InFocus - Issue 94 - May 2018 by City of Goodyear

MAY 2018

HEY Goodyear High Schoolers!

are You Interested in learning more about government? being involved in your community and advising the City Council? Here’s your chance! The city of Goodyear is looking for high school

students to ﬁll its 2018-2019 Youth Commission.

Applications will be accepted through May 25. Current eighth grade students who will be freshman in the fall are eligible. “As mayor of the city, I’d like to hear what the young residents of Goodyear feel is important,” said Mayor Georgia Lord. “These kids help us consider programs and services that otherwise we wouldn’t necessarily think about.”

For more information or to apply, call 623-882-7781, email jessica.perry@goodyearaz.gov or visit goodyearaz.gov/boardsrecruit

We want to hear what you think!

Every two years, the city of Goodyear conducts a Citizen Satisfaction

Goodyear councilmembers invite you to join them.

Survey to determine what services are performed well and where the

This forum is free and will be held on

city can improve. In the past, Council and management have used the results to make improvements to city services, and add new programs

May 18 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Angel’s Diner 13530 W. Van Buren St., Ste. A-104, 85338

and services requested by residents.

For questions, contact the Mayor and Council office at 623-882-7776.

Survey opens May 2

Take five minutes. Take the survey.

Take the city to the next level! goodyearaz.gov/residents/citizen-survey

GOODYEAR CITY COUNCIL

ON THE COVER: Alan Dowell and Nancy Skoglund play a game of Bunco at the Goodyear Library Community Room. Lunch & Bunco is held on the first Wednesday of every month and features a revolving menu from local restaurants.

GOODYEAR CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR May 7 May 14 May 21

5 p.m. 6 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 5 p.m. 6 p.m.

Work Session Special Meeting Work Session Council Meeting Work Session Council Meeting

Work Session times are subject to change. Visit goodyearaz.gov/council-calendar to view updates. Council meetings and work sessions are held at Goodyear Justice Center, Goodyear Municipal Complex, 14455 W. Van Buren St., B101. Visit goodyearaz.gov for meeting schedules and to watch City Council meetings.

InFocus Magazine Editor: Sherine Zaya Photographer: Geoff Kinnerk

Top row (left to right): Bill Stipp , Joanne Osborne, Joe Pizzillo, and Brannon Hampton. Bottom row (left to right): Sheri Lauritano, Mayor Georgia Lord, and Vice Mayor Wally Campbell.

goodyearaz.gov/InFocus

Layout Production: Sarna OBrien-Trayner Questions or comments, email: communications@goodyearaz.gov

From the Mayor

Mayor Georgia Lord

s the mayor of Goodyear,

education following her recent acceptance to Arizona State

residents often approach

University’s Herberger Institute for Art and Design. This young

me while shopping at my

artist is a prime example of the reason we decided to host

favorite local retail and grocery

the art contest. There are not many outlets for the talented

stores to discuss their dreams for

young artists of Goodyear and I truly believe that years from

our growing city. Most recently, a

now, there will be pieces from these local artists hanging in

couple stopped me in my steps to

museums across the nation - and even the world! Every year

thank me for hosting the Goodyear

it becomes more and more difficult to select the winning

Mayor Select art contest. Their high

artists for the various categories and I am confident it will not

school daughter, Kelsey Phillips,

become easier with the continued interest. If you have not

has participated in the bi-annual

visited the gallery-like showing of the top selected art pieces,

competition over the last several

be sure that you do – I promise you will not be disappointed

years, winning several awards including the first place recognition

and it may inspire you to test your own art skills.

in the drawing category. Kesley will soon be off to continue her

Mayor announces art contest winners

“These kids are really talented,” said Mayor Lord. “Every time I see the entries, I am amazed at the quality of the work. It gets harder and harder to judge and pick winners, but I want to encourage our young artists to try hard and they will reap the rewards.”

ayor Georgia Lord announced the 10 students who were awarded scholarships for their artistic abilities in the annual Mayor’s Select Art Awards during the Goodyear Lakeside Musical Festival on April 7. Chosen from a pool of 68 entries by a panel of four judges, the winning students are sharing $1,700 in scholarships to further their education. Four others were recognized with Honorable Mentions.

Scholarships are made possible by Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry who shares the vision with the Goodyear Arts & Culture Commission of helping advance education, create public dialogue, and inspire civic pride through the arts. For more information, call 623-882-7530 or visit

goodyearaz.gov/arts

Join city leaders and staff to learn about the upcoming budget Budget Thursday, May 3 from 5-6 p.m. Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd., 85338 Open House May 2018

“Every person has a longing to be significant; to make a contribution; to be a part of something noble and purposeful.” — John Maxwell

Council Member Joanne Osborne

t has been a pleasure to witness the dedication and creativity you all contribute to our community within my 17 years as a leader in the city of Goodyear. As a Council member and business owner, I get excited knowing that our citizens are stepping-up to be a part of something larger and I thank you for making a difference. The experience I’ve gained from starting as a volunteer to becoming an elected policy maker is something I cherish, and I am humbled by the opportunity. As I look around today, I see the amenities we fought to approve and the achievement of bringing jobs and infrastructure needed for developing many industry areas in our city. We meticulously planned for police squads and fire stations, insisted on more parks in the housing developments, and I founded Building Blocks for Great Schools summit, Small Business workshops and the citywide reading challenge. All of these contribute to a higher quality of life you all deserve. Most of all, I’m proud of the tough financial decisions the city has made to balance budgets and live within our means.

goodyearaz.gov/InFocus

We were able to right a wrong by separating grocery from retail sales tax and have lowered the rate twice. Every year I ask to lower it again and hope it will sunset in the future. I’ve had citizens believe that they shouldn’t participate in civic engagement because of their inexperience or are worried their ideas differ from others. Trust me when I say, that is okay and you are not alone! I have stood my ground on items that I was passionately for, or against, and I now encourage you to do the same! Lastly, I would like to thank all of you! It has been a joy representing our community and I am so thankful for my family and business staff that have held down the fort while I did the people’s work. I have made the decision to say “goodbye” and to say “hello” to a new way of supporting our community by running for higher office. I look forward to not only representing Goodyear, but also our entire West Valley and Yuma at the State Capitol. Leaving my fingerprints of impact... Be Blessed

Playing around isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just for kids G

oodyear has a diverse population, made of people from all walks of life and ages. This month, Recreation Coordinator Deanna Ortiz tells us a little bit about the programs designed specifically for those over the age of 55 years old.

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May 2018

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“We’ve got something for everyone,” said Deanna. That’s the mission of city of Goodyear’s Recreation Division. One particular group she creates programs for is active adults – the folks that remained living in Goodyear years after their children moved out of the house, or those who relocated to the Valley of Sun for just that… the sun. So with no kids at home, and possibly retired from a full-time job, what’s there to do in Goodyear?

Lots!

A favorite are the day trips. Up to 50 adults get to explore the Valley, and the state, via chartered bus. Depending on the season, it could be the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, or Bearizona in Williams.

“Once a quarter, we have a ‘Mystery Trip.’ It’s very vague on where we’re going, but we start dropping hints on the bus ride there. If someone guesses the destination, they win a prize,” said Deanna.

For those ’really active’ adults, city amenities include tennis, basketball and pickleball courts, sand volleyball, and walking paths at both Goodyear Community and Loma Linda parks.

“Every Monday and Wednesday at 8 a.m., a city staffer will guide a one hour walk at Goodyear Community Park,” explains Deanna.

More Pickleball Courts Coming Goodyear residents will have more recreational options come this summer. The Parks and Recreation Department plans to add four pickleball courts at Goodyear Community Park. The basketball courts at the park will be reconfigured to accommodate the pickleball courts while maintaining two high school-sized basketball courts. This is in addition to the pickleball courts already at Loma Linda Park. For more information, call 623-882-7525 or visit

goodyearaz.gov/parks

goodyearaz.gov/InFocus

PROGRAM LOCATIONS: Goodyear Community Park 3075 N. Litchfield Road Goodyear Branch Library 14455 W. Van Buren Street Loma Linda Park 400 E. Loma Linda Boulevard

you

And then there are times when want to slow it down. The recreation conference room is home to cards and other games every third Wednesday of the month, and the Goodyear Branch Library hosts programs all week long – book club anyone? Regardless of whether you want to slow it down, sometimes friends and family from out-of-town are looking for things to do. All year long, the city of Goodyear hosts events for all ages – from movies and concerts, to art festivals and pool parties. Some activities are free, while others have a nominal fee to cover the cost of the program but all are open to the public. There is so much to do in Goodyear – kids of all ages stay active, healthy, and connected with their neighbors. For more information, program schedule or to register for a program, call 623-882-7525, in person at 3075 N. Litchfield Road, or visit goodyearaz.gov/rec

Did you know?

The city prints a Recreation Catalog four times a year in the back of the InFocus magazine mailed directly to your house!

View online by visiting goodyearaz.gov/infocus May 2018

Why Retire in Goodyear?

t some point, many do stop a nine-to-five five-day workweek. Then they can volunteer, take part-time positions, consult, travel, and coordinate events for groups they’ve joined, often saying they’re busier than before. In Goodyear, you can see adults savoring their next act everywhere. Bicycling, on the courts and greens, hiking, swimming: they keep moving and believe that keeps them younger.

Suzy Dee loves to provide fitness experiences to others.

At Starpointe Residents Club in Estrella, Communications Director Anna Johnson hugs Suzy Dee, who has just left the class she taught. Suzy is gamine, looking like she could play Peter Pan every bit as well as Mary Martin. She probably would – if asked – and if she could fit it into her schedule. Suzy teaches fitness classes with students ranging from 18 to 80. Two kinds of Zumba, two kinds of yoga, and Anna says no one can keep up with her. “She’s the Energizer bunny; she’s like a cheerleader, screaming at the top of her lungs.” “That’s the whole thing with Zumba,” Suzy affirms. “Get them going, the heart rate goes up – it’s a happy time.”

Goodyear residents rarely retire. In fact, the

“ r”

word

offends some residents.

Suzy also choreographs for groups to perform throughout the year; her flash-mob zombies were a hit at Halloween, and for the spring talent show, she choreographed a “Thriller” number that blew the audience away. Having spent 25 years in theater, Suzy loves seeing her troupe bloom, getting to experience the green room, makeup, costume, stage lights, performance, and applause. “I absolutely love doing that, providing those experiences. It’s all about the frame of mind we’re in, the mindset. Fitness makes you younger.” Across town at the Goodyear Tennis Complex, Ron Wilks is fulfilling his duties as official ambassador for the United States of America Pickleball Association (USAPA). He may not be a cheerleader like Suzy, but his enthusiasm and passion are just as contagious for the fast-growing sport of pickleball.

goodyearaz.gov/InFocus

“We have a good time; laugh our heads off. This is really good for the soul, the brain, as well as the body,” says Ron.

Donn Start and Ericka Pritchard enjoy an active lifestyle on the Pickleball courts.

If ping-pong and badminton had a baby, it would be pickleball, which is played on adapted tennis courts right now. But in May, Goodyear will have new regulation courts, and these practice courts can revert to tennis. Weekdays from 8 a.m. until at least 11 a.m., every court is full, with a line of paddles saving places for waiting players. They are visiting, laughing, watching, and having almost as much fun as they will when it’s their turn on the courts. Patti Phillips agrees. “Pickleball has taken our old life and exploded it,” she says. “Most of us are in our senior years. This is very well organized, and very social. It’s very embracing.”

Pickleball dates back to 1968, when Joel Pritchard on Bainbridge Island, Washington had a bored family, ping pong paddles, a whiffle ball, and a badminton court. The game got its name either from the family cocker spaniel, or Pritchard’s wife’s reference to the pickle boat in crew, which uses oarsmen left over from other boats. Regardless, it’s grown rapidly: the first national USAPA tournament was held in Buckeye, Arizona. Ron so loves to share the game that he volunteers to teach novices lessons so they feel more comfortable coming to the weekday sessions. Players often say the hardest part is learning to score, but newcomers get encouraging help.

Patti’s husband Cal – who has given up racquetball – worked with Ron and Goodyear staff to get the new courts. They are overjoyed city officials have been so supportive. May 2018

Enjoying a recent holiday celebration at the Senior Center, which included a DJ and dancing, (left to right) are Cecilia Namondo, Aurora Colinayo - Site Council President, Olivia Wilson, Elsie Lucien, Gliceria Canlas, Evelina Caasi, and Iodine Gue.

Senior Center – A Treasure for Locals

ne of the best-kept secrets of the Southwest Valley is a partnership between the cities of Goodyear and Avondale: the Senior Center.

Although not meant to be a secret, the center is home to activities, programs, and services designed specifically for residents who are over the age of 60 years old or with a disability. “We really want our residents to know they are welcome to use the facility,” said Christina Plante, neighborhood services coordinator for the city of Goodyear. “One of our Council’s

priorities is to make sure the city provides services to all of our residents. This partnership is one way we serve our seniors.” Funding to help run programs at the center is provided through a partnership between Area Agency on Aging, and the cities of Avondale, Goodyear, and Litchfield Park. Everything from baking and sewing classes to Zumba and kickboxing are offered throughout the week. Special events also are hosted at the center – Fiesta de Cinco De Mayo is on May 4 and Elvis makes an appearance on Aug. 16! The center also provides services for those in need, including home food delivery, meals, and emergency food boxes.

Buy a L e af Helping the Center The Senior Center and Active Adult Program has created a Giving Tree in the entry of the building. Proceeds help support and grow the programs to assist more than 150 senior citizens and those with disabilities. It provides daily socialization, nutritious meal programs, exercise, activities, and resources to help participants live independently. Cost: $50 per leaf - engraving limited to 20 characters.

Need a ride? Transportation to and from the center is provided to participants living within set boundaries in the Avondale, Goodyear, Cashion, and Litchfield Park area. Suggested donation is only 50¢ each way. Although currently full, the center is accepting names to be added on to the waitlist. For more information, call 623-333-2705, visit the center at 1007 S. 3rd Street in Avondale or online by visiting

avondaleaz.gov/activeadults

Traffic Safety Tip This month: Always use a Crosswalk

rizona State Law 28-793 dictates that pedestrians must use the crosswalk if one is present, “between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation.” Unfortunately, there is no absolute definition of “adjacent intersections,” so one must exercise caution and use common sense. If there is a crosswalk nearby, use it. The time saved to run across a road rather than using a nearby crosswalk is not worth the risk of being hit by a moving vehicle. Crosswalk

goodyearaz.gov/InFocus

HOLIDAY TRASH COLLECTION SCHEDULE City offices closed and sanitation pickup changes City offices will be closed and there will be no trash, recycling or bulk pickup on May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. Waste collection will move to the day after the regularlyscheduled pickup day. For more information and a holiday sanitation service schedule, call 623-932-3010 or visit goodyearaz.gov/trash.

#GTK Good To Know

t’s Budget Time! Many of the services provided by the city of Goodyear, including police, fire, parks and recreation, streets, and other projects are financed from the city’s General Fund, which is composed of revenues largely from sales tax and state-shared revenues. The Goodyear City Council began preparing for next year’s budget by reviewing the base budget at a worksession on Monday, March 19 in the Council Chamber, 14455 W. Van Buren St., Suite B-101. The City Council also held a series of public meetings about the proposed budget, including recommendations for expanded or added programs or services, and changes to capital projects. The next steps include adopting a tentative budget on Monday, May 21, followed by the adoption of the final budget on Monday, June 11. The proposed budget and more information is available online at

goodyearaz.gov/transparency Join city leaders and staff for a Budget Open House Thursday, May 3 from 5-6 p.m. at Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Rd.