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FEATURES......... 16
Hidden in the Hills returns for 26th year in November
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Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary debunks snake myths
YOUTH.............. 21
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OPINION.................... 11 BUSINESS.................. 15 FEATURES................. 16
Serving the communities of Anthem, Desert Hills, Norterra, Sonoran Foothills, Stetson Valley, Tramonto, New River, Desert Ridge and North Phoenix
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Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Anthem Rotary to host fundraiser for shooting victim BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer
T
he Anthem Rotary Club is hosting a fundraising event on Saturday, July 30 to support the victim shot in the Andrew Z Diamonds & Fine Jewelry robbery that occurred July 12. The club has organized a car wash, blood drive and T-shirt sale that will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Legends Bar and Grill in Anthem. “Anthem is a very close-knit community,” said David Murphy, a board member for the Anthem Rotary Club. “The businesses support one another, the community members support one another,
and when there’s a tragedy like this or if there’s any time when one of our community members is in need, this neighborhood has a real history and a drive to step up and support one another. This is one of those times.” The need comes after two suspects robbed Andrew Z Diamonds & Fine Jewelry around 6 p.m. July 12. When the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the scene, one person was found with a gunshot wound and life-threatening injuries. The suspects evaded police for four days and were arrested in Southern California. They were later identified as Helen Simmons, 18,
see FUNDRAISER page 4
“Anthem Strong” shirts will be available for $20, all proceeds will go to the shooting victim and their family. (Anthem Rotary Club/Submitted)
Talbot family has 200 years of naval service The Foothills Focus, in partnership with the Anthem Veterans Memo rial, will honor a local veter an each month. This is th e story of the Talbot fam ily, who have a long histo ry of military service.
YOUTH....................... 21 CLASSIFIEDS............. 22
PAGE
BY ELIZABETH TURNER Anthem Veterans Memorial
T
he Talbot family, among others in this country who share generations of military service and sacrifice, helped make American history on the sea and in the air. For that, we are grateful. Silas Talbot Silas Talbot was appointed captain in the Continental Navy in 1779, and commanded the privateer General Washington until it was captured by the British. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives and became one of six naval men commissioned in
the newly-established U.S. Navy and supervised the building of the USS Constitution. The USS Constitution was one of six frigates built by the federal government between 1794 and 1800. Launched in Boston in October 1797, the ship remains in active duty, the sole survivor of the original U.S. Navy. “The USS Constitution sailed to the Caribbean to protect American merchant vessels that were captured by French privateers. Several captures were made by Constitution
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NEWS
An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-348-0343 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timeslocalmedia.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timeslocalmedia.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timeslocalmedia.com Advertising Office Manager: Tricia Simpson | 480-898-5624 tsimpson@timeslocalmedia.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@timeslocalmedia.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timeslocalmedia.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timeslocalmedia.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timeslocalmedia.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 customercare@timeslocalmedia.com
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FUNDRAISER from page 1
who is being held on a $500,000 bond, and Mathew Jones, 22, held on a $1 million bond. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office later released that the victim, who remains unidentified, was in stable but critical condition. A fundraiser was also started by Andrew Z Diamonds owners and staff Thursday, July 14, to raise money for the victim after the community expressed a desire to help. The store confirmed the victim was an employee. All funds raised will go toward the victim’s medical care. Monday, July 18, the store posted an update to the fundraiser website after about $35,000 had been donated in four days. “We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the outpouring of support we’ve received over this last week from the Anthem community and beyond,” Andrew Z Diamonds posted. “We continue to ask for your prayers for our employee. Their progress has been nothing short of miraculous but currently they are still in serious condition with a long road ahead of them. We thank you for your understanding in the level of privacy we continue to maintain for our employee.” The Anthem Rotary Club wanted to do more. Just three days after the incident, the group put together the community fundraising event to be held Saturday, July 30. The first event will be a charity car wash from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Legends Bar and Grill. Rotary Club members will volunteer their time to wash anyone’s car for free in exchange for a charitable donation to the cause. At the car wash, “Anthem Strong” T-shirts will also be
Andrew Z Diamonds & Fine Jewelry was robbed July 12 and one of the store employees was shot with life-threatening injuries. (Foothills Focus file photo) available for sale for $20. All funds from this effort will be donated to the family, in addition to the Rotary Club contributing an incremental donation of $2,500. Murphy said the goal is to raise around $5,000. Then, from 3 to 8 p.m the same day, Legends Bar and Grill will donate 50% of its proceeds to the victim’s family. In addition to financial donations, the Rotary Club has arranged for a Vitalant Bloodmobile to be in the parking lot of Andrew Z Diamond & Fine Jewelry also on July 30 for those who want to make a blood or platelet donation. Volunteers for the event come from the Anthem Rotary Club, Legends Bar and Grill, Andrew Z Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce, Rain Man Roofing and Waterproofing Services, Boulder Creek High School student government and the Boulder Creek
High School interact club. “We have a strong business community and a strong community of volunteers,” Murphy said. “We saw the need to support this family during this terrible tragedy and we wanted to come together quickly to create fundraising initiatives so that we could provide quick and needed support to the victim’s family.” For those who want to contribute but are unable to attend the fundraising event, direct donations can be made at gofund.me/ba61b66f. Community Fundraiser
WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 30 WHERE: Outside Legends Bar and Grill, 3655 W. Anthem Way COST: Donations; $20 for an Anthem Strong shirt INFO: facebook.com/anthemrotary
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NEWS
VETERAN from page 1
and her crew, but a notable event under Captain Silas Talbot’s command was the first successful attempt at ‘underway replenishment.’ Talbot, by transshipping supplies from a stores ship to the Constitution without landing in a port allowed him to keep the ship at sea 347 days out of 366 — a remarkable feat for the U.S. Navy in 1799,” historical accounts of the USS Constitution reported.
Warren F. Graf Another notable sailor of the family, Warren F. Graf, born 1905, entered the Navy during WWII. He was deployed on the USS Juneau, commissioned Feb. 14, 1942. Juneau first assumed blockade patrol off Martinique and Guadeloupe Islands. The ship conducted rescue missions and supported three actions that repelled enemy thrusts at Guadalcanal. In November 1942, while in a Navy battle off of Guadalcanal, the USS Juneau was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine and sank. Of the 697 on board that day,
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JULY 27, 2022
only 10 survived. Lt. Cmdr. Warren F. Graf, a gunnery officer, was among those killed in action.
James Robert Talbot, Jr. James Robert Talbot Jr. attended the University of Virginia on a U.S. Navy Reserve officer training program scholarship. Summer midshipman training included a cruise on the USS Missouri BB-63. The Navy sent Lt. Cmdr. Talbot to George Washington University in 1964 where he earned his MBA. He married Katharine (Kit) Rodney Graf, the daughter of Warren F. Graf (mentioned above), and they had one son, James Robert Talbot III. An Ensign, he circumnavigated the globe aboard the USS Preston, then served as commanding officer of the USS Lapwing, then the USS Daniel A Joy and destroyer escort USS Dealey. Aboard the USS Dealey he made one trip to the Mediterranean to demonstrate that a single engine ship could serve regular tours in the Mediterranean during the Cold War. Talbot Jr. oversaw the building of the
destroyer escort USS Cook. In the Caribbean the Cook came upon a Brazilian freighter engulfed in flames. The twelveman crew had abandoned ship, some badly injured, and were rescued by a Swedish freighter standing by. “I sent my ship’s Hospital Corpsman to the freighter to tend to the injured sailors,” he said. “When their conditions stabilized, we resumed our trip to Rio de Janeiro. There, some 15 dignified sea captains of the Brazilian merchant ships came aboard to present an engraved sterling plaque of appreciation. I knew, among those who go to sea, there is a bond that transcends country and language, but I was certainly touched upon realizing the strength of that bond.” In 1957, stationed in Saudi Arabia, Talbot Jr. helped create and man a Saudi Arabian Navy. He also designed the insignia for the Saudi Navy, its officer and enlisted uniform insignia. Talbot Jr. served in the Navy for 23 years, with 12 years of sea duty. After he retired, he worked as a civil servant as director of military personnel policy for an assistant secretary of the Navy for
manpower, where he met Mary Louise Bullinger. Talbot Jr. described her as “an intelligent naval reserve Lieutenant on the staff. We were first friends and then began dating. In 1998, we married.” Talbot Jr. was awarded the Department of the Navy superior civilian service medal, the highest honorary award the Chief of Naval Operations may bestow on a civilian employee. Mary Bullinger Talbot Mary L. Bullinger joined the Navy and graduated from officer candidate school as an Ensign in 1970. She was assigned to the Naval Security Group in Washington, D.C. As the United States withdrew from Vietnam, followed by a major drawdown of junior officers, Bullinger left active duty and became an active Naval Reservist. Around 1978, all military branches were tasked to identify the rules, regulations and federal statutes that prevented female service members from advancing to senior-most ranks in the
see VETERAN page 8
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VETERAN from page 6
respective services. Naval junior officers were called up to complete the required report. Mary volunteered. Even though her Captain and commander was a woman, she was instructed to only deal with pronoun conversion edits instead of actual statutes or regulations that were discriminatory toward women. “We were required to make tedious edits, rather than addressing real policy change. After four months, a Navy captain from the office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower arrived at our offices, skeptical that we had been at this for such a long time and had not produced a final product. After he left, I set up a meeting with him at his office in the Pentagon about our editing efforts,” Bullinger recalled. “After conferring with his superior, I was asked to take over the job of the group and report directly to him. I knew what needed to be done and I was ready for the task. In five weeks, I had reviewed several hundred documents and
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JULY 27, 2022
identified where sexual discrimination occurred and what it would take to eliminate it. My report was accepted by the secretary of the Navy and then delivered to Congress.” Bullinger continued to work at the Pentagon for another eight months in the office of equal opportunity. In 1979, she was given the opportunity to train aboard destroyers to become the ship’s commanding officer, a position previously unavailable to female Navy officers. “While I would have been a pioneer female junior officer, I declined this offer. I never intended to have a full career in the Navy and no desire to spend much of my life at sea in charge of men, many of whom joined the Navy to get away from women. Instead, a very handsome, smart and wonderfully nice guy I worked with at the Pentagon wanted me to marry him. That was an easy choice for me.” James Robert Talbot, III Of the immediate family, also destined for the Navy, is James Robert Talbot III,
son of James Jr. and Kit. “I am a true Navy brat. The Navy life is all I ever knew. I was always fascinated with Naval history and aviation. I read all I could find on the subjects,” said Talbot III. “My father definitely influenced my decision to join the Navy, but he never pushed me into it.” Attending Marquette University on an NROTC scholarship, he made the decision to become a naval aviator during his summer training aboard the aircraft carrier, USS John F Kennedy. “I got a side-by-side comparison of the culture of ‘black shoes’ of the surface Navy versus that of the ‘brown shoes’ of naval aviation. I decided the latter were having far more fun,” Talbot III said. After flight school, Talbot III received orders to Jacksonville, Florida, flying the SH-3D Sea King helicopter. The squadron deployed with USS John F. Kennedy as part of the embarked air wing. He remembers many flights, but one in particular stands out. In deployment training, Talbot III was flying a helicopter for an anti-submarine exercise with a U.S. submarine.
“We were in a night hover with a sonar dome in the water and just gotten the first ping off the submarine when engine No. 1 quit,” he recalled. “We made a soft landing in the water and attempted a single-engine night water takeoff per our training procedures. After three attempts, the other engine blew. After the rotos coasted, I had the crewmen deploy the raft and we abandoned the aircraft. Fortunately, the rescue helicopter hoisted us out of the frigid waters and we made it back to the ship. The helicopter sank during the salvage attempt.” Talbot III next spent eight months helping to fill a flight instructor shortage in the Naval Aviation Training Command flying the T-28 Trojan. “I loved that plane; it was the closest thing to flying a WWII warbird,” he said. He returned to the fleet, switching to flying the SH-2F Seasprite, the most sought-after duty in the helicopter community. He served in three squadrons flying the Seasprite with frigates, two
see VETERAN page 10
NEWS
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JULY 27, 2022
Judge explains using social media as courtroom evidence BY JUDGE GERALD A. WILLIAMS North Valley Justice of the Peace
O
ften a Facebook post or a picture on Instagram is relevant evidence in a court proceeding. While the importance of some type of social media post, text or even doorbell camera footage may be obvious to the person seeking to offer it, there are still legal and practical hurdles that must be cleared before a judge can consider it. Someone seeking to offer something from their phone or laptop must first consider how to make the content an actual exhibit. Often the best way is to print it as a paper document. All courts can accept a paper exhibit. If that is not possible, it gets more complicated. Please do not show up for your court date with some type of flash drive and expect to put it into the court’s computer system. You will not be able to do so. But even if you are your company’s computer expert who conducts training on how to share screens, what you are using may or may not be compatible with the court’s computer systems. The best thing to do is simply call the court well in advance, explain your exhibits and ask how you can present them. In addition to practical issues, there are also legal issues. A statement on Twitter could be hearsay. The rules of evidence governing hearsay are complicated, especially given the numerous exceptions. The basic rule is that a witness usually cannot say what they heard someone else say. Why? Because there is
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often no way for the other side to cross-examine someone who is not present. Many of the legal objections to social media posts concern what lawyers call foundation. The side offering the evidence must be able to show some level of personal knowledge about the evidence and that it is genuine. If you are trying to show the judge something from your own phone or social media page, then you will need to explain who else has access to it, whether the image is accurate and whether the image was altered. If you are trying to submit evidence from someone else’s text or social media, you will be expected to explain how you know it came from the person you claim it did. In State v. Griffith, 449 P.3d 353 (Ariz. Ct. App. 2019), the Arizona Court of Appeals discussed the foundational requirements for electronic information. The case involved a conviction for trafficking in stolen property. An appellate issue was whether the trial judge was correct in admitting as evidence a Facebook message and a search history log. The appellate court upheld the conviction, but urged caution. The opinion specially noted potential evidence from social media poses some special challenges because of the great ease with which accounts may be falsified or accessed by an imposter. Judge Gerald A. Williams is the justice of the peace for the North Valley Justice Court. His column appears monthly.
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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JULY 27, 2022
ADOT MVD unveils new specialty license plates BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
A
rizonans now have even more choices to support their favorite charitable cause, as the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is making available four new specialty license plates. The new specialty plates are for Arizona 4-H, Arizona education, congenital heart defect awareness and Thunderbird Charities. “We know that people who choose specialty license plates for their vehicles take pride in displaying their connection to these community organizations,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is pleased that we can partner with various organizations that benefit Arizonans.” Most specialty plates cost $25 each year; of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year. Each fiscal year the total statewide sales of specialty plates contributes over $10 million for various causes and charities. The Arizona 4-H specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 goes toward inspiring the next generation of inventors, entrepreneurs and community leaders through Arizona 4-H. “The Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation is proud to announce the availability of the new 4-H license plate, ‘Empowering Today’s Youth,’” said President Kari Petterson of Gilbert. “It is more important today to have positive opportunities and growth experiences for young people ages 5-19. Arizona 4-H does that through the club model in a very robust way that focuses on the youths’ interests, allowing them to explore, create, innovate, master and excel in over 70 project areas. We are positive youth development driven, all-inclusive with a vision of inspiring the next generation of innovators, entrepre-
er Phoenix metropolitan area. Founded in 2019, The Thunderbirds Scholars program provides a full-tuition scholarship awarded each year to two deserving high school seniors who will attend Arizona State University, the University of Arizona or Northern Arizona University in a fouryear degree program. The Thunderbirds want to help deserving students succeed and create real opportunities for a positive The new specialty plates are for Arizona 4-H, Arizona education, congenital heart defect awareness and Thun- future for Arizona youth. derbird Charities. (ADOT/Submitted) “We are extremely excited to have a specialneurs and community leaders.” ty license plate possible,” said Daniel ty license plate that will highlight The Arizona education specialty A. Velez, M.D., codirector of the Heart Thunderbirds Charities and what plate is available to anyone, and $17 Center and division chief of cardiac the Thunderbirds do in the commugoes to a special fund that provides surgery. “This is an incredible oppor- nity,” said Michael Golding, big chief of the Thunderbirds and president scholarships and grants to eligible tunity. teachers and students to fund con“We are grateful for their generos- of Thunderbirds Charities. “This is tinuing education. ity, and that of all who purchase the just another great way people can “The Scottsdale Charros fund license plate. This will give hope to get involved with Thunderbirds many charitable organizations, but families and save lives by provid- Charities and ultimately make a bigwe have a long history of support- ing access to nationally recognized ger impact for kids in Arizona.” Specialty plates are authorized by ing education because we believe it pediatric cardiac care. At the Heart is the foundation of our community. Center, we aim to leverage the latest the Arizona legislature and have Our programs include grants to indi- technology to achieve the best possi- been offered since 1989. Authorized plate designs complete a review by vidual schools, student scholarships, ble outcomes.” and celebrating educators in a multiThe Thunderbirds Charities spe- ADOT and law enforcement. In all, tude of ways,” said Dennis Robbins, cialty plate is available to anyone, there are more than 80 license plate executive director of the Scottsdale and $17 goes to assist children and options for Arizona motorists. To Charros. families, help people in need and im- view and order any specialty plate, “We are excited to add to these ef- prove the quality of life in the great- visit azmvdnow.gov. forts by offering a specialty license plate that highlights our dedication Not wanting to “fly a steel desk,” he esto Arizona education.” VETERAN from page 8 chewed career enhancing staff duty and The congenital heart defect (CHD) awareness specialty plate is available of which were the same class as the USS other nonflying assignments. Talbot III to anyone, and $17 goes to the Phoe- Cook, which his father had commanded. retired in May 1994 with over 7,000 His next deployment was aboard the flight hours, twice that of the typical 20nix Children’s Hospital-Heart Center for critical research, education and USNA Harkness, an oceanographic sur- year naval aviator. After his naval retirement, Talbot community programs to lead chil- vey ship operating in the waters of InIII flew with commercial airlines and dren born with congenital heart de- donesia. Talbot III made several career deci- then helicopters in support of the fects to longer, healthier lives. “The Heart Center at Phoenix Chil- sions, facilitating his overriding desire offshore oil and gas industry. After dren’s Hospital is grateful to Raerae to stay in the cockpit, resulting in keep- 19 years, he capped a 46-year flying of Light for making the CHD special- ing him from promotion beyond LCDR. career.
OPINION
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JULY 27, 2022
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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN
Report claiming Arizona is worst in country is rubbish BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist
D
ead. Last. Good grief, who are the mental giants (idiots) from Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) who ranked Arizona as the worst place to live in our country? Yep, that’s right. Guess we must all be losers for living in this wretched state, with last-place rankings in health care, environmental quality, crime, inclusiveness and education. The writer snidely said, “Just having the Grand Canyon is not enough.” Geez, not sure what these
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folks at CNBC are smoking, but since we are about the fastest-growing state in the nation and new businesses are investing billions here, this report is a bunch of rubbish! Vermont ranked No. 1. They have great maple syrup, yet I think the ranking system is a bit off. Texas is evidently another horrible place to live, so I’d say the entire “study” is one big farce. No state is perfect. They all have certain charm and many problems. Arizona can improve. But the worst place to live in the country? No way. So why live in Arizona? This was
the question I was asked with great frequency while in San Diego. Usually, I just smile and shrug it off. From the waiter to the grocery clerk, everyone seemed interested in why a person of sound mind would want to live in our heat. I was a little bit insulted! Why does everyone assume that all of Arizona is in triple digits all summer? The owner of the local coffee shop in Imperial Beach wondered out loud what “hell on earth” would feel like living in Arizona in the summer. A cus-
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OPINION
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JULY 27, 2022
Arizona ‘victim’ just another curious ‘sign of the Times’ BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist
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his column previously suggested The New York Times could improve its accuracy by amending the longtime front page slogan “All the news that’s fit to print.” Now the so-called “newspaper of record” has again offered fresh evidence it really features “All the news that fits its agenda.” And the Times does so with a sympathetic profile of a curious figure who used to call Arizona home. Former Queen Creek resident Ray Epps, who initially appeared among the Top 20 of the FBI’s “most wanted” for the unrest at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and who was characterized as a “pre-planner” of the siege in the Times-produced video documentary about the events of that day, now gets a dramatic “makeover” in a recent story written by reporter Alan Feuer.
The July 13 edition of The New York Times features a headline that spells out what that publication has just “discovered” about Epps’ nonprosecution. “‘It’s Just Been Hell’: Life as the Victim of a Jan. 6 Conspiracy Theory” presents readers with two value judgments in one headline. First, Ray Epps is a “victim;” secondly, anyone who questions his role or the events of that day is a believer in a “conspiracy theory.” The subheading goes even further in this effort to persuade instead of inform. It reads, “Ray Epps became the unwitting face of an attempt by pro-Trump forces to promote the baseless idea that the FBI was behind the attack on the Capitol.” Let’s translate the above from the “Progressive Press Stylebook,” shall we? What the Times is really feeding us is the following blather: Ray Epps is an
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entirely blameless, innocent man. This “gentle giant” was shocked to learn his well-intentioned but admittedly misguided trip from Arizona to Washington would be used by extremists so enthralled by Donald Trump they would ignore the pure and noble motives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an organization beyond reproach and so committed to true justice it would never dream of seeking to entrap American citizens in questionable activities. That “translation” is only a slight exaggeration. What is greatly exaggerated is the style of Alan Feuer’s reportage to reposition Ray Epps “on the side of the angels” — in other words, with the Times and its political allies. The writer goes to great lengths to “reimagine” Ray Epps as “a man whose life has been ruined by a Jan. 6 conspiracy theory.” Also “reimagined” is the video of Epps on the evening of Jan. 5, when he shouted out to Trump supporters gathered at Black Lives Matter Plaza. Here’s the way Alan Feuer recounts it: “During the event, he (Epps) was videotaped by a right-wing provocateur encouraging people to go inside the Capitol on Jan. 6 in what he described, even at the time, as a form of peaceful protest.” It’s more than passing curiosity that Feuer describes the person recording the video as a “right-wing provocateur” but fails to detail the crowd’s reaction to Epps. Those gathered responded to his call that “Tomorrow we need to go into the Capitol — into the Capitol!” with shock. They respond: “What? No!” Then, they accuse Epps of being a provocateur himself. “Fed, Fed, Fed, Fed,” they shout … but the reporter doesn’t mention it. Sadly, modern journalism has exchanged accuracy for advocacy. “Who, what, when, where, why and how” have been replaced by the “power of narrative,” delivered with the passion, and often the premeditated imprecision, of a partisan political perspective. With
increasing regularity, the goal of such coverage is to portray conservative policies, pursuits and politicians as targets worthy of unremitting invective. Objectivity has been abandoned, and that abandonment has been championed. Of course, The New York Times isn’t alone in this effort. No less a prominent practitioner of “modern journalism” than Lester Holt, the anchor of “NBC Nightly News,” added his energy, advocacy and alleged insight to the cause when he stated in 2021 that “fairness is overrated.” And more recently, the Pulitzer Prize Board refused to revoke the joint award it bestowed on the New York Times and the Washington Post in 2018 for articles concerning — as the board states it — ”Russian interference in the U.S. election and its connections to the Trump campaign.” Never mind the fact that in March of 2019, the Mueller Report found no evidence that Donald Trump colluded with Russia to interfere in the 2016 presidential election. Facts … full reporting … fairness … who needs ’em? Just a free society, filled with citizens who yearn to remain free. And now objectivity is passé … it’s just so 20th century! But it’s worth remembering the 20th was called “The American Century.” Don’t bet on that same description for the 21st.
OPINION
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CNBC state rankings say a lot about the network reasons. A job. Family. The weather. And also: the weather, the weather, the weather. Cable networks can say what they want, but Arizona apparently has the essential qualities people seek in a home. Humans are fickle that way, falling in love with places for the oddest reasons. It’s the same with TV channels. May-
BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist
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his week we ponder the greatest mystery in the 110-year history of the Grand Canyon State. No, not how does a noxious fraud like Kari Lake lead the Republican gubernatorial field in 2022, according to multiple polls. I’m talking about Arizona’s other great mystery. Namely, if this state is such a wretched place to live — as proclaimed yet again recently by the folks at CNBC television — then why do so many people keep moving here? My hypothesis follows, but first we should delve into CNBC’s analysis, released last week. As the network tells it, “We put the states through an unprecedented 88 metrics in 10 categories of competitiveness,” all to crown America’s best states for business and 10 worst states in which to live. On the positive side, Arizona ranked 34th for business. On the negative side, we’re dead last in states to call home. CNBC correspondent Scott Cohn’s Arizona write-up started off with a super clever, “It’s a dry heat” reference before knocking the state for having “some of the worst air quality in the nation,” which stresses our “poor health care system, short on hospital beds and staff.” In a nod at balance, Scotty touted Arizona’s “stunning natural beauty and top-notch cultural and recreational attractions.” However, “that comes at a stiff price in America’s worst state to live in.” I contacted Scott to discuss his hometown, the hippie dippie central California enclave of Santa Cruz. Just FYI, in Santa Cruz the average monthly rent on a studio apartment doubled over the last year to $2,500, according to the website Zumper. Santa Cruz’s violent crime rate is 31% higher than Arizona’s, according to the Best Places website, while the property crime rate is 12% higher. Of course, all the maiming and stealing may be explained by Santa Cruz’s stratospheric cost of living — approximately
double Arizona’s, according to Best Places. Sadly, Scott did not get back to me before my deadline. I hope he’s OK, living in such a hellhole. As far as the CNBC survey, I’m of two minds. One, let’s hope the 100,000 people planning a move to Arizona this year read it and stay home. All that migration is driving up the cost of housing and goods, plus hurting everything from traffic to air quality to the wait time between holes on one of Arizona’s 500 golf courses. Then there’s my other theory, which explains the mystery of Arizona being ranked so miserably, yet remaining so popular to new residents. It’s simple: While CNBC’s “unprecedented 88 metrics” sound impressive, their made-up criteria have zero to do with why people choose a home. Put simply, their analysis is all about the brain, crunching “empirical data,” while human beings choose homes with the heart. When was the last time you asked someone, “Hey, what brought you to Arizona?” only to have them respond, “Well, I ranked my top choices on 88 metrics, like inclusiveness in state laws, including protections against discrimination of all kinds, as well as voting rights.” People move to Arizona for exactly six
be that’s why CNBC ranks 44th in the TV ratings, right behind Nick Jr., and with half the audience of the Game Show Network. I guess it’s tricky to outdraw Gene Rayburn and reruns of “Match Game” — even though Gene’s been dead since 1999. Apparently, fake state rankings aren’t doing the trick.
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OPINION
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BLUHM from Page 11
tomer chimed in that he drove through Phoenix one July day, parked his car and burned the skin off his hands when he got back in it and touched the steering wheel. I pointed out that Prescott is pretty cool and that Californians are moving to Arizona in droves, but no one cared. The man I rent the beach house from said he can’t understand how people survive the heat in an Arizona summer. He then asked, “Why live in misery?” I told him (with a straight face) some
folks like misery; seek out punishment; and love dust, drought, haboobs and prickly cactus. I went on to add some people like frying eggs on the sidewalk. The poor man didn’t talk to me much after that conversation. Where else can you sit and watch the monsoons roll in and relish a thunderstorm? Sunsets are the best in the world, right here in our backyards. Our wildlife is abundant, the mountains are beautiful and, if Phoenix is hot, we have the high country. A surfer told me that without a beach and a wave, life wouldn’t be worth liv-
ing. I said I’m happy for him. It’s good to feel passionate about where you live! It’s great to thrill to a wild ride on a longboard, skimming the tops of waves. Living in Arizona is a different type of ride.
I love Arizona. No surfboard required, and last-place ranking rejected. We know why we’re here. Enough said. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Have a comment or a question? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.
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Real estate brokerage company sees massive growth BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer
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latinum Living Realty, an independent luxury real estate brokerage with four offices across Arizona, has seen exponential growth and added 26 real estate agents to the firm in the first half of 2022. “The impressive number of agents that have joined us this year is testament to the alternative brokerage model that we have built,” said Jay Macklin, co-owner of Platinum Living Realty. “As an independent brokerage, we are able to offer our agents a high-touch, high-support environment to help them achieve the greatest levels of success.” Macklin said the business started out in 2010 as “a little mom and pop shop,” rebranded a few times and has now grown to employ more than 100 full-time real estate agents helping home buyers and sellers navigate Arizona’s shifting real estate market. Platinum Living Realty takes a different approach than traditional real estate brokerages by providing agents with a customized package of more than 20 marketing tools to help effectively target and grow their businesses, consistent and individualized coaching to work through challenges and problems that arise, opportunities for generating new leads and clients, plus other tools and policies that focus on the agent’s success. One of the main things that sets Platinum Living Realty apart from competitors is its collaborative work atmosphere and dedication to improving the agents, according to Macklin. “We market with the agent as partners, helping them become better CEOs of their own little businesses,” he explained. “A lot of brokerages will treat the agents like a W2 employee, but we tend to treat them like a CEO of their own business. We help coach them, we train them on really specific things that a lot of brokerages don’t, and we help them become marketer solutions for looking
Macklin said he is excited about the growth and is confident these new agents will grow and succeed. In fact, he said agents just have to look at Platinum Living Realty’s numbers to see the benefits of working with the company. “We typically will help agents grow at about a 23 to 24% rate year over year. Most companies help agents grow between 5 and 7%, which is actually equal with the market (growth). We have a track record if they engage with us, do what we’ve asked them to and do the work, they’ll grow. So, I’m encouraged by what I’m seeing coming in.” Platinum Living Realty, headquartered in Scottsdale, currently specializes in real estate services for communities like DC Ranch, North Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Paradise Valley. Macklin expects growth to continue, and said he hopes to add another 35 agents by the end of the year. Further down the line, Platinum Living Realty will expand nationally. The company is working on creating a marketing and listing concierge system where it can take care of 100% of the marketing, legalwork and paperwork and handle it remotely while staying rooted in Scottsdale.
The Jack & Raul Real Estate Group is one of 26 new agents added to Platinum Living Realty in the first half of 2022. (Platinum Living Realty/Submitted) to buy and sell real estate versus just becoming a real estate agent.” Macklin credits this collaboration as a big reason for the company’s growth, too. He added the market has changed a lot over the past few years, which means the needs of the real estate agent have as well. Agents are looking for more than a place to lang their license; Macklin said they’re looking for a partnership. The new Platinum Living Realty agents are professionals with varying backgrounds, experience levels and expertise across the Valley. “We’ve done a really good job over the years really filtering people to our core values list,” Macklin said. “We do look at things like work ethics and professionalism, like a lot of companies do, but I also look for potential. If an agent comes to me and doesn’t need anything I offer and doesn’t take advantage of anything, there’s no value for me to have them in my company and there’s no value for them either. So I have to see potential, meaning I have to see that they’re coachable, willing to grow and willing to do the work.” The new agents include: Jack Luciano, Raul Siqueiros, Peter Hall, Madison Raskin, Niko Siqueiros, Melissa Hererra, Rosemarie Siqueiros, Diana Martinez, Glen Mills,
Kimberly Pulido, Christopher Pulido, Bridget Brennan, Marshawn Cummings, Lynise Trice, Craig Dahl, Donna Doglione, Vanessa Roark, Eric Fullam, Stephanie Gorden, Frankie Mae Rojas, Courtney Zimmerman, Darlene Palmer, Joleen Sposeto, Melody Peterson, Amy Lavine and Ian Lynch. “Continuing to grow our business in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley is a priority for us,” said Raul Siqueiros of Jack and Raul Real Estate Group at Platinum Living Realty. “After meeting with Jay and learning about the collaborative culture, innovative marketing and terrific ‘no ego’ support, we were certain that Platinum Living Realty was exactly what our team needed to elevate our business even further.”
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Hidden in the Hills returns for 26th year in November BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
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rizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour, Hidden in the Hills, is scheduled to return for its 26th year Friday, Nov. 18, to Sunday, Nov. 20 and Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 27. This year’s free, self-guided tour features 175 artists at 47 private studios throughout the scenic Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale. It is hosted by the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League. Known for including both nation-
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ally recognized and emerging artists, Hidden in the Hills attracts thousands of patrons who appreciate fine art and seek a variety of mediums, styles and price ranges. With the event taking place the weekends before and after Thanksgiving, the art tour also attracts holiday shoppers who want to find an original, unique gift. The league also announced that ceramic artist Myron Whitaker’s stunning vessel, “Large Ferric with Agate,” will grace the cover of this year’s popular four-color, glossy artist directory. The contemporary, raku-fired piece features rich textures and earthy colors. The inspiration for the piece — a striking Brazilian agate — sits atop the vessel’s handle. A leather band with tusk-shaped ceramic adornments is also a focal point, separating the contrasting textures from top to bottom. In May, participating artists were invited to submit original pieces for consideration of the artist directory cover during a selection process. “Myron’s bold, beautiful ceramic vessel took our breath away,” said Jane Boggs, a gourd artist and studio host who serves as the event’s cochair. “It commanded our attention and we felt it was perfect for this year’s artist directory.” From 18-wheelers to contemporary ceramics, Whitaker likes to joke that he is “as country as country gets,” something no one could guess by viewing his large body of contemporary ceramic works. Growing up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, he never imagined pursuing a career as an artist. In fact, he
see CERAMIC page 17
Ceramic artist Myron Whitaker’s vessel, “Large Ferric with Agate,” was selected to be featured on the cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills directory. (Submitted/Hidden in the Hills)
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CERAMIC from page 16
spent more than 16 years manufacturing 18-wheelers. One day, he ran into his high school art teacher who encouraged him to take a ceramics class she was teaching at a local community college. The class fueled his passion to learn more, and within a few years, he left his job to work fulltime as a ceramic artist. “When I first started doing ceramics, it was pure fun. And then I fell in love with it,” Whitaker said. “I’m really living my dream. When I sit down on the wheel to throw clay, I know that’s where I’m supposed to be.” Today, some 14 years later, Whitaker splits his time between Arizona and North Carolina, often traveling throughout the country to participate in prestigious shows and check on his work in various art galleries. He is best known for his large scale, raku fired vessels. “Raku is one of the most exciting
and rewarding parts of the ceramic process. The anticipation of instantaneously seeing red hot clay pieces evolve into the final glazed and black smoke artwork is the most gratifying part of the journey,” he said. Whitaker said he is honored to have his “Large Ferric with Agate” vessel chosen for this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory cover. “It’s exciting, especially since the artist directory has become a collectible over the years,” he said, adding that he doesn’t typically give his ceramic pieces titles. “Ferric actually refers to the firing process,” he explained. “It’s an acid that I pour over the vessel before firing it. In this case, I used more than 40 pounds of clay to create the vessel, and I decided to use ferric instead of a glaze in order to bring out the earthy colors and give it a primitive look.” He also revealed the inspiration for the piece was the large Brazilian agate that sits on top of the vessel’s
cover handle. “Before I sit down to throw a piece, I decide which stone or fossil will be a focal point,” he said. “Some people think I create the vessel first, but I need the stone or fossil to guide me as I determine the shape, size, texture and color palette for each piece.” This is Whitaker’s fifth year participating in Hidden in the Hills. The talented artist will exhibit and sell his work at mixed media artist Carlos Page’s studio in Cave Creek. This year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory also will feature three diverse artworks on the directory’s back cover. The back cover artists include Jeanne Bonine (painter, oil, watercolor), Randy Galloway (sculpture, bronze), and Karen O’Hanlon (mixed media, paper). Downloadable maps and details about participating artists will be available closer to the event at HiddenInTheHills.org. For details, call 480-575-6624.
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It’s important to live loved in unloving times CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist
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ere’s a thought for you: love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired. One of the Scriptures’ most influential and insightful books is the Song of Songs. It is a love story of two real-life characters and their relationship that happened long ago. One was a sun-beaten shepherdess at the bottom of the social spectrum. Her life and choices had beaten her up. She had given up on most anything other than the worst happening to her. The other character was a king named Solomon. He was at the top end of the social spectrum. He ruled one of the most powerful kingdoms the world has ever seen. As the shepherdess saw him, she was overwhelmed by his persona, but, in her mind, the king would never be overwhelmed by her persona. Hint: Be careful when talking to yourself, because you’re listening. What happens next is recorded for eternity for us to get a glimpse into the wonders and essence of God. Solomon sees the shepherdess and is ravished by her. He saw in her what she could never see in herself. Solomon’s attraction wasn’t physical. The years and her background had taken some of that away. Nevertheless, Solomon recognized her value, essence and potential royalty even though
she wasn’t a queen. He loved her … “even though.” That’s what true godly love is. The Hebrew words in Song of Songs illuminate a type of love that is much more the world’s type of love. The original language reveals words like passion, ravished, fervent, desire, intimate, longing, wonder, splendor, reckless holiness and total abandonment. It took a “Solomon” who loved her unconditionally to awaken the sun-worn shepherdess to her value, potential and future. His “reckless” faith, hope and love awakened her faith, hope and love. The shepherdess moved from living to being loved to living from being loved. There’s a big difference there. The king’s unconditional love transformed the shepherdess’ mindset about herself. She thought, “I’m
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ugly.” He thought, “You’re beautiful.” She thought, “I have a terrible past.” He thought, “You have a great future.” She thought, “I’m poor; I have no money.” He said, “You’re wealthy; I’ll give you ornaments of gold.” She thought, “I’m a lowly shepherdess.” He thought, “You’re a queen.” She thought, “I’m unclean from sin.” He thought, “You are now whiter than snow.” She thought, “I was condemned and ostracized by my family.” He thought, “There’s no condemnation in my family.” She thought, “I’m unworthy.” He thought, “You are worthy.” She thought, “My house is a dirty field.” He thought, “Your house is now the king’s chambers.” She thought, “I’m bad.” He thought, “You’re good.” The four basic human needs for people to prosper in their souls are significance, acceptance, love and security. Most people live to be significant, not from being significant; to be accepted, rather than from being accepted; to be loved, rather than from being loved; to be secure, rather than from being secure. That’s where the shepherdess was living before meeting the king. After the transformational encounter with the king, she moved to living significant, accepted, loved and secure. And how her soul prospered. Why? She had the correct IP address. So, what does IP mean? It’s living from your God-given identity and purpose, rather than for some human-made fake identity and purpose. When you know your worth, you will stop giving discounts. Do you see how this real-life example relates to you and me in a way that most everyone can connect with? The king dismounted from his royal horse and met the shepherdess where she was. Then he took her up to where he was. That is what God did for us; God is the king. We are a type of shepherdess. The Bible says we can love because God first loved us. Just like that shep-
herdess and King Solomon, we awaken to our actual worth, identity and value by God awakening us to what we mean to God. We don’t deserve it. We can’t earn it. Our part is to believe it and then receive it, just like the shepherdess did. Why do we need to know God loves us? Pastor Mike Bickel said: “We will never have more affection or passion for God than we understand that He has for us. Likewise, we will never be more committed to God than we understand that He is committed to us.” Hello? Did you know there is a maternal side to God? Mark Twain captures God’s maternal side in this writing about motherhood. “Being a mother is not about ‘birthing a child into the world.’ Rather, it is about repeatedly ‘birthing into the child’ a steady sense of their inestimable worth, a prized understanding of their authentic self, a conviction that the impossible perfect life is largely the stuff of myth, and an utterly unwavering belief that the cold actions of men never represent the warm heart of God. The relentless act of birthing these things into the innermost soul of a thirsty child makes a woman a mother. The child you hold in your arms is your gift to a future that you will not see.” King Solomon birthed the maternal side of God into the shepherdess (and us, too). That’s how you live loved in unloving times. 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.
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Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary debunks snake myths BY MARK MORAN Foothills Focus Staff Writer
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he hottest summer months are not actually the most dangerous time of year for you or your pet to encounter a rattlesnake. Snakes don’t come out to “sun themselves” on the rocks, “emerge from hibernation,” or prey on you or your pet. “When it gets to be a hundred degrees, they shift to nighttime,” said Cale Morris, venom manager at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary in North Scottsdale. “It’s all about the temperature. The heat burns them just like it burns you. When it’s 82-degrees at midnight, they are moving, but they’re moving to find a place to A Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, the most common species of rattlesnake in Arizona, at the Phoenix Herpetological in Scottsdale, Arizona. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) get out of the coming sun.” So, with that myth busted, the truth is that the most likely times to breathe, they definitely need antivenom. ris said. Dan and Debbie Marchand started the for a rattlesnake encounter are at night They can die from it.” during the hottest summer months and Not a myth: the population of Arizona during April and August. has grown dramatically over the past two There are 13 species of rattlesnake in decades, but somehow, the number of reArizona, the largest variety of rattlers in ported snakebites has not increased along the United States. If bitten, while the bite is with it. painful, the good news is medical treatment “Our averages really haven’t changed,” is available and straightforward. There is said Dr. Bryan Kuhn, a pharmacist and clinonly one antivenom which is an antidote for ical toxicologist with the Banner Poison every venomous snake in America. Control Center. “But the population has in“The beauty of that is that you don’t have creased by about two million. If you think of to know what you have been bitten by,” Mor- where people move, Maricopa county has ris said. “There’s a myth where people say been expanding outwards for quite a while. ‘I’ve gotta capture that snake or they won’t We don’t really grow up, we grow out. That’s know how to treat me.’ That is not true,” putting residents closer to the boundary of Morris said. where the natural habitats of snakes are. So, Myth number two — busted. intuitively you would expect more bites.” “People will try to capture them or kill So why hasn’t the number of reported them and it delays medical attention,” Mor- snakebites increased? Morris credits a foris continued. “You get bit. You go to the cused and extended informational camemergency room. All the emergency rooms paign. have antivenom and they have plenty of it.” “We have been doing education outreach The same can’t be said for dogs, unfortu- programs for the past 21 years here in the nately. It is a much more urgent situation for Valley,” he said. “We taught a total of 250,000 dogs than it is when a human is bitten. people last year through tours and outreach “It’s a life and death situation for dogs,” programs. This year will be even more.” said Morris. “If a dog gets bitten by a ratHe also credits an increase in social metlesnake … when they run right up to it and dia activity and the Phoenix Herpetological bark and get a bite on the nose, on the muz- Sanctuary’s 1 million TikTok followers. “It definitely is making a difference,” Morzle, it swells up and makes it hard for them
sanctuary in 2003 when someone illegally had two American alligators in their Phoenix swimming pool, which were rescued by wildlife officials. With nowhere to take them, the wildlife officials called Dan Marchand, a known wildlife enthusiast. “Charlie” and “Lucy,” named after the Peanuts comic strip brother and sister, were rehomed in a shallow wading pool on Marchand’s land, 2.5 acres of wild Sonoran Desert at North Scottsdale Road and Dynamite, and the sanctuary was born. The most improbable of sanctuary residents was the result of a prank one friend played on another. A man named Chuck Simmons was
see SNAKES page 20
L S S!
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | JULY 27, 2022 RIGOR, RELEVANCE & L L RIGOR, RELEVANCE & RELATIONSHIPS A RIGOR, RELEVANCE & RELATIONSHIPS RELATIONSHIPS SM ALL
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L 19 ALpage SNAKES SMfrom LASS C a homesteader in Arizona, near a S! IZEnorthern SPakoon place called Springs. A friend some-
where across the country thought it would be funny to mail Simmons a baby alligator, which he kept and fed on his land until 2017. Having disappeared from view for a while, Simmons left the alligator for dead when he vacated his place, now part of the
Parashant National SM S Monument in the Grand S CLLAWhen Canyon. S AESS!the Bureau of Land ManageC mentSwent IZZEinSto!clear the overgrown reeds, I they S discovered “Clem,” severely malnourished, underweight and in need of a home. The Bureau of Land Management called Marchand, and the sanctuary bolstered its reputation as the go to place for rescued reptiles of all sorts. The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
is currently home to more than 200 venomous snakes, to bearded dragons, crocodiles, gila monsters, tortoises and a host of other creatures over its 2.5 acres. The nonprofit sanctuary, with its 80 plus volunteers and 17 paid employees, is funded through guided tours ($20/adults, $15/kids), grants, summer camps and donations. “It’s like a no-kill animal shelter,” Morris said. “We don’t euthanize the stuff, we educate people.”
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Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary 480-513-4377 phoenixherp.com
A Blue Speckled Rattlesnake at the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)
The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary’s antivenom bank focuses on antivenom for exotic, non-native snake species; hospitals keep antivenom for local snakes. (David Minton/Staff Photographer) Schedule a tour!
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Call 623-551-5083 for K-5 Campus or 623-466-8187 for 6-12 Campus Call 623-551-5083 for K-5 Campus or 623-466-8187 6-12 Campus Call 623-551-5083 for K-5Visit Campus or 623-466-8187 for 6-12 Campus orfor schedule online. caurusacademy.org/schedule-a-tour or schedule online. Visit caurusacademy.org/schedule-a-tour or schedule online. Visit caurusacademy.org/schedule-a-tour
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STUDENT CHRONICLES Know a student doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email christina@timespublications.com. BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
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ameron Ninneman of Anthem was named to the dean’s list while Sydney Reno of Cave Creek and Madeline Hayden of north Phoenix were named to the president’s lists for the spring semester at the University of Alabama. Dean’s list students are full-time undergraduate students who acquire an academic record of 3.5 or above for the semester. President’s list students have a 4.0 grade point average for the semester. The University of Alabama, the state’s flagship university, provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and offers nearly 200 degree programs on a student-centered campus. Info: ua.edu
Four local students graduated at the May 5, 2022, commencement ceremony at the University of Utah. Solomon Enis of Phoenix earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration. Nolan Andrus of Cave Creek earned a Bachelor of Science degree in entrepreneurship. While Enis and Andrus graduated in Fall 2021, they waited to attend the in-person commencement this spring. Rachel Curnutt of Cave Creek graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, summa cum laude, in games. Mary Wenzbauer of Phoenix earned a Master of Education degree in educational psychology with an emphasis in school psychology in Spring 2022. “The Class of 2022 is filled with so many amazing students, with unique and remarkable stories,” said Taylor
Randall, president of the University of Utah. “All of our graduates helped create a rich, diverse and vibrant environment during their time at the U. We appreciate their dedication as scholars and their enthusiasm for buildingYOUTH a better future.” In addition, numerous area students were named to the University of Utah spring 2022 dean’s list. Amber Fawniel Walterscheid, Ainsley Payton Nystrom and Mason Walker Setto, all of Phoenix, were among them. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher in at least 12 graded credit hours during any one term. Info: utah.edu
The Georgia Institute of Technology presented degrees to more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students during the school’s 262nd commencement exercises in May at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Among the graduates were: Courtney Root of Anthem, Master of Science in cybersecurity; and Jaden West of Phoenix, Bachelor of Science in computer science with high honors. Natacha Ramioulle of Cave Creek made the dean’s list for the Spring 2022 semester at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This designation is awarded to undergraduate students who have earned a 3.0 or higher academic average for the semester. Georgia Tech offers business, computing, design, engineering, liberal arts and sciences degrees. Its nearly 44,000 students, representing 50 states and 149 countries, study at the main campus in Atlanta, at campuses in France and China, and through distance and online learning. It conducts more than
$1 billion in research annually for government, industry and society. Info: gatech.edu
Carolyn Lee of Anthem was named to the dean’s list at Rochester Institute of Technology for the spring 2022 semester. Lee is in the new media design program. Fulltime degree-seeking undergraduate students are eligible for dean’s list if their term GPA is greater than or equal to 3.400; they do not have any grades of “incomplete,” “D” or “F;” and they have registered for, and
completed, at least 12 credit hours. Info: rit.edu
Genner Cervantes of Phoenix graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Abilene Christian University. Cervantes was among more than 800 students who received degrees during the Abilene Christian University’s May commencement. Abilene Christian is the highest ranking university in Texas according to a 2022 U.S. News & World Report assessment of institutions. Info: acu.edu
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