Best of Gilbert - 2017 by Times Media Group

Who’s The Best?

The votes are in. The people have spoken... It’s the 2017 Best of Gilbert!

(VALID WITH NEW MEMBERSHIPS) EXPIRES JUNE 30TH, 2017

WITH NEW MEMBERSHIPS) EXPIRES JUNE 30TH, 2017

(VALID WITH NEW MEMBERSHIPS) EXPIRES JUNE 30TH, 2017

dining & entertainment

BEST TACOS

FIRST PLACE

Backyard Taco

1420 S. Higley Road • 480-247-2775 or backyardtaco.com

Backyard Taco got its name because owners Ruben and Maricela Alvarez, originally from Mazatlán, started out by making tacos al carbon over grills in friends’ yards.

As word spread, complete strangers started to show up at these gatherings.

The signature mesquite-grilled steak and chicken also make excellent stufﬁngs for the crazy potato, quesadillas, gorditas, tostados and burritos. Families can order by the pound, which comes with 16 tortillas and salsa for $25.

Whatever you try, you’ll want to order an authentic Mexican Coke or horchata to go with it – and save a little room for the ﬂan.

SECOND PLACE

Joyride Taco

House East

302 N. Gilbert Road

480-632-8226

joyridetacohouse.com

Dining & Entertainment ...............................4-18

Business/Services ........................................19-23

Health/Beauty/Wellness .......................24-25

Medical/Care.................................................26-31

Education ........................................................32-39

The Best of Gilbert is published yearly and distributed free of charge to homes and in singlecopy locations throughout the City of Gilbert.

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Ryan Brown 480-898-6482

rbrown@timespublications.com

Terry Davenport 480-898-6323

tdavenport@timespublications.com

TJ Higgins 480-898-5902

tjhiggins@timespublications.com

Lou Lagrave 480-898-5625 lou@timespublications.com

Laura Meehan 480-898-7904

lmeehan@timespublications.com

Jane Meyer 480-898-5633

jane@timespublications.com

Zac Reynolds 480-898-5603 zac@timespublications.com

Woody Rogers 480-898-5622 wrogers@timespublications.com

Christine Ross 480-898-5649 cross@timespublications.com

THIRD PLACE SoCal Fish Taco Company

219 N. Gilbert Road 480-807-6225 socalﬁshtacos.com

TIMES MEDIA GROUP: 1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway, Suite 219, Tempe, Arizona, 85282

Main number: 480-898-6500

Advertising: 480-898-5624

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PUBLISHER

Steve T. Strickbine

MANAGING EDITOR: Ralph Zubiate

DESIGNERS: Christy Byerly, Veronica Thurman

ADVERTISING DESIGN:

Jay Banbury, Christy Byerly, Ruth Carlton, Tonya Mildenberg, Michael Schieffer

Gordon Wood 480-898-5604 gordon@timespublications.com

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR: Courtney Oldham

REPORTER: Mike Butler

CIRCULATION DIRECTOR: Aaron Kolodny

ADVERTISING CONTENT

The content and claims of any advertisement are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Best of Gilbert assumes no responsibility for the claims or content of any advertisement.

FIRST PLACE

Joe’s Real Barbecue

301 N. Gilbert Road • 480-503-3805 or joesrealbbq.com

JFIRST PLACE

Zinburger

oe’s Real Barbecue has been keeping it real since 1998, serving up the best pecan wood-smoked brisket, ribs, chicken and spicy hot links you’ll ﬁnd anywhere.

At a lot of barbecue joints, the meats are the stars and the sides are an afterthought. Not here. Families adore the homemade applesauce, mac and cheese, cornbread and gigantic baked potatoes.

Kids and parents also love the delicious homemade root beer and enjoying their meals out back in the picnic park. The interior of the 1929 brick building pays homage to Gilbert’s agricultural roots with a larger-than-life mural and a restored vintage John Deere tractor.

SECOND PLACE

Famous Dave’s

2206 E. Williams Field Road 480-722-2781 famousdaves.com

THIRD PLACE Ryno’s BBQ 2795 S. Market St. 480-988-0724

344 N. Gilbert Road • 480-387-5000 or zinburgeraz.com

inburger’s sleek, upbeat atmosphere has a way of making you feel like a kid again, especially when you’re enjoying a perfectly cooked gourmet burger and washing it down with a decadent milkshake.

You’ll be jolted back to the hipster present, however, as soon as you nibble one of those delectable trufﬂe fries. More in the mood for an adult beverage? This Fox Restaurant Concepts venue is famous for its lineup of moderately priced wines.

SECOND PLACE

Joe’s Farm Grill 3000 E. Ray Road 480-563-4745 joesfarmgrill.com

THIRD PLACE

In-N-Out Burger 2449 S. Market St. 800-786-1000 in-n-out.com explore

Happy hour – Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. – is a perfect time to explore those wines and order the signature Zinburger, topped with Manchego cheese and Zinfandel-braised onions.

FIRST PLACE

Buffalo Wild Wings

970 S. Gilbert Road • 480-632-9464

Sports fans and families who like variety and options when it comes to their wings love Buffalo Wild Wings.

After deciding on bone-in or boneless, you can choose among ﬁve dry rub seasoning blends and no fewer than 16 sauces, ranging from mild to wild.

Desert Heat is the hottest of the seasonings. Blazin is the hottest of the sauces, made with the notorious ghost pepper, which often sends the heat meter needle over 1 million units. The habanero, by comparison, weighs in at a wimpy 100,000-350,000.

The margaritas are flowing, the flying saucers are flying and the good times are rolling again at Rancho de Tia Rosa, which reopened under new ownership last summer.

The ﬂying saucer, as patrons know, is a beloved entree: beef, pork or chicken served on a crisp, 8-inch ﬂour tortilla and topped with lettuce, cheese and salsa fresca, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. Other favorites include the Tia Rosa burro and the Mexico City-style carne asada, which can be ordered with lettuce wraps.

Let your taste buds roam to Asia, the Caribbean, the South or back to Buffalo, New York. It’s all good.

SECOND PLACE

Native Grill and Wings

4341 E. Baseline Road

480-256-0654

THIRD PLACE

Teakwoods Tavern & Grill 151 E. Williams Field Road 480-899-8325

Nibblers and sharers go for the small cantina tacos, the mini chimis and the nachos.

SECOND PLACE

Nando’s Mexican Cafe 3519 E. Baseline Road 480-633-1313 nandosmexicancafe.com

THIRD PLACE

Backyard Taco 1420 S. Higley Road 480-247-2775 backyardtaco.com

3641 E. Baseline Road, Suite Q-102 • 480-219-8330 or thaichili.us

Gilbert workers and residents have a lot of choices when it comes to Asian food, but for those times when only Thai will do, they head straight for Thai Chili.

The pad thai is everyone’s favorite, but all the curries are excellent, too. Most options are gluten-free and cooked with non-GMO rice bran oil. Thai Chili has become so popular that it has branched out with several strategically located Thai Chili 2 Go shops around the East Valley.

The full-service restaurant remains a special occasion, where patrons enjoy a nice selection of wines and beers to accompany their noodle and rice dishes, which can be ordered on a 1-to-5 spiciness scale.

SECOND PLACE

Dragon Wok Fine Chinese Restaurant

727 W Ray Road, Suite B1 480-782-6889 dragonwok.biz

THIRD PLACE

J&K Chinese Gourmet

2540 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 106 480-821-8484 jkchinesegourmet.com

610 N. Gilbert Road • 480-926-9077 or ﬂancers.com

Folks flock to Flancer’s for sandwiches they’ll find nowhere else. When’s the last time you had a fresh-baked baguette stuffed with filet mignon, Gorgonzola, chipotle mayonnaise and caramelized onions, for example?

Now in its 17th year, Flancer’s is still all about taste, but patrons also know that CIA grad Jeff Flancer is looking out for their well-being. He strives to keep calorie and sodium levels down, and all sandwiches can be ordered with gluten-free bread, a whole-wheat wrap, a homemade tortilla or a lettuce wrap.

Regulars willing to throw caution to the wind, however, always save room for homemade cobbler or ﬁnish with the charity dessert special.

E. Baseline Road, Suite J-140 480-794-1116 nytdeli.com

FIRST PLACE

Sal’s Gilbert Pizza

1150 S. Gilbert Road • 480-633-2226 or gilbertpizzaaz.com

Sal’s Gilbert Pizza isn’t entirely about the pizza. As regulars know, they’re in for a treat when they stray over to the Bolognese, Alfredo and vodka sauces, tossed with angel hair, fettuccine, penne and other favorites. They’re as authentic as you can get.

Born in Sicily, Sal Cuffaro and his wife, Grace, emigrated to New York in 1984 to work in his brother’s pizzeria. A vacation to Arizona in 2000 sealed the family’s future. The Cuffaros continue to craft Old World family recipes with the freshest of ingredients.

FIRST PLACE

Blue 32

1524 E. Williams Field Road • 480-963-0032

6348 S. Higley Road • 480-248-7002 or blue32sportsgrill.com

Alot of sports bars fumble when it comes to the menu. Locally owned Blue 32 is a winner because it prides itself on quality preparation and using only the ﬁnest, freshest ingredients.

Burgers are ground fresh and steaks are cut in-house daily. Sandwiches and salads are topped with house-made dressings and sauces.

The restaurant in Gilbert Town Square recently acquired an adjacent suite and will soon feature a full bar and an expanded kitchen.

Menus at the two Gilbert locations can differ slightly, but both feature the signature Black and Blue 32 Burger and the Hot Texas Burger. Douse the ﬂames with your favorite regional or national draft beer.

SECOND PLACE

Oregano’s Pizza Bistro

328 N. Gilbert Road 480-882-9336 oreganos.com

THIRD PLACE

Zappone’s Italian Bistro 1652 N. Higley Road, Suite 103 480-218-2338 zapponesbistro.com

Families take advantage of the discounted drinks and appetizers during happy hour, weekdays from 3 to 7 p.m.

SECOND PLACE

Zipps Sports Grill 211 E. Warner Road 480-539-1600 zippssportsgrills.com

THIRD PLACE

Buffalo Wild Wings 970 S. Gilbert Road 480-632-9464 buffalowildwings.com

BEST BARTENDER/SERVER

PLACE

New customers of Not Your Typical Deli, which opened last summer, usually drop in because they want to support the cafe’s mission of employing young people with autism.

They come back because they can’t resist the awesome sandwiches and the friendly smile of Cordell Sherwood and his co-workers.

When Sherwood was in high school, he had little hope of ﬁnding a job because of his autism and anxiety.

All that changed when the owners of the deli brought him on as a server.

“Having a job at Not Your Typical Deli means I can put myself out there now, to where I am somebody that deserves something in life,” he said.

SECOND PLACE

Tiffany Fowler, Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. 721 N.

THIRD PLACE

Michael Silverton, Coffee Rush 1555 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 107

480-507-0930

53 N. Val Vista Drive, Suite 100 480-545-1045

Cordell Sherwood, Not Your Typical Deli

FIRST PLACE

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Restaurant

323 N. Gilbert Road • 480-476-8595 or dierkswhiskeyrow.com

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row Restaurant got its ﬁrst clue it was onto something special in downtown Gilbert when it had its soft opening on a Tuesday.

SECOND PLACE

Not Your Typical Deli

3821 E. Baseline Road, Suite J-140 480-794-1116 nytdeli.com

On a typically slow day in the restaurant business, the cavernous place was packed by 1 p.m. and had a one-hour waiting list. After less than three months, the countrythemed restaurant is a huge hit and a lead player in the band of food-entertainment destinations that make the Heritage District unique.

Like the Tempe and Scottsdale Whiskey Rows, the Gilbert venue attracts its share of Millennials, but partner Riot Hospitality Group wisely tuned into the town’s familyfriendly vibe with a yummy kid’s menu and entertaining fun and games.

THIRD PLACE

Backyard Taco

1420 S. Higley Road 480-247-2775 backyardtaco.com

FIRST PLACE The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

2240 E. Williams Field Road • 480-821-1500 or kegsteakhouse.com

If you’re the sort who avoids chain restaurants just because they’re chain restaurants, you’re cheating yourself when it comes to the Keg Steakhouse + Bar.

The Keg combines a classy but comfortable atmosphere, impeccably cooked steaks and prime rib and consistently outstanding service for a winning recipe. Start with a classic Caesar or iceberg wedge salad, then tuck into your favorite cut. The Keg is also a surf-and-turfer’s paradise, offering a sirloin Oscar with shrimp and scallops and a ﬁlet with Cajun shrimp in addition to the traditional steak and crab and steak and lobster.

Texas Roadhouse

3961 S. Gilbert Road 480-726-7427

THIRD PLACE

JC’s Steakhouse

25 E. Ray Road

480-306-4545

jcssteakhouse.com

FIRST PLACE

Blue Wasabi Sushi & Martini Bar

2080 E. Williams Field Road • 480-722-9250 or bluewasabisushi.com

Blue Wasabi is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Sushi chefs and mixologists work alongside each other to create edible and drinkable works of art. The decor dazzles with its minimalist design and light wall.

Launched in 2004, Blue Wasabi also endears with its whimsical roll names. There’s the Marilyn Monroll, which wraps tuna, avocado and cucumber in pink soy paper. The macho Chuck Norris features spicy salmon, panko-crusted shrimp and togarashi. If love is in the air, order the Berry White, a smooth martini made with Smirnoff blueberry vodka and white cranberry juice.

SECOND PLACE

Kona Grill 2224 E. Williams Field Road 480-289-4500

THIRD PLACE

Temari Fine Japanese Cuisine 919 N. Val Vista Drive 480-539-0159

FIRST

PLACE

Sal’s Gilbert Pizza

1150 S. Gilbert Road • 480-633-2226 or gilbertpizzaaz.com

When “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” visited Sal’s Gilbert Pizza a few years ago, a guest said, “It’s a slice of New York in the middle of the desert.” That was Sal Cuffaro’s simple business plan 11 years ago, and it always will be whether the cameras are on or off.

Sal built his loyal following because of the ingenious way he combines marvelously foldable pizza with pastas such as spaghetti and meatballs, ziti and lasagna.

Busy workers stream through for a wide slice at lunch, and at dinner, families take home boxes of extra garlic knots and pizza slices to savor the next day.

SECOND PLACE

Casanova Brothers Pizza and Pasta 959 N. Val Vista Drive 480-539-6200 casanovabrospizza.com

THIRD PLACE

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria-Gilbert 2168 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 502 480-814-7722 grimaldispizzeria.com

FIRST

PLACE Postino East

302 N. Gilbert Road • 480-632-6363 or postinowinecafe.com

Housed in the distinctive Grainbelt building in the heart of downtown, vibrant Postino East is the first place people think of when their thoughts turn to happy hour.

If you can make it in before 5 p.m., seven days a week, wines by the glass and pitchers of beer are just $5. Night owls drop in after 8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, when they can order a house bottle of wine and bruschetta for $20. The $15 bruschetta allows revelers to choose four of 12 toppings, including Brie and apples with fig spread, smoked salmon with pesto and almond hummus with chopped tomato.

SECOND PLACE

Blue 32 Sports Grill

1524 E. Williams Field Road 480-963-0032

6348 S. Higley Road 480-248-7002 blue32sportsgrill.com

THIRD PLACE

Kona Grill

2224 E. Williams Field Road 480-289-4500

BEST BREAKFAST SPOT

FIRST PLACE

Henhouse Cafe

3244 E. Guadalupe Road • 480-219-7379

3133 S. Lindsay Road • 480-899-4214 or henhouse-cafe.com

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Chances are, after enjoying one of the Henhouse Cafe’s delicious and generously portioned breakfast entrees, it will be the only meal of the day you need.

The Mom’s Homemade Pancakes are so huge, they come with a warning on the menu: “May Cause Drowsiness.”

In addition to the creative menu items, Gilbert residents appreciate how owners Mo and Brett Grebe use only the freshest ingredients from local growers and how the couple gives back to the community.

SECOND PLACE

Snooze: an A.M. Eatery

310 N. Gilbert Road

480-664-4488

snoozeeatery.com

THIRD PLACE

The Farmhouse 228 N. Gilbert Road 480-926-0676 farmhouseofgilbert.com

Kobar’s Auto Service

Family

Not

“Having

technicians is key, especially in auto repair. Being honest, courteous and truthful with our customers is what keeps bringing them back,” Gene said.

FIRST PLACE

Bergies Coffee Roast House

309 N. Gilbert Road • 480-497-3913 or bergiescoffee.com

Time seems to stop – or at least slow down a little – in the bustling Heritage District, especially at Bergies Coffee Roast House, located in a charming 1919 cottage that is accompanied by an equally charming garden.

Brothers Brian and Bruce Bergeson, who opened the shop in 2009, are more interested in roasting and brewing coffee beans to perfection than they are about creating works of latte art, and that philosophy has built them a loyal following. Regulars also know they can grab a premium Bergies coffee at the Saturday morning Gilbert Farmers Market, then come back to the shop in the evening to enjoy the talents of local musicians.

SECOND PLACE

Coffee Rush 1555 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 107 480-507-0930

53 N. Val Vista Drive, Suite 100 480-545-1045 coffeerushcafe.com

THIRD PLACE

The Coffee Shop 3000 E. Ray Road 480-279-3144 thecoffeeshopaz.com

FIRST PLACE

Hale Centre Theatre

50 W. Page Ave. • 480-497-1181 or haletheatrearizona.com

David Dietlein’s brand of exuberant, family-oriented theater has made the Hale Centre Theatre a runaway hit with Gilbert and East Valley patrons since 2003.

“We like to program seasons that are fun and not heavy,” he said. “We like to entertain so patrons can leave their worries at the front door.”

In that vein, the intimate, 110-seat theater is currently staging the Elton John-Tim Rice adaptation of “Aida,” followed by another Disney crowd-pleaser, “The Little Mermaid.” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” kicks off the 2017-2018 season in August.

“We attract old and young,” said Dietlein. “We do quality work and have great actors.”

SECOND PLACE

Higley Center for the Performing Arts 4132 E. Pecos Road 480-279-7190 higleycenter.org

THIRD PLACE

Tuscany Theatre

861 N. Higley Road, Suite 105 480-907-7050 tuscanytheatre.com

FIRST PLACE

Rise Up Bakery

861 N. Higley Road, Suite 109 • 480-264-3026 or riseupbread.com

Few things beat the aroma of freshly baked bread, except maybe the taste of freshly baked bread at Rise Up Bakery in Gilbert’s Tuscany Village.

Open since 2014, Rise Up bakes its core breads from scratch every morning. Choose from classics such as the whole wheat and honey, five-seed and black Russian rye – or stir the senses with jalapeño cheddar swirl.

Other breads cross the border into dessert territory.

Chocolate babka anyone? A lot of regulars take the apple cinnamon swirl home to make French toast.

When you feel like a reward, splurge on the overachiever cookie or the Mississippi mud bar.

SECOND PLACE

Frost Gelato 2150 E. Williams Field Road 480-899-2160 frostgelato.com/phoenix.html

THIRD PLACE

Nothing Bundt Cakes 2285 E. Baseline Road, Suite 103 480-892-1667 nothingbundtcakes.com/ bakery/az/gilbert

FIRST PLACE

Gilbert Days

November is circled in red on many East Valley families’ calendars for Gilbert Days as much as Thanksgiving. Going on its 39th year, Gilbert Days celebrates the town’s old-time western roots, when horses and ranches were more the norm than cars and malls.

They’ll be ropin’ and ridin’ at the always exciting Gilbert Days Rodeo, presented by the Gilbert Promotional Corporation and scheduled for Nov. 10-12 at Welcome Home Ranch, near Hunt Highway and Val Vista Drive.

The colorful Gilbert Days Parade will begin its journey through the Heritage District beginning at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 18.

SECOND PLACE

Friends for Life Animal

Rescue’s BARKtoberfest

Gilbert Civic Center, 50 E. Civic Center Drove

This year: Oct. 14 480-497-8296 azfriends.org

THIRD PLACE

Concerts in the Park Freestone Park Amphitheater

FIRST PLACE

Seville Golf & Country Club

6683 S. Clubhouse Drive • 480-722-8100 or clubcorp.com/Clubs/Seville-Golf-Country-Club

The impeccably maintained, Gary Panks-designed Seville Golf & Country Club is fun for every level of golfer, whether you’re playing a casual nine or a competitive 18 with a bet on the side.

The course plays from 5,350 to 7,015 yards and is known for its easy-to-hit fairways. Approaches to the well-protected greens, however, require more precision or scores will soar. There are a variety of risk-reward holes and fun par-3s, including the signature 17th, with its island green.

Members like that there are no greens fees, no food and drink minimums and no assessments at Seville, a non-equity club. Beneﬁts also extend to many other ClubCorp properties and afﬁliates.

SECOND PLACE

Western Skies Golf Club

1245 E. Warner Road 480-545-8542 westernskiesgolf.com

THIRD PLACE

Trilogy Golf Club at Power Ranch 4415 E. Village Parkway 480-988-0004

bluestargolf.com

BEST PLACE TO BRING KIDS

hen the kids are bored, and when Mom and Dad are frazzled, that’s when you hear “Fat Cats!” echoing around Gilbert neighborhoods.

Fat Cats offers 20 lanes of bowling, each with its own little dining area, so you can have pizzas and paninis delivered right to your lane. There’s also an arcade and a nine-hole, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course. The movie theater is a great way to cool off and kick back.

Marketing coordinator Trevor Cannon said Fat Cats is perfect for everything from kid birthday parties to corporate outings.

“We can make any age range happy,” Cannon said.

SECOND PLACE

The Riparian Reserve at Water Ranch

2757 E. Guadalupe Road

480-503-6200

gilbertaz.gov

THIRD PLACE

Freestone Recreation Center 1141 E. Guadalupe Road 480-503-6202

gilbertaz.gov

FIRST PLACE

Gilbert Art Walk

45 W. Page Ave. • Water Tower Plaza or gilbertartwalk.com

ilbert Art Walk started in 2011 as an evening event and coordinated with the Saturday morning Gilbert Farmers Market in 2012. Now, both events seem to get better every year.

Downtown visitors love browsing art in a wide variety of mediums: painting, sculpture, collage, three-dimensional art, calligraphy, photography, printmaking, jewelry and woodworking. Artists qualify for the shows through a jury selection process.

The season runs October through March on ﬁrst and third Saturdays, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. November and December have three shows. The pet-friendly events also include live music.

SECOND PLACE

Art Intersection

207 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 201 480-361-1118 artintersection.com

THIRD PLACE

Gilbert Visual Art League gval.org

FIRST PLACE Gilbert Public Schools

140 S. Gilbert Road • 480-497-3300 or gilbertschools.net

All the emphasis seems to be on science and math these days, but Gilbert Public Schools maintains a strong commitment to the ﬁne arts.

Art education is offered at all grade levels, K-12, and includes traditional and digital photography, ceramics and clay, painting and drawing classes, and 3-D art (jewelry and sculpture). New Media studies involve web design, digital painting and ﬁlmmaking.

The district holds an annual secondary art show, which is by judged by local artists and industry professionals, and students are encouraged to promote their work at Gilbert Art Walk and other venues.

SECOND PLACE

The Art House

36 N. Gilbert Road 480-818-5831 arthousegilbert.com

THIRD PLACE

Art Intersection

207 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 201 480-361-1118 artintersection.com

BEST GALLERY OR MUSEUM

FIRST PLACE

Gilbert Historical Museum

10 S. Gilbert Road • 480-926-1577

Downtown Gilbert has quite a few charming old buildings. But only one is on the National Register of Historic Places – the Gilbert Historical Museum, housed in the original 1913 Gilbert Elementary School.

That’s only ﬁtting for an organization that is the keeper of the keys to thousands of photographs, oral histories and archives that chronicle the town’s rich history. Revolving exhibits connect the dots to the past, present and future.

As many Gilbert inﬂuencers know, the museum, along with its lovely courtyard, has also become a chic rental venue for business gatherings, wedding receptions and other special events.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Art Intersection

207 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 201 480-361-1118 artintersection.com

Sun Dust Gallery

207 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 102 480-464-6077

sundustart.com

Charity Huston with Classy Closets

4320 W. Chandler Blvd. • 480-718-5665 or classyclosets.com/gilbert.php

Charity Huston has been serving Gilbert and Queen Creek as a designer for Classy Closets for the past 12 years, and most of her business now comes from repeats and referrals.

Clients are homebuilders, couples building new custom homes and couples remodeling. In addition to supercharging bedroom closets, Huston said there’s a lot of demand for storage solutions in bathrooms, garages and home ofﬁces.

For kitchens, Classy Closets can do re-facing, complete remodels and new builds. Cabinet components are made in the Chandler showroom/factory and ﬁnished on site.

“A lot of people don’t know we do a lot more than closets,” she said.

SECOND PLACE

Poolwerx-Gilbert

3126 S. Higley Road, Suite 106 480-527-0764

911 S. Lindsay Road, Suite 104 480-447-7627

139 S. Higley Road, Suite 102 480-300-8581

poolwerx.com/ﬁnd-your-poolwerx

THIRD PLACE

Ellsworth Home Services

480-593-2265 ellsworthhomeservices.com

2218 E. Williams Field Road • 480-282-9500 or shopsantanvillage.com

anTan Village has been winning this category handily for several years now – and for good reason.

Anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s and the Harkins Theatres San Village 16, the 1 million-square-foot regional lifestyle center offers a special blend of shopping and dining. Whether you want sushi, Skechers or sunglasses, SanTan Village has you covered. Savvy parents of toddlers head over to the Splash Pad on hot summer days, in the children’s play area between Build-a-Bear and Gymboree. Savvy shoppers check the mall’s website weekly for special events and sales.

SECOND PLACE

S. Gilbert Road, Suite 103 480-786-8835 cadencerunningcompany.com

BEST HOME FURNISHINGS

FIRST PLACE

American

4700 S. Power Road •

When American Furniture warehouse opened its ﬁrst Arizona store in Gilbert in 2013, East Valley residents were ready for a new kind of furniture shopping experience.

With more than 630,000 square feet of showroom and storage space, the warehouse-style store offers a vast selection of home furnishings for every room in the house at everyday low prices. The store keeps a low-pressure sales environment and avoids having constant – and confusing – sales.

FIRST PLACE

AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR SERVICE

Since 2009, Frank Rye and his team at Gilbert Air have been striving to give East Valley homeowners top-quality service and installation with fair and honest pricing.

“Our customer service is untouchable,” said Rye, a Gilbert resident.

AFW quickly followed with a store in Glendale, and CEO Jake Jabs told “Furniture Today” that both stores have been “home runs.”

SECOND PLACE

Living Spaces-Gilbert

2300 SanTan Village Parkway 877-266-7300 livingspaces.com

THIRD PLACE

Potato Barn Outlet 596 E. Germann Road, Suite 102 480-821-5200 potato-barn.com

Gilbert Air offers three maintenance packages that include an annual checkup and significant discounts when repairs or a new system installation is required. When your old unit does give up the ghost, the firm can fit you with a new Trane, Lennox, Carrier or Goodman.

SECOND PLACE

Collins Comfort Masters

480-655-7575 collinscomfort.com

THIRD PLACE

Arizona’s Dukes of Air, LLC 480-773-6565 thedukesofair.com

FIRST PLACE

Cross Winds Animal Clinic

67 S. Higley Road, Suite 108 • 480-497-6617 or crosswindsclinic.com

Even though he’s ofﬁce co-manager of Cross Winds Animal Clinic, Jim French is more focused on care than business.

He started out with owner Dr. Sheryl Roach 16 years ago as a certified veterinary technician and said there are no bar charts or financial goals plastered on the walls in the back of the clinic. “We still run a very hometown practice,” he said. French said Cross Winds clients are very understanding of other owners’ emergency needs on some days and are happy to reschedule or wait a little longer. “There’s a lot of things you can’t plan on,” French said. “You just have to go with the flow.”

SECOND PLACE

Val Vista Animal Hospital

747 N. Val Vista Drive

480-539-7999

valvistaanimalhospital.com

THIRD PLACE

Seville Veterinary Hospital

6348 S. Higley Road, Suite 109 480-279-2831 sevillevet.com

VETERINARIAN

67 S. Higley Road, Suite 108

r. John Martin worked at Cross Winds Animal Clinic for eight years as a technician before going to Colorado State University to study veterinary medicine. He rejoined the venerable Gilbert practice as a doctor in 2015.

“I really enjoy the medical aspect, the problem solving,” he said.

Martin is known for often getting down on the ﬂoor to make his patients more comfortable. He said the key to successfully diagnosing and healing dogs and cats is to carefully listen to their owners.

“I only get this snapshot of time,” he explained. “They know when something is wrong. They’re smart about their animals.”

SECOND PLACE

Dr. Sarah Little, Val Vista Animal Hospital

747 N. Val Vista Drive

480-539-7999

valvistaanimalhospital.com

THIRD PLACE

Dr. Jill Bronz, Seville Veterinary Hospital 6348 S. Higley Road, Suite 109 480-279-2831 sevillevet.com

Bros Coffee

ilbert coffee ﬁends line up every morning for the great brews at Dutch Bros, and it’s the quick and friendly service that keeps them coming back.

FIRST PLACE

American Orchards

765 N. Lindsay Road • 480-887-0599 or americanorchardsaz.com

merican Orchard’s commitment to person-centered care started while it was still on the drawing board.

Brothers Dane and Travis Boersma realized early on, when they founded the chain in 1992, that they were in the relationship business. From the get-go, they emphasized speed, quality and service.

When the drive-through backs up, employees fan out and take orders so that customers can pick up their premium coffees that much sooner. Many Dutch Maﬁa – as loyal customers like to call themselves – also park, walk up and take a more contemplative approach to the day.

AThe community is made up of small, home-like sections. Resident suites are located on a single level around, or very close to, common living and dining areas – no stairwells or elevators or maze of long hallways.

Diamonds

SECOND PLACE

Wilkins Learning Center

730 S. Cooper Road 480-813-2796 wilikinslearningcenter.com

Assisted living options range from private suites with kitchenettes and porch access to semi-private rooms with courtyard views, and residents have access to enriching ﬁtness activities, social gatherings and art and music therapies. A licensed nurse is on-site around the clock, and a full memory care program is also provided. FIRST PLACE Discount Tire

THIRD PLACE

Casanova Brothers Pizza 929 N. Val Vista Drive, Suite 101 480-539-6200 casanovabrospizza.com

BEST AUTO REPAIR

SECOND PLACE

Generations at Agritopia

2811 E. Agritopia Loop S. 480-485-2000 generationsseniorliving.com

THIRD PLACE

Sunrise of Gilbert

580 S. Gilbert Road 520-433-4723 sunriseseniorliving.com

HOME BUILDER

1546 E. Ray Road • 480-899-0024 2 other Gilbert locations discounttire.com

B

uying new tires isn’t exactly fun, but Gilbert motorists burn rubber to Discount Tire when they need them because they know they’re going to get great prices and service.

Appointments can be made and tires selected online, using Discount Tire’s easy “good, better, best” system. You can come back anytime for air top-offs and free lifetime rotations.

Owner Bruce T. Halle started the business in 1960 with a shop in Michigan and an inventory of six tires. He moved the operation to Arizona in 1970 to spur a national expansion, and he now has more than 900 stores in 29 states.

SECOND PLACE

Big O Tires

2 Gilbert locations bigotires.com

THIRD PLACE

Sun Devil Auto 2 Gilbert locations sundevilauto.com

Fulton Homes loves Gilbert, and Gilbert new-home buyers love them back.

Over the years, thousands of Gilbert families have invested in Fulton neighborhoods, knowing that they’re getting superior energy efﬁciency, granite countertops, maple cabinets, 2-inch blinds, and 18-inch ceramic tiles that are pricey upgrades with other builders.

Fulton is proceeding full steam ahead with its massive Cooley Station project at Williams Field and Recker roads. The master-planned community offers ﬁve distinctive subneighborhoods ranging from the $270s to the $440s.

The desirable Warner Groves at Morrison Ranch, at Warner and Higley roads, has ﬂoorplans ranging from 1,600 to more than 3,000 square feet and starts in the $340s.

SECOND PLACE

Epicure Custom Homes

480-988-1980 epicurehomes.com

THIRD PLACE

Taylor Morrison 480-344-7000 taylormorrison.com

FIRST PLACE

Walt’s Jewelers

143 E. Germann Road, Suite 111 • 480-899-9199 or waltsjewelers.com

In a business where trust and integrity are paramount, Walt’s Jewelers has become the benchmark.

Javier Odom and his wife, Stephanie, are carrying on the tradition of making beautiful jewelry and providing great service started by his grandfather in 1956.

The original store was called Walt’s Jewel Box, located in the small mining town of Mammoth. Walt Odom’s son Samuel and his wife moved the store to Chandler in 1984, then to Gilbert in 2007.

“We have really good relationships with our clients,” Javier Odom said. “They’re not just coming in and walking out with something. You have to have a lot of trust in your jeweler.”

SECOND PLACE

Barnes Fine Jewelers

891 N. Val Vista Drive, Suite 103 480-545-8585 barnesﬁnejewelers.com

THIRD PLACE

Jared Jewelry Boutique

2200 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 101 480-899-8745 jared.com

FIRST PLACE

The Jason Crittenden Team, Realty One Group 602-432-5367 or theagentthatcares.com

Jason Crittenden is a multimillion-dollar producer and top-ranked agent. But, more importantly, he and other members of his team are East Valley experts.

Crittenden said he puts people before proﬁts.

“Caring for my clients and relationships are what matter to me,” he said.

Crittenden and Ryan Dobmeier, the ﬁrm’s buyer’s agent, are certiﬁed residential military specialists, helping veterans navigate the home-buying process.

Julie Sommerfeld, a former teacher, has been in real estate since 2001 and has lived in the Southeast Valley for nearly 30 years. Bitsie Fort has also been a Realtor since 2001 and is a certiﬁed residential specialist.

For listings, homes are marketed with high-quality photographs and cinematic videos.

SECOND PLACE

The Ehlen Team, Re/Max Solutions

602-320-7056 or 602-330-3379 theehlenteam.com

THIRD PLACE

Merri Krugen, MDK Real Estate

602-881-0868 mdkrealestate.com

FIRST PLACE

Little John’s Lawns

480-264-5399 or littlejohnslawns.com

John DeCausmaker brought the professionalism and integrity required of him as a ﬁreﬁghter to the landscape business when he founded Gilbert-based Little John’s Lawns in 2012.

Clients love Little John’s courteous and friendly crews and that extends to the ofﬁce staff, who answer calls and respond to emails with lightning-fast efﬁciency. Little John’s focuses primarily on Gilbert and Chandler to provide the best service.

The ﬁrm offers mowing, lawn fertilization and weed control, landscape maintenance, sprinkler repair and yard cleanup.

DeCausmaker and his wife, Nikki, have lived in Gilbert for 20 years. He coaches his son’s ﬂag and tackle football teams. She is active in the business and is also a local dance instructor. SECOND

HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLNESS

FIRST PLACE

Artistic Motion Dance

3341 E. Queen Creek Road, Suite 104 • 480-284-7300 or artisticmotiondanceaz.com

Whether your kids just want to have some fun or they dream of becoming professional dancers, Artistic Motion Dance will help them succeed.

Open to dancers ages 2 to 18, the studio offers classes in ballet, jazz, contemporary/lyrical, tumbling and theater dance. There’s also an innovative boysonly hip-hop program: NGA (No Girls Allowed) Academy is designed for future Ushers ages 4 to 7, while NGA Crew is for those 8 to 12.

Owner and artistic director Mandi Lutz emphasizes learning proper technique and discipline and is actively involved in teaching daily classes. She also oversees AMD’s competitive Company and STARS Performing Groups.

SECOND PLACE

Balleto’s Dance Company

(at Leap of Faith Dance Studio) 690 E. Warner Road 480-507-0777 leapoffaithdanceaz.com

THIRD PLACE

Dance Republic

125 S. Higley Road, Suite 103 480-633-7181 wearedr.com

n k you for votin g us

FIRST PLACE

Touch of Tranquility Massage

2730 S. Val Vista Drive, Building 1, Suite 1 • 480-240-2952 or touchoftranquilitymassageaz.com

When Kathleen Weese graduated as a massage therapist in 2005, she didn’t do much with it because of a busy family life. She ran into one of her teachers a few months later, who said it was a shame to let her talent go to waste.

She got to work at a popular spa and within one month was booked three months in advance. She opened Touch of Tranquility Massage to give clients the atmosphere and attention she felt they deserved. Weese personally trains her team of therapists no matter how many years of experience they have.

“I believe massages can be therapeutic and still be relaxing,” she said. “I love helping people have a better quality of life.”

SECOND PLACE

QC Reﬂexology 4331 E. Baseline Road 480-854-4462 qcreﬂex.com

THIRD PLACE

Willow Massage + Spa 1614 N. Higley Road, Suite 104 480-696-3132 willowmassageaz.com

FIRST PLACE

Renee Salon Prive

1401 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 101, Room 29 • 480-560-8064

Renee Lalli works by appointment only – no walk-ins – works only Wednesday through Saturday and only does haircuts and color treatments. But this independent contractor is booked out three months in advance and some of her old customers from north Scottsdale still visit her in Gilbert.

“I do what my clients ask, but I’m also honest with them,” she said. “I knew when I was 12 I was going to do this.”

SECOND PLACE

Savante Salon

1040 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 105

480-503-4247

savantesalon.com

THIRD PLACE

Erin Romley

Studio E Hair

6683 S. Clubhouse Drive

Seville Golf & Country Club

602-694-4285

studioehair.com

FIRST PLACE

Elite

Nails Gilbert

29 N. Val Vista Drive, Suite 103 • 480-507-6900 or elitenailsgilbert.com

When those ﬁngers and toes need pampering, it’s time for Elite Nails.

Elite Nails offers a classic manicure for $15. The classic pedicure is $25, and includes a hot stones treatment. If you’re pressed for time, there’s an $18 express pedicure option.

FIRST PLACE

Desert Fitness

740 S. Cooper Road • 480-422-7358

When you’re feeling indulgent, the Luxury pedicure package, $35, starts out with a soak in warm mint water and includes callus removal and a more intense sugar exfoliation.

You can also go full day spa at Elite Nails. The salon offers a luxurious champagne and rose and green tea and mint massage, along with a variety of waxing services.

SECOND PLACE

Greenﬁeld Nails & Spa

888 S. Greenﬁeld Road, Suite 104 480-545-2711 greenﬁeldnailsandspa.com

4658 S. Higley Road • 480-422-7320 or desertﬁtnessaz.com

With locations in north and south Gilbert, state-of-the-art equipment, ﬂexible hours and all kinds of group classes, Desert Fitness has your workout covered.

Looking for an intense workout? Sign up for Body Pump, Body Contact or RPM, a different spin on the group cycling experience. Join the party at Zumba, or enjoy traditional yoga or Pilates. Silver Sneakers is designed to increase muscle strength and range of movement for seniors.

In addition to a vast assortment of cardio machines, the Desert Fitness workout ﬂoor carries a full range of circuit training equipment and plate-loaded and free weights.

Members have access to Desert Kids childcare, tanning services and personal training.

THIRD PLACE

Kelly’s Nails & Spa

1395 E. Warner Road 480-558-7082 kellyspas.com

SECOND PLACE

Lifetime Fitness

381 E. Warner Road 480-892-5020 lifetimeﬁtness.com

THIRD PLACE

Potential Realized Training

6348 S. Higley Road, Suite 103 480-284-4849 potentialrealizedtraining.com

Beautiful and welcoming family ﬁtness center offering group classes for both children and adults in Yoga, Barre, POP Pilates, Mat Pilates, LIFT and Boxing. Over 30 classes to choose from each week! Also offering unique and fun parties for both children and adults and special monthly events like “Mom’s Yoga and Wine Night”, Canvas Painting Parties and much, much more.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Dr. Kathy Jacobsen

BEST EYE CARE

FIRST PLACE

Carlsson Family Eye Center

3592 S. Atherton Blvd., Suite 111 • 480-988-4131 or carlssoneye.com

In grade school, Chad A. Carlsson was one of those kids who struggled to see the chalkboard. He was awed by the optometrist and amazed by what a difference a new pair of glasses made in his life.

“It was back then that I started to develop a true passion for eye care and helping others see,” he said.

K1170 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 125 • 480-507-1807 or azdentistry.com

athy Jacobsen’s dedication to building long-term relationships has made her patients feel like they’re a part of the family. The longtime Gilbert dentist has many third-generation clients, and she creates a trusting atmosphere by giving each patient her cellphone number.

In addition to general and family dentistry, Jacobsen provides cosmetic dentistry, periodontics, implants and teeth whitening. She employs laser dentistry to detect and treat decay, remedy gum disease and improve soft tissue sores – all without the need for drills and stitches.

Jacobsen participates in the annual Smiles for Life campaign, which beneﬁts local and international charities. She also provides a day of free dental care for military members and their families.

SECOND PLACE

Dr. Brett Quackenbush 1534 E. Ray Road, Suite 121 480-963-8373

Dr. John A. Garza, DDS, LVIF, BSC 754 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 106 480-539-7979 johnagarzadds.com FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

BEST HOSPITAL/URGENT CARE

PLACE Mercy Gilbert Medical Center

3555 S. Val Vista Drive • 480-728-8000 or dignityhealth.org

Since opening its doors in 2006, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center has become a vital component to the town’s health and economy.

The 212-bed hospital employs well over 1,000 doctors, nurses and other staff, and the not-for-proﬁt facility relies on hundreds of volunteers. The award-winning hospital provides a full range of services: emergency, pediatric, cardiovascular, orthopedic, respiratory and gastroenterology.

Mercy Gilbert is also highly regarded for its weight loss, family birth and diabetes management centers.

The medical center is part of Dignity Health, one of the largest health-care systems in the West, with more than 40 hospitals in Arizona, California and Nevada.

SECOND PLACE

Banner Gateway Medical Center 1900 N. Higley Road 480-543-2000 bannerhealth.com

THIRD PLACE Gilbert Hospital 5656 S. Power Road 480-984-2000 gilberter.com

Carlsson, O.D., F.A.A.O., graduated with honors from the Illinois College of Optometry, then furthered his education with a residency program. After graduating, he and his wife, Anne, moved to Gilbert and opened Carlsson Family Eye Center in 2006.

SECOND PLACE

San Tan Eye Center 2680 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 111 480-807-0288 eyecare-gilbert.com

THIRD PLACE

Val Vista Vision 1780 E. Boston St., Suite 101 480-813-7050 valvistavision.com

FIRST PLACE

Robison Orthodontics

1355 S. Higley Road, Suite 105 • 480-888-7711 or robisonortho.com

Dr. Shadow Asgari, DDS, MS

Drs. Tyler and Blake Robison take orthodontic treatment seriously, but that doesn’t mean the two brothers can’t have a little fun, too.

Their ofﬁce has a very cool surf-tiki theme going on, and patients can earn beach bucks for things like arriving on time, maintaining great oral hygiene and referring friends. The practice helps children, teens and many adults seeking the modern range of “invisible” treatment options.

The Robisons graduated from Mesa’s Mountain View High School and Brigham Young University before taking separate paths on their way to becoming orthodontists. They opened their Gilbert and Mesa practices 14 years ago.

SECOND PLACE

Sonoran Smile Orthodontics-Gilbert

3336 E. Chandler Heights Road, Building 2, Suite 111 480-988-0028 sonoransmile.com

BEST AUDIOLOGIST

FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Rollins & Petersen Orthodontics 1400 N. Gilbert Road, Suite J 480-497-0509 gilbertbraces.com

Dr. Tina Jessee, Good Sound Audiology

201 W. Guadalupe Road, Suite 315 • 480-497-0780 or goodsoundaudiology.com

According to Dr. Tina Jessee, owner of Good Sound Audiology, 90 percent of all hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear, or to the nerve pathway from the inner ear to the brain.

The good news is that if you have sensorineural hearing loss, there’s an excellent chance you’ll beneﬁt from a hearing aid and get your quality of life back.

Good Sound considers patients’ lifestyles and budgets when recommending instruments and offers a 35-day trial period. Follow-up visits and hearing checks and cleanings are free. Visit during an open house week and try before you buy.

FIRST PLACE

Dr. Paul E. English, M.D., F.A.A.D.,

English Dermatology Center

3011 S. Lindsay Road, Suite 111 or englishdermatology.com

Dr. Paul E. English is not only the ﬁrst choice of Gilbert patients who need dermatology services, he’s often the ﬁrst person national and local journalists call when they’re doing stories on sun protection and ways to improve skin health. English Dermatology Center, which also provides care for the Arizona Diamondbacks and ASU athletes and students, offers very important skin cancer screening and treatments for all kinds of skin conditions. Patients also have access to state-of-the-art microdermabrasion and other aesthetic skin improvements.

Practicing in Arizona since 1990, English and his wife serve on the board of directors of Care for Life, a nonproﬁt that provides medical care, training and support to families in Mozambique, Africa.

SECOND PLACE

Dr. Matthew Woods, M.D., F.A.A.D., Desert Sky Dermatology and Surgical Center 1684 E. Boston St. 480-855-0085 desertskydermatology.com

THIRD PLACE

Dr. Bill H. Halmi, M.D., Arizona Advanced Dermatology 3509 S. Mercy Road, Suite 103 602-264-9044 arizonaadvanceddermatology.com

FIRST PLACE

Dr. Dale Guthrie, M.D., F.A.A.P., Gilbert Pediatrics

4365 E. Pecos Road, Suite 123 • 480-892-3880 or gilbert-pediatrics.com

Dr. Dale Guthrie has seen a lot of kids grow up over the past couple of decades at Gilbert Pediatrics.

Guthrie founded the practice with Dr. Randy Leavitt after his residencies at Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Guthrie, a fourth-generation Arizona native who also attended Mesa Community College and ASU, said he loves Gilbert.

“It’s a family-centered community, and people seem to really care about each other,” he said. “There’s a lot of good people that live here.”

SECOND PLACE

Dr. Jeanne Wolfe, M.D., Gilbert Center for Family Medicine 652 E. Warner Road, Suite 107 480-8680 gilbertcenter.net

THIRD PLACE

Dr. Sharon Allred, M.D., F.A.A.P., Desert Shores Pediatrics 6285 S. Higley Road 480-460-4949 desertshorespediatrics.com

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

PLACE

Peter Dufour IV 1467 W. Elliot Road, Suite 135 • 480-839-2225 or du4chiro.com

r. Peter Dufour, voted best Gilbert chiropractor three years in a row now, builds trust and loyalty with his patients because he’s almost always available. He promises to see anyone injured in a car or work accident within 24 hours.

“Whatever hours they need, I’m there,” he said. “I give patients my cellphone number.”

Dufour combines chiropractic with acupuncture to treat patients suffering from muscle discomfort and neck and back pain. Since being approved by the VA, he’s also seeing a lot of veterans now who want to avoid addictive painkillers or surgery.

“I like treating them,” he said. “It’s a good feeling.”

SECOND PLACE

Dr. Eric Garst, The Well Chiropractic Clinic 2451 E. Baseline Road, Suite 410 480-656-1233 thewellchiropracticclinic.com

THIRD PLACE

Dr. Jason Taylor, Spine and Disc Center of Arizona

690 E. Warner Road, Suite 113 480-633-3399 chiropracticgilbert.com

Advanced Dentistry & Orofacial Pain

• Physiologic Dentistry: Treating TMJ Disorders, Bruxism, Migraines, Myofacial, and Neck Pain

• Advanced Full Mouth Reconstruction

• Advanced LVIF Procedures:

• Sonic Fillings

• Orthodontics/Orthopedic growth development

• New Buffered Anesthesia.

• Laser Treatment for Snoring, Fuller Lips and Wrinkles

Offering General Dentistry for Complete Care

Cerec Single Visit Dentistry • Crowns • Inlays • Onlays • Veneers • Smile Makeovers • Teeth Whitening • Dentures • Oral Surgery • Extractions • Fillings • Implants • Root Canals • Implant Supported Dentures

• Routine Cleanings • Periodontal Treatment/Laser Dentistry and Whitening

EDUCATION

BEST CHARTER SCHOOL

San Tan Charter School

B3959 E. Elliot Road • 480-222-0811 or santancharterschool.com

egun as a small private Montessori preschool and kindergarten in 2006, San Tan Charter School has grown into a prestigious PreK-12 learning center with more than 800 students and a yearly waiting list.

Parents appreciate how San Tan holds four parent-teacher conferences per year and how the school educates students one grade ahead. Academic classes are supplemented with physical education and art and music classes.

San Tan’s gifted program identiﬁes students’ unique academic, social and emotional needs and gives them individualized curriculum paths.

“When Rita and I were planning San Tan, we really didn’t see it going to the scale that it is today,” said Dr. Kris Sippel, who founded the learning center with his wife.

SECOND PLACE

Edu-Prize

580 W. Melody Ave. eduprizeschools.net

3201 S. Gilbert Road 480-270-5422 chandler.legacytraditional.org FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Legacy Traditional School

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL/DISTRICT

140 S. Gilbert Road • 480-497-3300 or gilbertschools.net

Gilbert Public Schools is an A-rated school district serving 36,000 students. It is also Gilbert’s largest employer.

Qualified, certified teachers lead the way, ensuring all students get the quality education needed for college and career. This year, five additional GPS schools received the A+ Schools of Excellence rating by the Arizona Department of Education, bringing the total number of schools receiving that distinction to 11.

GPS has been recognized for its outstanding academics, STEM programs, gifted programs and career and technical programs. GPS offers quality early childhood programs, a traditional elementary school, a dual language elementary school, a 7-12 Classical Academy, as well as nationally awarded music, arts, and sports.

SECOND PLACE

Chandler Uniﬁed School District (Gilbert schools)

1525 W. Frye Road

480-812-7000

ww2.chandler.k12.az.us

THIRD PLACE

Higley Uniﬁed School District

2935 S. Recker Road 480-279-7000 husd.org

BEST PLACE TO WORK

Wilkins Learning Center

What an honor!

BEST Childcare and Preschool in Gilbert!

After teaching thousands of children in this community, the Wilkins family felt called to start the Wilkins Learning Center in 2007 to touch more children’s lives with what parents call, the Wilkins Way Approach.

What’s given the Wilkins Learning Center the distinction of being the BEST? The Wilkins Way Approach!

This award-winning Approach focuses on the nourishing foundation of three core ingredients: Love! Respect! Make Learning FUN!

Love is powerful, and the simple act of caring, along with expertise in early childhood education, helps 6 week old babies through PreK children soar as they Climb the Mountain of Knowledge! With guidance of highly-capable sta that have tender hearts for children, Wilkins Learning Center provides an extraordinary learning environment that raises the bar of teaching, loving, and respecting precious children.

Sta help children see with a lens of kindness which creates, together, an exceptional “school family.” Children make friends, use high-level skills in problem solving, learn both the ABC’s of academics AND the ABC’s of life skills!

From our hearts to yours, THANK YOU for supporting us in our programs: Childcare, Preschool, Summer Camps, and our new PreK Spanish Infusion program. Our community has given us not only their vote of con dence, but the hearts and minds of their children in the critical early years of learning. We will be forever grateful!

Stop by and visit us!

FIRST PLACE

Wilkins Learning Center

wilkinslearningcenter.com

Wilkins Learning Center is pretty accustomed to winning accolades for childcare and preschool learning. But it’s not a huge shock, either, to the 150 moms who entrust the center with their children, that it’s also a great place to work.

Teachers, aides, substitutes and support staff are treated with the same love and respect as the kids.

“We believe the way young children are taught is just as important as knowledge itself,” Sharon Wilkins said. “We love our staff. We are people who dearly love children.”

SECOND PLACE

Gilbert Public Schools gilbertschools.net

BEST PRESCHOOL

THIRD PLACE

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse alittlesunshine.com

FIRST PLACE

Wilkins Learning Center

wilkinslearningcenter.com

Childcare at Wilkins Learning Center goes way beyond babysitting. Even six-weekolds, according to founder and co-owner Sharon Wilkins, are guided toward taking their ﬁrst steps at “climbing the mountain of knowledge.”

Wilkins offers ﬁve different childcare programs: swaddlers, crawlers, walkers, talkers and mini 3’s. Moms know they’re leaving their precious newborns and toddlers with a teacher, who’s reading and communicating with facial gestures, and leading them into the world with songs, interactive toys and physical movement.

Wilkins said this is a crucial, “fertile soil” time. “They want to be valued, loved, respected and listened to.”

SECOND PLACE

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse littlesunshine.com

THIRD PLACE San Tan Montessori Preschool santancharterschool.com

BEST CHILDCARE CENTER

FIRST PLACE

Wilkins Learning Center

wilkinslearningcenter.com

From humble beginnings in Gilbert’s Farmhouse Village in 2007, Wilkins Learning Center has grown into the town’s premier childcare and preschool program.

The motto, “The Wilkins Way,” got bandied about back then, but it wasn’t a clever marketing slogan dreamed up by founder and co-owner Sharon Wilkins and her two daughters, Jennifer and Melissa. It was coined by grateful parents, who realized there was something very special in the way their children were being treated and taught.

The Wilkins Way is a simple, but very effective, three-legged stool: love; respect; make learning fun.

“We love what we do,” Sharon Wilkins said. “We couldn’t do this without the parents.”

SECOND PLACE

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse littlesunshine.com

THIRD PLACE

Watch Me Grow Child Care wmgchildcare.com

When you lose a loved one, it is one of those times in life when you can feel lost, or adrift–not sure of which way to turn and how to make it through. You need to know that there’s someone there that you can trust, someone who feels like family. A funeral director who cares can make a huge difference in your comfort level, and allow you to the safety of knowing that your best interests are being considered. This is the beneﬁt of choosing Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery for your ﬁnal arrangements and those of your loved ones.

Family Owned and Operated

Mountain View Funeral Home understands the concept of family: since 1951, the Coury family have been operating the family funeral home under the guiding philosophy of being of service to members of the community in their time of need. Now managed by the Second and third generation of Coury’s, Mountain View Funeral Home is a Mesa, AZ tradition with professionally trained and licensed staff members all with the stated goal of ensuring your loved one receives the digniﬁed memorial service that they deserve.

Community Education

A family funeral home takes services a step further by offering education before a loss as well as caring and compassion during a period of mourning. Funeral directors and their team will help you understand the meaning of different parts of the memorial

Family Funeral - Comfort From Trust

service, the differences between cremation and interment, and provide you with a wealth of additional options including beautiful touches such as a release of white doves after the service.

Your Personal Concierge

When a loved one passes from the mortal coil, you can feel overwhelmed with details, so another beneﬁt that family funeral homes can offer is access to a concierge to help with everything from ﬂorists, hotels, restaurants and even car services. Our professional staff is available to assist with any special needs six days per week.

Finding the right ﬁt for a funeral home is important; you want to know that not only is your loved one being treated with dignity, but that you and your family will feel comfortable and supported in your decisions during this time.

Selecting Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery is one way to ensure that you are using a family funeral home who will go above and beyond your expectations.

We believe our work is a “mission of service” and it’s a privilege to help a family during the most difﬁcult time in their life.

FIRST PLACE

Gilbert High School Tiger

The Tiger has been the chief spirit raiser at Gilbert High sporting events for decades, and the school continues to rally around the big cat every season.

The Tiger gained national celebrity status in 2013 when student Navey Baker was proﬁled on NPR’s “This American Life.” Baker and the Tiger were also featured in the 2015 Hulu original documentary “Behind the Mask.”

Baker went on to the spirit squad at Boise State University and is currently on an LDS overseas mission.

SECOND PLACE

Highland High School Hawk

THIRD PLACE Campo Verde High School Coyote

BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

FIRST PLACE

Bill Bitter

Highland High School

Students in Highland High’s music program are hugely talented – and they are legion.

The ﬁve performing ensembles under orchestras number more than 350 students. With choir, band and other programs, there are hundreds more.

Bill Bitter, director of orchestras and chair of the Performing Arts Department, somehow keeps everyone on the same page. A violinist, Bitter has spent his 36-year career in Gilbert Public Schools, teaching orchestra and band at all levels. He’s been at Highland since it opened in 1993.

Bitter said the music happens because students are valued as individuals.

“It helps when they know you like them,” he said. “It’s about the kids, not necessarily the music.”

SECOND PLACE

Linda Abbott

Mesquite High School

THIRD PLACE

Rachel Ciccarone

Gilbert High School

BEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

FIRST PLACE

Kimberly Sirbaugh, Higley Traditional Academy

husd.org/Page/7580

Kimberly Sirbaugh loves teaching second grade at Higley Traditional Academy.

“It’s a wonderful age group,” she said, “They just kind of soak it all in.”

Sirbaugh throws a lot at them: reading, writing, math, science and social studies. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history from ASU and holds a master’s in elementary education from University of Phoenix.

In her second year at Higley and 10th year teaching, Sirbaugh also has endorsements in early childhood, reading and structured English immersion.

“I have a great community here,” she said. “The parents are wonderful.”

SECOND PLACE

Michelle Tischer, San Tan Charter Elementary School santancharterschool.com

THIRD PLACE

Brandy Kiker, San Tan Charter Elementary School santancharterschool.com

Kimberly Sirbaugh

Bill Bitter

UNRIVALED OPPORTUNITIES

Higley Unified School District is the choice of neighborhood families. Students take their advanced academics, athletics, arts, and leadership into the local communities and throughout the world.