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Motorola Breaks Records After Shipping 50 Millionth RAZR  [Source: Motorola - USA]

           After shipping the 50 millionth MOTORAZR, the wireless company’s pocket-fitting phone is dialing its way to becoming a cultural phenomenon, company officials say. To celebrate this feat, Motorola hosted a 2-hour contest in Chicago where they gave away a free RAZR every 50 seconds. After the RAZR’s initial introduction in the fourth quarter of 2004 Motorola posted a 42 percent increase in its handset sales compared to the fourth-quarter of 2003 shipments.

 
State Representative Jerry Weiers (R-12)

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MOVIE! 

Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-TV  Sunday, November 6^th 2005
State Representative Jerry Weiers (R-12) spearheaded an effort to fight hunger here in the Valley this year.  All types and sizes of two and four wheeled vehicles, with strong support from Hummer and Harley owners,  participated in the First Annual Hummers to Harleys for Hunger "Rally in the Valley".  Sedona Patio hosted the event to provide food to those in need.

Rep. Weiers became concerned when informed that hurricane relief was depleting donations to local organizations.  Other Valley business leaders have joined him to provide groups like St. Vincent de Paul and St. Mary's/Westside the support they need to feed the underprivileged here in the Valley.

"As communities pull together to help hurricane victims in other states, we cannot forget about the less fortunate people right here at home who struggle daily," Weiers said. "With this money, we help ensure that charitable organizations can continue their vital service of feeding those in need of basic living items."

Participants assembled at Tempe Public Library, 3500 S. Rural Road, Tempe and the Glendale Arena, 9400 W Maryland Ave., Glendale.   Hummers, Harleys and other two- and four-wheel vehicles  criss-crossed the Valley to raise at least $100,000 for the St. Vincent de Paul Society and St. Mary's/Westside Food Bank, allowing them to obtain more than one million pounds of food.

More than forty businesses  signed on as sponsors of the Hummers to Harleys for Hunger event by donating cash and raffle prizes.  There were twenty rally stops where participants acquired nearly fifty (50) chances to win prizes, and finished the event with food, fun, prizes and live music at Glendale's Murphy Park at 58th and Glendale avenues.  There was also a silent auction held during the luncheon.

More than 100 items were donated, including a Plasma TV, $5,000 in patio furniture, a computer, $500.00 barbecue, $500.00 gas card, IPOD's, a set of tires, etc.  Corporate sponsors included the host company Sedona Patio, along with Valley Hummer dealers - Lund, Legends and Scottsdale, Coca-Cola Bottling, BNSF Railway, APS, and Republic Beverage.

The cost to register as a participant was only $25.00 per person.  To  group's website is http://www.hummerstoharleysforhunger.com.

Rally IN The valley

Fundraiser

Fundraiser to benefit:

St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank

St. Mary's / Westside Food Bank

CouryGraph Productions from Glendale Arizona and "Hummers to Harleys For Hunger" Video Wins AEGIS Award

"HUMMERS TO HARLEYS FOR HUNGER" was honored in the "Television News" category for its outstanding production quality by a distinguished panel of judges representing industry professionals from around the country.

 This was the third of the 2006 Aegis Awards for CouryGraph Productions. "HUMMERS TO HARLEYS FOR HUNGER" was recognized for its outstanding production quality in the categories of "TELEVISION NEWS" videos by a distinguished panel of judges representing industry professionals from around the country.

The video was created to inform citizens of Glendale Arizona of the news, but also to serve as a historical document that can be referred back to in years to come.

Hummers to Harleys for Hunger was a program State Representative Jerry Weiers (R-12) spearheaded an effort to fight hunger here in the Valley this year.  Hummers to Harleys for Hunger took place Sunday, November 6^th 2005 starting at Westside - Glendale Arena and Eastside - Tempe Public Library. The ride ended at Murphy Park Downtown Glendale Arizona.  All types and sizes of two and four wheeled vehicles, with strong support from Hummer and Harley owners, participated in the First Annual Hummers to Harleys for Hunger "Rally in the Valley".  Sedona Patio hosted the event to provide food to those in need.

Rep. Weiers became concerned when informed that hurricane relief was depleting donations to local organizations.  Other Valley business leaders have joined him to provide groups like St. Vincent de Paul and St. Mary's/Westside the support they need to feed the underprivileged here in the Valley.

This video of Hummers to Harleys For Hunger features an introduction by US Congressman Trent Franks, (R) 2nd District of Arizona and background music by the Mark Thomas Band and commentary and interviews with State Representative Jerry Weiers (R-12), State Representative Pamela Gorman (R-6) and others.

. A copy of this video will be placed on file with the city of Glendale Arizona and also the Glendale Historical Society. Glendale Daily Planet distributes the program at no charge  24/7 over the internet at www.glendaledailyplanet.com

 "We knew that the finished video met all of our expectations, but winning an Aegis Award just confirms it", said The Chief, editor of the GLENDALE DAILY PLANET / KKAT-INTERNET STREAMING TV. "We've worked with CouryGraph many times over the last few years and have always been impressed with their creativity and professionalism." The video, which was written and directed by Ed Sharpe, includes video of the entire presentation, of the gift and receipt of  funds by the food banks , the awarding of prizes to participants. "I'm thrilled with the award. It's wonderful the production has received this recognition," said Ed Sharpe, Director of CouryGraph Productions. "I think the award is reflective of our staff's excellence.

Founded in 2004, CouryGraph Productions specializes in video, film, and interactive media, serving the needs of many Metro Valley-of-the-Sun online news sources, cable channels, businesses and institutions.

COTTO'S Celebrated A Grand Opening    
Friday, July 14, 2006 at 6:00 pm.

Exciting brand new food concept in the Historic Downtown Glendale!

SANDWICHES - DRINKS and more!

WATCH THE MOVIE CLICK HERE!  100Kbps   Low-Res

  - -Hi-Res  CD AND DVD's Available

New Service Keeps
Readers Up-to-Date

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale Public Library is offering a new service that lets readers stay up-to-date with the latest books, no matter what their interests are. BookLetters™ is a free e-mail newsletter than provides reading recommendations in various categories. 

How would you like an effortless system that allows you to:

·         Find out about a new author.

·         Make a good selection for your book club.

·         Research both adult and children’s authors.

·         Locate quality books for your children or family.

·         Learn about new books on your preferred topics.

To receive regular updates on books in special areas of interest, just sign up for the BookLetters’ e-mail newsletter service at www.glendaleaz.com/library and click on the BookLetters™ link. Reviews of recommended books will be delivered right to your inbox. Thousands of authors and millions of books will be at your fingertips. If you see a book you want, just reserve it with a click of the mouse. As soon as it is available, the book will be waiting for you at the library.

The service include 21 different newsletters, including books in Spanish, business books, fiction bestsellers, romance, mystery, science fiction and fantasy, large print, children’s chapter and picture books, teen books, nonfiction bestsellers, lifestyle (cooking, gardening, pets and more), science and nature, plus others.

Information can also be found on the book discussion groups held at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.; Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57^th Ave.; and Velma Teague Branch, 7010 N. 58^th Ave. In addition, the Bookletters™ link includes access to an informational Author Directory, lists and descriptions of bestsellers and award-winning books, an electronic copy of the monthly review BookPages, and BookLetters Daily.      

For more information about BookLetters™, contact Sue Komernicky at 623-930-3868. A Glendale Public Library card is not required to sign up for the BookLetters™ e-mails, but a card is required to check out books.

FIELDS OF DREAMS:  VALLEY YOUTH PROVIDED OPPORTUNITY 
TO COMPETE IN THE SHADOW OF NEW STADIUM

Glendale Arizona, August 11 2006 - Officials from the city of Glendale, Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority and Fiesta Bowl, along with youth from Pop Warner Football and American Youth Soccer Organization (A YSO), dedicated a new youth sports complex adjacent to stadium today.

How did this come to pass?  When Glendale was chosen as the site of the new Cardinals stadium, it was determined that a youth component be included as a feature to the area. Since that time, five fields have been developed to fill a community need for additional youth sporting opportunities in the West Valley. The complex will also provide additional parking amenities to the new Cardinals Stadium in Glendale.

The fields were constructed in partnership with the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority and Fiesta Bowl, who together donated $1.5 million toward the project. The grass was contributed by the Insight Bowl.

Valley youth were on-hand during the ceremony to break in the fields with football, soccer and cheerleading demonstrations.

You may visit this facility at:  6222 N. 91st Ave. (just east of Cardinals Stadium)

The fields will provide a rare opportunity for young athletes to play, grow and learn in the shadow of a world-class stadium. The complex will also provide additional parking amenities to the new Cardinals Stadium.

In a moving speech Ed Beasley, City Manager, remarked how wonderful it was for the youth to have a facility such as this, and remembering his own childhood of having a street to practice in  delineated by a red car at one end and a blue car at the other.....

Most of these photos get larger when you click on them!

APPLICATION MAKES FINDING A

GLENDALE PARK AND AMENITIES EASIER

GLENDALE, Ariz.- August 17, 2006– The Glendale Parks and Recreation Department has made it easier than ever to find a Glendale park and amenities with its new interactive “park finder” site on the internet.

The site, located directly at www.glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation/parksamenities/index.cfm or click on the Park Finder at www.glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation, initially shows all Glendale parks on a Google Map.  Users can view the map in one of three different modes:  map, satellite and a hybrid.  The map is interactive and can be zoomed or dragged using the mouse and map controls.  To see a park’s name, users just move the mouse over a pin that marks a park location on the map.  Clicking on the pin gives a link to the amenities of that park and options to get driving directions.  The amenities link gives a detailed map, address and specific park features.

The site can also search parks by amenity, so if a user is looking for a playground, they check that box and run their search.  A listing and map of all parks with playgrounds comes up. 

Finding a park in Glendale to relax, play and exercise is easier than ever.

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GLENDALE HIRES NEW SPECIAL EVENTS DIVISION MANAGER

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The city of Glendale has hired Martin Dickey as its new Special Events Division Manager.

In his new position in the Marketing/Communications Department’s Office of Special Events, Dickey will direct the city’s award-winning signature events, including such Valley favorites as Glendale Glitters and The Glendale Chocolate Affaire, which draw more than 500,000 annually to downtown.

“Martin’s invaluable knowledge and expertise in the event industry will help propel Glendale’s special events to the next level,” said Jerry McCoy, deputy director of Marketing/Communications. “As we head into the national spotlight and visitors from all over the country visit Glendale, we are looking to become more innovative with our events and Martin will help us reach that goal.”

Dickey, who began his new duties Aug. 28,  He comes to Glendale from the city of Phoenix, where he handled sponsorship and media relations for their special events.  He also has extensive event management experience in the Valley over the last 16 years. He was general manager for the Dodge Theatre, director of marketing and sponsorship for the Arizona State Fair, assistant general manager at Cricket Pavilion (formerly Desert Sky Pavilion) as well as events coordinator at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Dickey holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

How to Apply for a Job with the City of Glendale

            GLENDALE, Ariz. – If the thought of submitting an application for a city job seems daunting, do not miss “How to Apply for a Job with the City of Glendale” at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19 in the auditorium of Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.

            This informative workshop will help job seekers understand the city’s hiring process. Learn how applications are processed, including time frames, and where to find the most up-to-date information on open positions. Attendees will discover how to fill out the application so that hiring supervisors will see their best qualities and experiences.

            No reservations are necessary for this free program. Call 623-930-3552 for more information.

      For more information regarding the Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center, please call 623-930-4600 or visit the website at www.glendaleaz.com/foothillscenter.

GLENDALE OFFICIALS REMIND RESIDENTS TO BE PREPARED

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale officials want to remind residents of the importance of personal preparedness. September is being recognized in the city as National Preparedness Month.

National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort held each September to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools.

This year, there is a particular focus on family emergency preparedness, reminding individuals to make themselves and their loved ones better prepared.

While there is still a long way to go to ensure that all Americans have taken steps to prepare, there are indications of progress. A study conducted in June by the Advertising Council on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign recorded significant positive increases in preparedness behaviors.

It found:

§         91 percent of respondents said it is "very" or "somewhat" important for all Americans to be prepared for emergencies

§         From 2005 to 2006, the proportion of Americans who said they have taken any steps to prepare rose 10 points, from 45 percent to 55 percent

Glendale leaders want to remind residents of the importance of having a disaster preparedness kit, a family emergency communication plan and the ability to have access to emergency information from local officials, such as battery operated radios.

For more information about preparedness, visit www.glendaleaz.com/homelandsecurity. 

PLANET FLASH! 
-----YEP... READ THIS FIRST...-----  

59TH AND OLIVE Accident 

OCT. 2 2006 Time of impact?  we were on the scene approximately 4 PM

Movie Click text or  photo to View!

Click photos for a larger view!

 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AND 
NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

The Lost Truss Placement Files!

LATEST MOVIE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 
MOVIE OF THE LOST TRUSS VIDEO FILES!
Unseen by all ... Buried on an SD Memory Card that had fallen out of Ed's PDA Case....
This unique little video  was shot on an HP PDA! 

        Habitat for Humanity  build site at 5606 W. Myrtle Avenue.

THE FIRST MOVIE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE EARLIER
WALL ERECTING MOVIE! 

This was shot earlier this year also but has been here on the 'planet for a while....

Cabela’s Groundbreaking!

Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Councilwoman Joyce Clark rejoice in the moving of the first shovels full of dirt during the groundbreaking  Dec. 13 at the site of the future Glendale Cabela’s store, which will be part of the Zanjero Business Park on Glendale Avenue, near the NFL Cardinals Stadium. All of these new facilities are located in Councilwoman Clark's fast growing Yucca District.   Click for Larger Photo!

Cabela’s Incorporated, the World’s Foremost Outfitter© of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, and the city of Glendale are one step closer to making thousands of Arizona outdoor enthusiasts’ dreams come true. The partners officially broke ground Dec. 13 at the site of the future Glendale Cabela’s store, which will be part of the Zanjero Business Park on Glendale Avenue, near the NFL Cardinals Stadium.

Plans call for the 160,000-square-foot outdoor gear superstore to be open by August of 2006, well in time for the busy fall shopping season. The Glendale store will be similar in size to the Cabela’s retail stores in Owatonna, Minn., and Wheeling, W.Va.

The groundbreaking ceremony was timed to coincide with the beginning of foundation work for the massive Cabela’s structure. Officials from Cabela’s, the City of Glendale and Zanjero Business Park gathered to celebrate the project.

“We are excited to bring our world-famous retail experience to our great customers who live in Glendale, as well as to the thousands of hunters, anglers and other visitors who travel through the area every year,” says Dennis Highby, Cabela’s CEO. “The City of Glendale and Zanjero Business Park have both been outstanding partners on this project, and we look forward to being part of the Glendale community very soon.”

Highby said plans also call for the building of complementary businesses at Zanjero, such as motels, restaurants and other travel-related services, in conjunction with the new store.

This time next year, Glendale residents will be able to tackle their holiday shopping at the world’s foremost outdoor retailer...

Click for larger Photo:
How the  land divides out....

"Cabela's is a leader in the outdoor retail industry, and we are proud to welcome them to Glendale," says Glendale City Manager, Ed Beasley. "They bring with them quality employment for Glendale residents as well as millions of visitors to our city from around the southwestern United States."

To operate the new store, Cabela’s expects to employ as many as 400 people, who will join the Cabela’s family of employees carrying on the company’s tradition of excellent customer service. Employees are expected to come from Glendale and the surrounding area to join Cabela’s family of staff members famous for their outdoor lifestyle and intimate knowledge of outdoor products. Product offerings will include hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and wildlife watching gear, as well as outdoor clothing and outdoors-styled gifts and furnishings. (Photo to left:  Mayor Elaine Scruggs, Councilwoman Joyce Clark, Councilmen  Tom Eggleston and Steve Frate - Click for larger view!)

Cabela’s currently has 14 retail locations nationwide

Photos and some text courtesy -  City of Glendale

Be sure to watch the Glendale Daily Planet Movie when Cabela's and Glendale announced this partnership earlier this year!

GLENDALE'S LURES WORLD'S LEADING
OUTDOOR RETAILER

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MOVIE - Broadband only... if you wish right click and  select save target as... and play it after downloading over slower connections.

GLENDALE, Ariz. - The city of Glendale reeled in one of the nation's most famous and coveted retailers today with City Council's unanimous decision to take the first step in building the Valley's largest sportsman's paradise at Zanjero, a retail destination just north of the Glendale Arena and Cardinal's Stadium.

Council gave the go-ahead to finalize a development agreement with Cabela's, the world's foremost outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, which will serve as the anchor to a 565,000-square-foot, mega destination retail project that will attract 4 million visitors annually, create up to 400 jobs, pump more than $100 million annually into the Glendale economy. The project also sets the stage for a whitewater recreation park, another luxury hotel development and the nation's most impressive family entertainment experience.

Cabela's Kansas, Michigan and Pennsylvania stores are the number one tourist attractions in double the number or visitors than Tempe Town Lake or Bank One Ballpark.

"Glendale promised its residents additional development along Loop 101 that would enhance quality of life, provide recreational amenities and create jobs - all while retaining sales tax benefits within the city," said City Manager Ed Beasley. "This partnership with Cabela's and Zanjero has delivered on that promise and exceeded all expectations for quality and value."

Since opening in 1961, Cabela's has secured the largest world share of the sportsman's market, selling hunting, fishing, camping and related outdoor merchandise to 13 million regular customers.

This agreement calls for the Cabela's store to include a walk-through freshwater aquarium, museum, restaurant and conservation mountain - all of which will be attractions for tourists, school groups and citizens. In fact, more than 25,000 schoolchildren are expected to tour in the first year alone.

"We are excited to bring our world-famous retail experience to our great customers who live in Glendale, as well as to the thousands of hunters, anglers and other visitors who travel through the area every year," said Dennis Highby, President and CEO of Cabela's Inc. "Glendale is a dynamic, fast- growing city and we believe a Cabela's store will be the perfect fit for Glendale and all of Arizona."

Other partnerships being proposed include a whitewater, river-walk recreation park in concert with Salt River Project and a 4-star, I5O-room hotel.

Glendale's investment is limited to public amenities such as roads and other infrastructure on the Zanjero site that will not only provide the backbone for additional development, but also provide connectivity between Zanjero, Westgate and the NFL stadium site.

"Zanjero occupies a prime location in an exciting, high-density area, alongside other new mixed-use developments that surround a pair of soon-to-debut sports/entertainment facilities," said

Lew Patrick, Zanjero Boulevard Land Company partner. "The area will become the centerpiece of steadily expanding Glendale, Arizona and Zanjero will become the preferred address." Glendale's Cabela's will break ground in the summer of2005 and sets the standard for future destination retail development. It is expected to open in August 2006.

###

 

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE MOVIE - Broadband only... if you wish right click and  select save target as... and play it after downloading over slower connections.

Photos are stills from the KKAT-TV Video by Ed Sharpe

Desert Mirage 2nd Annual
Day At The Park

April 8th, 2006 11:00 to 5:00PM

..

BBQ Hamburgers & Hot Dogs, Moon Bouncer Games for Kids & Grown-ups and Live Music. Lot's of Fun! Golf putting  for the children, basket ball and more!

The Fire and Police Departments were in  attendance throughout the day. We got to see the Fire Trucks and the  new  Police  Command Vehicle!

We met our Yucca District councilmember Joyce Clark!

Special appearance by the Phoenix Coyotes ! !

Admission to games and events was a can or box of non-perishable food. All proceeds will be donated to the Westside Food Bank.

Raffle prizes, food and drink were donated.

 Tom Traw, of Traw & Associates Realty  was a major sponsor.

CLICK TO WATCH THE MOVIE

This is the 2nd edit.

Getting Down to Business Free Downtown
 Glendale Business Information Fair 

See The Movie 
Click Here!   

Business owners, developers and interested residents flocked to a  free Downtown Glendale Business Information Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 15, to learn about exciting current and future projects in downtown Glendale and other parts of the city.

The event was held at the Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W. Glenn Drive 

The information fair, which has been hosted for the past three years by Glendale Councilmember David Goulet, provides attendees with the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from local businesses, Valley organizations and city departments.

“This event is a great way for us to inform the business community and others on all the development activity taking place in our downtown,” Goulet says. “There are several exciting projects planned over the next couple years that will spur additional development in the area.”

Some of these downtown projects include new residential housing and office/retail developments, a proposed dining district, a new parking structure and the Grand Avenue improvement project.

Representatives from the following businesses and organizations were on hand to provide information and answer questions:

• Glendale Chamber of Commerce
• Downtown Development Corporation
• Phoenix Coyotes
• Vanguard City Homes
• The Bead Museum
• Glenn Condominiums
• Orchard Glen Weed & Seed
• Habitat for Humanity
• Kimley-Horn & Associates
• Godec & Associates

Staff from the Glendale Police, Fire, Economic Development, Special Events, Tourism, Parks & Recreation, Library, Code Compliance, Transportation, Building Safety, Planning and Community Partnerships departments were also be at the information fair.

See The Movie 
Click Here!   See The Movie 
Click Here!    

 Rose Lane Aquatics Center 

Open house.... read on for grand opening info for Saturday May 20th!

open houses on May 17 and 18, from 5-8 p.m.

Rough First Edit.

See The Movie Of  The Open House MAY 17
Click Here!   

See The Movie Of  The Open House 
Click Here! 

DON’T MISS 2006’s SWEET SUMMER SATURDAYS FINALE

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The 2006 Sweet Summer Saturdays season will end the way it began with cool treats and sweet deals on August 12, 2006. 

Enjoy the day exploring Historic Downtown Glendale’s one-of-a-kind boutiques and antique shops for those hard to find buys and great steals. 

The fun begins at 10 a.m. and will last throughout the day. Start at the Glendale Visitor Center to pick up your Summer Savings Pass, event map and a refreshing summer treat that will cool you off on your quest for great savings.

Not only will you find great savings in the shops and restaurants around the downtown; you’ll also have a chance to win great prizes at the Glendale Visitor Center.  Take a spin on the prize wheel for a chance to win fun gifts like t-shirts and Glendale Downtown Gift Cards.

Sweet Summer Saturdays takes place on the second Saturday in August in Historic Downtown Glendale.  The Glendale Visitor Center is located at 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 140, Glendale, AZ.

Visitors will also have a chance to pick up the Historic Downtown recipe collection for summer 2006, Summer Seasonings, while supplies last.

For more information call 623.930.4500 or visit www.SweetSummerSaturdays.com.