Glendale Star 08/24/2023

www.glendalestar.com

BY JOE McHUGH Glendale Star Sta Writer

Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers recently showed his appreciation for two service members at Luke Air Force Base.

Sta Sgt. Joseph Bove and Senior Airman Colby Cole were instrumental in helping put out a three-acre re at the Glendale Land ll and were awarded with the Mayor’s Certi cate of Appreciation.

“I don’t know how to really express the pride that I have in these folks,” Weiers said. “To them, they’re just doing their job, but to me, anybody that puts that uniform on is my hero. And I said (at the event), ‘I know none of you look at yourself as heroes, but I look at you as heroes.’”

On July 19, a re at the land ll sparked

BY KYLIE WERNER Cronkite News

Two Valley food banks are reimagining their pantries to help seniors hit hard by in ation, expanding beyond traditional food boxes to o er market days, healthy meals served in group settings, breakfast and takeout options. eir leaders know nutritious meals support overall health and wellness.

e threat of hunger is acute in Arizona, which ranks 32nd in the nation for food insecurity among seniors. Last year, 12.8% of seniors in the state dealt with food insecu-

Weiers awards Luke Air Force Base re ghters

and started making its way throughout the facility. e Glendale Fire Department responded and during their initial defense, called for the help of other agencies through their Automatic Aid program.

e Luke Air Force Base Fire Department — being one of the closest agencies to the re — quickly responded to the call, bringing in 6,000 gallons of water that aided the 11 re ghting apparatuses on site.

rity, which is de ned as someone who has had insu cient access to food to meet their basic needs in the past 12 months. e national average for seniors is 11.9%, according to America’s Health Rankings from United Health Foundation.

Banner Olive Branch Senior Center in the West Valley and Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center in the North Valley o er a variety of food programs and other resources, but their biggest growth has been in assisting at-risk seniors.

At Foothills Food Bank, 37% of those served are 55 years old and older. It’s also

the food bank’s fastest-growing demographic, making up 53% of new clients in 2022. Its Senior Market Monday helped 1,914 seniors last year and food bank volunteers delivered 147 boxes to seniors at their homes.

e center serves a wide swath of area in the north Valley that includes 300,000 residents and 15 ZIP codes in Cave Creek, New River and Black Canyon City.

Leigh Zydonik, Foothills executive director, attributed higher food costs to the in ux of new seniors seeking help.

“We think in ation is really hitting those on xed incomes, and many weren’t prepared for this,” she said. “So it comes down to, ‘Do I pay rent or do I pay for my medicine

SEE

Mayor Jerry Weiers made his way out to Luke Air Force Base on Aug. 9 to award the Certificate of Appreciation to two members of the agency’s fire department for their assistance in extinguishing a fire at the Glendale Landfill on July 19. (City of Glendale/Submitted)

Along with the help of Phoenix, Peoria and Surprise, the re was extinguished with no reported injuries and no structures being threatened.

“ e support provided by Luke Air Force Base and SSgt. Bove and SrA. Cole to the City of Glendale and the great team at the Glendale Fire Department, allowed the re to be extinguished in a timely manner, preventing negative long-term a ects to the surrounding area,” Weiers said in a press release.

Upon notice of the assistance, Weiers promptly made his way out to Luke Air Force Base, presenting both Cole, Bove and the broader Luke Air Force Base community with a small token of his appreciation.

“I’m thankful to have the opportunity to go out and do that,” Weiers said. “ ey do play a key role. ey’re part of my community. ey go to our church-

es; they go to our schools; they go to the grocery stores; and they participate in nonpro ts. Even if they aren’t a citizen of Glendale, I’m still their mayor.

“I’m going to go out of my way to try to make them feel welcome here, that when they make that decision of when they no longer want to serve, maybe they’ll choose Glendale to make their home.”

Weiers said supporting the military is among his top priorities, and with cases like this, it only ampli es his pride for having Luke Air Force Base in Glendale.

“A lot of people go, ‘Well, it’s not that big of a deal. It was just a land ll re,’” he said. “Well, a land ll re is a real big deal … (Luke Air Force Base is) serving nationally, but they’re also serving locally. And they do it because that’s their job, but they also do it because that’s the type of people they are.”

e Certi cate of Appreciation is just

one of the many things Weiers does within the military community to show support. Most notably, he is entering his 10th year of his Stand Up for Veterans event — a multi-agency event that aims to provide aid for the military community in the area.

“If somebody does something as a veteran, we’ll have somebody there to represent,” he said. “And it’s just a remarkable, amazing event that I take a lot of pride in putting on.”

Weiers will look to continue his support for the armed forces in any capacity, and with their support on cases like the land ll re, he feels it is well deserved.

“ ey’re the folks that will go out of the United States to protect (our) freedoms and at the same time, they’re right here in our very city, doing the same thing” Weiers said. “So, it’s pretty amazing.”

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or buy food?’ If we can provide food, it frees up some income for them to pay some of those other bills, just to help them either get ahead or keep their head above water.”

Foothills has been inundated with new clients requesting services. From 2021 to 2022, it had 48% more visitors; this year, it has seen a 43% increase in total visitors.

e food bank tries to make sure it has senior-friendly options such as individual-sized cans that are easy to open, low-sodium and low-sugar foods, healthy options, dried fruits and forti ed cereals.

“It’s a great social hour,” Zydonik said of the Monday market day, adding they also o er fresh produce, fresh bakery and deli items, dairy and meat.

Walter Sbarra is a familiar face at the Olive Branch center in Sun City. He takes advantage of meal programs there, but thrives on the socialization aspect at the center.

“I meet a lot of people here,” Sbarra said. “It’s good socializing. e food is good. e pantry is good. It’s available, and I enjoy it.

“It’s like a family after a while. You get to know people of di erent cultures, of di erent areas where they live. ey say, ‘I’m from Chicago. I’m from St. Louis.’ It’s interesting to hear what they say about their hometown.”

e center at 13049 N. 103rd Avenue in Sun City o ers ve food programs: a pantry where members can visit ve days a week and take home a bag of free groceries, home-delivered meals, group meals served in the center’s dining room, a takeout program and breakfasts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition, the Olive Branch has a bene ts review program where sta will help seniors identify services they may qualify for, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Health e ects of food insecurity

ose who work with seniors know food insecurity is a slippery slope that can cause them to deteriorate mental-

health, stress relief and managingnances.

Zydonik said they measure success if they can help a person over a rough patch and o er them resources that will allow them to remain independent.

“ e majority of folks do not need us that long. ey just need that bridge, that little thing of emergency and they can go o on their own and that helps them with their dignity,” she said. “To me, that’s really exciting.”

According to Zydonik, 54% of the food bank’s clients used its services for less than two years; 2% of the clients use the service weekly and 8% use the service monthly.

Gielau recounted a touching letter the Olive Branch received from a grateful senior.

hard, but it’s all well worth it when you know that you’re really touching lives and you’re helping people.”

Need has prompted expansions

Banner Olive Branch moved into a new 25,000-square-foot space in April, almost three times the size of its previous facility. e extra room includes a dining room that seats 208 people, a larger pantry and kitchen, a dedicated room for chair exercise programs, a movie room and a dedicated meeting space for Medicare bene ts counseling, legal assistance, tax preparation help and other programs.

ly and physically. e National Council on Aging links food insecurity to lower nutrient intakes like protein, vitamins A and C, calcium and iron. It says seniors who are food insecure are 65% more likely to be diabetic and are more likely to su er chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, obesity, gum disease and congestive heart failure.

Worrying about where your next meal is coming from can take a toll on a person’s mental health as well. A study in Public Health Nutrition showed a connection between food insecurity and depression.

“We know that eating a healthy meal really does support your overall health and wellness,” said Dawn Gielau, director of the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center. “We worry about making sure that our seniors are healthy and that they stay in their own home for as long as they want to be there. We do that by providing a variety of services that support their social determinants of health such as food insecurity.”

Zydonik, with Foothills Food Bank, agreed food insecurity is usually a symptom of a larger issue.

“If we can help get to that root cause and alleviate some of those barriers or the reasons that they became food insecure, then we’re helping for the long haul,” she said, adding that the resource center o ers workshops on nutrition,

“ e letter said, ‘I never thought I would ever need services like this until I found myself in a situation where I didn’t have as much income as I once did and my health was failing. And I now understand the importance of the food programs and the food pantry,’” she said. “So when you hear those success stories, it warms your heart because the work is

Foothills Food Bank is in the midst of a capital campaign with plans to build a new facility double the size of its location at 6038 E. Hidden Valley Drive in Cave Creek. Zydonik said they currently have three community markets, three mobile markets, seven micro-pantries in four schools, two libraries and a YMCA. Hours at the food bank in Cave Creek are 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Mondays for Senior Market Day.

Executive Director Leigh Zydonik said if the Foothills Food Bank can help ease some of the reasons the clients become food insecure, “then we’re helping for the long haul.” (Photo courtesy of the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center)

Avondale o ers water conservation classes to West Valley

BY JORDAN ROGERS

Glendale Star Managing Editor

Avondale is o ering new free landscape, gardening and water conservation classes.

e two-hour classes focus on topics such as landscape watering, lawn care, gardening and composting, among others, and the classes are available to any citizen in the West Valley — Glendale and Peoria included.

Avondale has o ered such classes in the past, but the city has been left without a water conservation coordinator for the last year and a half. Now with Amber Hughes having lled the position, the city is looking to teach just how crucial a resource water is.

“All of (the classes) have the water conservation focus, so no matter which class you’re taking, I asked the presenters to make sure they are talking about water conservation,” Hughes said.

Especially with the position the state is in with its water, Hughes said water conservation knowledge is that much more

important. Because of the drought, she added, more people have become interested on the topic of water.

“ is is a time to get people right now while they’re interested and teach them how to conserve water,” Hughes said. “Because once they see the savings that they can do and the money they can save, even if the state of our water changes … hopefully people will still conserve water. Understanding that could change anytime. Because it’s not a guarantee how much we’re going to have rain, how much we’re going to have snow. ere’s just no guarantee.”

Hughes is one of the six teachers who

will teach di erent classes. e others are Master Gardener Joetta Miller, landscape professional and horticulturist Jamie Toledano, certi ed arborist and tree farmer with Elgin Nursery and Tree Farm Jonathan Manning, owner of Earth’s Original Organics Tony Sarah and the Watershed Management Group.

“I spent some time with these instructors, even going to some of their presentations before I hired them on to make sure they were good presenters,” Hughes said. “I wanted to kind of vet them a little bit to make sure that they’re really going to be good for Avondale.”

Hughes is entirely responsible for coordinating these classes. It’s been a lot but, for her, a worthwhile task.

“Just science in general I’ve always had a love for, and so I think it’s really important,” she said. “And plants are 100% my focus. I am a plant person; probably as much as somebody would be a cat person, I’m a plant person. I have hundreds of plants in my house, so I think anytime I can get involved in teaching anything

about gardening, landscaping plants, how to care for them, how to water them. … at’s de nitely my passion — you have to teach the plants because plants and water conservation go together.”

To anyone who may be on the fence about checking out one of Avondale’s water conservation classes, Hughes said to just give it a shot and check it out.

“I really want to bring a di erent perspective with water conservation,” she said. “You can still have your plants but conserve water at the same time, and I want people to know that you don’t have to get rid of all of your plants and have a rock garden in your yard. Even if you’re just thinking about, ‘Hey, should I take this class?’ Take the class. You’ll probably learn something from it. ere’s a lot to learn.”

e rst of eight classes o ered throughout the rest of the year is slated for ursday, Aug. 23, on Zoom and will be taught by Hughes. e full class slate can be viewed at avondaleaz.gov/ waterconservation.

PUSD board member resigns

WRITTEN BY SETH RUDETSKY AND JACK PLOTNICK

BY JORDAN ROGERS Glendale Star Managing Editor

Rebecca Hill, Peoria Uni ed School District Governing Board member, has decided to step down from her post and resign.

is move becomes o cial following the board’s next meeting on ursday, Aug 24.

According to PUSD, Hill provided her resignation to Maricopa County Education Service Agency and said she is moving out-of-state to be closer to family.

“Please accept this as an o cial notice of my resignation from the Peoria Unied School District No. 11 Governing Board, e ective Aug. 24, 2023,” Hill said in her resignation letter. “I am grateful (for) the opportunity I had from our electorate to serve this community and wish the district well in the future.”

Hill declined a request for an interview.

e district will begin work with MCESA Superintendent Steve Watson — who appoints governing board members to

Rebecca Hill has opted to resign from the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board. (Peoria Unified School District/ Submitted)

ll vacant seats — to ll Hill’s seat.

e appointed Governing Board Member will serve the remainder of the term, which ends Sunday, Dec. 31.

Peoria resident takes over at Delta Dental

GLENDALE STAR STAFF

Josh Fredrickson, a resident of Peoria, has joined the Delta Dental of Arizona’s team as its director of digital and customer experience.

Delta Dental, which is a Glendale-based dental bene ts provider, serves more than 1.3 million enrollees and more than 3,700 contracted dentists across the state.

In this role, Fredrickson is responsible for developing and executing strategies that enhance customer and stakeholder acquisition, loyalty, retention and advocacy across multiple touchpoints, ensuring the interactions are cohesive, personalized and intuitive. He will also play a key role in Delta Dental’s overall digital transformation e orts by directing and enhancing the marketing technology stack, guiding integration across infrastructure, connectivity, visualization and their digital ecosystem.

“ e consumerism movement continues to change health care, and our ability to leverage data and a robust technology stack to elevate the customer experience is paramount,” said Jason Greenwood, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Delta Dental of Arizona.

“We are thrilled to have a leader like Josh to steer this important discipline within our marketing organization.”

Fredrickson brings more than 20 years of experience in online marketing, e-commerce and digital transformation to the role, including 13 years with Insight Enterprises in a variety of leadership positions. In his most recent position as senior manager of e-commerce at Insight, Fredrickson led nearly 100 team members within the sub-brand of TigerDirect and its e-commerce platform, TigerDirect.com, in areas of marketing, online merchandising, web design/development, paid media, inside sales and client support.

He also served as marketing tech-

Phone and Internet Discounts

Available to CenturyLink Customers

The Arizona Corporation Commission designated CenturyLink as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier within its service area for universal service purposes. CenturyLink’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines are $18.47 per month and business services are $35.00 per month. Specific rates will be provided upon request.

nology manager at Insight for several years, establishing processes to evaluate new technologies, vendor selection and contract negotiation as well as programs to onboard new tools, audit the performance of various platforms and o boarding underperforming tools as needed.

Prior to joining Insight, Fredrickson also worked in multiple digitally focused positions for Pulte Homes.

Within the community, Fredrickson is a frequent donor and volunteer at the Arizona chapter of Feed My Starving Children, an organization that works with partners around the world to feed starving children and prevent hunger-related deaths.

“One of the compelling reasons for joining Delta Dental of Arizona is how much they give back to the local community in the form of volunteerism and community grants,” Fredrickson said. “I’m excited to be part of a company that truly cares about the health and well-being of the communities it serves.”

CenturyLink participates in the Lifeline program, which makes residential telephone or qualifying broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers may qualify for Lifeline discounts of $5.25/ month for voice or bundled voice service or $9.25/month for qualifying broadband or broadband bundles. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain additional federal eligibility programs. The Lifeline discount is available for only one telephone or qualifying broadband service per household, which can be either a wireline or wireless service. Broadband speeds must be at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to qualify.

CenturyLink also participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households with a discount on broadband service. The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

For both programs, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Services are not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in these programs. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain these discounts can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from these programs.

If you live in a CenturyLink service area, visit https://www. centurylink.com/aboutus/community/community-development/ lifeline.html for additional information about applying for these programs or call 1-800-201-4099 with questions.

Josh Fredrickson has been named Delta Dental of Arizona’s director of digital and customer experience. (Delta Dental of Arizona/Submitted)

ASU senior living high-rise no cheap date

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Glendale Star Columnist

Aslick brochure arrived by mail recently, addressed to the “lady in residence.”

Neither she nor her spouse had attended Arizona State University, but here was an invitation from ASU, complete with eye-catching graphics and a clever slogan.

“A higher degree of luxury senior living,” it proclaimed, promoting a property called “Mirabella at ASU.”

Pictured was a silver-headed, silver-bearded man. With a bit more padding around his midriff and clad in the garb of an old prospector, he might have once been cast as a real-life “Windfall Willie,” the original mascot of the Arizo-

na Lottery.

Clutching a pen in his right hand, with a notebook resting on his knee, outfitted in a fashion that might be called “refined campus bohemian,” it became obvious that this was an introduction to “Joe College Sr.” And in this case, the suffix denotes his demographic group — not his fourth year in pursuit of an undergraduate degree.

Call it a combination of campus life and the “golden years” for those who back the maroon and gold. But this type of arrangement is not unique to Arizona State — it’s just that the Sun Devils opted for an opulent approach to a “univer-

Rise of Independent voters is encouraging

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Glendale Star Columnist

Mixed between news of former President Donald Trump’s multiple indictments and the latest investigation into our current president’s troubled son, I happened across a local news story that provided a glimmer of hope concerning our ongoing partisan warfare.

Last month, the number of registered independents in Arizona surpassed the number of registered Republicans and Democrats to become the largest single voting bloc in our state.

At last count, Arizona is home to 1,450,697 independents versus 1,445,127 Republicans and 1,260,659 Democrats.

sity-based retirement community,” or UBRC.

It won’t come as a surprise that those who stay true to UArizona contend the concept first took root in Tucson — with a “university-affiliated community.”

The late Henry Koffler, the first UArizona alumnus to serve as president of his alma mater, was inspired to reflect upon retirement and aging. Koffler thought there should be a place “for people who wanted to retire from work, not life.” And so, he founded “Academy Village.”

Though physically located 22 miles from the UArizona Campus in the Rincon Valley, it maintains a close relationship with the university. Residents who trek to Tucson can check out books from the university library and enjoy discounts on campus-based activities.

In turn, the university’s School of Music takes its shows “on the road” to the academy with a “dress rehearsal” for musicians prior to a major performance on campus.

But in Tempe, “on campus” is the operative term.

Located on East University Drive, Mirabella at ASU is senior housing as far removed architecturally from a typical dormitory as an 80-year-old man is separated chronologically from his 18-yearold grandson.

Ensconced in a 20-story skyscraper, the Mirabella amenities include personal concierge services, secure underground parking, a fitness and aquatic center and, as its promotional brochure heralds, “four dining venues … with views!”

Prospective residents are also enticed by the promise they can “take advantage of all ASU has to offer, just like a student,” attending classes and taking part in campus life.

But one element of campus life struck a sour note and spawned subsequent lawsuits.

There are another 40,000 folks who are either Libertarians or members of the No Labels Party, which appears to dislike labels and winning elections.

I registered as an independent way back when, after concluding neither Team Red nor Team Blue seemed all that interested in representing me as opposed to raising money, consolidating power and winning elections.

I have sometimes temporarily flipped my voter registration, however, to vote in a primary election — a right denied independents per Arizona law, though our tax dollars certainly pay for them.

Given that I’ve lived in districts where whoever won the primary would undoubtedly win the seat, changing my reg-

istration was the only way to have a voice, even if it was the equivalent of whispering into a tornado.

The headline about this rising tide of independents fueled a longtime fantasy of mine that’s still a longshot: I wake up one day and our two dominant political parties are on life support, supplanted by voters who are more interested in solving problems than in voting a straight ticket meanwhile screaming at everyone who disagrees with them.

Unfortunately, politics in our state — and the U.S. — have never been more tribal.

Where once upon a time, each party had a moderate element that functioned as a persuadable middle, now it appears voters on both sides have drifted toward the extremes.

That’s given rise to abysmal behavior all around, with the loudest voices (crackpots like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for the conservatives and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez for the progressives) whipping their base into a frenzy at the slight-

est provocation.

This angry streak isn’t merely depressing as hell.

It effectively poisons potential conversations on issues of substance, from how best to keep our communities safe to what to teach in our schools to how to spend our precious tax dollars.

My result? If we can’t have a serious conversation about what a sixth grader should learn in the classroom without cleaving into opposing teams to scream about critical race theory or the politics of pronouns, then Arizona’s K-12 schools are likely to continue to struggle for eternity.

As you read this, there’s a ballot measure meant to create open primaries that might declaw the two dominant parties a bit — but it needs more than 350,000 signatures to get on the 2024 ballot, where it will surely be opposed by Dems and the GOP.

Amid that backdrop, we’re about to have an interesting three-way fight for a

Keep paying rent if your landlord won’t fix something

BY JUDGE GERALD A. WILLIAMS

North

Valley Justice of the Peace

If someone tells you that you can “get your landlord’s attention” if you stop paying your rent, then they are giving you bad legal advice. You will, for sure, get your landlord’s attention, but you could also get evicted for nonpayment of rent.

Some jurisdictions allow tenants to “rent strike,” meaning they can withhold rent until a maintenance issue is resolved.

In Arizona, tenants may not withhold rent unless expressly allowed to do so by statute. If there is a problem with the residence, the tenant cannot simply stop paying rent. Instead, the tenant must first give the landlord an opportunity to fix the problem.

For comparatively minor repair issues, if a landlord fails to make repairs, a tenant can notify the landlord of their intention to repair the problem at the land-

lord’s expense.

A.R.S. § 33-1363. If the landlord does not fix the problem within 10 days from receiving the notice, the tenant can hire a licensed contractor, submit a repair bill to the landlord and deduct the cost of the work from the rent.

For something that qualifies as an essential service, the tenant has several options, but many of them are not realistic. The tenant’s best option may be to give a five-day cure notice to the landlord and, if necessary, find substitute housing, like a motel, during the period of the landlord’s noncompliance. A.R.S. § 33-1361(A); A.R.S. § 33-1364(A)(3).

A landlord has a duty to maintain a fit residence. This includes making whatever repairs are necessary to keep the premises in a habitable condition.

More specifically, any residential

landlord must supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, and reasonable heat and reasonable air-conditioning or cooling when needed. A.R.S. § 33-1324.

Sample notices for both major and minor repairs are available in the Eviction Actions section of the Maricopa County Justice Courts’ web page. Also, there is a sample letter tenants may use to request a return of their security deposit.

LEIBOWITZ FROM PAGE 8

U.S. Senate seat between Dem Congressman Ruben Gallego, now-independent incumbent Kyrsten Sinema and — though she isn’t officially in yet — retired newsreader turned full-time bulls--t artist Kari Lake.

The conventional wisdom seems to be Gallego and Sinema will savage each other on the left, splitting the Democrat and left-leaning independent vote, thus opening a path for Lake to win on the right. I’m

If your landlord gives you a five-day notice claiming you have not paid your rent, contact your landlord immediately. Often the best options to resolve any issues are available before anything is filed at a courthouse.

Judge Gerald Williams is the Justice of the Peace for the North Valley Justice Court. The court’s jurisdiction includes parts of Glendale, Phoenix, Anthem and Desert Hills.

not so sure.

Those of us who have quit the old parties did so because we have an independent streak. Left or right don’t describe us quite so easily.

At nearly 1.5 million strong and counting, we’re mostly wondering what the heck is keeping the rest of you from joining us?

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

Nominate a financial literacy teacher who makes a difference

BY ARIZONA TREASURER KIMBERLY YEE AND DR. MARY L. RIGDON

The teaching profession is highly regarded and respected, especially in Arizona, where educators feel great pride and responsibility in equipping students with the necessary tools for a successful life. Financial education strengthens our citizens, communities and the overall fiscal health of our great state. Those who make smart financial and economic decisions are more likely to become self-sufficient, enabling them to live successful, fulfilling lives. The foundation of financial literacy begins with learning about money in K-12 schools.

Giving young people an understanding and appreciation of how to budget for everyday expenses, save and prepare for retirement is critical so they can support themselves and their families throughout their lives. Teachers with the knowledge and skills to empower Arizona students with these lessons are

essential to the future of our state.

The Arizona Treasury and the University of Arizona Center for the Philosophy of Freedom (Freedom Center) have joined together to support teachers providing students with financial literacy education by creating the Arizona Award for Excellence in Teaching Financial Literacy. Nominations are currently open until Sept. 1 to identify three exceptional teachers who will be awarded a full scholarship to pursue an online Master of Legal Studies, Law & Economics concentration.

We invite Arizonans to get involved and nominate an exceptional teacher who would benefit from this opportunity. Teachers may also nominate themselves. The nomination form is available at aztreasury.gov/teacher-s-scholarship.

This degree equips educators with a deeper understanding of the subjects and tools to enhance their teaching. Graduates are better prepared to engage students in critical thinking, deci-

sion-making and problem-solving, and ultimately to prepare students to successfully shape their financial futures.

A Master of Legal Studies, Law & Economics degree helps teachers strengthen their classroom skills and build a successful career. Each scholarship for this degree — a joint program between the Freedom Center and the James E. Rogers College of Law developed by Dr. Saura Masconale, the center’s associate director — is worth over $20,000.

The degree’s courses delve deeper into the intricate relationship between law and economics, including a country’s political structure and the functioning of a free market. Ethics coursework will help teachers explain how moral and economic success are both attainable. The curriculum provides hands-on experience through experimental economics and game theory, which makes financial concepts more relatable in real-world settings.

The program explores environmental protection, addressing social concerns, legal ramifications and global consequences. Finally, the program examines the very nature of law, economics and politics in American social and political life to illustrate how different perspectives and priorities impact the policies, laws and regulations that sustain our democracy.

We created this award to recognize and support teachers who have embraced the teaching of financial literacy in their classrooms and to inspire more educators to incorporate financial education in their academic curricula. The Arizona Treasurer’s Office Financial Literacy Task Force has played a crucial role by leading many initiatives to promote financial education across the state. One of the many significant achievements of the task force includes passing a law requiring Arizona high schools to teach financial education before graduation. The Treasurer’s Office also created the Financial Education Portal, which provides free resources for money management skills for all Arizonans.

We look forward to honoring three deserving teachers at the state Capitol in Phoenix in September. Please take a moment to nominate an exceptional teacher who inspires students through financial literacy, which will benefit them throughout their lives.

Kimberly Yee is the state treasurer of Arizona. Dr. Mary L. Rigdon is director of the University of Arizona Center for the Philosophy of Freedom and associate professor in the UArizona Department of Political Economy & Moral Science.

Trusted Choice Pledge of Performance®

SARAH MITCHELL, GLENDALE OFFICE MANAGER

AROUND THE BLUHMIN’ TOWN

Lessons learned riding the wave of ‘ultimate’ freedom

BY JUDY BLUHM Glendale Star Columnist

Iam a surfer. OK, I should clarify: I have surfed. For one minute.

Yes, dear readers, earlier this year, I caught a wave on the longboard. In other words, I spent a couple of days in San Diego and have figured out the art of paddle, wait, stand and pray. Oh, and I got to wear a wetsuit, which, in my opinion, is the ultimate spandex

“outfit” that makes everyone look fabulous.

I was walking on the beach and a woman in her late 50s had a little sign that said, “Surfing lessons for women.” I stopped to chat. Her name, Bella Splash, intrigued me. She charged $50 for an hour lesson and had several surfboards and wetsuits to choose from. I have surfed over the past 20 years, mostly with grandsons who ended up mastering the sport. But

I usually paddle out, stand up and fall off the board. I never took a lesson. What did I have to lose? (Except my life.)

Bella Splash lived in Iowa, happily married to a doctor, until she found out he was having an affair with his receptionist. So, the former Betty Brown did something amazing. She bought an RV and headed to California, learned to surf and changed her name. She teaches surfing to “empower” women. Evidently, she thought I needed a lot of empowering, as she spent two hours with me.

Bella showed me how to handle myself on the board. Standing, balance and “being centered” is everything. Oh, and catching the “right wave” is key. Not powerful enough and you do not get the right “send-off.” Too big and you will certainly crash. Bella said since it “takes years” to pick the right wave, just follow her lead.

if I catch “one good wave” I will experience the “ultimate” in freedom. Gliding on a wave, being in the present moment, pure joy and exhilaration, is what she was selling. OK, I was skeptical.

And then it happened. Bella shouted, “This is the one!” And suddenly we were paddling back toward shore as the perfect swell came rushing.

A small miracle occurred that day. I paddled, pressed up and with Bella yelling, “Now!” I stood, riding on the top of a shimmering wall of water. For one blessed minute, I “became” a surfer. No worries, spray of water, blue ocean below and flying on the edge of a wave heading into shore is about as good as it gets.

“Shady Park” may sound like the name of an old-fashioned “rest home,” but it is a Tempe concert venue located across the street from Mirabella. The loud sound emanating from Shady Park wasn’t exactly “The Sound of Music” — at least not to the ears of many senior neighbors.

That’s why some of those seniors filed suit, hoping to force Shady Park to turn down the volume, but that just amped up unwelcome publicity. The Wall Street Journal chronicled the dispute last fall for its national readership — not exactly the kind of coverage ASU or the Mirabella developers desired.

More welcome news came this spring when a settlement was reached. It was reported in March all lawsuits were dropped when Shady Park promised to work with the city of Tempe to imple-

ment enhanced “noise abatement procedures.”

But for many seniors, it’s not the volume of the music … it’s the “cost of living” that serves as a disincentive for moving into Mirabella at ASU. With initial housing fees that range from $440,000 to more than $1 million — and additional monthly payments from $4,000 to $8,000 — it’s clear this new “university community” is quite an exclusive neighborhood.

For the lady and her spouse who perused the slick marketing brochure that arrived in their mailbox, one major event would enable them to make the move into ASU’s UBRC: winning the lottery. Windfall Willie, where are you?

J.D. Hayworth worked as a sportscaster at Channel 10, Phoenix, from 1987 until 1994 and represented Arizona in Congress from 1995-2007.

Before I ever entered the water, Bella had me stand on the board. Lay, paddle and pop up. We went through that drill dozens of times. Hmm, I have not taken the technique seriously! Bella talked me through the correct posture and how to properly position on the board. She said

I left the beach pondering “Bella’s Rules” (for surfing or life?). Choose the wave wisely. Practice. Be patient. Then commit. Keep moving forward. Don’t look back. Stand tall, chin up. Be fearless. Never let age stop you. Embrace the moment. Feel the joy. Seize the day. Enjoy the ride.

Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local Realtor. Contact her at judy@judybluhm.com or at aroundthebluhmintown.com.

The Glendale Star will print the writer’s name and city of residence only. Letters without the requisite identifying information will not be published. Letters are published in the order received, and they are subject to editing. The Glendale Star will not publish consumer complaints, form letters, clippings from other publications or poetry. Letters’ authors, not the Glendale Star, are responsible for the “facts” presented in letters.

immediately

- April M. in Glendale

HAYWORTH FROM PAGE 8

The Glendale Star welcomes letters that express readers’ opinion on current topics. Letters must include the writer’s full name, address (including city) and telephone number.

Pete’s Fish and Chips to continue founder’s legacy

BY JOE McHUGH Glendale Star Sta Writer

Peter Grant was described as “a larger-than-life” gure.

e late founder of Pete’s Fish and Chips and former military PT boat captain had a number of hobbies, all of which he was pro cient in — including playing the piano and guitar, playing amateur golf that led to touring Europe more than 20 times, serving as captain of the golf and basketball programs at the University of Indiana, and many others.

Whether it was playing poker with John F. Kennedy while they were in the armed forces or winning several European golf tournaments, Grant’s daughter Pat Foster said her father “was a hero.”

After he contracted malaria from a mosquito bite while serving, he was told that he would have to relocate to a hot, dry climate.

“His doctor thought that he needed to either go to Egypt or Arizona, and so he said he didn’t speak Egyptian, so he went to Arizona with our mom, Ruth,” Foster said.

Arriving with only $900 to his name, he brainstormed ways to continue his success in the Grand Canyon State. He settled on the idea to bring in something he had seen an abundance of in Europe while gol ng: sh and chips.

Stationing a small stand with no running water on the side of the road, Grant served the staple meal for just 35 cents. From there, his business scaled up to one of the premier locations for sh and chips in the Valley.

Grant’s four daughters took over Pete’s after he was tragically murdered in 1987. ey dedicated their work to continuing their late father’s legacy and the strong community he built around comfort food.

“It took both of us to ll his big shoes,

but we did it,” said Foster and Kathy Adams, vice president and president of Pete’s Fish and Chips, respectively. “And so, we’ve been doing it for the last 36 years.”

Pete’s eight locations are spread out Valleywide — Tolleson, Mesa, Tempe and Glendale — which has helped create a tight-knit community of customers who rave about their food.

All of its restaurants cater to the idea of its very rst stand — a takeout window and a drive-thru with no indoor seating. Each location has outdoor patio seating for customers who want to enjoy their meals fresh out of the fryer, accommodating for the Arizona heat with misters and fans.

e menu is cost friendly and made from fresh ingredients — o ering much more than just sh and chips, though. It has a variety of food options such as shrimp, chicken nuggets and tenders, crabettes, scallops, sandwiches and

Monster Burgers — named for Grant’s daughters.

“We were his little monsters, us four girls,” Foster said. “He wanted a big burger, and he called it a Monster Burger.”

During the 76 years they have been in business, the quality of the food has always been paramount. Keeping things fresh was at the forefront of Grant’s mind, and his daughters intend to keep it that way as long as they are at the helm of the company.

“If you eat there today, it’s going to be the same 10 years from now,” Adams said. “You get the same sh and chips, the same sauce, the same burger.”

e community that follows the food is growing by the day.

At the Mesa headquarters, Foster and Adams have numerous photos of people donning shirts with the Pete’s logo in front of various iconic world locations, like the Great Wall of China or the Arc de Triomphe. e company has even

amassed over 38,000 followers on its Facebook page.

e family-owned business was tested during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, as many restaurants were. However, their story was one of success rather than failure.

“COVID actually was trying, but it was actually, in a crazy way … really good for us,” Foster said. “We were positioned with our takeout and our walk-up window with no indoor dining. We just have outdoor patios and then a drive-thru. We were in a perfect position for COVID.

“People could still not have any contact with anyone, and they still want to eat out, but they didn’t want to face anyone or be in the room with someone or sit next to someone. COVID dealt us a good hand, and we did real well during COVID.”

Reminiscent of the numerous successes their father saw during his lifetime, Pete’s used that momentum to further become a staple within the Valley.

In the time their father has passed, Foster and Adams feel they have done right by their father and have continued the family business in a way he would be thrilled to see.

“We know he’d be proud,” Foster said. “And the way that he died was beyond tragic. So, I think Kathy feels the same, but I get to honor him. is is his story. is is his legacy and his life. And you can see the pictures (at the headquarters), you can see in the pictures there, we’ve got pictures (of Grant) everywhere.

“He was a man that lived the life of 100 men. … He was just larger than life. You want to emulate him. And you do want to make him proud.”

Pete’s Fish and Chips co-owners Kathy Adams and Pat Foster are looking to continue the legacy of their late father, Pete Grant, by o ering the highest-quality food to a large community across the Valley. (Joe McHugh/Sta )

DVUSD ag football ready for inaugural season

BY SUMMER AGUIRRE Glendale Star Sta Writer

After much anticipation, the inaugural girls ag football season in the Deer Valley Uni ed School District kicks o this week.

For years, ag football was played as a club sport, and this is the rst season it will operate as an o cial Arizona Interscholastic Association-sanctioned sport.

With its newly sanctioned status, ve Deer Valley Uni ed School District (DVUSD) high schools — Barry Goldwater, Mountain Ridge, Sandra Day O’Connor, Boulder Creek and Deer Valley — have incorporated ag football programs into their athletic departments, and coaches and athletes are looking forward to the sport’s future.

“When I heard about it last year, I was super excited because it’s an opportunity,” Barry Goldwater head coach Josh Baloney said.

“For my girls, from what I’m understanding it means that they’re just as good as the boys in those technical aspects. One of the girls on the team, she takes pride in the fact that she can run routes just as good as any boy — it validates these young ladies that they can go out here and do football,” he said. “ ey can say, ‘I play football, and it’s not powderpu .’ And so they take pride in that every day they come out.

“ e boys football players at our school, they are hyping them up, they’re excited about it. So they know they have support. It means a lot to them.”

Emma Johnson, a senior on Mountain Ridge’s squad this year, echoed Baloney’s words.

cially in high school, you give them another opportunity to shine and become stronger mentally.”

As DVUSD schools enter their rst season, one of their biggest challenges will be facing East Valley teams — a number of which played the rst organized schedule for girls ag football in Arizona high school history last year, according to a previously published article by the Queen Creek Tribune, the Glendale Star’s sister publication.

ese schools include Ahwatukee’s Mountain Pointe High School and Chandler Uni ed School District’s Hamilton, Chandler, Basha, Arizona College Prep, Perry and Casteel. e latter team won the girls ag football championship game this past May.

“My expectations for my girls are just to do their best,” Baloney said. “I’m not expecting us to go out and blow anyone out of the water or anything like that. … I just asked them to do their best in the rst year, just to go out and have fun. We have time to build a program, but let’s just have fun with this rst year.”

However, he did see a lot of talent at tryouts in early August.

“We have some athletic girls. We had a girl last year at Barry Goldwater. … She played football with the boys. So I think this was very, very needed, very on time for her. She’s gonna be on the team this year,” he said.

Having spoken with the other DVUSD ag football coaches, Baloney said it seems they all have the same goals for the season in mind: being competitive, but understanding that Deer Valley is a family.

community, even though we’re all still reaching for one goal.”

Whitney Warmus, the head coach for Mountain Ridge ag football, hopes this season brings in “a crowd that just has pure excitement, joy, energy and love for the game of football.”

“I want my girls to have that camaraderie of a memory that they’ll always remember — especially for seniors, it’s their rst and last season for high school,” she said. “But for the rest of them, I want to be the next big thing that they are excited to do and then more

athletics departments and grow it, due to its increasing popularity.

Her objective is to build a program for the future and reach a point where they can support both varsity and JV programs.

“ is is something I wish I had when I was their age, and I know a lot of people feel the same way,” Warmus said.

“ is is my rst year teaching at Mountain Ridge, and then I found out when I interviewed they’re having ag football. I knew this was kind of meant for me because that was one of my goals

“I think it’s really empowering,” she said. “Because for so long, football has always been a male-dominated sport, but then having the female aspect, espe-

“I’ve worked with the (Sandra Day) O’Connor coach, Mr. (Michael) Webber, and we’ve had a scrimmage and it’s been wonderful,” he said. “Everybody’s so helpful with each other. It’s like a big

tar The Glendale

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.

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

Back to School Craft AUG. 25

Go back to school in style with a personalized perler bead keychain for your backpack. Children ages of 7 to 12 are invited to join the Velma Teague Library in creating a unique keychain perfect for you. Participants will have the option to use one of many premade templates or create a design of their own. All supplies will be provided, and all you have to bring is yourself.

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.

Velma Teague Library — VTL Waiting Room, 7010 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, 4 to 5 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary.com

session. All skill levels are welcome! This jam session takes place every second and fourth Saturday of each month.

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

brary. Whether you have never heard of Dungeons & Dragons, have a Level 1 character already crafted or would like to play with one of our pre-rolled characters, join us in creating your own adventures with other teen rogues, fighters and druids. This program is put on for teens, 12-18, only.

Foothills Library — Hummingbird Room, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, 6 to 7 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary.com

BARANS AUG.

25

Joe Barans is the guitarist and songwriter of the cinematic, instrumental rock duo BARANS. The duo is from Phoenix and has been performing for years at venues like Mesa Arts Center, Copper Blues and Crescent Ballroom, among others.

Fountain Park, 6751 Sunset Boulevard, Glendale, 7 to 10 p.m., free, westgateaz.com/ event

Alex Hooper

AUG. 25 & AUG. 26

Alex Hooper is a stand-up comedian, actor and professional roaster. He delights crowds by blending dark humor with silly positivity. Hooper has headlined clubs all over the world and whether it’s an audience of 11 or 11,000, he leaves comedy goers begging for more. Hooper is best known as the America’s Got Talent comedian who infamously roasted the judging panel in 2018. 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

AUG. 26

Bring your acoustic instrument to play along or join the audience at this round-robin all-acoustic jam

Sahuaro Ranch Acoustic Jam AUG. 27

The Sahuaro Ranch Acoustic Jam meets the second and fourth Sunday afternoons. Bring your acoustic instrument to the Glendale Main Library and play round-robin style in this self-led program. Audience is welcome, and registration is not required.

Glendale Main Library — Large Meeting Room, 5959 W. Brown Street, Glendale, 2 to 4 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary.com

Big Band Grandstand AUG. 28

Become part of a big band and practice your musical skills along with a large collection of other like-minded musicians. Any musician that 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 — Roadrunner Room, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, 1 to 3 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary.com

Meet new people and destroy your enemies at the Glendale Main Li-

Family Book Bingo AUG. 31

Children and families are invited to join the Velma Teague Library sta for an exciting hour of Book Bingo. Prizes will include books and loot from the library treasure chest.

Velma Teague Library — VTL Waiting Room, 7010 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary. com

Lisa Alvarado SEPT. 1 & SEPT. 2

“The Latin Queen of Comedy,” born to Peruvian parents, Lisa Alvarado brings the funny with clever wit and a sassy fun attitude using her own life as the punchline. Alvarado started her comedy career in Chicago by training at Second City. After 6 years of studying improv, she honed her skills as a stand-up comedian for the past 22 years. She has appeared as a national headliner to many theaters, comedy clubs, festivals, corporate events and military tours.

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

One Step Beyond calling for nominations

BY JORDAN ROGERS

Glendale Star Managing Editor

One Step Beyond Inc., an organization focused on providing a variety of services and programs for adults with intellectual disabilities, is actively seeking nominations for their annual HUG Awards.

e nonpro t is asking Valley residents to nominate individuals who have made a positive impact on the lives of people with intellectual disability in the community.

Winners will be hand-picked by an in-house committee based on evidence of unwavering compassion, dedication and commitment to One Step Beyond’s mission. Blanton said they expect three or four awardees, but there isn’t a specific number of awards that will be handed out.

“We’ve got a committee that is going to be going through all of the applications to be choosing the awards,” Blanton said.

“We actually don’t necessarily have a number that we’re going to be awarding. It’ll be three or four, but we’ve got time. My hope is that we can award as many as possible. People that are out there doing good work should be recognized for it. So, as many awards as we can give, especially for causes or people that are doing really good work. e more the merrier for me.”

Giving out recognition to those who are out in the community doing good things for adults with intellectual disabilities is of the utmost importance for Blanton.

“Whether it’s in the realm of health, or employment, or housing, there’s a lot of need right now for advocacy for people with disabilities in the realm of housing and employment,” she said. “So, I think anyone that’s out there, doing that kind of work should be recognized, but then also promoted to the rest of the public that these are real issues that we all need

‘Idol’ Megan Danielle shares her faith in concert

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Glendale Star Executive Editor

Singer Megan Danielle said fans didn’t get to see the complete picture of her during her time on “American Idol.”

She’s determined to make that clear during her concert dates with fellow “American Idol” alum Maddie Poppe. e two play at the Musical Instrument Museum on Friday, Aug. 25, and 191 Toole in Tucson on Saturday, Aug. 26. Danielle said it’s a great bill, their

second tour together.

“I love her,” she said about Poppe. “I watched her when she was on ‘Idol.’ She’s such a genuine, sweet person. Her whole team is great.”

In between songs — and within her tunes — Danielle will share her faith.

“I just wanted to be myself and let the world know about God,” she said about her time post-“Idol.” “If they don’t know about Him, they do now.”

Among the songs on her set list is “Dream Girl,” her rst post-“American Idol” single.

to be aware of, and that there are people out there that are trying to make a di erence and make some changes.”

e creation of the HUG Awards was inspired by the untimely death of the founder of the organization’s art program. Maggie Laughlin, whose son, JL, has been part of the program for a long time, lost her battle with cancer in 2021.

“She’s just one of those amazing peo-

“It’s just amazing,” she said about the song. “It just talks about how the world can be so cruel sometimes. It really impacts your decisions about the dreams you want. It’s a reminder that every little girl can dream big and keep going no matter what. It’s just special.”

She has a collection of unreleased music, and “I just want to show myself as an artist and person,” she said. “I’m in the studio as much as I can. I’m writing a lot and hoping to release an EP, just to get

SEE CONCERT PAGE 17

“American Idol” season 21 runner-up Megan Danielle plays two Arizona shows — Friday, Aug. 25, at the Musical Instrument Museum and Saturday, Aug. 26, at 191 E. Toole Avenue, Tucson. (Megan Danielle/ Submitted)

One Step Beyond is accepting nominations for their annual HUG Awards. (One Step Beyond/Submitted)

ple that you meet who not only was a great mom and great friend, but really understood how people with disabilities could access art in a way that was really not just like doing arts and crafts or just fingerprinting,” Blanton said. “She had this unique way of really teaching the techniques and the creativity that comes along with creating art. She just was a wonderful person.”

For Blanton, though, sometimes “good things come from bad things.”

“When she (Laughlin) passed, we wanted to provide more for her, to ap-

SEE ONE STEP PAGE 17

preciate everything that she has done for our organization, but also everything we felt like she did for the community,” Blanton said. “In terms of bringing art or making art more accessible to people with disabilities in our organizations and wider than that.”

e HUG Awards will be handed out at the organization’s Help Us Grow Gala in October. is will be the organization’s third gala and award celebration, but with it being One Step Beyond’s 20th anniversary, this year’s gala will be the biggest to date.

“It’s going to be an all-day event for our 20th (anniversary),” Blanton said. “We’re hoping that it’s going to be probably the biggest event that we’ve ever had in the last 20 years.”

For anyone who knows of an individual doing something good in the community for adults with intellectual disabili-

CONCERT FROM PAGE 16

something out there.”

A Douglasville, Georgia, native, Danielle hails from a close family of two sisters and a brother. Together, they watched their grandpa and uncles at the racetrack and played ball and cornhole.

“I am really big on family,” she said. “We are all so close and do just about everything together. My grandparents mean everything to me; they have always been there. I lost my grandpa about two years ago and miss him greatly. He really in uenced me to become a better version of myself and pursue music.”

She didn’t connect with her faith until she was 18 and started to attend church regularly. Music has always been a strong presence in her life.

“Since I was a little girl, I have always enjoyed listening to music and singing along to anything I’d hear,” Danielle said.

“I was always so shy to pursue it, but eventually around the age of 15, I booked my own show at a restaurant in Douglasville. en, at the age of 18, I was singing anywhere I could. … In bars, venues and any place that would have me. I always knew I wasn’t living up to my full potential and then one night at a show, my grandpa really in uenced me to follow my calling. It was at that time, ironically, I quit performing altogether to learn more about myself, about God and what plans He had for my life.”

ties, Blanton wants to see a nomination for that person. Nominations must be made by Friday, Sept. 1, but Blanton said that deadline is exible.

“If people know of things that are going on in their community or know of somebody who’s in their community that’s making a di erence, please, please nominate or give us a call and tell us about it,” Blanton said.

To make a nomination, visit osbi. dm.networkforgood.com/forms/ hug-award-nominations.

One Step Beyond 20th anniversary and Help Us Grow Gala

WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Sat., Oct. 14

WHERE: The Duce, 525 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix

INFO: osbi.org/gala

A year and a half ago, an “American Idol” producer messaged Danielle on Instagram asking if she’d want to audition. Initially hesitant, she mustered the courage to do it and placed second.

Fans watched her con dence grow during the ABC competition show.

“I went into the competition very doubtful,” she said.

“I didn’t think I’d make it on season 21. It helped me grow a lot and see how I am. I’m just grateful for it. I learned to really just trust myself and be myself.

“To be the runner-up is still surprising to me. I’ve taken the time to realize this is a big accomplishment. I’m proud of myself.”

Maddie Poppe w/ Megan Danielle

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25

WHERE: Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Boulevard, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $33.50

INFO: 480-478-6000, mim.org

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26

WHERE: 191 Toole, 191 E. Toole Avenue, Tucson

COST: Tickets start at $30

INFO: ticketmaster.com

Jeannette ‘Jenny’ (Pardridge) Jarvinen

Jeannette ‘Jenny’ (Pardridge) Jarvinen, 94, of Bryson City, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 3, 2023, with her faithful dog Maggie at her side.

Jeannette was born in Johnswood on Drummond Island, Michigan, on January 15, 1929, the daughter of Walter and Dorothy (Mark) Pardridge. She attended school on Drummond Island, graduated from high school in Pickford, Michigan, and briefly attended the University of Michigan on a scholarship.

she lived though reading was probably her favorite pastime. Although she especially loved mystery books, she was a voracious reader of many subjects and always enjoyed learning. Her love of learning compelled her to complete her Associate of Arts degree in Sociology at Glendale Community College while working full-time as a Bookkeeper.

She is survived by her four children, Phyllis Jarvinen (Mark) Sandell of Webster, North Carolina, Joellen Beaudoin of Peoria, Arizona, Donald Jarvinen of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Gayle (Jim) Citta of Windsor, California; by two granddaughters, Stephanie (Jackson) Lanford of Peoria, Arizona and Jessica (Lee) Bryant of Beavercreek, Ohio and by five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara MacLaren of Traverse City, Michigan.

While married to her military husband, Vernon Jarvinen, she and the children lived in five states and in Germany and Spain. She also lived in Arizona, California and North Carolina to be near her family.

Jeannette was an excellent seamstress, sewing clothing for herself, her children and grandchildren and also using her talents to decorate her homes in the many places

Another of Jeannette’s great loves was her love of dogs. She was a regular supporter of many animal rescue organizations and always had a small dog in her life. After retiring from a career in Bookkeeping, she drove around the country with her dog, sightseeing and visiting her children.

Jeannette was a strong, independent woman with many talents and a great sense of humor. One of her great pleasures was finding the perfect funny card for birthdays, holidays and special occasions for family.

If you would like to commemorate Jeannette’s life, please make a donation in her name to your favorite animal or human charity or to your local public library. For online condolences, please visit Crisp Funeral Home in Bryson City, North Carolina (https://crispfuneralhome.org). Jeannette will be missed by all who knew her.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Cremation has already taken place.

Isaw a car bumper sticker on a truck today. It said, “Do you always follow Jesus this close?”

e beginning of Christianity was full of challenges. Christianity was a reformation. Christianity was a whole new covenant given a new testament by a new supernatural leader with a new group of people indwelt by God’s spirit who would reform how life and culture were perceived and lived. ey were there for liberation, not domination — contribution, not conquest. Christ changed everything. It was an upgrade for all of humanity.

Christianity challenged the norms of

existing governments, cultures, philosophies, humanities, religions and societies of that time. ese very young Christians and churches would have a challenging ride. You can’t be a reformer and stay friends with everyone. ey would learn by experiencing the difference between the old human pow-

er model and the new power of Christ model. ey would learn rsthand the real meaning of the verse that says, “Greater is He who is in us (the church) than he who is in the world.”

Such was the narrative of the church and people in the book of Hebrews in the Bible. e Hebrews writer helps them navigate the tough times they were experiencing. e church in the Book of Hebrews was under siege. Members were imprisoned and “ill-treated.” Some were enduring great su ering, being made public spectacles of, and their property seized. Some were going to jail (Hebrews 13:3; Hebrews 10:32-34). Ouch! It was the perfect imperfect storm.

ese new Christians were getting bitter about it. ey were getting mad at God. “How could God let this happen?”

ey were getting angry at other people too. Maybe they thought everything would be perfect when they became Christians. e outcome was many were getting ready to check Christianity in and give it up. ey were becoming dull to God. e hurt, bitterness, disappointment, anger and just plain drama were driving them from God, not to God.

e writer of Hebrews notes some signs of becoming dull toward God.

ey were forsaking the assembling of the brethren by not going to church (Hebrews 10:25). ey were closing their homes to strangers and homeless Christians (Hebrews 13:2). ey forgot to visit Christians imprisoned unjustly (Hebrews 13:3). ey were letting bitterness destroy their marriages (Hebrews 13:4).

ey were looking to the security of their money and the insecurity of losing their money and property rather than looking to Jesus (Hebrews 13:5).

We would probably feel the same way too. at is a lot to ask anyone to go through. But the writer of the Book of Hebrews writes them a letter of “exhortation,” not a letter of warning or condemnation.

He encourages them to keep on, keep-

ing on. Don’t give up. Christ will turn this mess into a message. Don’t go to the dark side. God always makes a way where there seems to be no way. Corrie Ten Boom summarizes the keep on, keeping on idea perfectly. “Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don’t be afraid.” Many things can break our hearts, but those things also can x our vision.

e Book of Hebrews reveals the process of slip-sliding away from God if we get bitter at God or churches or Christianity. e rst step is drifting or neglecting the word of God. “For this reason, we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it,” (Hebrews 2:1). e next step is doubting God’s Word. We get hardhearted. We start questioning God and truth, “Hath God said? ‘But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called today,’ lest anyone of you be hardened,” (Hebrews 3:17).

e third step is dullness to God’s word. We become sluggish, lethargic and close our ears to God and truth.

e writer of Hebrews says, “… concerning him, we have much to say, and it is hard to explain since you have become dull of hearing,” (Hebrews 5:11). e fourth step is despising God’s word. We become jaded and caustic toward God. “For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth …” (Hebrews 10:26). e last step is defying God’s word. at means intentionally refusing to hear. “See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking,” (Hebrews 12:25).

Drifting, doubthing, dullnes, despising, defying.

GOD’S LOVE IS ETERNAL

16000 N. Del Webb Blvd., Sun City AZ 85351 Tel: 623-974-3611

WORSHIP SUNDAYS - 10 AM

Livestream www.scfaith.org

Faith Church supports Valley View Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and more missions.

Rev. Mike & Rev. Sheryl Campbell Knit/Crochet group, Quilters, Men’s Fellowship. Morning Bible group & afternoon Choir begin September 7

ACROSS

1 Rescue

5 Ozone, for one

8 Protracted

12 Carolina college

13 Roswell sighting

14 Falco of “The Sopranos”

15 “Game on!”

17 Snitch

Harvest CHurCH

8340 W. Northern Ave.

Glendale, AZ 85305

Information 623.334.9482

Dr. Ron G. Rockwell – Pastor

Sunday: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m.

Nursery Provided

Wednesday: Family Night 7:00 p.m.

www.hcaz.org

101 Freeway

8340 W. Northern Harvest CHurCH

91st ave. Northern Ave.

Glendale Ave. 83rd Ave.

MESSAGE FROM PAGE 18

Do you see the progression of slip sliding away from God listed in the ascending chapters? By the way, don’t be critical of the Hebrews. It could happen to us, especially in today’s tumultuous world. Hint: People will never truly understand something until it happens to them.

e Hebrew church and its people had a dilemma. Amid the perfect storm, they could draw near to God or draw back from God. e Christian life is like riding a bike. Keep pedaling, or you will fall. Our only safety is going on. e main idea of Hebrews is endurance, not shrinking back; persevering and holding fast. ink about this. ey said Noah was a crazy conspiracy theorist. en

“An inclusive, welcoming, caring community, serving Jesus Christ”

10935 W. Olive Ave. Peoria 85345

Phone (623) 972-8479 office@westolive.com

www.westolive.com

Sunday Bible Study 9 a.m.

Worship 10 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Classes for all ages - 7:00 p.m.

Everyone Is Welcome!

the rain came, and the fact-checkers drowned. Everything works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out, it’s not the end.

Let me nish with the ‘lettuce’ (let us) of Christianity in Hebrews 6:18, 12:1, and 12:2. Let us go on to No. 1: “ e hope set before us,” (salvation). No. 2: “ e race set before us,” (sancti cation). No. 3: “ e joy set before us,” (glori cation). Storm over, safely in port — on earth or in heaven.

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.

18 Service charge

19 Rowing need

20 Road curves

21 Schlep

22 Deity

23 Everglades wader

26 Cure-all

30 Bump into

“Terrif!”

32 Astronaut Armstrong

33 Tennis tactic

35 Tea biscuit

36 Present location?

37 Expected

38 Thesaurus compiler

41 Drone

42 Airline to Sweden

45 Awestruck

3 Cast a ballot

4 Em halves

5 Soviet labor camp

6 Miles away

7 Tofu source

8 #1 hit by David Bowie

9 Rhyming tributes

46 “We should discuss this”

48 Actress Gilpin

49 Env. insert

50 Hybrid fruit

51 Adolescent

52 Bon re residue

53 Inlets

DOWN

1 Narcissist’s love

2 Sheltered

10 Egyptian river

11 Hair goops

16 Sulk

20 A billion years

21 Words at the start of a lesson

22 Talk on and on

23 Ambulance VIP

24 Earth (Pref.)

25 Gym unit

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

26 Skillet

27 Biz bigwig

28 Aachen article

29 Pub pint

31 Repair

34 Cauldron

35 Totals

37 Hollanders

38 Engrossed

39 Curved molding

40 Impale

41 Coop group

42 Long tale

43 Friend

44 Aspen gear

46 Meadow

47 Vat

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers di er from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

For more youth visit glendalestar.com

GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

PUSD broadcasting gets regional nominations

BY JOE McHUGH Glendale Star Staff Writer

The Peoria Unified School District’s student broadcasting curriculum is taking the regional level by storm.

Peoria Student Broadcasting Network (PSBN), along with programs within the school have shown out in the 2022-23 Student Production Awards — an event put on by the Academy of Television, Arts, and Sciences (NATAS), who also produce the Emmy Awards, that encompasses schools in California, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada and Arizona — earning 12 of the 48 possible nominations in a variety of fields.

“It’s always exciting when we get the notification about these awards each year; we just have some amazing film and TV programs at all seven of our high

schools,” said Barbara Coakley, career and technical education director for the Peoria Unified School District.

“To see them come out each year and celebrate with them is exciting because they’ve put in a lot of work in a number of different courses, and working on a number of different aspects of film and TV to get to this point. So, we’re just always excited to see that their hard work continues to pay off for them.”

PUSD has avenues for students interested in working around film and production. With introductory classes starting as far back as 7th grade, the district offers anyone a chance to be involved in its program.

Once a student is interested, they start at the ground level, in their introduction to film and TV class — a class dedicated to teaching the basics of industry standard programs like the Adobe Creative Suite — effectively setting them up to go in any number of avenues throughout the program.

“They might be working on a public service announcement, a commercial for the daily announcements that they have at each of the school sites,” Coakley said. “And so all of the scales and projects that they’re working on, kind of help build them to that second level course, which is the advanced film and

The Peoria Unified School District’s student broadcasting curriculum is paying dividends, as they have earned 12 nominations in the Student Production Awards — created by the producers of the Emmy Awards.

(Peoria Unified School District/Submitted)

TV, where they’re really able now to take all of those additional those initial skills learned in the first course and add to that to their tool belts.”

Upon completion of their prerequisite coursework, the students are then offered the chance to join the PSBN — an internship-like program that broadcasts live events, like sports games or dance competitions, for the community.

Through all of these avenues for making quality video productions, PUSD students have pumped out an abundance of content that is getting regional recognition.

Their nominations for this year’s Student Production Awards come from four of the district’s high schools — Cactus, Liberty, Sunrise Mountain and Centennial — and span eight separate nomination fields.

From capturing a 23-0 run that secured Liberty’s basketball team a spot in the quarterfinal round of the Arizona Interscholastic Association Open Division bracket, to producing an anti-vape public service announcement, the district is proud their students have taken the tools offered to make high-quality productions.

“We’re extremely proud,” Coakley said. “This is one of our signature programs within our school district and when you see that our kids are competing against kids in California and New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona and Utah, and we have 12 of the 48 nominations this year, that just stands for itself.

“It shows that what the teachers are doing with the students and the experiences that they’re having, are really paying off. … We’re always thrilled when our students get nominated for these awards.”

Student Chronicles

BY JORDAN ROGERS

Glendale Star Managing Editor

More than 10,500 University of Maryland Global Campus students were named to the Dean’s List for the spring semester. Asia Ackerman of Glendale, Erica Cox of Glendale, Shawn Havens of Glendale, and Skyler Kirby of Luke Air Force Base each made the list. University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago speci cally to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military service members. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.

Jose Valenzuela of Glendale was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Tufts University, which has campuses in Boston, Medford - Somerville and Grafton, Massachusetts, and in Talloires, France. Dean’s list honors at Tufts University require a semester grade point average of 3.4 or higher.

Brienna Levin of Glendale was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa. Palmer College of Chiropractic has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California;

and Port Orange, Florida.

More than 2,400 undergraduate students at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolinas, were named to the dean’s list for the spring semester, and this included Lauren Denning of Peoria. Students who make the dean’s list have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and 3.25 for freshmen for the semester.

Aubrey Chavarria of Peoria was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Hamline University College of Liberal Arts in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Chavarria was among 566 students to make the dean’s list in spring. To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher and complete a minimum of 16 credit hours.

Alex Cimbal of Peoria was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, Rhode Island. To be included on the dean’s list, full-time students must have completed 12 or more credits for letter grades which are GPA applicable during a semester and achieved at least a 3.30 quality point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 or more credits for letter grades which are GPA applicable earning at least a 3.30 quality point average.

TAKE

follows:

Virginia Lee Knowles, Anthony Thomas Marrow, Bennett Marrow and Lola Edwards are seeking partition among the tenant in common owners of the real property situated in Vance County, North Carolina, and being more particularly described as follows:

Beginning at a stone on the road Thos Scott’s corner, run thence N 23.80 chs to a stone Thos Scott’s corner; thence N. 84 W 28.00 chs. To a stone Thos Scott’s corner, thence N. 35 ¼ E. 12.60 chs. to a stake, thence S. 36 ¾ E 4.15 chs. to a stake, thence S 35 ¾ E. 7.75 chs. to a stake on the old road, thence S. 3 ¼ W. 14.50 chs to a stake, formerly a poplar, Marrows corner, thence S 53 E 5.50 chs. S 42 ½ E. 7.00 chs. to a stone on the east side of the road Marrows corner, thence along the road N. 49 ¼ E 3.75 chs to a small gum on the west side of the old road, thence S 87 3.4 E 5.50 chs. S 65 ¾ E 5.47 chs to a red oak stump Marrows corner, thence N 1 ¾ E 6.40 chs to a stone and white oak stump, Marrow’s corner; thence N 5 ¾ E 12.30 chs. to a stone on the road Thos Scott’s corner, thence along the road N 72 W 1.80 chs, S 89 ¼ W 4.70 chs, S 85 ½ W. 3.00 chs to the beginning, Containing 75 acres more or less, as per survey of Thos Taylor July 12, 1913. Being the same land that R. L. Morgan purchased from Henry Scott and wife Oct 20th, 1941, see deed book 220, page 300, Register of Deeds office Vance County, N.C.

LESS AND EXCEPT all conveyances of record.

You are required to make defense to such pleading not later than the 22nd day of September, 2023. Upon your failure to do so, the party seeking service against you will apply to the Court for the relief herein sought.

This the 3rd day of August, 2023.

WILKINSON LAW, P.A.

Attorney for Petitioners

P.O. Box 600 106 Gilliam Street

Oxford, NC 27565

Telephone: (919) 725-9161

Publish: 8/10, 8/17, 8/24

Published in the Glendale Star, Aug 10, 17, 24, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes 47-7210that Dircks Moving Services, Inc. of Phoenix, Arizona having given notice to the parties hereinafter named, at their last known address,that the storage charges on the goods and property hereinafter referred to were delinquent and accruing charges and the costs and expenses of sale and of giving notice thereof and that said charges remaining unpaid, that Dircks Moving Service, Inc. will sell at Public auction to--the-highest bidder for cash at Sierra Auction Management,Inc., 3570 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ, 85019 on Saturday the 2nd of September 2023 at 8:00 AM. Should items be held over auction will continue on consecutive first Saturday of next calendar month. Contents consist of personal, household and miscellaneous items. Storage lots

For: Jaela Stephens PHX-4420