CAREFREE TRUTH
Letters from Readers & Events: 12/10/14
Non Profit Events
Experience the Magic at the Carefree Christmas Festival!
December 12-14 in downtown Carefree
Join Us For A Carefree Christmas
"This video is about Join Us For A Carefree Christmas"
HOLIDAY /CHRISTMAS/ LIGHT PARADE
7th Annual Carefree Christmas Festival
A Weekend Long Holiday Celebration in Downtown Carefree, Arizona
“The festival has become one of the most well-attended holiday events in the Valley,” said event director and founder, Jo Gemmill of Carefree.
A three-day, two-night celebration with real snow, an electric light parade and a fireworks extravaganza, welcome in the holidays at the 7th annual Carefree Christmas Festival, December 12 – December 14.
The tiny town of Carefree, located just north of the Scottsdale and most famously known for its over-sized Sundial, turns into an illuminated winter wonderland for the yuletide event. Festivities take place at the Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy Street, from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a .m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The signature Electric Light Parade, presented by APS and produced by the Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce, takes place on Saturday at 6 p.m., along Easy St., and is followed by a fireworks display.
More than 20,000 visitors are expected to attend throughout the weekend. All activities are free. Information and a full schedule of events are available at carefreechristmasfestival.com, or at 480-488-2051.
The annual event has quickly become a holiday tradition in the northeast Valley. Highlights include a lighted holiday village with daytime and late night shopping, seasonal food and drink, live holiday dance and singing performances including the Salvation Army Marching Band, a Kid’s Zone with 35 tons of real snow, lighted carriage rides, real snow and ice princesses, Charles Dickens inspired carolers, a live Nativity display, and Santa.
Pet lovers are invited to bring their pets, dressed in their holiday best, for a pet parade and pictures with Santa on Sunday. Pet adoptions by the Foothills Animal Rescue (FAR) will take place throughout the day.
“The festival has become one of the most well-attended holiday events in the Valley because it brings out the child in all who attend. It is reminiscent of a traditional Christmastime of years past,” said Jo Gemmill of Carefree. Gemmill is the director and founder of the event.
The four-acre Carefree Desert Gardens provide a stunning backdrop, with thousands of cacti, many rare or unusual specimens, illuminated in holiday lights for the festival.
According to Gemmill, the festival relies heavily on generous corporate and small business sponsorships to fund the event.
Several important sponsors have signed on this year, including APS who will make possible the Festival’s signature event, Saturday night’s Electric Light Parade.
Sanderson Lincoln on Bell Road will present a snow slide and 35 tons of real snow, and local Carefree businessman, Chris Mellon of Chris Mellon Custom Home & Remodeling Center, is sponsoring the always popular Kid’s Zone.
Discount Tire has also signed on to be a supporter this year, according to Gemmill.
CAREFREE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL - CALENDAR BRIEF:
What: Illuminated holiday activities for the entire family with an electric light parade, fireworks display, live music and dance performances, real snow, a pet parade, gift market, holiday food court and much more, all in an outdoor desert setting
When: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Friday, December 12 and Saturday, December 13; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday, December 14. Electric Light Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza take place Saturday, Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.
Where: Carefree Desert Gardens, 101 Easy St., Carefree, Arizona.
Cost: Free.
Information: 480-488-2051, carefreechristmasfestival.com.
CAREFREE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Friday, December 12, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Gift Market and Holiday Food Court
10 a.m. – noon, To Be Announced
Noon – 2 p.m., Salvation Army Brass Band
2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Dickens Carolers, Christmas Around the World
3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Dickens Carolers, Christmas Around the World
4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Dickens Carolers, Christmas Around the World
4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Kid’s Zone with snow slide and 35 tons of real snow
5:45 - 6:45 p.m., Kelso Brothers – Holiday jazz music
6 – 9 p.m., Live Nativity and Lighted Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
7 – 8 p.m., Community choirs from four local churches
Saturday, December 13, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Gift Market and Holiday Food Court
10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Kid’s Zone with snow slide and 35 tons of real snow
10 – 11 a.m., Adage Dance Company, “A White Christmas”
11:30 – 1 p.m., Desert Foothills Theater, Medley of Christmas Classics, Snow Queen and Ice Queen appearances
2 – 2:30 p.m., Cactus Shadows High School Honors Choir
2 – 4 p.m., Live Nativity
2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Kevin Glenn Singers
3:30 – 4:30 p.m., Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, Live Nativity and Community Sing-Along
5 – 9 p.m., Holiday Party with DJ Robin Sherman
6 p.m., Electric Light Parade sponsored by APS, followed by a Fireworks Extravaganza
Sunday, December 14, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
9 – noon, Pet Parade – presented Foothills Animal Rescue (FAR)
10 a.m. – noon, Pet photos with Santa
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Gift Market and Holiday Food Court
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Kid’s Zone with snow slide and 35 tons of real snow
11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Kiddie train rides
12:30 – 2 p.m., Center Stage Dance Studio
2:15 – 3:15 p.m., “Jolly Roger,” children’s comic magician
3:30 – 5 p.m., Johnny Martini and the Cactus Kickers dance troupe
Registration to the dog parade is FREE followed by the opportunity to have you and your pets photographed with Santa. You can register for the parade by
We look forward to seeing all of our friends out there!
Meet and Greet!
Although Carefree lies in the northern end on the Valley, families and their pets come from all around the city to engage in the festivities.!!
Costumes Galore!!
Prizes will be awarded to the top three outfits at the Sunday Dog Parade. The creativity never ceases to amaze!
Fun For All!!
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Over 20,000 visitors will pass through the festival on this weekend. But fear not, there is plenty of parking and the festival volunteers are there to assist and guide you along the way.
Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center seeks donor sponsors for families
The Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center seeks donors to brighten the holiday season for children, families and seniors in the northern Arizona foothills community. The food bank is working with more than a dozen local organizations and churches to provide gifts, holiday meals and hope for those in crisis in the community. The 12th annual Adopt-a-Family program will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Holland Community Center in north Scottsdale. A second site for Black Canyon City residents will be held on Saturday, December 13 at High Desert Park.
Individual donors as well as donor groups such as businesses, HOAs, churches, and schools, are encouraged to participate in this year’s Adopt-a-Family program. Interested donors determine the size of the family they are willing to adopt then a family wish list is provided as a shopping guide. There is no minimum donation and shopping assistance is available for monetary donations to support the program. All gifts must be wrapped and delivered in December. Checks are payable to the Foothills Food Bank. All gifts and donations are tax deductible according to tax laws.
For information about the 2014 Adopt-a-Family program or to request a donor sign-up form, email adoptafamily@foothillsfoodbank.com or pick up a form at the food bank. Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center is located at 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive in Cave Creek.
CONTACT: Jeannine Scott 480.488.1145
ANIMAL ADVISORY
Romeo and three other mini horses in search of forever homes for the holidays
At only 34 inches tall, Romeo, a 10-year-old mini chocolate palomino stallion, may not seem like a formidable force. However, the tiny horse, along with three other mini horses, currently have a temporary home at Triple R Horse Rescue in Cave Creek, Ariz. All of the minis are anxious to find forever homes with loving families or horse aficionados before the Christmas holiday. In addition to Romeo, the other minis awaiting adoption are:
• Ghost, five years old
• Hot Fudge, three years old
• Butterscotch, four years old
Romeo and his friends are available for adoption at Triple R Horse Rescue, which is located at 6206 East Rockaway Hills Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz. Persons interested in seeing the tiny horses can make an appointment by calling 602.396.8726.
About Triple R Horse Rescue
Triple R Horse Rescue is a 501(c)3 organization that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes horses surrendered to its care. The organization, which is run 100% by volunteers, relies on support from the community to fulfill its mission. Located on three acres donated by Lil Bit North Ranch in Cave Creek, Ariz. Triple R Horse Rescue is dedicated to assisting the 175,000 unwanted horses in the United States. In the past three years, the organization has re-homed more than 100 horses.
For more information about Triple R Horse Rescue visit http://www.triplerhorserescueaz.com.
Romeo
The Heavy Smoke Nearly Took Baxter's Life....
As firefighters checked the burning home for any residents trapped inside, the all too familiar sound of a barking dog arose from the fire. Henry, a veteran firefighter with the local fire department, ran inside the dense smoke and fire and came out with a lifeless black labrador obviously suffering from smoke inhalation. Thanks to a donation of a Fido Bag from The Fetch Foundation last summer, Baxter lived to see another day. “I'm thrilled to hear this,” Marie Peck of The Fetch Foundation said of the dogs' rescue with the help of the donated mask. “I'm just really glad we were able to make a difference for that family's pet.”
Click Here To Save A Pet's Life
Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center to benefit from 75,000 holiday light display
A Cave Creek home listed on a metropolitan Christmas lights map will serve as a donation location to benefit the Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center. The home, which will showcase 75,000 lights synced to music, is located at 6726 E. Dixileta Drive.
The lighting display and food donation drop-off will be open to the public from 6:00 PM-9:00 PM, Sundays through Thursdays and from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
“For years, we have been giving joy to those who have seen and heard about our display,” says homeowner Todd Rooker. “This year, we decided we would give those who experience it the opportunity to give back. We will be putting a donation box out to collect canned food for Foothills Food Bank in Cave Creek.”
The display will begin on Thursday, November 27, 2014.
CONTACT: Pam DiPietro 480.488.1145
Dear Neighbor,
If you could direct how your Arizona tax dollars are spent, wouldn’t you give it some thought?
By making a donation to the Foothills Food Bank you can reduce your tax liability to the State of Arizona AND provide an emergency supply of food, referral information and financial assistance to individuals and families in the foothills area that are in a crisis situation.
Show your support for the Foothills Food Bank AND reduce your Arizona tax bill with a tax credit. Your donation of up to $400.00 if married and filing jointly or up to $200.00 if filing single, head of household or married filing separately, is a dollar for dollar reduction in the amount you owe the State of Arizona on your tax liability, equal to the amount you give as a charitable tax contribution.
You will receive a FULL TAX CREDIT for the amount you donate. For more information, visit www.revenue.state.az, or call 1-800-843-7196.
Your donation will assure that the programs and services these families need and count on will be continued and adequate funding is made available. Please complete the form below and mail it, along with your check payable to the:
Foothills Food Bank
P.O. Box 715, Carefree, AZ 85377
Foothills Food Bank 2014 Charitable Organization Tax Credit Donation Form
Name ________________________________________________________________________________
Last, First, M.I.
Address______________________________________________________________________________
(We need your address so that we may send you a letter of receipt)
City___________________________________ Zip Code __________ Amount Enclosed ______________
Maximum donation is $400 for a married couple; $200 if single, head of household or married/filing separately. Your donation must be received by December 31st 2014 to qualify. RM
If you wish to make your tax credit contribution by credit card or Pay Pal please visit our web site at http://www.foothillsfoodbank.com
December Desert Foothills Library 2014/15 Adult Events/Programs
LIBRARY FEATURE EVENT
December 16 (3rd Tuesday each month series), 5 – 7 p.m.
Cinematic Reflections on the Cold War Era: A Grin Without a Cat
Each documentary film in this series is introduced by documentary filmmaker Penelope Price, who will discuss the film’s director and style; a post-film discussion follows, led by Gary Zaro, faculty Cold War expert from Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC). The film series traces the evolution of the Cold War from its genesis after WWII to its conclusion in 1991 with the formal dissolution of the USSR. Films reveal the back stories behind the events, interview the major players, and analyze the political fallout that occurred during that time. This month’s film: A Grin Without a Cat (108 min.). An epic film-essay on the worldwide political wars of the 60s and 70s. A sweeping, global contemplation of a defining ten years’ political history. Register: 480-488-2286. Supported and funded by: Arizona State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services (federal), PVCC & Desert Foothills Library.
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LIBRARY FEATURE EVENT
December 19 (3rd Friday each month series), 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Art Nosh Afternoons: Post-Impressionism, presented by Hugh Ruddock
Enjoy a nosh – tea and gourmet treats -- while being educated & entertained by art historians, and docents from Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum Guild. Limited seating. Registration required: 480-488-2286.
Cost: $10, includes tea and gourmet treats
Dereth DeHaan
Adult Services Librarian
Desert Foothills Library
Change of regular work days, now Monday - Thursday
38443 North Schoolhouse Road
P.O. Box 4070 85327
Phone: 480-488-2286
Fax: 480-595-8353
2015 Grammy Nominees
Featured in This Year's Arizona Musicfest
(Phoenix, AZ) Congratulations to the following Arizona Musicfest 2015 Festival artists on their Grammy nominations:
Rosanne Cash:
Best Americana Album: River and The Thread
Best American Roots Performance: "A Feather's Not a Bird"
Best American Roots Song: "A Feather's Not a Bird"
(Headlining Arizona Musicfest Feb 20)
Steep Canyon Rangers (with Steve Martin and Edie Brickell):
Best American Roots Song: "Pretty Little One"
(Performing with Arizona Musicfest Feb 12)
New York Polyphony:
Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance: Sing Thee Nowell
(Performing with Arizona Musicfest Feb 8)
ARIZONA MUSICFEST 2015 FESTIVAL PRESS RELEASE
Congratulations, as well, to the following past Musicfest artists who also received Grammy nominations:
Chris Thile:
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Bass & Mandolin (with Edgar Meyer)
Best Instrumental Composition - Composing/Arranging: "Tarnation"
Best American Roots Performance: Destination (with Nickel Creek)
Keb Mo:
Best American Roots Performance: "The Old Me Better"
Jeff Hamilton, Tamir Hendelman, & Chris Luty (Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra):
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: LA Treasures Project
Tierney Sutton:
Best Jazz Vocal Album: Paris Sessions
Jennifer Koh:
Best Contemporary Classical Composition: "Prince of Clouds" (Clyne)
For more information regarding Arizona Musicfest visit www.azmusicfest.org
To schedule an interview, request high-resolution images or b-roll, contact laura@audiencemagnets.com.
Learn a new craft, hear a lecture, exercise your brain and more at the Foothills Community Foundation
Are you looking to learn a new craft or skill, like card making, digital photography or acting? Do you want to expand your mind by hearing a fascinating lecture or viewing a colorful art show? Or, maybe you’re up for a good game of Bingo or Bridge? These are just some of the many classes, events and activities offered for local residents of all ages at the Foothills Community Foundation’s (FCF) Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th Street, Bldg. B, in Scottsdale.
As FCF prepares to celebrate its fifth year at the Holland Community Center campus, its staff and volunteers have lined up an exciting roster of events, presentations and activities.
“We’re so fortunate to live in a community that cherishes arts and entertainment, that cares about sustainability and that welcomes the chance to learn from others,” said Chris Winger, FCF president and CEO. “Take advantage of our Holland Community Center…not only will you expand your mind, you’re sure to make some new friends or re-connect with old ones.”
New this year: FCF has added “Toddler Story and Playtime” sessions on Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The class features a mix of open play, songs, stories, dances, parachute play and bubbles. Geared towards parents, grandparents, caregivers and their toddlers, the classes are free through October 30. Starting Nov. 6, FCF will sell punch cards offering five classes for $30. No reservations are required but adults must stay with their toddlers (no drop-offs).
Sue Parker of Cave Creek is teaching Card Making classes from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 2, Nov. 6, Feb. 5, March 5, April 2 and May 7. The Thursday evening classes are geared towards adults and offer a fun way to learn how to create greeting cards using Stampin’ Up products, including exclusive stamps, paper, stamp pads, ribbons and other embellishments. For $20 per class, participants learn how to make four greeting cards and/or a possible 3-D project, such as a small gift box or treat bag.
“People sometimes think they need some special skills or be "crafty" in order to participate, but that’s not the case,” Parker said, adding that she sees both women and men in her classes. “My favorite thing is the reaction when someone stamps for the first time, assembles their card, and sits back amazed at what they just created. And if someone is an experienced stamper, they get new ideas and learn some new techniques. Even people with a room full of craft supplies at home will enjoy the social atmosphere of crafting together with new friends.”
Other upcoming FCF classes at the Holland Community Center include Brain Games, Bridge, Digital Photography, Adobe Photoshop Elements, an “Art Relaxation and Herbal Teas” class that includes Tai Chi relaxation exercises, and two Focus on Your Health classes about finding health help in the home and getting through the holidays after experiencing a loss.
Activities include Bingo and Chinese Mahjong on Thursday afternoons, a “Let’s Talk Art” gallery show in October and an “Ageless Spirit” gallery show running in November and December, as well as the MindQuest Lecture series, which kicks off on Tues., Oct. 21 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with guest speaker Dr. Britton Shepardson who will discuss the mysteries of Easter Island during his presentation, “A New Look at Old Faces.”
Desert Foothills Theater (DFT) and the Desert Awareness Committee are also part of the Foothills Community Foundation. For a full list of FCF classes, MindQuest lectures, visual arts shows, DFT theater productions and classes, Desert Awareness hikes and educational programs, and other activities, visit www.azfcf.org or call (480) 488-1090.
Desert Foothills Library Youth Events/Programs
Information for all events: Contact Colleen Crowley or David Court, Desert Foothills Library, 480-488-2286, salberts@dfla.org, dcourt@dfla.org, www.desertfoothillslibrary.org
Where: All events below take place at Desert Foothills Library, 38443 North Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 85327.
Cost: All events are free.
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When: 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM, Tuesday (every week)
What: Toddler Storytime (ages 2-5)
Join us for stories and songs at the library!
No registration required.
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When: 9:45 AM – 10:15 AM, Thursday (every week)
What: Little Ones Storytime (ages birth-36 months)
Join us for stories and songs at the library!
No registration required.
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When: 1 – 3 PM (last Sunday of each month)
What: Teen Advisory Group
This group brings together teens who are interested in being involved here at the Desert Foothills Library. Whether through volunteering or brainstorming for programs, come meet other library enthusiasts and share your ideas. Refreshments are provided.
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When: 4:00 – 5:00 PM every Friday
What: Teen Table Games
Looking for something to do on a Friday afternoon? Join us for table games – from Pictionary to Monopoly, chess and checkers and much more! Refreshments are provided.
Books Can...
(ages 0-5 years, 6-week series)
This course uses popular picture books to promote your child's social and emotional development as well as address challenging behaviors.
Thursdays, 10/16 - 11/20
10:30 AM
Desert Foothills Library 2014 Adult Events/Programs
Information for all events: Contact Dereth DeHaan or David Court, Desert Foothills Library, 480-488-2286, ddehaan@dfla.org, dcourt@dfla.org, www.desertfoothillslibrary.org
Where: All events below take place at Desert Foothills Library, 38443 North Schoolhouse Road, Cave Creek, 85327.
Cost: All events are free, except where noted.
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When: 4 – 5 p.m., Every Tuesday
What: Guided Meditation
Modern science continues to prove that meditation, an ancient and powerful technique, helps us deeply rest, connect to our inner selves and restore ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. Guided meditation practice will help you to de-stress from the busy-ness of your everyday life, restore good sleep habits and change destructive habits and thoughts. In this practice, we lie on the floor with closed eyes and relax in the space just before sleep. This may be easier for you than traditional seated meditation. Please bring any props, such as a yoga mat or a blanket, that will make you more comfortable. If you cannot lie down on the floor, you may sit on a chair. Instructors Judith Zeiger and Marci Sheer. Special Registration Process: Call or email Judith Zeiger (480)760-5645 jazeiger@cox.net.
Cost: $5 cash, pay to instructor at each class.
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When: REGULAR Class 8:45 – 9:45 a.m., Every Friday; CHAIR Class 10 – 10:30 a.m.
CHAIR Class 1 – 1:45 p.m., Every Wednesday
What: Qigong/Tai Chi Easy
A discipline that can be practiced and benefits gained at any age – you are never too old! A blending of Qigong and Tai Chi, with deep breathing and repeated gentle motions and stretches to improve health, balance, agility and flexibility. The “Chair” class is for anyone who wants to take it extra slow and easy. Wear loose clothing and bare feet. Limited to 15. Special Registration Process: Call or email instructor Bina Bou: 480-284-1300 or bina.b75@gmail.com.
Cost: Prepay instructor $20 cash for 4 classes; or $8 drop-in.
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When: 1 – 2 p.m., Every Sunday
Noon – 1 p.m., Every Thursday
What: Gentle Yoga
This slow-paced class focuses on breathing, gentle yoga poses, and stretching to increase flexibility and balance. Please bring a yoga mat. Limited to 15. Special Registration Process: Call or email instructor Sylvia Labrado: 480-776-4743 or agelessyogaaz@gmail.com.
Cost: $5 cash, pay to instructor at each class.
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What: Spanish Offerings
When: 10:30 a.m. – noon, Every Wednesday
What: Intermediate Conversational Spanish.
Informal chat session using various books, flashcards, etc. Beginning April 23, each week will feature a half-hour episode of the Destinos series on DVD, followed by discussion in Spanish. No instructor. Contact Barbara Koca, 480-488-5332.
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When: 5 – 7 p.m., 3rd Tuesday each month
What: Cinematic Reflections on the Cold War Era
Each documentary film in this series is introduced by documentary filmmaker Penelope Price, who will discuss the cinematic style; a post-film discussion follows, led by Gary Zaro, faculty expert from Paradise Valley Community College(PVCC). The film series traces the evolution of the Cold War from its genesis after WWII to its conclusion in 1991 with the formal dissolution of the USSR. The films reveal the back stories behind the events, interview the major players, and analyze the political fallout that occurred during that time. Limited seating. Register: 480-488-2286. Supported and funded by: Arizona State Library, Institute of Museum and Library Services (federal), PVCC & Desert Foothills Library.
Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center to offer employment assistance
Team Job Search will assist food bank customers with job searches
Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center will offer Team Job Search to its customers who seek employment in the Cave Creek/Carefree area. Beginning in September 2014, Team Job Search will provide workshops to assist food bank customers in finding the best job.
Team Job Search, which was created by Richard McCarty, is a community program sponsored by the Foothills Food Bank that will help individuals reinvent the way they look for work. In today’s market place, 98% of all resumes go through an inhuman electronic screening process that rejects 75% of applications before they are viewed by a human being. Team Job Search will teach food bank customers proven techniques to ensure that applications and resumes are selected for interviews. Team Job Search will conduct meetings to introduce food bank clients to new methods for finding the right job. Workshop times and dates will be announced soon and all sessions will be held at Desert Foothills Library in Cave Creek.
The Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center provides emergency food, financial assistance and other life necessities and resources to individuals and families in the desert foothills, which encompasses a 180-square mile area that includes Black Canyon City, Cave Creek, Carefree, Anthem, Desert Hills, New River, north Scottsdale and north Phoenix.
For more details, visit Foothills Food Bank at www.foothillsfoodbank.com or call 480.488.1145. Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center is located at Hidden Valley Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz.
Contact: Pam DiPietro 480.488/1145
Foothills Food Bank Greens ‘R’ Great program takes root
Beginning in fall 2014, the 3,000 families, seniors and individuals served by the Foothills Food Bank and Resources Center will be able to reap the benefits of having fresh, organically grown and hand picked produce. Through the Greens ‘R’ Great program, the customer community of the food bank can learn how to grow and prepare their own food.
The idea for the program germinated at a gathering of local garden enthusiasts who championed an overarching goal of community nourishment and self-reliance through sweat equity and shared responsibility.
Assisting with moving “Greens’R’Great” forward are individuals and businesses that have stepped forward with generous donations of labor and materials: Cave Creek Building Supply, Elrod Fence Company, Fortezza Custom Homes, Home Depot, Lowes, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s Realty, Town of Cave Creek, Walmart, and the Greens’R’Great steering committee.
Greens‘R’Great will be a two-branched program. The first branch, a garden adjacent to the food bank premises, will be a place for the customer community to gather and help maintain the crops. The second branch will provide container plants that may be taken home and cared for. Both branches inherently will be educational and focus on teaching gardening and nutrition basics through hands-on experience.
Request for monetary donations are ongoing and gratefully accepted.
Contact: Pam DiPietro 480.488.1145 www.foothillsfoodbank.com
Cave Creek Museum re-opens for the season on Wed., Oct. 1. Located at 6140 Skyline Drive, the Museum features an extensive collection of prehistoric and historic artifacts that describe the lives of Native Americans, miners, ranchers and pioneers. The museum hours are Wed., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fri. from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance fees are $5 for adults; $3 for seniors; and $2 for students. Children 12 and under are free.
One of the biggest highlights of the season will be monthly demonstrations of the Museum’s historic “Golden Reef” Stamp Mill which dates back to 1880 and was used to crush hard rock ore so that gold could be separated and saved. There have not been any operational Stamp Mills in Maricopa County since the closure of the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum in 2011, and Cave Creek Museum’s Stamp Mill is the only operational 10-Stamp Mill in the state. The schedule of monthly demonstrations will be announced on Oct. 1.
Another new exhibit will be “Saddle Up,” a colorful display of horse saddles dating from 1890 to 1950, including one that was made for a professional baseball player. The new “Baskets, Baskets, Beautiful Baskets” exhibit features Native American baskets dating from the 1880s to the 1930s.
The baskets are from several Arizona tribes: Pima (O'Odham), Navajo, Apache, Havasupai, Yavapai and Papago (Tohono O'Odham). In addition, the Museum will unveil a new “Arizona’s Greatest Battle” exhibit that features history about what is considered to be the greatest recorded battle ever fought in Arizona. The 1857 battle was the last in a series of skirmishes in which the O’Odham (Pima) and Piipaash (Maricopa) fought their adversaries to the west. The exhibit will include a replica war shield, a war club, sandals and more on loan from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Lifestyle will also be highlighted in a new bola tie and “Dirty Laundry” washing machine exhibit.
“The washing machine was revolutionary because it changed a woman’s life dramatically,” said Evelyn Johnson, executive director of Cave Creek Museum. “We’ll show the evolution of this household task from 1870 through 1940.”
The museum will host several new children’s programs throughout the year and bring back popular annual events, including “A Miner’s Dinner” in November, “Antiques Appraisal Day” in January, “Authors’ Month” in February and its biggest fundraiser of the year, “Homes Through Time” home tour in March.
For information, call (480) 488-2764 or visit www.cavecreekmuseum.org.
Large and heavy stamp mills were used in the late 1800s and through the 1920s to crush hard rock ore so that the gold could be separated and saved. At one time, many such mills were reported to exist in the Cave Creek Mining District. The Museum’s “Golden Reef Mine Stamp Mill” was declared to be an Arizona State Historic Property by Arizona State Parks in 1986. The Museum is particularly pleased to showcase this 10-Stamp Mill that came from its own mining district and was originally located on Continental Mountain.
