The Foothills Focus Cave Creek 02-01-2023

BUSINESS ......... 12

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Ability360 helping with home modifications

Ability360 completed 128 home modification projects in 2022, valued at $1.1 million, the highest total in the last six years, and is taking applications for similar work for 2023.

The Ability360 home modification program for individuals in Pinal and Gila counties and sections of rural Maricopa County includes installation of ramps, widening door openings, installing grab bars, modifying sinks and toilets, relocating electrical switches and other home modifications that combat issues related to falling and increase accessibility for those who may have various mobility issues.

The program also is available in Cave

FEATURES ........ 17

FEATURES ........ 19

Jon McLaughlin is ready for the MIM’s grand pianos

Creek, Wickenburg, Buckeye, Gila Bend, Tonopah and Wittman.

“Projections indicate that one in four older adults will fall this year,” said Darrel Christenson, vice president of community integration at Ability360.

“One of our goals with the fall-prevention component is to reduce the number of falls by increasing safety. The big-picture goal of the program is to ensure that homes are fully accessible.”

Christenson cited one project in which a resident had to shower with a garden hose in his backyard because his shower was not fully accessible.

Once the project was complete, “he was able to bathe in dignity,” Christenson said. Another resident whose progressive disabil-

ity required him to use a power wheelchair was unable to get down the five steps from his house and was unable to leave his home. Following installation of a ramp, “he was no longer trapped in house,” Christenson said.

The rural grant program is primarily for fall prevention for eligible individuals aged 62 and over with low-to-moderate income.

To qualify, an individual or family member must have a permanent physical disability, be a homeowner and be income eligible. Funding can cover up to $5000 of the cost and, in some cases, the work may be fully covered at no cost to the household.

To apply for home modification or fall prevention, go to https://ability360.org/

see ABILITY360 page 4

Town council reviews fire station remodel project progress

The Cave Creek Town Council reviewed the initial design status and next steps for the town’s Fire Station No. 1 remodel project at a meeting on Jan. 17.

Jim Ford, director of community risk reduction, presented the design phase progress and possible engineering steps to best utilize the available building and site space, which is located at 37042 N.

Cave Creek Road. The project is nearly set to go to bid for contracting firms, as the overall design is approximately 30% complete, so the next task is to finish the request for proposal and obtain cost estimates from the contracting industry.

“The city really has been waiting for this to happen in this town, and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Gerrald Adams, commercial director of Perlman Architects of Arizona, during the meeting.

“So what we want to do is be as fiscally responsible as possible and approach

this in a way that we would feel that if it was our money, how we would address it?”

The overall remodel project, which began in early 2021, has been allotted $1.475 million from the 2021-2022 budget.

The funding available for the project’s design is not to exceed $254,344.50, as stated in the official agreement between the Town of Cave Creek and the architec-

see REMODEL page 4

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

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CIRCULATION : 623-535-8439

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Proud member of :

ABILITY360 from page 1

home-modifications/.

Limited funds also are available for individuals in Tempe with a disability and for older adults with low-to-moderate in-

come. To apply for a home modification under this program, contact David Codd at davidc@ability360.org or call Ability360 at 602-296-0536.

Statistics from 2020 show that falls resulted in $1.8 billion in hospital costs,

1,112 deaths and more than 133,000 emergency department visits. “In addition, 45% of fall victims suffered traumatic brain injuries,” Christenson said. For more information, visit ability360. org.

Queen Creek Tribune is distributed by AZ Integrated Media a circulation company owned & operated by Times Media Group

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

To start or stop delivery of the paper, please visit: https://timespublications.com/phoenix/ or call 480-898-7901

To your free online edition subscription, please visite: https://www.thefoothillsfocus.com/e-subscribe/

The content of any advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Foothills Focus assumes no responsibility for the claims of any advertisement.

© 2023 Strickbine Publishing, Inc.

ture firm, Perlman Architects of Arizona.

This originally left $1.2 million to rebuild the facility, however, Ford said that they will not have an updated cost until the project goes to bid.

He said this is due to the cost of labor and materials per square foot, as prices have risen significantly. He recalled that a fire station recently built in east Maricopa County cost $550 per square foot.

“We don’t expect ours to be quite as much, but we also don’t expect it to be $215 a square foot like it was when budgets were done,” he said.

“Our civic involvement is really limited on this project versus a ground-up or a virgin site, so I think there’s a lot of advantages we have,” said Adams. “We do have the escala-

tion of material costs and availability of materials, and that’s what we’re up against. We’re going to do everything we can to really ruffle feathers and leave no stone unturned to make sure that we’re getting the best possible price before we come back.”

The current Cave Creek Fire Station No. 1 is located on a site just short of an acre. The one-story building spans 4,654 square feet, and can hold four firefighters and two medics 24/7 in addition to two command officers and two wildland brush personnel during the day.

The structure was initially constructed as a car wash back in 1999 before being purchased and converted into a community service facility in 2005.

Ford explained during a previous meeting that the renovation is necessary due to their lack of resources. As a result, the overall goal of the project is to update it into a “real fire station,” conducting significant upgrades to achieve a facility that meets National Fire Protection Association design and safety standards.

According to a previously published Foothills Focus article, the remodel project includes the evaluation of the current site and structure, as well as developing plans and updated cost estimates for a safer, more efficient facility. The new fire station will be better equipped to meet the community’s requirements for emergency equipment, vehicle and staffing, and to better support local emergency fire and medical services.

Once the remodeling is completed, the interior of the existing facility will include an additional four dorms, support space and more bays, totaling to approximately 2,000 to 3,000 square feet of new construction.

The council deemed this specific project the most economical. They

had previously had the option to purchase an existing station and remodel, purchase and rebuild a vacant building, or purchase new property and construct a new fire station.

It has not yet been decided whether the firefighters will still use the station for operation during construction, so that is part of the ongoing discussion.

Ford said they want the firefighters to be able to use the building for as long as possible, but that is a discussion that needs to be held between the architecture firm and the contractor.

“If we keep them in there it might take nine months to (complete the project), if we move them out, it might take five,” he said.

With remodels, according to Adams, personnel are typically relocated outside the facility, sometimes on the same property, in temporary quarters.

“I think the firefighters will be better suited (to moving out), to be honest, and responses out of that facility during construction would benefit if we can find a way to make that work. We are looking at that option, for sure,” he said.

The town of Cave Creek formed an agreement with Perlman Architects of Arizona to construct the project.

The company was chosen by a Cave Creek selection committee, searching for an architectural and design firm with experience specifically in constructing fire stations. Several firms submitted proposals, and the three finalists were presented to the committee in July.

All presenting firms were independently scored by selection committee members according to a criteria, which included method of approach, special design considerations and project and design experience.

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Blood donors needed for February

Nonprofit blood services provider Vitalant urges all eligible donors to help meet the critical patient need for blood donations, share the love and make a heartfelt difference in February, Heart Health Month.

In addition to helping save lives, Vitalant donors receive a free mini-physical checking their pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol level. With each donation, donors can help save more

than one life and track their wellness information in their secure and confidential online portal account.

To make a blood donation appointment, download the Vitalant app, visit vitalant.org or call 1-877-25-VITAL (1877-258-4825).

Donors of every blood type are critically needed, especially those with type O. O-negative is the universal blood type that can be transfused to any patient when there’s no time to match.

O-positive is the most in-demand

and transfused blood type. Platelet donations are also critically needed every day. About 50% of platelet donations go to help cancer patients.

Upcoming blood drives include:

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, North Valley Christian Academy gym, 33655 N. 27th Drive, Phoenix

• 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 4, Latter-day Saints Dear Valley Stake, Cultural Hall, 2929 W. Rose Garden, Phoenix

• 7 a.m. to noon Sunday, Feb. 5, St. Jerome Catholic Church, Hall A, 10815 N. 35th Avenue, Phoenix

• 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, The CORE Institute HOPCo, Arizona Room 160, 18444 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix

• 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 11, Latter-day Saints Desert Hills Stake, Cultur-

al Hall, 2503 W. Anthem Way, Anthem

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, Kiwanis of Greater Anthem Area at Copper State Credit Union, Bloodmobile, 3428 W. Anthem Way, Anthem

• 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, Keller Williams Northeast Realty, 2005 W. Happy Valley Road Suite 150, Phoenix

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Bloodmobile, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix

• 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, Mayo Clinic-Phoenix Campus, Waugh Education Center-B, 5777 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

• 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, St. Rose Catholic Community, Bloodmobile, 2825 W Rose Canyon Circle, Anthem

AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Oreo lovers are smart cookies

What do Oreo cookies and psychoactive drugs have in common? Evidently, they are both highly addictive. Ha! I knew that some very serious group of scientists would one day be sitting around in their lab coats, breaking apart the little chocolate rounds and licking the icing, with a big glass of milk. Geez, a new discovery was made! These cookies taste good! Oh yeah, get me a lab coat because I

want that job.

Nothing like getting a big fat grant (government funded) and a plate of cookies to make an earth shattering “find” that all of us already know. We love our Oreos.

Can 100 countries be wrong? Could 60 billion cookies sold each year give us all the “research” that we really need? No wonder our government finds itself “in the red” most of the time! Why are we even “investigating” the addictive quality in cookies?

It seems obvious that people love their Oreos. They like to twist, lick,

dunk and eat them! OK, so a bunch of lab rats in a Connecticut college experiment were given the choice of eating rice cakes (cardboard) or Oreos (heaven) and we are supposed to be shocked that they all chose the Oreos? It was also determined that eating the cookies activated more neurons in the rat brain’s “pleasure centers” than drugs, such as cocaine. Oh, and the rats liked to break open the chocolate biscuits and eat the delicious creamy center first. Smart little rodents.

What those scientists failed to tell

us is that the “addiction” to Oreos doesn’t seem to matter. No marriagsee BLUHM page 10

49ers strike gold with East Valley rookie WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin. The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00. Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until February 28th, 2023. Call (480) 274-3157 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers Y OU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274-3157 NOW!!

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Aspen Medical 4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa AZ 85206

Hall of Fame catcher and noted clubhouse philosopher Yogi Berra offered a mathematically dubious calculation to describe the “mind games” within our national pastime. You might call it “Yogi’s Law.”

“Baseball is 90% mental. The other half is physical.”

Brock Purdy plays a different professional sport in a different era, but he probably would not deny the larger truth preceding Berra’s computation – especially in the wake of the Queen Creek native’s remarkable rookie season in the NFL.

Brock’s improbable rise from third-team reserve to San Francisco’s starting quarterback—with his successful string of seven straight victories—is the stuff of storybooks.

As this column is being written, Purdy and his Forty Niner teammates are preparing to visit Philadelphia to play the Eagles for the NFC Championship.

Dizzying heights, for sure…especially for his first year in pro football. But instead of a storybook, Purdy relies on the Good Book, and the Bible has imbued him with wisdom beyond his 23 years.

“Everything happens for a reason; it’s all a lesson from the Lord,” Brock has said.

Alabama, which upped its offer from “preferred walk-on” to full scholarship.

Tuscaloosa ain’t Tinseltown, but the Crimson Tide’s head coach then appeared to take a page from the unnamed Hollywood casting director who reportedly said of Fred Astaire, “Can’t act, can’t sing, can dance a little.”

During Brock’s campus visit to Alabama, Nick Saban didn’t mince words, telling Purdy, “You’re below average in height. Your arm strength is whatever. Your accuracy is average.”

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

*(480) 274-3157*

480-274-3157

4540 E Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa Az 85206

A few hard knocks have supplemented Scripture and kept him humble.

Mononucleosis sidelined Purdy for the first three games of his junior season at Perry High and affected his standing among major college recruiters, who initially displayed minor interest. Then the big schools saw Brock’s big numbers in passing yardage for the Pumas and pounced with cat-like quickness – especially

Whether it was candor meant to inspire Purdy or confusion with another recruit, Saban’s unvarnished assessment certainly proved motivational. It motivated Brock Purdy to pass on the perennial national power, take a close look at Texas A & M and finally choose Iowa State.

Purdy’s four years as a Cyclone were a whirlwind. Foreshadowing his NFL experience, he began his freshman season as a third-stringer, but soon became the starter, opening eight games and ending up with the sixth-best pass rating in the NCAA. His second season brought sec-

Super Bowl ‘bargains’ put skinning in the game

With Super Bowl LVII fast approaching, one can only marvel at the prices being commanded from the tourists coming to the Valley for the Big Game. I am currently staring at the booking page for a Motel Six located near 51st Avenue and McDowell Road in Maryvale.

The price for a 200-square-foot “premium room,” which features two double beds, a fridge, a microwave, and a violent crime rate over twice the national average?

A mere $864 a night.

Keep in mind, this is a hotel with 906 reviews that average two stars. This is not exactly Fodor’s material: “Holes in the walls and floor, green sludge on the floor. Deposit was more than the room. Check out took 45 minutes. Security was solid though.”

I’m a glass-half-full fellow. Between the solid security and the free wifi, I can’t recommend these luxe accommodations enough. My only regret is that the Dallas Cowboys got knocked out of the playoffs. I would’ve paid big money to see some cowpoke in a 10-gallon Stetson and a Roger Staubach jersey trying to choose between Filiberto’s up the street or the IHOP on the other side of I-10.

Then there’s trying to book a round of golf. If you read this space regularly, you know I’m addicted to that cursed game.

Right now, even modest public golf courses plan to gouge golfers for upwards of $300 a round during Super Bowl week. Consider OrangeTree in Scottsdale, which in summer is almost worth every bit of their $50 bucks in greens fees. This week, rounds in prime time are going for about $150 for 18 holes.

Super Bowl week? If you want to

play the Friday morning before the game, be prepared to part with $315 per person.

Factor in that it’ll be a five-hour round full of drunken bros sporting cigars the size of a 7-iron and I’ll pass. But look on the bright side: These would-be Bryson DeChambeaus typically shoot about 120 not counting mulligans. At $2.62 a stroke, that makes OrangeTree a better buy than a gallon of unleaded.

According to a study by researchers at Arizona State University, SB57 should create about 100,000 visitors to Glendale and points beyond and about $600 million in economic impact.

A sizable portion of this haul will be created by locals renting out their homes. Browsing the available shortterm rentals on VRBO shows about 300 properties left unrented.

The most opulent of the bunch: A “tropical modern paradise” atop Camelback Mountain renting for about $16,000 a night – or 114 grand for the week. It’s a six-bedroom private gated villa close to Paradise

Business: 623-551-3700

Business: 623-551-3700

justin.simons.j663@statefarm.com

justin.simons.j663@statefam.com

HAYWORTH from page 8

ond-team All Big 12 Honors, and he was first team All-Conference his final two years.

April of last year brought another transition and an action some might consider an insult – or, as Yogi Berra might have called it, “Deja vu all over again.”

Purdy’s name was called at the NFL Draft but was the last name called and that final pick came with a nickname that is less than complimentary.

When San Francisco selected him with the 262nd—and concluding— pick of the draft, Purdy earned the title “Mr. Irrelevant.”

What might seem insulting at first glance was actually initiated as an honor. The late Paul Selata, who starred as a receiver first at Southern Cal and later with the Forty Nin-

ers, thought the last player picked should receive an “accolade” similar to the top selection.

So Selata began “Irrelevant Week” in 1976, bringing the bottom selection to Newport Beach, California, for a trip to Disneyland, a golf tournament, a regatta, and a celebrity roast, where “Mr. Irrelevant” is awarded the “Lowsman Trophy”—the opposite of the Heisman—get it?

There is a higher purpose to the “exercise in irrelevancy”—raising funds for charities such as SPIN— Serving People In Need—so Brock and his family gladly made the trip.

Now Purdy and the Niners face this fundamental truth: they are one win away from the Super Bowl.

Berra would caution that “it’s not over ’til it’s over.”

But regardless of the outcome, for Brock Purdy, this is just the beginning.

BLUHM from page 7 www.TheFoothillsFocus.com

es ruined, jobs lost, laws broken, and lives ravaged because folks like to eat cookies. OK, so those pesky little “pleasure centers” in human (and rat) brains do seem to release a whole bunch of “feel good” neurons while we are eating sugar (or using drugs). But the use of the term “Oreo addict” seems a bit harsh. They are just cookies!

I do recall one of my grandsons stole a package of Oreos when he was about 6 years old. He grabbed them out of the pantry, sat in a closet and happily ate 10 cookies and hid the rest from his brothers. When confronted about the cookie hoist, he claimed a “strange man walked into the house and stole the Oreos.” Although the evidence of cookie crumbs was on his face, he stuck to his story. (He has grown up to be a

non-addicted adult).

Who knew that two little chocolate disks of biscuit sandwiched between vanilla crème filling would become the biggest-selling treat in the world for over 111 years? Addictive? Perhaps. Bad for us? Never! Oreos are part of our collective memories of childhood. They are not just a cookie, but bits of our childhood sandwiched between recollections of a simpler, purer time.

Let’s not worry about what scientists say about Oreos. I am conducting my own “cookie research” at this very moment and will report back to you. In the meantime, Dear readers, don’t be afraid to twist, lick, munch and dunk. It’s all good.

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

Valley with a chipping green and a bocce court. It also includes “daily maid service” and “500 thread count luxury white linens.”

No word on whether security is solid.

As a get-rich-quick scheme, I briefly considered going on vacation and renting out my place. Or as I planned to describe it on Airbnb: “Motel 5! Like A Motel 6 Minus The Crime!”

If a room full of green sludge gets 860 bucks a night, I thought I could get $1000 a night, easy. Heck, I might even get 1,200 a night if the out-oftowner wanted to borrow my “personal private security force,” which includes Violet, a pitbull mix, and Lucy and Ethel, who together comprise “25 pounds of canine terror.”

Seems like more trouble than it’s worth, though. I’m going to stay home, stay off the golf course, and watch the big game on TV. That means I’ll miss the Super Bowl Experience, and I’m perfectly okay with that.

I’ve been robbed before.

I don’t need to volunteer for a repeat.

Laurie Husband affiliates with Coldwell Banker

Laurie Husband has associated with the Scottsdale/Carefree office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent. Most recently, she was an agent with a small boutique broker in Scottsdale.

“Real estate has always been an in-

terest of mine, especially the design part of it, so I am excited to help my clients,” Husband said. “I decided to affiliate with Coldwell Banker because I am ready to take it to the next level.”

Coldwell Banker Realty in Arizona, a residential real estate brokerage company, operates 22 offices with approximately 1,465 independent agents throughout Arizona. Coldwell Banker Realty is owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc., the largest full-service residential real estate services company in the United States.

Info: coldwellbankerhomes.com

Doing consistently what others do occasionally

For some time now, I have been thinking about the attribute of willpower. Other words for willpower might be determination, consistency or perseverance. I admire folks with willpower. When the times get tough, the determined are not deterred or detoured. Instead, they have what I call “beginergy.” They have spirit, grit and mental toughness. They may not reach their ultimate dream or goal, but it will not be because of a lack of effort.

Author Elmer Towns says that some people succeed because they are destined to, but most people succeed because they are determined. Thomas Edison said that everything comes to those who hustle while they wait. The snail reached the ark because it was determined. There is a world of difference between “not quite” and “never quit.” Generally, you can’t keep the fainthearted up and you can’t keep the determined down. Determined people consistently do what others occasionally do.

Character First defines determination as purposing to accomplish the right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition. I like that concept, the right goals at the right time. Determination is pure when truth and virtue, not self-aggrandizement, are vied for. Let me give you an example of what I’m saying here from research by the Character First staff. It’s called “How One Man’s Determination Brought Literacy to a Whole People.”

“Sequoyah served under General Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812 in the United States. After the war, he

began work on the Cherokee writing system, for which he is now famous. He started creating symbols for whole words and eventually arrived at 85 symbols representing sounds. Unfortunately, his neighbors didn’t understand him, and his wife reportedly destroyed his work at one point. But he persevered, and in 1821, Sequoyah and his daughter, Ah-yoka, unveiled his syllabify and opened the door to literacy for thousands of his people.

“Sequoyah endured and succeeded because he couldn’t do anything else. He possessed perseverance. Willpower is choosing not to give up until what you set out to do is accomplished. Willpower and focus are not letting your mind, emotions, other distractions, or people deter us from achieving the right goals at the right time regardless of the opposition.”

The Bible has many stories of people who had determination. The women who had been hemorrhaging for years never quit seeking a solution. When Jesus came along, she pushed through the crowd, broke every rule of protocol for that time and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment. Jesus stopped and turned around to see who the determined woman was. He said to the women, “You’re healed.” Lesson: Her healing came from Jesus, but her determination put her in the position for healing to happen.

What is the lesson here? Winners are ex-losers who just got determined. So, if you don’t succeed at first, try not to look too astonished. Anything worthwhile will probably take a while. Determination is what happens between the start and the finish.

The unique aspect of determination is people can use determination for both good or evil or for construc-

tion or destruction. Determined people can undermine a whole culture, country or community. Hitler was determined. Churchill and the Allies were more determined. It takes committed, consistent people to ensure good triumphs over evil. Consider the postage stamp. Its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.

You become what you focus on. Winners focus on winning; losers focus on winners. Don’t spend your time and energy worrying about others. Don’t take your eyes off the prize. That’s “di-vision” or should I say “die-vision.”

Tom Landry enlightened us about how to win the Super Bowl. “My job is to get men to do what they don’t want to do to achieve something they have always wanted to achieve.” Whenever you see a successful business, someone makes a courageous decision and finishes what they started. Focus, self-control, and perseverance are the qualities that distinguish the fittest (mentally and physically) to survive.

The Scriptures give us sage advice about perseverance and consistency for the right things. “Summing it all up, my friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious – the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into His most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:8-9.

My good friend, Chris Estrada of Destiny Center International Church in Phoenix, enlightens us about consistently doing what other people occasionally do this way. “Consistency is

a skill many people lack but can be learned through repetition. The more consistent you are with doing the right thing and not cutting a corner, the better results you’ll receive when attempting to do anything. Let’s go!” I like that.

It would make my day if this article encouraged you to keep on, keeping on, for something great and sound you are pursuing. Remember, a great oak is only a little nut that held its ground.

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.

A car lover’s dream comes to Fountain Hills

Anthem resident Randy Gottschalk knows his black sub 60 2000 Ferrari 456M goes from 0 to 60 miles an hour in less than 6 seconds. The car’s top speed is about 160 miles per hour.

He won’t reveal exactly how he knows that, but he’s looking forward to chatting cars at the ninth annual Gila River Resorts & Casinos Concours in the Hills, presented by Matson Money, on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Fountain Park in Fountain Hills.

The show benefits the Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Hope Fund, which finances research, cutting-edge technology, recruitment of top physicians and child-friendly programs to make young patients more comfortable.

“I’m a childhood cancer survivor, myself,” said creator Peter Volny. “I know the agony, not only physical but even more, mental, that kids go through. I’ve been to the hospital, and I just decided that they would be the beneficiary.”

Although the event is free, there will be opportunities to give.

“People are coming for free, but we would like them to make a donation,” Volny said. “We had 40,000 to 50,000 people there last year. If everybody put in a couple of bucks, we’d be raising a lot of money.”

Since its inception in 2014, Concours in the Hills has set multiple records for the number of cars on display, sponsors and spectators and total funds raised for Phoenix Children’s. Since 2018, the show has raised over $900,000 for Phoenix Children’s. The 2022 show alone raised $460,000 for the

Center for Heart Care.

The free event to the community started in 2014 with 220 cars and 3,000 spectators. The 2022 event featured 1,200 cars, 100 sponsor booths and an estimated 50,000 spectators, smashing all previous records.

The show is heavily supported by car clubs and dealers, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Porsche, Corvette, Mustang, Aston Martin, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. The value of vehicles is many hundreds of millions, with several individual cars worth over $10

million.

The show is organized by sections for domestics, imports, race cars, limited-edition exotics, off-road and motorcycles. A helicopter display includes military attack helicopters.

“Have you heard of Cobras?” Volny asked. “The Cobra Car Club came to me and said, ‘You’ve put us on the very edge, and we want to be in the middle (of the park).’ Well, there’s only one middle, and you can’t put everybody in the middle.”

Volny thought about it and came up with a solution.

“I knew that the attack helicopters that the (U.S. Army) flew in Vietnam were called Cobras,” he said. “I found out there’s one here in the Valley that’s operated by the Army Aviation Historical Foundation.”

The organization agreed to be part of the show. Shelby Cobra owners will park their babies next to it.

Not to be outdone, the U.S. Marines will be flying in a Viper helicopter, where Viper owners will have their cars parked.

“We have cars that are worth millions of dollars each,” Volny said. “We have one very,

very rare Ferrari coming that was bought about five years ago for $9 million. It’s probably worth way more than that now.”

Gottschalk contends that owning a Ferrari, however, is within reach. Used ones start at about $75,000; new ones more than three times that cost.

“Some of the models are a lot more affordable than others,” he said. “Nowadays, if you want to get a Ferrari, it’s going to cost you somewhere between the low range from $70,000 on up. If you say to yourself, ‘I want to get a Ferrari. What generally is the cheapest Ferrari out there?’ There are some out there that are between $50,000 and $70,000 that are good cars.”

Gila River Resorts & Casinos

Concours in the Hills, presented by Matson Money

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 4 WHERE: Fountain Park, 12925 N. Saguaro Boulevard, Fountain Hills

COST: Free admission; donations accepted INFO: phoenixchildrensfoundation.org/signature/concours/

Tyler Hilton has been obsessed with Elvis since he was young

Tyler Hilton was on a cross-country car trip with his family when his mother played Elvis Presley music to prepare for a trip to Graceland.

Hilton immediately fell in love with what he heard.

“I loved his music,” said Hilton, who later went on to star as Chris Keller on “One Tree Hill.”

“I loved the house. I loved his style. I loved his image. There was just something about it that spoke to me. I was like that from a kid. I started combing my hair like that. I thought he was the coolest person I had ever seen.

“I was an Elvis guy forever. For gifts, I received Elvis books or Elvis

accoutrement. I just collected them. That got me into blues, country and gospel and it led me to play guitar.”

When he hit his teenage years, he thought it was “dorky” to pretend he was someone else, so he dropped it.

It resurfaced, though, in 2005 when he played a young Presley in the Reese Witherspoon/Joaquin Phoenix film “Walk the Line.”

On Thursday, Feb. 16, Hilton will celebrate Presley’s records from Sun Studio with The Hot Club of Cowtown at the Musical Instrument Museum in North Phoenix.

“We’re just doing a celebration of Elvis’ music,” he said. “It’s going to be a bunch of Elvis songs from Sun Records done really authentically — no drums or anything; stand-up bass, vocals and guitars. I love this kind of

music but it’s hard to find.

“I’d always been a fan of Hot Club. I’ve seen them several times and been to a workshop of theirs. When we ended up on the same agency, I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m a huge fan of Hot Club. I’d love to get hooked up with them and just say hi and tell them how much I’m into them.’”

The two met and decided it would

be fun to do something musically together.

“For me, it was kind of a big deal,” he said. “We settled on doing Elvis stuff and they are so good at that era of music. I flew down to Austin and we started rehearsing. We needed to find a place to do this.”

Fine art and wine connoisseurs have a new festival to explore on fashionable Main Street in Kierland Commons!

Miners’ Dinner planned for Cave Creek Museum

Cave Creek Museum will host the annual Miners’ Dinner from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21.

FEBRUARY 4-5

• 100 Gallery Quality Artists

• 15 Arizona Wineries

• Gourmet Foods

• Live Music

The event, a major fundraiser for the museum, honors the venue’s past and future. Along with dinner catered by Cave Creek’s The Horny Toad, the museum will offer a silent auction, raffles and local entertainment. The cost is $75 and reservations must be made by Saturday, March 18. Raffle tickets, which are $25, also may be purchased online or at the event.

Guests arrive at 4:30 p.m. to check in and socialize, followed by demonstrations of the Golden Reef Stamp Mill and blacksmithing at 5:15 p.m. In addition, guests will preview custom hats by Watson’s Hat Shop and

see western fashions presented by Summit Chico’s. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Cowboy balladeer Mike Ewing will perform.

In addition, the museum will raffle a Tucson getaway that includes an overnight stay for two at the Hilton El Conquistador Resort, tickets to the University of Arizona Biosphere 2, four tickets to the University of Arizona Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium and four tickets to Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Dinner and raffle tickets can be purchased online at cavecreekmuseum.org, at the museum or by mailing a check to the museum at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, AZ 85331. Seating is limited to 150 persons. No culture passes will be accepted for this event.

For more information, call 480-4882764.

hero. After all, it’s an educational process for him, too.

Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

However, they were talking about it right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Finally, they played their first show together at The Ark in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Jan. 13.

“I’m still in a little bit of disbelief that people are going to come see us tonight because it just seems too good to be true,” he said. “It’s going to be fun.”

The show was especially poignant as Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie, died the night before, Jan. 12.

“We were just texting about it last night,” adds Hilton, a California native who lives in London, Ontario, Canada, now with his wife, director Megan Park, and their daughter. “It’s an eerie, eerie, sad thing.”

He acknowledges that some of his fans may be unfamiliar with Elvis, but he hopes some of them attend the gigs to learn more about his

“As a kid, I would sing Elvis at karaoke all the time,” he said.

“That was my thing. So, getting to do ‘Walk the Line,’ it was a huge step up from karaoke. Getting to do this club tour, it’s a huge step up. You’re in the music. You’re not just singing it. You’re in it. This is like college for me. I’m learning a ton playing with these guys. They’re way beyond me, musically.

“I just feel like I lucked out and I’m in a room full of people that I don’t belong in.”

The Hot Club of Cowtown and Tyler Hilton

When : 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16

Where : Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix Cost : Sold out

Info : 480-478-6000, mim.org

Jon McLaughlin is ready for the MIM’s grand pianos

Jon McLaughlin has performed around the world, but the Musical Instrument Museum’s theater in North Phoenix is among his favorite venues.

He’ll return to the MIM on Saturday, Feb. 25, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of his debut album, “Indiana.” He’ll play the collection in its entirety along with new songs and fan favorites—with just him at the grand piano.

“It’s going to be a solo show,” he said via Zoom. “Don’t get me wrong. I love playing with my band, but in that room, at the MIM, I want to be there solo. I just feel like it’s such a great venue. They have such incredible grand pianos there.”

He admitted to fete “Indiana,” he’s working to relearn some of the tracks.

“Some of the songs, I never really played,” McLaughlin said. “There are 13 songs on that record. That’s a lot. When we were touring on that record, I wasn’t doing a lot of headline shows. I was playing a lot of opening slots where I have only 30 minutes. The more records you put out, the less songs I played from ‘Indiana.’ Other songs just get weeded out. There are some songs off of ‘Indiana’ that I had never really played live so I’ve had to practice them and get them under my fingers.”

“Indiana” produced two singles, “Beautiful Disaster” and “Human.” “Beautiful Disaster” was originally released in April 2007 and peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. “Human” was a frequent visitors to TV soundtracks.

Last October, Island Def Jam/UMe released a remastered, digital-only 15-year anniversary edition of “Indiana.” The deluxe edition features a new a cappella version of the title track “Indiana” featuring Straight No Chaser, as well as two as two B sides from the original recording session, one of which has never been released.

When he thinks back on the last 15 years, McLaughlin jokes about the natural process of aging.

“The first thing that pops into my mind is touring with the band and my wife, and I had so much hair back then,” he said with a laugh.

“Everybody in the band had so much hair. It was 2007, 2008. There was this rule back then that all the singer-songwriter guys had to have hair like giant mops. We toured so much back then. We didn’t have kids yet.”

He and his wife, Amy, were newly -

weds and she traveled with him. McLaughlin admits he took any gig he could possibly get — and it was “a blast.” Now, the couple have two girls, Luca and Liv.

“We have a piano in the house so they can hear me play and they can just tick around,” he said. “They’re not taking lessons yet, but pretty soon they will. They like to sit at the piano and make stuff up.”

2023 is a busy year for McLaughlin. He’s working on the instrumental follow-up to “Mood” and “Mood II,” as well as a pop album.

“I was just playing through a couple of the new ones for ‘Mood III,’ which I’m recording later this spring,” McLaughlin said.

“Then, I have probably half a new pop record written. My plan is for ‘Mood III’ to come out and then a new single for the pop stuff will come out. I just have to choose which one it’s going to be. There will be some touring this year, but this year will be more recording-heavy than touring-heavy.”

“Mood III” has become challenging. There’s no recording to a click track, as he must play the songs to tape all the way through.

“There’s no breaking that up,” he said. “There’s no overdubbing. You actually have to learn to play this song all at once. I cannot play them yet. They’re written now so I have to get them under my fingers.”

Playing instrumental and pop music keeps it fresh for McLaughlin.

“I think it saved my pop career because—I wasn’t ready to quit—but I just felt like I needed some other creative outlet that wasn’t pop,” he said.

“It was like I had been running on a treadmill for 20 years and I needed the elliptical machine for a minute, you know what I mean? I get ideas for each. I’ll be working on a pop song and I’ll get some idea for a bridge that isn’t really for a pop song, but it could be a ‘Mood’ thing. I have this other outlet for all those ideas that maybe didn’t quite fit in the pop world before and vice versa.”

He anticipates performing “Mood” tracks at the MIM.

“The pianos that they have at the MIM, it would be an insult to not play classical stuff on them because they’re just amazing,” he said.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25

WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix COST: Tickets start at $35.50 INFO: 480-478-6000, mim.org

CAVE CREEK

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.

Live Music at Janey’s Coffeehouse

NIGHTLY

Listen to live music every night at Janey’s Coffeehouse, performed by a variety of talented local artists. The venue has over a dozen performers each month, and new talent is encouraged to sign up and play. This week, check out Jay Allan, Bill Dutcher, Glade Wilson, Cameron DeGurski, Duffy King, and Gerry & the Schaks

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

Saguaro Hill Trail Tour with a Desert Awareness Naturalist

FEB. 1

Brenda Olive of the Desert Awareness Committee is an expert at the nature and life of the desert. She takes guests on leisurely strolls through the sands to learn more about its secrets. Learn about the plants of the Sonoran Desert and how they survive, and take a look through the Richard E. Rudolph Memorial Garden.

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

Poker Night at Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge

FEB. 2

Enjoy poker out with friends in a comfortable and welcoming environment designed to mix luxury with

a social atmosphere. Pick up some luxury cigars, or try out the simulator for a round of golf. Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge, 79555 N. Hum Road, Carefree, 7 to 10 p.m., free, sticksgolf-cigarlounge.com

Live Music at Keeler’s Steakhouse

FEB. 2

Enjoy live music on the patio of Keeler’s Steakhouse every Thursday night with local artists showing off their creative flair. This week, Lee Davis will play his smooth guitar tunes.

Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse, 7212 Ho Hum Drive, Carefree, 5 to 8 p.m., free admission, keelerssteakhouse.com

Yappy Hour to Benefit Puppy Luv Animal Rescue

FEB. 3

With cocktails for humans and tasty treats for pups, Yappy Hour seeks to bring something for both dogs and humans to enjoy. Bring your dog or cat along to enjoy a variety of treats such as canned chicken, tuna, sardines, salmon and canned pumpkin. Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., 480-488-2286, dfla.org

Vinnie Brulo’s Musical Comeback at DFL - The Making of Abbey Road

FEB. 3

This program follows the footsteps of The Beatles as they record their final classic piece, “Abbey Road.” Learn more about the group, often called the most influential musicians of all time, discovering the turbulent years of their lives and how they created their enduring swan song.

Desert Foothills Library, 38443 N. School House Road, Cave Creek, 2 to 4 p.m., free, dfla.org

Elephant Mountain 50K

FEB. 4

Enjoy a run through beautiful Elephant Mountain,

with novice and professional runners. Enjoy a 6K run, or go all out and do a full 50-mile run. Medical staff are on hand to make sure all runners are safe. There will be T-shirts and post-race food available, and awards for the fastest in each category.

37019 N. 32nd Street, Cave Creek, prices and times vary by race, check website for details, aravaiparunning.com

Healing of Memories Workshop for Veterans and First Responders

FEB. 4 TO FEB. 6

For veterans and first responders, it can often be difficult to live a normal life after dealing with the emotionally traumatic experiences brought about by their line of work. This workshop is intended to help heal those who have been dealt emotional wounds, and overcome anger, loss, grief, and guilt. Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, 7415 E. Elbow Bend Road, Carefree, 6 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Monday, free, 651-6879767, spiritinthedesert.org/

Carefree Desert Gardens Seminar

FEB. 11

The preservation of Arizona’s water is a key part of the state’s future. Learn more about what can be done to help maintain responsible water use, as well as how the worsening conditions of the Colorado River have begun to cause problems. A plant raffle will be held, and donations of any size are appreciated.

Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, Carefree, 9:30 a.m. to noon, $5 donation recommended, 480-488-3686, carefree. org

The Big Game at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral

FEB. 12

Celebrate Super Bowl LVII at Harold’s Cave Creek Corral enjoy food, drink and game-day specials. Harold’s Cave Creek Corral 6895 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, 3:30 p.m., free admission, 480-488-1906, haroldscorral.com

STUDENT CHRONICLES

Know a student doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email

Miami University students who are ranked in the top 3% of undergraduate students within each division for the fall semester 2022-23 have been named to the president’s list recognizing academic excellence.

Recently Madeline Begalke and Mady Bachmeier were honored for their grade-point averages.

An Anthem resident, Begalke is earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business in information systems and analytics, supply chain and operations management.

A resident of Cave Creek, Bachmeier is earning a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology, nutrition and health, premedical studies.

Nationally recognized as one of the most outstanding undergraduate institutions, Miami University is a public university located in Oxford, Ohio. With a student body of nearly 19,000, Miami effectively combines a wide range of strong academic programs with faculty who love to teach, and the personal attention ordinarily found only at much smaller institutions.

Hofstra in Hempstead, New York, recently honored Adam Schwartz of Cave Creek with a fall 2022 dean’s list designation for achieving a GPA of at least 3.5. His major is drama.

Phoenix’s Armando Saenz was named to the fall 2022 dean’s list at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, for achieving a GPA of at least 3.5. Saenz’s major is film studies and production.

Hofstra University is an internationally ranked and recognized private university with nearly 11,000 students.

Cave Creek’s Erin Gerveler was named to University of Iowa dean’s list for the spring semester. Gerveler was among more than 4,000 undergraduate students at the university to be honored. Gerveler is a second-year student in Iowa’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and is majoring in speech and hearing science.

Dean’s list status was earned by 714 first-year undergraduates during the 2022 spring semester at Iowa, only 1,268 second-year students, only 1,559 third-year students, and only 2,045 fourth-year students. Undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the Tippie College of Business, and University College who achieve a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.50 or higher on 12 semester hours or more of UI graded coursework during a given semester or summer session and who have no semester hours of “I” (incomplete) or “O” (no grade reported) during the same semester are recognized by inclusion on the dean’s list for that semester.

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