A publication of

The Town of Cave Creek

37622 N Cave Creek Rd.

Cave Creek, AZ

480-488-6600

Editor:

Nina Spitzer

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Click HERE for the Town of Cave Creek's official website.

Click HERE or the image above to read the official and informative April newsletter from the

Town of

Cave Creek.

Current

Fire Danger

~

VERY HIGH

The Town of Cave Creek is at

VERY HIGH

fire danger

with

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions.

We've already experienced four wild land fires in the region. It's important to take necessary steps for establishing defensible space around your home. This allows firefighters to defend both your home and property.

For vital fire prevention info to protect your home and family click HERE.

We love our desert home.

Let's protect it!

Town of Cave Creek Career Opportunities

Click HERE.

Cave Creek Weather

Corner

Click the image for Cave Creek weather info direct from the Town website.

June

Event

Corner

June 1: Kiwanis of Carefree Major Projects Application Deadline - (Info HERE.)

June 3 (6:00 pm): Town Council Meeting - (Info HERE.)

June 12 (5:30 pm): Chamber of Commerce Mixer - (Info HERE)

June 13 (8:30 - 10:00am) : Special Town Council Meeting with Business Owners - Cave Creek Town Council Chamber (Info HERE)

June 17 (6:00 pm): Town Council Meeting - Cave Creek Town Council Chamber (Info HERE)



June 24 (5:00 pm): Public Information Meeting - Cave Creek Town Council Chamber (Info HERE)

June 27 (7:30 am): Carefree * Cave Creek Chamber Breakfast - Harold's Cave Creek Corral (Info HERE)

Click HERE for the calendar and Zoom links on the Town site.

Intersection

Improvements:

thru end of June

Maricopa County Transportation will be working on intersection improvements at the intersection of Carefree Hwy & 32nd Street - Monday, May 13th through the end of June from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm Mondays-Fridays. 

More info HERE.

June 13

8:30-10am

Cave Creek Business Owners and Managers

You are invited to attend a Special Town Council Meeting for both business owners and managers where town issues and concerns will be discussed.

Questions Answered

Monday, June 24

5pm

The Town of Cave Creek is hosting a public information meeting in the Cave Creek Town Council Chambers regarding specific ballot questions and concerns related to the July 30 election.

Learn what YOU can do to prevent fires.

A Notice to

Cave Creek

Citizens

2024

Primary Election

The Town of Cave Creek will hold an election on July 30, 2024, for the purpose of electing a Mayor and 6 Council Members to serve on the Cave Creek Town Council, for consideration of renewal of a Local Alternative Expenditure Limitation - Home Rule Option (first approved by voters in May 1999 and renewed in May 2003, May 2007, May 2011, August 2016 and August 2020.) Additionally, voters will have an opportunity to consider changing the current 2 year terms for Mayor and Council to a 4 year term for Mayor and 4 year staggered terms for Council.  

Know your Cave Creek Council candidates.

Click HERE to view the Cave Creek Council candidate debate held on April 4 at the Desert Foothills Library.

Click HERE for details about the propositions.

Cave Creek voters can click HERE for important primary election dates/deadlines and other pertinent election information.

A Cool Site for a digital list of Businesses & Events in Cave Creek

~

Click HERE.

Cave Creek Budget

Click HERE to read the current draft of the 2024-2025 Town budget.

Cave Creek Concierge Tour 2024

October 9th

Cave Creek Merchants: Contact Nina at the Cave Creek Tourism Bureau to find out how you can be included in the free business promotion through this upcoming event.

Guess It

Corner

Where in Cave Creek have you seen this happy group?

May's Answer:

That old western jail in last month's Guess It can be found at Cave Creek's Frontier Town.

A-Day-in-the- Life Corner

Local Artist

Judy Bruce

touches up "Girl in a Polka Dot Dress."

Fire Safety Corner

The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Identifying Invasive Weeds

Need help determining the difference between native plants and invasive ones? The Town of Cave Creek has a handy guide to help you.

Excellent Info & Images HERE.

Supporting Our Locals Corner

Summer's Here:

The Heat is On!

The heat of summer ushers in "low season" for local merchants. This is the time when they need us most.

Need something? Anything?

Think local!

When we shop/dine local we support our local merchants. We also find what you need without venturing far from home in the summer heat.

~

We love our local shops, restaurants, and services. Let's be sure to support them.

Click HERE to access the Desert Foothills Library's May/June program listing called

Information Highways.

***

Supporting one another is what it's all about!

***

Let's Respect & Preserve Our Beautiful Desert

~

Please remember... motorized bikes and ATV's are not allowed on or off hiking paths and washes.

Promo Opp

Be included in the

2024-25 Cave Creek Visitor's Guide distributed to resort concierges, visitor centers, and more.

Deadline June 14th. Click HERE for pricing and details.

Carefree*Cave Creek Chamber Corner

Hurry -

Chamber Members:

Now is the time for placing a featured ad in the 2024-25, but the deadline is June 21st (Click HERE.) . These featured ads are only available to Chamber members.

You're not yet a Chamber member? Click HERE to join now.

Banner

Photo Credit:

Beverly Di Martino

"Busy Bees in Prickly Pear Cactus Flowers"

Merchant Marketing Corner

Where to Share Exciting News About Your Biz

Cave Creek Guide is website chock-full of Cave Creek town core info created by a fellow Creeker for the benefit of residents, visitors and Cave Creek town core brick n' mortar businesses. For info on free promotion click HERE!

~

Community Partners is a "One hand washes the other!" marketing opportunity where both local small businesses and local non-profits support one another. Check it out and get more info HERE!

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Instagram: Dale Samar, of the Cave Creek Visitors Guide offers free promotion on The Cave Creek Visitor's Guide's Instagram account. contact Dale at 602-799-7335.

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And don't forget: The Cave Creek Tourism Bureau is a free marketing opportunity for licensed Cave Creek businesses. Yes. It's a free service of the Town of Cave Creek. For info and sign-up form, go to the tourism bureau webpage by clicking HERE.

Spark Generating Work

CAUTION!

Let's be serious about spark-generating work!

Workers MUST have an active hose nearby.

Let's prevent the one spark that can ignite.

*PLEASE*

Safety First!

Always!!!

CodeRED is an emergency alert system. Cave Creek residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in order to receive electronic alerts in the event of an emergency.

Be Safe-Don't Be Sorry!

Click HERE to register now for direct alerts from the Town of Cave Creek in the event of a crisis.

KEEP READING TO THE NEXT COLUMN:

What?

You don't see it?

Remember....

Some email providers may not load this newsletter in its entirety, in which case you will need to scroll to bottom left and click "View Entire Message" (in the white field). You'll know you've reached the end of the newsletter when you see the word "END."

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

~ Pablo Picasso

June

2024

Feature Corner

The Finer Arts Gallery

By N. Spitzer

Cave Creek’s slogan is “Where the Wild West Lives.” The area, however, is also a magnet for artists seeking out the solitude, magic and vast beauty of the Sonoran Desert. No place is more obviously a showcase for some of these artists than The Finer Arts Gallery in the Cave Creek town core.

The gallery, with over 4,000 Square feet of display space, is home to more than fifty professional Arizona artists, of which thirty are from Cave Creek/Carefree. Included in the variety of unique, contemporary art represented are paintings in oils, acrylic and watercolor, jewelry, and sculptures in various media, as well as works in photography, gourds, ceramic and glass.

Despite an ever-threatening pandemic, The Finer Arts Gallery first opened its door to visitors September of 2021. Many of the artists were on hand greeting guests at the September 18 Grand Opening Celebration. This gallery was a welcomed addition to the Cave Creek community.

The idea for the gallery surfaced a year earlier when the Sonoran Arts League (League) decided to close its El Pedregal gallery location in North Scottsdale. According to owner Jack Schilder, eight of its League members, also el Pedregal managers, were sitting around after the closure announcement when one of them said, “Oh, we won’t have a home anymore. Now, what are we going to do?” That was the birth of an idea, a partnership, and a search of over 24 possible places for a new gallery. It was Schilder who eventually would find the listing for the Treehouse location.

“We came to look at it and it was horrible,” said Schilder. The space was dark, dingy, and not suited well enough for their gallery needs, so the partners continued searching. Later, they heard a new owner had purchased the Treehouse building and had split the space into two rentals. A Limited Liability Company (LLC) was formed, and the first of the two units leased.  Further discussion prompted the partners to reconsider and rent both sections, opening up the wall and making it all one area.

It was Schilder who, after multiple drafts, helped design and led construction of the current layout of the space. Since leasehold improvements were not included in the lease, the partners donned work clothes, paint brushes, and opened pocket books to turn the interior into a classical gallery.

The gallery continues on with its original eight partners, each taking on different functions of its operation. Six display their own artwork in the gallery.  

New artists are welcome to apply for gallery space. Local artists considering gallery display need first apply through The Finer Arts Gallery website. Applications are reviewed at quarterly owners’ meetings. The review includes an evaluation of the artist’s work and a determination if the artist will be added to the artist pool. Later, if an appropriate opening occurs, is an interview demonstrating an ability to mesh into the group and its goals.

Every six months there’s a rotation of artwork in the gallery. During the rotation, artists will sometimes switch out pieces for a fresh look. The next rotation will be completed at the end of June.

Every third Friday of the month from 5 – 7pm, The Finer Arts Gallery invites guests to its free Art Affaire event where visitors can meet artists while enjoying refreshments, beverages, and yes – ART. The theme of each Art Affaire differs even in the summer months with their annual Ice Cream Social in August.

The Finer Arts Gallery is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday and closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the slow, hot months of June, July, and August. During the summer, the gallery offers a wonderful place and experience to cool off, chat with a local artist, and enjoy some amazing artwork, as well.

Photos:

• The Finer Arts Gallery Building: Photog N. Spitzer
• The Finer Arts Gallery Owners: Back left to right  Bill Gullwing, Shannon Taggart, Marline Sabatina, Bob Elenbaas, Front row, Paulette Galp, Linda Lindus, Jack Schilder, Pat Isaacson. Photo Credit: The Finer Arts Gallery
• Participating Artist Merrily Kulmer: Photog N. Spitzer
• Art Affaire May 17, 2024: Photog N. Spitzer

Mayor's Corner

Preserving Open Space

is Vital to Cave Creek

By Mayor Bob Morris

Land preservation is the most universal virtue in Cave Creek. Much is being done at the Council level to accomplish those goals including identifying viable open space properties and acquiring them for the future. Most recently, the Town along with Maricopa County bought more than 30 acres adjoining the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area at a cost of nearly $700,000. Cave Creek maintains a ready bank balance to purchase high quality properties when opportunities arise. Currently there is $1.5 million on hand for open space acquisition.

The Town is currently in negotiations with the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD), conducting financing analyses, tracking Colorado River water negotiations, and managing real estate appraisals related to thousands of acres of ASLD holdings on the west side of Cave Creek north of Carefree Highway.

Per an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) executed in 2009 for a 20-year period of the 7700 State Land acres, about 4000 are zoned, and therefore protected, as open space. It would take a rezoning vote by the Town Council to change that zoning, which is highly unlikely given our community’s focus and desires in this regard.

Here are the facts about current ASLD efforts:

* The land must be auctioned to the highest bidder by the state Constitution.

* Cave Creek has a right to initiate auction of the open space in 2029.

* The choice preservation pieces are already zoned, protecting them as open space (which forbids residential and commercial).

* ASLD informs us there are currently no interested purchasers.

* The Town has had several positive meetings to extend our rights and clarify the process. More are expected.

* An appraisal is underway in consultation with ASLD to estimate the cost of purchase, although that is only one preservation option.

* Once that appraisal is complete, all options can be evaluated, and a strategy decided.

There are likely to be future Council agenda items and discussion of ASLD lands. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for email notifications at cavecreekaz.gov (click “Stay in the Know!). Good Government is all about public trust, information, and transparency. We invite you to join the open space discussion.

Mayor Bob Morris

The Marshal's Corner

Greetings from the Marshal’s Office,

Folks, as I write brush fires are being fought throughout Arizona. I can honestly say, it’s not crime keeping me up at night; our crime rates in Cave Creek are remarkably low. FIRE keeps me awake at night.

As Town Emergency Manager, I review every emergency that affects our community. Chief Ford and I also look at emergencies occurring outside our town and still relevant to Cave Creek. Our reviews find most area fires have one common thread: They’re caused by carelessness.

WE LIVE IN A DRY DESERT. If you’re welding, grinding, cutting metal or pulling a trailer with chains dragging, you’re increasing the risk of fire. We are currently in a STAGE ONE Fire Restriction requiring permits for spark generating activities. No burning trash. No fireworks. Spark generating activities must have a CHARGED HOSE nearby. Accidents happen; I get it. We simply must try harder to AVOID accidents.

Cut and remove weeds. Create defensible spaces around your businesses and residences. If you see something…SAY SOMETHING. Don’t assume someone else has already called 911. If you see someone doing something reckless, SAY SOMETHING.

Subscribe to CodeRed on our Cave Creek Website. Learn the alternate evacuation routes near your home. Town just created a new evacuation route off of School House Road. Familiarize yourself with it.

We’re in a much safer place with our new Cave Creek Fire Department. Chief Ford has brought public safety light years ahead of where we were just three years ago. Let’s work smarter; let’s focus on PREVENTION of fires. Remember our risks increase during high wind days, so a windy day is not the best day to do anything that generates sparks.

And a repeated side note: Hydrate and please reconsider hiking on high heat days.

Stay Safe,

Marshal Stein

Sonoran Arts League Corner

The Sonoran Arts League

in Our Community

By Carole Perry, artist and League Secretary

The Sonoran Arts League has been an integral part of our community since 1975. Early members, primarily Cave Creek artists and supporters, met monthly to share their experiences and ideas on furthering their vision of a community supporting and benefiting from the arts. They supplemented art classrooms at the old Cave Creek School with teachers and supplies.

Reorganized in 1993, the League evolved with a mission affirming that art is essential to the well-being of our community and life in the Sonoran Foothills. They provided over $4,000 to equip the art department at the new Cactus Shadows High School.

In 2000, the League created the Empty Bowls Project with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Foothill Food Bank ~ over $350,000 thus far.

The 28th annual Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour will again occur on the two weekends that bookend Thanksgiving. This year, more than 175 participants will each provide a minimum of 8 hours of community volunteer service. The event brings over 7,000 visitors to Cave Creek each November.

For over 30 years, the League has provided scholarships for continuing arts education to local high school seniors. In addition, each spring the League donates over 100 local youth incentive bags filled with art supplies inspiring summer hours of creativity and problem solving. The Studio in Stagecoach Village offers classes in a variety of mediums for all levels of experience and ages. The next two months will see weekly free Summer Art Camps for kids. The focus is on mentoring youth, knowing that art training develops the ability to focus and strengthens cognitive skills.

The League also provides free weekly Veterans classes and Open Studio every Friday. Upcoming adult classes include Life Drawing, Pastels, Watercolor Journaling and Collage. Visit Sonoranartsleague.org for more information.

Read more about the League by following Judy Bruce’s column in the Sonoran News ~ “You Gotta Have Art!” ~ “Art is healing, life-saving and creates purpose in many lives.”

Community Art Corner

Cowboy Joe

Anybody who’s been in Cave Creek any length of time knows “Cowboy Joe” and probably also knows…Joe’s not really a cowboy. He’s an artist - with no idea how he acquired this nickname.

Locals know Joe Gragnani as the friendly fella around town in his cowboy hat accompanied by his devoted canine companion “French Fry.”

Joe works his beautiful desert scenes in acrylics on canvas and on cattle skulls, too. The frames on Joe’s paintings are also Joe’s own work, designed from foraged saguaro ribs and old fence wood, making everything about Joe’s work “local.”

Joe Gragnani made his way to North Phoenix from the Midwest over thirty years ago. Soon after, he spent an afternoon in Cave Creek and instantly fell in love. What he found was a fun town with a different vibe, different people, and…always interesting. So, Joe moved to Cave Creek. “This is just the coolest little town,” says Joe.

Joe gained his art inspiration as a child from artist Grandpa Frank. Living in Cave Creek helped the artist in Joe resurface. Being surrounded by the beauty of the desert colors, skies, rocks, and plants with a backdrop of mountains, “Kinda got me going,” says Joe. “The desert is just a beautiful thing to paint.”

Joe has never had a lesson or taken an art class. “My talent is God-given,” he says. Joe simply picked up a paint brush and started painting, refining his skill along the way as he spills his love of the desert onto canvas.

As for being a “real” cowboy, Joe says, “I’m too lazy to be a cowboy.” He claims the only cattle he wrangles is the cut of beef on his plate. What Cowboy Joe does wrangle, however, is a collection of wonderful new friends he makes because of his art.

Currently, Cowboy Joe’s work can be found at Happy Hogan (Frontier Town) and the Cave Creek Tourism Bureau, with a lovely display at Local Jonny’s. Joe Gragnani can be contacted at (480) 299-0832.

Photo Credit: Jonny Oughterson

Request for Applications

Utilities Advisory Committee

Deadline: June 19

The Town Council of the Town of Cave Creek is currently seeking applications from Cave Creek water utility customers wishing to serve on the Town of Cave Creek Utilities Advisory Committee. The Utilities Advisory Committee shall act as an advisory body to the Town Council, and in consultation with town staff, provide recommendations to the Town Council on utility issues as outlined in Ordinance No O2023-07.

Currently there are five positions up for appointment with a term ending December 31, 2026. The Utilities Advisory Committee shall be composed of at least five members, each of whom shall be a customer of the town’s water utility, as either a residential user or owning an enterprise using town water and shall serve without compensation. Desert Hills shall be represented provided there is sufficient interest by candidates.

Applications are available at CaveCreekAZ.gov/UAC. Applications with a letter of intent and resume must be submitted to the Town of Cave Creek on or before 5:00 pm Wednesday, June 19, 2024. Applications should be submitted to Teresa Riza, Deputy Town Manager/Town Clerk, by mail at 37622 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, Arizona, 85331 or via email at TownClerk@CaveCreekAZ.gov.

The Town Council will review all letters of interest and conduct interviews at the July 15, 2024, Regular Town Council Meeting. The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm at the Town Hall Council Chambers, located at 37622 N. Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331.

Town News Corner

Evacuation Signs

In the event of a larger fire incident, like we had a few years ago, it is often difficult for just Spur Cross, Fleming Springs, and School House to handle both all the incoming emergency vehicle and the local resident vehicle traffic.

For this reason, evacuation route signs are starting to be installed by our Cave Creek Field Operations folks. The ones in the area near Spur Cross and Fleming Springs are to assist our residents in the Northern or NE parts of town with finding an alternate evacuation route for themselves and maybe their horse trailers in the event of a larger wildland/interface fire. Specifically, these should help to direct them to the newly improved Arroyo Road alternate route. Eventually, there will be approximately 30 new evacuation route signs installed.

~Jim Ford, Director

Community Risk Reduction

New Biz Corner

Vitality Health Fitness

Vitality Health Fitness, formerly known as Black Mountain Fitness, is located in the heart of Cave Creek. This boutique gym reflects their evolution as a fitness center dedicated not only to physical strength but also fostering vitality and overall health not just for the individual but the community, as well. Vitality Health Fitness’ passion is inspiring and supporting individuals in achieving their fitness goals at every level. Certified personal trainers are dedicated to helping clients achieve goals such as weight loss, muscle gain, and overall wellness. Vitality Health Fitness fosters a welcoming community, camaraderie, integrity, and genuine support. “We can’t wait to have you join us at Vitality Health Fitness and look forward to seeing you soon!” says owner Blair. 

Photo: Vitality Health Fitness

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Hansen's Cowboy BBQ

Wade, Denise, and Jason of Hansen's Cowboy BBQ are "Back in the Saddle Again" at Frontier Town. Surely, your nose will follow the amazing aroma and lead the way. You can expect they'll be serving up some great BBQ, cold drinks from the bar, and cowboy music entertainment, too. If you're looking for some tasty BBQ for a home party, Hansen's caters, as well. Welcome back, Hansen's!

Community News Corner

Cave Creek's China Allen:

"Ms. Queen of the World"

On Friday evening, May 17, family and friends joined Cave Creek’s very own China Allen for a “Ms. Queen of the World” re-crowning celebration at Big Earl’s Greasy Eats (Video HERE) where China is employed. Present also were Kristi Wischnack “Elite Queen of the World,” Jennifer Lloyd “Mrs. Queen of the World," and Alice Gianetta, CEO and Executive Director of the Queen of the World Pageant.

China, along with 35 women from all over the world, competed for the international title of “Ms. Queen of the World” in New York City on April 25^th. Included in the competition’s multiple-categories were interview competition, swimsuit and evening gown. In addition to winning the “Ms. Queen of the World” title, China also won the international title of “Most Talented Queen.” 

As a mother with developmentally disabled children, China hopes to use her international platform to bring more awareness, advocacy, and resources to the Autism Community not only in our local community, but also on a global scale. This beautiful and intelligent queen has certainly made our community proud. Congratulations and best of luck to China on her goals as queen.

Top Photo: The crowning of Queen China

Bottom Photo: "Ms Queen of the World" China Allen, "Elite Queen of the World" Kristi Wischnack, and "Mrs. Queen of the World" Jennifer Lloyd.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Antonio Dewayne Photography 

Cave Creek Tourism Bureau Corner

Cave Creek Merchants:

This One's for You!

The Town of Cave Creek is once more sponsoring this concierge tour in support of our local merchants. And again, you can participate in the free promotion of your business through the upcoming tour’s swag bag. Our 2022 concierge tour sent each guest home with a bag brimming over with fantastic gift memories (see photo) of Cave Creek, and we’re ready to do it again!

On the afternoon of October 9, a Cave Creek Tourism Bureau “cowgirl” will share information about town core shops, restaurants, and Cave Creek history while the tour bus, once again, slowly rolls through town. The tour will culminate with a complimentary dinner at a Cave Creek restaurant and a gift of a filled Cave Creek swag bag. This is where you can shine most!

Info for participating in the swag bag free business promotion:

1)   Fill out and turn in the participation form by clicking HERE.

2)   Provide 30 items that best represent your business. These must be individually affixed to your promotion material.

3)   Restaurants: A suggestion is a generous percentage-off coupon or coupon for a free menu along with your promo material.

4)   Items can be turned in anytime to Cave Creek Town Hall (closed Fri/Sat/Sun), but no later than September 13.

5)   Items must be submitted in a closed package labeled on the outside with your business name and the number of items.

Concierge guests will return home with memories of a great day, positive vibes, and a swag bag filled with cool items and informative Cave Creek promotional material. Most of all, these memories of Cave Creek and the tour will inspire them to promote our town through their day-to-day contacts with out-of-own guests. When one asks where to go for a fun daytrip...they’ll be quick and happy to suggest "CAVE CREEK!"

Let's get rolling on making this the premier Cave Creek marketing event of the year. Cave Creek merchants, click HERE for details on this promotional opportunity and/or contact organizer Nina with questions.

The Cave Creek Tourism Bureau is here for you!

Photo: Town of Cave Creek

Safety Corner

The Weather is Great for a Hike, But...

Know Before You Go!

By Mayor Bob Morris, Cave Creek

Residents and visitors alike are fortunate to have so many wonderful hiking options in the Cave Creek area. Let’s take a look at where these options are and how to enjoy them safely. A click HERE will take you to the Cave Creek Trail Network. Trails within the Town of Cave Creek boundaries include:

·      Cave Creek Regional Park

·      Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

·      Desert Foothills Land Trust

·      Tonto National Forest Cave Creek Ranger District

·      Maricopa Trail - more than 300 miles of connected trails that encompasses Maricopa County and links to 10 regional parks.

Most have dedicated parking lots, and the maps will point out where you can (and should) park when enjoying the trails. A tricky one for many is Black Mountain Trail parking. When hiking Black Mountain, please go up School House Road and turn right on Mark Way where there is dedicated parking. Begin your hike by walking the rest of School House Road to the trailhead.

Each year, several people need to be rescued while hiking in our local parks and preserves. For a safe and enjoyable day, please follow the following basic guidelines:

DO:

·      Wear appropriate footwear, clothing, eye protection and sunscreen for your adventure.

·      Stay on marked and designated trails.

·      Know before you go! Use maps and know the trails/terrain you will be encountering.

·      Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return.

·      Carry a fully charged cell phone, even when cell phone service is spotty. Activate battery saving Airplane Mode.

·      Have a signaling device - whistle, small mirror, and/or brightly colored bandanna.

·      Hydrate early, often, and have enough water for you, your children, and pets.

·      Share the trail and manage your pet.

·      Pick up your trash.

·      Leave the area better than you found it.

·      Keep wildlife wild. Leave wildlife and animals alone.

·      If lost or disoriented and/or suffer a hiking injury, call for help immediately. Don’t delay or wait until darkness.

·      When your water is half gone, stop and return to the trailhead.

DON’T:

·      Cut through private property to get to a trail.

·      Use motorized vehicles on any Town trails.

·      Use trails when they’re wet or muddy. Wait for trails first dry. Remember: If you make a track, please turn back!

·      Start fires.

·      Overestimate your abilities and/or underestimate the difficulty of the hike.

·      Hike alone (not recommended).

Equipped with this information we hope you enjoy the Town of Cave Creek trails.

Happy Trails!

Photo: Image by wirestock on Freepik

Happenings Corner

May 6: Kiwanis Scholarship Awards Ceremony

An Evening of Excellence

On May 6, 2024, Ms. Linda Wright, President of Kiwanis of Carefree, welcomed students, families, friends, and Kiwanians to the “Evening of Excellence” Scholarship Awards Program. This keystone event awarded 30 scholarships, totaling $564,000 to graduating students from the Carefree and Cave Creek area. Mr. Ryan Harris, NFL Veteran and Superbowl Champion was the Keynote Speaker. All of this was made possible by the wonderful people in our communities who donate and shop at the Kiwanis Marketplace. Click HERE for the impressive list of scholarship recipients.

Photo: Lindsey is recognized for her scholarship.

Photo Credit: Bob Mains

~

May 14: Cave Creek Museum: Annual Meeting

The Museum's Annual Meeting

Cave Creek Museum members gathered at the Christ Anglican Church for their annual meeting. The heart of the event was the Museum's board election and swearing in of new board members. New on the board for the incoming season are, , , (pictured) and , (absent). They will join continuing board members .... at bringing in the fall season at the Museum. In addition, the event celebrated its many wonderful volunteers with a cake and special gift of a notebook and pen. A huge thank you to all at the Cave Creek Museum for being such excellent keepers of our area history.

Photo Credit: Linda Vareha

~

Cave Creek Dads Are Awesome!

Town Manager

Grady E. Miller

Deputy Town Manager

Teresa Riza

Mayor

Robert Morris

Vice-Mayor

Kathryn Royer

Council Members

Tom Augherton

Ernie Bunch

Paul Eelkema

Thomas McGuire

Dusty Rhoades

~END~