Gilbert Sun News 12-15-2019

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An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Gilbert real estate section

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF GILBERT) | GilbertSunNews.com Sunday, December 15, 2019

Veterans park numbers didn't add up

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

A

now-defunct Gilbert nonprofit that received hundreds of thousands of dollars to build a veterans memorial park, which never took off, gave conflicting accounts in 2016 to two government agencies about how much money it had on hand.

While telling the Arizona Department of Veteran Services it had collected $600,000 in inkind services and $1.2 million in cash, Operation Welcome Home told the IRS the same year it had $184,646 in net assets or fund balances, according to documents obtained by the Gilbert Sun News.

The discrepancies raise more questions surrounding the nonprofit’s handling of donations

and the oversight given by town, state and federal officials, after Gilbert spent over $1.6 million in taxpayer funds for around the park site.

The nonprofit and the town were partners in the project. Gilbert not only performed the offsite improvements but also leased the townowned land to the nonprofit for $1 a year for 30 years.

Operation Welcome Home two months ago declared it couldn’t come up with the funds to build the $3 million veterans park and was dissolving.

Gilbert Vice Mayor Eddie Cook said he was concerned with the inconsistencies in the financial statements to the state and IRS. “I see a significant discrepancy as it relates to the information Operation Welcome Home provided to the Arizona Department of Veteran

Services,” Cook said. “To me, the data the town received doesn’t align with what they provided.”

Cook suspected the nonprofit “over-inflated their numbers so maybe it was a way for them to secure the grant.”

The nonprofit was set up by Lisa Rigler, who at the time was president of the Gilbert Small Business Alliance, an organization she had created more than 10 years ago.

It was born out of periodic celebrations thenCouncilwoman Jenn Daniels and former Councilman Les Presmyk organized to honor returning military men and women who served overseas.

Operation Welcome Home in 2016 applied

see VETERANS page 4

Gilbert town hall in Gravely ill tot surprised line for $15M re-do

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert is moving forward on an estimated $15.4 million renovation of its Municipal 1 Building, commonly called Town Hall because it houses the Council Chambers, administrative offices, including the leadership team and the Town Clerk.

Council recently approved change orders that came with increases in the contracts for the project’s architect and construction manager despite objection from Councilman Jared Taylor.

“I think there is probably a more efficient use of some of these dollars than what we have here,” he said at the Dec. 5 meeting.

“I know the town is growing and we have a bit more needs but I’m just not sure what we are doing is in line with how we wanted to keep that cost in a box,” Taylor added.

Mayor Jenn Daniels said the town has an opportunity to re-invest in the building to meet future needs.

“This isn’t for today’s needs,” she said. “This is planning for tomorrow’s needs, which as we know comes pretty quickly in the Town of Gilbert as we continue to grow.”

see TOWN HALL page 3

Matthew Walker of Gilbert holds his 3-year-old son Brendan as Frank Squeo, founder of Baking Memories 4 Kids presents him with a token representing the surprise trip that the gravely ill toddler will be going on, courtesy of a unique nonprofit. For details, see page 6.

(Chris Morenson/GSN Staff Photographer)

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

NEWS

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TOWN HALL from page 1 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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Daniels said the town is expected to reach build-out in about a decade with a population of 330,000. The town’s head count was estimated at 248,279 in 2018, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

She said if the town spends the money now for the remodel, it won’t have to do it in 10 years.

“This building is more than 20 years old now and is not currently meeting the needs,” she said. “The original plan was to have this building and then to phase in a second building on this site.”

Daniels said it would cost the town less to renovate the existing building than to build a new one later on.

“I realize we might be planning for build-out but that’s our job,” she said.

The council voted 5-2 for the change orders with Taylor and Councilwoman Aimee Yentes opposed.

The renovation project is currently in design with construction expected to take place from December 2020 to December 2021, according to town spokeswoman Jennifer Harrison.

“The entire building will be renovated, including replacing or upgrading the exterior glass, HVAC systems, roofing, flooring, fixtures and furniture,” she said in an email “The existing balcony on the north side of the second story will also be enclosed to gain more floor space for employees.”

The project will add about 1,000 square

The majority of Town Council decided to soent $15 million now to renovate Municipal 1 Building, commonly called town hall, rather than spend twice as much in 10 years. (File photo)

feet to the building by enclosing the second-floor balcony, according to Harrison.

“The renovations, along with new furniture, will allow the building to accommodate approximately 40 additional workstations,” she said.

The renovation will offset the need for a new building in the future, she added.

“Without these renovations, the building will be at capacity within a few years,” she said.

“Staff did look into the possibility of building a new structure, which would cost approximately $30 million,” Harri-

son added. “Renovating the Municipal I building is a more cost-effective solution.”

The projected $15.4 million for the renovation includes all costs for design and construction, as well as some minor renovations that took place last year.

The two-story, 50,000-square-foot Municipal building was completed in 1992 when the town’s population was 37,000.

It is the first of three main buildings on the town’s municipal campus, which includes a public safety complex for fire, police and courts and a second municipal building.

certain listed conditions. But the law also allows state health officials to add conditions themselves if they believe it is medically justified.

Parents of some children with autism made such a request two years ago only to have their plea rejected. The decision was upheld last year, when a state hearing officer concluded the petition “failed to provide evidence the use of marijuana will provide therapeutic or palliative benefit to an individual suffering from ASD.’’ Espinoza’s bill eliminates the need for health department approval.

He pointed out that Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed legislation this year adding autism to the list of conditions for which medical marijuana can be recommended.

“In Colorado there are families actually have results based on what their children have are experiencing by taking medical marijuana,’’ Espinoza said. He said it appears to be a better alternative than other

medications with side effects.

“So how could you deny, especially a parent willing to try the transition into this alternative to see if it would be a better alternative for them?’’ Espinoza asked.

Nor is he deterred by the lack of the kind of studies that the health department recognizes as proving that marijuana is effective in helping children with autism.

“I can share with you that I have worked with constituents in my district that their sons and daughters in that realm have had tremendous results,’’ Espinoza said.

“I’ve actually seen in first hand.’’

Still, he acknowledged Arizona parents who are getting marijuana legally are able to obtain it because their children are having seizures, a side effect for some youngsters with autism. And seizures al-

Lawmaker wants pot legalized for autism

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

state lawmaker is seeking to force state health officials to do something they have previously rejected: allow the use of medical marijuana to treat autism.

The proposal by State Rep. Diego Espinoza, D-Tolleson, adds “autism spectrum disorder’’ to the list of what a 2010 voter-approved law considers “debilitating medical conditions’’ where a doctor can recommend the use of marijuana.

Espinoza said parents want this option to treat autism symptoms.

HB 2049 would also allow the use of marijuana by those who are suffering from opioid use disorder. Espinoza said he sees the use of marijuana as far preferable to people dying from overdoses.

The 2010 law allows doctors to recommend marijuana to those who suffer from

see POT page 4

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NEWS

VETERANS from page 1

for a $100,000 grant from the Arizona Department of Veteran Services to help build the park at Gilbert Road and Civic Center Drive and include a scaled-down replica of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington. D.C. The grant application included a document stating Operation Welcome Home had $1.25 million in cash – including $250,000 in grants, $250,000 in corporate contributions and $350,000 from individual donors. It also claimed $600,000 for in-kind donations for a total of $1.8 million in revenue.

In the Form 990 the nonprofit filed with the IRS for that same year, it claimed it had $184,646 in net assets or fund balances.

The IRS declined to comment for the story.

Rigler signed the application to the state Veterans Services Department, certifying the numbers were “true and correct.”

Riger, who stepped down either late last year or early this year citing health reasons, has not returned calls from the Gilbert Sun News and did not return a call to explain the discrepancy.

Ron Elwood, the certified public accountant who prepared the Form 990 for the nonprofit and was its treasurer, said he didn’t have a hand in the grant application and declined to answer further questions. Elwood has said he left the nonprofit board almost 12 months ago.

Veteran Services spokeswoman Nicole Baker said this was the first time she saw a grant-receiving project fail.

“We’ve never had it happen that I know of,” she said. “I’ve been here almost three years. I’ve never seen it happen.”

Baker said the grant application was reviewed by a committee, which includes veterans and members of Veteran Services.

She also noted Rigler signed paperwork

POT from page 3

ready are lawful conditions.

The use of marijuana to help those addicted to opioids is a different matter.

There is no evidence anyone has petitioned the department to add that to the list. But Espinoza said there is reason to believe that it is a better option.

“I have overdoses in my community it

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

attesting what she submitted was truthful.

But Baker also said the department has no intention to delve deeper into the matter.

She cited a cashed check Operation Welcome Home sent the agency showing it had paid $284,487 to MT Builders, the general contractor Operation Welcome Home had hired to build the park.

“What we are looking for is, ‘Did you use the money for what you said you

The Veterans Park never reached the elegant building touted in renderings like the one on the left and remained a barren, semi-cleared desert lot. (File photos)

would spend it on?’” Baker said. “We took the check as them spending the money on what they said they were spending the money on.”

The state agency’s grants are funded by the motor vehicle owners who pay fees for specialty license plates showing they are military personnel or veterans.

Operation Welcome Home’s application was reviewed by five unnamed committee members. They scored the application highly, ranging from 95 to 100 points. Two committee members, however, recommended giving the group $50,000 instead of the $100,000 it sought.

One committee member who approved of the full award wrote: “Showed credibility on how they are using their finances, not splurging. Looking for something extra to make their program stronger. CPA does funding, they have board oversight.

Main source of sustainability is through donations and fundraising.”

Cook said the state’s handling of Opera-

seems like every day,’’ he said. “And so if marijuana could be an alternative to help wean them off, then why not try that?’’

The idea of marijuana as a legal option to deal with addiction has come up in Arizona before.

In 2018, then-Rep. Vince Leach, R-Tucson, agreed to language to a bill he was sponsoring to add opioid use disorder to what would allow doctors to legally rec-

tion Welcome Home’s application raises potential flaws in the way Veterans Services handles requests for money.

He said the Veterans Services committee has to come up with a better process to verify the information on the applications.

“If I had to make a comment to Veteran Services – just like my comments about the town (needing) to come up with a process to verify and validate in-kind donations – that committee that reviewed that applications has to do the same thing,” Cook said.

In her application, Rigler outlined Operation Welcome Home’s financial controls.

Rigler stated the board of directors will check all statements and balance sheets each month and an annual audit of the books is to be done every December.

But this kind of board oversight apparently never existed for the nonprofit.

Presmyk, a former board member, said he was never privy to its finances even after asking to see the books. He said he became so frustrated by Rigler’s lack of disclosure, so, he left the group in late 2016 or early 2017.

ommend the drug. The measure cleared the House but faltered in the Senate.

State Health Director Cara Christ noted that chronic pain, one of the reasons that some people get hooked on opioids, is one of the conditions for which marijuana already can be recommended.

Still, she stopped short of suggesting that doctors start treating patients with marijuana, stating, “Each individual is go-

The agency in February 2017 awarded Operation Welcome Home the $100,000 grant – part of $861,750 in grants it gave for a variety of veterans-related projects across the state.

Operation Welcome Home that same year gave the town a bank statement showing it had $415,548 in cash and $679,747 in written commitments for inkind donations.

The total, of $1.1 million it claimed to have, satisfied the town’s threshold for issuing a permit so construction could begin.

Also for 2017, Operation Welcome Home told the IRS it had $427,968, according to its Form 990.

Lisa Riger’s daughter, Aimee Yentes – a town councilwoman and the vice president of the nonprofit before it folded – blamed the project’s demise on MT Builders, saying the company’s list of inkind donors didn’t materialize. The project never made it past the earthwork.

Two months canceling its lease with Operation Welcome Home and taking back control of the 7 acres, the town now plans to convert the site back to desert landscaping. ing to be different.’’

Backers of expanding the medical use of marijuana will need to generate a great deal of support to get HB 2049 enacted into law.

That’s because the original 2010 law, having been approved by voters, can only be altered with a three-fourths vote of the Legislature.

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

Gilbert ranked 12th in nation for liveability GSN NEWS STAFF

G

ilbert ranks twelfth among 100 of the nation’s largest municipalities for housing affordability and safety.

SmartAsset recently released its annual study on America’s most livable large cities for 2019.

Gilbert was one of two Arizona communities that made the top 20 on the list – ahead of Chandler, which ranked 14th.

The town, however, tumbled nine places from its No. 3 spot in 2018.

“Our data shows that a slight increase in violent crime rate, unemployment rate and housing cost-burdened rate – the percentage of households spending 30 percent or more of their income on housing, contributed to Gilbert falling to the 12th spot,” said Casey Luneva of SmartAsset.

Mayor Jenn Daniels in an email said the town was proud to be named one of the top most-livable cities in the country.

“As the community celebrates its centennial year in 2020, we continue to evaluate ways to ensure that as Gilbert grows that it remains one of the most livable cities, focusing on safety, education and

housing,” she said.

“With our City of the Future initiative, we’re intent on building a successful community for generations to come,” she said.

According to the financial technology company, people look at a number of factors when choosing a place to buy a home so SmartAsset measured livability factors of 100 of the largest cities nationwide.

For its study, SmartAsset considered seven metrics – walkability, violent crime rate, property crime rate, unemployment rate, population density, housing costs as a percentage of income and housing costburdened rate.

The housing cost-burdened rate measured the percentage of homeowners who are spending 30 percent or more of their income on housing.

Data comes from the Census Bureau’s 2018 one-year American Community Survey.

For 2019, the town’s unemployment rate was 4.7 percent compared with the national rate, which hovered around 3.5 percent, the study said. Unemployment rates among the cities in the study spanned from 1.9 percent to 8.4 percent.

Although SmartAsset noted a slight uptick in Gilbert’s violent crime rate, the town was recently ranked No. 4 in the country for overall safety by personal finance website WalletHub. In previous SmartAsset studies, Gilbert ranked No. 15 in 2017 and No. 22 in 2016.

For all those years and the current year, the town for walkability was ranked No. 29, which means a person needs a car to get around.

Overall, the cities that made the top 10 span a total of seven states – Virginia, Texas, California, Idaho, Nebraska, New Jersey and Wisconsin. Virginia, Texas and California are each represented twice.

The No. 1 city was Arlington, Virginia, which has held that spot since the 2017 study.

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

Gravely ill tot and his family get a big treat

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

B

rendan Walker spent the first year of his life in a hospital.

The 3-year-old Gilbert toddler so far has undergone 17 surgeries, including two open-heart procedures, with more to come.

“He has heart surgery next year or the year after,” said his mom, Laurie Sang.

Brendan was born with heart defects known as pulmonary and tricuspid atresias, which mean two valves did not form, leaving him with a half-functioning cardiac organ.

It’s been hard on the family dealing with the life-threatening illness, especially for Brendan’s brother, 12-year-old Colby Sang.

“My son’s been begging to go on a trip during spring break, summer break,” Sang said. “I tell him, ‘We can’t afford to do that. Someday we will do that.’”

Someday came last week.

Frank Squeo, founder of Baking Memories 4 Kids, arrived to the family’s front door in a firetruck with lights flashing and siren blaring, accompanied by firefighters from Gilbert Fire and Rescue Station 1 on Williams Field Road, near Loop 202.

Sang said she warned the neighbors beforehand because fire trucks have been to the house before for medical emergencies.

Holding a 3-foot-tall stuffed Mickey Mouse under one arm and cradling a container of fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies in the other, Squeo sprung his surprise on the two boys – they and their parents are going on an all-expense-paid vacation to Orlando, Florida.

There, they can pick and chose as many as they want to visit from over a dozen attractions that include Walt Disney World, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Legoland, Gator World Parks, Universal Studio.

The seven-day, six-night trip includes airfare, car rental and housing and meals at Give Kids The World Village, an 84acre resort for special-needs children.

But, the best part, Squeo told them, there’s no waiting in line because they’ll get special passes. And, they can stay on a ride for however long they want, he added.

“Mom and Dad, you are going to watch your boys having so much fun, being kids,” Squeo told parents Sang and Mat-

thew Walker. “This is a week, I guarantee you, you will never forget.”

Brendan was the third child in Arizona awarded a trip that day. Since its inception seven years ago, the nonprofit has sent close to 200 kids and their families on trips to Orlando, all paid for by cookies.

Squeo has been baking chocolate chip cookies since he was 6 years old and later gave them out as thank-you gifts to his clients at Christmas for his pool-service business in Rockland County, New York.

Later, the cookies took on a bigger role.

In 2007, Squeo was 45 and diagnosed with testicular cancer that was advancing into his brain.

“If it wasn’t for a miracle, I would not

and ships for free to recipients.

Over the seven years, the nonprofit has sold 2 million cookies, according to Squeo.

The cookies are sold for six weeks but donations are taken year-round.

“The cookies we are selling between now and Christmas, the dollars we raise will determine how many families we approve next year,” said Christina Metz, the nonprofit’s volunteer senior vice president and Squeo’s cousin. “These six weeks are impactful. Last year was the first time we had to turn down families.”

According to Squeo, Baking Memories had to say no to 20 families who applied for a trip.

Brendan Walker's 12-year-old brother Colby Sang takes charge of a Mickey Mouse doll as his mom Laurie Sang looks on. (Chris Mortenson/GSN Staff Photographer)

be here today,” he said last week.

He underwent two surgeries and aggressive chemotherapy and is now cancer-free.

During his treatment, he became aware of others, mainly children, who had worst prognoses. So, in 2012 Squeo founded Baking Memories 4 Kids, selling the chocolate chip cookies that he had perfected over the years.

Each holiday season, Squeo and a massive team of volunteers bake the cookies from scratch using his secret recipe in a commercial kitchen borrowed from a culinary school.

The cookies are then packaged in Squeo’s basement, outfitted with a conveyor belt that takes the containers through the house to a delivery truck.

Each 1.25-pound container holds about 25 cookies and sells for $29.99

In order to qualify, three critera must be met – the child must be 3-18 years old, have a terminal or life-threatening illness verified by a doctor and must not have received a wish from another organization, Metz said.

The family also must agree to publicity in order to promote the program.

Over half of the children selected for trips have a terminal illness, Squeo said.

Metz said to send a child and immediate family members on a trip cost about $15,000 but a value can’t be placed on it because of the park passes given to the families that allow them to cut in front of the line.

“It’s the ultimate pass,” she said. “You can’t buy those types of passes. They don’t exist in the real world.”

A family can self-nominate or be nominated by someone else or in Brendan’s

case, the nonprofit found him. Metz said her assistant used social media to track down a family who may need extra help and she in turn reached out to Sang and asked her to apply.

Sang said she applied in November 2018 and forgot about it until the nonprofit contacted her in February about the award.

The Gilbert mom said she had never heard about the nonprofit until it contacted her and that it was special to be selected, given only a few hundred families have received a trip.

“They fund this all by cookies,” she said. “How incredible is that?”

Colby said he was in the dark about the surprise.

“I am shocked and I didn’t expect it,” said the sixth grader at Pioneer Elementary School. He said he didn’t know where he wanted to go but that he will have fun deciding.

Squeo said he broke down in the second paragraph in reading about Brendan and the surgeries he had to endure, enough for five lifetimes.

“It was a no-brainer” for the committee to pick Brendan, he said.

For the remainder of the month, Squeo will be busy delivering the surprises and cookies to unsuspecting children.

“In November and December, I fly all around the country giving families something they can look forward to and something then can look back on,” he said.

After Arizona, he was due to fly to St. Louis, Missouri.

This year, the nonprofit will have helped 48 families, Metz said.

In the first year, four families received trips and Squeo drove a rented Chevrolet car to announce the trips.

Since then, he has partnered with fire stations in the communities of the recipients.

“We reach out to fire departments to incorporate them and surprise each child and make it as memorable as possible,” Metz said. “Kids like the spectacle of lights and sirens.”

Squeo said the trips not only provide happy memories for the child but for the families when that child becomes incapacitated or passes.

“It’s a life-changing trip,” he said.

“When you pull up and give a trip, it’s a lot of tears but joyful tears.”

Information: bakingmemories4kids.com

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

The vision for Epicenter: Agritopia’s vibrant heart

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

J

oe’s Farm Grill sits in Agritopia, a master-planned community of over 500 homes at Higley and Ray roads and touts a village-life concept centered around an 11-acre urban organic farm.

And it is the heart of Epicenter – a residential/retail development - the developer, Johnston & Co., envisions as a unique and vibrant focal point for the community.

In keeping with its motto – “Common food done uncommonly well” – the restaurant dishes up food that for the most part uses fruit, vegetables and herbs picked from the on-site farm or purchased from local farmers.

“It’s the best known of the restaurants on-site,” said William Johnston, CEO of Johnston and Co., his company developed Agritopia from a 160-acre family farm growing wheat, alfalfa and cotton to what it is today.

The restaurant has a ‘60s-era vibe and still retains the slump block façade of the childhood home of Johnston’s dad, Joe Johnston, who founded the development firm.

It was his dad’s vision to have the restaurant serve up produce grown on the farm as the focal point of Agritopia, said Johnston, who lived in the house and noted his former bedroom is now the Grill’s bathroom.

In 2015, the Johnston Family Foundation for Urban Agriculture was formed to protect the 11-acre farm, considered the heart of Agritopia.

The farm includes a citrus orchard, where the public can pick fruit for a fee during the season; a commercial garden grows certified organic produce for local restaurants and for the public; and a community garden where people can lease plots to grow organic vegetables.

The orchard includes an area to grow Medjool dates and olives and the farm produces its own honey.

The Farm Grill opened in October 2006, a month after The Coffee Shop, which features a breakfast and lunch menu and fresh-baked sugary treats. The shop’s cupcakes won on an episode of Food Network’s reality show “Cupcake Wars” in 2010.

Barnone followed in 2016, housing 10 artisans of sorts selling their craft such as local fermenter Garage-East, Prickly

Johnston and Co. CEO William Johnston is overseeing the development of Epicenter in Agritopia. (Photos by Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

Sarah Miller, a bartender at Garage East, pours a couple glasses of wine at the Epicenter restaurant.

Chad Romanon serves food at his plant-based eatery, The Up Rooted Kitchen.

Pear Paper, Johnston Arms and The Uprooted Kitchen, a plant-based eatery.

William Johnston’s brother James Johnston runs Fire and Brimstone at Barnone, where he creates sandwiches and pizza with a Middle-Eastern/Mediterranean influence using a wood-fired oven.

He also has two plots at the community

James Johnston owns the pizzeria, Fire & Brimstone.

Barnone was a silo and it's now a kind of mini-mall, housing 10 artisans.

garden to grow produce for his eatery.

The restaurant’s signature dish is the Fire and Brimestone Pizza, it includes house-made merguez sausage and jalapeños topped with an optional fried egg to tone down the spice.

And the brothers’ dad, who earned an electrical and mechanical engineering degree from Stanford University, oversees the Johnston Machine Co., a fabrication shop that conceptualizes, prototypes and tests new cooking tools.

The Johnston family has a heritage of culinary innovation beginning in the late 1800s when Herbert L. Johnston helped pioneer what became the modern Kitchen Aid mixer.

The other retail establishment on-site is The Farm Store, where certified organic freshly harvested produce is sold along with goods such as coffee beans and handcraft soaps from its partners.

The store is unmanned, relying on the honor system but there is a camera

mounted on a wall. About 1,000 customers visit the store each month, according to Johnston.

Soon joining these established local businesses at Agritopia will be 25-plus retailers such as Matt’s Big Breakfast, Peixoto Coffee, Gadzooks, Bunky Boutique, Vintage Home, Wylde Salon, Hooligans Barbershop and The Fit Collective.

They are some of the tenants who have so far signed on to come into the Epicenter, the final piece will complete Agritopia.

Johnston said the commercial hub’s groundbreaking is expected at the end of this year, early next year on 20 acres of dirt across from The Farm Grill.

When the project is completed in fall 2021, it will yield 50,000 square feet of retail.

“With Barnone we wanted to focus on small makers who wanted to be involved

see EPICENTER page 11

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

9

10

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

Medispa skin injuries alarm EV dermatology experts

BY HALEY LORENZEN GSN Contributor

A

larmed by a growing number of injuries from “medispas,” East Valley dermatology specialists are warning consumers about the dangers of uncertified treatments and providing tips on how to avoid these injuries.

“I saw it popping up and getting more popular and riskier probably a decade ago, but more recently it’s gotten some notoriety in the media because people, like celebrities, have had botched injections. We had the nurse injector in Maricopa who treated a ton of women’s lips who got herpes infections, bacterial infections,” said Sarah Neumann, MMS, PAC, and owner of Ahwatukee Skin & Laser and Sun City Dermatology.

“We started to see more kind of popup shops, medispas,and injectors doing it out of their home with the invention of Groupon, when pricing became people’s motivation, versus the validity or the qualifications,” Neumann added, noting: “Could there be more regulation? Absolutely. “Does it take time? Yeah. So now

it’s really about buyer beware, do your own research and make sure that you’re protecting yourself.”

A medispa, short for medical spa, is a hybrid of a conventional spa facility and a medical center. Services offered include typical spa treatments, such as facials and massages, as well as specialized medical treatments, such as Botox and laser treatments, that would typically not be found at a traditional day spa.

According to the American Med Spa Association, certified medispas are not required to have a doctor on-site, although customers should consult with a physician assistant or nurse practitioner if they have questions or concerns.

But Neumann said many medispa workers are unlicensed while other unlicensed practitioners have begun running businesses out of their homes.

“I mean, how do you feel sure you’re going to be in decent hands?” said April Allen, a nurse practitioner at Ahwatukee Skin & Laser. “They should have a license.

So, if they aren’t a nurse, if they’re not a PA, an MD and or any of those certifications, if you’re putting hyaluronic acid in

someone’s face, you’re doing it illegally.

Period.”

Allen has spent 15 years working in both critical care and dermatology, including seven years as an intensive care unit nurse. A nurse practitioner at Ahwatukee Skin & Laser for about a year, she has also run her own injection business for a few years as well.

Allen said social media has fueled the rise of these injuries.

“The ones that are probably at the highest risk are the younger people. The 20-year-olds are the scariest ones, late teens, early twenties, and it’s because they see all this stuff on Instagram,” Allen said.

One of Ahwatukee Skin & Laser’s current patients, Suzanne Jameson, who has been struggling with facial injuries she received from a medispa over a year ago.

After receiving a gift certificate for a medispa in Tucson, Jameson said she was excited to spend a relaxing day getting a facial before spending the day at a meeting.

“I had a great big board meeting I had to go to, so I thought, ‘Oh cool, we can all

use my gift certificate and have a facial,’” she said.

“Shortly after it started, I had the technician say they were going to give me a facial massage, and I felt a really sharp pain. It was really weird, and immediately after I had a mark and a lump on my cheek.”

After leaving, Jameson said she contacted the medispa with her concerns, and went back in for treatment at the business, where the worker simply rubbed some sort of cream on the injury.

That led to an infection.

“I have scarring, a dented area, and it’s just been awful, I’ve been to numerous doctors’ appointments,” she said.

“I found out about Sarah, and I asked her kind of just about the situation, and she’s just been amazing. She’s looked at the areas, she’s just been incredibly responsive, they’re working on a type of treatment, I guess my deal is pretty complicated,” Jameson explained.

Neumann and Allen both explained that the best way to avoid these kinds of

see MEDISPA page 11

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

MEDISPA

ing sure that the outcome is what they wish, whether it’s negative or positive, you have to stay by them, and you have to have the tools to fix it,” Neumann said.

The two also advised against going to the emergency room, unless it is severe, with Sarah explaining that they are constantly receiving calls from emergency room workers who are unsure how to treat these injuries.

“Your emergency room isn’t going to know what to do, like they don’t know what’s in it. They don’t know what hyaluronic acid is,” Allen said.

Neumann and Allen recommend visiting a certified dermatology or plastic surgery office to receive treatment and urge consumers to use common sense when shopping for cosmetic treatments.

“We’re not trying to drum up business on a scare tactic,” Allen said. “This is a safety issue, and I think people take this for granted a lot and they think that nothing’s going to happen to me.”

from page 10

injuries is by asking questions and using common sense.

Allen provided some example questions for consumers to ask providers, including, “If you have an emergency, who do you call? What kind of training have you done in the event of emergencies?

What products do you get, where do you get them from? None of these questions should be outrageous to ask.”

If an injury does take place, Neumann and Allen both recommend immediately contacting the medispa where the services were provided. They said if the medispa is properly licensed and employees are properly trained, they should have protocol in place to minimize the injury.

If they refuse to treat the injury, they said this is a major sign the medispa is not properly licensed or staffed.

“The last thing you do is run away from that patient. You commit to mak-

EPICENTER

from page 8

in daily operations,” Johnston said. “With the Epicenter, it will be local businesses focused on food, health and wellness.”

The tenants also will have an established following, he said, but don’t expect to see any national chains unless it’s Lululemon, an athletic clothing retailer.

Johnston is a big fan of the Vancouver company and often dresses in its label and Agritopia partners with Lululemon on events. Johnston said the philosophy behind picking the retail tenants at Agritopia is they are people who are passionate about what they do, committed to quality and understand their craft.

Because, he added, people want dining and shopping to be an experience. If a business is too bland or generic, it drives people to online shopping sites such as Amazon, according to Johnston.

“We want to develop something unique and can’t be replicated,” he said.

Along with the Epicenter’s planned retail are 320 luxury loft-style residential on the top three floors of the shops.

The residences will include units ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments. As for the rent range, Johnston said the apartments will be “highend luxury” and one of the more expensive units in the area.

Apartment amenities will include a maker’s space with tools available to residents and a demonstration kitchen for residents to come together, create and connect.StreetLights Residential is building the apartments. The Dallas, Texas-based company just completed a fivestory, 254 luxury apartment in Phoenix, which has amenities, including a private bar, library and courtyard with fireplace.

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

Gilbert swim school gets into holiday spirit

GSN NEWS STAFF

A

Gilbert swim school is getting into the holiday spirit with a donation drive and a new partner-

ship.

The British Swim School - East Valley, which holds its classes in LA Fitness, 3625 S. Gilbert Road, has partnered with the Hope Floats Foundation as a founding member to fundraise and provide scholarships to high-quality swim lessons for low-income children and their families.

“The equivalent of thirteen school buses full of children die each year in the United States due to drowning,” the school said in a release, noting the National Institute of Health estimated lessons can cut the risk of drowning by 88 percent.

“There’s a huge need for swim lessons, and the kids need them the most – lower socioeconomic level kids – they’re not getting them,” said Cindy Tonnesen, founder of the Hope Floats Foundation.

Swim school owner Dejan Simurdic said, “The British Swim School - East

The British Swim School - East Valley in Gilbert is decked out in holiday fashion in the lobby of LA Fitness to help drive donations for the House of Refuge. (Special to GSN)

Valley is excited to for the opportunity to pay it forward by supporting and offering scholarships for swim lessons in our community. We are dedicated to do-

ing our part to make sure all East Valley residents are safe in the water.”

The Hope Floats Foundation scholarship program formally launched in Sep-

tember 2018. With 144 locations across 25 states, Hope Floats and its partner swim schools provide thousands of swim lessons for children who otherwise do not have access.

Meanwhile, The British Swim School - East Valley is collecting nonperishable food items at LA Fitness to benefit the House of Refuge until Dec. 20.

The House of Refuge is a faith-based, nonprofit organization helping homeless families with transitional housing and services to assist residents towards self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

A drop-off box is in the gym lobby.

Special requests are for canned beans, canned corn and cereal.

The swim school also is assisting in a Santa’s Workshop space where underprivileged youth can come and shop for gifts for their parents.

“We are passionate about giving back and making our community a better place to live and work,” said Simurdic.

Information: britishswimschool.com/ region/east-valley, buff.ly/2sLAg2x and hopefloats.foundation.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

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GilbertSunNews.com |

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

For more community news visit gilbertsunnews.com

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Gilbert students in London’s famed New Year Parade GSN NEWS STAFF

A

group of Gilbert students will showcase their athletic agility and musical talent at London’s New Year’s Day Parade 2020 – touted as the “World’s Greatest Street Spectacular.”

They will join over 10,000 performers in the annual event kicking off New Years Day, Jan. 1, at noon and attracts a street audience of over 500,000 and a TV audience of over 300 million, according to organizers.

Headed across the pond is the Campo Verde High School Band and two Mesquite High School cheerleaders.

They’ve worked hard to raise the $4,000 per-person cost of the trip and have one more fundraiser – a raffle Dec. 21. Information: Instagram @ jaci_tori.

“This year we are the only Arizona band participating,” said Matt Kozacek, Mesquite’s band director. “The students have worked very hard to be one of the best marching bands in Arizona and we are excited to represent our great state in this prestigious parade.”

The band was invited by the Lon-

Although Mesquite High cheerleader Samantha Normoyle can’t make it to the 2020 London parade, she hopes to go as a junior or senior.. (Special to GSN)

don New Years Day Parade committee based on a recommendation by Scott Burgener, the former band director at Mountain View High School in Mesa, Kozacek said.

Forty-eight students are going on the trip and have been practicing music through the fall semester during football season, according to Kozacek.

Mesquite High School cheerleaders Jacquelyn “Jaci” Celenza, left, and Tori Olchawa are London-bound to bring in a new decade as part of one of the world’s largest New Year’s Day parades. (Special to GSN)

“We are rehearsing once a week now for two hours to get the parade formations and fine details down perfectly,” he said.

The band’s parade performance will

include the school’s fight song, “Sweet Caroline,” “Bad Romance” and two drum cadences, according to Kozacek.

out Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler.

Nearly 100 children and teens gathered to audition Nov. 23 and rehearsals began the next day.

Among them was Molly Prefling, 11, one of this year’s younger participants who, as Sidekick, is one of two The Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre draws kids from across the East Valley, including narrators for the Gilbert, to its magical recreation of the clasic “A Christmas Carol.” (Special to GSN) play.

The Kyrene de Theatre presents its 17th annual prolos Lagos Elementary student, who is duction of “A Christmas Carol” at the in her fourth holiday production, first Phoenix Kroc Center downtown, powplayed the role of Tiny Tim at age 6. ered by a cast and crew from through-

“I really love the role and the show.

There are some funny parts, and some scary parts and it’s all really cool,” said Molly, adding she plans to continue acting at Akimel A-al Middle School next year and eventually in high school.

“I definitely want to continue acting in my future; one day I hope to be on Broadway,” said the confident fifth grader.

Patrick Keyser, a Mountain Pointe High School senior, is the main narrator – a role he likes because he’s involved throughout the entire production.

He’s been with ACT for four and a half years, starring in several major roles including Conrad Birdie in “Bye, Bye Birdie.”

“Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre is the

see CHEER page 16

Gilbert kids in theater’s “Christmas Carol”

BY COTY DELORES MIRANDA GSN Contributor

I

n 2000, Michele Rubino of Ahwatukee founded Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre and a year later found the gumption and faith to stage Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

Their first performance of the holiday classic had 40 actors ages 5 through adults who performed the play in the Adventure Community Church, which is no longer in Ahwatukee.

“I think the first time we did the show, it was so magical and exhilarating, I just wanted to do it again, and again,” said Rubino who has lived in Ahwatukee since 1987.

On Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21, the nonprofit Ahwatukee Children’s

see ACT page 15

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

ACT from page 14

place where it all started for me,” said Patrick. “I do have plans for acting in the future; I’m going to a community college with a theatre program that best suits me.”

Mackenzie Reed of Chandler, who is in her seventh production of “A Christmas Carol,” said, “I play Mrs. Fezziwig in this year’s production. I haven’t played this part before so I’m excited to put my own interpretation of the role.

“She’s a very feisty woman in my eyes and I love how she controls a room,” added the Basha High School junior, who also attends the East Valley Institute of Technology for cosmetology.

Hamilton High School sophomore Alyssa Fabio is reprising her role as an urchin.

“I’ve been cast in this role before, and enjoy the part due to the dance numbers we perform throughout the show.

It’s fun to be able to utilize some of the techniques I’ve learned over the years, including jazz and tap dance styles,” said the Chandler 16-year-old, who has been with ACT seven years and acted in several productions.

Alyssa is also a member of ACT’s Se-

4th Now in our 3

Michael Rubino and Bella Padilla rehearse a scene from “A Christmas Carol” as they prepare for this week’s shows.

(Chris Mortenson/GSN Staff Photographer)

lect Show Choir. “​I’m the only actor in the family, and feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to spend so much of my childhood with teachers and friends at ACT that have the same passion as me,” she said, adding: “I consider ACT my second family.”

Gilbert siblings Ryan and Kyra O’Connor, ages 18 and 16 respectively, are both ACT veterans of eight years.

Ryan plays Headmaster for the second

year!

consecutive year while Kyra earned the role of Scrooge’s maid, Mrs. Dilber.

“This is the second time I’ve played Headmaster. This role has a funny scene and a great song,” said Ryan, a Seton Catholic Prep football offensive lineman currently attending ChandlerGilbert Community College.

“Even though I’m 18, I can still be a part of ACT and I can still do Christmas Carol each year,” said RYAN, who sang in ACT’s Treble Makers Show Choir for

15

four years.

Kyra is appearing in her seventh production of “A Christmas Carol” – and her first as Mrs. Dilber.

“My brother Ryan and I have been in many shows together as well as the Treble Makers Show choir for two years. This is our sixth Christmas Carol together,” said Kyra, a Seton Catholic Prep junior.

“My grandmother was very involved in theatre,” she added. “She was asked by a director to Broadway, but her mother felt she was too young and said no. I would like to pursue singing and acting in the future; I love it.”

The siblings and their mother Cindy O’Connor are all in the cast of the “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” to be presented by ACT’s Family Studio Series this March.

Among the adults in “A Christmas Carol” are Michael Rubino, Michele Rubino’s husband who deftly plays the role of Scrooge every year.

The youngest performer is Ahwatukee’s Becca Lowe, 6, who won the part of Tiny Tim. Her older sister Aubrey plays a bookkeeper.

O IS HERE! P X E G IN N UN LONGEST-R ’S A N O IZ R A

see ACT page 17

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

CHEER from page 14

Mesquite students Jaci Celenza, Tori Olchawa and Samantha Normolye were invited to perform in the parade but only Celenza and Olchawa are making the trip.

They will join over 800 high school cheerleaders from across the United States, who will represent Varsity Spirit in the parade.

All the invited participants are part of the All-American program, selected for their athletic and leadership skills from Universal Cheerleaders Association and National Cheerleaders Association at summer camps, according to a news release. Only the top 12 percent of athletes who attend camp earn the chance to perform in the parade.

The three cheerleaders discussed the trip with the Gilbert Sun News: Jacquelyn “Jaci” Celenza Q: What did you do to raise money for the trip?

A: We knew we had a very expensive goal, so ever since summer, we have been doing fundraisers back to back.

Basically, no break, raffles to roses to fundraiser nights to babysitting, cloth-

ing drives and car washes. We worked for every dollar.

Q: How long have you been doing cheerleading and what is it about the sport that attracts you?

A: I have been cheering for six years.

I started in junior high and fell in love with the sport. Yes, stunting and chants are fun, but honestly, the traits cheer has taught me are endless and unforgettable. I am so thankful this sport has impacted me as much as it did because I am determined and a well-respected role model when needed.

Q: What was your reaction to the invitation?

A: This was my third year trying out for All American and I was so grateful to have this amazing opportunity.

Q: What are you doing to prepare for the parade?

A: The preparation has been rather hectic but we had a goal in mind. We focused on fundraising for months with payment deadlines ahead with our uniform order and measurements. ..My uniform came in just about two weeks after and the box had everything I needed for the trip.

Q: What are you hoping to get out of your experience?

A: This is my last year cheering and

finishing out my senior year, I am asking one thing, just to have fun, and enjoy all of the exciting moments of this trip. The only reason my mom has agreed to hop on the London journey was because of me. We are so excited to make this a mom-and-daughter trip. She has always put my happiness before hers and she knows this trip means a lot to me. The work we have all put in is indescribable and my mom is the person I owe all my thanks to.

Tori Olchawa Q: What did you do to raise money for the trip?

A: We have sold roses, held food nights with local restaurants, clothing donation drives and worked Cardinals games in a concession stand.

Q: How long have you been doing cheerleading and what is it about the sport that attracts you?

A: I have been cheering since I was 5. I love the competitive aspect of the sport that I learned from five years in All-Star Cheer. This is my first year on our school team. I am really enjoying connecting with the school spirit aspect that makes high school cheer unique. It was extra special as a senior to be elected captain by my teammates.

Q: What was your reaction when you received the invitation?

A: Camp was a really exciting time.

I learned about All American from my mom, who as a senior in high school was also selected. I was so proud to get to live up to her legacy she set and represent my team and school.

Q: What are you doing to prepare for your performance in the parade?

A: We just received our uniforms and we have to learn our part of the routine before we get to London. Lots of rehearsing so we are ready when they put the full group of us together.

Q: What are you hoping to get out of your experience?

A: I cannot wait to take in the culture and meet new people from around the U.S. going on the trip. I’m looking forward to high tea and sightseeing. Making memories of a lifetime is what this experience is all about.

Samantha Normolye Samantha is not going on the trip but said she will try to make it the next two years and hopefully raise enough money to go in her junior or senior year.

“Hopefully if I am able to go in the

see CHEER page 17

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CHEER from page 16

future, I will find that it is an amazing experience and I can’t wait to find out, one day what that will be like,” she said.

Q: How long have you been doing cheerleading and what is it about the sport that attracts you?

A: I have been cheering for around four years now. When I was 10. I was inspired by my cousin to start tumbling at my local gym. When middle school started, I decided to do cheer in 7th grade. What really drove me to

ACT from page 15

With all the work involved in auditioning and staging of A Christmas Carol, Michele Rubino said it is and has been a great source of joy for her.

“For me, ‘Christmas Carol’ is everything I love about the holidays and theater. Every year we create memories; we laugh together, work together, and continue a tradition nearly two decades old,” she said.

“It is so much work but I wouldn’t trade it for anything! Christmas Carol is a little bit of magic we get to be a part of every year.”

The Ahwatukee Children’s Theatre, located at 11011 S. 48th Street, became a non-profit two years after its founding by Rubino.

It has produced more than 50 shows

start cheering is the bond that I knew I’d make between all the girls, and the leadership skills it takes to work well with your stunt group. I believe that cheer teaches girls how to work through their problems and difficulties to achieve a really big reward and to hit every stunt.

Q: What was your reaction when you received the invitation?

A: I was beyond happy. I couldn’t believe that I first made it as an All American and that I was invited to the parade in London. I have never gotten an opportunity to go somewhere out of the country to do something I love.

since then and provides classes in dance, voice, acting and musical theatre for children in kindergarten through age 19.

Last June, three days before their production of “Mary Poppins,” their facility was robbed with more than $6,000 in props, costumes and office items taken.

“I said, ‘Seriously? You’re stealing from a children’s theatre?’” recalled Rubino. “I think ‘A Christmas Carol’ is a bit of a comeback show. You can knock us down but you can’t keep us down.”

“A Christmas Carol” tickets are $17 in advance at SeatYourself.biz/AzAct, or $20 cash at the door the day of the performance.

“Last year all shows sold out, so we advise purchasing your tickets as soon as possible,” encouraged Rubino.

Information: AZACT.org

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BUSINESS

Business 18

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

/Gilber tSunNews

Gilbert ‘Barcade’ owners hope to open downtown

BY KAYLIN DUNNETT GSN Contributor

G

ilbert residents TJ Tillman and Scott Goldsmith are all too familiar with the whir and hum of pinball and arcade cabinets.

They’re part of a five-man team hoping to open this month Level 1 Arcade Bar, a “barcade” – an establishment serving alcoholic beverages and contains arcade machines.

Tillman said they want to diversify downtown’s entertainment with arcade games, some of them harkening back a few decades.

“There’s so much to eat, so much to drink, but there’s nothing to do,” Tillman said.

Goldsmith, who has been collecting arcade machines for nearly two decades, said the inspiration for the Level 1 business model came from business partner Ariel Bracamonte, owner of Cobra Arcade Bar. Goldsmith said he began recognizing

Ariel Bracamonte, owner of the successful Cobra Arcade Bar in Phoenix, is one of the five men planning to open the Level 1 Arcade Bar in downtown Gilbert. (Special to GSN)

the popularity and prevalence of barcades in the Valley when Bracamonte’s business opened in 2016.

Tillman said his brother Steve also recognized the success of the barcade model in other states after returning from a

trip to Denver almost two years ago.

He said Steve had seen a barcade in the city become popular with locals and thought a similar business would be a good opportunity for Gilbert.

“The first step was building the right

with Gilbert to find business connections here, he added.

“The bottom line is they are willing to do big investments and to make this thing work,” Tilque said.

In turn, as a result of the Gilbert visit, Environmental Street Furniture, a Newtownabbey-based supplier of street furniture and solar products secured a contract with the town to provide solar benches to Desert Sky Park, according to a release from the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Gilbert also has a sister city in China – Leshan – but the focus last week was on Northern Ireland because a delegation, including Mayor Jenn Daniels, is scheduled to head to Antrim and Newtownabbey April 22-May 5 to explore economic opportunities with Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

A panel of experts last week highlighted programs and resources aimed at helping businesses in town interested in reaching across the pond with their products and services. Event hosts included Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Gilbert’s Office of Economic Development.

Daniels said the town has been fostering its relationship with Antrim and Newtownabbey, noting, “They’ve brought great value to the town and we hope to reciprocate in some way.”

She added the Irish delegation’s visit in 2018, “alone generated $1 million in

team,” said Tillman of the creation process.

While he and his brother were knowledgeable about business operations, Tillman said they lacked expertise for the care and maintenance of arcade machines.

They contacted Goldsmith, who introduced them to Bracamonte. A close friend of TJ Tillman, Adam LeRoy, was the final addition to the team.

Goldsmith said he recognized an increasing interest in pinball in the Valley and believes it is key to driving the retro arcade scene.

Newer companies, such as Spooky Pinball in Benton, Wisconsin, are continuing to churn out games alongside older companies like Stern Pinball from Chicago, Illinois. “(New machines) have really given a revitalization to the entire industry.

Younger people who have never even played pinball before can enjoy them

see

ARCADE page 20

Trade with Ireland encouraged for Gilbert firms GSN NEWS STAFF

G

ilbert’s relationship with its sister cities of Antrim and Newtownabbey in Northern Ireland is more than just promoting cultural understanding – it’s promoting international trade.

The key reasons to invest and export to Northern Ireland are “their hospitality and willingness to invest,” said Greg Tilque, president of the Gilbert Sister Cities program he established in 1998 when he was the town’s economic development director. The international sister cities program was formed in 1956.

He said a council delegation from the borough included representatives from seven Irish companies came to Gilbert last November to learn what it’s like to work in Arizona, especially in the town.

They also paid for a consultant to work

invoice sales.”

Kevin O’Shea, vice president of International Trade at the Arizona Commerce Authority, said the state has four trade and investment offices; three in Mexico and one in Tel Aviv, Israel. The offices help support Arizona companies interested in expanding to Mexico and Israel and promote the state to businesses in those countries.

The authority also offers a 60-day export boot camp for small- and midsize companies. Graduates from the ExporTech program walk away with an export plan specific to their company’s product or service, O’Shea said.

So far, the program has graduated 77 companies, including Skin Actives Scientific in Gilbert.

Another resource is the State Trade Expansion Program, which enables

see

IRELAND page 20

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

Verde At Cooley Station breaks ground in Gilbert

BY JULIAN HERNANDEZ GSN Contributor

T

he developer of the new Verde at Cooley Station recently began the first phase of its 23-acre commercial/residential project in Gilbert and could eventually see 2,000 new apartment units and 1,000 single-family homes.

SB2-VB’s first phase of the project on the southwest corner of Williams Field and Recker roads will give rise to 450 residential units and 150,000 square feet of commercial space inside the Cooley Station planned community.

Multiple commercial buildings will house the Japanese restaurant OBON Sushi + Bar + Ramen, West Alley BBQ and ice cream shop Cookies & Cream as the first eateries to commit to space in the project.

Founded in 2015 in Tucson by Brandon Katz and Andre Joffroy, OBON’s Gilbert location would be its third in the Valley. It also has two restaurants in Scottsdale.

The restaurant specializes in unique interpretations of traditional Japanese dishes with Korean influences.

“Verde will be a gathering place for the community,” said Norman Brody, a managing member of SB2VB. This gathering place will be called The Green, a central park area is scheduled to be completed by early 2021.

“In addition to offices, retail and restaurants, Verde will be loaded with unique wall graphics, large scale sculptures in the public spaces, a children’s play area and a programmed performance venue hosting a myriad of events,” Brody said.

Brody said nearby residents can also expect the Verde Medical Center, a healthcare facility in development by Sina Companies will soon begin construction.

Some residents who purchased singlefamily homes in Cooley Station voiced their concerns earlier this year over the proposed development.

During a Town Council meeting in September, residents within the Cooley Station community spoke out against zoning changes that would bring a higher-density residential development into the area

as part of a 10-building project called Springs at Cooley Station.

The developers of the project requested the zoning for a portion of land on the northwest corner of Williams Field and Recker road be adjusted from its mixed-use Gateway Village Center zoning to multifamily for higherdensity residential buildings.

Residents were concerned about the lack of fencing between their neighborhood and the new apartment complex, saying they were not aware of being part of the plan when they purchased their homes.

Residents opposed blocked views expected from increased heights from the multi-story buildings and the increase in traffic in the area if the project were to move ahead.

While growth and higher density in the area is sure to increase traffic, the developers of Cooley Station have included plans to add a transit station for a commuter rail system currently being studied.

Gilbert’s transportation master plan in-

19

cludes future options for commuter rail service along the Union Pacific Railroad line with a station near Williams Field Road and Recker Road and the Cooley Station community.

“We’re excited about the prospect of having a transit station,” Brody said.

The Maricopa Association of Governments and the Arizona Department of Transportation have studied the viability of several commuter rail lines.

One rail line in the study would provide service from Queen Creek to downtown Phoenix, and run through Gilbert, but none of the options have moved past initial studies.

Brody said the lack of a firm plan for commuter rail in Gilbert won’t affect Verde at Cooley Station, but it could affect other developments in the area.

“Initially, I don’t think it’s really is going to affect us at all,” Brody said. “But for the future of Cooley Station and remaining commercial land, especially if the final vision of the Cooley family to bring highdensity offices is to be realized, that will be important for advancing office development at Cooley,” he said.

20

BUSINESS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

2 Gilbert men honored by electrical industry GSN NEWS STAFF

T

wo Gilbert men who work for the nation’s largest employee-owned electrical contracting firm earned a distinction.

Rosendin site manager Ben Mlinar graduated from the Arizona Builder’s Alliance’s Leadership Development Forum while and Rosendin project executive Chad Constance was selected for Engineering News Record Southwest’s 2020 class of Top Young Professionals – a designation given to the top 20 industry workers under 40 working in Arizona, Nevada or New Mexico.

Mlinar was part of a year-long program aimed at developing construction professionals “into informed, knowledgeable and active members of the industry while preparing them for future leadership roles within their companies,” the company said in a release.

The program has received both state and national awards and has graduated over 800 constructors over the past 25

ARCADE

from page 18

because of the way they look, and the way they play. They are more exciting, and the replay value is there,” said Goldsmith.

Arizona State University professor Rivadavia Drummond, who has a doctorate in information studies, said he, too, noticed the rising popularity of barcades as well in the Valley.

“The idea of going back to the 80s is sexy and appealing,” Drummond said.

Middle-aged customers who enjoyed the games in their youth now have access

IRELAND

from page 18

small businesses to enter export markets for the first time or expand into new markets with help includes free export education and counseling, help with identifying buyers, agents and end-users and professional translation of the company’s website content for international markets.

The criteria for the AZSTEP program include a small business must be at least a year old and is export-ready, O’Shea said.

He said the vast majority of companies

committed to training Rosendin employees at all levels of our company and know Ben’s continued leadership at Rosendin will ensure our future success.”

Mlinar participated in workshops and courses focused on leadership, public speaking, fiChad Constance Ben Mlinar nance, legislation, research, contracts, management, among other years. topics relevant to the construction inMlinar has been with Rosendin for dustry. the last nine years and “has rapidly in“After completing the ABA Leadercreased his responsibility within the ship Development Forum, I now feel company,” the release said. more confident in my abilities to lead at Initially starting out as a project as- Rosendin with the new information and sistant in 2010, he has received four resources I have gained,” said Mlinar. promotions and now oversees 30 office According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor employees and more than 500 field per- Statistics, the Arizona construction insonnel. dustry added 18,000 jobs in 2018, more Brandon Stephens, Division Manag- new jobs than any other industry in the er for Rosendin’s Arizona operations. state. However, there are still thousands “Finding quality talent for high-level of vacancies for construction jobs in the roles in the construction trades can be state. a challenge, especially as the industry Meanwhile, independent judges sein Arizona continues to grow. We are lected Constance and the other 19 elec-

trical industry employees “for their extraordinary leadership and service throughout their careers, which are just getting started,” Rosendin said.

Constance began his career as a general contractor and electrical contractor while attending Arizona State University for construction management.

His experience includes work on landmark projects such as Sky Harbor Airport, Northern Arizona University, Scottsdale Stadium renovations, hyperscale data centers and more.

“Constance’s depth of knowledge and business relationships give him a unique perspective as a project executive at Rosendin, where he is responsible for client development, pre-construction, and project delivery,” the company said.

“As a continuous student of the industry, I am thankful for all the doors that were opened for me to learn and grow as a manager and leader,” said Constance.

“I am especially thankful to Rosendin executives who support my growth and help me realize my potential.”

to more money to spend on tokens than they did as children, he added.

“People are looking for experiences,” Drummond said. “They want to be part of something.”

Goldsmith said he chose 1980s and 90s machines not only to allow the bar’s neon glow to blend seamlessly with downtown but also because of Goldsmith’s own nostalgia for the two decades.

“I grew up in the 80s and 90s, and I lived in the arcades,” Goldsmith said, adding he also understands how period TV shows pieces such as Netflix’s

“Stranger Things” are contributing to popular demand for nostalgia-based businesses.

Tillman said he intended Level 1 Arcade Bar to harken back to his childhood of “dropping tokens” with friends at arcades.

His vision of Level 1 is to make it a return to a worry-free, simpler time for patrons who may have grown up during the same era – as well as a new and exciting place for younger patrons to experience older games for the first time.

Goldsmith said he hopes to host International Flipper Pinball Association

tournaments at Level 1.

According to its website, IFPA is the governing body for pinball as a competitive sport and hosts a World Pinball Player Rankings system to log participant’s scores at tournaments all over the world.

While pinball and vintage arcade machines are currently a popular trend, Tillman anticipates the success of Level 1 and businesses with similar models lasting at least another 10 years.

“I think we have a much longer runway - after, we’ll have to figure out where it goes.” Tillman said.

seeking help from the program are companies with fewer than 25 employees.

He used, for example, a 15-employee company in north Phoenix that does precision airdrop of cargo from 30,000 feet in the air. The service is used for military, commercial and humanitarian applications, according to O’Shea.

A year ago, the program hosted an Israeli defense organization, it came to watch the company perform test drops in Eloy, he said.

“They hope to close a deal soon with Israel,” he added.

O’Shea said small companies are real-

izing they need to expand their buyer base in anticipation of the next economic downturn instead of relying on one single or a few domestic buyers.

In Arizona, 98 percent of the businesses are small- and medium-size and only 4 percent export so there’s a huge opportunity for companies to better weather an economic downturn in the United States, said Ruth Soberanes, director of Trade and Investment at the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

GPEC in 2017 announced a global investment plan with steps local businesses can take to take advantage of op-

portunities in the global marketplace.

Tilque said the biggest barrier to international trade is “people are scared to try it” worried about the time and cost and if the company is large enough.

But programs such as the ones presented by the panelists take the fear out of this, he added.

Troy Gilchrist, a business analyst with Joshua Development in Gilbert, said his company might in the future take advantage of one of the programs presented at the panel discussion.

“There are 10 of us and we are expanding quite a bit,” he said.

21

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

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OPINION

Opinion GilbertSunNews.com |

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

For more opinions visit gilbertsunnews.com

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Here are 5 ways for healthy giving this holiday

BY DR. JEFFERSON HOLM GSN Guest Writer

T

he holiday season is a time for giving and it includes supporting causes and organizations who make our communities stronger.

As a Gilbert physical therapist, I have some holiday giving suggestions to offer a more healthful return than simply writing a check.

As a physical therapist, my goal is to improve lives and the community by helping people move better and live healthier, more active lives.

It’s based on this I thought to offer some ideas for how people can give back to their communities while, at the same time, also benefiting from various levels of physical activity.

Such an approach to holiday giving isn’t just about contributing to one’s 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, as recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The holidays are a pretty stressful time for a lot of people, and exercise is a proven way to reduce stress and anxiety while improving overall happiness.

It just so happens giving and volunteering provide similar health benefits.

Put them together, and you’re likely to experience a more joyful and relaxing holiday season.

That said, the following here are five ways to give back and be fit this holiday season: Volunteer “sweat equity.” There are lots of ways to volunteer during the holidays, and many involve various levels of physical activity.

Collecting gift donations for a local

children’s charity, for instance, or helping sort and deliver food donations for a food pantry, requires time, muscle and (if it’s a charitable year) good endurance.

Do a charity fun run. Running continues to grow in popularity, and so do charity fun runs – even during the colder months of the year.

Registration for these runs typically goes to local charities, and some allow for added individual or team fundraising so you can maximize your donation.

Check your local event calendar for options.

Help a neighbor. Most of us have neighbors who could use a helping hand on occasion, be they elderly, disabled, alone, or short on time or money.

The holidays are a great time to check in with them and see if they could use some help with physical tasks like yard

B E S T. DECISION.

work, clearing the driveway of snow or ice, putting out Christmas decorations, or even childcare.

Walk your best friends: Are animals your passion? Perfect! Animals need exercise just like people do, and most animal shelters welcome volunteers eager to play with and walk the dogs and cats.

Not only is walking great exercise for both people and pets, but spending time with animals can also lower stress and blood pressure.

Arm your smartphone: If the interpersonal aspect of volunteering doesn’t quite fit your personality, you still have options.

Some smartphone apps exist (Charity Miles is the most prominent) allowing you to convert workout miles and/or daily activity into donations to reputable nonprofit organizations.

Of course, if one or more of these ideas sound appealing, but a neurological condition is holding you back from giving back in this way, come by our physical therapy clinic.

We can assess and likely treat the issue, putting you on a path toward being more active – both physically and as a contributor to your community.

- Dr. Jefferson Holm, PT, DPT, a board-certified neuro clinical specialist owns Advanced Neurologic Rehabilitation in Gilbert. Information:480-699-4845, jholm@azneurorehab.com

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Sports & Recreation

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SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

GilbertSunNews.com @GilbertSunNews /GilbertSunNews

Mesquite wins 4A football title in dramatic fashion

BY ERIC NEWMAN GSN Staff Writer

“I

t’s pretty cool,” first-year Mesquite football coach Scott Hare said of the No. 6 Wildcats’ 28-23 defeat of No. 4 Desert Edge in the AIA 4A championship game Friday, in as nonchalant a fashion as he could muster.

“And I don’t want this to happen right now. I’m not very excited about this,” he added as a pair of players dumped a bucket of cold water on him in celebration.

The win, much like the semifinal victory – a win Mesquite scored on a potential game-winning two-point conversion attempt by Cactus – came via a defensive stop late in the fourth quarter. Down just five points, Desert Edge sophomore quarterback Adryan Lara had the Scorpions driving with a chance to take the lead, but the Wildcats made a key stop and hoisted the trophy.

“Most of our wins have been in the last two minutes of the game, so this is really is no different than what we’ve

Mesquite captured its first championship in school history after beating Desert Edge in the 4A Conference title game. (Photo courtesy Chris Eaton)

done all season long,” Hare said.

Mesquite had led most the game before mid-way through the fourth quarter. The Wildcats came out hot on offense, scoring two touchdowns and a field goal on their first three offensive drives. The biggest play of the first half came on a 44-yard touchdown recep-

tion by Jacob Walker on just the team’s second offensive snap of the evening.

“As soon as they called the play, I knew I was going to score,” Walker said. “It’s the state championship, and to score in two plays like that, it means everything.”

The Wildcats forced three stops on

fourth downs and went into halftime up 16-3.

But, Desert Edge held tough, tightening up on defense and executing their pass plays more efficiently. A 51-yard touchdown pass to senior Jihad Marks on the first play of the fourth quarter, followed by a short touchdown run on their next drive game the Scorpions their first lead of the game with 6:59 remaining.

The Scorpions intercepted a pass on the ensuing defensive possession and tried to run the clock out. However, they turned the ball over on fourth down with 2:26 remaining in the game.

Quarterback Ty Thompson led the Wildcats down the field in just 26 seconds. His third touchdown pass of the night, a 33-yarder to Michael Sterling with 2:00 remaining, gave them the lead again.

Then, after a couple Scorpion offensive plays to try and win the game late, with just over a minute left in regulation, Lara threw a pass that floated in

see MESQUITE page 25

Williams Field wins 5A title over Campo Verde in defensive battle

BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

W

illiams Field tight end Joshua Gale dropped to his knees and sobbed before burying his face into his helmet near midfield at Sun Devil Stadium.

Gale, a senior, couldn’t contain his emotions as his teammates stormed the field to celebrate their 19-0 win over region foe Campo Verde in the 5A Conference championship game. But his tears quickly turned to laughs when he and the rest of the Williams Field team hoisted the trophy.

“My emotion just overwhelmed me, and I dropped to my knees,” Gale said.

“This is the happiest I’ve been in my life.

Just being able to finally kiss the trophy, it’s special.”

Gale caught one of Williams Field’s only three touchdowns on the day, an

Williams Field captured its second championship in four years Saturday by defeating Campo Verde in the 5A title game. (Photo courtesy Eric Sorenson)

80-yard pass from senior quarterback Mason Bugg in the second quarter to extend the Black Hawks’ lead to 13 before the half.

It was the first of two touchdowns for Bugg, who finished 13-of-24 for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Bugg’s second touchdown pass came in the fourth

quarter to junior Myles Taylor for 46 yards.

“It was just pitch-and-catch with my guy, he did the work,” Bugg said of the 80-yard touchdown to Gale. “I don’t think this win had anything to do with me. It was the guys up front, running backs and receivers. It was all them. I couldn’t be more happy for my team.”

Despite racking up 323 total yards of offense, the Black Hawks struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Campo Verde’s defense limited the rushing duo of sophomore Kaden Cloud and Kendrix Lurry – two 1,000-yard rushers – to 74 total yards. Cloud managed to find the end zone on an 8-yard run early in the first quarter.

“It was definitely a grind today,” Williams Field coach Steve Campbell said.

“But in a championship game that’s kind

see 5A CHAMPS page 25

25

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

5A CHAMPS

from page 24

of how you expect it to be with all of the emotions and having a week off. There’s just so much involved in it.”

Campo Verde’s defense, while undersized compared to Williams Field’s offensive line, held their own in the trenches. Led by senior defensive tackle Xavier Tauasosi and the linebacking corps of senior linebacker Jayden Fletcher and junior Mark Liano, Campo Verde pressured Bugg throughout the duration of the game.

Tauasosi had two of Campo Verde’s five sacks, along with several hurries. It was the stout defensive play by the Coyotes keeping them in the contest throughout, but the offense struggled.

“They’re the epidemy of what we are, we preach good defense all the time,” Campo Verde coach Max Ragsdale said.

MESQUITE

from page 24

the air. Mesquite senior defensive back Jordan Wollangk positioned himself perfectly and seemed to even have a second or two to think about what a potential interception might mean.

“All I’m thinking is if I make this, we win the game. I’m putting my body on

time escaping pressure of his own from the Williams Field defense. He completed 12 of his 34 pass attempts for 105 yards, putting the ball only where his receivers could get to it to avoid turnovers.

The Coyotes were without their top running back in juWilliams Field senior quarterback Mason Bugg threw for 249 yards and two nior Caden Calloway, touchdowns in the Black Hawks’ championship win over Campo Verde. who ran for 1,739 (Eric Newman/GSN Staff) yards before break“They played team defense. Everybody ing his right leg in the semifinals against has each other’s back. It isn’t about indi- Notre Dame Prep. In his place was his vidual play with our defense.” sophomore brother, Connor, a 6-foot, Campo Verde senior quarterback Zach 185-pound back who ran for 97 yards Herrera, who had come on strong as of on 19 carries in his first start. late throughout the playoffs, had a hard He helped lead Campo Verde down the the line for this game and this team,” Wollangk said.

He picked the ball off, and the Wildcats were able to run out the game clock to secure the championship.

“I’m a senior. This is probably my last game, so what a way to go out,” Walker said.

The Wildcats’ celebration of their first

5A CHAMPS OVERSET

football title comes on the heels of a 5-5 season in which they did not make the playoffs, and the team’s first campaign under Hare. Though the Wildcats will lose many important seniors, including Wollangk, and they will enjoy this moment for as long as possible, there is no reason to think Mesquite is not set up for success in the years to come.

field late in the second quarter, where Herrera found senior wideout Ryan Hutches in the back-corner of the end zone. Hutchens, one of the Coyotes’ top receivers alongside fellow senior Danny McFarland, made the catch in double coverage and appeared to have gotten his left foot down but was ruled out of bounds.

Campo Verde was forced to kick a field goal after the third-down play but missed wide right. Two plays later, Williams Field capitalized with the 80-yard touchdown from Bugg to Gale.

“I still think our defense is one of the best in the country,” Fletcher said. “We held Williams Field to 19 points, which is a big accomplishment. We were in the championship when nobody thought we would be here.”

ee 5A CHAMPS page 26

Thompson, who led 4A in touchdown passes this year, returns as a senior in 2020. So do several other key players on the roster.

“These young guys know what they’re doing, and these coaches are fantastic,” Wollangk said. “I have so much trust this team is going to be good for a long time.”

26

SPORTS

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

Scenes from a championship game to remember PHOTOS BY ERIC NEWMAN

Williams Field and Campo Verde high school football teams squared off Dec. 6 for the 5A Division crown. The game saw 1) Williams Field Quarterback Mason Bugg running the ball, 2) Campo Verde and 3)Williams Field taking the field in glorious fashion; 4) Campo Verde Quarterback Zach Herrera trying to shred the Williams Field defense; 5) Williams Field players, from left, Brady Medina, Andrew Bernal, Kenrdix Lurry and Payton Banner; 6) Campo Verde’s Zach Herrera, Ryan Sunga, Jayden Fletvher and Ryan Hutchens and 7)William Fields running back Kayden Kaden Cloud.

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5

5A CHAMPS

Aside from the long drive in the first quarter, they played stout on defense, forcing several turnovers on downs for Williams Field. The Black Hawks converted just five of their 15 third-down attempts and were 0-of-2 on fourth down.

The loss in the championship game caps off the best season in Campo Verde history. The Coyotes have never made

4

3

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from page 25

1

it this far in the postseason in their 9-years playing at the varsity level.

“They validated our process,” Ragsdale said. “We can point to those guys all the time and show it doesn’t take four or five-star talent to be successful. It takes people playing together as a team and these seniors displayed that and set a great example for our classes to come.”

Despite struggling on offense, Williams Field’s defense did what it needed to for the Black Hawks to win their sec-

7

ond title in four years. Campo Verde was held to 195 yards of total offense and lost a fumble early in the first quarter.

Late in the fourth quarter with Campo Verde driving, Hererra rolled right out of the pocket and heaved it toward the end zone toward Hutchens. Senior cornerback Brady Medina got out in front to make a diving interception in the end zone to force Campo Verde’s second turnover of the game.

The interceptions helped Williams Field complete the shutout in the cham-

pionship, something it hadn’t previously done before in a 5A title game since Centennial did it in 2006. It also secured the Black Hawks’ 33rd straight victory over opponents in the 5A San Tan Region.

“It’s kind of a sigh of relief,” Campbell said. “It’s a four-quarter game with a lot of emotions. It’s kind of like, ‘alright, there we go.’

“It’s just an unbelievable feeling to look at these kids down there celebrating.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

GilbertSunNews.com |

@GilbertSunNews

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/GilbertSunNews

Sicilian Butcher, Baker opening in Chandler this week GETOUT STAFF

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wo long-awaited entries into East Valley’s culinary scene will debut Thursday, Dec. 19, as the Sicilian Butcher and Sicilian Baker open at Chandler Viridian Primegate.

To mark the twin eateries’ openings at 3151 W. Frye Road, near Chandler Fashion Center, the Maggiore Group has some opening day prizes to give away.

Starting at 11 a.m. Dec. 19, the Sicilian Butcher Chandler will gift $15 gift cards and complimentary meatball samples to the first 100 people in line while The Sicilian Baker will offer $10 gift cards and complimentary medium-sized cannolis to the first 100 guests who mention “Holy Cannoli.”

But given the reputation both establishments have earned in recent years at their North Phoenix restaurant, there’s a good chance regardless of whether anyone gets

a free meatball or a free cannoli, they like will want to end up visiting both for more.

This isn’t Joey and Cristina Maggiore’s first foray into Chandler.

The Sicilian Butcher serves up meatballs in a variety of ways.

Restaurateur Joey Maggiore is bringing his Sicilian Butcher and Sicilian Baker eateries to Chandler this week.

The varieties of Italian desserts are seemingly unlimited at the Sicilian Baker. (Photos special to GSN)

Last year they opened Hash Kitchen at 2855 W. Ray Road, featuring brunch for all hours, seven days a week and signature Bloody Marys people can top off with a seemingly endless variety of items.

The Maggiores, together with entrepreneur Flora Tersigni, also own Tomaso’s Italian Restaurant in Phoenix as well as Tommy V’s Urban Kitchen and Tomaso’s

When in Rome in Scottsdale.

And besides adding another dimension to the East Valley’s already varied foodie scene, the two new eateries also are giving yet another shot in the arm to the regional economy: Between them, 200 jobs are being created.

see BAKER page 29

Chandler ballet company presents ‘Nutcracker’ GETOUT STAFF

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n 80-member cast comprising mostly children, some as young as 5, will take to the stage at Desert Ridge High School next weekend to present six performances of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.”

The production has been months in the preparation by the Chandler-based Youth American Ballet Company, a pre-professional ballet program providing “classical ballet training, positive reinforcement and valuable performance opportunities,” according to its website.

The ballet company’s eighth annual presentation of “Nutcracker” will be at 7 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, Dec. 19 and 20; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 and noon and 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at Desert Ridge High, 10045 E. Madero Ave., Mesa. Tickets can be purchased at showclix.com/event/ yabcthenutcracker.

The company is directed by Georgi and Tara Rusafov, who both have a long history

McKenna Joy Johnson of Gilbert is a rising star in the ballet world and she’s dancing her last Sugar Plum role this week for the Youth American Ballet Company’s production of “Nutcracker.” (Chris Mortenson/GSN Staff Photographer))

in ballet.

Georgi, who directs “Nutcracker,” graduated from the National Dance High School in Sofia, and joined the National Opera and Ballet Sofia Bulgaria.

He earned an advanced Vaganova mas-

ter education degree for teaching ballet and choreography at the Bulgarian National Music Conservatory and has won several awards in international competitions and has been a soloist and principal dancer with the Bulgarian National Opera

and Ballet, and Estonia National Ballet.

He was a principal dancer with Milwaukee Ballet, Northern Plains Ballet and Omaha Ballet Theater and company member with Ballet Arizona, touring numerous states and European countries as a star principal dancer.

Georgi has taught master ballet workshops at New Mexico, Washington D.C., Florida, New York and other American and European cities.

Tara Rusafov has trained with Mary Moe Adams and the Adams Ballet Academy in Tempe, then continued at Yen-li Chen Ballet School in Chandler. She also trained with Marek Chowela, director of dance at Ball State University, and was a dancer with Ballet Arizona for eight years.

Nutcracker is one of two major annual performances Youth American Ballet Company stages to expose more than 5,000 Arizona residents to ballet and further develop the talents of its students,

see NUTCRAKER page 29

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

Michael Pollack spreads holiday cheer, lights GETOUT STAFF

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very year the holidays roll around like storm clouds, the former leaving a brilliant rainbow across a vivid skyline and the other transmitting a bright light illuminating within many people’s hearts.

Chandler real estate entrepreneur Michael Pollack learned to keep this light shining throughout the year by opening his heart not just around holidays and spreading the holidays’ warmth long after decorations have been packed away.

Pollack works throughout the year organizing and preparing for the holidays like it is part of his job.

“We do things in a big way,” he said. “I’m always striving to make things bigger and better. I look forward to the holidays with such anticipation each year.”

Every year Pollack tries to outdo the previous year with more of everything that makes the holiday season special.

He added thousands of lights to his spectacular holiday light show at Pollack Tempe Cinemas and overhauled his professional parade train float he travels on with his band, “Pollack Corporate Affair,” in holiday parades.

Pollack personally selects every new decoration added to his one-of-a-kind movie theater each year.

He starts shopping when new seasonal items hit the stores to keep his decorations up to date with the latest technology. This year he added several new toy soldiers and other whimsical characters,

East Valley real estate entrepreneur Michael Pollack stands next to an elaborately decorated Christmas tree in the lobby of his Tempe movie house.

such as animated snowmen that light up.

The beautifully decorated tree with lighted presents received several new seasonal pieces, including a lighted Santa.

New neon pieces accompany the holiday décor, helping to keep his promise of a theater merry and bright.

The culmination of all this year’s work came together last month when Pollack flipped the switch and offered free holiday movies at his theater – a tradition Pollack started over 10 years ago for his customers and the surrounding neighborhood.

Even as rain loomed over them, more than 1,200 customers attended the free movie event and were welcomed individually by a cheerful Pollack.

“I wasn’t sure we would get anyone to come out in the rain that day.

At my office just hours prior to the event it hailed. As cars pulled into the parking lot the rain stopped as if I turned it off with the same switch that turns on the incredible light display. That’s just lucky if you ask me” Pollack said.

Throughout the evening, Pollack smiled for the cameras and stood with families taking pictures.

Everyone wanted to stop by and thank him personally for hosting the evening and making it possible for them to spend time with family and friends at the movies.

Pollack then began working on his next event – which included lots of twinkling lights.

Michael Pollack stands next to one of the many decorations he On Nov. 29 at the Tempe Light personally selects for his Tempe movie house.

Parade, his Corporate Affair Pa-

Patrons of Pollack Tempe Cinemas enter a Christmas wonderland in the movie house’s lobby, for which owner Michael Pollack personally picks decorations. (Photos courtesy of Michael Pollack)

Festively attired carolers, flanking real estate entrepreneur Michael Pollack, greet his Pollack Tempe Cinemas patrons during the holidays. Pollack loves the Christmas holidays and spreads that love in a number of ways.

rade Train debuted with new LED lights, climaxing a months-long project that involved months of replacing each strand of outdated lights.

The parade – which Pollack has been a part of for over 15 years – also had its share of rain.

But Pollack played with his band, Corporate Affair, as he has for many parades and charity fundraisers.

“When people see our full size, lighted train coming down the street with Motown music played by some of the best musicians in the valley they get up and dance,” said Pollack.

On Dec. 7 the Pollack train was featured

at the 33rd annual APS Electric Light Parade in Phoenix.

Pollack’s spectacular shopping center light display at Elliot Road and McClintock Drive, where Pollack Tempe Cinemas is located, has become a family tradition for visitors across the valley.

He said that throughout the year, while his “elves” are getting ready to spread some holiday joy next December, he’ll continue to give to charities that are close to his heart.

He’s not tipping his hand on how he’ll be spreading the joy of the holiday season next year but promises it will be something big and bright.

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

BAKER

from page 27

The Sicilian Butcher Chandler is The Maggiore Group’s largest concept to date, with a 6,500-square-foot room seating up to 420, a pasta room and a chef’s table. The space will feature a butcher knife wall, an indoor-outdoor bar, a large outdoor dining patio with a 300-person capacity complete with fireplaces and lounge seating.

The location will offer the same nationally-acclaimed menu items as the original location, including hand-rolled craft meatballs, signature pasta and the famous “Sicilian in Strada” five-footlong charcuterie board as well as an Italian-focused wine list and craft cocktails.

Dessert lovers can enjoy a buildyour-own cannoli bar, sweet and savory pastries and espresso bar at The Sicilian Baker became a national sensation at the original North Phoenix location when it opened earlier this year.

“Both of these restaurants have

NUTCRACKER

from page 27

who often place in top positions in national and international competitions and eventually pursue professional careers in dance around the world.

Georgi Rusafov designs the staging and costumes as well as directs the dancers for “Nutcracker.”

“We have professional ballet dancers from around the world who have come and performed since we started performing the ‘Nutcracker,’ said stage manager Christina Ross, adding the ballet company has invested over $50,000 in the elaborate “Nutcracker” set and many of the costumes are handmade.

Ross, who started with the company as a parent of a student and stuck around to work with the Rusafovs, said 90 children turned out for auditions and “everyone gets role in our ‘Nutcracker.’ There is something for every child who wants to perform.”

She said not all the “Nutcracker” dancers are from Youth American Ballet Company, either; some come from other studios, anxious to perform under Georgi Rusafov’s direction.

“The music is enchanting and the performers bring their all to the production,” Ross said. “I am backstage making it look perfect and it’s the most gratifying volunteer work I enjoy and love to do, but more importantly, I want to share it with our community.”

grown into North Phoenix favorites and it was more than necessary to share the love with our East Valley community,” said Joey Maggiore, co-founder and executive chef. “With the create-your-own experiences for meatballs and cannoli alike, these concepts will continue to expand with the fun and unparalleled spirit they bring.”

The Sicilian Butcher is centered on a build-your-own meal experience with hand-rolled meatballs made daily, made-from-scratch pasta and Sicilianstyle charcuterie boards. Using family recipes, The Sicilian Butcher presents nearly 10 rotating craft meatball varieties including steak, lamb, lump crab and shrimp, and Tomaso’s Sicilian version made with ground veal, prime beef, pork, pine nuts, raisins, and pecorino cheese as well as meatless choices such as eggplant parmigiana.

The choose-your-own-meatball adventure continues with 10 in-house sauce options such as garlic-basil marinara, pesto Trapanese and truffle mush-

Ross echoed the company’s website description of the academy, which provides “a positive environment and attention to the details of classical ballet training” it enables dancers to flourish.

Students receive performance experience through professional productions, as well as national and international competitions.

One such student is McKenna Joy Johnson, 16, of Gilbert, who is dancing her last “Nutcracker” for the company as the Sugar Plum Fairy before auditioning in March for the prestigious Moscow Ballet Company to become a professional ballerina.

She has trained under Georgi and Tara Rusafov for more than 8 years.

She returned this Sunday after performing Sugar Plum with a professional ballet dancer from Bulgaria in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Perry High School student last month was awarded gold medals in contemporary and classical ballet at the World Ballet Art Competition in Canada.

Ross said this year’s “Nutcracker” will feature a new choreography and new costumes.

Information on Youth American Ballet Company: 480-843-1973, youthamericanballetcompany.com.

Georgi Rusafov, co-director of the Chandler-based Youth American Ballet Company, and Gilbert star ballerina McKenna Joy Johnson, 16, are ready for “the Nutcracker” shows this week. (Chris Mortenson/GSN)

room can be paired with the meatballs and bases such as house-extruded pasta, polenta or risotto.

The menu also includes authentic Sicilian staples such as spiedini, flatbreads, sandwiches, and Sicilian-influenced charcuterie and bruschetta boards including the famous “Sicilian in Strada,” a five-foot-long charcuterie board serving Panelli fritters, arancini, cazzilli, artisanal meats and cheeses, craft meatballs with polenta, pickled vegetables and house preserved jams.

“I was inspired by my father who is a Sicilian-born chef and created an Italian institution that has been making classic Italian meatballs for over 40 years, equal parts classic and progressive, we’re excited to bring Tomaso’s famous version combined with creative, modern modifications in a meatball and charcuterie centric spot,” Joey said.

Beverages include an Italian-focused wine list, craft cocktails and shareable social cocktails as well as apéritifs like a Sicilian spritz and a Guinness World

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29

Record Negroni – the largest Negroni cocktail created by mixologist Sheldon Wiley.

At the Sicilian Baker next door is the cannoli bar, pastry counter and café with just as many varied cannoli combinations as there are Maggiore meatballs.

Guests can choose from 12 different sweet ricotta creams as well as chocolate-dipped shells in white chocolate and dark chocolate. Additional baked goods and sweet and savory pastries include arancini, pizzettes, cassatas, muffuletta sandwiches and a variety of Sicilian cookies.

The espresso bar will be open for morning, afternoon and after-dinner coffee creations including a Nutella latte and honey nut macchiato.

The restaurants will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Information: TheSicilianButcher.com and TheSicilianBaker.com.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019 DECEMBER 11,2019 2019 AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 2019 THE EAST TRIBUNE | DECEMBER THE SUNDAY SUNDAY EAST VALLEY 1,8,4, 2019

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Watchmy myhow-to how-tovideo: video:jandatri.com/recipe/reeses-peanut-butter-oatmeal-bars jandatri.com/recipe/reeses-peanut-butter-oatmeal-bars Watch

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PUZZLE ANSWERS on page 1520ON PAGE 13 PUZZLE ANSWERS PUZZLE PUZZLEANSWERS ANSWERSon on page 23 PUZZLE onpage page16

GET OUT

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

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SUN LAKES, AZ

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

There’s still time to enjoy the handsome costumes and talented crew that comprise the “Black Nativity,” presented by the Black Theatre Troupe at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center through Dec. 22.

(Special to GetOut)

Black Theatre Troupe spreads holiday cheer

BY LAURA LATZKO GET OUT Contributor

E

very year, the Black Theatre Troupe brings the community together to share in an evening of music and holiday cheer as part of its production of “Black Nativity.”

The Langston Hughes piece is presented at the Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center through Dec. 22 by the group.

It made its debut in New York in 1961.

“Black Nativity” tells the story of Jesus’ birth with an all African-American cast.

In 2013, the show became a film starring Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and Jennifer Hudson.

Black Theatre Troupe’s director, Walter Belcher, said the show reflects the author and is poetic in its movements and music.

The show uses dance, music, drumbeats and spoken word to tell the story and interweaves different styles of music, including gospel songs, traditional Christmas carols and spirituals.

The first act is traditional, it stays true to the show’s origins but the second act is adapted every year, incorporating contemporary gospel music.

“We don’t change the story, but it is through an African-American lens, letting gospel music be the vehicle telling the story,” Belcher said.

Many gospels in the second act are celebratory and weave the nativity story into a workshop scene. It’s during this act, the troupe presents characters representing

real people in a church setting.

“We are looking at ways to lean into some of the humor and add some brevity to a poignant story,” Belcher said.

“In general, music transcends culture and language. That’s not just gospel music. That’s any music. Music, it brings the world together in wonderful ways,” Belcher said.

This year, local performers Alexander Patrick, Shaniece Brazwell and Brittney Johnson play the main roles of Joseph, Mary and the Angel, respectively.

The 25-member cast is made up of people of different ages, including youth ages 8 to 13. Gospel singers from local churches have helped to choose music for and will perform in the show.

Music director Brenda Hankins said a mix of returning and new singers will help to convey the show’s uplifting message of hope, joy and redemption.

“We have some very gifted and talented people. It’s always fun to see them coming out to audition, see who is going to be in the show and see what they bring to the presentation,” Hankins said.

IF YOU GO

What: Black Theatre Troupe’s Production of “Black Nativity” Where: Helen K. Mason Performing Arts Center, 1333 E. Washington Street, Phoenix Tickets: Start at $41 Info: new-wp.blacktheatretroupe.org

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

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GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

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34

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

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35

GILBERT SUN NEWS AN EDITION OF THE SUNDAY EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 15, 2019

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SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA IN MARICOPA COUNTY (TRIBUNAL SUPERIOR DE ARIZONA EN TEL CONDADO DE MARICOPA) Case No. FC2019-095671 Angelica Villalpando Ceja, Petitioner. Francisco Ruan Venegas, Respondent. FAMILY DEPARTMENT/ SENSITIVE DATA COVERSHEET WITH CHILDREN (DEPARTMENTO DE FAMILIA / HOJA DE INFORMCION CONFIDENCIAL CON HILOS) (Confidential Record) / ((Registro Confidencial) Name Angelica Villlpando Ceja, Female, Date of Birth 06-05-73.

Francisco Ruan Venegas, Male 01-17-69 Motion to Extend Dismissal Date (Pedimento para Extender la Fecha de Rechazo) I, Angelica Villlpando Ceja, request an extension of the dismissal date because I have not been able to serve the other party or service is not complete. (No he podido notificar a la otra parte o la notification no esta completa.)

Published: East Valley Tribune, Dec. 15, 22, 29, 2019, Jan. 5, 2020 / 26xxx

Advertisement of Sale

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to the Arizona Self-Service Storage Act, Arizona Statutes 33-1704, Section H, Enforcement of Lien. The Undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on or after December. 20, 2019 at 9:00am using an online auction at www.storagetreasures.com, said property has been stored and located at US 60 Self Storage, 1661 S. Alma School Rd., Suite 102, Mesa, AZ 85210. Property to be sold as follows: Misc. household goods, personal items, furniture, clothing, toys and/or business fixtures and items belonging to the following: Tenant Name Unit # Mark Simmons 225 Sidney Wilson 226 Mathew Figueroa 237 Nia Lopez 245 Andriana Price 313 Rob McCarthy 330 Rob McCarthy 333 Matthew Kassing 707 Shelby Biggs 736 Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party.

Items sold “as is”, CASH ONLY, and Buyer must pay a security deposit and broom sweep/clean the unit. Go to www.storagetreasures.com to bid on unit(s).

Published: East Valley Tribune Dec. 8, 15, 2019 / 26568

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Public Notices Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Proposed Davcon/Mesa Hangar Development at Falcon Field Airport, Mesa, AZ The City of Mesa, Arizona, owner and operator of the Falcon Field Airport, has signed a Master Tenant lease with a private developer who proposes to construct a hangar development area commonly referred to as the Davcon/Mesa Hangar Development. Notice is hereby given that the City of Mesa is seeking Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval of an Airport Layout Plan change for the Mesa-Falcon Field Airport for the proposed Davcon/Mesa Hangar Development. The Proposed Action would develop approximately 23 acres located in the northwest quadrant of the Airport. The Development would include the construction of aircraft hangars, office space, and potential aircraft manufacturing space.

A Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) has been prepared in accordance with FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, and FAA Order 5050.4B, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Instructions for Airport Actions, as well as applicable Executive Orders, Council on Environmental Quality regulations implementing NEPA, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

The DEA presents the purpose and need for the proposed project, reasonable alternatives, discussion of impacts for each alternative, and supporting appendices.

The City of Mesa and the FAA are issuing this Notice of Availability to advise the public that the DEA will be available for public review beginning on December 16, 2019. The public comment period starts on December 16, 2019 and ends January 15, 2020. The DEA may be viewed electronically at https://www.falconfieldairport.com/about-us/news-room, a hardcopy can be provided upon request, or viewed at the following locations: Falcon Field Airport Administration Office 4800 E. Falcon Drive Mesa, AZ 85215 Mesa City Clerk’s Office Mesa City Plaza 20 E. Main Street Suite 150 Mesa, AZ 85201 Comments on the DEA can be addressed to: Jviation, Inc., Attn: Morgan Einspahr 900 S. Broadway, Suite 350 Denver, CO 80209 morgan.einspahr@jviation.com All comments submitted by email must be received by 5:00 pm Mountain Standard Time on January 15, 2020. All mailed comments must be received by the deadline, not simply postmarked by the date.

When submitting comments, please include your address, phone number, email address, or other identifying information. Be advised that your entire comment – including your personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time.

PUBLISHED: East Valley Tribune, Dec 15, 2019 / 26720

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INSIDE

An edition of the East Valley Tribune

Gilbert real estate section

FREE ($1 OUTSIDE OF GILBERT) | GilbertSunNews.com Sunday, December 15, 2019

Veterans park numbers didn't add up

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

A

now-defunct Gilbert nonprofit that received hundreds of thousands of dollars to build a veterans memorial park, which never took off, gave conflicting accounts in 2016 to two government agencies about how much money it had on hand.

While telling the Arizona Department of Veteran Services it had collected $600,000 in inkind services and $1.2 million in cash, Operation Welcome Home told the IRS the same year it had $184,646 in net assets or fund balances, according to documents obtained by the Gilbert Sun News.

The discrepancies raise more questions surrounding the nonprofit’s handling of donations

and the oversight given by town, state and federal officials, after Gilbert spent over $1.6 million in taxpayer funds for around the park site.

The nonprofit and the town were partners in the project. Gilbert not only performed the offsite improvements but also leased the townowned land to the nonprofit for $1 a year for 30 years.

Operation Welcome Home two months ago declared it couldn’t come up with the funds to build the $3 million veterans park and was dissolving.

Gilbert Vice Mayor Eddie Cook said he was concerned with the inconsistencies in the financial statements to the state and IRS. “I see a significant discrepancy as it relates to the information Operation Welcome Home provided to the Arizona Department of Veteran

Services,” Cook said. “To me, the data the town received doesn’t align with what they provided.”

Cook suspected the nonprofit “over-inflated their numbers so maybe it was a way for them to secure the grant.”

The nonprofit was set up by Lisa Rigler, who at the time was president of the Gilbert Small Business Alliance, an organization she had created more than 10 years ago.

It was born out of periodic celebrations thenCouncilwoman Jenn Daniels and former Councilman Les Presmyk organized to honor returning military men and women who served overseas.

Operation Welcome Home in 2016 applied

see VETERANS page 4

Gilbert town hall in Gravely ill tot surprised line for $15M re-do

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert is moving forward on an estimated $15.4 million renovation of its Municipal 1 Building, commonly called Town Hall because it houses the Council Chambers, administrative offices, including the leadership team and the Town Clerk.

Council recently approved change orders that came with increases in the contracts for the project’s architect and construction manager despite objection from Councilman Jared Taylor.

“I think there is probably a more efficient use of some of these dollars than what we have here,” he said at the Dec. 5 meeting.

“I know the town is growing and we have a bit more needs but I’m just not sure what we are doing is in line with how we wanted to keep that cost in a box,” Taylor added.

Mayor Jenn Daniels said the town has an opportunity to re-invest in the building to meet future needs.

“This isn’t for today’s needs,” she said. “This is planning for tomorrow’s needs, which as we know comes pretty quickly in the Town of Gilbert as we continue to grow.”

see TOWN HALL page 3

Matthew Walker of Gilbert holds his 3-year-old son Brendan as Frank Squeo, founder of Baking Memories 4 Kids presents him with a token representing the surprise trip that the gravely ill toddler will be going on, courtesy of a unique nonprofit. For details, see page 6.

(Chris Morenson/GSN Staff Photographer)