Blog Posts Tagged ‘city-of-avondale’

Avondale employee honored by Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence

From City of Avondale 
Ingrid Melle, Avondale AZ PIO 
Chris Lopez, City of Avondale Youth and Community Engagement Supervisor

Chris Lopez, City of Avondale Youth and Community Engagement Supervisor

Chris Lopez, Youth and Community Engagement Supervisor for the City of Avondale, received the Melanie McClintock Leadership Award this past weekend at the annual conference for the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence.
 
The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence (AzCASE) annually recognizes innovative out-of-school time programs and staff members for their exemplary work in providing and promoting quality youth development programs for Arizona’s children. AzCASE held its 15th  Annual Conference at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix, where Chris Lopez was awarded the Excellence in Leadership award on Saturday, October 22.
 
Lopez, hired in 2007 to establish youth development programs for the city, has worked tirelessly to provide Avondale youth with a variety of enriching programs and opportunities.  He has also served on the Arizona Quality Standards for Out of School Time Programs Statewide Quality Assessment committee, and on multiple youth development committees including the United Way. Chris introduced the ‘Kids at Hope’ philosophy to the city and paved the way for Avondale to become the first official ‘Kids at Hope’ city in the nation.  As a result, staff from various school districts, local government and community leaders have been trained in and have adopted the Kids at Hope belief and support system that all children are capable of success, no exceptions.  Chris Lopez was also instrumental in fostering relationships with AmeriCorps VISTA, as well as expanding youth workforce development and teen leadership opportunities in Avondale. 
 
The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence (AzCASE) is Arizona’s leading statewide advocate and information resource for promoting high quality, affordable and accessible out-of-school time programs as an essential component in the positive development of Arizona’s youth.  

Avondale Billy Moore Days

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Relive the Nostalgia of Billy Moore Days with Contests & Competition

As part of the history of Billy Moore Days, fun competitions and contests were always a festive tradition.  Contests of past included cotton bale rolling, donkey and lawn mower races, mustache and beard growing competitions, and local beauties could compete for the coveted title of ‘Miss Billy Moore Days’.  To keep up with the tradition and bring back some of that nostalgic appeal, the event in 2016 will play host to some friendly competition. Participants can compete for the title of best ‘Yee Haw’ holler; kids are invited to take part in the Little Buckaroo/Buckarette Contest; softball and basketball teams can compete for a trophy.

Little Buckaroo/Buckarette Contest

Let your kids show off their best western attire as they compete for the title of Little Buckaroo and Buckarette. Kids, ages 10 and under, are invited to come on stage in western get-up. Prizes and title will be awarded, and winners will get to ride in the Billy Moore Days Parade on a special float.  This contest will take place Friday, October 21 at 5:45 p.m. on the Main Stage located on Western and 6th Street. Entries must check in by 5:30 p.m. to participate in the contest. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the winners. There will be one Buckaroo and one Buckarette winner for a grand prize award of a Party Rental Package (valued at $245) from A to Z Party & Event Rentals. Parents are strongly encouraged to register for the contest ahead of time, prior to the event;  http://www.billymooredays.com

Yee Haw Hollering Contest

Have you been told more than once to use your “inside voice?” Anyone with hollering skills can participate in the first ever Billy Moore Days Yee Haw Hollerin’ Contest.  It’s easy to participate—simply step up on stage and give your best rendition of ‘YEE HAW’!  The contest will take place Saturday, October 22 at 12pm in Serenas Plaza, located next to Sam Garcia Library on Western and 5th Street. Entries must check in by 11:45 am to participate in the contest.

Billy Moore Days Co-ed Softball Tournament

A co-ed ‘Wild West’ Softball Tournament for adults will be hosted Saturday, October 22 at Festival Fields Park located at 101 E. Lower Buckeye Road in Avondale.  Get your team together, and gear them up in western wear (there will be a prize for best team costume). Each inning will have a different crazy rule such as running bases backwards, lasso carry, hitting off a tee, etc.  This is a one day tournament with two games guaranteed. Fee to participate is $175 per team.  Register for the tournament at: www.avondale.org/playnow   using code #7682.  Pre-registration deadline is Monday, October 17.

Billy Moore Days Basketball Tournament

Come shoot some hoops in a 12 team double elimination basketball tournament, Saturday October 22 at the Boys & Girls Club Tri-City West Thornwood Branch located at 301 E Western Avenue in Avondale.  Tournament options are for youth ages 9-14 years and young adults 16-24 years.  Fee to participate is $20 for youth teams, $40 for young adult teams.  Stop by the Boys & Girls Club to register, or reserve your team spot by calling 623-932-1154.  Pre-registration deadline is Wednesday, October 19.

Most of the Billy Moore Days festivities will take place October 21 – 23 in the heart of Historic Avondale, on Western Avenue .  No cost to attend.  Location: Historic Avondale – 495 E Western Ave Avondale AZ 85323.  For more information and to get involved, visit http://www.billymooredays.com , or call City of Avondale at 623-333-2400.   Follow the event festivities and information on Facebook.

Avondale Police Officer Honored as MADD Officer of the Year

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Avondale Police Officer Justin Iwen recently became the 2013 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Officer of the Year.

Officer Iwen received the award at MADD’s annual event, which recognizes the commitment made by individuals to help make Arizona’s streets safer, by stepping up impaired driving enforcement and continuing the public’s education on the hazards of drinking and driving.

He was bestowed this honor because of his commitment to recognizing the importance of driver’s safety by detecting and removing impaired drivers from the streets of Avondale. Officer Iwen has participated in almost all the West Valley DUI Task Forces, and is always willing to offer his assistance with DUI investigations or accidents. Iwen also received a MADD DUI Enforcement Award for his enforcement efforts in Fiscal Year 2012/2013, conducting over 600 traffic stops, issuing over 240 citations and arresting over 50 individuals, all who were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Lieutenant Albert Bates, who supervises Avondale’s Traffic Division stated, “Officer Iwen has displayed a tremendous commitment to the safety of drivers. There is no doubt his enforcement efforts have made our streets safer.”

Officer Justin Iwen is a member of the Traffic Division for Avondale, and has been “Serving with Honor” for the Avondale Police Department since 2008.

Lieutenant Albert Bates, who supervises Avondale’s Traffic Division stated, “Officer Iwen has displayed a tremendous commitment to the safety of drivers. There is no doubt his enforcement efforts have made our streets safer.”

Officer Justin Iwen is a member of the Traffic Division for Avondale, and has been ‘Serving with Honor” for the Avondale Police Department since 2008.

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to “stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.” MADD is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to protect families from drunk driving and underage drinking.

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