Glendale Star 03-30-2023

Glendale state senator going after judges

AGlendale state senator who calls reports of a riot on Jan. 6 “a sham” is now going after judges who sanction attorneys for filing what he believes are “good faith” claims on behalf of clients.

But Republican Anthony Kern insists it has nothing to do with his own lawyers being ordered to pay $75,000 in legal fees after he and two other lawmakers filed what a judge concluded was a frivolous lawsuit against another legislator over his role in that 2021 event at the U.S. Capitol.

And the only example Kern cited of problems when the House Judiciary Committee approved his SB 1092 was the 2021 decision by the New York State Bar to suspend the law

license of Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani for making false claims about the 2020 election. Still, he insisted that lawyers in this state are subject to pressure not to take certain kinds of cases or make public statements on certain topics, like “the mutilation of children and the transgender issues and the fact that our public schools are hiding this from parents.”

“To my recollection, the (Arizona) State Bar has sent out an email stating that attorneys should be quiet on that and should not be representing clients on that issue,’” he told colleagues.

“That’s very interesting,’” responded Rep. Analise Ortiz, D-Phoenix. “I would love to see that email.”

But a spokesman for the State Bar called

the allegation “as patently untrue as it is offensive.”

“This isn’t even a subject that would be a discussion in this organization,” he continued. “It’s irresponsible to make such a baseless claim.”

Kern did not respond to a request to produce the email.

At the heart of the issue is the contention by Kern and some conservatives that the judicial system — and the State Bar, which handles attorney discipline subject to Supreme Court review — is hostile to their issues.

This has come into sharp focus in the wake of not just state but also federal judges

PAGE 6

New a ordable housing project breaks ground

From the countless events to the many popular amenities, people from across the nation are piling in to be a part of the action in the ever-growing city that is Glendale.

With that in mind, the city is taking the steps necessary in order to house all of these new residents in an affordable fashion.

To achieve this goal, Glendale and Gorman & Company have partnered up and recently broke ground on the newest affordable housing project — Centerline Glendale.

“I am committed to bring people together as community leaders, local governments, social service practitioners and housing

advocates like those of you here at this groundbreaking to work on solving the challenge of housing affordability together,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said at the groundbreaking.

“I can’t wait to return and see just how transformative this project will be for our residents and community.”

Centerline Glendale will be located just off of 67th and Glendale avenues and will target the diverse population of the area. It will be fully

SEE HOUSING PAGE 6

Benevilla C.A.R.E.S. Health Resource Fair returns

Benevilla recently announced that its annual C.A.R.E.S. Program Health Resource Fair will return for a second year on Thursday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This event will include health care resources; wellness screenings; blood pressure checks; entertainment from the Tremble Clefs, a local choral group that works with people affected by Parkinson’s disease; interactive events; fresh produce and wares from Golo Family Organic Farms; and fitness class demonstrations.

Free and open to the public, annual C.A.R.E.S. Program Health Resource Fair will also have coffee and drinks available from Simply Good Brew and food available from the House of Ribs food truck.

The fair will be held outdoors on the Benevilla main campus located at 16752 N. Greasewood Street, Surprise. This free event provides family caregivers and those looking for help with their loved ones struggling with their independence at home with support, expert guidance

and valuable information to assist them with the challenges they may be facing.

“Benevilla is excited to have so many local senior services experts in one place at one time to support our aging population in the Northwest valley,” Benevilla President and CEO Joanne Thomson said. “Today, 30-60% of caregivers pass from illnesses related to caregiver stress before the person they are caring for. That’s why getting family caregivers this

type of specialized support and information are crucial for our aging communities and their families.”

At the event, family caregivers can get their pressing questions answered. The Benevilla C.A.R.E.S. program consists of over 20 local senior services providers Benevilla has formed true partnerships with, each with a commitment to quality and ethics that is unsurpassed.

Each service provider has been vetted, is ethical, and is a leader in its specific professional community. When referred to a Benevilla C.A.R.E.S. partner, the notfor-profit assures each person that the providers foremost support the Benevilla.

The expert advice and resources of the exhibitors range from senior living options and placement to hospice and home care choices, elder law, veteran’s benefits, ALTCS, real estate, geriatric care management, fiduciary services, estate planning and supervision, among others. There will be Benevilla programs information available as well, highlighting the organization’s Life Enrichment Adult Day Programs, free support groups, free home services and free C.A.R.E.S. (Community Assistance, Resources, Education and Support) Resource Department.

The new Benevilla Benefitness Adaptive Gym, which launched last July, will be open with live fitness class demonstrations and Rock Steady Boxing classes.

More information on the fair and the expert partners that will be there can be found at benevilla.org/communityresources. Register by calling Benevilla direct at 623-584-4999 or register online at benevilla.org/benevilla-eventregistration.

Publisher Steve T. Strickbine

Vice President Michael Hiatt

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

EDITORIAL HOTLINE: 623-847-4604

Executive Editor Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christinatimeslocalmedia.com

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

ADVERTISING: sales@timeslocalmedia.com

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS AND OBITUARIES: 623-535-8439

LEGALS: notices@timeslocalmedia.com

Production/Design Supervisor Courtney Oldham, production@timeslocalmedia.com

Graphic Designer Tonya Mildenberg, tmildenberg@timeslocalmedia.com

CIRCULATION: 623-535-8439

Circulation Director Aaron Kolodny, aaron@timeslocalmedia.com

Published weekly by Times Media Group 250 N. Litchfield Rd., Suite 100, Goodyear, AZ 85338 623-847-4600 • FAX 623-935-2103

(c)

slapping financial penalties on both litigators and their clients who have filed various actions challenging election results.

In 2021, a judge ordered the Arizona Republican Party and its attorneys to pay $18,000 in legal fees for filing what he called a groundless lawsuit brought in bad faith done possibly to undermine the legitimacy of the 2020 election.

More recently, a federal judge said attorneys hired by Kari Lake and Mark Finchem are on the hook for the legal fees incurred by Maricopa County after he tossed their lawsuit, which claimed it is illegal to use machines to count ballots.

And still pending is whether Lake may be forced to pay the legal fees of those she is continuing to sue in her bid to overturn the results of the 2022 gubernatorial race.

But Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, who is an attorney, said it goes beyond legal fees to the other part of SB 1092 which would penalize the State Bar of Arizona for disciplining lawyers for filing what the legislation says are “meritori-

ous” lawsuits.

“As is well known, our firm engages in many politically charged cases,” said Kolodin, who sits on the Judiciary Committee and voted to advance Kern’s measure to the full House.

That includes ongoing litigation he filed on behalf of the Arizona Republican Party that a 1991 law allowing anyone to vote early is unconstitutional, a claim that has so far failed to gain traction with the courts.

“We always have random people file Bar complaints against us,” Kolodin said.

And they’re not coming from clients.

“It’s just random people who are pissed off that conservatives are getting a voice — or at least the conservatives they don’t like are getting a voice in court,” he said. “And so, it does, indeed, make it a very aggravating situation.”

Kern said SB 1092 protects the “free speech” of attorneys.

“This is a good bill to stop the State Bar from bringing discipline regarding political speech,” he said.

But the measure isn’t aimed only at the Bar. It also says if the Supreme Court disciplines an attorney over filing a claim

it would lose 10% of its budget — a figure an attorney for the court said would equal $5.8 million.

Ortiz asked Kern whether the $75,000 in sanctions imposed on his lawyers over his lawsuit against Charlene Fernandez, then a state representative from Yuma, “inspired” him to propose this measure.

“Absolutely not,” he responded. Kern said he has been doing battle with the State Bar for years and what he sees as its policies of going after attorneys who handle unpopular issues.

Ortiz pursued the issue.

“I guess I’m just trying to understand in which case we would determine the attorney was targeted because of political speech versus the fact that it was a frivolous lawsuit, or the claim should not have been brought, which I believe may have been the basis of why your attorney was forced to pay $75,000,” she said.

All that stems from the claim by Kern, former state Rep. Mark Finchem and Congressman Paul Gosar that Fernandez defamed them by sending a letter to federal law enforcement officials asking them to investigate the activities of the trio in connection with the events around the Jan. 6 riot and breach of the U.S. Capitol.

Yuma County Superior Court Judge Levi Gunderson, in tossing the case and assessing the fees, said Fernandez had an absolute constitutional right to send the letter. More to the point, Gunderson said the lawsuit “was brought for

an improper purpose, having been filed against a political opponent primarily for the purposes of harassment.”

Kern, who was at the Capitol that day, launched into a defense of what happened there.

“The Jan. 6 thing, as you know, you’ve probably seen Tucker Carlson and Fox News, it’s all a sham,” he said. That refers to Carlson airing selected security tapes from the Capitol that day and at one point calling it “mostly peaceful chaos.”

The 5-3 party-line vote to advance Kern’s legislation came despite testimony from attorney Liana Garcia, who lobbies for the Arizona Judicial Council, an arm of the Arizona Supreme Court.

Garcia pointed out that any move to financially penalize the court system over what Kern’s bill considers unacceptable discipline would not affect the judges involved, as their salaries are set by state law. Instead, Garcia said, the only ones who would be hurt are those who seek the services of the court.

And there’s a more practical question.

Kolodin said the measure would essentially require the Supreme Court to determine if it had violated the terms of SB 1092 in disciplining an attorney. He said that is likely unworkable, suggesting that if the legislation goes forward there might need to be a mechanism for something like a “special master” who would have the final say.

catered to all residents, including those with low income, families, disabled veterans, formerly homeless, and households with special needs.

The project will provide over 350 new, modern-style rentals at prices that will be more competitive than others in the area.

“It takes partnerships, it takes communities, it takes businesses, it takes spirituality, it takes churches, it takes a lot of different people that want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Mayor Jerry Weiers said. “Our motto here in Glendale is, we improve the lives of the people that we serve every day. … We want to improve the lives of the people that we serve each and every day.”

The facility itself is expected to be completed in — give or take — 2025, and

it’s set to feature amenities like a splash pad, dog park, fitness center, workspace, electrical vehicle charging station, and 13-acre walking path for new residents to enjoy.

City officials are hopeful that this will bring in a new wave of residents.

“With Glendale’s poverty rate of 17.3%, investing in strategic partners to develop affordable housing as a solution that can help end the cycle of poverty,” Councilmember Jamie Aldama said. “For many families that are severely cost burdened to have a safe place to live with affordable rent and the supportive community means the difference between choosing paying rent, utilities and putting food on the table.”

Tackling affordable housing is a diffi-

PUZZLE PAGE

cult task, but one Arizona and Glendale are well equipped to face. The public-private partnership between the city and Gorman & Company provides a stable place for people to live in no matter the circumstances.

Centerline Glendale will become a model for affordable housing, as it will provide stability as well as positive revenue and community support, making the partnership beneficial for all parties.

“This project was seeded by a public investment, but this project will also generate $2 million in permitting and impact fees for the city of Glendale,” Gorman & Company President and CEO Brian Swanton said. “(This project brings) $4.3 million in construction sales

tax revenue for the state of Arizona and $400,000 annual property taxes, 75% of which goes to the local school districts. In addition, the project will create hundreds of local prevailing wage construction jobs through this innovative public-private partnership.”

With the ground having been broken on this new project, residents are getting an inside look at the mission of the state and city. And with the efforts shining through in this first of its kind project, soon others might follow the model and keep Arizona trending upward.

“Thanks for all the partners for making this happen,” Weiers said. “I’m looking so much forward to being open and where we can start serving our very citizens that we’re all here today to begin.”

Abrazo hospitals recognize National Doctors’ Day

Abrazo Health is celebrating National Doctors’ Day by paying tribute to its physicians for their service, skill and compassion.

Across the Abrazo network of hospitals, emergency centers and physician practices, the theme of, “Thank you for your commitment to heal” depicts a collective sentiment of deep appreciation for the outstanding group of physicians who tirelessly care for our community.

“On behalf of all our employees and patients, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our physicians,” Abrazo Health Chief Executive Officer Brian Elisco said. “I believe strongly in the value of saying thank you every day, but as we celebrate Doctors’ Day on March 30, we pause to honor

the contributions of our physicians for their dedication to the health of our community.”

Abrazo recognizes its physicians for being the pillars of the high-quality, distinctive services provided to Valley residents. Over the last year, this has included accomplishments such as supporting expansion of our cardiovascular, spine and neonatal services; performing lifesaving care for stroke, cardiovascular disease and traumatic and emergent events; and improving lives through orthopedic surgery and bariatric weight loss programs, to name a few.

Celebrated on March 30 each year, Doctors’ Day was officially established in 1991. March 30 also marks the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery by Dr. Crawford W. Long in 1842. National Doctors’ Day is commonly celebrated in health care organizations as a day to recognize the contributions of doctors to individual lives and communities.

Abrazo Health is one of the largest health systems in Arizona, serving the greater Phoenix area with advanced programs in cardiovascular, neurosciences, orthopedics, spine and sports medicine, trauma and emergency services, surgical robotics, general surgery and maternity care.

The Abrazo system includes Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, Abrazo Arrowhead Campus, Abrazo Central Campus, Abrazo Cave Creek Hospital, Abrazo Scottsdale Campus, Abrazo Surprise Hospital and Abrazo West Campus — along with freestanding emergency centers, primary care and specialty physician practices, and graduate medical education programs.

For more information about services at Abrazo Health hospitals or a physician referral, visit abrazohealth.com.

Attainable housing projects across Valley receive grants

The Home Matters Arizona Fund, an innovative funding resource, formed by Arizona health care leaders and Home Matters to Arizona to increase attainable housing in the state and ultimately improve health care outcomes, recently announced a new round of funding.

Ten projects in Casa Grande, Cottonwood, Flagstaff, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Prescott Valley and Surprise will receive a total of $4.25 million. Since 2020, the Home Matters Fund has provided $8.581 million in 22 grants including today’s announcement.

Of the $4.25 million, Home Matters Arizona Fund’s managed care organizations contributed $2 million in private funding and the other $2.25 million came from State Fiscal Recovery Funds through the Arizona Department of Housing.

The projects receiving State Fiscal Recovery Funds, which were selected by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) — a national community development financial institution with a local office based in Phoenix — are for housing victims of domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness.

The Home Matters Arizona Fund is targeting $100 million to finance attainable housing projects in Arizona over the next few years. The fund addresses Arizona’s rising affordability crisis while paying much-needed attention to the role of housing justice for underrepresented families and communities.

“The Home Matters Arizona Fund is committed to serving individuals experiencing homelessness, families, seniors and those who are medically vulnerable,” said Minnie Andrade, Home Matters Arizona Fund chair. “We are adding critical housing units to ad-

dress Arizona’s housing shortage while encouraging developers to create supportive ecosystems for people and families where they live, learn, shop and work.”

The Home Matters Arizona Fund is born from a collaboration of the Arizona Association of Health Plans, whose member companies’ contract with the State’s Medicaid program to serve the health care needs of Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens.

Founding Home Matters Arizona Fund participants include Arizona Complete Health, Banner – University Health Plan, Care1st Health Plan Arizona, Health Choice Arizona, Molina Healthcare of Arizona, Mercy Care, The NARBHA Institute and UnitedHealthcare.

Home Matters Arizona Fund will invest in projects that serve individuals and families with low to moderate income, veterans, seniors, people who are homeless, people with disabilities, individuals involved with the justice system, and those eligible for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) support.

Remembering a ‘Prophet without O ce’

Another Saint Patrick’s Day has come and gone, so pack up your garishly green sweater and put away your shamrock-shaped badge with “Kiss me, I’m Irish!”

Now, the legacy of another Patrick who emerged as a modern-day prophet of what America could become — and circle the date Jan. 20 on your calendar.

It was on that last day of the workweek in the rst month of this year that longtime “Newsmax Insider” Patrick J. Buchanan gave that website a scoop: His forthcoming syndicated column would

be his last.

Of course, con ning a description of Buchanan to a mere mention of his a liation with a conservative news outlet is akin to restricting the resume of omas Je erson to his status as the inventor of the dumbwaiter.

While history understandably devotes several volumes to the “Sage of Monticello,” it should also make room for much more than just a footnote on this most “Un-Washington” of native Washingtonians and his three campaigns for the presidency.

After all, Buchanan served as a White

House advisor to the two GOP chief executives who were reelected by historic margins — Richard Nixon, who carried 49 states in 1972, and Ronald Reagan, who won 49 states as well as DC but lost Minnesota in 1984.

Now that he’s retired at 84, both friends and foes nd it di cult to believe that Pat will strictly observe his right to remain silent in the “Courtroom of Public Opinion.”

at’s because he punctuated his years advising presidents and running for the o ce himself as a celebrated and unapologetically conservative columnist and commentator.

And it’s the “unapologetic” part of that description that prompted so many

jeers and so much static from today’s mislabeled “liberals.” In fact, it was alleged that one wag from the “socialist authoritarian” camp could scarcely contain his glee, crowing that “ e ‘Great Right Hope’ has left the debate!”

Don’t be so sure.

Even if he refuses all interviews and never writes another column, Buchanan’s voice endures.

You won’t have to track down old recordings of Pat’s days as the original conservative co-host of CNN’s “Crossre,” nor his later time at MSNBC — where those letters have come to stand for “Makeup Stu and Never Believe

SEE HAYWORTH PAGE 14

Indicting Trump would in ame a tinderbox

With stories, there’s how you wish they’ll play out and how it goes. Nowhere is this truer than with the long, painful tale of President Donald Trump and the possibility of his arrest and trial.

A quote from another time comes to mind: from Gerald Ford, our 38th president, the Michigan Republican who inherited the o ce after the resignation of Richard Nixon. Watergate pushed the nation to an abyss. Ford’s inaugural speech was beamed live from the East Room in August 1974.

“My fellow Americans,” the new president said, “our long national nightmare is over.”

e late Wolverines football lineman never could have imagined where we are today.

How would I like the Trump story to go?

I’d like the Democrat District Attorney of Manhattan, Alvin Bragg, to use his prosecutorial discretion to punt on the case — not because I believe Trump’s egomaniacal, absurd denials but because prosecuting such a case will further in ame a country that’s already like dry kindling awaiting a match.

Is anyone above the law? No, not even a former POTUS.

But for all Trump’s lies and bloviation

manner, to be written o as legal expenses? Probably.

But in the end, Bragg’s case is too esoteric, a yawner, the political equivalent of getting Al Capone on tax evasion. Except Scarface didn’t have millions of followers on social media and hundreds of thousands of supporters ready to riot in the streets.

My Republican friends will call me out for being too hard on Trump; my Dem pals will say I’ve gone soft in the head and gut. Guilty as charged.

But our bitter partisan nightmare,

persecution. It will breathe new oxygen into the res burning in MAGA land, to results that will make America worse o than when we started this sordid tale.

In my fantasy — one I know is certiably insane — Trump takes the out provided by a prosecutorial pass and passes himself on 2024.

Or, better still, he gets politically euthanized in the primaries by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley or any sane Republican capable of looking at Kari Lake and saying what’s obvious to the rest of us: “Vice president? I wouldn’t

LEIBOWITZ FROM PAGE 13

tion of our liberty. And down the years, Abraham Lincoln renewed this American article of faith asking, ‘Is there any better way or equal hope in the world?’”

Let’s hope the people have stronger spines and hearts than our leaders,

and we nd a way to get beyond the headlines yet to come in the case of the state of New York vs. President Donald Trump.

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

Get Your Copy Today!

HAYWORTH FROM PAGE 12 Conservatives.”

Instead, it is the simple power of his prose — and many of the ideas behind it.

e words used by Buchanan — in several of his aforementioned columns, his 13 books and on the campaign trail — are not only on the right, most are absolutely right.

In 1992, he challenged incumbent President George H.W. Bush and made an eloquent case against what today is called “equity.”

“If discrimination is wrong when practiced against Black men and women, it is wrong when practiced against any man or woman. All quotas in federal agencies will be abolished — and the ideas of excellence and merit will be restored.”

From his 1996 campaign for the Republican nomination, where he scored early wins in Louisiana, Missouri, and New Hampshire, Buchanan bemoaned Bush 41’s relaxed border security and increasingly incoherent approach to immigration. What he described over a quarter-century ago sounds as if it’s ripped from today’s headlines:

“We need a sea wall to stop the tidal wave of illegal immigration and narcotics sweeping over our southern border. We need a ‘time out’ on legal immigration — to assimilate and Americanize the millions who have come in recent decades.”

Ironically, Donald Trump brie y battled Buchanan for the Reform Party nomination in 2000. ough the billionaire businessman quickly withdrew, it appears he became an “apprentice” to Pat’s political philosophy, eventually adopting its cornerstone as his own.

In fact, the Trump of today sounds like the Buchanan of three decades ago, who wrote, “Our resolve is to put America rst, to make America rst again, and to keep America rst. … We must begin to look out for the forgotten Americans right here in the United States.”

Pat Buchanan will not be forgotten, nor will many of his ideas gather dust. Instead, Americans will come to regard him as a “Prophet without O ce.”

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

Red Robin brings the ‘YUMMM!’ to Glendale

Red Robin, a nationally recognized name, has flown out to the West Valley, planting its newest location in the heart of Glendale, bringing its famous burgers, beers and hospitality to one of the country’s hottest cities.

“We’re right in the middle of it, and that’s exactly where we want to be,” said Ron Perrotta, vice president of restaurant operations for Red Robin. “We really try to execute at a very high level so we can be the restaurant of choice in the city of Glendale. But everyone that I come in contact with in the community of Glendale at Red Robin, they are excited for us to be in Glendale.”

The inaugural location in Glendale

opened on March 6 and has been performing at a level above what both Perrotta and Red Robin as a whole expected. Prior to this location, the nearest location sat in Peoria, nearly a 20 minute drive from Westgate.

With the new location right down the street from the popular sports and entertainment district, Perrotta feels the foot and eye traffic will be plentiful for Red Robin to become a staple in the heart of the city.

“There’s just so much development going on,” Perrotta said. “We also had some of the community leaders from Glendale out, and they walked us through some of the plans. There’s so

much growth happening in that area. When we were able to nail down that selection, we knew it was going to be a home run.”

Perrotta sees the location as a potential “great hub” for customers to come in, enjoy their food and drinks, then enjoy the rest of their days at a Cardinals game or in Desert Diamond Arena on a full belly.

“Red Robin has been around for so long now that we’re an iconic brand,” Perrotta said. “For the city of Glendale to put a lot of people into the games and sporting events in concert, we have great name recognition.”

An industry leader focused on providing quality food, beverages and service, Perrotta is excited for Red Robin to do more as an active member of the community. From partnering with MakeA-Wish to give back nationally, the location will also serve as a beacon for positivity in the city.

“All of the things we do, fundraisers for the communities, to help drive that and to be part of the solution and not the problem,” Perrotta said. “We

also do a lot of really good student program awards, that we can partner with our local schools and have rewards for the kids that they can come in and redeem something that they got from their teacher letting them know they did a great job, and they feel so proud when they’re able to walk in with their reward certificate and get a free kids meal.

“That’s really what Red Robin is all about. That wholesome family feel from the first step when you walk into one of our restaurants.”

From being a positive influence on the community to being a staple restaurant in the city, Perrotta’s sights are set high for the new location, and he expects people to enjoy their food and environment for a long time to come.

“With us being there in the few weeks that we’ve been open, that the community and our guests know that Red Robin is somebody they can count on,” Perrotta said. “I think that’s going to kind of be our mantra going into it that you can trust our brand.

“You can know that when you come into our restaurant, you’re going to get an exceptional guest experience.”

The days are clear, the skies are bright, and Spring Training sends fans out in full force to catch a glimpse of MLB’s stars at the Valley’s Cactus League ballparks.

Every day, droves of people ock to the back elds of Sloan Park, home of the Chicago Cubs, and Camelback Ranch, where the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox train, to watch current and future All-Stars up close.

Many of the admirers thrust trading cards, balls and gloves towards the players, hoping to get an autograph. e players can’t sign them all.

So how can fans improve their chances

in the autograph mosh pit?

“You’ve just got to be very polite,” said Randy Arellano, a lifelong Dodgers fan and experienced autograph seeker. “Say, ‘Mr. Whatever, can you please sign?’ And sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t. But say thank you, be cordial and be polite.”

Experienced players have a knack for spotting fans who really value their signature and ignoring those who only see

SEE AUTOGRAPHS PAGE 19

Spring Training o ers baseball fans the unique opportunity to seek autographs from their favorite players. Most say they are happy to do it but just want fans to be polite. (Reno Del Toro/Cronkite News)

MLB players say politeness is a good start to get an autograph Feeling Risky? Understand Your Heart Risk Factors

Genetics, lifestyle and even previous infections can contribute to your risk to develop cardiac and vascular disease. Your doctor can help you understand how to moderate your risk by making healthy decisions. Ready to take control of your heart health? Give us a call today – our team is here to help you at every step of your heart health journey.

4 80-7 6 5-280 0

Call today to schedule an appointment. Now Accepting New Patients

AUTOGRAPHS FROM PAGE 18

value in trading it.

“I think you just want the fan to truly ask you for an autograph that they’re going to keep and cherish,” Cubs rst baseman Eric Hosmer said.

Fans devote their free time to showing up, and players understand this. But with scheduled training, contract negotiations, pressure to perform well and circumstances beyond the baseball eld, they don’t always have time to stop.

“ e thing is, you have to understand the fan’s perspective of when they see players and see guys who they admire,” Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas said. “ ey’re going to be loud and cheering for you and will be trying to get your attention.

“We’re working and have places to be. So it’s not that we’re mean and we don’t want to stop and sign autographs. It’s just that we probably don’t have time or are thinking about something else because we’re worrying about performing and doing all that.”

Rojas said he tries to accommodate as many fans as he can, whenever he can.

“I try to stop there when I can and spend ve minutes of my time and pick items from people,” he said. “I’m not really picky, choosing who I’m going to sign for, because I have no time for that. But I try to take care of the people who are there, and if they ask for a picture I’ll be in the picture. If they hand me a (trading) card, I’ll sign the card. Whatever items they have.”

Arellano believes the best way for fans to ensure that they go home with an autograph is to avoid being too selective about who signs. In his mind, if you’re not selling it, why does it matter which player it is?

“It doesn’t matter who I get (to sign),” Arellano said. “Yeah, sure, who would I like to have? Sandy Koufax. Growing up I saw him pitch as a little kid. So, it’s just fun for me. It’s a hobby.”

Approaching his 16th season in the majors, Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw isn’t the historically dominant force he once was but is still among the top arms in the majors.

Being a three-time Cy Young Award winner, an MVP, a World Series champion and sure re Hall of Famer means people will want his attention no matter how he’s performing.

Kershaw makes signing for kids a prior-

ity, because he used to seek autographs and now he has kids of his own.

He said he tries to ful ll everyone’s requests when he has the time but will always sign for children rst.

“I get it. I was a kid once, and now I’m a parent, too,” Kershaw said. “You always want your kid to be able to get what they want at times. e fans do a great job. Just don’t scream, ‘You suck!’ then ask for an autograph.

“But, other than that, you’re good.”

Players usually can sni out genuine fans versus those looking to make a quick buck o their signature on memorabilia. And they recognize faces that show up over and over across the cities they travel to during the season. ey learn who will cherish the item and who only wants to sell it.

“I think the only people in the world who might not like me too much are the guys that are clearly looking for signatures that they’re going to sell o ,” Trey Mancini of the Cubs said.

Many fans aren’t fond of resellers either.

“I know some folks here are getting things signed for resale, and I think that’s wrong,” said one fan who preferred to remain anonymous. “Don’t be too rude, and just be appreciative of the guys spending time to sign balls for fans.”

Hosmer agreed.

“You certainly don’t want to turn down a kid or someone who wants an autograph for the right reasons,” he said. “But the reality of it is, there are people out there who sell it and do stu with it. But that doesn’t take away from all the other people that are out there just trying to get something from one of their favorite players.”

Autographs can evoke memories of epic wins and heartbreaking losses. ey give a glimpse into who the biggest stars of the moment were and whether they panned out or didn’t.

Most importantly, they provide fans a way to hold onto a memory of the time they saw their favorite player or team.

“I realize some people do it for a living or to make money, but I do it just to do it,” Arellano said. “You put (the autograph) in an album and you open it up at night. You look at it, and it’s just like going through a photo album. It’s the same thing.

“It’s just fun.”

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

The Glendale

tar

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 Jordan Rogers, jrogers@timeslocalmedia.com.

Ceiling Boggle Word Search Contest ALL MARCH

Throughout the month of March, teens and tweens between 10 and 18 years of age can stop by the Velma Teague Library to compete in a giant version of the popular word search game Boggle. Grab an entry form in the Teen Zone and write down as many words as you can find hidden in the grid of random letters on the ceiling tiles. Turn in your entry at the public service desk. At the end of the month, the participant with the most found will be awarded a prize pack that includes their own Boggle set.

Glendale Public Library - Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleazlibrary.com

Potato Head to take home with you. All supplies will be provided for this fun and interactive activity for the whole family to enjoy.

Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleazlibrary.com

Origami Yoda Quick Craft ALL APRIL

Throughout the month of April, teens, 12-18 years of age, can stop by the Velma Teague Library Teen Zone and create an Origami Yoda. All materials, including Origami paper and markers, will be provided. Velma Teague Library, 7010 N. 58th Avenue, Glendale, free, glendaleazlibrary.com

Giant Mr. Potato Head

ALL APRIL

Stop in and play with a giant felt Mr. Potato Head in the Youth Department at the Velma Teague Library. You and your family can work together to create the perfect combination of features for the library’s resident spud. After you are done playing with the Mr. Potato Head, you can grab a template and some crayons to create your very own Mr.

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

friends are allowed if they’re on a leash. Cash and cards are accepted as methods of payment, and the market runs from 8 to 11 a.m. Arrowhead Towne Center, 7780 W. Arrowhead Towne Center, Glendale, 8 a.m., free, arrowheadtownecenter.com

Bingo Mania @ Main

MARCH 30

There’s nothing better than playing Bingo with friends, and there are fun prizes for the winners. Space is limited, so the event is first come, first served. Younger children may attend if accompanied by an adult. Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown Street, Glendale, 4 to 5 p.m., free, glendaleazlibrary. com

Old-Time Music Jam

APRIL 1

Room, 19055 N. 57th Avenue, Glendale, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., glendaleazlibrary.com

Muse @ Desert Diamond Arena

APRIL 2

Muse is making a stop at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on its Will of the People World Tour featuring special guests Evanescence and Highly Suspect. The rock band is sure to put on a good show. Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale, 6:30 p.m., visit website for tickets, desertdiamondarena.com/ events/detail/muse_2023-1

Momma’s Organic Market

SATURDAYS

Featuring food trucks, local artisans and fresh produce, this weekly farmers market gives locals the chance to shop local and shop fresh. Taking place near Dillard’s, new vendors grace this event weekly. Admission is free, and furry

Big Band Grandstand

The Old-Time Music Jam focuses on traditional instrumental music, including Appalachian fiddle tunes, Celtic and Canadian reels, jigs, hornpipes and other roots music. All acoustic instruments are encouraged to share in these traditional tunes: dulcimers, fiddles, banjos, guitars, harps, mandolins, Dobros, Irish whistles, etc. Players of all ages and ability are welcome to join in the time-honored tradition of gathering and playing music. This event takes place every first and third Saturday of the month.

Foothills Library, Roadrunner

APRIL 3

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

Retire Well. Retire Here.

At Arrowhead Valley, we offer more than just a community, we offer worry-free independent retirement living. Designed exclusively for adults 55 and over, we take care of everything with one monthly price and no buy-in fee, so you can enjoy the good things in life.

Real Estate Forecast

In Golf Terms putting is nice, but your long game is too and sometimes you just want to hit it deep. Our all male medical staff is dedicated to helping men of every age overcome a range of men’s health concerns. We evaluate every patient individually based on their As a result, we are able to provide a personalized plan to meet their medical needs. Your privacy is our utmost concern, and you will be treated with complete dignity, discretion and professionalism. We specialize Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, the effects of Low Testosterone, and Pain Management.

It ain’t always easy having erectile dysfunction, but it sure as hell ain’t hard.

Mention Golf and receive an X-TRA Discount

Since 2008!

Summer Kids Camp Preview

Summer camps tackle a myriad subjects

Whether children are into theater, sports or crafts, there is a summer camp for each one of them. Here is a sampling of what’s available.

Theater Works

Peoria-based Theater Works is hosting SummerWorks, a theater camp with several programs during break. SummerWorks is part of YouthWorks, which teaches creative approaches to life skills with themes that inspire and instill a love for the performing arts. Discounts available.

Broadway Bound Camp 1: Musical Theater Workshop

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 30 to June 2; $200

• Camp performance is 4 p.m. June 2 at Gyder Mainstage

It’s open to kids ages 7 to 17. Cmpers will work with a musical director and choreographer to perform Broadway numbers for a showcase at week’s end. No previous music or dance experience is necessary.

Furry Tales: Three-Week Production Camp

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 5 to June 23; 4680

• Camp performance is 4 p.m. June 23 at Gyder Mainstage

It’s open to kids ages 7 to 17. The group brings a play to life in three weeks. The fairy tale creatures in Furry Tale land have lived peacefully with the talking animals, telling and retelling their stories. But suddenly, the characters are mixing up their stories – Miss Muffet loves spiders, Rapunzel wants to cut her hair, and Snow White is making berry poison. To make matters worse, the animals are losing their tails. The

great wizard, Trifocal, has discovered how to unscramble the mess, and it’s up to three brave creatures to find a human to help before the tales and tails are gone forever.

Broadway Bound Camp 2: Musical Theater Workshop

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 26 to June 30; $265

• Camp performance is 4 p.m. June 30 at Gyder Mainstage

It’s open to kids ages 7 to 17. The group returns for another round of musical theater with the second workshop with new songs and choreography.

“Annie Jr.:” Musical Production Camp

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 5 to July 27; $725

• Camp performance is 4 p.m. July 27 at Gyder Mainstage

It’s open to kids ages 7 to 17. In three weeks, the kids will bring together “Annie Jr.” Adapted from the Tony Award-winning best musical, “Annie Jr.” tells the story of Annie, who is determined to find her parents.

Before and after care

Supervised early drop off and late pick up is available each day for all ages. The rate is $75 per week; this covers 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. daily. There is no before care available on the first day of a session, and no after care is available on the last day of a session. Imagination series participants are only eligible for the before-care option at the rate of $45 for the week.

Imagination series

Young campers will use their imaginations to bring characters to life through dramatic play, art and music. These camps introduce little ones to theater and performing arts. Each camp has a new theme and is appropriate for boys and girls. There is a culminating sharing at the end of each weekly session.

Imagination No. 1: Jungle Mania

• It’s open to kids ages 4 to 6.

• 9 a.m. to noon May 30 to June 2; $170

• Sharing: Noon June 2, McMillin Blackbox

Imagination No. 2: The Pirates Play

• It’s open to kids 4 to 6

• 9 a.m. to noon June 26 to June 30; $195

• Sharing: Noon June 30 at McMillin Blackbox

Imagination No. 3: Wild Wooly West

• It’s open to kids ages 4 to 6

• 9 a.m. to noon July 31 to Aug. 4; $195

• Sharing: Noon Aug. 4 at McMillin Blackbox

To register, visit theaterworks.org or call 623-815-7930. For more information, email education director Laura Alarcon, lalarcon@theaterworks.org.

Growth Soccer Training

Growth Soccer Training’s summer challenge for all athletes is to change their mindset of what’s possible and put in the training it to takes to separate themselves from the competition.

The Glendale-based organization’s summer schedule begins May 22. The goal is to train children with similar ages and skill levels so that it is always competitive and challenging.

Most of the summer will feature small group sessions that will be structured in blocks of two-hour sessions, organized by age and skill levels.

Summer Camp: Four high-intensity and growth-focused summer clinics are five days a week: June 5 to June 9; June 26 to June 30; July 10 to July 14; and July 24 to July 28. The athlete-to-coach ratio is 10:1 to maximize instruction opportunities. The clinics are $300.

To register, visit growthsoccertraining. com.

Day camp at Valley of the Sun JCC

The Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, offers a day camp program called Shemesh Camp that’s open to children entering grades K-10.

The word “shemesh” means “sun” in Hebrew. Everyone is welcome at the Valley of the Sun JCC — all backgrounds, faiths and abilities. Shemesh Camp offers a wide range of activities that include swim lessons, sports, art lessons, archery, STEM programming and tween adventures.

With low staff-to-camper ratios, Shemesh Camp provides a safe summer home where campers are encouraged to try new activities, gain new skills, build self-confidence and meet new friends. There are no religion classes at this summer camp.

However, children do have the option of learning about Jewish Israeli culture as one of their camp activities.

To register, call 480-634-4949 or visit vosjcc.org/shemesh

Impact Gymnastics Academy Summer Camp

At Impact Gymnastics Academy Summer Camp 2023, camp attendees will rotate through gymnastics, open gym and Ninja Zone, along with doing crafts and meeting special guests. It’s open to kids ages 4 to 14.

The summer camp themes are Hawaiian luau (May 30 to June 2); Carnival Extravaganza (June 5 to June 9); Ninja Zone (June 12 to June 16); Hollywood: Almost Famous (June 19 to June 23); Party in the USA (June 26 to June 30); Disney Days (July 10 to July 14); Superhero Training (July 17 to July 21); Pets Rule (July 24 to July 28); and Mad Science (July 31 to Aug. 4).

The price for full-day camp is $340 per week; or $255 per half-day camp, either 9 a.m. to noon or noon to 3 p.m. Drop-in is $15 extra. Before and after care are available from 8 to 9 a.m. or 3 to 4 p.m. for $20

per hour.

Owned by Valley businesswomen Maria Lawrence and Samantha Baltierrez, Impact provides high-level coaching and support.

Impact Gymnastics serves children across the Valley with programs including recreational and competitive gymnastics, creative winter, spring and summer camps, birthday parties and customized programs directed at students with special needs, homeschool gymnastics programs, and sports agility curriculums.

To register, call 602-870-7574 or visit impactgymaz.com.

Arizona Humane Society

Kids ages 5 to 17 are invited to get up close and personal with pets this summer.

The Arizona Humane Society offers a lineup of animal summer camps for kids who are interested in learning more about animals and animal careers while having fun with pets.

Camps will take place throughout June and July and all sessions will run Monday to Friday at AHS’ South Mountain Campus, 1521 W. Dobbins Road, Phoenix. To register, call 602-997-7585, ext. 2005, or visit azhumane.org/camps. Discounts available.

Animal ‘Ed-Ventures’ Camp (Ages 6 to 8 years; 9 to 11 years)

During this week-long “ed-venture,” campers will discover how they can make a difference in the lives of animals

through interactive games and activities. Campers will broaden their understanding of issues facing animals, and learn what they can do to be a voice for all animals.

Junior EAMT Academy (11 to 13 years)

Children will explore the world of AHS’ animal rescuers alongside real-life emergency animal medical technicians. They’ll learn how to use rescue equipment, and get firsthand experience from the team.

Pet Vets (13 to 15 years)/ Advanced Vets (15 to 17 years)

This science-based program focuses on the building blocks of veterinary science and allows young teens to test out the realities of this career option. Students will have the option to view live surgeries in the veterinary clinic and will acquire hands-on experience during daily specimen dissections as they study animal anatomy and physiology. Additionally, students will be introduced to pet first aid, CPR, and a variety of experiments in addition to hands-on interaction with animals each day.

Once registered for Pet Vet program, interested 13 to 15 year olds will be eligible to register for Advanced

Vet Camp.

Wild Wonders (6 to 8 years; 9 to 12 years)

Campers will learn to preserve, coexist and keep pets safe around wild neighbors with Arizona Humane Society and Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. Ambassador animals like rescued hedgehogs, tortoises and alligators will help students see the dedication and time that is put into saving these lives.

Paws for a Cause (5 to 6 years)

During this three-day camp, kids will spend half-day camp sessions at the South Mountain Campus engaging in games, activities, and crafts in addition to hands-on animal interaction. Throughout the camp, campers will learn about the many ways that animals (and people) communicate their needs and emotions to help promote empathy and respect for all living things.

Pawsitive Service Camp for

Exceptional Teens (14 to 17 years)

AHS’ Pawsitive Service Camp is designed for teens with sensory, orthopedic or mobility disabilities and neurodivergent youth. This program offers a safe-yet-challenging camp experience aimed at developing new skills, and gaining various vocational and recreational hands-on experiences within AHS.

Program hours count as service hours, and can be used to help build a unique skillset that will enhance any resume or college/career application.

Event set to help fundraise for 7-year-old’s medical expenses

Family is one of the most important virtues in life.

They offer support, love and care regardless of any circumstance.

In the case of 7-year-old Jacob Tracy, he was born with a condition called bladder exstrophy, an extremely rare condition that has made his life harder than the average 7-year-old should have to deal with.

Jacob has gone through his fair share of medical history to try to quell the condition, but the time is ticking down for his next surgery, and it is one that could have promised to return some normalcy to his life.

In lieu of posting a GoFundMe to raise money, his mother, Melissa Tracy, is hosting the Party at the Park for Jacob on Saturday, April 1, at Windrose Park in Peoria. It is an event that will promise a core childhood memory for Jacob but while also serving as a fundraiser for expenses surrounding his next surgery, as Melissa plans to serve taco plates with rice and beans for $10, a simple gesture to rally the community around the “ball of energy” that is her son.

“I like the idea of bringing people together in support of my son,” Melissa said. “I just want him to know how lucky he is and how brave he is. And just have the opportunity to have the community come together and our friends and our family come together and just show support for him.”

When Jacob was born, his development caused his bladder to grow outside of its normal spot. This causes a number of challenges that Jacob has to deal with, including frequent uses of the restroom and little control of his bladder.

His attitude through the whole process could have been one of frustration, or of anger towards the circumstances he has to live with, but according to Melissa, it is rather the polar opposite.

“He really has a good attitude about

it,” she said. “He doesn’t cry about it. He doesn’t get frustrated. He wants to have the surgery.

“He’s a pretty cool kid,” she later added. “He is very energetic, he loves to play outside, he loves video games, and he loves his family very much. He’ll talk about his condition to the best that he can explain it for a 7-year-old. He’s a big joy to have in our life.”

Melissa and Jacob have a special bond together, but one that wasn’t formed from Jacob’s birth.

Married over 20 years, Melissa and her husband have been thoroughly involved with the foster care system, taking over 20 kids through the span of five years. Jacob was one of those 20, and he was a one-of-a-kind spirit to the Tracys.

He created an instant connection between him and the family, and this connection led to the Tracys adopting Jacob and his two sisters.

“The second I met them, I knew that

they were ours,” Melissa said. “It was weird, but also so natural, because it was so natural. They just fit in our family.”

With the connection being so swift and effortless, it came as a shock once Melissa found out about Jacob’s condition.

“It was really sad,” she said. “We don’t know what his future is going to look like, in certain areas. … It’s just heartbreaking. It’s extremely heartbreaking, because he’s such a happy child.”

The love was not lost, though, as Jacob was instantly put in the environment that would help him succeed in all aspects of life.

This is not his first rodeo in surgery, as he has had countless consultations and even a surgery prior to the one that he is set to have. After initially attending Phoenix Children’s Hospital, he was referred to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.

After traveling across the country the first time, one would think that Jacob would have been scared, but his outlook on his situation was always positive.

“He thought he was cool because he got a ride on an airplane, not once but twice,” Melissa said as a testament to Jacob’s character. “Of all of his siblings, he got to be the first to ride in an airplane. So he just thought he was king of the castle. And he got to have time with his mom and dad. Even at 5, he just had a really good attitude.”

That attitude hasn’t waned off, as he is still as optimistic that he will be OK, and Melissa is the perfect person to stand with him through all of these hurdles.

The funds raised on April 1 will go toward airfare and hotel expenses, which

have been challenging to deal with in times past in Maryland.

“It is not a good area,” Melissa said. “(We were told to) not go outside at nighttime. Do not go anywhere. If you need something, order it in. You just don’t go outside at night time. It’s just too dangerous. And so the first time we went, that’s when my husband was said, ‘You can never come here by yourself.’”

All things considered, Jacob is the light that Melissa has come to love, and she would do anything for him to make his life even the smallest percent better.

“I want him to be happy, and I want him to be healthy,” she said. “Understanding the value of health is something that I think we all take for granted. And when you look at a child who has this type of condition, it is something that makes you reexamine your life and what’s important and what’s not, what’s stressful and what’s not. And it just puts things into perspective for me.

“It’s just the place of gratitude that I have for Jacob, for how well he’s doing and how positive he is.”

The Party at the Park for Jacob will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at 12859 N. 83rd Lane, where Jacob will play throughout the day and attendees can enjoy the raffles, bounce houses, games, prizes and even an Easter Egg hunt, all in support of a “pretty cool kid.”

Ob uaries

623-535-8439 • obits@timeslocalmedia.com

Deadline: Thursday by 5pm for next week

sonality, contagious laugh, and incredible strength. Aida loved family holidays and counted down the number of days until Christmas every year, when she and her daughters would spend the day making Christmas cookies from family recipes and listening to Christmas music. Her daughters will think of her when it rains, which she loved to enjoy from her patio. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and loved ones. Her three daughters were her world.

‘Big Trains’ spring open house returns to the Valley

Train layouts remind many people of Christmas as a child, and for one local organization, every day is Christmas.

The Arizona Big Train Operators nonprofit will hold its annual spring open house noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, at seven total homes across the Valley.

lage.

The villages can take up a person’s entire backyard, and some include railyards, tunnels, ponds and functioning lights on the buildings.

The layouts can have multiple zones and take anywhere from one day to two weeks to put together but most of them only layout for their spring and Christmas open house events.

With heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of Aida Zaldo on March 15, 2023, at the age of 52. Aida was a bright light to everyone who knew her. She was born on June 2, 1970, in El Paso, Texas, raised in Las Cruces, NM, and resided in the Phoenix, AZ area since 2011. Aida graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1989 and went on to earn three degrees from New Mexico State University.

She worked as a nurse for fifteen years and was adored by many of her patients and their families for her compassionate, dedicated care. Last year, Aida fell in love and looked forward to building a life with her fiancé. Aida was funny, bubbly, and forever caring. She will be remembered for her vibrant per-

Aida is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sommer Delgado and Brendon Jaramillo of Atlanta, GA; daughters, Sofia Pena and Isabella Pena; father and stepmother, Bruno and Minerva Zaldo of Las Cruces, NM; mother and stepfather, Rebecca Zaldo Tellez and Matt Munoz of Las Cruces, NM; sister, Monica Zaldo of Las Cruces, NM; brothers, Santiago Sosa of Albuquerque, NM and Stephen Zaldo of Aurora, IL; fiancé, Larry Slusser of Goodyear, AZ; and many extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Victor Zaldo and Beatriz Velarde Harvey; and Efrain Tellez and Bertha Miramontes Tellez. Services will be held on Sunday, March 26th, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at Best Funeral Services West Valley Chapel, 9380 W Peoria Ave, in Peoria, AZ 85345; and on April 1, 2023, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at the NMSU Spiritual Center, 1720 E University Ave, in Las Cruces, NM 88003.

Group members say that it’s the best way to keep the history of locomotives alive. While it can be expensive, the one thing the train owners and operators enjoy more than the pastime itself is seeing the joy it brings to people who visit their displays.

“A lot of people still enjoy the history of railroads,” Arizona Big Train Operators member Don Sorenson said.

Sorenson joined Arizona Big Train Operators (ABTO) in 2006 but had an interest in trains long before that, as his father worked as a brakeman for Union-Pacific Railroad for five years.

He said some of the members have mechanical and engineering backgrounds and this keeps their minds occupied with something familiar.

Amtrak saw a 5% decrease in its Arizona station usage between fiscal year 2018 to 2019.

“People don’t ride the trains anymore,” ABTO President Darrell Woolfolk said.

Woolfolk said the group’s membership saw an upsurge in 2021 with 13 new families joining, and with that, the organization now has 75 members across the Valley.

Woolfolk joined the organization in 2013 and has served as the president of the ABTO for the last six years.

He said while only about half of their members have layouts, they all meet to help each other collaborate and build “extremely elaborate” villages.

“It’s not like setting up on a card table when you were a kid,” Woolfolk said.

The individual cars measure approximately 9 inches tall by 24 inches long with a handful connected that run on tracks up to 500 linear feet through a vil-

“There’s not many of the youth that have been on a train,” Woolfolk said.

Sharing their hobby, especially with children, represents an integral part of the organization’s purpose “to promote and advance the interest in and educate the general public about railroads and large-scale model railroading,” according to their bylaws.

The group maintains train layouts at Banner Children’s at Desert and Hospice of the Valley at Ryan House.

Mesa’s Red Mountain Library has approached the organization with an opportunity to possibly hold a weeklong indoor event in July.

Woolfolk said the spring event takes place during daylight hours and acts as a “trial run” for the nonprofit’s Christmas show. The spring show draws hundreds of people in a weekend to members’ backyards and twice that number during Christmas, when many of the layouts light up.

Woolfolk said trains have “gone by the wayside” with younger generations and this organization helps rekindle that interest.

Sorenson added that trains are an important part of the country’s history that young people should remember.

“I find that people are very enamored by the railroad,” he said. “They’re part of our history.”

Are you palms up or palms down on Palm Sunday?

You may remember the story of Palm Sunday. At the height of His ministry, Jesus came into Jerusalem days before He would go to the cross. He rides into the city on the colt of a donkey as a Servant King, contrary to the day’s culture. Multitudes of people spread out their clothes and tree branches on the road for Jesus as He enters the city.

You might be asking, “What is all the hubbub about? Why the celebration? Why the palm tree branches and the gold carpet treatment?” Well, the people knew Scripture was being ful lled right before their eyes.

How did they know? It had been written in the scriptures years before in Zechariah 9:9. “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” is event was foretold hundreds of years before it happened, but this day the foretold has become “forthtold.” A prophecy is being ful lled right before their eyes. e next has become the now, and these people are watching it happen.

People are shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” e Psalmist foresaw this day coming hundreds of years earlier in Psalm 118: “ is is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” e atmosphere is electric. “ is is the day” — an awakening, a quickening, an epiphany, a revival, a stirring that ripples through everyone’s space in the city.

e crowd’s shout of “Hosanna” was

CHURCH COMMUNITY CONNECTION

very signi cant. Today, many think the word Hosanna means praise. But the original Aramaic (or Hebrew) meaning meant something so much more than praise. e real meaning of Hosanna is a desperate cry from the people for help, deliverance or salvation. It meant, “I beseech thee, save me now, or I perish.”

e Scripture says, “And when He entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, ‘Who is this?’” Two types of people observed Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. One group was the people who celebrated Jesus, and the other was the religious, academic and political elite disrespecting Jesus. One group was palms up, and the other was palms down.

e palms-up crowd or people supporting Jesus asked, “Who is… this?” with expectancy, joy, and the revelation of Scripture ful lled. e palmsdown group trivialized the event, asking, “Who… is this?” In other words, who is messing up what we have raised up? God sent Jesus to mess things up in a positive, uplifting, elevating, ascending, resur-

recting, eternal-life-giving way. You see, Jesus was raised up to mess things up for the better.

Where did Jesus go when He dismounted the colt? He went right to the temple, the church at that time. What did He do there? Jesus revealed four characteristics of God’s temple (or church) was created to be:

1. A Church of Purity. Jesus rst cast out those robbers buying and selling, turning over the money changers’ tables and the seats of those selling doves for sacri cial o erings at exorbitant prices. rough the years, the temple had lost its purity and turned into a robbers’ den at the expense of worshipers and those needing help. is type of proteering hurts everyone and presents a wrong picture of God. People associate God and money in a way that God hates. (Matthew 21:12)

2. A Church of Prayer. God’s church was designed to be a house of prayer for all nations. Still, it had deteriorated into a place of dysfunctional robbers using clever marketing techniques and temple leaders far from God. eir religion was a religion of rules and regulations. ey were more concerned with external behavior than internal redemption and transformation. Jesus wanted them to be aware of the purpose and power of prayer. Prayer is the boiler room of the church. And, prayer was for all the

nations, not just one select nation. (Matthew 21:13)

3. A Church of Power. e temple had lost its power. When Jesus evicted the robbers and money changers, it created room for the blind and the lame to enter the house of the Lord. Jesus healed them. In e ect, Jesus pointed everyone toward caring for people, not using or abusing people. at’s what a real church does. A true church reaches the lost, disciples they found, and releases the ready into the community to be salt and light. (Matthew 21:14)

4. A Church of Praise. e temple leaders had forgotten whom the people were to praise. Temple leaders were being lifted, not God. ese leaders wanted to be praised as they had always been, but the children praised the real God. Jesus even quotes a verse written many years before to the leaders, saying that on this day, praise will be given to God out of the mouths of babes. (Matthew 21:16)

Why did Jesus come to earth? To make God known in people’s hearts through church services and transformed communities. God revealed Himself to people through Christ.

People, churches and communities: Make “ is is the day” your day today. And don’t let the money changers crowd you out of coming to a church of purity, prayer, power and praise. Raise your palms upward.

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.

Kids poetry group entered in statewide contest

Through the art of poetry, “seeds of creativity” were planted in a children’s pilot poetry group in the West Valley.

Primary Poets, sponsored by the nonpro t organization Arizona State Poetry Society (ASPS), consisted of students ages 5 to 12 from West Valley school districts.

Coordinator and former teacher Karen Márquez Morales taught the children the art and its valuable skills via Zoom over the course of two months, concluding with a performance earlier this year — just in time for Poetry Month in April.

“I felt like I made a tiny di erence in how they see the world and was able to give them a tool of creativity that they may use to enrich their daily lives,” Morales said. “As always, I learned a lot about myself from them as well. I learned that there is so much good left in the world and that kids are resilient even after a pandemic. Which in turn makes me more resilient and inspired, too.”

Primary Poets

e Primary Poets group was born due to ASPS’ desire to further its mission of promoting the art of poetry through a youth engagement program, to which Morales decided to gear toward elementary school-age children.

e group consisted of 14 students from the Pendergast, Peoria, Avondale, Litcheld and Phoenix elementary school districts, many of whom did not have any previous experience with poetry.

Morales taught each of them how to write di erent styles of poems from samples, a variety of performance strategies and opportunities to practice reading in front of audiences.

e poems they created were all different, ranging from haikus to freestyles, and told stories about what the color pink reminds them of, the realities of middle school, and how we are all “seen” and never alone.

“ ey all went to di erent schools, that was really hard,” Morales said. “We didn’t meet each other until the night (of the performance). Luckily, they all meshed together and they helped each other.”

To showcase their poems and the skills they had developed by the end of the course, the group held a performance in late January in the children’s program room at the Georgia T. Lloyd Library in Goodyear.

e overall theme of the night was inspired by a Michael Jackson quote, in which he said, “ e magic, the wonder, the mystery and the innocence of a child’s heart are the seeds of creativity that will heal the world.”

With the room full of family, friends and community members, the children read their pieces at a poetry stand laced with lights on a glitter-strewn red carpet.

To enhance their readings, some students even brought props, like one girl who had a mint plant to accompany her poem,

titled “Green.”

Many of the children had their poems memorized to help their fear of performing in front of an audience.

“I had some kids who would lisp, or who stuttered or who were really shy,” Morales said. “And they got up there in front of everybody, and they did it.”

Afterward, the group retreated to the courtyard to autograph their Primary Poets Anthology, which their coordinator had designed for them to sign for attendees.

“All of the children did a wonderful job, and it turned out to be a magical night,” Morales said.

ASPS’ Youth Poetry Contest

e Primary Poets participants had their work entered in the 2023 Youth Poetry Contest, a statewide competition hosted by the ASPS to celebrate Poetry Month. e contest is open to all rst through 12th grade Arizona students, who will compete in three di erent brackets orga-

Submissions for the Arizona State Poetry Society’s 2023 Youth Poetry Contest must be in by the Thursday, April 30, deadline There is no entry fee. For the contest application, rules and guidelines, and more information about Primary Poets and the Arizona State Poetry Society, visit azpoetry.net.

nized by grade level.

Poems can cover any topic and must be submitted by the deadline on April 30. ere is no entry fee. Submissions will be judged by a panel of individuals outside of the ASPS to maintain validity.

First- through third-place winners of each bracket will receive cash prizes up to $50 and have their poems published in the ASPS Sandcutters Anthology.

Winning pieces will be announced by the end of May.

As of mid-March, there were over 150 poems submitted in the competition alongside those of Morales’ students.

Poetry’s impact

A Phoenix native and the author of “ e Krayon Kids” book series, Morales taught second grade in Avondale for 30 years before retiring from education in 2014.

She recalled teaching her students poetry decades ago and even entering their work in ASPS’ poetry contest.

e coordinator said that poetry is a great way for students to learn how to read and write, as well as bene cial for building creativity, self-expression, and memorization and recall skills.

For younger children, in particular, she maintains that it’s “where the journey begins.”

However, in her experience, poetry is not something widely covered in curriculum today and is rather a topic taught for a single school day.

“Students these days, especially during the pandemic, never get a chance to get up and perform. At that age, it is so important to be articulate,” Morales said. “I tried to teach them so we can help them in reading, articulation, learning another language and memorization — it’s great for your brain. A lot of that isn’t happening in the schools.

“I just wanted to show (the children) that this is something important, something they can learn from and something they can teach others as well. So I learned a lot from that.”

GCC faculty member named to Hall of Fame

Dr. Pam Joraanstad, of Glendale Community College, has been selected to be a member of the North Dakota Speech and Debate Hall of Fame, and she will be inducted by the Communication, Speech & eatre Association of North Dakota at the annual convention in September.

e award recognizes Joraanstad for her lifelong involvement and success in speech and debate and her contributions coaching high school and university teams.

Joraanstad got her start in speech and debate at Fargo North High School where she was three-time state debate champion and won state in extemporaneous speaking. She also quali ed in extemporaneous speaking and policy debate for the National Tournament.

From there, she began her coaching career at Shanley High School in Fargo, North Dakota, while she herself was still in college. Under her guidance, Shanley High School students earned six consecutive Class A Speech Championships, a seventh-place nish in debate at the 1984 National Tournament, and 12th place at the Lincoln-Douglas tournament.

Individual student success included ve consecutive state debate champions, an Outstanding Representative, and three All Americans. In all, over 40 students quali ed in National Forensic League National Tournaments.

Upon earning her degree, Joraanstad joined North Dakota State University where she coached Debate from 1987 to 1989. During her time as coach, the NDSU Debate Team reached the break rounds at the CEDA National Tournament.

After moving to Arizona and joining the faculty at GCC, Joraanstad

worked with Dr. Jim Reed to establish the Maricopa Speech and Debate Team, at the request of Dr. Maria Harper Marinick. Joraanstad has also managed the Public Speaking Contest for the Southwest Communication Association.

“I’ve coached a lot of amazing individuals over the years,” Joraanstad said. “Many students chose to compete so they would have a place to belong. I’ve seen how speech and debate created lifetime friendships. One of the greatest bene ts of speech and debate, besides developing essential skills, is that all students are welcome.

“Some students were exceptional in their competitions. One of the rst high school debaters that I coached was just inaugurated as the president of the University of Pennsylvania after serving as the provost of the University of Virginia and dean of the Stanford Law School.”

Joraanstad has been at Glendale Community College for 31 years, serving as communications faculty.

TANNER TERRACE APARTMENTS

A Non-Smoking Facility 7138 N. 45th Avenue Glendale, AZ 85301

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS ALL ONE BEDROOMS

Subsidized • Section 8-202 • 62 years old And Mobility Impaired Persons

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm

623-939-9447

TANNER TERRAZA APARTAMENTOS Un