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Professional Paintball Returns to Glendale!

PSP Professional Paintball Event & Trade Show Returns to Glendale April 19 - 22

FREE to the Public April 19 - 22, 2012 at the Glendale Youth Sports Complex

6221 N. 91st Ave., Glendale, AZ 85305

www.pspevents.com

PSP Events, LLC is excited to bring the Professional and Regional Competitive Paintball Circuit back to Glendale, AZ for the first time since 2010 – and the event and trade show are open and free to the public! 

120 of the top paintball teams from around the world will be competing April 20 - 22 in the “PSP Phoenix Open” on six fields set up on grass fields and over 1,500 players and spectators are expected to attend.  A free tradeshow with the world’s largest and best Paintball product manufacturers will be open to the public daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  Professional Paintball teams will be competing and signing autographs each day – watch their games live from free grandstand seating.

Paintball is a game based on the traditional format of Capture the Flag.  The exciting RaceTo format matches two five-man teams against each other on a field about the size of a tennis court with a number of inflated shapes that offer some cover to the players.  Whichever team eliminates the other and captures the flag earns a point.  The first team to accumulate 7 points wins the match.  The action is fast and furious. Teams are coming in from Russia, South America, England, Canada, all over the United States and many from the great state of Arizona!

WHEN:    April 19, 20, 21 and 22, 2012
WHERE:   Outdoor Event held at Youth Sports Complex 6221 N. 91st Ave., Glendale, AZ
HOURS:   8:00 AM to 6:00 PM – Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
COST:    FREE and Open to the Public!
TRADESHOW: Free to the public daily 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.  Shop the latest paintball technology, gear, equipment and apparel.  Talk to the manufactures and score great deals!
THE PAINTBALL: 150 Paintball Teams Play Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Pro teams play Thursday - Sunday and will be signing Autographs in the trade show all weekend long!
PRO TEAMS:  San Antonio X-factor, Moscow Red Legion, San Diego Dynasty, LA Infamous, Los Angeles Ironmen, Chicago Aftershock, UpTon 187 cRew, Tampa Bay Damage, Omaha Vicious and more!

Fun for the entire family… Free Trade Show & Free Grandstand Seating!

Glendale Library Adds Special Performance

by Folk Musician Rick Christian to its Lineup of Free Programs

Glendale, Ariz. – The Glendale Public Library is pleased to add a special performance to its lineup of free musical programming in April. English folksinger-songwriter Rick Christian will bring his mix of evergreen folk, country and rock and roll to the Glendale Main Library Auditorium on Wednesday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m.  

 

            Christian, who hails from Essex, England, has appeared on numerous radio stations throughout Britain, and has received airplay in Canada, the United States and Belgium. His repertoire includes originals as well as songs by other writers.

 

            “Rick’s songs bear a strong rural American influence in his portraits of longings and loves lost and found . . .” (Stanley Greenthal, Victory Music Review, USA)

 

            In 1999, Christian played a series of dates in Phoenix and has returned regularly due to popular demand. His music can be sampled at www.rickchristian.co.uk.

 

            The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 623-930-3573.

Historic Downtown Glendale and 
Catlin Court SIDEWALK & PORCH SALE

April 21 • 10 am - 4 pm

Come out to Historic Downtown Glendale for a FUN DAY in the sun and SALES GALORE! Historic Downtown Glendale and Catlin Court will be having a Sidewalk & Porch Sale on Saturday, April 21 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Enjoy LEMONADE STANDS to quench your thirst, ICE CREAM TREATS, ONE-OF-A-KIND gift items for spring and summer, and more so come on out and JOIN THE FUN! Start your day at the Glendale Visitor Center to pick up a walking map and take a spin on our PRIZE WHEEL.

Glendale Visitor Center • 5800 W. Glenn Drive, #140

623-930-4500 • VisitGlendale.com

Presented by the Historic Downtown Business Community
and the Glendale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Donation of the AED at the little league opening day ceremony
Saturday, March 10, 2012 Foothills Park Ball Field Complex, Field #3: 57th Avenue and Union Hills Drive

(left to right) are: Jim Field (Arrowhead Little League President), Frank Molinaro (CEO of Arrowhead Hospital), and Tom Doyle (Regional Manager) for Philips.

A joint gift from - Arrowhead Little League, Arrowhead Hospital, Philips Electronics, Enerspect 
Medical Solutions, and Glendale Fire Department 

Background: Arrowhead Little League became aware of the potential for players to be fatally 
injured after a 13-year-old died while playing a baseball game in northern Arizona last year. The 
league did not have the funding required to purchase an AED and sought out sponsorship 
through their charitable organization status. Philips Electronics was willing to discount an AED 
from $2,400 to $1,400 in an effort to help out the league and Arrowhead Hospital funded the 
$1,400 purchase. Glendale Fire Department is pleased that the league was able to receive a 
Philips AED because it will work seamlessly with the paramedic equipment carried on all fire 
trucks. Arrowhead Hospital CEO Frank Molinaro and Philips Electronics Regional Manager 
Tom Doyle will be at the opening day ceremony to present the league with the AED. 

Dr. John Mattox Appointed to Lead OB/GYN Department 
at University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix Campus

 

PHOENIX (March 12, 2012) –   Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center is proud to announce that John H. Mattox, Chair and Program Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology has been designated as the Executive Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology for the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix Campus. 

 

Dr. Mattox attended the University of Colorado where he received his bachelor of arts and doctor of medicine degree. Following internship at Hartford Hospital, he did his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Illinois Research and Educational Hospital in Chicago. In 1972, he was a Research Fellow in Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of Washington. Dr. Presently he is Chair and Program Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, in Phoenix, and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona. Dr. Mattox is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

 

In 2008, Dr. Mattox was chosen as one of thirteen (out of 800) “Most Outstanding Educators” from the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

 

Dr. Mattox' scholarly contributions include more than 125 scientific articles and abstracts, and has given more than 500 regional, national and international presentations.

 

Dr. Mattox was an examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a former member of the Residency Review Committee for obstetrics and gynecology. He holds membership in the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the Society of Reproductive Surgeons, the Society of Reproductive Endocrinologists, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

 

 

About Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center has been providing medical care to Arizona and the Southwest since 1911. Banner Good Samaritan is owned and operated by Phoenix-based Banner Health, a non-profit organization. The hospital was named to the 2011-’12 U.S.News & World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” list for Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Geriatrics and Gynecology. Banner Good Samaritan's Kidney Transplant Center was ranked #1 in the U.S. in a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (Konnectology). The hospital has been recognized as a Magnet™ facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the highest honor a hospital can earn for its nursing care and practices, and has been named one of the Best Places to Work in the Valley by The Phoenix Business Journal and BestCompaniesAZ from 2007-2011, and one of the “Top 100 Hospitals to Work For” by Nursing Professionals magazine.

Next budget meeting on Tuesday, March 20

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The city of Glendale has updated the time for its next budget meeting on Tuesday, March 20. This meeting is one of five being conducted over the next two months; please see below for the new schedule:

 -Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 1:30 p.m. - COMPLETED
-Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. – COMPLETED 
-Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 1:30 p.m. – COMPLETED 
 
-Tuesday, March 6 at 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. -- COMPLETED  
-Tuesday, March 20 at 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
 
All meetings are held at Glendale City Hall in the Council Chambers,  
and free parking is available in the city hall parking garage. The meetings will also  
be broadcast live on Glendale 11 TV and live online at www.glendaleaz.com/video. 
 
The meetings are archived on the city website for viewing 24/7 at  
www.glendaleaz.com/video. Budget documents are posted on the city’s website  
at www.glendaleaz.com/budget.  
 
Residents can give input during the budget process by contacting the Glendale Mayor and  
members of the City Council by email, phone or sending a letter: 
 
-Mayor Elaine Scruggs(623) 930-2260 or mayorscruggs@glendaleaz.com


-Vice Mayor Steve Frate (Sahuaro District)
Office (623) 930-2249 or Home (602) 439-8151 or sfrate@glendaleaz.com
 
-Councilmember Phil Lieberman (Cactus District) Office (623) 930-2249 or Home (623) 934-1648 or Lieberman@glendaleaz.com
 
-Councilmember Joyce Clark (Yucca District)Office (623) 930-2249 or Home (623) 772-9795 or jclark@glendaleaz.com
 
-Councilmember Manny Martinez (Cholla District) Office (623) 930-2249 or Home (623) 561-8263 or mmartinez@glendaleaz.com 
 
-Councilmember Yvonne J. Knaack (Barrel DistrictOffice (623) 930-2249 or yknaack@glendaleaz.com
 
-Councilmember Norma Alvarez (Ocotillo District)Office (623) 930-2249 or nalvarez@glendaleaz.com
 
Letters to the City Council can be sent to: 
5850 W. Glendale Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301

FREE ENERGY DEVICES AVAILABLE AT

CITY’S FIFTH ANNUAL GREEN FESTIVAL

GLENDALE, Ariz. –   What does a CFL bulb, high-efficiency showerhead and a programmable thermostat all have in common? They are energy-saving devices that Glendale residents can pick-up for free at the Glendale Green Festival on Saturday, March 31 while supplies last. The devices are funded by the federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program.

         The 5^th annual festival will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at the Glendale Main Library and surrounding Xeriscape Demonstration Garden at 5959 W. Brown Street. The first 100 attendees will receive a free water-smart plant, provided by the city of Glendale Conservation and Sustainable Living Program.

         The festival helps residents take the guess work out of living a greener lifestyle by offering free workshops and access to local experts. Residents can learn how to grow a green thumb by attending free gardening workshops, offered by the Valley Permaculture Alliance, in the Glendale Main Library’s auditorium:         

·        Composting - 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

·        Vegetable Gardening - 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

·        Growing Herbs - 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Other activities at the festival include:

·  The Green Zone, sponsored by SRP. Connect with green industry experts from more than 30 agencies and businesses and get the latest information on water and energy efficiency, recycling, gardening, alternative modes of transportation and green-living products.

·  The Family Zone, sponsored by Walgreens.  Children can learn about fun and easy ways to help their families go green, make eco-friendly crafts, take a spin on the eco-prize wheel and sing along and dance to their favorite music.

·                                                                          My Green Glendale photo and art contests.  Entries in the children’s bookmark design contest and the photo contest for teens and adults will be on display during the festival where they can be voted on by festival attendees from noon to 3 p.m. Winners will be announced in April.

MARKET ON THE MOVE (MOM)

 - By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

The 3000 Club is a nonprofit, charitable organization with a 501 (c)3 status that works with the Borderlands Food Bank which serves charities throughout the United States.  The group of like minded individuals, non-profits, businesses and volunteers want to rescue the millions of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables and distribute this fresh produce to everyone. 

The produce comes from Mexico where it is transported to the large warehouses in Nogales, Arizona.  The produce offered at the MOM events did not get the chance to go to the big name grocery stores for a variety of reasons; the demand was down for that item due to weather, the vegetable was not the "right" size, shape or color and was not selected.  If the produce is not selected, or sold, it gets dumped.  This 3000 Club "rescues" this produce by taking the fruit and vegetables via semi trucks to the various locations for the farmers style of markets.  Since 2010, the organization has on average, hosted between 8 and 12 markets each week.  The results are that the fresh produce, not frozen or canned, can be purchased are a very, very reasonable amount of money. 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no.1. There was a line and a short wait of about five minutes to sign in at the Market on the Move event on Saturday, March 10th in the First Southern Baptist Church at 59th Avenue and Brown.  For a mere $10.00 or in my case, a mere $5.00 I was able to purchase, and thus rescue, a half box of fresh orange peppers, yellow crook neck squash, zucchini, hot house cucumbers, and tomatoes.  A full box of produce can weigh about 60 pounds.  The portions were generous and the shopper has the ability to say "when" when they have enough of something.  For a schedule of where and when of the next MOM event is available on the web site, https://www.the3000club.org/.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 2. A large box of fruits and veggies cost $10.00.  Saturday's offerings at the First Southern Baptist Church at 59th Avenue and Brown Street included zucchini, orange peppers, tomatoes, yellow crook neck squash, and hot house cucumbers.  If you have priced the orange peppers at the market recently you know they can be pricey.

History repeats itself:

Glendale ADDS two Neighborhoods to Historic Register

                GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Glendale Gardens and Sage Acres neighborhoods are joining a prestigious list of Glendale communities on the National Historic Register.

The Keeper of the National Register of Historic Places recognized both of these neighborhoods for their commitment to preserve the original structure and historical essence of their homes.

The Sage Acres Historic District is located on 48^th Avenue north of Bethany Home Road and is known for being the earliest example of a multi-residential housing development in Glendale.  Constructed between 1960 to 1971, the complex consists of 13 quad-plex and six-plex buildings, featuring a mid-century modernist architecture.

The Glendale Gardens Historic District includes a subdivision of 32 ranch-style homes, which were constructed in 1957 and 1958.  Located south of Orangewood Avenue and east of 51^st Avenue, this district serves as a unique example of early tract housing development using brick as the exterior material.

“This is a great recognition for the city of Glendale and for the residents who value these wonderful, historic properties,” said Jon Froke, Glendale Planning Director.  “Homes that receive this distinction tend to help increase property values and the aesthetic appeal of a neighborhood. Both of these neighborhoods reflect the post-WWII suburb trends of offering contemporary style in mass produced subdivisions. With the addition of these two historic neighborhoods, Glendale now enjoys ten Historic Districts in the city.”

Some of the other historic districts in Glendale include Catlin Court, Floralcroft, 59^th Avenue Residential, Northfield, Sands Estates, Glendale Tract and Myrtle Avenue Residential. There are currently 474 Glendale properties listed on the National Register and a total of 87,000 properties in the United States that are listed on the National Register.

“The Glendale Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has seen a significant increase in the number of cultural tourists who are requesting historic guided walking/driving tours,” said Glendale CVB Tourism Manager. “As Arizona celebrates its Centennial, many visitors and residents have been embracing the past.”   

Participating properties must be at least 50 years old, have maintained the integrity of the facade of the house and reflect a historical significance such as architecture, people, place or event.

For more information, visit www.glendaleaz.com/historicpreservation

INCIDENT/LOCATION:  Fatal Traffic Collision / 8300 W. Bell Rd.

Friday March 9^th at 2350 hrs

Glendale Officers responded to the report of an injury collision at 8300 W. Bell Rd, which supposed to have occurred in the intersection.  Vehicular Crimes Investigators found that a passenger car was traveling westbound on Bell Rd. and made a left hand turn to go southbound on North on 83rd Avenue on a green arrow.  Witnesses stated the driver of another vehicle came through the intersection going eastbound on Bell Rd. on a red light and T-boned the vehicle turning.  The drivers of both vehicles were transported to the hospital, but the passenger of the T-boned vehicle did not survive.  Impairment is a factor in the collision.  The driver of the vehicle that was responsible for the  collision, 36 yr old Holly Kast, was booked into the 4^th Avenue Jail for manslaughter early Saturday morning.   The deceased passenger in the vehicle making the left turn was 31 yr old Lindsey Fisk, a Glendale resident.  She was in the car with her husband.

Flash from  our Digital Past!

LEGISLATURE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES

HCR 2061 - f-35 training; Luke AFB; SUPPORT

 

 

STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX (March 05, 2012) – On March 1^st, a resolution sponsored by Representative Debbie Lesko (R – Dist. 9), received unanimous approval in the Arizona House and Senate. The Resolution was drafted to express the full support of the Legislature for the implementation of the F-35 Lightening II training mission at Luke Air force Base and the Barry M. Goldwater Gunnery Range . Key language of the resolution states:

 

·        The F-35 Lightening II is critical to the future defense of the United States , and Luke Air Force Base, with its superb flying weather and outstanding facilities and infrastructure, is the right choice to train Air Force pilots in this next generation aircraft

·        The State of Arizona strongly supports the continued operation of Luke Air Force Base as an Air Force flight training base and pledges to continue to support Luke Air Force Base.

 

“Aside from serving as the ideal site that will usher in the latest generation of American combat aircraft, this new mission will sustain thousands of civilian jobs that will be needed to support training operations’, said Lesko.

The Arizona Regional Brain Bee at Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus

On Wednesday, February 15, Midwestern University welcomed some of Arizona’s top high school students for the annual Arizona Regional Brain Bee, an educational competition similar to a spelling bee that focuses on neuroscience. The 2012 Arizona Regional Brain Bee at Midwestern University was presented in partnership with the BHHS Legacy Foundation. )Sunmitted-

The Arizona Regional Brain Bee at Midwestern University’s Glendale Campus, presented in partnership with the BHHS Legacy Foundation, took place on February 15th. The Brain Bee is similar to a spelling bee, except that high school students answer questions about the brain and the central nervous system. Desert Vista High School’s Rajeev Parvathala took home top individual honors, while Corona Del Sol High School won first place in the team judging. First prize was a $2,000 scholarship to Midwestern University and paid expenses to help the winner compete in the National Brain Bee in Washington, D.C.

GLENDALE OFFERS HUNDREDS OF PROGRAMS 
FOR THE COMMUNITY THIS SPRING

GLENDALE, Ariz. –From Ani-Manga Club to Zumba the city of Glendale Parks, Recreation and Library Services has you covered from A to Z providing more than 300 special interest programs, classes and activities that run now through May.

Adults, teens and children can participate in the spring programs that include activities at all three of Glendale’s libraries, the Glendale Adult Center and Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center including classes in computers, arts, music, dance, exercise, sports, personal development, business and culinary arts. After-school and spring break activities, adult softball leagues, events and special needs programs are also part of the line-up.

Highlights at the libraries include Live at the Library with Teodoro “Ted” Ramirez – a Southwest troubadour, Andy Gonzales Duo and Dave Riley and Bob Corritore; Sensational Spring Booksale; job searching labs; Foothills Coffeehouse; Hunger Games Trivia Challenge; Little Vet Learning Day and Mini Kites on the Library Lawn.

Recreational class highlights include Japanese judo, yoga, beginning Salsa dancing, cake decorating, organic gardening, singing for adults, painting, tennis, youth guitar, cheer and tumbling and junior golf.

The My Community magazine features a complete list of all the activities and is available at the Glendale libraries, parks and recreation centers and online at www.glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation. Some of the activities require pre-registration, so get your copy or go online now.

The Left Seat West Restaurant is now open in Glendale

(Psst...The left seat is the pilot's seat)

By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1949.

Owner cook and Ron Zamenski servers up our early dinner.  The first item is two real eggs scrambled with bacon and whole wheat toast.  The second plate is fish and chips with hush puppies, fries and coleslaw. 

 

Karen and Ron Zamenski are the owners of the Left Seat West Rest Restaurant inside the Glendale Municipal Airport terminal, 6801 North Glen Harbor Blvd, Suite 104, Glendale, Arizona 85307 (623) 877-2208.  The restaurant is one seven days a week, from 6:00 a. m.  to 2:00 p. m. for breakfast and lunch.  An Early Bird Breakfast Special is only offered from

6:00 a. m. to 7:30 a. m.  The breakfast special varies from day-to-day; no substitutions and the offer is not valid with other promotions or discounts.  If you fly-in, the Left Seat offers a breakfast from 0730 until 01100 hours.  Please bring the Fly-In Specials (GEU) Glendale promotional flier (pun intended) with you to receive the discount.  Planes can be parked just outside of the restaurant's patio.  The February 2012 Fly-In Special is two eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast and coffee for the great price of $4.99.  Breakfast is available throughout the day.  Parking information is available from the control tower.  Cars can park in the front of the airport facility.  There are no fees or parking meters, and no security gates to worry about.  Just come hungry.

 

Friday is special, The Left Seat West offers An All You Can Eat Fish Fry from 2:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m.  The cost was $9.95.  The not-overly-battered cod came hot and crispy and without any sign of a greasy glisten.  My husband ordered the hush puppies.  He was delighted.  They had a bit of a hot bite to them.  His meal included French fires and coleslaw, which he polished off with joy.  I had breakfast for my early dinner.  The coffee was hot and fresh.  I had  at least three refills along with two glasses of tea.  This is Arizona and need to stay hydrated and alert.

 

Ron Zamenski does the cooking, AKA the "Spastic Spat" (spastic spatula) because he is so quick with the fish flipper.  He like to cook and he knows his stuff.   Both Ron and Karen have been if the food service business for 30 years.  The Left Seat West Restaurant was neat and clean and a nice change from the offerings of the larger venues around the sport complexes in the West Valley.

 

Prior to moving to inside the terminal at the Glendale Municipal Airport, Karen and Ron had a restaurant, the Left Seat Phoenix that was adjacent to the north runway at Sky Harbor Airport International Airport.  That location closed in November of last year after eight years. 

 

On April 9, 2010 a B-25 is scheduled to fly-in and stop in for breakfast.  This is a special event.  To confirm the date and the time of the B-25's arrival, please call the restaurant at 623-877-2208.  For more information, please visit the Left Seat West at

http://www.leftseatrestaurant.com/Home.html  Enjoy!

 

 

 

Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1945.

Ron and Karen Zamenski, owners of the Left Seat West Restaurant inside the Glendale Municipal Airport.  Some of the aviation themed posters are available for purchase.  The model aircraft hanging from the ceiling is not.

From time to time I like to let you know about unique and useful services that you may not be familiar with.  I recently had the opportunity to learn about a very important organization that benefits people throughout the state of Arizona and can benefit many, many more once it becomes more widely known.   Angel Flight West is a non-profit organization that arranges free flights for people in need of health care and other compelling needs.  Angel Flight West was formed in 1983.  Their offices are based out of California, but they serve 13 western states including Alaska and Hawaii.  There are other Angel Flight teams that serve the other regions of the United States.    Angel Flight West links both volunteer private flights and commercial airline partners with people in need whose non-emergency health care problems require that they travel to and from medical facilities throughout the western states.  The costs of the flights are all donated.    I recently met with several Angel Flight officials and offered to help get the word out about this extraordinary service.  You can learn more about Angel Flight West at their website, www.angelflightwest.org.    I hope you will help share the word about Angel Flight West with individuals who you feel may be able to use their service or those who may be able to donate their skills, time or resources.      Thank you taking the time to read my “Glendale Bulletins.”  Please contact me at (623) 930-2260 or mayorscruggs@glendaleaz.com, if you have any comments or questions. I strive to provide the most timely information and best possible service to you, the citizens of Glendale .  I sincerely appreciate your feedback.

The following are significant dates and additional resources for Glendale information and events:

Event Date Place City Council Budget Workshop February 28, 1:30 PM Room B-3 5850 West Glendale Avenue City Council Budget Workshop March 6, 1:30 PM Room B-3 5850 West Glendale Avenue Chamber Annual Luncheon featuring Mayor Scruggs’ State of the City March 15, 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Glendale Civic Center 5750 West Glenn For more information contact the Glendale Chamber at info@glendaleazchamber.org or 623-937-4754 City Council Budget Workshop March 20, 1:30 PM Room B-3 5850 West Glendale Avenue Folk and Heritage Festival March 24 and 25, 10 AM to 5 PM Sahuaro Ranch Park 9802 N. 59th Avenue Find great restaurants in downtown Glendale by visiting www.downtowndiningdistrict.com Find local businesses and special Chamber of Commerce events that are taking place by visiting www.glendaleazchamber.org

Ya Gotta Get Your Duck! (or Bear or Llama!)
AZ Search Dogs Event raises $1062 for the 
Family of Fallen Glendale Officer Bradley Jones

By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet 2/25/2012-Prelim-Art.

"It's a Bear Hunt" held Saturday, February 25 in the Catliln Court area between 58th Drive and 58th Avenue from Myrtle and Palmaire was a fun event.  The purpose of the event was to raise money for fallen Glendale Police Officer Brad Jones. A total of $1062 was raised  from raffles, entry fees and donations.  John Dean of the Arizona Search Dogs said on Saturday that it was not about how much money that was raised, although the money is important .  It was to show the officer's family that the community cares.  The event started with registration at 7:30 a. m. and continued until 1:00 p. m.  This is the first time for this event.  Everyone seem to have fun.

Event sponsors included, Glendale Civic Pride Ambassadors, Cabela's, Glendale CVB, Arizona Search Dogs, and Bears & More. 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1978. Arizona Search Dog PD barks an alarm.  He has found one of the volunteer victims in Saturday's fund raiser for fallen Glendale Officer Brad Jones family.  The event was called "It's a Bear Hunt".  Event sponsors included, Glendale Civic Pride Ambassadors, Cabela's, Glendale CVB, Arizona Search Dogs, and Bears & More.  Rob Bolvin, who works with PD was just a few feet away and he was ready to open the shed doors and let Melenie Widmer know that she had been found.  The loud barking gave her a clue, however.	Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no.1973.   The Arizona Search Dogs just assume that work is really play.  Once they have located the "missing" person or persons in Saturday's practice training, what really was important for the dogs was getting the toy duck.  Getting to play with the toy duck, usually it is a duck, is reward in itself!  It is all about getting the duck for Arizona Search Dog PD.  The other rescuers, those on two legs, will attend to the injured or missing person and do what needs to be done.
Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1981. Melenie Widmer was found by Arizona Search Dog PD and steps out into the open.	Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. Glenn Burnar is one of many referees in the area between Myrtle and 58th Avenue for Saturday's "It's a Bear Hunt".  He and others kept an eye on things, just to be sure everyone was following the rules and that property and people were OK.
Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no.1973-cropped.
Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 6858. According to John Dean, the search dogs "see" with their noses.  Here Hoss 'Noses' in!	Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. frame-Image3 Gage Buchanan, age 11, hides but is quickly discovered!  The the toy duck becomes the reward for Arizona Search Dog Tropper.   The dogs are strong and healthy and would not harm anything other than a stuffed toy duck.
Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. frame-Image4     Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1995. Gage Buchanan, age 11, plays tug of war the the toy duck Arizona Search Dog Tropper.  Tropper was the one who found Gage hiding in the shed.  The dogs are strong and healthy and would not harm anything other than a stuffed toy duck.  The volunteer victims were instructed to toss out their stuffed animal toy if they were concerned.  Tropper won this round, by-the-way.
Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. frame-Image6 Roslyn Bryan hid in an alcove but was  found  by Moose!	Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. frame-Image7 Roslyn Bryan holds a "Drooley Llama"! She used this stuffed Llama as a reward for Moose finding her hiding spot.  Animals can be retrieved  from the search dogs but are usually a bit 'moist'
Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. frame-Image2moose Finding the Llama was a thrill  for Moose!

==================================================================

  Arizona Search Dogs is a nonprofit organization that trains, certifies, and develops Canine Search Specialist teams.  These teams are mobilized with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Forces to assist state and local jurisdictions in urban and wilderness search and rescue.  Some of our team members have been deployed to the World Trade Center, The Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, flooding in Houston, Texas, Dallas Fort Worth tornado, New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike in the Gulf Coast, and local searches for Valley residents. 

 

Each canine and handler team must be certified through FEMA in search and rescue.  The handler's certification includes written and verbal testing regarding search-and-rescue strategies briefing skills and canine handling skills.  The dog's certification includes proper command control, overcome innate fears of tunnels and wobbly surfaces under a handler's guidance.  Certification for each Canine Search Specialist Team (dog and handler) requires the canine and handler to pass a FEMA sanctioned evaluation process administered with USAR evaluators.  There are less than 200 such certified teams throughout the United States.

 

Only one in about 200 dogs will successfully complete their training and become certified.  Some dogs are puppies when they start, while others start training when they are one to two years old.

Each dog will study and practice for over 2,000 hours before an evaluation is made and possibly graduation.  Due to the high level of physical activity these animal athletes, retirement comes when they are between eight and ten years old.

 

For more information on Arizona Search Dogs please visit their web site at

http://www.arizonasearchdogs.com/

NEARLY 500 VOLUNTEERS PARTICIPATED
IN GLENDALE SERVE DAY

 

 

            GLENDALE, Ariz. – Nearly 500 volunteers from various faith-based organizations completed several community service projects in Glendale recently. Projects included painting four homes, cleaning up empty lots, painting house numbers on the curbs, painting a retirement community clubhouse, cleaning up yards and the surrounding neighborhood and more.

            Glendale’s Serve Day is coordinated by the city of Glendale’s Neighborhood Partnership Office, which identified the various projects, coordinated the tools and worked with church leaders.  Volunteers came from four churches: Community Church of Joy, Faith Bible Church, The Vineyard Church and Christ’s Church of the Valley, along with several city employees and their families.

Participating churches see “Serve Day” as an opportunity to live their faith by offering service to those in need.  For the city, Serve Day – now in its sixth year – is an opportunity to address projects that would not be possible without volunteer support. 

            For more information on the Neighborhood Partnership Office, call 623-930-2868 or visit www.glendaleaz.com/CommunityPartnerships.

City of Glendale City Councilmember Norma Alvarez Holds
Ocotillo District Meeting, Thursday, February 23^rd

^{By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet}

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1842.

Glendale City Councilmember Norma Alvarez introduced Tohno O'odam Chairman, Dr. Ned Norris, Jr. Councilmember Alvarez thanked the Tohno O'odam Indian Tribe for their financial support of the after school anti-gang and drug programs. Chairman Norris thanked Councilmember Alvarez for her leadership and wished her well on her recovery. "She leads with her heart", Chairman said of Councilmember Alvarez.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet 

Fiesta Americana dance group is an the after school dance program. The programs offers alternatives to drugs and gangs while establishing pride and cultural awareness for its members. Hopefully these young dancers will continue with their education and go onto college or to a university. The dances practice at the YWCA.

 

Councilmember Alvarez asked her constituents for input and comments regarding the city's budget for FY 2013, and the casino and hockey questions. The meeting was held in the Landmark Middle School gymnasium Thursday evening, February 23. She wanted to hear from them. Did they want to continue supporting professional sports teams or focus on supporting mandated services?

 

"People really use those libraries" was the first comment made and its opened the discussion that followed the dance performances.. From there, much of the discussion was about the budget, in particular where was the five million dollars coming from to complete the $25 million due to the NHL at the end of April. Councilmember Lieberman asked the same question at the 2^nd Budget Workshop meeting help Tuesday, February 21. He wanted that this amount ($5 million listed specifically in the budget for the fiscal year 2013, which starts July 1, 2012. The amount of money it would take to manage the Jobing.com Arena is unknown. (At Tuesday's 2nd Budget Workshop, Mayor Scruggs has asked City Manager Ed Beasley to investigate the cost to manage the area with the Coyotes and without. She said it was time for a Plan B.)

 

It was difficult to discuss the budget figures at the Thursday Ocotillo District meeting without a visual reference for the figures.. There was no Powerpoint presentation or slides to refer to. The figures that were tossed about soon became a blur.

 

The "big" issues-- the budget, hockey/coyotes and the casino -  each carry strong emotions.

 

Some key points from Thursday's Ocotillo District Meeting are listed below.

-- After about a dozen legal  and federal decisions in favor of the tribe, why is the city still spending  money on what seems to be a dead issue.

- Another management company could manage the area for less money, Global Spectrum was suggested as a possibility.

- The city has no money and has a large debt to repay. Something has to give.

- It might be time to say good bye to the Coyotes.

- The new casino is not in the middle of the City of Glendale, but it would be across the street (91st Avenue) from Kellis High School.

- Much of the area where the purposed casino would be built, has suffered significant financial losses (foreclosures and vacant properties and there were no bids for Westgate when it went to auction) until the recent announcement of the construction of the new Tanger Outlet Mall.

- The new casino would bring jobs to the area.

- One person was troubled by the fact that the tribe is a sovereign nation and thus independent from other governments.

- A suggestion was to change the preferred hiring to include everyone, if the casino were built.

- Support of the libraries, Velma Teague is in the Ocotillo District.

- The Tohono O'odam Tribal Chairman Norris said the gambling part of the complex would be on the far west side to be as far away as possible from the high school. The Tohono O'odam is presently working the high school to address these issues.

- The Tohono O'odam Tribal Chairman Norris, would like to sit down with the mayor and work things out. The last meeting was in January 2009.-

-  Whatever happens with the hockey team and the casino, the city has electricity bills to pay, trash to collect, etc.

- Why is Camelback Ranch rented for just a $1.00 a year per team?

 

These are complicated issues and questions and will take time and patience to answer. Councilmember Alvarez and the other city councilmembers are asking for input. The next City of Glendale Budget Workshop is Tuesday, February 28 at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. During the workshop, comments from the audience will not be accepted. The workshop will be held in the City Council Chambers to accommodate the public and city staff.

The preliminary budget is due March 20, 2012.

To contact your Glendale City Councilmember, follow the link below

http://www.glendaleaz.com/CityCouncil/contact.cfm

The next City of Glendale Budget Workshop is Tuesday, February 28 at 1:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. During the workshop, comments from the audience will not be accepted. The workshop will be held in the City Council Chambers to accommodate the public and city staff.

 

“Chocolate Bunnies and Marshmallow Peeps”

Introduction to Type 2 Diabetes and Carbohydrate Counting

Fancy diets come and go, but healthy eating is always in style. Eating right with diabetes is less challenging when you understand how to incorporate foods that most affect your blood sugar. Carbohydrate counting is a method of eating which can make blood sugars more predictable, promote weight loss, and add flexibility in food choices.

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center invites you to join us for a free seminar, “Chocolate Bunnies and Marshmallow Peeps, Introduction to Type 2 Diabetes and Carbohydrate Counting”, from 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 22.   The lecture will be presented by Deborah Martin, RN and certified diabetes educator.

When:  Thursday, March 22, 6 – 7 p.m.

Where:  Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
              5555 West Thunderbird Road, Glendale
              Conference Room 6 on the Lower Level of the hospital.  Use the main North Entrance.

Reservations for the event can be made by calling 602 230-CARE (2273) during normal business hours. Just mention Class Code G3001943 to reserve your seat for this informative discussion.

Celebrating Fat Tuesday in Downtown Glendale! 

Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1745.

Michelle and Gerald’s Southern Cuisine (7138 North 57th Drive) had a full-on Mardi Gras feast! Patrons enjoyed a four-course meal including gumbo, jambalaya, mini po’ boys and of course, the king cake! Local New Orleans-style band The Hurricajuns played on the porch to serve up spicy tunes to go with a spicy meal.

Michelle and Gerald's Southern Cuisine Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras party! The family-owned soul food restaurant is in a converted bungalow in Catlin Court in the heart of downtown Glendale AZ . If you missed the celebration this year... See ya next year! Michelle and Gerald's Southern Cuisine, 7158 N. 58th Drive, Glendale. >Video by Ed Sharpe

 
Michelle and Gerald                                       Larry Earlywine         

Hurricajuns 

 

I want to take this opportunity to let you all know about some important dates for upcoming opportunities with the City of Glendale.   Ruth Byrne Historic Preservation Award   Nominations for the 2012 Ruth Byrne Historic Preservation Award are due March 1, 2012.  The purpose of the award is to recognize individuals or organizations for outstanding contributions to Glendale’s historic heritage.  The award is named after Ruth Byrne, a Glendale native, who has made significant contributions to historic preservation in the City of Glendale.  Ruth served on our Historic Preservation Commission, and is past president of the Glendale Arizona Historical Society.   (Click Here) for important information about the Ruth Byrne Historic Preservation Award, including nomination forms and how to submit a completed nomination.    Glendale State of the City Address   The Glendale Chamber of Commerce will host their 61st Annual Business Appreciation Lunch on Thursday, March 15 at the Glendale Civic Center.  Each year, the Chamber of Commerce graciously offers me the opportunity to deliver my State of the City Address during this event.  This year my theme will be FACT CHECK:  Glendale, AZ 2012 and I will be discussing how the different geographic areas of our city are contributing to attracting, sustaining, and capitalizing on new economic development opportunities. Some very special guests will also talk about doing business in Glendale .    Tickets can be purchased by calling the Glendale Chamber of Commerce at 623-937-4754 or by contacting www.glendaleazchamber.org. Tickets will be $60 per person and can be bought individually or for a table of eight at $480.  Registration begins at 10:45 AM and the luncheon program begins at 11:30.    From the Heart   Applications for Glendale From the Heart grants are currently available on the city website and are due March 16, 2012.  From the Heart is a unique city program with the mission to promote the positive development of youth, strengthen the capabilities of families, and assist residents in addressing crisis needs.  Funds for From the Heart are raised through the generosity of Glendale residents, who add $1 on to their utility bill, and through corporate donations.  The Gila River Indian Community provides an additional $75,000 contribution to From the Heart.   Social Service organizations that serve Glendale residents are encouraged to apply for From the Heart funds.  To be eligible, an organization must have 501(c)3, non-profit status from the IRS and must be operational for at least two years prior to their application. Grant funds range from $2,500 to $20,000.  There will be an information session about the From the Heart grant in room B-3 at Glendale City Hall on Wednesday, February 29 at 2:00 PM.  (Click Here) for more information about From the Heart.  Thank you taking the time to read my “Glendale Bulletins.”  Please contact me at (623) 930-2260 or mayorscruggs@glendaleaz.com, if you have any comments or questions. I strive to provide the most timely information and best possible service to you, the citizens of Glendale .  I sincerely appreciate your feedback.

 

 

 

TANGER FACTORY OUTLET, INC.

CHOOSES GLENDALE FOR NEW MALL

         GLENDALE, Ariz. – Residents from throughout Arizona and tourists from all over the world have another reason to visit Glendale -- a new 328,000 square-foot outlet mall.  Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. has chosen Glendale for its newest shopping center that will include 85 brand name outlet stores.  The upscale open-air mall is expected to be ready for business in the fall and will be located near the Loop 101 and Glendale Ave., which is within walking distance to Westgate City Center, Jobing.com Arena and the University of Phoenix Stadium. 

         “It is a pleasure to welcome Tanger Factory Outlet Centers to Glendale,” said Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs.  “Tanger’s upscale outlet malls are a favorite among all shoppers because of the variety of brand-name products they offer for the entire family.  Tanger will be the perfect complement for Westgate’s unique mix of tenants and will add to the popularity of the entire center.”

         The project, Tanger Outlet Center Westgate, is expected to bring more than 700 jobs during construction.  Glendale’s Planning, Building Safety and Engineering departments expedited the review and permit process to save time and move the project forward, allowing Tanger’s design and construction teams to begin site work immediately.    Ground will be broken within the next few weeks with an official groundbreaking ceremony in March. 

         “Tanger’s new location in Glendale means new jobs, new brand name shopping opportunities for residents and tourists and an increase in tax revenue for the city,” said Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley.  “When Westgate was originally envisioned, planned and zoned, we anticipated large-scale retail development adjacent to the Loop 101 freeway and Sports and Entertainment District.  The hundreds of thousands of visitors, who come here each year, now have another destination attraction with the opening of the new Tanger Outlet Center Westgate.”

         The shopping mall will create 900 full and part-time retail jobs.  Names of the specific designer outlets and brands will be announced at the official groundbreaking.  Tanger owns 39 upscale shopping centers in 25 states and Canada with more than 175 million shoppers visiting their stores annually.

         For more information on Tanger Outlet Centers, Inc. visit www.tangeroutlet.com or call 1-800-4TANGER.   Information about economic development opportunities in Glendale can be found at www.glendaleaz.com/economicdevelopment or call Glendale’s Economic Development Office at (623) 930-2983. 

EVENTS ARE SPRINGING UP IN

DOWNTOWN GLENDALE THIS SEASON

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Spring in Historic Downtown Glendale kicks off with a bang this March as three popular events coincide on the same day on  Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will have an  opportunity to experience the fine food, culture and shopping of Paris without making a trip half-way around the world.

Paris in the Spring

Glendale’s Paris in the Spring is a free event taking place in Downtown Glendale and Catlin Court. Sidewalk shopping and cafés will be set up along the way, featuring discounts and special offers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Start at the Glendale Visitor Center located at 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 140 to pick up an event flyer and walking map with participating merchants.

First Saturdays

Walkway off 58th and Glendale avenues.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

First Saturdays showcases artists at work, while encouraging visitors to tour historic downtown Glendale and enjoy various boutiques, shops and dining options. Working artists set up in the renovated walkway just east of downtown Murphy Park at 58th Avenue. First Saturdays is aimed at helping the local arts community connect with the unique businesses in Glendale’s Centerline district while creating a free cultural event. For more information about Centerline, visit www.glendaleaz.com/GlendaleCenterline.

Open Air Market

5734 W. Glendale Avenue, Historic Downtown Glendale

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Enjoy a beautiful spring day at an outdoor market in the heart of Glendale’s historic shopping district. The market features antiques, collectibles, art, treasures, crafts as well as concessions. For vendor opportunities, call 623-931-1991.

For more information about the March 3 events, go online to www.visitglendale.com or call 623.930.4500.  The Glendale Visitor Center is located at 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 140 in Historic Downtown Glendale.

Glendale Arts Council 49^th Annual Juried Fine Arts Exhibit

Reception for the Artists - Sunday, February, 18 

By Bette and Ed Sharpe -  Glendale Daily Planet

Photo courtesy of the artist.

"Fire and Ice", by Cynthia Peterson is an amazing piece. Cynthia explained that she uses "completely transparent watercolor." She continued, "Also – I do not use any masking fluid or devices, just a thorough drawing first and very careful brush handling. This painting took about 4 months from start to finish."

Interview of Cynthia Petersen who won Best of Show  Award winner at the Glendale Arts Council 49^th Annual Juried Fine Arts Show 2/21/2012  by Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet.

 

Bette - Is this piece one in a series?

Cynthia - Yes, I have an ongoing series called “The Luminous Object”; it is still-lifes of various
types of glass and metallic objects. The series includes watercolor paintings, oil
paintings and drawings. In this painting I am striving to magnify light and color, to make
the viewer see the glass as they have never seen it before, to move in and through the
still life, almost becoming part of the color and light.

Bette - Was the 2012 your first time entering the Glendale Arts Council Juried Fine Arts
Show?

Cynthia - I have entered once before, in 2010. At that time I won 2nd place in oil painting for my
painting “Contra Posto”.

Bette - Any stories or anything usual happen when painting this work?

Cynthia - Not really. I worked on this painting for a period of 4-5 months. I always start with a
thorough drawing and will spend many days working out the drawing before I begin to
paint. Even after I've started painting, I might stop and rework the drawing if need be.
Is there anything you would like to say about this piece or about your other work?
I am very glad to hear so many positive comments on this painting. I work in a variety of
media - oil, egg tempera, drawing, etc. but I have to say that working in watercolor has
made me better in all media. So often, watercolor is stereotyped as having a certain
look or not a 'serious' medium like oil painting. I don't know why...watercolor is very
challenging, can be difficult to master but it is very versatile. Historically it predates oil
painting. Ultimately the responsibility for meaningful work belongs to the artist, not the
media.

Bette - Has "Fire and Ice" been shown anywhere else besides the GAC 49th Juried Fine
Arts Show?

Cynthia - Yes - “Fire and Ice” was on exhibit for Art Prize International in Grand Rapids, MI and
was also selected to be part of the Tempe Center for the Arts Biennial “Glass” Exhibit.
It was also featured in a recent profile article for The Biltmore Magazine 2011.
Bette - Thank you Cynthia for  filling us in on the  details of this wonderful work!

 

To see more of Cynthia's work and to learn more about her, please visit her web site at
http://www.cynthiapetersonfineart.com/Cynthia_Peterson_Fine_Art/Home.html

Glendale Arts Council 49^th Annual Juried Fine Arts Exhibit concluded Sunday, February, 18 with a reception for the artist..  The Juried Art show was dedicated to the memory of Max Klass.  Mr. Klass was an enthusiastic Glendale Arts Council volunteer.  "Fire and Ice" by Cynthia Peterson, of Phoenix was awarded Best of Show.  The asking price is $9000.00.  Works entered into the competition are available for purchase by the public.  Prices are set by the artists.  Twenty percent of all purchases goes into the Glendale Arts Council Arts Incentive Fund for future awards/contributions.  The guide for the juried show listed 163 art works.

The juried show is an annual event.  The Glendale Arts Council is a non profit corporation dedicated to supporting the visual arts in Glendale.  The juror and judge for the exhibition was Sebastiao Pereira. 

Brazilian born Sebastiao Perira received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Arizona Statue University and a degree in Education Universidade Católica de Minas Gerals.  Mr. Pereira has shown his painting in local, national and international shows from New York to San Diego.  He is the recipient of many awards.  His work has been featured in various art publications including the "International Artist" magazine.  He is a member ob Arizona Watercolor Association.  The Contemporary Watercolorists of Arizona and the prestigious 22x30 Critique Group.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1668.

Cheryl Brandon, Scottsdale, Arizona, won a first place ribbon for her sculpture, "3 Muses of Empty-Nesters".  
This is one of three pieces that make up the complete 3 Muses work.
Sculpture pieces were also included in the show. The use of color was one of the prominent elements in most works shown.

 

 

Interview -  Between Cheryl Brandon Glendale Arts Council 49^th Annual Juried Fine Arts Award Winning Artist and  Ed Sharpe, Glendale Daily Planet  2/20/2012

 

 

Ed - Cheryl, what inspired you to develop this fascinating work?

 

Cheryl -  What inspired this piece was my internal compulsions  to hang on to my son's (NOW 30 yrs old ) toys;   Particularly the ones he played with for hours on end.  The life that these objects carried was not to be taken lightly .... it still existed.  And I just had a feeling that I was not the only one who had these emotional attachments regarding childhood objects.

 

Since I could not throw these items away it became clear that they would soon, along with others I was to collect, be the catalyst for an expressional piece that would result in my ability to let go, which is often the case in my Art work.  Self expression and growth through Art.   But this piece would have to contain more than just the elements of art, it must  be like childhood, dream like and laced with fantasy, a muse... ???

 

And the Greeks had it down so well... all artist have muses, (right?)  Writers, poets, painters and sculptors... why not Empty Nesters??

 

I have others sculptures containing found objects, but the energy in this piece comes down to the memories and life given to them  by the last tiny hand that actually held them... in context. 

 

Ed -  Cheryl when did  you complete this work?

 

 

Cheryl - This was finished in November 2011

 

Ed- ... and the time  to complete ?

 

Cheryl -  Four months to complete.

 

Ed - were there any pitfalls during creation or interesting side stories? 

 

Cheryl - It went smoothly as planned.  It is always fun to gather the materials or found objects for a piece like this.  It gives you an excuse to play a be a child again.  The wonderful thing about toys are the colors... nothing is subdued or soft... its bold color, RAW and exuberant creating great bouts of ENERGY!   It's hard not to feel the energy in these founds objects.

 

 

Ed- Where  you surprised to win?

 

 

Cheryl -  YES! -  My Friend called me from the Glendale shows banquet event and told me That  I had won and I screamed with laughter!  I was very surprised. And delighted.  I wondered how it would be received by the public if it got into the show.  But I had no idea it would win 1st place.  It is so bold in subject and colors.  I was very happy and encouraged.

 

 

Ed - has it shown  any where else before?

 

 

Cheryl - This was the first time it has been shown.

 

Ed- Thanks for taking a moment  with us  today! 

 

Cheryl - Thank you so much for asking me about 3 muses for Empty Nesters.

Presented

"Bunko Extravaganza"
... a night filled with friends, food, fashion, laughter & prizes!
Composited from material submitted to Glendale Daily Planet.

 

 

"Cottage Garden"  Fashion Show...  staring the  Cottage Garden ladies and friends!
Meilan Mizell, Cheryl Belluomo, Monica Ward, Linda Moran-Whittley, Carol Migray, Denise Quintana and Donna Booth.

 

Cheryl at  Country Maiden gives us this report of the evening's activities-  

"A recent bunko extravaganza held the evening of February  16, 2012 to benefit the Glendale Women’s club was a huge success which included dinner catered by Bitzee Mama’s, drinks by Coffee Tea Express, and dessert by Papa Ed’s ice cream, yummy!   Local area shops were invited to set up a booth. AZ Doll and Gifts, Bears and More, Country Maiden, and jewelry by Park Lane participated, attached photo is courtesy of The Country Maiden.  Cottage Garden II  then got the evening off to a great start with a fashion show featuring new the Spring collection.  More then 50 women participated in the Bunco game which also included door prizes donated by local area businesses, Glendale Flowers, Delfina’s salon and boutique, and many, many more.  Can’t wait 'til the next round which is tentatively scheduled for June 14th."

 

 

 

 

What is BUNKO Anyway?
(From Wikipedia)

Bunco was originally "8-Dice cloth" according to the World Bunco Association a dice game in 18th-century England. It was imported to San Francisco as a gambling activity in 1855, where it gave its name to gambling parlors, or Bunco parlors, and more generally to any swindle. After the Civil War the game evolved to a popular parlor game. During the 1920s and Prohibition, Bunco was re-popularized as a gambling game, often associated with a speakeasy. Law-enforcement groups raiding these parlors came to be known as "Bunco squads". Bunco as a family game saw a resurgence in popularity in the 1980s.[1].

Renewed popularity
Although re-released in 2005 with a tagline reading "The game that's sweeping the nation," sales were initially low, although senior citizens and young adults alike have found interest in the game.

According to the World Bunco Association, in the early 21st century, the game had seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, with a reported 27 million people playing regularly in 2006.

As it is played today, Bunco is a social dice game involving 100% luck and no skill (there are no decisions to be made), scoring and a simple set of rules. Women who are part of a Bunco club take turns as the Bunco hostess, providing snacks, refreshments and the tables to set up the games. The hostess may also provide a door prize. Small amounts of money can be involved as well. The object of the game is to accumulate points and to roll certain combinations. The winners get prizes (provided by the hostess or pooled from the club resources) for accomplishments such as the highest score, the lowest score, or the most buncos.  

Bunco fundraisers have become increasingly popular over the years, earning large sums for a wide variety of charities. Large groups of bunco players have come together to support their favorite charities by paying an entry fee into the game, holding silent auctions, and by selling raffle tickets; with all proceeds from the event donated to the cause.

Bitzee Mama's Turns 40!
A Walk Through Time...
By Evelyn Nichol - Special to Glendale Daily Planet

The present Bitzee's was a small cafe known as Gatley's in 1972.  It was only the one side where the main part of Bitzee's is now.  It had a long counter with stools and on the side two or three small booths.  The kitchen, or food preparation area, was an enclosed area on the side where the counter was.  There was a pass-through window at the end of it and that is where we got our first glimpse of the new owner to be - Carmine Zannelli. 

 

Carmine and his wife and mother-in-law, whom Carmine called "Bitzee Mama", went to work enlarging and redecorating the new restaurant as soon as they bought it.  They bought the building next door, a shoe shop, and added another area with all booths and a conference room in the back of that.  The kitchen was also moved to the back of the first part of the restaurant.  When the restaurant reopened (I don't really remember if it was closed, or if so, how long) it was renamed Bitzee Mama's.  It became the meeting place every morning for some of the retired and active business men of the community, as well as some of the councilmen.  It was jokingly said that all bills before the City Council originated at Bitzee's.  I think to this day, it is an early morning gathering place for the leaders in this community. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights music was added to the enjoyment of customers.  There was a wonderful pianist and on one of the nights an accordionist that had some of the customers dancing in the aisles with his lively polkas.  Fun time.  Carmine also had a door placed on the east wall of the new addition to the restaurant for access to the patio area there.  It was to be outdoor dining.  The birds in the trees there, soon stopped that however.  He closed the door permanently.

 

When Carmine and Jo retired, Margot Gales and her son Roman bought Bitzee's.  They were restaurateurs from Utah and had owned a French style restaurant there.  They introduced Glendale to some mighty fine cuisine, which didn't last long because Glendale loves it's good old western cooking!  However, they added their touch to Bitzee's with the western murals painted on all the walls.  Then, they had a couple who played piano and guitar and sang, and dancing became a part of the scene.  Also, they started the Thursday night  karaoke.

 

Terri and Pat, two fun ladies bought the restaurant next and Irish laughter and good humor added another pleasure that is Bitzee's Hallmark.  They had another business also, and the strain of trying to run both was too much, so they sold to one of the waitresses - Lulu and her friend Kristine who are now the owners.

 

Lulu was not new to the restaurant business.  She used to come to Glendale to visit her mother' who worked for Carmine, Margot, and Pat and Terri, and would spend her vacation helping out, as she put it, at the restaurant.  She became the manager for Pat and Terri, so when they decided to sell, it was just great that Lulu and Kristine took over.  They added Sunday morning music, evening music, and continued with the karaoke for a while.  Now, on special occasions we have the pleasure of listening to a very fine mariachi singer.  And, the girls have added all the Mexican foods so special to Arizonians.  They make the best rolled chicken quesadillas anywhere!  Fun. laughter and friendship are synonymous with Bitzee's. 

 

We treasure the friendships of all the owners and wish the present ones success, continued and growing friendships with all they serve.  May the next 40 be as wonderful as the last has been.

Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1645.

Margot Bayer, Bonnie Burns and Evelyn Nichol (The article's author) are celebrating Bitzee Mama's 40th Anniversary.  
Bitzee Mama's Restaurant is located at 7023 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, Arizona

 

Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. DSC06809.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. DSC-1640.

Kristine Ortega Left, Olivia Calderon, and Lulu Rodriguez   - during the Bitzee Mama's 40th year celebration  Olivia Calderon. a Mariachi singer, provided entertainment for the lunch celebration.

Evening entertainment was provided by Peggy and Neil from 6 to 8 PM.

 

___________  Ed Sharpe and Lulu Rodriguez talk...  _____________ Bitzee Mama's donated 20 percent of their sales to and GREAT and DARE  Summer program Lulu Rodriguez explained."Our community was so good to us, we felt we need to give back" Lulu States "Thanks to our customers Bitzee's got to celebrate 40 years of good food, good company and great community. Lulu continued,  there are  employees that have been here at Bitzee Mama's for twenty years!" In 2009, Lulu Rodriguez & Kristine Ortega brought Bitzee Mama's. "Its great to hear the history from our customers" Lulu tell us, "We have 4 generations come for breakfast every Saturday, and we have customers that's been coming for the full 40 years."  But is not just the customers that are timeless! "We have employee that have works here for over 25 year", Lulu explains. Lulu sums up -  "The best thing of Bitzee is the people . You come in as guests, but they become our friends and family. We have the greatest customers (FAMILY) base ever!"  Wish them a Happy Birthday at - bitzee.mama@yahoo.com

Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet - DSC06805. Lulu Rodriguez - Lunch  for You!

Ed Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet DSC06814 Lulu rolled back prices  for the 40th.

SPRING TRAINING GAME AT CAMELBACK RANCH – GLENDALE 

TO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIP FUND

 

            GLENDALE, Ariz. – Enjoy America’s favorite pastime with your friends and family at the March 18 game at Camelback Ranch – Glendale and Glendale Parks and Recreation’s Youth Scholarship Fund can benefit.

            Tickets purchased through a special code for the 1:05 p.m. game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the LA Angels of Anaheim will provide $5 to the Youth Scholarship Fund for each ticket sold. The fund provides financial help to Glendale kids to participate in parks and recreation programs. The scholarship program is funded through donations from businesses and individuals throughout the Valley.

            To purchase tickets for the March 18 game and help Glendale’s youth:

Visit www.camelbackranchbaseball.com and click "Groups & Suites." Scroll to the bottom of the page to find the link for the “City of Glendale Parks and Rec and Library Services Youth Scholarship Fund.”

Click the link to purchase tickets using the special code "PARKS" when prompted. Complete your purchase online and your tickets have been reserved!

Step 3: Prior to game day, you will receive tickets in the mail (or at Will Call if ordered within five days of the game).

            Between July 2010 and June 2011 the Youth Scholarship Fund provided 178 children over $6,500 used for parks and recreation programs such as swimming lessons and after-school programs.  If you would like to make a private or business donation to the fund, visit www.glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation or call 623-930-2820.

A Review of "Left for Dead", by J. A. Jance

By Bette Sharpe  -  Glendale Daily Planet  - 2/18/2012

         Ali Reynolds Mystery Series

            "Edge of Evil" (#1)
            "Web of Evil" (#2)
            "Hand of Evil" (#3)
            "Cruel Intent" (#4)
            "Trail by Fire" (#5)
            "Fatal Error" (#6)
            "Left for Dead" (#7)

 

"Left for Dead" is the latest in the Ail Reynolds mystery series by J. A. Jance.  At first, Ail Reynolds seems like a pretty normal 40-something living in Sedona, Arizona. However, she drives a Cayenne Porsche and is a former television news anchor that gets into a number of dangerous situations.  But she is always ready to help a friend.  Her parents own and operate the Sugarloaf Café in Sedona, known throughout the area for their sweetrolls.  Ali's love interest is a guy who goes by B.  He is an electronics/security whiz, who is also one to help out someone who needs some help, especially when asked by Ali (Alison Reynolds).  An old boyfriend, Detective Dave Holman, is another strongman in Alison's life who often comes to her rescue.  Jance provides a cozy home base for her protagonist, Ali Reynolds, as well as a little tasteful humor, which allows the reader to bounce back from the tough stuff.

 

In this seventh novel, one of Ali's classmates from the Arizona Police Academy, Santa Cruz County deputy sheriff Jose Reyes, is in trouble.  Using the dangerous and tension filled U.S. border with Mexico as a backdrop.  Jance sets the scene for her latest Ali Reynolds mystery/thriller.  Ali's friend is gunned down and is left alone to die.  He immediately becomes a suspect in the dangerous high-risk drug trade along the border.  Who comes to the aid of an officer when he or she is suspected of dealing in drugs or interfering with those who do?

 

When Ali visits her friend, Jose Reyes, a young woman who was rapped and savagely beaten, at the hospital she becomes aware of another person who was left for dead in the desert.  This Jane Doe is in no condition to know that Sister Anselm is serving as her patient advocate.  The unidentified woman has no one to come to her aid except the Taser-carrying nun and Ali Reynolds.  Together these two women, Ali Reynolds and Sister Anselm, realize the two cases are related.  Both women want some answers.

 

Jance weaves her plot with believable characters and skillfully reveals the clues as to how and why these two abandoned people were attacked and left for dead in the desert.  The result is a fast paced page-turner.  When the reader is finished reading this novel, waiting for the next title in this series will seem like a long time.

 

There is some violence in her mysteries but not as much as what you might see on some of television crime shows.  The grisly stuff is usually over and done with in one or two scenes. 

 

Books in the series do not have to be read in sequence, however, the stories and the development of the characters will be easier to understand if they are read in order.  I would recommend this book to a friend.

STUDENTS HELP THE ENVIRONMENT FOR

GLENDALE’S RECYCLEMANIA CONTEST

 

         GLENDALE, Ariz. – Kids love a good old-fashioned competition, and Glendale’s Recycling program has used that concept to encourage them to recycle and teach them about protecting the environment along the way, with its Recyclemania contest.

         In 2011, the Sanitation Division began a new contest, in addition to their lineup of school-education programs, which targets 5^th-grade classes and provides education and resources to the students. This was prompted by the city’s addition of #3-7 plastics being added to the recycling program last spring. As a way of educating students on all the plastic items that can be recycled, the class that collects the most items – from plastic water bottles to yogurt containers to disposable plastic drink cups – will win a pizza party from Papa John’s.

         The most recent Recyclemania took place at Marshall Ranch Elementary in the Peoria Unified School District. Fifth-graders collected 8,580 plastic items, over a two-week period, equating to 980 lbs. Ms. Thomas’ class won the competition with her students bringing in 2,939 items. Not only did the class receive a pizza lunch, but Ms. Thomas was presented with a model-size recycling truck for her classroom, to remind her students on a daily basis to keep recycling. (see picture)

 

“Our Recyclemania competitions have been very well-received by students and teachers,” said Glendale Recycling Coordinator Deb Coy. “The kids are having fun while learning, and we find that they take home what they learn and educate their parents as well, which helps raise awareness for Glendale’s Recycling program.”

         Schools and teachers are invited to participate in an upcoming Recyclemania event, complete with entertainment from Grandma Glendale and the Blues Brothers characters. For more information, or to request an event, contact Deb Coy at 623-930-2709 or via email at dcoy@glendaleaz.com.

            For additional information on Glendale’s Recycling and Sanitation divisions, visit www.glendaleaz.com/sanitation. This program is sponsored, in part, by Papa John’s Glendale location at 59^th and Olives avenues.

Pictured: All fifth-grade classes at Marshall Ranch Elementary participated in the Recyclemania competition; Just a portion of the nearly 1,000 pounds of plastic items recycled by the students.

GLENDALE CIVIC CENTER TO BECOME FIRST

CONFERENCE CENTER IN STATE TO INSTALL

LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR GUESTS WITH HEARING LOSS

 

         GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Glendale Civic Center will be the first conference center in Arizona to install the latest technology to enhance the quality of sound for its hard of hearing clients.  The Civic Center will install an induction looping system after receiving a Deaf and Hard of Hearing grant with partial funding from the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF). This type of technology is comprised of a wire within the building that transmits an audio signal directly to a hearing aid, eliminating background noise thus creating clear communication with speakers, musicians and presentations.

         “It was actually a couple of our long-time clients who work with people who are hard of hearing who suggested the benefit to our facility and our guests by having an induction loop in place,” said Marty Brown, Civic Center Manager.  “We’re grateful for the grant from the Arizona Community Foundation to be able to provide this service and enhance the experience of our customers.”

         According to Dr. David Myers, creator of www.hearingloop.org, induction looping systems are a growing trend around the world and are increasingly being installed in public places.  Similar systems can be found at prestigious locations such as the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol, Michigan State University’s arena, London’s Heathrow Airport and the Georgetown Palace Theatre in Austin, Texas.

 “Over the years, our agency has chosen the Glendale Civic Center to host numerous conferences, and we are thrilled about the addition of an induction loop being installed to assist hard-of-hearing guests,” said Randy Collins, the director or the Arizona Technology Access Program. “This technology can be transforming for the user, and installing it in a city-owned building shows the forward thinking and customer service from the Glendale Civic Center.”

           

            The $17,500 partial funding grant from ACF includes the purchase and installation of the system. Established in 1978, ACF is a statewide family of charitable funds supported by thousands of Arizonans. Last year, ACF and its affiliates awarded more than $37 million in grants and scholarship funding to some 3,000 nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies. For more information about ACF, visit www.azfoundation.org.

2012 Glendale Plein Air Painting Winners on Display  at the Glendale Adult Center

The winning entries for the 2012 Glendale Plein Air Painting Event will be on display through April at the Glendale Adult Center, 5970 W. Brown St.

Presented by the City of Glendale Public Art Program, the Feb. 4 event attracted 50 artists who gathered in historic downtown Glendale in conjunction with Glendale’s Office of Special Events and the Annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire. 

Competing artists used oils, watercolor, acrylic or pastel to paint a subject or scene outdoors in the tradition of Plein Air, or open air paintings. The canvas or paper had to be numbered prior to painting and the work had to be completed during the hours of 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the event day.

The following purchase awards were awarded and the works became part of the City of Glendale’s permanent art collection:

·         Arizona Centennial (themes of historical significance within Glendale) $1000  – Louis Bivins

·         Best of Show, $1000 – Becky Joy

·         Second Place, $750 – Jelena Eros

·         Third Place, $500 – Elena Golberg

·         Honorable Mention, $300 – Ann Osgood

The Glendale Adult Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 7– 9:30 p.m. For more information call 623-930-3547.

SEE PHOTOS OF WINNERS DOWN THE PAGE IN THE BIG WRITE-UP!

CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE AND MORE CHOCOLATE! 

West Valley 2012 
State of the State Luncheon
featuring

GLENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT FACILITATES
MOUNTAIN RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL MOCK DISASTER DRILL

By Bette Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet  www.glendaledailyplanet.com

Friday, February 10, 2012 Glendale Firefighters facilitated the annual MOCK disaster drill on the Mountain Ridge High School campus.  During the drill, medical and sports science students were tested on their emergency medical skills.  Theatre and drama students acted as the “victims” and wore realistic theatrical makeup to make the accident scenario seem more authentic. 

 

After the drill was completed, the medical and sports science students returned to the stands where they received feedback from the emergency medical personnel who assisted in the MOCK disaster drill.  The comments were positive and encouraging.

 

No one knows if and when they might be a first responder for an emergency.  The teens who participated in today's drill have some practice in what to do in a chaotic situation and would  probably be of help and comfort to someone who is injured.  After the MOCK plane crash emergency drill, it was onto third period; "you have to go to your third period", instructor Sean Romero said.  Students can get back to a to a normal day at school.

 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1538.

Victims (or in this case theatre students) of the MOCK plane crash were lying on the Mountain Ridge High School football field waiting for help to arrive.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1340.

Students from medical and sports medicine classes waited on the eastern side line of the football field for the command to go and find their patient.  The teens were in crews or teams of about four students.  Some crews had more than one patient waiting for them on the crash field.

 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1342.

Performing Arts instructor, Laura Nardone's students attended a workshop on Monday to learn about creating the realistic makeup of a disaster victim.  This student must have earned a high mark.  Most of the theatre students applied their own stage makeup.  This event is a favorite for the drama and theatre students.

 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1562.

Sloane Coaly, Greg Marc, C.J. Dugan, Joey Rossi and Sierra Corbett (patient).  Crew 9 readies the patient to be rolled onto a back board.

 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1580.

Emergency Room nurse, John Fraleigh checks the rescue efforts of Crew 9.

C.J. Dugan, Greg Marc, Joey Rossi and Sloane Coaly.  Sierra Corbett is the rescued victim of the MOCK airplane crash.  Mr. Fraleigh was impressed with what the teens had done and thought they were doing pretty good!  The medical and sports medicine students were calm and focus on helping their patients.

 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1624.

Katherine Larned, a senior at Mountain Ridge, shows off her artfully applied stage makeup.  Most of the students did their own.  Katherine's character survived the crash.  Drama and theatre students look forward to the disaster drill every year. 

 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1612.

Carson Sheppard and Nathan Wilkerson attend to Matt Shirk, who is playing the role of "Chris", an injured airplane crash victim.  Carson kept talking to the victim "Chris", asking him "to stay awake" and to "talk to me" as he and Crew 42 administered emergency aid, .  Thanks to the efforts of Crew 42, "Chris" survived. 

 

 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet. no. 1619.

Nathan Wilkerson, Carson Sheppard, Kendall Cooper, Vince Jinenez listen to what David Schramm, has to say about "Chris'" aka Matt Shirk's prognosis. 

 

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1603.

Glendale Firefighters were on hand to assist with the mass causalities.  Teens from Mountain Ridge High School had to assess their patients during the MOCK disaster drill held on the football field on Friday, February 10, 2012.

Thousands of Fiesta Bowl Fans

BOOST ECONOMY IN GLENDALE

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The city of Glendale welcomed thousands of out-of-state Stanford and Oklahoma State fans to an exciting overtime Fiesta Bowl game.  These fans spent a lot of their time off the field at Glendale businesses and hotels, providing a much-needed economic boost to the local economy and tourism industry.

A survey by Glendale’s tourism officials found Glendale hotels sold out or were near capacity. Research also indicates that fans stayed an average of three nights or more.  In addition, out-of-state travelers requested information on the city, Valley and state, and Glendale tourism staff assisted more than 2,900 visitors. This is a 137 percent increase from the previous month. Glendale’s Web sites had a 15 percent increase from the previous month in visitor traffic with more than 550,000 people visiting the city’s Web sites since Dec. 1.

A new social media outreach tool this year allowed the city to reach more than 200,000 fans through Twitter and Facebook. Weekly tweets and posts were targeted to various alumni and university Twitter followers and Facebook users. Information such as where to stay, events and activities and area destination points were provided through these tools.

“The Fiesta Bowl once again helped fill hotel room nights, giving us a great start to the New Year,” said Glendale Convention & Visitors Bureau Manager Lorraine Pino. “In addition, this BCS bowl game brings national exposure to Glendale and the West Valley, showcasing all the great amenities and attractions we have to offer.” 

  WESTMARC -  Annual Meeting and Economics Forecast Breakfast at ASU West

Bette Sharpe​Glendale Daily Planet no. 1324.

Friday, February 3^rd WESTMARC held its Annual Meeting and Economics Forecast Breakfast at ASU West, Brad Wright, Apollo Group ,Candace Wiest, President and CEO, West Valley National Bank, Dr. Dennis Hoffman, Director, L. William Siedman Research Institute, and ASU Economics Professor.  Dr. Hoffman was one of the two keynote speakers at the annual breakfast.  According to Dr. Hoffman, 2005-2015 will be a lost decade.  However, Dr. Hoffman said, clearly, it's getting better."  Sometime in 2014 business should see a noticeable upturn.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no.1318.

Michael D. Bennett, Senior Associate, Strategic Consulting, Jones Land LaSalle of Chicago was the second keynote speaker at the WESTMARC annual breakfast.  He encouraged bigness owners and city officials to compete with other cities; "...to be able to convince and show..." what Arizona has to offer and why Arizona is a better choice.  Another key point was to look ahead and be ready for economic opportunities when they present themselves.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1336

As visual reinforcement to what Dr. Hoffman and Mr. Bennett, were saying during their respective keynote address at the 2012 Annual WESTMARC Economic Forecast Breakfast, there is construction of new residence, dinning and recreation facilities on the ASU West Campus.   

 _________________________________________

The Marty Robbins event at the Gaslight Inn 
By Dee Roberts Special to Glendale Daily Planet

Photo by Fred Bishop

Betsy and Bruce Mullins performing at Glendale Gaslight Inn

Gaslight Inn

5747 W. Glendale Ave.

Old Towne Glendale, AZ 85301

A One-of-a-Kind Event

The16^th Annual Arizona Songwriter Gathering

Saturday, January 21, 2012

By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

The 16^th Songwriters Gathering began in the morning at 10 a. m. when it was cool and cloudy and continued until 4:30 p. m.  The event workshops that pertained to the business and the creative aspects of writing a song and getting it noticed.  Workshops included a songwriter challenge, how to confront defamation, marketing tips using social media, and a song critique session. 

In this last workshop session, author John Braheny offered positive, constructive feedback for songwriters.  Songs, were either performed live or presented via CD or audiocassette.  Each song was given several minutes of critique by Mr. Braheny who wrote a book on songwriting, "The Craft and Business of Songwriting" (3rd ed.) published by  
F & W. Publications.  A lyric sheet was required as they were an important part of the critique.  The range of musical styles included rock, folk,, and novelty--just to name a few.  Some  songs of course, blend with other styles.

John Braheny's background includes teaching, consulting and hosting a talk show.  He may be best known for being the co-founder of the non-profit organization, Los Angeles Screenwriters Showcase.  This organization aims to help songwriters and their songs get noticed, i.e., some air time and possibly a recording deal .  By listening and possibly acting on what Mr. Braheny had to say about their work, these songwriters benefited from his professional advice.

A workshop featuring local musician and singer/songwriter Lewis Storey was scheduled for 2:30.  Writing commercially successful songs need to have compelling lyrics combined with pleasing melodies.  A concert by Mr. Storey was to follow his workshop.  Mr. Storey is a major label artist, singer/songwriter from Casa Grande.  You may have heard his song, "Ain't No Tellin'".

Musicians gathered on the front lawn at Glendale Public Main Library throughout the day to perform their original works. and to listen and enjoy other musicians perform.

The Arizona Songwriters Gathering was organized by Lon Austin, Jon Iger, and Gavan Wieser of the Arizona Songwriters Association and was hosted by the Glendale Public Library.

The event was free.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1033.

Author John Brahney, gives songwriters attending his workshop positive and constructive feedback on their songs at the 16^th Annual Songwriters Gathering at Glendale Public Library on Brown Street.  Songs were selected at random.  Some tunes were performed live while others were presented via audiocassette or CD.  Some musicians performed their own works live, while other writers had their work performed by professional vocalist.  John B. hosted two workshops on Saturday, on at 1 and the second at 3.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1024.

Robby Roberson, singer/songwriter, performs his original works at the Cáfe Lobby, inside the library.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1040.

Pat McInnis plays the ukulele and sings outside the Glendale Public Library.  Other musicians gathered around him to join in.  There were good tunes to enjoy as well as information to share.

Bette Sharpe/Glendale Daily Planet no. 1038

Pat McInnis plays the ukulele and sings as others join in.

WHAT MADE THAT A HIT?  10 A.M.–12 P.M. • AUDITORIUM
Learn principles, tools and techniques that have characterized great songs throughout the history of popular music. Don’t let your songs be rejected because you haven’t mastered the basics!

SONGWRITERS CHALLENGE – SONGWRITING BASICS 10 –11 A.M. • SMALL MEETING ROOM
How do you become a great songwriter? It’s easy! You write, you write collaboratively, and you write some more. Join Chris Frazer and Chava Cannon for an introduction to the Arizona Songwriters Challenge, an event that pushes you to write, and write with others. In this quarterly challenge, all participants are given the same title and challenged to write a song within 30 days. In this session you will hear samples from past events, an explanation of the process, and you’ll receive information about how to participate. Attendees will select the title for the next challenge. 

GRABBING PRIVACY AND CONFRONTING DEFAMATION: MORE TOOLS TO PROTECT THE ARTIST 10 –11:15 A.M. • LARGE MEETING ROOM
What options do you have when someone publishes false information about you? What are your rights if someone publishes true information that harms you? What can you do about someone using your image or voice without permission? Attorney James Marovich will introduce the laws relating to defamation and privacy, and explain how those laws can be used to prevent harm or to seek damages.

USING SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS TO MARKET YOUR MUSIC 11:30 A.M.–12:45 P.M. • LARGE MEETING ROOM
Join entrepreneur Christine Springer to learn how social networking tools including Facebook, Twitter, Google + and YouTube can help you reach a global audience that traditional marketing tools cannot touch. This casual lecture and discussion will allow you an opportunity to share your experiences and hearfrom others about what works and what doesn’t.

IS THERE GOLD IN YOUR CLOSET? PERPETUATE YOUR ARTISTIC LEGACY THRU FILM & TV 12:45–2 P.M. • AUDITORIUM
Believe it or not, there may be a gold mine in your closet. Did you write and record music prior to 1989? Are your recordings collecting dust in an attic or closet? Join David Hilker of Wild Whirled Music as he discusses music for film and television, and the earning power of those forgotten tapes. Any genre. Any era. The gold mine is there. Are you ready to tap it?

SONG CRITIQUE SESSION  1–2:30 P.M. • LARGE MEETING ROOM
John Braheny will offer positive, constructive feedback on your songs. Bring a cassette or CD recording, or perform live. Lyric Sheets are mandatory. Songs selected at random.  

Glendale hospital first in state licensed
to use new technique

Breast mass localization eliminates guide wire

Glendale, Ariz. (Jan. 23, 2012) – The Woman’s Center at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center has announced the adoption of a new, innovative breast mass localization technique. The first and only facility to be licensed by the state of Arizona, Banner Thunderbird is a pioneer in Radioactive Seed Localization (RSL) techniques. Prior to removal, a breast mass must be accurately located by Woman’s Center staff on the day of surgery using a guide wire. This guide wire remains in the patient with the tip visible externally and held in place with surgical tape. Because of its position, the localization must be done on the day of surgery.

The RSL technique is revolutionary in that it utilizes the implantation of one or two very small radioactive seeds into the mass several days before surgery. There is no need to use a guide wire that protrudes from the skin itself. Without the wire, studies have shown greater patient comfort and satisfaction. On the day of surgery, the surgeon then uses a Gamma probe, a device which pinpoints the radioactive seeds, to identify the mass and remove it. The seeds can be implanted up to five days prior to surgery, offering more scheduling flexibility and options for patients and surgeons. Patients may carry on their daily activities with little or no interruption until surgery.

Studies have shown excellent results with this technique such as cleaner surgical margins and the potential for shorter operating times for the patient. Drs. Caroline Cranford and Kimberli Cox, who practice at Banner Thunderbird, have received training and will continue training through the next few months on this unique technique. Additionally, the pathology department as well as the operating room staff will be receiving training in the safe handling of the radioactive seeds.

“We are truly fortunate to work with pioneers like Drs. Cox and Cranford who bring with them innovative knowledge and collaboration in improving the patient experience,” said Jimmy Powell, director of Banner Thunderbird’s Medical Imaging department. “This also further supports the growth of our comprehensive breast clinic. Being the first in Arizona brings with it much responsibility and we will be sharing our learnings with the rest of the Banner system.”

Franks Comments on Release of F-35 Environmental Impact Statement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-02) today addressed the Air Force's has release of the required Draft Environmental Impact Statement ("DEIS") for the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter training basing:

"In July 2010 Luke Air Force Base was identified by the Air Force as the base which best fulfills the mission and responsibilities inherent in training pilots to fly the F-35A. The DEIS is another step in the process before Air Force makes its final decision on which base it will use to train F-35A pilots.

"I am pleased to find that the DEIS supports Luke's bid to demonstrate why it is clearly the base best suited for this vital mission. This is an exciting time for Luke Air Force Base and the community; the F-35A is the future of the Air Force, and training these pilots will maintain Luke's vision for 'Developing Airmen for America's Air Force.'"

Before the Environmental Impact Statement becomes final, there will be a period open for public comment from February 13 through 16. Constituents interested in commenting can visit http://www.f-35atrainingeis.com to learn more about how to become involved and voice their opinions regarding the Air Force's decision.

Local Arizona Artist Selected to Create Goldwater
 Statue for Statuary Hall at US Capitol

Legendary Arizona Senator to Join 100 Other Historic Figures

PHOENIX – The Arizona Historical Advisory Commission (AHAC) has announced Deborah Copenhaver Fellows of Sonoita, Arizona has been selected to create a statue of Barry M. Goldwater for the National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol in Washington, DC. 

The National Statuary Hall Collection is comprised of statues donated by individual states to honor persons notable in their history.  The entire collection now consists of 100 statues contributed by 50 states. 

The process to add Senator Goldwater started in 2008 with state legislation that was later approved by Congress. 

Deborah Copenhaver Fellows is recognized throughout the United States for her bronze and silver sculpture.  She and her husband Fred Fellows have lived in Arizona for the past 11 years.  Her works can be seen in corporate and private collections, including the United States Capitol Building and the Reagan White House collections.  She was also commissioned to create the Washington State Korean War Memorial for the State Capitol grounds.

"I can't think of many people in Arizona who've had a greater impact on our state than Senator Goldwater," said Secretary Bennett.  "The Senator defined our political landscape with the same energy and spirit that he relished in Arizona's physical landscape.  I'm proud that his likeness will soon take its rightful place alongside our country's most notable statesmen, patriots and citizens."

“There is no Arizonan that will represent our state in Statuary Hall better than Senator Barry Goldwater,” said State Senator Adam Driggs, who sponsored the original legislation for the statue.  “He belongs in Statuary Hall.  We are very excited to move closer to that goal with the selection of such a gifted and accomplished artist as Deborah Copenhaver Fellows.  We are also pleased that all four of Senator Goldwater’s children participated in the selection process.”

The sculpture of Senator Goldwater will join Father Eusebio Kino in representing Arizona in a Hall of the U.S. Capitol, likely in early 2013.  The Statue of John Campbell Greenway, created by famed artist Gutzon Borglum, has been in Statuary Hall since 1930 and will return to Arizona and be placed in the Arizona Capitol.

The project is funded solely by private donations and not by any state general fund monies.

AHAC is a commission under the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Division of the Secretary of State. For more information about AHAC visit the commission's website at www.azcentennial.gov.

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center’s Pediatric Emergency Department now open 24 hours a day

Kids previously cared for in hospital’s adult ER during morning hours

Glendale, Ariz. (Jan. 23, 2012) – For the first time since Banner Thunderbird introduced a separate pediatric area within its larger emergency department, care is now available 24 hours a day in this dedicated area, marking another significant milestone in the continuing expansion of the hospital’s pediatric services.

“This 24/7 pediatric ED area has been the vision for the department since a pediatric area within our ED was first created 10 years ago,” said Amy Forsberg, director of Banner Thunderbird’s Emergency Department.

Previously, children who arrived at the hospital for emergency care between 4 and 10 a.m. were evaluated and treated alongside adults in the hospital’s main Emergency Department.

Two converging trends - an increasing preference for pediatric care at Banner Thunderbird and the increased demand for emergency care during the winter months – led hospital officials to determine that it made sense to keep the pediatric area open around the clock starting this month. The timing is particularly beneficial for the community due to the prevalence of bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and stomach flu in kids this time of year.

“During the summer we see 40 patients a day and now we are seeing 60 to 80 patients per day,” said Dr. Bill Schneider, medical director of Banner Thunderbird’s Pediatric ED.

“We really are increasing the quality of care by expanding our hours,” he said. “One thing that won’t change, however, is our goal to provide the best care possible to these patients.”

At one acre in size, Banner Thunderbird’s Emergency Department is one of the largest in the Valley, and includes a separate pediatric emergency department dedicated to caring for kids. The department is staffed by physicians and nurses specially trained to care for children.

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center – part of Banner Health, a nonprofit health system with 23 hospitals throughout the West—is the leading provider of pediatric care in the West Valley. Services include a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department, 40 pediatric inpatient beds, a pediatric intensive care unit, pediatric surgery and a Level III neonatal intensive care unit.

• Cable-backed group calls for end of blackout rule for pay TV
  The Federal Communications Commission wants public input on whether it should eliminate a regulation that prohibits pay-TV companies from airing professional sports events that can't be broadcast in their local markets when they are not sellout events. The FCC is being petitioned for the change by the Sports Fans Coalition, which is partly funded by Time Warner Cable and Verizon, and other public interest groups.

Glendale Police Release Names of Phoenix Officers Involved Shooting

         GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Glendale Police Department is releasing the names of the three Phoenix Police Officers involved in the officer involved shooting incident that occurred at 59^th and Cactus Road on Wednesday, January 18^th, 2012.  The Phoenix Police Officers who discharged their firearms at the scene are:  Sergeant Bill Gatlin, Officer Jeff Anders, and Officer Alex Crabbs.

            The suspect who was struck by gunfire, after pointing a firearm in the direction of officers, is a Hispanic male in his mid to late twenties. The suspect’s identity is yet to be determined.  Once he is positively identified, that information will be made public.  The suspect is still hospitalized locally, in critical but stable condition.  The suspect is facing several charges in Phoenix and Glendale, including several counts of aggravated assault on a police officer.  The details regarding those charges will be provided at a later date.  There is no additional information to be released regarding the investigation at this time.

A tradition at Arizona State University’s West campus that dates back to 1991 will continue at 11 a.m., Jan. 18, as Charles St. Clair reenacts Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous speech. The public is invited to attend this free event on the campus at 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Phoenix. Visitor parking on campus costs $2 per hour.

St. Clair, a faculty member in ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, will deliver the “I Have a Dream” speech as part of the West campus’s annual March on West event. More than 800 local middle school students will gather at the campus’s Paley Gates to reenact the 1963 March on Washington, which provided the setting for King’s speech.

“It’s an honor to share this unforgettable speech with a group of young people,” St. Clair said. “You never know who will be inspired to do great things by hearing Dr. King’s powerful message of harmony among all people.”

Sixth- through eighth-graders from local elementary and middle schools will arrive on the West campus in the morning and participate in educational sessions focusing on the civil rights movement during the 1960s. They then will meet at the Paley Gates to reenact a civil rights march, ending at the Fletcher Library lawn in the center of campus, where St. Clair will deliver the “I Have a Dream” speech.

St. Clair, an Emmy Award-winning actor and director, has served as an ASU faculty member since 1990. He is the 2011 recipient of the Promoting Inclusiveness Award from the city of Glendale, Ariz. Active in the entertainment industry locally and nationally as a director and lighting designer for stage productions including “Race,” “A House with No Walls,” “August in April,” “The Colored Museum,” and “Topdog/Underdog,” St. Clair also has appeared in numerous films and television commercials. At the West campus, he teaches classes in acting, directing and technical production for the Division of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies in ASU’s New College.

For more information about the March on West event, call (602) 543-5300. Information about MLK events and activities on all ASU campuses may be found at http://asu.edu/mlk/.

Midwestern University Joins National Commitment to Improve Veterans’ Health

GLENDALE, Arizona/DOWNERS GROVE, Illinois (January 17, 2012) – Midwestern University will participate in Joining Forces, a national initiative to improve healthcare for veterans and their families as part of White House sponsored program announced this month.

Midwestern joins other members of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) and Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in the commitment to create a new generation of doctors, medical schools, and research facilities that will make sure veterans and their families receive the care worthy of their sacrifice. 

“Midwestern University has many graduates, faculty members, and staff who have served in the military or are currently serving. Their commitment to our country is inspiring and we thank them for their many sacrifices,” said Kathleen H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., President and CEO or Midwestern University.  “As a University focused entirely on healthcare, we are honored to participate in this program to ensure our veterans and their families receive the best healthcare possible.”

By participating in the initiative, Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine and Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine have agreed to:

•         Train medical students as well as current physicians, faculty, and staff to better diagnose and treat veterans and military families;

•         Develop new research and clinical trials on post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury to better understand and treat those conditions;

•         Share their information and best practices through a collaborative web forum; and

•         Continue to work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense to make sure that everyone is providing the best care available. 

Midwestern University provides students with numerous opportunities to learn more about healthcare issues facing veterans and participation in the Joining Forces program will help augment their education and clinical experiences. The Joining Forces initiative is spearheaded by first lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden and was created to bring Americans together to recognize, honor, and take action to support veterans and military families as they serve our country and throughout their lives. More information is available at: www.JoiningForces.gov.

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Midwestern University is a graduate degree-granting institution specializing in the health sciences with nine colleges and two campuses. The Illinois campus, located on a 105-acre site in Downers Grove, is home to over 2,300 students and four colleges: the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, the Chicago College of Pharmacy, the College of Health Sciences, and the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois.  The Arizona campus, located on a 144-acre site in Glendale, is home to over 2,800 students and five colleges: the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Pharmacy-Glendale, the College of Health Sciences, the College of Dental Medicine-Arizona, and the Arizona College of Optometry. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Lesa Holstine, Library Manager, Velma Teague Branch Library
Receives the 2011 Arizona Library Association's
Outstanding Library Service Award

  By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Lesa Holstine, Library Manager for Velma Teague Branch Library, received the Arizona State Library Association's 2011 Outstanding Library Service Award.  Lesa was nominated by members of her staff, Barbara Peters, The Poisoned Pen Bookstore and Editor, Poisoned Pen Press; and Talia Sherer,Director, Library Marketing Macmillan.

Lesa knew she wanted to be a librarian since she was a young girl.  She loved reading mysteries as a child and it is evident that her passion for books, reading and mysteries is still with her and seems to be growing even stronger.

In Lesa's own words,"When I was sixteen, I found my life's passion, working in the public library.  It's been a joy to share my love of books and reading with the people in the communities where I've lived and worked, as well as the community of far-flung readers on the Internet." 

"To me, the public service award recognizes the people who have given me a gift, a love of books, libraries, and people, and the opportunity to bring them together."  Thank you for honoring all those people who gave me roots, and all those people in the communities I've served, by presenting me with the award."

Lesa admits, authors are her rock stars.  She shares her enthusiasm and passion for books and reading through her work at Velma Teague where she has to wear many hats.  She is often providing adult and youth reference services, and holding quarterly Brown Bag Luncheons where she shares 15 book titles (fiction and non-fiction) that are worth considering as possible reads.  Also, Lesa holds monthly lunchtime book talks where library staff talk about books they have read.  This helps to multiply the number of book titles library staff is familiar with which is really a mini course in Reader's Advisory.

Lesa's love of reading is one reason she chairs the library's Readers Advisory Committee.  Her reviews can be found in such publications as Library Journal, Generflecting, and Mystery Readers Journal, and The Strand Magazine.  Lesa started the Authors @ the Teague program several years ago.  This program has brought local, national and international authors to downtown Glendale.  The faces from the back of the book jacket come to Glendale, in person, to talk about their writing, personal lives and of course about their books. 

Talia Sherer, Director, Library Marketing Macmillan wrote this in her nomination letter.

"She is absolutely selfless when it comes to promoting books and reading.  Whether it's on her blog http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/, at the staff-focused Brown Bag Lunches, or her participation at the "Back to the Beach" program - there is a fire inside here and a passion for books that is inspiring."

Lesa's internationally known and nationally syndicated book blog, http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/, and has won the Spinetingler Award for Best Reviewer in 2009 and 2010.  Bestselling mystery author Louise Penny, is one of many well know authors that have acknowledged Lesa's contribution to libraries, readers, and authors.

Lesa is an editor at Glendale Daily Planet and presents articles on Arizona writers and book related items in her Book Topics section on the 'Planet.  Glendale Daily Planet publisher Ed Sharpe stated, " Lesa's material is timely, captivating and entertaining… Her award winning contributed work is responsible in part for the  Glendale Daily Planet obtaining a Hermes Creative Award and a  MARCOM Award in 2011, and many other awards in previous years."

Barbara Peters, The Poisoned Pen Bookstore and Editor, Poisoned Pen Press made these remarks to the AzLA Service Awards Chair.  "It has been my please to work with Velma Teague's Lesa Holstine for a number of years and in a variety of reader, author, and community outreach programs.  Plus she's the best blogger I know, a model to everyone who wishes to communicate a love of reading and news of publishing.  I'm not too shabby at this myself so to say I wish I could emulate her is a measure of how great is her reach and influence."

For Lesa, it is about the books and libraries and bringing the two together.  Congratulations Lesa.

PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS CONVERGE ON

GLENDALE’S JOBING.COM ARENA MARCH 17 AND 18, 2012

World’s Top 35 Bull Riders, Fiercest Bulls Compete For Glendale Invitational,  

A Spot At World Finals And The World Champion Title

PUEBLO, CO, March 2, 2012 – The “Toughest Sport on Earth” returns to Glendale, Arizona for the sixth consecutive year, as the top 35 bull riders and the fiercest bucking bulls in the world compete in the Glendale Invitational.  Presented by Cooper Tires, the event will be held at Jobing.com Arena on Saturday, March 17 at 6pm and Sunday March 18 at 2pm.  The PBR Built Ford Tough Series (BFTS) features the best, highest-paid bull riders in the world, including PBR World Champion Silvano Alves, and Valdiron de Oliveira, who won at Glendale in 2011.  This is the only stop in Glendale this year, in what promises to be the most competitive season in PBR history.

Fans will witness thrilling 8-second rides and jaw-dropping wrecks throughout the adrenaline-fueled performance as the PBR’s brave cowboy riders risk it all against monstrous animal athletes that can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds.

Each of the 35 riders will ride on both Saturday and Sunday.  Following Round 1 on Saturday, the riders with the 10 highest scores will each compete with one more bull.  Following Round 3 on Sunday, the riders with the 10 highest cumulative scores will advance to the Built Ford Tough Championship Round where they will compete with one more bull.  The overall event winner will be the rider with the highest combined score from all four rounds.

Past winners of the Glendale Invitational include two-time World Champion Chris Shivers, who just announced he will retire at the close of the 2012 season.  This is Shivers last stop in Glendale.  Two-time World Champion Justin McBride will also ride.  McBride is the PBR career money leader with $5.5 million, the most of any western-sports athlete in history, while Shivers ranks second in career earnings with $3.8 million.

Glendale is the 11th of 29 stops on the 2012 BFTS schedule, which kicked of at Madison Square Garden in New York in January.  The season will conclude October 24-28 in Las Vegas with the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, where the PBR World Champion will be crowned and awarded a $1 million bonus.  The richest bull riding event in the world, the World Finals has a total purse of more than $2 million.

Tickets for the Glendale event start at $10 and can be purchased at the Jobing.com Arena box office, www.Ticketmaster.com, and by telephone at (480) 784-4444.

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About the Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR)

The PBR is the world’s premier bull riding organization. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the PBR. In just two decades, the dream of 20 bull riders has become a global sports phenomenon that is televised worldwide. More than 100 million viewers annually watch primetime PBR programming on networks around the world including CBS, CBS Sports Network, NBC, and NBC Sports Network. The PBR has awarded over $100 million in prize money and 24 riders have earned over $1 million, including Justin McBride with $5.5 million -- the most of any western sports athlete in history. Nearly two million fans attend Built Ford Tough Series and Touring Pro Division events each year. For more information on the PBR, go to www.pbr.com, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TeamPBR and http://twitter.com/TEAMPBR.