Peoria Times 120122

Peoria City Manager announces retirement

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

After more than 30 years of public service and more than five years as City Manager at the City of Peoria, Jeff Tyne announced his retirement.

Appointed as Peoria’s City Manager on June 27, 2017, Tyne has served the citizens of Peoria since 1997 in various leadership roles. Prior to his position as City Manager, Tyne served as Deputy City Manager, Budget Director, and Community Services Director.

Tyne also served in several external roles and leadership positions throughout the re gion. Most recently, Tyne served as chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments Management Committee, as a Trustee for the Arizona State Retirement System and as a Board member for the Arizona City/ County Management Association.

Additionally, Tyne has served as the

After more than 30 years of public service and more than five years with Peoria, Jeff Tyne is retiring. (City of Peoria/Submitted)

chair of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) national standing Committee on Economic Development

and Capital Planning and is a past presi dent for the Arizona chapter of GFOA. Tyne is a Credentialed Manager with the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and was active with the ICMA Emerging Leaders Develop ment Program.

“Jeff Tyne has been a City Manager sec ond to none, with integrity and profession alism that never wavered,” Mayor Cathy Carlat said. “He assembled an incredible staff and, together, they have been a pow erhouse that established a commitment to excellence that is deeply embedded throughout our organization.”

Under Tyne’s leadership, the City of Peoria has advanced as a nationally recog nized, award-winning community that is known for its exceptional quality of life, safety and culture of excellence.

Sunrise Mountain swim success means more

BY JOE McHUGH Peoria Times Staff Writer

he Sunrise Mountain Mustangs have galloped to the mountain top, as the school’s Swim and Dive program earned the 2022 Peoria District Champi onship. But for head coach Cris Dilworth, this season’s success means much more, as

before it even started, she had been diag nosed with breast cancer. But she didn’t let it stop her from completing her goal.

“I have to still do what I love to do so that I felt good enough to do it,” Dilworth said. “The District Championship was the cherry on top.”

Dilworth has been in the coaching com munity for over two decades, as she started coaching basketball at Sunrise Mountain

in 2000. She then took her talents to Liber ty High School and helped open its swim program in 2006. Four years later, she re turned to Sunrise Mountain.

The program has seen success while un der Dilworth, as she has helped get her ath letes district championships and bids into the overall state championship. But in July,

Peoria’s

her coaching career was threatened by the diagnosis.

“My type (of breast cancer) is highly aggressive,” she said. “I had watched my sister suffer through it, from diag nosis to death. Hers was 13 months.”

So with the daunting task in front of her, Dilworth had to consider all of the possibilities. After talking with her doctors, two things became appar ent, she needed to stay active and keep a positive attitude. She immediately turned to the idea of coaching, as she would gain both of those traits from one action.

“My husband a week later said, ‘We need to talk about swimming,’” Dil worth said. “I thought for sure, he was going to say, ‘There’s just no way.’ I coach three sports, but swimming is by far the most time consuming and the most energy sapping because it entails five weekends that other sports don’t. We have 60 kids, and it’s a lot of ad ministrative work to manage it.

“But he did just the reverse. He said, ‘I know how much this means to you. I know how much this gives you; the kids and the families. I think it’s exact ly what you should be doing.’”

With the full support of her husband, Dilworth went forward with informing everyone else of this new situation. She started with the booster club, who netted her even more support. So much so that the president stepped down to be the vice president, allowing her to

be available as an assis tant coach if Dilworth was unable to do so.

This trend continued, as every level of the organi zation showed its appreciation for her, and the ea gerness to make sure she and the team would be taken care of.

“It was just really hum bling and it’s what you expect,” Dilworth said. “I mean, these are quality people but I would have been shocked that they’ve done anything else, but still, it puts you in a place of being just extremely grateful.

“They were still highly concerned for my well-being, but I did the lion’s share of the work. So they knew that was going to be a little dif ferent. I did as much as I could.”

Dilworth admits she was extreme ly lucky, as she felt good “95% of the time” to coach and be there for her team.

Be there she was, and the Mustangs had a team that performed well against some of the better teams in Division I. She wanted to be there for the athletes that she had seen through their senior seasons, and their success was a reflec tion of her passion.

“Seniors had not won a champion

ship on either gender side in the four years they’ve been here so (for them to) rally together and pull it off was de lightful,” Dilworth said.

“They truly bought in to the team concept,” she added. “That’s what re

ally is fun. It’s that it’s swimming for your high school, you’re not swim ming for yourself. One of our senior boys, when he realized he could score

The Sunrise Mountain Swim and Dive program earned the 2022 Peoria District Champion ship. (Cris Dilworth/Submitted)

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RETIREMENT

FROM PAGE 1

Tyne aligned the organization’s stra tegic goals with the Mayor and Coun cil’s Livability Initiatives. These ini tiatives outline seven areas of focus that have been successfully integrated into all major operations, including Peoria’s General Plan, performance measurement systems and operational budget development.

The Peoria Police, Fire-Medical, Public Works and Parks and Recre ation departments have all received national and international accredita tions. In addition, Tyne has remained focused on Peoria’s high fiscal stan dards, resulting in continued balanced budgets and a AAA bond-rating. These were accomplished without any in crease to Peoria’s tax rates, all while retaining the third lowest utility rates in the valley.

“Jeff has done an outstanding job leading our city for the last five years,” Vice Mayor Bill Patena said. “He has built an exceptional team of leaders that have worked closely alongside

this Council to guide the success of our community. He will be tremen dously missed.”

With a commitment to superior pub lic safety, Tyne has attracted and pro moted quality leaders such as Police Chief Art Miller and Fire-Medical Chief Gary Bernard. With this leader ship, Peoria now has less crime than five years ago and has continued to en hance and elevate police and fire-med ical services.

“Working with Jeff has been a plea sure because he kept the community in mind with every decision that he made,” Miller said. “He is someone we could always turn to for advice and guidance, and he provided the leader ship our city needed to thrive. While I am sad that his time for retirement has come, I wish him all the best looking forward.”

“Jeff is a great leader who has al ways remained focused on the best interests of our citizens and commu nity,” Bernard added. “It has been a

pleasure working with Jeff over the past 25 years and I wish him well on his future endeavors.”

During his tenure, Tyne put empha sis on expanding city services and diversifying experiences for Peoria residents. This included elevating the city’s neighborhood and human ser vice functions. Peoria also fostered unrivaled places making amenities that resulted in a broad and diverse community arts presence. The city po sitioned key commercial strategic par cels to bring viable economic devel opment, and solidified development agreements in key business areas.

In addition, Peoria has built and renovated premier community parks and established new fixed-route tran sit services. Smart technology invest ments have combined with an exten sive neighborhood engagement focus to better connect citizens to their city. Tyne and his team also received rec ognition for their capable management through the COVID-19 pandemic, offering prompt, personalized and unique services to residents and busi nesses in need. During this time, Peo ria welcomed more than 30,000 new residents.

“Over these decades, I have wit nessed firsthand the advancement of the Peoria story,” Tyne said. “Through a truly unique partnership of civ ic-minded elected officials and talent ed staff, the city was able to forge a special relationship with the citizens they serve. This aligned vision has resulted in one of the most livable communities in the country. With this foundation in place, I feel it is the right time for me to embrace new and excit ing life pursuits.”

Tyne’s last day with the city of Peo ria is scheduled for Friday, March 3, 2023. A successor has not yet been an nounced. PT

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Contact Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 or christina@timeslocalmedia.com

the most points (for the team) at one of his events, he chose to swim that in stead of trying to better his own time.”

The true team effort likely is the result of the passion these swimmers have for their coach, and that they wanted to win for her as badly as she wanted to win for them.

Her future is uncertain, but she remains positive that she will come out on top, as she has done with her program time and time again.

“I just feel very for tunate,” Dilworth said. “Fortunate that I have an other day. And just a big thank you to the parents, the coaching staff and the administration that was supportive.” PT

Despite battling “highly aggressive” breast cancer, head coach Cris Dilworth stuck with coaching be cause she loves it so much. (Cris Dilworth/Submitted)

News Briefs

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Visit Santa at Park West

Bring the family to Park West from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 for photos with Santa in a vin tage airstream. In addition, Santa will be handing out mini treats from Mary’s Mountain Cookies. This year’s event will also include face painters, balloon twisters, the Grinch and a DJ.

Info: shopparkwest.com/events

Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival returns

Two Peoria events are coming to gether for a night of free holiday fun

in Old Town Peoria. Peoria’s Old Town Holiday Festival, featuring Second Saturdays, returns from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10., near 83rd and Grand avenues. Attendees can stroll through the historic streets of Old Town Peoria, with sweaters and hot co coa, and experience live entertainment and festivities.

Event entertainment will include live, local music performances, horse drawn carriage rides, a giant interactive snow globe, high school choir performances, gingerbread house displays, holiday photo opportunities and a special ap pearance from Santa. A tree lighting ceremony will take place at 7:15 p.m. Info: peoriaaz.gov/specialevents

www.peoriatimes.com

Thanksgiving never needed any makeover

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Peoria Times Columnist

uring the 1960s and ’70s, in “Anytown, USA” often on Thanks giving afternoon, the ritual would be the same. After enjoy ing excessive amounts of turkey and dressing, families would head for Main Street and the hometown pomp and pageantry of a local parade.

The city’s downtown merchants as sociation, eager to get the Yuletide pur chases started, would end the festivities in familiar fashion. A certain “Jolly Old Elf” would emerge, minus the meteo rological mystery of Groundhog Day, to “officially” start something very im portant.

“And on the final float in this holi day parade, it’s none other than Santa Claus, signaling the start of the ‘Christ mas Shopping Season!’”

DThat last page of the script, intoned by a public address announcer to the crowd onsite, or by a television broad caster to the folks who stayed home to scarf down an extra piece of pumpkin pie, conveyed a none-too-subtle mes sage: “Get downtown and get your Christmas shopping done!”

By the late 1980s, America had gone to the mall, and in many of the “Anytowns,” the holiday parade had gone the way of the dodo bird. In its place, slick shopping displays would herald seasonal shopping changes.

Merchandisers would make the jar ring transition from jack-o’-lanterns to St. Nick as quickly as the calendar turned from October to November.

What about Thanksgiving?

While it isn’t just for turkey, this historic holiday seems to get the short shrift from a merchandising and mar keting perspective.

Even so, there’s no need to place an emergency call to the newly founded

Boutique PR Firm, “Late November Crisis Communications.”

Though major cities may find them selves in crisis, they still somehow manage to keep their massive Thanks giving Day Parades marching. New York, Chicago and Detroit top the list.

Speaking of Detroit…we might not classify this as “fun and games,” but once again the struggling Lions hosted an NFL contest. The most significant statistic is already in the books: this year marks the 72nd Thanksgiving that teams will take the field in Motown.

Motoring onward, Thanksgiving still tops the list for holiday travel in the USA, as the Department of Transporta tion reports that venturing to a destina tion over 50 miles or more from home increases by 54% during Thanksgiving Weekend.

And it’s not just “over the river and through the woods.” It’s coast-to-coast and through the air, too. The Sunday after Thanksgiving earns the dubious

distinction as the most crowded day to fly, hands down…er…wheels up.

So when all is said and done, Thanks giving needs no marketing makeover.

It’s not dependent on a parade, a score, or a store.

With apologies to Dr. Seuss for this holiday verse variation, Thanksgiving is something a whole lot more.

In the newly constituted United States, George Washington called for Americans to “unite in most humbly of fering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations…” and “to render our national government a blessing to all the people…and gen erally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.”

Washington’s Proclamation assigned Thursday, Nov. 26, 1789 as our nation’s first “official” Thanksgiving Day, but much earlier observances had been cel

SEE MAKEOVER PAGE

Disappointed ‘Swifties’ will one day get over it

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Peoria Times Columnist

If you were going to chart the biggest heartbreaks I suf fered in my early 20s, at the top of the list was not being able to get a ticket to U2’s sold-out concert at the old Orange Bowl in Miami. I’m only half kidding. We are talking about my then-favorite band, a group I worshiped with MAGA-like fervor, playing not 20 miles from my parents’ house.

Friends of mine from high school camped out at record stores across south Florida for a couple or three night. Tick

ets were $20 with each buyer limited to six.

Much to my crushing disappointment, I was away at college and couldn’t con nive someone to waste a few days of his or her life to sleep on concrete outside a BASS ticket outlet.

Records show that 54,111 people were in attendance that Thursday night in December 1987 when Bono, Edge, Larry and Adam performed 18 songs, starting with “Where The Streets Have No Name” and ending with the operatic “40,” the crowd in full throat chanting along.

I feel like I’ve spoken to all 54,000 attendees over the past 35 years. They all swear it was the apex of their con

cert-going lives.

I’m pretty sure Bono invited everyone back to the tour bus afterward for Dom Perignon and caviar, plus free T-shirts and autographs. Me, I was working a double at Bennigan’s in Tallahassee.

This is how I know with great cer tainty that every Valley resident – and every American – who didn’t get tickets to Taylor Swift’s upcoming March 2023 concerts at Glendale’s State Farm Stadi um will survive this crushing blow.

Does it suck for you? Yep.

But with time comes perspective and real-life losses that actually matter. You’ll eventually realize how stupid the kerfuffle around Ticketmaster flubbing the pre-sale to “The Eras” tour sounds

to people not suffering from a classic case of “first world problems.”

I have checked the Bill of Rights. No where are you guaranteed a spot in a digital line to see your favorite perform er at a reasonable price.

In fact, given that we live in a state of seven million people and that the Glen dale venue holds about 63,000 people, the laws of probability and supply and demand dictate that you never really had a chance.

Dare I echo Taylor herself and sug gest that you “shake it off, shake it off?”

In the aftermath of the ticket sale gone wrong, we have learned that Ticketmas

PeoriaTimes.com /PeoriaTimes

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Mass Shootings in America, is there a potential solution?

Many people have heard the old ad age; “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” However, shouldn’t one caveat this old saying with, “but a gun does ex pedite the process”? As the incidents of mass shootings continue to rise through out the United States, many ask what can be done to reduce gun related violence? Unfortunately, not much, short of per haps abolishing the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution, which I pray will nev er happen. So, barring this, what can be done? My suggestion: How about apply ing a little common-sense logic to pri vate gun ownership in the United States. In addition to operational safety training, both the U.S. military, and most U.S. law enforcement agencies require some type of “psychological evaluation” prior to becoming a peace officer or being grant ed the responsibility to carry a firearm. Yet in America, just about any average U.S. citizen, with the money, can obtain a firearm after undergoing a simple and

cursory background check. It’s also true that, overall, less mass shooting inci dents are carried out by individuals who serve as law enforcement officers or military police. So, my suggestion, why not take a clue from our military and law enforcement agencies? Why not apply some form of “psychological evalua tion” requirement in addition to a stan dard background check for private fire arm purchases? Is this really too much to ask? Now, I’m not saying that doing this will solve the issue of mass shoot ings throughout America, but maybe, just maybe, it may reduce the growing number of mass shooting incidents by weeding individuals with a propensity to perpetrate such acts upon others before they can purchase a firearm.

May respond to well-considered, con structive commentary and oppositional rebuttal, but venomous, ill-considered and derogatory comments about the writer can expect to be met with silence.

D. Chappell

ebrated in Colonial America for well over a century.

Now, over two centuries since that first Presidential Proclamation, we gather together again.

Thanksgiving is not just a holiday… it’s a call to prayer for believers; a time for families and friends to gather for fellowship; and a day of recognition and reflection undergirded with a spirit of gratitude.

May it always be celebrated and ob served…in “Everytown, U.S.A.” PT

Tune In To Your Community

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

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

ter and parent company Live Nation are being probed by the U.S. Department of Justice and the attorneys general of Ne vada, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. Predictably, politicians also weighed in, including Minnesota Sen. Amy Klo buchar, who tut-tutted her “serious con cerns about the state of competition in the ticketing industry and its harmful impact on consumers” and PR-hound Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who tweeted “Ticketmaster is a monopoly, its merger with LiveNation should nev er have been approved, and they need to be reigned in.”

Taylor herself described it as “excru ciating for me to just watch mistakes happen with no recourse.”

In all, 2.4 million Swifties were able to purchase tickets last week by push ing a few buttons – no sleeping bags in

a parking lot necessary. The rest of you tortured souls now have two options.

You can go to Stubhub, where a nose bleed seat currently starts at about $450 and field level seats are being resold for as much as $4,000. Or you can learn to deal with heartbreak.

One day you’ll look back and laugh at how much this meant, and how silly it all seems.

But until then, it’s like Taylor writes about a broken heart in “Sad Beautiful Tragic” – “time is taking its sweet time erasing you.”

PT

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

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

Email: christina@timeslocalmedia.com

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at

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Big Lots, a leading home discount retailer, will host the grand opening of its newest store at 24760 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peo ria, on Saturday, Dec. 10.

At the grand opening, shoppers can expect doorbuster offers as well as scratch-off cards given to the first 100 customers each day with the potential of up to $250 off a purchase. Both of fers will be valid throughout the grand opening weekend, Saturday, Dec. 10 and Sunday, Dec. 11.

“Our team has been working hard to bring the Peoria community an amaz ing new store, and we’re so glad the day is finally here,” said Bruce Thorn, pres

ident and CEO of Big Lots.

“We’ve put a lot of thought into the layout, design and presentation to make the experience the best it can be. Whether they’re new to Big Lots, or haven’t visited in a while, we hope that shoppers will stop by during our grand opening weekend to meet our friendly associates and explore the store.”

Big Lots offers a unique shopping ex perience — part treasure hunt, part bar gain hunt and part everyday necessities.

At the new 27,755 square foot-store, customers will discover a variety of finds and deals on everything for the home, including Big Lots exclusive brands such as Broyhill furniture and home décor items, plus a variety of products from national brands and an

assortment of private labels all under one roof.

Customers looking for additional ways to save can join BIG Rewards, Big Lots’ shopper loyalty program. Those who sign up receive benefits like exclu sive discounts, birthday surprises, VIP

shopping days and free items, among others.

For more information on Big Lots and job openings, visit biglots.com or follow Big Lots on Facebook, Twit ter, Instagram and LinkedIn. PT

PeoriaTimes.com /PeoriaTimes

BY NIKASH NATH Peoria Times Staff Writer

On November 25, Liberty foot ball kicked off its Open Di vision playoff run against Phoenix Sandra Day O’Connor — a program they defeated in late October 53-0.

This bout would net the same result, as the Lions breezed past the Eagles, 56-26. Despite the previous O’Con nor blowout, Thomas ensured that his players didn’t lose focus of what was ahead.

“It’s a new season and they are well coached and I know they will be really hungry at the moment and we have to take care of business,” Thomas said.

The Lions are no stranger to the tense atmosphere of the Open playoffs, as the program has made three straight appearances in this field of play. They entered as the No.1 seed in the tourna ment, due to the perfect 10-0 regular season record.

The team garnered national attention in 2022, as they have climbed the Max Preps national top 25 list, currently sit ting at No. 14. But with the success, Thomas understands though that this is the most important time of the season if they want to go even higher.

“It’s a big-time atmosphere,” Thom as said. “That is win or go home, so we have got to play exceptionally good football and play clean and execute our assignments and we are excited to get

the opportunity to do it.”

The Lions key to success was that they needed to stay true to the game plan that got them to the playoffs — an air raid offense, followed up with tight defense and solid fundamentals.

“We have to be us and play clean and not make mistakes,” Thomas said. “It will allow our team an opportunity to stay in the game and then obviously finish the job and be able to move for ward.”

Stay in the game they did, as the Li ons started off the chilly Friday night game just like they planned — an air raid offense and stout defense.

The Lions deferred the opening kick off and immediately forced an Eagles punt after a sack on third down.

Senior quarterback Navi Bruzon led the drive with three first downs, ending with a two-yard rushing touchdown by senior running back Zach Wallace, giving the Lions an 7-0 lead that they never looked back on.

The second drive for O’Connor re sulted similarly to the first, as after converting a first down, senior quarter back Cooper King fumbled the snap on fourth down, giving the ball back to the Lions.

In quick response, Bruzon connect ed with senior wide receiver Grant Brunelle for a 54-yard score, after Brunelle dropped a wide open pass the play prior, sending the Lions to a 14-0

Centennial falls to Chandler in Open Division quarterfinals

BY LANCE HARTZLER Peoria Times Contributing Writer

The Centennial Coyotes nearly came back from a double-dig it deficit against the Chandler Wolves in its Open Division quarterfi nal game.

Emphasis on “nearly.” Well, mostly.

The Wolves held a comfortable 23-7 lead after the first half of the Open Di vision quarterfinals on their home field. Quarterback Dylan Raiola had thrown for two scores and running back Xavier Valdivia had a score on the ground.

The Wolves had to endure a near-mir acle of a comeback when the No. 6-seeded Coyotes scored 20 unan swered points in the third quarter to take a 27-23 lead into the fourth. From there, Chandler started to flex and take advan tage of Centennial miscues en route to a 47-27 win that felt a bit closer than the final score showed.

“It’s all about advancing,” Chandler

Despite the loss, the Centennial Coyotes have a lot to be proud of after finishing the sea son 8-3, a far cry from last season’s 3-8 record. (Dave Minton/Staff

head coach Rick Garretson said. “That’s all that matters. If it’s 13-10, if it’s 207, whatever it is, just get there and we know how to get there. Really proud of

the kids and our staff.”

The No. 3-seeded Wolves will move on to face No. 2 Basha in the semifinals slated for Friday, Dec. 2. No. 6 seed

Centennial ends a bounce back season with a showing it can be proud of and use going forward as the storied pro gram aims to retrieve some of its past grandeur.

“You cannot make the mistakes that we made against a good team without getting hurt,” Centennial head coach Richard Taylor said. “(Our guys) played hard. I believe our culture is back and I think we will be even stronger next year.”

The Coyotes defense did most of the work in the comeback bid with two touchdowns – an 80-yard scoop and score by Noah Carter, and another, al beit shorter, scoop and score by Aaron Moore Jr. – plus an interception that led directly to a touchdown run by Coyotes fullback Aaden Nguyen.

That sequence all took place in a span of eight or so minutes in the third quar ter and put the visitors up 27-23 entering the fourth quarter. Chandler was in trou

Photographer)

LIBERTY FROM PAGE 9

lead in the late part of the first quarter.

Following the score, Thomas pulled a trick out of his bag, successfully ex ecuting an onside kick, giving the ball right back to Liberty.

Starting the second quarter, Bruzon found Brunelle again for a 20-yard touchdown giving the Lions a 21-0 lead. The defenses stiffened in the sec ond quarter, as both teams traded punts.

The Eagles ended the drought with a two-yard touchdown after a long, sus tained drive. After a missed extra point, the Lions took a 21-6 into the half.

The third quarter was filled with of fensive firepower as the Lions opened up the frame with a 45-yard touchdown score giving the Lions a 28-6 advan tage. On their next offensive drive, Bruzon drove his team down the field and found a man wide open down the seam for a 15-yard score to put the Li ons up 35-6.

The Eagles then responded with perhaps their best drive of the game,

an effort too little too late though, as King converted multiple first downs before scrambling into the endzone for a nine-yard touchdown. The Eagles then attempted to go for two which was unsuccessful making the score 35-12 with the third quarter dwindling.

The Eagles then attempted an onside kick of their own which the Lions recovered, effectively ending any type of comeback the Eagles had in them.

The two teams then traded garbage time touchdowns as the Lions pre vailed in a hard-fought opening-round playoff game.

The Lions’ next tilt is slated against the reigning Open Division champi ons, No. 5 seeded Scottsdale Saguaro, who are coming off of an upset victory against No. 4 seeded Hamilton.

The Lions and Sabercats have al ready faced off once prior this season, as Saguaro gave Liberty their toughest matchup of the season, a nine-point Liberty victory, 26-17. PT

CENTENNIAL FROM PAGE 10

ble as the offense was struggling with multiple turnovers and little groove.

“The offense tried to make things interesting tonight, giving up a couple touchdowns there,” Garretson said, drawing a laugh from the media around him postgame. “But it shows the re silience of our kids, and it shows their training and how in shape they are physically and mentally. … You gotta do your job to advance in the Open Di vision and that is what we did.”

The Wolves apparently had the Coy otes right where they wanted them.

The Wolves broke the scoring run with a clutch, 4th and goal score on a pass from Raiola to Tyreeq Styles Obichere after a defensive pass interference gave the hosts another chance at a score. The connection was the pair’s second of the night as Raiola ended with three TDs and Obichere with two.

The Wolves defense then sacked Cen tennial quarterback Steven Urquiza, and on the ensuing punt attempt, the

snap flew over the punter’s head lead ing to a turnover on downs. Chandler took quick advantage of the short field when Charles Ennis punched in a run for his second TD of the game and to give his team a 37-27 advantage at the eight-minute mark of the fourth quarter.

Despite holding the Chandler defense to a field goal the next time the Wolves took over possession, the Wolves even tually scored the dagger of a 50-or-so yard punt return for a score by Blake Heffron to give his team the eventual winning score.

For Centennial, the team finished 8-3 a year after going 3-8 – one of the worst marks in recent memory for the program. But there is plenty to look for ward to for Taylor and company.

“There were a lot of kids that played a lot for us this year – young kids – and that is going to pay off next year,” Tay lor said. PT

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DeceMber eventS

Networking Breakfast

7:30 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6 Haymaker Restaurant

8706 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria

Featured Speaker: Jennifer Stein, city of Peoria Office of Economic Development

4th

Golf Tournament – Volunteer Meeting

2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 Peoria Chamber of Commerce Office

15707 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria

After Hours Shenanigans

Networking Event

5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 Fire House Event Center

8307 W. Washington Street, Peoria

Celebrate the Christmas spirit with Affirm Wealth’s gift drive

BY DOYOON KIM Peoria Times Staff Writer

This year, Affirm Wealth Advi sors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Finan cial Services, LLC, is hoping to spread Christmas cheer and the holiday spirit by hosting its Santa Visit and Holiday Gift Drive event for the Peoria commu nity and its families.

The event, Affirm Wealth’s first, is designed to provide fun Christmas ex periences for families while also giv ing back to the community.

“We’re passionate about helping our community and hosting events for peo ple,” said Matt MacLean, CEO of Af

firm Wealth Advisors. “Our goal is to allow a lot of families to have a great experience with their kids, and for fam ilies to impact as many other kids in the area as possible through gift giving.”

The event, which is open to the public, will benefit Hope Community Services, an Arizona nonprofit organi zation that serves children. Donations will go directly to helping low-income and foster kids in Arizona.

“The foster community is among the most neglected so we always love to host events that have the opportunity to give back,” McLean. “We thought this would be a really unique opportunity for the kids to be a part of something fun while also blessing others.”

At the event, Peoria families will have the opportunity to visit Santa, take pictures, enjoy food and drinks from Mustache Pretzels and Johnnies Java’s food trucks, coffee, treats and give item donations.

Some acceptable donation items for the drive include dolls, toys, action fig ures, handheld games, coloring books and crafts for children. For teens, fam ilies can donate makeup, hair acces sories, gift sets, clothes, shoes, head phones/earbuds, speakers, art supplies, board games, books, purses and wal lets, among others.

“Christmas is a special time of the year,” McLean said. “Parents and grandparents want to do something fun

for their kids without all the conges tion of going to the mall or other plac es. We hope to create lasting memories for kids with the Santa visit while also helping out a lot of families who are in need and cannot afford the Christmas they would like.” PT

1 Cigna will reduce your monthly Medicare Part B premium by $100.

2 Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/service area. Limitations, exclusions, and restrictions may apply. 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

(TTY 711) for more information. Cigna is contracted with Medicare for PDP plans, HMO

in Cigna depends on contract renewal. © 2022

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

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

Check out this special holiday production meant for the whole family from ABT’s Theatre for Young Audiences. After selling all of her old gowns and accessories, Nancy finally has enough money for the sparkling tree topper she’s always wanted. When things go awry, will she still be able

to save the holiday? Stick around after the show for a Q&A session.

Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, Peoria, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., free, peoriaaz.gov

Art Market

DEC. 3

Pick up wonderful and unique pieces of art made by local artisans sharing their original art, pottery, quilts, photography, prints, herbal products and many, many more interesting pieces. Support local art and foster a creative community together.

The West Valley Center for Spiritual Living, 9745 W. Peoria Avenue, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., free admission, facebook.com/ consciouscreationsartstudio

Free Pictures with Santa Claus

DEC. 3

Enjoy a visit from jolly old Saint Nick as he drives his sleigh to Peoria for pictures this year. Take pictures with the holiday icon with a fun backdrop of an Airstream camper and Christmas tree, both festively decorated for the season.

Park West, 9744 W. Avenue, Peoria, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., free, shopparkwest.com

Playback Arizona Theater Performance

DEC. 6

Join an innovative, improvisational ensemble as members of the audience come forward to tell stories of their life, then watch as these stories are replayed by an ensemble of talented actors and musicians using music and metaphor to bring them back to life. Add your own story to the mix, or sit back and watch the stories of others. This performance is recommended for patrons 16 and up.

Peoria Center for the Performing Arts, 10580 N. 83rd Drive, Peoria, 7 to 8:30 p.m., $10, theaterworks.org/events/playbackdec/

Dungeons and Dragons at the Library

DEC. 7

Pros and beginners alike are encouraged

CALENDAR FROM PAGE 16

to flex their creative muscle and explore the mystical world of Dungeons & Dragons. Teens will get the opportunity to see fantastical worlds and practice their improv and problem solving in a strange and magical land beyond the veil. Registration is required.

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

choirs, food trucks, a gingerbread house display, horse drawn carriage and wagon rides, and much, much more. Drop off your gingerbread house early for a chance to be part of the display and competition.

Johnny E. Osuna Memorial Park, 10510 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria, free, 5 to 9 p.m., azstreetmarket.com

Ask a Master Gardener

DEC.

10

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.

Old Town Holiday Festival

DEC. 10

Peoria celebrates the holidays this year with the annual Old Town Holiday Festival, featuring live entertainment, roaming

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

6150 W Chandler Blvd #1, Chandler, AZ 85226 (480) 398-1564

These will be brought to them to distribute by Thursday December 1st We will have drop off locations at both Tempe and Goodyear Times Media Group offices.

1900 W Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282

250 Litchfield Dr., Ste 100 Goodyear AZ, 85338

Rising above it all this holiday season

CHURCH-COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Ed Delph Peoria Times Columnist

ell, the hol iday season is in full swing, and now comes the capstone of the holidays, Christmas. Soon, Christmas lights, songs and great expectations will be the norm. After a tumultuous mid-term election, I’m sure most of us “need a little Christmas now.”

Here’s a true recollection from author Laurie Beth Jones’s book, Jesus, CEO. “Driving home late one afternoon, I saw an intriguing sight. The Miramar Na val Air Station was having its annual air show. Cars had stopped all along the free way to watch the silver planes’ fantastic dips, twists, twirls and dives.

“There, in the middle of a eucalyptus tree, sat a hawk watching the planes put

on their show. The hawk seemed so calm and centered amid the thunderous display. The hawk seemed thoughtful. It was as if the hawk were thinking, ‘I, too, have the power to fly with equal grace and mea sure. After the noise is over, I will rise and fly away — still the master of all I see.’”

WI like this true-life example. That hawk wasn’t swept away by the commotion meant to play on its emotion. The hawk was looking down from an up position. The chaos going on around the hawk didn’t get inside of it. There’s a lesson for us to learn from the hawk about success fully navigating the Christmas season. We need an aerial view of Christmas to under stand Christmas fully.

We need to rise above it all. So, let’s rise above the commotion, razzle-dazzle, op tics of sugar plum fairies, and hustle-bus tle of ‘Happy Holi-daze.’ Don’t look up at Christmas from an earthly or down position. Instead, look at Christmas from a heavenly or up position. Then you will comprehend the reason for the season.

Bellevue Heights Church to feature GCU’s Canyon Choral Society

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Grand Canyon University’s Can yon Choral Society and Can yon Symphony Orchestra will help usher in the Christmas season with a concert at Bellevue Heights Church.

Admission is free, and Bellevue Heights is welcoming everyone to at tend this special event to be held in the church’s Worship Center. Set for Sun day, Dec. 4, the event begins at 6 p.m.

According to director Juan de Dios Hernandez, the program will feature the works of gifted English composer John Rutter, including his acclaimed

“Gloria” and “Magnificat.” The pro gram also will include traditional Christmas music.

The Canyon Choral Society performs at GCU events, other churches and oth er venues in the Valley. Out-of-state appearances have included a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Anyone with questions is invited to call the Bellevue Heights Church office at 623-977-8308 or visit bhcsuncity. com, where the concert will be avail able for online viewing.

Bellevue Heights Church is located at 9440 W. Hutton Drive, Sun City. PT

Here’s a truth many of us don’t realize yet. There are two realities for us humans. Currently, our condition is that we are on Earth. But if you are a believer, your condition is you are on Earth, but your position is you are seated with Christ in the heavens. Here’s what the scripture says about a believer’s current condition and current position of being seated in the heavenlies:

“It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of world liness. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief and then exhaled dis obedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing when we felt like

doing it. All of us were in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us.

“Instead, immense in mercy and with incredible love, God embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down (seated us) in highest heav en in company with Jesus, our Messiah.”

Ephesians 2:1-6.

Now that’s a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Eternity. When believers pass from this world to God’s heaven, their condition becomes their condition and their position. They rise above it all.

For more religion visit peoriatimes.com

Peoria Times.com /PeoriaTimes

Pastor

Faith Presbyterian Church hosts Thursdays@Faith

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

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

“We3” Music Dec. 8 6:30pm 6pm $12 Dinner, cut-off to buy tickets Mon. Dec. 5 noon

Faith Church supports Food Banks, Habitat for Humanity, Ukraine humanitarian needs

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

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Faith Presbyterian Church in Sun City is hosting its Thursdays@ Faith event on Thursday, Dec. 8. The event will feature a $12 catered dinner at 6 p.m. in Illingworth Hall and a concert by “We3” at 6:30 in the church’s large sanctuary building. “We3” consists of pianist Nicole Pesce, violinist Suzanne Lansford, and vocalist Renee Grant Patrick. The trio has been a powerhouse in Phoenix and its surround ing areas since their first concert at “The Nash” in 2016.

This will be a Christmas concert featur ing their popular, jazz, swing and blues

standards styles.

Dinner tickets must be purchased at Faith Presbyterian Church on-site by noon, Monday, Dec. 5 on Sunday morn ings or 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

While there is no charge to attend the concert without the catered dinner, free will gifts are appreciated. PT

Thursdays@Faith

WHERE: Faith Presbyterian Church, 16000 N. Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City

WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8

COST: $12 catered dinner/ concert is free

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!

HOLIDAY FROM PAGE 19

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. 101 Freeway

The moment a believer dies, several things happen that they will experience. 1. Angels usher their souls to heaven. Luke 16:22. 2. They immediately enter God’s presence. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8. 3. They are conscious, in command of their think ing, feeling, speech and memories. Luke 16:19-31. 4. They participate in magnifi cent worship with angels and believers be fore the throne of God and Christ. Revela tions 4 and 5. 5. To some degree, they are aware of activities and events on Earth. Revelations 6:9-10. 6. They will recog nize and communicate with believers who preceded them to Heaven. Luke 9:28-36. Theologian Austin Farrer has notable thoughts about every human’s condition and potential position.

“It is strange how, when we imagine heaven, we think of it as something shad owy. We color it with tints of moonlight, sleep, and the faces of the dead. But there are no shades there; there is the substance of joy and the vitality of action. So, when we are there and look back on earthly life, we shall not see it as a vigorous battlefield

from which we have gracefully retired; we shall see it as an insubstantial dream from which we have happily awoken.”

Just think of it. God started small to go big on the first Christmas. And just like the hawk, Jesus, despite all the thunder ous noise and flashy dives around him, maintained confidence in his wings and perspective. He rose above it all.

I hope this Christmas you will rise above it all. And make your condition, also your position, on Earth as it is in heaven. 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.

CHECK

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

Rebecca Ong of Glendale was named to Chorale at Bob Jones Uni versity (BJU) in Greenville, South Carolina. Chorale is a premier choir comprised of undergraduate and grad uate Bob Jones University students from a variety of degree programs. In 2017, the Chorale debuted with noted composer Dan Forrest’s “Jubilate Deo” in Orchestra Hall in Chicago. In addi tion, the Chorale has served as the U.S. representative at the World Choral Fes tival in Seoul, Korea, and has been a featured performing choir at American Choral Directors Association and Na tional Association for Music Education events.

In addition, Ong was named to BJU’s Percussion Ensemble, which is one of over twenty instrumental per formance groups at the school. Both music majors and non-music majors

may audition for the University Per cussion Ensemble. Members are typi cally involved in larger musical groups including BJU Orchestra, Wind Band and Concert Band as well as supplying instrumental requirements for many choral groups.

Ong, a sophomore at BJU, is major ing in music education.

Ean Puckett of Peoria was named to the Bob Jones University (BJU) Sym phonic Wind Band. The Symphonic Wind Band is BJU’s top-performing instrumental ensemble. Each year, per formers audition by playing a group of excerpts taken from band literature or study etudes, scales, and sight-reading unfamiliar music. Following that se lection audition, a second audition is held for seating within the ensemble.

Puckett, a freshman at BJU, is major ing in accounting. PT

PeoriaTimes.com

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NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

ALL ONE BEDROOMS Subsidized Section 8-202 62 years old And Mobility Impaired Persons Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm 623-939-9447

PUBLIC NOTICE

PROPOSALS FOR FY

2023-2024

On January 3, 2023, the City will begin accepting proposals for the use of HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Commu nity Development Block Grant (CDBG) and General Fund Not-forProfit grants for the July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 funding cycle. The City anticipates receiving CDBG funds of approximately $853,197 and a HOME Program allocation of approximately $275,546. The exact allocations will not be determined until finalized by the Fed eral Government. The City also anticipates General Fund monies of $196,500 to be available. The proposal submission deadline for agencies who wish to utilize these funds is January 23, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Funds are anticipated to be available in July 2023 for General Fund programs and October 2023 for Federal programs.

All applicants will be required to submit proposals utilizing ZoomGrants, an on-line, cloud-based system.

An open door Proposer’s Conference will be offered at the City’s Development and Community Services Building, Point of View conference room (1st floor), located at 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345, on December 15, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Par ticipants may also attend this meeting virtually. A link to the virtual meeting will be provided on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz. gov/notforprofitgrants prior to the meeting date. Staff members from the City’s Neighborhood and Human Services Department, Community Assistance Division, will be available at the conference to answer questions regarding the various grants available as well as potential project eligibility. Attendance at the conference is not mandatory.

Applicants interested in applying for grant funding must register with ZoomGrants in order to obtain a login and access to the City’s grant applications. A link to ZoomGrants and the applications will be available on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/notforprof itgrants beginning January 3, 2023.

Additional information may be obtained by writing to: City of Peoria Attn: Community Assistance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85345

Or by written e-mail to: communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov

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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)773-7601 TDD (623)773-7221, or email at communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov Asistencia en español: Para que le interpreten la solicitud en español, llame al (623)773-7601

Public Input

The City of Peoria anticipates that it will be receiving $853,197 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $275,546 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds for Federal Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Additionally, unobligated prior year CDBG funding, if any, may be made available. These funds will be directed to the assistance of low- and moderate-income persons, primarily for City of Peoria residents.

The City encourages the public to provide input on desired programs and activities for the use of these funds.

A public hearing has been scheduled for December 6, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. This meeting will be held both virtually and in-person at the City’s Development and Community Services Building, Point of View Conference Room (1st Floor), located at 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria 85345. A second public hearing has been scheduled for December 7, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. This public hearing will be held virtually. A link to the virtual hearings will be provided on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/communityassistance prior to the meeting dates.

The purpose of these public hearings will be to discuss budgets and potential programs for the CDBG Annual Action Plan as well as use of HOME Program funds for Federal Fiscal Year 2023-2024.

The CDBG Annual Action Plan is required by HUD for annual funding under the guidelines of a CDBG entitlement city. The Annual Action Plan identifies how the City plans to use CDBG funds during the next fiscal year to meet the goals and objectives approved in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan.

The upcoming Annual Action Plan will be published for a 30-day comment period. During the comment period, a copy of the Annual Action Plan will be available on the City’s website at www.peoriaaz.gov/communityassistance and may also be obtained by written request mailed to:

City of Peoria

Attn: Community Assistance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue

Peoria, Arizona 85345

Or by written e-mail to: communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov

*publish in the Peoria Times, November 17, 2022, December 1, 2022, and December 8, 2022*

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)773-7601; TDD (623)773-7221, or email at communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov. Asistencia en español: Para que le interpreten la solicitud en español, llame al (623)773-7601.

*publish in the Peoria Times, November 17, 2022, November 24, 2022, and

1, 2022*

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