The Foothills Focus - Zone 1 - 12.8.2021

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TheFoothillsFocus.com

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS ................. 6

O’Brien gets city council to examine vaccine mandate

NEWS ................. 9 North Valley Symphony Orchestra celebrating 10 years

YOUTH ............. 20 Deer Valley Unified looking for faith-based partners

OPINION ................... 10 FEATURES ................ 13 YOUTH ...................... 20 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 22 Zone I

‘Nutcracker’ comes to life PAGE

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

Anthem Area Edition

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Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Spread holiday joy with the Anthem light cruise

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Foothills Focus Staff Writer

A

nthem residents are coming together to spread holiday cheer with the sixth annual citizen-led holiday light cruise Saturday, Dec. 18.

“It’s an event to spread holiday joy,” said organizer David Coleman. “It’s side-bysides and Jeeps, and we try to touch each neighborhood so everybody can enjoy it with as many lights as we can get on our vehicles and play Christmas music. It’s become a tradition in Anthem now.”

Registration is not required to participate, and Coleman said anyone with an ATV is welcome to show up. Line up and staging will start at 3:30 p.m. behind

��� BAKER ���� 4

The Anthem Holiday Light Cruise started out with 25 vehicles, but last year there were more than 300.

(Submitted photo)

Study: Phoenix public safety ratio ranks 7th in nation

BY PAUL MARYNIAK Foothills Focus Staff Writer

A

mong the 10 largest cities in the nation, Phoenix has the seventh lowest number of police of�icers per 1,000 residents as those ranks continue to shrink and recruitment remains far from keeping up.

And even if the city found enough quali�ied of�icers to �ill hundreds of existing vacancies,

Phoenix’s position among those cities would not change.

Those are some of the highlights of a new memo to city council that also shows that among those same cities, Phoenix also ranks seventh for the number of �ire�ighters per 1,000 residents.

The memo, prepared by city Budget and Research Director Amber Williamson, was to be the focal point of a hearing, Dec. 8, before city council’s Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee

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chaired by Councilwoman Ann O’Brien.

While noting “there is no universally accepted industry standard or best practice for police and �ire staf�ing per 1,000 population” because of a host of variables, Williamson wrote, “This measure is useful to evaluate each organization’s historical data, as it can indicate impacts to response times, service delivery and crime rates.”

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NEWS

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

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

BAKER from page 1

the Outlets at Anthem in the northwest corner parking lot adjacent to 43rd avenue. From there, organizers will give general instructions and start the parade at dark.

The exact route will not be released until a few days before the event, but it will start at the outlet mall, cross I-17 and work south from Gavilan Peak Parkway, weaving to pass by neighborhoods. The route travels down Daisy Mountain Drive to Meridian, then through Hastings Way, back up to Memorial Drive and ends at Arroyo Norte Drive. The entire route spans 25 miles and Coleman said it was purposely designed to go through several neighborhoods.

“We try to make sure it goes near as many neighborhoods as possible so that people don’t have to go very far,” he said. “Hopefully they can just step out of their neighborhood onto one of the main roads and see us going by. I would say there’s several thousand people that watch it, so that’s pretty

awesome.”

The event started as a small group who drove around together to go look at Christmas lights. The vehicles were so decked out, though, that soon they were the spectacle. Since then, the cruise has grown exponentially. Coleman said the first year there were about 25 vehicles, and at last year’s event there were more than 300. He said he has even had people call to see what date the parade was on and check to see if the route was the same so that they could plan their holiday party for that night.

The event is voluntary, with a planning team of Coleman, Ben Southgate and Stephanie McLean. While this is not an official parade with a police escort and roads blocked off, the volunteers put a lot of time into making it happen. This year, for instance, they had to monitor roadwork on 43rd Avenue to make sure it wouldn’t disrupt the route. They also make and place dozens of arrows around to try to keep people in route and provide real time updates on where they are in the route.

In his third year of leading the event,

No registration or fees are required; anyone can show up and participate. (Submitted photo) Coleman said he took over after the last coordinator because he didn’t want the tradition to die.

“It’s a great event. It’s not always easy on our end, for the planning, but we’re not going to stop doing it. It’s fun to do this for the town and for Anthem.”

The past few years have reinforced how important it is to celebrate and be together, which Coleman said is one reason the event has now become so popular.

“Everybody loves parades and loves to look at the decorations on the vehicles.

I think that especially with how 2020 was with COVID and everything, this year it kind of re-excited everybody to be out and about again,” Coleman said.

“I think the holiday season is a favorite for everybody and this is exciting for them. Everybody that’s involved in it, all the participants, absolutely love doing it and showing off the lights on their vehicles. It’s a great way that everybody gets to spread the joy of the holidays.”

Anthem Holiday Light Cruise

WHEN: Staging starts at 3:30 p.m., parade starts after dark on Saturday, Dec. 18 WHERE: Route starts at Outlets at Anthem, 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix COST: Free admission INFO: facebook.com/ groups/270557737193941

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

SAFETY from page 1

She also indicates that an important data set is not included in her study — the number of cops assigned to nonpatrol or administrative duties.

“If a police department has a high sworn per 1,000 population ratio but assigns a higher percentage of their officers to nonpatrol or administrative functions rather than to patrol, that department will have less of an impact on crime than a similarly sized department that assigns more sworn staff to patrol,” the memo notes.

Of an authorized number of 3,271 sworn positions, the Phoenix Police Department has 1,054 on patrol, according to testimony given by Executive Assistant Police Chief Michael Kurtenbach before the subcommittee two months ago.

Filled positions in Phoenix PD totaled 2,813 in October and are the latest available.

That figure is lower than the one used by Williamson in her comparisons because her data collection apparently occurred before July, when filled positions totaled 2,901.

Her study does not include patrol officers per 1,000 residents and does not include any

data from Las Vegas.

In comparing Phoenix’s standing among the nation’s 10 largest cities, Chicago had the highest ratio of officers per 1,000 residents with 5.28. The lowest ratio was in San Diego, where there is only three-quarters of an officer position per 1,000.

According to other data provided the subcommittee, the Phoenix Police Department lost 136 officers between January and October of this year and found only 40 recruits to take their place.

Williamson’s data also shows that while the number of authorized positions in Phoenix PD is 3,271, the city’s hiring target is 3,125 — a number Williamson calls “sustainable” because it is “based on projected available resources.”

The impact of the shortfall in filled positions currently is being felt particularly hard by detectives, many of whom are being assigned to patrol one week a month even though their own caseloads are as much as 10 times the number recommended for best practices.

But Phoenix Police’s personnel freefall also has affected its response times to calls for help.

According to Williamson, police response

Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams and Executive Assistant Police Chief Michael Kurtenbach testified about police staffing before a city council subcommittee in October. (File photo) time averaged 5 minutes and 14 seconds in the 2011-2012 fiscal year and went up by a minute and 16 seconds in the 2020-21 fiscal year.

Phoenix Fire also has been hit by a declining number of firefighters, though its decline has not been as sharp as that in the police department, according to Williamson’s memo.

Phoenix Fire Department has 1.04 sworn positions per 1,000 residents — a ratio smaller than six of the nation’s largest cities.

Houston and Philadelphia have the highest ratios at 2.01 and 1.99 positions per 1,000 residents, respectively.

Phoenix Fire’s average response time, how-

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ever, declined by only a half minute between July 2011 and June 2021 — from 4 minutes and 38 seconds to 5 minutes and seven seconds, according to Williamson’s memo.

Since 2011-12, the memo states, “calls for service have increased 41.6 % for fire and 3.2% for police.”

Breaking down that data further, the memo states that increase translates into 3.3% more calls per filled fire position and 7.9% per filled police position.

“There is no universally accepted standard or best practice for the number of calls per sworn position,” the memo states. “Instead, departments use this information along with response times to determine if staffing changes are needed.”

“Overall, responses from survey cities indicate Phoenix sworn staffing levels are in line with other agencies, however in some cases below the median of cities surveyed,” Williamson’s study concludes.

She also noted the city’s significant expansion of its Community Assistance Program, which deploys civilians to responding to behavioral and mental health calls for help. She said that increase “should help to improve public safety response times.”

NEWS

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

O’Brien gets city council to examine vaccine mandate

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

T

he Phoenix city administration’s requirement that all city employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine by mid-January was to come under scrutiny in a special meeting of City Council yesterday, Dec. 7, amid warnings that the already depleted ranks of police will take a devastating hit.

City Councilwoman Ann O’Brien demanded the hearing on the administration’s dictate, announced last month, saying that citizens and police deserved to be heard on the issue.

Following the announcement of the vaccine mandate three weeks ago, Councilman Sal DiCiccio was a guest on KTAR Radio and ripped the mandate, warning it would accelerate an attrition among the ranks of police that is seeing 25 officers a month leave.

Whether the recent meeting will change the mandate is unclear — especially because the majority of city council

has been particularly conservative when it comes to COVID-19. Only in October, for example, did it lift a ban on out-ofstate sports tournaments in city parks — months after all other cities in Arizona had eliminated their ban — despite pleas from North Phoenix business owners that the edict was killing bottom lines.

Britt London, president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, said the mandate was yet another blow for police morale, telling reporters, “I think morale went from bad to worse,” City Managing Director Jeff Barton announced the mandate for 14,000 public employees as an executive decision stating it was to comply with a Biden administration directive that all federal contractors’ employees be vaccinated.

Employees would be subjected to disciplinary measures, including dismissal, unless they have obtained an exemption.

But most of Phoenix’s neighbors do not take that position even though they also receive federal grants for work they do

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Yvette Bro, vice president of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, voices the union’s support for Arizona’s lawsuit against the Biden administration’s vaccine mandate. (Ella Ho Ching/ Cronkite News)

on behalf of the federal government.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is a personal health decision, and we encourage employees to consult with their medical provider or pharmacy to obtain a vaccine,” said Chandler city spokesman Matt Burdick.

Similarly, the city of Scottsdale does not require its employees to be vaccinated.

“We continue to encourage vaccination among staff, and continue to work with public health partners to provide convenient access to vaccination for staff and the community,” city of Scottsdale spokesman Kelly Corsette said.

DiCiccio told KTAR, “The city of Phoenix did not have to do this. This was a direct shot at the police department primarily and fire. Those are the individuals that when everybody loves else is locked down, they were out on the street protecting us. That’s what this is all about.

It’s meant to drive more police officers out.”

Phoenix PD is frantically looking to fill its ranks as officers either retire, sign on with other law enforcement agencies offering more lucrative pay and benefits or simply leave police work.

There already are 42 fewer patrol positions than the minimum level the department considers necessary and 100 more vacancies are expected before the end of the year, according to an October memo

from Barton to city council.

Fewer people are interested in becoming police officers and other law enforcement agencies lure experienced officers away from Phoenix PD, according to that memo and testimony by high-ranking department heads at a Sept. 8 council hearing.

“We’re losing an average 11 more than we are hiring every month and that’s a significant number and it’s not a number — despite our best efforts — that we’re seeing turn around,” Executive Assistant Police Chief Michael Kurtenbach told council’s Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee.

The memo shows that while calls for service have increased by 4.9% and response times have increased by seven seconds in the last five years, the total number of sworn positions has decreased to a total of 2,781 — 172 fewer officers than the department had in March 2020.

“On average, the department is currently losing approximately 30 officers per month and expects to lose 100 additional officers by mid-December 2021,” it said.

At the same time, the memo shows, monthly caseloads for officers assigned to investigate assaults, burglary, domestic violence and adult sex crimes are anywhere from twice to 10 times the number recommended for best practices.

The average caseload per officer for burglary investigations is the highest — 169 cases instead of the recommended 15 cases — while the average monthly caseload for domestic violence investigations is 66 cases per officer instead of the recommended 15.

The special meeting was called by Councilwoman Ann O’Brien, a member of the police subcommittee, who said “this federal mandate regarding vaccinations for Phoenix employees is a complete overreach of the federal government.

“This mandate is incredibly problematic because of its negative impacts on city staffing and how it will affect the way city services are delivered to our community — particularly with our police officers

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

Cox introduces internet package ConnectAssist

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

C

ox Communications expanded its variety of affordable service, the lowcost internet tier, ConnectAssist.

Similar to its existing Connect2Compete (C2C) low-cost program focusing on households with children, ConnectAssist is available to low-income households with or without children, veterans, seniors and tribal members who need affordable internet access. The ConnectAssist package includes a discounted modem rental along with other features.

ConnectAssist is specifically designed for families without children in grades

VACCINE from page 6

and firefighters,” she said.

Both she and DiCiccio separately have hinted that while it appears the vaccine mandate was issued by Barton, council apparently discussed it in an executive session a day or two before it was issued.

K-12 who are enrolled in government financial assistance programs, and those receiving Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefits, Tribal Programs, Supplemental Security Income, and/or Medicaid.

“We are determined to narrow the digital divide by making connectivity and digital literacy easily accessible to everyone in our communities,” said Percy Kirk, Cox Southwest region manager and senior vice president.

“This offering further expands and strengthens our affordability options as well as our focus on digital equity. Here in Arizona, we are proud to provide more than 6,000 students with internet

The contents of executive sessions cannot be disclosed under state law.

“It is a very important topic that I believe should be discussed in public and not behind closed doors to give our employees and the community a chance to weigh in,” O’Brien said, adding: “The public must be included in the

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service (under C2C) and know with ConnectAssist our services will continue to connect more and more Arizonans.”

The ConnectAssist internet package provides customers with internet access and a modem rental for $30/ month plus taxes, which can support speeds up to 50 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload.

Eligible customers can sign up at cox. com/connectassist and are not required to go through credit checks, commit to term agreements, or pay deposits. Check the same website for eligibility rules.

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conversation. I am not anti-vaccine; I am anti-mandates. I am pro-personal choice and I believe that Phoenix employees will do the right thing and make decisions that are best for themselves and their families.”

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich has amended his lawsuit against the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate to include the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association and the United Phoenix Firefighters Association Local 493.

Brnovich said multiple police officers, firefighters and other first responders who chose not to get the COVID-19 vaccination now fear losing their jobs, which prompted the attorney general to amend his lawsuit to include the police and fire unions.

“First responders should never have to choose between their jobs or livelihood,” he said during a news conference. “The Biden administration’s unconstitutional mandates are not only an infringement on individual liberty, but a fringe on the principles of federalism and violate traditional notions of separation of powers.”

Arizona was the first state to challenge President Joe Biden’s mandate requiring federal employees and contractors to be vaccinated by the January deadline. Brnovich also is part of multistate efforts that challenge Occupational Safety and Health Administration and health care worker mandates. OSHA’s requirement for companies with 100 or more employ-

clude EasyConnect self-installation or $20 professional installation and access to Wi-Fi hotspots and Cox Security Suite Plus.

Additionally, customers qualifying for ConnectAssist could be eligible for the federal government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. Customers may be able to get ConnectAssist for free after a discount with the Emergency Broadband Benefit. The discount amount and eligibility are based on EBB program rules which are subject to change. Customers can learn more about the EBB program (and check their eligibility) at cox.com/ebb.

ees to be fully vaccinated or tested on at least a weekly basis, has been paused by legal challenges.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego shared her support for the federal vaccine mandate with ABC15 after the city’s vaccine deadline was announced, saying “this federal program is going to save lives.”

Fire Capt. Bryan Willingham, vice president of the United Phoenix Firefighters Association, said the lawsuit is not a “political battle” for the association but rather a form of addressing a “crisis for the community” should unvaccinated employees be terminated.

Willingham, who is vaccinated, said the association supports its members’ right to choose when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine and that the vaccination controversy is “dividing” and “hurting the community.”

According to reporting by ABC15, only 25% of Phoenix police officers and firefighters have voluntarily submitted proof of vaccination.

The mandate also comes during what police and fire departments call staffing shortages. Yvette Bro, vice president of the police union, said a survey it conducted found more than 600 members who said they would leave if they were forced to get a COVID-19 vaccine, adding that the police department “can’t afford to lose one officer.”

“Our focus is, we indeed to keep every single officer and we need to be able to fight for their right to choose,” she said.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

News Briefs

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Register for 2022 dog park memberships Registration for the 2022 Anthem Dog Park memberships is open.

The process can be fully completed online at onlineatanthem.com.

Current memberships will expire Dec. 31.

Ellsworth to address Anthem Join the Anthem Community Council and Friends of Daisy Mountain Trails at 9 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 10, to hear from Tom Ellsworth, Maricopa County’s planning and development director.

This meeting will be held via Zoom; details on how to join the meeting are posted in the calendar at onlineatanthem.com.

Holiday classic triathlon is set The 4Peaks Holiday Classic is Saturday, Dec. 11. This popular event will begin and end at the community center, with the swim

portion taking place in the pool. Plan ahead, as traffic and parking will be affected.

‘Space Jam’ family night scheduled Families are invited to the Anthem Community Center at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, for games, prizes, pizza and a viewing of “Space Jam: A New Legacy.” In the movie, a rogue AI kidnaps the son of LeBron James, who then has to work with Bugs Bunny to win a basketball game. Wear your favorite team jersey and be entered into a raffle. Admission is $5 per person, up to four people; each additional participant is $3. Register online at onlineatanthem.com.

EPCOR open meetings set Customers of EPCOR who reside in the Anthem Water District east of I-17 are invited to open meetings on Wednesday, Dec. 15, and Thursday, Dec. 16.

On those days, the Arizona Corporation Commission likely will decide whether to

NVSO to celebrate 10-year anniversary

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

N

orth Valley Symphony Orchestra will host its annual gala fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 12.

This Black & White Ball will be held at Sheraton Crescent, 2620 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix.

The event’s cause is twofold: celebrating the NVSO’s 10th anniversary and to raise funds. NVSO is a nonprofit community orchestra encompassing an adult orchestra and three youth ensembles.

All NVSO musicians are volunteers who share a passion to rehearse and perform exceptional orchestral music for the North Valley community.

This event will feature performances by members of NVSO and special entertainment by Brian Foley, award-winning variety entertainer.

Black-and-white-themed dress is encouraged. Attendees will have a variety of silent auction items to consider, including spa

packages, wine-tasting courses, original artwork and themed baskets.

NVSO’s Black & White Ball begins with cocktails at 5:30, giving guests the opportunity to browse silent auction items and listen to NVSO musicians perform before dinner is served. Event tickets are $100, which includes one cocktail, dinner and one raffle ticket.

To buy tickets, visit northvalleysymphony. org. Several levels of sponsorship for this event are available.

combine the Anthem Water District with other water districts or leave it as is.

According to the recommendations submitted Nov. 12 by the administrative law judge who presided over the current rate case, a “typical” Anthem district residential customer who has a 3/4-inch meter serving his/ her house and uses the districtwide median of 6,000 gallons per month currently pays $72.57 (including all taxes and surcharges).

By comparison, Phoenix residents, including Anthem west of I-17, and Sun City, who are also EPCOR customers, pay less than $20 for the same meter/usage combination.

If the commission decides to leave Anthem as a standalone district (as-is), the bill could jump to $106.69, an increase of $34.12 (47%).

Alternatively, if the commission decides to consolidate Anthem with five of eight other districts owned and operated by EPCOR, the bill would be $69.26, or $3.31 (4.5%) less than current.

Early Anthem residents benefitted from artificially low rates until 2008, when rates increased by an average of 38%, followed in 2011 by an 80% increase, for a compound

increase of nearly 150% compared to 2007 rates. The causes? The high cost of building, operating and maintaining Anthem’s hightech water (and sewer) infrastructure. In addition, Anthem’s systems are newer and thus costs were higher than when the Sun City systems were built 50 or 60 years ago.

Finally, the Anthem district has only 9,200 customers whereas Sun City has 25,000 customers to share their respective costs.

Residents can file a public comment about the case. To do so, visit azcc.gov. In the menu, in the middle of the page, select “Cases and Open Meetings.” Select “Make a Public Comment in a Docket.”

After personal information in the fields at the top; in the fields below, enter “EPCOR Water Arizona Inc.” for company name. The eDocket number is WS-01303A-20-0177.

While residents are free to choose a position, the Anthem Community Council recommends that you select “for” as the position. (“For” indicates that you are for consolidation, which would reduce Anthem rates as indicated above). Click “submit.” A confirmation email will be sent.

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OPINION

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

The truth about Santa Claus

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

D

o you believe in Santa? Yes, of course you do. Who can honestly say that there is no Santa? As we approach Christmas, there are so many reasons to believe.

My uncle used to say that there are four stages of the “Santa Story.” First, you believe in Santa. Then you stop believing in Santa. Then you become Santa. Lastly, you end up looking like Santa.

The big guy in a red suit is more than just some made-up token of gift giving.

When people claim Christmas has become “too commercial,” they might point at Santa as the culprit. Hey, don’t blame him! We did that all by ourselves. Santa was the one who gave that one meaningful gift per child, from a sleigh, on a wintry night, with nothing but true and good intentions. We all need a little Santa in our lives.

When children are told that Santa is coming, their parents have created one of the biggest faith-based magical stories of all time. My grandson asks why the myth was perpetuated, and I point out that one day in his life, he will need

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to believe in something that he cannot see, touch or explain. But you can still imagine. And dream. One day in your future you might want to reach for something that seems implausible and unattainable. But you will try and then begin to grasp that with faith all things are possible.

When you stop believing in Santa, you will not be angry with your parents. You have just grown up and will realize what a grand story of love and generosity you were handed. Santa was never created to diminish the birth of Christ, which is the real reason for The Season. Santa just adds to the celebration of Yule.

In Santa’s world, no child would go without. We received not because of our skin color, wealth, privilege, need, location or physical attributes. We received a gift because we were a child of this blessed world. A world where a baby born in a stable became King of Kings.

At Christmas, we realize that giving is important. In a culture that is often self-absorbed, we discover that giving is about someone else. It is an unselfish act of thinking, planning, making, building, shopping, baking, and wrapping with a bow an item that represents caring and appreciation.

When children throughout the course

of time ask if there really is a Santa, the answer has universally been the same.

“Yes, there is a Santa. He lives in the spirit of humanity, in each of us, exemplified by the essence of giving to others.”

There will be times in our lives when we are plagued by problems, illness and loss. We grow from wide-eyed children into skeptical teenagers to cynical adults.

The way we see the world changes as we mature. We have big worries. The world could be a scary place. And then comes Santa. The rich traditions of the holidays are all intertwined into a tapestry of sharing that extends throughout our lives. And brings joy to the world.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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

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

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

Idiots parade in ASU protest against Kyle Rittenhouse

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BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

N

o matter which side of the debate you’re on about Kyle Rittenhouse, recently acquitted of homicide by a Wisconsin jury, there’s one thing we all can agree on when it comes to the 18-year-old former ASU student: That young man could really use an education.

Given that point, I could only shake my head at the woke left screamfest staged at ASU on Dec. 1. If media reports are accurate, a few score progressives showed up bearing signs like “No Killers on My Campus!” to protest Rittenhouse attending ASU, a school he had only attended digitally for starters, and from which he had dropped out earlier in the week.

Hey, never mind the facts. We can shout into bullhorns! Use Magic Markers! And get on the news!

Naturally, the presence of the idiots on the left gave the idiots on the right a chance to come out as well, bearing bullhorns and their own signs, like “9MM Beats 911,” “Freedom In All Calibers!” and the most frightening sign of all – “Kari Lake For Governor!”

The young conservatives clearly see Rittenhouse as a hero for his actions on the night of Aug. 25, 2020. Rittenhouse, then 17, showed up in Kenosha armed with an AR-style semiautomatic rifle amid the protests and looting that followed the shooting of Jacob Blake by a white police officer.

Rittenhouse, who appeared to be looking for trouble, found it. When the shooting stopped, two men with long criminal histories lay dead and a third had been shot in the arm. Rittenhouse, who claimed he went to Kenosha to safeguard businesses from looters, pleaded self-defense. The jury agreed and thus Rittenhouse went free, to thunderous acclaim from conservatives, who never seem to be happier than when liberals are weeping and gnashing their teeth.

When Rittenhouse testified that he was taking online classes at ASU, you knew it was only a matter of time before the “ASU’s

Legacy is White Supremacy” signs made a reappearance.

I first wrote about that ridiculous accusation in this space six weeks ago, after an incident in which two white male conservative students were confronted by woke left female students in what the university may or may not have designated a “multicultural space.”

Let me be exceedingly clear here. ASU, by all accounts an excellent university that has long since shed its “party school” days, is a lot of things, but bastion of white supremacy is not one of them.

With students from 136 countries, 230 tribal nations, and 13,000 international students – and a student body that is currently 46% white – it’s tough to argue that ASU looks or acts like a modern-day meeting of the Ku Klux Klan. As it should, the university openly welcomes anyone and everyone, regardless of color, creed, religion, gender, sexuality or political beliefs.

And it also welcomed Kyle Rittenhouse to take online classes – again, as it should have.

I don’t know what the rest of Rittenhouse’s life looks like now that he’s been cleared.

Surely more interviews like his lovefest with Tucker Carlson two weeks ago. Maybe a book deal. Maybe he follows his self-proclaimed interest in nursing, or disappoints us all and ends up a congressman.

see LEIBOWITZ page 12

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OPINION

12

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

ASU leftists unfairly savage Kyle Rittenhouse

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

“P

erry Mason,” it ain’t.

Nor “Absence of Malice.”

And certainly not “Twelve An-

gry Men.” No, what radical leftists at Arizona State University would have you believe is that there are thousands of students, faculty and employees on the main campus in Tempe who stand united in “righteous anger” against an 18-year-old.

That teen is Kyle Rittenhouse, recently acquitted on two counts of murder and other charges by a jury in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Defense attorneys assembled a strong case for self-defense, and the jury agreed after deliberating for more than 25 hours over the course of four days.

In the aftermath of the verdict, Rittenhouse sat down for an in-depth interview with Tucker Carlson of Fox News. Among the revelations was the news that Rittenhouse had enrolled at ASU as an online student and

was looking forward to continuing his studies on campus.

Right on cue, the usual suspects responded in outrage, issuing a list of demands that included the exclusion of “racist murderer” Kyle Rittenhouse from attending classes in Tempe. To underscore their intent, the activists scheduled a rally and protest for Dec. 1 at the leisurely hour of 3:30 p.m. so as not to interrupt sleep schedules nor breakfast and lunch.

If you believe the above assessment is uncharitable, as it omits the possibility that those students might be in class earlier, it is evident that few, if any, of these young leftists excel in reading comprehension. Certainly, they are in urgent need of a remedial refresher in basic civics.

Consider this excerpt from their “List of Demands”: “Even with a not-guilty verdict from a flawed ‘justice’ system, Kyle Rittenhouse is still guilty to his victims and the families of those victims. Join us to demand from ASU that these demands be met to

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protect students from a violent, bloodthirsty murderer.”

Not only are these “leaders of tomorrow” unschooled in the precepts of our system of justice, they have no reservations about impugning the character of someone found not guilty by a jury of his peers.

Then again, they could cite a “highly placed source” for their unfair and untrue description of Kyle Rittenhouse. After all, it was none other than Joe Biden — before he took up occupancy at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue - who included images and video of Rittenhouse in a tweet excoriating Donald Trump for failing to “disavow white supremacists.”

Attaching the label of white supremacy to a then-17-year-old gave “journalists” the signal to join in. Despite the fact that the attackers Rittenhouse shot in self-defense were all Caucasian, the “white supremacist” description remained throughout the campaign and subsequent trial.

Further court action is possible. However, the anticipated cases will be initiated by Rittenhouse and his attorneys against Biden and ol’ Joe’s media lackeys for libel, slander and defamation.

Could similar legal action be taken against ASU and some of its students?

Perhaps.

Maybe that’s why university President Michael Crow has remained silent thus far.

Instead, a university spokesperson recently intoned that Rittenhouse is “not currently enrolled in any classes at ASU” and that Kyle “has not gone through the ASU admissions process.”

Crow has co-authored a book this year entitled “Public Values Leadership: Striving to Achieve Democratic Ideals.”

If Rittenhouse’s withdrawal from ASU is indicative of what Crow envisions as the “New American University,” maybe the his most recent literary offering should be amended to more accurately reflect reality.

“Striving to Achieve Democrat Ideals” seems more accurate in the case of Arizona State.

Regardless – and especially if you believe Rittenhouse to be a narrow-minded bigot and a sterling example of gun nuttery – let’s hope he ends up learning more about the world and the different kinds of people

who inhabit it.

Rittenhouse could use having his mind opened at a place like ASU. There he would meet very smart people completely unlike him – and completely unlike the idiots who showed up last week to scream at each other through bullhorns.

LEIBOWITZ from Page 11

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Goldberg �inds inspiration in the Phoenix Art Museum

BY SHEA STANFIELD Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

A

rt theorist Anton Ehrenzweig observed, “Abstract art has helped us to experience the emotional power inherent in pure form.” Scottsdale artist Barb Goldberg intuitively entered her encore career as a painter after many years in corporate America.

Growing up in Philadelphia, Goldberg was introduced to her family’s creative roots through her mother’s meticulous fashion sense and learning of her grandmother’s hobby as a milliner.

Despite her creative musings, Gold-

berg began her working career as a special education teacher. Five years in, she returned to ASU to earn a master’s in business and that allowed her to take a corporate job with a Fortune 500 company.

The corporate world was her place of business for the remainder of her career.

“Some say after spending years focused on the left side of our brains, a long-awaited aspiration to spend time in our right brain follows. Turning to the fine arts is a perfect solution to the yearning,” Goldberg said.

Goldberg retired from the fasttrack career a few years ago, turning her attention to her intuitive, con-

templative right-side brain.

“I welcomed a chance to pursue an activity with no rules and no requirements,” Goldberg said.

To this end, she enrolled in several painting classes at Scottsdale Community College, where she could paint in an open studio with other artists.

“I have learned so much through osmosis, critiques and my professor Robert You. I’m honored to be in his studio class,” she said.

During the initial pandemic lockdowns, Goldberg retreated to her cabin garage in Munds Park, attending class virtually through Zoom and

Barb Goldberg is an abstract artist.

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�ee GOLDBERG Page 14

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GOLDBERG

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

From Page 13

Facebook. The group provided support and inspiration.

“I can say my inspiration also comes from photos, thoughts, an object, place or the colors of light during the day.

“I always know where I am going when I face the blank canvas. Like life, the finished product often ends up in a different place.”

On the rare occasion when rejuvenation of ideas is needed, Goldberg visits the Phoenix Art Museum, art shows, bookstores or searches online resources for historical artists and fashion shows. All hold the promise of growing the next inspiring idea.

“As an abstract artist, the muse that drives the image is almost impossible to explain. It comes from a soul place,” she said.

“When clients connect with a piece, they connect with me. I consider it a great honor to have an image living in their home or office; we become family.”

Barb Goldberg said “the muse that drives the image … comes from a soul place.”

(Photos by David Minton)

Barb Goldberg in her studio. Her work can be viewed at Galleria of Floors, 4848 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix.

To view a selection of Goldberg’s work, visit the showroom of the Galleria of Floors, 4848 E. Cactus Road in Phoenix, where she maintains a permanent exhibition space.

She is also a mem-

ber of the Sonoran Arts League and participates in its annual Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour each November.

For more information, visit sonoranartsleague.org.

View a selection of artist Goldberg’s work on barbgoldbergart.com or contact her at email address barb@barbgoldbergart.com.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

KUMA’S GREAT ADVENTURES

Cottonwood’s Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a hiking gem TOLD BY KUMA AND WRITTEN BY LORRAINE BOSSÉ-SMITH Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

I

hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. Did you gobble ‘til you wobbled? No comment from me. What’s better than turkey? Finding a great new place to hike! Yes, my family and I discovered yet another neat gem that isn’t too far away.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park (azstateparks.com/dead-horse) is in Cottonwood, which is about an hour north of us. If you live in other parts of the city, you might need to add about a half hour. It’s a straight shot up I-17 north to the Cottonwood exit onto the 260 west toward the town of Cottonwood.

Stay on 260 until 10th and turn right. You will follow signs for the Dead Horse Ranch State Park, ultimately taking another right on Dead Horse Ranch Road. At the entrance to the park, guests will need to pay $7 per ve-

Kuma wishes everyone a Merry Christmas! (Photo

by Lorraine Bossé-Smith)

hicle. Dogs are permitted on leash, and there are human restrooms.

In fact, this is a park, so there are lots of human restrooms, picnic tables, fishing spots and camping. The park sits near the Verde Valley River, so it has water. I could smell it as soon as we pulled in!

Be sure to grab a map as there are plenty of options for activities. We chose the La-

year! th 5 3 r u o in w No

goon Lake Trail Loop that goes around most of the lagoons for a total of 2 miles. It’s flat and very scenic.

Visiting this time of year is perfect as the temperatures are cooler. However, there are tons of big cottonwood trees, so you would have shade even in the hot summer months.

I would watch out for snakes then, though, due to all the marshes.

We walked by lots of tall grasses and enjoyed fall color along the lagoons. We met nice humans and other dogs, and quite a few folks were catching. Apparently, they just stocked the lagoons. Check the schedule online to plan accordingly, if you want to fish.

We found the story about how the park got its name interesting. As we were walking, mom shared with us how a family from Minnesota visited Arizona in 1940 looking to move. Just like my folks, they gave unique names to each place they visited so they could recall it later.

Dead Horse Ranch Park has great views of Jerome and Mingus Mountain. (Photo by Lorraine BosséSmith)

Upon arriving to a ranch, the Irey family saw a dead horse along the road. At the end of their tour, the parents asked the kids which ranch they wanted, and they said, “the one with the dead horse.” The name stuck, and when the land was acquired by Arizona

�ee KUMA Page 19

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Follow these tips when holiday shopping for men CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

W

ell, here we go into the Christmas season again. And you incredible women out there in the West and North Phoenix, I would like to give you a Christmas present early.

Yes, it’s right here in this article. I want to help you save some time in shopping for the male species.

These days, extra time is getting as rare as earning interest on a bank savings account. Author James Moore enlightens us about time at Christmastime.

“The gift of time is always appropriate, and it always fits.”

Ladies, it’s time to get that Christmas shopping done for the men in your life. This year let’s not make it a “nick of time” or a “St. Nick of time” this Christmas.

So, here are six rules on shopping for men I found on the internet. Generally, buying gifts for most men is not nearly as complicated as for most women, but shopping still takes time.

Follow these rules, and you probably will have no problem finding appropriate gifts quickly.

Rule 1. When in doubt, buy him a cordless drill. It doesn’t matter if he already has one. I have a friend who owns 17 drills and has yet to complain. But, as a man, you can never have enough cordless drills. No one knows why.

Rule 2. If you can’t afford a cordless drill, buy him anything with the word ratchet or socket in it. Men love saying those words.

“Hey George, can I borrow your ratchet?”

“OK. By the way, are you through using my 3/8-inch socket yet?” No one knows why.

Rule 3. You can buy men new remote controls to replace the ones that have worn out. If you have a lot of money, buy your man an 85-inch big-screen TV with the little picture in the corner. Watch him go wild as he flips, and flips, and flips. Again, no one knows why.

Rule 4. This rule is essential. Never buy a man anything that says, “some assembly required” on the box. It will ruin his Christmas, and he will always have parts left over.

And, when you hear the bang of a hammer on your 3-year-old’s brand new tricycle in the assembly phase on Christmas Eve, don’t tell me I didn’t warn you. Most everyone knows why.

Rule 5. It’s hard to beat a wheelbarrow or an aluminum extension ladder. Almost as good as a cordless drill. Never buy a manly man a step ladder. It must be an aluminum extension ladder. You guessed it. No one knows why.

Rule 6. Tickets to a sports event or game are a brilliant gift. Hint: Most men will not appreciate tickets to “A Retrospective of 19th Century Quilts.” Everyone knows why.

Well, ladies, there you go. Now you have been enlightened. I’ve made Christmas shopping for you easier and quicker. Aren’t I a friendly pastor and writer? So, keep those cards and letters coming.

Now let’s consider giving the gift of time.

Most of us are looking for gifts that are the right gift at the right time for the right person. We want our gifts to be “just what they

want.” That is why you are reading this article. You think this article might give you an idea for a man gift or a man cave gift.

Ever since the Magi brought gifts to the Christ child, Christmas has been a time of giving. We give gifts to those we love, give to the less fortunate, give to the church, give to various charities, give to our families, give gifts to friends, and even give gifts to our pets.

But, this year, how about giving some other kinds of gifts than the ones we buy or make. How about blessing someone the gift of your time? Maybe you have been very busy, and the kids need some individual mom or dad time. Give some time to them.

High school students, how about giving your mother and father some of your time to them during the holidays. Or maybe do some shopping or dinner together?

How about giving grandparents, shut-ins, sick or lonely people, or grieving some of your time? Your time may be the best thing they receive for Christmas or the holidays.

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Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. Ed has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide.

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Giving your time to someone who needs your time is like buying the appropriate dress that always fits. Maybe our Christmas prayer this Christmas can be, “Father, we know our time on Earth is but a few words in the cosmic story. Help us to use our time wisely and leave our mark when our time is finished.”

Let me repeat it: author James Moore says, “The gift of time is always appropriate, and it always fits.” Everyone knows why.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

English Rose Tea Room brings ‘The Nutcracker’ to life

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

T

he English Rose Tea Room in Carefree is offering a cozy and personal viewing of select Nutcracker scenes paired with afternoon tea and treats from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays Dec. 11 and Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 19.

“Dancers from the Arizona School of Classical Ballet will be coming to the tearoom to do an exhibit from the Nutcracker,” said English Rose Tea Room owner Jo Gemmill.

“Every year we invite different ballet schools to come and dance for our customers to create a Christmas-inspired, Nutcracker tea party.”

The dancers are volunteers from the Arizona School of Classic Ballet. (Photo courtesy of the English

Rose Tea Room)

According to Gemmill, this is the 10th year for the in-house “Nutcracker” ballet performances. Guests can expect to see classic dances like “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Marzipan” and “Waltz of the Flowers,” with music played through the store’s sound system.

Gemmill said there will be up to three dancers inside and three or four dancing outside on the patio, rotating positions.

The natural spacing allowed her to host the event last year, even with COVID-19 restrictions.

To fit the ballerinas and guests, the dancers essentially have a 4-foot square in which to dance. They had to eschew some of the leaps that might be seen on stage, but Gemmill said it’s special seeing the dancers up close.

“It’s wonderful for the children because they can be closer to a real ballerina,” she said. “Especially the little girls, they get enamored with seeing a ballerina and being able to get a photograph with them.

It’s a special moment for them at Christmas, and this has become quite a family tradition for a lot of our customers.”

In addition to the performance, guests will be served afternoon tea with Nutcracker-themed treats. Gemmill said local baker Lioni Feng provided “beautiful and very fancy” custom-made iced sugar cookies decorated as ballet shoes and ballerina dresses. Assorted tea sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, macrons, cupcakes, chocolate strawberries

�ee NUTCRACKER Page 19

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

NUTCRACKER

KUMA

From Page 18

and chocolate truffles. Gemmill said gift bags will have surprises.

“The Nutcracker” ballet is a tradition for Gemmill, who has hosted it since before the tearoom opened.

“I used to be in charge of the Carefree Christmas Festival,” she said. “When that was in operation, I used to negotiate with the local ballet schools to provide ‘The Nutcracker’ ballet on the stage for the festival. So, I had contacts with the ballet schools already and I’ve built relationships with them over many years.”

The ballerinas who perform at the English Rose Tea Room all volunteer and, in turn, the tearoom promotes the ballet school and its performances.

This year, the English Rose Tea Room’s “Nutcracker” performances are sold out.

According to Gemmill, the event sold out within four days of being posted on social media. However, the full performance by the Arizona School of Classic Ballet can be seen at Paradise Valley Community College at 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, or 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12.

The English Rose Tea Room provides an upclose and personal viewing of classic scenes from “The Nutcracker,” combined with afternoon tea and sweet treats. (Photo courtesy of the

English Rose Tea Room)

“The Nutcracker”

WHEN: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 or 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12 WHERE: Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix COST: $30 INFO: https://bit.ly/NutcrackerASCB

From Page 16

State Parks in 1973, the family insisted the name stay. There you have it! I kept an eye out but saw no dead horse.

I did, however, love all the water! Some of it was full of algae, so mom wouldn’t let me swim in it. We did find where the Verde River feeds in, and that was fresh. Ah! I love a good swim.

After our 2-mile loop, we found a covered picnic table and had our lunch. We enjoyed views of Jerome and Mingus Mountain, both of which I have been to. The tranquility is what really impressed us about the park. Although it is very close to the town of Cottonwood, you would think you were out in the middle of nowhere. I suspect we aren’t the only ones who never heard of this park, so it has remained a local spot.

Please, discover it for yourselves — just don’t all go at once. Dad forgot the hammocks, and this would have been an excellent place for naps. I found myself dozing off and then slept the entire way home. Oh, the life I lead.

Counting down until Santa Paws come.

May he bring you lots of treats!

Kuma and his mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, enjoy the ponds and marshes at Dead Horse Ranch Park.

(Photo courtesy of Lorraine Bossé-Smith)

Merry Christmas.

My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small.

My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever.

Enjoy our blog at https://bit.ly/kuma0901, @kumathedog on Facebook or @kumaitothedog on Instagram.

E V I L U O Y E R WHE ANGE H C N A C E V I L U O Y W HO We make life easier and more fulfilling by tending to all the necessities such as cooking, housekeeping, and maintenance while you sit back and relax.

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L S S!

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District looking for faith-based partners

BY DR. CURTIS FINCH Deer Valley Uni�ied School District Superintendent

“Y

es, Virginia…there is a Santa Claus.”

This phrase was attributed to a notoriously cantankerous newspaper editor, Frances Church, in an 1897 editorial to a skeptical young girl’s letter to the New York Sun newspaper.

Church’s answer? Santa is “certainly represented in love, generosity and devotion.”

The young reader obviously wanted to know if Santa was the real deal. Frances’

response was true, if the right perspective was taken. Santa is not about receiving gifts, but about giving to others. The 1,750-year “right jolly old elf” is always searching for helpers to spread community generosity, and so is the Deer Valley Uni�ied School District.

The district is looking for a few faithbased community partners who want to make a difference with needy families in our attendance area, but we have been unsuccessful securing the right collaborators. The district wants to join with a local partner and sign up for the “CityServe” program recently unveiled by Grand Canyon University.

CityServe is a national organization that collects and distributes new, and “in-kind,” items from big corporations like Amazon, Costco, Home Depot and Walmart. Everything from furniture to small appliances arrive in semi-trailers to GCU at least two times a month.

Grand Canyon is the new CityServe HUB for Arizona and jumped right into the role six months ago by renovating a 35,000-square-foot warehouse on its main campus. The idea of going bigger came from its successful program with the USDA called “Farmers to Families”

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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

TUITION TUITION FREE! TUITION FREE! FREE! PUBLIC CHARTER PUBLIC PUBLIC CHARTER CHARTER SCHOOL SCHOOL K–12 SCHOOL K–12 K–12 • New! State-of-the Art • New! State-of-the Art Middle/High School Middle/High School Classroom & Gym Facilities Classroom & Gym Facilities • Kindergarten–2nd Grade: • Kindergarten–2nd Grade: • Kindergarten–2nd Grade: 14:1 Student to Staff Ratio 14:1 Student to Staff Ratio 14:1 Student to Staff Ratio • West-Mec & Paradise Valley • West-Mec & Paradise Valley • West-Mec & Paradise Valley K-5 Campus Location Community College Dual Community College Dual Community College Dual 41900 N. 42nd Ave. Enrollment Partnerships Enrollment Partnerships Anthem, AZ 85086 Enrollment Partnerships 623-551-5083 • High School HonorsSchedule Courses a tour!

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021

PARTNERS ���� ���� 20

where GCU distributed almost 20,000 boxes of food to 42 schools, churches, and community groups, who then passed the food on to needy families.

GCU saw the need for Farmers to Families, and when the program ended, it jumped at the opportunity to join CityServe and be the HUB for Arizona.

Jay Cory, who formerly ran the Phoenix Rescue Mission, is the new director for CityServe GCU. Jay wants DVUSD to find faith-based partners who can do four things: 1) track community needs; 2) monitor incoming CityServe items; 3) collect items from CityServe GCU; and 4) distribute the products to families in need. DVUSD’s part would be to work with the faith-based partner to help identify families in need.

The two biggest issues we have found so far have been churches and faith-based organizations are worried about how to pick up and store the item if they are unable to distribute the goods immediately.

The Deer Valley Education Foundation (dvef.org) may be able to help with this by coordinating with a local business for truck usage and/or storage.

If your faith-based organization is interested in collaborating with DVUSD and CityServe GCU, just contact your local school administrator, the district office at 623-445-5002, or e-mail me at superintendent@dvusd.org.

With the right perspective, together we can keep the “love, generosity and devotion” to our DVUSD families going year-round.

Dr. Finch can be reached at superintendent@dvusd.org.

The Foothills Focus Online at www.TheFoothillsFocus.com

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Obituaries Charles Ferril McCarter Joining his beloved wife, Melba, who predeceased him, Charles Ferril McCarter, 89, died Nov. 5, 2021, at his Desert Hills home.

A proud son of Talladega, Alabama, he was a Naval veteran who served during the Korean war. Upon discharge, he trained as an electrician, married in 1959, and started a family. For the health of his eldest daughter, he moved them all to Tampa, Florida where they resided for seven years before relocating to Arizona in 1978. Surviving are his children, Belinda, Jenny, and Scott (Belle) McCarter, all from the Phoenix metropolitan area. A generous, kind, and soft-spoken man, he will be greatly missed. Services were held at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Thursday, Dec. 2nd.

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