EXPLORE GREAT BENEFITS DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT, FAIR
Open enrollment is just around the corner! It will be held from May 4 to 15, meaning all benefitseligible employees must either enroll or waive coverage for medical, dental, vision, supplemental life insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) by May 15. Changes in benefits will take effect on July 1.
You may learn more about city benefits when you enroll through NEOGOV for one of these in-person informational sessions:
April 14 at 10 a m in the auditorium at the Main Library (auditorium)
April 16 at 10 a.m. in room 219 at Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center (GRPSTC)
April 22 at 10 a.m. in the Coyote room at Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center (FRAC)
April 23 at 2 p.m. in the Sgt. Patrick Campbell Memorial Classroom of the Main Police Station
April 28 at 2 p.m. in room 219 at GRPSTC
You also may drop-in to these sessions without an appointment to ask questions or get help:
May 6 at 9 a.m. to noon in room 104 at the Adult Center
May 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in room 104 at the Adult Center
May 14 from 2 to 5 p.m. in room 102 of the Adult Center
The Benefits and Wellness Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 7 at the Civic Center. Dress for a patriotic theme and enjoy raffle prizes, giveaways and a complimentary lunch!
SPOTLIGHT ON LEADERS
VETERAN ECONOMIC LEADER JOINING CITY
We are excited to announce that Dan Henderson has been selected as our Economic Development Director. He has served for the past 19 years in that same role for the town of Gilbert and he will be vital in shaping our city’s vitality and long-term growth.
Dan has extensive experience translating economic development strategy into tangible community results. Our City Manager Patrick Banger said Dan played a major role in Gilbert’s award-winning revitalization of the Heritage District, one of the Valley’s “most celebrated downtown transformations.”
His first day is May 18.
PARKS AND REC SPREADS CHEER
Our Parks and Recreation Department was feeling lucky as a four-leaf clover during its quarterly meeting when Director John Kennedy dressed like a leprechaun for St. Patrick’s Day at the Civic Center.
The nearly 60 department team members were smiling when John kicked off the meeting on a lighthearted note aimed at boosting energy and fostering a fun, engaging atmosphere. Employees dove into hot topics of discussion like a pot of gold under a rainbow.
His costume was an example of the many, creative ways city leaders produce special moments to enhance the work we do every day serving residents.
In a LinkedIn post, John said leadership is not only about strategy, but also “about creating moments that build team spirit and morale.” John is pictured to the left above with Parks and Recreation Department Management Assistants Megan Ramroth and Pinky Tantillo.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Two of our Field Operations employees shared tips and inspiration for going “green” with about 180 second and third-grade students at Bicentennial South Elementary School on March 9
Recycling Education Program Manager Amanda Press and Management Assistant Mariela Hansen taught students what recycling is, how to properly recycle items and the importance of reducing and reusing waste. They even played a recycling sorting game with the children to help reinforce proper recycling practices. They are planning to provide more recycling education this month, including at Foothills Library on April 9 and at Glenn F. Burton Elementary School on April 16.
EMPLOYEES ENGAGE WITH RESIDENTS
RESIDENTS EXPLORE DIVERSE DIY PROJECTS AT LIBRARY
Our Library Services employees teamed up with a master gardener, members of the West Valley Astronomy Club, a cake decorator, Musical Instrument Museum representatives and others for the Try Everything! How-To Festival at the Main Library on March 21.
This is part of a grant-funded ‘Library of Things’ program. Lifelong learners and hobbyists can check out different items that go beyond the boundaries of traditionally defined library materials. While the festival has passed, employees and residents may check out a variety of items from musical instruments to gardening tools.
FUN AND FITNESS
HOP TO VIRTUAL ISLANDS FOR MOVE MORE CHALLENGE
The race for the Golden Shoe Trophy is ON! Take a virtual island hop as part of the Move More Department Challenge April 15 to May 26.
Enjoy a taste of the Hawaiian islands virtually, logging minutes of activity or daily steps using a pedometer, fitness device or smartphone app. If you take at least 7,000 steps per day you will earn a total of 5,000 bonus points towards the annual wellness incentive.
The Golden Shoe will go to the first-place team, which averages the most steps per day throughout the challenge. And the Silver Sneaker will be provided to the second-place team and the Bronze Bootie will be given to the third-place team. Registration starts April 6 and may be done by clicking here.
HAVE A ‘TEE-RIFIC’ TIME WITH COLLEAGUES IN GOLF LEAGUE
Co-ed teams are being formed for our City of Glendale Golf League, which will play games from April 29 to Sept. 16 at Falcon Dunes Golf Course & Golf Shop/Luke Air Force Base at 15100 W. Northern Ave. in Waddell.
Two members of each team will play every week. The league is only open to current and retired employees of all skill levels. There is a $25 entry fee and $5 non-refundable fee for scoring software. A golf meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. on April 29 in the Falcon Dunes Banquet Room, with a practice round to follow.
If interested, send your team name, roster and players’ email addresses to Mike Kingery at mkingery@glendaleaz.com.
GETTING OUT IN GLENDALE
PEDAL THROUGH SCENIC PATHS WITH COLLEAGUES
There is still time to register for our Glendale Family Bike Ride that will bring fun and fitness to beautiful areas of the city on April 12.
This annual event, which our Transportation Department organizes with help from other city departments, will kick off with registration at 7 a.m. at Sahuaro Ranch Park. Then participants start pedaling along the scenic bike paths, bridges, trails and parks at 8 a.m. There are three routes to choose from: short (nearly 7 miles), long (15 miles) or extended (23 miles).
There also will be health and wellness booths, along with music, bicycle check-up stations, a place to repurpose old bike helmets into planters and children’s inflatable rides and other activities at the park. Kona Ice, ice cream and other snacks will be available after the rides. Learn more by clicking here.
HAVE A ‘FIN-TASTIC’ TIME AT PARK
Our Parks and Recreation Department is organizing a “reel” fun event - Hook a Kid on Fishing from 7 to 10 a.m. on April 25 at Bonsall Park South.
The first 100 pre-registered participants will obtain a FREE fishing license the day of the event. You may register children ages 10 to 17 here. A fishing license is not needed for kids under age 10. Once you have registered your child, you will receive an emailed receipt with instructions to submit your license information with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
EXPLORING THE COMMUNITY
THUNDERBIRD CONSERVATION PARK TO BE UPGRADED
Our city is going to make some exciting upgrades to Thunderbird Conservation Park.
Trailhead improvements will start on April 6. These enhancements include adding shade structures and new restrooms, as well as installing more historical and environmental signage, paving parking areas and planting new, native plants. All trails will stay open during construction. However, the 59th Avenue Trailhead, between Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads, will be the first trailhead closed for the work, starting April 6 and running through December. Construction will also prompt closures of the 55th Avenue and 67th Avenue trailheads later. The planned improvements are expected to be done in late summer of 2027. Learn more about the park and planned upgrades by clicking here.
FAMILY FUN EVENT RESCHEDULED
The Family Fun Community Event at Heroes Regional Park that had been scheduled for April 25 has been moved to Nov. 7. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Our city is teaming up with Shape Up Us, along with the Glendale Elementary School District, the Glendale Chamber of Commerce, and Monsters Athletes Juniors to provide this fun event that will feature the “world’s largest pickleball lesson,” as well as skateboard instruction, basketball, football and baseball inflatables, and a bounce house, a hula hoop contest and other activities. There will be 30 vendor booths and giveaways.
ENHANCEMENTS FOR EMPLOYEES
Y FOR RESIDENTS IN NEOGOV CLASS
When serving residents in the city, it is important we practice good customer service skills to build trust and show we care about their wellbeing. If you want to enhance these skills, you may take a NEOGOV class called Providing Service with Heart.
This course reveals how feeling and demonstrating empathy and concern for your customers allows you to provide more effective service. It explains how positive self-talk helps employees meet customers’ needs and resolve issues in a timely, effective manner. The class provides examples of scenarios we might encounter with residents and language to use to help these customers feel heard and understood. You may enroll in the class here.
GAIN TIPS ON USING DIGITAL SIGNATURE USE
Did you know our Innovation and Technology Department launched a new page on the Employee Portal to help you digitally sign documents quickly and securely?
This new, eSignatures page explains the different ways you may create and use digital signatures. It includes step-by-step guides for establishing your signature and provides a quick reference on when to use Adobe vs. DocuSign. Both tools offer secure, compliant and efficient ways to send, sign and manage documents electronically but each one has its own strengths.
The page is a reminder about using eSignatures for anyone new to the city, those who have changed positions or anyone who had not yet learned about it. This is part of a larger effort to reduce the need for any manual printing/signing documents to which many of us had been accustomed. Check out the new eSignature page here.
STOPPING TRAFFIC AT STATE FARM
AVOID CONTACT WITH CREEPY UNDEAD AT ALL COSTS
Our Police, Fire and Transportation departments are scrambling to enhance safety ahead of the 2026 ZombieCon at State Farm Stadium today through Friday. Hundreds of undead creatures in corporate America are expected to convene for this conference of all things creepy.
These reanimated corpses tend to move slowly, and use rideshare services as they are not intelligent enough to drive their own vehicles. In order to accommodate their movements, our Transportation Department is urging employees and all living residents to watch for traffic cones and delays on Maryland Avenue between 91st and 95th avenues during the conference. Our Police Department will beef up patrols around the stadium, and it urges everyone to stay quiet, move quickly and avoid direct confrontations with zombies. And our Fire Department does not recommend providing water to zombies despite their dehydrated appearances.
If you have read this far, please be assured there is no zombie convention and there are no reported zombies coming to Glendale ... Happy April Fools’ Day! Also, let us know you have read this article by emailing InsideGlendale@GlendaleAZ.com for a chance to win a PRIZE!
EMPLOYEE CELEBRATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW EMPLOYEES
Leticia Fields - City Court
Fredrick KnostmanBudget and Finance
Christopher LagardaField Operations
Grace Adams - Human Resources & Risk Management
John Bricker - Water Services
Mason Carrillo - Water Services
Tyler Muller - Police
Carlos Osuna - Field Operations
Kylah Solomon - Police
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY
Your hard work, dedication and loyalty are appreciated!
HAPPY 25 YEARS
Joshua HughesFire
Albert Lebario Jr.Field Operations
HAPPY 20 YEARS
Diana GrimmPolice
Dennis SeabertPolice
HAPPY 5 YEARS
Jessica MenschCommunications
HAPPY 10 YEARS
Garry Armstrong - Transportation
Travis Azevedo - Fire
Guadalupe Chavez - Budget and Finance
Michael A. Fernandez - Fire
Eric Hallier - Police
Kelly Hargadin - Engineering
Shawn Jenkins - Fire
Garrett Lee - Fire
Joshua Moore - Fire
Daniel Petro - Fire
James Polson - Field Operations
Christopher Requet - Water Services
Daniel Rogers - Fire