NEW SHOW HONORING POLICE WORK
Over the course of nearly a year, Glendale’s Communications team was given unprecedented access to the Glendale Police Department to gather interviews, video and behind-the-scenes elements to help tell the story of our dedicated law enforcement professionals and the work they do to serve the community.
What resulted was a one-hour special, Behind the Badge: The Heart of Glendale’s Heroes, featuring a collection of impactful stories that showcase the reasons why these employees picked a public service career, aspects of the training they complete and duties in the highly specialized roles that keep the department running every day. The show also shines a spotlight on the important contributions of civilians within the department.
The Communications team recently hosted two VIP preview screenings for its newest production Here is a look at the full show and all of the individual segments featured on our dedicated YouTube playlist: Behind the Badge and on our website.
SHOWING GRATITUDE FOR GREAT WORK
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PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED FOR DEDICATION
To celebrate National Public Works Week, Glendale treated its public works employees to sweet and savory foods and a fun outing in recognition of their daily contributions to the city.
Field Operations and Transportation employees cooled off with ice cream from a vendor at the Field Operations campus, serving around 200 employees. Fleet Management and Transportation staff members also enjoyed breakfast burritos, while Facilities Management and Field Operations Administration took a trip to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.
Mayor Jerry P. Weiers presented a proclamation declaring Public Works Week , which was May 17–23, to Field Operations Director Michelle Woytenko and Transportation Director Purab Adabala. The Water Services Department recognized its public works employees separately with thank-you cards and gourmet cookies during Arizona Water Professionals Week in April.
Across North America, governments unite each year to honor the public works employees who plan, build, manage, and operate the essential infrastructure that supports our communities.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
JOIN INCLUSION NETWORK FOR JUNETEENTH EVENT
Our Inclusion Network invites you to join your colleagues for a special event in observance of Juneteenth from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 10 in our Main Library Auditorium.
The guest speaker will be Dr. Matthew C. Whitaker, founder and CEO of Diamond Strategies, LLC., an award-winning, premier, Better Business Bureau A+ rated, certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). His company specializes in organizational audits, strategic planning, leadership coaching, employee training, team building opportunities, community relations and Interest-Based-Resolution (IBR), which is also known as conflict resolution. Dr. Whitaker has worked with Fortune 500 companies, non-profit organizations, as well as governmental entities and educational institutions around the United States and in Africa, Australia, Canada, China and Europe.
Register for this event by 4 p.m. on June 8 through NEOGOV.
GET ACTIVE FOR CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES
There is still time left to log your exercise and wellness-focused activities for a chance to win a prize!
The deadline to complete the annual wellness incentive is June 15. Do the Health Assessment to help you earn at least 15,000 points in the WellStyles portal to qualify. You must earn all your points by June 15 to earn from $120 to $600 in annual savings on the city’s medical plan. If you earn 60,000 points, you will save $600 and earn $100 in rewards cash. Also, if you reach Level 3 in the portal, earning 45,000 points, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 gift card. The WellStyles team will select 10, random winners of the $200 gift cards on June 15.
In addition to taking steps and doing other types of physical activity, you may earn points by obtaining an annual wellness exam with a doctor, completing a health assessment and getting annual vaccinations, among many other actions
Learn more about earning WellStyles points by visiting this Good Life Wellness webpage.
COMING UP IN THE CITY
WEAR BLUE, GAIN MEN’S HEALTH TIPS
It is Men’s Health Month, a national campaign urging men to take proactive steps to improve their physical and mental health.
Wear blue on June 18 or 19 and send a “Healthy Selfie” or “Wear Blue” photo by June 22 to contest@cogaz onmicrosoft com to enter a drawing for a chance to win a Good Life prize.
Also, you may join an engaging, informative Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ webinar on men’s health from noon to 1 p.m. on June 24. Participants will talk about the most common health risks men face and discuss why early detection is key to living longer, healthier lives. Attendees will learn essential preventive exams every man should consider obtaining. Anyone who wants to take charge of their health or support the men in their lives will gain practical tips and actionable steps to stay ahead of potential issues. Click this Blue Cross Blue Shield webinar webpage to register. Learn more about Men’s Health Month by clicking the graphic to the upper left.
TEENS MAY LEARN SAFE DRIVING TIPS
As a reminder, employees may enroll their teenagers (ages 15-19) in Alive at 25, a free, four-hour driver awareness class.
This class will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 23 at Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center (FRAC). Our Traffic Education Program Manager Cassandra Johnston leads this course, where students learn about the risks and consequences of unsafe driving.
Every student will receive a certificate of completion that may be shown to their insurance company for a potential discount!
Space is limited to 60 students in the course. Register your teen driver for this course at this webpage today.
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
CELEBRATE USA’S BIRTHDAY WITH MUSIC IN MURPHY PARK
In just a few weeks, it is time to come together with colleagues, residents and family members for our Parks and Recreation Department’s Special Events Division’s America 250 Celebration.
Gather from 4 to 9:30 p.m. on June 20 at Murphy Park downtown for fun activities, including an “America the Beautiful” art exhibition, the Glendale Summer Band performing, Don’t Stop Believin: a Tribute to Journey (pictured in the image to the left) taking the stage, an ice cream social and patriotic drone show. Some other highlights will include a kids’ foam zone and bubble play area, along with face-painting and other family activities. This event is one of many ways our city is celebrating the United States turning 250 years old this year. Admission is free for everyone!
ENJOY GOOD BOOKS, CHECK OUT LIBRARIES, EARN PRIZES
Today our city’s Public Library is kicking off the Summer Reading program! Our library is among 65 library systems around the county taking part in Maricopa County Reads, which runs through July 20.
The goal is for all participants to read 110 million minutes as a community. Participants of all ages earn one point per minute for reading physical or electronic books or listening to audiobooks. They can earn more points for attending in-person and virtual events that librarians and local performers host, completing summer reading challenges and engaging in community experiences to find secret codes while exploring Maricopa County. Glendale readers will receive prizes when they reach 100, 250, 500 and 750 points.
Anyone who reaches 1,000 points may pick a free book or make a donation to help an organization that aids youths. To learn more about the program, visit the Maricopa County Reads website in English or in Spanish.
ENHANCING EMPLOYEES & RESIDENTS’ LIVES
CREATE UNIQUE ARTWORK WITH COLLEAGUES, LOVED ONES
You will have another opportunity to express yourself creatively with your colleagues and family members. Our Economic Development Department’s Office of Arts and Culture will host beginner art exploration classes from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on June 26 at Foothills Recreation and Aquatics Center (FRAC).
Participants will create their own, unique piece of art with air-dry clay and water in the ceramics classes in the Bobcat Room, while others may produce their own, handcrafted treasures, including ornaments and necklaces, in the shrink plastic classes in the Raven/Gecko rooms. Register for this class by June 19 at https://glendaleazarts.submittable.com/submit
If you have any questions, contact Chris Taylor at ctaylor1@glendaleaz.com.
WATER SERVICES SEEKS HOMEOWNERS’ INPUT
Every year from June through September, our Municipal Water System invites residents to participate in the Lead and Copper Drinking Water Study.
Their voluntary participation helps our Water Services Department ensure safe, high-quality drinking water for everyone and it’s FREE to take part in it. The study begins today and will run until Sept. 30.
In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revised the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR) to protect public health and reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. Our city has been monitoring lead and copper in homes in accordance with the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) since 1992. Glendale has been compliant with the LCR and has not exceeded the regulatory action levels for lead or copper. You may find the survey on this website.
MEANINGFUL MOMENTS IN THE CITY
MAYOR, COUNCIL SELECT ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS
In the spirit of our city’s ongoing efforts to engage residents of all ages in commemorating our country’s 250th anniversary via arts, culture, education and community celebration, our Office of Arts & Culture announced the winners of the district-wide America250 Essay Contest for local fifth-grade students.
The city-wide winner was Aliyana Johnson of Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School, pictured to the left with our City Councilmember Bart Turner and school officials. Aliyana received a commemorative certificate that our Mayor Jerry P. Weiers signed, along with a $50 gift card, family four-pack to use at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and the chance to read her essay at the Downtown Glendale America250 Celebration on June 20. She was the winner for the Barrel District, as well.
“After reading these essays, I can confidently say our country is in good hands with this next generation” -Mayor Jerry P. Weiers
Students across Glendale school districts were asked to reflect on the nation’s history, values and future ahead of its 250th anniversary this year. More than 50 children submitted essays, revealing their creativity, civic pride and optimism for the future. Councilmembers picked the winners in their city district and then Mayor Weiers chose the overall city winner out of the district winners.
The other district winners are:
Cholla District Ava Donnelly, Dream City Christian School
Cactus District Winner Atoosa Khairy, Horizon Elementary School
Ocotillo District Winner Eli Lewis, William C. Jack Elementary School
Sahuaro District Winner Shiloh Perrin,
Marshall Ranch Elementary School
Yucca District Winner Keziah Ateh, Desert Spirit School
District winners will each receive a commemorative certificate signed by their respective district councilmember and a $25 gift card
GREAT NEWS IN GLENDALE
CITY MARKS MAJOR DROP IN HOMELESSNESS
Our city’s success with helping residents who are experiencing homelessness has generated positive publicity.
The “Glendale Independent” published a story with quotes from our Community Services Department Director Kimberly Hall and Mayor Jerry P. Weiers about the 2026 Point-in-Time Homelessness Count. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) recently released the results of this study, which revealed across the county the number of people who were homeless was nearly unchanged year over year. But in Glendale, the number of homeless individuals in the city dropped dramatically, from 169 to 92.
Our city is “encouraged by the results of the 2026 Point-in-Time Count, which showed a 45% decrease in unsheltered individuals compared to last year,” Kimberly told the newspaper, adding that any resident experiencing homelessness is always a concern. She attributed the progress to “strong community partnerships, coordinated outreach efforts, expanded housing resources and the dedication of service providers working every day to connect individuals with support and shelter.” Mayor Weiers praised the city’s work reducing the number of unsheltered residents and touted the Glendale Works program. Read the story by clicking on the “Glendale Independent” logo to the left.
A new, city Spanish-speaking group that provides connection and help to anyone who has dementia and their caregivers is in the spotlight for its impact.
Our Community Programs Administrator Stephanie FendersonGonzales was interviewed for an article in “The Glendale Star” about the Memory Café group - Los Amigos de la Memoria - that is delivered in Spanish. Check out the story on the “Glendale Star” website.
EMPLOYEE CELEBRATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW EMPLOYEES
Gregory BozinovichPolice
Andrea Bustillo - Police
Anthony Butch - Fire
Devinna Cerda - Police
Suparna DasguptaDevelopment Services
Lantz Fraze - Police
Jess Kaarup - Water Services
Karen Kormendy - Parks and Recreation
David McAnally - Water Services
Ethan Money - Police
Bradley Prince - Water Services
Dorian Reyes - Police
Carlos Rosas - Police
Tucker Shepherd - Police
Traci Soto - Community Services
Bianca Zarybnisky - Economic Development
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY
Your hard work, dedication and loyalty are appreciated!
HAPPY 25 YEARS
Alexander RodriguezLopez - Field Operations
HAPPY 20 YEARS
Byron Ely - Fire
Scott Haeffner - Police
Brian HickmanDevelopment Services
Richard Lipps - Police
Andrew Padron - Fire
Thomas PocknellPolice
HAPPY 10 YEARS
Philip Burg - City Attorney’s Office
Sasha Carlo - Police
Alan Gurrola - Field Operations
Stetson Jackson - Police
Collin Ratliff - Police
Diego Roman - Police
Phillip Scott - Police
Joel Sing - Transportation
HAPPY 5 YEARS
Kimberly Mackert - Field Operations
Lilianna Pologa - Police
Alteza Pena Riestra - City Court