Gilbert Sun News 12-01-2019 by Times Media Group

3 Gilbert teams chase the gold PAGE 26

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS.....................................

Highland Jr. High 7th grader on state panel.

COMMUNITY...................

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

Gilbert woman on network TV show.

Sunday, DECEMBER 1, 2019

Questions surround veterans park demise BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

Gilbert thespians light up the stage PAGE 30

hree years ago, with much fanfare and a ground blessing, dignitaries ceremonially shoveled dirt on a site in Gilbert that was to give rise to a veterans commemorative park. Anchored by a scaled-down version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., it promised to be a place for veterans to heal and to find help and for school children to learn about military history and patriotism. Today, seven acres on the southeast corner of Gilbert Road and Civic Center Drive remain a dirt lot and the nonprofit who initially took in over $1 million in public dollars and in-kind donations, for its $3

million project - folded, leaving it unclear where and how the money was spent. Town Council, which authorized over $1.6 million in taxpayer money to do offsite improvements for the project, voted in October to terminate the lease agreement with Operation Welcome Home, after it was notified by the group, the organization was dissolving. The nonprofit was to pay $1 a year for use of the town-owned land east of the Gilbert Public Safety Complex. “I wished the town had been able to vet that more thoroughly,” Vice Mayor Eddie Cook said. “Because I think we would have probably not have moved forward with anything.” Cook said plans are for the town to convert the site back to its original des-

ert landscaping at an estimated cost of $100,000.

Origins in a celebration

Operation Welcome Home was cofounded by then-Council members Jenn Daniels and Les Presmyk almost a decade ago as a town program to honor service members returning home to Gilbert from active duty. The program was modeled after one adopted in Daniels’ hometown of Danville, California. Daniels, who served on the nonprofit’s board until 2016, did not return a call for comment. Lisa Rigler, who was president of the Gilbert Small Business Alliance she founded,

see VETERANS page 8

Oversight of 6K school Parading in style workers sought

BY JIM WALSH GSN Staff Writer

BUSINESS.....................

Seville Golf Club expands its fun quotient.

COMMUNITY...................... 15 BUSINESS.............................22 OPINION...............................24 SPORTS................................ 26 GETOUT............................... 30 CLASSIFIED........................ 36

rizona education officials are sponsoring a bill to improve oversight of “non-certified educators,’’ plugging loopholes some accused sex offenders and others with questionable backgrounds have slipped through in the past. “Uncertified educators’’ represent a broad category of school professionals, which includes about 6,000 people working in both school districts and charter schools. They would include coaches, student teachers and some administrators who have regular or occasional interaction with students. “There are gaps where fingerprint identification cards aren’t necessary for people working with kids,’’ said Alicia

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Even the Grinch had a good time last weekend as nearly 4,400 people in 107 units walked down Gilbert Road for the annual Gilbert Days Parade. For a look at the festivities, see our special photo package on pages 10-11. [Chris Mortenson./GSN Staff Photographer]

call or text: 480-818-9868

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

NEWS

OVERSIGHT from page 1

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Williams, executive director of the Arizona Board of Education. If it becomes law, the bill could impact about 2,000 uncertified school district employees throughout the state and 4,000 charter school employees. Williams said about 60 percent of charter school teachers are certified, while 40 percent are non-certified. Williams said the bill is in draft form and will be introduced in the legislative session beginning next month. The bill essentially would extend the rules already applied to certified educators to uncertified teachers as well. School districts and charter schools would be required to submit a list of all educators working with children to the state Board of Education, a practice already followed by the vast majority of districts and charter schools. “We’re trying to have oversight of unprofessional and immoral conduct,’’ Williams said. The board currently has authority to investigate certified educators and to take action against them. During the 2018-19 school year, the board disciplined 131 educators throughout the state. The variety of disciplines included revocation of certification, surrender, suspension, and a letter of censure, Williams said. So far, 74 educators have been disciplined during the 2019-2020 school year, with another 21 are scheduled to come before the board at the Dec. 13 meeting. Williams stressed she is not attempting to expand certification, but the bill would subject non-certified educators to the same sort of discipline as certified educators. She said she is working with state Rep. Michelle Udall, R-Mesa, a former Mesa Public Schools Governing Board member, on sponsoring the legislation. Udall, who is also a part-time MPS math teacher at Red Mountain High School, chairs the State House Education Committee. “With the idea, the concept, I am 100 percent aboard,’’ Udall told the Tribune, adding she needs to review the bill’s language carefully before deciding whether to file it, possibly within the next couple of weeks. Udall said the primary loophole involves teachers accused of a crime, but the case for whatever reason either never reaches law enforcement or does not result in charges being filed. By addressing the loophole, “we

Alicia Williams

Kathy Hoffman

are not allowing them to shuffle from school to school,’’ she said. Certified teachers, principals and school superintendents are required to obtain the fingerprint clearance cards, which are monitored by the state Department of Public Safety. The standard of proof used by the board in disciplining certified educators is lower than the proof beyond reasonable doubt standard used in criminal courts. Williams said an expanded safety net would allow the board to discipline certified and non-certified educators who, for one reason or another, have been accused of crimes, but have not been prosecuted or convicted. “We have to prove the conduct more than likely occurred,’’ she said. “It’s all about keeping kids safe.’’ The board approved the effort to get a bill introduced and some draft language at its Oct. 28 meeting and the proposed legislation was under review by the state Legislative Counsel’s Office. “The most significant recommendation permits the state to investigate and take action against non-certified educators who engage in immoral or unprofessional conduct,’’ according to board documents. The draft language in the bill backs up the requirement school districts report such suspected instances to the Department of Education in writing as soon as possible. Although the measure is in its infancy, two major education organizations, the Arizona School Boards Association and the Arizona Charter Schools Association, both said they support it conceptually. Chris Kotterman, director of government relations for the School Boards Association, said he supports addition-

al oversight of non-certified educators. He said it makes sense for the state to add non-certified educators to the tracking system already in place for certified employees. Certified educators already have an identification number districts can track. “It’s just going to a web site and making sure an educator’s identification number is clear,’’ Kotterman said. “From our perspective, we are in support of the state board having oversight.’’ If the bill is approved, “It provides a mechanism to attack allegations across districts,’’ he said. In other words, a district in central Phoenix would know when a red flag was raised about a job candidate in another district miles away, such as Mesa or Chandler. The draft language specifically directs school districts to check the Educator Information System’ before hiring certified or non-certified personnel. Some exceptions include transportation, food service and maintenance employees. Kotterman and Udall both said school bus drivers are required to get the fingerprint cards under different legislation. Jake Logan, president and CEO of the Arizona Charter Association, said he also supports expanded oversight and praised the state board for initiating the legislation. “I do think it’s something we can work out. I am in support of the concept,’’ Logan said. “We are very supportive of the concept no one has access to children who have slipped through the cracks.’’ “There ought to be a mechanism in place so we know we have done everything possible to make sure children are safe.’’ Logan said he would have opposed leg-

see OVERSIGHT page 14

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

Highland 7th grader picked for state panel GSN NEWS STAFF

t 12-years-old, Maeve Lloyd will serve as a voice for her peers on the first Arizona Department of Education Student Advisory Council. The Highland Junior High School seventhgrader is one of 20 students from around the state selected to give their perspective on education issues. The 2019-20 committee of 5th-12th graders is tasked with advising the state public education superintendent and her department about the agency’s policies and offer analyses. “Out of more than 300 applications, the 20 finalists stood out for their leadership, passion and curiosity,” Superintendent Kathy Hoffman said. “It’s vitally important to elevate student voices as we implement policies that affect their lives. “I look forward to hearing the perspectives of these young leaders on topics like school safety, technology, arts education, testing and more.” Maeve in her application stated she had always put education as her top priority and detailed her academic accomplishments. Those achievements include second place last year in Gilbert Public Schools’ Oratorical Contest for writing and presenting a speech on immigration. She said if chosen to serve, she could bring a wealth of insight to the committee. She said through her extracurricular activities of horse riding and musical theater, she got the chance to meet many students. “Through those activities, I get to meet a lot of kids from all around the Valley and I have been asking them what they think of their schools so I have many perspectives and can definitely represent my peers,” she wrote. An issue she saw with students was the need for engagement in the classroom.

the program and they were, quite frankly, suffering. “They were still bored, and they did not want to take notes while the teachers lectured, they wanted to be engaged,” she continued, adding: “I believe that students getting bored and unengaged is the biggest problem facing Arizona students today. If they are not included and working with the material they are learning, they won’t remember as well as they could, and they would not enjoy it.” For example, she said if a teacher was to present a slide show and lecture on Roman civilization, a student might lose interest and not be engaged. “If the student is not interested in the topic their mind will wander, they will stop listening and they generally won’t get the informaMaeve Lloyd, a seventh grader at Highland Junior High School was picked by Arizona Superintndent of Schools Kathy Hoffman to be one of the 20 students tion,” she said. on a new advisory committee on education. (Special to GSN) “On the other hand, if the teacher had this She personally experienced it when student get into a group and gave them a she became bored in her classes until the rubric and told them to write a newspaper 4th grade at Towne Meadows Elemen- and get creative with it. tary School when she transitioned to the “They could come up with clever names, Self Contained Gifted Program, which has add dramatic gladiator fights while includhelped her grow as a person. ing factual information, accurate descrip“It engaged me, I had lots of fun the tions of this or that. Because the students hands-on learning,” she said. “But I looked would learn the material and apply to back at my peers who did not make it into something that uses their imagination and

creativity, they would remember it better.” Of course, there would still be time for the teacher to lecture and the students to follow along but that should not be all of the curricula, she added. In turn, Maeve said she would gain valuable experience by serving. “Just getting the experience of attempting to get on the council will introduce me to key life experiences and help me grow as a person,” she wrote. The council was created in an effort to lift up the voices and perspectives of students and teachers in Arizona while supporting the superintendent’s work to improve education throughout the state, explained department spokesman Stefan Swiat. “The idea behind all of this is that she [Hoffman] felt that students can inform education better than almost anyone because they’re the ones that are actually experiencing it,” Swiat said. “She wanted to have that voice at the table as she proceeds forward in developing policy for the state, in particular, she was very interested in hearing their thoughts in regard to technology, arts, school safety and things of that nature.” The students are scheduled to meet with Hoffman three times and have already met once with the next meeting set for Jan. 29. To be eligible for the position, students must be enrolled full-time and maintain a “solid academic standing,” according to the Department’s website. Students from all backgrounds, including home-school, are invited to apply. The application process consisted of submitting an application form and one to two letters of recommendation from a teacher, employer, mentor, parent/guardian or community leader. After initial reviews by department employees and community members, qualified candidates were then asked to participate in a brief interview.

of Arizona College of Medicine-Biomedical Campus, at 435 N. 5th Street, Phoenix. Free parking is offered. Attendees will get no-cost health screenings, like blood pressure testings, flu shots, dental checks and HIV and STD screenings. Plus, participants will hear from physicians, patients and patient advocates about the value of partaking in clinical trial programs. A free catered dinner will also be served. AWARE-for-All is a free education pro-

tion dedicated to educating and informing the public and patients about clinical research opportunities and its benefits. CISCRP is committed to providing services to help professionals engage patients as partners in the clinical research process, which can have a lasting and positive impact on patients whose options are limited. Register: ciscrp.org/event/aware-forall-phoenix. Information: awareforall@ ciscrp.org or call 617-725-2750.

Screenings, info on clinical trials and dinner offered

GSN NEWS STAFF

ilbert residents can learn how to get involved with clinical medical trials on Thursday, Dec. 5, at the inaugural Phoenix AWARE-for-All event. Local community members, patients and research professionals will gather to share information about the value of clinical research. The free educational session will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at the University

gram that provides valuable information and resources to help people make decisions about participating in the clinical research process. The event offers an informal dialogue between patients, physicians and research professionals. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and engage in the process. The Phoenix event is supported locally by Biogen, the Lupus Research Alliance and the Alzheimer’s Association, and is hosted by CISCRP, a nonprofit organiza-

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

Partnership to honor 2 Mesa firms at economic forum

GSN NEWS STAFF

wo Mesa families who not only built successful businesses but also have been praised for their enormous contributions to the city and the region will be honored Tuesday during the PHX East Valley Partnership’s PHX East Valley Thought Leader Forum. The Berge family, founders of Berge Ford, and Whiteman family, which founded Empire Southwest, will be honored with the partnership’s 2019 Corporate Legacy awards. The forum, 3:30-6 p.m. Dec. 3 at Mesa Arts Center, will also host Arizona State University President Michael Crow and a presentation titled “The New Workforce: How Automation and Other Advancements are Revolutionizing the Way We Work and Do Business.” The latter presentation by a panel of experts will explore changing dynamics in business and predictions and trends on which jobs will stay and which will go. Crow will kick that off with the keynote address. “Our region’s diverse economy is demanding that we look at things differently and recruit professionals with expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, automation and the Internet of Things,” said Denny Barney, partnership president and CEO.

Michael Crow “Our changing business environment also is creating opportunities to retrain and redeploy employees in jobs where they are needed the most,” he added. Tickets are $75 for East Valley Partnership members and $85 for nonmembers. Register at evp-az.org. Of the companies started by the Berge and Whiteman families, Barney said, both were “generations and that “their visionary leaders not only help drive our economy, but improve our quality of life, too.” Empire Southwest is a family-owned business that the late Jack Whiteman

man took over in 2002 and further built the company and its community commitment. It also formed an alliance with Sitech Southwest, expanded the company’s focus on agriculture, launched a truck and trailer division and created a renewable energy group. The company has more than 2,000 employees in a territory that includes Arizona and southeastern CaliDenny Barney fornia. Empire Southwest founded in 1950 as Empire Machinery, donates at least 2 percent of its pre-tax an Eastern Oregon Caterpillar and John profits to children-related initiatives. Deere dealership. The Whitemans also have a history of When Whiteman was awarded Cat- championing causes such as early childerpillar’s Arizona territory in 1959, the hood education, health care and homecompany relocated and began building lessness, and protections against human partnerships with Arizona’s construc- trafficking. tion and mining industries that endure The family was one of the initial today. founders and contributors to Mesa’s John O. Whiteman succeeded his fa- i.d.e.a. Museum, which supports early ther as CEO in the mid-1990s and fo- learning, creative thinking and family cused Empire on customer service while engagement through art exhibitions and encouraging employees to be involved in STEAM activities. the community. Third-generation CEO Jeffrey S. Whitesee PARTNERSHIP page 14

Higley’s Eddy Zubey to coach in Under Armour All-America Game BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Writer

igley High School head football coach Eddy Zubey has committed to be an assistant coach in the Under Armour All-America Game. Established in 2008, the Under Armour All-America Game has been one of the premier All-Star games for some of the most talented players in the country, several of which went on to play in the NFL. It will be the second year in a row Zubey will coach in a postseason All-Star game. Last year, he was the defensive coordinator for the West team in the AllAmerican Bowl, previously known as the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. “To be recognized to coach in these national All-American games is huge,” Zubey said. “It’s a big accomplishment for me, our football program and Higley High School. “It’s a testament to how far our pro-

Higley head football coach Eddy Zubey has been selected to be an assistant coach in the annual Under Armour All-America Game. (Special to GSN)

gram has come and all the hard work everyone involved put in to get to this point.” Several Arizona coaches have been

a part of postseason All-Star games in the past. Pinnacle coach Dana Zupke coached alongside Zubey in last year’s All-American Bowl. Saguaro coach Jason Mohns was the offensive coordinator for the West team in 2017 and the head coach in 2018. Former Chandler coach and current Arizona State running backs coach Shaun Aguano was the offensive coordinator in last year’s Under Armour game. Aguano also coached in the Army All-American Game and Semper Fidelis Bowl. Zubey joins Aguano as the only coaches from Arizona to coach in the Under Armour All-America Game and the AllAmerican Bowl. “The All-America Bowl was first class, they really took care of us,” Zubey said. “We had clothes, we had stuff to do, we were always fed. It was an awesome experience and I’m excited to see what the Under Armour game has to offer.” Zubey coached former Higley standout and Ty Robinson, who won the Curley

Culp Award for best defensive lineman in the state in 2018 and signed with Nebraska, in the All-American Bowl last year. This year, he will attend the game with Higley senior defensive end Jason Harris, though the two are unsure if they will end up on the same team. They will find out which team they will be part of before heading to Orlando, Fla. on Dec. 27. “I hope it doesn’t come down to me being against him,” Zubey said, laughing. “But if that’s how it turns out then I know all of his moves.” Zubey led Higley to an 8-4 record this season and appeared in the 5A quarterfinals. The Knights started the year with two straight losses but rattled off seven straight wins and were in the conversation to be one of eight teams in the inaugural Open Division playoffs. He will now have the opportunity to coach under NFL Hall of Famer Deion

see COACH page 14

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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from page 1

soon partnered with the town and took over the program, eventually taking it to nonprofit status in July 2014 and becoming Operation Welcome Home’s president. The same year the board also looked at building a permanent memorial to all war veterans as part of the Vietnam Commemorative Partner Program launched by Congress in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. In Sept. 2014, Town Council directed Operation Welcome Home to explore the concept of a memorial park on townland, with town staff and the nonprofit’s representatives meeting frequently to determine the project’s feasibility, the responsibility of each party and the estimated costs for construction, operations and maintenance, according to a council report. In August 2015, Council approved a 30-year lease agreement with Operation Welcome Home, which included each party’s responsibility for the project, which was scheduled to debut on Veterans Day 2017. The nonprofit was required to come up with at least half of the $2.1 million price tag the first phase was estimated to cost, with cash and in-kind donations before the town issued permits. Operation Welcome Home also had to secure a performance bond to cover the other half of the cost if fundraising faltered during construction. The nonprofit was given until Nov. 4, 2016, to come up with the money until Rigler in 2016 obtained a year extension by Town Manager Patrick Banger, the town’s point man on the project. In Dec. 2016, Banger emailed the Council Operation Welcome Home met its requirement and was eligible to pull a permit and begin construction. For proof, the nonprofit’s treasurer Ron Elwood gave the town copies of bank statements showing $415,548 in cash and $679,747 in written commitments for in-kind donations, totaling $1.1 million, according to a Nov. 2017 document. But somewhere between getting the town’s green light and the first quarter of 2018, the project began unraveling.

As grading began, things soured

Justin Yentes, who said he joined the board in October, told Gilbert Sun News in October the project took a turn for the worst as soon as grading commenced.

The fallen sign posted by general contractor MT Builders on a fence around the site of the failed Operation Welcome Home veterans park in Gilbert is a fitting testimony to organizer's shattered plans. (Cecilia Chan/GSN)

fingers. The in-kind donors contacted by Gilbert Sun News said they either already provided their services or had waited to be called for their donations. Todd Neill, president of Neill and Young Associates, a landscape architectural firm in Scottsdale, pledged $97,824 worth of services. “I was the lead professional consultant for the project for the phase1 site design,” Neill said. “We provided full construction drawing for the park that was approved by the town of Gilbert. We provided the design for what we called phase 1, the site not the building.” Neill said he worked alongside others who also donated and had not discounted their expertise – such as Everett Landscape Architecture, which did the irrigation design system and details, valued at $2,900. “All the design for the project was in-kind donations,” Neill said. “No one was paid for their design work.” Neill said he’s often approached by veterans who ask when the project was going to get built. “For whatever reason, it lost its momentum,” he said. “I hope someday the ship gets righted and the memorial gets built.”

No one called

Yentes is married to Councilwoman Aimee Yentes, the nonprofit’s vice president and Lisa Rigler’s daughter. Justin also was a director of the Gilbert Small Business Alliance. Justin Yentes told the Gilbert Sun News in-kind donors – some who promised “pretty sizeable” construction work – pulled out, leaving the nonprofit in a bind. “Over the years, several said they wanted to donate time and money,” he said. “Lots of folks were interested. Unfortunately, lot of these interests went away.” Aimee Yentes said part of the reason was the booming market, where contractors had the opportunity to make money on projects. The nonprofit’s Form 990 filed with the IRS for 2017 showed its net assets totaled $427,968 for the year. Aimee Yentes in a Sept. 18, 2019, email to Town Attorney Chris Payne blamed the group’s hired general contractor MT Builders in Scottsdale, which supplied the list of in-kind donors used to show the town it had met its benchmark to move forward with the project.

“We paid MT about $300,000 for the bond and the initial payment with the expectation their in-kind donors would kick in and supplement our cash payments,” she wrote Payne. Instead, she continued, MT Builders told Rigler and Elwood “the in-kind donors would not provide the services as outlined in the forms they’d shown the town, but rather they would give discounts on services and would only be made available as larger cash payments were made.” “This was out of OWH’s budget and was a surprise to Ron and Lisa,” she added. “When Lisa and Ron confronted MT about the in-kind donations that were actually discounts, it resulted in a very heated argument.” A few of the over two dozen in-kind donors did indicate in their written pledges their services were discounted. In a recent GSN interview with Aimee Yentes, who brought along her husband, the couple was asked which subcontractors backed out of their donation commitment. Justin Yentes declined to answer, saying they were not going to point

Some of the donors listed on Operation Welcome Home’s report to the town told the Gilbert Sun News they were prepared to make good on their pledge in full. Mark Larson, who was vice president of Marlin Mechanical Corp. until he retired the first of the year, stood behind its pledge of $52,975 in-kind donation. “We promised to provide plumbing for the project and that was the value of the plumbing,” Larson said. “To our knowledge, it never got built. Nothing ever materialized.” Rick Ziehl, president of Ridgeline Construction in Phoenix, said its pledge of $10,300 for concrete foundation and rough carpentry work was a straight donation, which was never utilized by the nonprofit. “I have no idea what the issue was,” Ziehl said. “I don’t know anything about it. All I know is it happened a long time ago.” Michael Maledon, president of M.C. Metal Craft in Phoenix, said he pledged $25,180 for the project but was not contacted after his pledge.

see VETERANS page 9

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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from page 8

“I don’t know what happened to it so I dismissed it as not going forward,” he said. Aimee Yentes said the board decided to move forward with MT Builders and get more aggressive with fundraising to try and get the project back on track. The nonprofit’s Form 990 for 2018 showed it spent $94,362 for fundraising, including hiring a fundraiser. Total assets for that year were reported at $206,227. Aimee Yentes declined to say how much money remains in the organization’s bank account because its attorney was in the process of shutting it down. The project, however, never regained its footing and all work apparently stopped soon after Feb. 2018, according to Donna Lemons-Roush, MT Builder’s COO. “After completing the grading work for the project in Feb. 2018, no further funding has been provided for us to accomplish other work on the project,” Lemons-Roush wrote in a letter dated April 1, 2019, to Annie Remsburg, who assumed the board president job af-

At the time Gilbert Town Council terminated its relationship with Operation Welcome Home in October, a sign still hung on fencing surrounding the site of the defunct veterans park. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

ter Rigler stepped down, citing health reasons. “Effectively, the project has now been suspended for 13 months.” According to town paperwork, R.A.P.I, Ltd was issued an engineering construction permit for grading on Feb. 5, 2018. In her correspondence, Lemons-

Roush also gave a seven-day notice MT Builders was terminating its Oct. 25, 2017, contract with Operation Welcome Home and the performance bond was “null and void.” According to the contract, MT Builders was to be paid a general contractor’s fee of $50,000, payable at $5,000

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a month and a “general conditions” amount of $175,000 to be paid in equal installments of $17,500 a month to bring phase 1 in at a guaranteed maximum cost of $2.1 million. MT Builders also indicated a $100,000 in-kind donation in its written commitment to the town. Aimee Yentes didn’t know if the in-kind applied toward the contract price. Justin Yentes showed on his cell phone, a photo of a check from Alliance Bank of Arizona made out to MT Builders dated March 26, 2018, for $284,487 with a written notation on the bottom that it cleared on March 27, 2018. He declined to give a copy of the check to the Gilbert Sun News. He also shared paperwork showing $17,820 was paid on Oct. 24, 2017, for the performance bond. Aimee Yentes also said the nonprofit had paid the town over $60,000 for a permit and document review, which further drained its cash reserves at the time. But a town invoice sent to Operation Welcome Home for $66,123 for the building permit, plan review and other services showed the invoice and payment in full dated this year.

see VETERANS page 12

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

A feast for the eyes and ears BY CHRIS MORTENSON/GSN PHOTOGRAPHER

Thousands turned out Nov. 23 for the annual Gilbert Days Parade, which field 12 civic groups, 12 performing arts units, 36 businesses, 19 school groups, three youth organizations, nine Scout troops, five school marching bands, two equestrian units and representatives of Gilbert's police and fire departments. 1) Being quizzed by a roving commentater were, from left, Stella Camp, Lyla Hinsch,Vivian Camp and Harper Hinsch; 2) marching units abounded; 3) Santa and Mrs. Santa made an appearance; 4) Highland High was among the school marching bandsl 5) Kaylee Lingenfelter and Hazel McCarty had a blast; 6) Parker Black, Peyton Piatt and Olivia Black were thrilled; 7) these unidentified guys rode in one of the more unusual floats; 8) Some spectators couldn't stop smiling; 9) Some veterans enjoyed their second parade of the month; 10) The Silva Family - Camden, Rae, Maddie, Becca and Tony made it a fun morning event; 11) Big Bird showed up to regale the crowd; 12) Ida pointed out the floats that amazed her while 13) Olive Hatch was proud of the souvenier she got; 14) Some youngsters joined the parade in innovative two-wheelers; 15) little Izsak Ofari was bundled in joy; 16) The Dukes of Air Air Conditioning and Heating Co. put together a hilarious float that included a broiler; 17) other schools fielded their marching bands; and 18) Gilbert Days Rodeo participants were part of the action.

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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Asked what work MT Builders completed for the $284,000, Aimee Yentes said tons of dirt were trucked to the site, which she called expensive. A schedule with cost estimates for phase 1 in Oct. 2017 showed 17,680 cubic yards of dirt at an estimated cost of 204,734 was to be brought onto the site. “There were truckloads of dirt brought to the site,” said Town Engineer David Fabiano, whose staff worked on the town’s off-site improvements for the park. “We believe it to be around 3,000 cubic yards.” He didn’t know the project’s details saying, “Anything I have seen is as I go by.”

MT Builders’ role murky

Asked by GSN about Aimee Yentes’ statement the nonprofit gave MT Builders $300,000, Lemons-Roush responded, “We did not take any money from them.” She added the board hired her company to be the general contractor. Asked about the $100,000 in-kind donation MT Builders pledged, Lemons-Roush said calls should be directed to Rigler and hung up the phone. The Gilbert Sun News sent two follow-up emails to Lemons-Roush asking her to explain how the $284,000 the company received was spent and what work was done. Lemons-Roush only replied after the second email the company was “saddened and surprised” to learn of the nonprofit dissolving. “We are confused by the closure and the ending of the project and we are in contact with the town and will cooperate with them as needed,” she wrote. “Our company significantly reduced our fees and contributed personal money directly to this project, as we believed so strongly in honoring those who served and sacrificed. All payments MT Builders received were reviewed and approved by the Operation Welcome Home organization as per our contract with them.”

Grading on the site

The project never moved beyond the earthwork. A schedule for phase 1 in 2017 showed the estimated subtotal for earthwork on the site came to $286,000. But it is unclear what could have been donated and what was paid for. R.A.P.I Ltd. Vice President Brian

Operation Welcome Home's rendering, based on the free design work of an architect, painted a portrait of a big welcoming and education center that also would house a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C. (GSN file photo)

Wagner said his company was contracted by MT Builders to do mass grading. He said his company didn’t finish the job because MT Builders removed it from the company’s scope in Feb. 2018, when MT “pulled out of the deal.” He couldn’t find accounting for the project, saying it was a small job and he was unsure if the work was paid or donated. Paperwork shows company President Michael Wagner pledging an inkind donation of $25,000 for grading and asphalt paving. Two months later on April 5-8, 2018, the 3rd Platoon of the 258th Engineer Company of the Arizona National Guard stepped in and performed pre-construction earth and site work, according to Rigler in a July 2018 East Valley Tribune article. Aaron Thacker, a Guard spokesman, said upon arriving at the job site, a fence was in place and soil dropped off for grading. “Our engineers worked on rough grading or earthwork,” Thacker said. “An onsite general contractor was available during the grading process.” Justin Yentes was asked for invoices from MT Builders for the work completed. He said the nonprofit moved out of its office about seven months ago and everything was packed in boxes, Operation Welcome Home was letting go of its one paid employee and that the nonprofit didn’t have the resources to dedicate to a search for invoices. Later in a text message to Gilbert Sun News, he wrote, “I didn’t see any

detailed accounting but I have not had time to search much. I know that several contractors (at least two off the top of my head) were met with and MT’s pricing was in line. Our construction guy said we wouldn’t have received a line-item accounting for the expenditure. MT would have the details of how they paid subs.” When pressed if MT Builders did other work than trucking dirt trucked to the site, he responded he’s given GSN all the documentation that he had. “I feel like you’re wanting me to answer for MT’s use of our funds, which I can’t do,” he wrote. “There were no red flags that we ever saw and no impropriety. They operated under a contract and there’s no dispute between OWH and MTB.”

Red flags for some

There may have been no red flags for Yentes but there were for Presmyk, who served on the nonprofit’s board from its inception until late 2016 or early 2017. “Ultimately I was uncomfortable enough with the lack of disclosure That’s the reason why I left the board,” he told GSN. “I knew what our budget was, the cost of the wall and we held several fundraisers but there was never any information divulged as to how successful a fundraiser was or how much money was raised.” Presmyk, who served 12 years on the Gilbert Town Council until he left in 2011, said he had asked Rigler and Elwood several times to see the books. “All I got were assurances the finances were fine or we would see them in

future meetings,” Presmyk said. “I remember at least one other member in the committee asking for it. There was no regular treasurer report.” Presmyk said the entire board was committed to the project. “Everybody’s goal was to build this park,” he said. “And everybody’s intention was very well-meaning. I believe to this day. The financials were, if you will, the straw that broke the camel’s back. “I think if you talk to any nonprofit, any 501c3 trying to raise money, ‘transparency’ is the watchword,” he said. He said every nonprofit he’s been involved with – such as Dignity Health Foundation East Valley, where he is board vice president – provides a monthly treasurer’s report. “You see the finances, you see how much money was raised for the year and the goals and where the money is going,” he said. “Based on my experience and working with other 501c3s, it’s all about transparency.” Lisa Rigler did not return calls for comment.

Many declined comment

A number of people with ties to Operation Welcome Home who could possibly shed light on the project did not return calls for comment or refused to answer questions by the Gilbert Sun News. Elwood, a certified public accountant in Florence, said he left the board late last year and would not say how much money the organization had when he left. He referred questions to Remsburg or the group’s Form 990s. “If you are trying to find dirt, there isn’t any,” he said before hanging up. Brian Andersen of BMA Architecture, who was responsible for administrating the contract and representing Operation Welcome Home during the construction, did not return repeated calls for comment. According to the contract, he was supposed to visit the site at intervals and become familiar with the project’s progress and report back to the nonprofit. Andersen, who pledged $25,000 in design services and documents for the project also is chairman of the Gilbert Planning Commission and was a member of the nonprofit Board. A number of former and current Board members such as Roger Pollard also did not return calls for comment.

see VETERANS page 13

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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from page 12

Town defends its oversight

For its share of the project, Gilbert was to do off-site improvements included building a parking lot, a bus bay and extending water and sewer lines from existing lines to the property – all of which town completed for $1.67 million. Town officials, for the most part, insist they did everything to ensure the project was viable. “The town was regularly working with Operation Welcome Home and were given assurances the project was moving forward and they would get the funding necessary to complete it,” Jennifer Harrison, a town spokeswoman said in an email. Operation Welcome Home officially notified the town Sept. 25, it was disbanding because it was unable to raise the money to complete its main project after repeated efforts, according to a letter from Remsburg to Mayor Daniels. The group previously met with Daniels on Sept. 11 to alert her of the situation. Asked when did the nonprofit realize it was in trouble and alert the town, Aimee Yentes said everyone knew the group was looking for funds. Documents show the town was notified this past May of MT Builder’s cancellation of the contract and the bond. On May 14, 2019, email to Payne, the town attorney, Justin Yentes stated Operation Welcome Home did not acknowledge the contract termination and he had instructed all of the board members not to respond to the general contractor’s request for acknowledgment. Justin Yentes later said the bond was with the general contractor and the town and he didn’t want the cancellation recognized so as not to “jeopardize the town.” Aimee Yentes added, “We had no authority to let them out of the bond.” Cook said staff at the time informed the Council, Operation Welcome Home was “in the process of securing a different contractor and it was a bigger name than Mt Builders.” There are town documents showing staff was monitoring the project. Minutes from a Sept. 10, 2018, meeting involving Rigler, Andersen, Elwood, Aimee Yentes and Town Engineer Fabiano and Ryan Blair, a town project supervisor, stated the town

An Arizona National Guard contingent provided free earthwork and some rough grading on the veterans park site, raising additional questions about what general contractor MT Builders actually did for nearly $300,000 it received from the nonprofit. (GSN file photo)

had not seen any active construction on the site for several months. The town contacted MT Builders for an update but the company referred the town back to the nonprofit, according to the minutes. “We had at least one meeting in person,” recalled Fabiano in an interview with GSN. Fabiano said he was asked to coordinate with the nonprofit’s development team. “And we had several times scheduled meetings but they were rescheduled for various reasons. Each time a meeting was scheduled, they called and shared a conflict and I had no reason to question it.” Future face-to-face meetings with nonprofit representatives didn’t take place, he added. Fabiano in a Nov. 2, 2017, correspondence to Lemons-Roush, showed some concern with the project’s schedule. “With your work all being in-kind donations, I can see a possibility for the schedule to be even a little more elusive than typical,” he wrote at the time. “Having in-kind work done and in scheduling, that kind of activity typically takes longer than if paying someone a fee to show up and do the work,” Fabiano said in the GSN interview. Councilman Jordan Ray said, “I do think the town did their due diligence to make sure No. l, make sure it was a legitimate group and throughout the process, the town continued to do their part and make sure Operation Welcome Home was able to fulfill their end of the bargain.” “It’s sad it didn’t work out as expected,” Ray told GSN. “I think years from now it will be a great location for the growth of Gilbert.” Harrison said the site's enhancements were designed and constructed

for the benefit of the town and the future growth of the area. Cook said in moving forward, the town will need to do a better job in verifying in-kind donations for these sorts of projects. “I think the town basically believed the executive team of Welcome Home was presenting data factually,” he said. “And the town took it at their word based on documents they provided.” Cook believes the organization lacked the right team players with the experience to do fundraising for a project of this magnitude. “I think they had very good intentions and their heart was in the right place,” he said. “But from a business perspective of trying to raise this amount of money, they obviously did not have the appropriate skills set and they were unable to raise the money.”

according to our process,” said department spokeswoman Nicole Baker. “They did everything right to get the grant.” Operation Welcome Home had to submit with its proposal the cost of its project, along with three bids, she said. Baker said the group notified the department it was disbanding and was pulling together project receipts to send for review. “Seeing that and knowing they are following rules I don’t see a reason to go after the $100,000 or try to recoup it in any way,” Baker said. “Let’s wait and see what the receipts say. As far as we know they spent the money on what they were going to.” The department receives its money for the grants through veteran license plate fees. “I’m a Vietnam War veteran, these projects mean a lot to me,” said Rick Romley, former Maricopa County Attorney, who lost both his legs above the knee to a land mine during the war. “I thought the town of Gilbert was so committed to this project,” Romley said. “They gave not just financial re-

see VETERANS page 14

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One donor on the trail

At least one of the larger donors is following up on what happened with its money. Roney Family Foundation in 2015 awarded $100,000 to Operation Welcome Home, distributed in five payments of $20,000 a year. “At this time what Ms. Roney is prepared to say is she has significant concerns,” said attorney Prescott Pohl, who represented Mary Roney, the president/director of the family foundation. Pohl said they were actively trying to coordinator contact with the organization, which has referred them to its attorney. Arizona Department of Veteran’s Services also gave the group $100,000 in Feb. 2017. “From our standpoint in administering the grants, they did everything

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

from page 6

Craig ran multiple businesses in multiple states, including construction, land development, farming and cattle feeding operations. “There were many facets to his business life,” his obituary stated. As a businessman, Craig became heavily involved in activities and charities in Arizona, including at the University of Arizona, which honored him in 2002 with a Lifetime Achievement Award. He was active as the Mesa Planning and Zoning Chairman, the city Traffic

Berge Ford, which earlier this year was bought by Larry H. Miller Ford Mesa, also championed giving back. It was founded by C.M. “Shorty” Berge more than 75 years ago and grew into one of Ford’s top 100 dealerships nationwide under his son, Craig Berge. Craig, who died two years ago, joined the business in 1962 after earning an MBA and becoming a registered engineer for five years with Airesearch Manufacturing Corp.

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from page 13

ny. U.S. Sen. John McCain, who died in Aug. 2018, also was an honorary chairman. “I don’t know exactly what is going on,” Romley said. “It’s a shame because it hurts a worthwhile program.”

sources to a great degree the land and so forth but gave their wholehearted political support. Romley was both honorary chairman of Operation Welcome Home and attended the groundbreaking ceremo-

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Safety Committee, Chamber of Commerce, East Valley Partnership, Roosevelt Water Conservation District and Mesa Hohokams. Under his leadership, Berge Ford adopted a mission statement that declared what “things we believe in and the way we conduct business: We will not do anything illegal, immoral, or unethical; your attitude determines your altitude; and #1 Priority- Identify and satisfy the needs of our customers.” At the time the family was looking to sell the dealership, Berge Ford Presi-

COACH

from page 6

“Prime Time” Sanders or longtime head coach Steve Mariucci, both of whom are the head coaches for the Under Armour teams. “Being a defensive-minded guy, I would love to coach under Deion Sanders, I love ‘Prime Time,’” Zubey said. “Obviously Steve Mariucci is a great coach as well so either one would be fun. But for me watching football growing up, I want to meet ‘Prime Time.’” All practices will be broadcasted on ESPN leading up to kickoff of the nationally televised Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 2 at 4 p.m. local time from Camping World Stadium in Orlando. Having been a part of another All-Star game last season, Zubey expects to have

OVERSIGHT

from page 3

islation would have expanded certification. He said state statutes allow charter schools the flexibility to select the best teachers possible, even if they are not certified. “If Bill Gates wanted to teach computers, it would be a good thing,’’ he said. The Legislature last year approved a

See MORE Online! www.GilbertSunNews.com ••••

dent Nancy Berge said they were looking for a buyer whose “values and culture matched with our own. The PHX East Valley Partnership was created in 1982 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of civic, business, education and political leaders dedicated to the economic development and promotion of the East Valley cities, towns and Native American communities. The Partnership advocates in economic development, education, transportation and infrastructure, health care and other areas.

the same type of experience and make the same connections this year. “Just to meet some of the top coaches in the nation and pick their brains on how they do things, it was awesome,” Zubey said. “We have a group text, Dana Zupke is a part of it, and we still text to this day. Jeremy Hill is the head coach of Orem High School in Utah and he just won his third state championship in a row. We were all texting him before the game and he was sending us pictures. “To create that type of bond with guys I would have never met has been great.” Have an interesting story? Contact Zach Alvira at zalvira@timespublications. com and follow him on Twitter @ZachAlvira.

law allowing noncertified individuals to be hired as substitute teachers. But protecting children is a non-partisan issue and student safety is a high priority for all schools, whether they are district or charter, Logan said. “I am optimistic we can get something done this year,’’ Logan said. “I can think of no higher priority than protecting our students.’’

Send us your observations. cchan@ timespublications.com

Community

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

GilbertSunNews.com |

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For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com

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Gilbert woman to go on network TV ‘maker’ show BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

ilbert resident Rebecca Propes calls herself a “DIY extraordinaire” and gets the chance to prove it on NBC’s “Making It.” Propes is featured in the second season of the competition reality show featuring hosts Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman, which kicks off Dec. 2. The eight episodes will run through Dec. 11. “I can say working alongside Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman was probably the coolest experience I ever had,” said Propes, who can’t disclose any information on the handmade projects the contestants tackled or how well she fared. Propes goes head-to-head against nine other elite crafters vying for the “Master Maker” title and the $100,000 cash prize. Khiem Nguyen, a woodworker, was the first season’s winner. Each episode consists of two projects for makers to demonstrate their specialized talent while sharing skilled insights

timed challenge testing each contestant’s ability to work quickly and imaginatively. Next, they move to the “master craft collection,” a one-of-akind themed challenge where participants use their expertise, getting inventive to assemble a winning craft fitting the weekly theme to impress the expert judges, Simon Doonan and Dayna Isom Johnson. Season 2 makers include woodworkers, balloon artists, calligraphists and costume makers crafting creations in mediums ranging from food to felt, according to a news release. Although Propes’ background is as an interior designer, she considers herself a Rebecca Propes of Gilbert calls herself a “DIY Extraordinaire” and she’ll have a chance to prove it on a new NBC show starting generalist. Monday, Dec. 2. (Spcial to GSN) “Anything you put in front of me, I’d be happy to take on and touching personal stories, according and tackle,” she said. “What this does is to Making It. it pushes you out of your comfort zone The first is a “faster-craft” round, a

and challenges you to try new things you never tried before.” Prope’s crafty side developed early. “Ever since I can remember I had an interest in the arts,” she said. “One of my earliest memories was in preschool where I remember drawing with a marker and watching the ink lay down on the paper and how the color deposited on the paper.” Prope said she wanted to take the bright-pink marker home and investigate it more. Over the years, she’s tried her hands at anything related to art – wood-burning, calligraphy, finger-painting, ceramics… Propes said earning an interior design degree tied all her creativity together and things expanded from there. The married mom of three sons, 11, 9 and 8, went back to school at 30 to earn her degree and is the owner of Make & Do Studio. She freelances her skills as a design expert for Project Nursery, Dominos and

see MAKER page 18

Group cares for moms of special-needs kids BY PAUL MARYNIAK GSN Executive Editor

ichele Thorne’s life took an unexpected turn not long after she became a mother. With a bachelor’s degree in genetics and a master’s in science, she had worked at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, or T-Gen, for five years. But she gave up her career because her children, Jackson, 6, and Maria, 3, were both diagnosed as autistic. “I had to quit my career in order to be with them,” she said, explaining the need to get her kids to various therapies was just too time-consuming to also hold down a job. It is out of this understanding of the challenges faced by mothers of special needs children – or, as she prefers to call them, “differently-abled” kids – the

Michelle Thorne, whose son Jackson, 6, and Maria, 3, have been diagnosed autisic, has started an organization to support mothers of special needs children. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

Tempe woman formed an organization called DAMES, an acronym for Differently-Abled Mothers Empowerment Society. The acronym plays off a 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 re-

lentlessly 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 DAMES. “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 has developed an elaborate website, damesusa.com, where they can find the support online. “What I’ve tried to do is make sure

see DAMES page 19

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

HDSOUTH slates drumming, solstice watch GSN NEWS STAFF

D SOUTH will offer a series of informative programs for people of all ages this month. Programs are led by artists, historians, storytellers, botanists and scientists; experts in their field who share their knowledge and skills with our community. Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum and located in the heart of the heritage district, the building opened as Gilbert Elementary 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 artifacts chronicling the town’s rich history, featuring newly remodeled exhibits and interactive displays. Many of the educational programs are free, while some come with a small charge to cover materials. Information: hdsouth.org/calendar. Unless otherwise noted, registration

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Weekly programs

Yoga 7-8 p.m. Thursdays. Join Marilynn Igleski, certified yoga instructor, as she helps participants relax while conditioning muscles. Open to all levels of yoga experience. Please bring your own yoga mat. Open to ages 14 and up. Free for members, $5 for non-members. Storytime 9:30-10 a.m. Tuesdays. AZCEND and HD SOUTH present this free program. Attendees can then tour the museum for free.

Events

Rhythmic Bucket Drumming Dec. 3 6:30–8 p.m. Some of the most exciting rhythms in the world are African and PostAfrican. Their interlocking melody creates music that becomes greater than the sum of its parts.

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Drummer, dancer, folklorist and researcher Sule Greg Wilson broke down this system as it was taught to him by masters and calls it Sing/ Move/Play. Using a simple plastic bucket and a pair of drumsticks, people can jam to catchy, funky rhythms. Wilson, a published author and international recording artist, studied drumming under Baba Ngoma as well as the premier students of Baba Ishangi, Ladji Camara and Chief Bey. Registration is required. Free for members, $10 for others.

“Use Uncle Sam To Find Your Uncle Sam Or Aunt Jane”

Dec. 4 7–8:30 p.m. Millions of American citizens have served in the Armed Forces, so chances are good that one or more of your relatives served at one time or another. Join Charles Shultz from the Mesa Family History Center, for an informative presentation about

To schedule an appointment call

using military records to conduct genealogical research. This presentation will be especially helpful in learning the nuances of navigating through the records of the men and women who served our nation in the military. Registration is required. Free admission.

Winter solstice at Riparian Preserve

Dec. 19 6-8 p.m. Claude Haynes of the East Valley Astronomy Club will take participants on an interstellar journey to learn more about our universe. Held at the Gilbert Riparian Preserve, Haynes will guide the group on spotting constellations, tracking the movement of the stars and explain how the universe came to be. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight. Registration is required. Free for members, $10 for others.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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ith a new month comes a whole new series of activities and presentations at Southeast Regional Library . The library is located at 775 N. Greenfield Road, Gilbert and is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Here’s the lineup for December. Unless otherwise noted, registration is required at mcldaz.org/southeast or 602-652-3000.

Genealogy: How to Use FamilySearch Dec. 4 10:15-11:30 a.m.

FamilySearch.org provides access to a free database allowing users to view millions of records from around the world. Kathy Percy, FamilySearch volunteer, will provide tips to retrieve information from this service to build your family tree.

Thursday Night Film Club Dec. 5 6-8 p.m.

Join us on the first Thursday of each month as we view and discuss film classics and favorites from the 30s

NOVEMBER 22 JANUARY 10

Make plans to come out to Vertuccio Farms as part of your Christmas Holiday festivities to experience this must-see Lights at the Farm™ Holiday Lights Celebration!

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ONLINE: $10 AT THE GATE: $12 KIDS 2 YEARS & YOUNGER: FREE

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4011 S. Power Rd., Mesa, AZ 85212

MAKER from page 15

Joann Fabrics and Crafts as well as major brands, such as Home Depot, Land of Nod, Spoonflower and Rugs USA. The show caught Propes’ eye when she saw a casting call for Making It’s first season and applied but didn’t get a response. She applied again and sent in pictures of lot of her work and “crossed my fingers and toes” and got in. “I was a little nervous at first,” Propes said. “But watching season 1, I knew it was a good-spirited show and really the only drama I feel is between the maker and their own project and not against any other contestant. “It’s like you are up against a clock and limited supplies and what can you do in this time. The pressure you put on yourself is where the internal drama

through the 80s. Today: “To Catch a Thief” (1955).

Teens Crafter Hours Dec. 11 6-7:30 p.m.

Teens ages 12-18 join this fun evening of crafting. Tonight: Felt holiday coasters for a perfect gift. All materials provided.

Green Gifts: Wraps, Cards, Tags Dec. 12 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Stressing over the cost and environmental impact of wrapping paper, holiday cards and gift tags? Join us to learn fun ways to accomplish gifting while being green! Presented by Town of Gilbert Environmental Services Team. Register at www.mcldaz.org/southeast/. Or call 602-652-3000

CAFÉ Flutes: The Winter Concert Dec. 17 6:30-7:30 p.m.

A flute choir of seven members, the Central Arizona Flute Ensemble plays instruments ranging from a traditional piccolo to the rare 10-foot long contrabass flute, sponsored by the Winter Reading program.

was. All the contestants were amazing.” Propes said she gets her inspiration through everyday interactions. “I’m inspired by the entire world around me,” she said. Propes, who has lived in Gilbert since 2003, said she wanted to go on Making It for a number of reasons, including showing her children if they have a dream, to keep pushing for it. “There are no limits,” she said. “The only limits you have are the roadblocks you put in front of yourself and to keep taking chances and keep dreaming big” And, she learned something about herself, as well. “I’m part of the social media world and there’s lot of younger individuals coming into the scene in ways I felt I was aging out,” the 44-year-old said. “But I quickly realized I am still in it.” Information: nbcumv.com.

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

COMMUNITY

Mesa farm lights it up for the holidays BY HALEY LORENZEN GSN Staff Writer

ver two million Christmas lights, 85,000 feet of electrical wire and 10,000 hours of planning came together to create Arizona’s largest walkthrough synchronized light show in Mesa this holiday season. Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road near Elliot Road, is hosting the second-annual Lights at the Farm, which combines 21 classic holiday songs and dazzling light displays with plenty of other familyfriendly activities. “I enjoyed putting this up but it’s always nice to just walk around and listen to what people are saying and look at the reactions on their face. The children, their eyes light up and you know it takes you back to when you were a child,” said Daniel Dille, the director of Lights at the Farm. Dille has been in the Christmas lights industry for over 16 years, creating his first show in Oregon, which is still running. However, Dille said the one thing setting Lights at the Farm apart from most other Christmas light shows is the fact visitors can go at their own pace. Unlike many other shows where attendees ride a train or a wagon while viewing

DAMES

from page 15

that everything was accessible to that mom anytime she needs it, wherever she’s at,” Thorne said. “That’s why it’s all online. That’s why there’s an app. If she’s having a rough day, and needs to meditate or she needs to maybe do a yoga class just to kind of re-center herself, all of those tools are available to her wherever she’s at.” She offers yoga and other fitness classes online, as well as guided meditation, a monthly webinars series and similar helpful tools. “At the end of the month they will have 12 webinars that they can actually just watch at home instead of having to go out to a conference where maybe they won’t even be able to get to 12th,” Thorne said. Thorne envisions taking the organization nationally, which is why she focuses on online services for moms. Although she thinks she eventually will, she said, “I haven’t really started to do branch out sessions yet in the community. I’m not sure what those

Visotors to Vertuccio Farms can wander around the grounds savoring the holiday lights displays. (Vertuccio Farms)

are going to look like.” She explained that moms with differently abled children face a great deal of physical and emotional challenges – something she knows of first hand. “I was teaching classes to college students about genetics, but at home I couldn’t even teach my child how to speak,” she said, noting her son is nonverbal. And so, there’s a lot of depression that comes with that. And it took a lot to pull me out of depression.” She said she realized that, “I have to start taking care of myself before I can really start to care for my child. And so that’s where the emphasis of this came from – that realization of we are people too in these relationships and as moms, we’re driving the bus and so we can’t fall off. “We have to keep ourselves together so that we can give our kids the care that they need.” She recalled attending a Caregivers Day gathering last year at the State Capitol, where most of the attendees had been caring for an elderly parent with dementia or other debilitating ailment.

“When you think about parents who are raising special needs children, we’re not doing it for five to six years. I mean, we’re doing it for the rest of our lives most likely. And so, there’s a whole other level of just wear and tear that of goes on because it’s not a shortterm commitment. It is the rest of your life dedicated to caring for your child.” She stressed that other organizations, such as the Autism Society, provide critically needed help, but the assistance her organization offers is directed at people whose children confront a whole range of disabling ailments. “Sometimes I feel very blessed that my children have autism because I have so much help and support,” she said. “There are networks out there, organizations like the Autism Society, that are there for me. But I have friends whose children have like fibromyalgia. I have another cousin whose son has a feeding tube. “And my whole feeling is ‘where is their community? Where is their tribe and how do we build a tribe that’s not just for autism families, but for all

lights, individuals at Lights at the Farm can walk where they choose. “If you get on the train, you’re set to a time,” Dille said. “And then you’re done. This, they could come in and spend two hours and go through it and they don’t have to feel like hey, I’m constrained to where I can go.” Vertuccio Farms was established in 1979 by Joe and Maria Vertuccio, who immigrated from Italy. Originally, the Vertuccios planted watermelon and citrus. Later they added other crops and the option for customers to pick their own produce. Their son, Cono Vertuccio, now runs the farm with his family. Although they still grow plenty of produce, Cono said they now focus more on the “agri-tainment” side of things. Although this is only the second year of Lights at the Farm, Vertuccio Farms has held a fall festival for over two decades. “It’s a perfect collaboration. We’ve always, for over 20 years, dealt with families for our fall festival and other events. Danny is more of a technical guy and he had the knowledge and the ability to build a show like this and we just put two and two together and it just works,” Vertuccio said.

see LIGHTS page 20

families who are raising special needs children?’” Despite the demands of motherhood, Thorne said she derives considerable satisfaction through DAMES. “I’m giving back and trying to give hope and self-care and community to these women and it has just been a real big blessing for me. And it’s a real part of my selfcare too – to help others. Thorne has organized a special business expo and donation drive for mothers of special needs children. “Many mothers raising special needs children become entrepreneurs because a 9-5 job doesn’t work when you are juggling getting your child to doctor’s appointments, therapies and schoolm She explained. At the expo/donation drive, the public can get Christmas shopping done and support special needs families in their communities. The expo will be at Function Pilates Studio at 1840 E. Warner Road, Tempe, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Information: michele@damesusa. com.

COMMUNITY

LIGHTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

from page 19

Dille and Vertuccio were first inspired to start a Christmas light show a few years ago, after Dille took him to a friend’s Christmas light show in Alabama. “It kind of sparked the ideas of how this would all come together,” Vertuccio said. Dille also explained that since Vertuccio Farms holds a fall festival, it is much easier to set up for the light show, as most similar light shows take place in vacant lots where everything has to be hauled in. Thankfully, he said, having the light show at the farm saves his team a lot of time for set up. The light show itself takes about an hour to walk through if you want to hear every song, Dille said. “It’ll be an hour before you’re gonna hear the same song again. And by then, you’re gonna be so high on hot chocolate that it doesn’t matter anyway,” Vertuccio added. With a team of around 10 workers, the lights only take around two weeks to set up. However, it took six months to program each song by the millisecond to the lights. “The lighting and song process are done through sequencing software. What you do is you take a dimmer pack, which everything is connected to a dimmer pack,

Daniel Dille and Vertuccio Farms owner Cono Vertuccio say they have a perfect collaboration for the annual Christmas light show.

to the community. We feel like we’re actually doing something really good for people to come out and enjoy,” Vertuccio said. Dille added, “You don’t know what impact you’re making for that parent. It may be the only thing they get to do for Christmas and it was something they could afford to do. Maybe they don’t get to go anywhere else, but at least they came in here and walked out with a smile on their face.”

(Special to GSN)

that dimmer pack receives a command and the command says turn this on in red, turn this on in white and it sends those commands down the line,” he explained. The two million Christmas lights are made up of a mixture of LED strands and RGB full color strands, with over 98 percent of them lit with LEDs. The lights are connected with other equipment with over 14 miles of cable. “One guy worked every day for six months for six to seven hours a day programming this show. It’s very intricate and very tedious work,” Dille added.

CALL FOR CANDIDATES | SRP Elections Set for April 7 Nomination papers for candidates seeking positions on the Boards or Councils of the Salt River Valley Water Users’ Association (the “Association”) and the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District (the “District”), collectively SRP, are available from the SRP Corporate Secretary and may be filed beginning Jan. 8, 2020.

This year, along with the traditional holiday songs, there will also be a special section of the light show dedicated to veterans, Dille said. Not only can families check out the Christmas light show, there’s a wide array of activities for children and adults alike. After grabbing some hot chocolate and making some s’mores, visitors can go ice skating, play Ping-Pong or get lost in the pallet maze. Children can even take photos with Santa or meet Anna and Elsa from “Frozen”. “You know, we feel like we’re giving back

IF YOU GO

What: Lights at the Farm Where: Vertuccio Farms, 4011 S. Power Road near Elliot Road, Mesa. When: Sundays through Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Closed Dec. 24, 25 and 31. Cost: Online, $10 per person, 2 and under free; at the gate, $12 per person, 2 and under free. Last admission sold an hour before closing. Tickets/information: vertucciofarms.com/ christmas-light-show.

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Nomination petitions are available to candidates from the SRP Corporate Secretary. Nomination papers and petitions must be received by the SRP Corporate Secretary by 5 p.m. on Feb. 7. The SRP elections are slated for April 7 and will fill 20 positions of the Association, which manages the water operations of SRP, and 22 positions of the District, which oversees the electric operations of SRP. Applications for early voting ballots will be accepted beginning Jan. 5. Prior to that date, applications to be placed on the Permanent Early Voter List can be submitted and be in effect for the April 7 elections. Early voting ballots will be mailed beginning March 11. Qualified candidates must own qualified land or have been appointed to vote qualified land held in a qualifying trust that is within the respective boundaries of the Association or District and in the voting area they wish to represent as of Dec. 29, 2019; reside within the respective boundaries of the Association or District; and be a qualified, registered Arizona voter. SRP Board members establish policy, approve annual budgets and set prices and fees. SRP Council members amend and enact bylaws and make appointments to fill vacancies on the Boards and Councils. Positions up for election are as follows: ASSOCIATION: One position on the Board of Governors in each of voting districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 and three positions on the Council in each of voting districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. All Association positions have four-year terms. DISTRICT: One position on the Board of Directors in each of voting divisions 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9; two at-large Board of Directors positions, 11 and 13; and three positions on the Council in each of voting divisions 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. All District positions have four-year terms. The two at-large Board of Directors positions, 11 and 13, are elected on a one landowner, one vote basis. All other positions are elected on a one-vote-per-acre voting system. For example, an owner of 5 acres of land has five votes; an owner of half an acre has half a vote (0.50). Voters in the District election must be qualified, registered Arizona voters. The last day to register to vote is March 9, 2020.

For more information regarding eligibility, job duties, qualifications, election facts and answers to frequently asked questions, potential candidates can visit SRP’s website at srpnet.com/elections or call the SRP Elections Information Line at (602) 236-3048 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

Waiting isn’t easy– but if you are waiting for home care services including bathing, personal care, grocery shopping, and laundry help, any wait is too long. Area Agency on Aging provides these and other services to help older adults remain in their homes. There are more than 1,000 older adults on the waiting list for this essential assistance. With your support, we can lift the year long wait and provide critical services to more seniors in our community.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Your generous Arizona Charitable Tax Credit donation of $800 will make an immediate impact on the life of a homebound older adult by providing home care services for 10 weeks. Your $400 donation will provide those services for 5 weeks. Donating your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit to Area Agency on Aging will make a critical difference to older adults who are waiting for home care servcies.

Lifting the wait can make the difference – Your support can make the difference. Donate online: www.aaaphx.org Call direct: 602-264-2255 Mail your donation: Area Agency on Aging 1366 E. Thomas Road, Ste. 108 Phoenix, AZ 85014 *Consult your tax advisor – The Area Agency on Aging is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization qualifying for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit under the Arizona Department of Revenue. Our Tax ID number is 74-2371957. Our Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) number is 20044.

Thank you

for investing in our community by investing your Arizona Charitable Tax Credit in Area Agency on Aging. Every dollar you donate will make a difference. For instance, your donation will help someone like Melba stay in her home as she ages. Melba is an 83 year old widow. She lost her husband 2 years ago and last year she had a stroke. She is still able to care for herself and heats her meals in the microwave. But Melba cannot get out to grocery shop, and has trouble with laundry and some household tasks. With your help, Area Agency on Aging can provide the services she needs to stay in her home for years to come.

BUSINESS

Business 22

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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Seville Golf Club completes major renovation GSN NEWS STAFF

eville Golf & Country Club in Gilbert is no longer just for duffers. The club, a member of the ClubCorp family, just completed an extensive multimillion-dollar reinvention. It’s now a “lifestyle sport resort” with new and upgraded Sports Club, Sports Zone and Hydra Waterpark, as well as new dining, social and entertainment features. ClubCorp calls it a way to “enhance the club experience for every member of the family.” “This truly is an exciting new chapter for the club,” said Garret Kriske, general manager. “We are reinventing the club experience and creating ClubLife, making the club more relevant to members of all ages.” Kriske said the club also is creating “a more robust calendar of events and activities, giving members so many more reasons to visit the club and show it off to

ball court and outdoor cardio boxing. A new 10,000 squarefoot turf sports field can host family flag football, kids’ camps, field days and similar activities. Sports Club, which features a strength and cardio room, group exercise classes with over 60 classes a week to choose A new game room adds more ways to keep people engaged in friendly competi- from and a state-oftion at the Seville Golf & Country Club. (Special to GSN) the-art cycle room with Wexer virtual their families and friends.” fitness technology, interval training room The remodel “combines modern style and marketplace. and contemporary flair with the history Hydra Waterpark which features cabanof Gilbert and a nod to the orange groves as, 25-meter lap pool, activity pool, two from which Seville Golf & Country Club four-story waterslides, children’s lagoon grew,” a corporate spokeswoman said. pool and Aqua, a full-service restaurant Sports Zone offers three tennis courts, and bar. three pickleball courts, half-court basketThe Seville also opened a restaurant

called The Grove and a “game and gather” entertainment area with expanded open-spaced bar and lounge with modern seating, communal table where diners can enjoy a new farm-to-fork menu with signature club favorites within view of the San Tan Mountains The game area offers simulated golf games, pinball, classic video games, board games and trivia nights. There’s also a game center for older kids and after-school tutoring and homework help, as well as Seeds of Knowledge Preschool. “The members are very excited about all the improvements,” said Lauren Malko, member of the club’s board of governors. “There has always been a sense of pride and community among the members.” “Seville certainly isn’t your typical country club and will provide fun and friendship for everyone,” she added. Seville also includes an 18-hole, 7,060yard Gary Panks-designed golf course.

tal of 36 Valley Papa John’s locations. In addition to featuring a photo and age of an adoptable dog in the Valley, the boxtoppers also invite customers to text the word “dog” to 33777 to receive even more information on a dog, including photos, videos and adoption application information. The box-toppers also include a 30 percent off coupon the customer can use on his or her next online Papa John’s order. Stafko and his wife have two dogs of their own, so they were sold on the idea. “We are devoted to our dogs and are excited to have an opportunity to help amazing dogs find great homes and to be partnering with Incredibull Stella,” Lasko said. Meeks rescued Stella when she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 41. A survivor, Meeks went on to launch Stella’s Instagram page in 2017 and now has more than 69,000 followers. Meeks also created a nonprofit called

Incredibull Stella, named after her pit bull, Stella. The nonprofit is not only an advocate for pit bull breed awareness, but it also supports rescue and adoption shelters, promotes spay/neuter initiatives, and rescues and fosters puppies and adult dogs until a “forever family” can be found. This isn’t the first time Papa John’s has supported Meeks and the Incredibull Stella nonprofit’s efforts. On a Nov. 9 adoption event at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, Papa John’s fed volunteers with donated pizzas. In 2018 alone, Maricopa County Animal Care & Control brought in more than 26,000 dogs, of which 29 percent were returned to the owner, leaving more than 22,000 dogs in need of homes. Valley rescues and shelters would like to take part in the program and feature their own adoptable dogs can email crew@incredibullstella.com. Information: incredibullstella.com

Woman inspires dog outreach by Papa John’s BY KRISTINE CANNON GSN Staff Writer

n July, a New Jersey pizzeria went viral for inviting its surrounding community to leave “lost dog” flyers at their restaurant to attach to their pizza box lids. For no charge, the pizzeria distributed the flyers with every pizza they delivered. That act inspired southern Scottsdale resident Marika Meeks to reach out to Papa John’s. Meeks thought, instead of slapping “lost dog” flyers onto pizza boxes, why not attach “home wanted” box-toppers featuring an adoptable dog, encouraging residents to adopt? “I couldn’t stop thinking about it and how we could use it to help rescue dogs get into homes. Then it hit me: We could feature local dogs in need of their own ‘furever’ home and I created a flyer and presented the idea,” Meeks said. The idea appealed to Lance Stafko, Papa

Marika Meeks, southern Scottsdale resident and founder of nonprofit Incredibull Stella, teamed up with Papa John’s to feature “home wanted” boxtoppers on pizza boxes. These box-toppers will feature an adoptable dog from a Valley rescue or shelter. (Incredibull Stella/Special to GSN)

John’s franchise owner and operating partner of Round Rock AZ – which owns and manages franchise locations in Phoenix, Oklahoma City and Denver. “The franchise owner of Papa John’s Pizza loves dogs and thought it was a great way to help,” Meeks said. The box-toppers will be featured at a to-

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

A penchant for business. A heart for the community. HONORING TWO OF THE REGION’S MOST CELEBRATED COMPANIES

– Berge Ford and Empire Southwest – and the families behind them.

They are companies generations in the making. Berge Ford and Empire Southwest each began with a visionary concept – to provide best-in-class products and unmatched service by people who are the linchpin to their success. As their companies took hold in the burgeoning PHX East Valley, the Berge and Whiteman families also became synonymous with something else: social purpose. With a genuine desire to help others, they championed everything from arts and culture to early childhood education, protections against human trafficking, transportation and more. The PHX East Valley Partnership congratulates Berge Ford and the Berge family, along with Empire Southwest and the Whiteman family, as the 2019 Corporate Legacy Award honorees. They are shining examples of how doing business in our region is also about doing good. The PHX East Valley Partnership will honor Empire Southwest and the Whiteman Family, along with Berge Ford and the Berge Family, at the 2019 PHX East Valley Thought Leader Forum on Dec 3. For details, visit www.evp-az.org.

OPINION

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

For more opinions visit gilbertsunnews.com /GilbertSunNews

Parents can support their children in the classroom BY JUSTINE INGRAM GSN Guest Writer

arious studies have shown students are more successful in school if they have a connection with at least one adult on their school campus. At RISE Junior High Alternative Program, a school in Gilbert, we understand student growth doesn’t exclusively come from a textbook or lesson. The RISE team of educators focuses on ensuring every student is motivated and supported to reach his or her full potential. Our team knows the real key to success is strong relationships between teachers and students - fostering both personal and academic growth. When teachers truly know their students-their victories, challenges, and needs- these educators are able to provide guidance to young scholars to help them reach their full potential. That’s why at RISE, teachers dedicate time to

regularly meet with students one-onone during personal mentoring sessions. A critical component of the Summit Learning model we use, this individual time with each student allows them to discuss their progress towards meeting their goals. When students struggle, they have a safe space to examine why they might be struggling and a mentor to help build a plan to overcome any obstacles. But relationship-building doesn’t occur in a vacuum, and we need parents and guardians to help foster connections between student and teacher. Educators are ready to offer support to students, but these young scholars must be receptive to receiving support. Parents and guardians play a vital role in reinforcing teachers are trusted partners, dedicated to helping their students succeed. Over the past decade as an educator, I have learned these are some of the most impactful ways for parents to help their children develop a strong student-teach-

er relationship: Tell them about your mentors. Teachers do more than teach – they listen, guide and mentor. To help your child recognize and value these extra roles teachers play, share with your child what you’ve learned from influential mentors in your own life. Together, analyze the lessons you have learned from your mentors and examine how each of these lessons is applicable to school, work and various aspects of your life. Use classroom tools to engage. At RISE, we use also the Summit Learning approach to drive student engagement. Parents and teachers can access information through Summit Learning to understand their students’ needs, see their progress, and support them through their challenges. Learn what tools your child’s teacher uses and set a regular reminder on your calendar to check in on how your student is doing. As a teacher myself, I appreciate when parents go the extra mile

bled the federal standard deduction for single and married taxpayers. That federal change eliminated financial incentives to donate to nonprofits because taxpayers wouldn’t need the deduction on their federal returns. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and members of the legislature were forward-thinking in voting HB2757 into law. So, here we are, a year later, heading into the season of sharing and the only thing different, is the date on the calendar. By that I mean, even with the new law, the need to support Arizona nonprofits, at whatever level you’re comfortable with, remains as important as ever. Data aren’t available to show total dollars donated in Arizona during the most-recent tax season, but we’re pretty sure the financial support was far less than it would have been before the

federal tax laws changed. Heading into our advocacy efforts at the state legislature last year, the Seidman Research Institute at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University unofficially estimated charitable giving in Arizona could be more than $300 million lower as a result of the Federal and state changes to standard deductions. In June, The Wall Street Journal reported according to the annual Giving USA report, “charitable donations by individuals dropped last year by the most since the financial crisis as tax-law changes and a late-year stockmarket dip dampened the effects of the growing economy.” The Giving USA report showed giving by individuals in 2018 fell 3.4 percent in inflation-adjusted dollars after four consecutive years of at least 2.4 percent growth.

to show their desire to be involved in their child’s education. Communication is key. Checking in on your student’s work is not enough. Ask your child what he or she is working on and then follow up by asking how their teacher is supporting their learning. By asking about the teacher, your child will understand the value of their teacher’s role. Strong relationships with teachers help students feel supported in their academic growth, helping them achieve more. But teachers can’t be expected to do this work alone. Parents must help foster this connection by reminding their students teachers are caring allies committed to their success. By working together, parents and teachers can help their students soar to new heights and reach their full potential.

- Justine Ingram is a mother and long-time educator currently serving as Alternative Junior High Program Coordinator at Gilbert Public Schools.

A gift to a nonprofit is an investment BY KRISTEN MERRIFIELD GSN Guest Writer

t’s the time of year when gift-giving is driven more by motivation than obligation. Beyond the heart-warming celebratory gatherings of friends and family, it’s the time of year when nonprofit organizations reach out to supporters and donors – current, past and new – to consider a year-end gift, or investment, in agencies doing so much good work in communities large and small. A year ago, the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits led an effort to enact a new law in Arizona allowing taxpayers to continue to deduct donations to nonprofit organizations even if they don’t itemize their tax returns. This legislation was needed because changes to federal tax laws nearly dou-

The Wall Street Journal also reported: Because of the higher standard deduction, “about 16 million households were expected to use the deduction in 2018, down from 37 million under the prior law, according to the Tax Policy Center.” People certainly don’t donate to nonprofits only to get a tax deduction. Most gifts are from the heart or because of a personal connection to a specific nonprofit’s mission. We’re hoping in combination with the ability to claim a deduction in Arizona, more individuals will consider being among those of us who want to continue making a difference through the worthy nonprofits doing such incredible work.

- Kristen Merrifield is CEO at the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits. She can be reached at Kristenm@arizonanonprofits.org or azgives.org.

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

GilbertSunNews.com @GilbertSunNews /GilbertSunNews

Williams Field lands 5A title game berth BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

lenty has changed for the Williams Field High School football team since it opened the 2019 season with two straight losses. The Black Hawks have since gone on to average over 49 points per game, outscoring opponents 546-213. They jumped up in the 5A rankings, ending the season as the No. 1 overall seed in the conference playoffs and made an argument for being involved in the inaugural Open Division, which pins the best eight teams from the 6A, 5A and 4A conferences against each other in one bracket. But as of now, the thought of what could have been is behind Williams Field. Now, every player is focused is on bringing a title to the school for the second time in four years. “At halftime of our second loss we adopted the ‘do your job’ mentality,” Williams Field senior quarterback Mason Bugg said. “We just trusted in one another. This team is special. To win as many

Williams Field senior quarterback Mason Bugg has led Williams Field to its second title game appearance in four years. (Chris Mortenson/GSN Staff)

games as we have in a row, it’s surreal to be able to do this with the guys I love.” Led Bugg, Williams Field has dominated opponents through the first three rounds of the playoffs. Heading into the Black Hawks’ semifinal win over Casteel, Bugg had thrown for more than 2,400 yards this season and 27 touchdowns.

He’s also rushed for 430 yards and added five more scores on the ground. Senior running back Kendrix Lurry and sophomore running back Kaden Cloud have combined for over 2,000 yards rushing and 32 touchdowns, giving opposing defenses problems out of the backfield.

The Williams Field defense rivals the 2016 team, which won the 5A championship, in terms of talent. They’re a fast, gritty group led by junior linebacker Carson Speer. “Our defense has been coming along every week getting better and better,” Williams Field coach Steve Campbell said. “We had to replace a lot of guys but it’s a matter of coming into the season and grow sometimes. Their growth has been a huge part.” The Dec. 7 championship game will be the Williams Field’s second appearance in the season finale in four seasons. Last year, the Black Hawks made it to the semifinals but lost a close game to Notre Dame Prep, who fell in the semifinals this season to Campo Verde. Much like Williams Field’s opponent

see WILLIAMS FIELD page 28

Campo Verde to appear in first title game

BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

ampo Verde football coach Max Ragsdale was hesitant to predict the outcome of the 2019 season when his team began padded practices in August. With as many as 16 new starters on both sides of the ball, they were thought of as a team who lacked too much experience to make the playoffs, let alone a deep run. But the narrative quickly changed as the Coyotes won their first seven games of the season and were ranked in the first two Open Division rankings. Despite ending the regular season on a three-game skid, Campo Verde flipped a switch in the postseason. “We always worry about ourselves and try to get better every day,” Campo

Campo Verde senior quarterback Zach Herrera has played lights out as of late, leading the Coyotes to their first appearance in the state title game in program history. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff)

Verde coach Max Ragsdale said. “These kids have been resilient. They’ve never really had a doe-eyed moment. They just do what they do. I couldn’t be more proud.” The Coyotes defeated McClintock in the first round of the playoffs, followed by a come-from-behind win over Higley in the quarterfinals to avenge a loss on Oct. 18. Last week in the semifinals, Campo Verde shut down the high-powered Notre Dame offense that had been to the 5A title game the last two seasons. The Coyotes defeated the Saints

see CAMPO page 28

SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

Mesquite to make 1st championship appearance BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

here was never any doubt in the mind of Mesquite’s players or head coach Scott Hare when the Wildcats lined up to stop Cactus’ twopoint try in the 4A semifinals. They were confident the defense would do its job. “We aren’t panicking at the end of these games, so it allows us to just keep going,” Hare said. “We said don’t quit, play it all the way to the whistle, and that’s what they did. I mean, it came all the way down to the one-inch line. “That’s the difference between going to state and going home.” Mesquite stopped Cactus just short of the goal line. Celebration ensued. The Wildcats, who hadn’t made the playoffs in two seasons, are moving on the play in the 4A championship. It’s the first championship appearance in program history. “Since freshman year we’ve been working for this, and our dreams have come true,” Mesquite senior wide receiver Jacob Walker said. “So we’re just

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Mesquite junior quarterback Ty Thompson has led the Wildcats to their first championship game appearance in program history. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff)

going to work these next two weeks and we’re going to get after it.” The Wildcats’ first championship appearance comes during Hare’s first season as head coach. When former coach Chad DeGrenier stepped down to lead the Mesa High football program,

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Hare, who previously coached Mesa, stepped down from his athletic director position to take over the football team. In one-year, Hare helped lead the program from a 5-5 record in 2018 to a title-game appearance. “It’s just great to trust the process,”

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Mesquite junior quarterback Ty Thompson said. “I’m just proud of my team, what we’ve been doing. We’ve worked since spring. “We’ve put in so much work, coach Hare put in so many hours, I’m just proud of us.” Thompson has led the Wildcats all season long, passing for 3,334 yards and 39 touchdowns. The junior has offers from several Division I programs and will surely receive more attention as he competes for a title this season. He’s also gotten it done on the ground this year, rushing for 506 yards and five more touchdowns. Senior running back Chris Hintze has come along as of late, rushing for 745 yards and 6 touchdowns, several of which have come in the postseason. Thompson has spread the ball around to seven different wideouts this season, five of which have 400 or more receiving yards. Senior Jordan Wollangk leads the team, followed by senior Jacob Walker and sophomore Andrew Morris, whose touchdown reception against Cactus

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20-17. Now for the first time in program history, Campo Verde will contend for a state title with a chance to avenge yet another loss earlier in the season against top-ranked Williams Field. “We got our shot at the big one at Sun Devil Stadium,” Ragsdale said. “And against Williams Field, this team might have a chance to rectify a wrong.” Campo Verde’s run to the title game this season comes after years of trying to keep pace with other teams in the 5A San Tan Region. The Coyotes’ first season at the varsity level was in 2011, two years after the football program was started by Ragsdale. They made the playoffs in their first four seasons at the varsity level but then were left out in 2015-16. They returned to the playoffs the next two years but again, never made it past the first round. Ragsdale was content with making it to the semifinals this season, as it alone put this year’s team in the record books for the best season in school history. But this group of seniors, “team 9,” had bigger aspirations. “It’s been a grind,” senior quarterback Zach Herrera said. “We’ve been working so hard toward this and this team

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

deserves it. It means a lot.” Since ending the regular season on a threegame losing streak, Campo Verde has been firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball. Led by the connection between Herrera and senior wideouts Danny McFarland and Ryan Hutchens, the Coyotes have picked up their offense both through the air and on the ground. Junior running back Caden Calloway had 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns heading into the semifinal game but suffered a lower leg injury. Should he not be able to play in the champion- Campo Verde upset second-ranked Notre Dame to advance to the 5A Conference championship game where it will face No. 1 Williams ship, it opens the door for Field. his sophomore brother, Prep last week, the Coyotes held a the 5A San Tan Region who won the 5A Connor, to lead the Camhigh-powered Saints offense to just 17 title in 2016 over West Valley power po Verde backfield. Centennial. On defense, Campo Verde has also points. “I can’t wait to see what we do in two Most, if not all of the Campo Verde been impressive. The Coyotes shut down Higley’s offense in the second community is expected to fill Sun Devil weeks,” Hutchens said. “This has been half to come from behind and advance Stadium on Dec. 6 when the Coyotes the most amazing experience of my to the semifinals. Against Notre Dame face Williams Field, a powerhouse in life.”

WILLIAMS FIELD

from page 26

in the championship game, the football program has wasted little time establishing itself as an East Valley power. Campbell has coached the Black Hawks to the playoffs every year since their first varsity season in 2008. During that span, Williams Field has appeared in the championship game three times, winning one time in 2016. This year will mark the Black Hawks’ fourth overall trip to the finals. “I’m just happy for these kids,” Campbell said. “They faced a little adversity but now we have to continue to get better and focus on a good opponent.”

MESQUITE

from page 27

late in the game helped the Wildcats get the lead and ultimately, the win. Mesquite’s defense has been vital to its success, making big stops throughout the regular and postseason. They’ve faced high-powered offenses this season in Campo Verde, who made it to the 5A title game, as well as Saguaro, who will face Chandler for the Open Division championship. One more test awaits the Wildcats in

Winning the title again would be special for the senior class, who were freshman at the time of Williams Field’s first title. Bugg’s older brother, Tre, was a senior defensive back for Williams Field’s championship team. He and the rest of the players know what it will take to accomplish their goal, and they plan to do whatever it takes to end their high school careers on a high note. Just like the 2016 team. “Knowing that in two weeks will be my last game as a high school athlete, it’s some security. I will be able to play my heart out for my team without any regrets.”

Desert Edge, led by sophomore quarterback Adryan Lara, who has thrown for a staggering 3,412 yards and 35 touchdowns this season. “This is unchartered territory for Mesquite,” Hare said. “They’ve never been to a state title, so there’s a lot of excitement around that.” Sixth-ranked Mesquite will take on No. 4 Desert Edge on Friday, Dec. 6 at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise for the 4A Conference title. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

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Busy Stage 48 readies ‘Merlin’ magic GSN NEWS STAFF

wenty-four East Valley youngsters will take the stage as knights and other characters when State 48 Theatre in Mesa presents an original musical. “Merlin and Morgana” is written and directed by Andrea McFeely, co-artistic director at Stage 48 and the playwright of 15 productions for Stage 48. Her best friend and co-artistic director, Karli Kemper, worked with frequent collaborators Sammi Merkley and Calli Overstreet on the music and lyrics. Orchestration is being done by Bryson Giles, another frequent music collaborator. The musical opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 14 at The Fuse Box at State 48 Theatre Company, 943 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 202, in Mesa Showtimes are 7 p.m. Dec. 4-6 and

Rehearsing a scene from “Merlin and Morgana” are, from left, Sydney Glenn, 11; Grace Davis, 13; and Averi Williams, also 13. (Pablo Robles/GSN Photographer)

Dec. 12-14. There are performances at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. Tickets are $14

and are available for purchase at state48theatre.com/tickets. Discounts are

available for groups of 10 or more. The young actors and actresses, ranging in age from 9 to 15, will harken to the time of King Arthur’s Court and Camelot. Merlin, a powerful wizard who already seems to know Camelot’s fate, is accompanied by Morgana, a gifted young witch who finds herself increasingly at odds with the stubborn wizard. As the world shatters around them, Merlin and Morgana may be blind to the force more powerful than all of their magic: love. McFeely said the idea for the musical emerged organically during one of her frequent brainstorming sessions with Kemper. “Truth is, my partner and I are trying to inspire a love of performing in all of the children who pass our way, so we look at the things we think would be fun

see MERLIN page 32

Gilbert youths bring ‘Christmas Pageant’ to life GETOUT STAFF

talented young East Valley cast at the Limelight Youth Theatre will be presenting the beloved holiday musical, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” later this month. The play is based on a children’s novel written by Barbara Robinson in 1971 and tells the story of six misfit children who volunteer to star in their town’s Sunday school Christmas pageant and end up teaching the town the true meaning of Christmas. The book is narrated from a first-person perspective by the unnamed daughter of the pageant’s director. The six children are juvenile delinquents who smoke, cuss, drink jug wine and shoplift and despite their poor performance, steadily pass through elementary school since holding any one of them back would mean having two or more of them in the same grade. They go to Sunday school for the first time after being told the church offers

Among the Limelight Youth Theatre’s production are, from left, Owen Aspinwall, 11, of Mesa; Brandon Bui, 12, of Gilbert; and Kaylee De;gado, 11, of Chandler. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

snacks and end up volunteering for the school Christmas play. Since they’ve bullied all the usual cast members into remaining silent during the call for volunteers, the director has no choice but to cast them. Having never heard the Christmas story before, the misfits take an uncharacteris-

tic interest. Everyone in town is expecting a disaster but the kids’ unconventional performances actually make the whole show more realistic and moving. Robinson first published the story in McCall’s magazine before it was adapted into a book, which sold over 800,000 copies. The book was adapted by Robinson

into a play and first performed in 1982 and since then remains a favorite for children’s theater. The kid’s are such popular characters and were featured in two sequels, “The Best Halloween Ever” and “The Best School Year Ever.” The musical will be presented Dec. 13-22 at Studio 3 Artspace Theatre, 511 W. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert but three dates already have sold out. Tickets are still available for Dec. 13, 15, 18 and 2022. Admission is $15 and tickets can be purchased at limelight.ticketleap.com. Group discounts are available by calling 480-480-545-1492. The cast includes Mesa thespians William Lovell, 12; Abigail Lovell, 10; Elliot Lovell, 8; David Lovell, 7; Abby Springer, 12; Aston Grantham, 13; Samia Hankinson-Miller, 9; Owen Aspinwall, 11; Imogene Herdman, 12; Edward Oster, 8; and Jonas Boyer, 11. Chandler residents in the case are Kaleb Vallier Schulken, 12; Riley Wiggins, 13;

see LIMELIGHT page 33

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

Gilbert and its neighbors welcome holidays

bert Promotional Corporation/Galloping Soles; for Dec. 7, AZCEND; Dec. 13, Gilbert Fire and Rescue; Dec. 14, Maricopa Animal Rescues; Dec. 20, Open Arms Food Bank; and Dec. 21, St. Vincent de Paul. All event times will run 5:30-9 p.m.

BY JORDAN HOUSTON GET OUT Staff Writer

s temperatures drop and Christmas nears, Gilbert and other East Valley communities are gearing up this week for the holiday season with parades, tree lighting ceremonies and more. Gilbert is adding its own flair to Christmas tree-lighting ceremonies by decking out its iconic water tower instead. Residents will have the opportunity to gather on Dec. 2 under the Heritage District’s historic white tower to watch the landmark light up for the season. From 6 to 8:30 p.m., free carriage rides will be available on top of food trucks, local vendor booths and a musical performance by The Real Thing Variety Band – a local group specializing in Blues, Country, Funk, Jazz and more. “The holidays are a time to come together and celebrate and I am proud, here in Gilbert, we provide a variety of events and traditions to help our community do just that,” said Mayor Jenn Daniels.

Mesa Merry Main Street

Chandler workers Frank Martinez, left, and Gabriel Mungvia put the finishing touches on the Tumbleweed Christmas Tree in downtown Chandler. (Chris Mortenson/Staff Photographer)

Gilbert’s Riparian Preserve will also come to life with a holiday glow, allowing visitors to stroll through its candlelit trail at the Water Ranch Lake. Throughout December, attendees can witness hundreds of luminaries and numerous light displays scattered through-

out the trail while listening to school choirs and other carolers. During each night of the event, Gilbert will partner with a local non-profit agency to collects items to distribute to those in need. On Dec. 6, the organization will be Gil-

Mesa’s Merry Main Street is already underway and runs until Jan. 4 with a series of Christmas-themed attractions downtown. Several features include the city’s official Christmas tree, sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, on Macdonald north of Main Street, as well as the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, which sits just outside of City Plaza. The rink – which is more than 5,000 square feet – offers skaters a chance to “enjoy the weather while skating under the stars,” said city spokesman Steven Wright. “It has a very homey feeling but it’s still very popular,” he said. “We’ve had a

see HOLIDAY page 35

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MERLIN

from page 26

to do onstage,” McFeely explained. “We love period plays, we love fantasy, we love comedy and dramas and music. So we throw around ideas that offer opportunities for young people at all levels of experience. When we land on one we both get excited about, I get excited to write the script, she gets excited to write the music and we start planning,” she continued, adding: “In this case, I was excited by the many, many wildly shifting representations of Morgan le Fey (Morgana) throughout history, the comical opportunities the Knights of the Round Table versus Sir Lancelot offered, and the deep drama of Merlin being at odds with his student, Morgana. I also stole three witches from Shakespeare to bring into the fold.” She also has worked in some magic – one of the most challenging aspects of mounting the production. “It can be challenging to make something look magical and also have it be safe and practical,” she said. “Our ‘junior’ cast consists of young people ages 8-15 and their safety is always the first priority.” The set is also more intricate than many Stage 48 productions – such as the construction of a cave that will remain on the stage throughout the musical, McFeely said. “The actual stage in our theatre space is quite large for a ‘black box’ but it has almost no wing space,” she said. “Because of this, we have to be very creative with our staging and sets. This one is proving to be no different.” Through more than six weeks of rehearsals, McFeely also had a chance to tweak her work. “I try not to take lines away from anyone – it leads to heartbreak – if it can be avoided,” she said. Such tweaking in other productions out of necessity. “Sometimes, a character comes to life in rehearsals and I realize I need to expand that story; sometimes I realize I rushed something and it needs to be given a little extra love and attention,” she said. “Working with kids is great when you

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

are workshopping, they are sponges. They absorb changes and additions almost instantly and are excited to try new things.” A fulltime Phoenix music teacher, McFeely studied theater at San Francisco’s renowned American Conservatory Theater and at Saddleback College I Southern California. After working in Hollywood for many years, she relocated to Arizona. In addition to teaching high school theatre at Gateway Early College High School, she acts with different companies around the valley and writes and directs for youth and community theatre. She was most recently the artistic director of the Tuscany Theatre Company in Gilbert where she directed both classic and modern Broadway plays and contemporary works.

the young romantic poets and writers spending their cold, wet summer by Lake Geneva, spinning scary stories for each other together with Shelley’s tragic tale of a monster and his creator.” McFeely is also a private acting/audition coach and full-time educator. In her classes, actors utilize the improvisation exercises of Viola Spolin to unleash their creativity and the acting techniques of Stella Adler to bring their performances to big and truthful life. Kemper has been teaching general music, musical theatre, private voice, and beginning piano for over 20 years at charter schools, studios and theatre companies in Arizona. She also has been the musical director for the touring performing groups The Kids Next Door and The Sing and Stomp Crew, who performed at Disneyland,

Averi Williams looms over Brooklyn Harris, center, and Savannah Glenn during a scene from “Merlin and Morgana.” (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

In the last three years, she has directed a number of musicals and plays, including “Pirates: A Love Story,” which she wrote with Kemper. She’s currently also working on a production of Ken Ludwig’s “Leading Ladies” and another youth production with her “Merlin” team that will present a unique spin on the old tale of Frankenstein. “I think the story is so haunting and I love the background story to how the Mary Shelley novel came into being,” McFeely explained. “Our version weaves the story of

Knotts Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, the Gilbert Days Parade, The Rockettes Holiday Performance and the Roadrunners and Phoenix Suns half time shows. She has taught choir at Heritage Academy in Mesa and currently directs the touring academy show choir, Wildfire, at FUSE Performing Arts Center. She emphasizes the Bel Canto style of voice training. Both Kemper and McFeely don’t know the meaning of idleness. McFeely said, “When things are slow, I’m directing only one show, running a couple of classes through our theatre,

working on the next script and teaching full-time. “My partner, Karli, has an equally demanding schedule between music directing, teaching classes for our theatre and for our ‘sister’ dance studio, writing new music, and raising two very young boys. She, like me, barely remembers what it feels like to be well-rested. “But we are both so thrilled that we get to do what we love with kind and talented youth and adults, that we have the support and assistance of talented, generous folks like Katy and Scott Springer, Mike and Amy Smyth, Chantel Powers, Marla Arnold, Cheri Lundgreen, Jeremy and Judith Connors, and our families. Karli’s family is extremely talented and creative. We drag them into our work all the time.” Indeed, as a volunteer theater, Stage 48 relies on the kindness of others for everything from set design and choreography to stage managers and even the board of directors. “As we continue moving through our third season, we regularly reflect on what we are providing to our community by doing original material,” McFeely said. “Is it valuable? Is it dynamic? Is it providing a positive learning opportunity? Does it feed our hearts, our passions, our creativity? Does it feed the hearts of our participants? Their passions? Their creativity?” “We love a well-done Broadway musical just as much as the next person – and there are many venues providing excellent Broadway experiences for young people. One of our goals is to keep giving adventurous young actors a chance to build something new from the ground up.” The cast for Merlin includes Mesa students: Sophie Allen, 15; Jayme Lynn Cole, 12; Cayleb Couch, 12; Emmalee Couch, 14; Lauren Couch, 9; Tommy Dale, 11; Grace Davis, 13; Erin Garner, 15; Savannah Glenn, 13; Sydney Glenn, 11; Brooklyn Harris, 15; Carma Jenkins, 11; Alex Marin, 12; Savannah Springer, 10; Averi Williams, 13; and Matix Williams, 11. Gilbert thespians include Carson Giles, 10; Iris Giles, 11; Noah Giles, 13; Grant Rankin, 12; and Chris Smyth, 13. Chandler cast members are Laura Flood, 11, and Sofia Lindsey, 13.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

Barro’s Pizza ‘Hunger Fight’ benefits St. Mary’s Food Bank GETOUT STAFF

Limelight thespians also include Samia HankinsonMiller, 9, of Mesa, left, and Janelle Frazier, 9, of Chandler. (Pablo Rbles/GSN Staff Photographer)

LIMELIGHT

from page 30

Emily Colmenero, 12; Camryn Taylor, 13; Anna Alvarez, 13; Janelle Frazier, 9; Tyler Berger, 13; Kaylee Delgado, 11; Emily Colmenero, 12; and Sophia Sanchez, 13. Gilbert young people in the cast include Libby Carr, 16; Olivia Gregory, 11; Zoe Hatziathanassioum 12; Remi Rasmussen, 7; Peyton Shoffner, 12; Brandon Bui, 12; Tara Todd, 7; Mason Todd, 12; and Piper Perea, 11.

Barro’s Pizza outlets in Gilbert and across the Valley are joining the fight against hunger in Arizona. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Barro’s will host its eighth annual Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight benefiting St. Mary’s Food Bank. The Barro family will donate 100 percent of the proceeds from all its pizzerias. “The community has really gotten behind this event every year, and we hope they will do the same this year by ordering or dining in at one of our restaurants on Dec. 3,” said Barro’s co-owner Gina Barro. “Barro’s makes it a priority to help in the community however we can, and it’s especially important over the holidays to make sure no one goes hungry. We are committed to helping to end hunger in Arizona and continue to dedicate the first Tuesday in December every year to

help this cause.” Last year, Barro’s Pizza raised a total $255,141 for St Mary’s, making this the highest donation from the annual event. Every dollar donated equates to seven meals, so this last year’s donation provided 1,785,987 meals during the holiday season to Arizona’s hungry. Over the last seven years, $1,206,257 was raised which equals almost 8.5 million meals. Over the years, the Doran Barro Holiday Hunger Fight has become St. Mary’s largest cause-marketing effort of the year.

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“We are so very grateful to the Barro Family for their continued support each year,” said St. Mary’s President and CEO Tom Kertis. “We truly couldn’t do what we do without the generosity and support of companies like Barro’s Pizza and their loyal customers. We are so very appreciative for your continued support of our community.” Gilbert locations that are part of the effort are: 1939 E. Baseline Road, 4636 S. Higley Road and 1431 E. Williams Field Road. Celebrating its 52nd year as the world’s first Food Bank, St. Mary’s Food Bank is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that works with 689 agencies at more than 800 locations in Arizona that serve the hungry in nine of Arizona’s 15 counties. In Fiscal Year 2018-19, the Food Bank distributed more than 97 million pounds of food to Arizona families and children and garnered more than 225,000 volunteer service hours.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

King Crossword With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

Rugelach makes for delicate and delicious gifts

t’s said to have come from the Yiddish

word “rugel,” meaning royal. Rolled out delicate dough filled with a variety of ingredients, rugelach (pronounced rug-a-lach) has grown in popularity from a Jewish specialty baked during the holidays to an American favorite enjoyed all year long. It seems as though every country has its own version and name for rugelach and there are hundreds of recipe variations for this bitesized goody. For the dough, sour cream or cream cheese is added to the flour which makes for flavorful dough that’s extremely easy to work with. These one or two bite morsels are generally filled with ingredients like sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, raisins, chocolate, or preserves with

Dough:

1 cup butter, softened 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt Filling: 1 ½ cup sugar 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups walnuts, finely chopped

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, blend together butter and cream cheese until well incorporated. Add flour, sugar and salt, blending well. Gather dough and divide into two balls. Refrigerate in plastic wrap for at least 1-2 hours. Meanwhile, make filling. In a bowl, mix together 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts. When dough is chilled, cut each ball into two pieces. You will have 4 dough balls to work with.

a little cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top. Again, there are a number of ways to roll and cut rugelach, but the classic shapes are crescents or squares. I know that rugelach is baked up en masse for Hanukkah celebrations and but there are plenty more chances in the days ahead to make, bake and deliver these delicious and delicate gifts from the kitchen for the holidays. For crescent shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough ball into an approximate 9-inch circle 1/16 of an inch thick. Sprinkle ¼ of filling mixture over circle, leaving a ¼ inch border. Gently pat filling into dough. Cut circle into 12 wedges. Roll each wedge up starting at the wide end to form a crescent. Sprinkle top with filling mixture. For square shape: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 9-inch long rectangle. Sprinkle ¼ of filling mixture over dough, leaving a ¼ inch border. Gently pat filling into dough. Starting at the bottom, roll dough up tightly into tube shape. Gently flatten tube with your hands. Cut into 1-inch squares. Sprinkle tops with filling mixture. Place pieces onto parchment lined (or lightly greased) baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for about 15-18 minutes or until deep golden brown. Makes about 36 pieces. Dough can be made ahead and stored in plastic wrap for up to one week. Baked rugelach can be frozen.

For more recipes: jandatri.com/jans-recipe/one-minute-kitchen.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

HOLIDAY

from page 31

lot of people go down there and get engaged or have kids come down there for family reunions.” Tickets for one hour of skate time, complete with skates, cost $10 per person or $8 per person for groups of 20 or more. Other key attractions are the Mesa Christmas Market, Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest, Santa’s sELFie Village, free visits with Santa and rides on the Polar Express. Although it’s in its fifth consecutive year, said Wright, Merry Main is a resurrection of a 90s weekend tradition, it later tanked during the recession. “The reason why we’re able to do this now is because we go out and spend a lot of time getting sponsors to help underwrite the event,” he said. “When the mayor [John Giles] said he wanted to bring it back he wanted it to be inexpensive,” Wright continued. “I think what makes it unique is our focus

to make it affordable fun and familyfriendly.” All festivities and attractions begin at 5 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. Information: merrymainst.com.

Chandler Tumbleweed Tree

Chandler will host its annual Tumbleweed Tree Lighting and Parade of Lights on Dec. 7 at the Dr. A.J. Chandler Park. A hallmark of the holiday season since 1957, the tree stands at over 50 feet tall and is comprised of 2,000 tumbleweeds, 25 gallons of paint and 65 pounds of glitter. “First and foremost, we’re the only ones with a tumbleweed Christmas tree,” said Chandler spokesperson Craig Younger. “Not a lot of people can imitate it because it’s so unique.” “It’s a great thing for people to bring families down to when they’re visiting and have a photo in front of it – it’s quite the conversation piece,” he added. Visits with Santa will also be available accompanied by musical performances

and savory and sweet food vendors. The Parade of Lights – which features a wide range of participants from businesses to nonprofits to churches and covers about a mile through downtown Chandler – will kick off the event at 6:45 p.m., with the tree lighting ceremony set to begin at approximately 8 p.m. Admission is free.

Tempe offers a different kind of parade experience, with its 20th Annual Fantasy of Lights Board Parade on Dec. 14. Each year, the city invites the community to gather on the shores of the Tempe Town Lake to watch a procession of festively decorated boats of all shapes and sizes. “Like all of our events, it’s very community-focused,” said Downtown Tempe Authority spokeswoman Jazmine Reyes. “It’s the only time motorized boats are allowed on the lake,” she added. “We

have one exception for this event – it’s a different kind of nighttime experience.” Starting at the Town Lake Marina, the U-shaped parade route travels west and turns right at the light rail bridge, where the boats will begin to make their way back east on Tempe Town Lake along the north shore. Downtown Tempe Authority will also be collecting unopened jars of peanut butter during the event on behalf of the Tempe Community Action Agency, which seeks to help hungry individuals and families during the holiday season. “Our goal is to collect 500 jars of peanut butter,” said Reyes. Donations will be accepted near the main entertainment stage. Viewers can indulge in on-site food options, check off some shopping at the Holiday Market, take a selfie with Santa Claus, or enjoy beer or wine while watching live entertainment. Live entertainment will begin at 4 p.m. and the parade will kick off promptly at 7 p.m.

the holidays and live painting will be offered by Nik Ridley and artist team Such & Champ Styles. The Arizona Humane Society will facilitate on-site adoptions through its Waggin’ Wheels program 1-4 p.m. both days. An adult-oriented activity the following weekend will be offered on the arts center campus. Sticker Shogun, a New York City-style street art party celebrating the art of the sticker, will be held 7-10 p.m. Dec. 21.

The event is free. Sticker artists from all over the globe contributed both hand-drawn and digitally printed stickers for the largest annual sticker swap in the Southwest. Local sticker artists are encouraged to bring their stickers and there will be a sticker making station for people to make their own and then swap. DJ CreOne will provide entertainment and Stackin’ Tacos will grill barbecue. Information: mesaartscenter.com.

Lighted boats in Tempe

Mesa Arts Center offers free holiday activities GETOUT STAFF

Mesa Arts Center’s free annual arts festival later this month will have something for everyone. The event, 10 a.-5 p.m. Dec. 14-15, will feature original works of art for sale from local, regional and national artists in various mediums, live entertainment, an array of culinary delights, roaming performers and artist demonstrations. Parking and admission are free. The event gives people of all ages a chance to get in the holiday spirit and do some holiday shopping for unique gifts. Over 80 artist booths will be available featuring one-of-a-kind items and

hands-on activities will be available for all ages. Food tucks and vendors including Soundbite Food Truck/Short Leash Hot Dogs, Firehouse Kettle Corn, Revolution Creperie, and Mini Donut Trolley will be at the event. Beer Research Institute will offer their beers Urban Art and Cherry Cordial Stout for purchase. A gift-wrapping station will be available, and artist Kyllan Maney will lead festivalgoers in bow-making, thanks in part to in-kind support from Michaels. Hands-on activities will also include a mini ugly sweater activity where you can make and take the craft to use as an ornament or commemorative décor for

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Employment General Franchise Aquatics Operations Support Manager: Aqua-Tots Swim School Holding, LLC seeks a Franchise Aquatics Operations Support Manager to work in Mesa, AZ and other unanticipated locations in the U.S. Responsible for on-site visitations and aquatics operations training for local franchise owners and their aquatic teams to meet the three anchors of Aqua-Tots: Excellent Lessons, Excellent Customer Service and Excellent Facility. 70% domestic travel and 30% international travel required. Submit resume to Ronald V. Sciarro at Ron@AquaTots.com. Must put job code FAOSPE3334 on resume. Territory Sales Representative Franchise Wholesale Co., LLC seeks immediate Territory Sales Representative, with at least 1 yr. experience in the trade industry. Clean driving record. Must have good communications & computer skills. Great abilities to adapt to performing a variety of activities, with multiple demands on time. Overnight travel. Competitive Pay, Full Benefits. Plus Paid PTO and Holidays. EOE. Email resumes to: tlopez@usleaf.com

Classifieds 480-898-6465

Employment General ENGINEERS PayPal, Inc. has career opportunities in Scottsdale, AZ for Engineers including: Software, QA, Web Development, Software Developers, Database, Data Warehouse, Data Architect, User Interface, Information Security, System Integration, Release, Network and Cloud. Positions include: junior, senior, and management positions. Positions require BA/BS, MA/MS, MBA or PhD. Multiple positions/openings. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. Please mail resume w/ ref. to: Req. No.: SWE300PP at: ATTN: HR, Cube 10.3.561, PayPal, Inc. HQ, 2211 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95131. EOE

Landscape laborers, 20 temporary full-time positions. Duties: Laborers will be needed for turf care, pruning, fertilization, irrigation system maintenance and repair, general clean up and installation or mortarless segmental concrete masonry wall units. 3 months landscape EXP REQ. No EDU REQ. Preemployment drug testing. Days & Hours: 40 hours/week (6:00am-2:30pm); day shift; Mon-Fri, may include wknd/hol. Dates of employment: 01/20/20-11/19/20. Wage: $13.81/h, OT $20.72/h if necessary. Raises, bonuses, or incentives dependent on job performance. OJT provided. Assurances: Transportation (including meals and, to the extent necessary, lodging) to the place of employment will be provided, or its cost to workers reimbursed, if the worker completes half the employment period. Return transportation will be provided if the worker completes the employment period or is dismissed early by the employer. Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, equipment and supplies required to perform the job. Job location: Phoenix, AZ - Maricopa and Pinal counties. Employer will provide daily transportation to and from the worksite. Applicants may send or contact the AZDES Office, 4635 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040. Ph: 602771-0630. Please reference AZDES Job Order #: 36453987. Employer: Gothic Grounds Management, Inc. 27413 Tourney Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91335. Contact: Sandi Malmquist, fax (661) 702-8041.

Announce

ments Announcements CRAFTERS WANTED Craft fair - Dec 7 8am - 2pm $35 per space Fundraiser for nonprofit organization. 623-628-3453 (text only)

Merch andise

Real Estate

For Sale Manufactured Homes 1987 DeRose

14x66 3/2 F&R, central air, concrete drive & awning. Wood laminate floors. 2 fans, wood siding, newly refurbished, Furnished. New storage shed $24,900. Call Bill at 480-228-7786

Wanted to Buy Cash 4 Diabetic Strips! Best Prices in Town. Sealed and Unexpired. 480-652-1317 Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand. Will pay top dollar. Call Pat 480-323-8846

Sell Your Stuff! Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

BEST PLACE TO MAKE

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

“Memories cut in Stone”

MONUMENTS • GRANITE & BRONZE • CEMETERY LETTERING • CUSTOM DESIGNS

480-969-0788

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

www.everlastingmonumentco.com info@everlastingmonument.phxcoxmail.com

2008 Cavco

Real Estate

For Rent Apartments

16x70 3/2 F&R B/Rs. Central Air, Concrete drive & patio. Awnings, wood laminate flooring t/o, vaulted ceilings t/o, 4 fans, wood siding, shingle roof, newly refurbished. $39,999 Call Bill at 480-228-7786 BRAND NEW NEVER LIVED IN 2 BED / 2 BATH HOMES $58,900 Financing Available. Also Available Affordable Homes Between $5K - $15K 55+ Mobile Home Park in Great Chandler Location. Call Kim 480-233-2035

ALMA SCH & MAIN UTILITIES INCLUDED Partially Furnished 1bd/1 ba. Bad Credit OK. No Deposit. Starting at $600 (602) 339-1555

Commerical/ Industrial/Retail Outdoor commercial/personal Storage Yards for lease. Secure, gated 24 hour access, and much more. Call 480-926-5957 for details WE’RE ALWAYS HERE TO SERVE YOUR CLASSIFIED NEEDS

480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

CLASS@ TIMESPUBLICATIONS. COM

Manufactured Homes

Air Conditioning/Heating

THE LINKS ESTATES

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Why Rent The Lot When

YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

HEADSTONES Make your choice Everlasting

Manufactured Homes

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship Seasonal AC Tune Up - $99 New 3-Ton AC Units - $3,995 We are a Trane dealer & NATE-Certified! 0% FINANCING - 72 Months!!

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.

‘A+’ RATED AC REPAIR FREE ESTIMATE SAME DAY SERVICE

Gawthorp & Associates Realty

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

602-402-2213

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

40667 N Wedge Dr • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

www.linksestates.net

480-405-7588

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

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

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

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

Cleaning Services

Garage/Doors

SPARKLE & SHINE CLEANING SERVICE Immaculate, Dependable Service. Affordable Rates. Commercial & Residential services All supplies included. " You've tried the rest, now try the BEST!" Ask for Martha or Annie 480-495-5516 or 480-797-6023

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Place Your Meeting/Event Ad email ad copy to

Cleaning Services

ecota@times publications.com

Home Improvement

Garage/Doors

East Valley/ Ahwatukee

Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

Not a licensed contractor

Handyman HANDYMAN 37 years experience. Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan, 602-434-6057

Handyman

LLC

RESIDENTIAL & SMALL BUSINESS CLEANING SPECIALISTS SINCE 2007 Weekly, biweekly, tri-weekly, or monthly; same talented crew each visit Flexible, customized services to meet individual needs of each client GREEN eco-friendly products used to clean and sanitize Move-in/move-out and seasonal deep cleans Small, family-owned company with GUARANTEED high quality services Always dependable, excellent references, bonded, and insured

FreeFree estimates estimatesat at 480-802-1992 480-802-1992 or or dennis@simplygrandcleaningaz.com reed@simplygrandcleaningaz.com

Contractors

SIR JOHNS CONTRACTING HOME IMPROVEMENTS REMODEL& REPAIR Painting of All Types Interior & Exterior Cabinets Stains & Paints

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

Est Free ima tes

UAL Lice ITY ns ROC ed & B 251 ond 661 ed

602-315-5470

4960 S. Gilbert Rd. Suite #1 Unit #260 John McMillan-Owner Chandler, AZ 85249 sirjohn53@gmail.com

All Estimates are Free • Call:

Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949 Marks the Spot for ALL•Your Handyman Needs! Painting Flooring • Electrical Ask me about FREE water testing! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Marks the Spot for ALL Plumbing • Decks Drywall • Carpentry • Tile • More! Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! Your Handyman Needs! Decks • Tile • More! Painting • Flooring • Electrical Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs! • Drywall • Carpentry Plumbing Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Plumbing Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Painting • Flooring • Electrical • Tile More! Needs! DrywallDecks • Carpentry • •Decks • Tile • More! Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Painting • Flooring • Electrical Decks • Tile • More! “No Job Too Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry “No JobSmall Too Man!” Decks • Tile • More! “No Job Too Electrical Services Small Man!”

rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo 1999 y Work Sin•ceQUALITY ordable, Qu HONESTY • alit INTEGRITY Aff

Small Man!”

“No Job Too

Work Since 1999 Quality le,Small 2010, 2011 Affordab Man!” 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2012, 2013, 2010, 2011 “No Job 2014 2014 2012, 2013, 9 Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a LicensedToo e 1992014 Contractor “No Man!” Job Too Work SincAhwatukee Small lityContractor Qua le, Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ a Licensed Affordab •Not Panel Changes 2010, 2011

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Call Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not aBruce Licensed Contractor and Repairs Call at 602.670.7038

Small Man!”

2010, 2011

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ • Installation of Not a Licensed Contractor

2012, 2013, 2012, 2013, 2014 2014

Call Bruce 602.670.7038 9 ce 199 Sinat

- Ahw Resident Since 1987 -

Quality Work Affordable,Ahwatukee Ceiling Fans 2010, 2011 Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor 2012, 2013, • Switches/Outlets 2014 Call Bruce at • Home Remodel Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

602.670.7038

Home Improvement

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

ACTION CONTRACTING INC.

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

JOSE DOMINGUEZ DRYWALL & PAINTING

Block Fence * Gates

602-789-6929 Roc #057163

QUICK RESPONSE TO YOUR CALL! 15 Years Experience • Free Estimates

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

480.266.4589

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

Not a licensed contractor.

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

Juan Hernandez

SPRINKLER Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups! Not a licensed contractor

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

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here! 81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Fencing/Gates

josedominguez0224@gmail.com

TREE

TRIMMING

SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

Drywall

House Painting, Drywall, Reliable, Dependable, Honest!

Juan Hernandez

Irrigation

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES

Over 30 Years Quality Experience

HIG

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

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 Office 480-820-8515 Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934

Landscape Maintenance

WE DO IT ALL! Bath & Kitchen Remodels • Drywall & Stucco Repairs Plumbing • Electrical • Can Lights Windows • Doors • Cabinets • Painting Block Fences • Wrought Iron Gates Remodeling • Additions • Patios • Tenant Improvements

A+

East Valley 480-833-7353

-S

C IN

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

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600

azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 21671

Landscape Maintenance

RAMIRO MEDINA LANDSCAPING ➧ LANDSCAPING ➧ TREE TRIMMING & REMOVAL ➧ IRRIGATION ➧ YARD CLEAN-UP ➧ GRAVEL ➧ COMMERCIAL ➧ RESIDENTIAL LICENSED • INSURED • OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE Call or Text Today for a FREE ESTIMATE

Carlos Medina - 602-677-3200

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

aaaActionContractingInc.com

ALL YOU NEED IS A PU

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

Call Lance White 480.898.6465 CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

Landscape Maintenance

Painting

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Jose Dominguez Painting & Drywall SEE OUR AD IN DRYWALL! Quick Response to your Call! 15 Years Exp 480-266-4589

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Plumbing

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

ROC#309706

East Valley PAINTERS

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

L L C

Prepare for Monsoon Season! LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

affinityplumber@gmail.com

www.affinityplumbingaz.com

Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor Anything Plumbing Same Day Service

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

ROC 304267 • Licenced & Bonded

Affinity Plumbing LLC 480-487-5541

Not a licensed contractor

Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

480-338-4011

Plumbing

Water Heaters

24/7

Inside & Out Leaks

Bonded

Toilets

Insured

Faucets

Estimates Availabler

Disposals

$35 off

PMB 435 • 2733 N. Power Rd. • Suite 102 • Mesa dennis@allprotrees.com

480-354-5802

CDM

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

10% OFF

POOL SERVICE & REPAIR ACID WASH SPECIALIST  PUMPS  MOTORS  WEEKLY SERVICE  FILTER CLEANING  DRAINING  GREEN POOL CLEANUP  INSPECTIONS  OWNER OPERATED 

Free Estimates! Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

480-688-4770

www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Plumbing

CALL OR TEXT CLAY FOR FREE ESTIMATES

480.710.8790

Plumbing

PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating & Air

What we do… • Employees Background Checked • Up-Front Pricing • Tankless Water Heaters • Tank Water Heaters • Fixture Replacements

• Plumbing & Drain Repairs • Water Treatment • Best Warranties • Fully Stocked Vans • Fix It Or It’s Free Guarantee

Drain Specialists… • FREE Camera Inspection With Every Drain Cleared • Hydrojetting

$45 off Any service call With service performed

Financing Available

• Pipe Relining • Clean Out Installation • Sewer Repair/Replacement • Pipe Bursting

Not a licensed contractor

Pool Service / Repair

Voted #1

We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

Tree Trimming • Tree Removal Stump Grinding Storm Damage • Bushes/Shrubs Yard Clean-up Commercial and Residential

ACCREDITED BUSINESS ®

Any Service

4995

DRAIN CLEANING

OFF REPAIR 1st time customers

NEW

200 OFF!

480-405-7099

Water Heaters 0% FINANCING

FREE SERVICE CALLS ($85 Value)

A/C UNITS

3,995!

(advertised offers cannot be combined)

We are A+ Rated by the BBB and stand behind our work with a Lifetime Warranty. Call us for the BEST SERVICE and PRICES in the East Valley! *$69 drain good Monday thru Friday during normal business hours and not combined with any other offers.

480-281-7564

Thank you Mesa for Voting us #1

Experience, Service and Price

Find out why our customers become customers for life! Over 700 five-star Google reviews!

FREE ESTIMATES

ItsJustPlumbSmart.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

Window Cleaning

Pool Service / Repair

AE &Sons Pool Plaster Company

All Complete Pool Renovations Pebble • White Plaster • New Pool Builds Tile • Deck • Pump & Filters

FREE Estimates • BEST Prices

602-505-8066 Cell Se Habla Espanõl

Lic’d, Bonded • ROC #235771 • ROC #235770

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

DIRTY WINDOWS? Call Fish Window Cleaning @ 480-962-4688 and you will have the cleanest windows and screens on the block. Below is the list of services we offer: Windows-Interior & Exterior ScreensSunscreens/Regular Tracks, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures Power Washing Your driveways, sidewalks & patios Follow us on InstaGram

Public Notices

AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY Capital Projects

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

@FISH_WCEASTVALLEYAZ

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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

Deadline for any questions regarding this project will be 2:00 p.m. (MST) on December 17th, 2019. Proposal questions should be directed to Flora Howerton at FHowerton@ak-chin.nsn.us. Also, Cc: Project Manager, Casey Turgeon at cturgeon@ak-chin.nsn.us.

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Tiles, shingles, flat, repairs & new work Free Estimates • Ahwatukee Resident

Remodeling

Over 30 yrs. Experience

480-706-1453

General Contacting, Inc.

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

Licensed • Bonded • Insured • ROC118198

One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766

APPEARANCE Professional service since 1995

Window Cleaning $100 - One Story $140 - Two Story

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes

Free Estimates with Pride & Prompt Service!

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Sun Screens Cleaned $3 each Attention to detail and tidy in your home.

(480) 584-1643

Bonded & Insured

No proposals shall be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the opening of Proposals without consent of the Owner.

Meetings/Events?

LLC

• Drywall & Roofing Repairs • Stack Stone • All Flooring • Wood • Tile • Carpet • Welding • Gates & Fences • Tractor Services

This invitation is unrestricted; however, preference will be given to Indian Organizations and Indian Owned Enterprises in accordance to the Community Procurement Procedure. Request for Proposals (“RFP”) instruction/information package and related information may be obtained from the Ak-Chin Indian Community Purchasing Ofﬁce, 42507 West Peters & Nall Road, Maricopa, Arizona 85138, and may be requested by electronic mail at FHowerton@ak-chin. nsn.us.

COUNTS

• Pointing • Drywall • Roofing Repairs • Painting • All Plumbing • All Electrical • Concrete • Block • Stucco

The Owner will receive Proposals until 2:00 p.m. (MST) on January 7th, 2019 at the Tribal Purchasing Department located at 42507 West Peters & Nall Road Maricopa, Arizona 85138. Proposals received after the speciﬁed date and time will be rejected and returned unopened.

The Owner reserves the right to reject, any and all pre-proposal. However, the Ak-Chin Indian Community at its discretion may postpone said action for such time as the Tribal Council may designate, as the interest of the Community may require.

Window Cleaning

Owner Does All Work • All Honey-Do Lists • All Remodeling • Additions • Kitchen • Bath • Patio Covers • Garage • Sheds • Windows • Doors

The Ak-Chin Indian Community (hereafter called the “Owner”) invites all General Contractors to submit proposals on a Construction Contract. These misc. projects for Construction consist of the following; 44815 Vincent Ave. 46968 Farrell Rd. 47187 Farrell Rd. A MANDATORY Pre-Proposal Meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. (MST) on December 10th, 2019 at Ak-Chin Capital Projects Conference Room located at 47510 W. Farrell Road, Maricopa, AZ 85139. This meeting is considered mandatory, and in this meeting the project scope will be discussed. If you do not attend this pre-proposal meeting your proposal will NOT be accepted.

Roofing

Not a licensed contractor.

AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL ON 2019 (3) HOMES CONSTRUCTION

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

The Selected Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining building permits from Pinal County, ensure that all design meets the requirements of the Community’s Planning and Zoning Ordinance, Ak-Chin Fire Department, Utility Entities, Building Codes as well as applicable County, State and Federal Agencies. All design is to be done to MAG, Ak-Chin standards, BIA and IHS standards.

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Roofing The Most Detailed Roofer in the State

Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC Roofs Done Right...The FIRST Time! 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems

www.timklineroofing.com

480-357-2463

FREE Estim at and written e proposal

R.O.C. #156979 K-42 • Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Place Your Advertisement Here. Call 480-898-6465 to Advertise in the Service Directory.

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 1, 2019

PLANET FITNESS is coming soon to Gilbert (Val Vista)! Use any of our 33 Phoenix Area locations until doors open!

s1OA MONTH

PRE-OPENING HOURS:

HOURS ONCE OPEN:

MONDAY-FRIDAY: IOAM-7PM SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 9AM-3PM

(fj)

4874 S. Val Vista Dr. I Gilbert, AZ 85298 I (480) 508-8815 join today at our pre-sale office or at planetfitness.com Must be 18 years old, or 13 with parent/guardian. Home club only. Billed monthly to a checking account. Subject to a $39 annual fee. Offer available at participating locations only. Planet Fitness locations are independently owned and operatedÂ© 2019 PFIP, LLC