Gilbert Sun News - 6.6.2021 by Times Media Group

Town extends scooter pilot

Help for kids’ caregivers

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS................................ 6 Gilbert Police, Fire go separate ways on logos.

BUSINESS................20 NFL star opens new eatery in Gilbert.

GETOUT......................25 Gilbert kids shine in inperson ‘Matilda’ musical.

COMMUNITY....................................... 16 BUSINESS.............................................20 SPORTS.................................................. 22 GETOUT................................................. 25 PUZZLE..................................................28 CLASSIFIED..........................................28

See Page 9

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Sunday, June 6, 2021

Former Mayor John Lewis coming home Former Gilbert Mayor John Lewis and his wife LaCinda Lewis, sitting here at the 9th century Preah Vihear Temple near the northern Khmer/Thai border in Cambodia, are preparing to return to Gilbert in July now that their missionary stint in Cambodia is winding down. (Courtesy of John and LaCinda Lewis)

BY SRIANTHI PERERA GSN Contributor

ormer Gilbert Mayor John Lewis and his wife LaCinda are coming home. As they wind up a missionary assignment in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Lewises are planning to return to Gilbert in July. As they characterized their three years in the Southeast Asian country, they reflect: “Thngai da aschar muoytiet now sthan suor” – the Romanized Cambodia Khmer words for “another great day in paradise.” Their return may be anything but boring: John Lewis is planning to explore a run for Congress, which, if he enters the Republican primary, would put him head-to-head with U.S. Rep Andy Biggs. “This current assignment is very intense and so I haven’t had a chance to expand and explore some of the future options,” John said. “We have had a group that’s interested

to see if I would be interested in running for Congress. I thought I was done with political life, and would just come back and be a grandpa and do some other fun things, but that is something we’ll take a look at when we get back.” Lewis’ name may not mean much to the thousands of people who have moved to Gilbert since he resigned in 2016 after seven years as mayor to be-

see LEWIS page 4

Planners mull 300 more apartment units, hotel BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

evelopers want to put apartments near the Town’s Municipal Complex and in its Northwest Employment Area, totaling over 300 units.

The Planning Commission in last Wednesday’s study session gave input on the two projects. Applicant Iplan Consulting is seeking a minor general plan amendment and rezone on 10.97 acres near the southeast corner of Gilbert Road and Civic Center Drive for the

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NEWS

Gilbert extends scooter pilot program BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

ilbert is extending its pilot program for electric scooters through the end of the year in order to collect more data that could lead to a possible ordinance. Town Council in March 2019 adopted the Micromobility Pilot Program with the intent of learning more about the technology, assessing safety risks and identifying any needed changes. Gilbert at the time was trying to get some sort of control on what was then a proliferation of scooters in the Valley, which caused accidents and generated complaints from the public. “Ridership is increasing significantly,” said Chris Bridges, transportation planning manger at the June 1 Council study session. According to a survey in January 2019, 53 percent of 2,819 respondents indicated they would use e-scooters and 44.5 percent wanted to see a pilot program for them. Bridges updated the Council on the pilot program that only has one active participant, Bird. Lime dropped out of the program last June. After ceasing operations last spring due to COVID-19, Bird resumed business in July, reporting 2,052 rides for last

month, according to Bridges, adding the company was holding steady at 2,000 trips a month. He said the most popular days for the scooters’ use was Fridays and Saturdays with people probably going downtown for breakfast or to a park. Data from the past last two months showed on average 37 Bird scooters were used per day with a maximum of 55 deployed for one day, according to Bridges. He said Bird is doing a pretty good job managing its scooters. There’ve been 14 total complaints since the launch of the pilot program, three for aesthetics but zero complains since February 2020, Bridges said. There also been zero reported crashes with the Bird scooters since September although four crashes were reported for e-scooters owned by individuals. The pilot program required participants to pay a one-time application fee of $2,500, pay the town 10 cents a ride and follow rules such as removing inoperable or unsafe scooter from a right-of-way within 24 hours of notice, not placing scooters within 10 feet of loading zones, curb ramps, fire hydrants and driveways and following the 15mph speed limit or 10 mph in densely populated areas of town. For 2020, the town collected $210 from Bird for its share of the rides.

Staff also compared Gilbert’s program with other Valley cities like Phoenix, Tempe, Surprise, Mesa and Chandler and found they were similar in terms of operating fees, parking requirements and performance fines, according to Bridges. The prevailing differences were the fleet size and the requirement that bike lanes be used first. Gilbert’s program does not limit fleet size, although the town could look at it in the future, and sidewalks are to be used first, Bridges said. Councilwoman Kathy Tilque said she likes the fact that sidewalks are the preferred use, stating they are safer than the bike lanes. Councilman Scott September said he wanted staff to do a deeper dive into other cities’ crash data with e-scooters. “The biggest change in the future is people buying them instead of renting,” Vice Mayor Yung Koprowski said. She wanted staff to research how to regulate e-scooters that are privately owned should the devices become a permanent fixture in town. Mayor Brigette Peterson favored keeping the program going because the pandemic disrupted the data collection. “I want a full year of what this really looks like” she said. Council is expected to revisit the program in January.

High School campus. “We are bringing back in-library computers, sitting areas, and study rooms on Monday,” said Samantha Mears, district spokeswoman. “Also on June 7, some of our libraries will begin offering small-scale events for adults. These limited events are registration-only and are a way for us to begin to safely transition back into more and larger in-person events.” The library district is encouraging people who are not fully vaccinated to wear masks while on site. All libraries have disposable masks available for patrons. Mears said the district was working

with Maricopa County Public Health Department to guide its operational policies and to determine when it is safe to increase services, including more and larger-scale in-person events at the libraries. In early phases of the plan, the library district launched new contactless and virtual services. Under the current phase, amenities available to the public included pop-in pickup and curbside pickup. Town Council recently approved renewing the contract with the district to operate Southeast Regional and Perry

Gilbert libraries opening up more amenities

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

he two library branches in Gilbert this week will begin offering more amenities previously off-limits to patrons due to the pandemic. Maricopa County Library District, which closed its 18 facilities in March 2020 due to COVID-19, has been moving toward reopening in phases with the latest stage kicking off this Monday. The Gilbert facilities include the Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Road, and Perry Library, 1965 E. Queen Creek Road, on the Perry

see LIBRARY page 13

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

LEWIS from page 1

come president/CEO of the Phoenix East Valley Partnership – only to be asked by his church two years later to lead the LDS mission in Phnom Penh. But to those who were there during his tenure, Lewis, now 64, helped lead the town through its emergence from being the Hay Capital of the World into The Lewisa thriving community that still cherishes es wave to its small-town feel. friends from He entered the political world after 28 the base of years in the private sector, going on to the Bou Sra help plant some of the early seeds of the Waterfall Heritage District, the $750-million Riv- in Mondulkiri Province, ulon project and other commercial and located near industrial develpments. the border He also helped to comfort the com- with Vietnam. munity as it reeled from the 2010 mur- (Courtesy of John der of Gilbert Police Lt. Eric Shuhandler and LaCinda and the 2012 slaughter of four residents, Lewis) including an 18-month-old baby, by a prominent neo- Nazi who then took his own life. Missionary work has kept the Lewises just as busy as the political arena – if not more so. They worked 70-80 hours a week on the assignment, training missionaries and interacting with local church members and its leaders. Their accomplishments are many. At the beginning, the Cambodia mission’s 100 missionaries were mostly from abroad, with only 14 from the Southeast Asian country. The task was to increase the number to 100 locals, which they did. “Of the 300 missionaries we’ve worked with over the three years, about a 100 are from Cambodia. And it’s been such a blessing for the country, because we feel we’re building leadership for the future,” John Lewis said. “The reason why we are so excited about the great increase in local missionaries from Cambodia is LaCinda Lewis with three Cambodian missionaries who have “almost because it gives the local become family.” (Courtesy of John and LaCinda Lewis)

missionaries a chance to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with their own people,” he added. “It is a Plan of Happiness that will bless their lives and the lives of those whom they teach.” While the mission leader and his companion are stationed for three years, other missionaries are rotated every six weeks. During that short time, they are trained in service, teaching, leadership, safety, time management, teamwork and other skills to enable them to spread the church’s word. “Our non-Khmer missionaries learn how to teach,” LaCinda said. “Our Khmer missionaries are very good teachers. They understand their culture, and their language, they understand Buddhism and how to help bridge the gap to Christianity. Our non-Khmer missionaries learn from them as well. It’s a good, reciprocal relationship.” For the first time in the mis-

sion’s history, the mission president and family replacing the Lewises is Khmer. This is noteworthy as well because all previous eight families hailed from North America. The Lewises were also on hand when the church announced a temple to be built in Cambodia. A site was selected and a design created, but it will be many years before it comes to fruition. “The announcement for a Temple in Cambodia was thrilling,” John Lewis said. “Members of the Church have yearned for the opportunity to visit a temple to participate in temple ordinances – the promised blessings of eternal families.” Another highlight of their service was facilitating education, especially learning English. With its emphasis on education, the church created a year-long college preparation course called the Pathway Program at Brigham Young University, Idaho. The program was not available to Cambodians. The Lewises, along with local lead-

see LEWIS page 5

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

NEWS

LEWIS from page 4

ers, were instrumental in establishing it there. Now, students follow college classes online or via local facilitators. Learning is in English, so it promotes language skills. While Cambodians receive help with English, the Lewises made some headway with their Khmer, which is the language spoken by the populace. But not much, they hastened to add. “We understand more than we can speak,” LaCinda Lewis said. “When someone asks me whether I can speak Cambodian Khmer, my answer is ‘tik-tik,’” John Lewis said. It means “just a little bit.” It was different 40 years ago when Lewis served a mission in Japan: He was speaking in Japanese all day long and was teaching as well, so he became proficient by the end of the term. “You would think after three years we would be proficient, but because our assignments are different and a lot of what we have been doing is interacting with the English speaking, it’s difficult,” he added. Despite the difficulties in mastering the language, LaCinda has grown to love it. “It’s a beautiful language. It’s a religious language, it’s descriptive and it has a lot of interesting characters,” she said. How do they feel about nearing the end of their stay in Cambodia? “I have very tender feelings and I get teary,” LaCinda said. Added her husband: “We’ve had a great experience in Cambodia, I think my hair got a little bit greyer.” The experience has been so positive that the couple is planning to return at a later date and serve a temporary mission there. They found the Cambodians friendly, humble and positive, but the biggest thing that strikes them is their resourcefulness. “It’s amazing to see what they can do with anything,” John Lewis said. “Often, we’d take pictures because we marvel at them; they might be driving in a vehicle that can only take one or two people and they will have six people on it.” “I think they’re beautiful people,” LaCinda Lewis said. “They’re family-ori-

John and LaCinda Lewis celebrate with a gathering of returned missionaries from Cambodia. “They are family,” LaCinda said. (Courtesy of John and LaCinda Lewis)

ented. They have big families. They are peaceful people.” “They’ve had a lot of trauma, recent trauma. It’s in their memory bank,” she added. The country offered many sightseeing opportunities to the Americans and they donned a tourist hat whenever time afforded. The 900-year-old Angkor Watt in northern Cambodia, the largest religious structure complex in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Center, is one such place. They climbed up to the plateau of the 9th century Preah Vihear Temple near the northern Khmer/Thailand border, where the Buddhist temple’s ownership had been disputed over the centuries but a court returned it to Cambodia. They planned trips around waterfalls, toured villages, made friends, shopped, observed cultural practices and dined at restaurants. “Fruit falls from the trees here. We’ll be walking on a road right here and a mango might hit us in the head. Or a coconut. It’s God’s garden. The people, they will pick whatever they can find and sell it,” she said. Most Saturdays, they got on their bikes and explored a place they had previously researched. “We’ve enjoyed that. Just seeing the

city from a bicycle is interesting,” LaCinda said. “I’ve been looking at architectural things, specially from the ’60s. The kingdom was at peace at that time and there were a lot of important architects and city planners working on Phnom Penn.” They documented their stay by taking thousands of pictures. LaCinda included dozens of them in the weekly newsletters sent to family and friends around the world. They took the tropical weather in their stride. “We were washed in the humidity of Houston, dried in the oven of Arizona, so it’s perfect because half the year it’s rainy and sweaty, the other half of the year it’s hot and dry,” LaCinda said. COVID-19 impacted the mission also, bringing with it the ups and downs felt worldwide. The number of missionaries dropped to 30 locals and LaCinda was sent back to the U.S. for a few months. John organized meetings via Zoom and kept a closer tab on the missionaries, especially on their health. They learned to reach people with cell phones rather than bicycling to their homes. The intense work brought them together. “It’s like one big family,” John said. So, when missionaries left in six weeks when their terms ended, they felt a

wrench. “The missionaries become family, as if they were sons and daughters,” he said. “And the first time we went to the airport to say goodbye to a group of missionaries that we’ve been with, that’s when the emotions hit our heart – how hard it was to say goodbye to them.” LaCinda said: “We didn’t even know them that well and I was so emotional.” With communication methods as advanced as they are, they know their friendships will endure. Meanwhile, once back in the U.S., the Lewises are looking forward to visiting their extended family. They have new grandchildren to meet and nurture. “I think I’m ready for a good game of basketball,” John said. They also want to look up the Khmer people in the area. Perhaps they will tell them of the Cambodian mission’s slogan. When the missionaries woke up in the morning, they were encouraged to jump out of bed, put their arms in the air and say “another great day in paradise” in Khmer. “We had fun with that,” John said. “John is always happy, even through challenging times,” LaCinda noted. “This particular slogan is a reflection of really who he is. When we’re in Gilbert, it will be another great day in paradise there, too.”

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

Gilbert cops, fire walk away from new town logo BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

ilbert’s new logo – a G-shaped logo abstract in the colors of pink, orange and navy blue – is being stamped on all its assets, including its webpage, street signs, business cards and town merchandise. But where the public won’t see the colorful emblem is on police and fire uniform patches. Gilbert Fire and Rescue will continue using its current design and Gilbert Police are still in the process of designing their new patch with their uniform committee, town spokeswoman Jennifer Harrison said, adding it may take a couple of months before it’s ready. The current police patch features the old town logo that looks like a swirl. Police and fire weren’t the only ones not enamored with the town’s new logo, an in-house branding effort that took 2.5 years.

Signs of the times are different when it comes to what logos Gilbert uses. From left is the current patch on uniforms of Gilbert Fire & Rescue, the old Gilbert Police patch with the town’s discarded logo, and the new logo for the town. (Special to GSN) Mayor Brigette Peterson made clear her distain for the new logo, which she placed for discussion on the March 2 study session agenda. “I’ve been asking for like two months to be able to bring this back before things were able to get a lot further then they were,” said Peterson, who took office in January. “I kept getting kind of stonewalled. Patrick did everything in

his power to get me not to bring it forward this evening.” She was referring to Town Manager Patrick Banger. According to Chief Digital Officer Dana Berchman, many departments have already put in orders for items with the new brand and that a production company was fabricating the final sign designs for review. The logo even has gone

up at the recently opened Public Safety Training Facility. Peterson said she’s been getting comments from hundreds of people in the community wanting to know what she was going to do about the logo. “I kept telling them that I didn’t think there was anything I could do but I had

see LOGOS page 9

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at least wanted the opportunity to have my say,” she said, adding: “I have never felt so passionately about something that I would go this far and bring it back to have a discussion like this ever. I have pretty much been a team player from day one.” She said she didn’t get the opportunity to weigh in on the logo when the Council approved it Dec. 15, “But now I’m the one that has to tell people that we’re stuck with it,” she said. “I don’t agree that this was the best move for our community. “This logo, in my opinion, doesn’t fit this community and the comments that I am getting from people are just – you would be amazed at the comments I’m getting from people. Someone in a nearby community said, ‘it was about time Gilbert screwed up something so bad to make the rest of us look good.’ “How am I to respond to those comments especially when I don’t agree with what we have.” Peterson said the new logo “embarrasses” her as people likened it to

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Pac-Man, an icon used in a video game. “It’s not what I envisioned for this community,” she continued, adding she had hoped the town would put it on hold and go back to the old logo and not spend the time and money to implement it. Councilman Laurin Hendrix said he was on the Council for a short time when he sided with the unanimous vote to approve the logo but now he supported Peterson’s view. “This logo does nothing for me,” he said. Councilman Scott September said he initially did not like the logo nor the process in coming up with the design. Council members didn’t have any input on the logo until staff presented it to them for acceptance. But after a subcommittee of three council members, including himself, tweaked the color palette and shape, he said he now liked the logo. But September also said, “I’ve heard a lot from the men and women in uniform in police and fire that would not be proud to wear the logo on a patch on

their uniform. “That is where I have the problem. I want those men and women who risk their lives for us to be proud of the uniform they put on, the uniform we ask them to put on.” Peterson said she agreed with September that police and fire “patches should be their own and they should have full say over their patches.” She said the two departments should be allowed to come up with their own design and “that we should not be involved, other than a nod at the end to make sure it’s nothing we disagree with or find disrespectful in any way.” Councilman Scott Anderson said it will take time for the public to embrace the new logo. “This isn’t my first rodeo with doing logos in this town,” said Anderson. “I can tell you our current logo was not accepted by this community until six months to a year after we implemented that.” He said if the town were to go back to the old logo, which some say resembled a flushing toilet, it would get

C A S H more criticism for using it again. “I’m done,” Anderson said. “We made a decision and I’m done. We need to give the community, those who are naysayers of this logo the opportunity to get used to it.” Councilwoman Kathy Tilque, the longtime leader of Gilbert Chamber of Commerce until she retired last year, said she has grown to like the logo. “Whenever you look at a piece of art, a logo or whatever it is and you have a reaction, it’s up to that individual to look at it and see the positive,” she said. If someone sees the logo as something negative or as a Pac-Man, it might be due to their mindset in life and not the logo itself, according to Tilque. “You’re our mayor and I think you have to be able to be proud of what we are doing,” she told Peterson. “This is a big issue for you and I understand that but I think you might have to change your mindset on it and be able to tell people the positive things of what it is representing or else this is going to be a hard

see LOGOS page 14

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

Lawmakers resuming tussle with Ducey BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

he Legislature is scheduled to return from a two-week break Thursday amid a battle between Republican lawmakers and Gov. Doug Ducey that triggered his May 28 veto of 22 bills. Senate President Karen Fann said the fact he vetoed the bills because he hasn’t seen a budget will only make it harder to reach that goal. Fann told Capitol Media Services it’s bad enough that the governor seems to be ignoring the fact that Republicans do not have a lot of wiggle room to line up the votes. That’s because it will take all 16 Senate Republicans and 31 in the House to approve any spending and tax-cut package. What’s worse, she said, is that many of the 22 bills he vetoed were crafted and sponsored by lawmakers who were the most supportive of the $12.8 billion spending plan and $1.9 billion in tax cuts.

Gov. Doug Ducey’s vetos came at the end of a week when he attended a GOP governors’ convention, during which he appeared on Fox TV commentator Sean Hannity’s show. (Special to GSN)

And all Ducey and his aides managed to do is annoy their friends. ``I don’t know what they were thinking,’’ she said. Fann isn’t alone in her thinking. ``I don’t think the governor’s move helped us especially,’’ said House Speaker Rusty Bowers.

But Bowers told Capitol Media Services he remains confident that a deal can be cobbled together that will get the necessary votes even if they’re not happy with everything in the package. ``We ask people to hold their nose,’’ Bowers continued. ``There are things that everybody doesn’t like.’’

Bowers had an interesting take on how Ducey’s veto of the 22 bills – all but three sponsored by Republicans – actually could help bring about some consensus at least within the GOP caucus, if not with Ducey. ``It kind of unifies people in one way,’’ he said. ``It makes them uniformly mad.” Upset with what he sees as lack of progress, Ducey vowed to veto any other legislation that reaches his desk until he gets a budget. “This weekend marks one month until the end of the fiscal year and Arizonans are counting on us to work together and pass a budget that provides certainty to taxpayers and citizens,’’ the governor said in a prepared statement. The list of now-dead items ranges from Gilbert lawmaker Jake Hoffman’s attempt to ban the use of public dollars for “critical race theory’’ training to changes in election laws to registration of sex offenders

see VETO page 13

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APARTMENTS from page 1

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

buildings with one, two, three and four ners is seeking a minor General Plan bedrooms with single and two-car garagamendment and rezone of 13.71 acres es. Amenities would include clubhouse, at the northwest corner of McQueen and fitness center, kitchen area, pool, a tot lot Elliot roads. The land is currently zoned and dog park. commercial. “Given the location here, I think it’s The developer proposes putting the very good to bring in more people that rentals on 10.12 acres and building two can access the amenities and all of the drive-thru restaurants on 3.59 acres, businesses across the street there,” Comwhich would be part of phases two and missioner Noah Mundt said. “I think it’s a three. good area of growth.” The complex would include three- and That said, Mundt in agreement with four-story buildings with a mix of one- to staff did not support the applicant’s rethree-bedroom units and garages. Amequest to deviate from the required 45 nities include a pool, spa, game lawn, percent for open space down to 41.9 perathletic center, clubhouse and a yogacent. and-spin room. The applicant explained that each unit The odd-shaped site is within the would have a private backyard, which town’s densest and one of the largest emThis rendering shows the developer’s vision for the proposed 280-unit Alta Gilbert apartbenefits renters more rather than adding ments at McQueen and Elliot roads. (Town of Gilbert) ployment areas, senior planner Stephaanother small park. nie Bubenheim told the commission. That didn’t fly for Mundt, who said She said with some of the General Plan developers should be accountable for at 45-percent open space. least meeting the town’s minimal stanChairman Carl Bloomfield agreed there dards. was an opportunity to create a sense of Although the developer is providing community in the middle of the developeach unit with a private yard that is more ment and that the project was not very than required by code, the project would creative in its use of open space. be better served with landscaped areas Commissioner William Fay voiced confor common use, staff maintained. cern with the right-in, right-out single Commissioner David Blaser said he access on Gilbert Road for the developwas excited about the project and that ment. The project would have a secondthere was a market for it. And, he also ary access but only for emergency use. agreed the project needed to maintain the minimum requirement for open space. Vice Chairman Jan Simon said overall he liked the project’s layout but felt there should be a center space for something like a park in the middle. “I feel the area that they have with the dog park and a kids’ pad in the back, both of them are in the back,” he said. “They’re not going to be used by the front two-thirds of that The proposed Alta Gilbert development would be located in the green-shaded area at Elliot and McQueen roads. (Town of Gilbert) property. “I feel there’s an opportunity to make something in the midFay said the restricted ac- policies placed on the employment cordle that really kind of stands out cess would cause a “wave of ridor, staff feels the proposed project and make this property more U-turns” by people in the vi- would be the right fit. than just a landing space for cinity. people to go in and out of their Staff’s objections included the proFor the proposed Alta Gildoors.” posed site’s adjacency to an existing The red-bordered area shows the location of the proposed 108bert apartments with 280 He added that the developer unit Avanterra comlex near the Civic Center. (Town of Gilbert) units, developer Wood Partshould look for ways to have the see APARTMENTS page 15

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

VETO from page 10

NEWS

and ensuring that women at state prisons get free access to feminine hygiene products. Less clear is what has to be in the spending and tax-cut plan to get Ducey to relent. Press aide C.J. Karamargin told Capitol Media Services that the governor’s threat is not tied to adoption of his specific $12.8-billion spending plan and $1.9 billion in permanent tax cuts. But Ducey suggested that’s pretty much what he wants. “On the table is a budget agreement that makes responsible and significant investments in K-12 education, higher education, infrastructure and local communities, all while delivering historic tax relief to working families and small busi-

nesses,’’ he wrote. He told Fann and Bowers in a letter he looks forward to partnering with them “to focus on what matters and pass a budget.’’ When a consensus could not be reached, they decided to send everyone home until June 10, allowed lawmakers, who had presumed the session would be over in late April as scheduled, to pursue their travel and vacation plans. Those decisions did not sit well with Ducey. “The governor believes the Arizona Legislature should do its job,’’ Karamargin said. “There is no more important job at this time and the budget. And the next fiscal year is a month away. The governor, in a separate Twitter

post, said his vetoes should not be seen as commenting on the merits of any bill. “Some are good policy, but with one month left until the end of the fiscal year, we need to focus on passing a budget,’’ he wrote. “That should be Priority One. The other stuff can wait.’’ Nothing keeps lawmakers from sending the same proposals back to Ducey later this year – assuming they do it after there is a budget and he dissolves his veto threat. But there is no procedure in the Arizona Constitution to “un-veto’’ a bill. That means having to start over again from scratch, either with entirely new bills and public hearings or find ways to insert

their provisions into the budget package. Ducey’s move, while unusual, is not without precedent. In 2013, Republican Jan Brewer announced she would not sign any measures until there was resolution of a new state budget. And in that case, the then-governor also wanted the Republican-controlled legislature to include her plan to expand Medicaid. And Ducey himself took a page from Brewer’s playbook in 2018 when he vetoed 10 bills on his desk because lawmakers had yet to give him a budget with his proposed 20 percent raise for teachers. He relented after he got what he wanted.

libraries for five years at a cost of $3.7 million. Gilbert receives $135,000 annually from the Chandler Unified School District for support of operations at the Perry Library. Gilbert owns the land, building and contents at Southeast Regional Library and shares ownership of the contents

at Perry Library with CUSD. The district owns the land and building. In preparation for the June 1 contract renewal, town staff completed an updated analysis of the library operations that included determining how the two sites in Gilbert compared with peer municipalities.

Staff found although the two Gilbert facilities have the smallest footprint, they were visited more frequently at 3.65 library visits per Gilbert resident each year. Additionally, the total operating expenses of the Town libraries was in the low-range of the researched municipal-

ity libraries at $13.72 spent per Gilbert resident, annually, according to staff. Check-out of physical materials also was the highest for Gilbert libraries compared with peer libraries at 10.33 transactions per Gilbert resident, annually.

LIBRARY from page 3

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

Cops nab East Valley mailbox bomber n March, five East Valley mailboxes – four in Mesa, one on E. Sherri Drive in Gilbert – were blown apart. Police said what sounded like a teen prank was the malicious work of a 30-year-old transient with a long record. According to the police report, “March 12 and March 15 of 2021, five incidents were reported to the Mesa and Gilbert police regarding the destruction of mailboxes via an unknown explosive device.” Mesa police came up with a likely suspect: John David Janecek. At the time of his arrest, police said, Janecek was in possession of methamphetamine and Psilocybin (also known as “psychedelic mushrooms”). “Janecek denied destroying the mail-

boxes but did admit he had been in possession of ‘materials’ that he believed he should not have been and so had them destroyed. Janecek advised he would not blow up mailboxes,” police said. Janecek began to make incriminating statements about blowing up the mailboxes but then stopped short and corrected himself. After receiving a search warrant, police went through Janecek’s Facebook page and found a message he sent to a friend: “You sure have seen a lot of mailboxes disappearing.” Later, Janecek “admitted to blowing up several mailboxes” and said he had paid the owner of one blown-up box $30 and apologized to him. “Janecek advised he had wanted to apologize to the owners of the other mailboxes,” police reported.

four years for you as you move forward.” Anderson said many people don’t understand the representation behind the logo and maybe it’s the town’s job to better educate the public. “That would be a great place to start,” Peterson said. “Because I have no idea what it is.” Banger said a lot of staff time and ef-

fort was put into the logo. “We endeavored very hard to gather input and to come up with something that would represent this community and everyone in this community that they could see themselves in and no one would feel excluded by something that may not resonate with them personally,” Banger said.

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APARTMENTS from page 12

industrial business park, stating a residential zoning would affect the park’s flexibility to expand or redevelop. Staff also felt the project would have a significant impact on water use and that commercial land such as the site should be protected because it was key to the town achieving long-term sustainability. Simons said the developer was asking for a lot of deviations and that he was not ready at this point to give up on land zoned for community commercial for residential. He also was not a fan of the project’s layout or the request for a reduction in common open space. The developer wanted to drop the open space requirement to 31 percent from 40 percent by letting on some units have a private open space – a plan Commissioner Brian Andersen opposed. He said the deviation needed to go away and there was no reason why the project can’t be designed to meet town requirements. “The ask here seems to be a rather heavy lift,” said Mundt, who noted the

NEWS

“pretty massive” multi-family project would be in the middle of an industrial area. Although he said the project looked like a nice community, Mundt raised concerns with traffic from the multi-family units and two drive-thrus. He also objected to the request to reduce the open space and said the project needed more work. Fay said he had no problem with the request to modify the regulation that prevents drive-thrus from being located within 50 feet of a residentially zoned property. If done right, it could actually be a cool amenity, he said. But he did have a problem with all the other deviations and the developer’s justification that the project was consistent with the General Plan didn’t work for him, he said. Bloomfield brought up the study by the Urban Land Institute on the Northwest Employment Area that suggested the area didn’t have “enough mass of people here to supply live, work and play kind of uses.”

ULI panelists in a 2019 discussion about their findings, said to keep the corridor strictly an employment center would hold Gilbert back and that multi-family residential would help fuel employment in the area. The study suggested the town embrace multi-family housing so people can live and work in the same area. Bloomfield pointed to Gilbert Town Square across the street from the municipal complex as an example of existing commercial that went from not doing well to thriving when housing came into the area. “In my mind it makes sense that we would want some sort of multi-family, not all of it, but there should be a component of it that comes in this Northwest Character area,” Bloomfield said. Bubenheim said staff understands it is helpful to have residential as a component in the Northwest Growth Area to support the services there but it’s also about assessing the residential project’s impact on the adjacent industrial uses as well. She added staff uses the

ULI study as a guiding document for the area. Bloomfield said the opinions offered are valid but at the same time he was not necessarily opposed to having multi-family in the area and on this particular piece of property. “I don’t want to discount the opportunity that might exist here because I think there is a need for some of that,” he said. Commissioners also gave positive feedback on an 84-room hotel on 2.6 acres at the southwest corner of Mercy and Pecos roads. Kuber-Patel Properties is seeking a minor General Plan amendment and rezone in order to develop a Marriott TownePlace Suites hotel within the Val Vista Medial Growth Area. Mercy Gilbert Hospital is the anchor in that growth area, which focuses on medical, research and rehab-care facilities with a mixeduse of commercial and hospitality. The 49,216-square-foot hotel is proposed to be four stories tall with a fitness center and pool.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

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Gilbert woman chairs charity for kids’ caregivers GSN NEWS STAFF

Gilbert woman is chairing the board for a new nonprofit that aims to support caregivers of children with disabilities. “Illyssa Tussing chairs the board of D.A.M.E.S. Charities, which aims to reduce caregiver burnout and build the resiliency of caregivers of children with disabilities by providing them with easy to access tools that focus on mindfulness, education, and community,” said founder Michele Thorne. Thorne has assembled a board comprising professionals who work with disabled children – and in several cases are parents of special needs kids. Tussing is the mother of two special-needs boys and owner of a tech support company called Creative Tech AZ which provides tech support and web design to small businesses around

Michele Thorne, whose son Jackson and daughter Maria, were diagnosed autistic, thinks mothers of special needs children should get social, mental and emotional support that they can’t find from groups that help the kids, so she started an organization to provide that support. (GSN file photo) the Valley. Her oldest son has autism and her second son has a rare disease, RYR-1. These differences allow her to see both

sides of special needs children with mental disorders as well as children with physical disorders. This unique dynamic gives itself to many opportuni-

ties in the community and experiences which can help others, Thorne said. It was out of her personal understanding of the challenges moms of special needs children face that Thorne – the mother of two autistic children – founded DAMES, an acronym for Differently-Able Mothers Empowerment Society. With a bachelor’s degree in genetics and a master’s in science, she had worked at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, or TGen, for five years until she felt driven to quit her career to be with her son and daughter. The acronym plays off the name of an honorific title given women in Britain and some other countries. “I was searching for a word that kind of encapsulates moms like me who are out there battling for their kids

see THORNE page 17

Gilbert student’s video wins $5K for his school BY ASHLYN ROBINETTE GSN Staff Writer

Gilbert resident who just graduated from Perry High School earned his alma mater $5,000 with his video contest entry. Britton Platt won the grand prize in cybersecurity leader Trend Micro’s Internet Safety for Kids and Families program. It had sponsored a contest titled “What’s Your Story?” and posed the question “How did the internet help you get through this past year?” Britton’s entry, which he titled “Locked In,” explores the daily life of a man in quarantine at his wits’ end online shopping for essential items, including toilet paper. “Britton’s video was a parody of life

as we knew it over the past year which the judges’ panel truly appreciated,” said Lynette Owens, founder and global director of Trend Micro’s safety program. “He introduced us to a character that we can all see reflected in ourselves in some way, as we all needed the internet to stay home, stay safe, and get through such a difficult time.” Now in its 11th year, the “What’s Your Story?” video contest encourages students and schools across Canada and the U.S. to submit videos that are a minimum of 30 seconds and a maximum of two minutes long that answer quesAs he graduated from Perry High School last month, Gilbert teen Britton Platt left a legacy in terms of a $5,000 prize he won for the school. (Courtesy of Britton Platt)

tions that explore issues related to safe, responsible and successful technology use, according to its website. Students aged 13 and up can either compete in the individual student category or school category. Britton did the latter. Along a video, participants had to demonstrate that they could be an advocate for their own message, according to the “What’s Your Story?” website. Contestants were asked to encourage their friends, family and community to view and rate their entries as evidence of this advocacy. Views and hearts from each of their fans were used to determine the finalists. Britton said he noticed not only how hard this last year was for most people,

see VIDEO page 18

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

COMMUNITY

Gilbert native serves at Navy combat center Gilbert native is serving at Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center. Petty Officer 1st Class Josephine Huynh-Breiland serves as a hospital corpsman responsible for providing medical care to service members. “I joined the Navy in 2001 as a hospital corpsman third class and became a surgical technician a few years later,” said Huynh-Breiland. “I knew there were many more opportunities for this job position and I always dreamed to go back one day to work in Europe. “I was right, my first mobilization was with the Navy Expeditionary Mobilization Unit in Landstuhl Germany. Many of us who worked there between the years of 2011-17, it was the toughest job ever but just being there to care for our wounded personnel that came back the last wave from Afghanistan and Iraq meant the world to many of us.”

Huynh-Breiland joined the Navy 19 years ago after becoming a naturalized citizen. “I wanted to do something dramatic after being naturalized as a U.S. citizen and one day, I just got this postcard to join the U.S. Navy,” said Huynh-Breiland. “I jumped right in and never looked back. According to Huynh-Breiland, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Gilbert. “I think resiliency and adaptation are keys for me,” said Huynh-Breiland. “Able to assimilate at an early age, work out issues and conflicts early and finding solutions to a problem instead of blaming Gilbert native Josephine Huynh-Breiland is finishing a others is my motto in life. “Never quit, just have faith 20-year career with the U.S. Navy. (U.S. Navy)

in yourself and others working around you and keeping a positive attitude in life.” Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command oversees the processing, equipping, training, deployment, in-theater support and re-deployment of over 6,500 sailors in non-traditional, nonnaval expeditionary missions to support joint and maritime operations. Though there are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers, Huynh-Breiland is most proud of mobilization in Germany, aboard USS Mesa Verde and aboard USS Ponce. Huynh-Breiland, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing the Navy the nation needs. “I was super proud to get my U.S. citizenship and just want to serve in the U.S. Navy,” added Huynh-Breiland. “I knew it was a big commitment but can’t believe it is almost over.”

relentlessly day-in and day-out,” she explained. “These mothers are relentless in their search for care and protection of their children.” Thorne is active in a number of region-wide organizations such as the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, but she did not find a group filling the kind of needs she’s trying to meet with D.A.M.E.S. “There’s nothing out there that really takes care of the deeper self-care mothers really need,” she said. For example, she said, “It’s really hard for parents who have special needs children to get out and find somebody to watch their kids so they can go to a support group meeting.” So, she developed an elaborate website, damesusa.com, where they can find the support online. Stating that “time is valuable to caregivers of children with disabilities,” Thorne said D.A.M.E.S. Charities tries to ease caretakers’ burdens. “On the D.A.M.E.S. Charities Inc. website, parents will find five roadmaps

that will help them navigate Arizona’s systems of care, over 25 educational webinars, 20 tools to help them organize their child’s medical care and eight- to 21-day fitness programs they can do at home, on their time,” she said. “By reducing caregiver stress and burnout, parents can cultivate a positive relationship with their children and help them get the care they need,” Thorne said, stating D.A.M.E.S. Charities “offers a holistic approach that allows caregivers to connect socially, participate in self-care, and access educational resources whenever it is most convenient.” As the CEO of D.A.M.E.S. Charities Inc., she plans to continue creating programs, apps, events, and support groups to help parents who are raising children with different health care needs. A certified autism specialist, Thorne founded the Care for the Giver Conference and created After the Diagnosis. She graduated from the Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona Partners in the Leadership program. She has been trained

ground, she found herself lost in navigating complicated systems while also trying to manage her own health. “It was hard to find anyone who truly understood what her family was going through and what they needed,” Thorne said. “Through this experience, she really began to appreciate the necessity of mental healthcare and community resources specifically for families of individuals with disabilities.” Also on the board is Staci Neustadt of Scottsdale, a speech-language pathologist for 20 years who focuses on supporting the autistic community. As a certified autism specialist, she has led social groups, provided individual speech and language therapy for kids with a variety of disabilities. In 2007, she used her experience and research to assist in developing Alexicom Tech’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication apps to assist those with complex communication needs. Information: damesusa.com and damescharities.org.

BY MEGAN BROWN Navy Office of Community Outreach

THORNE from page 16

as a Flourishing Families Practitioner, a Protective Factors Trainer, and as a Triple P Stepping Stones Practitioner. Michele also sits on the ALTCS advisory council, the ICC financial committee and the CPSD Leadership committee as a parent representative. Dr. Gabrielle Ficchi is chief operations officer for D.A.M.E.S. Charities. The Tucson associate counselor is a certified rehabilitation counselor and is the clinical director at Helping Everyday Youth, working with children to help provide community and school-based treatment programs that address the external behaviors of youth with the goal to help at-risk youth to succeed in everyday life. Courtney Deeren of Tucson is board secretary and is a licensed associate counselor with a background in child and family therapy and childhood trauma. In 2014, her son was born with a rare genetic disorder called Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and she became his full-time caregiver. Despite her professional and educational back-

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

1,700 EVIT ‘completers’ honored at ceremony GSN NEWS STAFF

everal newly graduated high school seniors living in Gilbert were honored last month as 1,700 East Valley Institute of Technology grads completed their career training in various fields. “On the Road to Success” awards were given to Makenna Trapani of Highland High School, who completed the veterinary assistance program at EVIT’s Power Campus, and Kiara Nixon, another Highland student who completed the Early Childhood Education program at EVIT’s main campus in downtown Mesa. Juniors and seniors in high schools in Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler and other school districts split their days between their home school and EVIT. In two ceremonies at Chicago Cubs Sloan Park stadium last month, EVIT Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson thanked teachers and staff who returned to campus last August so students would be able to continue their career and technical education, most of which requires hands-on, in-person

Zeina Moumneh won a car for being named EVIT Student of the Year at its Power campus. (EVIT) training. With strict safety protocols in place, EVIT avoided COVID-19 outbreaks and remained open all year. “You did what other educators across the nation could not or would not do,” Wilson told a crown of approximately 8,000. The completion ceremonies also provided the opportunity to honor EVIT’s

outstanding students. Zeina Moumneh, whose home school was SanTan Charter School in Gilbert and was enrolled in the medical assistant program, was named Student of the Year at EVIT’s Power Campus. Kylie HuntsInWinter, an Arizona Connections Academy senior in the criminal justice program at EVIT, was named Student of the Year for the main campus. Moumneh was selected to one of the medical assistant program’s top extern sites, and is a member of National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars. She is also salutatorian of her graduating class and has completed 130 hours of volunteer work at Banner Gateway Medical Center. She will attend Chandler-Gilbert Community College on a Presidential Scholarship next year. Both students of the year also won a car donated to EVIT and repaired and detailed by students in the automotive and diesel technologies programs. Madison Thompson, an American Leadership Academy Queen Creek grad

in the nursing assistant program at the Power Campus, and Annastasia “Annie” Oswald, EduPrize Charter School senior in the radio/audio production program at the main campus, were honored for community service. During the Main Campus ceremony, emergency medical technician instructor Traci Plough was honored by her colleagues and students for her dedication as a teacher, mentor and friend. Plough has continued to teach the EMT program despite undergoing treatment for cancer. Recordings of the ceremonies for the Power/Apache Junction campuses and the Main/Fountain Hills campuses, ceremony programs and list of completers are available at evit.com/completion. EVIT students have a 98 percent high school graduation rate, two out of three go on to college, and approximately 94 percent are in jobs related to their training, college or the military within a year of completing their programs. EVIT is enrolling for the 2021-22 school year. To enroll: evit.com/enroll.

National Merit Scholarship Foundation names Gilbert winners

he National Merit Scholarship Foundation last week named nine Gilbert residents who just graduated high school among the 3,100 winners of scholarships financed by U.S. colleges and universities. An additional group of scholars will be announced in July. Gilbert winners, the school they grad-

VIDEO from page 16

but also how divided they were over COVID-19 mandates. He wanted his video to unite people. “Everyone found the toilet paper shortage funny, so I thought that it would be something funny to turn into a video so that people would have something to laugh about and enjoy no matter what side they’re on,” said the 17-year-old.

uated from, and where and what they intend to study are: Lauryn R. Brandt, Campo Verde High, studying mechanical engineering at Texas Tech University; Jason L. Calalang, Highland High, engineering at Boston University. Joshua A. Capel, Chandler Preparatory Academy, engineering at the UniBritton learned about Trend Micro’s video competition through a film class, but said this wasn’t the first film he’s ever made. He has been making small videos since he was 8. “Means to make videos have changed over time,” he said. “I used to have to film on little point-and-shoot cameras

versity of Arizona; Vivek Chalasani, BASIS Chandler, comparative Literature at Arizona State University; Raj Chopra, Hamilton High, economics at Vanderbilt University; Jamie M. Ellison, BASIS Mesa, animation at ASU; Mathew K. Hanna, Gilbert Classical but now I can use my phone.” While Britton is not going to school for film, he says that he does want to pursue film as a career. He plans to go into business and law at Chandler Gilbert Community College and later major in entertainment law at an affordable university. To watch “Locked In” or see a com-

Academy, pediatrics at UArizona; Donovan M. Harp, Mesquite High, will be going to ASU but is undecided on a major; Zara Z. Jahan, Hamilton High, engineering at ASU; Isaac J. Root, Highland High, sociology at Texas Tech University.

plete list of the 2021 winners and finalists, past winners, or learn more about the contest, go to whatsyourstory.trendmicro.com.

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NFL star finds Gilbert, CoreLife fit perfectly BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GSN Staff Writer

ormer NFL star Adam Archuleta believes in chasing dreams – and will not consider letting fear get in the way of that. The 1996 Chandler High School graduate who found success with ASU’s program recently opened his second CoreLife Eatery franchise in Gilbert. Archuleta said the health food franchise aligns nicely with the families of Gilbert. “This area fits who we are,” said Archuleta, who serves as managing partner. “I think a lot of people will gravitate toward this kind of concept. This feels good. It feels like it fits here.” The fast-casual brand, which prides itself in offering simple, fresh ingredients, serves savory dishes that provide nutritious fuel for busy lives. Each menu item is curated with fresh ingredients that are prepared daily from whole foods. CoreLife uses only grass-fed beef, antibiotic-free chicken and pork and cagefree eggs. All ingredients are free of GMOs, trans fats, artificial colors, sweeteners and additives. The menu features grain bowls, green salads, soups, bone broth and dinner plates featuring roasted vegetables and housemade sides. Guests can also order handheld items such as made-to-order tacos and wraps. The taco menu features globally inspired flavors available on naan bread, tortilla shell or lettuce wrap. Those looking for a hearty meal can have their favorite bowls converted into a wrap. Sodas aren’t available here. Instead, it offers handcrafted beverages like freshsqueezed lemonade, beet lemonade and apple cider green tea. Archuleta played in the NFL for seven seasons – five with the St. Louis Rams

The menu features grain bowls, green salads, soups, bone broth and dinner plates featuring roasted vegetables and housemade sides.

recalls. “So, I ate there three times a day for a week. I’m the type who always sticks to the same two or three items from every menu. “Now, I’ve tried everything. All our dishes have such a unique flavor profile and I love all of them. They’re really wonderfully tasting dishes.” Archuleta gravitates Former NFL star Adam Archuleta is finding new thrills toward beef, and enjoys running his healthy eatery franchise. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff the steak, bacon and blue Photographer) cheese dish, which combines and one season each with the Wash- chopped romaine and mesclun mix, ington Redskins and Chicago Bears. grass-fed tri-tip steak, bacon, cranberArchuleta is an NFL game analyst ries, walnuts, tomatoes and gorgonzola. at CBS Sports. As a lifelong athlete, He’s also a fan of the Greek chicken Archuleta has seen firsthand the benefits taco, which, he said, isn’t something he of eating wholesome, nutritious food and previously would have considered. The is passionate about promoting CoreLife Greek chicken taco has grilled chicken, Eatery’s commitment to quality ingredi- cucumber, pineapple pico, napa cabbage, ents and freshness. feta and tzatziki sauce. “Whatever I did in business, food Any bowl at the eatery can be made as or restaurants, I wanted to believe in a wrap, with the sauces on the side. it,” he said adamantly. “I wouldn’t feel “That is a game changer,” he said. good about lying to people just to make Archuleta isn’t exactly the biggest pork money.” fan, but he’s into the Korean barbecue He was visiting his in-laws in pork bowl. Youngstown, Ohio, when his sister-in-law “It’s one of the most flavorful bowls introduced him to CoreLife Eatery. you’ll have anywhere,” he adds. “It’s just “I went in there and thought, ‘This is amazing. I know this sounds cheesy, but awesome. This is totally my place,’” he I like it all.”

Archuleta said CoreLife Eatery is for everyone, not just the “super fit or the super active athletes.” “How many options are out there that are good for you?” the Scottsdale resident said. “Let’s face it; it tastes and is good for you — and it’s affordable. There are not a lot of places that check that box. I think this is perfect for families. I don’t think it should be just for the active lifestyle.” Archuleta said opening restaurants and analyzing football on television were originally uncomfortable. Before buying into CoreLife Eatery, Archuleta took part in NFL Boot Camp Franchising at the University of Michigan with other former and current players. As for the TV position, Archuleta overcame serious social anxiety. “It took willpower, really,” he said with a smile. “We have a tendency when we’re uncomfortable to run and hide form in, instead of embracing it. I use discomfort as my guide. How sad is it if you’re limited from trying to create your dreams just because you’re scared?”

CoreLife Eatery 1555 N. Higley Road, Suite C105, Gilbert 1-866-778-0033, corelifeeatery.com

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Highland football enters summer with redemption on the mind BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

he Highland Hawks football team navigated through one of the state’s toughest schedules during the 2020 COVID season with few wounds from top programs. The Hawks fell to Open Division champion Chandler, runner-up Hamilton and a Queen Creek squad many believed to be a contender in the state’s premier playoff bracket. Highland entered the 6A playoffs as the No. XX overall seed and went on to knock off Casteel and Boulder Creek in thrilling fashion to make the championship game. But that is where the Hawks’ run came to an end against Chaparral in a 24-14 loss. Now six months later, the sour taste from that loss in the title game remains. But head coach Brock Farrel believes their internal love for the game will lead to redemption faster than a bitter feeling. “I’m a firm believer that internal passion and love for the game and your friends will drive you further than embarrassment and losses,” Farrel said. “Those things are fleeting and short-lived. They’re like bottle rockets on the Fourth of July. They go up and explode and then that’s it.” Highland capped off its spring football season at the Gotta Believe Athletic Club’s annual 7-on-7 tournament held in Glendale on Saturday, May 29. The Hawks, led by soon-to-be three-year starter Gage Dayley at quarterback, lost in the quarterfinals. Dayley, who threw for 2,102 yards and 17 touchdowns last season, said it was a good way to measure where his team stacks up to others. Especially given the amount of talent Highland had to replace from last year’s team. Max Davis, the school’s all-time leading rusher, graduated after a record-breaking season. Ammon Allen, who emerged as a

Highland quarterback Gage Dayley said the offense has once again reloaded and is poised for another championship run after falling short in last year’s 6A title game. (Photos by Zach

Alvira/GSN Staff)

ighland senior linebacker Carson Allen is taking over as leader of the defense, a role Dayley believes he has already thrived at so far this spring.

two-way threat also graduated alongside fellow defensive captain Kam Cullimore, one of the state’s most underrated and under recruited linebackers. But make no mistake, just like it has every year since Farrel took over the program in 2017, Highland has reloaded on both sides of the ball. “We have four returning linemen, and we have guys like Hunter Stewart and Ethan Svoboda,” Dayley said. “Some of our running backs will have to step up and learn the varsity playbook and what it takes to play at this level. We have the talent to compete.” One of Highland’s key pieces this season will be at receiver. Kaimana Hanohano, a soon-to-be senior who recently transferred from Red Mountain, figures to be one of Dayley’s top targets in the fall when he becomes eligible. Due to the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s transfer rule, he will have to sit the first half of Highland’s season. He will miss key matchups against Boulder Creek — a rematch of last year’s semifinals — and Pinnacle. But he will be available for Highland’s gauntlet of games in the back half of the season, when the Hawks face the likes of Perry, Basha, Hamilton, Chandler and Casteel. Hanohano said the transition from Red Mountain to Highland has been smooth as he has been welcomed by the team and community. Not only does he bring length to the offense with his 6-foot-3 frame, but a championship mindset. He was part of the Mountain Lions team that fell in overtime to Liberty in the 2019 6A finals. Just like his new teammates, he’s hungry for redemption. “I think that will play a big part,” Hanohano said of the championship loss while he was at Red Mountain. “I know when to speak up and I know when to put my head down and just work hard. Showing

see

HIGHLAND page 23

SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

HIGHLAND from page 22

what I can do on and off the field, everyone will know that I’m here for a purpose. Highland’s defense figures to again be strong heading into the new season. Carson Allen, a soon-to-be senior linebacker, brings a certain level of attitude Farrel describes as someone who knows they have the ability to dominate on any given play. Allen, who is also an all-state wrestler, learned behind Highland’s senior defenders last year. He brings the same passion they had on the way to the championship game and is one of several returning starters along the defense that often gives Dayley and the offense problems in practice. “Our defense, what do I say that sounds nice?” Dayley joked. “They get after it. Fischer (Camac) knocks down a lot of my passes because he’s so tall. But they’re a good group who we lean upon as an offense and Carson has become a good leader not only for them but this team.”

Farrel believes his team has thrived so far this offseason. Part of that stems from actually being able to conduct workouts as a team and use equipment. Last year, with the pandemic in full swing, Highland and other schools in Gilbert and the state were forced to pause all activities and progress in stages. Now with virtually no setbacks, Highland has been able to move on with a sense of normalcy. The Hawks plan to compete in various 7-on-7 tournaments throughout the summer while individual players attend college camps with the extended recruiting dead period now lifted by the NCAA as of June 1. “It’s back to business as usual,” Farrel said. “We are back in the weight room with the full team, and I always joke that we know we are working hard when the mirrors fog up. Like Herm Edwards said, ‘you play to win the game.’ Any time we go out to practice, we want to compete. “But we are aiming for bigger things. I’ll sacrifice a win in 7s in the summer for what we are aiming to do in the fall.”

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Gilbert young thespians shine in ‘Matilda’ BY KATY SPRINGER GetOut Contributor

Charlie Hall, 14, of Gilbert plays an “escapologist” in the musical. (Photos by Zac BonDurant/

t’s not often that “revolting” children get a standing ovation – but that’s exactly what will happen starting this week week when nearly 40 Gilbert and other East Valley kids charge the stage in “Matilda The Musical.” The Tony Award-winning show, which has captivated audiences of all ages worldwide, is being presented by Gilbert’s Actor’s Youth Theatre at the Zao Theatre 550 S. Ironwood Drive in Apache Junction June 10-26 at 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturdays. “Matilda” tells the story of a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the lovable Miss Honey. They develop a powerful bond, but school life isn’t completely smooth sailing: headmistress Miss Trunchbull hates children and loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules. And while the story does have sad moments, Matilda proves triumphant in the end. “I love the theme of this show along with the message that even though sometimes life’s not fair and things aren’t right, you’re never too young to try to fix it,” said 12-year-old Maddie Sue Miller of Gilbert, who plays the role. “Matilda is kind even though she wasn’t shown kindness,” Maddie Sue added. “She is smart and brave and stands up for herself and others, even though she had nobody at home to stand up for her.” It’s a theme that director and Mesa resident Lucy Garner hopes to drive home. “I think the relevance of ‘Matilda’ in today’s society is especially poignant,” said Garner. “My goal is for the audience to

GetOut Contributing Photographer)

feel the opposition between good vs. evil, acceptance vs. rejection, youth vs. age, and intelligence vs. ignorance. “Through the eyes of a gifted and spunky 5-year-old, we learn that with a little moral courage, good can triumph over evil, and we can be the authors of our own life stories.” “Matilda” delivers these lessons through high-energy dance numbers and more than a dozen songs. “‘Matilda’ is such a fun play to be in,” said Hayden Moulton 15, of Gilbert. “The music is different than any other play. It is harsher and faster. The lyrics are very well written. They tell the story through the songs.” But along with the life lessons is a healthy dose of fun – and this is especially true in the set design, which came together over the course of six weeks and hundreds of production hours. “The show is Saniya Sapakie is among written from the the numerous Gilbert kids perspective of in the “Matilda” cast. the children, so a

lot of the elements are larger than life,” said Stephen Hohendorf, artistic director of Actor’s Youth Theatre. “Matilda’s world consists of oversized books that seamlessly open and close to reveal different settings. The entire proscenium is covered in Scrabble tiles that look like they’re falling right out of the bag.” Of course, the youth performers are the true highlight of the production. Since the first rehearsal on April 27, they have worked diligently to bring their characters to life – whether they’re funny, loud, fierce or crazy. Gilbert teen Natalie Smith, 13, said her character, Mrs. Phelps “is an outside-the-box thinking character who loves a good story just like me. “To me, Mrs. Phelps is even crazier than Ms. Frizzle from ‘The Magic School Bus’ and will always look for the good in others,” Natalie said. “I am so excited to play her and excited to see how wacky I can be in this role.” Maddie Sue has found the illuminating in many ways. “The main thing I have learned from this experience is character development and that even though I’m saying what is written in the script, my interpretation and how I develop the character of Matilda will be different than someone else’s interpretation of Matilda in some way, shape or form,” said Maddie Sue. “I love that our director en-

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MATILDA page 26

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

Natalie Smith of Gilbert plays three different roles in “Matilda” an older kid, Mrs. Phelps and a parent. (Photos by Zac BonDurant/GetOut Contributing Photographer)

MATILDA from page 25

courages us to create our character as we see her because we end up seeing ourselves in the character.” The kids are thrilled to be back on stage after a long hiatus, which, for many, put an abrupt stop to the thing they loved most. “After such a long break due to COVID, I thought that it would be hard coming back and that I might end up feeling like an outsider, but almost immediately, I felt like I had never left,” said Saniya Sapakie, 12, of Gilbert, who plays Lavender. “I had been going through some rough stuff with friends from school and I felt alone and sad, but when rehearsals started, I was back to my regular self in days,” Saniya added. “I’m so excited to be back with my friends and cannot wait for the performance.” The cast and directors are hustling to put the finishing touches on “Matilda,” spending 15-20 hours a week polishing their dance numbers, fine-tuning their harmonies and blocking their scenes. “Despite our differences, talents, and especially our ages, we as a cast have come together to put on a spectacular musical that teaches everyone of all ages to find their voice and use it for the good,

Hayden Moulton of Gilbert steps into the role of Mr. Wormwood in “Matilda.”

for the little guys and underdogs,” said rapher is Jessi Rodriguez, also of Gilbert. of and are available at aytaz.org/tickets Natalie Smith, 13, of Gilbert. Set designers were Mickey Bryce, Mesa, or by calling 480-907-7050. Group disIndeed, “Matilda” has won 99 inter- and Tanja Bauerle, Gilbert. counts are available. Performances are national awards – including 24 for Best Tickets are $20 in advance/$22 day- expected to sell out quickly. Musical. “The story of Matilda is so interesting. The messages are really cool, like about how being smart is a really cool thing and how people who try to stop you from being smart do not do well,” said Hayden Moulton, 15, Gilbert. Gilbert residents in the cast include Zach Burgess, Aaron Clark, Valerie Codling, Liam Delgado, Caleb Dupree, Andrew Earls, Catherine Earls, Charlie Hall, Maddie Sue Miller, Dianna Hammond, Hayden Moulton, Mina Moulton, Seraphina Nevels, Emma Owens, Saniya Sapakie, Natalie Smith, Abbi Spector, Lexi Tidwell and Bonnie Wanstreet. Laura Wanstreet, who is High-stepping Maddie Sue Miller, 12, of Gilbert, center, plays the title role in “Matilda the Musical” and Bonnie’s mother, was cos- flanking her in this scene are Caleb Dupree, 11, also of Gilbert and Brooklyn Avery of Fountain Hills. tume designer and choreog-

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

Upbeat ‘Heights’ recalls old Hollywood flicks

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

n the Heights” stars Olga Merediz and Jimmy Smits say their musical masterpiece is the perfect anecdote to a rough 18 months. “It’s balanced with emotional and deep moments, but there’s a lot of happiness and joy,” said Merediz, who plays the matriarch Abuela Claudia. “The musical numbers are just right. The music cuts right through to you and Jon Chu has done an amazing, amazing job with his incredible visuals. I think people are really going to resonate with the characters and I think people are really going to enjoy it.” With a wide smile, Smits said, “ditto,” but takes it a step further. “We’ve also had to reckon with a lot of social issues in the past year and a half,” said Smits, who plays Kevin Rosario, a father who butts heads with his ambitious daughter. “We’re hoping that this film provides joy. Musicals tend to be uplifting and inspirational, but the universal themes resonate very strongly. I think this film is something all audiences will be able to grasp.” Set to hit screens on Friday, June 11, “In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s music and lyrics with director Chu’s lively eye for storytelling. Chu also directed 2018’s “Crazy Rich Asians.” The film takes viewers to the streets of Washington Heights, where the scent of Cafecito caliente hangs in the air outside of the 181st Street subway stop. Led by bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos, “A Star is Born”), the tight-knit, multicultural community shares its dreams and wishes with each other — in the hopes of paving a way out, while maintaining its ties to Washington Heights. “I hope people recognize themselves and see themselves and feel proud,” Merediz said. Smith adds viewers mustn’t live in Washington Heights to feel for the characters.

“I’m sure you had your nanas, your grandmothers and that,” he said. “The city might be different, and the cultural specificity might be a little different, but the feelings of community and family, and how the generation who comes here from another place has expectations for their (children and grandchildren) are all the same. “Those are universal things.” Merediz starred as Abuela Claudia on the stage version of “In the Heights.” She’s excited to spread her character’s word among the mass of movie lovers. “I wanted to give Claudia the platform she deserves,” said Merediz, referring to her character’s age. “She’s a character who is overlooked in our society. It’s just such a youth-oriented society. It gives me such pleasure to give her that platform.” She explains she enjoyed translating the stage version for film, although it was a little challenging. “The difference is, on stage, you’re delivering to the last row and you’re doing things chronologically. In a film, everything is very internal, and you shoot out of sequence. That is a challenge for an actor to keep your place, to where you are to keep that flow and that intensity of the moment in the song. It was definitely challenging, but I was up for the challenge. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” “In the Heights” will be available in cinemas and on HBO Max. Smits and Merediz say, although it’s available to watch at home, “In the Heights” is worthy of a trip to the movie theater. “The film has to be seen in the cinema,” Merediz said. “These huge numbers are epic, and they need the biggest screen you have. I know in the past year we were in lockdown. We didn’t have a choice. “I think it’s a good idea to have the option to see it in the movies and also at home, if you don’t have the ability to go to the cinema. I hope people see it in the theater.” The singing and dancing numbers can translate to a cellphone or computer, but Smits agrees — go to the cinema.

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A remarkable life – Mary Ann Ryan-Wagner, 82, formerly of Duluth, passed away quietly on May Employment Land/Acreage/ 20th, 2021 in Arizona. She was Generalborn on Minnesota’sLots Iron Range on Aprilw/ 9th, 1939 Mary Ann contracSolutions Architect Last remaining both Polio and Rheumatic Fever (f/k/a PetSmart LLCted CUSTOM LOTS her childhood I nacchild . ) whichinleft P e t S m a r t , as Ahwatukee spent between Duluth and GilDvlp (Phoenix, AZ):days Foothills area. therapy, and rebert for her many surgery’s, physical computer & network RealAnn Corp, Inc.on to Despite her handicap, Mary went covery. sftwre to create sustnbl twosolutns. sons Steven Mark and 480-831-5800 Howard James and birth intgrtn Req’s career of 30 plus years workhave Bach.a long + 5 and yrs.active prog. YOUR CLASSIFIED SOURCE ing for the exp. U S Air See Force full as a Health Benefits Adpost-bach. where she was recognized many times with the visor req’s: bit.ly/PTSMsaJB. Civilian the Quarter Gilbert,Award for her role in advocResumes:ofSteve ating forN. the27th men and women (and their dependents) Ave., 19601 480.898.6465 serve our country. She was stationed at the who Phoenix, AZgreat 85027. CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM Duluth AFB, Grand Forks AFB and Luke AFB outside of Phoenix AZ. At her retirement, Mary Ann with a folded flag by her commander was presented Employment General that President Bush had flown over the US Capital in her honor along with a citation signed by Senator John McCain and representatives of both the House and Senate honoring her…. “Ms. Ryan’s dedication, can do attitude, strength and patriotism…. Encompass the American spirit and reflect proudly on herself, her department and the United States of America…” While in her 70’s, Mary Ann married James Wagner and the newlyweds went on to enjoy the adventures of Snow-Birding (Living between Arizona and St Michael Minnesota), volunteering, active involvement in the church and community, and of course watching the Minnesota v Twins. Sadly, James passed away in October of 2020. In her 82 years, Mary Ann touched countless hearts and souls, each one vbecoming a sort of family and friend… A truly remarkable life. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her v Ryan, grandchildren sons Steve Ryan and Howard Heather, Angela, Erik, and Amber, great- grandchildren Abigail, Aiden, and Asher, brothers Joseph v cousins William, David, Dosan and Tony Skenzich, Beth, Margie, along with too numerous to count remaining family and friends. Visitation was held on Memorial Service in WilliSaturday June 5, 2021 atv ams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home. Duluth, MN. 218-624-1059. Burial in Oneota Cemetery.

Generous Pay

“Sad to say ...” Platter Char Goddess of wisdom Benefits Dogpatch adjective Graceful Threaded hardware Sashimi fish Young bloke Frank McCourt memoir Tired Language suffix Kept tabs on Sultry Horne Ogler’s look Juan’s home Cries of discovery Stance G8 member “Let’s do this!” Ecru Solidify

Benefits

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Time 401K

Apply online at HEAD maaxspas.com or call 480-895-4575

Frances Frances Mae Mae Lafon LaFon

Frances "Fran" Frances MaeMae "Fran" LaLaFon (Long), 93, Fon (Long), 93, passed passed away April 15, away April 15, 2021 2021 after a life of after a lifecovering of travel covtravel 50+ ering 50+ countries, on countries, on all Air Conditioning/Heating allcontinents, continents, sharing sharing her herpassion passionfor for mission mission work. She She graduated graduated work. from Southwestern in Dallas befrom Southwestern Seminary Seminary in LaFon Dallas fore marrying Charles Alexander before marrying AK. Charles Alexander LaFon in They built their home in Fairbanks, LifetimeAK. Warranty on Workmanship Fairbanks, They built their home in in Fairbanks, Tempe, and Boise, NewTulsa, 3-TonTulsa, 14 SEER AC Fairbanks, Tempe, andSystems Boise, having fourLindsey children: Lindsey LaFon having Only $4,995 INSTALLED! four children: LaFon (Lori), Stephen (Lori),(Carol), Stephen LaFon (Carol), LoRee LaLaFon LoRee LaFon (Greg), and Lisa New Trane Air Conditioners (Greg), and Lisa LaFon Tyler (Jeff). Fon LaFon Tyler (Jeff). While in Fran NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60Arizona MONTHS! in Arizona Fran taught Whilegrade taught school, including tutoring grade at the school, tutoring at the Dick Van Dick Vanincluding Dyke studio. In1,000 Boise, she taught Over Five-Star until retirement andBoise, in her words "continues to studio. In she taught until reDyke Google Reviews teach science" as she donated her body to tirement and in her words "continues to ★★ ★ ★★ research. Her family includes as shealso donated her over body40 to teach science" international students. After Charles passed in research. Her family also includes over 40 1991 Fran moved to Mesa, AZ where she students. After Charles international married Sy Feldman, now deceased. She had in 1991 Fran moved to Mesa, AZ passed 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252 where shehermarried Feldman, deShe lived last 7 Sy months near now her son, She had 10 grandchildren and 12 ceased. Stephen and his family and passed peacefully after a short decline. SheShe was lived "ready"her andlast told7 great-grandchildren. her daughter sheher saw "joyStephen in everyand direction." near son, his fammonths Sign the Guestbook REBATES ily and passed peacefully after a short de$at: UP TO 500 obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com She was "ready" and told her daughcline. ter she saw "joy in every direction." Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

480-405-7588 PROMOTION

Deadline for obituariesUNSTOPPABLE is Wednesday at 5pm SOLUTIONS.

SPRING TUNE-UP for Sunday. All$obituaries will be approved by 69 SPECIAL! our staff priorREG. to$99. being activated. Be aware UNBELIEVABLE DEALS. Trane systems are put through the harshest testing imaginable — all so they can run through anything. And now, you can get rebates up to $500.* We never stop finding ways to bring you products that never stop.

Includes amay 16-Pointbe Inspection. TIME ONLY. RESIDENTIAL ONLY there earlyLIMITED deadlines around holidays.

Call 480-898-6465 Mon-Fri 8:30-5 if you have questions.(480) 898-7909 brewers

www.brewerers.com

*See your independent participating Trane Dealer for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Rebates up to $500 valid on Qualifying Equipment only. Offers vary by equipment. All sales must be to homeowners in the United States. Void where prohibited. Offer expires 5/31/2020. LIC NO. 123456

S T O BIG NSAVINGS ES

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CHOOSE OR BETWEEN TWO OFFERS A SYSTEM MUST INCLUDE A QUALIFYING OUTDOOR UNIT, INDOOR UNIT AND TRANE CONTROL

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST FREE Service Call With Repair FREE Second Opinion ★ FREE Estimate

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

480-725-7303 www.everlastingmonumentco.com www.BrewersAC.com

“Memories cut in Stone”

MONUMENTS • GRANITE & BRONZE • CEMETERY LETTERING • CUSTOM DESIGNS

PUZZLES ANSWERSon onpage page19 35 PUZZLE ANSWERS

480-969-0788

75 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. A-8, Gilbert, AZ 85233

SINCE 1982 ROC #C39-312643

info@everlastingmonument.phxcoxmail.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

Gilbert Sun News

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com

Deadlines

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

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

HIRING?

Employ ment Employment General

If One Needs a Job, They Look Every day!

Thai Cooks 1 yr Exp Resume Iyara Corp 2060 S Power Road #102 Mesa AZ 85209

For a Quote email: class@times publications.com 480-898-6465

Renesas Electronics America, in Tempe, AZ is in need of: Anlg Engr (job#VJ0409) Perf des, sim, & lyt of indus-leadng hi-perf timng prdcts. Refer to job#. Apply: us-hr-staffing@dm.renesas.com HUMAC, Inc has openings for the following positions in Phoenix, AZ and/or client sites throughout the US. Must be willing to travel/relocate. IT Engineer reqs US Masters/equiv or bachelors + 5 yrs exp to design/dev/test systems/apps using Java/J2EE/HTML/CSS/Unix/Windows. IT Analyst reqs US Bachelors/equiv (3 or 4 yr degree) to test/maintain/monitor systems/programs using SQL/Oracle/Java/Hadoop/Unix. Send resume to jobs@humacinc.com with ref # 2021-19 for IT Eng; 2021-21 for IT Analyst & ref this ad

Employment General Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Senior Solution Specialist, Customer & Marketing, Human Services Transformation in Gilbert, AZ & various unanticipated Deloitte office locations & client sites nationally to drive software development and implementation services to help companies unlock the value of big technology investments, ranging from requirements to architecture, design to development, testing to deployment, and beyond as discrete services or comprehensive solutions. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit https://jobs2.deloitte.com/us/en. Enter XBAL21FC0521GIL3839 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today! 480.898.6465

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Merch

Real Estate

andise For Rent Miscellaneous For Sale 2 Fiberglass Hopontop Kayaks Drip-less paddles and kayak life vests. 623-215-2923

Wanted to Buy Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand. Will pay top dollar. Call Pat 480-323-8846

Homes For Rent 1000sq ft townhome 1106 W University, Mesa 2bd/2ba With Skyroof near Alma School/University $1200+ 2% sales tax good written ref. Ask for Jeff 480-655-7059 drjeffeger@cox.net WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO SERVE YOUR CLASSIFIED NEEDS

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

Employment General

APPOINTMENT SETTERS WANTED, RETIREES WELCOME!

★ PROMOTERS WANTED! ★ AVG PAY $23.56 - $35.12 an hour

Home improvement company looking for Promoters to work in the following locations:

Benefits Paid Vacation v

Paid Sick Time v

401K Apply online at maaxspas.com or call 480-895-4575

THE LINKS ESTATES Why Rent The Lot When

YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

FROM THE UPPER 100’S

ASK US HOW YOUR $105,000 CASH INVESTMENT AND OUR SENIOR LOAN PROGRAM ENABLES QUALIFIED 62+ SENIORS MAKING THE LINKS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE HAVE NO MORTGAGE PAYMENT & NO LOT RENT AS LONG AS YOU LIVE IN HOME.

Gawthorp & Associates Realty 40667 N Wedge Dr • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

602-402-2213

Air Conditioning/Heating

MAAX Spas is hiring Generous Pay

Manufactured Homes

www.linksestates.net

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS Full Time

Real Estate for Sale

• ARROWHEAD MALL (GLENDALE, AZ) • MESA FARMERS MARKET (MESA, AZ) • SUPERSTITION MALL (MESA, AZ) • CHANDLER MALL (CHANDLER, AZ) Must be able to approach people.

★ PAID TRAINING ★ HOURLY PAY PLUS COMMISSION ★ FLEX SCHEDULE ★ PART TIME & FULL TIME ★ HEALTH AND DENTAL BENEFITS

To Set Up Interview, Call 480-298-3688 TODAY!

Training Classes Starting Soon From National Trainer, Steve Bloechel. Call Today!

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $4,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

Over 1,000 Five-Star Google Reviews ★★★★★

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

Air Conditioning/Heating

Electrical Services

Garage/Doors GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Repairs Installations Tune-ups

Financing Available

HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced

———— Your Comfort is Our Mission! ————

50% OFF A/C TUNE-UP INSPECTION

FREE

SERVICE CALL NO REPAIR REQUIRED!

($19.95 Value)

Applies to one unit. Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon.

Cannot be combined with any other discount or coupon.

480-818-4772 • www.acrangers.com • ROC # 328460

Appliance Repairs

Appliance Repair Now

If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It! • Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

Not a licensed contractor

Concrete & Masonry

Block Fence * Gates

602-789-6929 Roc #057163 YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

Handyman

LLC

MISSED THE DEADLINE?

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

480-898-6465 Air

All Estimates are Free • Call: 520.508.1420 JOSE DOMINGUEZ Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! www.husbands2go.com Painting • Flooring • Electrical DRYWALL & PAINTING Licensed, Bonded &•Insured • ROC#317949 Plumbing Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More! House Painting, Drywall, Intall Doors, Ask me about FREE water testing! Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Baseboards, Crown Molding Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Painting Painting • Flooring • Electrical “No Job Too ✔Small Flooring Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Reliable, Dependable, Honest! Man!”

Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More! QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! Quality Work Since 1999 Decks • Tile • More! rdable,

✔ Electrical ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks josedominguez0224@gmail.com Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Not a licensed contractor. Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo ✔ Bathrooms BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 2010, 2011 9 199 ce Conditioning/Heating rk Sin 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Quality Wo And More! 2010, 2011 Small Man!” 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Call us to place your ad online!

SPRINKLER

TREE

Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

TRIMMING

Not a licensed contractor

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

25 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

Glass/Mirror GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Family Owned with 50 years’ EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table pro-tectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates

WESLEY’S GLASS & MIRROR wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY Call 480-306-5113

Home Improvement

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

Juan Hernandez

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

Drywall

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

Landscape/Maintenance

Affo

480.266.4589

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038

2012, 2013, 2014

Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Work

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

Hauling

HOME REMODELING REPAIRS & CUSTOM INTERIOR PAINTING Move a wall; turn a door into a window. From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all. Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more. All trades done by hands-on General Contractor. Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable. 40 years’ experience. Call Ron Wolfgang Please text or leave message Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934

Kitchen workspace a little dull and dark? Entertainment center needs some accent lighting? Specializing in low voltage LED lighting under and above cabinets, furniture, shelves -- anywhere you need additional light or want to feature.

EAST VALLEY ACCENT LIGHTING

We also do landscape lighting to accent your walkways, trees, patio, or pool area, and we do repairs to your existing lighting.

CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY! 480-665-8223 • www.eastvalleyaccentlighting.com

General Contracting, Inc. Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

• Old Paint & Chems. • Yard Waste • Concrete Slab • Remodeling Debris • Old Tires

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists All Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen, Bath, Patio Covers, Garage, Sheds, Windows, Doors, Drywall & Roofing Repairs, Painting, All Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, Block, Stucco, Stack Stone, All Flooring, Wood, Tile, Carpet, Welding, Gates, Fences, All Repairs.

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

Home Improvement

NOT A LICENSED CONTRACTOR

Home Remodeling • BASE BOARDS • DRYWALL • ELECTRICAL • PAINTING • PLUMBING • BATHROOMS • WOOD FLOORING • FRAMING WALLS • FREE ESTIMATES • GRANITE FABRICATION & INSTALLATION • CARPET INSTALLATION • LANDSCAPING

No Job Too Small! Senior Discounts!

Plumbing

Painting

David Hernandez (602) 802 3600

daveshomerepair@yahoo.com • Se Habla Español

Irrigation

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH! HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

FREE Service Calls + FREE Estimates Water Heaters Installed - $999 Unclog Drains - $49

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

All Water Purification Systems Voted #1 Plumber 3 Years In A Row OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

480-338-4011

NTY

azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

Landscape/Maintenance

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

CALL US TODAY!

Pool Service / Repair

Juan Hernandez

10% OFF

Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Monsoon Season! LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

480-354-5802

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

Your newspaper. Your community. Your planet. Please recycle me.

Rooﬁng

aOver 30 Years of Experience

aFamily Operated by 3 Generations of Roofers! Premier Tile, Shingle & Foam Roofer!

Plumbing

ROC# 256752

Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

480-405-7099

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

MonsoonRooﬁngInc.com

Bonded/Insured • ROC #223709

Paint Interior & Exterior • Drywall Repair Light Carpentry • Power Washing • Textures Matched Popcorn Removal • Pool Deck Coatings Garage Floor Coatings • Color Consulting

480.654.5600

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

ROC#309706

Voted #1

5-YEAR WARRA

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% OFF

East Valley PAINTERS

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

Rooﬁng

HYDROJETTING

480-477-8842

SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

BOOK ONLINE! STATE48DRAINS.COM 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED ROC 3297740

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Spencer 4 HIRE ROOFING Valley Wide Service

480-446-7663 FREE Estimates • Credit Cards OK www.spencer4hireroofing.com ROC#244850 | Insured | Bonded

GILBERT SUN NEWS | JUNE 6, 2021

The housing market is at an all-time high! Are you ready to sell or rent your home, avoid the summer maintenance hassle and enjoy a worry-free lifestyle with all that Liv has to offer? GET SOCIAL & GAIN SATISFACTION We provide our seniors with active living events and social activities. Revel in the joy and experience life. • Happy hours on the Panoramic Sky Deck • Wine tastings in the Infusions Wine Cellar • Tea parties in the Silk Tassel Tea Room • Social events for family and friends • Billiards in the Behind the 8 Ball game room • Theme dinners • Holiday parties • Movies in the Legends Theater • Musical entertainment • Outings to local events

SENIOR HEALTH & INSPIRATION

• Swim laps in our salt water pool • La Forma fitness classes in the Liv Fit gym • Classes in the Mosaic Art Studio • Non-Denominational Worship Services • Massage, Hair and Nail services available in the onsite Orchid Day Spa • LivGen University Lifelong Learning in Elite Studies • Guest lecturers

LivGenerations Ahwatukee

*amenities may vary by location

COMMUNITY FEATURES • 24/7 amenities • Front desk concierge • Full size kitchens with upgraded appliances and granite • Scheduled transportation • Pet friendly • Walking paths • Washer and dryers for select apartments • Spacious apartments • Balconies and Patios with personal storage • Garages available for rent for select apartments • Jacuzzi • Bark Park • and more! LivGenerations Agritopia

15815 S. 50th Street | Phoenix, AZ 85048

2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. | Gilbert, AZ 85296

480-485-3000

480-485-2000

livgenerationsahwatukee.com

livgenerationsagritopia.com

I N D E P E N D E N T L I V I N G | A S S I S T E D L I V I N G | M E M O R Y C A R E | S I G N AT U R E S E R V I C E S