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GLENDALE POLICE SEEK ARMED ROBBER OF

CHASE BANK

 

　

GLENDALE, Ariz. The Glendale Police Department is asking for your help in identifying a male suspect who committed an armed robbery at a Chase Bank in Glendale on Thursday 07/02/09.

The male suspect entered the Chase bank located at 9490 W. Camelback Rd. just before 4:00 p.m., presented a note requesting money, then verbally demanded money from the teller. He advised he had a weapon, but did not display one. The male fled the bank on foot after obtaining the money.

The suspect is described as being a black male in his early 40’s, 5 feet 6 inches in height, and weighing approximately 250 pounds. The male is either bald or has very short hair.

Please see the two attached photos of the male during the commission of the crime. There is no video surveillance available at this time.

Anyone with information about this suspect is asked to call the Glendale Police Department at 623-930-3173 or Silent Witness at 480-948-6377.

Capt. Les Manser has been installed as commander of 
Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 14, 2009) – Capt. Les Manser has been installed as commander of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), succeeding fellow Glendale resident Lt. Col. Chas Buchanan, who was appointed chief of staff of CAP’s Arizona Wing. The 96-member squadron is one of the wing’s largest units.

CAP is the official civilian volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and open to cadets 12 to 21 as well as adults, known as CAP officers, 18 and older. CAP performs up to 95 percent of the inland search-and-rescue missions in the United States and provides numerous other support services to communities, states and the nation including homeland security, counter-narcotic flights and humanitarian missions as well as cadet training.

Presiding over the change of command, which occurred earlier this month at the close of the weekly cadet meeting, was Maj. Rita Bivens-Scherer, commander of Arizona Wing Group IV, of which the squadron is part. Maj. Atilla Szokol, the squadron’s deputy commander for adults, had served as interim squadron commander since Lt. Col. Buchanan’s wing appointment. Maj. Szokol relinquished command to Maj. Bivens-Scherer, who then installed Capt. Manser as commander while more than 30 cadets stood in formation behind the officers. Majs. Bivens-Scherer and Szokol likewise are Glendale residents.

Since joining Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 in May 2007, the new commander has served the squadron as operations officer, aerospace education officer for seniors, aircraft maintenance officer, test-control officer, inspector general (IG) complaint officer and web security administrator. In addition, he serves at the Wing level as an IG inspector, cadet flight-orientation administrator and was the Wing project officer for the U.S. Air Force-CAP Compliance Inspection earlier this year.

Capt Manser’s CAP honors include a Commander’s Commendation Award, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Award, A. Scott Crossfield Award, Gen. Chuck E. Yeager Aerospace Education Award, and leadership and member ribbons.

(Change of command):     Capt Les Manser accepts command of 96-member Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) from Maj. Rita Bivens-Scherer, commander of Group IV of CAP’s Arizona Wing. CAP, the official volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, conducts search and rescue, humanitarian and homeland-security missions plus provides aerospace education and cadet programs.

He brings to his post 12 years of Air Force experience in the enlisted and officer ranks.

Capt. Manser was an avionics maintenance specialist and attained the grade of staff sergeant during four years as an enlistee. He served as an officer for eight years after being commissioned in 1978 through Officer Training School and rose to the rank of captain.

As an officer, he served as an F-4E/G instructor, weapons-system officer, wing standardization and evaluation officer, wing weapons and tactics officer, wing electronic warfare officer, supervisor of flying and air-operations officer. He has 1,800 flight hours as an Air Force-rated navigator in fighter aircraft.

Among his Air Force decorations are a Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Overseas Service Ribbon Short Tour with two OLCs, Longevity Service Award with two OLCs, Combat Readiness Medal, Small

Arms Expert marksmanship ribbon, U.S. nonmilitary decorations and National Defense Service Medal.

Capt. Manser separated from the Air Force in 1986 and earned his master of science degree in aeronautical science with a 4.0 grade-point average from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He earlier had completed his bachelor of science degree in electronics technology from Troy State University in Alabama.

After completing his graduate degree, Capt. Manser had supplemental Air Force experience from 1988 to 1992 as an F-15E academic and simulator instructor at Luke Air Force Base through McDonnell-Douglas Training Systems, Inc. He trained all F-15E aircrews who participated in the 1990 Gulf War. Notably, no aircraft crewed by his students was lost during Desert Storm combat operations.

Capt. Manser served for six years as an adjunct instructor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at its Luke Air Force Base campus. His other qualifications include being a Federal Aviation Administration-rated private pilot and aircraft dispatcher. He has a single-engine land (SEL) private-pilot instrument rating, multiple-engine-land (MEL) commercial-pilot instrument rating, and a total of 300 hours of SEL and MEL flight time including almost 200 hours as a pilot in command. He is a qualified CAP mission scanner and observer, transport pilot, instrument pilot and flight-release officer.

A quality manager since 1993, Capt. Manser has been employed for the past eight years by Ditron Manufacturing, Inc. He is a certified quality auditor.

At Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, located at 932 W. Deer Valley Road on the grounds of Deer Valley Airport in north Phoenix, meetings for officers are conducted at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month while cadets meet at 7 p.m. each Monday except holidays. Many officers are pilots or former members of the military although such experience is not required for membership. A composite squadron has both officers and cadets.

Additional information about CAP, its missions and membership opportunities for officers and cadets is available by visiting the national CAP website at www.cap.gov, or the Arizona Wing website at http://azwg.us or Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302’s website at 222.squadron302.org

Information requests about the cadet program also can be directed to the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets, 2nd Lt. Richard Shortridge at shortridge@cox.net. Other information requests can be directed to Capt. Jerry Porter, the squadron’s public-affairs officer, at civilairpatrolsq302pao@cox.net.

Catlin Court & Historic Downtown Glendale 3rd Friday of the month • 5 -9 pm Friday Nite Lights
Enjoy late night shopping and dining and a hometown atmosphere. Stroll along brick-lined sidewalks and enjoy charming bungalows-turned-shops. You’ll find many treasures you won’t be able to leave behind. VisitGlendale.com – 623-930-4500 Presented by the Downtown Historic Business Community and the Glendale Office of Tourism

GLENDALE FIREFIGHTERS REMIND FOLKS TO BE “HEAT SAFE” HEADING INTO HOT WEEKEND

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale Firefighters are advising the public to think “heat safety” leading up to a weekend with expected temperatures of about 115 degrees. The Arizona summer heat can be deadly and should NOT be underestimated. Following these Glendale Fire Department Safety Tips will add to the safety of you and your family;

·         Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids and limit beverages such as soda and those containing caffeine and alcohol. These types of beverages can cause dehydration.

·         Use sunscreen.

·         Exercise should take place indoors or as early in the morning as possible.

·         Cover your head. Wear a hat to provide shade.

·         NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS INSIDE OF AN UNATTENDED VEHICLE.

·         WATCH YOUR CHILDREN AROUND WATER

More tips on how to live healthier safer lives can be found on the Glendale Fire Department website www.glendaleaz.com/fire

Friday Nite Lights is the Back to School Drive 

Photo by Linda Whittley

An important part of Friday Nite Lights is the Back to School Drive to benefit local elementary schools in Glendale.  The Glendale Visitor Center and many downtown businesses had collection boxes available to collect donated school items. Alexandra, the granddaughter of Linda Whittley of Papa Ed's Ice Cream shows off the collection box that held the gathered items for the Back to School drive.

MAYOR ELAINE SCRUGGS ON
THE GLENDALE LIBARAY SYSTEM

As most of you know, Glendale currently has three city libraries.  Our Main Library is at Brown and 59th Avenues. Glendale's original and still-revered Velma Teague library is located downtown in Murphy Park. The Foothills Branch Library is on 57th Avenue just north of Union Hills Drive. 

I am always surprised and impressed with the amount of programming, classes and updated technology and information provided at all three of the Library branches.  In case you haven't heard about all that is going on at your Glendale City Library, I offer the following information.  I hope it will provide you with information to entertain, make your life simpler, give a boost to your business, help you find answers to difficult situations you may be facing, and in general become your point of reference 24/7.

(Click Here)  to view an interactive calendar of events where you can find an array of activities and programs that are offered at all three branches and include entertainment for kids, teens and adults. You can choose to look at the calendar that shows activities for a specific branch or choose the complete calendar showing all library activities.  Simply put your cursor over an activity on a given day and you will receive detailed information about that event. 

The Library is constantly using the latest and greatest technologies to organize and share important information.  (Click Here) for the library's online "Research Tools" section where you can find articles from journals, magazines and newspapers.  You will also find databases with information on how to fix your car, research your family history, learn a new language or online tutoring for elementary or high school students.   

Another online resource is the Digital Media Library which is a part of a consortium of libraries in Phoenix and the surrounding cities. (Click Here) for a large selection of e-books, digital audiobooks, music and videos that can be checked out and downloaded to your home computer. When the lending period is up, your digital items are automatically returned.

If you visit our libraries in person, you can enjoy the latest in movies and music without having to pay the retail prices.  You can check out the latest movies on DVD and you can find any genre of music available on CD.  You can also check out books on CD, or you can try a newer product called the Playaway that the library began carrying last summer. A Playaway looks like an MP3 player and has an entire book on the unit.  You just insert batteries, plug in the headset and you can listen to popular titles as you multi-task.

While at one of our library locations you can pick up a Culture pass that will allow free admission for up to four people at one of participating museums or cultural institutions. Culture passes for each location are limited and you have seven days to use the pass before it expires.  Participating organizations include The Bead Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, Mesa Museum for Youth, Arizona Museum of Natural History, Arizona Science Center, Children’s Museum of Phoenix, the Heard Museum and its satellites, Mesa Contemporary Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Taliesin West.

Our Main Library Branch also has its own Perfetto De Café Coffee Bar.  There are delicious coffee drinks, smoothies, soft drinks, sandwiches and other snacks available during library business hours. 

I hope you are as impressed as I am about how our library stays ahead of the times and always offers the latest information and resources in the most convenient and effective way possible. The resources that are available through our library system allow all of us to stay informed, educated and entertained at an extremely low cost.  

Editors Note - This bulletin has  a great message regarding our favorite area of the  city services.
 ---Ed Sharpe Publisher Glendale Daily Planet

Made It Myself'

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center's Award Winning Chef shares secrets to saving money and making healthy, cheap lunches kids will actually eat



GLENDALE, Ariz. (July 28, 2009) - It's one of the most frustrating
questions parents deal with on a daily basis, 'What can I pack for my
child's lunch that is healthy and they will actually eat?' Banner
Thunderbird Medical Center's chef has come up with ways for parents to
not only get help with packing those school lunches, but making sure
they're yummy and fit into increasingly tight budgets.



"I find that my children are more apt to eat a brown bag lunch they've
helped to make," says Jamie Palenque, Executive Chef at Banner
Thunderbird Medical Center. "Whether it's the cookies they baked with me
or the sandwich they made in the morning, getting kids involved with
making their own lunches is the key to not only getting them to help
with making their lunch, but the key to making sure they will eat their
lunch."


About Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, part of Banner Health-a nonprofit
health system with 22 hospitals throughout the West-is a 409-bed
acute-care hospital featuring a behavioral health center, children's
center and dedicated outpatient center.

GLENDALE 11 RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION 
FOR OUTSTANDING TV PROGRAM

           GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale 11, the city’s cable TV station, is the recipient of a Telly Award in recognition of its outstanding programming in the Information Program category.  Glendale 11 received a Bronze Award for “Glendale Dimensions with City Manager Ed Beasley.”

The Telly Awards honor the best in local, regional and national cable television programs and commercials as well as the finest video and film productions. The Telly Awards receive more than 14,000 entries from all 50 states and 5 continents.

“Glendale Dimensions” is a 30 minute interview show hosted by Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley.  The award-winning episode features Beasley interviewing Mickey Ollson, zoo director for the Wildlife World Zoo.   The show takes a comprehensive look at the zoo’s impact on the community, while highlighting its educational outreach and interactive exhibits. The program also gave a sneak preview of the zoo’s new 35,000-square-foot aquarium, which at the time of the show was under construction.  

“It’s an honor to receive a highly respected national award for one of our top community programs,” said Julie Frisoni, Assistant Deputy City Manager for the City of Glendale. “This Telly Award reflects our high standards of excellence and the importance of providing our residents with important, information in creative and innovative ways.”

            Emmy Award-winning Glendale 11 airs on Cox and Qwest Channel 11, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  For a complete viewer’s program guide, visit www.glendaleaz.com/glendale11.

The Extra! Extra! Read Your Way to the
 Ballpark - Scores a Home Run!

The summer winds up at Glendale Main Library; reading participation up 15%
Photos  Courtesy Glendale Public Library

(Glendale AZ) (GPL)  It’s hard to believe, seeing the temperature is in the triple digits, but summer activities are winding down at the library. Library Assistant 3 Elly Reidy planned a totally fun Aloha Summer event that was held this morning with games and activities to give summer a glorious send off. Numerous library staff and volunteers helped keep the good times rolling this morning! After all, some Glendale schools start back next week.

Scores of kids and their parents had a lot of fun.

 Photos include Owen Kuhfeldt, age 9, with his aloha hat, lei and a prize he won. Kamryn Meimer, age 4, was working on his aloha hat. Also making aloha hats were a mother and daughter trio:  Amber St. Clair with Isabelle, 4, and Lola, 3. Other pictures show more craft activities.

 
Group making library card holders.

The Extra! Extra! Read Your Way to the Ballpark reading incentive program, sponsored by the Arizona Diamondbacks and The Arizona Republic, ended on July 25. This year all three Glendale libraries had a total of 11,390 children participating in the program. This was an increase of 15%  over 2008.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Celebrate National Teddy Bear Day in Historic Downtown Glendale on Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy a fun-filled day of make-and-take arts and crafts, sweet treats and exclusive deals in Historic Downtown Glendale.

You and your beary best friends will start the fun at the Glendale Visitor Center and pick up your map, coupons and gift bag*(for the 1st 500 visitors) and take a spin on the themed prize wheel. Hop on board the cool and comfortable Glendale Express Shuttle, which will provide rides throughout Old Towne and Catlin Court. Visit boutique stores, specialty shops, and downtown eateries for giveaways and great deals.

What could be more fun than a Teddy Bear Picnic? Pack a lunch or pick up delicious goodies from any of our downtown eateries and enjoy an outdoor picnic in Murphy Park or on the shaded lawns of Catlin Court. Pick up your picnic location map at the Glendale Visitor Center. Al the Bear, who will be making appearances that day, might even stop by to see if you have any honey!

Another important component of the event is a Teddy Bear drive to benefit the Glendale Fire Department’s Trauma Teddy Program. Last year, nearly 200 stuffed animals were collected for children who have been the victim of a tragic situation. Bring a new, factory-wrapped teddy bear or stuffed animal to the Visitor Center as your first stop!

Other fun activities will include make-and-take crafts at Creative Quest and Miracle Haven for a nominal fee, as well as creating a chocolate bear at Cerreta’s for $5.00. If you’re really in the spirit of Teddy Bear Day, bring your furry friend to Kimberly Ann’s where you can enjoy a special teddy bear tea with all kinds of goodies for $22.00.

Teddy Bear Day is sponsored by Gund, Bears & More, the Historic Downtown Business Community and the Glendale Office of Tourism.

For more information, contact the Glendale Visitor Center at 623-930-4500 or visit online at ^{www.visitglendale.com}. The Glendale Visitor Center is located at 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 140.

About Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, part of Banner Health—a nonprofit health system with 22 hospitals throughout the West—is a 409-bed acute-care hospital featuring a behavioral health center, children’s center and dedicated outpatient center. 

GLENDALE HOSTS BACK TO SCHOOL TEACHERS’ FAIR ON SEPTEMBER 2 FOR GLENDALE TEACHERS

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The city of Glendale is hosting a free Back to School Teachers’ Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 4 – 7 p.m. The fair will take place at the Glendale Adult Center, 5970 W. Brown Street. Teachers can enter a raffle, enjoy refreshments, and collect free materials for their classrooms.

The event will connect teachers with nine city of Glendale departments and twelve local agencies that provide high-quality classroom resources, which are aligned to the Arizona Academic Standards. Teachers will receive lesson plans and information about field trips, guest speaker presentations, and activities for their classrooms. The city of Glendale is partnering with several agencies and businesses to provide this unique opportunity for teachers.

For more information, call Joanne Toms at 623-930-3535 or e-mail at jtoms@glendaleaz.com . Registration for this free event is limited to teachers in Glendale schools. To register, please call 623-930-3539 or e-mail cgrote@glendaleaz.com  by Aug. 28.

Tim Myers Appears for Authors @ The Teague

( 3 PM on Wednesday, Aug. 28 )  Tim Myers, on tour to promote his new mystery, A Slice of Murder, written under the name of Chris Cavender for Kensington Publishing, appeared at the Velma Teague Library. His appearance opened with a short biographical sketch.

Tim Myers is an Agatha Award nominated author who has published nineteen novels and has appeared on the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association national bestseller’s list ten times, ranking as high as #2. Under the name Tim Myers, he writes the Lighthouse Inn mysteries, the Candlemaking mysteries, and the Soapmaking mysteries, as Elizabeth Bright the Cardmaking mysteries, and as Melissa Glazer the Clay and Crime mysteries. One of Tim’s books was chosen by The Mystery Guild as an Editor’s Choice, and was also named one of their Ten Most Wanted books. There have been ten large print editions of Myers’ books as well. In addition, he has published over 80 mystery short stories, and has been nominated for three Derringer awards for excellence in short mystery fiction. His short fiction has appeared in the anthologies The Haunted Hour, Mystery Writers of America’s A Hot and Sultry Night for Crime, and Murder Most Crafty. He is currently writing the pizza shop mysteries for Kensington as Chris Cavender, and has eight more books under contract with Kensington, St. Martin’s, and Penguin/Berkley Prime Crime.

Tim's presentation was quite funny at times. He said he got started as a writer because Dr. Seuss was driving him crazy. He never intended to become a stay-at-home dad, but, eighteen years ago, when his daughter was born, and he held her in his arms, he told his wife he wanted to be a stay-at-home dad. But, at that time in the South (North Carolina), it was unusual for a man to do that. He became alienated from all the groups he had belonged to, and most mothers didn't welcome him. Intellectually, it isn't very stimulating staying home to take care of a baby. So he decided to try to write. And, it was logical for him to try mysteries because he loves to read mysteries. At the age of nine, he discovered Agatha Christie. He surprised his father when he asked for a complete collection of Christie at that age. His father wasn't a mystery reader, and probably only read one of Myers' books before he died.

Myers said he tried to write, and his first efforts were derivative. But, one of his early short stories was accepted by Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine for its Department of First Stories. So, he thought he had it made. But, his next 123 submissions were rejected. Some stories were rejected multiple times. Tim told his wife when he hit 100 rejections, he'd be done. Then, when he passed 100, he told her he'd quit at 200 rejections.

Tim worked on short stories while his daughter napped. He and his wife had agreed he would go back to work when their daughter entered kindergarten. But, at that point, he told her he had the bug, and he would like to write. So, she told him to give it a year, and try to write a book. He wrote a couple that weren't any good. Every fall they would have "The Conversation" about what Tim would do for the rest of his life. His wife never lost faith in him.

One day, Myers thought about the fact that he loved lighthouses and mountains, so maybe he'd try to write a story about a lighthouse in the mountains. He drove to the Outer Banks, and took 200 pictures. He mentioned that North Carolina should really be two states because the Scots settled the western part of the state, and the English settled the east. Myers' family, who were Scots, were there for many generations. In writing the story, he wanted to put a lighthouse in the mountains, and had to come up with a reason for it. So, his lead character's great-great-grandfather had built the lighthouse for his wife, and she died in childbirth three days before the lighthouse was finished. Tim's wife read the book, and was upset when she reached that point, and hasn't read another one of his books.

Myers said, unlike his previous attempts, when he wrote this book, everything made sense. His characters started to behave logically. He was proud of the book. He sent it to his agent. Two weeks later, she called, and said she loved the book, but he had to take the lighthouse out of the mountains, saying he couldn't do that, and he would have to make a change. He said, you're right. I do have to make a change. If you don't understand the story, you're fired. So, he sent it to another agent, who accepted it. Myers wrote five of the lighthouse mysteries.

Craft mysteries were just starting to be published, and his agent asked if he could do any crafts. He said, sure, he did crafts. He was a stay-at-home dad. So, when asked if he could do candlemaking, he said sure. He admitted to the us that he never had, but he writes fiction, so people shouldn't believe everything he says. Myers went to a craft store and bought four kits and six books about candlemaking, and stayed up until 3 AM. He said he wasn't very good at it, so he couldn't pretend to be a professional. Tim tried to decide why someone who making candles who wasn't proficient, and realized if they inherited a business because a relative died it would work. Mystery = someone dies, so Harrison Black inherited At Wick's End candle shop from his great aunt. Tim killed her early in the book, At Wick's End.

Someone at NAL contacted Tim's agent, and said she loved Tim Myers' books, and did the agent know anyone who wrote like him for a crafting mystery. Tim said he's always made cards with his daughter, and he suggested card-making. But, the publisher wanted a female author because the audience for crafting mysteries tend to be female. Myers said he knows that 90% of his readers are female, and he said he could do it. The publisher was doubtful, but gave him a chance saying she wanted fifteen pages, written in first person, in a female voice. She didn't think he could do it. He came up with Jennifer Shane as the character, a spunky, young woman, not afraid to make mistakes. He likes Jennifer, and the publisher liked the synopsis, so wanted thirty to forty more pages. Tim said he heard Jennifer's voice in his head. They liked the material at NAL, but wanted him to use a female pen name. He hesitated since he's always said, if he gets arrested, he wants his name spelled right, Myers, with only one e. He likes to go into bookstores and see his name spelled right, and have former girlfriends from high school see his name on book covers. But, he decided his name on the cover wasn't as import as getting the books published. Those books were published under the name Elizabeth Bright. The Elizabeth was after his late friend, Elizabeth Daniels Squire. And, he went to a bookstore, trying to pick a last name. Tim said there was nothing between Lilian Jackson Braun and Rita Mae Brown, so he came up with Bright. He thought that was a good place to be in the alphabet. His degree is in marketing, and he said his business background has been invaluable in his writing career.

According to Myers, in publishing cozy mysteries, almost every time an author loses an editor, the next editor dumps him. He said his first three series had characters who were single, without many family connections or love interests. So, for his next series, he wanted to give his character a big family. Tim's wife is from a large family, so he observes their holidays and times together. Ben Perkins is the oldest of six who work in a soap factory. He's the troubleshooter of the family in books with titles such as Dead Men Don't Lye and A Pour Way to Die. But the editor of his soapmaking series left, and the new editor wanted a new series written under a new name. Myers, who had been in Vermont for a few hours, set a pottery series in that state, picked the name Melissa Glazer, and named his character Carolyn after author Carolyn Hart.

Tim said he had done lots of craft mysteries, and wanted to write a food one. He watched the Food Network, and decided a pizza place would  be great. A Slice of Murder, written as Chris Cavender, features Eleanor Swift, a widow who is fiercely independent. Tim, who has been married for twenty-eight years, and dated his wife for seven years before that, gave Eleanor that type of relationship. In contrast, he gave her a sister, Maddy, who is often-married, and often divorced. She's spunky, has tried all of the crafts that Myers' wrote about, and keeps Eleanor from taking herself seriously.

All of Myers' books are set in small towns based on towns near where he lives in North Carolina. He goes to the towns, takes pictures, draws maps, and moves shops and buildings around. In one town, he saw a group of shops, and one was painted a bright blue. He said that had to be the pizza shop, so he put the pizzeria in a blue building, and called it A Slice of Delight because that's what pizza is to him, a slice of delight.

Tim said he has a contract with St. Martin's, and all he can say is that it will be a food-related mystery that comes out sometime in the next fifty years. Then Berkley asked him to do a series. According to Myers, it's lots of work to do multiple series, so he wasn't sure he wanted to do it. But, Berkley bought his next idea, based on the first draft. So, he'll be doing another series for them as well.

Some reviewers have commented about the many levels in some of his books, including A Slice of Murder. Tim finds that funny because he said he makes up the stories as he goes along. He wants to see what happens, and he often doesn't know who did it. He's quite proud that his eighteen-year-old daughter is his first reader. He pays her now to read his work because she'll catch mistakes, and make suggestions.

After reading from Chris Cavender's A Slice of Murder, Tim Myers ended with one of his favorite stories. As Elizabeth Bright, he received a letter from a reader who told "Elizabeth Bright" that she just loved her, and she hated it when men wrote cozy mysteries, particularly that Tim Myers. By that time, Tim could reveal that he was actually Elizabeth Bright, so he wrote her back saying he and Elizabeth both appreciated her comments.

Chris Cavender's website is www.timmmyers.net

A Slice of Murder by Chris Cavender. Kensington Books, ©2009. ISBN 9780758229489 (hardcover), 304p.

CITY ANNOUNCES NEW CLASS FOR

GRADUATES OF GLENDALE UNIVERSITY

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Registration is now available for a continuing education opportunity for Glendale residents who have previously graduated from the 101 class of Glendale University. Registration for this graduate class is due no later than Friday, Sept. 18.  To register, visit: www.glendaleaz.com/communitypartnerships and click on graduate classes to print out an application or call 623-930-2868 to receive an application by mail or fax.

Glendale City Court  -  “Domestic Violence and Mock Trial”

      In this class, participants will see first-hand the operation of the municipal court system. The Glendale City Court tries criminal and civil traffic violations, as well as non-traffic criminal misdemeanor cases. Some of the cases the court handles include driving under the influence, drag racing, child restraint violations and assault.

SUSPECT NABBED IN STRING OF BURGLARIES
39 felony burglary charges!

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – On Monday, August 3, 2009 at 3 a.m., a Glendale police officer observed a man exiting the Toys R Us at 7400 W Bell Rd with a large bag. When confronted, this man, later identified as Damon Hardiman, a 24 year old Glendale resident, dropped the bag and ran into the neighborhood north of the business.

Officers located a black Chevy Impala in the area, unoccupied and were able to link this vehicle to Hardiman. This vehicle matched the description of a vehicle used in a prior burglary. Officers responded to Hardiman’s residence to contact him and observed a female leave the home in a white Nissan and drive to the neighborhood in which the suspect ran. A short time later the vehicle was seen leaving the neighborhood. Initially the vehicle appeared to be occupied only by the female but within a few miles a man sat up in the front seat. The vehicle was stopped by police and Hardiman was taken into custody.

Hardiman admitted to the burglary of the Toys R Us and his involvement in eleven other burglaries in Glendale, as well as 5 other burglaries in the valley. He was booked on 39 felony burglary charges.

Transit Ridership Exceeds 71 million Passengers

Riders also declare increased satisfaction with transit services

Phoenix, AZ (Aug. 7, 2009)  An increase of 15 percent over the previous year is a good thing when talking about bus and light rail ridership. Transit ridership, which is measured annually from July to June, indicates that more than 71 million passengers boarded a Valley Metro bus or light rail train to get to work, school, run errands or for pleasure.

          “Certainly, in the last six months, overall transit ridership has been boosted by the new METRO light rail service,” said David A. Boggs, Valley Metro RPTA executive director. “We now have a complete transit system with bus and rail connections getting more Valley residents and visitors out of their cars.”  Now offering  light rail service, the cities of Mesa, Phoenix and Tempe experienced double-digit increases in transit ridership. (See attachment for city-by-city ridership statistics.)

Statistics also show that more riders are using bicycles to complete their transit trips, with 1.46 million bikes carried on buses in the past year, an increase of 9.4 percent over 2008.

*January-June 2009

          Along with an increase in ridership, there also has been an increase in satisfied transit riders. According to a recent rider survey, nearly four in five (79 percent) of transit riders said they are highly likely to be riding transit one year from now and would recommend the service to others.  Nearly 70 percent of riders say they have a high level of satisfaction with transit service in the Valley, and there is a significant increase (5 percent) of those indicating they are “very satisfied” with public transit service. The survey was conducted in May 2009 and has a margin of error at 3.7 percent.

Valley Metro/RPTA provides eco-friendly public transit options to residents of greater Phoenix and Maricopa County, including a clean-fuel bus fleet, low-emissions light rail,  a bio-diesel Dial-a-Ride fleet, online carpool matching and bus trip mapping, and bicycle and telework assistance. Funding is provided by local, state and federal revenues; and administered by a board of 15 governments working to improve and regionalize the public transit system.

Authors @ The Teague presents Strong Heroines in Crime Fiction Panel

The Authors @ The Teague will present three authors to discuss "Strong Heroines in Crime Fiction" on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2 PM. Join us for a panel discussion and book signing with three authors with varied backgrounds.

Ann Parker is the author of three historical mysteries set in Leadville, Colorado during the Silver Rush. Her latest book from Poisoned Pen Press is Leaden Skies. Once again, saloon owner, Inez Stannert, is caught up in murder and intrigue. This time, former President Ulysses S. Grant just happens to be in town.







Juliet Blackwell, who once wrote mysteries with her sister under the name Hailey Lind, has started a new series, beginning with Secondhand Spirits. Secondhand Spirits, first in the new Witchcraft Mystery Series, features Lily Ivory, a witch who opens a vintage clothing store in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco.






Sophie Littlefield's debut novel, A Bad Day for Sorry, is one of the most talked about debut mysteries of the year. Publishers Weekly called Sophie, "Spunky, unapologetically middle-aged and a tad cantankerous."


So, we have an author with three books in a historical mystery series, an author who is starting her second series, and a first-time author. It should be a fun discussion!

The Velma Teague Library is at 7010 N. 58th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85301. Call 623-930-3431 for more details. Hope to see you Saturday at 2 PM!

Review of Leaden Skies by Ann Parker

Who would expect that a book review would find me discussing bordellos, politics, saloons and murder? But, Ann Parker's new book, Leaden Skies, takes readers back to Leadville, Colorado, and Inez Stannert's world in 1880.

Leaden Skies follows hard on the heels of Parker's Iron Ties. Former U.S. President and Civil War general Ulysses S. Grant has arrived in Leadville, and it seems as if half the town of 30,000 turned out to welcome him, including someone who tried to assassinate him, since the former general isn't popular with some of the southerners who moved to Leadville after the war. But, Inez Stannert, owner of the Silver Queen Saloon, made her way in the mud and the muck to see him arrive by train. When the gun and fireworks go off, Inez loses control of her horse, and almost runs over a surveyor and mapmaker, Cecil Farnesworth. But, she's easily distracted when she sees a fire on State Street, where her saloon, and a bordello are located.

That fire is just the first of Inez' problems. The dark clouds that hang over the city during Grant's visit seem to hang over Inez' life right now. With her husband missing for a year, she's ready to file for divorce. And, the whole issue with her husband leaves her in limbo. She's uncertain about her share in the business, worried about the divorce, and yearning for her two-year-old son, living in the east with her sister. When she tries to make a business deal with Flo, the owner of the bordello, hoping to buy her property, Inez Stannert makes a deal with the devil, a deal that only leads to more trouble, as Flo is arrested, one of her girls in murdered, and another girl becomes a suspect. And, the trouble just seems to swirl around Inez. Even when she tries to help her lover, Reverend Sands, she puts herself in more danger, catching the attention of a policeman.

Ann Parker packs a great deal of social history into a mystery. Leadville, Colorado is a growing town in 1880, involved in politics, mining, and, even the suffragette movement. It's a mining town in which the saloons and bordellos play host to the men from the mines, as well as visiting dignitaries. And, it's a culture in which women who want to be independent business owners don't have a great deal of choices. Even when they hope to become independent, they still must deal with the powerful men who control the town.

Readers should really go back and read the previous two books in the Silver Rush mystery series, Silver Lies and Iron Ties. Most of us aren't familiar with this post-Civil War part of our history in the West. And, it's a fascinating part of our history. Parker skillfully, and vividly, portrays it. The Silver Rush in Colorado brought all kinds of people to Leadville, saints and sinners. And, they were all trying to make a killing of some sort. Parker's book is intriguing, both as a mystery, and, as a social history.

Once you've read these three books, pick up Vicki Delany's Gold Digger, and compare the lives of the two saloon owners, Inez Stannert during Leadville's mining days, and Fiona MacGillivray's during the gold rush in Dawson, Yukon Territory in 1898. The authors gave us two strong women, trying to make a living in a man's world. However, Inez Stannert is due for a break sooner or later, and it doesn't appear to be sooner. Ann Parker's character seems doomed to live her life under Leaden Skies.

There is a downloadable copy of the Author's Note that was omitted in the first printing. If you'd like to read it, go to http://www.annparker.net/book.htm, and click on "Click to read the Author's Note."

Ann Parker's website is http://www.annparker.com


lholstine@yahoo.com
book blog: http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com
Twitter @LesaHolstine

GLENDALE FIREFIGHTERS OFFER 
“BACK TO SCHOOL TRAVEL SAFETY TIPS”

   GLENDALE, Ariz. – As excited students and parents begin the new school year, it is important for families to take a few minutes and discuss travel safety tips. Here are just a few Glendale Fire Department travel safety tips for valley families as the new school year comes in to session;

Walking to School

·         Make sure your child’s walk to school is a safe route with crossing guards at every intersection.

·         If your child is walking to a new school, make sure they are familiar with the route. This may require walking with them for the first week.

·         Bright colored clothing will make your should more visible to drivers.

Bike

·         Always wear a bicycle helmet.

·         Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.

·         Respect traffic lights and stop signs

Car

·         All passengers should wear seatbelts

·         Many crashes occur while novice teen drivers travel to and from school. The Number of passengers should be limited. Parents should talk with your teen driver about driver distractions such as eating, drinking, and cell phone usage including texting while driving.

School Bus

·         If your child’s school bus has seat belts, make sure your child uses them at all times.

·         Do not move around on the bus.

·         Use designated bus stop to board and exit the bus at school and near your home.

More tips on how to live healthier safer lives can be found on the Glendale Fire Department’s website. www.glendaleaz.com/fire 

Calling all GLENDALE Centenarians! 

            GLENDALE, Ariz. – Do you know a Glendale resident who is 100 years or older? We want to know them, too!  The city of Glendale is celebrating its centennial and is looking for residents who can be honored along the centennial journey.  In addition to seeking out the oldest Glendale residents, the city is trying to find a resident who has resided in Glendale the longest number of years.

            The official Centennial anniversary is June 10, 2010.  Throughout the year, the city will commemorate this significant anniversary by engaging residents to participate in events and contests while learning about the rich history of Glendale.  

            Visit www.glendaleaz.com/centennial  or call the Glendale Visitor Center at 623.930.2958 to submit information about either knowing or being a longtime resident or someone who is 100 years or older.

            For more information about upcoming centennial events or activities, visit www.glendaleaz.com/centennial.

Glendale, Ariz. – Sara Filion, a 19-year-old page at Foothills Branch, has been selected as the August Employee of the Month for the Glendale Public Library System. A Glendale resident, Filion has worked at the library for three years and will be attending Arizona State University later this month.

She was nominated by co-worker Patti Purdum.

“Sara is an outstanding circulation page,” says Purdum. “She always has a smile for everyone and works incredibly hard! She is willing to help you with anything you ask and always does her job in a professional way.”

Purdum adds that Filion is also reliable, always positive and well respected by her peers.

By the way, Filion’s goal is to become a librarian

Challenger Space Center Sept. 2009 Calendar of Events

Sept. 2009

Special Note:  The Challenger Space Center   will be closed to the public from Aug. 24 through Sept. 8 to begin remodeling of the facility and design new exhibits and programs. Special events and corporate programs and rentals are still available during this time.

Sept. 8-30, Guided Tours of the Challenger Space Center , 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Our friendly tour guides will lead you through the Challenger Space Center and point out interesting facts about space exploration along the way. Guided tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.  Free with paid admission.  (No noon guided tours Monday through Friday.) Challenger Space Center , (623) 322-2001.

Saturdays, Sept. 12 and 26,  Rendezvous with a Comet, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Become a crewmember on a two-hour simulated space flight mission!  During this adventure, crew members will take part in a daring trek through space and will undertake a scientific mission to the great Comet Encke.  Team members in both the spacecraft and Mission Control must work together to rendezvous with the comet’s tail, and successfully launch the probe.   (Not recommended for 2nd grade and under.  Third and fourth graders must be partnered with an adult.)   $15 for students/$17.50 adults. Prepaid reservations required.  (623) 322-2001.

Saturday, Sept. 12, Stargazing Night, 7:30 p.m.  Get an up-close and personal look at the stars through high-powered telescopes on the grounds of the Challenger Space Center .  The program consists of a slide presentation on the constellations and planets with information on upcoming sky events.  Included are stories of the night sky, featuring folklore from many different cultures.  $4 students/$6 for seniors.  Under five FREE. Challenger Space Center , (623) 322-2001.

Saturday, Sept. 19, Voyage to Mars, 1 p.m., Crew members become the first humans on Mars as they collect and analyze a great number of planetary samples and other data in this simulated Space mission that meets on the third Saturday of every month. Participants also gain an appreciation for the “luxuries” on Earth such as air, water and food as compared to the barren surface of Mars.  $15 for students/ $17.50 adults.  Prepaid reservations required.  Challenger Space Center , (623) 322-2001.

Saturday, Sept. 26, 5th Annual Smithsonian Museum Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy free admission to the Challenger Space Center courtesy of the Smithsonian Magazine.  Log on to www.azchallenger.org for the link to down load a free adult admission pass.  Special activities including arts & crafts, games, movies and other age appropriate activities that promote a love for science, technology, engineering and math.. Take a guided tour of the Challenger Space Center , explore the planets in the solar system and then experience a one-of-a-kind simulated space shuttle launch and still be home for dinner. Challenger Space Center , (623) 322-2001.

Saturday, Sept. 26, StarLab Planetarium Programs, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  This program is a fun, exciting and unique family learning experience.  Inside our Giant StarLab Planetarium, you are transported into a night sky environment perfect for learning about upcoming sky events, stars, moon, constellations, planets and deep space objects.  Program length 40 minutes.  $4 per person.  Members Free. Challenger Space Center , (623) 322-2001. 

The Challenger Space Center is located at 21170 N. 83rd Ave in Peoria , Arizona .  Hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Admission is $4 for students and seniors, $6 for adults.  Under five and Challenger Space Center Members, FREE.

*Occasional special engagements may alter schedules.  Please call in advance (623) 322-2001 to verify hours of operation and program availability.  For additional information and updated calendar of events, log onto our Web site at www.azchallenger.org.

Honorable Terry Goddard

Arizona Attorney General

1275 West Washington Street

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Re: Formal request for investigation of the Property Tax Review Board

Dear Attorney General Goddard,

As you are aware, many property owners across Arizona have recently been contacted by a tax appeal firm promising to get them partial refunds for their 2009 property tax bill. However, the promises this out-of-state firm is making to Arizona property owners are irresponsible, erroneous, and legally barred since Arizona taxpayers are unable to appeal their 2009 property values at this late date. The mere fact they are requesting an upfront fee for services our offices’ offer at no cost concerns us greatly. Therefore, we believe this attempt to elicit funds for services already provided at no cost to the Arizona property owner is nothing more than a scam.

We, as the elected assessors of all of Arizona’s counties, have a duty and obligation to protect and defend the property tax assessment and appeal system in Arizona from misconduct and abuse. It is vital that the integrity of the process be maintained. Therefore, we are formally requesting that you initiate a formal investigation into the activities and practices of the Property Tax Review Board immediately. We will assist you in any way you require so that we may protect the most vulnerable of Arizona’s citizens from fraud and abuse.

Sincerely,

Glendale Cactus District Councilman
Phil Lieberman answers
 Gary Hirsch about his
Expense Account 

Photos by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Articles in Progress-

Cesar Chavez Breakfast-

MAIN STREET GLENDALE AND USA 
BASKETBALL FINANCING APPROVED

GLENDALE, Ariz. – La Paz County Industrial Authority has approved $1.2 billion in bond financing for Arizona based HB Equities.  Considered one of the largest bond authority approvals in the state’s history, the bulk of the bonds will be used to fund the Main Street development; a major mixed-use commercial development surrounding the state’s new Camelback Ranch Glendale spring training facility and site of the future USA Basketball headquarters. 

HB Equities submitted four applications to the La Paz County Industrial Development Authority for several economic development projects across the state.  Funding was allocated as follows:

• $792 million for Main Street and Glendale’s USA Basketball Training Facility. The Glendale Main Street development encompasses 283 acres adjacent to the Dodgers/White Sox Spring training facility and consists of five different commercial and residential components. In its entirety, the Glendale Main Street project will total 3.9 million square feet and will include a new Glendale resort/hotel, shops, restaurants, residential living, office space, extended stay hotels, an 18-hole championship golf course and other destination related venues.

• $153 million for expansion and development of the Glendale Municipal Airport, Phoenix-Goodyear Airport and Yuma International Airport.  Development includes new fixed base operations and hangar/office buildings.

• $140 million for the purchase and renovation of the former Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort.
  
• $125 million for the expansion and restructuring of Danny’s Family of Companies, which includes numerous carwash enterprises in the Greater Phoenix Area.

“This project is part of the city’s overall strategy to establish two anchors for Main Street Glendale that are compatible with the development already taking place in the sports and entertainment district,” said Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley. “With financing identified, we are thrilled that construction of the USAB facility could begin in the next several months.”

“This is big for the state and specifically for the City of Glendale,” asserted Danny Hendon, HB Equities’ other principal owner.  “With these bonds we can expand in a very tough time.  We’re eager to get started.”

“With the difficult economic conditions in our state, this investment will create many jobs and will drive economic development in our community,” said Bob Banovac, HB Equities principal. “We stand ready to move ahead and are confident that the projects will be extremely successful.” 

La Paz County is expected to benefit with $12 million in revenue over the life of the bonds with no cost to taxpayers.

HB Equities is a privately held real estate acquisition and development firm owned by principals, Danny Hendon and Robert Banovac.  Both Hendon and Banovac are long-time Arizona residents with 25-plus years of experience in developing retail, office, restaurant, and residential communities.  In addition to projects in Arizona, the company is also involved in projects in California, Hawaii, and Nevada. Dodd Mitchell Design, an award-winning Hollywood based architecture and design firm, will oversee the Mountain Shadows renovations as well as the Main Street Glendale design. www.doddmitchell.com

For information about Main Street Glendale or USA Basketball visit www.glendaleaz.com or www.hbequities.com.

Elaine Scruggs, Mayor of Glendale  applauds and appreciate this important action taken by the County Assessors in each of Arizona’s 15 counties.

I applaud and appreciate this important action taken by the County Assessors in each of Arizona’s 15 counties.   This is a strong step forward in trying to let the general public know that their property taxes will be increased if Senate Bill 1036 passes.   Also, the public will now learn that they did not have any opportunity to express their opinions to the legislators they have elected to office and who have initiated this major policy change.

Elaine Scruggs

Mayor, Glendale AZ

send comments to info@glendaledailyplanet.com

Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award Nominees Announced



 

Official Press Release


SAN DIEGO,  (The Eisner Spirit Award). This year organizers are happy to note that Baby Tattoo, publishers of books for kids and adults, is the official sponsor of the Award.

Since 1993, The Eisner Spirit Award as been presented to an individual retailer who has performed an outstanding job of supporting the comics art medium both in the community and within the industry at large. Any retailer established in business for at least two years is eligible for nomination, and retailers, professionals, or fans may place a name in nomination. A panel of industry judges select a group of finalists to be subjected to an in-depth examination based on award criteria.

These criteria include:
Support of a wide variety of innovative material: Providing opportunities for creators’ material to reach buyers; stocking a diverse inventory.
Knowledge: Working to stay informed on retailing as well as on the comics field.
Community activity: Promoting comics to the community; maintaining relationships with schools and libraries; keeping active in social, business, and arts community organizations.
Quality of store image: Innovative display approaches; using store design creatively. Adherence to standard ethical business practices.

This years nominees are: Acme Comics, Greensboro, NC; Big B Comics, Ontario, Canada; Comic Book Ink, Tacoma, WA; Comic Oasis, Las Vegas, NV; Comics & Vegetables, Tel Aviv, Israel; Comicopia, Boston, MA; Cosmic Monkey Comics, Portland, OR; Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy, Austin, TX; Drawn To Comics, Glendale, AZ; Happy Harbor Comics, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Krypton Comics, Omaha, NE; Legends Comics, Victoria, BC Canada; OK Comics, Leeds England; Phantom of the Attic, Pittsburgh, PA; Tate’s Comics, Fort Lauderdale, FL; The Comic Vault, Chicago, IL; and Up, Up & Away, Cincinnati, OH.

Past winners are not eligible for nomination.

The Eisner Spirit Awards are part of, and underwritten by, Comic-Con International: San Diego, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of comics to art and culture.

More information about Comic-Con can be found at http://www.comic-con.org

 

If you have not been there  - Ed Sharpe from the 'Planet  says  drop in and visit them. They are  right next to Subway at 59th and Glendale Ave on the south side of Glendale!

They are located at
5757 W. Glendale Ave, Glendale AZ 85301-
PH :623-847-9090 Fax: 623-847-8585
http://www.drawntocomics.com/HOME.html

 

This was a nice  Glendale Daily Planet ( http://www.glendaledailyplanet.com) news article that ran on them a while  back.

 

A knitted cap for every baby at West Valley Hospital

Photo caption:  Three month-old, Aidan, son of West Valley Hospital CNO, 
Kristin Schmidt, sports one of Andrea Brode’s knitted caps.

Goodyear, Ariz. (July 8, 2009) –  Andrea Brode, director, Franklin Pierce University, and member of West Valley Hospital’s Board of Trustees, started knitting as a child.  As she grew up, she continued what she says is a “very calming way to spend an evening” and later knitted sweaters for her own children and other family members.

Brode says she always has a knitting project in the works.  After completing a larger project like a sweater or a blanket, she often knits baby caps.  “All you need is number 3 or number 4 knitting needles, and fingering or baby weight yarn.  The days of pink and blue are over, so get creative with stripes and variegated yarn!”

So, what does Brode do with the baby caps once she’s completed a few?

She brings them to West Valley Hospital so the newborns in labor and delivery can make a baby fashion statement.  Brode brought her first dozen at the end of June.

Brode is committed to providing a knitted cap for every baby born at West Valley Hospital.  With an average rate of 130-140 babies born each month, Brode definitely has some speedy stitching to do.

“I have friends who knit, but we need all the help we can get,” Brode says with a smile. 

Anyone interested in learning more about knitting caps for babies, please call Brode at (603) 313-0886. (Yes, 603 area code).

West Valley Hospital is located at 13677 West McDowell Road in Goodyear, Ariz.

About West Valley Hospital—West Valley Hospital, an affiliate of Abrazo Health Care, is a 164-bed, acute care community hospital located in Goodyear, Arizona.  From state-of-the-art obstetrics and a full-service emergency department, to medical and surgical services, cardiovascular and intensive care, West Valley Hospital is dedicated to meeting the greatest needs in our communities by providing the most comprehensive healthcare available.  With exceptional people providing exceptional patient care, West Valley Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission.

Authors Investigate “Strong Heroines in Crime Fiction”

　

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Mystery authors Ann Parker, Juliet Blackwell, and Sophie Littlefield will reveal how they create “Strong Heroines in Crime Fiction” at the next Authors @ the Teague panel discussion and signing at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 15 at Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave.

You will meet a trio of feisty females in their latest books. Ann Parker’s “Leaden Skies” continues the “Silver Rush Mystery” saga of frontier saloon keeper Inez Stannert, first featured in “Silver Lies” and “Iron Ties.” As the railroad – and President Ulysses S. Grant – comes to Leadville, Colorado, in 1880, this “strong female protagonist” (“Booklist”) shows true grit as she copes with a secret deal with a madam, a secret affair with a minister, a missing husband, and murder.

In “Secondhand Spirits,” the first in Juliet Blackwell’s new “Witchcraft Mystery” series, vintage clothing store owner Lily Ivory must use her hidden occult talents to fight a murderous San Francisco phantom. Yet another strong heroine, ex-forger Annie Kincaid, stars in the “Art Lover’s Mystery” series created under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind.

Finally, Sophie Littlefield’s grimly funny debut novel, “A Bad Day for Sorry,” introduces Missouri seamstress and vigilante Stella Hardesty, helping women in the community deal with abusive men as she once dealt with her own late husband.

Books will be available for purchase. The program is free. For more information, please call 623-930-3431.

Two Teens Facing Charges in Arson of Playground Equipment

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – On June 12th, 2009 officers from the Glendale Police Department and Glendale firefighters responded to 7100 W. Utopia Road regarding a fire of playground equipment at the Utopia Park.

The playground equipment and the shade structure were a complete loss and damages were estimated to be several thousand dollars. Glendale Fire Department Arson investigator Mike Blair was able to identify two thirteen year old boys who were responsible for the fire.

Cole Vallenari and Sean McArthur are residents of Glendale and admitted their involvement in this incident. They were referred to the Maricopa County Juvenile Division for charges of Arson of a Structure.

No other suspects were implicated in this crime and no other persons are being considered for prosecution in this matter.

Glendale Police Department Receives Grant

From the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – In 2009, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) awarded the Glendale Police Department with a $10,000.00 grant for Laser equipment for speed enforcement.

The laser equipment will be used by the departments’ motorcycle units for speed enforcement and other safety violations. The use of these laser units will help in reducing the severity of vehicle accidents making the streets of Glendale safer.

The Glendale Police Department works with GOHS to enforce speed violations and other safety violations, specifically, the “Click it or Ticket” Program, which focuses on seat belt and child restraint violations. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety provided the department with $10, 000.00 for this equipment.

For more information, please contact Lt. Dave Madeya at (623) 930-3404.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale Channel 11 has been recognized in a national competition for government television programming. The City’s television station has been nominated for three awards from the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA).

Glendale 11 is nominated for the festival program Glendale Glitters 2008 in the Community Event Coverage category; the Home Green Home show, documenting the building of Glendale’s first platinum level LEEDS Habitat for Humanity home, in the Documentary Event Coverage category; and the Glendale Spring Training Ballpark promotion in the Event/Program Promotion category.

Photos by Ed and Bette Sharpe 

Photos by Ed and Bette Sharpe 

Fans into the action at first Dodgers-Sox home game

Fans stream into the stadium to get a good look at the new complex.

For the first home game of spring training baseball, you could not have ordered better weather.

Temperature in the mid-80s, the smell of hot dogs, peanuts and sunscreen in the air, and a 3-2 late inning come-from-behind win by the Chicago White Sox over the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Camelback Ranch-Glendale stadium opened for business March 1 and thousands of people, Dodger and White Sox fans were able to partake in the festivities.

Once introductory messages from Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon were complete, Native American dancing, Glendale's Jordin Sparks rendition of the National Anthem and fireworks shooting off from left field, the players took to the field for the first pitch.

Although the two teams came into the day having played four road games already, you could not tell the fans otherwise. They got a chance to sample what Camelback Ranch-Glendale was about by walking the concourse and visiting concession stands and the souvenir shop.

Fran and Steve Vizzi from New Jersey were very impressed with the stadium's layout and sight line from the concession stand to the field, making it almost impossible to miss a pitch.

“It's very nice and the grounds are very well-kept,” Fran said. “We came early, about an hour early, and there were no crowds.”

Steve Vizzi was looking around and enjoying all the amenities the stadium had to offer.

“It's great and I enjoy the scenery,” Vizzi said. “It's not too large and it's homey and you can see the players up close. We'll come back every year and we've rented a house in Phoenix.”

The Vizzis' travel partner, Mike Viola, from Lincoln, Calif., was loading up his hot dog with relish and onions. If the stadium looks good now, just wait a little longer, Viola said.

“When it's built out, it will be nice in three to four years, but it has a good start,” Viola said. “Trees and cactus, (nearby) shopping and a golf course.”

Camelback Ranch-Glendale passed muster with the Vizzis and Mike Viola and there were many satisfied people watching batting practice, temperatures in the mid-80s and game time festivities. There was no reason not to get excited about the Dodgers-Sox home opener.

Story Courtesy: The Glendale Star

GLENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES

2008 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR


Engineer Paramedic Ron Hart

GLENDALE, Ariz. –The Glendale Fire Department has named Engineer Paramedic Ron Hart as its Firefighter of the Year for 2008.  The announcement came Thursday, March 5th, during the Glendale Fire Department’s 22st Annual Awards Ceremony.

         Engineer Hart, a six year veteran, was nominated for his dedication as a mentor by his peers. Part of his nomination read: “Ron has been involved in several different areas of our fire department. He is the Commander of our Honor Guard. He is also an active mentor to new medic students as well as probationary firefighters. Most, if not all, of what he does is without compensation. Ron is a great representative of the Glendale Fire Department,” the nomination continued.

         Congratulation Engineer Hart on the well deserved title of Glendale Fire Department’s 2008 Firefighter of the Year!

Other awards given at the department’s 22st Annual Awards Banquet;

·         Service Award: Captain Mark Mann and Captain Pat Martin

·         Service Award (Non-Sworn): Chaplain Raul Ochoa

·         Chief Don Heatwole Award: Assistant Fire Marshal Debra Oso

·         Fire Chief’s Award: Deputy Chief Pat Berkel

·         Community Service Award: Battalion Chief Gary Benson

·         Professional Service Award – EMS: Engine 153- B Shift, Captain Rob Tutrone, Engineer Jason Zeller, Firefighter Brian Triggs and Firefighter Jim Robinson

·         Fire Pal of the Year Award: Firefighter Adam Pottle

·         Crisis Response Volunteer of the Year Award: Esther Gillett

·         Glendale Volunteer Fire Cadets of the Year Award: Cadets Eddie Villa and Josh Slagle

·         Glendale Fire Safety Educator of the Year: Angela Cabagnaro

·         Fire Marshal’s Professional Excellence Award: Assistant Fire Marshal Larry Randall

·         Call of the Year Award: Engine 151- C Shift, Engineer Dave Green, Firefighters Ashley Vandertoorn, Michael Higgins, Adam Pottle and Kyle Port.

Jana Bommersbach's Appearance 
at Velma Teague Library

More Story HERE!

( Lesa Holstine, Jana Bommersbach, and Bette Sharpe - (C) Ed Sharpe, CouryGraph Productions) More Story HERE!

Holy Comic Book Store Batman! Right here in Downtown Glendale?

Jessica Parks  - Special to the Glendale Daily Planet

The shop is neither imposing nor daunting. The floors inside are bare cement, the walls white, and the only decoration is the colorful covers of the merchandise itself.  Behind the counter is an impressive life-size model of the Silver Surfer, complete with board, looking as if it had just leapt out of one of the comic books sitting on the racks in the middle of the room.

It looks entirely like the basement of a careful, dedicated collector, and in a way it is.

Ken Brown, 34, has owned his comic book shop, aptly named "Drawn to Comics," for three and a half years, located on 5757 W. Glendale Ave. He runs the shop with only his wife, but the fact that Drawn to Comics is small compared to some of the competition chain stores hasn't stopped Brown. The Phoenix New Times awarded him with their 2008 awards for Best Comic Book Shop.

"I don't mind being the Boy Wonder," Brown said with a small smile. He said that what sets Drawn to Comics apart is their customer service and friendly attitude.

"I'm proud of what I do, but I don't want to say that I'm better than anyone else. I just think we do a really awesome job at what we do," he said. "We try to make everyone feel like they're part of the experience, part of us…it's not just our store, it's their store too."

The customers agree. Brian Ress, 23, works with special-needs children. He likes the friendly atmosphere of the shop.

"I've been to some of the chains and it's like, 'shop and get out,'" he said. Ress said that he hadn't been into the shop for more than a year, but Brown still remembered his name. Brown also gave him a deal on a stack of comics for the children he works with.

"I've loved comics since I was 10 years old," Brown said. "I walked into a 7-Eleven to look at the magazines. I picked up a Spiderman and it had Spiderman in a black costume. I thought 'wow, that's weird; I've never seen that before.' I thought it was the coolest thing. So I became addicted, almost immediately, trying to figure out where that black costume came from. I just got hooked."

Brown, a journalism major, has done over 20 years of research in the comic book field, from reading "quite a lot" of the new titles each week to investment portfolios for those who want to make long and short-term investments in comic books. Brown said that it was an increasing practice since comics don't have negative losses like stocks do.

"Right now there's attention on comics," he said. "Drawn to Comics is a place where you go to find the answers." He has made long-term investments in comics as well, although he prefers to do it from the point of a collector, not an investor.

Tobin Crouch, 38, has been collecting comics since he was eight, and first came to Drawn to Comics after being recommended by another store. His first comic was purchased in "a little convenience store up at Cadillac, Michigan."

Brown also uses his shop for many different community and charity events, including canned food drives, Toys for Tots, literacy nights, and most recently, a cancer drive for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and American Cancer Society on behalf of Michael Turner, a comic book artist who died recently from bone cancer. He also offers a 10 percent discount for student and military personnel all year round.

"Well this is my first time here, but I like this place!" said Parker Faries, 8. His favorite comic book is Power Pack.

"I just like it because the superheroes are kids," he said. He and his brother Dillon, 6, are both excited to be there.

Brown's favorite comic started it all.

"Spiderman #252," he said, with the same smile as Parker and Dillon Faries. "The first time Spiderman was seen in his black costume. I had no interest in comics whatsoever until I saw that black costume."

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Silver Surfs  Into Glendale!
Photos by Ed Sharpe

I dropped in to see Ken's new additions at DRAWN TO COMICS on Glendale Ave near Murphy Park.  The life sized Silver Surfer weighs over 100 pounds and was used  as a movie promotion. The Daily Planet Globe  at left is cool too! Be sure to read Jessica Parks' fine article on Ken above,  learn how he got started and what it is all about!

Arab American Festival 
Saturday and Sunday, November 1-2, 2008

What  an exciting celebration of food, art, entertainment and culture we experienced in  Historic Downtown Glendale this weekend at  the Arab American Festival.

Presented in part by the Glendale Diversity Committee, this free fun-filled event was held on Saturday and Sunday, November 1-2, 2008, from noon until 9 p.m. each day at Historic Downtown Glendale's Murphy Park. The festival is open to the public and admission is free.

The Arab American Festival is a Non-political, Non-religious, Non-profit Organization established to build community pride in the valley and showcases our diversity of music, arts, and cultures.  Multi-generational and multi-cultural families gather to enjoy free music, arts and crafts, entertainment, children’s activities, and services from local businesses, foods, and vendors.

The Arab American Festival is an exploration of the rich culture and history of the world’s oldest civilization. Our festival is targeted to all Americans to create an awareness of the diverse ethnic groups while having fun.

Mohamed and Dia Hamze enjoy the Hookah  lounge area.  They hail form Chandler Arizona and tell us this is their first time in Glendale Arizona!  Com back and visit again soon folks!

Sarah Buche and Darren R. Rodgers Representatives of the FBI

John Sawaqed shows off  a wide assortment of Hookahs and accessories that his company sells... He is the CEO/President of the Arizona Hookah & Molasses Co.

Event pictures!

Rokue Hellou and son Nabil Fayad Palestinian-Americans from Phoenix enjoy the  festival Afternoon along with Father Ahmed Fayad at their booth TaibaOutfitters.com which exhibited fine quality Islamic clothing.

Featured Events were....

• ARABIAN FOLKLORE MUSIC
• AMERICAN FOLKLORE MUSIC
• TRADITIONAL ARABIC FOOD
• ARABIC HOOKAH LOUNGE
• CARNIVAL RIDES

Official Festival Website is at: http://www.glendaleaz.com/news/ArabAmericanFestival.cfm

Glendale History Walk

Completion: October 2008

Tumbled Byzantine glass mosaic

56 individual medallions; 400 sq. feet total

The history of Glendale is told in 
realistically-rendered symbols 
along a 288' long sidewalk using
 the classic Roman trompe l'oeil 
tradition of the "unswept floor."

Client: City of Glendale, AZ

Fabricator: Mosaika Art & Design, Montreal

Left Photo: Garry Soderlund, Lynn Basa, public artist and  Tim Beisel

Right  Fabricator: Mosaika Art & Design, Montreal personal with Lynn Basa in center.

MORE PHOTOS AND STORY ABOUT USA BASKETBALL >