Gilbert Sun News 112722

Shortfall leaves Gilbert museum in lurch

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

Gilbert officials are exploring if they can give more financial help to HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum without violating the state’s gift clause after its feell short by nearly $1 million on its fund raising to expand.

Currently the Town gives $50,000 a year to HD SOUTH for maintenance and opera tion costs under an agreement in place since about 2010.

“To break ground we need about $2.5 mil lion,” CEO and President Denise Lopez told Council earlier this month. “We raised almost $1.6 million; $1.3 million has come from the community. The rest has been in grants.” HD South in 2020 announced a capital campaign to construct a 6,000-square-foot single-story, multipurpose building for pro grams, exhibits and rental space. It also in cluded remodeling the current art gallery to allow for more exhibitions and upgrading the courtyard for outdoor entertainment, classes and rentals.

“This expansion project will solidify our standing as the cornerstone for history, art, culture and public programming in our com munity,” Lopez said. “This will provide Gilbert residents with a greater opportunity to expe rience art and culture in their own backyard.

“The town’s population is expanding and yet we lack a central hub for art and culture in Gilbert. New residents expect varied offer ings and amenities and we have an amazing opportunity to create a legacy based on our

Giving Machines a magnet for love in EV

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

is the season of giving – especially in Gilbert, where the popular Giving Machines that let people donate items of need to nonprofits have returned to Water Tower Plaza in the Heritage District downtown.

“The Giving Machines are a memorable, simple yet touching way to participate in giving during the holiday

season,” said Steve Lowder, who along with his wife, Fran, oversees the Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Light the World Campaign in Gilbert.

“They allow us to drop not only finance to those organizations that need it, they allow us to drop cards in a machine whether it’s a sewing machine or 100 meals or whether it’s a soccer ball or a scholarship for an African girl.

“It’s so touching, so

Farmers and would-be farmers of all sizes were part of the Gilbert Days Parade Nov. 19 and this boy may have towered above everyone, thanks to Watson Flowers’ float. For more scenes from the colorful parade, see page 10. (David Minton/GSN Staff Photographer)

Four-legged athletes to compete..

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209 rental townhomes under construction here

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

The 19 acres of agricultural land at the southwest corner of Lindsay and Germann roads will soon sprout 209 townhomes for rent.

Family Development and Mosaic earlier this month broke ground for the gated Town Germann within the masterplanned Layton Lakes community. Construction is now underway.

“There are 12 phases,” said Vince Barbato, principal of Family Development. “We are looking to have our first move-ins this coming April 2023 with completion of all units being in the first quarter of 2024.”

Town Germann initially wasn’t planned as a rental project when it won approval from Gilbert, Barbato said.

Originally the proposal was for the townhomes to debut in spring 2020 with a starting selling price in the high $200,000, according to the developer attached to the project at the time, New Home Co.

Layton Lakes residents initially were concerned about housing density and parking but New Home made concessions such as adding more turf and guest parking.

Family Development and Mosaic are jumping on the bandwagon for build-torent housing, which is exploding.

“As the build-to-rent market evolves, Family Development has keyed into what today’s renters really want, like an outstanding location and top-tier amenities that cater to their everyday lifestyles,” said Ron Gonski, senior vice

president of Growth at Mosaic, the general contractor, in a news release.

According to a study released this year, the Phoenix Metro area leads the nation in this trend that has been growing across the Valley in the last two years.

Recent numbers showed over 6,000 build-to-rent houses in the metropolitan area, according to Fixr.com, a website that provides guides, comparisons, and term cheat sheets for remodeling, installation and repair projects.

According to RentCafe, 2022 is considered a likely breakthrough year in build-to-rent’s popularity with developers and investors because soaring home prices and mortgage costs are making it increasingly more difficult for first-time buyers to buy a house.

In August, New Village Homes pitched Highland Park, a community of 72 townhomes and 66 cottages for rent on

16.2 acres near the southeast corner of Val Vista Drive and Warner Road in Gilbert.

Currently the developer is going through the annexation process for half of the land, which sits in Maricopa County.

Town Germann is billed as a luxury development.

The residences will range from approximately 1,192 to 1,379 square feet with two- and three-bedrooms, two baths plus a powder room and two-car attached garages.

Rents are anticipated from $2,600 to $2,900.

Amenities include a central resort pool and spa, barbecue area, fitness center, large central park, ramada, dog park, multiple pocket parks and walking trails.

Also, restaurants, shopping, entertainment venues, medical providers and recreational activities are all within walking or biking distance to Town Germann, Barbato said.

He also pointed to the development’s proximity to major freeways, including the 202, which will offer convenient access for commuters.

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“We believe that Town Germann will be one of the most coveted luxury lease addresses in Gilbert,” said Barbato. “From community perks to its ultra-convenient location in the heart of Gilbert, every detail has been thoughtfully planned with today’s discerning renters in mind.”

An

Town Germann will bring 206 rental towhomes to the corner of Lindsay and Germann roads. (Special to GSN)

Phoenix City Council last week unanimously approved a lease of about 10 acres at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport land to Phoenix Rising FC for construction of a temporary stadium.

The soccer team gave no reason why it is leaving the stadium it built just within the last 18 months on Gila River Indian Community land near Wild Horse Pass Resort and Casino.

The facility will be located at 3801 E. Washington St., Phoenix, next to Phoenix Park ‘n Swap and across from a Valley Metro light rail stop at 38th Street/ GateWay Community College.

“This move will allow us to immediately upgrade our gameday fan experience, which has always been our top priority,” said Phoenix Rising FC Gov. Bill Kraus. “Accessibility to the site is excellent and there will be opportunities to create partnerships with the small businesses

at Phoenix Park ‘n Swap.”

The lease calls for the team to pay $300,000 in rent the first year and total rent over the five-year agreement will be $1.5 million, according to city documents.

The team will “construct a temporary soccer stadium and associated facilities that may include concession stands, a portable sports book, and a practice facility,” those documents state.

“The capacity, look and feel of the club’s current stadium at Wild Horse Pass will be transferred to the new, more centrally located site in Phoenix during the offseason,” the team said in an announcement. “Rising intends to host its 2023 home opener and season at the new site beginning in March 2023.”

Kraus said the team hopes “to continue working with them to allow thousands of children and visiting professional soccer teams to use the beautiful soccer fields we developed together at Wild Horse Pass.”

The team moved to the Gila River Indian Community to improve the fan experience over that of its facility at Casino Arizona site at McClintock Drive and Red Mountain Loop 202 Freeway. When it announced the move two years ago, it said the new location would increase seating capacity, enable construction on luxury suites and add

additional training facilities.

City Councilman Sal DiCiccio praised Councilman Carlos Garcia and Mayor Kate Gallego for their work on the arrangement.

Garcia said Phoenix Rising’s presence in Phoenix will “bring economic value to the city” as well as his district.

Phoenix Rising FC opened their soccer complex at Wild Horse Pass in 2021 but have now decided to move to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport land. (Special to GSN)

rich heritage,” she said, adding:

“This next year is critical for our orga nization as we construct these new facil ities and open them with new program ming and a new revenue stream that will ensure our financial sustainability.”

The town’s annual allotment to HD South is meant to help it move toward fi nancial self-sufficiency.

Lopez said the project has already gone through the approval process with the town Redevelopment Commission.

She said the museum launched its capi tal campaign in 2017 and began reaching out for donations in 2020.

“Two weeks later, the world shut down,” she said. “So, we definitely experienced some stalling in this project just because of the issues that we were experiencing as a nation and the world, quite frankly.”

Councilman Scott September asked for the impact on the project from inflation and supply chain disruptions.

“Do you have a percentage of how much the project budget has had to in crease from a percentage perspective based on the inflation that we’re experi encing?” he asked.

Lopez responded, “It doubled.”

HD SOUTH’s original capital campaign goal was $2 million.

“Construction costs did increase dra matically from what we had originally planned,” she said, adding supply chain issues are subsiding.

“We are confident with our partnership with our general contractor, Caliente Con struction, that we will be able to come to a very equitable balance at the end of this project,” Lopez said. “We’re ready to get back on track, start moving forward and get this expansion project done.”

Councilman Scott Anderson asked if the project could begin in the hope that would attract more donors.

“We do realize that once we can get sticks in the ground that will definitely increase our visibility,” Lopez said.

But the general contractor has advised against that move until HD all funds are raised, she added.

Anderson next asked if the school dis trict could help.

Lopez responded that members of the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board and district employees are donors.

“It’s my understanding that you’ve met with staff and they’ve talked about the gift clause and how we’re not able to just give money,” said Councilwoman Kathy Tilque, noting HD SOUTH needs about $1 million to complete its project. “So, we have to come up with how we could do nate money.

“I know that in the past when we’ve had projects that we feel are beneficial for economic development that there are times that we can look at waving some of the permitting fees that have a dollar val ue,” she said, asking if that would suffice in lieu of actual cash.

The Arizona Constitution’s Gift Clause basically bans governmental entities from giving financial aid to private inter ests.

Lopez, however, said, “Although we are a private nonprofit organization, our pro gramming and mission is really an exten sion of the town

“It is Gilbert’s history that we are pre serving. We enhance arts and culture which helps keep us a community of ex cellence and drives economic develop ment.”

Councilwoman Yung Koprowski said the museum’s property has lots of areas with public access and suggested the town take a closer look at purchasing rights of way for future projects.

“It’s one of those nice corners in Gilbert that has no public right-of-way on it,” Ko prowski said.

September said he wanted to see more dialogue and a little deeper exploration into “what kind of value the town would

get if the town were to invest in this proj ect and what that looks like specifically,” “Put some numbers behind that,” he said. “And then you know what I want to know if it’s a public-private partnership.”

Anderson added, “This is just the be ginning (and) they will be doing some ne gotiating and see where we go from here.”

Vice Mayor Aimee Yentes reminded everyone that the makeup of the current council will change soon and that the in coming three members’ goals and opin ions may be different.

Parks and Recreation Director Robert Carmona acknowledged council mem bers’ consensus to begin looking for ways to increase the town’s help for the muse um and said staff would bring back con siderations for review.

“HD South is a gem in our community,” Mayor Brigette Peterson said. “I feel in a time in this country when we’re cultur ally trending to remove our history that preserving our history is even more im portant than ever.”

Peterson said she noticed that “their ceilings are being held up with ladders and boxes at the movement because of a leak that they had inside.”

“So the funds that they do have com ing in are having to go directly to some of those things at the moment and not able to go to this campaign to be able to fund what we would really love to see for this gem in the community,” Peterson said.

“I would be very interested in seeing what can be presented to us in the future and if there’s a way that the town can join in a partnership. I have no idea if that’s

possible or if we’ll have the votes but I definitely think it’s worth exploring the conversation.”

Lopez said the current year’s budget is $205,000 and confirmed that proceeds from its general fundraising are being used on immediate repairs.

According to Lopez, HD SOUTH on av erage sees 8,000 visitors a year of which 48% are Gilbert residents; 22% are vis itors from other parts of Arizona; 28% are from other states and 2% from other countries.

In the latest available IRS returns, HD SOUTH reported $432,000 in revenue, including $363,000 from donations and grants and $4,150 from program fees for 2020. Its expenditures that year totaled $254,592, which included $155,808 for salaries and benefits.

The town has been supporting HD SOUTH since 1997. That first year’s finan cial support was $48,000 and over time, the funding has fluctuated from as low as $1,000 a year to as high as $79,790 for fis cal year 2005-06, according to the town.

The museum is housed in a 109-yearold building that once served as Gilbert Elementary School. It is the oldest stand ing building in Gilbert and is on the Na tional Register of Historic Places.

Staff presented a report to council ear lier this year that compared how neigh boring municipalities fund their arts and culture for fiscal year 2020-21

Mesa’s Arts and Culture Department had a $10.8 million budget to manage the Mesa Arts Center, the i.d.e.a. Museum and the Arizona Museum of Natural History.

Comparably sized Chandler gave its Cul tural Development Department $680,337 for the operation of the Chandler Muse um and $1.95 million for the Center for the Arts. Overall, the city that fiscal year allocated $4.6 million for cultural devel opment, according to the report.

In Tempe, the History Museum and store received $325,922 in General Fund support. The city, the report noted, has spent $6.4 million altogether for arts and cultural-services programming.

And, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West gets a significant amount of financial sup port from the city, which built the facility for $11.4 million, according to the report.

HD SOUTH at the corner of Elliot and Gilbert roads fell short of its fundraising campaign for expansion. (David Minton/GSN Staff Photographer)

Controversial Modera plan heading to Council

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

Developer Mill Creek Residential has made concessions that include reducing the number of apartments to 274 for its ModeraGilbert mixed-use development proposed at the southwest corner of Higley and Ray roads.

But homeowners in the Lyon’s Gate community, which faces the 15.39 acre site to the west and south, still oppose it.

“You guys realize that we would be the only major intersection in the Town of Gilbert with apartments on three corners,” said Jim Perritt at the Nov. 2 Planning Commission meeting.

Town Council is expected to give final say on the proposal on Dec. 13.

The Tyler, a 320-unit, four-story apartment complex, is in the mixed-use Epicenter at Agritopia at the northwest corner of Ray and Higley and MAA Lyon’s

Gate has 312 units on three floors at the southeast corner of Ray and Higley.

Mill Creek is seeking a rezone that

would allow 8.66 acres for apartments, 2.93 acres for a shopping center and 3.80 acres for general commercial.

The entire site is currently zoned for shopping-center use.

Commissioners have voted 6-1 to recommend Town Council approval.

The developer’s revisions also include placing the four-story apartment buildings, which would have groundfloor retail, only along Ray Road. That would be away from the single-family homes. The proposed apartments on the south side would be three-story tall.

Perritt said although the developer submitted a traffic impact report, it’s “hypothetical.”

“You really don’t know until people are there and you see how much use the commercial is going to get,” Perritt said. “How many people are going to live in those apartments? Those are high-end apartments. I think the rent is $2,250, up to $3,000 a month.

“So there’s not just going to be a single person usually living in those

The controversial Modera-Gilbert mixed-use project would be located on about 15 acres at Higley and Ray roads. (Town of Gilbert)

This is not the first time that council has visited the issue of civility.

In 2018, the council adopted a civility policy for itself and employees at the behest of then-Councilman Eddie Cook, who chaired the subcommittee that crafted the policy after months of meetings. Councilman Scott Anderson and Mayor Brigette Peterson served on the council at that time.

The policy, which was incorporated into the town’s personnel rules calls for acting with integrity and treating each other with respect and courtesy.

Peterson at the time said she believed that society in general had lost a level of respect and that this policy would be a great way to spread respect and civility to each other and the community.

Apparently, that didn’t work.

apartments,” he continued. “Sometimes it’s going to be six, sometimes four, sometimes two just to make the rent. “We’ve seen it at other apartments around the Gilbert area. So, it’s more cars.”

Echo Love said she opposed the project because there are already too many apartments in the area and voiced concerns about the increase in traffic.

“They made changes and I feel they’ve made improvements. However, they are still asking for four-story apartments being set in the middle of a neighborhood where there are already apartments at the other two corners directly next to it,” Love said.

“Higley and Ray have nearly daily accidents, including several fatalities during last year.”

She added that the nearest bus stop for the development is south of the property, which is at Lyon’s Gate neighborhood park.

“At neighborhood meetings they repeatedly told us that the complex will be gated thus they will not be using our park. But if the bus stop for them is literally at the park I have a difficult time believing they don’t expect the kids to come and use our facilities, which our homeowners are already paying for.”

According to the developer, the apartment dwellers would have their own amenities, including a pocket park.

Two other residents also complained about the traffic already being bad in the area.

Zoning attorney Brennan Ray said the site as currently zoned would generate far more vehicle trips than the proposed project.

“We know the type of development that could go on commercial,” he said.

“A shopping center on a scale of 15 acres is going to generate significantly more trips. And trips are movement by vehicles, not number of vehicles.

“As we look at it there is approximately a 30% difference between what a shopping center would generate versus what this development would.”

He added that town staff has signed off on the submitted traffic impact analysis.

Commissioner Anthony Bianchi, the sole dissenter, said there were a lot of concerns with the project when the commission first viewed it but that most of them have been addressed through the revisions.

“I think the applicant is there,” Bianchi said. “What I’m still struggling with, some of it came up tonight with some of the comment, is for me is the unit count and the density.

“I’m still struggling with that higher unit count. It’s still within the allowed zoning density but for me it’s still a little high that I’m just not comfortable with that. That is really my only hesitation.”

Commissioner Lisa Gage asked if retail didn’t pan out, could the developer convert the ground-floor retail space into more apartments.

“The intent is not to have those as multifamily,” Planning Manager Eva Cutro said. “They would have to come back and amend it if they wished to do that.”

Commissioner Lesley Davis said the high unit count did not bother her because of the project’s commercial component.

“In order for that commercial to be successful you need people to go to these commercial businesses and support it,” Davis said.

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We love a parade!

The 2022 Gilbert Days Parade stepped off beneath a sunny sky and before big crowds Nov. 19 as 1) people filled the sidewalks while 2) a dancer was challenged by a malfunctioning gingerbread man headband and 3) the Gilbert Fire and Rescue pipers led the way for a fire engine and 4) Scouts from BSA Troop 88 showed off their ribbons and 5) the Gilbert High School Tiger Marching Band performed. 6) Students from DePalma’s Team USA Martial Arts showed off their skills while 7) the- Gilbert Parks and Rec rolled out a “Jurassic Park” themed float.

by David Minton/GSN Staff Photographer

Photos

personable because it’s as if you’re taking that card, you’re taking that scholarship, you’re taking that ball and handing it directly to those individuals in those wonderful parts of the world that need it.

“This initiative focuses on light, on kindness, on joy, on service, on worship and on giving. It helps us to love as God loves us.”

Church leaders, elected Valley officials and nonprofit representatives attended a ribbon cutting Nov. 18 for the vending machines, where donations this year will go to:

• AZCEND – Provides help such as food boxes, rent and utility assistance and shelter.

• Midwest Food Bank – Collects food and distribute it to nonprofit community or government agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and schools.

• Gathering Humanity –Provides essential goods to Arizona immigrants and refugees. .

• House of Refuge: – Provides transitional housing and support services for

families experiencing homelessness.

• Special Olympics Arizona – Provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

• African Girls Hope Foundation – empowers, equip and educate underprivileged girls in Sub-Sahara Africa.

Donors use their credit cards to pick items in the Gilbert machines such as fresh produce, toys, books, school supplies and sports equipment for the charities they want to donate to.

As part of the Church’s annual campaign, people are asked to take the 25 days leading up to Christmas and turn it into a season of helping others in need.

Two machines placed next to the Town’s iconic water tower will take donations until Jan. 1. This year the Light the World Giving Machines are in 24 cities worldwide.

In 2018, Gilbert received two Giving Machines and one Water Machine that sold bottles of water with the proceeds going to a water charity.

In 2019 two machines were in Gilbert

and in 2020 there were no machines in Town or anywhere in the world due to the pandemic. And in 2021 the Church put four machines in Gilbert.

When the Church kicked off its campaign in 2017 it started with one Giving Machine in Salt Lake City, Utah, which raised over $550,000. The following year, the program expanded to other communities around the world, including Gilbert.

Since then, the Church has raised over $15 million for charities, according to Church spokeswoman Jennifer Wheeler.

“The charities featured in the Giving Machines are chosen by a statewide committee that works with nonprofits and that committee chose the charities from submitted applications,” Wheeler said in an email.

Over the years, the Gilbert machines have benefited A New Leaf, Helen’s Hope Chest, St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Child Crisis Arizona, Catholic Charities Community Services Arizona and Catholic Charities Community Services of Arizona, according to Wheeler.

Asked if inflation will affect giving this

year, Wheeler said it’s uncertain.

“We really have no way to determine what the impact of inflation will be on the giving in our community,” she said. “We do know that there is a tremendous amount of need out there and these local organizations will put the donations to good use in our communities.”

For the first time since the machines were introduced in Gilbert in 2018, there will be four additional locations in Arizona – Glendale, Flagstaff, Gila Valley and Tuscson.

According to Lowder, for the first time the church is launching mobile Giving Machines, piloting them in Arizona.

Gilbert and Glendale will each have two stationary machines while two additional machines are being installed for two weeks each at Flagstaff, The Gila Valley and Tucson, Wheeler said.

“The two (mobile) machines that will move from location to location will be transported via a trailer,” she said. “Flagstaff, The Gila Valley and Tucson each

Coyote fans must now await Tempe voters’ decision

BY DANNY KARMIN Cronkite News

Adevelopment that has lacked clarity over the past six months gained a bit of traction last week.

The Tempe City Council voted unanimously to reserve May 16 as the referendum date for a proposed $2.1 billion development project that includes a hockey arena, hotels, apartments, retail stores, restaurants and a sportsbook.

For the Arizona Coyotes hockey team and the city, this is only step one of a prolonged process since negotiations moved forward with the City Council in June – but any sign of progress is a breath of fresh air for an organization in dire need of future stability.

“We have always remained incredibly confident that this is the right project, the right deal, and we are the right team to get this done,” Coyotes President and CEO Xavier Gutierrez said. “We’d like to stay in Tempe.

“As you all know, we are here in Mullet Arena. As someone that recently told me, it is the most fun you will ever have at an NHL game, it’s been electric – and it’s just a preview. We always saw (Mullett Arena) as a temporary solution. We have put forth what we believe is the most transformative and iconic project

for this community.”

Tempe City Council will host two public hearings in the upcoming weeks about the new proposal. On Nov. 22, the Coyotes and Gutierrez presented their project proposal, one week before the City Council votes to send it to a public referendum on the already reserved

May 16 date.

Tempe City Council valued the public’s feedback and wants the city’s future to be in the community’s hands.

“I’ve been on council now for 10 and a half years, and I’ve never had a project that’s actually had this much public interest with this much public attention,” Mayor Corey Woods said.

“We have a 46-acre contiguous piece of land, and it’s the last probably huge parcel in Tempe that project could happen on. And as I talked about, before, every other sports arena project in some way, shape or form has gone before the voters or in some element of it has,” Woods added.

“So our perspective was better to have an opportunity to have this on the ballot in March or May, which is where we have our council elections. Reserving this date for the May 16 election is very consistent with what we do for all of our city elections, and gives our residents a real chance to have a say.”

There is also the potential problem of litigation from Sky Harbor International Airport, the City of Phoenix, the Goldwater Institute or local citizen groups.

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According to a PHNX Sports report, the airport has threatened litigation over the construction of multi-residence units that it says violate a 1994 intergovernmental agreement between the cities, but that agreement appears to make an exception for soundproofed apartments such as the ones that the Coyotes plan to build; a point which Coyotes attorney Nick Wood drove home at the council meeting in June.

“We have had many conversations with the airport as you all know, we presented several times with the Phoenix Airport Advisory Board,” Gutierrez said. “We again had been fully transparent about what our project looked like.

“And the fact that we from day one wanted to put a proposal together that would not only satisfy the intergovernmental agreement, but also the Federal Aviation Association,

With a significant part of its fan base in the East Valley, the Coyotes want to build an entertainment district on 46 acres on the northeast corner of Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe. (Lumen Strategies Arizona)

Growth + Quality of Life:

Growth + Quality of Life:

Can the PHX East Valley Have Both?

Join the PHX East Valley Partnership for an insightful look at how our region can effectively balance growth and quality of life.

SRP Thought Leader Forum

3:30-6 p.m. l Thursday, Dec. 8 l Chandler Center for the Arts

Thought Leader Forum 3:30-6 p.m. l Thursday, Dec. 8 l Chandler Center for the Arts

Keynote speaker Trevor Barger, founder and CEO of Espiritu Loci and principal of Arizona Strategies, will share success stories from other cities in the American West. Then, a panel of PHX East Valley leaders will address challenges and opportunities facing our burgeoning region. We will also honor two PHX East Valley powerhouses – Kevin Olson of Lewis Roca and The Boeing Company – with the 2022 Legacy Awards.

Presenting sponsor Supporting s ponsor Media s ponsor

Presenting Supporting

Tickets are $1,500 for a bundle of 10 or $150 each.

RSVP to Jessica Hubbard, 480-532-0641 or jhubbard@phxeastvalley.com

Keynote speaker Trevor Barger, founder and CEO of Espiritu Loci and principal of Arizona Strategies, will share success stories from other cities in the American West. Then, a panel of PHX East Valley leaders will address challenges and opportunities facing our burgeoning region. We will also honor two PHX East Valley

Note: In the spirit of the Partnership’s founding 40 years ago, when new members were asked to bring $10 to cover the cost of food and refreshments, the Partnership will accept donations of $10 in advance or at the door, with all proceeds benefitting one of the organization’s nonprofit members.

insightful look at how our region can effectively balance growth and quality of

PHX East Valley Partnership is a 501(c)(6) nonpartisan coalition of civic, business, education and political leaders dedicated to the economic development and promotion of the East Valley of Greater Phoenix. The Partnership advocates for economic development, education, transportation and infrastructure, health care and other important areas. For more information, visit www.phxeastvalley.com.

Quality of Life:

SRP Thought Leader Forum

Thursday, Dec. 8 l Chandler Center for the Arts

Valley Have Both? effectively balance growth and quality of life

of Espiritu Loci and principal of Arizona Strategies, will share success stories from other cities in Valley leaders will address challenges and opportunities facing our burgeoning region.

Forum

PHX East Valley Partnership is a 501(c)(6) nonpartisan coalition of civic, business, education and political leaders dedicated to the economic development and promotion of the East Valley of Greater Phoenix. The Partnership advocates for economic development, education, transportation and infrastructure, health care and other important areas. For more information, visit www.phxeastvalley.com.

Presenting sponsor

Presenting sponsor Supporting s ponsor

Chandler Center for the Arts

of life.

Arizona Strategies, will share success stories from other cities in and opportunities facing our burgeoning region.

Supporting s ponsor

The Boeing Company – with the 2022 Legacy Awards.

The Boeing Company – with the 2022 Legacy Awards.

powerhouses – Kevin Olson of Lewis Roca and The Boeing Company – with the 2022 Legacy Awards. are $1,500 for a bundle of 10 or $150 each. Hubbard, 480-532-0641 or jhubbard@phxeastvalley.com years ago, when new members were asked to bring $10 to cover the cost of food and refreshments, advance or at the door, with all proceeds benefitting one of the organization’s nonprofit members.

Media s ponsor

WARNING!

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND CHRONIC PAIN TREATMENTS NOT WORKING!!

Mesa, AZ – When it comes to chronic pain and/ or neuropathy, the most common doctor-prescribed treatment is drugs like Gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Neurontin.

The problem with antidepressants or anti-seizure medications like these is that they offer purely symptomatic relief, as opposed to targeting and treating the root of the problem. Worse, these drugs often trigger an onset of uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes harmful side effects.

The only way to effectively treat chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is by targeting the source, which is the result of nerve damage owing to inadequate blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet. This often causes weakness, numbness, balance problems. A lack of nutrients causes the nerves degenerate – an insidious

cannot survive, and thus, slowly die. This leads to those painful and frustrating consequences we were talking about earlier, like weakness, numbness, tingling, balance issues, and perhaps even a burning sensation.

The drugs your doctor might prescribe will temporarily conceal the problems, putting a “Band-Aid” over a situation that will only continue to deteriorate without further action.

Thankfully, Mesa is the birthplace of a brandnew facility that sheds new light on this pressing problem of peripheral neuropathy and chronic pain. The company is trailblazing the medical industry by replacing outdated drugs and symptomatic reprieves with an advanced machine that targets the root of the problem at hand.

1. Finding the underlying cause

2. Determining the extent of the nerve damage (above 95% nerve loss is rarely treatable)

3. The amount of treatment required for the patient’s unique condition

Aspen Medical in Mesa, AZ uses a state-of-the-art electric cell signaling systems worth $100,000.00.

Th is ground-breaking treatment is engineered to achieve the following, accompanied by advanced diagnostics and a basic skin biopsy to accurately analyze results:

1. Increases blood flow

2. Stimulates and strengthens small fiber nerves

3. Improves brain-based pain

The treatment works by delivering energy to the affected area(s) at varying wavelengths, from low- to middle-frequency signals, while also using Amplitude Modulated (AM) and Frequency Modulated (FM) signaling

It’s completely painless!

THE GREAT NEWS IS THAT THIS TREATMENT IS COVERED BY MEDICARE, MEDICAID, AND MOST INSURANCES!!

The number of treatments required varies from patient to patient, and can only be determined following an in-depth neurological and vascular examination. As long as you have less than 95% nerve damage, there is hope!

Aspen Medical begins by analyzing the extent of the nerve damage –a complimentary service for your friends and family. Each exam comprises a detailed sensory evaluation, extensive peripheral vascular testing, and comprehensive analysis of neuropathy findings.

Aspen Medical will be offering this free chronic pain and neuropathy severity evaluation will be available until October 31st, 2022. Call (480) 274 3157 to make an appointment

Due to our very busy office schedule, we are limiting this offer to the first 10 c allers YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SUFFER ANOTHER MINUTE, CALL (480) 274 3157… NOW!!

COYOTES

from page 12

who truly is focused on the safety and soundness of the airport.

“What we have proposed, what we will be putting forth, very publicly now, we believe will not only satisfy everything that the FAA wants, but what truly is allowed under the IGA.”

With the vote in the hands of the people, it’s hard to predict the outcome if the project goes to a referendum. If the project is denied, the Coyotes will undoubtedly be in a predicament regarding their future home.

One recent sports complex development in Berlin, Maryland, was recently under a referendum to be built but the majority of voters did not give their support. Even with the rejection, the project in Maryland is still seeking an alternative for funding.

In the general election, 52.37% of voters were against Question A, which was meant to determine whether the Worcester County Commissioners could bond the costs associated with a sports

complex. There were 9,424 (52.37%) votes against the question and 8,572 (47.63%) in favor to the question.

“The referendum wasn’t on a sports complex,” Joe Mitrecic, the commissioner and President of the Board of County Commissioners in Worcester County, told the MDCoastDispatch.

“The referendum was on the bond issue. As far as I’m concerned, the sports complex project continues on. We just have to find a different way to fund it.”

The Coyotes referendum is on the sports complex, but Maryland’s close vote is an encouraging to the organization.

“We’ve seen a glimpse of (hockey in Tempe),” Gutierrez said. “Now imagine if you have an opportunity to create this transformative sports and entertainment district over 46 acres. That to us would be the crowning jewel of what Tempe has envisioned itself to be right here in the heart of the Valley.”

As displayed in figure 1 above, the nerves are surrounded by diseased, withered blood vessels. A lack of sufficient nutrients means the nerves

Effective neuropathy treatment relies on the following three factors:

Depending on your coverage, your peripheral neuropathy treatment could cost almost nothing – or be absolutely free.

We are extremely busy, so we are unavailable, please leave a voice message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Aspen Medical 4540 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 119 Mesa, AZ, 85206

have Giving Machines committees that set up the machines when they arrive and take them down to be transported to the next location.”

Also making its annual appearance is the Town’s Water Tower holiday lighting and concert, 6-8:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28, at Water Tower Plaza, 45 W. Page Ave.

The mayor and council members will light the Gilbert Water Tower to kick off the holiday season.

This year’s event also includes free family activities, food trucks and live music by Ryan Ralston, who will perform family friendly holiday music.

Besides horse-drawn carriage rides, children can go down a gingerbread slide, run through a candy-land obstacle course and bounce inside a wrapped gift box.

Some tasty treats from vendors include holiday-themed hot coco, waffles, hamburgers and more for credit card payments or cash as no ATMs are on site.

After the lighting, visitors can enjoy the festive colors on the tower each evening through Jan. 2 synchronized to holiday music played every half hour from 5:30-10 p.m.

GLENDALE

Glendale

More from your Medicare 6052 N 59th Ave Nov 28 1:00 PM

GLENDALE

Lifebridge Resource Center

More from your Medicare 14240 N 43rd Ave Dec 1, 10, 17 5:00 PM

MESA CVS More from your Medicare 2809 S SOSSAMAN RD Nov 29 10:00 AM

For a cost, people can view Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve come alive with holiday lights, 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 9-20, 2757 E. Guadalupe Road.

Thousands of holiday lights and displays will greet visitors as they stroll through the preserve.

Local food and drinks vendors will be onsite.

Advanced ticket costs are $2 per person through Dec. 8. From Dec. 9-20, the cost is $5 per person. Children 3 and younger are free.

For more information, go to gilbertaz. gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/ special-events-and-permits/riparian-afterdark

IF YOU GO

What: Light the World Giving Machines Where: 45 W. Page Ave., Gilbert When: Through Jan. 1.

Also: People unable to visit the machines in person can go to LightTheWorld.org/give.

MESA Village Medical More from your Medicare 6002 E MAIN ST Nov 28, 29 9:00 AM

Benefits vary by plan. ‘Ohana Health Plan, a plan offered by Wellcare Health Insurance of Arizona, Inc. Wellcare is the Medicare brand for Centene Corporation, an HMO, PPO, PFFS, PDP plan with a Medicare contract and is an approved Part D Sponsor. Our D-SNP plans have a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in our plans depends on contract renewal. Washington residents: Health Net Life Insurance Company is contracted with Medicare for PPO plans. “Wellcare by Health Net” is issued by Health Net Life Insurance Company. Washington residents: “Wellcare” is issued by Wellcare of Washington, Inc. Washington residents: “Wellcare” is issued by Wellcare Health Insurance Company of Washington, Inc. Wellcare by Allwell (HMO and HMO SNP) includes products that are underwritten by Superior HealthPlan, Inc. and Superior HealthPlan Community Solutions, Inc. Wellcare (HMO and HMO SNP) includes products that are underwritten by Wellcare of Texas, Inc., Wellcare National Health Insurance Company, and SelectCare of Texas, Inc. Cosmetic procedures are not covered under this benefit.

Celebrating the return of the Giving Machines in Gilbert were, from right: Dr. Grace Nkundabantu, founder and CEO of African Girls Hope Foundation; Ruthy Hodges of Special Olympics Arizona; and Chandler City Councilwoman Christine Ellis. (Cecilia Chan)

Top dogs trot to WestWorld for agility games

BY ALEX GALLAGHER GSN Staff Writer

For the first time since 2018, the 500 top dogs from around the world will descend upon West World of Scottsdale for the 2022 United States Dog Agility Association Cyno sport Dog Agility World Games.

These dogs have spent the past year preparing and competing in 10 qualify ing competitions across the nation and will compete in events featuring jumps, weave poles, ramps, tunnels and tires.

“For over 30 years, we’ve had the Grand Prix of dog agility as our pre mier tournament event and although we have four additional different tour naments that we run at Cynosport, we have people from all over the United States and several foreign countries coming to compete, so it’s going to be exciting this year,” said Andy Hartman, the vice president of the United States Dog Agility Association.

Among the 500 canine competitors is

The 500 dogs competing in the 2022 United States Dog Agility Association Cynosport Dog Agility World Games will be put through all kinds of paces as they – and their hopeful owners – hit the field at WestWorld of Scottsdale starting Wednesday. (Special to GSN)

a mixed bag of small and large breeds that can likely be seen at any dog park around the nation.

“Most people can look around their house at their pet and it’ll probably be represented in the field of dogs,” Hart

man said. “We’ve always been open to mixed-breed dogs … but it’s mostly Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Jack Rus sel Terriers, and Papillons.”

Though there is a variety of dogs that fans can expect to see compete, the dogs are broken up into classes to pro mote equal competition.

“A small Jack Russell terrier is not going to compete up against a golden retriever, for instance. Those dogs will jump with like dogs in jump height,” Hartman said.

The events this year are the Grand Prix of Dog Agility World Champion ship, the Dog Agility Steeplechase with a grand prize of $15,000, the Dog Agil ity Masters Two- and Three-Dog Team Championships, and the Master’s Chal lenge Biathlon.

Fans can expect to see dogs race against the clock, leaping over hur dles and A-frame jumps and scurrying

HD SOUTH offers array of programs next month

GSN NEWS STAFF

HD SOUTH will offer a series of informative programs for peo ple of all ages in July. Programs are led by artists, historians, storytell ers, botanists and scientists; experts in their field who share their knowledge and skills with our community.

Home of the Gilbert Historical Muse um and located in the heart of the heri tage district at Gilbert and Elliot roads, the building opened as Gilbert Elemen tary School in 1913. It is the oldest building in Gilbert and is the only one on the National Register of Historical Places.

Gilbert Museum is a repository of ar

tifacts chronicling the town’s rich histo ry, featuring newly remodeled exhibits and interactive displays.

Many of the educational programs are free. Information: hdsouth.org/cal endar. Unless otherwise noted, regis tration is required.

Breakfast with Santa

HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert His torical Museum, is hosting a “Breakfast with Santa” 8:30-11:30 a.m. Dec for the fifth year.

The event includes a full catered breakfast and the chance to meet and take a complimentary photo with Santa. The morning will include cookie deco rating, ornament making, holiday mu sic, face painting, and much more, along

with free admission to HD SOUTH.

Tickets for the event will be $15 per person, children under 2 are free. All tickets must be purchased in advance, tickets will not be available at the door. All proceeds benefit HD SOUTH. See hdsouth.org/events

Vintage camera exhibit, through Dec. 12.

Vintage cameras and photography equipment from HD SOUTH’s private collection. This exhibit aims to spread the love for old school photography

These artifacts have never been on dis play in one exhibit. Free with regular admission.

Party with the stars and EVAC, 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 6

The East Valley Astronomy Club (EVAC) is a group of more than 100 astronomy enthusiasts which began in 1987 and includes members from all over the Valley. Join EVAC and HD SOUTH for a star party where attendees will learn about the cosmos and view celestial bodies. Free.

History of tequila, 7-8 p.m. Dec. 8

Many tequilas have not changed since the original old-world processes. Lu ann Lennox of TequilaSnobs will walk guests through how to choose the best

SE Regional Library offers programs next month

GSN NEWS STAFF

Southeast Regional Library offers free programs for people of all ages. Information: mcldaz.org/ southeast. Southeast Regional Library is located at 775 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert.

Green up, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 1

The Town of Gilbert Environmen tal Services team will discuss ways to lighten the environmental impact during the holidays.

Wood burning, 6-7 p.m. Dec. 5

Participants will personalize a serv

ing board to give as a gift or keep for yourself! All materials are supplied. Adults.

Kid’s STEAM Lab, 6-6:45 p.m. Dec. 6, STEAM Lab will engage s participants in science, technology, engineering, art, and math topics that are fun for anyone.

One-on-One digital assistance 10-10:45 a.m. Dec. 7, 14, 21, 28

People needing assistance in learn ing how to download digital eBooks or audio books to reading device can get personalized assistance with a library

LIBRARY page 19

through tunnels, tires, weave poles and over a seesaw.

The canine athletes will be unleashed individually to race over obstacle cours es against the clock while being navi gated by their human partner, who uses only voice and hand signals.

According to Hartman, the relay event is the most exciting.

“The relay event is where either two or three dog teams get out and run a course,” Hartman said.

Following the relay race, the dogs’ scores are combined and a champion is crowned.

The event that inspires the biggest competitive desire among the dog own ers is the steeplechase and its $15,000 cash prize.

“Our steeplechase event, which is based on the equestrian steeplechase, is made up of jumps, the A-frame, and the weave poles and they have to run either the weave poles twice or the A-frame twice and the judge will determine that when they design the courses,” Hartman said.

The final for the steeplechase event will take place on the evening of Satur day, Dec. 3.

Despite the competitive nomenclature of the events, Hartman says he is always astonished each year by the human ca maraderie in the dog agility community.

“One of the things I like most about the sport of agility is the amount of ca maraderie there is,” he said. “Yeah, it’s competitive and everybody’s out there to win in one way or another but, when it comes down to it and when people lay down a good run, everybody’s cheering and clapping their hands. The camara derie in the sport is wonderful.”

Fans are encouraged to bring their well-behaved pooches on leashes to the event, which will even have an agility ring that dogs can try out.

Because of this, Hartman says he’s ex cited to return to

“It’s nice to be back in Arizona with a live event again,” he said. “We’re looking forward to lots of smiling faces., lots of applause and cheering, and people hav ing fun with their dogs. That’s what it’s all about.”

IF YOU GO:

United States Dog Agility Association

Cynosport Dog Agility World Games.

When: Nov. 30-Dec. 4; daily activities run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: WestWorld of Scottsdale Polo Field, 16601 N. Pima Road

Cost: $10 for parking, free admission.

Info: usdaa.com.

OF 2021

Chandler • Gilbert • Mesa

Neuropathy Is Often Misdiagnosed

Muscle cramping, difficulty walk ing, burning, tingling, numbness, and pain in the legs or feet are symptoms of neuropathy people live with every day,” explains Dr. Kerry Zang, podi atric medical director of CIC Foot & Ankle. “The thing is PAD has very sim ilar symptoms. So similar that in many cases, people are told it’s neuropathy when it may not be.”

Medicine is often prescribed. “Pills aren’t a cure, they just suppress the symptoms,” says Zang. “If neuropathy

isn’t causing the symptoms, the real problem could get worse.”

It’s important to determine if PAD (pe ripheral artery disease) is causing the pain or making it worse. PAD is plaque in the arteries which causes poor circulation. “Blood brings oxygen and nutrients to your feet which they need to stay healthy,” explains Zang, “When your feet aren’t get ting an adequate supply, they start send ing signals.” Those signals include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or cramping. The good news is PAD is treatable in

an office setting. Dr. Joel Rainwater, MD endovascular specialist explains, “We go into the bloodstream to find the blockage using imaging guidance. Then with small tools that can go into the smallest arteries, remove the blockage, and restore blood flow.”

Getting the proper diagnosis is the first step to getting better. “It’s all about find ing out what’s causing the problem,” says Zang. “When your feet burn, tingle, or feel numb, it’s your body telling you it needs help, and you should listen.”

If your neuropathy medication is not working, your symptoms may be an indication of another condition.

Stiff Joints Interfere with Everyday Living

One in 40 people over the age of 50 may find themselves limiting their activi ty because of a condition called hallux rigidus. It’s a degenerative disease of the big toe joint. As it progresses, the pain in the joint increases and motion decreases.

Don’t wait for your feet to yell at you. If your feet hurt, they are talking to you. Our doctors can help tell you what they are saying.

foot pain prevent you from doing your favorite activity?

Do you have burning or tingling in your legs or feet?

Do you have leg or foot cramps with activity or at rest?

“People don’t realize the impact their big toe has on their life. It plays a role in balance, shock absorption, and forward movement as you walk,” explains Dr. Daniel Schulman, of CiC Foot & Ankle. “When the joint is stiff, it’s not able to bend and rotate properly, and it changes how we walk without us even realizing it.” These changes can lead to back or knee pain as well as discomfort in other parts of the foot.

“It always concerns me to hear that someone is playing less golf or stay ing home because they’re in pain,” says Schulman. “There are ways to help.”

The goal is to protect your feet from the repetitive stress of everyday activities. “We have several treatment options to not only relieve foot pain but help im prove how your feet work. If we can help your feet function better, in many cases the need for surgery can be avoided or at the very least postponed,” says Schul man. “Patients are always happy to learn about ways to alleviate their symptoms.”

For golfers, a stiff big toe can make their game suffer.

tequilas and how to avoid the fillers and additives. What are additives and can they be good and why add them?

This modern-day tequila class will share new flavors, distilling methods and new designations. Lennox will teach participants how to shop for the best tequilas and allow you to taste a few during the class. Lennox has been facilitating educational events for more than 12 years. Tastings will be provid

ed. Age 21 and over. Free.

STEM Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Dec. 10

Local college professors and teach ers will lead participants through sci ence experiments that will allow par ticipants to create their own candy cane slime and coffee filter Christmas trees. Ages 6 and up. Free.

Holiday cookie decorating, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13

Vickie from Mae’s Cookie Jar will teach participants how to decorate hol iday-themed cookies, including basic decorating techniques.Attendees will take home their creations. All sup plies are provided. Attendance is lim ited. Cost: $20 per person and includes instruction, three cookies, icing and sprinkles.

Art workshop with GVAL, 10:30 a.m.noon Dec. 17

Peter Eobbi, of GVAL, will lead partic ipants through a workshop on new ar tistic techniques and help them create their own Christmas cards. All supplies will be provided. Ages 8 and up. Free.

professional. Class is limited to three people per session.

Paint an ornament, 2-3 p.m. Dec. 8

All materials are supplied.

Concert, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 12

SoSco Flute & Guitar Duo’s holiday program offers a chance to reflect on the gentle meaning of the season.

Help with bills.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Dec. 13

Maricopa County offers assistances

with rent, gas, electric, water, and trash bills to qualified individuals and house holds. A count representative will be available to answer questions.

Sea glass canvas art, 3-4 p.m. Dec. 13

Get creative with sea glass to create a beautiful work of art. Adults Gingerbread man competition, 2-3 p.m. Dec. 14

Decorate a gingerbread man and voting will take place at the conclusion

of the program and the winner takes home a prize.

Kid’s Craft Club, 4-4:45 p.m. Dec. 14

STEAM Lab will engage youngsters in science, technology, engineering, art, and math topics that are fun for anyone!

Teen Craft Night, 6-7 p.m. Dec. 14

An evening of crafting with a calming atmosphere. All supplies included, craft varies by month.

Mystery book discussion: The Christmas Legacy, 2-3 p.m. Dec. 15

Create an ornament and decorate a winter cactus. Adults.

Winter Crafts, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 15

! There are two book choices for De cember: “The Christmas Legacy” by Anne Perry, or “The Recovery Agen”t by Janet Evanovich. Read one or both. Adults.

Bingo. 2-3 p.m. Dec. 16 Adults.

Gilbert chiropractor offers cost-effective treatment

BY ALISON STANTON GSN Contributor

For over 25 years, Dr. Steven Brown, DC, CICE, Dipl Med Ac, has provided patients of all ages with a wide variety of treatments that are designed to help alleviate pain quickly and effectively.

Brown, the founder of Brown Chiro practic & Acupuncture, PC, originally practiced in Phoenix and Tempe before moving his office to southeast Gilbert in 2018.

“My wife Olivia, who is our office manager and lead massage therapist, and I moved into a house in southeast Gilbert in 2015, and we love this com munity so much we moved our office here as well,” said Brown, known as Dr. B. to his patients.

The Browns offer a wide range of ser

vices to patients, including chiropractic, acupuncture, physical medicine, spinal decompression, massage therapy, phys

ical medicine treatments like therapeu tic ultrasound, nutritional supplements and much more.

“Because we offer many alternative medicine treatments in one office, we are a ‘one-stop shop’ for these kinds of therapies,” Brown said, adding that as a result, patients do not need to make numerous appointments in multiple of fices.

“They can get it all here under the su pervision of one doctor, which is much more cost-effective and time-effective for the patients.”

Brown, who has worked with pa tients as young as 2 days old to over 100 years, said most patients are painfree after one to six treatments.

“After your condition has been treat ed, you can return for maintenance treatment, or you can return as needed. Unlike some Chiropractic offices, we will not pressure you to come in two

Mesa flight schools help ease pilot shortage

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER GSN Staff Writer

Outside a nondescript building along Sossaman Drive at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport last month, the sun shined while rain poured from an iron-gray sky inside the cavernous structure.

On a powerful flight simulator that cost more than a real airplane, a flight student checked his instruments as the image of a propeller on a large wrap around screen began to hammer away in the rain and he prepared to take a digital plane into the storm.

Behind him, a flight instructor scruti nized a computer monitor.

Scenes like this are typical at the Uni versity of North Dakota Aerospace flight school at Gateway Airport as instructors

stay busy training aviators amid a short age commercial plane pilots.

Americans’ wallets are being hit with inflation pressures, but after the pan demic, they are still digging into their bank accounts and traveling with a pas sion.

The good news is that Mesa’s numer ous flight schools are seeing an increase in people interested in learning to fly.

The bad news is, it will take time –years probably – before today’s newly certified pilots impact a travel industry hobbled by delays created by the pilot

shortage.

Mesa’s two airports began as facili ties to train pilots for the U.S. and allies during World War II, and the tradition continues with at least 10 flight schools operating in the city today.

Local flight instructors say that even though the communities surrounding the airfields have transformed since World War II, the conditions that made Mesa good for training then still remain: there is wide-open airspace nearby, plenty of sunny days and lots of airports.

Rex Ginder, associate director of Phoe nix flight operations for UND Aerospace, said the school’s Mesa campus now has the highest enrollment it’s ever had.

UND offers a six-semester collegiate program, and also recently added an ac

GilbertSunNews.com | @GilbertSunNews /GilbertSunNews

Jacob Ogden goes through his pre-flight checklist in the cockpit of a flight simulator as instructor Thomas Johnson monitors his attempt at the University of North Dakota Aero space simulator bay at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. (David Minton/Tribune Staff Photogra pher)

Dr. Steven Brown founded Brown Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PC and moved it to Gil bert in 2018. His wife Olivia is office manager and lead massage therapist. (Special to GSN)

celerated 12-to-13-month program to meet the high demand for commercial pilot training.

The school also partners with Chan dler-Gilbert Community College on an associate’s degree program that enables students to complete their degree with a private pilot’s license.

Matthew Johnston, president of Cal ifornia Aeronautical University, which operates a school at Mesa’s Falcon Field, said CAU is also seeing elevated interest in training. He thinks even more stu dents would be interested with greater awareness of the profession.

Pilot jobs are “plentiful, they’re por table worldwide and they’re profitable,” he said. “It’s a great industry to pursue.”

Johnston also told career seekers not to ignore training for aviation mechan ics, noting that a shortage of them is also grounding planes.

“When there’s a problem with an air craft, someone’s got to look at it,” he said.

Ginder agrees that jobs await students who stick with the programs.

He said UND currently has 100% job placement record with regional airlines for students who graduate and work as a flight instructor to help reach the re

quired 1,500 hours of flight time to enter the pilot pool.

While flight schools are filling seats at a time when pilots are badly needed,

Ginder and Johnston cautioned that alle viating the pilot and mechanic shortage is going to take many years.

Getting the commercial pilots license takes 250 hours of flight time, and that leaves a lot of flying left to reach the needed 1,500 hours.

Another bottleneck in the pilot pipe line is at the highest levels: the final classes pilots take with airlines to get checked out on specific aircraft and routes.

These sorts of final onboarding class es are generally taught by senior pi lots, Ginder said, and the airlines lost a disproportionate number of these seasoned pilots during the pandemic, offering buyouts as travel restrictions grounded the industry.

Ginder sees evidence of the loss of trainers as airlines are hiring pilots but telling them to stay in their current jobs until space in an onboarding class opens up.

Rex Ginder is associate director of Phoenix Flight Operations at the University of North Dakota Aerospace hangar at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. (David Minton/Progress Staff Photographer)

to three times per week for the rest of your life,” he said.

Brown is also proud of the fact that his patients will see the provider they scheduled to see – not a revolving group of doctors and therapists.

“We are a locally owned family busi ness. We do not have any other loca tions or a small army of Associate Doc tors,” Brown said.

“We pay personal attention to all our patients. When someone schedules to see me, they see me, not some random fill-in doctor they have never even met before.”

Brown Chiropractic & Acupuncture, PC, is located inside Boston Profession al Village at 1772 E. Boston St., Suite 107, Gilbert. For more information, call 480-377-1226 or visit brownchiro. com.

Consequently, travelers should buckle in for full flights for some time.

A side effect of the pilot shortage is the commercial airline industry has notched the highest “load factors” – the percent age of seats filled on the plane – in two decades in recent months.

Gateway Airport is no exception.

In August, the national average load factor nearly hit 90%, about 5% higher than a normal high of 85%.

Gateway President J. Brian O’Neill told the airport’s board of directors that Mesa has seen load factors rise above 90% this year.

Fuller planes have helped Gateway maintain revenue and continue serv ing record numbers of passengers even though airlines reduced their number of flights out of Mesa this summer.

In August, Gateway served a record 119,403 passengers for the month on 13% fewer flights than the previous year.

But high load factors can become too much of a good thing.

“Ninety percent (load factor) is al most a disservice to the market because if there’s ever a disruption because of a mechanical or because of weather re lated cancellations, you don’t have any seats available to absorb those people and get them into the system,” O’Neill said.

He said the airport is interested in working with the airlines to bring load factors down – for passenger experience and for meeting the airport’s vision.

“Across the board, our ability to ex pand and offer new service certainly is hampered by a pilot shortage,” Gateway spokesman Ryan Smith said.

Ginder predicts that the future will al ways be bright for aviators.

The swift return of air travel follow ing restrictions has driven home that “Americans are in love with the ability to get on a flight to travel,” he said. “So I think the training organizations like ours are going to continue to grow for the foreseeable future.”

Epicenter sponsoring holiday pop-up stores

GSN NEWS STAFF

Amarket-style holiday pop-up event will be held Saturday. Dec. 3, at Epicenter.

The high-end retail-restaurant com plex at 2150 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, will host the event 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Patrons will find unique gifts at Manor Apparel, urbAna Celebrations Store, Why I Love Where I Live, Bunky Boutique, The Collective and more.

They also can have lunch or snacks from Belly, Beer Barn, Peixoto or Un dertow Gilbert, which are now open to the public and get previews from oth er establishments that will be opening soon, like Gadzooks and Matt’s Big Breakfast.

Verbal abuse prompts AIA officiating shortage

BY DAVIS RODISH Cronkite News

Anne Montgomery started her offi ciating journey over 40 years ago. She officiated football, hockey and baseball among other sports before retir ing in 2019.

To sustain a four-decade spanning ca reer is rare. To do it as a woman is even rarer. The Arizona Interscholastic Associ ation said most officials quit around the three-year mark, and the most common answer to why is verbal abuse from fans and parents. One of the problems isn’t that it’s happening – it’s getting worse.

The AIA has had to ask high schools to schedule one varsity football game on a Thursday to help alleviate the number of games that are played on Fridays. This is because of the shortage of officials as more quit or retire to avoid verbal abuse from fans, coaches or players.

“The number one concern is abuse, fan abuse in particular,” AIA director of ath letics and officials Tyler Cerimeli said. “It’s very difficult to get people to come out and work when half the people there aren’t going to like you very much.”

Montgomery officiated years before the vast, instantaneous world of the internet. Toward the end of her career, she noticed how the harassment and bullying spread to the internet for perceived missed or in accurate calls.

“Officials are expected to be perfect all the time and we’re not,” Montgomery said. “It used to be that you’d make a bad call and everyone screams. I’ve been spit on; I’ve had to have police escorts to my car. But today, it’s so much worse because people put it on the internet. It’s not just that one moment in time, it’s endless.”

The harassment caused many officials to leave the job. It’s a thankless job to be gin with, and it only gets worse as more people use social media like Twitter to at tack officials. Cerimeli says he hears this sentiment during exit interviews with his officials.

The number of officials across the coun try is down and continues to slip further down. Arizona, which had an uptick in the number of referees in 2021, still remains below AIA’s desired goal. As a result, the AIA has asked 5A and 6A schools to schedule one varsity game on Thursday for the 2022 season.

Mountain View played its varsity game against Desert Mountain on a Thursday. It was one of 12 games that took place on Sept. 15. Some schools, like Desert Moun tain, don’t have a junior varsity team, so moving a varsity game to Thursday has lessened the load for football officials on Fridays.

“Our coaches have done a good job of communicating why (the game is on Thursday), which we all know the why is because we have a shortage of officials,” Mountain View athletic director Joseph

Goodman said. “Hopefully, it is a message to everybody that we do our part as a school, as fans, as a team that our officials feel valued and respected.”

The AIA does recruit officials but has tried to focus more on retention than re cruitment in recent years.

For recruitment, the association asks each school to provide one male and one female graduating senior that the school thinks could be a fit. The AIA is also work ing with schools in the Dysart Unified School District to offer an officiating elec tive class that high school students can take to get them prepared for a career in officiating.

“If you get into officiating, your odds of making it as a professional official are higher than a player’s odds of making it as a professional athlete,” Cerimeli said. “The odds of making a career out of it if you get

in early enough are there, it’s just a matter of adjusting to the environment. We have a countless number of officials working at the Division I level, (at) the professional level that came up from the AIA ecosys tem.”

A challenge in recruiting and retain ing women is the treatment of women. Throughout her career, Montgomery had been told by referees that crews with women don’t get the opportunities that other crews get.

“Twenty-five years ago, I kept getting thrown off officiating crews,” said Mont gomery, who became a referee so she could pick her own officiating crew. “The men were really honest with me. They said, ‘We aren’t going to get any big games with you on our crew because you’re a

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Highland’s girls’ cross country team dominated the Division I race on Saturday, Nov. 12 at Cave Creek Golf Course. The Hawks scored just 20 points, placing all runners in the top 15 en route to the title. (Lance Hartzler/GSN Contributor)

Shane & Adriane

woman.’ And I hated them for it, but they were right. … I would like to tell you that 40 years later it was easier for me to be an official, but it wasn’t.”

This issue extends beyond AIA and the high school level. Todd Sergi is the Arizona State Referee Administrator for U.S. Soccer. He is connected to all things involving soccer officiating for U.S. Soc cer and works closely with the Arizona Soccer Association.

Parts of his job include trainings, in struction, development and reports on officials in the state. Posted at the top of the website, azref.com, is a prompt to

submit a report on referee abuse.

“We had a young lady on a match in a tournament that the parents were be rating during the match. The director of coaching came on the field of play and verbally abused her (and) brought her to tears,” Sergi said. “When we got the vid eo and the report, it stirred something in us. We said we need to take more of an active role in getting information from our referees in all events.”

Referees, parents, coaches and players can file reports on verbal abuse so the association can track the instances and make better decisions on how to ad dress each case. In its first year in use in 2021, the association received 62 cases of referee abuse.

The referee issue is two-fold: There aren’t enough people and the majority of them are over 60.

“Most officials when they come out for the first time, they were around sports, their kids were in high school, their kids went to college (now) they’re looking for something to do,” Cerimeli said. “They tend to skew older or middle-aged.”

While the AIA and other officiating

bodies work to get young er and keep officials, schools are trying to encourage more sportsmanship from the fans.

The AIA has a sportsman ship and ethics committee that has a sportsmanship reporting process where officials can rate sportsmanship from play ers, fans and coaches. Athletic directors can log on and see how their school and sports programs are doing.

There is no simple solution, but Sergi, Goodman, Mont gomery and Cerimeli agree that refs need to be treated better if youth sports are to continue.

“Right now, the environment is continuing to get worse,” Cerimeli said. “That is some thing else we have focused on in the past couple of years, try ing to turn around sportsman ship, trying to fix those issues and make officiating more ap pealing.”

“SportsCenter,”

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After an accomplished broadcasting career, including on ESPN’s

Anne Montgomery worked as a high school official in Arizona. (Photo courtesy of Anne Mont gomery)

Hale Theatre presenting ‘Christmas Carol’

GETOUT STAFF

The Hale Centre Theatre in down town Gilbert will start its annual presentation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” on Friday, Dec. 1.

“Since receiving the award for Best Christmas Production in Arizona, audi ences have been lining up in Gilbert to see Scrooge and his ghostly visitors,” a theater release said.

“It is their 20th season and it has be come a family tradition for audiences and a must-see every holiday season, with each year bringing a little some thing different.”

Director David Hale Dietlein is pre senting two casts designated “Red” and “Green.”

The Red cast features seasoned actor Tim Dietlein as Ebenezer Scrooge and the Green cast is headed by local actor Rob Stuart. Both actors are reprising

their roles from previous years.

The Hale family tradition of present ing “A Christmas Carol” began with Ruth and Nathan Hale, who opened their first theater in Glendale, California.

In 1965 the Hales and the Dietleins staged their first production of “A Christ mas Carol,” and Hale operators say they established “a legacy that flourishes to this day.

Director and theater owner David Di etlein has received numerous awards for his artistic achievements and has direct ed every production of “A Christmas Car ol” since he opened the Gilbert theater in 2003.

The annual holiday classic is a musical version of Dickens’ tale of the Christmas ghosts, who visit the thoroughly un pleasant Ebenezer Scrooge to show him the error of his ways. The spirits trans

2 EV students have titles on new worship album

GSN NEWS STAFF

Two East Valley residents have ti tles on the Grand Canyon Univer sity Worship Arts Program’s sev enth album, “Canyon Worship 2022.

All 11 new songs which were written and performed by GCU students and re corded in the its state-of-the-art record ing studio.

Eric Johnson, GCU recording studio manager, called the album “an eclec tic blend of praise and introspection marked by thought-provoking ideas and passionate worship for our Creator.”

Colter Bonaroti of Gibert helped write and record the song “Sometimes” and “The Real Thing” along with three other students.

Nicole Swartz of Mesa wrote a record

Colter Bonaroti Nicole Swartz

ed the song “Dry Bones.”

Worship Arts Director Randall Downs said all the songs “speak to the goodness and faithfulness of God.”

The album is available for streaming on Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music.

Bonaroti, a Highland High School

alumnus and GCU senior, has played pi ano for 13 years, drumset for eight and has been singing and writing songs for four years.

“I got into music when I started learn ing piano at 8 years old and became fas cinated by playing piano by ear without realizing perfect pitch was something special until later in life,” he said.

He said he wrote his song for the al bum with his fellow students to show “the Christ-centered fellowship we had found with one another, as well as many other awesome people who have shown us that freedom comes through full sur render to Jesus.

“We aren’t meant to write our own story, but rather listen to the incredible roles God has in store for us to play in His story,” said Bonaroti, who hopes to

join a church worship team after grad uation.

Swartz, who was homeschooled un til college, is also a GCU senior and at tribtues her interest in music to her par ents, who she said “are both incredibly accomplished musicians.”

She started learning piano at age 5 and said she has “always enjoyed the community aspect of music because of its deep connection to family and being at home.”

“College is when I really started to write music and it has been an incredi ble journey,” said Swartz, who also plays guitar.

She said her son is “a prayer in my life and my family’s life that God would do a

GilbertSunNews.com | @GilbertSunNews /GilbertSunNews

The Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert is rolling out its 20th annual presentation of “A Christmas Carol” starting Dec. 1. (Nick Woodward-Shaw/Special for GetOut)

HALE from page 28

form Ebenezer’s life, serving to remind us that it is never too late to change for the better.

“It’s a message of hope and renewal that holds a special place in our hearts every holiday season,” the release stat ed, promising a “stunning production (that) is a visual and sensory delight, featuring local talent of singers, dancers and actors: with “soaring music, special effects, stunning costumes and sets.”

The production runs at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec.1-26 with matinees on Satur days at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Hale is located at 50 W. Page Ave.

in Gilbert’s Heritage District, across the street from the Gilbert Water Tower Park. Several restaurants and free park ing are located nearby.

Tickets range from $42 to $60 for adults, $28 to $45 for youth. Group dis counts for 10 or more tickets are avail able at $35 on showings through Dec. 14.

The shows sell out quickly, so pur chase your tickets by calling the box of fice at 480-497-1181 or by visiting the theater’s website at HaleTheatreArizo na.com.

new work and bring breakthrough.

“I knew the season of work I was in was part of a great harvest in the season I am in now,” she said. “God was faithful to me every step of my journey through college and I am beyond grateful for how he has provided for me and made me new.

“‘Dry Bones’ in many ways is a plea to

God, but it is also a declaration of God’s character,” she added. “When we pray we know God has already come through and will provide for us.”

A worship leader at One Life Church, Nicole also had a song on last year’s GCU Worship Program album titled “In the Waiting.”

Information: gcu.edu.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 29

With JAN D’ATRI

GetOut Contributor

Maple pecan pie is a dessert worthy of any holiday

This season I finally had a chance to scratch one off of my bucket list. I’ve always wanted to visit New England in the fall. I had always heard that the changing of the leaves is spectacular, and I want ed to be there during the peak week. (Me and everyone else on the planet, I discovered!)

My trip to Woodstock, Ver mont was worth the trip, and while there, I wanted to im merse myself in the New En gland food scene. That brings me to maple syrup. I couldn’t get enough of it, whether it was on my breakfast pancakes, a delicious ham slathered in a Vermont maple glaze or those iconic maple leaf-shaped candies.

I came home with plenty of bottles of syrup which came in handy for this scrumptious holi day maple pecan pie. This time of the year, while pumpkin pie is the go-to, pecan pie is right up there in popularity, and this version is definitely holiday worthy.

It starts with a light and flakey crust, the perfect bed for a sweet, nutty and maple syrupy filling. So just in case searching for perfect holiday pies is on your bucket list, this one will not disappoint!

Dough for single-crust pie (9 inches)

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoons salt

6 tablespoons butter, chilled and cut into small pieces

3 tablespoons Crisco shortening, cut into small pieces

3 tablespoons ice water

1 tablespoons white vinegar

Filling

3 large eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup maple syrup

3 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 cups pecan halves

Whipped cream, optional

Directions:

Make the dough. In a food processor, blend together the flour, sugar and salt. Add butter and shortening and pulse until mixture resem bles coarse meal. Drizzle water and vinegar over mixture.

Process just until moist clumps form adding more water, a little at a time, if dough is too dry. Form into a ball, cover in plastic wrap and chill for one hour.

When dough has chilled, preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle; transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim crust to 1/2 in. beyond rim of plate; flute edge. Refrigerate while preparing filling.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add maple syrup, butter, vanilla, salt and pecans. Pour into crust.

Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 30-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. If desired, top with whipped cream to serve.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Five years after they were shut off for an extensive renovation project, the Mesa Arizo na Temple’s brilliant Christmas light display is back. (Courtesy of

Mesa Temple again aglow in Christmas lights

GETOUT STAFF

After a five-year absence, the bril liant holiday light display has re turned to the Mesa Arizona Tem ple grounds.

The lights are on 5-10 p.m. night ly through Dec. 31 at the temple, Main Street and S. Lesueur in downtown Mesa. The event – previously called one of the “must-see holiday lighting extrava ganzas in the United States” – has drawn over a million visitors annually from across Arizona and beyond.

The lights have been turned off the last five years for the extensive renova tion of the temple and its grounds that was completed last year.

“A team of nearly 100 dedicated com mittee members and hundreds of other volunteers from Mesa, Phoenix and Gil bert have made this event not only one of the largest known volunteer-driven Christmas lighting displays in the coun try, but helped to bring back a beloved community tradition since 1979,” said Jennifer Wheeler, a spokeswoman for

the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“Our mission is to humbly and wor thily create sacred Christmas displays, in music, and lights, which reflect the beauty and integrity of the temple, invit ing all people to feel Christ’s Spirit,” the committee’s mission statement says.

Included in this free event are hun dreds of thousands of lights, favorite Biblical displays, larger-than-life lighted wise men and their camels and a near life-size Italian Fontanini nativity figu rines and stable at the northwest cor ner of the temple with a newly designed star, twinkling with thousands of white lights.

Nightly concerts were not included in this eyar’s version of the display.

Across the street of the west side of the temple, at 455 E. Main St., the Mesa Temple Visitors’ Center hosts a display of more than 150 international nativities from across the world.

Admission to the nativity display at the Mesa Temple Visitors Center is free and open daily 5-10 p.m.

the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

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God has given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition. I will never forget thy grac es and favors you obtain for me and I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you. Amen. St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor thee and invoke thy aid. (Say 3 Our Father's, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s after this.)