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The 2010 Festival of Cheer will be held at the Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, December 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  The event, hosted by Benevilla, will be focused on “celebrating cultures, families, and holidays around the world.” Tickets are only $5 for children, $7 for adults and $20 for a family pass of four. Children six and younger may enter for free.

The Festival of Cheer is designed to bring together all aspects of the community, both residents and businesses, to learn, share, and have fun while celebrating our different cultures, holidays, and backgrounds. Countries and cultures will have different stations set-up throughout the Peoria Sports Complex for attendees to visit with a provided passport. There will be a separate “Play Land” for children ages 12 and under with crafts, complimentary pictures with Santa, and, of course, SNOW!

Included in the admission:

•            Free food tastings

•            Free photos with Santa

•            Kids’ Play Land with twenty tons of snow

•            Cultural performances, dance and songs

Benevilla is the new face of Interfaith Community Care. Started by the community and for the community in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit human services agency dedicated to enhancing the lives of Northwest Valley residents by providing care services for seniors, adults with disabilities, children and families. For more information on services call 623-584-4999 or visit www.benevilla.org Tours of Benevilla’s main campus are available the second Monday and Friday of each month at 10 a.m.

Brought to you by West Valley Magazine

Despite sizable economic bumps in the road over the last few years, the West Valley has undergone amazing growth.  Stephen Cleveland has helped manage and promote that growth as much as anyone during the last 30 years. That reputation prompted Buckeye Mayor Jackie Meck to approach Cleveland some 18 months ago.  “We were well aware of Stephen’s reputation as a leader, and for a town that had four town managers in five years, we needed that kind of leadership, especially in these tough economic times,” Meck said.  “It took some coaxing.”
“When he led a Council retreat in June 2009, he stressed that government stability was a key factor in the kind of recovery we were looking for.  We now have that stability, thanks in great part to Stephen, who joined us in July 2009.” “At the retreat, we talked about what items were important to enable a community to grow,” Cleveland said.  “It’s the infrastructure, it’s having financial stability, and, most importantly, it’s having government stability. “And in the area of government stability it’s having elected officials that are stable in their philosophies and in the policies they implement.  Business needs to know elected officials will promote economic development, that they are going to be there for the ribbon cutting, and that Town staff will be with them through the process.  In each case,  recent history did not demonstrate that, so we drew a new road map.”  That road map placed developing good relationships with business as an essential component. Cleveland told the council that businesses “want to know you’re there, you care, and you’re going to help them successfully navigate through the regulatory processes.  As an organization, we’re here to help them through the steps.  We are going to help existing businesses grow while we attract others.” During economic times that have been difficult throughout the state, Buckeye leadership has had to make some tough choices in the last couple of years.  As the housing and business industries declined, the town’s staff has undergone a reduction from roughly 500 employees to about 300.  One round of layoffs occurred before Cleveland joined the Buckeye staff, and a second one took place shortly after he accepted his position with the town.  Remaining employees have had to endure salary cuts of between five and 15 percent.  The Mayor took a full pay cut and the council members each took a  five percent cut. However, according to Cleveland, town employees and council stepped up to the challenges put before them during the past 16 months.  The necessary changes have taken place and have provided positive results.  Early in his career he discovered principles that he has maintained to this day.  “You get things done with and through others, you don’t get things done by yourself,” he said.  “Sharing the rewards with others is more important than individual rewards.”
“I’m proud of their accomplishments,” Cleveland said of the town employees. “We’ve reached a point where we’ve stabilized the budget; we’ve re-organized ourselves so that we’re more efficient and competitive; and we’ve re-gained our community’s confidence.  The council publicly compliments the staff for their achievements and hard work.  Our news information is positive and we’re looking forward to what we can be.  Residents, businesses and home builders are more upbeat.” Buckeye has focused its goals around three areas of economic development: healthcare, education and renewable energy, including solar and hydro energy. “In each of those areas, we are making positive steps,” Cleveland said. The goals came from solid community and council efforts through “We Are Buckeye,” a group of Buckeye residents and stakeholders that developed a strategic plan approved by the council earlier this year. “Those people worked for many months to develop this plan, including six public meetings attended by hundreds of residents,” Cleveland said.  “That kind of community involvement has been a huge part of our recent successes.  By being open with residents, I think we have reached the kind of buy-in our new road map requires to be successful.” Many of the economic goals discussed by Cleveland and the town council at their June 2009 retreat are being realized.  The town has attracted new businesses including McDonald’s, Chevron, Discount Tire, Odyssey Preparatory Academy, Carl’s Jr., Beall’s Outlet, and two new urgent care centers.  And a new dental clinic, a new QuikTrip store and Best Western are coming soon.  These are important retail businesses to provide our residents needed amenities and services. Last month, ground was broken for a new healthcare and emergency center that will be operated by West Valley Hospital.  The center, slated to open next summer, will provide valuable diagnostic services, a higher level of medical treatment, and jobs benefitting Buckeye economically.  The town is working to attract other diverse companies. The town is being recognized for its innovation and creativity.  It has received several grant awards to expand the wastewater treatment facility by another 1.5 million gallon per day, improve community roads, police motorcycles and other vehicles to enforce traffic laws, and a new fire station in Verrado.  Water is a big challenge for the state and the town’s future.  Partnerships with Roosevelt Irrigation District and Buckeye Irrigation Company will enable the town to establish a sustainable water supply.  This is critical to support quality employment and retail centers. Cleveland still chairs the Groundwater Users Advisory Council (GUAC) that advises Arizona Department of Water Resources about the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA).  He was appointed in 1994, and has served as GUAC Chairman since 1995. Buckeye supports home builders during this economic slow down to build on the existing subdivision lots.  It is excited about Meritage Homes’ efforts to implement a Green Building residential program in the town.  And under Cleveland’s leadership, Buckeye is working with Abengoa Solar to provide job opportunities at and van transportation services for residents to the company’s planned solar plant in Gila Bend.  Additional employment opportunities may arise based on several more solar companies announcing their intent to build facilities in the Buckeye area.  Maricopa County Workforce Connections program services will provide residents online resume writing and interview skills, along with its job recruitment program.
Educationally, Buckeye school districts are striving for excellence in their eight elementary and high school districts.  Post secondary education is also very important to support businesses and to keep students and adults in Buckeye.  The town has partnered with Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) which offers evening classes at Buckeye High School.  “There are efforts to bring a daytime presence for the community college, which owns 80 acres in Buckeye for a future campus,” Cleveland said. “We don’t want to wait 10 to 15 years to construct the EMCC campus.  We want to be here today to provide education, needed training and skill sets,” said Ernie Lara, EMCC President. Furthermore, Cleveland is working with the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce and Main Street to develop a “buy local” program for the residents.  The program will communicate the positive impact that local purchasing has on the local economy and services.  Businesses are encouraged to promote themselves.  “Municipalities need sales tax revenues to fund services provided to residents and businesses,” he said. The town council approved a one-percent sales tax supporting public safety that took effect October 1 that is projected to generate $1.3 million this budget year and $2.6 million next year.  This money will be used to offset a reduction in state shared revenues from income taxes that Buckeye will receive from the State of Arizona.  In addition to a career of managing cities and towns in the West Valley, Cleveland has offered his time and knowledge to the community through local organizations and causes throughout the years.  He often finds himself with as many as three community-related meetings or events after his work day has ended.  Cleveland was one of the founders of Leadership West and is still very involved with the organization today.  “Around 1993, about ten of us representing government, business and community leaders got together, and knew that the West Valley was about to grow.  We realized that we needed to promote local leadership so that the community could grow the way it wanted to, rather than be run over by development,” he said. To date, over 300 graduates of Leadership West, from all sectors including elected officials, have gained great experience and made a tremendous impact while working together in leadership teams.  They worked cooperatively on issues such as growth, transportation, social service demands, employment, and air quality matters to produce quality communities.” Cleveland was on the Board of Directors for Fighter Country Partnership to support and promote the sustainability of Luke Air Force Base for 16 years until taking a leave of absence from the board when he accepted the Buckeye town manager position.
Cleveland helped organize the IMS Arizona Marathon.  The marathon has raised over $30,000 for cancer research and other local causes in the past two years.  In February 2011, the Marathon will include Verrado in Buckeye as its starting point for the first time.  Mayor Jackie Meck noted that “Buckeye’s quick transformation was made possible by Stephen’s knowledge and experience in many areas including regional planning and regional cooperation, water, business processes, budget, policy and technical committees, community building, and city management.  He is committed to excellence and getting the job done.”  “Buckeye has a terrific team of elected officials, staff, businesses, and residents that are preparing for the next growth cycle,” said Cleveland.  “They are not waiting for it, they are making it happen.  They want to be competitive.  They will be ready.” Cleveland has an undergraduate degree in Community Services and Public Administration from the University of Oregon.  He attended evening classes and received a master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University in 1988.
He retired as Goodyear city manager in 2007 and set up his own consulting company called Cleveland Management Consulting, working with both public and private entities.  He counseled businesses such as Sonoran Institute, Waste Management and others on how to work with government.  Several cities contracted for council retreats and executive strategic planning training.  He also served eight months with the City of Glendale as a contract deputy city manager. In the midst of a career of nearly 40 years in public service and community involvement, Stephen Cleveland shows no signs of slowing down.  Realizing there will always be bumps in the road, he now has a road map and he’s enjoying the journey.

Wine/Beer/Food Tasking & Silent Auction

Live Music and Entertainment

Sunday, November 14, 2010  5:00pm to 9:00pm

Downtown Litchfield Park – Old Litchfield Road and Wigwam Blvd.

Donation $50 ticket

Call for Tickets 602-206-3161 or,

email: maryann@cdsdrivers.com

To support and benefit our causes: Increase child literacy, reduce hunger & poverty, provide clean water.

In partnership with: Taps Signature Cuisine & Bar, Blu Sushi, AJ’s Persian Grill, Old Pueblo, Wigwam Resort, Deno’s Pizza & Ground Control Coffee & Gelato.

The West Valley Reality Check, a collaborative effort between Leadership West and the Urban Land Institute, is registering for participants for its November event.

The program’s goal is to bring together leaders in government, business and nonprofits; environmentalists; educators; neighborhood activists; interfaith groups; and tribal and elected officials to focus on a regional approach to shaping our built environment. It is a continuation of an event held in the spring by Leadership West.

By 2050, the Central Arizona region will have an additional 6 million people and 3 million new jobs – many of those will be in the West Valley. This is an opportunity to influence how the region plans land-use, transportation and infrastructure while sustaining our economy and quality of life.

WHAT: West Valley Reality Check

WHEN:  Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010, from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Registration begins at 8:00am

WHERE: Comfort Suites Glendale Ballroom, 9824 W. Camelback Road, Glendale AZ  85305

COST:  The event is free. RSVP required. Space is limited.

SPONSORS: Salt River Project (SRP), Urban Land Institute, WESTMARC, City of Goodyear, RBF Consulting, Tiffany & Bosco, Sandbox Development, Metro Light Rail

CONTACT:  www.leadershipwest.org or call 623-826-2074

TO REGISTER: Visit www.leadershipwest.org to register online.

Who is Leadership West? Leadership West cultivates leadership capital for the West Valley.  We educate and activate proven leaders in business, education, non-profits and government to enhance business and quality of life in the West Valley.

When you are home to Arizona’s largest collection of exotic species, it seems every season is breeding season.  And, while spring usually brings the biggest wave of new arrivals, Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium has seen a long and exciting list of significant births, including several endangered species, over the past few weeks.

Three rare African hoofed species: an addax, and Arabian Oryx and one considered extinct in the wild, a scimitar horned oryx can been seen roaming with the adult herds. Another large hoofed species, the sable antelope, has given birth. Male sables are one of few antelope species known to successfully fend off lion attacks using their large curved horns. Also from Africa, a baby De Brazza’s monkey can be seen clinging to its mother.

From South America a new baby spider monkey—a species well known for its tree climbing and acrobatic skills, and a group of mountain coati, an animal related to the raccoon, are now on display.

The always-changing baby animal nursery currently features a 3-week old African crested porcupine, young African spurred tortoises, and a pair of agile wallaby joeys.

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium is located at 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ. We’re open seven days a week, 365 days a year, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s holidays.  Zoo exhibits are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last zoo admission is at 5:00 p.m.) Aquarium exhibits are open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Daytime admission includes access to the zoo and aquarium.  Special reduced evening admission to Aquarium-Only is available after 5:00 p.m.

For general visitor info: (623) 935-WILD (9453) or visit www.Wildlifeworld.com.

By Michelle Arana

It is common knowledge that there are many of us out there that like to have a “scare” every once in a while. Whether it is around Halloween, when we like to leave all the blinds open and the doors unlocked while we are at home alone only to freak ourselves out with a good scary movie. It’s almost like we long for that rush we get, just like when we go on that fast or wild ride at the amusement park, that gives us that crazy racing feeling we crave every so often. When we get a good scare we start to think about other stuff, like frightening things that actually happen to people in real life. At the same time, we wonder how we can ever explain the phenomena that may actually have happened. You guys know what I’m talking about. Like hearing voices, footsteps, feeling a presence walk right past you or that cold temperature change on the back of your neck when it’s 100 degrees outside. That paranormal activity you may have experienced once or twice in your life that you may have told someone, or just kept to yourself because you were concerned how other people might react. What if there was a way to get an inside look at what really goes on behind this paranormal activity? What if there was a way to take a scientific approach to be able to even come close to describing and explaining what is actually happening when people have unexplainable phenomena happen to them? Well one Arizona group has been doing exactly that. The elite group of Arizona Paranormal Investigations started their non-profit back in 1994, throughout the state of Arizona. They started this investigative group because they simply wanted to help other people. And help is exactly what they are giving to the public. Not only are they free of charge, but they help give people the closure and validation that they are seeking. Is what I’m experiencing paranormal or not? These Investigators do more than just stop by your house and decide after walking around if you have paranormal activity going on or not. They are a unique group that actually does their research and concludes cases based on hard evidence. They gather video data, audio data, temperature readings, Carbon Monoxide testing, and even collect Electro Magnetic Field Sensitivity data, just to name a few of the tests they run when someone experiences an encounter or paranormal activity. These brave Investigators have experienced phenomena from hearing voices played back on their audio equipment, to seeing shapes moving, feeling temperature changes on their bodies, hearing footsteps across the floor, to even being able to communicate and get responses. When we asked Paranormal Investigator James Kelly what the most haunted place was that he ever encountered while investigating, he shared with us one of his haunting experience while at the old Birdcage Theatre in Tombstone, Arizona. According to his experience, James told us that, “there were five of us investigating the Theatre that night. We started to hear knocking when we entered the theatre and in attempt to communicate with the source, I asked the presence to knock twice on the wall if it could hear me. The presence knocked twice on the wall and then I felt a cold spot on my neck and shoulders immediately. We took the temperature gun which has a laser that is able to take the temperature of any surface. It was put up to my neck and shoulders and determined that there was a 15 degree temperature change. While we were recording audio and practicing our Electronic Voice Phenomena techniques, we asked, ‘How many Soiled Doves live here?’ At first two voices responded saying ‘no Soiled Doves live here.’ Then a third voice, in a deeper tone said ‘none’.” Aside from his experience investigating the Birdcage Theatre in Tombstone, his next significant haunting experience would have to be the Vulture Mine in Wickenburg. There, they actually recorded someone walking by him in what sounded like Cowboy Boots. If you think about it, these Investigators are very brave to do what they do, and it is admirable that they offer these services for free. While interviewing James, he warned that, “if anyone ever charges you to Investigate Paranormal activity, do not go through with it. It is a fraudulent scam.” Why is that you might ask? According to James, it is because no one can officially explain why these things happen. Some things are unfortunately unexplainable. These Investigators make their conclusions on the situation based on hard scientific evidence. In some cases, there are actual, factual data that proves there is paranormal activity going on in a person’s home or even business. Other times, it could be an accidental claim a person called in to make. For example a person may think that they hear voices or footsteps, when in all actuality their Carbon Monoxide readings are not showing up normal, or even their Electro Magnetic Field readings are not in the norm and that could actually be the culprit. In other cases, when movies featuring Paranormal Activity come out, they get bombarded with calls. People start thinking they have activity going on just because of something that happened in the movie that they could relate to, or the majority can be hoaxes just to get hype going around for ticket sales. Whatever the case, these Investigators answer every call and email, and do everything in their human power to investigate the activity that may be going on in your home or business. Since they are only human, there is not a cure that they can just simply prescribe to the public to make the activity go away. However they can provide their eager inquirers with tools to either deal with the activity that they may be presently living with (because you cannot make a presence go away especially if they don’t want to). Or they can get to the bottom of the scientific reality, meaning if there is a natural problem instead, such as Carbon Monoxide, Electro Magnetic Fields, etc. All in all these investigators let the public walk away with an answer…a piece of mind, validation and closure so they can get on with their lives knowing whether or not they are indeed experiencing paranormal activity. If you would like to hear some of their actual footage caught on tape, find out more information, or if you yourself are experiencing possible activity right now, please visit their website at www.arizonaparanormalinvestigations.com or email them at info@arizonaparanormalinvestigations.com. Let them know you heard about them from West Valley Magazine!

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