Several thousand people attended the Hands Across Anthem event in honor of Deputy William Coleman. Deputy Coleman was killed responding to a burglary call at an Anthem medical office building. We are so fortunate to live in a community that bans together to raise money to assist families in need. This particular family has lost a father and husband while he was providing protection for all of us in Anthem. We owe him more than an event but it’s a start. I do not have the totals of the fund raising but the support for the family was clearly evident in the attendance.

This event in the past has been more of  celebration of a community coming together. When the sheriff’s vehicles holding the family and the firetrucks holding the first responders went by it was a more solemn event of reflection and tribute than it was a celebration. It really hit me  and made me appreciate the men and women that literally risk their lives for us every day they go to work.

To all those who serve – Thank you from all of us in Anthem. To all of the families that do take their time and effort to provide funds and support  and organize these events – Thank you.

Anthem citizens and other supporters of the Coleman Family will gather together to form human chain in Anthem on January 22, 2012 at 2:00 pm.  Starting at the corner of Anthem Way and Gavilan Peak in Anthem the chain will stretch across Anthem. Signatures and well wishes will be collected to put in a special album and presented to Deputy Coleman’s family. Donations will be collected and t-shirt sales will be done at the event. All proceeds from the event will be given and help support Deputy Coleman’s widow and four children.  Deputy Coleman was shot and killed on January 8th after responding to a Burglary in progress at an Anthem. medical building

The local media is finally catching up to what we, the REALTORS have known for a while. The Phoenix market has bottomed out and is recovering. A year ago the number of homes on the market numbered over 42,000. Today the number of homes on the market is just over 18,000. That is less than a 3 months supply. There were over 95,000 homes sold in 2011. Of the homes for sale only about 9 percent are bank owned foreclosure properties. The numbers are basically saying that demand is finally outpacing supply. These numbers, when matched with improving job numbers and the Fact that Phoenix ranks number 4 for job creation compared to 50th a year ago. It is time to buy a home!

I will caution all of the positives with the knowledge that much of the buying is by investors that are taking advantage of the low prices. I am also a little cautious that the banks may be holding some inventory until the market improves. This theory is tempered by the foreclosure numbers falling off over the last year dramatically. At the same time I would still advise clients that now is the time to buy based on pricing, interest rates and local economic information combined. The interest rates have remained at historical lows and if you are ready to buy a home in Anthem or greater Phoenix – Now is the time to buy! More to come on Anthem specific real estate in 2011 and current coming soon. Call to discuss more- Scott Holland Top100AZhomes.com 602-399-3002.

Early Sunday morning about 4am I awoke to helicopters buzzing around Anthem. It is not a usual event and I thought there was a chase on or  it must be an accident on the highway which is not a good thing but it made me a little mad that they were flying over the neighborhoods so low. This morning I found out that it was a burglary gone bad that ended with a Maricopa Sheriff’s deputy killed and the suspect also killed. I obviously was not thinking clearly when getting mad about the actions being done on our behalf.

Deputy William Coleman, 50, was killed after responding with 2 other deputies to the call of a burglary in progress in the area of the medical buildings on Anthem Way. The suspect came out shooting with a high powered rifle and shot through the Deputy’s bullet proof vest. This was the first deputy killed since 1995 in the line of duty.

Deputy Coleman had several children including a 7 yr old and 4 yr old. Our prayers and well wishes go out to his family as well as our Thanks for defending our life and property by giving his own.

Normally, we do not have events like this in Anthem so it is harder to accept that it happened here. We will keep you in the loop as we find out how you can help the family.

The Anthem Veterans Memorial ceremony was held November 11, 2011. The Memorial is built to honor those who have served in the military, and provides a means for ensuring our servicemen and servicewomen are never forgotten and their efforts rightfully preserved.

The idea was developed by Anthem Resident retired Rear Admiral Ronald D. Tucker. The Anthem Community Council approved the idea and a volunteer committee assisted in the project.

The design of the Memorial contains 5 pillars which represent the 5 branches of the US Military. There are elliptical openings in the pillars that are aligned so that at precisely 11:11 am on Veterans Day each year the sun’s rays will pass through the openings and illuminate the Great Seal of the United States located at the foot of the Pillars.

There are commemorative pavers surrounding the Memorial that can be purchased to assist in the maintenance and upkeep of the Memorial. Veteran Pavers can be purchased for $150 and pavers for friends or businesses can be purchased for $200. Contact the Anthem Community Council for details.

I continue to be proud of the Anthem Community for their values and priorities!
- Scott

Fox 10 news helicopter came to Anthem School for whirlybird Wednesday visit this week.  Many of the children attended the event prior to school starting and watched as the helicopter landed in their field. Weatherman Cory McClosky also made an appearance at the school.

Yes, Virginia there is a Wendy’s in Anthem. The Wendy’s Restaurant chain is located just East of Anthem Way and Gavilan Peak Peak Parkway on Anthem Way. Wendy’s joins McDonald’s, Jack-in-the-Box, Sonic, Del Taco, Subway and One Million Pizza places. Welcome to the community of Anthem Wendy’s.

Welcome Wendy's to Anthem!

Anthem’s 4^th of July Independence Day celebration is set for Saturday July 2^nd at the Anthem Community Park. The festivities will start at 6pm and the Fireworks will begin at 9:30pm. Entertainment will include, live entertainment, a DJ, wet and dry bounce houses and slide, pony rides and more. Unlimited access to the rides can be purchased for a $10 bracelet.  Plenty of food and drink will be available as well. Get there early as there will be almost 20,000 expected this year. It has always been a highlight of the year for the kids and those that enjoy the patriotic atmosphere. Hope to see you there.

Snow in Anthem? Well, ok there were not any “totals” to report but there some small snow flurries that had children and some adults acting like children. It is very cold and is expected to reach the 20′s tonight. Bundle up and cover your plants if you want to save them. Here is a link for you to see the Weather.com information.

Anthem Forecast

Of course next week we will be basking in the sun and wearing shorts! Have fun with this week of Winter Weather! Glad that I live in Anthem!

Anthem Snow Cloud

Well, Fall is here. Take a drive through the neighborhoods where you will see beautiful trees exploding into fall colors. Yes I took this a month ago at the corner of Memorial Drive and Independence Way but I just found the photo while doing the next post for Winter. For all the people that know what Fall does look like and miss the trees there are enough trees in Anthem to give you that memory of other areas and times. Remember what follows Fall and why you live here if you miss it too much!