The Foothills Focus - Zone 2 - 12.15.2021

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NEWS ................. 6 Cave Creek Museum talk about Black Mountain

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Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition

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Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Shopping local might save Christmas

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

S

hopping for Christmas this year isn’t easy. Shipping delays, shortages and price increases have encouraged some to take their holiday shopping back to the streets and get creative with their gift giving.

The biggest issues are shipping containers stuck in ports, unable to get gifts to the shelves; a nationwide shortage of

employees; and a shortage in microchip production, which affects the sales of many go-to holiday tech gifts.

Anyone who has started their holiday shopping can attest that they have a snowball effect. Online orders won’t make it in time, popular items are hard to find in big brand name stores and, even if found, are selling for well over retail price.

�ee SHOPPING page 5

Shelves are lined with an assortment of Christmas decorations at Carefree’s Bilinda’s Vintage Treasures.

(Photo by David Minton)

Town questions exclusion from automatic aid

FEATURES ........ 14 Coolwater Christian Church presents drive-thru nativity

FEATURES ........ 19 Steve Perry recalls childhood in “The Season”

OPINION ......................8 BUSINESS ................. 12 FEATURES ................ 14 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 22 Zone 2

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

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arefree’s contract with Rural Metro is set to expire next year and, after watching developments in Cave Creek’s fire services, town administrator Gary Neiss is asking what it would take for Carefree to be included in the regional automatic aid system.

Neiss sent a letter to the executive committee of the Life Safety Council, who ultimately makes the decision of who can be part of automatic aid, detailing the resources Carefree has and how they could be of benefit. Neiss said he can’t find a reason why Carefree would be excluded

when its station is similar to other municipalities that have been accepted. “‘From my understanding, you have sent 11 Rural Metro fire fighters through an abbreviated training schedule. Carefree would like the same opportunity and we would like to qualify for automatic aid,’” Neiss said, summarizing his letter, which was sent on Oct. 15 and has still not received a response. “‘We have all the assets here. We have the fire station, we have a fire truck, we have all the equipment – and I welcome you to come in and do an audit of our equipment – but we have everything here to support automatic aid and complement the system. I’d like to send my

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firefighters to this abbreviated academy that you’re sending these other firefighters to.’”

Being a part of the automatic aid system means the closest station can respond to an emergency, regardless of jurisdictional lines, which allows for faster response times. Most emergency calls are related to medical emergencies, not fire. So, a shorter response time can be the difference between life and death.

Neiss said about 15 years ago, Carefree entered a contract with Rural Metro so the town could build and equip a �ire station that was up to the National Fire Protec-

�ee QUESTIONS page 4

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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 15, 2021

QUESTIONS from page 1

tion Association standards, Rural Metro would provide the manpower. With that contract set to expire in June, the town formed an advisory subcommittee to look at all the options for �ire protection. The committee consists of eight volunteers from the community who operate outside of the council to �ind information without the in�luence of any bias or agenda.

Neiss said while looking at alternatives, using Carefree’s existing Rural Metro firefighters, putting them through additional training and making a few updates to their existing equipment to meet the requirements for automatic aid seems like the most cost effective and sensical option.

“We actually had the city of Scottsdale Fire Department up here to do an audit of our firehouse and they said, ‘You’ve got everything you need.’

We have a lot of the things that are necessary to support the automatic aid system,” Neiss said. “So, as far as our investment, it’s really minimalist.

It’s training the firefighters and upgrading the radio system.”

Unlike Cave Creek, Carefree is in a better position because it owns the assets. Neiss said the town has spent millions funding the department.

Dennis Rohrman, chief of the Carefree Rural Metro Fire Department, said practically everything in the building – and the building itself – is owned by the town.

“The only thing we have is the personnel and the uniforms that we wear,” Rohrman said. “Everything else is the town’s. They put a boat-

load of money into this program from 2004 to present to make the program really stand on its own.”

Rohrman said the station is almost identical to what would be found in the Daisy Mountain or Scottsdale stations. He said the station also has a compression system that can be used to fill oxygen tanks on-site. He added that until recently, the Scottsdale Fire Department did not have one and used Carefree’s. Neiss said that is another example of how the first responders rely on each other and help each other, no matter where the county lines are drawn. Neiss said it’s that kind of cooperation and assets that make Carefree seem like a reasonable candidate for automatic aid.

According to Rohrman, Carefree requested mutual aid assistance from Scottsdale nine times in 15 years. It would not be difficult for Carefree to be a part of the automatic aid system. Rohrman said the Carefree fire department often responds to calls in North Scottsdale and Cave Creek, with no hesitation. He reasoned that joining the automatic aid system would be better for Carefree as well as the neighboring areas.

One potential reason for denial into the system is the station’s 15-year-old firetruck, but Rohrman said they have been working on getting a new truck, but had to pause when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Regardless, the truck’s equipment is up to standard.

He cited another reason for the denial. The automatic aid system requires at least four firefighters per engine. Carefree has exactly enough to meet this requirement, but, if

someone is sick or injured, the Life Safety Council has a stipulation that it is understandable to temporarily have fewer people.

However, Neiss received public criticism for writing to the Life Safety Council. A letter made public was sent to town staff and media that stated it was not Neiss’ job to send such a letter and he had no authority to subject the town to whatever the cost is to meet automatic aid standards.

Neiss, who has been working with the town for 20 years, said it is his job to ask questions. He said he was not readily committing to spending any of the town’s money but was instead trying to inquire what the cost and next steps would be. Neiss said he can’t negotiate or even plan financials without first having a conversation and finding out what the town would need to do. Vice Mayor John Crane confirmed that Neiss was not acting out of the bounds of his job description.

“I would expect him to do that. I expect staff people to take initiative in their projects and things,” Crane said.

“In this particular case, we’re trying to find out and educate ourselves about automatic aid versus mutual aid and what we can do to provide the best service with the lowest cost.”

Neiss said despite his questioning, he feels he has had the door shut in his face. Being part of automatic aid would be a huge benefit to Carefree, but there is a lot that goes into making that happen. Neiss said he took the first step by inquiring with the Life Safety Council, but, without a response from it, there’s no way for the town to move forward.

“If a municipal organization like Carefree uses public funds to invest in a Fire and Emergency Service program with complementing equipment, staffing and training similar to the approach afforded to other automatic aid partners, why wouldn’t the partnership be better served with the addition of Carefree’s investment?

This is the question I am asking. Rather than receiving an answer I am being attacked for asking the question,” Neiss said.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

SHOPPING from page 1

A lot of the small, local businesses in Carefree and Cave Creek source from local artisans, which means they don’t have to worry about container shipment delays or a shortage of employees – and customers don’t have to worry about sky high prices. Linda Bigos, owner of Bilinda’s Vintage Treasures in Carefree, said her stock comes from estate sales, auctions or donations. She added that even though some of the items in the store are more than 100 years old, they attract people of all ages.

“Almost everything in the store is vintage, so we have not had to worry about container ships out in the Pacific holding our gifts hostage. If I were to give any advice, I’d say shop vintage, recycle, reuse, upcycle and do the environment some good,” Bigos said.

Several local shops also source Native American jewelry and art from artisans in and around the area. Connie Miller, owner of the Cimarron River Company in Cave Creek, said the Native American Indian handmade jewelry comes straight from artists and, because of that, they have had no issues with shortages or shipping.

Small businesses are not complete-

ly immune, though. While most of their items are local, there are some bulk items that must be ordered.

“We have a few things ordered from China. I ordered them about three months ago and still haven’t gotten them, but that’s just a few of our things. Most of our stuff is Native American made so we haven’t been hit that bad,” said Mac Orega, who works at the Native American Gallery in Carefree.

In addition, David Romera, owner of the Storyteller Indian Store in Carefree, said he has actually had a harder time getting Native American art. He said some artists in the Navajo nation have not gone back to work after getting stimulus funds. Others were forced to get a “real” job during the pandemic, because it was so difficult to sell their art.

“They don’t really need to go to work because they’re getting money not only from the U.S. government, but from the Navajo nation government, too,” Romera said. “Then we’re seeing some artists working, getting a regular job instead of making jewelry or pottery so they can have healthcare and a steady paycheck. It has hurt us a little. We just don’t have the selection that we used to have, so we’re figuring out how to deal with that.”

Linda Bigos, owner of Bilinda’s Vintage Treasures in Carefree has not had shortages because her stock comes from estate sales, auctions or donations. (Photo by David Minton)

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Pamela Shenk, owner of Zona’s Oils in Cave Creek, said she hasn’t had problems getting the oils, but her busines has been majorly impacted by a shortage of bottles and jars to put the oil in. (Photo

courtesy of Zona’s Oils)

Orega mentioned a similar problem for his store, but said ultimately there are so many artists out there, it’s always possible to find art. For others, though, some things are almost impossible to find. Pamela Shenk, owner of Zona’s Oils in Cave Creek, also sells local art and jewelry, but the bulk of her products are essential oils. Shenk said it’s not the oils she’s having trouble getting, but what to put them in.

“Most of the issues I’m having is finding bottles and jars for my products. As soon as I find a case to buy, the following month they are out as well.

I’m stocked up so far, but in the near future, ‘who knows,’” she said. “Also, when I order out of the country, the FDA keeps holding up my packages and asking for more details as to why I need these products. It takes much longer to receive my packages and it’s frustrating, because it happens with just about every single order.”

She said to keep products on the shelves, she’s having to pay extra just for the jars and bottles. Shenk added that she usually has extra employees to help keep up during the holiday season, but, this year, she is “just grateful to pay the lease.” Even though most COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, there isn’t the same foot traffic as there has been in previous years. Shenk said while she has tried

Local shop, Native American Gallery has dealt with shortages of items that were delayed from being shipped from China months prior. (Photo

by David Minton)

to create an online presence, most of her products are special orders specific to each client, and it’s hard to tailor that on a website.

Shopping locally helps both the business and the customer. The business gets a profit boost after taking a hit during COVID-19, and customers can find truly one-of-a-kind gifts for a reasonable price that will be wrapped and ready by Christmas day. If Amazon and other big-name retailers aren’t pulling through for the holidays this year, local businesses could be the ones to save Christmas.

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Museum talk focuses on Black Mountain

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

G

eologist and rock enthusiast Stephanie Bradley will discuss “Black Mountain: A Study in Black and White” from 2 to 3:15 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 22, at Cave Creek Museum.

A long-time Cave Creek resident, Bradley melds stories and information as visitors learn about the forces that created the rocky desert landscape.

Find out how nature formed Black Mountain with two very opposing sides, and why the boulders at The Boulders aren’t really boulders. Bradley has explored nearly every inch of the desert foothills and offers the free program in the historic church behind the museum.

To register, call 480-488-2764.

The 51-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the pre-

A talk about Black Mountain will be held on Saturday, Jan. 22, in the church behind the Cave Creek Museum. (Photo courtesy of the Cave Creek Museum) history, 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 located at

6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek.

For more information, call 480-4882764. It is open from October to May.

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

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DAR gives Watson’s Hat Shop a historic medal brings history to life with each hat.

With traditional craftsmanship, the lack Mountain Foothills Chapter, equipment used in Watson’s Hat Shop NSDAR, awarded the Excellence dates as early as 1860 with antique in Historic Preservation Medal to crown irons and wooden hat blocks. Not Eric Watson of Watson’s Hat Shop on only does Watson make new hats in traDec. 8. ditional ways, he restores them.

The Excellence in Historic PreservaWatson’s Hat Shop is located at 7100 tion Medal was presented to the “master E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek. hatter” because he’s preserving tradiThe National Society Daughters of the tional hat-making techniques with an- American Revolution was founded in tique equipment.

1890 to preserve the memory and spirThe Daughters of the American Revo- it of those who contributed to securing lution is dedicated to preserving Ameri- American independence. can history, and the Watson’s Hat Shop The DAR is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contribut19.11 MIS79170 PRM Tax Credit AD - SanTan Sun News 10 x 6. 6 ed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s 19.11 MIS79170 MIS79170 PRM PRM Tax Credit CreditinAD AD SanTan Sun News 10 x 6. 6 19.11 Tax -- SanTan DAR chapters participate projects toSun News 10 x 6. 6 promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism.

For more information, visit https:// The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently honored Watson’s Hat Shop I want feed homeless and Medal. hungry (Photo men, women, children blackmtnfoothills.weebly.com. and EricYES, Watson with to thehelp Historic Preservation courtesyand of DAR)

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

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Post 34 hosts rummage sale to bene�it veterans

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Soak in the warm glow of Christmas

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

T

his week, as we make the big approach to all-things Christmas, we might be flooded with memories of days gone by.

The kids who grew up, the parents who passed, reliving the special moments we shared with friends and family around a table or a festive tree. It is sometimes hard to be joyful when there is grief and sadness. So, we hold on tightly to our family members, kiss our kids a bit more (than they like) and happily greet our neighbors, striving to be merry. It helps.

The spirit of Christmas is evident in our generosity. We are a “giving nation.” During this season of giving, we open our hearts and checkbooks, give toys, blankets, shoes, jackets, food and time to those in need.

In 2020, we gave $471.44 billion, which works out to about 2% of every American’s disposable income. More poignant might be the random acts of kindness that shows us the world is still one, big, beautiful place.

It is the mystery person in the car in front of you who buys your coffee at the drive thru.

The neighbor who decorates the yard for the family next door who just lost their dad a few months ago.

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The lady who stands outside the shopping plaza holding a big cardboard sign that reads, “God loves you.” The carolers who grace your door with holiday songs. The children who bring hot cocoa to the local fire department.

The folks who bring gift baskets to the nursing homes and those who work tirelessly to bring a little cheer to those who are less fortunate.

Sometimes we focus on conflicts, politics or worries. News is often unpleasant and even infuriating to read. Yet, it is the holidays that might help us “breakthrough” the noise and fill or minds with our own tunes. When a young nurse asked an elderly man who was visiting his wife in a nursing home how he

coped with the “all the depressing problems in our world,” he laughed and said, “It’s easy because I don’t see the world through printed headline. I make my own headlines.”

Husband loves wife today. Lost puppy is found. Nurse helps patient feel better. Teach-

see BLUHM page 10

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

9

Worst state? Hardly, when you look at the facts ed such nonsense, perhaps because most Arizonans have some common sense: We understand law enforcement is not perfect and should be both supported for the good it does and held accountable for its flaws and bad actors.

But communities — or a nation — that spends years screeching about evil cops should not be surprised when actual mur-

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

Y

ou live in Arizona for a few decades, you get used to our state’s inferiority complex: Reporters and residents here love to bash the place. I’ve never lived anywhere that so reveled in national studies and stories calling out its glaring shortcomings.

Some headlines ripped from the pages of real life: “Arizona Ranked One of the Worst States to Raise a Family, According to New Study.”

And: “Arizona Ranked Worst State in the Country for Teachers.” And: “Arizona Ranks Worst in the Country for Food Waste.”

The coup de grace, as determined by CNBC in July: “Desert in Distress? New Study Ranks Arizona as Worst Place to Live in 2021.”

Memo to CNBC: I checked the primetime ratings for all TV networks. Don’t feel bad about finishing 62nd, one spot ahead of the Motor Trend channel. You did pull 249,000 viewers at peak viewing time. In a country of 330 million people, that’s a whole lot of upside.

Anyway, rather than celebrate Arizona’s perpetual worstness, I’m here today with some uplifting news.

It’s likely you’ve been hearing that our country is in the middle of a national homicide epidemic, with the murder rate spiking about 30% in 2020. In the last few days, a dozen major American cities have set new annual records for killings — with three weeks remaining in 2021. In Philly, Indianapolis, Portland and Louisville, folks are murdering one another like crazy. Even Tucson — which I’ve always considered merely boring — set a new record for homicides in the year, with 80 murders as of Dec. 7.

Given Arizona’s affinity for guns, you’re probably thinking, well, we must be atop the state list? Nope.

How to get a letter published

The homicide rate in Arizona jumped 30% between 2019 and last year. But — and it’s a big but — that’s merely average. In South Dakota, the murder literally tripled over the same time span. It spiked 66% in Wisconsin and 54% in Georgia and Delaware. Pennsylvania saw murders jump by 49%.

At the end of the day, Arizona’s murder rate of 6.9 intentional killings per 100,000 residents ranks a mere 22nd out of the 50 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico.

That’s right about the middle of the pack. A solid C. Ordinary. Who would’ve thought?

How do I explain this ranking? In two ways.

First, as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Arizona has added about 800,000 new residents over the past decade. Our homicidal maniacs and gun loons can’t keep up with all the moving vans and California transplants.

My second explanation is slightly more complicated. In big cities around the United States, there has been a push to demonize police officers and defund police departments, an absurd movement that has attracted support in Tucson (see above), Phoenix (where homicides jumped 44% between 2019 and last year) and Tempe (which logged eight murders in both 2019 and 2020.

The rest of Arizona has mostly reject-

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.

derous evil takes root in place of the many quality officers who have found themselves under attack.

The moral to the story? Arizona is actually a fine place to live. Comparatively low taxes, solid economy, rising home values, incomparable weather. The Copper State is killing it. Just not like they’ve been killing it lately in South Dakota and Wisconsin.

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Age is just a number — except to the ‘woke’

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

A

ge.

Encounter that word in any crossword puzzle, and its letters only fill three spaces.

Talk about its effects in real life and it becomes a “four-letter word.”

George Bernard Shaw famously observed that “youth is wasted on the young.”

He recognized the enormous amount of untapped potential still present in those living “past their prime.”

History offers examples worth remembering.

Winston Churchill did not become prime minister of Great Britain until he was 65, leading his nation through World War II and forging a grand alliance with the United States that led to a remarkable victory.

Sixty-five was also the age of a one-

time motel owner who used his monthly Social Security check of $105 to buy a white suit, wear it with a string tie, lay claim to an honorific from his home state, and start franchising what is now a fast-food favorite.

Along the way, Col. Harland Sanders concocted a “secret recipe” with 11 herbs and spices, but the real recipe for his success with Kentucky Fried Chicken was his own considerable life experience.

Far from the cliffs of Dover and the hills of Kentucky, a woman was further advanced in years than either Churchill or Sanders when her country called her back into government service. Golda Meir was 70 when she became Israel’s prime minister.

And back in this country, it’s worth noting that the two most recent occupants of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue were both septuagenarians when they took up residency in the White House.

A newly minted senior’s aspirations

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may not include high political office or a fast-food fortune. Instead, they may simply be seeking work in their chosen profession past age 50.

If so, they could very well confront a professional paradox. Several jobs may remain unfilled, yet an application is turned down by a human resources functionary with an email that calls the applicant “overqualified.”

“Overqualified” really means “over the hill.”

It’s rare these days to even receive the courtesy of a response. Instead, most HR departments simply acknowledge receipt of the resume and a promise to get back in touch if they have any interest.

Think of it as the internet version of “don’t call us, we’ll call you.”

Occasionally, empowered HR executives will call attention to their new approach for screening job candidates.

At an area chamber of commerce social gathering not so long ago, a female human resources chief bragged that “when we get a resume from a white man over 50, it goes straight in the trash.”

Sure, that HR director may have had one wine spritzer too many — but in this instance it served as a type of truth serum.

And the truth is that “wokeness” now prevails in the workplace.

“Equity” has replaced “equality.”

And “equity” demands vengeance.

Today’s 50-year-old male was an entry-level employee when the “Old Boys Club” of company executives obstructed

BLUHM from page 8

er praises child. Parents sacrifice for their children. People are kind. He pointed out that happiness is up to each of us. Every day.

As this year comes to an end, it is good to reflect on how much we cared for others, donated to charities, gave of our time, effort and love to those in need. It may not be a perfect world, but the spirit of the holidays makes it about as good as it gets.

So, before the hoopla of the season passes, soak in the warm glow of the real meaning of

or perhaps even harassed young female workers.

Maybe that happened to the aforementioned female HR director.

Whatever the case, one prominent business website features entry after entry from female executives bemoaning the old days and emphasizing that they’ve “paid their dues.”

But many of their former male colleagues now find themselves paying dues for a “club” to which they never belonged. Reparations are not paid in cash.

Instead, the cost comes in unrealized income for these now-unemployed senior professionals.

These men may eventually find work in a service industry — maybe retail or fast food. (Kentucky Fried Chicken, anyone?)

It’s either that or stay home and try to solve crossword puzzles.

Christmas. We give. The 1905 story of “The Gift of the Magi” says it all.

It depicts the husband who sold his beloved gold watch so he could buy his wife two jeweled hair combs for her long, beautiful tresses, while the wife cut her hair and sold her locks so that she could buy a gold watch chain for her husband’s watch.

Buying presents? The joy is in the giving, not the gift.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor.

Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

11

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BUSINESS

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If in�lation continues to accelerate for years

BY HAROLD WONG Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

R

ecent news reports say in�lation is a serious concern to most Americans. What if in�lation continues to accelerate for years?

The effects of in�lation fall hardest on those with lower incomes and lower assets and the retired on �ixed incomes.

It’s projected that the Social Security Administration will boost bene�its 5.9% in 2022, which would be the biggest increase since 1982. For a single person who received a $1,565 monthly check this year, it would raise $92 to an average $1,657 monthly check in 2022.

In 2019, the median U.S. family household income was $68,703 and $67,521 in 2020. In 2019, about 30.7% of households earned over $100,000 in 2020.

If a family spends $75,000/year (after paying all income taxes) and future in�lation is 6% per year, the family will need $150,915 in 12 years and $303,670 in 25 years. It’s even worse for many baby boomers and Generation Xers, who have most of their savings in IRAs or 401ks.

Example: A couple is spending $75,000 the �irst year they retire at 66.

Their steady income from Social Security is $50,000 and so they need to draw $25,000 from their IRAs or 401ks. However, any withdrawal is taxed. Suppose

it’s only a 20% combined tax rate between federal and state income tax They would have to withdraw $31,250, pay $6,250 in taxes, in order to net the other $25,000 needed.

In 12 years when they are age 78, in�lation requires $150,915 to buy what $75,000 buys today. If Social Security is now $70,000 (with 12 years of costof-living increases), they need to pull $107,887 from their IRAs and 401ks; pay a 25% rate of tax ($26,972); and net the additional $80,915 needed to be able to have $150,915 of total income to equal total spending.

Even if they have $1 million saved, with most of it in IRAs and 401ks, it

won’t last more than about 10 years before all their savings are gone.

How to protect yourself if high in�lation continues for years?

Gold hasn’t been a perfect in�lation hedge over the last one-20 years. The price of gold on Nov. 17 was $1,862.66 per troy ounce. The 10-year high was $2,067.16 and the 10-year low was $1,049.41. The total increase was only a $120.16 increase over 10 years, which is 6.90% increase.

Then there’s real estate. Over the last few years, Phoenix has either led the nation in year-over-year price appreciation

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

INFLATION ���� ���� 12

or has been one of the highest markets, along with San Diego, Seattle and Austin.

According to Zillow, annual appreciation was the second-fastest in August 2021 in Phoenix (about 31.8%). Only Austin, Texas, with 44.8%, beat Phoenix.

The annual rental growth in Phoenix was 24%.

Typical property values in Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale Metro grew by over 31.9% from August 2020 to August 2021, compared to only 10.5% the previous year and 5.3% from August 2018 to August 2019.

In September, the typical Phoenix home was worth $376,684 vs. $109,000 in October 2011. That’s a compound average growth rate of 13.2%. An additional bene�it is “depreciating debt” — the fact that your mortgage payment is �ixed but the same payment is worth less to the lender in the future due to in�lation.

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Dr. Wong earned his Ph.D. in economics at University of California/Berkeley and has appeared on over 400 TV/radio programs.

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FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

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Local church to host drive-thru nativity experience

BY JORDAN HOUSTON Foothills Focus Staff Writer

A

local mission-driven church is not letting the pandemic dampen the holiday spirit.

Scottsdale’s Coolwater Christian Church, located at 28181 N. 56th Street, is hosting a drive-thru live nativity experience in its parking lot for the first time. The Journey to Bethlehem will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 19.

The free event serves as Coolwater’s “gift to the community for the support (you) have given the many outreach activities (we’ve) sponsored throughout the year,”

To a Brighter 2022

Coolwater Christian Church is hosting the Journey to Bethlehem, a free drive-thru live nativity experience. according to its website.

Although the church has hosted numerous nativity experiences in the past, Church

Moderator Lynn Allen told Foothills Focus the decision to switch to a drive-thru experience was inspired by COVID-19 safety guidelines.

“We have done some nativities in the past, but we felt like given the situation with COVID, people might feel more comfortable with a drive-thru situation,” Allen shared. “It was important for us to do something for our community, because our thing at Coolwater is outreach. We thought we could do this as a kind of thank you.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to tune in to a radio station to listen to background Christmas music throughout the tour. Coolwater will provide brochures featuring information about “each scene” with a “bible verse,” as well as a “goodie bag for the kids.”

Journey to Bethlehem will take its viewers back in time with four scenes leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, Allen dis-

see NATIVITY page 15

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Although the event is free, the church is encouraging attendees to bring donations of non-perishable items for the Foothills Food Bank.

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

NATIVITY From page 14

closed. The first stop showcases Mary and Joseph traveling to the City of David to pay their taxes, followed by the shepherds in the field keeping watch over their flocks by night.

“You’ll slowly drive through and there will be characters at each station,” the church moderator noted. “I think that’s going to look really beautiful. We have a large angel that is lit up and will be a spectacular drive-thru. It’s going to be a circle in our parking lot.”

The third scene highlights the Wise Men “from the East” following a guiding star to Bethlehem. Last, but not least, the fourth scene will be the birth of Jesus Christ.

“I’m most proud of how everyone has come together. Especially when we’ve had such a hard couple of years. This is our first real large event in a while,” Allen said.

“It takes a village,” she continued. “A lot of our congregation is involved in one way or the other, whether it’s helping with scenery, getting costumes together or helping with lighting.”

With no admission fee, Coolwater is

encouraging visitors to donate gifts of non-perishable items to be distributed to the Foothills Food Bank, Allen added.

The food bank is a “major partner” of Coolwater, Allen expressed, noting that the church acts as a distribution site for the nonprofit.

“They’re such an important partner. We want this to be open to the public and free, but we thought it would be great to provide some additional items for the Foothills Food Bank,” Allen said.

“We’ve been very methodical about our planning. The most important thing is, we’ve had a lot of engagement and excitement from people in our congregation and the community.”

For more information about Journey to Bethlehem, or Coolwater Christian Church, visit coolwaterchurch.org/ Coolwater Christian Church: Journey to Bethlehem

When : Saturday, Dec. 18, to Sunday, Dec. 19 Where : Coolwater Christian Church, 28181 N. 56th Street, Scottsdal Cost : Free Info : coolwaterchurch.org/

year! th 5 3 r u o in Now

Church hosts longest night service

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Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Tom Darlington Road, Scottsdale.

A free light supper follows from 5 to 6 p.m.

For more information, call 480-4883384 or visit deserthills.org. Child care is available upon request.

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

T

he Christmas season is not always a happy time. It can remind us of loved ones or relationships we have lost. The sights and smells of the weeks approaching Christmas, rather than bring joy and delight, can bring sadness and grief.

This service provides an opportunity to worship the God of love, who comes to us amid the pain we know in our everyday lives. Understanding that it is not “what we remember” but “how we remember” that causes distress, this service is designed to help people build a memory of their deceased loved one that evokes love and gratitude rather than misery.

The “Service of Contemplation and Healing in Sanctuary” is set for 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, at Desert Hills

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

Museum presents Antique Appreciation Day

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

C

ave Creek Museum will host Antique Appreciation Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29.

Expert Sean Morton will appraise antique items. Morton is knowledgeable about the history and value of antiques.

The cost is $20 per item appraised.

Limit two items per session with unlimited sessions. Pre-registration at the website, cavecreekmuseum.org,

is appreciated. Walk-ins are welcome.

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 located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek. For more information, call 480-488-2764. It is open from October to May.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

How to start a new venture CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

W

here would you be if you had all the money your heart desires? If you had no worries? If you came home and the most delicious meal was waiting for you? If you had perfect children? If your partner was waiting for you with open arms and kisses? So, where would you be? You’d be in the wrong house.

Many people think some things are too good to be true. But every now and then, good things still happen and probably more times than you think. Christmas happened. And Christmases still happen.

You have heard of “12 Days of Christmas.” Well, I want to share “The 12 Principles of Christmas.” The first Christmas was a new venture for

God and humankind. Would you like to learn how to start a new venture?

Then learn from “The 12 Principles of Christmas” and birth something new in your life. Let’s explore what God did to create a new venture.

Principle 1. New ventures are new ventures. Putting a new covering on the old isn’t going to change anything.

Likewise, putting Sunday clothes on a fallen Adam or Eve will not change anything. So, God closed the chapter on the old and started fresh. God moved from ritual to relationship.

Christmas was a new beginning, and this changed everything.

Principle 2. Your new venture needs to start in heaven. Believe me: the best Christmas presents are wrapped in heaven. God is the most incredible resource you can have.

God is more concerned about revealing your new God-created venture to you than you are. God doesn’t want

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Principle 3. God uses inconvenient journeys to get the right people to the right place and time. Just think of Joseph and Mary, the Magi and the shepherds. All went through “journeys of inconvenience of the heaven kind” that was necessary to birth something new.

Principle 4. God started small to go big. God began with a baby. Don’t be afraid to start small. Valuable lessons learned in those “small” days get you ready for what God has ready for you.

Baby steps turn into adult steps. For example, when I was 24 years old, I started a business with two people.

Six years later, I had 43 employees.

My discovery? As I grew, the company grew. Baby steps turned into adult steps.

Principle 5. God planned and prepared beforehand for Christmas and the birth of Christ. When? From the second chapter of Genesis until Christ was born. Do you realize that most sports games are won Monday through Friday in the game-planning stage?

Principle 6. God is aware of good timing. Sometimes you can have the right idea, location or product at the wrong time. So, be careful not to miss your opportunity. But, conversely, don’t let the tyranny of the urgent drive you to the wrong time.

Principle 7. God’s message of hope was “good news” in those taxing times. Remember what the angel said? “Don’t be afraid … I bring you good news of great joy.” The birth of Christ is good news, even in today’s depressing world. People were tired of negative, depressing news. Starting something new should be a solution, not a problem.

Principle 8. God saw a need and found a solution. God saw that His people in Jesus’ day were like sheep without a shepherd. He saw them diseased, troubled, and devoid of any hope. He gave them higher free-

dom, freedom from sin, not freedom to sin. He got involved. God became flesh and dwelt among them. He engaged humankind from the position of a participant, not a spectator. He came to save the world, not to condemn the world.

Principle 9. If, at first, you don’t succeed, try again. Remember how there was no room in the inn? Joseph and Mary had to adjust, learn to accept changes in plans, and even descend to ascend. Like the Magi, sometimes you follow a star and find a stable. U.S. Army General George S. Patton said, “I don’t measure a man’s success by how high he climbs, but by how high he bounces when he hits bottom.”

Principle 10. The customers looking for you will find you. God brings those looking for Christ to Christ. The Magi came from afar with finances.

The shepherds came with wonder.

Even angels and stars from heaven came to the opening of God’s new venture. And remember — not everybody will be glad about your new venture. King Herod was furious. Not everyone will be your customer.

Principle 11. God taught there was no “us against them.” Everyone could be on God’s team if they wanted to be. Jesus was called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” It didn’t matter if you were a poor shepherd

see DELPH page 21

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 15, 2021

19 ••

Steve Perry recalls his childhood in ‘The Season’

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Christmas Song,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Auld Lang Syne,” “Winter Wonderland,” “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Silver Bells” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

“Auld Lang Syne,” he said, was the most challenging song to sing and, perhaps, intimidating because of its meaning. Those who sing it are optimistic about the upcoming year.

“People can’t wait to celebrate and sing that song,” he said. “Let’s move forward with joy and optimism. It’s a powerful song. I did some research, and it was written as a poem in 1788 and the melody was attached in 1799. It goes that far back. I had some reverence to make sure I stayed within the musical emotion of all these songs.”

He admitted it was a challenge. Melodically, Perry wanted to ensure the tone in his voice was in the original singers’ “relaxed mode.”

“I started to envision sitting in front of the campfire, which is why the cover is the way it is,” he said about the album cover.

“I’m in front of a fireplace, having some eggnog and listening to music. I never really want to hear too much rock at that point. I want to reflect on my youth, my childhood and my memories of my departed loved ones. The voice that does that is iconic people like Nat Cole, Bing Crosby and even Perry Como.

“Those guys had some amazing talent

L

ast year, at the height of the pandemic, legendary singer Steve Perry couldn’t listen to Christmas music. He was unable to visit with family or partake in traditional celebrations.

There’s a glimmer of hope this month for holiday get-togethers. To help families get in the mood, the former Journey singer released the Christmas collection “The Season.”

“It was really, really an emotional experience, to be perfectly honest with you,” Perry said about the making of “The Season.”

“Last Christmas, I could not emotionally access any childhood memories of parents and grandparents, of us all being together for the holidays. I was in that same mode that everyone was in, which was trying to just cope with the anxiety of what’s going to happen with this pandemic, where are we going.”

Slowly, the pandemic crept closer to him as friends and family came down with COVID-19. He forced Perry even further in isolation.

“Last Christmas, I don’t remember having a Christmas holiday,” he said. “It was kind of sad.”

In June, he realized there was a chance of having a Christmas this year. He and producer Dallas Kruse collaborated on “The Season.”

“The next thing I knew, I started to feel the importance of these songs,” Perry said. “I started to enjoy singing them. I

Steve Perry released a Christmas collection called “The Season.” (Submitted photo) had never done a Christmas album until now. They were special to me and then singing them was very personally special to me and helped me get in the spirit of what’s going on now.”

The process brought back vivid memories of his family, which had a twofold effect.

“I was singing ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ and I recalled all of my Christmases spent next door at grandma and grandpa’s house,” he said.

“I remember the kitchen and I remem-

ber the door jamb that led into the living room. They would get the big tree and that’s where we were going to spend Christmas.

“When I was singing, I was thinking about presents under the tree. I literally had my eyes closed as I was singing it.

In my mind, I was staring through that door jamb at the tree at the right by the window. I forgot the next line. I got a little freaked out. I was emotionally teleporting there.”

For the album, he recorded “The

see ALBUMS page 20

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FEATURES

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ALBUMS From page 19

in their voices. I pulled back on my voice a bit.”

Other notable releases Christmas music does not have to be traditional and boring. This winter, the likes of Billy Idol, Train, Tim McGraw and She & Him have offered their renditions of holiday tunes to spice up the season.

• Paul Anka, “Songs of December” (Anniversary Edition) • Timmy Brown, “A Very Timmy Brown Christmas” • Craig Campbell & Family, “White Christmas” • Kat Edmonson, “Holiday Swingin’: A Kat Edmonson Christmas Vol. 1” • Debbie Gibson, “Christmas Star” • Paul Gilbert, “‘Twas” • Caylee Hammack, “Hard Candy Christmas,” Spotify Singles: Holiday Edition 2021 • Billy Idol, “Happy Holidays” • José James, “Merry Christmas from

Rock band New Found Glory released its first Christmas album called “December’s Here” on Dec. 3. (Photo by Paris Visone)

Vance Joy released his album“Fairytale of New York. (Photo by Will Morrissey)

José James” • Vance Joy, “Fairytale of New York” • Lyn Lapid, “XMAS 01” • Kiana Ledé, “This Christmas” • Johnny Lee, “Santa Claus is Lookin’ for Love” • G. Love and Special Sauce, “Coming Back Home for Christmas”

see ALBUMS page 21

G. Love and Special Sauce released a Christmas album called “Coming Back Home for Christmas.”

(Submitted photo)

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Sabaton released “Christmas Truce” which is the first single from its new album “The War To End All Wars.” (Submitted photo)

FEATURES

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Brett Young & Friends released “Brett Young & Friends Sing the Christmas Classics.” (Submitted photo)

ALBUMS From Page 20

Here” • Ingrid Michaelson, “Songs for the Season” (Deluxe Edition) • New Found Glory, “December’s Here” • Sara Noelle, “Like Snow (Slowly Falling)” • Palomas, “Missing Mistletoe” • Makenzie Phipps, “Christmas Snow”

DELPH From Page 18

wonderful new venture. And Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s no coincidence that one of Jesus’ names is Wonderful. Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

• The Imaginaries, “Christmas Town” • Monica Martin, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” • Tim McGraw, “Christmas All Over the World”/“It Wasn’t His Child” • Lori McKenna, “Christmas is Right

or a wealthy king, a teenage virgin or a carpenter, a barnyard animal or an angel, a man or woman, a prophet, or an everyday person. Everyone was welcome on God’s team.

Principle 12. God builds for longterm success and sustainability.

Christ built for eternity from the cradle to the cross to the crown. There was no skimping or laziness. God uses people with a heart for heaven and people. That’s why He would like you to be on His team. Wise men still seek Him. So, there’s the story behind the Christmas story about how to start a

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.

• Raffi and Lindsay Munroe, “Silver Bells” • Sabaton, “Christmas Truce” • Mary Sarah, “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (holiday rendition) • She & Him, “A Very She & Him Christmas’ 10th Anniversary Edition” • Sia, “Every Day is Christmas” (Snowman Deluxe Edition) • Spoon, “Christmas Time (Is Here Again)” for Spotify Singles: Holiday Edition 2021 • Daniel Tashian, “It’s a Snow Globe World” • Train, “Mittens” • Meghan Trainor, “A Very Trainor Christmas” (Deluxe Edition) • Randy Travis, “An Old Time Christmas” (Deluxe Edition) • Various artists, “Almost Christmas— Christmas Mistletunes” • Various artists, “Bach to Christmas: Hymns and Chorales to Listen and Sing to,” featuring compositions by Johann Sebastian Bach and Martin Luther performed by organist Dr. James Smith • Various artists, “Christmas with Motown” • Various artists, “Christmas Rocks”

21 ••

She & Him released “A Very She & Him Christmas’ 10th Anninversary Edition.” (Submitted photo) • Wrabel, “Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas to You” • Ye Banished Privateers, “A Pirate Stole My Christmas” • Brett Young & Friends, “Brett Young & Friends Sing the Christmas Classics”

••

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