(Lyn's note: Please feel free to send us any pictures you'd like included. Here's the link to this week's Pictures of the Week.)
http://carefreeazbusinesses.com/picture-of-the-week-12821.html
http://carefreeazbusinesses.com/picture-of-the-week-12821.html
At the Chanukah in Carefree event
Lt. to rt.: standing-Mayor Les Peterson, Mary Peterson
seated-Councilman Vince D'Aliesio, Lyn Hitchon, Herbert Hitchon
Photo by Erica Shumaker
Here are your bonus rounds from Herbert.
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/71021-7pm.html
Lt. to rt.: standing-Mayor Les Peterson, Mary Peterson
seated-Councilman Vince D'Aliesio, Lyn Hitchon, Herbert Hitchon
Photo by Erica Shumaker
Here are your bonus rounds from Herbert.
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/71021-7pm.html
Photos by Herbert Hitchon
Here is the link to the Maricopa County & Rural/Metro emergency
preparedness presentation from 6/27/19. This is good info to keep saved
on your computer.
Emergency Preparedness Presentation by R/M & County: 6/27/19
http://carefreetruth2.com/carefree-truth-763.html
Lyn:
It is so wonderful that you and your husband document the wonderful events that take place in Carefree. My only suggestion would be to include the collaboration of Veterans Heritage Project, which has been there from the first year and helped start the Veterans Day event with Kiwanis. We locate the keynote speakers, the students put up the exhibit, and this year the teacher advisor at Cactus Shadows, Bret Lineburg, represented their school chapter.
Appreciate it.
Barbara Hatch
Executive Program Director, Founder
Veterans Heritage Project, a 501 (c)(3)
10210 N. 32nd St., Suite C2
Phoenix, AZ 85028
602-571-1248(m)
Email: Barbara@VeteransHeritage.org
www.VeteransHeritage.org
Connecting Students with Veterans
Veterans Heritage Project (VHP), a nationally renowned program, connects students from all walks of life with military veterans in their communities through an Oral History and Publishing program that develops appreciation for an America they will one day lead. Capturing veterans' stories permanently preserved in the Library of Congress, in Washington DC, helps veterans heal while preparing young scholars for college and career.
(Lyn's note: I apologize. I didn't realize that. I will be sure to include you as Carefree's Veterans Day partner in the future and will publish your email explaining the partnership in Wednesday's Letters.
I sent some of the VHP sections from past Veterans Day to a good friend of ours who served in Vietnam, and suggested he might want to participate in your program. He is introverted by nature, but said he would consider it. If he decides to share his experiences, I'll put him in touch with you.)
Chanukah in Carefree
During Current Events at the Council meeting last night, Councilman Vince D'Aliesio reported that the 8 Nights of Chanukah in Carefree was well received and well attended. The livestreaming went well. They got a lot of great feedback. He said it promises to be even bigger next year, thanks in large part to Carefree's Economic Development Director, Steve Prokopek, who did double duty helping to organize the event each night. "So, way to go, Steve!" Mayor Peterson thanked Steve and Vince.
https://vimeo.com/654605898
Vince did the livestreaming and Herbert did the videos and still shots for the 8 Nights of Chanukah in Carefree, It was their 5th anniversary doing this in the Pavilion. It was a fascinating event, as always. We passed all of this on to Karen and Ora, the co-chairs of the event, to use on their website. It is also on Carefree's website and on ours. Here are all the links to Herbert's 8 Nights of Chanukah in Carefree. Enjoy!
Chanukah in Carefree - 2021
11/28/21 Chanukah - Day 1
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/112821-chanukah---day-1.html
11/29/21 Chanukah - Day 2
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/112921-chanukah-2nd-day.html
11/30/21 Chanukah - Day 3
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/113021-chanukah---day-3.html
12/1/21 Chanukah - Day 4
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12121-chanukah---day-4.html
12/2/21 Chanukah - Day 5
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12221-chanukah-day-5.html
12/3/21 Chanukah - Day 6
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12321-chanukah---day-6.html
12/4/21 Chanukah - Day 7
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12421-chanukah-7th-night.html
12/5/21 Chanukah - Day 8
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12521-chanukah-8th-night.html
Hi Lyn,
Friends and I were talking about how hard it is to see and read the street signs especially at night. What ever happened to the green and white signs?
Margaret Hasselbusch
(Lyn's note: A number of years ago, Melissa Price was on the Carefree Council. She pushed hard for the brown street signs to be placed everywhere in Carefree. She wanted all signs to blend into the desert background.)
Well she did a terrible thing. Scottsdale and Paradise Valley all have the green with the white, which is so much easier to read. She did us a disservice of people coming up this way to find their way around. Is there anyway that we can get to the green with the white lettering back?
Margaret
Hi Lyn
Gina Kaegi suggested I reach out to you to be included in your blog. Please see my note below and flyer. I would love to get the word out for more runners! It will be a great, very low cost fun community run/walk!
Thanks!
Heidi Brashear
Good morning
As some of you know, I am president of CCUEF (Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation). We raise funds for teachers in our district and have granted over $225k to them over the years.
We are holding our first Run the District 5K on Saturday, 1/8/22 at 8AM at the CSHS Football Field. This is going to be a big fundraiser to help us continue to raise money for the teachers in our district! It is hard to get the word out other than on social media, so I thought I would email b/c I would love your support, if possible.
Here are 2 ways you can help:
1) Run
This is a perfect way to kick off the new year with some fun, fitness and fundraising! You can run or walk and everyone gets a t-shirt and medal for only $20! Register here: https://ccuef.org/run-the-district-5k/
2) Volunteer
We can use volunteers of all ages to help pass out water, direct runners along route, time, check-in, etc. Younger kids will need a parent, but it will be fun and great for community service hours or just to help the community!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0f49aea92baaf9c16-5kvolunteers
This will be a great family event, so please share it with your friends and family. And, if you have kids in the district, the school with the most registrations gets a prize!
Thank you!
Heidi Brashear
(Lyn's note: See their flier for this January event at the bottom of the Non profit Events & Info section.)
Lyn,
Re Ms. Barbours’ letter and your response. Obviously there are always multiple sides to every story. That being said, what seems to be increasingly absent from the airing of differing opinions is an attempt to disagree without engaging in speculation as to motive, positive or negative. As we know from reviewing history, water has always been a flashpoint when it comes to ownership, location , access and the like and regardless of underlying facts, each side is convinced in the legitimacy of their position.
What is troublesome, at least in my opinion, is the fragments of facts, misinformation, innuendos, etc. that have dogged this entire issue for months. Unfortunately most Carefree residents don’t really get into the “weeds” re: this issue, (or any other) and therefore rely on external communications such as your newsletter to get at the “facts”. Only when the consequences of Town Council decisions begin to affect them, either through increased water costs or other consequences, (property taxes tend to be another flashpoint), will citizens become more engaged.
I understand the desire by any community, including the Boulders, to be protective of their lifestyle and to oppose decisions, that in their opinion negatively impact the community’s image. Curiously, at least as reported, those who oppose the water tank seem to be in the minority within the Boulder community itself, yet somehow have managed to become an outsized influence regarding this particular debate, when as Ms. Barbour rightfully points out that water, the distribution, the management, the pricing of such, etc. is a Carefree wide concern.
Consensus is difficult to achieve under any circumstance, but more so in today’s litigious times. That being said, at some point , after airing of all viewpoints and consideration of all the facts, time for debate should cease and decisions must be made in order to move on. Not all will be pleased but progress has never been without its detractors.
John Nimsky
(Lyn's note: I have no idea what motivates the few at the Boulders who have been battling this from the onset. The Boulders already has a much larger underground water storage tank on their "open space" over by Stagecoach Pass, as well as a large open septic area on their "open space". I am at a loss to explain the behavior. Most of the residents in the Boulders are perfectly nice people and are not fighting this. It is my understanding that, although this began using an individual's money for a lawsuit, they are now using HOA money to fight something that is not going to negatively affect the property values in the Boulders. I suspect when the residents discover this, many will not be happy with their current board members.)
Ms. Hitchon
You write, “you don't show yourself in a good light for challenging the fact that the Town did indeed participate and spend money to help the residents of the Boulders with their smelly problem, simply because you are ignorant of the proceedings”.
But you are not “ignorant of the proceedings” and yet you still cannot provide any substantive financial documentation to support your claim that Carefree paid lawyers to represent Boulder's residents in the Black Mountain sewer decommission. That is because they don’t exist, according to your records. Carefree Truth #442 - "Vice Mayor John Crane felt that it was important for everyone to understand that the Town was not litigating. Tax dollars were not being spent. This was between the Resort, the Boulders HOA, Liberty, and the ACC”. The Vice Mayor assured everyone the town was not spending resident's tax dollars to litigate on behalf of The Boulder's residents. http://carefreetruth.com/Carefree_Truth/CFT_442.html.
However, there are public records Carefree has spent approximately $1,689,456 for legal expenses on the water transition - of which Cave Creek reimbursed Carefree $464,593. In addition, Carefree paid Cave Creek $1,000,000 as part of the water arbitration settlement and, another $775,000 on engineering studies to Coe and Van Loo. Proof, as specific as individual check numbers, that Carefree has spent $3,000,000 of our tax dollars on this water transition just in the last 3 years.
On July 27, 2021, a legal document created for Carefree reads, "Cave Creek Water has made significant improvements to the quality of their water” and, Carefree Water is in discussion to buy Cave Creek water again. If Carefree recognizes there is no longer a safety issue with Cave Creek water, why are Carefree residents (and generations to follow) being burdened with a $32 Million debt?
Is it to protect private investments as some claim? Many of your neighbors in Sentinel Rock believe your property values will be positively impacted by transitioning onto Carefree Water. The following is just one of many examples showing this is a widely held belief within the Sentinel Rock community:
February 1, 2021 - Jeffrey Kerner (Sentinel Rock resident) submits the following - “Now, unless the Township protects our interests, we face the added and real possibility that when we try to sell our home in future years, we will suffer significant devaluation of our investment due to perceived (as well as real) water issues that will (and should) trouble perspective home buyers”. In Carefree Truth last Wednesday, Mr. Kerner made another appeal urging residents to donate money to Carefree Unity "to help he and his wife Renee protect the safety of our water and the value of our home”.
It is time for the personal attacks to stop. I suggest that instead of labeling Boulder’s residents “Privileged”, you start doing some self reflection on your Sentinel Rock HOA and what they are costing Carefree residents.
Everything I have written has come directly from legal documents, court records, recorded meeting minutes and videos. I have spoken directly to Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and people that worked for Central Arizona Project (Water). I have met with Scottsdale Water Company where I learned there is a pipeline to be built going directly into your Neighborhood A. I have not irresponsibly thrown around unsupported allegations.
So, I would ask that you please not accuse me of making false "accusations that the Town is positioning a property tax”. Listen to the 8/25/2021 audio recording of the Special Advisory Committee meeting. Throughout the recording are numerous discussions on a possible property tax to deal with our town's rising service costs. Ms. Hine and Mr. Henn have done a first class job leading the SAC to determine how to address the complicated issue of fire and ambulance service and the choice between automatic aid vs mutual aid. I also agree with Mr. Neiss on the importance of communicating and educating ALL Carefree residents prior to any major changes like a property tax. But make no mistake, a property tax is being discussed.
"Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance, it shines clear.” - Gandhi
Stephanie Barbour
You have my permission to print in entirety.
(Lyn's note: You say that Carefree is in discussions to buy water from Cave Creek Water. It was explained last week that Carefree's water comes from Carefree's CAP allocation and from Carefree's wells, and I have confirmed that there is not any discussion to buy additional water from Cave Creek. But perhaps you misunderstand that, in the IGA governing the transfer of Carefree customers on Cave Creek Water over to Carefree Water, the water assigned to those customers comes with the customers and will be transferred by CAP from Cave Creek to Carefree. This is not a purchase. The water belongs to the Carefree Service Area, not to Cave Creek.
I addressed the fact that Carefree does not have a treatment plant. Carefree's water is treated by Scottsdale and Cave Creek, both of which have treatment plants. Perhaps that is where your confusion continues to lie. Yes, Cave Creek was forced to correct the problems it was having with it's treatment plant and the chemical by-products it produced. But that was only one problem with Cave Creek Water. As I explained last week, the 30 year old single pipe running 12 miles up Cave Creek Road from Deer Valley and the 3 antiquated pumping stations that move the CAP water uphill are still serious issues, as is the general lack of maintenance of the water infrastructure in general, not to mention the anticipated drought induced cutbacks that are coming from CAP, Cave Creek's only source of water. The long term reliability of Cave Creek Water is in question.
And, yes, water has an even greater impact on property values than sewer odors, and the water issue for 526 homes (not individuals, entire households) and numerous businesses affects far more Carefree residents than the homes in the immediate area of the sewer treatment plant that was producing nasty smells in the Boulders. I printed Jeff Kerner's submitted letter just as I am printing yours. As far as concern for property values go, the Boulders was more than a little concerned about the affect the stinky sewer treatment plant would have on their property values, and for many years, did not want it even discussed. Yes, I have been engaged long enough to remember things like that.
As to Carefree's contribution the fight to reduce the requested sewer rate increase we are all paying to de-stink your air...
Carefree Truth, Issue #418Only a limited few attorneys are knowledgeable about the operation and rules of the ACC, and know its members. Scott Wakefield, of the firm Ridenour Hienton, is the leading attorney in the state concerning the workings of the ACC. He was an ACC judge for almost 10 years, and is now in private practice. The Mayor worked with Mr. Wakefield for 8 years when he handled the case for the Boulders HOA. The HOA has released Mr. Wakefield to the Town.
Mayor Peterson asked for a motion to supplement the good efforts of Town Attorney Mike Wright with those of ACC specialist Scott Wakefield in the pending rate case hearing.
The Resolution was unanimously approved.
Unfortunately, the records are no longer available concerning how much the Town spent on this, but as you can see, legal costs were indeed incurred with the use of 2 lawyers.
I believe that the vast majority of residents in the Boulders are perfectly nice, rational people.)
Here is the link to the Maricopa County & Rural/Metro emergency
preparedness presentation from 6/27/19. This is good info to keep saved
on your computer.
Emergency Preparedness Presentation by R/M & County: 6/27/19
http://carefreetruth2.com/carefree-truth-763.html
Lyn:
It is so wonderful that you and your husband document the wonderful events that take place in Carefree. My only suggestion would be to include the collaboration of Veterans Heritage Project, which has been there from the first year and helped start the Veterans Day event with Kiwanis. We locate the keynote speakers, the students put up the exhibit, and this year the teacher advisor at Cactus Shadows, Bret Lineburg, represented their school chapter.
Appreciate it.
Barbara Hatch
Executive Program Director, Founder
Veterans Heritage Project, a 501 (c)(3)
10210 N. 32nd St., Suite C2
Phoenix, AZ 85028
602-571-1248(m)
Email: Barbara@VeteransHeritage.org
www.VeteransHeritage.org
Connecting Students with Veterans
Veterans Heritage Project (VHP), a nationally renowned program, connects students from all walks of life with military veterans in their communities through an Oral History and Publishing program that develops appreciation for an America they will one day lead. Capturing veterans' stories permanently preserved in the Library of Congress, in Washington DC, helps veterans heal while preparing young scholars for college and career.
(Lyn's note: I apologize. I didn't realize that. I will be sure to include you as Carefree's Veterans Day partner in the future and will publish your email explaining the partnership in Wednesday's Letters.
I sent some of the VHP sections from past Veterans Day to a good friend of ours who served in Vietnam, and suggested he might want to participate in your program. He is introverted by nature, but said he would consider it. If he decides to share his experiences, I'll put him in touch with you.)
Chanukah in Carefree
During Current Events at the Council meeting last night, Councilman Vince D'Aliesio reported that the 8 Nights of Chanukah in Carefree was well received and well attended. The livestreaming went well. They got a lot of great feedback. He said it promises to be even bigger next year, thanks in large part to Carefree's Economic Development Director, Steve Prokopek, who did double duty helping to organize the event each night. "So, way to go, Steve!" Mayor Peterson thanked Steve and Vince.
https://vimeo.com/654605898
Vince did the livestreaming and Herbert did the videos and still shots for the 8 Nights of Chanukah in Carefree, It was their 5th anniversary doing this in the Pavilion. It was a fascinating event, as always. We passed all of this on to Karen and Ora, the co-chairs of the event, to use on their website. It is also on Carefree's website and on ours. Here are all the links to Herbert's 8 Nights of Chanukah in Carefree. Enjoy!
Chanukah in Carefree - 2021
11/28/21 Chanukah - Day 1
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/112821-chanukah---day-1.html
11/29/21 Chanukah - Day 2
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/112921-chanukah-2nd-day.html
11/30/21 Chanukah - Day 3
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/113021-chanukah---day-3.html
12/1/21 Chanukah - Day 4
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12121-chanukah---day-4.html
12/2/21 Chanukah - Day 5
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12221-chanukah-day-5.html
12/3/21 Chanukah - Day 6
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12321-chanukah---day-6.html
12/4/21 Chanukah - Day 7
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12421-chanukah-7th-night.html
12/5/21 Chanukah - Day 8
http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/12521-chanukah-8th-night.html
Hi Lyn,
Friends and I were talking about how hard it is to see and read the street signs especially at night. What ever happened to the green and white signs?
Margaret Hasselbusch
(Lyn's note: A number of years ago, Melissa Price was on the Carefree Council. She pushed hard for the brown street signs to be placed everywhere in Carefree. She wanted all signs to blend into the desert background.)
Well she did a terrible thing. Scottsdale and Paradise Valley all have the green with the white, which is so much easier to read. She did us a disservice of people coming up this way to find their way around. Is there anyway that we can get to the green with the white lettering back?
Margaret
Hi Lyn
Gina Kaegi suggested I reach out to you to be included in your blog. Please see my note below and flyer. I would love to get the word out for more runners! It will be a great, very low cost fun community run/walk!
Thanks!
Heidi Brashear
Good morning
As some of you know, I am president of CCUEF (Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation). We raise funds for teachers in our district and have granted over $225k to them over the years.
We are holding our first Run the District 5K on Saturday, 1/8/22 at 8AM at the CSHS Football Field. This is going to be a big fundraiser to help us continue to raise money for the teachers in our district! It is hard to get the word out other than on social media, so I thought I would email b/c I would love your support, if possible.
Here are 2 ways you can help:
1) Run
This is a perfect way to kick off the new year with some fun, fitness and fundraising! You can run or walk and everyone gets a t-shirt and medal for only $20! Register here: https://ccuef.org/run-the-district-5k/
2) Volunteer
We can use volunteers of all ages to help pass out water, direct runners along route, time, check-in, etc. Younger kids will need a parent, but it will be fun and great for community service hours or just to help the community!
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0f49aea92baaf9c16-5kvolunteers
This will be a great family event, so please share it with your friends and family. And, if you have kids in the district, the school with the most registrations gets a prize!
Thank you!
Heidi Brashear
(Lyn's note: See their flier for this January event at the bottom of the Non profit Events & Info section.)
Lyn,
Re Ms. Barbours’ letter and your response. Obviously there are always multiple sides to every story. That being said, what seems to be increasingly absent from the airing of differing opinions is an attempt to disagree without engaging in speculation as to motive, positive or negative. As we know from reviewing history, water has always been a flashpoint when it comes to ownership, location , access and the like and regardless of underlying facts, each side is convinced in the legitimacy of their position.
What is troublesome, at least in my opinion, is the fragments of facts, misinformation, innuendos, etc. that have dogged this entire issue for months. Unfortunately most Carefree residents don’t really get into the “weeds” re: this issue, (or any other) and therefore rely on external communications such as your newsletter to get at the “facts”. Only when the consequences of Town Council decisions begin to affect them, either through increased water costs or other consequences, (property taxes tend to be another flashpoint), will citizens become more engaged.
I understand the desire by any community, including the Boulders, to be protective of their lifestyle and to oppose decisions, that in their opinion negatively impact the community’s image. Curiously, at least as reported, those who oppose the water tank seem to be in the minority within the Boulder community itself, yet somehow have managed to become an outsized influence regarding this particular debate, when as Ms. Barbour rightfully points out that water, the distribution, the management, the pricing of such, etc. is a Carefree wide concern.
Consensus is difficult to achieve under any circumstance, but more so in today’s litigious times. That being said, at some point , after airing of all viewpoints and consideration of all the facts, time for debate should cease and decisions must be made in order to move on. Not all will be pleased but progress has never been without its detractors.
John Nimsky
(Lyn's note: I have no idea what motivates the few at the Boulders who have been battling this from the onset. The Boulders already has a much larger underground water storage tank on their "open space" over by Stagecoach Pass, as well as a large open septic area on their "open space". I am at a loss to explain the behavior. Most of the residents in the Boulders are perfectly nice people and are not fighting this. It is my understanding that, although this began using an individual's money for a lawsuit, they are now using HOA money to fight something that is not going to negatively affect the property values in the Boulders. I suspect when the residents discover this, many will not be happy with their current board members.)
Ms. Hitchon
You write, “you don't show yourself in a good light for challenging the fact that the Town did indeed participate and spend money to help the residents of the Boulders with their smelly problem, simply because you are ignorant of the proceedings”.
But you are not “ignorant of the proceedings” and yet you still cannot provide any substantive financial documentation to support your claim that Carefree paid lawyers to represent Boulder's residents in the Black Mountain sewer decommission. That is because they don’t exist, according to your records. Carefree Truth #442 - "Vice Mayor John Crane felt that it was important for everyone to understand that the Town was not litigating. Tax dollars were not being spent. This was between the Resort, the Boulders HOA, Liberty, and the ACC”. The Vice Mayor assured everyone the town was not spending resident's tax dollars to litigate on behalf of The Boulder's residents. http://carefreetruth.com/Carefree_Truth/CFT_442.html.
However, there are public records Carefree has spent approximately $1,689,456 for legal expenses on the water transition - of which Cave Creek reimbursed Carefree $464,593. In addition, Carefree paid Cave Creek $1,000,000 as part of the water arbitration settlement and, another $775,000 on engineering studies to Coe and Van Loo. Proof, as specific as individual check numbers, that Carefree has spent $3,000,000 of our tax dollars on this water transition just in the last 3 years.
On July 27, 2021, a legal document created for Carefree reads, "Cave Creek Water has made significant improvements to the quality of their water” and, Carefree Water is in discussion to buy Cave Creek water again. If Carefree recognizes there is no longer a safety issue with Cave Creek water, why are Carefree residents (and generations to follow) being burdened with a $32 Million debt?
Is it to protect private investments as some claim? Many of your neighbors in Sentinel Rock believe your property values will be positively impacted by transitioning onto Carefree Water. The following is just one of many examples showing this is a widely held belief within the Sentinel Rock community:
February 1, 2021 - Jeffrey Kerner (Sentinel Rock resident) submits the following - “Now, unless the Township protects our interests, we face the added and real possibility that when we try to sell our home in future years, we will suffer significant devaluation of our investment due to perceived (as well as real) water issues that will (and should) trouble perspective home buyers”. In Carefree Truth last Wednesday, Mr. Kerner made another appeal urging residents to donate money to Carefree Unity "to help he and his wife Renee protect the safety of our water and the value of our home”.
It is time for the personal attacks to stop. I suggest that instead of labeling Boulder’s residents “Privileged”, you start doing some self reflection on your Sentinel Rock HOA and what they are costing Carefree residents.
Everything I have written has come directly from legal documents, court records, recorded meeting minutes and videos. I have spoken directly to Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and people that worked for Central Arizona Project (Water). I have met with Scottsdale Water Company where I learned there is a pipeline to be built going directly into your Neighborhood A. I have not irresponsibly thrown around unsupported allegations.
So, I would ask that you please not accuse me of making false "accusations that the Town is positioning a property tax”. Listen to the 8/25/2021 audio recording of the Special Advisory Committee meeting. Throughout the recording are numerous discussions on a possible property tax to deal with our town's rising service costs. Ms. Hine and Mr. Henn have done a first class job leading the SAC to determine how to address the complicated issue of fire and ambulance service and the choice between automatic aid vs mutual aid. I also agree with Mr. Neiss on the importance of communicating and educating ALL Carefree residents prior to any major changes like a property tax. But make no mistake, a property tax is being discussed.
"Truth is by nature self-evident. As soon as you remove the cobwebs of ignorance, it shines clear.” - Gandhi
Stephanie Barbour
You have my permission to print in entirety.
(Lyn's note: You say that Carefree is in discussions to buy water from Cave Creek Water. It was explained last week that Carefree's water comes from Carefree's CAP allocation and from Carefree's wells, and I have confirmed that there is not any discussion to buy additional water from Cave Creek. But perhaps you misunderstand that, in the IGA governing the transfer of Carefree customers on Cave Creek Water over to Carefree Water, the water assigned to those customers comes with the customers and will be transferred by CAP from Cave Creek to Carefree. This is not a purchase. The water belongs to the Carefree Service Area, not to Cave Creek.
I addressed the fact that Carefree does not have a treatment plant. Carefree's water is treated by Scottsdale and Cave Creek, both of which have treatment plants. Perhaps that is where your confusion continues to lie. Yes, Cave Creek was forced to correct the problems it was having with it's treatment plant and the chemical by-products it produced. But that was only one problem with Cave Creek Water. As I explained last week, the 30 year old single pipe running 12 miles up Cave Creek Road from Deer Valley and the 3 antiquated pumping stations that move the CAP water uphill are still serious issues, as is the general lack of maintenance of the water infrastructure in general, not to mention the anticipated drought induced cutbacks that are coming from CAP, Cave Creek's only source of water. The long term reliability of Cave Creek Water is in question.
And, yes, water has an even greater impact on property values than sewer odors, and the water issue for 526 homes (not individuals, entire households) and numerous businesses affects far more Carefree residents than the homes in the immediate area of the sewer treatment plant that was producing nasty smells in the Boulders. I printed Jeff Kerner's submitted letter just as I am printing yours. As far as concern for property values go, the Boulders was more than a little concerned about the affect the stinky sewer treatment plant would have on their property values, and for many years, did not want it even discussed. Yes, I have been engaged long enough to remember things like that.
As to Carefree's contribution the fight to reduce the requested sewer rate increase we are all paying to de-stink your air...
Carefree Truth, Issue #418Only a limited few attorneys are knowledgeable about the operation and rules of the ACC, and know its members. Scott Wakefield, of the firm Ridenour Hienton, is the leading attorney in the state concerning the workings of the ACC. He was an ACC judge for almost 10 years, and is now in private practice. The Mayor worked with Mr. Wakefield for 8 years when he handled the case for the Boulders HOA. The HOA has released Mr. Wakefield to the Town.
Mayor Peterson asked for a motion to supplement the good efforts of Town Attorney Mike Wright with those of ACC specialist Scott Wakefield in the pending rate case hearing.
The Resolution was unanimously approved.
Unfortunately, the records are no longer available concerning how much the Town spent on this, but as you can see, legal costs were indeed incurred with the use of 2 lawyers.
I believe that the vast majority of residents in the Boulders are perfectly nice, rational people.)
Attention: All Carefree
sole purpose of this communication is to inform residents about current events in our town that will directly impact you. All information herein comes from legal documents and public meeting records.
Mayor Peterson declares that his top priority as Mayor is, “economic development”. A steady stream of town money has been spent hiring consultants to further that priority over the last 6 years. In 2020, the town hired a full time Economic Development Director. Many things we see in our town now, including the new Hampton Inn hotel, are a result of initiatives that Mayor Peterson has set in motion.
Carefree was incorporated in 1984 to avoid annexation by Scottsdale. The residents of Carefree feared we would become an extension of the vast over-development that has occurred within Scottsdale. Over the years, multiple development attempts failed in Carefree primarily because residents did not want our quiet town permanently changed.
These failed development projects served as a set of instructions for our Town Council. Public audio records reveal the town council discussing how not to repeat the mistakes that resulted in those past failed attempts.
One of the biggest obstacles to development was the issue of water - controlling supply and lack of sufficient infrastructure.
The highly contentious water transition has been a direct result of furthering Carefree’s development goals. The town has spent $3,000,000 on lawsuits, the arbitration settlement and engineering studies, to drive this water transition through without ever giving Carefree residents an opportunity to vote on the project. Carefree has burdened residents with a $32 Million debt as a result. Carefree Water, who already has some of the highest water rates in AZ, will be raising our rates even higher.
Now, Carefree’s ambitious development plans are threatening the small fraction of open space that remains in Carefree. This Town Council unanimously passed the Economic Development Strategic Work Plan in December 2020. It calls for four major development initiatives. Three of those four developments require(d) rezoning and will be built on what is currently open desert with no water infrastructure.
One of these four proposed developments is on the NW corner of Carefree Hwy and Tom Darlington drive. Last month, Carefree Planning and Zoning approved an amendment that would allow 21 acres on this corner to be converted from Very Low Residential to a Special Planning Area, clearing the way for a developer to build a resort or hotel with up to 160 rooms including restaurants and other retail.
What does this mean for Carefree Residents?
• On-going water rate hikes added to one of the highest water rates in Arizona.
• High-density developments will threaten dwindling water supply.• Irreversible destruction of Carefree’s remaining open spaces.
• New developments designed specifically to draw tourists will bring increased traffic, congestion, noise and crime.What can you do?
• GET INVOLVED - Attend meetings and make your voice heard starting with the upcoming Tuesday, December 7 Public Meeting at 5pm.
Zoom Linkhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/3229729660
Meeting ID: 322 972 9660
• VOTE - Carefree Local Election August 2, 2022. Request a ballot be mailed to you - call 602-506-1511 in June. Maybe it is time for a change in how our town is governed.
• VOTE YES ON THE TWO UPCOMING INITIATIVES - YES to enforcing term limits, and YES to give residents a vote before the Town can seize private land for development.
Respectfully,
Peter Sample, concerned carefree resident
(Lyn's note: I am at a loss for words to respond to the writer who submitted this email. The stunning depth of ignorance and the total disconnect from any form of reality leaves me speechless. Yes, please do attend Council meetings and judge the competence of our Mayor and Council and staff for yourselves, rather than blindly accepting this type of garbage as fact.)
Non profit Info:
American Legion Post 34 to host 2021 American veterans’ Christmas benefit concert and fund-raiser
American Legion Post 34 will host the 2021 American Veterans’ Christmas benefit concert and fund-raiser on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at the Post beginning at 12 PM. The excitement will begin, and continue, throughout the day, featuring numerous bands and musicians. During the event, donations will be accepted to help raise monies to benefit Marvin’s Mission, MANA House, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Sunshine Dog Rescue.
Some of the artists who will grace the stage are: Cave Creek Legends, Pat James, Jr., Street Player, Angela Tinker, Kevin Shepherd, J, David Sloan, Danny Walls, Amy Magnussen, The Chacons and many more. Refreshments and food will be available for sale and the event is open to the public. American Legion Post 34 is located at 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Ariz.
American Legion Post 34 to host 2021 American veterans’ Christmas benefit concert and fund-raiser
American Legion Post 34 will host the 2021 American Veterans’ Christmas benefit concert and fund-raiser on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at the Post beginning at 12 PM. The excitement will begin, and continue, throughout the day, featuring numerous bands and musicians. During the event, donations will be accepted to help raise monies to benefit Marvin’s Mission, MANA House, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Sunshine Dog Rescue.
Some of the artists who will grace the stage are: Cave Creek Legends, Pat James, Jr., Street Player, Angela Tinker, Kevin Shepherd, J, David Sloan, Danny Walls, Amy Magnussen, The Chacons and many more. Refreshments and food will be available for sale and the event is open to the public. American Legion Post 34 is located at 6272 E. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Ariz.
The American Legion, formed in 1919, supports and advocates on behalf of veterans, active military and their families. The 501 (c)(19) also supports the initiatives and programs of the American Legion while fostering patriotism and responsible citizenship.
The 51-year-old museum’s mission is to preserve the artifacts of the prehistory, history, culture and legacy of the Cave Creek Mining District and the Cave Creek/Carefree foothills area through education, research, and interpretive exhibits. The Cave Creek Museum is located at 6140 E. Skyline Drive in Cave Creek, Ariz., 480.488.2764. Open October through May.
Stamp Mill demonstration planned for December 11 at Cave Creek Museum
The Cave Creek Museum will offer demonstrations of its stamp mill on December 11, 2021 from 11:00 AM.
Evelyn Johnson, interim executive director, says the museum will start up its incredible stamp mill, water tower, mineral panning, blacksmithing and more that Saturday.
“Cave Creek Museum is proud to feature Arizona’s mining history,” says Johnson. “Our historic stamp mill and tramway is from the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain and is the only one in Arizona within five miles of its original site. We want people to come and experience how gold mining was done. And, check out our exciting new Arizona Gold Mining Experience. This includes an admission to the museum: $7 for adults; $5 for seniors and students."
The stamp mill will be operated on the second Saturday of each month during the museum’s 2022 season.
Cave Creek Museum plans Excavate and Educate event
The Cave Creek Museum will offer a fun Excavate and Educate children’s event as part of Kiwanis Days on December 12, 2021 from 2-4 PM.
Children will learn from Pinal Geology Museum experts and will excavate their own minerals to take home. Families are encouraged to complete the afternoon by enjoying Gary and his trusty horse, Dusty, for a holiday sing along and photo time. There also will be an opportunity to create a holiday craft item. Courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, admission is free.
The Cave Creek Museum will offer a fun Excavate and Educate children’s event as part of Kiwanis Days on December 12, 2021 from 2-4 PM.
Children will learn from Pinal Geology Museum experts and will excavate their own minerals to take home. Families are encouraged to complete the afternoon by enjoying Gary and his trusty horse, Dusty, for a holiday sing along and photo time. There also will be an opportunity to create a holiday craft item. Courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree, admission is free.
Cave Creek Museum introduces the Arizona Gold Mining Experience
The Cave Creek Museum has created, and now opened, the Arizona Gold Mining Experience, which is a special event visitors and museum members can enjoy the second Saturday of every month.
The expansive outdoor experience begins in the museum’s lobby with a lively retelling of the Cave Creek mining district's history. Guests then move outside for numerous demonstrations that showcase the hard rock ore extraction process for which Cave Creek is renowned.
The excitement begins with the operation of the amazing Golden Reef Stamp Mill and Tramway, Arizona’s only fully operational ten-stamp ore crushing mill. The 10, 1,000-lb. stamps slam down in synchronized motion to pound ore removed from the mine into fine gravel. The stamp mill was brought from its former location at the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain to Cave Creek Museum, which has the only fully operational mining stamp mill in its original mining district in Arizona; it is located and located just five miles from its site on the mountain. The Golden Reef stamp mill runs the second Saturday of every month through May. The giant stamp mill also is connected to a working tramway and ore carts that carry the ore to be pulverized to the stamp mill.
The experience continues as guests peer into a mineshaft to show the blasting techniques used by hard rock miners. Next, onto the new blacksmith shop for a demonstration of the many skills used when parts and tools had to be fabricated onsite.
Guests then are encouraged to try their luck at the new gold panning station, where museum volunteers show visitors how to pan for ore and minerals just like the prospectors did.
Afterward, visitors enjoy a tour of the museum's inside exhibits, including the Feast of Rocks (a mineral display) on loan from the Arizona Mineral, Mining Museum and Natural Resources Education Museum.
Other exhibits showcasing Arizona’s mining history include historical and archaeology; articles from Cave Creek’s mining and agricultural past; the historic first Cave Creek church; and the tuberculosis cabin, which is on the National Register of Historic Places as the only known existing tubercular cabin from that era.
The Arizona Gold Mining Experience opens at 11 AM-12:45 PM in the museum lobby and admission is $7 for adults; $5 for seniors; children under 12 are free. Visitors should plan on arriving early so they can purchase admission prior to the event.
The Cave Creek Museum has created, and now opened, the Arizona Gold Mining Experience, which is a special event visitors and museum members can enjoy the second Saturday of every month.
The expansive outdoor experience begins in the museum’s lobby with a lively retelling of the Cave Creek mining district's history. Guests then move outside for numerous demonstrations that showcase the hard rock ore extraction process for which Cave Creek is renowned.
The excitement begins with the operation of the amazing Golden Reef Stamp Mill and Tramway, Arizona’s only fully operational ten-stamp ore crushing mill. The 10, 1,000-lb. stamps slam down in synchronized motion to pound ore removed from the mine into fine gravel. The stamp mill was brought from its former location at the Golden Reef Mine on Continental Mountain to Cave Creek Museum, which has the only fully operational mining stamp mill in its original mining district in Arizona; it is located and located just five miles from its site on the mountain. The Golden Reef stamp mill runs the second Saturday of every month through May. The giant stamp mill also is connected to a working tramway and ore carts that carry the ore to be pulverized to the stamp mill.
The experience continues as guests peer into a mineshaft to show the blasting techniques used by hard rock miners. Next, onto the new blacksmith shop for a demonstration of the many skills used when parts and tools had to be fabricated onsite.
Guests then are encouraged to try their luck at the new gold panning station, where museum volunteers show visitors how to pan for ore and minerals just like the prospectors did.
Afterward, visitors enjoy a tour of the museum's inside exhibits, including the Feast of Rocks (a mineral display) on loan from the Arizona Mineral, Mining Museum and Natural Resources Education Museum.
Other exhibits showcasing Arizona’s mining history include historical and archaeology; articles from Cave Creek’s mining and agricultural past; the historic first Cave Creek church; and the tuberculosis cabin, which is on the National Register of Historic Places as the only known existing tubercular cabin from that era.
The Arizona Gold Mining Experience opens at 11 AM-12:45 PM in the museum lobby and admission is $7 for adults; $5 for seniors; children under 12 are free. Visitors should plan on arriving early so they can purchase admission prior to the event.
Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center in need of small holiday meats
Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center seeks the public’s support in garnering frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
According to Leigh Zydonik, executive director for Foothills Food Bank, the food bank is in need of small turkey breasts and other holiday meats to help those in need this holiday season.
“We need holiday meats so we can help ensure that the multitude of people in need in the communities we serve have a good, wholesome meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas,” says Zydonik. “It is an important time of year to give back to others in our community.”
The holiday meats can be dropped at Foothills Food Bank, which is located at 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive in Cave Creek; the phone number is 480.488.1145.
Foothills Food Bank & Resource Center seeks the public’s support in garnering frozen turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
According to Leigh Zydonik, executive director for Foothills Food Bank, the food bank is in need of small turkey breasts and other holiday meats to help those in need this holiday season.
“We need holiday meats so we can help ensure that the multitude of people in need in the communities we serve have a good, wholesome meal on Thanksgiving and Christmas,” says Zydonik. “It is an important time of year to give back to others in our community.”
The holiday meats can be dropped at Foothills Food Bank, which is located at 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive in Cave Creek; the phone number is 480.488.1145.
Holland Center Lifelong Learning Classes for Dec.
www.hollandcenter.org
Tree of Life Necklace: Thurs, Dec. 9, 2021 – 10:00am -12:00pm. The Tree of Life is a wonderful symbol. It represents our personal development, uniqueness and individual beauty. Using wire and chip beads, you will twist your way to an individualized tree pendant. You will learn to make the frame, and all parts of the tree. You will have a choice of whether to add apples, lemons, or flowers among the branches. The pendant is finished off with a taupe 24-inch leather cord. Materials fee of $5 to be given to instructor at the beginning of class.
Hybrid Hypnosis Emotional Release: Sat. Dec. 11, 2021 – 9:00 – 10:00 am. This amazing event with Michele Guy Syne, certified Hypnotherapist, will enable you to focus on areas of your life that have been troubling you. You will get instruction and practice on how to experience Emotional Release. Here is a list of areas you might choose to focus on: Releasing stress, fear, bad habits, painful memories, emotional trauma, procrastination, and much more! There is no better time to start healing. This is an in-person class at The Holland Center. Register online at www.hollandcenter.org, and click on Lifelong Learning.
Fun with Paint Pouring: Sat., Dec. 11, 202l – 1:00 – 3:00 pm. New Class! Learn how to do paint pouring and make a one-of-a-kind painting to take home with you. This technique has a become super popular lately. The results are very organic and colorful. These abstract art pieces are reminiscent of the most striking elements in nature. The Pour Painting popularity matches and coincides with the trend in marbling and geodes. So, come join us and have a really good time! All supplies will be provided. Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on — paint pouring can get messy! No prior painting experience required! Ages 8 and up. Register at www.hollandcenter.org, and click on Lifelong Learning. $35
What is a Constitutional Republic? Lecture Series by Jim Sherbert: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 – 4:00-5:30 pm. Many believe the United States of America is designed to be a true Democracy. In fact, the founding fathers were fearful of a true Democracy and insisted on the creation of a Constitutional Republic, where, by law, the majority cannot tread on the rights of the minority. We will examine America’s evolution of political science and assess its shift from individualism to collectivism and the threats this trend might impose on the functioning of a Republic. Please join us for this very timely topic. Zoom attendees please register. Register at: www.hollandcenter.org. If you are coming in person, it is $10 at the door.
www.hollandcenter.org
Tree of Life Necklace: Thurs, Dec. 9, 2021 – 10:00am -12:00pm. The Tree of Life is a wonderful symbol. It represents our personal development, uniqueness and individual beauty. Using wire and chip beads, you will twist your way to an individualized tree pendant. You will learn to make the frame, and all parts of the tree. You will have a choice of whether to add apples, lemons, or flowers among the branches. The pendant is finished off with a taupe 24-inch leather cord. Materials fee of $5 to be given to instructor at the beginning of class.
Hybrid Hypnosis Emotional Release: Sat. Dec. 11, 2021 – 9:00 – 10:00 am. This amazing event with Michele Guy Syne, certified Hypnotherapist, will enable you to focus on areas of your life that have been troubling you. You will get instruction and practice on how to experience Emotional Release. Here is a list of areas you might choose to focus on: Releasing stress, fear, bad habits, painful memories, emotional trauma, procrastination, and much more! There is no better time to start healing. This is an in-person class at The Holland Center. Register online at www.hollandcenter.org, and click on Lifelong Learning.
Fun with Paint Pouring: Sat., Dec. 11, 202l – 1:00 – 3:00 pm. New Class! Learn how to do paint pouring and make a one-of-a-kind painting to take home with you. This technique has a become super popular lately. The results are very organic and colorful. These abstract art pieces are reminiscent of the most striking elements in nature. The Pour Painting popularity matches and coincides with the trend in marbling and geodes. So, come join us and have a really good time! All supplies will be provided. Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting paint on — paint pouring can get messy! No prior painting experience required! Ages 8 and up. Register at www.hollandcenter.org, and click on Lifelong Learning. $35
What is a Constitutional Republic? Lecture Series by Jim Sherbert: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 – 4:00-5:30 pm. Many believe the United States of America is designed to be a true Democracy. In fact, the founding fathers were fearful of a true Democracy and insisted on the creation of a Constitutional Republic, where, by law, the majority cannot tread on the rights of the minority. We will examine America’s evolution of political science and assess its shift from individualism to collectivism and the threats this trend might impose on the functioning of a Republic. Please join us for this very timely topic. Zoom attendees please register. Register at: www.hollandcenter.org. If you are coming in person, it is $10 at the door.
