PARK DEDICATION IS SLAM DUNK FOR EMPLOYEES, COMMUNITY
Joy was in the air when city employees, some of our City Councilmembers, as well as Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Foundation representatives gathered to dedicate the Al McCoy Memorial Park and SHAZAM! Court.
There were lots of smiles and fond memories shared at the park located near North 51st and West Olive avenues. This community park built in the 1970s was named for the late, legendary McCoy, a Glendale resident of more than 50 years and longtime sports broadcaster who became the soundtrack for the Phoenix Suns basketball team. The Phoenix Suns Gorilla and dancers, along with McCoy’s sons and grandchildren, also came to the event. Phoenix Suns Color Analyst and former player Eddie Johnson shared stories about McCoy, who was known for his signature calls of “Shazam!” and “Heartbreak Hotel.” Glendale’s Copper Canyon High School’s band, along with its spirit and pom lines, as well as boys and girls basketball teams and mascot also helped unveil the court.
Check out these videos our videographers created at the event and posted on Facebook and Instagram.
GROWTH IN GLENDALE
CITY UNVEILS NEW POLICE BUILDING
City employees, our Mayor Jerry Weiers and City Council came together to celebrate the Police Department’s new property and evidence building that will enhance safety and efficiency in the community at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 23.
Energy was high as TV journalists and city employees filmed the excitement at the 23,868-square-foot facility at 6420 W. Myrtle Ave., where 19 city employees will be housed, starting in the middle of this month. This state-of-the art building will store weapons, drugs, blood samples, personal belongings, DNA samples and other evidence from crime scenes. Currently our Police Department’s property and evidence storage is spread out over multiple sites in Glendale and the new building will bring it under one roof.
This new structure features upgraded technology that will help improve the chain of custody. It also includes a forensic lab and a new, larger lab will be constructed at a later date.
Our Police Department thanked our City Council, CORE Construction and residents for making this new building possible. A voter-approved, $160 million bond passed in 2023 paid for the construction.
Congratulations to our Police Department on this outstanding new facility!
MORE CITY-CENTERED EVENTS
GET CREATIVE AT COSTUME PARTY
Halloween is only a few weeks away and our Glendale Employee Engagement Committee (GEEC) will once again host a Halloween party It will bring thrills, chills, laughter and fun to the Main Library Auditorium from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 30.
There will be prizes awarded for the best individual costume, best group/team costumes, fan-favorite costume and best pumpkin. Employees who want to enter a pumpkin in the competition may decorate it with markers, paint or other items, but should not carve them. Anyone who wants to enter the competitions needs to arrive by 11:45 a.m.
A treat will be provided to all employees who attend the gathering.
PARTICIPATE IN HEALTH SCREENINGS
It’s almost time to take advantage of some convenient opportunities to maintain and improve your health.
The “Know Your Numbers” Health Screenings & Flu Shots Onsite will be starting tomorrow, Oct. 2 and will run through Nov. 6. The FREE health screenings will reveal blood pressure, as well as HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, height, weight and waist circumference. You will earn 10,000 points for the WellStyles program, towards your annual incentive. Appointments must be made for the health screenings and can be scheduled here.
Appointments do not need to be made for the flu shots. Employees who have the city’s Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona insurance plan should bring their insurance card with them. Spouses and dependents ages 4 and older are welcome to obtain flu shots, too. Employees who are not on the city’s Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona plan must cover the cost of flu shots for employees only.
To learn more about the screenings and flu shots, visit this Annual Incentive webpage.
COMING UP IN THE CITY
LEARN CRITICAL CYBERSECURITY SKILLS
Cybersecurity is important because cybercrime can damage, disrupt and destroy organizations, businesses and individuals’ personal lives. That’s why our Innovation and Technology Department will host Cybersecurity Awareness Day for all city employees from 9 to 11 a.m. on Oct. 15 at the Civic Center
City employees will be able to watch a presentation on current and future cybersecurity risks, as well as safely using Artificial Intelligence (AI), the rise of professional scam centers and how people can protect themselves in their personal lives. They will have a chance to meet our city’s cybersecurity team in person and enjoy snacks.
There is no limit on the number of people who can attend this event.
WEBINAR TO FOCUS ON WOMEN’S HEALTH
It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a great reminder to focus on self-care, and our city offers many resources to keep our employees healthy.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Webinar: Women’s Health will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 29 over Zoom. Topics that will be discussed during the webinar include breast cancer, menopause, heart disease and osteoporosis. Tips will be provided on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle during specific stages of life. In August of every year, Good Life Wellness coordinates annual on-site mammography screenings through Mobile On-site Mammography (MOM).
To register for the webinar, go to this webpage.
GOOD NEWS IN GLENDALE
EMERGENCY CREW EXCELS AT MEMORIAL
Shout-out to our Emergency Management team, which coordinated a plan to ensure the safety and security of individuals attending the Charlie Kirk Memorial on Sept. 21. Thank you also to our partners from the cities of Avondale, Mesa, and Surprise who answered the call to provide assistance to our team when it was needed. With very little notice, our Emergency Management employees and neighboring cities' emergency management workers carried out a very complex operation involving local, county, state and federal teams in an effort to keep dignitaries and the public at large safe.
Pictured above left are (from left): David Carson, Glendale Emergency Management (Logistics); Captain RD Macturk, Avondale Fire and Medical (deployed as Logistics); Nicole Munson, Glendale Emergency Management (EOC Director); Robert Campa, Mesa Emergency Management (Planning); Madison Rybicki, Glendale Emergency Management (Planning Section Chief and EOC Manager); Kimberly Campbell, Surprise Emergency Management (Planning and Liaison Officer); Chief Aaron Glass, Avondale Fire and Medical (Planning).
SECURITY OFFICERS ARE HONORED DURING SPECIAL WEEK
Our Police Department took time to say thank you to some of our valuable employees during National Security Officer Appreciation Week Sept. 15-21.
These employees were also given goodies, including T-shirts and handwritten letters, pictured below to the right. Our city has five security officers and one security supervisor. Pictured, from top left (from left to right) are David Schwegler, the supervisor, and Officers Doug Gibbs and Cynthia Romero. Officer Garry Soderlund is in the photo below, and Officers Louella Martinez and Yesenia Martinez are pictured on the top right.
MORE GREAT TIMES IN GLENDALE
EMPLOYEES ENGAGING IN LEAN COURSES
Enthusiasm is high among several employees who are immersing themselves in the latest round of the Lean Six Sigma certification courses. There are nine employees enrolled in the certification for yellow belts and nine taking coursework for the green belts, the largest class for this program ever!
Jeff Bratcher, our Organizational Performance Program Manager, shared guidance and revealed the learning objectives, along with the course structure and what participants will do for a final, capstone project, last month.
The nine-week Yellow Belt course offers a comprehensive introduction to the Lean Six Sigma principles, tools and methodologies. Employees complete classes online at their own pace and also take part in workshops held in-person Participants in the Green Belt course undergo in-depth training in the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) framework, as well as advanced problem-solving strategies. The purpose of the Glendale Lean Academy is to inspire a culture of continuous process improvement throughout our city. Employees’ capstone projects will be due Dec. 3 and the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt graduation will be held Dec. 10 at the Civic Center. To learn more about the Glendale Lean Academy visit this webpage.
EMPLOYEES CROSS FINISH LINE WTIH HEALTH GOALS
Many city employees went for the gold and scored fun treats when they were invited to the Good Life Club Celebration for reaching level 5 in the WellStyles portal.
Of the 307 who qualified for this honor, 168 attended the Good Life Club Celebration lunch on Sept. 18 at the Civic Center. They enjoyed a free lunch and received exclusive lanyards and pins. They also were entered into a prize drawing. Our City Manager Kevin Phelps shared a personal story about why wellness is important to him and expressed his gratitude and appreciation toward everyone who was invited to the celebration. Capping off the celebration was Wellness Program Manager, Ali Waelchli-Brooks, who got attendees fired up with a review of the 2024-2025 program year.
ENLIGHTENING EMPLOYEES
VIDEO URGES LIBRARY CARD USE
Our Library Services employees work hard to provide educational and entertaining books, e-books, audiobooks, movies and a variety of other print and digital materials to residents and visitors.
To encourage people to obtain a library card, so they may access these great resources, our videographer Shaun Mockoski made a video late last month. September was Library Card Sign-up Month.
Check out the fun video encouraging people to get library cards to the left. To find out more about library cards, visit this webpage.
LEARN HOW TO RECYCLE PIZZA BOXES
If you enjoy eating pizza while watching the Arizona Cardinals play, you might wonder what to do with the empty boxes when you’re done with them.
Luckily, our videographer Luis Jacinto shows everyone what to do before recycling pizza boxes. It’s all part of our city’s commitment to sustainability and making “going green” easy for employees and residents.
Check out the video to the left. Learn more recycling tips on our city’s recycling webpage.
MORE GROWTH IN GLENDALE
CITY SIZZLES WITH NEW BUSINESSES
The weather is not the only thing that’s warm right now. Our city has been a hotspot for new businesses opening and planning to set up shop here this summer.
HTeaO, a Texas-based iced tea franchise, opened its first location in Arizona to an excited Westgate crowd on Glendale Avenue, just west of 91st Avenue. It sells a variety of freshbrewed teas in a customer-friendly atmosphere. The sweet tea spot celebrated its 150th grand opening in July, when it gave away 430 free cups of tea and 827 half-priced gallons.
Our city employees, Mayor Jerry Weiers and City Council enjoyed the opening for Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, a huge entertainment attraction that features high-speed electric karting, virtual reality experiences, arcade games and upscale dining near 99th and Maryland avenues.
James Avery Artisan Jewelry, known for its handcrafted designs and meaningful pieces, has been exceeding foot traffic expectations in Arrowhead Towne Center.
More businesses expected to open this year in Glendale include Ricemill, 99 Ranch Market, Dick’s House of Sports, Kendra Scott and LivAway Suites.
CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY
GET CREATIVE DURING DOLL WORKSHOP
Our Heroes Regional Park Library will offer a unique event where residents can get their creative juices flowing and explore Japanese culture.
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix will lead participants in a Kokeshi Doll Workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the library. Attendees will have the chance to decorate a doll of their own to bring home. This workshop is for anyone ages 18 and older.
Registration is required for this event Learn more on the library webpage.
BOND WITH NEIGHBORS TO BOOST SAFETY
Getting to know neighbors is a great way to build positive relationships and boost safety.
That is the motivation behind G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved I Neighborhoods), a statewide day of celebration that fosters the success of crime prevention through community involvement. Anyone who hosts a gathering in their neighborhood can start building strong connections, share information, promote safety and bring back a sense of community. Most of the parties are organized by Neighborhood Watch groups, HOAs, registered neighborhoods, as well as multi-housing and mobile home communities.
Glendale G A I N Night will be held on Oct. 18, and all community groups that want to participate should plan gatherings that last at least two hours and fall sometime between 4 and 8 p.m. The specific details of the event, including themes, food and entertainment, are up to neighbors. Our city’s G.A.I.N. registration/kick-off will be held at the main downtown Police Department Station from 10 a.m. to noon on Oct. 4.
Learn more G.A.I.N. by visiting our police department’s webpage.
MORE WAYS OUR CITY SERVES
PUBLIC CAN SAFELY DISPOSE OF MEDICINE
Our Police Department is teaming up with Fry’s Pharmacy and the Drug Enforcement Administration to provide an event where residents can safely and conveniently dispose of expired, unwanted or unused pharmaceutical substances.
The DEA Drug Take Back event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 25 in the front parking lot of the Glendale Adult Center. Anyone may bring controlled, non-controlled and over-the-counter pills, tablets and capsules only. Sharps will not be accepted. Glass containers, inhalers, creams, intravenous solutions and injectables will not be taken, either, because of potential hazards
Learn more at the Police Department’s webpage.
LITTLE ONES CAN ENJOY HALLOWEEN
Looking for a fun Halloween event that will be appropriate for little ones?
Our Main Library will host the Not Beary Scary event for toddlers and preschool children, as well as their caregivers, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 30. This Halloween-themed event will include games, crafts and a short storytime. Participants may dress in costumes, if they like.
Find out more about our libraries’ events here.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW EMPLOYEES
Thomas Adkins - City Manager’s Office
Andy Siqueiros Alvarado, Jr. - Parks and Recreation
Jose Borquez - Transportation
David Burks - Water Services
Robert Carty, Jr. - Development Services
Isabella Cieri - Innovation and Technology
Daniel Drake, Jr. - Transportation
Denise Garcia - Innovation and Technology
Fermin Gonzales - Field Operations
Sharolyn Howard - Police
Mario Lerma - Parks and Recreation
Thomas Leutz - Field Operations
Yesenia Martinez - Police
Matthew Nowicki - Water Services
Anttania Parr - Water Services
Christina Randolph - Code Compliance
Cynthia Romero - Police
Dacia Simpson - Police
Joseph Ssenkumba - City Manager’s Office
Cody Varilek - Police
Avery Wheeler - Water Services
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY
HAPPY 20 YEARS
Christopher Carlott - Fire
Brian Jones - Police
Jaime Lopez - Water Services
Jay O'Neill - Police
Daniel Price - Fire
Shannon RodriguezYaeggi - Human Resources
Miguel Salas - Water Services
John SchoensteinInnovation and Technology
Robert Solis - Police
Joanne Toms - Water Services
HAPPY 10 YEARS
Javier Gurrola - Transportation
Amy Lindsay - Budget and Finance
Joseph Melillo - Field Operations
Natisha Mitchell - Innovation and Technology
HAPPY 5 YEARS
Kayla Dallmann - Police
Alexander Exum - Police
Maryn Ferguson - Police
Monica Garcia - Police
Clifton Johnson - Field Operations
Jose Munoz - Field Operations
Gabriella Oliver - Police
Manuel Padia - Parks and Recreation
Raul Rodriguez - Field Operations
Diane Samples - Field Operations
Donald Willoby - Development Services