Peoria Times 03-23-2023

City council readdresses utility rate discussion

BY JORDAN ROGERS Peoria Times Managing Editor

Just prior to the city council meeting on Feb. 21, city council, along with city officials, discussed a possible rate increase to the city’s utility rate for fiscal year 2024.

At the discussion, which takes biannually, four options were displayed for the council — options A, B, C and D.

Option A suggested a 9.05% increase in January 2024 to $99.20 and another 8.43%

increase in January 2025 to $107.56.

With option B, there would be an 11.33% increase in January 2024 to $101.28 and another 10.44% increase in January 2025 to $111.85.

Option C offers rates to change at different dates as options A and B. In July 2023, there would be an 8.27% increase to $98.49 and another 8.11% increase in July 2024.

Option D, like option C, brings a rate increase sooner. Starting in July 2023, this option brings a 7.68% increase to $97.96 and another 7.18% increase in July 2024 to $104.99.

While there would be no formal vote, the city officials present were hopeful that council could provide guidance for an option that was most viable, but after reviewing the full presentation and several options to address cost drivers, Mayor Jason Beck and city council asked for additional options and analysis to be brought back, as well as information comparing Solid Waste rates.

Before the March 7 city council meeting,

Peoria police make arrest in connection to homicide

BY JORDAN ROGERS Peoria Times Managing Editor

Peoria police have arrested 30-yearold Lorenzo Colorado in Goodyear in connection to the March 13 homicide investigation that left 30-year-old Katrinna Gutierrez of Avondale dead.

A Goodyear resident, Colorado was transported to the Peoria Police Department, where he will be interviewed and processed before being transported to Maricopa County Intake Transfer and Release for booking on domestic violence-related charges including second-degree murder, manslaughter, endangerment and assault.

“The Peoria Police Department wants to thank our community partners and the Goodyear Police Department for their assistance with this investigation,” Peoria police said in a release.

Just prior to 9:30 p.m. on March 13, Peoria

police responded to an injury accident at the intersection of N. 75th Avenue and W. Golden Lane. The accident involved a vehicle and an adult female victim, who was later identified as Gutierrez.

After additional information and evidence obtained, preliminary investigation showed that Colorado and Gutierrez were arguing on the sidewalk. During an altercation, the Colorado assaulted Gutierrez, and she was left laying the roadway.

Colorado quickly left the area.

Shortly thereafter, a vehicle was traveling southbound on 75th Avenue and struck Gutierrez, who sustained significant injuries on scene. Lifesaving measures were performed but were unsuccessful, and Gutierrez died on scene.

The driver of the vehicle was not injured and remained on scene throughout the in-

Lorenzo Colorado, 30, will be booked on domestic violence-related charges including second-degre murder, manslaughter, endangerment and assault.

(Peoria Police/Submitted)

News Briefs

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Attend the Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration on April 8

Peoria’s 47th annual Dolly Sanchez Easter Celebration returns Saturday, April 8, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria. If interested, attend for a morning of festive entertainment and family-friendly activities. Take a walk down Cottontail Lane on the stadium field where children can collect goodie-filled eggs, trinkets, toys and crafts in their Easter baskets.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/events

Sustainable University offers Thrifty and Magnificent Cactus Class

Sustainable University is hosting a “Thrifty and Magnificent Cactus” class on

UTILITY FROM PAGE 1

council and city officials met again to discuss more options.

Peter Christensen, deputy finance director for the city of Peoria, said the city is close to reaching a proposed budget for city council to review later on in the month, and this utility rate increase is part of that budget.

The two biggest reasons the city is in need of a rate adjustment are due to the drought on the Colorado River and inflation.

With four possible rate change directions in place, Ben Beutler, budget manager for the city of Peoria, presented an additional option for city council to review — option E.

This option suggested a 9.05% increase in July 2023 to $99.20 and another 8.43%

HOMICIDE FROM PAGE 1

vestigation. There was no indication the driver of the vehicle was impaired, and speed was not believed to be a factor.

Wednesday, March 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Rio Vista Recreation Center, located at 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria. The class will be led by a desert horticulture expert who will cover all of the shapes, sizes and types of cactuses in order to assist in choosing the best cactuses for any landscape. All SustainableU classes are free, but space is limited. Register online at peoriaaz.gov/ recplace and select Adult Specialty Classes.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/recplace

Attend a Spring Training game through March 27

There is still time to attend a Spring Training game, now through March 27, at the Peoria Sports Complex, located at 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria. Join the action and excitement of the preseason as the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres warm up and prepare for the start of the Major League season.

Info: peoriasportscomplex.com PT

increase in July 2024 to $107.56.

Buetler said option E is the “most comprehensive” of the options given for recommendation.

“Bear in mind, that as we adjust our rates, other cities will be adjusting theirs as well,” Beutler said. “So, in the long term, we will continue to be on the more affordable end.”

After some back-and-forth between Beck, city council, Christensen and Beutler, it was recommended that option E be the utility rate that the city move forward with. This will come to a vote at the regular city council meeting on Tuesday, May 16.

To view the discussion in its entirety, visit peoriaaz.gov/government/ mayor-and-city-council/city-council-videos. PT

The intersection was closed for several hours during the investigation but was open for normal traffic at approximately 5:10 a.m. PT

Park West Easter event hops into town

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BY JOE McHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

Park West is getting Peoria back into the feeling of spring, and on Saturday, April 1, the shopping mall will be hosting its annual free-to-attend, family Easter event.

Between photo opportunities, games, prizes and exploring Park West, attendees will have no problem finding fun at every turn.

“(We are) super excited to have this event and have it give back to the community and just have a fun day,” said Kelly Price, business development director of Cire Equity, the owner of Park West.

“Really it is all about the community and families and getting everyone out but have some fun in the spirit of Easter.”

Sponsored by Arrowhead Honda, Easter at Park West has evolved, and the 2023 edition has the most promise yet. The games and activities will be headlined by a free photo shoot with the Easter Bunny, which has been wildly popular over the years.

“Last year, we had a line around the corner,” Price said. “We were overwhelmed by the positive response from the community.”

This year, though, Park West will be

more prepared to handle the eager kids and families waiting in line.

“This year we’re teaming up a little bit so that while kids are waiting in line, they actually have some things to keep them occupied. Games, tattoos or with a book. So, we’re anticipating a high level of support again this year.”

There will be nearly 10 different games that kids can play while waiting their turn with the famous Easter Bunny, including ring toss, as well as a glitter tattoo station and book and candy giveaways.

The community support has been raving about the event over the past three years, and it has driven Price and her team to keep pushing to make this event a highlight of the spring season.

“We get messages on the weekly, messages of gratitude for how we show up for the community, and the fact that they don’t have to go outside of Peoria anymore to do these types of things with their family,” Price said. “It’s an incredible feeling just to know that the West Valley has been a bit of an island, and to be able to provide activities and retail and restaurants so they don’t have to drive 30 minutes to get their needs met. We are really proud of that.”

With the rapid growth of Peoria over the last decade, it is events like these that

show people what the city is all about. For previous residents, they know and love Park West, but for the newer residents, this event could be their first time experiencing one of Peoria’s most popular amenities.

“I think when they come out for the event or if they haven’t been to the property in a while, they see all the new businesses that are here and a reason would come back.” Price said. “We have our farmers market every Saturday, which often has 5,000 people in attendance. We have a hot new tenant lineup. … So it gives a chance for them to see all the new businesses that we have for the community.”

Showing off the community under the umbrella of a fun holiday event, Price said, is the perfect way to engage everyone and have a hopping good time.

“We’re thrilled that we can provide this event for the community and make it a free event,” Corbet said. PT

Park West’s free annual Easter event will have photo opportunities. (Submitted)

Delta Dental of Arizona appoints Wandoloski to Board of Directors

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Delta Dental of Arizona recently announced that Matt Wandoloski, CEO of Paloma Healthcare Consulting LLC, has been named to the dental insurance company’s corporate Board of Directors.

Wandoloski brings a wealth of experience to the role. In addition to his leadership position at Paloma Healthcare Consulting, a Phoenix-based strategic advisory firm focused on the health care industry, Wandoloski has spent almost the entirety of his decadeslong career with health plans, delivery systems and large self-funded employers.

He held notable roles including with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona as vice presi-

dent of corporate strategy and informatics, CEO of United Healthcare of Southern Ar-

izona, and partner with Mercer.

“Matt is a seasoned health care executive with more than 25 years of experience in senior executive operating roles across the health care industry, and his demonstrated track record of driving profitable growth speaks for itself,” said Michael Jones, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona.

“These attributes, combined with his dedicated service as a health care advocate across Arizona, ensure that he will be invaluable to Delta Dental of Arizona as we work to create a path to better health and wellness.”

Wandoloski currently serves as a director, adviser and investor in several health-related innovative companies and investment funds, including Health-

well Acquisition Corp Inc., Complia Health and Solera Health. Additionally, he advises many innovative companies in the tech-enabled health care space.

In addition, he has held board/adviser positions at Children’s Clinic for Rehabilitation Services, Healthcare Financial Management Association and the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. Wandoloski has an MBA in finance from Long Island University and received United Healthcare Wharton CEO training.

“I am very honored and proud to serve on the board of Delta Dental of Arizona, and I am looking forward to being part of an organization that is so important to the health of Arizona,” Wandoloski said. PT

Paloma Healthcare Consulting LLC CEO Matt Wandoloski has been named to the Delta Dental of Arizona Board of the Directors. (Submitted)

HOME SECTION

ADOT seeking public comment on program

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking the public’s input on its latest program to improve and maintain the state’s highway system during the next five years, a proposal that includes several major widening projects while also improving pavement conditions.

The public comment period begins today on ADOT’s 2024-2028 Tentative FiveYear Transportation Facilities Construction Program, a $7.7 billion program that will invest $2.6 billion in pavement and bridge preservation projects across Arizona over five years, upgrading pavement in poor or fair condition.

Additionally, the program allocates $669 million for projects that widen highways or improve interchanges. Those projects include:

• Widening Interstate 17 north of Phoenix from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City, plus adding flex lanes from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point. The fiveyear program contains $83.6 million toward the ongoing project.

• Widening the Gila River bridges between Phoenix and Casa Grande. The program dedicates $50 million toward the project in 2023 and is a key step toward ADOT’s goal of widening I-10 to three lanes in each direction between Phoenix and Tucson.

• Constructing the first phase of the I-40/ US 93 West Kingman interchange. The program includes a total of $160 million for construction in 2024 and 2025.

• Widening and improving US 93 between Wickenburg and I-40 in Kingman, including expanding three segments of the highway from two to four lanes. The US 93 improvements total $263.9 million and include widening projects near Cane Springs in 2024, near Wickenburg in 2026 and another widening project near Big Jim Wash in 2027.

• Widening the last two-lane section of State Route 260 in the Lion Springs

area. The program includes $125 million for construction in 2026 and would complete ADOT’s goal of completing a four-lane divided highway along the entire SR 260 corridor.

Other program highlights include $469 million for projects that improve highway safety, efficiency and functionality, such as smart technology or adding shoulders. ADOT’s five-year program is developed by working closely with local governments and regional transportation planning organizations to prioritize projects that are ready to build or design.

Funding for the program is generated by users of transportation services, primarily through gasoline and diesel fuel taxes and the vehicle license tax. Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases that allow for more expansion projects to take place.

The I-17 and I-10 widening projects are able to advance through ADOT’s partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments, the regional planning agency that has committed some of the funds for those improvements.

The public comment period for the 2024-2028 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program ends at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 1. The State Transportation Board is expected to consider formal action on the program at its Friday, June 16, meeting.

The complete report is available at azdot.gov/tentative5year for review and comment. ADOT welcomes feedback via an online form that will be available at azdot.gov/tentative5year, by email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot. gov and by phone at 1-855-712-8530.

Public comments also may be made at an open public hearing of the State Transportation Board scheduled at 9 a.m. Friday, May 19. Meeting information can be found at aztransportationboard.gov. PT

Opening a box brings a ood of memories

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist

he cardboard box sat in the garage for years, in part because the shipping label said it weighed 110 pounds. But the real reason I put o unpacking the box was fear of what it might contain.

My brother packed it up shortly after our mother died at the end of 2017. She was a bit of a packrat, my mom. ere was no telling what she might have saved.

Lately, with another birthday looming, I’ve been on a neatness kick. You

know the drill: As getting older sets in, you think more order in your life, less detritus, will make you feel on top of things, not quite so ancient.

TIn a t of motivation, I opened the box.

And found a thousand yellowed newspaper columns dating back to the rst tales I ever got paid to write in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1992 and after my move to Arizona in spring 1995.

My parents subscribed and had those newspapers mailed to Florida. I dug in and spent the morning reading Valley news from what feels like an eternity ago.

What struck me was how little has changed over the better part of three

decades. Back then, the sad sack Arizona Cardinals were on the prowl for a new taxpayer-funded stadium. Today it’s the equally sad Arizona Coyotes looking for a new home and a massive handout.

In May 1995, I wrote about the National Ri e Association coming to town for a national convention. I contrasted the exhibit halls full of guns with a sober scene across town in Mesa: 400 schoolkids and teachers mourning the shooting death of 16-year-old Derrick Garcia, killed by a former classmate who put a bullet in his chest.

“It’s just going to go on and on,” said Jessica Olivarez, Derrick’s 17-year-old cousin. “I hope this time,

Derrick’s death changes everything. … Nothing is worth this.”

I shared her hope. A few hundred thousand senseless shootings later, we remain stuck in place.

So it goes for gay rights as well. We’ve come a long way since I wrote about Dawn Bates and Barb Jones, a Tempe couple together for 16 years, but whose union could not be made legal back then.

e two had faced nancial struggles, discrimination and hatred for being out and lesbian.

“I think we’re looking for a level playing eld,” Barb said in 1996. Many

AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Bar-tailed godwit sets record by ying 8,435 miles

BY JUDY BLUHM Peoria Times Columnist

eep going. Don’t think. Just do it. Believe. A motivational speech for our business or personal lives? Or perhaps the recent ight path of one incredible bird. Oh, Mighty One, bar-tailed godwit, how we admire you. Flying nonstop from Alaska to Tasmania, you set the distance record at 8,435 miles in 11 days. According to news reports, this bird was tagged as a hatchling with a GPS chip and a tiny solar panel by researchers in Alaska. Oh, bird, with wings of steel, how did you y so far when you were only 4 months old? is was not an easy journey. e bar-tailed godwit cannot land in the ocean and take o again. If the bird

Kwent into the sea due to exhaustion, his trip would have ended. Once he set o from Alaska, the only choice was to keep going. And researchers are still not sure why or how he traveled this distance. It took constant apping of wings, no food, no sleep, just bold determination. Was he lost? It appears he got separated from “his family” and landed on the wrong side of Australia. What was he thinking?

Perhaps the godwit is like our friend Manuel, the tarantula, who for the past 27 years graces my friend Diane’s house in New River every summer. He hangs around for about three months. No GPS, no map, and probably little planning. Yet, he arrives unannounced and makes himself right at home. Maybe just a strange migration pattern?

How do we nd our way home? A dog named Bailey was at a shelter

in Texas for almost a year until she nally was adopted. e new owner was walking Bailey and the dog broke loose. Frantically searching the neighborhood, Bailey was nowhere to be found. Several days later and 10 miles away, Bailey used her snout to press the Ring doorbell outside of the shelter. It was the middle of the night, and the sta was alerted and rushed to the shelter, where Bailey was waiting by the door. ey welcomed her back and placed her in her old, familiar run. No one is sure how Bailey crossed interstates or managed with no food or water for three days, but she was determined to nd the one place that she knew she’d be safe. Hope and endurance brought her home. Nature teaches. Sometimes we learn. I noticed a little spider building a beautiful and intricate web in

between two bushes in my backyard. I called her Stella and watched her as she tended to her web and busied herself daily. I saw a small sparrow carefully designing a nest of twigs in a big mesquite tree in my yard. en a storm came, and Stella’s web was ripped to shreds and the sparrow’s nest was blown to bits.

Despite catastrophe, these tiny creatures rebuild. ey simply try again, evidently knowing that giving up is never an option. From beating wings to small steps, nature’s resilience is one of the many gifts to admire in our world. And that mighty godwit is Lord of the Wings. PT

Kelly’s censorship question may tip voters against him

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Peoria Times Columnist

ark Kelly, who used a stellar resume to win a 2020 special election for the U.S. Senate, then spent an astronomical sum to keep the seat in 2022 for a full term, is discovering the effects of gravity on governing.

You won’t nd Arizona’s junior senator prepping to star in a remake of the 1976 movie “ e Man Who Fell to Earth”— at least not yet. But the Tucson Democrat, like that lm’s leading man, the late David Bowie, may soon sing of “Ch-Ch-Ch-ChChanges.”

Look for Kelly’s popularity among Arizona voters to su er a precipitous fall — all because of a not-so-innocent question he asked. It came during a March 12 Zoom

Mcall of 200 people, including other senators, House members and committee sta ers from both parties — all joining with representatives from the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department and the Federal Deposit and Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

e subject was the Silicon Valley Bank bailout.

e former astronaut and his crew were looking for a way to bailout of the incoming critical press coverage once that call concluded.

“Sen. Mark Kelly Called for Social Media Censorship to Prevent Bank Runs,” read the headline on journalist Michael Shellenberger’s Substack blog, “Public.”

Rep. omas Massie (R-Kentucky) provided details of what’s quickly become a massive headache for the Arizona senator, saying that Kelly “asked the three agencies if there was a program underway on social media to censor information that would

lead to a bank run.”

“I believe he couched it in a concern that foreign actors would be doing this, but he didn’t suggest the censorship should be limited to foreigners or to things that were untrue.

e people from the three agencies couldn’t answer him and just sort of took a pass on the question.”

Massie initially took a pass on directly identifying Kelly — as did Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado) — who took to Twitter to claim that “a member asked if they (Treasury o cials) were reaching out to Facebook and Twitter to monitor misinformation and ‘bad actors.’”

Lest the GOP stand accused of manufacturing misinformation, Rep. Dan Bishop (R-North Carolina), chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations and Accountability, ID’d the Arizona senator and demanded that Kelly be held accountable.

“I have con rmed with (House Speaker Kevin) McCarthy that it was Sen. Mark Kelly who asked on last night’s Zoom call whether the call hosts (at Treasury, the Fed and the FDIC) were interacting with SM (social media) platforms and on the lookout for foreign in uence that might promote bank runs.”

Kelly and his sta didn’t exactly run to cameras and microphones to deny the senator’s line of questioning. In fact, it took almost 24 hours for Kelly to respond.

Curious timing, that.

Remember his aforementioned “stellar resume?” Kelly’s quali cations as a ghter pilot and astronaut?

Both those positions require lightning-quick re exes and instant responses. If untrue, a simple “No!” could have been uttered in less than a second.

When Kelly’s sta nally formulated

SECTION COMING APRIL 27TH!

of my gay friends are still looking today. Barb concluded with a thought that makes every bit as much sense to me today as it did 27 years ago.

“We,” she said, “ought to be accorded the respect that any American would expect.”

In the paper days later, a guy named John Camp singled out the column in a letter to the editor.

BESTOF 2023

“I would like for Mr. Leibowitz and all those who support the marriage of homosexuals and enjoy parading ‘loving’ couples to advance their cause, to answer one simple question: Must all loving relationships end in sexual acts of some kind in order to prove their validity?”

Like I said, the years pass, but some things stay the same. I still have no clue what that guy is talking about.

a response, it was more lawyerly than leisurely o ered. Mark’s underlings insisted that their boss was focused on foreign adversaries potentially trying to take advantage of the situation by spreading misinformation.

Actually, it appears “Team Kelly” was more interested in misdirection than misinformation in responding to concerns, emphasizing a focus on “foreign actors.”

Granted access to contemporaneous notes taken by another participant on the March 12 Zoom call, this columnist can reveal that a couple of questions asked by Sen. Kelly were much more “universal” in nature, going far beyond the oft-mentioned overseas “actors.”

Speci cally, “Do we have a group of people paying attention to what’s going on online?”

en, more troublingly, “Are we making social media companies aware so that they can take action?”

Some days, I fear this beautiful state of ours is about to come undone, that Arizona will nally break beneath its stressors: drought, sprawl, hatred, political tomfoolery, evil HOAs, sports team futility, too few dollars for education, too many incompetents in too many elected positions.

Probably not, the contents of the box reminded me. We’ve battled the same problems for decades. We’ve outlasted them so far. We probably will for years to come.

I packed up the box and put it aside, vowing to visit it again down the line. Because what good are memories if you never unpack them? PT

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

Given the Democrats’ collective coziness with Big Tech — and their successful e orts at censoring their GOP opponents during the 2020 and 2022 campaigns — it’s not far-fetched to suggest that Kelly views his own experience with political censorship as a bene t. Whether Arizona voters will view their junior senator’s embrace of censorship as a much-needed tool — and even an asset to government — is doubtful. PT

J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of federal immigration law in the 109th Congress. Hayworth worked as a sportscaster at Channel 10, Phoenix, from 1987 until 1994 and represented Arizona in Congress from 1995-2007.

CENSORSHIP FROM PAGE 13

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Rotarians host annual Prom Closet to provide free formal attire to teens

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Young boys and girls throughout the state will be able to attend their high school prom this spring without having to spend a single penny on purchasing needed attire thanks to the e orts of Arizona Rotarians.

Beginning at the end of March and continuing the rst weekend in April, the Prom Closet — a project spearheaded by the Peoria North Rotary Club — will provide formal prom attire to boys and girls at absolutely no charge.

is year’s Prom Closet takes place 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25; Sunday, March 26; Saturday, April 1; and Sunday, April 2, at the Glendale System of Care Center, 7677 W. Bethany Home Road, Glendale.

All high school teens are invited, there are no nancial requirements and no application needs to be completed to

participate.

e Prom Closet has thousands of formal prom dresses to choose from, as well as shoes and accessories. In addition to women’s clothing and accessories, items available to men include shirts, slacks and ties.

e program was initially started 12 years ago by Mary Ann Baker, a founding member and past president of the Peoria North Rotary Club. e Peoria club assumed total oversight of the Prom Closet six years ago and is supported by volunteer Rotarians from Sun City, Glendale, Surprise and Phoenix.

“It’s really grown into a communitywide project,” said Donnis Deever, a member of Peoria North Rotary Club and chair of this year’s project.

“Not only do we have Rotarians from throughout the Valley, but we have many other residents who have joined on as volunteers, many of whom felt the im-

pact of the program when their sons or daughters visited the Prom Closet in the past.”

While reservations are not needed, there may be a short wait depending on the amount of people in attendance. Rotary volunteers accompany students individually through the Prom Closet to assist them with their selections.

Formal attire is only available to students.

e event has steadily grown over the years as word continues to spread. Last year, nearly 400 students from 70 Arizona high schools were served.

“We had several students come from as far away as Winslow,” Deever said.

Rotary is an international service organization with members throughout

the world. Eliminating polio is a major focus of the organization, but other areas of focus include improving literacy, providing sustainable fresh water and helping those in need.

“Rotary’s motto is ‘People of Action,’ and we think the Prom Closet lives up to that credo about as well as anything we can do,” said Vernon Bridges, president of the Peoria North Rotary Club.

All items from the dresses to sport coats to shoes have been donated to the club over the years.

Donations are currently accepted at several locations throughout the Valley. Deever can be reached at dadeever@ yahoo.com. For more information and a complete list of drop-o sites, visit thepromcloset.com. PT

Rotarians from throughout the Valley volunteer each year to assist with the Peoria North Rotary Club’s Prom Closet, an event held in March and April that provides free formal attire to boys and girls attending high school prom. (Bret McKeand/Submitted)

Sunrise Mountain High alum thriving at the next level

BY JOE McHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

Four years ago, former Sunrise Mountain defensive lineman and Peoria native Hunter Olson had been a three-year varsity player for the Mustangs. His 141 tackles and 17 tackles for loss during his time at the school was enough to consider playing football at the next level. Through the recruiting process, one school quickly became clear as the frontrunner — Central College in Pella, Iowa.

“I even had met with him at school and also came out and met with him and his mom down in Phoenix,” Central College football head coach Jeff McMartin said. “We had lunch together one day, and it was really a good way to move forward in our recruitment efforts.”

Olson accepted McMartin’s offer to join the Dutch and hasn’t looked back. He has continued to prove himself as a valuable member to Central’s football team, earning his fourth varsity letter, all the while majoring in engineering off the gridiron.

“It (feels) good, I’m hoping I can get a fifth for sure.” Olson said. “It’s really been good just being able to have experience from freshman to sophomore year, not starting but just being able to get in there and play real, important games. (That) really helped me get ready for when I was able to start the whole year.”

The 5A product made his way out to Central College to play in the Division III program, originally as a linebacker before transitioning into the trenches. In his first

Mountain Ridge High School baseball off to blazing start

BY JOE McHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

With a rich tradition of baseball running through Mountain Ridge High School, there were high expectations for the Mountain Lions to continue that tradition this season.

Most recently coming off of a 20-8 record and a 6A Desert Valley region title in 2021-22, the bar was set high.

But in the 2022-23 season, Mountain Ridge has blistered out of the gates, winning 11 of its first 12 games, including an 8-7 victory against the No. 13-ranked team in the country in Chandler Hamilton. All signs are pointing to the Mountain Lions following that winning tradition and making a convincing case for a 6A state championship.

“Preparation leading into the season is obviously step one to get off to a good start,” Mountain Ridge head coach Eddie Bonine said. “And then you know it’s a

talented group that has played together for quite a while. They pull for each other, they love each other, and they are doing a good job of just playing the game the right way and taking care of business.”

The Mountain Lions have been a force on both sides of the ball, combining effective pitching with potent hitting to jump them out of the blocks in the early goings of the season.

“The key is the pitching; when you got guys on the mound that are pounding the strike zone and the defense is ready to play, you go catch the ball and throw the ball well, they stay on the attack, stay on the offensive,” Bonine said. “And you never really let the other team get anything going. So that’s just been the key to the pitching of the defense.

“And the offense, we have a really good lineup, just a matter of getting them going.”

On the pitching side, Mountain Ridge has been lights out. As a team, it has held opponents to just 25 runs, 14 of which came in two games against high-level

competition. Anchored by strong pitching from juniors Smith Bailey, Ryland Sands and Jackson Forbes, the unit has been dominant.

With 141 tackles and 17 tackles for loss at Sunrise Mountain, Hunter Olson will look to continue to use his tackling prowess at Central College. (Central College/ Submitted)

While pitching multiple one run games and shutouts, it could be that the offense

Mountain Ridge High School is searching a 6A conference state championship after winning 11 of its first 12 games to start the season. (Mountain Ridge High School/Submitted)

two years, he focused on his development in a new position but was met with the hurdles of playing a high-contact sport.

Injury riddled his freshman and sophomore years, but McMartin knew that he was still a valuable member of his team.

“He’s very physical; he’s not afraid to do the dirty work,” McMartin said. “He’ll play whatever role that you need to play. If it’s taking on the biggest guy on the other team, even if he’s not, he’s not going to back down from the challenge.

“And so, you have a guy who is, A, extremely competitive; B, he doesn’t back down from challenges; and, C, very physical. You have to really love that in a player.”

Battling through his injuries, Olson’s patience finally paid off, playing in 23 games and starting his last 10 in his most recent season.

“It’s fantastic,” Olson said. “Having a ton of injuries before, it kind of sits in the back of your mind, but once I get in the game I’m not going to worry about that anymore, just have to get the job done.”

Olson did just as he set out to do, compiling 27 tackles on the year with 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble, all of which were career bests. His perseverance has netted him a starter for the Dutch, and a key player all the while.

Olson’s story goes deeper than his injuries, though, as his academic side is also something to marvel at.

“He’s accepted every challenge and academically,” McMartin said. “There are a lot of students that can be engineering majors and that’s where the story ends. There are very few people that can major in engi-

neering and then also play a college sport. And I think it goes to another extreme when you’re talking about college football.

“He’s taking the hard path; he definitely challenged himself, and he’s advancing. He’s going to graduate with a degree in engineering and is going to become an engineer. He’s going to have a chance to be a five-year football player for us here. That’s a really special thing for him and for our team. And it’s been great to see him continue to work through that process.”

Olson will continue to put in the work to be the best athlete, teammate and student and keep moving things forward in the right direction.

“Hunter has definitely come a long way over his time at Central, and he’s very committed to being here,” McMartin said. PT

is only able to muster up a couple of runs, escaping with a narrow win. That isn’t the case with the Mountain Lions, though, as the bats have been firing on all cylinders.

A proverbial nightmare for opposing pitchers, Mountain Ridge has scored 73 runs in their first 12 games.

Multiple hitters are on hot streaks, and that includes senior two-way player, Cooper Neville, who got out to a roasting .429 batting average with 12 hits and two home runs through the opening 12 games.

“He’s one of our leaders on the field and off the field,” Bonine said. “Unbelievable young man. I have been fortunate to coach him for the last five years.”

Right behind Neville is fellow senior Cannon Peery, who carried a .400 batting average with 10 runs batted in and three home runs through the first 12 games.

Opening the season in the 31st annual Adam Donnenfield Tournament, Mountain Ridge got right to work against the opposition. They completed a clean sweep of the field, skating by Scottsdale Desert Mountain, Gilbert High School, Gilbert Perry and Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, bolting to a quick 4-0 record in the first week.

Moving out of tournament play, the Mountain Lions continued forward by beating Phoenix Brophy Prep, Surprise Shadow Ridge, Mesa Mountain View and Gilbert High School again, taking them to an 8-0 record coming into the Boras Classic. They opened the tournament with a 12-0 victory over Nogales, before being handed their first loss in a close game against Reno High School (Nevada), 7-5.

Mountain Ridge wasn’t battered for long, though, as it quickly turned it around at the right time against Waddell Canyon View to get back on the winning trend.

Then, to end the tournament, they faced the powerhouse Hamilton and were able to come out on top, setting them up with great momentum come the second half of the season.

With the feel this team has, Bonine has all the belief in the world that his squad can make some noise in 6A.

“The bulk of this group has been playing baseball together for a little while,” he said. “I feel like it’s that feeling of we’re going to take care of the little things to play this game correctly. We expect you to go out there and win. We expect to compete, and let’s have fun while we’re doing it.” PT

MOUNTAIN FROM PAGE 16

Hunter Olson recently earned his fourth varsity letter at Central College. (Central College/Submitted)

Jeff McMartin, the head coach at Central College, said Hunter Olson “isn’t afraid to do the dirty work.” (Central College/Submitted)

Peoria resident uses expertise to get people back on their feet

BY COLE JANUSZEWSKI Peoria Times Staff Writer

Pamela Stenvall has worked in the staffing industry since 1994.

Recently, she left a large staffing corporation and has spent the past eight years working with Express Employment Professionals to help individuals and local companies find jobs and new employees.

“I started working in the staffing industry back in 1994 in Seattle,” Stenvall said. “I actually walked into an agency called Adams and Associates when I was in my early 20s. When I left big corporate staffing I was very blessed to have Express Employment Professionals reach out to me because I wanted

something greater. I wanted more purpose.

“I wanted to bring back the element of customer service, which is so important to me, and have those relationships with our associates and our clients because, whether they’re internal or external customers, we are a family.”

She said she works with many companies, including three sober living communities to help recruit and identify talent for her clients. More than this, she said she focuses on building relationships to help companies and individuals find long-term jobs that fit their needs.

“We’re not here just to fill a seat with a body,” she said. “We’re really here to

make a difference. We go out and meet with every single client. We do site tours and inspections. We get to know who the management team is, why the position is open, what is critical in this position and who would be considered a superstar. Then, we dive even deeper and find out what are your productivity goals and the initiatives that you're working on.

“I always put myself in the applicant’s position of what it’s like to look for work, and I think it’s very important to have a relationship with our clients. We don’t just interview the candidates based on their skill set. We get to know our candidates both professionally and personally as well so that our clients really know the value of this individual before they even

meet the person.”

With this type of mindset and decades of experience in staffing, Stenvall has helped many employers and employees.

“We just celebrated our 40th anniversary,” she said. “We employed over 600,000 employees last year. My office alone worked with over 104 companies and 1,700 associates. It’s amazing to be able to help put food on people’s plates and to also have a great relationship with our clients. It’s my mission to help people, bring our community together, and help our clients and associates with retention and finding great homes.”

One person that Stenvall has assisted recently is Charles Shephard. She helped

Shephard find employment after he fell on hard times due to family and health issues.

“I had just lost two kids,” Shephard said. “I buried my 20-year-old son two years ago and my 25-year-old daughter last year in January. Then, I gained custody of my now 6-year-old (grandson). I was just in an emotional wreck. I still am. I just have to dig deep within the reservoir of myself and try to develop the will to stay afloat for my kids sake and my grandkids sake. I’ve also been diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and I was in the shelter. But I just never gave up. I just kept pushing forward for my children and my grandkids.”

He also mentioned that he is a recovering alcoholic who is now two years sober. He said he got into contact with Stenvall because he “had too much on the line, too many people depending” on him and he “needed to make a change.”

“They’ve given me the best kind of jobs they offer because I can’t take on too much stress due to my congestive heart failure,” he said. “I have a perfect shift with enough time to drop off my son and enough time to get off and pick him

up from school. I also make $5 an hour more than what I was before because the previous job that I had was offering $15.”

Shephard has also made the most of his opportunity. Despite the fact that he has to commute 30 minutes each day to take his grandson to day care on top of an additional 40 minutes to work, he has never been late or missed a day of work since starting his job 10 months ago.

In fact, he was awarded Associate of the Month in December for his hard work.

Looking to the future, he said he hopes to save up enough money so that he can move closer to his work to cut down on travel times and expenses. PT

Pamela Stenvall has worked in the staffing industry since 1994 and is using her experience to give back to the community by helping many who are in need of her expertise. (Submitted)

Nearby festival brings Top 40 hits

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor

Coinciding with the close of Spring Training, Bases and Brews Music Fest features rides, adult beverages and performances by Andy Grammer and Chris Lane on Saturday, March 25, and Walk the Moon and Lovelytheband on Sunday, March 26.

Presented by the city of Surprise and Steve LeVine Entertainment and Public Relations, Bases and Brews Music Fest is a family-friendly event that also features a carnival midway and interactive activities. Food, beer and spirits will also be available.

Andy Grammer

A fan of his hometown team, the New York Yankees, Grammer has performed the national anthem twice at the World Series. Playing the Bases and Brews Festival was a natural fit

for him.

An Emmy Award winner, Grammer is known for quadruple-platinum “Honey, I’m Good”; platinum singles “Keep Your Head Up,” “Fine By Me,” “Don’t Give Up on Me,” “Fresh Eyes” and “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah)”; and gold single “I Found You.”

Grammer said fans can expect a high-energy, dynamic show, given his “pretty big band.”

“I’ve been doing some spoken word in the middle of songs,” he added.

“I solo with words. You’re not going to see me rip on a guitar solo, you will see me have everyone leave stage, on a spoken word poem. Meaning through words. Hear words first or music first. When I ask the average person, music first. When you take out the music you can spend 100% on the words. You have to do it sparingly; you’re not going to a spoken word show. If it works, it can be really powerful.”

This is a big year for Grammer. He has a big summer tour planned, although he couldn’t yet announce with whom. He’ll also hit Europe, including Switzerland and Italy.

For Grammer, it’s a nice — and neces-

sary — change after the COVID-19 pandemic forced him and other entertainers to stay home.

“That was miserable,” he said. “But I

Andy Grammer headlines Bases and Brews on Saturday, March 25. (Alex Harper/Submitted)

Benevilla gears up for Arizona Gives Day

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Benevilla, the West Valley’s premier family services nonprofit, has joined Arizona Gives Day 2023, a grassroots statewide day of giving, by inviting Arizonans to support their favorite nonprofit causes.

Started by the community and for the community in 1981, Benevilla is a notfor-profit family services agency dedicated to enriching the lives of West Valley residents by providing care services for older adults, adults with disabilities, children and families.

Arizona Gives Day, slated for Tuesday, April 4, is an annual giving movement uniting nonprofit organizations, big and small, new and established, to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving. The event helps raise awareness about the critical role Arizona nonprofits play in local communities and inspires people to give generously creating a thriv- ing and stronger Arizona for all.

Donations received through this

online platform will support the Benevilla, free to the community, Home Services Program. There are over 254,000 West Valley residents who are seniors or adults with disabilities and many of them want to stay independent at home but do not have a personal support network to assist them, and Benevilla is working to meet the vital needs of older adults in the West Valley with their free volunteer-driven Home Services program offering grocery shopping assistance, wellness checks/phone pals, emergency errands, light handyman services, and assisted transportation to medical appointments.

To jump-start this year’s campaign, an anonymous donor promised to match donations dollar-for-dollar to Benevilla up to the first $10,000 raised for Arizona Gives Day, therefore doubling the impact of a donation.

Grocery shopping assistance is among the offerings of the volunteer-driven Home Services program at Benevilla. (Benevilla/Submitted)

the Peoria Main Library

MONDAYS

The Peoria Times publishes on Thursday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue. Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Times’ coverage area, which is Peoria.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

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

Cactus League Games

ALL MARCH

Spring Training is back in the Valley, and the Peoria Sports Complex is ready to host fans of the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres. The Peoria Sports Complex is honing in on the fan experience for 2023. The stadium will have promotional days, the American Furniture Warehouse

“Oasis” and a new team mascot. Check out the Cactus League website at cactusleague.com for the full schedule.

Peoria Sports Complex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, visit website for tickets and times, peoriasportscomplex.com

Afternoon Adventures at

Elementary kids looking for something to do after school are invited to come to the library for a wide variety of fun activities every Monday and Thursday. Legobuilding challenges, crafts, board and card games, and much more are all intended to help foster the creativity of students. Call for more information on specific activities and which will be done on a specific day. Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., free, 623-773-7578, peoriaaz.gov

Sew Smart Sewing Club

WEDNESDAYS

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

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe

Street, Peoria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Momma’s Organic Market

SATURDAYS

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

Arrowhead Towne Center, 7780 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, 8 a.m., free, arrowheadtownecenter. com

Bases and Brews Music Fest

MARCH 24 TO MARCH 26

The inaugural Bases and Brews Music Fest, a music festival inspired by Major League Baseball Spring Training, is slated to take place at Mark Coronado Park in Surprise. Bases and Brews Music Fest is a family-friendly event featuring national and regional entertainment, a carnival midway, spectacular food and curated vendors. During the day, the stage will feature live music from local award-winning artists and community groups, followed by a nationally renowned headliner each night. Throughout the festival grounds, guests can experience a carnival midway with over 40 rides and games, as well as interactive activities for all ages. There will also be an opportunity to indulge in your favorite festival foods, beer and spirits.

Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, visit

website for ticket prices and times, basesandbrewsfest.com

Time for Crafting for Adults Club

MARCH 25

Meet fellow crochet, knitting, and sewing/needlework enthusiasts! Bring your own project to start or work on. Share ideas, help, tips and patterns along with friendly and cheerful conversation. Beginning to advanced needlecrafters are all welcome. Must be 18 years of age and older to participate.

Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Music in March

MARCH 26

Music in March is back! Head to Paloma Community Park for live music every Sunday in March for an exciting lineup of talented local jazz, blues, and soul/funk bands. In addition, local food trucks will

serve up delicious food and drink for purchase. Enjoy good music, good food and good weather with the Peoria community. Bring your blankets and chairs. The March 26 show is Sandra Bassett.

Paloma Community Park, 29799 Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria, 4 to 6:30 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Monday Night Melodies

MARCH 27

This free two-part concert features a variety of music genres ranging from ethnic to bluegrass in the Peoria Main Library’s Willow Room. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Peoria Main Library — Willow Room, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, free, 6 to 7 p.m., peoriaaz.gov

Sensory Storytime

MARCH 28

Join the Peoria Main Library for an adaptive storytime designed to help children with sensory integration challenges join in library programs. This program utilizes music,

Get a Leg Up On Your Vascular Health.

Severe leg pain while walking or exercising is not normal. It may be a sign that your blood flow is blocked by plaque buildup in your arteries. This condition, known as Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) should be evaluated by a physician promptly. Untreated, it can lead to loss of limb, heart attack or stroke.

Stay on top of your heart health by having regular heart check ups and seeking medical attention when you experience new symptoms. Give us a call today –our team is here to help you at every step of your heart health journey.

movement, repetition and books that increase children’s engagement at a preschool level. Sensory Storytime will be provided in an environment designed to decrease sensory overstimulation. The Peoria Public Libraries are IBCCES Certified Autism Centers.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 9:30 to 10 a.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

In-N-Out Cover to Cover

THROUGH APRIL 15

It is time for the In-N-Out Cover to Cover reading program. Running until Saturday, April 15, children between the ages of 4 and 12 can read five books to earn a Cover to Cover Achievement Award — a Valued Guest Card (VGC) that is valid for a free hamburger or cheeseburger. Completed reading logs should include the titles of the books and a parent or guardian signature. Participants can earn up to three VGCs during the program. Children

480-765-2800

must be present with their parent or guardian at time of redemption.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria; Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria, peoriaaz.gov

‘Escape to Margaritaville’

THROUGH APRIL 16

Kick off your flip-flops and set your clock to island time as Arizona Broadway Theatre’s main stage is transformed into a tropical paradise where love and laughter are the keys to growing older but not growing up. This upbeat and energetic new musical is the story of a part-time bartender, part-time singer and full-time charmer named Tully who thinks he’s got life all figured out, until a beautiful careerminded tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything.

Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria, various dates and times, azbroadway.com

PT

needed it. I needed some alone time. There was a lot of personal growth, but it was not fun.”

With songs like “Keep Your Head Up” and “Honey I’m Good,” Grammer is singing about how he aspires to feel.

“I think it definitely helps,” he said. “I can’t say I’m exactly the person who keeps their head up though.”

He stays passionate because he’s creating something of service to other people, as “Honey I’m Good” and “Keep Your Head Up” have impacted listeners’ lives.

Lovelytheband

Lovelytheband drummer Sam Price is easily swayed. He admitted he’s a big Dodgers fan. When he’s told that’s frowned upon in Arizona, he came up with a smart response.

GIVES FROM PAGE 21

Anyone who is passionate about their community, has family or friends who are older and struggling with the challenges of living alone or just wants to

“If it’s any consolation, my girlfriend’s from Phoenix,” he said with a laugh. “I have a connection to Arizona. I can be an honorary fan when I’m in town.”

When the alt-rockers open for Walk the Moon on Sunday, March 26, fans can expect them to bring the party.

“We have a good time,” said Price, who lives within walking distance to Dodger Stadium. “They’ll likely be new stuff, but mostly some older things. You can definitely expect ‘Sail Away’ and ‘Broken,’ of course.”

The new music he’s referring to is Lovelytheband’s new album, “If We’re Being Honest,” which is set for release on June 2.

“It’s the best Lovelytheband album yet. It’s possibly the best album ever, of all time,” Price said with a laugh.

“It’s classic Lovelytheband — upbeat music with melodic lyrics and

make a difference in our community should participate in Arizona Gives Day.

The donation period began on March 14. To donate, visit azgives.org/benevilla

ANSWERS PAGE 26

stories that, I think, everyone can relate to.”

Festivals like Bases and Brews, Price explained, are the perfect venues for Lovelytheband.

“They’re our favorite,” he said. “It’s such a fun environment. We’ve done a couple sporting things this year. We bring the tailgate energy. We’re loose and fun and carefree.” PT

IF YOU GO...

Bases and Brews

WHEN: 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, March 24; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday, March 25; and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, March 26

WHERE: Mark Coronado Park, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise COST: Tickets start at $30 INFO: basesandbrewsfest.com

or call 623-584-4999.

For more information on services, volunteer opportunities, to take a tour or donate to Benevilla, call 623-584-4999 or visit benevilla.org. PT

Each

only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by

Freedom is a subtle and delicate gift

CHURCHCOMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph

Peoria Times Columnist

e love the idea of freedom, don’t we? Yet freedom is delicate and subtle. Freedom used in the wrong way is easily perverted. As a result, freedom is squandered, and then the opportunity is lost. World history is littered with examples of nations that gained freedom for a short season and then lost freedom for a long season.

There was a church in Galatia that lost its freedom. First, they forfeited their God-given freedom by giving in to heretical teachers who took away their freedom. Then they empowered themselves with their forfeited truth. The church’s founder and father, the Apostle Paul, shocked by what happened, wrote a letter to them about freedom. Paul warns them to look out for “freedom nappers.” Here is part of what Paul wrote.

W“Those heretical teachers go to great lengths to flatter you, but their motives are rotten. They want to shut you out of the free world of God’s grace so that you will always depend on them for approval and direction, making

them feel important.” One translation calls these heretical teachers “paper tigers.”

If the Galatician church had freedom challenges from those inside of it, think of the freedom challenges that governments, nations and institutions will have from those on the inside.

When some people get their hands on position and power, they often use their position to control others, either putting or keeping them “in their place.” The history of peoples, nations, governments, businesses, churches and the like is long and tedious. Without God and a sound moral compass, most leaders seek absolute power that

corrupts them absolutely. Once leaders, governments or institutions get into power, their goal becomes to gain more control.

Nations or institutions often start right but end wrong. These entities or leaders gained freedom through many toils, trials and snares.

As a result, freedom-loving people grew and prospered. Then the paper tigers with the old, controlling way of thought, who think they have a new way of thought, start calling the freedom way of living into question. They challenge the views, values and vision of freedom. They focus on the problems

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that responsible freedom allows. They make it seem like the freedom of living doesn’t work.

Eventually, the freedom-of-living people caves into those who call their freedom into question. After all, they have a degree and are on television. However, it’s not the rules and regulations that ensnare freedom lovers. Instead, fickleness; short memory; and a propensity to be seduced by words, optics and flattery trap them. Their naivety and lack of discernment snare them. The result is those who started with freedom end up losing their freedom.

Those who originally taught the Galatians about freedom, like the Apostle Paul, were perplexed. How could

the Galatians give up their God-given freedom so quickly and easily? Their line of questioning would be like this.

“Why did you rebuild the old dysfunctional barn we tore down? Who has bewitched you? Why the detour? Why give up your freedom for a paper tiger-created dos and don’ts system?

Why did you trade inside transformation from Jesus for outside legislation by paper tigers?”

Everyone has God-given power and rights. When someone gives up their freedom for conformity or safety, codependency results. Codependency herds people into a controlled and obligated corral of bondage.

Observe the wisdom from the Scriptures about freedom. “It is clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make

Harvest CHurCH

8340 W. Northern Ave. Glendale, AZ 85305

Information 623.334.9482

Dr. Ron G. Rockwell – Pastor

Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. Nursery Provided

Wednesday: Family Night 7:00 p.m. www.hcaz.org

16000 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City AZ 85351 Tel: 623-974-3611

SUNDAY WORSHIP - 10 AM and Live-Streamed at www.scfaith.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 26 Can These Bones Live?

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Faith Church supports Food Banks, Habitat for Humanity, Ukraine humanitarian needs, One Great Hour of Sharing

“An inclusive, welcoming, caring community, serving Jesus Christ”

sure you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to (voluntarily) serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.” Have you noticed paper tigers don’t do that?

Just like a river has borders, freedom has borders. However, a river without borders is a swamp. The same is true of freedom. Being totally “free” and without restraint leads to a swamp of bondage. I call that “free-dumb.” For example, freedom from lying and stealing is better than the freedom to lie and steal. That’s not freedom; it’s bondage. Absolute freedom requires responsibility and self-control powered by God.

Freedom is an inside job. God sets us free on the inside so we can live “free” on the outside. God writes His laws in our hearts and conscience. God wants people to be free of the things that entangle us. Freedom does not come from information, indoctrination or conformation. Freedom comes from transformation. And the rest is history.

Freedom is high octane. We need God’s wisdom in using real freedom from the

Scriptures, or we will have perverted freedom. Why? Eugene Peterson says it perfectly. “Freedom is a delicate and subtle gift, easily perverted, and often squandered.” For freedom, Christ set us free.

So don’t use your freedom as an opportunity to do whatever you want, whenever you want. That behavior leads to bondage.

One more word of encouragement. The truth sets us free, brings us into freedom and keeps us in freedom. But, unfortunately, tooth decay and truth decay have the same destructive results. So don’t let the truth decay in our culture take away your white, glistening truth of freedom. PT

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

PUZZLE

answers to puzzles on page 24

10935 W. Olive Ave. Peoria 85345 Phone (623) 972-8479 office@westolive.com www.westolive.com

Sunday Bible Study 9 a.m. Worship 10 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Classes for all ages - 7:00 p.m.

Everyone Is Welcome!

Credit Union West awards $5,000 to student-entrepreneurs

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 Program Year

Credit Union West recently partnered with Glendale Community College

Who is eligible?

• Expectant mothers

• Children, ages 0-5

• Children with Special needs

• Foster Children

• Homeless families

CHOOSE A CAREER THAT CHANGES LIVES!

Now

Who is eligible?

Who is eligible?

Expectant mothers

• Expectant mothers

Children, ages 0

• Children, ages 0

Children with Special needs

• Children with Special needs

For our center based program we offer:

• full day (8-2pm),

• half day (8-11:30am or 12:30 –4pm)

There are multiple class schedules, class times and locations throughout the West Valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan area for those who qualify.

“I loved being part of the judging panel for the Innovation Challenge,” Duong said. “At Credit Union West, we believe in lege Innovation Challenge winners

To learn more or apply online visit: www.westsideheadstart.org

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

were Laura Morales, the first-place winner, who received $2,500; Daniel Hulse, the second-place winner, who received $1,500; and Edwin Leon, the third-place winner, who received $1,000.

“ anks to the generous support of Credit Union West’s prize sponsorship, we can recruit more students and raise the stakes of this competition,” said Dr. Gabriela Cojanu, GCC business faculty and Innovation Challenge founder. “Not everyone wins a prize, but in the end all participants are winners by

competing in the Innovation Challenge.”

To learn more about how Credit Union West gives back to local communities, visit cuwest.org/givingback. PT

Now accepting applications for the 2022 Program Year

Foster Children

• Foster Children

Westside

Homeless families

• Homeless families

applications for

• Master Teacher/Supervisor

• Teacher AA or BA

• Assistant Teacher

• Master Teacher/Supervisor $26.00 per hour full time

• Kitchen Aide/Custodian

For our center based program we offer: full day (8-2pm), half day (8-11:30am or 12:30 –4pm)

• Preschool Teacher $24.00 per hour, full time

• Groundskeeper

• Assistant Teacher $18.00 per hour, full time

For our center based program we offer: full day (8 -2pm), half day (8 -11:30am or 12:30 –4pm)

• And more...

There are multiple class schedules, class times and locations throughout the West Valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan area for those who qualify.

BENEFIT ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES RECEIVE:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

There are multiple class schedules, class times and locations throughout the West Valley of the Phoenix Metropolitan area for those who qualify.

• Short-Term Disability Insurance

• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

We also offer Home based options to children 0-1 years of age.

• Paid Holidays

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan

• Pension Retirement Plan

NOW HIRING! Call Your Local Recruiter For More Information or To Apply Cheryl 480-450-0958 MONDAY, APRIL 24 Scan the QR code to learn more about the 19th Hole Reception and Helicopter Ball Drop Raffle or visit rmhccnaz.org/golf.

To learn more or apply online visit: www.westsideheadstart.org

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

POSITIONS AVAILABLE:

Credit Union West presents checks to Glendale Community College Innovation Challenge winners. (Credit Union West/ Submitted)

JOBS.PHOENIX.ORG

Avoiding Overused Terms

We all think of ourselves as driven, e ective and creative, right?

are typically the most used words on resumes and LinkedIn pro les.

ing. If everyone is organized, patient, strategic and responsible, then how can any candidate ultimately stand out? Best to avoid overused terms with your ré-

sumé, online presence and professional conversations.

ere’s nothing wrong with these

Saturday, April 1, 2023 9 am - 12 pm 20402 N. 15th Ave • PHX, AZ 85027

RSVP to Judi.williams@dvsud.org Apply for all positions now @ www.careers.dvusd.org

Resumes, online profiles, professional websites or interview talking points are meant to set candidates apart from what can be an overstuffed talent pool. You want to stand out more than blend in. But traveling the same worn language path isn’t going to convince a hiring manager that you are a unique thinker. Moreover, trotting out the same tired descriptions will often lead to probing questions that you may not be prepared to

Family Medicine Physicians (Multiple Openings)

sought by Adelante Healthcare, Inc. for Maricopa County, AZ locations.

Must have M.D. or equiv.; completed Family Medicine residency; Board certification or elig. in Family Medicine; and AZ medical license or elig. Send resume to: Meredith White, 3033 North Central Ave, Ste. 145, Phoenix, AZ 85012 or fax (623) 583-3007.

answer. Faced with yet another applicant who calls themselves “innovative,” for instance, a recruiter might ask for specifics. If you can’t back up your words with specific work examples that produced key related achievements, you’ll look unprepared — or maybe even deceitful. That’s not likely to get you the job.

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Who says you have to write down anything at all? After all, the search for powerful and trendy keywords is being joined by thousands of other applicants daily. Consider integrating video, audio or other multimedia presentations into your online pro le, website and candidacy presentation. is provides a new and innovative way for recruiters and hiring managers to get to know you better.

HAVE OTHERS SAY IT

If you think of yourself as driven, effective and creative, then surely there are others who agree. Search out recommendations from respected colleagues, industry gures, coworkers and supervisors who’ll convey your value to a prospective employer. eir honest assessments will provide a wider context for your application than your own words perhaps never could — and they’re likely to be judged less when using familiar words to describe you. ese endorsements can be directed to LinkedIn accounts, letters of recommendation or through telephone calls with your résumé reference contacts.

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is given pursuant to ARS §9-462.04, ARS §9-461.09(A) and the City Code of Peoria, Arizona, that the Board of Adjustment for the City of Peoria will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at the Peoria City Council Chambers, 8401 W. Monroe Street, Peoria Arizona 85345.

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

Agenda items:

PUBLIC NOTICES

Legends Senior Living: Variance (V23-03)

A public hearing to consider a variance request to side and rear setbacks for the Legends Senior Living group home located at 20424 N 98th Lane. The subject property is located within the 95th Avenue and Beardsley Road Planned Area Development (PAD) zoning district. More specifically, the variance request is for:

• A reduction of the rear yard setback from fifteen (15) feet to ten (10) feet, three (3) inches; and

• A reduction of the side yard setback from eight (8) feet to three (3) feet, ten (10) inches.

TO: Dewon Jenkins

YOU ARE HEEBY NOTIFIED there is now on file in the office of the Clerk of the above named Court, a Petition in the above-entitled action, which seeks to terminate the parent- child relationship between the minor child A.T.J. and Dewon Jenkins, the biological father.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that a hearing on termination of parental rights has been set in this matter at 8:45 am on the 9th day of March, 2023, in the Iowa District Court for Black Hawk County, at the Courthouse in Waterloo, Iowa, and at said time and place, you will be given the opportunity to be heard before the Court.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that, as a result of this hearing, the custody of the child could be taken from you permanently, your parental rights terminated, and the child placed for adoption. Therefore, you have a right to be represented by an attorney at the hearing. If you are financially unable to hire an attorney, the Court will appoint one for you, if you notify the Clerk of Juvenile Court of this fact within five days after you receive this Notice. If you do not employ an attorney, you will be deemed to have waived this right.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that unless you appear thereto and defend at the time and place identified above, that termination of parental rights may be decreed as prayed in said petition.

IF YOU REQUIRE THE ASSISTANCE OF AUXILIARY AIDS OR SERVICES TO PARTICIPATE IN COURT BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY, IMMEDIATELY CALL YOUR DISTRICT ADA COORDINATOR AT (319) 833-3000. (IF YOU ARE HEARING IMPAIRED, CALL RELAY IOWA TTY AT 1-800-735-2942.)

Published

Mar

PUBLIC NOTICES

DESCRIPTION: Foreign Direct Investment Consultant (City to Business Strategy) SOLICITATION DUE DATE: March 28, 2023 @ 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) Solicitation is available for download from our website at: www.peoriaaz.gov/ procurement Published in the Peoria Times, Mar 23, 2023

Reimer Residential Project: Variance (V23-01)

A public hearing to consider a variance request to the front setback for a custom single-family residential home, known as the Reimer Residence, located west of the northwest intersection of 105th Lane and West Camino De Oro. The subject property is located within the Suburban Ranch (SR-43) zoning district. More specifically, the variance request is for:

• A reduction of the front yard setback from forty (40) feet to twenty-five (25) feet.

Published in the Peoria Times, Mar 23, 2023

EMPLOYMENT-GENERAL

HIRING

Direct Support Professional, Lead Starting Salary Range $16.15-$17.15

We

Find Fulfilling work!

Make a real difference with the work you do.

At this time, we are able to pay our quarterly bonuses to Direct Care Staff on top of their base starting hourly rate of $15.25-$16.25/ hour. This bonus is $0.90/hour paid quarterly bringing the pay rate equivalent to $16.15-$17.15/hour.

Apply online at www.aires.org

EMPLOYMENT-GENERAL

Seamstress/Ironing needed at dry cleaners near Luke Air Force Base.

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MISCELLANEOUS - FOR SALE

For Sale to Good home 5 y/o black & white Argentine Tegu Lizard Complete with set up and necessities. Very Tame, not aggressive, loves to be held Good lap animal $450 (623) 703-7096

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