25 Years Later: Together We Remember

It has been 25 years since September 11, 2001, and we invite our community to come together to honor the lives lost, recognize those who risked their lives to save others and reflect on the lasting impact of that day.

Join us on Friday, September 11 at 6 p.m. at the Town Council Chambers for Together We Remember: 25 Years Later, a special community gathering.



The evening will feature stories from World Trade Center survivor Bob Jenkins, opportunities to share personal memories and reflections, and a community memory board to help preserve our shared history.

Guests are encouraged to bring photographs, newspaper clippings or other items from 9/11 to contribute. Attendees can also write their own memories and reflections, which will become part of a commemorative display in the Town Council Chambers.

For those unable to attend in person, you can still be part of the event by watching the presentation live on our YouTube.

Learn more at visitcarefree.com/9-11 or by clicking the button below.

Every two years we brace ourselves for two waves of political signs on every corner, along roadways, and interspersed in front yards. The signs come and go in two waves – a primary election surge followed about 3 months later by a general election wave. Signs sprout like colorful weeds and disappear equally as fast. Sign placement, color, size, and content draw upon strategies, some sound and some not so sound.

Political signs serve to increase a candidate’s name recognition; signs encourage voters to participate by reminding supporters to vote; and signs can influence voter’s opinions even if a political discussion never takes place. In local elections, where candidates may not be well known, signs serve to increase candidate visibility.

The First Amendment protects speech including political signs. While political signs are not called out in the First Amendment, political signs are protected speech, much like newspapers, books, and videos. Over time, limits of where and how signs can be displayed have been established and tested in the courts. Close to home, a Supreme Court case involving the Town of Gilbert, AZ found that all signs, including political signs, are protected and cannot be treated differently, based on content, then other signs.

Why have there been so many signs in Carefree during this political season? While state law allows for political sign-free tourist zones, today, Carefree abides by the Gilbert court case. In the past, Carefree used the creation of tourist zones to restrict political signs on our roadways entering and leaving our ‘tourist’ town center. Since those restrictions were content based, the Gilbert court case preempts our use of tourist zones to restrict political signs. As a result, in the recent primary election, political signs could be seen up and down our major roadways. And political signs will return as candidates gear up for the November general election.

Like all freedoms there are some limits. Thankfully, political signs cannot be posted more than 71 days prior to election day and must be removed no later than 15 days after election day, unless the candidate will be moving on to the general election after the primary election. Signs must include a means to contact the political body responsible for the sign. And signs may not impede driver visibility or create a hazard for pedestrians or motorists. Violations should be brought to the attention of Town Hall.

While many may view political signs as a blight on the landscape, displaying them is a protected right. Destroying or defacing political signs is illegal. Regardless of one’s views about a candidate or issue, removing or damaging a political sign violates state law.

Some refer to the appearance of political signs as the start of the ‘silly season’. However, the biennial appearance of political signs, while a detraction from our beautiful desert, should remind us of our deep commitment to free expression and of citizens’ right to publicly share their political views and vote. They are a symbol of civic engagement, reflecting a society that values open debate, visible political expression, and participation in democratic life

Sincerely,

Mayor John Crane

FREE CPR Class - Learn How to Save a Life

The Carefree Fire Department’s next FREE CPR & AED training class will be held Friday, September 18, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Based on the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support curriculum, the class will teach you how to recognize cardiac arrest, perform hands-only CPR, provide rescue breaths, and use an AED.

While this class does not provide official certification, it is a great opportunity to build confidence and learn practical, lifesaving skills that could make a difference in an emergency. To sign up, email CarefreeFD@gmail.com.

Upcoming Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Activities

Keeping your vehicle properly maintained is not only good for your car—it also helps protect our community and the environment.

Oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, fuel and other automotive fluids can leak onto driveways, parking lots and streets. When it rains, those pollutants can be carried by stormwater into storm drains and local washes. Unlike water that enters a sanitary sewer system, stormwater can flow directly into the surrounding environment without being treated first.

Regularly check your vehicle for leaks and have repairs made as soon as possible. If you perform maintenance at home, use a drip pan, clean up spills promptly and store used fluids in secure, leak-proof containers until they can be properly recycled or disposed of. If you would rather leave maintenance to the professionals, taking your vehicle to a reputable automotive shop is another easy way to make sure fluids are properly handled.

The impact can be more significant than you'd think. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, used motor oil from just one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of fresh water—about a year’s supply for 50 people. Used motor oil can also contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals, is slow to degrade and can persist in the environment. The good news is that used motor oil can be recycled and re-refined instead of being discarded.

A few simple habits—maintaining your vehicle, watching for leaks, cleaning up spills and properly recycling automotive fluids—can help keep pollutants off our streets and out of Carefree’s stormwater system and protect our washes.

Dancing with the Desert Stars

Get ready to dance the night away for a great cause at Dancing with the Desert Stars, happening Saturday, September 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center. Local personalities will trade their everyday roles for the dance floor in a spirited competition filled with music, entertainment and plenty of community fun.

Guests can cheer on featured dancers Allison Rodriguez, Lexi Lambert, Emma Parkhouse and Valentin Mendoza as they compete for the crown in front of judges Carefree Mayor John Crane, local artist Ray Tigerman and Cave Creek Vice Mayor Kathryn Royer. The evening will also include hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live music from the Whiskey Lizard Band.

Best of all, the celebration supports four organizations making an impact right here in the Foothills: Scully Learning Center Foundation, The Holland Center, Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center, and Foothills Caring Corps. Tickets are $100 per person, and guests can also cast a vote for their favorite dancer. Come enjoy an unforgettable evening under the desert stars while helping strengthen the Carefree and Cave Creek community.

Buy your tickets today with the button below!

Debbie is often the first friendly face people see when they walk into Town Hall, but her work goes far beyond the front desk. For more than five years, she has been an important part of the Town team, assisting nearly every department. To name a couple tasks, she supports Code Enforcement with business license processing and helps Administration with everything from day-to-day needs to planning and making food for quarterly staff lunches that keep everyone connected.

Having called Arizona home for 32 years, Debbie brings plenty of experience to her role, including years spent running her own dry cleaning business. When asked what she enjoys most about working for the Town, her answer is simple: her fellow staff members. It’s that connection with her coworkers, along with her willingness to jump in wherever she is needed, that makes Debbie such a valued part of the team.

Outside of Town Hall, Debbie is a proud mom of two and grandmother of four, who she absolutely adores. And if you’re wondering about the quickest way to win her over, the answer might just be pizza — her favorite food! Next time you stop by Town Hall and see Debbie’s friendly smile, be sure to say hello and thank her for all the work, both seen and unseen, that helps keep Town Hall running smoothly.