Gilbert Sun News; 1-3-15: Neighbors

January 2015

Discover Delicious Gilbert

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Town officials and residents celebrated the opening of Gilbert’s new 350-space parking structure with a festival that went straight to foodies’ stomachs. Mayor John Lewis cut the ribbon to get things started. Various local restaurants participated, including High Tide Seafood Bar and Grill, Flancer’s Café, Joyride Raco House, Postino East, So Cal Fish Taco Company, Salerno’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Liberty Market, Lesley’s Creative Cakes and Bergies Coffee Roast House. GSN photos by Tim Sealy

Visually impaired veteran competes in Ironman triathlon

BY ALISON STANTON

For many people, completing an Ironman triathlon may seem like an impossible goal.

But for Gilbert veteran Michael Somsan, being totally blind didn’t stop him from training for and finishing the recent Ironman Arizona—or from training with and encouraging kids with disabilities. Despite his visual impairment, he finished the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and 26.2-mile run in just over 15 hours.

Somsan, who moved to Hawaii from Laos when he was a young boy, says he grew up valuing the democracy and freedom he and his family enjoyed in America.

“I came from a nonprivileged background, and my parents didn’t have any money for college, so in order for me to go, I had to find a way to pay for it,” he says. So he decided to join the Army as a way to help fund his education.

“It was also good way to give back to my country.”

Somsan served as a lieutenant in the Army, and he was preparing to return to Kuwait when everything changed on Easter Sunday in 1995.

“It was supposed to be a peaceful day, but not for me,” he says.

Somsan says he and several fellow members of the military saw a man beating up a young woman in a parking lot in Austin, Texas. When they stepped forward to defend her, Somsan says the fight quickly escalated and he was shot in the head with an 18-gauge shotgun.

The blast severed both of Somsan’s optic nerves, which cannot regenerate or be surgically replaced with transplants.

“I had all of my dreams and goals when I was in my 20s and then I suffered a trauma that took away my eyes,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what I was going to do. It was really scary.”

After spending a month in a coma, Somsan underwent numerous surgeries. In 1996, he came to Tucson to begin rehabilitation.

“That’s when I realized I wanted to go back to school,” he says.

He enrolled at the University of Arizona and graduated with MBA and JD degrees.

Somsan, who recalls watching the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, on television prior to losing his

SEE IRONMAN PAGE 14

Business elevates confection to an art form

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Tricia

Medina

confesses to not liking marshmallows much and she doesn’t have a baking background. But that hasn’t stopped her from finding success with Gilbert’s Fluff It Gourmet Marshmallows.

Lynette Carrington

Medina was inspired to open the store after winning a friendly baking contest with marshmallows among Bass Pro Shop managers.

She quickly learned to make various marshmallows and put them for sale on Etsy.com. They quickly sold out. Former Bass Pro manager and Gilbert resident Chad Schimmel encouraged Medina and her partner, Hazel Arce, to try a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to start a marshmallow business.

“Our goal was $5,000 and we hit $12,000,” Medina says. She soon left her management job to open Fluff It in August.

The business has grown and Medina and Arce are staying busy as a team.

“She does all the graphics, packaging and the website,” Medina says about Arce. “I do the marshmallows, she does all the pretty stuff.”

“I’m a corporate business person and I did retail management for 20 years,” says Medina, who co-owns the store at 1034 N. Gilbert Rd. in the Gilbert Encinas Plaza. Marshmallows are available in yearround flavors such as vanilla bean, caramel apple, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter and strawberry banana. Seasonal flavors include peppermint candy cane, pumpkin spice and Horchata. Some marshmallows—like banana split, coconut macaroon and s’mores—are partially dunked in chocolate. S’mores are served in a homemade graham cracker cup.

Other confections at Fluff It include gluten-free cookies, hot chocolate kits, gourmet marshmallow pops, oatmeal cream pies, moon pies, packaged marshmallows and s’mores parfaits.

“It has been really fun for me to get to see Fluff It start as a totally new and unusual concept and, through hard work and determination, grow into a business,” Schimmel says.

Fluff It Gourmet Marshmallows is located at 1034 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 3. Call (480) 636-0597 or visit www. fluffitmarshmallows.com to order online.

Library events scheduled throughout January

Maricopa County Library District’s Southeast Regional Library has scheduled a plethora of events throughout January, except for Monday, Jan. 19, when the facility will be closed for the holiday. The library is located at 775 N. Greenfield Rd. For more information, call (602) 652-3000 or visit www.mcldaz.org.

FOR CHILDREN

“Story Time with AzPac”

11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6 Story Time is sponsored by AzPac Parents as Teachers. Explore books through story time, socialization and a fun activity. Activities are aimed at toddlers, however, children of all ages are welcome. This fun story time includes stories, finger plays and songs. Learn letters, sounds and have fun with music and movement activities. Sessions are limited to 60 people, including caregivers. Free tickets are distributed at 11 a.m. Parents/caregivers are expected to stay with children during this story time.

Paws 2 Read

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10

Paws 2 Read pairs Delta-registered therapy animals and their handlers with young readers. Warm, brown eyes and happy grins make all the difference to children’s reading experiences, resulting

in an increase in reading levels and word recognition, and a higher desire to read and write. The animals listen and don’t tease, laugh or judge the children. Sign up for a time slot.

Parachute Play Party

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12

This party, for children ages 3-10, encourages cooperation. It’s noncompetitive, so differing abilities are not an issue. Refines perceptual skills, reinforces turn-taking and sharing. Develops a sense of rhythm. Requires children to follow directions. Age-appropriate groups with a play area for infants.

Infant Lap-Sit

10:15 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Tuesdays Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27

Infant Lap-Sit is a special story time for infants and toddlers up to 18 months. It’s designed to encourage development of language and motor skills by incorporating stories with simple songs, rhymes, movement activities and finger plays. A parent or caregiver is required to attend. No registration required. Tickets will be distributed at 10 a.m. near The Dig.

Story Time in The Dig

10:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays Jan. 14, Jan. 21 and

Jan. 28

Same times Thursdays Jan. 15, Jan. 22 and Jan. 29

Children ages 2 to 5 years and their parents/caregivers are invited to join the group for stories, songs and finger play. Learn letters and numbers with music and activities. Tickets are distributed at 10 a.m.

Story Time with Parenting Arizona 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20

This is an interactive story time with stories, songs and a simple activity for toddlers and preschool-aged children. Parent participation is encouraged. Tickets are required and will be distributed near The Dig at 10 a.m.

Family Spot Playgroup

11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27

A free developmental playgroup for children through age 5 through Family Spot Resource Center Gilbert. Program includes a story time and hands-on activities for parents and children. Takehome activities will also be provided. Walk in, no registration.

ALL AGES

Arizona Rose Care

2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10

Master gardener Marylou Coffman discusses growing roses in an arid climate. She will address when to prune and what to do during the winter season to prepare your roses for blooming. Registration required.

Digital Downloads at Your Library

3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 5

The library offers thousands of eBooks, audio books, magazines and streaming videos that cardholders can borrow for free. Join the group for an overview of the library’s free download services and how to access them through the website or by downloading their apps. Register online.

One-on-One Digital Download Assistance

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mondays Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Jan. 19 and Jan. 26

6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8

and the Super Nintendo game systems, has numerous games including: “Skate or Die,” “Super Mario Bros.,” “Super Mario Bros. 3,” “Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest” and “The Legend of Zelda.” Board and card games will also be offered. Register online.

TEENS/TWEENS

Teen Craftacular

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 Get creative and have fun making a variety of crafts. All materials provided. Registration is required.

Electronic Playground

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 Teens ages 12 and older, join the group for an informative and handson program exploring the basics of electronics. Using simple wiring diagrams and the Electronic Playground 130 kit from Elenco, participants will learn about capacitors, resistors, transistors and integrated circuits by completing a number of fun projects. Registration is required.

ADULTS

New Winter Reading Program Through Saturday, Feb. 28 Open to ages 18 years and older; http:// winter.mcldaz.org

Genealogy: Using Vital Records

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 Learn how to find and use vital records including birth and death certificates to discover family information. Registration needed.

Mystery Book Club

7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8

Join the group monthly to discuss a book from the mystery, thriller or suspense genre. Come and discuss the first book in Jacqueline Winspear’s mystery series, “Maisie Dobbs.” Available in book format and digital download eBook and eAudio through the Greater Phoenix Digital Library.

Social Security and You

If you need assistance learning how to download digital eBooks or audio books to your reading device, then drop in for one-on-one help with a library professional.

Retro Family Game Night

6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14

10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 Come and listen to an AARP representative and get the facts straight before deciding which way to go. Registration required.

Monday Morning Musings

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12

Do you miss video games sporting 8-bit graphics? If so, join us for family retro gaming night at the library. Play with the Atari Flashback 2 or the FC Twin Console. The Atari has 42 pre-installed games for your plug-and-play gaming pleasure and the FC Twin Console, which is a combination of the original Nintendo

Join the group monthly for a discussion of titles by debut authors. This month features “Florence Gordon” by Brian Morton. Summary: An entertaining novel about a woman who has lived life on her own terms for 75 years, only to find she’s suddenly thrust into the center of her family’s various catastrophes.

Bookends: Adult Fiction Discussion Group

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20

This month’s title is “Northanger Abbey” by Jane Austen. It is the story of the initiation into life of Catherine Morland, a victim of the contemporary craze for Gothic literature who is determined to see herself as the heroine of a dark and thrilling romance. Written in 1798 but not published until after Austen’s death in 1817, “Northanger Abbey” is characteristically clearheaded and strong, and infinitely subtle in its comedy.

Cary Grant Film Series

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 22, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5

Celebrate the career of Cary Grant with a series of Thursday night film screenings.

The Changing Fashions of ‘Downton Abbey’

3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28

Presented by Phoenix Art Museum’s Fashion Design Department and Docents. Program highlights the glamorous fashions worn by the aristocratic Crawleys and functional clothes adorned by the staff. Get an appreciation for the impact that enormous social change had on fashion before, during and after World War I. Appropriate for ages 12 through adult. Registration required.

Former Miss Arizona inspires abuse victims in memoir

BY LYNETTE CARRINGTON

Gilbert resident Jessica Shahriari Nicely has been through extreme highs and lows in her life. She participated in the 1997 Miss USA pageant and emerged as a strong woman despite an abusive upbringing at the hands of her alcoholic father.

But she found the courage to share her story and use her pageant platform to help others who were or are in abusive relationships.

Her new book, “Baba’s Daughter: Memoirs of a PersianAmerican Girl,” reveals how she rose above the abuse by focusing on her future, which includes founding Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation. The organization focuses on child abuse and domestic violence awareness.

As director of Yavapai Family Advocacy Center, Kathryn Chapman has worked with Nicely in connection with Winged Hope Family Advocacy Foundation.

“Ilove her book,” Chapman says. “I think it was very courageous for Jessica to come forward to tell her story. Other victims of abuse need to hear things like this.

INSPIRING HOPE:

Jessica Shahriari Nicely shares her message of hope and inspiration after an abusive upbringing in her new book, “Baba’s Daughter: Memoirs of a PersianAmerican Girl.” Submitted photo

“Writing the book was an extension of what I already do, which is public speaking, and I share my story around the state of Arizona,” Nicely explains. “My goal in writing the book is to be able to share it in places that I might not be able to physically get to.”

“As a survivor, she is thriving with her life. She’s been able to overcome a lot of these barriers that victims often face through their victimization. In her book, her message is, ‘There were some bad things that happened but I got through it and I survived.’ Her message is that others can do this too, and it’s a message of hope and healing.”

Longtime writer

Nicely has been writing since she was a little girl, she says, using it as a way of healing. After she won Miss Arizona, she was asked to tell her story. Initially, she changed the characters’ names to fictionalize her story. When it became too complicated, she decided it would be best to tell the truth. “Baba’s Daughter” took about two years to write.

“When I speak, I’m generally pretty vague about what happened because I just touch on my past,” she says. “The focus of my speaking is to reach the people I’m talking to, so they know they can heal themselves. And I bring awareness about the problem of child abuse.”

In penning the book, she had to delve deep into sometimes painful memories.

“My mom left our family before I was a year old,” she recalls. “As a result, my dad became a severe alcoholic.”

Caring for Nicely and her older sister was overwhelming for her father.

“He drank literally throughout my life,”

Nicely explains. “In my belief, it was what caused the abuse. There was a really short time before he died where he was sober and he was a completely different person—a kind and loving person.”

Nicely and her father, who had no memory of the abuse, reconciled before his death. She has not had contact with her mother for 18 years.

“Miss Arizona was such a blessing for me in my relationship with my daddy,” Nicely explains.

After winning Miss Arizona, she served as spokeswoman for Prevent Child Abuse America.

“My daddy was still alive then,” Nicely says. “When I told him about it, he said, ‘You’re going to tour the state and tell people that I’m such a bad father?’ I explained to him that I was going to share pieces of my story, but the point was to be there as a beacon of healing for the people that are living through it now.”

“Baba’s Daughter: Memoirs of a PersianAmerican Girl” is available at www. amazon.com. The author will sign copies of her book at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 10500 N. 90th St., Scottsdale. For additional information about Nicely or her foundation, visit www.jessicanicely.com or www.wingedhope.com.

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PGA professional certified through new training program

Craig Hocknull of Gilbert was one of 49 PGA professionals who completed the requirements to achieve advanced certification through the PGA Certified Professional Program 2.0 (CPP 2.0).

Hocknull works at Outback Golf Academy at 1245 E. Warner Rd., Gilbert. Serving as the PGA’s enhanced, all-digital training and education curriculum, PGA CPP 2.0 is a state-ofthe-art platform that ensures that PGA members have the skills, competencies and training demanded by employers and customers throughout the golf industry.

sight, says that he had always been physically fit.

About a year and a half ago, Somsan—who practices law in Gilbert—was talking with his neighbor. After mentioning his interest in triathlons, Somsan says his friend offered encouragement.

“He said, ‘You can probably do it.’”

Somsan got busy training, and finding guides who could help him. For the swim and run, he is tethered to a guide, he explains, and when he bikes, it’s on a tandem.

Last September, Somsan competed in the Sprint Triathlon, which featured a shorter 800-meter swim, 20 miles of cycling and a 3-mile run. In October, he finished a half Ironman with a 1.2-mile swim, 60-mile bike ride and 13-mile run.

“When I finished, I felt pure happiness,” he says.

Since the PGA Certified Professional Program’s inception in 2004, 940 PGA Professionals have earned a combined 1,757 certifications in their desired career paths.

“The new digital integration of the educational curriculum offers bestin-class e-learning solutions, so PGA professionals can acquire relevant knowledge and immediately apply it to real-time situations and everyday business matters,” says PGA Master Professional Dawes Marlatt, senior director of education and employment for the PGA of America.

To help inspire disabled children, Somsan recently participated in a training event with a group of young challenged athletes. UnitedHealthcare teamed up with Ironkids to sponsor the second annual Ironkids Tempe Fun Run in November. For the first time, the event offered a dedicated quarter-mile track for kids with special needs.

“Kids are always insecure about how they look—imagine how they feel when they are disabled,” he says.

“I thought that if they could see a person who is disabled do this, they would think ‘I think I can do it too.’ Kids look to the environment to see how to behave, and I was really honored to train with them.”

Sheila Shapiro, chief operating officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of

Arizona, says Somsan was very generous with his time.

“Michael spoke with our local youth, and encouraged them to never give up. He used himself as an example, showcasing resilience, optimism and strength,” Shapiro says.

He attended the UnitedHealthcare Ironkids fun run and encouraged everyone to have fun.

“It was truly a pleasure to stand beside him as a partner, cheering on young athletes, and placing medals on them as they crossed the finish line,” Shapiro says.

MWC Bistro could be a foodie’s best friend

BY KATHY KERBY

Foodies in search of a neighborhood wine bar may have found their new favorite place: MWC Bistro.

Located on West Warner in the heart of The Islands, MWC (short for My Wine Cellar) opened its doors in April. On a recent visit, my husband and I were immediately drawn to the casual ambiance: comfortable seating at the long bar, dark wood tables and leather chairs, couches for intimate seating and original art on the walls. The spacious patio had heaters and a second “event room” provided ample space for parties and classes.

We were warmly greeted by our server, Shannon. She brought menus and made some excellent suggestions. For our Nibble (cute name for appetizers), we selected the BYO Banh Mi lettuce cups ($8 during happy hour) and bruschetta ($9). We were delighted that the items were served promptly.

The build-your-own lettuce cups consisted of pork meatballs in a delicious Vietnamese-style sauce, cucumbers, carrots, radishes and jalapeno peppers all ready to be wrapped in bib lettuce and topped with Sriracha aioli. It was a lovely combination of flavors and textures.

Each of the toppings on the three rustic bruschetta was delicious. The brie and apple slice included apples braised in red wine, caramelized onion and melted brie. The roasted garlic and truffle mushroom slice also included white bean puree while No. 3, the Italian, was a medley of prosciutto, tomato, artichoke hearts, parmesan and ricotta cheese.

accompanied by a fresh salad with dark mixed greens.

We noticed a very large chalkboard almost covering one wall that lists all the weekly specials. For dessert, we couldn’t pass up the ganache cake ($8), with warm chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream, which was the perfect end to a nice meal.

STARTERS: The three toppings included with the rustic bruschetta included brie, carmelized onions and apple slices, roasted garlic and truffle mushroom slices with white bean puree, and the Italian which included prosciutto, tomato, artichoke hearts and two cheeses.

Owner Zoya Vora-Shah, also the proprietor of My Wine Cellar in Ahwatukee, has 10 years of experience as a wine distributor and an additional 10 years in restaurant management. Several wine bars have opened in the East Valley, and MWC Bistro is amongst the best.

The menu’s “Bistrofare” has mains, flatbreads, soups and salads and, at Shannon’s suggestion, we selected the chicken pot pie ($14). It arrived piping hot in an overflowing crock topped with two golden brown biscuits. The large chunks of chicken breast were bathing in a cherry cream sauce along with peas, carrots and onions. We enjoyed each tasty bite. It was

Vora-Shah’s eatery boasts Wine 101, Wine 102, Wine 103 and painting classes, and even a book club. The regulars, as well as the newbies, enjoy live music on Friday and Saturdays with 10 to 12 different groups that rotate between the two locations.

She is very proud of her wines, hand-selecting the finest from all over the world, including flavorful selections from Australia, Chili and South Africa. The styles include sparkling, summer sippers, whites, reds and sake in addition to a variety of draft and bottled beers and microbrews.

Wine is served by the taste, glass or bottle, and the wine flights (choice of three wines) are also very popular. A card on each table reads “Winos Wanted” and gives the details of the Wine Club.

Plan a visit to MWC Bistro and sample the food and wine—it may become your new favorite spot to relax with friends who share a mutual love of good wine.

MWC Bistro is located at 1422 W. Warner Rd., Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 497-1422 or visit www.mwcbistro.com.

Joyride Taco House rolls out $2 Taco Tuesdays

Joyride Taco House has introduced $2 Taco Tuesdays and happy hour menus at its locations in Gilbert and Phoenix.

In honor of Joyride Central Phoenix’s one-year anniversary, the restaurants have rolled out new food and drink specials, available from 2 p.m. to close Tuesdays. Joyride Taco House is offering a choice of six tacos, including smoky-spicy, pork adobada or the slow-simmered, crispy fish tacos. Plus, all handmade margaritas are $5 through Taco Tuesdays.

Both locations are also expanding their weekday happy hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to include select $2 tacos. The happy hour menu includes $4 guacamole, $6 ceviche and $5 Mexican beer pitchers.

Joyride Taco House is located at 302 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert. For more information, call (480) 632-8226 or visit www.joyridetacohouse.com. The Central Phoenix location can be found at 5202 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Call (602) 274-8226 for more information about that location.

Chamber seeks donations for Chinese auction

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is seeking gift basket and auction donations for the second annual Chinese Auction Benefit Dinner, a community event raising funds for the Gilbert Community Action Program (CAP) and Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

A Chinese auction is a fast-paced quarter auction where attendees can bid on gift baskets and other items for only a quarter. More than 100 gift baskets and 25 silent auction items are needed for the event.

“We are really looking forward to this unique event and the opportunity to raise awareness of resources provided by Gilbert CAP,” says Trinity Donovan, CEO of Chandler Christian Community Center.

“Donations to this event are not only a great support to our fundraising efforts but also an opportunity for donors to receive recognition for their support of our community.”

Donations of any value are appreciated and themed gift baskets are always a popular raffle item. All donors will be recognized in the event program and verbally at the event. Donors providing an item valued at $250 or more will be listed on the event’s webpage. Donors providing an item valued at $500 or more will receive their logo on the event program.

To provide a donation in support of this event, contact Sarah Watts at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce by phone at (480) 941-6322 or by email to

“I looked at the submittal package after the fact and it said it would be ‘well buffered from surrounding neighborhoods,’” Phillips says.

“Who in their right mind thinks this is well buffered? We heard them Saturday night in the kitchen, from a half mile away.”

At 11:30 p.m. she could hear faint music and customers laughing and yelling. She

sarah@gilbertchamber.com. A donor participation form can be completed online at www.gilbertaz.com by clicking on the Event Calendar tab and visiting the Chinese Auction Benefit Dinner event page.

The Chinese Auction Benefit Dinner will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Firenze ballroom of Villa Siena, 890 W. Elliot Rd., Gilbert. General admission is $50; advance registration is required. The event is sponsored in-part by Orbital Sciences and Southwest Airlines.

Many Gilbert residents will be in need of emergency assistance at some time in their lives. Gilbert CAP offers a balanced approach to meet the needs of our community. Case management includes goal planning, job training, financial education, referral to other programs and ongoing follow-up/support. Emergency financial assistance includes utility assistance, eviction prevention, shelter/ housing referrals, and food/clothing assistance.

The Gilbert Chamber is a nonprofit, membership-based organization with more than 630 members ranging from home-based businesses to large corporations and representing more than 47,000 employees. The chamber works to lead the business community by providing programs and services and by partnering in relationships that strengthen the business climate in Gilbert.

admits that it doesn’t totally bother her, she’s glad to hear someone is having fun.

“We bought here knowing that that was commercial land,” Phillips says. “We loved our dark views and nice, quiet little cul de sac. But it’s a business’ right to go through the right channels and build what the Town of Gilbert thinks is appropriate. I’m pro-business, but I’m mourning our darkness.”