Carefree Truth
Issue #621, February 2, 2018
Evelyn Johnson, the Executive Director Emeritus of the Cave Creek Museum, presented the Museum's 2016/17 Annual Report to the Mayor and Council members, and to the staff members present. The Report highlighted the activities from that Fiscal Year.
She announced that the Featured Exhibit this season is the Edward Curtis collection of photos by the world renowned photographer. The exhibit will run through May 21st. She encouraged everyone to visit the Museum's website, www.cavecreekmuseum.org, to check out all the interesting events that are happening each month throughout this season.
Issue #621, February 2, 2018
Evelyn Johnson, the Executive Director Emeritus of the Cave Creek Museum, presented the Museum's 2016/17 Annual Report to the Mayor and Council members, and to the staff members present. The Report highlighted the activities from that Fiscal Year.
She announced that the Featured Exhibit this season is the Edward Curtis collection of photos by the world renowned photographer. The exhibit will run through May 21st. She encouraged everyone to visit the Museum's website, www.cavecreekmuseum.org, to check out all the interesting events that are happening each month throughout this season.
https://vimeo.com/250967199
Raye Gall, the Executive Director of the Desert Foothills YMCA, located on 60th Street off of Carefree Highway, thanked the Town for allowing the Y to go out into the community for the past 3 years by participating in the Pumpkin Festival. The carving nights and the pumpkin sales raised over $10,000 all 3 years, and raised closer to $12,000 during the 2017 Pumpkin Festival. The money goes towards the community support campaign to serve children.
Raye Gall, the Executive Director of the Desert Foothills YMCA, located on 60th Street off of Carefree Highway, thanked the Town for allowing the Y to go out into the community for the past 3 years by participating in the Pumpkin Festival. The carving nights and the pumpkin sales raised over $10,000 all 3 years, and raised closer to $12,000 during the 2017 Pumpkin Festival. The money goes towards the community support campaign to serve children.
1624 children at the pre-school and elementary school levels were taught about safety around water. 1123 children participated in the summer camp and sports programs. Scholarships were available for those unable to pay. This area is associated with wealth, but there are those who need help. For instance, a single mother of 2 who has breast cancer entered her children in the after-school programs and is participating in the Y's Live Strong program. 1927 seniors with subsidized memberships were staying active. 249 teens developed leadership skills through the Employee Youth Program and the Teen Leaders Club. They also volunteered at the Enchanted Pumpkin Garden. 215 active duty and veteran military families benefited from subsidized memberships. The Y also conducts free Yoga and Tai Chi Easy classes by the Carefree sundial. Ms. Gall stressed that all money raised stays within the local community.
Mayor Les Peterson noted that the Y has been one of the most enthusiastic, ardent and effective supporters in terms of volunteers at activities. They are a wonderful facet of the community. As a comparison, the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard Museum generate approximately 120,000 visitors per year. The Holland Center, which includes the YMCA, the Desert Foothills Theater and the Paradise Valley Community College, generates approximately 660,000 visitors per year. It is a significant addition to the community, and the Y is a cornerstone of the center.
https://vimeo.com/250969963
Mayor Peterson introduced Misty DeBella, owner of Bella Donna & Cane pet boutique, praising her wonderful service in conjunction with the Pumpkin Festival. Ms. DeBella said she supports and loves the Pumpkin Festival. Her business revenue was up 133% in October; it was the best month of the year. In anticipation of the crowds, she "ramped up", extending her staff and hours.
Ms. DeBella sponsored the first "Trunk or Treat" event on Halloween night, and was so excited. She has a 4 year old granddaughter, which was her driving force to organize an event that provided a safer alternative in Carefree than trick or treating on our dark streets, as well as something that would bring families here to enjoy the pumpkins. She loves the Pumpkin Festival and hoped it would continue.
https://vimeo.com/250969963
Mayor Peterson introduced Misty DeBella, owner of Bella Donna & Cane pet boutique, praising her wonderful service in conjunction with the Pumpkin Festival. Ms. DeBella said she supports and loves the Pumpkin Festival. Her business revenue was up 133% in October; it was the best month of the year. In anticipation of the crowds, she "ramped up", extending her staff and hours.
Ms. DeBella sponsored the first "Trunk or Treat" event on Halloween night, and was so excited. She has a 4 year old granddaughter, which was her driving force to organize an event that provided a safer alternative in Carefree than trick or treating on our dark streets, as well as something that would bring families here to enjoy the pumpkins. She loves the Pumpkin Festival and hoped it would continue.
Mayor Peterson reported that approximately 20 decorated cars showed up with people in costumes handing out treats from the car trunks to kids in costumes. Ms. DeBella added that so much work went into all the costumes and trunks. The feedback she got was very positive, and people said they couldn't wait for next year's Trunk or Treat. She felt it will get bigger and better each year.
Terravita resident Beverly Full lives in a house that looks at Black Mountain. She had complained twice before about what she considers excess light from one house, and said it had since become even brighter. Other houses have proper lighting. She finds it "disturbing". She pointed out that, like many other cites and towns, Carefree has a light ordinance and subscribes to the Dark Sky philosophy. She said the Town staff doesn't have to look at lights from this house. The Mayor instructed Gary Neiss to take a look at the house in question. He noted that the Carefree ordinance does allow leeway for the holidays.
(Lyn's note: We too were curious and drove past the house at night. The house was brighter when it was decorated for Christmas, but post holiday, those decorations have been removed and it is in compliance with our light ordinances.)
Terravita resident Beverly Full lives in a house that looks at Black Mountain. She had complained twice before about what she considers excess light from one house, and said it had since become even brighter. Other houses have proper lighting. She finds it "disturbing". She pointed out that, like many other cites and towns, Carefree has a light ordinance and subscribes to the Dark Sky philosophy. She said the Town staff doesn't have to look at lights from this house. The Mayor instructed Gary Neiss to take a look at the house in question. He noted that the Carefree ordinance does allow leeway for the holidays.
(Lyn's note: We too were curious and drove past the house at night. The house was brighter when it was decorated for Christmas, but post holiday, those decorations have been removed and it is in compliance with our light ordinances.)
https://vimeo.com/250936630
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.