The Copa Issue 9 / July 2014 | Page 16

One of the first real videos produced for a wide-scale audience, our first cub reporters, Jenny and Reyvin interviewed Mayor Christian Price. The interview was also the feature of the first magazine and started everything in motion for us. Jenny and Reyvin have remained part of the HMTV family, and always will be. We have been fortunate that Mayor Price has been among the first to believe in HMTV and has always been a willing participant in our videos. Maybe no other video was as endearing as “Friends Helping Friends”, sponsored by Home is Where the Hound Is, and based on a true event, this video is about the tragic disappearance of Mr. Ducky. For HMTV, Haley went into investigative reporter mode to discover what happened to Mr. Ducky. If you haven’t seen it, you have to go to HeyMaricopaTV.com right now! It was a brand new day in the Copa for the opening of Copper Sky Recreation Complex. It seemed like a million people showed up to be witness to the momentous occasion. Even though we weren’t invited, we showed up anyway and made a video for all those that couldn’t make it. Copper Sky has become the place to meet other residents in the city through sports, events, and fitness. The swimming pool is to be envied with its slide as tall as Mt. Everest and “a lazy river” for those that like a little floating action. One of the great moments in Maricopa history, the opening of City Hall and the new Police Headquarters was probably the best indication that Maricopa was ready to move past the recession and onto greater things. Media was given an advanced tour, and for HMTV, Dylan, was escorted by, former public information officer, Latricia Woods. We weren’t really sure what we were in for when we showed up to record this event as there wasn’t any kind of press release, nor did we fully know the background story. It turned out to be one of the most emotional videos for us, as it captured police volunteer, Gene Sharp and his last wish. Sharp wanted to be there to patrol Copper Sky when it opened, but his failing health would not allow him. The Police Department and Community Volunteers stepped up to make Gene’s wish come true, and he left with words and images we will never forget. Gene was able to hold up for a little bit longer to see himself highlighted in The Copa magazine, but passed away shortly thereafter. Perhaps no other video will show Maricopa for what has come to be, a community that comes together to help each other.