On a crisp December morning, Anthem’s pickleball courts were pretty well packed with middle-aged adults and seniors. But on one court, Emily Locke’s kids ruled. And they don’t always play by the rules. “We’ve made up our own game called King of the Court, said 10-year-old Charlotte Locke. “That’s my favorite thing to do while […]
In an effort to compete with charter schools and deal with declining enrollment in communities that are aging out, Deer Valley Unified School District has begun a process to repurpose one of its existing schools into an open-boundary choice school with a traditional focus. Bellair Elementary in the southern portion of the district will be […]
By Robert Roy Britt — The annual, informal cruise around Anthem by festively lighted Jeeps, side-by-sides (SXSs) and UTVs is planned for Saturday, Dec. 21. The Anthem Holiday Light Cruise, as it’s called now, involves participants who string colorful holiday lights, garlands and other holiday decorations on their off-road vehicles. Starting at 6 p.m., participants—more than […]
In&Out Staff Writers — Anthemites who haven’t played pickleball probably just haven’t tried pickleball. Those who play—young and old—say it’s a blast, and easy to pick up. But some free lessons can’t hurt. Learn the rules and how to be awesome in a hurry. Equipment provided. Thursday evenings, 6:30–8 p.m., Dec. 12–Feb. 20. Anthem Community […]
By Karen Goveia — Twenty-thousand toys for 20,000 smiles in 2020. That’s the goal for Smiles 4 Sick Children, Anthem resident Brian Billideau’s non-profit organization that brings a little joy each year to sick kids at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Following a life-changing accident that took the life of a young girl several years ago, Billideau […]
By Lara Gates — Anthem has had a couple of taglines over the years: “Life in Abundance” and “Live, Work and Play.” But none can completely capture how residents feel about the 10,000-home community at the northern edge of Phoenix. What was once empty State Trust land is now a thriving community that is so […]
By Robert Roy Britt — The first notable rainstorm in nearly two months had dumped more than an inch in Anthem and across North Phoenix by mid-afternoon Wednesday, prompting a Flash Flood Warning until 3:30 p.m. by the National Weather Service. More downpours are expected tonight, with a Flash Flood Watch in effect until 11 […]
Anthem Community Council Board of Directors, the primary governing body for the master-planned community, meets monthly. Council invites residents to attend its meetings. The next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The agenda is posted here prior to each meeting, and past meeting minutes are posted there, too. Stay Informed: Subscribe to the Anthem Newsletter Anthem […]
By In&Out Staff Writers — Unleashed on a recent picture-perfect fall day, 8-year-old Shelby found freedom quickly after passing through the gate and trotting along a grassy half-acre. Shelby, a golden retriever, mingled with Tank, a silver Labrador, before taking to the turf again to do what happy dogs do best―roll on her back. Shelby, […]
By Robert Roy Britt — Anthem Community Council (ACC) plans no increases for community-wide homeowner assessments in its $10.2-million 2020 budget, a 3 percent increase over 2019. The budget was passed by a unanimous vote Oct. 23. However, fees will rise for some activity programs, and residents of the Paseo neighborhood will see their ACC […]
By Robert Roy Britt — Residents who took a dim view of BrightView, the landscaper of common areas governed by Anthem Community Council and the Parkside HOA, may be pleased to know a new firm will take over Jan. 1. ACC and Parkside officials reviewed proposals from BrightView and eight other firms and decided to […]
By Robert Roy Britt — The number of C-suite executives in Anthem has shrunk from three to one, and that sole top-level leader is leaving next year. Community Executive Officer Neal Shearer announced earlier this month he’ll retire in mid-2020. Shearer was promoted from community operations officer (COO) to the CEO spot in February 2018 […]
