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HOLIDAY COOKING &HEATING SAFETY TIPS
FROM THE GLENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The winter holidays and cooler temperatures are a time for getting together with family and friends and this means more cooking, home decorating and entertaining. The Glendale Fire Department reminds you to practice safe habits and to keep in mind the following tips to ensure the health and safety of loved ones during the holiday seasons.

 Whether you are cooking a turkey or ham for the holidays it is important to know that unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires and three out of ten home fires start in the kitchen. Decorating your home with candles can be hazardous as well. Candles are the second leading cause of home fires. The holiday season should be remembered as a joyous and happy time spent with friends and relatives. Other safety tips include:

·        When cooking for holiday visitors be sure to keep an eye on the oven.

·        Enforce a “kid-free zone” of three feet around cooking areas and turn handles inward away from the reach of small children

·        Never pour water onto a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, doing so will spread the fire.

·        Take a moment to test your smoke detector before cooking.

·        Discuss your escape plan with visitors in the event a fire breaks out.

·        Never leave a candle burning unattended and when “you go out, blow out.”

·        Keep candles clear of curtains, decorations and other combustibles.

·        Inspect your fireplace, chimney and make sure the flue is open before lighting a fire.

·        Never use grills indoors.

·        Keep anything that will burn three feet away from space heaters.

·        Learn or review CCC-CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.

 

Useful Links/Documents Blue Gene Pulls Away from the Pack (Contains content outside the Glendale Daily Planet Server)	IBM Blue Gene Shatters Record as World's Fastest Computer   [Source: IBM]   IBM’s Blue Gene/L supercomputer is once again the fastest computer in the world, a record it has held for the past four years. The official TOP 500 Supercomputers list, released Nov. 12, reports the machine is now three times faster than its competitors with 478 trillion calculations per second, or 478 “teraflops.” The Blue Gene/L is housed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. IBM has a record 232 supercomputers on the TOP 500 list, the vast majority built with commodity style, PC microprocessors. The computer maker also outlined its plans to next year achieve a computing milestone known as a “petaflop” – the ability to process 1,000 trillion calculations per second.

2 of these are to handle the runoff from the new B of A Parking garage?

Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet - 09/14/-20077-8AM

Photos and video and more details in preparation

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters was the guest of honor at a Westmarc Forum Series breakfast at 8 a.m. Friday at Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Drive.


"Transportation infrastructure is the most significant issue facing the West Valley," said Jack Lunsford, president and CEO of Westmarc. "For the second year in a row, our board has placed it as Westmarc's top public-policy priority."

Peters, who was appointed by President Bush as the nation's 15th transportation secretary a year ago, hails from the West Valley. She was warmly welcomed back this morning during her address.


Peters' remarks to the West Valley community focused on her reflections on her first year in her post and her vision for the future of transportation in the United States.

Questions were accepted from the floor, with a press interview session where Ed Sharpe from the Glendale Daily Planet and other journalists had an opportunity to ask pressing questions.

Peters formerly was director of the Federal Highway Administration and of the Arizona Department of Transportation.

   
. Photos and video and more details in preparation

Westmarc is a coalition of leaders in business, government and education that promotes the West Valley and advocates on its behalf.

REMARKS FOR THE HONORABLE MARY PETERS SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION

WESTMARC BREAKFAST GLENDALE, AZ SEPTEMBER 14, 2007 -  8 AM

Thank you, David Martin (Arizona Association of General Contractors), for that kind introduction. I would also like to thank my friend, Jack Lunsford of WestMarc for inviting me to be here today. It is always great to come home to the West Valley to see old friends and make new ones.

Every time I come home, I am impressed by the way people in Arizona show the kind of leadership that makes this state and this country so great.

Here in the West Valley, I see that leadership in businesses that continue to invest and innovate. I see that leadership in the local leaders working hard to make Western Maricopa County a center of education excellence. And I see that leadership in local officials who are developing policies that ensure growth while enhancing our quality of life.

People in Washington have a lot to learn about leadership from places like the West Valley and other forward-leaning communities in Arizona. Nowhere is that more apparent to me than in the current debate about the state of the nation’s infrastructure in the wake of last month’s tragic collapse of the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis. 

While many state and local officials have already come to recognize the urgency of our transportation problems, it took a nationally televised tragedy to get people in Washington talking about what’s wrong with our roads and bridges.

We must continue to properly maintain our highways and bridges. But it would be irresponsible to say that our bridges and roads are anything but safe. Indeed, since 1994, we have successfully reduced the percentage of bridges that are structurally deficient from 19 percent to 12 percent.

While the condition of our roads and bridges is getting a little better, there is absolutely no question that the way we invest in them is broken. Money that should be going to maintain roads, build new freeways, and reduce congestion is going instead to restore lighthouses and build new museums.

Washington mandates are increasingly overriding state priorities. For example, the number of earmarked projects has grown from a handful in the mid-1980s to over 6,000 in 2005 – valued at a staggering $24 billion.

And earlier this week, the Senate passed a one-year spending bill that includes an additional $2 billion in earmarks. As some of you may have read, this bill includes money for “key transportation priorities” like a peace garden, a baseball stadium, and a history museum. Despite all the rhetoric over the past six weeks on the need to focus on our infrastructure priorities, Congress still doesn’t get it.

This addiction to earmarks is an even larger problem when you consider that the true cost to states for these projects is actually much higher. On average, earmarks cover only ten percent of the total cost of a project. Imagine how your neighbor would react if you told him you bought him a new, $300 lawnmower – all he needed to do was chip in $270. And what he really needed was a hose.

Not only does Washington lack the discipline to get the money where it is needed most, but the system for financing, building, and operating roads and bridges does nothing to address the single greatest problem facing our nation’s transportation system – the rapid growth in traffic congestion.

When I returned to Phoenix in the early 1980s, the average commuter spent 18 hours a year stuck in traffic. Now that same commuter is spending almost 50 hours a year stuck in traffic throughout Maricopa County. Worse, projections are that by 2030, driving times will average over 60 percent longer during rush hour than they are at other times.

The story is the same in virtually every community across the country. Traffic is getting worse not only in New York and Los Angeles, but also in places like Knoxville, Jacksonville, and Salt Lake City.

This growing traffic leads to costly delays that undermine quality of life, waste fuel, and contribute to pollution.

Delay and fuel costs, however, are only part of the story. In too many parts of the country, our roads are no longer reliable. A cross-town trip might take thirty minutes, or it might take two hours. There is no way to know for sure. As a result, commuters and businesses are budgeting a lot more time for each trip – robbing families of valuable time together and cutting into businesses’ bottom lines.

Instead of tackling the challenge of congestion, some in Washington, DC, have jumped at the tragic bridge collapse to call for federal gas tax increases.

This misses the point. Our roads aren’t backed up and our commutes aren’t unpredictable because of a lack of spending. Over the last 25 years, we have increased spending by one hundred percent, even after adjusting for inflation. During the same period, though, traffic delays in metropolitan areas have grown by almost three hundred percent. And future gas tax increases will be just as ineffective in fighting congestion.

Proposing new federal gas tax increases is not leadership – it is ludicrous. Americans are tired of paying for excellent bridges to nowhere and horrible commutes to everywhere else.

According to every recent survey, the public overwhelmingly opposes the idea of raising the federal gas tax. That is because they have no confidence that their gas taxes – which go into the Highway Trust Fund – will be spent either wisely or well. Washington’s misplaced priorities have caused Americans to lose trust in the trust fund. I don’t blame them. I have too.

We need a new approach.

We need the kind of leadership that says the people stuck in traffic every day on I-10 ought to be making the decisions about where to build new roads and how to pay for them.

We need the kind of leadership that is willing to explore new ways to pay for road projects that not only generate revenue for re-investment but actually reduce congestion. 

That's right, I said reduce. Leaders usually do not plan to fail. Yet for some reason, every state in the country right now is planning for congestion to be worse in 15 years than it is today – regardless of how much money is spent.  

We need to begin acknowledging that we can substantially reduce traffic congestion – and that we can do it in most cases in a matter of months.

We only need to convince five-to-ten percent of the people on a rush-hour highway to shift trip times or travel plans in order to largely solve the congestion problem. That's right – five to ten percent. That is not such a heavy lift when you consider that new data shows that almost half of the people on a rush-hour highway are not taking work trips, and almost a quarter are retired.

But we cannot wish people off rush-hour roads just because they may have flexible schedules. We need to look instead at innovative measures like electronic tolling, which allows road charges to vary by time of day based on traffic levels.

Cell phone companies create capacity by charging us during the week and giving us free weekend minutes. Why can’t we do the same for our roads?

The revenues generated from those tolls will allow us to expand highways and transit systems in the same corridors. That makes a lot more sense than sending the money to Washington where strings are attached and administrative costs taken out before it can go back to Arizona.

There are parts of the country today – on I-15 in San Diego and I-394 in Minneapolis, for example – where this kind of pricing is being used to give rush-hour drivers free flow commutes that are predictable within minutes.

Other parts of the country should soon see the same kind of results. New York City, Seattle, Minneapolis, Miami, and San Francisco were all selected in August as part of our Department’s nationwide competition to pursue even more comprehensive approaches using electronic pricing.  

Yes, this approach requires us to think differently about highways. It requires us to recognize that there is no such thing as a free highway.

Most importantly, it requires leadership – leadership to recognize that our current approach is broken, leadership to embrace new ways to fund and manage our roads, and leadership to stake reputations on promises to cut traffic.

We are already seeing that kind of leadership.

Here in the West Valley, groups like WestMarc have placed transportation at the top of their priority list. In other parts of the country, mayors are guaranteeing an end to gridlock. Legislators are authorizing new lanes that will be paid for without a single dollar in gas taxes. And governors are planning desperately needed highways that will use electronic pricing.

Let’s turn the tragedy of the I-35W bridge collapse into something positive. Let’s forget the tired promises and broken tactics of the past. Let’s embrace new solutions designed to meet today’s challenges. And let’s do everything in our power to support and encourage more of the kind of leadership its going to take to make our roads work for us again.

Americans want and deserve leadership. Let’s give it to them.

# # #

    Marty Robbins Is Joining           Rex Allen In Wilcox Arizona!

http://www.rexallenmuseum.org/

And... If You Are In Wilcox Arizona on October 6th Spike The Superball will be on hand!

Two Glendale residents assume key duties  -  Civil Air Patrol    -   Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302

Maj.AttilaSzokol      SeniorMemberLesManser

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Sept. 21, 2007) – Two Glendale residents have been appointed to positions of key responsibility within Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol (CAP), announced Capt. Paula Ramage, squadron commander. The 125-member squadron is the largest and most active in CAP’s Arizona Wing.

CAP is the official civilian volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and open to adults 18 and older plus cadets 12 to 21. The 65-year-old non-profit organization performs up to 95 percent of the inland search-and-rescue missions in the United States and provides numerous other support services to communities, states and the nation including homeland security, counter-narcotic flights and humanitarian missions as well as cadet training.

Maj. Attila Szokol has assumed duties as the squadron’s deputy commander for adults and will continue his previous duties as standardization and evaluation officer. Former U.S. Air Force Capt. Les Manser has accepted multiple staff positions as the squadron’s cadet aerospace-education officer, cadet test-control officer, flight-operations officer and flight-release officer.

A pilot for 20 years and former aviation operations specialist in the Arizona Army National Guard, Szokol is a 737 first officer and simulator instructor for US Airways but has been working primarily for the past 18 months in the Training and Standards Department on the merger fleet-integration project (rewriting manuals, procedures, checklists, etc.) of US Airways and the former America West Airlines.

He has accumulated approximately 7,000 hours of flight time plus considerable simulator time. He is an Airline Transport Pilot, type-rated in the Boeing 737, de Havilland Dash 8 and Beechcraft 1900. He also is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-II-MEI).

The deputy commander joined Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 in the fall of 2001. As standardization and evaluation officer, he works to ensure competence, proficiency and professionalism among squadron pilots.

Manser, a pilot who joined the squadron in May as a senior member, served for 12 years. He enlisted as an avionics maintenance specialist who attained the grade of staff sergeant before being commissioned as an officer for eight years.

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

He earned his master of science degree in aeronautical science with a 4.0 grade-point average from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He earlier had completed his bachelor of science degree in electronics technology from Troy State University in Alabama.
After completing his graduate degree, Officer Manser had supplemental Air Force experience from 1988 to 1992 as an F-15E academic and simulator instructor at Luke Air Force Base through McDonnell-Douglas Training Systems, Inc. He trained all F-15E aircrews who participated in the 1990 Gulf War. Notably, no aircraft crewed by his students was lost during Desert Storm combat operations.

Manser served for six years as an adjunct instructor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at its Luke Air Force Base campus, instructing courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in simulation in aviation and aerospace, air-carrier operations, business and commercial flight operations, and computers in aviation.

His other qualifications include being a Federal Aviation Administration-rated private pilot and aircraft dispatcher. He has a single-engine-land (SEL) private-pilot instrument rating, multiple-engine-land (MEL) commercial-pilot instrument rating, and a total of 300 hours of SEL and MEL flight time including almost 200 hours as a pilot in command.

A quality manager since 1993, he has been employed the past six years for Ditron Manufacturing, Inc., and is a certified quality auditor.
Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, which observed its 50^{th anniversary in May, conducts cadet meetings from 7 to 9:30 p.m. each Monday except for holidays. Meetings for adults (officers) are conducted at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Many officers are pilots or former members of the military although such experience is not required for membership. A composite squadron has both officers and cadets.}

GLENDALE!

Are You Ready

For Some

BEAR?

GLENDALE CELEBRATES NATIONAL TEDDY BEAR DAY

An event for teddy bear enthusiasts to celebrate their collections.

Glendale Daily Planet - Glendale AZ). -- Historic Downtown Glendale was proud to celebrate National Teddy Bear Day on Saturday, Sept. 8th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..  In honor of this annual event, several shops and the Glendale Office of Tourism joined together to offer a very “beary” special day. 

The day began at the Glendale Visitor Center (5800 W. Glenn Drive, #140) - where participants  picked up a Teddy Bear pack, spun the "Bear Themed Prize Wheel and entered drawings. 

Patricia Moore, Glendale Visitor Center Volunteer - Activity, themed prize wheel at the Visitor Center	Bear themed prize wheel at the Glendale Visitor Center
Patricia Moore and Lavonne Butterworth, Glendale Visitor Center Volunteers and an event attendee at the bear themed prize wheel at Teddy Bear Day	The visitors, armed  with their  Teddy Bear pack filled with lots of goodies and discounts headed off to to shops and restaurants in the Historic Downtown area. They followed the  the Teddy Bear Trail which included the following:   Beary Special Shop Discounts Photos with your favorite Teddy Bear (free Polaroid photo) Teddy Bear Day Tea at Kimberly Ann's ($22-Prepaid) Face Painter Make and Take Arts & Crafts (for a nominal fee) Free Trolley Rides Bear themed prize wheel at the Visitor Center Many shops will have special bear items for sale Bring in your favorite shirt and for only $10 you can have it embroidered with a bear design (at Miracle Haven) Refreshments Beary Good Ice Cream Social at The Country Maiden (proceeds to benefit the Glendale Fire Dept. Trauma Teddies Program Decorate a chocolate Teddy Bear at Cerreta Candy Company ($4)

And... Here are a few places we stopped off to visit along the 'Trail...'

First thing though... we had to stop in and see what Lorraine Pino, Glendale Tourism Manager, had collected up in the way of 'Beary Good Friends' to share with the Glendale Fire Department.

A Beary Special Day in Downtown Glendale   The Visitor Center  accepted donations of new Teddy Bears (12” or less in size) to benefit the Glendale Fire Department Trauma Teddies Program during their 3rd Annual Teddy Bear Day event on Sept. 8. The Glendale Fire Department keeps a few new teddy bears on each truck to soothe children who have been involved in a traumatic incident. The teddies are given to children who have been injured, or involved in an auto accident, or if they have witnessed a traumatic event. In every case, the child is comforted and distracted by a friendly, huggable new companion. All of the teddy bears are donated by civic groups, schools, or private citizens.   The Visitor Center received nearly 300  bears for donation to the program..
Lorraine Pino, Glendale Tourism Manager with a sample of the nearly 300 bears donated for the  Glendale Fire Dept. Teddy Trauma Program during the 3rd Annual Teddy Bear Day in Historic  Downtown Glendale held on Sept. 8.

Yvonne Knaack,  and fellow local State Farm agent, gives 150 "Good Neigh Bears" to the Glendale Fire Department's Crisis Response Unit. 

	10 Agents from State Farm Insurance, spear-headed by Yvonne Knack, donated over 150 new bears to the GFD CR Program.  These bears will be carried on the CR Units and be given to children after they have experienced a traumatic event.   The CR Vans are automatically dispatched, along with GFD Units, to the scene of fires, automobile accidents, domestic violence situations, deaths, assaults, SIDS, drownings, to name a few.    Karla Houston, Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Program Coordinator  tell us "Our CR Volunteers come into people's lives during a frightening time, to support them in their grief, calm their fears a little, and to assist the Fire and Police Personnel on the scene.   Karla Continued... "The CR Crews, all volunteers, stay on the scene with the family and friends thus allowing the fire crews and police officers to go back in service and help other citizens when called." Back Row: John Edmonson, Dennis Pooler Front Row  Jessica Knaack, Karla Houston, Yvonne Knaack and Gwen Pooler.  Dennis Pooler is a Mentor with the CR Program
Councilperson Yvonne Knack and Karla Houston, Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Program Coordinator Councilperson  Yvonne Knack with a box of bears. Back Row: John Edmonson, Dennis Pooler Front Row Yvonne Knaack's daughter, Karla Houston, Yvonne Knaack and Gwen Pooler.
Jessica Knaack showing off one of the  "Good Neigh Bears" That is  going to the  Fire Department to comfort children in  trauma situations.	Karla Houston, Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Program Coordinator tells us    "You will notice that these bears are individually wrapped.  This is the best way to donate bears or any stuffed animals.    When they are wrapped like the pictures shows, then we know that they are as clean as possible to protect the children that may otherwise not be able to accept one due to allergies.  When we give a sad child a bear, we will remove the plastic and hand it to them.   It is heartwarming to see how just holding onto something soft and cuddly calms a child.  They will hang on to these bears all the way to the hospital, the domestic violence shelter, or just going to their rooms."
Gwen Pooler is currently in CR Volunteer Training.  All the new Volunteers receive 100 hrs. of training.  (50 hrs. of classroom time and 50 hrs. of practical hrs. on the CR Units)	John Edmonson, is one of the CR Team Leads.   Team Leaders are assigned shifts, just like the GFD Firefighters . . . A Shift, B Shift, & C Shift.  John is A shift and is on-call every 3rd day for 24 hrs.  He is a CR Volunteer.
Yvonne Knaack  supports the GFD CR Program in her capacity as both a State Farm Agent and also as a City of Glendale Councilperson.	Yvonne Knaack meeting Karla's mom, Dorothy Wall.  Dorothy just celebrated her 94th birthday last July.  She doesn't get on the CR Vans but she comes to Glendale Celebrations with her daughter  Karla Houston, Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Program Coordinator, You will find Dorothy donating  her time helping out at a CR or Civic Pride booth when she can.
Photo Activity at Bears & More.  Free photo with your favorite teddy bear        7146 N. 58th Drive - Glendale, AZ 85301- Telephone 623-931-0339 - Toll free 888-795-444
Becky Shady holding a Steiff Sound of Music bear at Bears & More assisting with the photo activity L-R > A couple of teddy bear fans with  Linda & Valerie Burner  at Bears & More in Catlin Court, Glendale Arizona Sue Berntsen, Glendale Visitor Center Volunteer - Photo activity at Bears & More. Get a free photo with your favorite teddy bear!

  Fiesta Glendale!

Sept. 15, from noon to 10 p.m.

Hispanic Heritage Celebration

Entire families enjoyed a fun-filled day! Murphy Park was abuzz with music, dance and traditional food. Entertainment will included some of the Valley’s top performers, such as Ballet Folklorico and other dance troupes and musicians, as well as several family activities.

 Murphy Park is located in Historic Downtown Glendale at 58th and Glendale avenues.

If you missed the fun this year join us next year!

I

“Un Corazón Flamenco”
	Linda Machado ( Left and front in group photo) The male dancer was Alejandro Cervantes The female dancer in the photo is Belinda Rosic The guitarist is Ricardo de Cristobal Together we perform as “Un Corazón Flamenco” Here is a link to our web site for your further information:  www.FlamencoTheStudio.com
Linda Machado

Line Up For Fiesta Glendale - Saturday September 15th 2007 - 

12:00pm-1:00pm
Caribbean Zone Traditional Calypso Music

1:00pm-2:00pm
Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company
Fiesta Mexicana Dance Company is a unique program offering youth of all ages an opportunity to develop self-esteem and learn the values of cooperation, discipline and dedication through the performing arts. This program brings the music and dances of Mexico and Latin America to audiences throughout the Southwest.

2:00-3:00pm
Mariachi Aguila de Marcelino Cervantes
With 23 years in existence. Mariachi Aguila is considered to be one of the most authentic interpreters of Mexican music in the United States. In 1993, they won first place in the International Mariachi Competition held in Phoenix, Arizona. The New Times magazine proudly proclaimed them best Mariachi in 1994 & 1995. Mariachi Aguila has performed with Linda Ronstadt. Jose ‘El Puma’ Rodriguez, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Juan Gabriel, Pedro Fernandez, Lola Beltran and many more.

3:00pm-4:00pm
Tommy Halloway
Tommy Halloway is a musical entertainer that has traveled and performed all over the country including New York, Las Vegas, and California and is currently playing at Casino Arizona.

4:00pm-5:00pm
Lupita Leyva & Mariachi Juvenil Mexicansimo Traditional Mexican music singer. She has won numerous awards and has sung both in Mexico and the United States with various international artist.

5:00pm-6:00pm
Los Cuatro De La Rosa- De La Rosa Quartet a variety of Mexican Musical rhythms-cumbia, merengue, cha cha. Special performance by local singer Flor de Oro. Flor de Oro has performed in California, Georgia, and with famous artist such as the Home Town Boyz, Little Joe and la Familia.

6:00pm-7:00pm
Los Cuatro De La Rosa- De La Rosa Quartet continued.
Special performance by local folk singer Maria Juares. She has sang with many international artist though out the United States and Mexico including Opera singing, She has also won many awards through out her singing career.

7:00pm-8:00pm

Mariachi Aguila de Marcelino Cervantes
With 23 years in existence. Mariachi Aguila is considered to be one of the most authentic interpreters of Mexican music in the United States. In 1993, they won first place in the International Mariachi Competition held in Phoenix, Arizona. The New Times magazine proudly proclaimed them best Mariachi in 1994 & 1995. Mariachi Aguila has performed with Linda Ronstadt. Jose ‘El Puma’ Rodriguez, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Juan Gabriel, Pedro Fernandez, Lola Beltran and many more.


Squirt Community stage
Un Corazón Flamenco
Un Corazón Flamenco is considered the Valley’s most authentic Flamenco group. They create living, passionate Flamenco, different every time.  Core artists are dancer Linda Machado - a selected Roster Artist with the Arizona Commission on the arts and guitarist Ricardo de Cristobal - a leading Flamenco historian.  They are the founders of Flamenco!…the Studio, the only dance center in the Central Valley devoted exclusively to the Flamenco Arts

8:00-10:00
Grupo Caribe
Best Latin band in the valley. Popular ten piece band specializing in cumbia, salsa and merengue music.

Throughout the day
“Glostorin the clown” will be entertaining the public with his balloons, tricks, games, and jokes.

Glendale Police Department Welcomes New Public Information Officer

  GLENDALE , Ariz. – Police Chief Steve Conrad has selected a veteran sergeant to serve as one of two public information officers for the Glendale Police Department.  Sgt. Jim Toomey officially began his new assignment on Monday, July 23^rd.  Officer Matt Barnett will also continue in his role as public information officer (PIO.)

 Sgt. Toomey is long-time West Valley resident, having lived or worked in Glendale since attending Apollo High School in 1978.  He joined the department in 1988, and served as PIO from 1994 until his promotion to sergeant in 1997.  He has a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Ottawa University , and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University .  Toomey is married and has two children.

 “Sgt. Toomey brings a wealth of experience to the public information division,” said Chief Conrad. “Excellent communication is a priority for the department and we are pleased to welcome him in this position.”

GLENDALE 11 RECEIVES 4 EMMY NOMINATIONS FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

            GLENDALE , Ariz. -- Glendale’s city cable station, Glendale 11, has received four nominates for this year’s Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards, which will be held on Oct. 6, 2007 at the Renaissance Hotel in Glendale’s Westgate City Center.

            Glendale will compete against TV stations, production companies and advertising agencies from Arizona , Utah and New Mexico .

The Emmy awards, given by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, recognize and reward excellence in the television broadcast community. Only a few government TV stations were nominated this year, with Glendale being one of only three Arizona cities to make the finals. Overall, Emmy entries were up a record 40 percent this year.

The Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter includes three states: Arizona , Utah and New Mexico .  Nominees include network affiliated stations, cable stations and companies, public and student stations, private production companies, advertising agencies and government television stations.

  Glendale 11 was nominated for the following entries:

-                     Documentary Topical: Making of the Stadium: Joe Larger and Cary Pfeffer

-                     Magazine Program: Program Special: Laurie Berg Sapp

-                     Program Editor(non-news): Making of the Stadium: Joe Large

-                     On Camera Talent Performer/Narrator: Julie Watters

“ Glendale 11 continues to change the face of government television,” said Communications Director Julie Frisoni.  “We’re honored that our creative efforts to inform the residents of Glendale are getting recognized both locally and nationally.”

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

Friends and family say good-bye to beloved librarian

By: Elizabeth Jackman The Glendale Star
Article Courtesy The Glendale Star

At her retirement party last January, Louise Stephens’ colleagues paid respect to a beloved colleague who they said was funny, intelligent, genuine, and someone they could always count on for help when they needed it.

In her 30 years with the Glendale Public Library, she did almost every job there was, starting as a children’s librarian and finishing her career as head of the circulation department.

On July 28, Louise lost her long battle with cancer. She was 59.

“Louise was one-of-a-kind, it is hard to believe she is no longer here,” her long time friend and library spokesperson Diane Nevill said.

Born in Cleveland , Ohio April 19, 1948, Louise Fanchaly, moved with her family to Phoenix in the early 1960s.

She got her first job working in a library when she was 17-years-old as a clerk and a page at the Phoenix Public Library at Central and McDowell.

Ask her husband Wade Stephens about the first time he met Louise, and without hesitation he replies, “It was Oct. 19, 1967.”

“And where do you think we met?” Wade asks with a big smile. “At the library, of course.”

Wade was a sophomore at Phoenix College and went to the library to do research on an economics project.

“She was behind the counter and was due to go on a break, but skipped her break to stay and help me,” Wade said. “She was as interested in me as I was her. I knew right away she was the girl I wanted to marry. About two weeks later we went on our first date to an ASU football game.”

Louise graduated from West Phoenix High School then attended Arizona State University graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History in 1971.

“She had a real talent in art,” Wade said. “Her first job after college was at the Yucca Branch Library in Central Phoenix .”

The couple dated for six years before tying the knot Oct. 20, 1973.

In 1975 they moved to Tucson where Louise earned her Master of Library Science degree. She interviewed with the City of Glendale and began work at the Velma Teague Library in April 1977 as a children’s librarian.

“She would go to schools and read to the children, she loved to tell the little kids stories. She was so animated the kids would sit entranced with bug eyes listening,” Wade said. “She had a tremendous desire to teach children to read particularly minority children.” Their only child, Megan, was born July 15, 1983.

Her friend Dianna Dwyer, who is the librarian at Glendale Community College said she had a special bond with Louise because they were new mothers together.

“Louise started working at GCC in the fall of 1982 as an adjunct librarian in the evening shortly after I became pregnant,” Dwyer said. “She often joked about how she ‘caught’ her pregnancy from me so that was the beginning of a warm personal relationship filled with lots of humor and laughter.”

During her career Louise was very active with the Arizona State Library Association (AZLA) serving as President of the Public Library Division in 1993-94 and AZLA president in 1997-98. In 2001 she was named AZLA Librarian of the Year. She also served six years on the board of directors with the Glendale Community Council as city liaison and secretary treasurer.

Louise’s run with cancer began almost 20 years ago in 1988.

“I was 5 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Megan said.

When Wade got the news, he walked out of a business meeting to be with his wife.

“She was center stage in my life,” Wade said.

Louise underwent a radical mastectomy and two years of chemotherapy. By 1993, she was considered cured of breast cancer.

Then they received the devastating news in August 2001 that she had ovarian cancer.

“She had surgery and the doctor said he removed a tumor he described as the size of a smurf football,” Wade said. “She immediately began chemotherapy after the surgery.”

Louise became a fierce advocate for women’s health.

“She became like a walking medical encyclopedia,” Wade said. “She read and researched everything about ovarian cancer. She knew more than 98 percent of doctors out there.”

After two years her cancer went into remission but returned in 2003 and throughout her treatment showed tremendous strength.

“She was fierce in her battles against cancer coming back again and again after countless rounds of chemo facing her disease with extreme courage,” Dwyer said. “She rarely complained about how she felt and shared information in a matter of fact way with no self-pity.”

Wade said he tried to persuade her to stay home but she said, “I will not let cancer overpower me until I have no fight left in me.”

She was a fighter, Wade said.

After she retired, Wade and Louise traveled to Carmel , California and spent five days.

“She always wanted to go there, we had a great time,” Wade said.

Megan said her mom used to always say, “Peace, Harmony (with friends and family), Patience (with all those around you), and Balance (between work, home, family and friends) and above all remember love.”

Wade said Louise was a great lady who touched a lot of people.
“Louise was the go-to person whether it was replacing a screw, answering the patron complaint box, or counseling employees on a personal problem,” Wade said.

Nevill said the library is like a big family and Louise was the ‘Big Sis.”

 “She will be missed terribly,” Nevill said.

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Aug. 11 at the Community Church of Joy, 21000 N. 75th Ave. , northwest corner of Loop 101 and 75th Avenue .

The family and friends ask in lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Louise A. Stephens Memorial Scholarship fund C/O Arizona Library Association, 1030 E. Baseline Rd. Suite 105/1025 , Tempe , AZ 85283 .   

Reach the reporter at http://www.glendalestar.com/ or (623) 842-6000.

 -----------

Friends and Family remember Louise:

“They threw away the mold when they made Louise when they probably should have gone into mass production. This world would be in tip-top shape if only more people were like Louise. She had high expectations for herself and that translated to others as well. She made people want to do better, work harder, and be more like her. She was the type of person who would say what most people only dared to think. This was so refreshing. Louise packed more into her short life than two people could do living to be 100.” – Peoria Librarian David Hunenberg, worked with Louise on AZLA matters

“She always said that sometimes the best decision is based on your gut feeling. She would say to always step back and go with your second thought, which is usually more level headed. She was my mentor and someone who I respected and loved dearly. I will truly miss her guidance and support.” – Casey Van Haren-Walton, Library Operations Supervisor, Circulation Department

“Louise was an icon, a beacon of light that shone so brightly throughout all of the departments at the library, not just the ones she was responsible for, she was there for everybody. In my 22 years at the library she helped me transition with my career. We went to lunch together everyday at 11:30. She was my pal, my buddy, friend and colleague. I along with the rest of those who knew her are truly blessed she was a part of our lives. She was remarkable, feisty, funny and truly a good person. Some people never get a Louise in their lives.” – Cherilynn Moore, Library Manager

“Louise was an inspiration. Everyone who knew her, valued and loved her. She definitely had a positive impact on my life. We go back 25 years. She hired me at the Velma Teague branch we worked the reference desk there. Losing her is heartbreaking. Even though she retired in January, there still seems to be a void, the halls are not the same.” – Sue Komernicky, Library Director

“I had the privilege of getting to know Louise through her participation in the cancer support group that I became the facilitator of. Clearly she was a key player in the group dynamics. She was loved and respected by everyone in the group. Louise had a sense of humor, wit and intensity about life and a commitment for being there for everyone in the group and dealing with the side affects of the treatments. She was a great inspiration for everyone in the group.” – Patti Jensen, Oncology Social Worker, Banner Thunderbird Hospital

“We really bonded as we grew older. She and I used to hike Thunderbird Mountain together every weekend. We did a lot of talking on those walks, she was more than I could ask for. I could confide anything in her, I will miss her terribly. She was a trooper the way she got through this. She was the best.” – Holly Redburn, Louise’s younger sister

 GLENDALE ‘COLD CASE’ WAS FEATURED ON COURT TV  Wednesday, August 8th 






GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale Police Detective, Roger Geisler, was featured on Court TV’s “Haunting Evidence” series  Wednesday, August 8th at 10:00p.m. on the Court TV channel.

This unsolved ‘cold case’ murder involves Jennifer Leuth and Diana Shawcroft who were last seen on May 24th 1996. Their bodies were discovered three months later by hunters approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix.

Due to the ongoing investigation the cause of death is being withheld

 

 

 

 

Ed Sharpe and CouryGraph Productions Wins Top Gold Millennium Award.

Ed Sharpe of Courygraph Productions    - Ed Sharpe of CouryGraph Productions, won the Gold in the Spring 2007 Millennium Awards Competition.   Top Tier Millennium video "Public Works Week Proclamation" documented Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs presenting the Proclamation for Public Works Week In Glendale which coincides with National Public Works Week. Receiving the proclamation was Kenneth Reedy, who is the Deputy City Manager in charge of Public Works. ____________________________________________________      Public Works Week proclamation By Mayor Elaine Scruggs, City of Glendale. (From the  Video)   Ken Reedy City of Glendale Deputy City Manager accepting the proclamation. Reedy's office Reedy's office oversees the public works section of the city.    Mr. Reedy took a moment to thank all of the former Public Works employees on "whose shoulders we stand in Public Works."  Mr Reedy also thanked all of current City of Glendale employees for the wonderful job they do every day.                                 ____________________________________________________   "Our team is extremely honored by this recognition," said Ed Sharpe, Director of CouryGraph Productions which created Glendale Daily Planet. "This award reflects the quality of work and willingness of our staff to document City activities for use as local programming on the Internet. Sharpe continued, "I think our product is a result of the entire city's interest, advice and participation... " Sharpe further stated "This national award highlights the high standards of excellence we wish to achieve. In addition, it is our wish to provide our viewer-ship with information they can trust and enjoy."    Kenneth Reedy, Deputy City Manager -Public Works stated "I want to take this moment to thank Mr. Ed Sharpe for his efforts in documenting our Public Works Week events this year. His movie of Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs presenting the Proclamation for Public Works is wonderful. The staff at the CouryGraph Productions and Glendale Daily Planet have been great to work with."   Mr. Reedy continued on with an explanation of the celebration: "National Public Works Week was established by the American Public Works Association in 1960. The City of Glendale has been a strong supporter of the Public Works Week process for many years. It allows the citizens of our community to glimpse into the things our employees do for them that often go unobserved." "Since we have people working 24 hours a day seven days a week, they are not always visible to the public. We make sure every customer has water and sewer service every time they turn on a faucet. Their trash is collected every week. Their streets are swept and repaired as needed. Behind the scenes our facilities maintenance staff are keeping our buildings working efficiently, our fleet maintenance staff are providing fuel and service to our hundreds of vehicles that allow the city to operate."   Public Works week is an opportunity to say thank you to all of our employees. I appreciate the Mayor and City Council supporting our public works efforts and declaring Public Works week with a proclamation." To learn more about American Public Works Association and National Public Works Week at http://www.apwa.net   You can see how Glendale and other cities celebrated Public Works Week by going to: http://www.apwa.net/About/npww/2007/celebrations.asp you can also view the video that was awarded the Gold Millennium there.     The Millennium Awards Competition had over 1475 entries and only the top 5% were recognized. This competition raises the bar of excellence. Entries are judged on a point system by award-winning, highly qualified professionals in the communications industry. .   Glendale Daily Planet, the parent organization of KKAT-IPTV was started in 2004 as the first community journalism news site in Glendale and perhaps all of Arizona... Serving The Metro West Side of the Valley of the Sun, Glendale Daily Planet has witnessed, participated in and recorded the further rejuvenation of the downtown core, the meteoric rise of the 'Glendale Sports Empire' and the restoration of historic sections of the town. One aspect Sharpe is most proud of is the ability to have a continuous 24/7 stream of archived footage in the player but yet, when a special event arises, have the ability to go live interrupting the pre-programmed content to cover the event. With the advent of higher speed EVDO radio cards and compact portable satellite terminals the options are limitless. Residents can now catch stories of interest on their schedule, taking advantage of the on-demand character of Internet media. No more waiting for 5 or 10pm and no need to program the TiVo. Important stories remain available, a mouse click away, for years in the online archives.. In addition to his work With KKAT-IPTV, CouryGraph Productions and the Glendale Daily Planet, Ed Sharpe is the webmaster for MCA-I Chapter 44 in Phoenix Arizona and a member of the national Media Communications Association-International Association. Sharpe also is a member of  the National Acadamey of Television Arts and Siences (NATAS),  Society of Broadcast Engineers(SBE), Investigative Reporters and Editors(IRE), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Society of Professional Journalists(SPJ), National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), Southwest Museum of Engineering, Communications and Computation (SMECC) and other associations. The work of Ed Sharpe from CouryGraph Productions and other participative community journalists and engineering staff may be viewed, 24-hours a day, seven days a week at  http://www.glendaledailyplanet.com/ . Interested in having your work seen by the world? Contact the Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV to schedule airing! Use the email link on the site.

 

GLENDALE 11 NOMINATED FOR SEVEN NATOA AWARDS

GLENDALE, Ariz. - In the world of government television stations,
Glendale Channel 11 is competing at a national level for awards. The
city's TV station has been nominated for a record-breaking seven NATOA
Awards this year. The station submitted work in nine categories for the
2007 National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors
Government Programming Awards and will learn the results at the NATOA
Conference in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 5.  Across the country, 172
government TV stations entered the contest submitting a combined 1,200
entries in 63 categories.  

            Below are the nominated Glendale 11 TV shows and their
categories:

*    A Fiesta Bowl Celebration for Documentary Event Coverage
*    Making of the Stadium for both Documentary Profile and
Innovative Program
*    Check it Out @ the Library for the Library category
*    This is Glendale for both Event Program Promotion and Promotion
of a City/County
*    Street Racing Prevention for the PSA category



The NATOA awards recognize the best of government access programming
from local government stations. NATOA selects the award winners based on
"excellence in broadcast, cable, multimedia and electronic programming
developed by municipal agencies," according to www.natoa.org
<http://www.natoa.org/> .

 

 

GLENDALE 11 ON THE JOB

 
At the Lund Cadillac Groundbreaking Glendale AZ 4/2007   Glendale 11's Jon Brictson interviews Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs as Troy Browder videos them. Scott Wong from the Arizona Republic  can be seen behind them. - Photo C- Ed Sharpe KKAT-IPTV / http://www.glendaledailyplanet.com

______________________________________________________
 


Bill Meyer behind the camera at the Ocotillo District Meeting April 2007
Barbara George from the city council office Is seen standing behind Bill.
Photo : C- Ed Sharpe http://http://www.glendaledailyplanet.com / KKAT-IPTV

 

 

Bill Meyer KGLN engineer during Mayor's State of City Speech at the Glendale Civic Center
Photo C- Ed Sharpe http://www.glendaledailyplanet.com / KKAT-IPTV


            Glendale 11 airs on Cox and Quest Channel 11, 24-hours a
day, seven days a week. For a complete viewers guide, visit
http://www.glendaleaz.com/glendale11  .

            

---

CITY LOANS TOOLS FOR

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

 

Glendale, Ariz. July 16, 2007 – Are you looking to improve your neighborhood but are short on equipment or cash? Glendale’s Community Volunteer Program can help by making tools available from our “Tool Shed.” Registered neighborhoods and volunteer groups can check out tools for a particular project they’re coordinating on their own, such as clean-up, landscaping or painting.

Expert advice and project consulting may be available, as well. The group will be responsible for returning all tools in the condition they were checked out. Tools are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, a limited amount of funding is available to cover items such as dumpsters, equipment rental or trash removal for projects that qualify.

The following equipment available from the Tool Shed includes:

• Painting supplies
• Lawnmowers
• Weed whackers
• Wheelbarrows
• Trash pickers and bags
• Rakes
• Shovels
• Pruning Shears

For more information, call Neighborhood Services Coordinator Angie Wilkie in the Neighborhood Partnership Office at 623-930-2915.    

 

 

Firefighters believe cigarette was the cause of a $150,000 loss.

At approximately 1:30 pm, on Tuesday, July 3, 2007, Firefighters were called to house fire near 59^th Avenue and Union Hills in Glendale. First arriving units reported heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage of a 1,300 square foot, single story home.

A firefighter’s first tactical priority is to search the home for residents while initiating a fire attack. All five of the family members of the home made it out safely. Firefighters aggressively worked in intense heat to salvage as much of the home as they could, but not before the fire caused an estimated $150,000 in property damages.

This was a very active fire. The command officers and firefighters implemented and carried out a very aggressive but safe fire attack and kept the fire from spreading to the properties in either direction.

Fire investigators suspect the cause of this fire was a cigarette not properly being disposed of in the garage near combustibles’. The Glendale Fire Department offers these tips from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), for those community members who choose to smoke.

• If you smoke, smoke outside.
• If you smoke, choose fire-safe cigarettes, less likely to cause fires.
• To prevent a deadly cigarette fire, you have to be alert. You won’t be if you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine or other drugs.
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is being used.
• Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children’s sight and reach.
• Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table.

Photo 1: Glendale Firefighters

Photos: Glendale Fire Department

 

Photo 2: Fire Inspector Mike Blair searches for the cause of this garage fire in North Glendale.

GLENDALE POLICE RECOGNIZES LOCAL BUSINESS   Glendale Police Department  honored  Taco Bell, 4351 West Olive Road for its excellent community spirit. July 11th, 2007 a plaque was presented to Taco Bell managers as a thank you for its assistance during a police situation that occurred in the vicinity. On June 5, Glendale Police responded to a bank robbery at the Bank of America, next to Taco Bell. managers opened the  doors for witnesses and investigators, offering respite from the extreme heat. The service provided from the restaurant allowed investigators to more easily do their job.       Photos by Matt Barnett Glendale Police Department Detectives are Roger Geisler and Scott Walker, Asst Chief Debby Black and Commander Dana Culver District manager , Ron Kirtdoll ,is in the tie and the lady employee was accepting the award for the store manager, Manuel Lopez.

“FIRE A SHOT, YOU’RE GONNA GET CAUGHT”   SHOT SPOTTER PROJECT   GDP-GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Glendale Police Department want you to have a  safe summer by recognizing the  the dangers of shooting guns in the air and the consequences of being caught.         Shot Spotter pinpoints the exact address where a gunshot has been fired 24-hours a day 7-days a week.

Which leads us to...   ShotSpotter to be tested on the battlefield, acoustic evidence in the Kennedy assassination, Technology used by The City of Glendale for years  being adopted  now by the military for Iraq. Full Story at: ShotSpotter to be tested on the battlefield An acoustic gun and mortar detection system which uses sound triangulation to detect and locate the origin of weapons' fire to be tested in Iraq full story

 

GLENDALE CLUBWOMEN ATTEND 

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION IN PHILADELPHIA

 

Featured with Ben Franklin:  Pat Kennedy on the left, Jackie Evasius on the right]

 

GFWC Glendale Woman’s Club clubwomen Pat Kennedy, Jackie Evasius and Joan Van Dusen joined International President Jacqueline Pierce and Arizona State President Patricia Pisarski at the 116^th annual General Federation of Women’s Clubs International Convention in Philadelphia, PA.  GFWC state presidents and members attended from all 50 states and several international countries.

 

Along with the adoption of resolutions reflecting GFWC’s support of legislative, social and moral values, the four-day convention highlighted International President Pierce’s special project against domestic violence and abuse.  Featured speakers were actor, athlete, activist and author Victor Rivas Rivers, the national spokesperson and Honorary Chair for the National Network to End Domestic Violence, who spoke about his own experience with domestic abuse; and Lt. Mark Wynn, a twenty-year member of the Metropolitan Police Department in Nashville, TN and advocate for battered women.

 

In 2006, Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware recognized GFWC on the floor of the Senate as “a gem among our midst” for its work related to domestic violence awareness and prevention.

 

GFWC Glendale Woman’s Club has adopted President Pierce’s project and is striving to promote awareness to stop the cycle of violence in the family.

 

Club will reconvene in September, and at its meeting on the 26^th will have a speaker from DOVE (Domestic Older Victims Empower & Safety).  Meeting time is at 12 noon at our historic clubhouse, 7032 N 56^th Avenue, in Glendale. 

 

For information please call 623-322-2360 or 602-274-7050.

Joan Van Dusen, President

602-274-7050

 

 

NEW WEBSITE FEATURES GLENDALE’S MOST WANTED

         GLENDALE, Ariz. – Internet users can now visit a new page on the Glendale Police Department’s website that is dedicated to bringing Glendale’s Most Wanted fugitives to justice.

         The website was developed in an effort to support the Police Department’s Strategies for a Safer City Program to reduce crime and improve safety within the City of Glendale.      

         The site provides another opportunity for the community to work in partnership with the Police Department through information sharing and increasing options available to report crimes or criminals.

 The Glendale’s Most Wanted site includes fugitive pictures and descriptions, information about their crimes, as well as ways to submit tips on the listed fugitives or any other wanted person.  Tips can be provided on-line or through the listed Fugitive Hotline number also listed on the site.  All information is confidential and the person reporting does not have to identify themselves if they do not wish to do so.

In conjunction with the Most Wanted Web site and the Fugitive Hotline, a Fugitive Apprehension Squad has also been created to follow reported leads.

With these new resources in place and with the active assistance of the public, detectives can zero in on select criminals that much sooner, solving more cases and reducing crime.

To access the site visit www.glendaleaz.com/police and go the Glendale’s Most Wanted link.  Detectives will be available for interviews and demonstrations today.

Examples from Glendale, AZ - Police - Glendale's Most Wanted Do not attempt to apprehend these individuals. If you have information on these fugitives, or any other wanted person, call the Glendale Police Fugitive Hotline at (623) 930-2211.  If you come into contact with a dangerous fugitive, call 9-1-1.

Over 2,000 Pounds of Bull Appears at Murphy Park in Downtown Glendale Arizona

Story and Photos by Bette Sharpe 
(click photos for larger view)

Buckshot (a gentle giant of a bull)

Rocky McDonald, a Professional Bull Rider (PBR) member and star, Buckshot (a gentle giant of a bull) weighing over 2,000 pounds, and the PBR official mascot Reride were at the Velma Teague Branch Library today for a story and some fun.  Rocky McDondald signed free copies of his picture for the kids and answered questions on what it is like to be a cowboy.  Buckshot munched on some grass and allowed his fans to give him a pat on the head, if they wanted.  Rocky and the other professionals are getting ready for The Cheeseburger IslandStyle Invitational June 29 and 30 at the Jobing.com arena.  The event starts on Friday, June 29 at 7:50 p.m. and Saturday, June 30 at 6:50 p.m.  Not every bull is as kind and patient as Buckshot, so be careful.

PBR official mascot Reride and Lesa Holstine,  the Velma Teague Branch Library Branch Manager.	Buckshot (a gentle giant of a bull) being admired by the patrons at Velma Teague Library	Rocky McDonald, a  Professional Bull Rider (PBR)

More Awards for KKAT-IPTV and Glendale Daily Planet   HERE>

Sanctuary of Sacred Space Building Struck by Fire  Sunday Night

By Ed Sharpe, Butch and Jo Wenger June 17. 2007

Photo by Butch Wenger
Click for larger photo

The peaceful calm of a quiet father's day evening was shattered as the smell of burning wood and blue smoke filled the air in the Catlin Court Historic District.

 The building was on fire... Nine one one calls went out as flames were seen on the west side of the Sanctuary of Sacred Space building, the beautiful two story historic home and business on the south side of west Myrtle Avenue between 58th Ave. and 58th Dr. 

Glendale Firefighters and Police responded immediately with patrol cars and fire trucks and secured the area extinguishing the flames. A cat trapped upstairs was administered oxygen with one of the new Fido Bags that the city recently added to care for injured pets in emergencies.

 Neighbors and some business owners arrived to see what was going on. We spoke with the fire investigator and related all that we had witnessed. Luckily the resident who was home at the time was not injured in this fire. - Jo Wenger Special to the Glendale Daily Planet

      Click for larger photo    

Photos by Butch Wenger

Presidential debates coming to YouTube
YouTube and CNN unveiled their plans for co-sponsored Democratic and Republican presidential debates that aim to bring the standard televised events into the digital age of mashups, remixes, and viral buzz. Not only will video content from the events be made available for sharing and distribution online, but the debate questions themselves will come in the form of videos sent in by YouTube users.
Read more

Can state and local Elections be far behind?

  B of A Parking
Construction Stills

Don Herbert, TV's 'Mr. Wizard,' Dies At 89

Show Featured Household Experiments A Debt Is Owed By Many Of Us That Were Inspired By Him

More News As Avail - Ed Sharpe

==

Anthony Holly's relatives receive memorial flag from Trent Franks 

69.50.193.173/gdppublicvideo/holly flag project_MOVIE1.wmv

Mayor Elaine Scruggs proclaims  Telecommunicators week

CLICK TO PLAY THE MOVIE WITH BOTH EVENTS

WHEREAS, Telecommunicator Week is celebrated annually in the second week of April and dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators; and

GLENDALE CHEERS JORDIN SPARKS

JORDIN IS THE WINNER OF AMERICAN IDOL!

4,000 Fans At Westgate Cheer Her On May 23 As They Watch The Final Episode At The Viewing Party!

Jordin Sparks sign at Westgate - 

         Glendale Daily Planet. – With the announcement from Fox’s American Idol that Jordin Sparks is the winner of American Idol and Glendale’s newest superstar.

http://www.glendaledailyplanet.com will have further announcements, news and photos stay tuned!

Westgate City Center Jordin Sparks Live performance photos... (right) mayor Elaine Scruggs give Jordin Sparks Proclamation. These photos were shot back on May 11th. City Of Glendale officials are planning a "Welcome Home Party" for Jordin!

“American Idol”  is the most-watched television show in America, was broadcast on Fox.

Viewers cast more than 609 million votes.

“American Idol,” is considered the most-watched television show in America.

Ryan Seacrest  announced Jordan received  74 million votes from viewers

(L)Fred Walker and (R)Donnetta Hicks both cousins to Jordin Sparks  signs the  car provided by Fox 10 and Sanderson Ford. Middle  shows the car from the front.  Photos By Ed Sharpe

 PUBLIC WORKS WEEK PROCLAMATION

WATCH THE MOVIE!

Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs (left), on behalf of City Council presented the 2007 National Public Works Week proclamation to Deputy City Manager Ken Reedy during the May 8, 2007 Council Meeting.  Ken Reedy manages the Public Works Group in Glendale and proudly accepted the proclamation on behalf of the more than 400 Public Works employees. The Public Works Group is comprised of the Environmental Resources, Field Operations, and Utilities Departments

Public Works Week proclamation By Mayor Elaine Scruggs, City of Glendale. 

     Ken Reedy City of Glendale Deputy City Manager accepting the proclamation. Reedy's office oversees the public works section of the city.

Mr. Reedy took a moment to thank all of the former Public Works employees on “whose shoulders we stand in Public Works.” Mr Reedy also thanked all of current City of Glendale employees for the wonderful job they do every day. 

WATCH THE MOVIE!

"It was a big honor for me to present the children (Henry, Celeste, Hannah and Rachel) with their awards for this year's Design-A-Sign contest.  As this is the third year for the contest, there were many outstanding entries.  These four children bring a clear and visual message to promote recycling in Glendale.  Congratulations to them all!" -  Deborah Coy Recycling Coordinator

The four winners of this year’s Design-A-Sign contest were recognized at the May 22 council meeting.  From left, Henry Rosas-Ibara, 7, Rachel Walls, 6, Celeste Garcia, 8, and Hannah Cervenak, 9.
Celeste Garcia, age 8 Our Lady of Perpetual Help		Hannah Cervenak, age 9 Greenbriar Elementary School
Henry Rosas- Ibarra, age 7 Cortez Park Elementary		Rachel Walls, age 6 Arrowhead Elementary

A Tale of Two Telly Winners...

Who Win Two Tellys Each!

Twice in Two Years!

GLENDALE 11 RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION
 FOR OUTSTANDING TV PROGRAMS TWICE!

         GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale 11, the city’s cable TV station, is the recipient of two Telly Awards in recognition of its outstanding programming.  Glendale 11 received Bronze Awards for Glendale Dimensions and This is Glendale. 

The Telly Awards honor the best in local, regional and national cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. Each year, the Telly Awards receive more than 13,000 entries from 50 states and foreign countries.

Glendale Dimensions is a 30-minute interview show hosted by Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley.  The episode that won the Bronze Award features Beasley interviewing Fiesta Bowl President and CEO John Junker.  The show, taped at the Fiesta Bowl’s new head quarters, takes a comprehensive look at the new partnership between the city and the Fiesta Bowl. 

This is Glendale is a seven-minute promotional video showcasing the many reasons to work, live and play in Glendale. It includes interviews with city leaders, residents and city partners, as well as a look at the past, present and future of Glendale.

                  “It’s an honor to receive a highly respected national award for our quality programs for the third consecutive year,” said Julie Frisoni, Communications Director for city of Glendale. “The Telly Awards highlight our high standards of excellence and the importance of providing our residents with information they can trust and enjoy.”

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

Courygraph Productions Wins Two Tellys
Glendale, AZ: CouryGraph Productions Walks Off with 2 Telly Awards for the News Video "Heroism - First On The Scene"

Ed Sharpe of Courygraph Productions

Young lady's car mentioned in the movie

Ed Sharpe, Courygraph Productions on crash scene using still camera as video camera rolls

Sgt. Joesph Turitto, Glendale Police Department

There’s no place like Downtown Glendale...  

 Ed Sharpe - Journalist - Videographer
Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV

(Photos / Text  Below by Ed Sharpe and City of Glendale)

We followed the redbrick road in Glendale to:

That Thursday Thing! Downtown Dish  The final installment of the year - May 17 On Thursday, May 17, to kick off the summer season in downtown Glendale participants enjoyed evening shopping hours and an opportunity to sample “Downtown Dish,” the seventh edition of Historic Downtown’s cookbook. Nearly 400 recipe seekers began their culinary journey at the Glendale Visitor Center where they received a list of merchants who had recipes highlighted in the book. Participants  then went on a culinary journey to pick up the recipe labels to complete their cookbook. As shoppers toured through the area, many participating shops, restaurants and museums  offered delicious  samples of their recipe. The cookbook was distributed free to all guests. There is a very limited amount of these now available at the Glendale Visitor Center in case you missed out.  "That Thursday Thing is a wonderful event series unlike any other in the Valley. The events offers visitors to Historic Downtown Glendale a unique and unforgettable experience," said Lorraine Pino, Tourism Manager. Live entertainment was located throughout Old Towne and Catlin Court. Guests Enjoyed an evening filled with live entertainment, free horsedrawn carriage rides, fun giveaways and much more! Ollie the Trolley  provided free trolley rides throughout Old Towne and Catlin Court.  The fun started at the Glendale Visitor Center with an  event map, goodie bag with coupons and  a spin on the themed prize wheel. Guests also enjoyed free horsedrawn carriage rides and history trolley tours, live entertainment, a photo costume booth and henna art. Patte Williams  Jazz/Blues Singer

click small photos for larger view

Whats up next? Mark your calendars for a new event in downtown Glendale, Christmas in July, on July 21st from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

NEXT YEAR!-  Remember the third Thursday of each month from October to May offers visitors to the area a late night shopping experience, with interactive promotions and special discounts. 

For more information, contact the Glendale Visitor Center at 623.930.4500  

 Visit the Glendale Visitor Center in person at 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 140. 
Visit them on the web at www.visitglendale.com.

COUNCILMEMBER STEVE FRATE NAMED TO

COMMUTER RAIL STAKEHOLDERS GROUP

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale City Councilmember Steve Frate has been appointed to serve on the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Commuter Rail Stakeholders Group.

The group will help develop a study to identify strategic opportunities for commuter rail service as a high capacity transit option in Maricopa County and northern Pinal County

The committee is comprised of stakeholders from throughout the commuter rail planning area, including cities and towns, business organizations, transportation advocates and others.

“I look forward to representing Glendale on this important group that will help identify commuter rail opportunities in our community.” Frate said.

Over the course of the year, the group will meet four times to identify key issues, purpose and needs, along with goals and objectives for commuter rail. The first meeting was held earlier this month.