PEOPLE.
A wonderful community doesn't just come together because of government, its wealth, or its location. Wonderful communities are the direct result of the good people who unite to make the world a better place. This page features interesting people and groups who make a unique contribution to "our side of the Valley" whether on a large or small scale. I'm honored these people have agreed to be interviewed for it's been a pleasure getting to know them. ~Jen Barber
Peter Egyed and CrossFit Fury
Peter Egyed of CrossFit Fury is one of the most inspiring people I know in the Southwest Valley. He continues to find ways to improve the place we call home.
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Peter asks, “Could you imagine free family field days every Saturday and anyone coming out to plant and harvest fresh produce right here in Goodyear? The possibilities are endless but we just need to get there!” If you haven’t seen Peter in person, you may have seen him on the CrossFit games. He lives what he preaches. A Paleo lifestyle and daily exercise. He’s a fan of kids and has his sights on expanding his CrossFit gym again.
Enjoy this feature… and if you see Peter, please thank him for his part in making the West Valley a great place to call “home.” #thegoodingoodyear |
Mike Abramovich, Certified Instruction and Training, LLC
Whether you own a firearm for personal protection or for sport, odds are you've come across other enthusiasts throughout the state of Arizona. Statistics show a large number of men - and women alike - are enrolling in home protection courses, joining gun clubs, and obtaining concealed weapons permits every year.
This week, "People of the West Valley" shines brightly on a highly respected NRA Instructor, community leader, husband and father.
This week, "People of the West Valley" shines brightly on a highly respected NRA Instructor, community leader, husband and father.
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I know that when I teach one person to safely use a firearm, that person will eventually help other friends or family. Most of us learned how to shoot from a knowledgeable gun owner, not necessarily an Instructor. So I know when I help others to become successful Instructors, I am making a difference not only in that Instructor’s life, but in all of their future student’s lives as well. ~Mike Abramovich, Certified Instruction and Training, LLC Click here to find out more about Mike Abramovich, his views on the 2nd Amendment, and the firearms safety and home protection courses he offers.
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Community Crime Watches
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When neighbors come together, they an act as the eyes and ears of the community to help cut crime.
In Goodyear, more than 20 neighborhoods have crime watch programs. We take a look at crime prevention and show you how you can connect with police in starting up a watch program in your neighborhood, too. The residents themselves build better relationships and trust with law enforcement when they get to know their Community Services Officers. ~Lisa Kutis, PIO for the Goodyear Police Department Click here for more.
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Mario Valencia
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When this Desert Storm veteran found a torn American flag in his community, he reached out to his neighbors to see if they'd mind if he replaced it. The response was extraordinary.
We contacted Valencia to learn more about his story and his reaction to his neighbors' support. I did it because it’s the right thing to do. It’s a reflection of the pride we have not only for our country, but for our community. Take a look at all that happened in just 24 hours in one West Valley community here.
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Tanja Tanner, City of Goodyear Fire Department
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Arizona pre-school and elementary students usually get a visit from the fire department to learn about fire and swimming safety. In Goodyear, the woman running the community education program is more than just an educator. She's a mom, grandmother, and a passionate child safety award winner.
Once part of a clown troupe for APS, Tanja Tanner turned her hobby into a full-time career sharing messages of safety with children and families. If you have children attending school in the West Valley, odds are your family has a connection with her Fire Pals staff at the Goodyear Fire Department. Clowning around afforded me the career I have now. I have been given the opportunity to teach an entire generation of children fire and life safety messages in hopes they raise a safer generation. ~Tanja Tanner, Goodyear Fire Department |
In her spare time, Tanja and her husband Keith - whom she met at fire clown school - continue to "clown around" with their fire safety message in large parades. In fact, they drive the APS 1952 fire truck and ocassionally recruit their children and grandchildren to participate in the fun!
Find out why Tanja is an amazing gem in our "People of the West Valley" feature here.
Find out why Tanja is an amazing gem in our "People of the West Valley" feature here.
Kristen Pizzillo
Early ballots are out and this West Valley mom wants residents to consider the benefits of school bonds.
The current state of our education system in Arizona is extremely troubling. For too long our state has ranked at the bottom of the 50 states, and at what point do we say enough is enough? ~Kristen Pizzillo
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As a real estate agent, Kristen's been faced with the question, "Is there a school tax exemption?"
Hear her argument. Why does she feel even retired folks should vote in favor of school bonds? Also, Kristen ranks the #1 thing the West Valley can do to be more attractive to families... Read Kristen's story here. |
West Valley Cycle
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Out and about on any Saturday morning and odds are you'll run into a pack of road cyclists. It's an impressive sight. And they bring a fun and positive spotlight to the West Valley.
At its very beginnings, it was just a couple of neighbors mountain biking who wanted to race. Today, West Valley Cycle has hundreds of riders and fans. And they've made it a mission to give back to the community. |
What keeps me motivated are the success stories of beginning riders rising up to new levels. The rider that lost 40 pounds and can now ride 56 miles every Saturday. Or the rider that got dropped every week going up Cotton for three consecutive months and now leads the higher level groups up the hills. Most important, the rider that just moved to Goodyear from the east coast and now has over 100 friends wanting to ride with them every week. These types of connections are life changing and what WVC stands for! ~David Herzog
Additionally, founder David Herzog says some of the top cyclists in Arizona come and train with West Valley Cycle.
Eve Cunningham
Eve’s day started like any other. Two years ago, the working mom of two teenage boys squeezed in time for a routine adjustment with her chiropractor. Far from routine, though, was leaving with a broken sternum. “I had never broken a bone in my life and here, the strongest bone in my body, was easily broken.” Little did Eve know, her routine appointment would be the beginning of a life-changing journey strengthening her faith and engaging the power of love from her friends and family.
Eve Cunningham has touched many Estrella lives through educating our little ones whether during her time at Estrella Mountain Preschool or at The Illiad Academy of the Odyssey Academy down the hill.
At just 43 years of age, Eve was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer affecting her bones called Multiple Myeloma IGA. “My shoulder and arm bones were filled with tiny little holes they called a “moth eaten” appearance and it was cancer.” How and why Eve fell victim to this cancer remains a mystery.
Read more...
Eve Cunningham has touched many Estrella lives through educating our little ones whether during her time at Estrella Mountain Preschool or at The Illiad Academy of the Odyssey Academy down the hill.
At just 43 years of age, Eve was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer affecting her bones called Multiple Myeloma IGA. “My shoulder and arm bones were filled with tiny little holes they called a “moth eaten” appearance and it was cancer.” How and why Eve fell victim to this cancer remains a mystery.
Read more...