Peoria Times 12-05-2019

Liberty High football goes for a title

JAG program helps students explore careers PAGE

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This Week

December 5, 2019

Peoria’s Hometown Newspaper

‘Humbled’ firefighters honored

BY TOM SCANLON

“Greg emulates the same qualities as Johnny, his work ethic with our new people is nonstop,” said Fire Capt.

Danny Comella.

“You would be hardpressed to find a guy that works as hard as Greg.”

Parks seconded this view of his fellow award winner. “Greg’s an awesome guy. He’s super-athletic, super-in-shape, always a happy guy to be around. Great work ethic “

Peoria Times Associate Editor

NEWS..............5 Memorial for Peoria girl who died in Tonto Basin

One is 32, the other 42.

Both are married and fathers. And both love their jobs.

They must be pretty good at their work, as Greg Bury was given the Johnny Valentine Award and Michael Parks was named Firefighter of the Year by the Peoria Fire-Medical Department.

After receiving the awards at a Nov. 22 banquet, both used the same word to describe their emotions: “Humbled.”

According to a press release, “Each year the Johnny Valentine Award is given to the sworn member who best epitomizes the

Peoria Fire-Medical Department’s core values: team, trust, professionalism and efficiency.”

Johnny Valentine was a Peoria firefighter who died from brain cancer in 1996.

Robots in the O.R.

BY TOM SCANLON

SEE FIREFIGHTER PAGE 2

Living Room • Bedroom Children’s Furniture • Dining Room • Electronics Outdoor Furniture • Office/Entertainment

Peoria Times Associate Editor

SPORTS ........ 12 Scout School pitches diversity to baseball

OPINION............................ 8 BUSINESS........................ 10 SPORTS............................ 12 CALENDAR...................... 14 FEATURES........................ 16 RELIGION......................... 22 YOUTH............................. 24 CLASSIFIEDS.................... 27

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The robots are coming.

Make no mistake about it, androids are invading nearly every aspect of American life.

They even await patients in the operating room.

And Dr. Ryan Pinnell would not have it any other way. At 35, he is on the younger end of the surgeons at Abrazo Arrowhead, which primarily serves the Glendale and Peoria areas.

Like many his age, Pinnell was a gamer growing up. “I don’t have time for it now,” he said, giving a tour of the operating room where he spends much of his time.

It is here in the O.R. he puts the skills he developed playing video games to use on the job, operating the da Vinci Xi device.

With the da Vinci, surgeons like Pinnell use joySEE ROBOTS PAGE 6

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NEWS

FIREFIGHTER FROM PAGE 1

Bury was hired by Peoria at the end of 2008, so he never met Johnny Valentine, who is something of a legend at the Peoria fire stations.

“It’s like I knew him, with all the stories older guys told me,” Bury said of Valentine. “It seemed like he was a very positive and motivated person everyone wanted to work with. Always smiling, teaching younger guys new techniques.”

Winners of the big awards are a closely-guarded secret. Bury went to the awards banquet expecting maybe to share in one of the unit citations.

How did he feel when his name was called for the Johnny Valentine Award?

“I was shocked,” said Bury, 42. “To hear my name - I was pretty honored, looking at the example of Johnny and the people in past years who received the same award. I was honored and humbled.”

He said he is proud of his fire department for “not being afraid to take on new techniques or new technology.

It’s a great group, everybody I work with I love. A great team, a lot of good people.

“And the community is very appre-

Greg Bury received the Peoria Fire Department’s Johnny Valentine Award. (Photos courtesy Peoria

The Peoria Fire-Medical Department’s Firefighter of the Year award winner is Firefighter Michael Parks.

ciative and respectful.”

When off duty, this father of two girls stays in shape mountain biking and hiking. Bury grew up on a 180-acre blueberry farm in Michigan. After col-

lege, he visited his brother in Gilbert and fell in love with the area.

His advice to high school students thinking of becoming professional firefighters?

“Put down the video game controller, get out there and do more hands-on stuff, play with tools. Go out and play basketball. Be physical, it’s a physical job,” Bury said.

He chuckled, recalling a recent visit to a middle school. “There was a group of eighth-graders I was talking to, and I said, ‘Anyone want to hold an ax?’ These kids were like, ‘No, that’s too heavy, I don’t want to hold it. It shocked me.”

Fellow firefighter Parks, though 10 years younger than Bury, shares his work ethic and belief in being a strong team member.

“He’s always a positive guy, always smiling,” Bury said of Parks. “He’s a highly-respected, very motivated person. You can count on him.”

An elderly Peoria woman would agree.

On Aug. 25, Parks was a Station 191, on 80th and Peoria avenues. A call came in for a structure fire at a mobile home park on Peoria and 69th avenues. Over 90 percent of the department’s calls are for medical emergencies, so an active fire call got the unit’s attention.

“We were there within 3 to 4 minutes,” Parks recalled.

By the time he was on scene he was already in full protective gear,

Fire-Medical Department)

December 5, 2019

including a self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA. He soon would be using that.

“As soon as I got off the (fire engine), I saw smoke coming out of one of the bedroom windows and smoke coming out of the front door,” Parks said.

While other firefighters were assigned to blast water on the fire, Parks and two others went inside the burning home.

“The other two guys searched the left side of the trailer,” Parks said. “I went to the right. That’s where I found the victim.”

With thick smoke pouring out of the bedroom, Parks could barely see but made out a foot. He reached down and was able to find a woman on the floor.

“She was unconscious and taking agonal breaths,” he said, using the medical term for reflexive, gasping breaths, signaling a severe medical emergency.

“I ended up pulling her to the front door, then got on the radio to let them know I found someone. I got her out on the patio, down to the porch and into the driveway. Another (engine) came up assisted with her treatment, then an ambulance transported to the hospital,” Parks said.

A few weeks later, Parks learned the woman, who was in her 70s, had survived.

Retired Battalion Chief Steve Kelley was the incident commander at this fire and nominated Parks for the award.

“His actions that day saved this woman’s life,” Kelley said of Parks.

Like Bury, Parks went to the awards banquet expecting perhaps one of the group awards.

When his name was called out as Firefighter of the Year, “I was kind of shocked,” he said. “There’s a lot of emotions. I was shocked and honored and humbled.”

Parks, who grew up in Phoenix, worked for ambulance company AMR in Peoria before being hired by the Peoria Fire-Medical Department five years ago. He is married and has a young daughter.

He said he is fortunate to work for the department. “Peoria’s a unique city, it’s got a lot of diversity,” he said. “Another thing I like is it’s not too big but it’s not too small. On the fire department, everyone recognizes each other. The city is a great city to work for.

“I’m really blessed and honored to work here.”

Peoria Times

December 5, 2019

Peoria’s Hometown Newspaper Since 1952 The Peoria Times is a circulation weekly published every Thursday.

Publisher Steve T. Strickbine Vice President Michael Hiatt Associate Group Publisher Laura Meehan, 623-777-1042 lmeehan@star-times.com Associate Publisher William E. Toops, 623-847-4602 wtoops@star-times.com Editorial hotline 623-847-4604 Executive Editor Christina Fuocco-Karasinsky, christina@timespublications.com Associate Editor Tom Scanlon, tscanlon@timespublications.com Copy Editor April Morganroth, amorganroth@timespublications.com Advertising sales@star-times.com Advertising Representatives Barbara Duran, 623-847-4608 bduran@star-times.com C.E. Williams, 623-847-4601 cwilliams@star-times.com Classifieds and Obituaries Deeanna Acosta, 623-535-8439 dacosta@star-times.com Legals Elaine Cota, notices@star-times.com Production Manager Courtney Oldham, production@timespublications.com Graphic Designer Nathalie Proulx nproulx@timespublications.com

Aggravated assault arrest in Avondale

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

A Peoria man was arrested and charged with stabbing three men in Avondale Thanksgiving night.

According to Ray Emmett, spokesman for the Avondale Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at 8:29 p.m. on Thanksgiving near 117th Avenue and Apache Street.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that three adult victims had been stabbed by an adult male suspect later identified as Brandon Robinson,” Emmett said.

Robinson, 33, and a Peoria resident, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

“The victims were transported to a local area hospital for treatment,” Emmett said.

He said the victims were in “stable but critical” condition.

“Detectives are currently investigating the circumstances that led to the altercation,” Emmett said.

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Published by Times Media Group 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 100, Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-847-4600 • FAX 623-935-2103 (USPS 427-760) Published weekly by Times Media Group, 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 100, Goodyear, AZ 85338. Periodical postage paid at Glendale, AZ 85301. Requested mail subscriptions within Maricopa County: $75 anually or $40 for six months. Outside of Maricopa County: $88 anually or $45 for six months. No refunds; address changes will be honored anywhere in the continental United States. POST-MASTER: Send

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BY OCTAVIO SERRANO Peoria Times Staff Writer

New Life Center is one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the country. Based in Goodyear, it serves around a thousand children and adults annually through an emergency shelter. It provides outreach support programs working with victims and their families in efforts to help them escape an abusive cycle.

Myriah Mhoon has been the CEO of New Life Center for 18 months, and her passion for her job is with the victims and the myriad of services it provides for them.

“We are a 120-day program. We are providing services of safety planning, we have case management, we have legal advocacy program to support our clients going through the legal system. They (victims) have a connection to housing after they stay with us, we have a job readiness program, we have a crisis hotline 24/7.”

New Life Center began in 1991, but

it was able to build its campus in 2000 and has been part of the West Valley community since, Mhoon said. It is distinguished in the number of young victims it works with.

“We are supporting the whole family free themselves from an abusive situation. We are unique in our shelter because 70% of the clients in the shelter are actually children fleeing domestic violence situation with their adult parents.”

But supporting these services is not cheap, and New Life Center relies on fundraisers to support its system. It hosted its Starry Night Gala Friday, Nov. 8, to bring the community together to raise funds for the shelter. Funds from the event at the Arizona Biltmore go directly to the center’s various programs including advocacy and outreach.

The gala consisted of a three-course meal, wine, entertainment, inspirational survivor stories, as well as a live auction SEE COMMUNITY PAGE 7

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Brandon Robinson, 33, of Peoria, was arrested and charged with stabbing three men in Avondale Thanksgiving night. (Photo courtesy Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office)

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NEWS

December 5, 2019

LIBCON West coming to Velma Teague Library

BY NATALIE URQUIZA

Peoria Times Contributing Writer

As the year comes to an end, there are endless holiday parties to attend.

One such party invites people to get out their superhero or cosplay costumes.

LIBCON West hots its fourth annual event from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Velma Teague Library, 7010

N. 58th Avenue, Glendale. LIBCON West is a free, all-ages, fandom event.

“We celebrate all geeky, nerdy, fandom, Sci-Fi, fantasy, horror, TV, movies, books and games,” said Glendale Administrative Librarian Merideth Jenson-Benjamin. “Something you can dress up like and be excited about, we probably got you covered.”

The LIBCON West schedule includes: In the Amphitheater

• Noon Syndicate Saber Presents: A Lesson in the Force. The Jedi have come to Earth for this once-in-a-lifetime training opportunity. This interactive show is fun for the whole family.

• 1 p.m.The DREAD Fleet. Pirates raid the port of Glendale with music, dance, swords and stunts!

• 2 p.m. “Results May Vary” Improv: Super-Geeky Edition. Brelby Theatre Company’s resident improv team serves up a fresh, funny, impromptu live performance using suggestions from the audience.

• 3 p.m. Syndicate Saber Presents: An Elegant Weapon for a More Civilized Age. Members of Syndicate Saber have put together amazing and talented choreography routines and will teach you the special skills you need to become the master of your next routine.

• 4 p.m. Driftwood Quintet and Dratini on the Rocks. A fusion of classical/jazz music from popular video games and movies including Undertale, Cowboy Bebop, and Final Fantasy!

In the Programming Pavilion

LIBCON West hots its fourth annual event from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Velma Teague Library, 7010 N 58th Avenue, Glendale. (Photos courtesy LIBCON West)

Gift Wrapping Is a Pain In the… BACK?!

By Leading Physical Therapist, Nick Hunter The holidays are officially upon officially us and that means you probably have a lot of gifts to wrap!

It can be a lot of fun but gift wrapping can also be an especially painful experience for those suffering from back pain.

Here are a few tips to help minimize the strain on your back and spine, so back pain doesn’t keep you stuck on the sofa this month: 1.Take your presents to the dining room table and sit on a comfy supportive chair. Using a table, or counter that is waist level will ensure you’re using your arms rather than your back and will help you maintain good posture.

2.Try wrapping your presents periodically or whenever you shop to help minimise the strain on your neck, back and arms. Doing this will ensure you’re not straining your muscles and sitting in a painful position for a long period of time.

3.Opting for gift bags helps to minimize all the cutting and stretching that you have to do as you maneuver rolls of wrapping paper, and takes very little time to do.

4.Simple stretches like toe-touches and arm raises can help to loosen tight muscles. An added benefit is to drink a glass of water as you wrap gifts and pace yourself by stretching gently after each gift that’s wrapped.

5.All you need to do is gather everything you need to wrap your gifts, clear off the table and keep wrapping paper, scissors, tape, ribbons and any other materials you may need at arm’s length.

Gift wrapping shouldn’t knock you out of the remaining festivities! Try implementing these tips with your marathon of wrapping so you can enjoy the gift of the holidays.

I hope you have a happy and safe December!

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• Noon Fifty Years (and Then Some) of Fandom. In 1966, Gene Roddenberry introduced the world to the crew of the starship Enterprise, and with it, the concept of modern fandom. An interactive museum showcasing fandom from the 1880s to today by Oy Vay Productions.

• 1 p.m. Anyone Can Cosplay. Between rude comments, competitive tendencies, online bullying, self-image issues, and lack of representation, it sometimes feels like cosplay is only for the “elite few” or those with a very thick skin. For veteran cosplayer Momo Kurumi, this breaks her heart. She’s here to offer a space to discuss fears, dreams, and ways that we can overcome adversity together as a community.

• 2 p.m. The Basics of Cosplay SFX Makeup. Want to try your hand at becoming a one-of-a-kind alien? Perhaps you just want to get the perfect sugar skull look? Join ThermoCosplay as they talk about the basics of cosplay SFX makeup. They will cover everything from application, to makeup types, prosthetics, adhesives and more. ​• 3 and 3:30 p.m Superhero Storytime with Sean Sautter.

For Kids and Families

• Noon Color your own superhero mask!

• 1 and 3 p.m. Super S.T.E.A.M.: Learn the science behind some of your favorite X-Men as you move from station to station for hands-on activities.

• 2 p.m. Superhero Bingo. Get a card and win prizes in this picture bingo session.

• 4 p.m. Fly Like a Superhero! You may not have superpowers, but you can still take to the sky with your own superhero-themed kite.

Music in the Park

• Noon to 2 p.m. Dratini on the Rocks will perform smooth, jazzy renditions of some of your favorite video game songs from Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Sonic the Hedgehog and more.

• 1 to 3 p.m. Driftwood Quintet will play classical renditions of your favorite video game and movie music, including themes from “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and “Phantom of the Opera.”

• 2 to 4 p.m. Rock renditions of some of your favorite video game songs from Castlevania, Ninja Gaiden, Super Mario Bros,, Metroid, Mega Man and many more as performed by the Minibosses.

There will be dozens of vendors, programs, demonstrations, games, crafts for children and teens. Fans are encouraged to actively participate by dressing as favorite characters and celebrating all things pop culture.

“We are going to have artists, people who make handcrafts, comic book publishers and people who sell trading cards,” Benjamin said. “Anything you

can imagine fandom related, the vendor will probably be there.”

There will be many things everyone can all participate in or watch. For instance, outside there will be a “programming pavilion” which is set up to have different presentations varying from history of fandom, basic cosplay make-up and storytime.

SEE LIBCON PAGE 5

Peoria Times

December 5, 2019 LIBCON FROM PAGE 4

they were going to head down to the park and take pictures under the lights.

It kind of gave her the idea to have a parade. We have all these amazing people in costumes we have to do something more formal. It is a great photo op and a great way to end the day.”

This is the first year the event will not be at the Glendale Main Library due to more exposure to the event. In 2017, it opened up to adults, children and families wanting to be part of the different events and programs.

“I have to say the Downtown Merchant Association has been a joy to work with and we are thrilled to have them on board,” Benjamin said. “Big thank you to Downtown Merchant Association, the city of Glendale and special events for allowing us to use your space and sharing resources, making all of this possible.

“The LIBCON team we currently have included staff from every single department in the library from chief librarian, librarian assistants, librarians, really across all four branches.

The team has really come together. We look forward to it every year,” For more information, visit libconwest.org

Inside the library will be a more children and families-based events.

“They are aimed for 5 to 11 age groups but younger kids are welcomed to participate if they have parents with them.

And older kids if they want to join in, we won’t stop you,” Benjamin said. She said there will be events like making superhero masks and programs exploring the science behind the X-Men. There will also be live music and a scavenger hunt with 12 different downtown businesses have partnered with LIBCON WEST. “A lot of different vendors donated prizes we can give out as a part of our raffle drawing,” Benjamin said. “The grand prizes include tablet from Hoopla Digital and a prize basket from Poisoned Pen Bookstore.”

At the end of the night, for the LIBCON’s West grand finale, there will be a Lightsaber organized walk led by Syndicate Saber through downtown Glendale to see the holiday lights.

“This came about by Anna Baagiano, who is a Library Technology specialist, also the person who is the cosplay liaison for LIBCON West,” Benjamin said.

“After last year, all of the people said

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

A fundraiser was established for Austin Rawlings, a 5-year-old Peoria girl who died Nov. 30 Tonto Basin.

Her body was recovered Saturday, Nov. 30. The vehicle she and family members were in was swept away by floodwater the day before. Two adults and seven children were in the vehicle that tried to cross Tonto Creek.

The body of Austin’s 5-year-old cousin, Colby Rawlings, was also recovered. The search was still underway early Tuesday for Colby’s sister, 6-year-old Willa Rawlings.

As of Tuesday, more than $39,000 was raised for an Austin Rawlings Memorial Fund at gofundme.com/f/ austin-rawlings-memorial-fund.

The fundraiser is “to cover a celebration of her life and to help the family with day-to-day expenses while they grieve her sudden departure.”

According to the fundraiser, “A cele-

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bration of life for our baby girl Austin” will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.

The service will be held at CCV Peoria, 7007 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria 85383.

“Our Austin was an expressive girl who loved music and color. We ask those attending the service to please

dress colorfully and bring your smiles,” the fundraiser read.

In a note on the fundraiser, Austin’s mother Lauren Rawlings added, “Thank you all for your kind words, support, and prayers as we traverse through this tragedy.”

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December 5, 2019

ROBOT FROM PAGE 1

stick-like devices to move robotic arms inside patients, cutting out tumors, replacing bands, sewing sutures and doing other surgical techniques.

“It definitely transfers over,” Pinnell said, of his gamer skills. “I was able to catch on with this pretty fast.

“The robot is pretty intuitive to learn” Indeed, Pinnell uses the device so often, he recently passed a mark of 500 robotic surgeries.

Abrazo Arrowhead recently announced it passed 5,000 robot-assisted surgical procedures. More than 1,000 have been completed this year.

Dr Ryan Pinnell has done more than 500 operations using Surgeons like Pinnell are a robotic machine. With the Da Vinci, surgeons like Pinnell quick to point out they do operate joystick-like devices to move robotic arms inside panot do “automatic-pilot” pro- tients. (Peoria Times photos by Tom Scanlon) cedures.

“There’s a misconception the robot is doing the surgery and the morrow,” he said of the patient. doctor is just standing in the corner,” Pinnell and other doctors say the da said Pinnell, a bariatric surgery special- Vinci device helps drastically reduce ist who also has an office in Glendale. recovery time, as it facilitates minimalIn the Abrazo operating room, he of- ly invasive surgical techniques. Rather ten does surgery on obese patients, re- than large openings required by traducing the size of the stomach with a ditional surgery, Pinnell often makes gastric band or removing a portion of small incisions. the stomach.

After, when he uses the da Vinci, he On a recent morning, he said he had does not physically touch the patient. just finished using the da Vinci to remove Rather, he is seated at the da Vinci cona dated gastric band. He then removed trol panel in the corner of the operating 75% of the patient’s stomach and insert- room. With his head under a hood, he ed a sleeve, using the robotic arms on the peers into a video screen; one of the 90-minute surgery. “She’ll go home to- arms of the da Vinci has a camera, giv-

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Members of Abrazo Arrowhead’s surgical services team recently celebrated surpassing 5,000 total robotic-assisted surgical procedures. Pictured are Chris Morgan, Patrick McConaughy, Sam Duncan and Sharon Rando. (Photo courtesy Abrazo Arrowhead)

ing the surgeon a magnified view of the inside of the patient. Other arms can be outfitted with cutting, gripping and sewing devices.

While robots are not required for minimally-invasive surgery, robotic surgical techniques helps the surgeon operate with precision, flexibility and improved control. According to medical manufacturer Intuitive, “The da Vinci Xi is versatile and flexible, with setup automation and guidance, promoting O.R. efficiency. It provides multi-quadrant access and is used for a variety of complex procedures.”

Jeff Patterson, chief executive officer at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, said the pace of robotic-assisted surgical technology continues on an upward trajectory.

“Continual innovations in minimally invasive surgery have made robot-assisted procedures an option for patients with a wide range of conditions. The da Vinci is often used for gynecology, urology, cancer, hernia and other procedures,” explained Patterson.

Dr. Dennis Scribner, a gynecologic oncology surgeon, is one of the da Vinci believers.

“Robotic surgery is the biggest advancement in surgical care in the last two decades,” Scribner said. “The technology provides the ability for us to perform procedures that have traditionally been done through large incision and now completed with incisions less than an inch.

“This has clearly improved patient care and their quality of life.”

Abrazo Arrowhead Campus has become a leader in robotics, hosting education and training opportunities for

surgeons from other hospitals who travel to Glendale to learn techniques used in robot-assisted surgery.

Others at Abrazo Arrowhead who use the Da Vinci include general surgeons Dr. Brian Prebil and Dr. Eric Thomas, colorectal surgeon Dr. Debora Fox-McClary, urologists Dr. David Kaplan and Dr. Chandan Kundavaram and urogynecologist Dr. Ali Azadi.

Literally looming over the others is Pinnell, a 6-foot-7 former basketball player. Pinnell hopes the da Vinci will help him avoid the chronic back pain often plaguing older surgeons.

Instead of hunching over an operating table, Pinnell spends most of his surgery days comfortably seated by the da Vinci console. “When I’m using the robot, I can operate all day and not have any pain at the end of the day,” he said.

Generally, he is far more concerned about the pain his patients endure than his own, which is another reason he is a big fan of robotic surgery.

“Narcotic abuse is one of our society’s biggest problems,” he said. “Half of my hernia repairs (using robotics) don’t use any narcotics, post-op.”

For a new patient who is not familiar with robotic devices, Pinnell said, “I try to explain traditional procedures and robotic repairs. Typically, I’ll show them pictures and explain the risks and benefits.

“In my view, it’s the safest operation.”

The word is getting out, said Becky Retterer, manager of Abrazo Arrowhead’s Surgical Services.

“Patients are more informed than they’ve ever been,” she said. “They’ll say, ‘I really want the robot.’”

Peoria Times

December 5, 2019 COMMUNITY FROM PAGE 3

and raffle tickets. Mhoon said the gala is more sustainable than previous events and she was excited to be a part of it.

“Instead of previous years where we were doing five-year pledges, which gave us a really hard time to truly forecast the money coming in from the event and making sure we were valuing the time and commitment to host an event.

“So, doing the gala was truly my intent to just streamline and make sure we were stewarding the dollars coming in more appropriately than we have in the past.”

New Life Center will continue to need proper funding because domestic abuse has been a social problem for quite some time, and it continues to be one.

“It was an issue 20 years ago, 10 years ago and it is still a very prevalent issue, not only in Arizona but nationally,” Mhoon said. “I always say domestic violence is not a women’s issue, but a community issue of making sure we are supporting survivors or victims currently in these situations with resources.”

New Life Center, however, doesn’t just focus on the victims but their families as

NEWS

7

The Cocopah Choir performed at the New Life gala.

The “Starry Night” gala raised funds for Goodyear-based New Life Center, one of the nation’s larges domestic violence shelters. (Photo courtesy New Life Center)

well. In fact, it is concerned with anyone who may be affected from an abusive relationship. Mhoon said these type of family dynamics often affects children.

“It trickles into the lives of the children bearing witness to this sort of corporate perpetration within their own house,” Mhoon said. “It truly affects the whole family and we have to continue to support those who are trying to flee and escape a domestic violence situation.”

Having been in the Valley for almost two decades, New Life Center continues to grow and spread its services. It is currently in the process of remodeling and the

cafeteria and laundry room and its staff hopes to continue to bring the updates.

It has recently expanded beyond domestic abuse.

“We just became a dual service agency, which means we are serving victims of domestic violence and sexual violence,” Mhoon said. “We are also working with law enforcement and prosecutors statewide to support and coordinate their training regarding sexual assault investigation.”

Mhoon said New Life Center has found success in helping victims of domestic abuse and it is those stories she wants people who are still victims of volatile relationships to know about.

“We’ve had so many success stories of women and men hold their own empowerment to truly escape and get out of a violent situation with New Life

Center, acting as a support to them to go through the steps to make sure they are safe and free,” Mhoon said.

New Life Center is an organization fueled by the passion of its community and dedicated to help those in need of guidance and services. Mhoon said she wants people to know they are available to help and the shelter is grateful of the community it serves.

“We truly can’t do the work without the West Valley and we are so appreciative to what the West Valley has truly done,” Mhoon said. “I am just here to make sure it sustains and continues to become one of the most sustainable nonprofits in the West Valley, and it’s just an honor to steward this agency in my leadership role.”

For more information: New Life, call 623-925-0965 or visit newlifectr.org.

8

Peoria Times

OPINION

December 5, 2019

For more opinions visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com

/PeoriaTimes

Both parties’ drug pricing plans would chill innovation and threaten lives

BY DREW JOHNSON Guest Writer

Since Nancy Pelosi became House Speaker in 2007, Republicans have spent an incredible amount of time and energy pushing back against her progressive policy proposals. That’s why it’s odd that the GOP’s newest drug pricing bill is a watered-down copy of one of Pelosi’s worst ideas.

Speaker Pelosi recently introduced H.R. 3, a drug pricing bill that would install what Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell called “socialist price controls” on most Medicare and Medicaid prescriptions. H.R. 3 would cause the price of certain drugs to soar, reduce the availability of many prescriptions, and dry up investment in innovative, life-saving drugs.

Republicans on the Senate Finance

Committee responded to Pelosi with their own, competing legislation.

The GOP drug pricing plan would install an inflation penalty that functions, according to Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), as socialist “price controls” on Medicare medicines. And just like the House Democrats’ drug pricing plan, the Republicans’ version would cause the price of certain drugs to soar, reduce the availability of many prescriptions, and dry up investment in innovative, life-saving drugs.

There’s not a dime’s worth of difference between the Democrats’ troubling drug pricing scheme and the Republican alternative.

Pelosi’s H.R. 3 would cap the price of prescriptions at 120 percent of the average price of the drug in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan

and the United Kingdom. Price controls on medicines have had devastating consequences in the countries Pelosi wants to emulate.

Of 220 new drugs launched from 2011 to 2017, 90 percent were available in the United States. Just twothirds were available to patients in the UK, only half were offered in Canada and France and a paltry onethird were available in Australia.

Medical innovation has also dried up in these countries. The portion of new medicines originating from the UK, France and Germany has been slashed in half over the past 40 years.

Unfortunately, the Senate Republicans’ alternative drug pricing plan is plagued with many of the same problems as Pelosi’s proposal.

Republicans call their price control scheme an “inflation penalty” but it functions the same as Pelosi’s socialist price cap. Under the GOP bill, if a drug price increases beyond the rate of inflation, the manufacturer has to pay a fine to the federal government equal to that cost hike.

Senate Republicans also want to force drug manufacturers to pay 20 percent of seniors’ prescription costs

once an individual’s out-of-pocketcosts reaches $3,100 annually.

The price caps, taxes, penalties and payments the House Democrats and Senate Republicans want won’t do much to actually lower costs to patients, but they will almost certainly cause Americans to die. That’s because these “solutions” all remove the incentive for drug manufacturers to invest money into R&D. It costs an average of $2.6 billion to bring a new drug to market. Under both proposals being floated in Congress, manufacturers would find it almost impossible to recoup their investment in developing new medicines. Not only would incentives to create groundbreaking, life-saving medicines also vanish, competition that lowers the price of drugs would dry up as well.

Senate Republicans should scrap their rip-off of the Democrats’ prescription proposal and do more to differentiate themselves from Speaker Pelosi’s big government drug pricing plan.

Drew Johnson is a senior fellow at the National Center for Public Policy Research.

SMITH’S OPINION — Las Vegas Sun

Peoria Times

December 5, 2019

OPINION

9

Trump’s course correction on e-cigarettes: Great idea, no matter his reasons Annie Karni, Maggie Haberman and Sheila Kaplan of the New York Times describe US President Donald Trump’s proposed ban on flavored e-cigarette products as “a swift and bold reaction to a growing public health crisis affecting teenagers” that Trump backed away from “under pressure from his political advisers and lobbyists to factor in the potential pushback from his supporters.”

Maybe they’re right about Trump’s motivations, but they’re wrong about pretty much everything else.

E-cigarettes are not a “public health crisis.” That supposed crisis is not “growing.” And to the extent that teenagers are negatively affected by e-cigarettes, the very “bold reactions” the three writers seem to favor are far more culpable than e-cigarettes themselves.

E-cigarettes are, according to all credible evidence, safer than burning sticks of tobacco -- sorry, FDA, you don’t get to tell me I can’t say so.

A few cases of lung injury from black market “street vapes” have been reported, the cause (use of vitamin E in the “juice”) seems to have been identified, and that

problem is already disappearing in the rear-view mirror.

Who buys “street vapes?” People who can’t buy the e-cigarette products they want legally, either because of content (cannabis) or age (the teenagers the Times authors imply they care about so much).

Banning flavored e-cigarette products wouldn’t stop teenagers, or anyone else, from getting flavored e-cigarette products.

It would just send even more of them to the “street vape” market for those products.

If Trump reconsidered his proposed ban due to political pressure and the desire to be re-elected, so what? A good decision is a good decision.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt once told a group of lobbyists, who were pushing a policy change at him, “Okay, you’ve convinced me. Now go out and bring pressure on me.”

That’s how politics works. Politicians appease voters and activist groups who can help or harm their careers. Sometimes that works out well for the public, sometimes it works out badly.

In this case it works out well -- certainly for the public, and possibly for Trump.

Much of the “I Vape and I Vote” demograph-

ic presumably falls outside his existing electoral “base,” and for at least some the issue matters enough to swing their votes.

Now Trump’s Democratic opponents need to decide which they value more: Their desire to run everyone’s lives at the expense of actual public health, or that

public health and those votes.

Thomas L. Knapp (Twitter: @thomaslknapp) is director and senior news analyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism (thegarrisoncenter.org). He lives and works in North Central Florida.

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Peoria Times

10 BUSINESS

December 5, 2019

For more business visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com

BY TOM SCANLON

Peoria Times Associate Editor

Congratulations to Cibola Vista Resort and Spa. And, for that matter, congrats to a half-dozen other businesses and the rest of Peoria.

In “The Prickly Pleasures of Peoria,” a Nov. 27 article, Forbes magazine writer Gretchen Kelly gets quite cozy in her compliments: “If falling in love with a cactus is your kind of passion, there are pleasures aplenty waiting for you in Arizona’s Peoria (yes, it was settled by the one in Illinois).

“Peoria is a community that encompasses a swath of Sonoran desert about an hour from downtown Phoenix.

“Like other towns in Arizona, it’s spring training country (the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres call

/PeoriaTimes

Business Briefcase

Peoria their winter home). It’s also the kind of place where people talk a lot about quality of life.”

Kelly made it a point to call out Peoria’s high-end resort: “Peoria itself is part of the expansion of Phoenix outwards in all directions. People come and stay in Peoria’s major resort, The Cibola Vista Resort and Spa (a Blue Green Vacations timeshare property) partly for the scenery (those cacti!) and the massive water slide but also for the fact members get VIP access to NASCAR at nearby ISM Raceway in Avondale.”

The Forbes writer covers pretty much all of Peoria, from Lake Pleasant to Old Town.

“Downtown, the city is preserving its old town with venues like the Lucidi Distilling Co. which is located in the

Old Town Peoria Entertainment District and is housed at the Historic Fire Station No. 1. Originally constructed in 1920 as Peoria’s first movie theater, the building later became our first fire station in 1954.

“The distillers here make daily mash runs using state of the art equipment, along with its hybrid pot still.”

Kelly even gives some love to the city’s “Proud of its slow pace and its emphasis on one-on-one welcomes, Peoria’s mascot is aptly named, ‘Prickly Pete.’ He’s the friendly Saguaro you’ll see emblazoned on brochures and notebook stickers.

“If you find yourself falling in love with Pete and his family of Saguaros and with the Arizona desert itself, consider Peoria your gateway drug to the rest of the State’s natural wonders.”

The Haymaker celebrates the opening of its newest restaurant this week at 8706 W. Thunderbird Road, Peoria.

The restaurant is hiring servers, cooks, hosts, bartenders and more. For information, call 623-440-9100, email thunderbird@haymakeraz.com or visit haymakeraz.com.

Also new in town: Pita Jungle.

The “healthy Mediterranean” restaurant opened this week at Park West in Peoria.

The new 4,400 square foot restaurant, located at 9792 W. Northern Avenue, Suite 1600 in Peoria next to Harkins Theatres, features a large open dining area with tables, booths and high tops, an inviting 20-seat square bar, and an outdoor covered patio with a communal table. For more information, visit pitajungle.com.

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December 5, 2019

Peoria Times

BUSINESS

11

Real estate agent supports first responders and veterans

BY ALISON STANTON

Peoria Times Contributing Writer

baby Wyatt was 9 months old. About two years later, her second son, Sawyer was born. The family resides in Peoria.

As Schuster noted, there are definitely some similarities between working in hospitality and real estate.

“Being a people person, being in hospitality was one of the best ways for me to learn about customer service and really knowing what people need,” she said.

For instance, because she understands not all first time home buyers will have a solid idea of what they need to do prior to listing their home, Schuster said she is happy to advise them on

Growing up as the daughter of a veteran, Haley Schuster learned at a very early age how important it is to care for members of the military, as well as first responders.

“It is in my blood to take care of the people who take care of us,” said Schuster, who is married to a city of Phoenix police officer who served in the U.S Marine Corps. They live in Peoria with their two children.

When Schuster got into the real estate business a couple of years ago, she made a commitment to donate 25% of her commission toward closing costs for all veterans and first responders she worked with.

Schuster, who joined Platinum Living Realty in late October, works in Scottsdale and said she is not only passionate about giving a generous portion of her commission to veterans and first responders but it is also great for business.

“I have really focused Haley Schuster recently took in a ball game with her husband, police officer, and their two sons. She donates 25% on giving back to first aofPhoenix her commission toward closing costs for veterans and first responders and veterans; responders she works with. (Photo courtesy Haley Schuster) in doing so, I tripled my business within a year,” she said. what they should put away before an “It is what I built my business off open house, as well as arrange for a of, it’s in my email tagline and if the professional cleaning, staging and amount ends up being more than the photographing of the home. closing costs, the money can go toward “I know buying or selling a home can buying my client’s interest rate down.” be one of the most stressful things, and Prior to jumping into real estate a few so I do everything I can to make it less years ago—Schuster worked for another stressful as possible.” company — where she spent over a And, as a wife of a police officer, decade working in hospitality refining Schuster said she truly understands her client-centric approach at Starwood the often atypical schedules many first Hotels, which is now Marriott. responders face and is happy to work with Although she enjoyed the work and like-minded clients, whenever she can. its focus on putting the customer first, “I get first responders and their Schuster said the long hours eventually lifestyle, and I know sometimes they got to her. are not available at all until 3 p.m. or “My husband pointed out we were another time. I’ve heard other officers paying about the same amount for say ‘she gets it because she lives it.’” daycare as I was making working,” Because first responders have such she said, adding he then suggested real busy work lives, Schuster said most estate would be a great fit for her. of her clients are looking for turnkey At the time, Schuster, who recently homes, rather than a project house with gave birth to their first son, looked into a big to-do list. real estate and got her license when Schuster said she is already enjoying

being part of Platinum Living Realty.

She works with clients from all over the valley, and since starting her career has sold a number of homes in Glendale, Peoria and further out locations like the San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Prescott.

While most of her clients are already aware of how she gives back a quarter of her commissions to the closing costs of veterans and first responders, Schuster said every once in a while a

new client is pleasantly surprised by her policy.

“Just last week I was working with a new buyer who is a Surprise police officer, and I was sending him home search information he saw my signature line for the first time,” she said.

“He took a screenshot of it, sent it to me and said ‘By the way, this is awesome.’ But I’ve always truly had a service lifestyle.”

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12

Peoria Times

SPORTS

December 5, 2019

For more sports visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com

/PeoriaTimes

Improving diversity in baseball scouting goal of women’s Scout School

BY LAMAR SMITH Cronkite News

With a goal to improve gender diversity in the world of baseball scouting, the Women’s Sports School held a five-day event - includeding the opportunity to learn from several baseball professionals.

Twelve women took part in the firstever “Scout School!” program in October. Jennifer Blatt, founder of WSS, had the idea after attending Major League Baseball’s “Take the Field” program a few years ago.

“It’s empowering for them,” Blatt said, “to just be in the room with so many like-minded women.”

MLB recently received a “C” for gender diversity, lower than several other pro leagues, by the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, based at the University of Central Florida. Its annual race and gender report grading professional sports leagues gave the NBA, for example, a “B.” Despite initiatives like “Take the Field,” Diversity Fellowship Program and the Diversity Pipeline, the number of women in MLB’s central office and professional positions has declined since last year’s report.

Women comprised only 30.8 percent of MLB’s Central Office professional staff, down from 31.8 percent the previous year.

And there is only one full-time female scout, the Seattle Mariners’ Amanda Hopkins, who spoke at the event.

The “Scout School!” program was designed to help strengthen knowledge of scouting and to increase understanding

A recent event trained women on baseball scouting, hoping to improve diversity in baseball. (Photo courtesy Cronkite News)

of women working in baseball operations. It’s part of a larger goal to get more women into baseball.

Participants consisted of college students, baseball interns and part-time baseball writers. Several were sponsored by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The cost was approximately $1,300 for instruction, materials and meals.

Boston Red Sox intern Julia Hernandez came to the event to further her understanding of scouting. Her love for scouting is tied to the uncertainty of the process.

“It’s not like the NBA Draft and the NFL Draft where it’s like, you know, who’s going to go one … one in every single draft,” Hernandez said. “In baseball, things can go wrong. You can find something out about a guy the night before the draft and it completely throws a

wrench into the entire process.”

Position players are graded on five tools: hitting, power, running speed, arm strength and fielding ability. Some tools are harder to predict than others.

“By far, the hitting tool and the power (tool) are the two most difficult,” former MLB Scout Don Mitchell said.

“Cody Bellinger hit one home run in high school.”

The other three tools are easier to measure, he said.

Bellinger, who played for Hamilton High School in Chandler before becoming a star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently won the 2019 NL MVP award after a breakout year that saw him hit 47 home runs and also win Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards at his position.

Predicting hitting and power can be

difficult because it’s hard to foresee how players will grow and how their bodies will develop, Mitchell said. Initial scouting reports cited strength as one of Bellinger’s major weaknesses.

At the end of each day, Scout School participants practiced the scouting techniques they learned in the classroom by evaluating players during Arizona Fall League games. The students used radar guns and stopwatches to track the velocity of pitches and the speed of each pitcher’s delivery.

During the first few days, Mitchell assigned each of the students’ specific players to observe during the games.

During the last two days, the students were allowed to choose who they wished to scout.

Hopkins spoke to the scouts about her experience working in baseball.

Many listening to Hopkins talk about her journey to the big leagues found her words reassuring.

“Her insight was incredible,” participant Sara Thibaut said. “Especially being the only major league woman scout, and just her advice, of staying the course.”

Hopkins, who has been a member of the Mariners staff for almost four years, is the only full-time female MLB scout.

“I’m really hopeful that through seminars like these women, in particular, can gain a lot more working knowledge and therefore put them in a position to be strongly and seriously considered for jobs in baseball,” Mitchell said.

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Peoria Times

December 5, 2019

SPORTS

13

Liberty football to play in championship

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF The Liberty Lions earned a sport at the 2019 AIA State 6A Football Championship.

A state championship title won’t be easy, as the 9-4 Lions face powerhouse Red Mountain Mountain Lions, who take a 12-1 record into the big game, at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.

Senior quarterback Jonah Guevara leads Liberty High football to the championship game. (Photo by Cheryl Hasselhorst)

The championship game is scheduled for Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Stadium.

Red Mountain’s explosive offense is averaging nearly 50 points per game; Jax Stam leads Liberty’s defense into the championship game. (Peoria Times photo by Eric Newman)

Zaccheus Cooper has made an impact as a freshman running back for Liberty football (Photo by Cheryl Hasselhorst)

with 620 points, the Mountain Lions have scored more than twice the 295 Red Mountain allowed.

Liberty scored 469 points, allowing 311 over the season.

Peoria’s Lions are led by senior quarterback Jonah Guevara, averaging just under 200 total yards per game.

Liberty freshman running back Zaccheus Cooper has rushed for 95 yards per game.

Liberty’s tough defense is anchored

by Jax Stam, a tackling machine defensive back.

Liberty is coached by Mark Smith, a former defensive coordinator in his first year as the head coach.

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Peoria Times

CALENDAR

ant Regional Park, take Lake Pleasant Access Road to South Park Road to Waterline Way to find the ten-lane boat ramp east parking lot. Follow the “Hike” signs from the main park entrance. For information, call 602-506-9556.

‘A Christmas Carol’

Peoria Times publishes on Thursday. The 9 Days a Week 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 within the city of Peoria.

9 Days a Week 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 Rachel Hagerman, rhagerman@timespublications.com, or faxed to 623-935-2103.

Thursday

5

Scrabble

Play a game of Scrabble at 12:30 p.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street.This Scrabble group meets weekly and welcomes new participants.

For information, call 623-773-7436.

Pinochle

Play a game of Pinochle at 1 p.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Attendance is free. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Planning and Zoning Commission

member at Glendale Community College. The group will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Teen Diversity

LGBTQ+ teens and their friends are invited to come to the library once a month for socializing and activities from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, email tonya.stuempfl@peoriaaz.gov.

Friday

6

The Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission meets the first and third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 8401 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-773-7340.

Crazy Times with Madame Patchouli

Learn the benefits of and ways parents can play with their children to maximize brain and skill development from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Toddler Time

Toddlers can play and learn beside their caregiver with group stories, music and fingerplays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Technology Classes: Social Media

Learn to download apps, take and transfer photos, use mobile websites and more in these technology classes from 2 to 3 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Registration is required. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Let’s Speak Spanish!

All speaking-levels are welcome to attend a Spanish practice group led

by James Abraham, a Spanish faculty

Saturday

Songercise (Ages 1-5)

7

Glow

Lasers, music and backlights will transform the indoor trampoline park into a jumping dance club from 8 to 11 p.m. at Sky Zone Peoria, 9040 W. Larkspur Drive, Suite 134. The park has trampoline dodgeball, a foam pit, a warrior course and more. Tickets are $20. All ages are welcome. Participants must wear an all-white or neon-color shirt.

Shirts will be available for $5. For information, call 623-979-4000.

Mini Bingo

Meet new friends over short rounds of bingo from 9:15 a.m. to noon at the American Legion Post 62, 9847 W. Desert Cove Avenue. For information, call 623-972-8372.

Help the Elves Workshop

Stop by for a festive time decorating cookies and making gifts for a friend or family member from 10 a.m. to noon at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Sunday

8

Bingo

Play a game of bingo at 12:30 p.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Individual bingo cards cost 25 cents and 50 cents for coverall.

For information, call 623-773-7436.

Enjoy songs, stories and crafts with the eccentric and much-loved Madame Patchouli from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. For information, call 623773-8650.

Enjoy a play at 7:30 p.m. in the Gyder Theater at Theater Works, 10580 N. 83rd Drive. In this show based on Charles Dickens’ writing, Ebenezer Scrooge takes an emotional journey through time with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Tickets are $16 to $37. For information, call 623-815-7930.

Early Bird Jump

The early bird gets the work from 10 a.m. to noon at Sky Zone Peoria, 9040 W. Larkspur Drive, Suite 134. Tickets are only $10 for two hours of jump time. This premier indoor trampoline park has trampoline dodgeball, a foam pit, a warrior course and more. For information, call 623-979-4000.

Distillery Tour

Children of all ages are welcome to join a fun service-oriented painting experience from 4 to 5 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue.

Today’s attendees will create letters and cards or gratitude for our soldiers. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Bring family and friends to see a craft distillery in action. Lucidi Distilling Co. tours are available at 1 p.m. Sundays.

Pricing starts at just $14 per person and includes a generous sampling of three kinds of spirits and a custom-made signature cocktail. The distillery is located in Historic Fire Station No. 1, 8307 W. Washington Street. To book a party and learn more, call 623299-8779.

Crystals, Minerals and Rocks

It’s Only Knit and Purl (Ages 16+)

Painting with a Purpose

See, touch and learn about crystals, minerals and rocks of the desert surrounding Lake Pleasant from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Discovery Center at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 39345 N. Overlook Road. For information, call 602-506-9556.

Hiking through a Desert Forest

Join rangers on a hike of two and a half miles through the desert forest from 9 to 11:30 a.m. After entering Lake Pleas-

Make friends as you knit, crochet or quilt from 1 to 3 p.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Monday

9

December 5, 2019

Private Riding Lessons

Arizona Riders private horseback riding lessons are available from 5 to 8 p.m. for all levels of experience from children ages 3 and older to adults. Arizona Riders is located at 15125 N. 83rd Avenue.

For information, call 602-403-9560.

Line Dances

Have a fun morning of line dancing from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street.

The class does not require a partner dancer. Attendance is $5. For information, call 623-773-7436.

SilverSneakers

The focus of this class in on toning muscles and building overall strength.

The class is comparable to the Fit After 50 exercise program and takes place at 9:30 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Attendance is $1.50 for nonmembers. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Purposeful Play Group

Children can practice socialization, participate in creative play and stimulate brain developments with a fun, free play group from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-7737555.

Technology Classes: Facebook

Learn to download apps, take and transfer photos, use mobile websites and more in these technology classes from 2 to 3 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Registration is required. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Manga and Comics Book Group

Join other teen graphics fans in discussing manga, comics and anime while playing games and sharing stories from 5 to 6 p.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Tuesday

will celebrate the holiday season with delicious food prepared by Sharko’s Catering. Explore ancestral collectible treasures on display, sing along to a few tunes, participate in several raffles and discover more about family trees. The celebration will begin at 11 a.m. in the Quail Room at Sun City West Foundation, 14465 W. RH Johnson Boulevard, Sun City West. The club, which has a $5 annual fee, will also have an election of officers. For club reservations, call 623546-8900.

Toddler Time: Step Up from Baby Steps

Toddler Time embraces the energy of toddlers with entertaining songs, dances, crafts and stories from 9:30 to 10 a.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Teddy Bear Storytime

Children ages 2 to 6 are invited to a late-evening storytime event from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. Pajamas and teddy bears are optional. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Wednesday

11

Westside Stitchers

Join others in a variety of needlecraft projects including knitting, crocheting, sewing, embroidery and beading at 12:30 p.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Free Ice Skating Lessons

AZ Ice Peoria offers one skating class for free every Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. at 15829 N. 83rd Avenue. The intro class is available for children and adults of all ages. After the class, an evaluator will provide a class recommendation.To register, email bridgetk@azice.com.

Sew Smart

10

Pool Tournament

Compete in a pool tournament from 5 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion Post 62, 9847 W. Desert Cove Avenue. For information, call 623-972-8372.

Tai Chi Essentials

Learn Tai Chi from 9 to 9:50 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Attendance is $1.50. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Board of Adjustment

The City of Peoria Board of Adjustment meets at 5:30 p.m. second Tuesdays in the City Council Chambers, 8401 W. Monroe Street.

Busy Bee Crafters

This creative group meets weekly to share ideas and work on a variety of craft projects at 9 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street.

For information, call 623-773-7436.

Zumba

Instructor Akua Jitahadi will lead a Zumba class at 8 a.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. Thursdays at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Attendance is $1.50 for nonmembers. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Holiday Season Celebration

The Czech-Slovak American Club

Bring or start a sewing project at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Library sewing machines are available for use.

For information, email mary.vass@peoriaaz.gov.

Baby Steps

Learn how to help babies step into reading more easily from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Storytime (Ages 3-5)

Ms. Jenni will share stories, songs, poems and activities from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Card and Board Game Afternoon (Ages 18+)

Come play fan favorite games like Phase 10, UNO, Old Maid, Hearts and Rummikub with other adults from 2 to 3 p.m. at Sunrise Mountain Library, 21109 N. 98th Avenue. For information, call 623-773-8650.

Thursday

12

Thrifty Thursdays

Children of all ages are admitted to Jumper’s Jungle Family Fun Center at 9299 W. Olive Avenue, Suite 406, for

only $5. The center is complete with bouncy houses, super slides, inflatable obstacles and more. For information, call 623-322-4100.

Shuffleboard

Join friends for a game of shuffleboard from 5 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion Post 62, 9847 W. Desert Cove Avenue. For information, call 623-9728372.

Grab Bag Bingo

Enjoy eight games of free bingo at 10:45 a.m. at Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson Street. Winners choose from an assortment of grab bags. For information, call 623-773-7436.

Northwest Speakers Toastmasters Club

Become a stronger leader and speaker in biweekly meetings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on second and fourth Thursdays at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, email vppr4318@toastmastersclubs.org.

Toddler Time

Toddlers can play and learn beside their caregiver with group stories, music and fingerplays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. For information, call 623-773-7555.

Rocking Reindeer Family Holiday Event

Celebrate the holidays during a funfilled night with holiday music, crafts, hot chocolate and cookie decorating from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Peoria Main Library, 8463 W. Monroe Street. Registration is required. For information, call 623-773-7562.

Friday

13

Holiday Family Campfire Sing-along

Bring the entire family to celebrate the holiday season around a campfire from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Discovery Center Amphitheater at Lake Pleasant Regional Park, 39345 N. Overlook Road.

There will be guitar music, a new wildlife playground for the kids and a great view of Lake Pleasant. For information, call 602-506-9556.

‘Elf the Musical’

Enjoy dinner and a performance of “Elf the Musical” at the Arizona Broadway Theater, 7701 W. Paradise Lane, at 5:30 p.m. This musical is based on the 2003 film starring Will Ferrell, which shares the hilarious tale of Buddy, who is adopted by an elf in the North Pole.

When Buddy grows up, he embarks on a journey to New York City to find his father and discover his true identity.

Cost is $36.20 to $89.99. For information, call 623-776-8400.

Peoria Times

December 5, 2019

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Peoria Times

16 FEATURES

December 5, 2019

For more features visit peoriatimes.com /PeoriaTimes

PeoriaTimes.com

Hospice of the Valley provides support to parents

BY LIN SUE COONEY

Peoria Times Guest Writer

Fear, guilt and loneliness consumed Jamie Stutzman and Kathleen Muldoon, two working moms whose children require round-the-clock medical care.

Jamie’s 8-year-old daughter, Reesa, was born with a rare and acute neurological condition that damages the nervous system, causing stunted development, hearing loss, fevers and many other challenges. There’s no cure for Krabbe disease and treatment consists mostly of managing Reesa’s symptoms.

Kathleen’s son, Gideon Dobson, who just turned 6, was born with severe brain damage, cerebral palsy and other debilitating conditions. Tests confirmed Gideon was infected with CMV (cytomegalovirus) when Kathleen was pregnant.

Both families credit Hospice of the Valley’s Pediatric Palliative Home

Reesa Stutzman with her parents and siblings. (Photos courtesy Hospice of the Valley)

Care program with giving them hope, strength and a sense of community to overcome the physical, emotional and social struggles of raising medically fragile children.

“As a mom, my biggest fear is that something would happen to Reesa when I’m alone with her. And that’s a scary thought. Because you think, ‘Is it going to be my fault? Did I not do

something right?’ With Hospice of the Valley, I have 24-hour support,” Jamie said. “If Reesa is sick or acting in a way that I know isn’t her normal, I can call and a nurse can come over to my house. I don’t need to put Reesa in a car and take her to the hospital or the pediatrician’s office. It’s all done here.

Even her prescriptions are brought to our home.”

Equally important, the Scottsdale mother of three adds, “I can be a mom and not a caregiver. That sense of comfort that I have 24/7 is really invaluable, and I don’t know what our family would do it without it.”

Pam Ruzi is a Hospice of the Valley medical social worker who specializes in the unique needs of children with chronic, life-limiting illnesses. Because Hospice of the Valley offers the SEE HOSPICE PAGE 19

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Peoria Progress Peoria Progress Peoria Times

www.peoriachamber.com

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33 An Involved Community is a Thriving Community.

Connect with us

Our commitment to supporting our community

BY PEORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Congratulations to Ambassador of the quarter!

BY PEORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Peoria Chamber is partnering with the Peoria Unified School District to once again “adopt” 40 families for the holidays. We can use your help in filling the holiday wish lists for these families by either dropping off an unwrapped gift or gift card to the Chamber offices or join us for some fun from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at our P83 Holiday Jam/Open House with Huntington University.

You can bring your gift to the event or purchase a vendor table to offer last minute holiday gifts.

Congratulations to Shanna Black of the Montecito for being recognized as Ambassador of the Quarter!

Pictured left to right, Scot Andrews, President and CEO of Peoria Chamber, Lisa Norman, Business Development Manager, Gabriel Rivas, Shanna Black, Nicole Lewis, Gail Allen and David Tracy.

2020 Charity Golf Tournament Dec. 10 We are excited to host a first-class golf tournament at the No. 1 golf course in Arizona, Quintero Golf Club! Partial proceeds are going back

to support our Peoria First Responders. Special discounted pricing for all first responders and early bird pricing good through Dec. 10.

Sponsorships are available. Visit our website for more details.

Congratulations to our Military Affairs Committee for a successful Veteran’s Day event!

Pictured left to right, Scot Andrews, Peoria Councilman Bill Patena, Mayor Cathy Carlat and Chairman of Peoria Chamber MAC Committee Brandon Bettis.

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Peoria Progress

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December 5, 2019

Committed to providing more value to our members

BY PEORIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE We were thrilled at the number of members (and guests) who attended our new Biz Bites event at Giordanos! Keeping with our commitment to provide more value to our members, Biz Bites will allow us to tackle one topic per month that is a common challenge for our service-based business owners.

We will tap into resources from our membership to provide hands on tools and strategies for immediate implementation. Biz Bites is a lunch meeting the second Wednesday of each month.

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Peoria Progress

December 5, 2019

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Member Spotlight

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With that growth, the need for funding grows also. Our funding comes solely from fundraisers, private donations, grants and memberships. We do not receive aid from the state or county. Sun Cities 4 Paws is reaching out to our community partners for support to help us maintain the high level of care that we give to all the cats we intake, which includes testing and vaccinations, spay and

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Our website 4pawsrescue.org is set up to keep all aware of happenings at the shelter, including available cats, upcoming events and volunteer opportunities but also as an education and information resource. Any questions, please contact Deb Heise at deb.heise@4pawsrescue.org.

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Peoria Progress

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Calendar of Events

Networking Breakfast Dec. 3 7:30 - 08:45 a.m.

The Montecito 17271 N 87th Ave Peoria, AZ 85382

Coffee is for Closers Dec. 5 7 - 8 a.m.

The Haymaker 8706 W Thunderbird Rd Peoria, AZ 85381

One Year Anniversary Ribbon Cutting - Kawaii Sushi Dec. 4 10:30 a.m. - noon Kawaii Sushi and Asian Cuisine - Deer Valley 8385 W Deer Valley Rd Ste.114 Peoria, AZ 85382

Women 4 Women Networking Group Dec. 6 8:15 - 9:45 a.m.

Arrowhead Valley Retirement Resort 20025 N 81st Ave Peoria, AZ 85382

Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting – The Haymaker Thunderbird Dec. 4 4 – 8 p.m.

The Haymaker Thunderbird 8706 W Thunderbird Rd Peoria, AZ 85381 Biz Sips Dec. 4 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Revolu Modern Taqueria and Bar 15703 N 83rd Ave #110 Peoria, AZ 85382

Connecting the Chamber & Community - The Haymaker Dec. 10 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

The Haymaker - Peoria 24762 N Lake Pleasant Pkwy Peoria, AZ 85383 Biz Bites Dec. 11 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Giordano’s 16222 N 83rd Ave Peoria, AZ 85382

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P83 Holiday Jam Open House Dec. 12 3 - 6 p.m.

Huntington University/Peoria Chamber 8385 W. Mariners Way Peoria, AZ 85382 Networking Breakfast Dec. 17 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.

The Auberge 13391 N 94th Dr Peoria, AZ 85382 New Member Orientation & Social Dec. 18 5 - 7 p.m.

Arrowhead Valley Retirement Resort 20025 N 81st Ave Peoria, AZ 85382 Women 4 Women Networking Group Dec. 20 8:15 - 9:45 a.m.

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Newsbrief

Advertising discounts with the Peoria Times. Chamber members are entitled to discounted advertising rates in the “Peoria Progress.”

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Peoria Times

December 5, 2019

FEATURES

17

Josh Lucas explores hypnosis in ‘Murderous Trance’

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Peoria Times Executive Editor

“Ford vs. Ferrari” actor Josh Lucas is used to playing sweet characters like Jake Perry in “Sweet Home Alabama.”

In “Murderous Trance,” which opens Dec. 6 at the Arrowhead 18 in Peoria, he stars as Björn Schow Nielsen, a notorious criminal and master of mind control. The film is a psychological thriller based on a true post-World War II incident in Denmark that explores whether hypnosis can compel one to murder.

“The guy’s a serial killer who also happens to be new age-y,” Lucas said with a laugh.

“It’s an incredibly weird duality. It was challenging in that we shot it in a period of eight days—a very intense eight-day shoot in Croatia. I was very jetlagged and I used the fact that I was so exhausted and jetlagged to fuel the madness of him in a way and try to understand his charisma.”

The film was directed by award-winning Finnish filmmaker and documen-

tarian Arto Halonen, and it also features Pilou Asbæk (“Game of Thrones,” “Ben-Hur” and “Ghost in the Shell”) as the Danish police detective who pursues him.

Lucas called Halonen the Werner Herzog of Finland. Halonen has received the Finland Prize and the Humanitarian Film Award of the European Union. He has been celebrated for his choice of socially conscious and timely topics.

“He does these extraordinary documentaries,” Lucas said. “He’s fascinated with real-life stories and he’s practiced hypnosis. He’s been under hypnosis quite a bit. He’s immersed himself in the science of the art of hypnosis.

“He’s a very amazing and interesting director. I also love making movies in places I’ve never been and in worlds I’ve never been like Croatia and Serbia.”

Lucas was inspired to appear in the film because of Halonen’s experiences and the fact that “Murderous Trance” is a true story.

“It was kind of fun to sink my teeth into that level of debauchery,” he said with a laugh. “He’s a true sociopath who literally doesn’t have to think

about people. There’s no empathy with that character. He’s just mad all around.”

Halonen said it took some time to develop the film, but he still considers it “very timely,” considering the madness in the world, “With politics and social media, we’re all very much manipulated,” he said in broken English. “A lot of elections around the world have been manipulated. I was also studying hypnosis and, in that time, reading a lot of books.

“This is a very important, amazing story to tell. How can you circumvent morality and go inside of people? That’s the same method with what happens all around us. That’s why I felt great to try to make the film about this.”

He said Lucas was the perfect actor for the role of Nielsen.

“I really love his voice and his eyes and handsome look,” Halonen said. “I felt it was a fantastic combination for a person like this. We offered the role for him and I’m really happy he did it.”

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Peoria Times

FEATURES

December 5, 2019

A very special kind of Santa is returning to the Westgate Entertainment District

BY APRIL MORGANROTH Peoria Times Staff Writer

The twinkling lights, holiday cheers, dazzling displays and the booming music coupled with large crowds aren’t things most would even bat an eye at this time of year—unless, of course, you or a family member happen to be on the autism spectrum. In which case, things can easily and often do go awry very quickly.

Something as simple as a visit to Santa during the holiday season can become a nightmare for a family with an autistic member. In fact, according to the Autism Speaks Arizona spokeswoman Heidi Naranjo, many families forego the Santa experience simply because it’s so traumatic.

Sozoften, siblings also miss out on holiday experiences, such as visiting Santa’s workshop nestled in front of AMC Theaters at Fountain Park on the north side of Westgate next to Buffalo Wild Wings.

Westgate Entertainment District is making it a little easier for those families. From 10 to 11:30 a.m. this Saturday, Dec. 7, families with special-needs children are invited to visit the sensory-friendly Santa Workshop to see the big guy.

Space is limited and slots fill up fast, according to Westgate Entertainment District spokeswoman Amber Liptai. To sign up, visit westgateaz.com, click on the “Santa Cares: A Sensory-Friendly Santa Photo Experience” tab to be directed to the Eventbrite signup. Or by using this Autism Speaks

link: www.autismspeaks.org/events/ sensory-friendly-santa-westgate-entertainment-district.

“Families should know this is a free event and they can bring cameras and/ or cellphones take their own photos.

We will be offering a professional photo package for a fee at the event,” Liptai explained.

“For those families who will miss the allotted time slot, or when spots fill up, they are still welcomed to come visit the sensory-friendly Santa, it will just be with the general public instead. We will alert Santa he has a special package in line to see him.”

Naranjo said Autism Speaks and Cherry Hill Programs partnered with malls and shopping centers nationwide to dim Santa’s workshop lights, lower the sound of nearby tinkering elves and extend the time each child can spend with Santa. Many autistic children need to warm up to Jolly Ol’ St. Nick, before approaching him. Santa will even get down to a child’s level on his famous Christmas red carpet in his shop, just to make an autistic child and family feel welcomed.

“All families with children with autism and other special needs can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa, in a more subdued and calmer environment,” Naranjo says.

“We love having this opportunity to open Santa’s workshop, one day every holiday season for two hours so that families with sensory and autism needs can still experience Santa,” Liptai said.

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Autism stats According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s last report in 2014, roughly 1 in 71 children aged 8 were identified with an autism spectrum disorder in Arizona. It is 15% higher than its previous study where 1 in 59 children aged 8, were identified with ASD. Although the CDC estimates that number to be closer to 1 in 59 in Arizona, a spokesperson did say it can change once the new report is released in 2020.

“Even though the rates of autism in Arizona seem to have gotten better from the last report, it is important to realize these numbers are only estimates,” said Dr. Christopher Smith, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center vice president and research director.

“Given these rates are only based on 8-year-old children and people continue to get diagnosed with ASD after age 8, it is probably most accurate to consider the rates to be between 1.5 and 2% of the population.”

However, Smith says the importance still lies with early detection and diagnosis. The CDC reports many children with ASD typically start to show autism symptoms and signs by age 3 and are diagnosed many times before entering kindergarten. But, some children remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to several factors, including lack of access to medical providers, long waitlists in Arizona, slowly developing symptoms or subtle signs easily missed by pediatricians, parents and community partners who have limited, little or no experience and knowledge about autism.

SAARRC and the CDC report there are still disparity gaps in diagnosing children with ASD. Boys are 3.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with ASD because parents will initiate a conversation with doctors about commonly thought typical-boy behaviors in

school, which are later identified as ASD behaviors. Caucasian children are 1.6 times more likely to be diagnosed than Hispanic American children and African-American children are 1.9 times more likely to be diagnosed than Hispanic American children due to environmental factors.

More than 90% of parents with ASD children had developmental concerns by the time their children were 3 years old, according to the CDC. Of that 90%, only 34% received comprehensive developmental evaluations by age 3. Many children don’t receive developmental services until after kindergarten starts.

The Arizona autism community is discussing lowering the age of diagnosis to help target and address ASD services early on. Now Arizona children cannot have an official diagnosis until kindergarten. By then, many struggling families have given up on “normal” holiday traditions.

This translates to and dictates how families maneuver and manage ASD symptoms during normal family functions, such as holiday traditions, like visiting Santa, Naranjo reported.

She adds autism looks different in every child, which adds to the confusion and delay of an ASD diagnosis.

“What might bug or traumatize one autistic child, may not another,” Naranjo says. “Those little issues, like an A/C blowing too hard or lights are too bright, often change and morph as children age and learn to manage triggers.”

Sometimes new triggers emerge as children age or environments change.

Compounding these issues is the evolving definitions and diagnostic codes in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, also known as the DSM-5.

Naranjo says this complicates how and when children are diagnosed because “autism truly looks different in every child and often, a child with autism looks normal. It’s not like a child with down syndrome or MS, where there is a physical and noticeable feature. Autism is more of a neurological, mental and socioemotional disorder. It’s something you just can’t ‘see,’ so to speak.”

Familiar Santa Westgate’s Santa knows every child well and knows what the children need, Liptai expressed.

“His elves have taught him that some-

Peoria Times

December 5, 2019

times he needs to wait for a child to come to him, and it could take 10 or more minutes before an autistic child is ready to walk up to him,” Naranjo adds.

“Santa also knows some autistic children simply want to admire him from afar and are perfectly content with doing so. This special time at the Outlets in Anthem is designed specifically for a full family experience where the autistic child, siblings and entire family can experience the wonder and awe of Christmas and Santa in a less stressed and simulated environment before the shopping crowds show up.”

As for Santa’s special holiday wish this year?

“Ho, Ho, Ho, my wish for children who visit me this year is to show kindness, show politeness and show a smile to each other,” the jolly cheermeister said with a twinkle in his eye.

“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all my ‘special families’ and children of the world,” Santa added.

Above all, he wants to promote holiday cheer in the eyes of families who previously were not able to experience a visit to his workshop.

For more information please visit: westgateaz.com or .autismspeaks.org.

FEATURES

HOSPICE FROM PAGE 16

resource for finding support for our whole family.

I can be a mom to Gideon and to my other two kids. It’s nice to know we’re not alone, that we can call Pam anytime we need.”

She pauses for a moment and smiles. “I’m just happy to live in a place where people are able to hold my hand, and even through the scary time, to know that there are people who understand you.”

To learn more about Hospice of the Valley’s pediatric programs, call 602-636-2232 or visit hov.org.

Lin Sue Cooney is Hospice of the Valley’s director of engagement.

only perinatal, pediatric hospice and palliative care program in Arizona, she is a safety net for both Reesa and Gideon — and about a 100 other pediatric outreach families in the Valley.

“Our pediatric care programs across the board provide so much support.

There’s a huge security because once on our programs, all they need to do is pick up a phone and call,” Pam said.

“We’re going to come into the home and we’re going to provide comfort.”

Kathleen turned down a job offer out of the state “because it didn’t have the kind of support that Hospice of the ValSean, Jamie and Reesa Stutzman with their Hospice of the Valley social worker, Pam Ruzi.

ley provides. The pediatric palliative care has been invaluable to support us in our home. I don’t think that we could function as we want to as a family without that kind of support.”

And the Peoria mom especially doesn’t want to part with her beloved social worker.

“It’s just so wonderful to know that we have someone who understands us and understands our family,” Kathleen said. “Pam has been such a great

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Sean Dobson and Kathleen Muldoon with their son, Gideon Dobson.

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Peoria Times

20 FEATURES

December 5, 2019

Five simple tips to stay healthy this holiday season MILD MILD MILD PAIN PAIN PAIN

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There’s plenty of ways to keep healthy, and not push to the side all of the hard work you’ve done leading up to the Christmas season. While I don’t want to turn into Scrooge over Christmas, I wanted to write this to let you know there’s a middle ground between overdoing it at all of your holiday parties and replacing all chocolate

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with vegetables instead.

do your best to stick to it. And even if that goes Here are 5 tips to help out the window, give you: yourself at least 10 min• Switch Things up in utes of “me time” every the Kitchen: day, so you don’t always There’s a handful of feel like you’re running easy swaps that can comaround trying to get bat the excess indulging things done. and keep you feeling • Bring a Healthy Ophealthy. Why not try tion: sweet potatoes instead If you’ve been asked to Nick Hunter. (Photo courof your usual spuds? Dr. bring a dish along with tesy Preferred Physical Therapy) They’re high in fiber, poyou to a holiday party, tassium and vitamin A – look up a healthy recipe just a handful of essential nutrients a for everyone to enjoy. Christmas parlot of us miss out on. ties don’t have to be full of unhealthy • Eat More Citrus: options!

Try to begin and end each day with a And for my final tip for today… cup of hot water and lemon. Put in your • Take Some Time Out: fridge a fresh jug of water with sliced Seriously, do it. Find time to play up lemon – this is a great way to get a family board game, read a book, or the body ready in the morning and it’s watch your favorite show. Taking some also great for detox! And if you’re feel- quality time out of your busy schedule ing under the weather, add a teaspoon this time of year is essential to de-stress. of raw honey to chase the winter bugs There you have it, five simple ways away. to not get as stressed and stay healthy • Take Care of Yourself: this time of year.

We’re all aware of the importance of exercise and a healthy, balanced, Dr. Nick Hunter is the founder of Preferred Physical Therapy, 18301 N. 79th Avenue, diet – but this time of year it can be Suite B122, Glendale; for more information, easy to let those good habits slip. If call 623-486-3333 or visit preferredptaz.com you’ve already established a routine,

Bellevue Heights sings in the holidays with a unique ‘gift to the community’

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF Two special events will sing in the Christmas season with beauty and excitement, said David Tomb, associate pastor of Bellevue Heights Church in Sun City.

“These events are our gift to the community,” said Tomb. “It is a way for us to give back to the community and host neighbors throughout the West Valley.”

At 4 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, the Christmas story will be brought to life in“Have You Heard,” featuring the Bellevue Heights Choir, an orchestra, and a troupe of actors and dancers.

The music by composer Joel Raney features familiar Christmas texts set to beloved Irish and Welsh folk songs.

The celebration will be joined by choirs from Phoenix Christian Preparatory School, adding sparkle young lives bring to Christmas. A cookie reception will follow the concerts.

From 2 until 8:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, the Bellevue Heights Community Christmas Block Party will feature something of interest for all ages. The Party includes a live nativity, a nativity petting zoo, free hot-air balloon rides, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, classic cars, and more.

There is no admission charge and all attractions are free.

The Block Party also includes free concerts by the Desert Aires, HarpSynergy, Sounds of the Southwest Singers, Tombstone Cowboy Trio and the Phoenix Christian High School Chorale.

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

On any night, through December, check-out the stunning light display on the church, from the corner of Burns and Hutton. For more information, call 623-977-8308 or visit bhcsuncity.com.

Peoria Times

December 5, 2019

FEATURES

GOby FIGURE! Linda Thistle ANSWERS ON PAGE 26

King Crossword ACROSS 1 Zinger 5 Nuisance 9 Oprah’s network 12 Chills and fever 13 Viscous 14 Dove’s call 15 Short musical works 17 “Hail, Caesar!”

18 Yule quaff 19 Fairy tale villains 21 Chic 22 Island porch 24 Formerly 27 Evergreen type 28 Break suddenly 31 Tasseled topper 32 Lobe locale 33 Gorilla 34 Dread 36 Attempt 37 Car sticker no.

38 Batman’s pal 40 Proceed

41 Dishes 43 Commercial song 47 Scoot 48 Varieties of wheat 51 Carte lead-in 52 Handle 53 Point 54 Clear the tables 55 Stitches 56 Wan

DOWN 1 Foundation 2 Enthusiastic 3 Ladder step 4 Cap with a propeller 5 Bluenose 6 A billion years 7 Hot tub 8 Mike of the ring 9 Simple wind instruments 10 Used a loom 11 Vetoers’ votes

16 Heavy weight 20 Petrol 22 Memorize 23 Distorted 24 Vacationing 25 Born 26 Ivan’s and Peter’s wives 27 Bigfoot’s cousin 29 Spring mo.

30 Vigor 35 Director Howard 37 “Friends” role 39 Soaks up some rays 40 Hodges of baseball lore 41 Seafood entree 42 Streaming video giant 43 Apple co-founder 44 Wildebeests 45 Whip 46 Catch sight of 49 Away from WSW 50 Do some lawn work

SUDOKU TIME

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H H

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

21

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

DIFFICULTY THIS WEEK H H

H Moderate HH Challenging HHH HOO BOY!

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

SCRAMBLERS Unscramble the letters within each rectangle to form four ordinary words.

Then rearrange the boxed letters to form the mystery word, which will complete the gag!

Peoria Times

22 RELIGION

December 5, 2019

For more religion visit peoriatimes.com Peoria Times.com

/PeoriaTimes

The eyes have it: Alas, no more z’s (snooze alarm) CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION Pastor Ed Delph Peoria Times Columnist

For fifty-one years Bob Edens was blind. He couldn’t see a thing. His world was a black hall of sounds and smells. He felt his way through five decades of darkness. And then he could see.

A skilled surgeon performed a complicated operation, and for the first time, Bob Edens had sight. He found it overwhelming. “I never would have dreamed that yellow is so . . . yellow,” he exclaimed. “I don’t have the words.

I am amazed by yellow. But red is my favorite color. I just can’t believe red.

I can see the shape of the moon. I like nothing better than seeing a jet plane flying across the sky leaving a vapor trail. And of course, sunrises and sun-

sets. At night I look at the stars in the sky and the flashing light. You could never know how wonderful everything is.

Max Lucado is his book, “God Came Near,” offers his insight to us on Bob Edens comments “He’s right. Those of us who have lived a lifetime with vision can’t know how wonderful it must be to be given sight. However, Bob Edens isn’t the only one who spent a lifetime near something without seeing it. Few are the people who don’t suffer from some form of blindness. Amazing, isn’t it?

We live next to something for a lifetime, but unless we take time to focus on it, it doesn’t become a part of our life. Unless we somehow have our

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blindness lifted, our world is but a black cave.”

Think about it. Just because one has witnessed a thousand rainbows doesn’t mean he’s seen the grandeur of one. One can live near a garden and fail to focus on the splendor of the flower. A man can spend a lifetime with a woman and never pause to investigate

her soul.

Jesus. Have you seen him? Those who first did were never the same. “My Lord and my God!” cried Thomas. “I have seen the Lord,” exclaimed Mary Magdalene. “We have seen his glory,” declared John. “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked?” rejoiced the two Emmaus-bound disciples. But Peter said it best. “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.”

It’s wonderful to get your sight back, like in the case of Bob Eden’s. There are others though that have their eyesight and still can’t see. That is what Max Lucado was speaking about too.

Sometimes we can see something, yet not see it. We have cognition but not recognition. Cognition is knowledge.

Recognition is understanding. Recognition is seeing and understanding, leading to a transformation in the way we see and then live.

Here’s my concern for us. Let me personalize it. There is something you are not seeing in your life and it could be costing you dearly.

Here’s some examples of seeing something deeper and perhaps truer than what we initially see. Take the word DORMITORY. Using the same letters, seen differently, spells DIRTY ROOM. That’s kind of prophetic, isn’t it? PRESBYTERIAN spells BEST IN PRAYER. The Presbyterian’s will like that. ASTRONOMER seen differently spells MOON STARER. THE EYES seen through different lenses is THEY SEE. MORSE CODE seen differently is HERE COME DOTS. SLOT MACHINES seen differently is CASH LOST IN ME. (Aha!). ELECTION RESULTS seen differently is

LIES LETS RECOUNT. SNOOZE ALARMS is ALAS NO MORE Z’S. DECIMAL POINT seen differently is IM A DOT IN PLACE. Lastly, ELEVEN PLUS TWO, seen differently is TWELVE PLUS ONE. It’s one thing to have no sight, like Bob. It’s another thing to have insight when you have sight, like Bob. Sometimes things are not as they appear, an illusion. Other times things are as they appear. Then we play ostrich, hiding our heads in the sand and ignoring what we don’t want to accept.

The same thing happened to Jesus on Christmas Day. Some would see him, others wouldn’t. Herod, the Roman king wouldn’t see him. Jerusalem wouldn’t see him. The religious leaders wouldn’t see him. Yet he was there all the time. The shepherds saw him.

Wise men saw him. Angels saw him.

Sometimes seeing is believing. Other times believing is seeing.

Most people haven’t heard the good news of the gospel. How do I know?

Because most are unsure of who God is and what he thinks of them. They think God is mad at them, like an old man with a switch, ready to pounce on them.

The truth is God’s man about them.

The truth is God is good. God sent Jesus to redefine himself. In Jesus, God was saying, “People, here is what I look like. Here’s what I think like and love like. Don’t be misled by the optics and rhetoric of the spiritually blind or jaded.

Open the eyes of your head and heart and see me. Rearrange the words in your head. It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see that matters.”

Someone once said, “Christianity, in its purest form, is nothing more than seeing Jesus. Christian service, in its purest form, is nothing more than imitating him who we see.” You may discover you were blind but not you see.

You may discover you were blind to who God is and what he does but not you can see.

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

Peoria Times

623-979-3239 www.churchatcactus.org Member of AWAB (Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists)

A place of Grace

Mass Schedule - Spanish Fri 6:00pm (OLPH) Sat 7:00pm (Capilla) Sun 10:00am (Capilla), 12:30pm (OLPH) & 3:00pm (OLPH)

First United Methodist Church of Glendale 7102 N. 58th Drive In Historic Downtown Glendale

Sunday Services: 8:00 am - Communion 9:00 am - Traditional Worship 10:10 am - Sunday School 11:11 am - Blended Worship

623.939.1409 glendalefirstumc.com

Nursery Provided

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

Harvest CHurCH 8340 W. Northern

Northern Ave. Glendale Ave.

Lutheran Church - ELCA

Roman Catholic Parish Glendale

Mass Schedule - English M-F 6:15am & 8:30am Sat 8:30am & 5:00pm Sun 6:30am, 8:30am & 10:30am

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

Shepherd of the Desert

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP 5614 W. Orangewood Ave., Glendale • 623-939-9785 www.olphglendale.com

Dr. Ron G. Rockwell – Pastor

83rd Ave.

Sunday Activities: 9:00 am - Connections (Church Gathering) 9:30 am - Connections (Bible Study) 10:30 am - Fellowship 11:00 am - Sunday Worship

Information 623.334.9482

y

8133 W. Cactus Rd. Peoria, AZ 85381

8340 W. Northern Ave. Glendale, AZ 85305

ewa

We invite you to worship with us weekly.

A Welcoming and Affirming Congregation

Harvest CHurCH

91st ave.

ETERNAL

Church At Cactus

Fr e

GOD’S LOVE IS

RELIGION 23

101

December 5, 2019

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

Avondale Baptist Church 1001 North Central • Avondale 623-932-2723 You are welcome!

Morning Worship .................................... 8:30 am Bible Study ........................................9:45 am Worship Service ..............................11:00 am Spanish Worship .............................11:00 am Wednesday Bible Study .................................................6:30 pm www.abcaz.net

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!

7020 W. Cactus Rd Peoria, AZ 85381 623-979-3497 www.apostles-az.org

Sunday Worship 8am & 10:45am English 10:45am Spanish

Sunday School 9:15am English 11am Spanish Rev. Andrew Byars, Pastor Rev. Ramon Cabrales, Assoc. Pastor

Handicap Bus - Call for pickup

Rev. Dr. Daniel R. Defassio, Pastor 623-933-1359 shepherdofthedesertelca.org Email: sodsecretary@qwestoffice.net

Lutheran/ Missouri Synod Apostles Lutheran Church & Preschool

• Worship Saturday 4:00pm, Sunday 9:30am • Holy Communion both services • Word on Wednesday 6:30pm, Supper 5:30pm • First Communion Classes Call to schedule • Youth Programs - Scouts After School - Camp

10250 N. 59th Ave. 623-937-9216 Sunday Services: Bible Study ....................................... 9:15 am Morning Worship ............................ 10:30 am Discipleship Training ........................4:45 pm Evening Worship ..............................6:00 pm Wednesdays: TeamKid, Youth Worship Bible Study & Prayer....................... 6:00 pm Dr. Mark Mucklow, Pastor www.fsbcg.org

Peoria Times

24 YOUTH

December 5, 2019

For more youth visit peoriatimes.com PeoriaTimes.com

/PeoriaTimes

JAG program helps students and young adults succeed

BY ERIC NEWMAN

Peoria Times Staff Writer

Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates (JAG) is set to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2020. The program, a local nonprofit affiliate of Jobs for America’s Graduates, aims to help young people stay in school in the hopes of acquiring the personal, academic, leadership and job skills necessary to find a job or continue education after middle and high school graduations in Arizona.

Every year the 1,000 or so students going through JAG programs have an option to attend one of two community-based programs in Tolleson and Peoria. They can choose to experience one of the 30 other school-based JAG programs from across the state.

School-based programs count as a four-credit class and aim to give stu-

dents the skills and guidance necessary to pass high school and pursue educational goals to eventually move into the workforce. Likewise, community-based programs are similar but happen outside class time.

The young adults take part in several projects to advance future employment skills – there is a heavy emphasis on community service so members can gain experience and see how their work impacts others. JAG boasts a 99% graduation rate, compared to the 78% rate typically seen across Arizona The students are identified through counselors, teachers and other school or community members, or students can self-identify if they realize they need extra assistance.

“If they see a young person struggling with barriers outside of their con-

Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates members in Peoria participated in a food drive and APS STEM Day. (Photos courtesy of Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates)

trol – they’re working, or they’re in a single-parent home and have to work, or they’re struggling with an unidentified learning disability or a variety of other things that translate to missed

school days or declining grades. That’s who we’re trying to help,” said JAG manager Nicole Porter.

Porter, a former JAG student, said it was transformational for her, so much

Peoria Times

December 5, 2019

YOUTH 25

Glow-in-the-dark North Pole comes to Peoria with puppet show

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF New elves in training destroy Santa’s toy-making machine in “Elf Initiation,” opening Saturday, Dec. 7, at Peoria’s TheaterWorks.

The little rascals must set out to find more supersonic ice crystals and save the day. Along the way they meet a notso she wanted to work for the organization after she finished her education.

She is now the economic development and communication manager.

Her success story is just one of many JAG programs produced in recent years. The nearly 40,000 Arizona alumni – 2.3 million nationally – are welcomed back to their schools or JAG activities to showcase their accomplishments.

Alumni serve as role models and inspire future participants to set their eyes on careers they might otherwise overlook as well as hear success stories they couldn’t imagine.

“One of the things JAG does is really drill in philanthropic ideas. You go and learn or work, and then do amazing things, and come back to do more amazing things where you grew up and try to help some of the people in the same situations you might have had,” Porter said.

The students in each program elect an executive board of their peers, who look into the individual challenges their community members face and are

exposed to programs and mentors that fit those needs.

Events like visiting the state Capitol allow alumni and participants the opportunity to see how the legislative process works. Members are also privy to annual career development conferences at the end of the school year.

At these conferences, students prepare for mock interviews to present their skills and qualifications as job applicants to a group of adults eager to help them succeed.

And much to their surprise, some are even offered jobs after graduation.

More than just preparing these young people for graduation and future career or educational pursuits, JAG hopes to change the community from within, affecting generations to come.

“We know we’re not changing just a single life with each person. We’re changing several, because people come out of here and they want to give back,” Porter said. “Their children want to do the same thing, and it just impacts the community for a long time in a positive way.”

A band of mischievous elves comes to Peoria. (Image courtesy TheaterWorks)

so-scary Abominable Snow Man and have a strange adventure in the candy cane forest. Will they save the day in time for Santa to make his deliveries?

The production is performed under black lights in the McMillin black box theater, creating a glow-in-the-dark experience where puppets, set and even the audience members glow. The

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al make-and-take workshop ($4) that lets audience members make their own simple puppet to take home with them.

Productions are geared toward audience members ages 3-8 but are enjoyed by all.

For tickets or more information, visit theaterworks.org or call 623-815-7930.

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40-minute show includes a post-show tutorial on the puppets used in the show and a brief overview of puppetry manipulation.

Admission is $10. Showtimes are 10:30 a.m. and noon Dec. 7, Dec. 14 and Dec. 21.

After the show, there is an option-

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26 YOUTH

Peoria Times

December 5, 2019

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December 5, 2019

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YOUTH 27

Peoria Times

28 CLASSIFIEDS

December 5, 2019

Classifieds The Place “To Find” Everything You Need

Peoria Times 250 N Litchfield Rd, Ste. 100, Goodyear AZ 85338

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Deadlines

Classifieds: Friday 10am for the following Thursday publication.

Business & Service Directory, Legals and Life Events Thursday at Noon for the following Thursday publication.

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EMPLOYMENT

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Enjoy stress-free living at Luke AFB today!

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Mid-March 2020 start date. $68-$100K DOE

Applicants must have some janitorial experience, must be dependable and able to communicate with client and supervisor. Applicants must have reliable transportation, must be authorized to work in the United States and pass a Background Check.

The above position includes golf when availability is open. All positions must be able to communicate in English. Apply online.

For more info on open jobs visit www.employment.suncitywest.com All positions are open until filled. EOE

Los solicitantes deben tener alguna experiencia de limpieza, ser confiable y capaz de comunicarse con el cliente y supervisor, deben tener transportación confiable. Deben pasar una verificación de antecedentes, y ser autorizados a trabajar en los Estados Unidos.

2, 3 & 4-bedroom homes to all qualified applicants.

Apply in person at: 8930 N 78th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85345 from 9:00am - 4:00pm Monday thru Friday.

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

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EMPLOYMENT

VALLEYLIFE is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities.

Full Time and Part Time Caregivers Needed!

Must have reliable transportation We are currently looking for caregivers to work in group homes throughout Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria and Scottsdale. Must pass background check.

Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org

RECREATION CENTERS OF SUN CITY WEST FACILITIES ASSISTANT–FT, 3pm-11pm, M-F, with full benefits and two PT positions with partial benefits - $11.00 p/h. Sweeping floors, showers, restroom, pool deck and other areas, emptying trashcans, maintaining/cleaning bathrooms and hall area, setting up tables/chairs for events. Must be able to work with cleaning chemicals. Previous custodial exp, knowledge of commercial vacuums, floor scrubbers, gas powered blowers preferred; varies locations/hours/days/weekends.

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GREENSKEEPERS - $12.32 p/h, FT/PT with benefits Manual labor. Must be able to work communicate in English, work weekends and OT. Previous golf exp. preferred.

LANDSCAPE WORKER - FT Mon-Fri $11.25/hour with benefits. Plan, care and maintain recreational grounds for the community; including trimming, weeding, raking and water plants. Experienced in use of small power tools and lawn maintenance equipment.

Apply online/view more jobs: employment.suncitywest.com or at Human Resources, 19803 N. R. H. Johnson Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375. The above positions include golf when availability is open. All positions must be able to communicate in English.

All positions are open until filled. EOE

SHARE WITH THE WORLD! Place a Birth, Anniversary, Wedding Announcement, In Memoriam, Obituary or any life event in this paper today!

Call us for details. obits@timespublications.com or call 623-847-4600

TANNER TERRAZA APARTAMENTOS Un complejo residencial para no fumadores 7138 N. Avenida 45 Glendale, AZ 85301

AHORA ACEPTAMOS APLICACIONES TODOS DE UN DORMITORIO Subvencionado sección 8-202 62 años Y personas discapacitadas fisicas Lunes-Viernes 8:00 am a 4:30 pm

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ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: EJK & SONS CONSTRUCTION LLC II The address of the registered office is: 8912 E. PINNACLE PEAK #107 , SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85255, The name of the Statutory Agent is: EDWARD KROLAK III Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a manager or managers. The names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: MEMBERS: EDWARD KROLAK & EDWARD KROLAK III, 8912 E. Pinnacle Peak #107, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 Published Peoria Times, Nov 21, 28, Dec 4, 2019 / 25983

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: I'M ALL EARS, LLC II The address of the registered office is: 21001 N Tatum BLVD; Suite 1630-460, PHOENIX, AZ, 85054, The name of the Statutory Agent is: Gordana Kresojevich III Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a manager or managers. The names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: MEMBER: Elizabeth Anna Kresojevich Vitale, 21001 N Tatum BLVD; Suite 1630-460, PHOENIX, AZ, 85054 Published Peoria Times, Nov, 28, Dec. 5, 12, 2019 / 26075

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: ANDRE RENOVATIONS, LLC II The address of the registered office is: 9526 W Hatcher Rd , PEORIA, AZ 85345 The name of the Statutory Agent is: Andres Estrada III Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a manager or managers. The names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: MANAGER Andres Estrada, 9526 W Hatcher Rd, PEORIA, AZ, 85345 Published Peoria Times, Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 2019 / 25902

ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION HAVE BEEN FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE ARIZONA CORPORATION COMMISSION FOR I Name: ZAJI FREIGHT TRANSPORT LLC II The address of the registered office is: 1225 N 40TH DR, PHOENIX, AZ, 85008, The name of the Statutory Agent is: ABDIRIZAK N HAJI III Management of the Limited Liability Company is vested in a manager or managers. The names of each person who is a manager and each member who owns a twenty percent or greater interest in the capital or profits of the limited liability company are: MEMBER AND MANAGER Andres Estrada, 1225 N 40TH DR, PHOENIX, AZ, 85008 Published Peoria Times, Nov. 21, 28, Dec. 5, 2019 / 25904

Place Your Meeting/Event Ad email ad copy to ecota@times publications.com

p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Staff members from the City’s Community Assistance Division will be available at the conference to anCLASSIFIEDS swer 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/notforprofitgrants beginning January 2, 2020. Additional information may be obtained by writing to: City of Peoria Attn: Community Assistance Division 9875 N. 85th Avenue Peoria, Arizona 85345 Or by written e-mail to: communityassistance@peoriaaz.gov Accommodations for individuals with disabilities - Alternative format materials, sign language interpretation, assistive listening devices or interpretation in languages other than English are available upon 72 hours advance notice through the City of Peoria’s Community Assistance Division, 9875 N. 85th Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345; (623)773-7250; TDD (623)773-7221, or fax (623)773-7233.

Asistencia en español: Para que le interpreten la solicitud en español, llame al (623)773-7250. Published Peoria Times, Nov 21, 28, Dec. 5, 2019 / 25900

29

NOTICE OF BID NOTICE FOR BID *** MATERIALS MANAGEMENT 9875 N. 85th Ave., 2nd Floor Peoria, Arizona 85345 Phone: (623) 773-7115 Fax: (623) 773-7118 BID NOTIFICATION INFORMATION SOLICITATION NUMBER: P20-0036 TYPE OF SOLICITATION: Request for Proposal BUYER NAME: Terry Andersen BUYER PHONE NUMBER: 623-773-7981 DESCRIPTION: Transit Master Plan PRE-BID MEETING DATE: December 5, 2019 SOLICITATION DUE DATE: December 23, 2019 @ 5:00 PM (Arizona Time ) Solicitation is available for download from our website at: www.peoriaaz.gov Published: Peoria Times, Nov. 28, Dec 5, 2019 / 26186 NOTICE FOR BID *** MATERIALS MANAGEMENT 9875 N. 85th Ave., 2nd Floor Peoria, Arizona 85345 Phone: (623) 773-7115 Fax: (623) 773-7118 BID NOTIFICATION INFORMATION SOLICITATION NUMBER: P20-0030 TYPE OF SOLICITATION: (RFP) Request for Proposal BUYER NAME: Drew Ashmun BUYER PHONE NUMBER: (623) 7737116 DESCRIPTION: One Stop Payment Services PRE-BID MEETING DATE: N/A SOLICITATION DUE DATE: December 9, 2019 at 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) Solicitation is available for download from our website at: www.peoriaaz.gov Published: Peoria Times, Nov. 28, Dec 5, 2019 / 26125

NOTICE OF BID NOTICE FOR BID *** MATERIALS MANAGEMENT 9875 N. 85th Ave., 2nd Floor Peoria, Arizona 85345 Phone: (623) 773-7115 Fax: (623) 773-7118 BID NOTIFICATION INFORMATION SOLICITATION NUMBER: P20-0030 TYPE OF SOLICITATION: (RFP) Request for Proposal BUYER NAME: Drew Ashmun BUYER PHONE NUMBER: (623) 7737116 DESCRIPTION: One Stop Payment Services PRE-BID MEETING DATE: N/A SOLICITATION DUE DATE: December 9, 2019 at 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) Solicitation is available for download from our website at: www.peoriaaz.gov Published: Peoria Times, Nov. 28, Dec 5, 2019 / 26125

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSALS FOR 2019-2020 On January 2, 2020, the City of Peoria will begin accepting proposals for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as well as Peoria General Fund Not-forProfit funds. In Fiscal Year 2020-2021 (July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021), the City anticipates receiving CDBG funds of approximately $850,000 and HOME funds of approximately $220,000. The exact allocations will not be determined until finalized by HUD. The City also anticipates $241,500 of General Fund monies will be made available. The proposal submission deadline for agencies who wish to utilize these funds is January 29, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. Funds are anticipated to be available in July 2020 for the General Fund programs and October 2020 for the CDBG and HOME funded 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 85345 on December 11, 2019, from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Staff members from the City’s 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

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT LUKE AIR FORCE BASE – GLENDALE, ARIZONA The U.S. Air Force (USAF) announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact to solicit any comments that the public may have.

This Draft EA addresses the potential environmental impacts from modifications to wastewater management and the Wastewater Treatment Plant on Luke Air Force Base (AFB) in Glendale, Arizona. The environmental impact analysis process for this EA was conducted in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality regulations pursuant to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969.

The project is necessary as the current system of wastewater treatment is insufficient to meet the mission of Luke AFB. The Proposed Action consists of connecting Luke AFB’s wastewater collection system with the City of Glendale’s wastewater treatment system. Alternative actions would involve military construction funding to demolish the existing treatment facility and construct a new state-of-the-art facility in the same area, or to upgrade the existing system and facilities to ‘like new’ conditions.

USAF regulation at 32 CFR 989.8 requires a No Action Alternative in the analysis of an EA. The No Action Alternative would maintain the status quo as new connections or facilities would not be constructed.

The public comment period is 05 December 2019 through 19 November 2017.

A copy was posted to the Luke AFB public website (www.luke.af.mil) under “Base Information -Announcements”.

Copies will be available at the following libraries for public review: * Northwest Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Avenue, Surprise, AZ * Litchfield Park Branch Library, 101 W. Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ * Glendale Public Library, 5959 W. Brown Street, Glendale, AZ * Luke AFB Library, Luke AFB, AZ PRIVACY ADVISORY NOTICE Public comments on this Draft EA are requested pursuant to NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq. All written comments received during the comment period will be made available to the public and considered during the final EA preparation. Providing private address information with your comment is voluntary and such personal information will be kept confidential unless release is required by law. However, address information will be used to compile the project mailing list and failure to provide it will result in your name not being included on the mailing list.

Please submit comments or requests for more information to Ms. Molly Thrash, Luke Air Force Base Project, Manager, via e-mail,

voluntary and such personal information will be kept confidential unless release is required by law. However, address CLASSIFIEDS information will be used to compile the project mailing list and failure to provide it will result in your name not being included on the mailing list.

Please submit comments or requests for more information to

Peoria Times

30

December 5, 2019

623.847.4600 4600 BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY PUBLIC NOTICE

Ms. Molly Thrash, Luke Air Force Base Project, Manager, via e-mail, sherry.thrash@us.af.mil, or by standard mail to: Molly Thrash, 56 CES/CEIEA, 13970 Gillespie Drive, Luke AFB Arizona 85309-1149

Published: Glendale Star/Peoria Times, Dec. 5, 2019 / 26440

Tips for Having a Great Sale!

1. Sort through your closets, cupboards and garage for items to sell.

2. Partner up with a neighbor or friend. This is helpful to give each other breaks during the day.

3. Advertise your sale — ask us for our Yard Sale Special!

4. In your ad include the type of sale, (e.g., Yard Sale, Multi-Family Sale), date, time, address/cross streets, and be specifi c on prices for high dollar items.

Popular items you can include: furniture, appliances, electronics, tools, yard equipment, designer/ children’s clothes and shoes, craft items, antiques, unique items and collectibles/ collections.

5. Place signs on major cross streets and on the corners leading into your neighborhood. Just a fat, solid black arrow on colorful poster board works fine.

6. Price your items. If having a Multi-Family sale, each family should have a different colored price tag.

You can do a $1 table, $5 table, etc., to save time.

7. Money. Be prepared with change, including coins. Do not accept checks. Cash only!

8. Have electricity available to test items.

9. Be safe. Do not let anyone into your home. Take your phone outside with you Have an extra person relieve you occasionally.

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Happy customers buy things!

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623-332-0672

Lic# C37R122566 L37-122567

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31

BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

623.847.4600 PAINTING

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Peoria Times

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65 Value!

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21-Point Safety Inspection

With coupon only. May not be combined with other offers. Exp: January 15, 2020

ArizonaGarageDoors.com ROC# 173822

75 OFF

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A Pair of Springs

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With coupon only. May not be combined with other offers. Exp: January 15, 2020

Garage Door Opener

329

$

.95

+LABOR