Glendale Star 06/22/2023

SPORTS .......... 14

GCU, NAU

FEATURES ....... 20

Belmont

Kelly visits Rose Lane Recreation Center

BY JORDAN ROGERS Glendale Star Managing Editor

The city of Glendale was given $1.3 million in federal funds in February to connect three of its centers to highspeed internet and purchase new equipment for programming.

Sen. Mark Kelly, Sen. Krysten Sinema and Congressman Ruben Gallego helped champion the funds to better the Rose Lane Recreation Center, Glendale Community Center and O’Neil Recreation Center, and Kelly visited Rose Lane on June 16 to see the fruits of his labor.

“Just the capabilities that facilities have now are so bene cial to young people,” Kelly said. “Working with (Mayor) Jerry Weiers and (Glendale Recreation Administrator Manuel Padia) here and my team in Washington and in the state, we were able

to secure some funding to give them the last length of ber-optic cable to provide a very high-speed internet connection, and this can really bene t this community.

“It’s going to help kids get an education, help people transition to a new career, help seniors apply for services that they need with the federal government.”

Kelly said investing in facilities like the Rose Lane Recreation Center, Glendale Community Center and O’Neil Recreation Center means investing in young people and the future of our country.

“Parents need to go to work; kids need to be o the street and doing something productive,” Kelly said. “So that’s where this bene ts not only folks that use this facility and their families, but it bene ts all of us. It

Hotel development coming to Downtown Glendale

BY JORDAN ROGERS Glendale Star Managing Editor

Glendale City Council, during its June 13 meeting, approved an agreement with CivicGroup LLC to build a hotel in Downtown Glendale.

e city-owned property at 7120-7128 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, comprises four parcels encompassing approximately 28,000 square feet directly adjacent to the Glendale Civic Center.

“I’m excited to see upon us a vision I have had for Downtown Glendale for many years,” Councilmember Jamie Aldama said.

“ e addition of a hotel in the Civic Center complex will help accelerate the revitalization of our Downtown.”

Glendale’s Downtown Manager Daniel Sabillon, who leads business attraction and redevelopment activities in the area, said CivicGroup approached the city in late 2022.

“Once we heard their proposition out, of course, we always want to spur development in Downtown and any part of the city,” Sabillon said.

As the project is in the early stages of development, the city is still unsure which company will operate out of the building

once it is completed. at said, Sabillon is looking forward to what a hotel in the heart of Downtown Glendale will bring to the area.

“A hotel brings in di erent customers that may not come to a Downtown area, so it brings fresh eyes,” he said. “What that does, it brings exposure to the businesses down here; and of course businesses are always trying to reach new customers, and a hotel does that. Hotels allow for overnight stays, and what that does is it increases foot tra c.

Sen. Mark Kelly visited the Rose Lane Recreation on June 16 after helping get $1.3 million in federal funding for

prepares these kids for when they eventually going to get out of high school and go to the workforce; they will be better prepared.”

Weiers, who was also in attendance for the facility tour, said he was thankful to partner with Kelly, Sinema and Gallego in getting the centers funding.

“We’re in an area where people don’t have a lot of money, and they need a place for the kids to go; they need a place where they can be secure,” Weiers said. “At the same time, the opportunity to learn, to play and have a good time. Even the parents frequently don’t have access to the internet. So, this provides all that. It’s nice to have a working relationship with Sen. Kelly, with our congressional.

ere are some cities that don’t have that opportunity; we’ve got a great opportunity.

“We’re nonpartisan within the city. We don’t represent Republicans or Democrats or independents. We just represent our people. We’ve got folks on both sides of the aisle that help us, and Sen. Kelly has been a big part of that.”

Kelly echoed Weiers’ sentiment.

“With Mayor Weiers and his sta , it’s been very integrated; we’ve worked very well together,” Kelly said. “And through some programs that we now have in Congress to secure funding for projects like this, Glendale has been able to bene t from that because of the strong partnership between my o ce and the mayor’s o ce.”

Padia said he has already seen a change in the Rose Lane Recreation Center since the city received the funding from the federal government. He grew up playing sports at Rose Lane Park, so he knows exactly how important it is to feed into the area.

“We know that the digital divide is huge in America, we know that especially in communities like this … it’s one of our lowest-income communities and to be able to provide those access and resources to them, it’s going to be phenomenal,” Padia said.

“Some of them want to do these things, but they just don’t know where to start, and a recreation center is probably one of the safest and easiest places to walk into and ask for help. So, for us to be able to provide that to them is going to be ex-

ponentially huge for these communities. We’re seeing families come in, we have waitlists, and each of these recreation centers in this building has a full registration at 75 kids each week with 60 on the waitlist. So, we know that the community needs these services.”

Weiers said he feels as though the work between the city and the federal government can serve as a model to the rest of the state.

“It’s well known that I’m Republican; it’s well known that Mr. Kelly’s not Republican,” Weiers said. “But we do have a good working relationship because he wants to — as bad as I want to — serve our citizens. His citizens are the same as mine. We don’t always agree on how we got there, but in this case, we totally agree on how we got there.”

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City council discusses unlicensed sober living homes

BY JOE McHUGH Glendale Star Staff Writer

At the June 13 workshop session, Glendale City Council discussed the city’s response to unlicensed sober living homes in the city.

e conversation was based around the sta giving the council information on how to handle the situation at hand.

“ ere is a lot of discussion going around right now on sober living homes and what cities, what the state and what federal should be doing as far as how these homes are operating,” Glendale Deputy City Manager Rick St. John said. “

ey are unlicensed for the most part, and because they are unlicensed, they are not a orded the same protections we thought they might be a orded.”

Sober living homes are living environments and facilities that provide housing for people exiting drug rehabilitation programs. Serving as an essential bridge back into society, they provide a vital service to a vulnerable population.

e issue of unlicensed sober living homes, though, can present problems for the city.

Failure of notifying the city about how many people are staying in these homes con icts with re code and building safety regulations. It also makes it di cult for the city to properly regulate these facilities.

Some proposed ideas were the city should enforce these regulations in accordance with the state and federal fair housing laws in association with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Another being recommended action ARS 36582, a proposition that enforces zoning of the houses.

is action attempts to limit the number of people in licensed housing to six or fewer unrelated persons — which is considered a “family” for the purpose of local law and ordinance — as well as ensuring no residential facility shall be established within 1,200-foot radius

from another facility.

roughout the discussion, there was a recommended proposal that council and St. John felt would adequately address the problem according to Glendale city law.

e proposition included an application and fee payment to reserve space needed for the new home that needs to meet the city’s 1,320-foot radius rule; state licensing to operate; a city certi cate of occupancy stating that the building has met the re and building safety code requirements; and obtaining a Class I or Class II city business license pursuant to the city’s zoning ordinance.

Of the proposition, Councilmember Lauren Tolmacho spoke on the behalf of her constituents to gain clarity on the new deal.

“State license to operate is something that we are running into multiple times, at least with residents reaching out to me,” she said. “ ey don’t have

a state license, code has already been door knocked and determined that they don’t have a state license and they don’t have a license with the city … but yet they continue to operate.”

e solution to this is a thorough investigation process.

Failure to abide by the city code will be a three-step enforcement process, including two inspections and notices of violations, then a civil citation if the facility is still operating seven days after the second notice. If the facility continues operation after the civil citation, then the enforcement will move to criminal status.

With all of these considerations in mind, the council asked questions about the licensing waiting period, how enforcement will know if there is a facility that is unlicensed and the speci cs about how to operate on facilities today.

e discussion ended with the idea to bring forward a progress report and revisit the topic in 90 days.

Glendale native supports 123-year tradition of service under the sea

BY CMDR. ANTHONY FALVO

Navy Office of Community Outreach

Submariners make up only 10% of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence.

Seaman Apprentice Ignacio Ascencio-Garduno, a native of Glendale, is one of the sailors supporting a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Ascencio-Garduno joined the Navy one year ago and today serves as a missile technician with Trident Training Facility Kings Bay.

“I joined the Navy with a friend to expand beyond my hometown and see the world,” Ascencio-Garduno said.

Growing up in Glendale, Ascencio-Garduno attended Alhambra High School and graduated in 2022.

Skills and values similar to those found in Glendale are similar to those required to succeed in the military.

“My time in Glendale taught me strength

and perseverance,” Ascencio-Garduno said. “COVID-19 was tough on our family. My dad lost his job, and I helped out around the house. It was hard.”

ese lessons have helped Ascencio-Garduno while serving in the Navy. Known as America’s “Apex Predators!” the Navy’s submarine force operates a large eet of technically advanced vessels.

ese submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and o ensive operations around the world, in furtherance of U.S. national security.

ere are three basic types of submarines: fast-attack submarines (SSN), ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN) and guided-missile submarines (SSGN). Fast-attack submarines are designed to hunt down and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; strike targets ashore with cruise missiles; carry and deliver Navy SEALs; conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; and engage in mine warfare. e Virginia-class SSN is the most advanced submarine in the world today. It combines

Seaman Apprentice Ignacio Ascencio-Garduno of Glendale serves as a missile technician with Trident Training Facility Kings Bay. (Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Josiah Trombley/Navy O ce of Community Outreach)

stealth and payload capability to meet Combatant Commanders’ demands in this era of strategic competition.

Navy o cials. As a member of the submarine force, Ascencio-Garduno is part of a rich history of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile weapons platform, capable of taking the ght to the enemy in the defense of America and its allies.

Serving in the Navy means Ascencio-Garduno is part of a team taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“ e Navy allows us to defend our seas,” Ascencio-Garduno said. “ e Navy ensures that the world is secure against any other nation. We’re able to defend America in the air, under and on the sea and on the ground.”

e Navy’s ballistic-missile submarines, often referred to as “boomers,” serve as a strategic deterrent by providing an undetectable platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. SSBNs are designed speci cally for stealth, extended patrols and the precise delivery of missiles.

e Columbia-class SSBN will be the largest, most capable and most advanced submarine produced by the U.S. — replacing the current Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarines to ensure continuous seabased strategic deterrence into the 2080s.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea ber-optic cables, Navy o cials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

Ascencio-Garduno and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“I’m excited, as I’m getting ready to arrive at my rst boat,” Ascencio-Garduno said. “I’m headed to USS Henry Jackson. Serving there will allow me to have a sense of responsibility and will give me a feeling that I’m doing something with my life. I’ll be putting skills I’ve learned into action.”

As Ascencio-Garduno and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

Guided-missile submarines provide the Navy with unprecedented strike and special operation mission capabilities from a stealthy, clandestine platform. Each SSGN is capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus a complement of heavyweight torpedoes to be red through four torpedo tubes.

“I feel really proud as a member of the Navy,” Ascencio-Garduno said. “My siblings see me as someone to look up to.”

Ascencio-Garduno is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“Our mission remains timeless — to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat-ready at all times, focused on war ghting excellence and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, chief of Naval Operations. “ is is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”

Strategic deterrence is the nation’s ultimate insurance program, according to

“I’m very grateful to my friend and fellow shipmate Brian Madrid,” Ascencio-Garduno said. “He joined the military, and I followed in his footsteps. He now serves in Bangor, Washington, aboard USS Nebraska.”

Ascencio-Garduno o ered some advice to those who are thinking of making the Navy a career.

“Don’t be afraid to take the rst step,” Ascencio-Garduno said.

“It could jump-start the nightlife since people will be staying over. It could potentially attract new businesses that see that there’s activity happening in the Downtown area.”

e new hotel, Sabillon added, could also serve as a bridge to Westgate Entertainment District — which is just over 5 miles from the site of the eventual hotel.

“ ere’s a lot of connectivity that happens,” he said. “If people want to go to a football game and the hotels are booked up in Westgate … there’s a hotel in Downtown Glendale. Oh, by the way, there’s these really cool, unique businesses in Downtown Glendale. So, a hotel has just positive impacts all around.”

Working with CivicGroup, Sabillon said, has been seamless.

“Anytime a developer wants to come and is as excited just as much as we are and they see the vision, it’s always a great partnership,” Sabillon said. “So, I can’t say enough great things about CivicGroup.”

CivicGroup President Chris DeRose said he is excited to get his company in the mix of what Downtown Glendale has going.

“Downtown Glendale is a vibrant place on the verge of an exciting new chapter,” DeRose said. “We’re thrilled to have our hotel join the many great businesses here.”

Last year, the city engaged in strategic redevelopment e orts in Downtown Glendale, including the hiring of

Sabillon as downtown manager and the commencement of its Downtown Campus Reinvestment Project. is major investment is currently in the design stage and is expected to be completed by 2025.

“CivicGroup’s true strength is urban development, and we are encouraged by their decision to make this invest-

ment in our community,” Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps said. “ is development, in conjunction with our Downtown Campus Reinvestment Project, will serve as a catalyst for additional investments in Downtown Glendale.”

For Sabillon, this hotel development will serve as icing on the cake that is the revitalization of Downtown Glendale into something that city o cials have been long looking to make it into.

“What really drives Downtown: people,” Sabillon said. “ e more people can come to a Downtown, the more foot tra c there is in Downtown, the more businesses are in Downtown, means that it’s an economically viable place to be. People are going to be proud of the Downtown area that’s booming. It’s very exciting to have a hotel that’s going to bring new people to an area, and they in turn are going to tell other people, ‘Hey, this is a great place to be, I need to go back over there.’

“So, that’s de nitely going to spur more development. And then after that, people are going to say, ‘ is would be a great place for me to live, work and play.’”

Congress must block Biden-IRS tax prep plan

BY J.D. HAYWORTH

Glendale Star Columnist

Ronald Reagan managed to make the ominous sound humorous.

He famously noted, “ e nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’”

Reagan may have played it for laughs, but Joe Biden and his bunch hope to use it to take more of your hard-earned money — and procure even more political power.

e Internal Revenue Service — the same bureaucratic entity in the process of adding 87,000 new agents — also

plans to expand its duties into the realm of tax preparation.

You read that right.

Imagine “H&R Blocked.” TurboTax unmake under $125,000 in the upcoming tax year.

While some trusting souls — those you see wearing a mask while driving alone or the comparative few who regard Joe Biden as an honest,

A 2022 study from the MITRE Corporation, which operates many federally funded research and development centers — including those within the Treasury Department — showed that the public wouldn’t want the IRS ling

People-watching leaves grim impression of human race

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ

Glendale Star Columnist

For summer vacation this year, I headed south to Mexico to indulge in all my favorite pastimes: the beach, long naps, ignoring the news, the occasional margarita and playing lots of golf.

I also spent a few hours a day doing what I always do when I’m on vacation.

I watched people get drunk and make fools of themselves.

People-watching has long been a leading sport at my house, and sunny resorts rank among the most fertile territory imaginable. Having spent a few days peeping at the masses, allow me to share a few observations about the state of mankind, circa 2023.

First and foremost, it’s clear the concept once known as shame — which had been a part of the human condition since Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden — is now deader than a doornail.

If you doubt me, by all means go to a

local public swimming pool or beach sometime. To paraphrase my late Aunt Sylvia, who favored a modest onepiece bathing suit for her entire life, “Oy vey iz mir, the things these people wear.”

Loosely translated, that means “Hey hon, your butt cheeks are showing.”

In Aunt Sylvia’s time — and for most of mine — the thong bathing suit was reserved for sunbathing on the French Riviera, Sir Mix-a-Lot videos or supermodels whose body mass index was in the low double digits.

Not so much nowadays. Where once upon a time modesty and shame dictated that people keep their nether regions covered in public, I saw more damaged rear ends than after a rst lap accident at the Daytona 500.

I know we live in a time of body positivity — and that’s peachy — but do “being a grandmother” and “wearing a thong” really need to occupy the same

sentence?

Also, can we talk about tattoos for a moment?

Once again, I’m all for people ying their freak ag, living their best life, or embracing their inner billboard. But getting ink — once treated as an act of societal rebellion — has become so commonplace the rebellious folks are the ones who don’t have tattoos.

I saw ivy vines, trees, butter ies, angel wings, broken hearts, bad portraits of newborns and a pair of pouty lips tattooed on a butt cheek the size of a small dirigible.

I also read so many tattooed mantras and song lyrics in so many swirly fonts, I got eye strain because I forgot my Walgreens cheater glasses back in the room.

I get that it might feel cool to have the word “breathe” tattooed on your rib cage when you’re 22. But will it still be cool when you’re 65 and you have to explain the blue smudge that says “B%$e” down around your pelvic girdle?

In the advertising business, there’s a

rule about billboards: ey need to be readable at 55 miles per hour. e best outdoor ads keep their messages to no more than six words, tops. at also seems like great advice for tattoos.

Incidentally, the six-word rule also applies to conversations conducted in a resort swimming pool with deeply tanned old geezers who feel compelled to wear a Speedo banana hammock.

e people-watching got so painful, for a minute I started to miss social distancing and being locked in quarantine.

e new pandemic of exposed esh, illegible ink and lack of shame probably won’t kill anyone, but it can make your head hurt.

I’m all for an all-inclusive holiday, but next time I go on vacation I’m going to pass on all-you-can-see rear ends.

If I need to see a parade of strutting behinds, I’ll go down to the Legislature the next time they’re in session. Of course, there they don’t serve margaritas.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com.

hard to believe — especially Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Smith (R-Missouri).

“It’s alarming that the Biden IRS has not come forward and been transparent about MITRE’s independent ndings when the ‘In ation Reduction Act’ itself calls for a truly nonpartisan, independent, third-party review of the feasibility, the cost to develop and operate such a system, the IRS capacity to run such a system, or taxpayer opinions on the matter.”

You can understand why Smith and the lone Arizonan serving on Ways & Means, Rep. David Schweikert, might have a low opinion of the IRS and its conduct toward Congress. Actually, the apparent concealment of the MITRE study ts a pattern of incidents that call into question the integrity of those running the agency.

In April, IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel testi ed “no decision has been made on moving forward with (a) ‘Direct File’ solution.” at testimony came on April 19 — not April Fools Day.

In May, the IRS announced it would indeed move forward with the “Direct File” pilot.

at’s why it’s important to remember that the “I” in IRS does not stand for “Integrity.”

It’s obvious that America’s tax bureaucrats are scheming to grab more operational power. e aforementioned 87,000 new agents and the $80 billion added to the agency’s budget are aimed at increasing audits on taxpayers earning less than $75,000 a year.

How on earth could the IRS then take over as America’s preparer and ler?

Congress must assert its oversight authority, end these IRS power grabs and disconnect “Direct File” before it’s too late.

After all, President Reagan also said our nation should “trust but verify.” Sadly, it seems that with the IRS, we can do neither.

Electronic devices pose

BY JUDY BLUHM

Glendale Star Columnist

When did humans become so self-absorbed?

e craze to take sel es, especially in dangerous places like ledges of cli s, edges of waterfalls and with wild animals at National Parks, is killing people!

e taken by the woman who was bending over a hot, open oven to show herself pulling out a roasting pan with a huge turkey she was roasting was funny. Wait, did her hair just catch on re? Hairspray and a hot gas stove are evidently combustible situations. Yikes, put down your phone and get your re extinguisher!

National Park Rangers are becoming more alarmed when they spot folks (stupidly) taking sel es with black bears or bison. Geez, if you see a big bear, do not stop and snap a sel e with it! It might eat you!

I took a sel e. It didn’t turn out very well, because I have decided that most photos of scenery, people or grandkids seem to look better if I am not in them.

But while holding a carrot, I snapped a picture of me and my friend’s horse, Billy. I think to complete the “sel e trend” I was supposed to post it on Facebook, but didn’t because Billy looked very handsome and me not so much.

Distraction and danger are lurking because of our attachment to our devices. Distraction due to texting seems to be one of the biggest causes of pedestrian and car accidents in America.

One lady was so angry because she walked (while busy texting) right into a fountain at an outdoor mall she led a lawsuit against the shopping center. She claimed the fountain was an “unnecessary danger that serves no purpose except to create a hazardous situation.” Hey lady, I don’t want to be mean, but pay attention to where you are going!

Even the most mundane tasks are being photographed. I thought the sel-

en there was the lady who took a sel e while bending over her KitchenAid Mixer. Guess she was trying to prove she was really making a cake when the tips of her hair got caught in the bowl and tangled up in the blades. Not the video she was hoping for, as it became the “screaming woman video” taken by her husband as he cut o her hair.

Oh yeah, taking pictures while baking, cooking, walking, hiking or driving cannot end well! We are harming ourselves so we can post something on social media!

When I asked one of my grandsons what the “big deal” is about sel es, he replied that it makes a photo more “authentic” by proving you were actually “there.”

Like with the bear, on the cli or in the oven? So, to be “totally authentic,” I did take a sel e, riding my horse while he galloped away from a bu alo jumping o a cli . Not sure why the editor of this ne paper didn’t print it. Authenticity might be overrated.

Dear readers, if “seeing is believing,” maybe we have seen too much.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Have a comment or a story? Email her at judy@judybluhm.com.

New extended stay hotel breaks ground in Glendale

BY JOE McHUGH Glendale Star Staff Writer

After hosting mega events like Super Bowl XVII and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Glendale is quickly becoming one of the hottest places to stay in the Valley.

is recent boom is bringing a new line of hospitality to the area, as Choice Hotels International o cially broke ground on an extended stay segment — the Everhome Suites Glendale.

“Being positioned in a high-growth market, being positioned close to State Farm Stadium, being close to the hospital, and then Luke Air Force Base, as well as having the opportunity to be located right on the (Loop 101), is pretty exceptional,” Highside Companies CEO Justin

Roberts said. “So given the growth and given the demand drivers, I think the optimal place to locate one of these assets.”

Everhome Suites Glendale will look to be an industry leader in the Glendale area, providing amenities that will help guests feel the most accommodated while staying there.

e facility of 122 rooms will include fully equipped kitchens; spa-style bathrooms; large closets and addition-

Being one of potentially many extended stay hotels across the nation, Everhome Suites broke ground on a new location in Glendale, scheduled to be finished in the summer of 2024. (Everhome Suites/Submitted)

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al open and closed storage; free WiFi; pet-friendly options; weekly housekeeping; contemporary multipurpose lobby areas; 24/7 self-serve, tech-enabled Homebase Market with food, beverages and groceries; 24/7 tness center; and 24/7 guest laundry facilities.

With the numerous amenities, Roberts feels Everhome will resonate with all of the guests they host. He added that he prefers the extended stay aspect.

“I’ll always stay at the extended stay hotel because I can do the simple things like make co ee, get bagels and cream cheese, and make my breakfast for myself,” he said. “If I order a pizza, then I can put in the refrigerator so that I can have, you know, leftovers. ose kinds of conveniences that make it less disruptive to how you live your life and make travel and business travel — other things

— just the most more convenient.”

Everhome Suites Glendale is a combined project between Highside Companies and Choices Hotels, and is one of over 60 properties, as well as one of four successful extended stay hotels.

“By working with developers like HighSide Companies, we’re able to not only expand our national extended stay footprint, but also help solve an industry need,” said Ron Burgett, senior vice president of extended stay development at Choice Hotels. “With demand for extended stay hotels continuing to outpace supply, new locations like the Everhome Suites Glendale will provide a lodging option for guests who are looking for something di erent than your average leisure or business traveler, while delivering amenities that allow them to maintain their daily routine.”

e success of the other extended stay

hotels is something that drew Roberts into developing the Glendale site, and he hopes the Glendale guests will get to see what has got him thrilled to be in the area.

“In a very earnest way, when we identi ed the site over two years ago, I said from the beginning, this is going to be one of the best deals that we’re going to do in the foreseeable future,” Roberts said. “I love the location; I think it’s going to be an amazing opportunity for us as a company and with the Everhome

brand and for Choice Hotels.”

Scheduled to be nished in the late summer of 2024, Roberts is ready to see how the Glendale guests and population react to the new extended stay hospitality facility.

“So, I’m super excited; I think that the product is going to do exceptionally well there,” he said. “And we’re going to look back whether it be with hard work, being smart or just lucky. We’re going to look back and say we are in a good spot. We’re pretty happy about it.”

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GCU, NAU to compete in Tip-O basketball tournament

(Mary Grace Grabill/Cronkite News)

BY SHY GHARA Cronkite News

Grand Canyon University and Northern Arizona University will represent the state of Arizona in a new early-season men’s basketball tournament in Glendale, Intersport announced on June 15.

e Arizona Tip-O , set for Friday, Nov. 17, to Sunday, Nov. 19, at Desert Diamond Arena, presents a rare tournament for the western United States. Of the 25 regularly contested multi-team events in the 2022-23 season, only six were held outside of the Eastern and Central time zones.

DePaul, South Carolina, San Francisco and GCU will play in the Cactus Division, while South Dakota, Virginia Military, Purdue Fort Wayne and NAU will compete in the Desert Division. All eight teams will be in action Nov. 17.

e Desert Division’s championship game and third-place game will be held Nov. 18, while the Cactus Division will follow the same schedule Nov. 19.

“Glendale and the greater Phoenix area are known not only for being a bas-

ketball-centric region, but for hosting major sporting events,” said Mark Starsiak, the vice president of basketball at Intersport and the event director for the Arizona Tip-O . “We’re con dent that, in a short time, the Arizona Tip-O will make its way onto the short list of elite early season multi-team events.”

e Tip-O also o ers the opportunity for nonmajor conference schools such as GCU and NAU to earn signi cant wins in nonconference games, which could help build its NCAA tournament resume.

ere is plenty of excitement on both sides for the new November showcase.

“We eagerly anticipate becoming the host of a multi-day event that welcomes teams and fans from every corner of the country to our state,” said Nikki Balich, executive director of the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission. “ is not only boosts our tourism industry but also strategically places us in the national spotlight during an important time of year.”

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew will face a step up in competition at the Arizona TipO , where a strong showing could factor into a potential NCAA tournament bid.

The Glendale Star publishes on Thursday. The weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Shrinky Dink Take and Bake Key Chains ALL JUNE

Teens between the ages of 12 and 18 can drop by the Velma Teague Library Teen Zone throughout the month of June to make a Shrinky Dink key chain. Create a design of your own using colored pencils and Shrinky Dink transparent sheets, or select from a variety of design templates. Visit the public service desk to pick up a keychain, then take your masterpiece home, pop it in the oven and watch it shrink and harden.

Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleazlibrary.com

The Open Mic WEDNESDAYS

Stir Crazy Comedy Club hosts its weekly open mic night. Those interested are likely to see new talent as well as seasoned comedians just looking to work on new material. Think you have what it takes to take the stage and make the audience laugh? Now is your chance. There are 10 sign-up spots that will become available online at noon on Monday.

Stir Crazy Comedy Club, Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Suite E206, Glendale, visit website for ticket prices and times, stircrazycomedyclub. com

Momma’s Organic Market

SATURDAYS

Featuring food trucks, local artisans and fresh produce, this weekly farmers market gives locals the chance to shop local and shop fresh. Taking place near Dillard’s, new vendors grace this event weekly. Admission is free, and furry friends are allowed if they’re on a leash. Cash and cards are accepted as methods of payment, and the market runs from 8 to 11 a.m.

Arrowhead Towne Center, 7780 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, 8 a.m., free, arrowheadtownecenter.com

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the Star’s coverage area, which is in the city of Glendale.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. The only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our o ce by 4 p.m. Thursday to be considered for the following Thursday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Jordan Rogers, jrogers@timeslocalmedia.com.

Maronzio Vance

JUNE 23 AND JUNE 24

Maronzio Vance is a Los Angeles-based writer, actor and comedian. His blunt, sarcastic and witty style has landed him appearances on “Wanda Sykes: Wanda Does It,” “Jamie Foxx’s La apolooza,” “Last Comic Standing” and “The Tonight Show.”

Stir Crazy Comedy Club, Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Suite E206, Glendale, visit website for ticket prices and times, stircrazycomedyclub. com

Jam-Boree Acoustic Jam

JUNE 24

Bring your acoustic instrument to play along or join the audience at this round-robin, all-acoustic jam session. All skill levels are welcome! This jam session takes place every second and fourth Saturday of each month.

Foothills Library — Roadrunner Room, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, 2 to 4 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary.com

Big Band Grandstand

JUNE 26

Become part of a big band and practice your musical skills along with a large collection of other like-minded musicians. Any musician who can sight-read charts is encouraged to show up with their own music stand and instrument to play, getting an experience they could not get simply practicing alone at home.

Foothills Library, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, 1 to 3 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary.com

Mini Golf

JUNE 26

Join the Velma Teague Library for a round of 18 holes. Each putting green has fun obstacles that make the game a challenge for all ages. Everything will be provided at this free event, and all you have to bring is yourself.

Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, 2 to 4 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary. com

Glendale 100: Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary

JUNE 27

Rattlesnakes and Gila monsters, oh my! The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary, along with some scaly and slithery guests, will teach about our native species in the safety and comfort of the library. While guests won’t be petting the rattlesnake, there will be other animal ambassadors on hand who don’t mind the attention.

Glendale Main Library — Auditorium, 5959 W. Brown Street, Glendale, 2 to 3 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary.com

Construct O Mania JUNE 28

Visit the Velma Teague Library to build things using fun di erent materials. Move from station to station exploring and building with a variety of di erent mediums. Use Keva Planks, Lego or Lincoln Logs to bring your ideas to life. Whether you

build with a friend or on your own, there will be something for children of all ages.

Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, 1 to 2 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary. com

Steven Michael Quezada

JUNE 30 AND JULY 1

Steven Michael Quezada starred on the Emmy Award-winning series “Breaking Bad” as DEA agent Gomez. Quezada has won an Emmy for outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series for his role in “Breaking Bad.” Audiences will also recognize him from the movies “Wildfire,” “Crash,” “In Plain Sight” and “Beerfest.” Quezada is not just an actor, he is a major touring comedian and has appeared on HBO and Showtime and performed on the new “Arsenio Hall Show.”

Stir Crazy Comedy Club, Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Suite E206, Glendale, visit website for ticket prices and times, stircrazycomedyclub. com

ACROSS

1 Fireplace residue

4 Height of fashion?

7 “Serpico” director

12 Scary cry

13 Oklahoma city

14 Sports venue

15 Takes too much, brie y

16 First-rate

18 Ma a boss

19 “Once upon --”

20 Send forth

22 Author Umberto

23 Hardly hirsute

27 Do sums

29 Composer Proko ev

31 New Zealand native

34 Daydreamer Walter

35 Hansel’s sister

37 Center

38 Round Table titles

39 Jargon su x

41 Winds up

47 Have the u

48 First-rate

52 Bikini top

53 Worth

54 Samovar

55 Slugger Mel

56 Brownstone feature

57 “The Bells” author

58 “See ya!”

DOWN

1 Home

2 Sin city

3 Egypt’s Mubarak

4 “Funny!”

5 Redacted

6 Wizardry

7 Chantilly, e.g.

8 Web address

9 “Give -- break!”

10 Em halves

11 Prof’s helpers

17 Med. plan options

21 Small fruit pies

23 Illegal payment

24 Literary rep

25 Allow

26 Hobbyist’s abbr.

28 Conk out

Each

30 Outback bird

31 Brit. sports cars

32 Onassis nickname

33 Not ‘neath

36 “Star Wars” royal

37 Straight, for short

40 Clinch

42 Mogul

43 Begrimed

44 Roo ng material

45 Get ready, brie y

46 “Rule, Britannia!” composer

48 Den sets

49 Feedbag bit

50 Mideast org.

51 Pair with an

For

BY GIANNA MONTIEL Glendale Star Staff Writer

For anyone looking for fun, inexpensive summer activities, look no further than the city of Glendale.

Glendale o ers hundreds of free and low-cost summer activities and classes for people of all ages to help stay occupied, calm and entertained over the long summer break.

Many of these activities and classes are aimed at kids. ree facilities in South Glendale — the Glendale Community Center, the Rose Lane Recreation Center and the O’Neil Recreation Center — are holding summer camp programs for youth ages 6 to 14.

“ ose are free programs that we o er to youth in Glendale,” Glendale senior

recreation coordinator Manny Padia said.

“We operate 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in those programs. I will say those programs are currently full, but we are taking folks on a waitlist, and we do call folks o that waitlist every week.”

Another program they have in North Glendale at the Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center is called the Foothills 360 Program.

“ at program also runs 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and that program operates a little di erently in that they do charge a registration fee up there, but again, they are also at capacity,” Padia said.

Padia added the city is trying to help families out where they can with the waitlist. is program is open Monday

through Friday at each of the facilities.

Other activities kids can enjoy throughout the summer are mini golf at Velma Teague Library, a Pokémon engineering class with Lego at the Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center, and a junior racquetball league on Tuesdays and ursdays for kids ages 8 to 15.

Glendale’s summer activities don’t stop with kids; the city also o ers programs for adults.

“We also have an adult center up here in Glendale that’s targeted for folks 18 and over,” Padia said.

For adults, the city o ers a variety of classes, an open computer lab, a billiards room and small exercise areas.

“ ey o er di erent clubs there at the adult center, which is really cool,” Padia said.

Recreation Online Wellness) program.

“Families can actually register and create an account from our website, and they can take free classes from their house so they can participate maybe in a tness class from home, maybe an art class from home, maybe a reading club,” Padia said.

“If they go to our recreation website, we have a link to the GROW program. ey can create an account — there are instructions on the website — and then we provide our monthly calendar so they can see kind of what classes are there. But it’s another great option for folks looking to get going with something. “But maybe it’s too hot outside, maybe they don’t want to do anything, so they can do these classes and things from the comforts of their own homes.”

“We also o er a ton of special interest classes that are available for families. Maybe they’re looking to pick up a new skill or they want to take a class in something they’ve never done before.”

As the summer heat kicks into full gear, Glendale is o ering swim lessons and dive lessons.

“We have two beautiful aquatics facilities here in Glendale,” said Padia, who is referencing the Rose Lane pool and the Foothills Recreation & Aquatics Center.

“For kids who are just learning how to swim or families that are interested in learning, taking swim lessons or dive lessons, we o er a multitude of options for folks interested in getting in the water.”

For families that are looking for something to do at home, the city has that covered, too, with its GROW (Glendale’s

Belmont Electric helps 85-year-old man

BY BRIELLE RAWLINGS-DUBE

Glendale Star Contributing Writer

Belmont Electric recently received a plea for help that sta just couldn’t ignore.

On June 1, the business was tagged in a request from Dawn Randles, who shared that her great-uncle, Emmitt “Sonny” Hurd had been struggling without power in his home.

Hurd, 85, recently retired from his position of school district crossing and, after 22 years of service, he learned that due to an error with his paperwork, he would not be receiving the retirement he anticipated. On the heels of that news, he began having electrical issues and was electrocuted when the panel exploded while he was trying to repair it.

After many calls to every public program, and quotes from other electrical companies ranging from $3,000 to $9,000, Randles took to social media for help.

When the owners of Belmont received the noti cation and began to learn about his story, they knew they had to help.

As they connected with Hurd and Randles, Belmont’s owners learned that

Belmont Electric recently replaced 85-year-old Emmitt Hurd’s electric panel for free. He had been struggling at home without power at home for two weeks. (Brielle RawlingsDube/Submitted)

much time as possible outside, sometimes staying up late into the evening.

On June 7, owner Patrick Dube and Belmont Electric replaced Hurd’s electrical panel for free. Hurd’s family turned around and gave $400 back to Dube in an e ort to o set the cost.

he had been without electricity for two weeks and had been struggling as the temperature in Arizona continued to climb.

His family encouraged him to nd somewhere else to stay, but after losing his wife, he just couldn’t imagine leaving his home. So instead, he spent as

“It was just the right thing to do,” Dube said. “I believe in helping out where I can. My grandfather taught me to work hard, be kind and help when I can. at is exactly what I intend to do.”

Hurd is eternally grateful for what Dube and Belmont Electric have done for him.

“I love him. I love him for what he’s done for me,” Hurd said. “I didn’t know what I was going to do.”

On June 9, Belmont Electric received noti cation that they have been Awarded Best Electrician in Glendale by Quality Business Awards.

“I learned from the best, and my team is awesome,” Dube said. “I am a blessed man.”

Belmont Electric

5350 W. Bell Road, Glendale belmontelectric.net

Abrazo residents help meet physician shortage

BY KEITH JONES Glendale Star Contributing Writer

Abrazo Health’s West Valley hospitals are helping meet the need for community physicians through the health network’s Graduate Medical Education programs.

Physicians from Abrazo’s class of 2023 Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine and Family Medicine residencies are now entering the workforce.

Abrazo’s rst class of Emergency Medicine residents were among the 2023 graduates. Abrazo Health launched its Emergency Medicine Residency in 2020 with six residents now completing their three-year program.

Emergency Medicine residents trained in the Level I Trauma Center at Abrazo West Campus as well as Abra-

zo Arizona Heart Hospital and Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, among other network hospitals.

Class of 2023 graduation ceremonies also recognized the second graduating class of Abrazo Internal Medicine residents and the 42nd graduating class of Family Medicine residents.

“Arizona’s need for physicians is well-documented, and we are very proud of these residents,” said Dr. Akil Loli, an interventional cardiologist and designated institutional o cial for Graduate Medical Education at Abrazo Health.

“ ey will now go into the community as the next generation of physicians and health care leaders.”

Internal Medicine and General Surgery residences were added in 2019 at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, followed by Emergency Medicine and Transitional Year residencies in 2020. Cardiovascular Disease and Infectious Disease Fellowships were added in 2022 and 2023.

“It’s a big investment, but with big rewards, as research shows that upwards of 50% of residents establish roots in the communities where they are trained,” Loli said.

Abrazo Health began educating primary care physicians in 1978 through its Family Medicine residency at Abrazo Central Campus, and many of those physicians continue to practice in the Valley.

Abrazo’s residencies and fellowships are accredited by the Accreditation Dr. Akil Loli is a designated institutional o cial for Graduate Medical Education at Abrazo Health. (Abrazo Health/Submitted)

Council for Graduate Medical Education. Local physician leaders actively engage in developing curriculum with hands-on training to suit community needs while meeting high quality and patient safety standards.

Residencies play an important role in addressing the need for more physicians in the community, Abrazo Health Chief Medical O cer Dr. William Ellert said.

“Residency is a very important part of a young physician’s development, and it’s well-documented that residents tend to develop roots in communities where they train,” Ellert said. “It’s an investment in the future of health care in Arizona.”

Graduate Medical Education programs re ect Abrazo’s support of teaching and research in its hospitals across the greater Phoenix area.

“We currently have 109 residents and

two fellows in training at Abrazo hospitals,” Abrazo Health CEO Brian Elisco said. “It is important for Abrazo to help meet present and future needs for physicians in Arizona. As a Phoenix native whose father was a medical resident in this community, I fully understand the importance of investing in medical education.

“I want to say congratulations to the entire graduating Class of 2023, and thank you for entrusting us with your training.”

Abrazo Health abrazohealth.com

Abrazo Health’s first class of Emergency Medicine residents was recognized during 2023 graduation ceremonies. Abrazo launched its Emergency Medicine Residency in 2020 with six residents now completing their three-year program. (Abrazo Health/Submitted)

For more religion visit glendalestar.com GlendaleStar.com

Marriage has 4 C’s

Afew weeks ago, I was the o ciant at my youngest son’s wedding in South Bend, Indiana. Since my 33-year-old son has often heard me perform marriages, I wrote a new message for his ceremony. Here is a summary of what I said that might help someone in the reading audience.

We live in a day where love has been lost in translation. Dr. Seuss says, “We’re all a little weird, and life’s a little weird. And we nd someone whose weirdness is compatible with our weirdness, and we join up with them, fall into mutual weirdness, and call it love.” Mark Twain made a statement about love in the context of marriage, “Love is the ideal thing; marriage is the real thing.” In other words, love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener.

One thing is for sure: It’s one thing to fall in love, and it’s another thing to stay in love.

Why? Real love is a decision.

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Glendale Star Columnist

players play, and both win — for themselves and others.

Allow me to share a few thoughts about marriage to consider as you begin your journey of marriage. I call these “ e Four C’s of Marriage — Caring, Communicating, Collaborating, and Committing.”

Caring

One crucial aspect of love is caring. Caring says, “I will not control you; I will not neglect you. It’s saying I notice you and care for you. You matter to me, and our marriage matters to me.” In other words, handle each other with care.

After 40 years of marriage to my wife, Becky, I always say, “Becky’s life will not go unnoticed because I will be her witness.” Why? I care.

Communicating

Isn’t it interesting how opposites attract and then negotiate the di erences? What is the glue that holds the di erences in two di erent people together? It’s communication. Good communication leads to growth, understanding and commitment.

ere’s a book titled “Women Are from Venus, Men Are from Mars.” My wife says, “You’re both from Earth. Deal with it!” And believe me, nothing is so simple that it can’t be misunderstood, especially when one party is from Venus and the other from Mars. I say to both parties in this marriage, “When handling your spouse, use your heart. When handling yourself, use your head.” And to the husband, I say, “ e best way to compliment your wife is frequently.”

even when they blow it. When you encourage one another, you elevate your marriage. You move from a me to a we to an us so you can be a blessing to them.

It’s like an orchestra. You still can play solos and appreciate one another’s solos, but when you play together, wow, you create a beautiful harmony that only the two of you make. at harmony is heavenly, and it’s complex, it’s unique, it’s got gravitas. at intimate harmony stops people in their tracks.

Committing

Marriage is about the test and triumph of unity, friendship, mutual attraction, communication, commitment and love. Love is giving. Love is forgiving. Love is power under control. Marriages start with love, and marriages stay with love.

Marriage is best when it’s shared, and what you give to the marriage often determines what you will get from the marriage.

“Love is more than three words mumbled before bedtime. Love is sustained by action, a pattern of devotion in what we do for each other daily.” Marriage is a game where two

Here’s some wisdom about caring from the movie “Shall We Dance”: “People get married because we need a witness to our lives. ere are billions of people on the planet, and what does one life really mean? But in a marriage, you promise to care about everything, the good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things. All of it. All the time. Every day. You’re saying: Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. And your life will not go unwitnessed because I will be your witness.” at’s powerful and applicable.

Ask for forgiveness when necessary. It’s OK to be wrong. e wonderful thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others. When you admit you made a mistake and apologize to the o ended party, you acknowledge you are wiser now than you were when you made the mistake. Before unity comes humility. It’s not who is right that is important. It’s what is right that is important. Good communication allows you to make excellent decisions, not just emotional decisions.

Collaborating

Mother Teresa once said, “You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together, we can do great things.” Marriage is two identities coming together to make one new entity. You don’t lose your identity; you multiply your identities in an entity called marriage. You are still yourselves, and that’s great, but you are now much stronger together. You were born for this. Now go into the world, nd your lane and drive fast.

Every person has areas of weakness. Each of us is a work in progress. Build one another and promote one another,

Love is commitment. Love is much more than feelings or knowledge or experience. Love is a decision to commit and make a covenant. When our hearts are set on loving each other, we don’t look for mistakes or hurts. We look to love.

Marriage requires healthy freedom from our individual sel sh agendas. e truth is you can never be happily married until you divorce yourself. Why? Because marriage is not a declaration of independence or codependence; it’s a declaration of interdependence. My message ended here.

Please don’t feel inadequate if you have a failed marriage. Now you are informed and know “ e Four C’s of Marriage — Caring, Communicating, Collaborating, and Committing.”

Use it, but use it wisely.

Ed Delph is a noted author of 10 books, as well as a pastor, teacher, former business owner and speaker. He has traveled extensively, having been to more than 100 countries. He is president of NationStrategy, a nonprofit organization involved in uplifting and transforming communities worldwide. For more information, see nationstrategy.com. He may be contacted at nationstrategy@cs.com.

For more youth visit glendalestar.com

Local students look to use internship to help community

BY JAMES LOTTS

Glendale Star Staff Writer

Two local students will work with the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley this summer as a part of an internship program with Bank of America.

Adrija Rukmini, who will be a senior at BASIS Peoria next school year, and Mariama Camara, who recently graduated from Agua Fria High School in Avondale, were named as two of the ve 2023 Bank of America Phoenix Student Leaders.

e Bank of America Student Leaders program gives students experience serving their community and provides leadership and skill development through their work at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley.

Both Rukmini and Camara said they were excited to be selected for the internship program.

“I was very excited because I’ve always wanted to contribute in some type of way in my community and I just didn’t know how I could do that,” Camara said.

Rukmini and Camara were both interested in the program because they wanted to gain knowledge and experience that would help them give back to their communities. Rukmini said she wants to develop her leadership skills and help advocate for equity in educa-

tion.

“I felt like this program would help me give a better platform and develop the leadership skills I need to expand my reach in terms of the projects I undertake or the people I help around me,” Rukmini said.

Camara said she is hoping to learn about ways she can address racism in her community.

“So, I’m hoping to nd the types of problems basically within my commu-

nity and how I can address those issues,” Camara said. “But one of the main things I’m passionate about is addressing inequities and nding problems that have to do with race basically and how I can help solve that.”

e Student Leaders will work on service-learning projects with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley such as LEAP; STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) activities; and Money Matters, a program to

help children with nancial literacy.

Another opportunity the Student Leaders will have is a weeklong trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in a summit with other Student Leaders from around the country. Rukmini said she was anticipating the chance to meet the other Student Leaders at the summit.

“I’m very, I think, looking forward to meeting more and more Student Leaders because I think it’s very inspiring and it brings me a lot of hope to see individuals who are just as passionate about their community, about the cause that they represent, as I am,” Rukmini said.

Camara, who will attend college at the University of Chicago next year, said she wants to take in as much information as she can during her summer as a Student Leader.

“I’m just trying to expand my horizons and not just ask but also see how everyone does their job here at the Boys & Girls Club and by the end of the summer how I can gain this new perspective and when I go to Washington, D.C., hopefully next month how I can be a part of the conversations that they’ll be having and how I’ll be able to talk to other youth about how their experiences are within their organizations that they’re volunteering,” Camara said.

Glendale student wins state CTE competition

BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF

Jordin Heacock never stops. At only 16, the Glendale resident has an ambitious plan for her life and is working tirelessly to achieve her goals.

A student at Insight Academy of Arizona (ISAZ), an online charter school that serves students in seventh through 12th grades, she’s a high-achieving student who boasts more than just good grades.

At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, Jordin enrolled in the Medical As-

sisting pathway at ISAZ. Insight Academy of Arizona and its sister school, Arizona Virtual Academy, are Arizona’s rst and only online schools o ering state-approved career and technical education (CTE) programs. Eager to expand her knowledge and connect with like-minded students, Jordin also joined ISAZ’s Health Occupation Student Organization’s (HOSA) chapter.

“I was enjoying my time in the medical assisting pathway so much,” Jordin said.

“Even though ISAZ is an online school, the CTE teachers build in so many hands-on experiences, like learning how to perform eye and ear checks, take someone’s blood pressure and check patients’ vitals. I joined HOSA because I wanted more opportunities to learn and grow my skills.”

It wasn’t long before she and fellow HOSA members, Angela Sutton of Scottdale and Sarah Israel of Ahwatukee, decided they wanted to compete in the

association’s Arizona State Leadership Conference, an annual event that brings together 10,000 students from across the state.

e rst step was a community awareness virtual competition. After earning high scores on this test and qualifying for the state conference, Jordin and her HOSA teammates got to work on a campaign.

The Bank of America Student Leaders program gives students experience serving the community. (Urias Communications/Submitted)

None of them would have guessed they would go on to win the team event in Community Awareness.

“It was our rst time competing, so we were shocked when they announced our names,” Jordin said. “We did work extremely hard on our campaign and were so grateful for this acknowledgment of our work.”

e students’ project, titled “ e Importance of Physical, Mental and Social Health,” launched in January and quickly gained steam. Designed to boost the health of their peers and online educators, the campaign incorporated a variety of e orts, from schoolwide assemblies and podcast interviews to yoga sessions, guided meditation, a hiking club and Health Spirit week.

As its project grew in scope and reach, the team secured interest from high-prole organizations across the Valley. Among numerous guests, Dr. Shari Brand from Mayo Clinic, Dr. Lauren Walsh from Barrow Neurological Institute and Bre’Anna Bush from Northern Arizona University shared health guidance with students and teachers during special assemblies.

In six months, the team reached nearly 5,000 students, advisers, educators,

physicians and business professionals.

ey also were invited to present their campaign at the Charters at the Capitol event and to Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee and other state legislators.

“It has been incredible to watch this team in action,” added Dr. Erica Young-Jackson, ISAZ’s career and college prep administrator.

“Not only have they put their education to work with a comprehensive campaign that has touched thousands of students and teachers, but they have gained invaluable leadership experience that will serve them for years to come.”

For Jordin, creating the campaign and competing at the event o ered learning.

“I’m a very social person,” she said. “I’ve loved the opportunity to connect with so many people through this campaign, and especially the friendships I’ve made with Sarah and Angela. We de nitely worked hard, but we formed these amazing relationships along the way.”

Now through June 25, the ISAZ team is representing Arizona at HOSA’s International Leadership Conference international competition in Dallas. In addition to presenting their project for the Com-

munity Awareness competition, Jordin and her teammates — along with 12,000 students from around the world — are participating in educational seminars, workshops and exhibits and meeting other future health care professionals.

“None of us has ever been to Dallas,” Jordin said. “We have been so excited to see the city, to learn everything we can at the conference and to show the judges how much we’ve grown. I can’t wait to see how far we go.”

It’s clear Jordin will go very far in life. ough only 16, she is on track to graduate in May 2024 — a full year early. As she enters her last year of high school, she will enroll in ISAZ’s veterinary assistant program, a new CTE pathway the school will launch this fall. Following her high school graduation, Jordin hopes to work as a certi ed vet assistant while earning her veterinary technician associate degree from Pima Medical Institute. en, it’s o to vet school to earn her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

“I’ve always known I wanted to work with animals,” she said. “I’m so excited for the vet tech program at ISAZ to give me a head start in becoming a veterinarian.”

“Jordin is a bright and ambitious student who will do big things in life,” Young-Jackson said. “It is such an honor to work with someone who is so directed and determined. I can’t wait to see where she goes from here.”

Jordin added, “I am truly grateful for Dr. Young-Jackson and my academic counselors, teachers and CTE instructors. ey have provided so much support and encouragement as I work to make my dreams a reality.”

Learn more about Insight Academy of Arizona at insightaz.k12.com.

Jordin Heacock, right, with Angela Sutton, left, and Sarah Israel. (Submitted)

Jordin Heacock performs an ear test. (Submitted)