(Lyn's note: Please feel free to send us any pictures you'd like included.  If your photos are for sale, let us know and we will put them under that category.  We have a special section for that purpose.  If anyone would like to buy a print of any of Herbert's photos, all profits will be donated to one of the local non-profit organizations.   Here is the link to this week's Pictures of the Week. Enjoy!)

http://www.carefreeazbusinesses.com/pictures-of-the-week-41116.html

Photo by Herbert Hitchon

 

http://www.carefreeazbusinesses.com/cactus-flowers-4-6-16.html

Photo by Herbert Hitchon

 

 

 

The 2016 Carefree Desert Garden calendars are now available at Carefree Town Hall, 8 Sundial Circle, Carefree, and they are gorgeous! If you like to take pictures, visit the Gardens.  Our entry period for the Carefree Desert Gardens Photo Contest is January.  Your picture could be in the 2017 calendar.

 

 

 

Town of Carefree Newsletter link:

http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=4b736631f153ae846e0670316&id=1c548bde21

 

In The News-Town of Carefree link

http://www.carefree.org/DocumentCenter/View/1250

 

Desert Foothills Chronicle link:

http://www.desertfoothillschronicle.org/

CITYSunTimes link:

http://news.citysuntimes.com/

 

 

 

Les Peterson Announces He Will Run for  Mayor of the Town of Carefree in 2016 Election

The Next Few Years are Critical for the Future Economic Sustainability of the Town

Carefree mayor and community leader Les Peterson has declared his candidacy to continue as the Mayor of the Town. Les assumed the duties of Mayor in the early spring of 2015, when the previous Mayor, David Schwan, resigned due to illness.

“We have made great progress in enhancing downtown Carefree for the enjoyment and utilization of our residents and visitors,” Mayor Peterson said. “We can’t stop now, and the next few years are critical to the Town’s future. Much remains to be accomplished.”

Key town priorities that need to be addressed in the near future include:

1. •Continuing the integrity of Carefree as a beautiful residential-friendly town without the heavy traffic and congestion of many nearby towns.
   

2. •Attracting a diverse demographic to the downtown area by continuing strategic marketing efforts with dramatic and high quality popular programs such as the Ray Villafane Enchanted Pumpkin Garden exhibit and the Carefree Christmas Festival.
   

3. •Enhancing and strengthening downtown businesses, including new restaurants and commercial businesses to generate excitement and activity, to fulfill the needs of our residents and visitors.
   

4. •Selectively encouraging the addition of smaller, high-quality residences close to downtown for Carefree residents who want to remain in Carefree, but feel the need to downsize from their current larger homes.
   

5. •Achieving the identified priorities within budget constraints while maintaining Carefree’s strong reserves.
   

“A renewed sense of spirit and momentum is evident throughout Carefree,” Peterson said. “I believe I can continue to effectively lead the town’s efforts to complete the remaining tasks in this revitalization. Our objective is to maintain an enjoyable quality of life for town residents while generating long-term economic sustainability for Carefree.”

“Other Carefree Council members, the town staff and numerous local volunteers and businesses have all worked together during my term to efficiently change the look and feel of the downtown area along Easy Street,” shares the Mayor. “Achieving this is absolutely critical to the long-term economic sustainability of Carefree. The downtown enhancement projects, implemented under my leadership, came from a variety of sources, and the town council worked hard and effectively to maximize the impact of each. Many of our local businesses and civic organizations also made substantial contributions towards implementing these projects, which helped to keep spending below the approved budgets.”

Mayor Peterson attended ASU, receiving B.A. and M.A. degrees.  He and his wife, Mary, have resided in Carefree for 20 years. They have been married since 1965, and have two children.

Les received his initial training in marketing and business management at Procter & Gamble. This was followed by working with leading marketing services firms which specialized in strategic planning and marketing program development. Following this initial experience, Les was one of the founders and served as president of a marketing services firm which grew to be the fifth largest in the country. Les worked with more than 180 client companies identifying their key problem areas, developing strategies and managing programs to address the problems identified. 

In addition to currently serving as mayor, Les is a director emeritus of New Pathways for Youth, an organization which provides mentoring and life-changing training to over 600 youths from dysfunctional families. He serves as a member of the Paradise Valley Community College Advisory Board, and is a guest lecturer in international marketing at ASU. For fourteen years, Les was one of three “judges” of business proposals submitted in the Cornell University MBA entrepreneurship program, evaluating over 4,000 such proposals. Prior to being elected to the Carefree Town Council in 2012, Les served on the Carefree Planning and Zoning Commission and was the president of the Boulders Homeowners Association.

 

 

Lyn,

I am in tears.  This is absolutely a beautiful tribute.  You truly loved him and still do.  I will treasure this forever.  Love you lots.

Binka

 

 

 

Thank you for your support and kindness.  I think we were in AZ six or seven times since he was diagnosed and each time it was shocking to see the deterioration.  We were still able to communicate and to have some final words in the past week.  To me, he will always be My Big Brother.

 

Whew!  Just when I thought the tears had stopped.......This is a wonderful tribute.  Many thanks.

Anita

 

 

Lyn,

Thank you for your fitting tribute to David Schwan, and Binka, the love of his life. It brought back memories of the many hours David and I spent together, and of issues and challenges that life brought before us. Some of these made me smile, like the photos of David in one of the many caps and hats he frequently wore. And some of them, if truth be known, brought tears to my eyes.

I am proud to have considered David first and foremost to have been my friend. I believe that from the many enjoyable hours we spent together, a bond of kinship - which to me is another way of describing a relationship between two people based upon trust and understanding - developed between us that I find I am deeply missing now, even though David has only been gone a few days. 

Another remembrance of David is as a mentor to me, particularly regarding the many intricacies of government and the myriad of statutes and requirements within which the Town must address issues. I wouldn’t reach a firm conclusion on many matters until I had first brought forward my initial findings and thinking and discussed them with David. His grasp and insight, and his ability to politely build upon and strengthen preliminary thoughts and emerging viewpoints, were nothing short of amazing. David was particularly good at using numerical comparisons to help analyze alternatives.

I could go on at some length of my additional remembrances of David, but perhaps one of my strongest additional memories is of the positive and supportive way he dealt with people. He liked people, and he wanted to understand what they thought, and why. David did so in a manner which was polite and respectful, and he combined this with a unique ability to draw out from people their underlying thinking and motives. If he agreed with them, he told them so and tried to help them achieve their desires. If David felt their thinking was unclear, he worked to sharpen and focus it. If he felt their thinking was wrong, David would politely tell them so, and why. 

I don’t want to let my memories of David fade into the background over the coming days and years. David’s friendship, his approach to life and the quality of the lessons which he communicated will remain with me forever. Again, Lyn, thank you for your wonderful tribute to David which helped to underscored and bring to mind just how important David was and is in my life. 

Les Peterson

 

 

 

This is a wonderful tribute, Lyn.  The photo with the hats made me laugh.  The last photo of Binka and David made me cry.  It took me a while to finish this.  I watched all of the videos again. I love the end.

John Crane

 

 

Gene & I send our prayers & condolences for your loss.  Is there an address that we can send a card to Binka and her family?  If there is anything we can do please let us know. 

Sincerely ,

Gene & Vicki Orrico

 

Thank you Lyn for sharing your beautiful tribute to David. 

David was a kind, generous and compassionate soul.  He cared deeply about the Carefree community and leaves behind an enormous void within our hearts.  Indeed, this community is a better place because of people like David who unselfishly volunteer to simply help their community. 

Binka, you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.

Gary Neiss

 

Your tribute to him was beautiful.

Kandace French

 

 

What a thoughtful, touching tribute Lyn. Thank you and so sad you and Herbie have lost a great friend. I'm just sorry I didn't get to work with David longer. He was the one that called me right before he was diagnosed and offered me the job to come work with the Town and with him. He was helpful in my transition and always available. I won't forget his kindness.

Gina Kaegi

 

 

Nicely done Lyn. I'll see you at David's memorial service.

Ed Morgan

(Lyn's note: Most know Ed, but for those who are new since he left, Ed is a former, and very highly esteemed, Carefree Mayor.)

 

 

I just wanted to let you personally know how much we appreciated the beautiful tribute you put together for David.  Donna and I were very close to David & Binka also, and were able to visit him several times before the end.  In fact, Ed and Bobbie Morgan were here a few weeks ago and they joined us on one of our visits.  David was really pleased to see them, and was up to spending quite a bit of time with us.  Ed and Bobbie will be coming back from Arkansas to attend the Memorial Service which is really special.  I’m sure it will be well attended, and we will see you there.

Lloyd Meyer

(Lyn's note: Lloyd served on P&Z, then on Council, first as a Council member and finally as Vice Mayor.  He was instrumental in getting David involved in Carefree government.  He was also one of the leaders of the PAC that supported David during the malicious bogus recall attempt, when John Traynor was the losing candidate Don Sorchych (Sonoran News) picked to run against David.  I was also a member of that PAC.  Carefree Truth came into existence to combat with public record facts the outrageous lies being told about David by the recallers.)

 

 

Lyn:

Beautifully done.

Arthur Gimson

 

 

Well done, Lyn. What a gift to have a life with your soul mate and, tragic though this kind of slow death may be, to have the time to say good-bye and leave nothing unsaid.

I wish I had gotten to know David better, but what I did know of him can best be summed up in one word:  Grace. He was classy when faced with acrimony that would have most of us spitting blood, gentle, soft spoken, and, most of all, patient - a trait which he taught me by example and which I am still striving to achieve.

Why the best of humanity seem to be taken so frequently is a mystery.  Perhaps it is so that we will focus on people such as David and, through that focus, emulate what made him the special man that he was. I'd like to think so, anyway. God speed, David Schwan. 

 

Marty Saltzman

 

 

Hi Lyn

Pam and I would like to send a note to Binka. Do you know her address?

Thank you

Mike Wold

(Lyn's note: Anyone who wishes can send cards to Binka at Box 5984, Carefree, AZ 85377)

 

 

You did a wonderful job. I'll be there Saturday.

Jo Gemmill

 

Lyn, I personally want to thank you for this outstanding detailed and caring e-mail of David and Binka. My thoughts and prayers are with them constantly, but my trips to their home has not been as often I would like due to my own problem which requires use of a feeding tube 5 times per day and most of the time I am fairly weak.

I am often reminded of their wedding anniversary and how I was there to give her to David and what a wonderful happy couple they have been for so many years.

I have sent this e-mail to several friends in or from Michigan who would not have seen it. I now will put this e-mail in my "keeper" file.

Again, on behalf of Sandy and me and our entire community thanks for this outstanding job!

Bill Rintelmann

 

Dearest Lyn,

Thank you sending that beautiful "Memorial" about David.  It definitely brought tears.  He will be missed.

Hugs

Pam DiPietro

 

 

If there's a heaven, he's there.  My heart goes out to Binka.

Jakki Brooks

 

 

Excellent tribute, obviously a great man and husband.  Didn't see his age anywhere, doesn't look that old - any children?  Have lost more than a few friends to ALS over the past 20 years.  Nice job. 

Larry Holland

(Lyn's note: David would have been 70 in May.  They do not have children, but Binka has many very good friends. We will help her get through this and will be there for her in the long term too.)

 

 

Beautifully done Lyn....

Semper Fi to our veterans...
Bob Jenkins

 

 

Beautiful Lyn- thank you.  He was a wonderful man & a great leader & Mayor.

Sincerely,

Fred Layman

 

 

Oh Lyn!  

I'm so saddened to hear of your tragic loss.  David was an extraordinary man and I'm sure the entire community is mourning as his life was one of service, love, compassion and excellence.  

Your tribute to him is so beautifully touching and as I wipe away the tears of one loved so much I send you, Herbie and Binka love, strength, peace, comfort and courage during this difficult time.

May he rest in peace. 

 

With love and blessings!  

Patti Meese

 

 

 

This is the most beautiful tribute. I have a dear friend who has ALS and has had it at least a year. It is a blessing when it takes you quickly. You were a dear friend

Louis Short

 

 

Thank you for your moving and heartfelt tribute to David.  We will all miss him!  What a touching photograph, but he was surrounded by love.  I was shocked at how quickly he deteriorated.  What an awful  disease!

Regards,

Eileen and Jack Crowley

 

 

What a wonderful tribute to a man who clearly was the embodiment of the term “a life very well spent”.  Prayers with Binka at this time and of course moving forward.

I have entered their names in the petition book at All Saints, prayers will be said  for them.

Hard to type this.. no such thing as  “tearproof” mascara”...

The photos and stories about him and the events were wonderful. The last photo was amazing…  you are truly a wonderful friend to them as well as your community.

Laurie Palace

 

What a great memorial.  I’ll add a link and a part of your intro on this issue.  I had not heard, so thank you.  I love the picture of him with Debbra.

Sara Vannucci

 

 

Beautiful piece…

Sue Clement

 

 

Lyn,

What an amazing, heartfelt tribute to a very special couple.  Well done!

Warm regards,

Linda Putney

 

 

Nice tribute...thanks.

CR Bob Thompson

 

 

Wonderful tribute you wrote about David Schwan. What a sad ending for such a nice man.

Lois Treacy

 

 

Lyn,

 

Thank you for this nice tribute to David. As you may know he was very supportive of me and the Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center when we initiated our Healing of Memories for Veterans program. He continued to check in with me asking how he could help. I had a chance to greet David and Binka when they arrived at the Spirit in the Desert for the Carefree council Christmas party. I was there to greet veterans who  were coming to attend one of our workshops that was being held on that same weekend. He was gracious as usual. I had a chance to thank him once more for his support. Little did I know that that was the last time I would see this wonderful, giving man.

 

Thank you to Herbie and you for allowing David to connect to the FCC award ceremony through the video. I know it must have meant a lot to him since he loved the FCC.

 

My only regret now is that Pam and I are flying to MN to attend our grand daughter Gracie's first communion next weekend so will have to miss David's funeral. He and Binka are in our prayers.

 

Peace

Mike

 

 

Thank you Lyn!

 

My Best, 

Lia Abati

 

Thank you for the article about David.  So sorry to hear of his passing, he was so young. 

Lea

 

Lovely tribute to a good man. Thank you for sharing this.

Editors, Sonoran Truth

 

(Lyn's note: I misunderstood the time of David's death.  I thought it was in the wee hours of the morning on the 7th, but Binka corrected me.  He died at 10:20 PM on April 6th.

In lieu of flowers, Binka requests that contributions be sent in David’s memory to: ALS Association – Arizona Chapter, 360 E Coronado Road – Suite 140, Phoenix, AZ 85004, 602-297-3800, info@alsaz.org., or to Foothills Caring Corp. at, PO Box 831,
Carefree, AZ 85377, http://www.foothillscaringcorps.com

) 

 

 

How cool!!!!! And the sand sculpture is amazing.

Laurie Palace

(Lyn's note: re Ray Villafane)

 

Lyn:

Back in the early 80’s, while Ruben Ortega was the Phoenix Chief of Police, I attended a 10-week Citizen’s Police Academy.  Really interesting and it gave me an enlightened viewpoint of the position police often find themselves.

Equally interesting was a 6-hour “ride-along” with a MCSO deputy while “training” to be a Council Member.  Another training day was spent with the Town Court, meeting with the Town’s judge, the Town’s administrator and the Town’s Prosecuting Attorney.

I would encourage anyone who has the time to avail themselves, if they can, of any of these opportunities.  It gave me an education as to how things operate.

Arthur

 

 

Lyn, in my checking on the results of trimming there have been small bits on the roadway but nothing large; they have missed a couple of bushes here and there but by in large they did a great job.  This is definitely needed and I support all of the rationale in Gary's first paragraph.

Paul D. Maley

 

 

Mystery solved.

I had been wondering who chopped down the overgrowth along my lot line on Lazy Lane.  I had given some thought to the idea of doing it myself a few years ago. It was a fleeting thought that sorta fits when you live on Lazy Lane.

So, Kudos to the Town Council and Staff for a good idea well implemented. Had I known the time and day, I would have left a cooler of Gatorade at the end of my driveway for the crew.

Gary, next year, be sure and come up to the house to visit. I've got some trees that need trimming.

Thanks for a job well done... as usual...!!!

Carry on...

Phil Corso

Carefree

 

Experienced restaurant server is needed at Alberto Restaurant. Please apply in person after 4PM.  7171E Cave Creek Rd., Carefree AZ 85377 PH: 480 488 5800