Gilbert Sun News - July 2016 by Times Media Group

July 2016

Relentlessly local coverage of Gilbert and our neighboring communities

Cooling off

Paisley Reed, 2, plays on the Gilbert Splash Pad. More photos, page 16.

Gilbert to get its first cemetery BY SRIANTHI PERERA

Gilbert is the largest metropolitan community in the United States that does not have a cemetery. That may change. The town has entered into negotiations with Mesa-based Bunker Family Funerals and Cremation for the development and operation of a cemetery just west of the northwest corner of Greenfield and Queen Creek roads. A total of 21.75 acres of townowned, undeveloped land is to be leased for the full-service cemetery with a funeral home onsite. About 8 acres are to be developed in the project’s $5 million first phase, and will see

CEMETERY page 12

Town introduces a safe syringe-disposal program BY SRIANTHI PERERA

Melanie Dykstra, town of Gilbert staffer, listens to Randy Bunker of Bunker Family Funerals and Cremation on the full service funeral home and cemetery proposed in south Gilbert. GSN photo by Srianthi Perera

Arizona has more than 100 drug disposal stations in police agencies statewide. But, until recently, there wasn’t a place where you could safely dispose of used sharps and syringe disposal needles. Gilbert Police Department has just unveiled its—and the state’s—first sharps/ syringe disposal kiosk at the Gilbert Police Department’s lobby at 75 E. Civic Center Dr. The program is a partnership with the Arizona Crime Prevention Association and Maricopa County Attorney Bill see

DISPOSAL page 4

2 Community 14 Neighbors 24 Business 28 Neighborhood Map

A red kiosk for sharps and syringes disposal and a green kiosk for drugs are available at the Gilbert Police Department’s lobby at 75 E. Civic Center Dr. GSN photo by Srianthi Perera

36 Youth 46 Spirituality 50 Arts 52 Opinion

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Community

Donate blood, and maybe win a Passat S

To show its appreciation for those giving blood this summer, United Blood Services is offering donors the chance to win a 2016 VW Passat S. To make a blood donation appointment, call (877) UBS-HERO or visit www.bloodhero.com. There are donation events throughout the town, too. See below for details. • 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 1, Banner Gateway Campus, 1900 N. Higley Rd., Grand Canyon rooms one and two • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 2, Gilbert-SanTan Village RSMO, 2218 E. Williams Field Rd., Bloodmobile • 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, 3555 S. Val Vista Rd., conference rooms two and three • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cascade Financial Services, 3345 S. Val Vista Dr. • 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, July 8, Gilbert Hospital, 5656 S. Power Rd., Bloodmobile • 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, July 8, Southeast VA Health Care Clinic, 3285 S. Val Vista Dr., Bloodmobile • 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, Trilogy, 4369 E. Village Pkwy., ballroom • 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 23. Gilbert Presbyterian Church, 236 E. Guadalupe Rd., education building • 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, MAPFRE USA, 15555 N. Fiesta Blvd., Bloodmobile All blood types are needed, however, Type O-negative is always in greatest demand.

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Officials from Arizona Crime Prevention Association, Gilbert Police Department, Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery’s office and others gather for a ribbon cutting to unveil Arizona’s first sharps/syringe disposal kiosk at the Gilbert Police Department’s lobby.

DISPOSAL from page 1 Montgomery’s office. The syringe and drug disposal kiosks are placed next to each other. “While these drug kiosks continue to be heavily used here, we have continued to see a need for a box for sharps and syringe disposal needles,” said Vickie Owen, past president of the Arizona Crime Prevention Association, at the unveiling. “It’s an important resource for the general public to have.” Used sharps and syringe disposal needles are not accepted at a pharmacy or doctor’s office, Owen said. Hence proper disposal of them is vital to the community’s health. “Individuals have been turned to tossing them in our green boxes, causing

a bio hazard to our officers,” she added. Stephanie Siete, director of community education at Community Bridges Inc. in Mesa, said that each year, 9 million syringe users will administer at least 3 billion injections outside of care facilities. “Most of these users are not aware of how to properly dispose of these needles, they put them in trash, flush them down toilets, and you can see the potential risk of injury for many people who will be susceptible to hepatitis, HIV and other diseases,” she said. Siete also said the community needs to know about the boxes. “If people don’t know how to dispose of the stuff, they don’t even know there’s a problem,” she said. While this is just one location, Owen

said that the association is hopeful that the partnership will encourage additional collaborations that will result in more drop locations. “Whether legal or illegal use, we cannot turn a blind eye to the fact that proper disposal of the medical biohazardous waste is vitally important,” she said. Drug disposal and syringe disposal is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week at the Gilbert Police Department, 75 E. Civic Center Dr. To find other secure drug disposals, visit www.acpa.net and click on “Got Drugs.” For more details, call (480) 635-7521.

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Chandler and Gilbert adopt grassroots approach to tackle prescription drug abuse BY SRIANTHI PERERA

Chandler and Gilbert have a new force to counter prescription drug misuse. Facing common issues, representatives from the two cities have formed the Chandler-Gilbert Substance Abuse Task Force to address the opioid medication and other drug dependency issues prevalent in epidemic proportions in the area. In a 2014 survey of 12th graders in Maricopa County by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, 15% of the kids admitted to using prescription pain medications. In the same year, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,211 overdoses statewide, while across the country, more than 1,700 young adults died from RX overdose, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Steven R. Brown has run the Renaissance Recovery Center in Gilbert for 15 years and receives about 10 to 15 telephone calls each week from people struggling with addiction to prescription drugs, while half to two-thirds of those he treats are hurting from the same issue. “Over the years, I have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people struggling with painkiller addiction,” he said. “It’s fairly a common pattern for people to start using prescription opioids and become highly dependent and they will graduate to other substances.” In Chandler and Gilbert, grassroots initiatives to fight drug abuse are nothing new. Chandler Coalition on Youth Substance Abuse, called CCYSA, has been focusing on prescription drug use for more than six years. Following on the heels of a successful initiative of the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission, the nonprofit began its own RX360 Initiative in October last year. Gilbert Mayor John Lewis spearheaded a Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Task Force a few months ago, with a focus on education. Ted Huntington, CCYSA’s community programs coordinator, said that it’s time to “break down the silos.” “We’re a group of people coming in and focusing on a vision,” he said. “Each individual is playing their part in the community to bring change in the most effective way.” The new initiative has a five sector approach: health care providers, pharmacists/dispensers, law enforcement, education/prevention and rehabilitation collaborate to provide a unified solution.

The biggest problems are the quantity and frequency in which addictive painkillers are prescribed by the medical profession. Dr. Sandy Indermuhle, ER director at Dignity Health, which runs Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert medical centers, has incorporated measures to reduce the amounts of medication being prescribed at the hospitals. Rather than issuing consecutive prescriptions for pain medication, she has directed physicians to refer the patients to a pain management specialist. “We really want one person in control of their pain medication rather than different physicians,” she said. “This policy has been at the hospital for a while; I’m just trying to encourage my physicians to use that as well when they see someone with a chronic pain complaint.” Instructions on how to safely store and dispose leftover medications are provided to those who receive controlled substances upon discharge from the hospital, in particular if there are children in the home. Police departments of both cities provide drug disposal bins that are accessible 24 hours a day. Also, Indermuhle has reminded physicians to use the Arizona Board of Pharmacy’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which enables doctors and pharmacists to check a patient’s prescription history and intervene with those who are abusing medications. Indremuhle concedes that individuals will still find illegal ways to obtain their drugs. “But if we can cut down on the amount that we are writing and making available, I think that would help a lot,” she said. Dr. James Bogash of LifeCare Chiropractic in Mesa, considers his profession “the antithesis” of prescription drug abuse. “We don’t prescribe medications. Our goal is to provide people with other options. I’ve had patients go and get a prescription for OxyContin for something that we were able to get rid of in 20 minutes,” he said. “If that patient would have come to us first, they wouldn’t have needed the OxyContin in the first place.” Bogash is working to be on the front end of treatment. “If we can educate people about what to do on the front end, they would never be exposed to them at all,” he said. Liz Beck, on the other hand, helps in the back end of the epidemic. Redeemed 2 see

July 2016 5

Community

DRUG ABUSE page 8

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6 July 2016

Community

The hospital hosted a pancake breakfast for employees in celebration of its 10-year anniversary.

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Two local airmen graduate from basic training

Sister Madonna Marie Bolton blesses the hands of staff members at Mercy Gilbert.

Mercy Gilbert celebrates 10th anniversary Gilbert’s first full-service hospital celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Sunday, June 5, with a pancake breakfast, high tea and a special blessing of the hands. Since opening its doors in 2006, Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has played an integral role in the town’s growth, according to Tim Bricker, Mercy Gilbert president. “We are proud of Mercy Gilbert’s commitment to humankindess and maintaining the health of Gilbert

residents,” Bricker said. “The hospital has been devoted to caring for the community and has become an integral part of the local economy.” Mercy Gilbert opened as a fourstory facility with 92 private rooms and 429 employees. Now it houses nearly 200 private rooms and employs approximately 1,250 staff members. In 2014, Mercy Gilbert partnered with Phoenix Children’s Hospital to open a 22-bed pediatric unit on the hospital’s campus.

“In the last 10 years, we have seen steady growth and a need to expand our services,” Bricker said. “As the Gilbert population grows, we will look into further expansion.” Mercy Gilbert is part of Dignity Health, one of the nation’s largest health care systems. Dignity Health hospitals in Arizona also include Chandler Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and St. Joseph’s-Westgate Medical Center.

U.S. Air Force Airman James R. Getts III and Airman 1st Class Andrew J. Meier graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. Getts is a 2016 graduate of Higley High School. Meier is the son of Douglas Meier of Casa Grande, and Laurie Hoffman of Gilbert. The airmen completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. Getts is the son of Cherie N. Wade of San Tan Valley, and James R. Getts of Queen Creek. Meier graduated in 2012 from Casa Grande Union High School, Casa Grande.

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8 July 2016 DRUG ABUSE from page 5 Repeat, the nonprofit she set up in Gilbert, works to provide transition to addicts who have completed a treatment program and are uncertain as to the next

Stephanie Siete, director of community education at Community Bridges Inc. in Mesa and a member of the ChandlerGilbert Substance Abuse Task Force, speaks at the unveiling of Arizona’s first sharps/syringe disposal kiosk at the Gilbert Police Department’s lobby. Police departments of Chandler and Gilbert provide drug disposal bins that are accessible 24 hours a day. To find a location close to you, visit www.acpa.net and click on “Got Drugs.”

Community step in their lives. Beck said that people work on leading normal lives when they are on rehabilitation. “With the way that life functions, it’s very overwhelming,” she said. “If people don’t have other people in their life that’s helping them, their instinct is to just go back into a life of addiction because that’s what they know.” Redeemed 2 Repeat operates without a residential facility, but organizes a weekly support group meeting at Sovereign Grace Church in Gilbert. At a given time, the nonprofit works with about 35 individuals. “What we bring to the taskforce is a connection to the local church,” Beck said. “All we’re trying to figure out is how we can get the church more involved with the issue of addiction.” Education is another key component of the taskforce’s efforts. Huntington’s five-point strategic plan proposes to increase public awareness and patient education about prescription drug misuse and abuse. To that end, he has compiled presentations on various topics that could be delivered in person to organizations and also compiled issue briefs that are available for distribution. Some of their efforts are subtler. In the fall, CCYSA is organizing a competition entitled “Silent Killer” for high school students to create a public service announcement on preventing

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substance abuse. “The great benefit of that is getting the teens more involved, and chances are, to think about it and to share with their families and use it as a talking point,” said Melissa Kowalski, chief programs officer. Although the two municipalities’ partnership is in its early stages and, as it evolves, the results may differ from expectations, participants nurture hopes of positive results. “Partnerships are always a bridge,” Lewis said. “At this point, it’s more we see an open door to information, to resources and to expertise that will help our Gilbert community and we are grateful for it.” Brown, who is a former addict, said that he is impressed at the current level of care and concern exhibited by the public safety personnel, the school system and the municipalities, in terms of crisis intervention and then providing appropriate referrals. “I’ve seen an ever-increasing number of resources and energy being put to addressing these very serious public health issues,” he said. Brown expects the partnership will lead to more afflicted individuals being identified. “They may be able to reach out sooner and they will be able to seek out the appropriate resources much more quickly through the system and not have to go through some of the frustrations that

they’ve had to in the past,” he said. The one variable, though, is a person’s motivation to seek help, he said. Huntington said that a major challenge for the task force is how to reduce the stigma attached to drug dependency. “A lot of families and individuals avoid reaching out to get help. Fighting past that is a challenge,” he said. Jon McHatton, who heads the Gilbert taskforce with a focus on mental health issues, said that education and awareness go hand-in-hand with removing the stigma. “Once it’s removed, then you have community buy-in,” he said, “and once you have that, you seek out a solution.” Connected event Valley Hope of Chandler presents “Voices of Hope: Our Families, Our Community, Our Stories: A National Recovery Month Event” starting at its premises at 501 N. Washington St. at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24. Participants will walk to the Chandler Center for the Arts at 250 N. Arizona Ave. After the walk, the Chandler Center for the Arts will host “Focusing on Understanding and Hope,” organized by the Chandler Police Department. Both gatherings will focus on the recovery aspect of substance use and mental health disorders with the message that hope is possible.

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10 July 2016

Community

Group helps young victims break out of sex trafficking

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BY SRIANTHI PERERA

Broken bones from beatings, stressinduced illnesses, drug addiction, lack of trust and a feeling of hopelessness are hardly the stuff of adolescent dreams. But these are the typical issues confronting the children ages 11 to 17 at StreetLightUSA, a residential center that provides a one-of-a-kind program of care and healing to girls who have been trafficked for sex. The numbers of these victims are rising. As many as 300,000 youths are being trafficked in the U.S. The average age of entry into the sex trade is 12 to 14, according to Shared Hope International, a Washington state-based non-profit. From 2011 to 2015, the center has served about 450 girls. Despite the numbers, resources to help victims haven’t increased, center officials said. “No federal grants are available” to help the victims, said Lea Benson, president of StreetLightUSA. “There are (federal grants) for international kids, but there aren’t any for domestic kids.” “We think it doesn’t happen here in the United States, that it happens in other countries,” said Carla Grace, the center’s therapist and counselor. “But it is huge here and the awareness is low.” As these children’s stories come to light, the local faith community, educational institutions, private citizens and even cities are beginning to step up efforts to spread the word. At the same time, lawmakers are working to create harsher penalties for the perpetrators. Soon, Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny will to issue a proclamation and Councilmember Rene Lopez will host a show on the topic. Recently, the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family announced new guidelines to develop a regional response to youth sex trafficking. On October 29, several non-profit organizations in the southeast Valley are collaborating to organize a fundraising gala at Wild Horse Pass. Among the participants is the Women Rising female empowerment network at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. “It is a concern of our students here at the college. Our female students in particular have expressed concerns about what is going on involving sex trafficking,” said Dr. William Crawford, vice president for Student Affairs. Crawford said that the other Women Rising groups in the rest of the Maricopa County Community College District have also been tapped to participate in the cause. For the past three years, volunteer Joyce Vogt has helped organize a ball at the Hope Covenant Church in Chandler. “We decided

These cottages accommodate 24 victims of sex trafficking. With a $100,000 grant from the Thunderbirds Charities, up to 60 girls may be housed.

StreetLightUSA’s Choices program was devised by its participants. It’s symbolized by charms called the Key to Change, World of Opportunities, Wings to Soar and StreetLightUSA.

this year to expand the event and make it more of a mainstream, public event,” she said. The goal is to sell 350 tickets and raise at least $50,000 for the center, with funds to go toward general operating expenses. Vogt has been volunteering to benefit the center for eight years. “I have a passion for this issue because I just can’t believe this happens in our country,” she said. Upon learning about StreetLightUSA at a human sex-trafficking conference in 2008, Chandler resident Gina La Benz organized a Girl Scouts group to help the center. “It’s horrible that it happens in our backyard,” she said. StreetLightUSA began in 2007 in Arizona as a grassroots effort to help homeless and runaway children who were also

commercially exploited for sex. When law enforcement officials found such children at the time, they had no place to put them except in juvenile detention, Benson said. Housing is scarce for these traumatized victims, and sometimes it’s unsafe to keep them in their home states because of the probability of being rediscovered by their pimps. Many of the children ran away from homes that offered them little protection; sending them back home was not an option. A group began studying the issue, looked at existing laws and how they could be tightened to punish the offenders. Helped by a $750,000 state grant and a network of 70 churches nationwide and led locally by Central Christian Church and Christ’s Church of the Valley, the center was established in 2011 in Peoria. The organization’s board of directors adopted a three-pronged strategy to fight child sex trafficking: awareness, prevention and direct care. Today, StreetLightUSA has become an international model that differs from regular homes in the country for its all-encompassing approach. Not just a place to obtain the basic necessities of life; residents are helped to recover and to advance, as its slogan indicates, “from trauma to triumph.” The girls participate in the optional Choices program, which was formulated by survivors themselves and consists of three phases: stabilization, growth and independence, with corresponding programming. Participants wear a colorful bracelet symbolizing the Key to Change, World of Opportunities, Wings to Soar and StreetLightUSA.

Participation in Choices is optional because the youth are traumatized. “They don’t even recognize that they’ve been victimized,” Grace said. “Ninetynine percent of them have been sexually molested at home. How do they know that someone touching their body is not normal?” Staff members also come across children who have been trafficked by their parents. “We have a child right now whose mom exchanged her for money to pay an electric bill,” Benson said. “The child doesn’t know any different; to her, that is normal.” The Peoria facility’s six cottages are currently licensed for 24 beds as funding allows. However, with a $100,000 grant from the Thunderbirds Charities, funds are in place to expand the cottages to house 60. Plans call for a multi-use building on an adjoining plot of land that will house a school and transitional housing. Over the next five years, the facility hopes to partner with an existing charter school and a transitional housing organization, Benson said. Sometimes, out of the blue, Benson receives calls from former residents who have gone on to build successful lives. “It’s very rewarding to know that you can make a difference to these kids who are considered throwaway kids,” she said. However, not every story has a fairytale ending. “I’m not going to sugar-coat it and say we’ve met with success with every child,” Benson said. “We don’t.” People who want to volunteer can contact Joyce Vogt at joyce@streetlightusa. org or call 520-505-1690. Visit www. streetlightusa.org

July 2016 11

Community

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Gilbert fire and rescue hosts annual school supply drive The Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department is helping local students who are in need this year with their annual Back to School Supply Drive taking place through July 25. Items such as backpacks, three-ring binders, notebooks, paper, pencils, pens, colored markers and a variety of other school supplies are being collected at various locations around the community. Monetary donations and gift cards for supplies are also being accepted at Gilbert Fire and Rescue Administration. Drop-off locations are available at all Gilbert municipal buildings and fire stations. This year Gilbert Fire and Rescue is also partnering with Walgreens and Pediatric Dental Specialists to provide additional drop-off sites. For more information, visit www. gilbertaz.gov or call Gilbert Fire and Rescue at (480) 503-6300. Drop-off locations are as follows: Gilbert Fire Administration - 85 E. Civic Center Dr.

Fire Station No. 1 - 2730 E. Williams Field Rd. Fire Station No. 2 - 2855 E. Guadalupe Rd. Fire Station No. 3 - 1011 E. Guadalupe Rd. Fire Station No. 4 - 909 E. Ray Rd. Fire Station No. 5 - 3630 E. Germann Rd. Fire Station No. 6 - 3595 E. Warner Rd. Fire Station No. 7 – 625 W. Warner Rd. Fire Station No. 8 - 1095 E. Germann Rd. Fire Station No. 10 - 1330 W. Guadalupe Rd. Fire Station No. 11 - 2860 E. Riggs Rd. Gilbert Town Municipal Bldgs - 50/90 E. Civic Center Dr. Police Department Lobby - 75 E. Civic Center Dr. Pediatric Dental Specialists – 2550 E. Guadalupe Rd. No. 101 Walgreens No. 3184 - Southwest corner of Val Vista and Guadalupe Walgreens No. 3728 - Southwest corner of Superstition and Baseline Walgreens No. 4543 - Southeast corner of Val Vista and Warner Walgreens No. 5799 - Southwest corner of Higley and Guadalupe Walgreens No. 6692 - Northwest corner of Power and Queen Creek Walgreens No. 6880 - Southeast corner of Higley and Williams Field Walgreens No. 7747 - Southeast corner of Higley and Germann Walgreens No. 3008 – Northeast corner of Cooper and Warner Walgreens No. 3726- Southwest corner of Cooper and Chandler Walgreens No. 4018 – Southwest corner of Baseline and Burk Walgreens No. 5215 - Northeast corner of Lindsay and Williams Field Walgreens No. 6062 – Northwest corner of Gilbert and Guadalupe Walgreens No. 10260 - Southeast corner of Higley and Chandler Heights

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Town seeks donations for Heat Relief Network Gilbert is accepting donations of sun protection aids including hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, lightweight clothing, as well as bottled water, for the Heat Relief Network. Maricopa Association of Governments’ (MAG) Heat Relief Network provides hydration stations, refuge locations and water donation sites throughout the Valley with the goal of preventing heatrelated and heat-caused deaths among people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. Gilbert has four heat relief donation sites:

Freestone Recreation Center, 1141 E. Guadalupe Rd., (Lindsay/Guadalupe roads) Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St., (Gilbert/Elliot roads) Southeast Regional Library, 775 N. Greenfield Rd., (Greenfield/Guadalupe roads) Town Hall , 50 E. Civic Center Dr., (Gilbert/Warner roads) Donations will be accepted through Labor Day. For additional heat relief hydration stations, refuge locations and more information, visit www.azmag.gov/ heatrelief.

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Community

CEMETERY from page 1 feature lawn burial areas, private estates, a cremation/estate garden with a crematory designed into the funeral home and a garden mausoleum, among others. If all goes according to plan, the cemetery has a targeted opening for March 2018. “It’s a project we’ve been working on for many years; I’m really glad that we’ve reached this point,” said Mayor John Lewis, who was among those present at a recent open house held at the South Area Service Center for residents to view the conceptual layout and provide feedback. The costs for the cemetery, including its development, operations and the maintenance, are to be borne by the facility operator, according to Jacob Ellis, assistant to the town manager. “The town will charge the operator rent for the use of the land, as well as participate in revenue sharing,” he said. Bunker Family Funerals and Cremation has been serving families in the Valley since 1963 and in Las Vegas, Nevada previously. Its three locations in Mesa serve about 900 families each year, and many are from Gilbert. “We were looking to do a stand-alone funeral home in Gilbert and then this came together,” said Randy Bunker, funeral director. The goal with the Gilbert cemetery is to

serve about 300 families a year within five years of operation, Bunker said. “There are about 900 deaths in Gilbert every year. We won’t serve all of them, we understand that. We will serve a large majority of them. That will be our goal,” he said. A town commissioned cemetery feasibility study indicates that residents travel more than 20 minutes to a neighboring city such as Mesa, Chandler, Queen Creek, Tempe or Phoenix to obtain funeral services, purchase plots, make arrangements for the burial and visitation of burial sites. The study suggests a mortality rate of 1,317.8 residents per 100,000 population, which indicates that with the town’s current population of 230,000, the anticipated mortality is 3,031 per year. That rate would grow to 4,283 per year by 2035, when Gilbert’s population is expected to bloom to 325,000. Bunker said that about 70% of deaths in all Maricopa County result in cremation. “So we have a need for memorialization of those type of things—mausoleums, niches, family estates and lots of trees. We want to create a sense of peace, there’ll be walking trails and things, community residents can come in and spend time,” he said. Following completion of the first phase, Bunker anticipates completing about four other phases depending on the

www.GilbertSunNews.com

The conceptual site plan for the proposed full service funeral home and cemetery indicates features such as manicured lawns, water sculptures, trails and other aesthetic components to help bring a serene atmosphere.

community’s needs. Lewis said that so far, “very positive” feedback has come. “It was just 11 years ago that Mercy Gilbert and Banner Gateway Medical Center were established. Yes, you could have been born in a home, but for the most part, that was really the opening of

being born in Gilbert,” he said. “And this is the key part of the whole cycle in life.” To give feedback on the cemetery project, go to www.gilbertaz.gov/cemetery or mail comments to Gilbert Cemetery Feedback, 50 E. Civic Center Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85296.

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Ex-NFL player Bess charged after five-hour standoff Former NFL player Davone Bess was arrested July 20 after a fivehour standoff with police in Gilbert and was later booked on charges of endangerment, felony flight and failure to stop for a police officer. Bess was driving his silver Mercedes without headlights near SanTan Village Parkway and Williams Field Road on June 19, when an officer attempted to pull him over. According to Gilbert police, the former Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns receiver refused to stop and he continued Davone Bess to drive in a parking lot of a sporting goods store. Bess fashioned his hand into the shape of a gun and pointed it at officers. When Bess was told to stop, he took off at an excessive speed and a short

pursuit ensued. However, due to public safety, it was halted and officers went to Bess’ home and awaited his arrival. When Bess saw the officers at his home, he remained in his vehicle. He then showed the officers a knife, left the vehicle and joined family members in his house, against officers’ commands. His relatives safely left the house later. Bess continued his standoff against the officers through the early morning, continually brandishing his knife and putting it against his throat. After a search warrant was granted, Bess opened his front door but continued to resist. A Gilbert police K-9 was then released and bit Bess on his forearm. Bess was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for a mental evaluation and treatment of the bite.

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This is not Bess’ first run in with the law. In 2014, Bess was arrested in Florida on charges of assaulting an officer at an airport and in 2013, Bess was hospitalized against his will by family members after another standoff with

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July 2016

Spotlight on Kayla Kolar

Neighbors

www.GilbertSunNews.com

The Gilbert Historical Museum’s executive director is preserving — and shaping — the town’s history affiliate, before joining the Gilbert Kayla Kolar knew very little about Historical Museum. She has headed it Gilbert when she moved from Colorado since 2005. in 1991. “I saw an ad for director and the timing Twenty-five years later, she is among worked out,” she said. “I didn’t know the preeminent authorities on the town’s anything about Gilbert or the museum history, playing a major role in preserving at the time. The board was looking for it. a curator, but I said, ‘You really don’t Kolar, who co-authored a book on want a curator who will stay inside all Gilbert history, “Gilbert (Images of the time and play with artifacts. You America),” is executive director of need someone to go outside, into the the Gilbert Historical Museum and is community.’” spearheading a movement to develop an And Kolar did exactly that. intergenerational cultural center. “We are no longer the best-kept “I feel like I’m from Gilbert now,” said secret in Gilbert,” said Marji Scotten of Kolar, a native of Carterville, Illinois. “I the museum’s board of directors and a probably know more about Gilbert than volunteer since 2001. “Kayla interacts with Carterville.” the different organizations in the Gilbert At a young age, Kolar was involved in area, and she really works nonprofit work. very hard.” “I’ve always volunteered, whether with Kolar attributes much of it to her UNICEF, United Way, or March of Dimes,” experience with the Chamber of she said. “The nonprofit volunteering bug Commerce’s Gilbert Leadership program. is my passion.” Shortly after she joined the historical Kolar started working full time in museum, Kolar participated in Gilbert nonprofit administration in 1986 when Leadership, in which participants take she joined the National Federation of classes, engage in community activities Independent Business. and work on community projects. “When I first started working for NFIB, I “We help develop the town’s current loved working for a cause and a reason — and future leaders,” said Amanda Bayer, it wasn’t just a job,” she said. manager of Gilbert Leadership. “There Kolar worked at the Colorado offices is a strong networking component. for five years before she was transferred Participants of the program vary greatly in to Arizona in 1991. age and lines of work.” Although she loved the work there, the Kolar was a member of the 14th job required significant travel, and Kolar Leadership graduating class and remained wanted to spend more time at home with active on its board of directors from 2006 her family. In 1993, shortly after the birth to 2013. The program introduced her to of her first son, Kolar took a position the community and helped her build with Desert relationships Botanical with key Garden in stakeholders. Phoenix. She “Gilbert is all spent 11 years about building in a variety of relationships,” roles, eventually said Kolar. becoming “There are about deputy director. 240,000 people “The garden here, and it has a was a wonderful small-town feel. place to It’s all about the learn about relationships.” nonprofits in Those ties are the Valley,” At the entrance to the Gilbert Historical Museum are fundamental several old vehicles including this old Ford. Kolar said. to her success GSN photos by Will Powers “It’s an running incredibly wellthe Gilbert run nonprofit, and I built a really good Historical Museum. In an era that foundation from there.” makes it difficult for nonprofit arts and Kolar had one more stint in nonprofit culture organizations to survive — the administration, as executive director of Phoenix Museum of History went out of Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Phoenix business in 2009 due to lack of operating BY KIMIE BUNYASARANAND

Kayla Kohler in the Gilbert Historical Museum classroom exhibit.

The Gilbert Historical Museums “Live Exhibit” is a quilting bee featuring Norma Spaid, 79, Betty Walford 75, Bev Brower, 62 and Ginny Martin, 82 June 21, 2016 . They are making or repair quilts in the museum. They have repaired quilts that are over a hundred years old.

funds — Kolar is focusing on longterm sustainability. She leads a major transition that will significantly expand the museum’s scope and programs, focusing on an intergenerational model. While the specific programs have yet to be determined, there have been discussions about bringing in an arts school, cooking classes and agriscaping. Kolar has been meeting with potential partners, working on a feasibility study, planning property expansion and preparing for the next phase of fundraising. “We had to look at the whole model and figure out what we’re going to do,” she said. “We’re the oldest building in Gilbert, and the only building that’s on the National Register of Historic Places — we’re not going anywhere. But we have to move toward sustainability.” The museum will be renamed in the next few months, and Kolar’s title will change to president and CEO. Despite her busy schedule, Kolar has

maintained a “family first” mentality. Her job transitions often were driven by her desire to keep children her priority. She left Susan G. Komen for the Cure at a pivotal moment in her sons’ childhood because of the late hours and long commute. “My whole life has changed around my kids,” she said. Kolar’s three sons, now 24, 21 and 18, all went through Gilbert Public Schools and are enthusiastic volunteers. “When you work in nonprofit, it tends to become a family affair,” she said. “When I first came to the museum, my youngest son was seven and he picked out stuffed animals that we were going to sell at the gift shop.” The full impact of Kolar’s work in Gilbert is yet to be seen. What is certain is her deep dedication and passion for her work. “It’s a great fit for me personally and professionally. I love the museum,” she said.

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Neighbors

July 2016

Hot fun in the summertime

Neighbors

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Will Powers at The Gilbert Sun News decided to drive around town to see what summer activities children enjoyed to keep cool, and found that the Splash Pad at Water Tower Plaza continues to be a big hit with youngsters and their parents. Kids also participated recently in a Lego challenge at the Southeast Regional Library. Each month kids who love creating and working with Legos can build something new. GSN

photos by Will Powers

Jake Derozieres, 11, David Roesch, 12, and Ayden Papaccio, 10, build a device with Legos.

Quinn McGrath, 15, builds on a team effort, a Rube Goldberg machine with Legos.

Grant Woodmasse, 8, and Ben Stanton, 8, sort parts before starting a project with Legos.

Paisley Reed, 2, plays on the Splash Pad.

Brian Bouffard of EduRoboTech gives some pointers to Lincoln Yi and David Roesch, 12, on building a device with Legos.

Clancey Williams, 7, Caiden Saville, 7, and Chase Saville play on the Splash Pad.

Neighbors

www.GilbertSunNews.com

July 2016

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Comfort is key at Monarch Medical Group BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Gilbert pediatrician Dr. Farah Lokey likes to say she “speaks baby.” After practicing for 11 years, she is confident in her ability to diagnose children’s ailments. “I can figure out what they’re saying between the crying and the wiggles,” Lokey said. “After many years of working with children, I can tell what’s wrong by the way they act. It’s second nature to pick up on things that children are doing.” Lokey heads up her practice, Monarch Medical Group at 1425 S. Higley Rd., Suite 102, Gilbert, (480) 857-6316. Born in London, England, Lokey comes to Gilbert from Chandler. After graduating from Dobson High School, she attended ASU and U of A, returned to the Valley for her residency and clinical rotations. Upon graduation in 2008, she began practicing in Mesa. Five years ago, she found out about a practice that was for sale and purchased it. Her practice is a teaching facility, where she offers experience to students from Midwestern University. She also teaches nurse practitioner classes at different schools around town. “I do have students who are coming through my office,” she said. “It is a teaching facility. Sometimes the patients are unsure about the students, but remember, we’re trying to help the minds of the future, too.” With the students or with her, Lokey hopes that the little patients and their parents are comfortable

Dr. Farah Lokey opened her Gilbert pediatric practice, Monarch Medical Group, five years ago. GSN photo by Will Powers

at Monarch Medical Group. “We are trying to be a place where people can come in and feel comfortable,” she said. “We want parents to make us your child’s medical home. “Please understand that we are going to try to work with them as parents to have their children live the best lives they can. A lot of other places are ‘patient mills.’ They’re not getting the care they deserve. We give time and care to every patient. I need enough time to tell what’s going on, so my appointments are a little longer than others. I try to get everyone’s information so they feel comfortable coming to me.” ZIN_GilbertSunNews_KidsMeal_4.9x11.indd 1

6/9/16 11:46 AM

Neighbors

July 2016

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The “Smokin’ Samoan” pizza is one of Patsy’s Specialty Pizzas

Prima Pizza offers a slice of home perfectly al dente. The owners of Prima Pizza want their We couldn’t pass up the lasagna special diners to feel at home. for $9.99, which also includes a salad and Buffalo natives Patsy “Bud” Rago and his two garlic knots, as do all the “sit-down wife, Brenda, have owned this gem since dinners.” The lasagna is Grandma Rago’s September 2013. The couple grew up in original recipe and the luscious layers of large families who loved to cook. Sunday spicy ground beef, lasagna noodles, thick dinners with 40 people were simple marinara sauce and three cheeses was an for Grandma Rago, who owned several explosion of flavor with each bite. The restaurants. salad with mixed Bud knew that greens, tomatoes he, too, would and olives was step into the topped with a family business. generous garnish After many years of mozzarella in the hospitality cheese and the industry, the blue cheese couple took a dressing was fresh leap of faith and and tangy. purchased Prima We wouldn’t be Pizza. doing our job if Tucked into the we didn’t try the corner of a small Grandma Rago’s delicious lasagna comes with pizza, so we went building on the with the “Smokin’ garlic knots and salad for just $9.99. southeast corner Samoan,” one of of Val Vista and Patsy’s specialty Baseline roads, Pima Pizza is easy to miss. pizzas. The thin crust pizza was crispy and Once diners are inside, they’ll be happy golden brown and the red sauce, ham, they didn’t miss it. bacon, pineapple, jalapeno and shredded The inside of the L-shaped dining mozzarella created a delicious flavor and room includes tile floors, New York art texture combination. The 12-inch, 14-inch on the walls and plenty of booths and and 18-inch pizzas range in price from tables. There are six televisions showing $11.99 to $22.99 with gluten-free options sporting events. On our most recent visit, and pizza by the slice for $2.50. We will my husband, Lou, and I were greeted by be back to try the “white Popeye” and the the owner and quickly seated by Ashley “Clucking Pig.” who proved to be as competent as she If you want to try Grandma Rago’s was cheerful. The menu has many options lasagna, tasty wings, great thin crust pizza including appetizers, salads, wings, pastas, and fantastic lunch specials (including calzones subs, and of course pizza including two slices of pizza and a drink for $4.99) a separate page of “Patsy’s Specialty Pizzas.” drop by Prima Pizza and visit with Bud and For an appetizer, we chose the wings (six Brenda while you enjoy a bit of New York for $5.99). The tasty, honey-barbecue wings flavor in Gilbert. were very meaty and the housemade ranch dressing was the perfect dipping sauce. For Prima Pizza our entrees, we selected the penne vodka 3611 E. Baseline Rd., ($10.99) because Ashley said that it was one Gilbert 85234 of the most popular choices. The penne (480) 503-4444 vodka with marinara and cream sauce, Primapizzaaz.com onion, garlic and, of course, vodka was STORY AND PHOTOS BY KATHY KERBY

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Neighbors

July 2016

Neighbors

July 2016

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Gilbert quilter helping first responders, the public stay cool BY CASSIDY LANDAKER

Arizona summers can be dangerous in the sweltering heat—especially for first responders, who are bogged down in heavy uniforms. Janet Thebarge of Gilbert decided to do something about that. She is selling her Cool Ties at Chandler’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular from 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday, July 4, at Tumbleweed Park. Cool Ties are exactly what the name implies. They’re ties that can be worn around the head or neck to cool down. When soaked in water for 20 to 30 minutes, the ties’ polymers absorb the water to keep cool for hours. The cost is $15. For an additional $5, patrons can purchase one for a first responder from Chandler or Gilbert, or for one of the firefighters tackling wildfires. “It’s so incredibly hot here in the summer and it looks like it’s getting worse,” Thebarge said. “I can’t imagine what it is like for a police officer standing in the street and directing traffic without

some form of relief. This is just an opportunity for all of us to say thank you and offer a measure of on the job comfort.” Thebarge is an accomplished entrepreneur. Her full-time business is Keepsake Quilts and Fabric Gifts, which sells custom quilts. She wanted to offer a second product and decided on Cool Ties. She began selling them in April. “I have sat watching the kids play football, run track and swim on swim teams in unbearable heat,” she said. “I really thought of giving relief to parents and grandparents watching their kids participate in summer sports.” She said Cool Ties make an ideal school fundraiser. Thebarge offers them to the schools at a discounted rate and, in turn, the students sell them at retail price. According to Thebarge, several schools have already taken advantage of this offer. Fourth of July isn’t the only time to buy Cool Ties, however. Thebarge said they can also be purchased on her website, www.keepsakequiltsandfabricgifts.com.

Janet Thebarge is selling Cool Ties, which supplement her quilting business, Keepsake Quilts and Fabric Gifts. She is encouraging the public to purchase the Cool Ties for first responders at Chandler’s July 4th Fireworks Spectacular.

The ties’ polymers absorb water and helps the wearer stay cool.

Cool Ties may screen print the name of a school club for advertising purposes.

Indoor triathlon benefits epilepsy foundation BY JARED MCDONALD

She’s a winner

Peggy Szymeczek, a retired civil servant from Gilbert, competed on “Jeopardy!” on Thursday, June 9, and took third place. She won $1,000. Photo courtesy Jeopardy Productions Inc.

When Trent Stroup’s daughter, Adelyn, was diagnosed with Aicardi Syndrome, a rare disorder that causes seizures and developmental delays, he and his wife decided to do something about it. In 2005, they formed the all-volunteer nonprofit organization Stroup Kids for Kids Epilepsy Foundation, which has raised more than $135,000 since its inception. “It’s a full-time job. My wife and I are up against big odds,” said Stroup, who lives in Maryland. “Being a parent for a child with a mental disability is very difficult, so me and my wife have to be a team. You need a support system.” To help raise funds and awareness, the Stroup Kids for Kids Epilepsy Foundation is hosting Arizona’s Tri to Help Indoor Triathlon on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA, 1655 W. Frye Rd. The monies raised from the event go to various epilepsy projects like the Adelyn Lectureship Series and metabolism-based therapy in epilepsy research. Tri to Help is a national indoor triathlon at several locations, including Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Arizona, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Stroup’s brother, Derek, and parents live in Chandler. The family comes together to help run the event and promote the

Stroup Kids for Kids Epilepsy Foundation is hosting Arizona’s Tri to Help Indoor Triathlon on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA.

foundation, Derek said. “It’s great to be able to hold an event in Arizona and maintain our connection to the foundation, since we aren’t able to regularly attend the events back east,” he said. Seasoned triathletes and first-timers compete to raise the most sponsors to fund epilepsy research for the Johns Hopkins Epilepsy Center. Fundraising is not mandatory. All participants receive an event shirt; the top fundraiser receives $100. The indoor triathlon consists of a 10-minute swim session in the aquatic center, a 30-minute bike session on a stationary bike and a 20-minute run on

a treadmill. Participants can register online until Aug. 2 for six different heats between 8 a.m. and noon. Registration is $60 per individual or $120 per relay team. Stroup wants to continue spreading the event to other states. He has never missed a triathlon and wants the foundation to be his legacy. “I’m leaving behind my three kids and this foundation,” Stroup said. “I want this to continue to sustain 100, 200 years later. That’s what it’s all about; helping people.” For more information and to register for the event, visit www. stroupkidsforkids.org.

Neighbors

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Comedian with rare disability trains to climb ‘Rocky’ stairs BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Local comedian Steve Krause has seen his fair share of ups and downs. He has found success with his stand-up act, but with it came the temptations of alcohol and subsequent depression and a suicide attempt. The Gilbert resident has been sober for more than a year and is tackling a feat that has proven to be challenging. Krause, who was born with the rare disability arthrogryposis, is going to climb the “Rocky” stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art using only his neck, back and limited leg function. Arthrogryposis doesn’t allow joints to move as much as normal and sometimes they may even be stuck. Often the muscles around these joints are thin, weak, stiff or missing. The climb started out as a joke among Krause and his fellow comedian friends, but now it will serve as a metaphor for obstacles he has overcome in his life. “All of my life, I had bad depression about being disabled,” he said “I turned to alcohol as my substance abuse to forget about my depression. “Russell Peters, one of the biggest comedians in the world, said if I stayed

sober for a year, he’d use me on the of the proceeds will go to Arizona road. The first time he would use me Disabled Sports. For more information, would be in Philadelphia. We started visit ownyourobstacle.com. joking around about having him carry Having spent his life in a wheelchair, me in a baby carrier. Krause admitted he’s But after joking a bit nervous. He’s around about it worried he may fall for a few days, I down the chairs, thought to myself, for example. But why can’t I do it? I as he said, “What’s figured out a way to the worst that can do it.” happen? I’ll be in a A member of wheelchair?” Youfit GilbertOnset of McQueen Road, depression Krause said he A former student has been called of Tri-City Christian “an inspiration. I Academy in don’t know if it’s Chandler, Krause more insanity than said his downfall inspiration. We will started in high find out on July 10.” school when his Through the friends started event, Krause is playing sports and raising money for a learning to drive. Steve Krause has been a comedian for wheelchair, which “That’s when the 12 years. can cost up to depression took $12,000, and sports over my life,” he equipment for his wheelchair Power said. “The only way I could forget Soccer team. Anyone can donate for about my problems was to drink. It got each of the 72 steps he climbs. Part me in a lot of trouble, plus going into

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July 2016

comedy, that has a party lifestyle. “It just kept going and going and going. After a suicide attempt and rehab, I actually got my life back on track.” Krause added that if he continued drinking for another week, he would have died, according to his doctor. “But there have been no long-lasting effects to my body. I lucked out, I guess,” said Krause, a 12-year comedian who is on a break from performing so he can focus on his sobriety and the climb. “Basically, in the past year, I’ve been trying to rebuild those bridges and let them know I can stay sober, be reliable and trustworthy.” He hopes that he will inspire others. “People view their disabilities as roadblocks,” he said. “My attitude is it’s just a speed bump. I need to accept it and move on from it and live my life as best as I can. “I want to show my fans and my loved ones that I’m committed to staying sober and battling my depression. This climb, though, will be my biggest show yet.”

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July 2016

Prostate screenings offered on July 14 Prostate cancer screenings for men 40 years old and older, or younger if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family are being offered 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Thursday July 14, on Prostate On-Site Project’s mobile unit located at 50 E. Civic Center Dr., Gilbert. An appointment is required. Offered by Prostate OnSite Project, the screening includes a non-fasting prostate specific antigen blood test, digital rectal exam, testicular exam and physician consultation by a board-certified urologist. Prostate cancer frequently presents itself without any signs or symptoms, according to Prostate On-Site Project, and one in six men will develop the

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Divorce care workshops move to historical museum

disease in their lifetime. If detected early, the course of treatment is less evasive and survival is nearly 100%. It is also recommended that men with a family history of prostate cancer and AfricanAmerican men should be tested annually starting at age 35. Insurance coverage is accepted from Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Health Net and UnitedHealthCare. Specialist co-pay fees may apply. Medicare is not covered. Special rates apply to Town of Gilbert employees. The screening is free to State Benefit Eligible employees and spouses. Cost is $72 per screening without insurance coverage. Info: (480) 964-3013 or 800-828-6139.

Mary Lynn’s

The East Valley Second Saturday Divorce Workshop has moved to the Gilbert Historical Museum. Facilitated by Gilbert resident and business owner Shanna Tingom, workshops are held 8:30 a.m. to noon the second Saturday at each month at the museum, 10 S. Gilbert Rd. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The seminars are open to women considering divorce or in the early stages of divorce. The four-hour workshops are designed to help women take the next step. Second Saturday deals with the legal, financial, family and personal issues of divorce. The workshop

is taught by a family law attorney, financial professional and a therapist, and will provide women with knowledge and resources that they need to inform, prepare and protect themselves and their families. The cost to attend is $25 and pre-registration is recommended online at http:// bit.ly/28RZwFw. For additional information or to make reservations, call (480) 397-1184, ext. 2. The Second Saturday Divorce Workshop program was founded in 1989 by the nonprofit WIFE.org (the Women’s Institute for Financial Education). For more information, visit www.SecondSaturday.com.

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Business

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El Sol Foods named official salsa of PIR

LGE Design Build has completed phase two construction of Heritage Marketplace in downtown Gilbert. The tenants include Sushi Brokers, Farm & Craft, Clever Koi, Grubstak and Even Stevens. The businesses are expected to open by fourth quarter 2016 or first quarter 2017.

LGE Design Build completes phase 2 of Heritage Marketplace Heritage Marketplace’s second phase has been completed by LGE Design Build, bringing into town trendy restaurant and retail businesses such as Sushi Brokers and Tuft and Needle. Nico, a new restaurant by chef Gio Osso of Virtu Honest Craft in Scottsdale, has also opened in the completed Phase 1 building. Phase 2 tenants include Sushi Brokers, Farm & Craft, Clever Koi, Grubstak, Even Stevens, Tuft and Needle, Brown Law Firm and Security Title Agency. Tenants are expected to open by fourth quarter 2016 or first quarter 2017. An integral part of Gilbert’s historic Heritage District, Heritage Marketplace is a family friendly, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use development in downtown Gilbert located on the northwest corner of Gilbert Road and Vaughn Avenue. “Gilbert’s Heritage District has experienced a renaissance thanks to developments like the Heritage Marketplace,” said Mayor John Lewis. “The Heritage District, now more than ever, is a place where residents and visitors alike congregate to enjoy the entrepreneurial restaurants, retail, entertainment, learning and arts and culture developments. It is a place where workers are excited to spend their day in the luxurious office space provided by developments like Heritage Marketplace. Ultimately, the Heritage District will continue to be the heart

of the community and a clean and safe place for families, students, and coworkers to gather.” The second phase includes two buildings totaling 32,000 square feet with ground floor restaurant and retail space, and second floor office space. The north building is about 10,000 square feet and the south building is about 22,000 square feet. Cawley Architects and AV3 Design, both of Phoenix, served as architects for the Phase 2 shell. “Heritage Marketplace has grown rapidly,” said Dave Sellers, president of LGE Design Build. “This unique mixed use infill project was designed to create walkable, street-focused retail that collides with office, generating considerable energy in downtown Gilbert.” In Phase 1, LGE completed 31,000 square feet of dynamic mixed-use office/retail/restaurant space, earning AZRE’s 2016 RED Award for Mixed Use Project. Tenants included Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles, Pomo Pizzeria, Barrio Queen, Zinburger and Petersen’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream, Pacific Pharmacy Consultants, EcoTec and People’s Mortgage. Nico opened in the Phase 1 building in May. The 3,217-square-foot restaurant features a back bar with sliding chalkboards, large wall mirrors and an outdoor patio. LGE Design Group served as the architect for Nico’s restaurant.

Osso decided to locate Nico, named after his 2-year-old son, in Heritage Marketplace because he lives in Gilbert and enjoys the entertainment district’s energy. “It’s a home away from home. I want to get to know my neighbors. I don’t think I could have picked a better place than Heritage Marketplace,” said Osso, who owns Nico with business partner Brad Kircher. Nico, a chef-driven concept with a family atmosphere, also caters to special occasions. “I’m focused on the experience from the greeting to the boutique wine list, craft cocktails, highest quality ingredients and impeccable service. You feel comfortable from the moment you walk in,” said Osso, a James Beard Award-nominated chef. Osso’s Virtu restaurant was named one of the top 25 restaurants in the country by Esquire Magazine. LGE has plans for another dynamic retail development to the south of Heritage Marketplace, tentatively called Gilbert Market, which will include 38,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and entertainment businesses. Construction start date and users are to be announced soon. Across the street at 323 N. Gilbert Rd., LGE is constructing Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, designed to connect with the town’s agricultural roots.

Family-owned and -operated El Sol Foods of Gilbert has been named the official salsa of Phoenix International Raceway’s The Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Nov. 11 to Nov. 13. El Sol Foods uses the family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation. Available throughout Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Wyoming and Montana, El Sol Foods provides salsa products with any level of heat— mild, medium or hot in regular and organic. It also offers pico de gallo, lime, fire-roasted with black beans and corn, tomatillo and a seasonal mango-pineapple. “We are thrilled to partner with El Sol. As a locally owned business, it makes it particularly meaningful for our team to have such strong support from right here in the Valley,” said PIR President Bryan R. Sperber. El Sol Foods is located at 566 E. Germann Rd., Suite 109, in Gilbert. Ryan Bullock, president of El Sol Foods added, “At the end of the day our partnership with PIR is a great way for El Sol Foods to support another local establishment while being able to provide fresh and delicious salsa to race fans. We see it as a win-win for everybody involved and are truly excited about this collaboration.” To learn about El Sol fan giveaways, recipes and more, follow it on Twitter @ElSolSalsa and Facebook @ El Sol Foods. For more information, visit www.elsolfoods.com or call (480) 857-2212 The fall race at PIR sells out nearly a month in advance and features a full weekend of NASCAR action, including racing from the top-three series in NASCAR. Prior to the CanAm 500 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series on Nov. 13, the event weekend will feature the NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday, Nov. 12 and will kick off with the Lucas Oil 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, Nov. 11. The Can-Am 500 stands as the final Eliminator Round race in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, after which the field of championship contenders will be reduced to the final four who will head to the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the title showdown.

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July 2016

Orbital ATK unveils the powerful Iridium NEXT satellites that are ready for space BY SRIANTHI PERERA

Early last century, Gilbert was dubbed the “hay capital of the world.” Nowadays, some of its vast farmland is used to grow global mobile communications. Recently, media guests gathered inside the high-tech belly of the Orbital ATK facility, located on the southwest corner of McQueen and Elliot roads. The occasion was the unveiling of the Iridium NEXT satellites that will provide global connectivity as never before. “This is a really exciting milestone,” said Matt Desch, chief executive officer of the McLean, Virginia based Iridium Communications Inc. “After more than seven years of effort, the first of our nextgeneration satellites are finally ready for space.” Frank Culbertson, president of Orbital ATK’s Space Systems Group, said: “We build a lot of other satellites, here and elsewhere. We support national defense, science satellites and other commercial endeavors. This is the largest constellation we have built on a commercial basis.”

For months, hundreds of aerospace engineers clad in bunny suits engaged in about 100,000 hours of workmanship inside the 135,000 square-foot satellite manufacturing facility. In assembly line fashion, they assembled the Iridium NEXT satellites for Thales Alenia Space based in Cannes, France. Orbital ATK, along with Thales Alenia and Iridium NEXT officials unveiled the first two of the 81 satellites that are to be built there. They are to be shipped to the SpaceX launch site at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, with launch targeted for Sept. 12. “We have worked together to solve some very serious problems,” Culbertson said. “Our team is proud to work with these folks and proud to be achieving what we have so far.” Culbertson said his team plans to release one satellite per week “out this factory door.” The constellation of Iridium satellites that are in space were launched in 1997. “It also emerged from this general area; Arizona was the birthplace of that network

Each satellite consists of more than 5,000 individual parts that were designed by Thales Alenia Space and assembled by Orbital ATK at an assembly line-style operation.

as well,” Desch said. “And we’re back here again.” At the time, the technology was not well developed, Desch said, and “they had to fix a lot of things in space. “This time around, with all that credible experience that we have gained over the last 25 years in the program, this time around, we have much more powerful satellites and we’re really ready to go right now,” he said. “They are very, very sophisticated, well-tested and powerful satellites moving forward.” Orbital ATK is under a contract from Thales Alenia, which designed each satellite consisting of more than 5,000 individual

parts, to assemble, integrate and test the 81 spacecraft for the program. While 66 of them will replace the existing network, the remainder will serve as ground and on-orbit spares. The $3 billion Iridium NEXT project is the company’s next-generation mobile, global satellite constellation scheduled for completion in 2017. Once fully deployed, it will enable greater data bandwidth and speeds for the communications industry. It is expected to strengthen worldwide connections in the areas of aviation, maritime, land mobile, machine-tomachine and terrestrial-based industries.

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Downtown’s TicketForce building will be women-focused

BY SRIANTHI PERERA

Dignitaries and community members from the town of Gilbert recently donned pink hard hats to symbolically shovel the earth during the groundbreaking for the long-expected TicketForce building in Gilbert’s Heritage District-≠≠≠. The message from the entertainment ticketing company’s CEO Lynne King Smith was that Building 313, as it will be called, would be important to women. It will house her company and a co-working space for women called “Thrive.” “This building is a real celebration of the opportunities that we have and to support women in business. That’s why the pink hard hats and that’s why you see a lot wearing pink today,” King Smith said, addressing the gathering in the long and narrow dirt lot sandwiched between Bergie’s Coffee Roast House and the soon-to-come Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. In a short speech, Mayor John Lewis reiterated the firsts for the building: the town’s first woman-focused building and perhaps its first rooftop bar, the Heritage District’s first North American company headquarters and owner-occupied commercial building. “It’s a cool project,” he said. King Smith, together with husband, Brad, founded the business in their Gilbert garage

At the groundbreaking for TicketForce in the Heritage District of Gilbert, participants wore pink hard hats to depict the building’s importance to women. GSN photo by Srianthi Perera

more than a decade ago, building on a database he managed that communicated with youth organizations across the state. “Concert promoters would come in and ask to advertise in our newsletter,” King Smith said. “Then they asked, can you go buy radio time.” Subsequently, the duo learned how to do promotions, security, group sales, will call and other aspects of concert organizing. They sold 7,000 tickets for their first online concert. “It went really well; we thought we’ll do Arizona,” King Smith recalled. “Then someone in California called and asked us.” Nowadays, TicketForce serves large, established venues such as performing arts halls, convention centers and race sites, new and growing venues and event promoters across all states and Canada. In addition to ticketing and box office management,

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it offers customized solutions to business owners. Next spring, TicketForce will move its 20 employees, currently located in an office on Baseline Road in Mesa, to the second floor of the new 15,000-square-feet, three-level building. Its ground floor will add a yet-to-be named restaurant or brewery to the eclectic restaurant mix on Gilbert Road. Its third floor will host a taproom of the Gilbertborn Arizona Wilderness Brewery, which plans to serve specialty beer, handcrafted liquors, bitters and wines. Its rooftop bar would overlook Postino East and the downtown’s iconic Water Tower. “We’re being very selective because we’re going to work there,” Smith said, referring to the ground floor restaurant. “It’s an owneroccupied building, so we want to enjoy who we work with every day. We’re looking for a farm-to-table, something unique.” Smith has also been selective in her choice of construction company for the $3.3 million project. After designing the building with the help of one company, she chose another for the construction, and it just happened to be headed by a woman. In fact, she got on so well with Lorraine Bergman of Caliente Construction that she invited her to partner in the project. No stranger to construction along Gilbert Road, Bergman’s Tempe-based company has handled several projects since 1994 including the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, Landings Credit Union,

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro and the revamp of Liberty Market. Meanwhile, TicketForce’s interior design has been assigned to Dina Rosas of Phoenixbased De Rosas Interior Architecture Design Group. “The space is going to be very open,” Rosas said. “It’s collaborative. We’re focusing on feminine curves.” King Smith said that the design is collaborative because the team is used to working together.” If I isolated them, it would shut them down,” she said. Other design features include quiet spaces and a relaxation room. Meanwhile, Thrive would work primarily on a membership basis, with participants paying an annual fee to gain access to seminars and workshops, although they would also be available on a piecemeal basis. More than anything, King Smith is hoping that women will make connections, which, in turn, will spark collaborations to help advance themselves. “It’s a work space, but networking is what happens with co-working,” King Smith said. “You meet others with skills.” King Smith said she can’t preclude men from attending, but felt that the focus should be on women because they are lagging behind in business leadership. “It’s a business with a mission,” she said. The Smiths, who have been married for 33 years, moved to Arizona in the 1980s, after meeting while at college in Upstate New York. They have three daughters, who are grown and out of the family home. The path to Building 313 has not been smooth. King Smith referred to overcoming several “roadblocks” at the groundbreaking. “We’re not commercial real estate developers. I run a ticketing company. I know how to do that,” she said. “Literally, I do not know what I’m doing except that I have a vision for a space that’s going to be very different from anything else I know.”

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The three-story building for TicketForce will contain the office for the entertainment ticketing company, a women’s co-working space called Thrive and restaurants.

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July 2016

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Walmart among businesses honored at Chamber awards ceremony BY SRIANTHI PERERA

Of all the recipients at the 10th annual Business Awards of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce held recently, perhaps the most validating was the nod to Walmart at SanTan Village. The big box store received the chamber’s Large Business o≠≠f the Year award, beating Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, Generations at Agritopia and the Seville Golf & Country Club. “We’re a very large store (207,000 square feet) and I have a lot of people (355 employees). Yet, I try to make myself as accessible as I can to the people in the community,” said store manager Tony Yantos. Walmart at SanTan Village allows town public safety personnel to use its parking lot for charity fundraisers, donates cash and in-kind to schools and other nonprofit organizations, Yantos said. The Large Business of the Year award recognizes a chamber member with 50 or more employees who has experienced progressive sales and market growth over the last three years, provides a unique product, overcame an unusual challenge, executed a dramatic turnaround or provided outstanding customer service. Emcee Lauren Burgoyne said that Walmart received the award because it connected neighbors with their

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce CEO Kathy Tilque, left, with Tony Yantos, store manager of Walmart SanTan Village and Incoming Board Chairwoman Joan Krueger of Bliss Lieberman Realty & Investments at the Chamber’s 10th annual business awards held in Gilbert recently. Yantos received the Large Business of the Year award on behalf of the Walmart SanTan Village.

neighborhood, among its many attributes. When the store was under construction in 2004, the big-box retailer’s impending opening caused consternation. “I remember people talking about it. And I remember thinking that maybe a lot of people don’t want this big store in the community. And I felt that I had a lot of work to do and a lot of people to get to know in the community and I tried to make the store a friend of the community,” Yantos said. Hence, the chamber award is all the more valuable to the store, he said.

“When I got that award, it just told me that the mission is accomplished. We’re now a friend of the community,” Yantos said. The business awards luncheon, presented by American Furniture Warehouse and held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-Gilbert SanTan Elegante Conference Center, also awarded the following: Mid-size Business of the Year: Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. Small Business of the Year: Associated Architects Volunteer of the Year: JW Rayhons of Rayhons Financial Solutions

Gilbert Leadership Award: Joan Krueger of Bliss Lieberman Realty & Investments Employer of Choice: Generations at Agritopia and Family Business of the Year: Arizona’s Dukes of Air LLC. Burgoyne said that the Family Business of the Year recognizes an organization that “holds the cornerstone of local industry and provides the continuity of service that is valued by their employees and their customers.” Arizona’s Dukes of Air LLC., an air conditioning and heating company owned by husband and wife team John and Tonya Kubacki, opened in 2012. It has enjoyed 160% and 55% of market growth in 2014 and 2015 respectively. Strong customer service is among its attributes. “They believe very strongly in treating others the way they would want to be treated,” Burgoyne said. “And that is exactly what they try to do with every customer, employee and vendor.” Tonya Kubacki said that her company “takes that extra step.” “The whole reason we started the business is because we really wanted to be there for home owners and customers and to do something a little bit differently,” she said. see

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July 2016

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Business

July 2016

Chamber hosts candidate forums, travel seminar Throughout the year, the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of luncheons and meetings for its members and the community. Events are held throughout the town. The chamber office is at 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101. For more information about events or to register, call (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com. Community Travel Meeting Christmas on the Danube A representative from Collette Vacations will review the travel itinerary of a Christmas on the Danube expedition and answer questions. No travel commitment is required to attend this meeting. Admission is free. 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 6 Gilbert Chamber of Commerce 119 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 101 Gilbert 85234 Chamber Chat—Midday Converse with other professionals at lunch and learn about businesses and services in Gilbert. Meet new friends and build lasting relationships. No agenda; no script—just food, company and conversation. Lunch is $10 at the door, which includes lunch buffet and tax.

11: 30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, July 8 Pizza A Metro 832 S. Greenfield Road Gilbert 85296 Open House Celebration for Kathy Tilque Celebrate Kathy Tilque’s 20 years of service as Chamber CEO at an open house. Members are encouraged to consider sharing favorite memories of her and her contributions to the community. Admission is free. 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 13 Gilbert Chamber of Commerce 119 N. Gilbert Road, Ste. 101 Gilbert 85234 Candidate Forum for Congressional District 5 The East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance invites the public to learn about the candidates running for U.S. Congress in District 5. Candidates have been invited to meet residents, distribute information and participate in the forum. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 19 The Falls Event Center 4635 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert 85234

The 411—Membership Orientation Members will learn how to maximize Chamber benefits at the 411, a membership orientation presented by Printwerx. Gain an insider’s view of our programs and services, ask questions of Chamber staff, and develop an action plan for engagement and success. Free admission for current and prospective Chamber members. 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 27 Gilbert Chamber of Commerce 119 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 101 Gilbert 85234 Chamber Chat—Morning Enjoy breakfast with local professionals. Share conversation with other professionals and learn about businesses and services. Meet new friends and build lasting relationships. No agenda; no script - just food, company and conversation. Admission $8. 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 3 The Egg I Am 3321 E. Queen Creek Rd., Suite 101 Gilbert 85297

www.GilbertSunNews.com

CEREMONY from page 30

Only four years after establishing the business, the company has received more than 200 unsolicited five-star reviews. The luncheon included the Gilbert Chamber’s year-in-review, which was delivered by Chairman of the Board, Tim Bricker, president/CEO of Dignity Health’s Mercy Gilbert and Chandler Regional medical centers. Bricker recognized the organization’s committee chairpersons and outgoing members of the board of directors, including Darren Patoni of The IT Workshop and Jim Lykins of Atmosphere Commercial Interiors. Incoming Board Chairwoman Joan Krueger paid tribute to Mayor John Lewis for his support of the Gilbert Chamber and the local business community during his time in office. “Mayor John Lewis has shown a sincere and deliberate dedication to the success of our business community,” Krueger said. “Over the past seven years, he has been visible as we have welcomed members into the community and, equally important, he has been at the table of many discussions as businesses look for ways to grow and expand within our community, region and state.” Krueger also recognized Chamber CEO Kathy Tilque for the 20 years she has served as leader of the organization.

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Business

July 2016

Business

July 2016

Having Fun, Helping Others! Get plugged into Gilbert Gilbert Rotary Invites you to join us for Breakfast Our Treat! No Reservation Required Every Thursday 7 a.m. at the Egg I am 3321 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ For more information call 480-207-6473 Learn how to make friends, build relationships and give back in Gilbert.

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Career Connectors to help career transitioners

Career Connectors, a nonprofit organization connecting professionals to high-quality resources and hiring companies, is hosting events in Gilbert connecting employees with employers. The free networking event is held every fourth Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon at Central Christian Church, located at 965 E. Germann Rd. The next meeting is Tuesday, July 26.

Each event includes professional career speakers with presentations on relevant job search topics, three to four featured hiring companies, networking, resume help, career coaches, LinkedIn coaches and business portraits. For more information, visit www.careerconnectors.org or call (480) 442-5806.

Chamber welcomes new members

Congratulations to our 10th Annual

Business Award Recipients Presented By

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Businesses that hold membership in their local chamber of commerce help support a strong local economy. Join the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce in welcoming these members. The Chamber office is at 119 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 101. For more information about events, call (480) 892-0056 or visit www.gilbertaz.com. Ultra Brite Home Services LLC; Law Office of Allyn Langford PLLC; 1000

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Local Hampton Inns given TripAdvisor excellence awards The Hampton Inn and Suites at 3265 S. Market St., as well as the location at Chandler Fashion Center, have received 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Awards. Now in its sixth year, the achievement celebrates hospitality businesses that have earned positive traveler reviews on the online TripAdvisor site over the past year. To qualify, a business must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five, have a minimum number of reviews and must have been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months. “We are proud to recognize this year’s TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award properties,” said Phil Cordell, global head, focused service

and Hampton brand management, Hilton Worldwide. “This honor is a testament to each hotel’s dedication to exceptional customer service. We appreciate our guests giving us excellent ratings on this site and helping these hotels achieve this recognition.” Each Hampton by Hilton property offers amenities including On the House breakfast each morning and Hampton’s On the Run Breakfast Bags, available Monday through Friday. Additionally, they provide free WiFi, a 24-hour business center with complimentary printing and a fitness center. To make reservations, visit www. hampton.com.

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Business

July 2016

Allison Carmichael named principal of Gateway Polytechnic Academy

Youth

Gilbert resident Allison Carmichael children, and they spend most weekends has been named principal of Gateway hiking in Arizona. Polytechnic Academy, according to Dr. Carmichael is looking forward to her Perry Berry, superintendent of Queen new adventure at Gateway Polytechnic Creek Unified School District (QCUSD). Academy. She begins her new job with the 2016“As Erin Hanson has stated, ‘What if I 2017 school year. fall? Oh but darling, what if you fly?’” she Carmichael was quoted. “Gateway born and raised Polytechnic in Chicago before Academy poses settling in Gilbert a sense of for 15 years. She wonderment and graduated from opportunity that Western Michigan makes me very University where eager to get started she earned a encouraging our bachelor’s degree aviators to fly. I in elementary look forward to education. She my first days on continued her campus learning education to earn as much as I can her secondary from the teachers, education staff, students and certificate. parents who have Most recently, already made the Carmichael has school a proud served as assistant institution of the principal at community.” Williams Field Berry is looking High School. Prior forward to to that, she taught Carmichael joining eighth grade the team. English at a Tempe “We are excited school. After to have Allison teaching there Carmichael join for two years, she our QCUSD was interested family as principal in coaching the of Gateway McClintock Allison Carmichael and her husband, Nick, have Polytechnic softball team in a three children. Academy,” Berry neighboring high said. “She brings school. with her many experiences that Not only is Carmichael a NCAA will benefit our students and the collegiate athlete, she is an avid learner community, and is dedicated to the who enjoys reading professionally and vision to engineer tomorrow’s leaders recreationally. today.” She and her husband, Nick, have three

School starts August 3rd

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Spencer Thomason and Eric Vance have perfected a router to filter content that’s not suitable for kids’ viewing.

East Valley dads win grant for startup BY JARED MCDONALD

Two East Valley dads have won a $250,000 grant to make routers that are designed to keep kids safe online. Spencer Thomason and Eric Vance are co-founders of the Gilbert-based company Clean Router. The duo began developing the router in 2009 when they weren’t satisfied with other products designed to filter content kids can see online. “We’re both dads. We have a ton of kids and we’re both technical,” Vance said. “We were concerned with what our kids might find online, so we wanted to find a solution that we were comfortable with. We weren’t comfortable with any of the solutions out there, so we decided to make it.” Clean Router was one of six companies to win a grant for the 2016 Spring Arizona Innovation Challenge, a program provided by the Arizona Commerce Authority designed to help Arizona startups scale up their business. Companies can apply for the challenge in the spring and fall for a chance to win a share of the $3 million. Clean Router competed with about 100 other companies for the grant, Thomason said. Thomason said they applied for the challenge three times, and used the feedback from each experience to improve their product and its presentation. The company plans on using the grant to hire three to six people over the next 18 months for sales and development of the product, he said. The grant is given to winners in increments as companies reach

certain milestones over 12 months. “Our goal is simply to get as many homes protected as possible,” said Thomason. “With a grant like this, it will help us solve problems that are facing us, the biggest being mobile.” Clean Router filters content to any device connected to it, including phones, tablet, computers and game systems. The company is getting ready to introduce a complementary app in the next few weeks, allowing Clean Router to filter content on devices even away from home, said Thomason. “There are 28 million with minors with broadband in America,” said Thomason. “Pretty much any parent out there doesn’t want their kid watching porn.” The company offers a model for homes and businesses, but plans on also offering a model for small businesses. Thomason and Vance use Clean Router in their own homes for their kids. It allows them to be the first to know if something isn’t working as well as it should. “If it wasn’t up to snuff, we wouldn’t stand for that,” said Vance. “We’re eating our own dog food.” Clean Routers are sold at www. cleanrouter.com. The website is offering the base Clean Router for free, just $9.99 for shipping and $12.99 per month for the subscription for a limited time. The company also sells the more powerful Clean Router Pro for $199. The first month’s subscription is free with both models.

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Youth

July 2016

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Youth

July 2016

semester. The list recognizes students with a semester GPA of 3.75 or higher on a 4-point scale. Deardorff graduated from Highland High School.

STUDENT CHRONICLES

Know a student who’s doing something remarkable? Send items for student chronicles to christina@timespublications.com. Joshua Metzler achieved a GPA of at least 3.5 during the spring semester to earn a spot on the dean’s list at Hofstra University, a nationally ranked private university with more than 11,000 students. Students can choose from undergraduate and graduate offerings in liberal arts and sciences, business, engineering and applied science, communication, education, health sciences and human services, honors studies, law, nursing and medicine. Hofstra was named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

Kent Deardorff, an exercise science major at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and the son of Mark and Elizabeth Deardorff, was named to the dean’s list for the spring

Tyler Ferrell, a junior studying chemical engineering, made the honor list for the spring semester at Missouri University of Science and Technology. To be included on the list, students must have carried a minimum of 12 hours and had GPAs of 3.2 or above out of a possible 4.0. Founded in 1870 as the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Missouri S&T is a public research university of 8,135 students. Jennifer Elizabeth Weatherford received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University in Fort Hays, Kansas. Greensboro College has named Katelyn Marie Clark, a freshman biology major, a winner of the Howard C. Wilkinson award for academic excellence. To be eligible, first-year students must have at least 14 hours of credits for grades at Greensboro College with a minimum of 3.6 GPA. If they have transferred credits, they also have a cumulative GPA of 3.6 for all college work. Greensboro College, an independent, coeducational college affiliated with the United Methodist Church, is an academic and social community that unites the liberal arts and Judeo-Christian values. Founded in

1838 and located in downtown Greensboro, the college enrolls about 1,100 students. Timothy Fajembola, a junior at RandolphMacon Academy and the son of Oladipo and Jennifer Fajembola, earned a place on the dean’s list for the fourth quarter of the 2015-16 school year. Only students who achieve a GPA of 3.5-3.99 are named to the list. Randolph-Macon Academy, founded in 1892, is a college-preparatory, coeducational boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12 in Front Royal, Virginia. Students in grades 9-12 participate in R-MA’s 91st Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), and can participate in a flight program. Janae Warner Dunn, a senior theatre major, was named to the dean’s list for the HixsonLied College of Fine and Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the spring semester. Wheaton College student Benjamin Brittain was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester. To earn this honor at Wheaton, an undergraduate student must carry 12 or more credit hours and achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher on the 4.0 scale. Clayton Hall, a nursing major, has been named to Upper Iowa University’s dean’s list for the spring semester. To be honored, the

In accordance with Federal law, Leading Edge Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex or disability.

www.GilbertSunNews.com undergraduate must be enrolled as a fulltime student and earn a minimum 3.50 GPA for the semester. Two students from Gilbert earned degrees from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Kyle Hudson received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Joe Renteria obtained his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management. Monica Lopez, a speech-language pathology major, was named to the dean’s list at Fontbonne University in St. Louis. Lopez earned a GPA of 3.7 or higher upon completion of the spring semester. Fontbonne University is a Catholic coeducational institution of higher education offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the liberal arts and professional studies. McKayla Ferris was placed on the president’s list for the spring semester at Gonzaga University after earning a minimum GPA of 3.7. Gonzaga University, a private Catholic university in Spokane, Washington, provides a Jesuit education to more than 7,500 students. Gonzaga offers 75 fields of study, 25 master’s degrees, a doctorate in leadership studies, and a Juris Doctor degree through its School of Law.

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Youth

July 2016

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Youth

July 2016

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Gilbert Little League team advances to state tournament BY TIM J. RANDALL

The age 10/11 all-star baseball team from Gilbert National Little League (GNLL) celebrated the National Pastime by winning the District 14 Championship on June 17, defeating the rival Gilbert American Little League (GALL) squad 2-0. With the victory, the GNLL Diamondbacks, under skipper Jim Stringham, advances to the State Tournament beginning July 18 in Wickenburg. “Our all stars last year lost in the semifinals of the District 14 games,” Stringham said. “This year our boys advanced by beating a great GALL team, hats off to their team.” To make sure that the coaches and players do not have to travel for games, the parents rented a house for them to stay. “We are trying to raise $2,000 to cover the cost,” Stringham said. “We set up a GoFundMe account and have raised $1,000 so far.” The website is www.gofundme.com/ gnllallstars. The journey to state began on June 1 with the selection of the all-star team through a tryout and evaluation process. “The district tournament started on June 11, so we had only 10 days to prepare and get ready to play,” Stringham said. “It was probably the shortest time to get ready.”

In the first game of a double-elimination format, the Diamondbacks beat Mesa Desert Ridge 12-4 in the first game. Subsequently, it beat the Gilbert Southeast Valley Diamondbacks 12-2. The highlight of those two games was a grand slam by Jayden Minarcik. Then in the semi-finals and championship games, low earned run averages (ERA) were the key story. “We played Gilbert American in consecutive games,” said Stringham, who coached the 2015 CNLL All-Stars and has coached for the league for eight years. “Both games were pitching duels, we won the semifinal 3-1 and the championship 2-0.” Behind those stellar efforts were complete games by Jacob McCullough and Thomas Vogiatzis. “Jacob threw only 84 pitches and Thomas 69, pretty amazing for a Little League game,” Stringham said. At State, the Diamondbacks will face 13 other district qualifiers in another doubleelimination format. “We want to win State,” Stringham said. Helping that cause will be Stringham’s son, James, who plays third base, along with the 12 other teammates who were dominant in their District 14 Championship run. “We played flawless defense and had timely hitting,” Stringham said.

The team is as pictured, front row Brett Cornell, Carson Brown, John David Ramirez, Crew Cascaes and Curren Gentry. Second row is Mason Hamon, Brenden Olmstead, Jayden Minarcik, James Stringham, Zachary Chester, Thomas Vogiatzis, Jacob McCullough, GNLL President Dennis Larson, Manager Jim Stringham, Kyree Gatewood and coaches Nick Cornell and Scott Cascaes.

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Youth

July 2016

Pop Warner football, cheer registration coming to an end Arizona Pop Warner Football and Cheer will host its last two registration events for each of the 10 associations across the Valley for youths interested in playing football or cheering. This is the 53rd season of Arizona Pop Warner Football and Cheer, and teams from across the state will gear up for their chance to play and cheer their way to the Pop Warner National Championships in Orlando, Florida, this December. All registrations Valleywide will be held on Saturday, July 9 and Saturday, July 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gilbert Chandler Pop Warner’s registration will be held at the Gilbert Chandler Pop Warner Office (700 N. Neely St., Suite 11, Gilbert). Chandler Pop Warner’s registration will be held at the Tumbleweed Recreation Center (745 E. Germann Rd., Chandler). Southeast Pop Warner will hold registration on Saturday, July 9, at Queen Creek High School (22149 E. Ocotillo Rd.,

Queen Creek). Saturday, July 16 at Combs High School (2505 E. Germann Rd., San Tan Valley). Registration fees and details for all associations can be found online at www. ArizonaPopWarner.org. Arizona Pop Warner has an “education-first” mentality and provides a chance for all children participating in cheer and football to create friendships, grow as individuals and develop a good work ethic that follows them off the field. Arizona Pop Warner cares about every athlete’s safety, proven through its age and weight matrix, active concussion prevention and treatment (in partnership with the Mayo Clinic since 2014), strict reduction of contact time during practices, and newly implemented no kickoff rule. Pop Warner is the oldest national youth football and cheerleading organization in

the world. Founded in 1929, Pop Warner Football and Cheer boasts more than 120 leagues and over 400,000 members in the United States. Arizona Pop Warner Football and Cheer is the only youth sports organization in the state that is a nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization whose focus is making sure Arizona’s youth

participants have the best possible environment in which to develop smart, responsible, healthy young men and women by giving them experiences that build their appreciation for and understanding of leadership, teamwork and discipline. For more information, visit www.ArizonaPopWarner.org.

Youth

July 2016

Chandler students to perform in prestigious concert BY JARED MCDONALD

Three Valley music prodigies have been chosen to perform their own compositions at the prestigious Yamaha 2016 National Junior Original Concert at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in Cerritos, California, on July 17.

Ty Promreuk, 14, Kevin Tang, 14, and Kylie Shea Smith, 11, are three of just 12 students chosen from 6,100 young musicians nationwide for the concert. The three youngsters attend the East Valley Yamaha Music School in Chandler.

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Ty Promreuk A Gilbert resident, Ty will perform her original composition, “The Voyage of Life,” for piano and cello at the concert. “I was inspired by ‘The Voyage of Life’ paintings by Thomas Cole,” Ty said. “I would like the audience to listen for how each part of my composition is like the different stages of life, and how they differ in mood and character.” She said she saw the paintings while shadowing at a school and thought the metaphor of life as a river was interesting. Ty creates music organically, by experimenting with different melodies. She then refines the music into a composition. She has synesthesia—someone who feels, tastes and hears colors. “I like improvising to see what I like,” said Ty. Having played piano since she was 4, Ty plans on continuing to play music, but is also interested in changing gears Ty Promreuk. and staying in science or medicine. She’s appreciative for what she has now, though. “Playing gives you a greater appreciation for the music,” said Ty. She said being selected for the prestigious concert gives her a great sense of accomplishment. “I’m excited for the concert,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity to play with other musicians from around the country.” Kevin Tang Kevin will perform his original composition, “Fading,” for solo piano at the concert. “He wanted to win the competition this year,” said Heidi Grimes, owner of East Valley Yamaha Music School. “So he studied his audience and used his talents to write a piece that would fit.” Kevin said he wanted to be recognized by Yamaha, so he tried to create a composition that he thought the judges would like. “I find my other pieces more engaging,” said Kevin, who lives in Chandler. “As long as it’s something I like, I’ll practice it perfectly, but it can be dull practicing the same thing over and over.” Kevin began playing music when he was 6 years old after seeing his sister play piano. He takes inspiration from everything, from French pop to electronic dance music. Kevin also has synesthesia and sees color

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when he hears and plays music. He said he enjoys creating music based on its color. “Music is a language,” he said. “It’s a way to express yourself. I want to find and make new styles of music to find new ways to Kevin Tang. express myself.” Kevin is interested in music theory, sound design and music production, and plans on applying to Juilliard and the Curtis Institute of Music. “I don’t care about making that much money,” said Kevin. “I care most about learning everything I can about music.” Kylie Shea Smith Kylie will be performing her original composition, “Spy Cat,” for piano, bass and drums at the concert. “In each and every one of my pieces I have a story to go with it,” Kylie said. “This one is about a spy cat who is getting the Statue of Liberty for cats back from dogs.” A Chandler resident, Kylie enjoys improvising music and expanding on melodies and sounds that she finds interesting. She plays music every day, and begins creating new compositions once she finishes the previous one. “Music is close to my heart,” Kylie said. “Music makes you feel Kylie Shea Smith. good and can make you a better person.” She said that she is nervous for the concert, but is excited to share her composition with others. “I like being able to share music with others,” Kylie said. “Music is life changing, and it’s cool to change someone’s life in a good way.” Kylie took up piano at 4 after seeing a music event at a library. She said that she is interested in going to college for music, interior design or medicine, but that it’s too early to know for sure. “The best way to play music is with a smile,” Kylie said.

www.GilbertSunNews.com

Youth

July 2016

Youth

July 2016

www.GilbertSunNews.com

10 tips to stop the summer slide Learning shouldn’t stop just because school is out. In fact, stepping too far away from the books can result in a learning loss. However, research has shown that encouraging kids to read just six books, or 20 minutes a day, over the summer can help prevent the summer slide. The key is finding ways to make reading fun, combining education and entertainment for an activity kids can truly enjoy, said Kate DiCamillo, a twotime Newbery Medal Award-winning author and the 2016 Collaborative Summer Library Program National Summer Reading Champion. “Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty, but rather as a gift that emphasizes the fun of opening a new book and celebrating the satisfaction that comes from reading another story,” said DiCamillo, who is also the 2016-17 Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program literary partner. Summer schedules can get busy, but with a little creativity it’s actually quite easy to fit in those 20 minutes a day, even when you have other activities planned.

HUNTERS

•

1. Take a book. The best way to get your kids reading is to have books available, so take them with you, whether it’s in the car, at the beach or waiting at the doctor’s office. 2. Summer recharge. Plan ahead for a fun reading-related trip midway through the summer to reignite the love of books and reward kids for reading. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; the trip could simply be camping like a character in a favorite book. 3. Explore hobbies. Reading is extra fun when the subject matter involves your favorite things. Look for books that match your kids’ personal interests, such as dinosaurs or gymnastics. 4. Magazine madness. Plenty of popular kids magazines can be delivered to your home for an exciting surprise in the mailbox that makes an excellent reason to flip it open and start reading. 5. Road trip reading. A long car ride is the perfect opportunity for the whole family to enjoy an audiobook together. You can discuss the story over lunch

JUMPERS

•

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

breaks and fuel stops to engage even further with the book.

directions builds important skills.

6. Pen pals. Work with other parents to set up pen pals for the summer and have kids write letters back and forth to practice their reading and writing skills. 7. Act it out. Encourage kids to gather some neighborhood friends and create a play based on a favorite book. This helps kids understand the characters and story lines by bringing them to life. 8. Take direction. Ask kids to read the directions for a classic summer project, like setting up a tent or making a snack for a picnic. Whether they are directing you or doing it themselves, reading and understanding

9. Head to the library. Most libraries offer fun and interactive summer reading programs for kids that include incentives, activities and structure to help get kids excited about reading all summer long. 10. Tap into tech time. If you’ve committed to limiting screen time for the summer, consider a compromise that lets kids use devices for productive activities, such as reading e-books. The sooner you start a habit of reading every day, the better your child will be prepared when school kicks off again. For more information about the BOOK-IT Program, visit bookitprogram.com.

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Celebrate summer with these ice cream desserts Whether piled into a cone, frozen on a stick, sandwiched between cookies, or scooped onto a slice of pie, no summer dessert serves up childhood memories quite like ice cream. From easy to expert, we’ve gathered recipes from chefs at some of the finest resorts in the United States. Turn simple store-bought ice cream into a company-worthy dessert. Enjoy!

piece of wax paper and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until set.) Split the unpeeled banana down the middle to create two even halves. Leave in the peel and sprinkle with the sugar in the raw. Brûlée the sugar with a kitchen torch until golden brown. (Do not touch the sugar as it will be extremely hot.) Let cool for a minute or two.

Red’s Caramelized Banana Split Red’s at Sea Crest Beach Hotel North Falmouth, Massachusetts

Plating Remove peel from the caramelized banana, place in a bowl, and top with one scoop of each ice cream flavor. Drizzle melted chocolate over the chocolate ice cream, strawberries over the strawberry ice cream, and caramelized pineapple over the vanilla. Top with whipped cream, optional chocolate garnish, and serve.

Store-bought ice cream lets the homemade toppings shine in this classic kids’ favorite, from a classic summer destination. Ingredients 1 banana 3 T sugar in the raw Vanilla ice cream Chocolate ice cream Strawberry ice cream 5-6 large strawberries 1 cup diced pineapple 2 cups chocolate chips 2 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract Preparation Make the whipped cream: add heavy cream, half of the powdered sugar, and the vanilla extract, and whip in a kitchen mixer until stiff peaks form. Dice strawberries and coat with remaining powdered sugar; mix well and set aside. Heat a heavy gauge pan until it is very hot, add diced pineapple and stir until golden brown and caramelized on all sides. (Note: The natural sugars in the pineapple will caramelize, so no additional sugar is needed.) Melt the chocolate over a double boiler and set aside. (Note: for an optional garnish, take half of the melted chocolate and insert into a pastry bag with fine tip; pipe a design or wording of your choice onto a

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Spirituality

July 2016

The music of heaven BY DR. MARC DRAKE, SENIOR PASTOR, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF SUN LAKES

A few years ago, world-famous violinist Joshua Bell stood incognito at a Washington, D.C. Metro Station during the morning rush hour. As part of an experiment, he played a brilliant classical repertoire for 45 minutes. Now, Joshua routinely fills up concert halls worldwide. In fact, only days before, an audience in Boston had paid around $100 apiece to see him perform. In the Metro Station plaza that morning, Bell was playing a Stradivarius made in 1713, reportedly worth $3.5 million. But as he played, the virtuoso collected exactly $32.17 from

Spiritual Reflections

the few passersby who stopped. Most of the 1,000-plus commuters who hurried through the station didn’t even slow down. Perhaps we would have rushed past him as well if we had been there. After all, it would appear to be just some guy playing a violin, trying to make a dollar or two. You might say that Joshua was hidden in plain sight. In a similar way, it’s quite possible for us to rush past the truth of God so powerfully expressed in the Bible as we search for other things that will, hopefully, satisfy (but, of course, never do). It’s like living in a Swiss village but staring at the wooden figurines in the

Worship guide 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. The Bridge Church 860 E. Warner Rd., Suites 101 & 103 Gilbert 85296 480-294-7888 www.bridgechurchaz.org Services: 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sundays We exist to show the world who Jesus is, and we believe that when people get to know Jesus as He really is, their lives will change forever. Therefore, it is our passion to help people know Jesus throughout Gilbert, Metro Phoenix and the world. Central Christian Church—Gilbert 965 E. Germann Rd., Gilbert 85297 www.centralaz.com 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.

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(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. Gilbert Presbyterian Church 235 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert 85234 (480) 892-6753 www.azgpc.org Services: 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays Gilbert Presbyterian Church is called to be a Christ-centered covenant family nurtured by the Holy Spirit to worship God and to share God’s love.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 3301 S. Greenfield Rd., Gilbert 85297 (480) 822-5000 www.lds.org/church/temples/ gilbert-arizona?lang=eng For more information about the church, visit the website above.

Living Water United Methodist  Fellowship Highland Park Elementary School 230 N Cole. Dr., Gilbert 85234 www.livingwaterum.org Services: 10 a.m. Sundays Living Water exists to bring people in to meet Christ, build people up to follow Christ and send people out to share Christ.

First United Methodist Church of Gilbert 331 S. Cooper Rd., Gilbert 85233

Mission Community Church 4450 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert 85234 (480) 545-4024

window rather than lifting our eyes to the staggering beauty of the snow-capped mountains and ravines in the distance! The reality is that our souls shrivel when we try to satisfy them on anything less than God Himself as revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ. This, undoubtedly, is what led 17th century philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, to speak of an infinite abyss in man that “can be filled only with an infinite and immutable object; in other words by God himself.” Yes, we were meant to live for His glory and, thus, fulfill the very purpose of our lives. Now, Joshua may not be playing on

a street corner near us anytime soon (I would love it if he did!), but we have something even better. We have the opportunity to know the Creator of this universe and hear from Him. May we pray with King David, “O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water (Psalm 63:1).” In another place, David declares, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry... He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God” (Psalm 40:1,3). Now, that’s the music of heaven! And it’s worth slowing down to hear.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Resurrection Episcopal Church Meets at Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St., Gilbert 85233 (480) 719-5343 www.resurrectiongilbert.org Services: 10 a.m. Sundays Resurrection officials say the congregation is a church you can believe in because you belong. This means it welcomes and embraces all people because God already has. Come for worship, fellowship and Bible study on Sundays and join the group on a spiritual journey to better understand God’s plan for our lives.

Two Rivers Church 326 E. Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert 85234 (480) 892-2435, www.2riverschurch. org Services: 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) Sundays Two Rivers Church exists to help lead congregants into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by encouraging and equipping them to love God intimately and serve others. It has a casual environment with a serious faith.

Spirituality

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July 2016

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Arts

July 2016

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Relishing the past Toad the Wet Sprocket fine with being remembered as ’90s act BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

Toad the Wet Sprocket’s Dean Dinning is thankful for the 1990s. The decade was filled with great music, including the band’s breakthrough album, “Fear,” he maintained. The bassist is pleased, too, that the era is finally being recognized for its proclivity. “A lot of people are thinking about the ’90s again and ’90s pop culture, like the ‘Empire Records’ soundtrack and ‘Friends.’ People write articles about why ‘Empire Records’’ soundtrack was the best soundtrack of all time. “We were involved in so many things at that time, too, and we’re definitely coming back now. “ Toad the Wet Sprocket maintains its original lineup of drummer Randy Guss, from left, vocalist/guitarist Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols Thirty years after Toad the Wet and bassist Dean Dinning. Sprocket began, the name is continuing suggests he owes his career to Fear, from being bigger. “Seriously, when you hear this thing, it’s to become a piece of pop culture trivia. which spawned the hits “Walk on the “Like with Matchbox Twenty, going to blow you away. It’s one of the “We keep ending up in TV shows and Ocean,” “Hold Her Down,” “All I Want” everybody focuses on Rob Thomas. best things we’ve ever done. things like that,” Dinning said. “There and “I Will Not Take These Things for Twenty years later, Rob Thomas is out “I see us continuing. There’s was even a Toad the Wet Sprocket Granted.” They still resonate with fans. with Counting Crows. I hope the other more music to be made. After New commemorative beer.” “They’re just good songs and the guys in Matchbox Twenty are doing Constellation, we have a lot more Toad the Wet Sprocket as well as production’s not overbearing,” Dinning well.” ground to cover. We have a lot more to Rusted Root are bringing back the era said about the tunes’ longevity. “We In 2013, Toad the Wet Sprocket explore and we still got it.” with a co-headlining run that comes to were very tasteful about what we were released its first new album in 16 years the Marquee Theatre on Sunday, July 10. doing back then—and still are.” called “New Constellation.” In a nod to The run also allows Toad the Wet Despite a few short breaks, Toad the the continuing success of Toad the Wet Toad the Wet Sprocket and Sprocket to thoroughly reexamine 1991’s Wet Sprocket has maintained its original Sprocket, a Kickstarter campaign to Rusted Root hit the stage at “Fear.” lineup of Dinning, vocalist/guitarist raise money to record the album raised 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at “It’s nice to have something like that Glen Phillips, guitarist Todd Nichols and $50,000 in 20 hours. Earlier this year, the the Marquee Theatre, 730 N. to celebrate,” he said of ‘Fear’s’ 25th drummer Randy Guss. band recorded a cover of Roger Miller’s Mill Ave., Tempe. Tickets are anniversary. “It’s a great record. There are “This is the same four guys who got “Nothing Can Stop You My Love.” $33-$113.62, 480-829-0607, so many good songs on it. It certainly together in 1986,” Dinning said. “This Dinning expects it to be released in the luckymanonline.com did well for us. We wouldn’t be doing has never been a band that’s about one fall. this if it wasn’t a great record.” person. That may have prevented us “Things are ever-expanding,” he said. Dinning isn’t exaggerating when he

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Arts

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Twin power

July 2016

Teen social media mavens bring YouTube videos to life BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI

When 16-year-old brothers Grayson and Ethan Dolan were in high school last year, neither dreamed that their quirky videos would reach more than 10 million fans. “I never knew it was actually possible,” Grayson said. “It’s amazing.” With model-like good looks, the Dolans are known for their comical, relatable skits about teen life, like, “How It Feels When You Find a Dollar,” “Never Text and Walk” and “Weird Yoga Poses.” New videos are added every Tuesday on their official YouTube channel and consistently trend No. 1 on Twitter. The duo, who have millions of social media followers between them, are bringing their 4OU tour to the Marquee Theatre in Tempe on Friday, July 8. So what exactly will they do? “With pretty much every show, we make our YouTube videos come to life,” Grayson said. “We’re doing the same challenges and games that we do in our videos, but on stage. We have our friend, Alex (Aiono), who is also a YouTuber and singer, as our special guest.” Like the stage show, the videos, Ethan said, are easy to create. The brothers just do

Dolan Twins are surprised that their videos have attracted millions of fans.

whatever comes naturally to them—or their fans. “Sometimes we tweet and ask fans what they would like to see,” said Ethan, who hopes to pursue traditional acting with his brother. “We just have really random ideas.” Creating YouTube videos is satisfying, but it pales in comparison to live shows. “There’s no better feeling than being on stage and having supporters right in front of you,” Grayson said. “It’s the most fun thing I’ve ever done in my life.” Dolan Twins hit the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, July 8, at the Marquee Theatre, 730 N. Mill Ave., Tempe. Tickets are $30. For more information, call (480) 829-0607 or visit www. luckymanonline.com.

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Arts

July 2016

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ON STAGE Lyle Lovett, Tuesday, July 12, MAC. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award and was named the Texas State Musician. Jarabe Mexicano, Friday, July 19, CCA. Touring Mexico this summer under the auspices of the U.S. Department of State, they take their name from the Spanish reference to traditional forms of mariachi music. Boz Scaggs, Tuesday, Jul 26, MAC. This Grammy Award-winner’s career dates back to the late ’60s with the Steve Miller Band. U.S. Navy Band Cruisers, Sunday, Aug. 14, CCA. This contemporary entertainment ensemble features eight of the Navy’s most dynamic performers. Bernadette Peters, Saturday, Oct. 15, MAC. The three-time Tony Award winner who can be seen in the second season of the Golden Globe Award-winning series “Mozart in the Jungle,” will perform signature songs from the multitude of iconic shows in which she has starred.

Angela Cheng and Alvin Chow, Friday, Nov. 18, GCAC. This husband and wife concert pianist duo plays compositions for one-hand, two hands and then four-hands, showing the physical intricacies of two performers sharing the same instrument and creating tonal colors across the entire keyboard. John Cleese and Eric Idle, Monday, Nov. 21, MAC. The founding members of Monty Python pioneered an irreverent, absurdist sensibility that is emulated by comics around the world. As individuals, they have written, performed and produced critically acclaimed shows such as “Spamalot,” “A Fish Called Wanda,” “Fawlty Towers” and “The Rutles.” Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Sunday, Nov. 27, MAC. A genre-busting, rotating collective of musicians and vocalists who reimagine modern pop hits in the style of jazz, ragtime and swing classics of the 1920s to 1950s.

Chandler Symphony with Jim Curry, Saturday, Dec. 10, HCPA. Curry opens the show performing his John Denver holiday tribute followed by 18-time Emmy nominee Lee Holdridge conducting the symphony. Straight No Chaser, Saturday, Dec. 31, MAC. Formed years ago while students at Indiana University, the group has reemerged as a phenomenon with a massive fan base, more than 20 million YouTube views and numerous national TV appearances. Roots & Boots Tour, Friday, Jan. 27, CCA. Country music Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye. Neil Sedaka with The Phoenix Symphony, Friday, Feb 3, MAC. His impressive 50year career ranges from being one of the first teen pop sensations of the 50s, a songwriter for himself and other artists in the 60s, and a superstar in the 70s.

Your Life. Our Commitment. A life-threatening emergency started the sprint – and then the marathon – to save Diane from an unbelievably large tumor that wrapped around her kidneys, stomach and spinal cord. Diane recalls meeting her oncologist, her hero, “Dr. Sud took my hands and said, ‘I will fight with you. We will do this together.’” And they did. Now patients benefit from a Guided Imagery Program Diane created at Dignity Health facilities throughout the East Valley. Read her story or learn more about the program: supportdignityhealtheastvalley.org.

VENUES CCA—Chandler Center for the Arts 250 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler Tickets: (480) 782-2680, www.chandlercenter.org GCAC—Gold Canyon Arts Council 6410 Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon Tickets: (480) 983-2171, www.gcac1.com HACC—Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino 15406 N. Maricopa Rd., Maricopa Tickets: (480) 802-5000, www.harrahsakchin.com HCPA—Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert Tickets: (480) 279-7194, www.higleycenter.org MAC—Mesa Arts Center One E. Main St., Mesa Tickets: (480) 644-6500, www.mesaartscenter.com

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East Mesa author releases children’s anthology

BY TIM J. RANDALL

East Mesa resident Marilyn June Janson continues to write about issues that impact youth and young adults who are riddled with fear and anxiety. With the recent publication of her compilation book, “The Super Cool Kids Story Collection,” Janson has provided an outlet for kids to explore their thoughts. “This is a fun way of getting important information to kids growing up,” said Janson, who teaches writing in Gilbert and Chandler. “These stories are based on my own experiences and fears while growing up.” The book’s trio of tales share common themes of youth trepidation and insecurity, but do so in an engaging and positive way. “There are concrete examples in the book,” Janson said. “They provide encouragement to kids that they are not alone.” In the first story, readers meet Cindy Matthews, a teenager who attends summer camp for the first time and “finds the courage to be herself,” Janson said. The second piece involves not a young adult, but a confused camel, Carla Camel Cane, who learns about peer pressure. The third story revisits an earlier Janson work, “Tommy Jenkins: First Teleported Kid.” Tommy must find a new way to visit his grandparents with the help of friend, Marissa Walsh, because he is afraid to fly. “In this compilation the Tommy story is illustrated,” Janson said. A writer since 1990, Janson teaches “Publishing and Author Marketing, Family History, Fiction Writing and Children’s Books Writing Workshops” online as well as at Gilbert recreation and Chandler community centers, according to her website, www.janwrite.com. In addition, Janson’s company, Janson Literary Services Inc., offers a variety of products including content development, manuscript analysis, proofreading and editing. It’s the simple joy of delivering uplifting messages that keeps her writing. “I learned in one of my classes that kids want to read great stories,” she said. A member of the AZ Authors Association and the International Women’s Writing Guild, Janson has plans for two more books. The first, “Saying Goodbye to Tyler,”

looks at a child’s first experience with a funeral. “The story tries to explain the life cycle to young readers,” she said. A second work, a novel “The Brook Book,” tells the story of an Olympics-bound runner whose career is derailed after a serious dog attack produces obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms. “Often serious accidents can trigger OCD,” Janson said. With her books available at Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Infinity Publishing and her website, Janson is hopeful that parents and their children will enjoy the stories. “I want them to read and discuss the issues together,” she said.

Arts

July 2016

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Learn from Marilyn June Janson For a complete list of Marilyn June Janson’s upcoming classes, visit www. janwrite.com. Chandler and Gilbert Classes Chandler Community Center Downtown Fiction and Nonfiction Writing Workshop 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays July 6 to July 27 Residents $28; nonresidents $38. $10 copy fee paid to instructor Chandler Active Adult Center Downtown Family History and Memoir Writing Workshop 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays July 11 to Aug. 1. Residents $28; nonresidents. $38. $10 copy fee paid to instructor. Gilbert Recreation (Southeast Regional Library) Fiction and Nonfiction Writing Workshop 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays July 16 to Aug. 6 $60. $10 copy fee paid to instructor. Author Publishing and Marketing Workshop 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays July 16 to Aug 6. $60. $10 copy fee paid to instructor.

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Opinion

July 2016

Our community and Zika virus BY DENNY BARNEY

Zika virus, it’s all the latest buzz. You may be wondering “What is it?” “Am I at risk?” “What is being done to protect me?” Zika is a virus that is spread Denny Barney primarily through Submitted photo the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito. This particular mosquito has been found in Maricopa County for years, but it’s important to note that, as of this writing, there are no known cases of Aedes mosquitoes being infected with the virus in Arizona. And the county is working to keep it that way. All reported cases to date are related to travel in Zika hot spots, specifically in Latin America. Symptoms of the virus are usually so mild that most infected people don’t become ill. If infected, one may experience fever, rash, joint pain, headache and conjunctivitis (red eyes) that usually only last a week. The most notable danger is to pregnant women and unborn children. The Zika virus can cause a birth defect known as microcephaly, which causes babies to be born with smaller heads and brains that may not develop properly. It’s recommended

pregnant women avoid travel to areas where the virus is circulating. Our Maricopa County Environmental Services Department is committed to keeping our community safe through its proactive approach testing, treating and preventing mosquito-borne illnesses through a year-round surveillance and abatement program. The department’s vector control specialists collect mosquito samples across the county and for years have tested for viruses like West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis. Recently, procedures have been established to test for newer viruses like chikungunya, dengue and the Zika virus. Our vector control specialists set 288 routine mosquito traps across the East Valley each week. If you happen to see one hanging from a tree, please do not disturb it. It’s collecting vital samples for testing. These tests provide for early detection of viruses, allowing treatment to control a potential outbreak. Areas of concern may be treated with larvicides (an insecticide), introduction of mosquito-eating fish to breeding sites, as well as fogging when needed. If you would like to be notified of fogging in your area, you can contact the County’s Mosquito Information Hotline at (602) 506-0700 to sign up for alerts through the Fogging Notification System. Once registered, you will receive automated phone messages alerting you to scheduled fogging within a 1-mile radius of your residence. Mosquito season typically runs through October. We can all help stop the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses by minimizing standing and stagnant

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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In fashion right now are really short shorts, but some of these girls really look ridiculous. Look in the mirror before you leave the house. Amazing. Just who are these ignorant, thoughtless people who think they can hike in the heat and endanger the lives of the rescuers? Nothing like greedy, stupid people. God help everybody now.

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Diamondbacks pitcher Zack Greinke is “earning” $34,400,000 in 2016. Assuming he will be making 30 starts this season, averaging about 100 pitches per game, each pitch he makes to home plate is worth about $11,300. This puts into perspective the outrageous sums of money professional sports owners pay to star athletes compared to the salaries of other citizens whose contributions to society are far more significant and worthy.

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water. Remember, water is needed for every stage of the mosquito breeding process. Here are some ways you can help deprive mosquitoes of water and prevent breeding: Empty, drain, or cover all things in your backyard or porch that can hold water. Barrels and trash cans collect rainwater extremely well. Old tires, empty bottles, buckets, and other small containers can condense water vapor into tiny pools. Mosquitoes only need a soda capful of water to breed. Change pet water dishes regularly. Make sure to wipe down the inside of the bowl to get rid of eggs that can be stuck to the side. Eggs can hatch when they get wet again. Maintain decorative ponds and ensure swimming pools are clean and the water is circulating. Repair and prevent outside leaks. Condensation from window air conditioners and dripping outdoor faucets can pool water on the ground. Change water collection pans for plant pots weekly. Clean bird baths routinely to avoid stagnant water.

Mow lawns weekly to keep your grass as short as possible. Mosquitoes aren’t likely to lay eggs in tall grass, but they tend to sit in tall grass to rest and hide. In addition to preventing mosquito breeding, you can also protect yourself and your family from exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika by using mosquito repellent, wearing lightcolored clothing including long sleeves and pants when possible and installing or repairing window and door screens. I’ll routinely be going around my own yard this summer looking for pooling water and potential mosquito breeding grounds to help keep my family and neighbors safe. I encourage you to do the same to help fight the bite! For more information and tips to prevent mosquito bites and breeding, visit www. FightTheBiteMaricopa.org.

How could anyone in their right mind even consider voting for Hillary Clinton for president of the United States? Don’t they remember just some of her scandals, including Benghazi?

Reid, Nancy Pelosi, our duly elected twice President Obama and Hillary. In the interest of fairness, let’s now look at the Republican side. Former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert was two heartbeats away from the presidency and is now going to prison convicted as a sexual predator of high school boys. Is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell one you can be proud of for his willingness to compromise? Does Donald Trump truly represent the Party of Family Values in your mind? How about our own Gov. Ducey who answers not to we Arizonans but rather to his dark money pals who got him elected? Can you be proud of today’s GOP?

Innocent lives were lost in Orlando and memorials and vigils against hatred are ongoing. Where is the outrage against child abuse? Young lives are lost every day to abuse. People question why Obama has fast-tracked bringing Syrian refugees into our country, even though there is no way able to properly vet them. Obama’s goal is to flood America with Muslims. There will not be a good end to this action. I’m afraid. Drew, you’ve lived here as long as I have (54 years), so will you recall Republicans of distinction like Jack Williams, John Rhodes, Paul Fannin and Bob Usdane, good leaders just like the Democrats you recalled from another era. You ended your article by skewering today’s Democrats like Harry

Denny Barney is a Gilbert resident and a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors

The Islamic terrorist who murdered 49 people in Orlando was born in the United States, but his father was an Afghan refugee who was brought to the United States. Bringing in thousands upon thousands of Syrian refugees is putting America in grave danger. This is absolutely insane. The Islamic ideology just does not correspond with our Constitution.

Opinion

www.GilbertSunNews.com After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the American Red Cross raised nearly $500 million. It has been revealed that almost $125 million of that was spent on the Red Cross’ internal expenses. They built only six permanent homes. Think about this the next time the American Red Cross asks for donations. Hillary Clinton said if you were under investigation by the FBI you should not be able to buy a gun. I’d say if you’re under investigation by the FBI, you should not be able to run for president. Obama could have stopped ISIS when they started. Instead, he chose to call them the JV team and he did nothing. Now the situation is completely out of control. They’re more powerful and have more territory and are a danger to the rest of the world, too. Thank you, Obama. Those greedy, stupid credit card people are still annoying people—waking babies and sleeping grandparents. Just because my phone number is in the phonebook, it doesn’t mean you’re free to bother us. Good lord, I can’t talk to anyone. So again President Obama is blaming guns and pushing for gun control after this mass shooting in Florida by a radical Muslim. In France, two policemen were brutally knifed to death in front of their 3-year-old child by a radical Muslim terrorist. Perhaps all knives in the world should be banned.

TV is reporting that the Orlando shooter was an American. He was accidentally born here because his parents fled here rather than stay home and work and fight for their own country. Don’t say he’s an American. He’s not. The Fort Hood terrorist. The San Bernardino terrorists. Brussels and now Orlando. All of these places underwent very deadly attacks. They will continue as long as our terrorist-sympathizing president will remain in office. Forty-nine people have been murdered in a nightclub in Orlando. Dozens more are being treated for very serious bullet wounds. Will Obama finally tell the American people the truth and call this murder an Islamic terrorist attack? Don’t hold your breath. He will not. He’ll call it workplace violence, like he did with the Fort Hood shooting. America, we are in danger. We have a president who will not tell the truth. Hillary Clinton told Donald Trump that he should delete his Twitter account. I had to laugh. Isn’t she an expert in deleting things? Wonderful. TV’s latest news is that it’s kitten season. Amazing. They will all turn into cats— invaders, nasty breeders of disease, etc., etc. How crazy can people be? It’s kitten season? Yuck. Fry’s has partnered with one community foundation for “pride” promotion in all of their stores. Why don’t these companies just sell their products and stay out of social

July 2016

issues? I am sick and tired of being told I have to accept their alternative lifestyle. What they do behind closed doors is none of my business. Stop telling me I have to accept it because I never will. Hey, New York-style Trump with your paranoid ideas: Stay out of Arizona. We have enough with Sen. John McCain, who does his best to become another Sen. Hayden. Keep Trump at home. We’re happy without him. Today’s Democrats are not at all like the old Democrats. President Harry Truman once said, “You can’t get rich in politics unless you’re a crook. Then the average net worth of a senator increases $1.6 million annually. My comment is for the dog owners out there. If you’re not responsible enough to pick up after your dog, maybe you’re not responsible enough to have a dog in the first place.

A funny thing happened to me yesterday. Took my girlfriend to breakfast at the “bunny restaurant” and went to pay our bill. The bill was $15.31. The cashier counted out the change while I fished for mine. I paid the 31 cents. Plus $20. She almost insisted I keep the $.69 and $4. I said nicely, “No keep the $.69 and give me a $.” She became a little flustered. I presumed the other gal(s) there were training her. They didn’t move. It is funny in that she didn’t know how to count out change. Alarming in that she didn’t know how to count out change. I didn’t learn to count out change until my mother taught me, while I was in high school, so I could help the Fuller Brush man with deliveries. I hope there are high school teachers out there teaching kids how to do that as part of the high school curriculum. That and maybe, filling out a check and balancing a bank account. Basic life skills. Trump is the perfect example of what happens to the American dream gone wrong, by everyone who has everything and still wants more. There are a lot of people in the country like that, but thank God there are a lot more who know better than to vote for Trump and his kind.

The State Department admits to deliberately deleting videos regarding a secret Iran deal discussion. Wasn’t the Obama administration supposed to be the most transparent ever? They have lied to the American people time after time. They have manipulated the media. This is unacceptable. Ronald Reagan was a great patriarch who loved America. He once stated that if we ever forget we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under. How true this is.

Hillary Clinton made $21 million in two years giving speeches to Wall Street big banks. What did she promise these big banks and when is she going to release these speeches? Hillary, we’re waiting!

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July 2016

San Tan Hyundai ALL NEW 2017 ELANTRA & 2016 SONATA

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*3 Pmts on Us (upp to $1,000) , PLUS Optional p 90-Dayy Deferred Pmt (offer available from Mayy 4 through g Julyy 5,, 2016) 6) Hyundai y Motor Finance (HMF) will ppayy a buyer’s y first 3 scheduled monthlyy ppayments y (upp to a total of $1,000) , y that purchase p a new 2017MY Elantra from retail stock (excludingg the PHEV and Hybrid) y at an authorized Hyundai y dealer through g Julyy 5,, 2016 and obtain for qqualified buyers financingg through g HMF (subject to credit approval pp byy HMF to qqualified buyers). y The buyer y must ppayy anyy pportion of the first 3 scheduled monthlyy ppmts that exceeds $1000. PLUS, the buyer y mayy elect to defer ppayments y under the finance contract for 90 days. y If deferred ppayment y option p elected, the first scheduled monthlyy ppayment, y to be paid p byy HMF, is due 90 days y from the date the purchase p contract is executed, with buyer's y first payment py due 180 days y from the date the ppurchase contract is executed. Interest begins g to accrue from the contract date. Maximum of 90 days y to first payment. py Buyer y responsible p for all remainingg ppayments, y includingg anyy deferred ppayments, y pper finance contract terms followingg the first 3 scheduled monthlyy ppayments. y 90 days y to first payment py in Pennsylvania y onlyy available on 0% interest rate finance contracts. Buyer y is required q to complete p and sign g Program g acknowledgement g documentation form at the Dealershipp at the time the purchase contract is executed. This offer may not be combined with other special offers except the HMF Conquest tier upgrade, the HMF Loyalty tier upgrade and the HMF College Graduate Program.

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Opinion

July 2016

www.GilbertSunNews.com

ELLIOT GROVES AT M O R R I S O N R A N C H

LIVE AT ELLIOT GROVES AT MORRISON RANCH THERE’S SO MUCH TO DO!

60 BASELINE RD POWER RD

the Gilbert farmers market and dine in. Not in the mood to cook, visit nearby

RECKER RD

HIGLEY RD

Spend the day shopping at San Tan Village, or pick up some local produce from

GUADALUPE RD

ELLIOT RD

Gilbert Town Square and take your pick of popular restaurants to dine in. Located within Morrison Ranch with its green grass and white picket fence décor this

WARNER RD 202

community is the perfect place to call home!

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS – San Tan Village

– Regal Cinemas Gilbert 14

– Topgolf

– Gilbert Town Square

– Gilbert Farmers Market

– Superstition Springs Center

TWO COLLECTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM, STOP BY AND TOUR OUR MODEL HOMES Open daily 10 to 6 pm; Fri 1 to 6 pm

ELLIOT GROVES VOYAGE

ELLIOT GROVES DISCOVERY

• • • • •

From the upper $300s 2,345 to 4,541 sq. ft. Up to 6 bedrooms Up to 4 bathrooms Up to 4-car garage

4277 E. Weather Vane Road

taylormorrison.com/arizona | 480.346.1738 All information (including, but not limited to prices, availability, incentives, floor plans, site plans, features, standards and options, assessments and fees, planned amenities, programs, conceptual artists’ renderings and community development plans) is not guaranteed and remains subject to change or delay without notice. Maps and plans are not to scale and all dimensions are approximate. Prices may not include lot premiums, options and upgrades. Neighborhood information is a non-exhaustive representative listing of certain off-site venues in the vicinity of the Community and outside of Seller’s control or affiliation. Distances to Community will vary. All names and marks of unaffiliated businesses mentioned are the property of the respective owners with all rights reserved. No binding offer to sell or lease may be made or accepted prior to the issuance of the final AZ Subdivision Public Report for the Community. A public report is available at the AZ Real Estate Department’s website. Not an offer to sell or lease where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Please see a Community Sales Manager for details or visit www.taylormorrison.com for additional disclaimers. Taylor Morrison/Arizona, Inc., ROC # 179178B. (c) June 2016, TM Homes of Arizona, Inc., AZ DRE # CO535669000. All rights reserved.

From the upper $200s 1,574 to 3,093 sq. ft. Up to 5 bedrooms Up to 3.5 bathrooms Up to 3-car garage

4329 E. Morrison Ranch Pkwy