The Arizona Winds will ring in the Christmas season with it’s annual Christmas concert on Sunday, December 4. The concert will begin at 2:30 PM in Ocotillo Hall on the campus of Midwestern University, 19555 N. 59th Ave. in Glendale, just south of Route 101. The main entrance to campus is off of Utopia Road. Make a right turn from the main entrance and follow the road to the east parking lot. Ocotillo Hall is located in the first building on the left. The concert is jointly sponsored by Midwestern University and admission is free.

As in years past, music director and conductor retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Richard Shelton has selected yet another refreshing mix of unique Christmas repertoire for this year’s program. “In addition to our traditional sing-along, this year’s program consist of a number of musical arrangements that either explore variations on familiar Christmas tunes like “In Dulci Jubilo” “Silent Night”, “Jingle Bells”, and “Do You Hear What I Hear”, or unique melodies of tunes including “White Christmas” and Adeste Fideles”, “The First Noel” and others”, says Shelton. “For the kids in the audience or those of us who are kids at heart or at any age, we’re featuring a really nice work that highlights music from the feature film “Home Alone 2″ titled “A Home Alone Christmas”. This concert’s going to be a lot of fun and will send you home ready for the Christmas season,” adds Shelton.

The Arizona Winds, a Non-Profit community concert band, was founded in 1974, and they continue the tradition of fine musical performances, sharing their musical talents and enriching the lives of the wonderful communities that make up our great state. Under the leadership of Music Director & Conductor Richard Shelton, he retired from the United States Air Force in 1995 after 25 ½ years of service as an Air Force Band Squadron Commander and Conductor. He retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and, at the time, was the senior ranking officer in the Air Force Band Program. Colonel Shelton is one of the most highly decorated band commanders in the history of the Air Force Band Program.

Sunday, Dec. 4th, Midwestern University – Ocotillo Hall, 2:30 pm

Judge Davis, a West Valley resident for the past 35 years, and currently the Presiding Judge of Maricopa County has quite a bit under his belt. Not only does he have a wife and four children, but 11 grandchildren all vying for his attention, but has to ensure the protection of freedom within the court. He received his B.S. degree in accounting from Brigham Young University in 1972; and his J.D. degree for Arizona State University in 1975, where he served as Managing Editor of the Arizona State Law Journal.

Davis practiced general law for 19 years in the West Valley prior to his appointment to the Maricopa County Superior Court bench in June 1995 for Davis & Layton, P.C. of which he was a founding partner. His focus was in the areas of civil litigation, family law, bankruptcy, criminal law, estate planning, probate, real estate and commercial transactions

Since Judge Davis has served in not only the family, but, civil, criminal, probate, and juvenile departments of the court. Judge David was even given the honor of acting as Presiding Judge of the Northwest Regional Court from July 2002 to January 2004, as well as Presiding Judge of Family Court from June 2004 to June 2007, and Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court from June 2009 until March, 2010.
Judge Davis has served on numerous court committees, including the Court’s Pro Tem Committee, Commissioner Nomination Committee, Chair of the Self-Service Center Advisory Committee, and the eCourt Development Team. He was also a member of the Court’s Executive Committee from July 2002 to June 2007. Additionally he has served as a member of the Supreme Court Committee on Superior Court, Committee on Rules of Procedure in Domestic Relations Cases, Family Law Rules Review Committee, and the Child Support Committee. Despite

Judge Davis is very active in the community as well, he is a past member of the Agua Fria High School Board that got excellent Academic Excellence A+ Awards. He is also a past member and President of the Litchfield Elementary School Board and was even a member of the Estrella Rotary Club. Judge Davis also developed a pilot project to streamline family court procedures to reduce litigation and stress in family court disputes. His favorite place in the whole West Valley is Litchfield Park where he spends his time participating in the community, and with his wife. “I have a great fondness for the West Valley where my wife and I raised our family in a tranquil and supportive environment, where I started my legal career, and where I’ve come to develop friendships with a great number of wonderfully genuine and caring people.’ said Judge Davis. “My wife has been incredibly supportive and influential and made it possible for me to focus on my career. My maternal grandparents taught me the skills to be personally and professionally successful and demonstrated them with their incredible example.”

Years in West Valley: 35 years

Family: Wife: Sherry; 4 adult children; 11 grandchildren.

Who are and have been some of your mentors? My maternal grandparents, Judge Kimball Rose, Justice Charles E. Jones, Judge Barry Schneider.

What are some of the leadership positions directly you have taken on in the West Valley and what did you accomplish? Northwest Regional Superior Court Presiding Judge; assisted in planning and opening of new regional superior court center in Surprise & served as judge at that court; President & Member of Litchfield Elementary School District Board; New middle school built during this time, and schools received academic A+ excellence awards. Also member, Agua Fria Union High School Board, and involved in church leadership and scouting for many years.

Name a project in which you took a leadership role in that you are particularly proud of and why? While serving at the Northwest Regional Court Center in Surprise I developed a pilot project to streamline family court procedures to reduce litigation and stress in family court disputes that was subsequently adopted court-wide, and its concepts included in new statewide rules of procedure.

Favorite quote: “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” –Abraham Lincoln

Who in history would you most like to have dinner with? My father who passed away when I was 2-years-old.

What’s your favorite book? “The Count of Monte Cristo” because it opened my mind to the importance of reading and learning as a teenager.

What you miss most? Political civility and cooperation.

What’s your biggest inspiration and why? My maternal grandparents. My grandmother taught me how to read at a young age and the importance of giving my best in everything I did. My grandfather taught me the meaning and joy of hard work. Both left an incredible legacy of honor, integrity and industry in the way they lived their lives that I envy.

What do you know about life that you wish you had known 10 to 20 years ago? Life seems to accelerate as you get older, and it is important to make good use of every day and hour.

What is your favorite place/feature in the West Valley? Litchfield Park where my wife and I raised our 4 children in association with great friends and neighbors.

What is your favorite cause? Helping to preserve our freedoms by working to provide fair and equal justice to every person. We have a judicial and governing system that exists to serve the people, and it is extremely important that everyone is protected by and subject to the rule of law.

Most overrated virtue: No true virtue can be overrated.

What would your super power be? The ability to leap tall curbs in a single bound.

Describe yourself as a child: I was very shy and mischievous.

What keeps you up at night? Bad food and creeping age, but not much else.

What’s your favorite food? Whatever my wife fixes.

What is your biggest pet peeve? Narcissism.

What would you choose to do, career wise, if you weren’t in your current career? I would have loved to be in the garage with Steve Jobs.

What would you do if you won the lottery? Continue to do what I’m doing now.

Greatest Extravagance: Probably our cabin up north.

Tell us something about you that perhaps the average person wouldn’t know? Several years ago, I persuaded my family to assist in building a cabin. Being only able to work on it on Saturdays, holidays and vacations, it took the better part of 4 years, but we completed it. The best part is every member of the family, including the young grandchildren, have taken ownership in what they built and all look forward to spending time there.

What originally drew you to the West Valley? I moved to the West Valley to start a law firm.

How did you get into your current career field? After 20 years of the general practice of law in the West Valley, I applied through the merit selection process and was fortunate to be selected by the Governor for an appointment to the Superior Court bench in 1995.

What drives you? Somewhere in my DNA is the need to strive for excellence and make a difference. Probably a result of the tremendous legacy taught to me by my grandparents.

What are your goals (career, personal or for the West Valley)? As Presiding Judge of the 4th largest trial court in the nation, I work in an environment that expects, and frequently achieves, excellence. My goal is for out court to continue to be the best trial court in the country, make the court system accessible and user-friendly to everyone, and through the use of technology and innovation, streamline court processes and reduce their cost wherever possible.

What is the secret to your success? Hard work, collaboration, consensus building, and a willingness to take risks.

What would you recommend to people looking to make a difference in the West Valley? I would recommend they get involved in their community in whatever endeavor they are passionate about.

Robert Handy lives in Phoenix with his Wife, Jennifer and two daughters, Caitlyn (19) and Madalyne (17). In 2008 he oversaw the construction of the new Estrella Mountain police precinct. In addition, he also oversaw the re-drawing of all of the police precinct boundaries, meeting with dozens of neighborhood and community groups throughout the City of Phoenix.

Handy is currently President of Arizona Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates: a 350 member professional development organization for local law enforcement leaders. He is also the creator and Director of Arizona Leadership Education and Development Academy (ALEAD) which is a youth leadership program held every summer for youth from all over Arizona. The development of the ALEAD is one of the projects he is particularly proud to have been a part of. Handy was the founding director and has been very involved since its inception. The idea started with a brainstorming session on where to put some of the professional organization’s community service resources. From the original idea, a week long in-residence youth academy was developed in Flagstaff for teenage kids from across Arizona. The program was fully funded by the ALEAD so students did not have to pay. It was a life changing experience for some of the kids who attended. ALEAD just completed their third year and are already preparing for the summer of 2012.

Handy serves a variety of community organizations in Maryvale: Maryvale YMCA, Maryvale Revitalization Corporation, Maryvale Association of Churches, McDowell Corridor Community Alliance His favorite cause is The 100 Club of Arizona. They provide assistance to the families of public safety officials who are killed or injured in the line of duty, providing dozens of scholarships and money for safety equipment to cash strapped police and fire departments.

When asked how the West Valley has affected him, Handy responded, “I believe the West Valley has helped keep me grounded and keep life in perspective. The diversity and richness of the community combined with the commitment and character of the people I have met in the West Valley are truly amazing. It is my hope that in some small way I help to improve the quality of life for those who live in the West Valley. The most significant challenge I face at work is the erosion of personal values. Much of the negative side of police work stems from the erosion of basic values. We constantly deal with people who have lost the most basic respect for themselves and others. The current recession is the most significant issue facing the West Valley. The dramatic slow down of business and residential relocation and development threatens the future prosperity of the West Valley. Public safety is the most basic need for future development. The area must continue to see decreasing crime rates and an increased quality of life in order to be successful. The men and women of the Maryvale Precinct work tirelessly everyday to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors.”

Years in West Valley: 17

Who are and have been some of your mentors? I have been very fortunate to have had many terrific leaders at the Phoenix Police Department who have provided mentorship to me over the years.

Favorite quote: “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I have” Thomas Jefferson

Who in history would you most like to have dinner with? Ronald Regan

What’s your favorite book? All of Tom Clancy’s novels.

What’s your favorite musical group? U2

What you miss most? Being young

What’s your biggest inspiration and why? My daughters, because they talented, driven, and destined for great things.

What do you know about life that you wish you had known 10 to 20 years ago? Life goes way too fast, children grow up way too soon, and you should never stop learning.

What is your favorite place/feature in the West Valley? The variety of sporting venues.

Most coveted: Maryvale Ballpark

Most overrated virtue: Patience

What would your super power be? Batman

Describe yourself as a child: Always dirty and full of mischief.

What keeps you up at night? Worrying about the safety of the men and women who patrol our streets.

One phrase you wish people wouldn’t say, or would say more: I wish people would not say somebody “got lucky” when they achieve success.

What’s your favorite food? Mexican food

What is your biggest pet peeve? Mediocrity

What would you choose to do, career wise, if you weren’t in your current career? Lawyer

What would you do if you won the lottery? Retire and become a rancher.

What do you do during lunchtime? Eat too much.

Greatest Extravagance: Hunting and fishing trips.

Tell us something about you that perhaps the average person wouldn’t know? I grew up in Phoenix and graduated form both U of A and ASU.

What originally drew you to the West Valley? I grew up in what was the west valley at the time. I returned as an adult with my family because we enjoy the amenities of the West Valley and the casual working class atmosphere.

How did you get into your current career field? I got a “C” in biology in college and began looking for an easier vocation.

What drives you? Meeting new people and taking on new challenges.

What are your goals (career, personal or for the West Valley)? I would like to be able to be in a position with regard to time and finances to assist my children when they are ready they start their families.

What is the secret to your success? A supportive wife and family.

What would you recommend to people looking to make a difference in the West Valley? Get involved! There are so many organizations and opportunities to make a difference, just do it!

Who was an influence in your life/career, and how did they affect what you do? My parents who have physically worked hard their entire lives were a tremendous influence on my career. They taught me a strong work ethic and low tolerance for laziness.