CITY CREATES HOLIDAY MAGIC FOR COLLEAGUES, COMMUNITY
‘Tis the season for sharing and our employees are doing just that!
Individual employees, teams, divisions and departments are buying gifts for the Adopta-Family program. Our Community Services Department will work with isolated senior citizens and eligible families to ensure they receive these presents.
Anyone also may help residents as part of a food drive to benefit Hope for Hunger, a local food bank. All proceeds from our annual Hometown Christmas Parade on Dec. 13 will benefit Hope for Hunger. You may leave non-perishable food in drop-off boxes in city buildings through the end of this month. Find the locations here. To make a cash donation, visit this website.
Our Employee Giving Committee is also showing its heart for service. Any employees whose finances are tight were urged to ask for help buying holiday gifts for their minor children. All city colleagues have been able to make donations. Thank you to everyone who is brightening the holidays for employees and residents!
SPOTLIGHT ON EMPLOYEES
GET TO KNOW ASHLEY CHRISTMAN
Community Risk Reduction Program
Manager Ashley Christman from our Fire Department is committed to proactive community safety. Learn more about her work in the video to the right created by our videographer Alfredo Kaspar.
CITY EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE CREATIVITY AT ART EVENT
Inspiration was in the air at the inaugural City of Glendale Employee Art Event and Celebration last month at the Civic Center. About 75 people, including employees and their family members, attended the event. These city employees entered the Individual Artist Showcase:
Jim Adams, Police Department
Katrina Alberty, Water Services
Sandra House, Water Services
Albert Lebario, Jr., Field Operations
Alana Reid, Water Services
Sheng Wang, Budget and Finance
Our Development Services and Water Services departments entered the departmental category of the exhibit.
All participants were awarded gift baskets from Cerreta Candy Company and Amazon gift cards. The event also featured art classes, live music and a caricature artist drawing pictures of attendees.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS CULTURE
The Inclusion Network invites all employees to celebrate Indigenous People Heritage Month at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 3 in the Main Library’s Auditorium The guest speaker will be Dr. Judy Kertész (Lumbee-unenrolled), a historian who has taught courses in Indigenous North American history, early American history, comparative colonialisms and other topics. Register for this event in NEOGOV Learn. Lunch will be provided.
EARN DEGREE AT A DISCOUNT
Would you like to earn a degree or certificate to help enhance your knowledge to help advance in your career with the city?
Thanks to our city’s new academic partner, Claremont Lincoln University, city employees are eligible for a 10% tuition reduction on all of that university’s programs, in addition to any other tuition reimbursements which they are qualified to receive through the school. Learn more about Claremont Lincoln University at a Zoom webinar from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 10. Learn more here.
GAIN TIPS FOR WORKOUTS
Do you like to exercise at home but want to know if you’re on the right track with your fitness goals?
Then check out Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona’s Designing Your Personal Strength Workout – Equipment Optional webinar at noon on Dec. 17. Participants will learn how to create the ideal strength training workout in the comfort of their own space.
To register visit this link.
MORE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
LEARN HOW TO MANAGE PROJECTS
Employees may learn how to master project management in a video course offered via NEOGOV.
Project Teams features nine video lessons that explain how to facilitate growth and improve communication within teams. Participants will first learn foundational information about operating an effective project team, including the various types of project teams and possible communication styles of team members. Any employees may take these courses at anytime. After completing this series, employees will know how to work through the stages of team development and maximize their productivity for a project as a unified team.
To learn more, visit NEOGOV.
CLASS FOCUSES ON DISCIPLINE
Handling disciplinary issues is an important part of work.
Any employees may take our city’s Managing Corrective Action Training class, whether they are supervisors or do not manage any workers. The next class will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Adult Center. There will be several more Managing Corrective Action Training classes next year. It includes a comprehensive overview of Human Resources Policy No. 513 - Discipline, case studies, templates, interactive dialogue, and practical knowledge. Register for this class through NEOGOV.
CITY TO CELEBRATE MLK’S LEGACY
the date for the Inclusion Network’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 14. Check NEOGOV for details in the near future!
ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY
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PARADE TO SPREAD CHEER
City employees and our Mayor Jerry P. Weiers are gearing up for the annual Hometown Christmas Parade, which will dazzle downtown Glendale starting at 11 a.m. on Dec. 13. This community gathering will brighten up Glendale Avenue between 51st and 58th avenues.
The parade will feature a lively marching band competition, as well as more than 100 stunning floats and awards given for the best “Christmas Spirit.” All proceeds from the parade benefit Hope for Hunger, a Glendale-based food bank. Mel Martin, founder of Martin Auto Museum, will serve as the Honorary Marshal. Santa Claus and local mascots from professional and collegiate teams will mingle with the crowd. There will be more than 20 classic cars from the auto museum cruising the parade. Learn more about the parade here. Check out the video highlighting the parade that our videographer Mike Harris created on the upper left.
CELEBRATE ‘FANDOMS’ AT LIBRARY
Our Library Services employees are working hard behind the scenes to prepare for LIBCON West, a free all-ages event that celebrates “fandoms” of all kinds. Talented authors, artists, cosplayers and vendors will gather for the fun event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Foothills Library.
LIBCON West will feature a “Star Wars” StoryWalk, a Pokémon scavenger hunt, a Smash Bros tournament, a “Stranger Things” themed escape room and a cosplay parade. This free event typically draws hundreds of people. Learn more here.
GLENDALE HIGHLIGHTING HOLIDAY SPIRIT
CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT FRAC EVENT
Our Parks and Recreation Department employees will spread cheer to families that visit the Santa Holiday Express 2025 from 2 to 4 p.m. on Dec. 6 at our Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center.
This annual tradition is geared towards children ages 3 to 12. Participants may take photos with Santa Claus, sip hot cocoa, indulge in treats and make crafts while hearing holiday music. The event costs $5 per Glendale resident and non-resident. Learn more and find a barcode to register for the party here.
HIT THE TRAIL WITH SANTA CLAUS
Grab your hiking boots and your friends and family members and get ready for fitness and fun during our Parks and Recreation Department’s Jingle Bell Hike.
This festive, family-friendly adventure will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Dec. 13 at Thunderbird Conservation Park, starting at the 55th Avenue Trailhead. Hikers will see beautiful views and Santa Claus during this merry hike. To register for this hike, visit this Parks and Recreation webpage and scan the barcode.
GROOVE TO FESTIVE TUNES DOWNTOWN
Soak up festive sounds while dancing with loved ones at our Economic Development Department’s next Glendale LiVE! concert from 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 20 at The Courtyard at the northeast corner of 58th Avenue and Glenn Drive.
The theme of this show is pop and holiday music. Besides a variety of bands and performers, the LiVE! series also features yard games, interactive art booths and other entertainment. Learn more about these fun, free concerts on our city’s events webpage.
MORE SEASONAL FUN IN THE CITY
COOL FUN AWAITS AT WESTGATE
You do not have to travel far before or after work to indulge in some fun, winter holiday-themed events!
Westgate Entertainment District is once again hosting festive activities for people of all ages this season. Check them out: The Crawl Before Christmas: Holiday Bar Crawl & Afterparty: Stroll at your own pace across LumberJaxes, Dave & Buster’s, and PopStroke while playing games, entering a chance to win prizes and sipping drinks from 2 to 10 p.m. on Dec. 6. Wear festive attire.
Santa Hustle: Lace up your sneakers and walk or run a half-marathon, 10K, 5K or kids’ dash on Dec. 14. Learn more on the Santa Hustle website.
Get Up Close to Santa Claus: Pose for pictures with the Jolly Old Elf through Dec. 24. Find times and the location here.
Skate Westgate: Children and adults may savor the season ice skating through Jan. 12 at Fountain Park. Check out the times and dates here.
Learn more about the events at Westgate this winter and throughout the year here.
GREAT NEWS IN GLENDALE
HOTEL GROWTH SKYROCKETS
Our city is on a roll when it comes to building and renovating hotels, which boosts our economy. The explosion in additional rooms was shared in an article in the “Phoenix Business Journal” recently.
In addition to the VAI Resort, there are five other hotel projects that are under development now. That means within the next five years, our city is striving to increase its inventory of hotel options to about 5,000 rooms. Next to our Media Center, the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa hotel recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation.
Congratulations to all city employees who work hard every day to attract hotels and other businesses to Glendale!
RIDECHOICE COMING BACK
Did you know that Valley Metro’s RideChoice program will be returning to our city starting today, Dec. 1?
Any Glendale residents who are certified under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit service who would like transportation outside of the city have access to the RideChoice program for trips that start in Glendale and travel outside of the city limits.
Our Transit Administrator Nathan Whyte was interviewed for a story about RideChoice’s return that was published in “The Glendale Star.” Check out the story that the “Glendale Independent” posted on the program coming back here.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW EMPLOYEES
Ginna Carico - Intergovernmental Programs
Patrick Collins - Police
Peter Demassari - Water Services
Ebony Ellis - Police
Jacqueline Goodman - Community Services
Megan Jimenez - Community Services
Jarrod Laborin - Parks and Recreation
Xavier Milligan - Police
James Monge - Police
Cole Ottersberg - Police
Thomas Poole III - Parks and Recreation
Luis Rodriguez - Police
Cem Sahin - Innovation and Technology
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY
Your hard work, dedication and loyalty are appreciated!
HAPPY 35 YEARS
Charles Bayer - Police
HAPPY 25 YEARS
Manuel Castro, Jr.Field Operations
Abel ZubiaTransportation
HAPPY 20 YEARS
Tiffany Smith - Police
HAPPY 10 YEARS
Sue BredingCommunications
Laura DavisCommunity Services
Laura Lechuga
- Police
Maxwell Turner
- Police
Richard UriasBudget and Finance
HAPPY 5 YEARS
Kelly Brookins - Parks and Recreation
Joseph Cortez - Police
Lyle Hamblin - City Attorney’s Office
Richard James - Police
William Knight - Water Services
Jamsheed Mehta - City Manager’s Office
Rickey Miller - Water Services
David Montoya, Jr. - Water Services
Rudolph Romero - Transportation