While many people run away from danger, our brave firefighters run towards it. Our Communications Department Director Sue Breding and Video Team, made up of Mike Harris, Luis Jacinto, Alfredo Kaspar and Jessica Mensch, spent a year capturing the intense training, bravery, dedication and sacrifice that our city’s fire department recruits and firefighters demonstrate, in a YouTube documentary, “Forged by Fire: Glendale's Heroes in Action.”
Their compelling documentary sheds light on the passion firefighters bring to this unique profession, including the bonds they foster while grocery shopping, cooking meals and exercising together.
Breding and our Video Team interviewed everyone from recruits engaging in strenuous training to experienced firefighters, including Fire Chief Ryan Freeburg and Fire Captain Tammy Cifra, talking about what it takes to be a firefighter, shattering the glass ceiling for women, assisting other cities and other hot topics. Thank you to Breding and the Video Team for working hard to produce this heartfelt documentary. And a huge thank you to Chief Freeburg and everyone in the Fire Department for your hospitality, time and support of this project, as well as for your bravery every day protecting residents in the city!
NEWS YOU SHOULD KNOW
DISCOVER CITY LEADERS’ UNIQUE HOBBIES, STRENGTHS
Our city leaders guide us in creating a great community for employees and residents, but did you ever wonder what they do in their spare time outside of work? Discover their fun, diverse hobbies and talents in the video to the right!
GET TO KNOW HAYLEY BARRY
Hayley Barry is the city’s Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator. Find out what a day in her life is like.
STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR ‘SPOKE-TACULAR’ BIKE RIDE
Don’t forget to register for the Glendale Family Bike Ride, which will roll through the city, starting at Sahuaro Ranch Park!
Check-in and registration for this FREE ride at the park starts at 7 a.m., the ride begins at 8 a.m. and all bicyclists must be pedaling on their routes by 8:30 a.m. Riders can choose from three routes: Short (7 miles), Long (15 miles) and Extended (23 miles) that highlight our city’s beautiful bike lanes and pathways.
This event will also feature a DJ playing music, as well as health and fitness-oriented vendors, inflatable rides for children and giveaways! Register for the Bike Ride here today! Check out the promotional video our Video Team created for this event below. This fun annual event brings together riders of all ability levels in honor of April’s Valley Bike Month
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
TAP INTO MEDICAL SAVINGS
Did you know you can save up to $360 on annual health insurance premiums and obtain a $100 gift card?
Learn how to do so in the Save Money on Medical with Good Life Wellness Zoom webinar from 10 to 11 a.m.
Participants will learn how to navigate the WellStyles portal and maximize earning potential.
Register in NeoGov or visit the GRID Calendar to learn more.
RESOURCE FAIR TO HELP FAMILIES
Remember our Community Services Department will be hosting the 11th Annual Glendale’s Family Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Glendale Elementary School District (GESD) System of Care Center at 7677 W. Bethany Home Road.
Community members can access FREE information and resources to help them meet their basic needs, including housing, healthcare, workforce development and legal assistance – all under one roof - at this event.
Check out the video our Video Team created below to learn more about the fair.
REC ON WHEELS OFFERS FREE FUN
Looking for fun, convenient and FREE places where your children can play sports and other games, while socializing with other kids?
Our Parks and Recreation Department offers REC on Wheels, a free-of-charge program where its staff brings chess sets, LEGO tables with building blocks, cornhole sets, baseball bases, basketballs, flag football equipment and other items to parks that are a short walk or drive from many area schools.
Here are the dates of the programs this month:
April 1: Cholla Park, 53rd Avenue and Cholla Street, 3 to 5 p.m.
April 2: Heritage Park, 55th Avenue and Mountain View Road, 1 to 3 p.m.
April 8: Desert Mirage Park, 87th and Maryland avenues, 2 to 4 p.m.
April 9: Horizon Park, 47th and Diana avenues, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April 10: Chapparal Park, 57th Avenue & Greenbriar Drive, 3 to 5 p.m.
April 15: Cholla Park, 53rd Avenue and Cholla Street, 3 to 5 p.m.
April 16: Heritage Park, 55th Avenue and Mountain View Road, 1 to 3 p.m.
April 23: Horizon Park, 47th and Diana avenues, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April 24: Chapparal Park, 57th Avenue & Greenbriar Drive, 3 to 5 p.m.
April 29: Desert Mirage Park, 87th and Maryland avenues, 2 to 4 p.m.
April 30: Heritage Park, 55th Avenue and Mountain View Road, 1 to 3 p.m.
Learn more information on the REC on Wheels webpage.
WAYS TO GROW IN GLENDALE
PLANT THE SEED FOR GOOD TREE CARE IN FREE CLASS
Desert trees offer many benefits, including cleaning the air and allowing people to save energy and water, as well as providing shade, reducing stormwater run-off and serving as wildlife habitats.
Learn about the best ways to select a tree, along with how to plant trees, do deep watering and basic pruning and maintenance when Certified Arborist and Manager from Elgin Nursery And Tree Farm Jonathan Manning teaches the FREE Desert Tree Care class from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Main Library auditorium.
Our Water Services Department is sponsoring this class. Have any questions? Call x.3596 or email greenliving@glendaleaz.com. To register for this class, visit the link below.
DESERT TREE CARE
DISCOVER MANY BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Our city’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help employees cope with personal and career-related concerns.
City employees can learn more about the many benefits available through our city’s ComPsych Guidance Resources Employee Assistance Program when they attend the Guidance Resources (EAP) Program Overview session from 9 to 10 a.m. at the COG/Glendale Elementary School District (GESD) System of Care Campus at 7677 W. Bethany Home Road.
In addition to counseling services, Guidance Resources provides legal, financial and other types of services. Register for this session in NeoGov or through the GRID Calendar.
PARKS AND REC TO LURE RESIDENTS TO PARK FOR FISHING FUN
Reel in your friends and/or family members for a “fin-tastic” event! Our Parks and Recreation Department will host a Hook a Kid on Fishing gathering from 8 a.m. to noon at Bonsall Park South at 5840 W. Bethany Home Road.
People of all ages can attend this FREE event. Arizona Game and Fish Department will provide loaner poles to anyone who needs one. Fishing licenses are required. The first 100 children ages 10 to 14 to pre-register and complete the fishing license application will be given their free license at the event sign in.
Register TODAY for this fun day of fishing at the link below! FISHING
MORE GREAT EVENTS IN GLENDALE
LEARN ABOUT BENEFITS DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT KICKOFF
Our annual open enrollment period will run from May 1-16, and there are opportunities to learn about available benefits.
There will be an informational session from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Main Library Amphitheater and from 2 to 3 p.m. via a Microsoft Teams webinar on April 30.
Participants will learn about the benefits they can obtain, gain an understanding of the changes for the new plan year and ask any questions.
These sessions are great opportunities to ensure you can make informed decisions to best suit you and your families’ needs.
Register for these Benefits Open Enrollment Kickoff Sessions in NeoGov or on the GRID calendar.
BRING CHILDREN TO LIBRARY FOR BILINGUAL DAY OF PLAY
Get ready to celebrate El Día Del Niño/Children’s Day, also known as El Día de los Libros, with a joyful, bilingual program for children and families from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Heroes Regional Park Library.
This event, inspired by author Pat Mora’s vision to promote literacy, will feature engaging stories, creative crafts and fun games. Bring your little ones to this lively celebration of books, culture and community.
No registration is required and it’s FREE. Learn more at the link below.
Remember if you are looking “fore” a fun way to get some exercise with your colleagues, you can check out the city of Glendale Golf League, which will play Wednesdays at Falcon Dunes Golf Course, 15100 W. Northern Ave., Luke Air Force Base. There will be a shotgun start at 4:30 p.m.
The league is limited to 18 teams and the registration deadline is April 23. For questions or to sign-up, email MKingery@glendaleaz.com.
If you have baseball fever, you’re in luck! Our city and the Arizona Diamondbacks are pleased to offer Glendale employees discounted tickets at any game, all season long. This deal is thanks to our Glendale Employee Engagement Committee (GEEC). Get your tickets at this link.
MORE GOODIES FOR GLENDALE EMPLOYEES
LACE UP SNEAKERS AND GEAR UP FOR FRIENDLY STEP COMPETITION
The race for the Golden Shoe Trophy is ON!
You can register starting TODAY for the Move More Department Challenge: Step into Spring - DC Edition. Take a virtual tour through the cherry blossoms, monuments and museums as the challenge explores Washington, D.C.
Meet the step goal of 7,000 steps per day and you will earn a total of 5,000 bonus points towards the annual wellness incentive. The program is simple! Just track minutes of activity or daily steps using a pedometer, fitness device or smartphone app. Watch the leaderboard and track your steps and activities to see your department step its way up to vie for the coveted trophy!
Register for the DC Edition of the Challenge through Personify Health at the link below.
PERSONIFY HEALTH
UNCOVER LATEST RESEARCH ABOUT DIABETES RISKS AND PREVENTION
APRIL 30
Diabetes is one of the fastest growing public health issues in the United States.
Get the latest research results on diabetes, including the definition and history of diabetes, risk factors, classifications and normal blood glucose levels, during the Diabetes Education Zoom webinar that BlueCross BlueShield AZ is providing from noon to 1 p.m.
Participants also can learn the diagnostic criteria for diabetes and treatment options for this disease.
Click the link below or visit the GRID calendar to register.
MAY 8
TIME
DIABETES EDUCATION
BENEFITS AT FUN FAIR
Get ready to score big with benefits! Our annual Benefits, Wellness and Education Fair is right around the corner.
Featuring our city’s benefits companies, as well as wellness vendors, educational institutions, audiology testing, chair massages, a complimentary lunch and other highlights, it will take place from 10:30 a m to 2:30 p m at the Civic Center
POLICE DEPARTMENT HONORS OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS
The Glendale Police Department honored 27 extraordinary individuals at its annual awards ceremony on March 26 at the Civic Center. The awards recognize sworn officers and civilians who have gone above and beyond the call of duty and represent the values of the Glendale Police Department (integrity, courage, excellence, respect, dedication and compassion) at the highest level.
Interim Chief Colby Brandt addressed the audience prior to the awards ceremony and expressed his gratitude to the entire department for the perseverance and bravery displayed every day. He also spoke about the commitment and sacrifice of the family members and friends who support those being honored The awards included lifesaving medals, employees of the year, meritorious unit citation and the Chief’s awards.
EXPERT SHARES LEGACY OF CESAR CHAVEZ WITH CAPTIVATED CROWD
Employees packed the auditorium in the Main Library to gain insight and understanding of Cesar Chavez, an American labor leader and civil rights activist, during an event our Inclusion Network held on March 26.
Guest speaker, Pete R. Dimas, Ph.D., a Phoenix native and U.S. Navy veteran, who has a doctorate in Latin American History with additional fields in Social Work Theory and Public Policy Analysis, shared interesting details about the early life and activism of Chavez, who was born in Yuma. Dimas has an impressive resume that includes working as a professor of History and Chicana/o Studies and Director of Southwest Studies at Phoenix College. He talked about how Chavez became involved in the Community Service Organization, a California Latino civil rights organization, through which he helped labor workers register to vote. Dimas, who our CIP/Engineering Project Manager Joe Hernandez introduced, also shared how Chavez helped organize strikes among farmworkers, most notably the Delano grape strike of 1965-70 in Delano, California.
Thank you to the Inclusion Network for hosting this informative event!
FUN FITNESS EVENT DRAWS HUNDREDS
City employees, along with their family members and friends engaged in some fitness and wellness-oriented fun at the WellStyles Move More 5K walk/run and 1mile event and Wellness Fair at our Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center on March 1.
Nearly 500 people participated in either a 5k (3.1 mile) walk/run or the 1-mile route. Our city, as well as WellStyles and Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ teamed up for our 3 annual walk run and wellness fair event. The event also featured a post-race wellness fair, free rock wall climbing and appearance by the Phoenix Suns Gorilla. All participants received a race bib, T-shirt, finisher medal, snacks and swag from participating vendors.
Thank you to everyone who helped organize and/or participated in this great event!
PARKS AND RECREATION, POLICE TACKLE COPPER WIRE THEFT ISSUE
Our Parks and Recreation and Police departments have been hard at work handling a challenging issue - the theft of copper wire in parks, schools and construction sites in the city.
Both departments have dealt with this destruction with the professionalism they are known for and shared information with local media effectively
Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Mike Keane and Police Sgt. Brian Hoskin were recently interviewed about the dilemma by KNXV-ABC-15, when the station sent a reporter and videographer to review the damage and learn how our city is coping with it. Keane shared how the lights were knocked out at Thunderbird Paseo Park, forcing popular softball and Little League games normally held there to be canceled during peak evening hours. Hoskin revealed how our Police Department is working closely with other departments to find the suspects and prevent further damage. Residents were urged to report any information they had on the person or people responsible for this destruction.
A reporter with The Glendale Star also interviewed Keane about the problem. Check out the stories in the links below. Great job to our Parks and Recreation and Police departments and everyone else in the city working hard to try to help Glendale bounce back from the damage.
EMPLOYEE CELEBRATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW EMPLOYEES
· Devin Aaronson - Police
· Melody Campoy - Field Operations
· Marc Castaneda - Transportation
· Adriana Contreras - Police
· Latasha Evans - Field Operations
· Angila Gomez - Police
· Michael Gossett - Police
· Gabriel Guillen - Transportation
· Rebecca Haytasingh - Field Operations
· George Langley - Development Services
· Adrian Longoria - Transportation
· Marco Madrueno, Jr. - Police
· Arturo Mendoza - Field Operations
· Soroush Pedram - Engineering
· Kenneth Pomeranz - Police
· Stephen Poupart - Transportation
· Lauren Serrato - Economic Development
· Sean Shields - Police
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY
Your hard work, dedication and loyalty are appreciated!
