Gilbert Sun News - 11.28.2021

HUSD grapples with shortages

FuelFest roars into region

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PAGE 28

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

INSIDE

This Week

NEWS................................ 4 Death penalty sought in officer’s slaying.

COMMUNITY..........12 Williams Field Black Hawks are champs.

Gilbert mom’s massage business booming.

COMMUNITY........................................12 BUSINESS..............................................21

GETOUT.................................................28 CLASSIFIEDS.......................................34

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Town considers revving up Gilbert tourism

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert’s tourism landscape is changing with the growing momentum of Cactus Yards and the Heritage District, prompting the Town to look at redefining its game plan for attracting more visitors.

Council voted 5-2 earlier this month to spend $100,000 for consultant Coraggio Group to draft a Gilbert 2022 Tourism Strategic Plan. Council members Aimee Yentes and Laurin Hendrix dissented.

“I do believe that we have the expertise within our department to do a study of this scope,” said Yentes, who pulled the item off the consent agenda for a separate vote.

see TOURISM page 8

Gibert Days is a signature town event that helps attract visitors, town officials say. Last weekend, their point was proven as the Gilbert Days Parade rolled through the Heritage District. Above, students from DePalma’s TEAM USA Martial Arts strutted their stuff. For more photos, see page 14. (David Minton/GSN Staff Photographer)

Firefighters, Town fight over COVID claims

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

BUSINESS..................21

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF GILBERT) | GilbertSunNews.com

G

ilbert firefighters are up in arms over medical claims for work-related COVID exposure being “categorically” denied – an allegation that the Town of Gilbert repudiates.

Two veteran firefighters appeared before Town Council recently pleading for help.

“We hope you can help,” said fire Capt.

Mike Rudolph, president of the Gilbert firefighters union. “Morale in our workplace has never been lower. Your firefighters and

first responders feel disconnected from the Town, unheard and disrespected.

“As we stand here 20 months into a pandemic that has pushed every man and woman on the front lines to a breaking point, I want to say two things clearly – first your firefighters and police officers support our mayor and the Town Council, which bears no responsibility with the issues.”

Instead, the 27-year firefighter pointed blame at Town Manager Patrick Banger and his management team during the Nov. 16 meeting’s public comments.

“Town management must do a better job

taking care of the concerns of the first responders, who take care of our residents,” Rudolph said. “We are experiencing staffing challenges that continues to add stress to an already difficult job made more difficult by the pandemic.

“We have experienced serious issues with our employees’ COVID-19 workers compensation claims and now we’re faced with a challenge of a disengaged workforce.”

Under state law, Council could not respond to the allegations.

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Gilbert!

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see CLAIMS page 10

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

An edition of the East Valley Tribune Gilbert Sun News is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Gilbert.

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NEWS

3

Higley grappling with employee shortfalls

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

H

igley Unified School District Governing Board is expected Dec. 8 to give pay increases to its current hourly employees in an effort to retain them and raise the minimum wage higher than set by the state in order to attract new workers to fill over 140 open jobs.

Staff at the Nov. 18 meeting proposed a $1 hourly hike to current classified staff such as janitors, paraprofessionals and crossing guards and a $2-an-hour bump in pay for hard-to-find bus drivers for a total cost of $3.9 million. The minimum wage was proposed to go to $13.45 an hour.

“With COVID, it’s really impacted our communities in so many different ways,” said Mum Martens, Human Resources executive director. “What we’re seeing now as people are returning to work and organizations and areas are opening back up is that there are shortages of workers out there and we’re competing for the same pool of individuals.

“We’re seeing stories in radio, print and television that individuals are waiting for the job they want and not just taking any job. We’re also seeing stories about businesses and corporations around the Valley offering starting higher rates beyond the minimum that’s about to take into effect. We’re seeing stories from Amazon, where they’re starting people off as high as $19.32 an hour and we’re seeing sign-on bonuses happening across the Valley.”

Martens said recently she was at a Wendy’s that advertised $20,000 signon bonuses for restaurant managers.

The district also faces the shortage of bus drivers, according to Martens, who pointed to districts in the Northeast that had to delay the start of in-person learning because of the lack of bus drivers.

The proposed hike comes on top of a minimum-wage increase of 65 cents an hour to $12.80 effective Jan. 1 in Arizona, which is expected to cost HUSD

$60,000.

Martens said giving a $1,000 bonus for classified-exempt managers, supervisors and coordinators also was recommended.

“Again, this is more about retaining employees,” Martens said. “We do think it’ll still be difficult. We don’t believe we’ll all of a sudden get a rush of new individuals in our hiring pools but what we’re hoping is that showing our employees that we value them, that we care and we know we have to address the market just like everybody else is addressing the market that we’ll be able to continue to retain them and they’ll continue to see value working with us.”

CFO Tyler Moore said had the $95-million bond passed Nov. 2, the district’s plan was to increase all classified staff pay to $2 an hour.

He further justified the need for a pay hike saying classified staff is one of the hardest hit employee groups by the rising inflation.

Moore said the proposed increase would bring the classified hourly compensation just above the estimated inflation in the state.

He also said the district would be able to fund the increases by removing 100 unfilled but budgeted positions that the district had no intentions of filling.

“In addition the district continues to realize vacancy savings especially in the classified employee group,” he said.

“The inability to fill these positions provides a savings that would be utilized to fund a portion of this proposed compensation increase.”

Board member Michelle Anderson asked if other school districts have approved a pay increase and as a result have been able to hire more employees.

“There are a number of school districts in the area who made this move prior to us some as early as July 1, some within the last few months,” Martens responded. “Talking with some of my colleagues at the districts in terms of bus drivers, they were only able to recruit one or two.”

Martens said she also spoke with a

school district near the Phoenix area that raised its minimum wage on July 1 to $15 an hour and “unfortunately that does not or has not helped their hiring pools.”

“Some of you may recall this from our classification compensation study (that) we’re still behind some of the larger districts that surround us,” Martens said. “However, going back to the nature of size and funding, they get so much more money than us.

“We’re always going to lag behind and we’re just finding other ways to let our employees know and to let our community know that we care and Higley’s worth being here for and working with.”

Anderson also asked about the possibility of school districts helping each other out by sharing bus drivers.

Martens said HUSD’s transportation director has spoken with surrounding districts and it hasn’t worked out that smoothly.

“We’ve tried to see if there are things that we could do to help support whether it’s evening events, weekend events, etc,” she said. “But that has proven to be difficult.”

Oftentimes HUSD is competing for the same time slots – during the beginning of the school day and after-school events – and for the same employees, Superintendent Dawn Foley added.

“Hence it’s hard when you’re competing against your neighbor who can pay a little bit more,” Foley said, noting that if a district can’t find essential employees like bus drivers it has to contract out for them, which is substantially more costly.

Vice President Jill Wilson asked if there was an opportunity for bus drivers, who have a giant gap in the middle of the day between pickups and dropoffs, to help out with vacancies like in the cafeteria.

Foley said that was currently happening with some bus drivers clocking in under another code for an appropriate position.

If approved, the raises would take effect Dec. 20.

SEE MORE NEWS ONLINE WWW.GILBERTSUNNEWS.COM

4

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Death penalty sought in Chandler officer’s slaying

BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

T

he Maricopa County Attorney’s office plans to pursue the death penalty against the man accused of killing a Chandler police officer.

Jonathon Altland of Tolleson faces 32 charges for the events that took place on April 29 that resulted in the death of 50-year-old Chandler Police Officer Christopher Farrar and severe injuries for Gilbert Police Officer Rico Aranda, who remains on restricted duty.

County officials are citing prior convictions as one of the aggravating factors for seeking the death penalty – including vehicle theft and fleeing police.

Another aggravating factor is the victim was a peace officer and the suspect either knew, or should have known, he was one performing his official duties.

Prosecutors say the 25-year-old Altland led police on a chase that started in Eloy and ended at a Gilbert car dealership the night of April 29.

In addition to the charge of first-degree murder, he faces 20 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon,

Jonathon Altland

Christopher Farrar

unlawful flight from law enforcement, endangerment, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, first-degree burglary and four counts of disorderly conduct.

According to court records, Pinal County sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop Altland for speeding near Eloy in

the spring. They soon learned the yellow truck he was driving had been reported stolen.

Altland was headed north on State Route 87 toward Chandler. He began to pull over, but then allegedly fired at the deputies before fleeing. He drove at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour

tual assertions made in the lawsuit and is confident that the election results will be upheld.”

In mid-September, Torgeson, who owns a sign company in Mesa, began posting anti-bond signs in Gilbert.

But town employees removed at least 57 signs, claiming they violated state statute by not including a contact name.

Torgeson’s phone number, however, was on the signs.

Torgeson’s attorney, Tim La Sota, countered that the statute didn’t apply to his client because he was neither a political candidate nor a political action committee and threatened to sue if the Town continued with taking down the signs.

Although the Town didn’t agree with the attorney on the legality of the signs, it allowed them to remain.

It took Torgeson and his paid work-

ers until Oct. 8 to fully replace the 57 Town-confiscated signs – two days after early voting began, according to the suit.

The all-mail election was Nov. 2.

La Sota in the suit said the Town has a history “of not removing political signs when it agrees with the political message on the signs” even though they were in violation.

He pointed to the mayoral election in November 2020 where Brigette Peterson successfully beat Matt Nielsen at the ballot box.

A group posted signs in Gilbert’s rights-of-way attacking Nielsen with messages such as “Matt Nielsen will Defund the Police!” that contained no contact name, candidate or PAC paying for the signs, La Sota said.

“Because the Town did not find the anti-Nielsen political messages con-

and at one point crashed through a gate at Chandler Municipal Airport, driving onto the runway.

Police continued to pursue him as he drove the wrong way on surface streets.

He finally left the vehicle after crashing it into the northern embankment of the Loop 202 west of Val Vista.

He fled on foot inside the SanTan Motorplex in Gilbert, where police say he stole a car. He used it to crash through a closed bay door. Police claim he then drove toward a group of officers in what they describe as an intentional act.

The officers fired as he approached.

That’s when the car Altland was driving struck Farrar and several others.

Farrar was an 18-year veteran of the Chandler Police Department. He had three children and a grandchild.

Police say six people were injured that night because of Altland’s actions.

Altland’s trial is tentatively scheduled to start next Oct. 10 but capital cases can go on for years before reaching a jury.

It took more than nine years, for example, before a jury got a chance to convict the man who shot Gilbert Police Lt. Eric Shuhandler to death in 2010.

Sign maker asks court to toss bond vote

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

A

town resident wants a judge to toss out Gilbert’s $515-million transportation and infrastructure bond that passed earlier this month by 164 votes.

Jim Torgeson claimed Gilbert “engaged in misconduct” by targeting and removing his signs against the bond, which violated his right to free speech and influenced the election’s outcome.

Torgeson named the Town, the mayor and all six council members in the suit filed Nov. 22.

“The Town Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of outside counsel, is currently reviewing Mr. Torgeson’s lawsuit,” the Town said in a statement. “The Town strongly disagrees with the legal and fac-

veyed to be undesirable, the Town did not confiscate these political signs,” the suit said. “There was no effort to have employees work overtime, or any discernable effort at all by the Town to remove these signs.”

Through a public records request, Torgeson got his hands on employee emails that showed a concerted effort to remove his signs, with a code enforcement supervisor considering paying volunteer employees overtime to remove the signs.

The suit stated the mayor and 14 town employees, including Town Attorney Chris Payne and Town Clerk Chaveli Herrera had some level of involvement in removing Torgeson’s signs.

La Sota also said while the Town tar-

see LAWSUIT page 6

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

CUSD to provide round-the-clock tutoring online The district sent out a request for proposal for the service, and six different vendors applied. NetTutor and Skooli scored the highest ranking from a committee put together to evaluate the different proposals.

The District entered an agreement with Skooli with 23 other school districts as part of a program to get lower prices for buying in bulk. However, CUSD will use NetTutor, which scored the highest.

The money for the tutoring will come from funds set aside by the Arizona Department of Education to help students overcome the challenges of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those funds are called Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grants, or ESSER. The contract calls for the District to pay $26 for every student who logs in

and connects with a tutor. The student can then use the service again and there will not be an additional charge. That puts the maximum price tag for this year at about $585,000 if every student takes advantage of the tutoring. The contract can be renewed every year through June 30, 2026.

Service will start Jan. 3.

“The tutors are provided by the vendor, at any time of the day, when students need the tutoring,” said Dr. Craig Gilbert, assistant superintendent for secondary education for the district.

The additional service will not change the current tutoring taking place at CUSD schools.

“We have two different types of tutoring,” said Dr. Jessica Edgar, who is director of elementary curriculum and instruction. “We have the in-person tutoring, or the extension of the school

day, and then we have the online piece.”

The tutoring taking place at schools are limited to students identified as needing extra help, Edgar said, while all students would be eligible for the online tutoring if they want it.

Edgar said the district limits at-school tutoring because they want to respect their teachers, who have been working all day. She said this should also help other students who can’t get tutoring at school because they are involved in sports or after-school clubs or have transportation issues.

If a student does not have access to a computer the district will work with them so they can take advantage of the online tutoring.

“Our schools also have technology on their campuses that if there is a need for a family for technology, they can actually check that out,” Gilbert said.

he nation’s largest manufacturer of vaping products has agreed to change how it does promotion in Arizona and elsewhere.

In a deal announced Tuesday, Juul Labs agreed not to use marketing that appeals to anyone younger than 21. That specifically includes a ban on marketing or advertising material for Juul products on any social media platform and not paying social media “influencers’’ to promote their products.

And the company will pay $14.5 million to settle the lawsuit filed against it nearly two years ago by Attorney General Mark Brnovich.

While the state will keep $2 million of that, including to cover its litigation costs, the deal requires the balance to be spent on programs to help addicted youths end their addiction to e-cigarettes and education programs to keep others from starting the habit in the first place.

“Today’s settlement holds Juul accountable for its irresponsible marketing efforts that pushed Arizona minors toward nicotine and the addition that follows,’’ Brnovich said in a prepared statement.

In its own statement, Juul called the settlement “another step in our ongoing effort to reset our company.’’ But the company, which continues to insist that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking, is not getting out of the business.

“We will continue working with federal and state stakeholders to advance a fully regulated, science-based marketplace for vapor products,’’ the statement reads.

In filing suit, the state charged that Juul “appealed to, targeted, and exploited a generation of youth.’’

Brnovich cited ads that he said feature “young, attractive women in suggesting or casual and fun poses.’’ Brnovich also said the pods marketed by Juul dispense more nicotine than cigarettes but are designed to be less harsh, a tactic he said that is aimed at getting young people addicted.

The lawsuit came even after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had raised the age for the sale of vaping and

other tobacco products to 21. That agency also outlawed the sale of most flavors.

Even Brnovich acknowledged at the time that the company had halted many of the practices cited in the lawsuit, practices he wants a state judge to enjoin the firm from engaging in in the future.

But he denied that the lawsuits and the press conference to announce them were simply designed to generate publicity for him and his office. And Brnovich brushed aside the FDA directive.

“I’m not going to rely on Washington, D.C. to solve Arizona problems,’’ he said.

“In fact, I would submit that Washington, D.C. is where good ideas go to die.’’

Even if the company is no longer en-

geted his client, it left alone other signs such as those advertising holiday lights installation and personal tutoring in the rights-of-way that were in violation.

That double standard also was raised

by Councilman Laurin Hendrix at the

Nov. 16 meeting, when he and Councilwoman Aimee Yentes voted against accepting the election results.

La Sota noted that sometime after that council meeting, town employees began removing the noted commercial signs and

“such action is either an admission that they should have treated all signs equally in the first instance, or it is an attempt to try to obscure the Town’s wrongdoing in initially targeting only those signs that contained a political message that the

Town did not agree with.”

Besides asking the court to declare the election results null and void, Torgeson is asking for attorney fees and an injunction barring the Town from moving forward with the bond.

BY KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

S

tarting in January, Chandler Unified School District students who need a tutor can schedule one 24 hours a day after the Governing Board approved a contract with on-demand tutoring service NetTutor.

The service promises to have tutors available 24 hours a day who will be able to help students in any subject, from kindergarten to the advance placement classes some high school seniors are taking.

“Wow, that’s kind of amazing in of itself,” said board President Barb Mozdzen. “When I think about all the different levels of classes and everything else the district offers, they really do need to have a wide variety of tutors available.”

State reaches $14.5M deal on vaping products

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

T

LAWSUIT from page 4

see VAPE page 9

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

TOURISM from page 1

“We got a town economic development team (and) we got a staff person who’s dedicated to the tourism aspect of their strategy,” she said. “I just don’t think this is a wise use of money when it is something that didn’t strike me as any particular secret sauce here.”

Since the town implemented its Tourism Strategic Plan five years ago, it has experienced a jump in foot traffic, which can be seen in the hotel stays.

There’s been a 65 percent rise in hotel rooms sold from 176,000 in 2016 to the current 290,000, according to Tourism Administrator Glenn Schlottman.

He added that a 2019 visitor study by Arizona State University reported Gilbert has hosted nearly 4 million visitors a year, which accounted for $362 million in direct spending.

Core visitors coming to Gilbert include visiting friends and family, sports participants, business travelers and day visitors.

Top on the list of attractions are the downtown Heritage District, which now boasts over 30 restaurants, regular events and a community theater and Cactus Yards, which is rising in popularity for youth and amateur sports, according to Schlottman.

Also, the 272-acre Gilbert Regional Park’s playing fields and other amenities and Desert Sky Park are a draw, he added.

“On the parks and recreation side we’ve seen a lot of changes over the past few years and it’s definitely been a time of tremendous growth,” Parks and Recreation Director Robert Carmona said at a recent Council retreat, where staff discussed developing destination events to boost tourism.

Carmona said his department planned to focus on three key areas in this endeavor – sports tourism, events and the Riparian Preserve.

Cactus Yards has been a tremendous driver of sports tourism for Gilbert, recording 127,200 daily visits by tournament participants for fiscal year 2019 and 98,200 daily visits by non-tournament participants for the same time period, Carmona said.

He noted that Cactus Yards reopened in Feburary 2019, so it was a shortened

One of the town’s biggest tourist magnets – which like will get even stronger in the coming year – is Cactus Yards. (Special to GSN)

No one is discounting the draw of downtown Gilbert, particularly the restaurants that fuel its vibrant night life. (Special to GSN) fiscal year.

And for that fiscal year, tournaments resulted in 1,839 hotel room nights and $2.9 million in directed spending, Carmona said.

“We’re now at the point of where these tournaments are happening every weekend throughout the year,” he said. “We’re working on updating those numbers for 2021, 2022 so this number you’re going to see a great increase in.”

Carmona said his department is seeing an average of three requests for the weekends for each of the 52 booking periods and since reopening are seeing a change from mostly regional tournaments to an increase of more national tournaments wanting to play at Cactus Yards, which features eight scaled-down replicas of major league fields.

And coming to Gilbert in June 2022 is a Ripken Baseball event.

“It is one of the largest tournaments,” Carmona said, adding the town put in a bid to host the event that attracts an esti-

mated 3,300 visitors.

“I think it speaks to that national draw that Cactus Yards now has,” he said. “This is a small example of how Gilbert is now on that national stage that people want to come to.”

Overall, tournaments, especially for soccer and football, have increased at all of the town’s athletic fields with 85 for this fiscal year compared with seven in fiscal year 2019, according to Carmona.

He added that Legacy Sport’s 320-acre sports and entertainment project opening next year in nearby Mesa won’t affect Gilbert and would probably drive more “national-attractions-type tournaments to the Valley.”

“Because we’re still averaging three events per booking period, we’re just going to see that continue to expand,” Carmona said.

He also said his department was seeing an increase both in attendance and with the number of events it hosts annually up to 45 from the 19 in 2019.

Two of the larger events this year included Gilbert Days with 20,000-30,000 attendees and the annual July 4 celebration, where attendance jumped from 6,000 to over 20,000 after it was moved to the regional park, according to Carmona.

He added that staff was seeing a lot of interest from promoters wanting to stage events in Gilbert. New promoter events this year was an Oktober Fest, which attracted 6,000-7,000 people and a Highland Games, which had an estimated crowd of 15,000 and was previously held in Phoenix.

Also, new for Gilbert is a traveling country concert series. Previously held in California, the “Boots in the Park” event is planned for the regional park in March and so far 7,000 tickets have been sold, Carmona said.

“We’re going to see more and more private promoters, which we already are, wanting to come to Gilbert,” he said.

Carmona added that a 25-acre water park planned next to Gilbert Regional Park in a private-public deal will bring people not only from Gilbert, but all across the country and will be the town’s first true tourism destination spot.

The Riparian Preserve also is a big lure, attracting 20 percent of the total visitors who come to Gilbert with half of them being non-residents.

“That’s a really strong indication of how important this property is and this park is for the people that are visiting Gilbert now and into the future,” Carmona said. “This is also a location I feel has tremendous potential moving into the future of drawing the crowds that are very interested in the birding and the nature perspective because it is a really unique spot.”

At the retreat, Schlottman said the town can attract more overnight and day-trip visitors with signature and destination events.

He said community-based offerings such as the weekly farmer’s market downtown and the annual Gilbert Days event are still compelling reasons for people to visit Gilbert.

“So, how do we get more destination

see TOURISM page 9

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

TOURISM from page 8

events?” Schlottman said. “There’s two key ways that we found in our research and trends out there with other communities.

“First and foremost and for the most part in most communities and some of those large events you see across different states is creating and fostering events. A lot of events start as a grassroots effort, start as a community effort and grow as a destination event and start bringing people into the community.”

Schlottman said another opportunity is to snag events that have outgrown their current location.

“There are opportunities to bring something that already attracts people into the community,” he said.

He noted staff will look at impacts such as to public safety, traffic and parking as more events are added to the community. An event’s success would be measured using its financials, economic impact and attendee satisfaction.

Councilwoman Kathy Tilque referenced a Texas concert where a reported 10 people died after a stampede in saying Gilbert shouldn’t have more than one signature event at this time because of impacts to public safety, noise and parking.

Vice Mayor Yung Koprowski pointed to the ability at the Scottsdale Sports Complex to park vehicles on its fields and asked if there could be the same dual use at Cactus Yards or Desert Sky.

“Parking on the turf is something we definitely need to look at,” Carmona responded.

Koprowski also asked if it was possible for residents to get first shot at tickets to show appreciation for their support of the events.

Carmona said unless the town is a partner in a special event, it can’t do that but will think about it for future events it holds.

Koprowski added that she wasn’t sure if there was a need for the town to generate a new signature event as she could see people wanting to bring their events to Gilbert. She also suggested if staff was looking for a signature event they could perhaps consider a bike route for bicycle tourism.

Mayor Brigette Peterson said she loved the idea of a signature event that was community-based. And, she asked if there was a chance for the town to do more with its July 4 celebration and stand out instead of having just a fireworks show.

Carmona said staff can work on some ideas.

“I want to see options and costs,” Peterson said. “I don’t want to see the same old fireworks that everybody else has.”

Peterson also made it clear that the parks should be made available for residents first and for Carmona to ensure there is a balance between the community’s use and tourism dollars.

gaging in the acts in the complaint, Brnovich said at the time the state still needs to take legal action.

“Someone has to pay the consequences for what they’ve done in the past,’’ he said.

That went to the part of the lawsuit where Brnovich sought to “disgorge’’ the company of profits it had made from underage Arizonans who were targeted and deceived. He also sought penalties of up to $10,000 for each knowing violation of the law.

Other provisions of the settlement include: Requiring that Juul products sold at

retail locations to be displayed only behind the counter or in a secure display case to prohibit shoppers from getting them without the help of a clerk; No Juul-sponsored events where anyone younger than 21 will be present; Ensuring that Arizona retailers adopt age-verification compliance systems, monitored by Juul, with stores that do not comply losing their ability to sell Juul products.

Mandating changes in how Juul avertises the nicotine content of its products.

Juul entered into a similar settlement earlier this year with the attorney general of North Carolina.

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

CLAIMS from page 1

But Banger’s office last week rebutted the allegations, saying it has an opendoor policy and has always shown a willingness to collaborate with the fire department on important issues.

“We have and continue to meet regularly with labor representatives and stakeholders at all levels in the fire department to ensure that open dialogue is had on issues of importance,” the statement read.

“In our most recent meeting with fire labor representatives, appreciation was expressed for these collaborative efforts and accomplishments with an emphasis on continued progress.

“We were surprised and disappointed by the comments and misinformation that was shared at the council meeting but remain committed to an open and continued dialogue with our fire personnel and all town employees.”

The statement added that the Town will continue to invest in its public safety departments such as the over $62 million in funding over the past five years to the first responders’ state-pension fund and the $80 million spent on building the Public Safety Training Facility.

During the council meeting, firefighter Chad Rice, who has worked for Gilbert for over 20 years, chimed in.

He said the Industrial Commission of Arizona 18 months ago announced a policy stating that COVID-19 workers compensation claims can’t be categorically denied.

The state agency said at the time that some insurance carriers and self-insured employers, such as the Town of Gilbert, could lack experience adjusting claims involving contagious diseases. It recommended following Arizona law “that requires all denials be well-grounded in fact and warranted.”

“The Commission asks the carrier and self-insured employer community to be especially diligent when investigating and reviewing claims filed by first responders, healthcare workers and frontline employees who have developed COVID-19,” Rice said.

He cited findings of a study of COVID-19 among healthcare personnel, first responders and other essential workers in Arizona posted on JAMA Health Forum, an online international, peer-reviewed,

Chad Rice

Mike Rudolph

open-access journal.

The Oct. 22 study found that first responders had significantly higher incidents of COVID-19 infections than the other two groups and as such warranted greater public health attention.

Rice said the standard of care seen in other communities wasn’t evident in Gilbert.

“Mesa Fire Medical Department has had 43 firefighters come down with COVID from work exposure, all 43 were accepted,” Rice said. “So 43 got it from work, none of them denied.”

The same can be said for Chandler Fire Department.

“All employee work-related COVID workers’ compensation claims involving first responders and other employees have been approved,” said city spokesman Matthew Burdick.

Since April of 2020, Chandler has had 18 work-related COVID claims that required medical treatment, he said. And, the city has had 226 employees with work-related COVID diagnoses who were provided sick leave while they were out but they didn’t file a claim because they did not need medical treatment, according to Burdick.

Town officials last week said Gilbert currently has the lowest percentage of workers’ compensation denials of all self-insured municipalities at only 1.2 percent of claims, as reported by the Industrial Commission.

“COVID-19 is not considered presump-

tive; therefore, it is treated like any other claim, meaning the employee filing a COVID-19 related workers compensation claim must prove that the causation was the workplace,” said town spokeswoman Jennifer Harrison in an email.

Since July 7, 2020, five COVID-related claims have been submitted to Corvel, its third-party administrator – all from the fire department, according to Harrison.

“Of the five submitted claims, three have been denied for various reasons and two are pending,” she said. “An example of why one of the claims was denied was due to an employee statement that they were potentially exposed by their child.

“Of the three denied claims, one was appealed to an administrative law judge, who upheld the denial. That employee is now appealing the ALJ decision, which goes to another ALJ.” Harrison said Gilbert has not instructed, and would not instruct its third-party administrator to categorically deny any claims, including COVID-19 claims, and in fact, has reiterated the expectation to approve any claim based on the merit of the claim.

Rudolph at the meeting reminded the Council that the frequent engagement surveys among its employees showed at one time that the Fire Department’s engagement was well over 80 percent.

“Within the last three years, our engagement levels has steadily dropped and today we’re showing only around a 10-percent employee engagement partic-

ipation,” Rudolph said.

“This underscores what I see every day, a public-safety team giving their all to serve our citizens but at the same time struggling because of a disconnection between the policy makers and the people who actually do the work.”

He further reminded the Council that in a 2021 resident survey, 93 percent of the respondents said feeling safe was an influencing factor with their decision to live in the town.

“Creating that feeling, making residents feel safe does not happen by accident,” Rudolph said. “It’s not a result of new logos or better social media. It demands a total team effort where people generally work together and respect the contributions everyone can make to better serve each other and our citizens.”

Rudolph presented three suggestions for the Council to consider and act on.

“First, let’s practice being more inclusive,” he said. “We’re asking the Town Council to ensure a commitment from our town manager to practice joint planning and problem solving through processes that allow the men and women who serve as the boots on the ground a real opportunity to bring their first-hand knowledge to bear on public safety and its policies.”

He also asked the Council to hold Banger “accountable in 2022 to work together with us as a team to perform a comprehensive review of our engagement surveys so we can create solutions to improve morale.”

He added that workers who aren’t heard are not workers who thrive in a dangerous profession.

Thirdly, he asked the Council and Banger and his team to join with firefighters in a December team-building event.

“We don’t come to the Council with these issues lightly,” he said. We hope what we have shared tonight will inspire you to take action. As we await your help your police officers and firefighters will continue to do what we do staying mission-focused and responding to calls for help for the citizens.”

Both Rudolph and Rice did not respond to Gilbert Sun News’ requests for an interview.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com GilbertSunNews.com

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@Gilber tSunNews

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Williams Field Band soars to state title GSN NEWS STAFF

T

he Williams Field High School Marching Band went head-to-head with seven other bands at the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association Marching State Championship last weekend and came out on top as Division II champions, sweeping all the caption awards in music performance, visual performance, general effect, color guard, and percussion performance.

“The dedication from these kids was unbelievable from the beginning,” said band Director Robert Edgar. “They worked hard right out of the gate in July to get as much of the show on the field as quickly as possible and then remained focused on cleaning details. The staff and I are so proud of their tremendous growth.”

The Williams Field Black Hawk Regiment comprises 70 members. “The band

The Williams Field High Marching Band took top honors in its division in the state championship last weekend. (Courtesy Black Hawk Boosters Club)

has consistently led from the front all season, taking 1st place in four other regional competitions and then competing in semi-finals, where they also took first,” said Travis Smith, president of the Black Hawk Band Boosters.

“Since June, the students dedicated over 250 hours of practice time to prepare for their championship performance, including eight-hour rehearsals, Tuesday and Thursday night practices and many weekends,” he added.

The Black Hawks’ show, titled “Spotlight,” shared the story of the pressures of being in the spotlight and how it can change you. Musical titles included

see BAND page 17

Pandemic impacted EV foster, adoption agency KEN SAIN GSN Staff Writer

I

t’s no surprise to anyone that COVID-19 has disrupted many industries and lives since it began spreading about two years ago. One area where its impact gets little attention is foster care.

Barb Trella, director of development for Aid to Adoption for Special Kids (AASK), said it is not altogether surprising that the pandemic impacted the availability of foster parents.

“Recruiting foster and adoptive families is difficult enough in the best of times,” Trella said. “It’s not what’s right for every family. Families really have to decide if this is what they want.”

She said the pandemic made it much more difficult.

“Parents were home, home-schooling

Barb Trella of Aid to Adoption for Special Kids said that as the pandemic eases, the number of children entering foster care is increasing while the number of available foster parents is decreasing. (David Minton/Staff Photographer)

their kids, and the idea of bringing more children into their family, the idea of bringing kids in who might also bring this dreaded COVID into their family, I think was really scary to a lot of people last year.”

AASK has three Arizona offices, including one in Chandler that serves the East Valley. Trella said when the pandemic first started, there was a significant decrease in the number of children entering the foster care system.

She said that’s because with everyone at home and locked down, there were fewer eyes to catch possible abuse or neglect. Oftentimes, teachers or other staff see troubling indications when students are in class.

That changed once the world starting

see ADOPTION page 19

13

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

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We love a parade!

PHOTOS BY DAVID MINTON/GSN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Under sunny skies and with even sunnier hearts, hundreds of people marched down Gilbert Road Nov. 20 for the Gilbert Days Parade. Among the many spectators were (photo immediate right), Eleanor Braegger, little Violet Nesbit amd Diane Wright. They watched spectacles like the miniature recycling truck operated by an unidentified driver, the Gilbert Days Rodeo queens and cyclists from Global Bikes. Among the performers were members of DePalma;s TEAM USA Martial Arts (lower left) and students from Can Dance Studio.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

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Please note: Offers not valid with any other discounts or promotions. Not valid on any previous purchases. Some items are excluded due to manufacturer requirements including (but not limited to) all Stressless products as well as all Essentials Collection products, Clearance Center products and any otherwise already discounted items such as close-outs, floor samples, etc. A 25% deposit is required on all special orders and layaways.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

COMMUNITY

HD SOUTH hosts a variety of programs GSN NEWS STAFF

H

D SOUTH, home of the Gilbert Historical Museum and an arts, culture and history center, has a full lineup of programs next month.

Originally opened as Gilbert Elementary School in 1913, HD SOUTH is the oldest building still standing in Gilbert and is the only one on the National Register of Historic Places.

The programs and events at HD SOUTH focus on six community pillars – history, health and wellness, science, literature, art and music.

To register, visit hdsouth.org/calendar.

Unless noted otherwise, programs are free for members and $5 for non-members and registration is required. Masks are required. HD SOUTH is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

weeks, but you better hurry and get your tickets.

The fourth annual Breakfast with Santa sponsored by HD SOUTH, Home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, will be held 8:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the museum, 10 S. Gilbert Road.

In addition to seeing Old St. Nick, participants also can enjoy cookie decorating, face painting, ornament making, stories and, of course, photo ops with Santa.

A full catered breakfast is included in the $15 ticket and participants get to tour the rest of the museum without an additional charge. The only hitch is that advanced reservations are required at hdsouth.org.

PROGRAMS

Breakfast with Santa Santa is coming to Gilbert in a couple

Monday Yoga With Ginger, 6:30 p.m. every Monday through Dec. 20 Ginger Smith guides the class on relaxation techniques and muscle conditioning. She is a certified yoga and

“Blinding Lights” from The Weeknd and “Shallow” from Lady Gaga.

The title aptly reflected the band’s challenges.

“This year has been one filled with many late nights, early mornings, blood, sweat, and tears,” said senior drum major Kellianne Kuc. “Going to every show and seeing how much we improved was an amazing feeling.”

Waiting for the judges’ decision was almost as excruciating.

“Standing on the field in front of all those people and waiting for the score of our band along with the name of our school was so nerve-racking,” Kellianne said.

“However, when the announcer called Williams Field High School last, I was overwhelmed with emotions. It was my senior year, my first year as drum major, and we had just won a state title! The first thing I wanted to do was run to my band, my second family essentially, and tell them how much I love them and how proud of them I am.”

“At the end of the day, it’s not about getting first place,” she added. “It’s about feeling proud of the progress you have made throughout the season. Congratulations to all the bands across the board.

Thank you for an amazing experience that has helped shape me into the person I am today.”

The Williams Field and Higley High bands have been invited to represent Arizona in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. on May 30.

Additionally, the Symphonic Band will participate in the National Memorial Day Concert Series at a memorial on the D.C National Mall.

Students will have the opportunity to tour the city, lay wreaths are Arlington National Cemetery, and attend a clinic with one of the premier D.C. Military music programs. The cost of the trip is $1,800 per student.

The Band Boosters have established the Band Angel program for donors and sponsors to help students pay for the trip.

Donations can be made at blackhawkreg-

BAND

from page 12

group fitness instructor and her training includes restorative & yin flow, yoga & weights and chair yoga, incorporating movement, breathing and emotional balance. All levels, bring your mat. Ages 16 & up. Non-members: $5.

Matter of Balance, 9:30-11:30 a.m. every Tuesday through Dec. 21 Dignity Health and HD SOUTH have partnered to provide information to help people avoid life threatening falls. This workshop increases activity and helps reduce the fear of falling in older adults.

Caregivers, family members, and friends welcome. Light refreshments served and all participants who complete the series receive a certificate of completion and handbook. Registration required but this is free.

Skillfully Cope with Grief/Stress 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 7 Molly Schenck will teach participants learn ways to effectively cope with adver-

iment.org/band-angel-program.

The Black Hawk Band Boosters is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so making all donations tax-deductible.

The Williams Field Band program has won many awards, including the 2010 and 2013 Division III ABODA State Marching Band Championships; and the 2016 and 2021 Division II ABODA State Marching Band Championship.

The Symphonic Band and Jazz Band have both received Superior Ratings at State Festival. The Black Hawk Winter Guard won the 2008 and 2012 WGAZ Regional A State Championships, the 2014 and 2018 Scholastic AA Winter Guard State Championships, and the WGAZ Scholastic Open Class 2018 Silver Medalist in both Drumline and Winter Guard.

The Black Hawk Band Boosters is a nonprofit dedicated to providing the students of Williams Field High School, Cooley Middle School and the elementary schools that feed into them the opportunity for music education and visual art

17

sity through a series of movements to understand the responses in our bodies.

Wear comfortable clothing. Non-members: $5 Thursday Yoga, 7-8 p.m. Dec. 9, 23, 30 Join Marilynn Igleski, certified yoga instructor, for an hour of yoga that will help relax participants while conditioning muscles. Open to all levels of yoga experience. Please bring your own yoga mat and water. Open to teens through adults. Non-members $5

See It Saturday: Newspapers From 1960-1970, 10:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 11 Every month we offer a chance for the public to see artifacts that are normally not available for public viewing. This month we will be showcasing Gilbert Sun and Gilbert Enterprise Newspapers from the years 1960-1970. You will not want to miss your chance to view these never-before-seen artifacts. Free with paid museum admission. experiences that meet the highest standards of education and performance.

They achieve this mission through financial support, volunteering personal time, and collaborating with directors and instructional staff.

They advocate for music in their schools and community, promote fellowship and goodwill within all areas of the school and encourage our students to be ambassadors in their community.

“They desire to enrich the band program where students can pursue their passions for music and visual arts and be recognized as a top program in the community,” Smith said.

GetConnected facebook.com/getoutaz

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ADOPTION from page 12

getting back to normal.

Trella said there’s been a 25 percent increase in the number of children entering the system. There are now more than 13,000 children in Arizona’s foster care system.

“At the same time, there’s been a decrease in the number of prospective foster and adoptive families,” Trella said.

“So we’ve got both numbers going in the wrong direction, quite honestly.”

AASK started out as an organization that specializes in helping children with special needs, namely autism and Down syndrome. However, Trella said now they try and help all children.

“Right around the holidays we typically see a surge,” said Harleigh Storm Castle one of the family specialists who works in the Chandler office. “We just don’t have enough families that are signing up.”

She said a lot of foster parents chose not to renew when the pandemic began for a variety of reasons. That has left them with fewer foster parents at a time when they are getting more children into

the system.

Trella and Storm Castle estimated about half of the 13,000 foster children in Arizona are looking for foster or adoptive parents.

Storm Castle said anyone can be a foster parent. She said she works with single moms, single dads, couples, families with children, and families that have never had children.

“There’s not one specific kind of family that we look for,” Storm Castle said. “I have all of those that I just said. There’s not one family structure that we look for either, we encourage all of them.”

For those who want to help but cannot for whatever reason be a full-time parent, Trella said they have a mentoring program. Adults sign up to be a mentor to a foster kid who lives in a group home, meeting with them once or twice a month.

So what’s in it for the children?

“They are getting a meaningful relationship,” Trella said. “They are having another adult in their life who cares

about them. … Sometimes for these older kids, they are getting close to turning 18 and they don’t necessarily want to be adopted. Having a relationship with a caring mentor is extremely valuable.”

Trella said the state offers a dollar-todollar tax credit for donations to foster care agencies up to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for couples.

“If people can’t personally make that difference to the children in the foster care system, they can still do things that help,” Trella said.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

• Qualify to be a foster or adoptive parent.

• Be a mentor. They meet with a child who lives in a group home twice a month.

• Donate. AASK accepts donations to help cover costs.

Visit aask-az.org.

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Anyone suffering from a movement disorder can attend the event at Rocket SPACE, 3335 E. Baseline Road, 9:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 3. Register at bit.ly/pmdgilbert.

For nearly two years, the Parkinson’s community has had to gather virtually and the group said in a release the social isolation has taken its toll on us emotionally and physically.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

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Gilbert massage therapist’s business booms

BY KATY SPRINGER GSN Contributor

M

aryann Tidwell does not shy away from hard work – or a challenge.

The Gilbert mother and business owner decided to become a massage therapist, juggling her full-time job and 2-year-old son during the day and attending massage school at night.

“It was a long year, and I didn’t get much sleep, but I felt so strongly that I was doing exactly what I was meant to do,” said Tidwell. “Massage therapy is so much more than a career for me – it’s a calling.”

During her 50-week training, Tidwell’s instructors advised against opening her

Gilbert mom Maryann Tidwell has worked hard to build up her massage business, Nurtured Touch Bodywork. (Special to GSN)

own business – at least not until she had a few years’ experience under the belt.

“The more they discouraged me, the more motivated I became,” she said. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy.”

Tidwell also spent the year polishing her networking skills. And when she completed her program, she doubled down, going to naturopaths’ offices, medical clinics and even local markets to set up her chair and provide no-cost massages to passersby.

“At that point, it was about giving people a feel for what I could do,” she said.

see MASSAGE page 25

Woman built coffee shop from the grounds up

BY SRIANTHI PERERA GSN Contributor

E

van Vega presides over the coffee roasting machine at Higher Grounds Roastery and Café in Gilbert. His quest: to provide fresh, roasted coffee that balances consistency, value and quality.

The self-taught roaster spends an average of 15 hours per week roasting, blending and prepping, working with eight to 10 green bean origins that are blended for the various beverage offerings.

“My time spent roasting depends the most on our weekly consumption rates.

Since we sell coffee by the cup, but also offer retail and wholesale bags of pounds, this rate can vary wildly based on demand,” Vega said.

The casual, industrial-chic venue offers coffee and hearty breakfast and lunch fare. Because it seats just 28,

including in the pet-friendly patio, online ordering is also offered.

HG Roastery sells more than 200 cups of coffee daily, both hot and cold brews. Despite the customer service consuming a lot of time, it’s important to keep the coffee as fresh as possible.

Hence, Vega roasts coffee three to four times a week, mostly roasting The Higher Grounds family includes, from left, Dianna Cameron, in the evenings Shane Cameron, Evan Vega and Dani Kahn. (Courtesy of Dani Kahn.) after the doors

are closed for the day.

Vega’s mom, Dianna Cameron, established the business in 2013, drawing from her experience in her hometown in Orange County, California, where her family ran a sandwich shop, as well as her formal culinary education.

“I had gone to culinary school and then earned a degree in hospitality management seven years earlier and knew it was time. Working in the corporate world left me wanting something different,” she said.

Cameron persuaded her sons, Evan and Shane, to join her. Dani Kahn, Vega’s wife, also joined in.

“I am very glad I made the decision to start my own business and have had a lot of ups and downs, but would do it again in a heartbeat,” Cameron said.

With Cameron’s help, Vega and Kahn have opened another location in Super-

see COFFEE page 22

22

BUSINESS

COFFEE from page 21

stition Ranch Farmers Market in Apache Junction.

Besides the family members, the Gilbert store employs about 10 staffers, mostly students, while the Apache Junction store employs just two.

“I call myself the coffee addict,” said Kahn, who helps train the baristas, bakes the breakfast pastries and handles public relations and marketing, which includes maintaining its social media accounts. “It’s over 40 hours, especially now with the second shop opening.”

In its ninth year, a coffee shop that has withstood the test of time must have special qualities to it.

“I think, part of the specialness of our coffee shop is that we locally roast our coffee,” Kahn said. “Another part of our draw is I believe that people like the family atmosphere.”

Cameron works six days a week, cooking and interacting with her guests, which she deems “extremely important.”

“I love the early mornings as I am able to chat with regulars a bit more than later. I am currently the full-time cook. We cannot seem to find anyone who wants to cook right now,” she said.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

positions as each position requires individuals that can work both independently and as a team but also need to have the ability to multitask. We get a lot of people that want to come work with us having never had a job before and it’s pretty intimidating,” Cameron said. “It’s not to say we haven’t hired anyone with no experience but a lot of them do not tend to last.”

“It is probably one In addition to fresh coffee, Higher Grounds Roastery and Café serves hearty breakfasts and lunch items, such as these breakfast of the most diffitacos. (Courtesy Dani Kahn.) cult things I’ve ever done,” Kahn conRunning a small business is chal- ceded.

To her, quality control is another lenging. Adequate and qualified staffing reason for the challenge. is one of the main difficulties.

“In that sense, the reason why it’s so “We don’t really have entry-level

challenging is because it’s a product that we all can be proud of. The family can agree that we really like to have ownership over what we produce for our community and what we can give to people,” Kahn said.

The roastery obtains Fair Trade coffee beans from the Southern Hemisphere’s bean belt countries such as Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, India and Indonesia.

“We look for good batches and get large bags shipped in from either the farms or from other green bean distributors that are in the area,” Kahn said.

Then, Vega takes over.

“Roasting is a practice that I would say can be easy to learn, but difficult to master,” he said. “Similar to baking, temperature control will determine how well the roaster’s heat is distributed throughout each bean. It takes some trial and error to determine what the best heat application and airflow is for each variable.”

Higher Grounds Roastery and Café is located at 2556 S. Val Vista Drive.

Details: hgroastery.com and hgcoffeeaz.com

Small cafes offer unique downtown vibe

BY KATIE MARTIN GSN Contributor

D

owntown Gilbert has become a flourishing home for coffee connoisseurs.

Since the emergence of homegrown shops like Bergies Coffee Roast House in 2009, independent cafes have been following suit.

Franchise coffee destinations, like Dutch Bros. Coffee, which opened in December 2013, have been added to the mix, but have not stifled the success of small coffee businesses downtown.

The other shops that can be found on Gilbert Road include Sweetz Brew, at 835 N.Gilbert Road, which opened in 2017; Mythical Coffee, at 1090 S. Gilbert Road, which opened in 2019; and Spce Coffee, at 227 N. Gilbert Road, which opened its physical store earlier

this year and is featured weekly at the Gilbert Famers Market.

Casita Coffee is another coffee business that is open exclusively on the weekends as a cart, with other cartbased businesses planning to open brick-and-mortar stores downtown.

What sets these businesses apart from each other is each coffee bar’s aesthetic. Although they offer similar drinks and pastries, each store has a unique brand.

“The vibes are just different,” said Kaila Ponce de Leon, a barista at another local coffee house. “They have different things to offer. At some of these shops, like Mythical Coffee, I can sit down and get some work done. At other shops, like Spce or Casita, I want to stop and go.”

Each of these shops also appeals to different demographics, which can be

seen by the age groups that frequent these spots.

Bergies provides for a wide array of age groups. It is a family spot and “garden oasis” that occasionally offers live music and prides itself on the history of its location, according to its website.

Mythical and Spce coffee both have trendy aesthetics that cater to millennials and Generation Z. Each of these shops is embellished with minimalistic and galactic-themed decor.

“Right now, jewel tones are very in.

They give a mature but alternative vibe. That attracts people in their early to mid-20s and Mythical has that,” said Lilia Barajas-Guzman, a hairstylist who frequents Gilbert coffee shops. “Spce coffee has the pink, feminine vibe that appeals to young people too. It’s modern, but also throws back to the

soft-yet-grunge aesthetic that was popular a few years ago online.”

Barajas-Guzman said that she noticed that people began to romanticize small coffee shops and the homey feel they provide over chains like Starbucks.

As the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged small businesses across the country, these mom-and-pop shops were able to stay open despite the struggles of the pandemic and competition from major chains.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am a sucker for Starbucks,” Ponce de Leon said.

“But you don’t get the same quality or energy from huge chains like that.

When I go to smaller cafes like the ones downtown, I can get to know the staff and I feel more comfortable with the menu. All around, you experience a different ambience and I think it’s a preferable one for most people.”

23

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Made Here: How Manufacturing is Shaping Arizona’s Future PHX East Valley Thought Leader Forum 3:30-6 p.m. Dec. 9 Hilton Phoenix-Chandler, 2929 W. Frye Road, Chandler More than 1,600 manufacturing companies – from startups to global leaders – are shaping Arizona’s future.

Hear about the growth and investment of manufacturing in our region and state, and the value proposition for relocating and expanding manufacturing firms.

Then, help honor three of our region’s biggest champions – Steve Chucri, Jack Sellers and Okland Construction – with the PHX East Valley Partnership’s Legacy Awards.

Tickets: $800 for a package of 8 or $125 each To register, contact Jessica Hubbard at 480-532-0641 or jhubbard@phxeastvalley.com.

The event also will be livestreamed for those who prefer to attend virtually.

Presented by:

Presenting sponsor

Supporting sponsor

Media sponsor

PHX East Valley Partnership is a 501(c)(6) nonpartisan coalition of civic, business, education and political leaders dedicated to the economic development and promotion of the East Valley of Greater Phoenix. The Partnership advocates for economic development, education, transportation and infrastructure, health care and other important areas. For more information, visit www.phxeastvalley.com.

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Gilbert business promises a different beer experience

25

ilbert beer and wine lovers have a new place to get fired up about with the opening of Tap Dragon at the southeast corner of Gilbert and Warner roads.

Tap Dragon owner Jennifer Gallego says customers can experience a wide variety of local beers and wines from across the state without having to travel.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get out of your neighborhood to experience all the different breweries this state has to offer,” said Gallego. “I’m looking to bring all of that to one spot.”

The tap room will feature brews from several well-known breweries including OHSO, Beer Research Institute and Pedal Haus Brewery, as well as bringing in some smaller breweries

looking to get their name out.

Gallego, who spent her entire career as an executive assistant, said she got the idea to leave the corporate world and delve into the beer industry after having a breakthrough experience with her own love for beer.

“I used to think I didn’t even like beer,” she said. “It wasn’t until about six years ago I was at a brewery and a bartender took the time to explain each beer and take me through the taste-testing. At that point, a light bulb went off and I became obsessed.”

After doing a lot of research, Gallego began brewing her own beer and said she began to really understand and appreciate the beer-making process.

“My friends told me that’s all I would talk about and that maybe I should do something about it,” she said.

Eventually, Gallego had the idea to open Tap Dragon and soon began the

process to start searching for the perfect location.

“As I started to develop my search, I saw there was a need in [the Gilbert] area and there wasn’t a tap room anywhere around,” she said. “I didn’t know a lot about Gilbert at the time but I’m in love with it. It’s an amazing town.”

Gallego said she has already had several people reaching out, offering support, and anticipating the official grand opening.

Tap Dragon will offer a unique experience called Beer School, where customers can sign up to partake in a onehour educational session walking them through different types of beers.

For around $15-$20, participants can enjoy a flight of four different fiveounce pours and a representative from the respective brewery will explain the different ingredients, how to swirl it, smell it – and take questions at the end.

“They will look at beer differently,” said Gallego. “It’ll be something fun and affordable and will bring a lot to the table. Even if it’s one person who’s changed by it, that’s worth it.”

Customers can also look forward to daily happy hour specials, live music on the weekends, and seven TVs throughout to catch several of the popular sporting events.

Additionally, Tap Dragon is partnering with El Taco Santo, a taco shop just two doors down, where customers can order on their phone from QR codes found all throughout the tap room. El Taco Santo will deliver the food.

“I’m looking forward to developing regulars who can come in on their good days and bad days, offering them a great experience, and seeing them leaving happy and relaxed,” said Gallego.

Info: thetapdragon.com.

Her hard work paid off. Six months after graduating from massage school in 2007, she circled back with the relationships she had made – including a contact who worked for a large corporation in Phoenix. That relationship led to her hire as the onsite massage therapist for the firm’s employees.

But she continued to build her personal clientele and opened her own business: Nurtured Touch Bodywork.

She also focused on expanding her knowledge and skillset. Shortly after receiving her massage therapy license, she jumped right back into student mode to earn certifications in prenatal, postpartum and infant massage.

When the recession pummeled companies nationwide in 2008, Tidwell’s business remained strong – despite the fact she did no advertising and had no online presence.

“I feel so incredibly lucky that my fledging business survived and thrived during such a difficult time,” she said. “I do believe the networking paid off, and as I began to see more and more clients, my business grew with referrals. As a small business owner, word of mouth

truly is everything to me.”

But COVID-19 presented a whole new set of challenges.

When the massage industry was shut down in spring 2020, she was forced to close her studio. It was four months before she started treating her clients again.

“The worst part was that I couldn’t help my chronic pain clients,” she said. “I worked hard to stay connected with clients during that time, providing them with tips and suggestions to keep up on their selfcare and keep their bodies healthy.

The response was overwhelming and affirming.”

She also used that time to prepare a new office at Crossroads Towne Center at Gilbert and Germann roads on the border of Chandler Tidwell said she has taken a greater interest in the and Gilbert. Her schedule lymphatic system. (Special to GSN) filled up immediately when she opened in 2020.

Then, Tidwell took a major step forward as a businesswoman and hired her first employee, massage therapist Sidney Campbell, who attended massage school with her.

“Sydney is so passionate,” Tidwell said. “She is so skilled in helping people feel better, both physically and mentally. She also has a lot extra training in a variety of modalities, so she can treat clients with a huge spectrum of needs.”

The two of them had more clients than they could handle, so Tidwell hired another therapist, Clara Brown, in August. She added a second massage studio, also located at Crossroads Towne Center.

“Clara is passionate about her work, especially in the areas of PTSD, pediatric, oncology, lymphatic and relaxation,” Tidwell said. “Her clients absolutely love her.”

“I am beyond blessed with amazing clients who not only partner with me in their wellness and entrust me with their bodywork, but refer me to their family and friends, too,” she said.

BY MONIQUE SELEEN GSN Contributor

G

MASSAGE from page 21

see MASSAGE page 26

BUSINESS

26

Higley student: How DECA changed my life am one of the many students that have signed up at Higley High School as a member of the DECA program.

DECA is a nonprofit student organization that helps future entrepreneurs reach their goals through marketing research.

Formerly called Distributive Education Clubs of American, DECA changed many aspects of my life – from being involved in more school activities and

focusing on my future career.

Before I joined the DECA program I had no aspirations in committing to a job in my future but when my marketing teacher explained the benefits of moving on with marketing and joining DECA, I was reeled in.

At Higley High School I am currently enrolled in the class retail operations and before joining this class. I was enrolled in the classes for marketing and advanced marketing. In my class, we work ATA Club-funded shop called The Armory that sells snack, drinks, and

apparel to students that attend Higley.

There are also many more aspects to this class such as attending competitions, conferences and community service.

At the competitions we do roleplaying in which we are given situations and we use our knowledge on marketing to solve the situation. DECA is the perfect program to prepare the future of marketing management and offers the building blocks for young adults pursuing a career in finance, marketing, hospitality and management.

For her clients, it’s less about luck and more about Tidwell’s skill.

“She was such a good listener and so genuinely interested in making me feel better,” said Scott Springer. “In addition to giving me the best massage ever, she was very knowledgeable about the body.

It was clear she really cared.”

Tidwell has completed hundreds of

hours in additional training, including medically focused bodywork like ACE MediCupping and lymphatic massage.

In recent years, she has seen a steady uptick in referrals for lymphatic massage – especially from healthcare providers.

“The lymphatic system is the most under-talked-about and under-prioritized system of the entire body, but that

is starting to change,” she said. “This specialized massage is gaining a lot of interest among medical providers. For example, plastic surgeons now recommend lymphatic massage pre- and post-surgery to help the body bounce back.”

Her son, Austin, is a high school senior who is taking flying lessons and aspires

BY JAELIN PEREZ GSN Guest Writer

I

MASSAGE from page 25

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to be an airline pilot. Twelve-year-old Lexi loves musical theater and spends all of her spare time on stage. Tidwell and her husband, Justin, juggle working parenthood together and also seek out opportunities to spend time as a couple.

Information: massagebook.com/NurturedTouchBodywork and Instagram,

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FuelFest celebrates cars, revs up the Valley

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

C

ody Walker and Tyrese Gibson were catching up at Red Lobster when the conversation turned to Cody’s late brother, Paul, of “The Fast and the Furious” franchise.

“First, I was so offended that he had never been to Red Lobster,” Gibson said with a laugh. “Cody said, ‘I don’t know what to order, dude. What are the hits here?’”

After a little ribbing, Cody told Gibson about he and Chris Lee’s plan to host festivals surrounding all-things cars called FuelFest.

Gibson said count me in.

After a pandemic-dictated halt to the 2020 event, FuelFest is coming to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports in Chandler on Dec. 4. They want it to succeed so much

Cody Walker is flattered that Tyrese Gibson is joining him in FuelFest. (Special to GetOut)

that Gibson said he feels vulnerable.

“I’ve only said this to a chosen few,” Gibson said. “Cody and I are very vulnerable when it comes to this whole thing about FuelFest. We were talking about Paul and to have this idea and to put this idea out there, we don’t want it to fail. We want this to be successful. We want people to know about this.

“We want to get the word out so people can show up. We want them to hit the road and come out to a really legendary day that you won’t forget.”

Now in its third year nationwide, FuelFest blends the enthusiast’s passion for the automotive world with celebrities, live music, food, drinks and art.

The show features more than 600 top custom, exotic, rare and exclusive cars and trucks. There are car and drift exhi-

see

FUELFEST page 30

‘Christmas Eve’ is the star of TSO’s show

BY ALAN SCULLEY GetOut Contributor

L

ast year, Trans-Siberian Orchestra was forced to cancel its signature annual project – the holiday tour of U.S. arenas that typically draws more than 1 million fans.

To help fill the void, the TSO team put together a livestream concert. Scaling the show from an arena where TSO deploys a spectacular light show and all manner of pyrotechnics and special effects to something that works on a TV or computer screen was a challenge, but the livestream, which featured the 1996 “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” album, went over well.

And in a way, the livestream took TSO back to its beginnings, before founder/ songwriter, the late Paul O’Neill, was financially able to create the visual concert extravaganza fans now know and

Jeff and I, I think we had, I don’t know, seven or eight cities on the tour,” Pitreilli said.

“We had a box truck, two buses and a fog machine.

The curtain came up, the lights went down, and we played the songs from top to bottom.

It wasn’t the sensory overload that The Trans-Siberian Orchestra offers a feast for the ears and eyes in it grew up to be. It their Christmas show. (Special to GetOut) was a beautifully written story that love. The livestream also revealed an Paul O’Neill put pen to paper back in ‘95, important truth to Al Pitrelli and Jeff and we started recording in ‘96.

Plate, the musical directors for TSO’s “The people fell in love with the chartwo touring ensembles. acters. They fell in love with the story,” “If you go back to our first show in ’99, he continued. “They fell in love with the

sentiment of it. Because at the end of the day, at the center of Paul’s story is about missing somebody, and everybody misses somebody, especially around the holidays.

“I think during the livestream, it showed me, in particular, two things,” he said. “One is that people, they love the story. It didn’t have all the special effects. There’s no physical way we could do that. But the band played amazing.

The singers brought the characters to life. I heard after the fact that we sold almost 250,000 of those things. From a financial standpoint, I could care less. It didn’t matter to me. What really made me emotional is that people wanted their tradition. Albeit virtually, we were all joined together.”

Now, Pitrelli and Plate are taking the two touring ensembles of TSO back to

see

TSO page 30

29

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

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FUELFEST from page 28

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

bitions, and drag racing.

FuelFest will feature a live-action drift course that runs the entire length of the venue. Spectators can catch race cars drifting all day at FuelFest. The event will showcase precision driving skills in the FuelFest Drift Pit. A portion of the events proceeds benefit Reach Out WorldWide, the nonprofit founded by Paul and continued by Cody, who is 15 years younger than his brother.

The organization was founded in 2010 by the late actor/producer after a massive earthquake devastated Haiti and Walker was inspired to organize a relief team that responded to the disaster.

ROWW’s mission is to fill the gap between the availability of skilled resources in post-disaster situations. ROWW completed four deployments in 2020 and continues to operate where needed.

To date, FuelFest has raised more than $100,000 for the charity, Cody said.

“It’s a massive car festival, as we say,” said Cody, who recently moved to the Valley. “But it’s not just a car show. People are going to experience the whole shebang—drag racing, American muscle cars, exotic cars, European cars, crazy off-road vehicles. There’s something for everyone at the show.

“They can see the sights, smell the fuel, the burning rubber and just have a good

Furious,’” he said. “We’ve all had a passion for cars and our careers are surrounded by cars. I’m heavily influenced by my brother and the whole car culture. It’s what I live Cody Walker is using some of the proceeds for Reach Out WorldWide, a and breathe nonprofit founded by his late brother. (Special to GetOut) every day.

“I knew time. The weather is going to be amaz- Tyrese and I could put on something reing, especially in December in the Valley.” ally special and unique for car fans and Arizona is important to Gibson as well ‘The Fast and the Furious’ fans to come as the singer-songwriter recorded the and experience with us together. It’s album “Black Rose” in a vacation rental such a home run in so many ways to be in Paradise Valley. While he was here, able to do what you love and give back at he met one of his idols, Muhammad Ali, the same time.” after receiving the “craziest text in the Gibson echoed Cody’s sentiment. world.”

“My thing has always been taking the “My life changed forever in Arizona,” culture and the energy and the fanbase said Gibson, whose album hit No. 1. “I of ‘The Fast and the Furious,’ which has definitely have a different level of appre- had this worldwide cult following for 20 ciation.” years, and turning it into an event.

Cody was flattered when Tyrese “Paul Walker — everyone loves him. I agreed to be part of FuelFest. miss him every day. He’s my brother, but “Obviously, Tyrese and my brother go Cody’s real brother. I want to take all of way back — all the way back to ‘2 Fast 2 this energy and allow the fans to experi-

ence something that feels like ‘The Fast and the Furious’ without it being a movie premiere. Cody came up with this idea and it was a no brainer to be involved.

Your background doesn’t matter — your religious or sexual preference. Cars and car culture is a universal language.”

Gibson explains the festive is “escapism” at its finest. After all, everyone wants to be in or own a nice car with “nice smelling leather,” and brightly colored with cool rims.

“We all know guys will go broke and literally have no gas money, but they will be more committed to rims and tires and souping up their engines,” Gibson said with a laugh.

“They want to compete and win and beat everyone in their neighborhoods.

Every man has a hotrod covered up in their garage. They may be married for 40 years and have 10 grandkids. But they take the car cover off and start that engine and they’re rejuvenated.”

arenas across the country.

Knowing fans will turn out en masse for the shows continues to leave Pitrelli and Plate feeling surprised and gratified. After all, when O’Neill founded the project, he envisioned something entirely new and unproven in contemporary music.

For one thing, TSO would combine a rock band with an orchestra playing concept albums/rock operas with cohesive story lines. Instead of building an image around a singer, guitarist or conductor, the ensemble would use multiple singers and a range of instrumentalists who would remain largely anonymous to listeners.

How to market the group was a big question. The albums would require big budgets, and to be financially viable, the tours would need to play arenas from the start — something no music act had

done.

Nevertheless, Atlantic Records got on board with O’Neill’s vision and signed TSO. The label has been rewarded as the trilogy of Christmas albums became hits that continue to rack up new sales every holiday season.

The first release was “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.” Spurred by the hit single “Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24,” it has sold 3 million copies.

The other two holiday rock operas that make up TSO’s Christmas trilogy: “The Christmas Attic” (1998) and “The Lost Christmas Eve” (2004) have topped 2 million copies sold.

In addition, the group has released a Christmas EP, 2012’s “Dreams of Fireflies (On A Christmas Night),” and three full-length non-holiday rock operas – “Beethoven’s Last Night” (2000), “Night Castle” (2009) and “Letters from the

Labyrinth” (2015). In all, the group’s CDs and DVDs have sold more than 12 million copies and the Christmas tour plays to 1 million fans each year.

This year, as in 2019, TSO’s show will feature the “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” album as a first set, followed by a selection of other material in the second set. That 1996 debut album was played for a dozen years when TSO started touring, then was set aside to feature the other albums in the Christmas trilogy on subsequent tours. Bringing back the album that began the TSO journey has been special for Pitrelli and Plate.

“Yes, this is my favorite show,” said Plate, who joined Pitrelli for the teleconference. “I’ve said all along, I think this story is really the star of the show. This is what kept bringing people back every year was when people connected with

the story and realized it’s about them.

It’s about everybody.

“This is just how people, just word of mouth, kept coming back. These audiences kept building every year.

This (was) our first venture with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, ‘Christmas Eve and Other Stories,’ so this has a lot of meaning. It’s very special for all of us.

The songs, the story, (everything) about it, I think is fantastic.”

TSO from page 28

FuelFest

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 Where: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler Cost: $15 To $300 Info: Fuelfest.com

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” When: 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 Where: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix Cost: Tickets start at $44.75 Info: 602-379-2000, footprintcenter.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

King Crossword ACROSS 1 6 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 22 24 27 29 32

35 36 37 38 40 42 44 46 50 52

Paid (up) Tennis star Graf False Sounded content Warm, as leftovers Not certain Cruise stop Farm unit Garten of Food Network Austen novel Perched Recede Force Pleasing Symbolic first step toward getting hired Cab British noble Eggy quaff Existed Squabble Past Furnace fuel Volcanic flow Cheered (for) Ogled

54 55 56 57

GET OUT

PUZZLE ANSWERS on page 33

Topical antiseptic Builds Strong points “Midnight Cowboy” role

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 18 21 23 24 25 26 28

30

Grieg’s “-- Death” Actress Patricia Private pupil Sch. URL ender “Feel-good” brain chemical Incite Jukebox picks Hosp. areas Fulfillment Office plant Notion Greek consonant Bach’s “Coffee --” 1501, in Roman numerals Moreover Newt Large snake Ornamental garden trees Best-selling Michael Jackson album Bill’s partner

MENDOZA Cleaning & Sanitization

31 33 34 39 41 42 43

Work unit Spanish aunt Sprite Potpourri output Swift Met melody Sticky substances

Savanna House is now part of the M BK Senior Living Family!

45 47 48 49 51 53

Praiseful pieces Curved lines Presidential power TV spots Dead heat Epoch

With over 30 years of experience, and a portfolio of 34 communities in 6 different states, MBK Senior Living has utilized its unmatched experience to develop innovative programming that focuses on high-quality service, enrichment, and a culture of genuine care.

Call (480) 900-2746 or email SavannaHouse@mbk.com and experience the MBK difference today!

General Cleaning, Laundry & More 1 time • weekly bi-weekly • monthly Ask about Windows & Sanitization Services

FREE ESTIMATES Call Mireya Mendoza Now!

480-259-0935

1415 N. San Benito Dr. Gilbert, AZ 85234 ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE

31

32

GET OUT

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

With JAN D’ATRI GetOut Contributor

B

Ricotta pancakes are delicately addictive for family, friends

ig family breakfasts and family gatherings, like the Sunday morning mega brunch menu with hefty helpings of comfort food, are back in a big way.

So are wonderful memories of breakfast favorites from my own family’s kitchen.

I will never ever forget the first time I tasted my momma’s ricotta pancakes. I was about 6 and I had just taken a bite of the best thing I had ever eaten. I’d have to say that to this day ricotta pancakes are still on my all-time favorites list of great recipes.

Now these were not just pancakes. I used to think they were feather light mouthfuls of angel air! I still do.

You’ve never had, nor will you ever have something so delicate and addictive.

The ricotta pancake will melt in your mouth and leave you begging for more, just like i did, long after momma clicked off the gas range and threw the skillet into a sink of hot soapy suds. (just one more, momma, pleeeze?)

But it wasn’t to be, until the next time she had left-

over ricotta either from her Sicilian Cannoli or her famous cheese ravioli. When that happened, we waited for those two golden words, “Ricotta Pancakes!”

For years this recipe was on the back of the precious ricotta container. Now you have once again, a precious rescued recipe!

Ingredients:

3 eggs ½ lb whole milk ricotta ½ cup flour 2/3 cup milk 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon pure vanilla Pinch of salt Real maple syrup, a dollop of butter, and scant powdered sugar for topping

Directions:

Separate eggs from yolk. Beat egg yolks, sugar, salt, milk, baking powder and ricotta together.

Gradually add flour. Whip egg whites to a peak and gently fold into egg mixture. (This is a real key to the success of the pancakes. You want the batter to be light and airy.) Use batter immediately.

On griddle or frying pan, (butter the griddle then wipe off with paper towel) pour enough mixture to make a pancake one or two at a time.

Cook for one minute or until bubbles form. Flip and cook until light golden brown. Roll up like crepes and serve with hot maple syrup and butter. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar.

Serving size approximately 4

Note: It’s best to serve the Ricotta Pancakes as they come off the griddle. Trust me; you won’t have a problem finding takers! Please let me know if this becomes one of your favorites, too!

Watch my how-to video: jandatri.com/recipe/ricotta-pancakes.

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

33

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES ON PAGE 31

Have You Or Someone You Know Been Diagnosed With Mild Alzheimer ’s Disease?

A study researching a different approach for mild Alzheimer’s Disease using a neurosurgical procedure called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is seeking participants who: ✓ Are 65+ years old

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can accompany the patient to doctor visits

Participants will receive:

• Reimbursement for time and travel • Medicare coverage for treatment

• Study-related care and psychological testing at no cost

If you or someone you know is interested in the ADvance II Study please contact: www.MildAlzheimersStudy.com Phone: (321) 307-9407

Email: info@MildAlzheimersStudy.com Caution: Investigational Device. Limited by Federal law to Investigational use.

34

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Gilbert Sun News

1620 W. Fountainhead Parkway #219 • Tempe, AZ 85282 480.898.6465 class@timespublications.com

Deadlines

Classifieds: Thursday 11am for Sunday Life Events: Thursday 10am for Sunday

The Place “To Find” Everything You Need | GilbertSunNews.com

Employ ment

Adult Care/ Assisted Living Experienced Adult Care Compassionate, Reliable. Cooking, Cleaning, Bathing, Dressing & More 20 yrs exp. Ft/Pt $22hr. (Min. 4hrs/day 2 days/wk) "Strong, healthy 42 y/o, will take every precaution needed to ensure your safety or your loved one" Please call Erica at 480-518-1953

Employment General A CHILDS GARDEN BABYSITTING FT/PT Sitters needed to provide child care to hotel guests & residential. $17-23/hr. 2+ Exp. Email achildsgardenaz @gmail.com to apply 602-6175215

HIRING?

If someone Needs a Job, They Look Every Day! For a Quote email: class@times publications.com

480-898-6465

Life Events

Obituaries H E A D STO N E S

Employment General

Employment General

We are looking for an individual with a Bachelor's degree in Acoustics, Electronics, Mechanical or similar field of study required. Master's degree preferred. Must be able to prepare technical reports for multi-faceted acoustic analysis and design, prepare and review acoustic models using computational resources, perform mathematical calculations for mechanical and acoustical models, develop software code for acoustic product design and modeling, reviewing verifying and marking up architectural, electrical and mechanical plans. Must be able to travel during the weekdays and weekends. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must pass a drug test and background check. Must have at least 1-3 years of experience and work during days from 40-49 hrs. per week. We are located in Gilbert AZ. We offer benefits. Relocation Required Please send us your resume info@mdacoustics.com

Community Care Health Network, Inc. d/b/a Matrix Medical Network seeks Sr. IT Business Analysts for Chandler, AZ to be responsible for working w/internal & external clients to define sw requirements.

Master’s in Comp Sci/Comp App/related field+2yrs exp OR Bachelor’s in Comp Sci/Comp App/related field+5yrs exp req’d. Req’d skills: ETL tools Informatica and ODI, C, C++, SQL, T-SQL, BI & TM, Oracle, OBIEE, Sybase, SQL Server, Toad, Proclarity, HP-QC, HP-ALM, SAP R/3, Business Objects.

Drug test req’d. Drug test req’d. REF: SKA Send resume to J. Meland 9201 E. Mountain View Road, Suite 220, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Meetings/Events?

Get Free notices in the Classifieds!

Submit to ecota@timespublications.com

Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Consulting,Solution Specialist in Gilbert, AZ and various unanticipated Deloitte office locations and client sites nationally to perform software development and implementation services to address manufacturing, financial, human resources, customer relationship management, supply chain, and other business needs, utilizing SAP products. 15% Travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit apply.deloitte.com. Enter XBAL22FC1121GIL3717 in “Search jobs” field. EOE, including disability/veterans.

NOW HIRING

“Memories cut in Stone” • MONUMENTS • GRANITE & BRONZE • CEMETERY LETTERING • CUSTOM DESIGNS

480-969-0788

Meetings/Events

Wanted to Buy

SUN VALLEY PARK BRUNCH 1st Sat. - Pancakes 3rd Sat. - Biscuits & Gravy / French Toast Both Include Ham, Sausage & Eggs 11101 E University Dr University Between Signal Butte/Meridian

Diabetic Test Strips by the box, unused. Any type or brand.

Will pay top dollar.

Call Pat 480-323-8846

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR SUN VALLEY PARK Saturday November 17 8:00AM - 4:00PM All Hand-Crafted & Unique Items. 50+ Booths 11101 E University Dr University Between Signal Butte/Meridian

Located between Hayden Road and Scottsdale Road on the southwest corner of Miller Road.

FOR SALE Stonecreek Entertainment Center.

Huge center area for huge TV, with lighted art/curio displays on both sides. New over $4k. Exclnt. condition. $2,250 OBO. 480-821-7993.

Real Estate

Condos/ Townhomes

Location: McDowell and Miller Road

Apply at: 7607 E. McDowell Road Scottsdale, Az. 85257 (480) 947-9901

Miscellaneous for Sale

For Sale

Peter Piper Pizza

We are now hiring Full Time / Part Time, Team Members for Day, Evenings and Night positions.

EVERLASTING MONUMENT Co.

Merch ments andise Announce

Auto - All Makes For Sale 2014 Ford Fiesta 4-door 98,000 miles. No accidents. $6,500 OBO 480-821-7993.

TOWNHOUSE FSBO 24 E. Redondo Dr. Tempe Open House Sun 10-2 2000 sf. 3br 2.5ba.

(480) 231-1516

Garage Sales/Bazaars Superstition Sunrise RV Resort (an active adult community) located at 702 So Meridian Road in Apache Junction will hold their twice-yearly patio sales on Saturday, December 4 from 8amNoon. Pick up a resort map at the gate house to see where individual sales will be held.

75 W. Baseline Rd. Ste. A-8 Gilbert, AZ 85233

Sell Your Stuff!

www.everlastingmonumentco.com

Call Classifieds Today!

480.898.6465

info@everlastingmonument.phxcoxmail.com

Make your choice Everlasting

CLASS@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM

35

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Manufactured Homes

THE LINKS ESTATES Why Rent The Lot When

Air Conditioning/Heating

Appliance Repairs

Garage/Doors

Family Owned & Operated

Appliance Repair Now

GARAGE DOOR SERVICE

Three Phase Mechanical

480-671-0833

YOU CAN OWN THE LAND And Own Your New Home

www.3phasemech.com Sales, Service & Installation

NO TRIP CHARGE • NOT COMMISSION BASED

FROM THE UPPER 200’s

ASK US HOW YOUR $150k-180k CASH INVESTMENT AND OUR SENIOR LOAN PROGRAM ENABLES QUALIFIED 62+ SENIORS MAKING THE LINKS THEIR PRIMARY RESIDENCE HAVE NO MORTGAGE PAYMENT & NO LOT RENT AS LONG AS YOU LIVE IN HOME.

ROC# 247803 Bonded • Insured

ACCREDITED BUSINESS

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Gawthorp & Associates

602-402-2213

www.linksestates.net

Not a licensed contractor

We Also Buy, Sell & Trade Used Appliances Working or Not

Glass/Mirror

480-659-1400 Licensed & Insured

GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS

Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures, Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors, We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you.

QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates

WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

2021

69

$

REG. $99.

Includes a 16-Points Inspection.

LIMITED TIME ONLY. RESIDENTIAL ONLY

FREE INDOOR REME HALO® IN-DUCT AIR PURIFIER*

Electrical Services HONESTY • INTEGRITY • QUALITY

• Reduces common allergens from pollen, mold dander & dust • Eliminates pet, cooking and musty odors • Reduces airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk 99+%,

*With a qualified ac system purchase

YOUR HOMETOWN AIR CONDITIONING SPECIALIST FREE Service Call With Repair FREE Second Opinion ★ FREE Estimate

• Serving Arizona Since 2005 •

49 MAINTENANCE*

$

*CALL FOR DETAILS

70 SERVICE FEE ON BROKEN UNITS

$

$70 fee on broken units waived if repair is made by my company

480-650-7087

M-F 8 TO 5 • SAT/SUN ON CALL • 24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE Licensed, Bonded, Insured • ROC# 315986

QUALITY, VALUE and a GREAT PRICE!

Lifetime Warranty on Workmanship New 3-Ton 14 SEER AC Systems Only $4,995 INSTALLED! New Trane Air Conditioners NO INTEREST FINANCING - 60 MONTHS!

Over 1,000 Five-Star Google Reviews ★★★★★

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We offer Big Savings and Great Financing!

Air Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning & Dryer Vents

BY JOHN

★ 30+ Years HVAC Experience ★ Disinfected & Sanitized With Every Job

Bonded/Insured • ROC #289252

480-405-7588

Over 28 Years Experience • ROC #246019 Bonded/Insured Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

Painting • Flooring • Electrical Handyman Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry Decks • Tile • More!

Some restrictions apply. See website for additional information. Special rebates and financing offers are valid on qualifying equipment and pre-approved credit. Offers expire 12/31/2021.

Your Ad can go ONLINE ANY Day! Call to place your ad online!!

Classifieds 480-898-6465

(480) 912-0881 – Licensed & Insured

• Panel Changes and Repairs • Installation of Ceiling Fans • Switches/Outlets • Home Remodel

ALL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL Call Jim Endres 480.282.7932

A + Rating

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Broken Springs Replaced Nights/Weekends Bonded/Insured 480-251-8610

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FALL TUNE-UP SPECIAL!

SOS MECHANICAL

• Same Day Service • On-Site Repairs • Servicing All Major Brands • Quality Guaranteed

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4046 N Green St. • San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

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If It’s Broken, We Can Fix It!

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Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

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

1999 e Sinc k Wor lity Qua Decks •Affo Tile • More! rdable, ✔ Plumbing 2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014 Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 ✔ Drywall Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor “No Job ✔ Carpentry Too Small Marks the Spot for“No Job Too Concrete & Masonry ALL Your Handyman Needs! ✔ Decks Painting • Flooring • Electrical Small Man!” “No Job Too Man!” ✔ Tile Plumbing • Drywall • Carpentry

Small Man!” Decks • Tile • More! ✔ Kitchens 9 199 ce Sin rk Wo Affordable, Quality ceBSMALLMAN@Q.COM ✔ Bathrooms 2010, 2011 9 199 Sin rk 2012, “No 2013, Job Too Affordable, Quality Wo And More!

2010, 2011 Small Man!” Call Bruce at 602.670.7038 2014

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2012, 2013,

NotResident a Licensed Contractor Since2014 1999 Ahwatukee / References Call Ahwatukee BruceResident/ at References/ Insured/ Affordable, Quality Work Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor Insured / Not aCall Licensed Contractor Bruce at 602.670.7038

Lowest Prices * 30 Yrs Exp Serving Entire Valley

YOU’LL LIKE US - THE BEST!

Ahwatukee Resident/ References/ Insured/ Not a Licensed Contractor

2010, 2011 2012, 2013, 2014

36

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Home Improvement HOME REMODELING REPAIRS & CUSTOM INTERIOR PAINTING

Juan Hernandez

Move a wall; turn a door into a window. From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all.

Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more.

All trades done by hands-on General Contractor.

Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable.

40 years’ experience.

Call Ron Wolfgang. Please text or leave message Cell 602-628-9653 —Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934

• Electrical Repair • Plumbing Repair • Dry rot and termite damage repair

GENERAL CONTRACTOR / HANDYMAN SERVICES SERVING THE ENTIRE VALLEY

520.508.1420

www.husbands2go.com

Licensed, Bonded & Insured • ROC#317949

SPRINKLER

TREE

Drip/Install/Repair & Tune ups!

TRIMMING

Not a licensed contractor

25 Years exp (480) 720-3840

25 years exp. Call Now (480) 720-3840

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

Irrigation

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CALL US TODAY!

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• Concrete Slab

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• Remodeling Debris

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One Call, We Do It All! 602-339-4766 Owner Does All Work, All Honey-Do Lists All Remodeling, Additions, Kitchen, Bath, Patio Covers, Garage, Sheds, Windows, Doors, Drywall & Roofing Repairs, Painting, All Plumbing, Electrical, Concrete, Block, Stucco, Stack Stone, All Flooring, Wood, Tile, Carpet, Welding, Gates, Fences, All Repairs.

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We Beat Competitors Prices & Quality

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ALL Pro

Free Estimates!

Home of the 10-Year Warranty!

Pool Service / Repair

Prepare for Winter Season!

www.eastvalleypainters.com

Insured/Bonded Free Estimates

General Contracting, Inc.

480-477-8842

— Call Jason —

Landscape/Maintenance

• Yard Waste

HYDROJETTING

Interior & Exterior Residential/Commercial Free Estimates Drywall Repairs Senior Discounts References Available

NTY 5-YEAR WARRA

• Old Paint & Chems.

Call Classifieds 480-898-6465

ROC#309706

PAINTING

Irrigation Repair Services Inc.

Home Improvement

81% of our readers, read the Classifieds!

We Are State Licensed and Reliable!

Hauling

• Old Tires

HOME FOR RENT? Place it here!

Free Estimates • Senior Discounts

Ask me about FREE water testing!

• Furniture • Appliances • Mattresses • Televisions • Garage Clean-Out • Construction Debris

HOME IMPROVEMENT & PAINTING

Drain Cleaning Experts, water heaters, disposals, water & sewer lines repaired/replaced & remodels.

Rapid Response.

If water runs through it we do it!

602-663-8432

480-338-4011

LLC

All Estimates are Free • Call:

Plumbing

Juan Hernandez

Handyman

• Drywall Repair • Bathroom Remodeling • Home Renovations

Painting

Landscape/Maintenance

T R E E

S E R V I C E

L L C

LANDSCAPING, TREES & MAINTENANCE

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

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Family Owned & Operated Bonded/Insured • ROC#153131

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MISSED THE DEADLINE? Call us to place your ad online!

480-898-6465

Juan Hernandez

Pavers • Concrete • Water Features • Sprinkler Repair

PPebbleOcracking, O L Plaster R Epeeling, P ARebar IR showing, Pool Light out? I CAN HELP!

FALL SPECIAL! $500 OFF COMPLETE REMODEL! 25 Years Experience • Dependable & Reliable

Call Juan at

480-720-3840 Not a licensed contractor.

37

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Roofing

Roofing

Roofing

Public Notices

PHILLIPS

480-699-2754 • info@monsoonroofinginc.com

10% Discount for Ahwatukee Residents 100% NO Leak Guarantee Re-Roof & Roofing Repairs Tile, Shingles & Flat Roof

ROOFING LLC COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL

Family Owned and Operated 43 Years Experience in Arizona

MonsoonRoofingInc.com Licensed – Bonded – Insured – ROC187561

The City of Ketchikan (Alaska) is advertising for a professional search firm to provide recruitment services for our City/General Manager. Proposals can be submitted at www.ktn-ak.us/bids Proposals must be received by 4:00pm on December 8, 2021.

623-873-1626

Serving All Types Clean, Prompt, Friendly and Professional Service of Roofing: • • • •

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Tiles & Shingles sunlandroofingllc@gmail.com Installation Repair Re-Roofing

602-471-2346

Window Cleaning

Free Estimates Monday through Saturday Licensed 2006 ROC 223367 Bonded Insured

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480-706-1453

Licensed/Bonded/Insured • ROC #236099

PhillipsRoofing.org PhillipsRoofing@cox.net

Add a Background Color to Your Ad! Classifieds 480-898-6465

Professional service since 1995

130 - One Story 170 - Two Story

$ Bonded & Insured

$

Includes in & out up to 30 Panes

SUN SCREENS CLEANED $3 EACH

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA IN AND FOR PINAL COUNTY Case No: DO2021-01436 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO ESTABLISH PATERNITY, LEGAL DECISION-MAKING, PARENTING TIME AND CHILD SUPPORT (Honorable Patrick Gard) n Re the Matter of: CORY SCHINDEHETTE, Petitioner, and MELISSA VARGAS, Respondent. TO: MELISSA VARGAS, Respondent/Mother in the above referenced matter. A Petition to Establish Paternity, Legal Decision-Making, Parenting Time,and Child Support and a Motion for Temporary Orders Re: Legal Decision-Making, Parenting Time and Child Support has been filed by Petitioner, CORY SCHINDEHETTE; NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: The Court has set a telephonic hearing on the Petition to Establish Paternity, Legal Decision-Making, Parenting Time, and Child Support on the 14th day of December, 2021 at 10:00 o’clock a.m., at the Pinal County Superior Court, located at 971 Jason Lopez Circle, Building A, Florence, Arizona 85132, before the Honorable Honorable Patrick K. Gard.

The Honorable Patrick K. Gard’s division can be reached at (520) 866-5405 and HYPERLINK "mailto:nbrokaw@courts.az.gov" nbrokaw@courts.az.gov. The hearing shall be set for 15 minutes, and the Court will not hear or take evidence at this hearing. FAILURE TO APPEAR TELEPHONICALLY AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE COURT ISSUING A CIVIL ARREST WARRANT, OR WHERE APPLICABLE, A CHILD SUPPORT ARREST WARRANT, FOR YOUR ARREST. IF YOU ARE ARRESTED, YOU MAY BE HELD IN JAIL FOR NO MORE THAN 24 HOURS BEFORE A HEARING IS HELD. Counsel and/or parties shall provide the Court’s Judicial Assistance, Natalie (520-866-5405 & HYPERLINK "mailto:nbrokaw@courts.az.gov" nbrokaw@courts.az.gov) with a telephone number, not less than two and not more than five judicial days prior to the hearing; the Court shall initiate the call as near the scheduled time as the Court’s calendar permits. Requests for reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities must be made to the office of the Judge or Commissioner scheduled to hear this case five days before your scheduled court date. If you are receiving this Notice by publication, you may obtain a copy of the Petition by submitting a written request to: Renee King, 7702 E. Doubletree ranch road, Suite 300, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258.

RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED this 27th day of October, 2021. GUYMON LAW /s/ Renee King Renee L. (Cook) King, Esq. Attorney for Petitioner.

Published: East Valley Tribune, Nov 14, 21, 28, Dec 5, 2021 / 42723

THE BUSINESS THAT CONSIDERS ITSELF IMMUNE TO THE NECESSITY FOR

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SOONER OR LATER FINDS ITSELF IMMUNE TO BUSINESS. - Derby Brown

38

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Public Notices NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Matter of the Estate of Laura Mae Griffin, Deceased or The Roy J. Griffin and Laura M. Griffin Living Trust, Deceased NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as the Personal Representative of this estate.

All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or the claims will be forever barred. Claims must be presented by delivering or mailing a written statement of the claim to undersigned Personal Representative at 94-176 Anania Drive #271, Mililani, Hawaii. 96789.

DATED this 10 day of NOVEMBER, 2021 /s/ Robert E. Griffin, trustee. Published: East Vallkey Tribune, Nov. 14, 21, 28, 2021 / 42776

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Public Notices

OUT WITH THE OLD, CHIP RETURN RETURN YOUR TABLE GAMES CASINO CHIPS AT HARRAH’S AK-CHIN BEFORE THEY EXPIRE! If you have Table Games Casino chips received before July 7, 2021, please redeem them at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage no later than March 31, 2022 for a full refund.

Disclaimer: Any discontinued Table Games chips not returned by March 31, 2022 will be void and hold no cash value. Redemption must take place at the Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino cashier cage in person. Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is not responsible for any unreturned Table Games chips.

CITY OF MESA PUBLIC NOTICE The Mesa City Council will hold a public hearing concerning the following ordinances at the December 8, 2021 City Council meeting beginning at 5:45 p.m. in the Mesa City Council Chambers, 57 East First Street.

1. ZON21-00566 (District 5) Within the 6400 block of East McDowell Road (north side) and within the 2800 block of North Ramada (west side). Located west of Power Road on the north side of McDowell Road (4.1± acres). Rezone from Office Commercial (OC) to Single Residence 9 with a Planned Area Development Overlay (RS-9-PAD). This request will allow for the development of a single residence subdivision. Grant Taylor, applicant; DeMichele Family, LLC, owner.

2. ZON21-00892 (District 6) Within the 4400 to 4700 blocks of South Power Road (east side) and within the 6800 to 7000 blocks of East Warner Road (south side). Located at the southeast corner of Power Road and Warner Road (40± acres). Modification of the Planned Area Development Overlay (PAD) and Site Plan Modification. This request will allow for commercial development. Sean Lake, Pew & Lake, PLC, applicant; Power 40, LLC, owner.

3. ZON21-00540 (District 6) Within the 10500 to 10800 blocks of East Elliot Road (north side) and within the 3500 block of South Signal Butte Road (west side). Located on the northwest corner of Signal Butte Road and Elliot Road (25.7± acres). Rezone from Agriculture (AG) to Light Industrial (LI) with a Planned Area Development (PAD) Overlay, Site Plan Review, and Special Use Permit. This request will allow for a commercial and industrial development. Adam Baugh, Withey Morris, PLC, applicant; Whane of Mesa, LP, owner.

4. ANX21-00799 (District 6) Annexing property located within the 4200 to 4400 blocks of South Sossaman Road (west side). Located west of Sossaman Road and north of the Warner Road alignment (101.1± acres). Initiated by the applicant, Sean Lake on behalf of Pew & Lake PLC, The Dale C. Morrison Trust, owner.

5. ZON21-00798 (District 6) Within the 4200 to 4400 blocks of South Sossaman Road (west side). Located west of Sossaman Road and north of the Warner Road alignment (101.1± acres). Rezone from Agriculture (AG) to Light Industrial with a Planned Area Development overlay (LI-PAD) and Site Plan Review. This request will allow for an industrial development. Sean Lake on behalf of Pew & Lake PLC, applicant; The Dale C. Morrison Trust, owner.

6. Amending Title 5 of the Mesa City Code (Business Regulations), Chapter 4 entitled “Mobile Food Vendors” to exempt mobile food vendors who are operating at special events from licensing requirements on a limited basis, and to modify requirements for the location of mobile food vendor operations, including distance requirements and related exemptions for operation in or near areas zoned for residential use. (Citywide) DATED at Mesa, Arizona, this 28th day of November 2021.

DEE ANN MICKELSEN, City Clerk Published in the East Valley Tribune Nov 28, 2021 / 43038

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE PAINTED MOUNTAIN GOLF VILLAS 32997.0018 (HERNANDEZ & TRANSFER FOR YOU LLC ONLY) The following legally described property will be sold pursuant to the power of sale under that certain Amended Notice of Delinquency of Assessments recorded under Instrument Number 20210032990, records of Maricopa County, Arizona. The owner(s) (see Exhibit “A”) have breached and defaulted under the Declaration of Dedication, Interval Ownership Plan, and Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements and Bylaws of the Association by failing to pay the amounts as specified herein. NOTICE! IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFENSE TO THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE YOU MUST FILE AN ACTION AND OBTAIN A COURT ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 65, ARIZONA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, STOPPING THE SALE NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DATE OF THE SALE, OR YOU MAY HAVE WAIVED ANY DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE. UNLESS YOU OBTAIN A COURT ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction to the highest bidder in Suite 700, at 8585 East Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, in Maricopa County, Arizona, at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022: Painted Mountain Golf Villas Interval Interest consisting of: (i) an undivided (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Annual, (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Biennial Even Years, (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Biennial Odd Years fee interest in Unit No(s)/ Interval No(s)/Assigned Year (SEE EXHIBIT “A”)/(SEE EXHIBIT “A”)/(SEE EXHIBIT “A”) PAINTED MOUNTAIN GOLF VILLAS CONDOMINIUM, according to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions, and Easements for Painted Mountain Golf Villas Condominium recorded in instrument no. 97-0704664, and plat recorded in Book 451 of Maps, Page 11, records of Maricopa County, Arizona, by which an Owner is entitled to occupy a Unit for one (1) Interval on an annual or biennial (whichever is indicated above) and recurring basis, the exact Interval to be established every year (or, for biennial, every other year) by reservation, all as defined and governed by the Declaration of Dedication, Interval Ownership Plan, and Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements for Painted Mountain Golf Villas, dated September 18, 1997, and recorded October 8, 1997, in instrument no. 97-0704665, records of Maricopa County, Arizona, as amended (collectively, the “Declaration”); and (ii) the non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Area, and to use and enjoy the Common Furnishings contained in such Unit, during such Owner’s Use Period, as provided in the Declaration. For convenience in inventory control, conveyancing, and titling, an Interval Interest is granted in a specific Unit; however, this interest does NOT carry with it the right to use that specific Unit. Property address: 6302 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ, 85215. Tax parcel number: 201008093. Name and address of owner(s): (See Exhibit “A”) Delinquent Assessments: (See Exhibit “A”). Trustee: Sharon A. Urias, 8585 East Hartford Drive, Suite 700, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, Phone no.

(480) 306-5458. Manner of trustee qualification:

Member, State Bar of Arizona Name of trustee’s regulator: State Bar of Arizona. This is a non-judicial foreclosure proceeding to permit Painted Mountain Golf Villas Vacation Ownership Association, An Arizona Nonprofit Corporation, to pursue its in rem remedies under Arizona law.

EXHIBIT “A” - NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Owner(s) Address Undiv Int ICN Unit Assigned Yr Yrs Due Delinquent Assessments RUTH M HERNANDEZ 1740 SW 18 St Miami, FL 33145, 1/104, 28E, 139, Biennial, 2018-2020, $759.00; TRANSFER FOR YOU, LLC & JOSH UNGARO, AGENT 402 B #112 W. Mt. Vernon Rd Nixa, MO 65714, 1/52, 40A, 225, Annual, 20182020, $3,326.45; NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE PAINTED MOUNTAIN GOLF VILLAS 32997.0039 (RILEY JR.) The following legally described property will be sold pursuant to the power of sale under that certain Notice of Delinquency of Assessments recorded under Instrument Number 20210916756, records of Maricopa County, Arizona. The owner(s) (see Exhibit “A”) have breached and defaulted under the Declaration of Dedication, Interval Ownership Plan, and Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements and Bylaws of the Association by failing to pay the amounts as specified herein. NOTICE! IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFENSE TO THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE YOU MUST FILE AN ACTION AND OBTAIN A COURT ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 65, ARIZONA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, STOPPING THE SALE NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DATE OF THE SALE, OR YOU MAY HAVE WAIVED ANY DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE. UNLESS YOU OBTAIN A COURT ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction to the highest bidder in Suite 700, at 8585 East Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, in Maricopa County, Arizona, at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022: Painted Mountain Golf Villas Interval Interest consisting of: (i) an undivided (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Annual, (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Biennial Even Years, (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Biennial Odd Years fee interest in Unit No(s)/ Interval No(s)/Assigned Year (SEE EXHIBIT “A”)/(SEE EXHIBIT “A”)/(SEE EXHIBIT “A”) PAINTED MOUNTAIN GOLF VILLAS CONDOMINIUM, according to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions, and Easements for Painted Mountain Golf Villas Condominium recorded in instrument no. 97-0704664, and plat recorded in Book 451 of Maps, Page 11, records of Maricopa County, Arizona, by which an Owner is entitled to occupy a Unit for one (1) Interval on an annual or biennial (whichever is indicated above) and recurring basis, the exact Interval to be established every year (or, for biennial, every other year) by reservation, all as defined and governed by the Declaration of Dedication, Interval Ownership Plan, and Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements for Painted Mountain Golf Villas, dated September 18, 1997, and recorded October 8, 1997,

in instru County, “Declar use and enjoy th Unit, du in the D control, Interest interest specific Road, M 1008093 Exhibit “A”). T Drive, S (480) 3 Membe regulato foreclos Golf V Arizona remedie EXHIB Owner( Yrs Due WILLIA Crappie Annual, JR & PA NY 114 $885.91 State Hi & 1/52, 2018-20 STEPH Dr Peo 2019-20 STEPH Peoria, 2021, $3 State Hi 1/104, FLOYD Lincoln 2021, $3 CONWA 1/52, 4 JOHN AKA A Laguna 2019-20 & MIC Gerald dated O Worth, & 226, DELOR IN 463 $3,351.8

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will be t certain recorded records r(s) (see d under wnership ons and y failing OTICE! NSE TO AVE AN E YOU TAIN A LE 65, EDURE, 5:00 PM E LAST DULED HAVE ONS TO COURT D WILL idder in ottsdale, t 1 p.m. ain Golf ndivided XHIBIT BIT “A”) t No(s)/ XHIBIT XHIBIT VILLAS ration of sements ominium and plat records n Owner Interval ndicated val to be ry other erned by wnership ons and as, dated 8, 1997,

39

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

Public Notices in instrument no. 97-0704665, records of Maricopa County, Arizona, as amended (collectively, the “Declaration”); and (ii) the non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Area, and to use and enjoy the Common Furnishings contained in such Unit, during such Owner’s Use Period, as provided in the Declaration. For convenience in inventory control, conveyancing, and titling, an Interval Interest is granted in a specific Unit; however, this interest does NOT carry with it the right to use that specific Unit. Property address: 6302 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ, 85215. Tax parcel number: 201008093. Name and address of owner(s): (See Exhibit “A”) Delinquent Assessments: (See Exhibit “A”). Trustee: Sharon A. Urias, 8585 East Hartford Drive, Suite 700, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, Phone no.

(480) 306-5458. Manner of trustee qualification: Member, State Bar of Arizona Name of trustee’s regulator: State Bar of Arizona. This is a non-judicial foreclosure proceeding to permit Painted Mountain Golf Villas Vacation Ownership Association, An Arizona Nonprofit Corporation, to pursue its in rem remedies under Arizona law.

EXHIBIT “A” – NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Owner(s) Address Undiv Int ICN Unit Assigned Yr Yrs Due Delinquent Assessments WILLIAM G RILEY JR. & JEAN M RILEY 2001 Crappie Cv Bellevue, NE 68123, 1/52, 20A, 122M, Annual, 2019-2021, $1,165.57; ARTHUR FLUDD JR & PAULA E FLUDD 13017 148th St Jamaica, NY 11436, 1/104, 49E, 132M, Biennial, 2019-2021, $885.91; TIMESHARE TRADE INS, LLC 10923 State Highway 176 Walnut Shade, MO 65771, 1/52 & 1/52, 33A & 2A, 121 & 237P, Annual & Annual, 2018-2020, $4,454.02; GREGORY A MOSER & STEPHANIE A MOSER 9341 W Via Montoya Dr Peoria, AZ 85383, 1/52, 40A, 127, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; GREGORY A MOSER & STEPHANIE A MOSER 9341 W Via Montoya Dr Peoria, AZ 85383, 1/52, 41A, 127, Annual, 20192021, $3,351.88; TIMESHARE TRADE INS 10923 State Highway 176 Ste E Walnut Shade, MO 65771, 1/104, 7E, 123M, Biennial, 2019-2021, $885.91; FLOYD H COX & H. AGNES COX 720 N 56th St Lincoln, NE 68504, 1/52, 48A, 125, Annual, 20192021, $3,351.88; HARRY E CONWAY & CAROL D CONWAY 1513 N Westgate St Wichita, KS 67212, 1/52, 49A, 235, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; JOHN E. MICHAEL & ALAYNE MICHAEL AKA Alayne Michael Todd 25231 Spindlewood Laguna Niguel, CA 92677, 1/52, 11A, 136, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; GERALD W NIMERICK & MICHELE A NIMERICK, Co-Trustees of the Gerald and Michele Nimerick Management Trust dated October 19, 2004 1600 Texas St Apt 421 Fort Worth, TX 76102, 1/52 & 1/52, 32A & 33A, 226 & 226, Annual & Annual, 2019-2021, $6,628.19; DELORES A HAUER 402 N True St Griffith, IN 46319, 1/52, 34A, 235, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE PAINTED MOUNTAIN GOLF VILLAS VACATION OWNERSHIP ASSOCIATION 32997.0040 (COMMERCE SYSTEMS, LLC) The following legally described property will be sold pursuant to the power of sale under that certain Notice of Delinquency of Assessments recorded

under Instrument Number 20210916757, records of Maricopa County, Arizona. The owner(s) (see Exhibit “A”) have breached and defaulted under the Declaration of Dedication, Interval Ownership Plan, and Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements and Bylaws of the Association by failing to pay the amounts as specified herein. NOTICE! IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFENSE TO THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE YOU MUST FILE AN ACTION AND OBTAIN A COURT ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 65, ARIZONA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, STOPPING THE SALE NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DATE OF THE SALE, OR YOU MAY HAVE WAIVED ANY DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE. UNLESS YOU OBTAIN A COURT ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction to the highest bidder in Suite 700, at 8585 East Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, in Maricopa County, Arizona, at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022: Painted Mountain Golf Villas Interval Interest consisting of: (i) an undivided (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Annual, (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Biennial Even Years, (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Biennial Odd Years fee interest in Unit No(s)/ Interval No(s)/Assigned Year (SEE EXHIBIT “A”)/(SEE EXHIBIT “A”)/(SEE EXHIBIT “A”) PAINTED MOUNTAIN GOLF VILLAS CONDOMINIUM, according to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions, and Easements for Painted Mountain Golf Villas Condominium recorded in instrument no. 97-0704664, and plat recorded in Book 451 of Maps, Page 11, records of Maricopa County, Arizona, by which an Owner is entitled to occupy a Unit for one (1) Interval on an annual or biennial (whichever is indicated above) and recurring basis, the exact Interval to be established every year (or, for biennial, every other year) by reservation, all as defined and governed by the Declaration of Dedication, Interval Ownership Plan, and Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements for Painted Mountain Golf Villas, dated September 18, 1997, and recorded October 8, 1997, in instrument no. 97-0704665, records of Maricopa County, Arizona, as amended (collectively, the “Declaration”); and (ii) the non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Area, and to use and enjoy the Common Furnishings contained in such Unit, during such Owner’s Use Period, as provided in the Declaration. For convenience in inventory control, conveyancing, and titling, an Interval Interest is granted in a specific Unit; however, this interest does NOT carry with it the right to use that specific Unit. Property address: 6302 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ, 85215. Tax parcel number: 201008093. Name and address of owner(s): (See Exhibit “A”) Delinquent Assessments: (See Exhibit “A”). Trustee: Sharon A. Urias, 8585 East Hartford Drive, Suite 700, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, Phone no.

(480) 306-5458. Manner of trustee qualification: Member, State Bar of Arizona Name of trustee’s regulator: State Bar of Arizona. This is a non-judicial foreclosure proceeding to permit Painted Mountain Golf Villas Vacation Ownership Association, An Arizona Nonprofit Corporation, to pursue its in rem remedies under Arizona law.

EXHIBIT “A” – NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Owner(s) Address Undiv Int ICN Unit Assigned Yr

Yrs Due Delinquent Assessments TOTAL COMMERCE SYSTEMS, LLC AN ARIZONA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 989 S Main St Ste A435 Cottonwood, AZ 86326, 1/52, 11A, 231, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; PHYLLIS DENISE JEFFERSON 8 Mcchurch Ct Apt E Randallstown, MD 21133, 1/52, 37A, 226, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; TOTAL COMMERCE SYSTEMS, LLC AN ARIZONA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 989 S Main St Ste A435 Cottonwood, AZ 86326, 1/52, 41A, 129, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; JASON C TRAFTON & BRENDA TRAFTON 15827 Pine Cone Ln Tomball, TX 77377, 1/104, 46E, 122M, Biennial, 2019-2021, $885.91; JAB PROPERTIES INVESTMENT, LLC A TENNESSEE LIMITED LIABLITY COMPANY 4544 3rd Ave S Saint Petersburg, FL 33711, 1/52, 12A, 229, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; KASSI HARRIS 3000 Green Mountain Dr Ste 420 Branson, MO 65616, 1/52, 16A, 124M, Annual, 2019-2021, $2,620.95; KIPP JOHANNSEN PO Box 7293 Seminole, FL 33775, 1/52, 13A, 224M, Annual, 2019-2021, $2,620.95; TOTAL COMMERCE SYSTEMS, LLC AN ARIZONA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 989 S Main St Ate A435 Cottonwood, AZ 86326, 1/52, 20A, 228, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; MARINA BAY AND MIDLER SERVICES, LLC, A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 28 Shannon Circle Mascotte, FL 34753, 1/52, 29A, 125, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; ALEXANDRU COLEV PO Box 692468 Orlando, FL 32869, 1/52, 6A, 230, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; JACE ELLIS BINGHAM 6 Anne St Canton, NC 28716, 1/52, 18A, 117, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; JERRY WAYNE THOMPSON 124 Mill Creek Cir Lot 7 Jesup, GA 31545, 1/52, 8A, 133, Annual, 20192021, $3,351.88; NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE PAINTED MOUNTAIN GOLF VILLAS 32997.0041 (GROUPWISE) The following legally described property will be sold pursuant to the power of sale under that certain Notice of Delinquency of Assessments recorded under Instrument Number 20210916758, records of Maricopa County, Arizona. The owner(s) (see Exhibit “A”) have breached and defaulted under the Declaration of Dedication, Interval Ownership Plan, and Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements and Bylaws of the Association by failing to pay the amounts as specified herein. NOTICE! IF YOU BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFENSE TO THE TRUSTEE SALE OR IF YOU HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THE TRUSTEE SALE YOU MUST FILE AN ACTION AND OBTAIN A COURT ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 65, ARIZONA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, STOPPING THE SALE NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY BEFORE THE SCHEDULED DATE OF THE SALE, OR YOU MAY HAVE WAIVED ANY DEFENSES OR OBJECTIONS TO THE SALE. UNLESS YOU OBTAIN A COURT ORDER, THE SALE WILL BE FINAL AND WILL OCCUR at public auction to the highest bidder in Suite 700, at 8585 East Hartford Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85255, in Maricopa County, Arizona, at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022: Painted Mountain Golf

Villas Interval Interest consisting of: (i) an undivided (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Annual, (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Biennial Even Years, (SEE EXHIBIT “A”) for Biennial Odd Years fee interest in Unit No(s)/ Interval No(s)/Assigned Year (SEE EXHIBIT “A”)/(SEE EXHIBIT “A”)/(SEE EXHIBIT “A”) PAINTED MOUNTAIN GOLF VILLAS CONDOMINIUM, according to the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions, and Easements for Painted Mountain Golf Villas Condominium recorded in instrument no. 97-0704664, and plat recorded in Book 451 of Maps, Page 11, records of Maricopa County, Arizona, by which an Owner is entitled to occupy a Unit for one (1) Interval on an annual or biennial (whichever is indicated above) and recurring basis, the exact Interval to be established every year (or, for biennial, every other year) by reservation, all as defined and governed by the Declaration of Dedication, Interval Ownership Plan, and Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions and Easements for Painted Mountain Golf Villas, dated September 18, 1997, and recorded October 8, 1997, in instrument no. 97-0704665, records of Maricopa County, Arizona, as amended (collectively, the “Declaration”); and (ii) the non-exclusive right to use and enjoy the Common Area, and to use and enjoy the Common Furnishings contained in such Unit, during such Owner’s Use Period, as provided in the Declaration. For convenience in inventory control, conveyancing, and titling, an Interval Interest is granted in a specific Unit; however, this interest does NOT carry with it the right to use that specific Unit. Property address: 6302 E. McKellips Road, Mesa, AZ, 85215. Tax parcel number: 201008093. Name and address of owner(s): (See Exhibit “A”) Delinquent Assessments: (See Exhibit “A”). Trustee: Sharon A. Urias, 8585 East Hartford Drive, Suite 700, Scottsdale, AZ, 85255, Phone no.

(480) 306-5458. Manner of trustee qualification: Member, State Bar of Arizona Name of trustee’s regulator: State Bar of Arizona. This is a non-judicial foreclosure proceeding to permit Painted Mountain Golf Villas Vacation Ownership Association, An Arizona Nonprofit Corporation, to pursue its in rem remedies under Arizona law.

EXHIBIT “A” – NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Owner(s) Address Undiv Int ICN Unit Assigned Yr Yrs Due Delinquent Assessments JOHN W MCMULLEN 2811 Citrus Lake Dr Unit J101 Naples, FL 34109, 1/104, 45O, 137, Biennial, 2019-2021, $2,035.36; LIZDENNI LIBEL GIL SANTO Casa #195 Los Limones Nagua, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, 1/52, 33A, 229, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; JAMES ANDERSON & CAROL ANDERSON 207 N 9th Ave P.O. Box 26 Winneconne, WI 54986, 1/52, 40A, 236, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; DAVID SKINNER, LLC A NEVADA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY C/O Holiday Equity 3605 Airport Way S Seattle, WA 98134, 1/52, 34A, 232, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; MICHAEL C MAXWELL 401 N Brookhurst St Ste 116 Anaheim, CA 92801, 1/52, 17A, 122M, Annual, 2019-2021, $2,620.95; WENDY JOSEFINA GIL SANTOS Edeficio Luz Maria 1 Apt # 7 Calle Duverge #124, Capacito San Francisco De Macoris, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, 1/52, 33A, 127, Annual, 2019-2021, $3,351.88; Published: East Valley Tribune Nov. 14, 21, 28, Dec. 5, 2021 / 42205

40

GILBERT SUN NEWS | NOVEMBER 28, 2021

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