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.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
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Please Note
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The Cave Creek Corner will be getting a facelift and coming to you with some slight design changes. Keep an eye out for those upgrades in October.

Did you miss our August issue? You'll find it

Would you like to be on the mailing list for this e-newsletter? Notify the Editor HERE.
Cave Creek Weather
Corner
Click the picture for Cave Creek weather info direct from the Town website.
Calendar
Corner
Sept 7 (6pm): Council Meeting* - Town Hall (CANCELED)
Sept 8 (10am): Water Advisory Committee Meeting*(WAC) - (Zoom)
Sept 8 (noon): Wastewater Advisory Committee Meeting*(WAC) - (Zoom)
Sept 8 (5:30pm): Monthly Mixer - Meeting (Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber) @ Fulton Rizzo Team & HUNT Real Estate ERA Click HERE for more info.
Sept 13 (10am): Spur Cross Memorial Celebration @ Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
Sept 16 (7pm): Planning Commission Regular Meeting* - Town Hall
Sept 20 (6pm): Council Meeting* - Town Hall (Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/s/97966005071)
Sept 23 (??pm): Oregano's Local Landmarks Presentation @ Oregano's
Sept 30 (7:30am): Business Breakfast (Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber) - Harold's - Click HERE for more info.

* Town Council and Planning Commission meetings have returned to "in-person" meetings at Town Hall but, will also continue on Zoom.

Click HERE for the calendar and Zoom links on the Town site.
Town News
Corner
Would you like to read the Town of Cave Creek's fire safety edition newsletter? Then, click HERE.
Signs Corner
A REMINDER
As we look forward to cooler temperatures and an increase to activity within the Town Core, please take a moment to review this quick reference guide for Portable Signs.

Please take a moment to review a quick reference guide for portable signs by clicking HERE.
Flood Safety Corner
Be on Alert for Flash Flooding During Thunderstorms

The month of September can still bring thunderstorm activity. Please be on alert regarding the chance of flash floods. As rainwater moves across dry solid ground it can collect soil, sediment, and debris and grow into a stream of floodwaters. This can cause more significant damage; please be on guard for flooding in all areas downstream and along our desert washes (especially those areas affected by the Ocotillo and East Desert Fires which occurred last summer). 

DO NOT CROSS a flooded wash. If you witness flooding in your area move to higher ground to be safe. For emergencies dial 911.
Cave Creek Museum Corner
The Cave Creek Museum is proud to announce that it has been selected as a Smithsonian magazine Museum Day participant. This national one-day event showcases cultural institutions across the country and provides free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket.
    The Cave Creek Museum will feature a preview of the new season as well as presentations by members of the Maricopa Pima Indian community.
    Participants are allowed to download one ticket per email address. The ticket provides free general admission on Saturday, September 18, 2021, for two people. For free admission to participating museums, visit:
       You must preregister and print your ticket from the Smithsonian link in order to receive the free admission. Tickets are valid for the ticket holder accompanied by one guest.
    Of course, museum members enjoy free admission throughout the season. The Cave Creek Museum will be open from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Smithsonian Day.
Thank You Corner
New Walkway

The Town of Cave Creek would like to thank Fernando Maldonado for working with the town on installing a paver walkway along the front of Retablo and Pet Food Depot. Thank-you for contributing to our open spaces and Town Core.

Photo: Kelley Francis, Town of Cave Creek
Code Red Corner
CodeRed is an emergency alert system Cave Creek residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in 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.
Supporting Our Locals Corner
Thrift Shops -
We've Got 'Em!!
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Let's be sure we support our local thrift shops, many of which are 501(c)3's putting portions of their profits toward worthy causes. Why buy new when second-hand items bring with them character, savings, and community support, too?

Valley-wide, it's known that Cave Creek has a wonderful variety of second-hand shops that offer interesting items at bargain prices. Shoppers from all over the Valley drive to Cave Creek for cool stuff and great deals.
Lucky for us those shops are right here in our own backyard.

Stop in. Browse. It's funny how no one ever walks out of our thrift shops empty-handed. Let's support them. After all, they bring visitors to our town and give back to our community in so many ways.
Fire Safety Corner
Safety First
Remembering last year's fires makes us all cringe. The Town of Cave Creek would like us to take every precaution so as not to revisit that horrific experience. Every one of us can help. Click HERE to find out how.
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Supporting one another is what it's all about!
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Cave Creek Tourism Bureau Corner
Off-Season Hours
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The Cave Creek Tourism Bureau will continue summer hours of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10am-2pm through the month of September. Our full-time "Season" schedule of a 7-day week will resume as of October 1st. We will be happy to, once again, be there full-time supporting you, your establishment, and our wonderful town.

Off-Season Hours:
September > Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10am-2pm
Guess It
Corner
Where have you seen this "Wise" guy?
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August's Answer:
If you guessed he's the handsome cowboy in front of Out West Interiors and Furnishings, you are correct! To see him again, click HERE for our August edition and then scroll down.
We're still in the heat of summer and Cave Creek Tourism Bureau celebrates that fact with its "Summer Vacation" holiday tree.
(Many thanks to volunteer and official tree decorator, George)
Covid-19 Corner
Info & Resources

Click HERE for the CDC's Covid-19 updates for Workplaces and Businesses.
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For the ADHS Covid-19 Data Dashboard click HERE.
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Find Maricopa County Covid-19 Business Info HERE.
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Click HERE Arizona Department of Health Services helpful info on Covid-19 resources.
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Access all you need to know from the Arizona Department of Economic Security by clicking HERE.
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Look HERE for updated Sky Harbor Airport travel regulations.
~AND~
Gov. Ducey
site HERE.
KEEP READING TO THE NEXT COLUMN:
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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."
“I love rainstorms...the thunder, lightning, wind, all of it. So much going on at once, so many emotions...just like me.”
― April Mae Monterrosa

September
2021
Feature Corner
Spur Cross Memorial
~ A Celebration ~

On September 13, The Town of Cave Creek will sponsor an unveiling of The Spur Cross Memorial and a special celebration commemorating the acquisition of Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. This September marks the 20+ year anniversary of when a majority of Cave Creek property owners voted in favor of a property tax to aid in acquiring the land. At 10am on the 13th, representatives from the State of Arizona and Maricopa County, along with Cave Creek’s Mayor Ernie Bunch will speak on behalf of this wonderful acquisition.
 
The idea of the monument first came to pass in 2016 when Cave Creek citizens George Ross, Sue Mueller, and Paul Diefenderfer put their heads together thinking about how to commemorate the passing of former Cave Creek mayor, Ralph Mozilo. At first, a bench in the park was considered, then the idea grew to be a monument to the citizens of Cave Creek, Maricopa County and the State of Arizona commemorating the conservation of this 2,154-acre ranch. In addition to the monument, a time capsule would contain a history of the property and efforts to conserve it.

This monument being dedicated to the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area represents the three entities that together purchased and thereby preserved the property from development: The State of Arizona, Maricopa County, and the Town of Cave Creek. George paid for the time capsule, Paul designed and built the monument, and Sue collected the contents of the time capsule.
According to Sue Mueller, “The time capsule, which is inside of the monument, contains personal files and objects from Nan Ross and Sue Mueller, a t-shirt designed and donated by Melissa Paxton, a hat, pertinent documents from the Town of Cave Creek, copies of newspaper articles from the Arizona Republic, Sonoran News, Foothills Sentinel, and the Arizona Capitol Times. It also includes documents containing the history of the land: it’s prehistoric occupation, the time as a dude ranch, a summary of archaeological investigations conducted, and attempts to develop the land, preservation efforts, and a list of citizens involved in the preservation effort.”
 
We’re very fortunate and appreciative of this pristine piece of Sonoran Desert and historic gem being a part of our town. To stand in its embrace and take in 360 degrees of its wonders and beauty where desert plants, wildlife, and history abound is truly heavenly. The Town would like us all to join in at this Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area celebration on the 13th (10am) where we can partake in the land’s beauty, in addition to refreshments, smiles and plenty of gratitude.
Spur Cross Ranch circa 1950s

Photo credits:
The Memorial - Kelley Francis
1950's Photo - Beverly Brooks
Town Manager's Corner
Greetings Cave Creek Merchants,

The Town of Cave Creek invites residents, business owners, and visitors to register for Town of Cave Creek News & Announcements by registering for notifications here.  

If you have not received the physical newsletter in the mail, but would like to, please email Communications@CaveCreekAZ.gov with your name, physical address, and permission to contact you on behalf of the Town. Addresses must be within the Town of Cave Creek’s jurisdiction. You can also find the most recent printed issue of the Town of Cave Creek Newsletter virtually on the home page under “News & Announcements,” or in-print at Town Hall, the Tourism Bureau and the Desert Foothills Library.
The Town also posts announcements on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter. Regular Council Meetings, which are open to the public, can be found on the Town’s calendar.
 
The Town of Cave Creek has maintained an open-door policy, even throughout the pandemic and our staff takes care and time with those who come to Town Hall for guidance and answers to inquiries. If you’d like more guidance on how to receive communications from the town please call 480-488-6600 or contact us via email and we’d be happy to walk you through registering for news and alerts.

Respectfully,
Carrie Dyrek
Cave Creek Town Manager
The Marshal's Corner
Greetings from the Marshal,

What an interesting month we have had. Everyone in town has been on egg shells regarding how dry things are and how we are all so cautious and afraid of another wildland fire…..next thing you know, the monsoons hit and it rained holy heck. Now everyone in town is so happy and grateful about how green everything is….except, all the weeds are growing….all the mosquitos are out. Will everyone ever be happy?

I saw some truly amazing things this past monsoon storm that must be noted. Just because you own a bigger vehicle than your neighbors, it doesn’t mean that you can drive on the wrong side of the road and drive around traffic that are in the proper lane waiting to cross the wash. Not only is it dangerous…it is rude. I also must point out that if the roadway is closed due to the wash flowing at such a great flow that it would take out a vehicle attempting to cross the wash…it is CERTAINLY not safe for you to cross the wash on foot! I am a firm believer in Darwinism folks, however, DO NOT tempt fate while I am standing there please, I don’t want to have to risk my life due to your exceedingly poor decisions.  
 
We did a sweep through town this past month and see that a lot of businesses are complying with the sign ordinance. Unfortunately, a few of you are not. Remember, one portable sign per business. The town spent a great deal of time researching the sign ordinance and meeting with businesses and residents to find a reasonable remedy. Please follow the rules and avoid a citation.
 
COVID folks… the numbers are going up…AGAIN. Please be careful.
 
It is with great sorrow that I write this. As most of you know, our beloved friend, Larry Wendt, passed away unexpectedly on 22 August. To say that Larry was the owner of the Buffalo Chip would be far too humble. Larry was a father, to three beautiful children whom many of us within the community have witnessed grow from children to adults. Larry was a former Chief Deputy with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, where Larry had a reputation for being fair and compassionate. Larry always gave back to his community, whether he was donating his time hosting a fundraiser or if he was showing up at a Council meeting to represent his community and fellow business owners, or whether he was hosting “Church at The Chip” on any given Sunday at the Buffalo Chip. To know Larry was to love Larry. Larry always had a smile on his face and always had a handshake that could crush your hand. I learned long ago, never ask Larry a question unless you were prepared for the answer - Larry told it like it is. He was not known for sugar coating. Most importantly to me, Larry was a friend. Larry will be missed. May his legacy live on within the community he so loved.
 
Stay safe,
Marshal Stein
In Memory
Larry Wendt
August 12, 1956 - August 22, 2021

With great sadness, the Town of Cave Creek says good-bye to Larry Wendt, a devoted family man, friend, and owner of The Buffalo Chip, who passed away on August 22nd.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Tifani Wendt (Husband: Nathan Wiertzema), his son, Travis Wendt (Wife: Amber Wendt), his daughter, Riata Wendt, and his pride and joy, his Grandchildren, Indigo (10), Eden (9), Greyson (3), Colt (1), and Rose (4 months).
Dark Sky Corner
Five (5) Cave Creek Council Members wrote letters in opposition to Maricopa County’s Text Amendment (TA 2018001) that would allow Large Digital Billboards to be introduced along major County corridors like the I-17. This would also allow an increase in size and frequency of traditional billboards. Maricopa County hearing on this matter is September 9th, 2021.
 
CCDSI Thanks Council Members…
Kathryn Royer / Robert Morris / David Smith /
Thomas McGuire / Paul Diefenderfer
Example of Digital Billboard
New Biz Corner
The Finer Arts Gallery
 By Nina Spitzer

For too long, the old “Treehouse” building, also known as the Cave Creek Station, at 6137 E. Cave Creek Road has sadly stood quiet and vacant. As of September 1st, it will be vacant no more when it comes alive as The Finer Arts Gallery, a co-op of 36+ professional artists. Co-owner, Jack Schilder, has announced the gallery will open its doors to the public for the first time on September 1st, 2021 and has its grand opening scheduled for September 18th, 2021.
 
"We really needed an outlet for local artists, to add availability and to build the greater community's art image. We began the location search in November and always had the Treehouse site as our desired site,” says Jack. “When the building was purchased by Dr. Doug Perkins and we learned he wanted a gallery to compliment and preserve the historical building, we were excited." 
 
"The Finer Arts Gallery is the creation of eight artists who saw the need for a venue for their fellow artists," says Linda Schilder.  The gallery seed idea for this building was first planted nearly a year ago when El Pedregal Gallery’s managers were searching for a new location. The Steering Committee, which includes Bill Goren, Pat Isaacson, Bob Elenbaas, Shannon Taggart, Marlene Sabatina, Paulette Galop, Jack Schilder and Linda Lindus, toured the building and knew they’d found a new home for the gallery to be renamed The Finer Arts Gallery.
 
"Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale are home to a growing artist community and the timing is perfect to expand artists' and collectors' opportunities to exhibit, sell and collect outstanding work," says Pat Isaacson, the Steering Committee's chair. 
 
The 36 professional artists work include an exciting mix of oil, acrylic, jewelry, glass, fiber sculpture, ceramic, bronze, gourds, textile, photography, metal sculpture, wood live edge, graphite, and pastel with each artist's work having been reviewed and juried into the gallery.
 
“When I was asked if I was interested in exhibiting in the ‘Finer Arts Gallery,’ it took about 5 seconds to respond,” says Cave Creek artist Dick Mueller, “A great group of artists in a great location!”
 
According to Linda Lindus, The Finer Arts Gallery is “a gallery that transcends the rustic past with today’s contemporary fine art, yet still pays tribute to its history by including art with a Western flair.”
 
The Finer Arts Gallery team would like us all to join in on the celebration of their soft opening on September 1st and the grand opening on September 18 from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. We welcome The Finer Arts Gallery to our community as it brings our Treehouse building back to life with beautiful art created by local artists. 
Left: Jack Schilder and Right: Bob Elenbaas
Photo Credit: Pat Isaacson
Community Safety Corner
Fire & Emergency Service Protection:
Cave Creek to Purchase New Fire Station

Cave Creek Town Council is moving forward with actions to secure fire and emergency medical services for the community. At the Regular Council Meeting Monday evening on August 16th, 2021, the Town of Cave Creek Council Members voted in favor to lease and purchase a property within town limits located at 37042 N. Cave Creek Rd., to be used as a fire station. 

"This is an important step," says Chief Ford, "and the Town encourages our residents and business owners to remain engaged as we move forward in securing Fire and Emergency services and assets for the Town of Cave Creek."
 
The Town of Cave Creek has held four community discussions open to the public, in addition to the Regular Council Meetings which happen monthly at Town Hall. Anyone can attend in-person or remotely online. The Community Discussions have been recorded and are available to watch at the following link. There have also been ongoing neighborhood meetings with various communities and HOA’s within Town limits. Please visit the Town’s website to view these former presentations and subscribe to participate in the future or contact Communications@CaveCreekAZ.gov. 

Click HERE to read more about the fire house purchase.
Carefree*Cave Creek Chamber Corner
 Why Has Cave Creek Unified Called a Bond Election?

The Cave Creek Unified School District educates approximately 5200 students with a 97% high school graduation rate. CCUSD has seven campuses, one million square feet of buildings, and two hundred thirty six acres of land. The district has not passed a bond election since 2014. 

This bond would provide needed funds to upgrade technology for students and classrooms, refresh school facilities, purchase 21st century furniture and equipment, make sports facility improvements, purchase school buses, and make repairs and renovations intended to maintain a safe student environment that is conducive to learning. Click HERE to read more.

Sincerely,
Carefree Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce
Mini-Gallery Corner
Mini-Gallery
at the
Cave Creek Tourism Bureau
~
Charlotte Loetz
 
Local artist, Charlotte Loetz, was on a hike at Jewel of the Creek when she saw a group of children playing in the creek. She then noticed the children heading for shore because they had seen a bobcat in the rocks. Charlotte caught a photo of the children's experience and turned it into this lovely oil on linen panel painting that currently resides on our tourist bureau's mini-gallery wall.
Do drop in and see this heart-warming piece of art!
Local Landmarks Corner
Would you like to register for announcements regarding upcoming Local Landmark ceremonies? This autumn's brass plaque unveilings will happen at Oregano's (formerly The Cave Creek Inn) and one of the longest-standing buildings in Town Core, Coyote Creek (originally Carpenter’s Trading Post). Please email LocalLandmarks@CaveCreekAZ.gov for notifications.
Happenings Corner
Big Earl's Greasy Eats
Landmarks Event
August 23rd: Big Earl's Greasy Eats was honored as a Local Landmark in Cave Creek. A video of the building's history was compiled by Kelley Francis, the Town's Digital Communications Specialist, and presented at the event. Congratulations to Brooke and Big Earl's! Your building and business keep Cave Creek's history alive in our Town Core!
Mayor Ernie Bunch, Brooke’s mother Lisa DeGroot, Council Member Thomas McGuire, owners of Big Earl’s Brooke Dallas and husband Collin Dallas, Council Member Kathryn Royer, Council Member Ron Sova, and Cave Creek Town Manager Carrie Dyrek give a big “Say Cheeseburger” as we ring in the Big Earl’s Local Landmark celebration on August 23rd, 2021.
Big Earl's Video Presentation

Photo Credit: Kelley Francis, Town of Cave Creek
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Celebrating A Life
August 29th: Friends and family of Cave Creek business owner Larry Wendt came together Sunday morning to celebrate Larry's life and share special memories. Later in the day, a tractor parade honored Larry in the Cave Creek Town Core. Larry left a lasting impression on anyone he met and will be remembered fondly as a member of our Cave Creek Community.
View a video of Larry's Life Celebration created by Mark Van Dyke by clicking HERE
View a FOX 10 article about Larry by clicking HERE.
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Kiwanis Marketplace
Celebrates 7th Year!
August 21st: Kiwanis Marketplace threw a Hawaiian themed celebration for its 7th Anniversary of being at the Kiwanis Marketplace. They handed out cupcakes, cookies, and popcorn and also had a 50% off sale on Furniture and Clothing. 

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Header Photo Credit:
A beautiful composite of 10 lightning photos in Cave Creek by local photographer Bob Hughes
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Tourism Bureau Participants
A Couple of Green Thumbs, Adelante, Arizona Fine Furniture & Tack Brokers, Arizona Horseback Adventures, A Place in Time, Arizona Territory Antiques, Bags & Rags Boutique, Bella Donna & Cane, Beth Zink Art, Big Bronco, Big Earl's Greasy Eats, Bilinda's Vintage Treasures, Black Mountain Adventures, Black Mountain Coffee Shop, Black Mountain Dental Care, Black Mountain Fitness, Blue Coyote, Bodhi Coyote Yoga, Boudine's, Bronco Studio, Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue, Buffalo Chip Saloon, Carefree Adventures, Cave Creek BBQ School, Cave Creek Beer Company, Cave Creek Candles & Gifts, Cave Creek Museum, Cave Creek Olive Oil Company, Cave Creek Shuttle, Cave Creek Visitor's Guide, Cimarron River Company, Ciolim, Charlie Green Make-Up, City Creamery, Coyote Crossing Studio, Desert Dream Realty, Desert Foothills Library, Desert Treasures, Designs by Jenny, El Encanto Mexican Restaurant, Elysian Desert Distilleries, English Rose Tea Room, Erika Willison PLLC, Essence of Massage, Etania Jewelry & Boutique, Extreme Arizona, Fantastico's Mexican Food, Fiorra CBD, Glory Bee's, Grace Reneé Gallery, The Grotto Café, Hideaway Grill, Harold's Cave Creek Corral, Holland Community Center, Horny Toad Restaurant, Indian Market, Indian Village, Indigo Crow, It's a Divine Bakery, Janey's Coffee Co., Jeff D. Hill PLLC, Journey Rides, Keeler's Steakhouse, KI Healing Arts, Kiwanis Marketplace Thrift Store, Lance Headlee, Lara Bistro, Laughing Glass Studio, Lazy Lizard, Leigh Siegel-Realtor, Le Sans Souci, Leslie Nestingen (Berkshire Hathaway), Levanah Acupuncture, Lifestyle Balance with Qigong TaiChi, Lisa Nocella/Russ Lyons Sotheby's, Living Landsdcapes, Inc., Look at Me Now, Lucy Dickens Fine Art, M & E Stoyanov Fine Art Gallery, Magic Bird Festivals, Michael D'Ambrosi Sculpture, Mike's Chicago Dogs, Monika Cheang Photography, Mountain View Pub, Natural Habitat Inc, Oregano's Pizza Bistro, Pizzicata, Pillar to Post Home Inspections, Prickly Pear Inn, Puppy Luv Flea Market, Rancho Mañana Golf Club, Rare Earth Gallery, R.C. Gorman Navajo Gallery, Retablo, Ro Scarbrough (Berkshire Hathaway), Rusty Shack, Salon Chella, Sticks Golf & Cigar Lounge, The Sculpture Studio, Sergio Ladrón de Guevara Fine Art, Sharon J. Edwards (Berkshire Hathaway), Smith & Western, Somm Advice, Sonoran Arts League, Soroptomist International of Saguaro Foothills, droppable-1627763419745Southwest Bedazzle Boutique, Spur Cross Cycles, Storyteller Indian Store, Studio West, Teeslanger, The Eddy, Thunderbird Artists Gallery, Time to Ride AZ, Tonto Bar & Grill, Trailhead Ranch, True West Magazine, Tumbleweed Hotel, Udder Delight, The Village Coffee Shop, Villas of Cave Creek, Vino e Panino, Watson's Hat Shop, Western Delight Gift Shop, Western Sky Helicopters, Z's House of Thai
Our list is growing and we LUV it! - Let me know if I've ooopsed & forgotten your name. - Ed.