Glendale Star 12.08.22

Fight for education funding is an ongoing debate

BY SAMANTHA REA Glendale Star Staff Writer

Five years ago, Arizona teachers went on strike for eight days with the RedforEd movement to protest ongoing funding cuts and low salaries. In 2022, the strike ended but the fight continues.

Arizona’s educators make 5.5% less than the state’s average wage across many occupations, comparing 2020-21 average wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, according to Business.org. While other states such as Pennsylvania, which ranks first, have made little adjustments to their teacher pay in the last 10 years, their educators make up to 28.5% above the state’s average salary. Business.org reported the average teacher salary in Arizona for 2020-21 to be $52,157.

There’s continuing debate over teacher compensation and whether state education funds are helping teachers or being diverted to other budgetary priorities. Meanwhile, inadequate salaries for educators are cause for concern for Beth Lewis, director of Save Our Schools Arizona, a nonprofit teacher advocacy organization. She said the biggest fear is the impact it will have on teachers and the education system as a whole.

“It is no surprise that we have a massive lack of teachers who are willing to work for this pay and, under these working conditions, these numbers don’t surprise me whatsoever,” Lewis said.

Educators made their dissatisfaction known in 2018 with the RedforEd movement. Educators in Arizona and other

states went on strike for anywhere from five to 10 days, fighting for better salaries and fewer budget cuts. Following the walkouts, Gov. Doug Ducey passed the “20x2020” plan — a plan to increase Arizona’s teacher salary by 20% by the year 2020.

While Business.org ranked Arizona No. 50 — the worst state in the United States for teacher pay — as reporting teacher pay has declined by 9.59% from 201021. Matt Beienburg, director of education at the Goldwater Institute, said Business. org’s numbers don’t quite match up with data from the state auditor general, however. Data from the auditor general shows the average teacher salary was $56,349 in the 2021 fiscal year, June 2020 to June

Levi Gibson named budget and finance director

BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF

The city of Glendale recently named Levi Gibson as the city’s next budget and finance director.

Gibson has served in this role as interim director since August, after previously serving as Glendale’s assistant budget and finance director since 2020.

He began his new role as the budget and finance director on Dec. 5, and moving forward, Gibson will be tasked with overseeing the budget process and helping city departments keep their budgets aligned with city council priorities. This position is crucial to making sure that the city’s finances are in good order and the city’s

assets are safeguarded. Gibson will also work to recommend potential improvements to the current fiscal plan.

“Levi brings the leadership, governmental and financial expertise needed to successfully lead the budget and finance department,” Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps said. “He has consistently demonstrated integrity, transparency and a commitment to the priorities of the city council and the manager’s office. His knowledge of the city, the staff and our financial systems allow him to transition into the director’s position seamlessly.”

Gibson has more than 20 years of expe-

SEE GIBSON

Levi Gibson

D E C E M B E R H A P P E N I N G S I N G E S D

GESD honors outgoing board member Sara Smith, thanks Ames Construction for a magical holiday experience for students, and celebrates the arts with Historic Downtown Glendale businesses.

This week, we recognize the service of Governing Board Member Sara Smith. Ms. Smith has served on the GESD Governing Board since being appointed in 2006. Following her appointment, Ms. Smith was elected to four consecutive terms in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018, serving the community for a total of 16 years.

Throughout her tenure, Ms. Smith has demonstrated tremendous commitment to GESD students, staff, and families. She was dedicated to growing her leadership skills as a Board member, earning an accumulated 502.72 hours of continuing education units through the Arizona School Boards Associations' Academy of Boardsmanship program, reaching the Silver Bo Ms. Smith’s altruistic leadership has contributed to the success of the District. Congratu overning Board Member Sara Smith.

The annual Celebration of the Arts at Catlin Court remained merry and bright despite the wet weather. Students, staff, families, and Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants gathered to view artwork and choir and band performances with support from the Glendale Arts Council. A very heartfelt thank you to Pastor Tom at First United Methodist Church

Cindy Segotta Jones, Superintendent

Ames Construction hosts GESD students for holid he Ames family welcomed third-graders from Don Mensendick, William C. Jack and Sunset Vista Schoo ted to carnival rides and games, wagon rides, dinner, and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The children a Santa sack filled with treasures and goodies. We are grateful for the continued support of our students by John and Sharon Ames, his family, and everyone at Ames Construction.

for welcoming a performance inside the church hall when the rain started

rience in accounting and finance management, beginning his career as an auditor with the Arizona Office of the Auditor General. Additionally, he has worked as a staff accountant at public accounting firms in Nevada and Utah. He then returned to the public sector as an auditor with the Arizona Office of the Auditor General. Gibson then became chief deputy treasurer and finance director for Pinal County.

Gibson joined the city of Glendale in November 2020 as the assistant budget and finance director. He served in that capacity until this past August, when he became interim budget and finance director following the departure of Lisette Camacho.

“This role works very closely with all department heads within Glendale,” Assistant City Manager Vicki Rios said. “Levi’s ability to communicate

regarding the city and its financial condition in a clear, transparent and easy-to-understand manner makes him a perfect fit for this role.”

Gibson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting from Southern Utah University. He also received his Master of Accountancy from SUU. Gibson is a certified public accountant in the state of Arizona.

He is looking forward to the opportunity to further serve the city of Glendale.

“This role is very similar to a capacity I served in while with Pinal County,” Gibson said. “I am thankful for this opportunity to work with a great budget and finance team, and I am confident that my previous jobs with various organizations have prepared me well for exactly what needs to be accomplished.”

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2021.

Additionally, Beienburg disputes Business.org’s report and said there has actually been an increase in teacher salaries from 2010-21, though a small one.

In Beienburg’s 2021 policy report, “The Truth About Teacher Pay in Arizona: How Arizona School Districts Have Held Down Teacher Salaries, Blamed Lawmakers, and Continually Captured Public Sympathy,” he looks at the 20x2020 funds increase and what the distribution of that money looks like in the state’s school districts.

Beienburg’s research indicates that while teachers were receiving pay increases, much of the money was actually being directed away from the pockets of the classroom teachers it was intended for.

“Before you get to a question about more or less, is what we’re spending even getting to the teachers?” Beienburg said. “That’s kind of the fundamental question.”

Much of the teacher pay increases for Arizona’s education staff came from already existing funding districts receive to offset inflation as well as pay increases. However, the funds from the 20x2020 plan were meant to provide a 20% increase on top of these already existing inflation funds. Even so, districts used less than half of the 20x2020 funds toward pay increases, resulting in only an estimated $3,016 increase per teacher, instead of what was meant to be a $7,050 increase per teacher, according to the Goldwater Institute’s policy report.

So if school districts received funding intended to increase teachers’ salaries by 20%, where is the money being allocated within districts?

Marisol Garcia is the president of the Arizona Education Association, the state’s teachers’ union organization. She rejects the idea of funds being misused and said the idea is meant to conceive a public distrust for increased funding in public school systems.

“The idea that districts are misusing money is just an easy thing to say,” Garcia said. “It’s almost trying to find a reason to try to take away money.”

She said the funds aren’t being misused, but that numbers can get confusing, which may be the reason for the

differing data reports. She said the terminology “classroom teachers” in funding discussions and reports often excludes other educators who fall behind the line of what is considered a “classroom teacher,” but maintain certifications and play essential roles in student lives.

“I would have students that are significantly disabled … and so there’s a person there to help. They’re not considered classroom teachers,” Garcia said. “They’re paraprofessionals, who are highly qualified, really important people, but they’re not going to show up as a classroom teacher, right?”

While Tori Schroeder, president of Sunnyside Unified School District’s Education Association, said she thinks the money her district receives goes a long way, it still isn’t as much as some might think.

“There’s a really big disconnect. … The assumption is that this amount of money is adequate, not understanding what happens when you break that down,” Schroeder said.

She said that hundreds of certified educators in her district are not labeled as “classroom teachers” and also received salary increases, such as counselors, cafeteria staff and janitorial staff.

But even for districts said to be doing well allocating funds back to all educators, the extra increases provided still aren’t enough for some to make ends meet. Lewis, Garcia and Schroeder all speak of their own experiences witnessing colleagues leave the profession and struggle with motivation to stay in their positions as educators because they can’t afford to live on their teacher salary.

Marisol Garcia with the AEA said the high turnover rate for teachers is a largely concerning stressor in already

unstable schools and feels what is needed is less focus on teacher recruitment and more focus on teacher retention. A focus on raising the teacher retention rate that would be made much easier to obtain with a better salary to offer, Garcia said.

“I’ve had tons of friends who came in and out two, three years in and left, three, five years and left, and they just couldn’t take it,” Garcia said. “When we start losing veteran educators — we’ve lost. If we don’t get them to stay, that instability is going to disrupt even more.”

With low funding and salaries causing districts to lose educators, Schroeder also said she has noticed area

districts and schools have become competitive, offering incentives like bonuses or higher wages.

“It’s very hard for districts, in general, to find especially math, science and special education positions just at all. Literally there’s no applicants for this position,” Schroeder said.

Lewis added that teaching is becoming a profession that many people just can’t take on for economic reasons.

“I’ve been a teacher in Arizona for 12 years,” Lewis said. “I’ve seen it firsthand, and I have seen many, many teachers who are incredibly talented, amazing souls, who really serve kids walk away because they not only aren’t able to take care of their own families but also because they feel disrespected.”

“There are people who are running the math on, ‘Can I stay in this profession, can I do this thing and still make these bills?’” Schroeder said. “For some of them, it really is, ‘I can’t afford to be in this profession.’”

With talk of more school funding increases to come from Katie Hobbs, governor-elect, the debate goes on.

Hometown Christmas Parade honors fire captain and parade founders

BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF

Captain Anthony Valverde, a paramedic and an 18-year vet eran of the Glendale Fire De partment, has been named the grand marshal of the 9th Annual Hometown Christmas Parade and Food Drive, which culminates with the parade on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 11 a.m. in Downtown Glendale.

In addition, Don Mellon and Dr. Walt Kallestad, who co-founded the parade with Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers in 2012, will be the honorary grand marshals.

About the grand marshal Valverde has been married to his wife, Micaela, for 16 years, and they have three children together.

On Mother’s Day of this year, Valverde was with his family at Lake Pleasant when they came upon a fam ily in a small boat that was capsizing. One of the elderly family members was unconscious in the water and tan gled in the rope.

The Valverde family immediately began rendering aid. They relieved the family member trying to hold

the woman above water by cutting the rope and then holding the wom an until Peoria’s fire department boat arrived.

Once the woman was being treated, they helped the family into their boat and brought them safely to shore.

About the honorary grand marshals

Mellon moved to Arizona in 1974. In 1980, he opened his first McDon ald’s franchise. He has received nu merous awards, including Business of the Year award in 2007, Phoenix Business Journal — Small Business of the Year award in 2008, and was named a Luke Air Force Base Honor ary Commander in 2010.

After opening and operating 21 McDonald’s restaurants across the Valley, Mellon retired in 2020. He said all the McDonald’s he owned be longed to God. What he thought was a part-time, dead-end job 50 years ago, became a passion where God was glorified.

Kallestad grew up living in a Pas tor’s home. Following his graduation from Luther Theological Seminary in

St. Paul, Minnesota, he served as an ordained Lutheran Pastor at Commu nity Church of Joy (now Dream City Church) for 38 years.

He came to Community Church of Joy in Glendale with a clarion call and passion to build a church for peo ple who didn’t go to church. He con tinues to seek out marketplace leaders and servants who need the Lord.

Kallestad is also involved in men toring pastors and business leaders, as well as running a gas and oil com pany supplying gasoline and diesel to Mexico.

About the parade

Everyone is invited to the 9th An nual Hometown Christmas Parade in Downtown Glendale on Saturday, Dec. 10, to enjoy the family-friendly festivities that will take place between 52nd and 58th avenues.

Spectators of all ages are encour aged to find their spot before the pa rade starts at 11 a.m. and enjoy entries highlighting local schools, service or ganizations and businesses.

The parade has become a tradition, and the committee that makes this

event happen every year takes great pride in it. The all-volunteer group consists of representatives from non profits, faith-based organizations, businesses, individuals and the city of Glendale.

Although the parade is held in Glendale, the event has participants and sponsors from across the Valley that are all focused on one thing: cel ebrating the reason for the season.

About the food drive

It’s all for a great cause, as last year, organizers of the Hometown Christmas Parade donated $30,000 to Hope for Hunger Food Bank (phoenixrescuemission.org/hope-forhunger) in Glendale.

Currently, Hope for Hunger Food Bank provides emergency food along with case management and job assis tance to more than 300 families every day.

The goal of the parade is for an even larger donation this year, so spectators are encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations to the parade or make a cash donation on line at hcparade.org/food-drive.

Delta Dental earns Center of Excellence recognition

BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF

For the seventh consecutive year, Glendale’s own Delta Dental of Arizona has earned the Center of Excellence certification by BenchmarkPortal.

The Center of Excellence recognition is one of the most prestigious awards in the customer service and support industry, demonstrating Delta Dental’s dedication to providing superior customer care.

“For more than 50 years, Delta Dental of Arizona has provided exceptional customer service to the members, brokers, clients and dentists we serve,” said Craig Livesay, chief operating officer at Delta Dental of Arizona.

“This certification recognizes the hard work and dedication our entire customer service team delivers to the more than 1.3 million Delta Dental members and more than 3,600 contracted dentists we serve across the state. Following customer-service best practices is incredibly important to us, and it’s why nearly 90% of members rate the service they receive as very good or excellent.”

In addition to the Center of Excellence recognition, Delta Dental of Arizona was previously named the Top Contact Center by BenchmarkPortal

in 2022. Due to Delta Dental of Arizona’s commitment to providing a great customer experience, the company was also awarded Lowest Abandon Rate and Best Agent Retention titles.

“We’re on a mission to provide our stakeholders with best-in-class customer service,” said Jeanette Watte, customer service director at Delta Dental of Arizona. “To us, that means answering each call with a smile and a can-do attitude. Each person we speak with deserves the very best from us, this focused attention on providing the best customer service we can is what sets us apart.”

BenchmarkPortal awards the Center of Excellence designation to customer service contact centers that rank in the top 10% of the contact centers surveyed. They are judged against a Balanced Scorecard of metrics for efficiency and effectiveness. Those contact centers that demonstrate superior performance on both cost-related metrics and quality-related metrics compared with their industry peers earn the award.

“Contact centers that achieve certification are remarkable in their ability to balance a commitment to service excellence with cost-effective service strategies,” said Bruce Belfiore, CEO of BenchmarkPortal.

Credit Union West donates to firefighter charity

BY GLENDALE STAR STAFF

In their third donation of 2022, Credit Union West employees gifted $5,994.54 to United Goodyear Firefighter Charities (UGFF), a nonprofit organization that provides services to the Goodyear community and helps firefighters and their families in times of hardship.

UGFF was chosen for what it does to help the needy and fellow first responders in its community. It has been a 501(c)(3) since 2007 with the mission to partner with community leaders, private businesses, Goodyear residents and other nonprofits to support and assist people in need.

It holds community events like Fill the Boot for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, back-to-school drives and holiday toy drives, and collects donations for the Westside Food Bank.

To help continue its important work, Credit Union West leaders presented UGFF with the donation check at its

Corporate Center in Glendale.

“We were so excited to accept this donation from Credit Union West and to learn about their EmployeesCARE Program,” said Zack Renschler of UGFF. “We can’t wait to use these

funds to support our Goodyear community.”

This donation was made possible by the EmployeesCARE Program, which is completely funded by Credit Union West employees. The program raises

money for a nonprofit organization selected by employees each quarter. In addition, President and CEO Karen Roch challenged Credit Union West employees to increase giving by matching the donation with her own personal funds.

“Credit Union West is so happy to give this gift to the United Goodyear Firefighter Charities to help them continue to provide important programs for first responders and for the city of Goodyear,” Roch said. “I love seeing our employees rise to this challenge to support our commitment to our local communities.”

This is the third charitable donation that Credit Union West employees have made through the EmployeesCARE Program in 2022. Last year, employees donated more than $18,000 to local organizations and are on track to exceed that number this year.

To learn more about United Goodyear Firefighter Charities, visit ugff. org/charities.

Credit Union West recently donated $5,994.54 to United Goodyear Firefighter Charities at its Corporate Center in Glendale. (Credit Union West/Submitted)

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County officials adopt grim comedy routine on election

BY J.D. HAYWORTH Glendale Star Columnist

You can forget all about “Abbott and Costello”… Ditto for “Martin and Lewis.”

A new comedy team with a familiar name has suddenly emerged in Arizona.

These days, Maricopa County residents are treated to the escapades of a real-life “Mutt and Jeff.” And unlike the original comic strip duo, this modern-day pair isn’t confined to the funny papers.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates and County Recorder Stephen Richer have made headlines in the aftermath of Election Day. Unfortunately for them, their act — or, more accurately, their actions — are not receiving rave reviews.

Still, their “political performance art” played to a full house and a large internet audience during the supervisors’ “special meeting” Nov. 28.

Gates unwittingly affirmed the performance emphasis in his opening remarks, referring to the meeting agenda as a “run of show.” And what a show!

As pure entertainment, it fell somewhere between the efforts of earnest amateur thespians giving their all in a “community theater” production and “open mic night” at a comedy club where most stand-up aspirants would be well advised to remain seated.

The county’s lead players could be found in that latter category.

Our taxpayer-subsidized comedy team relies upon the maudlin schmaltz of mutual admiration.

With a presentation style reminiscent of “Mister Rogers,” Gates introduced Richter: “The board is very grateful for your work, Stephen, and thanks so much for addressing us.”

Richer recited some specific num-

bers: 1.87 million ballots mailed to county voters; 1.3 million completed and returned, 290,000 of those dropped off at voting centers on Election Day and needing signature verification, which was completed by Thursday afternoon; then the processing of those ballots, done by Sunday afternoon.

In other words, those early ballots dropped off on Nov. 8 — a record number for any election and almost 120,000 more than arrived on Election Day 2020 — took until five days after Nov. 8 to be prepared for counting.

And left dangling in Richer’s account was this oratorical gem: “Over 100 people of all parties contributed to the signature verification process.”

That sounds mighty inclusive, but it is devoid of a key detail: What was the partisan composition of that signature checking group?

After expressing his 100% confidence “in the integrity and character of the people working the other half of the election operation” — the Election Day

balloting, so plagued with problems — Richer spread a heavy dose of verbal frosting on this slice of rhetorical flattery:

“That starts with Chairman Bill Gates, who has continued to lead, despite personally and probably going through personal hell.”

As for the majority of concerned citizens in attendance, Richer was disdainfully dismissive.

Saying the focus needed to be on “real issues,” the recorder characterized the grassroots skepticism as “conspiracy theories promoted on social media by people who know nothing,” drawing a loud, angry reaction from the crowd.

Once the recorder finished, the presiding officer made a pronouncement that was shockingly premature: “This election was run extremely well, as you pointed out,” Gates told Richer.

Despite a parade of eyewitnesses recounting mechanical problems with tabulators and printers, as well as a

Election deniers take crazy to a new level

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ Glendale Star Columnist

We begin with the good news about the process of certifying Arizona’s November 2022 election.

After all the conspiracy theories, death threats, and fact-deprived screaming about rigged results, only a few hundred protesters showed up for the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors’ Nov. 28 special meeting to certify the county’s results.

In a state of more than 7 million people — and in a county where 1,562,758 of us voted on Nov. 8 — a few hundred “nayscreamers” amounts to a raindrop in a river.

The bad news? The people who did show up to scream at the five supervisors were bull goose loony.

Like election denier and podcaster Joe Oltman, who traveled from Castle Pines, Colorado, to lament the board’s lack of transparency — in a public meeting broadcast around the world online — and to accuse them of “gaslight(ing) the American people.”

That was tame compared to speakers who threw around terms like “evil,” “traitors,” “crooked,” “clowns” and “violent revolution.”

Heck, one lady from Wickenburg, Lydia Abril, used her two minutes to share “what God has to say to all elect-

ed officials,” courtesy of the Book of Psalms. She thundered about “high and mighty politicians” and “giving justice in exchange for bribes,” before asking God to “break off their fangs” and “let them be as snails that dissolve into slime.”

That got quite the round of applause from her fellow zealots.

Later came my personal favorite speaker, failed Board of Supervisors candidate Gail Golec, a Trump-endorsed Scottsdale Republican, who got pasted in the primary by Supervisor Tom Galvin. Golec demanded a halt to the certification “until we can get some more audits.”

Golec really hit it out of the park with her finger-wagging tirade: “These machines have come into play and have taken over countries. South America right

now is almost gone because of selections! Thank God for Brazil or we would lose a continent — a whole continent — to these machines!”

Lady, for heaven’s sake, please burn your collection of “Terminator” DVDs, pronto.

After four hours of this nonsense, the supervisors — four Republicans and a Democrat — voted to certify the county’s election results, as required by law. Fourteen out of Arizona’s 15 counties have done the same, with only tiny Cochise County, population 126,000, as the lone holdout.

So, election 2022 continues to sputter to its conclusion, despite some national and local press coverage portraying Ar-

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Think vaping is a safe alternative to cigarettes… think again

BY DR. SAGUN SHRESTHA Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Phoenix

In the past decade, vaping has reached epidemic levels and has become prevalent among middle and high schoolers across the country. In fact, a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey found approximately 2.55 million U.S. middle and high school students are currently using e-cigarettes. This trend is alarming, especially when considering e-cigarettes can negatively impact adolescents’ developing bodies and brains, leading to possible nicotine addiction, or worse, lung-related diseases and other maladies.

Unfortunately, vaping is often viewed as a healthier alternative to cigarettes. As e-cigarettes do not contain high levels of tobacco, but do include significant amounts of nicotine, many individuals use vaping as a transitional method to kick smoking habits. The

myriad of enticing, flavored e-cigarette products further contribute to the popularity.

However, this misinformation that vaping is safe compared to cigarettes is inaccurate and risky. Vaping is not safe for anyone. The combination of hazardous chemicals and the inhalation of potentially carcinogenic compounds pose risks for all who partake.

Though e-cigarettes are believed by some to be less harmful than regular cigarettes, the negative effects are undeniable. The aerosol inhaled when vaping contains a mixture of nicotine, formaldehyde and acrolein, among other ingredients. Acrolein, which is commonly used as a weed killer, can cause irreversible lung damage. Formaldehyde has been associated with certain types of cancer.

Yet vaping does not just affect users. The surgeon general concluded those

exposed to secondhand emissions, including nicotine, ultrafine particles; flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds such as benzene, found in car exhaust; and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin and lead, are at increased risk of developing lung cancer.

Two studies published in the American Heart Association’s peer-reviewed journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology indicate vaping products and traditional tobacco cigarettes affect cardiovascular systems similarly.

The combination was discovered to have extreme, severe negative effects on heart health. Other concerns with use of these products include airway irritation, and a reduced capacity of large blood vessels to supply sufficient blood to the heart, lungs and other major organs.

In addition, vaping impacts middle and high schoolers to a greater de-

gree. According to the aforementioned CDC survey, e-cigarettes have become the most commonly used tobacco products among middle and high schoolers.

Though 23.6 million people in the United States have a nicotine dependence according to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), adolescents are most vulnerable to adverse effects. Nicotine impacts parts of the brain which control attention, learning, mood and impulses, and has been linked to an increased risk of addiction to other drugs.

According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, long-term use of tobacco products is almost always established during adolescence when the developing brain is most likely to succumb to addiction.

The link between vaping and serious lung-related diseases

While we are still understanding exactly how dangerous vaping is, anoth-

Midwestern University

Program

KIRK’S OPINION – King Features

What’s with a Christmas tree anyway?

BY JUDY BLUHM Glendale Star Columnist

To tree or not to tree, that is the question.

Oh, Christmas Angel, please guide my decision, as I am contemplating not putting up a Christmas tree this year. Yes, we decorated the house with holly, wreaths, poinsettias and other holiday trimmings, but the tree stands silently in a box in the garage, awaiting its fate.

Having coffee with my husband, Doug, one morning, I said that I think maybe we might just forget about putting up the tree this year. Doug stared at me for a few seconds, then started fist-pumping as he joyfully yelled, “Yes!” Hey, this was not the response I had hoped for! What about thoughtful discussion of the pros and cons? Yikes, I thought he loved our Christmas tree!

When I mentioned this “tree situation” to my girlfriend, she said (in a very serious tone), “Well, you know this is how old people think. Last month you wanted to buy flat dress shoes instead of heels; this month you are ditching the Christmas tree. What’s next?” Ouch! It’s just a tree and has nothing to do with “getting old.” It’s all about convenience.

My daughter, Tammy, is holding Christmas at her house this year. The whole family will be gathered, including my grandson, who serves in the Navy and has missed every Christmas for six years. So, it seems like a perfect time to “take a break” from decorating. Because I usually make all big meals for the holidays, Doug and I are looking forward to being guests instead of hosts. You know, show up late, eat well and leave early.

Getting back to the tree dilemma, I

cannot recall not having a Christmas tree beautifully decorated gracing our home over the holidays. Old ornaments that the grandkids made; little silver bells with engraved birthdates of family members; even my horses had ornaments made with their photos. The angel we put on top was given to me by my parents about 30 years ago.

My niece says that when you break with traditions that you love it is because you are depressed (not really). My neighbor hasn’t put a tree up since her husband’s shoulder surgery, which was two years ago (good choice). A close friend claims that the tree is the one true symbol of Christmas and when that goes, so does the wonder of the holiday (nonsense).

O Tannenbaum, O Christmas tree, how lovely are thy branches. What exactly does the Christmas tree symbolize? And how did it evolve into the most celebrated icon of the season? Going back to 16th century Germany, Christians began decorating trees, often placing candles on the branches. The Christmas tree tradition was not widely embraced in America until the mid-1800s. Homemade decorations of berries on strings and cookies hung on branches were an early custom. By the 1900s, Americans were buying shiny ornaments and tinsel.

There is more to the Christmas season than a tree! To the folks who are convinced that not putting up a tree is “sad,” I say, “Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle.” There’s always mistletoe.

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

HAYWORTH FROM PAGE 12

plethora of other Election Day problems, it was clear that this “public hearing” didn’t result in officials truly listening.

After 90-plus minutes of comments, concerned citizen Michelle Dillard summed it up: “This election is not certifiable. … It was targeted voter suppression by the county, including elected officials with glaring conflicts of interest.”

Among the elected officials with “glaring conflicts”? The recorder and the chairman.

Richer started a dark money political action committee, “Democracy Republicans PAC,” targeting Trump-endorsed

LEIBOWITZ FROM PAGE 12

izona and the Valley as something of a laughingstock, populated by nuts and dolts and those who see a conspiracy around every corner and every time a computer printer runs out of toner.

My assessment, which I previewed for you in a column several weeks ago, is this: The 2022 election was imperfect, in part because all elections are. But there were no hijinks afoot.

If it took two weeks to count the ballots, that’s because (a) it always takes long, and (b) a record number of voters listened to MAGA leaders who told them to hold onto their early ballots until Election Day, thus creating the very issue — slow counting — that they later lambasted.

Given the relatively few people who

candidates; Gates spoke out publicly against those same GOP nominees, calling their primary victories a “catastrophe” and telling Politico he hoped for Republican “humiliation at the ballot box.”

There’s humiliation all right, but it’s Gates and Richer who should be embarrassed — along with all the members of the Board of Supervisors, who voted unanimously to certify the 2022 election.

Mutt and Jeff may be smiling, but few voters in Maricopa County are laughing.

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

showed up to protest the supervisors — a far smaller crowd than your average JV football game — I’d suggest that 99% of us have moved on to bigger issues and real problems.

You remember those, I’m guessing.

Inflation. Rising crime. Our troubled public school system. The lack of housing supply in our state. The fentanyl epidemic. Our porous border.

These were the issues would-be elected leaders used to campaign on, before they turned to false tales of stolen elections and machine takeovers.

I miss the old days, when the other 1% — not the crazy 1% — got all the attention.

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

er surgeon general’s report underscores the point, noting that, if current rates of use continue among youth, 5.6 million are projected to die from tobacco relat ed diseases.

Bottom line: The vaping epidemic must be taken seriously. I am calling for dedicated prevention and interven tional resources to be directed at mid dle and high school students, or even earlier at elementary schools to stop

students before they start. As clinical providers, we also play an essential role in having conversations with our youth about the proven health risks tied to vaping. The health of young Arizo nans matters, and we must unite to pro tect this precious asset.

Dr. Sagun Shrestha is the medical oncology lead for CTCA Phoenix’s Lung Cancer Center and has a passion for public health education.

Westgate gets a taste of South Beach, Miami

BY SAMANTHA REA Glendale Star Staff Writer

Anew South Beach-themed restaurant and nightclub is spicing up the Westgate Entertainment District.

“It’s a beautiful working environment, from the people to the drinks and the food,” bartender Kia Snyder said. “If you haven’t been to Miami and you just want a little taste of it, definitely come to Bodega.”

Bodega’s menu boasts the flavors of Miami and Cuba, coupled with fun tropical cocktails. Guests can choose from signature Cuban dishes, but they’re experimenting with other selections, owner John Tsailakis said. Some of the choices include Miami Heart burrito, with scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese blend, tortilla chips, salsa verde, salsa roja, queso fresco and sour cream ($12); Cubano sandwich with ham, roasted pork, pickles, Swiss cheese, mustard and Cuban bread ($16); and Cuban bowl featuring marinated pork, coconut rice, black beans, plantains, avocado and mojo sauce ($16).

Other favorites are the guacamole trio dip with pomegranate or mango habanero or crispy pork belly and queso fresco ($19 for all three) and the Italian sub with ham, pepperoni, salami, red onion, romaine lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise and provolone cheese on Cuban bread ($16).

“Just like with anything, you want to see what the guest really is looking for,” Tsailakis said about future menu changes.

The formula seems to be working, per Bodega staffers.

“We’re getting booming nowadays, said Ashley Sandige, head server. “People know about us, and people are spreading the word. We’re getting parties, people are wanting to come spend their time and special events here.”

Tsailakis and Sandige are anticipating a significant uptick in business for Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in early February.

“The Super Bowl is going to be insane. Specifically at Westgate it’s go-

ing to be insane, but Bodega, I know it’s going to be a grand time,” Sandige said.

Tsailakis said he learned firsthand about the Super Bowl frenzy when, in 2015, he and Salt Tacos y Tequila hosted the Patriots on short notice.

“We’re going to be staffed for sure. We’re going to be ready and just take things as they come,” Tsailakis said.

He said the establishment doesn’t have special plans for the Super Bowl but will be prepared in case teams or corporate groups want to use Bodega.

“It’s only going to go up from here at this point. We’re already busy, but once people start knowing our name

more, it’s just going to get crazier in here,” Snyder said.

Tsailakis owns the restaurant with his father, Chris, who co-founded My Big Fat Greek Restaurant in 2001. When Tsailikis moved to Arizona after graduating from the University of Washington, the father-son duo opened Salt Tacos y Tequila before Bodega. Bodega is the fourth business Tsailakis opened in Westgate and the third restaurant opened by his team in less than a year. The others are Salt Tacos y Tequila in San Tan Village and the Shops at Norterra. Bodega is in the former Whiskey Rose space.

“We wanted to do something that had some of the same characteristics that people love about Salt with a different kind of vibe,” Tsailakis said. “We wanted to bring something that was food focused but also had the nightlife appeal for the consumer. We kind of thought, ‘Hey, what’s not here?’”

Bodega

Westgate Entertainment District 6751 N. Sunset Boulevard, Suite 110, Glendale 623-877-7673, bodegaaz.com

GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

Sonia Sevilla, Bodega’s bar manager, prepares drinks in the new space at Westgate Entertainment District. (Bodega/Submitted)

Cactus advances to 5A State Championship

BY JOE MCHUGH Glendale Star Staff Writer

The semifinal round of the 5A playoffs between Glendale Cactus and Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep featured many different storylines: Cactus had just been promoted from 4A to 5A this season and wasn’t expected to compete in the higher conference. Notre Dame Prep wasn’t expected to be just a hair out of the Open Division Playoffs. The two teams weren’t meant to face off against each other.

Yet, all the latter happened.

The 5A playoffs didn’t disappoint as the No. 4 seeded Cactus overcame its superior, the No. 1-seeded Notre Dame Prep, in an instant classic, as the Cobras struck down the Saints, 21-17.

“We continue to battle and sky’s the limit, so we’re excited,” Cactus head coach Brian Belles said after the win. “We still have one more to go. We’re going to enjoy this tonight.”

The game had a big time feel from the very start, as the very first play from scrimmage was an 80-yard Cobra touchdown, setting the tone as a high-octane spectacle for everyone in attendance.

“I just think that those guys have been there and done that,” Belles said. “Damian (Jiles), Will (Galvan), those guys have been around a long time at Cactus, and we knew we had to ride them out tonight in order to be successful and we were able to do that.”

After a quick 7-0 lead, the game turned from swift offense into shrewd defense and both defenses were able to counteract the other in the first quarter.

The second quarter, though, was a different story, as the Saints weren’t so easily defeated. They opened the quarter with a trick play, netting a 47-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Cooper Perry to Hudson Stych, knotting the score at seven a piece.

The Cobras would respond quickly, as they would spark their next drive with a 45-yard return from Galvan, setting them up for a promising drive. Cactus turned that opportunity into a reality, as they would cash in on a 46yard drive, capped off with a Nikko Boncore-Montoya touchdown, giving Cactus a 14-7 lead going into the half.

The third quarter would come with many squanders for the Cobras, as they would force a turnover early in the half, which would be all for not, as Notre Dame created a stop in the red zone. The Saints came up positive on the stop, as they would turn it into a game-tying touchdown by star receiver Cooper Perry from 13 yards out.

Notre Dame carried the 14-14 momentum into a fumble on the next Cactus play, giving them an opportunity to take the lead in plus territory.

The Saints salvaged a field goal from the effort, giving them their first lead of the game, 17-14, entering the fourth quarter.

Notre Dame would end up with the ball with just over 8 minutes remaining. The Cobras would force a fourth down, to which the Saints would opt

for a fake punt. The Perry pass would sail its intended receiver, giving Cactus plus territory with minimal time left.

They would take the opportunity with a leaping grab from Boncore-Montoya, downing them at the Saints 1-yard line. After a stuffed rush attempt, the Cobras were sacked for a nine yard loss, netting them a third and goal from the 10-yard line. After a 9-yard scramble from quarterback Rudy Gonzales, the Cobras were faced with fourth and goal from the 1-yard line, to which they would punch in with a Galvan keeper netting the lead at 21-17 in Cactus’ favor.

“Well, it’s not so much what I told them; it’s what they are — they’re tough kids,” Belles said. “I’ve been saying it all year: We have tough human beings, and they’re tough mentally. Even when things aren’t going right, we find a way to overcome. And that’s what we did tonight.”

Resiliency and all, the Cobras still had to stand tall on the ensuing Saints drive.

Notre Dame would push it as far as midfield, where they were faced with

a do-or-die fourth-down opportunity. The chance would be for not, as Cactus star Galvan would come up with a fourth-down pass breakup to essentially ice the game. Galvan would go on to further the nail in the coffin, as he ripped off a massive play with 15 seconds left, giving the Cobras the win and a shot at the first 5A State Championship title in program history.

“Times got tough and we were able to come back right and battle through it,” Notre Dame head coach George Prelock said. “We’re close. We’re a family. We live and die together as a family, and the biggest thing is I’m just going to miss spending every day with them.”

Cactus will face off against Gilbert Higley in the 5A State Championship at ASU Sun Devil Stadium on Friday, Dec. 9.

Have an interesting sports story?

Contact Jordan Rogers at jrogers@timespublications.com

GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

After a win over No. 1 Scottsdale Notre Dame Preporatory, the Cactus Cobras are headed to its first 5A State Championship game. (Dave Minton/Staff Photographer)

Suns injury woes taking a heavy toll, halt hot start

BY TOM AIZENBERG Cronkite News

Entering the 2022 NBA All-Star break, the Phoenix Suns had a 6.5 game lead over the Golden State Warriors for the top seed in the Western Conference. In a flash, both Chris Paul and Cam Johnson went down with injuries, and the No. 1 seed was in jeopardy.

However, the Suns figured out how to compensate for those injuries and won 14 of their next 18 games to secure home-court advantage and the best regular-season record in franchise history.

Nine months later, the Suns find themselves in a similar situation, missing the same two players. This time, the injuries are taking a toll.

After a 5-1 start to the 2022-23 season, injuries to Paul and Johnson have left the Suns screaming for answers. They are 4-5 since the injury bug bit with losses to Portland without its star backcourt of Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons, and the Orlando Magic without their recent top overall pick, Paolo Banchero.

Johnson suffered a torn meniscus in his knee Nov. 4 in the Portland game, and Paul exited with an undisclosed heel injury Nov. 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Suns could be without their two starters for quite some time and must find a way to play (and win).

“I feel bad for him, obviously, it’s a tough thing to happen,” Suns coach Monty Williams said of Johnson. “He was trying so hard to get ready for the season, and he’s certainly important to our team. It’s a tough blow. It’s easy to say injuries are a part of the game, but it’s an unfortunate part that you wish a guy like that didn’t have to deal with.”

A torn meniscus can be a serious injury, or it can require minor repair. For Johnson, the timing couldn’t be worse. He and the Suns failed to come to an agreement on a contract extension during the offseason, and he will be a

restricted free agent at the end of this season.

Based on a shorter timeline of recovery, Johnson had a partial meniscectomy – a common surgery among NBA players – in an effort to recover and return as quickly as possible.

“Within the surgical aspect, there’s two different types of surgery,” said Rajpal Brar, a doctor of physical therapy, who is not treating Johnson. “One is typically a partial meniscectomy when you trim out the damaged piece of tissue. And the other one is a meniscal repair, which is where you repair the damaged piece of tissue. But the repair is not always possible, and it depends on the specifics of the injury.”

Johnson enjoyed a career year in his new role as a starter to begin the season, averaging nearly 15 points per game while making 44 percent of his three-pointers.

With Jae Crowder still away from the team, presumably awaiting a trade, Torrey Craig moved into the starting

lineup in Johnson’s place. Craig, who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, has never been a big-minutes player in his five NBA seasons. He averaged a career-high 20.5 minutes per game last season in 78 games he played with the Indiana Pacers and the Suns.

This season, Craig was averaging just 14 minutes a game off the bench before Johnson went down. He is averaging nearly 27 minutes a night since moving into the starting lineup.

Craig is regarded as a high-energy player and strong defender, but he is not nearly the same scorer or shooter as Johnson and is hitting only a third of his 3-point attempts and has scored in double digits only once.

Despite his injury, Johnson is remaining positive knowing that he will return this season. So are his teammates.

“He seems great. I saw him today (and) he seems in great spirits,” Suns forward Mikal Bridges said last

Wednesday. “He’s been through surgery before, so I think that’s been helping him out with the whole process. But he’s been great.”

The Suns have been less transparent about Paul’s situation.

Like last season, Cameron Payne has stepped up to the plate to fill in during Paul’s absence. Payne struggled for stretches last season, but he has excelled with Paul out this season, averaging 19 points and six assists. However, it has not led to positive results in the win-loss column.

The Suns won their first game without their two stars at Minnesota but lost back-to-back games to Orlando and Miami to close out a four-game road trip. Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and Payne stepped up to combine for 79 points in a 130-119 win over the defending champion Golden State Warriors on Nov. 16. Then two days later the Suns dropped their fifth game in November before recovering Sunday to rout the Knicks, 116-95.

Even before their injuries, the Suns were struggling to get to the free-throw line. They rank 25th in the league in free-throw attempts per game on the season.

With Paul in the lineup, Phoenix averaged 23 shots at the charity stripe. Since his absence, the Suns have managed only 17 attempts. The team’s four free-throw attempts in the loss to Miami tied the second-lowest total in franchise history.

Paul and Johnson combined to average nearly five free throw attempts per game this season, but Paul’s ability to get to the line in late-game situations is sorely missed.

“When you look at the stat sheet, when you look at situations like that where we only end up with four free throws for the game, that is hard to swallow,” Williams said after the Miami loss.

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

Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams has called on his supporting cast to pick up the slack in the absences of Cam Johnson (pictured) and Chris Paul. (Travis Whittaker/Cronkite News)

tar The Glendale

Big Band Grandstand MONDAYS

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

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

Paws to Read WEDNESDAYS

Paws to Read is offering kids the opportunity to meet Harper, Maddie and Richie to help relieve stress and spend time with animals. These three dogs are always excited to interact with children and listen to whatever stories are being told.

Heroes Regional Park Library, Yucca Room, 6075 N. 83rd Avenue, Glendale, 1 to 2 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary.com

The Open Mic

WEDNESDAYS

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

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

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.

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 office by 4 p.m. Thursday to be considered for the following Thursday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@timeslocalmedia.com.

vided by this dashing duo.

Westside Blues and Jazz Club, 17045 N. 59th Avenue, Suite 104, Glendale, 6:30 to 10 p.m., visit website for ticket prices and times, westsideblues.com

Honest Soulz Band DEC. 9

Join the Honest Soulz Band at Westside Blues and Jazz Club for a night of soulful, smooth-sounding jazz and drinks with all your favorites.

Westside Blues and Jazz Club, 17045 N. 59th Avenue, Suite 104, Glendale, 6:30 to 10 p.m., visit website for ticket prices and times, westsideblues.com

NOLAZ: New Orleans Soul Music

DEC. 11

The NOLAZ band is a seven-piece ensemble seeking to bring the music of both New Orleans and Los Angeles straight to Arizona. The band is known for its use of upbeat, traditional brass sounds and soulful melodies.

Westside Blues and Jazz Club, 17045 N. 59th Avenue, Suite 104, Glendale, visit website for ticket prices and times, westsideblues. com

Kevin Bozeman DEC. 9-10

With clever style, a great big smile, and over a decade of experience under his belt, Kevin Bozeman takes the stage at the Stir Crazy Comedy Club to entertain and entrance with his unique comedic stylings.

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

Arizona Broadway Theatre: Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas DEC. 14

Check out this special holiday production meant for the whole family from the Arizona Broadway Theatre for Young Audiences. After selling all of her old gowns and accessories, Nancy finally has enough money for the sparkling tree topper she’s always wanted. When things go awry, will she still be able to save the holiday?

Jen Kober DEC. 16 AND DEC. 17

Join Jen Kober, an esteemed actor from countless TV and online streaming series, as she shows off her comedic chops. Kober has taken on many roles over the years, from loud lesbians to science teachers and detectives. Now, she shares her character acting talents with the Stir Crazy and hilarious stories of her time as an actor.

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

Grupo Firme Enfiestados y Amanecidos Stadiums and Arenas Tour 2022 DEC. 17

Excel Basics for Business

DEC.

10

Excel can be a tricky piece of software to learn, especially with the constant stream of updates it’s gotten over the years. Learn the ins and outs of how to use the program in a business environment, figuring out charts, graphs, spreadsheet formatting, simple calculations using formulas, and important functions of the software. Registration is required.

Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown Street, Glendale, 10:30 a.m. to noon, free, glendaleazlibrary.com

Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown Street, Glendale, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary. com

The Latin Grammy Award-winning septet from Tijuana, Mexico, Grupo Firme is coming to Glendale with its high-energy music and lights. The band brings unique Latin American jams to the masses, and has only been growing in popularity and accolades since their start in 2014. 9400 W. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, 8 p.m., ticket prices vary, desertdiamondarena.com/ events/detail/grupo-firme

Senior Sunday Bingo DEC. 18

Moe Flavour DEC. 15

Join the talented mixture of keyboard engineer and composer Lawrence Ross and the fine tones of saxophonist Bryne Donaldson as they play the night away. Enjoy refreshing groove jazz with a unique sound pro-

Put your bingo luck up against other seniors in library bingo night every third Sunday of the month. Win small prizes and books for getting the lucky numbers.

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

Cardinals deliver most affordable fan experience

BY DERRIAN CARTER Cronkite News

Home bittersweet home. Although State Farm Stadium has not been kind to the Arizona Cardinals, who have won once in their last 10 home games, it apparently treats its fans well.

Research by Sidelines sports technology and digital media company lists the Cardinals first in the NFL for offered the most affordable fan experience. Calculations incudes the price of an average wholesale ticket, parking, a 16-ounce beer and a hot dog at stadiums for preseason and regular season games.

The report revealed the Cardinals are the cheapest NFL team to follow this season with an average consumer total of $117.46 per game. The Las Vegas Raiders were the most costly at $273.47.

“It was a pretty packed game, so I think the ticket price for what I got was reasonable,” said Tucson native Mark Islas, who attended the Seattle Seahawks vs. Cardinals game on Nov. 6. “Their parking pass was surprisingly cheap, and it was one that was relatively close to the stadium. It’s pretty affordable.”

The Cardinals have disappointed fans this season with a 4-6 record and inconsistent play. The team sits third in the NFC West and has Cardinals general manager Steve Keim, coach Kliff Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray searching for answers.

“Hard Knocks In Season: The Arizona Cardinals” debuted Nov. 9 and has provided an inside look on how the team hopes to turn things around. Despite the underwhelming play, the 47th-most valuable sports franchise in the world has continued to fill its stadium.

Chicago native and college student Janae Bradford attended her first Car-

dinals game in October when Arizona faced the New Orleans Saints.

Bradford and her friends arrived an hour before the game and walked through the pedestrian underpass with “Arizona” engraved on one side and “Cardinals” etched on the other, which leads to State Farm Stadium’s south entrance. They entered the 2023 Super Bowl site to the sight of a red sea with black and gold sprinkled around.

“I knew it was going to be an overwhelming experience just knowing how serious the fan base is,” Bradford said. “I didn’t want to put too much pressure on what the experience would be like. I just wanted to walk in and let the environment speak for itself.”

Bradford paid around $50 for 400-level tickets. Low ticket prices are one reason that the Cardinals have the NFL’s least expensive experience for fans.

Arizona has the most affordable parking tickets in the NFL ($20) and

ranks fifth in lowest average ticket price ($84.83), fourth in hot dog price ($4.50) and ninth in beer cost ($8.13), according to the report.

“The fan experience and making money has to have a meeting point in the middle, where both are important,” said Ryan Nicklin, who was the primary lead on the Sidelines study. “But you should definitely, as a company, be trying to keep your fans happy.”

Through five home games, the Cardinals are averaging 63,626 fans a game this season, which is an increase of approximately 1,000 from last year. Arizona’s home schedule features popular opponents including the Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots, whose fans travel well.

“Some of the visiting teams have a very strong contingent of fans that will travel regardless of where the team plays, especially if it is a desirable destination (and) a warm weather

place like (Arizona),” Middle Tennessee State University marketing professor Don Roy said. “It’s not a matter of the tickets being priced low because there’s (no) demand. It’s just turning out to be good value for the fans.”

When fans attend games, the Cardinals’ low-cost concession prices can impact the consumer one of two ways, said T. Bettina Cornwell, the head of the marketing department at the University of Oregon.

“One way that ticket price influences fan experience is through the lens of ‘price-perceived quality,’ (where) a fan attributes low prices to low quality and feels that they are experiencing a lower standard than those in markets that pay more,” Cornwell said via email. “This might result in a fan leaving before the end of the game if things are not going well for the team and adding to their own and (the) negative experience of others.

“Another (route) is to experience an affordable ticket as a boon and have a feeling of enjoyment and appreciation.”

Bradford spent at most $100 during the week seven matchup and appreciated the ticket and concessions cost to get a true Cardinals game experience.

“Being from Chicago and never going to a (Chicago) Bears game, I can only imagine how much a regular meal is in Chicago, New York and all those big cities,” Bradford said.

Arizona will host the Super Bowl for the fourth time in February. It is uncertain if the Cardinals will make the playoffs and try to be the third consecutive team to play and win the big game in its hometown, but management, coaches, players and fans hope for a turnround before it’s too late.

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

GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

The Arizona Cardinals rank first in the NFL for fan experience, according to one study. (Amanda Valle/Cronkite News)

For more religion visit glendalestar.com

Your presence is a present this Christmas

The San Francisco Chronicle reported a story about a humpback whale on Dec. 14, 2005. On Dec. 11, 2005, a female humpback whale was entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She had hundreds of pounds of crab traps and yards of lines wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, and even a line tugging in her mouth.

A fisherman spotted her east of the Farallon Islands, just outside the Golden Gate Bridge. He radioed for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined she was so bad off that the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. Talk about danger. One slap of a whale’s tail could kill a rescuer. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her.

When she was free, the divers said she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then returned to each diver and nudged them as if to thank them. The divers were stunned. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eye followed him the whole time and said he would never be the same.

I’m glad someone got involved and took the time, effort and courage to save the whale. You might say the group of divers was like Jesus. They set the ensnared whale free from certain death. But, wouldn’t it be just as good, if not better, if someone was Jesus to those people caught in heavy traps and long lines of calamity, even if by their own doing? Wouldn’t it be fantastic if someone were Jesus to the lonely person in the nursing home who needs a visit from someone? Wouldn’t finding a need and meeting it be better than complaining about long store lines or judging others for their political correctness or the lack thereof?

Wouldn’t it be better to go outside your comfort zone and volunteer for a worthy cause in your community?

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Pastor Ed Delph Glendale Star Columnist

You don’t get to experience what those whale-freeing divers experienced by just sending a check. When you give a check, something is withdrawn from your bank account. When you get involved, something is deposited in you. You give a Christmas present to yourself when you give your presence as a present to another who needs it.

It’s interesting how everybody these days wants somebody or anybody to do something about the problems in the world or their community. This story illustrates my point.

A mother was preparing breakfast for her sons Kevin, age 5, and Ryan, age 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw an opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.’” Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!” That was our home about 30 years ago.

Have you heard the illustration about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody? There was an important job to do, and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. So, then, Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. So, it ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

We live in a world of specialists. In some respects, this is great. We all appreciate someone who specializes in a specific area, especially if we need the specialist’s specialty. But saying or thinking, “That’s not my department,” regarding a simple job that anyone could do, is something else. That sounds like, “Ryan, you be Jesus.”

Almost anybody could bless others by serving meals to the poor. But Nobody did it. Why? “That’s not my department.” “That’s not my job.” A servant leader will go where many specialists, professionals, politicians, academics and theologians won’t. Too many people look for a way out of serving others in real and tangible ways. Might I suggest that instead, you look

for a “way in” to help others in real and tangible ways, not just an academic or philosophical way?

Look at Jesus in the Bible. Jesus valued people. Jesus took time out for people in need that others could have done. He made time for the children.

Jesus talked to the “loose” woman at the well when most men didn’t speak to that kind of woman. He stopped his journey, healing a Roman Centurion’s servant on the way to a family funeral. Unheard of, yet He did it. In doing this, Jesus reveals to us God’s nature. Jesus both presented God and represented God. God loves everyone. Everybody is Somebody to God. The first Christmas, God gave us the present of his presence, “now in flesh appearing.”

Here are some final thoughts about stopping the Everybody-blamedSomebody-when-Nobody-did-whatAnybody-could-have-done cycle. Be a “Solutionary.” You might be one person to the world, but to one person, you might be the world. The more I look at things, the more I believe the willingness to start is the littlest thing in life that makes the biggest difference.

Take a risk, get started, and contribute more than a protest. If you are going to point out a problem, be prepared to fix it. Don’t say, “Ryan, you be Jesus!” Who knows, you might untangle some person or family from the traps and lines that entangle them.

Maybe I could say it this way. Giving is living, so why not live this Christmas by giving Christmas? After all, your presence is a present.

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.

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 8340 W. Northern Harvest CHurCH 91st ave. Northern Ave. Glendale Ave. 83rd Ave. 101 Freeway

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Kids eat free at these nearby restaurants

BY CHRISTIAN COPUS-SALLAS AND KAILYNN QUENGA Glendale Star Staff Writers

Glendale

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar (multiple locations)

• 9330 W. Northern Avenue, Glendale, 623-877-4885, applebees.com

• 5880 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale, 623-878-3500, applebees.com

Free kids meal provided with the purchase of any full adult entrée.

Denny’s (multiple locations)

• 15161 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale, 623-877-1502, dennys.com

• 4303 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale, 602-439-2337, dennys.com

Offered Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 to 10 p.m. Two free kids meals are provided per adult meal.

IHOP

• 6601 W. Peoria Avenue, Glendale, 623-878-9631, ihop.com

Free kids meals are provided throughout the week after 3 p.m.

Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant and Cantina

• 5670 W. Peoria Ave, Glendale, 623-979-3500, manuelsaz.com

Free kids meals are provided all day on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Peoria

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar

• 8001 W. Bell Road, Peoria, 623-878-3500, chilis.com

Free kids meal provided with the purchase of any full adult entrée.

Cafe Rio Mexican Grill (multiple locations)

• 25225 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Peoria, 623-900-4736, caferio.com

• 16955 N. 75th Avenue, Peoria, 480-573-0110, caferio.com

Free quesadillas are served for kids 10 and under with the purchase of one adult meal throughout the week.

Chili’s (multiple locations)

• 7717 W. Bell Road, Peoria, 623-5354222, chilis.com

• 10040 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria, 623-572-0107, chilis.com

Chili’s Rewards members can earn free kids meals for kids 12 and under with the purchase of a regular entrée.

Denny’s (multiple locations)

• 8737 NW Grand Avenue, Peoria, 623-486-5510, dennys.com

• 8131 W. Bell Road, Peoria, 623-486-8505, dennys.com

Offered Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 to 10 p.m. Two free kids meals are provided per adult meal.

IHOP (multiple locations)

• 9976 W. Happy Valley Parkway, Peoria, 623-362-8002, ihop.com

• 10603 W. Olive Avenue, Peoria, 623-977-0599, ihop.com

• 8359 W. Bell Road, Peoria, 623-412-1001, ihop.com

Free kids meals are provided throughout the week after 3 p.m.

NYPD Pizza

• 7650 W. Bell Road, Peoria, 623-561-6973, aznypdpizza.com

On Wednesdays, free kids meals are provided after 4 p.m., but on Saturdays, with the purchase of one small pizza, it is offered all day for kids 10 and under.

Village Inn

• 9800 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria, 623-572-2708, villageinn.com

On Mondays, one free kids meal is provided per every adult meal purchase.

For more youth visit glendalestar.com

GlendaleStar.com /GlendaleStar

EMPLOYMENT GENERAL

Full Time General Labor/Maintenance

$15++ BASED ON EXPERIENCE

Local welding supply business is looking for an en ergetic person for a FULL TIME general laborer/maintenance position Duties include mov ing cylinders around the yard with a forklift, sorting, sandblasting and painting cylinders Will be neces sary to operate a forklift Bilingual would be very helpful The filling of propane and alternative fuel tanks may also be part of this position This is a great opportunity to get your feet wet with this great or ganization room for growth in the company If you are looking for a great company to begin your career with, this is the place to consider Benefits include vacation time, holiday pay, health and medical bene fits, 401K opportunity and many more

Two locations available: 742 E Main, Avondale 1333 N 21 Avenue, Phoenix Apply in person to JR or Rase at either location, or send resume to: jose.lima@vernlewis.com.

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HIRING

Direct Support Professional, Lead

Starting Salary Range $16.50-$17.50 per hour!

We offer Group Insurance Benefits, paid

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Make a real difference with the work you do.

Apply online at www.aires.org

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