Gilbert Sun News; February 2015 by Times Media Group

February 2015

Relentlessly local coverage of Gilbert and our neighboring communities

Arizona snow day

Bianca Darling rocks her cool shades for the Flurry Festival at Adora Trails.

Town, church await Supreme Court decision

Friends remember Highland High grad after tragic accident

BY MEGHAN MCCOY

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

The pastor of Good News Community Church said he never imagined that his fight against the Town of Gilbert to use temporary directional signs would be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. “I am 82 years old and have been a pastor for over 40 years,” Pastor Clyde Reed said at a January press conference held outside the Washington, D.C., court. “All we wanted to do was use temporary signs to welcome and invite the community to our Sunday morning services.” Reed’s representation filed suit in March 2007 as Alliance Defense Fund in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona against the Town of Gilbert for “discriminatory practices against churches.” The organization, now known GOOD FIGHT: Good News Community Church Pastor Clyde Reed and his wife, Ann. as the Alliance Defending Freedom, see CHURCH SIGN page 8 Submitted photo

Katelyn Conrad, a 21-year-old ASU student who died while rappelling in mid-January, was known to friends as kind, courageous and genuine. “She was 100 percent herself, sometimes even to a fault,” said her friend Jessica Jia in an emailed statement to the Gilbert Sun News. “This sort of honesty shines brighter than anything you will ever meet in people. I quickly came to realize that this was a person I could always count on. And so did others. We will miss the HONEST AND DEPENDABLE: Highland High School graduate Katelyn Conrad, above, who died most dependable and strong-willed in a rappelling accident, is fondly remembered by person we ever met.” friends like Jessica Jia. Photo courtesy of Facebook Jia and Conrad were among 25 ASU Office (MSCO) deputy Joaquin Enriquez. Outdoors Activity Club members who “It’s basically a bunch of cliffs,” were rappelling in Coon Bluff Recreation Enriquez said. “You hike the trails and Area, a popular area near the Salt River, according to Maricopa County Sheriff’s

see KATELYN CONRAD page 6

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4 February 2015

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Doctor brings sight back to Nepal BY TRACY HOUSE

Recalling his youth in a poor country, Dr. Pravin Dugel says he and his wife work to raise their children to remain humble and engaged. Traveling overseas with his daughter, Brenna, to restore sight to the Nepalese was a natural progression. Dugel is the managing partner of Retinal Consultants of Arizona, with 25 offices in Arizona, including one at 1712 E. Boston St., Gilbert. He has had a longtime interest in human development and international ophthalmology. Taking his expertise to Nepal over the holiday season was part of Dugel’s mission to provide free eye care to those who are in need. Working with Dr. Sanduk Ruit, an ophthalmologist and founder of the Himalayan Cataract Project in Kathmandu, Dugel and Brenna volunteered for 10 days in the remote areas of Nepal. Brenna, an eighth grader at Phoenix Country Day School, says she went to discover more about nonprofits and learn from Ruit. While in Nepal, Brenna took photographs of her journey. “I wanted to be able to capture the stories of all the people that I met,” she says.

While her father performed surgeries, Brenna, with the help of Ruit’s daughter as interpreter, took photos of the patients and asked for their stories. She is planning on creating a book with the proceeds going to the Himalayan Cataract Project and Project SENA. Dugel operated on patients who had traveled as many as seven days to the outreach camps. Some walked and hitchhiked, while others were carried on a loved one’s back. “You realize when they can’t see, it’s not just that they can’t see, it’s that they can’t live,” Dugel says. “They can’t work, they can’t eat. There’s no social support whatsoever. They’re left in a corner, they can’t interact, so these patients are very sickly, very gaunt. The whole family is outcast because they can’t survive. These are patients that are not just not seeing, they’re not living. These are patients that not only need to be fed, they need to be housed. All of that is provided for and that’s what makes this so special.” Brenna spoke to about 35 people. She recalled a man who was blind and could not provide for his family. “He started to lose his sight and lost his job, so he couldn’t send his children to school anymore,” Brenna says. “All

East Valley Clinic Takes on Failed Back Pain Surgeries (Chandler, AZ) Current data shows that around 35% of laminectomy surgical procedures for back and leg pain will not provide relief after five years. This is often referred to as FBSS or Failed Back Surgery Syndrome. Surgeons are often satisfied with neurological improvement following back surgery and not necessarily back pain relief. Additional surgeries performed to remedy back pain have an even higher rate of failure.

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of his children had to drop out of school; two of them had to find jobs and the other four were going to have to stay at home and farm. This man had never been able to see his youngest daughter. Within LENDING A HAND: Dr. Pravin Dugel spent 10 days in Nepal over the holiday season 10 minutes, Dr. providing free cataract surgery as part of the Himalayan Cataract Project. His Ruit was able daughter, Brenna, accompanied him. Photo courtesy of Brenna Dugel to remove his cataracts, so now “In these eye camps, the vast majority he’s able to see again and he’s going to are done absolutely free. Not only are have a higher quality of life being able they done for free, they’re housed for to get back his job. He’s able to see his free, they’re fed for free and they’re family and spend time with them.” transported for free. Their postDugel worked on another woman who operative care is free.” was finally able to see her child after He says there are some patients the procedure. “We have an amazing who do have the means to pay for the video of her seeing her 3-year-old child procedure and that money is used to for the first time,” Dugel says. offset the medical expenses for those Dugel says he operated on more than who cannot pay. 400 patients during his stay in Nepal. “There’s an amazingly sustainable The cataract removal takes seven to 10 effort of having a minority of patients minutes. who are able to pay...to sustain those “It’s not just math, it’s the quality of patients who cannot pay,” Dugel restoration of sight,” he says. explains.

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February 2015 5

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6 February 2015

Pieceful Solutions hires Poiani as culinary instructor

Pieceful Solutions has hired Colleen Poiani as its culinary instructor to help students thrive in the kitchen and perfect everyday life skills taught at the school. Poiani will teach classes at the school’s Gilbert campus, in addition to working with staff in Mesa and Chandler to incorporate culinary and nutritionbased curriculum in the classroom. The school is Arizona’s first kindergarten through 12th grade facility for children with autism spectrum disorders. In her new role at Pieceful Solutions, Poiani will teach students about the importance of nutrition and the science behind food. Students will learn how to make healthy food choices along with how their nutrition decisions affect them both mentally and physically. She will teach students basic baking instruction through a culinary course focused on making cookies, cakes, pies, pastries and breads. The course will help students apply their math skills as they measure ingredients and learn to use alternative baking ingredients to help maximize their health and reduce allergies.

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Colleen Poiani will teach culinary arts at Pieceful Solutions. Submitted Photo

Poiani has more than 10 years of experience in promoting the diverse virtues of raw, organic, plant-based and process-free foods. She specializes in teaching the vital link between what you consume and how it impacts your physical and emotional well-being. Poiani received her certification as a holistic nutritional specialist from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts.

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KATELYN CONRAD from page 1

after you get to the top, you anchor in and rappel down. A lot of technical teams go out there and train. A lot of rock climbers go out there, too.” An MSCO report said Conrad fell 125 feet and was lying on the ground unresponsive. Deputies began life-saving efforts, but they were unsuccessful. An investigation into the cause of the accident continues. A Highland High School graduate, Conrad was the daughter of Lt. Robert Conrad, a 27-year Phoenix Police Department employee. “The entire Phoenix Police Department wishes to express their condolences to the Conrad family,” Chief Joe Yahner said. “At this time of grieving, the family has asked everyone to respect their privacy.” ASU spokesman Mark Johnson said the university made support services available to fellow students and faculty. “The ASU community sends our thoughts and prayers to Katelyn’s family

at this difficult time,” he added. A biomedical engineering major, Conrad held notable research internships positions in San Francisco and Colorado. She also was the president of the campus Biomedical Engineering Club. According to her LinkedIn profile, she was a senior at ASU, enrolled in the 4+1 program. She planned to study for an additional year after she graduated in May to complete her master’s degree. Conrad was interested in a summer internship in the medical device industry this summer. Jake Swanson, ASU Outdoors Activity Club treasurer, wrote on the organization’s Facebook page, “It will be rough for a while, but we will move on. Though it will always be different, we will all run a little faster, hike a little further, climb a little higher, bike a little quicker, and eat a little harder because we have a little bit of Katelyn in us. And we need to compensate for that.”

It’s ‘picking time’

‘American Pickers’ seeks collectors for Southwest visit The History Channel TV show “American Pickers” is looking for folks who are enthusiastic about their collectables, but willing to part with them. Keep in mind, show producers stress that the collector—not the goodies— really makes the show. “American Pickers” hosts and childhood friends Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are planning a trip to Arizona or New Mexico in the spring and are looking for “rusty gold.” To be considered, collectors must send an email to americanpickers@ cineflix.com or call (855) OLD-RUST. Be sure to include your name, contact number and description of your item(s). Some of the items sought are: • Motor scooters: Vespas, Lambretta and Cushman • Old advertising signage • Motorcycles • Old toys: Tin, wind-up and cast iron • Pre-1950s vending machines • Pinball and slot machines • Old movie posters • Unusual radios • Antique casino/gaming machines • Vintage movie memorabilia and advertising items • Taxidermy • Vintage concert posters and T-shirts • Early Boy Scout items • Sports memorabilia • Casino tables • Houdini items

• Old rodeo items • Airline collectibles from Pan-Am, TWA, etc. • Mobster memorabilia • Vintage police officer collectibles • Firefighter collectibles • Pre-1940s telephones • Folk art • Vintage BB guns/cap guns • Early Halloween items • Pre-1940s Christmas items • Hawaiian/tiki collectibles • Vintage election memorabilia • Musical instruments • Civil War antiques • Vintage gas pumps • Pre-1970s neon signs • Strange woodcarvings • Vintage collegiate collectibles. The show’s hosts are not seeking farming/agriculture items, tools, glassware, appliances, tractors, crocks, stoves or country primitives.

February 2015 7

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Coming In Early 2015: The “New Old-Home Neighborhood”

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8 February 2015

Gilbert introduces expo for outdoors enthusiasts BY KIMBERLY HOSEY

Outdoors enthusiasts around the Valley can grab their hiking boots and comfortable clothes to check out activities like hiking, camping, fishing, birding, hunting, kayaking, outdoor cooking and more at the free Gilbert Outdoors Expo at the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch, 2757 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, and Sunday, Feb. 15. The expo, the first of its kind that is planned to be an annual event, will feature exhibitors including Liberty Wildlife, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Arizona Outdoor and Travel Club, Desert Fly Casters, REI and more in a two-day celebration designed to showcase adventurous and leisure recreation available to Valley residents. It will also allow guests to brush up on hobbies or learn new skills and highlight the Riparian Preserve as a prime spot to enjoy outdoor activities. The premier event is expected to draw more than 8,000 attendees and will feature 20 to 25 exhibitors, according to Town of Gilbert Recreation Coordinator Mike Leppert. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to fly-fish, observe a safe hiking demo, go on birding walks and even try

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their skill with a bow and arrow in a handson archery activity. The expo will feature professionally guided tours around the preserve, showing off the area’s trails and educating guests about local plant and animal life and habitats. The preserve, a 110-acre wildlife habitat containing several ponds and organized into ecological zones ranging from native Arizona riparian areas to swaths simulating marshlands, is maintained by the Gilbert Riparian Institute. The group created and preserves riparian areas that host almost 200 species of birds as well as numerous amphibians, reptiles, fish, insects and mammals. The seven ponds at the preserve recycle waste water. The expo is free, but vendors will be on hand offering outdoors-themed products. Food trucks will be also offering food for purchase. The Gilbert Outdoors Expo is sponsored by Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and organized by the Gilbert Parks and Recreation Department. To learn more about the Riparian Preserve visit www.riparianinstitute.org. For more information about the Gilbert Outdoors Expo call (480) 503-6200 or visit www.gilbertaz.gov/outdoors.

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CHURCH SIGN from page 1

successfully challenged the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate in the Hobby Lobby suit. It is described on its website as “an alliance-building, nonprofit legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith.” Jeremy Tedesco, Alliance Defending Freedom’s senior legal counsel, said the Town of Gilbert’s sign code imposes strict limits on size, location, number and duration of signs, but it doesn’t impose the same restrictions on political, ideological and homeowners association signs. “Gilbert’s targeting of the church’s signs for discriminatory treatment led to the lawsuit, and we hope that the Supreme Court will not allow the Town of Gilbert to continue giving preferential treatment to certain messages while marginalizing others,” he said. “The Supreme Court should ensure that no government in America is allowed to prefer one form of speech over another.” The lawsuit, according to Gilbert Town Attorney Michael Hamblin, went to district court in Phoenix twice, as well as the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. “Each time, those two courts held in favor of the town, but the U.S. Supreme Court has granted review of the case and heard arguments on Monday (Jan. 12) in Washington,” he said. Hamblin said he anticipates a decision before the end of June. Sign ordinance Hamblin said the sign ordinance went into effect in 2006-2007 and has been amended since its implementation. The ordinance states that signs can only be displayed for up to 12 hours before and during a qualifying event and for only one hour afterward. According to Hamblin, Good News Community Church placed its service signs in the right-of-

www.GilbertSunNews.com way, two feet from the back of the curb, which was fine. The conflict, he said, stemmed from church officials believing the signs should be displayed for longer periods of time. The ordinance describes a qualifying event as any assembly, gathering, activity or meeting sponsored, arranged or promoted by a religious, charitable, community service, educational, or other similar non-profit organization. Good News Community Church rents space for its Sunday morning services at Gilbert Elementary School. It uses small signs to invite and direct the community to join. During his speech, Reed said that he and fellow church officials saw a variety of signs, including political and real estate signs, throughout Gilbert at different points in the year. “So, we did not think it would be a problem to place church invitation signs,” Reed added during his press conference. “But much to our surprise, we soon found out that Gilbert’s code requires our church signs to be much smaller and up for a far shorter period of time than many other types of signs.” He said that because the church was only allowed to erect signs up to 12 hours before services, they began “placing them in the dark of night, the evening before our services, while other types of signs can be up for months at a time.” “We also learned that if we violate the strict rules on our signs, we face criminal fines and even possible jail time. This whole experience has been shocking to me—our signs inviting people to church are very important, yet are treated as second-class speech. We aren’t asking for special treatment; we just want our town to stop favoring the speech of others over ours. I pray that the Supreme Court will affirm our First Amendment freedoms and uphold our church’s and others’ free speech rights.”

Registration open for Digital State of the Town premiere The Town of Gilbert is inviting the public to its third annual Digital State of the Town premiere at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, at Harkins SanTan Village 16. Registration is open. Join Mayor John Lewis and the Town Council as the first to watch this year’s documentary, highlighting the community’s many accomplishments in 2014. The theme, “Growing Up Gilbert,” will also showcase various accomplishments in the community being made by those who grew up or

are growing up in Gilbert. Space is limited, so register early and online at www.gilbertaz.gov/ stateofthetown.

February 2015 9

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Your time is valuable. One Office. One Provider. Fewer Visits. Dr. Garza can attend to all of your dental needs: Cerec Single Visit Dentistry • Crowns • Inlays • Onlays Veneers • Smile Makeovers • Teeth Whitening • Dentures Oral surgery/extractions • Fillings • Implants • Root Canals Implant Supported Dentures • Invisalign • Routine Cleanings Periodontal Treatment/Laser Neuromuscular Dentistry: Treating TMJ disorders, Bruxism, and Migraines. There’s a story behind every smile .. ... and everyone wants to have a beautiful smile they feel good about, no matter their gender, age, profession, or circumstance. Allow us to be a part of your story and together we can work to create the smile you have always wanted. Dr. Garza is passionate about your dental care; he is always investing in continuing education and the best technology to provide his patients with the best care possible and here’s what they say ...

About Dr. Garza: • Bachelor of Science from the University of Oklahoma (1990). • DR of Dental surgery DDS, University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (1994). • First dentist to use Cerec for “single visit Smile Makeovers” and the first to place a single visit Cerec crown on an implant (2003). • LVIF/Las Vegas Institute: Neuromuscular dentistry, TMJ, migraines, Bruxism. • Laser Certified Dentist

Voted Americas Top Dentist 2014 “The staff and services provided were excellent. I went to this office after visiting another practice a couple of days prior to get a second opinion.The impression that I felt after the initial visit was very comforting, even for me because I have a huge phobia of dentists.” — Jerry

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February 2015

Adora Trails’ Flurry Fest

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Valley children and adults had a little flaky fun when piles of snow were dumped in Adora Trails during its Flurry Fest on Saturday, Jan. 24. Not only could kids sled, but they could partake in carnival rides and a petting zoo, and indulge in free food and music. The fun-filled afternoon introduced Taylor Morrison’s new model home park to the community. GSN photos by Tim Sealy

FUN AT THE PETTING ZOO: This llama gets a treat from Matthew Lai at the petting zoo.

QUALITY TIME: Madison Coleman and her grandpa, George Lyons, just had a great Ferris wheel ride.

SLEDDING, ARIZONA STYLE: Kaitlyn Chesworth has a blast sledding on snow!

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: Carnival rides were among the many attractions at the Adora Trails kickoff.

BALLOON ART: Bianca Darling got a balloon sculpture at the festival.

A SWEET SMILE: Little Santiago Anderson flashes a bright smile on a bright Arizona afternoon.

A SPECIAL GUEST: Disney’s Snow White (Sarah Schalick) made an appearance to greet kids and make balloon figures.

BESTIES: The Ferris wheel made for a fun treat for Mckenzie, Sophie and Madison Graham.

FUN FOR ALL: Nathan Ko tries to steer his sled on the snow.

February 2015

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February 2015

Celebrate Valentine’s Day around Gilbert BY ALISON STANTON

Believe it or not, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. In honor of a day that is devoted solely to love, a variety of local restaurants and other businesses are featuring specials for both singles and couples. For example, check out the following events that Cupid would be proud to attend: Flancer’s Those who appreciate delicious Valentine’s Day dinners but want to do so from the comfort of home—and without having to actually prepare the food—can order a to-go meal from Flancer’s. For $30 per person, people may preorder sherry splashed shrimp bisque with a roasted poblano crostini and fresh cilantro, a BLT fresh spinach salad with ancho-avocado dressing, beef tenderloin medallions with a wild mushroom, port wine demi-glace served alongside quinoa

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pilaf with toasted almonds and mandarin oranges, seasonal roasted vegetables, and a heart-shaped flourless chocolate torte with a raspberry Grand Marnier butter cream frosting and fresh orange zest. The food will come cold with heating instructions. To pre-order, call (480) 9269077. For more information, visit www. flancers.com. Flancer’s is located at 610 N. Gilbert Rd. in Gilbert. Nicantoni’s On Valentine’s Day, Nicantoni’s is offering a heart-shaped cheese pizza and two glasses of wine for $20. The meal will be available all day at the restaurant, which is located at 1430 W. Warner Rd., Suite 136 in Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 892-2234 or visit www. nicantonis.com see VALENTINE’S DAY page 16

Baby Boot Camp welcomes Gilbert to its family Baby Boot Camp, the stroller fitness and nutrition program for moms, welcomed its latest bundle of joy, Baby Boot Camp South Chandler and Gilbert, with a grand opening celebration in January. Delivered by nationally certified fitness professionals, Baby Boot Camp’s strollerfitness classes combine strength-training exercises with cardiovascular drills in 60-minute sessions. Pilates, yoga and abdominal exercises help improve core strength. “We are thrilled to help improve the health and wellness of Chandler and Gilbert families,” says Kristen Horler, CEO and founder of Baby Boot Camp. “Baby Boot Camp is not just about losing weight. We are so excited to help moms seeking to support nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyle habits in their

families and their communities.” Classes are held at Chuparosa Park, 2400 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler. In addition to stroller fitness classes, Baby Boot Camp offers a 5K Training Program and Nutrition Solutions, a four-week nutrition program for women, as well as a free club for moms to support healthy families, according to owner and instructor, Meredith Carder. “Exercise is so important to physical and emotional well-being. Baby Boot Camp allows moms that may not have the opportunity to exercise without their child to enjoy a great workout and connect with like-minded moms” says Carder, a mother of three. “I am very excited to bring the Baby Boot Camp program to my community.” Visit www.babybootcamp.com for more information.

First Steps to a Lasting Love of Learning. Start Early with High Quality Pre-K and Kindergarten. Gilbert Public Schools…Your First Choice •  “A” Rated School District •  NaDonally CerDﬁed Teachers •  Award Winning Programs www.gilbertschools.net 140 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296

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KNEADING A CHANGE: Danielle and Jay Lunt were happy to get back to their baking roots by opening Rise Up Bakery in December. Submitted photo

Couple has ingredients to make Rise Up Bakery a success have stone ground wheat from Montana, When Jay and Danielle Lunt were at a honey, water, sea salt and yeast.” crossroads in their careers, the couple Jay even uses wheat from a specific decided they “kneaded” a change. In Montana farmer. Varieties of bread at December, the Lunts opened Rise Up Rise Up Bakery include cinnamon raisin, Bakery in Gilbert Tuscany Village. hard crust French country, black Russian More than a decade ago, the Lunts rye, jalapeno cheddar swirl, blueberry owned a bakery in peach round, nine grain Las Vegas before and cinnamon apple moving to Arizona swirl. to be closer to “We’re open to family. Instead of suggestions, too,” delving into their Danielle says. former occupation, Thanks to customer Jay went into feedback, Rise Up janitorial sales and Bakery introduced Danielle worked bread bowls, which are from home and as a perfect for soup, chili substitute teacher. SWEET STUFF: Carmelitas are just one of and salads. many bars and bakery goodies that are Last February, “We even do spelt baked fresh and available daily at Rise Up Jay suggested to bread,” Jay adds. “Spelt Bakery. Submitted photo Danielle that they is a different grain, but get back into baking. it’s not wheat. There are a lot of people “I said, ‘Remember how much work that who have allergies to wheat or have was?’” says Danielle with a laugh. gluten intolerance that can eat spelt and The two then came up with a it doesn’t affect them at all.” neighborhood bakery concept that The Lunts utilize their own recipes, combines country-style warmth but with including those used for their line of a simplistic high-tech feel. sweet bakery products. Some of the “I thought, ‘Let me create my own job,’ irresistible sweets include Mississippi and the benefit of that is now I can offer mud bars, cinnamon rolls, orange rolls, other people jobs,” Jay says. Rise Up Bakery’s signature granola, scones, Rise Up Bakery employs 10 people lemon bars and a variety of cookies. who help with everything from baking to Carmelitas have emerged to become the counter sales. most popular sweet and are made fresh “I’m working now 12 to 15 hours a day, daily. Monday through Saturday,” Jay adds. “But “It has a brown sugar cookie oat base I haven’t been this happy in a long time. and top with chocolate and caramel in I’m exhausted, but I’m happy.” between,” Danielle notes. One of the biggest draws at Rise Up Rise Up Bakery is located at 861 Bakery is the natural breads. N. Higley Rd., Suite 109. Visit www. “We don’t put preservatives in riseupbakery.com or call (480) 264-3026 anything, although white flour has its own for additional information. Open 7 a.m. type of preservative in it,” Jay says. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and “Our whole wheat-based breads only closed Sundays. BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

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February 2015

Civil rights photographer Sweet news: Girl Scout Cookie displaying peaceful protest images Dessert Challenge is back With the recent riots in Ferguson and protests in other cities, the release of the valley feature film “Selma,” and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, civil rights is front and center in America again. Residents can take part in the conversation with “Journey to Freedom,” an art exhibition on display through Saturday, March 7, at Gilbert’s Art Intersection, 207 N. Gilbert Rd. The exhibit will feature famous civil rights images by documentary photojournalist Dan Budnik. At the exhibit opening, Budnik, 81, shared his insider account of interacting with people like King and Harry Belafonte during the marches. Photographs captured by the Flagstaff resident highlight some of the most poignant moments of the 1960s civil rights marches. One of his iconic images of King after his “I Have a Dream” speech was featured on the cover of Time magazine’s 50-year special commemorative issue on Aug. 26, 2013. The images from the exhibit are also featured in Budnik’s recently released book, “Marching to the Freedom Dream.” Signed copies will be available during the exhibition. “There are two voices I remember from

King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech,” Budnik says. “I remember him starting to give a prepared speech, but there weren’t any sparks flying. Then I remember a woman from the crowd—gospel singer Mahalia Jackson—calling out to King, saying ‘Tell ‘em about the dream, Martin.’ He did, and it was a dramatic moment.” Budnik’s exhibit covers the three pivotal marches of the civil rights movements: the 1958 Youth March for Integrated Schools, organized by Harry Belafonte; the iconic 1963 March on Washington; and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March, where thousands of people marched 54 miles through segregated Alabama for voting rights. Although many of these marches experienced violent opposition, Budnik’s work focuses entirely on nonviolent moments in the marches. He hopes his work reminds people of the good that can be accomplished when people exercise discipline and peaceable protest to affect social and political change. “We accomplished a lot without violence,” Budnik says. “The kids I photographed in Selma were not loose cannons like the kids in Ferguson. Everyone has forgotten the history.”

BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ The Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council has brought back its awardwinning Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge. For the second year in a row, chefs from some of the state’s most popular restaurants—including several in the Southeast Valley—will use their culinary prowess to reimagine one of the beloved flavors of Girl Scouts’ cookies— Do-Do-Si-Dos, Samoas, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Trefoils and a new flavor, Rah Rah Raisins—into a custom dessert menu item. Each restaurant has agreed to feature its dessert on its menu through Feb. 28, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the transformation of the local council’s Camp Sombrero into a Leadership Center for Girls and Women. Among the participating restaurants in the area, and their creative desserts are: Restaurant: Blue Wasabi in Gilbert Chef/Dessert Designer: Christian Palomares Dessert: Tempura Thin Mint Ice Cream Restaurant: CHoP in Chandler Chef/Dessert Designer: Grant Gates Dessert: Tagalong Shortbread Restaurant: Grimaldi’s in Gilbert and

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February 2015

Library events scheduled throughout February Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library has scheduled a plethora of events throughout February, except for Monday, Feb. 16, which is Presidents Day, and Friday, Feb. 27, when library staff development is scheduled. The library is located at 775 N. Greenfield Rd. For more information, call (602) 652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.

Infant Lap-Sit 10:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Tuesdays Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17 and Feb. 24 Infant Lap-Sit is a special storytime designed to encourage development of language and motor skills by incorporating stories with simple songs, rhymes, movement activities and finger plays.

FOR CHILDREN “Storytime with AzPac” 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3 This fun storytime includes stories, finger plays and songs. Learn letters, sounds and have fun with music and movement activities.

Storytime in the Dig 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Thursdays Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26 For children ages 2 to 5 years with parents/caregivers. Join the group for stories, songs, finger plays and more.

Paws 2 Read 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 Paws 2 Read pairs Delta-registered therapy animals and their handlers with young readers.

Storytime with Parenting Arizona 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 This is an interactive storytime with stories, songs and a simple activity for toddlers and preschool-aged children.

Family Yoga 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 This program is a one-on-one parent and child experience. Learn simple stretching and breathing exercises for enhancing mindfulness, increasing connection between parents and children, and fun activities to promote focus and concentration.

Family Spot Playground 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 A free developmental playgroup through Family Spot Resource Center Gilbert. Program includes a storytime and hands-on activities for parents and children.

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ALL AGES Arizona’s Living History Museum 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 Celebrate Arizona with the fourth annual interactive “living museum.” Event will include original artifacts, period replicas, artisans, performers and historians. One-on-One Digital Download Assistance 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mondays Feb. 2 and Feb. 9 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19 and Feb. 26 If you need assistance learning how to download digital eBooks or audio books to your reading device, then drop in for one-on-one help with a library professional. Computer Class: E-Mail 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6 Class will cover setting up an e-mail account, e-mail security and attaching documents. A computer lab will be available for hands-on experience. Computer Class: File Management 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 Class will cover saving, naming, deleting and managing files and folders on the PC. Computer Class: Using Facebook 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 Join us to learn an overview of how to use Facebook. This class will cover: account set-up, Website features, privacy settings, adding pictures and discerning your wall from your newsfeed. A Visit from the Musical Instrument Museum 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 The library welcomes a speaker from the Musical Instrument Museum, the world’s only global musical instrument museum. A docent will be here to share a slideshow about the museum and showcase various musical instruments. TEENS/TWEEN Teen Craftacular 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 This is a teens-only craft club that happens on the first Wednesday of the month where kids are invited to get creative and have fun making a variety of crafts. Code Club 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 4 and Feb. 18 Fun, self-paced exercises will help you learn Javascript and other computer code. Have fun while you develop awesome skills and learn how to create games, apps and Websites.

www.GilbertSunNews.com Minecraft Monday 6 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9 Join fellow crafters and exchange tips. Bring yourself. Everything else is provided. Introduction to Forensic Science for Teens 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 Explore a variety of crime scene topics and discover the many uses of science. An interactive adventure for the future crime solver Tinkerlab for Tweens 6 p.m. to 7 p.m Wednesday, Feb. 18 This Tinkerlab program will provide kids with a variety of materials to tinker with in our open “lab.” Bring in your old toys to hack them and make something new or just use the library’s supplies. Electronic Playground 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 This informative and hands-on program explores the basics of electronics. Using simple wiring diagrams and the Electronic Playground 130 kit from Elenco, the group will learn about capacitors, resistors, transistors and integrated circuits by completing a number of fun projects. ADULTS New Winter Reading Program Through Saturday, Feb. 28. Open to adults ages 18 and older. http://winter.mcldaz.org Own It! Financial Literacy Classes 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 4, Feb. 11, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25 Own It! is a four-session program designed to empower yourself financially. Topics covered include: setting SMART goals, overcoming obstacles, finding money to save, budgeting and record keeping and credit. This program is presented by YWCA Maricopa County. Register for this program by contacting financial education coordinator Jennifer Koeller at (602) 258-0990 ext. 15 or Jennifer.koeller@ywcaAZ.org. Cary Grant Film Series 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 Back by popular demand. Cary Grant was one of Hollywood’s definitive leading men from the 1930s through the 1960s. Join library patrons as they celebrate his career with a series of Thursday night film screenings. Genealogy: Squeezing the Census for Information Census class moved from 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, to Tuesday, Feb. 10 Due to the huge demand and room availability, this class is rescheduled. Learn to squeeze every bit of clues that may lead to the next family discovery.

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February 2015

PRESIDENTS DAY SALE!

Monday Morning Musings 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9 This month the group will discuss “Everything I Never Told You” by Celeste Ng. Mystery Book Discussion Google Hangout Author Visit 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 Participate in a live interview with Colorado author Lyn Fraser from your home or library. The group will discuss Fraser’s first mystery book, “Debits and Credits.” Fraud Watch Network with AARP 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 Learn how to prevent fraud from an AARP representative. Healing Humanity Through History: African Origins of the Human Family 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 Gershom Williams is a cultural historian, teacher, lecturer, bibliophile and community activist. He is a professor of African American and U.S. history at Mesa Community College. Bookends: Adult Fiction Discussion Group 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 Adults of all ages read and discuss fiction titles on the third Tuesday of each month. This month’s title: TBA.

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Nonfiction Book Discussion 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26 “Blackett’s War: The Men Who Defeated The Nazi U-boats” is about the history of a small group of British and American scientists who, during World War II, developed the new field of operational research to turn back the tide of German submarines. COOKIES from page 13

women, give girls their first camping experience close to home and serve the surrounding community groups, partner organizations and schools,” said Susan de Queljoe of the local council. “We’re halfway to our fundraising goal for Camp Sombrero and look toward beginning phased construction in early 2015.” The transformation of Camp Sombrero is one of the local council’s objectives as part of its overarching Campaign for Girls in Arizona. “Our comprehensive campaign goal is to raise $15 million in philanthropic support. This will enable us to significantly expand and enhance the Girl Scout experience for more girls,” de Queljoe said. For more information about the challenge, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/ dessertchallenge.

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February 2015

VALENTINE’S DAY from page 12

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Isabel’s Amor On Valentine’s Day, Isabel’s Amor is featuring a three-course menu for two for $42 per couple. The meal includes a shared appetizer of Frijoles de Amor or Baja shrimp cocktail, a choice of a carne asada, carnitas or pescado de la Parilla entrée and a shared dessert of either flan or cheesecake in a jar. For more information, call (480) 290-7060. Isabel’s Amor is located at 1490 E. Williams Field Rd. in Gilbert.

Gilbert—are featuring the Papa Murphy’s HeartBaker Pizza. The HeartBaker Pizza costs $8 and starts with fresh, scratch-made dough in the shape of a heart, which is then topped with traditional red sauce, whole milk mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. The HeartBaker can be taken home, baked at 425 degrees and served fresh out of the oven in 12 to 18 minutes. Visit www. papamurphys.com for locations, phone numbers and hours of operation.

MWC Bistro MWC Bistro is striving to make Valentine’s Day fun, affordable and easy with flights— which are a selection of smaller pours on a theme—of beer or wine with a shared plate pairing. The location is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, with live music starting at 7 p.m. The pairings are available all day along with the full menu, so diners can feel free to stay a while and order more. The cost is $40 per couple, which includes three 3-ounce glasses of wine or four 6-ounce beers per person and a large shared plate of artisan meats or cheeses, a combination meat and cheese plate, or a decadent dessert platter. For more information, call (480) 497-1422 or visit www.mwcbistro.com. MWC Bistro is located at 1422 W. Warner Rd. in Gilbert.

Higley Center for the Performing Arts For folks who would like a little music on the day devoted to love, Roger McGuinn is playing at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Higley Center for the Performing Arts. As the leader of the 1960s group The Byrds, McGuinn was a leading creator of the “folkrock” genre. Tickets range from $36 to $63; for information, call the box office at (480) 840-0457 or visit www.higleyarts.org. Higley Center for the Performing Arts is located at 4132 E. Pecos Rd. in Gilbert.

Papa Murphy’s Through Valentine’s Day, Valley Papa Murphy’s locations—including those in

Hale Centre Theatre Theater lovers will enjoy “Lend Me a Tenor” at Hale Centre Theatre. The 7:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day performance will also feature roses and a dessert bar. Tickets for the comedy are $42; call (480) 4971181 or visit www.haletheatrearizona.com to reserve seats. Hale Centre Theatre is located at 50 W. Page Ave., in Gilbert.

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Red Cross needs donors of all blood types The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to help ensure a sufficient and diverse blood supply by giving blood this February. Since the beginning of the year, widespread flu and inclement winter weather in some parts of the country have prevented many regular donors from making or keeping their blood donation appointments. Healthy and diverse blood donors are needed to help maintain a sufficient blood supply. Diversity among blood donors is important because red blood cells carry markers that determine one’s blood type, and certain blood types are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups. Blood must be matched very closely for those patients with rare blood types or for those who need repeated transfusions. Patients are less likely to have complications from blood donated by someone with a similar ethnicity. All blood types are needed, especially types O negative, A negative and B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767.

There are two blood donation opportunities in Gilbert: • 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4, at Liv Northgate, 455 S. Recker Rd. • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Kajukenbo Arizona, 3978 E. Chandler Heights Rd. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

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www.geckogrillaz.com HOMEGROWN: JC’s Steakhouse is Gilbert’s first locally owned steakhouse and the brainchild of Dennis Petty and Diana Blewer. GSN photo by Kathy Kerby

Food, service at JC’s Steakhouse is impressive BY KATHY KERBY

Gilbert has a plethora of restaurants, but the town lacked a local, homegrown steakhouse—until December. After finding success with The Groves Bar and Grill, Dennis Petty and Diana Blewer opened JC’s Steakhouse at 25 E. Ray Rd. They named the restaurant for their fathers—John and Charles— and their influence and legacy are the inspirations for Blewer and Petty, a fourth-generation chef. Anyone who frequented the former restaurant at this site on Gilbert and Ray roads should prepare to be shocked and amazed. The new owners spent months tearing out the old and building, painting, sanding, staining, sandblasting and upholstering to create a new industrial warehouse look and feel. The original cement floors, along with the gray slump block walls, dark wood booths, tables and chairs, complement the extensive use of corrugated tin on the walls and window valances. The kitchen area is visible through a large rectangular opening and all the equipment is state of the art. The bar area is divided into two rooms, and one has a cozy fireplace with an intimate seating area which can also be reserved as a private banquet room. Just outside the bar area, an outdoor patio begs for folks to sit and enjoy their favorite beverage, while watching a beautiful Arizona sunset. My husband and I prefer to eat early so we arrived at about 5 p.m. on a weekday evening and were welcomed by a friendly hostess. We were seated at a high-backed booth, and Blewer was our server. She told us that she and Petty wear lots of different hats (owners, managers, chefs, servers) as they strive to run two successful restaurants. The menu offers appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, sandwiches, specialties, pork, poultry, sides and desserts. Draft beers, bottle beers and other beverages are also offered, while a separate wine

BREAKFAST SPECIAL MEATY: Both the pork chops and the sirloin steak were moist and flavorful. GSN photo by Kathy Kerby

list has an extensive array of reasonably priced yet very flavorful wines. After much thought, we chose the sirloin steak ($16.99 for 8 oz.) and pork chops ($18.99 for two 8 oz. chops). Our salads were served promptly and we enjoyed the mixed greens with grape tomatoes and cucumbers. The blue cheese dressing was especially good, and the rolls were a nice touch. My sirloin steak was served with a perfectly baked potato and a colorful vegetable medley including red peppers, green peppers, purple onions, zucchini and yellow squash. The steak was lightly seasoned and cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and I enjoyed each tender bite. My husband’s pork chops arrived stacked like a tower in a very innovative presentation. They were thick and tender, leaving him in “hog heaven” as he ate the chops and the creamy mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables that accompanied them. We did not order dessert, but we will return to JC’s Steakhouse soon to sample the crème Brule, carrot cake or death by chocolate cake, which all sounded scrumptious. Monthly wine tastings and live music on the weekends add extra flavor and fun to the restaurant’s appeal. You will enjoy the food, be impressed with the service and delighted at the transformation of an old building into a casually elegant, new steakhouse. JC’s Steakhouse 25 E. Ray Rd. Gilbert 85296 (480) 306-4545 www.jcssteakhouse.com

Buy one meal and get one meal 1/2 off* *Second meal must be of equal or lesser value. Valid Mon.-Fri 8-11. Not valid with other offers. Expires 2/28/2015 NNM

Local Businesses Add to the Culture and Flavor of Our Community

Shop at locally owned businesses... It’s the neighborly thing to do.

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Business

February 2015

‘The father of stevia’ receives sweet recognition BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Seeing one’s passion through to fruition is an honorable accomplishment. For Gilbert resident James May, the sweet taste of passionate success came in the form of stevia leaves, something in which he saw unbridled potential. May was introduced to stevia through a Peace Corps volunteer who gave him a plant leaf to taste. In the years that followed, he developed the product and brought the sweetener from Paraguay to market with the brand name SweetLeaf Stevia in the United States. Known as “the father of stevia,” May is the founder and CEO of SweetLeaf Stevia’s parent company, Wisdom Natural Brands. He was honored on Jan. 11 with the Leadership Vision Award by Specialty Food Association, a nonprofit business trade association, at its Winter Fancy Food Show awards ceremony in San Francisco. “I admit, it was a great honor,” says May, who was surprised by the recognition. “I was deeply touched by it. Frankly, I had no idea what it was going to be until we got there and it actually happened.” Specialty Food Association’s Ron Tanner says May is a “stellar example of a person with a vision.” “His dedication to bringing stevia to the U.S. helped consumers become healthier

WORLD ECONOMICS: May’s vision has economically benefited farmers in Paraguay as well as brought a viable natural sweetener to the United States.

while aiding poor farmers in Paraguay,” says Tanner, who is the association’s vice president of philanthropy, government and industry relations. Dedicated to stevia May dove headfirst into bringing the product to the masses soon after being introduced to it. “When I got started in it, it was a dead agricultural industry and there was no market anymore for stevia because our government was trying to keep it out.” Undaunted, he contracted with native farmers in Paraguay and gave them money to install irrigation systems for their stevia fields. Money was tight within May’s family so he sold nearly everything they owned to bankroll the project.

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In 1994, Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health & Education Act, which allowed various herbs to be marketed to consumers, and stevia was added to the list a year later. The FDA, however, issued a notice that when marketing stevia, the word “sweet” couldn’t be used to describe the product, and the public couldn’t be informed that stevia would enhance the flavor of foods or beverages. May cleverly solved the issue by naming his product SweetLeaf Stevia. In 2008, SweetLeaf Stevia received a “Generally Recognized as Safe” status from the FDA. The all-natural sugar substitute is quickly becoming a household name. May’s wife, Carol, has weathered the rough journey of bringing SweetLeaf Stevia to market and is president of Wisdom Natural Brands. “Going from where we were in the ‘80s when she thought I’d lost my mind...she’s now the president of the company,” May says. “She’s running the operations now. She’s telling me what to do and what not to do.” Stevia has a zero glycemic index and is safe for those with diabetes. “It’s the only sweetener on Earth that improves the health of the human body,” May explains. “Some forms of it you can use topically. It’s wonderfully healing on the skin.” In 2012, Paraguay President Federico Franco recognized May for his efforts in helping native farmers. “He honored Jim for all he’s done for the farmers, the economy of Paraguay and for his many, many contributions,” says Barbara McFadden, SweetLeaf Stevia spokeswoman. Foods that contain SweetLeaf Stevia include organic chocolate milk, nutritional bars, salad dressings, tortilla chips, soda, cosmetics, energy drinks, ice cream, frozen yogurt, candy and baked goods. SweetLeaf Stevia is also sold as liquid drops that consumers can use for their own recipes and drinks. “We’re selling not only all over the United States and North America but also in 30 different countries,” May notes. In March, SweetLeaf Stevia water enhancers will hit the market. “They’re incredibly delicious,” May states. “The difference is that ours doesn’t have different chemical ingredients. They’re just totally natural.” Wisdom Natural Brands will be introducing an organic stevia product in coming weeks. “I’m introduced all over the world as ‘the father of stevia’—literally in countries all over the world,” says May. “People generally say that I’ve started an entirely new industry, and I guess that’s true.” May says he believes, “Stevia is changing the world and it will continue to do so.”

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Exclusive wine centerpiece of Postino

BY BREANNE DEMORE

Opening its first location in Arcadia almost 15 years ago, Postino has earned a name for itself as one of the Valley’s first wine bars, inspiring a trend that still is in an upswing. Offering crave-worthy cuisine—its use of triple crème brie is applause-worthy—and a diverse selection of wine by the bottle and glass, Postino is gaining staunch followers in the East Valley with a location in Gilbert. “A huge part of being Postino is incorporating unique and exciting things. Because of that, we have a history of collaborations,” says Brent Karlicek, beverage director for Upward Projects, which owns Postino. He had a hand in creating several wines exclusive to Postino, including Stagedive and Holly’s Way, its California pinot noir and chardonnay. The wine café also offers a red and white blend, both called Downtown, that solely use grapes grown in Cochise County. Karlicek describes the white blend as exotic with intense floral and ripe tropical notes and a citrusy, clean finish. He would recommend pairing this with two of their bruschetta options—the brie and apples with fig spread and the prosciutto with figs and mascarpone. Downtown red is full of black fruit, blackberries and black plum, with notes of black and white pepper and some umami, earthy tones. However, do not be misled for its dark, rich look in the glass, Karlicek lovingly refers to this red as “gulp-able.” This wine is perfect with either the Nine Iron panini, Postino’s take on the club, or its Butcher’s Block appetizer. Postino is located at 302 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 632-6363.

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Business

Everybody Loves Fondue owners smitten with eatery As Bill states, Everybody Loves Fondue Living in Switzerland while on a uses only the freshest ingredients. Celine mission, Bill Dixon indulged in Swiss elaborates. fondue, dipping various vegetables, “We have a Swiss and cheddar fondue,” breads and meats in cheese. she says with her trademark smile. “You His Canadian-born wife, Celine, who get French, wheat or focaccia bread. Then lived in France for a time, knew a thing or with everything else you pick your sides. two about fondue as well. The meat—turkey, chicken or ham—is “They did a lot of fondue when she was already cooked.” growing up,” Bill says. The all-white-painted restaurant also Since the end of summer, the duo have offers fresh vegetables, such as raw been living their broccoli, carrots, dream of owning a cauliflower, pickles, fast and affordable jalapenos and celery. fondue restaurant, “We have pretzels, aptly named crackers, chips, Everybody Loves whatever else you can Fondue. dip in the cheese,” “Who doesn’t love says Celine, a former cheese and chocolate physical education melted?” Bill asks teacher. “With the rhetorically when chocolate, it’s the DELECTABLE: Bill and Celine Dixon serve asked about the same things—dark and up affordable, fun fondue at Everybody name of the Gilbert white milk chocolate. Loves Fondue in Gilbert. GSN photo by restaurant. “We do We have strawberries David Karasinski things like large soft and pineapple. pretzels dipped in cheese. You can’t go Everything’s fresh.” wrong with that. We have angel food cake Bill admits that Everybody Loves dipped in chocolate. You can’t mess that Fondue has a “secret” menu as well as up.” its posted list of dishes. He revealed Apparently, the recipe is working. one item—a peanut, dark chocolate and Everybody Loves Fondue has found marshmallow, rocky road-like dipping success at its location at Higley and sauce. Guadalupe roads. Bill, who worked in The prices are affordable. Each machinery for Empire before opening serving is $1.49; while a meat serving is the restaurant, adds that he gets a thrill $2.99. Chocolate, cheese and peanut out of watching first-time customers fondue range in price from $3.99 to $6. discovering fondue. Sandwiches are $4.99 to $6.99. The large “I love seeing people the first time they soft pretzel—which is heavenly with take a bit of our chocolate or cheeses and cheese fondue—is $2.99. light up,” he says. “They’re surprised at Not only does Bill and Celine feed how good it is. When you get fast fondue the community, they support it as well. at a reasonable price, nobody expects Daughters, Ryan, 15, and Sierra, 13, play Ghirardelli quality or the cheese quality sports and participate in performing arts that we use.” at Highland High School and Highland

February 2015

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

SWISS BLISS: Since the end of summer, Everybody Loves Fondue has been bringing the joy of Swiss fondue to Gilbert residents. GSN photo by David Karasinski

Junior High School, respectively. Everybody Loves Fondue makes it a point to advertise in the programs. “It’s neat to be involved in the community,” he says. “It’s a charitable thing for us, to support the girls. That’s the main thing.” Unlike chain fondue restaurants, Everybody Loves Fondue doesn’t serve raw meats for diners to cook. “We don’t do raw meats. We don’t deal

with hot oils,” he says. “Fondue means ‘melted.’ We melt. That’s what we do. We do fondue.” Everybody Loves Fondue is located at 3244 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call (480) 268-9284 or visit www.everybodylovesfondue.com.

D I G I TA L

State of the G I L B E R T, A R I Z O N A

Want to know more about what’s going on in our community? Send in your business profile for ‘Doing Business’ The Gilbert Sun News would like to welcome new area businesses or existing ones that may be new to our readers. Submit information about your business for a “Doing Business” mini-business profile in an upcoming issue of our publication, which is distributed to 25,000 homes, racks and boxes the fifth of each month. Please include all of the following items: name of business, name of owner(s), how long the business has existed, unique features, hours of operation, address, telephone number, website and email address. Also include an at least 300 dpi photo of the business owner or logo. Email this information to info@gilbertsunnews.com or visit www. gilbertsunnews.com and click on the “Doing Business” form at the top of the page to submit.

Watch Gilbert’s 3rd Annual Digital State of the Town, “Growing Up Gilbert”, premiering February 10th. Learn more and watch at

gilbertaz.gov/stateofthetown Do you have a “Growing Up Gilbert” story? Join the conversation on social media using #GrowingUpGilbert.

February 2015

Our Community

elcome to our community map. Custom designed for Gilbert Sun News by talented artist, Valerie Gower, it will serve as a monthly gathering place for our readers. Each month, look for events, businesses opening and lots more, including an expanded map to include South Gilbert.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Missing?

ee something missing from the map? We would like to add local landmarks

and businesses serving our community. Please email anything you see missing to: mapit@gilbertsunnews.com, and we will see that it gets added.

Thanks for the help!

February 2015

Business

Gecko Grill serves Mexican food in a friendly environment

the tastes of our customers,” Moreno When Martina Moreno met her said. husband, Francisco, they spent time One dish that is exceptionally popular talking about their goals. with diners is the shrimp and mango “I shared with him that one day I’d like quesadilla. to open my own restaurant,” she said. “People will come in just to get it, and Moreno has worked in the restaurant our sweet corn tamales and salmon tacos industry since she was 14, and her are also popular. We use different fruits husband started when he was 17. for different dishes,” she said. “We got married 20 years ago in 1994, The breakfast menu also receives rave and in 1999 we opened Gecko Grill,” she reviews. said. “About a year and a half ago we started Moreno said the menu at Gecko offering breakfast, and it’s such a good Grill combines their feeling to have it be so own dishes with the successful,” Moreno menu from Moreno’s said. Mexican Grill, owned “Our early morning by Francisco’s brother, Mexican food is Angel. really helping us to “We serve a wide stand out, and we variety of Mexican offer everything from food, from street chorizo, machaca and BRIGHT AND EARLY: Gecko Grill tacos to salmon started serving breakfast just over a year chilaquiles to French enchiladas, shrimp and ago. Submitted photo toast and pancakes.” mango quesadillas, Customers will also crab rellenos, and a Sonoran-style hot return for the welcoming and friendly dog,” she said. atmosphere and service. Gecko Grill’s expansive menu is one of “I hear from customers all of the time the many things that sets it apart. how we make them feel so welcome. I “We offer so many dishes to capture like to get to know them by name and

BY ALISON STANTON

what they like to eat,” Moreno said. “We have so many familiar faces and regulars.” Moreno has fond recollections of when she and Francisco relocated Gecko Grill to its current location about two years ago, and the many customers who were happy to follow them to their new place. “The first day we opened we had a line out the door, and within 5 minutes every seat was taken and we had a waiting list,” she said. “It was just amazing.” Moreno said getting to know her customers is her favorite part of her day. “I just love to talk to them; I really love the people and getting to know all of them. To see them come in and how happy they are when they are here—we

www.GilbertSunNews.com

DELICIOSO: Along with the food served in the restaurant, Gecko Grill does catering for special events and has an extensive catering menu. Submitted photo

are very blessed.” Gecko Grill is located at 4341 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 101, in Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 539-2988 or visit www.geckogrillaz.com.

CORPORATE CHRONICLES Hill Appointed CEO

JIASIS Healthcare recently appointed Gilbert resident Chris Hill to the position of CEO of St. Luke’s Medical Center and Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital. As CEO, Hill is responsible for the management and daily operations of both facilities to ensure patients receive high-quality and cost-effective care. He will also complete rounds with staff and physicians working on the front lines to ensure patients’ needs are being fulfilled and their hospital stay is fully enhanced. CHRIS HILL Submitted photo

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Youth

Scottsdale entrepreneur designs family board game After graduating from SDSU, he moved About 10 years ago, Scottsdale resident to Chicago to work with his father, and businessman Steven Lazar got fed up Norman, at the family-owned business with the disconnect of modern families: AirWize Inc., a residential and commercial the daughter texting, the son playing heating and air conditioning company. video games, the dad watching sports on Lazar was responsible for advertising, sales TV and the wife on the phone chatting and marketing. with her neighbor. One night, while Lazar Eventually, he started Speedway Supply, was entertaining family and friends, he a wholesale supplier of heating and A/C challenged the younger kids to a verbal parts and equipment. For seven years, he trivia game, where participants would ran the company in Illinois before moving earn points by answering questions about to Arizona and changing the business animals. model for his new company, Lazco Corp. “Everyone loves animals,” Lazar says. “Basically, now we ship surplus parts and “So I would ask them animal questions, equipment from our sellers to our buyers,” and they would get 50 points for an easy he says. “So we have no inventory, which question, 75 points for a medium question removed our overhead. It’s more efficient and 100 points for a difficult question. this way.” When they answered the questions correctly, they got really excited. You Focus on Family could see their eyes light up.” It’s not surprising that his new venture, Pretty soon, everyone was huddled Family Board Games, is a family affair. around the Lazar, a Chicago coffee table native, is the to play Lazar’s CEO, his wife, impromptu Joyce, is the animal trivia CFO and his game. And the father, Norman, light bulb went is the head of off in his head... sales on the create an actual West Coast. And board game that like any smart would not only man, Lazar tips bring families his hat to his together, but wife. also teach kids “Joyce is the about animals brains of the and develop operation,” FAMILY AFFAIR: Scottsdale’s Steve and Joyce Lazar have skills like math, balanced business and community service in their he says. “She reading and oversees relationship. Submitted photo logic. the financial “Education works best when people operations so that things run in proper are having fun,” he says. “But ultimately, balance.” we want families to spend quality time Lazar and his wife are influential in together without the TV, the phone and the Scottsdale community through their the texting.” ministry outreach at Temple Beth Yachad, In February 2014, Lazar met with bringing music and prayer to senior Phoenix-based graphic designer Joshua centers Valleywide. Lazar’s two daughters Kassel, sketching out the board game’s from a previous marriage continue the design and details. Several months later, family tradition of giving back. Ariel, 26, Family Board Games LLC was founded and is volunteering with the Peace Corps and the “Animal Winner” board game was in Red Cross in Cambodia, and both she and development. younger sister Chloe, 24, participated in Taglit-Birthright Israel, a nonprofit group Background in Business that takes young people on heritage Lazar was bit by the entrepreneurial bug journeys to Israel. as a student at San Diego State University, Determined to bring all families operating a company (Jobs for Students) together like he did his own, Lazar is that sold ZIP code directories. excited about his new venture. Animal “It gave students a great opportunity to Winner helps promote multigenerational make extra money for school,” he recalls. bonding. He is also hoping to have schools, “I learned a lot about dealing in business. children’s organizations, community I hired 50 students a day in the park. I groups and student camps use Animal learned to follow my gut. I had to handle Winner in fundraising endeavors. every part of the business, so I learned Animal Winner is available for $24.95 business smarts. I also learned that it’s online at www.animalwinner.com and 10 important to have integrity in business percent of each purchase is donated to and in life. How we treat others is so charities dedicated to children, seniors, important.” animals and the environment. Amazon is

February 2015

BY CURT BLAKENEY

ROARING GOOD TIME: Animal Winner contains a 10-inch by 20-inch board, nine different animal pieces and 144 animal questions divided into easy, medium and hard categories. Submitted photo

slated to carry the game and the company is in talks with several retailers. The company also has a second game, Bible Winner, in the works. “Steve is so passionate about helping others and it shows with the development of Animal Winner,” says Joan Wissing, the

company’s operations and sales manager. “He had a vision to create a game to bring families together, and he has done just that. I have never met someone as compassionate and determined as Steve, and I know that with these qualities he will not stop until Animal Winner is a success.”

Oak Tree named Arizona Recycling Coalition’s School of the Year BY IRENE MAHONEY-PAIGE

An exciting and innovative program is growing at Oak Tree Elementary School. In just one year, it has embraced an amazing project of sustainability. Students in grades K-6 are learning how to help the environment with a very hands-on approach. Thanks to a grant from CenturyLink, Oak Tree has been able to build a garden box for each grade. Students are learning about recycling and composting at lunch,

and using that compost to help feed their gardens. In the cafeteria, you’ll find buckets for liquids and bins for cartons as well as a slop bucket for compost materials. Coach Steve Murphy spends every Friday at lunchtime recess teaching students how to care for the gardens and how to use compost. For these efforts, Oak Tree Elementary was named Arizona Recycling Coalition’s School of the Year.

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Youth

February 2015

Riggs Elementary brings Boosterthon to Gilbert Riggs Elementary School will host the Boosterthon Fun Run on Wednesday, Feb. 4. The Boosterthon Fun Run is a nine-day program that helps local schools raise needed funds for education while inspiring students to live healthy, character-filled lives. This year’s Boosterthon character theme is Rock’n Town Live. This theme challenges more than 900,000 students in 1,300 schools across the nation to build community where they live and play. The organization feels technology at home is pushing students into isolation, and teaching about community is a healthy answer. “Boosterthon exists to strengthen schools,” says Chris Carneal, Boosterthon’s founder and president. “We do this by increasing funds and inspiring students through engaging character themes like Rock’n Town Live. As a parent, I’ve seen how important community is in my children’s lives. That’s why we’re

challenging students to build community in their schools and neighborhoods.” Instead of selling a product, students simply gather pledges from friends and family for the number of laps they will run at the Boosterthon Fun Run. To adapt to schools’ changing needs, Boosterthon introduced new service options with its Preferred Choice program. Schools can customize their fundraising experience for the best fit. Also, Boosterthon recently introduced a sliding-scale fundraising model, which means the more a school raises, the more it keeps. The Rock’n Town Live character theme includes music videos that teach students five character lessons about building community: “Plug in to Serve,” “Amplify Others,” “Listen for Feedback,” “Play Hard” and “Thank Your Crowd.” Boosterthon also extends character development throughout the year by giving each classroom a free media pack, which includes a Rock’n Town Live DVD,

CD and student workbook that fulfills five national education standards. As the most inclusive fundraising option for schools, every student is invited to the Boosterthon Fun Run, whether they participate financially or not. Also, when parents register on www.funrun.com, their student receives a free gift. And to make pledging easy for sponsors, Boosterthon offers a new mobile-optimized pledging site. “When schools choose to partner with us, we are committed to delivering a remarkable experience,” Carneal says. “With the best financial results in the industry, Boosterthon enables our school partners to dream big and provide the best educational opportunities for their students.” Boosterthon’s 2014-15 giveback program, KidFit Salute, provides financial support for military kids hoping to play a fun sport. When students reach a certain level of pledges, Boosterthon will make a donation to provide a kid fitness grant through Our Military Kids, with the goal of donating $25,000.

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Arete Preparatory Academy gets LED lighting BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

FRESH, AUTHENTIC, HEALTHY THAI FOOD

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In January, Arete Preparatory Academy became the first Arizona high school to have LED field lighting. It follows in the footsteps of University of Phoenix Stadium, which upgraded to LED lighting for the Super Bowl. “We are very grateful to not only have a lighted field, but to also maintain a STATE-OF-THE-ART LIGHTING: Arete Preparatory Academy positive relationship with our High School is the first high school in Arizona to install LED field lighting. GSN Photo by Lynette Carrington community,” says Amy Arnold, the school’s athletic director. lighting, we were thrilled to receive them.” The field lights were funded The soccer teams are the first to benefit by the school’s capital campaign, she says. from the new lighting. Four soccer teams “Incredible donors with huge hearts can practice on campus, eliminating the made this happen,” Arnold explains. “Our need for an off-campus facility. Home community is pretty special.” varsity football games will be a possibility, LED lighting reduces glare for players too. and spectators, and also prevents light “If one of our teams has a home game, from disturbing the neighborhood just south of the campus. The school is part of the other three teams are unable to practice or are forced to go off campus,” the Great Hearts Academy network. says Arnold of the days of pre-lighting “Field lights were part of the original practice. campus plan, but LED lights were a huge “Next year, our weekday home soccer bonus,” Arnold explains. games will be under the lights, allowing “The good relationships that Great the other teams to still practice.” Hearts Academies has with vendors Arete Preparatory Academy and allowed us to procure this innovative LED Archway Classical Academy grade school lighting for thousands of dollars less than are located at 4525 E. Baseline Rd., Gilbert. other private and public high schools Visit www.areteprepacademy.org or call would pay. We weren’t expecting LED (480) 222-4233 for additional information. but after discovering the benefits of LED

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Sunrise Preschools’ president is proven leader

Youth

disconnected. But Sunrise Preschools has Dana Vela understands preschools a family-like atmosphere. from every angle. As president of Sunrise “Everybody—every child, parent and Preschools since 2008, Vela instills a staff member—mattered,” she says. culture of trust, respect and love for She took a job as an administrative learning in everything she assistant at a West does. Phoenix Sunrise. Soon The Gilbert resident, wife after, she was promoted and mother of three has to director at that center, been with the company promoted again to area since 1988 and stepped up manager and transferred the ladder to president. to Honolulu, Hawaii, in She was invited to apply December 1989 to help for a position at Sunrise Sunrise schools that were Preschools while working losing money. at Palo Alto Preschools, “I did some now known as Childtime troubleshooting. We all Learning Centers. discovered I had a brain “I was home on maternity for multiple potential leave with my oldest child,” solutions,” explains Vela. she says. “We were able to turn BORN LEADER: Sunrise Preschools’ “I had worked my way things around pretty into an assistant director president Dana Vela worked her quickly.” way up the chain of leadership position and I got a While she was there, and embraces the chance to call from a headhunter she worked to correct solve challenges on a daily basis. company. They said, ‘Will Submitted photo what she calls “massive you at least come and talk inefficiencies.” She to this company?’” created custom Sunrise educational With Palo Alto Preschools changing programs that were used in some names and hands, she felt a little see DANA VELA page 26 BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

February 2015

STUDENT CHRONICLES Krystin Newman of Gilbert was one of the first graduates of Benedictine University at Mesa. She and fellow graduates were honored in a brief reception at Gillett Hall. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in theology. Students are invited to come back to campus for the formal commencement convocation on Saturday, March 9.

Recalling a victory

SWEET SUCCESS: The 2014 WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury honored the four 2014 Arizona Girls Basketball State Champions by taking the Mercury’s championship trophy to the four high schools for upcoming games. One of the schools was Gilbert Christian High School (Division IV), which won a state title in girls basketball in 2014. The team, pictured here, took on Antelope Union on the evening of the visit. Photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury

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Youth

February 2015

churches, and worked with nearby military bases to educate their staff’s children. After five years in Hawaii, Vela returned to Arizona. Vela oversees 24 Sunrise locations, including the four in Gilbert that educate more than 5,000 children daily. Her duties encompass keeping an eye on and streamlining budgets, working closely with regulatory agencies, supporting staff members and assisting individual school locations with challenges as they arise. ‘It did not take long to determine that she was very knowledgeable about the preschool industry,” says Bob Orsi, who co-owns Sunrise Preschools with Randy Gusikoski and has known Vela since 2001. “I was most impressed with the management culture she had developed with leaders at each school. All the Sunrise managers worked together to deliver the best experience for the children and the parents, even when their corporate support was minimal. I have come to learn that the ‘can do’ spirit that runs through Sunrise Preschools is a product of the culture that Dana has nurtured and grown.” She even stepped up to the plate when Sunrise acquired Tots Unlimited in 2005.

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“Dana has faced many challenges, but the integration of another local child care chain into Sunrise was her greatest challenge and accomplishment,” Orsi says. “She brought together two different companies with two different cultures and made them one. It was not easy or fast but she did it the correct way. The outcome is a larger and stronger Sunrise that can continue to grow and adapt to a changing world.” Vela anticipates smart growth for Sunrise Preschools and continuity with the mission of Sunrise to educate and intensely value its students, while embracing differences and giving children wings to fly. “I get up every day and come to work and really feel lucky that they let me do this. It’s awesome,” Vela says.

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Boulder Creek Elementary School Boulder Creek Elementary School is hosting a “Be Part of the ASU Dream Academy” discussion on Saturday, Feb. 17. This meeting will provide an outlet for parents to discuss academic standards and performance requirements, ways to help children succeed and how to help children prepare for college down the road. For more information, see the parents’ newsletter at www. gilbertschools.net. Carol Rae Ranch Elementary School The Carol Rae Ranch Relay for Life team is offering a “Parents’ Night Out” from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. For more information, see the flier in the announcement section at www. gilbertschools.net/Domain/28. Gilbert Elementary School Gilbert Elementary School’s PTSO is hosting several events in February including the Goodwill Donation Drive, Tigerpalooza and Dine to Donate. For more information, email tigerptso@gmail.com. Mesquite Elementary School Mesquite Elementary School is

celebrating “Love of Reading Week” from Monday, Feb. 9 through Friday, Feb. 13. The week ends on a high note with a visit and family reading night from beloved author Conrad Storad. Check www. gilbertschools.net/Page/68 to keep up with the school’s calendar. Playa del Rey Elementary School Playa del Rey Elementary School will be hosting its “A+ Book Fair” and “PTSO Read-a-thon” during the week of Feb. 9 through 13, as well as a literacy night on Tuesday, Feb. 10. Check the calendar at www.gilbertschools.net/Page/80 to stay up to date on school happenings. Settler’s Point Elementary School Settler’s Point Elementary School has released its calendar for February. It is as follows: Feb. 4: Early Release Day, 2:15 p.m. Feb. 5: Dad’s Club meeting, 7 p.m. Feb. 6: Fun Run, 8:28 a.m.; Movie Nite, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11: Early Release Day, 2:15 p.m.; PTSO meeting at 3:45 p.m. Feb. 12: First Grad Program, 6 p.m. Feb. 16: Presidents Day— No School Feb. 18: Early Release Day, 2:15 p.m.; STEM Club parent meeting, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 19: Spring class pictures, 9 a.m. Feb. 20: Sock Hop, 6:30 p.m.

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www.GilbertSunNews.com Feb. 25: Early Release Day, 2:15 p.m. Feb. 27: STEM field trip; fifth-grade state capital Campo Verde High School Campo Verde High School will be having a blood drive at 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, as well as celebrating MORP Spirit Week from Feb. 23 through Feb. 27. The week will end with a MORP Spirit Assembly on Friday, Feb. 27, and the MORP Dance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. Desert Ridge High School Incoming freshmen are invited to an open house for the Project Lead the Way program at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9 in the Lecture Hall. Project Lead the Way is a nationally recognized pre-engineering program during which students are prepared to enter a university-level engineering program through four years of intensive coursework. For more information, call (480) 984-8947. Congratulations to the students of Desert Ridge High School for their performance at the DECA District Competition. Desert Ridge walked away with 26 Role Play Medals, seven Test Medals and four First Place Medals.

Youth

The Freshman Registration Review Night will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, and a MORP Dance will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.

Highland High School Baseball tryouts start on Monday, Feb. 9. Students interested in playing will need to submit a completed athletic clearance packet to the Athletics Department. See Coach Cook for more information. Donations of gently used jeans will continue until Saturday, Feb. 14 and will be collected outside Room 1140. The school that collects the most jeans will win $5,000 as well as a meet-and-greet and private concert with The Vamps. Mesquite High School The Special Education Talent Show is Friday, Feb. 20, during third hour. Mesquite High School’s next blood drive will be Wednesday, Feb. 4, and those interested in donating should contact Mr. Massey’s room, G-229. The junior and senior girls’ Powderpuff Game will take place on Friday, Feb. 27.

Gilbert High School Congratulations to the Gilbert High School Chess Team who won the 2015 United States Chess Federation Arizona State Grades High School Chess Title on Saturday, Jan. 10 in Flagstaff.

Hop on board: Skate culture collides with creativity BY KELSEY SEDERSTROM

The challenge: Be as creative as possible. The material: Vans shoes. Vans encourages high school students to use the canvas shoes as literal art canvases via its national Custom Culture art competition. Vans, with the help of an online public vote, will choose a winning shoe design. The top five finalists will travel to New York City and present their designs to celebrity judges. The winning design will be available for sale at www.vans.com and at select Vans retail locations. The art competition celebrates creativity in young minds, giving students the opportunity to express themselves and “to show the world who they are through the arts,” comments Sarah Crockett, vice president of Vans global consumer marketing. To incentivize participation in the competition, Vans will donate $50,000 to the winning school’s arts program. The runner-up schools will be awarded $4,000. In addition, the Laguna College of Art and Design has committed to offering $125,000 in total scholarship awards to a student from the five final schools.

Since its beginning, Custom Culture has raised more than $430,000 for the arts. The sixth annual Custom Culture art competition has partnered with Americans for the Arts, Journeys and Truth. Americans for the Arts is an organization that advances arts education, and Truth is the nation’s largest youth smoking prevention campaign. The final partner is Journeys, a skate retailer. Truth has its own part in the competition—the top 50 semifinalists will customize a skateboard deck. The designs are to be inspired by Truth’s “Finish IT” campaign, dedicated to end smoking. That competition is for $10,000. Vans’ hope for an arts revival and renaissance is coming to pass. In 2010, just 326 schools participated. In 2015, an expected 3,000 schools will participate. Through 12 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, high school art teachers can register their students for the 2015 competition at the Vans Custom Culture’s website, http:// sites.vans.com/customculture/. Students will be provided with four pairs of blank Vans shoes, with each shoe representing the four themes of the Vans’ “Off the Wall” lifestyle: Action sports, arts, music and local flavor.

February 2015

Student gives inheritance to animal organization

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

When 9-year-old Matthew McCaleb’s great-grandmother died and left money to the family, he knew immediately what he wanted to do with his share of the funds. “There are a lot of animals that are homeless, abused and hurt. I want to make sure they are taken care of,” Matthew says. “I really love animals.” Matthew, a Finley Farms Elementary School fourth grader, is a born animal lover. He and his family share two rescue dogs, a rescue cat, a fish and a bearded dragon. On Jan. 28, Matthew presented a $500 check to Michelle Ramos, director of education at Arizona Animal Welfare League and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in the facility’s Phoenix location. As Arizona’s oldest and largest no-kill animal shelter, the organization rescued more than 4,000 adoptable dogs and cats in 2014. “My grandmother died at age 99 and left her money to my dad and aunt,” explains Matthew’s mother, Teresa McCaleb. “My grandmother had a lot of real estate and my dad sold all her properties in California and gave a portion of that money to 11 grandkids and five kids.” She says. Most of Matthew’s share of the money was put into a college fund. “I said, ‘Now, I’ll give you this amount to spend any way you want,’” Teresa says. “I was pretty impressed when he said, ‘I want to give this to a shelter. I want to help dogs and cats.’” Ramos was equally as impressed. “Matthew’s mom, Teresa, reached out to us and expressed that her son wanted to donate the money he had inherited to the animal shelter, and we thought that

GIVING BACK: Michelle Ramos with the Arizona Welfare League and Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals accepts a $500 check from 9-year-old Matthew McCaleb. GSN photo by Lynette Carrington

was a pretty big deal,” explains Ramos. “We think it’s really important to bring focus on these children that are making these kinds of sacrifices for animals. These are very grown-up decisions.” When Matthew handed over the check, it was the first time he had visited the league’s facility. “It’s really cool with all the dogs, the cats and the noisy bird,” he says referring to Oliver, the giant white cockatoo that enthusiastically greets guests. Matthew also said he’d like to have a birthday party at the facility, which thrives on donations. “Donations like what Matthew gave to our shelter help with everything from daily food and care to extreme medical care,” Ramos says. “You name it—we provide it for the animals here. We treat things that other shelters don’t and can’t treat. We also work with animals’ behavior that other shelters won’t. That funding goes toward helping to go the extra mile for these animals that are most in need.”

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Arts

February 2015

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ON STAGE “Lend Me a Tenor,” through Saturday, Feb. 14, HT. The Cleveland Grand Opera Company has planned a gala $50,000 fundraiser. World-famous Italian tenor Tito Morelli is slated to sing the title role in “Othello,” but he has other plans. The McCartney Years, Friday, Feb. 6, HCPA. The McCartney Years boasts that it offers a note-for-note, faithful recreation of a mid-1970s Paul McCartney concert. “The Midtown Men,” Saturday, Feb. 7, CCA. Watch four stars from the original cast of Broadway’s “Jersey Boys” reunite as they establish themselves as rock stars in their own right, bringing to life their favorite tunes from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Motown, The Four Seasons and more.

“Hardcore Legend: An Evening with Mick Foley,” Sunday, Feb. 8, SUL. The WWE champion, speaker, author and stand-up artist gives a performance that is by turns uproariously funny, simply surreal and surprisingly sensitive. “Of Legends and Lovers: Doc and Kate,” Sunday, Feb. 8, CCA. A performance of the story of the West’s most famous dentist, a man who went, as he likes to put it, “from the one who heals to the one who keels” (kills) and his life with Mary Katherine Haroney Cummings.

Roger McGuinn, Saturday, Feb. 14, HCPA. As the leader of the influential 1960s group The Byrds, Roger McGuinn was on the leading edge, combining the rock beat of The Beatles with the folk sensibilities of Bob Dylan. “Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: The Soul of Flamenco,” Saturday, Feb. 14, CCA. One of the nation’s premier flamenco and Spanish dance companies celebrates its 30th anniversary season with innovative music, exotic movement, passionate dancing and more. Bill Boycott Band, Sunday, Feb. 15, HCPA. William Frederick Boycott performs historical, cowboy and original songs about the Wild West, the Oregon Trail and Wyoming, utilizing fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar and vocals.

Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, Saturday, Feb. 7, HCPA. Hailing from Salt Lake City, the five-man band is led by Ryan Shupe, who has been playing violin for most of his life.

2015 Chinese New Year Show, Sunday, Feb. 15, CCA. The Eastern Art Academy hosts the 2015 Chinese New Year Show in a lively and unique show that the entire family will enjoy. The year of the ram is welcomed with song, dance, instrument and martial arts performances and more.

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Lily Tomlin, Saturday, Feb. 21, CCA. Tomlin, one of America’s foremost comediennes, takes the stage with her classic The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra, Sunday, Feb. 22, CCA. This performance, with Natalie Angst, features over 40 hit songs from four decades of jukebox chart toppers like “Tuxedo Junction,” “In The Mood,”

“Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and “Moonlight Serenade.” “Love, Sex and the IRS,” Wednesday, Feb. 25 through Wednesday, March 4, TPT. Laughs, mistaken identities and multiple plots take the stage when two out-of-work musicians pose as a married couple, only to be investigated by the IRS. “Menopause the Musical,” Thursday, Feb. 26 through Saturday, March 28, TPT. This hilarious PG-13 musical parody staged to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s has had audiences cheering, dancing and laughing for over 10 years. “Strait Country,” Sunday, March 22, TPT. The Strait Country Band featuring Kevin Sterner brings audiences the virtual experience of attending one of George Strait’s concerts. “Pump Boys and Dinettes,” Wednesday, April 15 through Sunday, May 24, TPT. Fresh off a hit Broadway revival, this fun and energetic musical about life on the roadside tells the story of four gasstation attendants (the “Pump Boys”) and two waitresses (the “Dinettes”) and the country, rock and pop music that gets them through the day. “Greater Tuna,” Thursday, April 16 through Sunday, April 26, TPT. Take a trip down south to Texas’ third smallest town, Tuna, and meet its quirky and ever-expanding cast of characters hosted by Thurston and Arles on their talk radio show, and all played by two actors.

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Arts

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February 2015

Welcome to Animal Winner Family Board Game! PICTURE PERFECT: Photographer Jim Moon’s photographs are included in the 11th annual Arizona Fine Art Expo. GSN photo by Lynette Carrington

Photographer featured at Arizona Fine Art Expo BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

The Arizona Fine Art Expo has been drawing visitors from around the world to Scottsdale since 2005. This year is particularly special for Gilbert photographer Jim Moon, who was chosen to participate in the prestigious expo. “This event is juried every year,” Moon explains. “I actually submitted to be included next year, but they chose me for this year’s expo.” Officials from the event, which is produced by Thunderbird Artists, were impressed with his work. “Jim contacted me and wanted to do this event,” says Judi Combs, Thunderbird Artists’ founder. “I juried him in because I like his quality and I don’t bring in a lot of photographers, but he’s outstanding.” Moon shoots a variety of subject, including Westerns, landscapes, vintage vehicles and buildings and even one dramatic photo of lightning striking over grain silos in North Gilbert. “It took an hour and a half and 200 shots to get that one special photo,” Moon says of his lightning photo snapped a block from his home. Longtime shooter Moon started shooting photos at the age of 8 and took formal photography instruction in high school. After a hiatus from photography, he returned to it in 2008 as a way of relieving stress. A multiple heart attack survivor, he left the medical marketing field to take up professional photography full time. His work has been met with praise. Moon received accolades in April 2014 when he was chosen to be the first photographer nationwide to be exhibited at Thomas Kinkade Gallery. In recent years, Moon has traveled

throughout Arizona and to Hawaii, Wyoming, California, British Columbia and Colorado to capture the breathtaking landscape images that are included in the expo. He focuses on high dynamic range photography which, he says, makes viewers feel like they can reach through and touch it. High dynamic range photography takes an image and merges three to five frames capturing different light levels to create a photo with unique lighting and depth. “I’m literally painting my photos in a computer,” adds Moon. Moon’s work is collected by a variety of people. “Doctors, lawyers, business owners, CEOs and accountants buy my work. It’s a little bit of everybody across the board,” he explains. “I have one customer who just collects my Western photos, so he buys all of my rodeo shots, including photos taken at the Gilbert Days Rodeo.” One Gilbert Days Rodeo image is included in this year’s Arizona Fine Art Expo. Additional photos from Moon can be seen at http://jimmoon.photoshelter. com. Nearly 100 artists from all over the world will be featured in the 11th annual Arizona Fine Art Expo, which runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Sunday, March 29. Participating artists come from diverse places such as California, Colorado, Minnesota, Kansas, Virginia, Africa, Iraq, England and Mexico. An onsite café at Arizona Fine Art Expo features sandwiches, soups, salads, paninis, burgers and more. Season tickets are $10, or $8 for military and seniors. Arizona Fine Art Expo is located at 16540 N. Scottsdale Rd. Visit www. arizonafineartexpo.com or call (480) 8377163 for additional information.

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February 2015

3 conservatory grads up for major Grammys The music industry’s highest honors will be awarded during the Grammy awards on Sunday, Feb. 8, in Los Angeles, and three different graduates of CRAS— The Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences—may be called to the stage to accept the award for their work. In total, 47 different graduates of CRAS hold credits for their work with 50 artists/ bands who are up for awards in 42 out of 83 categories. An example of a credit would be formal professional credit as an engineer, assistant engineer or production assistant on a nominated song or album. While individuals with a credit aren’t personally called to the stage to accept the award, they directly played a role in the nominated recording. Among the credits received by CRAS grads are nominations for Record, Song and Album of the Year including music from Pharrell, Ed Sheeran, Beck, Taylor Swift, and Iggy Azalea with Charli XCX. Of the graduates who may be called to the stage, two graduates will compete against each other for Record of the Year as Eric Weaver is nominated as vocal engineer for Iggy Azalea w/ Charli XCX’s “Fancy,” and Sam Holland as engineer for Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off.” Graduate Darrell

Thorp is nominated for two Grammys (Album of the Year and Engineered Album) for his work as engineer of Beck’s album “Morning Phase.” “We love all the awards shows because there are always so many CRAS graduates that are nominated and win,” says Kirt Hamm, administrator of CRAS. “We take great pride in the success of our graduates but there are few phone calls we love receiving more than from a graduate calling to tell us about their first award nomination. You don’t need to be an audio expert to hear the joy and pride in their voice as they thank us for helping them achieve this career milestone.” Graduate Weaver is thrilled with his nomination. “When I attended CRAS, I merely wanted to be able to put food on the table while making records and now I have the honor of being nominated for a GRAMMY,” he says. “My time in Arizona at CRAS gave me the necessary technical vocabulary and knowledge to be an immediate asset capable of understanding the studios’ and clients’ needs. That preparation allowed me to maximize the learning experiences available when working hand in hand with

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Arts

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GRAMMY NOMINEE: Conservatory graduate and Grammy nominee as Vocal Engineer for Record of the Year, Eric Weaver, in front of an SSL board. Submitted photo

the industry’s most talented engineers, producers and artists.” CRAS is a nationally accredited, private postsecondary college dedicated to those who seek a career in the music, game audio, live sound, broadcast and post production for film and TV industries. CRAS graduates succeed in the highly competitive fields of studio recording technology and engineering, live sound engineering and

music production/post-production for film, corporate presentations, television and game audio design. Widely recognized as a leading audio recording school in the United States, students attend the fiveday per week, 11-month program held at CRAS’ Arizona campuses in Gilbert and Tempe. For more information about CRAS visit www.cras.edu.

The Oak Ridge Boys remain relevant after five decades BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Kindhearted and thoughtful, Duane Allen strives to keep his band, The Oak Ridge Boys, relevant while he continues to enjoy his decadeslong career. “I think probably the reason that we are still going is because the four of us love doing what we’re doing,” Allen says. “We feel we are doing some good with people who maybe are not reached by the newer artists who are now on radio. We’ve had our time on radio and we’re very grateFOUR OF A KIND: The Oak Ridge Boys will perform at ful for that.” Newer artists, he says, are making Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino’s Ovations Live! Showroom on Friday, Feb. 6. Submitted photo a “huge dent” on radio and filling coliseums, ballparks, stadiums and “People know what we are going to arenas. These new acts, however, help make our dates, show up sober and we’re The Oak Ridge Boys, too.

see RELEVANT page 32

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Craftsman, history meet at Schimmel Shop

Arts

February 2015

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Chad Schimmel moves about his woodshop with a lithe agility— cutting, drilling, sanding and painstakingly assembling a variety of items at his Schimmel Shop. He took what started out as a hobby, applied his woodworking and technology skills, and carved out a niche that provides one-of-aWRITING HISTORY: A piece of wood decking from the kind items that, in some cases, are USS Texas battleship has been carved and sanded historical keepsakes. into a custom pen. Photo courtesy of Schimmel Shop Gilbert resident Schimmel creates estimated to be 3,400 to 3,600 years old. handmade pens, razor handles, It was the oldest living bald cypress tree steampunk-themed jewelry, interior when it was destroyed by arson in 2012. design and furniture. The pieces he Someone sent the block of wood to creates are entirely unique because of the Schimmel knowing he would appreciate it materials used, their whimsical qualities and use it for something. and because they are handmade. Pens Other unique products are bolt-action are some of the most in-demand items, and bullet pens. including those made “It’s such a popular from the deck wood group of people that of the USS Texas want these pens— battleship. hunters, shooters and, “They took this especially lately, the wood off of the USS audience has gotten Texas and I got it bigger,” explains in chunks like this,” Schimmel. “Bullets just Schimmel explains as seem to make good he displays the long pens because of the 2-inch-thick planks way they are shaped.” with ghost gray paint He has a few choice on one side. bullets that he uses for “I’m always after pens and occasionally old woods because a customer will bring they have some in a bullet of their significance. It’s own. tough and I have to Woodworking is search around.” a longtime passion The Battleship THE DESERT REIMAGINED: A cholla skeleton of Schimmel’s. In Texas Foundation has been mixed with resin and sculpted gave Schimmel wood into a one-of-a-kind pen. Photo courtesy high school, he was involved in and, in return, he of Schimmel Shop woodworking and has made a custom pen honed his skills over for the organization. the years. “I got back some more wood and some “I did woodworking a lot in high school,” little cards; certificates that show the he explains. “Then I didn’t do anything wood is real, so it’s really a cool thing,” for a few years because of college and Schimmel states. then I picked it back up. I think I’m a born He also has battleship deck wood from tinkerer.” the USS North Carolina. The teak wood Woodworking was a side business was on the ship for 70 years and imparts a that increasingly got bigger. A few years majestic plum-colored hue that makes for ago, he was torn between keeping his beautiful pens or razor handles. The ship decking pens and razor handles are popular job as a manager at Bass Pro Shops in Mesa and making the move to grow his with veterans and those who collect woodworking business. He decided to military or patriotic items. open Schimmel Shop full time. In his shop Other woods that Schimmel uses for he also creates imaginative lamps from pens and razor handles include used repurposed vintage items, clocks and liquor barrels that, when drilled and small furniture. sanded, impart a sweet smell into the Andrea McKay, the owner of Garden woodworking shop. Gate Custom Floral Design in Gilbert “I’ll use anything that has a fun story to Town Square, saw Schimmel’s work on the it,” notes Schimmel. Instagram page of Fluff It Marshmallows He has one piece of wood from The in Gilbert. Senator tree in Big Park Florida was

A WATCH REPURPOSED: Chad Schimmel creates unique handcrafted pens, like this version that contains a vintage Mickey Mouse watch with its parts repurposed into a pen design. GSN photo by Lynette Carrington

“When I noticed the woodwork, I thought, ‘That’s exactly what I need,’” she recalls. “I actually went into their store and looked at the work that Chad did.” So impressed with his work, she enlisted Schimmel to create a counter and table for her retail space, each having a crisp, light country style. “I called him and he was wonderful,” McKay says. “He went right to work and

his price was really reasonable.” This year, Schimmel will be looking to expand on the fixtures and furniture portion of his business. Schimmel Shop is located at 224 E. Chilton Ave., Suite 10, Chandler. Visit www.impeccablepen.com for a list of products and upcoming shows. Email chadschimmel@gmail.com or call (480) 510-0717 for custom work inquiries.

FIREFLY CROSSING “Where the Past Meets the Present in a Unique & Eclectic Way”

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February 2015

RELEVANT from page 30

not going to cancel our dates,” he says. “They can depend on us. Probably over a period of years, we made our living on repeat dates. We go to almost the same places every year. Ninety percent of our dates are repeat business.” The Oak Ridge Boys target venues such as fairs and festivals; attractions that boast a board of directors with everyday folks. “They know The Oak Ridge Boys because they grew up with our music,” Allen says. Allen and his bandmates—William Lee Golden, Richard Sterban and Joe Bonsall—are hoping to fill Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino’s Ovations Live! Showroom on Friday, Feb. 6. Allen not only loves Arizona for its fans, but its weather, too. “We always enjoy coming to Arizona because the weather is usually better in the fall and winter months,” he says. “We always come out there in February and the weather is usually a lot more pleasant than it is in other parts of the country. I love Arizona because of the different landscapes from the desert part all the way up to the mountainous part. I think it’s a beautiful state.” The Oak Ridge Boys promise an evening

that includes a mixture of their hits, like “Elvira” and even a cover of The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” as well as deep cuts. “We have a computerized list of everything we’ve ever done in every city,” Allen says. “We try to rotate our hits among the over 50 charted singles we have over the last five decades. We will pick some of the most popular ones, but we will add songs we didn’t do last time.” The Oak Ridge Boys will soon have even more songs to add to their set list. Allen’s New Year’s resolution is to record a “brand new album with the 12 best songs from the best writers in the world.” “We are going to record them as if we are the newest group on the block,” Allen says. “I’m a song man. I believe that recording great new songs is the future.” The Oak Ridge Boys perform at 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino’s Ovations Live! Showroom, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Blvd., Chandler. Tickets are $30 to $80. For more information, call (877) 840-0457 or visit http:// bit.ly/1BWldvG.

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TROUBADOUR: Billy Dean, shown here with his band, will play acoustic shows in Mesa. GSN photo courtesy Facebook

Dean craves ‘spiritual’ connection with fans

shows, I have to say. They’re not really A Quincy, Florida, native, country singer rehearsed. I tell the same stories, sure, Billy Dean is used to hearing about folks but I do different songs every night. I who flee the bitter cold of the north and know about 2,000 songs. I do a show in head to the southeastern United States. Branson, Missouri, which is where I met But thanks to his friends The Duttons, The Duttons. I don’t get a chance to sing Dean has traveled west to spend part these other songs.” of his winter in Mesa, performing at the This year, Dean is relaunching his family’s East Valley High School theater. company, Billy Dean Music Group, and “The Dutton family was so nice to tell working with two artists from “America’s me about this well-kept secret,” he says Got Talent:” Chloe Channell and Jason as he power walks through Mesa. “This is Pritchett. Also, there’s a collaboration a great place to do shows in the winter. with Alabama in the works. “I’m from Florida, so I’m used to people “Believe it or not, Randy Owen and going down to Florida to get out of the Teddy Gentry just recorded ‘An American cold. I didn’t think about with a Remington,’” he the desert of Arizona. says about the song he They’re really nice to recorded with Larry open the theater to me Gatlin. and see if I can reconnect “Through that process, with some of my fans in they said, ‘We’d love to the area.” cut a project on you.’ Dean is playing several It’ll be nice not to have dates at The Dutton to sit behind the desk Family Theater in February and just be a singer for and March. He’s playing a while. We may do that acoustic shows, during this year. which he tells stories “Those guys meant about songs like his hits a lot to me growing “Only Here for a Little up. To work side by SELFIE: Dean shared this selfie on While,” “Somewhere in side with them, it’s a Facebook in January saying, “I’ve My Broken Heart” and “If got the feeling I’m not in Misgreat honor. They’re the There Hadn’t Been You.” souri anymore.” Photo courtesy most successful band in “I’ve been in Nashville Facebook the history of country for 30 years,” Dean says. music.” “I’ve had the great privilege of learning No matter which project he’s working and hearing about the stories behind the on, Dean stresses the importance of hits. People hear hit songs on the radio all songwriting, having followed in the the time.” footsteps of James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg Dean’s sense of humor also shines and John Denver. during the performance. “It’s my inspiration,” he says. “It’s “A lot of comedy comes out,” he says. what I grew up listening to. This is my “It’s the old troubadour style of me, a opportunity to do it on this scale without guitar and piano. It’s as if they’re in my all the clutter. It makes for a really living room. That’s how I feel at The spiritual experience.” Duttons’ theater. It’s a nice intimate evening.” Billy Dean performs through Dean performs two 45-minute Wednesday, March 11, at The Dutton sets, with a 20-minute intermission in Family Theater at East Valley High School, between. 7420 E. Main St., Mesa. Tickets are $27 for “I cover a lot of music history in that adults. For more information, call (480) time,” he says. “I do like the solo acoustic 840-6874 or visit www.theduttons.com. BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

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Opinion

February 2015

Sound Off: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! SOUND OFF was transcribed from our Sound Off line during the past month. Sound Off is a monthly editorial feature of Gilbert Sun News. We encourage you to participate. As long as it's not profane or libelous we will print it in our next issue. Calls are limited to one minute. Please leave your name only if you'd like it printed. Come on, get it off your chest!

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Happy New Year everybody in Arizona! Happy New Year, but there’s nothing more pitiful than healthy, well-managed, intelligent children who later become ignorant, rude judgmental adults. Remember when cursing words were a sign of immaturity and ignorance? Well they still are and children are listening yet. Hey all you cellphone junkies calling from a car and you wanted to talk to grandma on her landline: Forget it. It just doesn’t work. Learn to use the other systems as well as all your new toys. A long, long time ago, our parents taught us the simple move of money management— never spend more per month for

visit:

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housing than you earn per week. The other three weeks’ salaries will keep life better balanced. Try it; it works just fine. Of course the first Republican solution to save money for the state is you take away the fast food out of the mouths of the poor, who have no home or stove to cook all those freebie healthy vegetables they are told to eat instead. It’s the usual no common sense for a new Legislature. Just take all the new perks away from them and see how they howl. Thank you for bringing back civics to high school students. Now stop cutting the teachers out of the art departments. Maybe we’ll have a more informed community in the future.

THE MARKET GUIDE The Market Report is published to provide community and real estate information. It is not intended as a solicitation of other broker’s listings. MLS Data—Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Information provided by Charlie Randall (480) 325-1000 and Valerie Randall (602) 818-3465.

LUXURY

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNIT Y

Homes Sold In Your Area as of January 2015

Address

902 E Betsy 2455 E Encinas 64 S Nevada 3556 E Shannon 3565 N Nevada 3833 E Amber 2792 E James 4700 E Desert 572 N Mondel 3028 E Juanita 2965 E Vermont 3172 E Sierra Madre 1829 S Cole 2012 E Catamaran 645 E Harwell 3881 E Gail 1040 W Palo Verde 1031 S Copper Key 1649 E Queen Palm 761 N Explorer 1402 S Mulberry 2720 E Orion 1441 W Bahia 2189 S 141st 2878 E Boston 133 E Tremaine

SQ. FT. 2963 2921 3644 3504 2250 3391 3424 2957 2861 2685 3663 3751 4556 3306 3098 3815 3885 2484 4067 3380 5536 4227 3554 3026 4354 7109

Subdivision

Lindsay Ranch Carriage Parc Estates Artemina Lyons Gate Tremaine Park Lakeview Trails North At Morrison Ranch Agritopia Superstition Springs Playa Del Rey Tone Ranch Estates Chaparral Estates West Higley Estates Bella Vista The Regatta At Val Vista Circle G Ranches Metes & Bounds Artemina The Islands Lakeside At Val Vista Lakes Bristol Square Agritopia Carriage Parc Estates The Shores At The Islands Metes and Bounds Chaparral Estates West Tremaine Park

If you did not see “America ReFramed” program “Trash Dance,” you missed a great picture of America’s workers’ true strengths. It’s really worthwhile to be proud to be an American. Beware: If this storm Juno is like anything of the 1947 storm, when it leaves the United States it’s going to Europe again. Also, let your friends know if they’re anywhere over there. Well it’s back on the job for TV news’ frantic pace Sunday morning busybodies. Now that the world’s Christian holidays have ended and Congress is back on the job, I say, “Lots of luck, Washington.” I wish when companies have contests they would try to keep it to under $600, unless it’s something really good so we don’t get hit at tax time. At least be fair about the value. Value the prize at a realistic amount, not an exaggerated one. Don’t claim a prize is worth $700 when in all reality, if you were to buy it, you would only pay $550. Or if it is an “experience,” be realistic about it if it’s something you can’t normally buy. I don’t think “experiences” that can’t be normally bought should be taxed, but our government is our government and they love to try and squeeze every last dime out of us. I’m complaining about the wives of football players who just set back women getting ahead at least 10 or 15 years. Of course it’s all about the money. Boo, boo, boo, bad, bad, bad. Take your money and go home with your football player husband. See how good he is after he quits playing football.

R E A LT Y

REALTOR

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Price

$393,000 $395,000 $400,000 $405,000 $407,000 $420,000 $422,000 $430,000 $439,900 $439,900 $439,900 $440,000 $440,000 $442,500 $465,000 $465,000 $467,500 $475,000 $499,900 $500,000 $514,000 $535,000 $549,000 $600,000 $622,500 $630,000

I’m just sitting down and reading the Sound Off page. There is a lot of really marginal stuff on there, stuff that is distasteful to me. You should make people say their name. I don’t see any names on here. Some of them are not very well thought-out and untrue.

GSN

Be fair, there was more than one police officer who took the 400-pound man down to the ground. Who was the officer who kept smashing his face into the sidewalk? What about those who held him down?

Stop blaming one policeman. They’re all guilty of too much violence. Freedom of the press just went too far. The insatiable need for Americans to know everything about everything almost stopped my heart when I heard this most ignorant reporter ask a general, “Well, you had a rescue mission. How did you do that?” Should we send them a note? They ought to know when and where we’re coming. How stupid can some people on television be? It’s unfathomable how stupid some of these people are today. Question: Where are our Peter, Paul and Mary generations to balance the crazies of today’s law breakers looking for sympathy? Those are the true Americans. Come on out again and sing the truth as we always did. Sing the truth and convert those stone throwers. Well, it’s an interesting time of year when some of us learn who, under and over age 30, know how to write or use a U.S. postal office stamp. If you’re over 60 and not on someone’s social media or computer information, you might as well be dead and buried. Isn’t it wonderful to grow old and wiser and all these stupid people who are younger are trying to run a nation? They’re running it right into the ground. Oh boy, another White House secret and all the critics will now rush to profit from it— secretly, of course. What else do you expect? Why does Arizona continue to shoot itself in the foot? I work liquor events and due to “permitting issues” the 10 gigs that I had scheduled for the month had to be canceled because the store I was to do the events for was having too many issues. Now you just took away money from me, the company that I work for and the store that would have sold more alcohol to make a profit, the alcohol companies and not to mention

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Opinion

www.GilbertSunNews.com the taxes that would have been collected from sales to benefit Arizona. Dear Arizona, stop making everything so hard for everyone! Like it or not, whether you agree or not, the first thought of the human brain is curiosity. The first job of news reporters is to sell the printed- or camera-caught situation. The first rule of politics is make them all believe it. What’s your opinion in 50 words or less? Why is there so much obvious stupidity in charge all around the world in crime and politics? Because ignorance is free. Common sense, survival and education take effort. What are you doing today to make this world better? What would happen if they held a protest and the media did not show up? No landlines anymore? It’s supposed to help the deaf. They forget computer screens do not profit people who cannot read them. Pay attention to what you’re doing. You help one, you hurt the other. You don’t need to see to enjoy hearing a friendly voice. A famous journalist once wrote, “A frontal attack on ignorance is bound to fail because the masses are ready to always defend their most precious possession—their ignorance.” Regarding the mess in France: We’re going to give up on TV news. It’s apparent there is nothing but social media chatter. People do not pay attention to what the people are seeing, actually. They all forget the Cronkite rule of verify, verify, verify. There are a few true journalists on the job today. They’re all just chatterbox reporters. Disgusting. To the dummy who wrote about tearing down Monti’s La Casa Vieja in Tempe, he/ she should read further. The building will be incorporated into the new development. The building is classified as historical and cannot just be torn down without special circumstances. It is one of the most nostalgic restaurants in the entire Valley. The auction for some of the restaurant’s contents has been held, allowing many faithfuls to obtain some keepsakes. My children worked at Lenny Monti’s on North 19th Avenue and were treated like family.

Community Commentary

February 2015

The relationship between the state and county BY DENNY BARNEY

With the State of Arizona recently swearing in a new governor and a new legislative session in full swing, many may wonder how that has an impact here at Maricopa County. How do DENNY BARNEY: Gilbert resident local and county and member of the governments Maricopa County interact with Board of Supervisors. the state? While the states themselves are sovereign entities—according to Article 10 of the U.S. Constitution, the federal government derives only the powers and authority directly delegated to it by the states—the counties are the exact opposite. We are subdivisions of the state, and only have authorities directly given to us by the state. As a county, those authorities include the responsibility to deliver a broad and diverse set of services including prosecution, public defense, law enforcement, flood control, planning and development, animal control, courts, elections, jails, etc. Fifty-one percent of the budget represents funding for public safety services. We are expected by the state and citizenry to deliver efficient and effective services to those citizens in our jurisdiction, with the accountability and transparency the taxpayers deserve. And, of course, the state requires we do all this with a balanced budget each year. Every legislative session, lawmakers introduce around 1,200 bills, many of which have fiscal, administrative and/ or political effects upon the county. We monitor these and educate our legislators where possible to limit any negative impacts upon Maricopa County constituents. One such example is state shared revenues. The state collects from many revenue buckets, some of which are distributed to the counties. Such revenues include vehicle license taxes, state sales taxes of which approximately 40 percent are distributed to counties and Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF) of which 19 percent are distributed to counties. The distributions are based upon extremely complex formulas and the

state sets limitations on where the monies may be spent. It is well known that lawmakers are facing a deficit of about $1 billion this year, and yet they too are required by the constitution to balance their budget every session. On occasion, the legislature has diverted state shared revenues they would have otherwise disbursed to the cities and counties. This has been an effort, in part, to solve the state’s budget dilemmas. However, this can make it very difficult for the county to budget appropriately, and, if left with a large shortfall, to find ways in which to cover expenses without raising taxes. Which is, of course, our goal. I was excited to see Doug Ducey sworn in as the governor of Arizona. And I will be anticipating with

everyone else, how he and the legislature work together through this session to balance not only a budget, but the relationships with the cities and counties. Denny Barney is a Gilbert resident and member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

References: www.aztreasury.gov/local-govt/ revenue-distributions/revenuedistributions-list/#hurf www.azleg.gov/briefs/Senate/ STATE%20SHARED%20REVENUES.pdf www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/42/05029.htm www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/28/06538.htm www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/28/06540.htm

February 2015

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Spirituality

February 2015

Worship Guide

Central Christian Church—Gilbert 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert 85297 www.centralaz.com/ Arena/?page=5644 Services: 5:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 9 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. 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 Latterday Saints 3301 S. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert 85297 (480) 822-5000 www.lds.org/church/temples/gilbertarizona?lang=eng For more information about the temple, visit the website above. First United Methodist Church of Gilbert 331 S. Cooper Rd., Gilbert 85233 (480) 892-9166 www.gilbertumc.org Services: 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. (traditional services) and 11 a.m. (contemporary service) Sundays There are two traditional services—8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.—with 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. Mission Community Church 4450 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert 85234 (480) 545-4024 www.mission68.org Services: 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. 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. Real Life Church Church services at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert 85295 (480) 444-0231 or www.reallife.cc The church believes in one God consisting of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God is the creator of all things, including man.

Experience the Difference

Redemption Gilbert 1820 W. Elliot Rd, Gilbert 85233 (480) 632-2220 www.gilbert.redemptionaz.com/ about/a-brief-overview/ Services: 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. 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.

Water Features

San Tan Bible Church 1424 S. Promenade Lane, Gilbert 85296 Phone number not available. www.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 Rd., Gilbert 85296 (480) 632-8920, www.sunvalleycc.com Services: 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. 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 645 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 180, Gilbert 85234 (480) 892-2435, www.2riverschurch.org Services: 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 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.

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St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church 2654 E. Williams Field Rd., Gilbert 85295 (480) 279-6737 www.smarymag.org A Roman Catholic parish that witnesses the love of Jesus Christ through evangelization, Catechesis and celebration of the Sacraments.

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There is a place of worship for a variety of religions in Gilbert. Here is a partial list of some of the congregations in the town. Want to be added to this list? Email christina@gilbertsunnews.com.

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February 2015

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Biz Box

www.GilbertSunNews.com

To place a business card ad in the Biz Box, mail your card to:

Biz Box Landscaping , Trees & Maintenance also are you able to squeeze in our email address in

there too dennis@allprotrees.com ?

Gilbert Sun News, 3200 N. Hayden. Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Questions? Call 480-348-0343 x100. PRICE: $50 + tax or 6 months for $275 + tax. Vertical business cards will be reformatted to fit this space.

Insured/Bonded

Free Estimates

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Winter Storms!

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

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

480-354-5802

TENNIS, ANYONE? Youth and adult tennis programs for all abilities Mesa’s public award-winning Gene Autry Tennis Center. (4125 E. McKellips Rd.)

Go to MesaTennis.com to view schedule and to register

Ingallina Custom Landscape Maintenance

SPRING CLEAN-UPS • PRE-EMERGENT WEEKLY • BI-WEEKLY LAWN MAINTENANCE ONE TIME CLEAN UPS • TREE TRIMMING WEED CONTROL • IRRIGATION REPAIR 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE • PROFESSIONAL & DEPENDABLE

Call Gerard for free estimate 480-510-1391 “Stop dreading that yard work, leave it up to us”

Gerard Ingallina Owner/Operator gerardingallina@gmail.com

To Place an Ad:

Since 2002

Call: Tracey Wilson (480) 348-0343 x100

CLEANING SVCE. LLC

Email: tracey@timespublications.com Mail: (your business card)

Get your child in a non-contact lifetime sport. (No concussions here)

February 2015

Gilbert Sun News 3200 N. Hayden, Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Place Your Card

HERE!

Cleaning Homes Since 2002 No Contracts, Ever! Insured, BBB with an A+ Rating Office: (480) 666-8869 • Cell: (480) 326-3885 www.annabelservice.com

Yes

Do people still read community newspapers? You bet they do! And advertising in them will drive customers your way. The readers are here... Where’s your ad? www.gilbertsunnews.com • 480-348-0343

Member Central/Northern Arizona

February 2015

www.GilbertSunNews.com

LUXURY

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Locally Connected Nationally Recognized

Locally Connected

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1733 N Greenfield Road Suite 101 Mesa, AZ 85205

480-325-1000

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Locally Connected Locally Connected

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Deal Of The Century On This Exceptional Brick Estate Resort-Style Grounds, 5 bedrooms 4.5 baths 7,032 sq. ft. $998,000

Basement Home on Huge Lot in Gated Community 6 bedrooms, 4 baths & 5,453 sq. ft. $817,950

7-Car Garage or 4+ Workshop in Circle G 4 bedrooms, 5.5. baths & 6,432 sq. ft. $900,000

Extraordinary New Custom in Las Sendas Las Sendas Golf Course Community 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths & 4,142 sq. ft. $1,250,000

Classifieds

February 2015

EVENTS

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

www.GilbertSunNews.com

MARIANSCAPE LLC All care from timers to trees Lush lawns Leaks Weekly and Bi-Weekly Service Free Estimates Call Mike 602-686-0498

TRAVEL ENOS KING-LEWIS II, AGENT Guide, Producer Fun Trips! Prosperity - Wellness www.Enos4Prosperity.com 800-824-1450 (Call 24/7) enos4homes@hotmail.com

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE EXECUTIVE SUITE AVAILABLE Office suite located at 1955 S. Val Vista Dr., Mesa (NEC of Baseline/Val Vista Dr. across from Dana Park) $375/mo Call 480-861-2041

POOL SERVICES AS LOW AS $60/MONTH FOR POOL SERVICE Sand change, $180-$240 Clean & inspect DE or cartridge filters, $75 We do repairs too. CPO Technician LIZARDPOOLSLLC 480-489-0713

WANTED TO BUY CA$H PAID! WE BUY DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Unopened/Unexpired CALL NOW!! 480-269-3289

Know what happens when you don’t advertise?

Nothing.

(480) 348-0343

Gilbert Sun News, 3200 N. Hayden Rd. - Suite #210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-348-0343 or FAX your ad copy to: 480-348-2109 Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Telephone #: Email:  Check/Money Order

 Visa

 MasterCard

 American Express

 Discover

Acct# _________________________________________Card Exp. ____ / ____ /____ CVV#___________________Signature ______________________________________

$25 up to 30 words. 50 cents per word thereafter. Headline (Bold) : ________________ Copy: __________

________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________ ________________

Biz Box

www.GilbertSunNews.com

To place a business card ad in the Biz Box, mail your card to:

Biz Box Landscaping , Trees & Maintenance also are you able to squeeze in our email address in

there too dennis@allprotrees.com ?

Insured/Bonded

Free Estimates

ALL Pro

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

Prepare for Winter Storms!

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

480-354-5802

TENNIS, ANYONE? Youth and adult tennis programs for all abilities Mesa’s public award-winning Gene Autry Tennis Center. (4125 E. McKellips Rd.)

Go to MesaTennis.com to view schedule and to register

Ingallina Custom Landscape Maintenance

SPRING CLEAN-UPS • PRE-EMERGENT WEEKLY • BI-WEEKLY LAWN MAINTENANCE ONE TIME CLEAN UPS • TREE TRIMMING WEED CONTROL • IRRIGATION REPAIR 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE • PROFESSIONAL & DEPENDABLE

Call Gerard for free estimate 480-510-1391 “Stop dreading that yard work, leave it up to us”

Gerard Ingallina Owner/Operator gerardingallina@gmail.com

To Place an Ad:

Since 2002

Call: Tracey Wilson (480) 348-0343 x100

CLEANING SVCE. LLC

Email: tracey@timespublications.com Mail: (your business card)

Get your child in a non-contact lifetime sport. (No concussions here)

February 2015

Gilbert Sun News 3200 N. Hayden, Suite 210, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Place Your Card

HERE!

Cleaning Homes Since 2002 No Contracts, Ever! Insured, BBB with an A+ Rating Office: (480) 666-8869 • Cell: (480) 326-3885 www.annabelservice.com

Yes

Do people still read community newspapers? You bet they do! And advertising in them will drive customers your way. The readers are here... Where’s your ad? www.gilbertsunnews.com • 480-348-0343

Member Central/Northern Arizona