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Notes for October 2007
And Your Point Is? Vote for a new Point of Pride
And Your Point Is? Vote for a new Point of Pride
Great weather, good jobs, first-class entertainment and exciting professional sports are among the reasons many people call Phoenix home.The community also has an abundance of outstanding attractions - places people like to show their family and visitors - that help make it unique and memorable.
Now, you can help add to that list of notable places. The Phoenix Pride Commission is asking residents to select another site to be added to the city's list of 30 "Points of Pride."
What is a point of pride? It could be anything that makes you proud - a park, mountain peak, cultural facility or historic residence. Proposed sites must be in Phoenix, unique to the city and project a sense of pride among residents. They cannot be events or people.
The initial 25 locations were chosen in 1992, two others were added in 1996 and 2000, and three more were added in 2004. The full list can be found at phoenix.gov/pride.
Nomination forms for the new site are available at phoenix.gov/pride2008 or by calling 602-262-7176. In addition to completing the form, you also will be asked to prepare an essay of 100 words or less that describes why your location should be considered. Nominations will be evaluated based on quality and merit, not the quantity of submittals. Entries must be postmarked by Nov. 9.
All submitted entries will be reviewed by the Pride Commission and the top 10 locations will be presented to the community for a public vote. The new landmark will receive a distinctive marker to identify it to passersby.
Arts groups, patrons boost city's economy
Nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their followers are big spenders and major contributors to the city's economy, according to a national study.The study by Americans for the Arts showed that in 2005 the organizations and the 6.1 million people who attended their events in the city spent more than $361 million, a 38 percent increase from the previous study in 2002.
In addition, their combined spending - $133 million by the organizations and $228 million by their patrons - produced $39 million in state and local taxes.
Comparatively, the 6.1 million people who attended nonprofit arts and culture events in Phoenix in 2005 exceeded the number that saw the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and the FBR Open combined.
Phoenix was one of 156 regions across the country participating in the study, which included detailed budget data obtained from 67 organizations in the city.
According to the study, the nonprofit arts and culture groups directly and indirectly supported 11,164 full-time equivalent jobs in Phoenix, more than 10 times the national median. It also showed that 9,356 organization volunteers donated 611,993 hours of their time, which was valued at more than $11 million.
Nationally, the industry generates more than $160 billion in economic activity every year, resulting in almost $30 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.
To see the full national study, visit artsusa.org.
Phoenix bird turns 20
One of the state's most recognizable symbols, the city of Phoenix bird, is 20 years old.At one time, more than 30 different city logos depicting the Phoenix bird - many of them designed by various city departments - could be found on city signs, stationery, brochures, vehicles and uniforms.
City officials recognized that such an array of logos was confusing and set out to find a single distinctive image that could become as easily recognized as Nike's "swoosh" or McDonald's golden arches.
A competition to develop a new logo was held in 1987 with just a couple of simple rules - entries had to include the legendary Phoenix bird and the words "City of Phoenix."
Most of the 277 entries came from Valley individuals and professional design firms, but some came from as far away as England.
Initially, 10 semi-finalists were selected and given a month and a $1,000 stipend to prepare a formal presentation to the selection panel. The panel was joined by several hundred people who showed up to see the presentations.
Four finalists were chosen and the final decision then was turned over to the public for a vote. More than 20,000 ballots later, the city had its official logo. The winning entry came from the design firm of Smit Ghormley Sanft, which has since become Catapult Strategic Design.
To protect the logo, the city obtained federal copyright and trademark registrations for it. Still, some businesses and individuals are caught from time-to-time "pirating" it. To report a trademark violation, call 602-262-7176.
Many home improvements require permit
Whether you do it yourself or have someone else do it for you, it's the homeowner's responsibility to make sure city permits are obtained for many common home improvement jobs.Permits, which protect your safety and the value of your home, are needed for such jobs as replacing a water heater, updating an electrical system, installing a patio cover, building a fence, enclosing a carport or adding on to the home.
To find out if your project requires a permit, call 602-262-7884.
There's also an easy way to find out if work done to your home previously was properly permitted. Just visit phoenix.gov/devserv and click "online services," then "status searches," and finally "Building Permit Info Search," and enter the address. For permits prior to 1994 visit the Records Center, City Hall, second floor, 200 W. Washington St.
Don't let someone else's mistake become your problem; use this service before you purchase your next home.
Seniors need companions
The city is looking for senior volunteers who would like to spend some time helping other seniors.The Senior Companion Program is in need of people to serve as companions to seniors and help them with various daily activities.
Volunteers serve at community and senior centers and medical and senior housing facilities where they assist seniors by performing such tasks as taking them to appointments and social events and helping them obtain social services.
Companions must be at least 60 years old, in good health, live in Phoenix and able to serve 20 hours a week.
Limited-income volunteers may qualify for non-taxable stipends, meals while on duty, mileage reimbursement, annual physicals, supplemental accident and liability insurance on their vehicle and the opportunity to participate in free training and celebration events.
For more information, call 602-256-3353 or visit phoenix.gov/seniorcompanion.
Surplus goods auction Nov. 17
Surplus materials ranging from furniture to cars will be sold by the city at an auction Saturday, Nov. 17.Gates to the auction yard, 2820 S. 22nd Ave., south of Lower Buckeye Road, will open at 7:30 a.m. and the sale will begin at 9 a.m. The cashier will remain open until 2:30 p.m. and the gates will close at 3 p.m.
Inspection of the auction items will be allowed at the yard from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, and Friday, Nov. 16.
For more information, call 602-534-0828 or visit phoenix.gov/invmgt.
Adopt a Family for the holidays
Looking for a way to share your holiday spirit?Sponsors are needed to provide toys, clothing and household items for participants in the Human Services Department's annual Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program.
Participants are low-income families who are experiencing difficult times and would not otherwise be able to provide gifts for their children. Last year, the program assisted 355 families.
For more information or to be a sponsor, call 602-262-4520.
Hazardous waste collections planned
Phoenix residents can dispose of common hazardous wastes and other items at Household Hazardous Waste collections from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15 - 17 at North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., and Dec. 13 - 15 at Deer Valley Park, 19602 N. 19th Ave.In addition to batteries, oil, paint, antifreeze, pesticides and pool chemicals, the events will accept five road tires per household, computers and household appliances that use refrigerants, including refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and heat pumps. Commercial loads will not be accepted.
The city also will pick up household appliances at your home for a fee. Call for a collection appointment. For information, call 602-262-7251, send e-mail to pwserve@phoenix.gov or visit phoenix.gov/publicworks.
CHAIRity event aids domestic violence victims
Domestic violence victims will receive counseling and client services from proceeds raised at the eighth annual CHAIRity event, "Sit a Moment, Stop the Violence," at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Phoenix Art Museum, Central Avenue and McDowell Road.Eleven creative chairs designed by 22 Arizona State University interior design students will be auctioned at the event and the proceeds will benefit the Phoenix Family Advocacy Center, which provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
The chairs will be on display at the Phoenix City Hall atrium, 200 W. Washington St., during business hours from Nov. 5 to 15. Tax-deductible tickets, which must be purchased by Nov. 8, are $125 per person. Various levels of corporate sponsorship also are available. For more information, call 602-534-3072.
Bazaar offers early holiday shopping
You can get an early start on your holiday shopping this year at the city's annual Holiday Bazaar 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, at Heritage Square, Sixth and Monroe streets.The free event will feature handcrafted gifts, fresh baked goods and international cuisine, including Mexican, Native American and Chinese, all prepared and crafted by seniors from the city's 17 senior centers.
The bazaar is sponsored by the Human Services Department, Senior Services Division, and Parks and Recreation Department.
Proceeds will benefit the city's senior centers, which provide services to thousands of senior citizens each year. For more information, call 602-262-7379.
Brown Bag presents Native American experience
Chris Kyselka, a Diné (Navajo), will discuss "Let's Talk Culture! A Native-American Experience" at the Faces of Diversity Brown Bag luncheon series, noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at the Phoenix City Council Chambers, 200 W. Jefferson St.The free series is sponsored by the Phoenix Human Relations Commission and the city's Equal Opportunity Department.
For more information, call 602-261-8242 or 602-534-1557/TTY or visit phoenix.gov/eod/bbag.html.
Kids concert, parade open holiday events
Phoenix is gearing up for another holiday season filled with fun and excitement for the entire family.The annual APS Fiesta of Light activities will open with two major holiday traditions - the holiday concert and festival on Friday, Nov. 23, and the Electric Light Parade on Saturday, Dec. 1.
The free concert and festival, which runs from 3 to 8 p.m., will be at a new location - Cesar Chavez Memorial Plaza, located in front of Phoenix City Hall at Washington Street and Second Avenue. It will feature special entertainment and activities for kids, arts and crafts, the mayor's tree lighting of one of the plaza's living pines and the traditional visit from Santa Claus.
The 21st annual parade featuring illuminated floats, marching bands and helium balloons will roll out on Central Avenue north of Montebello Avenue at 7 p.m., move south on Central to Camelback Road, east to Seventh Street and then south to Indian School Road. This year's parade theme is "Holiday Lights, Starry Nights."
For more information about the concert and parade, call 602-534-FEST (3378) or 602-262-4627. And, check out next month's issue of Notes for a list of other Fiesta of Light events that will be held in December.
City promotes plastic bag recycling
The city will mark America Recycles Day Nov. 15 with an announcement of a new voluntary program in partnership with local retailers and grocers to encourage residents to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic bags.Stores in the Valley have been working with the city to find ways to reduce the impact of plastic bags on landfills and to address litter issues they create. Plastic bags and other "film" plastic are not recyclable in the city's residential recycling program.
Residents who use plastic bags are encouraged to reuse them to bag and tie their garbage and grass, or return them to merchants who recycle them.
Sunday at Shemer celebrates artists
Sunday at Shemer, one of the most popular family art festivals in the state, returns to the Parks and Recreation Department's Shemer Art Center and Museum Sunday, Nov. 4.The 19th annual festival, which will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offers the public a rare opportunity to meet and talk with artists, participate in hands-on activities and view artists' demonstrations.
In addition, visitors will be able to take part in a silent auction featuring collectible art.
The art center galleries, located at 5005 E. Camelback Road, will be open for a "sneak peek" and early bidding on from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.
Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 17. For additional information call 602-262-4727 or visit phoenix.gov/parks/shemer.html.
Film industry boosts economy
The filming industry pumped more than $54.4 million into the Phoenix and Valley economy this past fiscal year, its largest amount ever, according to the Phoenix Film Office.The infusion, which was a 55 percent increase from the previous fiscal year's total, came from a variety of sources, including wages, hotel stays, equipment rentals, building supply purchases, restaurant visits and purchases at retail shops.
Phoenix and others parts of the Valley were used by production companies during the past fiscal year for dozens of major films, television shows, commercials, music videos, student films and still photographs.
Among the major movie productions were "The Kingdom" starring Jamie Foxx, which included scenes shot at Sky Harbor International Airport, Historic City Hall and the Phoenix Firefighters Training Academy, and "Kids in America" featuring Topher Grace, which used Camelback Mountain and many of its homes to depict Los Angeles.
The filming of CW Network's "Hidden Palms" television series marked the first time in 15 years that Phoenix has hosted a network series. The CW used a number of locations in Ahwatukee as Palm Springs for seven episodes of the series.
WE Network's reality series "Wife, Mom and Bounty Hunter" and A&E's series "Big Spender" also were predominately shot in the area.
In addition, commercials were filmed for Nike, Gatorade, Crest, Dodge and Cadillac and still photographs were shot for Men's Italian Vogue, Water Mark, Men's Health, Mark's Work Warehouse and Witt Weiden.
Sunnyslope Center closes temporarily
Residents who use the Sunnyslope Community Center will have to visit other locations for the next few months while the facility undergoes renovation and repairs.The 30-year-old center will reopen early next year when the work is completed.
Some regular activities have been moved to other locations, including the senior lunch program which is being held at the Shadow Mountain Center, 3546 E. Sweetwater Ave. Also, yoga, pilates, gymnastics, belly dancing, county line dancing and senior exercise classes are being held at the Sunnyslope Community Center Gymnasium, which remains open during the renovation.
For more information, call 602-534-5516.
Replace a bulb, save energy
Phoenix has joined with Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service Co. in urging residents to help save electric power by switching to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps, which use about two-thirds less energy than incandescent bulbs.Utility officials say if 570,000 residents and businesses - the number of SRP customers in the area - would switch out just one bulb, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 251 million pounds and reduce energy use by 159 kilowatt hours, enough to light 91,000 homes for a year.
Both SRP and APS have programs that offer discounts for the purchases of compact fluorescent lamps.
To learn more about saving energy and to find locations of retail stores taking part in the discount programs, visit www.srpnet.com and www.aps.com.
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