It was an incredible two days of inspiration, motivation and learning for almost 30 city employees at the Arizona Women Leading Government (AZWLG) state conference in November!
“Team Glendale” had a strong presence with Communications Director Sue Breding serving as conference co-chair and a main stage panel moderator and Video Producer Jessica Mensch serving as an emcee.
There was also a special breakout session about Glendale’s Mentoring Program featuring our Assistant City Manager Vicki Rios, Director of Field Operations Michelle Woytenko, Deputy Chief Information Officer Arlene Chemello, Field Operations Administrator Sonia Sarmiento and Human Services Coordinator Candace Schulte.
It was wonderful learning from almost 500 passionate women who are dedicated to serving Arizona communities at this informative conference.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The December WellStyles webinar is the finale of the “SHINE” series with Leah Van Dolder.
An award-winning registered dietitian and mindset coach, Van Dolder will help you flip the script on exercise and turn fitness into something you look forward to doing during this Zoom webinar from 4 to 5 p.m.
Discover strategies to keep your motivation sky-high and make exercise a fun, effortless part of your day. To register, click the WellStyles registration link below.
CHRISTMAS PARADE TO BRING JOY TO CITY, HELP THOSE IN NEED
It’s almost time for a fun tradition in the city - the 11th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade - which will brighten downtown starting at 11 a.m.
W. Royal Palm Rd and N 53rd Ave. turner, mayor; mike emcee Dec. 14
Thanks to our employees for making the magic possible with traffic, public safety, the Mayor’s staff and the communications team supporting and promoting the event.
Not only does the parade help generate holiday spirit and bring the community together, but proceeds from this event will benefit Hope for Hunger, which provides emergency food and other assistance to nearly 300 families in Glendale and neighboring cities. Want to donate non-perishable food? Look for the drop boxes at many of our workspaces: HometownChristmasParade.
Check out this promotional video our Video Team captured that features some of the highlights of the parade.
MORE EVENTS TO ENGAGE AND LEARN IN GLENDALE
Our WellStyles wellness portal, which Virgin Pulse powers, is changing names but the chances to earn points and enter a prize drawing for taking healthy steps remain!
The Virgin Pulse name is changing to Personify Health, which signifies a rebranding of the SAME portal we have been using.
It will function the same, but the name and logo will switch on Dec. 16. The mobile app also will change that day and you will need to sign back in using your current username and password.
Learn more about this change by visiting Good Life Wellness below on the GRID and watch for emails from Personify Health.
ONE CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING COURSE
Our Human Resources Department is offering a course for supervisors on how to have an impactful conversation if corrective action is needed.
This course includes planning your conversation, setting work and behavioral expectations and steps to take if the conversation doesn't go as planned. Visit NEOGOV at the link below to register for this class.
The Inclusion Network is hosting its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day event in mid-January.
Be part of an inspiring conversation and check the GRID for the registration link coming soon.
GOOD NEWS IN GLENDALE
LIGHTS DISPLAY DAZZLES RESIDENTS, CAPTIVATES
City staff members have worked hard to kick off a beloved holiday tradition downtown - Glendale Glitters - and this extraordinary display of lights has already generated much media buzz this year.
Our Economic Development team, with support from various city departments, has taken the lead on planning and promoting this festive event that began on Nov. 29, when Councilmember Leandro Baldenegro and Councilmember Joyce Clark participated in a tree lighting in front of the Civic Center. Carolers performed holiday songs, Santa Claus mingled with residents and about 30 vendors sold gift items to ring in the holiday magic during kick-off events Nov. 29-30.
Jessi Pederson, our Economic Development director, did a great job sharing the event's history and how it has evolved while emphasizing the excitement it brings to residents during an interview for a story in “The Arizona Republic.” Danny Williamson III, our Administrator of Special Events for the Economic Development Department, took a Fox 10 TV crew on a tour for a story the station did on Glitters. Newspapers and online publications, including the “Glendale Independent” and “Signals AZ”, captured the charm of this lights festival in its 31st year.
If you haven’t seen it yet, visit Glendale Glitters, which is on display until Jan. 1, and say “thank you” to your colleagues who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring it to life and put our city on the map.
Did you know that there are millions of lights shining on 16 blocks Downtown as part of Glendale Glitters?
This beautiful lights display attracted slightly under 150,000 people last year!
MORE GREAT NEWS AROUND THE CITY
THRILL OF VAI RESORT CONSTRUCTION INTRIGUES MEDIA AS COMPLETION DATE NEARS
Anticipation for the pending, luxurious VAI Resort is continuing to draw attention in the city.
This state-of-the-art future entertainment complex was featured in “Axios Phoenix” recently after a reporter from the publication toured the site with city officials. The article said the resort will offer “the nonstop excitement of the Las Vegas Strip” in the West Valley. The experience-oriented future resort has also been described in stories that “The Arizona Republic,” “Glendale Independent” and KNXV-ABC-15 have produced in recent weeks.
In addition to the four hotels, VAI will feature indoor and outdoor performance venues, a white-sand beach, 12 restaurants, as well as bars and shopping areas. As many of you know, an added element of fun is it will offer the first-ever Mattel Adventure Park that will include a Hot Wheels rollercoaster, life-size Barbie Dream House and Thomas & Friends children’s zone.
The amphitheater, adjacent hotel and adventure park are expected to open by the end of 2025. Renderings of this upcoming development are shown above.
Enjoy some of the recent stories journalists have published on the VAI Resort below.
POLICE DEPARTMENT PURCHASE WILL ENHANCE SECURITY
Our Police Department is showing once again its commitment to enhancing security and forward-thinking with some recent purchases
The City Council recently authorized buying two wireless lifts for the Police Property and Evidence Department to use in order to boost efficiency and safety These lifts, which will be purchased from Mohawk Lifts LLC, will permit the secure movement of evidence, especially large or heavy items by our police department.
