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/pictures-of-the-week-4120.html

Photo by Jim Cahill




Here is your bonus round from Herbert.  Lots of pics in this link, so just one.

http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/32620-cactus-cactus-wren-and-wolfers.html

http://aneyeonyouproduction.com/32920-birds.html

The cactus wrens have a nest in this jumping cholla.
Photos by Herbert Hitchon




Town of Carefree Marketing newsletter
https://www.carefree.org/345/Town-Newsletters


Scroll to the bottom to see the info for the non profit organizations.


This link is the latest update, dated March 31st, from Up-To-Date on COVID19. 

http://carefreetruth2.com/coronavirus-disease-2019-whats-new-selections.html


Hello neighbors. Governor Ducey encourages those people who are at low risk for complications from COVID19 to enjoy the AZ outdoors, while also practicing social distancing. Order take-out from our amazing eateries and support our local businesses. But self quarantining through April is essential for those whose immune systems may be compromised... be smart and considerate of yourselves and others, please, while our medical specialists try to get a handle on this pandemic.

This is directed to our Carefree residents who may be more vulnerable to exposure: sick or older residents that should not be leaving your homes. If I can help in any way, please call or email. Need an errand run that is urgent? Please let me know. I'm offering this service on a volunteer basis, not for payment. I just want to help as a good neighbor helping other good neighbors, since it will be my turn one day to lean on one of you. My personal cell is 480.220.4629 or please email vincedaliesio@carefree.org. We are all in this together.


Vince D'Aliesio

I was told that Carefree is mostly served by Scottsdale water since Carefree does not have a water treatment facility. The Carefree wells have arsenic and therefore are undrinkable. We trade our bad water with good water from Desert Mtn wells. Since Carefree is not using all it's CAP allotment, we are refilling our natural aquifer with the balance of CAP treated water.
Having been told that, I conclude that Carefree already has a contract with Scottsdale water. The infrastructure is already in place. Carefree Water is merely a "middle man" and we pay substantially for this. I think the City of Carefree must make a sizable amount from this arrangement and that is why they do not want to merge.
If my thoughts are missing some facts, please let me know.
Gail Ringelberg

Hi Gail,

Lyn passed your email on to me.  You end your email by emphasizing that you would appreciate clarification if you are “missing some facts”.  Please consider the following:


·         Scottsdale only treats and transports Carefree’s CAP allocation to two locations at our shared political boundaries.  That is where the relationship ends.

·         Once the water is delivered to Carefree, the entire Carefree Water Company distribution system which includes a complexity of underground pipes, pumps, meters, wells, fire hydrants and storage reservoirs must be maintained, repaired and replaced by the Carefree Water Company.   This is not property owned by or managed by Scottsdale this is owned and managed by the Carefree Water Company.  The costs associated with this infrastructure is part of the costs of providing water to Carefree customers.


·         Carefree’s wells produce high quality arsenic free water except for one.  The exception is a well with arsenic that is being exchanged with a well on Desert Forest Golf Course which does not contain arsenic.  Therefore, all wells producing water for the Carefree Water Company are arsenic free and produce high quality water.

·         Carefree’s CAP allocation is NOT being used to recharge the aquifer. Scottsdale is responsible for the recharge project.

·         Carefree Water is a separated financial entity from the Town of Carefree. The Town has supported the Carefree Water Company over time through interest free loans.  The Water Company has never subsidized the Town. The Town is not making money from the Water Company as all rates paid by users go to fund the cost of running the Water Company.

·         Costs of water include costs associated with the CAP allocation, Scottsdale’s treatment and delivery, management and repair of the Carefree distribution system, electricity with pumping and costs of administration.


·         Scottsdale taxpayers/ratepayers and management/leadership do not want to absorb the financial liability of operating a water company outside of their community/system as there are no benefits to them.   


I hope this provides some clarity and it is greatly appreciated that you reached out and are interested in trying to get the real facts.  If you have more questions or want to discuss this further my email is above and my phone is 480-229-6364

Tony Geiger

Thank you for contacting me. I appreciate your clarification of things that I heard.

Gail Ringelberg

Hi Tony:
Please educate me to confirm or correct my understanding of the water system.
Water to our subdivision (Canyon Creek Estates) comes with one main supply with connections to the individual lots (to a water meter in a box at grade).  The same supply line also brings water to the fire hydrants located through the neighborhood.  Just checking that there is NOT a separate line for the fire hydrants.
The reason I ask is that at 8:00 am, coming home from the dog park, there was a truck parked outside my house where I have a hydrant on the corner.
There was a person, wrench in hand, removing the cover from what I think would be a connection for a fire engine.  He removed it, looked at it and replaced it.  He then removed a smaller cover, which I believe would be a connection to a fire hose.  He attached a connection, which had a short (maybe 3 feet) section of plastic hose.  He then cranked open the valve on the top.  Water came out, it was the grungiest, dirtiest, thick cloudy water that I have ever seen, and I have seen lots of dirty water pumped during my lifetime to date.
I wished that I had been smart enough to look at the time, but would guess it was about 30 to 45 seconds before the water was clear.  He shut of the supply, removed his connection, replaced the cap and was gone.  In the past, I have never seen a hydrant flush.  Is what I saw normal?    I have read in COINS that the Carefree Fire Department flushes hydrants on the Carefree Water Company system but did not receive any notifications from Cave Creek.  I have been watching the water in my house, so far no cloudiness.
Arthur Gimson


Hi Arthur
You are correct in that there is only one water main serving both drinking water and fire protection. 
The fire hydrants are just run with a tee from the main to the hydrant. What you probably saw was sediment that has built up in the bottom of the pipe that tees off the main pipeline to the fire hydrant along with any other “ junk” that was nearby in the pipeline. 


What it sounds like you saw is the poor excuse of a hydrant test that Cave Creek performs, though I did not know they were even testing hydrants in our part of the system anymore. Carefree has an extensive check list that they go thru.


That dirty water you saw is what we get to drink everyday and why we have so many problems with our plumbing systems at home.


Tony Geiger




Lyn and Herbie,

Thank you so much for creating the restaurant videos. They are wonderful. Stay safe.

Les Peterson


We uploaded all of the Vimeos to the Visit Carefree restaurant page.
Cheryl Kroyer


Thank you and Herbie so much! We appreciate you both. Thanks for all you do to help the community. 
Catherine
Venues Cafe


Thank you so very much for these terrific videos Herb and Lyn. I hope it inspires our townsfolk to support our many excellent restaurants in Carefree during these challenging times.
Stay well, my friends!
Betsy Lynn


These videos are wonderful.  Thank you Herbie and Lyn. Support our local restaurants! 
Binka Schwan


Thank you Lyn. That was very nice of you and Herbie to reach out to the restaurants in Carefree. Raven's View is part of our Association and they also offer take out.Be well.
Jo Gemmill
(Lyn's note: While Raven's View is part of the Carefree Restaurant Association, it is not located within Carefree.  Our videos were for Carefree restaurants, because Carefree Truth only covers Carefree, with the exception of our local non profits.


(Here are the videos again, with the info about the take-out services offered by our Carefree restaurants.)
The English Rose Tea Room, Keeler's Neighborhood Steak House, and the Sundial Garden Cafe are closed until full service dining is again allowed.


ALBERTO RISTORANTE:
Services offered during the COVID-19 take-out only period
https://vimeo.com/399561800

BLACK MOUNTAIN COFFEE SHOP & CAFE:
Services offered during the COVID-19 take-out only period
https://vimeo.com/400045592

CAREFREE COFFEE ROASTERY:
Services offered during the COVID-19 take-out only period
https://vimeo.com/400037008

CONFLUENCE:
Services offered during the COVID-19 take-out only period
https://vimeo.com/400442448

CORRADO’S CUCINA ITALIANA:
Services offered during the COVID-19 take-out only period
https://vimeo.com/400495469

GIORDANO'S TRATTORIA ROMANO:
Services offered during the COVID-19 take-out only period.
https://vimeo.com/400490057

PIZZAFARRO'S:
They are open for take-out but did not feel the need for a video.

PIZZICATA:
Services offered during the COVID-19 take-out only period
https://vimeo.com/399564776

VENUES CAFE:
Services offered during the COVID-19 take-out only period
https://vimeo.com/399549232
Hi Lyn:
Missed you at Bosco’s Biscuits today.  Alison said you were in earlier.  The door was open, so I walked in.  She seems to be doing well.  Dogs have to eat. 
We were in the parking lot picking up an early dinner at Confluence.  Their carnitas tacos are great.  I’ve had their roasted chicken sandwich and it is another winner.  Today it was between the carnitas tacos or chicken sandwich. I went taco. Betsy had a patty melt which she scarfed down.
Dropped off my petitions in Town Hall.  With the signatures you gathered, the total was 81.  I’m official!  Thanks for your help.
Best regards,
John Crane

Here you go, Michael.  Got Lyn’s note with your message, and Donna and I are very proud to sign your petition.  Signatures attached as a pdf file. We very much appreciate all you have contributed to the Town and your willingness to serve another term.  Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can ever be of help to you.
Lloyd Meyer
(Lyn's note: Mike Krahe's nomination petition)



Hi Lyn
My German Shepherd, Kimber, picked up some extra paper towels, kleenex and, of course, Angel Soft toilet paper at Walmart the other morning. The plan was to give it to someone who had been unable to resupply for the times we live in these days.
Well, the next morning I read about the Rural Metro guys supply chain problems and took Kimber to the firehouse to deliver her gift. I tossed in a bag of Red Solo Cups. You know how those firemen enjoy their....gatorade!
Day 14
The Isolation Ward @ Lazy Lane
Phil Corso

(Lyn's note: Responses the guest editorial on the water issue)


Thank you, we agree!
Richard Greene



Tony,
Thank you for you input and info. I know you have Carefree residents best interests at heart. I appreciate Ralph's and your hard work.
Sandy Rintelmann
A long time Carefree  Resident
(Lyn's note: Tony Geiger is running for the Carefree Council this time, and we believe he would be a valuable asset.)


(Lyn's note: Responses on the COVID19 advice from a retired policeman)

Great advice!

Eillen Crowley

Great message.
P Kay Woods




Hi Lyn,

Thanks for the valuable info from Herbert regarding the virus. I concur with the others who wrote in that it's great to get the info from someone who is knowledgeable and not spreading misinformation and confusion.

Also, on a different and lighter note; I'm still walking our pups downtown and was happily surprised to see something going into the old Studio C spot. I, at first, thought it was a health food restaurant but am now confused. There is a juice bar set up and it looks like they're setting up exercise equipment as well. In addition, something's going in the space where Lara's Bistro was, after several other restaurants. Looks like another restaurant but with no table service. There's a very sharp looking CBD shop upstairs as well.


A few days ago, I walked down the hill past and behind the Black Mountain Coffee Shop and saw a couple of other new stores; a bath and body shop where the guitar shop used to be and a jewelry store. It's wonderful to see so many new places opening up downtown and I hope they thrive. Any further info would be greatly appreciated as to what's coming in and when.

Thanks,
Kevin Glenn




The local non profits have, for the most part, shut down due to government recommendations for "social distancing" until COVID19 has run the worst of its course.  The Foothills Food Bank and the Foothills Caring Corps, which provide vital services to those in need, are still operating with some limitations.  Their information is below.


The Cave Creek Foothills Food Bank is open to help those in need Monday thru Friday, 9 a.m. to noon and Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

No contact is occurring between our Clients and our Volunteers.  The Client calls in, we prepare their food and place it on a table outside our door.  They drive up and put the food directly into their vehicle.  It seems to be working.

We can use help with food and non-perishable items.  Of course, they are exactly what everyone is looking for - toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectants, bleach.  Food items are all kinds of soups, pasta sauce, and juice are items we can use at this time.

Do not need cereal, mixed beans, corn or green beans.  Have plenty of these items.

We appreciate any help with these things.
Thanks
Pam DiPietro

March 18, 2020
FOOTHILLS CARING CORPS UPDATE
We would like to let the community know that we are currently able to safely provide services and to know some of the cautions that we are taking when helping our Neighbors and volunteers.  Our goal is to help reduce anxiety and let the community know that we are open and that we are maintaining our schedule in a limited fashion to do the best we can to help one another.  Our primary community effort is focused on utilizing the telephone to make telephone reassurance calls, not only for our volunteers and Neighbors but all of our neighbors throughout our Desert Foothills communities who are isolated and alone.  We hope to start a surge of neighbors telephoning neighbors to help reduce the panic and worry. We also want to share community resources as much as is possible so people know what is available to them.  We hope you might reach out and help.
Hello All:
A very quick copy of the procedures we have been following as well as added new guidelines for the additional safety of our volunteers, Neighbors and staff.
For the next 45 days
The loan closet is not accepting used medical equipment at this time based on sanitizing issues that could be harmful for volunteers and staff.  Until this virus threat is under control, we will only be able to give out items that have already been sanitized.
The van program staff and volunteers will routinely sanitize the vans being utilized and each rider will be cautioned to maintain sanitary precautions.  We have cancelled all the trips that have large group socializations.  Instead we will continue those that are smaller or mainly utilitarian.  (Grocery shopping trips will continue)
The mobile meals drivers continue to use hand sanitizing materials/solutions between each of the meal deliveries and monitor if any of the Neighbors are sick.  Neighbors are asked to call in if they are sick.  Volunteers as always have known not to volunteer if sick but we are stressing this saying just call in if you don’t feel well.  We are in constant contact with the hospital café (our vendor) to make sure of any special safety precautions.
We are accepting minimal requests for services such as friendly visiting, respite care, friendly pet visiting, computer work, and handyman.  Based on safety issues, the services are provided on a VERY limited basis.
The medical transportation program is requesting Neighbors only use our transportation services on a limited basis for those extremely necessary appointments.  We are hoping that people can reschedule some of their annual exams and can instead touch base with their physician’s office by phone.
Nancy will not be doing home visits for new neighborsrequesting services unless they fall into particular categories which she and I have developed.  This will keep her healthy as well as monitor those needing services.  Some of these folks will be put on a waiting list based on their situations.  Additionally, new volunteers will cautiously be trained and utilized based on their circumstances.  We can use volunteers who might like to volunteer to call homebound neighbors for the next 45 days.
We also are asking four questions of the folks who are both serving and those who are being served:
1)      Do you have a fever
2)     Do you have any symptoms of low respiratory systems such as cough and/or shortness of breath
3)      Have you been exposed to anyone you know that has tested positive for COVID-19
4)      Have you been exposed to anyone who has traveled from one of the affected areas
For your safety when coming to our offices, the two office doors that will be used to get in and out of offices will be those doors in 104 and 101 where there are automatic doors with touch buttons to open.
I hope this is helpful.  I welcome comments that you might have. Our goal is to provide services that are necessary for the wellbeing of our Neighbors & community neighbors but also take into account the safety of our volunteers and staff.
Thank you for sharing this information to all those who are asking about our services.  It is my hope that this threat will lessen within the next 45 days.
Debbra Determan, MSW-MPH
Executive Director
Foothills Caring Corps, Inc.
P.O. Box 831
7275 E Easy Street
Carefree, AZ 85377
Services@FoothillsCaringCorps.com
Cell 602-803-0450

Hi Lyn,
YOU DO A GREAT SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY.  Look what Kiwanis and Harold's are doing.  Please add Harold's to your list.
John Skarda