R Glendale Daily Planet KKAT-IPTV 

THE NEWS STARTS.... HERE!

GLENDALE, Ariz. – This contest is going to be a win-win – for some talented students, their teachers and Glendale Public Library.

The library system is redesigning its library cards and is looking for student art to feature on the front. The City of Glendale Public Arts program is sponsoring a youth art contest through the schools in Glendale. Fours designs will be chosen from two age groups: ages 6-11 and ages 14-18. The winning students will take home $200 each, while the art or classroom teachers of those winning students will receive $500 a piece for art materials.

Art and classroom teachers within the city limits can work with their students to make unique artwork in color or black and white. The image can be something graphically pleasing or completely realistic, whatever the student decides to do. Teachers can make this a project for the whole class or just those students who are interesting in taking part. Work will be judged on the appropriateness of subject matter and compatibility with the card format.

The selection panel will include members of the public, library staff, art staff, and members of the Glendale Arts Commission. Winners will be announced at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22 in the auditorium of Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.

The winning entries will go into production immediately and will be showcased on the City of Glendale Library and Art websites.

Deadline for entries is 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and must be postmarked or delivered to Melinda Bergman, Glendale Public Library, 5959 W. Brown St., Glendale, AZ 85302. Submitted artwork will be returned via U.S. mail to all participating teachers.

Call Bergman at 623-930-3755 for information on the rules for submission.

Sun Devils turn Olympics maroon and gold

( ASU) The Beijing Olympic Games will feature 16 people with ties to ASU’s athletic department set to compete – or work with competitors that will compete – on the biggest stage in sport.

The Games unofficially began Aug. 6 with three women’s soccer matches at three different venues in China. The official opening ceremonies take place Aug. 8.

The Sun Devils will be represented by 11 competitors, including five in athletics (track and field), three in swimming, one in diving, one in men’s basketball and one in archery. ASU also will be represented by three coaches and two athletic trainers.

Ten different nations will be represented by the Sun Devil contingent, including Australia, Croatia, Finland, Ghana, Great Britain, Israel, Kuwait, the Netherlands, the United States and Zimbabwe.

Competing in Beijing will be four athletes that were on Sun Devil teams during the 2007-2008 season, including two in swimming, and two in track and field. Ante Cvitkovic (Croatia) and Mohammed Madwa (Kuwait) will compete in swimming, while Jacquelyn Johnson (United States) and Joel Phillip (Grenada) will be on the track.

Two current Sun Devil aquatic coaches also will be in Beijing, including head swimming coach Mike Chasson and diving coach Mark Bradshaw. Chasson will be coaching for Kuwait and working with Madwa, while Bradshaw will coach Joona Puhakka (Finland) in the 3-meter springboard event.

Others competing will be Seth Amoo (Ghana), Lewis Banda (Zimbabwe) and Trevell Quinley (United States) in track and field; Gal Nevo (Israel) in swimming; Shawn Redhage (Australia) in basketball; and Alison Williamson (Great Britain) in archery.

Williamson will be competing in her fifth Olympiad and is ASU’s lone returning medalist (bronze, 2004), while Banda is the only other multiple-time Olympian, as he is set for his second competition.

Former Sun Devil softball head coach Linda Wells is returning to the Games for her second Olympiad in a row and will serve as an assistant coach for the Netherlands team. Wells was the head coach of the Greek team in Athens in 2004.

A pair of former Sun Devil athletic trainers also will be on hand and working with U.S. athletes, including Casey Smith and Ian McLeod. Smith will serve as the head athletic trainer for the U.S. men’s basketball team, while McLeod will work with the swimming team.

For a closer look at ASU’s history in the Olympic Games, visit the Web site http://thesundevils.cstv.com/trads/asu-trads-olympians.html

 

ASU’s Olympic “team”:

Athletes:
• Seth Amoo, Ghana, track and field, 200-meter dash.
• Lewis Banda, Zimbabwe, track and field, 400-meter dash.
• Ante Cvitkovic, Croatia, swimming, 400-meter medley relay.
• Jacquelyn Johnson, United States, track and field, heptathlon.
• Mohammed Madwa, Kuwait, swimming, 50-meter freestyle, 100-meter freestyle.
• Gal Nevo, Israel, swimming, 200-meter individual medley.
• Joel Phillip, Grenada, track and field, 400-meter dash.
• Joona Puhakka, Finland, diving, 3-meter springboard.
• Trevell Quinley, United States, track and field, long jump.
• Shawn Redhage, Australia, basketball.
• Alison Williamson, Great Britain, archery, individual 70 meters.

Coaches and trainers:
• Mark Bradshaw, Finland, diving, – coaching Puhakka.
• Mike Chasson, Kuwait, swimming – coaching Madwa.
• Ian McLeod, United States, swimming, athletic trainer.
• Casey Smith, United States, basketball, head athletic trainer (men).
• Linda, Wells, Netherlands, softball, assistant coach.

GLENDALE VISITOR CENTER RECEIVES NEW INTERNATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED SIGNAGE   (COG) GLENDALE, Ariz. – If you’ve driven around in downtown Glendale lately, you may have noticed a new sign on the Bank of America building; while the ‘i’ sign may have caught your eye, you may not be sure what it stands for.   No, it doesn’t stand for iPod or iPhone or any trendy electronic gadget – the italic lower-case ‘i’ is the international symbol for information, more specifically, visitor information.      The Glendale Visitor Center , which opened its door in October of 2000, has since served more than 88,307 visitors from each of the 50 states and a total of 46 countries! The Glendale Visitor Center is an official " Local Visitor Information Center ," a unique designation from the Arizona Office of Tourism. With this new additional signage, the city hopes to be able to attract visitors who may be in downtown Glendale , but perhaps not aware that we offered a visitor center, with a wealth of information on what to see and do in the city and the state.   "We are thrilled to display an official Information sign to assist our visitors in locating the Glendale Visitor Center ,” said Tourism Manager Lorraine Pino (In Photo below). “The signage is an additional component in our goal to provide the utmost in customer service to our visitors and residents.”     (Left) The new sign was installed today! Pictured:  ( Below) Tourism Manager Lorraine Pino  proudly displays the new 'i' sign before it was installed on the Bank of America building . In addition to countless free local, regional and statewide maps, the Visitor Center boasts all kinds of brochures and travel information, and internet access for visitors, the perfect place to start your Glendale journey.   For more information you can reach the Visitor Center at 623-930-4500 or on the Web at www.visitglendale.com   You will notice the International Symbol for Parking on the new Bank of America Parking garage also behind the  visitor center. (Photo from (COG) Moving on up newsletter) Ed Sez....Added info on symbols-   But wait... if you have an old map... International Recreation Symbols (Some maps use this  for visitor center) The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National Science and Technology Center (NSTC) is the point of contact for standard International Recreation Symbology used by the BLM. As there is no single government agency responsible for managing International Recreation Symbols, many agencies have developed their own symbols and definitions. This has led to confusion and misuse throughout the government and here in the BLM. The NSTC will continue to work and coordinate with other agencies in an effort to standardize symbology and definitions. However, this is an ongoing effort and until it is completed, the downloadable symbols and definitions listed below should be used by all Bureau offices http://www.blm.gov/nstc/mapstandards/intlsym.html     Have some Symbol Fun! - References to symbols on the web: http://www.Symbols.com  Contains more than 1,600 articles about 2,500 Western signs, arranged into 54 groups according to their graphic characteristics. http://www.blm.gov/nstc/mapstandards/downloads/inter.pdf  BLM chart http://www.blm.gov/nstc/mapstandards/intlsym.html  The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National Science and Technology Center (NSTC) is the point of contact for standard International Recreation Symbology used by the BLM   The mother of all  international standards websites.... ISO  http://www.iso.org/iso/home.htm ISO has developed over 17000 International Standards on a variety of subjects and 1100 new ISO standards are published every year. The full range of technical fields can be seen from the listing International Standards. Users can browse that listing to find bibliographic information on each standard and, in many cases, a brief abstract. The online ISO Standards listing integrates both the ISO Catalogue of published standards and the ISO Technical programme of standards under development. http://www.trafficsign.us/index.html  This guy is from Arizona!   Check this site  for  some interesting things. http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/symbol-signs  Not ISO but interesting.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ISO_standards

Kim Huff Is the August Employee of the 
Month for Glendale Public Library

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The August Employee of the Month for Glendale Public Library System is Kim Huff, a children’s librarian at Foothills Branch Library. Fellow librarian Emily Linkey nominated her.

“Kim is a fantastic children’s librarian,” says Linkey, “and a great example of all of the qualities for Employee of the Month.”

Linkey points to Huff’s organizational strengths, helping to keep everyone on track. Huff is also known for her innovative and fun children’s programming. Some of those programs include Playful Art, which features the work of well-known children’s illustrators; Book Cooks, which combined stories with food and crafts for 6-8 year-olds; and Mini-Movers, an aerobic/dance program for 3-5 year-olds.

A Glendale resident, Huff spearheaded the idea of a baby reading incentive program. She is actively planning it with other Glendale youth librarians, plus librarians in other library systems.

Huff was picked to represent Arizona at the Mountain Plains Library Association Leadership Institute in 2007.

Linkey concludes, “Kim is a wonderful part of the Foothills team, and we all appreciate her hard work.”

Luke West Valley Recreation presents

West Valley Senior Games

Vendors Invited to Participate

The Luke West Valley Recreation Committee, a subcommittee of the Luke West Valley Mayor’s Council, is pleased to announce its inaugural West Valley Senior Games scheduled for November 5, 2008.

  The event will take place at Friendship Park in Avondale and will have a variety of athletic events for all participants ages 50+ young.  West Valley Senior Games is endorsed by Arizona Senior Olympics

 Local businesses and non-profit organizations are invited to participate in the event. There will be informational booths and a health fair component.  We are seeking vendors, profit, non-profit and health care related organizations, to join us for this great event for the seniors of our community.   

 For more information on the Games or to sponsor or rent display space at the event, visit www.westvalleyrecreation.com or call Ruth Espinoza at 623-333-2413. The deadline to submit vendor applications is Oct. 10, 2008.

Inaugural West Valley Senior Games

            When:              Nov. 5, 2008

           Time:               8 a.m. registration begins

            Where:            Avondale’s Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road

            Cost:               Free admission to the public. Cost for food, drinks. 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide and begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries-Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico achieved independence on September 16 and Chile on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1974, when President Gerald Ford issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long observation.

Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., is offering a free presentation, Ballet Folklorico Estrella Azul, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in the auditorium. Families are invited to enjoy the colorful folk dances celebrating the Mexican regions of Jalisco and Vera Cruz. Dancers include youths of various ages. Ballet Folklorico Estrella Azul is a program of the Southwest Hispanic Cultural Association. Funding has been provided by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Agency under the Library Services and Technology Act, which is administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. No reservations are needed. Call 623-930-3537 for more information.

Author Stella Pope Duarte will be at the Velma Teague Branch, 7010 N. 58th Ave., at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9 to discuss her new novel, “If I Die in Juárez.” Duarte wrote the book after researching the unsolved murders of more than 400 young women in and around Cuidad Juárez, Mexico. Going on for more than a decade, the females, including school girls, have shown signs of torture and sexual abuse. These heinous crimes have never been solved by the Mexican police. Copies of Duarte’s books will be available for purchase and signing. The program is free. For more information, call 623-930-3431.

Yu-Gi-Oh Sundays Starting Soon

Thanks to the persistence of 10-year-old Skyler Carlson, a Sunday afternoon Yu-Gi-Oh! collectible trading card game will be played at the Glendale Main Library, beginning on Aug. 17. You can see by Skyler Carlson is very enthusiastic about the game and wants to teach others to play, too. 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

GPL- GLENDALE, Ariz. – Yu-Gi-Oh!, a collectible trading card game, took the U.S. by storm a few years ago and is still popular today. A free Sunday afternoon game session will be held in the Storytime Room at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., starting Aug. 17, thanks to the efforts of 10-year-old Skyler Carlson. The Yu-Gi-Oh! program will take place from 1:30-4 p.m. every third Sunday through November.

The soon-to-be fifth grader at Foothills Elementary School started playing Yu-Gi-Oh! about three years ago. He loves the game because of the math and reading that is involved. (Math is Skyler’s favorite subject.) He also loves to draw, and, of course, he especially enjoys drawing fantasy creatures—similar to ones that are found on the cards.

Skyler says that all youths are invited to play. He has many extra cards, so having one’s own stack of playing cards is not necessary. Novice players are welcome and will be shown just how the game works.

“It helps to watch other players and see their strategies when you’re learning to play,” adds this very enthusiastic gamer. Skyler will offer a short lesson at the beginning of each session for those new to Yu-Gi-Oh! Experienced players can pair off and begin playing immediately.

No reservations are necessary. For more information, call 623-930-3537.

Special Note!   The quest for teen volunteers to be a Book Buddy to younger children. 
Applications are being taken NOW.

GLENDALE, Ariz. –Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.

Book Buddies has become a staple on the library’s calendar. Teen volunteers are matched with “little buddies” to read and share books together. Little buddies range in age from kindergarten through 3rd grade. Teens interested in being a Book Buddy, and have either a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon free from 4-6 p.m., can pick up an application at the Main Library or go online to www.glendaleaz.com/library/teen. Applications are due Sept. 19 and a training session will be held before the official Book Buddy sessions start on Oct. 7.

Helping Your Child Succeed Academically Starts Early - Sept 2, 9  and 16

　

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Every parent wants the greatest future possible for his or her child. Most people agree that college is the best insurance for success in later life. Make sure that your child is ready for school by attending “From Preschool to Harvard!” at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.

Learn easy ways to incorporate early literacy skills into daily life.

Three sessions will be held in September, with a focus on different ages in each program:

Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. in the large meeting room – For parents of children ages 4-5. Will your child be ready to read when he or she starts school? This program will give parents and caregivers the tools needed to help children learn important skills they need before they start school.

Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. in the small meeting room – For parents of children ages 2-3. Research indicates that pre-learning skills can be learned long before a child is ready to attend school. This program will give parents and caregivers the tools needed to help children learn early literacy skills now so that they can become good readers later.

Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.in the small meeting room – For parents of children ages birth-2. Current research on early literacy and brain development shows that it is never too early to prepare children for success as readers. This program shows parents and caregivers easy ways to develop these skills, starting at birth.

The programs are free. Registration is a must; call 623-930-3537 to sign up.

Latest info!    Battle of the Bands—with a Twist!

 

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Everybody knows how a battle of the bands works, right? Wrong! The teen librarians at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., have added a new angle to the regular clash of musical groups.

The library’s auditorium will be the “combat zone” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9 when three terrific bands square off. Chaos Theory, Chandler Heights and Tanicus will be bringing their best sets to the stage.

Chaos Theory is composed of two guitarists/vocalists, a bassist/vocalist, a keyboardist, and drummer. Look for an interesting sound because they have been influenced by rock, heavy metal, jazz and classical music. Playing together since 2007, Chaos Theory performs mostly classic and alternative rock, along with some heavy metal.

Chandler Heights is a recently-formed band whose members came together because of a common love of music. The group describes their sound as “rock/progressive/acoustic.” They cite all music as influencing their style. The trio has two guitarists/vocalists and a drummer.

Tanicus also has three band members—a bassist/lead vocalist, lead guitar/backup vocalist and a drummer. This group plays both covers and originals. According to the band’s spokesperson, they play rock ‘n’ roll and focus on performing a thrilling show, as well as play “what is in their hearts.”

Now, for the “what is different” about this battle of the bands. Each band gets 30 minutes to set up, perform and take down. In between sets, the library will be offering prizes for teen audience members who bring in their MP3 players and iPods and play DJ for three songs each. Teens in the audience will also get opportunities to “Beat the Librarian” at “Guitar Hero.”

All ages are welcome, but the contests are for teens only. Teen music fans will get priority in seating in case the auditorium becomes too crowded.

Judges include Anne Owens, adult programming librarian who books the Glendale Coffeehouse and the Live at the Library; Brianna Shuttleworth, a teen member of the Library Advisory Board and also a member of the Main Library’s Teen Advisory Board; and a to-be-confirmed musician.

For more information, call 623-930-3537. No reservations are required.

Tune Up That Guitar—the Teen Battle of the Bands Is Looking for Musical Groups to Compete Saturday, August 9

 

(GPL) GLENDALE, Ariz. – It’s been more than a decade since the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., has had its auditorium stage filled with teenage rock bands. That is about to change with the Teen Battle of the Bands, which will be held on Saturday, August 9. Musical groups do not have to be just rock bands. The style of music can include alternative, blues, country, dance/techno, folk, hip-hop/rap, jam, jazz, funk…or any other type of music.

Prizes will be awarded to the first place band and to the runner up.

The rules and regulations for the Teen Battle of the Bands include:

Bands must consist of at least two members, one of which plays an instrument for the majority of the performance.

The band must be unsigned.

The entire performance must be live – no prerecorded music is allowed. Music can be cover or original.

Band members must be between the ages of 12-21; at least half of the band members must be no older than 18 years of age as of August 9, 2008.

Bands must submit a registration form and a demo CD of at least four songs to the Glendale Main Library Youth Desk by 5 p.m. on July 19, 2008. Photos and bios are welcomed but not required.

All bands will receive 30 minutes onstage. This includes all set up, playing and take-down time.

Time slots between 5-8:30 p.m. will be assigned randomly on August 9, the day of the contest.

In the event that more than six bands submit applications, some bands may not be able to participate. Bands will be notified of their acceptance by August 2, 2008.

On performance day, band members must be dressed in clothing suitable for a family audience.

Band name and performance lyrics must not contain any obscenities. The entire performance must be violence free and suitable for a teen audience.

All performing bands must be present at Glendale Main Library by 4:30 p.m. on August 9 and must remain for the entirety of the event. The concert will be over at approximately 9:15 p.m.

A panel of judges will score bands using a point system. Criteria to be considered include: Presentation, Synchronization, Song Quality and Originality, Band Enthusiasm and Audience Response. If a tie occurs, Song Quality and Originality and Audience Response will determine the winner.

Band members must provide all musical instruments and equipment necessary for their performance. Band members are responsible for the security of their equipment. Fires, pyrotechnics, fog machines, etc., are not allowed.

All band members must sign the registration form acknowledging they have read and understood the rules as outlined. All band members under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian sign the document as well. Failure to comply with any contest rule as outlined in the rules and regulations may result in a band being disqualified.

The Glendale Public Library reserves the right to make changes to the rules and regulations of the contest as well as be the final word in any dispute that should arise concerning the contest.

Entry forms, along with rules and regulations, can be picked up at the Youth Desk at Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St.

For clarification of the rules, or for more information, call 623-930-3537 or e-mail YouthLibrarian@glendaleaz.com.

 

 

 

Free GED Classes at Foothills Branch Library Starts Sept 8  but... REGISTER NOW!

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Do not let the lack of a high school diploma keep you from your dreams of the future. Once you obtain your General Equivalency Diploma (GED), doors to higher education and job opportunities will open.

Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave., is offering a series of free basic skills/GED prep classes, three hours a session for 12 weeks, beginning Monday, Sept. 8. The classes run from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in then Roadrunner Room. Participants must commit to attend all 12 classes.

An instructor from the Rio Salado Adult Learning Center will teach the classes. All class materials will be provided. Free on-site child care will be available for children, ages 2-9, of parents enrolled in the classes. Space is limited in the class and childcare.

Participants must be at least 16 years of age and not currently attending high school. Preference will be given to Glendale residents.

Registration is required and starts August 1. Call 623-930-3837 to sign up or for more information.

The GED prep classes are part of the What E.L.S.E. (Enhancing Life Skills/Experiences) Is Happening @ the Glendale Libraries? This project is funded, in part, by a grant from the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records Agency through the Library Services and Technology Act, under the auspices of the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Anyone who passes by the Glendale Main Library, 5959 W. Brown St., between 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 will see children and adults busy doing all sorts of physical activities on the front lawn. It is the library’s free Family Fitness Fair.

The fair is designed to provide families with ideas of free or inexpensive ways to keep in shape and add new activities to the fitness routine. This year’s fair will include some stations with water activities to help keep participants cool.

Stations will be set up around the grounds. At each station, participants will find resource lists and instructions that will make it easy for families to replicate these activities at home.

The stations include:

FitDeck – Facilitators will use the FitDeck cards (a deck of cards with fun exercises on each card) to play a game of Mother, May I? Exercises are all simple body movements which will help children get moving.

Frisbee Horseshoes – Facilitators will help children play a game of horseshoes, but with the added twist of Frisbees. This station will teach children arm strength, accuracy and strategy as well as teamwork. They must earn a set number of points for their team, according to their flick of the Frisbee.

Jump Rope Contest – Build leg muscles while jumping rope. Participants also practice agility and counting skills.

Parachute – This is one big parachute! Families will work together to try many different techniques with the parachute. Children will improve their listening and teamwork skills.

Speed Stacking – Adults and children learn the ins and outs of speed stacking, a new game involving the stacking of cups into patterns in the shortest amount of time. Participants compete against the timer and each other to get the fastest time. This station helps increase hand-eye coordination as well as help children think strategically. It also increases the heart rate.

Through-the-Hoops – A hula hoop is used to help children (and agile adults) practice summersaults, tucking their heads for safety. This fun, easy exercise helps children practice their gross motor skills.

Yoga – A licensed yoga instructor will teach families some easy moves that will increase flexibility and strength while decreasing stress. Yoga can easily be done at home as long as there is an open space to practice.

Octopus Relay – Children will get into teams and compete to run an obstacle course. This relay race is made more challenging by carrying a liter bottle, filled with water and lots of holes. Children must get the most water to the opposite end of the course. Prepare to get wet!

Twister Scram - This fast-action twist on the classic Twister game offers hours of outdoor fun for kids. It's easy to set up and easy to play: just spread out the colored mats, then spin the spinner and dash for the dots. Run fast and don't be last, or you're out! The last player left is the Twister Scram champ.\

Bubble Mania! – Families will learn how easy it is to create their own long-lasting bubble solution, as well as experiment with what makes the biggest bubble. Lots of fun that will keep families busy all year long.

Facilitators will include volunteers from the Main Library’s Teen Library Council and other teenage volunteers.

All persons attending the Family Fitness Fair receive a free Fit for Life water bottle and water will also be provided. The event is part of the Be Fit: New Skills for a New Future series that is sponsored by a Fit for Life grant from MetLife and Libraries for the Future. No reservations are required to attend. For more information, call 623-930-3537.

Buckshot, the PBR rodeo bull, visits children at Glendale Main Library

July 31, 2008 - Glendale Daily Planet

Sweet Summer Saturday. On Saturday, Aug. 16, Downtown Glendale, Sweet Summer Saturday will delight visitors with more fun: sweet treats, great deals, entertainment and, of course, free prizes! The August event will feature another community-oriented component as well – a Back to School Drive to benefit local K-8 schools in the Glendale Elementary School District.

For more information

The Big Picture!

Mayors and Council members from Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa and Scottsdale took or met the bus on July 28 to celebrate the first day of new express bus service in their communities.

Route 511 - Chandler to Scottsdale Airpark  - Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross

Route 535 - Mesa to downtown Phoenix Mesa - Councilmembers Scott Somers & Dina Higgins

Route 575 - Glendale to downtown Phoenix - Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs

Lets get Local!

(GDP) (Glendale Arizona) - Monday, July 28 2008, Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs along with other city transportation staff and  Valley metro officials joined the festivities  and met passengers waiting to depart on route  575 -  Glendale to downtown Phoenix. This park-and-ride is  at Church of Joy  at 75th Avenue and Beardsley.

This route is funded by Proposition 400, the extension of the half-cent sales approved by voters in November 2004, which allowed funding of the Regional Transportation Plan developed by the Transportation Policy Committee of the Maricopa Association of Governments. Mayor Scruggs led the development of this plan while she was Chair at MAG regional council.

Media was on hand to interview  officials and passengers about the new bus service and hear how it will benefit their communities.

Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs commented "Everyone I met was so excited to have this new service.  Most of the people had been using Route 573, and reported that it is very, very crowded.  Route 575 is a welcome addition.   I met two people who were going to be riding the bus to work for the very first time.  They felt the convenience and the financial savings were both too good to pass up."

This will help ease the pain at the gas pump while improving air quality. We ask our readers to consider this... You live in Arrowhead Ranch but work at the capitol... Let them drive and you can  kick back and read the morning paper!  A much more relaxing and satisfying commute than driving your own vehicle!