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Collector shares his African tribal artifacts
February 11, 2021
Cactus League scrambles to resolve ticket sales BY GARETH KWOK Cronkite News
NEWS..............3
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With Major League Baseball pitchers and catchers expected to report in two weeks, Cactus League teams are scrambling to determine what Spring Training will look like for fans in 2021. The league announced it is preparing for an on-time start to Spring Training and opening day as originally scheduled after the Players Association rejected the league’s proposal to delay the start of both by a month. Some Cactus League teams
have yet to offer Spring Training tickets for upcoming games on their team websites, and a recording at Camelback Ranch, the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox, said ticket sales “are undetermined at this time.” A link on the website allows fans to sign up for a wait list. Salt River Fields, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, aborted ticket sales just as they were about to go public. The Chicago Cubs did send Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Madison Bumgarner practices during the 2020 Spring Training season, which was cut short.
SEE BASEBALL PAGE 5
(Photo by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks)
Full-service hospital coming to Peoria
SPORTS......... 13 Local athlete looking to excel at Iowa college
OPINION...................8 BUSINESS...............10 SPORTS...................13 FEATURES...............15 RELIGION................18 YOUTH....................20 CLASSIFIEDS...........21
BY ALLISON ENGSTROM Peoria Times Staff Writer
On Feb. 2, the Peoria City Council unanimously approved $130 million in bond money for the municipality’s first full-service hospital. Peoria Regional Hospital will be located at 26320 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway between Jomax and Happy Valley roads. “The city of Peoria is thrilled to welcome Peoria Regional Hospital as our first full-service hospital and the latest addition to our growing advanced health care industry,” said Mayor Cathy Carlat.
“It’s vital that all residents have access to quality medical care close to home; and, with the new jobs this facility will bring, I am grateful for the widespread impact this hospital will have on our community.” Construction on the hospital building is expected to begin in April 2021 with it opening its doors in late 2022. The hospital is projected to bring over 150 jobs to the area. A half-finished foundation on the site for a former project that ran out of funding was long considered an “eyesore.” It has been cleared, leaving an empty lot where the hospital is planned.
“For years, this site sat dormant, and now it’s being utilized to provide much-needed, specialized medical services and infrastructure updates to the rapidly growing North Peoria area,” said Mesquite District Councilmember Bridget Binsbacher. The financing for the project comes from bonds that will be passed through Industrial Development Authorities. Peoria Economic Development Services Director Rick Buss explained this is not an unusual way for hospitals to be financed. Dignity Health, Banner Health and HonorSEE HOSPITAL PAGE 4
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Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
Kindergarten Preview Events Now Underway!
The Road to Success starts in Deer Valley Visit www.DVUSD.org/Kindergarten for all event details Drive-thru and virtual options
February 11, 2021
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Peoria Times
NEWS
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Collector shares his African tribal artifacts BY JAKARIA ROSS
Peoria Times Staff Writer
Meet Robert Glenn, an African tribal artifacts collector of over 400 original pieces made from bronze, wood and terracotta objects. In honor of Black History Month, the Goodyear resident is showcasing his collection at West Valley Art Museum at Peoria City Hall, 8401 W. Monroe Street. Available through March 4, “African Art in the Cycles of Life” is free to the public. Inviting the public to see his collections is important to Glenn, as is the study of the artifacts. His collection represents numerous tribes in many countries, including Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, Mali, Ghana, Nigeria and Zaire. “I get to research the African part of my heritage and the spirituality that the African part of my heritage really represents,” he said. “It got me to form my own spirituality with a combination of things that I have experienced throughout my life.” African tribal art is almost never meant to beautify or decorate, he said. The pieces — made of wood, bronze or terra cotta — are used for tribal worship, rituals, magic and communicating with the supernatural. “With these items, a lot of time, they use these in their tribes,” Glenn said. “They keep them for life. To get them out of Africa is an amazing thing. My favorite piece is a Chokwe from Zimbabwe. It’s a statue that they put in front of their community for protection. It’s supernatural.” Born in Detroit, Glenn became a professional African artifacts appraiser in 2010. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Olivet College in Olivet, Michigan, and a master’s from Wayne State University in Detroit, Glenn served as a Detroit Public Schools teacher, coach and administrator. Retiring after 35 years, Glenn has fully indulged in his beloved hobby. Proud of his large collection, Glenn started it with an Ashanti stool from
Goodyear resident Robert Glenn discusses the African artifacts that he collects. (Photo by Kevin Hurley)
Ghana. “At first I was buying and selling to other people as a distributor,” he said. “In Detroit, there’s a big community. I was purchasing it from the traders. I got to know some of the African traders personally. I got some real good pieces, and I fell in love with the pieces. I decided to stop selling and keep the pieces.” Glenn said he strategically chose Goodyear as his family’s new home. Each year, he makes the two-hour drive to Tucson for the African tribal village sale. “I can go to that every year to continue my collection,” he said. “They have about 50 traders who you can purchase from. They did not have one (last year), though, due to COVID. I love it here. It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love being near Sedona. It’s a very spiritual place. I enjoy the people here. It’s a mixture here.” The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks adversely affected his collection and African tribal art. “They destroyed the area that the traders would store art in,” he said. “They had a warehouse in New York,
“African Art in the Cycles of Life”
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; noon to 6 p.m. Thursdays WHERE: The West Valley Art Museum on the first floor of the Peoria City Hall, 8401 W. Monroe Street, Old Town Peoria COST: Free admission INFO: 623-927-0635, wvam.org (click on event)
and it was crushed in that event. They would bring them in containers from New York and store them in this large warehouse. It all got destroyed.” As an Estrella High School track coach, Glenn said his athletes and the community members became interested in his collection. He said he feels an obligation to educate other people about the history and importance of the art. “Once they found out they said, ‘We didn’t know you had these pieces,’” he said. “I’ve had them over my house to give history lessons about the pieces. I’ve given a presentation at Total Wine in Goodyear where 70 individuals came.”
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NEWS
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
Valleywise Health opens new location in Peoria
BY LAUREN SERRATO Peoria Times Staff Writer
Valleywise Health opened its newest comprehensive health center near Grand Avenue and Cotton Crossing in Peoria. The three-story facility intends to provide quality health care to Peoria and all West Valley residents with immediate access to in-person or virtual appointments for primary and pediatric care, women’s obstetrics, cardiology, dental care, dialysis and pharmacy. In the months to come, Valleywise will also offer general surgery, orthopedics, podiatry, gastrointestinal, audiology, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. Nelson Silva-Craig, director of nursing at Valleywise Health, refers to the new location as a “one-stop shopping concept.” “One of the best-kept secrets is the fact that we offer so much under one roof,” Silva-Craig said. “We’re here for everybody in the community. Everyone is treated equally; everybody receives the same high level of care
that we have provided all of our patients.” In addition to the multiple health care services available, Valleywise is committed to serving the community with specialized programs, such as the Family Learning Center, Silva-Craig said. The FLC offers services such as an educational kitchen or classes with registered nurses and registered dieticians about living or caring for someone with diabetes. The FLC is open to everyone in the community. “It’s always beneficial to work with other individuals who have your same condition,” he said. “If you’re in a group with several other individuals who have diabetes, you’re able to share your concerns, your challenges, your triumphs, and maybe you’ve learned a really great recipe that is low in carbohydrates that works well for a diabetic diet,” he said. With a company mission to “provide exceptional care, without exception, every patient, every time,” Silva-Craig said Valleywise does just that based on a longstanding history of serving the
Golf event benefits Youngker students’ activities
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor
Golfers who are interested in supporting the community are invited to Buckeye’s Sundance Golf Course on Saturday, May 1. Youngker High School students in Hands 4 Paws and Culture Club are hosting a benefit golf outing. Proceeds go toward the students’ trip to Europe in June, and a Kevlar vest for the Buckeye Police Department K9 Unit’s newest recruit, Drax. Golfers can check in as early as 6 a.m. to use the range prior to the event. The cost is $300 per foursome if registered by April 17, $350 by April 24; and $400 the day of the event, subject to availability. The price includes the use of the range, golf cart, lunch, a
swag bag and golf towel, donated by 3 Squirts Shirts, door prize tickets and other gifts. The event will feature surprises, including games at various holes, the chance to win large and small prizes, and dogs for adoption. Earnhardt Hyundai donated a 2021 Tucson SE for the lucky entered winner of a hole in one. The clubs’ sponsor, Marie Buquicchio, is also looking for sponsors for this event. The sponsorship levels range from $75 to $2,500, with a variety of ways to get a company’s name out there. Each sponsorship level comes with a logo posted on the event’s website, https://bit.ly/3rbCSQ7. Nongolfers can participate, too. Contact Buquicchio at marie.buquicchio@ buhsd.org for more details.
community. “We’ve been around for over 100 years and we have always served the community, especially the underserved within Maricopa County. That is one of our areas that we focus on. We’ve always been very cognizant of the needs of the community,” he said. One of the many ways Valleywise works with its patients to ensure quality care is the implementation of eligibility specialists. The eligibility specialist assists any patient or family member that enters the clinic that is unsure of how to pay for their visit or doesn’t have insurance. Through an application, based on the person’s income and other general information, Valleywise then determines what the patient qualifies for, including discount programs. “We accept you for who you are, how you are, where you’re at, and we will work with you to provide you with the very best care possible. We’ll always work with you with whatever the particular situation is,” Silva-Craig said. To better serve all members of the community, a majority of the staff is
bilingual, Silva-Craig said. “Because we serve many different groups and many different languages, we use telephonic interpreter services. In addition to that, we also have cultural navigators, which are individuals from the community from that particular group who serve as interpreters and help navigate the system,” he said. Silva-Craig said he’s excited for Peoria and all West Valley residents to experience the quality of care that Valleywise has to offer. “One thing that is indisputable is our commitment to the community. We have been here over 100 years, and I think that speaks for itself for dedication. The fact is that we’re vested in the community, that we’re here for the community and that we’re not leaving,” Silva-Craig said. Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center - Peoria is located at 8088 W. Whitney Drive, Peoria. To book an appointment or to learn more, visit valleywisehealth.org/locations.
—Staff writer Lauren Serrato can be reached at lserrato@timespublications. com.
HOSPITAL FROM PAGE 1
Health have all used this type of financing, Buss said. “Passing them through industrial development authorities provides better rates. If it’s a nonprofit they can get nontaxable bond issuance,” Buss said. As part of a partnership, Phoenix and Peoria city councils met and unanimously approved the bond, though there is no financial risk to either city. To accommodate the neighborhood traffic, they will add a traffic light at Lake Pleasant Parkway and Remuda Drive. Currently, area residents have a right-turn-only option and have to travJust the facts
The 82,000-square-foot hospital is expected to include: • 32 beds. • Separate entrances for walk-in and emergency medical transport. • Surgical suite with three operating rooms.
el to Jomax and make a U-turn to head south, Buss said. “It’s a nice win-win situation for the area benefiting multiple parties,” Buss said. “Over the past two years, Peoria’s Economic Development Services Department worked to recruit and form a development team that could fund, design, construct and operate a regional hospital at the site. We are excited to see this long-awaited hospital development come to fruition.” —Staff writer Allison Engstrom can be reached at aengstrom@timespublications.com. • Preoperative unit with eight beds. • Eleven-bed post-anesthesia care unit. • Heart catheterization procedure room. • Radio fluoroscopy. • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
NEWS
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BASEBALL FROM PAGE 1
an email to Sloan Park season ticket holders that said they were “shifting to limited, socially distanced pod-style seating” for the 2021 season. However, the website says stay tuned for ticket information. Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat is optimistic a plan will be established sooner rather than later. “Baseball is America’s favorite pastime, and Spring Training cities have an obligation to baseball fans to assure a safe environment for their enjoyment,” she said in a statement. “With the Cactus League and Spring Training cities working in collaboration with MLB, we are hopeful that we can develop a plan for a safe fan experience.” Decisions will be left up to municipalities, and teams could have different protocol when it comes to seating and capacity of the stadium. They must also figure out issues related to health protocol, food safety and housing for players. Major League Baseball had hoped to have more time to decide.
“On the advice of medical experts, we proposed a one-month delay to the start of Spring Training and the regular season to better protect the health and safety of players and support staff,” MLB said in a statement. “A delay of the season would allow for the level of COVID-19 infection rates to decrease and additional time for the distribution of vaccinations, as well as minimizing potential disruptions to the 2021 season that currently face all sports.” MLB’s proposal included the postponement of opening day to April 29, a 154-game schedule and a full payment of player salaries as if it were a 162game season. The Players Association released a statement. “Although player salaries would not be initially prorated to a 154-game regular season, MLB’s proposal offers no salary or service time protections in the event of further delays, interruptions, or cancelation of the season,” the statement read. “The clear-cut result of these deliberations
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is that players will not accept MLB’s proposal, will instead continue preparations for an on-time start to the 2021 season, and will accept MLB’s commitment to again direct its clubs to prepare for an on-time start.” Spring Training camps are set to open on Wednesday, Feb. 17. Opening day is scheduled for Thursday, April 1, and a 162-game season will remain. “In light of the MLBPA’s rejection of our proposal, and their refusal to counter our revised offer this afternoon, we are moving forward and instructing our clubs to report for an on-time start to Spring Training and the championship season, subject to reaching an agreement on health and safety protocols,” MLB said. The Cactus League wrote a letter to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on Jan. 22 asking to delay Spring Training because of COVID-19 infection rates. The Arizona Department of Health Services on Feb. 5 reported 2,867 new cases in Maricopa County. “We’re hopeful that there will be fans
in the stands, but again, it changes all the time,” Cactus League Executive Director and Mesquite District Councilmember Bridget Binsbacher told Cronkite News. “We’re moving in the right direction, and so we’re just trying to be as optimistic and ready for whatever comes our way.”
GOT NEWS? Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 or christina@timespublications.com
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Peoria Times
NEWS
February 11, 2021
WESTMARC tackles growth in the West Valley BY CHRISTIAN SERRANO
Peoria Times Contributing Writer
The Western Maricopa Coalition (WESTMARC) recently launched its bimonthly series, West Valley Hot Topics. The speaker series invites experts in a wide variety of fields to speak about the West Valley’s key issues of business attraction and economic development. The West Valley Hot Topics participants met virtually to hear several speakers discuss the critical issues of population growth, transportation, water and 5G technology. The series is sponsored by SRP. “Maricopa is the fourth fastest-growing county in the nation, and over the next two decades over 50% of that growth will happen in the West Valley,” said Sintra Hoffman, WESTMARC’s president and chief executive officer. Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Analytics Director
Anubhav Bagley discussed the ex- compared to 2019. There is also 2.1 million square feet of plosive growth in the new commercial develWest Valley. Between opment. 2014 and 2019, the re“For us, the two gion west of the I-17 most important things had an 11% population are water and transgrowth, she said. The portation,” Roderique growth is equivalent to said. An estimated half adding the entire city of Buckeye’s budget of Tempe to the West goes to new infrastrucValley. The majority ture, such as water and of this growth is contransportation projects. centrated in Buckeye, Long-term water which experienced availability for Buckan annual growth of eye and the West Valley 5.25% since 2010. Sintra Hoffman. (Photo courtesy is critical. Roderique Goodyear’s growth is WESTMARC) presented on Buck3.4%. Buckeye Economic Development eye’s largest infrastructure project: Director David Roderique said Buck- Jackie Meck Water Campus. The $100 eye is the second fastest-growing U.S. million project started in 2017 and is city in the past decade. Despite the projected to be completed in 2022. pandemic, data collected by the city The project will improve water facildemonstrated a 26% increase in sin- ities and water infrastructure throughgle-family residential permits in 2020 out the city. The Meck Water Campus
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will cover 5,000 acres of land and is projected to process 6 million gallons per day, with the ability to expand to 16 MGD in the future. Transportation is another of Buckeye’s important investments. Arizona Department of Transportation is making improvements to I-10 between State Route 85 and Verrado Way. Improvements will include the Miller and Watson roads interchange, drainage, sound walls and a freeway management system. “We are looking at significant longterm planning for transportation,” Roderique said. Ronald Klawitter, principal of water systems projects at SRP, presented projects intended to improve the capacities and infrastructure of the Roosevelt Dam and Verde River Reservoir. Improvements also include a pipeline project that will enhance movement SEE WESTMARC PAGE 7
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
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WESTMARC FROM PAGE 6
of water throughout central Arizona. Some of the West Valley cities are part of SRP’s service area. The West Valley will experience significant investments in 5G technology. Verizon is projected to deliver 5G to 230 million customers across the Unit-
ed States. This includes the West Valley. “We believe that 5G really has the ability to transform things like transit, utility, public Wi-Fi, emergency response, health care and education,” said Jennifer Weaver, Verizon’s manager of network business development.
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Peoria Times
OPINION
February 11, 2021
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No reason for pride with Arizona’s sixth ‘C’ BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist
In Arizona’s formative years — say before the Valley constructed an actual freeway system — the state’s economy and reputation rested on what early Arizonans called “the Five Cs.” Copper, cattle, cotton, citrus and climate were mainstays in these parts, and people were proud of it. Now it’s 2021, and while Arizona’s weather remains a huge deal, some of the other Cs are withering. Cattle, which once comprised half the Arizona economy, is down to a modest 5%. We also used to grow most of the world’s Pima cotton. Today? Arizona accounts for only about 2% of the global supply. Fear not, however. Arizona has an abundance of a new C I’d like to add to the mix — crazies. I’ve been chronicling this state’s culture and newsmakers since 1995, and if there’s one thing you can be sure of, it’s this: Whenever some big national story involving insane behav-
ior erupts, Arizona will make news. Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber? Of course, he lived in a Kingman trailer park. Hani Hanjour, one of the 9/11 hijackers? Of course, he got flight training in Mesa. Sexual predator and Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein begets the #MeToo movement? Of course, he goes to sex addiction rehab in Wickenburg. And of course, when a bunch of morons stormed the U.S. Capitol on January 6, the idiot front and center — the 33-year-old shirtless “shaman” sporting buffalo horns, a fur headdress and red, white and blue face paint — had to hail from the Valley. You may have heard about Jake Angeli, “the QAnon Shaman” whose given name is Jacob Chansley. Once a student at Moon Valley High School, Angeli became a regular at political protests in metro Phoenix over the past two years. He often carried a sign that said “Q Sent Me” and spouted lots of conspiracy nonsense. An unemployed actor by trade, Angeli owns an online busi-
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.
ness called Star Seed Academy, where for $55.55 you can take a “Spiritual Self Defense Course” and learn “How to Create Healing Plant Remedies for Illness & Gain Plant Spirit Allies.” I’m guessing someone has been a little too closely allied with magic mushrooms and weed for the last 15 years. Even addled, Angeli managed to become one of the faces of the Capitol raid, pictured at the dais in the Senate, using a bullhorn to lead his fellow Looney Tunes in prayer. Angeli even left a note for then-Vice President Mike Pence: “It’s only a matter of time. Justice is coming.” Speaking of justice, while Angeli awaits his day in court — he faces six felonies and 28 years in prison — he’s apparently been on a hunger strike. Who knew shamans only ate organic food? That’s how Angeli and his lawyer explained it to a federal judge during a Feb. 3 court demanding that the D.C. Department of Corrections adhere to Angeli’s dietary needs.
Eating “non-organic food,” Angeli’s lawyer argued, “which contains unnatural chemicals, would act as an ‘object intrusion’ onto his body and cause serious illness if he were to eat it.” Naturally — pun intended — Judge Royce Lamberth ruled in Angeli’s favor. So be it. Give the man his organic chow, stat. In a very Arizona twist to this tale, we ought to ship the hometown antihero one of his home state’s staple crops to help him gain back the 20 pounds Angeli claims to have lost. Few things are more organic than pecans and pistachios. A study last year by the University of Arizona detailed that these tasty crops now account for nearly $100 million in annual economic impact. That’s hardly a surprise. It’s Arizona. We grow nuts here. David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com
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February 11, 2021
Peoria Times
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Peoria Times
10 BUSINESS
February 11, 2021
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Peoria woman finds success in travel business BY LAUREN SERRATO Peoria Times Staff Writer
As efforts to administer the coronavirus vaccine continue throughout the state, many are hopeful for the return of what was once considered “normal.” For Peoria resident Taunya Altamirano, that means the ability to travel once again. Prior to the pandemic outbreak in 2020, the former paralegal found herself booking vacations for her friends and family so often that she decided to turn the hobby into a career. In January 2020, she took the leap of faith and purchased her own travel company, Live Love Drink Travel LLC. “I left a very lucrative job to go into travel, and I absolutely love it. I don’t
regret it at all. It’s been the best decision I have ever made in my life,” Altamirano said. Enter the pandemic and her travel business took a major hit in its first few months. “Everything slowed way down,” she said. “I took that opportunity as time for me to really dig deep. I took a bunch of training, about 200 hours in the month of February and
One of Taunya Altamariano’s five vacations last year was to St. Thomas. The 50-year-old vacation specialist said traveling has been her way of keeping her sense of normalcy. (Photo courte-
sy of Taunya Altamirano)
March. I thought of it as just a bump in the road for me. You just put your big girl pants on and keep going.” Determined to find success in her business, despite COVID-19 making many people weary about traveling, Altamirano focused on her clients who were willing to travel and began booking trips as far out as 2022. “Having just started the business, and with the pandemic, I’ve actually met my first annual goal three months early,” Altamirano said. In a time when life seems to be so focused around coronavirus, Altamirano said, she is determined to help her customers escape their daily stress by planning their dream vacations at the SEE TRAVEL PAGE 12
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
11
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BUSINESS
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
TRAVEL FROM PAGE 10
best price. “The biggest motivator for traveling is people wanting to get out of the day to day stress of having to deal with everything related to COVID. People want to find a way to escape, and sitting in the sun on the beach with a cocktail is the best way to do that,” she said. With the abundance of health precautions being taken by airports, hotels and transportation services, Altamirano is convinced traveling is safe and said she has every intention to do so. Altamirano’s most recent trip was in December for a week-long trip to Aruba. Since June, she has visited St. Thomas and vacationed three times in Mexico. “I never felt safer than when I was in Aruba. There were wash stations when you went in and out of every single store, restaurant, hotel, everything. Hand sanitizing all day and masks were a must,” she said. To keep her clients safe, Altamirano ensures that all hotels, airlines and
Taunya Altamirano and her husband Derek are using travel as a way to keep their sense of normalcy during the pandemic. Altamirano said she has all intentions to continue traveling in 2021.
locations she books for her customers are up to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety protocols for COVID-19. For instance, Altamirano will only book her clients in hotels that are ac-
cepting a limited capacity of 40% to 50%. All hotels booked through her agency also go 72 hours between guests to ensure a deep, thorough clean. For those looking to travel, the va-
cation specialist recommends doing the proper research, having a clear understanding of the desired trip, setting a budget and getting travel insurance. “It takes hours and hours. I remember even before I became a travel agent, I thought this takes so much time, but I love it. You have that moment when you get off the plane and you look around and see a completely different country. It’s a very rewarding thing to give to my clients,” she said. Entering 2021, Altamirano said she is filled with hope and ambition. “I’m looking forward to a successful year. There have definitely been little bumps in the road, but I have learned a lot as a travel agency and being in the travel industry. I have learned how to engage differently with my customers, vendors and others,” she said. For more information about Live Love Drink Travel, visit taltamirano. dreamvacations.com. —Staff writer Lauren Serrato can be reached at lserrato@timespublications.com
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
SPORTS
13
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Peoria athlete looking to excel at Iowa college BY ZACH MOORE
Peoria Times Staff Writer
Keaton Rodgers can speak a thing or two about transition. The former Sandra Day O’Connor athlete is now in his sophomore year at Central College, a Division III school in Pella, Iowa. Rodgers plays under head coach Craig Douma and is looking to follow up a freshman season that wasn’t the easiest for him. He thanks his teammates for opening up and helping him connect. “The transition was a bit tough,” Rodgers said. “My first semester I was a little lonely, a little secluded and I didn’t really want to reach out. Once I got involved with the team, they took me in and I became one of them, and it’s been awesome since then.” Rodgers averaged 6.5 points and four rebounds per game last season. Central College played its first home game on Feb. 6. Quoted as “what most people don’t know” about his new team, the Dutch have spent two and half weeks together in quarantine to prepare for the season. Rodgers said he believes the time together bodes well for this season. “That always brings the team together.” Rodgers said. “We are all hungry. We want to play.
for its community. There were opportunities to assist the youth with special needs, as well. Rodgers feels CCV impacted him as a player. “We would help out two or three times a season. Matt King was a representative of CCV, and we would go there and help out with camps and everything.” The community in Peoria meant a lot to Rodgers. He explained the value of having fans at games, and what that meant to him then and now. “It meant a lot to me then — it means even more to me now,” Rodgers said about the fans at Sandra Day O’Connor. “I miss being able to go to our rival game against Mountain Ridge. I think those games Last season, Keaton Rodgers averaged 6.5 points and four rebounds per game with Central were the most fun to play and the College in Iowa. (Photo courtesy Central College) people were there for you and for your school. (We had the opporAnd at the end of the day, that’s what Position Sports. tunity) to represent the name on our Rodgers credits coach King for the jersey.” we all want.” Rodgers inherited that hunger from team’s involvement off the court and Rodgers is grateful he has the time his time in Peoria playing for head mentoring Rogers as his assistant to reflect on the importance of Sandra coach Andra Rogers at Sandra Day coach during coach King’s tenure with Day O’Connor fans. O’Connor High School. His first three the Eagles. His current team, though, will have The team went to the local Christ to overcome a season of uncertainty, years playing for the Eagles was under the mentorship and leadership of for- Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria and Rodgers must show the resiliency mer head coach Matt King, who now and helped coach the kids, lead basket- that his coaches taught him in his time serves as the chief operating officer at ball camps, run drills and show support as an Eagle.
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February 11, 2021
WE RECONSIDERED.
WE LISTENED.
WE ACTED.
Proposing the WestWing Recycling & Transfer Facility
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Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
FEATURES
15
For more features visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com
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Glendale author turns grief, love of ballet into book BY OLIVIA DOW
Peoria Times Staff Writer
After she had a miscarriage and her husband had a heart attack, Glendale author Amanda Malek-Ahmadi picked up the pencil and decided to start writing again. This led to the creation of her first picture book, “10 Ballet Dancers.” Her love for writing started in elementary school when Mister Tom visited her school with his book “Messy Cat.” She remembers being “enamored” and wondered if she would be able to be an author someday. “As kids you’re learning those writing skills and everything like that. So that’s what started everything,” Malek-Ahmadi said. “So that’s what started it, and it was just a huge passion. I was definitely that girl in high school who wrote in a diary, and even through college.” The idea behind “10 Ballet Dancers” came to Malek-Ahmadi in 2019, after she joined the “story storm,” a concept Tara Lazard came up with, where she encourages writers to come up with 30 ideas in January. Malek-Ahmadi said the journey began on one of the challenge’s first days.
“It was, like, No. 5 on my list, and that night when I wrote it out, it just kind of poured out, which we like to refer to in the writing community as ‘Big Magic,’ and I wrote it,” Malek-Ahmadi said. “I was super excited about it.” Teaching the concepts of ballet in a counting book was an idea Malek-Ahmadi had for a while. She said teaching the accuracy of dance is important. Malek-Ahmadi also shares her passion of dance as a teacher at Wight Noise Dance Company in Peoria. She’s on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To capture the technicality of dance in the book’s illustrations, Malek-Ahmadi was able to work closely Amanda Malek-Ahmadi’s book, “10 Ballet Danc- with her illustrator to make sure readers could accurateers,” is available on Amazon. ly picture the dance moves (Photo courtesy Amanda Malek-Ahmadi) as well. The writer-illustrator relationship is usually one that happens at a distance, where the publisher gives the author the illustrated book, completed. But in the case of “10 Ballet Dancers,” Malek-Ahmadi worked closely with her illustrator, Kathrine Gutkovskiy, to develop a book with accurate illustrations of ballet. To aid Gutkovskiy, Malek-Ahmadi and her friend, Lalo, took videos
so Gutkovskiy could see the kinetic movements of the dances in the book. “She just captured the moment the best she could when it was a movement from the videos and the pictures that we sent,” Malek-Ahmadi said. “That was a really fun experience.” Gutkovskiy turned Lalo into a character in the book, which helped Malek-Ahmadi show that boys dance, too. Inspired by Lalo, Malek-Ahmadi named the book “10 Ballet Dancers,” instead of “10 Ballerinas.” “I just think it was so ingrained in my head, ‘ballerinas,’ because those are the books you see all the time as ballerinas; it’s a little girl and her tutu,” Malek-Ahmadi said. “But no, boys dance.” When Malek-Ahmadi contacted her publisher about her book idea, she said it was at the same time as the controversy over Prince Williams’ son liking ballet. “This book wasn’t in response to that; it just happened to come out at the same time,” Malek-Ahmadi said. “It was already written before all that happened.” “10 Ballet Dancers” shows an ordinary day at a dance studio while teaching children about dance. Malek-Ahmadi said she wants people to enjoy the book with their kids, even if they may struggle with the book’s technical ballet terms. “The ballet terms are in the back to help people with pronunciations and everything,” Malek-Ahmadi said. The book is available on Amazon, 10balletdancers.com, Small-ToothDog Publishing and indiebound.org. “I hope people just find a love for ballet if they don’t already have it, from this book,” Malek-Ahmadi said. “Go check out some ballet and some dancing.”
16
FEATURES
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
ANSWERS PAGE 20
ACROSS 1 To boot 5 Tummy muscles 8 Writer Rice 12 Appeared suddenly 14 Earth 15 Regatta 16 Pout 17 “-- a Camera” 18 Decisive moments 20 A Musketeer 23 Prejudice 24 Reddish horse 25 Lake activity 28 CCV x X 29 Pre-diploma hurdles 30 Dig in 32 Straw hats 34 Carton sealer 35 School orgs. 36 Used a sponge 37 Stir-fry veggie 40 Crony 41 Slanted type (Abbr.) 42 Yacht lover’s event 47 French 101 verb 48 Veteran 49 Easy targets 50 Ballot marks 51 Whig’s rival DOWN 1 NYPD alert 2 Brit’s restroom 3 Hotel amenity
4 Choice 5 Leading man? 6 Tampa Bay NFLer 7 Dishes not on the regular menu 8 Home of St. Francis 9 Entre -10 Egyptian river 11 BPOE members 13 Historic times 19 “Phooey!” 20 Branch 21 Pyramid, maybe 22 Saintly ring 23 Wild pigs 25 Challah holder
EVEN EXCHANGE
by Donna Pettman
26 27 29 31 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 43 44 45 46
Tide variety Be slack-jawed “Beetle Bailey” dog Danson of “Cheers” Granny Smiths Mild cheese Bulb measure Slapstick arsenal Jazzy James Seniors’ org. Cushions Flamenco cheer Med. plan option Not ‘neath Like some humor
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.
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
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Peoria Times
RELIGION
February 11, 2021
For more religion visit peoriatimes.com Peoria Times.com
/PeoriaTimes
Less visible doesn’t make you less valuable audience. Here’s the first quote: “I need to get back in shape, but I’m kind of waiting to see if the world is going to end before I put any real effort in.” Sound familiar? Here’s another posting: “I spend a lot of time holding the refrigerator door open, looking for answers.” And this quote hit the mark: “They say we can have gatherings with up to eight people without issues. I don’t even know eight people without issues.” Amen. It’s easy or even normal to feel this way. May I suggest an alternative? Begin your day with an “I get to” mentality instead of an “I have to” mentality. “I get to go to work. I get to have a busy day. I get to serve others.” Whatever it may be. Often, we dress our opportunities as stress. But what is causing our tension is often a blessing in disguise. John Philips wrote, “The psychologist
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wrote a book about the Jewish family who had adopted him in 1907. In memory of this family, he wore a Star of David until the end of his life. He said, from this family, he learned “how to live real life and determination.” You might recognize his name. He was Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. “Satchmo” is Yiddish for “big cheeks,” a nickname, some say, was given to him by Mrs. Karnofsky. He proudly spoke fluent Yiddish. Here’s a takeaway for you concerning “Satchmo.” If you fix the boy, you will fix the man. A fixed man can fix the land. Of course, the same is true for women. Fixed people fix people. Changed people change people. No one can fix everyone, but we can help fix someone. The poor immigrant couple stepped into a boy’s situation. They committed to a long process of fixing up a “fixer-upper” and changed the world. Maybe in these “refrigerator staring times,” you could choose to be a “solutionary.” Let’s review John Philips’ quote from this story. The Karnofskys “looked around” and recognized a boy in need. SEE VISIBLE PAGE 19
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Peoria Times Columnist
lived with their grandmother. Early in life, he proved to be gifted for music, and with three other kids, he sang in New Orleans’s streets. His first gains were the coins people threw at them. With the last name of Karnofsky, a Jewish family who had emigrated from Lithuania to the United States pitied the 7-year-old boy and brought him into their home. Initially, they gave the boy “work” in their house. But the “work” was just an excuse to feed the hungry child. He stayed there and slept in this Jewish family’s home, where they treated him with kindness and tenderness for one of the first times in his life. When he went to bed, Mrs. Karnofsky sang him a Russian lullaby that he would sing with her. Later, he learned to sing and play several Russian and Jewish songs. Over time, this boy became like an adopted son of this family. The Karnofskys gave him money to buy his first musical instrument, as was the custom in the Jewish families. They admired his musical talent. Later, when he became a professional musician and composer, he used Jewish melodies in some of his compositions. The young Black boy grew up and
Fre ewa y
Pastor Ed Delph
says, ‘Look within.’ The opportunist says, ‘Look around.’ The optimist says, ‘Look ahead.’ The pessimist says, ‘Look out!’ God says, ‘Look up!’” Patience is the art of finding out something else to do that is positive in the meantime. Perspective is the way we see things. Think about this. All of us live under the same sky, but not all of us see the same horizon. In other words, we rarely see what we are not looking for. Is it “I have to” or “I get to”? I love real-life testimonies that inspire people. Here is an example of someone you most likely have never heard of that did something unique. This couple found something to do in the meantime that came from a mentality of “I get to,” not “I have to.” This invisible couple parented a 7-year-old boy who became visible worldwide. What’s the lesson here? Being less visible doesn’t make you less valuable. Here’s their story — and the rest is history. A grandson of slaves, a boy was born in a poor New Orleans neighborhood known as the “Back of Town.” His father abandoned the family when the child was an infant. His mother became a prostitute, and the boy and his sister
101
CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION
10250 N. 59th Ave. 623-937-9216 Sunday Services: Bible Study ....................................... 9:15 am Morning Worship ............................ 10:30 am Discipleship Training ........................ 4:45 pm Evening Worship .............................. 6:00 pm Wednesdays: TeamKid, Youth Worship Bible Study & Prayer........................6:00 pm Dr. Mark Mucklow, Pastor www.fsbcg.org
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
RELIGION
VISIBLE FROM PAGE 18
The Karnofskys thought to themselves, “Look out.” If he stays where he is, he will never reach his potential. Then they “looked in” themselves and said, “We get to.” The Karnofskys “looked ahead” and became what the boy needed — parents. Where did they get the strength to do all of this? The Karnofskys knew God who says, “Look up! We can do this together.” Ratan Tata, an industrialist from India, noted, “None can destroy iron, but its own rust can. Likewise, none can destroy a person, but his mindset can!” Are you looking for something to do in the meantime? Choose it and remember, “You don’t have to. You get to.”
Ed Delph is Phoenix native who lives in the North Valley. Since 1980, he has pastored three churches in the Valley. He is a noted author of 10 books, weekly columnist in several local and worldwide newspapers, teacher, business owner and speaker. He has been to or ministered in over 100 countries. He is president of a worldwide ministry, NationStrategy To learn more about Pastor Ed Delph, the Church-Community Connection and NationStrategy, call 623-376-6757, e-mail nationstrategy@cs.com or visit nationstrategy.com.
Bellevue Heights Church highlights season of Lent
BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF
A special series of events at Bellevue Heights Church will help worshippers relate to the spiritual journey of Christ during His last days leading to the cross. With a theme of “Journey to the Cross and Beyond,” the special emphasis will begin Feb. 17 and continue Wednesdays through March 31. Each Wednesday during Lent, a soup and sandwich luncheon will be served at noon in Franklin Hall on the church campus at 9440 W. Hutton Drive in Sun City. All are welcome to attend. There is no set price for the lunch; diners may donate
whatever amount they want. Lunch will be followed each week by a 20-minute meditation related to the spiritual journey of Lent and will feature a member of the pastoral staff. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., during the Wednesdays of this special emphasis, 12 large paintings depicting various aspects of the last week of Christ’s life will be on display in the Bellevue Heights worship center. These lighted works of art will be accompanied by narrative descriptions for each. For more information, visit bhcsuncity. com or call the church office at 623-9778308.
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Peoria Times
20 YOUTH
February 11, 2021
For more youth visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com
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PUSD teachers rise to the pandemic challenge
BY ALLISON ENGSTROM
Stronger connection
Peoria Times Staff Writer
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant major changes for substitute as well as full-time teachers in the Peoria Unified School District. Carol Batz has spent over 23 years in PUSD classrooms. Batz regularly worked as a substitute teacher in the district for the past few years, but once COVID-19 hit, she found herself substituting two to three days a week. “Lots of the subs are like me — retired teachers — and I really think the virus scared them,” Batz said. She has been fortunate to sub at Lake Pleasant Elementary School, where her daughter teaches and her granddaughters attend school, she said. When Batz originally retired, she wanted to spend time with her two young granddaughters, but once they were old enough to be in school Batz decided to get back in the classroom, too. “When they grew up and went to school, I found myself lonely and bored and decided to go back to substituting because I absolutely love teaching,” Batz said. Batz feels fortunate to be a part of PUSD and was thrilled when the decision was made to return to classrooms after a period of online learning only. Batz currently teaches a kindergarten class, filling in for a teacher on maternity leave. Although Batz feels there has not been much change to their regular classroom routine, working with kin-
Carol Batz (Credit)
Geena Laird (Credit)
dergarteners has its challenges. “They like hugs from their teacher and they’re always touching and hugging their friends, so that’s been really hard to try and encourage them not to do that and to respect everybody’s personal space,” Batz said. Masks have also made it hard for young students who are learning letters and sounds. “We’re teaching letters and sounds and we’re doing it through a mask, and they have to see my lips and I have a difficult time sometimes understanding their sound pronunciations, so the mask has really complicated it,” Batz said. “But we’re getting through it; it’s what we have to do.” For Batz, teaching kindergarteners has an advantage during COVID-19
because they don’t fully understand what is going on. “I think they’re OK, with it, because they don’t understand that it’s a little bit different than it used to be,” Batz said. Batz remains hopeful despite the challenges and changes that COVID-19 has provided. “I am encouraged because I heard that PUSD may have their own site around mid-February, so I’m looking forward to that and I definitely will go and get the vaccine,” Batz said.
Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 or christina@timespublications.com
For Geena Laird and her 10th grade history classes at Liberty High School, COVID-19 has connected them even more. “The best word I can use is compassion on both sides,” Laird said. “Students and parents have been incredibly compassionate, and as educators we’ve always been compassionate for our students, but even more so now, and I think they feel that.” Laird has taught history in PUSD for 22 years. She’s also a counselor and student council adviser. Laird has been in the district for most of her life, as she attended Cactus High School. “I have always been really passionate about being a student or just education in general,” Laird said. Laird has embraced the changes COVID-19 has brought to the classroom and feels she has grown as an educator through it all. Despite the shift, Laird said one thing remains unchanged. “Teachers, we still love to teach. We still want to make an impact for our students, so that hasn’t changed. As educators, our passion is still to make a difference in our students’ lives,” Laird said.
Peoria Times
February 11, 2021
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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
The following Ordinance adopted by the Peoria City Council on February 4, 2021 can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.peoriaaz. gov/councilmeetings ORDINANCE NO 2021-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PEORIA, MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA PROVIDING CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE TRIANNA PARK PLANNED AREA DEVELOPMENT (PAD) STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES REPORT PERTAINING TO PARCEL 6; AMENDING THE ZONING MAP; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on January 7, 2021 in zoning case Z05-07A.6 in the manner prescribed by law for the purpose of considering a Major Amendment to the existing Trianna Park Planned Area Development (PAD), pertaining to the allowable uses for Parcel 6. WHEREAS, due and proper notice of such Public Hearing was given in the time, form, substance and manner provided by law including publication of such notice in the Peoria Times Newspaper on December 17, 2020; and WHEREAS, the City of Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended to the Mayor and the Council of the City of Peoria, Arizona, the zoning of property as aforesaid and the Mayor and the Council of the City of Peoria, Arizona desires to accept such recommendation and rezone the property as described below as aforesaid. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Peoria, Arizona that: SECTION 1. A parcel of land in Peoria, Maricopa County, Arizona, which is more accurately described in Exhibits A and B to this Ordinance, is hereby amended per the Trianna Park Planned Area Development (PAD). SECTION 2. The amendment to the zoning herein provided be conditioned and subject to the following stipulations: 1. The development shall substantially conform to the amended Trianna Park Planned Area Development (PAD) Standards and Guidelines Report as contained in the staff report to the Planning and Zoning Commission for January 7, 2021. 2. The site plan must conform to the Peoria Engineering Standards Manual and all applicable engineering standards. 3. A future pedestrian bridge across Loop 101 will be located in the vicinity of the site. This may require easements and/or site design accommodations at the time of Site Plan approval to accommodate a landing area. 4. The developer shall provide and obtain all necessary easements and construct any necessary improvements to provide safe pedestrian access from the subject development to the adjacent New River Trail. SECTION 3. This Ordinance shall become effective at the time and in the manner prescribed by law. PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Mayor and Council for the City of Peoria, Arizona this 2nd day of February, 2021. Cathy Carlat, Mayor Date Signed ATTEST: Rhonda Geriminsky, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Vanessa P. Hickman, City Attorney Published in: Peoria Times Pub. Dates: February 11, 2021 Effective Date:. City Clerk All exhibits on file in the Peoria City Clerk’s Office. EXHIBIT A
EXHIBIT B
Published: Peoria Times, Feb 11, 2021 / 36206
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CITY OF PEORIA FISCAL YEAR 20192020 DRAFT ANNUAL ACTION PLAN SUBSTSANTIAL AMENDMENT NO. 2 AND USE OF CDBG CV FUNDING Notice is hereby given that the City of Peoria is amending its Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan to include the Community Development Block Gran t Coronavirus 3 (CDBG CV3) funding to be received from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment is required by HUD in order to utilize this funding. The Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment identifies how the City plans to use the CDBG CV3 funding to prevent, address and respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The City of Peoria anticipates that it will be receiving $979,134 in CDBG CV3 funds. These funds are directed to the assistance of low- and moderate-income persons, primarily for City of Peoria residents. The draft Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment will be available for a minimum five-day comment period beginning February 12, 2021, and ending February 22, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. Comments received during this time will be included in the final Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment document submitted to HUD. Public hearings will be conducted virtually on the following date and times in order to provide the public with additional opportunities to make comments on the draft Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment. Thursday, February 18, 2021, 8:30am and 4pm via webinar. Information on how to participate via webinar is posted on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/communityassistance . The draft Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment will be available in the Neighborhood and Human Services Department located at 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345. In addition, the Annual Action Plan Substantial Amendment can be downloaded from the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/communityassistance. Information may also be obtained by written request mailed to: City of Peoria Neighborhood and Human Services Department Attn: CDBG Program 9875 N. 85th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345 Email requests may be direct e d t o : communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov Public comments can be submitted to the City of Peoria at the address listed above, or via email at 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 fax (623)773-7180. Asistencia en español: Para que le interpreten la solicitud en español, llame al (623)7737250. Published: Peoria Times, Feb. 4, 11, 2021 / 35924
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NOTICE OF BID PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is given pursuant to ARS §9-462.04, ARS §9461.09(A) and the City Code of Peoria, Arizona, that the Planning and Zoning Commission for the City of Peoria will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 6:30 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. 85 th Avenue, Peoria, Arizona 85345, or by calling the Planning Department at 623773-7200. Agenda items: Peoria Regional Hospital: Stipulation Modification (Z0804A.2) Traver Jones of Kimley Horn requests to modify Conditions of Approval #8 and #10 of Ordinance 2008-11, of the approved rezoning for the Peoria Regional Medical Hospital. The project is now known as Peoria Regional Hospital and the proposed modifications to the conditions would adjust the installation of designated landscape and trail improvements from being required at the initial phase of development and instead be installed as each parcel within the project develops. Peoria Regional Hospital is located north and east of the northeast corner of Lake Pleasant Road and Yearling. The site is approximately 48.17 acres. The scheduled City Council Hearing will be held on April 6, 2021 beginning at 6:00 p.m. for Case Z08-04.2.. Published: Peoria Times, Feb 11 2021 / 36261
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February 11, 2021