November 2017
Relentlessly local coverage of Gilbert and our neighboring communities
Raising the Barre
Allie Pedersen strikes an arabesque pose at auditions for the annual Ballet Etudes production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.”
Gilbert Historical Museum has larger mission as HD South
Big League Dreams vows fight over town contract termination
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
BY JIM WALSH
The Gilbert Historical Museum is a link to the town’s past. But in the future, the museum will be known as HD South. The museum, which is run by the Gilbert Historical Society, has been transforming itself during the past few years from a mere repository of the town’s historic treasures to a vibrant arts, culture and history hub under a “communities for all ages” model. To better reflect its new mission, it came up with the name. HD South also
hints to its location, at the southern gateway to the Heritage District. “We are very excited about the rebranding of our organization. Not only does it give us a new direction and focus, but the development of our programming and the overall elevation of arts and culture in the community will benefit residents and tourists alike,” said Kayla Kolar, the center’s executive director. “As the southern gateway to the Heritage see
HD SOUTH
Gilbert’s stormy relationship with Big League Dreams has been headed for a nasty divorce since July, when the town unilaterally closed the sports park amid safety concerns about the integrity of outfield fences and faux grandstands. Gilbert considers the divorce final now that the Town Council has terminated a memorandum of understanding with Big League Dreams, citing a lack of confidence in the company’s ability to operate the facility without damaging it after page 6 $14 million in repairs are completed.
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Community Neighbors Business Youth
But the operators of Big League Dreams say they are not ready to pack up their bats and balls and leave forever. They are appealing the case in court, attempting to get a permanent injunction that would force Gilbert to reopen the popular, yet much maligned, sports facility. “We have terminated the marriage and we don’t want to make up,” said Robert Grasso, an attorney representing Gilbert in the lawsuits related to the sports see
BIG LEAGUE page 7
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Community
November 2017
Starbright Foundation helps trafficked children
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BY SRIANTHI PERERA
The U.S. Department of Justice estimates there are 100,000-300,000 children being trafficked in the country each year. This includes boys and girls in your neighborhood. Human trafficking – sex for hire – is a major problem in the Valley. Predators are stalking shopping malls, movie theaters, amusement parks and schools. “It’s happening in your backyard; so pay attention,” said Pastor Michael Chalberg, president of the Starbright Foundation, a Gilbert-based nonprofit established in 2009 to combat trafficking, abuse and pornography. “For several years, we were the only ones speaking loudly,” Chalberg said. “Back then, nobody really wanted to hear it. “In 2010, the majority of the nation was recognizing that human trafficking was happening. For them, it happened in the Far East, in Southeast Asia; it didn’t happen here,” he said. In the U.S., the average age a girl enters the commercial sex trade is 12-14 years old. For boys, it’s even younger – just 11-13 years old, according to the Justice Department. It’s hard to grasp, said Cari Sparks, spokeswoman for the foundation. The face of trafficking doesn’t have a face and there’s no profile of a trafficker. “It’s more than most people can mentally or emotionally understand. They can’t process that it can happen to them. They can’t process that somebody who looks like any of us could be somebody that could be so evil inside that could be a trafficker and look like a normal person,” she said. Nearly a decade later, with massive technological advancement in social media and other electronic avenues, the threat is magnified. Two types of pimps are stalking children: gorilla pimps, who abduct and assault and remove them by force, and Romeo pimps, who romance a child over a period of time on the Internet,
Let Starlight help Due to its proximity to Las Vegas, the Valley is one of the top areas in the country for sex trafficking. Pioneer Title Agency, a family-owned operation founded 1985 in the Valley, has facilitated three of its branches to give back to the community via a project called “Old School.” Its Gilbert, Chandler and north Mesa branches have incorporated the Gilbert-based nonprofit Starbright Foundation, which rescues youth
at school, in the shopping mall and via the phone. They make gifts of handbags and clothing; the children become entranced and run away from home. Like any other employee in “human resources,” groomers have job quotas to fill. “There’s no economic piece, no religion, no ethnicity. There are quotas that groomers have and they need to go and find somebody that they can bring in to that trafficker,” Chalberg said. Some children are recruited into the predator’s “system” to follow his directions. They are returned to stay in school and find other children for their business. “It’s big money,” Chalberg said. “A pimp with five girls in his stable can make a million dollars tax-free in a year.” Most trafficked children are removed from their locations to reduce the likelihood of their escape and also because moving across state lines muddies the waters of regulations. If the child shows potential, they are taken out of the country 24 hours after abduction, and most probably sold in the Middle East for a six-figure sum, Chalberg said. “If they’re taken out of the country, we generally have less than 48 hours to find them. When they go missing, chances of finding them and discovering them and bringing them back is pretty small,” he added. “In the country, we have a better chance.” The statistics are bleak – only 1 percent of trafficked children are returned to their parents. And when they do, a fresh crop of problems ensue. Parents feel guilty and are at a loss with how to cope with the situation. At first, the child is home safe and they’re happy. “And then, the parents lock down the child. The teen says, ‘You want me to stay at home and have $20 a month allowance and I’ve been making $500 a from modern-day slavery, in its initiative. Volunteers are available to visit schools and community events for presentations on how to keep youth safe from trafficking. For more information, write to Cari Sparks at mystarbright77@ yahoo.com. * To report suspected human trafficking activity to law enforcement, call 1-866-347-2423. More details at dhs.gov/topic/ human-trafficking
(GSN photo by Srianthi Perera)
(From left) Pastor Michael Chalberg, president of the Starbright Foundation; Cari Sparks, spokeswoman for the Starbright Foundation and senior account manager for Pioneer Title Agency; Patti Larsen, Pioneer Title’s Chandler branch manager; and Cindy Turas, Pioneer Title’s Gilbert branch manager.
night. I can go out and do this on my own, because I’ve learnt how to do it,’” Chalberg said. “Their self-worth suffers, too. What they think of themselves going forward and how they view what it’s like to be pretty or beautiful or worth anything has changed,” Sparks said. Helping the child understand and get back on track requires patience and guidance. That’s when the Starbright Foundation steps in and gets involved with the family and helps it to handle the situation. In certain cases, Starbright brings trafficked children to its safe house in Gilbert for a temporary stay. Over the
Parenting tips – Look for drops in school grades, changes in mood, secrecy and other differences. These may be signs that your child is being controlled by a predator. – Take control of electronic devices such as cell phones and iPads as they are predators’ prime means of communication with children. – Be alert for social media shadow apps and programs such as chatroom
years, it has provided accommodation to about 50 children. Chalberg and his wife, Carol, are foster parents as well. Foster children, he said, are particularly vulnerable to being trafficked. Starbright has a board of seven and relies on private donations, grants and fundraising to help abused children and spread awareness of the problem. It’s not a large operation, but volunteers train others to grow the network. “It’s one child at a time,” Chalberg said.
Details: starbrightfoundation.org.
video games that may have nefarious outcomes. – Know what the acronyms stand for that children use to communicate with one another so parents don’t understand. – Disable geotagging (location settings) in smartphones, which enables tracking. – It’s not just girls that parents have to protect; a significant number of boys are being trafficked as well.
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November 2017 HD SOUTH from page 1
District, our plan now and in the future is to bring more activity to that end of the district.” The re-branding was formerly announced during a recent friends-andfamily unveiling in the courtyard of the complex. The director also announced plans to construct a new building, remodel the courtyard, which displays historic agricultural implements, and renovate the buildings that date to 1913 and are on the National Register of Historic Places, a sole recognition for Gilbert. Guests toured three revamped exhibition rooms – the Farming Room, Town Room and the School and Community Room – which tell the history story anew. Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels called HD South an anchor for the Heritage District. “It’s the job and role of local government to contribute to preserve our town history. We have an important thing that we need to be learning as we preserve our history and share it with our community members,” she said. “We want to expand our opportunity, not repeat our mistakes of the past, but acknowledge them, welcome them and move forward. “That anchor will continue to guide us as we look to the future of our community,” she added. Kathy Tilque, president of Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, said historic preservation is economic development. “Our Heritage District is a perfect example of that: a model of creating a place, a sense of being, to understand our history, celebrate that with all of the members of our community is key,” she said. “We look toward the historic society to lead us in that effort and just know that I’m right there beside you as we charge forward.” The Gilbert Historical Society, which runs the museum, opened in 1982 as a private nonprofit. It was volunteer-run until 2005, when it hired Kolar as its first executive director. When Arizona’s economy took a nosedive in 2008, the museum struggled to be financially sustainable and relevant in the face of changing technology. The society took into consideration the demographics of Gilbert, with 37 percent of residents under 19 years of age and almost 25 percent over 50, Kolar said. Hence, it adopted a new, intergenerational programming model called “communities for all ages,” founded at Temple University in Philadelphia. While the town’s demographics were complementary to the model, the society noted that the nearly 250,000-strong population is lacking in arts and culture. Hence, it expanded the mission to
Community
include not just history, but all arts and culture, Kolar said. Last July, the center hired a parttime program coordinator, Thom Hulen, who implemented a new line of interactive programs including history cafes, science cafes, art workshops, storytelling, gardening and blue grass jam sessions. Almost all were designed to be intergenerational. The museum also remodeled a room into an art gallery. Alan Fitzgerald, owner of Art Intersection, a gallery located in the Heritage Building, moved his “Gallery 4” to the space and curates most of the shows there. The Gilbert Visual Art League holds twice-yearly shows in the gallery as well. The center hosted 59 new program events during the last 11 months and welcomed more than a thousand new visitors, said Katie Stringham, chair of Gilbert Historical Society. Following on the heels of new programming and the arts venue in addition to the center’s traditional history-keeping role, it has introduced a new membership program with entrance discounts and other benefits, Stringham also said. Membership to HD South is available at many levels, from the $40 individual to $1,000 corporate.
Membership drive
HD South offers membership, available in personal and corporate categories with accompanying benefits. They are as follows: Personal membership Individual Membership $40 Family Membership $75: Annual guided tour of museum and four $5 program passes. Sustaining $250: Four guest passes to HD South, annual guided tour of museum and four $5 program passes. Patron $500: Eight guest passes to HD South, recognition in the e-newsletter and on the website, annual guided tour
www.GilbertSunNews.com of museum and four $5 program passes. Corporate membership Community Partner $250: 10 guest passes Ambassador $500: 20 guest passes, free corporate admission day. Executive $1,000: 20 guest passes, free corporate admission day, annual four-hour facility rental. All corporate memberships include guest passes to HD SOUTH, invitations to special events including Gallery 4 events, preregistration for HD SOUTH events, annual guided tour of museum, recognition in e-newsletter and website and 10 percent off gift shop purchases. Details: 480-926-1577 or hdsouth.org.
The public may visit HD South with free admission during grand opening day 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. General opening hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Admission: $6 adults below 60 years, $5 adults 60+ and $3 children ages 5-12. Details: 480-926-1577 or hdsouth.org.
Components and upcoming events • Museum: Showcases the story of Gilbert’s unique heritage and the pioneer families that settled this community. • Gallery: In partnership with Art Intersection, Gallery 4 will feature changing exhibits. • Programs: Intergenerational programming including History Café, Science Café, art workshops, storytelling, gardening, genealogy and music. • Rentals: Facility rentals that can accommodate up to 100 guests indoors and 300 guests in the courtyard. • Events: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 and 9-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2: Festival of Trees. View and bid on donated Christmas trees; 8 -10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2: Breakfast with Santa. All participants must register beforehand at hdsouth. org. Breakfast catered by Snooze. From 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: free admission to the museum during HD South grand opening to the public.
(GSN photo/Srianthi Perera)
Kayla Kolar, executive director of HD South and Gilbert Historical Museum, cuts the ribbon during the re-branding. She is flanked by Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels (at left) and Katie Stringham, chair of Gilbert Historical Society. Other guests included Gilbert Towncouncil members.
New exhibits
the 1960s, Gilbert only had a volunteerrun fire department that alerted participants to the fire with the help of a brass horn. This room also answers the most common question posed by visitors: Why is Gilbert a town and not a city?
The Farming Room: showcases the importance of agriculture in the community and the farms that planted huge crops of cotton, hay and others. A new feature is a porch to accommodate the storytelling program. Hands-on activities have been expanded to include a spinning wheel to which tools from the past could be matched with the corresponding occupation. Also, visitors may read reproductions of the Gilbert Enterprise from the porch. The Town Room: The history of Gilbert’s businesses and services as well as the police and fire departments. Until
The School and Community Room: In addition to telling the history of Gilbert Public Schools, it also tells the story of the Higley Unified School District and the charter and private schools that now play a significant role in education. The Community section highlights the growth of Gilbert from 1980 onward with history on libraries, community groups, hospitals and other entities.
HD South, home of the Gilbert Historical Museum, has redone three of its exhibition rooms. The projects were completed with the help of Boy Scouts as their Eagle Scout projects.
The new exhibits were mostly done with the help of eight Boy Scouts doing their Eagle Scout projects.
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BIG LEAGUE
Community
November 2017
from page 1
park. “The town decided to independently terminate the contract. The town has lost confidence that Big League Dreams would run it in a responsible manner.” Because Big League Dreams failed to perform maintenance as required by the contract, “we believe that Big League Dream’s approach disregards public safety,” he said. Grasso said the (Kimberly Carrillo) memorandum of Big League Dreams has been closed by the town of Gilbert understanding with Big since July. Now, the Town Council has terminated a memoranLeague Dreams, which dum of understanding with Big League Dreams. dates back to 2005, was a maintenance and operation Jelloian said Big League Dreams, based contract. He said in court records that Big in Southern California, has 11 facilities League Dreams agreed to pay the town throughout the country and has never 6 percent of gross receipts but did not been treated in such a hostile manner as in have a lease and did not have to pay rent Gilbert. or property taxes. “If they think we are going to walk away The brand new $40 million facility was from it, we’re not,” he said. turned over to Big League Dreams in late Big League Dreams court filings accuse 2007 and opened in 2008. It attracted the town of failing to adequately supervise many tournaments but nowhere close to the town-owned park’s construction. the projected revenues promised by Big Faulty construction resulted in extensive League Dreams. repairs, with Gilbert completing $2 This arrangement essentially means million in repairs and eventually winning that Big League Dreams acted as a vendor, a $14 million settlement of a lawsuit from until the town severed the agreement on M.A Mortenson and Co. Sept. 22. Big League Dreams claims the town Although it was on a much larger scale owes it $148,831 to compensate for lost and far more money was involved, the business during the initial repair phase, business relationship really wasn’t any but the real breaking point occurred when different than that of a homeowner who the town decided to close the entire hires an exterminator to spray for bugs facility to complete a more extensive once a month, Grasso said. $13.8 million repair program that will take “We’re comfortable with terminating 12-18 months. the agreement,” an action that was Big League Dreams wanted Gilbert to possible even without a court ruling on rotate the construction, only partially the pending lawsuits, he said. “We’re dealing with a bunch of people who would closing the complex, as it did in the past. Gilbert refused to do so, according to destroy a multimillion-(dollar) facility.” court records, saying such a plan would But Chuck Jelloian, a spokesman for cost taxpayers an additional $5 million to Big League Dreams, accused the town $8 million and take an additional three of erecting a wall between the two years to complete. parties and failing to negotiate in good “The town not only refused this faith. He said Big League Dreams still request but refused to even meet to would like to see the park reopened, discuss this or other options,” according attracting tournament games as it did in to a list of Big League Dreams claims the past and giving employees a source against the town. of income. Grasso said he considers the dispute a He said Gilbert ignored a report from legal argument about money only at this an engineering consultant hired by Big point. He already has notified a Maricopa League Dreams who disputed the town County Superior Court judge that he has a consultant’s conclusions that the outfield schedule conflict with another court case walls and the associated faux grandstands on Nov. 14, the date on which the request were dangerous. for an injunction was scheduled for a The Big League Dreams concept is to hearing. make youth fields resemble iconic Major While Grasso believes it may take League Baseball stadiums, such as Yankee a couple of years of legal wrangling to Stadium and Fenway Park. settle the case, Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels “I thought those were extremely wrote in an opinion piece provided by a disingenuous comments by the mayor about our integrity,” Jelloian said. “We gave spokeswoman that the town is planning to search for a new operator that would take them a report and the town decides with one day’s notice to cancel that agreement.” over when the repairs are completed.
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Community
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Greenfield water plant to expand treatment services BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY
The Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant will undergo a $48 million expansion project to increase capacity and provide increased wastewater treatment services for Mesa and Gilbert. Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek share ownership of the plant, which began its life as a lift station in 1999. The facility later underwent a Phase II conversion to a reclamation plant. The current project is part of the facility’s Phase III expansion and will increase the plant’s capacity by 14 million gallons to 30 million gallons of liquids per day. Ten million of those gallons are allotted to Mesa and 4 million are allotted to Gilbert. “This expansion will help Mesa by supporting development and economic growth in South Mesa,” Mesa Water Resources Department spokeswoman Kathy MacDonald said via email. The plant, in Gilbert, provides treated wastewater to the southeast portions of Gilbert and Mesa and all of Queen Creek. That water is used on golf courses, crop irrigation, greenbelt irrigation and to recharge groundwater supplies. “This will allow us to continue to support growth in the southern part of the town where we are seeing that
growth,” said Jessica Marlow, director of Gilbert Public Works. “That is also where most of the growth in the town will occur in the future because that is where most of the undeveloped land is.” The use of reclaimed “recycles treated effluent for beneficial uses, thereby conserving potable water sources for human consumption and domestic uses,” according to Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. (Photo courtesy of McCarthy Building Companies.) Queen Creek will not receive The Greenfield Water Reclamation Plant in Gilbert provides treated wastewater to the additional gallons under the southeast portions of Gilbert and Mesa and all of Queen Creek. current expansion. The town determined that its current allotment is sufficient to serve to regain capacity lost through the is pegged at just over $215 million and the community under current growth rating process, and will pay for the will be proportionally split between projections until a Phase IV expansion construction of build-out facilities that all three municipalities. Of that total, at a later date, according to a report will reduce Queen Creek’s costs during Queen Creek’s obligation is currently prepared for the Gilbert Town Council future phases of expansion.” just over $16 million, according to by Gilbert Project Supervisor Jeanne M. In an addition to increased capacity, information provided by Constance Jensen. the expansion will include new Halonen-Wilson, Queen Creek public The three municipalities share technologies that will improve the information officer. expenses associated with the facility. plant’s reliability and lower operating “In the current plan, the town Mesa will pay $29,044,721 toward the costs. will not gain any additional capacity current project from 2014 approved Construction will start in November in the plant,” Halonen-Wilson said wastewater bonds. and is expected to complete in the via email. “The town will pay its Gilbert will pay $15,495,334. summer of 2020. proportional share of the planned capital improvement costs, the cost The total Phase III expansion cost
Neighbors Gilbert and Chandler are miles apart in commitment to the arts BY ALLISON RAY
Neighboring municipalities Chandler and Gilbert are roughly similar in size and population, but when it comes to the government’s role of arts and culture, they are polar opposites. For the sixth year in a row, the town of Gilbert’s final 2018 budget won’t provide any funding for culture and the arts. Neighbor Chandler, however, will dedicate more than $2 million to fund the Chandler Center for the Arts, with another $7 million for other cultural expenses, according to its 2017-18 adopted budget. Chandler’s City Charter is designed in a way that makes integrating art into the city fairly easy for the city’s arts commission. In all city construction or reconstruction projects, 1 percent of the funds allocated for that project must go toward incorporating a piece of art into the project. “When times get hard, or people in general don’t think about the arts
that much, this sort of guarantees that art will always be a part of the city,” Kathleen Escobedo, a member of the Chandler Art Commission, said. “It will always be there for the people that live there, whether they are personally aware of it or not, it surrounds them all of the time.” The Gilbert Arts and Culture Board was dissolved in February due to a lack of funds, according to Gilbert Town Councilmember Eddie Cook. Cherie Scott, former chair of the board, said after being moved around from several departments, just as the board was beginning to see a possibility for growth working with Gilbert’s Parks and Recreation Department, it was diminished to a task force. “I was so excited,” Scott said. “We’re going to get a plan, we’re going to get organized, we’re going to make good things happen! And then, oh, we’re done.” Without support from town leaders,
(GSN photo by Srianthi Perera)
Lack of funding deterred the Gilbert Arts and Culture Board’s bench project. Only one bench was installed in the Heritage District. there is only so much advocates for the arts can do, according to Scott. She described attending meetings for the Arizona Commission on the Arts as the only volunteer amid paid arts administrators from other communities. “I wanted Gilbert to have a voice,” Scott said, “Even if Gilbert didn’t want to pay
to have a voice.” Cook hopes to reactivate the Arts and Culture Board through the Parks and Recreation Department. And although the town isn’t directly funding the arts, that doesn’t mean the town see
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doesn’t have arts, Cook said. “We have arts in Gilbert, is it millions of dollars? No, but it’s not nonexistent either,” Cook said. The Gilbert Historical Society, for example, is a nonprofit that has expanded its programs to include painting lessons, art lectures and even bluegrass jams, according to Scott. A concert series in the park, a movie night at the community center, and art galleries in Gilbert’s Heritage District, are all proof the town supports arts and culture, Cook said. Gilbert currently holds the No. 2 spot as the safest city of its size in America. In order for the town to continue to boast that spot, it must provide adequate funding for police, according to Cook. Gilbert prides itself on being fiscally lean, Cook said. “We keep the taxes the lowest in the Valley to meet the public’s needs, and there’s not really any extra beyond that.” Gilbert’s 2018 budget provides just over $4.3 million more in funding for police than the city of Chandler’s. While Escobedo sees incorporating art into the city as “fulfilling the way the city was organized from the very beginning,” Scott said. “Art is just not a priority in Gilbert.”
Scott described one of the few projects the Gilbert Arts and Culture Board was able to complete before it was disbanded in February. The project was installing public benches that were designed by local artists to look like sofas, in downtown Gilbert. Only one was completed because of lack of funding. “I went back the night it was installed and I sat in my car and I watched the bench,” Scott said. “I was watching all the people coming out of the restaurants, and there wasn’t anybody who didn’t stop and sit on the bench and take pictures of the bench and take in the art of this lighted, painted bench. In my heart, I just thought, ‘It happened, it happened! People really did what we thought they would do! They’re really excited about this bench!’” Without support from the town, Scott doesn’t see the state of arts and culture in Gilbert changing. “We need to vote for people who support arts in our community,” Scott said, “That’s the only way that it’s going to change.” Allison Ray is a sophomore at ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and an advocate for the arts. She plays the violin and the piano, blogs at Phoenix Music Guru and writes for The Tab, a student-run online news network.
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November 2017
Travel speed maps help drivers avoid congestion BY GSN STAFF
Mesa, Gilbert and Tempe have partnered with Arizona Department of transportation and Maricopa County Department of Transportation to create a network of 130 anonymous re-identification Wi-Fi sensors that can help commuters avoid traffic. The technology compiles speed and time data using Wi-Fi technology that detects the unique MAC addresses of smartphones and other wireless devices that pass through the area. The MAC addresses are anonymized so that individual owners cannot be identified, according to a joint press release. That data is then used to compile traffic maps that are available to the public at AZ511.gov. The federally funded project cost $655,000 and deployed 19 sensors in Mesa, 71 sensors in Tempe and 40 sensors in Gilbert. The cities and town then paid a 5.7 percent local match plus the cost of design fees, Mesa Public Information Officer Amy McConnell said via email.
Feeding this traffic information into the AZ511 website allows the public access to a color-coded map of real-time travel time and congestion data. This allows drivers to identify alternative route choices to avoid congested areas. The agencies plan to integrate the data into social media platforms, including Twitter, to provide up-to-date information on traffic delays and incidents to the public. The project was recognized by the Intelligent Transportation Society of Arizona for the 2017 “Best ITS Implementation Project” award recently. The deployment of these sensors at various intersections allows each municipality to monitor congestion on arterial roads in real time. If the sensors reveal a change in travel time, indicating a possible incident, corrective measures can be taken by agency staff to reduce congestion and modify signal timing.
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Feral cats fare best in their environments STORY AND PHOTOS BY CATHERINE HATHAWAY
Homeless cats suffer at the hands of well-meaning people. “When you take a wild or feral cat who isn’t used to being handled, never been indoors, if you take them into a shelter environment when they’re suddenly confined to a very small space… they completely meltdown,” said Bretta Nelson of the Arizona Humane Society. When residents see a homeless cat, they often feel compelled to act. Some may be annoyed with the cat and others may feel sorry for it. People often attempt to rescue cats in their neighborhood by taking them to animal control. Even if their intentions are good, it almost always has a stressful impact on the animals. “I think it would just take one person in the community seeing that to understand why that really isn’t the best outcome for wild animals,” Nelson said. “It really is best to leave them in their environment, living out their lives in their colonies and through natural nutrition as opposed to going through something that is just so heartbreaking on them.” Save the Cats Arizona, a nonprofit organization that supports abandoned cats in Gilbert, comes across a variety of cats. Although some homeless cats are abandoned house pets, other cats are second- or third-generation homeless cats. “One of the things you can’t do very successfully is move a colony,” said Patricia VanScoy, a certified cat behaviorist for the organization. “They’ll try to get back to where they were.” VanScoy said these cat colonies will continue the habits that annoy people unless they are being taken care of properly. Instead of displacing the animal, make sure the cats in your neighborhood are spayed and neutered and well-fed. “A lot of the colonies you see here
aren’t taken care of or have medical issues,” VanScoy said “They hide a lot of medical issues.” Arizona Humane Society has worked hard to promote its “Don’t Kit-nap Kittens” message. Many Good Samaritans decide to rescue kittens they find near their homes. Residents will hear crying or see the tiny litter of kittens and assume they’re in danger. “The same communities continue to give us kittens Save the Cats Arizona has provided a cozy home for homeless cats since 2011. that are just scooped up and come in and really don’t need to be in the shelter,” said Traci Pepper, cat community coordinator at AHS. “We’d really rather be putting our resources toward animals that are most in need rather than ones that would do OK where they’re at.” Many of the kittens people find really aren’t in any danger. People see the kittens alone and assume they have been abandoned even though it is much more likely that the mother has left to find food. AHS said the kittens actually have a better chance of survival if let alone. “When these little bottle babies come in to us, it is around-the-clock care,” Nelson said. “We really have to replace everything that the mom would be doing, so it is very expensive. The Patricia VanScoy of Save the Cats Arizona greets a friendly white cat at the shelter. success rate, sadly, is not very good. Really, their best chance of survival is with their mother. It’s kind of everyone’s kill method. People will trap the animal, to remove all the cats. They quickly first nature to intervene.” gathered the animals off the preserve then surrender them to a veterinarian AHS advises residents to not “kitand housed them in garages and barns to be euthanized or dump the cats in nap” kittens and if they do have cat until they could build the first part of dangerous areas such as canals. colonies in their area, to enlist the help their sanctuary in March 2011. Since Save the Cats Arizona was founded of the Spay Neuter Hotline for Trap then, Save the Cats Arizona has been a in response to this issue. Donald Bloom Neuter Return resources after voice for homeless and abandoned cats. was a volunteer at Gilbert’s Riparian the kittens are eight weeks old. Preserve in 2006. He saw cats at the This will keep the population of Catherine Hathaway is a student preserve abandoned by their owners the cats down and prevent bad reporter at ASU’s Walter Cronkite and rallied a group of volunteers to behavior. School of Journalism. Her next story, in spay, neuter and feed them. “I went outside and they were the December issue of GSN, will feature “By 2010, there were probably 70 crying and I saw that there were the Trap-Neuter-Release program to 80 cats there,” VanScoy said. “We kittens out there,” said Gilbert as a humane way to cope with cathad an agreement with the city of resident Lori Babicka. “They let overpopulation in Maricopa County. Gilbert and the guy who headed up the me know where to go and what Riparian. Then it all went south.” time to take the cats to have In 2010, the Riparian Preserve them spayed and neutered.” Spay and Neuter Hotline: 602-265-7729 or began treating the cats like pests and Not everyone intervenes with somanycats.org euthanizing them. In the end, 24 of their the cats out of the goodness Save the Cats Arizona: savethecatsaz.org cats were missing, she said. Bloom and “Don’t Kit-nap Kittens Campaign:” azhumane. of their hearts. Another issue org/events/dont-kit-nap-kittens animal humanitarian groups face his volunteers were horrified. The town gave the nonprofit until January 2011 among residents is the trap and
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B5 Motors lauded for donating truck to hero BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Marine veteran Taylor Winston of San Diego didn’t think twice about stealing a truck during the recent Las Vegas shooting massacre to transport the wounded to hospital. Neither did Gilbert-based B5 Motors owner Shane Beus, who felt compelled to reward him with a 2013 Ford F150 valued at $20,000 for his heroism. For his part, Winston, 29, is paying it forward – he plans to sell his own car and donate the proceeds to those affected by the shooting. Ever since the news got around about Beus’s kind gesture, the phones have been ringing off the hook at the used car dealership and the company’s Facebook account has been flooded with complimentary comments from at least 70 people around the country and beyond, dozens of them promising to purchase their next truck from the company. “Gentlemen, you people went above and beyond. You are the most loved and respected car dealership in America for how you treated that fine soldier who saved so many lives. I live in Boca Raton, Florida, but when I get my next Ford Fusion, I will be coming to Gilbert Arizona to make my purchase. You can bank on it,” wrote Jerry Diamond. “Class act - I’ve never been there, but I would almost drive the 800 miles to do business with a selfless company
like this,” wrote Mike Tisevich from Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. Some called the company and offered to make donations to Winston as well. “We did take a couple of credit cards from people who insisted that we did, and we gave him the money in gas cards, and things like that, to get home,” said Monique Hebert, general manager, adding “it’s just gone crazy.” Winston, a softspoken Marine who has served in Iraq from 2006 to 2011, said at the presentation: “I feel great. It’s been really hard to even get myself to come out here and accept a gift (GSN photos by Srianthi Perera ) of this caliber; it’ll turn Shane Beus, owner of B5 Motors in Gilbert, with Marine veteran Taylor Winston of San Diego. The silver 2013 Ford around to do a lot of F150 that Beus presented is to the left of him. good things.” Beus, who lives in “It’s a great thing for me to do. It’s him immediately and I’m pretty calm Ahwatukee Foothills, a great thing for him to do,” he said and collected for the most part and hadn’t met or spoken to Winston until minutes before Winston walked in I think that kind of startled him,” she the presentation. through the doors leading to said. “And he went into action right his showroom full of gleaming away…” reconditioned trucks. “He’s a Then, the third shots were fired and hero. He’s a good example to she noted the look of terror on his face. my kids, myself, to my family, “It truly was a life-and-death friends, America. He’s a true situation. Never in my life have I ever hero.” imagined myself running for my life. Hebert said Beus is “a In that moment, you just have to do religious man, but what it came exactly that. Whatever’s going on, small down to is the fact that he had injuries or not, you just have to push friends and family that were through as much as you can,” said Lewis, there and it hit him close. It hit who has a back injury and was wearing a him personally; it just hit home brace that night. for him.” Taylor scouted around for a service Two of Beus’ friends were vehicle with a key in the ignition and injured at the attack and two found a truck. They helped wounded others escaped without injuries, people into the vehicle and began Hebert said. driving to Desert Springs Hospital On October 1, Winston, Medical Center. who designs woodwork and “As soon as we commandeered the builds stages for a living, was truck and slowly put it into the street, listening to Jason Aldean with his people were bringing other injured girlfriend, Jenn Lewis, and several people into the street,” Lewis said, friends at the Route 91 Harvest adding, “Everything was moving so fast. festival in Las Vegas when the I don’t think we honestly had a second gunshots began. to think about anything. It was just ‘do.’ Like most everyone, Lewis “Both of us luckily had the natural thought the noise was from reaction to do and help. Taylor was firecrackers. But then she noted grabbing people. I was on the other side people were screaming. “Taylor wasn’t next to me at Winston and his girlfriend, Jenn Lewis, during the presentation of the truck. see page 15 the moment and I ran over to
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grabbing people,” she recalled. The couple went back and forth to the hospital twice and transported “a load of people,” according to Winston. “There were dozens of people helping put victims into the truck and when we got to the hospital, taking the victims out,” Winston said, adding that Lewis was putting pressure on the wounds during the drive. They even had chosen the correct hospital. “The hospital administrator told us that we helped with the surge of victims. That was very big news to me that we just lucked out,” Winston said. The next morning, Winston tried to locate the truck, which he had parked in the lot of a restaurant, but it had been towed. “The truck was towed because it had blood all over it and looked very suspicious. I was able to meet with (the owner) and give his keys back, and we were able to talk and share our experiences. We gave each other a hug, and he’s just happy that his truck was able to help in this tragedy,” Winston said, adding, “It’s unofficial, but his truck will be very well taken care of.” A few days later, Winston was able to visit the hospital to find out that most of the people pulled through, while a few didn’t. “We’re trying to coordinate with the hospital to find all that out, and hopefully get everyone back together and do what we can just to help their families. It’s been amazing but also horrible. I’m at a loss as to how I feel at the moment,” he said. During the past few days, Winston and Lewis also have been bombarded with emails and social media messages from people around the country and beyond. “Honestly, the world comes together. People I’ve never even heard of from the U.K., Canada, Australia, are reaching out and asking how we are doing and if they can help; it’s incredible,” Lewis said. Meanwhile, Winston has a truck with all the bells and whistles and a customized wheel tire package. “I’ve been given a lot more credit than I deserve,” he said.
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After 100 years, LDS moving away from Boy Scouts BY JESSICA SURIANO
Starting Jan. 1, 2018, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will stop chartering the Venturing and Varsity programs of Boy Scouts of America for young men in the church and will create a new faith-focused program instead. The new program’s objectives, outlined by a press release from the LDS church in May, are to teach the young boys and men to “magnify their priesthood duties and preparing to fulfill their divine roles.” The church’s decision is a significant one, considering the partnership between the BSA and LDS Church is over a century old, and it comes about two years after the BSA’s executive board decision to admit openly gay leaders. In July 2015, an official statement released by the church stated it was “deeply troubled” by the decision. “The church has always welcomed all boys to its scouting units regardless of sexual orientation,” the statement said. “However, the admission of openly gay leaders is inconsistent with the doctrines of the church and what have traditionally been the values of the Boy Scouts of America.” However, Brent Stapley, the Mesa district commissioner for the Varsity BSA program, said the decision to discontinue chartering Varsity and Venturing programs had “nothing to do with that.” Instead, he said the church recognized that the majority of the programs were not effectively implemented in their communities, and therefore were unable to meet the educational needs of the youths in the target age group. Stapley said adult leaders for the two programs are supposed to meet in what is called a “huddle” to discuss whether the programs are meeting the youth’s needs and, if not, what should be changed. While the Mesa district was one of the few able to effectively implement the programs with consistent adult leadership meetings, he said, the majority of other districts did not. Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops for younger boys and girls still will be chartered through the LDS church, and the release states that youth ages 14 to 18 still are encouraged and able to pursue the highest possible ranking, Eagle Scout or Queen Scout. According to the most recent annual report available from 2016, BSA serves 822,999 boys ages 11 to 17 in Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts, 136,629 boys and girls ages 14 to 20 in Venturing and Sea Scout programs and 119,268 boys
and girls ages 10 to 20 in career-based programs. Last year, the scouting and explorer programs recorded more than 15.4 million hours of community service. Two of the most popular activities programs provided by the Venturing and Varsity programs might still be offered in the future for youths. The “Mountain Man Rendezvous” and “Operation On-Target,” Stapley said, bring hundreds of youths together, both LDS and otherwise, and are considered enormous growth and learning opportunities. Even out-of-state kids from Utah and California have traveled to participate in them. The Mountain Man Rendezvous allows kids to participate in activities such as mapping, shooting practice and archery during a three-day camping trip, according to Stapley. Operation On-Target is an activity in which kids practice signaling with mirrors after climbing to a mountaintop. They also can learn radio communication, wilderness survival and GPS navigation. Stapley said keeping these programs available is still “in the planning stages.” Tanner D’Elia, a junior public health student at the University of Arizona, has attained the Eagle Scout ranking, which he said is only awarded after a scout completes a personal service project in addition to other service hours, earns merit badges and attends a certain number of camping trips. When he is home in Phoenix, he attends camping trips in the scouting programs as an adult leader. D’Elia said he thinks the Varsity and Venturing programs offer older boys a great opportunity to “hone their camping skills,” although he has attended only one outing with these programs. “I think it’s a great program for boys all over the country regardless of religion or faith because I have a variety of religious faiths and beliefs that I don’t think ever once did they come up in conflict in Boy Scouts,” he said. “We were there to be out camping, learning new skills and enjoying the outdoors rather than being a religious experience.” District Commissioner for the San Tan BSA branch Janel Durfee said the replacement program will still incorporate many of the same activities, but the scouting programs for the lower age groups proved to be more effective in providing educational opportunities than the Venturing and Varsity levels. The May press release from the Church also stated, “We express sincere appreciation and gratitude to all adult
(Special to GSN/Dilworth Brinton Jr.)
The “Mountain Man Rendezvous” allows Scouts to participate in activities such as mapping, shooting and archery during a three-day camping trip.
leaders who have supported young men in these programs and are grateful for our longstanding and continuing partnership with the Boy Scouts of America and Scouts Canada.” “There has been plenty of statements by LDS Church officials as to why they’re doing this, and we support them 100 percent,” Jeremy Haws, Mesa commissioner of the Venturing program, said. “It’s the youth that are most important, and we’re happy to support them in what they’re doing in any way that we can.” Wayne Lines, Round Table Commissioner for the Mesa BSA Varsity program, said he was “really disappointed” about the Church’s decision to discontinue the chartering of Venturing and Varsity programs of LDS youth. “Outside of the Mesa district, other districts in the church struggle, and struggled all these years with learning how to involve their adult leaders and involve the boys in these activities,” Lines said. “I don’t know why they don’t follow our lead and learn from us, but they don’t and haven’t, and consequently because they’ve been struggling, they’ve decided that they’re
going to try a different direction and drop scouting the BSA enrollment for the 14- to 18-year-old boys.” In January, BSA announced the organization would also allow transgender children to participate in its programs. In response to whether the church’s decision was made partly because of the amended policies on openly gay and transgender leaders and scouts, the release said, “The BSA has always allowed the church to operate its programs in ways that are consistent with our standards and beliefs, and they have been very supportive. This change is to address the needs of young men ages 14 to 18. The church is always evaluating what is best for our youth and families, and will continue to do so.” Lines said he suspects that the decision on gay and transgender members “did have some bearing on their decision to leave, but they haven’t totally left Boy Scouting.” D’Elia sees it differently: “I don’t see how someone changing their gender or sexual beliefs should in any way impact the skills that are taught in Boy Scouts,” he said.
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Gilbert Community Briefs
Veterans Day
Gilbert honors those who served during Gilbert Veterans Day on Thursday, Nov. 9. Patriotic music begins at 11 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 11:30 a.m. 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert.
Girls’ safety
Ford Motor Company Fund is piloting a mobility safety program for girls ages 12 to 17 in Gilbert called “Ford Focus on Girls’ Safety” 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Gilbert High School, 1101 E. Elliot Road. Girls ages 12-17, including newly licensed drivers or teens who hold a valid learner’s permit, can participate in the free program. Parents are also encouraged to participate with their teens because of the significant role they play in their children’s mobility-related safety. Details: drivingskillsforlife.com.
Trilogy holiday sale
The Creative Designers Holiday Classic Boutique will take place 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 and 9 to noon on Saturday, Nov. 18 at Trilogy at Power Ranch’s Sierra Ballroom at 4369 E. Village Parkway (in between Higley and Power roads). Handcrafted items for the family made by Trilogy residents will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the boutique will benefit programs for charities and school districts. Trilogy will also feature “Angel Trees” to benefit needy children from the Gilbert and Higley school districts. For information, contact Rita Solko at 480-219-1344.
Student art award
The Gilbert Visual Art League invites high school seniors (at public schools and those who are home-schooled) to apply for its annual Student Fine Art Award. The award provides recognition, encouragement and $250 to young artists who have demonstrated a strong interest in pursuing education in the visual fine arts. The winning submission will be displayed at the league’s Spring Fine Art Show. Details, including submission requirements, application documents and other information, are available on the league’s website at gval.org/ student-fine-art-award. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. January 13.
GVAL member show
Gilbert Visual Art League’s member show will run Saturday, Nov. 4 to Thursday, Dec. 7 at HD South, 10 S. Gilbert Road. The center is closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays. The exhibition will include work by
Community
November 2017
current GVAL members and includes paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, pastel, photography and three-dimensional work. GVAL members include both professional and amateur artists who come together each month in the spirit of fellowship and support. For more information, visit gval.org.
Free admission to veterans
Pollack Tempe Cinemas, located on the southeast corner of Elliot and McClintock roads in Tempe, will honor current and former military and National Guard members with free admission to one of two militarythemed movies on Saturday, Nov. 11. The movies include the 1970 war comedy film, “Kelly’s Heroes,” and Tom Cruise’s 1986 film “Top Gun.” Please show military identification card at the ticket booth. Pollack Tempe Cinemas opens at 11:30 a.m. daily. Details: pollacktempecinemas.com
Downtown concerts
Gilbert’s Downtown Concert Series continues with concerts featuring August in Sterio on Thursday, Nov. 9 and Amazing Pianos on Thursday, Nov. 30. Both concerts are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The latter concert will be held in conjunction with the Annual Holiday Lighting of the Gilbert Water Tower and will include complimentary horse and carriage rides and more entertainment.
New bus route
Valley Metro is serving a new route on Ray Road from 48th Street in Ahwatukee through Chandler to Gilbert Road in Gilbert. Riders will be able to reach new dining, shopping and employment centers, including Ahwatukee Foothills Towne Center, The Shoppes at Casa Paloma and Sunset Park. The route will run every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays. For details, visit valleymetro.org/ servicechanges
Bus service input
Valley Metro makes changes to bus service twice per year as a way to add service or maximize efficiency of routes. The next service change occurs April 23. There are several ways to give input on proposed changes: Webinar: noon on Nov. 7; online registration at valleymetro.org. Public hearing: 5-6:15 p.m. Nov. 14; 101 N. 1st Avenue, 10th floor, Phoenix. Complete an online comment card or email comments to input@ valleymetro.org through November 17. For details, visit valleymetro.org/ servicechanges.
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Community
November 2017
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Gilbert Days offers a way to celebrate the town BY GSN STAFF
During November, cowboys and cowgirls hang their hats in Gilbert. That’s when the town celebrates its Western heritage with Gilbert Days, now in its 39th year. The nonprofit Gilbert Promotion Corporation organizes the rodeo of the Grand Canyon Pro Rodeo Association, co-sanctioned with New Mexico Rodeo Association. The Town of Gilbert organizes the parade, walks/runs/halfmarathon. Together, they comprise Gilbert Days.
The events are as follows: Pony Express: Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4. Kick off re-enactment 8 a.m. on Nov. 3 at Gilbert Post Office on Elliot Road. Gilbert Days 5D Barrel Race: Friday, Nov. 3. Race begins at 6:30 p.m. Welcome Home Ranch, 26601 S. Val Vista Drive, Gilbert. Details: 602-9109511. Gilbert Days Team Roping Classic: Saturday, Nov. 4. Details: 480-290-0669. Welcome Home Ranch. Lil Dudes Rodeo starts 3 hours
before the main rodeo: at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov.10, 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 and 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Welcome Home Ranch. Gilbert Days Cowboy Church: Sunday, Nov. 12. Gilbert Days Rodeo includes bull riding, steer wrestling, tiedown roping, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding and breakaway riding. 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10 (family theme); 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 (Veterans theme) and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12 (cancer awareness theme) Welcome Home Ranch. Tickets cost $12-$18. Details: gilbertdays.org. Gilbert Days Parade begins 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 along Gilbert Road in the Heritage District. Theme: #Gilbertkindness. Details: gilbertaz.gov/ departments/parks-and-recreation/ special-events/gilbert-days. Gilbert Days 5k and 1 Mile Run: Friday, Nov. 17, 2017 at Freestone Park, 1045 E. Juniper Ave. Details: gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-andrecreation/special-events/gilbert-days.
Gilbert Days stock contractor marks diamond anniversary SUBMITTED BY KENDRA DIEGAN AND LISA WEBB
Buster Webb, the stock contractor for Gilbert Days, is marking 50 years in business. For more than 34 years, Webb provided specially trained horses and bulls to compete in the Gilbert Days Rodeo. Born in Shiprock, New Mexico in 1941, Webb grew up in his family’s homestead near Bloomfield, along the San Juan River. Throughout his childhood and as a young man, he spent much of his time gathering wild horses and wild cows in an area that is now the Carson National Forest. He became adept at team roping and calf roping, and after roping and rodeoing throughout the Four Corners area, Webb noticed the need for a stock contractor who paid attention to both sides of the arena and promoted the Western way of life by providing bucking stock and timed event cattle. Webb and his late wife, Barbara,
founded W/A Rodeos & Hay in 1966. Barbara, a daughter of a Missouri farmer, embraced the Western way of life and was the backbone of the business’s administration. For five decades, the Webbs produced high school, college and regional rodeos throughout the country. In 2015, Webb was inducted into the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association Hall of Fame, headquartered in Wickenburg. Webb is still active in the business, and his daughter Lisa and partner Donny Wilkinson are continuing to build the tradition and the business.
(Special to GSN)
Members of Gilbert Promotional Corporation, which puts on Gilbert Days Rodeo, pose during last year’s rodeo at Welcome Home Ranch.
Gilbert Half Marathon and 10K Run: 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 in association with Shun the Sun Foundation of Mesa. The Half Marathon runs through the heart of Gilbert on a flat and fast course. It begins at Higley High School,
goes along the corn fields for a rural feel through the town’s canals and parks including the Riparian Preserve and Freestone Park and finishes alongside the Gilbert Days Parade.
Meet this year’s Rodeo Queen Gilbert native resident and town employee Taryn Cantrell is this year’s Gilbert Days Rodeo Queen, selected by Gilbert Promotional Corporation. Cantrell, 22, began riding horses at the age of 4 and nurtured a love for the sport of rodeo all her life. Over the years, she has participated in barrel racing and helping push cattle during roping events. She also served as the Gilbert Days Legacy Rodeo Royalty Princess in 2011 and 2012. Last year, Cantrell graduated from Chandler-Gilbert Community College with an associate’s degree in the arts. She is currently attending Arizona State University, where she is studying for a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance and training to (Special to GSN) become an opera singer. Taryn Cantrell Since the beginning of her collegiate musical studies, Cantrell has performed in various musicals and operas. One such role was as Morticia Addams in CGCC’s production of “The Addams Family.” As rodeo queen, Cantrell’s job has been to encourage Arizonans to celebrate Gilbert’s Western heritage at the rodeo and also further the “Kickin’ Up Kindness” platform, which encourages good deeds.
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Neighbors
Adroit Asian fusion at Clever Koi
www.GilbertSunNews.com
BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Nick Campisano and Joshua James have not yet visited Asia, but they run a mean Asian-inspired kitchen and craft cocktail bar in Clever Koi. “We’ve not been overseas, but we pay homage to them. Asian culture is very intricate, they’re very specific and it’s very fascinating,” Campisano said. “They are super passionate. Even their bartenders, the way they craft things, is done from the heart, and we truly appreciate that.” Campisano, who spends his workweek in the Gilbert restaurant and is not above wiping a chair or picking up a stray napkin, seems to bring the same passion to the table that he’s trying to emulate. “We are very passionate about food, beverage and hospitality with the crafty approach to Asian food that we do,” he said. This is not his first endeavor in the restaurant business. The Tucson native has opened a string of New Age lounges along the California coast and also worked in leadership roles at Modern Steak, Culinary Dropout and Mondrian in Scottsdale prior to launching Clever Koi. James, from Phoenix, oversees the Phoenix location and is known for his mastery of the classic cocktail. He’s not a newbie in the business either, and has worked with Karl Kopp at AZ/88 and The Parlor Pizzeria, among others.
In Gilbert, Clever Koi offers a menu of steamed buns, housemade dumplings, progressive noodle dishes and small plates that reflect flavors and techniques from Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam, Japan and Indo-China. It also has a craft cocktail bar and an eclectic beer, wine and sake list. Chefs operate in an open kitchen with a wood-fired grill and woks that are visible to guests. About 80 percent of ingredients are sourced locally. The restaurateurs said that while the traditional Asian cuisines, such as Japanese, Thai and Korean, are represented in major metropolitan cities, it’s “untapped” in the Valley. This led to the decision to craft and open Clever Koi, first in Phoenix four years ago, and then in Gilbert’s Heritage District a year ago. Rather than just stick to the traditional fare from those cuisines, they made some of the dishes their own by adding different flavors. Hence, a cheeseburger has a kimchi marinade, the noodles contain a lot of onions and garlic a la Italian, and the fries, while sprinkled with salt and pepper, also gets a dash of Togarashi, a fiery Japanese condiment. At Clever Koi, any non-spicy dish may be made spicy and vice-versa. Because the food can have various flavors and non-traditional ingredients, the staff is trained on the details. “A lot of people come in and this is very new to them. The training that we do for staff is very important,” Campisano said. Staff can chat about the dishes and are sensitive to allergies and eating specifications. “They are helping the guests grasp what we’re doing, have a great experience and come back. What’s super important to us is the overall experience,” Campisano said. “We’re trying to make that happen for every guest.” Recently, Clever Koi began (GSN photo by Srianthi Perera) offering a full menu all day Clever Koi Chef d’Cuisine Phillip Hernandez shows (closed Mondays), an all-day off a customized entrée of hummus, roasted chicken, happy hour from 11 a.m. to olives and eggplant. 6 p.m. and introduced new
(Special to GSN)
Nick Campisano (left) and Joshua James (above right) founded Clever Koi. The restaurant offers a plethora of craft cocktails.
(GSN photo by Srianthi Perera)
Zesty noodles flavored with bulgogi sauce and housemade red and green Sriracha sauces. The noodles dish contains shrimp and scallop, a garnish of green onions, Thai herbs and peanuts.
(GSN photo by Srianthi Perera)
Clever Koi is located in Gilbert’s Heritage District in the vicinity of the parking garage.
dishes, including Korean-style short rib and zesty, chopped salad with yuzu vinaigrette. The increased hours are a result of getting a good response from the community. The decision to open in Gilbert was a good one, Campisano said. “We have a lot of friends and coworkers who live here and have their families down here. There was a nice gentrification happening down here,” he said. “We feel the vibe down here.”
Peering into the crystal ball, the restaurateur sees more locations of Clever Koi in the Valley. “We’re still trying to create that synergy and continuity between both the restaurants,” Campisano said. “We would love to grow; that’s our goal.”
Clever Koi is at 384 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 101, Gilbert. Details: 480-284-7529 or thecleverkoi.com.
www.GilbertSunNews.com
November 2017
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November 2017
For their service and sacrifice
www.GilbertSunNews.com Photos by Cheryl Haselhorst
Operation Welcome Home Arizona recently honored Korean War Veterans during a ceremony at the Gilbert Stapley Stake Center, 1100 N. Cooper Road. Details: operationwelcomehomeaz.com. 1. Korean veterans were honored at the Operation Welcome Home ceremony. 2. Honoring the colors (flags) as they are retired at the end of the ceremony (from left), Korean veterans David Seward, Jake Seabrook, Dave Rushlo and John Nebrich. 3. Town councilman Jordan Ray introduces his four-year-old daughter Lexi to Korean veterans Joe Gustafon and Lester Gray. 4. Korean veteran Walter Tank is escorted by Evelyn Pillinger through a saber arch. 5. Korean veteran Keith Iverson shakes hands with Cub Scout Dallin Morris, 8, while Elijah Working and Noah Meerfeld look on. 6. A challenge coin is presented to a Korean veteran by a Dobson High School JROTC member. 7. Korean and Vietnam veteran David Seward attends the ceremony wearing his American Legion uniform.
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Glorious sounds emanate from the East Valley Chorale
Neighbors
BY MELODY BIRKETT
A group of talented singers make up accompanied by pianist Eric Addis. the East Valley Chorale, which started Terry Kerr is a soprano and joined in 1999 with a dozen people from three the choir almost five years ago. She was churches. It’s now made up of about 90 interested in joining a Christian group people from 50 churches in the Valley. and the song selection attracted her. “A lot of these churches don’t have “I have not sung in a group like this choirs anymore,” said Bruce Cochran, for 20 years until I found the East Valdirector of the group. “It used to be ley Chorale, so it was a fun thing to churches always had church choirs, find in the Phoenix area,” she said. “It’s sanctuary choirs. A lot of them have extremely rewarding. We all love music gone away from that. They have worship and have a passion for music. But this teams or smaller ensembles that kind of is a little bit different than being in a lead the service. They really don’t have classical type choir. This is all basically choirs, so there’s not a lot of opportucontemporary, but mostly I’d say it’s in nity for a lot of people to participate.” the genre of contemporary Christian Even the church where Cochran music. So, it makes it, at least for me, attended moved away from a choir, more meaningful and definitely is my and that’s when he became involved style and preference for music.” in launching the nonprofit organization dedicated to Christian chorale music. “We just ask for donations,” Cochran said. “Some places will take an offering. People will (Special to GSN) give what they During the holiday season, the East Valley Chorale performs a couple of want. They concerts with a 25-member orchestra. don’t have to.” Members The repertoire includes a range of choral don’t get any money. Donations help styles including classical, spirituals, Southpay for music. “A typical song might cost $2, so if you have 100 people, that’s ern gospel, and modern choral music. While there are some open time $200 just for one song,” Cochran said. slots, the group has bookings through The group only sings Christian and November 2018. religious songs; it stays away from pop “We love it,” Kerr said. “The people or secular songs. “We sing at Methodist in the choir are very dedicated musichurches, Baptists, we don’t really have cians... We have practice once a week any specific places we do or don’t sing,” and then we usually have concerts Cochran said. “Typically, folks who like twice a month on average. Our Christthe music we do, like the songs, we’ll go mas concerts bring in the most combito their churches. We do non-denominanations and audiences.” tional; we do a little bit of everything.” The group also has six CDs it sells at The East Valley Chorale also sings at concerts and online. assisted living facilities, nursing homes, RV parks and the Veterans’ Center in Phoenix. Typically, the group performs on To book the East Valley Chorale, email Bruce Cochran at director@eastvalleychoSunday afternoons, and sometimes on rale.org or call 480-540-4238. More details Saturdays, and concerts last about 45 at eastvalleychorale.org. minutes. On Sunday mornings, members typically are not available since they atRehearsals are from 7-9 p.m. every Tuestend their own church. Concerts aren’t day at Crossroads Nazarene Church, 2950 scheduled through the week since half W. Ray Road in Chandler. the group works. However, there are rehearsals on Tuesday evenings and the public is welcome to attend. During the holiday season, the East Valley Chorale does a couple of concerts with a 25-member orchestra. Normally, they are
November 2017
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Hats: once ubiquitous, now sought-after BY NINA PIORKOWSKI
I’m an East Coast native who moved to Gilbert a few years ago. Among other things, I brought to Arizona a passion for vintage hats. It all started with a stroll through a Goodwill store. I found a vintage hat and was surprised that with my extensive fashion knowledge, I knew so little about hats. I researched and hunted for more hats, and I was hooked! They are such an integral part of fashion history and so often overlooked. It’s hard to imagine a time when hats were so important, but they were once. In the 1930s, the hat’s role was at first a small add-on, an accessory. They were perky, small and tilted. Elsa Schiaparelli’s collaboration with Salvadore Dali changed the history of the hat in fashion. Their famous shoe hat turned the world’s attention to the hat and designers and milliners everywhere followed her lead and produced “shock value” hats. Many were not as dramatic as the shoe hat, but whimsical and sure to turn heads. The 1930s showcased the talents of Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, New York’s Hattie Carnegie and Sally Victor and French-born American milliner Lilly Dache. Hollywood also had an effect on hat fashion. The film adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel, Gone with the Wind, was the most notable. Walter Plunkett was the costume designer for the film, and created all 40 of Scarlett O’Hara’s outfits, most of them with glorious hats. Up to this point, women’s idea of fashion in the 1930s was long, silky gowns. After the release of the film, women rushed for corsets, scarves, and of course, hats. Hats came to their own during the 1940s. Almost every style, shape and material was showcased during this decade. Hat styles were influenced by WWII and hat materials like wool and felt were the only items not rationed. This is apparent in the plethora of styles. The popular styles of the 1930s continued, such as the snood, headscarf (both of which are practical for the working woman) and the turban, which made a glorious appearance and was not only practical because it hid dirty hair or curlers, but was also glamorous. Carmen Miranda helped popularize the turban significantly. The turban could be made out of any available fabric and rayon and velvet turned the style into an evening look. Practicality became key for hats during this period. Hair combs and clips suddenly were invaluable to the hat wearer and nothing that took lots of time arranging on one’s head survived.
Muse Kate is a vital part of Piorkowski’s overall outfit.
(Photos by Will Powers)
Nina Piorkowski of Gilbert is happy to share her knowledge of hats with anyone who will listen.
Cartwheel hats made a big impact, as well. It was a wow factor for women — you couldn’t buy a new dress but you could purchase a new hat and feel like you had a whole new outfit. Also, flowers, feathers, buttons and ribbons made a delightful mark on the 1940s styles. So did color. Vibrant hues danced on the heads of women; they were a morale booster of the most wonderful kind during worrisome times. After the war, hat shops popped up everywhere and department stores expanded their hat shops. Lilly Dache reigned supreme and supplied many Hollywood styles on film. The 1950s was the last decade when women wore hats daily. It was a staple of a woman’s wardrobe. There were flowers, pillboxes, berets, bonnets, hats for church, Sunday outings, funerals and cocktail parties. In the 1960s, hats gave way to big, bold hair styles. In 1957, the Catholic Church announced that head coverings were not necessary. Hats became the folly of youth. Young models in fashion magazines sported haute couture styles: the bucket, beret, tall and bold. Suddenly,
hats were considered oldfashioned and unnecessary. Hair took center stage and bigger, bolder hairstyles were adpted by women of all ages. The designers who reigned in the decades before had retired and many themselves stated they had stopped wearing hats. Hollywood reflected this trend, although we have notable examples of Audrey Hepburn in her Givenchydesigned styles. Jackie Onassis’ pink Chanel suit and matching pink pillbox hat defined the era elegantly. Over the following decades, hats didn’t enjoy a major comeback. Today, they are sought by collectors, vintage lifestyle enthusiasts and actors’ studios.
I sell authentic vintage hats on eBay to this market of shoppers in the U.S. and across the seas. During speaker engagements, I spread the word on these once ubiquitous hair accessories. It’s enough work to prepare for a presentation, but it’s even harder when you have to lug a 6-foot-tall mannequin. Yes, Kate the mannequin is my muse and she travels with me to guest lectures. Kate is pretty — she’s a giant Barbie doll on wheels — and each time I acquire a hat, I can’t wait to place it jauntily on her head and take photos from different angels. Did I mention that it’s hard to travel with a mannequin? But I wouldn’t have it any other way: People love seeing her and I often dress her in vintage outfits that include a vintage hat. Write to Nina Piorkowski at oohilovethatstore@gmail.com or visit her hats at stores.ebay.com/oohilovethatstore.
Neighbors
www.GilbertSunNews.com
November 2017
(Special to GSN)
Chandler/Gilbert Arc, at 3250 N. San Marcos Place, facilitates growth opportunities for people with disabilities through choice, experience, guidance and respect.
Chandler/Gilbert Arc gets facelift BY GSN CONTRIBUTOR
Each year, the Chandler Community Foundation’s Leadership Class selects a volunteer project. This year, Class 34’s assignment beautified the Chandler/ Gilbert Arc. The nonprofit organization, based in Chandler and serving the East Valley communities, is dedicated to providing teaching and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It serves more than 500 individuals of all ages annually with specialized community-based employment, housing and adult day support services. Leadership class members take a hands-on approach to each volunteer project: the interior of the 7,000 square-foot building was repainted, the floor plan was reorganized to maximize functionality, the kitchen was remodeled and the main class spaces were redecorated to provide a more inviting atmosphere.
With a mission to facilitate growth opportunities for people with disabilities through choice, experience, guidance and respect, the Chandler/ Gilbert Arc, located near Elliot Road and Arizona Avenue, plays a vital role in the East Valley cities. It has a variety of programs to help increase abilities in areas such as personal care, socialization, cooking, gross and fine motor skills, communication, and community and leisure activities. For more information and to volunteer, visit cgarc.org. The Chandler Leadership Institute provides businesses and community members an opportunity to learn about issues facing the community, develop skills required by community leaders, and motivate participants to become involved in leadership roles and service in Chandler. For more details, visit chandlerchamber.com/pages/communityfoundation.
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Members of Class 34 in the Chandler Community Foundation’s Leadership Class pause for a breather during their renovation project.
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November 2017
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Gilbert grandma torches her way into studio tour BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Francine Kavanaugh dons a cotton sweatshirt, gloves and a protective leather apron in the Arizona heat. She opens the garage door of her immaculate Gilbert home, slides on a mask and begins to weld. Seven years ago, the 76-year-old Gilbert grandmother took up welding as a way to create art. For two weeks in November, her pieces will be on display for the first time during Hidden in the Hills, Arizona’s longest-running artist studio tour and sale. It is scheduled for Friday, November 17, to Sunday, November 19, and Friday, November 24, to Sunday, November 26. A signature event of the nonprofit Sonoran Arts League, Hidden in the Hills features 174 artists in 44 studio locations throughout the Desert Foothills communities of Cave Creek, Carefree and North Scottsdale. Kavanaugh has always been creative. When her three children were small, she did oil painting and decoupage under glass. For a short time, Kavanaugh owned an art gallery in Old Town Scottsdale. When her children were grown, she fell back into art and began metalwork in 2010 after a visit to Hidden in the Hills. “I thought, ‘I can do that!’ So, I asked where she had learned and started taking my first welding class two weeks later.” Her biggest question of her Mesa Community College instructor? “What do I do with them if I don’t sell them?” she said with a laugh. “I was looking at Etsy and this lady had a bear that was a desktop sculpture. I thought it was cool because it would be easy for me to work with. “I went to my welding instructor and I said I wanted to do these desktop sculptures.” She admitted her first try was a “total disaster.” But the feisty Kavanaugh kept at it and now specializes in smaller pieces. “They’re very easy for me to work with,” she said. “They evolve and change as I’m moving.” Kavanaugh spends her days working on 8- to 12-inch sculptures of everything from deer and birds to airplanes and tractors. On this day, she was focused on a Christmas tree. “I love the whole process of starting with an idea and watching how the metal moves and changes along the way,” Kavanaugh said. “When the piece is finished, I find that the basic idea is still there. However, the end result has grown and evolved.” During Hidden in the Hills, Kavana-
ugh will be a guest of Desert Rat Forge Studio No. 43 in Cave Creek. Patrons can watch her at work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the six-day tour. “I’m going to be showing all of my metalwork,” she said. “I’m very, very pleased. The host artist is a blacksmith and when I introduced myself to him, he said he had an empty room. Someone was there last year, but wasn’t returning. Everyone I’ve talked to said I’m in the perfect place.” Hidden in the Hills 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, November 17, to Sunday, November 19, and Friday, November 24, to Sunday, November 26 A free, self-guided tour throughout North Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree Free 480-575-6624, or HiddenInTheHills.org
(All photos by Kimberly Carrillo)
Francine Kavanaugh became fired up about welding when she attended Hidden in the Hills seven years ago. Now, she will show her pieces there.
Francine Kavanaugh initially created larger metalwork, but has since focused on desktop pieces like these.
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Neighbors
November 2017
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Conservation and Preservation at a Colorado Ranch STORY BY ANDREA GROSS; PHOTOS BY IRV GREEN
To say that High Lonesome Ranch, which is located in the high mesas of northwestern Colorado, is immense is an understatement. With nearly 400 square miles of leased and permitted land, it’s bigger than 25 of the nation’s 59 national parks. To say that it’s lonesome requires some elaboration. It’s not lonesome in the sense of barren, although vegetation is sparse due to the dry climate and high altitude (5,000 to 9,000 feet). But the endless vistas are interspersed with valleys of green, thus creating a landscape that is both open and welcoming. It’s also not lonesome in the sense of empty. There are animals aplenty—deer, elk, bear, moose, antelope, mountain lion, Big Horn Sheep and, more recently, wolves, which returned to Colorado after a seventy-year hiatus. But the ranch is lonesome in the sense of secluded. Although it’s just a few miles from Interstate 70, the main route across the Rockies, stars shine undisturbed by passing lights, and the night silence is broken only by the rustle of a tree or the distant sound of an animal. The decision to open the ranch to wannabe cowboys was as idealistic as it was practical. Obviously it makes good business sense to bring in paying guests, but more than that, says general manager Scott Stewart, “we want children to experience and appreciate the great outdoors. They are the policy makers of tomorrow, and we want them to understand the importance of land conservation and preservation.” But while the ranch wants to attract guests and spread its message, seclusion and privacy are still of prime importance. Thus there are rarely more than twenty guests per week. My group of twenty was a diverse lot.
We ranged in age from 4 to 74, in home location from Colorado to Connecticut and in ability from horse-savvy to horse-shy. Our trail boss took pains to fit each of us with a horse that had the right temperament as well as the right fit. I told her that I wanted a horse that knew what to do, because I didn’t. “No problem,” she said, and she asked one of the wranglers to bring out Giant Bob, who, she said, was “slow and steady.” Pretty soon we were all in the arena, ready for our orientation. Those of us who weren’t familiar with horses got lessons in saddling and bridling. Others practiced controlling their horse by leading it around an obstacle course. I practiced not falling off. Over the next several days, we went on multiple horseback rides. Giant Bob and I plodded along on a few of the easy trails, but by midweek I decided I’d rather do something else. I asked one of the wranglers if I could see the upper reaches of the ranch by car rather than by horse. “No problem,” he answered. “I’m sure one of us can take you on a personal wildlife safari either today or tomorrow. You’ll be able to go into the back roads and, if we’re lucky, spot some animals.” No matter what any of us wanted to do, the answer was always the same: “No problem.” The small number of guests allows the staff to customize activities to fit each person. My granddaughter wanted to picnic with the ponies, my daughter-in-law wanted to fly-fish, my son wanted to hike, and my husband wanted to go on a photo shoot. My grandson, who quickly turned out to be the best cowboy among us, wanted to become a good enough rider to participate in the endof-the-week cattle drive. The ranch has non-equestrian activities as well, from massages and
Guests look forward to the end-of-the-week cattle drive.
This month, our travel story is Andrea Gross’s outdoors adventure in northwestern Colorado. For a chance to feature your travel in the next column, write a 500-word description and email it with a photo to srianthi@ timespublications.com by November 15.
Future wranglers take a mid-morning break.
Folks learn to care for their horse as well as ride it.
Wranglers take people on daily trail rides.
mountain biking to cooking classes, from visits to area wineries to interactive experiences with scientists who are working on nearby conservation and restoration projects. Meals are ranch-hearty (lots of beef) and hearthealthy (even more fruits and vegetables). Best of all, they include a weekly “Elevated Dining Experience.” For adults this means a seven-course dinner replete with beverage pairings. For kids this means a campfire cookout that, depending on the age of the participants, can morph into an
overnight. The end of the week came much too soon. After a farewell dinner, we sat around the campfire and each of us made one last, gooey s’more. A ranch hand read cowboy poetry. Then other people chimed in with their thoughts — how they stretched themselves physically and mentally, how they enjoyed the camaraderie as well as the solitude, how they fell in love with the blue sky, brown earth and thin air. But it was a fourteen-year-old girl who cut to the chase. “I had such a good time that I didn’t even miss my cell phone,” she said with a smile that creased her sun-burned face. In just one week she’d turned from city slicker to real wrangler.
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November 2017
All things dog!
www.GilbertSunNews.com Photos by Kimberly Carrillo.
If it’s October, it’s Barktober in Gilbert. For the 18th year, the celebration of everything related to our canine companions organized by Friends for Life Animal Rescue yielded a family-friendly carnival atmosphere at Freestone Park recently. There was shopping, live entertainment, a dog wash, lure course, agility, Dogvinci art, dog adoptions, raffles and contests.
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1. Alexa Bohacik, 10, with Milo. 2. Cross Winds Animal Clinic had its mascot at the ready. 3. Shorty takes a break. 4. Samantha West with Thor. 5. Larry Norman and TJ show their affection for each other. 6. Sisters Emily (at left) and Kate Kiener give Gracie a bath. 7. Zoe. 8. Lily Ciancimino, 8, and mom Trish with Daisy.
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Thrive coworking space to help women, well, thrive BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Gilbert’s Heritage District offers many warm and inviting spaces to be gregarious over a glass of wine or work in solitude with a laptop. A new space, yet to open, will create an ideal environment for both occasions, but with one difference. Thrive is a 2,500 square-foot coworking space just for women, on the second floor of Building 313, which will also house ticketing company TicketForce. It’s the brainchild of entrepreneur Lynne King Smith, who together with husband Brad founded the successful ticketing business in their Gilbert garage more than a decade ago. From the outset, King Smith said the new building will be important to women – invitees to the groundbreaking donned pink hard hats to illustrate the point. Their daughter, Braelyn Jane Smith, will oversee Thrive when it opens sometime later this year. Braelyn Jane Smith recently earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts specializing in graphic design from the University of Arizona and cut her teeth in the industry by working for a coworking space in Tucson. She promises the facility will be “warm,
(Special to GSN)
Braelyn Jane Smith will be at the helm of affairs at the Thrive coworking space in Building 313, in the Heritage District.
inviting and comfortable” with a “modern bohemian” décor, which features textures and warmth. Coworking spaces are “quite modern, and to me, that just seems a bit cold or uninviting,” she said. “Since we are creating a space for women, I wanted it to be warm
and welcoming, and a large part of how we are doing that is through the decor. When you walk through the door, we don’t want you to feel like you’re at a corporate office, but rather in another room in your home.” Thrive’s ideal client is a working professional woman who lives in the area, Braelyn Jane Smith said. It would especially suit women in technology, entrepreneurs and telecommuters. What does Thrive represent to her? “Thrive represents the future, one in
which women are treated equally and our daughters can grow up in a world where woman can be anything they want without judgment,” she said. “It frustrates me greatly when I think about all the progress we still need to achieve as women, especially in the business world, and I think Thrive is an answer to that frustration. When we help each other succeed, as women, we all succeed in return. That is why we’ve created Thrive.” The benefits of coworking are many. Besides coffee and wine, Thrive will offer access to seminars, classes, technologies and collaboration. And when work frustrates, you don’t have to vent your concerns to the cat or talk to yourself: There will be other women hopefully able to help or at least lend a sympathetic ear.
Annual memberships to Thrive will cost $400 and include access to events, classes, workshops, happy hours, retreats and reduced rates for conference room and event space rentals. The facility, at 313 N. Gilbert Road, in Downtown Gilbert, will be available around the clock to members with desks or offices. To book a tour or get on the wait list, write to braelyn@thriveaz.com or visit thriveaz.com.
House flipping is back and growing in the East Valley BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY
The residential house-flipping market is active in pockets throughout the East Valley, with much of the activity driven by motivated investors providing inventory for the first-time homebuyer market. The volume of flipped homes in the East Valley was up 23 percent between July 2016 and July 2017, which is 3 percent higher than the activity bump in the Phoenix Metro as a whole, according to information provided by Tina Tamboer, senior research analyst at The Cromford Report. The Cromford Report defines flipped homes as properties acquired and sold within a six-month period. The market is largely being driven by low-priced homes that can be renovated and sold in the $150,000 to $250,000 range to buyers looking for “like new homes within the first-time homebuyer price range,” Tamboer said. There is a dearth of new inventory for those buyers to choose from as homebuilders focus on building houses in the $300,000 to $500,000 range. The median square footage for homes flipped in the East Valley is about 1,600 square feet, which is a smaller footprint than the typical new home in the area. The East Valley is a “frenzy market” right
now and “if they price it right, the home will sell very quickly,” Tamboer said. However, buyers need to do the proper due diligence to ensure the quality of a flipped property they would like to purchase. In 2012, following the housing crisis, many flipped homes required a complete overhaul and flippers could not get away with making only minor or subpar improvements, Tamboer said. The market has changed since that time as the distressed home market dries up. Today, flippers are acquiring more homes that do not require a ground-up renovation. Some flippers are getting sloppy or performing superficial renovations. “You have to really know what you’re doing in the flipped property market,” Tamboer said. Signs of a subpar renovation could include skipping out on costlier items like roof and window replacement, HVAC upgrades and water heater replacement, Marty Boardman said.
Boardman is co-owner of FixAndFlipHub, a company that flips homes in the Phoenix market and provides educational materials for prospective flippers. “If you can see clearly that those things weren’t done, you could be concerned that other (renovations) were done cheaply,” Boardman said. Cheap plumbing and lighting fixtures are also warning signs. Typically, investors are looking to make a 25 to 30 percent gain on the acquisition price of a home. The median percentage gained in the East Valley overall is around 26 percent.
East Valley flippers are seeing the highest percentage return on their investment in Apache Junction, where the median percentage return on house acquisition price was just over 40 percent between January and July. Tempe (37.1 percent), Mesa (27.8 percent) and Chandler (23.2 percent) are other markets where flippers are seeing medium to high returns. Flippers in Gilbert are seeing lower returns, in the 15 percent range. Apache Junction also has benefited from an active market, where the average time elapsed between acquisition and sale is just 89 days. In order to remain in the targeted return range, investors are focusing on properties with low acquisition prices. Hot markets in the East Valley for those properties include Apache Junction, north Chandler, north Gilbert and the area along Main Street around Country Club Drive in Mesa. While the median profit amount on flipped properties is holding relatively stable at roughly $45,000, the percentage gain is falling as rising property and renovation costs – including supplies and labor – require flippers to invest more up front to reap the same return.
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District Lofts at Heritage District is leasing BY GREG SEXTON
Renters looking to establish roots in the Heritage District have a new option: District Lofts. District Lofts, at 170 Cullumber Ave., is the only luxury rental community located within the soulful, urban and walkable downtown neighborhood. The Heritage District continues to lure the region’s most premier shops, dining and entertainment venues and with District Lofts, residents now have a unique place to call home. “District Lofts was imagined and developed to create an authentic and fresh rental neighborhood,” said Colin Brown, principal and developer of Whiteboard Development Company, the visionary developer behind the community. “District Lofts is a place with a distinctively local personality which reflects the community’s deep-rooted history, culture and life.” The complex is designed specifically to fit into the cultural and historic identity for which the town is known. The thoughtfully designed, contemporary floor plans offer expansive living areas and vintage
(Special to GSN)
Aerial view of District Lofts.
appointments such as industrial sliding doors, cabinets with exposed shelving, distinctive lighting and plumbing fixtures, as well as distressed plank flooring, ninefoot ceilings, stainless appliances and fullsize washers and dryers. The community blends seamlessly with the old town character the Heritage District
embodies, with warm, welcoming spaces that promote relaxing and socializing, including a rooftop lounge with an outdoor kitchen and commanding views of the San Tan Mountain Range. “The project’s forward-thinking design was created to tell the story of this historic site, its industrial period and connectivity
that inspires relationship building and community,” Brown added. The Heritage District is home to an emerging and impressive restaurant hub, where local proprietors are strategically locating their most prized concepts: Postino East, Barrio Queen, Oregano’s, Pomo Pizzeria, Zinburger and Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles are all within walking distance of District Lofts. Other notable retail and restaurant destinations include the iconic Joe’s BBQ, Liberty Market and Gilbert Farmer’s Market. To enhance its location near this thriving dining destination, District Lofts has launched the “Dinner Club,” giving the first 30 residents 30 free dinners. The complex also features a community garden, dog park, 24/7 fitness facility and customized children’s play zone. District Lofts, managed by Mark-Taylor Residential, is leasing now. One- to threebedroom options range in rates from $1,020 to $2,115. More information: mark-taylor.com.
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Copper Springs offers seniors an elegant life away from home BY SRIANTHI PERERA
Gilbert’s newest independent living senior resort community is up and running. Copper Springs Resort Lifestyle Communities, at the southeast corner of Higley and Baseline roads, has rented about 40 percent of its well-carpeted units after opening less than two months ago. The community response has been “fantastic,” said Kelly Jo Hinrichs, marketing representative, following a ribbon-cutting with Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. More than 200 people attended the proceedings and the celebration that followed.
“We thought it was just time to open our doors and let everybody come in and see what we’re about,” Hinrichs said. “We wanted to make sure the residents had a chance to settle and staff had a chance to get up and running.” The concept of Nebraska-based Resort Lifestyle Communities, Copper Springs admits those above 55 years old who want to stop and smell the roses rather than weed the beds and water the plants. Well-heeled seniors are given every opportunity for personal enrichment and to make friends in the community. It provides fine dining, housekeeping services, arts and entertainment organized by a resident director, “conversation rooms” sprinkled throughout that allows residents to hobnob, transportation to medical appointments and area activities and a plethora of other niceties that could lesson the rigors of aging. SNS Pharmacy has opened a mini outlet, and (Photo courtesy of Resort Lifestyle Communities) Copper Springs offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom there are also banking, unfurnished apartments. salon, gym and other
(GSN photo/Christal Rose Photography)
Shawn and Erika Irwin, property managers at Copper Springs Resort Lifestyle Communities, cut the ribbon at its formal opening.
facilities located along “Main Street.” The community’s 150-seat theater is open for use by groups in the community at no charge. “It allows the outside marketplace to see us,” Hinrichs said. Copper Springs offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments; currently, monthly rates begin at $2,900 for
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Apartment demand up in area, but employment may not match
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BY WAYNE SCHUTSKY
Demand for apartment housing is up across the Phoenix Metro area – particularly in East Valley cities such as Tempe, Chandler and Gilbert – but employment trends could serve as a warning against increasing the supply of multifamily properties in the Valley. A recent report by National Apartment Association found that the Phoenix Metro would have to add 150,000 new apartments by 2030 to meet demand. Nationwide, the U.S. would have to add 4.6 million new units over that span to meet demand, according to the report. That demand is largely driven by young professionals delaying homebuying and people in the Baby Boomer demographic opting for the lock-and-leave lifestyle that apartments afford. The trend toward renting has driven apartment construction in the Valley to levels not seen since the peak years in 2007 and 2008. Construction volume has topped 13,000 units for four straight quarters in the Phoenix area, with 13,356 units under construction in the second quarter of 2017, according to a study by RealPage, a global real-estate software and data-analytics company. However, employment trends in the region have given some industry analysts
reason to worry about whether or not this apartment construction boom is sustainable. “We don’t dispute the overall findings of that (National Apartment Association) report; however, if there is one market where we are going to disagree about the need for more building, it is (the Phoenix metro),” said Greg Willett, RealPage chief economist. Willett says the National Apartment Association assumes that current employment numbers in the Valley also line up with the previous peak cycle, he said. However, job numbers in the Valley have not risen in line with apartment construction. In fact, annual hiring growth is less than half of what it was during the previous peak years and has slowed to roughly 42,000 jobs in the year ending July 2017, according to the RealPage study. Willett is not suggesting that the apartment market is nearing an impending bust. Rather, he is warning against building up production beyond the current levels. “Job numbers are not in line with previous peaks,” Willett said. “The real takeaway is not to raise the red flag; it is that we would not want to see the building ramp up more than where we are now.”
Willett noted one encouraging sign in the market is that the preponderance of current building is taking place where job growth is most concentrated — the East Valley. “We are comfortable with current building and where it is located,” he said. “I am just pointing out that (apartment building) is still on the upward trend, and we would be hesitant to push it much further.”
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Inaugural Gilbert Fine Art & Wine Festival coming BY JESSICA GONZALEZ
An art form as old as the Hohokam people who used to call the Valley home will be on display during Thunderbird Artists’ inaugural Gilbert Fine Art & Wine Festival from December 1 through 3 at the Gilbert Civic Center. Paul Hopman and his scratchboard artwork, which is similar in technique to the petroglyphs created by the Valley’s prehistoric residents, will be highlighted as the festival’s featured artist. More than 100 juried artists will exhibit and sell original pieces of art, including paintings in all mediums, batiks, copper, glass, clay, stone, metal and wood sculptures, jewelry and photography. Denise Colter, vice president of Thunderbird Artists, said the decision to add Gilbert to its list of venues was an easy one. “Thunderbird Artists is in its 36th season of producing sophisticated, award-winning, world-class fine art and wine festivals throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. Gilbert is one of the East Valley’s fast-growing communities, and we think our event will be a great fit for residents seeking original fine art,” she said. In addition to this show, the organization will also host a fine art and wine festival at the same venue in February.
Featured Artist Paul Hopman
While some have never heard of scratchboard before, Hopman enthusiastically describes it as the oldest art form in the world. He begins with a fresh surface, which consists of a piece of Masonite topped with white clay and a thin layer of black ink. Hopman describes the surface as “similar to an Oreo cookie.” The Tucson resident uses a series of needles to create scratches that remove the ink and create a divot in the clay underneath. He then goes back and adds color to the grooves, which could be from pastel chalk, ink or even magic markers.
“Prehistoric people used to scratch away the surface of a cave wall or rock with another rock,” Hopman said. “Then they would backfill with minerals and natural substances to add color. My technique is the same, only with slightly different materials.” Hopman, who is one of fewer than 200 registered scratchboard artists in the world, provides demonstrations at his booth during art shows to help people better understand how he creates his art. He has been working on a series of large, iconic animals, including bison, moose and wild mustangs. The scratchboard technique is especially adept at recreating individual strands of hair, bringing his wildlife images to life. Each lifelike piece takes (Special to GSN up to 100 hours to create. Hopman was a printer by ‘Spanish Eye’ and ‘Bison’ by Paul Hopman. trade for 40 years. He did souvenir wine glass with six scratchboard on the side, and continued to tasting tickets, allowing them to create beautiful gifts for close friends and walk through the Gilbert show relatives. For the past nine years, he has sipping samples, enjoying superb devoted his time exclusively to creating art and listening to live musical and selling his beautiful scratchboard entertainment. Additional tasting pieces. tickets may be purchased for $1. In his spare time, Hopman volunteers his The festival will take place time teaching the scratchboard technique from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from to elementary school students. He December 1-3 at the Gilbert Civic partners with Friends of Western Art to Center, 90 E. Civic Center Drive, secure the funding and supplies necessary just south of Warner Road on to teach Tucson-area elementary students. Gilbert Road. Admission is $3 for adults and Wine Tastings The festival combines fine art with free for children 17 years or younger. an extensive collection of domestic Parking is free all weekend. For and imported wines for tasting. For more details, call 480-837-5637 or $10, patrons will receive an engraved visit thunderbirdartists.com.
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Tuft & Needle launches walnut bed frame BY GSN STAFF
Tuft & Needle has launched a hardwood bed frame from upcycled walnut to complement its product line. Called &Frame, it is designed by Levi Christiansen, a designer and developer of hard goods at T&N and a former awardwinning photographer in New York. On average, &Frame takes about 10 minutes to assemble and requires a single tool and four bolts. By increasing the width of traditional slats, &Frame’s design minimizes the number of slats needed and incorporates Velcro to stabilize them, eliminating the awkward, clunky slat wrestle, according to the company. Additional features include space for underbed storage, an ideal sit-height (Special to GSN of 20 inches, a small footprint The bed frame takes about 10 minutes to assemble and requires a single tool and four bolts. and a considerate headboard. From the onset, the company sought and unsuccessful search for one that was The frame is made from up-cycled walnut, and each one is different than a hardwood bed frame that fit a timeless simple, classic and honestly priced, the aesthetic for its mattress. After a long team decided to create one. the next.
“We believe in efficiency without cutting corners. When it comes to pricing, this means creating the best product with the highest quality materials and charging what we need, not what we can,” said JT Marino, cofounder of T&N. The Phoenix-based company’s main sell is a mattress available in just one style in Adaptive Foam. It’s designed for people of all shapes, sizes and sleeping style. The bed frame is available for purchase in limited quantity in the Valley’s three retail locations, which include Gilbert, and online at tuftandneedle.com. Tuft & Needle is at 350 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 104, Gilbert, in the Heritage District. Details: 877-842-2586 or tuftandneedle. com/stores/gilbert.
Shea Homes to build more than 300 houses
Mountain America Credit Union opens
Shea Homes is to open three communities in the new Recker Pointe development, located at the southwest corner of Ray and Recker roads. When complete, Ambition at Recker Pointe, Compass at Recker Pointe and Inspire at Recker Pointe will add more than 300 homes to the area. “Gilbert has been a strong market for Shea for some time,” said Ken Peterson, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Shea Homes Arizona. (Special to GSN) “Marbella Vineyards, which we This model is from Shea Homes’ Ambition at Recker Pointe. opened in 2013, is nearly sold out. ranging from two to 3.5. Homes at Ambition Our luxury gated community, The Reserves, debuted in May 2017, and this fall, are priced from the $310,000s. Inspire community’s floor plans range we are opening three new communities at from approximately 2,462 to 3,351 square Recker Pointe.” Ambition is part of the Shea3D series of feet, and provide spacious floor plans with homes, giving home buyers the opportunity options for three to four bedrooms and to choose from a variety of interchangeable, two to 3.5 bathrooms. Inspire homes are lifestyle-driven spaces. Four distinctive, priced from the $370,000s. The third community, Compass, to single-story and two-story open floor plans will be showcased in three model homes. open Saturday, November 11, will offer Floorplans range in size from approximately three- and four-bedroom homes, each with 1,710 to 2,991 square feet, with bedrooms 2.5 bathrooms. These range in size from ranging from two to six and bathrooms approximately 1,855 to 2,151 square feet.
West Jordan, Utah-based Mountain America Credit Union has opened its newest branch in Gilbert at 3565 S. Gilbert Road. Branch manager Keli Grondel has more than 10 years of experience in the credit union world. She joined Mountain America just over five years ago, and said she has cultivated a passion for the credit union’s purpose to serve members and surrounding communities. “I feel very honored to be the branch manager of the Gilbert Branch,” Grondel said. “My team and I have found great satisfaction in guiding our members toward their financial dreams.” The Gilbert Branch provides a range of financial products and services, including traditional savings, insurance, investments, auto and RV loans and an array of mortgage loans and services. Mountain America also offers the MyStyle Checking account with customizable rewards. Since it is federally chartered, Mountain America provides an additional assortment of services, including real estate and business lending. The credit union has more than 680,000
BY GSN CONTRIBUTOR
BY GSN STAFF
Keli Grondel.
(Special to GSN
members and $6.7 billion in assets. Details: macu.com
November 2017
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Business Briefs BY GSN STAFF
Volvo in town
Silent-Aire opens
Volvo of Tempe has relocated to Gilbert and undergone a name change to become Volvo Cars Gilbert; the new address is 3285 S. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. The dealership’s ownership, phone numbers and lead source addresses remain the same. Details: volvocarsgilbert. com.
Silent-Aire, a global manufacturer of HVAC equipment and modular data centers, is opening a new 150,000-squarefoot factory and head office in Gilbert. The new facility will welcome 300 current employees and will add 225 jobs in the future. The anticipated economic impact to the town is more than $1 billion over the next 10 years. Silent-Aire, founded in 1994, is a global HVAC engineering and data center manufacturing company.
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Queen Creek Fiesta project gets underway BY GSN STAFF
Queen Creek town representatives and others from the business community don hard hats to move the first sod for Queen Creek Fiesta. (Photo courtesy of LGE Design Build)
LGE Design Build has broken ground on the first phase of Queen Creek Fiesta, a mixed-use development project that will inject new dining, fitness and retail options into the burgeoning area in the heart of Queen Creek. The 47,500 square-foot multipurpose property, at 21545 S. Ellsworth Loop, has several tenants lined up already, despite the fact that construction is not set to wrap until early next summer.
“There’s a ton of opportunity in this area, as evidenced by the fact that we already have tenants lining up for a project that won’t be ready for some time yet,” said David Sellers, LGE Design Build president and CEO. The $12 million project is developed by Cave Creek-based Fortis Development and anchored by Planet Fitness. It’s estimated to be completed by June next year.
Having Fun, Helping Others! Get plugged into Gilbert Gilbert Rotary Invites you to join us for Breakfast Our Treat! No Reservation Required Every Thursday 7 a.m. at the Egg I am 3321 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, AZ For more information call 480-207-6473
A rendering of Queen Creek Fiesta, projected to be complete by next summer. (Rendering courtesy of LGE Design Build)
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Is Your Quality of Life Suffering Because of Your Shoulder Pain? Have you been told that your shoulder pain can only be fixed by surgery? Are you living on pain medication in order to make it through your job or workouts? Have you changed the way you do things in order to avoid the pain? DO you think your pain will just “go away” on it’s own? Are you 35+ years of age and can answer YES to any of these questions? Or do you have a friend or family member you hear complain about shoulder pain frequently? IF you have pain in your shoulder for more than 2 weeks, most likely it will not just “go away” on it’s own. Lucky for you, there is an option to a pain free life that does not involve pain medication or surgery. Just imagine what your life could be like if your shoulder pain was gone. Could you do your job pain free? Could you finish that workout at the gym that you have been unable to do? The possibilities are endless on what you will be able to do when you are free of shoulder pain. Many times, shoulder pain is due to our frequent postures and positions we maintain that are less than ideal. If you can restore the proper mechanics in your shoulder, the pain frequently resolves, allowing you to perform your prior activities PAIN FREE! We can help you do just that with a combination of hands on work, exercises to retain your shoulder area, and education on how to avoid in the future.
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Gilbert boy is king of chess
November 2017
45
BY MELODY BIRKETT
Steve Wongso is not your typical 7-year-old. In between studying, he loves playing chess. In fact, he has won two national championships. He’s the First Grade Champion in the 2016 National K-12 Championships. And in May, Steve became K-1 Champion at the 2017 Super Nationals VI, which is held every four years and is considered the largest competition of its kind, with more than 5,000 children competing. Steve also competed in the 2017 World Cadet Championship in Brazil, where he played 11 games and placed 14 out of 79 competitors. In December, he’ll compete in the nationals in the December K-12 championship, this time as a secondgrader. Asked if he’s excited, Steve said, “Not so much.” He said he doesn’t get nervous, but rather looks at the competition as a way to have fun. “Often he plays against older kids and adults as part of training” but just competes in his age group,” said Steve’s mother, Silvana, who said her son first showed interest in the game when he was about 5. “Before he started kindergarten, he was playing board games,” Wongso said. “So we got one of chess, a basic one.” When Steve was in kindergarten, she said, “We joined Neely Traditional Academy School in Gilbert. They have a chess club.” Steve then started entering – and winning – chess tournaments on weekends. Realizing his talent, Wongso went to Unity Chess Club in Mesa and
enrolled her son in private coaching lessons with Pedram Atoufi. “He’s going to become the youngest master in the U.S.,” Atoufi said. “I think the secret is the spirit of his fight that he has in his game. I never saw it in a long time and for any kid his age.” Many kids and adults worry when they’re playing. “For Steve, his secret when he’s playing is he doesn’t worry about anything,” Atoufi said. “He’s very brave. He’s just going for a win. These things you rarely see in kids his age.” No doubt, it takes a special talent. Steve said his favorite part about playing chess is “thinking.” He does have other interests, too: soccer and basketball, according to his mom. “I like soccer just as much as chess,” added Steve. “All of my friends are chess players.” Steve also plays piano and is trying to get other pianists (Special to GSN) interested in chess. For now, he National chess champion Steve Wongso studies practices against his 10-year-old his next move. sister. Steve has time to practice (Special to GSN) and travel to these competitions put into chess time.” Steve Wongso and coach Pedram Atoufi with one of because he’s enrolled in an online Practicing every day doesn’t always mean Steve’s many chess trophies. school called Arizona Connections doing it in the traditional way. Academy. “Nowadays with technology, like online “When he goes out of state, he games, they can go online and play with kids international tournaments can be expensive, as can still do the work,” said Wongso, around the world on some websites,” explained are private coaching sessions. who adds the school offers the Atoufi. “Talented students have a good potential to standard curriculum of a traditional He recommends starting children at a young go for a championship, and I encourage them to elementary school. age at playing the game. go to the top level in the country,” Atoufi said. No doubt, at the level Steve is at, “Five and 6 is a very good age to start chess,” Steve plans to continue competing and for it does take a lot of practice. “Steve is said Atoufi. “Any age is possible to go towards now, has no desire to learn other games. He just very serious and he’s practicing every the top but 5 and 6, in my opinion, is better.” wants to “keep getting better” at chess. day,” said Atoufi. “Many hours he has As far as cost, going to the national and
(GSN photo by Melody Birkett)
Steve with mom Silvana and Unity Chess Club owner Pedram Atoufi.
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1/3 of Valley parents won’t allow kids to play football CONTRIBUTED BY BARROW NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE
Despite increased emphasis on concussion education and player safety, one-third of Valley parents won’t allow their children to play football, according to a new survey by Phoenix’s Barrow Neurological Institute. At the same time, 85 percent of parents say they will allow their children to play contact sports – a jump from 69 percent in a similar 2014 survey. The sentiment about football was consistent with a survey conducted last year. The poll was conducted to determine public response to the increased visibility of concussions and brain injuries in sports. “It is clear that parents continue to view football as more dangerous than other contact sports,” said Dr. Javier Cárdenas, director of the Barrow Concussion and Brain Injury Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, which is part of Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. “As parents learn more about concussion treatment and diagnosis, they have become more willing to allow their children to play contact sports but make a notable exception for football.” Dr. Cárdenas serves on the NFL’s Head, Neck and Spine Committee, working as an Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant and sideline observer at Arizona Cardinals home games. He also serves as a sideline concussion observer at Arizona State University home football games. In Arizona, the survey tracks with declining participation in 11-player high school football. From 2016-17, 17,858 boys and girls played 11-person high school football in Arizona, down from 20,929 the previous season, a drop of 15 percent, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. Football has by far the largest
participation numbers and highest number of concussions among high school sports, but girls’ soccer has the highest percentage of players sustaining concussions. Nine out of 10 parents said they would allow their children to play soccer. Concussion worries aren’t limited to football. Concussion accounts for 31 percent of all injuries sustained in cheerleading, according to a 2015 study published in the journal Pediatrics. But the study noted that cheerleading’s concussion rates are far lower than all other sports combined. The survey revealed that 90 percent of respondents agree that concussions are a “serious medical condition” – a significantly higher percentage than in previous studies in 2014 (85 percent) and 2016 (84 percent). Dr. Cárdenas cited increased media coverage of concussions – especially in pro sports – as a factor in the wider public understanding of brain injuries. Dr. Cárdenas said parents of patients in his clinic are showing increasing concern for the long-term effects of multiple concussions. “I have seen parents withdraw their children from all sports that had any risk of concussion,” Dr. Cárdenas said. “More parents and families are assessing the risk of concussion based on an individual sport – and some are waiting to enroll their kids in sports that have a higher risk of concussion, fearing long-term exposure and higher risk at younger ages.” Dr. Cárdenas said parents should be aware of a major gap in concussion protocols between high school and club sports. “At the high school level, concussion protocols are mandated by state federations,” he said. “Clubs generally
do not have such governance, and it’s really the Wild West in terms of concussion policies.” The Barrow concussion awareness study was conducted this summer with a sample of 424 Phoenix-area adults selected randomly. A similar series of questions was added to the January 2016 and February 2014 WestGroup Research surveys. The margin of error is plus or minus 5 percent at 95 percent confidence for the full sample (424) and plus or minus 8.8 percent among parents (124).
Date night? Say yes. We’ll watch your little pumpkin.
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November 2017
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Toeing the line Photos by Cheryl Haselhorst
Each fall, Ballet Etudes holds company auditions open to Valley dancers ages 9 to 18. Those who are accepted are cast automatically in the company’s two full-length annual productions and have the opportunity to be cast in several other performances throughout the year. Auditions for Ballet Etudes’ annual production of “The Nutcracker” were held recently. Ballet Etudes is at 2401 E. Baseline Road, Gilbert.
1. Allie Pedersen (41) 2. On pointe 3. Bridget Morgan (4) and Kelsey Scalzon (5) 4. Catherine Baskin (17) auditions. Behind her are Taylor Ponsness (23) and Cheyenne Garao (24) 5. The adjudicators watch the dancers closely; from left are Astrit Zejnati, ballet master, Justin Moore, Kellan Meko, Sharon Seder Meko and Aliece Bergen., 6. Dancers audition for Ballet
Etudes
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Program encourages students to apply for federal aid BY GSN CONTRIBUTOR
Higley Unified School District is implementing a pilot program called Future Me to encourage more high school seniors to pursue postsecondary education. This is because available federal dollars to offset the costs of postsecondary education go unclaimed in Arizona, according to the Arizona College Access Network. Future Me is available in six other school districts in the state, but HUSD is the only one in the East Valley. As a first step, students are encouraged to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). “Your FAFSA tells you how much financial aid you qualify for so you can make informed decisions about education beyond high school,” said Linda Jensen, director of the Arizona College Access Network. “Many students who think they can’t afford to continue their education discover that two- or four-year colleges, or shorter certificate programs, are actually financially attainable.” Up to 92 percent of students from low-income households receive grants through FAFSA, and nearly 85 percent of all students who complete a FAFSA receive some type of financial aid, according to
HUNTERS
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FAFSA statistics. Funded by the Helios Foundation through the Arizona College Access Network, the Future Me pilot is challenging participating school districts to get more students to explore continuing their education after high school. Throughout the fall semester, the Future Me pilot is assisting students and educators in participating districts through the process of creating their own communications campaigns to encourage other students to complete the FAFSA.
The Arizona College Access Network has five reasons to submit a FAFSA: 1. To receive grants. During the 2015-2016 school year, college students in Arizona received $571.6 million in federal grants, according to the office of Federal Student Aid. Grants are based on financial need. For the 2017-2018 school year, eligible students can each receive up to $5,920 in Pell grants. In addition to Pell grants, which are provided to every student who qualifies, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are available at participating schools for students with exceptional need. FSEOG
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dollars are awarded on a first come, first served basis through individual schools, so it’s important to fill out the FAFSA as early as possible. 2. To be eligible for work-study programs. According to the office of Federal Student Aid, nearly 7,000 Arizona college students were awarded more than $14.6 million through Federal Work-Study programs during the 20152016 school year. Federal Work-Study provides parttime jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need to help them earn money for educational expenses. Funds are distributed through participating schools. Students hoping to participate in Federal Work-Study should fill out their FAFSA as soon as possible, as funds at each school are limited. 3. To qualify for student loans. The office of Federal Student Aid reports more than 151,000 students in Arizona took advantage of Federal Loans to help pay for their college degree and certificate programs during the 2015-2016 academic year. The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program is the largest federal student loan
program in the United States. It provides both subsidized and unsubsidized loans to eligible students. While the FAFSA is not a loan application, students must complete this application to qualify for available aid, including student loans. 4. To qualify for some scholarships. Many colleges require a FAFSA to qualify for scholarships, even if those scholarships are not based on family income. Submitting a FAFSA in advance means students are prepared to apply for every scholarship available to them. 5. To show your commitment to potential schools. Filling out the FAFSA can, in some cases, help a student gain admission to a school. In fact, 90 percent of high school seniors who complete a FAFSA attend college directly from high school. The district that inspires the largest percentage increase in FAFSA completions over last year’s numbers will receive a monetary reward and statewide recognition through the Future Me program. To submit a FAFSA, visit fafsa.gov.
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November 2017
Liberty Arts Academy: no homework and nurtures art
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BY MELODY BIRKETT
What sets apart Liberty Arts Academy from other schools is its focus on art. “Everything we do is revolving around art in our core classes to our special areas,” said Brady Wald, principal, who has worked in the field of education for 17 years. “So our kids have their core classes: language, arts, math, science and social studies.” In addition, Wald said, students have two weekly classes each in physical education, arts and music, and a class each in library and computer. Middle-schoolers have electives such as no-bake cooking and debate and the usual offerings of beforeand after-school clubs and programs. The Title 1 charter school implements BARK (Brave, Attentive, Responsible and Kind) to Excellence as its new Positive Behavior Intervention Support. “We really work on those four characteristics each and every day, teaching our students expectations and what it means to be BARK to Excellence,” Wald said. “It’s literally the game plan and foundation of our school. It teaches not only our students’ expectations, but it teaches all of us about the expectations here at school.” The school is also big on forming partnerships with businesses. Hence, bank representatives visit to teach students about saving and budgeting and those in the dental field teach kids about dental health. Recently, the Arizona Diamondbacks donated 1,000 tickets to enable entire families to attend a game. Wald is also connecting with Arizona State University to create a mentorship program. “All of our schools have something to offer and I get that,” said Wald. “But it seems like more and more schools are taking away from creating that whole child. There’s so much emphasis on the core classes but you have to have that well-rounded, educational experience that is really going to promote a child’s wellbeing.”
Schedule
The 190 students at Liberty Arts Academy attend school from 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Monday to Thursday. On Friday, early release is at 12:30 p.m. School uniforms are required everyday except Friday, which is spirit day, when students can wear jeans and their school shirt. The school teaches students through the 8th grade and offers a full-day kindergarten program along with full-day pre-kindergarten. Its four bus drivers provide transportation to and from school from anywhere in the Valley; there are no boundaries.
Art and music
Students learn and participate in various art forms including drawing, color schemes, blending colors, painting on canvas,
to develop a love for school and we want them to develop a love for reading.” Without that balance, according to Wald, kids can start having stress and trauma. “We want our kids to be stress-free. We want them to have a love for school, not to hate school because of homework, because they’re tired from the night before. Family is incredibly important and balance is incredibly important.”
Title 1
(Special to GSN)
Students learn and participate in various art forms in this room.
painting on paper and watercolors. “It’s endless,” Wald said. “It’s bringing the creative side out of all of our students. It’s getting kids to be (Special to GSN) innovative and Principal Brady Wald. creative and getting them excited about art.” “In our music room, we’re focusing on singing, reading notes, giving students access and opportunities to instruments that they may never have seen or heard of before or have had the opportunity to play,” he said. “Our kids will have drumsticks,” Wald added. “We’ll be doing a percussion unit on the drums and drumming our buckets and sitting on stability balls. I mean those are things I’ve never been a part of. It’s important for us to be providing these opportunities for kids.” Basically, Wald said, it’s keeping up with evolving education. “We’re trying to reform what we’re doing in the classroom because kids deserve the best. Kids deserve the best opportunities, so we’re providing those in so many different ways. We’re being very strategic about the way we teach our kids and the way we’re meeting the needs of our kids.” The school does follow a curriculum by the Arizona College Inquiry Ready Standards.
Sensory Room
One way the school is evolving and trying to meet the needs of students is with a sensory movement reflection room. “We provide them with beanbag chairs, rocking chairs, stability balls, fidget cubes,
squeeze balls,” Wald said. “Kids might need additional movement. Kids might need additional sensory. So, what we do at Liberty is we provide them that sensory opportunity. We put them on a 10-minute timer. They can pick two or three different activities and kids will be able to get that movement, get the wiggles out, get the fidgets out, and be able to go back into class and be engaged in class again.”
Indoor Gym
In the heart of the campus is a multipurpose room to hold assemblies and special events; it also doubles as an indoor gym, especially during the hot summer months. “Movement is so incredibly important for all of our students…It could be anything from physical movement to exercising, stretching, some type of game or activity they play focusing on their skills,” Wald said.
No Homework
There is a no-homework policy. “Family is incredibly important to us,” Wald said. “And so we’re a family here at Liberty. What we are doing is we’re trying to promote family as well as that wholechild experience. So when students get done with school, we want them to participate in piano, in baseball, in soccer, in gymnastics, extracurricular activities. And, at the same time, we want our kids to be actively playing.” Wald cites research stating that kids need active play in and out of school since it helps stimulate the brain plus helps with growth and achievement. “We want our kids to be with their families at night and not have to worry about or be inundated with hours upon hours of homework,” he said. “So, all we ask our families is to read with your kids at least 20 minutes a night. Be a family. It’s not homework. It’s practice. We want kids
Liberty Arts Academy is a Title 1 school, meaning the school receives federal funds to meet the educational goals of certain students, including low-income, at-risk and limited English proficiency kids. Funds may be used for instructional activities, curriculum improvement and program involvement. Schools must make sufficient progress each year on state testing. “The kids who qualify for Title 1 are typically the kids who are struggling in a certain area,” said Grace Sharp, Title 1 reading paraprofessional. She works with students in grades 4-8. “I take a small group at a time or maybe work one-on-one or sometimes I’ll push into the classroom and assist those kids who need help,” said Sharp. She tries not to work with more than five kids at a time. The job is challenging, but Sharp enjoys it and hopes she can have a positive impact on kids. “So the ones who hate school, I want to help them love school,” said Sharp. “For the ones who hate reading, I want them to love reading.”
Why Liberty?
“We are trying to provide the best educational experience possible,” said Wald. “And we believe that every child can learn and we believe in them.” He said it’s hard to compare Liberty Arts Academy to other schools because what they do is different for each child and how they reach them. Wald said it’s about providing them with the tools and strategies to help get results. “But we can’t be so results-oriented,” he said. “We can’t be just about test scores.” No doubt this passion transfers into the classroom. “It’s a great place to be,” Wald said. “We really are a team. I believe in the motto that ‘Together, everyone achieves more.’ You’re only as strong as your weakest link and it’s important that all of us — including our parents, our staff members, our community our business partners — are working together for the best interest of our kids.” Liberty Arts Academy is part of the Kaizen Education Foundation and The Leona Group has owned the school since 2008. Details: libertyartsacademy.com.
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Youth
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Schooled in kindness:
(Photos courtesy of Higley Unified School District))
www.GilbertSunNews.com
With help from the nonprofit School Connect, Coronado Elementary School from Higley Unified School District partnered with Christ’s Church of the Valley to participate in “Love Our School Day” recently. Volunteers worked on one of the school’s goals this year: beautification of its campus. Robert and Teresa Finley (at left) created a giant checkerboard for the playground; others cleaned the campus, created a garden and wrote letters of appreciation to teachers.
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Check us out at arizonasoccerclub.com/grp or find us on Facebook @ Arizona Soccer Club Grass Roots Recreation Program
Spirituality
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Spiritual Connections The Bridge Church 645 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 180, Gilbert 480-294-7888 bridgechurchaz.org Service: 10 a.m. Sundays We exist to help people know God and become everything God created them to be. We do this by helping people begin a relationship with God, grow in that relationship to find freedom from the struggles they experience, discover the purpose for which God made them and live out their purpose to make a difference in the church and in the world. Central Christian Church-Gilbert 965 E. Germann Road, Gilbert centralaz.com Services: 4 and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon Sundays While the Bible itself is the church’s official document of faith, the website lists a variety of statements that fundamentally define the church. Please visit the website for more information. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 3301 S. Greenfield Road, Gilbert 480-822-5000 lds.org
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First United Methodist Church of Gilbert 331 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert 480-892-9166 gilbertumc.org Services: 8 and 9:30 a.m. (traditional services) and 11 a.m. (contemporary service) Sundays The two traditional services feature the Chancel choir and traditional worship. The 11 a.m. service has a contemporary feel, with music from the Praise Band. The 9:30 a.m. service generally has the largest attendance. Gilbert Presbyterian Church 235 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert 480-892-6753 azgpc.org Services: 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays Gilbert Presbyterian Church is called to be a Christ-centered covenant family nurtured by the Holy Spirit to worship God and to share God’s love. The Lawrence Memorial AME Zion Church 1141 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert 480-772-3603 Services: 10:15 a.m. Sunday; Bible study is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday The Lawrence Memorial Church is a contemporary church. We are a multicultural church that is simply looking to reach the unreachable with love. Living Water United Methodist Fellowship Highland Park Elementary School 230 N. Cole Dr., Gilbert livingwaterum.org Services: 10 a.m. Sundays Living Water exists to bring people in to meet Christ, build people up to follow Christ and send people out to share Christ. Mission Community Church 4450 E. Elliot Road, Gilbert 480-545-4024 mission68.org Services: 4 and 6 p.m. Saturdays and
Join us for our current series in the Book of Proverbs.
Sundays at 10:00 am New Location 645 N Gilbert Rd, Suite 180 Gilbert, AZ 85234 (Southeast corner of Gilbert & Guadalupe, south of EVDI) Pastor Kent Bertrand 480.294.7888 www.bridgechurchaz.org
9, 10:30 and 11:59 a.m. Sundays The Bible is God’s word to all people. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Because it is inspired by God, it is truth and without error in the original manuscripts. Redemption Gilbert 1820 W. Elliot Road, Gilbert 480-632-2220 gilbert.redemptionaz.com/about/ a-brief-overview/ Services: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sundays Gospel means good news, but it is truly the most profound and glorious truth ever revealed. It is not advice, nor is it a system or philosophy to add to the congregants’ lives. It is an exclusive truth claim, a holistic worldview, the true story of the whole world, which by its very nature must redefine and recolor everything else. Resurrection Episcopal Church Meets at Gilbert Community Center, 130 N. Oak St., Gilbert 480-719-5343 resurrectiongilbert.org Services: 10 a.m. Sundays Resurrection officials say the congregation is a church you can believe in because you belong. This means it welcomes and embraces all people because God already has. Come for worship, fellowship and Bible study on Sundays and join the group on a spiritual journey to better understand God’s plan for our lives.
San Tan Bible Church 1424 S. Promenade Lane, Gilbert th Starting January 8 , 2017, Phone number not available. please join us as we work throughsantanbible.org the Services: 8:30 a.m. (Bible hour); 9:30 Community Bible Experience together, a.m. (Café 2:42) and 10 a.m. worship as a church family! service Sundays The church believes the glory of God is E. Guadalupe Rd.
the chief end of all we do. Sun Valley Community Church 456 E. Ray Road, Gilbert 480-632-8920 sunvalleycc.com Services: 4 and 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 9, 10:30 and 11:59 a.m. Sundays The atmosphere is casual and friendly at Sun Valley Community Church. It places high value on authentic Christian living and placing Christ at the center of all our teachings. The church also offers worship music that is current and uplifting, along with focused weekend sermons that break down the Bible in a way that makes it easy to connect the word of God with today’s busy life. Two Rivers Church 326 E. Guadalupe Road, Gilbert 85234 480-892-2435, 2riverschurch.org Services: 6 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Spanish) Sundays Two Rivers Church exists to help lead congregants into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ by encouraging and equipping them to love God intimately and serve others. It has a casual environment with a serious faith.
N. Gilbert Rd.
Vineyard Community Church 601 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert 85233 480-892-5828 vineyardaz.com Services: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays Vineyard Community is a casual, friendly and inviting church. Its desire is to be a safe place where people’s lives are being transformed by Christ in community for the world. The diverse community of Christ-followers seeks the radical in-breaking of the kingdom of God here and now. Followers worship God with the intention of touching heaven and changing earth.
November 2017
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* Average tuition after scholarships is approximately $8,600. Scholarships may be awarded based on 6th semester transcripts. At the time in which final, official transcripts are received, GCU reserves the right to rescind or modify the scholarship if it is determined that eligibility was not achieved. GCU reserves the right to decline scholarship awards for any reason. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited. GCU reserves the right to change scholarship awards at any time without notice. If a student does not meet the minimum renewal criteria, their scholarship will be forfeited. Prices based on 2016-17 rate and are subject to change. ** Housing and meal plan rate includes triple occupancy, suite-style residence hall and $1,350 Dining Dollars, plus applicable sales tax as required by state law. Prices reflect 2016-17 and are subject to change. The information printed in this material is accurate as of May 2017. For the most up-to-date information about admission requirements, tuition, scholarships and more, visit gcu.edu. Important policy information is available in the University Policy Handbook at https://www. gcu.edu/academics/academic-policies.php For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other important information, please visit our website at gcu.edu/disclosures. Please note, not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities. Program availability is contingent on student enrollment. Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (800-621-7440; http://hlcommission.org/). GCU, while reserving its lawful rights in light of its Christian mission, is committed to maintaining an academic environment that is free from unlawful discrimination. Further detail on GCU’s Non-Discrimination policies can be found at gcu.edu/titleIX. ©2017 Grand Canyon University 17GTR0279
Arts
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New Chums keep the energy high
November 2017
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BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
California native Seth Boyack was visiting a historical museum in Australia when he came across an interesting phrase: “new chums.” “There was a placard that said when new prisoners were coming in to jail, the current prisoners would say, ‘The new chums are here.’” Upon his move to Arizona, the Gilbert resident recalled that visit. “I was getting a group of new people together to form something great,” he said. “I thought of New Chums. It’s a relevant name. None of the band members knew each other. I found them all through an advertisement on Craigslist.” Formed less than a year ago, New Chums released their debut EP, See It for Myself on October 6. The band will open for Weird Radicals and Walker Lukens at 8 p.m. Sunday, November 19, at Valley Bar in Phoenix. “We always have high-energy shows,” said guitarist Matt Lloyd of Queen Creek. “We will be playing all the songs from our EP, and we’ll throw in a cover to surprise the crowd. We’re a pretty straightforward rock band. We’re not into props or anything like that – at least currently. We hope the music is really good and speaks for itself. We have a lot of energy and connect with the crowd.” New Chums have been likened to The Strokes, Neon Trees and Jimmy Eat World, bringing big guitars and catchy choruses. Boyack and Lloyd are joined in the band by bassist Cassandra Clark of Glendale, and Ben Hedlund of Gilbert. The EP was recorded at the downtown Mesa studio Flying Blanket Recording with its owner, Bob Hoag, who also has worked with Dear and the Headlights and Jared and the Mill. “He’s great at what he does,” he said. “He’s a great engineer and helped us form our sound.” The musicians come from varied backgrounds. Lloyd was living in Nashville and gigging around town when he returned to Arizona unexpectedly to care for a sick family member. “I found a great group of guys,” he said. “A year and a half ago, I never would have thought I would be out here, let alone have life-changing things go on around here. It’s been pretty neat. You never know what’s around the corner.” A Boston native, Hedlund has a background in recording and touring. Meanwhile, Clark, who hails from Michigan, provides a solid foundation.
(Photo courtesy New Chums)
New Chums are, clockwise from left, singer Seth Boyack, drummer Ben Hedlund, guitarist Matt Lloyd and bassist Cassandra Clark. The band just released the EP See It for Myself.
Expect New Chums to further push See It for Myself and its two singles, “Come On, Come On” and “Cave In,” with more shows. “We love the way the EP turned out, and we hope others will, too,” Lloyd said.
Walker Lukens w/Weird Radicals and New Chums, 8 p.m. Sunday, November 19 Valley Bar, 130 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix $10-$12, valleybarphx.com
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Arts
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November 2017
“Meet Me in St. Louis” a charming musical
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BY DON ANDREWS
Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert presents Meet Me in St. Louis, a charming Broadway musical based on the 1944 film that rocketed former child star Judy Garland to new fame as an adult. The story transports audiences to the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, where they meet Mr. and Mrs. Smith, their four daughters and one son. Thereafter, romantic suitors, comedic misunderstandings and jovial pranks mean nonstop entertainment. The show offers evergreen songs such as “Meet Me in St. Louie,” “Louie,” “The Boy Next Door,” “Skip to My Lou,” “A Day in New York,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The movie was nominated for four Oscars and named one of the Ten Best Musicals by the American Film Institute. The Broadway production in 1989-1990 was nominated for four Meet Me in St. Louis plays through November 25 at Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert. The musical is directed and choreographed by multiariZoni Award winner Cambrian James with Lincoln Wright as music director. Tickets are $32 for adults and $20 for youth ages 5-17. Details: call 480-4971181 or visit haletheatrearizona.com.
Tony Awards and won New York’s Theatre World Award.
Coming up at Hale The Hale’s holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, performs in December. On New Year’s Eve, it ushers 2018 with the hilarious comedy See How They Run, which plays through early February. Life Could Be a Dream, a jukebox musical romp, runs from mid-January through mid-April. The Broadway smash hit musical No, No, Nanette begins in mid-February and plays through the end of March. The Importance of Being Earnest, the hilarious satire on Victorian manners by Oscar Wilde, appears from April 5th through May 12th. Big Fish, an entertaining big-fish story set to music, is next from mid-May through the end of June. Sister Act, the uproarious musical comedy about a disco queen who takes refuge in a convent, concludes Hale’s 14th season. Sister Act plays at Hale from July 6 through August 18.
(GSN photo courtesy of Hale Centre Theatre)
Meet Me in St. Louis stars Holly Payne as Esther Smith, Jacob Goodman as John Truitt and Lily Nelson as Tootie Smith.
Gilbert siblings preparing for Mesa Music Fest BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
When Sophie Dorsten saw her brother, Alex, play guitar with his band Vintage Wednesday, she was hooked. “I wanted to play music,” she said. “I was only in choir at school, but I started singing on my own – and I picked up the guitar.” In six years, the 15-year-old Gilbert singer-songwriter has performed at Valley venues like the Queen Creek Olive Mill, Marquee Theatre and the now-shuttered Alice Cooper’stown. She’ll return to the free Mesa Music Festival in mid-November. For a
complete schedule, visit mesamusicfest. com/schedule/. “It was really cool walking around and seeing all these different people performing, and all the art everywhere,” said Sophie, a Gilbert Christian High School sophomore, about her previous appearance.
Citing Adele as her biggest influence, Sophie recently released the single “Beauty of the Heart,” a song she found easy to write. “I mostly write songs that are about myself. Some are about other people,”
she said. “They’re mostly poetic.” Sophie was a semifinalist in Alice Cooper’s Proof Is in the Pudding see
MUSIC page 56
(Photo courtesy Sophie Dorsten)
Sophie Dorsten is looking forward to playing new songs for the crowds at the Mesa Music Festival.
(Photo courtesy Vintage Wednesday)
Vintage Wednesday (from left, keyboardist/bassist Christopher Marchant, drummer Josh Jones, vocalist Taylor Sackson, and guitarists Logan Dubek and Alex Dorsten) play the Mesa Music Festival in November and the Marquee Theatre in December.
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November 2017
Upcoming events at Higley Center for the Arts Bellamy Brothers
Brothers Howard and David Bellamy will perform songs from their 40-year musical career, including “If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body,” “Redneck Girl,” “Santa Fe,” and their breakout 1976 pop-country hit “Let Your Love Flow.” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 7. Tickets cost $32 to $50.40.
Ronny Cox Actor Ronny Cox is best-known for his appearances in movies including Deliverance, Beverly Hills Cop, Total Recall and Robocop, but in this performance, he’ll be showing off his musical comedy talents. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 9. Tickets cost $24.
Heart By Heart The songs of rock band Heart take on new life in this concert featuring original Heart members, bassist Steve Fossen and drummer Michael Derosier. The rhythm section is joined by vocalist Somar Macek, multi-instrumentalist Lizzy Daymont, and guitarist Randy Hansen. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 18. Tickets
Arts
cost $32 to $50.40.
Tanya Tucker In 1974, Rolling Stone ran a cover story on Tanya Tucker with the headline that said, “You’re Gonna Hear from Me.” For four decades, her sultry voice and vivacious stage presence have helped make her one of the most admired and respected female vocalists in the Country Music genre. Tucker’s reign includes 23 Top 40 albums and a string of 56 Top 40 Singles, ten of which reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts. Along the way, she has provided some of the biggest country music hits of each decade, including, “Blood Red and Goin’ Down,” “Would You Lay with Me (in a Field of Stone),” and “Texas (When I Die).” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 5. Tickets cost $41 - $64.60.
Higley Center for the Arts is located at 4132 E. Pecos Road in Gilbert. For more information about events at Higley Center for the Arts, call 480-279-7194 or visit higleycenter.org.
MUSIC from page 55
competition in fall of 2015 and 2016. She has performed the national anthem at spring training games. Vintage Wednesday – lead singer Taylor Sackson of Mesa, drummer Josh Jones, Dorsten and Logan Dubek on guitar, and keyboardist/bassist Christopher Marchant – is slated to play the Mesa Music Festival as well. “This is the third year we’re playing it,” he said. “It’s fun to stick around and see the other bands who are playing.” Alex said shows like the Mesa Music Festival allow fans to see that Vintage Wednesday is the real deal. “We all like each other, and that accounts for a lot of the success we’ve had,” said Alex, who teaches guitar to kids at the Boys and Girls Clubs in Mesa and Scottsdale. “Many bands are thrown together by people. There’s no connection. They’re just there. I feel like because we’re friends, that pushes us along and keeps us going.” The Dorsten household is filled with music, but Sophie and Alex rarely play together. He is usually at work, building guitars, teaching music or playing gigs when Sophie straps on her guitar. “We do collaborate at times,” he said. “She’ll ask, ‘What should I put there?’ I’ll tell her that a chord can work, etc. Her strength is her ability
www.GilbertSunNews.com to pick up on stuff quickly. She has a strong, powerful voice, too, for as young as she is.” Sophie was a Christmas Pudding runner-up, but Vintage Wednesday took home the prize. Last December, the band set the Celebrity Theatre stage for Korn, Gin Blossoms and Hollywood Vampires, which features Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry. “It was the craziest night of my life,” said singer Sackson. “I met all of them. I told Johnny Depp his best movie was Rango, which is obviously not true. When we finished performing, I went into the green room and Brian ‘Head’ Welch from Korn was digging through my purse, grabbing our CDs. They were all so normal and welcoming and friendly. It’s not what you would think Hollywood would be like.”
Mesa Music Festival Thursday, November 9, to Saturday, November 11 Various locations throughout downtown Mesa Free mesamusicfest.com/
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November 2017
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(Photo courtesy Speakeasy PR)
Gilbert resident Ben Bruce, far left, tours with his band Asking Alexandria. Joining him are, from left, Danny Worsnop (next to Bruce), James Cassells, Cameron Liddell and Sam Bettley.
Gilbert musician makes cinematic debut BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
English guitarist Ben Bruce has an affinity for the Valley. Having moved to Scottsdale, Bruce now lives in Gilbert with his wife and daughter to give her the best possible childhood, he said. “It’s a nice place to raise a family,” said Bruce, the lead singer of the English rock band Asking Alexandria. “We did a lot of research and Gilbert is renowned for being super-safe, super-familyoriented and having great schools. We fell in love with it. It’s out of the way, but not too far out of the way.” While Asking Alexandria was in between tours, Bruce tried his hand at acting in American Satan, the tale of a young rock band who moves to the United States. All hell then breaks loose. The movie also stars acting legend Malcolm McDowell, Drake Bell and Black Veil Brides’ Andy Biersack. The role of Leo Donovan is his first in a movie. “My character is very much like
myself, maybe 20 years ago,” Bruce said. “He’s a young, eager but naïve teenager from the U.K. that’s been sold a line. He’s told to give up his life back in the U.K. and move to America, with the promise of riches and family. “He truly wants to become a legend in the rock ‘n’ roll world. It’s all downhill from there” Acting wasn’t something that Bruce aspired to do. He took drama and music in school, but he said he was “never good in drama.” He lacked the confidence to be an actor, yet he’s comfortable on stage with a guitar and mic. The key to his success, though, is pushing himself and trying new things. “I love being a musician and performing live,” Bruce said. “But it’s the same thing over and over. It’s a good job. I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone. This made me work really hard. The cast and crew were awesome – especially when I had dry mouth and I couldn’t remember my
lines. By day three, I felt like I was doing this for a month. We all became friends instantly.” Bruce was apprehensive about seeing the film, which was released in midOctober. “I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “You see a lot of musicians crossing over into the acting world. I didn’t want to slide down my side in the cinema. I saw the movie, though, and thoroughly enjoyed it. “I think I did a half-decent job at least. I’m setting the bar low. So long as I can be better than Paris Hilton in House of Wax, I’m good.” Bruce’s career is all about music for the next few months. Asking Alexandria is releasing an a to-be-named album December 15, and its new single, “Into the Fire,” has made it to Active Rock Radio charts. The record is the first since reuniting with singer Danny Worsnop. In January, Asking Alexandria will
team with Black Veil Brides for a coheadlining tour. They come to the Marquee Theatre in Tempe on Tuesday, February 20. “Andy (Biersack) and I have been friends for a very long time,” Bruce said. “That’s why the movie set was so comfortable. We’ve known each other for years. We toured with each other on the festival circuit. We opened for Avenged Sevenfold before. But we’ve never done a headlining tour together. It just seemed like an appropriate time.” For now, he’s enjoying life in Gilbert. “I’m constantly going downtown,” he said. “I think they have a chair and table with my name on it at Postino. I love it. I’m always down there.” Asking Alexandria and Black Veil Brides 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 20 The Marquee, 730 N. Mill Avenue, Tempe 480-829-0607, luckymanonline.com $27.50-$57.50
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Opinion
November 2017
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Preparing for the worst: Are you ready? BY DENNY BARNEY
In recent weeks, our country has endured a seemingly endless string of emergencies. We know Harvey, Irma and Maria by name, and we’ve seen the destruction left in their wake. We have heard about North Korea’s nuclear weapons testing and have mourned the deadliest shooting in modern U.S. history, one that targeted music lovers in a public square. We watch all of this unfold and sometimes wonder what we can do. In Maricopa County, the Department of Emergency Management plans and practices year-round to ensure our Denny Barney county and municipal response agencies are prepared to respond to a variety of natural and man-made emergency situations. But there is nothing that can take the place of personal readiness. Are you ready? Personal preparedness is as simple as having a plan, having a home emergency
supply kit or being ready to leave home with a “go” bag if needed. Talk with your family about a variety of emergency scenarios and come up with a plan. Take the time to identify exits in your home depending on the emergency. Come up with a meeting place should you be separated. Memorize the phone number of a relative in case you are unable to access your contacts on a cell phone. Have a go bag with the essentials ready for each family member (including one for pets) in the event you have to leave your home at a (Special to GSN) moment’s notice. You’ll also want to have a home emergency kit including food, water, flashlight, etc. in the event you have to “shelter in place” or stay in your home during a power failure or other event. Check your go bag and emergency kit items periodically to make sure food has not expired, items
are still functional and clothing still fits. And be sure to review and test your emergency plan annually. You can visit ready.maricopa.gov for information on putting together a family plan and emergency kit, and to sign up for email updates. In May 2017, the county conducted a survey to determine how prepared our community is for a disaster. Of the 4,700 that responded to the survey, 56 percent said they have family preparedness plans; 44 percent have go bags for times they would need to leave home quickly; and 32 percent, have emergency kits for when they would need to shelter at home. MCDEM conducts this survey each year, and – in an effort to increase these percentages – will continue to promote personal and family preparedness at local community outreach events throughout the year. Maricopa County is fortunate to be low-risk for natural disasters. However, MCDEM provides communitywide education and planning for the residents of Maricopa County in the event of a major emergency
including wildfires, dust storms, flooding, hazardous materials or acts of terrorism. During emergencies or disasters, the county provides notifications and updates to the public through the Community Emergency Notification System. CENS is a system designed to rapidly notify an affected area of an emergency by sending a recorded message through the telephone system using the 911 database. Through CENS, the county is currently able to provide real-time notifications to just over 30,000 county residents; an increase of almost 5,000 subscribers since January. Do you want to sign up? To receive emergency alerts on your cell phone, register it at ready. maricopa.gov. You can also receive preparedness and emergency updates from MCDEM’s social media sites on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Nextdoor. You never know when an emergency will happen. So be smart, proactive and practiced. It’s good to be prepared. Denny Barney is a Gilbert resident and the Chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
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5656 S Power Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85295 GilbertER.com
(480) 984-2000
Single Level 3 bedroom/2 bath upgraded home with POOL, 2 car garage PLUS double RV gate! Only $235,000!!!! This home features a great room floor plan with vaulted ceilings, 2 tone paint and brand new carpet. Spacious kitchen open to the great room with eat-in kitchen area and a breakfast bar. Granite countertops and stainless appliances. Walk in pantry area. Covered patio the full length of the home and sparking pool to enjoy also. Dog run on the west side of the house and a new double RV gate on the east side of the home. NO HOA! Large city park with playground and open green space is very close by for the kids to enjoy and an elementary school within the neighborhood too!
Call if you would like to take a look at it.
Century 21- AZ Foothills 602-576-7953 Name you can’t forget, and service you will remember!
Classifieds
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Biz Box
61
November 2017
To place a business card ad in the Biz Box, contact Tracey Wilson: 480-898-5611 • tracey@timespublications.com • www.gilbertsunnews.com PRICE: $50 + tax or 6 months for $275 + tax. Vertical business cards will be reformatted to fit this space.
WANT A GREEN LAWN?
Get rid of those pockets of unwanted fat with the newest technology in body contouring
480-940-8196 Theplugman.com
LAWN AERATING • LAWN SOIL TESTING FERTILIZER PROGRAMS • LAWN SERVICE ROC 282663 * BONDED * INSURED • Your Lawn Experts Since 1995
Graceland by AZ Park It Sheila Havrish (602) 596-9777
5036 E Van Buren St Phoenix, AZ 85008 parksheds@gmail.com
Use Your Imagination! Rent To Own ~ No Credit Check sheds, tack rooms, barns, garages & more!
FREE consults with Dr. Sandra Levitt MD 480.776.0626 InnovativePrimaryCareAZ.com/SculpSure 2915 East Baseline Road, Ste 101, Gilbert, AZ 85234
No Surgery. No downtime. JUST RESULTS.
20% OFF $25.00 All Services for First TimeCustomers
1 coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers.
Eyelash Extensions
1 coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers.
754 S. Val Vista Dr., Ste. 108, Gilbert (In Fry Plaza, NW corner of Val Vista & Warner) WALK-INS WELCOME | Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm
480-507-0888 • AngelicNailSpaGilbert.com
Visit Our Salon for More Offers!
Bernie’s LANDSCAPING
Mighty Waters Best Ionized & Alkaline Water Systems
No Chemicals! Lifetime Warranty!
480-669-8500
For a Healthier You!
Pruning Landscape Maintenance
FREE Estimates
480-340-6009
SERVICES • Yard Clean-Ups • Maintenance • Mowing-Trimming • Trash Hauling • Realtors’ Turn-Key Service Monthly or One-Time Service No Contract Required And, Yes, “I Do Windows!” (520) 424-1013 Josedoesyard@yahoo.com
Call 480-898-5611 to place your Biz Box ad!
– SculpSure.
Angelic Nails & Spa
Mowing Clean-Ups Gravel Winter Grass Irrigation Repair Tree Removal
WE HAVE THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO REACH NEW CUSTOMERS
LOOKING FOR THE BODY YOU’VE DREAMED OF?
Associated Tax Consultants — (480) 893-1394 A CPA Firm
“From Bank Reconciliations to Tax Returns & Everything in Between” Accounting Services
Tax Services
QuickBooks Support Consulting Temporary CFO Financial Review Budgeting
Tax Preparation Tax Planning Tax Compliance Sales Tax 1099 Preparation
All services are on demand. No contracts. No monthly fees. Located at the corner of Kyrene and Warner in Tempe (in conjunction with Compass-i)
A+
Please visit Website for more info
www.MightyWaters.MyTyent.com
62
Classifieds
November 2017
CLASSIFIEDS itemS for Sale FOR SALE 2 Year Old LG Washing Machine. One user only In excellent condition $300 - Cash Only 480-545-1997
Home remodeling
landSCape
roofing
ANYTHING ELECTRICAL, AIR CONDITIONING, PLUMBING Free Service Call with Repair Same Day Service Guaranteed 24/7 - 2 Hours or Less Troubleshooting Experts Minuteman Home Service SRP APS Certified Licensed/Bonded/Insured ROC 242804 BBB A+ Valleywide Code T11 602-279- 0942
HOME REMODELING REPAIRS & CUSTOM INTERIOR PAINTING Move a wall; turn a door into a window. From small jobs and repairs to room additions, I do it all. Precision interior painting, carpentry, drywall, tile, windows, doors, skylights, electrical, fans, plumbing and more. All trades done by hands-on General Contractor. Friendly, artistic, intelligent, honest and affordable. 40 years' experience. Call Ron Wolfgang Office 480-820-8515 Cell 602-628-9653 Wolfgang Construction Inc. Licensed & Bonded ROC 124934
ALL PRO TREE SERVICE, LLC Tree Trimming, Tree Removals, Stump Grinding, Monthly Landscape Maintenance, Full Yard Clean Ups, Palm Trees, Deep Root Fertilization, Irrigation, Etc. Free Estimate, Very Professional, Insured, and Bonded! Visa & MasterCard Accepted Mention this Ad and Receive 15% off Discount! 480-354-5802 or dennis@allprotrees.com See Our Ad in the Biz Box Section
Tim KLINE Roofing, LLC The Most Detailed Roofer in the State. Roofs Done Right..The FIRST Time. 15-Year Workmanship Warranty on All Complete Roof Systems. FREE Estimate and Written Proposal. 480-357-2463 www.timklineroofing.com R.O.C #156979 K-42 Licensed, Bonded and Insured
eventS
HOUSECLEANING FOR YOU! Trustworthy, Reliable Lady Many years of experience References Mesa/Gilbert 480-361-3190
Beta Sigma Phi, a woman's cultural and social organization, is looking to reconnect with non-active members in the East Valley. New members are also welcome. Beta Sigma Phi is a non-college sorority, which offers "sisterhood" and "friendship" to women of all ages. You can never underestimate the importance of other women in your life. Contact: Gail Sacco at gailsacco@q.com
THE MASTER'S TOUCH CLEANING SERVICE www.tmtclean.com One time or recurring service M-F since 2001. Licensed, insured and e-verified cleaners in teams of two. Call 480-324-1640 answered 24/7 See our Ad in the Biz Box Section
Deadline: 16th of the month for the next publication
Contact: Tracey Wilson 480-898-5611 tracey@timespublications.com www.gilbertsunnews.com
eleCtriCal
Cleaning ServiCeS
PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE 35years Experience 20years in the Valley Free Estimates Local References Move-out cleaning services available. All work done by non-smoking, meticulous owner. Call Shirley 480-433-4945
www.GilbertSunNews.com
glaSS ServiCeS GLASS, MIRRORS, SHOWER DOORS Family Owned with 50 years' EXPERIENCE. Shower and tub enclosures Framed, Frameless or Custom Doors We also install insulated glass, mirrored closet doors, window glass, mirrors, patio doors, glass table protectors. If it’s glass, we can help you. QUALITY SERVICE at Competitive Prices. FREE Estimates WESLEY'S GLASS & MIRROR Call 480-306-5113 wesleysglass.com SERVICING THE ENTIRE VALLEY
Car for Sale?
Advertise It Here!
Call 480.898.5611 TRACEY@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Need to hire some help? Call Classifieds Today!
480.898.5611
TRACEY@TIMESPUBLICATIONS.COM
Handyman HOME REPAIR SERVICE Faucets-Sinks-Toilets Disposals-H/W Heaters Fans-Drywall-Doors Special Projects 480-707-1681 IS YOUR "HONEY DO" LIST GETTING TOO BIG FOR YOU? Did you buy something that needs to be put together? Give John the Handyman a call! He can help you get things done. Anything that takes your time I can do & have the tools to do it! John the Handyman: 760-668-0681
Home improvement HOLTZMAN HOME IMPROVEMENT People do business with people they trust Home Remodeling & Additions *Kitchens or Baths *Painting/Drywall/Stucco *Plumbing/Electrical *Tile/Flooring *Decks/Garages We Do It All! 24 Hour Emergency Services Licensed/Bonded/Insured ROC#242008 FALL SPECIAL 15% off labor on any job over $1,000 Must mention this ad for discount Can't combine with any other offer Call for a Free Estimate! 602-628-8735 602-323-6574 Holtzmanhomeimprovement.com
painting Interior/Exterior Painting Free Estimates Light Repairs, Drywall Senior Discounts References Available Call Jason 480-442-8271
travel ENOS KING-LEWIS II, AGENT Guide, Producer Fun Trips! Prosperity - Wellness www.Enos4Prosperity.com 800-824-1450 (Call 24/7) enos4homes@hotmail.com
WindoWS/ Cleaning DIRTY WINDOWS FILTHY SCREENS? Call Fish Window Cleaning @ 480-962-4688 and you will have the cleanest windows and screens on the block. Below is the list of services we offer: Windows-Interior & Exterior Screens-Sunscreens/Regular Tracks, Ceiling Fans, Light Fixtures Power Washing Your driveways, sidewalks & patios
www.GilbertSunNews.com
There’s nothing as fresh as the 2018 Elantra.
San Tan Hyundai
up to
3,750
$
63
November 2017
ARIZONA’S BIGGEST SELLER OF HYUNDAI’S SINCE 1987** SEE FOR YOURSELF WHY SO MANY PEOPLE CHOOSE SAN TAN HYUNDAI.
total savings
The 2018 Sonata makes the best out of every moment. up to
6,750
$
total savings
Start something better with the 2018 Santa Fe Sport.
$
up to
4,500 total savings
The 2018 Tucson’s athletic design attracts plenty of admirers. up to
2,500
$
total savings
480-384-8000 Sale price is MSRP less factory rebates and applicable Hyundai discounts. Prices plus tax, title, license & $428.75 doc fee. On approved credit. We reserve the right to make corrections on omissions or typographical errors. Vehicle information is based on standard equipment; added equipment may increase the price. All prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice. *Vehicles may not be as shown and are subject to prior sale. **YTD in retail sales. Contact dealer for current information. Expires 11.30.17 close of business.
NEED FINANCING
1.888.846.9744
NTC
64
November 2017
www.GilbertSunNews.com
Arizona’s Resort-Style Home Builder MASTER PLANNED CELEBRATED COMMUNITIES BY BLANDFORD HOMES
Award-winning Arizona builder for 39 years. Blandford Homes specializes in building master planned environments with a variety of amenities and charm. Many offer resort-style amenities such as pools, spa, fitness, tennis, event lawns, and lifestyle activities, you’ll find the perfect community to fit your lifestyle. A Mountain Bridge in Northeast Mesa – Resort-Style Master Planned Community 6 BRAND NEW REVOLUTIONARY MODELS FOR 2017 Vintage Collection • From the high $300’s • 480-988-2400 Craftsman Collection • From the low $400’s • 480-641-1800 Artisan Collection • From the low $500’s • 480-641-1800 Master Collection • From the low $700’s • 480-641-1800
B Mulberry – “New Old-Home Neighborhood” GRAND OPENING NEW PHASES! Resort-Style in Southeast Mesa Arbor Collection • From the low $240’s • 480-895-6300 Americana Collection • From the $260’s • 480-895-2800 Centennial Collection • From the $320’s • 480-733-9000 Heritage Collection • From the $350’s • 480-733-9000
C The Estates at Thirty-Second Street NOW SELLING Estate single-level homes with 4 to 6 car garages and optional RV garages and carriage houses • From the low $700’s • 480-750-3000
D The Estates at Las Sendas NOW SELLING Northeast Mesa Resort-Style Master Planned Community
Estate single-level homes on 30,000 sq. ft. lots with 4 to 6 car garages and optional RV garages and carriage houses From the high $700’s • 480-641-1800
E Sienna Hills – 124th St & Shea in Scottsdale COMING SOON! Luxury single level estate homes from the low $900’s
BlandfordHomes.com Not all photos shown are representative of all communities. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice.