12 minute read
SPORTS`
PeoriaTimes.com /PeoriaTimes For more sports visit peoriatimes.com
Rising players blend Hispanic, American cultures on way to postseason
BY VALENTINA MARTINEZ Cronkite News
Mezcla. In Spanish, the word means “mixture” or “blend,” and it applies to many Hispanics in the United States who are trying to blend into American culture while embracing their own.
It’s a familiar challenge for Phoenix Rising players Arturo Rodriguez and Santi Moar, whose journeys seem particularly poignant during Hispanic Heritage Month.
The pair are two of eight players with Hispanic roots on the Rising, including Jon Bakero, David Loera, Edward Delgado, Luis Seijas, Ivan Gutierrez and Manuel Madrid. The group has made an impact on a team that has a winning record, and recently became the first team in the USL Championship to qualify for the 2021 postseason.
Moar leads the team in goals with 14 and is one of the most dynamic attacking players in the championship all season. He is also third in the league with 55 shots.
Rodriguez, a midfielder, was born in San Luis Potosí, a city of more than 800,000 people in central Mexico. He lived there until he was 15 when his family relocated to the United States to look for work and a better life.
Rodriguez attended his last two years of high school in Texas, a period of time that is challenging to any American teenager. It was even more difficult for Rodriguez, who did not speak any English when he arrived in Dallas.
He described the first day of his junior year as one of the most difficult of his life. He was a new student at Ranchview High, and he didn’t have the ability to introduce himself to any of his teachers or peers because of the language barrier.
“To arrive at my classes without knowing anything and everyone looks at me like, ‘How are we supposed to welcome you if you don’t know anything?’” Rodriguez said.
Hardly anyone spoke Spanish at Ranchview, and school was difficult for Rodriguez until he was able to find people who could communicate with him in his native language.
Six years later, Rodriguez, now 21, believes he has absorbed both Mexican and American culture.
“I’m a little bit of both,” Rodriguez said.
He holds his Hispanic cultural values close, especially the ones he learned from his family. Two important principles he continues to live by include being a good person to everyone, no matter who they are, and respecting elders.
“They’ve helped me get to where I am today,” Rodriguez said.
Moar, a midfielder, grew up in a small farming town in Spain. His soccer roots were planted in Ordes, a municipality of about 12,600 people in the country’s northwest region, where playing the sport was common — even expected.
“When we were little, the only distraction that we had was to play soccer,” Moar said. “Growing up in the streets and on the field, we had a lot of opportunities to play soccer.”
Many Sundays in Ordes consisted of three things for Moar: attending church, enjoying Spanish delicacies and playing soccer. The local soccer teams competed Sunday afternoons, and it was tradition for people from the town to attend.
Like Rodriguez, Moar arrived in the United States unable to speak English. His family was back in Spain, and he journeyed to the United States to play for Pfeiffer University, a small private college in North Carolina.
Although Moar and Rodriguez have adapted to American culture, they still find comfort in speaking their native language, which connects Hispanics in ways that are hard to find elsewhere.
“It gives you the liberty to go to certain places and converse with certain people and get to know more about those people,” Moar said.
Rodriguez and Moar gladly share Hispanic culture with their Rising teammates. Rodriguez enjoys dining with them at various Mexican restaurants as well as inviting them over to try homemade Mexican delicacies, including enchiladas and spicy salsas.
Playing cards was a tradition in Moar’s family, and he introduced the custom to his teammates who have happily participated, especially while traveling to away games. During his childhood in Ordes, Moar played cards with his grandfather after most meals. To Moar, playing cards was more than a game, it was a time where he was able to learn more about the people sitting around him at the table.
The connection Hispanic people forge with each other, Moar believes, is one of the most compelling aspects of the culture.
“The communication. The relationship between people,” Moar said. “I think that we have a very open relationship, with a lot of happiness and joy.”
For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.
Manuel Madrid is one of eight players with Hispanic roots on the Rising. (Photo by Harrison Zhang/Cronkite News)
Catch up on Local Peoria News!
33Peoria Times Peoria Progress Peoria ProgressAn Involved Community is a Thriving Community.
www.peoriachamber.com Connect with us
Gratitude on the Green benefi ts fi rst responders
BY PEORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is hosting its third annual fi rst responders charity golf tournament on Jan. 31 at Blackstone Country Club at Vistancia.
Last year’s event was a sellout during the COVID-19 restrictions, and the event generated $10,000 to support police and fi re organizations and show gratitude and appreciation for their tireless work.
We recognize the signifi cant impact associated with the work of police and fi refi ghters.
The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is proud to again partner with Law Enforcement Specialists, our title sponsor for the second year. We work with generous sponsors and volunteers whose visions align with the mission of our tournament.
“We again are excited and energized to partner with Law Enforcement Specialists as our 2022 title sponsor supporting our fi rst responder golf tournament,” said Scot Andrews, president and chief executive offi cer of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce.
“CEO Bonnie Lucas and her team believe in the sacrifi ce and dedication our fi rst responders bring to our community every day. We look forward to another engaging fun event with LES and demonstrating our appreciation, respect and of course through our dollars gifted to our fi rst responders.”
Lucas’ security fi rm puts “law on your side” by providing resources to coordinate police offi cers for off-duty work.
“The success of LES is only possible because of our brave police offi cers,” Lucas said. “They are the best humans on this Earth. We have the privilege of helping supplement their income by doing what they love while providing better lives for their families, reaching their fi nancial goals, and fulfi lling their dreams.”
To register, visit peoriachamber.com/ events. Don’t golf? Sponsor a fi rst responder to participate in the tournament. For more information on sponsorship and support opportunities, contact events@peoriachamber.com.
AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • LIFE
CALL • COMPARE • SAVE
• Auto Owners • Safeco • EMC • Liberty Mutual • Nationwide • Electric G.E. • Hartford • Met-Life
• Travelers • CNA • Progressive • Foremost Dave Mitchell, CIC
(Certified Insurance Counselor) MBA, MA.HR, SPHR, SCP in HR dave@idealins.com www.idealins.com
Peoria Chamber CEO and President Scot Andrews, second from left, and Councilmember Bridget Binsbacher, center, present the First Responder’s cup to James Willis, Joey Smith, Jason Tarrant and Amanda Gaines of the Peoria Police Department. (Photo courtesy of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce) Promote your products and services with the right signs and visual graphics.
6020 W Bell Rd, Ste E101 Glendale, AZ 85308 602-439-4242 sales.194@fastsigns.com Serving the West Valley for 20+ years.
2
Peoria Progress MEMBER SPOTLIGHT The Happy Canvas LLC off ers in-person, virtual painting
BY THE HAPPY CANVAS
Sara Brown and her daughter, Josephina, went to a paint night and loved the experience so much they decided to start their own company — with a twist. In August 2019, The Happy Canvas LLC was born.
“We wanted to bring it into people’s homes for families and their friends,” said Sara, an Apollo High School graduate. “It makes it a little more of a personal experience.”
The Happy Canvas LLC was a perfect fi t for Sara, who considers herself “an entrepreneur without a talent.” Neither Sara nor Josie are artists, so they put an ad on Craigslist to create the perfect team for their fl edgling business.
The Happy Canvas team got started right away, creating the portfolio and booking private parties. Besides bringing the fun to homes, the mother-daughter team hosts themed paint nights in churches, studios, bars and restaurants across the Valley.
In March 2020, however, The Happy Canvas was hit hard from the pandemic, as it had 100% cancellations. As an event business, the small company took a huge hit. They found a new mission.
“During the pandemic, we held free virtual painting classes for kids every week,” Sara said. “We wanted to give back to the kids who were stuck at home and the parents being teachers and working at home. We wanted to offer something fun for an hour — and give a break from the daily grind.”
It was also an educational time for Josephina, who worked with the staff to improve her art skills. After about six hours of one-on-one classes, the trainer moved on for personal reasons. Josephina felt lost, but she went forward with art. Within a few months, she developed into the artist they needed to save the company.
It was August by now, and they were still in the middle of the pandemic with an event business. To keep The Happy Canvas alive, they launched DIY paint kits and virtual classes. Not long after, The Happy Canvas was back in business, booking virtual classes and selling their DIY paint kits. In no time, The Happy Canvas was booking in-person paint parties. A year ago, the shy Josephina said, “I can’t even draw a stick fi gure.” Now, she’s teaching painting in front of huge crowds.
For more information, call 623-5009592, visit thehappycanvasllc.com or visit thehappycanvasllc.com. Sara Brown and her daughter Josephina offer in-person and virtual paint classes along with DIY paint kits through their company Happy Canvas LLC. (Photo courtesy of Peoria Chamber of Commerce)
Celebrating over 25 years of service
PRITCHARD GROUP INC. INSURANCE
5800 W Glenn Dr, Ste 275 Glendale, AZ 85301 Phone 623.435.5455 Toll Free: 800.606.0102 Fax: 623.435.5471 mjpccr@pritchardgroupinsurance.com www.pritchardgroupinsurance.com Auto | Home | Business | Health
Mary J. Pritchard
President
Plumbing Heating A/C Solar & Electric QUALITY SERVICE & INSTALLATIONS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
Ph.:(623) 872-2900 Cell:(602) 769-3707 Fax:(623) 975-5306
Sue Proctor Office Mgr.
Email: Sue@CoolBlew.com www.CoolBlew.com
ROC #176357 - 258992
BUSINESS • AUTO HOME • LIFE • HEALTH
Dave Mitchell, CIC
(Certified Insurance Counselor) MBA, MA.HR, SPHR, SCP in HR
623.889.731
14239 W. Bell Rd. Ste. 205 Surprise, AZ 85374 7121 W. Bell Rd. Ste. 20 Glendale, AZ 85308 Fax: 623.209.5363 Toll Free: 800.421.9922 Email: dave@idealins.com www.idealins.com
BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS!
If you owe more than $10,000 incredit card or other debt, see how National Debt Relief can resolve your debt for a fraction of what you owe.
Call today: 1-866-696-2697
CALENDAR OF EVENTS NEW MEMBERS
• Ribbon Cutting: Bell Bank 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at Bell Bank • Business Alliance Meeting:
Advocating for Businesses 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, on Zoom • Marketing Monday
Noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, on Zoom • Coffee is for Closers 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at Avanti Senior Living • Women 4 Women
Networking Group 8:30 to 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at Arrowhead Valley • Percolate Peoria:
Arizona Coyotes 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, at Gila River Arena • Health and Wellness Committee 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at Haymaker Thunderbird • After Hours Shenanigans 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, at Arrowhead Valley
To register for an event, visit peoriachamber.com/events. • Ameriprise Financial • Happy Canvas
MEMBER RENEWALS
• Assisted Living Locators
West Valley
• B For Life • Chick-Fil-A • Consider it Done Accounting & Administrative Services for
Seniors LLC • Hospice of the Valley • Kerry’s Car Care • Liberty Buick GMC • Piccadilly Den • Tech 1 Auto • Westside Signarama
CHECK US OUT, LIKE PEORIA TIMES ON FACEBOOK, AND FOLLOW @PEORIATIMES ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM.
“The first thing that people notice about me is my SMILE!!”
Preventative Dentistry, Emergency Care, Restorative, Crowns, , Fillings, Sealants, Mouth Guards, Teeth Whitening, Denture Relines & Repairs No Insurance – NO Problem!! In-House Dental Discount Plan!
SHOWERS AND BATHS
NEW SHOWER
6677 W. Thunderbird Road, Suite J-174, Glendale, Arizona 85306 Regular Office Hours: Mon thru Fri 8 am – 5 pm www.adentalsolution.com www.adenturesolution.com (623) 939-5870
ROC#240355
Full Service Denture Laboratory On-Site Walk-Ins and Emergencies are Welcome!
* No Appointment Necessary *
We’re only offering these savings for this month only. Hurry and take advantage of our HUGE SAVINGS!
Call for a FREE consultation 866-983-3771 SALE $799OFF Dreamstyle Shower System
18
MONTHS
WITH NO
–INTEREST
–PAYMENTS –MONEY DOWN
PLUS FREE SHOWER DOOR*
THIS MONTH ONLY!
STOREFRONT SIGNS • PAN CHANNEL • REVERSED PAN CHANNEL MONUMENT SIGNS • POLE SIGNS • DESIGN • FABRICATE • INSTALL SERVICE • NATIONAL ACCOUNTS • PERMIT PROCESSING LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED
*0% APR for 18 months available to well qualifi ed buyers on approved credit only. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Finance charges will be waived if promo balance is paid in full in 18 months. Down payment may be required, OAC. Valid with the purchase of a complete Dreamstyle Shower Systems. Due to COVID, some restrictions may apply. Dreamstyle Remodeling, Inc. (fn) ROC260542 B-3
