Peoria Times - 12.24.2020

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December 24, 2020

New looks for old holiday celebrations

BY TOM SCANLON

Peoria Times Managing Editor

NEWS..............5 Discount supermarket chain Aldi come to Peoria

This week, Christians will celebrate the birth of Jesus. According to the Gospel of Matthew, wise men from the east gave presents to newborn Jesus.

“And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another path.”

Peoria area churches are finding new paths to celebrate Christmas 2020.

Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria celebrates “Christmas Under the Stars” outdoors—to provide social distancing.

Many churches in the Peoria area are offering online as well as in-person services this Christmas season.

(Image courtesy Shepherd of the Desert Evangelical Lutheran Church)

SEE ONLINE PAGE 2

Vaccinations begin as COVID-19 cases surge

BY TOM SCANLON

FEATURES..... 12 Local writer launches debut novel

OPINION...................7 BUSINESS.................9 FEATURES...............12 RELIGION................14 YOUTH....................16 CLASSIFIEDS...........17

Peoria Times Managing Editor

COVID-19 vaccines-called “one tiny step to life after COVID” by a health care official-have arrived in the West Valley.

But the general public still has to wait, as the first batch of vaccines is reserved for health care workers, first responders and residents of nursing homes.

Paramedics from the Peoria Fire-Medical Department may be included in the “Phase 1A” distribution of the vaccine that begins this week.

“The vaccines that did come into the state was not as much as expected and was limited to ER and ICU staffing,” said Mario Bra-

Lindsey Medeiros, a Banner intensive care unit nurse, was one of the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Peoria first responders will be next. (Photo

courtesy Maricopa County Department of Public Health)

vo, a Peoria Fire-Medical spokesman.

“There is a website that fire personal can sign up to be pre-screened for the vaccination. The vaccination is optional for our members,” Bravo added.

Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center is the point of distribution—or POD—where most Peoria and Glendale first responders SEE VACCINES PAGE 3

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Peoria!

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December 24, 2020

ONLINE FROM PAGE 1

According to CCV, the outdoor services at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m. Christmas Eve “are spaced and charming for the whole family.

“After a year like 2020, we’re thrilled to provide a space to slow down and behold the simple joys of Christmas,” according to the CCV website. The Christ’s Church of the Valley Christmas services can also be viewed online at ccv.church/watch.

For its Christmas Eve and Christmas services, New Life Community Church offers online viewing (newlifeonline. com) or in-person worship at its Peoria location.

Similarly, Christ Church in Peoria will be streaming its noon, 1:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve services at christaz.online.church.

The First Southern Baptist Church of Glendale—which has been celebrating Christmas for nearly 100 years, since 1926—plans to live stream its Christmas services.

Christmas at First Southern “definitely has been changed by the pandemic,” said Aimee Willis, a church administrative assistant.”

She said the annual “Christmas Cantata” concert “has been canceled, unfortunately.”

But, she said, the church’s youth group decorated the sanctuary with the 47th annual “Hanging of the Green” event.

First Southern Baptist Church of Glendale has online worship services and bible study available from its website, fsbcg.org.

In addition to in-person services, Harvest Church of Glendale also has archived sermons and live services at

Church Glendale website, “The elders and pastors have been regularly monitoring the trend in new COVID-19 cases published by the Arizona Department of Health Services and have been seeking to follow best practices for minimizing spread of the virus (if someone were to unknowingly be contagious).

We are currently meeting The West Olive Church of Christ in Peoria is one in-person and are simultaof many places of worship offering in-person and neously live-streaming the online services. (Images courtesy West Olive Church service for those who are of Christ) not quite ready to join us in-person yet.” hcaz.org. Harvest Church has a 5 p.m.

The Christmas Eve service at 6 p.m.

Christmas Eve service. will stream at glendalechristianonThe Church of Christ on West Olive line.com. in Peoria also has in-person and online At Shepherd of the Desert Lutherservices at westolive.com on Wednes- an Church in Sun City, as at houses days and Sundays. of worship around the West Valley, According to the Central Christian attendance at services has been a roll-

ercoaster.

“In the beginning of the pandemic back in March, some of our services had five people,” said Judy Yates assistant for ministry. “Pastor Daniel (Defassio) says, ‘That’s OK- if we have one person there, that’s church.’

But we’re up to 50 to 60 people, now.

“We have several people worshipping with us who are not Lutherans-just because we’re open. And that’s OK, we have open communion.”

While the church will celebrate with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, another big change was Desert Lutheran did not have its annual Christmas party.

“Us Lutherans, we eat a lot,” Yates said with a chuckle. “Typically, we have a lot of meals -which we haven’t been able to do.”

Instead of a pre-Christmas feast and “posada” with pinatas, the church held a “Christmas Experience Drive-thru” Sunday, Dec. 20.

Bags of candy and other treats were passed out to kids in cars, Yates said.

“It’s drive-thru only, nobody gets out of their cars,” she stressed.

Chabad of Goodyear held a “DriveIn Chanukah Spectacular” Dec. 13.

The event was “A success beyond our expectations,” said Rabbi Berel Zaklikofsky“People came from all over the Valley to be part of this.”

Similarly, while providing weekly services via Zoom, Temple Beth Shalom of the West Valley held a menorah lighting ceremony in the temple’s Sun City parking lot.

Chanukah, or Hanukkah, began Dec. 10 and ended Dec. 18.

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December 24, 2020

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VACCINES FROM PAGE 1

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will receive the vaccine.

Ashley Losch of the Glendale Fire Department said there was a slight glitch in the registration process that was soon resolved: “Once it was fixed, I was able to make an appointment quickly,” she said.

Maricopa County received the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine and started distributing them last week at two dispensing sites hosted by Banner Health and HonorHealth before expanding with three more locations this week.

Marcy Flanagan, executive director of Maricopa County Public Health, said the launch went smoothly, with “over 1,000 doses on the first day.”

“This is a little hope,” she said. “We are one tiny step closer to life after COVID.” She said there were about a dozen mild reactions. “Most were anxiety related … nothing that concerned us,” Flanagan said.

Flanagan said about 40,000 signed up for the first round of the vaccine.

The FDA’s emergency approval for Moderna to provide another COVID-19 vaccine should help the county’s supply.

And, while other vaccine providers are awaiting approval, Flanagan stressed that most will have to wait until “the spring to early summer” for vaccines. At that point, “It’ll be similar to the availability of a flu shot. You should be able to go to a pharmacy, your primary care physician,” Flanagan said.

Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear received its first shipment of Pfizer vaccine last week and, after a “dry run” rehearsal last week, started providing vaccinations Monday, Dec. 21.

The vaccine arrives just as COVID-19 cases are peaking at places like Abrazo West.

“We have approached the high level mark we were at in the summer,” said Abrazo West CEO Christina Oh. Her staff was prepared for the increasing number of COVID-19 patients, she said.

“We’ve been through it once before, we definitely feel more at ease-but the impact of the pandemic is powerful,” Oh said. “We take our hats off to our staff, every day.”

“We have already implemented capacity plans that we developed even

Abrazo West and Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center will distribute vaccines for hundreds of health care workers per day in Phase 1A. (Photo courtesy Abrazo)

before the summer surge,” she added.

“We’re implementing them again, very consistent with what other hospitals are doing.”

According to Maricopa County Department of Public Health, all three key benchmarks are showing “substantial” community spread of COVID-19.

For the most recent week of full data, Maricopa County had 579 cases per 100,000 people-more than five times greater than the 100 cases per 100,000 that is considered substantial spread.

The rate of spread nearly doubled the week after Thanksgiving.

Even as county and state officials urge people to exercise extreme caution about holiday gatherings, Abrazo West and other POD’s are providing the first vaccinations to protect against COVID-19.

Maricopa County Public Health ex-

pects as many as 1 million people will be eligible for vaccinations in Phases 1B and 1C, with the Moderna-approved by the FDA for emergency use Dec. 18-vaccine joining Pfizer.

The news of the vaccine came at a great time, with Abrazo West staff struggling to keep up the pace of increasing COVID-19 patients.

“I think everyone realized there’s hope on the horizon,” Oh said.

“This is the second surge, so we feel more prepared-but it’s hard to see someone struggling with COVID and the teams are tired.

“We’re excited that hopefully this vaccine effort will take hold and next year we’re looking at a different holiday.”

At another POD site last week, LindSEE VACCINES PAGE 4

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December 24, 2020

VACCINES FROM PAGE 3

sey Medeiros, an intensive care unit nurse at Banner – University Medical Center, was one of the first to get the vaccine.

“I work in the ICU. I see the sickest of the sick. I can’t even describe how hard it’s been for our patients, our doctors, our nurses,” she said.

“And this is finally like the sun coming up.”

While it is great to see health care workers getting protection, Oh stressed vaccines will not make a positive impact in the community for months.

“People need to wear masks, practice social distancing and wash their hands frequently,” Oh said.

“The message is even more important as we head into the Christmas week.”

Indeed, Arizona Department of Health Services Director Dr. Cara Christ released a video Dec. 18 to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine and share the latest information on the virus in Arizona.

She noted Arizona contact tracers are reflecting similar situations to a recent New York study, which found three out of four who COVID-19 cases were traced to small household and social events.

“We have seen much the same thing at ADHS,” Christ said. “Our 600 contact tracers point out again and again where people socialize without taking the precautions required in public events.”

Christ said when she is involved directly in testing, “when a test comes back positive, in almost every case I’ve

heard the person didn’t take precautions in a social setting.”

Christ was concerned about the upcoming holidays, after the most recent one.

“Since Thanksgiving, when many gathered with loved ones and friends, we’ve seen the COVID-19 metrics worsen,” she said.

“Informal settings cause me the most worry at this time. A student may be protected by mitigation steps at school but contract COVID-19 during a sporting event or private get together where precautions aren’t as easily enforced.

Someone who is required to wear masks while shopping for groceries may then invite people over for a dinner where people don’t wear masks or socially distance.

“These create situations where this very contagious virus can spread.”

She urged everyone to “assess the risk of hosting or attending a holiday gathering.

“If weather permits consider hosting your gathering outdoors. Indoor gatherings with poor ventilation increase the chance of spread.”

And, she said, try to keep them short: “Gatherings that last longer post a higher risk.”

She cautioned people not to let their guards down after the good news on vaccinations beginning.

Echoing Oh’s caution, Christ noted, “it will be a number of months before vaccines are available to all, so we must continue to do all that we can to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

Santa visits Abrazo Arrowhead

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Santa Claus visited the Abrazo Arrowhead Campus Dec. 12 for some socially distanced holiday cheer.

Hosted by the administrative team at each hospital, employees were invited to bring their children for a “snowy” drive-thru visit with Santa. Each child got to chat with Santa and left with some treats. Nurses and doctors also got to visit with the Jolly Old Elf, and cars passing the hospitals honked their horns in celebration of the season.

Festive displays were set up in front of the hospital with snow-making machines, twinkling holiday lights and members of the hospitals’ leadership teams greeting visitors.

“Our employees have been working so hard during this difficult time, and we hope this helped bring some smiles to their children,” said Arrowhead hospital CEO Stephen Garner.

He added that Santa has advice for a healthy holiday: “Wear your mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing!”

December 24, 2020

Aldi comes to Peoria

Peoria Times

NEWS

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

After opening its first two Arizona stores last month, Aldi launched a third grocery store in Peoria last week.

The new Aldi at 24665 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

“Since opening our first two Phoenix-area Aldi stores in Chandler and Goodyear last month, we have been thrilled with shopper’s positive response and are excited to bring Peoria residents the best groceries at the lowest possible prices,” said Tom Cindel, director of Operations and Logistics for Aldi. “We are focused on expanding and opening new stores across the country because we want to do our part. We know now, more than ever,

After opening its first Arizona stores in Goodyear and Chandler, Aldi opened its first Peoria store.

(Photos courtesy Aldi)

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easy access to fresh food and household essentials is invaluable.”

The European grocery chain prides itself on “simplicity and efficiency.”

According to a press release, “Aldi has seamlessly integrated several new safety features in all its stores across the country. The health and safety of customers and employees are the company’s top priorities and ALDI optimizes its stores to provide the cleanest and safest shopping environment possible.”

Aldi offers options of shopping in the store or shop online using curbside grocery pickup or delivery.

Shopping at Aldi is a little different, as quarters are needed for shopping carts-a deposit to insure the carts are returned.

And more than 90% of products are from Aldi-exclusive brands, including the Simply Nature, liveGfree, Specially Selected and Earth Grown lines.

To learn more about working at Aldi and search job openings, visit careers.aldi.us/phoenix.

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NEWS

Peoria Times

December 24, 2020

Abrazo nurse named Arizona Emergency Nurse of the Year

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Angela Reed, a nurse at Abrazo Peoria Emergency Center, was recently recognized with the Arizona Emergency Nurse of the Year Award.

Presented by the Arizona Emergency Nurses Association, the award recognizes an outstanding emergency nurse in Arizona as identified by their peers, patients or administration. Reed was one of three nurses chosen as finalists from nominations across the state.

Members of the AZENA award selection committee chooses the Arizona Emergency Nurse of the Year Award winner based on criteria including service significantly advancing the practice of emergency nursing, contributions that have affected the profession within the community or region, serving as a role model providing for coworkers, educational expertise in emergency nursing, and an advocate that demonstrates care and compassion towards patients and

years and the emergency setting is a place where she shines in everything she does. This nurse displays a high level of clinical thinking, analytical skills and quality patient care. She was well respected by her fellow team members, often taking the lead in activities that required flexibility, collaboration, and team decision making.

Angela Reed, center, was named Arizona Emergency “Her kindness, Nurse of the Year. Reed, pictured with Ginny Orcutt and easy personality, Aliza Shively, is a nurse at Abrazo Peoria Emergency Censmile, and humor ter. (Photo courtesy Abrazo) easily put patients, their significant others. families, and colleagues in an atmoExcerpts from Reed’s nomination sphere that facilitate quality care, patient noted, “She has been a nurse for many learning, and well-being. This nurse,

empowered by various life experiences that encourage growth, steps out of her comfort zone, and spreads the word to others almost daily. Her infectious laugh and smile bring light and hope to those that might need to be cheered.

“In this year of 2020 all nurses should be considered to be nurse of the year and are heroes to many. I would like to think this nurse represents the commitment to care that embodies the spirit of the AZENA emergency nurse of the year.”

Abrazo Peoria Emergency Center at 26900 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, is a freestanding emergency that serves as an extension of Abrazo Arrowhead Campus in Glendale. The center provides 24/7 emergency care for northwestern Maricopa County residents. It includes 14 ER rooms, a full-service lab and advanced diagnostic imaging equipment on-site.

For more information, visit AbrazoHealth.com/locations.

Formerly homeless family receives Family Promise home

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF After living in shelters, a family now has roots in a new home donated to them in Peoria.

Family Promise of Greater Phoenix, an organization that serves families with children who are currently homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness, and Clayton, a national home builder of site-built and off-site built homes, celebrated the donation of a new off-site Clayton Built home and welcomed a local family to homeownership.

Kameron and her two young children experienced homelessness after Kameron was forced to move out of her stable housing while she was pregnant with her second child.

Kameron and her two children, who were previously homeless, now have their At that time, Kameron entered the own home after a donation by Family Promise and Clayton. (Photo courtesy Family Family Promise of Greater Phoenix Promise) congregational shelter program where she was able to access resources to start check while trying to save up for the ria Polynesian Village. a new life for her family. family’s first car. This home donation “My family all grew up on welfare She quickly graduated from the pro- will allow her to save more for a new and living in apartments. I hope to make gram after securing an apartment and a car and will also allow her children to my family, especially my grandmother, job but is still living paycheck to pay- live in an incredible community at Peo- proud as the first woman in my family

to be a homeowner,” said Kameron.

“At Clayton, we are dedicated to helping families open doors to a better life through attainable homeownership,” said Lane Williams, general manager at Clayton Homes of Glendale. “We are proud of the work that Kameron has done to ensure her family has a safe and prosperous future, and Clayton is honored to be part of the team helping their family achieve the dream of homeownership.”

This is the final of five Clayton home donations through the A Future Begins at Home program this year. T Family Promise provide educational outreach and resource development, case management, support services, and non-traditional, affordable housing solutions for graduate families, like offsite built housing and transitional housing.

“We are so grateful for partners like Clayton who are aligned in our mission to help families in need,” said Ted Taylor, executive director of Family Promise of Greater Phoenix.

Peoria Times

December 24, 2020

OPINION

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Ducey deserves some applause for COVID-19 response

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist

When it comes to doing life-threatening work during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have rightfully congratulated our heroes on the front lines: doctors, nurses, firefighters, cops, paramedics.

Theirs are exceedingly difficult jobs under normal conditions, much less at a time when Arizona’s pandemic death toll is at 7,500 and rising.

It goes without saying that these men and women deserve our respect.

And they have gotten it, for which I am grateful. But you know who else deserves a modicum of respect for taking on the difficult challenges created by the pandemic, yet has received nothing but criticism and jeers?

Gov. Doug Ducey.

Hear me out before you start penning the hate mail.

First, let me specify what I’m not saying: that Ducey’s performance has been heroic or that he has exhibited the personal courage of a first responder. He hasn’t, and that isn’t in his job description anyway.

I’m also not saying Ducey’s COVID-19 leadership has been ex-

emplary, nor am I saying the man deserves a medal of honor, a grade of A, or even re-election (were that not a moot point because of term limits).

Here’s what I’m saying: I cannot imagine a more thankless, more caught-between-a-rock-and-a-hardplace job than leading a state of 7 million people against a murderous invisible enemy.

Then throw in the 2020 election, which spiked partisan bitterness to unprecedented levels and a nonstop chorus of media and social media anger merchants at work second-guessing every single Ducey decision ad infinitum, ad nauseam.

That’s a lot to deal with for a job that pays $95K a year.

The two major critiques against Ducey demonstrate the no-win challenge COVID-19 represents.

The “pro-health” side wants Ducey to wield government like a blunt instrument, closing down businesses and implementing a mandatory curfew to “slow the spread.”

They point to 7,500 dead as a reason to ignore Arizona’s 8% unemployment rate—up from 4.4% in February, but down from 13% in April.

For them, lives lost and COVID-19 case rates are the only metrics that matter. They can live with Arizona having lost nearly 300,000 jobs be-

How to get a letter published 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 100, Goodyear, AZ 85338 E-mail: tscanlon@timespublications.com The Peoria Times welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number. The Peoria Times will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Peoria Times will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the Times, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

tween February and April, even if thus far only 194,000 of those jobs have been replaced.

They don’t want to talk about money, only about full hospital beds and full mortuaries.

Opposed by 180 degrees is the “pro-economy” side.

They do want to talk about economic carnage—and about the statistical unlikelihood of dying from COVID-19.

Their argument goes something like this: “Imagine a city of 100,000 people, like Yuma. Using today’s COVID stats, that city would have about 6,000 positive tests this year. And deaths?

About 105. That’s 1 out of every 1,000 people.

“So it sounds like my likelihood of dying from COVID is 1 in 1,000.

“For that you want to crash our whole economy and destroy my freedom?”

Stuck in the middle there’s Ducey.

Some of his decisions have been fail-

ures, like an eviction moratorium unaccompanied by necessary relief monies that effectively turned 1 million private properties into free housing.

Others, like not implementing a statewide nightly curfew, make perfect sense viewed through the prism of effectiveness versus injury.

The governor clearly has tried to balance economic damage with potential health impacts. To the extent that he’s been criticized for doing so, it’s out of the mistaken belief that his job should be easy or that we could have suffered COVID without consequence.

I’d give Ducey a B-minus for his pandemic response. On the hardest test ever faced by a governor, an exam that’s the equivalent of a surprise rocket science final, taken in public and when everyone else has all the answers.

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

BRANCH’S OPINION — branchtoon.com

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Peoria Times

OPINION

December 24, 2020

Both parties must work together BE DEBT FREE IN 24–48 MONTHS!

BY REP. DEBBIE LESKO Peoria Times Guest Writer

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This year, our nation was faced with unprecedented challenges—the threat of conflict with a foreign adversary, a historic presidential impeachment trial, protests in cities across the country and a worldwide pandemic. Though the road was tough, we have made it through and look forward to the promise of a new year.

With a COVID-19 vaccine approved and nationwide distribution beginning, 2021 will no doubt be a year of hope and progress as we continue to fight this virus, but it also brings with it new opportunities to address other challenges facing our nation, especially in Congress.

The 117th Congress represents one of the closest majority-minority splits since the late 1990s, and it presents a unique opportunity to address important issues with potentially bipartisan consensus. It is an honor to be elected to serve in this

Congress, and I look forward ed. This bill even passed the to working with my colU.S. House of Representaleagues on both sides of the tives earlier this year. aisle to implement policies Finding opportunities for that improve the lives of Arithis type of consensus will zonans and all Americans as be essential for both parties I have throughout my tenure. in this historic, closely split While in Congress, I have Congress and our broader diworked to build consensus vided government. and reached across the aisle I look forward to continuto introduce HR 5823, the ing to support policies that DHS Illicit Border Tunnel protect our seniors, lower the DEBBIE LESKO Defense Act, with my colcost of health care and serve league Congresswoman our veterans—ideas we can Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM) to address all support, Republicans and Democrats. illicit, cross-border tunnels. I also worked Ideas for all Americans. with Congresswoman Karen Bass (DWith 2020 coming to a close, let us go CA) on HR 8608, Carrie’s Law, which into 2021 with thankfulness for the many protects women and ends mandatory ar- blessings we have received and optimism bitration in instances of physical sexual for the bright future of our great nation. assault. We joined together again on HR Debbie Lesko, who represents parts 7718, the Protecting the Health and Wellof Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Glendale and Peoria in the 8th Congressional ness of Babies and Pregnant Women in District, was reelected with 60% of votes Custody Act, to ensure incarcerated pregNov. 3. She lives in Peoria. nant women and their babies are protect-

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December 24, 2020

BUSINESS

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Quarantine hobby becomes Cool Girl Earrings business

BY OLIVIA DOW

Peoria Times Contributing Writer

Cool Girl Earrings originally was a quarantine hobby, but now is a Peoriabased small business that sells handmade and custom earrings.

Hailea Vargas, the creator of Cool Girl Earrings, was given supplies to make earrings for herself as a gift for her birthday this year.

Vargas, who is 20 and a Grand Canyon University student, took ceramics in Centennial High School and “always wanted” to make earrings but had doubts if her product would be desired. With the encouragement of her girlfriend, Vargas decided to see if people would be interested in buying her handmade earrings.

“I really want to make them, but I don’t think I’ll be good, or anybody would want them,” Hailea Vargas said.

“And then my girlfriend was like, ‘well, why don’t you just try it and see if anybody wants to buy it. I mean the least they can do is say no,’ and I was like, you’re right.”

After posting on her personal Instagram to see if anyone would be interested in buying earrings and receiving positive feedback, she decided to start Cool Girl Earrings.

Vargas listed her first series of Cool Girl Earrings on Instagram in August.

Each of her earrings sell for $15-30 and custom earrings for $30-35. Shipping is included in the price of all the earrings, Vargas said.

“I hope to improve even more through the next upcoming year to the point of being able to do this full time,” Vargas wrote. “I would love to be able to have this as a full-time job and spend my time and days doing this because this is what I love.”

Making Cool Girl Earrings stand out by being “personable” is one of the ways Vargas said she sets herself

Hailea Vargas launched Cool Girl Earrings in August. (Photos courtesy Hailea Vargas)

apart from other jewelry businesses.

Her customers recognize the work that goes into the products she makes.

Jenna Davis has purchased earrings from Cool Girls Earrings several times. “They are absolutely worth every penny,” Davis wrote.

Getting a unique pair of earrings is something that Cool Girl Earrings is known for by her customers. Each pair of earrings are “unique, stylish, trendy and the quality is perfect,” Davis wrote.

“Hailea makes each order personalized for you,” Davis wrote. “The packaging is adorable without there being too much waste, shipping is fast, and she is always grateful for any support she receives.”

Being a small business, Cool Girl Earrings is able to provide personalized products with care and attention that is noticed by customers like Bailee Sargent.

“Everything is made and packaged with love,” Bailee Sargent wrote. “That is not something you get when you buy a pair of earrings from the retailers in the mall.”

Sargent appreciated that Hailea Vargas writes thank you notes for each customer, even if it is not their first time ordering from Cool Girl Earrings.

Adding in another pair of earrings for returning customers is another part of how Vargas runs her business, Sargent

said.

Cool Girl Earrings on Instagram as @coolgirlearrings, is where Vargas posts photos that her customers send her after receiving their products. This SEE EARRINGS PAGE 10

Peoria Times

10

December 24, 2020

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EARRINGS FROM PAGE 9

is one of the most rewarding parts of being a small business owner, Vargas said.

“I think it’s the coolest thing ever and I still get so excited about it,” Vargas said. “I’m always like, ‘oh my gosh, she’s wearing my earrings. That’s so cool!”

Now, Vargas wants to expand her business to become her full-time job.

Currently, Vargas is running Cool Girl Earrings and working another job, while going to school.

Her business has brought in $4,000 since beginning in August, Vargas said she is on track to make $5,000 by the end of the year. She said she wants to be able to improve to the point of having Cool Girl Earrings her job in the upcoming year.

“I think that is probably my biggest goal is to be more widely known by people, other than just people in Arizona or people from a couple other states,” Vargas said. “That would be super cool. Just to be able to advance and get better and having really cool collections.”

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12

Peoria Times

FEATURES

December 24, 2020

For more features visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com

/PeoriaTimes

Local author cruises with Christmas-time debut novel

BY OLIVIA DOW

Peoria Times Contributing Writer

The COVID-19 pandemic opened up time for Jennifer Marshall McIlquham to work on writing her debut novel “Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship” under her pen name Parker Fairchild.

The Peoria writer’s romantic comedy features the story of Olivia Chasen’s adventure on a cruise. Olivia took the cruise to avoid her sister and her new fiancé, who is Olivia’s ex.

Some Christmas magic could lead Olivia to meeting a Navy SEAL on her cruise.

“Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship” is available on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes and Noble and elsewhere in print and digitally.

As the pandemic slowed down the regular pace of Marshall Mcllquham’s work, her mother encouraged her to pull out a book that she started writing to have “something to look forward to.”

When she heard 5 Prince Publishing began looking for authors who were hoping to be published, she prepared an excerpt and description.

“I sent it in,” Marshall Mcllquham said. “And they asked for three more chapters. Then they asked for the entire book.”

For many authors, getting their stories picked up by a publisher is a long process but because of the pandemic, Marshall Mcllquham was able to get her first book picked up and put through the editing process quickly,

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Local writer Jennifer Marshall McIlquham released her debut novel “Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship” under her pen name Parker Fairchild. (Photo courtesy Jennifer Marshall McIlquham)

signing a contract as well as finishing all three edits of her book between September and October.

“The fiction business, just like movie and streaming has been through the roof with COVID because people are stuck inside,” Marshall Mcllquham said.

Marshall Mcllquham was told that the publisher did not have room to get her book published this Christmas season. But again, the pandemic brought positivity to Marshall Mcllquham when she found out that there was an opening for her book to come out this November.

“When you’re doing a tight deadline, you’re living and breathing it every day,” Marshall Mcllquham said.

“I literally pulled a few 24 hours. I’ve had a great support system.”

Her mother, Jean Marshall, who encouraged her to start working on the novel again and her husband, Jason Mcllquham, were two of her biggest supporters while she worked on her

book. Both Jean and Jason read early versions and gave her feedback.

The two played key roles in how the book came about.

“Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship” is connected to Marshall Mcllquham personally because a Hawaiian cruise is how she met Jason.

Jennifer and Jason met on a small boat that would take them to the Star Princess.

Marshall Mcllquham’s mother asked Jason if they could sit next to him on the tender, introducing Jennifer and Jason for the first time.

Marshall Mcllquham’s mother likes to say her daughter and Jason “have not stopped talking since they met.”

After that first cruise meeting in April, Jason proposed to Jennifer on Christmas of the same year.

Her personal love story that started on a cruise ship helped inspire parts of Marshall Mcllquham’s debut romantic SEE COOKIES PAGE 13

Peoria Times

December 24, 2020

FEATURES

13

COOKIES FROM PAGE 12

ANSWERS PAGE 17

ACROSS 1 Doctrine 4 Commotions 8 Mid-May honorees 12 Cattle call 13 “Arrivederci” 14 “So be it” 15 Wordplay specialists 17 Hindu royal 18 Locate 19 Piece of cheesecake?

20 Subsequently 22 Reedy 24 Concoct 25 Good news for bargain hunters 29 Bard’s “always” 30 Unrefined 31 Id counterpart 32 Ruins 34 Touch 35 Cincinnati team 36 Gets up 37 -- Valley (California ski resort) 40 Family member 41 Cather’s “One of --” 42 Expensive seafood 46 Platter 47 Between jobs 48 Carnival city 49 Remain 50 Ball-bearing items 51 Agent

DOWN 1 Mischievous tyke 2 Old French coin 3 2001 movie, “--, Inc.” 4 Thespian 5 Regimen 6 Scull tool 7 “Mayday!”

8 Leatherneck 9 Mideast nation 10 Options list 11 Use scissors 16 Gush forth 19 Snapshots 20 Sleeping, perhaps 21 Release 22 Cafeteria stack

EVEN EXCHANGE

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23 Greet the villain 25 Motivate 26 “-- Dictionary” 27 Chills and fever 28 Deteriorates 30 Staff 33 In poor taste 34 “-- She Sweet?”

36 Strategic tricks 37 Turfs 38 Resign 39 -- Major 40 Competent 42 Illuminated 43 Rhyming tribute 44 Tear 45 Tofu base

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

comedy.

“There’s a lot going back to the cruise,” Marshall Mcllquham said. “I had started the book on a Caribbean cruise. But I met my husband on a Hawaiian cruise. So, when I was doing edits and finishing up stuff, I would put little tidbits in of ourselves.”

Marshall Mcllquham has lived in the north Glendale-Peoria area since 2017; she moved here from Virginia where she attended the University of Richmond. She graduated with a history degree but has always loved reading.

She also is a freelance writer, social media copywriter and model.

Seeing the cover for her first book was a thrilling moment.

“The cover made it real,” Marshall Mcllquham said. “I guess that’s what separates me and moving from a hobby to something that is more professional, it’s nice to know I have a good story and they are interested in publishing it.”

The new author wants young girls to

see her character, Olivia, as a “strong heroine” who shows “what girls can do and what you can accomplish.”

“It’s fun to create stories, and this is definitely a romantic comedy, but I think it has a good message in there,” Marshall Mcllquham said. “It’s nice to tell a story that hopefully inspires people or says something good.”

For more information or to order “Christmas Cookies on a Cruise Ship,” visit parkerfairchild.com.

CHECK US OUT AND LIKE PEORIA TIMES ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW @PEORIATIMES ON TWITTER.

14

Peoria Times

RELIGION

December 24, 2020

For more religion visit peoriatimes.com /PeoriaTimes

Peoria Times.com

Be a ‘Clarence’ for a ‘George’ this Christmas

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hope. George cried out to God. God responded by sending a messenger in the form of a person. Sound familiar?

That’s the Christmas message.

When George wished he had never been born, Clarence gave George a different perspective. Clarence shows George how he, George, has touched others’ lives and how different life would be for his wife Mary and the Bedford Falls community if he had not been born. Clarence helped George to see his wonderful life. Clarence saw what George couldn’t see when George couldn’t see it until he saw it.

Maybe you know someone who is like George, or perhaps that person is you. Let’s get you going again. If you are in despair, if you are drifting or disorientated or depressed, why not call on God for help? If you wish you had never been born, call on God to send you a godly counselor, a godly person, a godly church, a godly avatar, through whom God will use to listen to you, speak to you, walk with you, just like George did.

The way you get bright hope for to-

morrow is through God in the flesh of a person who can give you a different perspective. For example, this Christmas, Christ’s Church of the Valley annexes have raised over 1 million dollars to pay for professional counselors to counsel those in the Phoenix area who are currently experiencing emotional turmoil. Whether you attend a church or not, it’s as easy as signing up at CCV.church/press-on. They will arrange for a licensed counselor to be your “Clarence.” Church is a great place to find a helping hand to lift you up, then out, of a crisis.

At the end of the movie, the people of Bedford Falls heard of George’s predicament. The people got together and raised enough money to make the bank deposit. They came to George’s house and gave him the money. Do you remember what Zuzu, George’s youngest daughter, says at the end of the movie? “Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” And George replies, SEE CLARENCE PAGE

15

Harvest CHurCH

y

Shepherd of the Desert

ewa

Christmas time should be an inspiring and ascending time to celebrate the birth of Christ. But for many, and especially this year, Christmas is a melancholy time emotionally. There’s more despair, more depression, and more emotional turmoil than at other times of the year. Many even consider suicide at a time that should be life-giving, not life-taking.

Do you remember the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life?” It’s about George Bailey and an angel named Clarence.

In his youth, George had big hopes and big dreams. But George ended up living in Bedford Falls, what he considered to be a small town in a rural area, working in his father’s small loan agency, making loans to little people who had small dreams.

One day, a small clerk in George’s

91st ave.

Peoria Times Columnist

Fre

Pastor Ed Delph

deceased father’s small business made a big mistake. The clerk lost the cash deposit he was supposed to make at the bank. George’s company didn’t have the money to cover the misplaced deposit. George was at the end of his rope. George even considered suicide to escape from broken dreams, financial ruin, and public embarrassment. He couldn’t see a way out of his situation. With no hope, George became disorientated. He was drifting and despaired his life. He wished he had never been born.

What is suicide? Suicide is a permanent choice made in response to temporary pain. Most people don’t want to die; they want relief from their current misery. They can’t believe “It’s a Wonderful Life.

How George escape from his deep pain? Enter Clarence, an angel sent

by God. Why? When you are isolated, you are more likely to believe a lie. It would help if you had someone to give perspective to you. In dark times, God uses others to see what you can’t see.

God used others to provide you with

101

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

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December 24, 2020

Peoria Times

RELIGION

15

CLARENCE FROM PAGE 14

“That’s right; that’s right.”

How about that? Clarence, the angel, receives his wings from God by successfully pulling George out of a funk.

But consider this. George earned his wings also. How? For the first time, he saw who he is to the people of Bedford Falls, an angel. He gave up his life, for the lives of others, for many years.

Then George received more than he had given to Bedford Falls. He discovered while Bedford Falls may seem small to man, it’s big to God. It takes a big person to live in a little place. Just ask Joseph or Mary; God started small to go big in the birth of Jesus.

This movie captures Christmas’s gift perfectly, wrapped up in shiny gold paper in George Bailey and Clarence’s life. When you are at the end of your rope, you will find God lives there. When the world was at the end of the rope, God sent Jesus. In human form, God sent Himself to walk with us and talk with us and reveal to us that which we currently can’t see. He gives us His perspective for a wonder-

ful life.

Like Clarence, you can be an “angel” to someone you know who is struggling. You might even earn your wings, and your George earn their wings. You’ll both be better for it.

Merry Christmas!

Lock in the SAVINGS

To learn more about Pastor Ed Delph, the Church-Community Connection and Nation strategy, call 623-376-6757, e-mail nationstrategy@cs.com or visit nationstrategy.com.

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Peoria Times

16 YOUTH

December 24, 2020

For more youth visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com

/PeoriaTimes

PUSD to keep classrooms open after winter break

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Peoria Unified School District will be the only public district in Peoria and Glendale to have classrooms open after winter break in early January.

At its Dec. 10 meeting, the PUSD governing board voted 5-0 to keep classrooms open after winter break “regardless of the benchmark data.”

The same day, Maricopa County updated its school metrics, showing PUSD’s communities in the red— meaning substantial risk—in two of three benchmarks.

On Dec. 17, the county updated data again. This time, PUSD was in the red for all three benchmarks.

PUSD cases per 100,000 jumped from 369 to 582.

According to Maricopa County Department of Public Health, PUSD’s “Recommended learning scenario is virtual with onsite support.”

But districts are not required to follow the recommendations.

On Dec. 17, PUSD Superintendent Dr. Jason Reynolds posted on an update on the district website.

“Last week, our governing board made the very difficult decision to continue offering both in-person and virtual environments when we return from winter break. They also request-

Peoria Unified School District will return from winter break with classrooms open. (Image courtesy PUSD)

ed that we readdress the metrics that we follow to determine when to close our schools to in-person learning so we can continue to keep safety our first priority,” he wrote.

On Dec. 17, the Glendale Elementary School District analyzed the latest information-updated on Thursday— from Maricopa County’s school metrics and decided to extend the online—

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only model.

GESD classrooms will remain closed through January.

The district’s winter break is Dec. 21 through Jan. 4.

“As we approach winter break, we understand that you are looking for a clear direction regarding our plans for returning after the break,” said a post by Superintendent Cindy Segotta-Jones on the district’s website and Facebook page.

“The Maricopa County Department of Public Health released metrics today indicating that all three benchmarks are in the red for all three of our GESD zip codes.”

One of the benchmarks showed cases per 100,000 in the GESD community soared from 324 the previous

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week to 540.

“Based on the benchmarks, it is recommended that all GESD schools operate in the virtual learning model with onsite support upon our return from winter break,” Segotta-Jones wrote.

“Onsite will be provided at a limited capacity and does not include student-specific special education services, transportation, modifications or accommodations. GESD will continue to operate under its current virtual work environment upon returning from winter break.”

GESD “must also take into account the potential for increased exposure and transmission of COVID-19 in our communities as we continue planning for metrics updates in January,” according to Segotta-Jones.

“That said, the earliest projected date for a return to school in the hybrid model is Monday, Feb. 1.”

Deer Valley Unified School District will also begin the next semester online when winter break ends.

According to DVUSD, kindergarten through eighth graders will have virtual learning from Jan. 4 through Jan. 15, with students returning to classrooms Jan. 19.

High school students will be in virtual learning for an extra week, with high school classrooms reopening Jan. 25.

At Glendale Union High School District, “All students will continue virtual/remote learning from home on Tuesday, Jan. 5,” according to the latest district information.

The Peoria Unified School District Governing Board’s next scheduled meeting is Jan. 14.

www.peoriatimes.com

Peoria Times

December 24, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS

17

PUZZLE ANSWERS

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION

OBITUARIES Dorothea Stamaris 111620_PeoriaTimes_4_9x7_7_Ad.pdf

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11/16/20

3:44 PM

Dorothea Stamaris, a resident of Trilogy at Vistancia in Peoria, AZ, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 6th. She was 93.

Born and raised in Germany, Dorothea came to the states to be the wife of an American soldier, George, whom she met by chance encounter at a checkpoint in Berlin at war's end.

That encounter would lead to more than 7 decades full of memories.

Dorothea was a unique woman known for her bright mind. She loved classical music, reading philosophy, playing board games and, yes, shopping. She was vibrant and classy and, while she loved to laugh, she was by nature a contemplative woman. She loved the Oregon Coast and could stand for a long while at the water's edge lost in thought.

Dorothea had a successful career, working for many years in San Francisco's Embarcadero District.

But the greatest part of her life was her marriage to George, who preceded her in death by a half year. They lived in a dozen places, traveled Europe in their earlier years, raised two children and were by each other's side through all their respective life events.

Dorothea is survived by her daughter Dorie (Brad) Hedien and son Denis (Anne) Stamaris, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/obituary/dorothe a-stamaris/

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: THE PITS METAL WORX LLC II The address of the registered office is: 9340 W Yukon Dr., PEORIA, AZ, 85382, The name of the Statutory Agent is: John Robert Cerra JR III Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a manager or managers. The names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: MEMBER John Robert Cerra JR, 9340 W Yukon Dr., PEORIA, AZ, 85382 Published Peoria Times, Dec. 17, 24, 31, 2020 / 35063 ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: LARRY RANDEL VOGT, PLLC II The address of the of the registered office is: 9534 W Appaloosa Dr, Sun City, AZ 85373 The name and address of the Statutory Agent is: Amy Lynn Rodriguez III Management of the limited liability company is vested in a manger or managers. The name and addresses of each person who is a manger AND each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability c o m p a n y a r e MEMBER/MANAGERS/ORGANIZERS: LARRY RANDEL VOGT 9534 W Appaloosa Dr., Sun City, AZ 85373, DEANNE EVELYN VOGT 9534 W Appaloosa Dr, Sun City, AZ 85373 Published: Peoria Times, Dec. 24, 31, 2020, Jan.7, 2021 / 35082

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE FOR BID *** MATERIALS MANAGEMENT 9875 N. 85th Ave., 2nd Floor Peoria, Arizona 85345 Phone: (623) 773-7115 Fax: (623) 773-7118 BID NOTIFICATION INFORMATION SOLICITATION NUMBER: P21-0043 TYPE OF SOLICITATION: (RFP) Request for Proposal BUYER NAME: Drew Ashmun BUYER PHONE NUMBER: (623) 7737116 DESCRIPTION: Traffic Control for Spring Training and Other Events PREBID MEETING DATE: January 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM AZ Time. SOLICITATION DUE DATE: January 25, 2021 at 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) Solicitation is available for download from our website at: www.peoriaaz.gov Published in the Peoria Times Publication December 24, 31, 2020 / 35143

A WORD ABOUT OBITUARIES

FOUR CORNERS

Help revitalize our community this holiday season.

Don’t forget to shop local businesses in Peoria with friends & family this weekend.

VisitPeoriaAZ.com/shoplocal

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Obituaries can be submitted via email to obits@timespublications.com. We encourage the use of photos with obituaries. Photos will be cropped to a head shot, and edited to print on newsprint, photos must be of fairly high resolution.

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PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSALS FOR 2021-2022 On January 4, 2021, the City will begin accepting proposals for the use of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG CV) funds.

Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the City of Peoria will receive approximately $979,134 in additional CDBG CV funds.

These funds must be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID19 pandemic. Use of the CDBG CV funds is restricted to CDBG-eligible purposes, and cannot be used for activities that are being covered by other federal, state or local resources. The proposal submission deadline for agencies who wish to utilize these funds is January 25, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Funds are anticipated to be available beginning April 2021. All applicants are required to submit proposals utilizing the application form that will be made available on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/notforprofitgrants. Completed applications must be submitted via email to communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov by the above-referenced deadline. Additional information may be obtained by writing to: City of Peoria Attn: Community Assistance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85345 Or by written email to: communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov Accommodations for individuals with disabilities - Alternative format ma-

Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the City of Peoria will receive approximately $979,134 in additional CDBG CV funds.

These funds must be used to prevent, CLASSIFIEDS prepare for and respond to the COVID19 pandemic. Use of the CDBG CV funds is restricted to CDBG-eligible purposes, and cannot be used for activities that are being covered by other federal, state or local resources. The proposal submission deadline for agencies who wish to utilize these funds is January 25, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Funds are anticipated to be available beginning April 2021. All applicants are required to submit proposals utilizing the application form that will be made available on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/notnotices@startimes.com forprofitgrants. Completed applications must be submitted via email to communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov by the above-referenced deadline. Additional information may be obtained by writing PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSALS FOR to: City of Peoria Attn: Community As2021-2022 On January 4, 2021, the City sistance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue will begin accepting proposals for the Peoria, Arizona 85345 Or by written euse of HOME Investment Partnerships mail to: communityassistance@peoriProgram (HOME), Community Developaaz.gov Accommodations for individuals ment Block Grant (CDBG) and General with disabilities - Alternative format maFund Not-for-Profit grants for the July 1, terials, sign language interpretation, as2021 – June 30, 2022 funding cycle. The sistive listening devices or interpretation City anticipates receiving CDBG funds of in languages other than English are approximately $830,000 and a HOME available upon 72 hours advance notice Program allocation of approximately through the City of Peoria’s Community $220,000. The exact allocations will not Assistance Division, 9875 N. 85th Avenbe determined until finalized by the Fedue, Peoria, AZ 85345; (623)773-7250; eral Government. The City also anticipTDD (623)773-7221, or email at comates General Fund monies of $196,500 munityassistance@peoriaaz.gov Asistto be available. The proposal submisencia en español: Para que le intersion deadline for agencies who wish to preten la solicitud en español, llame al utilize these funds is January 25, 2021, (623)773-7250. Published in the Peoria at 5:00 p.m. Funds are anticipated to be Times Publication Dates: December 17, available in July 2021, for General Fund 24, 31, 2020 / 34904 programs and October 2021, for Federal programs. All applicants will be required to submit proposals utilizing ZoomGrants, an on-line, cloud based system.

Applicants interested in applying for grant funding must register with ZoomGrants in order to obtain a login and access to the City’s grant applications. A link to ZoomGrants and the applications will be available on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/notforprofitgrants beginning January 4, 2021. Additional information may be obtained by writing to: City of Peoria Attn: Community Assistance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85345 Or by written e-mail to: communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSALS FOR Accommodations for individuals with dis2021-2022 On January 4, 2021, the City abilities - Alternative format materials, will begin accepting proposals for the sign language interpretation, assistive use of HOME Investment Partnerships listening devices or interpretation in lanProgram (HOME), Community Developguages other than English are available ment Block Grant (CDBG) and General upon 72 hours advance notice through Fund Not-for-Profit grants for the July 1, the City of Peoria’s Community Assist2021 – June 30, 2022 funding cycle. The ance Division, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, PeCity anticipates receiving CDBG funds of oria, AZ 85345; (623)773-7250; TDD approximately $830,000 and a HOME (623)773-7221, or email at comProgram allocation of approximately munityassistance@peoriaaz.gov. Asist$220,000. The exact allocations will not encia en español: Para que le interbe determined until finalized by the Fedpreten laprograms solicitud en español, llame al is a non-profit that provides and services eral Government.

The organization City also anticip(623)773-7250.

Published in the Peoria ates General Fund moniesand of $196,500 to men, women, children with developmental disabilities.

Times Publication Dates: December 17, to be available. The proposal submis24, 31, 2020 / 34902 sion deadline for agencies who wish to utilize these funds is January 25, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Funds are anticipated to be available in July 2021, for General Fund programs and October 2021, for Federal programs. All applicants will be required to submit proposals utilizing Zoomancurrently on-line, cloud based Grants, We are looking for system. caregivers to work in group homes throughout Applicants interested in applying for Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria and Scottsdale. Must pass background check. grant funding must register with ZoomGrants in order to obtain a login and access to the City’s grant applications. A link to ZoomGrants and the applications will be available on the City’s website at Varsity Facility Services is hiring for Part-Time www.peoriaaz.gov/notforprofitgrants beginning January 4, 2021. Additional and Fullin-Time Janitorial positions for offices formation may be obtained by writing to: Company Attn: Community Assist- in the City of Glendale.

City of PeoriaA KBS ance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue PeApplicants must have some janitorial experience, must oria, Arizona 85345 Or by written e-mail be dependable and able to communicate with client and to: communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov supervisor.

Applicants must have reliable transportation, Accommodations for individuals with dismust be authorized to work in the United States and pass abilities - Alternative format materials, sign language interpretation, assistive Check. a Background listening devices or interpretation in lanApply in person at: 8930 N 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345 guages other than English are available from 9:00am - 4:00pm Monday thru Friday. upon 72 hours advance notice through the City of Peoria’s Community Assistance Division, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Pe- está solicitando personas para Varsity oria, AZ 85345; (623)773-7250; TDD limpieza de oficinas en la Cuidad de Glendale.

(623)773-7221, or email at communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov.

Asist- deben tener alguna experiencia de limpieza, Los solicitantes encia en español: Para que le inter-y capaz de comunicarse con el cliente y ser confiable preten la solicitud en español, llame al supervisor, deben tener transportación confiable. Deben pasar (623)773-7250. Published in the Peoria una verificación Times Publication Dates: December 17, de antecedentes, y ser autorizados a trabajar en los Estados Unidos.

24, 31, 2020 / 34902

18

eral Government. The City also anticipates General Fund monies of $196,500 to be available. The proposal submission deadline for agencies who wish to utilize these funds is January 25, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Funds are anticipated to be available in July 2021, for General Fund programs and October 2021, for Federal programs. All applicants will be required to submit proposals utilizing ZoomGrants, an on-line, cloud based system.

Applicants interested in applying for grant funding must register with ZoomGrants in order to obtain a login and access to the City’s grant applications. A link to ZoomGrants and the applications will be available on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/notforprofitgrants beginning January 4, 2021. Additional information may be obtained by writing to: City of Peoria Attn: Community Assistance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85345 Or by written e-mail to: communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov Accommodations for individuals with disabilities - Alternative format materials, sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices or interpretation in languages other than English are available upon 72 hours advance notice through the City of Peoria’s Community Assistance Division, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345; (623)773-7250; TDD (623)773-7221, or email at com munityassistance@peoriaaz.gov. Asistencia en español: Para que le interpreten la solicitud en español, llame al (623)773-7250. Published in the Peoria Times Publication Dates: December 17, 24, 31, 2020 / 34902

Peoria Times

Classifieds 623.847.4600

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY 623.847.4600 & DIRECTORY SERVICE DIRECTORY BUSINESS & SERVICE BUSINESS &BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY

623.842.6000 •

PUBLIC NOTICE

December 24, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICE

EMPLOYMENT

VALLEYLIFE

Full Time and Part Time Caregivers Needed!

Must have reliable transportation Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org

Aplique en persona al: 8930 N 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345 de 9:00 am a 4:00 pm de lunes a viernes.

Varsity está solicitando personas para limpieza de oficinas en la Cuidad de Glendale.

PUBLIC NOTICE

EMPLOYMENT Immediate Openings for Direct Support Professionals Working with individuals with developmental disabilities. $12.15 - $15.00/hr, paid training, benefits, FT & PT hours avail. Apply online at www.aztec1.org or in person M-F 8:00a-3:30p at AZTEC, 7400 W. Olive, Ste. 24.

623-412-2888 or EOE.

MISSED THE DEADLINE? Place your ad online!

AUTO SERVICES

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100-$500+ ABANDONED CARS All “As Is” Autos!

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$

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Peoria Times

December 24, 2020

PAINTING

POOL SERVICES

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tar

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MARINE SERVICES Sales & Service

19

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

623.847.4600

480-338-4011

CLASSIFIEDS

tar

Honey-Do List Too Long?

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Peoria Times

20 CLASSIFIEDS

December 24, 2020

Keep your Christmas Sweet!

Let Your Residential and Commercial Roofing Contractor Keep Your Family Warm!

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