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COUNTDOWN TO GLENDALE GLITTERS STAGE SHOW FEATURED
“SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE” CHAMPION LAUREN FRODERMAN

GLENDALE, Ariz. – This year’s Glendale Glitters Spectacular celebration was ‘jazzed’ up by the appearance of a special celebrity guest, Lauren Froderman, winner of this season’s “So You Think You Can Dance” national TV competition.

Not only did Froderman flip the switch on the downtown’s 1.5 million lights, but she will also perform during the exciting countdown show.

As part of the city’s award-winning annual festival, the holiday light display kicked off the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 26 at 5 p.m. with the Countdown to Glendale Glitters Show at 5:30 p.m. The 30-minute show will featured a performance by The Valley Jazz Divas, which includes Delphine Cortez, Margo Reed, Nancy Gee and Sherry Roberson. The countdown show continued with a solo performance by the now-famous local star Lauren Froderman, who assisted the Glendale City Council to turn on the 1.5 million lights that cover 16 blocks throughout downtown Glendale, creating Arizona’s largest free holiday light display!  

POWER ON!  The Lights are lit!  (L to R)  Vice Mayor Steve Frate, Mayor Elaine Scruggs,  Lauren Froderman, winner of this season’s “So You Think You Can Dance” national TV competition   and Yucca Councilperson Joyce Clark. Photo by John Doyle -City of Glendale Marketing.

Downtown Glendale was abuzz with excitement, including holiday entertainment, delectable food, hand-crafted holiday gifts, a children’s winter wonderland, horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping and, of course, visits with everyone’s favorite visitor from the North Pole, Santa Claus.

 
Come Back Buddy - One of the fine entertainment offerings at the event.
 Rock n' Roll! You would swear Buddy Holly was back...
 - Photo By Josh Badham

GLENDALE USES STIMULUS FUNDING TO

REHABILITATE AND SELL FORECLOSED HOMES

            GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale’s Community Revitalization Division received $6.1 million in stimulus funds for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), a one-time, federally-funded program designed to mitigate the impact of foreclosed properties in communities. 

        Currently, the renovation process is nearing completion on several homes in Glendale. The goal of the program is to get low- to moderate-income families who are first-time homebuyers into these formerly abandoned properties and revitalize neighborhoods that have been affected by the economy.

        The city’s partners in this endeavor are Habitat for Humanity and Chicanos Por La Causa, who assist in facilitating the qualification and purchase process. To qualify to purchase any of these homes, applicants must not exceed income requirements that are 120% below median, provide an earnest deposit of $1,000 and also take a HUD-approved eight-hour class on home ownership.

More than $1.2 million was obligated for FY 09/10 to Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona  to purchase and renovate foreclosed homes; another $1.2 million went to Chicanos Por la Causa for the same purposes; an additional $800,000 will be used by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with the city’s community revitalization division to renovate acquired foreclosed properties.

In addition, $2.9 million has been awarded through a competitive RFP process to two projects that will provide affordable rental housing for eligible senior.  Those two projects are The National Farm Workers Service Center (NFWSC),  a 49-unit, senior-only development on a foreclosed and vacant parcel at 5614 N. 67th Ave.; and Native American Connections, a two-story, 60 unit, seniors-only rental complex on a foreclosed and vacant parcel at 59th Avenue and Laurie Lane.

The balance of approximately $300,000 of the NSP funds will be used for administrative costs in implementing these programs.

These projects are consistent with the priorities of the city’s 2005-2009 Five-Year Consolidated Plan, which was reviewed and adopted by the Mayor and Council in 2005.

To obtain more information about purchasing one of the foreclosed and rehabilitated properties, contact Tanna Nichols with Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona  at 602-617-9794 or Sergio Martins at Chicanos Por La Causa at 520-301-6665. For additional information on Glendale’s Community Revitalization Division and stimulus-funded projects, visit www.glendaleaz.com/recovery.

Alvarez officially declared winner after a back and forth reporting of who was in the lead for Glendale City Council seat in the Ocotillo District. 

Glendale City Council formally accepted the official results of the November election that adds a new face to the  leadership lineup.

With a voter turnout of 42%, Ocotillo District contender  Norma Alvarez received 1,877 votes, replacing Councilman David Goulet who received 1,684 votes in the final count.

At the time the polls closed it seemed as though Goulet would be  the winner  by 9 votes. As days went on and ballots were counted Alvarez seized the lead and continued to climb in reported results.

In the Barrel District, with a 51 percent turnout, Councilwoman Yvonne Knaack 4,618 votes, challenger Anthony Kern 3,085.

All debates and meetings we covered and have audio and video feeds from the  Glendale 2010 Election are HERE

Divas and Goddesses  Grand Opening 

Divas and Goddesses - Visit our New Retail Location:5849 W. Palmaire Ave.Glendale, AZ 85301
(In Historic Catlin Court - Across the street from the Spicery!) Photo by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet  

Divas and Goddesses is both an online and a retail boutique filled to the brim with lingerie that varies from classy, beautiful to risqué.  Their sizing ranges from extra small to 6X as they seek to show women be they slender, voluptuous or anything in between, they can indeed find beautiful intimate apparel that will flatter.

Becky Norwood Divas and Goddesses  Photo by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet  

Their product line includes a full variety from corsets that can be worn for a night on the town, to gorgeous peignoir sets, babydolls, hosiery, garters and more.

The mission of Divas and Goddesses is to remind women to be the Diva, the Goddess that they truly are. It is only by taking time for fun, pampering and replenishing our feminine side that we can strike the balance we need in our hectic lives. 

They host in store fabulously fun Dazzling Diva Glamour parties that include make-up, glamour hair do, rock star toes, boas, hats, gloves and a selection of lingerie and jewelry, then posing for a glamour photo session.  Talk about lots of giggles and good times!

Gentlemen are welcome.  Be it the special gift for a birthday, Christmas, valentines or just because, there is definitely a lot to choose from.  Once the purchase is made they offer gift wrapping and shipping.  For the gentlemen not brave enough to purchase, we offer gift certificates.

Their bridal collection is exquisite as well. 

While the boutique is small, Divas and Goddesses has a unique blend of gifts and accessories that complement their lingerie line.

 
Becky Norwood Divas and Goddesses 
Photo by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet  

Visit our New Retail Location:5849 W. Palmaire Ave.Glendale, AZ 85301
(In Historic Catlin Court - Across the street from the Spicery!)

Electronics Recycling Event at Glendale Community College was a huge success.
By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet 

Photo By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Saturday, November 13, 2010 the city of Glendale partnered with ADEQ (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality) and Glendale Community College to host a community wide all-electronic recycling event.  This event was open to all residents in the west valley.  Westech Recyclers hauled away truckload after truckload, 8 truckloads to be exact, of used and dusty electric devices--fax machines, photocopy machines, big screen televisions, printers and even a blender. 

Debbie Coy, City of Glendale Recycling Coordinator - Photo By Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Debbie Coy, City of Glendale Recycling Coordinator is very pleased with the amount of electronic stuff dropped off at Saturday's event.  Items could be dropped off starting at 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Seven hundred and sixty-one carloads were dropped off during that time.  The total number of pounds of electronics collected was "60,189 pounds or about 30.1 tons", reported Mr. Tom Holland of Westech Recyclers.

PCs, TVs, remote controls, and monitors were among the items brought to the northeast parking lot at Glendale Community College.  Lead, mercury, cadmium are some of the harmful metals found in electronic devices that will not be going to our landfill.  Some of the items can and will be refurbished for various non-profit organizations.  Other items might be used for parts.

The response to this event impressed Debbie Coy, and would like to possibly host another event like this, next year.  "Recycling, the environmental thing to do", said Debbie Coy when asked why residents should bring their electronic discards to a recycling center.

Photo By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

"This is the largest  amount ever
collected for a 5 hour event!"  
- Tom Holland of Westech Recyclers.

POINT OF SALE EQUIPMENT

TELECOM EQUIPMENT

What's In Your Wallet?

DURING CITIES & TOWNS WEEK,

GLENDALE SPOTLIGHTS VALUE OF LIBRARY SERVICES

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- In money-strapped times, one of the best recession-buster strategies a family can employ is to look at their spending and see how much they could save by using their city library for everything from books, music and games to online tutoring and other little-known library services.  In Glendale, librarians estimate a family of four can save approximately $4,000 a year.

This savings has prompted the City of Glendale to shine a spotlight on its three public libraries during Cities & Towns Week, Oct. 25-29.  This week is set aside state-wide each year to focus attention on city services that contribute to residents’ quality of life.

Even moderate use of Glendale’s public libraries translates into big savings.  Based on formulas developed and refined by various library associations, the annual value of library use for a family of four is calculated at $4,069.56.  That total was reached with the following assumptions about use and market values.

Quantity	Item Description	Market Value	Photo by Bette Sharpe CouryGraph Productions
2	Hardback books	$60.78
2	Paperback books	$13.36
1	Audio book	$27.00
4	Music CDs	$48.00
2	Video Games	$100.00
1	Magazine borrowed or read in library	$5.00
2	Usage of 2 subscription databases	$24.00
2	Movie DVDs for a week	$14.00
2	Hours of On-line tutoring	$40.00
1	Sewing pattern downloaded from library database	$6.99
	Monthly Total	$339.13
	Yearly Total	$4069.56

“Every family’s actual usage will vary, but for many library users, this is a conservative estimate. Avid readers don’t stop at one book a month, and when you look at the other services people are using too, it can really add up if you had to purchase all of them,” says Lesa Holstine, branch manager at the Velma Teague Library.

Residents who aren’t visiting their libraries regularly may be surprised to learn the variety of available services that go well beyond borrowing books and magazines.  In addition to reading materials, Glendale libraries offer a variety of entertainment items such as video games, music CDs and movie DVDs. There are also a variety of special interest and educational programs held each month, such as the Authors at the Teague series, which brings in best-selling authors for book signings and lectures, and Glendale Coffeehouse, where local musicians perform on the third Thursday of every month.

However, in difficult times, libraries see an increased focus on services such as free computer use for job-hunting, and access to employment specialists who help library patrons polish their resumes.  Other popular services include:

·         Online tutoring. Third graders to college students can benefit from instant access to tutors in subjects such as math, science and language arts.  A 24-hour writing lab is also available to help students produce better papers and reports.

·         Online practice tests.  Test-takers have the opportunity to take practice tests to prepare for college entrance exams, licensing and certification tests.

·         Databases.  Library patrons have access to more than 60 databases.  Among the most popular during the recession have been do-it-yourself resources for home and auto repairs.

·         Book sales.  For those who want to own books, each branch offers its own bookstore with items selling at deep discounts.  Additionally, the Foothills Branch holds semi-annual book sales.

In fact, the next Glendale Library book sale will be 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave. in Glendale.

This event, held in conjunction with Cities and Towns Week, will feature books ranging from Dr. Seuss to Shakespeare, as well as movies, recorded books and CDs.

Glendale library services are open to both residents and non-residents.  Library cards are free for residents, and non-resident cards cost $15 per quarter, or $60 annually.

For more information on all library services and locations of Glendale Public Libraries, log on to www.glendaleaz.com/library.

Delfina Salon & Day Spa Presents the RISE Program for Young Adult Women
Story and Photos By Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Denise Quintana wanted to give something positive back to her community.  RISE (resiliency, inspire, self-respect, and excellence) Program is the brainchild of local Glendale business owner, Denise Quintana of Delfina Salon and Day Spa.  She began the groundwork for the program a year ago in pursuit of her goal, setting up and establishing the RISE Program for young women.  She remembers how challenging high school can be, especially for young women and how important it is for women to stay confident and positive at any age.

Business is building  now for Denise Quintana.  About three and a half years ago, Denise started her new shop in Glendale with zero clients.  Actually, this is her second salon.  She closed her first salon to take care of her mother who was suffering from breast cancer.  Shortly after her mother succumbed to breast cancer, Denise had a baby girl and gave her, her grandmother's name, Delfina.  The plaque inside the salon says it all,  "This salon is dedicated to my mom, Delfina, and all the women who are fight breast cancer."--Denise Quintana, Owner.  Brianna Zerth's grandmother is a 17-year survivor of breast cancer.  Ms. Quintana believes in second chances and giving something positive back to her community.  Little-by-Little, things are getting better for the salon and Quintana.

Della Singh, a client of the Defina Salon, came up with the program's name while she was driving.  Della is very impressed with the service at Delfina's and with Denise Quintana's willingness to give back to the community.  The "girl power network" has proven to be beneficial for the salon that now has a healthy and growing client base.  Plus, word is also getting out about the new RISE Program. 

Delfina Salon and Day Spa has partnered with Raymond S. Kellis High School this year and asked for nominations from staff and students.  The RISE recipient would receive a day of beauty--hair, nails and facial.  Denise hopes this will be an annual event.  The pressure is especially great for seniors who are facing life after high school.  This year Brianna Elise Zerth, a senior at Raymond S. Kellis High School, is the very first RISE recipient!  Brianna has an outstanding student academically and enjoys being active in sports.  Congratulations! 

Brianna's mom, Magdalena McKenna, and her career counselor, Laila Sarah, were both on hand Saturday afternoon, with Brianna at the salon.  "Brianna is focused on her goals and ready to rock whatever she wants to do", said career counselor Laila Sarah.  "Brianna has a great demeanor, helps others, and is beautiful inside and out", continued Laila Sarah.  A grade average of 3.885 speaks for itself!  Brianna also attends Estrella Mountain Community College and plans to graduate this December from Raymond S. Kellis.  Brianna is planning a career in the culinary arts and is looking toward attending either Arizona State University or Northern Arizona University.  She has a sister, Sasha, attends Arizona State University and a younger brother, Eddie.  After her day at the spa, Brianna plans an evening out with her family!

The Delfina Salon and Day Spa is located in historic Catlin Court in downtown Glendale.  It is more than the surroundings that give this salon its comfortable atmosphere; it really is the warmth and sincerity that comes from the staff, especially Denise Quintana.  A professional in her field, she maintains the capacity to make prospective and current clients feel at ease. 

Manicurist Connie Hastie gives Brianna her manicure.

Nothing spells glamour like glitter!

Stylist Ami Abrigo begins to cut

Brianna's hair.  Visiting a salon for the first time can be intimating for anyone.  Ami and the other salon staff members, make each client feel relaxed and comfortable. 

Della Singh and Denise Quintana, owner and stylist at Delfina Salon and Day Spa.  Della was the person responsible for the naming of the RISE program.  Della loves Glendale, but now lives in Phoenix.  She travels to Glendale to visit Delfina's to get her hair done!

Ami is putting on the finishing touches to Brianna's newly styled hair.

Almost all of the women responsible for today's success 
Ami Abrigo, Brianna Zerth, Denise Quintana, Laila Sarah.        

Brianna's mom is getting her nails manicured by Connie Hastie.

All done, and picture perfect.

Brianna has a near perfect grade point average, knows what she wants to study and has the energy and attitude to be successful, because she is successful right now.

If you would like more information on the RISE Program please contact Denise Quintana at 623.847.3745 or visit her website at www.delfinasalon.com.  Delfina Salon and Day Spa is located at 7142 N. 57th Drive, Glendale, Arizona 85301.