City gives homeless a second chance
delivers State of
Fired Pie opens its third
Kelly Clarkson coming to Gila River Arena
By Darrell Jackson Glendale Star staff writer
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers and other city officials have witnessed the growing homeless problem, and they have been working on a solution.
Say hello to Glendale Works.
The city started the program, which offers homeless people day jobs at minimum wage.
“Look, according to reports, 40 percent of homeless individuals want full-time jobs and want to get their lives back together and get off the streets,” Weiers said. “If we can help 40 percent of homeless people get their lives back, this is a win, win, win, win for everyone involved.”
Ordinance to limit scooters in city limits
By Darrell Jackson Glendale Star staff writer
There’s a better way
Weiers spent time in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to discuss and review its “There’s a Better Way” program, for which two vans drive around the city and pick up homeless people who wish to earn money.
“Their program is a little more intensive,” Weiers said. “They drive around picking people up and taking them to jobs. But it makes a difference in them and the short time I was there, I saw a big difference in the people who worked on the jobs.”
The Albuquerque van initiative is working to reduce homelessness and panhandling. In 2015, the city posted blue-and-white signs with a phone number that panhandlers can call to connect with services. A correspond-
ing website, managed by the United Way of Central New Mexico, allows motorists to donate to shelters or food banks that helped the city pay the panhandlers’ wages.
“I was impressed with the program and decided Glendale needed to look into a similar program,” Weiers said. “Thankfully, council was in full agreement and we started Glendale Works.”
Council agreed and budgeted approximately $200,000 for the one-year pilot. Besides the city, Glendale Works is funded in part by the Phoenix Rescue Mission and a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The city’s direct cost is approximately $41,000.
The Glendale City Council will soon discuss Bird Scooters, but there’s already an ordinance on the books about similar devices.
Passed unanimously by council in 2005, the ordinance limits within the city self-propelled devices that have a motor – gas or electric – a deck on which a person may ride and at least two tandem wheels in contact with the ground and which is not otherwise defined.
The 2005 ordinance calls for a fine of up to $150 per offense. City staff was aware of the ordinance, but began investigating it further after receiving complaints about the scooters.
“We have been in contact with the Bird people and they are providing us their legal opinion on why they believe they do not fall under our ordinance,” City Manager Kevin Phelps said in a recent phone interview.
“It is their opinion that their device is different from our ordinance and we are looking at and we
Phoenix Rescue Mission runs the program and case managers meet with participants to help them find housing and assistance.
Glendale Works
Glendale Works’ focus is to bring meaningful solutions to people experiencing homelessness, instill them with a sense of dignity and self-worth, and give neighborhoods a cleaner and safer appearance.
Gabe Priddy runs the program and takes extra pride in Glendale Works.
“I know a little more than most about what this can do to assist these people,” Priddy said while overseeing a group working near State Farm Stadium. “I was one of them, and this is a special program.”
Priddy said he was homeless but received help from the Phoenix Rescue Mission.
“I got locked up for 16 months and while in there, the Phoenix Rescue Mission would come in for jail outreach, talking to me about options and God and I had never bought into all that,” Priddy said. “For whatever reason, the way those guys talked, you could tell they were very genuine. I just started asking
questions and would think about it while they were gone.”
For Priddy, it was a life-changing moment, and he turned his life around when he was released from jail.
“When I got out, I went to the mission and was thinking about changing my life,” Priddy said. “It started with a 60-day program, which turned into a year program, which then turned into a six-month leadership and ministry training.”
When he finished ministry training, the mission offered him a job.
“(Priddy) was a homeless drug addict
and now he is supervising this program,” aid Phoenix Rescue Mission President and CEO Jay Cory. “He was one of the down-and-out homeless people who has worked his way through our programs. Now he is engaging people into programs that can assist them the way he was helped.”
Priddy sees a major difference with the folks he works with.
“In a short time, they are already carrying themselves a little stronger,” Priddy said. “They hold their heads a little higher and are walking a little taller with the work they are doing.”
The homeless arrive at First United Methodist Church in downtown Glendale. After signing up and getting cleared, Priddy takes a group out on a worksite four times a week.
they will get,” Priddy said. “Trust me, after only two months, it’s making a major difference.”
Besides the work, the program helps the homeless get identification and birth certificates, a roof over their heads and pathways for people to experience life change.
“I know we have already had a couple of people in this program who are now working toward permanent solutions to their issues,” Priddy said. “If I can help one person to get to at least where I am, then this is all worth the effort.”
Weiers added he recently discussed the program’s success with other mayors and councilmembers, and he sees immense possibilities in growing the program Valleywide.
Priddy said the response has been so overwhelming they could run multiple crews. Participants spend five hours beautifying the city’s landscaping and blighted areas. They are paid a cash day rate.
“I believe this is a winwin-win for the city because jobs are getting done that have been delayed for a while,” Weiers said. “For example, we have been trying to get Skunk Creek cleaned up for a while, and this program has been out there cleaning it up.”
Future of program
Homelessness in Glendale has been a concern for the city in recent years, and with Glendale Works, the city is taking a proactive step in improving the issues.
“Like I have said, if we can help 40 percent of the people who are homeless, that is a big number,” Weiers said. “I am mayor to everyone of Glendale, not just the mayor to people I want to be mayor to, and while we can’t fix everyone, if we can help 40 percent of the people, then that is a start.”
This program also addresses the safety issues of panhandling, specifically in high-traffic areas.
“I know, having been one of those people, they will take any assistance
“I mentioned to local governments what we were doing, and you should have seen the eyes of councilmembers and mayors from other cities light up,” Weiers said. “They all want to check out our program and see what they can do. Yes, we are putting money into this program, but we are getting so much more out of it.”
Weiers said a van, donated by Sands Chevrolet, will have Priddy’s name on the side as a way to honor his success in leading the program.
“I am putting (Priddy’s) name on the door because he has overcome tough things and he has really taken great pride in this program,” Weiers said. “I want him to have pride in the fact he has come a long way, plus he is a great success story.”
Priddy said he is proud to supervise the program.
“I think this is awesome and I can see how the city could run more vans,” Priddy said. “I see all kinds of potential. These are people and they need second chances. Right now, they are getting one. Self-esteem plays into it and when self-esteem improves, doors open for them.”
Phoenix Rescue Mission President and CEO Jay Cory works alongside homeless workers during a recent job for the Glendale Works program. (Photo by Darrell Jackson)
Mayor Jerry Weiers presents the Glendale Works van to Gabe Priddy, who supervises the program. The city honored him by emblazoning his name on the side of the van. (Photo by William Toops)
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intend to discuss with council and hear our legal opinion.”
The 2005 ordinance also states, “It is unlawful for any person to operate a motorized skateboard in any city park, on any public sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a street or city property.”
Bird had a similar experience in Scottsdale. The city sent a cease-and-desist letter to Bird, alleging the company was staging the scooters on public property. It threatened Bird with a $400 fine plus court costs per scooter within city limits.
“Scottsdale had an ordinance similar to ours and Bird executives also sent them their legal opinion as why their units did not fall under it,” Phelps said.
“Scottsdale eventually worked with the Bird company on a new city ordinance and they are now allowed there.”
In a statement, Bird spokesman Kenneth Baer said the company believed it is operating lawfully under city and state regulations.
“We have heard numerous concerns from city staff, business owners, as well as citizens, that the scooters have been an issue,” Phelps said.
“Once we discuss with council and get what direction they want to go with this issue, then we can finalize what the city will do.”
Phelps added he believes council gave city direction when the ordinance was approved 13 years ago.
“It is clear 13 years ago council put in place an ordinance on the proliferation of two-wheeled, motorized vehicles that were then looking like motorcycles,” Phelps said.
“Whether or not they envisioned electric with handlebars and brakes, I don’t know. But the ordinance seems to include them. Like I said, Bird has offered their opinion and we are researching specifics with our legal department.”
Councilman Jamie Aldama asked staff to research a possible pilot program with Bird Scooters in December after they started showing up throughout the city.
citizens or do we not want them at all.”
Travis VanderZanden, who founded the Santa Monica-based company last September, has offered to donate $1 per vehicle per day to city governments that allow them in their cities.
VanderZanden also said Bird advises cities to use the funds to “build more bike lanes, promote safe riding and maintain our shared infrastructure.”
Mayor Jerry Weiers said he believes the city will decide against them.
“I haven’t seen a will with the majority of the council and, while we do not have a vote on it, there doesn’t seem to be a will to make it available to have scooters running up and down the sidewalks,” Weiers said.
He added there are scooters blocking sidewalks and it is hazardous for those in wheelchairs.
“I just do not see the council, and I cannot speak for all of them, are in favor of these,” he added. “I think it looks bad and the only way I could support scooters, if they were licensed, is if the city got some type of revenue and they are kept on private property.”
may happen right now, I would be in favor of allowing the scooters within city limits,” Aldama said in December.
“I think staff should look at this and discuss a pilot program with Bird.”
Staff is expected to present their findings in the next week.
“If people say they don’t want the scooters, then it is simple. But, we are not ready to decide that and we are still researching,” Phelps said.
“First, we need to understand if there is a way to manage and design a license agreement that protects the concerns of
“If we were willing to work with them on a pilot program where we would not be liable should injuries that
City Attorney Michael Bailey said the city is not liable with the ordinance on the books.
“The city does not have any added liability because it would be similar to someone getting in a car accident for speeding and saying the city did not enforce the speed laws,” Bailey said.
“If someone is doing 57 mph in a 55 zone and they get in an accident and cause damage or injury, the city is not liable. This is the same issue and the city is not liable when it comes to using the scooters even with the ordinance on the books.”
Electric Bird scooters, which appeared in the city of Glendale in December, may be against an ordinance that was passed in 2005. (Photo by Darrell Jackson)
Planning commission OKs new senior care facility
By Darrell Jackson Glendale Star staff writer
The economic upturn continues in Glendale as the city planning commission unanimously approved a senior health care center near Paradise Lane and 67th Avenue during the final planning commission meeting of 2018.
The planning commission approved the rezoning request for The Foundation for Senior Living as well as a conditional land-use permit for the facility.
The 9.2-acre facility has been vacant since 1960 and was annexed into the city limits in 1979. The Foundation for Senior Living has a location near Northern and 59th avenues, but stated during the meeting it needed a larger facility.
“We’ve worn the building out,” said Steve Hastings, Foundation for Senior Living’s chief of real estate services. “The program’s expanded. We have people on our wait list. The new facility will allow us to double the amount of people we serve on a daily basis.”
The new space would allow Foundation for Senior Living to add various
activities for visitors. Medical needs can be addressed and there will be increased staff.
The Foundation for Senior Living serves as a day care center for adults of all ages with special needs, including dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The facility would include added exercise programs, community outings and personal care for all residents, and new types of therapy.
The project required the new zoning accommodation with the request now awaiting the city council’s final approval. The property was rezoned from single-family residential to mixed-use residential. The project will not serve as a residence because day care participants do not stay overnight.
City staff found the rezoning was the best fit for the proposed project and allowed the company more flexibility.
“It’s a unique type of facility,” said Sender Associates lawyer Jennifer Boblick, representing The Foundation for Senior Living.
“It is a residential health care facility that is licensed by the state, but beyond that, it really does operate just like a child day care center, where it’s open during business hours. Participants come anytime between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. and then they leave, and they don’t stay there overnight.”
Once opened, The Foundation for Senior Living facility will house 99 residents and 18 staff members
Hastings said the nonprofit, which employs more than 435 employees statewide, will move its entire facility from their current location to the new location once the project is completed.
According to The Foundation for Senior Living website, it was founded “with one goal in mind: to improve the quality of life for adults and their caregivers.”
Final approval is expected to be voted on by councilmembers in early February.
An artist’s rendering of the new Foundation for Senior Living facility that will be located near Paradise Lane and 67th Avenue. (Photo courtesy Foundation for Senior Living)
Local districts request funds from settlement
By Darrell Jackson Glendale Star staff writer
Gov. Doug Ducey recently announced more than $8 million was available to 22 school districts for the purchase of new school buses after a federal settlement with Volkswagen.
Thanks to the second part of the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Fund money, low-income schools will receive 76 new diesel and alternative fuel school buses. This round of funding was awarded as part of a $38 million plan to provide low-income schools with new school buses. A third round of awards is expected soon.
Glendale Elementary and Glendale Union High school districts each made requests to the state in the settlement.
Peoria Unified School District was not part of the initial settlement. PUSD did not use Volkswagen products and is not eligible to receive settlement funds.
“GUHSD requested funding for 10 buses,” GUHSD spokeswoman Kim Mesquita said. “We have not received any of the settlement at this time.”
More districts may benefit as the
governor’s office said it is still reviewing the applications from another 63 districts to see if they qualify.
The state received the money after a decision by Volkswagen in 2016 to settle a lawsuit about the marketing of vehicles under the VW, Audi and Porsche labels as having lower pollution. That wasn’t the case and they settled with the government.
VW eventually pleaded guilty to three felonies, including defrauding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The company agreed to $4.3 billion in penalties and another $4.9 billion to address pollution from the supposedly low-emission diesel vehicles.
“Basically, we received about $600,000 for five buses,” said Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Auxiliary Services Mike Barragan. “The district will have to contribute to the expense, but this does ease taxpayers.”
Barragan said the district applied for six buses, but changes to the settlement lowered the district’s eligibility to the five it was awarded.
“One thing is this is important because the state has not been funding capital funding for over 10 years,” Barragan said. “We have had to rely on our bonds for these and this is nine because, even though we have to contribute, this gives local taxpayers a little break in funding.”
Arizona’s $57 million share was not unrestricted, and instead it was spent on projects to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen, the very pollutants the VW vehicles were spitting out above permissible levels.
Most districts are using the funds to replace old school buses or repairing the buses they have. Dawn Wallace, the governor’s education adviser, said in a statement 80 percent of the money awarded is going to school districts in areas that already are in danger of violating clean-air standards.
Don’t look for those old school buses to be sold or given away. The settlement requires old vehicles be made inoperable through a hole in the engine block and a cut in the frame.
“There is a misconception that school
districts have been idle in capital funding, and GESD has not been idle over the last 10 years,” Barragan said. “We have tried to make a dollar out of 15 cents and we are conscious of the burden on taxpayers since the state has failed to fund capital funding. This is nice because we get five buses to help our district and ease local taxpayers a little.”
Crisis Response Team looking for volunteers
By Darrell Jackson
Glendale Star staff writer
When you have a fire, police or medical crisis, who can help you get through the impact of possibly the worst day of your life?
Say hello to the Glendale Crisis Response Team (CRT).
The CRT is made up of about 50 volunteers trained by the Glendale Fire Department to assist firefighters, police officers and West Valley citizens during 911 calls.
“Think of any reason you would call 911 and why there might be a need for crisis intervention outside of emergency medical or law enforcement,” said Crisis Interventions Specialist Sara Steffan.
“They have their specific job and we as a group have ours to assist those when they need the most assistance.”
The team specializes in being compassionate and professional during a time of need. Team members have a variety of backgrounds in behavioral health, emergency medicine, victim assistance and crisis intervention.
Their main job is to provide immediate crisis intervention and referrals to victims, families and witnesses after a traumatic event, and guide citizens in the right direction for follow-up care.
But anyone who qualifies can get the correct training to help in the situations when people need the most immediate assistance.
“The crisis response team is a group of volunteers and interns who respond to crisis incidents such as homicide, suicide, house fires, child endangerment or anything where people need assistance,” said Crisis Intervention Specialist Sarah Armbrust.
“We provide people with immediate,
everyone has been affected by personal trauma and this is a great opportunity to use this training in everyday life.”
Staff also said anyone who meets the requirements is welcome to apply. They do not need to live in Glendale to be part of the team.
“We have had members join our team from as far away as Queen Creek,” Steffan said.
“It is just like coming to a job, but we welcome anyone from within the West Valley. If they want a fulfilling opportunity, this is the place to come volunteer.”
Pompa added they are called to incidents throughout the Valley.
“We are not just Glendale. We are pretty much the West Valley and we provide mutual aid,” Pompa said. “It is not strange for us to be called out to Daisy Mountain, Anthem or Peoria and anyone from the area is free to volunteer with us.”
basic needs someone may need at their worst moments.”
Volunteers needed
The Crisis Response Team is experiencing a dip in volunteers and is seeking volunteers to join the group.
The Crisis Response Team responds to fires, drownings, domestic violence, sexual assaults and many other calls. The victims in these incidents may need something as simple as shoes, baby diapers or just someone to hold their hand and listen to them.
Anyone can apply for the volunteer group as long as they are 21 years old, possess a valid Arizona driver’s license, be a team player, complete an application process, pass a background check, pass an oral interview, and able to attend all training dates, work 12- or 24-hour shifts, purchase their own uniforms and
shoes and attend quarterly night classes. Individuals must also do one ridealong prior to the interview.
“We give them an understanding of crisis intervention and what it is like to be in fire services. It is different than volunteering at parks or the library,” Steffan said.
“This is paramilitary, so you do have to follow the chain of command and if you are told no, end of story. There is no questioning authority.”
Fire Human Services Administrator Lynette Pompa said the job takes a special type of person and he or she focuses on helping the volunteers learn to cope.
“We don’t always know what we are walking into, but we are the immediate help before we pass them onto longterm assistance,” Pompa said.
“This is not just about responding to a call. You get life experience here and
Pompa pointed to Armbrust as a major success story.
“(Armbrust) volunteered here and worked on the team while she was doing her master’s degree internship,” Pompa said.
“She continued volunteering here and worked for different agencies while she got her master’s and licensure. When this position became open, she became part of the team.”
History of crisis response
Normal reactions to abnormal events, such as unexpected death or crisis, include: grief, anger, hopelessness, profound sadness, confusion and despair. For this, the fire department created the Crisis Response Team in 2002.
“The Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response volunteers are there to respond to what is quite possibly the worst day of a community member’s
Crisis Intervention Specialists Sara Steffan and Sarah Armbrust and Fire Human Services Administrator Lynette Pompa. (Photos courtesy city of Glendale)
life,” Steffan said.
“Sometimes the volunteers are the only support on the traumatic scene for that individual and we go to give them immediate assistance when they need it immediately.”
The Crisis Response Team produces a positive change by only providing emotional support on scene, and linking the individual with after-care services and/ or a personalized follow-up plan.
“We are the first help they get on the scene of what has happened,” Armbrust said.
“We could have such minimal items as flip flops, so they have shoes on their feet, toothbrush and tooth paste, baby items and other minimal items.”
Critical incidents traumatize thousands of people around the United States every day and such incidents include vehicle collisions, suicides and homicides.
These incidents traumatize surviving direct victims, as well as indirect victims such as the family and friends. Such trauma can affect people’s physical, emotional, social, financial and spiritual well-being in many ways, often severely.
The way people cope as victims of traumatic events depends largely on their experiences immediately following the incident.
Victims who receive effective support in the critical hours immediately following the event are more likely to eventually resume healthy, fulfilling, productive lives, rather than entering downward spirals into despair, substance abuse, family breakup and unemployment due to the incidents.
“The effects on volunteering, and there have been numerous studies, is that it really helps those suffering but also on a personal level helps increase happiness for the person volunteering,” Pompa said.
“There is a direct correlation to personal happiness and giving back to your community.”
Crisis Response volunteers assist firefighters, police officers and citizens during 911 calls. Since 2002, the Glen-
dale Fire Department
Crisis Response Team volunteers has dedicated more than 200,000 hours assisting communi ty members in crisis by providing emo tional support, advocacy, resources and referrals.
The department has supported the development and provision of training volunteers to provide effective intervention services, all aiming to help victims recover from the emotional impact of financial effects of trauma and other unfortunate events.
The Crisis Response volunteers have pioneered projects to better serve individuals and families that experience the effects of loss due to house fires, sudden death, rape, sexual and physical abuse, domestic violence, child/adult crimes and homicide.
“We have had some members stay for seven or eight years,” Steffan said. “But, don’t get me wrong, we have also had some that say it is a little too real, so it does take a special person to be part of this team.”
Pompa said it takes a large group to run the city’s two teams.
“It takes about 50 volunteers to staff one team because we cover seven days a week, 24 hours a day,” Pompa said.
“Because it is two people at a time for 12 to 24 hours at a time; it can be an emotional experience here.”
But is a great opportunity to become a better person by helping others who may need it more.
“This is not like any other experience you will ever have and there is no such thing as a repeat call,” Steffan said.
“Some of the stories you hear just talking to people will surprise you because you are there to help them, but they may end up helping you.”
Armbrust summed up the experience best by saying, “It is a profound experience to be with someone and be a source of support for them during what is probably their worst moment of their lives.”
To apply to volunteer for the Crisis Response Team, visit glendaleaz.com/ crisisresponse.
The city Crisis Response vans take volunteers to assist victims of catastrophic events.
Ducey says Bipartisanship is needed in 2019
By Connor Dziawura Glendale Star staff writer
Gov. Doug Ducey stuck to his guns January 16, when he returned to the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa to deliver his State of the State address.
He spoke during a luncheon sponsored by Western Maricopa Coalition, which bridges the business and education sectors of the 15 West Valley communities it serves.
In what was a by-the-numbers affair, Ducey covered much of the same ground he laid out for his colleagues at the Capitol two days earlier, periodically honing in on the West Valley.
Among the West Valley topics he addressed over the course of his speech were major corporations coming to the region, teacher’s pay raises given by local school districts, his visit to the Lewis State Prison Complex’s Eagle Point Second Chance Center in Buckeye last fall, and his fondness for Raul and Theresa’s Mexican Restaurant in Goodyear.
Seeing as much of the country is politically divided, however, an important theme running through this year’s speech was bipartisanship.
“I’m not here just to work with Republicans on Republican ideas. And bipartisanship doesn’t simply mean working with Democrats on Democratic ideas. I’m here as governor of all the people to work with everyone on good ideas,” Ducey said.
He threaded that idea through much of his speech that would follow, includ-
ing while discussing his top issue: Securing water. His solution? Politicians in either aisle must come to a compromise and ratify the “urgent” Drought Contingency Plan.
“Here’s the bottom line: We’re in a 19-year drought. It’s going to get worse before it gets better,” he said. “Arizona and our neighboring states draw more water from the Colorado River than Mother Nature puts back. It’s time to protect Lake Mead and Arizona.”
Another big point early on for Ducey was eliminating outdated, unnecessary laws – specifically legislative immunity, he said.
“We are a nation of laws, not men. No one – not me, nor any state legislator – is above the law,” he said. “Now,
Congress likes to exempt themselves from the law – but isn’t that why Americans hold them in such contempt? Our elected leaders should live under the same laws as every man and woman in this state. Let’s send a referral to the ballot and let the people speak on special privileges for elected officials.”
The majority of Ducey’s speech, however, was dedicated to schools, with him covering topics like gun violence, teachers’ pay, K-12 reform, the teacher shortage, and career and technical education (CTE).
Acknowledging the 2018 Parkland shooting, Ducey called for increased law enforcement presence on campuses, more school counselors and improved background checks through the Safe Arizona Schools Plan. Though he acknowledged a desire to keep firearms out of the hands of potentially at-risk individuals, he highlighted the importance of Arizonans’ Second Amendment rights, too.
“This is simply too important an issue to let partisan politics and special interests get in the way,” he said. “We’ve got a responsibility to do something for our kids – and we’ve got to do it this session.”
On teachers’ raises, Ducey spoke favorably the “20x20” plan to raise teachers’ wages 20 percent by 2020, which was proposed and passed last year. He acknowledged some West Valley dis-
tricts – Avondale Elementary, Agua Fria Union High and Tolleson Elementary – for taking it a step further by providing additional salary increases.
On reforming K-12 education, which he said also includes increasing resources and boosting positive results, he noted making other improvements such as more transparency, accountability, and financial review and oversight of taxpayer dollars.
In combating the teacher shortage, Ducey called for an expansion of support and dollars for the Arizona Teachers Academy, which he said has already received 221 students. It provides scholarships to university graduates who teach in-state.
On CTE, Ducey likened the field to the “shop” classes of the 21st century and – citing programs such as diesel mechanics at West-MEC and advanced manufacturing at Maricopa Community Colleges, among others – said his budget would “build, expand and align with the jobs of tomorrow.” Keeping in this realm, he gave a quick shout-out to West-MEC Superintendent Greg Donovan.
“Today, students in these programs are training to becoming nurses, pilots, pharmacists, bankers, firefighters and software developers – all before graduation,” he said. “In fact, 99 percent of CTE students graduate high school – 99 percent – a much higher rate than the national average. They perform better in mathematics and reading – and their technical skills rival professionals in the same trade.”
Governor Doug Ducey. (Photos by Pablo Robles)
Citing more jobs than can be filled, and plenty of positions to fill any demand, Ducey noted an estimate that 100,000 people will move to Arizona in 2019. So, he called for lawmakers to pass a bill that will grant universal recognition for all occupational licenses.
Looking back at past successes in the Southwest Valley, Ducey recalled his visit last fall alongside Cardinals players Antoine Bethea and Corey Peters and President Michael Bidwill to the Lewis State Prison Complex’s Eagle Point Second Chance Center in Buckeye, where employers like Hickman’s Family Farms and Jacksons Car Wash offered employment opportunities to past offenders. Ducey called to secure this program with a goal of protecting public safety and reducing prison populations.
On the economy, he noted the attraction of UPS, Amazon, Andersen, Chewy Inc. and Ball Corporation to the region, as well as 300,000 jobs and 300 companies statewide in the past three years.
Other brief topics on Ducey’s agenda were an updated North American trade deal (USMCA), which he said will increase trade and jobs; unemployment, which he said is at a longtime low; progress and goals in consolidating the “bloated” state government; the Border Strike Force; reduced wait times at the MVD; the Department of Child Safety; keeping the Grand Canyon open during the government shutdown; and a reversal of the state’s $1 billion deficit to a $1 billion surplus over the past four years. In anticipation of his then-unreleased balanced budget, he suggested increasing the state’s Rainy Day Fund to $1 billion.
“If ever there were a way to protect public education, to protect the pay raises our teachers have earned and deserve, to prevent budget gimmicks, band-aids and massive cuts down the line, to avoid tax increases and budget standoffs and government shutdowns – it’s through this thoughtful, prudent and fiscally conservative approach,” he said.
On a final note, Ducey looked back on those who passed last year, including Rep. Ed Pastor, who represented Arizona’s 2nd, 4th and 7th congressional districts; Sgt. Maximo Flores of Litchfield Park, who was killed in a plane collision off the coast of Japan; Trooper Tyler Edenhofer, who was killed on I-10 near Avondale Boulevard while in the line of duty; and Sen. John McCain, who succumbed to brain cancer.
Ducey was introduced by Swire Coca-Cola Northern Arizona Division President Roger White. WESTMARC officials Bobbi Magdaleno and Sintra Hoffman, as well as Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers also delivered their own brief remarks.
“The West Valley is home to some of the fastest-growing cities in the country as a direct result of our conscious effort to attract businesses, focus on being financially responsible, and provide residents with a great quality of life,” Weiers said. Hoffman, WESTMARC’s president
and CEO, noted a recent grant given to WESTMARC by the Tohono O’odham Nation, which will help with a rebranding strategy that will highlight the region’s growth and assets. As a start, Hoffman cited the new Topgolf and incoming Desert Diamond West Valley Casino in Glendale, the recently announced Portillo’s in Avondale, and WESTMARC’s 2018 Restaurant Demo Day, the latter of which allowed various West Valley cities to pitch their locales to potentially interested restaurateurs, brokers, investors and land owners.
Hoffman dedicated much of her time on stage to acknowledging the West Valley’s growth and success, and the impact the region has on the rest of the Valley.
“Maricopa County is the fourth largest county in the nation, and over the next 25 years, 49.5 percent of the growth in this county will occur right here in the West Valley,” Hoffman said. “Working with you all for the past several years, I know that we are going to take on that growth – we’re ready to manage that, we’re ready to take that challenge.”
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From left: Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord; Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers; and Sintra Hoffman, president and CEO of WESTMARC.
New chief for community college district
By Glendale Star staff
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) has named David Denlinger its new chief of police and security.
Denlinger has been with the department since June 2012. Before his selection as the police chief, he served for six and a half years as the department’s deputy chief of police.
“We are extremely pleased to have someone with David’s background and experience to lead our public safety efforts,” said Elliott Hibbs, MCCCD chief operation officer.
“He has already served the Maricopa Community Colleges very well, gaining the highest respect for his outstanding leadership and integrity. I am confident he will serve our district with distinction in the capacity of chief of police.”
Denlinger was asked what makes public safety unique in the community college sector.
“The most distinct difference is we don’t have dorms,” he said. “It’s unique because there are no overnight trafficking people … we don’t get as-
saults, parties and alcohol calls.”
The No. 1 criminal activity is theft, Denlinger said, plus simple assault.
“We do get threat and stalking calls,” he added.
Denlinger said crime is low at the community colleges because most of the students work and go to school. He voiced pride in the safety on the MCCCD campuses. The busiest campuses as far as simple crimes are the two largest: Glendale and Mesa.
cur, he said, calling it a pin-map.
“It will add value to what we do to be proactive and not reactive in what we do,” Denlinger said.
The public safety department at the community college campuses has evolved. Until 1992, it was security guard driven.
For the past 26 years, public safety has been sworn officers who are Arizona POST certified. Security guards are now public safety aides, and the district contracts for some services.
works just like a municipal or county law enforcement agency. It has 24/7, daily dispatch service on a regional communication system.
“We’re really proud of what we’ve built,” Denlinger said. “We take care of our own issues.”
In addition to the sworn officers, approximately 100 civilian employees are on the district’s public safety payroll.
Prior to his employment with MCCCD, Denlinger worked for the Arizona Department of Public Safety for more than 32 years. He spent his first nine years as a highway patrol officer and sergeant, assigned to Northern Arizona, including the Navajo and Hopi Indian reservations.
“The most crimes are based on campus population,” he said.
Denlinger said he was excited about a new crime analysis that started in the first quarter of the fiscal year that looks at prevention and public education. The districtwide computer system has helped pinpoint where most crimes oc-
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The department has 70 sworn officers, many of whom are retired law enforcement agents. Each of the officers has 25 to 30 years of experience on average, he said. Bomb and explosive technicians and a tactical team are part of the regular officers on board.
The district’s police department
Later, he served as a sergeant in Phoenix’s criminal investigations division, responsible for the investigation of narcotics manufacturers and distributors, as well as gangs and organized crime.
Denlinger was assigned to Tucson from 1994 to 2004, where he was the commander of the highway patrol and
David Denlinger is the chief of police and security at Maricopa County Community College District. (Photo courtesy the Maricopa County Community College District)
Commander Debra Palok is eyes, ears of GCC
By Carolyn Dryer Glendale Star Editor
As David Denlinger was settling into his new position as Maricopa County Community College District’s chief of police and security, Glendale Community College Police Commander Debra Palok was making sure the college district’s largest and most populated campus was safe.
Palok oversees not only the main GCC campus at Olive and 59th avenues, but GCC North, 5727 W. Happy Valley Road. Palok supervises eight officers, one of which is assigned to GCC North.
Palok has been with the college district almost 20 years, starting her career as an officer.
“This has been my home for 20 years,” said Palok, who worked as a police officer in her home state of Wisconsin. In two decades, she has seen plenty of changes at GCC, which, at 42 buildings, is larger than the Mesa campus.
“Initially, police officers did not carry weapons,” she said. “The biggest thing over the last five years is we’ve centralized. All of MCCCD used to be their own entities. Now, we operate under one umbrella.”
In her job, she primarily sees thefts, domestic violence calls and burglaries, one of which comes to mind. About four years ago, more than $100,000 in equipment was stolen from the performing arts building over the holidays. The case
remains unsolved.
“I also want to say we’re a very safe campus,” she added. “For the most part, we work very hard and strive to be very visible on campus to keep crime down. Thefts have been cut 35 percent. That’s a wonderful thing to look at when you’re comparing one thing to another.”
Housed in the campus police building is a state-of-the-art surveillance system. Two technicians operate cameras at different buildings and parking areas on campus. Screens are high-definition and can zoom in to capture license plate numbers on all vehicles in the parking lots.
“All colleges have some semblance of a surveillance system,” Palok said. “Here and GCC North, about 60 surveillance cameras monitor exterior and interior campuses, which is very robust. I think that’s important to know about our cameras supplement and our ability to surveil the campus. All colleges have surveillance systems.
“Over the years, as we’ve centralized. We’re a police department and we supplement our staff with public safety assistants; they are the eyes and ears of our campus, opening doors on campus. They’re not first responders. They carry nothing other than keys so they can open
St. Joseph’s ‘excellent’ at robotic surgery
By Glendale Star staff
Dignity Health
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center have each been designated a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by Surgical Review Corp. The two hospitals are the first in Arizona to receive this distinguished designation.
An SRC accreditation helps patients identify medical providers who have met rigorous standards for delivering high-quality medical treatment, including perioperative, surgical and long-term follow-up care. Surgeons who receive individual recognition by SRC must also meet a high-volume threshold. St. Joseph’s and St. Joseph’s Westgate perform more than 1,200 robotic cases per year.
“Earning accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery sig-
nifies that St. Joseph’s consistently delivers the safest and highest quality care and technology to our patients,” said Dr. Nita Desai, director of the Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence at St. Joseph’s.
“Our commitment to excellence and the ability for the most advanced surgeons to perform surgery with advanced robotic technology will greatly improve the surgical outcomes of our patients who come to us for medical treatment.”
Surgeries within several medical specialties, including gynecology, urology, bariatrics and thoracic, can now be performed without open surgery and with the assistance of a sophisticated, minimally invasive robotic platform. These types of technologies use robotic arms to hold endoscopic
up our facilities.”
Taking care of 16,000 to 20,000 students on campus is serious business for Palok. It’s her job to ensure everyone feels safe knowing she and her staff stand at the ready if there is a call for help.
“It helps people understnad, helps our community, helps our students if there’s an emergency on campus,” Palok said. “It makes people more aware and teaches them and has them understand what we do is important. We respond immediately to a situation on campus.”
A look of satisfaction crossed over her face as Palok said, “I feel very fortunate to be with this agency and have this type of career. I really feel blessed.”
Public Safety Department
GCC Main
6000 W. Olive Avenue, Glendale
GCC North 5727 W. Happy Valley Road, Glendale gccas/edu/public-safety gccaz.edu/public-safety Phone: 623-845-3535 email: dl-gc-safety@gccaz.edu
DENLINGER FROM PAGE 10
narcotics and organized crime districts for the border region. Upon returning to Phoenix in 2004, he was internal affairs commander, who investigated alleged officer misconduct.
cameras and surgical tools. After the surgeon makes the initial incisions, the robotic arms are directed by the surgeon to perform the procedure while receiving and using 3D images from the endoscopic cameras. This allows for the best possible outcome.
To earn the Center of Excellence designation from SRC, a facility must meet 10 requirements: institutional commitment to excellence, surgical experience, a physician program director, consultative services, robotic equipment and instrumentation, surgeon dedication and qualified call coverage, clinical pathways and standard operating procedures, surgical team and support staff, patient education and a continuous quality assessment.
Denlinger was eventually appointed to the rank of lieutenant colonel and assigned as the chief of the state’s criminal investigation division. He also served as the director of the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center.
Denlinger earned a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from Grand Canyon University, is a certified public manager from Arizona State University, and graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead an amazing collection of talented people that provide quality police and public safety services,” he said.
“We are committed to maintaining a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff and community. We recognize we can only be effective through our partnership with the Maricopa community, and we look forward to our future together.”
Glendale Community College Police Cmdr. Debra Palok scans the surveillance cameras set up throughout the campus. It’s the same system as GCC North on Happy Valley Road. (Photo by Carolyn Dryer)
Supervisor gives update on road projects
By Supervisor Clint Hickman
I want to give you an update on two county road projects that are going to provide more commuting options to West Valley residents.
This month, construction began on phase three of Northern Parkway. This partnership between Maricopa County, El Mirage, Glendale, Peoria, the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Maricopa Association of Governments will improve travel time and traffic flow between Loop 303, Loop 101 and Grand Avenue. This is especially important at a time of incredible growth on our side of town.
The first two phases of Northern Parkway are complete. Phase three will focus on the following work between Dysart Road and 111th Avenue:
• Building frontage roads along the future Northern Parkway between Dysart and El Mirage roads, which will widen Northern Avenue to two lanes in each direction
• Installing new traffic signals in the area
• Creating a drainage basin in the area
• Constructing a four-lane bridge over the Agua Fria.
Improving our roads is important, but so is business. As we build a better future, we can’t forget about the needs of the present. To this end, the Maricopa County Department of Transportation assures me business access will be maintained throughout the entire construction process. I know it may take a little longer to get there, but I encourage you: please, visit local businesses along this route while construction work is happening. They need you, and we need them for our community to thrive.
The second project won’t officially
begin for a few months, but it is the direct result of community feedback.
MCDOT is going to build a bridge allowing Camelback Road to cross the Beardsley Canal between Perryville Road and 195th Avenue. Residents asked MCDOT for more accessibility and MCDOT got to work. The future crossing will help alleviate traffic congestion around nearby schools and will provide another connection in and out of an area that is ripe for development.
Crews are doing prep work for the project, including utility relocation. Construction will begin toward the end of this summer and should be complete by early 2020.
Roadwork can make commuting slower, even frustrating, in the short term. But I’m confident that, once complete, these two projects will provide faster, more convenient ways of getting around for the people who live, work and play in the West Valley. You can learn more about these and other county road projects by visiting mcdot. maricopa.gov and clicking on the Project Information button.
You may also consider perusing the Transportation Systems Plan 2035 on the same site to learn what’s in the works in the coming years as we work to make more connections that improve lives.
Life in 2019 is good – and yet, nostalgia perseveres
By David Leibowitz Glendale Star columnist
Don’t get me wrong about life nearly two decades into the 21st century: It certainly has its share of modern conveniences.
It’s terrific that I’ll never again have to waste an hour trying to refold a paper map into its original condition. The Yellow Pages no longer takes up valuable kitchen cabinet space. And go to the grocery store? Why? A few computer clicks and everything I need shows up at the front door two hours later.
If you’re an inherently lazy person –someone who would prefer everything be done with the least amount of hassle possible – life in 2019 is for you.
Except here’s the dirty truth: I’m really starting to miss the way things were back in the day. I know technology and mankind allegedly continues to make progress, but I’m beginning to think that for every sign of evolution, there’s a corresponding sign of de-evolution.
What do I miss?
Calls instead of text messages. Remember when friends and loved ones used to pick up the phone to say aloud stuff like, “Hey man, happy birthday,” or “Not sure if you heard, but we’re getting divorced?” Nowadays? If Shakespeare had written Hamlet’s big speech in 2019, it would’ve been a text. “2B or not 2B.”
Not exactly the stuff of literary magic. At least IMHO, U know?
What else do I miss? The days when people didn’t discuss politics at the dinner table, because that was rude. Life before cellphones and email, when it was possible to avoid work and the news for a few hours.
My first pair of Air Jordans. Bruce Jenner. NFL and NBA players who didn’t bray like jackasses after every play. Saturday Night Live back when it was funny. And ice cream trucks and
kids who played ringolevio until the sun went down – without ending up on Dateline NBC.
Part of this dissatisfaction is nostalgia about time passing me by, but not all of it. As life keeps gaining speed and we compress more of everything – noise and news, communications and crap to buy – into every 24 hours, we seem to have chosen quantity over quality in virtually every way imaginable.
My bookshelves are an example. When space was scarce and a hardcover cost $25, the books I bought were the ones I knew I would return to over the years. Today, a book is $11.99 or less and my iPad holds thousands of titles, half of which I’ve only skimmed. My library is bigger, but it’s absolutely no better.
You can make that point about so much of life today. We have never been offered more television channels or platforms to get news and entertainment.
Yet, there’s never been less worth watching. Most reporters are little
more than rumormongers, interested more in the pursuit of controversy and clicks than facts. And Hollywood? If you’re not interested in superhero flicks, reboots and remakes, or animated tripe, don’t bother checking the movie showtimes anytime soon.
The list goes on: There was a day when people used to dress up to fly on airlines, versus sweatpants and slippers. Drinking straws used to be kind of fun, not a point of shame. We used to have friends we met in real life, not Facebook “connections” and a “network” of digital strangers.
There was a time when Americans were universally proud to be Americans, and when a neighbor was someone you agreed with more than disagreed or disliked on sight.
Of course, I also used to have a 32-inch waist. And like all the many things I miss, those acid-washed Levis from my college days also aren’t coming back anytime soon.
– David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.
enrolled savings account and maintain a minimum daily account balance of $25,000 throughout the term of this offer. The corresponding Annual Percentage Yield (APY) for this offer is 2.10%. The Special Rate will be applied to the enrolled savings account for a period of 12 months, starting on the date the account is enrolled in the offer. However, for any day during that 12 month period that the daily account balance is less than the $25,000 minimum, the Special Rate will not apply and the interest rate will revert to the standard interest rate applicable to your Platinum Savings account. As of 12/10/2018, the standard interest rate and APY for a Platinum Savings account in AZ and NV with an account balance of $0.01 to $249,999.99 is 0.01% (0.01% APY) and with an account balance of $250,000 and above is 0.05% (0.05% APY) and for a Platinum Savings account in NM with an account balance of $0.01 and above is 0.01% (0.01% APY). Each tier shown reflects the current minimum daily collected balance required to obtain the applicable APY. Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly. The amount of interest earned is based on the daily collected balances in the account. Upon the expiration of the 12 month promotional period, standard interest rates apply. Minimum to open a Platinum Savings account is $25. A monthly service fee of $12 applies in any month the account falls below a $3,500 minimum daily balance. Fees may reduce earnings. Interest rates are variable and subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo may limit the amount you deposit to a Platinum Savings account to an aggregate of $1 million. Offer not available to Private Banking, Wealth, Business Banking, or Wholesale customers. 2. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is effective for accounts opened between 01/21/2019 and 03/22/2019. The 11-month New Dollar CD special requires a minimum of $25,000 brought to Wells Fargo from sources outside of Wells Fargo Bank N.A.,
Fired Pie reimagines the regular pizza
By Octavio Serrano Glendale Star staff writer
Fred Morgan wants to redefine what diners think of fast food with his pizza chain, Fired Pie.
“We’re bringing a high-quality pizza in the super-fast environment,” he said.
Now he’s offering it at its 21st location, Arrowhead Towne Center. Morgan said Glendale was a logical choice as the city houses the company’s most profitable stores.
“Our mission is to continue to grow locally in the Arizona market,” he said. He said there is room for at least 20 more locations within the state, and the company is looking to expand beyond the borders by 2020. They are considering Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado; markets where they can open at least four or five stores.
Founded in 2013, Fired Pie uses primarily local ingredients. Fired Pie does not bring in frozen dough or sauce, Morgan said.
“We make our own dough. We make our own sauce and we roast our own vegetables in the morning,” Morgan said. Fired Pie also tries to remain costconscious.
Italian pizza. However, ordering pizza off the menus is not Fired Pie’s style.
“Very seldom do we give pizza that is ordered exactly like off the menu,” Morgan said, “People love to either add or change something and make it your own.”
Fired Pie maintains the quality of its food by paying close attention to its 400 employees. Morgan looks for staff who engages with customers in a friendly and outgoing manner.
“Having great managers and great employees is a very big part of what our brand stands for,” he said.
In addition, Morgan said most of the managers they employ have been promoted from within the company.
“Big thing for us is to give employees an opportunity to grow and become managers,” Morgan said.
Fired Pie
Among their most popular dishes are the pesto chicken pizza and the meaty
“We don’t nickel and dime our guests for every single topping and charge them extra for everything,” Morgan said. Fired pie charges customers a flat rate for an 11-inch pizza and they can build it however they’d like.
Arrowhead Towne Center 7700 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Suite 2020, Glendale 623-499-3605, firedpie.com
Fired Pie gives diners the chance to design their own pizzas without nickel and diming them. (Photo courtesy Fired Pie)
The black robe
I was teaching a group of hearing officers the other day and a question about wearing a black robe came up. It reminded me of a column I wrote 10-plus years ago. With a few updates, here is that column.
Someone asked me why I was not wearing a black robe in the courtroom. I said, “Do you think a black robe makes me any smarter?”
He did not answer.
I asked him, “Do you know where the custom of judges wearing black robes comes from?”
He said, “No.”
I said, “The English judges wore black robes and white wigs. Our forefathers decided to go only with the black robe and no wigs, thank goodness. Can you imagine wearing a white wool or horse hair wig in the summer time here in Arizona? Have you heard the saying, ‘Pulling the wool over their eyes?’ That term comes from England, and it refers to pulling a white wool wig over the judge’s eyes; in other words, trying to get away with something.”
When I took the bench 26 years ago, the late Supreme Court Appeals Court Judge Bill Eubanks, a long-time Glendale resident, was a Supreme Court Appeals Judge and a very good friend. He gave me a little four-inch gavel and this advice.
He said, “If you need a big gavel, a high bench and a black robe to maintain order in your courtroom, quit.”
I never forgot that advice. Some years later, when I knew Bill was near death, I went to see him and gave him back the little fourinch gavel he had given me. I asked him if he remembered the advice he gave me. He was very weak
LESSONS FROM THE BENCH
Retired Judge Quentin Tolby
but gave me a smile and just nodded.
Many times, people are intimidated when they appear before a judge; the black robe can add to that intimidation. I want people to be at ease and tell me their side of an issue. Fear the law but not the judge. I have always believed that people will respect you if you listen carefully, consider all the facts, and give a fair ruling. They might disagree with your findings but they will respect you.
My wife, Shirley, and I were at a wedding for a friend in south Phoenix and she had left something in the car. I went to retrieve it from our car. It was dark and a group of young men were in the parking lot.
As I walked past the group, one of the young men said, “That’s Judge Tolby.”
I turned to face him and he asked, “Don’t you remember me?”
I admitted I did not remember him.
He said, “You put me in jail.”
I was very fearful; at my age, I could not out run him, there was no help in sight. I have to admit I was afraid.
Then he said to his friends, “Hey, man, this dude is cool. He did what he had to do. He treated me with respect and he was fair.”
Lesson: Treat everyone the way you would like to be treated.
PT clinic to host pain workshop
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Glendale Star managing editor
Arizona Orthopedic Physical Therapy staff will discuss “What is Pain?” during a Wednesday, January 30, talk at its Glendale office, 9980 W. Glendale Avenue, Suite 110.
Registration is required for the 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. event helmed by clinic manager JD Fields and his team of doctors of physical therapy. They will explain pain and ways patients can work toward eliminating it.
The first 20 registrants will receive a free pain relief screen and T-shirt following the workshop. Call 623-2426908 or visit azopt.net/whatispain.
AZOPT was established in 2007 in Goodyear, with the goal of providing personalized care. In 2014, it opened its Buckeye location, and in 2017, its Glendale location.
In 2008, Kids Place West opened in
Goodyear to provide pediatric physical, occupational, speech and feeding therapy. In 2015, Kids Place Central opened in Phoenix. With a separate, family-friendly facility dedicated exclusively to pediatrics, therapists work as a team to provide services to children with developmental, neurological and orthopedic diagnoses.
Banner Thunderbird honors cancer survivors
By Darrell Jackson Glendale Starr staff writer
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center oncology counselor Patricia DeBruhl wanted to do something special for cancer survivors to lighten their mood.
“So,” she thought, “Why not make them laugh?”
“I have been a counselor of the oncology program and we wanted to celebrate cancer survivors in a special way,” DeBruhl said. “When I worked at Banner Desert Hospital, we held survivor celebrations and we wanted to bring a new way to honor them at Thunderbird.”
“Laughter as Medicine” is a fun alternative to survivor celebrations. It’s scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 26, at Banner Thunderbird’s cafeteria. To register, call 602-8655450.
cer survivor, is hilarious and was delighted to come speak to all survivors again. She said she has been working on her jokes and I expect her to do a great job.”
DeBruhl said laughter is known to help improve people’s disposition.
“There are studies that show the physical and mental benefits of laughter while going through medical treatments,” DeBruhl said.
“It can enhance oxygen intake, stimulate the heart and lungs, relax muscles, ease tension and relieve pain, and we decided this was perfect to honor our survivors.”
DeBruhl said she has used discussion groups, online events and painting to honor survivors in the past.
Lunch & Learn
Menke Funeral Home and Cremation Center
Sun City Reception Room
Thursday, January 31st 12:00 p.m. (Noon)
We’ll Explain:
• Cremation or Traditional Burial Service – What are Your Options?
• What Most People Don’t Know About Pre-Planning
“We have an employee in radiation oncology whose brother does standup,” DeBruhl said. “We called him, and he is bringing a couple of his comedian friends to do stand-up for all those who come. We also have a keynote speaker, games and an acapella group to sing for everyone and have some fun.”
Laughter as Medicine will feature guest speaker and cancer survivor Erin O’Brien, who authored Accidental Pilgrim, along with comedian performances.
“O’Brien is a survivor of cancer, and I have worked with her over 12 years. She was part of my support group about 10 years ago, and she was a keynote speaker at an event I had years ago at Banner Desert Hospital,” DeBruhl said.
“I used a day of painting at Banner Desert and then we hung the paintings all around in public so people could see them and see what it is like to live with cancer,” DeBruhl said. “If you have cancer and you can manage it to do a painting, hopefully you can take a moment to enjoy life while dealing with any problems.”
While this is the first time laughter will be used to honor survivors, she sees a future to continue.
“We use book clubs, where we read about anything but cancer, as well as have a Skype group where patients can join from home,” DeBruhl said.
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“She is almost a 10-year breast can-
“I tell them all the time you have to be able to put down problems for a while and step away because you don’t have to be thinking about your issues 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You need that break, and sometimes it is as simple as taking a break for an hour or two.”
Humana, St. Mary’s team up for food and fund drive
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Glendale Star managing editor
Humana, St. Mary’s Food Bank and the VFW are hoping to bring awareness to hunger issues among veterans and their families by hosting a food and fund drive through February 28.
In fact, 1 in 5 households served by a local food bank has at least one member who has served in the U.S. military, according to Humana officials.
As part of the “March Out Hunger” campaign, nonperishable food will be collected at 11 Iora Primary Care locations and 19 VFW posts in Maricopa County, including:
Iora Primary Care, 4319
convio.net/MarchOutHunger2019.
The campaign kicked off January 19 with the Rucksack March at the Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon. In the military, soldiers carry a heavy rucksack, similar to a backpack, over a long distance. To bring awareness to food insecurity among the military and veterans community, participants brought packs filled with food donations and marched the 5K route, delivering the food to St. Mary’s Food Bank at the finish line.
For more information, visit humana. com.
UFC returns to Arizona for a televised event
By Darrell Jackson Glendale Star staff writer
Former ASU wrestler Cain Velasquez hits the octagon when UFC returns to the Valley for matches at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 17. It will be the organization’s first televised event on ESPN.
Velasquez (14-2), a two-time UFC heavyweight champion, will face Francis Ngannou (12-3) in the card’s main event.
The UFC agreed to a five-year $1.8 billion broadcast deal and will feature 13 fights with 10 broadcast live on ESPN. The early preliminary will feature three fights that will be broadcast on ESPN plus.
Velasquez, who hasn’t fought since July 2016 when he beat Travis Browne with a first-round TKO at UFC 200, is in the featured bout against No. 3-ranked heavyweight Ngannou, who has lost two of his past three fights.
Local fighters will be heavily present as No. 11-ranked women’s strawweight Courtney Casey of Glendale will battle No. 12-ranked Cynthia Calvillo. Casey (8-6) is coming off a split deci-
sion victory over Angela Hill August 25 but has lost two of her past three fights. Calvillo (7-1) is also coming off a victory as the two battle.
“I grew up in Arizona, on the eastside, and came to The MMA Lab and (Coach John) Crouch has been very welcoming to me,” Casey said last year before fights at Gila River Arena. “I love MMA and watched it on TV and I love fighting.”
Also, local fighter Bryan Barberena (13-5) returns to action against Vicente Luque (14-6-1) on the main card in Phoenix. Barberena is coming off a first round TKO of Jake Ellenberger August 25 in Lincoln, Nebraska.
No. 11-ranked women’s flyweight Ashlee Evans-Smith (6-3, fighting out of Santa Ana, California) takes on No. 13 Andrea Lee (9-2, fighting out of Shreveport, Louisiana).
Former UFC bantamweight champion Renan Barao (34-7, fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) aims to snap his losing streak when he meets Luke Sanders (13-3, fighting out of Nashville).
In a battle of undefeated prospects, Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series signee Benito Lopez (9-0, fight-
Main Card (7 p.m.)
Cain Velasquez (14-2-0) vs. Francis Ngannou (12-3-0)
Paul Felder (15-4-0) vs. James Vick (13-2-0)
Cynthia Calvillo (7-1-0) vs. Courtney Casey (8-6-0)
Alex Caceres (14-11-0) vs. Kron Gracie (0-0-0)
Bryan Barberena (13-4-0) vs. Vicente Luque (13-6-1)
Andre Fili (17-5-0) vs. Myles Jury (17-3-0)
Preliminary Card (5 p.m.)
Jimmie Rivera (22-2-0) vs. Aljamain Sterling (16-3-0)
Manny Bermudez (13-0-0) vs. Benito Lopez (8-0-0)
onAshlee Evans-Smith (6-3-0) vs Andrea Lee (9-2-0)
Scott Holtzman (10-2-0) vs. Nik Lentz (28-9-2)
ESPN+ Preliminary Card (3:30 p.m.)
Jodie Esquibel (6-4-0) vs. Jessica Penne (12-5-0)
Renan Barao (34-4-0) vs. Luke Sanders (12-2-0)
Alexandra Albu (1-0-0) vs Emily Whitmire (3-2-0)
ing out of Oroville, California) meets Manny Bermudez (13-0, fighting out of Norwell, Massachusetts).
No. 5-ranked bantamweight contender Jimmie Rivera (22-2-0, Ramsey, New
Jersey) looks to work his way back into the title conversation by taking out No. 7 Aljamain Sterling (16-3-0, Uniondale, New York).
Third rabbi added to serve West Valley
By Abbie S. Fink
Special to the Glendale Star
Jewish Family & Children’s Service has expanded its hospital chaplaincy program to add a third rabbi to serve the West Valley.
Rabbi Tracee Rosen will provide one-to-one, shortterm support to patients and their families. The addition of Rosen allows JFCS to expand its program from 22 hospitals to 26. The additional hospitals are Abrazo Arrowhead (Glendale), Banner Boswell (Sun City), Banner Del Webb (Sun City West) and Banner Thunderbird (Glendale). Rosen will also take emergency after-hours calls from these hospitals for end-of-life issues.
According to The Jewish Family & Children’s Service’s Ellie Schwartzberg, visiting rabbis bring comfort to patients and their families during their stay in a hospital.
“Rabbi Rosen and our two other rabbis provide a great service to our community. This expansion will allow us to serve the Jewish community in the West Valley with a dedicated and committed rabbi,” Schwarzberg said.
PEORIA GREEKFEST
The other rabbis are Rabbi Michael Dubitsky (Central Corridor) and Rabbi Robert Kravitz (Southeast Valley). Kravitz also responds to emergency after-hours calls from hospitals in the Central and Southeast Valley.
There were approximately 4,600 families served by the JFCS chaplaincy program in the past year.
It is customary during the intake process for hospital staff to ask patients if they identify with a particular faith and if they would like to meet with a member of their chosen faith’s clergy.
Those individuals in the four West
Valley hospitals who identify as Jewish will be seen by Rosen, if requested, during her regular visits to the hospital. Rosen is the rabbi of Beth Emeth Congregation in Sun City West. Previously she was the spiritual leader of Temple Gan Elohim in Sun City West, and the director of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Studies for the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix. The expansion of the chaplaincy program is the result of a gift from the Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
Church counts the days to 90th anniversary
By Lorraine Zomok First United Methodist Church committee member
First United Methodist Church of Glendale in Historic Downtown Glendale will celebrate the 90th birthday of its sanctuary at 9 a.m. Sunday, February 3, with a special rededication at 7102 N. 58th Drive. The original dedication of the sanctuary was February 3, 1929.
The community is invited to attend an open house during the Glendale Chocolate Affaire Saturday, February 9, and Sunday, February 10.
The Church Preservation Committee is planning several community and fundraising activities throughout the year to maintain, preserve and restore the historic buildings.
For more information about First United Methodist Church of Glendale, call 623-939-1409 or visit glendalefirstumc.com.
The church’s 90th anniversary open house is open to the public. (Photo courtesy First United Methodist Church)
Rabbi Tracee Rosen. (Photo courtesy Jewish Family & Children’s Service)
God’s Love Is Eternal
We invite you to worship with us weekly
Shepherd of the Desert
11025 N. 111th Ave., Sun City/Youngtown
• Worship Saturday 4:00pm, Sunday 9:30am
• Holy Communion both services
• Word on Wednesday 6:30pm, Supper 5:30pm
• First Communion ClassesCall to schedule
• Youth Programs - ScoutsAfter School - Camp
Handicap Bus - Call for pickup
Rev. Dr. Daniels R. Defassio, Pastor 623-933-1359
shepherdofthedesertelca.org
Email: sodsecretary@qwestoffice.net
Lutheran/ Missouri Synod
Apostles Lutheran Church & Preschool
7020 W. Cactus Rd Peoria, AZ 85381 623-979-3497 www.apostles-az.org
Sunday Worship
8am & 10:45am English 10:45am Spanish Sunday School 9:15am English 11am Spanish
Rev. Andrew Byars, Pastor Rev. Ramon Cabrales, Assoc. Pastor
10250 N. 59th Ave. 623-937-9216
Sunday Services: Bible Study ....................................... 9:15 am Morning Worship 10:30 am Discipleship Training ........................ 4:45 pm Evening Worship 6:00 pm
Wednesdays: TeamKid, Youth Worship Bible Study & Prayer 6:00 pm
Dr. Mark Mucklow, Pastor www.fsbcg.org
Harvest CHurCH
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
Roman Catholic Parish Glendale
5614 W. Orangewood Ave., Glendale • 623-939-9785
www.olph.com
Mass Schedule - English M-F 6:15am & 8:30am Sat 8:30am & 5:00pm Sun 6:30am, 8:30am & 10:30am
Mass Schedule - Spanish Fri 6:00pm (OLPH) Sat 7:00pm (Capilla) Sun 10:00am (Capilla), 12:30pm (OLPH) & 3:00pm (OLPH)
Dove of the Desert
United Methodist Church
Increasing Love for God & Neighbor by Going Deeper, Reaching Farther, Transforming Lives”
Dove of the Desert is a vibrant, multi-generational church located in NW Glendale at: 7201 W. Beardsley Rd. Glendale, AZ 85308
We offer three worship services each Sunday.
Our traditional services are at 8:00 am and 11:00 am,and our contemporary service is at 9:30 am.
We would love to have you worship with us, and invite you to learn more about us at: www.doveofthedesert.com Tel: 623-572-7334
Kelly Clarkson to play Gila River Arena
By Darrell Jackson Glendale Star staff writer
American Idol’s original star, Kelly Clarkson, is bringing her Meaning of Life tour to Gila River Arena February 1.
Clarkson has been playing arenas across the United States on her first headline tour in three years. She will be joined by special guests Grammy-nominated Kelsea Ballerini and last season’s winner of NBC’s The Voice, Brynn Cartelli, at the Glendale stop.
Clarkson has partnered with CID Entertainment to offer four VIP experiences that bundle premium tickets with exclusive show perks.
Amenities range from watching the concert at a bar right against the stage to accessing a private lounge with VIP-only photo opportunities, including the chance to strike a pose in Clarkson’s chair from The Voice. VIP Experience details are
available at cidentertainment.com.
“Meaning of Life is the album I always wanted to make, and I am so excited to finally be able to tour it,” Clarkson said in a press release. “Even while recording the album, I couldn’t wait for people to experience the music live, to not only hear it, but feel it. It has taken almost a year of planning, and I can’t wait to see you all on the road.”
A seasoned live performer, Clarkson most recently headlined the 2018 U.S. Open Opening Night Ceremony in September 2018, performing a medley of her greatest hits.
Clarkson also hosted and performed on the 2018 Billboard Music Awards in addition to performances on the American Music Awards, Today Show Summer Concert Series, Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular and CMT Awards. Clarkson is further
slated for several high-profile TV appearances this month, including The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Today and The View. Clarkson said the Meaning of Life collection was “the album she was destined to make with Atlantic Records, a collection of smart and sensual soul-inspired pop that immediately belongs among the legendary label’s classic canon.”
Released to critical acclaim, numerous music critics have praised the album, with Newsweek calling it “the best album of her career,” and People magazine calling it “an impeccable blast of retro R&B.” The Associated Press described the album as “the sound of freedom,” with The New York Times concurring that “her voice is as big as ever.” Meaning of Life features Grammy-nominated first single “Love So Soft” and the show-stopping ballad “I Don’t Think About You” – both of which have become live show staples alongside Clarkson’s extensive catalog of hits.
Kelly Clarkson w/Kelsea Ballerini and Brynn Cartelli
7 p.m. Friday, February 1
Gila River Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale Tickets start at $25 1-800-745-3000, ticketmaster.com
Dwayne Perkins finds inspiration in Murphy, Pryor
By Octavio Serrano Glendale Star staff writer
Comedian Dwayne Perkins has a philosophical take on his career.
“Before you know you’re funny, I think you know what humor does to you,” Perkins said. “I think you learn how to laugh before you make others laugh.”
Perkins will make patrons laugh from Thursday, January 24, to Saturday, January 26, at Westgate’s Stir Crazy Comedy Club.
Perkins grew up in Brooklyn watching comedians like Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor, who became sources of inspiration for him.
“Mainly, it was my love for watching that drew me in more than anything else,” Perkins said.
It wasn’t long before Perkins realized he shared something in common with his icons. When Perkins was around, people laughed. That even happened when he wasn’t trying to be funny. So, he began exploring this side of him at home, using his family as his audience.
“My grandmother had a friend and I
would always tell her jokes,” Perkins said.
As a young comedian, Perkins expanded his opportunities by taking side jobs and gigs. Perkins can still recount his first performance. It was in New York City, and he remembers being very nervous but overcoming that feeling.
“There’s something about the pureness and the adrenaline that will sustain
you,” Perkins said.
It was not long before people took an interest in Perkins.
“From early on, I think the other comics recognized my writing ability even quicker than I did,” Perkins said. His colleagues’ reassurance helped him find his way. Eventually, Perkins needed to make a career choice.
“Some people take a leap, but gener-
Home & Away...Help is on the way!
ally, you’re in this sort of limbo where you are half pro and half amateur and eventually you have enough gigs,” Perkins said. Five years into his stand-up career, Perkins took that leap.
With his career in full swing, Perkins is specifically proud of his comedy special Take a Note. Perkins wants to have at least two or three more comedy specials, star in a sitcom and have his own talk show.
Perkins said his upcoming stand-up show is a “mixture of observation and personal experience.” He invites his fans and the people of Phoenix to watch his show this week. “I think that if people come, they won’t be disappointed,” Perkins said.
Dwayne Perkins
7 p.m. Thursday, January 24; and 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday, January 25, and Saturday, January 26 Stir Crazy Comedy Club, Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Suite E206, Glendale $18 stircrazycomedyclub.com
Apollo High School NJROTC cadets stand tall
By Apollo Cadet Lt. JG Darrell Tuccio Special to the Glendale Star
Apollo High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps conducted its annual military inspection on January 17.
They were graded on a detailed uniform inspection and knowledge check, and a pass and review displaying the cadets’ marching skills. The pass and review was followed by an awards ceremony, honoring the top cadets’ achievements. The staff of ASU’s Navy ROTC program conducted the inspection.
“This was hands-on the best JROTC program in Phoenix,” said ASU ROTC executive officer Cmdr. James McDonald.
“The truly inspirational thing about the Apollo NJROTC unit is they are in the business of developing exceptional young women and men into the leaders of tomorrow.”
The NJROTC program was established by Public Law in 1964, and the Apollo NJROTC program was started in 1972, two years after the school’s opening. ASU ROTC Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI) Staff Sgt. Christopher Lavine, a qualified Marine drill instructor, inspected about half of the 107 cadets.
“Although they were intimidating at first, the inspectors provided much feedback and insight that I, myself, will take to heart,” said the united commanding officer Cadet LCDR Ialiyah Blakely.
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Lavine said the cadets were well prepared for the inspection and, “It is obvious that the Apollo High School program is run by great leadership and has all the attributes of an extremely effective NJROTC program.”
The second half of the cadets were inspected by newly commissioned 2nd Lt. Jeremy Gagnon, a prior enlisted Marine.
“The students and staff at the Apollo NJROTC have a visibly exceptional program,” Gagnon said. “This program
is not only an important positive influence on the cadets, but is an integral part of their school’s success and the community.”
The Apollo NJROTC cadets were satisfied by their performance at the inspection after nearly five months of preparation.
“From the start of our preparation for AMI, the cadets worked hard for this day and it paid off,” said Cadet Alice Baptisto.
The NJROTC class helps students develop their skills, knowledge, character and physical fitness. Classroom instruction is augmented throughout the year by extracurricular activities of community service; academic, athletic, drill and orienteering competitions; field meets; visits to naval facilities or other activities; marksmanship; and sports and physical fitness training.
“I love teaching in this program,” said Cmdr. Erich Schmidt, a retired naval officer and the Apollo NJROTC senior naval science instructor.
“Designed to promote patriotism and develop informed and responsible citizens, the NJROTC program not only fosters leadership skills but also community service principles in the cadets.
The Apollo NJROTC unit conducts about 3,500 hours of community service each year, many of these directly serving the school. I like to tell the cadets that you make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give. The Apollo NJROTC cadets really give back to the school and community.”
Credit Union West to give academic scholarships
By Glendale Star staff
Credit Union West is offering five $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors to offset the cost of studying at a four-year college, community college or trade school.
Two of these $1,000 scholarships are reserved for students who participated in their school’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC). The remaining three awards are open to all local graduates who meet the scholarship requirements.
“We are committed to advancing the economic strength of Maricopa and
Yavapai counties,” said Karen Roch, president and CEO of Credit Union West. “These scholarships help local students gain the knowledge and skills needed to fill local jobs and become contributing members of their communities.”
Maricopa and Yavapai County students who graduate in 2019 and plan to attend college or trade school in the fall can apply for a Credit Union West scholarship through March 29. The application form and rules can be found at https://bit.ly/2T0UKfI. Scholarship winners will be announced by May 1.
The Apollo Cadets conduct the pass and review by the reviewing officers, consisting of, from left to right, Ben White, Apollo assistant principal; 2nd Lt. Jeremy Gagnon; Staff Sgt. Christopher Lavine; Cmdr. James McDonald; Cmdr. Erich Schmidt; Cadet Mia Lopez; and Cadet Daniela Mejia, while the cadets’ parents enjoy the parade. (Photo by Ron Perez)
School board honors Glendale High Cardinals
By Ciara Escalante Glendale Union High School District
The annual Achievement Above All ceremony celebrates one teacher, student, student group, support staff member and volunteer from each high school who exhibits leadership and commitment in the GUHSD community. At the regular governing board meeting on January 16, Glendale High School’s Achievement Above All recipients were honored for their continuous efforts to their school.
“This evening, we have an opportunity to celebrate some of our amazing staff and students that make Glendale High School successful and special,” Principal Justin Tarver said.
Achievement Above All Teacher recipient
Blair Haddle was Glendale’s 20182019 teacher recipient. The social studies teacher joined Glendale 17 years ago. He has also spent several years coaching sports including football, track and softball. Haddle is a dedicated teacher and consummate professional on campus, Tarver said.
“He does not let a single second be lost as he continuously incorporates challenging, yet engaging activities for his students,” Tarver said. “His foundation for this success is the incredibly strong relationships he builds with his students. He values them, believes in them, diligently prepares for their success and then challenges them to achieve it while providing the necessary support.”
top of her class with a 4.83 GPA, is enrolled in four Advanced Placement courses and is a semifinalist for the prestigious Flinn Scholarship.
Beyond the classroom, Ramirez is equally involved and successful on campus. She was named theater crew chief her sophomore year, is a National Honor Society member, Social Studies Club president and a Link Crew leader. She was selected as Rotary Student of the Month and Cardinal of the Month.
Despite her busy academic and extracurricular schedule, Ramirez continues to play a vital role of support to her peers.
“Not only does she set amazingly high expectations for herself, but also seeks to help others in the process,” Tarver said. “This is the mark of a great future leader.”
accepted the honor of Glendale’s Student Group of the Year. The 80-member group works to prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in the world of business.
“It has been tremendous to watch how this student club has grown substantially over the past four years and to truly witness the leadership growth in these individuals,” Tarver said. “They also value giving back to their community as evidenced by running the city of Glendale’s health fair, as well as partnering with our feeder school students from Landmark Middle School, as they mentor them in different aspects of DECA and leadership.”
DECA also impresses in district competitions with a handful of members winning first-place medals. In addition, another set of members competed nationally and internationally.
“All of this would be not be possible without a dedicated sponsor,” Tarver said. “Mr. Moukad pours countless hours before and after school to invest in his students.”
Achievement Above All Support Staff recipient
Nine-year employee LaDon Salmon was awarded as the 2018-2019 support staff recipient. He is a member of the night maintenance crew, where he helps keep the campus and classrooms polished. He is also courteous of the teachers at Glendale and has done small acts of kindness for them, Tarver said.
LaDon placed a candy bar on each teacher’s desk to brighten their day and give them some energy.”
The most enjoyable part of his position is simply taking care of the teachers and helping others however he is able, Salmon said.
Achievement Above All Volunteer recipient
Krista Howes received Volunteer of the Year for her last four years of service to the football team. She ensures the team is fed.
“Krista is an invaluable member of our football program,” head football coach Rob York said. “The amount of time she spends making sure that our athletes are fed before every game is immense.”
Achievement Above All Student recipient
Student of the Year was awarded to Andrea Ramirez. She performs at the
Achievement
“He takes great pride to humbly serve the teachers in the buildings he oversees,” Tarver said. “One simple example is at the beginning of the year,
She also serves as booster club president, where she actively raises funds to better the football team.
“The money she helped raise through her efforts would prove to be invaluable as well,” Tarver said.
DECA, student group recipient. (Photos courtesy GUHSD)
Blair Haddle, teacher recipient.
Andrea Ramirez, student recipient.
LaDon Salmon, support staff recipient.
Krista Howes, volunteer recipient.
Snowman Wreath Craft
Glendale Star photos by Pablo Robles
Children from Glendale who weren’t quite ready to give up holiday decorations came together at the Main Library to make snowman wreaths. The first-come, first-serve program was designed for children ages 5 to 11.
1. Families patiently work on their snowman wreaths, while Senior Library Assistant Paula Stroup offers suggestions. 2. Alicia Stein attended the morning program with Alex Stein, 15 months. 3. Kinzley Parkin, 6, lays out the pieces for her snowman wreath. 4. Everly Doss, 3, cuts snowflakes. 5. Joey Parkin and her daughter, Kinzley Parkin, 6, decide how to best design their wreath. 6. Each snowman wreath had its own personality. 7. Senior Library Assistant Paula Stroup led the program.
Registration for dual language program, kindergarten open
Registration for kindergarten and for Glendale Elementary School District’s Dual Language Immersion Program (DLIP) in kindergarten and first grade for the 2019-2020 school year is underway.
Interested parents can register kindergarteners at 14 District schools: American, Bicentennial South, Glenn F. Burton, Coyote Ridge, Desert Garden, Desert Spirit, Discovery, Horizon, Isaac E. Imes, William C. Jack, Landmark, Melvin E. Sine, Harold W. Smith and Sunset Vista.
To register parents need to bring the following materials:
• Child must be 5-years old on or before Aug. 31, 2019
• Parent/Legal Guardian Photo ID
• Child’s original birth certificate (or original baptismal record, refugee card, passport)
• Child’s Immunization Record
• Proof of Residence (examples include: lease/rental agreement, escrow/mortgage document, utility bill listing name/address of parent guardian)
Parents interested in enrolling their child in the DLIP should plan to attend one of two meetings in February:
• Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in the Panther Den at Horizon; or
• Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at William C. Jack.
The DLIP is open to kindergarten and first-grade students. Students residing within GESD boundaries as well as students residing outside-district boundaries can enroll in the program.
For more information see the District’s web site (www.gesd40.org) or call 623-237-7171.
The Big Cat delivers a Buddy Bench
home on the school’s grade 3-4 playground. If children want to make a new friend they’ll take a seat so other students know. The gift was made possible through a partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Be Kind People Project.
GESD only Arizona school district named Model Professional Learning Community
The Glendale Elementary School District was recognized as a Model Professional Learning Community at Work by Solution Tree, one of only 200 school districts
sustained success in raising student achievement.
The District’s successful implementation of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) process was a major contributing factor in the improved achievement of its students over the last three years.
in the United States and Canada — and the only school district in Arizona — to receive this honor.
GESD was recognized by Solution Tree for its
Through the PLC process teachers work in collaborative teams to:
• focus on learning;
• build a collaborative culture; and
• create a results orientation.
“We’re honored to receive this recognition and feel we are on the right track to continued improvement,” said GESD Superintendent Cindy Segotta-Jones. “This recognition is due to the poignant and important work of our staff to assure all students learn at high levels.”
PLC districts and schools are recognized on the allthingsplc.info web site, where they share implementation strategies and other information with other educators looking to improve their schools.
The Big Cat, Dbacks mascot Baxter Bobcat, was at Coyote Ridge last week to help present the school with a Buddy Bench. The bench will find a
Business Briefcase
By Connor Dziawura Glendale Star assistant editor
Welcome, readers! I’m happy to have the chance to bring a new recurring column to you.
As anyone from the media should feel, it’s always important to keep readers informed with the most up-todate and accurate information. Keeping with that idea, one of the most-requested topics from readers is to discuss the business sector of the community: “What’s that fenced lot?” “When is (blank) going to open?” “Does the city have any plans to attract a (insert popular restaurant chain here)?” These are the types of questions I have received in the past, and as such, these are the kinds of items on our agenda.
New businesses; closed businesses; renovations, remodels and relocations; ribbon-cutting ceremonies; business-centric events: These are the topics you can expect me to cover each week as you flip through The Glendale Star pages in search of construction
and business information.
So, with that said, I’d like to introduce you to Business Briefcase. Here’s the news!
First, Unlimited Collision & RV, which offers restorative and custom paint work, recently opened at 6030 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 2, after relocating from 75th and Northern avenues in Peoria. The new building is 20,000 square feet. One of the owners, Patricia Gorges, told The Glendale Star the “brand-new” location is on 4.5 acres, a significant upgrade from the previous location, which she estimated at 2.5 acres. The reason for the move, Gorges said, is more room was needed. Especially notable this time around, she added, is a “state-of-the-art paint booth.”
“We have a bigger paint booth,” she explained. “This one here has four stalls in it, so we can paint four vehicles or four small RVs at the same time. We’ve got a pretty big facility.”
If you’d like more information, feel
free to visit unlimitedcollisionaz.com.
A little bit further back, Credit Union West opened at 10150 W. Desert River Boulevard. The new 78,706-squarefoot building, which opened just before the new year, is located northwest of the intersection where Glendale and 99th avenues meet, and right off Desert River Boulevard. If you’d like to learn about all the services Credit Union West can offer, you’ll have to pay a visit to cuwest.org.
Looking ahead, Sprouts officials are expanding their Glendale distribution center at 5445 W. Missouri Avenue, at the southeast corner of 55th and Missouri avenues. The 106,000-squarefoot facility will add an additional 22,875 square feet of refrigerated storage as a first phase in the coming months, according to information provided by the company. The phase’s estimated completion is by the end of 2019’s first quarter. Beyond that, the company is looking to add space for team members, such as new break
rooms, training space, restrooms and locker rooms. The expansion is intended to meet growing demand in the southwest region of the United States.
On a different spectrum, and a final note, I confirmed with Valley Pentecostal Church that an additional building is being constructed on its property, as more space is needed. Currently operating out of 6602 N. 51st Avenue, the new 22,500-square-foot addition is cited in a city project list as being built at 6550 N. 51st Avenue. The addition is still under construction, and specific uses or a timeline for the building have not yet been confirmed. For more information about the church, visit valleypentecostal.org.
That’s all the briefs for this week, but don’t worry if I missed something. There’s plenty more going on in the city – and plenty more I’m looking into. If you have a specific suggestion, feel free to reach out. Thanks for reading.
Have an item for Business Briefcase?
Email Connor Dziawura at cdziawura@timespublications.com
Abrazo hospitals to host job fairs
By Glendale Star staff
Abrazo Community Health Network hospitals are hosting job fairs at its Arrowhead, Central, Scottsdale and West campuses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 5.
Recruiters will be on site to greet all applicants and coordinate potential interviews with hiring leaders for qualified candidates. Interested candidates may apply for hospital positions, with an emphasis on MedSurg/ Tele nurses with two to three years of experience.
The events are at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, 18701 N. 67th Avenue, Glendale; Abrazo Central Campus, 2000 W.
Bethany Home Road, Phoenix; Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, 3929 E. Bell Road, Phoenix; and Abrazo West Campus, 13677 W. McDowell Road, Goodyear. For more information about job openings at Abrazo Community Health Network hospitals, visit AbrazoHealth. com.
PUBLIC NOTICE
December 17, 2018
Linda Miller, Robert Hiner
5852 E. Janice Way Scottsdale, AZ 85254
RE: Public Hearing, 6669 W. Mary Jane Lane, Peoria, AZ 85306
Rescheduled Public Hearing – from Dec. 19, 2018 to Feb. 6, 2019 Parcel: 200-51-118
Legal Description: LOT ONE HUNDRED TEN (110), GRANADA ESTATE UNIT THREE, ACCORDING TO PLAT OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, IN BOOK 121 OF MAPS, PAGE 4;
Dear Sir or Madame:
On August 23, 2018, the Glendale Police Department requested assistance from the Building Safety Department due to what they believed were unsafe conditions associated with the property address of 6669 W. Mary Jane Lane.
On August 27, 2018, an investigation of the property found the main structure in exceedingly poor condition. The front shade structure had collapsed, and a significant portion of the roof structure/ membrane had been damaged due the recent storms, folding back off the roof and portions of the structure being transported by the wind. Additionally, the police officers informed me that there were individuals that are using the structure for shelter.
On August 28, 2018 a Notice of Violation for an unsafe structure and attractive nuisance was sent to the above address, but no returned receipt was received, and no one responded to our requests for abatement of the unsafe portions of the structure.
Upon reviewing the conditions at this property, we found that the structures were unsecured and an attractive nuisance. The structure and site were determined to be imminently unsafe an attractive nuisance as well as a public nuisance.
Due to the hazards, as well as the lack of action taken by the property owner to abate the hazards, the City has scheduled a public hearing for February 6, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. in room B3 at 5850 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale Arizona 85301. The room is located on the basement level of the Glendale City Hall Building below the council chambers. Free parking is located in the adjacent parking garage. The hearing originally scheduled for December 19, 2018 was cancelled due to a publication error in the local newspaper.
At this hearing you, as the property owner, will be required to show just cause as to why action has not been taken, what action you intend to take to abate the hazards and when the work will be completed. Please be prepared to submit any relevant evidence to the hearing officer for review including estimates or bills. The City of Glendale will be seeking approval to move forward with the demolition of the structures as well as the removal of any improvements on the property.
If you will be represented by an attorney at these proceedings you are required to notify Mr. Juris, in writing, of such representation and their contact in-
formation no later than 5:00 P.M. January 23, 2019. Failure to do so will result in the rescheduling of the hearing at your cost.
Note: you, the property owner, are responsible for the costs of this appeal and all costs incurred by the City as part of this enforcement action. The City of Glendale has the authority to repair or demolish the structure(s), as outlined in IBC section 116.5.2.4.4, if the aforementioned items are not addressed. All costs that are incurred by the City of Glendale, in relation to the abatement process, are the sole responsibility of the property owner and are due upon receipt.
Please submit all correspondence or queries for information to Robert Juris, Building Inspector Specialist. The address is: City of Glendale, Building Safety Department, 5850 W. Glendale, AZ 85301. I can also be reached via email at: rjuris@glendaleaz. com or at the phone number listed below.
If you or any other parties of interest have any questions or need assistance, please contact me at: (623) 930-3172.
Respectfully,
Robert Juris, Building Inspector Specialist Building Safety Department
CC: Stephen Dudley, Building Official
Sam McAllen, Development Services Director
Tom Paradise, Building Safety Administrator
Charles Jenkins, Fire Marshal
Ed Ghahreman, Senior Building Inspector
Mark Ptashkin, Building Inspection Supervisor
Justine Cornelius, Building Safety Administrator
Jim Gruber, Chief Deputy City Attorney
Aaron Schepler, Assistant City Attorney
Publish The Glendale Star / January 17, 24, 2019 / 17965
NOTICE OF INTENT TO RECEIVE BIDS
The Arizona Board of Regents, for and on beha f of Northern Arizona University, s soliciting sealed Proposals from qualified firms or indiv duals for the purpose of select ng a firm or individual nterested in providing Dorm Refrigerators with Freezer Reference P19DC003 for Northern Arizona Univers ty Offers sha l be de ivered no ater than 2:00 P M Arizona Time February 7 2019 to the office of the Director of Procurement on the campus of Northern Arizona University 545 E Pine Knoll Dr Bu ld ng 98B PO Box 4124 Flagstaff Arizona 86011 and (928) 523-4557
To request a Proposal by E-mai , Fax, Mai , or to Pick-up a copy contact Northern Arizona University Purchasing Services at the above address and phone number To download a copy from the Internet access: https://nau edu/Contracting-Purchas ng-Services/Purchas ng/NAU-B d-Board/
The Arizona Board of Regents reserves the right to reject any or all Offers, to
or declare to waive rregu arities n any Offer, or to w
it shall determine and also reserves the
ninety (90) days after the date of the
PUBLIC NOTICE
This pro ect s initially the programming of a new building, approximate y 160,000 –180,000 GSF, which is identified to be ocated at the site of an existing building, Peterson (Building #22) Square footage is to be determined n the programming phase The building w l be dedicated to multiple discipl nes with n the STEM programs A new multi-d scip ine science building is needed to prov de adequate space to support growth in enrollment and research over the last several years as NAU continues to elevate ts academic and research prof les Exact programs to locate n this space are not yet determined If the pro ect is approved to move nto the design a
throughout the entire project duration, or, the Owner, at its sole discretion, may solc t for a new design professional for the design and construct on phase The construction budget is not yet determined but the total pro ect budget is est mated at one hundred thirty mi lion dollars and zero cents ($130 000 000) which ncludes al enabling projects such as the demo ition of the existing Peterson Bu ld ng and re ocation of ts current occupants
NAU is seek ng a Design Professiona w th exper ence in h gher-education science and techno ogy buildings and academ c research labs Add tionally experience in programming and early design of projects s requ red Firms submitting a Statement of Qual f cations must demonstrate comparab e pro ect-type experience
Any individual(s) or firm(s) proposing to perform architectural or engineering serv ces must be appropriate y licensed / reg istered n the State of Arizona at the time of submission of the Qualifications
A Pre-submittal Conference wil be hosted on February 1, 2019 at 2:00 PM, Ar zona time, as a virtua meeting v a Zoom Details on how to join the Zoom meeting are ocated in Division III of th s RFQ
Individuals or firms who wish to visit campus may do so on the r own, but NAU wi not enterta n any conversation outside o f the process out ined in th s document All vehic es park ng on campus must have a perm t Parking permits for the pre-submittal meeting are available at the parking kiosks at the entrances to campus See http://nau edu/parking-shuttle-services/ for more information
SCHEDULE OF DEADLINES
Advertise for Services: January 24, 2019
Pre-Submittal Conference: 2:00 PM, loca t me, February 1, 2019
Qual f cations Due: 2:00 PM ocal time February 15 2019
Interv ews with Shortlisted F rms (Optiona ): March 2019 – Date TBD
Begin Contract Period: April 2019
Request for Qualificat on packages may be obtained from the P anning Design and Construction B ds and RFQ website page, https://in nau edu/facility-services/b dsrfq/ after 3:00 p m , local time January 24, 2019
Qualificat ons are due no ater than 2:00 PM, loca time, February 15, 2019 Deliver qua if cations to Facil ty Services, Bu lding No 77, Work Control Office, Room 108, Flagstaff, Ar zona (Southwest corner of Pine Knoll Drive and San Francisco Drive) or N
The Board of Regents reserves the right to reject any or all Statements of Qua ifications, to waive or decline, to wa ve irregular t es in any Statement of Qua ificat ons, or to withhold the award for any reason it may determine Women owned and minor ty owned firms are encouraged to apply Persons w th a d sability may request a reasonab e accommodat on
Address project correspondence to: NAU Fac lity Services
Attention: Stephanie Bauer PO Box 5637 Northern Arizona University F agstaff Arizona 86011
Phone: (928) 523-4227
Email address: Stephanie bauer@nau edu Publ shed: G endale Star Jan 24 2019 / 18074
Classifieds
Applicants must have some janitorial experience, must be dependable and able to communicate with client and supervisor. Applicants must have reliable transportation, must be authorized to work in the United States and pass Background Check.
If you are interested and would like to apply come to our office 8930 N 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345 from 9:00am - 4:00pm Monday thru Friday.
Varsity está solicitando personas para limpieza de oficinas en la Cuidad de Glendale.
Los solicitantes deben tener alguna experiencia de limpieza, ser confiable y capaz de comunicarse con el cliente y supervisor, deben tener transportación confiable. Deben pasar una verificación de antecedentes, y ser autorizados a trabajar en los Estados Unidos.
Aplique en persona al 8930 N 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345. Llegar a saber Varsity -- visite
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All positions are open until filled EOE
location The successful candidate will lead the development of a n ew d o cto r o f o ccu p atio n al th er ap y p r o g r am in a u n iv er s ity that enjoys a fine rep utation The program will be housed in a spacious, 30,000-square-foot facility in Peoria, Arizona which
a l s o h
The recently-renovated three-story structure, along with ample f
The Program Director will help create a first class learning env i r
OTD program in Peoria, Arizona will complement Huntington University’s high-quality undergraduate nursing, pre-med and o
a n a , a n d a g r a d u a t e O T D p r o g r a m i n F o r t W a y n e , I n d i a n a
Candidates must have a strong personal Christian commitment within evangelical Protestantism, an understanding of the relat i o n s h i p o f f a i t h a n d p r o f e s s i o n a l p r a c t i c e , a c o m m i t m e n t t o
s t e w a r d s h i p o f u n i v e r s i t y r e s o u r c e s , a n d a s t r o n g d e s i r e t o
serve others Occupational Therapy licensure (or eligibility for l i c e n s u r e i n A r i z o n a ) w i t h a p o s t - p r o f e s s i o n a l d e g r e e ( P h D ,
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ence of clinical practice and research activities in professional h e a l t h c a r e o r g a n i z a t i o n s a r e r e q u i r e d A p p l i c a n t s m u s t h a v e
demonstrated successful academic appointment (minimum of 3 y ear s ) an d clin ical ex p er ien ce ( min imu m o f 8 y ear s ) w ith expertise, scholarship, and administrative experience The candidate must have successful teaching and curriculum development experience in higher education and must also have a commitment to developing and maintaining an Occupational Therapy curriculum based on the mission of the University that exemplifies Christian ethics, compassion and service The ideal cand i d a t e s h o u l d a l s o h a v e s t r o n g i n t e r p e r s o n a l s k i l l s , e x c e l l e n t verbal/written communication, and the ability to operate as part of a dynamic, driven team with high standards for academic excellence
K e y a r e a s o f r e s p o n s i b i l i t y i n c l u d e r e c r u i t i n g a n d h i r i n g f a cu l t y ; s h a p i n g t h e O T D p r o g r a m p h i l o s o p h
e r i a l s ; developing program policies and procedures; leading the program’s accreditation process through ACOTE; leading the ongoing development of the department; and working with University administration to develop the OTD facilities at the Peoria, Arizona location
H u n tin g to n U n iv er s ity is a Ch r is tian u n iv er s ity an d s eek s applicants committe d to its evangelical Christian mission, faithl e a r n i n g i n t e g r a t i o n , a n d l i b e r a l a r t s e d u c a t i o n F o r m o r e i nf o r m a t i o n , s e e : h t t p s : / / w w w h u n t i n g t o n e d u / Benefits include TIAA, medical, life and disability insurance, and traditional undergraduate tuition remission for dependents Huntington University is an equal opportunity employer The U n i v e r s i t y i s c o m m i t t e d t o b u i l d i n g a s t r o n g e r m u l t i - c u l t u r a l c a m p u s c l i m a t e a n d e n t h u s i a s t i c a l l y e n c o u r a g e s w o m e n a n d
e t h n i c a l l y d i v e r s e c a n d i d a t e s t o a p p l y T h e H u n t i n g t o n U n i -
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