Gilbert Sun News - 08-16-2020

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Agritopia’s new addition PAGE 7

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COMMUNITY.......... 17 Kids give back with their own businesses.

BUSINESS................. 19 A Gilbert business made her smile.

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Sunday, August 16, 2020

Gilbert districts grapple with school openings GPS may welcome kids back sooner, not later

To dismay of some, Higley is eyeing Oct. 12 return

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert Public Schools Governing Board will hold a special meeting Tuesday to hear a plan for reopening campuses as soon as possible.

Previously the board voted to wait until Sept. 22 to look at when students and teachers could safely return to the classroom during the pandemic. GPS students began school remotely Aug. 5.

“It is our belief based on the examination on some of the data that things look much better in our district and in the East Valley than it may throughout the entire county,” board member Reed Carr said at

see GPS page 4

Mayoral candidates ready to rumble here

H

igley Unified School District students won’t return to the classroom until Oct. 12 but could be earlier provided the district meets state safety guidelines.

The Governing Board in a special meeting last Saturday voted 3-2 to approve the new reopening date after a closed-door discussion that lasted three hours.

The vote took place two days after the state released three benchmarks that must be met for 14 days in order for schools to return to

Fond farewell

see HIGLEY page 4

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

SPORTS.......................22 Gilbert kicker a chip off the old block.

COMMUNITY........................................17 BUSINESS............................................. 19 SPORTS....................................... 22 PUZZLE....................................... 23 CLASSIFIED..........................................24

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former councilwoman and a business development executive will duke it out in November to become Gilbert’s next mayor.

And both Matt Nielsen and Brigette Peterson say they’re ready to rumble.

Peterson, who resigned from Town Council to run, and Nielsen emerged from the Aug. 4 primary without a clear majority and in an almost dead heat, according to returns, although Nielsen took a slim lead as the remaining ballots were counted last week. Lynne King Smith trailed in third place.

Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on Friday formally approved the results, but those in the town elections await review and certification by the Town Council, likely at a special meeting Tues-

see ELECTION page 6

Jenn Daniels unexpectedly resigned as Gilbert mayor last week with four months left in her term and Sen. Martha McSally later announced she will be one of the senator’s four Maricopa County campaign chairs. What Daniels had to say and what Town Council will do about filling her vacancy appear on page 5. (Town of Gilbert)

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

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NEWS

Some Gilbert students will be returning to campuses

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

B

oth Higley Unified and Gilbert Public Schools districts will open their campuses on Monday for students who need help doing remote coursework.

Although GPS and HUSD are still closed for in-person learning, Gov. Doug Ducey’s latest executive order mandated that districts offer free on-site learning and support services for students who need a place to go during the day either on their campuses or in buildings run by nonprofits like the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Both Higley and GPS opened up registration last week, stressing this is not like regular class with teacher-led instruction.

Because teachers are busy with remote instruction, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and other support staff will monitor students at the sites instead. The classified staff will receive training to prepare them for working with students.

Higley started remote learning July 27 and GPS on Aug. 5.

Those eligible to participate in the support sites include special education students, English-language learners, at-risk students, homeless students and young students without supervision due to working parents.

The districts also have safety measures in place such as hand-sanitization dispensers at each instructional space, frequent deep cleaning of high-touch surfaces and the wearing of face masks. Additionally, a nurse or health aide will at each location.

Parents will be required to make sure their children complete a home-health screening before arriving to campus.

Both districts also will offer breakfast and lunch and charged according just like during a regular school year.

Students attending the GPS support sites will need to bring their district-issued technology devices and headphones while HUSD will provide the devices to its elementary students. HUSD secondary students will need to bring their own devices and headphones.

“We view this as an opportunity for us to do great work for our kids,” said Jared Ryan, GPS director of community education at a Governing Board meeting last Tuesday.

Higley Unified showed in an online video how some kids who need to be on campus will tune into the district’s online learning platform. (Higley Unified)

“The letter of the law was to give a safe place for our students to be and we know we are going to be able to provide that.”

GPS is the largest school district in town with 34,000 students and the fifth largest in the state.

Each campus registration will limit the number of students to 90 with a maximum of six to eight students to a classroom or instructional area in order to maintain social distancing, according to Ryan. Should all campuses reach capacity, an expansion plan is in place based on staff availability.

Registered students will be able to arrive and depart anytime between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Registration will open every two weeks. All students who attend the support sites will need to find their own transportation except for qualifying special-education and homeless students.

GPS is recommending students stay on campus for time needed to complete their online coursework and then leave. For those who need to stay for the full day, students are advised to bring books, games or other activities to occupy themselves after they are done with their coursework.

GPS will have set times for specialized support for students like those who are special education, gifted or ELL. The district also will provide social-emotional learning support 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.

“I appreciate that we are meeting the letter of the law as far as the executive order,” board member Lori Wood said. “I’m

3

concerned we are not meeting the needs of these students who are coming to us because their parents are both working. Is there something better we can do for these students.

“How do we better meet their needs if they’ll going to be there from 8-3 and they are trying to basically take care of themselves? I know we are limited on staff because of all the other things we have.”

Ryan said the district was providing the basics as required by the state but that as the program grows and develops, there may be opportunities to work more individually with students though he couldn’t guarantee anything now.

Hours at HUSD support sites generally are 8 a.m.-3 p.m. for elementary and middle school campuses and 7:25 a.m.-2:15 p.m. at high schools. Parents will be required to register their children weekly with their schools by noon on the Thursday for the following week.

At HUSD’s Governing Board meeting last Wednesday, David Loutzenheiser, Secondary Education executive director, said the district is using gymnasiums, cafeterias, and multi-purpose rooms and it was “all hands on deck” to provide the staffing for the support sites.

He said room is limited on the campuses but did not indicate what the maximum number of students would be allowed at each location.

Associate Superintendent Dawn Foley said registration was vital in order to prepare for students coming onto campuses.

For example, she said a survey that went out to parents asking if they were interested in a support site for their children, 72 parents with students at Higley High School said they were but only eight so far have registered for that campus, she said, adding “we are preparing for the highest number.”

Sherry Richards, curriculum director, said scheduled breaks for students will give them a chance to stretch or take off their masks.

Vice President Kristina Reese said children who have to stay the entire day and finish their school work need activities to keep them busy. Richards said that was a challenge and the district is making sure parents realize exactly what the support sites are designed to do.

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GPS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

from page 1

last week’s work study session.

“We are also anticipating based on preliminary data available from the department of health that the data is trending in the right direction,” he said The state on Aug. 6 released three benchmarks it said districts should watch for two straight weeks before starting in-person learning.

Those benchmarks are: fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals or a two-week decline in cases; less than 7 percent of area cases testing positive for COVID-19; and hospital visits due to COVID-like symptoms are below 10 percent of all patient visits.

Carr said county also is expected to release a dashboard with ZIP codes for COVID-19 cases drilled down to individual school district boundaries.

GPS’ boundaries cover 10 ZIP codes.

Carr noted some of the case numbers for the ZIP codes could be misleading as they would include long-term care facilities and hospitals.

So far, the district was meeting one of the benchmarks – a decline in cases, Carr said.

He said Superintendent Shane McCord

HIGLEY

from page 1

in-person learning – fewer than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals or a decline in cases, less than 7 percent of area cases testing positive for COVID-19 and hospital visits due to COVID-like symptoms are below 10 percent.

“At this point in time, I believe that Maricopa County has met one of the metrics system but we still have two other areas we are looking at,” said Superintendent Mike Thomason, noting the decline in cases has been met. “I know I’m going to get beat up here but it is highly recommended by this superintendent that we meet the metrics before we return to in-person education.”

Students have been learning remotely since the start of school July 27.

The district was planning to bring pupils and teachers back onto campuses on Aug. 17, the date Gov. Doug Ducey delayed in-person learning to. He also kicked the decision of reopening schools back to the

Some parents and students gathered last week outside district headquarters during the Gilbert Public Schools Governing Board meeting to urge an immediate reopening of campuses. (Special to GSN)

and his staff have been instructed to examine daily all available data “and anticipate where that data is heading so we can move toward the beginning of school in a safe, proper way as soon as possible.”

He said the plan McCord is tasked with presenting Tuesday would include a phased-start or other measures they deem possible in order to ensure safety.

Board members emphasized that what-

ever plan is presented for reopening, it will be one that ensures the safety of students and faculty.

“Hopefully, we will come to you with a comprehensive plan,” McCord said. “We will bring to you our very best effort.”

McCord during the work study reviewed the county data and where the county stands in meeting the three benchmarks.

local districts.

The Higley Unified Governing Board and district administrators have been inundated with emails from parents on both sides of the issue of reopening schools.

Thomason read 27 emails at the meeting, a majority from parents who wanted the district to not delay the opening beyond Aug. 17. They expressed frustration with remote learning and detrimental impacts, such as depression and social isolation, on their children.

The board also heard the results of a recent survey of teachers and parents asking their preferences on the different learning models to get a better idea on where to place staff.

David Loutzenheiser, executive director of Secondary Education and Athletics, said 65 percent or 8,358 families responded to the survey.

Of the parents who responded, 49

percent indicated they will send their children to school when it reopens; 26 percent were leaning toward returning but wanted to know more about the metrics; 15 percent was leaning toward online learning but wanted to know about the metrics and 10 percent chose online learning, Loutzenheiser said.

Among certified staff, which also includes education professionals like occupational therapists, 65 percent said they would come back to campus, 26 percent would return and would teach online if needed and 9 percent would teach online only. The administration has already reached out to classified employees via telephone, according to staff.

Staff also presented the district’s mitigation plan, which included training employees on health screening and safety protocols, developing a mask policy as directed under the governor’s executive order and implementing cleaning and

Reed asked if the board agrees and the indicators show the ability to safely return to class, how soon could that happen.

“I’d like to say the next day but that’s not how it works,” McCord said. “I would say at least it’ll take a week but we will have more definitive information for you on Tuesday.”

Board member Jill Humpherys said in looking at the metrics and data, it should be done so that when the district opens up schools, they can continue to stay open without having to shutdown again because of an increase in cases.

Board member Sheila Uggetti said the board will meet regularly to ensure the data is up to date and she added that everyone wants a return to school but in a safe manner.

“We want to ensure our community that we are united as a board,” Carr said.

“Our goal is to return to school as soon as possible. We recognize there are many stakeholders that feel differently as to what safe looks like.

“We are trying diligently to balance those needs,” he added. “We care about students; we care about our staff. We

see GPS page 13

disinfecting procedures.

The resolution also included a oneweek return notification to families when benchmarks are met and that all benchmarks will be re-evaluated at each scheduled Governing Board meeting.

Each board member weighed in on the resolution before casting their votes. Vice President Kristina Reese and President Amy Kaylor dissented.

“The remote learning method is not effective,” Reese said. “Everything is emotionally charged right now because our world has been turned upside down and we just want some normalcy and that starts with our kids in school.”

Reese said she read all of the numerous emails she received and understood everyone’s viewpoint.

“Shame on us for putting education and our kids at the bottom of our priori-

see HIGLEY page 13

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

Council may appoint new mayor on Tuesday

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

T

own Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting at 4 p.m. this Tuesday to decide who will be Gilbert’s mayor until January.

In a surprise announcement, Mayor Jenn Daniels abruptly submitted her resignation effective immediately following last Tuesday’s regular Council meeting without giving a reason and with a little over four months left on her term.

The next day U.S. Sen. Martha McSally announced Daniels is one of 33 county campaign chairs working on her reelection campaign – and one of four Maricopa County.

Republican McSally is battling Democrat Mark Kelly in November to fill the remaining two years of the late Sen. John McCain’s term.

“When we hold the special meeting, we will consider at that time someone to fill the position of the mayor for the remainder of the term,” Vice Mayor Scott Anderson said last Wednesday.

Anderson said one of the options included appointing him as interim mayor until a new mayor takes office in January.

Mayoral candidates Brigette Peterson and Matt Nielsen are in a run-off in the November General Election.

With the past three council appointments this year, the town solicited applications, which it then vetted and selected top applicants for interviews.

“It would be kind of counter-productive to ask for applications and go through the review of applications and go through interviews,” Anderson said. “It would probably be two to three months into the term before we select someone.”

Anderson said he was notified a few days prior by Daniels of her intentions to resign.

“We knew because I had to pick up the process to select the new mayor,” he said.

“And so, I had to prepare for that.”

Anderson said he was nonetheless surprised and said Daniels at the time did not say why she was resigning, nor did he ask.

Daniels did not respond to a request for comment from GSN.

During the state League of Cities meeting last fall, Gov. Doug Ducey asked Jenn Daniels to join him in a “fireside chat” with municipal officials, above, while below, Daniels is shown preparing for the town centennial celebration, which she held virtually July 6. (GSN file photos)

It was still unclear why Daniels resigned as mayor as the other county chairs include business owners and numerous state legislators and county supervisors.

“I do know she has a very busy life and lots of things that need her attention,” Anderson said. “That is as much as I know.”

He added it may be job related.

“I don’t know for sure but when we talked, it sounded like something she was trying to do,” he said. “She may be working somewhere.”

Daniels has an active contract as an independent contractor for the University of Arizona’s Government and Community Relations since February, according to the school’s Human Resources Department.

Daniels also is the mother of four chil-

dren and like most parents she is dealing with kids trying to attend school online.

And, she is in the middle of a divorce.

At the time of her announcement, Daniels read from a prepared letter that thanked her family and supporters and acknowledged her enjoyment in serving the town for the past 11 years.

Daniels in February announced she would not seek a second term after filing intentions to run for re-election.

In March, Gov. Doug Ducey appointed Daniels to serve a six-year term on the state Transportation Board, which expires 2026. An Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman said she has not resigned from the board, which approves state road projects.

Daniels has served as mayor since 2016 and has been on Town Council since 2009, when she led the three winners in that year’s election. She succeeded for-

5

mer Mayor John Lewis, who answered a call to oversee the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints missionaries in Cambodia.

Throughout her second term, Daniels has championed Gilbert as “Kindness USA,” a moniker that Council adopted three years ago.

Daniels’ resignation was met with an outpouring from people on social media thanking her for her service to the community.

“I was always impressed at how hard you worked for your citizens and how much you cared for Gilbert and always included your kids,” wrote Andy Tobin, a former state legislator and now director of the Arizona Department of Administration. “Good luck and I’m sure this isn’t the last I’ll hear of your good works.”

A few though criticized Daniels for leaving her office.

“This is not when we need our mayor to abandon us,” wrote one woman while another stated, “I think it’s terrible when people quit their elected positions for another job.”

Jenn Daniel’s farewell

I have loved serving the Town of Gilbert for more than 11 years. I have worked alongside amazing people staff and council members, regional and school leaders, business owners, volunteers, faith groups and friends and neighbors - all working to make our community a better place to live, work and play.

Effective immediately following the adjournment of tonight’s council meeting, I am resigning from the office of Mayor of the Town of Gilbert.

I’d like to thank my family and all those who have supported me - especially my four favorite Gilbert residents, Ethan, Drew, Ty and Kate Daniels. Thank you to those who put their trust me in me to lead. You have been patient and generous, and I will always be grateful for this remarkable experience.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

ELECTION from page 1

day.

Only about a third of Gilbert’s 161,242 registered voters – 57,634, or 36.3 percent – cast ballots in the mayoral and other council elections.

“There were not any surprises,” Peterson told GSN. “The turnout was how I thought it would be.”

Peterson said Gilbert is “still very conservative” and that helped Nielsen, but “I think voters see I am the proven choice to represent Gilbert as their mayor.”

Nielsen ran on a conservative slate alongside Council candidates Tyler Hudgins and Laurin Hendrix. Hendrix won the race over incumbent Bill Spence for a two-year seat while Kathy Tilque and incumbent Scott Anderson appear victors in the race for two four-year terms.

With 14 years serving on the Town’s Planning Commission, which oversees land use, and five years on Council, Peterson said she has history in Gilbert government.

“I’m the person who can answer questions,” she said. “I know how things were done and who done it. It spoke volumes against the two unknown candidates.”

Peterson said she has the institutional knowledge, has built relationships and can hit the ground running, which she called especially important in the pandemic and its economic impact on the town.

Although money is important in a campaign, it didn’t appear to be a deciding factor in Peterson’s case.

Peterson had a far smaller campaign war chest than both Nielsen and King Smith – both of whom spent far more on their campaigns, according to the latest pre-primary campaign finance reports.

“I always try to run a very conservative campaign,” Peterson said. “And during this time with the pandemic and money tight with folks I just wanted to run a conservative campaign.”

Peterson noted her endorsements helped – she received backing from Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, The West & Southeast Realtors of the Valley, Gilbert police and fire unions and a number of former council members, mayors and business owners.

She said she hasn’t sought King Smith’s

Matt Nielsen

Brigette Peterson

endorsement at this point.

Despite social distancing and crowd restrictions, Peterson said her campaign was not adversely hampered in its outreach to voters as she’s run her previous campaigns via social media.

“The greatest thing I missed was being able to attend events but in reality, in July most of Gilbert is on vacation in California,” she said. “I’m a very social media-driven candidate and will continue to do that – to discuss issues with voters via email, direct message and phone calls and it’s been working.”

Campaigning for the November election, she said “with COVID I’m not sure what the environment will look like, if we are able to do meet-and-greets and social events.”

Political newcomer Nielsen, who led Peterson by 166 votes, was hopeful heading into the run-off.

“The good news is because of my success in the primary voting results I have had lots of people reach out to me and asking how they can help my campaign, which has been very encouraging,” Nielsen said. “People with particular expertise in certain areas and connections with individuals who are influential in the community have been reaching out on a daily basis.”

Nielsen said he’s also spoken with King Smith but she did not say if she would make an endorsement or not. Some of Nielsen’s endorsements came from Council members Aimee Yentes and Jared Taylor and state Reps. Travis Grantham and Warren Petersen.

“We had a great conversation,” Nielsen said. “We chatted a while what our shared priorities are. I sincerely hope we can work together for the benefit of the town.”

Nielsen also is confident that he can win over some of King Smith’s voters.

“I think the voters that came out in support of her in the primary that value leadership and proven leadership in the private sector with a track record of success, I think that a portion of her voters are likely to come out in favor of me,” he said.

“Obviously there will be a split in her voters – some will go one way and some another,” he added. “But those who favor a pro-business and pro-economy approach will come my way.”

Despite not holding political office before, Nielsen says that’s not a detriment as he’s held a number of executive positions in the private sector, including startups and nonprofits.

“A long tenure in government is not a good selling point, it’s a liability in today’s age,” he said. “So, to be able to hit the ground running doesn’t require a lot of time in government.

“What it does require is the ability to problem-solve and to think critically and work with community leaders and residents to make sure people are getting what they expect and what they are entitled to out of government (through their) paying taxes and the virtue of being citizens.”

He said his 20 years experience in the private sector is “much more impactful

and meaningful when it comes to leadership in any area and that applies in government.”

“I don’t see any of those things, which are assets, that Brigette has,” he said.

“Those are the difference between her and I.” Nielsen said the pandemic has limited his ability to campaign for office – holding events and knocking on doors.

“We had to make adjustments to our plans,” he said, adding he’s held a few meet-and-greet events but with a limited number of people attending. “Absolutely there were some challenges presented by the coronavirus.”

Nielsen said he gives credit to Peterson’s skills in using social media but his campaign was getting creative in that it is using video and video conferences for outreach alongside digital ads and print mailers.

“We will continue to do those kinds of things,” he said. “We’ve also done some small number of in-person events and were very successful.”

He added that a couple of people who have reached out to his campaign own successful digital media organizations and have offered to help him in this area.

“I think my priority, my focus is going into the General Election by just concentrating on individual voters, whether it’s in their homes, on doorsteps or knocking on doors.”

HOW THEY VOTED

Here are the final results of the Aug. 4 Primary for Gilbert Town Council race from the county Elections Department. Results still await certification by Town Council.

Mayoral candidates: Matt Nielsen – 18,757, 35 percent Brigette Peterson – 18,591, 34 percent Lynne King Smith – 16,579, 31 percent Two four-year Council seats: Incumbent Scott Anderson – 25,934, 29 percent Kathy Tilque – 25,875, 29 percent Tyler Hudgins – 20,289, 22 percent Bus Obayomi – 17,968, 20 percent Two-year Council seat: Incumbent Bill Spence – 24,634, 48 percent Laurin Hendrix – 26.027, 51 percent

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

NEWS

7

Planning Commission gives thumbs up to Agritopia addition

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert Planning Commission liked what it saw with a high-end neighborhood market planned at the northwest corner of Higley and Ray roads.

Staff at a recent study session asked for feedback on the proposed look for Air Guitar, a 5,300-square-foot building next door to the Epicenter at Agritopia. The Planning Commission also acts as the Design Review Board.

“The building is exceptional,” said Commissioner Philip Alibrandi. “Particularly I think it works well with the rest of Agritopia so there’re no problems for me.”

Agritopia is master-planned community of over 500 homes that saw the groundbreaking in January of its Epicenter, a mixed-used project that includes luxury loft-style residential units and groundfloor retail.

Air Guitar aims to reinvent the corner store concept when it opens late this year, according to its Facebook page.

than the 21 required.

Shared access drives to the building will be from Higley and Ray roads and an exposed aggregate concrete path will connect the market to the EpicenGilbert Planning Commission members liked the proposed design for a new building ter. in Agritopia’s Epicenter, calling it “exceptional.” (Special to GSN) MacDonald wanted feedback The project is led by restaurateurs and on the building’s landscape and color co-founders of Upward Projects, Craig and scheme.

Kris DeMarco, and Eric and Elissa Seitz of The building’s primary materials inBro Retail Group and developed by John- clude standing seam metal in two colors ston Companies. on the east and west sides and predomiThe convenience store will pair heathy nantly glass on the north and south sides. grab-and-go items with premium beer MacDonald said her concern was the and wine, coffee and tea and is being de- heavy use of dark metals within the buildveloped in parallel with the Epicenter. ing that may look even darker with the Planner Ashlee MacDonald said the extensive roof overhangs provided on all 16.5-feet-tall market will have a large cov- sides of the structure. ered patio and 32 parking spaces, more She noted the Epicenter’s buildings to

the back of the market will have a softer color palette and suggested maybe the market should have lighter colors.

She also said the applicant is proposing two types of trees – red push pistache and the Tipuana tipu – along the frontage roads.

When staff asked for more plant variation, the applicant responded that the project was trying for a monocultural design for its landscape palette, MacDonald said.

“We would like to see a little bit more diversity as staff requested of the applicant,” she said.

Commissioner David Cavenee said he kind of liked the proposed monoculture landscaping and noted the pistache trees are going to be quite colorful.

“Having a grove of those might look nice,” he said. “I think it can look good.”

Cavenee then said he agreed with MacDonald about the building’s color scheme and perhaps it should bring in a little of

see GUITAR page 9

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

Mesa surf project could be Gilbert competition

BY JIM WALSH GSN Staff Writer

A

developer already has “Surf Mesa’’ t-shirts printed, hoping that his proposed 2-acre “surf lagoon” turn into a regional attraction near Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport.

But while the lagoon is the centerpiece of Cannon Beach, it also includes 475,000 square feet of commercial space, a gym, a climbing wall, a go-cart track, a 65-foot tall hotel and retail space.

All of this would be built only about a mile northwest of the airport, in an overflight area where housing could not be built without a permit because of aircraft noise.

And it likely will become competition for The Strand at Gilbert Regional Park, the town’s $60 million state-of-the-art water park slated to open next summer.

The Strand would be a 25-acre project at the new Gilbert Regional Park under construction at Queen Creek and Higley Road as part of a public-private partnership solicited by the town.

When the water park opens, it will feature a surf lagoon, a cable wake park, inflatable aqua course, sand beach and a kids’ play area.

Gilbert expects The Strand to bring its own water supply.

Cole Cannon – the developer of the Mesa surfing project and a surfer himself from his days at the University of Southern California – said “there’s a huge, transplanted population from Southern California’’ that yearns to go surfing again, but can’t return home every weekend.

“What we are trying to create is something that can’t be delivered to your door,’’ he told GSN. He said his focus is on a 25-45-year age bracket that highly values unique experiences, such as hiking a national park or surfing, rather than just acquiring possessions.

Cannon envisions travelers using the airport and staying at the hotel to either surf or just enjoy people-watching and a beach ambiance transplanted from Southern California to the Sonoran Desert.

Cannon said he has visited surf parks around the world and retained experts in

Wave pools are becoming a hot item around the world, as this rendering of one proposed for Paris that is expected to be built in time for the 2024 Olympics in France. (Special to GSN)

Cannon declined to release a price tag but said he would like to start construction next spring.

With the best technical help available, he said, “we want to get a perfect wave.’’

Cannon anticipates his beach project will turn into a major destination, but added, “We need cooperation from the city and we need cooperation from COVID-19.’’

Wave parks are becoming trendy in the desert.

Jerry Lehman, a former nationally ranked surfer, said he is planning to build two Surf Town attractions – one each in the East and West Valleys.

Lehman declined to release The layout of the proposed Cannon Beach in southeast Mesa shows the locations until he has land how various hotel and other developments would surround the wave deals sewn up, but he said he lagoon. (City of Mesa) has an investor willing to finance water dynamics that will help him realize both parks. his dream – including a contractor who He has dropped his original plan to build has built facilities for the elite Navy Seals. a park on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Working with large bodies of water can Community in the Talking Stick Entertainbe tricky and probably will be the hardest ment District. part of completing the project, Cannon He said he knows surfers in California said. who are driving to a surf park in Waco, “We are fully expecting a lot of trial and Texas, to conquer a new wave and that error,’’ Cannon said. “We have the capital to new technology that produces a guarando this. We have built simulators of it.’’ teed wave is fueling a boom in parks.

“It’s exploding all over the world right now,’’ Lehman said.

“If we get 10 parks built in Phoenix, I’m all for it,’’ he said.

But none of the new parks have materialized yet. All of them feature a lagoon, but there are a lot of variations beyond that.

Cannon Beach will use about one-eighth of the water now used at the site for agriculture, Cannon said.

The 40-acre site is across from the American Furniture Warehouse, on the east side of Power Road, north of the Loop 202 and south of Warner Road.

Cannon Beach needs Mesa zoning approvals after debuting at the Mesa Planning and Zoning Board meeting.

“I think it’s very exciting,’’ said board member Tim Boyle. “It will be neat to see how it turns out.’’

Cannon Beach won a unanimous recommendation for approval from the board.

The project would go before the City Council next for the necessary zoning changes.

The proposal covers nearly 60 acres, but the south 20 acres are merely conceptual, with more details to come later.

It would change the zoning from agricultural to general commercial, with a planned area development overlay that signifies a certain standard or theme.

Councilo must vote on a use permit required for outdoor dining and seating in the airport over-flight zone.

A boardwalk would circle the lagoon and lead to other attractions, such as the restaurants and the hotel.

A second section would include some additional entertainment options, including an indoor trampoline and the go-cart track. A third section would be rezoned for light industrial nearer to the airport.

“Cannon Beach, located in the north portion of the site, will be the premier destination for the East Valley, bridging the gap between sun, sand and surf,’’ according to a project narrative submitted by zoning attorneys Sean Lake and Ralph Pew. “The recreational activities will create a unique attraction and will offer advanced active entertainment, progressive surfing experience, water play, experiential retail/ dining, hospitality, and state-of-the-art

see SURF page 9

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

SURF from page 8

office space – all immersed with views of oceanside character and the sound of crashing waves breaking in the desert sun.’’

Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with many hotels only at 10 percent occupancy, the Cannon Beach hotel has created a buzz, generating interest from six hotel groups, Cannon said.

He said a special filtration system will ensure that the canal water used to fill the lagoon will be safe for swimming.

The north portion would feature “the crystal-clear blue surf lagoon,’’ surrounded by 475,000 square feet of commercial space, the project narrative said.

Restaurants, office space and indoor recreational activities including a gym, go-cart track and climbing wall would be

included. The south portion would be oriented more towards work than fun, featuring light industrial uses compatible with the airport.

Ryan Smith, a spokesman for the airport, said he believes the developer has already met with airport officials and that they would monitor the development closely to make sure development would not create any additional safety concerns.

He said the property is in an aircraft overflight area two, which would require permits to allow housing, but no permanent housing is included in Cannon Ranch.

“We fully support any proposal that brings interest to the airport and visibility to the southeast Valley,’’ Smith said.

Agritopia’s colors.

He added that the trees when they bloom might not blend well with the blue color of the building.

“I’m seeing a lot of red trees around it, so maybe a more earthy feel to it would be appropriate,” he said. “But I don’t mind it.

“I kind of like the modernist of the building. I like how they are doing the roof line, it’s kind of creative and I’m almost tempted to let them put together the color scheme they like. So I guess I can go either way.”

Vice Chairman Carl Bloomfield said Agritopia has a grove of orange trees and the proposed monoculture for the market seemed to fit and seemed to blend itself well with the Agritopia theme.

“I like the structure,” he added. “I like the building. I like the materials that they’ve got there. I think I’m OK with how it looks. As long as it meets guidelines, I’m OK with it.”

Commissioner Philip Alibrandi said he could go either way with the color of the market because the trees will mostly mask the building.

“It’s local to me,” he said. “This is the last corner to be developed. I really like the grove look, it’ll tie this in and (in) a heavy traffic area it will be a nice eye break along that Higley corridor. Good call on the trees.

“I’m looking forward how this transitions that corner to the Agritopa building behind it. Good work.”

GSN NEWS STAFF

stables around the state not to process eviction orders, even those issued legally by judges.

It also contends that the gubernatorial directive is violating both the property rights of landowners as well as their right to enter into contracts.

Meanwhile, cash-strapped tenants

GUITAR

from page 7

Landlords seek to overturn eviction ban

L

andlords and mobile home park owners from around the state are asking the Arizona Supreme Court to void an executive order by Gov. Doug Ducey blocking evictions of tenants who do not pay their rent.

The lawsuit claims the governor lacks the constitutional authority to tell con-

NEWS

see EVICTION page 11

9

Arizona Medicaid rolls soaring in pandemic

BY BLAKE FREAS Cronkite News

T

he number of people on Arizona’s Medicaid rolls topped 2 million this summer, after a five-month surge in enrollment that coincided with COVID19’s hit to the state’s health and its economy.

Almost 1.88 million people were covered by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System –the state’s Medicaid program – on March 1, the month coronavirus-related shutdowns started to take effect. By July 1, the number had topped 2 million and by Aug. 1 enrollment stood at 2,041,990, an increase of 8.7 percent.

The surge follows skyrocketing unemployment in the state, as COVID-19 shutdowns have shuttered industries.

Arizona’s unemployment rate in June was estimated at 10 percent by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, down sharply from a high of 13.4 percent in April but still more than twice the 4.5 percent in February.

For many, like Tempe resident Cindy Andrews, the loss of a job has led to a loss of health insurance.

Andrews lost her job as a physical therapist in March and bought COBRA coverage, which lets workers continue on their health plan for a limited time at a hefty price.

When she learned she had cancer, it helped pay for her surgery and radiation, but she dropped it soon thereafter because of the cost.

For Andrews, it has been a stressful experience.

“I was emailing, calling DES’s office, it had been eight weeks before I heard from anybody. I couldn’t talk to anybody and that is what was frustrating,” she said.

Morgan Tucker, state director for Arizona Protect Our Care, said COBRA was designed as a temporary safeguard for people who lost jobs, not as a permanent solution. That may be part of the reason why more than one Arizonan in four is now on Medicaid, she said.

Experts said the surge in Medicaid ap-

plications has not been as bad as they feared in the face of an ongoing pandemic – but they also warn that that could change in an instant.

“Things could change at any moment,” said Alan Gjersvig, director of outreach and enrollment services for the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers.

AHCCCS spokeswoman Heidi Capriotti agreed the state has not seen the numbers it had expected from the pandemic.

One possible reason for the increase is the availability of federal funding through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. That bill increased the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage – the federal matching rate for Medicaid – to 6.2 percent in an effort to help states enroll more people. It also prohibited states from dropping anyone from Medicaid.

With no one leaving the program, it’s not surprising the numbers have grown, but Capriotti added it is, “Hard to foresee the future, if numbers will increase or decrease.”

Medicaid enrollment in Arizona had been declining for four straight months, from October to February, before beginning to turn around in March. Since then, enrollment has surged across the state.

Maricopa County accounted for 104,382 of the 163,030 new enrollees, as its enrollment grew 9.5 percent from March to August.

Tucker said the FMAP increase in the Families First bill was a good first step, but she said Congress needs to approve another proposed increase of 5.8 percentage points, that would boost the federal contribution to 12 percent through at least Sept. 30, 2021.

The increase has the support of scores of health organizations and state and local government associations, who sent a letter to congressional leaders urging its passage. Without that help, Tucker said, someone without a job could be forced to choose between health care coverage and their next meal.

“Things could get really ugly,” she said.

10

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

Gilbert takes step on pandemic relief fund spending

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

W

hile neighboring municipalities have already figured out how to spend their allotted funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, Gilbert is just starting to get to work on it.

Town Council last week voted to accept $29.2 million in CARES funding and form a subcommittee to come up with recommendations for the potential uses.

“What I anticipate to occur is there will be a period of pretty intense committee work in order to determine ways to ex-

pend those dollars to benefit the community as a whole,” Mayor Jenn Daniels said.

Daniels recommended Council members Aimee Yentes, Yung Koprowski and Scott September to serve on the subcommittee, which was approved by a 7-0 vote.

Town Manager Patrick Banger said there is no time frame for when the money has to be spent.

“I think the biggest pressing matter is the urgency of the need within our community would dictate the speed which the subcommittee would want to operate,” Banger said. “We got a team of staff members ready in the various areas to assist that committee and can move as

quickly as they would like to move.”

The CARES money was funnel through the state with restrictions on how it could be spent. Gilbert received its entire share on July 2, after providing documentation supporting its need for the funds, according to a staff report. The CARES share was based on a municipality’s population size.

Banger said the funds are restricted for public safety spending such as for police, fire and EMS. The town spent about $23.6 million in Fiscal Year 2020 for public safety personnel payroll and the remaining $5.6 million will be spent in this current

year’s budget, according to Banger.

The general fund money supplanted

by CARES is the funds the subcommittee will now look at.

Only counties and cities like Phoenix and Mesa with a population over 500,000 received their money directly from the federal government.

For smaller cities like Gilbert, the $441 million for expenses responding to COVID-19 went to the state of Arizona for distribution.

Chandler, which received $30 million in CARES money, is spending it for local business grants, improving the city’s

Tyler Bowyer, who helped organize the event and the coalition, said the argument is “silly,’’ and the group’s name does not connotate that the church officially endorses Trump.

“Historically, we know Mormons are more Republican than not. Republicans have exceptional support for Trump,’’ Bowyer said.

He said his coalition is one of at least a dozen throughout the country supporting Trump’s campaign, including Cops for Trump and Latinos for Trump.

The controversy serves as a prelude to the debate between Kamala Harris, Democrat presidential hopeful Joe Biden’s running mate, and Pence in Salt Lake City on Oct. 7 at the University of Utah.

Pence, who said he welcomed the debate while speaking at his Mesa appearance, also appeared before police supporters in Tucson.

Alluding to cultural themes, including Trump’s appointment of 200 conservative judges and preservation of religious freedoms, Pence said, “The choice in this election is whether America remains America.’’

But the rally drew immediate pushback from Republicans for a New President, a group of moderate Republican church members who oppose Trump.

They authored a letter denouncing the

Mormon coalition’s name and purpose.

Mesa Republican Tyler Montague, who authored most of the letter, said it’s important to remember that not all church members belong to a monolith that will vote for one candidate.

Among the list of prominent people signing the letter are former Arizona State Sen. Bob Worsley and his wife Christi and Claudia Walters, a former Mesa vice mayor and former president/ CEO of Mesa United Way. “We wouldn’t pretend to give the impression that we speak for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; we do not,” the letter stated. “But as individual church members writing on our own account, we would suggest that the group holding a rally calling itself ‘Latter-day Saints for Trump’ is out of bounds for co-opting the Church’s name to give the impression that Donald Trump is supported by the Church as an entity.

“We feel the need to respond and say that while some may support the president, there are also many who disagree with President Trump for many reasons,’’ the letter said.

“For us, this election is not about parties and tribalism. It is about reclaiming our core values. President Trump is the antithesis of so much the Latter-day Saints community believes. Servant lead-

ership, kindness, honesty, acceptance, family, and respect for all are core tenets of who we are and what we stand for.’’

Montague said church members largely are divided among those who support Trump, those who don’t like Trump personally but will probably still vote for him and those who will vote for Biden or for a third-party candidate.

“I think he has taken us to bad place.

Never in my lifetime has it felt so divisive, uncertain, unsteady,’’ Montague said.

Bowyer said about 300 people attended Pence’s speech at the Delta Hotels

by Marriott Phoenix Mesa in downtown Mesa, and he was pleased with the response.

The coalition’s leadership includes former Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, Cindy Biggs (wife of U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs of Mesa) and Snowflake state Rep. Walt Blackman.

Nancy Wudel, a Mesa businesswoman and a church member, said she quickly joined the coalition and condemned the letter on Facebook, calling the Biden-Harris campaign inconsistent with church values.

“You should be applauding the goodwill done at this event, not condemning it. Pence spoke about families, values, and Christian principles - not one iota of campaigning for Trump,’’ Wudel wrote.

see CARE page 11

Pence Mesa visit angers some Mormons

BY JIM WALSH GSN Staff Writer

V

ice President Mike Pence’s campaign stop in Mesa last week to fire up his ticket’s religious base also fired up some moderate Republicans who oppose his boss’ re-election.

Pence’s appearance was sponsored by Latter-day Saints for Trump, whose very name might have been accurate on one level but misleading on another.

While conservative church members applauded the organization, opponents worried that the name might imply that that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints endorses Trump and Pence, which is not correct and runs contrary to its longstanding policy on political neutrality.

A church spokesman in Utah and a spokeswoman in Arizona sent out emails outlining the neutrality position, but did not comment directly on the organization or Pence’s comments about how the President has helped the church.

Church teachings encourage civic engagement but bar direct political activity in campaigns.

“Its sole mission is to bring individuals to Jesus Christ,’’ Arizona church spokeswoman Jennifer Wheeler said, reading from the neutrality policy.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

CARES from page 10

technology, community support, protective gear and saving $10 million for its reserves.

Scottsdale Council in July approved how its $29 million is being spent, which included programs and services for residents in need, grants and loans for local businesses and expanded marketing campaigns to help businesses get back on their feet. Scottsdale also is buying technology to make public facilities safer.

During the discussion of Gilbert’s CARES money, Councilman Jared Taylor advised the subcommittee prioritizes spending for the private sector – small businesses and nonprofits – and not allow it to become a money grab for the town.

He noted when staff presented the budget “the argument was made the town was doing great, we can raise spending, we can hire over 80 people.”

That $993 million budget, which included the 82 new employee positions, was adopted in June with Yentes and Taylor voting against it.

EVICTION from page 9

who want to delay eviction proceedings until Oct. 31 have until Friday, Aug. 21, to comply with the governor’s new regulations.

To delay eviction, tenants must notify or renotify their landlord of ongoing financial hardship and provide supporting documentation, request a payment plan, acknowledge that the contractual terms of their lease and provide supporting documentation.

Through Aug. 21, a tenant’s grounds for eviction enforcement delay may be based on COVID-19 circumstances regardless of loss of income. After Aug. 21, the sole circumstance for delay of an eviction action is financial hardship related to the pandemic, and not due to illness or the need to quarantine alone.

Both landlords and tenants can see their rights and the process for rent deferment or eviction on the state Supreme Court’s website at azcourts.gov/ selfservicecenter/Landlord-Tenant-Disputes-Eviction-Actions/COVID-19-Processing-Eviction-Matters.

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In seeking review, the lawsuit acknowledges that the governor can exercise certain powers in a public health emergency.

But attorney Kory Langhofer’s suit says Ducey, in unilaterally barring landlords from enforcing the terms of lawful lease agreements, created “an indefinite economic welfare and redistribution program, rather than a public health measure to contain the COVID-19 contagion.’’

Langhofer also warned the justices that if the governor’s order goes unchallenged, “then there is virtually no personal or commercial transaction or conduct that would lie outside his grasp.’’

When asked about the lawsuit at a press conference last week, Ducey replied, “My reaction is, get in line, all right?’’

“We’re doing everything we can to protect people in this state, to protect the most vulnerable through a public health emergency and an economic disruption,’’ Ducey said. “And we’ll continue

11

to do it.’’

The lawsuit asks the high court not just to rule that Ducey’s order exceeds his constitutional authority but to specifically direct constables and justices of the peace to carry out their duties to evict tenants once there is a finding that they are not paying their rent.

In previously defending the order, the governor’s office has argued that nothing in it eliminates the legal duty of tenants to make up the missed rent once the emergency ends.

But Langhofer said that eviction generally is a landlord’s only effective remedy when someone doesn’t pay.

No date has been set for the high court to hear the case – or a similar challenge filed with the court by dozens of closed bars across the state.

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HIGLEY

from page 4

ties,” Reese said. “We say, we would rather be able to go to our gyms, rivers, bars, amusement parks and everything else before our schools open is backwards.

“We should be saying we need to look at our community and see what else we can do and what other sacrifices can be made just so our schools can open first.

Our kids can go to Top Golf, they can go to Main Event and they do. But they can’t go to school? How backwards is that?

“I think we should resume in-person school and give our families a choice. We know that the best method for most of our children is to learn in-person.”

She added that what the state and county provided to school districts as benchmarks are skewed numbers.

“From what I can tell, they include prisons and jails, long-term care facilities, hospice centers, assisted-living facilities, rehab centers and other areas that would not be community spread. They don’t provide us with the number of tests done in our area with the positivity rates.

“Those who are afraid, high-risk, have high-risk family members or just not

ANSWERS TO PUZZLE AND SUDOKU on Page 23

NEWS

ready to send kids back on campus also have the choice of on-line education,” Reese said.

She acknowledged there was room for improvement with the district’s choices and that she for a couple of months has been asking for live, on-line classes that would mirror a typical school day.

She said the coronavirus was here to stay and each person’s level of safe is different. She also noted the divergent recommendations for reopening schools coming from medical experts.

“Who do you listen to?” Reese said. “I’m still in support for our teachers to make the choice they have if they are comfortable coming back into the classroom or working with HR Department to see what we can do to accommodate them and giving our parents the choice for their child if they should send them back to school for traditional in-person learning.”

Board member Jill Wilson said her stance has always been kids first and that will never change.

“It’s an impossible decision and it is hard,” she said. “We are tearing our com-

munity apart.”

She said she felt the battle has begun between those who want their kids back in school buildings and those who don’t feel it’s safe to reopen.

“I want history to judge me by my decision here today and by what my judgment is and what my decision is, by what is best for teacher and for students in this community,” said board member Greg Wojtovich. “That is how I want to be remembered.”

Board member Scott Glover said he hoped the district meets the benchmarks soon and to do so, he asked people to limit the spread of COVID-19 by washing their hands often, covering their faces, staying home when sick, not going on trips and avoiding crowds.

Kaylor said she echoed her peers’ sentiments.

“It’s a no-win situation,” she said. “We knew that going into this meeting today that there’s not a win for education in this decision.”

She said the vote was one that the board did not take lightly.

“I’m emotionally fragile at this moment because of what we’ve been put through over the last several days,” Kaylor said, adding: “We are human, we love our staff and we love our students and we have family members who are teachers and our very own kids are our student and to say this decision was taken lightly is not ever going to be true.”

She went on to thank the district’s employees – administrators, superintendents, maintenance and teachers for their efforts during this trying time and she thanked families for reaching out on the issue.

“The person I will not thank today is the governor,” Kaylor said. “I will not thank him for putting any of us in this position today.”

GPS

from page 4

know that they want to be in the classroom now. We know many are concern about their health for various reasons.”

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REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

re1

Gilbert housing market in unprecedented times

BY MINDY JONES NEVAREZ GSN Contributor

S

low and steady might win the race but it also is the way we’d prefer to describe a market correction when it happens.

The current real estate market is pushing the boundaries of unprecedented and is one of the strongest markets in Arizona’s history at a time when many thought that it would simply cease to exist.

The extreme shortage of available housing – coupled with the booming number of buyers who are taking advantage of historically low interest rates – has forced a competitive market unlike

anything we’ve ever seen.

Sellers are selling for well above asking, buyers are refinancing on houses they’ve lived in for less than a year and everyone is wondering just how long this can possibly go on for.

That, my friends, is the million-dollar question.

And when – because it is “when” and not “if” – the market is no longer sizzling hot like it is today, will we be talking about the steadying of the market from increased inventory and decreased buyer demand? That happened over several years as builders picked up their production and interest rates slowly rose.

Or will we be wondering how we went from frenzy to fizzle so quickly?

My gut is that the tortoise will beat

out the hare every time but I’d rather be in the race than on the sidelines in the meantime.

So, how do you get in the race if you aren’t today?

Knowing your options is my number one piece of advice for everyone out there with a home, paying for someone else’s home, working from home, homeschooling from home or wanting to get a home to keep everyone at home in.

Everyone needs a home and with homes being more affordable than ever despite a 10.2 percent increase in dollar

per square foot year over year in Gilbert, it seems like almost everyone wants to find a home.

Gone are the days, at least for now, where you can walk into a builder’s fancy show room and put some money down for the floorplan.

Buyers have to be prepared, think on their toes and often make big decisions in little timeframes. That can be scary.

So why do it? Well, with only 205 homes available for sale in Gilbert,

see TIMES page RE2

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REAL ESTATE

TIMES from page re1

builders are starting lotteries, drawings and wait lists so that they can time their builds and not take the two years to build your house that their contracts allow.

(Yes, we read the entire contract and yes, they actually have two years to build your home.)

We’ve seen first-time home buyers save thousands moving from a rental to a home of their own that they didn’t even know they could afford; couples downsizing and using the equity from the sale of their home to make a cash purchase and eliminate their mortgage as they enter their retirement years; and families build wealth through real estate by investing in their first rental property.

So, if it’s such a great time, then why aren’t more people doing it? Why aren’t more homes on the market if it’s really a once-in-a-lifetime chance to access that virtual bank account of equity?

It’s typically one of two things: either they are trying to time the market and

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

not pull the trigger until we’ve reached the absolute peak or they are afraid of how it will all work, afraid of the complications of buying and selling at the same time, afraid of finding something they love as much as their current home, afraid of losing all that equity because it just feels better knowing it’s there for access when needed.

But the truth is, it’s not accessible whenever you need it – it’s accessible now.

We’re seeing the loss of some home equity lines of credit programs, greater restrictions for self-employed borrowers trying to get cash out from a refinance, and mortgage brokers prioritizing purchase contracts over refinances.

The money in your home is only valuable if you can get it and if you can release that equity from its cage, you might be feeling like a bird singing a jolly tune.

I think we’re going to see some buyers move to the sidelines because they are

@AmyJonesGroup Each office is independently owned and operated

tired of fighting tooth and nail for every last bit in the contract, standing in line in 110+ degree weather waiting for a builder to call their name, and waiting up until 9:30 p.m. for a seller to agree to change the contract price when the appraisal comes in low. These are all true stories and while we’ve seen and heard in the last six months.

There is definitely a sense of urgency for sellers who want to make a cash grab.

And buyers, my only advice is to stick it out.

Unprecedented times can be scary but they can also be unique, challenging, exciting and full of opportunity.

Assemble your board of experts lenders, financial advisors, real estate agents – and let them help you understand your options and how to maximize these unprecedented times.

- Mindy Jones Nevarez, a Gilbert Realtor and owner of the Amy Jones Group at Keller Williams Integrity First, can be reached at 480250-3857, Mindy@AmyJonesGroup.com or AmyJonesGroup.com

...a Tradition of Trust

REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

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More good news for home sellers – buyers, not so much GSN NEWS STAFF

S

ellers have no reason to be jittery about the Valley’s housing market, judging by the Cromford Report’s look at last month’s home-sale data for the region, including Gilbert.

That data also indicated both good news and bad for buyers, on the other hand: while inventory is increasing slightly, prices are rising at an even quicker pace than they had in the first half of 2020.

“The housing market is extremely strong and has been hitting a number of new records in the last few days,” Cromford said, adding that inventory declined by only 3.5 percent, far weaker than in June.

“This is because we are seeing far more new listings than we got during the first half of the year,” Cromford said, adding the increase “appears to be setting in for the long run.”

Noting that closings were up 13 per-

cent over July 2019, Cromford said demand – far from being curbed by the pandemic – “has reached heights that make it very strong by any historical standard.”

And that means buyers can expect prices to rise faster – and homeowners can expect to see their houses appreciate at an even higher rate.

The average price per square foot rose 4.7 percent in July – which Cromford said would be normal year-over year but not from one month to the next.

“This happened during a summer month, making it even more remarkable, because summer months are usually rather weak for pricing, even in strong markets,” it said.

Median sale price on all 11,205 closed transactions for both new and resold homes in the county rose 13.6 percent between July 2019 and last month and the double-digit increase in appreciation is “something which we have not seen for six years,” Cromford said.

Gilbert Real Estate Snapshot

Of the total closed deals last month, new homes accounted for 1,662 – up 22.9 percent from a year ago. The median price was $363,511, up 2.1 percent from July 2019.

For the 9,543 resales, the median price soared 14.4 percent year-over-year to $317,000, Cromford said.

Cromford uses a variety of data for an index that shows how favorable the market is toward buyers or sellers in 17 Valley municipalities.

And that index shows people looking for a house in Gilbert may be especially frustrated.

With 100 on the index representing a balanced market and anything above 100 favorable to sellers, Gilbert ranks third in the Valley with a reading of 417.9 – behind only first-place Avondale (717) and Glendale (530.2).

Cromford said all this adds up to a market that is “extremely unfavorable for buyers” just about anywhere in the Valley – and especially in the East Valley,

where Chandler and Mesa rank fourth and fifth, respectively, on its index.

“Not only do they have to contend with prices rising at an unusually high rate, when they do find a house on which they would like to make an offer, they will probably find dozens of other buyers with exactly the same idea in mind,” Cromford said, adding this somber note for those looking to buy: “We do not see things improving for buyers during August and most sellers can get away with being pretty much as unreasonable as they wish to be. Frustration, tension and stress are the order of the day.”

Have real estate news?

Send to Paul Maryniak at

pmaryniak@timespublications.com

Provided by the Amy Jones Group Your Local Real Estate Team

(480) 250-3857 | www.amyjonesgroup.com • Average Days on Market: 38 days Down from 41 Days Last Month

• Active Listings: 205 Down from 224 Listings Last Month

• Monthly Sales: 585 Up from 519 Sales Last Month

• Listings Under Contract: 649 Down from 694 Listings Under Contract Last Month

• Average Sales Price: $369,000 Up from $365,000 Last Month

• Monthly Supply of Inventory: 0.8 Down from 1.0 Monthly Supply Last Month

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REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

Ducey defends reopening schools, closing some businesses

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ov. Doug Ducey last week defended hard-and-fast limits on some businesses’ reopening while saying it’s OK for schools to send children back to class even if local health conditions do not meet the guidelines set by his own state health director.

The governor also said that he has no interest in making those safety guidelines for schools mandatory as Queen Creek Unified School District prepared to reopen its campuses Monday, Aug. 17.

Ducey said he sees nothing wrong with districts reopening this week. “Many of the districts are close on the benchmarks,’’ he said.

That drew questions about why the same options are not open to businesses in counties where the governor said it’s safe enough to send kids to school.

“Because we’ve been in the unhappy but responsible business of dispersing large adult gatherings,’’ he said, That raised questions about whether it is safer to have large gatherings of kids.

State Health Director Cara Christ, said, “If they can appropriately physically distance, if they make them wear the masks, if they are able to cohort groups, that would be a safe environment for kids to return.” She also said she believes where kids learn goes beyond safety.

“There’s so many things that happen at school that are important for the appropriate growth and development of children that if we can get them back into the classroom, we want to get them back in the classroom,’’ she said.

“I support the principals, I support the superintendents and I support the parents,’’ Ducey said, adding, “A lot of teachers that can’t wait to get to the front of the classroom.”

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Community

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

GilbertSunNews.com

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@Gilber tSunNews

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For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com

/Gilber tSunNews

Gilbert artist brings her magic to masks

BY SRIANTHI PERERA GSN Contributor

M

onths of boring quarantine can fly by if you’re wholeheartedly involved in something that also brings a sense of accomplishment.

Gilbert artist Vita Nicolosi is in that happy existence during the pandemic.

Shelving art aside, Nicolosi enlisted the help of her daughter-inlaw, Gina Nicolosi, to sew masks.

They haven’t looked back since.

Nicolosi made the first mask on March 21. Now, working 12 hours daily, the total hovers at 6,000.

“We are not bored. There are days we ask ourselves: ‘it’s Friday? Where did the week go?’”

Nicolosi said. “We have lost time.

We don’t even know what time of

Masks made by Vita Nicolosi and daughter-in-law Gina Nicolos are colorfully designed. (Srianthi Perera/Contributor) Vita Nicolosi, at left, and her daughter-in-law, Gina Nicolosi, have made about 6,000 masks so far and show no signs of stopping.

day it is most days.”

When the pandemic began, Nicolosi was contacted by an anesthesiologist who needed some masks for surgical procedures.

“We worked endlessly together and created masks that worked. They ended up bringing material that they wrapped their instruments in and we started cutting and sewing as a family,” she said.

When that task was completed, Gina was contacted by a parent whose daughter was serving at the Air Force Base in Texas and asked if they could create masks so they could continue training.

“We did just that. We found material with ‘USA’ on it and sent 50 to 75 masks. We were then con-

see

MASKS page 18

Pandemic sparks young philanthropic entrepreneurs Some of the young Gilbert entrepreneurs include Garrett Hauk, left; Brooke Berlin, right; and Taylor Burke, below. (Staci Hauk/Contributort)

BY STACI HAUK GSN Contributor

T

he ongoing pandemic has struck a chord with Gilbert children and teens and promoted a sense of community and philanthropy among them.

Kids as young as 5 have honed their skills to build small businesses that are thriving in the time of COVID-19.

With equal parts creativity and timeliness, the young entrepreneurs aim to address social issues while earning money to give back to those in need.

Maddie Andonie is a 12-year-old local actress, dancer and model who is on a mission to help children in crisis at this difficult time by having emergency and crisis-care workers give children something meaningful in traumatic moments.

Along with collecting donations, she is creating doit-yourself blanket kits that people in the community can pick up, put together and return for distribution.

Hudson Vanderwall, also 12, found a unique way to couple his passion for engi-

neering and for helping others by turned the pandemic into a positive.

“I have attended Engineering for Kids since I was 5 and participate in CodeBots,” Hudson explained. “My mom saw that mask extenders were needed as COVID-19 spread, and I thought I could try to make them on my 3D Printer. After my first batch, messages were flying in.”

Hudson transitioned to helping those in need – healthcare workers, specifically.

He has donated close to 1,000 extenders,

see

PHILANTHROPY page 18

18

COMMUNITY

MASKS from page 17

tacted by people to create masks to wear around town,” Nicolosi said.

The requests began snowballing and there is no end in sight. They have set-up a Facebook page called V & G Mask Makers for orders that are pouring in each day.

The extended family lives on an acre property in southeast Gilbert.

Gina wakes up at 5 a.m. and starts the mask making at around 6. She washes, irons and cuts the fabric and passes it to Nicolosi who attaches the pieces together and places the ear pieces.

In between, Gina does other household chores including cooking dinner, paying bills, shopping for groceries and obtaining fabric supplies.

“I get right back to work when that is complete,” she said. “I have cut masks until midnight at times.”

Gina’s daughter, Gianna, sometimes helps out by taking over the chores on days they have too much to accomplish.

“Mask making is done in stages. It’s not sitting and sewing 100 percent of the time.

We have found ourselves engrossed in this project and just want to help so many,”

PHILANTHROPY from page 17

each taking him 25 minutes to make. Engineering for Kids donated 3D printers to help him increase production.

Furry community members aren’t forgotten either.

Cans for Cool Canines was started by Oceana Anders, 11, to help homeless dogs.

She collects cans and recyclables and uses the money earned to give back to local dog charities. Social media has been a helpful tool and she now receives donations from Gilbert and beyond.

Lily Hindes, 12, combined her love of dogs and baking to create S & G Dog Co. It gave her something meaningful to work on during social isolation. She has sold more than 3,000 dog biscuits and donates a bulk of proceeds to animal charities while working on an upcoming line of homemade dog toys.

A mass of business-savvy children have blossomed over the grueling months of quarantine.

Brooke Birlin’s company, Brookie’s Cookies, a self-run baking effort that allows Brooke, 11, to save for a phone and donate self-delivered sweet treats to po-

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

Nicolosi said. “It’s hard to sit still.”

They donated the first 3,000 masks. But now that supplies are dwindling and the expenses are climbing, they charge a nominal fee: $5 for a regular size mask, $6 for an extra-large mask and $3 for a kid’s size.

Some masks are still donated as well.

Nicolosi noted that fabric is gradually increasing in price and also being hoarded in the manner that toilet paper was stockpiled when the pandemic began.

At the outset, Gina answered an email from Joann Fabrics asking sewers to make masks. The store donated the supplies but they didn’t like the style of masks they were asked to create.

So, Nicolosi changed the style.

“The mask today that we create is soft on the ears,” she said. They are also 100 percent cotton and comfortable to wear/ breath in for long hours.

The masks are distributed from their front porch in Gilbert, by mail or delivery if the recipient has a medical issue that makes it difficult to leave the home.

Nicolosi has also shipped several boxes of masks to her hometown of Corleone,

Sicily, where 100-percent cotton fabric is unavailable.

Nicolosi, whose family moved from Sicily to Illinois when she was a child, has lived in Gilbert for five years. Her husband, John, also hails from Corleone, Sicily. Their son, Frank, is general manager of Earnhardt Ford.

Besides sewing, when she was a teenager, her mom taught her painting, mosaic work and other artistic skills.

“I have art that runs through my veins from my family in Corleone, Sicilia,” she said.

Nicolosi paints in acrylic and also creates cold porcelain, a dough out of which she fashions objects such as birds and flowers and adds a three-dimensional quality to her canvases.

She maintains a page on Facebook called Art by Vita.

A member of Gilbert Visual Art League, she was preparing for an art show when the pandemic hit.

“Vita is outgoing, energetic, positive and kind,” said Donna Finter, a league board member. She used to sing professionally and shares her enthusiasm for life through song

Lily Hinds, 12, is baking up a storm with her dog biscuits,. (Staci Hauk)

Hudson Vanderwall used a 3D printer to make facemasks. (Staci Hauk/GSN Contributor)

lice, fire stations and nurses.

Taylor Burke, 14, is a self-taught artist who has found sketching to be therapeutic. She sells her drawings to raise money for charity – and even earned enough to buy herself a “COVID companion,” a pet bunny.

Others used this time to reflect on who needs their kindness and youthful energy.

AJ Zvada, 14, hosts weekly trivia Zoom

and visual art. Her paintings are brightly colored and influenced by her Sicilian roots, nature and her Christian faith.”

Deeply spiritual, Nicolosi and Gina believe that God wanted them to create masks and help people during this difficult time.

Nicolosi herself went through a difficult time with her youngest child, who had a disability and has since passed.

“It is hard to deal with at times, but with the Lord’s help I can turn to my hurt for healing,” she said.

For Gina, the vocation to help others is important. “I do what I have to do so people in our community are safe,” she said. “I will do this until I can’t anymore.”

Nicolosi has no regrets about helping others either; she hopes to resume her creative work soon. “My art work is on hold for now. I will be making masks for as long as it is needed or that we can physically do this,” she said.

Contact Vita Nicolosi and Gina Nicolosi via the Facebook page V & G Mask Makers.

Vita’s art is on the Facebook page, Art by Vita.

Oceana Anders is helping homeless dogs. (Staci Hauk)

nights with local senior centers while Garrett Hauk, 10, organized a summer “caring cards” campaign for his school to bring positive and colorful cards to Mariposa

Point Senior Center in Gilbert.

We Give a Shade co-owners and sisters Nicolette and Taylor Krienert said formed their sunglass business, We Give A Shade, during the pandemic. For every two pairs of shades sold, they donate a pair and have given 1,000 pairs to hospital, fire station and grocery store workers. “We want to be a feel-good story during these unprecedented times,” they said.

Business

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

GilbertSunNews.com

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@Gilber tSunNews

BUSINESS

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/Gilber tSunNews

Gilbert couple happy as independent restaurateurs

BY MONIQUE SELEEN GSN Contributor

A

fter six years of working as part of the breakfast chain “The Egg and I,” Gilbert couple Sean and Annette Anderson cut their ties with the franchise and started their own restaurant: The Nook.

The daytime eatery at Higley and Queen Creek roads underwent a rebranding process in September 2019 as the Andersons transitioned to running the restaurant independently.

“It was a mutual thing, very amicable,” said Annette. “[The franchise] actually helped us a lot. They let us keep the menu and gave us the format.”

The staff and patrons at the rebranded Gilbert restaurant, The Nook, celebrated their reopening last year. (Special to GSN)

Although their experience working as part of a franchise helped Sean and Annette navigate owning and operating their own restaurant, the Andersons weren’t always in the food industry.

Sean, a registered nurse, was injured after a patient fell on him, ending his nursing career.

Annette previously worked in sales but said she eventually got tired of working for other people.

“When we decided to work at a restaurant, we knew we didn’t want to work nights, “Annette said.

“We started exploring breakfast places and that’s how we ended up at the Egg and I.” After deciding to break away from the franchise, the Andersons

Gilbert firm’s craft cards spread the love

see

NOOK page 20

BY DAVID M. BROWN GSN Contributor

T

he Davis family of Mesa and Gilbert have many scrapbook memories – and people throughout the world have saved theirs because of Scrapbook. com.

Founded in 1999 by Jill Davis, the website began as a way for her to share techniques, tips and project ideas from her home office in Mesa.

“My mom had been scrapbooking for over 25 years, was an expert crafter and taught local sold-out classes on papercrafting,” said her son, McKane Davis, president of the Gilbert-based business.

“Creative expression filled her life with meaning and joy, and she loved sharing that passion with others so much that she wanted to do it on a larger scale,” he

see

SCRAPBOOK

page 20

Gilbert-based Scrapbook.com does a huge business around the world. (Special to GSN)

Dorothy Schildkret at America Orchards in Gilbert was delighted with her “kindness card.” (Special to GSN)

20

BUSINESS

NOOK from page 19

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

had several tasks to get in order including developing a logo and brainstorming a name for their restaurant.

“We sat down with a notepad and started writing down ideas,” said Annette.

“We wanted to convey something homey and make people feel like they’re coming into our house.”

They agreed that “The Nook” delivered that message.

Apart from establishing a welcoming feeling for their customers, the Andersons said it was also important they form a close-knit relationship with their employees.

“We have an amazing group of people who work for us,” said Annette, adding, “They give it their whole heart every day.”

Many of The Nook’s employees stayed with them throughout the rebranding process and a few have been there since the very beginning.

The couple said that because of their confidence in their management team and their employees, they are able to break away from the business for day trips or leisure travel – something that wasn’t possible when they first got started.

“When we first opened eight years ago, we spent 14 hours a day, seven days a week at the restaurant,” said Annette.

Sean typically helps run the front end while Annette said she will jump in wherever she’s needed, sometimes even cooking on the line and helping flip eggs.

When the restaurant closes for the day at 2 p.m., The Nook in Gilbert serves up some mouth-watering breakfasts like this combo of a strawberry-decorated the Anderwaffle with sausage and eggs. (Facebook) sons said they continue “Things have since leveled out and we can working on the business at home – doing bookkeeping, managing social media take vacations now.”

Despite their desire to create a balance accounts and working with food supbetween work and their personal lives, pliers.

“It’s a never-ending job,” said Annette. the Andersons said they are still deeply But the couple is just grateful to have devoted and involved with the day-to-day the restaurant back up and running after needs of the restaurant.

“We’re never 100 percent out of con- closing its doors back in March due to tact,” said Annette. “We live half a mile COVID-19.

“We tried to do take-out delivery but away and can be there in 5 and a half minbreakfast just does not transport well,” utes if they need something.”

said Annette. The Nook remained closed for nearly two months.

The Andersons reopened for business the day after Mother’s Day and implemented several safety measures, including spacing out tables, supplying hand sanitizer, requiring employees to wear masks, and operating at 50 percent capacity.

“We’re doing OK, but it’s only about half of the business we were doing last year,” Annette said, adding: “When something happens that’s out of our control it’s challenging, but my main goal is to make sure the 22 employees that we’re responsible for keep food on the table for their families.”

Regardless of the challenges Sean and Annette have faced in the recent months, they said it’s their customers and the surrounding community that make it all worth it.

The couple added that they enjoy sponsoring luncheons for teachers at neighboring schools and have participated in charity events hosted by Triology Golf Club and the Gilbert Historical Museum.

“We love Gilbert and we love the ability to give back to the community we live in,” said Annette.

Information: thenookaz.com.

added.

“Students asked her: Can we keep project examples to learn from?’ But, if she did this, she would not have had any to show her next classes,” Davis said. “So, she came up with the idea of sharing these projects online, so students could log on and look whenever they needed inspiration or a reminder.”

Originally, crafters would mail projects to her, mostly scrapbook pages.

“She would scan every project, upload the images to the Scrapbook.com website and mail each project back to its creator,” he said.

As the site grew, users could photograph/scan and upload their projects.

Today, the site’s gallery has three million projects.

Eventually, Scrapbook.com began selling paper-crafting supplies for card making, mixed media art, stamping and die cutting

dreams,” he explained, noting that Scrapbook.com is the world’s most visited paper-crafting site, with millions of visits each month and 100-plus employees, mostly East Valley residents.

The site also includes forums, an online gallery of submitted projects, free classes, articles and podcasts, a free crafting newsletter and events.

“And we still carry out Jill’s passion for teaching and strive to inspire people everywhere to live a handmade life,” added Davis, noting that his mom and dad Charles are retired and living in Mesa.

His childhood home was suffused with creativity: calligraphy, crafting, card making and scrapbooks. “My mother was also very entrepreneurial,” said Davis. “So those two elements have combined to make Scrapbook.com.”

He attended MacArthur Elementary, Kino Junior High and Westwood and

Mountain View high schools in Mesa. Next, he graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, planning a law career.

After moving back home in 2001, his parents asked him to assume operations for the young website, although they were at first reluctant to launch an online store with its paperwork and other e-commerce requirements.

“I didn’t want to become a lawyer and I was enamored with the internet,” he said.

“I was all in.”

“We have been overwhelmed by the support, love, and kindness the community of Gilbert has shown us since we moved the business here two years ago,” he said.

As part of the company’s gratitude, Davis began a Cards for Kindness program last year for the annual Gilbert Kindness Week after he asked to participate in some way.

SCRAPBOOK from page 19

McKane Davis started out wanting to become a lawyer, but became enamored with the internet and what it could do for scrap-booking fans. (Special to GSN)

items, journaling and more.

“The website and online store have grown beyond my mother’s wildest

see

SCRAPBOOK

page 21

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

21

Gilbert woman earns national grocery award served in various roles at Fry’s and Kroger, the parent company of Fry’s, including floral manager, sales manager and store manager.

She is currently responsible for managing merchandising, operations and strategic planning for the deli/bakery departments at all 122 Fry’s locations in Arizona.

“It is such an honor to receive this award and recognition,” said Mattison.

“The ultimate goal in all that I do professionally always goes back to making sure our stores, people and customers are taken care of. Staying committed to Fry’s purpose to ‘Feed the Human Spirit’ through fresh food is a privilege and I

truly love what I do.”

Mattison and her team also played an integral role in the opening of the newest Fry’s Food Stores in Downtown Phoenix with an optimized deli assortment, which accounts for a significant percentage of total store sales.

Community involvement is also a priority of Mattison’s.

“She remains committed to supporting Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan and puts that commitment into practice by encouraging store teams to reduce waste in stores by advocating for the company’s food rescue program,” a Fry’s spokesperson said.

esert Hand & Physical Therapy, a provider of outpatient hand and physical therapy services, has opened a new clinic in Gilbert.

The Gilbert clinic, at 1489 S. Higley Road, Bldg 1, is near the Mercy Gilbert Campus.

The supervising therapist will be

Desarae Johnson, OTR/L, CHT, who earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise and wellness from Arizona State University and a master’s in occupational therapy from Midwestern University in Glendale.

She earned her hand therapy certification in May 2019.

The Gilbert Clinical Manager is Richard Standage, PT, CHT, a graduate of Northern Arizona University who discovered a

passion for treating the hand and upper extremities in his post-graduate studies.

He began as an intern with Desert Hand Therapy in 1999 and earned his hand therapy certification in 2005.

Desert Hand & Physical Therapy was founded in 1997 by Chris Reynolds, PT, MHS, CHT, and has grown it from one office with one therapist to 10 clinics with 29 therapists.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to grow into the Southeast Valley and Gilbert in particular,” he said, boasting of his clinics’ “excellent customer service and care for our hand-toshoulder patients.”

Desert Hand & Physical Therapy centers provide individualized treatment for trauma, illness or injury.

Information: deserthandandpt.co

The initiative finds people who need an act of kindness and sends him or her a handmade card.

“The program,” said Davis, “is a way to spread joy and happiness to adults and children who are facing challenging circumstances.”

That effort succeeded so well locally that Davis and his team decided to make it a global effort six months ago – just before the pandemic changed everything.

“We saw how much need there was for handmade cards locally and felt like we needed to expand this globally. We’re just getting started and we’ve already seen tens of thousands of donated cards – and each one of those is a selfless act of kindness,” Davis said.

Crafters make cards that are blank inside, then mail them to Scrapbook.com,

which distributes them to cancer foundations, hospitals, children’s homes, shelters, retirement centers, deployed troops and other organizations.

“The cards are used by nurses, doctors, staff members, counselors, parents and volunteers who add handwritten messages of encouragement and love before giving them to patients, children and other people in need,” he explained.

The company is not compensated for the initiative; the participating crafters can buy their materials anywhere, including Scrapbook.com, or use materials from home.

“We donate our time and resources to the project to facilitate it,” he said.

Thousands of handmade donated cards have been delivered to groups such as Operation Gratitude, Ronald McDonald

House Charities, Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, American Orchards Assisted Living Community, Cardon Children’s Medical Center and Impact One Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Each of our Hope Boxes that is shipped to women all over the country has a special card inside donated by Scrapbook. com,” said Elizabeth Cluff, founder of Gilbert-based Impact One. “These beautiful cards given to women going through breast cancer diagnosis allows our service to add additional hope to women fighting the disease.”

Just before COVID-19, Scrapbook.com employees delivered handmade cards to American Orchards Senior Living in Gilbert.

“The residents use the cards to write to

family members, friends and pen pals, and the staff surprises the residents with them on their birthdays, to cheer them up when they need a sympathy or get-well card,” said Aase ‘Osa’ Erickson, Life Enrichment director on the Assisted Living side.

“It’s beautiful to see how tickled they get every time they open one of those special, unique cards.”

They are “a beacon of hope now, and many of them will be saved, cherished and re-read and perhaps become heirlooms,” said Davis.

“Handmade cards say you matter. It’s a great time, particularly now, to show tenderness and care,” he added. “They touch the forgotten, the elderly, the endangered, the overlooked and the underappreciated.”

Information: scrapbook.com/kindness.

GSN NEWS STAFF

A

Gilbert woman who is a deli/ bakery merchandiser for Fry’s Food Stores has been recognized as one of 2020’s “Top Women in Grocery”

by Progressive Grocer magazine.

The national food retailer publication said J.J. Mattison is one of two Fry’s leaders locally to receive the national award recognizing women in grocery who display exceptional achievements both in and out of the office.

Mattison will be honored at the Progressive Grocer awards gala in November in Orlando, Florida.

For the last 23 years, Mattison has

Gilbert resident J.J. Mattison, a deli/bakery merchandiser for Fry’s Food Stores, was saluted for her work in a national grocery industry trade publication. (Special to GSN)

Hand therapy clinic opens in Gilbert GSN NEWS STAFF

D

SCRAPBOOK from page 20

Sports & Recreation 22

SPORTS

GilbertSunNews.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

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Check us out and like Gilbert Sun News on Facebook and follow @GilbertSunNews on Twitter

Jace Feely creating own kicking legacy

BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

I

t doesn’t take long for Jace Feely to recall his favorite memory from watching his father, Jay, kick professionally in the NFL. Feely, around the age of 8 at the time, was in the stands at the then-University of Phoenix Stadium on Dec. 12, 2010, when his father and the Arizona Cardinals faced the Denver Broncos in a Week 14 matchup.

Jay connected on five field goals, four extra points and scored the only touchdown of his career – a fake field goal he ran in from 5 yards out late in the first half.

His 25-point effort was the most by any single player in Cardinals history, and he fell one shy of the NFL record.

“He ran to the sideline and I ran all the way down the stairs, jumped into his arms and he took me into the locker room afterwards,” Feely recalled. “It was just an awesome moment.”

Now, as Feely prepares for his senior season at Gilbert Christian, he is hoping to create his own legacy while honoring his last name.

Feely is already one of the top placekickers in the state and is quickly making a case as one of the best in the country.

When schools were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic in March and Feely was forced to find his own field for kicking, he routinely hit what would be equivalent to 50 or more yards on a lined field.

On July 12, he posted a video to social media that showed him make a 63-yard field goal with plenty of room to spare. He credited his work ethic and overall success at the position to his father.

“My dad taught me at a young age that I had to work for the goals I want to achieve,” Feely said. “I took that to heart and just kept trying to work like him every day. Anything I do is competitive. I learned that from him.”

Gilbert Christian senior kicker and linebacker Jace Feely has quickly become one of the best placekickers in the country as he sets out to create his own legacy while honoring his last name. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff)

Due to his father’s previous profession as a placekicker in the NFL, Feely often found himself holding a football at a young age. But he always played soccer rather than football growing up. It wasn’t until his freshman year at Gilbert Christian that he transitioned to become a placekicker. As expected, it came naturally.

Playing at a small school, he was often recognized for his name rather than his athletic ability. But that narrative quickly changed as he showcased his talent all over the field for the Knights.

“Jace is a weapon on both ends,” Gilbert Christian coach Danny Norris said of Feely, who also plays linebacker. “He can boot it to the end zone and is a terrific onside kicker as well. When we kick the ball and it doesn’t go through the end zone, we now have an extra defender because he isn’t afraid to go hit someone.

“It’s not often your kicker also be one of your best tacklers.”

At 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Feely is one of the bigger players on Gilbert Christian’s

amplify that as much as I can to my peers, my teachers, my teammates and my coaches.”

Uncertain times remain surrounding the high school football season as it relates to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Arizona InterscholasGilbert Christian Danny Norris called Feely “a weapon” on the field, as he is able to put the tic Association ball virtually anywhere on the field while kicking and make the tackle. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff) announced a 29-man roster. He recorded 30 total tack- phased-in approach for the fall sports seales last season as one of the defensive son, which has football beginning official starters and expects to have an even big- practices on Sept. 7 and games on Oct. 2.

Though that remains tentative. ger year as a senior in 2020.

One other factor that could result in a While he enjoys making plays on defense, Feely knows his future involves a lost fall high school football is the decision from the state’s three largest universities kicking tee.

He and his father decided when his re- surrounding the sport. Reports surfaced cruitment began to take off they would last week that both the NCAA FCS’ Big keep any offers he received a private family Sky Conference, where Northern Arizona matter. Though Feely did say he has offers competes, would announce their plans to either proceed with a fall football season from power-five schools.

Last summer, he took a recruiting trip to or postpone to spring. The Pac-12 was also the University of Michigan, where his fa- reportedly set to make such a decision, ther played. The two were able to compare which would affect both Arizona State and photos from his dad’s playing days in Ann the University of Arizona.

Whether or not this decision affects high Arbor. Feely believes it is unlikely Michigan offers him due to a lack of roster space in schools will be known after the AIA Executive Board meets on Aug. 17. his position.

Though whatever the decision, Feely In some ways, he sees that as bittersweet. While he would love the opportu- said he will be ready to take the field for his nity to follow in his father’s footsteps and final season and help lead the Knight back suit up in the maize and blue, he also aims to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

“I just hope to kick my best and while I to create his own legacy.

“Everyone knows me as the son of Jay can’t really give you a number, I want to Feely,” he said. “I’ve always kind of kept do the best I can on defense,” Feely said. “I that in the back of my mind. I want to be hope to be remembered as a hard worker, my own person. God gave me these abili- respectful and overall a diligent player.” ties, both on and off the field. I just try to

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23

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020 AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | AUGUST 12, 2020

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

Obituaries Mary Colleen O’Barr Peteresen

Obituaries Charles Alvin Beyer

Charles Alvin Beyer, 93, of Beatrice, NE, formerly of Mesa, AZ and Bay City, MI, died Monday night, August 10, 2020, at Homestead House in Beatrice following a brief illness. Charley was born on May 19, 1927 at Bay City, Michigan, to Alvin and Lena Ortlepp Beyer. He graduated from Bay City Central High School and proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. During his time in Bay City, Charley devoted his life to helping others and being an honest Christian. He was united in marriage to Nancy Ruth Patenge on September 17, 1954. She died on December 9, 1999. He owned and operated Beyer Building Mart in Bay City for many years and was an honest, hardworking, and successful businessman. After many years of being in business, Charley sold the lumber yard and with his wife, Nan, retired to Mesa, Arizona. There he enjoyed many years of volunteering at the hospital and helping anyone he could. On June 12, 2004, Charley married Margaret Grell Blaser in Mesa, Arizona. She died on July 3, 2020.

Charley is survived by his children, Steven (Susan) Beyer of Saline, MI, and their children, Caroline Beyer (Matt) Castel, Kathryn Beyer (Jacob) Braman, and Andrew Beyer; David (Amy) Beyer of Linwood, MI, and their children, Brennan and Ian McGuire; and Debra Beyer of Henderson, NV. He also leaves behind, his great- grandson, Alex George Beyer Braman, and his stepgreat-grandchildren, Beau and Layla McGuire.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Nancy; his second wife, Margaret; and his sister, Charlotte (Elmer) Pressler. Charley’s family would like to thank Steve and Patty Bacon of Arizona for their longtime friendship and personal assistance. They have been a blessing to Charley for so many years.

Per Charley’s wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be held at later date at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona.

Inurnment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona. A memorial has been established to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.foxfuneralhome.net Fox Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.

Charles Merritt Charles Merritt Charles "Chuck" Merritt Charles "Chuck" Merritt December 29, December 29, 1945 - July 16, 20201945 - July 16,Charles 2020 Charles Edgar Edgar Merritt was was born born Merritt December December 29, 1945 in 29, 1945 in Beaumont, Beaumont, Texas (on Texas the 100th anthe 100th(on anniversary of Texas statehood) and niversary of Texas statepassed away July 16 inaway July hood) and passed Mesa, AZ from 16 in Mesa,following AZ from complications complications surgery.

The son of following surgery.

The(Kuehne) son ofMerritt, William and Cecelia William and Cecelia he grew up in Adelanto, CA and graduated (Kuehne) Merritt, he grewfrom upVictor in Adelanto, Valley High School in 1963. He served four CA from Victor Valley High years and in thegraduated Air Force as a radar technician.

School in 1963. four years in the After graduating fromHe the served University of New Mexico, Chuck a career as a civil engineer Air Force as had a radar technician.

After graduatwith the State of New Mexico Highway ing from the University of New Mexico, Department and State Engineer's Office. New Chuckwas hadhisahome career a civil engineer with Mexico fromas1971 to 2004 and he in Albuquerque, Los Alamos, Santa Departthelived State of New Mexico Highway Fe, andand WhiteState Rock.Engineer's He then moved to Queen ment Office.

New MexCreek, AZ and worked for the Arizona ico was his from 1971 to 2004 Department of home Water Resources, retiring in and he 2016. loved to hike, Los ride his bicycle, Santa Fe, livedChuck in Albuquerque, Alamos, look at cars, Rock. and take of desertto Queen and White Hepictures then moved flowers. He is survived by his brother Bill Creek, AZ and worked for Ruth the Arizona De(Charlotte) of Jerome, ID, his sister Jean partment Water retiring in Beeler (Jim) of of St. Peters,Resources, MO, his former wife, Albuquerque, 2016.Therese ChuckMerritt lovedof to hike, rideNM, his bicycle, and twin sons Lincoln (Cecilia Youree) of look at cars, andTerence take (Gabrielle) pictures ofof desert Albuquerque, NM and flowers.

He is by hisAvila, brother Bill Mount Angel, OR,survived granddaughters Rose, and Zelie, many cousins, (Charlotte) of Jerome, ID, hisnumerous sister Ruth Jean nieces and nephews, friends, and neighbors in Beeler (Jim) of St. Peters, MO, his former Queen Creek, AZ. A funeral service will be wife, Therese of Albuquerque, NM, held August 19th atMerritt 11am (Pacific) at St. Mary Catholic in Mount (Cecilia Angel, OR. The and twinChurch sons Lincoln Youree) of Alservice will NM be and streamed online(Gabrielle) at: buquerque, Terence of https://www.stmarymtangel.org/. Burial will be Mount Angel, granddaughters Avila, at Santa Fe NationalOR, Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, consider many donatingcousins, to Friends of Rose, please and Zelie, numerous Bosque del nephews, Apache or friends, Boyce Thompson nieces and and neighbors in Arboretum.

Queen Creek, AZ. A funeral service will be Sign the Guestbook at: held August 19th at 11am (Pacific) at St. obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com Mary Catholic Church in Mount Angel, OR. The service will be streamed online at: https://www.stmarymtangel.org/. Burial will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Friends of Bosque del Apache or Boyce Thompson Arboretum.

Sign the Guestbook at: obituaries.EastValleyTribune.com

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Mary Colleen O’Barr Petersen, age 82, passed away in her home at The Seville in Orem, Utah on August 7, 2020. Born in Mesa, Ariz, on April 9th, 1938, to Edith DePriest and Augustus Barto O’Barr, Colleen loved her parents and brother, Gerald, deeply and often reflected on her early years. “I had a wonderful childhood,” she said.

“We were poor but we didn’t know it!”

Colleen was a natural curly-haired redhead and her mother loved to dress her up like a doll, which did not stop her from finding mud puddles to play in whenever she had the chance. As a child, Colleen loved spending time with friends and extended family in Mesa and spent many of her summers with family in Colorado.

In 1957 she married Nolan Petersen, and together they had five daughters. As a military family they moved often, and Colleen told many stories of their oversea adventures. She especially loved her time living and raising her family in Okinawa, Japan and Stuttgart, Germany.

A lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Colleen was a Relief Society President in three countries: Japan, Germany, and the United States. She also served as a Young Women’s president in four states.

The happiness of her younger years unfortunately did not last forever, and she and Nolan divorced in 1994 amid complex heartache that she carried with her until she died. She was supported by friends and family members, but experienced numerous painful health conditions over the years that ultimately led to her passing. In the end, she found great comfort and peace in her unfailing belief in the Atonement and looked forward to reuniting with loved ones, including her daughter, Lori, who preceded her in death in 2012, her parents, and her brother, Gerald, who passed away last year.

Her greatest loves in life were her children, her many close friends and the Savior.

There will be a viewing at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 800 North in Orem, Wednesday, August 12 from 9-9:30am, with graveside service following at 10am at the Orem City Cemetery. Condolences may be offered to the family and a live broadcast of services may be watched at www.walkersanderson.com

Mary Ann Heil

February 10, 1936 - August 4, 2020 Mary Ann was born in Globe, Arizona on February 10, 1936 to Thomas and Jessie Dingman Green, Mary Ann was the youngest of three children. She passed away August 4, 2020 She was preceded in death by her Parents, Sister Doreatha Smith, Brother Voliner Albert Poole and Grandson Daniel Michael Heil.

She is survived by her husband Joseph Adam Heil and three children Joseph Michael Heil (Janette), Kay Heil Franklin (Douglas) and Thomas Richard Heil. Seven Grandchildren Derrick Adam, Tamara, Katie, Joseph Matthew, Elise, Maximilian and Sean. Nine Great Grand Children Aliya, Talon, Tanner, Evey, Tayla, Haven, Sebastian, Lucas and Joseph Denver.

Mary Ann was a lifelong resident of Mesa and Pine Arizona. She spent the remaining years of her life in Scio, Oregon. She attended Mesa High School. Mary Ann married the love of her life Joseph Adam Heil on July 28, 1953 in Mesa Arizona, they shared 67 years together raising their children and building a life together “Brick by brick”. She was a homemaker and is remembered for her many talents such as cooking, “You haven’t had a cinnamon roll until you tried Mary Ann’s”. She could sew any pattern and bring a smile to your face with her paintings.

Mary Ann was a devoted Christian and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints and enjoyed attending church and loved singing and playing the piano. Her final days were spent surrounded by family.

Mary Ann’s favorite quote is an Irish Blessing “May the road rise up to meet you, May the Wind be always at your back, May the sunshine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

In loving Memory of our Beautiful Mother and Grandmother Mary Ann Heil, we will dearly miss you.

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✔ Carpentry

Job Too Marks the Spot for“No ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More!

rk Since 1999 Affordable, Quality Wo BSMALLMAN@Q.COM 1999 ce Sin rk Wo y alit Affordable, Qu

Call Classifieds Today!

2010, 2011 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2012, 2013, 480.898.6465 2014 Ahwatukee References/ Insured/ NotResident a Licensed Contractor Ahwatukee / References Call BruceResident/ at 602.670.7038

✔ Kitchens ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 2012, “No 2013, Job Too And More!

Small Man!” 2014

, Quality Work Since 1999

Affordable CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

• Sprinkler/Drip Repairs • New Installs Poly/PVC • Same Day Service

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

480.654.5600 azirrigation.com Cutting Edge LLC • ROC 281671

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- Free Estimates -

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Home Improvement

ACTION CONTRACTING INC.

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured

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Sell Your Stuff!

Ask me about FREE water testing!

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Weekly, biweekly, tri-weekly, or monthly; same talented crew each visit Flexible, customized services to meet individual needs of each client GREEN eco-friendly products used to clean and sanitize Move-in/move-out and seasonal deep cleans Small, family-owned company with GUARANTEED high quality services Always dependable, excellent references, bonded, and insured

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East Valley

480-833-7353 - Office 480-430-7737 - Cell A+

-S

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E NC

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LIC/BONDED/INSURED Res/Comm’l ROC#218802

aaaActionContractingInc.com

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

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• 20 Years Experience • 6 Year Warranty

480.345.1800 ROC 304267 • Licensed & Bonded

27

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

Landscape/Maintenance

Painting

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

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15 Years Exp 480-266-4589

Licensed • Bonded • Insured Technician

Specializing in Controllers, Valves, Sprinklers, Landscape Lighting, P.V.C. & Poly Drip Systems

Not a licensed contractor

East Valley PAINTERS

Call Lance White

480.721.4146 www.irsaz.com

ROC# 256752

Superstition Landscape Maintenance

Call or Text Adrian 480•376•9806 or 480•925•1418 FREE Estimates

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www.eastvalleypainters.com Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

Now Accepting all major credit cards

Interior/Exterior Painting 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE Dunn Edwards Quality Paint Small Stucco/Drywall Repairs

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

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Over 30 yrs. Experience

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Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

affinityplumber@gmail.com

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Your Ahwatukee Plumber & East Valley Neighbor Anything Plumbing Same Day Service Water Heaters

24/7

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Toilets

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Disposals

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Not a licensed contractor

Pool Service / Repair

PLUMBERS CHARGE TOO MUCH!

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Painting

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SEWER CABLE COMPREHENSIVE, FULL-SERVICE PLUMBING COMPANY

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20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

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Juan Hernandez

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PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR

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showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

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Licensed Bonded Insured ROC 286561

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Not a licensed contractor.

HEAT CAN KILL. Bring your pets indoors during summer heat.

28

GILBERT SUN NEWS | AUGUST 16, 2020

Your Trusted European Car Specialists We at Huffs Automotive Se Habla are specialists in: Espanol • Land Rover • BMW • Jaguar • Mini Cooper • Audi • Volkswagen • Porsche • Mercedes Benz

#1 rated shop in the East valley Serving Chandler & the East Valley for over 10 Years • Family Owned and Operated

95 N. Dobson Rd. • Chandler, AZ 85224 480-726-8900 • huffsautomotive.com info@huffsautomotive.com

Call For An Appointment!