Peoria Times 110322

Liberty football climbs national rankings

BY JOE McHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

Liberty High School football has broken into the national top 25 rankings, according to MaxPreps, currently ranked at No. 16. Previously en tering the rankings at the No. 24 spot, this the first time in program history that the Lions have been ranked in the top 25.

“I think it is certainly an honor for our entire program and school,” head coach Colin Thomas said. “It just reflects the amount of hard work and dedication that our players have put in, our coaches have put in, our community who supports us,

Development

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Thanks to a new development agreement with Zonapart LLC/Arizona Partners in Real Estate (AZPRE), the city of Peoria is one step closer to redeveloping the heart of its city.

The project aims to bring vibrant, new restaurants and retail to five city parcels in Peoria’s historic Old Town area.

“A tremendous amount of hard work and energy has been put into this proposal,” said Jen Stein, Peo ria economic development director. “AZPRE has an exceptional portfo

and our admin who supports us.”

The Lions have been seemingly unstop pable this year, dishing out blowouts and convincing victories to every opponent on their schedule. The team is as well built for a playoff push as any other that may quali fy for the Open Division bracket.

Led by junior quarterback Navi Bruzon, senior receiver Prince Zombo and senior running back Zach Wallace on offense, the Lions haven’t struggled to put up points. Seemingly at will, Liberty is averaging over 44 points per game.

But the strength of the country’s No. 16-ranked team lies in its defense. Spear headed by senior defensive lineman

in

lio, and we are excited to work along side this premier developer as they deliver an amenity that our commu nity has long desired.”

The agreement identifies several sites along 83rd Avenue and Jefferson Street, including the Historic Central School Building, the vacant NAPA building, the vacant Jefferson Street parcels and the Jefferson Street Park and Ride Lot. The agreement further outlines a schedule of performance, in which the developer will come back to the city with a detailed devel opment plan.

My’Keil Gardner, senior Anthony Ruiz and junior Keaton Stam, the Lions have only allowed more than 10 points on de fense just once.

Despite the dominance, Liberty has played some of the stiffest competition in the Open rankings including Chandler Basha and Phoenix Pinnacle, ranked third and fourth in the state, respectively.

“I think we have a very motivated team,” Thomas said. “We are very hungry to prove that we are certainly one of the best teams in the state of Arizona. We show up every day with that attitude, and when we

got the opportunities, we played well. And we’ve got to keep playing well be cause there are a ton of great teams in Arizona.”

Liberty came into the season like they have the past two years, on the heels of a heartbreaking Open Division loss to the ever-dominant Chandler Wolves. Last season, the two clashed in the semifinals of the Open Division, producing an instant classic of a game that featured a last-second comeback from Chandler to tie the game. Chan dler would go on to beat Liberty, 27-21.

In Thomas’ third season as head coach, Liberty hasn’t let the loss car ry over to this season, rolling to an 8-0 record. The team started the year off with three straight blowouts to Sunrise Mountain, Pinnacle and Valor Chris tian (Colorado), 50-0, 49-7, 50-7, re spectively. The momentum didn’t stop as the Lions rolled through the reign ing state champions, Scottsdale Sagua ro, 26-17, in its closest bout of the year thus far.

“I was very blessed to come into a

great situation,” Thomas said. “We have a great program in place, a great youth program in place. We have great stability amongst our lower-level coaches. So really, I was just blessed to come into a very fortunate situation, and we are just trying to work hard to get better every year.”

Then continuing the dominant dis play, Liberty breezed by Basha, 357, who is now ranked No. 25 in the country by MaxPreps, and Phoenix Brophy Prep 48-10, which included Bruzon winning the Arizona Cardi nals High School Player-of-the-Week Award. Most recently, the Lions dished out back-to-back blowouts to Glendale Mountain Ridge and Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor, 42-0 and 53-0.

Liberty will finish the season with yet another tough matchup against cross town rival Centennial, who is coming off of a 30-17 victory over Mountain Ridge.

Looking into the future, the Lions

The Liberty Lions football team is nationally ranked for the first time in program history, at No. 16. Its 8-0 start has included a 53-0 shutout victory against Sandra Day O’Connor. (Submitted)

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BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Winning designs chosen for library cards

The city of Peoria is pleased to an nounce the winning designs from the annual Library Card Design Contest. The children’s category winner is Is abella Herzog, a student from Apache Elementary. The teen winner is Danica Dworshack, a student at Coyote Hills Elementary. Over the summer, youth were invited to unleash their imagina tion and showcase their artistic talent by participating in the contest. Partic ipants were encouraged to create their artwork around the Maricopa County Summer Reading Program’s theme “Ocean of Possibilities.” Isabella’s card displays the ocean floor full of sea ani mals, and Danica’s design showcases a sea turtle. To see the designs, visit your local Peoria library today.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/library

Attend Sensory Storytime at Peoria Main Library

The Peoria Main Library, located at 8463 W. Monroe Street, is offering

DEVELOPMENT FROM PAGE 1

News Briefs

a new Sensory Storytime on Fridays from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Families are invit ed to join this adaptive storytime de signed to help children with sensory integration challenges. This program utilizes music, movement, repetition and books that increase children’s en gagement at a preschool level. The Peoria Public Library Main Branch and Sunrise Mountain locations recently earned Certified Autism Center (CAC) designations, which are granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The CAC program offers autism training and certification to staff and volunteers, in order to better assist autistic and sensory-sensitive in dividuals during their visit.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/library

Celebrate Veterans Day at Rio Vista on Nov. 11

The city of Peoria will host a spe cial Veterans Day ceremony at Peoria’s Veterans Memorial in Rio Vista Com munity Park on Friday, Nov. 11, at 8 a.m. The event will honor our veterans and include a special acknowledge

ment to recognize the new names add ed to Peoria’s Honor Wall. Rio Vista Community Park is located at 8866 W. Thunderbird Road.

Info: peoriaaz.gov/veterans

The Savannah Bananas are coming to Peoria

The Savannah Bananas are bring ing their “World Famous Baseball Cir cus” to the Peoria Sports Complex on April 1, 2023, at 7 p.m. Affectionately referred to as “The Greatest Show in Sports” by ESPN with an atmosphere that would make most MLB teams jealous (Sports Illustrated), the Banan as have reimagined the baseball expe rience and the game itself. Banana Ball is a fast-paced, action-packed style of baseball with rules that include no bun ting, a two-hour time limit, fans catch ing foul balls for outs, batters stealing first base, and a one-on-one tiebreaker showdown at the end of the game if it’s tied. Tickets are expected to go on sale January 2023. To join the ticket presale list, visit the below website.

Info: thesavannahbananas.com/tick ets PT

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This plan will incorporate commu nity feedback from the area, including more than 300 resident responses re cently received from the Design Con cept Report. As the project progresses, additional public engagement will oc cur to ensure this area continues to re flect the character of Peoria’s cherished Old Town.

“AZPRE is a commercial real estate development company that has demon strated an ability to deliver several notable restaurant and retail projects throughout the region,” Mayor Cathy Carlat said. “We are excited to see their hand in bringing to life the his toric, civic, residential and commercial vitality of Old Town Peoria.”

Peoria’s Old Town has long been identified as an important revitaliza tion and redevelopment zone. In line with Peoria’s Economic Development

and Revitalization Strategy, and signif icant public feedback and engagement over the years, Peoria has guided in tentional improvements and completed meaningful investments to elevate the area. This includes enhanced street scape and landscaping design, public artwork and gathering spaces, and a stronger integration between new and existing businesses.

To further these efforts, in Novem ber 2021, the city issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit high-quality projects and qualified partners to sup port the continued redevelopment of city-owned sites in the area. Over the past several months, Peoria has been working with AZPRE on a proposal that will bring restaurants, shopping and entertainment. With a shared vi sion to create a unique, dynamic din ing and retail destination, this partner

ship builds on a brewing energy that has been cultivating in the area in re cent years.

“Arizona Partners Retail Investment Group, a leading innovator of specialty retail centers throughout Arizona, is excited to participate with the city of Peoria in the evolution of their old town into a vibrant restaurant, shopping and entertainment district, while preserv ing its character and rich history,” said Bruce Shapiro, AZPRE partner.

“They will bring restaurants, bou tique retail and lifestyle-related busi nesses to the Old Town area to com plement the many events the city hosts year-round, service the thousands of existing and recently built apartment units in the immediate area and func tion as a gathering place for Peoria res idents and visitors.” PT

Peoria Police hosts motorcycle safety event

BY DOYOON KIM Peoria Times Staff Writer

Inefforts to provide safety training for motorcycle riders, the Peoria Police Department has partnered with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety over the last 10 years to host its motorcycle safety event.

The two entities are back at it again this year, providing Peoria residents with yet another rendition of the free event. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The goal of the event is to educate the public and keep them safe,” Sgt. Brandon Sheffert said. “The public ap preciates the fact that we put our event

on to teach them how to stay safe.”

The program consists of a classroom discussion about safe riding habits and motorcycle safety followed by a handson learning course. During the handson riding portion of the event, the Peoria Police Department will share critical riding skills needed for the op timal response to dangerous motorcy cle riding situations.

“The program allows our traffic unit to provide safety education and, in general, helps the public become safer motorcycle riders,” Sheffert said.

A driver’s license and motorcycle en dorsement are required to attend. Any one interested in attending must fill out a short application to be considered, and those who are selected for the safe

ty event will be notified before the start of the event.

Attendance is limited to about 30 individuals, and program participants will be selected based upon application screening.

“There’s been a very large demand for the event,” Sheffert said. “Everyone who goes through it says they learn something from it and they enjoy it. The goal is always to keep everyone safe and for people to learn a lot about the best ways to avoid dangerous (mo torcycle) situations.”

Interested parties may apply by fill ing out a short application at peoriaaz. gov/motorcycleclass. PT

are seemingly destined to make a deep playoff run, as they are currently slated as the No. 1-ranked team in the state, according to AZPreps, slotting them as the first-seeded team in the eight-team Open Division playoff bracket.

Thomas, however, has his team di aled in and ready for their next game.

“I can promise you we aren’t looking that far ahead,” he said. “Every game, at the level we play at, is a game where you have to play well or you could lose. We live in the moment, and as we get through the regular season and into the playoffs, we are going to play our opponent and whatever team is put in

front of us.”

Whether looking forward to De cember or not, the Lions have accom plished something this season that their program will strive for year in and year out.

Despite receiving a level of recogni tion that it has never seen, Liberty is looking to prove that not only does it belong, but that there is still more to prove. Thomas will keep his foot on the proverbial gas pedal.

“I really love this team, and hopeful ly we keep playing to the best of our ability, and good things will happen for us,” Thomas said. PT

GOT NEWS?

Contact Jordan Rogers at jrogers@timeslocalmedia.com

Who will stand up to Big Labor?

Every day, hundreds of thousands of working Americans are forced to pay tribute to a union boss just to earn a living and feed their families.

Union chieftains funnel this hard-earned money into the campaigns of Tax-and-Spend politicians who protect and expand Big Labor’s compulsory unionism power and the BILLIONS in forced–dues dollars it generates.

Nearly 80% of Arizonans think that’s just plain wrong.

Who is Right for Arizona?

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Mark Kelly has admitted he supports the goals of the PRO Act, which would wipe out every state Right to Work law in the country, including Arizona’s.

This same bill would help union bosses impose their so-called “representation” on workers without a secret-ballot vote.

Pledged to cosponsor the National Right to Work Act, which would remove from federal labor law the authorization for forced union dues.

Opposes monopoly union bargaining in the public sector.

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Supports the Freedom from Union Violence Act.

Right now is when politicians pay the most attention to the folks back home!

Contact Mark Kelly today. Demand he apologize for his past support of forced unionism and that he publicly pledge to support Right to Work.

Ask Mark Kelly where his true loyalties lie -- with Arizonans or with the union bosses in Washington, D.C. Call him at: (202) 224-2235

Urge Mark Kelly to change his ways and stand with the 80% of Arizonans who oppose compulsory unionism.

For more information, please return this to:

Right

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This advertisement was paid for by voluntary contributions from Arizona members of the National Right to Work Committee, 8001 Braddock Road, Springfield, Virginia 22160. The Committee is nonpartisan and does not endorse or support any political candidate or party.

Work Committee 8001 Braddock Road Springfield, Virginia 22160

I want to help you tell the Right to Work story. Enclosed is my generous contribution.

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/PeoriaTimes

Election Day could be with us for weeks

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist

the Nov. 8 general elec tion draws near, you may want a prediction about the outcome. Here’s mine — and it’s a pretty safe bet.

In the major races drawing hundreds of millions of dollars and the nation al spotlight, we aren’t going to know anything definitive on the night of Nov. 8. And likely not for days or weeks af terward.

You’ll hear a lot of screaming that this wait is evidence there’s election

rigging afoot — despite zero credible evidence of any cheating.

AsIronically, much of the reason it will take days on end to tabulate our ballots traces back to the very same election deniers who bleat constantly about cheating. Let me explain.

It has become fashionable among the MAGA elite, including President Trump, to tell their people — even those who receive an early ballot in the mail — to hold that ballot until Elec tion Day, then turn it in. As Trump put it recently, “it’s much harder for them to cheat that way.”

State Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Pluto, told One America News Network a few days ago, “We need to vote on the last

day, the day of Election Day, so they don’t know how much to cheat by.”

There will likely be a few hundred thousand of these ballots statewide, known in the business as “late earlys.” Per the law, each “late early” must have the signature verified by a human being before being counted.

That can’t start until after Election Night, leading to days of counting — and lots of screaming, especially if a Republican candidate is trailing and drawing nearer by the day.

Jen Marson, executive director of the Arizona Association of Counties, is one of the state’s foremost elections experts. A fierce independent and a cer tified elections officer, Marson works

with county election officials state wide. She, too, sees massive amounts of “late earlys” as a potential issue.

“The late early votes count just as much as any other vote and sometimes they turn the tide of what was reported on Election Day,” Marson says. “And that’s when people lose their minds.”

Marson warns some races will last into December if they’re close enough to trigger a recount — 1/2 of one per centage point between the top two can didates or between the yes and no sides on ballot measures. Such a recount can’t even begin until Dec. 5, Marson says.

Your Heart In Expert Hands.

‘Trick or treat’ not just a Halloween mantra now

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Peoria Times Columnist

Voters can be forgiven their skepticism as Election Day ap proaches.

While eight days separate Halloween from the “first Tuesday following the first Monday in November,” there is little to differentiate campaign promis es in television ads from the youthful cries of “Trick or Treat!” on the front porch.

One “age-appropriate” distinction becomes readily apparent.

For the “over-18 crowd,” the trickor-treat dynamic is superseded by two conflicting emotions: hope or fear.

Sadly, that latter feeling is spread ing… and with far more credibility than the false assertion that “This is a pandemic of the unvaccinated!”

It was bad enough when Joe Biden

“played a doctor on TV” to utter that talking point. It was even worse when Anthony Fauci, a trained physician more comfortable with political sci ence than medical science, echoed the same inane phrase.

And just as American tax dollars apparently flowed to communist Chi nese research labs to help engineer a bioweapon, so too is federal largesse underwriting a contagion that could prove fatal to our Body Politic.

The shocking steps taken by the Biden administration to politicize the Justice Department and the FBI, aug mented by the chief executive’s men acing remarks in Philadelphia Sept. 1, where he described his political op ponents as extremists threatening the “very foundations of our Republic,” have poisoned our public discourse. Call it the “Death of Civic Virtue.”

Our electoral system depends upon people of good will and strong charac ter.

While they may eagerly embrace a political philosophy or partisan label, they must also recognize the rights of others to espouse opposing political viewpoints and different partisan pas sions.

Whatever disagreements that occur during the course of a campaign must ultimately yield to a uniform insistence that only legal votes be counted on Election Day — and that the tabulation take place in a way that insures both accuracy and transparency.

Unfortunately, events surrounding the 2020 election and its aftermath have featured little transparency, prompting serious questions about the accuracy of the outcome.

A recently released study of the 100 most populous counties in the 14 tradi tional swing states discovered that only two of those states and six of the coun ties retained the actual voter files from the general election of 2020.

The analysis, conducted by the

America First Policy Institute (AFPI), found that 12 states and 96 counties are violating the Civil Rights Act of 1960, which mandates the retention of those records.

Included in that AFPI count are six Arizona counties: Apache, Coconino, Maricopa, Pima, Pinal and Yavapai. Again, none of those counties appear to be in compliance with the aforementioned Civil Rights Act.

Whether this noncompliance arises from incompetence or ignorance, arro gance or even evil intent, it must end.

Such actions — or more accurately, nonactions — prompt an obvious ques tion.

What are you hiding?

Thankfully, two neighboring secretaries of state — Frank LaRose of Ohio and Mac Warner of West Virginia — have begun a national effort to en sure that their colleagues in the other 48

“If the governor’s office has to be re counted, it’s going to be mid to late De cember before we know the results,” she explains.

Can you imagine? We already have candidates saying they won’t accept the results unless they win — thanks, Kari Lake — and armed morons in camo camped outside a ballot dropbox in Mesa.

Let the hard feelings simmer for a few weeks, and add in fantasies about

MANTRA FROM PAGE 9

states will preserve election files go ing forward.

Of course, Arizona Secretary of State Katie Hobbs is a little preoccu pied right now, since she’s the Demo cratic nominee for governor.

Not only has she been criticized for her failure to debate GOP nominee Kari Lake, now renewed scrutiny of her performance as secretary of state has attracted additional criticism.

ballot mules and rigged voting ma chines. Another prediction: Chances are slim we make it through this elec tion without at least one weapon fired in anger.

All this over fantasies of cheating that have never, ever come true. Heck, half of you reading this column think I’m part of the cabal of cheaters trying to persuade you to allow yourself to be cheated.

Whatever happens in this election

— and I don’t care who you vote for, though I do hope you vote — I agree with my friend Jen.

“There has never been any law en forcement investigation, “fraudit,” audit, people looking (that has uncov ered widespread cheating),” Marson says. “Whoever has come to look at whatever machines in any county, they have found no evidence of widespread cheating or fraud or hacking. None of it.”

Settle in, friends, for a doozy of a wait. Unless I’m dead wrong — and I pray I am — Election 2022 will be with us for a while. PT

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

During the six month period from April 1 through Oct. 14, Katie only showed up to her official office for a total of 19 days.

No foolin’.

Press reports reveal that she was es pecially scarce during April and Au gust, absent from her office for almost the entirety of those months.

Of course, Katie has ignored her opponent’s request that she step aside

from any supervision of the midterms, given that her name is on the ballot.

That’s why there’s a real fear that Hobbs may spend much more time in her official office during the remain ing days before the election.

Republicans hope Lake’s margin of votes is so great that it can withstand any “hands-on” efforts from the sec retary of state. PT

Have something to say? Send your letters to: 250 N. Litchfield Road, Suite 100, Goodyear, AZ 85338

J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated en forcement of federal immigration law in the 109th Congress.

Hayworth worked as a sportscaster at Channel 10, Phoenix, from 1987 until 1994 and represented Arizona in Congress from 1995-2007.

• Email: christina@timeslocalmedia.com

PeoriaTimes.com /PeoriaTimes

Jalapeño Inferno hosts anniversary celebration

BY SUMMER AGUIRRE Peoria Times Staff Writer

Mexicanrestaurant Jalapeño In ferno is approaching the twoyear anniversary of its Park West location in Peoria, and Valley resi dents are invited to celebrate there.

Known for its simple, well-execut ed Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine, the family-owned and operated restaurant will throw an all-day party with food, music and giveaways on Saturday, Nov. 5. Owners Terry and Laura Craig are excited to have locals come out to cel ebrate their two years of business in the community.

“We’ve been open for two years, and we just wanted to say thank you to

the community and give a little back,” Terry said. “Our customers have sup ported us out there, the staff’s excited, and we’re glad to be in the Park West Center, which we think is a really great center with a lot of great restaurants — it’s becoming a destination entity for restaurants.”

For its birthday, as Terry calls it, the Park West restaurant will have a DJ playing live music and giveaways for gift certificates and merchandise throughout the day.

With the restaurant’s spacious patios, indoor-outdoor bar and upscale atmo sphere in combination with the cool No vember weather, Terry said guests can look forward to a fun experience.

There will also be themed food and

drink specials, including $2 sweet green corn tamales, $2 beers on tap, $8 for two margaritas and $2 off any entrée.

Terry describes Jalapeño Inferno’s

Spawned from a dream, Tiffany’s Candy Co. becomes reality

BY JOE McHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

Duringthe pandemic, events were stalled and people were forced to stay inside.

Gift giving grew stale, as sending chocolate covered fruits and basic flow ers weren’t as special as they once were.

Although the general population might be content with these gifts, for Tiffany Taplashvili, they weren’t enough. So, in an effort to spice up the gifts that she could send, she decided to hit the kitchen and spawned the idea that has now come to life — Tiffany’s Candy Co.

“I wanted to get something unique, and everything was just not my cup of tea,” Taplashvili said. “I started doing a lot of research, and I would always make party favors for my kids’ birthday parties, and I always had that aesthetic, creative touch to things, so I put that to gether with candy.”

From an idea to a company in what seemed like overnight, Taplashvili turned her dream into a reality just six months ago, fully launching Tiffany’s Candy Co. to the public. The concept of the company is simple: produce high-quality, luxury candy that looks just as good as it tastes. The company

is also as convenient as possible, provid ing this gift-giving service fully online, making the perfect gift just one click away.

The selection lives up to Taplashvili’s standards, as she specifically tailored her lineup to be the best that she could find, even spanning seas to find the right quality.

“Most of the can dy I use is made in Spain and Germany and most places in the world that you wouldn’t even think of,” Taplashvili said.

“Most of the (other distributors) I tried just weren’t to my standards,” she add ed. “So until I found the right distribu tor, with the perfect brand, and perfect

everything, I took my time.”

Logging on to her website, the cus tomer is greeted to an array of bright colors and a selection second to none in the industry. The experience is also completely customizable for whatev er event the customer needs. Tiffany’s Candy Co. serves every event that could use a splash of color and sweets, from weddings to business events and every thing in between.

The candy boards are the signature item, as they come designed for whatev er holiday or event the customer needs. Halloween, Cinco de Mayo and the Lu nar New Year, among others, are readi ly available for the customer and pricing starts at $30 for most boards.

The most popular of the bunch, though, is the Rainbow Candy Board, which has an array of sweets organized in an ever eye-pleasing rainbow.

“It is a very bubbly gift for any age,

menu as simple but well executed, con sisting of dishes scratch-made daily

Tiffany’s Candy Co. producecs high-quality, luxury candy that looks just as good as it tastes. (Tiffany’s Candy Co./ Submitted)

Mexican restaurant Jalapeño Inferno will celebrate its two-year anniversary Saturday, Nov. 5. (Jalapeño Inferno/Submitted)

11 with fresh ingredients. He highlighted the fajitas and sweet green corn tamales as favorites.

The Craigs first took over Jalapeño Inferno’s original location on Pinna cle Peak and Scottsdale roads in 1999. Since then, they have opened three more locations and established them selves as a reputable spot for Mexican cuisine in Scottsdale.

FROM PAGE 11

and adds the perfect touch to any event,” Taplashvili said. “It’s used for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, cor porate gifting; there’s just so many rea sons that people come back to me to buy the gift.”

Speaking of the community, the feed back has been very positive for only six months of business. Taplashvili’s dream of having a more unique, fun and aes thetic way to give gifts that started in her kitchen is coming true. Her social media page is filled with positive com ments and has amassed a following of almost 2,000 followers, as they are gifted with ASMR-esque videos and vi

“Laura and I live and work in the community, and we want to be part of Peoria,” Terry said. “We know we’re new there, so everybody’s looking at us, but we want to do what we did in Scotts dale for 23 years — and maybe 23 more years in Peoria.”

Their presence in the East Valley community is what drew the attention of Peoria’s Park West, as the city was

shifting its focus to incorporate more upscale restaurants into the center.

“It’s a bit of a mini little Scottsdale destination spot for great restaurants and Peoria,” Terry said. “We love Peo ria. It’s going to be a great restaurant for us. We built it to be a rival to the flag ship Scottsdale restaurants.”

Jalapeño Inferno’s newest location opened in the midst of the pandemic, so

Terry said they haven’t had the chance to “test” themselves in their new market yet. Despite this, they’re excited to be in the West Valley community and be come a gathering place for celebration.

Jalapeño Inferno’s Park West location can be found at 9832 W. Northern Av enue. For more information about the restaurant, visit jalapenoinferno.com. PT

brant photos.

“It’s amazing,” Taplashvili said. “I didn’t think it was going to grow so quickly. I’ve been doing everything on my own so far, and sometimes I can barely keep up.”

She hasn’t let the success go to her head, however, as she still is humble and gives back to the community that treats her so well. Every month, Taplashvili gives 10% of her profits to a charity of her choosing. She has helped out many organizations across the state, includ ing Arizona Helping Hand, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Little Dreams Come True. The month of October is

dedicated to helping Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and she plans to donate again to Arizona Helping Hand.

“A lot of people really appreciate that,” she said.

Currently, Tiffany’s Candy Co. brand ed candy can be found in four states across the United States, Arizona, Cal ifornia, New York and Florida. By the end of the year, Taplashvili wants her candy to be found in 10 states, as well as online.

Rolling into November, it is an im portant time for candy sellers across the nation, as Friday, Nov. 4, is National Candy Day, so the pressure is on for Ta

plashvili to produce something that her consumers will enjoy. Unfazed by the pressure, Tiffany’s Candy Co. already has an ace up its sleeve that it will be revealing for the event.

“I am releasing my holiday collection on Nov. 4,” Taplashvili said. “It is going to be winter-themed, Christmas-themed and Hanukkah-themed candy boards.”

If interested, customers can find Tif fany’s Candy Co. at tiffanyscandyco. com, and for a limited time, presenting the code “GLENDALE15” at checkout will give a 15% discount off of any purchase. PT

For more sports visit

Centennial’s Richard Taylor takes Coach-of-the-Week honors

BY JOE McHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

take it. He did a great job.”

Peoria

Centennial head coach Rich ard Taylor was awarded with the Arizona Cardinals Head Coachof-the-Week after a roller coaster vic tory against Sandra Day O’Connor in Phoenix.

The Coyotes led a final drive with 2:59 left on the clock without their starting quarterback, to secure a 20-15 victory.

“It’s really quite an honor, and ac tually, I don’t deserve it,” Taylor said. “The kids deserve it. The coordinators deserve it. I don’t deserve it. So, I’m ac cepting on behalf of all the players and coaches.”

The Cardinals Coach-of-the-Week award is given out to the most deserv ing coach based on a panel of respected figures in the high school football world. The game was well merited for the award it was given, and it came with a $2,000 donation to the Coyotes pro gram.

“Public schools are always scraping for money, and that money will go into gifts and donations. They will try to fig ure out the best way and best place to be used in football,” Taylor said.

The Coyotes’ game against O’Connor was filled with drama throughout. It was a defensive showdown in the first half, as the only points on the board came from the Coyotes when senior running back Kavaughn Clark punched in a 4-yard score on 4th and 2, leaving the first half score 7-0.

Then, to open the second half, Cen tennial’s senior quarterback, Steven Ur

quiza, dialed up a 79-yard score to ju nior wide receiver Noah Carter, pushing the lead to 14-0 and giving the Coyotes, seemingly, all of the momentum mov ing forward.

O’Connor didn’t hesitate to claw their way back into the game though, as they struck back quickly, with a 6-yard touchdown from running back Kaden Armstrong and, after a blocked point after attempt, it left the game at 14-6. After the offense’s success, it came the defense’s turn to stand, and that they did, sacking Urquiza in the endzone for a safety, making the score 14-8.

Later in the quarter, Urquiza limped off the field, as it was revealed he was dealing with an apparent leg injury. It sidelined him for the rest of the game, and left the quarterbacking duties to

15-year-old freshman Kainan Manna. “He has a great deal of confidence for a freshman,” Taylor said of Man na. “Maybe that’s because of his back ground in football. Maybe that’s be cause he is just a competent person. Maybe it’s because he’s a freshman and didn’t know better. Whatever, we will

As Manna was adjusting to his first big moment as a high school quarter back, O’Connor proceeded to mount a methodical drive down the field, span ning almost 11 minutes of game time, capped off with a 1-yard touchdown run by senior quarterback Cooper King.

Manna kept his cool though as he entered the field, and led the Coyotes offense well, making play after play to move the chains, and all the right deci sions at the right time. The drive, and game, though, were not finished by Manna, but rather Clark as he ripped off an 18-yard score to ice the game.

After a recent 55-0 win versus Boul der Creek, the schedule tightens up for Centennial as the year comes to a close. Its remaining regional matchups come against Mountain Ridge and national No. 24-ranked Liberty, but the Cardi nals Coach-of-the-Week has players and coaches that he trusts that can finish the season strong.

“With a coach like (Taylor) depending on us, we get the job done.” Manna said. “It’s exciting to see his reaction and how everybody feeds off of it.” PT

Centennial football head coach Richard Taylor received the Arizona Cardinals Head Coach-of-the-Week after the Coyotes snuck out a 20-15 win over Sandra Day O’Connor. (Submitted)

/PeoriaTimes

Volunteers honoring veterans with Wreaths Across America this December

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor

ParadiseValley Daughters of the American Revolution members

Kitty Woodward and veteran Janis Remy are avid supporters of the military.

This fall and winter, the two are hon oring veterans by placing wreaths of remembrance on graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona as part of Wreaths Across America on Satur day, Dec. 17.

At the North Phoenix cemetery, at 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, volunteers like Woodward and Remy will trans form the colors of the desert to those of green and red.

The public ceremonies around the

world are held at noon Eastern Time Arlington, Virginia, or 10 a.m. in Phoe nix.

Wreaths are $15, and if they’re pur chased through the Paradise Valley DAR, $5 is returned to the chapter. They use those funds purchase ad ditional wreaths and for other vet erans projects. Wreaths must be ordered by Monday, Nov. 21, via wreathsacrossamerica.org/AZ0025P (location ID #AZNMCP). Order forms can be requested through waa@ paradisevalleydar.com. The DAR’s goal is 500. The women are attempting to set up tables in area stores to boost sales. They are confirmed to have one at the National Memorial Cemetery on Veterans Day.

Locally, more than 14,000 wreaths

have been placed at the National Cemetery.

“But there are more than 70,000 graves, so we would love to see more graves receive a wreath,” said Woodward, co-chair of the Paradise Valley DAR chapter’s Wreaths Across America commit tee.

When the public purchases wreaths, they can request them to be placed on a specific grave.

“This year, we have some spe cial, grave-specific nametags that we’re going to put on the wreaths,” she said.

Remy added, “It has their name and who sponsored the wreath.

“We had such great feedback last year from that that we had to continue. I’m a veteran myself. I just have it in my heart for these veterans. This is just such a won derful thing for me to be involved in. My father was a veteran. He served in the Canadian Air Force as a pilot trainer. I always knew I wanted to do something for my country, but I was able to serve. I was in the Army Reserves as a first lieutenant, went through officer candidate school. I had a blast.”

Woodward raised her children when she was younger but serves her country this way.

“It’s my way of serving the country and honoring the veter ans who served and gave up their lives,” she added. “It makes me feel like I’m part of the United States.”

Wreaths Across America start ed as a simple gesture of thanks, which grew into a national move ment of dedicated volunteers and communities. More than 2.4

Kitty Woodward, left, and Janis Remy are avid supporters of the military. The two are members of the Paradise Valley DAR. (Dennis Murphy/Contributor)

Janis Remy, left, and Kitty Woodward will place wreaths of remembrance on graves at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. (Dennis Murphy/Contributor)

The Peoria Times publishes on Thursday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Times’ coverage area, which is Peoria.

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

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

Sew Smart Sewing Club WEDNESDAYS

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

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Live Music at Winery 101 Peoria

THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS

Winery 101 Peoria pairs vino with live music this month. Anyone is welcome to join, and reservations are not required. From 5 to 7 p.m., wine by the glass is $1 off, and bottles are 10% off during the live music performances. Tastings will not be available during the live music. Winery 101 Peoria, 9299 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 101, Peoria, 5 p.m., free, winery101.com

Momma’s Organic Market SATURDAYS

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

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

Food Truck Movie Night: DC League of Superpets

NOV. 5

Come to the Peoria Sports Complex for a free family movie night watching the new DC flick, “DC League of Super-Pets.” When the Justice League is kidnapped by a sinister force, it’s up to plucky young Krypto the Super-Dog and a band of recruited pets to come save them.

Peoria Sports Compex, 16101 N. 83rd Avenue,

Peoria, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov, 623-773-7836

WHAM Teen Art Night

NOV. 7

Join the What’s Happening Art Movement as it shows off this month’s art project: how to make an ink tile. Space is limited and in high demand, so registration via email is required. Ages 12 to 17.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov, cara.marshell@peoriaaz.gov

Social Entrepreneurship Workshop at Sunrise Mountain Library

NOV. 7

Young students such as teens or middle schoolers are encouraged to come to the library and learn the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur from the professionals. By the end of the workshop, students will learn how to develop realistic and

1 Annual amount based on possible monthly or quarterly amounts. 2 Allowance amount does not carry over to the next quarter or the following year. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/service area. Limitations, exclusions, and restrictions may apply. Contact the plan for more information. This information is not a complete description of benefits, which vary by individual plan. You must live in the plan’s service area. Call 1-888-284-0268 (TTY 711) for more information. Cigna is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO and PPO plans in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. © 2022 Cigna Some content provided under license.

million veterans’ wreaths were placed nationwide in 2021. This year, there will be more than 3,100 participating locations placing veterans’ wreaths by more than 2 million volunteers.

The DAR is an organization devot ed to preserving American history and offers programs to promote patriotism and completes community service projects. DAR members can trace their lineage to ancestors who served in the American Revolution.

National Memorial Cemetery of Ar izona in North Phoenix is one of three in Arizona, with the others in Prescott and Tucson.

“It’s important to note that we’re not decorating the graves,” Woodward said. “We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives.” PT

IF YOU GO Wreaths Across America

WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17

WHERE: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road

COST: $15 for a wreath

INFO: Visit the following websites: wreathsacrossamerica.org/AZ0025P, waa@paradisevalleydar.com

Old Town Holiday FESTIVAL

DEC.

old town peoria

N 67th

AZ 85083-1065

Bank-issued,

Bank-issued, FDIC-insured

1-year

Minimum deposit

CALENDAR FROM PAGE 16

Call or visit your local financial advisor today.

Brandon Willard Financial Advisor

Brandon Willard Financial Advisor

Brandon Willard Financial Advisor

25155 N 67th Ave Suite 140 Phoenix, AZ 85083-1065 623-572-0280

25155 N 67th Ave Suite 140 Phoenix, AZ 85083-1065 623-572-0280

sustainable solutions to problems, figure out plans, identify issues, and discover how it’s possible to “do good” while also “doing well”

Peoria, 10:30 to 11 a.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Veterans Day Ceremony

NOV. 11

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 10/12/2022. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

25155 N 67th Ave Suite 140 Phoenix, AZ 85083-1065 623-572-0280

Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue, Peoria, 2 to 3 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

financial advisor today.

Brandon Willard Financial Advisor

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 10/12/2022. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www. fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

25155 N 67th Ave Suite 140 Phoenix, AZ 85083-1065

FDI-1916L-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 10/12/2022. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 10/12/2022. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

Tuesday Night Acoustic Jam Sessions

NOV. 8

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 10/12/2022. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust

FDI-1916L-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

When working with any musical instrument, it’s important to practice as often as you can and get time with others to figure out your style. Come by to the library and figure out what works, and maybe find the start of a brand new song.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 5 to 7 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Read It & Eat It Cookbook Club

NOV. 9

Each month, the cookbook club comes together to enjoy a book club and a taste testing all in one. With every month, one particular theme is chosen, then each cookbook is discussed together with others while eating. This month’s theme is chili, with cooks encouraged to put together their best chili recipe.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 3 to 5 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Baby Time

NOV. 9

Growing starts at birth. Come give your baby the care it needs with songs, playtime and storytime sessions for babies of all ages.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street,

Honor the veterans that fought to protect America this Veterans Day. A special ceremony will be held at the Honor Wall to remember those who died and those who returned as heroes.

Rio Vista Recreation Center, 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria, 8 a.m., free, peoriaaz.gov, 623-773-7133

Ask a Master Gardener

NOV. 12

Have questions about your garden? Volunteers from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Maricopa County will be available to answer questions for the public regarding plant selection, irrigation, fertilization, pruning techniques, pest management and problem diagnosis, among other topics. Those who are interested may bring insect specimens for advice and identification.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., free, peoriaaz. gov

Drum Arizona

NOV. 12

Celebrate Native American heritage month with a traditional drum circle. Learn a Native American song and hoop dance, and get a chance to play the large PowWow drums.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 2 to 3 p.m., free, peoriaaz.gov PT

PUZZLE ANSWERS

to puzzles on page 15

PeoriaProgress PeoriaProgress

www.peoriachamber.com

BY PEORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

true gem of Peoria, the Arizona Broadway Theatre is a one-of-akind venue, combining quality dining and professional theater to enrich lives through the power of the per forming arts. The Arizona Broadway Theatre, a 501(c)(3) arts organization, has grown to be recognized as a premier venue in the Valley, receiving countless accolades for being one of the best ven ues to experience Broadway.

The holiday season is the perfect op portunity to experience the theater and take a loved one to a show!

Current Mainstage Shows and Con cert Series

“Monty Python’s Spamalot” (to Sunday, Nov. 6)

“A Christmas Carol the Musical” (Friday, Nov. 18, to Thursday, Dec. 29)

Peoria Chamber finds new home at the Peoria Sports Complex

BY RHONDA CARLSON Peoria Chamber of Commerce

Asthe Peoria Chamber of Com merce continues to serve as a premier resource for the busi ness community of Peoria and the West Valley, we are excited to announce a new office space to best serve our re gion. Located in the Seattle Mariners Clubhouse Building at the Peoria Sports Complex, the Peoria Chamber office will serve as an outlet for businesses, residents and visitors to get connected to our member community and access resources to best plug into events and activities happening in our area.

In coordination with the city of Peo ria, the chamber will also serve — as it has in the past — as the Visitor’s Cen

Connect with us

An Involved Community is a Thriving Community.

The chamber office is located in the Seattle Mariners Clubhouse Building. (Peoria Chamber of Commerce/Submitted)

NoveMber eveNtS

1st Annual Military Affairs Committee Golf Tournament 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5

Palmbrook Country Club 9350 W. Greenway Road, Sun City Proceeds support Soldier’s Best Friend and the West Valley Vet Center

Government Affairs Committee Meeting

4 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9 Peoria Sports Complex (administra

tive offices) 16101 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria

Peoria Chamber of Commerce Open House and Ribbon Cutting 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19 Peoria Chamber of Commerce 15707 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria (Seattle Mariners Building)

Shine on Floyd – Pink Floyd Tribute Band (Monday, Nov. 21) Surfin’ Holiday – A Tribute To A Beach Boys Christmas (Mon day, Dec. 12) Mame (Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, to Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023)

In addition to dinner and a show, Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) would welcome the op portunity to host your company holiday party or Super Bowl event in ei ther its theater or Encore Room. Just 10 miles from State Farm Stadium, ABT can book your event during the week of Feb. 6 to Feb. 12, as it has paused the ater shows to accommodate activities taking place in the West Valley leading up to the big game. Create memorable experiences at the ABT and may the curtain continue to rise!

Arizona Broadway Theatre has numerous shows slated this holiday season. (Peoria Chamber of Com merce/Submitted)

Arizona Broadway Theatre 7701 W. Paradise Lane, Peoria 623-776-8400 info@azbroadway.org

ter for Peoria, housing everything from maps and brochures that highlight the many activities taking place around the city to information about the many great businesses we are fortunate to support as members. We are dedicat ed to serving as a connector, bridging gaps between the public, private and nonprofits sectors to build a truly en gaged and vibrant community. We look forward to more directly serving as a resource for you!

Be sure to check out our new space at our upcoming open house and rib bon-cutting event, taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 4 p.m. to 7

FROM PAGE 2

Military Affairs Committee Meeting 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30

Rio Vista Recreation Center 8866 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria

p.m. For our business members, be sure to drop off your marketing collaterals so we can continue to promote the great products and services you are provid ing to Peoria and the West Valley.

Peoria Chamber of Commerce Office address

15707 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria 623-979-3601

Mailing address

24654 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Suites No. 103-703, Peoria

The UPS Store No.

CHURCH-COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Peoria Times Columnist

Here’s

a story

I think you will enjoy.

The children lined up in a Catholic el ementary school cafeteria for lunch. At the head of the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a note and post ed on the apple tray: “Take only ONE. God is watching.” Moving further along the lunch line, at the other end of the table, was a large pilae of chocolate chip cookies. A girl had written a note,

“Take all the cookies you want. God is watching the apples.” That girl is prob ably one of those characters that could use a bit of character.

Have you noticed all the chatter about character and ethics lately? I see it everywhere. Good character traits are listed in school cafeteria walls, business walls and government offic es. The list goes on and on. Character and the necessity of ethics are trying to return. But it seems like the more we push “good” character in our world, the more we get characters in our world. Our current lack of character is because character comes from within us, not outside of us. You can’t change your character by getting a facelift.

Likewise, a person’s character is like a fence — it can’t be strengthened by whitewash.

Character and ethics determine longterm success. Our talents, drive, gifts or abilities might get us to the top, but character keeps us on top. Realizing our full potential becomes impossible without good character. Let’s say it this way. Massive character flaws and defi ciencies within people and leaders pro duce limited and guarded relationships by those affected by character flaws and weaknesses. People and institu tions withdraw. Why? There’s no trust. Trust is the currency of meaningful and fulfilling relationships.

Let me give you an example. Years

ago, I was contacted by a high official of the United Nations. He told me he was the head of a United Nations pro gram whose goal was to find people of “ethics” who could teach character in cities throughout Russia. He said many Western businesses were trying to in vest and conduct business in Russia, but because of a lack of basic business ethics, most were leaving Russia. The United Nations’ solution was to find leaders with a lifestyle of sound eth ics and introduce the Russian business community to these values through seminars all over Russia.

We will underachieve with employ

ees, politicians, teachers, academics, business leaders and the like who are characters without sound character. That kind of personality-driven, me dia-supported leadership will have a limited shelf life. It’s not sustainable. Leaders and people with substantial character issues may succeed in the short run, but it will get them in the long run. So many times, the way to find out about one person is to ask him about another. Ouch!

Some people have a compartmental ized character. They may be very trust worthy in some areas of their life but untrustworthy in other parts of their life. For example, a person can be very responsible by making a good living, yet inconsistent in investing time with their family or being faithful to their spouse. A person might have a magnet ic personality, but much of what they say is untrue.

It’s easy to be swayed or impressed with people like these because we fo cus on their positive attributes but look away from the negative, hurtful ones. Eventually, their credibility issues ex pose the person for who they are. Char acter diminishes when a high ideal (like telling the truth) is sacrificed on the altar of conformity and popularity.

Ethics and good character are essen tials for any nation, business or person that wants life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Theodore Roosevelt wisely said, “To educate a man in the mind and not in morals (values) is to educate a menace to society.” Lindsay White of Costa’s Fresh Produce says, “We used to hire people for their skills, but we found we were firing them for character issues. So now we hire those with good character (values) and train for skills.”

Let me ask you a question. If you are an employer, which of these employees would you rather have? An employee who is alert or careless; compassionate or indifferent; diligent or slothful; or derly or confused; thorough or incom plete? The answer should be evident if you are trying to grow a good organi zation.

Here are some questions to consider. If you are an employee, which type of employer would you rather have? An employer who is generous or stingy, attentive or distracted; wise or foolish; truthful or untruthful? Enough said.

Our national and personal character can be our best friend or worst ene my. My advice is to make good ethics your best friend. Good character is not old-fashioned. It’s wise. Too many of us have given up hope on finding peo ple with good character these days. Yet, good character is still here, and histo ry shows that people and nations who forget the necessity of sound ethics and character are soon forgotten.

Don’t get me wrong. No one is per fect. We all have areas where we could grow in character. Let me say it this way: It’s OK to be a character, but you better have good character, too. PT

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

Harvest CHurCH

8340 W. Northern Ave. Glendale, AZ 85305

Information 623.334.9482

Dr. Ron G. Rockwell – Pastor

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

Wednesday: Family Night 7:00 p.m. www.hcaz.org 8340 W. Northern

Harvest CHurCH 91st ave. Northern Ave. Glendale Ave. 83rd Ave.

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

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

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

Everyone Is Welcome!

SUNDAY WORSHIP - 10

www.scfaith.org

“Willow Creek” Band Nov. 10

$12 Dinner, cut-off to

Mon. Nov. 7 noon

Faith Church supports Food Banks,

“An

Shepherd of the Desert Lutheran Church - ELCA

11025 N. 111th Ave., Sun City/Youngtown

• Worship Saturday 4pm, Sunday 9:30am

Holy Communion both services

• Pancake Breakfast 8-10am Last Saturday Every Month Dine-In and Drive Thru

Handicap Bus - Call for pickup (24 hrs. in Advance) 623 340-8232

Reverend John Maroni 623-933-1359

shepherdofthedesertelca.org

www.fsbcg.org 10250 N. 59th Ave. 623-937-9216

Sunday Services: Bible Study (All ages) 9:15 am Morning Worship 10:30 am Youth Discipleship 4:45 pm

Wednesdays: Adult Bible Study & Prayer 6:00 pm

Children/Youth ..............................6:30 pm

Dr. Mark Mucklow, Pastor

Kids eat free at these West Valley restaurants

BY CHRISTIAN COPUS-SALLAS and KAILYNN QUENGA Peoria Times Staff Writers

GLENDALE

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar (multiple locations) 9330 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale 623-877-4885, applebees.com 5880 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale 623-878-3500, applebees.com

Free kids meal provided with the purchase of any full adult entrée.

Denny’s (multiple locations)

15161 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale 623 877-1502, dennys.com 4303 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale 602 439-2337, dennys.com

Offered Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 to 10 p.m. Two free kids meals are provided per adult meal.

IHOP 6601 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale 623-878-9631, ihop.com

Free kids meals are provided throughout the week after 3 p.m.

Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

5670 W. Peoria Ave, Glendale 623-979-3500, manuelsaz.com

Free kids meals are provided all day on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée.

PEORIA

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar 8001 W. Bell Road, Peoria 623 878 3500, chilis.com

Free kids meal provided with the purchase of any full adult entrée.

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill (multiple locations) 25225 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria 623-900-4736, caferio.com 16955 N. 75th Avenue, Peoria 480-573-0110, caferio.com

Free quesadillas are served for kids 10 and under with the purchase of one adult meal throughout the week.

Chili’s (multiple locations) 7717 W. Bell Road, Peoria 623-535-4222, chilis.com 10040 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria 623-572-0107, chilis.com

Chili’s Rewards members can earn free kids meals for kids 12 and under with the purchase of a regular entrée.

Denny’s (multiple locations)

8737 NW Grand Avenue, Peoria 623-486-5510, dennys.com 8131 W. Bell Road, Peoria 623 486-8505, dennys.com

Offered Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 to 10 p.m. Two free kids meals are provided per adult meal.

IHOP (multiple locations) 9976 W. Happy Valley Park way, Peoria 623-362-8002, ihop.com 10603 W. Olive Avenue, Peoria 623-977-0599, ihop. com 8359 W. Bell Road, Peoria 623-412-1001, ihop.com

Free kids meals are provided throughout the week after 3 p.m.

NYPD Pizza

7650 W. Bell Road, Peoria 623-561-6973, aznypdpizza.com

On Wednesdays, free kids meals are provided after 4 p.m., but on Saturdays, with the purchase of one small pizza, it is offered all day for kids 10 and under.

Village Inn

9800 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria 623-572-2708, villageinn.com

On Mondays, one free kids meal is provided per every adult meal pur chase. PT

For more youth visit peoriatimes.com

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TANNER TERRAZA APARTAMENTOS

ACEPTAMOS APLICACIONES

SALES/

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

P eoria Center Statio n ( Z02-32A.1 ): Minor PAD A mendment Bergin, Frakes, Smalley & Oberholtzer, PLLC, on be h alf of Wal-Mart Stores , Inc., is proposing a Minor A mendment to the Peoria C enter Station Planne d Area Development (PAD) The Peoria Center Station PAD is made up of approx i mately 38 acres and i s bound by Peoria Avenue on the north, 79th Avenue on the east, the Monroe Street alignment to the south, and 8 1st Avenue on the west

T he proposed amendmen t w ould revise the PA D Standards and Guidelines to increase the number of loc a tions where multi-tenan t freestanding signage is per mitted.

period will end on November 14, 2022. If written opposition is received, the case will be scheduled for consideration at an upcoming Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council meeting.

PUBLIC NOTICES

Further information related to this request may be obt ained from the Plannin g Division of the Planning & C ommunity Developmen t Department, 9875 N. 85th A venue, Peoria, Arizon a 8 5345, or by calling th e P lanning Division at 623 7 73-7200.

P ublished: Peoria Time s 11/03/22/49956

SOLI C ITATION DUE DATE : November 21, 2022 at 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) Solicitation is available for download from our website at: www.peoriaaz.gov P UBLISHED: Peoria Time s 10/27/22, 11/03/22/49880

T he Minor PAD Amend m ent will be processe d t hrough case Z02-32A.1 M inor PAD Amendment s are conducted as an admin istrative review unless writ ten protest is received with in the required notification p eriod. The notificatio n period will end on Novem ber 14, 2022. If written op p osition is received, th e case will be scheduled for consideration at an upcom i ng Planning and Zonin g C ommission and Cit y C ouncil meeting.

Further information related to this request may be obtained from the Planning Division of the Planning & Community Development Department, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, Arizona 85345, or by calling the Planning Division at 623773-7200.