Glendale Star 09/07/2023

BY JOE McHUGH Glendale Star Sta Writer

The Maricopa County Community College District recently received a twoyear funding stipend from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System for $6.8 million to help address behavioral workforce shortages within the district.

e funding agreement could add a third year worth $3.4 million — contingent on legislative approval.

e money will help Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) schools expand on its behavioral health programs, even allowing the district to offer bachelor’s degrees in the eld, as well as allowing the schools to “break barriers” for enrollment through nearly $4 million being dedicated to student scholarships.

“ ere’s a shortage of behavioral health professionals, and the hope is not only to re-

cruit new individuals into these professions but also to retain the individuals that are currently in these professions,” said Rochelle Rivas, director of health care education for the Maricopa County Community College District.

“So, we are working with Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to develop curriculum for additional training and additional pathways for current professionals so they can stay in the behavioral health eld.”

College district receives $6.8M in federal funding

According to Rivas, MCCCD is the largest community college system in the state. As such, it also houses the largest workforce provider in the state.

With an abundance of students and sta ,

the funding is geared toward expanding and supporting the potential growth in the beSEE FUNDING

DVUSD prepares for M&O override, bond elections

BY JOE McHUGH Glendale Star Sta Writer

The Deer Valley Uni ed School District is preparing for its upcoming bond and override elections on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

With potentially millions of dollars in funds to gain, the district is urging the public to participate in the elections in an e ort to keep its schools up to the high standards it has set.

“It just reinforces the commitment from our community that public education is really the fabric of our democracy,” said Dr.

Curtis Finch, the Deer Valley Uni ed School District (DVUSD) superintendent. “It’s important that all students have access to quality opportunity. So, both the bond and the override are a continuation of our current taxes that we pay today.”

e rst of the two elections is the override of the maintenance and operation fund allocated by the state. e override is authorization from the voter to exceed the preset budget. is extra funding is created from local taxpayer dollars — from property tax — to help support programs, salaries and bene ts dealt out by the district.

“We actually are ranked second in the state for the percentage of dollars that we spend on instruction, so our instruction is really the heart of why we are here,” Finch said. “And if you don’t do that, your extra programs don’t mean anything. Parents won’t show up at your front door, so you have to perform.

“Our core mission of educating students, that we do well. So anytime we can add extras to our machine that makes us more competitive to our neighbors and against

The Maricopa County Community College District received nearly $7 million in funding from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System for behavioral health expansion. (Maricopa County Community College District/Submitted)

Peripheral Neuropathy Breakthrough!

"SHE SAVED MY LIFE"

Peoria resident, Frankie M, had been experiencing the painful side effects of Peripheral Neuropathy, "I live in constant fear that I'll fall." Then she met Peoria's very own, Dr. Nadine P. Baldwin, Licensed Acupuncturist

"My feet feel like they're on fire."

"Each step feels like I'm walking through wet paint."

"I live in constant fear that I'll fall " "I can't sleep, my hands and feet tingle all night."

What do all of these people have in common? They suffer from peripheral neuropathy It s estimated that more than 20 million people in the United States have peripheral neuropathy.

Unfortunately, this figure may be significantly higher as the disease is often misdiagnosed because of its wide array of symptoms

Dr. Nadine P. Baldwin of Arizona Valley Acupuncture in Peoria shares this belief "I've been treating neuropathy, in all its various forms, for over two decades and so often my patients come to me because of the symptoms, not because of a diagnosis. They saw one of my television specials, or read the testimonial of another patient and said to themselves 'Hey, I feel the same thing' "

Frankie M. of Peoria testified to this. "I remember my husband driving me to my consultation and I saw a woman running just outside our neighborhood I was so envious - I just kept thinking 'I would give anything just to walk again My primary care doctor told me my troubles with pain and balance were just symptoms of old age and gave me a prescription I was so depressed "

Fortunately, Frankie would eventually see Dr. Baldwin on the local news talking about similar symptoms and how she offers a real solution at Arizona Valley Acupuncture "I just knew I had to see her She was my last hope "

Almost all of our patients come to us with a story similar to Frankie's. They're been everywhere else. They're are told there's no hope They're told "it's just part of getting older", shares Stephanie, a Patient Care Technician at Arizona Valley Acupuncture. "It just breaks my heart, but I know how much we can help people like Frankie, so I'm always so happy when they walk through our door "

Those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy often face a very grim reality; Western medicine declares that there is no solution while most alternative therapies carry large price tags and offer little to no resolve.

This is why Dr Baldwin and the staff at Arizona Valley Acupuncture pride themselves on being "the last resort with the best results "

Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves and this damage is commonly caused by lack of blood flow in the hands and feet A lack of blood flow results in a lack of nutrients; the nerves then begin to degenerate and die which causes pain ranging from discomfort to debilitating. Because neuropathy is a degenerative condition, once those nerves begin to deteriorate, they will continue to do so until they are completely expired, leaving those suffering with crippling balance issues. "In this case, the absence of pain is not necessarily a good thing," shares Dr Baldwin "This usually indicates that your nerves are hanging on by a fragile thread "

So how exactly is Dr Baldwin able to reverse the effects of this degenerative disease? "Acupuncture has been used to increase blood flow for thousands of years which helps to get the necessary nutrients to the affected nerves. But the real magic happens when I integrate ATP Resonance BioTherapy™ This technology was originally developed by NASA to expedite recovering and healing "

"I just can't say enough about Arizona Valley Acupuncture," Frankie shared through tears of joy. "My husband and I moved here 3 years ago, and he's gone golfing almost every day. I always stayed home because of the pain and discomfort. Yesterday I golfed with him! And next week, we're playing Pickleball again!

I am truly living life these days "

"According to Frankie's test results, she has seen a 74% improvement in pain and functionality, which is on par with a majority of our patients," shares Stephanie "But more important than those test results, is the joy she s expressed being here and hearing about all the amazing things she's able to do because she feels great!"

By seamlessly blending the ancient science of acupuncture with modern medical solutions, Dr Baldwin has achieved a 90% success rate in reversing the effects of neuropathy She starts each patient with an initial consultation during which a sensory exam is performed "This not only aids in making a proper diagnosis but it helps to define just how much nerve damage has occurred" tells the doctor "This is important because if a patient has suffered more than 95% damage, there is little that I can do to help them. I m familiar with the medical miracle but I know my limits as a practitioner and the limits of my medicine "

When it comes to treating peripheral neuropathy, regardless of its origin, early detection greatly improves your chances of a full recovery

If you or someone you love is suffering from chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or '"pins and needles", or you've recently been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, it s important to know that there are options There is hope!

The GESD System of Care Center (SoCC) is a hub for support services where community members are welcomed into facilities that provide a sense of belonging. The construction of the SoCC Welcome Center represents a significant step forward. The district will soon announce a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Welcome Center and celebrate the transformative journey of the GESD System of Care Center. For the latest updates and to get involved, contact (623)-237-4015 or follow facebook.com/GESDSystemOfCareCenter.

Cindy Segotta-Jones, Superintendent

havioral health programs, giving participants the proper tools to succeed in and out of school.

“We’ll be hiring that faculty to allow us to (expand programs), as well as purchasing whatever equipment is needed for lab space or supplies that are needed for us to expand these programs or add the additional programs at the various campuses,” Rivas said. “So not only is this funding supporting the students, but it’s also supporting the programs to allow them to expand and meet the workforce needs.”

e expansion of the programs allows for the district to create “a seamless process and pathway” for students to enter the eld, ultimately helping them become bene cial members to the overall workforce. e expansion also helps bring in extra sta .

e district’s focus on scholarships is

also a reason for the need of extra funding. Rivas said there is a population of students that are rst-generation college students and could bene t from scholarship opportunities provided by the district.

“We’re hoping that the scholarship really does entice students to attend one of our community college systems, but also I think the quality of education that we provide just really supports the students,” she said. “Any way we can eliminate those barriers, and nancially, this is a big way that we can do that providing them that scholarship, I think will be a great incentive for them to not only to attend a Maricopa school, but also enter the behavioral health profession itself.

“ is is an opportunity for the student to continue in their education at a community college cost and obtaining their bachelor’s degree. So, we’re hoping that this scholarship is just an opportunity to

remove those nancial barriers for students and really encourage them to enter the behavioral health workforce.”

While the third year is pending approval from legislation, Rivas and the district are excited to o er a more expansive program. At member schools, they will be adding in a psychiatric technician certi cation and a peer recovery support specialist program, as well as revamping their behavioral health programs districtwide.

“We are excited to partner with AHCCCS in this project because we know the need for this, not only for our students and the opportunity to provide them a scholarship to remove those nancial barriers but just the long-term impact this will have in the communities that we serve,” Rivas said.

“So, we are extremely grateful and extremely excited to be a part of and in such a big project.”

Publisher Steve T. Strickbine

Vice President Michael Hiatt

Associate Group Publisher Laura Meehan, 623-777-1042 lmeehan@timeslocalmedia.com

EDITORIAL HOTLINE: 623-847-4604

Executive Editor

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@timeslocalmedia.com

Managing Editor

Jordan Rogers, 480-898-5638 jrogers@timeslocalmedia.com

ADVERTISING: sales@timeslocalmedia.com

Advertising Representatives

Barbara Duran, 623-847-4608 bduran@timeslocalmedia.com

C.E. Williams, 623-847-4601 cwilliams@timeslocalmedia.com

CLASSIFIEDS AND OBITUARIES: 623-535-8439

LEGALS: notices@timeslocalmedia.com

Production/Design Supervisor

Courtney Oldham, production@timeslocalmedia.com

Graphic Designer

Tonya Mildenberg, tmildenberg@timeslocalmedia.com

CIRCULATION: 623-535-8439

Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny, aaron@timeslocalmedia.com

charters and privates. … at is what helps keep our lights on and helps us continue to grow.”

e override will allow for the district to exceed its preset state budget by up to 15% for ve years.

Historically, DVUSD has had a 10% override — dating back to 1991 — with the extra 5% stemming from a new special that was last approved in 2019. e upcoming election is the district asking for a continuation of the previous deal, which will look to bene t DVUSD for years to come.

In May, the DVUSD Governing Board unanimously approved the call for an override election.

“If we can be wise with our expenses — so that there’s not a shock to the system — (the community) will continue to support us, and they have a history of that,” Finch said. “We’re grateful for our community. ey believe in what we’re doing. It shows when they continue to support our bonds and have for decades.”

“We continue to deliver a valuable product, and that the students are being active contributors to the community when they go through our programs,” said Jim Migliorino, Deer Valley Uni ed School District deputy superintendent of scal and business services.

“We like to say that we’re good stewards of the money, so what we say we’re going to do with it is what we do end up doing with it.”

e district claims that if the override does not pass, then the board will have to make roughly $33.4 million in cuts over the next three years to its operating budget.

e second election that DVUSD is holding is for the 2023 bonds. e elec-

tion is to help the district obtain $325 million as a source of capital funding that it will use to help accommodate for current upgrades and repairs to schools, as well as purchase new land and school sites to accommodate for the projected growth that “will” be coming due to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) project.

District o cials feel that it is important to hold an election due to their dedication to making their schools the highest quality for students and sta .

“ e bond has a component in it to be able to continue to try and meet the growth that we’re anticipating,” Migliorino said. “Everything from school buses to technology to new schools, to even improving or maintaining the assets that the taxpayers already own at the existing school.”

e added fold of the TSMC project is projected to bring in the largest Foreign Direct Investment in Arizona — sitting at $40 billion — as well as creating up to 80,000 jobs in the area, as previously reported by e Foothills Focus.

is impending growth is something the district has used to create its own

growth projections, which could warrant the implementation of new schools in the area.

“It has an additional K-8 elementary school, which we think will be in the vicinity of the I-17 corridor — between Carefree Highway and Jomax Road,” Migliorino said. “It also has the rst phase of a high school included in it, which is a pretty expensive proposition. It’s almost $100 million of the $325 million that we’re asking.”

“We’re working with the state right now on how that’s going to develop, what

pace it’s going to develop at, so we have to be ready for the growth,” Finch said. “And so that’s another reason why the bond is so important — it’s not ‘if’ that growth is coming, it’s ‘how fast.’

“ is is going to be life changing for this zone.”

DVUSD released “important dates” for following the election process: Monday, Oct. 9, is the last day to register to vote for the election; Wednesday, Oct. 11, is the day the ballots will be ready for mailing; Friday, Oct. 27, is the last day to request an early ballot; and Tuesday, Nov. 7, is the o cial Election Day.

“ e most important thing is to remember that public education is really about opportunity,” Finch said. “It’s about opportunities for kids to learn about life, to work together, and this is where they intersect with kids that are di erent than themselves — kids that have special needs, kids that look di erent than themselves. Public education is really the fabric of democracy.

“Today, it’s more important than ever that we have citizens that can work together with people that are di erent than themselves.”

The Deer Valley Unified School District is looking for community support on its upcoming maintenance and operations override and bond elections, which will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 9. (DVUSD/Submitted)

Fighter Country Spark Cell works to innovate

BY JORDAN ROGERS

Glendale Star Managing Editor

Fighter Country Spark Cell, a team of innovators and problem solvers dedicated to pioneering ideas and transformation across the 56th Fighter Wing and beyond, recently provided updates on some happenings taking place at Luke Air Force Base.

e initiative works to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration delivered through a wide range of programs and initiatives.

“We really focus on driving a culture of innovation and collaboration,” said Senior Master Sgt. Sean McDermott, chief of innovation for Fighter Country Spark Cell. “We do that through a ton of di erent projects. Currently, we have about 71 different projects that we’re trying to manage and get o the ground and spread throughout the Air Force. Obviously, our mission is nd, x and empower. We nd problem sets, break down those problem sets and then nd solutions for it.

“We really try to empower the younger airmen coming up to take on those projects and help with those solutions. How we do that is through the grassroots ef-

forts to create an avoidable value, right? So, if we create that unavoidable value, that big Air Force will have no reason to say no to what we’re doing.”

One of those grassroots e orts is the Luke Days Air Show, which will be held Saturday, March 23, and Sunday, March 24. e lineup for the show includes Wings of Blue, the underbirds, RedBull, Aftershock and Franklin air shows, among others.

“Our lineup, as you can see, is pretty signi cant,” McDermott said. “ e underbirds is an amazing, amazing show. It’s a great, great time.”

Luke Air Force Base has not hosted the airshow for the last ve years, so there is extra anticipation surrounding the event.

properly align the engine for installation. With that in mind, Spark Cell is working on a solution.

It has designed a way to align the trailer within millimeters using lasers and polyurethane blocks.

Buzard said an airman came up with this idea.

“He said, ‘My garage doesn’t close if there’s something blocking the laser. So why don’t we just use that technology to use a laser to guide that basically and build that into the aircraft,” he added.

e trailer laser is in use at Luke Air Force Base, and it has cut the time from eight hours to 15 minutes and four workers to just one.

“ at’s a tremendous amount of time saved for our maintainers. It puts more aircrafts in the air and trains more pilots,” Buzard said. “ at was done right here at Luke Air Force Base, and we’ve had the airmen patent the technology, and they’re shipping it out to di erent bases that are working on the same kind of environments. It’s a really exciting thing to be a part of. at’s just one of many projects that we have here.”

“It’s a really awesome opportunity,” Tech Sgt. Zack Buzard said. “We’ve had over 100,000 people in the past, and since ve years ago, right, the community has gotten a lot bigger — all those housing developments you’ve seen go up. So, we’re anticipating quite a bit more people here in the future. So, we’re really looking forward to opening up the community, which I think really segues into one of our fun facets that we get to deal with which is we’re heavily involved in building community relations.”

From there, McDermott and Buzard discussed some new innovations being made at Fighter Country Spark Cell — the rst of which being the trailer laser. An engine install trailer typically takes about eight hours with four people to

Another project the Fighter Country Spark Cell is working on comes in partnership with a company called ROBO Tire. Spark Cell was looking for a way to decrease the amount of time it took to change a tire, which was roughly one hour for each tire.

With the ROBO Tire, a full set of tires can now be changed — without the need of human interaction — in fewer than 40 minutes.

“ is one is near and dear to my heart, as I come from vehicle management; it’s where I’ve been for 11 years of my career,” Buzard said. “I’ve changed a lot of tires in my time and our airmen are changing tires, too. Especially here in Arizona with the heat and the roads, we go through a

(Left) Fighter Country Spark Cell is partnering with Essential Aero to bring the Autonomous Ground Vehicle on

Culver’s to reward Vitalant blood donors

BY JORDAN ROGERS Glendale Star Sta

Blood donors are critically needed for patients whose planned and emergency treatments rely on blood.

Vitalant is encouraging eligible donors to give now to help ensure the blood supply is adequate to meet the needs of all patients. Blood donations drop by as much as 25% during holiday weeks, but the potential for accidents and the need for blood is increased with heavy tra c on the roads and highways.

To help build blood supplies during the Labor Day holiday, Culver’s has joined the e ort by thanking all blood donors through ursday, Sept. 7, with a voucher for a complimentary pint of

fresh frozen custard.

Donors of all blood types are vital to helping patients, especially type O, the most transfused blood. In an emergency, O-negative blood is crucial when there is not time to determine a patient’s blood type, and O-positive can help anyone with Rh-positive blood.

Most people are eligible to donate, and new eligibility guidance from the Food and Drug Administration allows even more people to roll up their sleeves to help maintain a safe and adequate blood supply.

To make an appointment, visit the website vitalant.org, download and use the Vitalant app or call 1-877-25-VITAL (1-877-258-4825).

Blood Drives

GLENDALE

• 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22

Apollo High School, Room 300, 8045 N. 47th Avenue, Glendale

• 7:30 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 28

Raymond S. Kellis High School, Practice Gym, 8990 W. Orangewood Avenue, Glendale

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30

Stillwater Apartments, Bloodmobile, 7711 N. 51st Avenue, Glendale

PEORIA

• 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7

lot of tires.”

anks to a $1.7 million TACHFI grant, this project is now on-site at Luke Air Force Base and will be installed soon.

“It does the work of about three airmen in 18 minutes,” Buzard said. “So now everybody can actually go work on more complicated tasks other than changing a tire and we can do more thorough procedures where we have vehicles come in and getting the tires rotated more often. We’re checking for tread wear patterns and alignment issues and all that stu .” is program, Buzard added, is the rst of its kind in the Department of Defense.

“A lot of civilian shops are moving to this, but the military hadn’t gotten on board with it yet,” he said. “ at’s what we’re here for. We’re here to innovate with the local community. … (We want to) gure out ways to make our airmen more lethal, to make our mission more e cient and to get after things.”

e last project McDermott and Buzard discussed is a partnership with Essential Aero. Oftentimes, maintenance workers send a person from the line to get tools, equipment, water and snacks, among others, which can lose valuable time.

ese are all things workers still need, so Essential Aero’s Autonomous Ground Vehicle works to pick up and deliver all of these things.

At the moment, the Autonomous Ground Vehicle is in its testing phase.

“ ey are about eight months into this project, and it wraps up at the end of the year to January timeframe,” Buzard said. “It’s looking really promising, like we’re going to have a really good, marketable product in the Air Force.

“Hopefully, we can eventually get a whole eet of these things driving around the base doing that stu so we can focus on the mission instead of the tedious tasks like going and getting water and stacks and tools for the toolbox.”

Liberty High School, Gym, 9621 W. Speckled Gecko Drive, Peoria

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9

Latter-day Saints Peoria Stake, Cultural Hall, 12951 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria

• 8 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 15

Discovery Pointe Church, Sanctuary

9812 W. Yearling Road, Peoria

• 7 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16

Latter-day Saints Peoria North Stake, Cultural Hall, 22034 N. 83rd Avenue, Peoria

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22

Trilogy at Vistancia, Kiva Club Tewa Room, 27980 N. Trilogy Boulevard E, Peoria

Vitalant is hosting blood drives throughout the month. (Vitalant/Submitted)

For more opinions visit GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

What’s the deal with Phoenix Mayor Gallego?

BY J.D. HAYWORTH

Glendale Star Columnist

History recalls that Theodore Roosevelt championed a “Square Deal,” Franklin Roosevelt campaigned for a “New Deal” and Harry Truman proclaimed the need for a “Fair Deal.”

These days, such “dealmaking” is no longer the sole province of presidents.

Though she may never reside at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego is hurriedly working to insure her constituents experience a “Raw Deal.”

Gallego is the vice chairman of an international organization’s steering committee intent on banning meat and dairy products from your dinner table, removing your car from your garage and reducing the articles of clothing in your closet

— only allowing the purchase of three garments annually — all by the year 2030.

The organization is called C40 Cities, and any similarity to the “All America Cities” program is purely coincidental.

Instead, C40 Cities — especially the 14 in the United States — want to impose a new form of “city limits” not geopolitical in nature, but financial, attitudinal and undoubtedly unconstitutional.

Gallego and the other C40 mayors have other mandates to impose on you and yours.

In fact, you might say “the sky’s the limit.” Literally.

She and the C40 committee want your feet to remain firmly on the ground. That’s why the new C40 initiative, called “Cities

Race to Zero,” also has the goal of limiting each of us to one roundtrip flight, called a “short-haul,” every three years. How short is a short-haul flight? Under 932 miles.

That means you could enjoy a roundtrip from Sky Harbor to Shreveport, Louisiana, and still have 13 miles to spare!

The conservative website Red Voice Media sounded the Red Alert concerning the environmental alarmism that undergirds Mayor Gallego’s mission and

the overarching extremism evident in the organization’s goals (search under redvoicemedia.com).

Phoenix residents may see very little of this in the mayor’s demeanor.

Observers credit Gallego with an almost contagious congeniality, but her public conduct stands in stark contrast to the harshness of the public policy change

A ranking no Arizonan should be proud of

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Glendale Star Columnist

Normally when someone takes potshots at Arizona, my reaction is to defend our home state. You probably get it a lot, too: out-of-state friends and business folk who act like living in Arizona in 2024 must be like acting out the movie “Tombstone,” only with hotter temperatures and fewer mustaches.

I love life in the Valley, and I’m always ready to defend the state. But when I

read last week’s Forbes Advisors report accusing Arizona of having the most confrontational drivers in America, well, my reaction was as follows: Sounds about right to me.

To compile the analysis, Forbes surveyed 10,000 drivers across all 50 states. Arizona “ranked second worst for the percentage of drivers who have been forced off the road (22.5%) and tied with Oklahoma for having the third highest percentage of driv-

ers who have been tailgated (70.5%).”

About one-third of Arizona drivers “reported that another driver has exited their vehicle to yell at or fight with them, the fifth highest amount in the nation.” And, “Arizona ranks sixth worst for both the percentage of drivers who experience road rage very frequently in their home state (31.5%) and the percentage of drivers who have been yelled at, insulted, cursed at or threatened by another driver (81%).”

Allow me to offer a hypothesis about why these statistics feel so accurate.

YOUR OPINION MATTERS.

Email Jordan Rogers at

I see it as a combination of mass migration, abundant weapons, traffic congestion — and having a lot of dumb people.

With 100,000 people moving here annually, Arizona is inevitably one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S. Most estimates I’ve seen indicate about 7 out of 10 Arizonans come here from someplace else.

That’s a lot of conflicting driving styles — often among folks who are heavily

Learn more about the bond election

BY JERRY WEIERS Glendale Mayor

In case you haven’t heard, the city of Glendale is having a special bond election this November. You may have seen the billboards popping up around town or perhaps saw some information in the latest city newsletter. Over the next few months, we will be sharing information regarding what is on the ballot and how people can vote in the upcoming election.

essential needs of our city — proposing capital projects such as streets as well as fire and police facilities to reduce congestion and improve public safety.

improve our streets and traffic signals in order to reduce congestion, save time and enhance safety for roadway users and pedestrians.

place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center.

Voting is important because it gives you a voice and a choice about these important issues. Our goal is to ensure that every citizen of Glendale has an opportunity to learn more and get their questions answered before they cast their vote this fall.

In May, Glendale City Council placed two issues on the ballot. The 2023 bond program asks the voters to invest in the

These two issues are placed on the ballot as “questions” that ask the voters to approve or not approve the sale of general obligation bonds to fund certain capital projects throughout the city. Bonds are a secure and fiscally responsible way for cities to finance large capital projects like streets, intersections and public safety facilities. Here is a little bit more about the two questions.

Question 1 asks voters if they are willing to invest $82 million in street and intersection improvements. Adequate transportation is necessary to move people, goods and services throughout Glendale. The goal of these bonds is to OUR MISSION Support the men, women, families, and mission of Luke AFB.

Question 2 asks voters if they are willing to invest $78 million in public safety projects. This proposal invests in fire and emergency support throughout the city by modernizing and updating current fire stations and building new ones. The goal of these bonds would be to expand the capabilities of our police and fire department to address important safety issues including crime and homelessness through investing in training, modern facilities and forensics.

• Thursday, Sept. 21, at Heroes Regional Park Library, Community Room.

• Wednesday, Sept. 27, at Glendale Main Library.

Additional information as well as frequently asked questions can be found on the City of Glendale’s website at glendaleaz.com/bond2023.

If you would prefer to learn more about the bonds and ask questions in person, the city of Glendale will host a series of informational meetings next month. The “open houses” will take

All three of these open houses are excellent opportunities to learn more about Question 1 and Question 2 and have your questions answered.

The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, Oct. 10. Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters starting on Wednesday, Oct. 11. For election information, such as how to register to vote or to verify your registration status, please visit glendaleaz. com/your_government/connect/ departments/city_clerk.

Take the time to learn more about both ballot issues and make your voice heard this fall.

https://fightercountry.org/plate

A World Cup win, a kiss and a scandal

BY JUDY BLUHM

Glendale Star Columnist

The kiss of disaster. A World Cup Championship, a celebration, an unwanted kiss and then all hell broke loose. Spain is in the spotlight, and we can’t seem to look away. In a thrilling display of talent, Spain’s women’s soccer team won its first World Cup, beating the Lionesses of England. But it’s that creepy kiss that Spanish soccer federation President Luis Rubiales planted on star player Jenni Hermoso that has created a firestorm.

Defiant and claiming the kiss was “mutual” might not be the best strategy when it appears the recipient of said kiss was uncomfortable. Rubiales went on to call anyone who thought he was out of line “idiots” and “false feminists.” A brazen move. Apologize. Sincerely. Make amends!

Now the whole affair has blown up so Spain’s entire women’s soccer team and 11 coaches have quit. And in an even more bizarre twist, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has stood by Rubiales and has threatened to sue Hermoso. Meanwhile, FIFA (International Federation of Football) has suspended Rubiales. Spain’s prime minister is also getting involved.

This story just gets weirder. There are supporters of Rubiales who were having body language consultants, lip readers and psychologists analyze the video of the infamous kiss. Oh, come on, evidently this man has a long and well-known history of sexism, chauvinism and just plain bad behavior. This was a pattern, not just a one-off moment of exuberance.

Mr. Rubiales’ mother barricaded herself inside a Catholic church on a hunger strike. All because she feels folks are being

mean to her boy. She is waiting for Ms. Hermoso to apologize to her son. Dear woman, please eat! Police, physicians and priests had to intervene. The queen has offered support. And just like that, a furor in Spain has erupted. Women are taking to the streets with #MeToo signs, priests are praying, football federation coaches and executives are angry, and the government is investigating.

This is the kiss-gate story of the sports world. Spain’s government has launched an inquiry into the “obscene behaviors” displayed by Rubiales which have “undermined the dignity of Spain.” Well, I guess when you are at the final World Cup game being televised around the world and sitting in the presence of the queen of Spain, cheering is good. But when the championship is clinched, it is considered boorish behavior to “act like a madman by forcing kisses, carrying players around the field like sacks and touching players inappropriately.” Yep, that happened.

One small act can lead to destruction. Actions have consequences. Before Spain can put all of this behind them, they need to keep their eye on the ball. Like in football. Yet, it seems so many women players have quit, no one can keep their eye on anything except the scandal. So, the saga continues.

A championship. A kiss. Armageddon. A hunger strike. Mutiny of an entire team. Investigations. Suspensions. Firing. Protests. A crack in the foundation of women’s sports in Spain. Rebuilding comes next. Time to start over. Comenzar de nuevo.

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

OPINION – HOUSTON CHRONICLE

she champions. Ultimately, this has nothing to do with congeniality and everything to do with control.

Most obvious is the control Gallego wants to exercise over the everyday lives of her fellow Phoenicians, but who controls the financing for this global group of would-be controllers?

Short answer: The “usual suspects.”

Billionaire and ex-New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who failed to move from the top job in the Big Apple to an even bigger job in Washington, D.C., is designated as a “strategic funder” for C40 Cities. His Bloomberg Philanthropies organization allows him to continue his own efforts at curtailing individual freedoms.

Recall that he was able to do so in NYC when he was mayor, as he prohibited the sale of the 64-ounce soda fountain drink.

Thankfully, when it came to abolishing the Second Amendment, Bloomberg bit off more than he could chew.

But now he’s “reimagined” his approach, apparently at ease with a form of global governance usurping our Constitution, more than happy to use the cover of “climate change” to change the political climate.

And, for the huge checks he writes to C40 Cities, Bloomberg is even addressed as “Mr. President,” since he’s now president of the board of directors.

Speaking of presidents, Bill Clinton maintains his involvement as the founding partner of C40 Cities.

In 2006, he combined the 20 cities involved as part of the Clinton Climate Initiative with then-London Mayor Ken Livingstone’s C20 organization, and in so doing, C40 Cities was established. The membership roster of C40 now includes 96 municipalities.

Last but not least, the longtime patron of virtually every leftist cause — George Soros — and his Open Society Foundations are C40 “Major Funders” in order to slam shut your personal freedoms.

Don’t expect Bloomberg, the Clintons, Soros — or Mayor Gallego for that matter — to adhere to the any of the goals embraced by the “Cities Race to Zero” campaign.

For the elite, it’s a permanent “Exceptional Deal.”

J.D. Hayworth represented Arizona in the U.S. House from 1995-2007. He authored and sponsored the Enforcement First Act, legislation that would have mandated enforcement of Federal Immigration Law in the 109th Congress.

HAYWORTH FROM PAGE 8 BRANCH’S

armed.

According to a CBS News report based on data compiled by the Rand Corporation, in Arizona “an estimated 46.3% of adults have guns at home.” Translation: The guy you’re brake checking because he cut you off has a 1 in 2 chance of being armed. He’s also likely aggravated by the Valley’s road congestion, which according to data compiled by MoneyGeek ranks up there with Illinois and Pennsylvania, while admittedly not being nearly as bad as states like New Jersey and California — where folks own a lot fewer guns.

Then there’s the dummy factor. I could bore you with Arizona’s woeful education results or the state’s middling average SAT scores.

Instead, how about we level with one another? It’s 111 degrees outside as I write this. Despite Arizona’s summers, more than 7 million people call this state home. That’s just about the definition of insanity.

Not convinced? Soon, on the second

to root for the Arizona Cardinals, who last won a title in 1947. That’s a 76-year championship drought.

Last season, the Cardinals averaged 65,203 fans per game, which represents a full slate of sellouts at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.

Either Arizonans are incredibly desperate for entertainment, or collectively we’re not too bright.

Kidding and cheap shots aside, Arizona has a serious road rage problem.

In the early morning hours of Aug. 15, 18-year-old Brittany Gutierrez-Bugarin was shot dead by a confrontational driver on Interstate 10 near 83rd Avenue in Tolleson. The teenager loved animals, her job at PetSmart, her mom and her two sisters.

“We lived together and did everything together,” Esmeralda, her mother, told 12 News. “She was a very lovely girl. Wherever she went, she shined.”

No. 1 in road rage leads to far too many broken hearts. For all the good qualities Arizona possesses, this ranking generates absolutely no pride at all.

2023

According to the American College of Cardiology, the most common symptoms of heart attack include chest pain and also less familiar symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, sweating, nausea and lightheadedness. Preventative care can reduce your risk of heart attack and treatment plans can help to manage the progression of cardiac disease. Give us a call today – and put our experienced team to work for you.

Join us in Downtown Peoria for Arizona’s LARGEST Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration! Enjoy live music performances by Ozomatli, Color Me Badd, the Mariachi Divas, and a variety of celebrated Hispanic activities and entertainment.

For more business visit GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

Prime IV brings 2 new locations to the West Valley

BY JOE MCHUGH Glendale Star Sta Writer

Before 2017, Amy Neary had been “sidetracked by life,” causing her to step away from the medical eld.

She was then asked about IV therapy in 2016 — an area in medicine that piqued her interest. After hours of research on the topic, Amy found “how e ective it was for treating a myriad of health and wellness issues.”

is was more than enough to sell her on the practice, which led to the creation of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness. She opened her rst location in Colorado Springs in 2017.

e business has since boomed, and her company now has 210 locations in 39

states and the District of Columbia.

One of those states is Arizona — the place where Prime IV’s third location opened — and it is a place where the company is taking special notice by recently announcing six new locations across the Valley.

e company is hoping to expand its services to anyone looking to “better their health.”

“We’re seeing growth very consistently as we continue to open locations, so the expansion in Arizona is a big part of our company and our success,” said Steve Neary, Amy’s husband and Prime IV director of business development and nance. “We’re just going to continue to focus our energy there and make sure that we’re successful in Arizona.”

"I am so happy I decided to go with Lisa. I almost settled with an investor for my dad's property and would have lost tens of thousands of dollars. She was highly recommended by a family member and I decided to hire her immediately when I consulted with her due to her warm, friendly, optimistic, and trustworthy presence. She knows her stuff..."

- April M. in Glendale

Lisa R Baker

GRI

7170

85308

lisa.baker@huntrealestate.com

www.MoveToGlendaleAZ.com

(602) 633-5525

Prime IV’s business model is twofold — customer comfort and e ective treatment.

It created a drip formula that provides customers with treatment for anything from hangovers to anti-aging. Administering this formula could be monotonous, but Prime IV has taken the necessary steps to help make its customers

as comfortable as possible while under its care — calling it its Prime One-Hour Vacation.

“It’s a fully immersive, all-senses experience for our customers (including) the way they’re greeted, the scent in the lobby, that infused waters that we give

SEE

With two locations coming to the West Valley — Peoria and Goodyear — Prime IV Hydration & Wellness is expanding its Valley reach, aiming to help improve clients’ health. (Prime IV Hydration & Wellness/ Submitted)

Heritage Night Market brings community together

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Glendale Star Executive Editor

In countries like Taiwan, night markets are a tradition, bringing together community, local products and creatives.

Heritage at Sportsman’s Park, opposite State Farm Stadium, is bringing the tradition to Glendale starting ursday, Sept. 7.

With free admission, the Heritage Night Market will feature local artisans’ creations, from jewelry to fresh produce and delectable treats. Each week, the family-friendly event will feature new VIP updates with activities such as

moonlight yoga and food tours.

“We’re focusing on anything made locally in the West Valley and in the Phoenix metropolitan area itself,” said Joe Bertoletti with Insignia Events.

“We wanted to create a market that’s fun and energetic and had an experiential component to it. We have incredible vendors from around the Valley.”

Vendors will include Noble Bread, Loompeya, Gigi’s Goodies, Nothing Bundt Cake, Ty Creation, Simply Kai Jewelry and El Café de Lily.

e market seeks artisans to join the vendor lineup. ose who specialize in

people, the eye masks, we give them socks and blankets and they’ll have these incredible zero-gravity massage chairs that they sit in while they’re getting their drip,” Steve said. “We test and make their grip based on what their health and wellness goals are.

“ at whole experience is proprietary to who we are at Prime and has really delivered great experiences for our customers and then ultimately ends up in growth in markets like we have had in the Arizona and Phoenix Valley area.”

e new locations are coming to Peoria, Goodyear, Tempe, Gilbert and Mesa, which will bring Prime IV’s Valley total to 16 locations.

Prime IV has taken special care to ensure that these locations, and future locations, are optimal not only for its revenue goals — which is $1 million in annual revenue per location — but for the surrounding public looking to get into IV.

“We’re probably going to have, in Arizona speci cally, somewhere between 30 and 40 locations, and we do that intelligently,” Steve said. “It’s all data driven.

We don’t just put locations in willy-nilly. We make sure that data supports it and that our franchisees are protected and that they can be successful.”

Prime IV’s attention to Arizona is one part of its overall plan, with the global Intravenous erapy and Vein Access Market size projecting to reach $37.5 billion by 2030, according to research. With this nearly 60% increase from a decade ago, Steve is excited to better serve the growing population in Arizona.

“ e Valley has just expanded and blown up, and we just love it there; we love being a part of the Phoenix area,” Steve said. “We just love being a part of that community and feel so blessed and honored to be where we are in the Phoenix market.”

Prime IV

primeivhydration.com

West Valley expansion locations:

15611 W. McDowell Road, Suite

140, Goodyear

9947 W. Happy Valley Road, Suite 105, Peoria

artisanal foods, beverages, crafts and other creations are welcome to apply at heritagenightmarket.com/apply.

Among the rst evening’s experiences is Fit & Flow with Ritual Vitality, “where we add spice to your favorite yoga poses and turn them into a fun workout that will leave you feeling like your best self.”

Also, Heritage executive chef Chris

Rocke will host a food tour that shows guests how they can use the goods they purchased from vendors in new dishes.

Heritage at Sportsman’s Park has become a go-to event space for events afliated and not connected with State Farm Stadium. It hosted ticketed parties before shows by Beyonce and Metallica, featuring artisan gourmet foods and drinks.

“Heritage at Sportsman’s Park is going on its second season at State Farm Stadium,” he said. “It’s a premier event venue with three levels. It has a beer garden where you can relax and enjoy covered shade under the ivy, with great homemade artisan drinks and food.”

e ground level o ers access to the beer garden, patio, pergola and great lawn. Included in the space is approximately 500 square feet of lawn area with cornhole and giant Jenga.

White Tank Mountains in the Valley are beautiful.”

Also a liated with Heritage is the Great Lawn, which he said has become a destination spot for concertgoers and sports fans.

“It makes up the core of the game-day experience for football,” he said. “With the ursday night Heritage Night Market, this can become a galvanizing night for the community.”

Heritage Night Market

Heritage’s second level houses private dinners, happy hours and VIP parties. With an open-air oor plan, level two has an attached roof, seven mounted televisions and ceiling fans.

e third level has a rooftop vibe.

“We host an experience that is second to none,” he said. “We bring a high level of service and food experience to Heritage. e views of the stadium and the

WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7; first and third Thursdays of each month

WHERE: Heritage at Sportsman’s Park, 9600 W. Sportsman’s Park South, Glendale

COST: Free admission

INFO: heritagenightmarket.com

MARKET FROM PAGE 12

The Heritage Night Market will feature local artisans’ creations, from jewelry to fresh produce and delectable treats, at Sportsman’s Park. (Heritage Night Market/Submitted)

For more sports visit GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

Cactus League rebounds without shutdowns, labor disputes

BY JORDY FEE-PLATT Cronkite News

e 2023 season was a resurgent one for Spring Training in Arizona.

e Cactus League contributed $418 million to Arizona’s gross domestic product, according to a study conducted by Arizona State University’s Seidman Research Institute.

“I am laser-focused on building businesses right here in Arizona, and the Cactus League is a critical partner in doing just that,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said Aug. 25 during a press conference at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

e Spring Training season in the Valley created 6,000 jobs, which resulted in a combined $270 million in wages. is marks a return to pre-COVID-19 numbers.

In fact, 2023 outpaced the Cactus League’s economic impact in 2018. During that campaign, Spring Training in Arizona created a $373 million impact, with 6,400-plus jobs yielding $224 million in salary.

For years, the Cactus League has depended on out-of-state visitors to generate economic revenue for the annual event.

In 2023, 60% of game attendees were from outside the state, a number that mirrors that of years past. e Arizona State report interviewed only out-oftown visitors.

“ e importance of these studies is what additional revenue it generates here within the Valley,” said Anthony Evans, senior researcher at the Seidman Research Institute. “If I go to a Cactus

League game as a resident, I’ll be spending most of my money there, rather than at the bar, the restaurant and other events within the Valley. So, it’s not new dollars coming in. What we’re trying to look at is what new dollars come into the Valley as a result of Cactus League games.”

Snowbirds, who spend part of the year in Arizona, were also excluded from the study for similar reasons. Evans and other researchers determined that travel parties spend $421 on average daily and attend a median of three games during their trip.

“After the last three seasons impacted by a pandemic and work stoppage, the Cactus League in 2023 provided some resilience of a major tourism industry

and engine for Arizona,” Cactus League President Chris Calcaterra said. “Everyone associated with the Spring Training industry should be very proud of this past season.”

Attendance numbers this past spring approached pre-COVID-19 levels, with games drawing a combined 1.5 million fans, in contrast to 1.74 million in 2019.

ese strong attendance numbers come despite high ticket prices for games. With strong demand from outof-town visitors, MLB clubs introduced dynamic pricing in 2011.

From 2011 to 2023, section ticket price increases at Cactus League ballparks ranged from $12 to $20. One Arizona season ticket holder saw his season tickets increase $42 per seat in that 12-year

span, far beyond the rate of in ation.

ese dramatic increases have priced out some Arizonans from seeing baseball in their own backyard.

Cubs season ticket holder Chris Jordan has seen the change in the makeup of the crowd over the years.

“ e big shift would be from smaller crowds who are fans of the team to a snowbird tourist event,” Jordan said. “Tickets have gotten so expensive because of demand that simply being there, especially at Cubs games, has felt like a show of wealth.”

Although some Arizonans may not have access to games, tourism revenue continues to justify the year-round investment into the Cactus League. Tempe Diablo Stadium underwent a $50 million renovation in 2021, and other ballparks have been modernized in recent years.

“ ese robust (revenue) numbers are dividends of longtime community investment into Spring Training facilities through construction and renovation, by the municipalities, the tribal community, the clubs and the Arizona sports and tourism department,” Calcaterra said.

e Cactus League, founded in 1946, represents the longest-running national sporting event held in Arizona. Hobbs is con dent the attractions across the state will keep fans coming back every year.

“ ere is no other place in the country where you can cheer on your favorite sports team one day and see one of the world’s seven natural wonders the next,” Hobbs said.

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

Gov. Katie Hobbs said “the Cactus League is a critical partner” in helping build businesses in Arizona. (Jordy Fee-Platt/Cronkite News)

Robert Heidt receives national award and historical honor

BY GLENDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Glendale Chamber President and CEO Robert Heidt recently received the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives 2023 Board Chair’s Award during the association’s annual meeting on Aug. 1 in Salt Lake City.

The award is given annually to an individual or group that has made a significant contribution to the betterment of the chamber profession.

Outgoing ACCE Chair Christy Gillenwater, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, presented the award.

As chair of ACCE’s Fringe Benefits Inc., the insurance and retirement benefits arm, Heidt led the organization and team through a robust external audit of

its processes, procedures and structure to ensure it is providing the best solutions and services to its members.

Thanks to his leadership, the organization is on the path to:

• Enhance the customer experience for chambers using retirement and insurance plans.

• Improve communications with plan participants and administrators.

• Streamline operations to be even more efficient and effective in supporting members.

Robert is the first person in the history of Arizona to receive this national recognition and has also been a great champion for the chamber profession, both in his volunteer service on the ACCE board and in his leadership of the Glendale Chamber in Arizona.

Congratulations, Robert!

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce welcomes the following members and extends a heartfelt thank-you for their support of the chamber and our community.

• Quiznos 623-772-0220

• e Valhalla Group 602-435-2036

• Babbo Italian Eatery 623-566-9898

• Ginkgobiovitalite PLLC 602-784-8617

• Global Ties Arizona 480-945-7750

• HP Law 623-299-2722

• Keller Williams | Patty Ortega 602-245-7400

• Landsea Homes 480-629-4111

• Mountain Park Health Center 602-323-3344

• Urban Distinct Home Services 480-861-3091

• Valhalla Tax Services LLP 602-692-7941

• Vantage West Credit Union 1-800-888-7882

• Wiki-licious Glendale 602-999-2092

The Glendale Chamber of Commerce offers signature travel trips to interesting destinations — planning everything from air travel to accommodations, meals and sightseeing.

2024 destinations

Saturday, April 20, to Monday, April 29

Discover fascinating history and culture on the Egypt, Land of Gods tour ex-

ploring Cairo, Aswan, Nile Cruise, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, among others. This features an optional preextension to Istanbul.

The trip starts at $4,589 including airfare from Phoenix.

Visit glendaleazchamber.org/ chamber-trips, email Jackie Peyton at info@glendaleazchamber.org or call 623-937-4754 for more info.

“The first thing that people notice about me is my SMILE!!”

The Glendale Chamber serves the business community as the voice of commerce, provides programs and services to improve the economic environment for its members, and supplies leadership for improving the quality of life. For area residents and newcomers, the Glendale Chamber is a reliable source for community information and a dependable resource for business referrals.

Ph.:

Cell:

Fax:

ROC

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

Level Up! Tabletop Gaming SEPT. 7

Meet new people and destroy your enemies at the Glendale Main Library. Choose from games like Uno, Cards Against Humanity (the Family Edition) and Codenames, among others, every first Monday of the month. This program is put on for teens, 12 to 18, only.

Glendale Main Library — Creative Space, 5959 W. Brown Street, Glendale, 6 to 7 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary.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.

Kristin Key SEPT. 8 AND SEPT. 9

Kristin Key has appeared on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and “Bring the Funny.” She favors a self-deprecating, physical and improvisational style of comedy and incorporates the guitar to create original musical comedy.

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 SEPT. 9

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

Sahuaro Ranch Acoustic Jam SEPT. 10

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

First Responders Appreciation Day SEPT. 11

Arizona Legion Post 29 is celebrating first responders the all-American way with free burgers and hot dogs for all first responders. American Legion Post 29, 6822 N. 57th Drive, Glendale, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., free entrance, azlegionpost29.org

Lego Mania SEPT. 11

Stop in at the Velma Teague Library and build a Lego masterpiece. Families with kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to this hourlong program of free building with Legos. The supplies will be provided, and all you have to bring is your imagination.

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

Pokémon League SEPT. 11

Pokémon fans between the ages of 7 to 12 are invited to stop by the library for an evening of fun featuring a Pokémon card tournament with prizes. Feel free to bring along your favorite cards. Registration is not

required.

Velma Teague Library — VTL Meeting Room, 7010 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary. com

Level Up!

Dungeons & Dragons SEPT. 14

Meet new people and destroy your enemies at the Glendale Main Library. Whether you have never heard of Dungeons & Dragons, have a Level 1 character already crafted, or would like to play with one of our prerolled characters, join 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

JC Currais SEPT. 15 AND SEPT. 16

JC Currais’ high-energy performance style and outrageously quirky material gained him some local notoriety and a number of high-profile shows. He is the writer and star of the online sitcom “Bar Flys” and made his film debut in the Sundance Film Festival film “New Low.” His persona is as big as his imagination, and you never know where the show will end up when this man-child is the ringmaster.

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

For more features visit GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

Robotics add new dimension to spine surgery at Abrazo

BY KEITH JONES

Glendale Star Contributing Writer

Abrazo Arrowhead Campus has expanded its operating room robotics with the addition of the Globus ExcelsiusGPS system for minimally invasive and complex spinal fusion procedures.

e robotic system is designed to assist surgeons with hardware placement while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue. Using intraoperative X-ray images and computer navigation, a robotic arm follows coordinates similar to a GPS roadmap to assist surgeons in the operating room.

Chronic back pain is one of the most common medical concerns, a ecting roughly 16 million adults in the country. Abrazo Health brought the technology to Abrazo West Campus in 2021 before expanding the robot’s use to Abrazo Arrowhead Campus in 2023.

“A typical candidate for this type of

surgery would be someone who is living with severe back and radiating leg pain with surgical indications for fusion sur-

Pentatonix singer calls latest tour ‘epic’

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Glendale Star Executive Editor

The last year has been a whirlwind for the a cappella act Pentatonix. Bass singer Matt Sallee has been there for the ride.

Pentatonix recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Grammy nomination, and headed out on a world tour. e jaunt comes to Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre on Saturday, Sept. 9.

“So much has happened so quickly,” Sallee said. “ e walk of fame was really awesome. It was super humbling to be nominated for a Grammy this year and to

be able to tour the world. We don’t take that for granted.”

Since emerging in 2011, the three-time Grammy Award-nominated vocal quintet has sold 10 million albums worldwide.

Pentatonix — Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola and Sallee — has performed at a number of high-pro le venues and events, including the White House, Macy’s anksgiving Day Parade and the Hollywood Bowl.

It had back-to-back No. 1 albums on the

SEE PENTATONIX PAGE 24

Pentatonix is coming to Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre on Saturday, Sept. 9 (Max Bronner/Submitted)

gery, that has failed nonoperative treatment and is seeking improved quality of life,” said Dr. Kenneth Hood, a spine

surgeon at Abrazo Arrowhead Campus who has performed over 300 fusion operations with the robotic technology at Abrazo.

“ ere have been huge advancements in spine surgery over the past decade, and one of the things that excites me the most is the ability to integrate new technology that improves operative e ciency, increases accuracy and ultimately leads to improved patient outcomes. With the Globus system, the surgeon is still performing the operation, and the robot is a guide.”

On the day of surgery, intraoperative uoroscopic images of the spine are merged with a CT scan of the spine obtained prior to the procedure. e images are merged together to provide a very accurate roadmap of the patient’s anatomy allowing precise planning of optimal size and location of implants, he

Abrazo Arrowhead Campus has acquired the Globus ExcelsiusGPS system for minimally invasive and complex spinal fusion procedures. Dr. Kenneth Hood, shown here, uses the robot during a recent procedure. (Abrazo Health/Submitted)

explained.

e following procedures are treatment options where the robotic GPS technology may be used:

• Posterior fusion.

• Anterior lumbar interbody fusion.

• Lateral lumbar interbody fusion.

• Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

• Posterior lumbar interbody fusion.

Billboard 200 chart: gold-certi ed “Pentatonix” (2015) and platinum-certi ed “A Pentatonix Christmas” (2016).

It was the rst a cappella act to win best arrangement, instrumental or a cappella at the Grammy awards in 2015. Two years later, it earned the best country duo/group performance prize for its duet with Dolly Parton on her song “Jolene.”

He heard about the recent Grammy nomination — best traditional pop vocal album for the 2021 holiday collection “Evergreen” — on his way to an appointment.

“It was surreal,” he said. “I was on my way to the dermatologist, and I had to take a second. I was late to my appointment, and she was OK with it. I’m just grateful for the work we put in. It’s a blessing.”

Recently, Pentatonix unveiled dates for a holiday tour, which doesn’t hit the Valley. In conjunction with it, Pentatonix will release its 12th overall full-length and seventh holiday album, “ e Greatest Christmas Hits,” this fall.

e 23-track album includes eight new songs, including a holiday original.

e Delaware native called the Christmas season and tours “magical.”

“Christmastime is my favorite time of the year,” Sallee said. “ e tour is going to be amazing. It’s cool to be able to tour. Our shows have become traditions for lots of families who come every year. It’s really, really nice to be able to do those shows together for our friends and families. It’s always really special.”

A graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Sallee called the latest Pentatonix tour fun for himself and the audience.

“We started this tour in Asia and Europe,” he said. “We actually changed some things up, added some things to the set list like older songs, and songs from (2021’s) ‘ e Lucky Ones.’ We never got to tour that record due to the circumstances of the world.

“We have some surprises with instruments we’ve been using. It’s an epic night — so much fun.”

Pentatonix w/Lauren Alaina

WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9

WHERE: Talking Stick Resort

Amphitheatre, 2121 N. 83rd Avenue, Phoenix

COST: Tickets start at $29.50

INFO: livenation.com

For more religion visit GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

Quick quips and timely tidbits

If you have read my article through the years, you will know I collect thoughts and one-liners on Facebook and social media that don’t need clarication or explanation. Some are witty, profound, funny and hard-hitting, but all are worthy of our consideration or enjoyment.

I like to start with funny — to most people — sayings because the Bible says laughter is good medicine for what ails you. We all need to laugh from time to time. Even intense Elizabeth, the main character in Jane Austen’s book “Pride and Prejudice,” loves to laugh. So, hopefully I will get you laughing, then your mouth is open and I put in the medicine. Enough said.

So, here’s some insightful, cheeky stu for what ails you. “ e most expensive vehicle to operate, by far, is the Costco shopping cart.” “It’s weird being the same age as old people.” “A scammer called my grandma and said he had all her passwords. She got a pen and paper and said, ‘ ank God for that, what are they?’” “Procrastination is a good thing. You always have something to do tomorrow and nothing to do today.” “I just red myself from cleaning my house. I didn’t like my attitude, and I was taking too many co ee breaks!” “I wanted to go jogging, but Proverbs 28:1 says, ‘ e wicked run when no one is chasing them,’ so that’s that!” Lastly, “Please don’t ride with me if you’re going to grab the dash or scream every time we run o the road. It makes me nervous.”

Here are some crisp, pithy insights for you. “If an outside force breaks an egg, life ends. If broken by an inside force, life begins. Great things always begin from the inside.” “Not every day is good, but

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

there is something good in every day.” “Show respect even to people who don’t deserve it, not as a re ection of their character, but as a re ection of yours.”

“ e best weight you’ll ever lose is the weight of other people’s opinions.” “You can learn great things from your mistakes when you aren’t busy denying them.”

“Nobody talks about Jesus’ miracle of having 12 close friends in his 30s.” I like this last one. “Someone asked introverts, ‘How do introverts make friends?’ Ten percent answered, ‘ ey don’t.’ Ninety percent answered, ‘An extrovert found them, liked them, and adopted them.’”

“A pessimist makes di culties of their opportunities, and an optimist makes opportunities of their di culties.” “What I know of fear is that it has cost me far more than bravery ever has.” “You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice.” “People need to learn that their actions do affect other people. So be careful what you say and do. It’s not always just about you.”

“Care too little, you lose them. Care too much, you get hurt.” “Sometimes what you want doesn’t deserve you.” “Worry is like a rocking chair: It will give you something to do but won’t get you anywhere.”

“If suicide ever crosses your mind, just know I would rather listen to your story than attend your funeral.” “People will never truly understand something until it happens to them.”

Here’s a great story about trials in life. A pastor asked an older farmer, decked out in bib overalls, to say grace for the morning breakfast. “Lord, I hate buttermilk,” the farmer began.

e visiting pastor opened one eye to glance at the farmer and wonder where this was going.

e farmer loudly proclaimed, “Lord, I hate lard.” Now, the pastor was growing concerned. Without missing a beat, the farmer continued, “And Lord, you know I don’t care for raw white our.” e pastor once again opened an eye to glance around the room and saw he wasn’t the only one feeling uncomfortable.

en the farmer added, “But Lord, when you mix and bake them, I love warm, fresh biscuits. So, Lord, when things come up that we don’t like, when life gets hard, or when we don’t understand what you’re saying, help us relax and wait until you are done mixing. It will probably be even better than biscuits.”

Here’s something for Christ followers to consider. “ e enemy may hide wolves in sheep’s clothing, but God hides lions inside of lambs.” “Surround yourself with friends who will tear a hole in the roof, lift you up, and carry you down to the feet of Jesus.” “ en God said, ‘I heard your prayers. Now trust My timing.’” “ ey said Noah was a crazy conspiracy theorist. en the ood came, and the fact checkers drowned.” “McDonald’s can mess you up 101 times, and you keep returning. One thing goes wrong at church, and you quit. People just aren’t hungry

enough.”

Consider this nal thought. “To be born, you needed two parents, four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, 16 second great-grandparents, 32 third great-grandparents, 64 fourth great-grandparents, 128 fth great-grandparents, 256 sixth great-grandparents, 512 seventh great-grandparents, 1,024 eighth great-grandparents, and 2,048 ninth great-grandparents.

To be born today from 12 previous generations, you needed 4,094 ancestors over the last 400 years. ink for a moment about how many struggles, battles and how much sadness, happiness, love stories and hope for the future your ancestors had to undergo for you to exist at this moment. You are the dream — or the nightmare — of many ancestors who have gone before you.

In other words, if you think you see more than your ancestors, it’s because you’re sitting on their shoulders. 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.

Pastor Ed Delph Glendale Star Columnist

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

September 10

Message & Music

Rev. Mike Campbell

Rev. Sheryl Campbell

Faith Church supports Valley View Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and more missions. Low Vision group Monday Sept 11, 1pm.

ACROSS

1 Martial art

5 Smack a baseball

9 Romance

12 Abbr. on a phone

13 Sunscreen additive

14 “Big Blue”

15 Royal with a golden touch

17 Actress Vardalos

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

Harvest CHurCH

8340 W. Northern

91st ave. Northern Ave.

Glendale Ave. 83rd Ave.

“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!

18 Naval rank

19 Avid

21 Hosp. triage area

22 Parsley and sage

24 Stately trees

27 Candle dripping

28 Incite

31 Luau souvenir

32 Glamorous Gardner

33 Santa -- winds

34 Ward (o )

36 Tiara sparkler

37 Winter blanket

38 Accepted fact

40 “I see”

41 Flood protection

43 Clothe

47 Coach Parseghian

48 Cell phone sounds

51 Insult, slangily

52 Boast

53 Pac-12 school

54 Observe

55 Utters

56 Sub shop

DOWN

1 Gag

2 -- arms

3 Lairs

4 Wild parties

5 Whirl

6 Bankroll

7 Lawyers’ org.

8 Shocking weapon

9 Airplane measure

10 Theater award

11 Sharif of “Funny Girl”

16 Ball club VIP

20 Six-pack muscles

22 Refuge

23 Pre-diploma hurdle

24 Sprite

25 Grant’s foe

26 Prized Chinese vessel

27 Carry on

29 Popular card game

30 Cold and damp

35 Conk out

37 Hide from view

39 Action words

40 Busy insect

41 Young fellows

42 New York canal

43 Early birds?

44 Formerly

45 Phone inventor

46 Actor Morales

49 401(k) alternative

50 Aye canceler

by Donna Pettman

For more youth visit GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

Ironwood student earns perfect ACT score

BY JOE MCHUGH Glendale Star Sta Writer

Vincent Lageschulte has always been a pro cient test-taker. e nerves of putting an answer on the page hasn’t applied to him, and he has been able to skyrocket through the Peoria Uni ed School District curriculum.

is pro ciency in exams was tested, though, as the Ironwood High School senior dug his head into studying for the ultimate test in the high school level — the ACT.

He spent numerous hours practicing the rigorous sections of the exam — English, math, reading and scienti c reasoning — on his own accord.

is dedication to succeeding was well warranted, and Lageschulte performed a “statistical miracle” by earning a perfect score of 36 on each of the sections of the test. is achievement nets him in the upper echelon of the 99th percentile, completing a feat only ever achieved by .313% of the over 1.3 million students to take the ACT.

His success rang throughout the district, and he was invited to the governing board meeting on Aug. 24 to receive congratulations from the district’s board members.

“I was pretty proud to have done so

well on the ACT, and I was also surprised at how well I did,” Lageschulte said. “When I saw that I got a perfect score, I couldn’t believe it. I had to reload the webpage to make sure that it was real.”

Lageschulte has been a PUSD student

since elementary school, attending Copperwood Elementary. He quickly moved through the base programs, eventually being placed in the Center for Di erentiated Instruction program for gifted students.

In just sixth grade, he traveled to Ironwood High School to take math.

All of these prerequisites led to the avenues Lageschulte took in high school, as he is now taking a full schedule of International Baccalaureate classes, is a member of the Key Club and is the president of the Engineering Club.

All of these extracurricular activities contributed to the success Lageschulte saw in his schooling, but the ACT was a di erent beast and something that required more intense focus and preparation on his part in order to succeed.

“Before the ACT, I took the PSAT — the practice SAT — and in order to prepare for that, I studied using resources like Khan Academy and other types of resources,” he said. “I decided on my own to study and then go out of my way to make sure I did the best I

could.”

e dedication paid o to the ultimate degree and will serve as something atop his résumé as a barometer for any school to see the kind of student Lageschulte is. He will take this momentum into his college application process, using the elusive number 36 as the ace in the hole for schools he is looking to apply to. Potential suitors that Lageschulte is looking at include MIT, Stanford, Embry Riddle, as well as three Arizona schools — Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.

He is looking to study computer science, focusing on arti cial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“I’m really thankful to all of my teachers and my parents for helping me study for the ACT and also helping me have the time and the ability to study well,” Lageschulte said.

“And I’m thankful to my friends for believing in me, and were always willing to help me when I needed it.”

date of the first publication of this notice, or the claims will be barred forever.

3. Notice of Claims. Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to the personal representative’s counsel:

The 928 Law Firm

224 E. Birch Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Published in the Glendale Star, Sep 7, 14, 21, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICES

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA IN AND FOR MARICOPA COUNTY

In the Matter of the Estate of: MICHAEL DOUGHERTY (D.O.D. 03/14/2023), Decedent.

Case No.: PB2023-002665

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND INFORMAL PROBATE

Personal Representative Vallerie Dougherty (hereafter “Ms. Dougherty”), through counsel, hereby gives notice that:

1. Personal Representative. Ms. Dougherty was appointed personal representative of this estate on

July 25, 2023; they may be contacted through their counsel:

The 928 Law Firm

224 E. Birch Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86001

2. Deadline to Make Claims. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims within four months of the date of the first publication of this notice, or the claims will be barred forever.

3. Notice of Claims. Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to the personal representative’s counsel:

The 928 Law Firm

224 E. Birch Ave Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Published in the Glendale Star, Sep 7, 14, 21, 2023

IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE NAVAJO NATION JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF

ALL

Subsidized

623-939-9447

TANNER

Un

AHORA

TODOS DE UN DORMITORIO

Subvencionado

8:00