The Foothills Focus 080322 Zone 2

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NexGen Partner Strategies expands PAGE

“Get Lit” Book Club

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This Week

NEWS.................. 8

Cave Creeker in international maritime warfare exercise

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Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree

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Wednesday, August 3, 2022

American Legion to prepare time capsule

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

T

he American Legion Post 34 will get together Saturday, Aug. 20, to gather old, historic veteran photos and military memorabilia for a time capsule commemorating the organization’s 75th anniversary.

Daphni Hagen, adjutant for the post, second vice for the American Legion Post 34 auxiliary and veteran, said the capsule will be buried at the end of the year’s celebration, in December 2022. As of right now, the plan is for the capsule to be constructed of a concrete box that will be placed at the front of the post by the road. It will be opened in 25 years

for the post’s 100th anniversary.

“We’re still discussing what’s going to go in there, but it’s going to be something that’s near and dear to veterans, or the families of veterans,” Hagen said.

“Any kind of memorabilia that means something that when we open it in 25

see LEGION page 4

Lee Perreira continues to raise funds, awareness

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

FEATURES......... 15

Hidden in the Hills returns for 26th year in November

YOUTH.............. 21

Valley students participate in summer surgical program

OPINION.................... 10 BUSINESS.................. 14 FEATURES................. 15 YOUTH....................... 21 CLASSIFIEDS............. 22 Zone 2

V

eterans are personal to singer Lee Perreira.

His father was in the Air Force and his grandfathers were in the Air Force and Marines. Following his mantra of “Inspiration inspires inspiration,” Perreira ran 16 marathons in 16 days in mid-June to raise $5,000 for an egress door and a handicap ramp at the Buckeye VFW. “That was my attempt at running 100 miles in 24 hours to raise money for veterans through my nonprofit, 16 x 16,” Perreira said.

“The goal was $5,000, and we raised over $15,000. I have so much respect for veterans.”

see PERREIRA page 6

Lee Perreira will perform at the Musical Instrument Museum with a full, 10-piece band Friday, Aug. 19. He’s pushing “Live @ MIM Pt. 2.” (Foothills Focus file photo)

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NEWS

An edition of the East Valley Tribune The Foothills Focus is published every Wednesday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout the North Valley. To find out where you can pick up a copy of The Foothills Focus, please visit www.thefoothillsfocus.com CONTACT INFORMATION Main number: 623-465-5808 | Fax: 623-465-1363 Circulation: 480-898-5641 Publisher: Steve T. Strickbine Vice President: Michael Hiatt ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 480-348-0343 Classifieds/Inside Sales: Elaine Cota | 480-898-7926 | ecota@timeslocalmedia.com TJ Higgins | 480-898-5902 | tjhiggins@timeslocalmedia.com Steve Insalaco | 480-898-5635 | sinsalaco@timeslocalmedia.com Advertising Office Manager: Tricia Simpson | 480-898-5624 tsimpson@timeslocalmedia.com Director of National Advertising Zac Reynolds | 480-898-5603 | zac@timeslocalmedia.com NEWS DEPARTMENT Executive Editor: Christina Fuoco-Karasinski | 480-898-5631 christina@timeslocalmedia.com Design: Nathalie Proulx | nproulx@timeslocalmedia.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timeslocalmedia.com CIRCULATION : 623-535-8439 Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | aaron@phoenix.org Distribution Manager: Brian Juhl | brian@timeslocalmedia.com

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The public is limited to one copy per reader. For circulation services, please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@phoenix.org.

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LEGION from page 1

years it’s probably something that doesn’t exist anymore, or something from the past.”

She did clarify that while they would love to include everything, the capsule is limited in size, and therefore the items can’t be too big. That way, if everyone keeps their items a little smaller, then more people have the chance to put something in.

“We’re looking for something that could even be like a piece of paper or a letter somebody sent to their spouse or family back from World War II, Korea or Vietnam,” Hagen said. “It doesn’t even have to be a wartime thing. But just something that means something. … Anything from past veterans, from mothers, fathers, grandmas, grandpas — anybody that was in the service, any kind of memorabilia from them.”

She said they would ideally like to keep it to just the Post 34 members, but there are so many veterans in the area who use or are involved with the post and are not actually members. There are several snowbirds who are official members

elsewhere, but call Post 34 home during the winter months, and those people are certainly not going to be left out.

“There’s going to be a committee that decides what goes in there and who could put it in there,” she said.

“But, you know, all the posts are about the veterans and what we can do for veterans and their families. So we’re going to consider other posts, of course.”

The goal for the capsule is twofold.

One, it shows current veterans and veteran families people do still care about their service, stories and experiences. It gives them a chance to be remembered and to pass on their story.

Two, it allows future generations to get a glimpse into what military life was like in the past. There may be items put in the capsule that will be completely foreign or extinct by the time it is opened. When opened, the capsule will not only provide history about the military, but, for some, it may also open up unknown family history as well.

“It’s just kind of neat that these are things that probably wouldn’t mean

anything to a four-year-old kid right now. But a 29 year old, you know, 25 years from now, might get a real kick out of what comes out of there, and what their parents, grandparents or whoever put in,” Hagen said.

“To me, I just find it amazing that we can have something that’s meaningful to somebody. Like I said, 25 years from now, that child’s going to be an adult, maybe with their children of their own that they can share something that they may never have seen with their children or their family.”

Post 34 will start gathering items on Saturday, Aug. 20, but will continue collecting items through the end of the year. The items gathered are not guaranteed to be put in the capsule. The committee will decide what goes in.

American Legion Post 34 is located at 6272 E. Cave Creek Road in Cave Creek, and its mission is to support and advocate on behalf of veterans, active military and their families, consistently reaching out to assist veterans and others in need.

INFO: azpost34.com

ADOT MVD unveils new specialty license plates

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

A

rizonans now have even more choices to support their favorite charitable cause, as the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is making available four new specialty license plates.

The new specialty plates are for Arizona 4-H, Arizona education, congenital heart defect awareness and Thunderbird Charities.

“We know that people who choose specialty license plates for their vehicles take pride in displaying their connection to these community organizations,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is pleased that we can partner with various organizations that benefit Arizonans.”

Most specialty plates cost $25 each year; of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

The new specialty plates are for Arizona 4-H, Arizona education, congenital heart defect awareness and Thunderbird Charities. (ADOT/Submitted) Each fiscal year the total statewide sales of specialty plates contributes over $10 million for various causes and charities.

The Arizona 4-H specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 goes toward inspir-

ing the next generation of inventors, entrepreneurs and community leaders through Arizona 4-H.

see PLATES page 6

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NEWS

PERREIRA from page 1

He will present the check in early September. Previously, he collected funds for Chrysalis, AHCF and Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children.

“I recently donated my time at Chrysalis, which works with domestic violence survivors,” he said.

“I went during a time when people were eating and played songs. Once I started playing, this little girl got closer and closer — then she got really close. Music brings out the best in people.”

Running 100 miles in one day was the goal; he stopped at 81. He longed to finish, so three days later he did just that.

“I’ve been pretty beat up since then,” he said with a laugh. “But seriously, I find it so fulfilling. It gives me extra motivation to work out and be physical. Whenever I do any of these things, personally, I grow a lot. I learned a lot about myself and pushing through tough times.”

A TV news outlet filmed Perreira with some of the veterans and, he said, good energy filled the room.

To celebrate finishing his run, he’s headed to Costa Rica with his fiancée and then returns to the Valley to play

PLATES from page 4

“The Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation is proud to announce the availability of the new 4-H license plate, ‘Empowering Today’s Youth,’” said President Kari Petterson of Gilbert.

“It is more important today to have positive opportunities and growth experiences for young people ages 5-19. Arizona 4-H does that through the club model in a very robust way that focuses on the youths’ interests, allowing them to explore, create, innovate, master and excel in over 70 project areas. We are positive youth development driven, all-inclusive with a vision of inspiring the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs and community leaders.”

The Arizona education specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 goes to a special fund that provides scholarships and grants

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | AUGUST 3, 2022

the Musical Instrument Museum on Friday, Aug. 19. He’s pushing “Live @ MIM Pt. 2,” recorded last July.

“We actually filmed the night, too,” he said. “We’ll be back with a full 10-piece band. The horn section adds so much energy. The last time I saved the horn section for the encore. Nobody even knew the horns were there. I’ll be using them, not for just the encore.”

Several years ago, Perreira decided to consistently release music, longing not to have gaps in release dates.

“I don’t make enough money to be able to invest the time and money into putting out a full-length album every year, which is what I would want to do,” he said.

“I have tons of tunes. I release something three to 10 times a year, whether it’s a single or an album or whatever. I have two singles ready to drop. I just don’t know when I’m going to do it. I may do fall and winter. I have enough music to get me through this year and all of next year.”

The plan works for Perreira and allows him to feel like he has forward momentum with music.

a marathon be? Oh, 26.2 miles. That would be 102 laps.’”

On Father’s Day 2018, he ran 26.2 miles in prison.

When he got out, he figured he would promote his record by running and performing at the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon. Forty-five minutes after he finished, he was onstage performing with his band.

“I was devastated afterward,” he said now with a laugh. “My feet were throbbing, and the band was like, ‘Are we doing this again?’ I said, ‘Hell no.’”

That, in turn, has lifted up every other aspect of his life.

“My business has gone up,” he said.

“My songwriting has gone up. My original music reach has gone up. My relationship with my fiancée has improved. I really want to surround myself with positive people and people who are moving in a certain direction.”

A rebirth Music is part of Perreira’s rebirth.

He never felt like he was a bad guy, but “I definitely could have done better.”

His downward spiral began when his brother, who was struggling with heroin, died unexpectedly.

“If you would have asked me if I was OK, I probably would have told you, ‘I’m fine,’” he said. “Then I got three DUIs in less than six months.

My brother died right in the middle of that. He was living on the streets.

He had stolen from our family. It was a hard thing to go through, to have your brother reaching out to you.

I told him I would pay a bill, but I wasn’t going to give him money. That wears on you.

“Then, for him to die, it just really rocked our family. Then, here I am (screwing) up my own life, getting three DUIs. That was weighing on my family, too. Obviously, it needed to happen because I fought this case for three years. I lost and had to go to Florence West for four months.”

In prison he ran his first marathon.

After all, he wasn’t trying to make friends there.

“I was this crazy white gringo running laps all day, but I needed to focus on something,” he said. “I said, ‘Let me break this down. What would

to eligible teachers and students to fund continuing education.

“The Scottsdale Charros fund many charitable organizations, but we have a long history of supporting education because we believe it is the foundation of our community.

Our programs include grants to individual schools, student scholarships and celebrating educators in a multitude of ways,” said Dennis Robbins, executive director of the Scottsdale Charros.

“We are excited to add to these efforts by offering a specialty license plate that highlights our dedication to Arizona education.”

The congenital heart defect (CHD) awareness specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 goes to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital-Heart Center for critical research, education and community programs to lead children born with Congenital Heart Defects to longer, healthier lives.

“The Heart Center at Phoenix Children’s

Hospital is grateful to Raerae of Light for making the CHD specialty license plate possible,” said Daniel A. Velez, M.D., codirector, Heart Center; division chief, cardiac surgery.

“This is an incredible opportunity.

“We are grateful for their generosity, and that of all who purchase the license plate.

This will give hope to families and save lives by providing access to nationally recognized pediatric cardiac care. At the Heart Center, we aim to leverage the latest technology to achieve the best possible outcomes.”

The Thunderbirds Charities specialty plate is available to anyone, and $17 goes to assist children and families, help people in need and improve the quality of life in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

Founded in 2019, The Thunderbirds Scholars program provides a full-tuition scholarship awarded each year to two deserving high school seniors who will attend either Arizona State University, the Universi-

ty of Arizona or Northern Arizona University in a four-year degree program. The Thunderbirds want to help deserving students succeed and create real opportunities for a positive future for Arizona youth.

“We are extremely excited to have a specialty license plate that will highlight Thunderbirds Charities and what the Thunderbirds do in the community,” said Michael Golding, big chief of the Thunderbirds and president of Thunderbirds Charities. “This is just another great way people can get involved with Thunderbirds Charities and ultimately make a bigger impact for kids in Arizona.”

Specialty plates are authorized by the Arizona legislature and have been offered since 1989. Authorized plate designs complete a review by ADOT and law enforcement. In all, there are more than 80 license plate options for Arizona motorists. To view and order any specialty plate, visit azmvdnow.gov.

Lee Perreira

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19 WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $30 INFO: mim.org, leeperreira.com

7

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•• 8

NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | AUGUST 3, 2022

Cave Creek native participates in international maritime warfare exercise

BY CHIEF MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST JOHN SORENSEN Navy Office of Community Outreach

P

etty Officer 2nd Class and Cave Creek native Gordon Medica is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, Rim of the Pacific.

Medica is a fire controlman aboard USS Chafee, currently operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. A Navy fire controlman has a long list of important responsibilities, including operating the weapons onboard the ship.

In his position today, Medica uses skills and values similar to those learned in Cave Creek.

“I learned that joining the Navy from Arizona is doable,” said Medica, a 2015 Cactus Shadows High School graduate.

“My high school math teacher, Mr. Ageli, a former Navy diver, explained that joining the Navy is a great way to set yourself up for success.”

As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships critical to ensuring safety at sea and security on the world’s oceans. Rim of the Pacific 2022 is the 28th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

The theme of Rim of the Pacific 2022 is Capable, Adaptive, Partners.

The participating nations and forces exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training program includes gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, as well as amphibious, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

“Running exercises with foreign

Petty Officer 2nd Class Gordon Medica is a fire controlman aboard USS Chafee, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. (Photo by Ethan Carter, mass communication specialist 2nd Class)

countries isn’t something you get to do every day and I’m looking forward to that during RIMPAC,” Medica said. “Doing my job is a pretty big deal.”

Serving in the Navy means Medica is part of a team taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy is the United States’ maritime security force,” Medica said. “We help other sovereign nations maintain their claim on their territorial waters and also enforce international waters.”

With more than 90% of all trade traveling by sea, and 95% of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities and capacity.

“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the

watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday.

“The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”

Hosted by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Rim of the Pacific 2022 will be led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, who will serve as combined task force commander. Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Christopher Robinson will serve as deputy commander of the combined task force, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Toshiyuki Hirata as the vice commander, and Fleet Marine Force will be led by U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Joseph Clearfield.

Other key leaders of the multinational force will include Commodore Paul O’Grady of the Royal Australian Navy, who will command the maritime component, and Brig. Gen. Mark Goulden of the Royal Canadian Air Force, who will command the air component.

“I had the opportunity to fire the newest Tomahawk missile,” Medica said. “I’m pretty proud to have been a part of that milestone. It landed in the California test range exactly where it was supposed to go.”

During Rim of the Pacific, a network of capable, adaptive partners train and operate together in order to strengthen their collective forces and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific. Rim of the Pacific 2022 contributes to the increased interoperability, resiliency and agility needed by the Joint and Combined Force to deter and defeat aggression by major powers across all domains and levels of conflict.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Medica and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.

“Serving in the Navy means to sacrifice your liberties so others can have theirs on a daily basis,” Medica added.

“It’s an opportunity to meet a lot of like-minded people.”

9

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | AUGUST 3, 2022

City, MCCCD partner to kick-start workforce development

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

P

hoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, interim chancellor of the Maricopa Community Colleges, have announced a new partnership called Route to Relief.

The new program, supported by the city’s federal pandemic relief dollars, provides free tuition, monthly stipends and employment assistance in eligible programs across the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges — including Paradise Valley Community College — in high-demand workforce areas such as semiconductors, health care, bioscience, manufacturing and information technology to eligible individuals.

Last year, the mayor and city council approved $7 million to establish the partnership, aimed specifically at helping those disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This new, collaborative program aims to provide Phoenix residents with opportunities to advance in their careers by accessing tuition, books and fee assistance up to $5000, career navigation services and employment assistance. Eligible recipients may also access additional financial support, a monthly stipend of up to $1,500, to address barriers to accessing training and employment, such as child care and transportation.

“While Phoenix achieved remarkable success in economic development, even during the pandemic, too many of our residents were severely burdened by lost employment and scarce opportunity during that same time period,” Gallego said. “To make our success sustainable, we must ensure education and training is available to people in every part of the city.

“By engaging with the MCCCD (Maricopa County Community College District) system, we are providing people with the opportunity to find their own success in these emerging fields.”

Dozens of programs are eligible for this funding in the following industries and occupations: bioscience and health care, financial services, information technology/cybersecurity, manufacturing, construction, early childhood education, community health services, electric vehicle technician/technology, entrepreneurship

and small business, and hospitality and tourism. Programs vary depending on the college.

“As someone who has spent their career in education, I understand how critical the connection is between quality training and a lifelong career path”, said Vice Mayor Laura Pastor. “The partnership between Maricopa Community Colleges and the city of Phoenix will create a talented workforce pipeline that will act as a magnet for our existing companies and will help to attract new knowledge economy jobs, while providing Phoenix residents beneficial career opportunities.”

One of the eligible programs is the new Semiconductor Technician Quick Start, a two-week training program to expedite the development of skill sets needed to work in semiconductor manufacturing fabrication. With the arrival of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), Gallego has made clear her plans for Phoenix to become an international hub for semiconductor manufacturing.

The Quick Start program is one way to fill the pipeline with workers ready to advance into this rising industry.

“This program comes at a pivotal time for North Phoenix, as we are poised to staff the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plant,” District 1 Councilwoman Ann O’Brien said. “By the time it is fully operational, TSMC will staff employees in the thousands, and Route to Relief will ensure that our residents have the education and career development opportunities to not only be qualified but successful for those jobs and more.”

“The Maricopa Community Colleges is thrilled to launch this innovative partnership with the city of Phoenix to better meet the city’s workforce development goals and provide life-changing opportunities for residents,” Gonzales said. “Investing in workforce development initiatives, like this one, to support targeted industries like health care, manufacturing and bioscience, will yield a generous return.

“It has been an honor to partner with visionary leaders like Mayor Gallego and the Phoenix City Council to develop this partnership.”

Marie Sullivan, president of the Mar-

icopa County Community College District Governing Board, added, “We are pleased to be partners with Mayor Gallego and the city of Phoenix in responding to the needs of our communities. Our colleges are on the cutting edge with new workforce development programs as we continue to play a key role in the economic vitality of our region.

“We continue to establish new partnerships that are accessible and supportive to the diverse communities we serve. We can’t do it alone. Our internal and external stakeholders, like the city of Phoenix, are critical to our success.”

To learn more about the Route to Relief program and determine eligibility to apply, visit maricopa.edu/route-to-relief.

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•• 10

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | AUGUST 3, 2022

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Love is known when experienced

BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

A

colleague of mine just came back from a romantic trip to Italy and France with a new lady friend. I boldly asked him if he fell in love. He replied, “What is love?” Then he challenged me to describe love, because he couldn’t be sure if he would “know it when it happened.”

I am no “love expert,” but my husband Doug and I have been happily

married for 40 years. (Hmm … perhaps I am qualified to write about this topic.) Yet, I also learned about love from my horses. Angel, at age 30, could still run like a filly (although stiff in the joints). She was beautiful, with a thick black mane, and had a sweet disposition.

In her last year, Angel got an eye infection that would not heal, so she had to have her left eye removed.

She had a cataract on her right eye, so this meant she was blind. The day we brought her back from the ani-

mal hospital, her stallmate, a large, white Arabian named Pegasus, was waiting for her. Once the horse trailer was parked and we got Angel out, Pegasus ran up to Angel and carefully pressed his nose against her face.

Then, he went to her left side and guided her back to the barn. That day, I watched while Pegasus walked a few paces in front of Angel, as they strolled around the arena, out to the pasture and back to the barn. Pega-

see BLUHM page 13

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | AUGUST 3, 2022

‘Human torch’ killing has received muted reaction

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

Y

ou wake up before the sun rises and watch the video one more time, to be sure your eyes have not fooled you. The footage is grainy, shot by surveillance cameras, lit by street lamps. The hazy flash of fire takes your breath away.

At 4:30 a.m. July 3, 2022, at a bus stop near 58th and Olive avenues in Glendale, a human being was doused in gasoline and set on fire by a man wielding a butane torch.

Blake Angerer, age 30, can be seen on the video stumbling into a nearby Circle K, pants around his ankles, his shoulders, arm and lower body still ablaze. Witnesses douse Angerer with water.

The video lasts just shy of four minutes. It ends with Angerer prone on the store’s grimy tile, smoke rising from his body.

Angerer’s sister, Riquida, described him on the family’s GoFundMe page as “a son, a father, a brother, a cousin, a

friend, and all around a good looking and goofy charismatic man who really wanted to see the greatest parts of life.”

Angerer was also a fighter. With third-degree burns charring over 70% of his body, he lasted more than three weeks in intensive care.

Angerer died on the morning of July 26.

In a gentler time, the deliberate barbecuing of a human being would draw more than a couple minutes on the news and a few headlines buried beside the furniture ads. But this is 2022, where you live amid mass shootings, double-digit inflation, monkeypox and COVID, political flame wars and an invasion of the U.S. Capitol by angry fools. Angerer’s killing and the arrest of 41-year-old Luciano Simmons drew little more than a blip, despite the sheer depravity of the crime.

Per the police report, Simmons, the alleged firestarter, plunked down a buck at Circle K. Seconds later, “Luciano is on camera filling up the water bottle with gaso-

line, and shortly after the victim and witness are observed running from the area of the bus stop to the entrance of the Circle K while the victim is on fire.”

You stare at the frozen frame of the video for what feels like an hour. A wisp of smoke sits frozen on the screen.

You contemplate not Simmons’ derangement, which you can only chalk up to mental illness or evil, but the response from the rest of us.

A few stories, a few thousand clicks, some upset stomachs. Two hundred and twelve donations on the Angerer’s GoFundMe page, which currently totals $10,531 raised toward a goal of $100,000. Ten people in a Valley of 4.9 million have posted words of support and prayers.

You dwell on the acronym used today to express disgust via text message.

SMH. Shaking my head. Cold-blooded murder used to stop us. Neighbors would drop off dishes covered in foil.

Strangers help defray the cost of medical treatment or the price of a coffin and a funeral.

The name of the victim would become, at least for a few days, a top of

The Foothills Focus Online at www.TheFoothillsFocus.com

mind presence in our collective consciousness.

Not anymore. Now the news spends its precious space inventorying the latest influencers and conspiracies, venomous political candidates and venal Hollywood celebs.

The death of Angerer once would have made you look until you could no longer stand it, until one human being’s searing agony forced you to look away.

Today, in 2022, we can barely be bothered to notice, to act.

You start the video one final time, to be sure your eyes have not fooled you.

And to be sure you still have a heart beating and aching in your chest. Because in the end, really, what else is there?

How to get a letter published E-mail: christina@timeslocalmedia.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 | AUGUST 3, 2022

BLUHM from page 10

sus just took charge.

Eventually, Angel was able to walk around the property by herself. She could even take off trotting, following Pegasus. But she got weaker. On a perfectly beautiful Saturday, Angel kept lying down and couldn’t get up without help. That day, two riders came to help her up once. The next time she laid down, our neighbors helped. And then she laid down one last time. Pegasus went over to her, trying to nudge her up. But this time was different. No more strength; no more ways to get her to stand. That night, as Angel lay dying, Pegasus stood quietly over her. Just before she passed, he walked to her head, leaned down, and for at least two minutes he and Angel pressed lips together.

That evening, Angel was laid to

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rest in the pasture. Later, I looked out my window at two in the morning and saw one majestic white horse standing vigil at her grave. For the next week, he stood by her grave for hours at a time.

This is love. It is the heart pounding, lump in the throat, and that “I can’t live without you” feeling. It can be heart shattering and a miracle — all at the same time. It gives you the courage to lead your partner through darkness and the strength to stand vigil during the night. And when you experience it, you will know it.

So, to my colleague, I can’t say for certain love happens in a gondola in Venice or over a candlelit dinner in Paris. But I am absolutely certain it happened on a pasture and in my barn.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Have a story or a comment?

Email her at judy@judybluhm.com.

www.TheFoothillsFocus.com

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BUSINESS

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NexGen Partner Strategies expands to Anthem

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

N

exGen Partner Strategies, a Valley-based provider of merchant services to Phoenix-area businesses, has expanded to Anthem and plans to make it the company’s new home base.

For the past several years, the NexGen headquarters were in north Scottsdale but the Anthem office is now the home base for the company’s future. Erik Verryden, CEO and founder of NexGen Partner Strategies, said Anthem’s close-knit and vibrant business community was an attractive draw for the company’s new office.

“I have lived and worked in multiple ar-

eas of the Valley over the years, but since relocating our office to Anthem, our team really feels like this community is our home,” Verryden said.

“We were attracted to Anthem because of the strong sense of community here, from businesses to associations to individuals. The North Valley is growing fast with many businesses opening, growing and expanding in this area. Overall, it’s a great environment for business and community.”

The company had a grand opening for its new corporate offices, located at 42104 N. Venture Drive, on July 21. Community and business leaders from the Anthem area were present for the event, including

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several board members of the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce and members of the Anthem Rotary Club.

NexGen Partner Strategies is a growing provider of merchant services to Phoenix-area businesses, from restaurants to retailers to nonprofits across the Valley.

The company provides a broad portfolio of business services including payment processing, payroll and HR services, insurance, working capital and telemedicine.

“Our vision is to make our customers’ lives easier through our comprehensive business solutions, all under one roof, all through a single point of contact,” Verryden said.

He added customers seem to be happy with the results, because they typically stay with the company for a long time.

NexGen Partner Strategies offers complete solutions personalized service support, and the relationship it has with its customers is a big part of the company’s success. Verryden said the “Partner” in the company name is genuine.

Established in 2003, NexGen Partner Strategies has helped thousands of Arizona restaurants, retailers and other businesses reduce their payment processing costs and efficiently manage their day-today operations with powerful software and management tools. For its small- to

medium-size business clients, NexGen manages a range of payment processing methods, including debit and credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo or other online platforms.

To support its growth in demand, the company is currently hiring sales representatives to cover Maricopa County and beyond.

Besides helping businesses in the area, NexGen gives back to the community.

“We fundamentally believe that businesses should help one another when possible and that businesses should give back to their local community,” Verryden said.

“So we created innovative ways for our business clients to contribute to charities of their choice through every payment transaction. Not only are our clients saving money with efficient transaction fees, but we also enable a charitable contribution in their name to their favorite charity. In another program, we can offer business loans to our clients, enabling them to repay the loan through their continuing transaction fees. These win-win-win opportunities for the businesses and charities in our local community.”

Because of this initiative, NexGen has enabled more than $400,000 of donations to Arizona charities.

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Hidden in the Hills returns for 26th year in November

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

A

rizona’s largest and longest-running artist studio tour, Hidden in the Hills, is scheduled to return for its 26th year Friday, Nov. 18, to Sunday, Nov. 20 and Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 27.

This year’s free, self-guided tour features 175 artists at 47 private studios throughout the scenic Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale. It is hosted by the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League.

Known for including both nationally recognized and emerging artists,

Hidden in the Hills attracts thousands of patrons who appreciate fine art and seek a variety of mediums, styles and price ranges. With the event taking place the weekends before and after Thanksgiving, the art tour also attracts holiday shoppers who want to find an original, unique gift.

The league also announced ceramic artist Myron Whitaker’s stunning vessel, “Large Ferric with Agate,” will grace the cover of this year’s popular four-color, glossy artist directory.

The contemporary, raku-fired piece features rich textures and earthy colors. The inspiration for the piece — a striking Brazilian agate — sits atop

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the vessel’s handle. A leather band with tusk-shaped ceramic adornments is also a focal point, separating the contrasting textures from top to bottom.

In May, participating artists were invited to submit original pieces for consideration of the artist directory cover during a selection process.

“Myron’s bold, beautiful ceramic vessel took our breath away,” said Jane Boggs, a gourd artist and studio host who serves as the event’s cochair. “It commanded our attention and we felt it was perfect for this year’s artist directory.”

From 18-wheelers to contemporary ceramics, Whitaker likes to joke

he is “as country as country gets,” something no one could guess by viewing his large body of contemporary ceramic works.

Growing up in Kannapolis, North Carolina, he never imagined pursuing a career as an artist. In fact, he spent more than 16 years manufacturing 18-wheelers. One day, he ran into his high school art teacher who encouraged him to take a ceramics class she was teaching at a local community college. The class fueled his passion to learn more, and within a few years, he left his job to work fulltime as a ceramic artist.

see ART SHOW page 16

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ART SHOW From Page 15

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | AUGUST 3, 2022

“When I first started doing ceramics, it was pure fun. And then I fell in love with it,” Whitaker said.

“I’m really living my dream. When I sit down on the wheel to throw clay, I know that’s where I’m supposed to be.”

Today, some 14 years later, Whitaker splits his time between Arizona and North Carolina, often traveling throughout the country to participate in prestigious shows and check on his work in various art galleries.

He is best known for his large scale, raku-fired vessels.

“Raku is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of the ceramic process. The anticipation of instantaneously seeing red hot clay pieces evolve into the final glazed and black smoke artwork is the most gratifying part of the journey,” he said.

Whitaker said he is honored to have his “Large Ferric with Agate” vessel chosen for this year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory cover.

“It’s exciting, especially since the artist directory has become a collectible over the years,” he said, adding that he doesn’t typically give his ceramic pieces titles.

“Ferric actually refers to the firing process,” he explained. “It’s an acid that I pour over the vessel before

firing it. In this case, I used more than 40 pounds of clay to create the vessel, and I decided to use ferric instead of a glaze in order to bring out the earthy colors and give it a primitive look.”

He also revealed the inspiration for the piece was the large Brazilian agate that sits on top of the vessel’s cover handle.

“Before I sit down to throw a piece, I decide which stone or fossil will be a focal point,” he said.

“Some people think I create the vessel first, but I need the stone or fossil to guide me as I determine the shape, size, texture and color palette for each piece.”

This is Whitaker’s fifth year participating in Hidden in the Hills. The talented artist will exhibit and sell his work at mixed media artist Carlos Page’s studio in Cave Creek.

This year’s Hidden in the Hills artist directory also will feature three diverse artworks on the directory’s back cover. The back cover artists include Jeanne Bonine (painter, oil, watercolor), Randy Galloway (sculpture, bronze), and Karen O’Hanlon (mixed media, paper).

Downloadable maps and details about participating artists will be available closer to the event at HiddenInTheHills.org. For details, call 480-575-6624.

To Advertise 480.898.5606 erict@timeslocalmedia.com

Ceramic artist Myron Whitaker’s vessel, “Large Ferric with Agate” was selected to be featured on the cover of this year’s Hidden in the Hills directory. (Submitted/Hidden in the Hills)

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Self-control is just controlling yourself CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

T

he title of this article today is a definition of self-control.

Self-control is just controlling yourself. Here’s an actual account of an event that happened in 1986.

Self-control could and should have easily prevented this tragic occurrence.

In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died after being hurled into the icy water below. News of the disaster got worse when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident.

It wasn’t a technical problem like radar malfunction or even thick fog.

Instead, the cause was human stubbornness. Each captain knew the other ship’s presence, and both could have steered clear. But neither captain wanted to give way to the other because each was too proud to yield.

By the time they came to their senses, it was too late.

If you’re a tough-minded, strongwilled, make-it-happen person, think about what you just read. If by winning the argument, you lose the relationship, what have you gained? If you save face but break trust and lose the connection, you end up in the loss column.

In my opinion, this accident wasn’t caused by stubbornness. A lack of self-control caused it. Each captain was stubborn, but they didn’t use their self-control to harness their

self-determination. Could it be the only thing worse than not using self-control is wishing you had? Everyone has triggers caused by either their nature or nurture. Self-control is what channels our triggers to a more positive outcome. Remember, when you have your finger on your personal trigger, listen, consider and yield to a constructive response.

The Bible states in the last days, humankind will be “without self-control,” 2 Timothy 3:1-3. There is pressure from a thousand sources: media manipulation, out-of-control government spending, broken relationships, gun shootings, raunchier entertainment and social media influence. Yet, we are already half numb by the perpetual coarsening of the culture.

The net effect is a culture full of rage and fears much more incendiary than “solutionary.” Many people devolve into what the Bible says the last days will be like: “Every person

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does that which is right in their own eyes.” Thus, the need for self-control benefits the person as well as society. When handling others, use your heart. When handling yourself, use your head. That’s called self-control.

Could it be our boasted “progress” has landed us not in Paradise but pandemonium? Author and speaker Lance Wallnau said, “Self-control may be the greatest distinguishing mark between those who walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and wisdom and those controlled by their own appetites.” Without self-control, humans are likened to a city without walls: “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down without walls,” Proverbs 25:28.

Wallnau said, “Imagine invisible walls protecting you, made from the substance of self-control. Self-control is the power that forms boundaries in your life. Self-control keeps in what you cherish and keeps out what is evil.” Proverbs 16:32 describes it this way: “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”

By nature, some people are very disciplined, and others are not. Some people, like myself, are entrepreneurs by nature. They are hard-driving, stimulus-oriented people, but their work is driven more by passion than discipline. When the job gets boring, they move on to something else that engages them. These individuals often test low in self-control as an attribute.

Here are some quotes that capture the essence of self-control. “Of all possible success attributes, which one is the most powerful? Self-control is the master aptitude, for you multiply all others with this one strength alone.”

“Self-centeredness and happiness do not go hand in hand.” “How shall I be able to rule over others when I do not have full power and command over myself.” “Failure to hit the mark is never the fault of the target. To im-

17 ••

prove your aim, improve yourself.”

Did you know self-control is a gift from God to us? 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For what the Spirit of God gives us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” As a Christian, you and I have a godly Spirit within us that operates in power, love and self-discipline, which is the essence of self-control. So, if you lack the aptitude for self-control, ask God for it.

Self-control is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control …” So, if you have the Spirit of God, you have self-control. Without self-control, there can be no love because God’s love loves the unlovable. That takes self-control. We can’t be joyful for long without self-control because we will suffer the consequences of our impulsive and foolish decisions.

The same is true of peace. Without self-control, there can be no patience.

The same is true for the other fruits of the Spirit.

During my life, I have operated by Delph-control, which was a disaster.

At this point in my life, I’m learning to use the fruit of self-control. The results are much better.

Here’s your takeaway. Self-control is just controlling yourself (with the Holy Spirit’s help). So, my advice in this article is to listen, consider and yield.

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.

••

18

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Library club combines books and beverages

BY LAURA LATZKO Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

T

hese days, book clubs are increasingly taking place outside of traditional coffee shops and libraries, in spots such as restaurants, bars and homes. As part of its programming, the Desert Foothills Library in Cave Creek offers a happy hour book club.

The gatherings take place the second Tuesday of every month in different restaurants around Cave Creek and Carefree. They are facilitated by three members of the library staff: acquisitions librarian Sara Zapotocky, circulation manager Kassie Green, and youth and teen services manager Heather Wurr.

Zapotocky said, from the start, the book club offered a more social setting for talking about books and has gotten locals to discover new places in their community.

“That’s the whole idea, is we want to encourage bringing business to local restaurants in the Cave Creek/ Carefree area. That was one of our goals not just to meet but to help our community,” Zapotocky said.

The book club started in the summer of 2019 but had to be moved online for a time due to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been back in person full-time since March 2022. Zapotocky said even when the meetings went online, she encouraged participants to have a drink and a snack while discussing books.

During meetings at restaurants, the library provides appetizers for book club members, but they need to purchase their own beverages and entrees. The August edition of the book club will be held at the library.

During this meeting, refreshments, including alcoholic beverages, will be served.

As for the book club, participants read a variety of different types of works, including nonfiction, classics, memoirs and contemporary fiction.

The Desert Foothills Library’s Get Lit Book Club encourages participants and library staff to get out into the Cave Creek/Carefree community. (Desert

Foothills Library/submitted)

“I feel like it’s a really good mix of books. It’s eclectic, and I think that’s part of what our regulars like is that it’s not tied to one genre,” Green said.

All of the facilitators are avid readers who developed a love of books early in life. Green grew up with a mom who was an English teacher. The book club gives the facilitators an excuse to find and read something new.

“We are mostly choosing books that we want to read ourselves. This is a great excuse,” Zapotocky said.

The facilitators all have a chance to select books.

“We are taking turns picking the books and then the month that it’s my book, the expectation is that I would facilitate it. And staff are al-

ways there to be supportive, even if it’s not their month,” Green said.

Green is a fan of true crime and mystery books, while Zapotocky leans more towards nonfiction.

Green said the facilitators look for books that will spark conversations, even when book club members may not like them.

“We just have gotten a lot of great contrasting viewpoints, as you might imagine, in the discussions,” Green added.

The books discussed change every month. The library has digital and paper copies of the titles, or participants can choose to purchase their own copies.

The August book will be Megan

Rosenbloom’s “Dark Archives: A Librarian’s Investigation into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin.”

In September, the book club will read Miranda Cowley Heller’s “The Paper Palace.” This fictional work follows Elle, a mother of three, as she wakes up at the summer home she has visited for much of her life.

This time is different, as she had an adult encounter with her longtime friend Jonas and must make a decision about the direction of her life moving forward.

October will be focused on the psychological/social commentary horror novel “The Only Good Indians,”

see BOOK CLUB page 19

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BOOK CLUB From Page 18

by Stephen Graham Jones.

Other books this year have included Stephen Davis’s “Gold Dust Woman: A Biography of Stevie Nicks;” Danny Trejo’s and Donal Logue’s “Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood;” a novel about the struggles faced by a Vietnamese family during the Vietnam War called “The Mountains Sing,” by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai; a nonfiction story about the first women to attend Yale called “Yale Needs Women: How the First Group of Girls Rewrote the Rules of an Ivy League Giant,” by Anne Gardiner Perkins; and a biography about the women in Benjamin Franklin’s life called “Poor Richard’s Women,” by Nancy Rubin Stuart.

During one month, book club members were encouraged to choose from different young adult books in the same reimagined fairy tale series.

Zapotocky says through the book club, participants often discover new literature.

“It gets them to read a book that they probably never would have read,” Zapotocky said.

Generally, around eight core members show up to the meetings, but newbies are encouraged to come check it out. The number of attendees fluctuates, depending on the time of the year. But many regulars get to know each other over multiple book club meetings. There is always a portion of the meetings designated for catching up with each other.

“It always starts with, ‘What has been going on in our life’ as we are ordering a drink or an appetizer. And then, we will get to the book,” Zapotocky said.

Upcoming book club meetings will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays on Aug. 9, Sept. 13 and Oct. 11.

An online RSVP is encouraged.

More information on the book club and other adult programming offerings at the library by going to dfla. org/events/category/adult-programming or by calling 480-4882286.

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FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | AUGUST 3, 2022

CAVE CREEK

Puzzle Exchange

a bull, buffalochipsaloon.com

AUGUST 5 Find new and interesting puzzles to solve, and help others find something for themselves. Drop off gently used puzzles and come exchange the old for the new all day at the library.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Crafternoon — Unsupervised The Foothills Focus publishes on Wednesday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Foothills Focus coverage area. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the Foothills Focus circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@ timespublications.com.

Craft N Chat MONDAYS Those who knit or crochet are invited to the Desert Foothills Library for Craft N Chat. New and experienced crafters are welcome to join.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 1 to 3 p.m., free, dfla.org

Yoga Fusion THURSDAYS Join Elizabeth Boisson in an intermediate-level course of Yoga Fusion at the Desert Foothills Library from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays. The class will start with breathing exercises and then go through dif-

ferent types of stretching movements and then into Vinyasa, or the Flow, yoga.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, noon to 1 p.m., $10 cash per class, dfla.org

Friday Night Bull Riding & Mutton Bustin’ FRIDAYS Come watch riders rodeo on the back of a mighty bull. For children 3 to 6, sheep are available to ride alongside them.

Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, 6823 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., $10 tickets $20 to ride

FRIDAYS Kids from the ages of 2 to 18 can craft to their heart’s content in the Imagination Lab. With no staff to act as supervision, all kids must be accompanied by an adult.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Service Industry Night & Karaoke AUGUST 7 Celebrate the service industry and good company at the Cave Creek Corral, with karaoke from 9 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy inexpensive beers and priceless company.

Harold’s Cave Creek Corral 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 8 p.m., free admission, 480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com

Live Music at Janey’s Coffeehouse NIGHTLY Come listen to live music every night at Janey’s Coffeehouse, performed by a variety of talented local artists. The venue has over a dozen unique performers each month, and for those looking to perform, new talent is encouraged to come by and sign up. This week, check out Eric Ramsay, Glade Wilson, Tap Takeover, Nancy Bagley, Scandalous Hands, Jesse Wetson, Jay Alan, Haley Green, and Ashley Creighton.

Janey’s Coffeehouse, 6602 E Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., cavecreekazmusic.com

If You Read a Kid a Book AUGUST 8 Join Miss Heather every Monday at the Imagination Lab to hear sections of good chapter books read aloud. Related coloring sheets will be provided for kids to enjoy while listening. The program, while open to all ages, is ideal for children ages 8 to 11.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 10 to 11 a.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Death Café AUGUST 3 Death Café is a discussion about death and dying, meant as a way for people to come together and talk about a topic that is often seen as taboo.

Rather than a support group, Death Café is meant as a way for anyone of any station to appreciate the time they have left. To date, over 12,000 Death Cafés have opened up worldwide in 78 different countries.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Music at the Movies AUGUST 11 Come to the Desert Foothills Library for a viewing of movies with significant and interesting musical scores. This month, come watch The Red Violin.

After the death of his wife, the great violin maker Nicolò Bussotti paints his latest piece with his dead wife’s blood, seeking to keep her memory alive.

The violin proceeds to travel all across the world, changing the lives of all who possess it.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 2 to 5 p.m., free admission, 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Morning Stretch at the Rocks AUGUST 3 Enjoy views of nature, while stretching out by the rocks. Improve range of flexibility, relax muscles and let go of body tension. Any fitness level is welcome.

Bring an exercise mat.

Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, 34605 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., 480-980-3439, operations@ deserthills.org

J. David Sloan at Mountain View Pub AUGUST 14 Join country music singer and songwriter J. David Sloan at the Mountain View Pub for quality music and quality times.

The Mountain View Pub, 7033 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 5 to 9 p.m., free admission, 480-575-7782, mountainviewpub.pub

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YOUTH

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Youth TheFoothillsFocus.com

21

For more Youth News visit thefoothillsfocus.com @TheFoothills.Focus

/TheFoothillsFocus

Valley students participate in summer surgical program

BY JORDAN ROGERS Foothills Focus Staff Writer

S

tudents from across the Valley spent their summers at Abrazo West Campus learning about health careers and helping in various hospital departments through the hospital’s summer program.

Needing to meet a specific criterion to apply, more than 200 students between the ages of 15 to 19 applied for this inclusive program last spring.

“It was really something to guide our kids in our community, since Abrazo West is a really big community hospital,” said Trisha Pollard, director of surgical services at the Goodyear hospital. “We like to feed our community. … It’s really just the development of our kids and kind of growing them into this field.”

Of the more than 200 who applied, just 42 students were selected to partake, coming from Anthem, Avondale, Buckeye, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Scottsdale and other locales.

Pollard said she was impressed with what she saw.

“These are really driven students,” Pollard said. “When I was even just talking to them, they really knew what they wanted to do. They really had good questions to ask.

You can tell they were really engaged.

“They were really just engaged and happy to be here. So, it was really, really exciting.”

Students experienced hands-on learning at the Abrazo West summer surgical program. (Photo by Enrique Garcia/Contributor)

YOUTH

Out of 200 students who applied, only 42 were selected to participate in the summer surgical program at Abrazo. (Photo by Enrique Garcia/Contributor) Highlighting the program were one-hour “Lunch and Learn” sessions and four-hour workshops that offered hands-on activities and speakers ranging from hospital clinical staff to surgeons and trauma physicians.

Lunch and Learn topics included careers in intensive care units; respiratory therapy career paths; radiology and imaging careers; emergency management; careers in emergency medicine and trauma medicine; physical, occupational and speech therapy; pathways to a career in surgery; and health care administration careers, among others.

Being able to put on this program for the community at such a large and reputable hospital is gratifying for Pollard, but it all feeds back into Abrazo West’s roots.

“One of the things I love about this hospital is it started as a community hospital, really just serving the West Valley years ago, but it’s really grown into a big trauma center,” she said. “Now we’re advanced with complex robotics and complex spine procedures and complex heart procedures.

“I think it can draw the attention that kids really want, because there’s such a wide variety of things to do here. I think we’re really lucky being in this spot.”

Learning to apply various medical skills from a hands-on perspective were covered throughout the workshops as well. Those included “stop the bleed” for trauma emergencies, wound care and treatment, as well as robot-assisted surgery.

“I think as we build the program, a lot of people will know that they didn’t just come here and listen to speakers, because what 14-year-old is going to listen to someone talk for an hour, right?” Pollard said. “I think the fact that they got to see so much, that it was hands-on, that they were chosen, that it wasn’t just like, ‘Hey, we’re going to take this kid, we’re going to take this kid, but they had to show a true interest and prove it,’ I think that’s important.”

Of the 42 students who participated in the summer program were Alexis Olayo and Alana Roman, who recently graduated from Canyon View High School in Waddell.

Olayo, who will attend Phoenix College, is interested in a career in respiratory therapy. Roman, who is interested in a career as a trauma nurse, will attend the University of Portland.

The two agreed they have seen and learned more in the program than they ever

had in any internship. Abrazo West’s program lived up to what they thought it would be.

“We thought there would be really great experiences, which we were told,” Roman said. “With there being like 200 applicants, and only a few people were chosen, meant that it’s a great opportunity. It’s something that we just couldn’t pass up.”

Both students recommend the program.

They each said anyone interested in the future should just take the leap and go for it.

“They really don’t care about your school; they care about how you interact with people and like what you do outside of it,” Olayo said. “Write about yourself to get in here.

The interview wasn’t too hard, but you just have to be a good people’s person.”

“If you’re not sure, just take the risk, because what can go wrong?” Roman added.

“You’re not going to get hurt, and it can only benefit you, and it’ll literally be an amazing experience.”

Pollard said most rewarding part of being able to pass on this knowledge to these students is getting to see the excitement on their faces.

“Seeing just the interest that they spark, it was really exciting to see,” she said. “We don’t get a lot of new nurses or a lot of new grads here in the OR because it’s really more a critical kind of department where (nurses) need a lot of experience.

“Just the different types of pieces of the puzzle to put it together for them so it kind of all clicks and makes sense, and the fact that this can actually impact their decision on what they want to do moving forward in their life, is probably one of the biggest things.”

After seeing success with the program this year, Pollard said the plan is to repeat it annually.

“We’re hoping to do it every year just to get the kids a little bit more engaged in the field and get more interest in it,” Pollard said.

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