Farewell to Miracle Haven - Catlin Court
Friday & Saturday were  full of shopping, coffee & big hugs...

Photo and story by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

November 13 and 14 were the final closing sale at Miracle Haven, a unique boutique and  eatery featuring a unique bakery in Catlin Court. 

 In an invitation that went out to all of her loyal shopper, friends and fellow merchants, Kristi Caggiano, Owner of Miracle Haven stated "I must share that we've made the very, tough decision to close Miracle Haven." She continued, "We know you'll miss us and we'll miss you, too! But on the bright side, we're thinking of this as 'the completion of a chapter', rather than 'the end of the story' ". 

On April 13th, 2007 she opened "Miracle Haven, Shops in The Garden", a Boutique & Bistro, in Catlin Court/ Downtown Glendale and has enjoyed creating a comfortable atmosphere for her visitors. The garden, at Miracle Haven, adds a lovely touch to the many treasures and great food people enjoyed there.. 

Elaborating on her experience as a merchant in Catlin  Court  Kristi stated "We have been SO blessed to enjoy several years of business in the downtown area and have particularly enjoyed the great times we've had with our customers, employees, the volunteers and staff of the Glendale Visitor Center and our fellow merchants- you all are AMAZING! We will miss you deeply. "

For years this unique entity has provided shoppers and diners  with a unique treat. Fellow merchants often enjoyed a scrumptious lunch presented  with elegance.  

Kristi was always active in promoting not only her own shop, but all of the shopping district, she was a one person marketing dynamo.

Ed Sharpe,  Publisher of the Glendale Daily Planet commented on the uniqueness of the lunch packaging,  "When you received  you lunch  you felt you were getting something special that was  gift wrapped and a lot of love and effort had gone in to prepare. Even the Drink Cup would have something  inscribed or illustrated on it.  We will forever treasure our cup  with the Glendale Daily Planet logo on it they had placed on it"

With  a  way to stay in touch with a final bit of whimsy...

With an eye towards the future  Kristi  wants to stay in touch... "Should Miracle Haven re-invent or re-birth - which we definitely hope it will - we will be sure to let you know if you add your name to the e-mail list at http://www.shopsinthegarden.com/index.htm  (Your address will not be shared .) "

With a bit of whimsy she states... "I wanted to say, 'so long and thanks for all the fish', but I'm not a dolphin and I don't really want to say so long. I want to say, 'Here's hopin' we see you soon.' "

A look back from the archives 
of the Glendale Daily Planet...

Madeline Toren of Phoenix   Having a 'Beary Good Time"  at Miracle Haven's Teddy Bears & Tutu’s Tea Party. The party featured a  Custom tutu for the child and their teddy bear, plus a casual tea party lunch and cupcake dessert. Aside from all the great fun for the kids, Miracle Haven offered Fun shopping, amazing sandwiches, 'brow popping' coffee and a fresh bakery  for the adults to enjoy!   - Photo by Ed Sharpe CouryGraph Productions

Miracle Haven, 5845 W. Palmaire Ave. in Historic Downtown Glendale, hosted a MEET THE AUTHOR EVENT  Thur, Oct 18th, 5-9pm 

Jessica Richardson, a 92 year old British woman, is the author of 3 books of true life stories. In her eighties she began writing, embarking on her first book, The Ring and I, a touching love story of her beloved Philip and their life together in England during WWII.

A look back from the archives 
of the Glendale Daily Planet...

Inside Miracle Haven on this Teddy Bear Day!

http://www.shopsinthegarden.com/

E-mail: fun@shopsinthegarden.com 

5845 West Palmaire Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301


DID YOU KNOW? 

Every item in their  Shop 
is handmade by a local artist?

Indeed! Handmade!

You will find unique purses, hand-poured candles, lotions, bubbly bath salts, soft & chic baby gifts, gourmet jams, pottery, art, wood-turned pens, etched wooden wine corks,  handmade greeting cards, original rubber stamps  and more...


A fabulous place to shop and a great way to support local American artists. 


Boutique Shopping 100% Handmade by local Artists 

-----------------------------------------------------

 Axel Nielson  and Cheri DeGruccio working on a Miniature Teddy Bear

There exists a  pastry bakery specializing in all sorts of fine pastries, cupcakes and goodies sure to put a smile on your face. 

Master Pastry Chief Michelle Zerth can be seen here   fabricating a tasty treat!

Bakery Opening a success!  We all welcome Chef Michelle Zerth, a graduate of Scottsdale Culinary Institute/ Le Cordon Bleu! She introduced some fabulous items including:

*Giant Cinnamon Rolls*
cinnamon-a-licious! 

*Mini Apple Pies*
a delicious mini-pies stuffed full of
fresh baked apples. (my favorite!!) 

*Decadent Chocolate Cake*
containing no gluten, wheat, flour or nuts.
Sold by the slice. WOW! 

*Sugar-Free Lemon Moons*
sweetened with real fruit juices. 

*Sugar-Free Cranberry Nut Bars*
sweetened with real fruit and fruit juices.

*Munchies for Munchkins*
yummy, low sugar treats with real fruit, specially formulated to help kids
(10 mo+) grow, develop & thrive!

*Peanut Butter Cookies*
no gluten recipe.

*Sunflower Seed Butter Cookies*
no gluten, wheat or nuts in recipe.

*Kitty Nibblers* & *Puppy Kibblers*
Yummy, healthy treats for your favorite
cat or kitten & delicious, nutritious for (wo)man's best friend - dog & puppy approved.

Making a Teddy Bear Blanket

L to R Sabrina Kim Boardman of Mama mia Designs , Sierra and Hanna.

Kim Boardman of Mamamia Designs who markets though Miracle Haven and  www.mamamiadesign.com

Tim Beisel, one of the downtown ambassadors  pauses for a photo of one of Miracle Haven's wonderful employees

Above is a  look back from the archives 
of the Glendale Daily Planet...

Special treat for sick children at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center

Little goblins and princesses roam hospital halls for Trick-or-Treat event

article in progress

 GLENDALE, Ariz. (October 30, 2009) – Local media joined the littlest goblins, princesses and other cute costumed kids, as the patients of Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center enjoyed trick or treating Friday Afternoon at the Glendale hospital. 

Sarah Boggan, Public Relations Specialist tell us, "Because our patients won’t be able to trick-or-treat from door-to-door in their neighborhoods this year, the Child Life Specialists at non-profit Banner Thunderbird are organized this event that allows them to trick or treat at the hospital departments." 

"It’s no fun being in the hospital during Halloween so we’re bringing the fun to them," said Anne Bordal, certified child life specialist at Banner Thunderbird Children’s Center. "They enjoy playing on the play ground, getting dressed up and trick or treating around the hospital." 

The patients, dressed in costumes and parading through the hospital, going from department to department, picking up Halloween goodies the children went full of the merriment of the Halloween Holiday.

From Banner Thunderbird’s food service department, to the hospital’s gift shop, the children roamed collecting candy and toys to brighten their Halloween.

Staff accompanied the young Trick or Treaters and also helped gather candy and goodies for the children that were unable to leave their room and go out amongst the goulies to forage for treats.

About Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center, part of Banner Health—a nonprofit health system with 22 hospitals throughout the West—is a 513-bed acute-care hospital featuring a behavioral health center, children’s center and dedicated outpatient center. 

Banner Thunderbird Medical Center - 5555 W. Thunderbird Road - Glendale, Arizona 85306

photos by Ed Sharpe below 

photos by Bette Sharpe below 

Valley Metro awards residents, employers for clean air efforts

PHOENIX (October 27, 2009) – Imagine logging a combination of more than 50,000 miles on the bus and 10,000 miles walking instead of driving to work each day for more than 10 years. That’s what Scottsdale Healthcare employee, Roman Kludka, does to help keep our air cleaner. 



As a year-round bicycle commuter, Oddvar Tveit has racked up more than 27,000 miles since June 2003 getting to his job at the city of Tempe. His motivation is making a contribution to the city’s bicycle programs and his own contribution to air quality. 



These are just two of many stories recognized today at the 2009 Clean Air Campaign Awards at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. Valley Metro, the regional public transportation and rideshare agency, awarded organizations and individuals in the Valley for their commitment to improving air quality in metropolitan Phoenix.



“These are exceptional people and outstanding programs that set an example for all of us because they have taken the responsibility to cultivate a better environment,” said David A. Boggs, Valley Metro executive director.



Now in its 22nd year, the annual awards acknowledges exceptional commuters, effective workplace trip-reduction programs, outstanding transportation coordinators (TCs), creative trip-reduction marketing, and other exceptional advocates of reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality.



Winners of the 2009 Clean Air Campaign Awards are: 


TC – 50-149
Mika Elliott – WorldatWork



TC – 150-499
Marge Semple – Carlson Wagonlit Travel



TC – 500+ Public Employer
Rhianna Adams – City of Glendale



TC – 500+ Private Employer
Donald D. Diggins – Swift Transportation



Trip Reduction Program – 50-149
WorldatWork



Trip Reduction Program – 150-499
Friendship Village of Tempe


Trip Reduction Program – 500+ Public Employer
State of Arizona Travel Reduction Programs


Trip Reduction Program – 500+ Private Employer
Scottsdale Healthcare


Leadership
City of Avondale


Marketing & Creativity – Electronic and/or Print Media
Boeing Company


Marketing & Creativity – Event or Campaign Under $500
Capitol Rideshare


Marketing & Creativity – Event or Campaign Over $500
SRP


Marketing & Creativity – Bulletin Board (two winners)
Carlson Wagonlit Travel
TruWest Credit Union


Outstanding Telework Program
Boeing Company


Best Telework Advancement
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona



Bike Program – Public Employer
City of Tempe


Vanpool Program
Maricopa County



Outstanding Commuter – Transit User (bus or rail)
Roman Kludka – Scottsdale Healthcare
Outstanding Commuter – Carpooler
Kim Michels – Maricopa County
Outstanding Commuter – Vanpooler
Martiniano Pacheco – Desert Mountain Properties
Outstanding Commuter – Bicyclist/Walker
Oddvar Tveit – City of Tempe


Outstanding Multi-Modal Commuter
Robert Anderson – General Dynamics AIS

MAG Livable Communities (two winners)
Sheraton Downtown Phoenix
Southwest Gas

People’s Choice Award – Best Photo
Carlson Wagonlit Travel

Broadcast Media Award
KJZZ 91.5 FM

Media Award – Print
Mike Branom – (formerly East Valley Tribune) City of Tempe




Valley Metro/RPTA is an organization of 15 local governments that provides or funds transit services to citizens in the greater Phoenix metropolitan and surrounding areas. For more information about Valley Metro public transit services, call Transit Information at (602) 253-5000; for callers with TTY (602) 261-8208; or visit the Valley Metro website at www.ValleyMetro.org.

swine flu and the legal challenges 
it poses to lawyers and legislators

Erick O'Donnell - Special to the Glendale Daily Planet

Epidemic Laws

(6 October 2009) The swine-flu pandemic poses as much of a legal crisis as a health-related one, challenging lawyers and legislators to sort priorities and find ethical balance in a mess of conflicting legal forces, said a law professor at Arizona State University.

With conflicting laws regarding health emergencies and unresolved legal questions, lawyers and lawmakers around the world have to engage in “legal triage” to create a favorable legal environment for treating global diseases like H1N1 influenza, said James Hodge, professor of health law and ethics at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law.

“Once an emergency is declared, the legal landscape changes,” he said.

Lack of clarity in the law can cause multiple governments to claim jurisdiction over dealing with widespread diseases, or leave them unsure of when or how to act, problems that demand solutions from people who shape the law, Hodge said.

Governments also need to improve their way of containing epidemics, taking care not to violate trade and travel regulations and basing its actions on scientific evidence only, he said. Egypt's slaughtering of all the the pigs in the country or Hong Kong's decision to detain 71 Mexican nationals this year, based on unfounded beliefs that the H1N1 virus is spread by swine or is especially prevalent in Mexicans, were a “complete aberration” from the law that “should not be tolerated,” he added.

Lawyers and lawmakers in the United States are faced with the task of balancing public safety with constitutional rights, Hodge said. Unlike during previous epidemics, the constitution as it is interpreted today prohibits forcibly compelling citizens to get vaccines, but state governments may consider imposing job restrictions on those who refuse to get the shot, making a distinction between “compulsory” and “mandatory” vaccination, he added.

Douglas Sylvester, another ASU law professor, sees a practical downside to Americans' civil rights. The most the government can do is to create legislation that becomes effective during a crisis, he said.

“But it's already too late at that point,” he added.

Sophie the Reading Dog Is Looking 
for Someone to Read to Her!

 

Sophie the reading dog and  Tayler, 5,with Alexis, 3.

Diane Nevill Glendale Main Library  Manager Youth Services tells us, "I just spent an hour with Sophie the Reading Therapy Dog and her owner in the Main Library Youth Room. What a sweetheart Sophie is! She reads with children every last Saturday of the month—and the next one is Halloween. Sophie has a costume that she will wear that day.

 

 

Glendale, Ariz. – Sophie, a two-year-old Pomeranian-Chihauhau mix, is a reading therapy dog who is looking for a dozen or so children to read with on the last Saturday of the month at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.

She is in the Youth Room from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., taking 15-minute appointments with children, either solo or in pairs. Friends or siblings are welcome to read together with Sophie.

Her owner, Suzanne Briner, got Sophie when she was seven weeks old as a surprise birthday gift. When she was a year old, Sophie became a registered therapy dog through Therapy Dogs Incorporated.

“Besides the library,” says Briner, “Sophie volunteers with Hospice of the Valley. She usually spends one to two hours a week visiting with patients. We also work as a test observer team for Therapy Dogs Incorporated for new dogs and owners who want to be therapy teams.”

Sophie is content to either sit beside the reader or curl up in their lap.

“Sophie’s presence creates an environment which is relaxed, comfortable, safe, nonjudgmental, empowering and fun,” says Susan Murray, Youth and Teen Coordinator.

She adds, “Studies have shown that dogs are ideal reading companions because they listen attentively; do not judge, laugh or criticize; allow children to proceed at their own pace; and are less intimidating than peers. Children who participate can build their reading and communication skills, plus also build self-esteem, confidence and social skills.”

Sign up for a reading spot by calling 623-930-3537 and press “6”.

President Obama Wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

Congratulations!  

The president won the prize Friday for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=113649365

Glendale, Ariz. – Glendale Main Library staffer, Michelle Schrade, who is in charge of volunteers and the Main Library book sale, is being recognized for not only what she does on the job, but what she does for others with her caring nature.

An animal lover, Schrade had just left the library grounds on the way across the Valley for an important appointment when she noticed a loose dog. Rather than drive on and leave him to his fate of a busy 59th Avenue, Schrade stopped her car and spent precious time coaxing the dog over to her. She took the animal back to the library where a co-worker was able to contact a grateful owner.

On a weekend day, when she was working as a volunteer as a Friend of the Library Garden, she saw a gentleman in distress. Approaching him, she saw that he was confused and in a weak state. She brought him into the library and got him some water. When that did not fix his situation, paramedics were called. The emergency personnel thought he had suffered a stroke or a seizure.

It is hard to say what the outcome would have been for both the dog and the man without Schrade’s caring intervention.

Co-workers Christy O’Hara and Carole Perry nominated Schrade for Employee of the Month. A Phoenix resident, Schrade has worked for the library for the past 14 years.

GLENDALE’S CHANNEL 11 RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCOLADES

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Glendale 11 is the recipient of five awards from the leading government television communications organization, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA). Glendale 11 received first through honorable mention in the following categories.

First Place:

Community Event Coverage: “Glendale Glitters”

Second Place:

Documentary – Event Coverage:  “Home Green Home”

Third Place:

Event/Program Promotion: “Glendale Spring Training Ballpark Promo”

Honorable Mention: 

Multiple Channel Promotion: “Glendale 11: The Reel”

Sports Programming:  “City Beat Special Edition: Cardinals NFC Championship Game”

NATOA represents 180 agencies from 31 states and Canada, and selects the award winners based on excellence in broadcast, cable and multimedia programming developed by municipal agencies.

                Glendale 11 directly competes against stations from some of the largest television markets in the country, such as Los Angeles, Denver and Seattle.

SAFEbuilt Expands Nationwide Network to Include Arizona
— Jim Fox Named Building Official —

SAFEbuilt, one of the nation’s leading providers of building department services for public agencies, is adding their first Arizona office.  Jim Fox, a former Building Official for Willdan Engineering and Building Safety Manager for the City of Glendale, Arizona, will be heading up the Arizona SAFEbuilt office.

“SAFEbuilt offers a variety of very specific building department services,” says Fox.  “When so many building departments have been forced to reduce their staffing levels, SAFEbuilt is a great option to help with supplement services such as plan reviews and building inspections so that communities can still provide great customer service as new development comes on board.”

Fox, a Construction Technology major from the University of Northern Iowa, is an International Code Council (ICC) Certified Building Official and Building Plans Examiner.  In Arizona, he played a key role in the building of the Arizona Cardinals Football Stadium, Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino, Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Arena and the Thunderbird Samaritan Hospital expansion.

SAFEbuilt provides full-service building department services, building code plan reviews, complete project support and building code inspections for cities, towns, counties and state agencies.  Government agencies often look to outsource all or part of the building department function because fixed costs can be converted to variable costs.

SAFEbuilt’s corporate office is in Loveland, Colorado, with operations throughout Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Washington and has 60 employees. In 2008, SAFEbuilt supported over $1.5 billion in residential and commercial building valuations, performed 5,125 plan reviews and approximately 85,000 inspections.

 The SAFEbuilt Arizona office is located at 16928 West Bell Road, Suite 702A, Surprise, Arizona, 85374.  Jim Fox can be reached at 623-414-1131 or at Jim.Fox@SAFEbuilt.com.

GLENDALE RECIPIENT OF PRESTIGIOUS

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AWARDS

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale’s Office of Special Events is rapidly filling it’s trophy case, as it was announced it won two silver awards and two bronze awards at the 2009 International Festival and Events Association (IFEA) annual conference last week. These awards come on the heels of the Office of Special Events receiving several state AzTEC awards just two weeks earlier.

The two Silver Pinnacle Awards were won for "Best Miscellaneous Multimedia” for Glendale Glitter & Glow’s internet advertising, and also for “Best Cover Design” for the cover of the program for the Glendale Chocolate Affaire.

The two Bronze Pinnacle Awards were won for “Best Full Length TV Program” for Glendale 11’s coverage of the Gibson Jazz & Blues Festival and for “Best Event” (within an existing festival), for incorporating romance novelists at the Glendale Chocolate Affaire.

The IFEA professional competition drew 1,428 entries this year from among the world’s top festivals and events. Winning entries came from organizations as diverse as the Indy 500 Festival in Indianapolis, IN, and the French Quarter Festival in New Orleans, LA; and international contenders came from all over the world, including South Korea, Singapore and the Netherlands.

“We would like to congratulate all of our Pinnacle winners for their outstanding entries into this year’s competition,” said IFEA President & CEO, Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE. “The IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards represents the hallmark of excellence in the festivals and events industry. Entries in every budget category, from every corner of the globe, allow us to recognize the best in our business while raising the standards and quality of media promotions and events across the board.”

The IFEA is a non-profit membership organization with members spanning 40 countries and five continents, and offers the most complete source of ideas, resources, information, education and networking for festival and event professionals worldwide.

For more information on Glendale’s award-winning festivals and events, visit www.glendaleaz.com/events .

New Software Makes Computers More Accessible for All

Glendale, Ariz. – Not everyone has 20/20 vision, and for some people, their sight is much worse. Glendale Public Library has some new software on the public computers that will help the visually impaired in two ways. It will enlarge the text, as well as read it aloud.

“We looked at several options and chose three products to enhance the capability of our computers,” said Cheryl Kennedy, library manager for the library’s IT Department. “We added to the resources we already have, which include audio books, Playaways (MP3-like devices with books already loaded on them), large type books, the Talking Book program with the Arizona State Library, a wheelchair for use in the library and a video phone for the deaf. We can handle many of the issues that come up for the public.”

The new products provide screen magnification up to 36 times over the original, plus can change screen colors to eliminate glare and reduce eyestrain. The user can change the size and color of the mouse pointer and text curser, making them easier to find and follow. Multi-lingual speech synthesizers have natural-sounding speech. The products are easy to use and can be accessed from all public access computers.

“It was important that our computers are readily accessible to all citizens,” said Sue Komernicky, library director. “I am delighted that we’ve added these new resources and invite the public to try them out.”

For more information about these new products, call 623-930-3546

A Tip of the Cap to WVH Board Members and the Community

GOODYEAR (September 25, 2009) –  After a press release, two television news interviews, a flyer, a newspaper article and the voice and enthusiasm of Brenda Holland, president of West Valley Hospital’s Board of Trustees, the baby cap business is booming.

While living in New Hampshire, whenever Andrea Brode (photo at left) knitted 10-12 baby caps, she would donate them to a local hospital.  Now in Arizona and a member of West Valley Hospital’s Board of Trustees, she decided to share her time and talents with babies born here at our hospital.

Of course, when Andrea learned we deliver approximately 130-140 babies each month at WVH, she knew she had her work cut out for her.  So, she decided a community request might be in order.

Not only is Andrea continuing to knit baby caps, more than 70 individuals have expressed an interest and many have put their knitting needles to use, including residents of PebbleCreek and residents and volunteers from the La Loma campus.  In fact, on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Brenda Holland made a special trip to the hospital to drop off seven dozen baby caps and a baby blanket from La Loma.

“We wish we could thank all these knitters by name, but many of them are donating the baby caps as a group so we don’t know who all the individuals are,” says Aimee Dobson, director of marketing.  “We hope they know how much we appreciate them.”

West Valley Hospital extends a warm and special thanks to Andrea Brode, Brenda Holland and all the anonymous volunteers who are providing babies born at West Valley Hospital with an extra dose of TLC.

Volunteer knitters at the La Loma campus donated a rainbow of beautiful baby caps in September.

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

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

Phoenix Coyotes Owner urges 
Glendale City Council  to accept sale...

Erick O’Donnell - Special to the Glendale Daily Planet - September 22, 2009

The owner of the Phoenix Coyotes urged the Glendale City Council on Tuesday to accept a Canadian company's $242.5 million offer to buy the team.

Despite his efforts to keep the team afloat, the Coyotes have failed as a venture, Jerry Moyes said at the council’s weekly meeting. He said the city will earn far more from PSE Sports and Entertainment's buyout than from the team's potential revenue or from other offers.

“We just don’t have the fan base here,” he said. “Hockey is not made for the desert.”

PSE is offering $25 million as a down payment to the city, which it will pay if U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Redfield Baum approves the order of sale. Moyes backs the company’s offer partly because Glendale will keep the initial payment whether another judge reverses the sale or not.

PSE would relocate the team to Hamilton, Ontario.

Marjorie Haberman, an 11-year resident of Glendale, also asked the council to accept the offer, saying it was in the city’s best financial interest. The money from the sale could help cover essential services, she said.

“It truly makes the most sense for all of us,” she said.

Fans of the Coyotes, dressed in the team's red jersey, lined up to voice their disapproval of the sale.

Monique Reaux, Tolleson, asked the council to weigh the Coyotes’ sentimental value to their fans.

“This is a genuine case of the needs of the many versus the needs of the few,” she said.

Amy Jo Green, Phoenix, questioned the foresight of the proposed sale. She said the team could attract fans with proper management and that the sale would deprive Glendale of a piece of its culture.

“You get some money now, but what do you get in the long run?” Green said.

The council did not say whether it planned to accept the offer.

GLENDALE’S CENTENNIAL IS COOKING something UP!

            GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale’s centennial celebration is in full swing and to heat things up, the hunt is on for the ultimate Glendale recipe.

To commemorate this special year, the city of Glendale is turning its annual cookbook into a centennial-themed cookbook, which will feature recipes from Glendale historic sites, expert historians on the city, as well as one selected winner from the centennial recipe contest.

            Glendale residents are encouraged to submit a recipe to be featured in this commemorative cookbook along with a memory or story associated with the recipe. Recipes will also be randomly chosen and featured on the centennial Web site – www.glendaleaz.com/centennial.

            Recipes may be submitted online at www.glendaleaz.com/centennial, via mail at the Glendale Visitor Center, 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 140, Glendale, AZ  85301 or fax at (623) 463.2337.  The deadline for submissions is Monday, Oct. 19. 

            The cookbook will be available at the Glendale Citrus Zestival, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010 at Sahuaro Ranch Park Historic Area. The cookbook will feature many citrus recipes, but recipe submission can be any type of food, citrus or otherwise. Space is limited on the recipe page and recipes that are less complicated and involve a smaller list of ingredients are ideal.

            For more information about the cookbook contest and the recipe forms, visit www.glendaleaz.com/centennial or call Lorraine Pino at 623.930.2955.  To learn more about upcoming centennial activities and events, visit www.glendaleaz.com/centennial or call 623.930.4500. The centennial anniversary is June 2010.

Flu season restrictions at West Valley Hospital

Goodyear, Ariz. (September 17, 2009) –  Out of concern for patients, visitors, volunteers, employees and the communities West Valley Hospital serves, the hospital is implementing the following restrictions regarding flu season, effective immediately.

ü      Please do not visit the hospital if you are ill with fever, cough or runny nose

ü      Children 12 and under will not be permitted inside West Valley Hospital

ü      Please limit visitors to one (1) per patient

ü      If you are a visitor at the hospital, please wash your hands often, especially before and after entering a patient’s room.  Sinks and waterless hand sanitizer are available in all patient areas

West Valley Hospital wishes to thank visitors to the hospital and the communities it serves for their cooperation during flu season.

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

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

The third phase of the Western Area Regional Park was unveiled this week. 

Glendale Opened New Ramada Complex at Park
81st Avenue and Bethany Home Road

　

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Glendale Parks and Recreation Department had a ribbon cutting ceremony, Wednesday, Sept. 16,  featuring Glendale elected officials to open the new ramada complex at the city’s western area regional park.

The new complex features 10 covered ramadas, a playground and sand volleyball courts. Each ramada includes nine tables seating eight people each for a maximum of 72 people. Total capacity for the complex is 720. Each ramada has a grill, counter top/serving area and electrical receptacle.

The ramada complex is available for reservations. Fees are $15 per ramada/per hour for Glendale residents, $20 per ramada/per hour for non-residents and $25 per ramada/per hour for commercial rentals. Reservations may be made by calling the Glendale Parks and Recreation Department at 623-930-2820.

The ramada complex is the third phase completed at the 88-acre regional park. Already completed are the basketball courts, a playground, splash pad and BMX/skateboarding facility. The entire development will include an urban fishing lake, baseball/softball fields, two multi-use fields, tennis courts, dog park and trails. For more information, visit www.glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation.

Pictured: Parks and Recreation Director Becky Benná, Project Manager Mike Gregory, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commissioners Elizabeth Farley and Raymond Kultula, past Advisory Commissioner Rod Passmore, Councilmember Joyce Clark, Councilmember David Goulet, and Joy Dunlap and Jeff Kratzke, both of Olsson Associates. Photos - COG

September 19th (every year)

is International Talk Like A Pirate Day

GLENDALE’S TV STATION earns four emmy nominations

         GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale 11 TV has once again received honors for its top quality programming by the Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards, earning four nominations. The awards ceremony will take place Saturday, Oct. 24 in downtown Phoenix.

The Emmy Awards recognize and reward excellence in television broadcasting. Glendale 11 is competing against TV stations, production houses and advertising agencies from five different states and is nominated in the following categories:

·         Arts/Entertainment  – A story featuring musicians from the Glendale Jazz & Blues Festival. Produced by Julie Watters and Troy Browder.

·         Special Event Coverage – A 30-minute show featuring the 2008 Glendale Glitters Festival. Produced by Glendale 11 staff under the supervision of station manager Laurie Berg Sapp.

·         Environment – A 30-minute documentary called ‘Glendale’s Home Green Home’ about the construction of an environmentally friendly Habitat for Humanity Home built in two weeks in downtown Glendale. Produced by Julie Watters and Gary Stafford.

·         Writing - For the 30-minute documentary ‘Glendale’s Home Green Home’ produced by Julie Watters and Gary Stafford.

Washington, DC – The City of Glendale has been named by AARP to its 2009 list of Best Employers for Workers Over 50.  The City joins an impressive list of 50 honorees announced today by AARP CEO Barry Rand.

More than 200 employers applied for Best Employers honors, the highest total in the nine-year history of the program designed to highlight exemplary policies toward workers aged 50 and over. 

“We are delighted that the City of Glendale has been selected as one of AARP’s Best Employers for Workers Over 50,” said AARP Arizona State Director David Mitchell.  “The City of Glendale has offered a number of progressive policies in its approach toward older workers, and is the perfect example of these policies in local government.”

This is the first time the City of Glendale has made the list of AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50, and is the only city organization in Arizona and nationwide that has made the list. With programs like the “2 Young 2 Retire” and built-in stability bonuses, the City seeks to make its mature workers and retirees feel valued.

The City of Glendale’s “2 Young 2 Retire” program encourages mature employees to explore personal, vocational, and volunteer opportunities for the next phase of life.  The City also provides a “stability bonus” of about $800 a year to each employee who began working for the City before 1993.  About a third of Glendale’s non-public safety employees receive this longevity pay. Twenty-nine percent of Glendale employees are 50+. 

“Glendale values diversity in all levels of our organization,” said Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley. “This distinction from AARP is a testament to that commitment, and we are extremely proud and honored to be the only city in Arizona to be named to the Top Employers list.”

Any U.S.-based employer with at least 50 employees is eligible to apply for the Best Employers award.  Candidates are vetted to ensure that practices meet the needs of mature workers.  Key areas of consideration include: recruiting practices, opportunities for training, education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement; employee health and retirement benefits and retiree work opportunities.

This year, a separate hospitals and health care Best Employers honor roll was established by AARP.  AARP decided to set up a separate category in order to acknowledge efforts in the health care field to creatively deal with shortages in qualified workers that have faced the health care industry for years.

AARP The Magazine will feature the 2009 Best Employers in its November-December issue, available in homes September 24.  The article will be found online then at www.aarpmagazine.org. 

For more information on the 2009 Best Employers, please go to www.aarp.org/bestemployers.  Included is background on each employer’s workforce practices and a description of the selection process.

GLENDALE RECEIVES THREE STATE FESTIVAL AWARDS

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale’s Office of Special Events won three Arizona Talent in Event Concepts (AzTEC) awards at the group’s annual conference recently.

AzTEC recognizes the best in local recreation and event professionals and organizations. Only one award was presented in each category. Glendale won Best Event Poster for the Glendale Chocolate Affaire; Best General Merchandise for the Glendale Chocolate Affaire; and Best Event Shirt for Glendale’s 26th Annual Gibson Jazz & Blues Festival.

“Winning these awards is an honor, especially since the award’s competition represented the best of the best in the event industry throughout the state,” said Jerry McCoy, Glendale’s deputy director of Marketing/ Communications. “This recognition is also a testament to the incredible talent we have in our Office of Special Events and Marketing Department.”

Glendale adds this designation to a list of accolades the city has garnered over the last several years. The Glendale Chocolate Affaire has won numerous awards, including being named one of the top 100 events in North America by the Washington Post, the Seattle Times and the American Bus Association. The event also was bestowed with the 2003 Governor’s Tourism Award for the Best Special Event in Arizona and the Best Fair/Festival by the Arizona Chapter of the International Special Events Society. In addition, Glendale Glitters was named azcentral.com’s Critics’ Pick for Best Festival in 2008.

Glendale’s festivals and events draw more than 400,000 visitors annually to its historic downtown. For more information on Glendale award-winning festivals and events, visit www.glendaleaz.com/events.

Experience YOUR Favorite Glendale Festivals from the Comfort of Home

            GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Relive your favorite moments from Glendale’s award-winning festivals, all in one action-packed half-hour, as Glendale 11 debuts its newest show called “The Best of Glendale’s Festivals.”

The show, hosted by Julie Watters and Jon Brictson, showcases the best stories, pictures and moments from Glendale’s past festival shows: Glendale Glitters, Glendale Glitter & Glow, The Glendale Chocolate Affaire and Glendale’s Gibson Jazz & Blues Festival.

Highlights include a close-up look at some of the key musical performances throughout the festival season, a behind-the-scenes visit with Santa Claus and the unveiling of some tasty secrets with Mr. Fudge at the Chocolate Affaire.

Other stories feature a hot air balloon ride across the city, the secrets behind turning on more than a million holiday lights and a look back at Glendale’s giant downtown block party to celebrate the BCS Championship game.

“The Best of Glendale’s Festivals” will premiere on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m. The show will air every Sunday at 8p.m., as well as various times throughout the week.

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

            To learn more about the upcoming festival season, visit www.glendaleaz.com/events.

GLENDALE, Ariz. –If you’re interested in purchasing a foreclosed home in a targeted neighborhood in Glendale, the new Glendale Homebuyer Assistance Program may be for you.

Glendale received federal funds through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which is money provided to communities hardest hit by residential foreclosures and mortgage delinquencies. Approximately $1.5 million of the city’s NSP funds are being allocated to help finance homebuyer activities through down payment and closing cost assistance.

Under this program buyers are encouraged to work with realtors to purchase a foreclosed/abandoned home in one of the three targeted zip codes-- 85301, 85302 and 85303. Qualified residents would include those with a total household income below 120% of annual median income (AMI), which translates into $79,100 for a family of four.

In addition, Glendale’s Community Revitalization Division continues to offer down payment assistance through the American Dream Down payment Initiative (ADDI) program, which offers an interest-free loan of up to $10,000 for eligible home buyers who have a total household income that is 80 percent below median, as determined by federal income standards. This translates to $52,700 for a household size of four.

For more information on either program, call John Carnero in the Community Revitalization Division at 623-930-3670 or visit the city’s Web site at www.glendaleaz.com .

"Who Let The Dogs Out!" 

Jessica From then Glendale Visitor Center sets Tortia up for some cool indulgence of 'Frosty Paws' on a summer evening!

Hector, Ally and Tiffany look on as Jessica enjoys watching German shepherd  Elke indulging  in a ' Frosty Paws' frozen treat    Chihuahua Tortia is in the arms of Tiffany.

POLICE EXPLORER HELPS YOUNG CHILD

(Glendale AZ GPD) Police Explorer for the Glendale Police Department, Explorer Post 2469; Daniel Abarca, a 15 year old Glendale High School sophomore, found a 5 year old boy wandering through an apartment complex near 67 avenue and Glendale without supervision on Thursday, August 6, 2009. 

After talking to the child, Daniel learned the boy had left school and came home to the complex by himself. The little boy did not have a key to his apartment and the door was locked. 

Despite his own youth, Daniel recognized a child of this age, left unattended, could result in harm to the child. He took it upon himself to check out the situation, escorted the child to the office of the complex and had management contact police and the child’s school. Officer Steve Kolb responded and was very impressed with how Daniel handled the situation. He brought this incident to Rich Edward’s attention, advisor for the Glendale Police Department Explorer program, who stated  "This is a great example of good citizenship, sense of responsibility and maturity in a young teenager. "

A Shot of Java, From The Heart

Glendale resident Delores DeLuca purchases a "heart" from A Shot of Java owner, Lisa Dowd.

From The Heart, a community assistance program operated by a partnership of residents, agencies, and foundations, has received this year’s first donation of $250.00 from Downtown Glendale’s neighborhood coffee house – A Shot of Java.  The donation will be increased to $375.00 as one of the partners, the BHHS Legacy Foundation, matches 50 cents to every dollar donated.  All donations to the program are used to serve the residents of Glendale who are in the most need of food, clothing, shelter, and other related services.

A Shot of Java has been Downtown Glendale’s coffee house for nearly three years and has been heavily involved in the community by participating in festivals and farmers’ markets, providing free live entertainment, poetry, shows for local artists, game nights, and hosting meetings for community organizations.  Seeing that tougher times were potentially on the horizon, the folks at A Shot of Java started looking at other ways to interact with the community and help those who couldn’t help themselves.  In December of 2008, they decided that From The Heart was the best fit and began to raise money by asking for $1.00 donations from customers in exchange for a “heart.”  The “hearts” are slips of paper with hearts on them, bearing the donor’s name.  Once the donors have signed their names, the “hearts” are proudly displayed in the shop.

“Our coffee house is in Downtown Glendale and we also live in Glendale, so this truly is our community.  Our customers have told us for a long time that A Shot of Java was the coffee house with a heart, and when we found From The Heart, we knew it was more than coincidence that brought us together.” said Lisa Dowd, owner of A Shot of Java.  Asked what made From The Heart stand out, John Lynn from A Shot of Java said, “They match fifty cents to every dollar and it all stays right here in our community.  It’s more tangible this way, we could very well be helping someone we know or see every day.”

A Shot of Java’s address is 7003 N. 58th Avenue in Glendale, and they are physically located on the north side of Glendale Avenue between 58th Avenue and 57th Drive, on the patio behind Pizza Old Roma.  For more information about the coffee house call the store at 623-847-2423, or visit their website at  http://www.ashotofjava.net.  To find out more about From The Heart, visit the website at  http://www.glendaleaz.com/fromtheheart/index.cfm, or contact Paula Moloff at 623-930-2265.

WESTMARC

and

The West Valley Chamber Alliance

Celebrating

Governor Jan Brewer

"Leadership from the West Valley"

Thursday, February 26, 2009

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Glendale Civic Center

5750 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale, Arizona

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer  -  Secretary of State Ken Bennett  -   Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs

WATCH VIDEO OF THE MEETING AND HEAR THE GOVERNOR'S SPEECH     >>CLICK HERE!<<

DOWNLOAD MP3 AUDIO FILE - Right Click - Save As 

FIESTA BOWL STORIES 2009
>> CLICK TO SEE! <<