The Foothills Focus Cave Creek 03-15-2023

Rodeo Days honor town’s western heritage

BY LAURA LATZKO Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

The western spirit is woven into the fabric of Cave Creek, and rodeos have long been an important part of this history.

This year, Cave Creek Rodeo Days celebrates the town’s western heritage with a week of activities starting with the parade on Saturday, March 18. It will include the annual rodeo, as well as a fundraiser, an art show and an antique appraisal event.

“Cave Creek is so unique because of its western heritage. We want to preserve that,” said Mike Poppenwimer, Cave Creek Rodeo Days president.

The parade runs along Cave Creek Road from the town hall to Harold’s Cave Creek

see RODEO page 4

Veterans honored at mobile exhibit in Valley

BY COLE JANUSZEWSKI Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Wreaths Across America’s mission is simple: remembering fallen U.S. veterans, honoring those who served and teaching children the value of freedom.

One of the ways it does this is through

its Mobile Education Exhibit, which travels across the country. It will make several stops in Arizona through April.

“The MEE fits into (our mission) because it is our largest tool in our teaching toolbox, literally,” said Trish Gardner, the MEE manager.

“It’s 70 feet long. So, the MEE goes out on the road and we travel through the United

States and we teach people about Wreaths Across America.”

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit that places wreaths at veterans’ graves every December. To accomplish its goals, the Mobile Education Exhibit shows plaques, tombstones and a 24-person screening room with

see VETERANS page 8

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

Cave Creek Rodeo Days begins on Saturday, March 18. The western celebration includes a parade, annual rodeo, fundraiser, art show and an antique appraisal event. (Cave Creek Rodeo Days/Submitted)

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

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RODEO from page 1

Corral. It will be led by grand marshal Billy Buckles, a local cowboy who is the oldest professional rodeo athlete. He’s a lifetime member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Buckles grew up in a rodeo and ranching family and has taken part in various facets of rodeos.

The parade features horseback groups, horse-drawn carriages, royalty from Cave Creek and other cities, floats, groups such as the Shriners, trick riders and local businesses. This year, around 70 entrants are expected to be in the parade.

The rodeo runs one day longer than usual: Thursday, March 23, to Sunday, March 26. Thursday evening will be an all bull-riding event.

The Cave Creek rodeo is part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association’s Turquoise Circuit, which includes New Mexico and Arizona rodeos.

During the rodeo, cowboys from the PRCA will compete in roughstock events such as bull riding, bareback bronc riding and saddle bronc riding and timed events such as team roping, steer wrestling, tie-down roping and breakaway roping.

Cowgirls from the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association will compete in barrel racing.

The event brings in some of the top cowboys and cowgirls from around the country, who compete for prize money ranging from $1,500 to $4,600.

They travel the country, taking part in different rodeos. Poppenwimer said although they are compensated, the love of the sport drives many of them.

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“They are just great athletes. I’m really impressed by them,” Poppenwimer said.

This year, Stetson Wright, the 2022 PRCA All-Around World Champion, will participate.

The Saturday rodeo will be followed by a rodeo dance at 9 p.m. The Sunday rodeo will honor veterans with military skydivers during the national anthem.

Cowboy church is 9 a.m. Sunday,

see RODEO page 6

During the Cave Creek Rodeo Days rodeo, cowboys compete in events such as bull riding. (Brooks Benjamin/Contributor)

The Cave Creek Rodeo Days rodeo has events like barrel racing. (Cave Creek Rodeo Days/Submitted)

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RODEO from page 4

followed by the finals for mutton bustin’, an event in which children ages 4 to 7 ride sheep at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

During the rodeo, food vendors will offer barbecue, roast beef sandwiches and tacos. Merchants will sell western-themed hats and apparel as well as rodeo items such as commemorative posters and T-shirts.

Cave Creek Rodeo Days Queen Mary Norton and Teen Queen Isabella Schofield will ride around the arena with sponsor flags during the rodeo. The two rodeo queens competed in a pageant in February that included categories such as horsemanship and public speaking.

As part of their duties, they will attend rodeo events in the Turquoise Circuit, as well as taking part in charity events.

This year, Miss Rodeo America Kennadee Riggs will be at the Cave Creek

During the Cave Creek Rodeo Days rodeo, children compete in mutton bustin’, which is sheep riding. (Cave Creek Rodeo Days/Submitted) see

rodeo.

Each year, Cave Creek Rodeo Days gives a portion of its profits to local organizations, such as veterans aid, domestic violence awareness and foster kid and youth nonprofits.

Last year, they donated $27,000 to nine charities.

Community effort

The board is making an extra effort to get the Cave Creek community involved.

“Getting the whole community behind it makes it more enjoyable and fun as a community event,” Poppenwimer said.

The event is put on by Cave Creek Rodeo Days Inc., a nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer board of nine members.

Cave Creek Rodeo Days Parade

WHEN: 9 a.m. Saturday, March 18

Around 100 to 120 other volunteers also help with the rodeo and parade.

There are peripheral events as well.

A two-person team cornhole tournament is Saturday, March 18, at Harrold’s Cave Creek Corral and will raise money for local charities. It includes dinner and silent auction.

The Sonoran Arts League will host a Rodeo Week Celebration Exhibition from Wednesday, March 22, to Wednesday, April 12, spotlighting rodeo artwork.

On Saturday, March 25, the Desert Foothills Library will be hosting “Antiques Rodeo Show,” inspired by “Antiques Roadshow.”

Along with a chance to get family heirlooms appraised by a professional, the event will have live music, children’s activities, vendors, a book sale and a DFL Southwest Room Showcase.

WHERE: Cave Creek Town Hall, 37622 N. Cave Creek Road, to Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road

COST: Free

DETAILS: cavecreekrodeo.com

Cave Creek Rodeo Days Cornhole Tournament

WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18

WHERE: Harold’s Cave Creek Corral, 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek

COST: $25 for dinner, $50 for cornhole tournament with no dinner, $90 for cornhole tournament with dinner

DETAILS: cavecreekrodeo.com

Sonoran Arts League Rodeo Week Celebration Exhibition

WHEN: Various times Wednesday, March 22, to Wednesday, April 12

WHERE: Sonoran Arts League, 7275 Easy Street, Suite A104, Carefree

COST: Free

DETAILS: sonoranartsleague.org

Antiques Rodeo Show

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25

WHERE: Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek

COST: Call for info

DETAILS: 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Cave Creek Rodeo Days Rodeo

WHEN: Gates open 5 p.m. and rodeo starts 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, to Saturday, March 25.

Gates open at noon and rodeo starts 2 p.m. Sunday, March 26.

WHERE: Cave Creek Memorial Arena, 37201 N. 28th Street, Cave Creek

COST: $45 general admission for All Bulls, All Night! on Thursday; $30 general admission for Friday through Sunday.

DETAILS: cavecreekrodeo.com

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

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

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

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

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

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

1. Finding the underlying cause

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

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

Aspen Medical in Mesa AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00.

Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

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

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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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Mayes, teens helping keep tobacco away from kids

As e-cigarette sales rise across the nation, Attorney General Kris Mayes is amplifying the work of youth who volunteer with her office to protect their peers.

These youth volunteers are part of Operation Counter Strike, an AGO program charged with ensuring retail outlets are following the law by not selling tobacco to Arizona kids.

“We appreciate our youth volunteers and their role in making sure that retailers follow the laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to our young

people,” Mayes said. “Their contribution to our community makes a difference.”

Special investigators are paired with youth volunteers who attempt to buy tobacco from Arizona retailers. Retailers who sell tobacco to a youth volunteer may be cited and fined. Retailers that comply with the law prohibiting sales of tobacco to youth are congratulated for their vigilance in keeping tobacco away from kids.

Counter Strike inspects retailers in every county in Arizona, conducting more than 2,000 inspections per year. During fiscal year 2022, more than 60

youth volunteers participated in the program over the course of 2,730 inspections that resulted in a total of 716 criminal citations issued to clerks and businesses who sold tobacco products to youth volunteers.

Arizona law prohibits the sale of tobacco products — including e-cigarettes — to youth. The operation is in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Health Services to protect the health and safety of Arizona youth.

The implementation of the Counter Strike Program helps to protect critical federal funding for substance abuse and mental health services in Arizona

totaling over $40 million per year. The attorney general’s office works closely with county attorney’s offices, justice courts and health departments to implement and maintain the Arizona Retail Tobacco Training (ARTT) class and diversion program. ARTT provides individuals and businesses with the opportunity to receive indepth education on tobacco laws and the public health goals behind them and is often offered in lieu of fines to first-time offenders. ARTT is also available, statewide, at no cost to tobacco retailers as a preventative training tool.

short educational videos about Wreaths Across America.

The Mobile Education Exhibit also serves as the official welcome home station for Vietnam veterans who were not properly welcomed home. Gardner said the first exhibit was in 2019.

“In 2019 our director of transportation, Don Queeney, had this great idea about an educational trailer and taking it out across the United States,” she said.

“One of the biggest challenges Wreaths Across America faces is that I want to say at least six out of 20 people don’t know anything about us. So, the MEE is our tool to get us out there and get that word

about Wreaths Across America. Last year in the United States we had 2 million volunteers place over 2.7 million wreaths at over 3,700 locations with about 6,100 sponsorship groups.”

David Edwards, a petty officer who served in the U.S. military from 1969 to 1973, has helped Wreaths Across America place wreaths at Beaufort National Cemetery for the past 15 years. He said Wreaths Across America’s work has been invaluable to veterans.

“It means quite a bit to me to honor my brothers and sisters that gave parts of their lives to the military,” he said.

“Whether it be two years, four years or 30 years of service, it just means a lot to be able to stand there, lay a wreath and

then step back and say their names. You die twice in your life. Once when you take your last breath and once when your name is not spoken anymore. And we don’t want to forget those who served our country.”

He also said Wreaths Across America also helps veterans and civilians connect — even if they can’t be there in person to honor their fallen veterans.

“I have people come out here who have no family at Beaufort National Cemetery who help me lay a wreath for families who can’t come during the ceremony,” he said. “There’s a lady who lives in the state of Washington. She can’t come every year but we lay a wreath on her relatives’ grave and I take

a picture and send it to her. This gets all of us close together.”

Local Mobile Education Exhibit stops

• Time TBD Wednesday, March 22, Pat Tillman Post American Legion 117, 3230 E. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix

• 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 26, VFW Post 1796, 34801 Velda Rose Road, Black Canyon City

• 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, March 27, Anthem Veterans Memorial, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem

• The family-friendly stops are free. For more information, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/ mee

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Cave Creek Museum will host the annual Miners’ Dinner from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21.

A major museum fundraiser, the event honors its past and future. Along with dinner catered by Cave Creek’s iconic The Horny Toad, the museum will offer a silent auction, raffles and local entertainment. The cost is $75, and reservations must be made by March 18. Raffle 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.

In addition, guests will preview custom hats by Watson’s Hat Shop and see western fashions presented by Summit Chico’s. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Cowboy balladeer

Mike Ewing will perform.

In addition, the museum will raffle a Tucson getaway that includes an overnight stay for two at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort, tickets to the University of Arizona Biosphere 2, four tickets to the University of Arizona Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium and four tickets to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Dinner and raffle 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.

The 52-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. For more information, call 480-488-2764.

justin.simons.j663@statefam.com

justin.simons.j663@statefarm.com

ADOT seeking public comment on program

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking the public’s input on its latest program to improve and maintain the state’s highway system during the next five years, a proposal that includes several major widening projects while also improving pavement conditions. The public comment period begins today on ADOT’s 2024-2028 Tentative FiveYear Transportation Facilities Construction Program, a $7.7 billion program that will invest $2.6 billion in pavement and bridge preservation projects across Arizona over five years, upgrading pavement in poor or fair condition.

Additionally, the program allocates $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 five-year program contains $83.6 million toward the ongoing project.

• 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.

Funding for the program is generated by users of transportation services, primarily through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and the vehicle license tax. Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases that allow for more expansion projects to take place.

The I-17 and I-10 widening projects are

able to advance through ADOT’s partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments, the regional planning agency that has committed some of the funds for those improvements.

The public comment period for the 20242028 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program ends at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 1. The State Transportation Board is expected to consider formal action on the program at its Friday, June 16, meeting.

The complete report is available at azdot. gov/tentative5year for review and comment. ADOT welcomes feedback via an online form that will be available at azdot. gov/tentative5year, by email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by phone at 1-855-712-8530.

Public comments also may be made at an open public hearing of the State Transportation Board scheduled at 9 a.m. Friday, May 19. Meeting information can be found at http://aztransportationboard.gov.

AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Let’s put the ‘un-brr-lieveable’ winter behind us

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

This has been the winter of our discontent. Plenty of wind, rain, sleet, hail and snow — some of it all happening at once. For many, depression set in while all hail broke loose. Finally, the sun is shining, so we might get our mojo back — or at least our golf game.

I do feel sorry for the snowbirds who flock to the Valley of the Sun for

lovely, mild sunny days in the winter. This year was a bust. Except for a few weeks, it was as rainy as Seattle and as cold as Cleveland. We bundled up or stayed inside while all forms of outdoor activities were postponed. In the Valley, winter is what we live for! Spring might be two weeks long and then we head straight for triple digits!

My grandson lives in Flagstaff where their snowfall was of epic proportions. About 120 inches for the

winter, with winds that made it like the North Pole. Trees down, patio furniture, gazebos, chicken coops and other objects flying like cannons smashing into vehicles, fencing and houses. Oh yeah, the only thing missing was a cow soaring through the sky like out of the movie “Twister.” Everything else happened.

In Prescott, we were stuck in homes that had steep driveways and no way out unless you felt like sliding down into the street. Cars in ditches. Highways closed. Classes, parties, meetings canceled. Armageddon after a few inches of snow. It was bone-chilling cold all over the state. And all we can do is complain.

According to psychologists, people like to talk about the weather because it is a “common, connecting theme.” With so many topics leading to disagreements, one thing people can share without fear of arguments is weather conditions. Evidently it feels “safe” to grumble about temperatures, precipitation and windchill factors. Misery enjoys company.

In Arizona, it is somewhat sacrilegious to complain about rain or snow. We have been (and remain) in a major drought. The trees in the north country need snowpack to survive. Our lakes and reservoirs have been frighteningly low. Our deserts need moisture. So, rain and snow are welcomed. Still, we now find saguaros waterlogged, trees uprooted and weeds getting ready to take over.

A lady in New River said one windy night, her tool shed in the backyard just “disappeared.” Well, it landed five acres away in a neighbor’s front

yard. In Anthem, a trampoline was catapulted over a block wall and into a neighbor’s pool. My grandson’s postal carrier refused to drive down his road in Flagstaff unless it got cleared (snowplows not coming) and people were snowed-trapped in homes for a week unable to get out. Folks in Phoenix went out wearing puffy jackets and stocking caps! What kind of horror is this?

There is an old Scandinavian proverb that states, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” Perhaps. Of course, shopping for sweaters and boots does seem to help. And now the sun is out! It feels hopeful. Temperatures and moods are rising. Goodbye winter. We are done with you. It’s been un-brr-lieveable.

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

Biden, supporter mock mom who lost two sons

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

Your 21st Century American lifestyle may have led you to overlook “oversight.”

Perhaps you vaguely recall its mention during an American Government class sometime in your educational past.

Thankfully, our founders did not overlook it, as they stated clearly in Article I, Section I of our Constitution that “All legislative powers here in granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States.”

Virginia’s George Mason made a compelling case for oversight at the Constitutional Convention, where he stated that federal lawmakers “are not only legislators but they possess inquisitorial powers. They must meet frequently to inspect the conduct of the public offices.”

Sadly, the conduct of some federal legislators leads casual observers to mistake congressional oversight hearings as a venue for partisan playground palaver. Still other congressional hearings serve as a cure for insomnia. So deep is the dive into the technocratic that it defies description as either Republican or Democratic.

Dwight Eisenhower decried such stultifying detail as “sophisticated nonsense;” John McCain joked of “MEGO…” the acronym for “My Eyes Glaze Over!”

Carefree Town Council attempts to sway votes

Editor:

The property tax vote, disguised as a public safety initiative, ramps up.

At the March 7 town council meeting, Vice Mayor Cheryl Kroyer emphatically stated, “Nothing is being done by the Town of Carefree to sway people (to

And yet, there are congressional hearings that compel Americans to sit up and listen.

The last day of February brought a first-rate example of such an inquiry, as Rebecca Kiessling testified before the House Homeland Security Committee.

Though trained as an attorney, she was testifying as a mother, having lost her two sons to fentanyl in July 2020.

Her emotional testimony served as a powerful indictment of the federal government’s largely ineffective response to the illicit importation of the powerful, poisonous drug.

“If we had Chinese troops lining up along our southern border — with weapons aimed at our people; with weapons of mass destruction aimed at our cities — you damn well know you would do something about it!”

“My children were taken away from me!”

Kiessling concluded her statement with an appeal that she must have known would go unheeded: “This should not be politicized! It is not about race; fentanyl doesn’t care about race!”

But in Washington, D.C. — where politics is the principal profession and where the next political race is always the most important — elected officials didn’t hesitate to politicize a tearful mother’s testimony.

The following day, during a “political field trip” to nearby Baltimore for an

event commonly known as a “congressional retreat,” our politician-in-chief tried to advance the notion that he was victimized by Rebecca Kiessling’s testimony.

Joe Biden stood before his fellow Democrats, wearing the half-grin of the cognitively challenged that he always displays when he’s about to let us in on a “little secret” which only he understands.

Ol’ Joe mistakenly thought that he could invoke the name of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, and use that as a “rhetorical shield” for his own response to the heartfelt testimony of a grieving mother.

“She — she’s very specific recently, saying that a Mom — a poor mother who lost two kids to fentanyl — that I, that I killed her sons! Well, the interesting thing is — that fentanyl they took — came during the last administration.”

And then, Biden laughed.

Even worse was the social media response of a Biden backer from Portland,Oregon.

Matthew Slavin, Ph.D. must have picked up his advanced degree in cruelty and profanity. You see below what the not-so-good doctor posted to Kiessling’s LinkedIn.

“You ignorant Trollop. How dare you try to score some cheap points for the traitorously criminal syndicate called the Republicans by holding up your

READER’S VIEWPOINTS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

vote) one way or another.”

Three days later, she publishes an editorial where she writes, you can vote for the “gold standard of protection or the degraded protection of our current system.” That’s a bit like saying you have a choice between a luxury cruise or we put you in the middle of the ocean with a leaky row boat and a box of crackers —

but you get to choose!

This isn’t the first editorial the vice mayor or mayor have published recently. What makes this ironic is less than eight months ago they were heaping praises on Rural Metro and signing a new five-year contract to extend service with Rural Metro until 2027.

This vote on May 16 is not about public

dead sons in vain. It was Trump’s fentanyl. … You should go shoot your self.”

Don’t expect criticism of either Biden or his profane supporter in Portland from the Washington Press Corps; those “journalists” will keep their powder dry until they can lecture conservatives over some intemperate remark from the Right.

Unfortunately, the oversight function also afforded the Fourth Estate by the first amendment has transmogrified into an oft-deliberate distortion of conservative beliefs.

The “public sins” of the Left are often overlooked by a partisan press… But increasing numbers of Americans are not forgetting — or forgiving them.

safety, it is about Carefree leveraging fear to get more of our money — this time in the form of a property tax. Vote “no” to a property tax.

Visit keepcarefreetaxfree.com to get the facts.

Stephanie Barbour Carefree

Platinum Living Realty continues to expand

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

The independent luxury real estate brokerage Platinum Living Realty had added the Inspired Living Team led by Laura Jewett to its group.

Jewett has been in the industry for 22 years and is a bestselling contributor to the recently released collaborative book Local Leader Referral Secrets with a section on, “Becoming a Local Leader: How to Grow Your Real Estate Business Through Relationships and Referrals.”

“At Platinum Living Realty, we work to enhance our team with leaders in the

industry that cannot only bring in additional home sales, but also provide additional inspiration to our ever-growing team,” said Michelle Macklin, co-owner of Platinum Living Realty.

“We are thrilled to have Laura and her team join Platinum Living Realty where we as an independent brand are better positioned to foster our agents with their needs.”

In the last year, Platinum Living Realty has attracted 30-plus new agents. The Phoenix market is estimated to be 30 to 90 days ahead of the rest of the country.

At the center of the brand is co-founder Jay Macklin’s proprietary

5 Pillars System, which maximizes resources, generates new leads and helps home buyers and sellers realize their dreams.

“I decided to join PLR because of Jay and Michelle’s philosophy on business and the way they ran their firm,” Jewett said. “I was especially impressed by the team’s camaraderie, the collaborative environment and their extensive marketing programs.”

The Inspired Living Team is a group of realty professionals who will now be a part of Platinum Living Realty, including Danielle Sutton who has a decade of experience in the industry.

A Valley native and ASU graduate, Katie Schwindt has a background in sales/event planning in the hotel industry and is a new addition to The In-

spired Living Team.

Lori Doyle brings 16 years of experience to the group. She also has an extensive background in education and employs what she refers to as “tenets of teaching” as her approach for working with clients.

Jewett and her team put philanthropy at the forefront of their business. Their Operation Give Back Program focuses on four core areas — children, health, homelessness and animals. Some of the organizations they work with include, Arizona Helping Hands, Maggie’s Place, The JoyBus and The Arizona Pet Project.

Platinum Living Realty specializes in luxury homes in DC Ranch, North Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Paradise Valley.

Info: platinumlivingrealty.com

Chase-Tahiliani affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Angela Chase-Tahiliani has associated with the Scottsdale/ Carefree office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.

“My experience with the public, handling negotiations and being active with many organizations in the Valley, will aid in my ability to excel in the real estate market,” Chase-Tahiliani said.

Before working in real estate, she

owned a small business, the bronzed goddess. She has been active in national politics and Arizona politics for 27 years. Active in her community for the past 30 years, she has sat on the board of many charities in the Valley.

Coldwell Banker Realty in Arizona operates 18 offices with approximately 1,465 independent agents throughout Arizona. Coldwell Banker Realty is owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc.

Info: coldwellbankerhomes.com

Witnessing ‘grace on display’

Ihear many people talking today about karma. Karma is when justice catches up to us and does to us that which we have done to others, either positively or negatively. Most times, people use this concept in a negative sense. “They reaped what they sowed.” “Karma got them.” To karma people, life is cause and effect; there are no if’s, and’s or but’s. Abraham Maslow once said, “It is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”

The one-size-fits-all karma worldview of life is appropriate in some cases, but not all. Sometimes people and institutions do reap what they sow. The principle of sowing and reaping is a biblical truth. But not everything is a nail unless you are a hammer.

This worldview was typical in Biblical times too. Here’s a Biblical account of the hammer and the nail view in the times of Jesus.

“And as Jesus passed, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he should be born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘It was neither that this man sinned nor his parents, but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’ When Jesus said this, He spat on the ground, made clay of the spittle, applied the clay to the blind man’s eyes, and said to him, ‘Go wash in the pool of Siloam.’ And so, he went away and washed and came back seeing.” John 9:1-3, 6-7.

After the man was healed, the confused nail and hammer crowd couldn’t believe what had happened. They had seen the blind man before. They neatly

categorized him as a sinner, an outcast with suspicious parents, and a person to ignore. There was quite a discussion on this. The nail and hammer crowd, desperate to protect their karma worldview, even summoned the blind man’s parents and interrogated them. The healed man upset their cause-and-effect worldview. The formerly blind man’s sight blindsided them.

Their default assumption was that suffering is a direct result of sin, and those who suffer are punished for their past sins or even their parent’s sins. Therefore, the blind man was suffering because he or his parents had done something wrong in God’s eyes.

But Jesus opened the finger pointers and our eyes to a new possibility. Jesus is good at that. Jesus said that God designed this man’s disability to display God’s grace to all the people in the city. It wasn’t karma what the blind man had done, or even what the parents had done. Let me repeat; it was God’s ‘grace on display’ for everyone in the area to see.

The man’s blindness was designed in heaven to show them that God is alive and capable of doing anything He likes. It shows us that God is for us, not against us. It shows us God’s goodness, mercy, grace, compassion and power. It shows us that despite what we may have or have not done, every ‘sinner’ has a future, and every saint has a past. So don’t be quick to judge and even quicker to speak. Don’t be the finger pointer. Some people find fault like there is a reward for it. Don’t be a card-carrying member of the classify, compare, commend, karma club.

The Bible says in Peter’s first letter that there are three kinds of suffering — suffering for what one had done wrong (like going to jail when you robbed a bank),

suffering for what one has done right (persecution), and just plain old suffering. The blind man’s mess was a message from God; not everything is a nail, and not all suffering is the hammer of karma. Karma is too shallow an explanation to explain why there is suffering.

The explanation of negative karma is you get what you deserve. The definition of Christianity is Jesus got what you deserve. And the just plain suffering type of suffering could be, as in the case of the blind man, to display God’s grace to the whole world. It was as if God was shouting, “Look, here it is, grace on display.”

Here’s another ‘grace on display’ by author Philip Yancey. “Jesus forgave a thief dangling on a cross, knowing full well the thief had converted out of fear. That thief would never study the Bible, never attend a synagogue or church, and never make amends to those he had wronged. So instead, he said, ‘Jesus, remember me,’ and Jesus promised, ‘Today you shall be with me in Paradise.’

“It was another shocking reminder that grace does not depend on what we have done for God, but rather what God has done for us.”

Grace recognizes consequences but

refuses abandonment.

When you run alone, it’s called a race. But when God runs with you, it’s called grace. Got grace?

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.

Pastor Ed Delph

Foothills Focus Columnist

Film festival features movies from across the globe

BY SUMMER AGUIRRE Foothills Focus Staff Writer

The Annual Phoenix Film Festival has been celebrating the art of film for over two decades, and its 23rd edition is right around the corner.

Arizona’s largest film festival, the Phoenix exhibition annually showcases over 200 diverse, independent films created by filmmakers hailing from around the world. Movie lovers across the Valley will be able to enjoy another year of films, programming and event days from Thursday, March 23, through Sunday, April 2, at Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theatre.

“It’s been 23 years of taking really great care of our filmmakers, giving our audiences really honest and great stories and (hosting) our film contests,” said Phoenix Film Festival director Jason Kearney. “Our audiences now know what to expect from the festival, which is really great films, a great experience and filmmakers who are

happy to be here and excited about the reception that they get.”

The Phoenix Film Festival’s 2023 lineup will feature around 270 screenings of a variety of feature films, documentaries and shorts across a range of genres. For some of these productions, the festival will be their world premiere.

This year’s centerpiece collection consists of many high-profile titles, which have either garnered critical acclaim in the festival circuit or feature star-studded casts who bring the stories to life.

The opening film to kick off the festival is Roadside Attractions’ latest release, “Somewhere in Queens,” which is the directorial debut of Ray Romano. He costars alongside Laurie Metcalf, Jennifer Esposito, Sebastian Maniscalco and Tony Lo Bianco.

The story follows the simple life of Leo (Romano), a construction worker who lives for his only child’s high school basketball games. When his son’s opportunity to

continue playing in college is threatened by a sudden heartbreak, Leo is spurred to go to extreme lengths for his son’s future, away from the family business.

Kearney described the drama as a “wellmade, feel-good story.”

Many of the other centerpiece films are documentaries about notable figures with “bigger-than-life” personalities, according to the festival director.

see FILM FESTIVAL page 18

Ray Romano’s directorial debut, “Somewhere in Queens,” is the opening night film for the 2023 Phoenix Film Festival on March 23. Romano co-stars alongside Laurie Metcalf. (Phoenix Film Festival/Submitted)

He noted “Spinning Gold,” which details music producer Neil Bogart in the 1970s when he launched Casablanca Records, the most successful independent record company. The film’s cast includes Jeremy Jordan, Jason Isaacs, Jason Derulo and other musical artists.

“We also have documentaries about Michael J. Fox, Little Richard, Judy Blume, Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, Yogi Berra, the legendary Yankee player who was the most quote-worthy player and manager in baseball for such a long time,” Kearney said.

“It’s crazy that (these films) all popped up in the same year, from different studios and different sources,” he added. “So, it’s fun to see that come about.”

The festival is also spotlighting underrepresented voices in a collection of nearly 30 films from the African American, Latino, Native American, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

Through showing authentic film from these communities, the festival foundation hopes to help break through social and cultural barriers while providing a shared experience that brings people of all backgrounds closer together.

Another film section will highlight work by Arizona filmmakers. There are four entries in the Arizona feature competition, with two short film programs consisting of approximately 15 movies. Middle and high school students from around the state will have their work showcased in a contest, as well.

“It’s important for us to continue to help

grow and support the local film community, and it’s nice when films get better and better every year in the categories,” Kearney said.

While film may take center stage, the Phoenix Film Festival features programs and special event days to enhance the overall experience.

“This year, we’ve returned all of our programming back to normal,” Kearney said, as the pandemic interrupted some of the festival’s regular activities. “We had a couple of things we slowly worked back (over the past few years), but this year, everything comes back.”

Kicking off the film festival on opening night, a cocktail party will be hosted from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Party Pavilion just outside the theater.

Those who purchased opening night tickets will be able to enjoy cuisine from some of the community’s top restaurants, accompanied by live music, a silent auction and the premiere screening of “Somewhere in Queens.” Proceeds will support the Phoenix Film Foundation nonprofit’s education programs.

Other happenings throughout the festival include Industry Night, Film Prom and a VIP happy hour event, in addition to networking opportunities and filmmaker panels and discussions. For youth, there are education programs including Kids’ Day and workshops for middle and high school students.

The festival’s award ceremony, the Copper Wing Awards, will close out the event on the last Sunday, announcing the 2023 winners of each of the competition categories.

Categories of features, community spotlight pieces, Arizona productions and other films compete for an array of awards, such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best College Short Film.

The Phoenix Film Festival was established in 2000 by three local independent filmmakers. The city didn’t have an official film festival of its own at the time, so the filmmakers saw an opportunity to create one and generate exposure in their hometown.

In a little over two decades, the film festival has grown from hosting a couple of thousand moviegoers during a three-day exhibition, to attracting well over 20,000 for an 11-day celebration of film.

Kearney explained that the Phoenix exhibition has cultivated a special environment over the years that is not often found at other film festivals.

Since all films are shown at a single theater, film lovers, filmmakers and industry professionals can all socialize in a personable setting. Kearney said that oftentimes

attendees will watch a film and listen to its director’s panel, then sit right beside them at the next film’s screening.

“It’s great because you just have all these people that love movies, coming together, talking and basically eating, sleeping and breathing movies for 11 days,” Kearney said.

“It’s just a really nice, healthy environment to shut off the outside world and get to engage with people that have that same mentality, and you’re all rooting for the next film you watch to be great. That’s a really cool feeling.”

23rd Annual Phoenix Film Festival

WHEN: Various times, Thursday, March 23, to Sunday, April 2

WHERE: Harkins Scottsdale 101 Theatre, 7000 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $15 for single films. Other ticket packages and passes range from $45 to $450, with access to exclusive events and free merchandise. Discounts on most ticket options are available for students and seniors.

INFO: 480-513-3195, phoenixfilmfestival.com

“A Michael J. Fox Movie” will be part of the Phoenix Film Festival. (Phoenix Film Festival/Submitted)

Many of the Phoenix Film Festival’s centerpiece productions this year are high-profile documentaries, one of which is “Stephen Curry: Underrated.” (Phoenix Film Festival/Submitted)

A still from “Judy Blume Forever,” a centerpiece documentary that will be screened at this year’s Phoenix Film Festival. The event kicks off on March 23 and runs through April 2. (Phoenix Film Festival/Submitted)

The supernatural horror film, “From Black,” will be shown at the Phoenix Film Festival. (Phoenix Film Festival/Submitted)

NHRA’s Erica Enders is ready for sixth win

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

The impending closure of Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park means the end of an era for fivetime Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders.

Enders’ family has a long history with the Valley. A former record-breaking water-skier, her father, Gregg Enders, helped dig Firebird Lake near the track. They frequented Manzanita Raceway in Phoenix, prior to its closure.

“Before I raced professionally, I always traveled to Phoenix to race, even though it’s a long haul from Houston,” she said. “That’s even as kids and junior dragsters. It’s sad that it’s coming to a close.”

Enders will have one more shot with the 28th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at the Chandler track from Wednesday, March 22, to Sunday, March 26.

“I think you can look forward to some pretty outstanding performance there,” Enders said.

“We’re on the heels of our fifth world title last year. Our expectations are set pretty high.”

Enders, 39, is in her 19th professional season, but she has been racing since she was 8. She grew up watching Gregg

race as an amateur, along with her sister, Courtney Enders. In 2003, The Disney Channel released a movie about the sisters called “Right on Track.” Erica was portrayed by Beverley Mitchell, while Brie Larson played Courtney.

In 1993, she won the Division 4 Junior Dragster championship in the 8- to 9-year-old class. Two years later, she was crowned Junior Dragster Driver of the Year. She now boasts 37 career wins.

“At 16, we joined the Lucas Oil Series, which is like the minor leagues,” Enders said. “I did that for five years. Then I got a deal to drive professionally at the end of 2004. Back when I was a kid, when they’d ask what I wanted to be when I grew up. Other kids would answer doctor, lawyer, astronaut. I always wanted to be a race

car driver, and I’ve been blessed to accomplish that dream.”

Girls look up to her, she said. In 2006, she was the first woman to qualify No. 1 in Pro Stock, in Topeka, Kansas. She broke the national speed record in Pro Stock at 213.57 miles per hour in Gainesville, Florida. The accolades continued.

“I remember being a fan and going to see the women I looked up to,” Enders said.

“I stood outside the pit waiting to get autographs. I see the same sparkle in some of those kids’ eyes. It’s been a surreal, pinch-me moment. I try to make it the best experience I can for them.

“The first time someone asked for my autograph, I was a kid racing juniors. I thought, ‘So, this is where I’m going.’ We’ve had a blast of a life getting to do what we love.”

In 2018, she began driving a Pro Modified entry for Elite Motorsports, a twin turbo 2019 Camaro. The following year,

Enders escaped serious injuries when her Chevrolet Camaro caught fire at the end of a qualifying run in the NHRA Pro Mod class in Ohio.

The challenges of racing have kept her passionate throughout the years.

“The challenges intrigue me,” she said. “Pro Stock is a challenging car to drive. You’re pretty busy inside the cockpit, having to shift and whatnot. It’s a cool class. No matter how much seat time you have or years you’ve done this, it’s still tough. It’s really humbling. That’s what keeps me coming back. I want to be the best.”

NHRA Arizona Nationals

WHEN: Various times Wednesday, March 22, to Sunday, March 26

WHERE: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler

COST: Tickets start at $44.

INFO: nhra.com

Five-time Pro Stock world champion Erica Enders will be racing for one last win at the track this year. (NHRA/Submitted)

NHRA Arizona Nationals speeds into Arizona for one last time from Wednesday, March 22 to Sunday, March 26. (NHRA/Submitted)

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Sidney Wooten of Phoenix, class of 2026, was named to the dean’s list at Tufts University for the fall 2022 semester. Dean’s list honors at the Medford, Massachusetts, university require a semester grade point average of 3.4 or greater. Tufts University, located on campuses in Boston, Medford/Somerville and Grafton, Massachusetts, and in Talloires, France, is recognized among the premier research universities in the United States. Tufts has a global reputation for academic excellence and for the preparation of students as leaders in a wide range of professions. Approximately 1,700 students were named

to the dean’s list in fall 2022. Biola students are placed on the dean’s list to honor those with a GPA of 3.6 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credits and whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.2. The following local residents were named to the dean’s list for the La Mirada, California, university: Noah Hendricks of Phoenix, majoring in psychology; Gabrielle Jenkins of Anthem, majoring in biological science, and Miranda Payne of Cave Creek, majoring in nursing. “Inclusion in Biola University’s Dean’s List is reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional performance in their academic studies. This honor signifies hard work, engagement and investment in scholarship,” said Dr. Tamara Anderson,

associate provost of academic effectiveness and administration. “These attributes are the building blocks of continued success, not only in the classroom, but in the workplace and in the student’s personal lives. We celebrate these students and their achievement, looking forward to their future accomplishments.” Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in Southern California.

River Holasek of Cave Creek was named to Fort Lewis College’s dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester. Holasek’s major is engineering. To be eligible for dean’s list at the Durango, Colorado, college, a student must carry a semester GPA of 3.6 or better in no fewer than 15 credit hours of graded college-level

work and have completed all work for which they are registered by the end of the semester. Fort Lewis College blends small class sizes, engaged faculty and research opportunities to help students earn college degrees.

Hannah Wren, Luther College junior of Anthem, was named to the 2022 fall semester dean’s list at the Decorah, Iowa, school. Luther College’s fall 2022 dean’s list includes 652 students; 134 first-years, 124 sophomores, 170 juniors and 224 seniors. To be named to the dean’s list, a student must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale and must complete at least 12 credit hours with 10 hours of conventional grades (A, B, C, D).

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