Global Village Festival continues its message of unity
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Gilbert Global Village Festival, coming up Saturday, April 9, at the Civic Center Campus, is growing a Valleywide following.
In its 12th year, the annual event organized by the Town of Gilbert to showcase the cultures of the world with food, entertainment, games, education and costumes is increasingly attracting performers from around the Valley and not just from Gilbert or the Southeast Valley.
To accommodate them, organizers are adding a fourth stage.
Last year, an estimated crowd of more than 3,000 attended and the town is expecting even more to join in this time.
“Gilbert’s residents are coming, but I think we’re seeing people from the surrounding communities coming out as well, because we have performing groups from all over,” said Mike Leppert, recreation coordinator in the Town. “A lot of those people [entertainers] have followers there, too.”
Folkloric groups, Chinese dragon dancers, an African drum band and dance troupes from the South Pacific are just a handful of the groups that will sing, dance and play instruments on the Global Village stage. Among the newcomers to perform are the Phoenix Afrobeats Orchestra, a 15-member string band with a lively repertoire.
At 2.30 p.m. Mayor John Lewis will lead the parade of nations: about 40 local elementary school children, dressed in costumes of the world and holding the flags of their respective countries, will parade around the grounds.
This will be the last time that the
mayor would play this role, as he is leaving the position about six months before his term ends to lead the East Valley Partnership, an economic development agency in Mesa.
“Seeing the smiles of our local Gilbert youth dressed in outfits that represent various countries provides the emotional assurance that while we may have cultural differences between the nations of the world, the smile of a child brings us together as one unified community,” Lewis said.
Amid the applause and the entertainment, the festival provides a platform to bring diverse people together and create greater understanding and friendship.
“It seems that the more one interacts and comes to understand someone who is different, the more that person comes to realize how much they have in common and how similar they really are,” Lewis said.
He said we could measure the success of the festival by the thousands who participate each year, the need to add an additional stage because more cultural groups want to entertain and the ability to sustain the festival for 12 years and increase its sponsors each year.
Founding member Gayle Disch volunteers to the day.
“What we wanted to do 12 years ago, was to make sure that our community was being positive about different cultures and religions and human relations issues. And I think that Global Village has really added to that and helped with the direction in the community,” she said.
Gilbert Global Village Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at the Gilbert Civic Center North Campus on Gilbert and Warner roads. Free admission and parking.
Festival-goers pin a globe to mark the countries of their birth in this activity. Submitted photos
These two Indian youngsters were participating in a dance at the festival last year.
Scottish bagpipers parade as part of the festivities.
A Native Indian dancer shows a colorful costume and folklore.
An African drummer pounds his message.
Second Saturday Divorce Workshops begin in early April
Kicking off from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Second Saturday Divorce Workshops is hosted by Shanna Tingom of Heritage Financial Strategies, at 207 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 001, Gilbert.
Women who are considering divorce or in the early stages of divorce, will want to attend one of the four-hour empowering workshops.
Second Saturday deals with the legal, financial, family and personal issues of divorce in a logical, yet compassionate way. With the guidance of trained professionals, participants will gain greater understanding of the confusing divorce process. The workshops are taught by Tingom, family law attorney Billie Tarascio of Modern Law and therapist Kate Nethercott-Wilson of Kamaji Tree. They will provide the knowledge and resources that are needed to inform, prepare and protect families. The cost to attend is $25 per person and pre-registration is recommended online at https://
SecondSaturdayGilbert.Eventbrite.com
For additional information or to make reservations, call (480) 379-1184, ext. 2.
The Second Saturday Divorce Workshop program was founded in 1989 by the nonprofit WIFE.org (the Women’s Institute for Financial Education).
Second Saturday has helped thousands of individuals navigate the divorce process, and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and programs to help women become financially independent. For more information, visit www.SecondSaturday. com
Tingom is an independent financial professional and the founder of Heritage Financial Strategies. Her specialty is working with female entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals experiencing life transitions. She keeps active as a member of the Gilbert Small Business Alliance and Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.
Flancer’s hosting its 16th annual pizza-eating contest
An advocate for giving back to the community, Flancer’s restaurant is poised to hold its 16th annual charity pizza-eating contest on Sunday, April 10.
Since Flancer’s was founded, the eatery has done its part to promote awareness and help raise funds to support local organizations.
Last year Flancer’s, along with the help of its sponsors, raised more than $30,000 to benefit Warfighter Sports, Sunshine Acres and Jewish Family and Children’s Services. This year Flancer’s will raise funds again for these worthy organizations.
Flancer’s is asking the community to rally around these causes in two different ways. Visit either Flancer’s Gourmet Grub in Mesa or Gilbert to purchase raffle tickets for a chance at winning one of six prizes valued up to $1,000.
Another way to help is by signing up for the contest. Registration begins at 10:15 a.m. with the feasting set to begin at 11 a.m. The first-prize winner will receive a $100 gift card and a large trophy. The reigning Miss Arizona will crown the winner.
For more information, visit http:// flancers.com/charity-pizza-contest/.
The Gilbert location can be found at 610 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, (480) 926-9077. The Mesa eatery is located at 1902 N. Higley Rd., Mesa, (480) 396-0077.
David Feist, PA-C Dermatology
Kara Gooding, PA-C Dermatology
Gary McCracken, MD Dermatology
Anthony Petelin, MD Mohs Surgery
James Young, DO Mohs Surgery
David Kelly, MD Plastic Surgery
Brian deGuzman, MD Vein Specialist
KA-POW ! Superhero Run
They tied on their capes and donned their Superhero costumes to run a course full of playful obstacles at the KA-POW! Superhero Adventure Run presented by Banner Health Center on March 19 at Freestone Park. GSN photos by Tim Sealy.
Crowds of costumed runners take their marks for the start of the KaPow Superhero Run.
Young Parker Willis struts like a superhero around the park.
Brayden Bishop gets a helping hand at SAFE archery from family friend Nicole LeRoy.
Thomas Phillips takes a head first approach to the obstacles.
Family fun on the run from left, Beth Woods, Marin Ungbary, Matt Ihms, Ethan Ihms, Matt Ihms, “Crazy Gramma” Laura Ungbary and Zoey Ihms.
Cosplayers from Phoenix Comicon untied at the run giving kids and parents a realistic taste of the comic world.
Brieanna Kelly takes a wild first step.
Lucas, Olivia and mom Megan Guderian are a family that finishes together.
Matt Ihms helps his niece Zoey fly.
Strength and beauty all in one with Zoey Nielsen.
Accountant’s passion and hard work is paying off
BY TISHA MARIE PELLETIER
As a child, Gilbert resident Angela Sticca Snyder, was always fascinated by numbers. While other children were outside playing school or house, she was inside creating ledgers and spreadsheets...by choice. And as Halloween rolled around each October, Sticca Synder found solace in neatly organizing and inventorying her candy.
It came as no surprise that as Sticca Snyder got older, she was destined for a life in accounting.
“When I was young, I knew I wanted to be the ‘BOSS.’ I was always the one organizing or in charge making sure all the details were taken care of,” said Sticca Snyder. “I’ve always liked helping and teaching topics that came easy to me, but difficult to others, and breaking down hard-to-understand concepts into layman’s terms.”
After graduating high school at the age of 16, Angela attended the University of West Florida, majored in accounting and completed her degree at 19. She then took a year off to attend culinary school, but found herself gravitating right back toward accounting to finish her master’s degree in taxation at the University of Akron in Ohio. Shortly after, Sticca Snyder married, became mom to Tyler and Ashley, and worked in corporate America for over a decade. But her original aspiration to be the “boss” got the best of her.
In 2009, Angela embarked on her
Dignity Health Family 5K
new journey to entrepreneurship and launched Taxanista LLC, a fullservice accounting firm based in Mesa providing bookkeeping, payroll services, tax planning, accounting, Xero software support, and tax preparation for individual clients and business entities, small and large, across the country. Her company slogan? “We take the monkey off your back so that you can go back to doing what you do best, growing and running your business.”
“Taxanista caters to our clients’ busy schedules and needs,” shares Sticca Snyder. “What sets us apart from other accountants, not only in the Valley, but in the country, are that we are proactive, not reactive, to setting goals and plans, we use modern technology with an enormous amount of SAS or software as a solution, and we are not afraid of change.”
Her office, brightly decorated in her signature colors neon green and pink, resembles Sticca Synder’s positive attitude and upbeat personality to a tee. A pair of hot pink boxing gloves hangs by the reception desk to remind Angela that to be successful, you have to “roll with the punches and work hard to reap the results.” She has done an exceptional job creating a happy, healthy, honest and successful work environment not only for herself, but also for her team, members and clients.
“My office is very fast paced and
Join us for our 2nd Annual Dignity Health’s Family 5K on Sunday, May 1st at Freestone Park, Gilbert, AZ. The event has a distance for everyone, including a 5K Run/Walk, Family 1 Mile, and 100 Yard Kids’ Dash, so bring friends!
Your family will be supporting families in the Birthing Centers at both Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Chandler Regional Medical Center. Whether families are having their first or third baby, we want them to experience this exciting and special time in very comfortable and high-quality surroundings!
Run, Play and Give!
Join us on Sunday May 1, 2016
6:30am Registration Starts 7:30am 5K Run/Walk Begins 8:30am Awards Ceremony begins (approx)
For more information call 480-728-2036 or visit our race website at raceroster.com/events/2015/4876/dignity-health-family-5k
Mesa-based accounting firm, Taxanista, is owned by Angela Sticca Snyder.
casual, yet focused. It’s organized, but fun and there is camaraderie between our staff and clients,” she said.
“I really love that this career, this place, allows me the opportunity to nourish my brain with technical and detailed spreadsheets, calculations and formulas, and meet all different kinds of people and businesses. Our clients range from retail boutiques and fine jewelry, to coaches, consultants, architects, attorneys and physicians, plus direct sales businesses of all kinds. I also have the ability to have a positive impact in the lives of not only my clients, but our team. Our firm is small, but mighty, and provides long-term jobs with health benefits in a fun and flexible work environment.”
employed, self-sufficient and single mom, balances her days at the office, and in Tyler and Ashley’s lives. Her typical, or as she said “not-so-typical” day, involves arriving to the office after taking her daughter to school, immediately going to email then checking in on cashflow and client books. If it’s tax season, she’s getting ready for client appointments or reviewing completed tax returns, all while running the show, networking and getting out into the business community to cultivate relationships. Her children also get to experience Angela’s entrepreneurial side when they help around the office.
considering a profession in accounting and currently works part-time after school at Taxanista. “I’m proud to see that Tyler realizes you have to start from the ground up, thus filing and dealing with shred is all part of the job,” she smiled.
“My daughter Ashley is my little princess, a very smart and artistic young lady that is 10 going on 19. She is an excellent student at Gilbert Christian and loves being at my office,” Sticca Snyder said.
“She’s definitely more of a people greeter, pleaser and caretaker, and is great with clients who are filled with anxiety coming into a tax office. When Tyler and Ashley come to my office, I’m showing them firsthand, and leading by example, that they can do anything and be successful IF they put in the time and hard work needed to learn the skills to stand out from their competition. And of course, you have to love what you do. If you don’t love it, you probably won’t be successful at it because it would be lacking the most important thing...your heart.”
in the United States. Her firm is the only Platinum Xero provider on the west coast, was selected for Arizona to represent Xero at the Apple Store, and provides ongoing training to make the lives of small business owners more effective and efficient.
As a woman?
To have complete commitment and consistency in her goals. To set something in her crosshairs and not let anything or anyone derail her, which are the same inspiring words she shares with other women starting down their path.
“Constantly learning and making improvements are necessary at all levels of success,” shares Sticca Snyder. “Never ever judge a person, an idea or anything. There are a lot of ways to accomplish something and get the results needed. Be open minded.”
And as a mom, particularly when April 15 is behind her and the very last tax return has been filed?
“To plan some much needed time at home with my No. 1 priority, my family.”
Nowadays, Sticca Snyder, a self-
“Tyler is my mini-me in man form. He is very smart and articulate. He’s 16 and an honors student at Gilbert Christian High School.” Just like his mom, he is following in her footsteps
In the next five years, Sticca Snyder has a lofty, but attainable goal. For Taxanista, it is to become the leading Xero provider to small and mediumsized businesses on the west coast and
Taxanista is located at 4858 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 104, Mesa. For more information, visit www.taxanista.com.
Sticca Snyder with her two children, Tyler and Ashley. Submitted photo
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Gilbert man catches state record for native roundtail chub
It’s the native fish with a sporting fight. On Feb. 13 on the Verde River above Clarkdale, Rudolph Hoffman of Gilbert found a large pool of water and began cranking in multiple roundtail chub. The first measured at about 17 inches. Then another at 18 ... then 18 1/2 inches ...
Finally, a 19-inch chub took a 1/4-ounce bronze spoon with a spinning rod and 8-pound fluorocarbon line. This Gila robusta set a state catchand-release record for roundtail chub. (Topping Dave Wagner’s 16-inch roundtail caught 2011, also on the Verde).
“There is really something special about being able to catch and release a fish that has been part of our Arizona waterways for tens of thousands of years,” Hoffman said.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has initiated numerous conservation efforts since the early 2000s. Maintenance of healthy roundtail chub populations were likely influenced by all of these conservation measures in the Verde River.
By 2008, several flood events and conditions aligned to boost their populations. A few high-flow years helped young chub to survive. Conservation efforts by the Salt River Project’s Habitat Conservation Program and the department have led to healthy populations of chub in the Verde River and across the state. These efforts included the development of a brood stock of chub to be raised at the Bubbling Ponds Hatchery, near Cornville and a stocking strategy to enhance wild populations of chub in the Verde River.
There also are special fishing regulations for the Verde River and its tributaries that likely have benefitted
the chub—it’s all catch and release, and downstream from Granite Creek to Horseshoe Dam, anglers can enjoy unlimited daily bag limits for smallmouth and largemouth bass, and channel and flathead catfish.
So why not chase some of these Arizona natives during your next fishing trip?
“These chub fight better than smallmouth,” said Matt Chmiel, aquatics program manager in the AZGFD Kingman office. “I’ve caught both and every one of the chub fought better than the smallmouth. Fishing from a canoe one time I had three chub break me off on 4-pound line.”
Roundtail chub location and habitat
Roundtails are found in moderatesized, perennial rivers throughout the state. Chub occupy pools and eddies, often concentrating in swift swirling water below rapids. s a special regulation fishing season featuring roundtail chub and headwater chub: open Oct. 1 through April 30, catch and release, artificial fly and lure, single barbless hooks only.
How to fish for roundtail chub
Roundtail chubs can be caught by catch-and-release special regulation, readily take artificial flies and lures, and put up a strong fight. Effective tackle includes small spinners, spoons, and flies.
Fishing with ultralight tackle and light line is an exciting way to fish for roundtail chub on an Arizona river. Make sure to check the fishing regulations for special regulations.
Chub feed mainly on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates in the spring and summer months, and algae in the fall and winter months.
Healthy populations of Roundtail Chub fish may be found in the Verde River. Submitted photo
Ironwood offers support groups, education and Tai Chi
With community-based centers throughout the East Valley of Phoenix, Ironwood offers advanced therapies and a multidisciplinary approach usually associated with large academic centers, but with a personalized touch that patients describe as “being treated like family.”
Studies have shown that patients that are supported mind, body and spirit do much better when faced with cancer. Patients report less pain, are better able to cope with diagnosis, treatment and side effects, and have a greater feeling of personal growth when they receive the support they need. Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers offer support, education and Tai Chi classes every month
American Cancer Society: Look Good, Feel Better. For cancer patients
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 4
685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Register: Sandra Surgeon at (480) 8552224, www.ironwoodcrc.com
American Cancer Society: Look Good, Feel Better. For cancer patients
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 23 3686 S. Rome St., Gilbert Register: Sandra Surgeon at (480) 8552224, www.ironwoodcrc.com
American Cancer Society: Look Good, Feel Better. For cancer patients
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 9 1432 S. Dobson Rd., Suite 106, Mesa Register: Sandra Surgeon at (480) 8552224, www.ironwoodcrc.com
American Cancer Society: Look Good, Feel Better. For cancer patients
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, May 16 6111 E. Arbor Ave., Mesa Register: Sandra Surgeon at (480) 8552224, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Breast Cancer Support Group
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. second Monday of each month
685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Breast Cancer Support Group
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. second Saturday of each month
8880 E. Desert Cove Ave., Scottsdale Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Caregiver Support Group
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. third Saturday
685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Arthritis Relief
Water—especially warm water—is a safe, ideal medium for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness. That's why the Arthritis Foundation created a program, based on water immersion, that not only relieves stiff joints and associated pain, but keeps them moving, increasing their range of motion and maintaining or building muscle strength. The Arthritis Foundation points out that moderate physical activity can improve your health without hurting your joints. And when that activity takes place in the inviting environment of warm water, any excess strain on your joints and muscles is greatly reduced.
Aquatic therapy provides great relief for joint pain, resulting in improvements in physical performance and function. (This study involved people with osteo-arthritis, or OA, in their knees or hips.)
“Not only does swimming slow down the aging process—by upwards of 20% in some cases— in terms of respiration, muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular activity and neurological function, but there’s also evidence to suggest that it increases mental health and even spiritual and social health.” —Dr. Bruce E. Becker, M.D Well-being Benefits
• Increase vigor and vitality
• Decrease body fat
• Improve cholesterol scores
• Stronger immune system
• Enhance libido
• Increased joint flexibility
Head and Neck Cancer Support Group
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. third Monday of each month
685 S Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Lymphoma Support Group
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. second Thursday of each month
8880 E. Desert Cove Ave., Scottsdale Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Metastatic Cancer Support Group
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month
685 S Dobson Rd., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Prostate Cancer Support Group (USTOO)
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
7 p.m. to 9 p.m. second Monday of each month
685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Chair Yoga
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Wednesday
685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Chair Yoga
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. first and third Tuesdays
3686 S. Rome St., Gilbert Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Chair Yoga
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays April 1, April 15 and April 29
8880 E. Desert Cove Ave., Scottsdale Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Tai Chi with Roxanne Reynolds
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays April 5 and April 19
685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler
Register: Sandra Surgeon at (480) 855-2224, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Tai Chi with Roxanne Reynolds
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Tuesdays April 12 and April 26
3686 S. Rome St., Gilbert
Register: Sandra Surgeon (480) 8552224, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Craft, Create, Heal
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, April 21
685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Coloring...Take Me Away
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday of each month
8880 E. Desert Cove Ave., Scottsdale Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Choose Right, Live Well
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
4 p.m. to 5 p.m. second Wednesday of each month
685 S. Dobson Dr., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Rhythm and Relaxation
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. third Tuesday of each month
8880 E. Desert Cove Ave., Scottsdale Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Cooking Demonstration
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. fourth Wednesday of each month
8880 E. Desert Cove Ave., Scottsdale Register: Tricia Young at (480) 8552259, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Spirituality Group
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. third Wednesday of each month
685 S. Dobson Rd., Chandler Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
Laughter Wellness Class
Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers
3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday April 6
8880 E. Desert Cove Ave., Scottsdale Register: Kelly Huey, MSW, LCSW at (480) 340-4013, www.ironwoodcrc.com
HOW TO SELECT APPLIANCES
Whether remodeling an entire room or looking to add a single upgrade, it’s important to select the best products that will last for years to come. One of the best investments you can make is in your appliances. To help with the selection process, it’s important to choose a company with knowledgeable, trained professionals and high-quality products.
Trend Watch
Today’s kitchens are high-tech, colorful and all about convenience. Consider the following appliances for your next upgrade.
High-Tech Culinary Coaching
The use of smartphones and other mobile technology allows for quick access to information. And now you can easily customize your cooking experience with helpful information offered by smart appliances. Some wall ovens house a gourmet guide within the oven itself that directs meal preparation for more than 50 food options, including desired doneness and the type of pan to use.
Induction Cooking
Induction cooking relies on magnetic technology to heat the cookware and uses far less electricity than standard cooktops and ranges. The heating response isn’t just fast – it is instant! You can boil a pot of water in three minutes. And because induction cooking only heats the pot and the area directly under it, the surrounding area is safe to the touch even when in use.
Color In Unexpected Places
Many homeowners keep their kitchen looking fresh and vibrant by adding a pop of color to an accent wall or by selecting colorfully coordinated dishes, pots and pans and small appliances. Building on this trend, a pop of color in a non-traditional space such as the exterior door of a range or the interior of a refrigerator is a fun and unexpected design detail.
From cooking up culinary creations to storing fresh ingredients, appliance purchases are an investment in productivity. Don’t simply replace an appliance, select an option that is larger, faster and efficient enough to meet your needs for years to come.
