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City opening only 14 pools this summer

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Foothills Focus Staff Writer

The nationwide labor shortage will impact summer fun for untold thousands of Phoenix children and adults this summer after the city announced it can open only half of its pools beginning Memorial Day weekend.

But North Phoenix residents need not fear. Cortez Pool at 3434 W. Dunlap Ave – which city Parks and Recreation Department officials say is the closet one to North Phoenix – is one of the 14 pools that will open for summer 2022 until then. And it is one of the eight pools that will be open on weekend afternoons through Labor Day.

Cortez and the other 13 pools will be open throughout Memorial Day week-

end and then be open daily except Fridays from June 4. Admission will be $1 for ages 17 and under and 60 and over, and $3 for all other adults. Pecos is not one of the pools where kids 17 and under can swim for free through the city’s “Kool Kids” program.

In addition, free swimming lessons for kids ages 6 months to 12 years will be available on a limited basis June 20-30, July 5-14 and July 18-28. Registration is slated to begin May 14, at.phoenix.gov/ parks/pools/programs/

While a couple of the city’s 29 pools had no chance of opening because they have badly deteriorated, most of the 15 that won’t be open have fallen victim to the labor shortage that has businesses and government agencies at virtually every level desperate to fill vacancies.

The city for months has been trying to fill more than 600 lifeguard positions by providing $2,500 in incentive pay for the season – $500 in lifeguards’ first check and $2,000 at the end of the season. City officials said the bonus – available to all lifeguards and other pool personnel like managers and instructors – brought the average hourly wage up from $14 to $21 an hour.

In addition, the city gave $100 to anyone on the city payroll for referring someone for a who then was hired as a lifeguard.

But Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson last month told a City Council committee in a memo, “Despite these efforts, recruitment continues to be a challenge, as it is nationally; and the department

see POOLS page 9

Phoenix police chief to retire after 33 years

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams intends to retire this summer, she revealed May 3.

“After much prayer and consideration and in consultation with my family and city leadership, I have decided to make a change,” Williams said. “There is never a perfect time

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to transition but the time feels right for me now to step aside. Just like when I felt called to do this job, I also feel called right now to go in a new direction, allowing me the rare opportunity to prioritize family and explore future endeavors.”

A Phoenix native, she has spent 33 years in law enforcement and is a few months away from completing her sixth year as chief. Her career with the Phoenix Police De-

partment began in 1989. Through the years, Williams worked through the ranks and eventually moved to Oxnard, California, in 2011 to serve as police chief. In 2016, she returned to the Phoenix Police Department to be police chief.

In her public statement on retiring, Williams said she is “tremendously proud” of

see POLICE CHIEF page 4

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several initiatives she accomplished during her time as chief. She cited bodyworn cameras, documenting every time an officer points a weapon at someone, implementing less lethal response to encounters, obtaining a new records management system and increasing transparency by showing public critical incident videos in 14 days or less.

She also thanked city leaders, including Mayor Kate Gallego, city council, city management and those she has worked alongside in law enforcement.

Many of those city leaders made public statements congratulating Williams on her accomplishments as chief and wishing her well.

“Here in Phoenix, Chief Williams was honored by the AZ Centennial Legacy Project as one of Arizona’s 48 most intriguing women for her leadership in law enforcement. And just last year, Chief Williams was appointed to the Arizona Peace Officer Standards & Training Board,” said District 1 Councilwoman Ann O’Brien.

“Chief Jeri Williams blazed a trail and will leave behind her success, leadership and knowledge for her predecessor. She’s left big shoes to fill, but I know

the Phoenix Police force has some of the most outstanding individuals, and we will find a worthy replacement to carry on Jeri’s legacy. I hope Chief Williams enjoys her retirement.”

An official retirement date has not been set, but Williams said her last day will be sometime this summer. She did not reveal her plans. However, she added that she is proud to have paved the way for the department to move forward in a positive direction and open the door for the next chief.

“Chief Williams has devoted her professional career to the city she loves,” said City Manager Jeff Barton. “Her passion for this community, her leadership through challenging times and her commitment to reforming and evolving the Phoenix Police Department will be missed as she makes this decision to retire.”

Barton added that he intends to hire a temporary external interim chief. This person would help guide the entity through the Department of Justice’s investigation that questioned excessive force.

“I still feel extremely proud and honored to put a badge and uniform on every day as a symbol of the oath I took in 1989 to serve and protect our community,” Williams said. “It has been my extreme honor to serve this city and department as your Phoenix police chief.”

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Two students receive $1K from STEM Scholarship

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Ari Van Dijk and Jared Erisman were chosen as recipients for the Jim Martin STEM Scholarship, which will provide the students with $1,000 annual scholarships.

To be eligible, the students must be seniors residing in Anthem with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be accepted into a college, university or community college with the intent to major in science, technology, mathematics or engineering. They should also exhibit excellence in mathematics as well as community service.

“The two winners, Jared Erisman and Arie Van Dijk, stood out to the committee with their dedicated service and involvement in the community,” said Aaron Baker, Anthem Way Foundation and Anthem Community Council executive director.

“Erisman was a member of the ACC’s Facility Master Planning Committee. Van

Dijk was student body president serving his school and was involved in community service projects. It was a rewarding experience to review the applications and learn about some amazing high school seniors in our community. We wish the best to our applicants in their future endeavors.”

Dijk attends Caurus Academy and is slated to attend Arizona State University Barrett the Honors College to pursue a career in electrical engineering. In addition to being student government president, he is also captain of the basketball team and has performed community service with Anthem Cares Through Service as well as the St. Rose Food Pantry.

Erisman attends Boulder Creek High School and will continue his studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for mechanical propulsion engineering. He was a member of the Anthem Facility Master Planning Committee and helped pack and serve meals at the St. Mary’s Food Bank.

According to Baker, there were nine applicants for the scholarship. Abigail Chazan, Brooke Hoeder, Kamryn Turner, Marc Angelo Maquiling, Zachary Kellock, Alix Craft and Carter Slaton were recognized by the Anthem Community Council for their hard work and pursuit of STEM.

“The applicants for the inaugural Jim Martin Scholarship award are nothing short of impressive,” Baker said. “Each of the students are deserving of our attention and the decision to select only two students was quite difficult to make. We are pleased so many bright young graduates from our community will go on to pursue college degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.”

Named for the chief engineer of the Anthem Veterans Memorial, the scholarship honors Martin’s mathematical and engineering talents, as well as his dedi-

cation to the Anthem community. Martin volunteered his time, developed the engineering specs, secured permits, determined material requirements and served as the project manager for the build. He is responsible for the solar spotlight that shines on the Great Seal of the United States at 11:11 a.m. each Veterans Day.

The memorial is considered an Arizona Historic Landmark.

The Jim Martin Scholarship is provided by the Anthem Way Foundation and made possible by two donors. The Anthem Way Foundation is a nonprofit that was established to help fundraise for the Anthem Veterans Memorial.

The scholarship is given out annually to recognize STEM students each year.

“Our team is looking forward to reviewing and learning about next year’s applicants already,” Baker said.

Pictured from left are Bob McKenzie, ACC board chair; Abigail Chazan, applicant; and scholarship award recipients Jared Erisman and Arie Van Dijk. (Anthem Community Council/Submitted)

Salon donates opening week proceeds to charity

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

The men’s hair salon Keep It Cut opened on April 25 at the Desert Ridge Marketplace and raised more than $2,500 during its first week of business.

Co-owners Jacob Meltzer and Josh Thorsvick are donating the $2,500 to Human Services Campus, a Phoenix-based nonprofit aiding unhoused individuals with resources. Some of those resources include health services, legal services, replacement identification services, employment opportunities, free meals and shelter.

Meltzer said he believes businesses have a responsibility to give back to the communities that support them. The salon also held a fundraising campaign for the Human Services Campus in February.

“We are truly grateful for the financial

support from Keep It Cut and for their generous donation of time and talents for the people experiencing homelessness that we serve,” said Amy Schwabenlender, Human Services Campus executive director.

“Addressing the challenges of homelessness requires a collective effort and

Keep It Cut is an important partner in that effort.”

Keep It Cut has nine other Valley locations and offers an unlimited subscription model. Customers can pay for a single haircut for $21 or sign up for a monthly membership for $32 and visit as often as they want during that month.

The salon offers haircuts, hair washes and beard and mustache trimming.

Keep It Cut 2100 N. Tatum Boulevard, Suite 16-1006, Phoenix keepitcut.com

‘Friends’ to host book sale in Anthem

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

The New Friends of the North Valley Regional Library are hosting a used book sale from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, and Sunday, May 15.

The sale is set for North Valley

Regional Library, 40410 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway, Anthem.

The categories of used books available include fiction, nonfiction and biographies, children, juvenile, young adult, cooking, crafts and hobbies, sports, religion, inspirational,

see BOOK page 9

Keep It Cut in Desert Ridge Marketplace donated its entire opening week’s profit — more than $2,500 — to the Human Services Campus. (Submitted photo)

will still be short of the required number of staff needed to open all 29 pools for the 2022 season.”

For example, while 180 people applied for a lifeguard job after the incentive pay was announced in March, Erickson’s memo stated, 40% were no shows for the certification classes.

“While the incentive pay has increased interest in lifeguard positions, there continues to be a shortage of swim lesson instructors and pool management staff. At present, there are enough pool management staff to operate 14 pools,” she wrote.

The council’s committee for transportation, infrastructure and planning discussed the memo at an April 6 meeting and Parks and Recreation Director Cynthia Aguilar had even worst news.

“We are also experiencing a shortage of swim lesson instructors in pool management staff,” Aguilar said. “It’s a little trickier to find pool managers than lifeguards in some regards, because pool managers have to have two to three years of experience as a certified lifeguard to even qualify to be a pool manager. So, the number of pools is all that we can open is also depending on how many pool managers are there to help us open those pools. “

Aguilar said the pandemic’s disruption of in-person learning at city pools also adversely impacted the city’s typ-

ical efforts to recruit high school kids for lifeguard jobs.

But Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari asked Aguilar about the “broader challenge” of recruiting lifeguards in the future – especially since the incentive pay may only be a offered this year, made possible by the infusion of one-time federal pandemic relief funding.

Aguilar said her department “recently found there’s a special certification for lifeguards called ‘shallow-water lifeguards’” for individuals who would have fewer responsibilities than a typical lifeguard. Typically, for example, lifeguard must be able to dive from a height of 14 feet.

“That is something we’re going to be exploring…to see if that’s a real possibility – certainly something that can help us attract more people that maybe aren’t comfortable in the water or aren’t able to pass certain elements of the current lifeguard-certification requirements.” Aguilar said

Aguilar also said that for people who live near a closed pool, the city would bus kids in neighborhoods near closed pools to one of the open swimming facilities. However, there was no mention of that effort in the city’s release last week.

Find more information about specific pool and office hours, call 602534-6587 or email aquatics.pks@ phoenix.gov.

Library.

self-help, health, reference/business, art/music/classics, travel, animals, coffee table books and largeprint books.

Small paperback books are 50 cents, while large paperback books are $1. Hardback books are $1 and $2.

Used media (CDs, DVDs and audiobooks) are also available at the book sale for $1. There are also a few rare books available and those are independently priced.

The book sale is coordinated and staffed by volunteers from the New Friends of the North Valley Regional

The nonprofit is a volunteer organization whose mission is to support the library through fundraising and sponsorship of programs and services.

Funds raised from the used book sale are used to provide additional programs and services, including the summer reading program, toddler story time and other children’s programs, make-and-take kits, additional equipment (computers and audio/visual) used for community programs, Arizona history books for the library’s permanent collection, and authors and speakers for diverse cultural and educational presentations.

BOOK from page 8

AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Don’t let ‘mom memories’ slip away

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

Mother. One small word. One universal meaning. We are all bound by the shared realty that we had or have a mother. This is a central person in our lives. The foundation of our history. A huge part of our personal journey and earliest memories. She is the reason that we are here and the person who probably shaped us into who we are today.

Mother’s Day just past, but the “mom memories” linger. So, get out the photo

album and take a moment to reflect on the most influential figure in our life. The average American spends $225 on Mother’s Day gifts, bringing the total tally to $28 billion. That is a lot of flowers, dinners, cards, candy and jewelry to let moms know they are loved. True, it is just the thought that matters, but it is nice to know that Mother’s Day is a major boost to the economy. Yes, Mothers deserve recognition. And gifts. Lots of them.

Mothers gave us our roots. They knew us before we knew ourselves. Their memories of us go far and beyond what

we can conjure up. They were another generation, perhaps a whole other era, yet they remain relevant in a timeless fashion throughout our lives. There is always some new information to learn about (and from) our mothers. And some moms just cannot stop teaching. My mother is in heaven now. She gave me, my daughters and grandsons quite a few cooking lessons. She perfected the art of baking to a level that few of us (me) will ever reach. Her secrets? Use the best ingredients or your cake will flop. And be patient, because delicious things might happen for those

who take time and can wait. Bread rises slowly. Don’t rush it. Moms come in all varieties. A man emailed me to say his mother wasn’t exactly June Cleaver from “Leave it to see BLUHM page 12

‘Cruelest month’ invites a ‘cruel fate’

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

T.S. Eliot made the celebrated observation that “April is the Cruelest Month” in his critically acclaimed poem, “The Wasteland,” published in 1922. A century later, a small group of U.S. senators gathered late in that cruel month to formulate a cruel fate for our nation.

Under the banner of “bipartisanship,” these senators have proclaimed that they are “practical problem solvers.” In reality, they will create an even larger problem: delivering amnesty to the millions of illegal aliens who have flooded into our country…and who continue to cross our porous southern border, with the complete cooperation of the Biden administration.

You might think “bipartisan” means Republicans and Democrats working across party lines to achieve common-sense public policy.

If only.

In Washington, the truly accurate definition of “bipartisan” is quite different. The “Dissembling Dictionary of ‘Swampspeak’” defines it as “Republicans caving into Democrats and their media cheerleaders to enact policies at odds with GOP promises.”

And that was the purpose of the late April meeting among a quartet belonging to the “World’s Most Exclusive Club.” For the Democrats, it involved Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, chairman of the judiciary committee, and Sen. Alex Padilla of California, who chairs the judiciary subcommittee on immigration. For the Republicans, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas was joined by Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

Because three of the four will not face voters again until 2026, they are essentially immune from current political pressure. The fourth, Alex Padilla, will try

to win a full six-year term this fall. Given California’s transformation from “Golden State” into “Third World wannabe,” the freshman senator probably considers his role in formalizing this “final amnesty” will not only guarantee his place in history but keep him in the senate for as long as he wishes to remain.

Make no mistake: a full, “final amnesty” is exactly the goal here, but the two Republicans who are part of this “working group” are rationalizing that their involvement will somehow bring “improvements” to any final legislative product.

Don’t look for John Cornyn or Thom Tillis to get “half a loaf,” or even three thin slices of bread. Instead, they’ll end up with a couple of crumbs. And the United States will end up as a nation profoundly changed.

While it’s true that the Senate declined to take up an earlier House-passed bill, that stalled legislation provides clues about what a final product may include: “temporary” legal status for some illegal border crossers and measures to “streamline” legal immigrant processing.

Thom Tillis, who despite a near-death political experience in his first re-election bid doggedly clings to the chamber of commerce vision of a unfettered flow of foreign workers, depressing wages for Americans, and shifting health care costs for those new workers onto taxpayers, somehow claims with a straight face that his “bipartisan efforts” will actually help the country.

“This is the time to maybe set politics aside a little bit and get good policy in place so we can do our part to lessen the burden that people are feeling here in the country,” Tillis said. North Carolina’s junior senator is mistaken to believe that his newfound allies across the aisle will ever “set politics aside.” The political calculus is stunningly simple.

Democrats want cheap votes; Republicans like Tillis want cheap labor.

But with 60 votes needed to pass such a bill, who are the 10 Republicans we can expect to see vote “aye?” Let’s begin with the three most likely to abandon their party: Romney of Utah, Murkowski of Alaska, and Collins of Maine. Then come the Republican retirees looking to line up lobbying work as “former senators:” Shelby of Alabama, Blunt of Missouri, Burr of North Carolina, Portman of Ohio, and Toomey of Pennsylvania.

Look for the GOP Leadership to provide a couple of votes — Whip John Thune (R-SD) and Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — and voila! Ten Republican votes for amnesty, with Thom Tillis to spare! Expect John Cornyn to abandon the bill at some point; his Texas constituents will set him straight…but conceivably five more GOP’ers could vote yes.

In that fashion, Republicans will again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the Senate, and richly deserve the dubi-

ous distinction of “The Stupid Party.” Sorry if that sounds cruel.

J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of Federal Immigration Law in the 109th Congress.

Lost in Adel’s death is a recognition of her humanity

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

She served as Maricopa County attorney for 900 days, the first woman to hold the office.

But Allister Adel was more than that. Dead too soon at age 45, Adel was many things that rarely mattered during her time in the public eye. She was a daughter, a wife and a mother of two gradeschool boys. She loved her dogs, and the Rotary Club. She was a loyal friend to those who knew her.

Adel also dwelled in the world of politics, though. For many people, especially those who opposed her brand of conservative Republican politics, that meant she was worse than human detritus. Adel was a villain, a punching bag, a piñata. The way politics is practiced today, it is never enough simply to disagree with those we oppose. Instead, we must smash them to bits. This is true of both sides, red and

blue, Dem and GOP. Nowadays, to talk politics is mostly to spew hate. Even if it means attacking a person at their most vulnerable points and grinding them to dust.

With Adel, who I counted as a friend, it is no secret that she struggled with alcohol. I am not here to suggest that the media, which covered her foibles in office with urgency, was wrong to do so. To hold public office is to be in the spotlight, and rightly so. Adel was accused of too many absences, of failing to maintain her sobriety, of not being the top prosecutor our county needs. She denied the charges, but still they kept coming. Until on March 21, she stepped down.

Five weeks later she was dead, having suffered what her family described as “health complications.”

Across the cesspool that is social media wafted a sense of glee from noxious bastards and bots.

From Twitter moron @Peterson_

JFrank: “I believe in karma big time… This bitch got what she deserved… I will piss on her grave if I ever have the chance….”

From @Shannonagain2: “AA had no problem *legally* destroying lives. no guilt, here. She was a menace. Corrupt. As are most attorneys. AND POLITICIANS.”

From @SRunningcloud: “She was a wicked woman. Her acts of racism reached the level of genocide. She’s burning in Hell. No doubt. That’s how much bad karma she has to work out. Eternal fire of hell is what Allister Adel has earned from her time on Earth.”

This vomitus spew was not reserved merely for Adel’s death. As she struggled publicly through rehab and with the responsibilities of her position, her every move drew not just stories, but hot takes, name calling and a sense of joy that peaked with each sign of struggle.

This is our mentality now: It isn’t enough to campaign for those we support; we must loathe the opponent, demonize them, root for a failure of their policies and – even better – their heart.

Ironically, I first met Adel a decade ago, when we both spent time helping Mesa business Wil Cardon run for the U.S. Senate against Jeff Flake. Wil, a sensitive soul, spent millions of his own wealth on that campaign, only to get trounced when outside interests spent many more millions on attack ads.

Ridiculed for losing, Wil wandered through a campaign for Secretary of State two years later. Three years later, his depression finally got to him. Wil died by suicide at age 45.

As politics has turned to blood sport, we seem to have forgotten that the names of the ballot are actual human beings. They love, hurt, bleed, struggle, die.

I will miss Allister as I have missed Wil. I will feel forevermore like the price they paid to serve us was extracted from them in the days they never got to live.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com

Beaver.” He said, “My mother was an engineer, drank hard liquor, smoked cigarettes, swore often, drove a motorcycle, loved to gamble and never cooked.” He pointed out that she was “very loving” and believed in the “freedom to be yourself.” Sounds like a beautiful life lesson. Mothers keep teaching us throughout their lives. The lessons never end! Stand up straight! Eat your vegetables! Keep trying! Study! Work hard! Get plenty of sleep! Budget your money! Have faith! Be kind!

Lessons, like recipes come in many

shapes and forms. This is what moms of all ages seem to specialize in — handing us ideas that we might put to use in our lives. The kitchen is only one small part of the “cooking class” that takes place when we consider the enormous influence our mothers have in our lives. Life is like cookie dough. So how is yours shaping up? Dear readers, it is never too late to upgrade your utensils, search for the best ingredients in life and try out a new recipe. Mother’s Day. Hope you were able to take a mom-ent to celebrate! Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

BLUHM from page 10

72Sold helps family with dream vacation, home

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Animated businessman Greg Hague is known for his optimistic real estate commercials. That trait carries over into his off-screen life as well.

Hague and his company, 72Sold, sponsored a contest for Arizona homeowners, choosing one to cover their house payments for six years.

The winners were Eloy and Eileen Cruz of Glendale. The generosity of Greg and his wife, Teresa, didn’t stop there.

The Cruz’s son, Daniel, graduated from the Air Force Academy in Colorado

Springs from 2001, and then served in Afghanistan three times.

Risking his life to save others, Daniel was awarded the Bronze Star and the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement during aerial flight. He died in 2016 from complications of post-traumatic stress disorder at age 37.

During a lunch with Eloy and Eileen, the Hagues learned the couple had fallen on hard times.

“They told us about their son,” Hague said. “He was buried in Colorado Springs, but they hadn’t been up there in years. I asked them what their dream vacation

Owner of 72Sold, Greg Hague and his wife Teresa did a contest to cover the house payment of an Arizona homeowner for six years. (Greg Hague/Submitted)

Hansen’s Cowboy BBQ is bringing back Frontier Town

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

What says “Cave Creek” more than an outdoor barbecue joint with live country music, dummy roping and a miniature old western town — all located in the heart of Frontier Town?

Recently opened Hansen’s Cowboy BBQ is bringing some of the heart and history back to Cave Creek.

“Our goal is to bring a bit of our town’s history back to these buildings — some have been here since the late 1880s,” said Denise Goode, co-owner.

“We want to welcome local friends and tourists alike. While our town is full of great places to drink, we want to bring a sense of family, outstanding food and maybe we just might learn something fun.”

See BBQ Page 16 Hansen’s Cowboy BBQ stands out due to its use of mesquite wood and the separate smokers for all meats. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

from Page 14

Goode and Wade Hansen, the other co-owner and the restaurant’s namesake, are long-time Creekers.

Hansen has been a custom fabricator for 25 years and worked around the state. Then, about 10 years ago, he made his first barbecue smoker trailer.

“I started doing private events and corporate catering,” Hansen said.

“I just really enjoyed it, and the only way to really do it successfully is to have a restaurant. Then the lease became available on this place. We’re excited to be here. We knew what we had, and we wanted to make a destination out of this place.”

Hansen’s Cowboy BBQ is his work come to life. Hansen made the restaurant’s smokers, and separate pits for pork, chicken and beef to ensure premium flavor and no cross contamination. All the meat is smoked with native mesquite wood. Hansen said the wood gives the meat a distinct flavor.

Everything on the menu is housemade and Hansen’s creations, according to Goode.

“He created all of that,” she said. “It’s all him — his menu, his recipes, his pits.”

Hansen said their most popular

menu item has been the loaded nachos. One of those options is the cowboy trifecta ($20) with beef, pork and sausage topped with cheese, cowboy beans, homemade coleslaw and jalapenos.

More than just a barbecue restaurant, Hansen’s Cowboy BBQ is an experience with live entertainment.

“I wanted to try to bring back three things the Valley has lost — Mr. Lucky’s, Greasewood Flats and Rawhide,” he said.

“I wanted to try to combine all three. So that’s kind of what we’ve got going on back here. We have the backdrops for 1800s gunfight reenactments. We’ll be having some of those shows. Then we’ve got the stage for live entertainment and just a full outdoor atmosphere.”

The restaurant is open Wednesdays to Sundays with live music daily, usually for both the lunch and dinner crowd. Some who have performed so far include Cody Gibson, Pat James, Tim Brady and an impromptu performance by Cave Creek Mayor Ernie Bunch. One night after finishing his sandwich, Bunch stepped on stage, picked up a guitar and sang Willie Nelson.

Goode added they also have dummy roping on Saturday nights, where guests mimic team roping.

Hansen’s Cowboy BBQ has a family

atmosphere. Goode said, as a parent, she purposefully made it so that kids could wander, play and have a good time on their own.

“We don’t want people to come here and just eat and leave. We want people to stay here all day,” Hansen said. “They start calling their friends and dragging them down. We’ve got cards out here on the tables and families will sit out here and play cards for hours.”

Good said business is about 80% tourists, but they are hoping to bring Creekers back to Frontier Town, too. Because it hasn’t had food in several years, it’s a matter of educating the public.

“We want to turn it back into where it’s not just here in our (space) that we have, but throughout Frontier Town with people walking around in costume and character,” she said.

The restaurant opened on March 16 at the start of this year’s Cave Creek

from Page 13

would be. They said to go to Colorado Springs and celebrate his life.”

They paid for Eloy and Eileen to travel there, in addition to their house payments.

“How lucky are we that we have the resources to be able to do things like that,” he said. “We realized how blessed we are.”

Hague encourages his 450 agents and employees in Arizona to give back, too.

The company 72Sold operates in 38 states and offers home sellers a program to sell in 72 hours, avoid daily showings, choose their closing date, then stay in their home for up to six months after closing.

A one-year study of 90,000-plus home sales found that sellers who used the 72Sold program had an average 8.4% higher sale price.

The contest comes on the heels of 72SOLD Phoenix affiliate Hague Partners announcing a record year of growth, with its Realtors outselling the average Phoenix Realtor by a margin of over 9 to 1.

A recent independent market analysis done by a third-party title com-

Rodeo Days. They welcomed several visitors who stopped by on horseback. Goode said four-legged friends are more than welcome.

Seating is outdoors, but Hansen said they plan to add more shade coverings, fans and misters. Several other improvements are planned, but the restaurant is a work in progress.

They are excited to watch the number of patrons increase.

“We’re just a big family barbecue shop,” Hansen said. “Our goal is to bring people back together and the best way to do that is with good food and good music. When people come in here, we want them to feel like they are in Cave Creek.”

6245 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek 623-680-9831 hansenscowboybbq.com

pany showed Hague Partners is the fastest-growing real estate firm in Arizona now achieving almost an 8% market share, 400% higher than just 12 months ago.

“Uber is our model,” he said. “Look at how much Uber has made it to get from point A to point B. It’s so much easier than calling a taxi and wondering if it will arrive.

“You don’t have to reach in a pocket for a tip. They do such a fantastic job from taking the friction out of travel that it’s typically less expensive than a taxi. We have developed and refined selling a home, with no inconvenience.”

In 2021, The Arizona Cardinals announced a multi-year deal where 72Sold became the NFL team’s official partner in real estate. 72Sold was approved as the only real estate firm to air commercials during the NFL Super Bowl LVI matchup.

72Sold also teams with the Arizona Diamondbacks as partners.

“Baseball is back, and we are excited to see where our hometown team take us this year,” Hague said. “At 72Sold, we are thrilled to be part of this long-term partnership with the Diamondbacks ownership, management, staff and players.”

72SOLD

BBQ

Hansen’s Cowboy BBQ

Co-owners Wade Hansen and Denise Goode wanted to create a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere that reflected the history and heart of Cave Creek. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

RE/MAX welcomes rocking Realtor

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Luke Van Wyhe has lived a life many learn about through film or interviews.

He traveled the United States with artists like Jennifer Lopez, Snoop Dogg and Britney Spears, and for Van Wyhe, it was like “something out of a dream.”

“It’s a shock when (country singer) Miranda Lambert wants you to escort her out of a sold-out show so that she can wave to all the fans that make her career possible,” Van Wyhe

see REALTOR page 18

said.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced him to transition touring homes with prospective buyers. For RE/MAX Fine Properties, North Phoenix’s Van Wyhe works with clients in Scott-

sdale, Peoria, Phoenix, Cave Creek, Surprise, Fountain Hills, New River, Desert Hills, Glendale and Paradise Valley. As a former U.S. Marine, Van Wyhe saw his music industry job end when

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Luke Van Wyhe traveled the United States with musical artists including Snoop Dogg. (RE/MAX/Submitted)

Luke Van Wyhe is a former U.S. Marine that later became a real estate agent serving the Valley. (RE/MAX/Submitted)

REALTOR from page 18

the pandemic struck.

“What was happening in the world felt unbelievable,” Van Wyhe said.

“Nothing looked like it did just a few short weeks or months before. Many people lost their jobs because of the pandemic and had to start new. I, along with many others, needed to pivot careers.”

At the time, venues were bare. He needed to act fast.

“It was an interesting journey to discover what I wanted to do with my life,” Van Wyhe said. “I had to look internally and dive deep to consider my skills, how they translated to this new role and how my past prepared

me perfectly for this new adventure.”

With the built-in bravery of a Marine, and a touch of rock star charisma, Van Wyhe changed his professional direction and become a RE/MAX Fine Properties real estate agent.

After one month, he sold his first home for $50,000 over the listing price, with 15 offers on the table. As a celebrated addition to the prominent real estate team, Van Wyhe started to build a substantial clientele as well as a reputation for connecting with people and understanding their needs.

Looking back after two years since his pivot, Van Wyhe really understands the saying, “it’s never too

late.”

“Pandemic or not, if you feel like you need a change in your life, the time is now,” he said. “If the last two years have taught me anything, it is that the time for brave action is always now.”

Van Wyhe enjoys is new chapter with RE/MAX Fine Properties. He’s happy to talk about his previous career. As a matter of fact, it energizes him.

“It is all part of the story that led me here,” he said.

luke-vanwyhe.remax.com weloveazrealestate.com

Luke Van Wyhe is a real estate agent for RE/MAX Fine Properties, North Phoenix. (REMAX/Submitted)

See the Sonoran Desert like never before

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

Sonoran Explorin’ Tours opens the eyes of tourists and Arizona natives alike to the diversity, complexity and beauty of the desert.

Owner Brandy Anderson said she is fascinated by the surrounding desert landscape and created the tours to share that with others.

“I take people out and I tell them really just the whole connection of how diverse the Sonoran Desert is and how we bring it all together, how everybody kind of depends on everyone else,” Anderson said. “I try to grab a hold of people and let them see the desert in a different light than they ever have before.”

Anderson’s tours are held near the Boulders Resort & Spa, accessible to visiting guests and locals. She tailors each tour to the group, so no two

tours are ever the same, but there are a few things people can expect to learn from her. Anderson identifies the plants and birds, and said she can recognize nearly every bird call out there. She is focused on the ecological connection with the wild, native animals as well.

“They can expect to truly never walk out in the desert and do it the same again,” Anderson said about her customers.

More than just recognizing bird calls, Anderson has a wealth of knowledge about plants. In fact, she formerly studied plant science and horticulture at the University of Kentucky before moving to Arizona 23 years ago. She said she originally just planned to stay with a friend for the summer, and came expecting to find a setting like the Sahara — complete-

see SONORAN page 21

Tours range from one and a half to two and a half hours, but can be modified for any age group or experience level. (Charlotte Swenson/Submitted)

from page 20

ly desolate and dead with maybe a few saguaros. But after getting a job as a guide at the Botanical Gardens, Anderson fell in love with the desert and started learning about it.

She then started working at the Phoenician on the golf course, which reinforced that love and curiosity.

“I was driving that course every day and just fell in love with the seasonal change of the desert,” Anderson said. “I’m talking to golfers and I’m like, ‘Hey, look at that bobcat,’ ‘Oh my goodness, check out this cactus blooming,’ ‘Did you see these two snakes bathing over here,’ and they’re kind of like, ‘Lady, can you just make me a cocktail?’”

Her own curiosity often got the better of her, and she would research in the Natural History of the Sonoran Desert that was given to her at the

Botanical Gardens. She said the book was kind of like her Bible and she devoured it to learn more.

Eventually, Anderson said she talked to her director and the Phoenician agreed to create a “golf cart safari tour” to take guests around the grounds and point out things they may have passed a dozen times and never really noticed.

Now, she works as an independent contractor at the Boulders and can do her tours anywhere.

Every tour is specific to the group, whether that means slowing down for older visitors or making things more hands on for kids.

“I’ve had kids as young as one, stair stepping all the way up to 100 years old,” Anderson said. “Some people can be on my cart and some people only want to walk and want a more strenuous hike. I’ve had people that can’t walk or that just got out of sur-

gery, whatever it may be, I can really cater my tour to any age group.”

Not only does she get people varying in age, but in location, too. Anderson said she does get a lot of tourists who are visiting, but she also gets plenty of Arizonans who lived in the community for 30 or 40 years and decided to learn more about their surroundings.

Because the tours are catered to the group, Anderson said no two tours are ever the same, and she actually gets a lot of repeat visitors. She said she has even had a few people who came together on a date years ago and then returned with their kids.

In addition to getting up-close with nature, Anderson’s tour guests learn some survival skills on the off chance that they ever get lost off trail.

“I do talk about what plants are

edible, what parts of them you could eat, what parts you should definitely not eat,” she said. “I also teach how to navigate the terrain, what you’re listening for as far as rattlesnakes, how you can hunker down under a certain type of tree that would be 20 or 30 degrees cooler, how you could extract the liquid or moisture that you need from a certain type of cactus. I don’t pretend to be a survivalist, but I definitely teach a few good tricks.”

Sonoran Explorin’ even offers seasonal upgrades where guests can taste cacti and mesquite, participate in full and new moon tours and do cochineal watercolor paintings.

“There’s an insect called cochineal that sucks the juices out of plants

SONORAN

Tour guide Brandy Anderson will identify different species of plants as well as educating guests on which ones can be eaten, which ones should definitely not be eaten and even which ones can be useful to get moisture in case of emergency. (Sonoran Explorin’ Tours/Submitted)

The goal of Sonoran Explorin’ Tours is to leave guests, whether visitors or locals, seeing the desert in a way they never have before. (Charlotte Swenson/Submitted)

in the family of prickly pear cactus and the chollas,” Anderson explained about the watercolor paintings.

“As it sucks those juices, its body creates carbonic acid, which is a dye that’s been used for hundreds of years. In fact, that used to be reserved for royalty, that fuchsia, magenta purple color… We’ll take a few of those insects and I’ll crush them

up and add a little water. Then we make paintbrushes out of the fibers of a yucca leaf.”

She added everyone, no matter the age, is always fascinated by the colors that can come from that little bug.

We could use a little ‘I Believe’ right now

What you could do if you didn’t know you couldn’t — I love that concept! Zig Ziglar uses that concept in one of the chapters in his book, “Life Lifters.”

I was in Resistencia, Argentina, years ago, watching a �isherman catch dorado. Freshwater dorado are so big — up to 4 or 5 feet — that ocean �ishing gear is required. The �isherman threw out his line, and soon he had a big dorado on the line. It took 20 minutes to pull the �ish in, but he �inally got it to shore. I thought that dorado would be on the asado (grill) tonight! But no, he threw it back in the water.

He went �ishing again. This time he caught a bigger dorado. It took him 25 minutes to pull it in. I thought that dorado was going to be on the asado tonight. But just like the last time, he threw the �ish back in the water. I was stunned.

He went �ishing again. This time he caught a tiny little dorado. To my surprise, he kept it. The next time he caught the biggest dorado of all. It was about 5 feet long and took him 30 minutes to pull it in. He got it onshore, then threw it back in the river.

Finally, I asked him in my best Spanish why he kept the small �ish and threw back the large. His reply, “I only have a 10-inch frying pan.” Got you.

Unfortunately, many people think that way. They limit what they can do because they don’t know they can do it. The �isherman’s mindset was too small — he could have cut the �irst big �ish into smaller pieces and cooked it a little at a time. It takes a new, more signi�icant way of perceiving life to create a more successful life.

Us humans, made in the image of God, are designed to catch big �ish. But it’s hard to �it a 16-inch by 20-inch idea into a 3-inch by 5-inch mindset. Humans were created to have a 5-foot frying pan designed to hold big �ish. But many settle for less. It’s not a matter of capacity; it’s a matter of competency in our outlook. What we focus on is what we become. That God-part of us comes in a seed form, but we need to water it.

So, how do you do what you don’t know you can do?

Have the courage to be different; Jesus was. Standout by becoming outstanding. Learn to handle criticism, or criticism will handle you. Let it develop you, not discourage you. Determine your worth instead of letting others do it for you. They will shortchange you almost every time. Be a player in life, not just a spectator. Then, when you go the extra mile, you are seldom in a traf�ic jam. You can do all things God wants you to do through Christ who strengthens you.

Now, that’s a big frying pan.

I believe in big frying pans. Here’s a writing by an unknown author entitled, “I Believe.” I imagine we could use a bit of “I believe” right now.

“A birth certi�icate shows that we were born, a death certi�icate shows that we died. The pictures in the middle show that we lived.

“Just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they love each other. I believe that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends change. I believe that no matter how good a friend is, they’ll hurt you occasionally. Forgive them for that.

“I believe that you can do something in one moment that will give you heartache for life. I believe that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be. I believe that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them. I believe that you can keep go-

ing long after you think you can’t.

“I believe that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. I believe that you control your attitude, or it will control you. I believe that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up. I believe that sometimes when I’m angry, I have the right to be angry, but that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.

“I believe that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you must learn to forgive yourself. I believe that no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. I believe that our background and circumstances may have in�luenced who we are, but we are primarily responsible for who we become.

“I believe two people can look at the same thing and see something different. I believe that in a matter of hours, your life can be changed positively or negatively by people who don’t even know you. I believe that credentials on the wall do not make you a de-

cent human being.

“I believe that the people we care about most in life are often taken from us too soon. I believe that the happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they make the most of everything they have.”

Here’s a thought from me. I believe that there’s a thought in this list for each of us that we are not understanding, and it could be costing us dearly. Ah-ha!

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 nonpro�it organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy.com. Ed may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

Pastor Ed Delph

Foothills Focus Columnist

Youth

STUDENT CHRONICLES

Know a student doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email christina@timespublications.com.

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Megan Gauharou of Phoenix was inducted into Epsilon Kappa Epsilon Honor Society at Biola University in La Mirada, California. The honors society is exclusively offered by invitation only, by which students are selected by department faculty. The selection criteria are based upon academic achievement, with students earning a GPA of at least 3.75, Christian character and individual contributions to the university and community. Only 5% of the graduating class are invited into the society.

Jaime Perez of Phoenix was inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society, a national honor society recognizing the achievements of first-generation students, alumni, staff, faculty and administrators. Perez, a member of the class of 2023, was one of 123 students inducted into the honor society’s new chapter at College of the Holy Cross named Delta Omicron.

Michele Murray , vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said the college has established the Delta Omicron chapter of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society as a way to recognize

high-achieving first-generation students who bring a diverse set of ideas and backgrounds to campus.

“I’m grateful to the staff of Academic Services and Learning Resources and the Office of Multicultural Education for bringing Tri-Alpha to Holy Cross,” Murray said. “Not only does membership in Tri-Alpha shine a bright light on the achievements of first-generation students, but it also affords students the opportunity to build their networks. The inaugural class of inductees is blazing a trail for others to follow.”

JOB SEEKERS

Job Trends for 2022

Pandemic-related upheaval in the job market has continued, years after the emergence of a novel coronavirus. That makes staying on top of trends even more important for

REMAINING REMOTE

There’s no sign that the work-fromhome trend will be abating anytime soon. Tens of millions of people were forced from their workplaces during enforced lockdowns, and many of them adapted so well they never wanted to returned to the office. In fact, nearly 60% of those workers said they wanted to work at home permanently in a survey conducted by FlexJobs. (About 40% preferred a hybrid environment that split the difference.) Variants have reinforced some people’s resolve to work remotely, but employers have also found that they can attract a deeper talent pool — and that productivity can actually go up. The best companies will offer flexible options.

GOING YOUR OWN WAY

Contract work, one-off commissions and project work will also continue to rise in 2022, as workers find that self-employment in the so-called “gig economy” is preferable to conventional jobs. These jobs provide flexibility to those who can’t — or don’t want to — work eight consecutive hours, or five consecutive days. Traditional hourly or salaried positions are simply too constricting for this band of potential hires.

KNOWING YOUR WORTH

In a job-seeker’s market like 2021, applicants held leverage over prospective employers. This year will be no different, as companies desperate to fill positions will find themselves negotiating more than ever. The Great Resignation made clear that people are more willing than ever to leave

long-term jobs for something new. Companies will have to sweeten the pot in the current job market, either through

salary increases or expanded benefit packages — or both. As expected, expanded medical coverage has become a much bigger priority.

AUTOMATION UPTICK

Besides the pandemic, nothing has had a bigger recent impact on our economy than technology. These automation and machine-learning trends have added new pressure on smaller companies, while also limiting job opportunities in the wider marketplace. Software packages can handle many processes now, making managing systems both easier and quicker. But those are jobs that humans once filled. Artificial intelligence is also being used to improve accuracy, sometimes at the loss of positions that companies would normally be hiring to fill.

JOB SEEKERS