Gilbert Sun News - 12.20.2020

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This Week

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

Gilbert monitoring tournaments’ COVID mitigation

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

P

hoenix may have nixed tournament play at its facilities amid rising COVID-19 cases but in Gilbert, bats are swinging and balls are flying.

The USSSA Winter Nationals, NYS Games and USSSA Adult Slow Pitch Softball are some of the sports tournaments being played this month at town parks – with restrictions in place.

Mesa City Council two days ago consid-

COMMUNITY ........ 13 Gilbert residents have many options for volunteering.

Sunday, December 20, 2020

Quartz Hill pupils make blankets, �ind meaning

ered following Phoenix’s lead but decided to give players and their parents a shot at observing mask and social distancing regulations.

Tournament directors under the governor’s executive order are required to provide a COVID-19 event mitigation plan to the town and Arizona Department of Health Services before their event, said Eva Kirschbaum, Gilbert Parks and Recreation digital marketing coordinator.

“Rangers will monitor the event and ensure that the renters are following the

mitigation plans that were approved,” she said. “If need be, the Gilbert Police Department will be called for noncompliance issues.”

Kirschbaum said the town also has instituted safety protocols like masks, social distancing and fewer people on the sports fields during league and tournament plays at its parks like Freestone, Crossroads and Cactus Yards.

Over at the town’s premier sports com-

��� TOURNEY ���� 9

BY STACI HAUK GSN Contributor

SPORTS ....................... 17 Mesquite wins football title again.

COMMUNITY .......................................13 BUSINESS ............................................ 16

SPORTS ..................................................17 GETOUT ................................................ 19

PUZZLE ..................................................21 CLASSIFIED......................................... 22

uartz Hill Elementary School in Gilbert is focused on community service.

The school aims to warm the hearts and lift the spirits of charitable organizations throughout the community, notably with its annual Blankie Project to bene�it patients in Phoenix Children’s Mercy Gilbert Pediatric Inpatient Unit.

Mandy Bachali, Quartz Hill’s gifted coordinator, has been leading her students in “blanketing” PCH patients for seven years.

“When Phoenix Children’s Hospital at

Xavier Testa, a student at Quartz Hill Elementary in Gilbert, is one of a number of students who make blankets for patients at Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Mercy Gilbert campus. (Kelsey Bachali /Special to GSN) Mercy Gilbert opened their doors in 2014, we asked children to write letters to us about what they wanted in their local children’s hospital,” explained PCH Clinical Ser-

vices Manager Shawna Baggs.

“One of the key desires was a personal

��� BLANKETS ���� 2

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NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

BLANKETS ���� ���� 1 An edition of the East Valley Tribune Gilbert Sun News is published every Sunday and distributed free of charge to homes and in single-copy locations throughout Gilbert.

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blanket that would help to make the patient rooms a little less hospital-like and a little more like home. Mrs. Bachali’s students helped to make this request a reality when they started the annual Blankie Project and have been making blankets for our patients ever since.”

Bachali’s students gather materials while parents assist with pre-cutting �leece fabric.

That work is a prelude to an in-class “blanket tying day” when the students create a variety of colorful and cozy blankets.

Last year, 812 blankets were created for children at PCH Mercy Gilbert.

Bachali said that when she returned to teaching at Quartz Hill in 2013, “I wanted my class to engage in an experience that made them feel empowered to have a positive impact on the community around them.”

One of her 3rd grade teammates joined her in the blanket project and when she moved on, fellow teacher Tamara Noel and her class joined her.

“It has been so fun to have a colleague to partner with – and it just means more blankies for PCH,” Bachali said.

She said it was an added bonus in 2017 when she began working with gifted children, who “differ in terms of their moral intensity and/or deep concerns about societal problems.”

The Blankie Project gave those students “a way to connect and make a difference.”

“We have a presentation ceremony where each student is able to hand a blanket to Mrs. Baggs and they receive a certi�icate. I also pick at least two students to give a short speech as to what the project means to them,” said Bachali.

Over the years, Quartz Hill students have shared their thoughts about the project, saying they are “feeling proud to help other kids,” are “happy to provide comfort” and “feeling it is important for everyone to do what they can to help others.”

Bachali said such expressions show her project hits its main goal.

“I want my students to know they have the ability to have a positive impact on real people, and that they have the power

to do that their whole life – whether it is a simple gesture, like making a �leece tie blankie, or something grander,” she said.

“Imagine if we all looked for ways, no matter how small, to make the lives of those around us better.”

Equally as important to this project, are the stories shared by the patients themselves, about what the blankets mean to them.

A PCH employee recalled when her own daughter was a patient and received a blanket. It is still her favorite.

As Jason Nguyen’s expression might reveal, making the A Quartz Hill student blankets means as much to the Quar tz Hill Elementary tearfully shared that his students as they do to the children who receive them. brother had been a PCH (Kelsey Bachali /Special to GSN) patient and when he wasn’t able to visit him, he It is that unforeseen bond that is so found solace in being able to make the meaningful to Baggs and the PCH staff. blankets.

“Quartz Hill and Mrs. Bachali have reFrom puppies to Disney characters, the mained vigilant in their efforts,” Baggs students at Quartz Hill strive to choose said. exciting prints for the blankets that will “Because of this long-standing relalikely bring a little extra joy to those pa- tionship, I have gotten to see just how tients, some of whom have hobbies and important this service has been. Givspecial interests similar to their own. ing children an avenue to give back to their community and to be able to hear about how their actions positively impact their community, helps to show that what they do matters. When a child feels that what they do matters, this impacts a child’s mental health and mental health is a crucial element of maintaining one’s overall wellbeing.”

Baggs said Bachali “has planted a seed in her students and helped to grow their hearts for giving.

“She has taught them about public speaking, giving them opportunities to write and give speeches about what the project has done for them and she has taught them that commitment to a cause can make a huge impact,” Baggs said.

“In a world that at times feels shadowed with uncertainty, there are rays of Aubrey Steffen, like her classmates in sunshine that provide hope and serve as Quartz Hill Elementary gifted coordinator a sign of all the good that is out there.

Mandy Bachali’s class, carefully puts together components for a “blankie.” (Kelsey Bachali / Bachali and Noel’s students are one of those amazing rays of sunshine lighting Special to GSN) up their community of Gilbert.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

Town Council now happy with new Gilbert logo

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

G

ilbert’s new logo now has the full backing of Town Council, which last week took a re-vote of the monogram it approved in October but later sent back for minor changes.

After the October 6-1 vote, there was some pushback from employees and the community, prompting a committee – comprising Council members Scott September, Kathy Tilque and Aimee Yentes, police, �ire and a cross section of employees – to convene in November to review the new branding.

“We took their feedback and really tried to implement some of the changes without disrupting the entire brand, sticking with a lot of the things that we loved around the shape and shaping our future together,” said Dana Berchman, chief digital of�icer. “I feel that these changes do tell a really important Gilbert story.”

The revised logo, taking its inspira-

“I think there is value in an organization that keeps the look and feel fresh and updated. I think this helps us to remember we are 100 years young. We have a very bright future and the bright colors, I think, relay that.”

Town Council likes the modifications that staff made to Gilbert’s new logo, stating the ‘G’ is now more prominent. (Town of Gilbert) tion from Arizona sunsets, is now a bit more vibrant and the symbol was altered to look more like a literal “G,” according to Berchman.

Staff has been working on the new brand – with a tagline, “Shaping a new tomorrow, today” – for two years to debut this year during Gilbert’s 100th birthday.

Berchman told Council the town’s logo has been updated every 20 years since 1980.

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She said employee feedback on the revised logo was positive.

“We also met with police and �ire and they too were very receptive,” Berchman said. “We were very understanding of the impacts to their departments and really wanted it to be minimal.”

She said it will take staff a couple of months to launch the new brand in the town’s municipal organization.

A sneak peek for the public was given last Wednesday at gilbertaz. gov/Home/Components/News/ News/4319/17.

A public launching of the new logo is expected in the spring.

“We look forward to implementing this brand not only within the organization but in the community for many years to come,” Berchman said.

Tilque said people may see the symbol differently from how the town views it but “I do believe it’s progressive and it does provide homage to our history but as we are moving forward.”

“I do believe it will take us into the future and I will support it,” Tilque said.

Councilman Jared Taylor said he supported the logo the �irst time and will continue to do so.

“I think there is value in an organization that keeps the look and feel fresh and updated,” Taylor said. “I think this helps us to remember we are 100 years young. We have a very bright future and the bright colors, I think, relay that.”

Taylor said he agreed with Tilque that some of the symbol’s features needed to be distinct in order to temper down

some of the misunderstanding with it and there needs to be an education of the elements.

He said every 20 years is good for a change and “people need to realize this is a decision for the next little bit and it will change again.”

“I think at the same time recognizing that there are certain icons that are never going to go away whether we rebrand or not like the water tower,” Taylor said.

The iconic 230-foot water tower sits downtown as a reminder of the town’s agricultural roots.

Taylor said the new logo is an addition to Gilbert’s “repertoire of things that will help us identify the greatness of our town and the bright future that we have.”

Mayor Scott Anderson said he spoke that afternoon with September, the sole dissenter in the October vote, and he was in support of the revised logo.

But September was still concerned with the lack of Council feedback during the two-year rebranding process, Anderson added.

Anderson also said he was amazed that the little tweaks made a big difference in the logo and that it well represented the town’s City of the Future Initiative.

“For myself, I have the opportunity every month to get on a virtual call with the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council and the backdrop on that council meeting (has) everybody’s logo from all the cities and towns in the Valley and I can tell you that they all need to do some work and to bring many of their logos up to date to re�lect going into the future,” Anderson said.

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

EV safety rankings – some cities gain, others slip

BY GARY NELSON GSN Contributor

I

f you’re looking to live somewhere relatively safe from all the perils that modern life can throw at us, the East Valley is a pretty good bet – but in some of our cities, not as good as a year ago.

WalletHub, a personal �inance website that frequently ranks cities for various quality-of-life factors, is out with its 2020 list of America’s safest and least-safe communities. And overall, we’re still pretty snug around here.

Gilbert was the highest-ranking Arizona city, coming in at No. 10 overall in the list of 182 communities. For other area cities the rankings are Chandler, 17; Scottsdale, 20; Mesa, 31, Tempe, 40; and Phoenix, 104.

For Mesa, Tempe and Phoenix, those rankings actually represent improvement from a year ago, when WalletHub pegged them at Nos. 34, 45 and 118, respectively.

But the highest-scoring cities from a year ago all slipped in the rankings. Gilbert was ranked No. 4 nationally for safety in 2019, Chandler had been No. 9, and Scottsdale No. 12.

It appears the COVID-19 pandemic is a big reason for the slippage in a year when, frankly, everyone is less safe than when 2019 came to a close.

As of Dec. 7, Maricopa County had lost 4,153 residents to the highly contagious new disease. Statistically, some of those people would have died in 2020 from other causes.

But COVID-19 has affected mortality to such an extent that WalletHub factored it into this year’s safety rankings.

“The methodology has been updated this year to include the number of COVID-19 cases,” Jill Gonzalez, a WalletHub statistical analyst who worked on the survey, told GSN. “This is an area where Arizona cities don’t rank very well.”

“Other factors where Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Tempe rank low include the number of active �ire�ighters, EMTs and paramedics per capita, the low share of sheltered homeless, and the high number of drug poisoning deaths and traf�ic fatal-

ities per capita,” Gonzalez said.

WalletHub’s safety rankings go beyond the obvious life-and-death issues such as crime and our driving habits.

“In terms of �inancial safety,” Gonzalez said, “these Arizona cities registered a large number of fraud complaints and personal bankruptcy �ilings per capita, and a low rate of access to and participation in retirement plans.

“However,” she said, “even considering all these factors, the cities still rank in the top 25 percent safest in the country.”

The survey ranked communities in three categories: “home and community,” natural disasters and �inancial safety.

In the “home and security” category, which includes crime and traf�ic safety, the region did not score as well – Tempe, for example, coming in at No. 78 and Phoenix at No. 139 nationally.

Chandler, with its booming high-tech industry, led the region in �inancial safety, ranking No. 10 nationally in that category.

Fast-growing Gilbert outscored wealthy Scottsdale, ranking No. 16 as opposed to Scottsdale at No. 18. The rankings for Tempe, Mesa and Phoenix in that area were 39, 40 and 65, respectively.

Historically the biggest natural threat here has been extreme heat, which has steadily become more deadly in recent years.

According to the Maricopa County Public Health Department, 197 heat-related deaths were reported in 2019, compared with 21 in 2001.

Many of those deaths were attributed at least in part to non-functioning air-conditioners and to substance abuse. Homelessness also was a major factor.

The county did not provide a city-by-city breakdown of heat-related deaths.

If the East Valley isn’t safe enough for you, Columbia, Maryland, has led the list for several years as the nation’s safest city.

And of the 182 places surveyed, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, came in dead last.

The full WalletHub survey is available at: wallethub.com/edu/safest-cities-in-america/41926.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

Garden helps Gilbert students’ emotional health

BY KATY SPRINGER GSN Contributor

W

hen a student at Oak Tree Elementary School in Gilbert looked up and announced, “This is better than my iPad,” the adults nearby exchanged smiles.

The boy was turning soil in the school’s new garden, which was installed earlier this month to provide a calming, nurturing space for the school’s K-6 students.

The garden is part of a larger effort to address the mental health needs of Oak Tree’s 400 students. Educators at the school have noticed an increase in stress, anxiety and depression amid the pandemic.

That’s what prompted Kaitlyn Long, MAS-LAMFT, to contact Phoenix Children’s.

Long, counselor for the school’s Children Overcoming Problems through Education, or C.O.P.E., program, was searching for additional support for students and knew the health system trains Arizona educators in how to promote positive self-regulation strategies, coping methods and resilience among students.

“I had heard about Phoenix Children’s mindfulness training and knew it would make a difference for our teachers and kids,” Long said.

She connected with Beheir Johnson, MS, community health program specialist for Phoenix Children’s Center for Family Health and Safety.

The two got to work on a plan. In addition to a series of trainings on trauma-informed methods – all delivered virtually – the school was interested in planting a garden.

A school garden had long been a passion project for Oak Tree Nurse Jolene Costello, RN. Prior to COVID-19, she had organized and led a school gardening club and was well aware of the benefits to students.

“It’s so good for them to get out in nature and feel the soil in their hands,” Costello said. “The experience pro-

Isabella Copley, 10, works on the garden at Oak Tree Elementary School.

(Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

Loading up soild for the Oak Tree garden are Brandon and Alissa Owens of Greene’s Garden, which partnered with the school at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

(Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

vides an immediate sense of calm and peace that many of our students really need.”

With funding from the Kohl’s Mindful Me initiative, Johnson recruited San Tan Valley-based Greenie’s Garden to design and install a large new garden with 18 beds – one for each of Oak Tree’s classes – along with a Zen space for students with special needs.

Greenie’s owners, Brandon and Alyssa Owens, spent dozens of hours building and planting before teaching students to get their own hands dirty.

The garden includes a wide variety of vegetables, from celery and Swiss chard to broccoli and sugar snap peas, which will be served in Oak Tree’s lunchroom.

“Working with kids is such a heartwarming experience,” said Brandon, who has partnered with Phoenix Children’s to build gardens at five Valley schools.

“Gardening really is better than an iPad, and there’s no other experience that’s quite so tranquil or serene.

That’s exactly why Alyssa and I have

made it our business.”

Indeed, the couple quit their office jobs four years ago to launch Greenie’s.

“It’s truly gratifying to share the benefits of gardening with others,” added Alyssa. “We can’t wait to see how the kids react when the starter plants they’re tending begin producing vegetables they can eat.”

Johnson, too, knows gardening is a research-backed tool for alleviating stress and restoring calm.

“Spending time outside is good for our bodies and minds, but it’s more than that,” she said. “Children derive many benefits from caring for a garden, like developing mindfulness, improving self-confidence and strengthening interpersonal and cooperative skills.

“It’s also a source of physical activity, which boosts production of endorphins and other feel-good hormones.”

Johnson should know.

Since 2017, she has managed the Kohl’s Mindful Me program for Phoenix Children’s. In addition to installing gardens at six Valley schools, she and her team have trained more than 3,000 educators in trauma-informed methods.

“There’s a direct and negative link between adverse childhood experiences – or ACEs – and long-term health of children,” Johnson said. “This is especially evident in Arizona, where children experience more ACEs than in any other part of the country.”

ACEs – like extreme poverty, abuse, or exposure to violence, substance abuse or mental illness – can lead to toxic stress in children. Such experiences affect physical and mental health and can manifest into chronic medical and behavioral health issues. In school, children with toxic stress struggle with behavior, academic achievement and peer and teacher relationships.

Johnson’s work focuses on stress management, self-regulation and building childhood and family resiliency.

She teaches educators across the

��� GARDEN ���� 7

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

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The large garden is a research-proven tool for alleviating stress and restoring calm for children as well as adults. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff Photographer)

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state about the impacts of ACEs, trains them in leading mindfulness and yoga activities in the classroom and guides schools in transitioning from punitive-based discipline to compassion-based practices.

“The moment teachers understand the effects of trauma, something just clicks,” she said. “From there, it’s about giving them the tools they need to teach children how to cope. The work is really powerful.”

Johnson emphasizes that the training benefits all children – not just those with extreme trauma – because all kids experience difficulties in childhood.

Like Oak Tree’s educators, she, too, has noted an uptick in stress and other mental health issues in children amid the pandemic – and she’s seen an increase in training requests from Arizo-

na schools.

“Providing a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn and grow is our ultimate goal,” said Oak Tree Principal Dale Lunt.

Long emphasized that installing the garden was a community-wide undertaking.

“We could not have done this without committed volunteers who spent many hours and weekends preparing for soil day,” said Long. “A special thanks to the boys basketball and football players from Highland High, Desert Ridge High, Highland Junior High and Desert Ridge Junior High, and to Nurse Costello’s husband, Jim, who spent many weekends helping us make this garden a reality.”

Educators who are interested in learning more about Kohl’s Mindful Me training through Phoenix Children’s may call 602-933-2970 or email mindfulme@phoenixchildrens.com.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

GPS board OKs reopening plan after rowdy session

BY CECILIA CHAN GSN Managing Editor

S

tudents returning from winter break in Gilbert Public Schools on Jan. 5 will spend that week in hybrid learning before transitioning to classrooms fulltime.

The Governing Board last Tuesday voted 3-2 on that decision after speakers passionately pleaded – and in some cases angrily demanded – that classrooms reopen �ive days a week when the new semester begins.

The district returned to hybrid learning Dec. 7 because of rising COVID-19 cases in the community.

Many of the 23 speakers said the district’s mitigation plan is working, citing the few active virus cases reported on its campuses.

“The safest place for kids is in school,” said Trina Jones, calling hybrid and virtual learning disruptive to children’s education.

Justalyn Couser said board members are not medical professionals or epidemiologists and should not be making health decisions or bend to teachers.

Teachers outside GPS have been walking out of their classrooms over in-person learning. Last week, some teachers at Chandler Uni�ied called in sick over the issue.

Cory Chiles, who has four school-age kids, said online learning under hybrid was hard for his youngest daughter who has a slight learning disability.

Two young students also spoke about their struggles with online platforms.

In hybrid learning, students are split into two groups alphabetically with one group going to school on Mondays and Thursdays and the other Tuesdays and Fridays. All students have virtual learning Wednesdays.

Chiles noted classrooms have been open at Arizona State University and the East Valley Institute of Technology.

“They’ve �igured it out,” he said.

“Please �igure out how to keep them in there. The data right now really say the best place for kids is in school. They’re the safest in school. The virus isn’t

Dr. Blaine Couser

Dr. Alison Wilcock

transmitting as much in school.”

Wende Fiandaca said online learning is more detrimental to her three children than the restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. She said they are missing out on opportunities such as performing live with their school band.

“They feel like they’re in a prison and it’s hard to argue with them,” she said.

She said her son, who is a senior, attended 43 out of the 87 days of schools this semester.

“As a parent, that is not what I asked for,” Fiandaca said. “And as a taxpayer I’m kind of insulted I paid for this semester.”

Lisa Mattison said she’s contemplated pulling her kids out of GPS for home schooling or charter school. She added there was no evidence showing the virus was a threat to students and staff and those who do get it experience mild symptoms and recover.

She also reminded the board that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended students learn in classrooms.

Kathy Waldo, a pediatric health-care provider and mom to �ive children, told the board to open up the schools or the district will continue to hemorrhage students, which will affect its state funding.

Dr. Alison Wilcock, a pediatrician and mom to three GPS students, said she is seeing the negative fallout of the school restrictions.

“This year has been a very dif�icult year on families, especially those with teenaged students,” Wilcock said. “Our patients in our of�ice have faced many dif�icult challenges. We’ve seen several 15- and 16-year-old females become pregnant, which is in our area typically not common.

“We’ve seen two to three times a day patients that need to be referred to mental health for anxiety and depression. It’s a rare school-aged child that hasn’t gained a signi�icant amount of weight this year,” she continued. “We see many children that are experimenting with drugs.”

“There are many families that are either single parent or two working parents where there’s no education happening due to time constraints,” Wilcock said.

Wilcock added she’s seen many teens who have lost their motivation to learn.

Lana Shumway, who mentioned she’s recovered from COVID-19, said if there are not enough full-time teachers to staff classrooms �ive days a week, the district needs to get creative like have a faster certi�ication for substitutes.

Assistant Superintendent Shawn McIntosh later said the district has streamlined the hiring process and continued to recruit for subs.

Dr. Blaine Couser, an orthodontist, also bashed the board.

“Every single day I see 75 kids,” Couser said. “I see the depression, the anxiety and the mental illness that you guys have personally caused these kids in our community. They don’t want to live anymore. They were never like that last year, ever.”

“This is ridiculous,” Couser continued. “These kids should be in school.

I’m covered elbow-deep in saliva every day. We’ve never closed a day ever in the last eight months. These kids, I’m inside their mouths. … We’ve not had a single problem, not me nor one of my 10 staff members have ever got sick. That proves to you kids aren’t spreading the disease.”

He thanked the teachers who show up to teach but said others are “threatening” his kids.

Couser also singled out Board member Jill Humpherys for criticism, calling her “a hyprocrite” for attending church “but you voted to keep us out of school.”

Amber Franco, the president of the Gilbert Education Association, asked that elementary students return to hybrid and secondary students to on-line learning or have both go hybrid in January.

She also asked that the district update its dashboard twice instead of once a week.

Board members offered competing motions for what learning will look like after the break.

They revised their Nov. 4 motion that called for a districtwide return to hybrid when two of three state health benchmarks show substantial virus spread for two consecutive weeks.

Instead, administration will rely on the district’s dashboard for guidance.

Schools would move temporarily into hybrid learning on a school-by-school basis based on the percentages of positive cases at each campus. For pre-

��� GPS ���� 11

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020 PAID ADVERTISEMENT

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TOURNEY ���� ���� 1

plex, Cactus Yards, each reserved ballfield is limited to 125 people, which includes the players, coaches and spectators.

Everyone would need to maintain a social distance of 6 feet and when unable to do so, they must wear a mask – a Maricopa County mandate.

Masks, however, are always required when entering the facility’s Sliders Sports Grill, where the maximum occupancy for dining-room seating is limited to 120 with no more than six people per table.

The town also is banning outside food or beverages in the complex, except for water.

Gilbert also made modifications to its adult softball play. Community water jugs are banned with players having to supply their own water.

And, there’s a “no-contact, no-handshake policy” on the fields, which includes customary game-related activities such as umpire-coach introductions and post-game handshakes between members of opposing teams.

Players are expected to maintain 6-foot physical distancing before and after the games, and during the game when possible. Players will be encouraged not to share their equipment.

The players also will have to practice social distancing in the dugouts with an over�low allowed behind the fence along the dugout but not on the playing �ield.

When one team leaves the dugout, the next team will have to wait until all players have exited.

Umpires also will be required to maintain a minimum distance of 6-feet from the batter and catcher.

League and tournament managers are responsible for keeping sick players or players-in-quarantine away from games and they will need to collect each team member’s COVID-19 waiver before the start of a game.

Additionally, sun�lower seeds are banned, along with spitting throughout the playing �ields under the town’s guidelines.

Changes were made to the youth programming as well.

The town will space participants within a classroom or program area to allow if possible for the 6-foot distancing.

Equipment or supplies won’t be shared between participants, where possible and the town is recommending limiting guardians and spectators to one per participant.

Phoenix City Council’s cancellation of all athletic �ield reservations and tour-

��� TOURNEY ���� 11

Chronic pain and/or peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness, tingling, and the most debilitating balance problems.

This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.

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As you can see in Figure 2, as the blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased they shrivel up which causes the nerves to not get the nutrients to continue to survive. When these nerves begin to “die” they cause you to have balance problems, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, and many additional symptoms.

The main problem is that your doctor has told you to just live with the problem or try the drugs which you don’t like taking because they make you feel uncomfortable. There is now a facility right here in Mesa that offers you hope without taking those endless drugs with serious side effects.

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9

10

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

Ducey tours vaccine center as virus surges

BY HOWARD FISCHER Capitol Media Services

A

record number of Arizonans are now hospitalized for COVID-19 as the state retains its dubious distinction as the place where the virus is spreading faster than anywhere else in the country.

New �igures on Wednesday by the Department of Health Services show 3,809 hospital beds are occupied by COVID patients. Even at its peak in July, that �igure was 3,517.

The new report also shows 1,309 beds in emergency rooms with coronavirus cases, also a new record.

And while the ICU-bed usage by COVID patients set no new records, just 155 beds remain available in the entire state.

All this comes on top of a statewide daily death count that now has reached 108, tying the previous one-day record. That brings the total to 7,530.

There also were another 4,848 new

cases reported; the tally now is 429,219.

And that �igure may be arti�icially low as it does not include people who are asymptomatic and do not get tested yet are capable of spreading the disease.

And last week, close to one in �ive people who did get tested came up positive for the virus.

“And this week we are trending higher,’’ said state health chief Dr. Cara Christ.

All three benchmarks for virus spread in Gilbert are now in the substantial category, according to new data released last Thursday by the county Health Department.

COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people were at 658, the percentage of new virus tests coming back positive was at 16.4 percent and percentage of hospital visits with COVID-like symptoms was 10.2 percent.

All this came as Gov. Doug Ducey toured a vaccination site at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. Among the �irst to get a shot in the arm was Christ.

The state’s own protocols call for the �irst vaccines to be given to health care

workers. And while Christ is a medical doctor, she does not provide direct care to patients.

But Ducey said the decision to have her at the front of the line is based on the need to give Arizonans the con�idence to roll up their own sleeves for a novel vaccine.

And that means getting the message from someone Arizonans trust -- in this case, the health director who has been the public face of the �ight on the virus.

Christ herself acknowledged that need for public con�idence – and even con�idence of the medical community who individual patients rely on for advice – noting that a survey last month found that 37 percent of health care professionals said they probably would not get inoculated.

Ducey himself said he is willing to get a shot of one of the vaccines that has been given “emergency use authorization’’ by the federal Food and Drug Administration.

But he said there are only 380,000 doses in the �irst batch the state is receiving and he does not want to “jump the line.’’

In the meantime, the governor repeated he will not impose new restrictions on businesses or public gatherings, or impose a statewide mandate for face masks, even in the face of record-setting levels of infection. He said it’s not necessary.

“Where most of the spread is happening and where the folks that are in some of these situations are because of the larger group gatherings that are happening in private settings,’’ Ducey said.

“I don’t know what role you think the government can have in private home settings,’’ he said. “That’s why we’re trying to educate the public on the best possible policies and protocols.’’

Ducey has received multiple letters and requests from different groups asking that he take more substantial action. The most recent was from Democrat mayors and lawmakers along with doctors and nurses urging a statewide mask mandate.

“I am not ignoring anyone,’’ Ducey re-

��� DUCEY ���� 11

NEWS

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

TOURNEY ���� ���� 9

11

naments runs through the end of February, leaving teams scrambling for new venues.

Kirschbaum said the town currently is not accepting new tournament bookings for the remainder of this year but is taking reservations for the 2021 season, beginning in January.

The town opened up registration Dec. 1 for adult soccer and kickball at Cactus Yards’ air-cooled, 20,000-square-foot �ieldhouse. Youth soccer registration also is opened for play in January.

Phoenix City Council voted 7-2 to pull the welcome mat out from under 3,984 teams – almost half from other states – following a presentation by University of Arizona epidemiologist Dr. Saskia Popescu about the COVID-19 spread at games.

“I think that’s a big piece when we have all of these people congregating,” Popescu said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re outside. They are in close quarters the breathing heavily and we’re at a time in the U.S. and in Arizona where we cannot afford additional cases stressing the

public health and healthcare system.”

Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, said allowing youth sports tournaments – especially those with out-of-state teams – is “grossly irresponsible” as COVID-19 cases push Valley hospitals to near-full capacity.

He said the lion’s share of spread within school systems is connected to athletics.

“I’ve talked to Maricopa County Public Health, and they said the contact tracing is pointing directly at club sports,” Humble said.

Humble said even smaller tournaments should press pause through February to allow enough time for new vaccines to be administered to vulnerable populations and allow those people to build antibodies.

“If that were the case, then I’d say ‘yeah, it’s going to cause some spread in the community, but it’s not going to cause deaths and it’s not going to cause a hospital crisis,” Humble said.

He added, “I’m not saying you have to wait forever, but geez, when it’s this close.”

Humble said that spread is not just due to children playing sports in close contact, but is also due to the behavior of parents and other spectators.

Humble said state requirements for mitigation plans involving gatherings of more than 50 people are not worth much if there is no enforcement of measures like mask wearing and social distancing.

“So, the organizers produce a document that they throw in front of the city staff and say, ‘this is what we’re going to do’, but then you go out there and the reality is they’re not following any of them and there’s no enforcement,” Humble said.

He said the relatively lax requirements imposed by Ducey’s of�ice have given local governments cover to allow tournaments to continue.

“Elected of�icials take comfort, I think, in that when the blame comes to roost, people are going to point �ingers at the governor, rightly, which gives council members a free pass to make bad decisions,” Humble said.

(GSN Staff Writer Wayne Schutsky contributed to this report)

DUCEY ���� ���� 10

schools and elementary schools, the cases would need to reach 2 percent of the campus population, middle schools, 1.5 percent and high schools, 1 percent.

Humpherys said the board is responsible for ensuring the safety of staff and students and recommended hybrid learning for the �irst two weeks of the second semester.

Board member Reed Carr said community spread is unlikely at school and offered a counter motion that allowed full-time in-classroom learning starting Jan. 5.

Humpherys said in-person learning is the best for students but “the challenge is we are in a worldwide pandemic.”

She said the two-week hybrid period would allow for better social distancing and help prevent spread should there be a spike from students socializing during the winter break.

Carr, who participated via telephone, said he shared all of Humpherys’ concerns but “where I come down on this

as I watch the community to what we are seeing with hybrid, our education is not as rigorous as it is with �ive-day instruction.”

He said students are not following safety protocols outside of school as compared to when they are in the classroom.

“In my mind returning to �ive-day in-person actually increases the safety of our community, increases the safety of our students,” he said. “It’s a safe haven even for our teachers.”

Carr said there are some who seemed to think it’s an all-or-nothing approach.

“I was probably the most offended tonight that I have ever been in a school board meeting,” Carr said. “I’m sure it was not intentional but for those who think that it’s not spread, it’s just simply isn’t true.

“In the last three days I lost a dear, beloved father to this terrible disease, who had no comorbidities other than age and was in perfect health as far as determined by his doctor only 10 days ago.

“Quite honestly some of those who referred to themselves as my friend, I

did not feel friendship tonight,” Carr continued.

Board member Sheila Uggetti, a longtime retired educator, said the absolute best way for students to learn was in the classroom and that the board was forced into this position to make a decision.

She said GPS teaches haven’t called in sick like at other school districts and felt the board should heed the Gilbert Education Association’s recommendation for the learning model because teachers are in the trenches.

Humpherys said she wanted a unanimous vote from board on the issue and asked Carr for a compromise on his motion.

He then suggested one week of hybrid learning, which he said also would give the district a baseline to work with.

Because Jan. 5 is a Tuesday, students in group A-L would attend school that day with group M-Z on Wednesday and repeated for the following two days.

Wood also directed staff to update the

dashboard twice a week.

Uggetti, who said she didn’t feel good about the motion, joined Humpherys in the dissenting votes.

Reed, board President Charles Santa Cruz and board member Lori Wood voted for the motion.

“Parents and students don’t �ind the hybrid or virtual modality ef�icient, good in any way,” Santa Cruz said. “Most of the teachers with whom I’ve had conversations don’t like it either.”

GPS ���� ���� 8

sponded when asked about the various requests. “I am listening to everyone,’’ he continued, saying he is taking “the best counsel and advice and putting those steps forward.’’

Ducey also suggested there was some inconsistency in some of what he is being asked to do.

On one hand, he said, there are those who think there should be more restrictions on businesses. That, in turn, means throwing people out of work.

At the same time, the governor said he is being asked to extend a moratorium on residential evictions, one imposed by the federal Centers for Disease Prevention and Control that is set to expire at the end of the year. That is likely to result in a spike of people who have not been able to pay rent being kicked out.

Ducey said the state does have some dollars available for rent relief.

“But the best way to keep people inside their homes or their apartments is to allow them to be safely and successfully employed so they can pay their rent or pay their mortgage,’’ he said.

Catch up on Local Gilbert News! gilbertsunnews.com

12

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

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REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

RE1

Gilbert’s housing market remains tight on eve of 2021

BY MINDY JONES NEVAREZ GSN Guest Writer

R

eflecting on the year that we’ve had, the year that was 2020, I’d like to permanently replace the previously nominated buzz words of “zoom,” “pivot,” “silver lining” and “rapid.”

In their place, I choose the themes that have really shown through for our friends and family in Gilbert: resilience, tenacity, grit, community, philanthropy, empathy, growth and, ultimately, change.

Melanie Nemetz

Acknowledging that 2020 was hard and that we can do hard things. There were more headlines in 2020 that seemed unbelievable at best and horrific at worst. Every family’s loss was magnified by the inability to be with their loved ones as they passed.

The loneliness that our children and our elderly felt in isolation was overwhelming and the anxiety that our parents felt between struggling to make ends meet and confusion and fear over school closures and exposure was damaging. Our food pantries were empty and our nonprofit organizations begged for volunteer support.

This only scrapes the surface of the challenges, the curve balls, the

Coming soon!

plot twists that COVID-19 presented us with in 2020 and you, Gilbert, persevered.

There’s no way that we could have predicted where our economy, our community or our housing market would be as we close out the year and predictions for next year are tempered by the humility that comes with a year like we’ve had.

We went into 2020 with low inventory and healthy interest in purchasing homes throughout the Valley and are exiting the year with historically

low inventory, historically low interest rates – and historically high appetites for taking advantage of both.

The records we hit this year were not all lows and I could not be more grateful that the housing market has continued to pull through.

We are currently sitting with less than a month’s inventory Valley-wide.

If we didn’t list another house after today – a situation we expect to get even more dire as we near the new year

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REAL ESTATE

MINDY ���� ���� ��1

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

and many wait to list their home until their holiday decorations have been removed – we would not have a single home to sell by mid-January.

In fact, once you remove new construction – most of which is in a higher concentration in outlying cities like Coolidge, Wittmann, Laveen and Arizona City – you are left with fewer houses on the market than we had in all of Scottsdale in 2009.

While those cities are likely to become real estate hot spots in 2021, many are committed to staying closer to home.

Gilbert has just 118 homes available for sale, with fewer than 35 under $400,000. In spite of that, we are seeing more buyers under contract than we did when our inventory was five times higher.

That’s due primarily to interest rates that are making purchasing a home more affordable today than it might ever be.

Our sellers have enjoyed more than

15 percent appreciation per square foot this month in Gilbert and homes are selling on average for 100.18 of list price and with less than eight days of inventory available.

We expect to see more of the same in Gilbert well into 2021.

For our buyers, the primary driver of taking advantage of the market is stabilization. If you are a renter, you are at risk of having your home sold by a landlord looking to capitalize on the market, losing your home due to an unaffordable rental price increase or being evicted due to a late payment on your rent.

Purchasing a home takes work in this market. It requires the same skills you’ve used to get through one of our country’s most challenging years.

By putting your best foot forward with offers, working with trusted professionals to ensure you are educated and armed with the knowledge to succeed, having the ability to move quickly and the patience to see it through – it is worth it.

You can change your life by moving

You can change your life by moving up into more space with an affordable payment, or moving down into less space with a more affordable payment or setting yourself and your family up to thrive by building wealth through real estate and turning your primary home with equity into an investment home or investment fund. up into more space with an affordable payment, or moving down into less space with a more affordable payment or setting yourself and your family up to thrive by building wealth through real estate and turning your primary home with equity into an investment home or investment fund.

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viding an unbeatable solution with many of families breaking ground with more than $50,000 in equity already in their pocket.

We don’t know how and we don’t know when but we know that the market will change. We also know that prices only decline when there is an excess supply.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: if you are challenged to make your monthly payment on your rental or the home that you own, seek the guidance of a real estate professional who can help you evaluate your options for stabilizing your monthly payments or releasing your equity to avoid a foreclosure.

If you are feeling cramped with more people at home or want to be more conservative with your monthly payment, that prescription is the same.

Mindy Jones Nevarez, a Gilbert Realtor and owner of the Amy Jones Group at Keller Williams Integrity First, can be reached at 480-250-3857, Mindy@AmyJonesGroup. com or AmyJonesGroup.com

REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

RE3

2021: Higher prices, mortgage rates in of�ing

T

he soaring home prices that became a hallmark of the COVID-19 crisis may be here to stay.

Realtor.com’s 2021 housing forecast predicts record-high prices will continue rising in 2021, delivering a blow to �irst-time buyers and those on a budget.

Mortgage interest rates, which hit historic lows this year and helped fuel the go-go growth in U.S. housing markets, are also expected to tick up again, making monthly housing payments ever more expensive.

So, folks shouldn’t hold their breath for a bargain.

However, the pace of the wild price growth seen in 2020 will slow. Prices are expected to jump 5.7 percent next year as a result of more properties forecast to hit the market, particularly in the second half of next year.

While still unwelcome news for buyers, the double-digit price hikes seen

this year aren’t expected to carry over into the new year.

“We expect affordability to become a bigger challenge. It’s going to make [housing] more expensive,” said realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale.

“Home prices will rise slower than this year, on the upper end of what we consider normal price growth.”

The forecast anticipates mortgage rates will begin slowly going up toward the last half of 2021, reaching 3.4 percent by the end of the year.

Mortgage rates are currently at an all-time low of just 2.72 percent for 30year �ixed-rate loans in the week ending Nov. 25, according to Freddie Mac. While a roughly 70 basis point rise isn’t dramatic, it will make those monthly mortgage payments even pricier. This has the potential to price out some buyers or force others to purchase cheaper abodes in less desirable locations.

However, even higher prices – and therefore higher required down pay-

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

es or ones with different features.

Younger millennials are competing with older members of Generation Z for starter homes, and baby boomers are downsizing. Many apartment dwellers are also seeking homes on their own.

Ironically, it’s those high prices that are keeping prices from rising even further.

“Home prices can’t outpace income growth inde�initely. The higher prices rise, the harder it is for more buyers to get into the market. That tends to dampen demand,” said Hale. That means that with less competition, prices don’t have as much room to rise.

The bright spot for buyers is that more homes are likely to become available in the last six months of 2021.

That should give more options to choose from and take away some of their urgency. With a larger selection, buyers may not be forced to make a decision in mere hours and will have more time to make up their minds.

The inventory bump is expected to be due to a combination of more sellers

listing their properties as well as builders completing more abodes.

Realtor.com predicts single-family housing starts, which are homes that have begun construction but aren’t yet completed, will rise 9 percent.

And it’s sorely needed as there was an estimated shortfall of almost 4 million new homes heading into this year.

The new construction, while often more expensive than existing homes, are likely to appeal to move-up buyers looking for larger abodes with the latest amenities.

Once people purchase brand-new abodes, they typically list their existing homes, adding more inventory to the market.

“A lot of that new construction is not necessarily targeted at �irst-time buyers,” said Hale. “But we have seen builders shift what they’re building to better reach �irst-time home buyers.”

While 2021 is expected to be another banner year for sellers, most are also buyers. And while they can use their home equity to help �inance their new abode, they’re still likely to be affected by the inventory shortage and loftier

@AmyJonesGroup Each office is independently owned and operated

home prices and mortgage rates.

“Sellers are still expected to get top dollar for their home sales,” said Hale.

“The biggest challenge is �inding their new home.”

However, if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that everything can change in an instant. If the nation undergoes additional lockdowns due to COVID-19, then fewer homes may go up for sale and the market could slow.

If everything goes well with the vaccines being rolled out early, then the housing market could bene�it with additional inventory and sales.

Another wildcard is the possibility of sustained economic pain. The country could still fall into a double-dip recession if unemployment remains high and businesses continue to suffer.

If the economy doesn’t improve, it could put a dent in the market.

“The value of housing is tied to the economy,” said Hale. “As long as the economy continues to rebound, I expect the housing market will do well.”

This report was provided by Realtor. com.

...a Tradition of Trust

REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

RE5

Be careful with this roadblock to a sale

BY BEN GOTTLIEB GSN Guest Writer

M

any of us have heard stories about a friend, family member, or acquaintance, who, while attempting to sell real property, learned that a Lis Pendens was recorded against their real property – clouding title and preventing a sale from occurring.

While a Lis Pendens is intended to provide notice that there is a pending legal action affecting title to real property, it is a commonly misunderstood and misused vehicle to “tie up real property” to gain perceived leverage over the homeowner.

One should exercise caution before recording a Lis Pendens, as it is incredibly distressing to learn during escrow that a sale of one’s property cannot proceed forward. And if the Lis Pendens does not comply with Arizona law, the wrongdoer can get stuck being liable for fairly stiff penalties.

So, what is the basic law governing the

Ben Gottlieb recordation of a Notice of Lis Pendens in Arizona?

In order to have a proper legal basis to record a Lis Pendens, there must be a complaint �iled with the court consisting of an action affecting title to real property.

The Notice of Lis Pendens shall contain

Gilbert Real Estate Snapshot

the name of the parties, the object of the action or af�irmative defense, the relief demanded and a description of the property affected.

It is improper to record a Notice of Lis Pendens if, (a) no complaint has been �iled with the court, or (b) if the complaint �iled is not an action affecting title to real property.

But what is an action affecting title to real property? These actions generally involve issues where title or ownership of real property is at issue.

For example, an action to seek speci�ic performance in a breach of contract action by a buyer against a seller of real estate, would constitute an action affecting title to real property.

What can you do if you believe a Notice of Lis Pendens has been improperly recorded?

Under Arizona, stiff penalties exist if a person causes a document to be recorded which creates a lien against real property if the person knows or has reason to know that the document is forged, groundless, contains a

material misstatement or false claim.

Arizona law permits the aggrieved person to �ile a lawsuit to remove the Lis Pendens and/or recoup actual damages and attorneys’ fees caused by the wrongful recording. Further, in an action to remove an allegedly wrongful Lis Pendens, the court’s focus is limited to whether the action is one affecting title to real property.

Although courts employ a liberal standard for determining the propriety of a Lis Pendens – the court must only �ind some basis for concluding that the action affects title to real property – the short-term bene�its realized from recording a wrongful Lis Pendens can back�ire quite signi�icantly.

It can leave the wrongdoer owing a signi�icant amount of damages and attorneys’ fees to the aggrieved homeowner in the long-run.

Chandler resident Ben Gottlieb is a partner and co-founder of MacQueen and Gottlieb PLC, the state’s top real estate law �irm.

Reach him at 602-533-2840 or email him at ben@mandglawgroup.com.

Provided by the Amy Jones Group Your Local Real Estate Team

(480) 250-3857 | www.amyjonesgroup.com • Average Days on Market: 52 days Up from 48 Days Last Month

• Active Listings: 129 Down from 150 Listings Last Month

• Monthly Sales: 460 Down from 502 Sales Last Month

• Listings Under Contract: 483 Down from 578 Listings Under Contract Last Month

• Average Sales Price: $471,381 Up from $463,864 Last Month

• Monthly Supply of Inventory: 0.3 Same as 0.3.9 Monthly Supply Last Month

RE6

REAL ESTATE

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

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21212 S 184th Place Queen Creek Situated on a quarter-acre corner lot in the wonderful community of Sossaman Estates, this 4,325 sq ft beautiful 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home offers a chef’s kitchen with a built-in stainless steel double oven, gas cooktop, spacious island, and walk-in pantry.The resort-like backyard has mature landscaping, gas-stub for bbq, newly expanded pavers, RV gate and a sparkling swimming pool - perfect for relaxation and fun!Upon entry, you’re greeted by the expansive ceiling and dramatic staircase, that leads to the owner’s bedroom featuring 2 walk-in closets, a linen closet along with dual sinks, a jacuzzi tub and a separate shower. Also upstairs you will find a loft/teen room with 3 additional large bedrooms and a full bathroom. The main level offers another bedroom and full bathroom creating a perfect office space or guest room.

Additional features to this home include a 3 car garage, expanded driveway, solar panels, gas fireplace, beautifully updated floors, sunscreens, water softener and large laundry room.

Sossaman Estates allows trailer parking behind the RV gate, and features volleyball courts, basketball courts, walking paths and playgrounds. This is a home that you can’t miss!

Melanie Nemetz

480.221.3034 • www.fosteringre.com Each office is independently owned and operated

SPO OTLIGHT home SPECTACULAR

Located in the premier master planned community of Power Ranch, this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2877 square foot home features a huge downstairs bonus room perfect as an office, game room, workout space or use as a 5th bedroom! Inside you are greeted by brand new carpet and wood laminate flooring, fresh interior paint and a very desirable and functional floor plan. The spacious living room and dining room are ideal for entertaining and the family room flows effortlessly into the newly remodeled kitchen. You will love cooking in this kitchen with its quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, brand new deep sink and faucet, rich espresso cabinetry with crown molding and stylish hardware plus a large island and walk-in pantry.

The downstairs is complete with a bedroom and full bathroom perfect for a private guest suite or in-law quarters and a laundry room with washer and dryer. Upstairs you will find 2 additional bedrooms and full bathroom with dual vanities and the master retreat with en-suite bathroom with a soaking tub, walk-in shower, dual vanities and a massive walk-in closet with organizers.

Enjoy the outdoors on your own covered patio overlooking a private backyard with no neighbors behind, a lush yard and a beautiful stone patio perfect for BBQ or fire pit. This is more than just a home, it’s a lifestyle! Power Ranch features community amenities such as pools, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, playgrounds, splash pad, catch and release ponds, and over 26 miles of walking trails. Conveniently located within 3 miles of the 202 Freeway and close to San Tan Village and Gilbert Gateway Town Center shopping and dining centers.

Listed for $500,000!

3701 S Vineyard Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85297

(480) 250-3857 www.AmyJonesGroup.com

Community

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

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Many options for Gilbert residents to volunteer

BY STACI HAUK GSN Contributor

D

uring the holiday season, many people seek to give their time to worthy organizations in the community.

While COVID-19 has posed challenges in that arena, many local nonprofits have adjusted to offer volunteer opportunities fit for the times.

Here are five options.

Branching Out Family Services Counselor Cherrie Vierra-Lonkar founded Branching Out, along with her husband, psychologist and professor Dr. Brian Lonkar.

Her dream was to create a new approach to supporting families just like theirs. In addition to being behavioral health professionals, the Lonkars are both special needs and adoptive parents.

Volunteers with Scholl’s Helping Hands for the Homeless handed out clothing to needy people in Chandler last year. (Special to GSN)

Branching Out Family Services offers a variety of programs and services to help foster and adoptive parents meet their goals while con-

necting them to other families like theirs.

In addition to counseling, coaching and referrals, they now offer thera-

peutic recreation programs, self-care and other services.

“I am both a foster/adoptive parent and a special needs parent,” Cherrie said. “When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I promised myself that if I survived, I would spend the rest of my days making the world a kinder and more supportive place for Arizona’s most vulnerable children.”

Lonkar has been actively involved in advocacy and education within the foster care and special needs communities as both an educator and a counselor in the Chandler/Gilbert area.

She encourages involvement as a volunteer with Branching Out now and at any time of year.

“Branching Out’s volunteers are the best,” she said. “They are the key to our success. …Our volunteers do

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VOLUNTEERS ���� 14

Gilbert woman one of 9K ASU grads last week

BY JAMES KLEMASZEWSKI GSN Guest Writer

S

abrina Mango of Gilbert successfully completed her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the School of Molecular Sciences in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University and was among more than 9,000 people awarded graduate and undergraduate degrees last week.

Mango came to ASU as the recipient of the New American University Scholarship President’s Award from ASU. While at ASU, Mango earned second place in the English 105 division of the ASU Writers’ Place awards.

She also gained new perspectives.

Sabrina Mango

“I learned that you can learn something from everyone,” she said. “I was a tutor, so I was familiar with teaching other people, but sometimes I learned from the students I tutored.

Every person has a unique story, and you can learn something when you’re looking and listening.”

One of the lessons Mango values most came from her calculus professor, Mark Ashbrook: “Either make progress, or ask for help.”

This advice resonated with Mango, and she took it to heart, now graduating with a 4.0 GPA, summa cum laude, and as a recipient of the Moeur Award, reserved for ASU students with the highest academic standing through all semesters of study.

Outside the classroom, Mango has been interning for a local cosmetics laboratory since the summer of 2019.

She credits her internship with giving her the opportunity to transition directly into a career right after graduation. At the end, she reflects back to the beginning.

“On my �irst day of class, I forgot to bring paper to write notes down. I remembered a pen and pencil, but I didn’t have a single piece of paper. I was really embarrassed for forgetting to bring the bare-minimum materials but look at me now! I’m graduating with a full-time job lined up at a company I really enjoy working for. The moral of the story is: Your bad days aren’t indicative of your whole future.”

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

VOLUNTEERS ���� ���� 13

everything from assembling goodie bags to doing administrative work, to wearing an inflatable dinosaur costume to bring joy to the children we serve. We are all about joyful childhood memories for these kids so we have a lot of fun.”

Monetary donations are the ideal way to give back for some and Branching Out’s Good Works Project qualifies donors for a state tax credit.

Information: info@branchingoutfamilyservices.com, 480-757-1002 or branchingoutfamilyservices.com.

Humane Animal Rescue and Trapping Team The Humane Animal Rescue and Trapping Team was founded by Cheryl Naumann, who has more than 20 years of animal welfare experience and served as the former CEO of Arizona Humane Society.

She has led efforts to trap lost animals in Maricopa County since 2012.

Cheryl recognized that there was a great need for the skill, equipment and patience required to rescue shy, skittish and injured animals in the field and founded HARTT to meet this underserved need.

“HARTT volunteers are those special people who see a lost dog and have to pull over and try to help,” she said. “They enjoy being in the outdoors and getting some exercise and are able to strategize on search areas and hang flyers in neighborhoods.

“Needs tend to arise on short notice but searches and flyer hanging can be done at any time of the day or night. We also always need foster homes, especially for our shy and older dogs.”

During these times of uncertainty and stress, pets bring comfort and joy – and rescuing a homeless dog brings huge reward, Naumann said.

“The holidays are a great time to become a volunteer, as we all feel the spirit of giving, and it’s extremely rewarding to give your time and efforts to bring lost or homeless pets to safety,” Naumann said.

“Lost dog searches are outdoor ac-

Volunteers are always needed at Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa because its sprawling campus has a number of venues that need regular attention. (Special to GSN) tivities done in very small groups, and fostering happens in your own home - both very COVID-19 safe options.”

Information: azhartt.org/volunteer.

Scholl’s Helping Hands for the Homeless Seven years ago, a group of women on Facebook were collecting donations to deliver to the homeless population in the Chandler/Gilbert community and they didn’t have a drop off location.

Enter the kindness of a stranger, Diane Scholl, who allowed them to use her address if she also could be involved in helping deal directly with homeless people.

“I went out with them and it was devastating to see – there was a huge need and I decided then and there to start Scholl’s Helping Hands for the Homeless.”

All her work is done outdoors or from the comfort of home, making it a safe and family-friendly way to give back this holiday season.

Needs range from donating items for holiday meals and pre-packaging hygiene kits for those living on the streets to donating gently used clothes, shoes, backpacks and even dog items.

Scholl even hosts volunteer days where homeless people can come and collect items or food they may need.

“Volunteers are extra special because I couldn’t do this alone. They go to the streets with me, make food, package hygiene kits – whatever is needed. COVID-19 has slowed us down some, but I have met some amazing groups and make sure our donations go out to those who are still hitting the streets on a regular basis.”

Information: facebook.com/schollshelpinghands1 or 602-619-5952.

Sunshine Acres Children’s Home Sunshine Acres Children’s Home, founded in 1954 and located in Mesa, can always use help.

“We are so blessed to have an amazing community that wants to either

give their time through volunteering or through helping financially,” said Assistant Executive Director Shara Markwell.

“We love our volunteers and the many duties that they help with on our campus.”

On the 109-acre site is a learning center where volunteers can help children with their homework; a dining hall where volunteers can help wash dishes or keep everything clean; a horse program and 4H Club where volunteers can help with animal care; a donation center where help with intake is appreciated and a greenhouse where volunteers can help grow produce.

Markwell noted that a listening ear or a smiling face plants a seed within these children’s’ hearts and can potentially change their lives.

“I received a letter in the mail from a former Sunshine Acres resident who lived here with his siblings in the late 1950s. His brother had passed and he

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VOLUNTEERS ���� 15

COMMUNITY

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

VOLUNTEERS ���� ���� 14

was reflecting on his life.

“He believes that the compassion and love that his brother exhibited in his life was due to the time he was at Sunshine Acres. Before he passed, they had many talks about how thankful they both were for having the Dingmans show them compassion and love. That is the Sunshine Acres way.”

Information: sunshineacres.org.

Love Connection Dog Rescue Love Connection Dog Rescue founders Jodie Maggio and Kristen McCown have been rescuing animals for quite some time.

For Jodie, it was about starting her own rescue one day, so when the opportunity arose, she jumped in wholeheartedly. Kristen always had a special place in her heart for animal rescue and made for a passionate partner.

Love Connection started in November 2019, but in that short time, over

Love Connection Dog Rescue volunteer Alyssa Bentl;ey has her hands full. (Special to GSN)

500 dogs have been adopted through the rescue, including behavioral, medical and senior pups.

Home checks and meet-and-greets are essential at Love Connection, so there is an assurance that each dog will go to a loving home.

If snuggling dogs is the ideal image of volunteering for someone, then Love Connection delivers this season.

“Our volunteers are so special to us because we are a foster based rescue, so without them, we wouldn’t be able to help dogs,” said volunteer Alyssa Bentley. “They are the heart and soul of the rescue.”

Duties include pro-

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viding a safe environment while the rescue searches for forever homes.

“We also need fosters sitting in x-pens at events, walking dogs at events, setting up and breaking down at events, administrative work – the list goes on. The more volunteers we have the more dogs we can save,” she said, adding that without fosters, the rescue would be unable to pull dogs from shelters and the streets.

“We rescued a momma and three pups. One pup had Parvo and spent months at the emergency vet fighting for his life at only 6 weeks old.

We never lost hope and finally got the message from the vet saying that he’s thriving, taking his liquids very well, eating, running around and playing – when we all saw that message, we put our phones down and cried, ‘Our baby was going to make it.’ Now he is adopted by one of the vets who took care of him,” Bentley fondly recalled.

Information: loveconnectiondogrescue.com.

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BUSINESS

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

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Area couple teaches cooking arts online

BY MONIQUE SELEEN GSN Contributor

S

weet Moments Company is cooking up ways for people to gather virtually and learn how to prepare everything from gourmet meals to decadent desserts – all from the comfort of their own homes.

Mesa couple Therese and Brent Ludwig, launched the company in 2019 with a desire to connect with people through hands-on cooking and learning.

After years of owning and operating a bakery, Therese said she was ready for a change.

“I was done with the crazy hours Classes are then that came with running the bakery.” conducted via Zoom and she said. “I love teaching and are taught in real-time interacting with people, sharing the

by Therese from her knowledge of food, and getting in the home kitchen. kitchen and having fun.”

“It was important Sweet Moments began by offering to me that I teach out in-home services. Therese, a trained of my own kitchen to pastry chef and culinary instructor, show a comfortable would conduct private cooking environment and that lessons from the person’s home.

But with COVID-19, the Ludwigs Theresa Ludwig of Mesa’s Eastmark community and her husband Brent it can be done at home,” said Therese. “I want all knew they had to adapt the company own the Sweet Moments Company, which teaches people the art of the classes to have that to the changing times. Over the gourmet cooking. (Special to GSN) warm and welcoming summer, they transitioned all their feeling.” classes to virtual formats and started The company also offers general cooking Behind the scenes, Therese’s husband marketing their services in Eastmark, the classes which explore common cooking master-planned community where they techniques that aren’t quite as upscale as Brent, a full-time engineer by day, dedicates his spare time to helping with the technical reside. the Date Night option.

Sweet Moments Company now offers a In addition, they are launching a four- side of the business, doing the camera work, wide variety of virtual classes, including week Intro to Cooking Course beginning �ilming and handling the �inances.

“He is the backbone of the company,” said their Date Night option for couples wishing in the new year that will cover topics such to prepare a more upscale dinner with as knife skills, sauce making, soups, salads, Therese.

Therese, who is a full-time culinary items like seared lamb lollipops with herb and dressings. A complete dinner will instructor at Scottsdale Community couscous and red wine sauce. follow each session.

There are also several family-friendly Once registered for a class, all ingredients College, manages the company’s social classes to choose from including cookie are prepared and pre-measured in the media, responds to emails, handles decorating and cupcake-making, which company’s commercial kitchen, then either all the class bookings, shops for the Therese said tend to be some of the most shipped or delivered to the participant’s ingredients and prepares the ingredients for all the classes. popular classes. front door the day before the class.

With so many moving parts, Therese said it has been tough getting everything organized as the company continues to grow.

“Time has been our biggest challenge,” she said, adding; “We’ve spent a lot of time developing our products, �iguring out new packaging, and creating new methods to make it more ef�icient.”

Therese said they have plans to expand and hope to eventually bring on more chefs and some help with the kitchen prep work and the portioning and shipping in the new year.

While COVID-19 has taken a toll on several small businesses, Therese said Sweet Moments has thrived in its new virtual format.

“It has had a positive impact on us and really helped kick-start our business,” she said.

The company also offers private course bookings which Therese said have been a hit with large corporations.

“A lot of companies are contacting us wanting to set up a virtual get together as a holiday gift to their employees or as a team building event,” said Therese.

Bringing people together in the kitchen is exactly what inspired the name for the company.

Therese, who said her love for cooking and baking was fostered by her mother, said she wanted to recreate those special memories for others.

“It is so rewarding to see people interact and do something together,” said Therese.

“It’s not just about cooking, it’s about bringing sweet moments to the kitchen.”

Information: smcoaz.com.

Sports & Recreation GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

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SPORTS

17

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Mesquite wins 2nd straight 4A title in dramatic fashion

BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

T

here was no doubt in the minds of Mesquite coach Scott Hare and senior quarterback Ty Thompson the Wildcats would attempt a two-point conversation to avoid overtime against Cactus in the 4A championship game Dec. 11.

When Thompson connected with Lira to pull within a point of the Cobras with just 17 seconds remaining, all that was left to be decided was the play Mesquite would run. Hare and the offense settled on a short slant route to Lira, which the senior transfer from Central High School pulled in despite two Cactus defenders draped on his back. Just moments later, the Wildcats stormed the �ield with a 39-38 win and their second straight 4A title.

“I knew we were going to go for two during the week,” Hare said. “Now, the two-point play I wanted to use I had to use it the play before. So we kind of drew it up in the dirt and Eric made a play.”

Mesquite’s come-from-behind victory

Mesquite wide receiver Eric Lira caught the game-winning touchdown and two-point conversion from quarterback Ty Thompson to secure the Wildcats’ win in the The win secured Mesquite’s second straight 4A championship for coach Scott Hare, who took over the program two seasons ago. (Zac BonDurant/GSN Contributor) 4A title game. (Zac BonDurant/GSN Contributor) was fueled by key defensive stops late in the fourth quarter. All game, the Wildcats struggled to contain Cactus’ run-game led by running backs Damian Jiles and Aki Pulu, as well as quarterback Will Galvan.

The trio combined for 210 total rushing yards, with Jiles leading the way with 117

and three touchdowns. Pulu also found the end zone once for the Cobras and Galvan, who was 5-of-8 for 65 yards through the air, had a 50-yard passing touchdown on Cactus’ �irst drive of the game.

But trailing two touchdowns with time winding down, Mesquite defense dug in

and came up with the crucial stops that allowed its offense to drive down the �ield and eventually win the game.

“I trust each person. If they’re out on the �ield, I believe in them,” Hare said. “For me,

Dec. 12 at Desert Vista High School.

“We missed on deep shots. We had them and we missed them,” Highland coach Brock Farrel said. “They did enough to throw us off, but I think more so we threw ourselves off. Sometimes you have to get to the championship to learn from those mistakes.

“It’s a great step to get to the championship. We can now hit the reset button, but the expectations are the same and the kids are hungry.”

Davis, who became the school’s alltime leading rusher in the Hawks’ win over Boulder Creek in the semi�inals, was held to 78 yards on the ground and a touchdown — below his typical out-

put of well nearly 100 yards a game.

Chaparral’s defensive line, led by 6-foot-5, 270-pound junior defensive tackle Anthony Lucas, pressured Dayley on several occasions and forced errant throws. Dayley managed to escape pressure at times but was sacked twice

by Chaparral linebacker Diego Echavarria and Lucas. The junior �inished 14of-22 for 130 yards and an interception off a tipped pass that ultimately sealed the game.

“They just played better than us,” Dayley said. “The offense didn’t do what we needed to do. The defense got stops, we just couldn’t put points on the board.”

As Chaparral’s defense did to High-

land, the Hawks defense also caused headaches for the Firebirds. An equally high-powered offense was limited both on the ground and threw the air.

Chaparral junior quarterback Brayton Silbor made plays when called upon, including a 61-yard pass to wideout Cooper Nemeth in the fourth quarter, but was unable to �ind the same consistent rhythm he and the rest of the offense had become accustomed to in week’s past. Silbor completed 17-of-24 passes for 160 yards but didn’t �ind the end zone.

Jared Williams, Chaparral’s senior

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Highland comes up short in 1st championship game

BY ZACH ALVIRA GSN Sports Editor

H

ighland’s �irst-ever trip to the 6A football championships led the Hawks to a battle with a red-hot Chaparral team that lost three games due to COVID-19 at the start of the 2020 season.

The Hawks’ offense, one of the best in the state led by senior running back Max Davis and junior quarterback Gage Dayley, was limited by the Firebirds’ stingy defensive front.

Key takeaways by Chaparral in the fourth quarter ultimately became the deciding factor as Highland fell 24-14

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MESQUITE ���� ���� 17

it wasn’t ever an issue not believing my defense could do it. I knew they would stay the course and play 48 minutes.”

After Cactus’ touchdown to start the game, Mesquite responded with three straight touchdowns for 18-unanswered points. Thompson accounted for two of the touchdowns — a 57-yard pass to Lira and a 1-yard run — while junior athlete Andrew Morris accounted for the other after he forced a fumble and took it back for a 50-yard score on defense.

The two �irst-quarter touchdowns were two of �ive Thompson accounted for on the night. The Oregon commit �inished the �inal and most important game of his high school career 26-of-40 for 329 yards and �ive total touchdowns. Lira, who caught 16 passes for 255 yards, was on the receiving end of all three of Thompson’s touchdown

HIGHLAND ���� ���� 17

running back who sat out due to injury in the semi�inals, was still less than 100 percent for the title game. He started most of the �irst quarter but was then held out a majority of the second, returning to the �ield with just 14 seconds remaining in the half to score from three yards out. It was the �irst of two touchdowns Williams scored on the day to go along with 40 yards on the ground. His second score, another three-yard run this time out of wildcat formation, extended Chaparral’s lead in the fourth quarter.

“I told him he was going to score the game-winning touchdown. I don’t know if you can call it that, but he had two that were huge,” Chaparral coach Brent Barnes said of Williams. “I’m so happy for him. He’s been such a great kid in our program, a great teammate, just a great person.

“For him to still be a big part of this game even though he’s honestly after that �irst drive, 20 percent, he’s playing on one leg at running back. But just his �ight and his will, he wanted to be out there.”

Williams was at just a young age when his dad, Steven, was an assistant under former Chaparral coach and current Tempe Union High School District

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

passes, as well as the game-winning twopoint conversion.

“Eric was a great addition, we are blessed to have him,” Thompson said. “I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m blessed. I’ve got the best team in the state. I love my guys.”

Lira’s transfer to Mesquite was fueled by uncertainty surrounding the Phoenix Union High School District’s future in regard to football in the fall. Before the start of the season, he transferred to join the Wildcats and was granted immediate eligibility. While dif�icult to transfer away from a coaching staff he had grown close to, Central coach Chandler Hovik and the rest of the staff supported Lira in his decision.

His impact was felt immediately, as he quickly became one of Thompson’s go-to targets thanks to his athletic ability. That was on full display Friday night in the 4A championship when the Wildcats needed

it the most.

Lira aimed to help Mesquite win backto-back titles when he joined the program.

He said he even envisioned on the short bus ride from Mesquite to Highland High School where the game was held, he would somehow come up with a game-winning catch. That dream turned into a reality.

“I knew they were going to give it to me, and I had to make a play,” Lira said. “Ty put it in the right spot for me and I made the play. I’ve been dreaming about that moment since the beginning of senior year.

“I wanted to play my heart out and leave it all on the �ield. Hopefully, we would come out with a ring and that’s what we did. I’m thankful for everybody who helped me out.”

Mesquite coach Scott Hare at �irst attempted to avoid the water bucket while meeting with his team ahead of the trophy presentation at mid�ield. But he was

quickly held in place by players and his coaching staff.

While admittedly one of the things he likes the least about winning titles, it’s a culmination of yet another successful season in by far the most dif�icult one Mesquite, Cactus and all other Arizona teams have had to face due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I don’t like the ice baths. I’m contemplating whether I want to keep winning these things,” Hare said. “But no, I’ll take it. It’s been a draining year with the cancellations and the ups and downs and playing tough teams. You’ve got a guy quarantined here or over there, it’s been tough.

“But I’ll look back on this as a very rewarding season. The kids did a fantastic job this year staying the course and doing what they were asked to do and as hard as they could.”

Highland junior quarterback Gage Dayley said the loss to Highland finished as the 6A runner-up behind Chaparral in the program’s first-evChaparral in the championship adds fuel to the Hawks’ er title game appearance. The Hawks were also the only 6A team to compete in fire for next season. (Pablo Robles/GSN Staff) every game on their schedule during the pandemic. (Zach Alvira/GSN Staff) Athletic Director Dave Huf�ine when the Firebirds last won a state title in 2011. He still remembers running onto the �ield and vowing to win another championship for Chaparral.

Despite playing injured, he was able to accomplish his dream.

“I can’t even describe a word for this, it feels amazing,” Williams said. “I wasn’t able to go and do cuts like I used to, but my coach trusted me. Even off the ball I couldn’t go full speed but once

I got the ball, I knew what I had to do.

“Just having this feeling, it’s so amazing, I’m pumped.”

While Highland’s �irst trip to the state championship game in program history didn’t end the way the Hawks had hoped, it further proves they are a program on the rise. Despite the challenges faced during the 2020 season, Highland became the only 6A team to play 11 games this season, a testament to the work done off the �ield to ensure they

didn’t miss games.

Since Farrel took over in 2017, Highland has made the playoffs every year, including the semi�inals twice and this year’s title game. The loss only further fuels the �ire already billowing around the program.

“This just adds to the �ire,” Dayley said. “I love my guys. This was the best senior class. Expect the same thing next year but with a ring. I want one of those before I leave high school.”

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

GilbertSunNews.com

|

@Gilber tSunNews

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/Gilber tSunNews

Sistine Chapel exhibit gives unique look at frescoes

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has limited the ability to travel, so Special Entertainment Events Inc. brought a piece of the Vatican to The Croft in Downtown Phoenix.

“Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” began its three-month run Nov. 20 at the 17,000-square-foot venue, which accommodates physical distancing. Guests will be required to wear a mask at all time after purchasing timed tickets.

The immersive art exhibit features 10,000 square feet of the artist’s frescoes that adorn the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

The 34 panels of frescoes were produced in their near-original size. Among these reproductions are masterpieces like “The Creation of Adam” and “The Last Judgment.”

“We are thrilled to bring this exhibit to Downtown Phoenix and the state of Arizona for the first time,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of Los Angeles-based SEE Global Entertainment, producer of the Sistine Chapel exhibit.

“People all over the world have been amazed to see Michelangelo’s work up close in such detail, and we’re glad the people of this state and region will have that

If you can’t book a flight to Rome to see Michelangelo’s timeless masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel, just head to The Croft Downtown in Phoenix to see reproductions of his famed frescoes. (Special to GetOut) opportunity as well.”

Biallas is the original creator of the award-winning “Titanic” and “Star Trek” exhibitions, which visited Scottsdale and Phoenix, respectively.

“We are overjoyed at the opportunity to host this unique experience for the region,” said Angela Karp, co-owner of The Croft Downtown.

“Health and safety remain the highest priority, so our exhibition will be equally as safe as it is spectacular.”

Guests may enhance the experience with a downloadable premium optional audio guide, with accompanying narrative available in English and Spanish.

Adding to the experience, the exhibit features a small theater showing educational videos about Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel.

Biallas has hosted this exhibit for five years; it opened in Montreal in 2015. He said he wanted to bring it to Phoenix but couldn’t find an appropriate venue.

“I’ve done a lot of projects here in Phoenix, like ‘Titanic’ and ‘Star Trek’ over at the science museum,” he said. “This is not something for the science museum, obviously. We have four units that are touring.”

Biallas is hoping the public isn’t afraid to visit because of COVID-19.

“This is the type of exhibit where you can actually stay distanced,” he said. “We limit the number of people inside per hour.

“This is almost like a sanctuary. You come in here and you just leave everything behind. We have this beautiful music. We have these gorgeous frescoes that Michelangelo worked on for five years.”

At the Sistine Chapel, photos are not permitted. The Croft and the exhibit are allowing cameras. A big hit among visitors is pointing a finger at “The Creation of Adam” or the photo opp with angel wings.

“It’s, obviously, a wonderful experience the original,” he said. “I came up with the idea after a visit and thought, ‘If we can get the licensing and recreate these in the original size for people to see up close and have a wonderful audio guide, that would be amazing.”

The 90-minute audio guide is available through an app. The exhibit is perfect for anyone who’s stressed over COVID, those who aren’t religious, art patrons and history fans, he said.

“This is almost like you’re walking at 15 feet underneath the ceiling,” he said. “You’re that close. It’s from a perspective that even a pope has never seen. Obviously, you can’t get up to the scaffolding.”

If You Go...

The 35 frescoes on exhibit are almost the same size as the originals. (Special to GetOut)

The Sistine Chapel exhibit opened in Montreal in 2015 and the producer wanted to bring it to Phoenix sooner but couldn’t find the right venue. (Special to GetOut)

What: “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” Where: The Croft, 22 E. Buchanan Street, Phoenix When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Tuesdays through February 14; Also closed on Christmas Cost: Tickets start at $12 More info: chapelsistine.

20

GET OUT

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

Take & Bake Churro Kits perfect for holiday

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI GetOut Editor

G

ilbert residents can appreciate a good churro. However, with the lack of food truck festivals and fairs, we’re hard pressed to find them.

Entrepreneur Scott Porter came up with an alternative to bring them into homes – the Take & Bake Churro Kit. “We’ve been making our churros fresh from scratch and we always fry them fresh on demand,” he says about his food truck. “We fill them with happiness, is what we say. We take happiness to the masses now with the Take & Bake Churro Kit.” San Diablo Artisan Churros is the only nationwide purveyor of gourmet fresh filled churros. The kit includes 13 premade and chilled mini churros ($23.99). The award-winning churro dough is made from scratch, fried to golden-perfection, and coated with sugar and freshly ground cinnamon.

The Take & Bake Churro Kits available from San Diablo Artisan Churros might just be a fun way to have the kids work with you in the kitchen to produce a tasty treat.

San Diablo’s Take & Bake kit gives customers flexibility to fill churros in their home kitchen with filling of their choice, including dulce de leche, Nutella, sweet cream, homemade lemon curd and raspberry.

“All you do is pop a couple in the oven

for 6 minutes and use the reusable squeeze bottle to fill them with whatever you like,” Porter says.

The idea came about when Porter’s company lost its corporate event businesses due to COVID-19. He says he got creative after friends told him to ship

the churros to friends or family for their birthdays or for corporate care packages.

“We decided to make this happen,” he says. “People can give them as gifts, celebrate a special day or have fun with loved ones at home. “It’s a little bit of an activity. You can fill them with the filling we send or experiment with what you have in the kitchen.”

Gluten-sensitive churros are available as well. The dough is gluten free, however, they are fried with the same oil as flour ones.

“Depending on how severe the reaction is, some folks can have those,” he says. “Shortly, we’ll be selling our signature cinnamon sugars. We grind our own cinnamon. We have normal cinnamon sugar, a diablo cayenne spice with cinnamon sugar, or habanero sugar with cinnamon sugar. We’ll be packaging and selling them in the pack with the three.”

Order: sandiablochurros.com

GET OUT

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020 40

King King Crossword Crossword

ACROSS

1 5 8 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 22 26 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 40 41 45 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Porter’s burdens Before Dull sound of impact Enticement Blend Abundant Opera showstopper U.K. broadcaster Black, in verse Fight Like a lot Solid ground Entire Smack Zilch Bees’ home Parsons or Gaffigan Slangy negative -- out a living One of the Brady Bunch Grown-up bug Brownish orange Warmonger Barbershop tools First victim Luau bowlful “American --” Ring out Barn bird Alaskan metropolis Vortex -- Aviv Get larger

GET OUT 21 AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS NEWS | DECEMBER 16, 2020

Thank You

THE ORIGINAL FISH & CHIPS

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Owned & Operated Since 1947 toFamily our loyal customers for supporting our HAPPY HOLIDAYS YEAR FROM business for AND the lastNEW 28 years.

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Due to economic conditions and financial hardships caused by COVID-19, we have decided to close our store as of November 30th.

We are doing alterations from our home.

If you have clothes to pick up please call for details and more Best Local Burgerinformation at 480.759.9224.

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22

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

Employment Employment General Deloitte Consulting LLP seeks a Solution Specialist, Enterprise Performance, SAP in Gilbert, Arizona and various unanticipated Deloitte office locations and client sites nationally to provide SAP software advisory and implementation services. 15% travel required nationally. Telecommuting permitted. To apply visit https://jobs2.deloitte.com/us/en. Enter XBAL21FC1120GIL578 in “Search jobs” field.

EOE, including disability/veterans.

These are difficult times for everyone.

We find ourselves in uncharted waters while the demand for our serves continues to grow.

In the midst of this pandemic, Chandler/Gilbert ARC continues to work diligently to maintain safe programs for the vulnerable people we support resulting in the service modifications to our group homes and program sights in order to keep fulfilling our mission, we need your help.

We want to let you know about a key provision of the new CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. This new law is designed to help you, businesses, and nonprofits facing economic hardship during the coronavirus pandemic.

The new law allows taxpayers to take a charitable deduction of $300 even if you do not itemize.

For those of you who itemize their deductions, the new law allows for cash contributions to qualified charities such as ours to be deducted up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for the 2020 calendar year. *Contributions also qualify for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your AZ Tax Return. The maximum credit is $400 for a single head of the household or $800 for married taxpayers.

Chandler/Gilbert Arc has been serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the East Valley since 1975, providing community living, employment, and day treatment & training opportunities daily.

We are so grateful for your generosity, which touches-and changes-so many lives.

Please donate today: www.cgarc.org Chandler/Gilbert Arc 3250 N San Marcos Place Chandler, AZ 85225-7789

(480) 892-9422

Chandler/Gilbert Arc is an IRS Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, and is a Qualifying Charitable Tax Organization registered with the Arizona Department of Revenue. Our QCO code is 20245. Contact the Arizona DOR at (602) 255-3381, or visit www.revenue.state.az.us

One Certified Public Accountant (CPA)Tempe, AZ. Qualified applicants must be of the Catholic Faith and have a BS in Accounting, Auditing or Finance, and experience as a CPA, with Canadian Tax Code and with Uniform Prudent Management of Industrial Funds Act. The Job will require you to oversee the yearly budget of the Catholic Community Foundation, maintain the records according to State and Federal Requirements and ensure timely filing of government reports, Advise clients and donors about their donation options and how the US or Canadian Tax Codes will affect them, Analyze accounting practices and advise on best practices to management, Oversee the Finance and Investment Committee and manage the investment policies of the foundation, make presentations as needed to clients, donors and management. Send Resume to James Carabajal, Catholic Community Foundation, 4500 Lakeshore Dr., Suite 650, Tempe, AZ 85252 or email jcarabajal@ccfphx.org

Employment General Financial Quantitative Analyst Perform financial job duties. Skills/knowledge of int'l trading, financial modeling & forecasting SAS Certified Base Programmer for SAS 9 , MATLAB + MS in finance req. mail to Job Loc: Better Direct, LLC 2425 E University Dr, Tempe, AZ 85281

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Anyone know the whereabouts of Kacey Evans, age 42, please have her contact her father 918-705-1289.

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Earn an extra $180-$300 per week.

All routes are 7 days a week.

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

Gilbert Sun News

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24

GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020 Marks the Spot for ALL Your Handyman Needs!

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GILBERT SUN NEWS | DECEMBER 20, 2020

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Michelle Albanese, Housing & Community Development Director City of Mesa 200 S. Center St., Building 1 – Mail Stop 9870 P.O. Box 1466 Mesa, AZ 85210-1466 480-644-4546

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Notice of 5-Day Public Review Period for the City of Mesa’s FY 2019/2020 Annual Performance Report (CAPER)

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Advertisement of Sale NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property pursuant to the Arizona Self-Service Storage Act, Arizona Statutes 33-1704, Section H, Enforcement of Lien. The Undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on or after December 23, 2020 at 9:00am using an online auction at www.storagetreasures.com, said property has been stored and located at US60 Self Storage, 1661 S Alma School Rd, Ste 105, Mesa, AZ 85210. Property to be sold as follows: Misc. household goods, personal items, furniture, clothing, toys and/or business fixtures and items belonging to the following:

In accordance with 24 CFR 91.05(c)(2) and subpart B of the federal regulations relative to citizen participation for Community Planning and Development Programs and applicable waivers made available to those requirements through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), a 5-day public comment period regarding the City’s draft Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) will begin on Sunday, December 20, 2020 and end on Thursday, December 24, 2020.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City of Mesa to submit an annual report describing its performance using federal and other resources to meet priorities and objectives set for in the City’s 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan. This report provides a review of activities carried out under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs to address the needs of low and moderate income, homeless, elderly, and disabled residents in the community during the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

An electronic copy of the CAPER will also be available for review at the same time and may be found on the City’s Housing and Revitalization website at: https://www.mesaaz.gov/residents/community-development/plans-amendments-reports Comments regarding the City’s draft CAPER may be submitted by the general public. Comments should be submitted by mail or hand delivery to: The City of Mesa, Housing and Community Development Division, Attn: Michelle Albanese, Housing & Community Development Director, 200 S. Center Street, Bldg. 1 – Mail Stop 9870, P.O. Box 1466, Mesa, AZ 85210-1466; or, by e-mail to CommunityRevitalization@mesaaz.gov. All comments must be received no later than 11:59 pm on Friday, December 24, 2020 to be considered.

Published: East Valley Tribune, Dec. 20, 2020 / 35144

Tenant Name Unit # Ceo Jr. Ray 200 Marcos Cortez 648 Christina Juarez 603 Louis Burgess 801 Maryorie Martinez 204 William Daley 704 Angel Ortiz 311 Monique Jenkins 204

Place Your Advertisement Here.

Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party. Items sold “as is”, CASH ONLY, and Buyer must pay a security deposit and broom sweep/clean the unit.

Go to www.storagetreasures.com to bid on unit(s).

Call 480-898-6465 to Advertise in the Service Directory.

Published: East Valley Tribune, Dec. 13, 20, 2020 / 34992

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