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Wife asking for tips in husband’s death

Anthem Area Edition

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Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Apparent developer selected for I-17 project BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

ollowing a comprehensive procurement process, the Arizona Department of Transportation is negotiating with the apparent preferred developer to design, construct, operate and maintain improvements to Interstate 17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point. The stretch of highway sees more than 1 million travelers every year. After an extensive review process, Kiewit-Fann Joint Venture has been selected as

the preferred developer. Key members of the development team include Kiewit Infrastructure West Co., Fann Contracting Inc., Kiewit Engineering Group Inc., DBI Services LLC, Consor Engineers LLC dba Apex Design, T.Y. Lin International, Lee Engineering, Terracon Consultants Inc., Wheat Design Group Inc., Y2K Engineering and Pinyon Environmental Inc. This project will improve 23 miles of I-17, including 15 miles of roadway widening, two bridge replacements, one bridge deck replacement, 10 bridge widenings,

and the installation of an 8-mile flex lane system — a new feature for Arizona’s highway system. Flex lanes are proven technology to help reduce congestion on I-17 during peak travel times and allow for traffic movement during emergency situations. ADOT sought proposals from qualified developer teams interested in reconstructing the 23-mile section of this key commerce corridor. Three finalists

�ee I-17 page 4

Chamber welcomes McCartin as executive director

FEATURES ........ 24 Ghosthunters invite public to investigate Pioneer museum

YOUTH ............. 28 Gov. Ducey awards $2.7 million to Junior Achievement of Arizona

OPINION ................... 15 BUSINESS ................. 22 FEATURES ................ 24 YOUTH ...................... 28 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 30 Zone I

BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

imberly McCartin was chosen to serve as the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors’ executive director. Her first day was Sept. 13. As an entrepreneur, McCartin has extensive experience in operations management. She has owned and operated her own salon business for more than 10 years, and she said the skills she learned from being a small-business owner will translate well into her new role as executive director. “Being an entrepreneur myself for so many years and coming from a very long

line of entrepreneurs within my family is what helps me understand what it takes to make a community as a full proprietorship, for example, you know, rather than being like a big business coming in,” McCartin said. “There comes a lot of understanding with just intrinsic traits that come with being a business owner in a smaller town, like making those connections with other business owners or being able to reach out and help other businesses succeed.” She also has more than 15 years of experience with community nonprofit organizations, most notably with the Active 2030 chapter in Redding, California, where

�ee DIRECTOR page 5

Kimberly McCartin comes to the Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce with 15 years of experience with community nonproﬁt organizations. (Photo by Pablo Robles)

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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 Associate Publisher: Eric Twohey | 480-898-5634 | erict@thefoothillsfocus.com ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT Display Advertising: 623-465-5808 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: Lori Dionisio | 480-898-6309 | ldionisio@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 Photographer: Pablo Robles | probles@timespublications.com Design: Veronica Thurman | vthurman@timespublications.com Production Coordinator: Courtney Oldham | 480-898-5617 production@timespublications.com Circulation Director: Aaron Kolodny | 480-898-5641 | customercare@evtrib.com Proud member of :

The Foothills Focus is distributed by AZ Integrated Media, a circulation service company owned by Times Media Group. The public is permitted one copy per reader. For further information regarding the circulation of this publication or others in the Times Media Group family of publications, please contact AZ Integrated Media at circ@azintegratedmedia.com or 480-898-5641. For circulation services please contact Aaron Kolodny at aaron@azintegratedmedia.com

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

I-17 from page 1

were selected earlier this year to advance through the selection process. All three finalists were encouraged to use innovation and develop alternative concepts to deliver the best possible design, construction, operation and maintenance strategy for the project. The final cost will be determined after extensive contract negotiations. “Arizonans are excited to see major improvements to Interstate 17 coming soon, and today’s news is an important step forward,” Gov. Doug Ducey said. “I-17 is a critical link to northern Arizona communities and a vital economic corridor. Expanding this section of I-17 will reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and strengthen public safety. Millions of Arizonans will benefit from I-17’s improved connectivity and reliability when this project is completed.” ADOT started contract negotiations, and, pending a final contract, anticipates design and construction will begin in 2022. Construction is expect-

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ed to take approximately three years. Construction crews are aiming to minimize impacts to the traveling public while work is underway. On busy days, this stretch of Interstate 17 can see more than 50,000 drivers a day. “The vision of the Arizona Department of Transportation is moving Arizona to become the most reliable transportation system in the nation,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “The I-17 project represents that vision and is a profound step toward enhancing the safety and efficiency of one of Arizona’s most iconic highways. ADOT is committed to innovative solutions to improve our highways, and this unique and creative project is a perfect example. It supports ADOT’s True North of getting everyone safely home.” The I-17 flex lanes will operate as a separate, two-lane roadway carrying one direction of traffic at a time depending on the greatest need along the steep, winding 8 miles between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point. For example, the flex lanes will carry

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heavier northbound traffic on a Friday or heavy southbound traffic on a Sunday. Similarly, ADOT will open the flex lanes to accommodate traffic if a crash or other incident causes long delays. The flex lanes will be next to, but physically separated, from southbound I-17 using concrete barriers. Access to the flex-lane entrances will be controlled by gates. In February, Ducey announced $40 million in funding for the I-17 project from higher-than-anticipated revenue amid Arizona’s strong economic recovery and federal COVID-19 relief funds. Additional project funding sources include $130 million of state highway funds appropriated by the state Legislature in 2019, a $90 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant, $50 million programmed by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) for the Maricopa County portion of this project, and $52.3 million from federal aid with matching state highway funds. For more information about this project, visit https://bit.ly/i17project.

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DIRECTOR from page 1

she previously lived. Her work helped the organization receive awards, grants and ownership of several community events, like the Redding Lighted Christmas Parade with about 100 volunteers, 1,000 parade entrants and 10,000 attendees. McCartin was also inducted into the 20 Under 40 Leadership Group for being an emerging business leader. Heather Maxwell, former executive director, said McCartin’s skills made her a great fit for the role. “We posted the job back in May and interviewed dozens of candidates for the position before finally deciding on Kim,” Maxwell said. “Essentially, we were looking for candidates that had a personality that our members could really identify with, had an operations background to take the chamber to the next level and continue to grow that, because it’s a new chamber of commerce, relatively speaking. We’re still putting together a lot of those building blocks and were really looking for a candidate that had a strong operations background, and Kim has that.” Maxwell relocated to Missouri to be closer to family in June. She agreed to remain with the chamber through the end of the year to help with the job search and the transition of leadership. McCartin said she was tremendously grateful that Maxwell committed to helping instead of just putting in her two-week notice and leaving. She added that so far, it has worked out great. They have frequent Zoom and phone calls, and Maxwell is in town periodically to help in person. Maxwell said as long as they continue to keep the best interest of the members in mind, there will continue to be growth and success. “I wish Kim tremendous success. In the end, this role is not always easy, but it’s a very rewarding position to be in,” Maxwell said. “I wish her and the board continued success as we move from this next few months of transition. Once she takes the reins next year, I can’t wait to see what they do with this next chapter.” McCartin is relatively new to An-

them, having moved from Northern California. She said she was just looking for ways to get involved when she stumbled across the board of directors. “I went to Anthem Days in May, and they had a chamber booth,” McCartin said. “My husband and I were talking, and he said, ‘You know, you should probably get involved in something like this,’ because at that point, we were new residents by way of California, and it was a really good way to meet similar people. Especially because we live here in Anthem, we just thought that would be a good segue. “So, I picked up all the brochures and gave it some thought. Within about a month after that, I saw the job posting on Indeed. I thought, ‘Well, this would certainly be one way to immerse myself into the Anthem culture.’ When I saw the job posting, I thought, ‘This might be a sign. It’s just there. So, why not?’” One of her primary duties is the day-to-day management of the operations of the chamber of commerce. Part of that duty and one of her goals as executive director is to increase membership for the chamber, which is still relatively new. Her experience as a small-business entrepreneur means she knows how to build from the ground up and understands how important it is to have community connections. “I want to make sure that we have a solid foundation to build from, because it is, in my opinion, still kind of in its infancy stages,” McCartin said. “So, I just want to make sure that we have a solid foundation to build from, especially considering that we have other major businesses coming into the area. That is going to prompt other growth, whether it be small businesses or a collaboration where we end up working with these other organizations and big companies that come into town.” The Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce has several upcoming events and is encouraging community members to come out and meet McCartin and learn more. For more info, to register for an upcoming event or to become a member, visit anthemareachamber.org.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Go Green recycling event returns Oct. 9 BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

he Anthem Community Council is hosting its semiannual drive-thru Go Green event from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, in the lower parking lot of Anthem Community Park, 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway. Enter from Whitman Drive and exit onto Gavilan Peak Parkway; a MCDOT traffic control plan will be in place for traffic safety. To participate, residents must be in line no later than 10:45 a.m. Participants will be asked to provide one form of Anthem residency identification before entering (driver’s license, utility bill, etc.). Republic Services, with assistance from Pro-Shred, Safety Kleen, Westech Recyclers, Lighting Resources LLC, MCSO and other community partners, makes the event possible for residents to recycle items. A summarized list of acceptable

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• Computer equipment: PCs, laptops, modems, hubs and routers, storage devices, main frames, servers, power supplies and cords, printers, wires and cabling, mice, keyboards, hard drives, DVD and CD drives. • Point-of-sale equipment: credit card machines, printers and scanners. • Telecom equipment: telephones, cellphones, switches and answering systems. • Printing equipment: printers, fax machines, copiers, calculators, typewriters and cartridges. • A/V equipment: televisions, stereos, radios, amplifiers, projectors, satellite and cable equipment, video equipment, VCRs, CD players, video game equipment, surveillance equipment and cameras. • Batteries: alkaline, nickel cadmium, lead acid, lithium, etc.

gasoline, diesel fuel, lighter fluid, waste oil, pesticides, fertilizers, drain/ oven cleaners, adhesives, pool chemicals, aerosol cans, etc. • Prescription and nonprescription drugs: pills only; no liquids. • Donations: clothing, gently used toys, gently used bedding, household furniture items and other items for donation also will be accepted if in good condition. The event is free, and all Anthem residents are invited (including those who are serviced by the city of Phoenix on the west side of I-17). Only residential vehicles will be allowed to enter; no oversized trucks, U-hauls, trailers or RVs. For more information and a complete list of acceptable and unacceptable items, visit OnlineAtAnthem.com/ go-green. Staff and vendors will be wearing face coverings/masks, and residents are encouraged to do the same.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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Debbie Lesko briefs BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

Lesko: Biden trampled on liberties Rep. Debbie Lesko released the following statement on President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate plan on Sept. 10. “Throughout his time in office, President Biden has repeatedly trampled on the individual liberties of all Americans through mask mandates and now again with a broad, overreaching vaccine mandate,” Lesko said. “His proposed vaccine mandate plan is yet another attempt by the left to assert their control over our daily lives. This blatant disregard for the rights of American citizens cannot stand. Make no mistake, if an American wants a vaccine, they should be able to get one, but no one should be forced to do so under penalty of law. President Biden has gone too far. “I’m working with my colleagues and elected officials across Arizona to stop this authoritarian government overreach. I will not stop until this unconstitutional action has been rescinded.”

Lesko supports Congressional Gold Medals for fallen in Afghanistan

Rep. Debbie Lesko joined colleagues in introducing legislation to posthumously award Congressional Gold Medals to the 13 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the attack on Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, amid evacuation efforts on Sept. 3. “The brave men and women who aid-

ed our mission to evacuate American citizens and Afghan allies and tragically lost their lives in those efforts deserve recognition for their profound sacrifice,” Lesko said. “I am proud to join my colleagues and recognize these young service members with the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal. We must never forget their sacrifice on behalf of our nation.”

Lesko calls for resignations amid Afghanistan debacle

Rep. Debbie Lesko called for the resignations of President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken amid the ongoing chaos in Afghanistan. “After numerous intelligence briefings and reviewing the situation on the ground, it is clear that someone must be held accountable for the chaos that has unfolded in Afghanistan and led to the loss of American lives,” Lesko said. “From the outset, it has been apparent that the Biden administration had no plan for a safe and effective withdrawal of U.S. military personnel, American citizens and Afghan allies from Afghanistan. “After much consultation with my congressional colleagues who served in Afghanistan and studying of the ongoing situation, it is clear that the issues unfolding could have been avoided and, in many cases, that the poor decision-making that led to this chaos came straight from the top. It’s time for a change in leadership before any more American lives are lost. I call for the immediate resignation of President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken.”

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Sickle cell patients need blood donations BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

hen patients living with sickle cell disease face a sickle cell crisis, blood transfusions can make a lifesaving difference. That’s why the American Red Cross has launched an initiative to grow the number of blood donors who are Black to help patients with sickle cell disease, an enduring and often invisible health disparity in the United States. More than 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder, and most patients are of African descent. Despite the discovery of the disease more than a century ago, there have been fewer health resources available to help those suffering from sickle cell crisis in comparison to similar diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, peo-

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ple with sickle cell disease experience worse health outcomes than comparable diseases.

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address this health disparity and meet the needs of patients with sickle cell disease. Donors can schedule a blood donation appointment at RedCrossBlood.org, by downloading the Blood Donor app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS. To help tackle the need for blood in September — Sickle Cell Awareness Month — all donors who come to give with the Red Cross through Sept. 30 will receive a limited-edition football-themed T-shirt, while supplies last. A blood drive is scheduled from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, at Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W. Anthem Way. Life-threatening complications Sickle cell disease distorts soft, round blood cells and turns them hard and crescent shaped, which can cause extreme pain. When hardened, the

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cells can get caught in blood vessels, potentially leading to stroke and organ failure. “Transfusions provide healthy blood cells, unblocking blood vessels and delivering oxygen,” said Jason Benedict, regional donor service executive. “By increasing the amount of closely matched blood products, the Red Cross is able to help ensure the right blood product is available at the right time for patients facing a sickle cell crisis — minimizing complications for those with rare blood types fighting sickle cell disease.” Every transfusion counts Seventeen-year-old Demarus Torrence loves comics and sci-fi movies, and he balances his work in high school while living with sickle cell disease.

�ee BLOOD page 10

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Stamp Mill demonstration planned at Cave Creek Museum BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

he Cave Creek Museum will demonstrate its stamp mill from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday,

Oct. 9. Evelyn Johnson, interim executive director, said the museum will start up its incredible stamp mill, water tower, mineral panning and blacksmithing. “Cave Creek Museum is proud to feature Arizona mining history,” Johnson said. “Our historic stamp mill and tramway is from the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain and is the only one in Arizona within 5 miles of its original site. We want people to come and experience how gold mining was done.” The stamp mill will be operated on the second Saturday of each month during the museum’s 2021-22 season. Stamp mill background At the age of 26, William B. Hellings was ambitious, handsome, and the “post-sutler” or storekeeper of Camp McDowell.

BLOOD from page 9

He endures monthly blood transfusions, and, at times, regular hospital stays to help with extreme pain and other complications. “Just imagine someone hitting your back with a hammer, constantly, and it just won’t stop,” said Demarus’ mother, Passion Terrell. “Demarus describes it, and you can picture it, but you really can’t.” Demarus is the only person in his immediate family with the disease, though testing has revealed other family members carry the sickle cell trait. As a mother, Passion has made it her mission to care for her son and to inspire others to give blood — especially individuals who are Black and people who have never donated. The family hosted a Red Cross blood drive at Demarus’ school this month to highlight the importance of generous donations.

Cave Creek Museum is proud to feature Arizona mining history. Our historic stamp mill and tramway is from the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain and is the only one in Arizona within 5 miles of its original site. We want people to come and experience how gold mining was done. Camp McDowell was one of 11 military posts in the new Arizona Territory. He was aware of the high cost of bringing fodder from Mexico and California to feed the hungry cavalry horses. Hellings was also aware that Salt River Valley soil was the richest and most productive soil in the Southwest. With the Hohokam canal system dor-

�ee DEMONSTRATION page 12

“It’s amazing,” Passion said. “Once he gets that blood in him, it’s like a different person. His breathing improves; his blood levels improve. It’s like his body wakes up.”

Community partners lending support Partnerships with national and local organizations within the Black community are critical to building trust, sharing information and working together to engage new donors to help save lives. Nationally, the Red Cross is thrilled to announce new partnerships with preeminent organizations like the NAACP and 100 Black Men of America Inc. to raise awareness about sickle cell disease as a persisting and heartbreaking health disparity and to help patients with sickle cell disease by encouraging blood donations from individuals who are Black.

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DEMONSTRATION from page 10

mant, it could be revitalized to irrigate this fertile soil. Within a few years, Hellings was farming 1,280 acres (two sections), built a flourmill and started a lucrative business. William B. Hellings & Co. sold flour, hay, alfalfa and other farm products to the pioneer-protecting cavalry. Hellings also had interests in the mining business north of Phoenix. After privately funding and building the first wagon road from Phoenix to Cave Creek, he purchased the Golden Star Mine on Continental Mountain. Cave Creek historian Frances C. Carlson tells us that the Golden Star Mine eventually became the Golden Reef Mine. Always thinking

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

in grand style, Hellings enticed four California investors to create the Golden Star Mining Corp., capitalized with $10 million (stocks sold at $100 a share). This was the first large-scale mine in the Cave Creek area, complete with an assay office, store and saloon. And, with this newfound capital, the first 10-stamp mill in the Cave Creek area was purchased for $35,000. This is not the museum’s stamp mill. The next chapter of the Golden Star Mine was fraught with problematic real estate issues including bad deeds, lawsuits and bankruptcy. Cleverly, Hellings maintained ownership of his mine by creating the Gold Hill Mining Company. However, by 1890, his enterprise folded. Hellings relocated to Globe and

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eventually left Arizona with his presumed fortune. By the 1890s, the Golden Star became the Golden Reef Mine, owned by W.A. Bondurant. A mining boom in the early 1900s motivated Bondurant to seek a group of Chicago investors to capitalize a new mining operation. A new 10-stamp mill was purchased, and this particular mill now resides at the Cave Creek Museum, just 5.2 miles from where it toiled gallantly on Continental Mountain. The Golden Reef Mine was back in business on the same spot as Hellings. Twenty miners working double shifts kept the stamp mill humming until a fire silenced it in 1913. The stamp mill was rebuilt in 1917, and after failed at-

tempts to sell, the mine was abandoned. The stamp mill was donated to the museum and in 2009 moved from Continental Mountain to the museum. It was restored to operation in 2013. It runs at least once a month to demonstrate what the miners had to do to extract gold from the quartz in the 1920s. The 51-year-old museum preserves 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. The museum is open October to May. For more information, call 480-4882764 or visit cavecreekmuseum.org.

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NEWS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Wife asking for tips in husband’s death BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

awn Fernandez was at the Roadrunner Restaurant & Saloon in New River on July 27, 2015, when she became tired. Her 48-year-old husband, Roman, said she should go home and put their grandbabies to bed. She returned to their Phoenix home and tucked them in. As they slept, she and her son watched television. At 1:30 a.m., the phone rang. The call changed her life. Her husband was dead. “My phone rang, and it was my son yelling into the phone that his dad was dead,” she recalled through tears. “A female voice got on the phone. I thought it was my daughter-in-law. I said, ‘What kind of sick joke is this? Put your dad on the phone.’” The “woman” was a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputy. Dawn could not believe what she was saying. She put the phone down, walked into the living room and told her son something terrible happened. “I said, ‘There’s a woman on the phone, and I don’t believe what she’s telling me,’” Dawn recalled. “He went into the bathroom, and when he came out and he said, ‘You’re right, mom. Something horrible has happened.’” Roman was stabbed in the heart and the lower abdomen during a fight at the Roadrunner. “It wasn’t a targeted fight,” she said. “He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Frustrated at the lack of tips, Dawn has turned to the media to help garner leads in Roman’s death. Young love Dawn and Roman met at Cactus High School in Glendale but did not get serious about their relationship until after graduation. He joined the Navy as she worked toward her diploma at the school. The two eventually married in October 1988. Roman, who was employed by Honeywell at the time of his death, was an exceptional husband and father, she said. He parlayed his sports knowledge into

coaching their sons’ soccer, wrestling and football teams at Sunrise and Liberty high schools in Peoria. “He was an exceptional coach,” she said. “He touched so many lives.” So many mourners showed up for Mass at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Phoenix that they were forced to park at a grocery store down the street. Others, instead, went straight to the gravesite. “We were very well known because of the sports we were involved in,” Dawn said. “So many people — friends, family and acquaintances — came out to show their respects and support me. I’m so thankful and Dawn and Roman Fernandez were Cactus High School sweethearts who married in 1988. (Photo courtesy of the Fernandez family) grateful for that.”

Long night At the Roadrunner, the couple were enjoying an evening out, watching their oldest grandson at the mutton bust with their then 6-month-old granddaughter. “We decided to call it a night,” she said. “We were all on our way out of the parking lot, and I could hear my son and daughterin-law. They wanted to stay and watch bull riding. I asked my husband if he minded me taking the grandchildren home. “By the time we got to the car, Roman said, ‘You’re going to be busy with the kids. I will just be sitting on the couch watching television.’ He wanted to stay with their son and daughter-in-law and watch bull riding. I kissed him goodnight. That was the last time I kissed him.” Roman tagged Dawn on a Facebook post, a video of their son and daughter-in-law dancing, around 10:30 p.m. At home, Dawn looked at her youngest son and said, “I bet

�ee FERNANDEZ page 14

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Wreaths Across America seeks sponsors Time) on Saturday, Dec. 18. At the National Memorial Cemetery in North Phoenix, it begins at 10 a.m. In Arizona, $15 sponsorships opportunities have begun. To contact Rearley, email grandma4CJS@cox. net. As of early September, the Paradise Valley Chapter NSDAR was 86 wreaths short of its goal. The women are attempting to set up tables in area stores to boost sales. They are confirmed to have one at the National Memorial Cemetery on Veterans Day. “We have the names of the deceased, we go to the gravestone, place the wreath, say Carolyn Rearley was introduced to Wreaths Across America 14 a prayer and move on to the years ago and has been part of the wreath-laying ceremony next one,” said Rearley, who ever since. (Photo by Dennis Murphy) lives in the Scottsdale Airpark area. businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. “DAR is very attentive to our veterans Sponsors can purchase wreaths for family and active military. We want to honor members or veterans at-large for $15. them and remember their sacrifices. Ceremonies around the world are held Everyone is remembered. At the same at noon Arlington, Virginia, time (Eastern time people in Arlington are laying the

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

arolyn Rearley understands the plight of military families. She comes from a long line of veterans, as her four brothers, husband and in-laws all served. “When I see veterans, I thank them for their service — especially Vietnam veterans,” Rearley said. “They weren’t treated right when they came home. I want them all to now we care.” Fourteen years ago, she heard about Wreaths Across America and its annual wreath-laying ceremonies. She helped place the wreaths at the first ceremony she attended. It was so moving, she had to share it with her peers in the Paradise Valley Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. “It really touched my heart,” she said. “I had just lost my dad, who was a World War II veteran.” Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine

FERNANDEZ from page 13

in a fight as well. He went to save her and protect her from being punched. When he pulled her away, they proceeded to go to the car, and they saw something lying in the parking lot. It was my husband.” A nurse, their daughter-in-law performed CPR until first responders arrived 20 minutes later. “The stabbing in the heart is the one that

they’re having fun. We might as well settle in for the night. “We found a movie to watch, and I made brownies and ice cream.” Meanwhile, a fight broke out throughout the Roadrunner. “My son saw his wife, who was involved

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wreaths, people across the world are following suit. We’re all in it together.” Rearley has been forced to replace wreaths that were stolen or taken home. Last year, 10 out of 200 went missing. “I talked to wives, mothers and sisters who were really upset,” she said. “They came out on a Sunday expecting to see a wreath at their loved one’s grave and it wasn’t there. I lost a son, so I know how that feels. I spent that whole weekend in tears. I don’t know why people feel the need to do that.” In light of COVID-19, last year, volunteers placed wreaths without family members present. “We were incognito,” she said. “We couldn’t tell anyone we were out there. We did our normal job for three days and went home. We will be back to normal this year. We place more than 200 grave-specific wreaths a year. “I feel like it’s my baby,” Rearley said. “I feel close to it. I’d be lost if I didn’t do it.”

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killed him,” she said through tears. “He couldn’t survive that.”

Begging for tips No one has come forward and the leads are dwindling, she said. Authorities know what happened and who was near him. The fight was just out of sight of the security cameras. “Someone carried him out to the parking lot,” she said. “You can see that on tape. The district attorney’s office said they won’t make an arrest based on what they have. “My attorney has been pushing all these years to get someone else involved. “He is in direct contact with them now. We’re hoping to keep things moving, and if MCSO has completed their investigation, he has others waiting in the wings to pick it up and continue the work.” In the meantime, Dawn lives in the couple’s North Phoenix home they purchased in November 2014. With the holidays and a

Roman Fernandez joined the Navy after graduating from Cactus High School in Glendale. (Photo courtesy of the Fernandez family)

grandbaby’s birth in February, they hadn’t gotten around to remodeling it. “It was eight months later he passed,” she said. “There are some blessings to that. There aren’t a lot of memories here, but that’s also fortunate and unfortunate.”

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Opinion TheFoothillsFocus.com |

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Dream big and focus on the moment BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

h, Emma Raducanu, let’s count the ways we love thee. First, the improbability of a tennis player to emerge from qualifying status to win a Grand Slam tournament is a stunning triumph. In a matter of months, Emma went from graduating high school to accomplishing a feat that very few could have predicted. History is in the making, and her rise

to fame is nothing short of amazing. Her message? Dream big and focus on the moment. Every now and then, we get to witness greatness. Sports can do that for us. Giving we, the ordinary, a snapshot of what it looks like to be extraordinary. The sport of tennis has been suffering these past few years. Giants of the game are aging, experiencing career-ending injuries, and then there is the unpleasant display of racket-smashing, screaming behavior. Naomi Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion who is taking a break

Celebrities’ medical advice as worthless as endorsements BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

ne of my crowning achievements as an American is having never watched a single episode of any program involving a Kardashian. I have made a point of this for the past 20 years for three reasons. One, because I’m not terribly keen on reality most days, I see no reason to watch reality television. Two, Kris and Kim, et. al., have managed to ruin Bruce Jenner and Kanye West, the only humans connected to the Kardashian clan with any discernible talent. Finally — and most importantly — I loathe celebrities. This is clearly a minority opinion in 2021. At a moment when so many of us seem to take our cultural, political, life-

style and health care cues from the rich and famous, it feels rebellious to willfully ignore everyone from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Cardi B. Understand, please, I’m not saying that celebrities have no right to voice their opinions. They absolutely do. And, in turn, the rest of us have the right to ignore them like a 5-year-old ignoring a plateful of green veggies. How bad have things gotten? I flipped on CNN recently to see anchor Jake Tapper seriously ask Dr. Anthony Fauci to comment on a tweet made by pop star Nikki Minaj that “a cousin in Trinidad won’t get the (COVID-19) vaccine cuz his friend got it & became impotent. His testicles became swollen.” Minaj went on to encourage her 22

see LEIBOWITZ page 18

from tennis due to mental health issues. So along comes Emma, the 18-year-old wonder to become the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam, sending the tennis world into a meltdown. Well, I don’t play tennis anymore, but I am a fan of the sheer enormity of what this teenager achieved. Maybe we all needed a little positivity in a world of unpleasant news. A few fun facts about tennis. There is a pineapple on top of the Wimbledon Trophy, because apparently it represents the tradition of English sailors putting pineapples on their gateposts when they returned from a long voyage. How did tennis become associated with long trips at sea? No one really knows. Tennis balls were originally white, until yellow balls were first used in Wimbledon in 1986. And is there a reason why we say “love” for zero in tennis? Another unsolved mystery.

Did you know that former world No. 1 tennis player Maria Sharapova’s on-court grunt is louder than an aircraft? Yes, her grunt or shriek when she hits the ball has been officially recorded at a volume as high as 101 decibels. That is louder than a motorcycle or a small aircraft landing. It’s also the same volume as an ambulance siren. I do understand the frustration of hearing a loud grunt while playing with tennis balls. My old dog, Piper, a massive yellow Labrador, could probably grunt at 110 decibels (loud as a lion’s roar) while we played ball. And Piper was obsessed with tennis balls. He could hold four in his mouth at the same time. Piper was like many tennis champions, because those bright yellow balls were his greatest joy — and obsession. The riches from tennis do not necessarily come from the actual game. Experts

see BLUHM page 18

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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hold on to them,’” Lynne said. “Now that the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls are being offered up we won’t be surprised if thousands of Arizona residents claim the maximum limit allowed of 4 Bank Rolls per resident before they’re all gone,” said Lynne. “That’s because after the Bank Rolls were loaded with 15 rarely seen Silver Walking Liberties, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks of the U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars sealed away inside the State of Arizona Restricted Bank Rolls have never been searched. But, we do know that some of these coins date clear back to the early 1900’s and are worth up to 100 times their face value, so there is no telling what Arizona residents will find until they sort through all the coins,” Lynne went on to say. And here’s the best part. If you are a resident of the state of Arizona you cover only the $39 per coin state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury, that’s fifteen rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties worth up to 100 times their face value for just $585 which is a real steal because non state residents must pay $118 per coin which totals $1,770 if any coins remain after the 2-day deadline. The only thing Arizona residents need to do is call the State Toll-Free Hotlines printed in today’s newspaper publication before the 2-day order deadline ends. “Rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued silver coins like these are highly sought after, but we’ve never seen anything like this before. According to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins many Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars are now worth $40 $825 each in collector value,” Lynne said. “We’re guessing thousands of Arizona residents will be taking the maximum limit of 4 Bank Rolls because they make such amazing gifts for any occasion for children, parents, grandparents, friends and loved ones,” Lynne continued. “We know the phones will be ringing off the hook. That’s why hundreds of Hotline Operators are standing by to answer the phones beginning at 8:30 am this morning. We’re going to do our best, but with just 2 days to answer all the calls it won’t be easy. So make sure to tell everyone to keep calling if all lines are busy. We’ll do our best to answer them all.” Lynne said. The only thing readers of today’s newspaper publication need to do is make sure they are a resident of the state of Arizona and call the National Toll-Free Hotlines before the 2-day deadline ends midnight tomorrow. ■

HOW TO CLAIM THE LAST STATE RESTRICTED BANK ROLLS FACTS:

If you are a Arizona State Resident read the important information below about claiming the State Silver Bank Rolls, then call the State Toll-Free Hotline at 8:30 am: 1-800-979-3771 EXT: RWB2069

Are these Silver Walking Liberties worth more than other half dollars:

Yes. These U.S. Gov’t issued Silver Walking Liberties were minted in the early 1900’s and will never be minted again. That makes them extremely collectible. The vast majority of half dollars minted after 1970 have no silver content at all and these Walking Liberties were one of the last silver coins minted for circulation. That’s why many of them now command hundreds in collector value so there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

How much are State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls worth:

It’s impossible to say, but some of these U.S Gov’t issued Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s are worth up to 100 times the face value and there are 15 in each Bank Roll so you better hurry if you want to get your hands on them. Collector values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees. But we do know they are the only Arizona State Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and Walking Liberties are highly collectible so anyone lucky enough to get their hands on these Silver Bank Rolls should hold onto them because there’s no telling how much they could be worth in collector value someday.

Why are so many Arizona residents claiming them:

Because they are the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist and everyone wants their share. Each Bank Roll contains a whopping 15 Silver Walking Liberties dating back to the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value. Best of all Arizona residents are guaranteed to get them for the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty for the next two days.

How do I get the State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls:

Arizona residents are authorized to claim up to the limit of 4 State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls by calling the State Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-979-3771 Ext. RWB2069 starting at precisely 8:30 am this morning. Everyone who does is getting the only State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Rolls known to exist. That’s a full Bank Roll containing 15 Silver Walking Liberties from the early 1900’s some worth up to 100 times their face value for just the state minimum set by the National Mint and Treasury of just $39 per Silver Walking Liberty, which is just $585 for the full Bank Rolls and that’s a real steal because non state residents are not permitted to call before 5 pm tomorrow and must pay $1,770 for each Arizona State Restricted Walking Liberty Silver Bank Roll if any remain. R1043R-2

NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. OH RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX. NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY, PO BOX 35609, CANTON, OH 44735 ©2021 NATIONAL MINT AND TREASURY.

OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

LEIBOWITZ �� page 15

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million Twitter followers to “pray on it & make sure you’re comfortable with ur decision, not bullied,” when considering being vaccinated. Said Fauci on the subject of testicular swelling and vaccine-caused reproductive issues: “There’s no evidence that it happens, nor is there any mechanistic reason to imagine that it would happen. So, the answer to your question is no.” Nuts, am I right? The most popular podcast in America belongs to stand-up comic Joe Rogan, who has spent time recently (a) flat on his back after testing positive for COVID-19 and (b) describing his use of ivermectin to treat the disease. While it’s true the drug won the Nobel Prize in 2015, that was for its use treating the world’s poorest populations for parasitic diseases like river blindness and elephantiasis. In animals, veterinary-grade ivermectin is used to deworm livestock. Is it a miracle cure for COVID-19? No, says the Food and Drug Administration: “Currently available data do not show ivermectin is effective against COVID-19.” By the way: “Never use medications intended for animals on yourself or other people. Animal ivermectin products

BLUHM �� page 15

predict Emma might become the first billion-dollar sports star in England from endorsement deals. Might be a good thing, but danger always lurks in going from relative obscurity to overnight global exposure. Hopefully, the love of playing will continue for her as she navigates her new 15 YEARS IN BUSIN

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are very different from those approved for humans. Use of animal ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 in humans is dangerous.” BS, calls Rogan: “The pharmaceutical companies are in cahoots to try and make anybody who takes this stuff look crazy. But what’s crazy is look how better I got! I got better pretty quick.” In fairness, Rogan often tells his flock that he’s not offering medical advice — while seeming to offer medical advice. But anymore, what celebrity isn’t offering advice? Social media is full of influencers peddling makeup tips, keto diets and sex toys. The biggest draw in boxing right now isn’t a boxer at all. It’s celebrimoron Jake Paul, who initially “went viral” doing stunt videos on Vine before starring in “Bizaardvark” on the Disney Channel. And politics? Joe Biden had a cruise ship full of celebs on his side in 2020, including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Donald Trump — our first celebrity president! — had endorsements from Mike Ditka, Lil Wayne and Roseanne Barr. My prescription: If you’re voting based on recommendations from The Rock or Roseanne, how about instead you swallow 24 ivermectin tablets and call me in the morning? celebrity status. If you don’t enjoy tennis, maybe get a few balls, an old dog, and let the “love” of the game begin. No racket required. Just the racket of a few loud grunts. Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a story or a comment? Email Judy at judy@judybluhm.com.

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

California recall outcome leaves questions BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

“

As Maine goes, so goes the nation!” Politics provided that boast for the Pine Tree State over more than a century. From 1820 until 1932, the party that won Maine’s gubernatorial election would see its nominee capture the presidency in November — at least that’s the way it went in 22 of 29 election cycles. In more recent years, California has enjoyed a similar reputation — not as a political bellwether but as a lifestyle trendsetter, especially for the last half of the 20th century. Postwar prosperity, pleasing weather, plus the production of motion pictures and television programs put the rest of the nation on notice that California truly was the Golden State. Actually, the rest of the nation did more than take notice. Many Americans took to the road and moved to California; it be-

came our most populous state in 1962. But the growth had a downside. The traffic, the smog and the crowds led many to leave in the 1970s. In fact, a neighboring state popularized this earthy request: “Don’t ‘Californicate’ Oregon!” Sloganeering aside, statistics reveal that California’s growth has slowed significantly, most notably in the second decade of the 21st century. The Public Policy Institute of California reports that “in the past year, growth has essentially ground to a halt.” Why? California’s government has killed the Golden Bear. Leftist policies that excuse illegal immigration, empower criminals and emasculate police have endangered the law abiding and ended any notion of an idyllic middle-class lifestyle. Add to that wasteful spending, excessive taxation, plus a housing crisis, and it has put real economic pressure on middle income families. So, before California’s middle class com-

pletely went the way of the Dodo, a grassroots campaign took root. The goal? To drive Gov. Gavin Newsom to political extinction through a recall election. Initially, the recall effort appeared promising. Not only were 2 million recall petition signatures delivered to the secretary of state’s office by March; 46 candidates qualified for the recall ballot. However, two major legal provisions helped protect the incumbent. The first was financial. Newsom was free to raise as much money as possible, but his recall challengers were forced to adhere to campaign finance laws that put limits on their spending. Gavin had the greenbacks — a total $58 million by the end of August. The second advantage for Team Newsom? Like the old saying, they could “mail it in.” Legislation mandated the mailing of ballots to all registered voters, whether or not they were requested. Vote by mail has been called “fraud by mail,” and irregulari-

ties occurred in this recall. KTLA Channel 5 reported that when voter Estelle Bender arrived at her polling place, she was told she had already cast a ballot. “They said, ‘You voted.’ I said, ‘No, I have not…’ So as I left, I did the provisional ballot. I was very angry. … If I voted, how did I vote?” In San Diego, three recall ballots were sent to the address of Ashli Babbitt, the Air Force veteran shot and killed at the U.S. Capitol Jan. 6. She was in Washington to protest irregularities in the 2020 presidential election. Sept. 14 in California bears a certain resemblance to Nov. 3, 2020, across America. While Gavin Newsom’s victory was overwhelming, and in stark contrast to the razor-thin margins in several swing states last November, some observers are left with this overwhelming feeling: Either we institute common-sense election reforms and somehow restore civic virtue or every American election may end up “Californicated.”

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OPINION

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

READER’S VIEWPOINTS LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Commenting on Leibowitz Editor: I concur with many of David Liebowitz’s conceptions about biased thinking and its effects upon our decisions regarding important issues. We all want to be right about our choices by looking for reasons to justify them, and David’s positions are taken to confirm his biases. But I think he has committed numerous errors in his process of arriving at decisions about, “What kills our kids with the greatest frequency?” The objective of his article is to lessen the fears of Arizona citizens over COVID-19 danger with respect to those 20 years old and younger. I could add several more tragic illnesses that humanity has controlled or eliminated with vaccines, many of which were steadfastly refused by anti-vaccination arguers of the past — then, as now, mostly

on the conservative right. These include, but are not limited to, smallpox, chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, polio, tetanus and a host of others. Additionally, masks were resisted vehemently during attempts to institute many of the above-mentioned vaccines. So, here we are again creating issues for culture wars, instead of protecting children. What have we learned from the history of the world about diseases and vaccines? Because COVID-19 kills and hospitalizes more “age 55 or older,” David surmises we should not be worried about “a spike in COVID (cases) among Arizona children.” I couldn’t disagree more. The medical world is trying to assess what the long-term repercussions will be of the myriad symptoms noted to date from contracting the virus, particularly within the age cohort under 20. So how many decades will the unfortunate children and young adult victims of COVID-19

suffer from unknown aftereffects? Better safe and cautious than to risk a lifetime of misery for a child of our times? A quantum leap is also made in David’s thought process that — maskless, as Gov. Ducey directs — sending kids to school would be less dangerous to the students than to “older principals, teachers and school staffers.” Firstly, most adult educators are likely to be vaccinated by now (although they too are dying from getting COVID-19 in the schools they work in), while the under 12-year-olds and students living with anti-vaccine parents, who worry about their “freedom” more than their child’s health, are unprotected and more likely to spread the disease among themselves. Wouldn’t parents be infuriated if they discovered their children got COVID-19 because school personnel around them were unvaccinated or positive carriers? We do know that the delta variant of COVID-19 is moving much more rapid-

ly among the unvaccinated, where state governors refuse to issue vaccine and/or mask mandates, but are, simultaneously, moving in refrigerated morgue trailers. Indeed, Texas, one of the “nonmandate” states, has had 73,000 positive cases among their students in less than a month after school opening. The CDC — which, like government health agencies worldwide, admittedly seems to often be playing catch-up — is reporting that the unvaccinated are 11 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than the vaccinated. Freedom in a democracy is about individual rights and responsibilities, where we take care of each other as a community. Individual choices concern things like what will I wear today, or what podcast will I listen to — not whether I should make myself and others sick if I choose to today, particularly with respect to children. Most children cannot make the choice of getting vaccinated and/or wearing a mask to prevent themselves from being on the “side” of supporting COVID-19’s exponential growth. In about 16 months, the

see LETTER page 21

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RELEVANCE & RELATIONSHIPS RIGOR, RELEVANCE & RELATIONSHIPS ALLLL RIGOR, RIGOR, RELEVANCE & RELATIONSHIPS M L L S A A pressed asS anti-mask and anti-vaccine rhet- average case of the flu” to COVID-19, it’s MA SM�� page 20 S S LETTER L Afunds Cthese oric, LASS L ESSS! would be more appropri- a stretch. Such conclusions will be more C C United States has had more than 661,320 ately distributed ! I S IZZES! if based upon the learning appropriate after we get out of this mess, IZESand delta now has the needs Sof the systems’ students. Then Da- which will only happen if masks and vacCOVID-19 S deaths, THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

country at about 1,500 deaths per day. Even with the speed of delta’s transmissibility, children and adults can be asymptomatic or unaware spreaders for several days. As a former lifetime educator and school psychologist, I was always amazed at the rate of disease transfer among students from pre-K through high school. Contagious illnesses moved among the student population with the speed of social media rumors. So, again, why suggest that students are not at risk? As far as genuine concerns about learning loss go, the resiliency in a child’s recovery of lost information was always more dependent upon their return to good teachers and supportive parents. The more hand wringing due to parental fears about a child’s loss of school attendance, the more anxiety ridden were their kids. Rather than the governor financially rewarding or enticing schools systems to support his future political ambitions, ex-

vid’s delineated student “cases, hospitalizations, deaths and vaccination levels” would not be dependent upon ZIP codes. Finally, David acknowledges using Arizona data from 2019 or pre-pandemic to list causes of deaths among state children. Well, how does he have any idea what the data will look like from the results of almost 200,000 positive Arizona cases of COVID-19 so far, and the long-term effects upon kids who contract it. Additionally, maybe the state needs to more closely address, with necessary resources and interventions, the causes of death among children that David lists, like “car crashes” (I assume an adult was driving), “homicides” (guns and blunt force; how did the kids get a gun), parental substance abuse (how about more rehab), “unsafe sleep environments” (runaways, sudden infant death syndrome, etc.), and “natural death” (premature birth, birth defects, cancer, and other diseases like COVID-19). With respect to his comparison of “your

cines are mandated in Arizona and the other resistant states where, coincidentally, the highest rates of positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths among the entire nation exist. President Lincoln stated one month before the Emancipation Proclamation, “Fellow citizens, we cannot escape history. We … will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance or insignificance can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. …. The world knows we do know how to save it.” Do you want to be viewed 10 years from now about our decisions, right or wrong, and their effects upon today’s children? Will we be forced to defend bad choices made to protect our symbolic beliefs, rather than logical actions to prevent harm to the kids?

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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Kendallwood Design brings creativity to remodel projects BY CARRIE SNIDER Foothills Focus Contributing Writer

ale Kendall’s introduction into woodworking began in high school, when he built grandfather clocks. After that, he turned to furniture building, specifically high-end, custom furniture. What happened next paved the way to his woodworking career and Kendallwood Design. Kendall created furniture to resemble antique pieces, which made a big impact on those with whom he worked. “It got to the point that some interior designers couldn’t tell the difference between my furniture and actual an-

Kendallwood Design can offer unique insight when helping customers develop their project. (Photo by Dennis Murphy)

tiques,” Kendall said. Interior designers were sold on the quality of his work. So, for many years, he made coffee tables, home entertainment centers, office furniture, and anything needed to finish a home, plus residential and commercial cabinetry work. Working with interior designers taught him to look at the project from the customer’s point of view. “They trained us,” Kendall said. “Interior designers are highly detailed and highly critical. The caliber of their designs is high, and we had to rise to the occasion.” Early on, he partnered with John Foley

�ee KENDALLWOOD Page 23

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Whole-house renovating includes stove, countertops, flooring, moving walls and more.

KENDALLWOOD from Page 22

and, even after 40 years on the job, they are still “young at heart.” It’s obvious that they love what they do, which has translated into many happy customers. Remodel focus After years of building furniture and cabinetry, they went in a different direction: remodeling, primarily of kitchens

and bathrooms. Whole-house renovating includes stove, countertops, flooring, moving walls and more. Their approach to working with customers is to develop a relationship of trust from the start by being upfront about timelines and costs. “Customers appreciate transparency,” he said. “For them it’s not just a remodel but a part of their life.” These days, many appliances and fix-

After years of building furniture and cabinetry, Kendallwood pivoted to remodeling, primarily of kitchens and bathrooms. (Photos by Dennis Murphy) tures are backordered, so Kendallwood is careful about timing. “The last thing a homeowner wants is a kitchen torn up for weeks. We don’t do that until we have product in hand.” With its background in interior design, Kendallwood Design can offer unique insight when helping customers develop their project.

“If you have a specific budget, why not get the double whammy of a remodeler with design experience?” As Kendall moves forward, he knows he won’t completely stop woodworking. In fact, he’s located one of his original grandfather clocks he built years ago, and he has plans to refinish it and gift it to his daughter.

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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Ghosthunters invite public to investigate Pioneer museum BY JORDAN HOUSTON Foothills Focus Staff Writer

ith spooky season around the corner, local ghosthunters are calling on skeptics and nonskeptics alike to explore life beyond the grave at the Pioneer Living History Museum. The volunteer-based Phoenix Arizona Paranormal Society is hosting a guided investigation tour from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays Oct. 8 and Oct. 22. The Whispers in the Dark Tour, located at 3901 W. Pioneer Road, costs $35 and is limited to 30 guests. Attendees must be 13 years or older with minors accompanied by an adult. This isn’t just any average ghost tour,

either, explained PAPS member Angela Maloy. Participants will have the chance to truly participate in every sense of the word. “Instead of going around and telling them (the attendees) about the history (of the museum), we hand them the equipment and have them interact and ask questions,” she said. “We all gather inside the homes and do it just like they are part of the team. That is hard to find in ghost hunting.” Attendees will accompany the seven-member team of investigators as they navigate digital and audio equipment throughout Pioneer Village, boasting roughly two dozen historic and original reconstructed buildings from the 1880s

Tickets available at: https://www.ticketor.com/starlighttickets/

The Phoenix Arizona Paranormal Society, an investigative team that conducts paranormal examinations, is relaunching its popular guided ghost tours. The Whispers in the Dark Tour will take place at Pioneer Arizona from 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays Oct. 8 and Oct. 22. (Photo courtesy of Phoenix Arizona Paranormal Society) and early 1900s — including the homes of those who helped “tame the Wild West.” Proceeds from the Whispers in the Dark Tour will go toward funding the paranormal team’s investigative equipment, Maloy said. “Everything we do is volunteer work; we all have jobs. We call it the ‘paranormal night shift,’” said Maloy, who also works as a Norwegian Cruise Line travel agent. “We mostly go to homes and help people who feel their homes are haunted. The highest priority is always homes with children. “When we do it for museums and things, it’s all for fundraising, which, I really like that. It’s so much fun to see people’s reactions when they hear things, see things and are getting to know the history.” PAPS is dedicated to “helping others gain peace of mind by helping to explain what is and is not paranormal through use of modern techniques and documented evidence acquired during investigations.”

Maloy was inspired to join the team roughly 10 years ago due to her own experiences with the paranormal, she explained. The travel agent recalled stumbling across PAPS one October at the Phoenix Zoo during its annual Boo! At the Zoo volunteer event. “Me and my daughter showed up one night at this event and I said, ‘Oh, my gosh, when I was a child, I had all of these experiences and I’m still scared of the dark because of them, and I would love to conquer this fear,’” Maloy said. Maloy now happily assists PAPS in its mission to “prove the existence of life after death” through audio and video signatures. PAPS accepts investigation requests through a submission form on its website, asking clients to clarify why they are in need of the group’s services. “We come back with (the evidence) and

see GHOST page 25

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

GHOST from page 24

tell them the client, ‘You’re not crazy, there is something going on,’” Maloy expressed. “If it’s really bad and they request a cleansing, we have a way to do that. Most of them just want to know that they’re not seeing things and they’re not crazy.” PAPS utilizes a variety of recording equipment tailored toward capturing electronic voice phenomena (EVP), Maloy said. EVP is the recording of sounds and voices, often interpreted as supernatural, onto tapes, videocassettes and other electronic devices, she continued. “We use digital recorders and lots of equipment. We have really good video cameras,” Maloy said. “The whole time we are listening, we have recorders on us because we pick up a lot of EVPs of conversations. The digital recorders tap into a different frequency.” Members use digital and video cameras, such as Sony, as well as electromagnetic field (EMF)

The Phoenix Arizona Paranormal Society relies on digital and video recorders to connect with the paranormal. Such equipment can capture electronic voice phenomena (EVP), which is the recording of sounds and voices that can often be interpreted as supernatural onto tapes and videocassettes. (Photos courtesy of PAPS) sensors, like the K-II EMF Meter. Maloy said she also owns a TIR-Crosshair, a dual axis Thermal IR paranormal investigation tool “designed to locate and assist spirit interaction using a thermal matrix infrared sensor,” according to

GhostHuntersEquipment.com. The most exciting part about investigations, though, is helping children feel comfortable in their own homes again, Maloy said.

see GHOST page 27

FEATURES

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Local author specializes in edgy thrillers, releases new book

“

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

Then the whole world blew up in May. It’s a little touchy, but ‘Bow Season’ is more middle of the road. It shouldn’t tick anyone off. That’s why I think it’s done a lot better.

ormer Cave Creek resident Ryan Alexander penned poetry as a child and then turned to audiobooks as he grew older. He’s still a traditionalist and a lover of words. He recently released the book “Bow Season.” According to Alexander, a winding case unfolds when a young woman is found shot with an arrow in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Brayden Tucker and Mike Lenard, Eagle River’s most unlikely duo of detectives, discover this may be the work of a serial killer. Tension rises between the young progressive detective and the grizzled old veteran as they try to solve each case before the next bow season. “She looks like a girl from 12 years ago,” Alexander said. “The book solves both cases and explores the dynamic between this young detective, who’s more progressive, and the

Former Cave Creek resident Ryan Alexander has written two edgy thrillers, “Milwaukee’s Revenge” and “Bow Season.” (Photo courtesy of Ryan Alexander)

older one, who’s more conservative. They have good banter.” Wisconsin is special to Alexander. He grew up in Arizona but moved to Wisconsin in 2013 to work in his grandfather’s cranberry marshes. Since 2018, he has traveled between Wisconsin and Arizona. His first book was the controversial “Milwaukee’s Revenge,” which follows detective Jack Owens as he investigates an attack on a young couple from rural Wisconsin. Inspired by the 2014 Black Lives Matter demonstrations in Milwaukee, Alexander wrote the book in 2017. It wasn’t published until 2020, however.

“Then the whole world blew up in May,” he said. “It’s a little touchy, but ‘Bow Season’ is more middle of the road. It shouldn’t tick anyone off. That’s why I think it’s done a lot better.” Writing comes easy to Alexander. He merely writes what he would like to read. Alexander recently wrapped up his third book, “The Factory.” “I saw a quote that said 1 out of every 10 juvenile prostitutes in Vegas is from the state of Minnesota,” said Alexander, who lives in Marana. “This judge said, ‘They think of us as a factory down there.’ It’s about a 16-yearold who sneaks out on Labor Day and goes to Minneapolis to a party, and she is taken. It’s about her farmer dad and diesel mechanic uncle who pursues her. It’s an edgy story.” For more information

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THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

GHOST from page 25

“Because I had a rough childhood with these things — we don’t even know what they are — it was rewarding for me to go into homes with children and tell them it’s going to be OK,” she explained. She said she loves the educational component of the guided ghost tours as well. Over the years, Pioneer Arizona has built a reputation as a paranormal hotspot, Maloy said. Several instances of paranormal activity include encounters of “children-sized” and “dog-sized” dark shadows, the investigator continued. “There is a dog in the Victorian House named Pooch,” Maloy said. “The only reason I know that is because the lady of the house, spirit-wise, has said his name is Pooch.” Whispers in the Dark Tour

WHEN: 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays Oct. 8 and Oct. 22 WHERE: Pioneer Living History Museum, 3901 W. Pioneer Road, Phoenix COST: $35 INFO: https://bit.ly/WhispersintheDark

New laws effective this month BY JUDGE GERALD A. WILLIAMS North Valley Justice of the Peace

ost of the bills that were passed and signed into law during the most recent secession of the Arizona Legislature are effective beginning on Sept. 29. House Bill 2110 concerned community service. It amended A.R.S. §§ 8-341, 13-824, 28-1603 and added 28-1604. People performing community service to pay off their fines in criminal, civil and juvenile cases will now receive credit at a rate equal to the state minimum wage but rounded up. For example, Arizona’s minimum wage is currently $12.15 per hour. Consequently, defendants performing community service will receive a credit of $13 per hour toward their fines. (Community service is also called community restitution.) Another bill has the potential to impact anyone with a driver’s license.

Under current law, if someone fails either to appear in court for their civil traffic ticket or pay the fine, the court with jurisdiction over the ticket notifies the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and that person’s license is suspended, at least temporarily. Senate Bill 1551 prohibits ADOT from either suspending or restricting someone’s driver’s license for failure to pay a civil penalty. It amended A.R.S. §§ 13-825, 28-1601, 28-1603, 28-3480 and 28-3482. This new law even applies to individuals holding a commercial driver’s license. The state senator who sponsored Senate Bill 1551 did so in part because approximately 30,000 Arizona driver licenses are currently suspended because the drivers failed to pay their fines. Even though the new law will remove the main incentive for people to pay their traffic tickets, the legislation had overwhelming support. A variety of le-

gal reform organizations supported the bill, as well as groups as diverse as the ACLU and the Americans for Prosperity. The bill passed in the Senate 30-0 and in House of Representatives 58-0 with two not voting. Senate Bill 1551 also allows a judge to reduce any fine (with the exception of DUI fines) if the defendant can demonstrate that the fine causes a financial hardship. While this new provision is significant, judges arguably already had the authority to reduce fines and to waive surcharges under existing law. If you have any questions or need any additional information, your best bet is to either call or email the court where the ticket was filed. Anyone may contact the North Valley Justice Court by calling 602372-2000 x4. Judge Gerald Williams is the justice of the peace for the North Valley Justice Court. The court’s jurisdiction includes parts of Anthem, Desert Hills, Glendale and Phoenix.

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Youth TheFoothillsFocus.com

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Gov. Ducey funds JA’s education programs BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

ocal nonprofit Junior Achievement of Arizona is poised to serve another 90,000 Arizona students in need with financial literacy and career readiness education over the next three years, resulting from $2.7 million funding awarded by Gov. Doug Ducey. “Financial literacy and workforce readiness leads to success and stability,” said Katherine Cecala, Junior Achievement of Arizona president. “Gov. Ducey’s investment in Arizona’s youth and K-12 education allows us to increase our capacity and come alongside teachers to provide deeply

enriched programs. We know educators can’t do it alone, and together we can make a greater impact on the students who need us most.” The additional funds will allow Junior Achievement to reach 90,000 low-income, ethnically diverse, K-12 students from hundreds of schools statewide, primarily in Maricopa and Pima counties over the next three years. “We want to narrow the gap and pave the way toward a more equitable future for the students in Arizona who need our programs the most. Our real-world education, coupled with transferable skills and the belief

in their future potential, is preparing those kids to succeed in work and life,” Cecala said. JA’s programs correlate to Arizona state standards and help reinforce the curriculum that educators are teaching in the classroom, connecting the dots to real-world understanding. Through the help of business and community volunteers, JA serves as an extension of the teaching team without demanding more of teachers. The needs of kids have changed due to the pandemic. Students are graduating unprepared for the working world, and COVID-19 has only heighted the issues facing students and new gradu-

ates. During the pandemic, JA also added online programs to meet students however they are learning. JA developed varying delivery models to meet the diverse teacher and student needs. The organization brings volunteers into classrooms, virtually or in person, to teach age-appropriate programming around money management, career readiness and entrepreneurship. JA’s programs have proven to increase student graduation rates, increase critical thinking and prepare the most vulnerable kids to earn more in the workforce and be more likely to start businesses.

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PHOTO PAGE

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Phoenix Police Commander Darren Viner was a guest speaker at the Anthem event.

Keith and Janine Walashek receive an award from the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Dynamic Motion Dance Academy performs a routine.

Amped Coffee Co. 9/11 Remembrance Daisy Mountain Fire Chief Brian Tobin speaks during the 9/11 event.

Amped Coffee Co. in Anthem and members of the surrounding community paid their respects to those who died in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and honored first responders during a ceremony on the event’s 20th anniversary.

Cal McClanathan, 9, peruses photographs of 9/11 victims.

Photos by Pablo Robles

Professional bagpiper Wheaton McClanathan plays “Amazing Grace.”

Roman Hogan, 2, looks through an opening of a police vehicle during the 9/11 event.

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Submit resumes to: rockspringscafe@gmail.com

CLASSIFIEDS

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Furniture/Refinishing/Upholstery

Landscape/Maintenance

Roofing

Discount up to 30% with Drive Safe & Save !*

North Valley Landscaping

Justin Simons, Agent

Quality you deserve for a great price you can afford.

Almeida Roofing Inc.

Insurance ™

J&B Furniture CONSIGNMENT

3655 W Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ 85086

WE SELL NEW and GENTLY USED FURNITURE & HOME DECOR

623-551-3700

BEST PRICES ON MATTRESS SETS Tuesday – Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday & Monday Closed

I’m inviting you to make our roads safer and get rewarded for doing so. Are you in? Contact me today to get started.

42407 N. Vision Way – Anthem, AZ

623.551.4135 Glass/Mirror

justin.simons.j663@statefarm.com

*Some customers could see a discount up to 50%. Discount names, percentages, availability and eligibility may vary by state and coverage selected. Enrollment, terms and conditions apply. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas, Richardson, TX

Come and visit our custom glass showroom behind the Dairy Queen in Cave Creek.

480-235-6101

FREE ESTIMATES! Call Brian

FREE ESTIMATES • 623-465-2546

Irrigation

& Landscape est. 2002 ~ Anthem, Arizona

Install • Repair • Replace

All Types of Roofing

602-743-3175

480-388-9442

Irrigation ROC#215280

• Custom Glass • Shower Doors & Enclosures • Window Glass Replacement • Custom Mirrors • Glass Table Tops & Shelves

✔ Yard Clean-ups ✔ Maintenance ✔ Tree trimming ✔ Water features ✔ Irrigation / Repair

PREMIER LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

• Custom Design • Water Feature • Container/Pot Gardens • Fireplaces & BBQs • Patio & Walls • Irrigation Specialists • Tree Trim/Removal • Bi-weekly/Monthly

Free Estimates & Inspections • Tile • Shingles Foam • Coatings • Modiﬁed Bitumen • New Roof Repairs • Reroofs

www.almeidaroofing.com Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC #215758

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC #166390

623-203-7717

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online! Classifieds 480-898-6465

www.aboveandbeyondglass.com ROC 233846 & ROC 236899

Landscape/Maintenance Announcements

KIB EXCAVATING Your Septic System Experts

Complete Septic Systems • Conventional & Alternative and Repairs

Backhoe • Hammer Hoe • Grade Tractor 1,000 Gallon Water Wagon • Dump Trailer Septic Install & Repair (Lic. #276732) Tree Brush and Cactus Removal Road/Driveway Repair & Maintenance Utility Trenching & Plumbing Construction Cleanup Material Screening

Engineered Pads • Site Prep • Grading • Hard Digs Utilities • Trucking/Hauling • Driveways (Gravel, Dirt and Rock)

Mobile

602.319.1089

Licensed • Bonded • Insured COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL

DUKES EXCAVATING

• Affordable Same Day Service • Dependable • Guaranteed • 12 Years Experience

No Job Too Big or Small

602-330-6965

Residential & Commercial

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 SEPTIC SYSTEMS ◆ COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CONVENTIONAL, ALTERNATIVE SEWER, STORM DRAIN & RETENTION SITE DEVELOPMENT ◆ UTILITIES

Sprinkler Repair Landscaping & More!

PHILLIPS

ROC KA 302118 General Contractor JIM DUKES

623.606.8411

515 E. Carefree Hwy, #44, Phoenix, AZ 85085 dukesexcavatinginc@gmail.com

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me.

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Our Customers are Happy they bought last year...

$$$$ $$$

As a Premier

Dealer,

$ 2020

ProSkill Services has the Equipment you want!

2021

2022

By this time next year, We expect you will be too.

FREE UPGRADE

Have you been delaying the inevitable?

If yes, it’s Time to Replace!

on 0% Financing Offers 36 months

48 months

60 months

72 months

Call or Text to Schedule an Appointment

AIR

CONDITIONING

•

ELECTRICAL

•

PLUMBING

•

WATER

TREATMENT