18 minute read
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Cave Creek sponsors stargazing gathering
BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
The Dark Sky Initiative hosted a town-sponsored stargazing gathering in November at the entrance of the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation.
More than 120 attendees joined to enjoy the night sky and live telescope presentation by NASA Ambassador Mark Johnston and Phoenix Astronomical Society President Stu Brackney.
“We sincerely thank Town Marshal Adam Stein, Communications Specialist Kelley Francis and Town Manager Carrie Dyrek for their assistance and help in making our Star Gazing Party a great success,” remarked Bruce Arlen of the Cave Creek Dark Sky Initiative.
“We also want to thank town council for providing financial support to our Dark Sky festivities, as well as the parking lot attendants who volunteered.”
Preserving the Sonoran Desert, which includes protection of dark skies from artificial light, is part of the town’s identity.
As stated in the town’s general plan: “As adjacent municipalities extend their boundaries and associated development farther north, Cave Creek must do what it can to influence such development to honor our dark skies…”
Dark Skies Communities are towns, cities and/ or municipalities that are dedicated to the preservation of the night sky through the implementation and enforcement of a quality outdoor lighting ordinance, dark sky education and citizen support of dark skies. Astronomy expert Mark Johnston and Phoenix Astronomical Society President Stu Brackney highlight interstellar observations with a laser pointer at Spur Cross Conservation. (Photo by Melissa Wiejaczka)
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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021
Museum unveils the Arizona Gold Mining Experience
BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF
The Cave Creek Museum has opened the Arizona Gold Mining Experience, which is a special event visitors and museum members can enjoy the second Saturday of every month.
The expansive outdoor experience begins in the museum’s lobby with a retelling of the Cave Creek mining district’s history. Guests then move outside for numerous demonstrations that showcase the hard rock ore extraction process for which Cave Creek is renowned.
The excitement begins with the operation of the Golden Reef Stamp Mill and Tramway, Arizona’s only fully operational 10-stamp ore crushing mill.
The 10 1,000-pound stamps slam down in synchronized motion to pound ore removed from the mine into fine gravel. The stamp mill was brought from its former location at the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain to Cave Creek Museum, which has the only fully operational mining stamp mill in its original mining district in Arizona.
It is 5 miles from its site on the mountain. The Golden Reef stamp mill runs the second Saturday of every month through May. The stamp mill also is connected to a working tramway and ore carts that carry the ore to be pulverized to the stamp mill.
The experience continues as guests peer into a mineshaft to show the blasting techniques used by hard rock miners. Next, onto the new blacksmith shop for a demonstration of the many skills used when parts and tools had to be fabricated on-site.
Guests are encouraged to try their luck at the new gold panning station, where museum volunteers show visitors how to pan for ore and minerals just like the prospectors did.
Afterward, visitors enjoy a tour of the museum’s inside exhibits, including the Feast of Rocks (a mineral display) on loan from the Arizona Mineral, Mining Museum and Natural Resources Education Museum.
Other exhibits showcasing Arizona’s mining history include historical and archaeology; articles from Cave Creek’s mining and agricultural past; the historic first Cave Creek church; and the tuberculosis cabin, which is on the National Register of Historic Places as the only known existing tubercular cabin from that era.
The Arizona Gold Mining Experience opens at 11 a.m. in the museum lobby; admission is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors, while children under 12 are free.
The 51-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/ Carefree foothills area through education, research and interpretive exhibits.
The Cave Creek Museum is at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek. For more information, call 480-488-2764.
Paul Diefenderfer makes a nail the old way in Cave Creek Museum’s blacksmith shop. (Photo
by Fran Booth)
THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021
FEATURES 17 ••
BY SHEA STANFIELD
Foothills Focus Contributing Writer
Art 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, Goldberg 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, contemplative 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 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
Barb Goldberg is an abstract artist.
Barb Goldberg said “the muse that drives the image … comes from a soul place.” (Photos by David Minton)
up in a different place.”
On the rare occasion when rejuvenation of ideas is needed, Goldberg visits the Phoenix Art Museum, art shows and 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.”
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 member 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 by email at barb@ barbgoldbergart.com.
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
Ihope 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 vehicle. 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 Lagoon 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.
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 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.
Dead Horse Ranch Park has great views of Jerome and Mingus Mountain. (Photo by Lorraine Bossé-Smith)
see KUMA page 20
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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 8, 2021
FEATURES 19 ••
Follow these rules when holiday shopping for men
CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION Pastor Ed Delph
Foothills Focus Columnist
Well, 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.
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.
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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KUMA ���� page 18
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!
Merry Christmas.
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. She 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 bit.ly/ kuma0901, @kumathedog on Facebook or @kumaitothedog on Instagram. Kuma and his mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, enjoy the ponds and marshes at Dead Horse Ranch Park. (Photo courtesy of
Lorraine Bossé-Smith)
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