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Cesar Chavez Breakfast-

Glendale Fire Department 4th of July Message

As we come together with friends and family to celebrate the July 4^th Holiday on Saturday, the Glendale Fire Department wishes to remind everyone to think safety. Whether you plan on spending the day out by the pool or at your local park for a family picnic, it’s important to remember to watch your children around water and use caution by staying hydrated, as high temperatures are expected. Regardless of what you decide to do, be safe and have fun doing it. As night approaches many seem to have the same idea as folks gather for a much anticipated fireworks display. On a day in which we remember our great nation’s independence, it is the exclamation point. As beautiful as the bright colors that fill the night sky are, we know far too well the dangers fireworks can bring. According to U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, over the past decade, fireworks were involved in approximately 10,000 injuries annually.

Using these Glendale Fire Department “4^th of July” Safety Tips will add to the safety for you and your family.  

·         Fireworks are illegal in the state of Arizona but it is still possible to celebrate and enjoy the holiday by attending an approved licensed fireworks display. Fireworks are dangerous and can cause serious injury. Please help make this a safe 4^th of July by not using fireworks.

• With this year’s extremely dry conditions, fireworks are especially dangerous and can cause fires.
• Remember to protect yourself and your children; stay hydrated, wear a hat, and use sun block.

More tips on how to live healthier safer lives can be found on the Glendale Fire Department website, www.glendaleaz.com/fire

The Glendale Fire Department thanks the women and men of the armed forces and we wish everyone in the community a happy and safe 4^th of July Holiday.

Summer Money Talks Continue at Glendale Main Library

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Consumer Credit Counseling Services is continuing its series of free Money Talks over the summer at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.:

Couples and Money – Whether you are planning to get married or have been married for a long time, some couples never get around to having "The Talk." Learn how to communicate with your partner about money. This class covers communication, assessing your combined finances, setting priorities and goals, determining your new budget, deciding on a plan of action and making the commitment.

July 16, 6 p.m., Main Library (large meeting room)

Understanding Money and Credit – Through careful planning and use of money management skills, one can feel more confident about the ability to live within one’s means, handle emergencies, reduce debt and save for the future.

August 20, 6 p.m., Main Library (large meeting room)

Reservations are not necessary to attend these classes. For more information, call 623-930-3554.

Elaine Scruggs, Mayor of Glendale  applauds and appreciate this important action taken by the County Assessors in each of Arizona’s 15 counties.

I applaud and appreciate this important action taken by the County Assessors in each of Arizona’s 15 counties.   This is a strong step forward in trying to let the general public know that their property taxes will be increased if Senate Bill 1036 passes.   Also, the public will now learn that they did not have any opportunity to express their opinions to the legislators they have elected to office and who have initiated this major policy change.

Elaine Scruggs

Mayor, Glendale AZ

send comments to info@glendaledailyplanet.com

GLENDALE FIREFIGHTERS URGE COMMUNITY TO BE WATER WISE, TWO YEAR OLD GIRL IS GLENDALE’S FIRST CHILD FATAL DROWNING OF 2009

         GLENDALE, AZ. – At approximately 7:00 P.M. yesterday, June 28th, Glendale Firefighters responded to a home near 67th Avenue and Utopia Road for a reported child drowning. Glendale firefighters arrived four minutes after being dispatched to find an adult performing CPR on a 2 year old girl. The child reportedly was in a bathtub when she slipped under the water for an unknown amount of time.

         Firefighters immediately treated the young girl with advanced life support protocols and air lifted her to Saint Joseph’s Hospital where unfortunately she was later pronounced. The young girl becomes the first child drowning fatality in Glendale this year. The Glendale Police Department continues its investigation and has not released names of the child or parents.

         Glendale Firefighters are urging the community to be water wise this summer and beyond. According to the Children’s Safety Zone, from 2001 to 2008, on average, 19 children have died each year in a water related incident in Maricopa County. So far this year in Maricopa County, there has been at least 80 water related incidents with at least 21 deaths, 8 being children. Drowning incidents affect the entire community.

         Glendale Fire Department Safety Tips:

·         Adults and Children should learn how to swim

·         Learn CPR

·         Install barriers

·         Empty water buckets after use

·         Never swim alone

·         ALWAYS, ALWAYS WATCH YOUR CHILDREN AROUND WATER!

More safety tips can be found on the Glendale Fire Department website, www.glendaleaz.com/fire

2009 Neighborhood Leadership Forum  Saturday, June 27,2009 8:00 - 11:30 a.m.  Glendale Civic Center: 5750 W. Glenn Drive, Glendale, AZ 85301 "Networking Within Your Neighborhood" Registration, Information Fair & Food Drive Welcome Erik Strunk, Community Partnerships Director Color Guard/Pledge of Allegiance/National Anthem/Invocation Luke Air Force Base Breakfast & Year in Review Program Overview Master of Ceremonies: Mike Nave, Neighborhood Commission Chair Comments Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs Break Network, Information Fair Spark Awards Ceremony Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods Plaque Presentation to Outgoing Commissioners Mayor Elaine M. Scruggs Matt Cohrs, Neighborhood Partnership Administrator Group Exercise John Godec  - Godec, Randall & Associates Closing Comments Matt Cohrs, Neighborhood Partnership Administrator Raffle prizes ========================================       Dear Glendale Community Leader: Your willingness to become involved in the community, which you call home, does make a difference. Today you will hear about many exemplary efforts to build "One Community with Strong Neighborhoods." All of our nominees for the Spark Awards should be applauded for their efforts and commitment to their fellow residents. This year's Leadership Forum theme is "Networking Within Your Neighborhood." As the chair of the Commission on Neighborhoods, I have had the privilege of working alongside other residents who are dedicated to keeping the quality of life in Glendale high. It is an honor for me to serve with such a great group of people. We strive to represent your interests on issues. It also goes without saying that the leadership in Glendale continues working diligently to improve our great city. The vision and determination of Glendale's Mayor and City Council is unparalleled. But, it is the volunteers who donate their time and talent that really provide the necessary momentum to make this city a great place. On behalf of the City of Glendale Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods, I welcome all of you and hope you enjoy this event. Sincerely, Mike Nave, Chair Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods ======================================== Message from the Neighborhood Commission   Each year, neighborhood leaders, businesses and community groups have made significant contributions to the betterment of Glendale's neighborhoods. These individuals and groups are the "sparks" of each neighborhood. They somehow, in working with the rest of their neighbors, are able to create a shared vision of what their neighborhood is or should be, and then go about the business of identifying existing resources to achieve this vision.   More directly, these special individuals are willing to spend personal time and resources to improve the area in which they live or do business, to research and find answers to important issues or questions, to solve problems, and to ensure that the overall quality of life is maintained or even improved. Each year, we honor these individuals.   Congratulations to all of the nominees for the 2009 Spark Awards! Your dedication and support has contributed to the strength and vitality of Glendale neighborhoods. ========================================   Winners and Nominees ____________ Young Leaders on the Move   Jacob Janson Jacob Janson earned his Eagle Scout badge at the young age of 14. Jacob recruited 50 volunteers to help paint house numbers on the curbs in the Acapulco, Port-a-Prince, Maui and Country Gables neighborhoods. Jacob and his group of volunteers painted more than 100 house numbers in less than four hours. Jacob met with City of Glendale staff and the neighborhood leaders several times to coordinate his Eagle Scout project and inform the residents about the project that would take place in their neighborhood. He worked tirelessly to secure donations from local businesses including: Lowes, Fry's, Wal-Mart, Paradise Bakery, and Weston Homes & Development. He also received donations from numerous friends and family. The Glendale community is pleased and honored to have young leaders like Jacob in our midst who are dedicated to making our community a better place to live. Other nominees in this category include: Danielle Brown, Antonio Romero, Mountain Ridge High School's Student Government ======================================== Business Support and Neighborhood Involvement   Glendale Pawn & Jewelry Stan Grossman is the owner of Glendale Pawn & Jewelry in Glendale and has been a long-time supporter of the youth, teen and community programs at the Glendale Community Center. At times, he has been the only sponsor for special events at the center such as the annual holiday celebration. Recently, Stan graciously provided donations for the Parks & Recreation Youth & Teen Division's first annual break dance competition. Stan and his staff understand the value in partnering with the surrounding community and believes in creating positive programs and activities for youth, teens & families and demonstrates this by being a pillar of support in the Glendale Community. He is a true "Spark" in the community. Other nominees in this category include: Ed Sharpe, Owner of Glendale Daily Planet William Toops, Editor of The Glendale Star ======================================== Community Partner ~ Allison Martin & Gwen Marshall  The Salvation Army of Glendale Allison Martin and Gwen Marshall help Glendale residents with basic needs many of us take for granted. These two women work tirelessly throughout the week to provide food boxes, utilities assistance, clothing and many other services to Glendale residents. If they do not have the resources to help families, they will go out of their way to find someone who does. During the holiday season, they work hard to ensure that The Salvation Army can assist as many residents as possible through the Christmas Angel Tree Program and Holiday Food Boxes. During the summer, they work with families to send children to The Salvation Army Summer Camp program. Many individuals who receive assistance return to "personally thank" these women for their help. They truly make a difference in Glendale! Other nominees in this category include: Austin Centers for Exceptional Children (ACES), Christ's Church of the Valley, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, Vineyard Church ======================================== Neighborhood Revitalization   Christine O'Hara A resident of the Floralcroft Neighborhood since 1987 and a co-neighborhood leader, Christine O'Hara has been the driving force behind establishment of the Floralcroft Historical Society to revitalize the neighborhood. She knows that improvements to the neighborhood are necessary for a number of reasons. Walking tours of the downtown historical areas are ongoing, but tours in the neighborhood are difficult because of the lack of lighting and sidewalks. Christine has worked with the City of Glendale Neighborhood Partnership office to apply for two different improvement grants for lighting and sidewalk improvements. This process has been a major undertaking and Christine has volunteered numerous hours towards making her neighborhood a safer place to live. Other nominees in this category include: Floralcroft Historical Society and Jerry Lee ======================================== Traditional Neighborhood Leadership   Danielle Martinez Danielle Martinez is the neighborhood leader for the Thunderbird Palms/Hickory Shadows neighborhood. Danielle exemplifies what a true neighborhood leader is all about. She opens her home up to all of her neighbors for their neighborhood meetings. In Spring 2008, Danielle worked tirelessly on getting the word out to her neighbors about the Neighborhood Grant program. She held meetings, sent out flyers and went door-to-door to get residents involved in the process. Danielle applied for and received an $80,000 neighborhood grant for park improvements that included a new Tot Lot and EVOS playground in the neighborhood park. Danielle also helped organize volunteers from her neighborhood to spend a Saturday volunteering their time along with 100 other volunteers to install the new EVOS playground. Danielle also coordinates the annual G.A.I.N. party for her neighborhood, and is a graduate of the Glendale University 101 program. Other nominees in this category include:  Diana Colby, Shirley Galvez, Gary Hirsch, Marianne Kempton, Alice Mollon, Tim O'Day ======================================== HOA Leadership   Robert (Bob) Richards Bob is the Vice President of the Arrowhead Ranch Phase II HOA and is very involved in his neighborhood and the Glendale Community. Bob was an experienced volunteer when he moved to Arizona in 1994. He was already active in his previous church and a foster parent of nine children. Bob has also served on the Glendale Bond Commission, he has been active is the Legend Springs School PTA for four years, developed a neighborhood watch group and quarterly neighborhood newsletter. Bob completed Glendale University 101, Glendale HOA Training Academy and regularly attends the Cholla District meetings. He is also an active prayer leader and member of Community Church of Joy. Other nominees in this category include: Dave Davis, Allan DeFranco, Jim Forry, Rose Jacobson, William Lietz, John Sewell, John Stern       The three outgoing commissioners from the Citizens Advisory Commission on Neighborhoods. Mike Nave, Commission Chair Donna Duggins Lynda Vescio They were honored and presented plaques.           The Citizens Police Academy Alumni of Glendale (CPAAG Board Members  President Nikki Colletti, Virginia Meeker, board secretary, Becky Shady  Vice Presdient

Catlin Court & Historic Downtown Glendale 3rd Friday of the month • 5 -9 pm Friday Nite Lights
Enjoy late night shopping and dining and a hometown atmosphere. Stroll along brick-lined sidewalks and enjoy charming bungalows-turned-shops. You’ll find many treasures you won’t be able to leave behind. VisitGlendale.com – 623-930-4500 Presented by the Downtown Historic Business Community and the Glendale Office of Tourism

Saturday, July 18th • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m 58th & Glendale avenues Start checking off your holiday gift list in Historic Downtown Glendale as we celebrate Christmas in July! Begin your day at the Glendale Visitor Center and pick up a FREE holiday gift bag* filled with downtown discounts and event map. Glendale Visitor Center • 5800 W. Glenn Dr., Suite 140 • Glendale, AZ 85301 Call 623-930-4500 for more info or visit www.VisitGlendale.com Holiday Treats • Christmas Meals & Deals • Spectacular Shopping Delicious Dining • Museums *1st 500 visitors

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The weather may be frightful, but shopping in downtown Glendale during Christmas in July will be delightful! Celebrate the joy of the season early on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and enjoy a fun-filled day of holiday crafts, sweet treats and exclusive deals in Historic Downtown Glendale.

With only 159 days left to get all of your shopping for gifts and decorations complete, start early and avoid the rush! Christmas cheer begins at the Glendale Visitor Center, where you’ll pick up your holiday map, coupons and gift bag (for the first 500 visitors) and take a spin on the prize wheel. Then hop on board the cool and comfortable Glendale Express Shuttle, which will provide rides throughout Old Towne and Catlin Court. Visit boutique stores, specialty shops, and downtown eateries for giveaways and great deals.

Christmas music will play throughout the neighborhood while shoppers can get into the spirit of the season. Santa himself will take a break from making toys to make a stop in downtown Glendale, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Az Dolls and Gifts.

In addition, downtown businesses will offer fun-filled holiday activities, including decorating a Cerreta’s Chocolate Christmas tree, Christmas card-making at The Creative Quest and The Tea Shoppe, and a make-and-take beaded snowflake at The Bead Museum, all for a nominal fee. Glendale Flowers will also have a free make-and-take craft for the first 200 visitors.

In the spirit of holiday giving, the Glendale Visitor Center will be accepting non-perishable food items to benefit the St. Mary’s Food Bank. During the summer, the food bank shelves are at their most bare, so shoppers are encouraged to bring donations to help families in need.

Christmas in July also kicks off the start of decorating 1.5 million lights for the annual holiday light display, Glendale Glitters, Azcentral.com’s Critics’ Choice for Best Festival. The installation of the holiday lights takes more than 5,000 labor hours to complete in order to be ready for Glendale Glitters Spectacular on November 27-28, from 5 to 10 p.m.

For more information, contact the Glendale Visitor Center at 623-930-4500 or visit www.visitglendale.com.  The Glendale Visitor Center is located at 5800 W. Glenn Drive, Suite 140.

Friday Nite Lights was a success!

After checking in with local merchants, the message is clear.  Friday Nite Lights was a huge success Cheryl Kappes, owner of The Country Maiden said, "For me, it was just like being at the real Antique Road Show.   Elizabeth Dore (ABD ANTIQUES) suggested we hold an appraisal clinic with the proceeds to benefit our Back to School drive.  Customers then carried in a wide variety of antiques and collectibles.  Creating a real win-win for all, a 4 hour Appraisal clinic raised $150.00 for the Merchants Back to School drive.  Mother Nature provided excellent weather. Customers noticed the lights, stopped, shopped and dined, and Customer feedback was abundant.  Many customers were saying how much they appreciated having their week-end shopping hours extended."     We just can't wait to watch this event GROW!  

100 and Counting!

Glendale Kicked  Off Its 100th Year with Centennial Concert
and Carnival June 18, 2009

Glendale’s centennial year  kick off with some old-fashioned summer fun! The city had a Centennial Concert and Carnival on Thursday, June 18, from 6-9 p.m. at Murphy Park in Historic Downtown Glendale.

Glendale’s Summer Band Concert will took place that Thursday evening, beginning at 8 p.m. This long-standing Glendale concert series marks the band’s 43rd year, making it the longest-running community band in Arizona. For the Centennial kickoff, the band performed a special show celebrating music from each decade from the last 100 years.

The prelude to the concert was an old-fashioned carnival hearkening back to Glendale’s earlier days. Highlights  included a classic car exposition, antique police cars and fire engines, as well as a demonstration and display from the Glendale Historic Society. Other fun features included free carnival games and prizes, 50-cent root beer floats, a cake walk with free cupcakes and a vintage fashion show featuring apparel from 1870s to the 1970s by Matilda’s Closet.

The city of Glendale will celebrate its official anniversary as an incorporated city on June 18, 2010. Throughout the year, the city will honor its centennial at various events and activities. This event is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors, including Sanderson Ford, the Glendale Star, Safeway, Papa Ed’s Ice Cream and Kalil Bottling.

Glendale’s Summer Band is a community-based group that relies on donations from residents and patrons. Donations are accepted on-site, but can also be made by contacting Jen Godbehere at 623-930-2042.

This Article is  being put together as you are watching!

Photo by Bette Sharpe

Photo by Bette Sharpe

Photo by Ed Sharpe

Linda  Says "Wow, can you believe how popular the root beer floats were at the Glendale Centennial Kickoff Event!!!  Everyone lined up for an old fashion treat from the past and they were so popular we were sold out before we knew it.  Papa Ed's wants to thank everyone that came to the celebration.

SOLD OUT! 200 Root Beer Floats gone! and Linda had to beak the sad news to
 Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs there was no cool refreshing drinks left to be had!

Photo by Ed Sharpe   Photo by Ed Sharpe

Many news stations besides us were out to cover the event. Here in this striking pose the Cronkite Girls 
are setting up their Panasonic  Video Camera to capture some of the festivities. Photo by Ed Sharpe

Click to Watch Video of  Mayor Elaine Scruggs' Welcome Speech for the 100 year Anniversary. http://www.smecc.org/media/1oo-yr-mayor-ntro-512.wmv

Capt. Les Manser has been installed as commander of 
Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 14, 2009) – Capt. Les Manser has been installed as commander of Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), succeeding fellow Glendale resident Lt. Col. Chas Buchanan, who was appointed chief of staff of CAP’s Arizona Wing. The 96-member squadron is one of the wing’s largest units.

CAP is the official civilian volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and open to cadets 12 to 21 as well as adults, known as CAP officers, 18 and older. CAP 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.

Presiding over the change of command, which occurred earlier this month at the close of the weekly cadet meeting, was Maj. Rita Bivens-Scherer, commander of Arizona Wing Group IV, of which the squadron is part. Maj. Atilla Szokol, the squadron’s deputy commander for adults, had served as interim squadron commander since Lt. Col. Buchanan’s wing appointment. Maj. Szokol relinquished command to Maj. Bivens-Scherer, who then installed Capt. Manser as commander while more than 30 cadets stood in formation behind the officers. Majs. Bivens-Scherer and Szokol likewise are Glendale residents.

Since joining Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 in May 2007, the new commander has served the squadron as operations officer, aerospace education officer for seniors, aircraft maintenance officer, test-control officer, inspector general (IG) complaint officer and web security administrator. In addition, he serves at the Wing level as an IG inspector, cadet flight-orientation administrator and was the Wing project officer for the U.S. Air Force-CAP Compliance Inspection earlier this year.

Capt Manser’s CAP honors include a Commander’s Commendation Award, Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Award, A. Scott Crossfield Award, Gen. Chuck E. Yeager Aerospace Education Award, and leadership and member ribbons.

(Change of command):     Capt Les Manser accepts command of 96-member Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302 of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) from Maj. Rita Bivens-Scherer, commander of Group IV of CAP’s Arizona Wing. CAP, the official volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, conducts search and rescue, humanitarian and homeland-security missions plus provides aerospace education and cadet programs.

He brings to his post 12 years of Air Force experience in the enlisted and officer ranks.

Capt. Manser was an avionics maintenance specialist and attained the grade of staff sergeant during four years as an enlistee. He served as an officer for eight years after being commissioned in 1978 through Officer Training School and rose to the rank of captain.

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.

Among his Air Force decorations are a Commendation Medal, Achievement Medal, Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Overseas Service Ribbon Short Tour with two OLCs, Longevity Service Award with two OLCs, Combat Readiness Medal, Small

Arms Expert marksmanship ribbon, U.S. nonmilitary decorations and National Defense Service Medal.

Capt. Manser separated from the Air Force in 1986 and 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, Capt. 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.

Capt. Manser served for six years as an adjunct instructor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at its Luke Air Force Base campus. 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. He is a qualified CAP mission scanner and observer, transport pilot, instrument pilot and flight-release officer.

A quality manager since 1993, Capt. Manser has been employed for the past eight years by Ditron Manufacturing, Inc. He is a certified quality auditor.

At Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302, located at 932 W. Deer Valley Road on the grounds of Deer Valley Airport in north Phoenix, meetings for officers are conducted at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month while cadets meet at 7 p.m. each Monday except holidays. 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.

Additional information about CAP, its missions and membership opportunities for officers and cadets is available by visiting the national CAP website at www.cap.gov, or the Arizona Wing website at http://azwg.us or Deer Valley Composite Squadron 302’s website at 222.squadron302.org

Information requests about the cadet program also can be directed to the squadron’s deputy commander for cadets, 2nd Lt. Richard Shortridge at shortridge@cox.net. Other information requests can be directed to Capt. Jerry Porter, the squadron’s public-affairs officer, at civilairpatrolsq302pao@cox.net.

Featuring  - Chef Eric Reinert

And A Special Guest Chef!

EPISODE #6
The Captain's Salmon

WATCH THE SHOW!

"Welcome Back!"

Glendale Daily Planet
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Glendale Arizona

CITY ANNOUNCES CLASS ON DISASTER

PREPARATION FOR GRADUATES OF GLENDALE UNIVERSITY

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – If a natural disaster hit Glendale, how would the city respond? A new class sponsored by the Neighborhood Partnership Office will educate residents on the city’s emergency plan.

Registration is available now for this continuing education opportunity for Glendale residents who have previously graduated from the 101 class of Glendale University. This two-session course is an opportunity to find out how the city prepares for emergencies and organizes in response to disasters. Students will learn about the laws, processes and issues surrounding disaster preparedness, response and recovery. In addition, the class includes valuable information about how residents can help themselves and their families during a time of crisis. This course will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at the Glendale Training Facility, 11550 W. Glendale Ave.

Registration for this graduate class is due no later than July 23. To register, visit www.glendaleaz.com/communitypartnerships and click on Glendale University classes to print out an application or call 623-930-2868 to receive an application by mail or fax.

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. –The drop in value of the local real estate market may benefit prospective, first-time home buyers who are low to moderate income and looking for an affordable home.

If you are a first-time homebuyer, who plans to purchase a home anywhere within the city limits of Glendale, you may be eligible for the American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) program.

Glendale’s Community Revitalization Division is sponsoring the program to offer 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. The program is coordinated by the Community Housing Resources of Arizona (CHRA) and is a limited time offer.

For more information, call John Carnero in the Community Revitalization Division at 623-930-3670. To set up an appointment with a loan counselor and to begin the application process, contact CHRA at 602-631-9780 or online at: www.communityhousingresources.org.

Wrap Up the Summer Creatively

Joe Willie Smith

Glendale, Ariz. – Preteens and teens still have an opportunity to take part in the City of Glendale Summer Arts Camp 2009. Classes, for ages 10-18, will run from July 27-July 30. They will explore writing and illustrating a book, and creating art with found objects. The workshops, sponsored by the Glendale Library and Arts Department, will take place in the Fruit Packing Shed at Sahuaro Ranch, 9802 N. 59th Ave.

Write and Illustrate Your Own Book, July 27-July 30, the morning session (9 a.m.-noon) repeats from 1-4 p.m. Ages 10-12 will get their creative juices flowing in this class with Cyndi Coon. A brainstorming session on character development kicks off the first day. Each participant will dream up a cast of characters, then decide what they look like, what they like to do and what adventure they will have in the story. Days two and three will be spent refining the story and illustrating the characters and the background on each page. The book will be bound in the final class.

The Art of Finding, July 27-30, the morning session meets from 9 a.m.-noon, the afternoon session repeats from 1-4 p.m. Ages 13-18 need good walking shoes, work gloves and sun glasses when participating in this class with multimedia artist Joe Willie Smith. Teens will use “repurposed,” reclaimed or found objects that they locate on a “finding” field trip within the immediate area of the Fruit Packing Shed. Afterwards, they move into a classroom setting to create art. There will be a collaborative art project and an individual art project. The collaborative project will be on exhibition for several months, installed on the face of the vertical shade structure in the Habitat Garden on the south side of the Glendale Main Library.

To register online, go to www.glendaleaz.com/ParksandRecreation and click on “Classes and Programs.” There is a $20 non-refundable application fee per workshop and student. For more information, call 623-930-3520 or 623-930-3755.

Artist information:

Cyndi Coon received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She obtained her Masters in Fine Art degree from Arizona State University. The owner of Laboratory5, Coon combines art and design, offering painting, drawing stationery, and sewn/fabric items, custom commissions and consulting services to artists and art organizations. She is also a Teaching Artist within the community college system and in community afterschool programs. She is the author of “Art That Pops: How to Make Wacky 3-D Creations That Jump, Spin and Spring.”

Joe Willie Smith is a multimedia artist who works with found resources to create site specific installations/performance, sculpture and paintings. Selected collections can be found at the Phoenix Art Museum, Butler Museum of American Art, Taller Experimental de Graphica, Neiman Marcus and the city of Phoenix.

Glendale Firefighters vote to forgo raises...
Thus saving jobs for others!

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Glendale Firefighters gathered on Wednesday, June 17th, to vote on whether to make changes to an existing contract with the City of Glendale. If passed, Glendale firefighters will forego approximately $600,000 in salaries and benefits for fiscal year 2009-10. With only 3 dissenting votes, the item passed thus making way for City services to continue.

“We realize that thousands of City employees are being asked to make sacrifices and our firefighters will vote to be allowed to share that sacrifice,” said John Holland, Glendale Fire Captain and Local 493 Glendale Chapter Vice President. “Traditionally Glendale Firefighters have generously given time, effort and in many cases, money to meet the needs of our community, on and off duty.

The dollar savings could save City jobs which could benefit overall City services but also benefit families that would otherwise be impacted directly,” Captain Holland continued.

COUNCILMEMBER MANNY MARTINEZ
  SELECTED VICE MAYOR　

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Glendale City Council has selected Councilmember Manny Martinez as its vice mayor.

Martinez has been serving as vice mayor since 2007, but recently adopted City Council guidelines now require them to nominate members for vice mayor each year at the first workshop in June.

The City Council voted to keep Martinez as vice mayor at its meeting on Tuesday (June 9).

Martinez is the councilmember that represents the Cholla District, located in the northern part of Glendale. He was appointed to the council in October 1996, elected in March 1998 and re-elected in 2002 and 2006.

Glendale Firefighters Raise Awareness with Mock Drowning Presentation (June 5th)

Photo 1: Glendale Firefighters, Southwest Ambulance Crews, Rose Lane Aquatics Life Guards in a MOCK drowning exercise.

PHOTOS AND STORY COURTESY GLENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT

The 2009 Glendale Water Safety Day was sponsored by the Glendale Fire Department; Glendale Parks and Recreation Department; Southwest Ambulance; Arizona Physicians, IPA; and Sanderson Ford and promises to be a day of fun and education for children and adults on the opening week of Rose Lane Aquatics Center in Glendale.

Several vendors came out to share water safety information for children and families of all ages. Southwest Ambulance presented Glendale Vice Mayor Manny Martinez and the Glendale Parks and Recreations Department with a check for $5,000 which will go towards swim lessons for children this summer. Sanderson Ford also unveiled the new Glendale Fire Department “Mobile Safety Message”, a vehicle donated to the Glendale Fire Department with a special safety message wrap to act as a moving billboard to promote safety throughout the city.

“Child drowning incidents impact the child victims obviously and of course the immediate families but drowning incidents also impacts other family members, friends, neighbors, classmates, teachers and so many others. Drowning incidents truly impact the entire community so it was nice to see so many members of the community stand together today for this call to action,” said Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick. 

Glendale Firefighters along with Southwest Ambulance crews and Rose Lane Aquatics Center life guards performed a MOCK drowning incident to educate families of the impact of such an unfortunate event and to promote water safety this summer. “Unfortunately since 2000, on average approximately 20 children have died each year due to drowning in Maricopa County,” said Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick. “For every fatal child drowning, there are several others who suffer from lifelong disabilities due to near drowning,” Chief Burdick continued. “We are asking everyone to learn how to swim, learn CPR and of course, always watch your children around water,” Chief Burdick added.

Photo 2:  Glendale Firefighters, Southwest Ambulance Crews, Rose Lane Aquatics Life Guards in a MOCK drowning exercise.

GLENDALE FIRE DEPARTMENT REMINDS COMMUNITY TO BE “MONSOON” PREPARED

GLENDALE, Ariz. – As the Valley gears up for Monsoon Season, Glendale Firefighters are asking the community to create an emergency preparedness plan.  It is important to be prepared throughout the entire year for any types of emergencies and that includes the Arizona Monsoon Season. There are three easy steps to follow to create your emergency preparedness plan; (1) Get a kit, (2) Make a plan, and (3) Be informed. Here are a few examples for each topic;

1.      Get a kit- Your kit should be a sturdy and easy to carry to container.

·         Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.

·         Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

·         Flashlights and extra batteries.

·         Battery-powered radio.

·         First aid kit.

·         Prescription and non-prescription medication.

·         Eye glasses.

·         Important phone numbers.

2.      Make a plan

·         Plan places where your family will meet, both within and outside of your immediate neighborhood.

·         If possible, have an out of town contact. It may be easier to make a long distance call due to local phone lines being overloaded. This will help with communicating between separated family members.

3.      Be informed

·         Learn about disasters or emergencies in your area.

·         Learn CCC (continuous chest compressions) and CPR and first aid.

More safety information can be found on the Glendale Fire Department’s website: www.glendaleaz.com and the Homeland Security’s Ready America website: www.ready.gov

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* Photo of a ready kit is attached

Eleven Retire from Glendale Library
 and Arts Department

The retirees, from left to right, are: Bette Sharpe, Cherrilynn Moore, Julie Havir, Marianna Hancin, Rex Gulbranson, Anne Caltabiano, Susan Bannon, Carol Jenkins, Anne Owens, Alice Saling and Lenore Tancke.
Photo by Ed Sharpe  Glendale Daily Planet

Glendale, Ariz. – Wednesday, May 27 was a red letter day in the history of Glendale Public Library. Eleven valued staff members were feted at a retirement party at Foothills Branch Library honoring their collective 200 plus years of service.

Lenore Tancke, a library operations supervisor, held the longest service; she began working at the library in 1982. Also retiring were Library Managers Anne Caltabiano and Cherrilynn Moore; Velma Teague Branch librarians Bette Sharpe and Julie Havir; Anne Owens, Main’s adult programming librarian; Marianna Hancin, Bibliographic Services Administrator; Susan Bannon, Library Technology Coordinator; Carol Jenkins, a Library Assistant III at the Main Library; and Alice Saling, a PC Support Specialist II, also at the Main Library. Rex Gulbranson, Arts and Culture Administrator, is the 11th retiree.

When asked what they were going to be doing, a familiar refrain was heard for this summertime plans – travel and spending time with family.

The retirees were involved with every facet of library service.

“They will be greatly missed,” said Library Director Sue Komernicky.

A letter to you from Elaine Scruggs, Mayor of Glendale 

   I am writing to thank everyone who has called, sent notes, flowers, donations and prayer cards following the death of my mother, Mary Ann Palmer.  Your outpouring of support and comfort has been tremendous, just as it was after my dad's death last June.   You will forever be in my heart. 

   I am also writing to share news about another life journey I am experiencing.  On January 9, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  The cancer cells have been removed by surgery.  On Monday, May 18, I will begin follow-on treatments beginning with chemotherapy which will greatly aid in avoiding a recurrence of cancer elsewhere in my body in the future.  Radiation therapy will follow the chemo.  This regimen will take between five and six months.

   My medical team and I are confident that I will be working during my treatments.  There will be days during chemo that I won't be available for meetings, and evenings when I won't be available for social events.   During radiation therapy there will be an hour out of each day that I will not be available.  These are scheduling issues and nothing more.   I ask for your patience and understanding.

   A good friend advised me to talk publicly about what is really a very personal matter.  He reminded me that I am a public figure and if I don't explain what is going on others will do it for me.  That is never a good thing.  So I am "taking ownership" of this situation and telling you that cancer was detected very early, was totally removed by surgery, and radiation therapy is the standard course of treatment.  My decision to also have chemotherapy is based solely on the advantage it will give me in avoiding cancer in years to come.  I will be serving Glendale through it all, just as I have been during the past four months of tests and surgeries.

   Everyone dreads "the c word".  However, since January 9 I have found that "c" also stands for compassion, courage, care, comfort, confidence, confidants, communication, cure, and much more.  The support given to me by the medical professionals, and the small group of relatives and close friends who have been walking this path with me since January has been uplifting. 

   If you would like to contact me with words of encouragement, or suggestions based on your own experiences, or just to say hello, please use this personal email address that comes to our home computer: elainescruggs09@cox.net

Sincerely,

Elaine Scruggs

Mayor, Glendale AZ

Society of Chest Pain Centers grants full accreditation to

West Valley Hospital as a Chest Pain Center

Goodyear , Ariz. – ( June 3, 2009 ) – On April 28, 2009 , West Valley Hospital Cycle II Chest Pain Center Accreditation from the Society of Chest Pain Centers. 

According to the Society of Chest Pain Centers, the chest pain accreditation process begins with the accreditation tool, which is a document detailing the key elements critical to the care of patients with acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ).  The content of the accreditation tool is derived from peer-reviewed literature, professional society guidelines and the body of clinical acumen of participating clinicians.  The review criteria is a product of leading professional societies including the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, American College of Cardiovascular Administrators, Emergency Nurses Association and many others that work in collaboration with the Society of Chest Pain Centers.

  The key areas in which a facility must demonstrate expertise include:

ü      Integration of Emergency Medical System

ü      Timely Diagnosis and Treatment

ü      Skilled personnel that demonstrates competencies

ü      Evaluation of facility and administration’s commitment to quality and community outreach

“Our dedication to the highest quality outcomes and standards for our cardiac patients is evidenced by this accreditation,” says CEO Jo Adkins.  “Accreditation is granted only to those facilities, like West Valley Hospital , whose Chest Pain Center meets or exceeds the criteria established by the formal accreditation committee.”

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

About West Valley Hospital— West Valley Hospital 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.

July Teen Programs at Velma Teague Library

GLENDALE, Ariz. –Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., is planning the following free activities for young adults, ages 12-18, in July:

Bored? Teens, ages 12-18, can enjoy Game On @ the Teague, a free afternoon of video games. Students can stop in the Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., from 3:30-5 p.m. on Tuesday July 7.

Test yourself on game favorites like “Rock Band,” “Guitar Hero” and “Super Smash Bros. Brawl.” Tournaments with prizes will be offered. Feel free to bring your own games (rated E or T only please). No registration is required. Call 623-930-3431 for more information.

Are you looking for something fun to do that can actually make a difference? By joining the Teen Library Council, young adults can earn volunteer service hours, have a good time and meet new people, all while helping to make the library a better place for your peers.

Attend the Thursday, July 16 Teen Library Council Meeting from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave. The library is currently recruiting teens, ages 12-18, to provide input on the selection of books and music for the branch’s teen collection. Council members also participate in the planning of library teen events.

Call 623-930-3431 for more information and to register.

Teens, ages 12-18, take over the library on Friday, July 17 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for a thrilling money-themed night of team competition, music, video games, and free pizza! Drop by the Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., and earn “cash” by completing a series of physical and cerebral challenges including: The $100,000 Dollar Cash Grab, Hangman’s Wheel of Fortune, and Battle of the Video Bands! The team with the most cash winnings at the end of the evening will take home a fabulous movie prize pack! Registration opens 6/29.

Call 623-930-3431 or register online at www.glendaleaz.com/library for this free event.

The monthly meeting of the new “Get Graphic” Teen Book Club will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 at the Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave. Manga and comic book fans will not want to miss this monthly opportunity to talk with other teens about their favorite graphic reads! Bring along a graphic novel or comic book of your choice. Snacks will be provided. Ages 12-18. Call 623-930-3431 to register for this free program.

Warm up your vocal cords and get ready to compete for the title of Library Teen Idol! Drop by the Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, July 27 for an evening of Karaoke fun and prizes. You’ll select the songs that you perform and a panel of judges will decide whether or not you have what it takes to advance to the final round! Registration opens 7/6.

Call 623-930-3431 or register online at www.glendaleaz.com/library for this free event.

Glendale Police Explorer Post 2469 
 A Great Opportunity to Learn and be Involved

If you’re interested in a career in law enforcement and are between the ages of 14 (and graduated from the 8th grade) to 20, then Explorer Post #2469 is for you. The post would like anyone who is interested to attend our next meeting.

The Explorer Post specializes in all aspects of law enforcement including but not limited to: records, communications, crime scene management, accident investigation, and patrol procedures. The post also assists the police department during the city’s major events. They participate in community service projects and work with the alcohol and tobacco enforcement programs.

The Glendale Police Explorer Post #2469 provides a valuable learning experience. Our purpose is to introduce post members to current law enforcement concepts, ideas, and techniques. This is accomplished under the direction of Glendale Police Officers and Post Advisors.

• Meetings:  The post meets every other Thursday night from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.  Meetings are held at 6255 W. Union Hills Dr at the Foothills Glendale Police Station. Class topics include: criminal law, accident investigation, physical training, self defense, patrol procedures, officer safety tactics, etc.
  
  
• Patrol ride-along:  Explorers ride with police officers during their normal shifts. This gives the Explorer an opportunity to view the duties of a patrol officer.
  
  
• Communications:  Explorers work in the Communications Division where they assist dispatchers with emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching.  Explorers are trained in radio procedures.
  
  
• Identification:  Explorers are trained by personnel from the Identification Division. They learn how to collect fingerprints, take photographs, and assist at major crime scenes to preserve evidence.
  
  
• Special Events:  Explorers assist with traffic control and crowd control at various city events such as parades, festivals, Fourth of July activities, and Fiesta Bowl activities.
  
  
• Law Enforcement Explorer Academies:  Every summer we offer opportunities for members to attend the Junior Law Enforcement Explorer Academy (JLEA) and the Arizona Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA). The explorers receive some of the same training that police officers receive at the Police Academy.
  
  
• Law Enforcement Explorer Conferences and Competitions:  Explorer Post #2469 attends as many Law Enforcement Explorer conferences as possible. They also attend various competitions with other law enforcement posts.

The purpose of the post is to explore and prepare for a career in law enforcement.  The post also strives to develop leadership, discipline, physical fitness, teamwork and professional skills for all of its members.

Post #2469 is the oldest law enforcement specialty post in Arizona.  Many of our members have gone on to become law enforcement officers, military officers, detention officers and dispatchers.

We encourage you to consider joining Post #2469 today!

For more information on the Glendale Police Explorer Program please attend our next meeting. Please call the Explorer Information Hotline to verify the meeting schedule has not changed.

Explorer Information Hotline: (623) 930-4414

Contact:
Officer Richard Edwards
Phone: 623-930-3226
REdwards@GlendaleAz.com

GLENDALE OFFERS CHILDREN’S

INTRODUCTORY GOLF PROGRAM

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Looking for summer activities for your child? Get them outdoors and learning something new with Glendale Parks & Recreation Department’s Hook a Kid on Golf clinic.

The week-long program is an introductory clinic that teaches golf skill development to kids who may not have had the opportunity to learn yet. It is a complete introduction to the sport, including group lessons, a set of golf clubs and a golf bag, apparel, hat and golf balls, all for just $200 for Glendale residents, or $240 for non-residents.

The sessions, which are all 8-11 a.m., available are:

June 8-12, Glen Lakes Municipal Golf Course, 5450 W. Northern Ave. (sign up by June 4/code #433111-11)

June 22-26, Desert Mirage Golf Course, 8710 W. Maryland Ave. (sign up by June 12/code #433111-21)

July 13-17, Glen Lakes Municipal Golf Course, 5450 W. Northern Ave. (sign up by July 2/code #433111-31)

July 20-24, Desert Mirage Golf Course, 8710 W. Maryland Ave. (sign up by July 10/code # code #433111-41)

To register, visit www.glendaleaz.com/parksandrecreation  or call 623-930-2820.

Register Now for Summer Youth Classes 
Offered by Glendale Parks and Recreation Department

         GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Glendale Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registration for the summer session of youth classes.  Over 73 different classes are available.

         Classes are available in the areas of cultural arts, music, exercise and sports, personal development and dance.  Examples of classes include Super Singing!, Design Your Own T-Shirt & More, Drumline I, Beginning Youth Guitar, Musical Theater, Kids’ Cooking, Ballet & Tap, Kids Jazz/Hip Hop, Cheerleading, Tumbling for Tots, Korean Karate and Juniors Golf School at Glen Lakes.

Classes begin in June.  Days and times vary by class with many of them lasting 6 to 8 weeks.  Classes are held in a variety of locations throughout Glendale.  

Calling all glendale businesses: Now is 
the time to sign up for Shop Glendale 2009

            GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Are you looking for an easy and inexpensive way to boost your business during this economic climate? The Shop Glendale campaign is returning and this time it will be bigger and better.

             Businesses that sign up will be part of a program that inspires residents and visitors to choose Glendale as the location to spend their shopping, dining and activity dollars in an effort to bolster the economy.

The program also promotes spending in Glendale so that tax dollars used will support city services and help grow city amenities and programs. 

This year, the campaign will run the entire year, rather than just three months, and discounts will be valid every day, rather than one day per week.

Additional benefits for businesses will include participation in monthly “Glendeals” and monthly themes; a listing on the Shop Glendale Web site; Shop Glendale collateral (posters, buttons, brochures); and inclusion in comprehensive Shop Glendale advertising.

There is no fee to join the program, but participating businesses must donate a gift certificate or applicable merchandise valued at $25; the gift certificates must be valid through December 2010. On a monthly basis shoppers will be eligible to win the donated prizes when they pick up their card. A new feature this year via the Internet will allow customers to download a Shop Glendale card.

Last year, approximately 57 percent of the participants were first time visitors to downtown Glendale. The Glendale Visitor Center assisted 2,574 walk in visitors during the Shop Glendale campaign. The Shop Glendale link received 67,832 visits on www.visitglendaleaz.com.

Benfica Soccer Academy to Conduct Tryouts for the 2009/10 Youth Soccer Season

Get Out and Get in the Game

Arizona, May 2009 – Benfica Soccer Academy Tryouts for the 2009/10 season will be held on May and June. Children ages 7 to 16 years old that live within the Maricopa County area are eligible to enroll to play soccer.

Tryouts will be held at Scottsdale Sports Complex. At least one parent or legal guardian must be present, with proof of residence, and an original or state-certified copy of the child’s birth certificate. The documents will be inspected and returned at the tryouts. For more information, including a description of the tryouts evaluations, call BSA at 623-935-0661.

Benfica Soccer Academy is a proud member of US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the United States. For more information on Benfica Soccer Academy visit www.azbenfica.org 

What: BSA Soccer Tryouts – Ages 7-16 Boys & Girls

Where: Scottsdale Sports Complex Field #5 in Scottsdale, Arizona (former Cap Basin) and Friendship Park Complex in Avondale, Arizona

 

When: May and June – Monday to Thursday 5pm to 8pm

For more information: 623-935-0661 or filipe@azbenfica.org

###

About Benfica Soccer Academy- is a proud member of US Youth Soccer, the largest youth sports organization in the United States. Benfica Soccer Academy registers players ages 7 to 16, and offer programs that provide a fun, safe and healthy environment for players at every level of the game, developmental and competitive.

 

Garry Disher's Appearance for Authors @ The Teague

Glendale Child Safety Fair   -   Event, May 12th

Sara Steffen, Glendale Fire Crisis Response Coordinator finishes the install of a car seat.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Safety was the word of the day as several families with children took part in Glendale’s Child Safety Fair on Tuesday, May 12th,  at the Boys and Girls Club located near 63rd Avenue and Maryland in Glendale. The efforts were led by the Glendale Fire and Police Departments and also included Southwest Ambulance, Safe Kids Coalition and Sanderson Ford. Glendale Fire and the Safe Kids Coalition hosted a car seat event as part of the fair and installed a total of 22 car seats in the two hour event. Glendale Fire Department also distributed 288 smoke alarms which was made possible by a Glendale Weed and Seed Grant. “This event was a partnership with several agencies that have a vested interest in the safety of our community and we were happy to be a part of it,” said Lisa Kutis, Glendale Fire Department Community Relations Coordinator. The Glendale Police Department took this opportunity to teach children internet safety and several other safety measures. Glendale Police also did fingerprinting and Child ID’s for several children who attended.

“OUR GOAL IS FOR GLENDALE TO BE THE SAFEST CITY IN THE COUNTRY TO HAVE A CARDIAC EMERGENCY”

Photo: Cardiac arrest survivor, Daniel Lane, learns CCC-CPR with Glendale Fire Captain Mark Manor.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), in Glendale, the layperson bystander CPR rate was a high 31% in 2008 compared to 23% in 2007. According to ADHS, typically less than 20% of bystanders do any CPR in the state of Arizona.

Since November 2007, the Glendale Fire Department has aggressively trained the public in CCC, a new life saving method. In all, over 1,700 residents have been to a free CCC class in Glendale. Thousands more have been informed of the new technique through several media outlets to encourage people to embrace the simple new method. “It’s safe, it’s easy, and it’s legal. It requires no mouth-to-mouth contact,” said Mark Burdick, Glendale Fire Chief.  “Chances for someone to survive a cardiac arrest quadruples when bystander CPR takes place. In 2008 the layperson bystander CPR rate was 31% in Glendale and our goal is to improve on that number as we continue to train as many people CCC-CPR as possible,” Chief Burdick continued.

CCC-CPR was developed through extensive research at UA Sarver Heart Center. It was discovered through research that there is enough oxygen in the lungs of a cardiac arrest patient to keep the heart and brain alive for several minutes as long as the heart is being compressed. In Glendale, bystanders are encouraged to simply call 911 and do chest compressions until firefighters arrive. Free class information can be found at www.azshare.gov

Sidewalk Stargazing for Everyone

GLENDALE, Ariz. – “Sidewalk Stargazing” will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1 in the auditorium of Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.

Tony and Carole La Conte, self-described guides to the night sky, will show the public what any novice can see from one’s own backyard.

Weather permitting, telescope and binocular viewing will follow the free program. Telescopes will be provided or attendees may bring their own viewing equipment.

“This will be a free and fun evening for the whole family,” says Adult Programming Librarian Anne Owens.

Tony La Conte is a “Solar System Ambassador,” one of seven Arizonans chosen to organize public educational events about solar system exploration.

The La Contes return to the library on July 6 and August 3.

May Teen Programs at Velma Teague Library

GLENDALE, Ariz. –Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., is planning the following free activities for young adults, ages 12-18, in May: Click above link.

June Teen Programs at Velma Teague Library

GLENDALE, Ariz. –Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010 N. 58th Ave., is planning the following free activities for young adults, ages 12-18, in June: Click above link.

Summer Money Talks at Glendale’s Main and Velma Teague Libraries

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Consumer Credit Counseling Services is continuing its series of Money Talks over the summer with Glendale Public Library. The following free seminars will be held at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., and Velma Teague Branch Library, 7010N. 58th Ave.:

Credit Reports and Credit Scores – Learn how to obtain, read and understand your credit report and how to dispute inaccurate information. Discover how your credit score can affect more than your ability to establish or re-establish credit.

June 1, 9:30 a.m., Velma Teague Branch

June 4, 10 a.m., Main Library (large meeting room)

Couples and Money – Whether you are planning to get married or have been married for a long time, some couples never get around to having "The Talk." Learn how to communicate with your partner about money. This class covers communication, assessing your combined finances, setting priorities and goals, determining your new budget, deciding on a plan of action and making the commitment.

June 15, 9:30 a.m., Velma Teague Branch

July 16, 6 p.m., Main Library (large meeting room)

Understanding Money and Credit – Through careful planning and use of money management skills, one can feel more confident about the ability to live within one’s means, handle emergencies, reduce debt and save for the future.

August 20, 6 p.m., Main Library (large meeting room)

Reservations are not necessary to attend these free classes. For more information, call Velma Teague Branch at 623-930-3431 or the Main Library at 623-930-3531.

Free July 2009 Programming at the Glendale Public Library For Children & Teens

 Click above link.

Film/Discussion Series Highlights Classic Movies May - July
1930s to the present at Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave. 

GLENDALE, Ariz. –Film scholar Jeannie Berg, an instructor at both Glendale and Scottsdale Community Colleges, is back for a fourth year to lead viewings and discussions about classic films from the 1930s to the present at Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave. The cinema screenings are at 1 p.m., starting May 30 and continuing on consecutive Saturdays through July 25.

“The 2009 film series has representative films from each decade, beginning in the 1930s,” says Berg. All of the films have a comedic theme.

The scheduled movies are:

May 30 – “Bringing Up Baby” (1938) This screwball comedy brings a scatterbrained young woman (Katherine Hepburn) together with a stuffy paleontologist (Cary Grant). Throw in a pet leopard named Baby, an escaped circus leopard (definitely not a pet), a yappy terrier who steals and buries an irreplaceable dinosaur bone, and a cast of fun characters, and mayhem ensues. Not rated; 102 minutes

June 6 – “Arsenic and Old Lace” (1944) Frank Capra directed this frenzied black comedy. The slapstick film, starring Cary Grant, has murderous aunts compassionately serving up elderberry wine to elderly gentlemen - with their crazy nephew assisting by burying the unfortunate victims, is unlike most of the other reform-minded Capra films. Not rated; 118 minutes

June 13 – “Some Like It Hot” (1959) Two musicians (Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis) are witnesses to the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. They have to get out of town fast. They disguise themselves as women and join an all-girl band, which is heading by train to Miami. Misadventures abound in this award-winning comedy that also stars Marilyn Monroe. Not rated; 121 minutes

June 20 – “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) Blake Edward directed Truman Capote’s story about flighty Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn). Holly, who lives in New York City, makes her living in two ways: $50 from her dates when she makes a trip to the powder room and $100 a trip to Sing Sing Prison to visit Sally Tomato, an ex-mobster. A young writer (George Peppard) moves into Holly’s apartment building and become quickly fascinated with his quirky neighbor. Not rated; 114 minutes

June 27 – “American Graffiti” (1973) This quintessential coming-of-age story, set in 1962 in California, follows two high school grads (Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard) on a fateful night before they leave for college. This comedy-drama was directed by George Lucas. Rated “PG”; 112 minutes

July 11 – “Tootsie” (1982) Unemployed actor (Dustin Hoffman), who has a reputation of being hard to work with, takes drastic measures to get his next role. Disguising himself as a woman, he lands a role in a soap opera and becomes an overnight success. But then what does he do? The comedy-drama also starred Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman and Bill Murray. Rated “PG”; 110 minutes

July 18 – “Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994) Hugh Grant burst onto the American film scene in this wacky romantic comedy set in England. Confirmed bachelor (Grant) unexpectedly meets the perfect woman (Andie MacDowell) at a wedding, but it is not happily ever after. He and his friends and family members continue to have riotous adventures at wedding after wedding, until a funeral of one of the group occurs. “R” rating; 116 minutes

July 25 – “Calendar Girls” (2003) A Women's Institute chapter's fundraising effort for a local hospital by posing nude for a calendar becomes a media sensation. This British comedy-drama stars Helen Mirren and Julie Walters. “PG-13” rating; 108 minutes

Berg has been teaching college courses in film and mass communication for the past seven years. She previously taught screenwriting, television and theatre classes. In California, she worked in marketing and public relations for Warner Bros. Studios. She has also served as a judge for the Arizona Film Commission’s annual “Film in Arizona Screenwriting Competition” for three years and for the 2004 Phoenix Film Festival.

The programs are free. Call 623-930-3844 for more information.

IEEE 125 Year Anniversary

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

The official IEEE anniversary date is 13 May 2009. Join us throughout the year as we celebrate 125 years of innovation and ingenuity with special events online and across the globe. Whether you participate in a local celebration, or contribute to our online message boards and contests, everyone can be a part of IEEE’s Anniversary Celebration.

Who is IEEE?

The IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional association. Through its more than 375,000 members in 160 countries, the organization, its members, its volunteers and its associates have made a difference in everyday life.

IEEE is a leading authority on a wide variety of technical areas ranging from biomedical engineering, clocks, telecommunications, computing and robotics to power, software, consumer electronics and defense.

Dedicated to the advancement of technology, IEEE:

1. Publishes about 30 percent of the world’s literature in the electrical and electronics engineering and computer science fields
2.  
3. Leads the development of international standards that support many of today's products and services - with an active portfolio of nearly 1,300 standards and projects under development
4. Sponsors or cosponsors more than 850 conferences worldwide where the latest technology advancements are unveiled
5.  
6. Provides a forum for professionals to interact, collaborate and generate new ideas and concepts that will change the world

Why Celebrate IEEE’s 125th?

By celebrating this milestone anniversary, you honor the countless contributions that IEEE members and the technology profession have made that have changed the world, and support the development of future technologies that will benefit humanity.

Get involved in IEEE's 125th Anniversary Celebration and take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of something special! By celebrating with us you’ll be able to see what your colleagues are doing, take advantage of excellent networking opportunities and participate in something truly unforgettable.

Click to Learn about IEEE's history

Note - Ed Sharpe Publisher and Chief  Engineer at Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV Is an IEEE Senior Member. 

The official IEEE anniversary date is 13 May 2009. Join us throughout the year as we celebrate 125 years of 
innovation and ingenuity with special events online and across the globe.  http://www.ieee125.org/ 

Blood Moon by Garry Disher

Garry Disher's Blood Moon is worth reading for a number of reasons. How many crime novels have you read lately set in Australia? How many of them have a well-developed cast of police in a modern police procedural? How many of those books are written by the winner of the Ned Kelly Award for Best Australian Crime Novel?

Even if you haven't read the four novels that preceded Blood Moon in the series, you can pick the storyline up easily. It doesn't take long to like Detective Inspector Hal Challis. He and Sergeant Ellen Destry just started living together. Since he's her boss, they are not yet sure what problems they'll face.

But, for the police department in Waterloo, on the Peninsula, southeast of Melbourne, the first problem they face is Schoolies Week. It's similar to our spring break, but students who just finished their twelfth year exams take off to the coastal communities to party. As students converge, the force tries to help with all of the typical crimes associated with students and townspeople, including date rape.

At the same time, they have a case that catches the attention of the press and politicians when the chaplain at a prestigious school is found beaten, in a coma, on his front lawn. The case of a missing woman seems minor, but the small force may find themselves with murder on their hands.

As in all good police procedures, the police deal with a number of crimes at the same time. As Disher tells of those stories, he skillfully develops the characters of different officers. And, he does an excellent job revealing Hal Challis' past and his character, in short glimpses. Challis didn't like attention. "He liked to slip through life unnoticed." And, his thoughts about his work are interesting. "The job promised continued human misery and droning days." Then there's the comment about "Paperwork that swamped his days and gave him a permanent low-level sense of anxiety and aggravation." But, maybe this is the most insightful comment that Hal was a private man whose "Daily work demanded that he uncover people's secrets."

Blood Moon is all about secrets. It's about Ellen Destry's secrets that might shock the reader. Other officers have secrets that are revealed in the course of the book. Then there are all the little secrets in people's lives that lead to violence. It's a powerful book about secrets that come to light under Australia's, and Garry Disher's, Blood Moon.



Blood Moon by Garry Disher. Soho Press, ©2009. ISBN 9781569475638 (hardcover), 386p.


lholstine@yahoo.com
book blog: http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com
Twitter @LesaHolstine

"Libraries are the best value you can get for your tax dollars." - Lorna Barrett, Bookmarked for Death

Historic Downtown Celebrated Moms on Saturday, May 9^{th
 Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Planet} 

Courtesy City of Glendale

Historic Downtown celebrated Moms on Saturday, May 9^th. More than 1,000 moms with their friends and families visited the downtown to participate in the flower trail, specialty lunches and shopping. Entertainment was featured throughout the downtown including henna art, caricature artist, an accordion player, Come Back Buddy and stiltwalkers. This was the 2^nd Mother’s Day Celebration in downtown Glendale. The event began last year to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Mother’s Day. “Our Mother’s Day celebration was a fun filled day and a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the unique aspects of Downtown Glendale,” said Lorraine Pino, Tourism Manager.

Sue Berntsen with flowers, Becky Shady dispensing bags with Patricia Moore 
(L-last photo) and Nancy Houck (in blue) handing out maps  to the visitors
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Here! Start your celebration at the Glendale Visitor Center and pick up a beautiful flower, event map and goodie bag. Many of the downtown shops and restaurants featured discounts and giveaways, free flowers and special Mother’s Day gift ideas, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m

Fun Fact
Anna Jarvis is credited with beginning the Mother's Day celebration in 1908 with special events held in Grafton West Virginia, and Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Jarvis handed out flowers at her Methodist church in honor of her late Mother.

An Afternoon at
Kimberly Ann’s Victorian Tea Room
7153 N. 59th Ave 623-934-1106
.

May Collins busy at work in the kitchen

       
Left, May Collins, owner of Kimberly Ann's Tearoom with a wonderful lunch plate and Right, Mariana Emmert  shows us  a wonderful assortment of scones, fruit  and finger sandwiches.
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Ruth Donaldson 99, who is the same age as the city of Glendale (they will both be 100 soon!) and her daughter Carol Brady,, enjoy a mother-daughter tea at Kimberly Ann's Tea Room in Catlin Court. Mariana Emmert brings to the table a wonderful assortment of scones, fruit and finger sandwiches.
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Roger and Patricia Moore, who are both volunteers at the Glendale Visitor Center (see one of the above photos),
 get a chance to enjoy a nice quiet lunch  at Kimberly Ann's Tearoom at the end of the day! 
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Kimberly Ann’s  served high tea for Mother’s Day weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The high tea included strawberry walnut salad, an assortment of fresh fruit, an assortment of homemade pastries, and 8 finger sandwiches per person, scone, lemon curd Devonshire cream and a pot of loose leaf tea. Cost was $25 per person including tax and gratuity. Reservations were required. 

.
Miracle Haven featured a Mom & Daughter Tutu’s
 & Cupcakes Tea Party with fairytale theme
Miracle Haven
5845 W. Palmaire Ave

Come Back Buddy  Rocked and Rolled Outside  
The Cottage Garden II
7162 N. 58th Ave.  623-847-5262

Come Back Buddy band members are  Janine Mike Randall 
(on bass) Mike Randall (on lead)  and Don Rinehart (on drums)
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

     
Don Rinehart, Janine  Randall and Mike Randall 
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

 
Come Back Buddy band members are  Janine  Randall 
(on bass) Mike Randall (on lead)  and Don Rinehart (on drums).
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

 
Janine  Randall  (on bass) Mike Randall (on lead)  and Don Rinehart (on drums).
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Tony Putrino on Accordion strolled over and joined in!  Come Back Buddy band members 
are  Janine Mike Randall (on bass) Mike Randall (on lead)  and Don Rinehart (on drums)
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Tami and Don Rinehart 

^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Mike Randall          ^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Come Back Buddy has played class reunions, graduation parties, retirement celebrations, birthdays (all ages), weddings & receptions, anniversaries and special events such as New Year's, July 4th, Christmas & Holiday parties. 

The band's purpose is to add a fun musical atmosphere to any event. For some, Come Back Buddy is an education in nostalgia, while for others it's a walk down memory lane. So, if you're looking to turn back the clock or simply want to hear some of the great hits and music from the fabulous 50's, Come Back Buddy is the band for you!

UPCOMING ON MAY 21 - SAME LOCATION!


That Thursday Thing - Girl's
Night Out Pajama & Tiara Party
Cottage Garden II
Downtown Glendale, AZ
May 21, 2009
5:00-8:00pm
www.visitglendale.com/events/index.html

http://www.comebackbuddy.com/ for more info and  upcoming venues

Tall man Taylor, Stiltwalker, was seen in every part of  Downtown Glendale
I had to look way up to get this photo! He's tall!
^{Photo © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

  
John Munson, Caricature Artist  at A Touch of European Café, draws Teresa, Luis and Nora
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

   
Barbara Taylor, Henna Artist at  Bears & More, Finishes a Henna Tattoo on Audrey Harpe of Peoria
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Tony Putrino on Accordion Strolled Throughout Downtown Glendale
^{Photo © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Papa Ed's Ice Cream Parlor
7146-B N. 58th Avenue (623) 915-4438

Meanwhile at Papa Ed's Ice Cream Parlor, Linda Moran-Whittley, owner, always has 
free samples of the delicious Ice Cream for visitors like Caterina Russ of Avondale to try out!
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

The Last Stop - Get Our Flowers Wrapped!
 Glendale Flowers 7145 N 58th D.

Maureen Wilson, owner of Glendale Flowers prepares a beautiful bouquet of flowers.  After the visitors to the area had collected up flowers at other shops they would end up at Glendale flowers to have them wrapped.
^{Photo © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

 
Beth Francisco (l),  Katherine Bradley (m) and Nina Dhehatalyn (r)
 work to get mother's day arrangements ready to ship out.
^{Photos © Ed Sharpe - Glendale Daily Plant}

Glendale Flowers has been proudly serving Glendale since 1939. A charming, old fashioned flower shop in the heart of Glendale's antique district, we pride ourselves on nostalgic, personalized service for every customer. If you don't see it on our website, give us a call! Fresh flower arrangements and beautiful green plants available for carry out every day. Please call ahead for custom orders. 

Arizona Governor Brewer's 
5 Point Budget Plan

"That's' 5!"

Video of the  program at Midwestern University 5-08-09

 Lots of photos and a story 

In Edit!!

Lesa Holstine, Book Editor for the Glendale Daily Planet,
 just won the Spinetingler Award for 2009 as Best Reviewer.

 Spinetingler is an online e-zine, specializing in crime fiction. This is the second year for the awards, voted on by readers of the magazine.

Holstine was nominated for Best Reviewer, competing with Ali Karim, Larry Gandle, Karen Chisholm, and Glenn Harper. She was recognized for her blog, Lesa's Book Critiques, at http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com.  Holstine is not only Book Editor of the Glendale Daily Planet, but also a reviewer for Library Journal.


Publishers Note:  Lesa is our esteemed addition to the Glendale Daily Planet and we  congratulate her on this award she has received! 

Her work here is a subset of her blog activities as here we concentrate on books about AZ, by AZ authors,  or authors that Have come to speak at the Velma Teague Library here in Glendale.  

Her work here is just the start of what  she offers.   See all of it at her award winning Blog!  --Ed Sharpe

"Libraries are the best value you can get for your tax dollars." - Lorna Barrett, Bookmarked for Death

watch the  entire hearing! HERE>>  The Future of Journalism

NABI "CHASING THE SUN" 10K & POW WOW
 A Great Event Visits Glendale Arizona at
University of Phoenix Stadium May 1-3

Bidwill photo courtesy Red Note Inc. -  All other photos by Bette Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Maggie Black Kettle, Siksika Nation, Siksika, Alberta, Canada
 - Maggie is 94 years old and the oldest participant.

Arizona Cardinals Club President Michael Bidwell being honored by Pow Wow participants at the NABI Chasing the Sun Pow Wow at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale

Money is placed at the feet of the person being honored as a way of showing thanks – in this case for welcoming them into the Cardinals home.  The money was then presented to the Drum group who sang the honor song by Mr. Bidwell. 

Dancing, Looking and Enjoying......

Drumming and Singing......

Judging...

 NABI announced that  the 2nd Annual "Chasing the Sun" 10K and Pow Wow will kick off on April 15th -18th, 2010. 

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.

Glendale Public Library Summer Reading Brings Fun for Children and Teens

Glendale, Ariz. – Summer heat means summer reading!  Glendale Public Library’s annual free summer reading programs for children and teens begin on May 26.

            Read Your Way to the Ballpark, sponsored by The Arizona Republic and the Arizona Diamondbacks, is celebrating its 10th anniversary of reading for incentive prizes and a free ticket to a Diamondback’s game at the completion of the nine-week program.

            As in past years, the program will have a division for both younger readers and teen readers, each with age appropriate prizes and game boards.   Tickets earned via the program are for the reading participant only; families/guardians requiring additional tickets will need to purchase them through the Arizona Diamondbacks ticket office.

            This year the teens’ program, Express Yourself, has gone online. Prizes include items from Harkins, Sonic and Chipotle and more! Three Kodak Easy Share Digital Cameras will be given out as grand prizes. Express Yourself is open to youths, ages 12-18.

            To register for the youth program, pick up a game board at the closest Glendale library. Teens can sign up online at www.glendaleaz.com/library/teen or at the library. The reading incentive programs end on July 25.

            Summer is often an extended time period when reading skills gained throughout the academic year are not used, thus the value of a well placed and entertaining literacy program is welcome by parents and educators alike. Remember, the library is a “cool” spot to be when it’s hot outside.

            But reading is not the only fun activity at the library. Summertime brings a plethora of free activities for youngsters of all ages – almost every day of the week, both daytime and evening programs. Whether it is family entertainment, craft programs, storytimes, movies, computer gaming and scores of other programs, children and teens will have endless reasons for wanting to come to the library.

            CLICK to events section to see  examples of the exceptional programs coming in June:

Annette Mahon for Authors@The Teague

It was a pleasure to host Annette Mahon for Authors @ The Teague. As an author, she spoke about her romances and mysteries. As a native of Hilo, Hawaii, she spoke of love for the island, although she now lives in Arizona. And, as a quilter, who uses her quilts in her books, she brought gorgeous quilts to discuss in conjunction with her books.

The audience was very impressed with Annette's Phantom of the Opera quilt. It's autographed by the cast members who appeared here at Gammage Auditorium, and the actor who signed as the Phantom, was playing the Phantom when Mahon saw it in NYC.



Mahon said she always brings quilts along to her talks because she is "all about them". Two recent romances, Dolphin Dreams, and Holiday Dreams, are the first two in "The Matchmaker Quilt Trilogy." She said she's way behind in the third book due to personal reasons. But, this is a series about three sisters that their mother called her gems. She named them Jade, Momi (Hawaiian for Pearl), and Ruby. An old Hawaiian quilt has been handed down in the family, through the female line. This is the first time the family has had three sisters in the family. When the first girl gets the quilt, she meets her true love.

Above the Rainbow, Mahon's first romance, featured a woman in a quilt shop. An architect was to renovate the building, and, naturally the tenants worry. So, this one was set up with conflict between the two main characters. Three books later, that woman's cousin took over the quilt shop, in Chase Your Dreams. When Mahon wrote that book, she described material used for a quilt. She was surprised to find material that met her description, so she made a quilt from it.



Annette Mahon's romances deal with Hawaiian culture. Her characters put themselves into their quilts, their spirit. And, then the Hawaiian ancestors come back and visit in dreams, giving them advice. The sisters in the Matchmaker Quilt series dream when the sleep under the heritage quilt made by their great-grandmother. In Dolphin Dreams, a dolphin is the aumakua, the family totem, and the main character dreams about them. Annette said she tries to write about the real Hawaii. The women are local, so they are multicultural. The heroes vary as to ethnicity.

The six books in Mahon's Secret Romance series all have pink covers. Those books are set in Malino, a fictional small town in Hawaii. Mahon said she likes that town, and she may return to it. Her characters include a wedding consultant, a waitress, a bank teller and a beautician. In the most recent book in the series, The Secret Correspondence, the heroine works in a care center, and secretly corresponds with the son of the one of the patients.

Annette Mahon writes and publishes with Avalon. She said all of her books are still in print, an advantage when writing for smaller publishers. The books are available for a long time. Avalon publishes for romances, traditional mysteries and westerns for the library market.

According to Mahon, she always liked romances and mysteries. She wanted to write a mystery about older ladies who quilted together, but the first book just went nowhere for her. Then, she came up with Maggie Brown, the driving force behind the quilt group. In the first mystery, A Phantom Death, an actor who grew up in the Phoenix area is found dead in the desert, and he was appearing in Phantom of the Opera. Maggie knew the young man, whose body was found near her former house. She now lives in Old Town Scottsdale.

Since so many mysteries include recipes, Mahon said she thought she'd include quilt blocks in her mysteries. Then, when she was working on it, Phantom of the Opera came to Gammage Auditorium in Tempe. So, Mahon stood at the stage door, and eventually had the cast sign the blocks for her quilt.



In Ominous Death, one of the members of the quilt group is in a care home. She knows how the "Angel of Death" has killed people in care homes, and she's convinced she's going to die. When someone else dies, she's a suspect, and the members of the St. Rose Quilting Bee have to prove that one of their own is not the killer. Annette said she enjoys making quilts to go with the books, including the lap quilt she made for this one, because lap quilts are perfect for a care center in a cozy mystery.



The third book in this series, Bits and Pieces, is scheduled for publication in January 2010. It's based on The Robert William Fisher case in Scottsdale, in which a woman and her children were killed when the house exploded, and the husband is the suspect, a fugitive. In this mystery, one of the members of the quilt group sees the husband in Big Mart, and follows him when he leaves the story.

When Annette was asked about her background, she said she was born and raised in Hawaii, and is third generation. She's from Hilo. When she went to Left Coast Crime in March, held on the Big Island, she decided she wanted to bring the quilters to the island. She'd like to set her next mystery there, and send the quilters to a quilt camp. She's working on how to bring her quilters to Hawaii because she has problems with taking the group. Do spouses go? Is it just the church quilt group, or other people from the church?

Annette said she went to Syracuse, New York to college. She went to library school, and she worked in public libraries. But, like so many women, she couldn't get a job in Hawaii. So, she got a job in New York, then met and married her husband. She said there are a lot of Hawaiians in the Valley, over 200 of them in a club. They hold the Aloha Festival in March in Tempe Town Lake, and tens of thousands of people attend.

When she was asked how she got started, Annette said she was always a big reader. When her husband met some of her classmates, he asked them what they remembered about her, and they said Annette always had a book. She said she loved the Beatles song, "Paperback Writer," and that was her pie in the sky dream, to have books in paperback. And her mysteries have come out in paperback.

Annette said she didn't start writing early. She went to parochial school, and had self-esteem issues. She started writing in her 40s, when her third daughter was born. She wanted to write romantic suspense in the heyday of romance, but her first book was only one third of the length it should be, and it will never see the light of day. Then she joined Romance Writers of America. She just never had a good idea for a romantic suspense novel, although she likes to read them.

She attended conferences, and had been writing partials, a synopsis and three chapters. Someone finally told her she needed to write the entire book. So, for her first book, she followed the advice, write what you know. She wrote a romance set in Hawaii, in a quilt shop. It sold, and then the editor wanted to know what else she had. The only thing she was working on was also set there, and she didn't think they'd want a second novel set in Hawaii, but she was wrong. They were looking for multicultural books set in Hawaii. In answer to a question, she said she'd never had an agent. According to Mahon, you don't need an agent for romance. She said you do for mysteries, but she's been trying, and she can't get one. It's harder to get an agent than to sell a book. She said you don't need an agent for the type of romances published by Avalon. They do romance, traditional mystery and westerns. At one time, they did career romances. Word count for Avalon is 50,000-70,000, with the mysteries and historical romances on the longer end of the scale.

Annette said she met her editor at a conference, and sent it the manuscript at her request. Then, she didn't hear, and when she contacted her, it turned out they had lost it. Mahon sent it in again, and they bought it. She said she doesn't make a lot of money; it barely covers expenses. And, if she goes to conferences, she goes in the hole. But, she always wanted to write.

Annette Mahon ended her program by saying in her "older years", she knows she's had a wonderful life. She answered a questionnaire from high school, "What did you want to do in high school? Did you accomplish it?" She wanted to graduate from college, have a family, and write. She's done all three, and Annette Mahon has sixteen books to her credit.

Hawaii, quilts, mysteries and romance. With Annette Mahon as the speaker, it was a successful Authors @ The Teague program.


lholstine@yahoo.com
book blog: http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com
Twitter @LesaHolstine

"Libraries are the best value you can get for your tax dollars." - Lorna Barrett, Bookmarked for Death

A Moment With Mary Jo West

Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 8:00am – 11:00am, at the
SW corner of 43rd Ave and Peoria Ave (Target Center)

Glendale, AZ- The Citizens Police Academy Alumni of Glendale (CPAAG) was pleased to present its 1st Annual Summer Safety Fair. The Summer Safety Fair was held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 from 8:00am – 11:00am, at the SW corner of 43rd Ave and Peoria Ave (Target Center) in Glendale, AZ. The Safety Fair was hosted through the generosity of the  Glendale Target store, the Glendale Police Department, the Glendale Fire Department, and the Glendale Transportation Department.

Mayor Elaine Scruggs and Councilmembers Steve Frate and Joyce Clark were on hand to meet with attendees and the Police Explorers were out in force helping out with logistics and passing out water.

Mayor Elaine Scruggs stated: "The Citizens Police Academy Alumni of Glendale (CPAAG) did an outstanding job of presenting their first ever Summer Safety Fair. The event was wonderfully organized, provided a wide variety of useful information, and offered fun for the whole family." She added: " I want to thank them, the Target Store manager and personnel, and all the agencies and sponsors who worked together to create this important experience for the community."

Early in the morning Target staff comes bearing gifts!
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

KNEELING - Stacy Schoch (Target liaison), Virginia Meeker, Becky Shady, Jerry Berntsen, John Bessler

2ND ROW - Sue Berntsen, Judy Fink, Suzanne Warsaw-Warner (white shirt), Monique Lesko, Mayor Elaine Scruggs, Joel Davis

THIRD ROW - Chris Rodriguez, Nelson Fink, Councilman Steve Frate, Michael Cadiz, Milly Doolin, Nikki Colletti, Chief Steve Conrad, Nancy Lennox, Al Lennox (behind pole), Ken Markstrom - Photo by Joel Davis - CPAAG member

Glendale Police Chief Steve Conrad looks out across the scene
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

We asked Glendale Police Chief Steve Conrad about the activities He told us' "This was a first for the Citizens Police Academy Alumni of Glendale. This group, which is a 501c3 non-profit corporation, is made up of graduates of the Glendale Police Department's Citizens Police Academy." He continued, "This group organized the entire event and invited our department, the Glendale Fire Department and Phoenix Police Department to participate ... I'm very proud of them!"

Bob Lasher assisting in the bike rodeo
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

Safety Fairs are not just an event for adults! The best way to teach safety is to start with children when they are young, To this end, the kids who came to the event got a chance to experience a great bike rodeo, which the Foothills Patrol Division CAT personnel put together with the help of a couple of patrol officers from the Foothills Neighborhood Response Squad.

Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President, explains, "Education is also part of our mission. It is one way to assist officers and to create a safer community. We were very pleased to present this free Safety Fair to the public in partnership with our generous sponsors. "

She continues, "Many thanks to Target for allowing us to use their location for easy access as well as their donations to Victims' Assistance. We also want to recognize all the agencies that participated. We are very grateful for their contributions and look forward to working with them again next year!"

Mario arrives!
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

The alumni group used the fair to raise some funding to benefit the West Valley Advocacy Center (WVAC), which among other things, provides support to victims of crime in a safe and comfortable setting. During the event, donations of new children’s clothing and new small toys were accepted to benefit WVAC also.

Millie Doolin and Jason (Target) show off some of the goods
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

One item that is always a hit at any event is the legendary Glendale Fire Department Fire Safety House - training trailer and volunteers were on hand giving tours and safety tips. In charge of demonstrating the trailer was Lisa Kutis, the Community Relations Coordinator for the Glendale Fire Department

Firefighter Daniel Valenzuela, PIO for the Glendale  Fire Department tells us."The Glendale Fire Department is appreciative of the opportunity to be a part of this event. We were able to teach families of the importance of home escape planning with the Glendale Fire Department's Safety Trailer."  He continued, "We also gave demonstrations on continuous chest compressions (CCC). We had a great time," 

 Glendale Fire Department Community Relations Coordinator Lisa Kutis ran the safety trailer for this outing .

Photos from the video footage of Telly award winning
fire_department_safety_house movie Staring Dennis Davis

The 'Safety House' trailer, or 'smoke trailer,' creates non-toxic smoke to help educate families on the importance of escape planning. Once in the trailer, families get some classroom time and are encouraged to stay low as they escape the smoke and flames.

See movie below 
Glendale Daily Planet / KKAT-IPTV 
did with the trailer and Dennis Davis in 2006.

http://www.glendaledailyplanet.com/media/fire_department_safety_house_movie_final1_150kbps.wmv

L to R Virginia Meeker, Becky Shady, Councilwoman Joyce Clark
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

Phoenix Police Department, Cactus Park Precinct, joined in with three officers, one on his motorcycle. a booth with safety materials, brought a parade-size police car and motorcycle for kids to sit on

In addition, for just great wild fun, there was an inflatable for the kids to play on

Officer photographs Police Explorer Scout and the 'tiny police cruiser' during fair setup
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

Police toys?? Mini versions of the real thing!
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

After the event, we asked Chief Conrad what he thought was a 'unique' item at the fair, he smiled. "They have a small police car (child size - kind of like a go-cart) and a small police motorcycle. They were quite a sight!"

L to R John Boone, Nikki Colletti, Councilman Steve Frate
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

Steve Frate, City of Glendale, Councilmember said,"The Citizens Police Academy Alumni did a great job welcoming people and assisting them during the safety fair. Those attending could tell the alumni were having fun while giving back to the community with their time and talent" He continues, " The Target Store parking lot was a great venue for the first citizens police academy safety fair. It was very visible from the street and many people visited the fair before or after shopping."

The doctor is "in" Therapy Dog!
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

Southwest Ambulance
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

Valley Metro brings a bus!
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

Setting up SRP provided trash bins
Photo by Nikki Colletti, CPAAG President

Participating Organizations in the
 CPAAG Summer Safety Fair 2009

Valley Metro – (booth with bike safety materials, assisted with bike rodeo, had a Valley Metro bus on display).

ABOUT CPAAG -Membership and Sponsorship

The Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni of Glendale (CPAAG), a 501c3 non-profit organization is Glendale whose mission is to work in partnership with the City of Glendale Police Department and the residents of our community to help provide a safe and secure environment where the quality of life is enhanced through the delivery of police services.

Membership in the CPAAG is restricted to individuals that have graduated from the Glendale Citizens’ Police Academy. However, there are ways that Glendale businesses and community leaders can get involved and can support the mission of the CPAAG

To participate or be a sponsor of a future Summer Safety Fairor other event, contact the CPAAG at 623-670-5710 or send email to cpaag@qwest.net

MAIN STREET GLENDALE AND USA BASKETBALL FINANCING APPROVED

GLENDALE, Ariz. – La Paz County Industrial Authority has approved $1.2 billion in bond financing for Arizona based HB Equities.  Considered one of the largest bond authority approvals in the state’s history, the bulk of the bonds will be used to fund the Main Street development; a major mixed-use commercial development surrounding the state’s new Camelback Ranch Glendale spring training facility and site of the future USA Basketball headquarters. 

HB Equities submitted four applications to the La Paz County Industrial Development Authority for several economic development projects across the state.  Funding was allocated as follows:

• $792 million for Main Street and Glendale’s USA Basketball Training Facility. The Glendale Main Street development encompasses 283 acres adjacent to the Dodgers/White Sox Spring training facility and consists of five different commercial and residential components. In its entirety, the Glendale Main Street project will total 3.9 million square feet and will include a new Glendale resort/hotel, shops, restaurants, residential living, office space, extended stay hotels, an 18-hole championship golf course and other destination related venues.

• $153 million for expansion and development of the Glendale Municipal Airport, Phoenix-Goodyear Airport and Yuma International Airport.  Development includes new fixed base operations and hangar/office buildings.

• $140 million for the purchase and renovation of the former Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort.
  
• $125 million for the expansion and restructuring of Danny’s Family of Companies, which includes numerous carwash enterprises in the Greater Phoenix Area.

“This project is part of the city’s overall strategy to establish two anchors for Main Street Glendale that are compatible with the development already taking place in the sports and entertainment district,” said Glendale City Manager Ed Beasley. “With financing identified, we are thrilled that construction of the USAB facility could begin in the next several months.”

“This is big for the state and specifically for the City of Glendale,” asserted Danny Hendon, HB Equities’ other principal owner.  “With these bonds we can expand in a very tough time.  We’re eager to get started.”

“With the difficult economic conditions in our state, this investment will create many jobs and will drive economic development in our community,” said Bob Banovac, HB Equities principal. “We stand ready to move ahead and are confident that the projects will be extremely successful.” 

La Paz County is expected to benefit with $12 million in revenue over the life of the bonds with no cost to taxpayers.

HB Equities is a privately held real estate acquisition and development firm owned by principals, Danny Hendon and Robert Banovac.  Both Hendon and Banovac are long-time Arizona residents with 25-plus years of experience in developing retail, office, restaurant, and residential communities.  In addition to projects in Arizona, the company is also involved in projects in California, Hawaii, and Nevada. Dodd Mitchell Design, an award-winning Hollywood based architecture and design firm, will oversee the Mountain Shadows renovations as well as the Main Street Glendale design. www.doddmitchell.com

For information about Main Street Glendale or USA Basketball visit www.glendaleaz.com or www.hbequities.com.

Papa Ed's Ice Cream Donates over $125 to Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Team  - Mystery  Customer Contributes Another $50 --- Everyone Had a 'DOG-GONE Good Time!'--

Photo By Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Linda Moran-Whittley - Papa Ed's Ice Cream, Lynette Jelinek, "Topaz" the dog  and Karla Houston 
of the Glendale Fire Dept. Crisis Response Team.  Topaz is seen here guarding the cash! 
______________________________________________________________________

<Glendale Daily Planet  April 22, 2009>  Wednesday afternoon, Papa Ed's Ice Cream presented a check in the amount of $125.95 to the Glendale Fire Dept. Crisis Response Team.  Accepting the  contribution was Karla Houston, Crisis Response Program Coordinator,  Lynette Jelinek, and "Topaz" the dog from the Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Team.

The "Tip Jar" sitting on the counter in the ice cream parlor has been designated specifically for this wonderful volunteer group from day one. 

Linda the owner of  Papa Ed's tells us. "Thanks to the generosity of our customers we were able to show our appreciation in a big way,  for all the valuable things this group does in our community."

The festive  enthusiasm spread quickly to a special visitor from Michigan who donated another $50.00 right on the spot!   

 A  partnership  between  an Ice Cream Shop and  Fire Department Crisis Response Team  is a unique entity. 

Karla Houston, Crisis Response Program Coordinator explains "Linda Whitley and I met about 2 years ago, before Papa Ed's was open for business.  She called and said she had money for the GFD CR Program and how would I like for her to get it to me.  I was thrilled and very appreciative.  She had read about our Volunteer Program in the paper and decided we were a good cause to donate to."

She continues, "It was right after Glendale’s Teddy Bear Day.  She had placed a jar out with our name on it, during that weekend and people just kept putting money in the jar.  When I went to pick up the check, and met Linda, it seemed like we had known each other forever (even though we had just met at that moment). "

Linda's building took quite a while to remodel to be used as an ice cream parlor. While this was  going on Karla tells us, "She (Linda) was out in her driveway with a Shamrock Ice Cream freezer giving ice cream away and all the people had to do was to donate to the CR Program!"

Photo By Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Linda Moran-Whittley - Papa Ed's Ice Cream and  Karla Houston 
of the Glendale Fire Dept.  Crisis Response Team.

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OK,  You liked Topaz? Here is a little  bit more about him!  

Be sure to check back files on the Glendale Daily Planet and back issues of the Glendale Star for other stories in this remarkable member of the Glendale Fire Department Crisis Response Team.

Topaz, Glendale's "FIRST CRISIS RESPONSE DOG"
Photo Courtesy Glendale Fire Department

The year and a half old yellow lab has been through extensive training and can actually sense when people are frightened or grieving. Topaz is used as a tool for communication. “He actually helps build a therapeutic bridge between the customer and the crisis interventionist,” said Lynette Jelinek, Glendale Fire Human Services Division Manager. “He helps lighten the mood, and bring in a calming effect to a situation that may seem out of control,” Jelinek continued.

Glendale Fire adopted the trained service dog from Paws with a Cause, an organization that trains various service animals for people with disabilities.

Glendale Cactus District Councilman
Phil Lieberman answers
 Gary Hirsch about his
Expense Account 

Photos by Ed Sharpe Glendale Daily Planet

Movie Reviewed: 12 Rounds

By Jamise Liddell- Entertainment Critic april/09

Directed By: Renny Harlin

Starring:  John Cena, Aidan Gillen, Ashley Scott, Steve Harris, Brian J. White, Gonzalo Menendez,

Rated:  Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action

Runtime:  108 minutes

Studio: Twentieth Century Fox

Why the studios didn’t screen 12 Rounds for us critics, I don’t know, cause this is full of adrenalin pumping action, and in all, it wasn’t half bad.  And though the action scenes are impossible to fathom, when you really think about it, what action is plausible?

In the midst of breaking the law, the girlfriend of a murderous criminal master mind Miles Jackson (Gillen) is killed during the police chase.  Jackson swears revenge upon the cop that brought their Bonnie and Clyde like crime spree to an abrupt halt.

Naturally Jackson is also a smart criminal and manages to escape ye old prison yard  to carry out his revenge plan against Detective Danny Fisher.  In a maze of escapades, the goal is this; if the Detective can complete a series of challenges, he can supposedly win the return of his girlfriend Molly Porter (Scott).  Now who believes the criminally insane fool is going to return the officer’s gal pal? 

Not Special Agent George Aiken (Harris), who has been chasing Jackson for many years and cannot seem to catch him.  Because of this Aiken is flat mean, he focuses on the chase, and cares about little else.  Between the jerks on Detective Fishers “good guy” team and the crap the criminal is pulling, you actually wonder how Fisher will squirm out of this one.

Packed with whack action 12 Rounds is a major source of angst and provides the kind of suspense that makes your heart race, as you keep moving forward to the edge of your seat.   Mainly because of all of the explosions, car chases,  riddles and insane confusion. However, the most powerful source of the adrenaline is the hot action star John Cena, who can’t really act, but is so attractive, viral and manly, you just don’t care.  

The situational action and challenges in 12 Rounds make up for all that Cena is lacking in acting ability. In addition to rough acting, 12 Rounds is the 900th film which positions and illustrates to the world that the police are in inefficient idiots and losers.  It is a wonder anyone even Cena, would want to portray a law enforcement agent.

A plus 12 Rounds ends with a bang and the last few scenes are surprising, which is nice for an otherwise clever yet predictable action thriller.  I dare say the action is so intense and exhaustive, I was ready for all the movement to slow down at Round 9.  

“AN ALARMING TALE OF TWO CITIES”
FAMILIES GET FREE SMOKE ALARMS
FROM CITY OF PHOENIX & CITY OF GLENDALE

Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick

The safety of hundreds of families was increased last Saturday, April 4^th, due to the efforts of a mass smoke alarm installation effort in the neighborhoods near 43^rd and Glendale Avenues. The event, which took place in bordering neighborhoods between the cities of Glendale and Phoenix, was sponsored by the Foundation for Burns and Trauma along with The Glendale Fire Department, Phoenix Fire Department, Schaller-Anderson, The United Way, and Food City.

            Firefighters and fire department volunteers along with volunteers from Paradise Valley and Phoenix Community Colleges, M & I Bank and APS installed hundreds of smoke alarms.  In Glendale 146 smoke alarms were installed during the 3 hour event. Firefighters encourage families to install and check smoke alarms to insure safety. A family’s chances of surviving a home fire double when there are working smoke alarms in the home.

            “This is a great event to be a part of. Hundreds of people were out here, not just from the fire department but from several industries. This was not just a fire department event, this was a community event and everyone here made a difference in someone else’s life today and we thank them for their efforts,” said Glendale Fire Chief Mark Burdick. In 2008, at least 34 people died in Arizona due to a residential fire and at least 7 this year have lost their lives in a home fire.  Tips on how to live healthier safer lives can be found on the Glendale Fire Department website, www.glendaleaz.com/fire.

Glendale and Phoenix Installers pick up installation kits and head off to work.

The safety of hundreds of families was increased and  in just the Glendale  zone 146 
alarms were installed. We do not have a count on the Phoenix sector yet.

On Saturday, April 4th, city officials from Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon’s office and Glendale Mayor Elaine Scrugg’s office worked side by side to deliver and install dual sensing smoke alarms to families who need them in the area of 43rd Avenue and Glendale Road. 

  Schaller-Anderson, the Foundation for Burns and Trauma, Food City and the United Way are all sponsored the installation event that will broughty free smoke detectors to families who need them.  Volunteers included workers from Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix Community College, M & I Bank, and SRP.

* The battery in a smoke alarm should be replaced annually, and the smoke alarm, itself, should