June 2017
Relentlessly local coverage of Gilbert and our neighboring communities
Hello, summer!
Macy Searcy, 6, shows off all the color thrown on her during a May color run at Spectrum at Val Vista.
Superintendent Kishimoto to say ‘aloha’ to Gilbert
Student shakeup at GPS with Gilbert Junior High repurposing
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MELODY BIRKETT
Three years after taking on the rancorous school board of Gilbert Public Schools and helping bring more cohesiveness, Dr. Christina Kishimoto is leaving her superintendent role. Three senior members of the superintendent’s office are departing in her wake. They are Chief of Staff Alex Nardone and Chief Academic Officer Linda McKeever, who are both retiring, and Chief Financial Officer Tom Wohlleber, who is leaving for a position in Casa Grande, where he lives. Nardone previously worked with Kishi-
moto in Hartford, Connecticut and joined GPS three years ago along with Kishimoto; he plans to return to his home state. McKeever was also hired just following Kishimoto’s hire and oversaw the district’s academic services, including assessment and curriculum. Kishimoto’s current contract was extended for two more years. However, when she was invited to apply for Hawaii’s state superintendent position, see
KISHIMOTO page 4
A long fight over whether to keep Gilbert Junior High School open finally came to an end on May 30 when the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board voted 5-0 to close the school, citing declining enrollment. The campus, in the northwest part of the town, is to be used for Gilbert Classical Academy, which is in temporary digs on Greenfield Road. Meanwhile, Gilbert Junior High students are to attend Mesquite Junior High School. In the 2017-18 school year, projected
enrollment at Gilbert Junior High is 400, even though the school has space to enroll 1,200, according to GPS. If it remained open, the challenge would be “how do we get those kids art, music, athletics,” said Irene Mahoney-Paige, GPS spokeswoman. “We can’t afford it. We can’t afford for that small number to give them a comprehensive junior high school.” While Gilbert Junior High students are to attend Mesquite for the 2017-18 school
4 Community 22 Neighbors 38 Business 46 Youth
56 Spirituality 57 Arts 60 Opinion
see
GILBERT JR. HIGH page 4
Mailed toYour Home Monthly Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID PHOENIX PERMIT # 1333
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Jennifer L. Bailey, D.D.S. announces joining
Proud member of
PUBLISHER
Steve T. Strickbine EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Niki D’Andrea ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Jane Meyer 480-898-5633
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
480-898-6475 Lou Lagrave Laura Meehan Zac Reynolds
480.219.6336
MANAGING EDITOR
NEW UNDER SHIP! OWNER
S Lindsay Rd
E Williams Field Rd
Santan Fwy
E Pecos Rd
S Val Vista Dr
www.familydentalstudio.net 3011 S. Lindsay Rd, Ste 104 Gilbert, 85295 S Gilbert Rd
2
Becky Bracken ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Srianthi Perera STAFF WRITERS
Dr. Bailey
Mark S. Anthony, D.D.S., P.C. Jennifer L. Bailey, D.D.S.
C reating Beauti ful
S mile s S in ce 19 88
202
FREE
RESTORATIVE OR COSMETIC CONSULTATION
*Not valid with any other offers or prior services.
$9
Paul Maryniak, Colleen Sparks, Jim Walsh CONTRIBUTERS
BJ Alderman, Don Andrews, Melody Birkett, David M. Brown, Howard Fischer, Leah Gilchrist, Emily Liu, Leah Merrall, Jessica Suriano GRAPHIC DESIGN
Veronica Thurman ADMINISTRATION
Courtney Oldham
For News Tips, Editorial Articles, Opinion or Classifieds, email is preferred. NEWS EMAIL ADDRESS: news@gilbertsunnews.com ADS EMAIL ADDRESS: ads@gilbertsunnews.com WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.gilbertsunnews.com ©2017 Gilbert Sun News
NEW PATIENT SPECIAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAM & X-RAYS
*Not valid with any other offers or prior services.
$100 OFF
FIRST CROWN
*Not valid with any other offers or prior services.
25,000 TOTAL CIRCULATION Direct mail and driveway 500+ High-traffic locations
COVER PHOTO BY KIMBERLY CARRILLO ANOTHER QUALITY PRODUCT OF THE EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
SEARCH ALL HOMES FOR SALE! www.CentralAZRealEstate.com 480-775-7700
Call Bret Johnson today for details on how these exciting offers can benefit you…and Start Packing!
Your home sold
at a price and deadline acceptable to you or I’ll buy it*
GUARANTEED
NO Gimmicks! For information on my exclusive Guaranteed Sales Program, order a Free Report by visiting: FREE Recorded Message: 1-800-303-3049 ID #8014 or call me direct at: 602-502-6468
*Some conditions apply.
Gilbert’s ONLY BUYER PROTECTION PLAN Buy Your Next Home From Me, And If You Are Ever Not Satisfied
I’LL BUY IT BACK Or Sell It For FREE!* No Gimmicks! For Information On My Exclusive Buyer Protection Plan, Order A Free Report By Calling My Free Recorded Message: 1-800-303-3049 ID# 8110 or call me direct at 602-502-6468
This immaculate home boasts a true pride of ownership! 5 Bedrooms with massive bonus room loft, chef’s kitchen and a 12,000+ sq. ft. lot with a sparkling pool and putting green make this home perfect for entertaining!
1-800-303-3049 #8019
How a Divorce Affects Your House, Mortgage, and Taxes Gilbert - Divorce is rarely easy and often means a lot of difficult decisions. One of the most important decisions is what to do about the house. In the midst of the heavy emotional and financial turmoil, what you need most is some non-emotional, straightforward, specific information and answers. Once you know how a divorce affects your home, your mortgage and taxes, critical decisions are easier. Neutral, third party information can help you make logical, rather than emotional, decisions. Probably the first decision is whether you want to continue living in the house. Will the familiar surroundings bring you comfort and emotional security, or unpleasant memories? Do you want to minimize change by staying where you are, or sell your home and move to a new place that offers a new start? Only you can answer those questions, but
there will almost certainly be some financial repercussions to your decision process. What can you afford? Can you manage the old house on your new budget? Is refinancing possible? Or is it better to sell and buy? How much house can buy on your new budget? To help you know what questions you should ask and how to arrive at the right answer for your specific situation, a FREE special report has been prepared by industry experts entitled “Divorce: What You Need to Know About Your House, Your Mortgage and Taxes”. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1- 800-303-3049 and enter 8009. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how to make this part of your current situation less stressful.
This report is courtesy of Realty Network Group @ Realty Executives. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2017
HOME BUYER ALERT Free Report reveals 13 extra costs to avoid; saving you thousands when buying a Gilbert Home. Free recorded message 1-800-303-3049 ID# 8008 Realty Network Group @ Realty Executives
How to Sell Your Gilbert Home Yourself: 10 Tips Real Estate Agents Don’t Want You to Know Gilbert - If you’ve tried to sell your home yourself, you know that the minute you put the “For Sale by Owner” sign up, the phone will start to ring off the hook. Unfortunately, most calls aren’t from prospective buyers, but rather from every real estate agent in town who will start to hound you for your listing. Like other “For Sale by Owners”, you’ll be subjected to a hundred sales pitches from agents who will tell you how great they are and how you can’t possibly sell your home by yourself. After all, without the proper information, selling a home isn’t easy. Perhaps you’ve had your home on the market for several months with no offers from qualified buyers. This can be a very frustrating time, and many homeowners have given up their dreams of selling their homes themselves. But don’t give up until you’ve read a new report entitled “Sell Your Own Home” which has been prepared especially for homesellers like you. You’ll find that selling your home by yourself is entirely possible once you understand the process. Inside this report, you’ll find 10 inside tips to selling your home by yourself which will help you sell for the best price in the shortest amount of time. You’ll find out what real estate agents don’t want you to know. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1800-303-3049 and enter 8017. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to learn how you really can sell your home yourself. This report is courtesy of Realty Network Group @ Realty Executives. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2017
10 BEST HOME BUYS Free list w/pics of available properties in your specific price range and area. Free recorded message 1-800-303-3049 ID# 8040 Realty Network Group @ Realty Executives
3
4
June 2017
KISHIMOTO from page 1 she did. The rigorous interviewing process took place over nine days, and Kishimoto said she was “pleasantly surprised” to find herself moving forward at each step. After beating out 91 other applicants, she is due to assume the role on August 1. It pays a salary of $240,000. “It’s a very unique job and they don’t come about often,” Kishimoto said of her decision to apply. “The state is doing some things that I think nationally we should be doing across the board; which is really looking at the language and culture that our kids bring to the classroom. “That was extremely attractive to me,” she added. “We thank Dr. Kishimoto for her service to GPS over the past three years and wish her the best as she takes on a new role in Hawaii,” said Sheila Rogers, president of GPS Governing Board, in a statement. “We will work together to place an interim superintendent while we begin our search for permanent leadership.” Rogers, of course, will have to search for three candidates to fill the vacated positions, not just the superintendent’s. All this, when GPS has a month to pass the 2017-18 budget and prepare for a new school year. As her transition begins, Kishimoto said she’s “fully committed” to making sure it goes well. “The Hawaii leadership has been accommodating and flexible; they’re waiting for me to say what’s going to work in terms of my timeline here,” she said. Lily Tram, a former GPS board member
GILBERT JR. HIGH from page 1 year, teachers and administrative staff will also transfer with them, unless they choose to go to another school. Mesquite is anticipated to have well over 600 students in the next school year. Even with Gilbert Junior High’s 400 students, Mesquite will not be overcrowded and still will have room to grow, according to Mahoney-Paige. The Gilbert Governing Board also voted 5-0 to move Gilbert Classical Academy into the Gilbert Junior High building for this upcoming school year. The board agreed Gilbert Junior High is a better-size campus for the academy, which has a current enrollment of 579. “When the school was established, where they are (55 N. Greenfield Road), it was meant to be a temporary location, and it has been 10 years,” Mahoney-Paige said. GCA teaches 7th-12th grade honors classes. “So the kids are taking a more rigorous, all-honors curriculum” MahoneyPaige added. “They teach the Socratic method. So it’s a little bit of a different kind of school. There’s no test to get in,
Community who held office from 2008-16, said Kishimoto “was an amazing superintendent” for the town. “We’ve moved the district forward definitely the past three years; we couldn’t have done it without her,” Tram said. The successes, she noted, included overseeing the passage of an override and bond election; getting a digital platform on the curriculum, such as the 30,000 Chromebooks for seventh- to 10th-grade students and teachers; obtaining five more A+ ratings (bringing the total to 12 schools) from the Arizona Educational Foundation; partnering with local business leaders and with higher education institutions and working with peer districts to bring about positive outcomes, such as sponsorships. Tram, however, cautioned that her leaving would be detrimental to the district. The first challenge would be to find a replacement, she said, adding that it took a year and a half to hire Kishimoto. “It’s unfortunate that she’s leaving, because any time we change a superintendent, it takes about three to five years, maybe seven years, before you can move back up again because things are all on hold whenever you change a superintendent,” Tram said. Another challenge would be for the district and the community, including parents, to get used to a new leader’s style. Not everyone has kind words for Kishimoto. “I’m not at all upset that she is leaving. I know it is a disruption for GPS to have to conduct a search for a new leader, but
but there has been a lottery. Just because of space, they haven’t been able to take everybody because they can’t fit them.” Discussion to close Gilbert Junior High started in September 2012 with the board voting to close the school by the 2014/2015 school year. That decision was overturned along with others that followed in subsequent years. Discussions have also been ongoing about suitable accommodation for GCA. Before the final vote, GPS Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto noted how the board voted last year to move GCA to Mesquite Junior High as a shared campus. Later in the year, the plan was scrapped. Many parents of GCA students said Mesquite was their first choice since the school has an auditorium. Gilbert Junior High does not. Parent Deandra Tupa supports the closing of Gilbert Junior High. “It’ll really benefit the whole west side. Gilbert Junior High has had a hard time having enough kids for honors classes, clubs, sports, music. And we have enough room over at Mesquite Jr. High,” she said. Tupa’s kids are in seventh and ninth grades and are excited about more stu-
www.GilbertSunNews.com
(Special to GSN)
Dr. Christina Kishimoto, outgoing Gilbert Public Schools superintendent, during the State of the Schools address last year.
I do feel like her time here was somewhat toxic,” said Lisa Nicita, a parent of three who attend GPS schools. “She built layers around her that created an unnecessary buffer between her and parents, unlike any other district leader GPS has known before. And, she definitely had an agenda for reform that I know wasn’t really welcomed among many parents,” Nicita added. Kishimoto said her stay with GPS amounts to “three tough years.” “When the board asked me if I was willing to accept the position in full dis-
closure that there was lots of disruption occurring, and the board really owning that that needed to be corrected, I asked the board if they were going to be willing to go through governance training together with me so we can set a new vision and mission for the district,” she said. With the board’s willingness to do that established, Kishimoto said she was “willing to jump in and say ‘we can work through this.’” She was also buoyed by the standards of the schools, and thought they were delivering instruction well, although they were being impacted by morale, she said. “I said (at the time) this is something we can turn around,” she said, “because we have great groundwork laid with the quality of schools that are here. And the board was committed to go through that tough process of working differently with one another. This is what has occurred.” Considering the future of GPS, Kishimoto said: “We’re at a point where the district has to plan for what the next decade is going to look like. Gilbert still has challenges before it. With the right leadership, they’re going to be able to continue this work. I think principals are ready to do this work and teachers are ready to do this work. “I think there just needs to be a line drawn in the sand that says that the one thing we’re not going to tolerate as we move forward is disrespect,” Kishimoto added. “They’ve been instances of deep disrespect that even I have experienced, that doesn’t belong in a public school system.”
Gilbert Public Schools’ governing board voted in front of a packed crowd to close Gilbert Jr. High and use its campus for Gilbert Classical Academy.
dents going to Mesquite, she said. “We will have more kids in band. We will have more opportunities at Mesquite,” Tupa said. “GCA needs a facility; it’s extremely run-down.” J.J. Pudenz has an eighth-grade daughter who attends GCA. He also supports the board’s decision. “The school is outperforming everybody else – it’s nationally ranked – yet they’re in these little mobile containers,” he said.
They have a “cafegymautorium,” Pudenz said, referring to the cafeteria, gym and auditorium accommodated in one building. “I want Gilbert Classical Academy to expand its enrollment, and the only way it can expand its enrollment is if they have a larger campus,” Pudenz added. Luke Fernando is a senior at GCA. “It’s see
GILBERT JR. HIGH page 5
Community
www.GilbertSunNews.com
We asked Dr. Christina Kishimoto… BY SRIANTHI PERERA
How was the interview process? “The interview process was nine days of meetings with constituent groups from teachers to students to administrators, legislative officials, the governor, board members, and parents. It was extremely rigorous – meetings with either individuals or meetings with large groups with three or more people who are shooting questions at you.” How was the meeting with the other finalist, Linda Chen from Maryland? “I did not meet the other finalist. They kept us completely separate. We were there at the same time, but never saw each other.” Do you have ties to Hawaii? “My daughter’s father’s family is from Hawaii, and we have been on the island several times. Lots of the Kishimotos live in Hilo, in particular, and some of them live in Oahu. During the interview process, I went to dinner on two nights with the family. It was a good break from the intensive interview process.” Do you have any more thoughts on Hawaii? “It’s beautiful. Island living, that’s a
GILBERT JR. HIGH from page 4 definitely going to increase our potential. As far as growth for the school, I know we certainly can grow a lot more. As far as the actual students, we can grow academically with better facilities with just a greater range of possibilities with a better campus. So that’s good. It’s positive change,” he said. Not all parents and community members are happy. “I’m totally heartbroken and disappointed in the school board for making a decision that was essentially a self-fulfilling prophecy for the Gilbert district,” said Lisa Nicita, who lives two houses down from the school and is a mom of three whose oldest was planning to attend Gilbert Junior High in 2018. “Administration choked out that school, starved it for attention and programs and then claimed low enrollment – when in fact, their cloaked motives and years of uncertainty about the future of that school prompted families to make other choices and, in turn, negatively affect enrollment,” Nicita added.
wonderful, wonderful thing, as well. It’s also very unique in the sense that it’s a statewide system that’s represented across islands. And so you’re traveling and figuring out how to bring people together across a region that presents some challenges. But at the same time it presents some opportunities.” Have you made moving plans yet? “I already started to think about and look to what I can bring to probably what will be condo living, as opposed to a home that I have here… I’m already planning to downsize.” Who will move with you? “My daughter’s going into a senior year. Maria and I are in conversation about whether she finishes her senior year in Gilbert, at Gilbert High. She’s had a wonderful, wonderful experience – I’d like to see if she thinks that it’ll be a better fit to stay for one year or to come with me for that year.” Do you consider this position as the pinnacle of your career? “Only God and time will tell.”
Bridgette Jansen has a daughter who attends GCA. While she admits GCA students need a better campus, “I think it was handled poorly here as far as waiting until the last minute. All of these kids are being misplaced,” she said. With the district’s schools starting on August 2, there are just two months to move and figure out logistics, such as transportation. “By closing GJHS, they didn’t just rob our family of our plan for junior high, but they robbed our community of our school in favor of busing in and driving in kids from other neighborhoods to attend a specialty school,” Nicita added. “It’s not right.” For one GCA student, it’s not the perfect solution, but a step up. “It provides an opportunity to not worry that our campus is going to fall apart,” sophomore Nicolette Beaulieu said. “Although I am grateful, I still don’t think it’s enough. We’re a high school and a junior high combined and we will be operating off a junior high campus and our sports will still have to be bused off elsewhere but I’m grateful for the small upgrade we have.”
June 2017
5
SAME DAY SERVICE
OFF Total Work Service Call June 2017 with Repairs 10% Performed FREE
• Up to $2,800 in Rebates • FREE in Home Consultation SAME DAY• Financing as Little as $69 per Month • Up to $2,800SERVICE in Rebates • 0% Down + No Interest for 12 Months GUARANTEED!® GUARANTEED!® (with approved credit) • Financing as Little as $69 per Month Minuteman Home Services Minuteman Home Services New Air Conditioning/ • 0% Down + No Interest for 12 Months www. MinutemanHomeServices .com ww.MinutemanHomeServices Heating System.com 6
Community
www.GilbertSunNews.com
NewAir Air(with Conditioning/ New Conditioning/ New Air Conditioning/ approved credit) Billion-dollar windfall accelerating Heating System • FREE inSystem Home Consultation Heating System Heating
(Special to GSN)
The Lindsay Road interchange at the SanTan Freeway is in response to the massive Rivulon mixed-use development, pictured here, in Gilbert.
Credit & Financing-Senior & Military Discounts
Roc# 257474-Licensed-Bonded-Insured For Your Protection
Credit & Financing-Senior & Military Discounts
Roc# 257474-Licensed-Bonded-Insured For Your Protection
• Up to $2,800 in Rebates • FREEin HomeConsultation Consultation • •FREE Consultation FREE ininHome Home • Financing as Little as $69 per Month Uptoto$2,800 $2,800in inRebates Rebates • ••Up Up $2,800 in Rebates 0%toDown +asLittle No Interest Months Financing Little as $69 $69for per12Month • ••Financing as as per Month •• Financing as Little as $69 per Month approved 0%Down Down++(with NoInterest Interestcredit) for 12 12 Months • 0% No for Months approved credit) • 0% Down (with +(with Noapproved Interestcredit) for 12 Months
East Valley freeway upgrades
49 49 BY PAUL MARYNIAK
East Valley motorists in the coming years will reap a significant part of a billion-dollar windfall that will jump-start upgrades on several key highways in the region. That forecast to the Chandler Chamber of Commerce came recently from Bob Hazlett, senior engineering manager for the Maricopa Association of Governments, the principal highway planning agency in the Valley. “If you haven’t seen a construction cone lately, you’re going to be seeing a lot of construction cones soon, because this is a pretty big shot in the arm,” Hazlett told a group of business executives and Chandler City Council members. “We’re very excited about seeing these projects open up,” he added. “You’re going to be seeing projects in areas you can’t really get to, but then at the same time, ones that will improve vital transportation routes so people can get back and forth to their jobs, their recreation, as well as to their schools.” Some major projects include: • Extending the third and HOV lanes on U.S. 60 to Apache Junction; • Widening, by one lane in each direction, the Loop 101 Price Freeway between the U.S. 60 and Santan Freeway; • Widening portions of the Loop 202 Santan and Red Mountain freeways; • Adding an interchange at the Santan Freeway and Lindsay Road; • Extending State Route 24 from Ellsworth Road to Ironwood Road; • Widening I-10 around the Broadway Curve and making other improvements along I-10 between Pecos Road and the I-17 split. The timetable for these and nine other projects was accelerated – and may be moved up again next month – as a result of an unexpected surplus that gave MAG an
extra $1.8 billion for projects over the next 10 years for a total $5.02 billion. Of that, $1.77 billion will go to the South Mountain Freeway, the most expensive highway project Arizona has ever undertaken. Another $1.25 billion is funding the accelerated projects in the East Valley and other parts of the metropolitan area, particularly the West Valley. Hazlett said projections made in 2012 were off by $1.8 billion. That’s partially because revenue from taxes, mainly the levy on gasoline, turned out 55 percent over the original estimate. Additionally, he said, savings have been achieved by the Arizona Department of Transportation’s adoption of a “cost-risk analysis” of proposed projects that helps highway planners get a better idea of the most effective approaches to problem areas. Some Southeast Valley upgrades – primarily the additional lanes on the Price Freeway and the Lindsay Road interchange on the Santan – are directly in response to economic developments. Hazlett said various economic development projects in Chandler warrant the Price Freeway upgrade, while the Lindsay Road interchange at the Santan Freeway is in response to the massive Rivulon mixed-use development in Gilbert. For Southeast Valley motorists, the improvements will sweep across the region from I-10 and into western Pinal County. For example, Hazlett noted that State Route 24 “has been on the books for some time.” While the first mile of the highway has been opened between the Loop 202 and Ellsworth Road, it will be extended to Iron-
SEASONAL $ 480-755-5818 TUNE-UP $$$ SEASONAL NAL 49 ONLY $ SEASONAL TUNE-UP $ 49 TUNE-UP 49 -UP OFF Total Work Service Call 10% FREE ONLY 10% FREE FREE SAME DAY 10% Performed with Repairs approved credit) Call(withUs Now!
SEASONAL SEASONAL TUNE-UP TUNE-UP ONLY Includes 24 Point ONLY Inspection (Reg $99) (Reg $99)
Includes 24 Point Inspection Includes 24 Point Inspection
FREE FREE
(Reg $99) ONLY OFF Total Work OFF Total Work 10% Performed 10%ONLY Performed (Reg $99) OFF Total Work
Includes 24 Point Inspection Service Call Service Call with Repairs Repairs Includeswith 24 Point Inspection Service Call
Performed OFF Total Work Performed
SAME DAY SERVICE SAME DAY OFF Total Work SERVICE SAME DAY 10% GUARANTEED!® Performed
spection
all airs
with Repairs Service Call with Repairs
(Reg $99)
(Reg $99)
SAME DAY
SERVICE SERVICE www.minuteman247.com GUARANTEED!®
GUARANTEED!® Minuteman Home Services
Also your Plumbing & Electrical Experts! Minuteman Home Services
GUARANTEED!®
www.MinutemanHomeServices.com www.MinutemanHomeServices Credit & Financing-Senior & Military Discounts .com
Minuteman Home Services
Roc# 257474-Licensed-Bonded-Insured For Your Protection
Credit & Financing-Senior & Military Discounts
Roc# 257474-Licensed-Bonded-Insured For Your Protection
see
FREEWAY page 8
www.GilbertSunNews.com
WE ARE PROFESSIONAL GRADE.
June 2017
ALWAYS THE LOWEST PRICES, BEST SELECTION AND MORE FOR YOUR TRADE. PRECISION MATTERS.
LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE
866-453-9150 866-453-9150
HENRY BROWN BUICK HENRY GMC BROWN BUICK GMC
1550 E. DRIVERS WAY 1550 GILBERT, E. DRIVERS AZ WAY GILBERT, AZ WWW.HENRYBROWNGMC.COM WWW.HENRYBROWNGMC.COM
7
8
Community
June 2017
FREEWAY from page 6 wood to “help folks in Queen Creek and San Tan Valley, to give them an easier way to get to the freeway system.” Stating that project “will start fairly soon,” Hazlett said the extension for now “won’t have interchanges, but there will be some traffic signals.” Additionally, the Santan Freeway will be widened by a lane in each direction between State Route 24 and Gilbert Road. Also, the “runout lanes” from Price Freeway eastbound will be extended to Arizona Avenue. On the other hand, motorists farther south in San Tan Valley will have to wait for a long-discussed freeway between Eloy and the U.S. 60 in Apache Junction. Hazlett said suggestions to make that proposed freeway a toll road have been shelved. “It would cost about $20 a day in tolls,” he said, adding that ongoing “fiscal constraints” have delayed even identifying a complete right-of-way. Motorists in the eastern third of Maricopa County will benefit from the extension of the HOV lane and the addition of a third on U.S. 60 between Crismon and Meridian roads. On the Red Mountain Freeway, there are also plans to extend the third lane in each direction between Broadway Road and the U.S. 60. By far the most ambitious project, however, involves the Broadway Curve and the entire length of I-10 between Pecos Road and the I-17 split – a segment that MAG and the Arizona Department of Transportation call “The Spine” because it handles 40 percent of all Valley traffic daily. It could also be called “the headache” by East Valley commuters whose commute to downtown Phoenix
www.GilbertSunNews.com
involves I-10 from the U.S. 60 or the Santan Freeway. At one time not too long ago, there had been plans to expand I-10 to 25 lanes and I-17 to 16 around the Broadway Curve, Hazlett said. “As you can imagine, if we widened it that much, we’d be wiping out a lot of homes and a lot of businesses,” he added. “We started asking, do we really need that capacity?” The result of that question is a “more holistic, comprehensive look” at I-10 that will involve a few extra lanes, but a relocation of interchanges connecting the U.S. 60 and State Route 143 so that it can eliminate the dangerous cross-overs that traffic now makes in that area. Hazlett also said MAG is making “a big investment” in bike and pedestrian bridges over I-10 because bicyclists and walkers complained about how hard it is to get to the other side of the freeway no matter which way they’re walking. Another component of the effort to ease traffic on the Broadway Curve is the South Mountain Freeway, a 22mile corridor that will provide a detour for traffic around downtown Phoenix between 59th Avenue and the Chandler Interchange. Meanwhile, former Chandler City councilman Jack Sellers, now a member of the state Transportation Board, told the group that widening I-10 between Chandler and Tucson remains a high priority. But a critical 10-mile segment passes over the Gila River Indian Community and tribal leaders still have not signed off on a plan. Sellers said that the state long ago made a deal with the Gila Community not to undertake an I-10 expansion without its approval. “That is a priority we are working through,” he said.
JOIN US FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE!
5/6 9AM-1PM
Ahwatukee-Gilbert bus route may start in October BY GSN STAFF
Valley Metro’s new Route 140 bus is planned to run 11 miles along Ray Road from 48th Street in Ahwatukee to Gilbert Road in Gilbert beginning Oct. 23. Valley Metro spokeswoman Ann Glaser said the new Route 140 would provide nine additional connections in Phoenix, Chandler and Gilbert in a rapidly growing area. “According to the latest census estimates, this route would provide transit connectivity to almost 30,000 residents and 12,000 jobs within a quarter-mile of the proposed stops,” she said. “The cities recognized the need to provide transit access in this area.” The Valley Metro board must first approve the proposed new route. More information about the proposed October service changes can be found at valleymetro. org/servicechanges.
r
Enrolling now fo
Summer Camp
$
Programs
500 OFF
UITION** ONTH T17 FIRST M Expires May 31, 20
• • • • • • • •
State of the art facility Outstanding curriculum 6 weeks to Pre-K and After School Program Bounce House Snow Cone Machine Splash Pad Arts and Crafts Lunch
480-813-0962
www.wonderlandmontessori.com
** After school program discount will be $250.
WMA, Gilbert
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
the
GREATEST EVER SALE
25off %
A New Way to Get A Better Nights Sleep
The mission of Pure Comfort Mattress is to offer a wide variety of the highest quality, best value and uniquely comfortable mattresses, pillows and sleep related products available.
Our Everyday Low Pricing
Plus12
MONTHS FINANCING O.A.C.*
ALL SIZES
BREEZE EURO TOP
BREEZE TIGHT TOP
672
597
$
$
Queen Set
COOL WAVE
897
$
Queen Set
King Set...$897
King Set...$797
King Set...$1197
A tradional firm feeling mattress with a little surface softness that A softer feeling mattress, more contouring to your body providing pressure relieving support. reduces tossing and turning with pressure relieving support.
SHADOW PILLOW TOP
1122
$
Queen Set
King Set...$1347
A plush pillow top with uplifting support that contours to your body. Cool touch memory foam provides a cooler sleep experience.
1272
$
King
Our luxurious medium firm mattress featuring ventilated Talalay Latex and the technically advanced Snowstorm cooling fabric. You will sleep cooler!
A firm euro top mattress with gel latex & cool gel memory foam that provides soft pushback support. Queen The Phase-Change fabric helps Set regulate your body temperature & wicks away excess moisture so Set...$1497 you get a deeper more restful sleep.
SPLENDOR LUXURY FIRM EURO TOP
The Finest Mattresses Made In The U.S.A.
Queen Set
EMPIRE
1347
$
Queen Set
King Set...$1797
This is our fantastic feeling Cool Gel Memory foam bed with 2” of 5lb and 2” of 3lb Gel infused memory foam. Phase-Change fabric helps regulate your body temperature and wicks away excess moisture allowing you to get a deeper more restful sleep.
143 E Germann Rd Suite 107, Gilbert, AZ 85297 • (480) 588-8994 Hours: Mon - Sat 10:00 am - 8:00 pm Sun 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Go www.purecomfortmattress.com *12 MONTHS ON APPROVED CREDIT, $1000 MINIMUM PURCHASE, 10% DOWN PAYMENT REQUIRED.
9
10
Community
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Gilbert Sister Cities renews push for economic development BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Gilbert Sister Cities has given itself a shot in the arm with a reshuffle of its board and a new plan to better market itself and pursue its goal of more aggressive economic development in the future. The nonprofit volunteer organization was set up in 1995 to pursue cultural and economic ties with Antrim and Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, and in 2002 added Leshan, China to the program. In 2015, Newtownabbey was merged with a neighboring community called Antrim, and the name of the community was changed. Recently, a new partnership agreement was signed between Antrim and Newtownabbey and Gilbert’s corresponding entity to update the name in the local agreement. Simultaneously, the shortand long-term goals of the partnership, which put more emphasis on economic development, was also updated. Gilbert’s current board comprises Suzanne Lunt, president; Rich Vandermolen, vice president; Greg Tilque, secretary; Jim Gentrup, treasurer and 11 directors. Gilbert Town Council member Brigette Peterson is honorary chair. “We’re really interested in trying to expand the understanding of the Sister Cities program and get a little more
support,” said Joan Krueger, one of the directors. Vandermolen, who is to oversee economic development after Tilque relinquished the role, said that the organization plans to “put a greater emphasis on developing economic ties. “Up until recently, we spent more effort doing the student exchange, which is a critical component, because the youth of today are gong to be the leaders of tomorrow. Exposing them to other cultures at this stage in life is, in my opinion, huge,” he said. “Being a business person in the community, I see enormous amount of opportunity for us to take our existing city alliances and look for opportunities to share with each other economically, not just in tourism.” Vandermolen, who has an international corporate background and sold a part ownership of a payroll company recently, is helping his wife, Felicia, manage the Arizona territory of a Sub Zero Ice Cream franchise. “Already, through our relationship with Sister Cities, our colleagues in Leshan and Antrim and Newtownabbey are interested in having a store there as well,” Vandermolen said. The couple found that the populations
The Valley’s
NICE GUY Plumbing Company! CureAllPlumbing.com
480.895.5858 Leaks Drains Faucets Disposals Gas Lines Sprinklers Water Heaters Water Softeners
License # 204797
Make The Call To CURE ALL!
Sewers Repipes Reroutes Backflow Hydrojetting Water Purifiers Ice-Maker Lines Tub And Showers ALL Plumbing needs! FREE Estimates! Flat-Rate Pricing! Same Day Service! Residential-Commercial
(Photo special to GSN)
Mayor John Scott of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Greg Tilque, former president and current secretary of Gilbert Sister Cities and Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels during the signing of the new partnership agreement between Antrim and Newtownabbey and Gilbert.
living in these countries’ outlying areas don’t have access to easy refrigeration. “Our ice cream isn’t made until you order it, which is something the people were very interested in. Our friends in Northern Island, we’ve been in talks with them about getting a store open there,” he said. Leshan, China has a large semiconductor manufacturing facility, for which
the research and development is being done in Phoenix. Rigid Light, a company in Gilbert, ships its light equipment to the United Kingdom. And two years ago, when the local Sister City officials were in Leshan, they initiated a relationship between a hospital system there and Dignity Health, to exchange best practices. see
SISTER CITIES page 12
Student ambassadors Gilbert Sister Cities has selected Lauren Smith and Nathan Greenlee, both from Camp Verde High School, to visit Leshan, China for its high school student exchange program this year. Elizabeth Curtis of Campo Verde High School is the alternate. Bryson Jones of Mesquite High School and Adison McIntosh from Campo Verde High School will visit Antrim and Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland. Maddie Law of Highland High School is the alternate. (Photo special to GSN) The students will visit their respective The 2017 youth ambassadors selected by Gilbert cities for about three weeks in the summer. Sister Cities are (from left): Bryson Jones, AdiThe program offers juniors in high school son McIntosh, Lauren Smith and Nathan Greenwho reside in Gilbert or are a student in a lee. Bryson and Adison are going to Antrim and Gilbert or Higley school, an opportunity to Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, and Lauren and develop an understanding of different coun- Nathan are going to Leshan, China. tries, their cultures and people. Delegates are chosen by a committee Lunt, herself was a delegate on Tempe’s Sister through a selection process, which includes Cities student exchange program and went to group interviews, a series of individual interviews Skopje, Macedonia in 1982. and informal gatherings with both the students During the students’ stay, they will have a and their parents. chance to closely experience a new culture and “We try to bring the world closer together perhaps make lifelong friends by living with the one friendship at a time, and I think it’s an imporfamily of their exchange “brother or sister.” tant thing to do in today’s world,” said Suzanne The home-hosted experience makes it posLunt, president, who has been involved in student sible for the delegates to learn about their host selection for the organization for 18 years. “It’s to cultures and customs in ways not available to a promote understanding and tolerance and focuscasual visitor. ing on how we’re all more alike than different.” “I loved it, and that’s the reason I’m involved This year, the program is also administered today, because I felt what a great opportunity with help from Christopher Stroud, principal of that was for my life, and I wanted to share that Gilbert High, Melinda Murphy, principal of Highopportunity with others,” Lunt said. land High, and Deane Daniels.
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Shivani Dallas
Mary Markou
11
12
Community
June 2017
SISTER CITIES from page 10 “We’ve discovered there are a lot of companies based in the East Valley that could benefit from engaging with us on our Sister City communities,” Vandermolen said. However, it is an exchange. More recently, after the agreement was signed, Antrim and Newtownabbey sent two of their department directors to Gilbert to do a best practices assessment. The Irish city also paid to send Linda Edwards, Gilbert’s Planning Manager, to Antri and Newtownabbey for a week to work with its staff on some of the planning tools she uses, which are useful as the city continues to grow, Tilque said. Vandermolen likens economic development to building a franchise. “You’ve got to show people what you’re doing and show them how it works. And it slowly builds momentum until it picks up some steam and then it moves right along,” he said.
Vandermolen also sits on the board of Phoenix-based Arizona Sister Cities, as well as Gilbert Leadership, Gilbert Public Policies Committee and Army Aviation Heritage Foundation. Felicia sits on the Dignity Health Foundation. “By being part of organization and boards, you foster relationships and find opportunities to expand,” he said. Sitting on the board of Arizona Sister Cities, which has access to the state’s economic development groups, is also helpful to eliminate duplicating efforts, the businessman said. “They’ve already got databases of companies that are doing business; we’ll reach out to them and see how and what they’re doing. It’s a best practices approach. If we can find out what others are doing, we can help share that knowledge to somebody who may not be as familiar with it and open up those opportunities and doors,” Vandermolen said.
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Town attorney, town prosecutor out of Gilbert BY SRIANTHI PERERA
The Gilbert Town Council has decided not to renew the employment contract of Town Attorney Michael Hamblin. Hamblin was hired in June 2013 and drew a salary of just over $200,000. He declined to comment. Town Prosecutor Cathy Bohland, who was hired in February last year, has also left the city, resigning on May 17. Bohland drew a salary of just over $127,000. The State Bar of Arizona doesn’t have any records of past discipline against either Hamblin or Bohland, and a spokeswoman confirmed that there are no current investigations. “As a council, we decided to go a little different direction,” said Mayor Jenn Daniels, who declined to elaborate on the personnel issue. Gilbert Town Council hires the town manager, town attorney, town clerk and presiding judge, and also conducts annual reviews of them. Daniels said that the two
moves were unrelated. “Any conclusions that you might be drawing from the town attorney and the prosecutor being linked together would be speculation. That is not the case,” she said. “A nationwide search for a town attorney will be conducted in the coming months. It is also anticipated that the town will soon begin recruiting for a town prosecutor to fill a current vacancy in the office,” wrote Jennifer Alvarez, a spokeswoman from the town communications office, in an email. Following the departures, Town Council discussed the appointment of an interim town attorney during an executive session. Hamblin, a Gilbert resident, was hired from the City of Phoenix, where he worked for 27 years. He served as assistant chief counsel and managed five attorneys during the latter part of his job in that city. The University of Arizona graduate was admitted to the
Michael Hamblin
State Bar in 1986. He was hired in Gilbert as its first in-house attorney after the town contracted with a private firm for its legal needs for years. Hamblin developed an internal legal team for Gilbert and received a 10 percent pay increase in 2014 for exceeding expectations during his performance review.
... e h t n i o J
Membership has its Rewards!
Savanna House Diamond Club!
Special Discounts • $500 off the monthly fee for up to 6 months • Rates frozen for members through 2018 (Total savings of up to $8,000.)
For a limited time, the first residents to join our Savanna House assisted living and memory care community will be eligible for valuable discounts!*
Extra Membership Privileges • Complimentary upgrades, VIP gatherings and more! Savanna House features private residences along with respectful assistance with daily living and specialized memory care for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
call (480) 418-4409 to schedule a visit SavannaHouseSeniorLiving.com 1415 North San Benito Drive | Gilbert, AZ 85234
*Limited-time offer and restrictions apply; contact Savanna House for full details. 4/17
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
ons? Plant Questi OW SH LISTEN TO OUR FY K KFYI & I2 550 AM 1230 AM am Saturdays 7-9
ARIZONA’S LARGEST GROWER DIRECT
NURSERY FOR FOUR GENERATIONS!
You’ll See The Difference As Soon As You Arrive!
MEMORIAL WEEKEND SALE!
Now’s The Time to Plant & We’ll Do the Diggin’
HUGE GIANT
24” BOX TREES
Mesquite • Oak • Pistachio Ash • Elm • Acacia
$
Compare at 3 for $1399
Mesquite • Thornless Mesquite Palo Verde • Acacia • Palobrea • Ironwood Sissoo • Oak • Ash • Elms & more
PLANTED & GUARANTEED
$
Reg. $19.95
All Colors • With Ad Only
SHADE TREES
1250
$
• Palo Verde • Pistachio • Pines
UP TO 25’ TALL From Planted & Guaranteed • Compare at $2500
Compare at $1000
CITRUS TREES
PLANTED & GUARANTEED
ORCHARD HUGE SPECIAL 24” Box Three 5-6 $ Year Old Trees CASH & CARRY GIANT $ • Lemon • Lime 36” Box • Tangerine • Tangelo • Oranges $ • Grapefruit and more!
BIG 5-6 Year Old • Many With Fruit! Includes Dwarf Trees:
Field Grown - 1000’s Available
25
95
Monster 48” Box Trees • Ash 1000’s to Choose From •• Elm Mesquite
FROM
Mexican Fan Palm
$
14
$
36”UPBOX TREES TO 15’ TALL
PALMS
PER TRUNK FT.
• Best Plants In Town • Friendly, Knowledgeable Nurserymen • No Commissioned High-Pressure Sales People • Best Price In Town On Quality Trees!
Hot Deals! BIG 5 GAL. HIBISCUS
299 599
PLANTED & GUARANTEED
YOUR CHOICE
13
Lemon • Lime Grapefruit • Oranges
10 Ft. Trunk Height
Sizes 5-50 Trunk Height
*Photo shown is a Mexican Fan Palm with 10 ft. trunk at $250.
Regular Price
119
$
99
$
95
15 GAL.
349
299
599
WORTH THE DRIVE FROM ANYWHERE! VALLEYWIDE DELIVERY JUST $75! MAIN TREE FARM • 602-268-9096
EAST VALLEY • 480-892-2712
2647 E. Southern Ave. (Phx)
Cooper (Stapley) & Guadalupe
All offers limited to stock on hand. • No other discounts apply. • Not valid on previous sales. Multi trunk, jumbo size, and field dug trees slightly higher. STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-5:30, SUN 10-4 • LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED • RESIDENTIAL - C-21 - 125878 • COMMERCIAL - A-21 - 125879
SALE ENDS 6/14/17
Price is good with ad only.
14
Community
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Gilbert social services entity changes name to Azcend BY SRIANTHI PERERA
The Chandler Christian Community Center, which has been offering social services to Gilbert residents for many years, changed its name recently to better reflect its mission. Azcend is its new name. “We have changed our name, but our mission and services remain the same. We change lives by nourishing minds and bodies to create a connected, thriving community. This is an exciting new chapter in the life of this longstanding organization,” said Trinity Donovan, CEO, moments before unveiling the new logo on a wall in the organization’s home in Downtown Chandler. A ribbon cutting to announce the new name was also held at the Gilbert Senior Center, which is the local venue for operations. It was spearheaded by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. “For decades, they have served our residents, their children and our seniors with opportunities and assistance in a manner that encompasses Gilbert’s core values of dignity and respect, creating a true sense of community,” said Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels. Gilbert Vice Mayor Victor Petersen, who attended the unveiling in Chandler,
(Photo Special to GSN)
Many seniors who regularly attend the Gilbert Senior Center were present during the name announcement.
said: “We’re excited to celebrate this new chapter with you. “We want to commend them for their efforts to work with their clients to get them back on their feet and to
get them on that path to self-sufficiency. Also, they provide a place for some of them to return and help others as they’ve been helped,” he added. The nonprofit organization estab-
lished in Chandler 50 years ago focuses on Chandler and Gilbert plus other surrounding communities, officials said. see
AZCEND page 16
Refacing Kitchens at its Finest! 3 day install on most jobs, done!
YOU Choose New… Door Style Color Species of Real Wood Crown and Trim Moldings Slow Close Hardware
“We care about every kitchen like it was our own” Owner-Dan Oldejans
LLC.
Licensed. Bonded. Insured
5 Star Rated-
ROC# 273762
“A” Rated -
*GSN
480.429.7615 www.betterthannewkitchens.com
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Door OPEN. Door CLOSE.
June 2017
Guaranteed. CALL TODAY!
480.635.8114 Free Phone Quotes! We Can Fix Anything!
FREE Service Call (with repair)
65 Value!
$
21-Point Safety Inspection
With coupon only. May not be combined with other offers. Exp: July 31, 2017
ArizonaGarageDoors.com ROC# 173822
75 OFF
$
A Pair of Springs
Broken Spring REPAIR!
With coupon only. May not be combined with other offers. Exp: July 31, 2017
Garage Door Opener
269
$
.95
+LABOR
15
16
Community
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Family Funeral - Comfort From Trust When you lose a loved one, it is one of those times in life when you can feel lost, or adrift–not sure of which way to turn and how to make it through. You need to know that there’s someone there that you can trust, someone who feels like family. A funeral director who cares can make a huge difference in your comfort level, and allow you to the safety of knowing that your best interests are being considered. This is the benefit of choosing Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery for your final arrangements and those of your loved ones. Family Owned and Operated Mountain View Funeral Home understands the concept of family: since 1951, the Coury family have been operating the family funeral home under the guiding philosophy of being of service to members of the community in their time of need. Now managed by the Second and third generation of Coury’s, Mountain View Funeral Home is a Mesa, AZ tradition with professionally trained and licensed staff members all with the stated goal of ensuring your loved one receives the dignified memorial service that they deserve. Community Education A family funeral home takes services a step further by offering education before a loss as well as caring and compassion during a period of mourning. Funeral directors and their team will help you understand the meaning of different parts of the memorial
service, the differences between cremation and interment, and provide you with a wealth of additional options including beautiful touches such as a release of white doves after the service.
AZCEND from page 14 (Photo special to GSN)
Your Personal Concierge When a loved one passes from the mortal coil, you can feel overwhelmed with details, so another benefit that family funeral homes can offer is access to a concierge to help with everything from florists, hotels, restaurants and even car services. Our professional staff is available to assist with any special needs six days per week. Finding the right fit for a funeral home is important; you want to know that not only is your loved one being treated with dignity, but that you and your family will feel comfortable and supported in your decisions during this time. Selecting Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery is one way to ensure that you are using a family funeral home who will go above and beyond your expectations.
Gilbert Chamber President Kathy Tilque speaks during Azcend’s unveiling. Looking on are Eric Reber, owner of SpeedPro Imaging, Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels, Azcend CEO Trinity Donovan and Ed Hash, owner of V’s Barbershop.
Last year, its food bank distributed more than 17,000 boxes of food that fed more than 58,000 people in the two municipalities. Its Community Action Program, which aids in rent and utility assistance, provided just under a million dollars in support. Its Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging program, I-Help, does more than provide a warm bed and a meal to the homeless – it provides case management services to help people get jobs and into homes. Chandler and Gilbert senior centers provided more than 70,000 meals last year, including the home-delivered meals program. The new branding took about nine months to accomplish. The process began with a survey
of staff, volunteers, clients, donors, sponsors, organizations and churches to gauge what Chandler Christian Community Center meant to them and how a potential rebranding might affect their relationship with the organization. The results of the survey clearly indicated that the donors and volunteers would not feel differently about the organization with a new name and brand. The name Azcend represents the deep roots in the Arizona communities as well as the goal of transforming and improving the lives of those in need. The name “Azcend” also embraces the five core values of integrity, compassion, hope, excellence and respect, staffers said.
Mention this ad to get $200 Discount
We believe our work is a “mission of service” and it’s a privilege to help a family during the most difficult time in their life. FUNERAL SERVICES • CEMETERY • CREMATION
480-832-2850 | www.mvfuneralhome.com On Main St. Just East of Sossamon Rd.
Play at the preserve Aubrey Stradling, 3, was spotted playing in the sandpit at the Riparian Preserve at Water Park in Gilbert recently. See page 22 for a story of how the town of Gilbert accidentally created its first riparian preserve at Neely Ranch and followed it with two more.
(Photo by Kimberly
Carrillo)
Community
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
Gilbert nurse recognized by Phoenix Children’s Hospital for excellence BY LEAH GILCHRIST
Phoenix Children’s Hospital nurse and Gilbert resident Jessica Smith, an Aerodigestive Program coordinator, was awarded the Advanced Practice Nurse Award. The program offers coordinated care between specializations in ear, nose and throat, gastrointestinal and pulmonology. The hospital celebrated National Nurses Week with a full calendar of events for its nursing staff. The events seek to recognize the instrumental value of the 1,470 nurses who work there. Nurses and staff who demonstrate excellence in practice were given Nursing Excellence awards. “I was very grateful I was nominated, but I wasn’t expecting to win.” Smith said. She added that the award was made possible because of her supporters, including her medical assistant, Annette Martinez.
“It does make me feel the care coordination is valued with the patients and families, and it does definitely make me feel that what I’m doing is appreciated.” The Advanced Practice Nurse Award honors nurses who demonstrate excellence in a number of areas, including clinical practice, leadership, and mentoring and educating staff, community, patients and families. It is one of five awards Phoenix Children’s Hospital gives to recognize its nurses. Smith was nominated for the award by a group of her colleagues at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Smith has been with the hospital for two years, following five years of work in the children’s intensive care unit at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Law allows breaking into cars to rescue kids, pets BY HOWARD FISCHER CAPITOL MEDIA SERVICES
Ignoring a claim the measure is “horribly crafted,’’ the Arizona House voted 35-20 recently to give license to people to break into cars to rescue children and pets. HB 2494 would provide immunity from being sued for damage caused by someone who has a “good faith belief’’ the child or animal “is in imminent danger of suffering physical injury or death’’ unless removed from the vehicle. Rep. Kristen Engel, D-Tucson, said this isn’t a license for people to start smashing windows. To qualify for that immunity, a would-be rescuer must notify a police officer, medical services provider or, as appropriate, an animal control officer. And after breaking out the window, the person has to remain on the site. But Rep. Eddie Farnsworth, R-Gilbert, chided colleagues for approving what he sees as feel-good legislation that has the potential to do more harm than good. Farnsworth said existing laws pro-
tect those who act to preserve human life. That, he said, makes this legislation unnecessary. Worse yet, he said, is putting the rescue of pets on the same level as rescue of children. “This is raising animals to the level of rights of humans,’’ he said, saying the measure is “probably on the level of legislative malpractice.’’ That got the attention of some rural lawmakers like Rep. David Cook, R-Globe, who is a rancher, even though the legislation is specifically limited to dogs, cats and any other animal “that is domesticated and kept as a household pet.’’ The bill, which already has been approved by the Senate, now goes to Gov. Doug Ducey who is expected to sign it. “If there’s one headline we all dread reading every year, it’s the one about the latest child, left in a hot car, dying of heat stroke,’’ he said, during his State of the State speech in January. “In just minutes, temperatures escalate, and a tragedy occurs.’’
She works with four subspecialists: pulmonology, speech, gastrointestinal, and ear, nose and throat. The Aerodigestive Clinic at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the only hospital in the Southwest to offer the coordinated care, specializes in Jessica Smith, a nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, family-based care for children received the Advanced Practice Nurse Award recently. with respiratory and digestive complications. “It does make me feel the care coSmith has facilitated and ordination is valued with the patients improved several of the patientand families,” Smith said, “And it does flow processes in a clinic that treats definitely make me feel that what I’m a medically and surgically complex doing is appreciated.” population.
17
18
June 2017
Gilbert Briefs Lindsay Road/202 interchange Gilbert residents and businesses are invited to learn more and discuss the Lindsay Road and 202 Santan Freeway traffic interchange recommendations at an open house 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 14 at the Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Road. Gilbert, in partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration, has developed a Design Concept Report to assess and define the nature of the proposed improvements. The report, including interchange recommendations, will be presented and discussed at the open house. Community input will be accepted at the meeting, via the website connectinggilbert.com or project hotline 480-898-4100 until July 14.
Advocating economic development The Arizona Association for Economic Development announced its officers for 2017. Among them are Nicole Snyder, director of marketing for Devenney Group, of Gilbert, vice president and Jennifer Graves, deputy director, economic development, Gilbert, Arizona Office of Economic Development, immediate past president.
CLOPAY 2-CAR GARAGE DOOR
$697.00 INSTALLED
- 16’ X 7’, T50 SERIES W/ PLAIN GLASS TOP - INCLUDES REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL
LIFTMASTER 8165 OPENER
$289.00 INSTALLED
Community Founded in 1974, the organization has a Board members sought mission to serve as Arizona’s unified voice advocating for responsible economic development through an effective program of professional education, public policy and collaboration. Details: aaed.com.
Award for administrator
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Kindness campaign
The Gilbert Education Foundation is looking for board members. The organization, as the lead fund development partner of Gilbert Public Schools, supports students and educators by providing student scholarships, classroom grants and innovative programs. To request an application, write to info@ gefaz.org or call 480-239-5117.
Cori Garcia, economic development administrator for the Gilbert Office of Economic Development, is the recipient of the Arizona Association for Economic Development’s annual Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Award for New Member of the Year. Seven other members, drawn from communities across Arizona, were similarly lauded. The prestigious awards honor individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the advancement of the organization and also to the economic growth within Arizona. Recipients are selected from a pool of nominations made by members of the organization. Garcia was recognized for her active role within the organization and for supporting its organizational pillars of education, advocacy and collaboration. Specifically, she was lauded for her work as the Public Relations Committee’s newsletter chair in which she has refreshed the layout and improved the content and overall quality of the monthly publication.
Recognition for economic development
Details: aaed.com.
Details: iedconline.org.
The International Economic Development Council announced that the Gilbert Office of Economic Development has once again been recognized as one of 57 economic development organizations accredited by the council as an Accredited Economic Development Organization. Originally accredited in 2013, Gilbert was reaccredited by the council following four years of activity, productivity and operational excellence. The program is a comprehensive peer-review process that measures economic development organizations against international standards in the profession. The accreditation consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, operations, funding, program offerings and staff of the economic development organization seeking accreditation.
CONTROL YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPENER WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE!
The Town of Gilbert is launching a new community-wide campaign called “Gilbert Kindness.” This new initiative is focused on celebrating all the thoughtful things citizens are already doing for each other, while also encouraging the community to go out and do something kind for a friend, family member, neighbor, coworker or even someone they have never met before. Use #GilbertKindness on social media to share random act of kindness stories, photos, videos, or even favorite quotes. Or visit gilbertaz.gov/kindness. Your submission could be featured on Gilbert’s social media channels.
Playful city National nonprofit KaBOOM! has given Gilbert a 2017 Playful City USA designation for the 11th year in a row. Playful City USA honors cities and towns across the country for putting the needs of families first so kids can learn, grow and develop important life skills. These communities are transforming ordinary places into playful spaces and using play as a solution to the challenges facing their residents. The 2017 recognition includes 258 communities from Richmond, Virginia to Richmond, California that make it as easy as possible for kids to play. In total, these communities feature more than 14,000 safe and engaging play spaces that serve more than four million kids.
ONLY
- ½ HP MOTOR, CHAIN DRIVE - INCLUDES 2 REMOTES
LIFTMASTER 8355W OPENER
$360.00 INSTALLED
- OPEN OR CLOSE USING YOUR SMART PHONE - INCLUDES 2 REMOTES & KEYLESS ENTRY
GARAGE DOOR TUNE-UP
mention this ad to receive our specials!
$49.00
- LUBE SPRINGS, ROLLERS & HINGES - CHECK SPRINGS AND DOOR BALANCE
Openers are 7’ Rail Only. $20 for 8’. Tax Not Included. Limited-Time Only.
CALL 480.405.3570
VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT: 941 W 23RD ST. TEMPE, AZ 85282 ROC# 116382 B & #119480 B-2
KAISERGARAGE.COM
Community
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
A 911 call taker outlines an unusual job
19
STORY AND PHOTO BY COLLEEN SPARKS
At night when many people are at home unwinding after work, Spencer Jaeckel of Chandler is on high alert, responding to 911 calls made to the Gilbert Police Department. Jaeckel, 27, is a 911 call taker, meaning he answers calls from residents about domestic violence, burglaries, assaults and other potentially life-threatening crimes. He also handles calls about less-urgent issues, including illegally parked vehicles, traffic accidents and even cats stuck in trees. As part of the police department’s communications division of almost 30 people, housed on East Civic Center Drive, he answers 911 emergency calls and non-emergency calls on the department’s business line. Jaeckel’s mission is to find out the nature and location of emergencies within the first 30 seconds of talking to the caller during 911 calls. When answering the business line, he answers calls that are not emergencies, including tjose from officers asking to get transferred to the detention center or seeking help tracking down information. Jaeckel, who’s worked as a 911 call taker at Gilbert Police Department for three years, enjoys trying to help people with a variety of needs on the phone. He got his start as a 911 call taker working for the North East King County Regional Public Safety Communication Agency (NORCOM) for about 2½ years. “No day is the same,” Jaeckel said. “You never know what could come in. It can go from busy to calm. It’s like predicting weather.” He said he might answer about 100 calls in a shift. Jaeckel usually works from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday but he’s also worked overnight, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. “I kind of like nights,” he said. “I’m
nocturnal-ish.” Coffee and his enthusiasm for the job keep him fueled as he calmly asks questions, selecting from one of about 200 different categories of calls. He also inputs names, addresses and important details about incidents into a computer system. On a computer screen, Jaeckel navigates a map, pinpointing, as closely as he can, the location of the incident. The information on incidents goes to police officers’ laptop computers in their vehicles. But a dispatcher looks at what Jaeckel has inputted and contacts the officers to tell them where to respond. During one recent night shift, Jaeckel calmly got information from a teenager claiming to be running away from a family member because he felt his life was in danger. Jaeckel asked how the teen felt threatened and whether the family member had a weapon. He found out where the teen was located and where the family member was when the incident started. As Jaeckel gathered information, officers went to the home where the family member had been and to find the teen, who claimed he had found a safe place outside and evded the family member. Jaeckel also talked to a woman who heard noises on her back door and was afraid someone was trying to break in. He told her to lock herself and her children in an upstairs room while they waited for police to arrive. The noise ended up being a neighbor, knocking on her door. No one was attempting to break into her home. Also on a recent night, Jaeckel talked to a woman who claimed an adult family member had attacked her. He asked her for her name, her address and the name of the attacker, and he reassured her police were on their way to the home. Jaeckel also took calls that same night about a suspicious person in a park, a pos-
NOW OP EN IN GILBE RT! Fun for Kids. Stress-Free for Parents Walk-Ins Welcome We Have Movies!
WINTER SPECIAL SUMMER SALE!
$2 OFF 4 OFF
$
Any Child’s Haircut Reg. $14.95 LIMITED TIME OFFER
Good for up to 4 children’s haicuts at the same time. May not be combined with any other offer. Exp. 6/30/2017 5/31/17
1275 E Baseline Rd., Suite 111, Gilbert, AZ 85233 call (480) 433-0770 or book online at www.haircutsarefun.com
Spencer Jaeckel likens his job as a 911 call taker to predicting the vagaries of the weather.
sible domestic violence incident overheard by a neighbor and a possible drug deal. “The first thing I ask for is (an) address,” he said. “Some people will call and tell a story. “We’re trained to interrupt and get an address,” Jaeckel said. “Once people get in emergency mode and call, sometimes they forget their own address.” Fortunately for panicked callers, 911 call takers can often track their location, even if they call from a cell phone. If a crime is in progress, it’s important to get a description of the suspect and the direction they’re heading. Sometimes Jaeckel will ask people whether they hear breaking glass or footsteps in their home and if they have had
any problems with neighbors or former lovers. While Jaeckel said callers often are understandably scared, he tries to stay calm to help them calm down. “We reassure them we’re coming,” he said. “I’ll say that multiple times.” Jaeckel said sometimes people will complain police are not arriving quickly enough to handle their incidents. “I usually tell them, ‘All calls are important, but sometimes we have more calls than officers,’” he said. “It’s life before property.” Gilbert Police Department’s goal is to respond to priority-level zero calls, which are serious crimes in progress, within 5½ see
911 CALL TAKER page 20
ARIZONA MORTGAGE SPECIALISTS, INC. ALEXA DEDRICK Sr. Loan Officer NMLS #580685
P. 480-235-1496 Email: alexa@azms.net
I am committed to helping you find the right mortgage product for your needs. I understand that every borrower is different, and Arizona Mortgage Specialists offers a variety of products to meet your individual requirements.
8747 S. Priest Drive, Suite 101, Tempe, AZ 85284 NMLS #175156 • BK# 911294
20
Community
June 2017
911 CALL TAKER from page 19
A-1 Golf Carts
SUN LAKES, AZ
CHECK OUT THE NEW 2017 E-Z-GO’s! ASK ABOUT THE NEW E-Z-GO ‘LITHIUM’ POWERED CART
2017 E-Z-GO LX
2017 E-Z-GO RXV
minutes. But on average in fiscal year 2015-16 officers responded to such calls in four minutes and 11 seconds, according to the police department’s 2016 Annual Report. For priority-level three calls, which are low-priority calls where there’s no concern about a loss of life, the police department’s goal was to respond to these issues within 45 minutes. But Gilbert Police on average reacted to priority-level three calls in 27 minutes and 18 seconds, the report said. Jaeckel said the most stressful incident he’s encountered while working as a 911 call taker was a huge fire at an apartment complex under construction last April that involved about 100 firefighters. Police had to shut down Warner Road between Lindsay and Gilbert roads and the fire spread to an L.A. Fitness across the street, as well as an occupied apartment complex. “We got a lot of calls,” Jaeckel said.
www.GilbertSunNews.com “People could see the smoke miles and miles away. “You could feel the heat.” Gilbert Police Department dispatcher Lee Youngs said even when things get intense on the job, Jaeckel keeps his cool and makes callers feel comfortable. “Spencer’s awesome,” Youngs said. “He’s really good with callers. He gets through to them.” Youngs said their jobs require a lot of focus for long periods of time. “You’re always super-concentrated,” she said. “In some ways, Spencer’s job is harder than what I do because the phones are constantly nonstop.” Jaeckel said his first year as a 911 call taker he was “pretty nervous.” Now if he gets stressed, he will take a 15-minute break and walk around. Outside of work he likes to ride ATVs, work out, read books and watch Netflix. He hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in public policy and public service or emergency response and operations at Arizona State University.
Summer music theater camp offered by Gilbert teacher BY COLLEEN SPARKS
2017 E-Z-GO L6
0% FINANCING AVAILABLE *
When you purchase a NEW E-Z-GO!
Finance offers only available at participating E-Z-GO dealers. Approval, rates, applicable fees, and terms provided are based on credit worthiness. Offers only available in 50 U.S. states and District Columbia. Financing offers void where prohibited. Finance terms are also available for pre-owned E-Z-GO products. Please see your local E-Z-GO Authorized Dealer for details.
480.895.2000
25820 S. Arizona Ave. • Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 www.A-1GolfCarts.com
Budding young actors can learn how to express themselves in front of an audience at a summer camp being led by a Gilbert woman. Any students going into second through 12th grades or those who have just finished their senior year of high school can participate in the Summer Music Theater Camp at Seton Catholic Preparatory, 1150 N. Dobson Road in Chandler. They will learn to act, dance and sing and no experience is necessary. The first session, for students going into grades second through seventh, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon June 5 – 16. Students who will start grades seventh through 12th, or who just finished 12th grade, can participate in the second session, from noon to 3 p.m. June 19-30. “What I love about it is it can kind of reach all levels of kids,” said camp director Elizabeth Sobczyk of Gilbert. “If they’ve done it for years and they’re super confident, it’s great for them, but also for the ones that are a little bit more nervous, it’s a fun thing.” Students must audition prior to camp starting, but that’s only for placement within the camps. All students who audition will be allowed to take part in the program. Auditions for the group going into second through seventh grades is from 9 to 10 a.m. June 3, and the older youths must audition from 9 to 10 a.m. June 17.
All campers will perform in shows at the end of their session. The younger group will hit the stage at 6:30 p.m. June 16 and the older students will perform at 6:30 pm. June 30. “We’ll do musicals or songs from musicals,” said Sobczyk. “They learn how to present themselves with confidence, how to stand. It’s hard to get on stage and perform but they learn to do it because it’s fun and so it becomes easier when maybe the situation is a little more scary and not so fun.” The songs will be child-friendly, from Broadway shows or musicals elsewhere and movies, she said. Sobczyk has a bachelor’s degree in theater education from Grand Canyon University and has performed at Mesa Encore Theater. Her team of directors, who will be helping her teach the students, are education or performance majors in college, as well as professional teachers. “I always think everybody should have at least a little taste of performance no matter what field they go into,” Sobczyk said. “You have to kind of just put yourself out there and not be afraid to make mistakes. Sometimes mistakes end up being great.” Details at setoncatholic.org/fine-arts/ summer-camp.
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
21
Sherri L. Monteith MANAGING BROKER
275 E Rivulon Blvd. #409 Gilbert
480.750.7424
Now open in the southeast valley with new managing broker, Sherri L. Monteith.
Special Incentives and Pricing on Quick Delivery Homes ends June 30, 2017* Tour Move-In Ready Homes and Take Advantage of the Best Possible Pricing During This Event Only!
Visit TollBrothers.com/AZQuick today for more information & detailed directions. Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–5:30 pm, and Monday 12 noon–5:30 pm. Brokers welcome. Homes available nationwide. Prices subject to change without notice. Photos are images only and should not be relied upon to confirm applicable features. *Offer, if any, is valid for new buyers who purchase a quick delivery home in a participating community in Arizona and deposit by 6/30/2017, sign an agreement of sale, and close on the home. Offers, incentives, and seller contributions, if any, vary by community and are subject to certain terms, conditions, and restrictions, including but not limited to the availability of home sites. Toll Brothers reserves the right to change or withdraw any offer at any time. Not valid with any other offer. See sales representative for details. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. Listing Broker Toll Brothers Real Estate, Inc.
22
June 2017
Neighbors
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Gilbert’s three riparian preserves provide an urban escape to nature STORY AND PHOTOS BY BJ ALDERMAN
Early spring in the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch in Gilbert, the air felt warm, despite the sun intermittently hiding behind puffy clouds. My companion and I sat quietly on a bench overlooking a few feet of gently sloping bank covered in bushes and trees. From one side of our bench emerged a rabbit, while on the other, we could make out the glossy, sleek fur of a shy muskrat that skittered away as my companion gestured slightly. This is the second of three riparian preserves established by the town. The history of these wildlife magnets is unexpected, colorful and not without problems that, fortunately, have found solutions.
Neely Ranch, the “accidental” riparian preserve
Town Councilman Scott Anderson sat at a picnic table gazing across a shallow Water Ranch pond encircled with mud flats fringed by lush vegetation coming into leaf. Hundreds of foraging shorebirds strolled in the shallows or drilled beaks into the mud. Anderson reminisced that “the schoolchildren who came here on field trips were always grossed out when I told them that the water in the pond came from their toilets.” Anderson served as Gilbert’s planning director in the late 1980s, when Gilbert’s population was beginning to swell at about 20,000, and was still a far cry from today’s 250,000. In 1988, residents voted to create recharge ponds that would filter treated wastewater through desert sands to replenish the water table below. Despite initial higher costs, they decided to reject the “dry well/direct injection” system of recharge. Thus, a series of recharge ponds were created at Neely Ranch, off Cooper and Elliot roads, and the 72-acre site opened in 1990. The Western Canal Trail runs along the north side of the 11 Neely Ranch ponds. They filled and emptied within a few days, but a significant amount of treated water
was always present. Birders using the trail noticed an unusual collection of avian visitors gathering at the ponds. Anderson’s phone began to ring off the hook with callers asking him if he knew what he had out there. He confessed that he didn’t know, but the excited birders offered him a thorough education. The Desert Rivers Audubon Society has counted 100 bird species at Neely ponds, many of them winter visitors that had not been sighted in the area. Migrant species rare to the low desert discovered water and reasonable safety, so began to call Gilbert a much-needed stopover. In 1994, Anderson pitched to the town the idea of creating a riparian preserve at Neely Ponds. When approval came, he applied for and received a $100,000 grant from the Arizona Heritage Fund. With the funds and the efforts of a hundred volunteers, trees and bushes were planted around the ponds’ perimeters. Scouts, Audubon members, independent birders, town staff, Rotarians and others created what became a “huge success,” according to him. Educational signs were installed at the enhanced site and a viewing station was built at the highest point. Because the water in the Neely ponds has been designated by the state as “secondary treated waster,” the ponds are fenced to keep people away. The early fears of the Audubon Society that the quality of the water might ultimately harm the birds vanished in a short time. With the opening of the Neely Ranch Riparian Sanctuary, the town suddenly found itself receiving state, regional and national accolades. Anderson and Wastewater Director Mark Horn found themselves playing host to planning engineers from countries such as Australia, China, Germany, Ireland and India, who toured the site to see if it could be replicated. The town installed an array of solar panels along Cooper Road, plus several in the ponds themselves to generate 40 percent of the electricity to run the wastewater treat-
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch is home to turtles, rabbits, snakes, muskrats and other creatures, in addition to nearly 200 species of birds.
Neely Ranch pond filling. At least 100 species of birds visit the ponds at Neely Ranch Riparian Sanctuary, according to the Desert Rivers Audubon Society.
ment facilities. Panels in the ponds stand six feet above the water and help cut down on water evaporation, Horn said. All the riparian preserves are surrounded by test wells to closely monitor environmental quality. At the end of last century, it was discovered that industrial waste had been illegally dumped north of the ponds sometime during the 1970s. All Neely recharge operations were severely restricted until researchers at Gilbert’s Environmental Quality Department could determine whether chemical waste was being carried away in the recharge water percolating through the sand. From a daily discharge of 3 million gallons, the Wastewater Department had to reduce input to 800,000 gallons per day the first year. Periodic monitoring allowed the town to add 200,000 gallons more after each well-water test. Today, Neely recharges 1.2 million gallons per day. The ponds being used provide an oasis for the birds, insects, mammals and reptiles that inhabit this area for a few days or longer.
Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
In the late 1990s, residents embraced Anderson’s vision of a way to marry utility, nature, entertainment and education at a former cotton field east of Neely. Using what had been learned at the earlier site, the town created a 101-acre family-oriented park enhanced with a fishing lake, picnic armadas, a dinosaur dig, gardens, a public-use observatory and play areas at Greenfield and Guadalupe roads above seven large recharge ponds. This time, there were no chain-link fences between ponds and visitors. Instead there are benches and blinds. At Water Ranch, the recharge water has undergone a chlorination treatment for human protection. This meets the state’s Class A+ reclaimed water criteria, the highest available. Visitors are still encouraged to stay out of the water and dried ponds around which there are riding and walking paths. Because 85 percent of park users stay within 15 percent of the Water Ranch facility, lower pond paths are not only shady but perfect for critter watching, said Anderson, who
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Help preserve the preserves
Neighbors
On a recent visit, I asked a young man with a butterfly net what he was doing. He spoke about wanting to capture insects so he could look at them. I noticed the “kill jar” in his other hand: a lidded bottle containing gauze soaked in a chemical to kill insects. I told the man that capturing any critter at the preserve is forbidden. He replied that he didn’t know. The stated goal of those involved in the care and keeping of the three riparian preserves is “to keep wildlife wild, and ensure visitors opportunities to visit the space without impact to the wildlife.” Therefore, there are reminder signs at strategic locations that should be read and obeyed by all users. For rules, visit gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/riparianpreserve-at-water-ranch/about-us/rules-forpublic-use. I’ve picked through the regulations on the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch website to share because these rules are mostly ignored. On my very first visit to the preserve, I was shocked to see a horseback rider progress through a gate from the ponds to the playground full of little kids, obliviously riding past the sign requesting that no horses proceed beyond that gate. Concern for wildlife must be the highest priority of visitors if we are to keep enjoying the preserves. • Only semi-domestic ducks (mallards) may be fed at the Water Ranch Lake, and food is restricted to bird seed, cracked corn or whole grain cereal. Items such as popcorn, snack crackers and bread are harmful for
fowl to ingest. The bread causes ducks to have diarrhea, which pollutes the fishing lake as well. This is the rule most often unobserved, despite several signs posted on and around the boardwalk. • Keep horses strictly to marked trails and prevent their damage to vegetation. • Do not release domestic or wild animals onto the property. I watched a young couple rush toward a pond near the playground, each carrying a cardboard box or a plastic tub filled with water and a goldfish. I thought too long about whether I should say something and by the time I approached them, it was too late. The boxes were empty. The goldfish became a snack for some wild fish in the pond and I have no idea what was released from the box. • Do not harm or capture wildlife, including insects, on the property. • Be aware that retention basins (ponds) contain reclaimed water. Although disinfected, they are intended for wildlife only. Keep children, dogs and horses out of the retention basins, whether they are wet or dry. • Please nicely ask people not complying with the rules to stop. If they won’t, call the ranger (phone number is on the signage). • Do enjoy your time in the play area; run and dig and yell and be a kid or parent with kids. Please don’t litter, and clean up after a picnic. Do enjoy the ponds, but teach your children that being quiet means they will see more animals. Teach them to slow down so they can see the wildlife big and small. It is an education that will influence them for the rest of their lives.
served as director of the Riparian Institute until 2013. “People do get upset when they see a snake,” he said. The paths abound with photographers and birders with scopes and binoculars. Photography is the only approved method of capture of any creature in the preserve. Happily unforeseen were the tourist dollars generated by visitors to Gilbert who come just for the birds at Neely and Water Ranch. Anderson still marvels at the phone calls he’d get at the Riparian Institute after a rare bird sighting was recorded on the Desert Rivers Audubon hotline. “People from all over the world wanted me to tell them that the bird was still there; informed me they were flying in just to see it. It was amazing,” he said. Since the creation of Water Ranch 18 years ago, its bird species count has reached 300. Recent research on the effect of increasing temperatures in the world’s deserts, including our own, indicates that huge numbers of small birds are dying of dehydration. Gilbert’s three preserves provide acres of much-needed water and habitat cover in our little piece of the world. Ten years ago, the National Audubon Society designated Gilbert’s preserves as an “Important Bird Area” for shore birds, of all things. Apparently, when gales blow in from the Pacific Ocean and giant waves pound coastal
beaches, any self-respecting shore bird migrates to Gilbert for a winter in the Valley of the Sun.
June 2017
Third preserve in the making
Tentatively called Sonoqui Wash by Councilman Anderson, the South Recharge Site is surrounded by homes with a view of the San Tan Mountains. Not many people even know that this “riparian preserve in the making” exists. Located at Higley and Ocotillo roads, “the north half of the 140-acre site was developed by taking a minimalistic approach to the design that reflects our agricultural heritage,” Horn said. “We wanted to reflect a look back to the history of tree-lined agricultural canals; the four square basins represent fields.” The canal has been in operation for 10 years. According to Horn, there is a “soft schedule” to develop the other half of the site in a similar fashion in the next couple of years as population increases. Just as at Water Ranch, this recharge water is classified by the state as Class A+ reclaimed water that does not require fencing. Horn noted that after the other half of the project is developed, more vegetation will be planted at all of the ponds to provide additional critter cover and,
23
at that time, the Town Council will decide on a name for the completed riparian preserve. A stroll along the Sonoqui Wash canal invokes serenity, despite traffic on Higley Road. Perhaps it is the effect of negative ions from the gushing water at the head of the canal. Perhaps it is because the facility sits at the bottom of the wash that provides a psychological distance. An initial problem that The walkway over the fishing lake at Riparian Preserve at Water became apparent early on has Ranch encourages recreational activities in a peaceful setting. been solved. It was discovered that a thick layer of clay iminterest as ponds fill around the viewing peded the percolation of the station. recharge water from the South Recharge Park in the far lot at the fire/police Site. The Wastewater Department constation on Cooper Road and walk up the sulted with a hydrologist and a solution shady path. Explore the Riparian Preserve was found: every 70 feet in each pond, a in the making at Higley and Ocotillo roads 4-foot diameter dry well was bored to the after parking in the lot by the pumping stadepth of 50 feet, then filled with gravel, tion and taking a very short walk downhill. which allows the ponds to drain as they Bring a lawn chair, binoculars, water, and should. “That project ended six months find a shady spot to call your own. Each site ago and the recharge rates have increased provides a relaxing little getaway from the exponentially,” Horn said. urban blur of activity. Water Ranch is suitable to take out-ofMore than one visitor has blurted out: “I town guests for a walk, a picnic or naturecan’t believe you have this in the middle of watching. You may park at the lot past the the city!” Southeast Regional Library on Guadalupe BJ Alderman is a freelance writer in Mesa Road or at the end of the library lot on and author of about 16 fiction and nonficGreenfield Road. tion books available on Kindle. On the other hand, Neely Ranch holds
FREE
*
Feeder ($8.99 Value) with purchase of 3 Stackables® for $13.47 plus tax. *Valid only at the store listed below. Offer not valid on previous purchases; one per person. Offer expires 06/30/17. EVT17
2136 E. Baseline Rd. #2 Mesa, AZ 85203 (480) 507-2473 www.wbu.com/mesa
E. Baseline Rd. #2, Mesa, •Az. 85204 BIRD2136 FOOD • FEEDERS GARDEN ACCENTS (480) 507-2473 • www.wbu.com/mesa
•
UNIQUE GIFTS
24
Neighbors
June 2017
1
www.GilbertSunNews.com
2
3
4
Shades of spring Photos by Kimberly Carrillo
Amid a blur of color-throwing, Spectrum held its second annual 5K Color Run recently. Community members donned white T-shirts and walked, ran, biked and skated around the housing development while being doused in colored powders.
5
8
9
10
7
6
1. The Kirdassi family sat to rest with each other after the race. 2. Lorenzo Beam, 11, gives a thumbs up. 3. Jon, Erin, Jacob and Jameson Zimmerman were excited to meet up after finishing the run. 4. Vivian Velasquez, 7, is suprised by the orange color on her. 5. Jad gets green color all over him from his sister. 6. Cathy Gillard and son Jackson rest after finishing the run. 7. Zach Searcy, 13, loved getting color all over him. 8. Samira Beam gets orange color thrown on her. 9. Jenna Kirdassi finishes the run proudly. 10. Blanca Bertrand and son Ethan were proud to run together. 11. Lucy Beam, 2, gets green and orange color thrown on her. 12. Rob and Liam Condie rest together after finishing the run.
11
12
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
25
26
Neighbors
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Quail Park senior living facility coming to Morrison Ranch BY SRIANTHI PERERA
(Special to Gilbert Sun News)
Renderings of the terrace and front view of the future Quail Park at Morrison Ranch.
423 E. Bridgeport Pkwy • Gilbert, AZ 85295
4 Br / 2 Ba, 1,759 SqFt, Offered at $315,000
5 Br / 2.5 Ba, 2,944 SqFt, Offered at $523,000
If You Want Your Home Sold Faster & For TOP DOLLAR,
CALL SHARON TODAY! Sharon Coffini • Melanie Didier John A. Sposato, PC sharonAHG@gmail.com
480-225-5710
www.ArizonaHomeGroupSE.com Gilbert Specialists
Gift Shop & Gallery Fine Arts & Crafts Local Artists Art Lessons D’Errico Designs Batik Fabric Art Hand Painted Designs Batik Lessons Art Lessons - Art Classes - Walk In
Drawing • Painting • Clay – Kids • Teens • Adults
SunDustGallery.com | 480.464.6077 | Gilbert, AZ
SunDust Gallery Paint & Pottery Studio
2570 E. Folley Place • Chandler, AZ 85255
RE/MAX Excalibur
Landscaping will feature therapeutic plants, trees, gardens and other landscapeelements to stimulate the senses and offer places for strolling, remembrance, relaxation, activities and gathering. (Srianthi Perera/GSN Staff) The cost of the Shovel-ready and hard-hatted at the groundbreaking of Quail Park 99,000-square-foot facil(Srianthi Perera/GSN Staff) at Morrison Ranch senior living facility are (from left) Benjamin Dawnie Stewart, daughter of Kenneth Morri- ity is estimated to cost Burke, president, CA Ventures Senior Living; Dawnie Stewart, daughson (in white shirt) speaks during an informal $30 million. ter of Kenneth Morrison, co-owner of Morrison Ranch; Scott AnderThe project is slated gathering under the ficus trees before the son, Gilbert Town Councilmember; Brigette Peterson, Gilbert Town groundbreaking at Morrison Ranch recently. to be completed by sumCouncilmember; and Denis Bryant, president, Living Care Lifestyles. mer 2018. Living Care Lifestyles, It will have 115 studios, one- and at 3333 E. Morrison Ranch Parkway, is two-bedroom units with capacity for 130 together with Chicago-based real estate designed on a refined vision of a large investment firm CA Ventures, has estabresidents. ranch home. A covered porch and porte lished senior lifestyles communities in Amenities will include bistro, dining cochere will define its entry and the California, Oregon, Texas and Washingroom and private dining options, salon, two-story community will have an “H” ton. In addition to the Gilbert property, living room, theater/chapel, activity plan configuration with central common areas tailored to assisted living (83 units) room, library/television room and a well- they are developing another in Oro Valley, Arizona. ness suite with exam and therapy offices. and memory care (32 units) residents.
thearizonahomegroup
Quail Park at Morrison Ranch in Gilbert had its groundbreaking during a warm spring afternoon recently. A small group of dignitaries, including Gilbert Town Council members, Chamber of Commerce representatives and the project’s development and design partners, gathered to reiterate how they feel about the pleasant surroundings of the senior living facility. Morrison Ranch’s pond and water fountain imparted serenity and the abundant ficus trees provided ample shade a stone’s throw from the site. “It’s our family’s passion and our dream to have just this: to be able to stand here in the grass, with the trees. This has taken a lot of planning, years of planning; I think over 20 years,” said Dawnie Stewart, the daughter of Kenneth Morrison, one of the two brothers who farmed the area from 1946 and then turned the acres into a master-planned community. Stewart reflected on the diverse types of homes in the community and their affordability across the spectrum. “We want everybody to be able to live in Morrison Ranch. We have beautiful million-dollar homes with big yards, and then we have homes that are less extravagant that almost everybody can afford,” she said. “We have apartment-sized (homes) and now we have senior living.” Denis Bryant, president of Washington State-based Living Care Lifestyles, which is one of the project’s owners., said: “For seniors to be able to walk around this lake, and the grass and the tree lines – we want to provide the highest level of dignity and lifestyle for them and they’re going to fit in here very well.” Quail Park, located on 4.6 acres
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Neighbors
June 2017
27
Uprooted Kitchen offers tasty fare, naturally STORY AND PHOTOS BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Gilbert residents Erin and Chad Romanoff first experimented with their plant-based recipes in a food truck parked outside the Quonset Hut in Agritopia in 2012. Plant-based food (mostly vegan, whole food) doesn’t command a rabid following, they noted, but they didn’t do badly. On Wednesday nights, they parked at the barn and served dinner for about 50 people. Encouraged by their appreciative comments, the couple joined the craftsman community in Agritopia’s Barnone by establishing The Uprooted Kitchen. Barnone is a community for skilled craftsman to make and sell handcrafted goods. In the Romanoffs’ case, the goods are edible. The diminutive restaurant – it has 750 square feet of space and seating for 24 inside the building and 24 on the patio – employs four excluding the couple. It serves breakfast, lunch and the occasional sit-down dinner and presents organic, mostly vegan (bee’s honey is one nonvegan item used) and local plant-based food. Coconut oil and olive oil are the only two oils used. There are no animal products, such as meat, dairy and eggs. Wheat-free options are available. “I think people are growing more thoughtful of what they’re eating. We’re still quite a minority, being in the vegetarian and vegan community, and there are many people who look at our menu and they think it’s not for them,” Erin said. Mainstream Phoenix has yet to latch on to its health benefits. “There are some who like to eat plant based-food occasionally, they love the flavors. People at least know what that means now,” she added. “We’re definitely able to have conversations with customers a lot on food. And we’re seeing more and more will have questions and caring about what they’re eating. It’s very encouraging.” The Uprooted Kitchen’s runaway success is the Tempeh Breakfast Sandwich, which is a tempeh (soy) patty served on a naan bun with avocado, tomato, caramelized onion, arugula, greens and roasted potatoes ($10). Their Baked French Toast, comprising almond banana batter, coconut yogurt, granola and fruit ($11), is a close second on the popularity scale. Five items change weekly, according to seasonal availability, including the soup, salad and the cold-case items. Chad and Erin met in college in New York City, where vegetarian food “was normal to offer” in restaurants. “We gravitated toward that. There was such creativity and flavors to it, not just putting a piece of meat on a plate. We
always enjoyed eating that way,” Erin said. They moved to the Valley, where Erin studied to become a pastry chef at Scottsdale Culinary Institute and forge a path with white flour, refined sugar, eggs and butter at three restaurants in the Valley. Chad, an occupational therapist for 17 years, worked in pediatric rehabilitation. The last nine years of his career, he worked at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa. They were always careful of what they consumed, but when the twins arrived, their thinking and meal patterns changed. “It’s been a transformation for us. Things really started transforming a lot for us when we had our kids. You start thinking about what you’re giving your kids, and then, of course, it should reflect back on yourself,” he said. “For us, it was pretty important.” The twin sons, now 13-year-old students at Legacy Traditional School in Chandler, are also vegetarian. Erin devised the menu and they began their business. “Even a dessert should have some nutrition to it; it shouldn’t just be sugar,” Chad said. Erin set about transforming the rich, calorie-laden desserts she learned to make in culinary school and made them more nutritious including “desserts that are dairy-free, no refined sugar that they can feel better about. “It’s still a treat, it’s still an indulgence, but it has really thoughtful ingredients,” she said. These may include maple syrup, coconut sugar and fruit. Ingredients for The Uprooted Kitchen come from near and far: The Farm at Agritopia is steps away and most of the seasonal fruits and vegetables arrive after a text message is placed to the farmer. “It’s definitely as local as you can get,” Erin said. A certified organic wholesale purveyor also brings fruit and dry goods from Arizona or California. The Romanoffs’ twins have foodhandlers’ certificates, too, and help out when they can but the parents don’t see them taking over the restaurant in the future. The business keeps them on their toes. Living in Agritopia helps because they have no commute but Erin spends much of her time, even during weekends, prepping for the week. But there are no regrets. “Right now, all we can see ourselves doing is this. We are so content. There’s no plan to do six of these,” Erin said. They love their creative surroundings as well.
Erin and Chad Romanoff in front of a poster of their 1968 Avion travel trailer, which served as their food truck for four years.
“We really are our own little community. We collaborate with each other. We were looking for a unique space, and we couldn’t ask for a more unique space,” she added. The Uprooted Kitchen is at Barnone, Agritopia, 3000 E. Ray Road, Gilbert.
Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Details: theuprootedkitchen.com.
monarchmedicalaz.com Meet Dr. Lokey
Healthcare premiums have become unaffordable. You worry your children will not have insurance. Please look into my Direct Pediatric Care Program.
• Low Monthly Membership • Appointments at least 30 min-1hour long • Enhanced Access to a pediatrician by text, email and phone • No Insurance required
Peace of mind that your children have good access to healthcare 1425 S. Higley Rd Suite 102, Gilbert, AZ 85296 • 480-857-6316 HOURS: Mon, Wed, Fri: 8am–5pm • Tues: 8am–3pm • Thurs: 8am–12pm • After hours: M,W 5pm-7pm
28
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Neighbors
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
29
Oncologist advises vaccination against human papillomavirus in youth BY JESSICA SURIANO
The human papillomavirus is the most commonly sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., yet vaccination rates among the target age group of adolescents in the state are still low in comparison to vaccinations for other infections. Affecting 14 million new Americans every year and about 79 million Americans total, HPV can have several implications on a person’s health, such as cervical, tonsil, tongue and genital cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Chafeek Tomeh, a head and neck surgical oncologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, said HPV-related head and neck cancers are a rapidly growing segment of cancers, but fortunately, they are preventable with the right precautions. According to the Arizona State Immunization Information System, in 2016 only 37 percent of 13- to 18-year-old Arizona females received the full series of HPV vaccinations, which would be at least three doses. Even fewer 13- to 18-year-old males (28 percent) received a full series in 2016. The immunization system’s data also found 33 percent of females and 40 percent of males in this age group received zero HPV vaccinations last year. There are no symptoms associated with HPV infection until warts start to form or
cancer is found, according to Tomeh, but some vaccines like Gardasil and Gardasil 9 protect patients against most genital warts caused by the non-cancer causing forms of HPV. According to a recently published CDC report, HPV vaccination rates between 2007 and 2014 significantly increased for girls and women age 13 to 26, but remained low in girls and boys age 11 to 12. The CDC now recommends this age group receive two doses of the HPV vaccine. The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices recommends the vaccine through age 26 for girls and women and through age 21 for boys and men who have not previously been vaccinated. Lead author of the CDC report, Emiko Y. Petrosky, writes that 60 percent of girls and 41.7 percent of boys ages 13 to 17 received one or more doses of the HPV vaccine, but these numbers were still significantly lower than the rates of other vaccines administered to this age group. Petrosky writes the vaccination rate for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) for 13- to 17-year-olds was much higher than the rates for the HPV vaccine, totaling 87.6 percent for girls and 79.3 percent for boys. Tomeh said there are many reasons parents might feel less inclined to vaccinate
their kids for HPV compared to other infections, the first being that schools do not require the HPV immunization. “Many parents, particularly from conservative backgrounds, think of it as some kind of sex vaccine,” Tomeh said in an email. “They feel their children will be safe from the HPV virus since it’s seen as an STD virus. They also worry that it will somehow encourage sexual activity in their children since they may feel safe.” He said the vaccinations can’t prevent transmitting the virus sexually, but they can prevent the resulting infection from the virus. “The reality is, this is an anti-cancer vaccine, not some kind of sex vaccine,” Tomeh said. “Anything that could prevent development of head and neck, cervical, anal and other types of cancers should be sought. One never knows how these viruses will be transmitted in the future or if there are more benign ways of transmitting the virus. Kissing and whatnot is another way to transmit saliva contaminated with HPV, so it’s not always full-on sexual activity.” He said parents should treat pediatricians as their first and most important source for HPV vaccinations and information. Cancer from HPV takes years to develop, so they should know it is extremely
unlikely to have full-blown virus-related cancers in adolescence. Side effects from HPV infection can go beyond physical danger and discomfort too. Tomeh said patients suffer indirect social consequences as well. “Difficulty eating, difficulty speaking, not wanting to eat with friends or socialize, staying home, etc. – we don’t realize how much of our socialization is around food until it is taken away,” Tomeh said. He said if a series of vaccines could prevent a child from a lifetime of radiation, chemotherapy or surgery, he doesn’t see the logic behind avoiding the simple precautions of the shots. “I truly don’t get the hesitation,” Tomeh said. “We do flu shots to prevent the flu virus – a virus that causes an illness for a week or so.” Of course, Tomeh said, he recognizes sexual activity in youth is a complex issue for lots of families, and factors such as religion and morality can play a role in parents’ decisions. “That requires parents take an active role in educating their children in right and wrong sexual practices,” Tomeh said. “We aren’t addressing religion, morality or anything like that with a vaccine. We are just addressing biochemical prevention.”
Com
Our n ing soo n! Coun ewest lo cation try Cl ub & Base line
!
We provide doctors with answers and patients with care. Our dedication to providing patients with the respect and care they truly deserve is what sets us apart in Phoenix’s East Valley. With simple, centralized scheduling and comfortable, relaxing environments, we aim to be the Valley’s most-trusted provider of quality outpatient medical imaging. EVDI provides women’s imaging at 5 of our centers which are equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology, providing comprehensive services from simple x-rays to advanced MRIs. And our staff of experienced, board-certified radiologists ensure that your reports not only convey accurate data, but the information needed to make a difference in your life.
Voted #1 Imaging Center Ranking AZ 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017. Connect With Us EVDI.com
480 247 7088
Now Offering 3D Mammography at our Desert Breast Center, Dobson location!
30
Neighbors
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Gilbert teen keeps fighting after brain aneurysm BY MELODY BIRKETT
Katie Solliday was a typical teenager with a bright future. She was captain of her school color guard team, had a 4.0 GPA, and had just been accepted to ASU’s Barrett Honors College’s biomedical engineering program. Then, tragedy struck. Katie was rushed to the hospital with what was determined to be a brain aneurysm. She spent eight weeks in a coma but miraculously survived. This was on November 22, 2016, six days before her 18th birthday. A week earlier, Katie suffered from bad headaches, her mom, Rita, said. She felt feel a little better by the weekend and made it to a band competition. Two days later, Katie went home after school and got another headache. This time, she passed out. Katie was rushed to the ER. “I do remember the doctor saying the fastest way to her getting treatment is to call the stroke unit,” said Rita. “She has a hemorrhage.” Rita said she wasn’t comprehending what the doctor said. “I was thinking she’d have surgery and she’d be all better.” The neurosurgeon said, “If you don’t do surgery, she’ll die. She has age on her side.”
What was more terrifying in the weeks to come was “every doctor saying they don’t know the outcome,” added Rita. “For eight weeks, I didn’t know if she’d come out.” Today, Katie’s starting all over, having to learn how to do everything she learned as a child, including smiling, eating, and talking. Katie’s in a skilled nursing facility and still has a lot of physical therapy in her future since she has little use of her arms and legs. She needs care around the clock. “About February, Katie started talking gradually,” said Rita. “We’d spell out words to her.” A turning point was when a friend of Katie’s visited and held up a cell phone. Rita said, “The friend pointed to things on the phone and Katie started responding and communicating her needs. The world opened up.” Despite many challenges, there was one fear that stood out from the rest. Katie told her mom, “My biggest fear is not graduating high school.” Once her parents realized she could read and communicate, they decided to try and make that dream come true. Katie had already passed all her classes except English to graduate. So, Rita said the as-
sistant principal administered an English test to Katie and she passed. On May 23, Katie graduated with her class at Campo Verde High School. Her two older brothers from California were there. Recently, friends and family gathered for a two-day “Band Together” musical festival to benefit Katie. Some top Valley bands performed – including The Noodles – at Cactus Jack’s in Ahwatukee Foothills. “I don’t have words to express my gratitude,” Rita said. “People, out of the kindness of their hearts, put on the fundraiser.” Also, the bands. “They have a sense of caring for each other. It’s incredible how these musicians banded together.” The next step for Katie is more therapy at Barrow Neurological Institute. Katie needs more cognitive and speech therapy. She’s also not walking on her own. She needs a harness to walk with mechanical support. Katie is now feeding herself through an adaptive spoon. Overall, Rita said her daughter’s in good spirits. “She loves to see her friends. See likes to use her phone. Like any other teen, she uses Instagram.” As far as ASU, “In her mind, she plans
Katie Solliday
to be in school in the fall,” said Rita. In case that’s not possible, ASU has agreed to defer Katie’s scholarship until she’s ready to attend. “Our prayers have been answered,” Rita said. “We remain hopeful.” Contributions may be made to Katie Solliday and her family at gofundme.com/ dm-katies-fund.
Low Maintenance Home in Higley Park! 44 Bedroom 4PLUS Office/Den 42 1/2 Baths 42711 Square Feet 4MASTER BEDROOM DOWNSTAIRS! Great location – just east of Higley and Ray, near Agritopia restaurants and shops! Great walking and bike paths nearby also. Spacious kitchen and great room floor plan. 3 spacious bedrooms w/large closets upstairs, one bedroom with a private balcony! Steps away from the large green park area and the pool!! Low maintenance home- Lock and leave! Call today for more details.
Come take a look at this lovely home!
Century 21- AZ Foothills 602-576-7953 Name you can’t forget, and service you will remember!
$300 Dental Including pre-anesthetic blood work, radiographs, IV catheter and IV fluids Through June 30, 2017
Anasazi Animal Clinic
East Valley Animal Hospital
425 W. Guadalupe Rd., Ste. 112 Gilbert • (480) 497-0505 info@anasazivet.com
81 W. Guadalupe Rd., Ste. 105 Gilbert • (480) 892-1577 info@eastvalleyanimal.com
Neighbors
www.GilbertSunNews.com
1
Music for a cause Photos by Cheryl Haselhorst
2
Recently, a concert was held at Cactus Jack’s in Ahwatukee Foothills to benefit Katie Solliday, a Campo Verde High School senior who is recovering from emergency surgery due to a brain hemorrhage. During “Band Together,” a dozen bands were scheduled to play. There was also a raffle and a silent auction, which included two guitars, one signed by Alice Cooper and the other by Roger Clyne. 1. Katie Solliday, in wheelchair, shares a laugh on the patio of Cactus Jack’s with friends, clockwise, Ryleigh Hill, 17, Megan Weissman, 18, Ashley Handlin, 18, Makayla Carver, 15, and Allie Hill, 19. 2. Shawn Johnson sings. 3. Dana Liano, Jennifer Hogenson, Tami Guerrero and Portia Preston enjoy the event. 4. Kim Ladd sings and plays rhythm guitar for The Noodles. 5. The crowd dances to the music of Zeppapotapus.
4
5
3
June 2017
31
32
June 2017
Neighbors
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Longtime town resident assumes police chief role BY JIM WALSH
Former Assistant Mesa Police Chief Mike Soelberg will replace longtime Chief Tim Dorn on June 5, but he jokes that he doesn’t need to go far to assume his new job. While Soelberg, 44, has worked for the Mesa Police for 22 years, he has lived in Gilbert for 21 years. He said he will have a shorter commute now to his new job. “I have seen Mesa and Gilbert grow. It’s a great opportunity for me to the lead the department that has kept my family safe for 21 years,” Soelberg said. Soelberg, his wife and his two children posed for pictures with the Gilbert Town Council shortly after the council voted to approve his hiring on May 18. “Gilbert has an excellent police department and I am honored to work here,” he said. Soelberg said he does not anticipate any dramatic changes at the Gilbert Police Department. He said he plans to concentrate on keeping the initiatives already in place and to make them better. “I am not looking to turn Gilbert into Mesa PD,” Soelberg said. “I need to
learn from them as they learn from me.” Soelberg’s career in Mesa included running the Superstition Patrol District when he was a commander, which covered 75 square miles and is similar in size to Gilbert. He said crime in East Mesa would be relatively similar to crime in Gilbert, with the focus on preventing property crime and traffic enforcement. When he was promoted by former Mesa Police Chief John Meza to assistant chief, Soelberg’s duties included community engagement and officer wellness, with the department addressing post traumatic stress disorder for the first time. Soelberg said it is important for police departments to embrace diversity, maintaining trust with all aspects of the community. “It’s not only important in hiring, but throughout the community, that people feel comfortable contacting us,” Soelberg said. “It’s not just an immigration issue. It’s an issue that affects everybody.” Rick Perine, retired head of the Mesa Police Association, came to the Gil-
bert Town Council meeting to support Soelberg. “I think Mike is a visionary,” Perine said. “He’s also got so much energy and he is so hard-working.” Perine said Soelberg never became an arrogant or pompous person as he was promoted up the ranks. “He’s never changed. He’s the same guy I used to work patrol with,” Perine said. “He’s so mild-mannered and so easy to talk to.” Soelberg said that when he started in law enforcement, his goal was to do a good job and get promoted, but he never made becoming a police chief his top priority. As he rose through the ranks, he became more interested in being a chief when he realized it might be possible. “I saw I could make a difference by bringing everyone together,” he said. Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels said the town is fortunate to have Soelberg lead the department. “His extensive experience with community-based policing, coupled with his knowledge of our community as a longtime resident, will benefit us
Heaven’s Hummingbirds Heaven’s
Hummingbirds Third Annual
Third Annual Family 5K for Dignity Health Family 5K for Dignity Health Maternal Child Health Family 5K Maternal Child HealthSupport Family 5K and Bereavement
As the town’s police chief, Gilbert’s Mike Soelberg now has a shorter commute to work.
as Gilbert and the police department continue to grow,” she said.
Thank You 5K Sponsor
Thank You 5K Sponsor
Thank You 1 Mile Sponsor
Thank You 1 Mile Sponsor
Thanks to all participants who helped raise funds to
and Support Thanks to allBereavement participants who helped raise funds to support Heaven’s Hummingbirds – Maternal Child support Heaven’s Hummingbirds – Maternal Child Health Bereavement Support Programs. Health Bereavement Support Programs.
Donate today: supportdignityhealtheastvalley.org For more information call 480-728-3931 For more information call 480-728-3931 Donate today: supportdignityhealtheastvalley.org
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Neighbors
June 2017
33
Gym owner competes for a mixed martial arts world title BY JESSICA SURIANO
Longtime Gilbert resident Ryan Bader will be competing for a mixed martial arts world title on June 24 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. To prepare for the Bellator 180 Light Heavyweight fight, Bader, 33, has been hitting the gym and training ferociously the past two months. An Arizona State University alumnus, Bader said his MMA training includes facets of jiujitsu, wrestling, sparring and other forms of exercise and therapy. His collegiate wrestling career at ASU, where he was no stranger to AllAmerican honors, encouraged him to dabble in MMA. “It’s a grueling eight weeks to make sure I’m prepared for one night,” Bader said. “So I have to put all the work in three times a day.” Besides the intensity of physical training, the road to New York City did not come free from challenges along the way. “You have to be self-motivated,” Bader said. “It’s not something that somebody else has to babysit you and say, ‘Hey, you need to be at the gym.’” He said bouncing back from losses or injuries is another challenge because MMA can be as much of a mental game as it is physical. Bader is also one of the founders of the
Power MMA and Fitness gym at 855 N. Gilbert Road and of the cognitive enhancement shot supplement, Jubi. Jubi helps people focus their energy and bring down stress and anxiety levels. Some Jubi suppliers in the Valley are Circle K, Bashas’ and Hi-Health. He said Jubi differs from energy drinks because it won’t deliver a caffeine-concentrated high and consequential crash later. Since its creation about two years ago, Jubi is now sold in about 5,000 stores nationally. Bader’s gym will be moving to a new location soon, and might take on a new name. He said possible new names will be along the lines of the Power Training Center or Power Fight Team, with state-of-the-art facilities. In addition to his wife and three children, Bader credits his friends, coaches and training partners as his support system wherever he goes. “Your training partners are there to get you better, even though they don’t want to be in there every single day. They’re there for you,” Bader said. “And, in turn, you’re there for them. When I win, we all win. When I lose, we all lose.” Viewers can tune in to the Spike television channel at 3 p.m. June 24 Gilbert time to watch Bader duke it out for the revered title.
(Special to GSN)
MMA fighter Ryan Bader will duke it out at Madison Square Garden on June 24.
34
Neighbors
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
East Valley mom and son veterans graduate together as engineers BY DAVID M. BROWN
Like mother, like son. Mesa resident Barb Blanchard and her son Rodney Buller, who lives in Gilbert, followed the same path to degrees last week from Arizona State University. Both earned degrees from ASU’s Ira Fulton Schools of Engineering and, as military veterans, attended the seventh year of the university’s Veteran’s Stole Ceremony May 6. They were among the approximately 215 students who participated in the ceremony, first held at the university in 2011 with just 10 students. Tempe City Council member and Army veteran Robin Arredondo-Savage gave the keynote, which honored all 650 ASU student-veterans graduating this spring. Blanchard and Buller received stoles emblazoned with the branch of military service in which they served. They wore them over their academic regalia during graduation ceremonies, which took place last week. “The Stole Ceremony acknowledges and honors my service to my country,” said Blanchard, a native of Delaware. “I have worked hard for, and a long time for, my degree, and I have finally achieved my goal,” she added, explaining that she has
attended other colleges and universities since 1982. “This is my dream come true.” Buller, her older son, added, “The ceremony is an opportunity to join my fellow veterans in collecting our stoles and being able to say our farewells as we move onto the next chapter of our lives.” When Blanchard enrolled at ASU in 2015, she didn’t know that she and her son would be attending the same school at ASU on the same campus. She entered as a graduate of the Associate of Science Program at Phoenix College; he came to ASU as a sophomore immediately after serving in the Marine Corps. “Rodney inspired me and encouraged me to enroll at ASU and even assisted me with selecting my first semester classes,” she explained. “Not too many parents can say they received their degree with their offspring: same school, same program.” Fulton Schools Dean Kyle Squires said the mother and son exemplify “the leadership skills brought to our programs by veterans” that “are highly valued and inspire not only their fellow students but also our faculty and staff.” “We are proud that Barb and Rodney have followed their family’s legacy of national service by earning degrees at ASU
BETTER than GRANITE
Only Granite Transformations uses ForeverSeal™, which means our granite is more stain and scratch resistant than “ordinary” granite. And our surfaces bond permanently over existing countertops, walls, showers and tubs, so you get lifelong beauty without the usual renovation mess. Most installations are done in a day and backed by a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Done in a day. Beautiful for life.
• Heat and Stain Resistant • No Demolition
480-222-2022
1230 West Southern Ste. 103 Tempe, AZ 85282 http://www.granitetransformations.com/phoenix/
• Lifetime Warranty ©2012 Granite Transformations.
ROC 185966
Barb Blanchard and her son Rodney Buller earned degrees from ASU’s Ira Fulton Schools of Engineering.
and look forward to hearing about the continued contributions they will make to their community,” he added. Military tradition runs deep in Blanchard’s family. Her father and uncle served in the Korean War in the Army and Air Force, respectively. From high school, her oldest brother joined the Army and retired recently after 30 years, moving to Arizona from Delaware. Her middle brother also joined the Air Force after high school and was stationed at Luke AFB. Blanchard’s younger son, Bryan, who also lives in Arizona, served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. His wife was also in the Army. In August 1980, Blanchard joined the Air Force after working for the DuPont Company. She served two terms, first stationed at Barksdale AFB in Louisiana, where she met Rodney’s father and where Rodney was born. Next, while at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, Suffolk, United Kingdom, Bryan was born. Her final stop was Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. She lived there for five years after leaving the service, before moving to Arizona in 1996. Buller enlisted in May 2002 and became a mechanic, then an aerial observer/gunner. His first deployment was delivering food and clothing to people in the Philippines after a devastating typhoon that October. Soon after, from the USS Essex, anchored off Sri Lanka, his group assisted people following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, delivering food, water, clothes and transport. The natural disaster killed as many as 280,000 people in the area.
He was next in Iraq, serving in the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. “One mission involved the flight of 11 aircraft during low-light levels to conduct a helicopter raid on terrorists linked to the production of improvised explosive devices that had been used around the local area,” he said. “The mission was a complete success and very rewarding.” During his final stop, in Okinawa, his unit was alerted in 2011 to the earthquake and tsunami on the east coast of Honshu. “Operation Tomodachi was yet another rewarding part of my career because I was provided an opportunity to help those in need and in a place where few could go,” he said. At about the same time in Arizona, Blanchard, who had worked for Intel for eight and a half years, was laid off in 2009. She completed the Paralegal Studies program at Phoenix College in spring 2015 but decided this was not the career for her. An unemployment counselor told her that the Trade Adjustment Act might pay her up to $20,000 toward further education because her job had been adversely affected by offshore business. With this grant, she began her online studies in Operations Management at ASU while working full time with the Department of Homeland Security in Casa Grande. “I would like to find a promotional opportunity within the federal government,” she said. His degree in mechanical engineering systems completed, Buller is already working toward his master’s degree in electrical engineering. He wants to design and develop software and do systems work. “ Graduation is just a mission accomplishment or check in another box,” he added, with a smile. “It’s a big relief to be that much closer to a successful life goal.”
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
35
36
Neighbors
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
KITCHEN & BATH REMODELS
KITCHEN & BATH REMODEL – FLOORING COUNTER TOPS & MORE The Reserves offers four, single-story floor plans and lots of personalization.
Shea Homes in Gilbert has opened The Reserves BY SRIANTHI PERERA
JK Cabinets & Design, Inc. has over 20 years of experience with kitchen design & complete remodels
Centrally located, serving the Valley Call today & set up your FREE in-home consultation with one of our designers.
4 80-219-9580
The Reserves, a gated enclave by Shea Homes in Gilbert, is open for sales. About 400 people have toured the models of the housing development, located on Val Vista Drive just south of Riggs Road, since its grand opening on May 6, according to publicist Elaina Verhoff. Prices begin at just under $500,000. Although interest is high, just five buyers have begun the sales process. Shea Homes attributes the low number to an unexpected delay in option pricing. Once option information and pricing is finalized early this month, the builder expects an uptick in sales from the customers who have been involved in the home-buying process but haven’t yet moved forward, Verhoff said. The Reserves features home sites of more than a quarter-acre; it also offers four single-story floor plans with dream kitchens, functional outdoor rooms, sizeable bedrooms, four-car garages, and many options for personalization. Its tree-lined streets lead to activity-filled areas including hopscotch, giant chess, bocce ball, barbecue grills, picnic tables and ramadas. Michael Woodley of Woodley Architectural Group in Colorado designed the elevations. “We have a great location and excellent new homes that we designed for that community,” said Ken Peter-
son, VP of sales and marketing. “With the nice elevations, we knew we were going to get quite a bit of interest, but not this much interest.” Shea Homes has a few houses remaining at Evolve at Marbella Vineyards; its two other neighborhoods, Inspire and Intrigue, are sold out.
More new communities are being planned to begin later this year and next. While the Southeast Valley’s real estate market is not “robust,” it’s “definitely significantly better than it has been,” Peterson said, adding that prior to the last recession, the real estate industry was issuing 40,000-50,000 new house permits Valleywide. “Now, we’re doing around 20,000,” he said. Details: sheahomes.com/community/ thereserves.
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
UPGRADE
TO A
SMART GARAGE
LiftMaster® 8550W DC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener
What garage door opener alerts you when it opens or closes with MyQ® Technology? Gives you the ability to control it from anywhere? Safeguards your home with advanced security features, and powers up so you can access your home, even when the power is down? The LiftMaster® 8550W DC Belt Drive Garage Door Opener.
COOKSON DOOR SALES OF ARIZONA 705 W 22ND ST, TEMPE, AZ 85282-1905 480-377-8777 www.cooksonaz.com ROC094890
PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED
$
365
Opener is priced for garage doors up to 7’ tall. Offer includes complete installation and sales tax - there are no hidden charges. Offer cannot be used on previous orders and prices subject to change.
© 2014 LiftMaster All Rights Reserved
37
38
June 2017
200 aviation engineering jobs coming to Gilbert’s vicinity
Business
Main Event opens in Gilbert BY GSN STAFF
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Constant Aviation, a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility with a national network, is opening a new location over the border from Gilbert, just east of Power Road, at PhoenixMesa Gateway Airport. The state-of-the-art facility will contain 74,500 total square feet of space, with 50,000 square feet of total hangar space. When it opens later this year, approximately 200 jobs with an average annual salary of $60,000 will be created at the Mesa facility, according to a release from the airport authority. Constant Aviation will invest nearly $12.5 million in the facility over the next three years. “We will be working diligently to identify and hire top talent, as well as secure all necessary equipment,” said Stephen Maiden, president and CEO of Constant Aviation. The company has appointed Stan Younger to serve as regional vice president, responsible for overseeing the full implementation of the new site, and Scott Sweeny to oversee site operations. “It’s a pretty large deal,” said Ryan Smith, spokesman at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority.
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Smith said that Constant Aviation will occupy the building that used to house the maintenance facility of Kansas-based Hawker Beechcraft for four years; that company went bankrupt and closed its locations in 2012. Constant Aviation will service the aircraft belonging to small companies and individuals. Arizona is ranked second in the nation in economic impact from aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul. Constant Aviation has locations at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Cuyahoga County Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport and Las Vegas International Airport. One of the fastest-growing facilities of its kind in the country, it specializes in airframe and engine maintenance, major repairs, avionics, interior refurbishment, paint, parts distribution, and accessory services. “We are excited to be entering the next phase in Constant’s journey to becoming the top performing MRO in the nation,” Maiden said. Details: constantaviation.com.
Main Event Entertainment, the bowling-anchored dining and entertainment destination, has just opened on the southeast corner of Ray Road and Santan Village Parkway. It is providing employment to more than 150, and hiring is still underway, according to a media release from the company. “We are thrilled to welcome Main Event to Gilbert,” said Kathy Tilque, president/CEO of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. “Not only is it a wonderful place to eat and play, but it’s a great place to work, too. We’re thankful that they’ve brought so many good new jobs to our community, and we know the center will be a great addition to our local economy.” Founded in 1998, the Dallasbased company is growing rapidly, with 35 centers across the United States serving more than 20 million guests annually. The 50,000-square-foot entertainment center in Gilbert was built from the ground up with Main Event’s new design proto-
type, which features 22 ice-white lanes with multicolor LED lighting and luxury seating, laser tag, billiards, shuffleboard, a high-ropes adventure course and a games gallery featuring more than 100 of the latest interactive and virtual video games. And whether you’re looking for a chef-inspired casual dining experience in a full-service Americanfare restaurant, specialty pizzas in an Italian-themed cafe or handcrafted cocktails in a high-energy bar surrounded by big-screen TVs, they are all available. The center also offers fullyequipped private meeting spaces with the latest audio-visual technology, full-service catering, free Wi-Fi and other items essential to hosting corporate meetings, teambuilding exercises, holiday parties and similar gatherings. See photos on page 42. Main Event, Gilbert is at 1735 S. Santan Village Pkwy. Details: mainevent.com/locations/gilbert.
To schedule an appointment call
(480) 223-9502
David Kelly, MD Plastic Surgery
Brian deGuzman, MD Vein Specialist
David Feist, PA-C Dermatology
Kara Gooding, PA-C Dermatology
Gary McCracken, MD Dermatology
Anthony Petelin, MD Mohs Surgery
James Young, DO Mohs Surgery
Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Veins • Skin cancer screenings • Rashes • Psoriasis • Mohs surgery • Face lift • Acne/Rosacea •
• Varicose Vein treatments • Hand surgery • Eyelid surgery • Breast & Body Proceures •
Gilbert: 3530 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite B-109 & 110 Sun Lakes & Chandler: 10440 E. Riggs Rd., Suite 160 New Patients Welcome • Most Insurance Accepted • Medicare Accepted
www.azskindoc.com | azplasticsdoc.com
Business
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
39
Ma’am Exams offers women a new concept in preventive care STORY AND PHOTOS BY SRIANTHI PERERA
A touch of pink – shocking, pearl and salmon – permeates the halls and consulting rooms of Gilbert’s newest medical office. The décor incorporates female undergarments, stylish flower vases, and glass jars filled mostly with pink candy. The mix of flaunt, fun and feminism is not out of place because Ma’am Exams is exclusively the domain of females. It’s operated by them and owned by one. “I wanted to build something for women that value their time,” said founder Whitney McBride, a Queen Creek resident. Ma’am Exams is for women’s primary care, preventive exams and other areas of concern such as weight loss, hormonal imbalance, thyroid, heart disease, and aging, and aesthetic services. It’s open to women of any age, but the focus is on girls in their pre-child-bearing years and women in their post-child-bearing years. Gynecology services are not offered. For ages 11 to 18, there’s “Hello Body It’s Me,” a parent-guided annual exam that includes discussions about hygiene, periods, body-image issues and other health concerns. For those on the other end of the spectrum, there’s Cool Sculpting, the procedure to freeze and eliminate stubborn fat without needles, surgery or downtime, and cosmetic injections to help reverse the signs of aging. Christine Bowman, marketing director, said the facility will help busy women receive life-saving preventive exams. The Four Square Women’s Care – comprising the annual physical exam, pap test, mammogram and a skin cancer check – is accomplished in one hour and in one visit. “It’s convenient. They can give up an hour a year to come in for their prevention and get it done; that’s the concept behind it,” McBride said. Bowman emphasized that the concept is a one-stop shop. “We remove all those barriers like fear, time limitations, vulnerability, guilt. We remove all of those to make it really easy for women to come in,” she said. Ma’am Exams came about as the result of a visit to an acute-care facility. McBride’s son, then 14, was ailing from strep throat.
Appointments are being made for a plethora of female ills and preventive exams.
Ma’am Exams Gilbert is the second location of its kind. The first is at 2919 S. Ellsworth Road in Mesa.
“The gal at the cubicle didn’t look at me. She didn’t look at my son. She just said, ‘I need your insurance card and drivers’ license.’ And she started inputting, never once
Pink plays a part at Ma’am Exams Gilbert, whether considering the walls or the décor.
making eye contact. We were the only ones in there,” she recalled. McBride paid her copay, took a seat and began thinking: “Is this where medical is at now? I need them so badly that it doesn’t even matter?’ “I told my son, I’m going to open a medical center and it’s going to be different,” she said. “I wanted ‘The Carol Burnett Show’
on the wall, candy counters. I wanted people to walk up and say, ‘How are you,’ and have someone actually greet you in the reception area, sit down with you and talk to you. I want to have five-minute wait times for women. And have a provider that takes 20 minutes to ask you the questions and find out what is your normal,” McBride added. She launched the concept with two partners, Dr. Michael Dunn, a medical director who works in an advisory capacity, and Kris Davis, who is in charge of new construction and finances, in October 2015 in Mesa. The response, she described, was “massive.” The threeexam-room, 2,300-square-foot location served 1,900 patients last year.
Marketing director Christine Bowman (left) and owner Whitney McBride pose against their sweet backdrop.
The concept is set to expand with locations in Queen Creek, Tempe and Scottsdale. “I wanted to provide something for women that they would walk out and look at me and say, ‘Thank you,’ and me say it was all worth it,” McBride said. “That’s where really I feel like the connection was lost. We should feel like there’s a service provided and a service given and we both appreciate it.” Ma’am Exams Gilbert is at 1684 E Boston Street, Ste. 102. Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Details: 480-448-2411 or maamexams.com.
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
PRIVATE. CHRISTIAN. AFFORDABLE. Tour Our Vibrant Growing Campus Student-guided tours are offered Monday – Saturday
Average Tuition
$8,600 17,000 students traditional
(fall 2016)
per year*
OVER
40
94% of traditional students graduating in 2015-16 did so in less than four years
Brand-new facilities: 6,000-seat GCU Stadium,
engineering building and labs,
Over 100 undergraduate programs and more than
200 academic programs total
Room and board rates start at just $3,125 per semester**
7,000-seat GCU Arena,
student recreation center, Ethington Theatre, resort-style pools, contemporary housing and more Approximately
63% live on our
218-acre expanding campus
GCU.EDU/GoGCU
* Average tuition after scholarships is approximately $8,600. Scholarships may be awarded based on 6th semester transcripts. At the time in which final, official transcripts are received, GCU reserves the right to rescind or modify the scholarship if it is determined that eligibility was not achieved. GCU reserves the right to decline scholarship awards for any reason. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited. GCU reserves the right to change scholarship awards at any time without notice. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited. Prices based on 2016-17 rate and are subject to change. ** Housing and meal plan rate includes triple occupancy, suite-style residence hall and $1,350 Dining Dollars, plus applicable sales tax as required by state law. Prices reflect 2016-17 and are subject to change. The information printed in this material is accurate as of May 2017. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu. Important policy information is available in the University Policy Handbook at https://www. gcu.edu/academics/academic-policies.php For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (800-621-7440; http://hlcommission.org/). GCU, while reserving its lawful rights in light of its Christian mission, is committed to maintaining an academic environment that is free from unlawful discrimination. Further detail on GCU’s Non-Discrimination policies can be found at gcu.edu/titleIX. ©2017 Grand Canyon University 17GTR0279
Business
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
41
Dignity Health opens weight loss center WestJet to continue BY LEAH MERRALL
There is a new resource in town for those looking to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle. The Dignity Health Weight Loss Center, a partnership between Dignity Health and United Surgical Partners International, is a program that places an emphasis on providing patients with a personalized treatment approach to lose weight and an ongoing support system following treatment. The team at Dignity Health’s Weight Loss Center intends to help guide individuals to an ideal weight in order to reduce risks associated with being overweight, such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other health problems. “Our hope is to help those who want to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Maryann Bowersox, an executive of the program. “We want our patients to achieve their dreams. It may be different dreams depending on each individual, but overall, our hope is to help them become the best they can be physically and emotionally.” The core team at the center in-
cludes patient navigators, a nutritionist and a psychologist. Additionally, one-on-one dietary counselors and peer-based support groups are available to encourage a positive transformation. Weight-loss surgery is also offered. Bowersox said the program has pre- and post-surgery support from
a medical team that includes nurse navigators and board-certified physicians and also provides a bariatric coordinator that meets with the patient preoperatively and follows them throughout the hospitalization. “At Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, we saw we had all the resources to open a weight loss center that could in turn benefit the community in the
East Valley and beyond,” Bowersox said. “Once we recognized that we could impact the community in a positive way with a comprehensive weight loss center, that was when we began to work toward this addition.” According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, 34 percent of adults older than 20 years of age are affected by obesity and 68 percent of those individuals are overweight. “The statistics surrounding obesity are alarming and we want to be there for those in need,” said Jane Hanson, interim president and CEO of Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers. “The center is not only geared toward providing surgical weight loss options to help individuals lose weight in a healthy and effective manner, but it also places an emphasis on providing an ongoing support system after treatment to help patients maintain a healthy weight.” The program takes most insurance plans and has a cash payment option available. To schedule a consultation, call 480-757-0292.
Canadian service from Mesa airport BY SRIANTHI PERERA
WestJet, which offered flights between Calgary and Edmonton and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport from January to April this year, has announced resumption of the service from October to April. The Canadian carrier also serves several destinations in Canada, including Calgary and Edmonton, from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. “It’s significant for us because it allows us to show firsthand proof that the East Valley in itself is a market,” said Ryan Smith, director of communications at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway. “There are people who would choose to fly here from Gateway rather than drive down to Sky Harbor and that there’s a business case for airlines, that even though they operate out of Sky Harbor they can operate the two airports and still be successful.” Smith said that the airline “started to fill out their plans” at a 90 percent capacity, which is considered a ‘very successful route.’ “These were all new passengers that were see
WESTJET page 45
J une 5, 2017 S. Higley Rd
Chase Bank
Walgreens
Chevron
E. Chandler Heights Rd
6343 S. Higley Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85298 AZ_GilbertSunNews_Higley_OPENINGSOON_AD - 0517.indd 1
• • • •
We can help you year-round with issues & needs such as: Cold/Flu Treatment • Wound Treatment • Stitches & Suturing Seasonal Allergies • Urinary Tract Infections • Ear & Eye Infections Onsite X-ray & Labs • School / Sports Physicals • Sinus Infections Allergic Reactions • Burns • and much more!
Open Monday-Friday 8am-8pm Saturday-Sunday: 8am-4pm
1-844-852-4288 • NextCare.com 5/25/2017 12:20:45 PM
42
Business
June 2017
1
2
www.GilbertSunNews.com
3
6
5
Center of fun Photos by Cheryl Haselhorst
Main Event opened a 50,000-square-foot entertainment center in the SanTan Village area recently. Representatives from the Gilbert Chamber, as well as a contingent of youth, were on hand to cut a ribbon and join in the festivities. The facility is at 1735 S. Santan Village Parkway, Gilbert. 1. Classmates Daniel Garcia, 10, and Jade Leach, 10, both from Gilbert, marked the end of fourth grade with a trip to Main Event. 2. Monika Blankenship, an employee from nearby Doubletree, plays an air hockey game. 3. Heath Boers and David Johnson, with Hensley Beverage Company, enjoy a bite to eat. 4. Mike Thomason, superintendent of Higley Unified School District, takes aim while playing an arcade shooting game. 5. Jordan Shaw, 9, of Gilbert, inches her way through the gravity ropes suspended above the game floor. 6. Stuffed animal prizes await winners. 7. (From left) Leslie Vogt and Candice Reed of Steven M. Vogt CPA firm and Jason Brenden of C2 Tactical. 8. Torrie Yerkovich, corporate giving manager of Make-A-Wish Foundation, receives a donation check from Thomas Lacy, Main Event general manager. 9. Frogger is one of the arcade games. 10. Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels, speaks at the opening. 11. Rolling the first bowling ball down the lanes during the ceremonial bowling are David Mick, games manager, and Mayor Daniels.
4
7 10
9
11
MOBILE DOG WASHING
$5 OFF New Customers Hydrobath in warm water Aromatherapy Rinses Ear & Eye Clean Nail Clipping Brushing Deodorize Blow Drying FREE Doggy Treat! 1-866-933-5111
602-576-7262
Franchises Available
www.ThePoochMobile.com
8
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
<ti 2017 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of traffic laws at all times.
APPROVED
CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
Choose from a fine selection of Porsche Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. Porsche Chandler, a luxury experience encompassing Sales, Service, Parts & Accessories in the heart of the East Valley. Offering complimentary Porsche service loaners and door-to-door Sales & Service vehicle delivery. Showcasing the finest selection of New, Certified and Pre-Owned Porsche models. Conveniently located North of the Santan 202 Freeway on Gilbert Road.
Please visit us online at PorscheChandler.com
Porsche Chandler 1010 S. Gilbert Rd . Chandler, AZ 85286 (480) 994-9000 PorscheChandler.com
43
44
Business
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Isagenix International in U.K.
Park Lucero features nearly 600,000 square feet of industrial space in six buildings.
Park Lucero leased Park Lucero’s phases I and III are fully leased, Trammell Crow Company and partner Artis REIT announced. Located on 48 acres at the northwest corner of Loop 202 and Germann Road near the border of Gilbert and Chandler, the project, when complete, will feature nearly 600,000 square feet of industrial space in six buildings. The combination of buildings have dock-high, truck-well and grade-level loading and 24- to 30-
foot ceiling clear heights. Construction of Park Lucero Phase II was completed in March. Phase IV, the final phase, is scheduled to break ground later this year and be available for lease by early 2018. The final phase will be one 95,000-square-foot building.
Isagenix kicked off sales in the United Kingdom in March, marking the 13th market where the company offers its products and solutions. The health and wellness company, led by owners Jim, Kathy, and Erik Coover, celebrated its 15-year anniversary, also in March, and surpassed $5 billion in cumulative global sales since opening in 2012. The U.K. launch is the most successful market entry to date, according to Travis Ogden, Isagenix president and chief operating officer. “We were expecting a great response but have been humbled by the overwhelming outpouring of interest and
support of over 17,000 people who have pre-enrolled to begin their Isagenix health and wellness transformation,” he said. With the main office located in central London, Isagenix is open for business in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The U.K. staff is led by Peter Kropp, regional general manager of Europe, and includes a team of more than 35 staff members dedicated to helping make Isagenix the largest health and wellness company in the world. Product offerings in the U.K. will focus on weight management, energy and performance.
Fun and Unique Birthday Parties Too! Details: parklucero.com.
OneNeck IT Solutions data center in Gilbert. Beautiful and welcoming family fitness center offering group classes for both children and adults in Yoga, Barre, POP Pilates, Mat Pilates, LIFT and Boxing. Over 30 classes to choose from each week! Also offering unique and fun parties for both children and adults and special monthly events like “Mom’s Yoga and Wine Night”, Canvas Painting Parties and much, much more.
4100 S. Lindsay Rd, Ste 101 4100 S. Lindsay Rd, Ste 101 Gilbert • 480-699-1004 email: info@letsgrowstudio.com Gilbert • 480-699-1004 email: info@letsgrowstudio.com 10% Discount Off all memberships for teachers and family of military.
YOUR 50% FIRST YOUR 50% OFF MONTH OFF FIRST MONTH Expires June 30, 2017.
Check us out online at letsgrowstudio.com
Data center purchased Colliers International in Greater Phoenix has completed the sale of the OneNeck IT Solutions data center at 1655 Sunrise Blvd. in Gilbert. ArroyoBel Asset Advisors purchased the facility from a private investor who had owned it for 14 years. This is ArroyoBel’s second acquisition in the Phoenix market in the last six months; it also recently purchased Thunderbird Palms Medical Campus in Glendale. The 14,168-square-foot data center was purpose-built in 1998 by OneNeck IT Solutions, a hybrid IT solutions provider for mid-market and enterprise companies, which was later acquired by Telephone
and Data Systems, Inc. It serves as one of two OneNeck data centers in Arizona. “This asset offers an attractive combination of an appealing in-fill location, a high-quality building and a very stable 19-year occupancy history with a strong institutional tenant,” said Mindy Korth, executive vice president with Colliers International in Greater Phoenix. Represented by its two principals, Chuck Bruni and Neal Smaler, ArroyoBel is focused on the acquisition of medical properties as well as single-tenant net lease facilities, especially those with heavy data and technology infrastructure.
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Gilbert Chamber events in June
Business
Chamber Chat – Midday Presented by Woodard Construction 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 7 Grubstak 384 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 106 Gilbert, 85234 Enjoy lunch and conversation with local professionals. This informal gathering is a fun way to share conversation with other professionals while learning more about businesses and services within the
community. Come prepared to meet new friends and build lasting relationships. No agenda; no script, just good food, great company and friendly conversation. Admission: $10 per person; pay at door. Price includes lunch buffet and tax. Donate a door prize of $25 or more and get a minute at the mic to introduce your business (members only).
Annual Business Awards Luncheon Presented by COX Business 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 21 Doubletree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert 1800 S. SanTan Village Parkway Gilbert, 85295 Join the Chamber for this annual celebration as it delivers the Chamber’s Year In Review, honor the volunteers who serve it and announce the recipients of this year’s Annual Business Awards.
Admission: Member admission: $35, General admission: $50 (Add $10/person when registering after 11 a.m. on June 9.) Sponsored table for eight: $350 Sponsored table includes reserved seating for eight, sponsor’s name on event program, logo on reserved table signage and priority placement within area of other sponsored tables.
Chamber Chat – After Hours 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 29 Rodizio Grill 1840 S. Val Vista Drive (Dana Park) Mesa, 85204 This informal gathering is a fun way to share conversation with other professionals while learning more about businesses and services within the community. Come prepared to meet new friends and build lasting relationships. No agenda; no script, just good food, great company and friendly conversation.
Admission: $10 per person; pay at door. Price includes appetizer buffet and tax. Donate a door prize of $25 or more and get a minute at the mic to introduce your business (members only).
For more information or registration, visit gilbertaz.com.
WESTJET FROM page 41 choosing to come here and come through Gateway,” he said. The nonstop flights provide convenient and affordable access for the growing number of Canadians who visit and/ or spend the entire winter months in the East Valley. Typically, these are not business-related passengers, Smith added. “The East Valley market continues to grow, with more than 1.5 million people living within a 20-minute drive of the airport,” said Mesa Mayor John Giles, chairman of the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport Authority, in a media release. “Our continued partnership with WestJest is great news for Gateway Airport and the East Valley.
“Recent air service announcements and major investments by companies like Apple and Intel are key indicators of a healthy and growing regional economy,” he also stated. Earlier this year, NewLeaf Travel Co. also announced plans to offer three weekly nonstop flights between the airport in Mesa and the Canadian destinations. However, those plans were cancelled when WestJet stepped in with the same offer. “As the route continues to grow and we continue to foster, we would love for the opportunity to have some summer tourists here and take those Arizona folks looking to get out and escape the heat,” Smith said.
June 2017
45
46
Youth
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Migrant workers’ kids celebrate preschool graduation in Queen Creek BY BECKY BRACKEN • PHOTOS COURTESY OF QUEEN CREEK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
In the midst of the flurry of graduation season, there was one ceremony decidedly different from the rest. Tucked behind Queen Creek Elementary school is a portable classroom where family and friends of the Queen Creek Learning center gathered on May 18 for the preschool graduation of 17 very special little ones. Each student is the son or daughter of one of Arizona’s migrant workers. And this first step in their education is critical to keeping these children engaged, and in school, for many more years to come. The Queen Creek Learning Center is a free preschool program for children ages 3 to 5 with a parent who is either enrolled in QCUSD Adult Education program or working on a farm, dairy or in a fishery. The preschool teacher, Maria Martinez, is fluent in Spanish and English and spent the year teaching them the standard preschool basics: letters, colors, numbers, how to use scissors, how to share and how to sit quietly during learning time. But, there’s one thing Ms. Martinez said she wanted them to know above all else. “The most important thing they learned is that they are important, they are valued and they are loved,” Martinez said during the graduation ceremony. Children of migrant workers face specific challenges. Their families move around a lot, the result of parents seeking seasonal work. Often, English isn’t the first language spoken at home. Transportation is scarce. Transferring in and out of different schools can prove difficult and keep children of migrant workers from attending school regularly, or cause them to fall behind their classmates. Thanks to federal grants and private partnerships, the Queen Creek Migrant Education program works with migrant families to
provide the transportation and additional services necessary to help them access quality education both for themselves and their children. Vivian Moreno’s son Isaiah Estrada was one of this year’s graduates from the Children’s Learning Center. She said volunteers came to her house to start working with her and Isaiah to get ready for school the year prior to his attending preschool. She said the transportation the Children’s Learning Center offers is critical. Otherwise, Isaiah wouldn’t have had the opportunity to attend. Isaiah’s teachers say he’s “It was ready for kindergarten. awkward at first,” Moreno said about the volunteers who first came out to visit and work with Isaiah. “But we’ve seen a ton of growth and his teachers say he’s ready for kindergarten.” Moreno adds that having a Spanishspeaking teacher is invaluable, since Isaiah’s dad speaks only Spanish. “It’s a big plus,” Moreno said. Classroom lessons are taught in English, and Martinez said she’s focused on getting her students comfortable speaking in front of others. “We teach them to speak in complete sentences,” Martinez said. “We encour-
A total of 17 preschoolers graduated from the Children’s Learning Center this school year.
will take with them wherever they go. The Queen Creek Unified School District also offers an Adult Education Program, which is intended to help get migrant workers the skills they need to succeed. Parents who attend these classes can have their preschoolers in school at the same time, making accessing education easier for the Isaiah Estrada with his mom, Vivian Moreno (right), and whole family. grandmother, Marina Moreno, on graduation day. “We have one of the best adult education programs in the whole state,” Maria Silva, age conversation and getting to know our the Learning Center’s Special Projects Difriends.” rector, said. “We are given the opportunity Of course, many of the recent preto reach students who otherwise wouldn’t school graduates of the Children’s Learnhave had any help. This is my passion, ing Center will leave the area so their parents can look for work, but the founda- helping these children succeed because they had the fundamentals.” tion of their education is something they
15% Off Hair Services
SAT looming? We’ll help Matthew get from start to stellar. Schedule your family meeting today. 480.237.2333 | collegetutor.com
Not to be combined with any other offer.
Color/Highlight........................................ $30 Perms ...................................................... $25 Haircut and Style ..................................... $10 Shampoo and Style...................................$10 European “Spa” Facial ............................. $30 (75 min.) Includes Steam & More! Age Smart Skin Resurfacing Exfoliator (anti-aging) ............................. $30 Medibac Clearing Facial (acne) ................ $30 Hot Stone Facial/Back Facial .................... $30 Microdermabrasion Packages (Please call for pricing)
Get Your SUMMER HAIR!
480-857-1138 610 N. Alma School Rd., #38 • Chandler CLASSES FORMING NOW!
Wednesday is now officially Senior Citizen Day. Mon. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., Tues. - Fri. 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. 8:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
FINANCIAL AID FOR THOSE WHO QUALIFY. VA APPROVED
Must present ad at time of service. Services provided by students and supervised by licensed educators.
Youth
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
47
(Special to GSN)
Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Thomas McKinney (left) with the Gilbert boys’ soccer team.
Gilbert High School Tigers honored SUBMITTED BY PRECISION SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT
The Gilbert High School boys’ varsity soccer team finished the 2016-2017 season ranked No. 6 nationally, according to MaxPreps, the online high school sports media brand. MaxPreps ranks more than 16,000 boys’ varsity soccer teams each fall. “Each season, nearly 34,000 varsity soccer teams take the field in hopes of being champions. The MaxPreps Tour of Champions and the Army National Guard honor the most outstanding teams in the nation for their state championship performance and elite national level ranking,” said Andy Beal, president and founder of MaxPreps. “Congratulations to the Gilbert High School Tigers players, coaches and fans for an amazing year and for earning the Army National Guard’s national rankings trophy.” Gilbert capped its season with a 1-0 win against previously unbeaten Tolleson in February to win the AIA 6A Boys’ Soccer State Championship. A late goal by senior Danny Baca, with six minutes remaining, propelled the Tigers to their first state title since
2004 and a statewide No. 1 ranking. The team is being honored during the 12th annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard, which is in its sixth year honoring soccer. “Getting to the state championship game the previous year was a big help in keeping our group grounded during the tournament this year. We also had a tougher schedule that I believe was pivotal in preparing us for the state tournament run,” said coach Jeff Perry. After learning that they were selected to be honored on the Tour of Champions, Perry said, “This is a great moment for our program to get recognized by MaxPreps and the Army National Guard. Moments like this are few and far between, so we are extremely excited about the opportunity.” Arizona Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Thomas McKinney presented Perry and the team with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy recently during a school assembly. The team also received a banner for their accomplishment.
“The Army National Guard represents teamwork and a commitment to community and country. Just as your team joins together to defeat adversity and win, the Army National Guard stands vigilant as a team to protect the community and country in which we live,” said Master Sgt. Mark Wojciechowski. “On behalf of the Army National Guard, I am privileged to recognize this nationally ranked, championship team for their dedication, leadership and teamwork.” MaxPreps Computer Rankings are used to determine team rank for the Tour of Champions. The system (Special to GSN) utilizes game results stored McKinney and students Zach Hellmann, Danny Baca and in the MaxPreps database. Bobby Baca. Generally, the more a team wins, the higher the ranking, but the system takes into acand strength of schedule. Playoff games count quality wins (against other highly are weighted 2.1 times a regular season ranked opponents), margin of victory game.
48
June 2017
Youth
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Wild horses photo capture wins ‘Arizona Highways’ award BY JESSICA SURIANO
Griffin Roeger, a 17-year-old graduate of Campo Verde High School, was awarded first place in the Adventures in Nature Photo Contest with “Arizona Highways” magazine and The Nature Conservancy for his photo “Wild Stallions.” At the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Roeger and his family waited as photo editors from the magazine critiqued his photo and eventually announced not only did he come in first, but also won $5,000. The photo will be displayed in Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and possibly featured in the magazine. Roeger said he’s been interested in photography for about five or six years, and the curiosity started when his mom brought home a new Canon camera one day. He said he decided to pursue photography further because it allowed him to practice taking pictures while being outside or hiking, another one of his passions. This year, four judges critiqued the photos in the contest. The first was Jeff Kida, the “Arizona Highways” photo editor, who also has contributed to “The Los Angeles Times” and “The New
York Times.” The second was Rick Wiley, photography director at the “Arizona Daily Star” for the past 13 years. Another was Mark Skalny, who has been a photographer for “Cowboys and Indians,” “W Magazine” and “Men’s Vogue.” The last judge was Bob Billups, a volunteer for The Nature Conservancy photo archive and a retired music professor with a passion for landscape photography. Roeger said he was shocked when he won the contest. “It felt amazing when I won, knowing that people really enjoyed my photo enough to make it win first place,” he said. Roeger was at the Salt River with his dad and a few friends when he snapped the winning shot. They originally had ventured to the river to shoot pictures of bald eagles, but two feisty horses stole the show. “They just didn’t like that they were in each other’s territory,” Roeger said. Roeger’s digital photography teacher at Campo Verde High School, Lindsey Hoffman, said she is incredibly proud of him. “He’s incredibly humble and just has a way with wildlife photography,” she said in an email. “It’s like animals aren’t scared
(Special to GSN)
Griffin Roeger’s image was taken at the Salt River, when he noticed the horses while looking for bald eagles.
of him. He’s turned in several photos over the years that have just blown me away. I hope he makes a career of it because he’s just so talented.” Roeger plans to attend ChandlerGilbert Community College for two years and Arizona State University for two years. He’s not sure yet what areas of study he’ll pursue. Second place in the photography competition was awarded to Braden Matsuzawa for “Caterpillar,” and Damian Galasso snagged third place for “Lightning Flash.”
(Special to GSN)
Roeger, a graduate of Campo Verde High, has an eye for photography.
The contest also awarded honorable mention to seven images featuring scenes from a desert sunset to a star-filled sky to a cloudy Mount Lemmon skyline. The winning entries may be viewed at arizonahighways.com/2017-tnc-photocontest-winners.
GRAND OPENING IN GILBERT!
Learn to swim any time of the year and Aqua-Tots is ready to teach your child! Weekday morning, afternoon and evening classes Saturday morning classes Group, semi- or private classes for 6 months and older Swim Club for advanced swimming Certified, experienced oor Pool d n I d e t 4Hea s instructors lass Size C l l a m S s 4 Birthday and Special Schedule e l b i x e l 4F vels event parties erent Le
48 Diff oor Pool d n I d e t a 4He
www.aqua-tots.com
COMING SOON! 2335 S. Lindsay Rd • Gilbert, AZ 85295
480-462-2899
Youth
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
Local residents in the military
49
SPECIAL TO GSN BY JOINT HOMETOWN NEWS SERVICE
The following residents graduated recently from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio. They completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values,
physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Alberto M. Rodriguez is a 2016 graduate of Hamilton High School, Chandler, and the son of Karla Rodriguez of Gilbert and Alberto Rodriguez of Queen Creek.
U.S. Air Force Airman Giovanni Lopez is a 2012 graduate of Desert Ridge High School, Mesa and the son of Juan C. Flores of Anaheim, Calif., and Rosa M. Orozco of Queen Creek.
U.S. Air Force Airman Jasmine E. Bradley is a 2015 graduate of Mesquite High School and the daughter of Michael T. Bradley of Gilbert.
U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Lauren A. McCoy is a 2015 graduate of Campo Verde High School and the daughter of Hannah McCoy of Gilbert.
U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman 1st Class Jonathan D. Partridge earned distinction as an honor graduate. He is the son of Daniel J. Partridge of Leesburg, Va., and Lisa A. Mathey of San Tan Valley.
U.S. Air Force Airman Jeremiah M. Tumbleson is the son of Michael Tumbleson and the grandson of Patricia Tumbleson of Queen Creek. He is a 2016 graduate of Benjamin Franklin High School in Queen Creek.
U.S. Air Force Airman Auston D. Baker is a 2016 graduate of Mesquite High School and the son of Brandon and Sabrina Baker of Gilbert.
U.S. Air Force Airman Dillon S. Smith is a 2016 graduate of Red Mountain High School, Mesa and the son of Stacy Mills of Mesa and James S. Smith of Queen Creek.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Ronald L. Perry III is a 2017 graduate of Basha High School, Chandler, and the son of Angela and Ron Perry of Queen Creek.
U.S. Air Force Airman Jacob Brewer, a 2013 graduate of Queen Creek High School.
U.S. Air Force Airman Andrew S. Lent is a 2016 graduate of American Leadership Academy High School, Queen Creek, and the son of Lissette R. and Stephen J. Lent of Mesa.
U.S. Air Force Airman Mario D. Moreno, who graduated in 2016 from Poston Butte High School, San Tan Valley, is the son of Teresa Rogers of Hope Mills, N.C., and Mario Moreno of San Tan Valley.
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Celina C. Chavez, a 2013 graduate of Highland High School, and the daughter of Virginia and Edward Chavez. She also earned an associate degree in 2016 from Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
U.S. Air Force Airman Ryan R. Curtis, a graduate of Highland High School, and the son of Melissa Curtis and grandson of Patricia Abraham of Mesa.
Also, earlier this year, Army Cpl. Adam T. Barrett, the son of Ted Barrett of Gilbert and a 2014 graduate of Williams Field High School, deployed overseas in support of Atlantic Resolve. Atlantic Resolve is a demonstration of continued U.S. commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.
50
Youth
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Gilbert teen CEOs win investors for their start-up businesses BY PAUL MARYNIAK
They weren’t building better mousetraps, but Gilbert teens Sophie Bruner and Alec Liapis were ready for the world to beat a path to their door. Or so they and eight other teen members of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, run by the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce, proved recently as they faced a panel of local investors and discussed the new products and services they invented. They had been preparing for the fateful session since September, gathering every week with YEA! director Pamela Manwaring to learn every facet of running a business – from product development to bookkeeping, marketing to distribution, cost analysis to quality control. With the help of volunteer business owners and other experts, Manwaring had organized weekly guest speakers, meetings and lessons to help the teens get grounded in business fundamentals so they could actually turn their ideas into money-makers. Their moment of truth came as each teen appeared before the local business owners who had volunteered to pony up money or other assistance to help them make the leap from concept to reality. Sophie, Alec and their counterparts
were prepared with slide shows that buttressed their five-minute speeches. The slides identified their projected operating and supply costs, financing strategy, target market, competition, short and long-term business goals and promotion plans. Both Sophie and Alec proposed websites that had a charitable purpose, but would still make a profit – largely through ads since access to the sites would be free. Sophie, who attends Mountain Pointe High School in Ahwatukee because her mother is the school psychologist there, developed a website called dyslexicstudent.com that aims to help kids with dyslexia find resources to overcome their condition and realize their full potential. Noting that there are an estimated 750,000 people who suffer from dyslexia worldwide, Sophie said the site would be aimed primarily at college-bound high school students who “seek life tips to make school easier.” Short-term, she hopes on achieving 5,000 views in the first three years of operation and raising $5,000 as well as raise awareness of dyslexia among kids in poverty-stricken neighborhoods. Her longterm goal is raising $15,000 during the first 10 years of the website’s operation.
Alec, a college-bound Highland High School football player, pitched a website called TerraSpan that is aimed at merging “social media with positive ideas” to offer users unique volunteer opportunities and connect with others who share their passions for solving various world issues. His short-term goals include registering 12,000 members within the next eight months and partnering with 100 different nonprofit groups. Long-term, he hopes to have 100,000 registered users and “gain recognition in multiple states as well as partnerships with large national non-profit organizations.” In the end, the panel agreed to give each entrepreneur investments ranging from $200 to $950 in cash that would supplement the money they had saved and the money they’d be getting from their parents. Sophie received $350 of the $450 she needed from outside investors to supplement about the $300 in savings and support from her relatives. Alec got $400. The panelists were no strangers to the business world. They included Ahwatukee auctioneer Bobby Ehlert, San Tan Ford owner Tim Hovik and PostNet owner Aaron Mueller.
Where Character Leads to Success. WE ARE A K-12 TUITION-FREE CHARTER SCHOOL FEATURING:
+ Advanced Academics + Character Education + Dual Enrollment and Early College Program
Sophie Bruner
Alec Liapis
Also on the panel were Ben Lewis, a design consultant and director of education for TechShop, a national chain of spaces for start-up manufacturers; Bill Lombardi, a consultant for IBM Global Business Services; Charles Morales III, operations manager for the publishing company for the “Ahwatukee Foothills News”; and Matthew Wilson, co-owner of the advertising-public relations firm Knoodle. The Ahwatukee Chamber runs the only YEA! program in the East Valley and the young CEOs came from Ahwatukee, Tempe, Phoenix, Chandler and Gilbert.
NOW ENROLLING GRADES K-12! for Fall 2017
+ Art, Music, PE, Technology + Small Class Sizes + Uniforms for K-8 + Championship Sports
Ask about our newly added Marine Biology & Robotics courses! LOCATED AT:
TO ENROLL:
717 West Ray Road Gilbert, AZ 85233
480.545.6646 (K-6) 480.545.8011 (7-12)
LeadingEdgeAcademy.com
In accordance with Federal Law, Leading Edge Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability.
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
pre se nts
“ Be Ou r Gue s t ”
Jul y 7- 16
602.252.8497 | herbergertheater.org
51
52
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Experience the Difference Water Features
$
Earn college credit close to home.
Barbecues, Fireplaces, Decking
Communiversity
500 OFF a Complete Pool Remodel Package
located in Queen Creek next to the library
Williams Campus
Swimming Pool Remodeling
located across from Phoenix-Mesa
Dual Enrollment Earn college credit while in high school then transfer to a community college or university. cgc.edu/dual *Maricopa county residents
Call Today for a FREE Estimate
(480) 830-9209
Veteran Owned Company
HUNTERS
JUMPERS
•
86
$
per credit *
cgc.edu | 480.732.7000
ROC #KA-05 257866
•
53
EQUITATION
Beginner through advanced lessons for all ages.
www.crossroadsfarm.com
CrossroadsFarms.indd 1
Gilbert Rd.
480-812-8924
Lindsay Rd.
Home of the ASU Equestrian Team, and the Crossroads East Valley High School IEA Team -you don’t need your own horse to participate!
Ray Rd.
460 E. Ray Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85296
8/4/15 4:05 PM
54
Youth
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
HIGLEY HAPPENINGS
SUBMITTED BY EMILY LIU
Carson Scholar winner Higley High School junior Katherine Nguyen is the only Gilbert student to be recognized as a Carson Scholar in 2017. Nguyen will be awarded a $1,000 college scholarship, medal and certificate as a result of her academic performance and commitment to the community. She is one of only three Arizona students and among 483 selected nationwide this year. “It was really surreal,” Nguyen said of her award. “The Carson Scholarship was the first scholarship that I’ve ever gotten externally, so just the fact that I got it out of so many students in the country was incredible.” Nguyen said she is dedicated to helping others and following through with her passions. Currently, she is involved with Academic Decathlon, math club and international club at Higley High and works in the community through her church. “More than anything, I feel validated because my hard work paid off from the school year,” Nguyen said. “I have things to add to my resume. It just feels like all of the work that I put in has finally amounted to something.” Nguyen said the teachers and administration at Higley High provided her support whenever she needed it in her Carson Scholar application process. For future applicants, Nguyen highlighted the importance of never losing sight of one’s goals. As for her, she hopes to major in biochemistry at an academic university to be surrounded by others who share her love for learning, particularly at an Ivy League school or science-based college such as California Institute of Technology. In addition, she plans to travel to learn about unique cultures.
U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalist Higley High’s Victoria Bate is one of only 723 students nationwide selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholars semifinalist. There were 5,100 candidates originally selected before the semifinalists were named. The program recognizes some of the country’s most distinguished graduating seniors academically, as well as in the arts and career and technical education (CTE).
(From left) Gus Becker, Remi Williams, Summer Chesley, McKinlie Jones, Chad Sundem, Spencer Raymond and Raul Guemes, swimmers from Higley High, are new inductees to the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America’s All America Team.
Academic All Americans Seven Higley High School swimmers are new inductees to the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association of America’s All America Team. Gus Becker, Summer Chesley, Raul Guemes, McKinlie Jones, Spencer Raymond, Cole Sundem and Remington Williams are part of only 2 percent of students who are recognized with this honor, out of more than 340,000 students involved in high school aquatics nationwide. Each student met competitive time standards to achieve this accolade. The teams are coached by Chris Robinson.
Victoria Bate
Top high schools
Victoria, a resident of Queen Creek, was named CTE U.S. Presidential Candidate. She started in the Gilbert school’s DECA program her freshman year to learn time management, leadership, entrepreneurship and marketing. This year, she is competing at the national DECA conference. Victoria plans to attend Arizona State University in the fall with the New American University Scholars – President’s Award scholarship and study elementary education.
Higley Unified School District’s Higley High and Williams Field High were recognized as top high schools in the country recently by “U.S. News & World Report” on the 2017 Best High School list. The two schools received Silver Medal honors. U.S. News & World Report examined state and federal data of more than 20,000 schools nationwide to assemble the list and chose about 6,000 for ranking. Higley High School was ranked No. 26 in Arizona rankings and No. 1815 in national rankings. According to the report,
Having Fun, Helping Others! Get plugged into Gilbert Gilbert Rotary Invites you to join us for Breakfast Our Treat! No Reservation Required Every Thursday 7 a.m. at the Egg I am 3321 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ For more information call 480-207-6473 Learn how to make friends, build relationships and give back in Gilbert.
In addition, both varsity boys and girls swim and dive teams received the All America Silver Scholar Team Award for earning cumulative, unweighted GPAs of more than 3.5. The boys’ team’s cumulative GPA average was 3.608. The girls’ team’s cumulative GPA average was 3.679. This marks the sixth year the girls’ team has gained this recognition, and the third year for the boys’ team. The Higley Knights boys’ team is one of only two male Arizona teams to receive this recognition. The girls’ team is the only female team in Arizona to receive this recognition.
51 percent of students participate in the Advanced Placement program, which provides college-level classes and the opportunity to earn college credit. This is the third consecutive year that the school made the list. Williams Field High School was ranked No. 31 in Arizona rankings and No. 1944 in national rankings. According to the report, 46 percent of students participate in the Advanced Placement program. This is the third consecutive year that Williams Field High School made the list.
Youth
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
Youth awarded for volunteering at Washington, Letters to the editor D.C. ceremony SUBMITTED BY PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL
Arizona’s top two youth volunteers of 2017, Emery Miller, 18, and Lauren Basye, 13, both of Gilbert, were honored in Washington, D.C. recently for their outstanding volunteer service during the 22nd annual presentation of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Emery and Lauren, along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country, each received $1,000 awards and personal congratulations from Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps at a ceremony and gala dinner reception held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, named Emery and Lauren Arizona’s top high school and middle-level youth volunteers in February. In addition to their cash awards, they each received an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent to Washington for four days of recognition events. Emery, a senior at Perry High School, launched an annual holiday drive that collected more than 24,500 teddy bears in seven years for hospitalized children in nine states. Emery understands what it’s like to be a kid stuck in the hospital because he underwent four open-heart surgeries by age 7 to correct a hole in his heart and replace valves. So, when he and his fellow churchgoers were challenged by their pastor one December morning to give more than they receive at Christmas, Emery decided to give teddy bears to young patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Emery’s mother posted his idea on Facebook, and within minutes people began volunteering to help him collect bears. The first year, he and “Team Emery” provided more than enough stuffed bears for every patient at the hospital. As word spread about Emery’s drive, it attracted an army of supporters over the next several years, collected more and more bears, and expanded
to more than 31 hospitals. Emery says he is “constantly running like a chicken with my head cut off” during the holiday season, raising funds, coordinating volunteers, speaking to schools and Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps paid tribute to Gilbert students Emery Miller and Lauren Basye during the 22nd annual presentation of The community groups Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in Washington, D.C. recently. and acquiring and sorting bears. direction,” she said, “and will hopefully “It’s absolutely priceless walking into the impact students’ grades, study skills and hospital wearing our matching red Team reading ability.” Emery shirts with Santa hats, watching the “These honorees have done exemplary faces of sick patients and their families light work to contribute to the health and up with excitement,” Emery said. vitality of their communities, and we look Lauren, a seventh-grader at ASU Prepaforward to seeing the great things they ratory STEM Academy in Mesa, led a small achieve in the future,” said John Strangfeld, group of students in turning an old storage chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial. room at their school into a much-needed Jayne Ellspermann, president of National library. A year ago, Lauren joined her school’s golf team and was told to store her Association of Secondary School Principals, said: “These honorees prove that one person golf clubs in a storage room during school hours. She soon realized the room could be truly can make a difference.” Youth volunteers in grades 5-12 were used for much more than storage. invited to apply for 2017 Prudential Spirit of Because she loves to read, and because Community Awards last fall through schools, her school at the time had only a few Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, shelves of library books, Lauren convinced American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and several friends that they could work toaffiliates of the HandsOn Network. More gether to turn the storage room into a real than 31,000 middle-level and high school walk-in library where students could check students nationwide participated in this out books, do homework, or just hang out. year’s program. Lauren’s small team first surveyed their The Prudential Spirit of Community school’s homerooms to gauge interest in Awards program was created in 1995 to the idea, then submitted a proposal to identify and recognize young people for their principal, who loved the plan. Since then, they’ve been working mornings, lunch outstanding volunteer service – and, in so doing, inspire others to volunteer, too. In hours and free periods to clean out the the past 22 years, the program has honored room, gather and sort donated books and more than 120,000 young volunteers at the develop operating procedures. local, state and national level. Lauren believes the reason a lot of young people don’t read many books these days is that they haven’t been exposed to More at spirit.prudential.com or nassp.org/spirit. a quality library. “The new library we are starting is taking great steps in the right
GPS offers free meals in the summer GSN STAFF
GPS offers a summer food service program as part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program. The meals are free to youth up to 18 years of age and are available at $2 for breakfast and $2.75 for lunch for those 18 years and older. No registration or proof of income is necessary. Mesquite Elementary School, 1000 E. Mesquite Road: June 6 to June 29, Monday to Thursday, breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m. lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Harris Elementary School, 1820 S. Harris Dr.: Through July 27, Monday to Thursday, breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m. lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meridian Elementary School, 3900 S. Mountain Road: Through July 27, Monday to Thursday, breakfast: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. lunch: 11:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. Greenfield Junior High School, 101 S. Greenfield Road: Through July 28, Monday to Friday, breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m. lunch: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Highland Junior High School, 6915 E. Guadalupe Road: Through July 28, Monday to Friday, breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m. lunch: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mesquite Junior High School, 130 W. Mesquite Road: Through July 28, Monday to Friday, breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m. lunch: 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. South Valley Junior High School, 2034 S.
Lindsay Road: Through July 28, Monday to Friday, breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m. lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sonoma Ranch Elementary School, 601 N. Key Biscayne Dr.: June 5 to June 29, Monday to Thursday, breakfast: 8 to 9 a.m. lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Gilbert High School, 1101 E. Elliot Road: June 5 to June 29, Monday to Thursday, breakfast: 7 to 8 a.m. lunch: 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. Oak Tree Elementary School, 505 West Houston: June 5 to June 29, Monday to Thursday, breakfast: 7:30 to 9 a.m. lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
55
Editor’s note: David Buckner of Gilbert writes that his two sons have to publish a letter to obtain their Boy Scouts Communications merit badge.
Water park in Gilbert I think that Gilbert has a lot of good things to do. I do think that they should add a water park in Gilbert. It would help with tourism, tax revenue, it could help with hotel development, and also help taxpayers to stay in Gilbert on Staycations. First, it would help with tourism. Tourists usually spend good money on vacations too, which would help local businesses, and give us revenue from sales tax as well. Second, hotel development would give us more tax dollars. It would also invite tourists to come stay in Gilbert. Thirdly, it would also keep residents that are living in Gilbert to stay rather than leave out of town or out of state on vacation. Gilbert is a great place to live but with a new water park and surrounding hotels, it could be a great place to vacation. Hayden Buckner, 14, has finished eighth grade at Greenfield Junior High.
Hungry and homeless For my communications merit badge for Scouts, I am writing about the hungry and homeless. These people don’t have jobs to make any money. This means there is no way to buy food or any form of transportation, such as a bike. To get their money, they hold up signs on a side of a road. And just waiting for someone to bring them food or money. Some places where homeless people stay for their home is a homeless shelter. The homeless shelter provides a place for them to live. The hungry don’t have any food so there are some places that you can volunteer to make bags of food. One place is called Feed My Starving Children. Homeless people that don’t have much clothing can get donations from people too. Another thing homeless people need is a job. A job would help pay for their food and clothes but not a home. So there are many things for the homeless to work on, but we should be helping them too. In the SanTan Shopping Center, there are a lot of people begging for money. I think the City of Gilbert should make sure that the people asking for money really need it. Sometimes there are people that are asking for money that don’t look like they are poor. For the people that need help, the City of Gilbert should help them with food and water during the hot summer months. Trent Buckner, 12, has completed sixth grade at Greenfield Elementary.
56
Spirituality
June 2017
Spiritual Connections The Bridge Church 645 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 180, Gilbert 480-294-7888 bridgechurchaz.org Service: 10 a.m. Sundays We exist to help people know God, and become everything God created them to be. We do this by helping people begin a relationship with God, grow in that relationship to find freedom from the struggles they experience, discover the purpose for which God made them, and live out their purpose to make a difference in the church and in the world. Central Christian Church-Gilbert 965 E. Germann Road, Gilbert centralaz.com Services: 4 and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon Sundays While the Bible itself is the church’s official document of faith, the website lists a variety of statements that fundamentally define the church. Please visit the website for more information. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3301 S. Greenfield Road, Gilbert 480-822-5000 lds.org
First United Methodist Church of Gilbert 331 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert 480-892-9166 gilbertumc.org Services: 8 and 9:30 a.m. (traditional services) and 11 a.m. (contemporary service) Sundays The two traditional services feature the Chancel choir and traditional worship. The 11 a.m. service has a contemporary feel, with music from the Praise Band. The 9:30 a.m. service generally has the largest attendance. Gilbert Presbyterian Church 235 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert 480-892-6753 azgpc.org Services: 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays Gilbert Presbyterian Church is called to be a Christ-centered covenant family nurtured by the Holy Spirit to worship God and to share God’s love. The Lawrence Memorial AME Zion Church 1141 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert 480-772-3603 Services: 10:15 a.m. Sunday; Bible study is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday The Lawrence Memorial Church is a contemporary church. We are a multicultural church that is simply looking to reach the unreachable with love. Living Water United Methodist Fellowship Highland Park Elementary School 230 N Cole Dr., Gilbert livingwaterum.org Services: 10 a.m. Sundays Living Water exists to bring people in to meet Christ, build people up to follow Christ and send people out to share Christ. Mission Community Church 4450 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert 480-545-4024 mission68.org Services: 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturdays
What’s Your Life Produce?
and 9, 10:30 and 11:59 a.m. Sundays The Bible is God’s word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth and without error in the original manuscripts. Redemption Gilbert 1820 W. Elliot Road, Gilbert 480-632-2220 gilbert.redemptionaz.com/about/ a-brief-overview/ Services: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays Gospel means good news, but it is truly the most profound and glorious truth ever revealed. It is not advice, nor is it a system or philosophy to add to the congregants’ lives. It is an exclusive truth claim, a holistic worldview, the true story of the whole world, which by its very nature must redefine and recolor everything else. Resurrection Episcopal Church Meets at Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St., Gilbert 480-719-5343 resurrectiongilbert.org Services: 10 a.m. Sundays Resurrection officials say the congregation is a church you can believe in because you belong. This means it welcomes and embraces all people because God already has. Come for worship, fellowship and Bible study on Sundays and join the group on a spiritual journey to better understand God’s plan for our lives. San Tan Bible Church 1424 S. Promenade Lane, Gilbert Phone number not available. santanbible.org Services: 8:30 a.m. (Bible hour); 9:30 a.m. (Café 2:42) and 10 a.m. worship service Sundays The church believes the glory of God is the chief end of all we do. Sun Valley Community Church 456 E. Ray Road, Gilbert 480-632-8920
Sundays at 10:00 am New Location 645 N Gilbert Rd, Suite 180 Gilbert, AZ 85234 (Southeast corner of Gilbert & Guadalupe, south of Big Lots) Pastor Kent Bertrand 480.294.7888 www.bridgechurchaz.org E. Guadalupe Rd.
N. Gilbert Rd.
Starting January 8th, 2017, please join us as we work through the Community Bible Experience together, as a church family!
A new sermon series on the Fruit of the Spirit begins June 11th.
www.GilbertSunNews.com
sunvalleycc.com Services: 4 and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 9, 10:30 and 11:59 a.m. Sundays The atmosphere is casual and friendly at Sun Valley Community Church. It places high value on authentic Christian living and placing Christ at the center of all our teachings. The church also offers worship music that is current and uplifting, along with focused weekend sermons that break down the Bible in a way that makes it easy to connect the word of God with today’s busy life. Two Rivers Church 326 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert 85234 480-892-2435, 2riverschurch.org Services: 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) Sundays Two Rivers Church exists to help lead congregants into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by encouraging and equipping them to love God intimately and serve others. It has a casual environment with a serious faith. Vineyard Community Church 601 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert 85233 480-892-5828 vineyardaz.com Services: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays Vineyard Community is a casual, friendly and inviting church. Its desire is to be a safe place where people’s lives are being transformed by Christ in community for the world. The diverse community of Christfollowers seeks the radical in-breaking of the kingdom of God here and now. Followers worship God with the intention of touching heaven and changing earth.
Arts
www.GilbertSunNews.com
June 2017
57
Indonesian art form showing at SunDust Gallery BY GSN STAFF
SunDust Gallery artist and instructor Peggy D’Errico offers a rare window into the creative medium of batik. Her exhibition,“The Art of Batik,” will be on display during June at the Gilbert gallery. Batik is an art form that has been practiced for centuries in Java and
Batik can be vibrant, playful and colorful, such as these pieces by Peggy D’Errico.
other areas of Indonesia. The technique uses wax and dye on fabric to create a vibrant pattern that can be worn or displayed. The traditional dyes used on cloth were deep indigo blues and soga browns, the characteristic colors in central Java. Toward the end of the 19th century, chemical dyes were introduced and the colors became brilliantly vibrant. “I was introduced to batik by my father, who was a well-known artist and instructor in the Midwest. He could take ordinary objects, like ballet slippers, and create stunning batik images on fabric,” D’Errico said. The artists’s imaginative batik work is also influenced by her love of the Southwest, with its vibrant sunlight. “Like my father and mentor, I capture ordinary images and make them color excited,” she said. SunDust Gallery is displaying batiks with bright landscapes and figurative narratives, some of which are for sale. D’Errico is also offering classes on the technique. “Most students fall in love with the unique and vibrant work created from the art of batik,” she said.
SunDust Gallery is at 207 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 102, Gilbert. For details, visit sundustgallery.com.
“Round Peg” by Miriam Otte.
Arts quilts on display in Chandler BY GSN STAFF
The Chandler Arts Commission and Chandler Cultural Foundation present “Exposures: An Exhibition of Textile Arts” at both the Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery and the Vision Gallery in Downtown Chandler from June 9 to August 26. It features artworks by 27 Arizona members of the national nonprofit Studio Art Quilt Association. “Exposures will feature a wide variety of both figurative and abstract quilts, ranging in both theme and tone. These quilts feature themes such as geography, societal issues and local inspiration,” said Peter Bugg, visual arts coordinator at Vision Gallery. Opening receptions will be held concurrently at the Vision Gallery and the Chandler Center for the Arts 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 10. The exhibit pieces were selected through a jury
process led by Phoenix-based artist Ann Morton, who will give a talk about the exhibit and art quilts at 3 p.m. on that day at the Center for the Arts Gallery. Vision Gallery is located at 10 E. Chicago St., in the Chandler City Hall complex. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday Chandler Center for the Arts Gallery is located at 250 N. Arizona Ave., and it is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Details at visiongallery.org and chandlercenter.org. For more on Studio Art Quilt Association, visit saqa.com.
Like us on Facebook
Allergy Testing Now Available In Our Gilbert Location! • Environmental Allergies • Food Allergies
Call Us Today To Get Your Child Tested!
480-821-1400 3420 S Mercy Rd, Suite 124 Gilbert 85297 | Mon-Fri 8-5 | www.healingheartspeds.com
58
Arts
June 2017
ON STAGE Aida. Thursdays-Saturdays, through July 1, HCT. Tony Award-winning musical Aida brings a tale of love, loyalty and betrayal to the stage. Backed by the music of Elton John, you won’t want to miss it.
www.GilbertSunNews.com
of styles taken from a range of book genres. That includes a ballet production of “Beauty and the Beast.” Puddles Pity Party. Tuesday, June 13, MAC. Described as the “sad clown with the golden voice,” and known worldwide for his YouTube videos and festival appearances, Puddles brings heart, emotion and humor to the Valley.
TajMo. Wednesday, June 7, SCPA. Join blues legends and Grammy Awardwinning artists Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ for an evening of songs from their new collaborative album.
Oz
Summer Lovin, Saturday, June 17, MAC. Dance Connection offers four recitals that celebrate summer as they showcase a range of dance styles and age groups.
Puddles Pity Party TajMo
Jean-Luc Ponty: The Atlantic Years. Friday, June 9, SCPA. A French violinist that specializes in jazz and rock, Ponty reformed his band from his ‘70s-’80s Atlantic Records albums and is bringing them to the local stage. STOP. PLAY. REWIND. Friday-Saturday, June 9-10, CCA. Attend the 8th annual dance recital for The Dane Loft, which features locals in a range of dance styles. The Story of Our Lives! Saturday, June 10, MAC. The Paula Carr Dance Academy presents dances in a range
15
Yogis Coupon
All You Need Is Love. Thursday, June 15, CCA. Enjoy classical ballet, jazz, tap, and other styles of dance from the Marilyn Bostic Ballet Centre, which has been in the Valley more than 30 years. Favorites. Friday-Saturday, June 16-17, MAC. For its 25th Anniversary, Classic Image Dance performs a roundup of favorite tunes and a range of dance styles. Broadway Bound. Saturday, June 17, CCA. Tempe Dance Academy, a Valley institution for more than 60 years, presents a recital of various dance styles and age groups.
2017 Miss Arizona and Miss Arizona’s Outstanding Teen Competition. Thursday-Saturday, June 22-24, MAC. Women from 56 cities compete to represent Arizona in the next Miss America Pageant. Spencer Jones and Redhill. Friday, June 23, MAC. Coming off a tour in London, this rock group, which includes two members of the breakout local band Simply Three, brings a unique sound you won’t want to miss. A Dancer’s Dream. Saturday, June 24, CCA. Wagner Dane & Music presents a story of a mother and daughter and their adventures in New York and on Broadway. OZ. Thursdays-Saturdays, June 15-
25, MAC. The East Valley Children’s Theatre presents a musical adaptation of the classic tale “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum.
ONSTAGE VENUE INDEX CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts Tickets: 480-782-2680, chandlercenter.org HCPA—Higley Center for the Performing Arts Tickets: 480-279-7194, higleycenter.org HCT—Hale Centre Theatre Tickets: 480-497-1181, www. haletheatrearizona.com MAC—Mesa Arts Center Tickets: 480-644-6500, mesaartscenter.com SCPA—Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts Tickets: 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org
Mon.-Sat. 11am-9pm
%
Facebook @YogisGrillAzAve
OFF
T E R I YA K I
Your Entire Bill
S. Arizona Ave. & Ocotillo (480) 895-5569
ROLL
One coupon per party per visit. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6/30/17.
Yogis Coupon
5
Gilbert store is now open!
$ 00
OFF
Your Purchase of $25 or More One coupon per party per visit. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 6/30/17.
te r iya k i *
NO MSG
sushi rolls *
te m p u ra *
4015 S. Arizona Ave., Suite 5 & 6 Chandler, AZ 85248
East of Gilbert Rd. on Rivulon (480) 722-1169 75 E. Rivulon Blvd., Suite 109 Gilbert, AZ 8527
*For more info & menu, please visit us at yogisgrill.com
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Sir Elton John’s epic tale ‘Aida’ at Hale stage
Arts
June 2017
59
BY DON ANDREWS
The glittering musical tale of Nubian princess Aida runs at the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert through July 1. The Broadway-style production by Sirs Elton John and Tim Rice is a modern retelling of Giuseppe Verdi’s opera of the same name. It begins when a contemporary couple meets in the Egyptology wing of a large, big-city museum. They are suddenly and magically transported into a memory of their past lives in the land of the Pharaohs, when their love story began. It is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal. Nubian princess Aida is abducted from her country in Africa, transported to Egypt and falls in love with Radames, a captain in the Egyptian army. Love triangle conflicts arise because Radames is engaged to marry Amneris, the daughter of the reigning Pharaoh. Their relationship is further complicated by the fact that Aida is the enslaved handmaiden to Amneris. As their love story progresses through soaring ballads and rousing choral works, tragedy strikes when Aida and Radames are accused of treason and condemned to death. “Aida” is a modern crowd-pleaser that embraces a multicultural cast, exuberant dance numbers, staging and singing. The Elton John and Tim Rice score won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. Elton John and LeAnn Rimes recorded the showstopping “Written in the Stars,” which
(Theatre production of OZ!, the “Wizard of Oz” story. Photo by Alan Ignatowski)
McKenzie Elias of Mesa as the Wicked Witch of the West, Christian Armanti of Mesa as Toto and Abby Potts of Mesa as Dorothy rehearse.
Children’s theater performs ‘Wizard of Oz’ tale BY GSN STAFF (Photo/Special to Gilbert Sun News)
“Aida” features a love triangle conflict based in ancient Egypt.
charted at No. 2 on the Billboard U.S. adult contemporary chart and at No. 1 on the counterpart Canadian music popularity chart. Aida plays Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays through July 1. Tickets are $18 children, $22 students and $30 for adults. Hale theateris at 50 W. Page Avenue in Gilbert’s Heritage District. Details at 480-497-1181 or haletheatrearizona.com.
The East Valley Children’s Theatre is capping off its 20th anniversary season with a production of “OZ!”, the timeless “Wizard of Oz” tale. The show will run June 15-25 at the Mesa Arts Center, and feature 41 talented youths ages 8 to 18 from across the Valley. There are 26 cast members who live in Mesa, including many playing significant roles. Abby Potts (Dorothy), Christian Armanti (Toto), and McKenzie Elias (Wicked Witch of the West) are all from Mesa. Also from Mesa are Mikey Cornejo (Cowardly Lion), L J Deacon (Tin Woodsman), Elizabeth Schaible (Scarecrow), Suzy Olson (Glinda the Good Witch), and Tre Moore (OZ!).
In addition, there are five cast members from Gilbert, and one each from Tempe, Phoenix and Maricopa. Two sisters who live in Chandler, Analisa and Araceli de la Rosa, are playing Munchkins. Music for the show is directed by EVCT Producing Artistic Director Karen Rolston, and the choreography is by Jennifer Duxbury.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $11 for children. The show runs Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Details: mesaartscenter.com.
The Ehlen Team with RE/MAX Solutions are Your Gilbert Real Estate Specialists! Start your FREE, no obligation home search at www.TheEhlenTeam.com
FREE
ONE YEAR HOME WARRANTY FOR
ALL BUYERS!
$500 VALUE
$1,000 CLOSING COST CREDIT FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES!
Tim and Stacia Ehlen 602-320-7056 www.TheEhlenTeam.com 1425 S. Higley Rd, Suite 104 Gilbert, AZ 85296
SAVE
THOUSANDS WHEN YOU BUY & SELL WITH THE
EHLEN TEAM!
We Live Here. We Work Here. We Play Here. This is not intended as a solicitation if your home is currently listed with a real estate agent.
60
Opinion
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
New program helps jail inmates reform their lives BY DENNY BARNEY
There is not a lot to smile about in jail. It is a serious place where courtordered punishment is delivered. But detention professionals know that punishment without hope for a better life does not always yield results. That is why Maricopa County Correctional Health and detention staff introduced a new program called MOSAIC. Fifty-two inmates recently graduated from the program. When these men arrived at the county jail, they were classified as moderate- to high-risk for recidivism. That means, if we do nothing but punish them for their crimes, they are likely coming back. Those statistics are unacceptable to us here in Maricopa County. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, I have strongly supported Smart Justice initiatives that help us rethink our approach to incarceration. And MOSAIC does just that. While many low-risk individuals are “scared straight” by their first overnight stay in jail, moderate- to high-risk offenders are the ones who cost you, the taxpayer, the most by returning to jail time and time again. So we are focus-
ing our efforts on this group. The new seven-week MOSAIC program uses methods rooted in science to try and stop that revolving door of incarceration and release. Why is reducing recidivism among this population so important? One reason is that better inmate outcomes mean real savings to taxpayers. More than half of the county’s $2.5 billion budget is committed to public safety and the courts. The data we collect about the success of MOSAIC graduates will help develop future programs and improve outcomes, reducing the costs of criminal activity in our county. The other reason is to lower the societal cost. You may be surprised to learn that an estimated 90 percent of participants experienced trauma before engaging in criminal behavior. In the MOSAIC classes, they talk about anger control, anxiety, regret, guilt, disappointment, sadness and abandonment by their parents. Some of them have lost their kids, their families, their jobs and their hope. MOSAIC represents putting the
pieces of a person’s life back together. In order to do that, the men and women in MOSAIC discover skills for addressing difficult emotions without using selfdestructive behaviors. They are asked to consider how they ended up in jail, and how they can develop plans to ensure it’s the last time. Guided by employees of Correctional Health Services, the Sheriff’s Office and other partners, inmates are shown the use of substances as a coping mechanism hasn’t helped their personal relationships or their freedom. Inmates are asked to make changes inside themselves. “I’ve learned more about myself in these seven weeks than I’ve learned my whole life,” one man told his graduating class. When they leave our jails, life on the outside will still be rough. Our goal is that MOSAIC graduates will have skills that keep them from failing and returning to unhealthy behaviors. And because success upon release requires support, the county is also working with experienced community providers to assist with that transition to the real world.
(Special to GSN)
Denny Barney
By using newly acquired skills and self-understanding, MOSAIC graduates have a better chance at crime-free lives. It’s the result we all want to see. Denny Barney is a Gilbert resident and Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
Is Your Quality of Life Suffering Because of Your Shoulder Pain?
H
ave you been told that your shoulder pain can only be fixed by surgery? Are you living on pain medication in order to make it through your job or workouts? Have you changed the way you do things in order to avoid the pain? Do you think your pain will just “go away” on its own? Are you 25+ years of age and can answer YES to any of these questions? Or do you have a friend or family member you hear complain about shoulder pain frequently? If you have had pain in your shoulder for more than 2 weeks, most likely it will not just “go away” on its own Lucky for you, there is an option to a pain free life that does not involve pain medication or surgery. Just imagine what your life could be like if your shoulder pain was gone. Could you do your job pain free? Could you lift your kids or grandkids easily? Could you finish that workout that you have been unable to do? The possibilities are endless on what you will be able to do when you are free of shoulder pain. Many times shoulder pain is due to our frequent postures and positions we maintain that are less than ideal. If you can restore the proper mechanics in your shoulder, the pain frequently resolves, allowing you to perform your prior activities PAIN FREE! We can help you do just that with a combination of hands on work, excercises to re-train your shoulder area, and education on how to avoid in the future.
How do you find out this great information? Request my special FREE report:
5 Ways to End Shoulder Pain without the use of pain medications, injections or surgery. In this report, you will find out…
• Simple changes to make in your daily routine that will decrease your pain. • Natural ways to help address the pain receptors without medicatiuon • Simple stretches you can do daily to help loosen up the muscles that get tight with your stressful life. • How you can find out what is causing your pain in 20 minutes, with no cost to you. What to do next Call 602-904-6576 for your free report. You can call 24 hours a day. The report is limited to the first 15 to respond, so don’t wait, continuing to hope it will “get better on its own.” You can also download the report at www.getyourfixpt.com P.S. To confirm, no one will ask you for any money for the report. It is 100% FREE! Call today and start living a PAIN FREE life again!
Brianne Showman Brown, PT, DPT, CIMT
11th Annual Business Awards Luncheon Company Award Finalists
Individual Award Finalists
910 West American Furniture Warehouse – Gilbert Bliss Realty & Investments Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix-Gilbert Herbally Yours HG (Higher Grounds) Roastery & Café John’s Refrigeration Phoenix Escape Room – Gilbert The Harding Firm The I.T. Workshop
Jamy Belcher Cesar DelRosal Kina Harding Rod Heibult Ben Kalkman Elaine Kessler Holly Pritulskyy Nelson Ruiz Jän Simon Felicia Vandermolen Kristy Vargas Ralph Willett
Register online at www.gilbertaz.com Wednesday, June 21, 2017 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert
Classifieds
www.GilbertSunNews.com
CLASSIFIEDS ContraCtorS
COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY Needs drivers and labor workers. Experience is a plus. Apply at: CLM 742 N. Monterey St. Gilbert AZ 85233 Hablamos Espanol 480-306-7866
HomeS For Sale BRAND NEW Never lived in homes with modern finishes. Beautiful espresso cabinets, tile backsplash, all new appliances. Only $849 per month with ez qualify financing includes home and space rent. 55+ mobile home park in great Chandler location. Call Kim 480-233-2035
glaSS ServiCeS
painting
Hello? I hear YOU have stuff to Sell!
I know it works to sell your things in the Classifieds! Call Tracey today!
480-898-5611
Or Email her: Tracey@Times Publications.com
Home remoDeling HanDyman Drywall
Cleaning ServiCeS PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE 35years Experience 20years in the Valley Free Estimates Local References Move-out cleaning services available. All work done by non-smoking, meticulous owner. Call Shirley 480-433-4945
IS YOUR "HONEY DO" LIST GETTING TOO BIG FOR YOU? Did you buy something that needs to be put together? Give John the Handyman a call! He can help you get things done. Anything that takes your time I can do & have the tools to do it! 760-668-0681
Home improvement
eleCtriCal ANYTHING ELECTRICAL, AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING Free Service Call with Repair Same Day Service Guaranteed 24/7 - 2 Hours or Less Troubleshooting Experts Minuteman Home Service SRP APS Certified Licensed/Bonded/Insured ROC 242804 BBB A+ Valleywide 602-279- 0942
HOLTZMAN HOME IMPROVEMENT People do business with people they trust Home Remodeling & Additions *Kitchens or Baths *Painting/Drywall/Stucco *Plumbing/Electrical *Tile/Flooring *Decks/Garages We Do It All! 24 Hour Emergency Services Licensed/Bonded/Insured ROC#242008 SUMMER SPECIAL 15% off labor on any job over $1,000 Must mention this ad for discount Can't combine with any other offer Call for a Free Estimate! 602-628-8735 602-323-6574 Holtzmanhomeimprovement.com
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 ALL PRO TREE SERVICE, LLC Tree Trimming, Tree Removals, Stump Grinding, Monthly Landscape Maintenance, Full Yard Clean Ups, Palm Trees, Deep Root Fertilization, Irrigation, Etc. Free Estimate, Very Professional, Insured, and Bonded! Visa & MasterCard Accepted Mention this Ad and Receive 15% off Discount! 480-354-5802 or dennis@allprotrees.com See Our Ad in the Biz Box Section
61
Deadline: 16th of the month for the next publication
Contact: Tracey Wilson 480-898-5611 tracey@timespublications.com www.gilbertsunnews.com
GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY
employment
June 2017
Interior/Exterior Painting Free Estimates Light Repairs, Drywall Senior Discounts References Available Call Jason 480-442-8271
pet ServiCeS PAWS AT HOME PET SITTING Lots of love for your pets when you are on vacation or just putting in long days at work. 10 years in business. Insured and Bonded www.azpawsathome.com 602-359-8389 HAVE A SERVICE BUSINESS?
1 X 3” Ad $70, Per Issue
480.898.5611
TRACEY@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
pool ServiCeS GREEN POOL CLEAN UPS $95 a month for weekly service including chemicals. We specialize in Green Pool Clean Ups, Acid & Chlorine Wash, Filter Maintenance, Expert Tile Cleaning, Same Day Drains, Fresh Start Ups, Chemical Control. REPAIRS, WEEKLY SERVICE. CERTIFIED, BONDED, INSURED
480-208-1808
rooFing Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC The Most Detailed Roofer in the State. Roofs Done Right..The FIRST Time. 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems. FREE Estimate and Written Proposal. 480-357-2463 timklineroofing.com R.O.C #156979 K-42 Licensed & Bonded
travel ENOS KING-LEWIS II, AGENT Guide, Producer Fun Trips! Prosperity - Wellness www.Enos4Prosperity.com 800-824-1450 (Call 24/7) enos4homes@hotmail.com
winDow Cleaning DIRTY WINDOWS FILTHY SCREENS? 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 Screens-Sunscreens/Regular Tracks, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures Power Washing Your driveways, sidewalks & patios
Classifieds
June 2017
Biz Box
WEʼRE NOW OPEN!
Women’s Designer Label Consignment Apparel UP TO 80% OFF RETAIL
www.GilbertSunNews.com
To place a business card ad in the Biz Box, contact Tracey Wilson: 480-898-5611 • tracey@timespublications.com • www.gilbertsunnews.com PRICE: $50 + tax or 6 months for $275 + tax. Vertical business cards will be reformatted to fit this space.
PRADA • COACH • J CREW • KATE SPADE CALVIN KLEIN • DOLCE & GABBANA & MORE… CLEAN YOUR CLOSET AND MAKE SOME EXTRA CASH
1070 E Ray Rd Suite 18 Provinces Shopping Center in Chandler - NE Corner Ray/McQueen Check our website for valuable coupons – www.melangeconsignment.com
Angelic Nails & Spa 20% OFF $25.00 All Services for First TimeCustomers
1 coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers.
Eyelash Extensions
1 coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers.
754 S. Val Vista Dr., Ste. 108, Gilbert (In Fry Plaza, NW corner of Val Vista & Warner) WALK-INS WELCOME | Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
480-507-0888 • AngelicNailSpaGilbert.com
Visit Our Salon for More Offers!
s Cleanin ’ y oe One-time
GIFT ES ICAT CERTIF ABLE! IL AVA
Cleanings Turn-key Service Windows Same Day Service (in some cases)
520-424-1013
g
J
62
SERVICES • Yard Clean-Ups • Maintenance • Mowing-Trimming • Trash Hauling • Realtors’ Turn-Key Service Monthly or One-Time Service No Contract Required And, Yes, “I Do Windows!” (520) 424-1013 Josedoesyard@yahoo.com
Place Your Card HERE! To Place an Ad:
Call: Tracey Wilson 480.898.5611 Email: tracey@timespublications.com Mail: (your business card) Gilbert Sun News 1620 W. Fountainhead Pkwy. Suite 219, Tempe, AZ 85282
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
63
ARIZONA’S BIGGEST SELLER OF HYUNDAI’S SINCE 1987** SEE FOR YOURSELF WHY CHOOSE US HY SO MANY PEOPLE C
San Tan Hyundai
HOWDY FOLKS, WE’RE CELEBRATING THIS GREAT NEW YEAR BY OFFERING
36 UP TO
%
OFF MSRP
ON EVERY NEW HYUNDAI IN STOCK
“NO BULL” SINCE 1951 CHECK OUT OUR GREAT SELECTION OF NEW, USED AND CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLES AT SANTANHYUNDAI.COM
NEED FINANCING
(888) 551-3854
1.888.846.9744
NTC
Sale price is MSRP less factory rebates and applicable Hyundai discounts. Prices plus tax, title, license & $428.75 doc fee. On approved credit. We reserve the right to make corrections on omissions or typographical errors. Vehicle information is based on standard equipment; added equipment may increase the price. All prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. *Vehicles may not be as shown and are subject to prior sale. **YTD in retail sales. Contact dealer for current information. Expires 06.30.17 close of business.
64
June 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES
Award-winning Arizona builder for 38 years. Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities and charm. Many offer resort-style amenities such as pools, spa, fitness, tennis, event lawns, and lifestyle activities, you’ll find the perfect community to fit your lifestyle. A Mountain Bridge in Northeast Mesa – Resort-Style Master Planned Community 6 BRAND NEW REVOLUTIONARY MODELS FOR 2017 Villa Collection • From the mid $300’s • 480-988-2400 Vintage Collection • From the high $300’s • 480-988-2400 Craftsman Collection • From the low $400’s • 480-641-1800 Artisan Collection • From the low $500’s • 480-641-1800 Master Collection • From the low $700’s • 480-641-1800
B Mulberry – “New Old-Home Neighborhood” GRAND OPENING NEW PHASES! Arbor Collection • From the low $240’s • 480-895-6300 Americana Collection • From the $260’s • 480-895-2800 Centennial Collection • From the low $300’s • 480-733-9000 Heritage Collection • From the mid $300’s • 480-733-9000
C The Estates at Thirty-Second Street NOW SELLING Estate single-level homes with 4 to 6 car garages and optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the low $700’s • 480-750-3000
D The Estates at Las Sendas NOW SELLING Northeast Mesa Resort-Style Master Planned Community
Estate single-level homes on 30,000 sq. ft. lots with 4 to 6 car garages and optional RV garages and carriage houses From the high $700’s • 480-641-1800
E Sienna Hills – 124th St & Shea in Scottsdale COMING SOON! Luxury single level estate homes from the low $900’s
BlandfordHomes.com Not all photos shown are representative of all communities. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.