Gilbert Sun News - 2.6.2022 by Times Media Group

House speaker saves elections

Cactus League season angst

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

BUSINESS................20 Original East Valley store sells a lot of bones.

SPORTS...................... 26 Mesquite coach Tom Hare is stepping down.

Hear ye, hear ye: The Renaissance Fest returns.

COMMUNITY........................................17

BUSINESS.............................................20 OPINION................................................24

SPORTS..................................................26

GETOUT.................................................28 CLASSIFIEDS........................................31

Sunday, February 6, 2022

Doomsday clock ticks for Gilbert schools BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor And HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

ayoffs, class size increases and pay freezes are in order for three school districts serving Gilbert this school year if the state Legislature fails to override a constitutional spending cap by March 1. The Aggregate Expenditure Limit, approved by voters in 1980, jeopardizes school districts’ budgets in the state to a tune of $1.2 billion total. Charter schools are not included in the spending limit because they did not exist in 1980. For GPS, the fifth largest district in the

state, it would have to cut its spending by $40 million while Higley Unified School District is looking at a $16 million reduction. Chandler Unified would have to cut $54 million. “This could be fairly catastrophic,” said Bill Parker, Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board member at its Feb. 1 meeting. “My concern is the impact on students and our employees. We already have a teacher shortage in the state, a significant shortage. If we have to lay people off we might not have them back. “This is very serious and takes a lot of people with their heads together to figure this out in this room.” Chandler Unified spokesman Terry Locke

said, “If the Legislature doesn’t act, we would have to reduce our budget and eliminate any expenditures that don’t impact our student learning directly and also shift expenditures into other funds,” The 1980 measure puts a ceiling on how much K-12 schools can spend in a fiscal year with the cap fluctuating annually, depending on the previous year student enrollment. Most school funds are counted in the limit with the exception of funds such as pandemic relief money, federal grants and budget overrides. GPS Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord said the limit has typically been a technical

Controversial Morrison Quilts for Kids Ranch project is dead

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

GETOUT..................... 28

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF GILBERT) | GilbertSunNews.com

he controversial proposal to increase the density of an apartment project at Morrison Ranch that led to charges of ethics violations against Mayor Brigette Peterson is no more. The Morrison Family threw in the towel and instead sold the 15 acres at the northeast corner of Higley and Warner roads to Texas-based Leon Capital for $9.5 million in December. The private invest-

ment firm has agreed to keep with the original footprint for the apartments. “It’s great news,” said resident Brandon Ryff, who’s been leading the opposition efforts. “What makes this different from before is they are not seeking any modification to the General Plan and has agreed to accept the original acreage and keep it low density.” Ryff and a few other residents last week individually met with the new landown-

see MORRISON page 6

see SPENDING page 3

The Quilting Club at Trilogy at Power Ranch recently delivered quilts to Sunshine Acres. Showing them off before they got there were, from left, Linda Egner, Judy Langolf, Janet Fox, Barbara Dierberger, Pat Parker and Susan Haga. But they and their counterparts in the club also have made some for sale at their annual show. For details, see page 17. (Photo by Jean Perin)

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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budget issue that was managed behind the scenes but three factors pushed it to the forefront of conversation. “First, the Legislature was discussing this year’s state budget it was projected that the expenditure limit would decrease because of decline in student enrollment last year because of the COVID pandemic,” said McCord reading from a script. “Decreases in school enrollment last year mean a lower-spending limit this year.” Secondly, he said, Proposition 301 or the Classroom Site Fund approved by voters in 2000, which imposed a 0.6cent sales tax to fund education, including teacher salaries, for 20 years and was exempted from the spending cap. But with that tax expiring in 2020, the governor and Legislature in 2018 agreed to a new, identical levy to pick up in July and run until 2041 to keep the money flowing without interruption. Only thing is, they never exempted what the new levy will raise from the expenditure limit. And that alone accounts for more than $632 million of money now coming in to schools – money they formerly got to spend but, legally speaking, cannot spend this year absent a legislatively approved exemption, which requires a two-thirds vote. And lastly, according to McCord, the state has restored the district additional assistance from recession-error cuts, which are counted toward this limit. The fund is used by schools to pay for items like books, computers and buses. “A combination of these things has put us in this position,” McCord said. “For all those reasons the limit will be exceeded this year and into future years.” For the current fiscal year, GPS’ stopgap steps include using all its available budget balance carry-forward money, freezing hiring and stopping all additional spending immediately, McCord said. Next fiscal year, the district would need to right-size to a permanent $40 million annual reduction with layoffs, increases in class sizes and transferring its unrestricted capital dollars to the daily operating budget. “If you put it in perspective, I know

they acted on,” she said. “That’s not the case this year.” And, Humpherys said, the proposed $40 million cut was larger than the one the district had to make in 2009 during the recession. “It is the state Legislature that holds the purse strings for Arizona,” she said. “And GPS Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord last week outlined the po- to understand this tential impact to Gilbert schools if the Legislature fails to lift a spend- correctly it’s not changing the size ing cap. (YouTube) of the purse. It’s some districts have put it like their changing the authority that we have to amount would equal x amount of days of spend and so we would have money to school, we could equate that $40 million pay for all of the things that we need but dollars to be between 700 to 900 em- we would not be allowed to spend it unployees all classifications,” McCord said. less the Legislature acts.” “So that doesn’t mean 700 to 900 emBoard member Sheila Rogers Uggetti ployees would be gone. That’s just what said the state isn’t gaining anything by $40 million is worth in Gilbert Public not taking action because the district’s Schools.” money will just sit in its bank account. Board member Dr. Charles Santa Cruz “The Legislature or the state budget’s noted that the spending limit isn’t ask- not going to all of a sudden gain all this ing for additional money. money that they can use for something “It is already money that has been is- else,” she said. “It’s just a total loss for us sued to the districts,” Dr. Santa Cruz said. and all the other school districts in the “All the Legislature has to do is say ‘yes’ state.” to exceeding the cap.” McCord said staff was unsure how this Board member Jill Humpherys said would play out. that state Rep. Jennifer Pawlik has filed “We’ve talked to some folks down at two bills to address the issue, one re- the Legislature,” he said. “I’m still wongarding a fix for this year and another to dering what’s going to happen in the do away with the cap entirely. next couple weeks. We have no indica“It’s really outdated the way that it is tion as of yet if action will be taken.” calculated,” Humpherys said. “There’s Higley Unified School District was a so much more that we’re doing in our tad more optimistic. schools than we were in 1980…the tech“The legislative groups and the advonology, special ed, a lot of extracurric- cacy groups that we are working with ulars. Our schools are doing way more and currently involved with have a than they were in 1980 so trying to cal- strong sense that this will be exempted culate from that time to now is just very for this year,” CFO Tyler Moore told the outdated.” Governing Board on Jan. 26. “There’s too She added that the Legislature has much at risk for this not to be.” overridden the spending limit for However, if the spending limit stays in schools on two or three occasions. place, HUSD is looking at $16 million in “When that has happened they’ve had budget cuts. a bill filed before the session starts and it has been one of the first things that see SPENDING page 4

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

SPENDING from page 3

“This reduction would wipe out all our contingencies from our current budget,” Moore said. By depleting its reserves, the district won’t have to make any cuts this current year. “We are thankful that we do have this contingency,” Moore said. “Several districts that I’ve talked to do not have contingencies like we do and they would have to make current-year cuts midyear.” But the impact would be felt next fiscal year at HUSD, Moore warned “We would have to make some reductions in or eliminate some of those additional budgeted FTEs (full time equivalent),” he said. “We would also have to propose no compensation increase as well as hiring and salary freezes. “With no budget contingencies in our budget we would be at risk if there was any sort of catastrophe. We would be at risk of having to furlough. It’s just not pretty. I don’t want to go down the list of stuff but this is potentially what we are preparing for if this were to come to fruition.” Board President Amy Kaylor pointed out who was to blame for this potential financial catastrophe. “When we talk about this $16 million possibly cut out of our budget that is strictly on the state Legislature,” Kaylor said. “That is nothing that Higley has done. That is nothing that any school district in this state has done or deserved

Higley Unified CFO Tyler Moore told his Governing Board on Jan. 26 “there’s too much at risk” for the cap not to be lifted. (YouTube) and I just want to make that very clear. “So if there’re people out there that are listening tonight this is a state legislative decision that will be made and districts across the state will have to live with the consequences of that. “It’s very difficult for me to sit here and listen and know that our federal government has been quite generous with COVID relief monies .. and then for our state to come in and say, ‘hold the phone we’re going to cut $16 million.’ It is absolutely atrocious to think about, so if there was ever a time that anybody felt like they needed to advocate at the state level now is the time.” Board member Jill Wilson chimed in. “Arizona is always ranked very low on funding and now we’re going to be even

lower,” Wilson said. Aside from Pawlik’s measure and a companion one submitted by state Sen. Sean Bowie, D-Phoenix, the Legislature has barely paid attention to the looming disaster. At the same time, committees have held hearings and take preliminary votes on secondary education issues like requiring teachers to tell parents if their child comes out as gay and whether textbooks contain references to homosexuality. Bowie said he fears the Republican majority in the Legislature is holding off action in exchange for support of other measures, such as expansion of school vouchers. According to a 2021 release by the U.S.

tition from renewable energy. Advocates for the customers welcomed the ruling as a win for “everyday people” like William Ellis, the lead plaintiff in the suit. “These are everyday people like Mr. Ellis, who just wants to put rooftop solar on his house to get clean energy,” said Jean Su, an attorney for the Center for Biological Diversity, which supported the customers’ suit. Su said the decision could set an important precedent against utility companies that “attack” solar customers. But a spokesperson for SRP said the

utility is confident its 2015 price structure, which sparked the suit, will be upheld and that the company will “ultimately prevail in this matter.” “SRP believes that the few remaining claims in the plaintiff’s allegations are without merit,” said Scott Harelson. Harelson said SRP updated its pricing plan in 2019, and the company invited the plaintiffs to engage in discussions on the changes, but they “chose not to participate.” SRP has about a million customers in Arizona, according to the court decision, which said that the utility at one time

Census Bureau, Arizona was just above Utah and Idaho, which tied for dead last when it came to per-pupil spending for K-12. Education Week reported that on average U.S. schools spend roughly $15,000 per student. But within states, average funding ranges from roughly $9,700 per student in Arizona to roughly $26,700 in New York, a difference of roughly $17,000 per student, the publication said. The $1.2 billion cut statewide translates to more than $1,300 per student than what districts already budgeted and would represent a 17% drop in per-pupil funding. The districts will be able to collect the state and local taxes as planned. They just won’t be able to spend it all. Press aide C.J. Karamargin last fall would not commit to Gov. Doug Ducey supporting an exemption. In his budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year, Ducey proposed a $14.25-billion spending plan that included $227 million in new K-12 funding above what’s required to keep pace with enrollment growth and inflation and $127 million for higher education, including $46 million for “economy workforce initiatives’’ at the three universities to prepare students for careers in future job. Karamargin last fall noted that schools got more than $4 billion in COVID relief dollars. While those dollars are not subject to the expenditure limit, they also are one-time monies.

SRP loses round in suit over extra charges for solar BY CAMILA PEDROSA Cronkite News

ASHINGTON – A federal appeals court said last week SRP customers who also have solar panels at their homes can pursue an antitrust claim against the utility for a policy of charging them more than other customers. The decision by a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling that had thrown out the case, which claimed the higher fees were aimed at stifling compe-

encouraged its customers to invest in solar systems for their homes. But that changed in 2014, when the company announced a new pricing plan that included the E-27 plan, which charged higher rates for customers who installed their own solar systems after December 2014. The plan, adopted by SRP’s board in February 2015, raised rates for non-solar customers by 3.9% while customers with solar systems were subject to rate increases as high as 65%. Ellis and three other customers with

see SRP page 14

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

House Speaker protects election results from Legislature in deep-sixing a measure that has the support of 14 other Republicans in the Legislature – including Gilbert Rep. Jake Hoffman. “He does things like he’s God,’’ Fillmore said of the speaker, ignoring the will of other GOP lawmakers. But Fillmore acknowledged he doesn’t have the votes to oust Bowers as speaker and install someone who would allow a full

debate on the plan. “Sometimes there are a great many of the legislators (who) don’t have the intestinal fortitude to do what is right,’’ he told Capitol Media Services. Fillmore’s legislation is a grab-bag of changes to election laws. It would: • Repeal laws allowing anyone to get an early ballot, saying only those with an excuse, like being hospitalized, would get that right; • Bar all other forms of early voting, requiring that ballots be cast only on election day; • Prohibit the use of Election Day voting centers available to anyone within a county, restricting people to cast ballots only in their home precinct. “We need to get back to 1958-style voting,’’ Fillmore said. But the provision that alarmed Bowers

tached garages renting from $1,800 to over $3,000 a month. According to Stacia Ehlen, who had started a petition against the Morrisons’ proposal and met with the new owner, said the apartments’ design aesthetic will match Morrison Ranch with white rail fences, coordinating colors and similar elevation style to the neighborhood. But there were still some outstanding concerns with the project, mainly with traffic and parking, Ryff added. The un-gated complex’s main entrance would be off Warner. “The No. 1 concern is ensuring that the traffic infrastructure is adequate to accommodate the increase of traffic,” Ryff said. “They are planning 200-plus dwelling units in that complex.” Using a standard formula, over 400 vehicles are anticipated to come from that project, according to Ryff. He said the Morrisons tried to use a 30-year-old traffic study and “pass it off as relevant” for its proposal. “That kind of thing we saw from the Morrisons I think escalated the animosity and made things more difficult,” Ryff

said. Another concern was with Bloomfield Parkway, which is being proposed as a secondary access point for the apartments and is already a nightmare for drivers, he said. There’s no traffic light at Bloomfield, which means cars from the Lakeview Trails community are lined up trying to negotiate a left-hand turn onto the fivelane Higley Road, which will become a greater problem with the apartment drivers, according to Ryff, who has asked the developer to advocate for a signal at Bloomfield and Higley. Also, residents want assurances that the project would have enough parking so apartment dwellers aren’t parking on Bloomfield because of the impact to the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood and safety concerns, Ryff added. He said residents were waiting for answers to their concerns before throwing support behind the project. “They said they intend to file a preap very soon,” he said. “The difference is there’s no zone change so they’ll go through a design review, which is a less rigorous process.”

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he top House Republican is unilaterally quashing legislation that would have given lawmakers the power to reject election returns. Strictly speaking, Speaker Rusty Bowers told Capitol Media Services on Wednesday that he is not killing HB 2596. That’s something he could do by simply refusing to assign it to any committee to be considered. Instead, Bowers last week took the unprecedented step of assigning the proposal by Rep. John Fillmore, R-Apache Junction, to each and every one of the 12 House committees, saying he knows full well there is no way it can secure approval of each of them. The maneuver drew an angry reaction from Fillmore, who complained that “his highness’’ was abusing his powers

MORRISON from page 1

er’s attorney. Howard Morrison declined to comment for the story and referred questions to the owner’s landuse attorney, who did not respond to the Gilbert Sun News by deadline. “I greatly appreciated his approach to meet with the neighbors and share their ideas and plans and hear any concerns we may have,” Ryff said. “They listened, they took notes and I believe they showed a genuine interest in trying to partner with the residents rather than fight, which is what we saw from the Morrisons. “The Morrison Ranch residents, myself included, never objected to the apartments itself. We objected to what we perceived as a bait-and-switch from the Morrisons – what was promised to us as low density and certain acreage, which then became medium density and a much greater footprint.” Under the Morrisons’ proposal for a minor amendment to the General Plan and rezone, the land for the apartments would increase from 15 up to 20 acres with the number of units increasing from 240 to 320. The residents at the March 2021 vir-

House Speaker Rusty Bowers consoles Apache Junction Rep. John Fillmore after essentially killing Fillmore’s bill to give the Legislature the power to overturn election results. Fillmore said Arizona “needs to get back to to 1958.” (Capitol Media Services)

tual neighborhood meeting claimed that increasing the density would bring crime, drop their property values and increase traffic. The pushback against the proposal eventually led to residents filing public record requests with the Town for everything related to the Morrisons’ proposal. They essentially discovered that Peterson was sharing information from residents with developer Howard Morrison, who worked on and contributed to her campaign the year prior. The residents, including Ryff, filed ethics complaints against Peterson, resulting in an outside investigation that cleared Peterson of wrongdoing. Ryff said the Morrisons were not at the meeting but will be involved in the project to the extent that they will have input on the architectural and landscape designs, as stipulated in the asset-purchase agreement. Ryff said he saw some preliminary renderings of the apartment project and “they looked pretty good.” The developer is proposing one-, two- and three-bedroom units with at-

see ELECT page 8

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NEWS

ELECT from page 6

and some others would have required the Legislature to call itself in special session after every election to review the ballot tabulating process for both the primary and general elections. More to the point, it would permit lawmakers to “accept or reject the election returns,’’ with the latter option paving the way for anyone to file suit to seek a new election. That, Bowers told Capitol Media Services, is unacceptable. “We gave the authority to the people,’’ he said. “For somebody to say we have plenary authority to overthrow a vote of the people for something we think may have happened, where is it?’’ Bowers said of the unproven and unverified claims made by those seeking a new vote. And he said that an audit of Maricopa County election returns ordered by Senate President Karen Fann has not pro-

GOT NEWS?

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

duced any evidence that, as some have suggested, the election was stolen from Donald Trump. “The point is, when we gave fundamental to the people, I don’t care if I win or lose, that right was theirs,’’ Bowers said. “And I’m not going to go back and kick them in the teeth.’’ The speaker also said he could not go along with another provision, which would have scrapped the current system of having ballots tabulated by machine, replacing that with a hand count of all the votes cast, a figure that in 2020 exceeded 3.4 million. Bowers acknowledged there are those within his own party who continue to insist that the last election was rigged despite the lack of any proof provided by proponents of that charge. And, he said, he is willing to consider changes in law designed to protect the right to vote and

protect against cheating. For example, he has allowed bills to go forward that alter the early voting process or increase identification requirements. But Bowers said he’s not willing to go along with “capricious’’ alterations to the law that are supported by “people of that ilk, the screaming, demanding, arrogant, self-righteous bunch.’’ And the speaker said it is his job to stand up and say ‘no,’ even when others cannot – or will not. “I would say that most Republicans don’t like it that way,’’ he said. “They’re just intimidated by these people.’’ Killing Fillmore’s bill, Bowers said, “is just a message.’’ Fillmore told Capitol Media Services he isn’t buying arguments by election officials who say that machine counts are more accurate.

Nor was he swayed by the fact that current law already requires there be a hand count of ballots from selected precincts to compare that tally with what the machines registered. Bowers said that in assigning HB 2596 to all 12 committees, he actually is giving Fillmore what he wants: the chance for one or more hearings. That, the speaker said, could not have occurred if he refused to refer it to any committee at all. But Bowers made it clear that there is no way this bill would ever become law. He gets that power not just by virtue of being the speaker and deciding what bills are put up for votes of the full House. There’s also the fact that there are only 31 Republicans in the 60-member chamber. And with no Democrats in support, that means a single GOP vote against it – including his – would kill it if it even got that far.

Contact Cecilia Chan at 480-898-5613 or cchan@timespublications.com

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

New behavioral health hospital eyed for Gilbert BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

wners of a 48-bed behavioral health hospital are seeking a conditional use permit to open on 3 acres at the southeast corner of Rome and Melrose streets, south of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. The proposed 30,774-square-foot Talas Harbor Behavioral Health Hospital would be located in the Val Vista Medical Center Growth Area. “I’m in full support of this use permit,” Planning Commissioner David Blaser said at last Wednesday’s study session. “I think it’s great. I think these hospitals provide a great service and it’s very much-needed in our community.” The single-story project was still early in its review with the Town but given its use, staff thought it should get in front of the Commission early for feedback. The conditional use permit could come back to the Commission for a vote in a public hearing in April, according to principal planner Ashlee MacDonald. The permit does not need Council approval. If approved, it would be Gilbert’s second in-patient behavioral hospital. Copper Springs East was the first when it opened in 2020 with 72 patient

The behavioral center will be located in the Val Vista Medical Center Growth Area at Rome and Melrose streets. (Town of Gilbert) beds and is located across the street from the proposed site for Talas. Unlike Copper Springs, the proposed 24-hour Talas would also serve geriatric patients, 55 and older, according to MacDonald. The project called for 73 parking spaces and two courtyards with no direct access to the public, she said, adding it would be a secured facility. “The importance of building this secure facility in a location already zoned for this use and compatible with adjacent land uses is of crucial importance,” stated the applicant Evolve Ventures in a project narrative to the town. “There are few sites in the Town that could accommodate for this need as well as this site, with its proximity to

the non-age restricted Copper Springs East behavioral health facility and within the Val Vista Medical Growth Area.” Surrounding the site are Copper Springs to the North, BB Living at Val Vista, three and four-bedroom apartments to the south and vacant lands east and west. MacDonald pointed out that behavioral health hospitals are required to maintain a minimum 1,500-foot separation between the hospital’s property line and any school or daycare center property line. Primrose School and Campo Verde High School are outside of that boundary at 2,000 feet and 2,500 feet, respectively, MacDonald said. “My preference is it didn’t back up to

residential use,” Commissioner Anthony Bianchi said. “But that’s just a preference. It doesn’t mean I’d be totally against it.” Chairman Jan Simons agreed. “I don’t have a problem at all with the use,” Simons said. “But with the residential, I do. It’s a little bit of a sticking spot but it’s not going to be something that would make me rule against this. I think it’s a good use, I think it’s something we definitely need.” Commissioners also gave feedback on the building’s look with Commissioner Brian Andersen calling it a “nicely designed building.” MacDonald said although it’s not required, Evolve Ventures is holding a virtual neighborhood meeting Feb. 10.

cations and the significant impact” it was having on school personnel time. The district’s COVID transmission level remains high or in the red last week, according to Maricopa County Department of Public Health’s dashboard. The percent positivity rate was 40.19%, a dip from 45.02% the week prior. GPS’ dashboard last Thursday showed nearly 90 active cases on its campuses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arizona in early February was second in the nation with its daily death rate from COVID-19. Mississippi was No. 1. GPS officials said the information on

the district website is updated daily and includes the same key information families were receiving previously via email notifications. Each school now has a notification dashboard on the website updated daily with the class that was potentially exposed using the teacher’s name and hour if applicable. It also includes the last date the person who has tested positive for COVID was in class. The bus-route notifications are posted on the website on a transportation notification dashboard. District spokeswoman Dawn Antestenis said feedback from families “suggests

that our community understands the need for this and appreciates still having access to the information.” However, there were some who didn’t care for the change. Amber Dawn Helm, who has children attending a district campus, said she wanted GPS to continue sending out the health notifications. “This is extremely important for students who have family members that are immune compromised,” she said in an emailed comment to the Governing Board. “The dashboards currently are

GPS stops sending parents COVID notices GSN NEWS STAFF

arents are no longer receiving email notifications from Gilbert Public Schools that alert them about their children’s were exposed to COVID-19 in class or on the bus. Families can look for that information by class and bus route on the district’s website, according to GPS. However, if a student is required to quarantine parents will still receive direct communication from the school. The district announced it stopped directly informing parents Jan. 20 due to the “current high volume of COVID notifi-

see NOTIFY page 13

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

CUSD aims to prepare for a robot future BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

fficials played a three-minute video at a recent Chandler Unified School District Governing Board meeting titled “The Future of Work.” It showed houses being built, cars being driven, cows being milked, packages being delivered and fields be-

ing plowed. What it did not show were any people doing those jobs. The video also spoke about how robots are moving into new fields. The Washington Post’s robot reporter wrote 850 stories last year. The video claims an artificial intelligence program is a better therapist than a human one. Another claim is that robotic surgeons

are more accurate than even the most skilled doctors. And techs are working on AI programs to replace human lawyers. “The first time we’ve seen it, and we worked with people who we’re showing this video of future jobs, most of the people in the room said, ‘This is scary, are we ready?’” said Dr. Wendy Nance, district assistant superintendent. Nance showed the video as part of her presentation on the portrait of a graduate. The name may change to “portrait of a learner,” Nance said, because district officials want to look at performance at all grade levels, not just the latter years. But the goal is the same: Over the next four months they will look for ways to help CUSD students be better prepared for the world they will enter once they graduate. And it’s looking like a world where robots are doing many of the jobs people do today. Superintendent Frank Narducci said the core mission will remain the same for CUSD, making sure students read, write and do math. But they want to find what other skills they will need and how can the district better prepare them. In this process they are calling those competencies and the goal is to reach a consensus on seven for CUSD. The district is partnering with a nonprofit, Battelle for Kids, to do this project. Valerie Greenhill, a vice president at Battelle, said each district comes up with something a little different. “Every community tackles those questions a little differently because every community is different,” Greenhill said. “There are some competencies that we see more often, but I have not seen two that are identical yet.” Critical thinking would be one that is quite common. Greenhill said one that she is starting to see more and more lately is empathy. To figure what the seven competencies will be for CUSD, Nance is putting together a group of 100 people that will meet four times over the next four months. They will comprise 40 people who are in the district, 40 people who are outside

of it, and 20 current students. The outsiders will come from a variety of backgrounds, including the faith community, business, higher education, social service agencies, and policy makers. The insiders will include educators, families, school leaders and district leaders and the school board. Nance said they’ve already started selecting the 100 and invitations for the first meeting were to go out by the first week of February. So what will the jobs of the future look like? “I don’t know if we know what they’re going to look like,” Nance said. “Some are obviously going to have to be in the technology world.” “I think that’s the whole point of this, it’s about the learning process, not necessarily the content because it changes so fast,” said Colleen Flannery, the district’s director of technology services. The first meeting will focus on how the world has changed and the implications for students. The topic of the second meeting is a discussion on the competencies students will need to thrive today and tomorrow. The third meeting plans to identify and contextualize the competencies that should be a shared, local vision for the community’s portrait. The final meeting in May focuses on how to make what they envision for future students a reality. As part of this new plan, the district hopes to give them skills that will better prepare them for the future. They include critical thinking, adaptability, growth mindset and empathy. Nance said during her presentation that CUSD wants to help students be ready when it’s time for them to make a choice after graduating high school. Do they enroll in higher learning? Join the working force and skip college? Or enlist in the military? When they get there, they may find robots teaching college courses, or unclogging drains or repairing HVAC units, or even fighting the nation’s wars. CUSD officials are hoping this process will prepare students for whatever the world looks like 20 years from now.

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Pilot license help for vets at Gateway Airport ichael Anderson says veterans who want their private pilot’s license can find help through a new scholarship his flight school is offering to 25 recipients. The retired munitions specialist said there’s no catch with the new Ray Foundation Scholarship offered at the University of North Dakota Phoenix Flight Training Center at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The new scholarship, which will cover 80% toward the cost of the lessons required to qualify for a private pilot license, will be awarded to 25 qualified veterans or authorized dependents with

training expected to begin March 1. “Every veteran that I’ve interviewed so far is waiting for the catch,” he said. “And there isn’t a catch. This is absolutely on the up and up.” A private pilot license is a prerequisite for vocational flight training and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs hasn’t covered it since 2015. It can cost approximately $15,000 and Anderson knows money is not something most veterans have a lot of when they exit their service. “No one got out of the military because they had too much money laying around,” he said. Anderson left the Air Force after 25 years of service at the rank of senior master sergeant and is now assistant chief

not reliable. One day there are zero kids at your school with COVID, the very next there are 25 and the very next it’s back to only 16. Without the health notifications, this is making it extremely difficult to track.” Another parent also claimed the dashboard wasn’t accurate. “Of the 10 previous exposure notices I received for my four kids in GPS schools, not a single incident was recorded on the dashboard despite those notices going out after the dashboard should have been updated,” he wrote to the board.

“Furthermore, it is unbelievable that not more emphasis is put on wearing masks or moving to remote learning for a few weeks until the COVID numbers come down,” he added. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer suggests selecting learning modes based on community transmission rates. The agency in January revised its guidelines for K-12 schools, which emphasizes the importance of in-person learning and focuses on strategies to keep students safely in schools.

BY JOSH ORTEGA GSN Staff Writer

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dents’ shoulders. He said the training he and many other veterans have received at UNDAF is comparable to training received in the military: money is no object, but cost is kept low. “The manner in which we approach flight training is to absolutely give the

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Cactus League on the ropes for 3rd straight year

to happen, Spring Training and possibly regular season games would have to be postponed. That’s not good news for people in the Valley who rely on spring training to bring in tourism dollars and boost the local economy. The W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University estimated the 2019 Cactus League season generated over $644 million in economic impact. That number dropped significantly in 2020 after the pandemic forced an early end to Spring Training on March 12. The business school estimates the economic impact that shortened season fell to only $363 million that year. “The pinch we’re feeling is that we’re not able to distribute as much money out to youth sports,” said Steve Adams, the president of the Hohokams nonprofit group, which handles parking at both Mesa ballparks.

“We’ve earned enough money for the past two years to basically cover our operating costs, but didn’t have any left over for youth sports,” Adams said. He said that wasn’t necessarily a problem in 2020 because most youth sports leagues were shut down by the pandemic. However, pandemic-driven limits on attendance in 2021 did hurt youth sports teams last year. Most parks limited the number of fans to about a fifth of capacity to promote social distancing. And it appears it will be the labor issues that threaten this Cactus League season. “We have more than 2,000 volunteers who put in about 100,000 volunteer hours each year,” said Cactus League Executive Director Bridgett Binsbacher. Binsbacher said another shortened Spring Training Season will definitely hurt the Valley’s economy.

“The trickle-down effect is significant, it’s very real,” she said. “Obviously, it’s been a tough time for everyone involved.” There are 10 Cactus League stadiums that host 15 teams. Hohokam Park and Sloan Park in Mesa are home to the Oakland A’s and Chicago Cubs, respectively. The Los Angeles Angels call Tempe’s Diablo Stadium home. There are two ballparks in Scottsdale, Salt River Fields is the home to the Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies. The San Francisco Giants train at Scottsdale Stadium. The Milwaukee Brewers call Maryvale home. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox train in Phoenix. The two Ohio teams, the Cleveland Guardians and Cincinnati Reds, set up shop in Goodyear. The Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres are based in Peoria and the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals play in Surprise. Sabow, the head of the state’s tourism association, pointed out the ASU study found that six out of 10 fans attending Cactus League games came from out of state. It also found that a third of them travel to other parts of Arizona. “I want to emphasize, we remain optimistic,” Sabow said. “When a decision is reached, this industry is ready to welcome everybody back. We’re looking forward to a 2022 Cactus League season. It would be devastating for the local economy if there isn’t one.” She’s not the only one remaining optimistic. “We’re definitely hopeful,” said Binsbacher, the Cactus League executive director. “We’re not part of those conversation, but we’re watching it closely.”

vestment, thereby eliminating any competition from solar energy,” Ellis charged. Instead, customers would be forced to “obtain their electrical power needs exclusively from SRP,” the suit claimed. But a district court dismissed the suit in January 2020. While the appeals court affirmed some of the lower court’s ruling, it disagreed

on a question of antitrust injury, saying Ellis supported the claim. “He was ‘directly and economically hurt by’ SRP’s exclusionary pricing scheme, which is aimed at suppressing competition by discouraging customers from installing solar-energy systems,” Circuit Judge Eric D. Miller wrote. Hart Robinovitch, lead attorney for the

plaintiffs, said the team is “pleased with the 9th Circuit’s decision” to uphold their antitrust and equal protection claims. Su said the case “really embodies what the values of antitrust law were in the first place … to protect our democracy.” Robinovitch was disappointed it upheld a rulling barring a class action suit. ffs could not file a class-action suit.

BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

pring is coming, but it appears Cactus League baseball will be delayed. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to start reporting on Valentine’s Day, but instead of peanuts and Cracker Jacks baseball fans will likely get broken hearts. A labor dispute is threatening the Cactus League season. If it delays the start, it will be the third straight year that Spring Training Season in Arizona suffered. “The Cactus League is the crown jewel of Arizona tourism,” said Kim Sabow, president and CEO of the Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association. “There is most definitely a ripple effect that permeates our entire economy.” Baseball owners locked out players once the previous collective bargaining agreement expired on Dec. 2. MLB Players Association leaders have said they gave up too much in the most recent agreements and they are determined to get some of that back. The Associated Press reported that the average salary for Major League Baseball players has dropped from about $4.1 million in 2018, to $4.05 million in 2019, to $3.89 million in 2020 (based on a whole season). The median MLB salary last year was down 6% from where it was in 2017. AP says the last time salaries were this low was in 2015. Owners, however, don’t want to give up their gains. Both sides are hoping that as financial pressure builds, either in the form of missed paychecks or gate receipts, the other side will be more willing to compromise. However, for that

SRP from page 4

solar panels on their homes sued, claiming the policy violated state law, their constitutional right to equal protection and antitrust law by using SRP’s position to eliminate competition from renewable energy resources. “The E-27 price plan makes it impossible for solar customers to obtain any viable return on a solar energy system in-

Discord between team owners and the Major League Baseball players union threatens to throw a wrench into the 2022 Spring Training season, leaving venues like Sloan Field in Mesa empty for the third consecutive season after two seasons were ravaged by the pandemic. (GSNe file photo)

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

PILOT from page 13

student the best value for their money, period,” he said. “We’re about providing the absolute best training we can for the best price.” Students training at the flight center immerse themselves in full-time flight operations at the airport. This can include taxiing behind an Airbus A320 commercial airline or landing behind an F-35 fighter jet. Upon completion of their pilots’ license, students can use the GI Bill at Chandler Gilbert Community College to obtain their associate in applied science degree in airway science technology. UNDAF has partnered with the college for the past 26 years to provide students with a five-term course that helps students learn nearly everything they need to become a qualified pilot. The coursework includes operation of basic and advanced aircraft systems and instrumentation, analyze and utilize navigational charts, demonstrate proper operation of a multi-engine airplane, and practice industry safety standards. Anderson said he hopes students will

enjoy the UND program so much they want to return as instructors just as he did. “I think every veteran that’s graduated the program that’s wanted to work here, we’ve been able to hire,” he said. The Federal Aviation Administration has recorded a 29,000 decline in the number of airmen’s certificates since 2011. As of Dec. 31, 2020, there were 469,062 pilots certified with the FAA. Some experts have speculated this decrease stems from an aging workforce and the cost of training. The partnership between UND and Chandler Gilbert Community College could help close the gap with the pilot shortage because all the students graduate as certified commercial pilots and flight instructors. UND Phoenix Flight Center Associate Director Rex Ginder said that’s why they like to hire their alumni as much as possible. Ginder said thanks to the Ray Foundation this scholarship is the removal of a barrier to entry for a lot of veterans.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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“Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet which they need to stay healthy,” explains Zang, “When your feet aren’t getting an adequate supply, they start sending signals.” Those signals include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or cramping. The good news is that PAD is treatable. Specialists are able to perform an angiogram which lets them see if disease is present. This minimally invasive procedure is done through a

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Heel Pain Is On The Rise The weather has a big impact on heel pain. As the days cool down, our activity levels heat up. Going for a walk, playing a round of golf, and hiking are all possible again with the temperature below 100 degrees. But you need to pay attention to your feet. “Getting back to a normal lifestyle can be a shock to your feet, especially to your heels,” says Dr. Shah Askari of CIC Foot & Ankle. More than two million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis, a sharp, stabbing, sometimes burning pain in the heel or arch of the foot. It’s anticipated this number will rise as people start taking advantage of better weather. It typically hurts when first getting up, may lessen after a few steps but always returns. In the past, a cortisone injection was the treatment of choice.

“Cortisone manages the pain, but it doesn’t address what’s causing the pain,” explains Askari. Now, treatment focuses on the condition, not just the symptom. “Regenerative medicine is one of the most promising ways to deal with pain, because it triggers the body to heal,” he explains. “Prolotherapy is an option that uses a natural irritant which starts the healing process.” Growth factor therapy also jump starts and maintains regeneration of new tissues. In addition, the FDA recently approved cold laser therapy for plantar fasciitis. “Laser treatment is another way to treat heel pain, because it increases circulation, which promotes healing,” says Askari. “It’s all about healing.”

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com GilbertSunNews.com

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Trilogy quilters ready for big show and sale BY SRIANTHI PERERA GSN Contributor

ore than 50 quilters from Trilogy at Power Ranch are looking forward to showing their latest work during the Trilogy Quilt Show and Country Store this month. Scheduled 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 26, the annual show is back after a twoyear hiatus due to the pandemic. “We make all kinds of beautiful things,” said Linda Coll, president of the all-female quilting club that was established in 2003. “When you go into the quilt show, it’s like going to an art exhibit. They are so magnificent.” During the quilt show that takes place in the 2,050-home Gilbert community’s ballroom, the Trilogy’s Community Association runs an antique/classic car

show outside. This year’s show will feature about 30 cars and include a 1969 Mercury Cougar, 1950 Custom Studebaker Woody Wagon, 1958 Porsche Coupe, 1963 Chevy Nova, 1969 Buick Skylark, 1974 Triumph TR6, 1965 Mustang, 1968 Pontiac Firebird, 1969 CorJean Perin was busy with the long-arm quilting machine at the Trilogy Chevy vette, 1966 Quilting Room. (Courtesy of Linda Coll)

Chevy Corvette and a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible. “We thought it would be good to give the husbands and/or wives something to do while the other one is in the quilt show, shopping,” said Robin Crawford, lifestyle director at Trilogy. “It worked out so well we wanted to continue with this platform. We have a DJ out there playing oldies music and it is a fun event.” The show will include 150 pieces on display and for sale, including bed quilts, wall hangings, table runners, place mats, baby items and purses. Quilts are donated to New Life Pregnancy Center, Sunshine Acres Children’s Home and Lutheran Social Services. The proceeds benefit local charities such as Band of Angels, St. Mary’s

to represent Arizona at the televised Scripps National Spelling Bee in June. Actor Levar Burton is this year’s host. Gilbert finalists, each of whom also received a trophy and gift card from the Assistance League, are Addi Anaya of Mesquite Jr. High, Elle Draves of Greenfield Elementary, Ava Gasparro of Meridian Elementary, Kate Mierzejewski of Quartz Hill Elementary, Sifarth Rahaman of South Valley Jr. High, Arian River-Torres of Playa del Rey Elementary and Mason Smith of Neely Traditional Academy. In the Chandler Unified School District, Nethra Chintaboina Ramprasad, an eighth grader at Basha Accelerated Middle School, won the championship after 15 rounds by correctly spelling “perpendicular.” Chandler semi-finalists are Aadi Rao

of Arizona College Prep Middle School, Raania Khan of Chandler Traditional Academy Liberty campus, Owen Leo of Bogle Junior High, Maria Parada Ortega of Carlson Elementary, Josh Ronsayro of Basha Elementary, Shree Thailikar of Chandler Traditional Academy Independence campus, Zoya Siddiqui of Hancock Elementary, Chloe Passno of Haley Elementary, Manha Hossain of Knox Gifted Academy and Everett Casper of Weinberg Gifted Academy. Assistance League of East Valley is an all-volunteer organization which provides nearly 10,000 elementary students and homeless teens with new school clothing, uniforms, shoes and hygiene items each year. Its major source of funding is their thrift shop at 2326 N. Alma School Road, Chandler.

see QUILTS page 19

Gilbert students compete in district spelling bee GSN NEWS STAFF

amily members and teachers gathered to watch 31 Gilbert elementary and middle school students compete at a district spelling bee last month at Campo Verde High School. After 23 rounds, Sean-Fei Ng, sixth grader at Augusta Ranch Elementary, won the championship by correctly spelling the word, “defray.” She was presented with a trophy and bookstore gift card from the Assistance League of East Valley, which co-sponsored the event with Gilbert Public Schools. Ng and seven finalists will compete at the Maricopa Region 6 spelling bee on Tuesday, Feb. 8 at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. From there, winners from each region will progress to the state contest on March 19, hoping

Sean-Fei Ng, a sixth grader at Augusta Ranch Elementary, was overjoyed to win the district spelling bee. (Sarah Auffret)

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

QUILTS from page 17

Food Bank and TPR Foundation, which improves the quality of life for seniors. Part of the proceeds also is used to purchase sewing materials to make more quilts. “Our main function is our charities,” said Jean Perin, who has been a quilting member since 2008. “I think that’s why we are so successful and everybody gets along so well in our group. They’re not competing with one another: we have a common goal of working for our charities.” Most of the women, including Coll, never quilted or sewed until they took up residence at the 55+ community. Previously, she had moved to Arizona and worked for a leading furniture company as a designer. “When I retired, a friend said I should join the quilters. I ended up joining and it gives such great satisfaction to make quilts and donate some of the money that we raise to the different charities,” she said. “I just get goosebumps when I send money to these people. It’s just so rewarding. I love it.” Perin moved to Arizona as a retiree. She and her husband were winter visitors for four years until they decided to sell their home in Oregon and live here permanently. Quilting with a purpose – and the camaraderie it brings her — are just what she needs –now. Her husband has since passed and her three sons live far away, but she has a supportive group of people who are centered around their new passion. Perin’s role nowadays is less quilting but more assembling to finish the quilts that the others create. To complete them by adding batting and backing, she pins the layers together on a machine called the Long Arm and quilts it free motion. Trilogy, which has a dedicated room for quilting, bought the machine about five years ago, thereby saving time for the quilters. At home, working by hand, Perin would take four days to complete a quilt, while here, it takes less than three hours. “It looks pretty once it’s done,” she said. Occasionally, Perin sews the fabric

quilt club members to acquire new skills. Sometimes, Perin takes the newcomers under her wing and works with them for a whole year on different projects so they may receive better allround training. Is quilting hard to learn? “It’s not hard to learn. It’s kind of scary because you don’t know the terminology of the quilting. But once you learn the terminology, then you realize what people are talking about. It’s easy to learn how to quilt,” she said. The country store, Beautiful quilts and soft furnishings are available for sale at the which only operates Trilogy Quilt Show and Country Store on Feb. 26. (Courtesy of during the annual the Trilogy Quilt Club.) event, is also run by

too, the first step in the process, “but it seems like I’m so busy helping other people getting that step done, I’m working on their quilts, helping them sew quilts,” she said. The quilting group maintains about 55 members. People retire and join the community on an on-going basis. The group seeks new members, and each year, about six newcomers are welcomed into the fold. “Yes, they would like to quilt, their mother used to quilt. ‘I don’t know very much about it,’” is a common response, Perin noted. When beginners want to learn, Perin holds classes for them. “They’ve worked all their lives, and now they have the time to do it, and the interest,” she said. “We’re so excited about our quilting that we want to teach other people and help them enjoy quilting,” she said. “We always look forward to the new people and we invite them in and if we don’t have enough of them, we will work with them one-on-one so they learn the skills.” Members also offer classes for other

the quilters and features a selection of quaint soft furnishings to beautify the home. What attracts people to quilting in their later years? The creativity, the finished product and the sense of accomplishment, Perin said. “When you are retired, you need a focus that gives you purpose in life,” she explained. “When we’re quilting, and we’re quilting for charity, that is a purpose, that is for people in need. “You feel like you’ve accomplished something by helping other people. It makes you feel very complete in your life. You’re not just sitting here being useless or worthless. You have value.” Trilogy Quilt Show and Country Store is held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26 and the Antique/Classic Car Show and Shine from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A raffle drawing for a quilt will take place at 2:30 p.m. and you don’t need to be present to win. Admission is free to both events. Trilogy at Power Ranch is at 4369 E. Village Parkway, Gilbert.

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Dinosaur store offers fossils, activities for kids BY MELODY BIRKETT GSN Contributor

alk into Christian Kaleta’s Mesa store, and you’ll be greeted by a sight you won’t find anywhere else in the retail world: Stan the Tyrannosaurus Rex, aka T. Rex, a $20,000 dinosaur skull replica. “That’s our most popular attraction,” said Kaleta, who owns Tyrannostorus at 1816 W. Baseline Road, adding a skull that big takes about four-to-six months to produce. “When you find a dinosaur or a cast, it’s a piece of art,” Kaleta said. “Whoever made that cast, owns the rights to that cast.” T. Rex is one of many imitation and real skulls of hippopotamuses, giraffes, warthogs, polar bears, grazing animals from Africa, alligators and other creatures that range in price from $99 to as much as $2,000. “I struggled with getting some of these (skulls) because we’re not a museum or university,” explained Kaleta. “I was told ‘no’ on some – that it’s not for the retail world but for education. Well, this is educational.” Skulls aren’t the only things for sale at Tyrannosaurus. “We have a full collection of dinosaur replicas such claws, teeth, thumb spikes, triceratops horn, raptor claws - all kinds of stuff kids go wild for as well as the full toy section with different species of dinosaur and prehistoric reptiles and mammals,” said manager Bryan Troglia. The store even carries a big basket of coprolite, also known as dinosaur poo. “Very fun for the kids,” Troglia said. “You can buy as much poo as you like.” “We also have different pieces of animals like their teeth and tusk,” said Troglia. “We have real warthog tusks, real alligator teeth and alligator tooth

Skulls and parts of various prehistoric and other animals abound in Tyrannostorus in Mesa. (Melody Birkett/GSN Contributor)

jewelry.” The most popular activity is the sluice, according to Kaleta. Kids can dig for fossils and sift for treasure with purchased bags of sand. They pour the sand into the sifting trays, excavate it and then pull out stones and gems. There are nine varieties of dirt for purchase ranging from $4.99 to $40. Some bags have gems and minerals. Other bags have arrowheads, seashells and fossils and even real emeralds. “You can grab a $10 bag and the kids can come to play for a half-hour to an hour and learn,” said Kaleta, calling it an economical way to learn for families with several children. “I have a 12-year-old son and we’re always looking for something different to do,” Kaleta said. “During the summer, we went to a fossil safari in Wyoming. We had so much fun. We brainstormed on the way back home.”

That’s what gave Kaleta the idea for the store. He wanted kids here to have a similar experience. “I’ve always had an interest in dinosaur bones and fossils,” Kaleta added. “And, of course, my 12-year-old son has a major interest in this kind of stuff.” Kaleta also owns the Predators Reptile Center in the same shopping center. Since his background is in exotic animals, he thought opening a store Tyrannostorus would be a great fit. “We have a lot of educational stuff,” said Kaleta. “One of the biggest things with my son is everywhere we go, he loves museums and likes touching everything. That’s what kids do – they touch. “I wanted to build a place for him to not get yelled at. We encourage kids to come in to play and touch even the expensive stuff. That’s fine. I want them to get close and personal with T. Rex to bring that imagination together.”

Another area of the store features some extinct mammals from the Ice Age and many of the relics were found in Arizona, including remnants of cave bears, dire wolves, the American lion and saber-tooth cat. The store also carries fossils such as ammonites, trilobites and shark teeth. A shark tooth runs around $19.99. Some are still in the stone they were excavated from and retail for about $49.99. “The interesting thing about sharks is they don’t have skeletons; they’re all cartilage,” explained Troglia. “The only thing you find is their teeth.” The store’s sea life section contains shark jaws, corals, seashells, barnacles, replicas of a big 16-foot great white shark as well as its teeth. You can buy just a tooth or the whole jaw. “We also have a wide variety of fossil plates that have been excavated out of quarries up in Wyoming, South Dakota,” said Troglia. “Shrimp, little fish like mackerel-sized fish, little squid, all kinds of cool stuff.” Another section has model kits and authentic Arizona candies. “It’s the kind of stuff you remember getting at your elementary school field trips. We have all of that along with a Geo table and gem bag.” And there’s a wide selection of gemstones and precious metals such as bismuth, amethyst, citrine, agates and quartz. “But probably one of our most popular specimen collections are our shadow box insects,” said Troglia. “They literally fly off the shelves but they’re also done by local artists which makes them unique to our store.” Shadow boxes start at $79.99 and go up to about $250. The butterfly palettes are done by a separate artist and range

see T-REX page 22

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Fynes Audiology offers hearing issues help eople who are dealing with a hearing loss are sometimes reluctant to get a hearing aid, because they envision the large and uncomfortable devices their grandparents used to wear. As Dr. Cassandra Fynes, owner of the full-service audiology clinic Fynes Audiology noted, hearing aids have come a long way. “Today’s technology is getting smaller all of the time and more discreet,” she said, adding that current hearing devices also include rechargeable bat-

teries, which eliminates the need to buy and fumble with small batteries. Most modern-day hearing aids can also connect to Bluetooth, Fynes said, and many offer streaming from other devices; this means people can listen to television, music, audiobooks and telephone calls with greater ease. In addition, hearing aids now often come with an app, which allows the wearer to easily make small adjustments to the device. “Hearing aids are definitely not just for old people,” Fynes said. In addition to featuring a number of hearing aid options for their clients, Fynes and audiologist Roger Knighton

conduct comprehensive hearing diagnostic tests for hearing loss and tinnitus, and they also offer custom earplugs and earbuds. “We work with our clients to help them decide which options are best for them,” she said. Fynes opened Fynes Audiology in Mesa 18 years ago. Since then, she has helped countless clients regain the confidence and security that comes with being able to hear well. “We are small and locally-owned and are not a chain, and we are not owned by a manufacturer of hearing aids,” Fynes said. “We do what is best for our clients,

and because we are small we can offer a more personal experience.” Fynes said she and Knighton enjoy getting to know their clients, and will spend time chatting about their families in addition to their hearing issues. “We know who is having grandchildren, and who has kids who are graduating, and who has a special birthday coming up,” Fynes said, adding that she and Knighton have been delighted by the steady increase in both patient and professional referrals. Fynes Audiology is located at 2058 S. Dobson Road, Mesa. Information: 480-456-0176 or fynesaudiology.com.

from $400-$500. “It’s fun not just for kids but for the entire family,” added Troglia. “When you come into our store, you always leave with something whether it’s something you purchase in the store or just a new piece of knowledge about natural his-

tory.” Kaleta notices that parents are just as excited as their kids when entering the store. “It’s interesting to watch because the kids start to do the activities such as the sluice or the digging but then the par-

ents make their way in,” said Kaleta. “And it’s interesting to watch the parents and kids interact,” he added. “Everything these days is electronic and hands-off. Kids are playing video games and parents are working. This is a chance to come in, get together and

learn together and that’s a lot of fun to watch.” Store hours are weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: tyrannostorus.com, 480597-4467.

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Corporations get a pass as state ducks tax credit review BY BETH LEWIS and KAREN MCLAUGHLIN GSN Guest Columnists

or the sixth time in seven years, Arizonans have been denied accountability for hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits. And this time, that means a decade with no transparency for corporate donations that bankroll private school vouchers. State law requires the Joint Individual Income Tax Credit Review Committee to review each of the 54 state tax credits on a rotating schedule which results in each tax credit coming up for review every five years. That committee has met only once as required since 2015. The committee is charged with evaluating the credits and determining whether they are delivering on the promised benefit to the state and submit a report to the full legislature by December 15 on whether each of the tax credits reviewed should be retained, repealed, or amended. One of the tax credits they failed to review in 2021 was the Corporate Student

Tuition Organization (Corporate STO) Tax Credit. Because the committee also did not meet in 2016, the previous time corporate STO tax credits were scheduled to be reviewed, that means a decade has passed without properly reviewing these tax credits. Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in tax liability. School Tuition Organizations are private companies that any individual can set up to process tax credits for private school “scholarships” (aka, vouchers). For the Corporate STO, businesses can receive a statewide total of up to $142.1 million in tax credits, with that amount increasing every year, to provide tuition “scholarships” (vouchers) for private (including religious) schools. There are some slight limitations on Corporate STO vouchers, but not many. The Low Income Corporate STO can fund vouchers for “low-income” students (a family of 4 making less than $107,000 per year qualifies) who are switching from public schools, members of military families, or enrolling in kindergarten.

The hundreds of millions of dollars taken in by STOs ultimately diverts from the State’s General Fund, which is the primary source of funding for our public schools. While most state spending on education is closely scrutinized and negotiated each year through the budget process, the Corporate STO tax credit, like most tax credits in Arizona, remains on the books indefinitely – with no review process, no sunset, and no measurement of whether they meet the return on investment that voucher proponents promise. In 2021 alone, nearly $96 million in Low Income STO tax credits were used by corporations and insurers. And, given that the Review Committee did not meet this year, nor five years ago, this means that ten years of Corporate STO Tax Credits – more than $200 million – had zero accountability for legislators and the public. And despite recommendations from JLBC (the Legislature’s own nonpartisan budget scorekeeper) to track the percentage of STOs retained for administrative costs and the amount of STO scholarship money spent per

student, legislators choose to fly blind and allow these tax credits to continue – even as Arizona’s per pupil public education funding remains third lowest (48th) in the U.S. It’s time for the Joint Individual Income Tax Credit Review Committee to follow the law and do its job. STO vouchers drain desperately needed resources away from Arizona’s chronically underfunded public schools. Vouchers have not been shown to improve academic outcomes for students, and taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability. Tax credits reduced state revenues by $818 million in fiscal year 2020 and have been growing fast. The committee’s failure to meet means lawmakers have virtually no accountability or control over tax credits once they are in law, and taxpayers have no way of knowing if we are getting the promised return on investment. Beth Lewis is executive director of Save Our Schools and Karen McLaughlin is director of budget and tax policy for the Arizona Center of Economic Progress. Information: sosarizona. com and azeconcenter.org.

tractive to individuals and businesses for the next 20 years. I’ve been saying for years that we must craft a regional transportation plan to replace Prop 400. It needs to assure regional equity and flexibility, and it needs to be something voters across the County can support. I’m grateful we have a governor who understands the important role infrastructure plays in our economic future. I know there are leaders in cities and towns across Maricopa County who understand this, too. But I also know what the political environment is like right now. I know that things that used to be non-partisan are now viewed through the lens of Republicans and Democrats, good and evil, winning and losing. We cannot let politics derail progress. Investments in infrastructure and technology are just good basic government. They should be non-partisan. Even Congress seems to be getting the message. The federal infrastructure bill passed by

both chambers and signed by the President will be good for Maricopa County. I’m confident those dollars can be used to support worthwhile projects. But to make the most out of taxpayer dollars, we need consensus about our goals. And we need to think through some key questions like: • What projects or investments are going to be needed to maintain or improve our high quality of life? • What framework will best enable the efficient movement of commerce and how do we ensure continuity as transit crosses city or county boundaries? • How will we account for and take advantage of the possibility of autonomous delivery and passenger drones? • What place does fixed rail have in our transportation future? Crafting and getting voter approval for a new regional transportation plan is probably my biggest priority moving forward. But it’s not my only focus.

Infrastructure means nothing without people. Right now, we are the #1 ranked county for attracting skilled workers. If we want to retain that distinction, investing in our education system needs to be a priority. Again, politics shouldn’t play a role here. We don’t need to pit one type of school against another. Parents should have many good options about where to send their kids. Our universities and community colleges ought to have our full support in attracting the workforce of the future. It’s no accident Maricopa County has been the fastest-growing county in the United States for the past several years. Leaders of the past made tough decisions and smart investments that paved the way for individuals, families, and businesses to thrive here. Now it’s our turn. Let’s get to work. Jack Sellers is a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and a former Chandler City Council member.

Infrastructure growth critical to Maricopa County BY JACK SELLERS GSN Guest Writer

s we enter year three of the COVID-19 crisis, I can’t help but think about what we’ve lost. The loss of life, the loss of livelihoods. Those have been devastating. And we must do everything we can to limit the health and financial impacts of the pandemic in the coming months. But I also think about the loss of time. Elected leaders and policy makers have focused so much on the here and now that longterm planning has been largely neglected. There can be no more delays. It’s time to get to work on assuring a prosperous future for our region. So, what does that mean? Above all, we need to invest in critical infrastructure and technology that will make us at-

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Mesquite football coach steps down BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

cott Hare, who led the Mesquite Wildcats the last three seasons and won back-to-back 4A state titles in 2018-19, announced Monday he has stepped down as the program’s head football coach. Hare, who has recently obtained two master’s degrees and is in the process of completing his doctorate in sports leadership, said completing his dissertation was one of the main reasons for him stepping away as it will take “a great deal of time and energy.” “I will explore various options in leadership, sliding over to more of an advisory role within the football community,” Hare said in a prepared state-

Mesquite’s Scott Hare announced Monday he has stepped down as head football coach to focus on his dissertation as he pursues his doctorate in sports leadership. (Zac BonDurant/GSN Contributor)

ment. “I would like to be back as a head coach in the near future, but now is the time to for me to develop personally.” Hare spent the past three seasons building Mesquite into a powerhouse at the 4A level. The Wildcats went 30-8 overall in his three years, winning two 4A state titles with former five-star quarterback and current Oregon Duck Ty Thompson leading the offense. This past season, Mesquite was written off after losing Thompson and star wideout Eric Lira to graduation. The Wildcats were thumped in the first game to Open Division-bound Cactus but responded with yet another trip to the semifinals. More important than the wins, however, were the relationships Hare said he built with players and his staff. His

father and brother joined him for the two championship runs, something he cherished in real time and now after it has ended. “More important than the wins, have been the relationships I have cultivated with awesome student-athletes who really bought into the standards and high expectations that allowed us to be successful on and off the field,” Hare said. “I hope they enjoyed the process as much as I did.” Before Mesquite, Hare coached at Anderson High School in California in the early 2000s. He was hired to rebuild a struggling Spanish Springs (Nev.) team after an 0-10 campaign. He led the program for eight years, going 37-46

see

HARE page 27

Arizona Arsenal to hold soccer tryouts BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

rizona Arsenal Soccer Club, one of the top organizations for youth soccer in the state, is further expanding its empire to cater to adults looking to play at a high level. Arsenal announced Wednesday it had become the latest club to expand and join the United Premier Soccer League and Women’s Premier Soccer League. The leagues, which cater to players ages 1830 in a highly competitive club format, are among the largest professional-development organizations in the country and world. Teams in the two leagues span across the country. The women’s league alone has more than 125 teams with Arizona Arsenal being the latest to join. “We at Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club

Arizona Arsenal Soccer Club recently announced it was named an expansion for the United Premier Soccer League, a professional-development league catering to high-level players ranging from ages 18-30. Tryouts will be held in three sessions in February at Bell Bank Park. (Dave Minton/AFN Staff)

are super excited about this,” said Ty Iannone, the general manager of Arsenal’s two team joining the Premier Soccer League. “We’re going to expand into the professional soccer realm now. We want to give something to our youth they can strive for and play with. It will be the top team, in some sense.” Iannone said the process of putting these two teams together and joining the UPSL has been a long one. He, alongside Arsenal Technical Director Dave Belfort,

see

ARSENAL page 27

SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

ARSENAL from page 26

have worked countless hours trying to put the logistics in place for the teams to join as expansions for Arizona. But they managed to get it done. Now, comes the fun part: finding players. Arsenal will hold three tryouts for prospective players for both the men’s and women’s teams. The cost per player to tryout will be $50, which allows them to attend all three days – though not a requirement. Tryouts will be held Thursday, Feb. 10, Wednesday, Feb. 16 and Monday, Feb. 28 on the turf fields at Bell Bank Park, the new multi-million-dollar sports and entertainment facility that recently opened in Mesa. Bell Bank, which is managed by Legacy Sports USA and partnered with Arsenal, will host all home matches for the two teams in the UPSL. Games will be played inside the main stadium at the park. “With our staff and with our partnership with Legacy, I think it’s going to be really exciting,” Iannone said. “I’m excited to see where it goes. I’m going to be playing for one of the teams as well.”

Iannone and Belfort are currently in the process of securing sponsors for the team. Iannone hopes, aside from the tryouts, players will not have to come out of pocket for any costs related to playing for the two teams. In total, they hope to have 40 players per roster. Arsenal joins FC Arizona and FC Tucson as another club team from the state to join the UPSL. In total, 18 teams are joining as expansions for the 2022 season, including Arsenal. “We are excited to finally get it launched and have the tryouts and get to compete against other teams in the area,” Iannone said. “We are trying to make this as professional as possible and create a steppingstone for our youth and an opportunity for our alumni to play for the summer and get ready for the MLS Draft, college or wherever they may be playing. “I think this is good not only for Arsenal, but all of Arizona.” For more information about the tryout process and to register, visit www. azarsenalsc.org/upsl.

HARE from page 26

during that span. In 2014 he was hired to take over the Mesa football program for Kelley Moore, who five years earlier led the Jackrabbits on an improbable run to the state title game where they fell to Hamilton. He coached Mesa for two seasons, reaching the quarterfinals in his second year before stepping down to focus on his education. It was during that time he entered into an administrative role at Mesquite as athletic director. But when Chad DeGrenier stepped down to take on the Mesa job in 2018, he also stepped down to return to the sideline to coach Mesquite. Hare said he hopes to one day return to the sideline as a head coach. But for now, he plans to explore options in a leadership role and become an advisory for the football community. “I would like to be back as a head coach in the near future, but now is the time to for me to develop personally,” Hare said. “I have been incredibly blessed in my life and look forward to where

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the future takes me.” Mesquite now becomes the latest East Valley program that will have a new head coach next fall. Westwood was the first to announce its new head coach in former Higley assistant Brandon Large, who took over for a retiring Kyle Ide. Former Westwood defensive coordinator Sean Freeman was hired to take over at Tempe. Perry hired Joe Ortiz from Cactus to take over the program for the retiring Preston Jones. Corona del Sol hired Casa Grande’s Jake Barro after former coach Jon Becktold also announced his retirement. Desert Vista recently tabbed Sierra Linda’s Nate Gill as its next head coach after the school agreed to part ways with Ty Wisdom in December. Wisdom has since been hired at Millard South in Nebraska. Skyline hired former Eastmark offensive coordinator Adam Shiermyer to rebuild its program, while Red Mountain last Friday announced coach Mike Peterson retired and promoted defensive coordinator Kyle Enders.

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Bigger Renaissance Fest better than ever BY GERI KOEPPEL GetOut Contributor

fter a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the 34th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace has returned to Gold Canyon with so many attractions, it’s impossible to pack them all into one visit. That’s why insiders say to go early and go often to get as much as possible out of the event. “Personally, I think many people miss out on only going for one hour or two and then they leave,” says Killian Davis of Phoenix, who portrays Sir Walter Raleigh on the grounds. Davis urges visitors to arrive early and go multiple times to see numerous shows, experience various theme weekends and truly soak up the ambiance. “Don’t be afraid to sit down for a couple minutes and just take it all in,” he advises. This year’s festival runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends from Feb. 5 to April 3 as well as Presidents Day, Feb. 21 – rain or shine. The 50-acre village is home to 16 stages, more than 200 arts and crafts shops, and of course, a jousting arena. Games, rides, feasts and live entertainment abound, and visitors are urged to don period attire and become part of the show if they wish. A costume rental shop is next to the box office, and guests can create a complete outfit from the on-site vendors. One of the most popular weekends for

Colorfully attired damsels and men are part of the attraction at the Arizona Renaissance Festival, which starts Saturday. (Special to GetOut) dressing up is Pirates Weekend March 5-6, says William Cussins, who served as The Lord Mayor of the festival for the past seven years. This year, he says he is “lost at sea” and can’t serve in his official capacity. “It’s a very fun weekend because there are pirate contests for adults and children,” he notes. “There’s also a contest of: Give me your best ‘Aaargh!’” Cussins and Davis offered more savvy insider tips for getting the most out of the festival. On the topic of clothing, they implore guests in modern-day garb

to use common sense, keep an eye on the weather and wear sturdy walking shoes instead of flip-flops. On that note, both encourage people to visit on gloomy or rainy days, as long as they dress appropriately for it. “You have children splashing in puddles, the drinks feel so much warmer and pleasant, the food gives you more joy, people huddle with family and friends,” Davis says. In terms of food, Davis remarks while most people look forward to the turkey legs, his favorite is the medium-rare steak-on-a-stake. “They’re very juicy and flavorful,” he says, adding he highly recommends the fudge. Cussins, meanwhile, raves about anything from Cottage Bakery. “I always tell people,

‘When you say no to pastry, you say no to life. Don’t say no to life.’” He also sings the praises of the vegetable crepes. No matter what the guest’s palate, Cussins urges visitors to grab lunch early before the lines begin to stretch. Also, they both strongly advise bringing paper currency, because the food vendors, games and rides only accept cash, and lines can get long at the ATMs. As for entertainment, popular attractions like The Ded Bob Show and the jousting arena fill up early, so make sure you arrive well in advance – particularly for the 5 p.m. joust, which Davis hints is extra special. And be aware you might not want to be right up front for some acts such as the Washing Well Wenches, unless you have that rain jacket with you. Other entertainment ranges from live “mermaids” to musicians, dancers, falconers and ever “Cirque de Sewer,” with trained rats and cats. That said, you don’t need to attend a formal show to enjoy the performers – all the world’s a stage here. “We’re not a museum; we’re an experience,” Davis says. “Feel free to approach us.”

IF YOU GO...

What: The Arizona Renaissance Festival Where: Gold Canyon, 7 miles east of Apache Junction on U.S. Highway 60 When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays — Saturday, February 5, to Sunday, April 3 — and Presidents Day, Monday, February 21 Cost: Online and advance tickets are $29 for adults, $19 for ages 5 to 12 and free for age 4 and younger; tickets are $1 more at the gate. Group rates, season passes and other discounts are available; parking is free Info: arizona.renfestinfo.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

This Latin American favorite makes a tasty dessert

t’s a Latin American favorite that the western world has embraced as its own. Dulce de leche, a thick and sugary caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweet milk, has found its way into just about every dessert and beverage we love. Here is a rich and delicious cupcake made with homemade dulce de leche that’s incorporated in the batter as well as the frosting. Enjoy!

For the cupcakes: Ingredients:

1 (14 oz can) sweetened condensed milk 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 large eggs 1 1/2 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

Remove label from sweetened condensed milk and place on its side in a pot. Extremely important: Cover the can with water to at least 2 inches above the can, making sure the water level always covers the can during the cooking process. Bring water to a boil, cover and reduce heat to rolling boil. Cook for 2 ½ hours, again, making sure the water covers the can. You can also place the can in a pot in the oven using the same method of covering the can with water. Cook at 425 degrees for 1 ½ hours. When done, cool the can before opening. When ready to bake, reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Line two regular cupcake pans with liners and lightly spray liners with cooking spray. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, add butter and sugars, beating until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, vanilla and buttermilk, beating well. (Note: For homemade buttermilk, add 3 tablespoons of either vinegar or lemon juice to one cup of milk. Vigorously stir for 10 seconds and then let sit for 15 minutes to thicken.) Add 3 tablespoons of caramelized sweetened condensed milk and beat to fully incorporate. Add flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda and salt and mix well.

Fill each cupcake liner about two thirds full. Bake for about 18 minutes or until a toothpick comes up clean. Cupcakes should be completely cooled before frosting.

For the frosting: Ingredients:

1 pint heavy cream 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened Remainder of caramelized sweetened condensed milk 2 cups powdered sugar (add one more cup if not sweet enough) ¼ teaspoon salt

Directions:

Beat heavy cream to stiff peaks and place in refrigerator. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat cream cheese until soft. Add the butter and caramelized milk, beating until well incorporated. Add powdered sugar and salt and beat until light and fluffy. If frosting isn’t sweet enough, add up to one more cup of powdered sugar. Fold in chilled whipped cream until well incorporated. Pipe frosting on the cupcakes. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Makes 24 cupcakes.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Obituaries

Employment

Howard Lee Johnson

Obituaries H E A D STO N E S

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Make your choice Everlasting Need help writing an obituary? We have articles that will help guide you through the process. Deadline for obituaries is Wednesday at 5pm for Sunday. All obituaries will be approved by our staff prior to being activated. Be aware there may be early deadlines around holidays.

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LEGAL NOTICES

Deadline for Sunday’s Edition is the Wednesday prior at 5pm. Please call Elaine at 480-898-7926 to inquire or email your notice to: legals@evtrib.com and request a quote.

Howard Lee Johnson was born in Blackduck, MN on March 3, 1933, and 25 minutes later his identical twin brother Willard was

born. Howard is preceded in death by his Dad; Art Johnson, Mom; Viola Johnson, Step- Dad; Elmer Lee and Stepbrothers and Stepsister: Ernest, Lester, Eunice, Dennis, Harris and Russell as well as three wives: Barbara, Martha and Viona. He is survived by his identical twin brother Willard (Gerri), Stepsisters Carol and Ilane and his children, Scott (Judy), Sheila, Jay and Stepdaughters Terri (David) and Pamela (Jason) as well as seven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He grew up in Fosston, MN and along with Willard, attended the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, which is a branch of University of Minnesota. They met friends Dale Finkenbinder and Allen Love. They all graduated in the Advanced Class of 1951 and remained friends until Dad passed. After graduation, Howard and Willard moved to the Twin Cities and worked for WCCO Radio before enlisting in the Air Force, to serve in the Korean War. He was sent to Kunsan, South Korea to serve with the 5th Air Force, 13th Bomb Division. He was a Flight Engineer / Navigator on a B26 Bomber. He flew 50 missions over the 38 th Parallel with the Light Night Invaders. His unit was one of the few on full lockdown due their close proximity to North Korea. He spent a short time in Japan where he and Willard, who was stationed in Japan with the U.S Marine Corps, had Liberty together. Next he went to Mitchell AFB,

Long Island, NY. He served in the Air Force from February 1952 – February of 1956. During his service at Mitchell, he met Barbara Benevides from the Island of Bermuda. After he was honorably discharged from the Air Force, they married and raised a family of three children: Scott (Judy) of Palm Springs, CA, Sheila of Mesa, AZ and Jay of Boise, ID. Howard and Barbara first lived in Fosston, MN. and then moved to the Twin Cities where Howard had a long, successful career in sales, made many friends and was involved in the Polka community. He moved to Arizona in the mid80s and fell in love with the state. He moved back to MN for a few years and as soon as he could, he returned to Arizona where he lived out the remainder of his life. He and wife, Viona (Rice) Johnson bought a motor home and travelled across the country. They spent the winters in Arizona and eventually purchased a home in Mesa. They were known for entertaining, card parties and their involvement in the P.O.L.K of A, Arizona Chapter. Dad was an active member of Victory Lutheran Church for many years. He was known and loved by many in the congregation. After Vi was moved to a nursing home in MN, Howard bought his dream home at Sunland Village East Retirement Community and made it into his “man cave”. He loved entertaining, playing bridge and of course Polka Dancing. He remained on the board of the P.O.L.K.ofA., AZ Chapter. Dad lived life on his terms and taught all of us that the most important thing is the friendships that you create. He excelled at letting people know how much they meant to him. Dad was a good man to have as a friend. Howard Johnson was a loving and dedicated father. He will be sorely missed.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Employment General

Earn Extra Income For The Holidays!

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Gilbert Sun News

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Deadlines

Classifieds: Thursday 11am for Sunday Life Events: Thursday 10am for Sunday

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | GilbertSunNews.com Employment General

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

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showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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Rooﬁng

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

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Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

Over 30 yrs. Experience

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623-873-1626 Free Estimates Monday through Saturday

Public Notices OUT WITH THE OLD, CHIP RETURN RETURN YOUR TABLE GAMES CASINO CHIPS AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN BEFORE THEY EXPIRE!

Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

If you have Table Games Casino chips received before July 7, 2021, please redeem them at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage no later than March 31, 2022 for a full refund.

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Disclaimer: Any discontinued Table Games chips not returned by March 31, 2022 will be void and hold no cash value. Redemption must take place at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage in person. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is not responsible for any unreturned Table Games chips.

Rooﬁng

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers!

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | FEBRUARY 6, 2022

Copper Springs

Retire Happily Ever After. Fall in love with resort-style independent retirement living! Now is your time to enjoy all-inclusive amenities and services like Freedom Dining, weekly housekeeping, a robust social calendar, and more!

Open House Wednesday, February 16 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join us for a personal tour of our community, visit with our new live-in managers, and learn how all-inclusive living makes it easy to Celebrate Life! RSVP by February 12

Call today to RSVP or schedule a private tour!

480-719-7833

3303 East Gary Way  Gilbert, AZ 85234  CopperSpringsRetirement.com

Gilbert Sun News - 2.6.2022

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