Peoria Times 01-19-2023

BUSINESS ..... 16

Carolina’s,

Gov. Hobbs delivers State of the State speech

BY JORDAN ROGERS Peoria Times Managing Editor

In front of a few hundred listeners at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, newly elected Gov. Katie Hobbs delivered her State of the State speech at a luncheon co-hosted by Phoenix Raceway and WESTMARC.

Among those in attendance were officials from Glendale, Peoria, Tolleson, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, Litchfield Park and Phoenix.

Hobbs, a Democrat, is Arizona’s fifth female governor and 24th overall. She is heading into a situation in which tackling her agenda items may be difficult as Republicans hold a slight majority.

Super Bowl Host Committee hosts STEAM experience for kids

BY JOE MCHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee recently partnered with Education Forward and Freeport-McMoRan to put on the 100 Yards of Education — a STEM Playbook for Youth event at State Farm Stadium.

This interactive experience held on Jan. 11 invited over 1,000 middle school kids to learn about the importance of education, through interactive booths and a keynote

speech from Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald.

“There’s no better way to be able to spring springboards your way to success by educating yourself,” Fitzgerald said. “You have so many opportunities ahead of you. Essentially have control of your future, with how much you’re able to put in and learn and make yourself indispensable in the world with the knowledge that you’re able to acquire.”

Benefi ting the STEAM community

(science, technology, engineering, arts and math), this event was created to inspire young children to continue their respective educations. Jay Parry, president and CEO of the Super Bowl Host Committee; Tracy Bame, president and director of community development for Freeport-McMoRan; and Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward, also served as keynote speakers to offer thoughts on the importance of SEE STEAM PAGE 8

Gov. Katie Hobbs delivered her State of the State speech in front of a few hundred listeners at Phoenix Raceway on Jan. 11. (Matt Young/Contributor) SEE HOBBS PAGE 4

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Her speech on Jan. 11, however, revealed her plans to be largely bipartisan. Hobbs, regardless of party preference, is looking to better the state of Arizona.

“As governor, I recognize the obligation to listen to find common ground and to provide real solutions for the challenges facing the state,” she said.

“My hope is that when we all leave here today, you understand that I and my administration are committed to action and to improving the lives of every Arizona,” she later added. “And if you’re committed to those same ideals, then I’m ready to work side by side with you, no matter your party registration.”

Hobbs’ speech revealed plans to meet each of the “challenges” facing the state head on.

“As we look to the future, we cannot continue to kick the can down the road of these issues and many others,” Hobbs said. “We owe it to our fellow Arizonans, both this generation and the next, to face these challenges head on. … I’m an optimist, especially when it comes to Arizona. I believe we are the greatest state in this nation.”

Education

Hobbs said education gave her a chance to “build a better life” for herself. She has spent much of her life “fighting for better schools and to level the playing field” and will continue to do so as governor.

She began discussing the Aggregate Expenditure Limit, a 1980 act passed to limit the total amount of money that all K-12 schools can spend each year.

“As part of last year’s budget negotiations, a promise was made that a special session would be called to override this limit that’s based on an out-of-date, 40-year-old funding formula that’s holding our public schools hostage,” Hobbs said. “That promise was not kept.”

She said if this went unaddressed, that the state would see a $1.3 billion cut — the largest in Arizona’s history — and cause furloughs, layoffs and school closures.

“It is unnecessary to allow these hysterics to go on any longer,” she said. “Let’s give our students, our teachers and our parents the assurance that

schools will remain.”

Hobbs said it is time to seriously invest in public schools, and her budget reflects that. Starting with teachers, she said they get “stuck in the middle of crises of our own making.”

She cited that one in four teachers leave Arizona schools each year — the highest rate in the nation. That leaves “more than 2,500 classroom educator positions” vacant.

“To the teachers and education support professionals of our state — I see you, I respect you and I will always stand up for you,” Hobbs said.

She said Arizona does not have an educator shortage, but rather a retention crisis.

“There are too many amazing professionals who have walked away from the career they love because of the uncompetitive salaries, onerous policies and unfunded mandates this state has chosen to implement that rob educators of the joy of teaching,” Hobbs said. “Teachers are creating the workforce and leaders of tomorrow, and it’s time we started treating them with the respect they deserve.

To tackle that, Hobbs said she has plans to launch an Educator Retention Task Force, an initiative that will focus on improving class sizes, resources, working conditions and other factors that will put the state on a path to fix its education issues and retain educators.

“I hope we can all agree that when we keep the most talented teachers in the classroom, our kids win, our families win and our communities win,” she said.

Hobbs also will focus on equal funding for all schools. Currently, Arizona distributes more money to schools under a per-pupil basis based on grades and assessment results.

“This approach has largely benefited only schools in high-wealth areas of Arizona’s two largest counties — Maricopa and Pima — while leaving rural and economically struggling areas behind,” she said.

The new budget, Hobbs said, will redirect $68.6 million to the Base Level Support. This, she added, will be distributed to all schools across the state.

“Let me go on the record to say that any school that accepts taxpayer dollars should have to abide by the same accountability standards that all district

schools do,” Hobbs said. “We have seen too many examples of individuals and shady corporations taking advantage of the system and our students.”

Additionally, Hobbs is planning to expand the Arizona Promise Scholarship Program to include 10,000 more students and allocate $40 million for the Promise for DREAMers Scholarship Program. This will assist all students across the state regardless of immigration status.

“My administration is ready and willing to work with any member of the Legislature to find additional solutions,” Hobbs said. “We need to work together to ensure that Arizona’s higher education opportunities are the best in the nation and put individuals on the path to future prosperity.”

Housing

Arizona’s job market, the governor said, is robust. But on the flip side of that coin, the cost of housing has reached a high. This is something Hobbs wants to work on.

“Too many Arizona families are getting further away from achieving the American Dream due to the high cost of housing,” she said. “Our state is no stranger to the boom-and-bust housing cycles. But this is something totally different. Three Arizona cities — Tucson, Mesa and Phoenix — have seen some of the highest rent increases in the nation; the number of individuals experiencing homelessness has risen significantly in recent years. We can do better.”

To see a change in this aspect, Hobbs said she and her administration will be supporting a $150 million investment into the Housing Trust Fund this year and will call for additional support moving forward. She will also set aside $50 million for a state-level, child tax credit for families earning less than $40,000 a year to help pay for the rising costs of necessities for their children.

Regarding homelessness, Hobbs wasted no time into her tenure to get working on it. The governor signed an executive order re-establishing the Interagency and Community Council on Homelessness and Housing.

“This should only be the start,” she

said. “My administration is ready and willing to work with members of the Legislature, and my door will always be open to any member who brings forward a serious proposal to help Arizona families, seniors and communities.”

United States and Mexico border

Hobbs said she is planning on building a “safe Arizona for everyone.” This, she said, “extends to our border, our broken immigration system and the communities across the state who must continue to bear the brunt of Washington’s decades of failure on this critical issue.”

She will work directly with communities and its leaders, sheriffs, local law enforcement, community centers and hospitals while pushing Washington to make necessary changes. Hobbs has also invited Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to visit the border with her and meet with those who want “effective and humane solu-

tions to this longtime challenge.”

“We must take a holistic, realistic and humane approach to help solve this issue,” she said.

Reproductive health care

Hobbs said “more than 90%” of Arizonans believe abortion should be legal. During her tenure, she said she will be supporting the right for everyone to make their own decisions regarding health care.

“I refuse to stand by and do nothing as my daughter or anyone’s daughter now has fewer rights today than I did growing up,” she said.

“I will use every power of the governor’s office to stop any legislation or action that attacks, strips or delays the liberty or inherent right of any individual to decide what is best for themselves or their families,” she later added.

Hobbs’ budget will match the federal Title X money Arizona receives to provide reproductive health services and family planning medication, bringing the state’s total to more than $12 million.

“I urge members of the Legislature to put bills on my desk that will protect women, support families, and create a future for Arizona where anyone regardless of gender can succeed,” Hobbs said.

Water

For Hobbs, Arizona’s water crisis is the “challenge of our time.” On this, she called on the state to be unified in addressing this issue through “bipartisan solutions at a local, statewide and national level.”

The governor cited that on Jan. 1, the Colorado River Tier 2 mandatory water cuts went into effect, which means that Arizona will lose 21% of its water coming from the river.

“We must also all understand this — barring a miracle from nature, it will likely get worse before it gets better,” Hobbs said.

“This should be a wakeup call for all of us, because it will take all of us to solve it — legislators, public officials, the business community. Each and every one of us must commit to the partnerships needed to avoid this.”

For transparency purposes, Hobbs’ administration published a previously unreleased report by the Arizona Department of Water Resources that shows that portions of Phoenix are short of the 100-year assured water supply program by 15%.

“This report unequivocally shows that we have to act now,” Hobbs said.

“I don’t understand and don’t in any way agree with my predecessor choosing to keep this report from the public. However, my decision to release this report signals how I plan to tackle our water: issues openly and directly.”

Hobbs will also sign an executive order to launch the Governor’s Water Policy Council and expand the Groundwater Management Act.

“We must take these actions today because in many parts of our state, there are effectively no restrictions on groundwater pumping and local communities have little to no support to manage water supplies,” she said. “As a result, a new water user can move in, dig a well, and pump as much water as

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Bulk trash is changing to on-demand

Bulk trash “By Appointment” begins Monday, Feb. 6, for residents who have active city of Peoria solid waste services. Residents can schedule appointments using the following methods:

• Visiting peoriaaz.gov/bulktrash and completing an online request.

• Sending an email request to bulktrash@peoriaaz.gov.

News Briefs

• Calling 623-773-7890.

Residents can schedule up to a maximum of two bulk trash collections per calendar year. There will be no additional fee for this service, unless bulk trash piles exceed the size limit. Join us for Concert in the

Courtyard

The Peoria Main Library will be hosting Concert in the Courtyard on the second Saturday of the month, now through April. Concert in the Court-

yard is a free event that will feature an hour of acoustical music provided by local singers and songwriters in the recently updated library courtyard. Gates to the event will open at 3 p.m., refreshments will be served at 3:30 p.m. and the music will begin at 4 p.m. The Peoria Main Library is located at 8463 W. Monroe Street.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/library

Schedule hazardous waste pickup for your home

City of Peoria residents who receive

residential solid waste services are eligible for hazardous waste pickup. Scheduling can be done online and, once scheduled, the team will come to your home to collect the designated items. Scheduling opened on Jan. 3, with collection dates running through Friday, Feb. 3. Acceptable items include household chemicals marked dangerous, paint thinners, auto batteries and rechargeable batteries. Unacceptable items include ammunition, medical waste, tires and prescription drugs.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/hhw PT

Water reductions for the new year may be just the beginning

BY RYAN KNAPPENBERGER Cronkite News

Experts say few Arizona residents will notice any immediate change to the availability of water in their daily lives after Jan. 1, when steep cuts will be imposed on the amount of water the state can draw from the Colorado River. But that does not mean they can relax. State and federal water officials expect more cuts will be required in 2023, as they struggle to keep

drought-ravaged Lake Powell and Lake Mead from falling to critically low levels.

And it’s anybody’s guess as to when and how those additional cuts will take effect, they say.

“If there’s one thing water managers really like, it’s certainty,” said Tom Buschatzke, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources. “And 2023 seems to be anything but.”

That uncertainty is felt on the local level as well. Phoenix Water Re-

sources Management Adviser Cynthia Campbell said the most recent projections show that Lake Mead and Lake Powell could drop below the point where the Hoover and Glen Canyon dams can produce hydroelectric power.

“It’s very bad,” Campbell said. “There’s no way to mince words about this. … If we’re going to save the functionality of Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam, there’s going to have to be, by necessity, a significant decrease in demand on the riv -

continuing education as a way for a brighter future.

“I encourage you to have fun, make the best of this day, and go back to school and your families thinking about how a STEM career might be in your future,” Nickel said.

“Today’s event is really about helping you understand we can do in the future and what path you need to pursue in order to achieve those opportunities,” Bame said. “So, we encourage you to have fun today and really think about what you want to do for yourself in the future.”

After hearing these words, the

er.”

Those cuts would be in addition to reductions already imposed by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which manages the dams and the water that passes through them.

The bureau last summer announced that the lakes had fallen to Tier 2A levels, triggering previously agreed-upon cuts to water supplied to states in the lower basin of the Colorado River, beginning on SEE

kids took to the park plaza outside the stadium, to which they were greeted with a plethora of interactive booths.

They were able to drive robots, see demonstrations of physics and other aspects of science, and many other fun ways to engage the kids about STEM. For Fitzgerald, that is what matters most.

“So, I think it’s important to be able to impart that information to these young people and let them know that they’re cared and that people that are around them that really want to see them succeed at a at a high level,” he said. PT

possible, even if it dries up the community’s aquifer.”

In closing her speech, Hobbs again

discussed that, through bipartisan leadership, Arizona has a bright future.

“We all hold a deep love for this state,” she said. “We are here because

we want to ensure the generations that follow us have the chance to discover that love, too. Thank you for your partnership in finding real solutions

and for the contributions we will all make going forward as we build an Arizona for everyone. Now let’s get to work.” PT

HOBBS FROM PAGE 6

STEAM FROM PAGE 1

More than 1,000 kids participated in the immersive experience. (Super Bowl Host Committee/Submitted)

Motorcycle foundation focuses on training

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Last year, thousands of motorcyclists were involved in crashes on Arizona roads. And, of those crashes, hundreds of people died or were severely injured. Yet, the number of riders and registrations keep climbing.

Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation (AMSAF), the Arizona leader which first introduced discounted motorcycle training statewide more than a decade ago, is determined to help get people trained and safe.

Mick Degn, executive director of AMSAF, said statistics show that most motorcycle riders have no formal training or a motorcycle license (endorsement). A lack of proper defensive training is resulting in way too many crashes and fatalities statewide.

AMSAF works closely with the state of Arizona, major health care providers, motorcycle-related businesses, law firms and small businesses, to help promote the program when scholarships

Jan. 1.

Arizona will see the steepest cuts, with the state set to give up 592,000 acre-feet of water — the amount of water is takes to cover an acre to a depth of 1 foot — in 2023. Mexico would lose 104,000 acre-feet, Nevada would lose 25,000 acre-feet, and California would not give up any of its water yet.

Most of the cuts in Arizona will be felt by farmers, with agriculture one of the biggest users of water in the state and one of the lowest priorities for delivery.

But Reclamation has already called on the seven states in the Colorado River Basin to find an additional 2 million to 4 million acre-feet to cut in the coming years, as Lake Powell and Lake Mead fall to the lowest levels since they were filled.

Campbell said that Phoenix is actively preparing for even the worstcase scenario, finding ways to continue providing water, but it will take some help from residents. That means people will have to start thinking

are available.

“New and experienced riders definitely benefi t from the two-day safety training in every way,” Degn said. “New riders, or those who haven’t ridden in some time, will learn the laws and how to ride safely through the AMSAF scholarship program with the basic rider course. It is a win-win for motorcycle riders and will help reduce the number of crashes and fatalities on our roads. Now is the time to move our statistics in a positive direction along with efforts to reduce driver and rider distracted driving.”

AMSAF receives grants from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (AZGOHS), among other sources and donations. Grants, which supports AMSAF’s mission to boost awareness of motorcyclists while reducing rider fatalities and injuries, provides motorcycle rider training classes to the public through the scholarship program. The organization also is a

about conservation in their daily lives, from making their homes more water efficient to getting rid of lawns and pools.

“We’re also making sure we’re ready to deliver alternate supplies and make our customers aware of what they can do to be as efficient as they can,” Campbell said.

Colorado River basin states have been planning for years for water restrictions. But Reclamation has said that if the first months of 2023 are particularly dry, Lake Powell levels could drop below 3,490 feet, the minimum level at which the dam can produce electricity. In the worst case, both lakes could fall to the point at which water can no longer flow through the dam, a condition known as “dead pool.”

The bureau stressed that it will do everything in its power to maintain water levels needed for power production and water flow, either by limiting water deliveries to states, by prioritizing Lake Powell over Lake Mead by trans-

leader in communicating the critical importance of reducing distracted driving.

The goal of AMSAF, a 501(c)(3) foundation, is to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities in Arizona

through education and awareness. The organization provides motorcycle training scholarships to individuals 15 1/2 years and older who need training and certification in Arizona.

The goal of the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation is to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities in Arizona. (AMSAF/Submitted)

WATER FROM PAGE 9

One step that some Arizona cities and tribes have already taken to protect reservoir levels is to store some of their water allotment in the lakes. Phoenix is part of that group, having already stored 30,000 acre-feet in 2022

A June 2021 photo of Reflection Canyon, upstream of Lake Powell showing the “bathtub ring” of whitened rock exposed as lake levels have fallen to his-

HOME SECTION

and volunteering to store an additional 30,000.

But Buschatzke said there are concerns across the state, especially among tribal governments, that such goodwill could end up hurting them in the end.

“No one wants to put their water on the table when there’s a chance it could be cut anyway by the mandatory cuts the federal government is considering,” he said.

Those concerns are amplified for tribes that have long fought to have their claims to Colorado River water recognized, and now worry that water could disappear before they ever get a chance to see it.

Campbell said all Arizonans will be

stressed in the next three to five years, with water likely to become more expensive as the supply continues to dwindle.

If residents can come together and become more efficient water users, she said, there is hope that the city and state can comfortably adapt. But she stressed that difficult changes are in store, adding that she has been using the “Serenity Prayer” as way to look at the coming years.

“To accept the things you cannot change, and change the things you can,” Campbell recited. “We have to accept the fact that this is going to happen.”

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

Good service evaporating on the business landscape

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist

Can we talk for a moment about service in America circa 2023?

This seems necessary because one of two things is afoot in this land of ours.

Either we are seeing the result of businesses being distracted from the real reason they operate — to serve their customers or clients. Or there’s a less pleasant possibility — Americans are getting dumber with each passing year.

Whatever the explanation, I think we all can agree that the old days — when the customer was always right and spending money at a business meant they strived to fulfill your needs — is

deader than a doornail, though we’ve yet to bury the corpse.

I say this having recently returned home from Starbucks with what was allegedly a black coffee. In theory, this should be the easiest beverage to manufacture in this $26 billion global brand’s arsenal.

Drinking said beverage revealed it to be the approximate sweetness of a cinnamon roll. My pancreas spasmed like Kari Lake on Election Day. Reading the cup revealed I had received something called a caramel brulee latte, a drink I can neither pronounce nor stomach.

Typically, I wouldn’t complain about such trivia. But it seems nowadays that everywhere I go — that any of us goes — we end up with the wrong order.

Last week, I got not a few wrong groceries delivered, but every single item wrong. I feel bad for the poor lady

who ordered tampons, skim milk, salad fixings and Purina cat food, but ended up with my ground beef, spinach and popsicles.

One place I favor that rarely screws up is In-N-Out. Maybe they do a superior job training their people, but more likely their very limited menu makes screwing up difficult.

They serve burgers, fries and drinks. There’s no SpongeBob kiddie meals, no tuna sliders on special this month. And they don’t seem anxious to shove their politics down your throat.

At Starbucks, the menu is in constant flux. So are the pronouns on employees’ name tags and the associated politics of the workplace.

In the last quarter of 2022, the company announced a new loyalty partnership with Delta Airlines, the opening of their 6,000th location — in China — and an international “leadership excellence” retreat to help managers “lead their stores and store partner (employees) through the company’s reinvention.”

“We must all think of ourselves as brand new — for the next few days we’ve got to get into a growth mindset,” North American Vice President Sarah Trilling told her colleagues. “What worked yesterday may not work today. We have to think differently.”

Actually, what Starbucks has to do is

Super Bowl is a food fest day for all

BY JUDY BLUHM Peoria Times Columnist

ootball. Once again it is that time of year when we Americans obsess over who will make it to the Super Bowl. The fate of our beloved Cardinals has been decided as they got crushed by San Francisco. Maybe our consolation prize is that Arizona is hosting the

make coffee. That’s why people go to Starbucks — for the coffee. Not for the growth mindset.

Or for what company founder Howard Schultz described in a letter to employees late last year as his “business philosophy” based on “the compounding momentum” of love.

Big Game.

And that Super Day is not just a sports event. It is a cultural phenomenon that sweeps the country, starting out in our kitchens!

FWe will have consumed about 100 billion chicken wings just watching the playoffs. But on Super Bowl Sunday we Americans will eat over 125 billion wings! That would be enough chicken wings to fill up 1,083,333 football fields! Oh yeah, but we won’t stop there. Domino’s Pizza claims it

LEIBOWITZ AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

will deliver 12 million slices of pizza on that one afternoon! And to wash it all down? How about 325 million gallons of beer?

Football is not a game. It is a sensation! We will not be derailed by current events or nightly news. Politics? Don’t really care! Inflation? Oh well! We have more important things to think about! There is rushing, passing, unnecessary roughness, tackling, kicking, interceptions and touchdowns to consider.

We don’t even need to have a home team in the finals to still pick a favorite. The Super Bowl is a spectacle, a show, a never-ending food fest. It is the second-largest American food consumption day of the year, right behind Thanksgiving. We will eat all manner of unhealthy, fattening, tasty things that we rarely bother with the rest of the year. Which is a very good thing, because

I’m not sure what that means. And it may be a felony in Arizona.

The other possibility for this poor service is human error. Last week, the White House announced that a record number of Americans — nearly 160 million — are now employed.

Part of that is population growth. It also may be that people are so poor

these days, they can’t afford to retire or skip work to attend college. Given how often we hear about businesses struggling to find workers, one thing seems certain: We appear to have scraped the bottom of the talent barrel. The basic qualification for work today isn’t the willingness to exude perspiration. It’s the ability to exhibit respiration.

Employees who show up get to work. Customers who show up? Don’t expect much and maybe you won’t be disappointed. PT

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we’d all blow up like blimps if we kept it up.

Fortunately, the Super Bowl only comes once a year.

I might get some yummy Velveeta and make one of those delicious cheese dips. My daughter says Velveeta is made by the devil and is nothing more than yellow chemicals. My girlfriend says the thought of Velveeta makes her ill and it should be banned as a food product because it is not even cheese! My doctor says that it could clog our arteries faster than you can scream, “Touchdown!” I call, “Foul!” Dice up the yellow log of God knows what, add a little salsa and microwave for a minute. Heaven waits. Why worry when there are games to watch!

Derived from English rugby, American football was started in 1879 with

rules instituted by Walter Camp, a player and coach at Yale University. Actually, football has its roots in soccer, which was played 200 years B.C. when Chinese players kicked pig bladders or skulls (hope not human) back and forth. In fact, entire villages got involved and one game lasted three days with 900 players! Now that would have been fun to watch! From pig bladders to pig skins, we have come a long way (not to mention eating like piggies).

Dear readers, I hope your favorite team makes it through the playoffs. If not, we can drown out our blues with 325 million gallons of beer. One glass at a time. Game on! PT

Already in Peoria, Carolina’s opens in Glendale

BY JOE MCHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

Carolina’s Mexican Food is opening its sixth location in Arizona, as the popular restaurant is coming to Glendale.

This location will be the third in the West Valley and will open Glendale’s eyes and stomachs to the historical Mexican restaurant that has been around since the 1960s.

“We are super excited,” Carolina’s Chief Operations Officer Brian Jones said. “Glendale has been a great, great city and very welcoming.”

A restaurant that started in the back of the founder’s car, Carolina’s now serves a wide variety of customers. It is partly a quick-serve, fast-casual Mexican restaurant that operates mainly on to-go orders. But it also operates as a full sit-down restaurant.

Carolina’s menu is full of classic Mexican food, such as burritos, tacos and tortas, among others.

Namely known for its 15-inch handmade tortillas, Carolina’s food is all made from scratch. From beans and rice to chimichangas and everything in between, Carolina’s focuses on utilizing the freshest ingredients to provide the best quality.

All of this should take a lot of time, but Carolina’s has a rule about every plate.

“Everything’s made from scratch, but our goal is to have every ticket out and done within seven minutes,”

Jones said. “That’s even for a full-on chimichanga plate with rice and beans, which is like a machaca burrito, deepfried, with guacamole and sour cream on top. I mean everything garnished looking great.”

This attention to customer detail has been one of the restaurant’s biggest assets, and in turn, has helped set it apart from other competing businesses.

“We focus on speed of service and quality of service at the same time,” Jones said. “It’s a dual task. Most economists will say, ‘Do you want fast service? Do you want quality service? Or do you want quality food? Take two, because no one can accomplish all three,’ And I say, ‘Go pound sand. That’s not true.’”

Sticking to the original business model has been benefi cial for Caro-

lina’s, as it has been able to build a loyal base of regulars that visit often. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Mexican restaurant hit the drawing board to keep trending upwards.

“Once the pandemic hit and it shut down our dining room, we went into a massive scramble of how are we going to navigate through this,” Jones said. “And by the grace of God, a couple of things happened pretty immediately. One is we were already in the process of building out our own online app, through the Apple Store or Google Play Store and through the app, you could order online, place your order and then you’d come in and just pick it up.

“From there, we added curbside pickup and we partnered with delivery partners like DoorDash and Uber and a few other ones. We really ramped up our online presence.”

Post-pandemic, Carolina’s is back in the dining room getting back to the basics, providing quality service and quality food to its customers.

Now, Carolina’s is looking to expand into the Northwest Valley to bring its food to people who have never tried it, or have traveled to try it, so now it will be in their backyards, with things that have never been done before in any Carolina’s restaurant.

“We’re hoping to open another location in 2023 be that in Glendale, or Peoria or somewhere in the Northwest Valley; we’re kind of looking in that same area, because that area does so well,” Jones said. “We’re looking at what it would look like to have a Carolina’s drive-thru. We’d really like to be the In-N-Out of Mexican food.”

To launch its latest restaurant in Glendale, Carolina’s held a grand opening on Jan. 10. Among the numerous festivities at the grand opening, Mayor Jerry Weiers spoke at the grand opening and he helped kick off the festivities.

Carolina’s handed out some prizes at the event as well, including over $5,000 in gift cards, and the first 100 people in line were entered with a chance to win a $20 gift card. One lucky winner throughout the day would win free burritos for a year.

“(This is) just our way to say thank you to our loyal customers or loyal fans,” Jones said. “Again, we’re super excited to be out in Glendale.”

Carolina's Mexican Food has added another location to the West Valley, this one is in Glendale. (Carolina's Mexican Food/Submitted)

HEALTH WELLNESS

Cognitive health affects independence, quality of life

BY TERESA BROBECK, PH.D., CCC-SLP Midwestern University

Performing routine daily activities such as cooking, scheduling appointments, driving and paying bills requires us to think clearly, learn and remember. Our thought processes, learning abilities and memory capabilities are all components of our “cognitive health.” Experts on aging suggest that our cognitive health directly impacts both our level of independence and our quality of life.

The National Institute on Aging indicates factors that can directly influence our cognitive health:

• Physical health.

• Management of blood pressure.

• Access to and intake of healthy foods.

• Physical activity level.

• Engagement in mentally stimulating activities.

• Social connection with others.

• Management of stress.

Hearing, vision and dental health also impact our ability to communicate and participate in the world around us. Brain health is also directly impacted by our nutritional intake and sleep quality.

Monitoring and implementing strategies early and frequently in each of the above areas to maximize our physical and cognitive health may be beneficial for maintaining cognitive health and slowing cognitive decline.

As we age, mild changes in cognition can result in slower processing speed, slower word-finding and recall of names, and reduction in our ability to pay attention and

“multitask” — even though our vocabularies, knowledge base and life experiences are more extensive.

While mild changes in cognition can be part of the normal aging process, if changes in memory, problem-solving abilities or clear expression of information seem more significant, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your doctor or other health care professional for further assessment.

The information contained in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, care

or treatment. Always consult a qualified health care provider with any questions regarding any possible medical condition.

Teresa Brobeck, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is an associate professor in the speech-language pathology program at Midwestern University. Speech-language pathology students and faculty at the Midwestern University Therapy Institute in Glendale utilize the latest technology to evaluate and treat a wide range of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders in children and adults, at affordable prices. Call 623-537-6000 or visit mwuclinics.com/arizona.

As we age, early monitoring of and implementing strategies for modifiable risk factors that can affect physical and cognitive health can help to both maintain cognitive health as well as slow cognitive decline. (Midwestern University/Submitted)

TRUST OUR EXPERTS TO HELP YOUR FAMILY

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Why Assisted Living Locators?

Assisted Living Locators is a FREE referral service. Our professional Eldercare Advisors provide personal assistance in locating the right options for your elderly loved one. An Eldercare Advisor can reduce your stress by providing a free consultation and help you find the right Home Care, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, Assisted Living, Nursing Homes and Retirement Communities.

CALL 623-703-5326 For No Cost Referral Service

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Assisted Living Locators offers free senior referral services

BY ASSISTED LIVING LOCATORS

Assisted Living Locators provides a free senior referral service in Glendale, Peoria, Sun City and Surprise, throughout the East and West valleys.

Assisted Living Locators provides the full continuum of care, offering assistance in locating quality assisted living options throughout the Valley based on the clients’ budget, preferred location and medical needs.

The franchise is owned by elder care adviser and registered nurse Lori Sears. Assisted Living Locators offers a no-cost service for seniors and their families providing advice on shortand long-term care options, including in-home care, independent living, assisted living, memory care and independent retirement communities. It generates revenue from the fees per placement paid by the assisted living facilities.

For more information about Assisted Living Locators, call Lori Sears at 623-703-5326, email lsears@ assistedlivinglocators.com or visit assistedlivinglocators.com/westvalley.

Lori Sears owns the local Assisted Living Locators franchise. She’s an elder care adviser and registered nurse. (Submitted photo)

A quick lesson: Circulation 101

BY DR. GRANT FANKHAUSER Vascular Surgeon

Why is good circulation important?

Having good circulation allows the body to function at its best. When part of the body isn’t getting the blood flow it needs, it can cause pain, cramping, fatigue, slow healing or even gangrene.

Why should people be concerned about poor circulation?

Poor circulation can definitely cause symptoms such as cramping or pain, but it also is an indicator that there might be blockages in important arteries such as those in the heart or going to the brain. Blockages in those vessels can cause heart attacks or strokes so we always screen our patients for arterial disease elsewhere, aiming to catch

those potential problems before they become apparent.

What can happen if you ignore the symptoms?

Ignoring the symptoms can, at its worse, lead to amputation, but most people don’t ignore such severe problems. What I see more often is patients with symptoms that they underestimate, problems that keep them from walking as much as they would like or participating in activities that they enjoy. They begin to think those symptoms are just part of getting older. I’d love to be able to tell all those people that there are options for treatment, options to make them feel better, options that are minimally invasive with very little downtime. It’s heartbreaking to

see patients who have suffered unnecessarily for years when we have such good treatment options now.

How is it treated?

Treatment options vary from walking and exercise programs to outpatient procedures we can do in the office to bypasses or other surgical procedures that require hospitalization. Thankfully, almost everyone qualifies for the nonhospital options first. In these procedures we make one poke hole into the artery and through it are able to take detailed X-ray to visualize the blood flow and blockages. Through that same small poke hole we can treat those blockages with techniques using balloons or devices that break down and remove the plaque.

What can be expected after treatment?

The beauty of improving circulation is that results are apparent very quickly. People can feel the difference with less pain, less fatigue, and some say they even have more energy. People don’t realize how suffering can mentally wear them down, almost cause depression. Getting relief is like lifting a weight off someone’s shoulders. They feel better, mentally and physically, and get back to enjoying things they had been avoiding. It’s really rewarding to help people like that.

Dr. Grant Fankhauser is double board-certified in vascular surgery and general surgery. He can be reached at CiC Flagstaff, 928-719-7400 or ciccenters.com.

Simulation replicates dementia for first responders

BY LIN SUE FLOOD Hospice of the Valley Director of Community Engagement

It’s not easy to rattle a firefighter. But that’s exactly what Hospice of the Valley did to a roomful of first responders who signed up for a training exercise in Queen Creek.

The eight-minute experience, called Dementia Moments, simulates the daily challenges facing people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Valley/ Submitted)

“Brain changes caused by dementia make it difficult for people to understand, process and respond to the world around them,” said Kobie Chapman, a dementia educator with Hospice of the Valley. “We are out here with Queen Creek Fire and Medical to equip them with the tools they need to understand what that’s like. And we do it with this little blue bag.”

Firefighters unpacked the bags and

put on glasses with coated lenses to simulate cataracts and central vision loss. They donned gloves to mimic arthritis, neuropathy or sensory sensitivity, and wore headphones blaring loud and confusing noises, while trying to follow vague instructions to button a shirt, sort coins, write their names, and put a belt on a pair of trousers.

About three minutes in, the calm in the room was replaced by chaos and confu-

sion. A few laughed as they struggled to follow the prompts. Others were clearly frustrated and voiced it. “This is ridiculous,” whispered one. “What are we supposed to do with these clothes?” another asked his partner, who was just as lost.

“Sometimes when you go on calls, it’s hard because we’re not understanding what’s going on with people who have dementia,” engineer Katie Athey said. “This helps us get a better under-

standing.”

Fire Station No. 4 was grateful for this eye-opening experience that will help them approach crisis situations from the perspective of someone living with dementia.

To schedule a Dementia Moments presentation, contact Hospice of the Valley’s Dementia Care and Education Campus at 602-767-8300, education@dementiacampus.org or dementiacampus.org.

Queen Creek Fire and Medical Station No. 4 found the training to be valuable and enlightening. (Hospice of the Valley/Submitted)

Firefighters struggle to make sense of their surroundings just as people with dementia do. (Hospice of the

�� HOSPICE oftheVALLEY

Advanced illness care

Dementia Care and Education Campus

Hospice care

24/7 Nursing support

No one is turned away regardless of insurance or financial means

Hospice of the Valley Offers Caregiver Support

Memory Cafe

In-Person Support

Mondays 10-11 :1 S a.m.

Dementia Care and Education Campus

3811 N. 44th St., Phoenix

Offered at no charge

To register or for more information: (602) 767-8300 or MemoryCafe@hov.org

Care Partner Support

Mindful Connections

Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m.

Support Groups

Wednesdays from Noon-1 p.m.

Offered at no charge

Class and Zoom information: hov.org/support-groups

In-Person Classes

Open to the community

Thursdays from 10-11 a.m.

Offered at no charge

Different topics each week

(602) 767-8300 or info@dementiacampus.org

Questions? Call (602) 767-8300 or email info@dementiacampus.org

Benevilla is here to help

BY JAY LICKUS Benevilla Director of Marketing

Agroup of family caregivers meets at a local church in Sun City to share thoughts, feelings and experiences and cultivate a feeling of support, encouragement and inspiration from each other.

On Tuesdays, this group of caregivers, neighbors and friends comes together, not because it must but because it wants to.

This specific group is for those who care for loved ones with various stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia is life altering for the person living with the disease and family and friends touched by it.

On this day, 13 members, both male and female, mostly older than 50, are attending this support group because they are the primary caregiver of their husbands, wives or a parent. Within this informal and compassionate meet-

ing, many life experiences, difficulties and pieces of advice are shared among the tight-knit group.

Support groups help members feel less lonely and isolated in their circumstances. It also helps gives members a sense of empowerment and helps them feel more control over their situation. A support group often is a source of information about new treatment or therapeutic options. Support groups help reduce anxiety and the chances of clinical depression. The goal is to learn, feel more connected and provide a higher quality of life.

Benevilla knows taking care of someone can be difficult. In fact, studies show over 30% of caregivers will pass away before the person they are caring for.

“The stress of caregiving can take a significant toll on one’s health,” said Joanne Thomson, Benevilla president and chief executive officer.

“The reason Benevilla offers these free support groups is to provide people on this journey a reassuring circle

of friends who can relate to the daily ups and downs of caregiving.”

Benevilla offers seven support groups dealing with memory, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and grief and

bereavement that meet weekly or biweekly. For more information, call the Benevilla C.A.R.E.S. Department at 623-526-4404 or visit benevilla.org/ community-resources.

Taking care of someone can be difficult. Support groups offer friends who can relate to your daily ups and downs and professionals who offer information and assistance.

Benevilla support groups provide opportunities for caregivers to learn more ways to provide care for their loved one while receiving encouragement and support from other group members.

Benevilla offers a variety of free caregiver support groups for the community. (Benevilla/ Submitted)

Protecting your health during stressful times

BY JOHN HECKENLAIBLE Glendale Community College

Stress. We all get it, some of us more than others, but it’s how we handle it that matters. During times like these, our stress levels are even higher, through the roof for some.

What are the most efficient ways to deal with stress? The Fitness Center at Glendale Community College believes that exercise and nutrition can benefit you tremendously.

Exercise has been proven to increase endorphins, the hormones that give us sensations of happiness. Not only does exercise brighten our mood, but it can also improve our self-confidence as well as lower symptoms of anxiety and depression. Any type of exercise — cardiovascular, resistance or yoga/ relaxation — can help. Remember to start slowly when beginning any new exercise program.

Another technique to help reduce stress is to have a diet that includes

nutrient-rich foods such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meats

or meat alternatives, and low-fat milk or milk alternatives. Foods that

are packed with vitamins and minerals will give you sufficient energy throughout the day. Eating healthier can also improve your immune system, reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

Combining exercise and nutrition will give you more of an advantage in combating high levels of stress. Take small steps by adding these tips to your everyday routine for a happier and healthier lifestyle. For more free tips and techniques, you can always follow GCC Fitness Centers’ Facebook page or subscribe to its YouTube channel.

Glendale Community College was founded in 1965 to serve the northwestern part of the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. The college has two campuses at 6000 W. Olive Avenue, Glendale, and 5727 W. Happy Valley Road, Phoenix. Combined enrollment is approximately 26,000 students annually.

Glendale Community College Fitness Center is open to the public. (Glendale Community College/Submitted)

Airman & Family Readiness Center is never the wrong place

BY AIRMAN & FAMILY READINESS CENTER

Active-duty members and their spouses who are expecting a baby, or new mothers assigned to an Air Force installation, are encouraged to contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center to sign up for a Bundles for Babies/Kids Ride Safe class.

Parents can receive a free car seat and learn about proper installation in their vehicle, parenting skills and finances; meet other expectant parents; and receive a bundle of supplies. That includes a large, canvas tote bag with AFAS logo, thermal receiving blanket, hooded towel and washcloth, white knit crib sheet, printed knit crib sheet, three-pack sleep-n-play, five-pack onesies, two pairs of booties, two bibs and three burp cloths.

Classes are open to all ranks and are not limited to a first pregnancy.

The transition from singlehood to married life is tough, and marrying a military member can pose its own unique challenges. Heart Link is a program designed to familiarize civilian

spouses with the military and alleviate some of these issues.

From military protocol to traditions and lingo, Heart Link teaches civilian spouses what their military counter-

parts deal with daily. Spouses are introduced to the military community. They have an important role to play: keeping up the home front while their spouses are deployed and being a source of support for the airmen.

Heart Link, which is geared toward newlyweds, is designed to help connect military members with their spouses. By integrating spouses into the military, it helps to enhance mission readiness. Participants learn about military protocol and military and Air Force traditions including the role of coining and the Air Force song. Learning these things helps them understand military culture.

Military Family Life Consultants (MFLC) provides short-term, nonmedical counseling to service members and their families. MFLCs augment existing military support programs worldwide. Through the MFLC Program, li-

censed clinical providers assist service members and their families with issues they may face through the cycle of deployment — from leaving their loved ones and possibly living and working in harm’s way to reintegrating with their community and family.

The MFLC program provides support for a range of individual and family issues. Psychoeducational presentations on reunion/reintegration, stress/ coping, grief/loss and deployment are provided to commands, Family Readiness Groups, Soldier Readiness Processing and other requested locations. MFLC support is also provided to the Child and Youth Program and specifically for the summer DoDEA/CYP summer enrichment program.

Support for these issues empowers individuals during the problem-solving process, increases individual and family competency and confidence in handling the stressors of military life, and ensures that issues do not impair operational readiness.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is designed to provide support to military family members with special needs. EFMP services include a variety of personnel, medical and family support functions. The Exceptional Family Member Program-Family Support (EFMP-FS) is a community support function provided by the Airman & Family Readiness Center that includes, but is not limited to, on- and off-base information and referral, parent training, support group, relocation assistance, financial management and school information.

For more information, call 623-8566550 or email 56fss.fsfr@luke.af.mil, or visit 7282 N. 137th Avenue, Building 1113, Luke AFB, AZ 85309.

Bundles for Babies/Kids Ride Safe class offers a free car seat so parents can learn about proper installation. (Airman & Family Readiness Center/Submitted)

Active living excites all at The Palazzo

BY THE PALAZZO SENIOR LIVING

Picture yourself stepping into a posh, luxurious resort complete with smiling faces, ample amenities and eye-catching, Tuscan-style architecture. This is precisely what you’ll find at The Palazzo Senior Living, a continuing care community offering independent and assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing.

The Palazzo welcomes residents as young as 55 and can accommodate couples who may have differing care needs, allowing you and your partner to live together in the same community while each receiving the assistance you need.

While the quality of care provided is superior, so too are the amenities, from a full-service salon, daily happy hour opportunities, a temperature-controlled wine cellar and 24-hour concierge services to chances to enjoy game nights, a heated pool and spa, and a gift shop. Other notable activities include water aerobics and exercise classes, live mu-

sical performances and other live entertainment, plus educational lectures and seminars. Residents of The Palazzo gain access to a revolving lineup of interactive and immersive programs and classes that foster community and encourage physical and mental fitness. Affordable, centrally located and ultra-modern, The Palazzo not only meets but exceeds expectations. Come see for yourself why so many are choosing to spend the best years of their lives at The Palazzo.

Physical exercise is an integral component of the extensive activity programming at The Palazzo. (The Palazzo/Submitted)

Medication management matters

BY AREA AGENCY ON AGING

Discussions about medication management are usually between an older adult, their doctor and pharmacist, or maybe a nurse who helps prepare a mediset.

When it comes to making changes to medications, understanding how they interact or what side effects there may be, these professionals are the experts. However, older adults have much more control over safe medication practices than they think.

Supported by a grant from the Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the Area Agency

on Aging, as a part of its licensed behavioral health program, ElderVention, promotes safe storage and disposal of medications through its RxMatters program.

“Storing medications properly so the wrong person doesn’t have access to them and properly disposing of medications no longer needed is just as important as taking the right medications,” said Heidi Donniaquo, Area Agency director of behavioral health.

To help, the agency has tools and resources that community members can access. These include special

bags that lock and keep medications secure; medication disposable envelopes that can be mailed in to be destroyed; and a list of local drop boxes where old, expired medications can be discarded.

Agency staff are also available to provide educational presentations in the community and a review of current medications with a pharmacist consultation can be offered through the HomeMeds program.

For more information, contact Heidi Donniaquo, director of behavioral health, at heidi.donniaquo@aaaphx. org or 602-241-4724.

Diabetes awareness saves lives and limbs

BY COMPREHENSIVE INTERVENTIONAL CARE

Living with diabetes can be scary. One of the biggest fears is the threat of losing a leg. Diabetes is responsible for someone losing a limb every three minutes in the United States.

“There is no reason for so many diabetics to suffer an amputation,” said Dr. Joel Rainwater, chief medical officer of CiC. “Medical studies prove that up to 85% of diabetes-related amputations can be prevented.”

Diabetes is linked to two conditions that increase the risk of amputation: peripheral artery disease (PAD), sometimes referred to as poor circulation, and diabetic neuropathy.

“When people hear neuropathy or poor circulation, they recognize the terms and think they know about it,” said Dr. Kerry Zang, CiC Foot & Ankle’s podiatric medical director.

“But what they don’t understand is how serious these conditions are and that they are what leads to amputation.”

PAD occurs when a buildup of plaque limits blood flow.

“Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet, which they need to stay healthy,” Zang explained.

“When your feet aren’t getting an ade-

quate supply, they start sending signals.”

Those signals include pain, tingling, numbness, cramping, or a sore that never gets better. A nonhealing wound is one of the most concerning issues, leading to possible amputation.

Living with diabetes puts you at increased risk.

“High blood sugar and inflammation related to diabetes attacks your blood vessels and causes them to block with plaque,” Rainwater said.

When this happens, your feet may feel cold, your legs may cramp during even a short walk, and a cut or blister just won’t heal.

If the signs are overlooked, or they are not diagnosed properly, they will continue to progress.

“This serious condition must be identified by diabetic caregivers, because minimally invasive treatment can be lifesaving,” Rainwater said. “If you get an amputation because you have PAD, your life expectancy is worse than if you had breast cancer or lymphoma. PAD is no joke.”

Early recognition and proper attention matter. “Without treatment, it will just get worse,” Zang said. “When you identify it and treat it, it’s possible to reverse it.”

Lifestyle changes, medication and minimally invasive procedures can

help prevent PAD from progressing to dangerous consequences.

“Fortunately, this is something that we can fix,” Rainwater said.

Using tiny tools and real-time imaging, endovascular specialists like Rainwater are able to go into the bloodstream to access the blocked arteries, clear plaque away and restore normal blood flow. This reestablishes the oxygen and nutrient supply so healing can begin.

Patients can resume everyday living with almost no downtime and no overnight hospital stay. Medicare and most insurance plans cover the treatment.

Knowing why diabetes puts you at risk, recognizing the symptoms and taking action helps you protect yourself. Diagnosing and treating PAD can mean the difference between saving or losing a limb and, in some cases, saving a life.

Heidi Donniaquo, LCSW, is Area Agency on Aging’s director of behavioral health. (Area Agency on Aging/Submitted)

Knowing why diabetes puts you at risk, recognizing the symptoms and taking action helps you protect yourself. (Stock image)

Help for Chronic Foot Pain

Chronic foot or ankle pain interferes with active lifestyles, limiting mobility and independence. It makes even the most basic activities, like going to the market or walking the dog difficult. “I hate to hear that foot pain is keeping someone from their everyday activities,” says Dr. Kerry Zang of CiC Foot & Ankle. “It doesn’t matter if you are suffering from arthritis, an old injury, plantar fasciitis, really any type of foot pain, there are new therapies to help repair and restore tissue, ligaments and joints.”

Until recently, anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections, like cortisone offered the best chance for relief. But, these options just reduced the symptoms. They did nothing to treat the problem actually causing the pain. “While cortisone stops the swelling and pain, it can also interfere with the healing process and further degeneration can occur,” explains Zang.

“Now, instead of just making the symptoms go away, we can deal with the underlying problem that is causing the pain. With regenerative medicine, we can help the body initiate its own healing response,” says Zang.

This form of treatment stimulates the body’s own natural healing process to repair chronically damaged tissue. “If a degenerative process has started, sometimes the body needs a little boost to encourage the regenerative process.” says Zang. “Regenerative medicine does that.”

“Don’t wait to get help. Delaying care can put you at risk for further damage,” says Zang. “However, if you have put off treatment, it’s not too late. Medicine is constantly changing, and you should never lose hope.”

Dr. Kerry Zang, DPM can be reached at CiC Foot & Ankle, 602-954-0777.

Pain, Burning, Numbness, Cramping

Your feet are crying out for help! It’s time to listen.

Does foot pain keep you from your favorite activities?

Do you have pain in the ball of your foot, heel or ankle?

Do you have uncomfortable aching, fatigue, cramping in your feet or calves when walking?

Is your neuropathy treatment not working?

Do your feet hurt when at rest?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions it’s time to call for HELP!

Young Diamondbacks determined to end postseason drought

BY DANIEL MACHAJ Cronkite News

Let’s face it: The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a rough decade, especially in recent years. The team has one postseason appearance in 10 years, and that ended with a decisive defeat to the eventual league champion Dodgers. The last time they won a playoff series was in 2007, before they were swept by Colorado in the NLCS.

That said, hope may be on the horizon.

The Diamondbacks organization has one of the best groups of young players making their way to the big leagues and is currently ranked as the fifth-best farm system in the majors. In fact, Arizona ranked top 10 in farm systems in each of the last five polls, including during the preseason and midseason.

The Diamondbacks need to meet many goals, and the biggest among them has to be ending their current postseason drought. High hopes began to build to start the 2022 season, as Alek Thomas made his major league debut back in early May.

“You don’t know how good you are until, you know, you play here,” Thomas said.

The rookie outfielder got off to a strong start, impressing fans with his standout defense and showing off his aggressive bat. A Chicago product out of Mount Carmel High School, Thomas is one of many young Diamondbacks who played ball at a top baseball high school in the country. He committed to Texas Christian to play baseball and football before choosing to go straight to pro ball and swiftly earned his way into the majors.

Another piece of a potentially great outfield core is Jake McCarthy. He debuted late last season, putting up average rookie numbers, and has quietly improved his batting average from .220 to .283 at the end of his first full season this year. Tak-

ing more at-bats this year, McCarthy has taken full advantage of the opportunity to become a solid big leaguer. He touched on his burst of success late in the season.

“A little more experience, a little more at-bats under my belt — I wouldn’t say there’s a glaring change in my game, just understanding that I’m capable of playing at this level,” McCarthy said.

There is plenty of excitement about the current young Diamondback big leaguers, but perhaps no one is attracting more attention than outfielder phenom Druw Jones. Jones was just recently selected second overall in the 2022 MLB June Amateur Draft and is ranked 12th overall on MLB’s 2022 top prospect list.

He is expected to have a smooth and speedy experience through the minors before joining the bigs and following in the footsteps of his father (Andruw Jones), who won 10 Gold Gloves

and earned five All-Star appearances during his 17-year career.

In high school, Jones led Wesleyan School to a Georgia state title while taking home the Georgia Player of the Year award. He committed to Vanderbilt as a sophomore, but he blossomed quickly in the next two seasons and earned an $8,189,400 signing bonus. The third-highest bonus in MLB Draft history, the decision was easy.

The Diamondbacks see Jones as a great combination of power and speed with his 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame. They see him as the final puzzle piece to complete this young and highly skilled outfield core.

The outfield seems to be covered from a scouting standpoint, but reinforcements are needed for the rest of the field and the pitching staff. It’s difficult — and that’s putting it lightly — to have a playoff caliber ball club with-

out good pitching. So while the new guys gain experience in their first few seasons, it’s a great time to let them develop and acquire better pitching.

The Diamondbacks ended the season with the eighth-worst team ERA in the majors — an improvement from ending the 2021 season with the second-worst mark. If it wasn’t for Zac Gallen’s excellent 2.54 ERA, they would certainly be closer to the bottom of that list.

So, how long will it take for the Diamondbacks to get back to the postseason?

Well, it’s a bit more realistic with the new 12-team playoff format, but the organization will have to make some serious moves and acquisitions to end the drought.

And behind a plethora of young talent, big things could be on the horizon.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

Diamondbacks rookie Alek Thomas got off to a strong start, impressing fans with his defensive chops and aggressive bat. (MLB.com/Submitted)

Ball rolls in favor of Peoria in game versus Cactus

BY JOE MCHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

For the first time of the season, the Peoria High School and Cactus High School boys basketball teams squared off in a region matchup featuring two of the state’s top 20 teams.

The Cobras were sporting a 14-1 record, coming into the game fresh off a heartbreaking loss on a last second three-pointer against Phoenix Thunderbird. The Panthers were listening to a similar tune, having dropped their last two games to Phoenix Sunnyslope and ALA Gilbert North.

Both teams were looking to bounce back in Jan. 11’s contest.

“They’ll be ready,” Cactus head coach Dirk Walker said prior to the game. “Their minds have been right, they’re focused and ready to go. It’s just a matter of relaxing and not coming out too emotional and too tight and tense in this type of game, especially against your rival.”

“We are very locked in,” Peoria head coach Patrick Battillo said of his team. “One, coming off a loss added a whole other layer to it. It’s going to be a very hostile environment as expected. Our energy levels are going to be high, but it is a very focused weekend and week of practice as we head into (the game). So, I’m excited to see us execute that game plan and go out there and play very hard and compete and get a victory.”

The hostile environment Batillo expected was out to play, as the stadium was full of supporters from both teams.

The elephant in the room, literally, for Peoria, was how to game plan against its adversary’s best player, Cactus forward Bradey Henige. The seven-footer has been dominant this season, averaging 33 points and 27 rebounds per tilt.

Battillo said his team had a plan, though.

“Brady’s talented, extremely talented,” Battillo said. “We see him in region play, we saw him this summer as well, so we have a pretty solid game plan of how we’re going to approach Cactus on the offensive end. And then

on the defensive end, the work that we’re going to put in towards not just Brady but the team to limit their opportunities.”

Cactus was in for a stroke of luck, too, as Peoria guard Andrew Camacho was out with a hand injury, leaving nearly 30 points and 4 steals per game on the bench. This forced the Cobras to game plan against the Panthers’ other threats on offense, like forward Calvin Windley, and guards Caden Bass and Chris Brookins.

“(We hope) they are off,” Walker said about their game plan. “They have a lot of weapons. It’s tough to just focus on one, because they can hurt you in so many areas. So, it’s got to be sound defensively, communicating well, rotating well, and making sure we are contesting shots, as well as being able to guard the dribble.”

Come tip-off time, it was all Peoria.

The Panthers jumped out to a quick 10-0 lead in the first quarter, stymieing Henige and the Cobras’ offensive front. The momentum carried into the halfway point of the second quarter, as

Peoria held a 22-10 lead.

After some back-and-forth scoring, Cactus narrowed the Peoria lead to just seven points. The first half ended in a 35-28 score in favor of Peoria.

“Guys hit shots that we wanted to make shoot, and a couple banked in threes for them,” Walker said. “And execution, we just didn't execute like we should. We turned the ball over way too much, 14 turnovers in the first half.”

Come the second half, Cactus was faced with a glaring problem — Henige had already racked up four fouls, which forced him to come out of the game, which led to plenty of Panther scoring to capitalize, specifically from Windley.

“I was really confident,” Windley said. “So when I get to steal or like when a guard Bradey, you know, brings the confidence to a high level, because he’s also a seven-footer and I could open my ways to better things and guard one through five.”

Windley’s confidence carried through the rest of teammates, as the Panthers increased their lead to as high as 20 points on the backs of him, Bass and

Brookins, and Peoria wound up cruising to a victory.

The 84-63 scoreline was a statement victory for the Panthers.

“From a coaching perspective, again, I always talk about it’s a blessing of adversity,” Battillo said. “We can capitalize from that, or fold. And they’re accepting the challenge and we’re not folding, and so now we just have to continue to build upon that, which is only going to make us stronger.”

“Credit to Peoria,” Walker said following the loss. “Obviously we knew they were going to pressure, but a lot of it was our own mistakes. Just forcing things when they weren’t there and making poor decisions, but all credit to Peoria they played really well. They hit shots that we wanted them to hit, and they knocked them in so a lot of credit for it.”

The two West Valley heavyweights aren’t done seeing each other yet this season, as the two will again share the court at Peoria High School on Tuesday, Jan. 24. PT

Peoria sophomore guard Caden Bass (24) drives against Cactus junior guard Jacob Minniefield (24). (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

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Steven Page is embracing the BNL catalog

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor

Former Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page knows how to take care of his fans.

Since the start of the pandemic, Page has performed more than 90 “Live from Home” livestream shows with different sets each time.

“I owe it to them to play surprising stuff every time,” Page said via Zoom.

“So, I’ve done every song I’ve ever written — and maybe songs I was embarrassed by — at least once now over the course of this. When you look back on diary entries you made when you were a teenager, you can’t help but be a little bit embarrassed about that. My songs are essentially that.

“In the livestreams, I’ve been playing Barenaked Ladies songs I didn’t write or sing, like ‘Pinch Me.’ It’s been fun. It’s not the kind of thing I would do every day at the in-person shows, but it allowed me to have a new relationship with all of the Barenaked Ladies material as well as my solo stuff. I’m feeling a lot less precious about it.”

BNL singer Ed Robertson lends his vocals to “Pinch Me.”

Page will perform BNL and solo songs during a gig at the Musical Instrument Museum on Sunday, Jan. 22. He’ll be joined by Craig Northey from The Odds on guitar and Kevin Fox on cello.

“We’ve been doing it in this format for, I’d say, almost seven years now,” Page said. “And we play everything from the first Barenaked Ladies album all the way to the most recent record — and we have so much fun doing it. I think the audience gets that as well. We just really enjoy being around each other, traveling with each other and playing with each

other.”

Page said he constantly reminds himself how lucky he is to still be playing music as post-pandemic competition is fierce.

“It’s hard out there,” Page said. “Everybody in the world is out on the road right now. So, you’re competing with your peers everywhere you go, which is a strange feeling.”

Sometimes, it just comes down to compromise.

“Recently, we did a show in a venue directly next door to a venue (in St. Louis) where Guster was playing,” Page said.

“We have fans in common and that seemed very unfair. So, we decided we would trade encores. So, we ran across the alley, and they played for our audience and we played a song for their audience. Trying to coordinate the timing was a little awkward, but we just texted as we shuffled through the shows.”

Page is touring in support of his lat-

est album, “Excelsior,” his first solo record since 2018. The collection’s 11 tracks were composed and produced entirely by Page, who co-founded Barenaked Ladies before departing on a solo career in 2009.

The lion’s share of “Excelsior” was “workshopped” on the “Live from Home” virtual concert series Page has been conducting via Zoom since 2020 from his home near Syracuse, New York.

“I kept thinking I could make this thing happen by traveling up to Canada and recording it, which I couldn’t do,” he said about the pandemic.

“So, I ended up just doing almost all that myself, apart from some of the drums and the strings that Kevin Fox played. I’ve never really done a record like that where it’s all me. It feels very exposed and it’s the first album I’ve done where they’re all sole compositions, meaning I haven’t co-written with anybody else. I was proud of it at the very end of it, but I was very nervous about it the whole time making it.”

Page’s songs are personal and thus sometimes difficult to write and perform.

“I’ve been put in a position — partially by me — where I had to be honest about things like my mental health struggles,” he said. “I’ve been doing public speaking about it and writing songs about it for years. But when I was younger, I was writing songs about it, and I think being slightly coy about the whole thing.

“But then I could no longer afford to be coy about it. I realized I was getting such feedback from people about how helpful or liberating or comforting it was for them (fans) to hear somebody else sharing similar

Former Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page is touring in support of his latest album, “Excelsior.” (David Bergman/Contributor)

Steven Page’s trio will perform at The Troubadour on Thursday, Jan. 19.

(Robert Georgeff/Contributor)

experiences and similar struggles. And after doing that, I got less afraid of being honest about the emotional journey.”

His music and lyrics have impacted fans since the early days. Case in point: the BNL song “Brian Wilson, which Page calls “one of the earliest songs I ever wrote when I was about 19.”

“I wasn’t diagnosed with anything then,” he said about his mental health state. “It’s a real gift to the middle-aged Steven to kind of see what young Steven was willing to explore. At the end of the day, that was a song about the power of music.”

Songs like “Brian Wilson” are comforting and make listeners feel like

they’re not so alone, he said.

“With mental health struggles, you feel like you’re the only person who feels that way,” he said.

“Even if you rationally know you’re not in that moment, there’s a feeling of loneliness and isolation and music can create companionship that doesn’t pander.”

Recently, Page opened for The Who on the East Coast leg of the classic rock band’s jaunt. Most of the set featured familiar Barenaked Ladies songs, but fans will hear more from “Excelsior” at the MIM.

“We had about 40 minutes in front of 20,000 people,” he recalled. “I don’t need to go out there and play them my new stuff. I think I needed to go out there and remind them who I am in case they didn’t recognize it.

Now, we can settle into playing the hits plus digging into the back catalog and learning some of the new stuff and just feeling like it’s a little bit more freeform.”

Like The Troubadour or the Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton, Michigan, Page is focused on playing venues that are serious about music. They tend to work best, he said.

“I mean, we can play anywhere,” he is quick to add.

“I’m happy to play anywhere people want to come to see us. I’m not finicky about that anymore. If it happens to be a black box or a rock ’n’ roll bar, that’s fine. I do want the audience to be comfortable. Honestly, my audience is not as young as we once were.

“The romance of standing in the back all night wears off pretty quick-

ly. I spent 30 years of my life in those rooms. I’m comfortable in them but I’m not that nostalgic about it. I want everybody to feel like they have a comfortable place to enjoy the show. If the venue is a little bit stuffy, we always say people will remember, from seeing me 30 years ago, that that spirit of blowing up the stuffiness will always be there.” PT

IF YOU GO...

Steven Page

WHEN: 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22

WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $38.50

INFO: 480-478-6000, mim.org

A celebration highlighting this community’s award-winning SPARK™ program and unique approach to caring for seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

JOIN THE AUBERGE AT PEORIA

JOIN THE AUBERGE AT PEORIA

Grand Opening

Grand Opening

8 PM

Guests are invited to view this freshly remodeled memory care community. Appetizers and drinks will be curated by the Auberge’s Head Chef. Plus, enjoy big-band era music, a champagne tower, and a photo booth.

A celebration highlighting this community’s award-winning SPARK™ program and unique approach to caring for seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

A celebration highlighting this community’s award-winning SPARK™ program and unique approach to caring for seniors who are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Guests are invited to view this freshly remodeled memory care community. Appetizers and drinks will be curated by the Auberge’s Head Chef. Plus, enjoy big-band era music, a champagne tower, and a photo booth.

Guests are invited to view this freshly remodeled memory care community. Appetizers and drinks will be curated by the Auberge’s Head Chef. Plus, enjoy big-band era music, a champagne tower, and a photo booth.

Apartment availability is limited; take advantage of an event-only special! If you like an apartment, simply leave a deposit at the event and receive a $1000.00 rent credit per month starting in February.

Apartment availability is limited; take advantage of an event-only special! If you like an apartment, simply leave a deposit at the event and receive a $1000.00 rent credit per month starting in February.

Apartment availability is limited; take advantage of an event-only special! If you like an apartment, simply leave a deposit at the event and receive a $1000.00 rent credit per month starting in February.

RSVP • (623) 977-1431

RSVP • (623) 977-1431

JANUARY 19 • 6 - 8 PM 13391 N 94th Dr. Peoria, AZ 85381

The Peoria Times publishes on Thursday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue. Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Times’ coverage area, which is Peoria. Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Thursday to be considered for the following Thursday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@timeslocalmedia.com.

Sew Smart Sewing Club

WEDNESDAYS

Join the sewing club on Wednesdays for fun, laughter and sewing. Participants are invited to use the library’s machines or bring their own. Experienced adults 18 and older are invited.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free,

peoriaaz.gov

Live Music at Winery 101 Peoria

THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS

Winery 101 Peoria pairs vino with live music this month. Anyone is welcome to join, and reservations are

not required. From 5 to 7 p.m., wine by the glass is $1 off, and bottles are 10% off during the live music performances. Tastings will not be available during the live music. Winery 101 Peoria, 9299 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 101, Peoria, 5 p.m., free, winery101.com

Momma’s Organic Market

SATURDAYS

Featuring food trucks, local artisans and fresh produce, this weekly farmers market gives locals the chance to shop local and shop fresh. Taking place near Dillard’s, new vendors grace this event weekly. Admission is free, and furry friends are allowed if they’re on a leash. Cash and cards are accepted as methods of payment, and the market runs from 8 to 11 a.m. Arrowhead Towne Center, 7780 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, 8 a.m., free,

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A cardiac or vascular condition can have serious implications for your health and, if untreated, may lead to disability, or even premature death. Stay on top of your heart health by having regular heart check ups and seeking medical attention when you experience new symptoms. Give us a call today – our team is here to help you at every step of your heart health journey.

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Crazy Times with Madame Patchouli

JAN. 19

Every week, enjoy songs, stories and crafts with the eccentric and beloved Madame Patchouli. Tickets for Crazy Times will be handed out the morning of the program. Tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria, free, 10:15 to 10:45 a.m., peoriaaz.gov

Tech Tips Classes Part 1: Overview

JAN. 19

With the world changing so fast and technology becoming more important than ever, it’s important to get active online and discover how to use the services there. This class

SEE CALENDAR PAGE 23

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

ANSWERS PAGE 25

covers Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Youtube and Pinterest, as well as how to set up and manage accounts for these sites. Bring logins and passwords for sites already signed up for.

Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria, free, 2 to 3 p.m., peoriaaz.gov

Ask a Master Gardener

JAN. 21

Have questions about your garden? Volunteers from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County will be available to answer questions for the public regarding plant selection, irrigation, fertilization, pruning techniques, pest management and problem diagnosis, among other topics. Those who are interested may bring insect specimens for advice and identification.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers di er from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

The Arizona Highwaymen

JAN. 23

Enjoy a night of music from the discography of some of America’s greatest musicians. In the roster will be legendary country songs made by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, check website for ticket prices and times, azbroadway.org

Peoria City Council Meeting

JAN. 24

Take an interest in local politics and come to the Peoria City Council meeting to discuss the future of the city. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for additional information. Council Chamber, 8401 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 6 to 8 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Neighborhood Meeting: Cibola Vista Self Storage

JAN. 25

Peoria needs able minded citizens to voice their opinion on local matters. An applicant has proposed a three story building with a seam-metal roof for a self-storage facility on Lake Pleasant Parkway. Come discuss the matter and voice valuable thoughts on bettering the community. Westwing Mountain Ranch Community Center, 20778 N. High Desert Drive, Peoria, 6 p.m., free, robert.kuhfuss@peoriaaz.gov

Afternoon Adventures at the Peoria Main Library

JAN. 26

Elementary kids looking for something to do after school are invited to come to the library for a wide variety of fun activities every Monday and Thursday. Lego-building challenges, crafts, board games and card games, and much more are all intended to help foster the creativity of students. Call for more information on specific activities and which will be done on a specific day.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, free, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., 623-773-7578, peoriaaz. gov

Nerf War

JAN. 27

Teenagers from 12 to 17 are encouraged to come by the library and take part in the generations-old game of foam-based military might. Bring your Nerf weapons to the library and take place in the battle for the ages. All teens must have a signed permission slip from their parents and turn it into the main desk by Jan. 25.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 5 to 7 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov PT

When a handout becomes a hand up

CHURCHCOMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph

Peoria Times Columnist

here do you want to go today? Microsoft uses that slogan to convince you that you can head in any direction you please with their software. But Earl Nightingale, one of the great motivational speakers, said it better. “Imagine that you are the captain of a great ocean-going vessel,” he suggests. “Before even leaving the harbor, you lay out plans for your voyage. Using

maps, choose a destination, then employ your navigational skills to arrive safely.”

“Without a chosen destination and a map to help you arrive,” he continues, “you are akin to a ship without a rudder. If you leave the harbor, you'll probably be a derelict on some deserted beach.” In other words, if you don’t know where you’re going, you’re bound to get there.

WEpictetus wrote these wise questions we must ask ourselves long ago. “Who exactly do you want to be? What kind of person do you want to be? What are your ideals? Whom do you admire? What are their special traits that you would make your own? It’s time to stop being vague. If you wish to be extraordinary and wise, then you should explicitly identify the

kind of person you aspire to become.”

Let’s improve our life journey today with some wisdom. On your journey to where you would like to go, you will be offered many “handouts” from people who want to take you to where they want to go. They have a plan for your life. My caution for today is to choose wisely the hands you hold. There are helping hands and harmful hands, at least for where you desire to go. Be wary of hands with “handouts” wanting to pull you away from where you want to go.

Here are some life-changing thoughts about hands I found on the internet.

“A basketball in my hands is worth about $19. A basketball in Michael Jordan’s hands was worth about $33 mil-

lion. It depends on whose hands it’s in. A football in my hands is worth about $16. A football in Tom Brady’s hands is worth $29 million. It depends on whose hands it’s in. A tennis racket is useless in my hands. A tennis racket in Serena William’s hands is a Wimbledon Championship. It depends on whose hands it’s in.

“A rod in my hands will keep away wild animals. A rod in Moses’ hands will part a mighty sea. It depends on whose hands it’s in. A slingshot in my hands is a kid’s toy. A slingshot in David’s hand is a mighty weapon. It depends on whose hands it’s in. Two fish and five loaves of bread in my hands are a couple of fish sandwiches.

Two fish and five loaves of bread in the hands of Jesus will feed thousands. It depends on whose hands it’s in.

“Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse. Nails in Jesus Christ’s hands have salvation for the entire world. It depends on whose hands it's in.” Get the message?

These days many people and things are holding their hands out to us. We often give them our hand because we are impatient or feel impotent about what is happening in today’s world. So many are in a crisis or so lost that they will grab onto any hand. But, in the long term, a human-based “handout” creating co-dependence is not generally a “hand up,” no matter the reason.

After 49 years of walking with the

Lord, I have seen the results of making decisions and acting without God's guidance. I’ve also seen the results when I have allowed God’s word to guide me. Acting without holding God’s hand means I’m not holding any hand at all. It could also mean that I’m holding someone or something else’s hand, leading me away from where I want to go. Either way, the results are the same, generally not good, and certainly not God’s best for me. I’ve also learned that when I don’t get God’s best, it negatively affects my family, friends and legacy.

Psalm 16 reflects David’s conflict and the resolution about whose hands to hold. “Keep me safe, O God. I’ve run for dear life to you. My choice is you, God, first and only. And now I find I’m your choice. The wise counsel God

gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, radiant from the shining of your face. I’ve been on the right path since you took my hand.”

Like David, when you put your concerns, worries, fears, hopes, dreams, family and relationships in God’s hands, you’re on the right path. Amid our confusion, a “handout” to God is a hand up to guidance and elevation.

Here’s my advice. It’s from an old song back when I was growing up. “Put your hand in the hand of the Man who stilled the water. Put your hand in the hand of the Man who calmed the sea. Take a look at yourself, and you will look at others differently. So, put

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your hand in the hand of the Man from Galilee.”

Remember, the life you desire depends on whose hand you are holding. Hmm, I think I heard that old song, “I want to hold your hand!” PT

Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. He has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. He may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com. For more info, see nationstrategy.com.

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Girl Scouts unveil cookie season dates

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Each year, Girl Scouts in Arizona participate in the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program. This year, the Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council season is longer — seven weeks — from Monday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, March 5.

“As in years past, all the Girl Scout Cookies’ proceeds stay local to help girls fund impactful projects to benefit the community; embark on amazing girl-led troop adventures; provide programs in STEM, the outdoors, life skills and entrepreneurship; maintain and improve four camp properties; and provide financial assistance that keeps Girl Scouting available and affordable for all girls,” said Mary Mitchell, co-CEO of Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.

More than 7,000 girls grades K-12 in over 90 communities across Central and Northern Arizona will take part in

the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Season.

“We extended our cookie season by one week to support girls interested in selling our new, limited-edition raspberry rally cookie, as Feb. 27 is the earliest date the flavor will be available for shipping from our baker. Now our community has more time to support girls and stock up on their favorite cookie flavors,” said Christina Spicer, the council’s co-CEO.

To add to the anticipation of the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Season, Girl Scouts is excited to welcome Planet Oatmilk as a national sponsor of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Planet Oat Oatmilk is free from dairy, gluten, soy and peanuts, and pairs with the entire cookie lineup. Girl Scouts champion millions of girls as they learn, grow and thrive through adventure, and Planet Oat is proud to support these efforts as a national sponsor of the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

In addition to the extended sale dates and the national partnership, here is a

snapshot of everything as it relates to the 2023 cookie season across Central and Northern Arizona, including the new digital-only cookie, the return of the Bring Home the Cookies 5K, the Devin Booker Girl Scout Bus and Cookie CEO Fast Pitch.

Girl Scouts-Arizona

Cactus-Pine Council cookie lineup

Visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookiefinder and use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder to find a cookie booth near you. Enter a ZIP code and choose from a list of locations nearby.

Adventurefuls: Brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt. $5

Lemon-ups: Crispy lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages. $5

Thin mints: Mint flavored with a deli-

cious chocolaty coating. Vegan. $5

Tagalongs: Layers of peanut butter with a rich, chocolaty coating. $5

Samoas: Caramel and toasted coconut-covered cookies. $5

Trefoils: Iconic and delicious shortbread cookies. $5

Do-si-dos: Crisp and crunchy oatmeal outside and creamy peanut butter inside. $5

Girl Scout s’mores: Crunchy graham sandwich cookies with creamy chocolate and marshmallowy filling. $6

Toffee-tastics: Buttery (and gluten-free) cookies with sweet, crunchy golden toffee bits. $6

New raspberry rally: Thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in a delicious chocolaty coating. $5 (will be available through digital sales only, and only from Feb. 27 to Mar. 5, while supplies last)

The council and Girl Scouts of the USA’s new raspberry rally is a thin, crispy cookie infused with raspberry flavor and dipped in a chocolate coating. This cookie will only be sold online from Monday, Feb. 27, to Sunday, March 5, while supplies last.

Digital cookie

Through the Digital Cookie platform, which Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council has utilized since 2016 in addition to traditional booths, girls build a custom website so they can invite friends and family to purchase cookies, with the option of having cookies delivered in person or

As always, various cookies will be available for purchase. (Submitted)

Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine co-CEO Mary Mitchell, left, said proceeds from cookie sales will help girl scouts embark on adventures, fund impactful projects and provide programs, among others. (Submitted)

Big Brothers Big Sisters seek male mentors

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona, along with chapters across Arizona, is leveraging National Mentoring Month to highlight the tremendous demand for male mentors across the state.

“Having a great role model in your life is remarkably powerful,” said Laura Capello, president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona.

shipped directly to their home. Girls can also use the Digital Cookie Mobile App to accept credit card payments on the go from customers. Digital cookie also introduces lessons about online marketing, application use and eCommerce to Girl Scouts, through building their own cookie website and managing their virtual sales.

New financial literacy badges

Girl Scouts’ newly updated financial literacy badges offer entrepreneurial playbooks for every age level. From the Cookie Goal Setter badge earned as a Daisy to the Entrepreneur Accelerator for girls in high school, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls financial literacy, planning, budgeting, teamwork, innovative thinking and confident decision making.

Local Cookie CEO Fast Pitch and new kickoff block party: Tuesday, Jan. 21

Valley CEOs are preparing Girl Scout entrepreneurs for a successful cookie season at the Cookie CEO Fast Pitch on Jan. 21. During this event, local CEOs/executives will guide Girl Scout Juniors, Seniors and Ambassadors and help sharpen their communication skills, sales pitches, and give them sound business advice and tips to unleash their inner CEO.

For the first time, after the Cookie CEO Fast Pitch, Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council join State

“As people are considering how to make positive changes in the new year, we are encouraging them to make the big resolution to get involved, better themselves and the life of a child. Recruiting volunteers is one of our top priorities and this is a great time for people to get involved.”

The organization launched the Be Bold Be Big recruitment campaign, designed to be laser-focused on the current need of male mentors, or Big

Brothers. While the organization encourages both female and male Bigs to sign up, the list for young boys waiting to be matched is considerable.

Throughout the month, Big Brothers Big Sisters will share the importance of mentoring and the tremendously positive impact it can have on the personal growth and development of young people. It will stress the need for males to step up for local youth now more than ever. The Be Bold Be Big campaign

Suns in their showdown against the Memphis Grizzlies. Beyond that, as the game comes to a close, dozens of Girl Scouts will take over the plaza outside Footprint Center to sell cookies as well as showcase their new Girl Scout Devin Booker Bus on the plaza. This year, the local Girl Scouts have created a custom patch to commemorate the partnership, which will also be unveiled during the event as well.

will include network television, local radio and digital media across Arizona.

The core model of the organization is focused on building bridges in communities by connecting one adult with one child and supporting that match at every stage. The organization focuses on a child’s potential, and the role of positive adults in helping children achieve their best possible futures.

For more information, visit bbbsaz.org/bebold or 602-264BIGS. PT

ies 5K Run/Walk: Saturday, Feb. 25

Girls Scouts will be selling cookies through Sunday, March 5. (Submitted)

Forty Eight for a block party at its Chandler location at 3245 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler. The free, public event is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features Girl Scout cookie booths as well as State Forty Eight products and deals, local entrepreneurs, food trucks and a DJ.

Local Girl Scout Cookie Night, Devin Booker Bus and Patch

Reveal with the Phoenix Suns: Wednesday, Jan. 22

On Jan. 22, hundreds of Girl Scouts will descend upon Footprint Center to collectively cheer on the Phoenix

“The minibus, made possible by a Devin Booker Starting Five grant, is used to transport girls to and from educational and character-building activities and experiences. Due to vandalism and theft of its prior vehicle, GSACPC had no way to transport girls to programs and events. The lack of transportation often meant that girls would not have an opportunity to participate in activities,” Mitchell said.

Local Mountainside

Fitness

National Cookie Weekend: Saturday, Feb. 18, and Sunday, Feb. 19

For the first time, Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council is teaming up with Mountainside Fitness. In addition to Girl Scouts boothing at several participating locations, after customers purchase cookies, they may take them inside to Mountainside’s MCafe and use them to make a shake.

Local: Bring Home the Cook-

Join Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council and State Forty Eight Foundation, for the second Bring Home the Cookies 5K Run/Walk on Feb. 25 at Westgate in Glendale. The family-friendly event, open to Girl Scout families, competitive runners, walkers and the community at large, will start and finish at Westgate and feature music, food and cookie booths. All registered participants will receive a Girl Scout goodie bag with a State Forty Eight branded 5K shirt, a package of Girl Scout Cookies and a medal.

To register for the 5K, visit girlscoutsaz.org/5k and for more information on the local Girl Scout Cookie Season, visit girlscoutsaz.org.

“Bring Home the Cookies 5K is a community celebration of all our incredible girls and their dedication, innovation and creativity. Girl Scouts are learning first-hand entrepreneurship and financial skills they will carry with them their entire life. We are honored to partner with State Forty Eight and State Forty Eight Foundation to celebrate Arizona’s entrepreneurs before the final week of cookie season,” Spicer said.

In addition to the race, the event will feature special appearances from local mascots. There will be a full-scale Runner’s Village, including more traditional vendors and cookie booths as well as local Girl Scout entrepreneurs, who will be exhibiting and selling their crafts and goods. PT

GIRL SCOUTS FROM PAGE 26

PUBLIC NOTICES

a public hearing on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. in the Peoria City Council Chambers, 8401 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, Arizona 85345.

Further information related to these requests or the Public Hearings may be obtained from the Planning Division of the Planning & Community Development Department, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, Arizona 85345, or by calling the Planning Division at 623-773-7200.

Agenda items:

McCoy Business Park: Annexation (ANX22-01)

Discussion of a proposed annexation of approximately 19.1 acres of private property located north and west of the corner of 75th Avenue and Northern Avenue. The property is more accurately described as Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 142-23-014B.

Published in the Peoria Times, Jan 19, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

Lifeline/Public Notice 2023

MTE Communications is a quality telecommunications service provider who provides basic and enhanced services within its service territory. Basic services are offered at the following rates:

PUBLIC NOTICES

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION MIDVALE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE, INC. P.O. BOX 7

2205 KEITHLEY CREEK RD MIDVALE, ID 83645 2023

Midvale Telephone Exchange, Inc. is the recipient of Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at: (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint filing cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632- 9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; Fax: (202) 690-7442; or Email: program.intake@usda.gov

"USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider, Employer and Lender"

"Employee Owned, Community Focused, Customer Centered" MTE Communications is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Published in the Peoria Times, Jan 19, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSALS FOR FY 2023-2024

On January 3, 2023, the City began accepting proposals for the use of HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and General Fund Not-for-Profit grants for the July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 funding cycle. The City anticipates receiving CDBG funds of approximately $853,197 and a HOME Program allocation of approximately $275,546. The exact allocations will not be determined until finalized by the Federal Government. The City also anticipates General Fund monies of $196,500 to be available. The proposal submission deadline for agencies who wish to utilize these funds is January 23, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Funds are anticipated to be available in July 2023, for General Fund programs and October 2023, for Federal programs.

All applicants are required to submit proposals utilizing ZoomGrants, an online, cloud-based system.

Applicants interested in applying for grant funding must register with ZoomGrants in order to obtain a login and access to the City’s grant applications. A link to ZoomGrants and the applications is available on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/notforprofitgrants

Additional information may be obtained by writing to:

City of Peoria

Attn: Community Assistance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue

Peoria, Arizona 85345

Or by written e-mail to: communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE FOR BID *** MATERIALS MANAGEMENT 9875 N. 85th Ave Peoria, Arizona 85345 Phone: (623) 773-7115 BID NOTIFI-

CATION INFORMATION

SOLICITATION NUMBER: P23-0051 TYPE OF SOLICITATION: RFP BUYER NAME: Viorel D. Gheorghita BUYER PHONE NUMBER: 623-773-7077 DESCRIPTION: Design Services for Bridge Program and Guardrail Inventory Assessment SOLICITATION DUE DATE: January 25, 2023 @ 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) Solicitations are available through the City of Peoria Purchasing Portal (Bonfire) website at https://peoriaaz.bonfirehub. com/portal

Published in the Peoria Times, Jan 12, 19, 2023

Low income individuals eligible for Lifeline and Link-up telephone assistance programs may be eligible for discounts on these basic local service charges through state and federal specified telephone assistance plans.

Basic services are offered to all consumers in MTE Communications' service territories at the rates, terms and conditions specified in the Company's tariffs. If you have any questions or need further information regarding the Company's services, please call us at our office in Midvale, Idaho at 1 (800) 462-4523.

www.mtecom.net

Employee Owned-Community Focused-Customer Centered

MTE Communications is an equal opportunity employer and provider

Published in the Peoria Times, Jan 19, 2023

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities - Alternative format materials, sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices or interpretation in languages other than English are available upon 72 hours advance notice through the City of Peoria’s Community Assistance Division, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345; (623)773-7601 TDD (623)773-7221, or email at communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov

Asistencia en español: Para que le interpreten la solicitud en español, llame al (623)773-7601.

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HIRING

Direct Support Professional, Lead

Starting Salary Range $16.15-$17.15 per hour!

We offer Group Insurance Benefits, paid time off, 401K with employer match, and paid trainings.

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At this time, we are able to pay our quarterly bonuses to Direct Care Staff on top of their base starting hourly rate of $15.25-$16.25/ hour. This bonus is $0.90/hour

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