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This Week

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

Phoenix workers getting bonuses to be vaccinated

BUSINESS ......... 16 Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce award ceremony

FEATURES ........ 19 Second edition of ‘Tips of a Ten-Year Snowbird’ helps residents

OPINION ................... 10 BUSINESS ................. 16 FEATURES ................ 19 CLASSIFIEDS ............ 24 Zone I

Anthem Area Edition

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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Youth for Troops to receive DAR award BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

he Ocotillo Chapter of the Arizona State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution will present its 2021 Community Service Award to Youth for Troops for its contributions to Anthem and North Phoenix. The meeting is at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Anthem Outlets’ Community Room 360 at 4250 W. Anthem Way, Phoenix. “They were eligible for the Community Service Award and because they’re in Anthem and our chapter is in Anthem, we wanted to recognize their efforts in helping the military,” said Gloria Clark with the DAR’s Ocotillo Chapter. Since April 2017, Youth for Troops has been preparing care packages for deployed service members, making plastic mats for homeless

veterans, serving as flag bearers for Honor Flight homecomings, helping to conduct the VFW Buddy Poppy Drive and assisting with ceremonies and paver installations at the Anthem Veterans Memorial, participating in the annual Daisy Mountain Veterans Parade, among other things. For more information, visit youthfortroops.org. Youth for Troops was founded by Sophie Hoffa, Walter Hoffa, Leo Hoffa, Taylor Piatt, Heather Piatt and Hannah Piatt. They are helped by many adult advisers and volunteers, including Renee Hoffa and Tonya Piatt. “The organization was started by children and the mothers of the young people are in the DAR,” Clark said. “That’s the primary reason that I knew about them. Their organization is

see DAR page 4

Youth for Troops was nominated for two awards at presented at the 2021 Southwest Veterans Chamber of Commerce Patriots Ball. (Submitted photo)

Anthem Jaguars are state champions

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor

he 12U Anthem Jaguars will soon provide Boulder Creek High School with young football players — all of whom are state champs. The team beat the previously undefeated Cave Creek Falcons in the Arizona Youth Football tournament championship game in late November at Pinnacle High School in

Phoenix. “It was a very exciting game, with both teams going back and forth, and the final and winning score was 42-39 in favor of the Jags,” said Justin Simons, coach. The Jaguars went 10-2 during the fall 2021 season. The league boasts about 270 teams of all ages from the greater Anthem area — New River, Black Canyon City, Desert Hills and North Phoenix. “We’re a direct feeder team for Boulder

Creek’s football team,” Simons said. “It’s a youth tackle football team. “In our division there are 35 teams. We ended up playing very well. We had three playoff games and won the state championship game over previously undefeated Cave Creek Falcon 42-39. They’re part of the Cactus Shadows football program.” Simons called the game “very exciting,” as

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NEWS

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

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

DAR from page 1

not that old, but they have a great number of people who volunteer and help them. I’ve been to some of the events over the last couple of years. There’s always a large turnout. They’re doing a really great job.” Tonya Piatt said Youth for Troops recently packed its 7,000th care package for troops. “It’s overwhelming that the community has supported this mission that the kids have,” she said. “They have not only supported it with volunteer hours, but they’ve also financially supported it so well—all the way through COVID and they kept chugging along. It’s a great way to end the year and start the next year with an award from DAR. It’s been such an amazing adventure.” In the care packages are items that help deployed troops feel at home. The food boxes include beef jerky, cookies, chips, Cracker Jack, coffee and tea additives. Inside of hygiene boxes are socks, foot powder, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and first-aid travel size ibuprofen. “One of the big things we have to buy are the travel-size toiletries,” she said. “That’s

Youth for Troops provides care packages to deployed troops to gift them a piece of home while serving the country. (Submitted photo)

always a big ask. We also include books, magazines, puzzle books, playing cards, anything that we can give them to make them feel at home.” Tonya said the kids routinely get emails and letters from troops saying they’re pleased about the packages. “The ultimate purpose is to let those peo-

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ple serving around the world enjoy a little bit of home,” she said. “They’re sacrificing time away from families and putting their lives on the line and their freedoms that we care about. In our little community of North Phoenix, the least we can do is support them and remind them that we care enough and hopefully affirm that we’re appreciative of what they do.” Youth for Troops gets together from 5:30 to 7 p.m. the second Monday of every month to pack boxes for the deployed. The third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. they assemble plastic mats out of recycled grocery bags for homeless veterans. In January, it will volunteer at Freeman Income Tax Service’s 10th annual shredathon from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the company’s office, 41111 N. Daisy Mountain Drive, Anthem. (See related story in Business.) “We’ll help unload the cars and all the tips will help us send more care packages to the troops,” she said. Tonya said Youth for Troops hopes to have an “amazing” 2022. They are looking for community members and businesses to help defray the shipping costs of $3,000 per month. “As people are budgeting out their giving for end of the year, or next year, it always helps us,” she said. “We do have an Amazon wish list and a Walmart registry. We have a newsletter, and all the links are generally in there.”

see DAR page 9

NEWS

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

FOOTBALL from page 1

the score went back and forth before the Jaguars won by 3. “It was an incredible game with a really large crowd,” he said. “It was nice of the families and our community to come out and support these kids.” The athletes are Cash Williams, Gunnar Koger, Elijah Gomez, Zaniel Dement, Aiden Evans, Austin Koenig, Albert Ennist, Quvohn Lewis, Vinny Angelo, Aaron Knisely, Torin Hamilton, London Olsen, Mark Burgoyne, Carson Stuepfert, Blake Wells, Kaden Rambo, Kaiden Conner, Campbell White, Brody Shaw, Quinn Cothern, Kayne Thoreson, Brodie Moore, Christopher Misselbrook, Brody Wolfenden, Madden Bahr, Gavin Phillips, Carter Schmelzle, Chase Garner, Cade Jasper and Jaxon Simons. The coaches are Simons, Josh Bahr, Jimmy Wolfenden, Jim Moore, Antonio Effinger, Sean Bulmann, Craig Boates, Nick Thoreson, Carter Cameron and Colby Kitson. The Jaguars 12U youth tackle football team has players ages 12 and 13 from

Jaguar Youth Football Program won the Arizona Youth Football tournament championship game in late November against the previously undefeated Cave Creek Falcons with a final winning score of 42-39 in favor of the Jaguars. (Submitted photo) the greater Anthem area and belongs to the National Youth Sports league which serves approximately 45,000 youth each year in seven states. Formerly known as the Sabercats, the Jaguar Youth Football program began two years ago when Simons took over the program. “When I took over the program, the kids did not win a single football game,” he said. “So, I’m pretty proud of that.” He chalked up the success to the kids’ “hard work and buy-in,” and his coaches.

The community has rallied around the team. That includes Boulder Creek High School. “I appreciate the support of Boulder Creek High School,” Simons said. “They let us use their fields, which is critical. That way, more family members in the area can come, as opposed to Phoenix, when they would have to drive 40 to 45 minutes. “It gives you a nice feeling and a nice home crowd. Boulder Creek has a brandnew football field. The fan support and

community have been great. There’s so much that goes into the team — fundraising, making sure the school district allows us to use the field. We’re something the community can be really proud of. They brought home a state championship to the community. We don’t have very many opportunities to do this. We’re always giving up championships to the East Valley.” To register for the spring 2022 season, visit jaguaryouthfootball.org or email info@jaguaryouthfootball.org.

NEWS

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

Catholic foundation sees $2M endowment growth BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

he Catholic Community Foundation is seeing significant growth of two perpetual endowment funds to benefit two longstanding local Catholic organizations. Catholic Charities Community Services and St. Mary’s Catholic High School have contributed a total of $2 million into their endowment funds managed by the Catholic Community Foundation (CCF). These funds will not only provide a more sustainable financial future for their benefiting organizations but will qualify for CCF’s 25% Million Dollar Match program, securing an additional $250,000 for each organization. “We are excited to see more organizations take control of their financial future,” said Deacon James Carabajal, CEO of the Catholic Community Foundation. “And with our Million Dollar Match Program in effect, these funds will be

matched by 25% multiplying the impact of their missions forever.” Endowments are long-term investment vehicles designed to withstand economic instabilities. The principal balance in an endowment continues to grow while a percentage of the return is distributed each year to the named nonprofit. Because endowments are designed to provide predictable financial support forever, they are an ideal fund for those organizations wishing to alleviate uncertainty in future funding. “We are so blessed to be able to leverage our own long-term investment with an additional $250,000 gift from Catholic Community Foundation,” said Catholic Charities Community Services President and CEO Paul Mulligan. “Every year, the needs in our community keep growing. This funding allows us to help more of the most vulnerable in Central and Northern Arizona now and well into the future.” The Catholic Community Foundation

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holds over $100 million in assets, primarily for the benefit of local parishes, schools, and nonprofits. Since 2015, CCF has granted over $25 million back into the community through grants and scholarships. CCF strives to help all individuals and organizations meet their financial and philanthropic goals while continually giving back to our faithful community. CCF is the trusted financial establishment for long-term, sustainable giving for our community.

Established in 1983, the Catholic Community Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit financial institution that encourages compassionate, charitable giving to provide sustainable support for those who serve our community. The foundation is also a separate canonical institution, so our donors can have peace of mind knowing their contributions are protected and invested in 99% Catholic Values screened portfolios.

BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

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ADEQ Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program eyes increase

he Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s recently revamped Voluntary Vehicle Repair Program has set consecutive records for monthly customer participation and vehicle emissions reductions. For the first two months of the enhanced VVRP, which went into effect on Sept. 29, ADEQ saw record numbers of vehicles repaired through the program — 197 in October and even more in November, 226. VVRP repairs during these two months saved customers around $295,500 and reduced an estimated 34.4 tons of vehicle emissions.

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

Phoenix workers getting bonuses to be vaccinated BY FOOTHILLS FOCUS STAFF

hoenix full-time employees will get an extra $1,500 and part-timers $750 if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 if they are fully vaccinated by Jan. 18 under a measure a divided city council approved on Dec. 15. With Councilmembers Sal DiCiccio, Ann O’Brien and Jim Waring opposing it, the measure is a carrot the city administration proposed after withdrawing the stick of disciplinary action it had initially invoked because of President Joe Biden’s now-challenged vaccine mandate. Those bonuses will be on top of $500 for full-time employees and $250 for part-time workers and will cost the city between $25 million and $29 million, according to an administration memo. The city will be using some of the $396 million Phoenix is getting over

the current and coming fiscal years under the American Rescue Plan Act passed early this year by Congress. Two weeks ago, City Manager Jeff Barton pulled back his directive ordering employees to get vaccinated by mid-January, noting that a federal court in Georgia had suspended the Biden administration’s mandate that all federal contractors’ employees be vaccinated. He interpreted the order as applying to Phoenix because it contracts with the federal government. That mandate is different from the Biden order that all employees in private firms with more than 100 workers be vaccinated by next month. A three-judge appellate panel last Friday overturned a lower court stay of that order, which is now expected to land before the U.S. Supreme Court. “Today, it’s important to note that the city did a 9% compensation package increase for our employ-

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ees and that we’ve tried to regularly show appreciation for people who worked through the pandemic and who continue to do so,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. Citing testimony from a hearing two weeks ago on the original vaccine mandate, Gallego said, “We want to do everything we can to support our health care workers and to make sure that people in our community can get the care that they deserve. Vaccinations are safe. They’re a good

way to protect yourself and I would encourage everyone to do so. “Last week, health care leaders shared that natural immunity does not protect you to the same degree as the vaccination and we want our city employees to be as safe as possible. It’s part of the reason certain city employees, particularly those who work on medical issues, do have to get vaccinations as condition of their service,” Gallego continued, stressing elected officials and top-level city executives would not be getting the bonuses. DiCiccio was the only councilmember to voice the reasons for his opposition, though several callers condemned the bonuses. “I’m going to be voting against this – not that I don’t believe that individuals deserve this money because I think they do and I believe that peo-

see VACCINATION page 9

NEWS

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

VACCINATION from page 8

ple should be treated fairly. “But what really bothers me more than anything, is that while certain leaders were cowering in their home, hiding from COVID, brave men and women were out there protecting us. They risked their lives, their family lives. They risk the lives of the people around them, to protect us to give those individuals who little thank you that they deserve, and now it’s become politicized.” Council’s vote Dec. 15 came the same day that Gov. Doug Ducey signed an order that states that “no person shall be required by this state, or any city, town or county to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine” unless they are employed by a health care institution. Tucson has ordered its employees be vaccinated and most of that city’s workers complied, according to the Dec. 7 hearing held by Phoenix City Council. DiCiccio’s sentiments were far less harsh than those of citizens who called into the Dec. 15 council meeting to voice their opposition to the bonuses. “Stop this discrimination. Stop this attempt to divide our city employees and nip it in the bud,” a fire department captain said. “Last week we talked about vaccine mandates and how wrong they are… And so here

we are now talking about preferential pay.” “If you’re going to give out this premium pay for employees,” he added, “it should be given equally to every city employee, regardless of whether they’re vaccinated or not vaccinated.” Another caller said, “It’s getting really exhausting to bribe people with $2,000 to do the right thing for safety when we’re in the middle of a massive surge. This is ridiculous and a massive misuse of COVID relief money and I can’t believe that it’s even on the agenda.” Another city worker who called said, “You are not only discriminating against those that choose not to disclose their medical information to you – which I might add is none of your business in the first place. But you’re absolutely retaliating against those people in the best way you can.” “We should all be essential now without having to bend the knee to your ridiculous mandate – which quite frankly is on its way to the highest court in the land and will eventually be ruled unconstitutional,” he continued. “The fact that you’re dangling an additional $1,500 In the face of those that choose not to be vaccinated or chose not sure cards with you is probably the lowest thing I’ve ever seen from an employer.”

Clark said Youth for Troops visited a DAR meeting and together they made a few mats for homeless folks at the meeting. “It’s interesting to see how they use the plastic bags,” Clark said. “On Jan. 8, we will present that Community Service Award at the first part of the meeting. Each of them will receive a pin and a certificate from the DAR. “We’re proud of Youth for Troops. I’m hoping they’ll be recognized on a national level at the DAR. We have a convention at the end of June in Washington, D.C. The DAR owns Constitution Hall and, a lot of the times, like for the presidential inauguration,

they use our podium with the eagle on it.” The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a women’s service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War. Today’s DAR has more than 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad. DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world. DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over 1 million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.

DAR from page 4

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AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Christmas poem: A Donkey, A Wish & A Sleigh BY JUDY BLUHM Foothills Focus Columnist

n Arizona, it was Christmas Eve night. The town streets were empty, with no one in sight. Out on a field, under a moon shining bright Was a wee lonely donkey with a big wish tonight. He threw his head back and let out a bray, “Please Dear Lord, give me a purpose today.” Why did reindeers take over to pull Santa’s sleigh?

When a donkey carried Mary on that first Christmas Day, To a place in a stable, to give birth on the hay. So why can’t a donkey do something grand? This question he posed as he looked out at the land. Then what did he see but a sleigh in the sky Heading swiftly towards him and not flying high. Little donkey did jump when the sleigh touched the ground As Santa called out, “Come on, you’ve been found!”

Wee donkey just stared as he stood still as the night, But Santa approached him, with a lantern for light. “Please little donkey, come lead our team.” The donkey then brayed, “Am I in a dream?” Santa chuckled as he shook his head no, “Let’s hitch you up donkey, so then we can go!” Children did marvel when they looked in the sky, Calling out to their parents, “A donkey can fly!” So wee donkey, eight reindeers and one

jolly man Showed the world if you dream it, then maybe you can. Because on Christmas Eve night, our wishes come true For one little donkey, for me and for you.

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OPINION

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

Only in America do we �ight over holiday cheer BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Foothills Focus Columnist

t the risk of being politically incorrect in the extreme, there’s an old English insult known as “the Chinese curse” – though apparently no one can actually track it back to originating in China. Anyway, the idea is, the most pleasant times in life are often dull and free of drama. So the curse goes, “May you live in interesting times.” That we live in times more interesting than any in the last 2,000 years was driven home for me the other night when I had post-golf beers with a few friends and our gathering degenerated into hard feelings over one fellow wishing another who was about to depart, “Happy holidays.” The guy being wished well stopped a step from the table. He made a facial expression like something was putrid. “You mean Christmas?” He gave out a theatrical snort. “If that’s what you

mean, why not say it? Merry %$*ing Christmas.” The well-wisher looked one part astonished and one part homicidal. “You’re kidding me, right? You’re bent out of shape because I wished you happy holidays?” What became apparent from the beery argument that ensued is that – as with everything else in our culture today – Americans appear to be entrenched in several camps over the subject of season’s greetings. Towards the more “woke” end of the political spectrum, it’s deemed appropriate to make every effort to be inclusive. Thus, phrases like “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah” are considered offensive, on the off-chance the person being spoken to does not celebrate the holiday in question. Among many conservatives, meanwhile, it appears that sayings like “Merry Christmas” are a badge of honor – sort of like a “Let’s Go Brandon” for the holidays. Despite the fact that some

people may be offended when you say it, you say it anyway, and you do so proudly, because saying things that offend some people apparently brands you as a member of the cool kids’ club. Then there’s the third group of people, to which I belong. My guess is, this group comprises approximately nine out of 10 Americans with an IQ above, say, room temperature – at the North Pole. In an igloo. In mid-winter. Members of this group don’t take pride in actively offending people, nor are we offended when people make a sincere effort to wish us a “Merry Christmas” or any other sort of good day. If the holiday in question happens to be one we don’t celebrate, we give the person credit for trying and we say something clever in response. Like, “Thanks! You too!” We handle situations like this in stride because we prefer not to spend our time on Earth policing holiday greetings, or arguing over minutiae. Not that we’re averse to arguments, understand.

But we prefer to save our fighting for truly earth-shattering topics, like whether “Breaking Bad” was a better series than “The Sopranos” (by a smidge) or which Valley community has the worst drivers (Apache Junction during snowbird season, hands down). In our world, a phrase like “Happy Holidays,” isn’t linguistic code for any-

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‘Charlie Brown Christmas’ was a TV miracle BY J.D. HAYWORTH Foothills Focus Columnist

t’s happened again, and it’s not too far-fetched to call it a “Christmas miracle.” For the 56th consecutive year, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” appeared on national television. In 2021, just as in 2020, the Public Broadcasting Service telecast the celebrated animated special without commercial interruption. A major commercial disruption of this holiday tradition appeared imminent in October of last year. AppleTV+ acquired the exclusive rights to all media related to “Peanuts,” the comic strip that introduced Charlie Brown and company to America. Despite a pledge by AppleTV+ to make “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and two other animated specials available “free” for viewers on the platform over a three-day period, a clamor arose in the Heartland. Well over a quarter million people

signed an online petition protesting Apple’s decision, claiming that it left “us devoted fans who have grown up with Charlie Brown and the ‘Peanuts’ gang in the dark, unable to watch.” The criticism prompted Apple – beware the mixed fruit metaphor – to take lemons and make lemonade. That’s when the tech giant struck the deal with PBS to air the show over traditional “free TV.” Questions and varying degrees of controversy have surrounded “A Charlie Brown Christmas” since it was literally on the drawing board. “Peanuts” Creator Charles M. Schulz teamed with producer Lee Mendelson and director Bill Melendez to take his characters from the newspaper comics section into primetime TV. By the production standards for animation in the mid-1960s, this presentation was…well, different. Not only did it look different, with limited animated movement among the characters; it sounded different. No

laugh track. A soundtrack that primarily featured the jazz piano of Vince Guaraldi, with a little Beethoven and a couple of Christmas Carols added for good measure. And the voices of the characters weren’t adults trying to sound like kids; they were children. But the biggest difference was found in the story that Schulz devised. It did not revolve around Santa or Frosty or Rudolph; this was a Christmas story that dealt with the “reason for the season.” Charlie Brown bemoans the commercialization of the holiday; depressed and exasperated, he shouts the question, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?” Linus answers him, effectively and movingly, by reciting from the Gospel of Luke: “For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown,” he concludes. A historical observer might conclude

that this all came together seamlessly in the year 1965; that the tenor of the times was favorably disposed toward religious expression, and that the creative team was of one accord. That wasn’t the case.

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thing other than a genuine wish that the recipient enjoy the time period between late November (the beginning of Hanukkah this year) and late December to early January (which includes Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year’s). For us, being in the holiday spirit also means cutting our friends and kind

strangers a little bit of slack. To recap: If we meet each other, feel free to wish me season’s greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or whatever floats your boat. When you live in interesting times, you take your merriment and wishes for happiness wherever you can find them. Because only in America are we cursed to fight over holiday cheer.

As Schulz outlined the story, Bill Melendez objected. “You can’t put the Bible on television,” the director exclaimed. Producer Lee Mendelson recalled the response of Charles Schulz: “If we don’t do it, who will?” Jean Schulz, the cartoonist’s widow, explained her husband’s sense of purpose in an interview last year with Yahoo Entertainment: “He just loved the Bible, and thought there were just marvelous things in the Bible that were true.” Believers and nonbelievers alike can

recognize this truth in the resolve of Charles M. Schulz: his insistence on incorporating scripture in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” makes that first “Peanuts” Special truly special. The vagaries of television and the legal wrangling of powerful corporations may conspire to keep this Christmas tradition off of “free TV” next year. Whatever its fate, the message will endure. Though he left this earthly realm two decades ago, Schulz no doubt understood these words from the Gospel of John: “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” That’s the real “Christmas Miracle.”

HAYWORTH �� 12

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Chamber honors local businesses

he Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce continued its 18year tradition of honoring local businesses and business leaders on Dec. 11 at Anthem Golf & Country Club.

Festivities began at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring champagne and butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a three-course dinner and the business awards ceremony. The awards ceremony was lives-

treamed to allow the community to celebrate as well. Here are the winners.

See AWARDS Page 17

Businessperson of the Year: Sam Crump Nominees Manny Chazan, Work Hard Play Hard Marketing; Sawana Grimmett, The Salt Spa; Chris Gonzalez, loanDepot; and 2021 Businessperson of the Year Sam Crump, Anthem Law & Sam’s Frozen Yogurt, pictured (on each end) with 2020 Businesspersons of the Year Tyler Ringe and Travis Ringe.

Nonprofit of the Year: Musical Theater of Anthem Nominee Desert Foothills Land Trust Executive Director Vicki Preston; 2021 Nonprofit of the Year Musical Theater of Anthem’s Karen Gallagher, accepting the award; and nominee Rotary Club of Anthem President John Salem.

Community Impact: Dustin Holm Pictured: Nominee Palmcroft Church Anthem’s Randy and Judi Williams; Nanette Miller, center, presenting the award; 2021 Community Impact winner Dustin Holm, North Valley Custom Hauling; and nominee, Krista Solomon, Rotary Club of Anthem.

Public Servant of the Year: Bill Black Pictured: Nominee Joe Alvarez, Boston Market; 2021 Public Servant of the Year Bill Black; and nominee Josh Miller, Daisy Mountain Veterans, pictured with Eric Twohey, Uncorked Media Group, presenting the award.

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

BUSINESS

AWARDS from page 16

Economic Impact: Sunset Cyclery Sunset Cyclery took top honors for rescuing a shuttered bike shop from foreclosure and rebuilding the business from the ground up. Amped Coffee Company and HonorHealth, both prior award recipients in this category, were also nominated.

Leadership in Action: Mary Ellen Twohey Pictured: Mary Ellen Twohey, Uncorked Media Group, with Anthem Area Leadership Academy Co-Directors Sawana Grimmett, The Salt Spa, and Chris Gonzalez, loanDepot. Commercial Design: Fuego Hot Yoga & Wellness Fuego Hot Yoga & Wellness received the Commercial Design award. Anthem Ammo and Banzerini House were also nominated in this category. Living Legacy: Heather Maxwell, former executive director, Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce Former Anthem Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Heather Maxwell, center, with 2019 Living Legacy, Eric Kilstrom, and 2020 Living Legacy Bonnie Smith.

Ambassador of the Year: Bill Black Pictured: Ambassador of the Year Bill Black, right, with 2020 Ambassador of the Year and 2021 Vice President Matthew Word Country Financial.

Congressional Recognition: Dustin Holm Dustin Holm, North Valley Custom Hauling, with Austin Roe of Rep. Debbie Lesko’s office.

See AWARDS Page 18

L S S!

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‘Tips of a Ten-Year Snowbird’ helps residents BY ALLISON BROWN Foothills Focus Staff Writer

art-time Anthem resident Neil Hampson recently published his second edition of “Anthem, Arizona: Lifestyle Tips of a Ten-Year Snowbird,” with dozens of tips for those new to the area or the desert climate in general. The book, published earlier this year, has tips on topics such as building a swimming pool, insulating a garage, preventing toilet water evaporation, interacting with wildlife, getting an Arizona ID, and dozens of others. The tips are divided into four categories: lifestyle, money saving, desert wildlife, and

“summerizing” your home. There is also a section at the end with helpful phone numbers and addresses. Hampson and his wife, Diane, are originally from Seattle and purchased their Anthem winter home in 2009, after toying with the idea for about three years. Hampson said they had been to Anthem a few times with their kids for Spring Training and had made a trip to the Grand Canyon. He also said his mom lived in Surprise at the time, so when Anthem came up while they were searching for houses, it seemed like the perfect place. He said they divide their time to spend about half the year in each home, and, while they love the lifestyle, there is so

year! th 5 3 r u o in w No

much that goes into owning, maintaining and moving between two homes. Hampson said he started to collect tips he heard from others or things that he �igured out himself and made a point to try to remember them to help others. “I was collecting tips in the sense that I was collecting them in my head, and I was always telling people that were new to the area or even people that weren’t. They were just things I had learned that were helpful,” Hampson said. “So, I had some free time in January of 2018 and thought I would type it out and make a tip sheet or something like that. When I started, I realized that I needed background for all of them and it just became

a book. It didn’t start out as a book, but it just evolved into one, and then it became pretty popular.” Some of the tips are simple, like remembering to hydrate in the desert, but some could save homeowners big bucks. Hampson details how to get lower gas prices, reduced electricity bills, and free admission to museums and galleries. Other tips are about issues that the average homeowner might not even think about, like where to store batteries in the hot summer months and how to get hot water as soon as the faucet is turned on. While the book is speci�ically targeted

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to Anthem, the majority of tips can be expanded to anywhere in the Valley. In addition, Hampson said he has gotten positive feedback from snowbirds and long-time residents alike, who both said they got some good ideas from the book. The �irst edition came out in 2018, and Hampson said he felt compelled to do a second edition after some details like addresses or trash pickup changed and �inding new tips to add. “This edition, I added a section on the dining inside and outside Anthem and I added a section on Neil Hampson, originally from Seattle, bought a house in Anmaintaining hydration in them to escape the cold winter months and have a change of atmosphere. (Photo by Cassandra Tomei) the desert,” Hampson said. “What I have found is that the people that bought my �irst edition Hampson is a retired physician and is are buying the second one, because they internationally recognized as an expert all loaned it to someone and haven’t got- in carbon monoxide poisoning. He is also ten it back.” the author of “Serial Chase,” based on Hampson joked that the best part of the the true story of a serial killer in Washsnowbird lifestyle was getting to live at ington around 1950, and “Cherry Red,” 75 degrees and in sunshine year-round. a �ictional mystery thriller about a man He said their summer home is on an is- who uses carbon monoxide to poison land in Puget Sound, Washington, and is those who are not ecologically minded. completely different than their Anthem “Anthem, Arizona: Lifestyle Tips of a home. But each one is special to them. Ten-Year Snowbird,” along with Hamp“Whenever it’s time for us to leave to son’s other books, can be found on Amacome here or leave here to go there, it’s zon. The book of tips is available for $9.95, hard for us. We never want to leave. But and Hampson said, if used, will certainly we �igured that means we got it right.” return the reader’s investment.

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Christmas: when God came near CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Foothills Focus Columnist

Let me introduce you to a friend of mine, Dr. Ted Baehr. He is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Movieguide and a respected movie critic. Dr. Baehr comes from a Hollywood family. Both his father and his grandfather starred in major movies and television series. Last November, I heard Dr. Baehr speak about the elements required in every great movie or book. Here’s a summary of some of what he shared with the audience. Read on. You will like this. First, you need a premise. The premise is the idea behind the movie or book. The premise is, “Where you’re going and why you’re going there. You give a premise and then fulfill the premise.” Then you need

a plot. The plot is, “How you’re going to get there.” The plot is the vehicle to communicate the idea or premise. And the process of arriving at the premises should be painful or challenging. The plot consists of characters, dialogue, themes, and the setting or backdrop of the movie or book. Characters are, “Who goes there and whom they meet.” Themes are the interactions between characters along the way that meet. The setting is where the plot happens and includes both music and spectacle. And a good movie, a story or a book always has a starting point and an ending point. Being a writer of sorts, I thought about Dr. Baehr’s speech. And by the time you read this article, it will be Christmas Eve. So, let’s apply those elements to the first Christmas. Talk about intrigue. The first

Christmas was full of possibilities for a full-length drama. The first Christmas was the stuff that movie directors and producers scan the horizon for. Only this time, there was no fantasy but plenty of spectacles. It was for real, for all people, for all time. This time, the author, director and producer is God, the Great I Am, The Lord of all creation. Consider the setting and backdrop. The times were tough. The dark night and straggling confusion added to the drama. The oppressive Roman government decreed that everyone in Israel return home to their birth cities for tax registration. Most likely, that would mean higher taxes. So, the roads were filled with people going to and from their birth cities. There was bedlam in Bethlehem. And there was no room in Bethlehem’s numerous inns. The characters were angels from

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would be consequences of the worst sort from Rome if they didn’t. To top it all off, she was getting ready to deliver the child, and the donkey on which she rode didn’t come with shock absorbers. When they finally arrived, the expectant mother was in labor, and the only place in Bethlehem for them to stay was in a stable. Now the stage was set, the starting point was established, the angels’ spectacle was over the top, and the music concert, although numerically small, was heavenly. Amid this drama, the main character Jesus was born. Now all is calm, and all is bright. There was a pause for us to catch our breath. But unthinkable events and characters were on their way. Enter the good guys (Magi from the east) and the villain (Herod). You know the story. Kings from the east came to Jerusalem, led by a star

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

so evident that you couldn’t miss it. They asked, “Where is the King of the Jews, that we may worship him?” King Herod and all of Jerusalem panicked. What does this mean? At Herod’s request, the Jewish chief priests looked at Scripture prophecy and determined the birthplace of Christ was Bethlehem. Herod sent the Magi to Bethlehem and asked them to inform him when they found Jesus so He could also worship. Sure enough, the star reappeared and led them to the Christ-child. They gave him gifts fit for a king. After that, the Magi were warned not to report back to Herod in a dream. Then God’s angel appears to Joseph and says, “Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child and wants to kill him.” So Joseph did as he was told. When he realized that the Magi had not reported to him, Herod flew into a rage. He ordered the murder of every little boy in the Bethlehem

area, 2 years old and under. The conclusion of the first Christmas was when the angel appeared again to Joseph and announced that Herod was dead and for him to re-enter Israel. That was a fantastic event. It has all the elements that Dr. Baehr mentioned. But what is the premise behind the first Christmas? What is God trying to reveal to us? Biblically, I think there are three crucial things in the first Christmas. First, God reveals to us; sin separates us from God and each other. Sin is just missing God’s best for us. When our desires lead us, we don’t make things better; we make them worse. And we get stuck, “… in sin and error pining.” God doesn’t want us separated from Him or each other. Second, God reveals to us, “Here is what you look like, what you do, without Me.” You become a type of Herod. Herods love being in control. Herods will do anything to be in

control, even killing young children or anything that has to do with God. Last and most important, God says, “We don’t have to be separated. I became flesh so that you know what I’m like. Christ is the way for you to rejoin Me.” There is a way back to God, and that is through God Himself. You don’t have to be a frightened Herod. So, there you go, why not have your first Christmas this Christmas by receiving Christ into your heart? God just came near to you. Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. Ed has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonpro�it organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy. com. Ed may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

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623-551-7900 JOHN@KOVACHINSURANCE.COM 3715 W ANTHEM WAY, SUITE # 112 ANTHEM, AZ 85086-0424

John A Lanagan

John was born in Souix City Iowa passed away November 8th, 2021 at the age of 59. Preceded in death by his daughter Shelby Turk, mother Helen Lanagan, brothers Ron Lanagan, and Leo Thompson. Grandfather of Emily, Hailey, and Makenzie. John was a very loving grandfather who spent his life as a truck driver and loved to watch NASCAR. A Celebration Of Life will be held February 6th, 2022. For more information on the celebration of life feel free to email his daughter Shelby at shelbyylyynn3@gmail.com

For questions about placing an obituary, please call us at 480-898-6465 or

visit: https://obituaries.eastvalleytribune.com

Commerical/ Industrial/Retail

AZ PERFECT COMFORT A/C & Heating Services Info@azperfect comfort.com

(602)789-3000 azperfectcomfort.com

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

AZCAN WANTED OLD SPORTSCARS/CONVERTIBLES: Porsche, Mercedes, Jaguar, Triumph/MG, Ferrari, Corvette & others! 1973 & OLDER! ANY condition! TOP $$ PAID! Call/Text: Mike 520977-1110. I bring trailer & cash! (AzCAN)

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online! Call 480-898-6465

Employment General

NOW HIRING ALL POSITIONS

• Landscape Construction Laborers • Landscape Maintenance Laborers • Irrigation Technicians • Estimators • Spray Technicians • Enhancements Project Engineer/Project Manager

*Up to $1,000 Sign-On Bonus** *Start Immediately* *Competitive Pay* *Paid-Time Off (PTO) For All Positions*

*Full Beneﬁts Package Offered* *401K with Company Match* *Full-Time + Year-Round Employment* *Valley-Wide Positions*

Whatever coverage you are looking for, I can help. With customizable coverage and options to match your lifestyle – plus tools, tips and discounts to help keep costs down – I’ll help protect you and your loved ones against the unexpected.

We offer competitive pay, beneﬁts, and a casual work environment. Email: careers@caretakerinc.com

Call: 480-292-6777

Apply Online: www.caretakerlandscape.com Corporate Ofﬁce: 741 N. Monterey St. Gilbert, AZ 85233 EOE/M/G/VET/DISABILITY/DRUG-FREE/E-VERIFY EMPLOYER **Terms and Conditions Apply

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Employment General

Earn Extra Income For The Holidays!

Gannett Publishing Services wants to contract you to deliver newspapers and magazine products in the early morning hours in the Phoenix metro area.

Earn up to $400 per week Work just 2-3 hours a day between 12:00AM - 6:00AM All routes are 7 days a week

Routes are available now across metro Phoenix (East Valley, West Valley, North and South Phoenix). Please include home zip code when applying.

How It Works

What You Need

What We Offer

We’ll provide you a daily delivery list

A Reliable Vehicle

Weekly pay can be up to $400 per week depending on the size of your route

Pick up your newspapers from our local distribution center

A Valid Arizona Driver’s License

Direct payment deposit into bank account

Go at your own pace, as long as papers are delivered by our established deadlines

Valid Auto Insurance

Flexibility, as most routes have a wide allotted time frame for delivery

APPLY NOW Scan the QR code with your smartphone Visit htp://deliveryopportunities.gannett.com

or call 602-444-4243

CLASSIFIEDS

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

thefoothillsfocus.com

To place an ad: 480-898-6465 class@timespublications.com Drywall

Cleaning Services

DONALDSON DRYWALL Carpet, Tile-Grout, & Air Duct Cleaning

Commercial & Residential Housecleaning

FREE ESTIMATES

www.pnponecarecleaning.com

Call Today/Clean Today

602.550.7732

Licensed/Bonded/Insured

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Cave creek Resident Since 1984 • Water Damage • TV Niche Changes • Texture Match • Repairs/Remodels • New construction

FREE ESTIMATES 480-861-1375

Family Owned & Operated

Licensed Bonded Insured ROC #289594

CALL CLASSIFIEDS

480-898-6465

Deadline: Wednesday at 5pm for the following Wednesday

Glass/Mirror • Custom Glass • Shower Doors & Enclosures • Window Glass Replacement • Custom Mirrors • Glass Table Tops & Shelves Come and visit our custom glass showroom behind the Dairy Queen in Cave Creek.

480-235-6101

www.aboveandbeyondglass.com ROC 233846 & ROC 236899

Employment General

We'll Get Your Phone to Ring! We Accept:

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

Justin Simons, Agent 3655 W Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ 85086

623-551-3700

justin.simons.j663@statefarm.com I’m inviting you to make our roads safer and get rewarded for doing so. Are you in? Contact me today to get started.

*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

See MORE Ads Online!

Employment General Join our experienced inside sales team! Do you have print media/digital advertising selling experience? We may be looking for you! The position is in Tempe (Broadway curve area) includes lots of outbound calls selling advertising all over Phoenix Metro and even Tucson! Our 20 local publications, newspapers, magazines and digital solutions fit pretty much every need!

The legendary Rock Springs Café is

Great team environment

NOW HIRING FOR ALL POSITIONS*!

Our small team wants to grow with you! Do you get excited when you sell? Do you talk louder when you are selling something you believe in? We get it - it's exciting to sell!

Lead Host and Assistant to the Manager Lead Pastry Baker Bussers - $15 – 20 per hour with tips Servers - $25 – 30 per hour with tips (average) Line Cooks – Flexible Hours Rock Springs Café is located just 15 minutes north of Anthem – Exit 242. *Signing CASH BONUS at the end of 30 days employment

Submit resumes to: rockspringscafe@gmail.com

www.TheFoothillsFocus.com Announcements

Do you learn quickly, like to stay organized, multi-task, are you familiar with Gmail, Google Docs/Sheets/Voice, Word, Excel, internet browsing and other software programs? This is a full time job with benefits. 8:305pm Mon-Fri. If you think you are the missing puzzle piece, please apply!

We stand up for what we believe in. And we are willing to fight for what’s right, so our businesses can grow and our community can thrive. We fight for you at www.carefreecavecreek.org

Wait, did I mention we are a FUN team? Send your resume with cover letter to Elaine ecota@timespublications.com EOE

CLASSIFIEDS

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

Rooﬁng

Almeida Roofing Inc.

PHILLIPS

Plumbing

Irrigation ROC#215280

Irrigation

& Landscape est. 2002 ~ Anthem, Arizona

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels. Rapid Response. If water runs through it we do it! 602-663-8432

Install • Repair • Replace

Wyman Plumbing. Your friendly neighborhood plumber for the NORTH PHX area! We can quote most jobs over the phone! 623-551-6688 ROC License #309216 Book Online at wyman-services.com

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet.

623-203-7717

Please recycle me. Landscape/Maintenance

All Types of Roofing

602-743-3175 Free Estimates & Inspections • Tile • Shingles Foam • Coatings • Modiﬁed Bitumen • New Roof Repairs • Reroofs

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

FREE ESTIMATES • 623-465-2546

Landscape/Maintenance

PREMIER LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

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

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

WINTER BIRDS

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC #166390

DUKES EXCAVATING 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

A chill is in the air. Our winter birds are ready for fun. Find the 13 differences.

SEPTIC SYSTEMS ◆ COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CONVENTIONAL, ALTERNATIVE SEWER, STORM DRAIN & RETENTION SITE DEVELOPMENT ◆ UTILITIES ROC KA 302118 General Contractor JIM DUKES

623.606.8411

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

North Valley Landscaping

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

No Job Too Big or Small

602-330-6965

Residential & Commercial

Quality you deserve for a great price you can afford.

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

FREE ESTIMATES! Call Brian

480-388-9442

ANSWERS: 1 There is an extra snowflake on the left, 2 Bird’s cap has changed. 3 & 4 Yellow bird now has orange wings and tail, and his cap has changed. 5 & 6 Blue bird’s cap now has bear ears, and his boots are now orange. 7 & 8 Hot pink bird’s cap is now a headband, and his snowball is now a barbell, 9 & 10 Bird’s beak has changed and he has no scarf, 11 Little bird’s cap is missing, 12 & 13 Lavendar bird is now pink and his boots are now purple.

Sprinkler Repair Landscaping & More!

THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS | THEFOOTHILLSFOCUS.COM | DECEMBER 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