazo Health also includes microhospitals, freestanding emergency centers, primary care and specialty physician practices, and graduate medical education programs.

To register for one of the hiring events, contact kathi.athey@tenethealth.com or call 714-767-6056. For information on current opportunities at all Abrazo locations or to apply for a specific position, visit abrazohealth. com/careers.

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Uncover a love of geology at Rock and Mineral Show

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

J

oin the Daisy Mountain Rock and Mineral Club for an interactive display show featuring hundreds of specimens and fun for the whole family Saturday, March 19, and Sunday, March 20.

The event, located at the Anthem School, will have 30 to 35 vendors, an ultraviolet light display, raffles, door prizes and a kid’s corner, according to Nancy Gallagher, a member of the Rock and Mineral club’s executive board.

“We are a smaller rock and gem show but we have a lot to give. We definitely have the rocks, minerals, fossils and gems,” she said. “We also have lots of jewelry that has been made either by wire wrapping or fine jewelry where people have made beautiful faceted gems from gems that are found right here in Arizo-

na or around the world. It’s something for everybody.”

Gallagher said the event is family oriented, and there are plenty of things for the kids to do besides look at the rocks.

It can be an educational event, too, and spark a love for geology in kids.

“We have a remarkable Kid’s Corner,” Gallagher said. “They have lots of games to play, they win lots of wonderful prizes and the biggest thing is that we have so many rocks, minerals and fossils to give them when they leave.”

For $1, kids can take home two egg cartons stuffed with different rocks, minerals and gems. Each piece is labeled with a number, and a key is attached to the carton so kids can dump everything out and learn the names of the pieces they are looking at.

Even besides the egg cartons, Gallagher said every kid who participates in the games will win something to take home.

Some minerals glow different colors when put under an ultraviolet light, and there will be a fluorescent display of them at the show. (Photo by Nancy Gallagher)

There will also be a sandbox where they can dig for their own pieces of geological treasure.

Gallagher admitted it’s not just the kids that want to touch and examine the specimens. She said there’s something almost mesmerizing about the gems and minerals that draws people in, which is why most of the vendors will have something that is hands on. For instance, some of the jewelry vendors will have kits put together for people to be able to take home and make their own bracelet.

They will also be cracking open different types of geodes there at the event.

According to Gallagher, some of them could be about as large as a soccer ball,

and both kids and adults love to see what’s revealed inside.

“Another thing that we put on is the fluorescents. There are minerals out there that when you bring them home and put them under a certain wavelength, they will fluoresce, and they fluoresce beautifully,” she said. “We put on a display of that and the kids go crazy for them. When you put them underneath an ultraviolet light, it’s amazing what colors they glow.”

Gallagher said there is really something for everyone to enjoy, and everyone has their different interests. She

see GEOLOGY page 19

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

Author’s new book puts the fun in potty training

BY JORDAN HOUSTON Foothills Focus Staff Writer

A

Phoenix mom is publishing her first book for both children and parents to enjoy.

Lin Hawthorne, a mother of four, is launching this month a new book series that promotes independence and confidence in young kids. On March 1, Hawthorne launched a Kickstarter campaign for the series’ first book, “Mom’s Not Wipin’ Your Bum,” to raise funds for printing and production costs.

The colorful picture-book is designed to “help parents and kids laugh together as they learn about potty training and independence,” according to Hawthorne. “Mom’s Not Wipin’ Your Bum” takes readers on a “wildly funny ride to becoming more confident and responsible” as they follow the main character Zeke’s ad-

In “Mom’s Not Wipin’ Your Bum,” main character Zeke is taught all about potty training by his mom that delves into an imaginative bathroom adventure that leads to him learning to wipe himself. (Photo courtesy of Lin Hawthorne)

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venture to tackle potty training.

Hawthorne said she hopes the story opens the door for dialogue about responsibility and the steps to learn it.

“It is a love letter to moms and their sons and I want to honor the relationships between that,” she said. “As moms, we need to let go of things and help our kids learn to do things for themselves and that is a very hard line and it’s different for everybody. Creating this book, it helps with a prompt and opens the door for discussion about independence and responsibility – and everything is easier in this life when it is presented with humor.”

“Mom’s Not Wipin’ Your Bum” sets out to entertain kids through joyful storytelling and instill the message of “you can do it yourself,” while parents can appreciate the tongue-in-

see AUTHOR page 20

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19 ••

The event will have 30 to 35 vendors with rocks, minerals, fossils, gems and jewelry as well as an ultraviolet light display, raffles, door prizes and a kid’s corner. (Photo by Stan Celestian, geologist board member with the Rock and Mineral Club)

GEOLOGY

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said she typically likes to look at “the sparkly stuff,” like crystals, but her husband likes to find and purchase unique specimens at the event. Others may be solely interested in jewelry or fossils, but, either way, it’s there.

The event is sponsored and put on by the Daisy Mountain Rock and Mineral Club, a nonprofit organization. The club’s mission is to promote and further an interest in geology, mineralogy and lapidary arts through education, field experiences, public service and friendship. Founded in 2008, Gallagher said the club has grown from eight members to almost 200. Aside from their passion for geology and mineralogy, Gallagher said the club is also heavily involved in the community.

“We definitely give back to our community with scholarships for high school students. This is the first year we have reached out to the community colleges in the area and have given scholarships to first year students,” she said. “We are

also highly involved in STEM nights at many of the elementary schools in Anthem, New River and Black Canyon City.

So, we do lots to give back to the community in many ways, not just monetarily, but also through goodwill.”

The Daisy Mountain Rock and Mineral Club meets at the Anthem Civic Building from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month, excluding July and August. Visitors or guests are welcome to attend.

“People leave with smiles and are happy to be able to purchase something either small or quite large,” Gallagher said. “So, it’s a wonderful event for all ages.”

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AUTHOR

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

cheek humor sprinkled throughout.

In the story, Zeke’s mom teaches him all about potty training. The boy delves into an imaginative bathroom adventure and ultimately learns to wipe himself. But that is only the beginning of Zeke’s discovery to self-reliance, Hawthorne disclosed.

Readers then follow the launch of a long list of things he learns to do “by himself !”

“My mentality is very much like what it is when you watch Bugs Bunny as a family – where the kids see the slapstick in it and the parents see the sophisticated humor and you can enjoy it all together,” Hawthorne explained.

“That is my viewpoint, or superpower, as a mom, knowing when to infuse a little humor, it just helps everyone get through it a little better,” she added. “We all need grace and it’s all about this journey in life. It is something we take together and it’s a give-and-take.”

Mom’s Not series is inspired by

Hawthorne’s real life and the antics she experiences as a mom of three boys and one girl all under the age of 9, she emphasized.

A former graphic designer, Hawthorne has written humor and short stories her whole life, she disclosed. It wasn’t until after an “ordinary” encounter she had while cleaning after one of her boys that she was inspired to take her passions for writing to the next level, she shared.

“It was an ordinary day, and I came across one

Phoenix mom, Lin Hawthorne, started a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for printing and production costs for her first book in her series, “Mom’s Not Wipin’ Your Bum.” (Photo courtesy of Lin

Hawthorne)

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of my kid’s socks and it was dirty and disgusting – it’s one of those things as a mom where it’s these micro-decisions you make,” the author recalled. “You’re busy and you want to get it done and you want to do it for them. I thought, ‘No, I’m going to call from upstairs to come look at this sock and turn it inside out and do what is the right thing.’

“I just said, ‘I’m not touching that

sock,’ and it popped into my head – a little rhyme scheme where you repeat over, and over, ‘Mom is not touching the sock,’’ she continued, noting she conceived other “Mom’s Not” phrases, such as “cleaning your room” or “feeding your pet.”

Hawthorne’s March Kickstarter is designed to “help bring this labor

see AUTHOR page 21

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“Mom’s Not Wipin’ Your Bum” is the first in the Mom’s Not series and is inspired by author Lin Hawthorne’s reality as a mom of three boys and one girl — all younger than 9. (Photo courtesy of Lin Hawthorne)

AUTHOR

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of love to moms and kiddos everywhere,” she shared.

The mother hopes to raise $15,400 to cover the cost of printing a hard back book and help with the startup costs of self-publishing.

“Never in a million years did I think I’d write a children’s book – that was the last thing on my mind,” Hawthorne said. “I’m kind of a no-nonsense mom. I’m not very flowery or a crafty mom. But, I think there is still a place for humor in children’s literature and I think there is a lack of it

– especially during these days.”

“We tend to treat kids these days with ‘kid gloves.’ They are a lot smarter, and pay attention more, than we think they do. I think by challenging that humor, and challenging the vocabulary a year or two past what you think is age-appropriate for that group, is beneficial.”

To support the Mom’s Not Kickstarter book campaign, go to kickstarter.com/projects/momsnotwipinyourbum/moms-not-book/. To get in touch with Lin, direct message on Instagram @lin.hawthorne or email author@linhawthorne.com.

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Mentally managing the Ukraine crisis CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

L

ast week, I met for lunch with a good friend from Ukraine. His family moved from Ukraine to the United States in 1992. “Vlad” was 11 years old. My friend’s name is Vladimir Prosperity. With financial help from an American relief program for those worldwide who are persecuted for their religion, they came to America. Their religion was Christianity.

“Vlad” grew up in the Northwest part of America. He started in sixth grade in an American school. Eventually, He married a Ukrainian wife, and they now have six children. They own a construction company in Glendale named Dynamite Inc. Like any family, they have their challenges. Still, their faith in Jesus Christ and their determination and character have taken them from the “outhouse” to the “penthouse,” at least by Ukrainian standards. That’s the American dream.

I wanted to hear firsthand from “Vlad” about what was going on in Ukraine at this time. His first comment was, “We are praying.” I thought to myself, “That’s a great place to start.” He told me true stories about the bravery and resistance of many Ukrainians, some of which you may have seen on the news. But with 40 miles of tanks, trucks, and Russian soldiers, bearing down on Kiev or Kyiv, the capital city, no one knows what will happen, at least at the time of this writing. In Ukraine, “the gathering storm” has morphed to “into the darkness.”

Unless the Lord stops this conflict or

Russia shoots itself in the foot because of logistical incompetency, the Russian war in Ukraine threatens to topple democratically elected governments.

Furthermore, a Russian victory may result in a human tragedy for millions of Ukrainians. The confiscation of their money, assets, and wealth accumulated throughout a lifetime of labor may disappear overnight. I saw you readers gulp at that statement. Me too! How would you like to deal with the emotional garbage of everything you worked for years goes into some “dictators gone wild” pocket?

Isn’t it interesting how one man or woman in a strategic place can determine the fate of millions of people? Joseph Mattera wrote this about the power of one leader.

“Some news outlets have reported that Putin has isolated himself and lives in his ego-centric world. Many of Russia’s people disapprove of Putin’s actions as thousands have been protesting his attack on Ukraine. Putin is just another ex-

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ample of the power one leader can exert over their nation and the entire world.

On a positive note, we could also see how one man or woman could positively impact millions of people. For example, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s heroic stand against Russia inspires billions worldwide. I would not be surprised if Time magazine named him the person of the year for 2022.”

Here’s a great illustration about the one person and the gathering storms of today’s world. It’s called Winning the Dorm Hall Battle by Jeff Etsch. He explains how to win a dorm hall battle in a university.

“Someone would start a fight by throwing cold water on a hallmate headed to the bathroom, to class, or headed out on a Friday night date. It all started in good fun but then escalated quickly. As the hall divided among alliances, soon people emerged from their rooms, joining one side or the other or just participating in the mayhem for the sake of mayhem. All in good fun and everyone sticking to the rules of a water fight. Everyone, that is, except my roommate.

“If Dave was around, things got interesting — quick. Dave was always willing to escalate to the point that no one else was. At first, this included introducing weaponry other than water. Next, ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard entered the fray. Then, when others followed suit, out came the BB-gun, and people ran for their rooms.

“No one else would go to the BB-gun level, so Dave became king of the roost, and everyone knew it. His priority, after all, was winning. How? That was irrelevant. He escalated the fight to whatever level necessary to win. It was all about power and ruling the dormitory hall.

“I love my college roommate, but I believe this vignette illustrates how the enemies of liberty operate today. They are willing to go quickly where lovers of liberty and the law-abiding citizens will not.”

Note: Dave worked with different principles, priorities and purposes than the other dorm residents. Don’t expect

the Daves of the world to go by international law or character core values. We should know this by now. Freedom does not mean “free to be dumb.” With liberty comes responsibility.

Why did Dave rule the roost? No one was willing to pay the price to say, “No, you can’t do that and back it up with action.” An Arabic Proverb says: They asked the Pharoah, “What made you a tyrant?” He said, “No one stopped me.”

Thank God for the Ukrainians who didn’t roll over and say, “Whatever,” or “Where’s my safe space?” If you don’t fight for what you want, don’t cry for what you lost.

So, how can we mentally manage the Ukrainian crisis? As the world shakes, realize you don’t need to shake. Pray for Ukraine for strength and protection.

Pray for Ukraine’s president. God is in control. Realize that God is working for good behind the scenes for His purposes. God is revealing the intentions of the Daves of this world to all the world so we can see them for what they are.

Also, I encourage you to check your foundations. Foundations crack when the weight of a crisis increases. Jesus said, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-27).

You see, it’s not the load that matters; it’s how we carry it that matters.

Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. Ed 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.

Ed may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

FEATURES

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H O M E

Quark Expeditions has been exploring the Arctic for 30 years.

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Voyages start at $11,913* Call one of our Polar Travel Advisors:

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HILLCREST B A P T I S T

C H U R C H

Grow With Us!

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C A R

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L I F E

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B U S I N E S S

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FA R M

&

R A N C H

Shopping around for new coverage?

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JOBS

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Be a part of something BIG! CMC Steel Arizona is expanding our production capabilities with a second innovative, state-of-

MetroPhoenix

the-art micro mill in Mesa.

NOW HIRING IN MESA: • Forklift Operator • Mechanic and Electrician • Production Operator • Entry Level Positions • Technical Training Program

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We are hiring immediately for all skilled operator

Scan to see all job openings!

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DEER VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT JOB FAIR Visit www.careers.dvusd.org for all opportunities including special & general ed teachers, nurses, bus drivers, and custodians

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The legendary Rock Springs Café is

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Lead Host and Assistant to the Manager Lead Pastry Baker Bussers - $15 – 20 per hour with tips Servers 25 – 30 per hour with tips (average)

$

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JOBS

inside | sales

MetroPhoenix

JOIN THE DVUSD TEAM TODAY !

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To Advertise Call:

480 898 6465

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CLASSIFIEDS

Employment General

Meetings/Events

Needed: Horse Wrangler. Must be able to drive a truck and pull a horse trailer. Also, Need someone to do pony parties.

Call 602-316-3360

Alanon meeting : New River Serenity Thursday nights 7P Desert Hills Comm Church, 34835 N. 7th St. 85086 newriverserenity.com

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Apply at 29700 W Lower River Road, Buckeye, AZ 85326.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

Commerical/ Industrial/Retail

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Drywall

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022

Landscape/Maintenance

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | MARCH 9, 2022